Page 68 of The Bratva's Knocked-Up Bride

Gemma gave me a look of relief as I approached. “Good…you’re back. Take my place and help her.”

Nodding wordlessly, I took up her spot as Gemma went to the other side and continued to offer her support.

Despite her pain and how she tried her best to maintain a brave face, Sky at least looked relieved to see me as she took my offered hand.

The way she wasted no time collecting that subtle reassurance from me gave me all the confirmation I needed to know that I made the right decision. That my place was by her side, not in the waiting room.

Everything happened in a blur. Before I knew it, she was pushing, and with some coaxing and reaffirming words from everyone in the room, she did it.

Those cries filled the room, and I felt like I was floating through a state of complete disbelief.

I couldn’t believe it was happening. That Sky had delivered our child and gave me the greatest gift I could ask for.

Once the baby was cleaned and placed on her chest while Sky let go of her happy tears, my chest felt completely locked up.

At that moment, I knew I had never seen anything quite so precious. Something so deserving of endless care and protection.

The moment I laid eyes on our daughter, unfettered awe and admiration filled me all the while I struggled to find the words.

As I stood over Sky with a supportive hand on her shoulder, we took in the wrinkled face of our newborn together and remained in that bubble for as long as we possibly could.

She was nothing short of perfect just like her mother, and I knew at once that another piece of my heart had been taken.But of course, I would never want it returned to me. It was hers to keep, and I did not doubt that she would protect it forever.

Chapter 30 - Sky

I never realized how much I took sleep for granted until I became a parent...me and Damien both.

After a few weeks of navigating how to manage our new lives and getting a feel for it, we were both exhausted beyond belief.

The reward was certainly worth the sleepless nights. Neither of us would change it for the world, but the moment Gemma volunteered to babysit and allow us some time to rest, we jumped on it.

I took some convincing once the mom guilt set in, but with Damien and Gemma’s reassurance, I gave in.

And I had to say, I got some of the best sleep of my life.

Laying there in bed together with the sheets and blankets messily strewn about, half covering us through the afternoon, the two of us were on cloud nine…all from managing to get a few hours of solid rest.

The sun filtered in with its warm glow while I felt Damien’s hand on my hip as he pulled me closer, half placing me on his chest.

Warmed by his touch and desire to be closer, I smiled, resting my cheek and forearms against his chest.

“How do you feel?” he asked, his voice huskier from sleep.

“So much better,” I hummed, enjoying the easy comfort between us while I admired his features.

Normally, Damien kept himself clean-shaven as he preferred it, but when things were more chaotic, it became an afterthought. Due to our lives changing so dramatically, he hadsome scruff coming in, and I took my time checking it out, along with how it seemed to compliment his face.

He lifted a curious brow at me. “What are you looking at?”

I hummed and brought a hand to his cheek, gently brushing against it with my thumb. “You’re looking a lot fuzzier than usual.”

He chuckled and absently scrubbed at it himself. “The result of parenthood, I guess. I haven’t gotten around to shaving.”

“It looks nice,” I added, feeling that usual wave of attraction all over again.

“Yeah?” Damien asked with a faintly teasing lilt as he brought a hand up and gently nudged my chin with the side of his finger. “You like it when I’m too tired and lazy to shave?”

Grinning, I gently traced across his jaw and down his neck, feeling the vaguely rough stubble there. “I don’t mind it at all. I think it’s a nice change.”

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