Page 40 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"We're almost there," Natalia says, her voice calming despite me being in pain and scared. "You're doing so well, Willow."

She pulls up to the emergency entrance of the hospital. Natalia helps me out of the car and into a wheelchair. Everything seems to be happening so quickly. It’s like a blur as I’m rushedinto the maternity ward. I grip Natalia's hand tightly, not wanting to let go.

"Don't leave me," I plead. She’s my best friend, the person I trust above all others. I need her. I feel terrible that I do, but right now, I need her.

"Never," Natalia promises me, squeezing my hand back. "I'm right here with you."

Seven hours later, I'm a mess. My hair is matted to my sweaty head, all my modesty has flown out the window, and I've been through more pain than I ever thought possible. But as the doctor places my newborn daughter on my chest, all of that fades away.

"She's beautiful," I whisper, tears streaming down my face as I look at her tiny, perfect features.

"She's absolutely perfect," Natalia agrees, her own eyes glistening with tears.

As I cradle my daughter close, I'm overwhelmed by a love so fierce it takes my breath away. I never knew I could love someone this much, this instantly.

"Hello, little one," I murmur, tracing her delicate cheek with my finger. "I'm your mama."

The baby blinks up at me with eyes that are startlingly familiar. Ezra's eyes. My heart clenches at the realization, a mixture of love and pain washing over me.

"Have you thought of a name?" Natalia asks gently.

I nod, not taking my eyes off my daughter. "Wren," I say softly. "Her name is Wren."

The spiritual meaning behind the name Wren is determination, enthusiasm, change and happiness. All the things I want my little girl to have. I want her to be everything I couldn’t be.

"It's perfect," Natalia says, smiling. "Welcome to the world, Wren."

As I hold my daughter close, I make a silent promise. No matter what happens, no matter who might come looking for us, I will protect her. I will give her the love and security I never had growing up. And maybe, just maybe, in loving her, I can find a way to heal myself too.

The next twodays in the hospital pass in a blur of feedings, diaper changes, and visits from nurses. Natalia stays with me as much as she can, helping me navigate these first overwhelming days of motherhood. I’ve had more than a few breakdowns over the past forty-eight hours. The overwhelming feeling that I’m a failure hits me out of nowhere, and I feel as though I’m doing something wrong. Thankfully, Nat and the nurses have been a huge help to set me straight. Being a mom is going to take time. You learn on the job. And I’m determined to be the best mom to Wren that I can be.

"Are you ready to go home?" Natalia asks with a stuffed wren teddy. I have no idea where she managed to find one, but it’s cute as hell and I know Wren will adore it as she gets older.

I hesitate, looking down at Wren sleeping peacefully in my arms. "I'm nervous," I admit. "What if I can't do this on my own?"

Natalia sits on the edge of the bed, placing a comforting hand on my arm. "You're not on your own, Willow. You have me and my parents ready to help. And you're stronger than you know."

I take a deep breath, nodding. She's right. I've survived so much already. I can do this.

As we leave the hospital, Wren securely fastened in her car seat, I feel a mixture of excitement and fear. This is the beginning of our new life together.

"Ready?" Nat asks softly.

"Ready," I say with a smile, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement as we head out of the hospital.

The drive to our new apartment is quiet, with Wren sleeping peacefully in her car seat. I can't stop glancing at her, marveling at her tiny features—her little button nose, her rosebud lips. She's perfect in every way.

As we pull up to the apartment building, I feel a flutter of anxiety in my chest. This is it—our new home, our fresh start.

When I went into labor, Natalia’s parents moved quickly and got the apartment ready for us. They must have been working around the clock for the past two days to get it ready. I’m excited to see it. Natalia has been giddy as she’s been describing it to me. She’s like a child at Christmas. She can’t wait for us to move in.

"Welcome home," Natalia says softly as she helps me out of the car.

I carefully lift Wren's car seat, cradling it close as we make our way inside. The apartment is on the second floor, and as Natalia unlocks the door, I take a deep breath as I’m stunned by the apartment. It’s huge, almost triple the size of our previous place.

Stepping inside, I'm overwhelmed by the sight that greets me. The living room is massive and has a large window, and there's a cozy-looking sofa with colorful throw pillows. It looks stunning and I’m so very grateful.

Nat continues to show me around the apartment, and when we get to my room, I’m speechless as I spot the beautiful wooden crib set up beside my bed, with a mobile of stars and moons hanging above it.

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