Page 21 of Defy
Curiosity getting the best of me, so I ask him, "What up?"
Pausing he picks up his coffee and takes a drink, "Prez asked me to see what I could dig up on Grace."
I guess he isn't entirely convinced himself Grace wanted to leave. I'm not entirely convinced myself. I rub and stretch my neck trying to work the tension out of it. I feel Reid studying me. With a raise of my brow, indicating he needs to speak whatever it is that's on his mind, he finally spills.
"It was unexpected. The connection I have with Ava. She may be a part of my brother- my blood, but I wasn't there for the first four years of her life. We were strangers, but she accepted me- loved me just as I loved her from day one. Hearing her call me daddy for the first time was one of the most defining moments in my life," he tells me.
I don't say anything. He wouldn't have said a thing if he couldn't have read me right. The whole club knows everything at this point. Our loss is now their loss. Our goals, dreams, and determination mingle with their support as they do everything they can to help them become a reality.
I gulp down the last of my coffee and stand. "I'll see ya later," I tell Reid as I keep my thoughts and emotions in check.
A short drive later I'm pulling into the parking lot at the hospital. Bella is sitting on a bench located near the entrance of the hospital waiting on me and scrolling through pictures on her phone as I stride up behind her.
She looks up from her phone. Standing, she tucks it into her back pocket and wraps her arms around my waist, burying her face into my chest. Her scent fills my senses and her touch instantly easing my nerves. I run my hands through her hair. Tilting her head back I lower mine and kiss her lips.
Licking my taste from her bottom lip, she peers at me through her lashes, "You ready?" She asks as she runs her fingers through my hair.
"I'm ready."
Heads turn as we make our way down the hallway before stopping at the nurses station.
"Hi, Bella." A nurse in pink scrubs greets her as she steals another look my way, which causes Bella to smile.
"Hey, Emily. Breanna ready for us?"
A smile lifts at the nurse's lips, "She is. That little outfit you brought by yesterday is too sweet on her. Sign in and follow me," she says.
I sign my name to the paper and then I am given a visitor pass before we are lead through double doors.
"She was moved to the regular nursery earlier this morning. I have a private room set up for you both," the nurse talks and leads us past the giant nursery window. About that time a doctor is reading a chart in his hands as he passes by, lifts his head and stops us.
"Mrs. Kane. I'm glad I ran into you. I was just with the hospital's social worker assigned to this case. She got a call from her supervisor downtown. I'm pleased to hear you'll be fostering Breanna."
We are both aware that someone should be bringing all the necessary paperwork by sometime this week. It's nice to know things are moving along smoothly. I have my dad to thank for that.
"I'm sure you've already heard we moved her out of the NICU. She has improved so much since you’ve been coming in. I would say in another few days she should be ready to leave the hospital," he finishes telling her before glancing at me, "I apologize for not introducing myself. I'm Dr. Silver, you must be Mr. Kane." He offers his hand.
"I am," I remark.
"Then I don't need to tell you what an incredible woman you have here. Congratulations to you both. You'll make great parents," he finishes just as his name is called over the intercom system and excuses himself.
The nurse takes us around the corner, and we enter the small room. Inside next to a rocking chair is a little hospital crib. My steps slow. I watch Bella walk up and reach in, picking up the baby. I vaguely hear the door click shut behind us.
I can't take my eyes off them. Bella carefully cradles a cooing baby swaddled in a pink blanket. The pure look of content and happiness radiates from her smiling face as she quietly talks to her.
"Hey, pretty girl. Someone wants to meet you," she softly speaks as she strokes the curly hair on top of Breanna's head.
With confidence, my woman walks up to me and places the tiny bundle in my arms. I look down on her little face. Her light blue eyes connect with mine. The moment I feel it is when her tiny hand wraps around my finger.
I'm done for.
A memory comes back to me.
The vision clear as the day I first had it; the day I asked Bella to marry me. The image of Bella sitting at the water's edge at our lake. Her belly swollen with my son, and a little girl running around with deep brown curls.
My worries fade.
All this time. Breanna was meant to be ours.
I didn't understand any of it. What Bella has been feeling. What Reid and Gabriel meant. Not until this exact moment. I raise my head to find Bella intently watching me. Tears softly fall over her cheeks. She knows. She knows this little girl has stolen my heart. I'm her daddy. She is my little girl.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" She reaches out and strokes our daughter's hair. "I didn't grow her in my womb, but she is mine. She is ours."
I reach out and pull her into my chest. Holding them both, I kiss the top of Bella's head, "I love you, Angel," I then place a gentle kiss on our daughter's forehead, "I love both of you."
