Page 95 of Your Second Chance
I frowned, confused for a moment, until a tear slipped down her cheek, catching in the corner of her tired smile. “Thank you for loving Nova the way she deserves.”
“It’s easy to love her,” I murmured, my gaze fixed on her peaceful face as she slept.
Luna shook her head, her eyes dark with emotion. “No, you don’t get it. You weren’t there. You didn’t witness what he did to her. What happened. You have no idea how broken she became after her mum. After Austin.” Her voice cracked, and she wiped at her cheek, another tear escaping. “I was so scared for her. I was scared she was going to die.”
I stood and walked over, sitting next to Luna on the small cot. Gently, I rubbed her shoulder. “You are truly the best friend, Luna. I can’t imagine seeing all that, let alone pulling her through it.”
Luna offered a small smile, glancing over at Nova, still sleeping in the bed. “She’s my twin flame. We were meant for each other.” With a dramatic sigh, she added, “Even if she won’t fuck me.”
I rolled my eyes, the corner of my mouth lifting in a reluctant smirk. “She’s lucky to have you.”
Luna gestured toward the bed. “You should rest there. You’ve been at this for hours.”
I shook my head. “No, you sleep. I’ll take the chair.”
She didn’t argue, just nodded and leaned back against the cot, her eyes fluttering closed.
I sat in the chair, my gaze moving between Nova and Luna. Two women who loved each other fiercely, who had weathered the worst storms life could throw at them.
Awe didn’t even begin to describe how I felt. As the exhaustion finally pulled me under, I closed my eyes, still feeling the weight of their strength in the quiet room.
I jolted awake to the midwife standing over me. “It’s time to push.”
“Oh shit,” I muttered, blinking rapidly and sitting up. “Already?”
The room was a flurry of movement, but Nova looked... better. The exhaustion and strain weren’t gone, but there was a focus in her, a strength that hadn’t been there before. Luna, of course, was perched near the bed, casually finishing Nova’s makeup like she had all the time in the world.
“We didn’t want to wake you,” Nova murmured.
“You were drooling.” Luna laughed.
I ignored her, getting up quickly and moving to stand beside Nova. She reached for me, and I gripped her hand tightly.
The midwife moved into position. “Alright, Nova, when the next contraction comes, I need you to take a deep breath and push with everything you’ve got, okay?”
Nova nodded, squeezing my hand, her jaw set.
“You’ve got this,” I whispered, leaning in close to her ear. “You’re incredible, love. Just take it one step at a time.”
Luna came around the other side, her hand resting lightly on Nova’s shoulder. “You’re about to meet your baby, Nove. You’ve got this.”
The contraction must’ve hit because Nova’s face twisted in pain. She bore down, pushing with all her strength. The room filled with the quiet encouragement of the midwife.
A few more nurses entered quietly, wheeling in a small cot for the baby.
This was real. This was happening.
The midwife encouraged her again. “That’s it, Nova. You’re doing brilliantly. One more big push.”
I leaned down, brushing damp strands of hair away from her face. “You’re so strong,” I whispered, my voice cracking slightly as I kissed her temple. “You’re incredible, love.”
Nova’s face twisted in determination as the contraction hit full force. She let out a guttural cry, pushing harder than before. Luna stood on her other side, her hand resting firmly on Nova’s shoulder, murmuring quiet encouragement.
“Here we go,” the midwife said. “I can see the head. Keep going, Nova. You’re almost there.”
My heart pounded in my chest as Nova cried out again, her body trembling with the effort. The nurses moved quickly, preparing everything they needed, but all I could focus on was her—the sheer strength and courage she was showing.
“You’re so close. A little more.”
