Page 145 of I Replaced His Husband
"I’ve read about this," Kay said, glancing at me from under his lashes. Then, with a little smirk, he added, "But there’s always talk about how alphas couldn’t handle childbirth pain. So I guess we’ll test that theory today."
Turns out, I managed just fine, or at least I didn’t let it show. My shirt was soaked with sweat pretty quickly, and staying focused wore me down. But for hours, I stayed locked in, doing my best to ease his pain. I didn’t let up, even whenI started to get tired. I kept my energy positive, and Kay got through those hours of labor in good spirits, never really looking worn out, saying the pain felt moderate and manageable.
Still, I didn’t try to takeallthe pain away. My dad once told me that childbirth is a rite of passage for omegas, proof of their power, of the primal strength they carry. So I only eased the worst of it, softened the fatigue, supported him without taking over.
After about six hours, Ray’s head emerged, followed quickly by his tiny, slippery body.
"Would the father like to cut the cord?" asked the young omega midwife.
I looked at Kay, and he gave me a huge smile. "Yes! Let thefathercut the cord," he said again, his eyes glossy with tears.
Our eyes met. And I could tell that Kaytruly acceptedme as the father of his son.
So I cut the cord, a lump rising in my throat. Then the midwife handed me Ray, wrapped up tight. My eyes welled up as I looked at his small, red, wrinkled face. Maybe it wouldn’t be beautiful to everyone, but to me, it was perfect. I had fought for his life and his health. During that fight, I’d built an unexpected bond with him, a love for this little human who’d arrived in the world pure and innocent, just like all of us, hoping to be cherished, hoping to belong.
"I love you," I whispered, brushing his cheek. "I’ll protect you, just like I protect your dad. However much you need it. You’ll always be the dream I had of being a father come true." I kissed his warm forehead.
Kay’s cheeks were streaked with tears. He reached out and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"There’s more love in this room than just what you feel for this little boy," he whispered shyly. "Thank you for everything, Rain. It’s just like I told you before: Fate took something fromme, but every loss makes space for a new beginning. And now it’s finally happened."
I lay down next to him and placed Ray in his arms.
"Thank you for being there," he added. "You did it just right. Helping, but not taking over."
"We’rea team, remember?" I said, and winked.
This motto was becoming our thing.
Kay smiled wide and lowered his head to study Ray’s tiny face. He gently touched his nose, ears, and chin, like he was learning him, welcoming him into the world.
"A new chapter," I whispered.
"A new chapter," he echoed, smiling softly.
Then my phone buzzed with a text. I checked it without thinking. The sender read:Jackass.
The message said:
"I have a feeling you just became a father. Congrats! And guess what, brother? I’ve gone from rock bottom to the top. Turns out there are shortcuts! I just found my own True Mate!"
We both cracked up as I showed the screen to Kay. Maybe, just maybe, Fate was finally starting to smile on our family.
???
Later that same day, the Sanderses came to meet their grandchild. They waited respectfully until Kay had finished his nap. When they stepped into the room, I saw tears of joy already welling up in Danny's eyes. As he gently cradled little Ray in his arms, his lips trembled.
John leaned in to get a closer look at Ray’s tiny face, his eyes shiny with emotion.
"Thank you, Kay. You did amazing," Danny whispered, kissing Ray on the head. "He’s perfect."
Kay looked deeply moved too. He blinked a few times and quietly wiped away a couple of tears when no one was watching.
Then Danny looked over at me and smiled. "I’m glad you're in his life. I know you two will be incredible parents to Ray."
"I’ll treat him as my own. He’ll never feel like anything less, I promise you," I said, my voice firm and sincere.
Danny let out a quiet sob as he passed Ray to John, then walked over and pulled me into a tight hug, which felt a bit strange, but I allowed it.
