Page 58 of Love Me Again

“Yeah, it’s just a little uncomfortable. Can you help me up?” Cole nods and takes my hands gently, helping me off the bed. “You know, I was thinking last night how weird this all must feel for you.”

Cole looks questioningly at me, “How do you mean?”

I chuckle a little awkwardly as I take my clothes out of the hospital bag, “Well, you obviously don’t remember us sleeping together, but you witnessed me giving birth to your child that you don’t remember conceiving. You’ve handled it all quite well, considering.”

Cole shakes his head with a little laugh, “Yeah, I’m not going to lie, I was freaking out. It’s all been a little overwhelming, if I’m honest, and I probably won’t forget seeing her head right there….” He trails off, shaking his head. “As magical as it was watching you give life, I was equally horrified and have never felt so useless in my life.”

I sit on the edge of the bed and look at him. “Thank you for being there, I know it probably feels strange, but you’ve been so great with us both this week,” I state, looking down at Alaia, peacefully asleep.

Cole smiles affectionately down at his daughter, “My greatest fear was holding her and not feeling that connection or love, but I am honestly so besotted with her, Shay.” Cole admits and looks at me. “With both of you.” I drop my gaze with a heavy sigh.

* * *

After dressingmyself and getting Alaia ready and strapped in her car seat, we finally leave the hospital and head back to the apartment, much to Coles dismay.

“Aww, here’s my princess.” Aimee coo’s when we walk into the apartment. She takes the car seat from Cole and sets it on the sofa. “Welcome home, baby girl.” Josh, Aimee, and Jo all gather around the baby as I watch them. Not even a week old and she’s already so loved by so many people.

“Hey, I’m home too.” I voice put out, and the girls look over at me and wave before cooing over Alaia again.

I hadn’t noticed I was crying until Cole lifts my head and brushes my tears away. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

I shake my head, “Nothing, I’m just feeling overly emotional again.” I tell him, and he smiles and pulls me close hugging me. I lay my head on his chest and sigh, closing my eyes as he holds me tight. “I better go shower and get some rest while she’s asleep. Can you keep an eye on her while I shower? I won’t be long.” I ask him, and he nods with a handsome smile.

“Of course, go ahead.”

I glance over at Alaia in Aimee’s arms before I nod and walk to the bathroom to shower. I was feeling utterly drained. It’s been a hell of a week, and I honestly couldn’t wait for some peace so I could rest. Unfortunately, that wasn’t about to happen anytime soon because Cole’s parents and my mother came to visit the baby.

I must have dozed off while everyone was clucking over the baby because I jump awake when I feel myself being lifted off the sofa. I blink up at Cole tiredly and lay my head on his chest as he carries me to my bedroom. “Shh, go back to sleep, sweetheart.” I hear him whisper before he kisses my forehead while he lays me down on the bed.

“The baby..” I sigh, trying to sit up, but he pushes me down again with a smile.

“We’ve got her. She’s sound asleep. You’re exhausted Shay, get some rest.” Cole insists, brushing his fingers through my hair, and I sigh, closing my eyes.

“Okay, just for a little bit.” I sigh before I drift off to sleep again. I stir from my sleep when I feel someone shaking me. I peel my eyes open and see Alaia’s face wide awake in front of mine.

“I’m hungry, Mama.” I hear a squeaky voice and laugh tiredly and look at Cole grinning rather pleased with himself for making me laugh.

“You’re such a dork,” I utter and push myself up with a yawn and take Alaia from him. It was dark out. “How long was I asleep?”

“Not long, like two hours.” He tells me, laying back on the bed, watching me feeding our daughter. “Everyone left like a half-hour ago.”

I groan, closing my eyes, “Two hours? It felt like five minutes. Oh god, I can’t believe I fell asleep while we had guests over.”

Cole smiles, “Shay, they understand you’ve just had a baby. Of course, you’re going to be tired, sweetheart.”

“I am. I honestly can’t keep my eyes open. I’m so tired… and hungry.” I yawn, and Cole leans over, brushing his fingers over my calf.

“What do you want to eat?” Cole asks, peering up at me with those startlingly gorgeous green eyes. I chew on my bottom lip thoughtfully and shrug. “Pizza? Chinese? Thai?”

I smile, licking my lips. “Mm, I can’t eat anything too spicy because I’m breastfeeding. Chinese sounds good.” Cole nods and takes his phone out.

“Chow Mein?” I nod gratefully, lifting Alaia so I can wind her. Cole looks at her face and smiles adoringly at her. “You want some Chow Mein too, my princess?” He coo’s leaning close and kisses her nose softly. “She’s got your nose. I love that.”

I chuckle and look at her, “How can you tell? She’s still so small.”

Cole grins, reaching over, and he tweaks my nose lovingly. “I can tell.” He laughs amused when I slap his hand away with a scowl.

“Stop.”

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