Chapter 14 - The Arrival of Elena: A New Beginning in a Safe World
Four months later, the private maternity suite at New York Presbyterian Hospital was filled with the soft, sweet scent of baby powder and fresh white lilies.
I lay back against the hospital pillows, exhausted, drenched in sweat, but completely overwhelmed by an ocean of fierce, unconditional love.
Resting securely against my chest was a tiny, perfect little human being.
Dark wisps of hair, tiny fingers curled into miniature fists, and a soft, rhythmic breathing that felt like a miracle.
Elena Rowe.
The door to the private suite swung open quietly, and Chase walked in.
He had discarded his suit jacket, his tie was loosened, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, but the look in his dark eyes as he walked toward the bed made my breath catch in my throat.
He stopped beside the mattress, staring down at the tiny bundle in my arms as if she were the most precious treasure in the universe.
“Can I…?” he whispered, his voice trembling slightly.
“Of course,” I smiled, my eyes filling with happy tears.
Carefully, gently, Chase reached out and scooped our daughter into his arms, cradling her against his chest with a tenderness that completely belied his fierce, intimidating reputation.
A single tear slipped down Chase’s cheek, catching the hospital light before he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the top of Elena’s dark hair.
“Hello, little one,” he murmured hoarsely.
May you like
“I’m your dad. And I promise you, nobody will ever, ever hurt you.”
I reached out, resting my hand over his arm, feeling the solid, unbreakable strength of the man who had fought a war just to keep us safe.
