Chapter 283
“We’ll be right outside if you need anything,” Martin added.
Then they were gone, and it was just Elle and me.
I approached the bed slowly, drinking in the sight of her. Her golden hair was spread across the pillow, and those eyes were bright with
unshed tears.
“Hey, baby,” I said softly.
That was all it took. Elle’s composure crumbled, and she began to cry – deep, wrenching sobs that shook her whole body.
“Brad,” she gasped, reaching for me. “Oh God, Brad, I thought-
I was beside her in an instant, gathering her carefully into my arms, mindful of her recent surgery but desperate to hold her.
“I’m here,” I murmured against her hair. “I’m here, and you’re safe.”
35
“I had this dream,” she sobbed against my chest. “Everything was dark, completely black, and I couldn’t find you anywhere. I thought I was
dead, Brad. I thought I was in some kind of afterlife and you weren’t there and I was so scared and I missed you so much, I missed you so
much…”
“Shh,” I soothed, stroking her hair. “It’s over. You’re here, you’re alive, and I’m never leaving you again.”
–
I held her while she cried, letting her get it all out the fear, the pain, the terror of almost losing everything. When her sobs finally
subsided into quiet sniffles, I pulled back to look at her face.
“Feel better?” I asked gently.
She nodded, wiping her eyes. “A little. I just… I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
“Neither have I,” I admitted.
Just then, there was a soft knock at the door, and a nurse entered carrying a bundle wrapped in blue blankets.
“I thought you might like to meet him properly,” the nurse said with a warm smile, approaching the bed carefully.
Elle’s breath caught as the nurse placed our son in her arms. Despite being born at only eight months, he was remarkably well–developed – healthy and robust, with a shock of dark hair and the most peaceful expression I’d ever seen. His eyes were closed, but he wasn’t crying or fussing just sleeping contentedly against his mother’s chest.
–
“He’s so quiet,” Elle whispered in wonder, gently stroking his cheek. “And he looks so… fully developed. Most premature babies are much
smaller, aren’t they?”
I reached out with one finger to touch our son’s hand, and his fingers reflexively curled around mine with surprising strength.
“He’s perfect,” I said, my voice rough with emotion.
Elle looked up at me with tears streaming down her face – but they were happy tears this time. “What should we call him?”
35
“Eleanor asked me if I’d thought of a name, and I realized I’d been so worried about losing you both that I never…”
Elle was quiet for a moment, considering. “What about Dawn?” she said finally. “Because he came with the sunrise, and because… because
he represents a new beginning for us.”
“Dawn,” I repeated aloud. “I love it.”
Elle smiled, “Dawn it is, then.”
I leaned down and kissed her forehead, breathing in her scent and marveling at the fact that she was here, alive, in my arms.
Outside the hospital window, the sun was fully risen now, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. A new day. A new beginning.
Dawn.
The End
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’m thrilled to have so many readers who love this book–thank you so much for your support! If you’re interested,
please check out my new works: Vanished Sisters: The Lycan King’s Slave Island and My Boyfriend Is A Teen Wolf!
LOVED this book!!
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
