Harper’s Arrival and New Beginnings
Eight months and eleven days had passed since the chaos with Iris Lawson, and now everything was quiet, peaceful. Well, almost. In the early hours of the morning, at a small hospital near Whitehaven Beach, Colette’s cries filled the sterile room as she brought their daughter into the world.
Matt’s heart raced in his chest as he held Colette’s hand, his eyes darting from her face to the nurses scurrying around the room. He had been nervous, a strange mix of excitement and worry taking hold when Colette had gone into labor two weeks early. They had been on vacation, planning to relax before the baby’s arrival. But just like him, Harper Angelis had her own plans and couldn’t wait to make her entrance. Named after Colette’s mother, who had died in an accident when Colette had been little.
“Almost there, Colette,” the doctor’s voice was steady, reassuring, but Colette was exhausted. Her body trembled with effort, her breathing ragged as she pushed with every ounce of strength she had left. Matt leaned over, kissing her forehead, whispering words of encouragement in her ear.
“You’re doing amazing, Colette. Just a little more. I’m right here with you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, his thumb gently stroking her hand.
And then, the room was filled with the sharp, piercing cry of their newborn daughter. Harper Angelis was here.
Colette collapsed against the pillows, her body spent, tears streaming down her face as she smiled weakly at Matt. His own eyes were glistening with unshed tears as he stared at the tiny, wriggling form being placed in Colette’s arms.
“She’s perfect,” Colette whispered, her voice hoarse with exhaustion but filled with awe. Harper’s small hands waved in the air, her tiny face scrunched up. her dark eyes blinking at the new world she had just entered.
Matt couldn’t take his eyes off his daughter. He had imagined this moment a hundred times, but nothing could have prepared him for the overwhelming surge of love that hit him the instant he saw her.
The nurse came over, gently taking Harper to weigh her, and Matt’s breath caught in his throat as he watched her tiny form being carried away. But within minutes, she was back in his arms, and the world around him seemed to fall away.
“She’s so small,” he murmured, cradling Harper against his chest as he sat beside Colette on the hospital bed. The baby’s soft whimpers quieted as she nestled into him, her tiny fingers curling around the fabric of his shirt.
Colette smiled softly, watching the two of them, her heart swelling with love. “You’re a natural,” she whispered, reaching out to touch Harper’s cheek.
Matt chuckled, though his voice was thick with emotion. “She’s just like you, stubborn and impatient,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of Harper’s head. “Couldn’t even wait for her due date.”
Hours passed, and the hospital room was finally quiet. Colette had drifted off to sleep, exhausted but content, her hand resting on the edge of Harper’s bassinet beside her. Matt stood by the window, holding Harper in his arms, swaying gently as he stared out at the beach beyond.
He looked down at the tiny face nestled against him, her little eyes closed, her breathing steady. For a moment, he felt like the world had stopped. It was just him and his daughter, the waves crashing softly in the distance, the moonlight casting a silver glow over the sand.
“I love you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “And I promise you, Harper, I’m going to give you everything. Everything I didn’t have. You’re going to grow up knowing how much you’re loved, how much you mean to us.”
He swallowed, his throat tightening with emotion as he spoke. “I’m going to teach you everything I know, make sure you’re strong, independent, and fierce.
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11:21 pm G P P P
Chapter 64
Just like your mom.” He glanced over at Colette, who was still asleep, her face peaceful. “You’re going to be loved more than you’ll ever know.”
Matt leaned down, pressing a kiss to Harper’s forehead, his heart bursting with a love he had never known was possible. “And I promise I’ll never let you or
your mom down. Ever.”
He held her a little tighter, feeling her warmth against his chest, and for the first time in his life, Matt felt truly at peace. He had everything he had ever wanted right here, in his arms and lying beside him.
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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.
