Chapter 396
“No, Athena said immediately, gripping my hand tighter. “I need him.”
I know, honey. But he can’t be in here for this part. Hospital policy. But Hull be right outside that door, and the second we’re ready, he’ll be
with you again.”
I bent down, pressing my forehead to Athena’s. “I’m not leaving. I’ll be right outside. Counting every second until I can be back with you.”
‘I’m scared,‘ she whispered.
‘I know. Me too. But you’ve got this. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met.”
I kissed her one more time, then forced myself to step back, to let the nurses do their job. The door closed between us, and I stood there staring at it, feeling like my heart was on the other side.
A nurse in scrubs appeared beside me. “Come on, Dad. Let’s get you suited up.”
She led me to a small room where I changed into surgical scrubs, a cap, mask, and booties. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely tie
the mask,
“First baby?” the nurse asked kindly.
“Babies, Twins.” My voice cracked. ‘And yes. First.”
“They’re in excellent hands. Dr. Chen is one of the best. And our NICU team is incredible.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
Finally, after what felt like hours but was probably only fifteen minutes, someone came to get me.
‘Ready, Dad?”
I wasn’t. But I nodded anyway.
They led me into the operating room. It was bright and cold, full of people in surgical gear moving around with purpose. Machines beeped. Instruments clinked. And in the center of it all was Athena.
She was lying on a table with a blue drape positioned at her chest so she couldn’t see below it. Her face was pale, tears streaming down her temples into her hair.
I was at her side in an instant, taking her hand, pressing my forehead to hers.
“I’m here,” I said. “I’m right here, baby.”
I can’t feel anything below my chest,” she said, her voice high with anxiety. “It’s so weird. I can feel you holding my hand but nothing else.”
That’s the spinal working. Dr. Chen said from the other side of the drape That’s exactly what we want. You’re going to feel some pressure and pulling during the surgery, but no pain. If you feel any pain at all, you tell us immediately.”
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Chapter 396
“Okay,” Athena whisperest.
I sat on a stool they d positioned for me right by her head, I kept one hand clasped in hers, my other hand stroking her hair back from her
forehead.
‘You’re doing so good,” I murmured. “So brave. I’m so proud of you.”
“We’re starting,” Dr. Chen announced.
I felt Athena tense, but she couldn’t feel the actual incision. I could see le trying to crane her neck to see around the drape.
“Don’t look,” I said gently. “Just look at me. Focus on me.”
Her gray eyes locked onto mine, wide and frightened
but, 18.
“Tell me something,” she said. “Distract me. Tell me anything.”
“Okay.” I searched my brain frantically. “Remember that day we went to look at paint samples for the nursery? And you couldn’t decide between sage green and mint green, so you bought both and we spent two hours painting sample squares on the wall?”
“You said they looked exactly the same,” she said, a tiny smile appearing.
“They did look exactly the same.”
“They were completely different shades!”
“If you say so.” I kissed her forehead. “But you were so cute, studying those paint squares like they were the most important decision in the
world.”
“They were important,” she insisted. “That’s our babies‘ room.”
“I know. And it’s perfect. Just like you.”
“You’re feeling pressure now,” Dr. Chen said from beyond the drape. “That’s normal.”
Athena gasped. “I feel it. Like someone pushing on me.”
“That’s exactly right,” Dr. Chen said. “We’re almost to Baby A.”
My heart started racing. Baby A. Our first baby was about to be born.
“Tristan, Athena said, gripping my hand tighter. “I’m scared.”
“I know. But you’re doing amazing. Just breathe with me. In and out.”
We breathed together, our eyes locked, and I tried to pour all my love and support through our bond.
‘Here comes Baby A, Dr. Chen announced.
And then, a sound that made everything else in the world disappear.
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Chapter 396
Arey Smal and indesent and purtar
Its 4 But someone panvented,
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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.
