Epilogue
Several Months Later
Ishift slightly in the narrow bed, every muscle in my body aching in ways I never knew were possible. My hair sticks to my forehead in damp strands, and this hospital gown makes me feel like I'm drowning in scratchy cotton. But none of that matters.
Because wrapped in the soft blue blanket in my arms is the most perfect thing I've ever seen.
My son.
His tiny face is red and wrinkled, his miniature fist curled against his cheek. Dark hair covers his head, Niko's hair. But when he opened his eyes earlier, they were unmistakably mine.
"He's so small," I say, running my finger along his impossibly soft cheek.
Niko sits beside me on the edge of the bed, one hand holding mine, the other hovering nervously over our son.
He's still wearing the same black T-shirt he threw on when my water broke at three in the morning.
He looks exhausted too, but his eyes haven't left our son since the doctor placed him in my arms two hours ago.
"He's perfect," Niko says.
The baby stirs, his tiny mouth opening in what might be a yawn. Then he lets out a single, sharp cry.
Niko immediately tenses, his hand flying to adjust my pillows. "Are you okay? Do you need water? Is he hungry? Should I call the nurse?"
His panic is so endearing that I almost laugh, despite my exhaustion.
"Relax, Niko," I say, gently bouncing our son. "I already did the hard part. We're good now."
The baby settles back into sleep, and Niko's shoulders drop.
"You're right," he says, leaning down to press his lips against my forehead. "You were incredible."
"You're going to be an amazing father, you know," I tell him.
"Well, you're already an amazing mother."
A soft knock interrupts us, and the door cracks open. Keira's red hair appears first, followed by her cautious face.
"Can we?" she asks, eyes already fixed on the bundle in my arms.
I nod, and the door opens wider. My entire family files in after her. Ares and Katerina, Theo with his arm around Stassi, Dimitri's hand on Athena's lower back, and Declan trailing behind with his hands shoved in his pockets.
The room suddenly feels smaller, filled with all these people I love most in the world. But instead of feeling crowded, it feels complete.
Keira reaches us first, her green eyes bright with unshed tears. She gently touches the baby's cheek with one finger. "I can't believe you're a mom, Cal."
"I know. It's crazy," Katerina says, moving to stand beside her. "And Niko, a dad!"
Niko laughs, but his eyes remain fixed on our son. "Still processing that part."
Ares steps forward, his usually stern face uncharacteristically gentle as he looks down at my son. Then his eyes shift to Niko.
"Take care of them," he says simply.
Niko doesn't hesitate. "Always."
Dimitri clears his throat, breaking the moment. "So what's the baby's name?"
I look at Niko, waiting for his nod of encouragement. We talked about this during those long hours of labor, between contractions that felt like my body was being torn apart and put back together.
"Vasilis," I announce, my voice steady despite the emotion swelling in my chest. "After Dad.”
The reaction is immediate. Ares's jaw tightens with emotion. Theo looks away for a moment, blinking rapidly. Dimitri's usual stoic expression cracks completely.
"Dad would have loved that," Theo says quietly.
"Yeah, it's perfect," Ares says, voice rough.
"He would have been a hell of a grandfather," Dimitri adds.
There is a moment of silence between everyone before Athena steps in.
"He's got your chin," she says to Niko.
"And Calli's eyes," Stassi adds. "The shape, I mean."
We laugh, and everyone takes turns looking at the baby.
After some time, Keira glances at the monitors and my clearly exhausted face. "We should probably let them rest," she suggests.
Everyone nods in agreement. They file toward the door, offering final congratulations, promises to visit when we get home, and reminders to call if we need anything.
"Keira, wait."
She turns back, eyebrows raised.
"Come here for a second."
She approaches the bed again, and I feel my throat tighten.
"Thanks for everything," I begin, my voice already wobbling. "For always being there for me. For staying with me this past week to get everything set up. Just, all you do. You're my rock and I love you."
Tears start welling up. "Sorry," I say with a watery laugh. "The hormones."
Keira laughs too, but I can see her eyes getting glassy. "Stop. You. The baby. It's too much. You'll make me cry." She wipes quickly at her eyes and sniffles. "I love you too."
"Jesus, Keira," Declan says from the doorway, rolling his eyes. "You know she's going to be sentimental the whole flight home now."
"Shut up!" Keira shoots back, but there's no heat in it.
Declan turns to Niko, a half-smile on his face. "See ya, guys."
"Hey," I say, an idea forming through my emotional haze. "Maybe he can give you some pointers for when you become a dad."
Declan laughs. "Hell no. That's not in my deck of cards."
Niko smiles. "Never say never, man."
"Yeah, who knows what the future holds," I add.
Declan shrugs. "Hopefully lots of good times and beautiful women."
Everyone laughs, and Keira rolls her eyes. "Shut up, Dec. Let's go." She turns back to me. "FaceTime me later!"
"I will."
I nod, and they leave, the door closing behind them. Suddenly Niko and I are alone with our son again. The room feels quieter, more intimate now.
I look down at our little Vasilis, who sleeps on completely unbothered by the parade of visitors or the emotional chaos swirling around him. His breathing is so soft I have to strain to hear it, his chest rising and falling in the tiniest movements.
"He's right here, and I still can't believe it," I say.
"I know," Niko says, his eyes lifting to meet mine. "You've made me the luckiest man in the world. First as my wife, and now as the mother of my child."
He leans in and kisses me softly. When he pulls back, I hold his gaze.
"I'm yours forever."
Niko's hand comes up to cradle my face, his thumb brushing away the fresh tears on my cheek.
"And still with you, forever isn't long enough."