29. Chapter Twenty-Nine
chapter twenty-nine
. . .
Olivia
“Jesus Christ! Cover that thing up!”
I laughed breathlessly as Carter fumbled with a washcloth, trying to cover our newborn son's exposed lower half. The sight of the usually composed grump caught off guard by a tiny stream of pee was too much.
“Ow, ow, ow,” I gasped, clutching my still-tender abdomen. “Don't make me laugh, it hurts!”
Carter shot me a glare, but I caught the twinkle in his eye. “You think this is funny, do you? How about you take over diaper duty then?”
“Not a chance, buddy. You're doing great.” I settled back against the throw pillows Carter had so artfully arranged for me. “Besides, they cut me open to get him out. I think I've earned a break.”
Carter finished securing the diaper and lifted our son, cradling him gently against his chest. “Fair point. How are you holding up? ”
I took a moment to assess. My body ached, I was exhausted beyond belief, and yet… “I feel amazing. Sore, but amazing.”
Carter sat on the arm of the couch, angling Case so I could see his tiny face. “He's perfect.”
I reached out, running a fingertip along Case's velvety cheek. “He is. I can't believe he's finally here.”
“Believe it, babe. I've got the pee-covered shirt to prove it.” Carter leaned in to press a kiss to my brow and I snickered. “You did it, Liv. You're incredible.”
“I couldn't have done this without you.”
Carter's arm wrapped around me, holding both Case and me close. For a moment, we simply breathed together, marveling at the tiny miracle we'd created.
One sweet moment turned into another when Pete leaped onto the couch and showered his baby brother with kisses. “On that note, little man, time for bed. Say goodnight to Mama.”
Carter straightened, cradling Case with a tenderness that still surprised me. I reached out, brushing my fingers over Case's downy hair. My heart ached at the thought of being separated from him, even for a few hours. “I'll come with you.”
Carter looked at me with so much love and affection in his gaze but shook his head. “I've got this, Sunny. Rest.”
I sank back into the pillows, torn between exhaustion and the desire to never let my baby out of my sight. But as I watched Carter carry our son out of the room, his broad shoulders dwarfing Case's tiny form, my anxiety ebbed. Maybe I could close my eyes for just a minute...
Nope.
I couldn't resist the pull to see my boys together. Ignoring the ache in my stomach, I eased myself off the couch and tiptoed down the hallway. The door to our bedroom was cracked open, and I peeked through.
The sight before me stole my breath away. Carter stood by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the moonlight. In his arms, Case looked impossibly tiny, nestled safely against his father's chest. Carter swayed gently from side to side, his movements smooth and rhythmic.
I pressed a hand to my mouth, overwhelmed. This was a side of Carter I'd glimpsed before, but never so fully on display. His usual gruff exterior had melted away, replaced by a softness that filled my heart to bursting point.
I continued to watch silently as Carter began to hum. The low, rich tones of his voice filled the room, a lullaby I didn't recognize but found instantly soothing. Case's tiny fist uncurled, his fingers splaying across Carter's shirt.
“There you go, little man,” Carter murmured. “Daddy's got you.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. I swiped them away, not wanting to miss a second of this precious scene. Carter kissed Case's forehead then rested his cheek against our son's head.
“You know,” he whispered, “I never thought I'd have this. A family of my own. Your mama, she changed everything. And now you're here, and I—” His voice caught, and he cleared his throat. “I promise I'll always be here for you, Case. No matter what.”
I steadied myself on the doorframe, my legs suddenly weak. The depth of emotion in Carter's voice, the unguarded honesty of his words, it was almost too much to bear. I wanted to rush in, to wrap my arms around both of them and never let go .
Instead, I stayed silent, committing every detail to memory and filing it away.
After all the fear and pain and loss, I'd finally gotten my happily ever after.