Chapter 43 Vanna
FORTY-THREE
VANNA
After apologizing to Daphne, I have made it my mission to be a much better friend. So, not only did I show up to her baby shower, but I threw it.
And when those last few days grew near, I was glued to her side. Every day, we would watch one of those stupid videos on how to breathe and I would do it with her. I helped her stretch, carried in her groceries, and indulged her every craving.
Sure, she had Jace to do all those things, but I refused to give up this spot with her. I had a lot of making up to do in the friend department.
Early one December morning, my cell goes off. Immediately, I answer. With my eyes still glued shut and my brain trying to process that I’m awake now, Daphne tells me I have a nephew.
“Fuck, I missed it?” My voice cracks in disappointment.
“Van, it all happened so quickly. My mom didn’t even make it in time.”
“Well, we’re coming by today.” I tell her firmly and she allows it.
After I hang up, I nudge Stone awake to tell him that we need to go. He grunts and rolls back over, flinging his arm across me. He pulls me into his chest and nuzzles his face in my neck.
Fighting him, I try to shove him off, but he tightens his hold. Then peppers kisses along my neck, tickling me into a confusing fit of giggles and screaming. Finally, he eases his attack and hauls us from the bed.
“Let’s go meet the little dude.”
The hospital was quiet as we met Jace in the lobby. Stone pulls him into a hug before he leads us down the hall to the maternity ward. Inside a brightly lit room was my best friend holding this tiny little creature.
Instantly, tears spring to my eyes as her gaze finds mine.
I approach slowly, afraid that sudden movement might disturb the moment and come to her bedside. She lifts her elbow to raise his head and gives me a better peak.
“Noah Cole Hendrix.” Daphne tells us.
Carefully, I take him from her arms and rest him in mine. Lowering his blanket, I study him, trying to decipher who he looks like. He’s pale like his mother, but his features are strong like his fathers.
“I love him.” I say, rocking him lightly.
Stone comes up beside me and cradles the back of Noah’s head. I watch his thumb caress the little hairs that curl on his scalp. My stare drifts from the baby in my arms to the man in front of me and our gazes collide.
Slowly, I shift Noah from my arms to Stone’s and my heart fumbles inside my chest. It’s overwhelming - the amount of emotions swirling inside of me at this moment.
Stone with a baby in his arms is a sight I never thought I would die to see, but I was wrong.
This man is brutal and dangerous and at times incredibly dark, yet so gentle and caring.
I swallow the urge to jump him right this second and beg that he knocks me up.
After all, I was the one that put a pause on all of that.
When he catches me drooling, he smirks.
“I know that look.” He taunts.
“Oh, that’s definitely a look.” Daph agrees with him.
I shoot her a glare, and she giggles.
“Well, you guys better catch up soon because the second Daphne’s cleared, we’re going for round two.”
Her eyes widen and she coughs, “What?”
Jace winks at her, causing a blush to creep across her cheeks.
In this moment, I feel complete and utter happiness.
After we overstay our welcome, we head back to our apartment. The brick walls naturally hold the bitter chill of winter, so immediately, I slip into a sweatshirt and some fuzzy socks. Curling up on the couch, I turn the TV on.
Stone joins me with a mug of hot chocolate and a peppermint stick. I cozy myself into his side and take that first sip.
“Harry Potter marathon?” He asks.
I nod, “Of course.”
It’s my yearly Christmas tradition. Despite having Hunter, I still spent most of the holidays alone. Daphne would join her family and of course, Hunter would fly home. It was just me, peppermint schnapps, and Harry Potter.
This year looks a little different though. Stone forced me to decorate, so in the corner to the right of my TV is a little tree with twinkling lights and random ornaments. It’s not aesthetic or really pleasing to look at by any means, but it’s ours and I love it.
He took the time to string garland around the railing of the stairs and hang mistletoe in the hallway, so anytime I go to his room, we’re forced to kiss. Though, I’d kiss him regardless.
The holidays soften Stone a little. He even went as far as to invite Tony over for dinner one night. He and I are a work in progress.
My therapist tells me to have an open mind when it comes to him, but also to watch out for warning signs. He’s still a stranger after all, but I trust Stone and if Tony is good in his eyes, then he’s good enough for me.