Page 15 of Revealed

My response is lost as another contraction moves through the lower part of my stomach. I grab onto the doorframe bracing myself as I let out a long, agonizing moan and try to breathe through the pain. There’s motion going on around me that I barely register.

“Franny girl, just breathe. The bags are already packed, and Michael is going to get the car. Let’s make our way to the door.” Kathy’s calming voice grounds me as she shuffles me towards the door.

“Kathy, I can’t do this,” I grit out through clenched teeth.

“Nonsense. You’re the most stubborn woman I know. If anyone could do it, it’s you.” She grips my chin. “This is your baby. Now let’s go bring them home.”

Chapter Nine

FrancescaRose

“You’re staring at her like she’s the most important person in your world,” I say, laughing up at Michael.

“She is,” he whispers, completely awestruck.

Kathy snickers in the corner when he doesn’t even look away from Kennedy’s face to answer. Earlier today, Michael stepped away to arrange the convoy that would take us home. As soon as plans were confirmed, he returned right back to my side. The past twenty-four hours were a whirlwind and this man walked with me through it all. We’re on our second day in the hospital and Ashton still hasn’t shown his face. Apparently, he’s closing a major deal in Georgia that couldn’t be put off just because a new life was entering the world.

Kennedy wrapped herself around my heart the moment her little cry filled the room. As she was being placed on my chest I couldn’t believe that she was mine. The way she settled and calmed at the sound of my heartbeat pressed to her ear showed a bond that I could’ve never imagined.

“Francesca, she’s absolutely perfect. Just look at her,”Michael murmurs, leaning in closer to fawn over the baby tucked in his arms.

I know how perfect she is. Last night when I couldn’t sleep, I spent my time watching her snooze peacefully. I focus on his face and how he stares down at my baby girl like she’s his. Watching him with the most important person in my life makes me realize that for the first time, I’m in love.

The door of our room opens quietly. We had been expecting a nurse, but that isn’t the voice that breaks the silence of the room.

“So, my first grandchild is a beautiful baby girl.” The sound of my mother startles both Michael and me.

Kennedy stirs as Michael lays her back in my arms. Michael moves away smoothly, fading into the background, and I hate that he isn’t the man I’m married to. My eyes are on my mother as she moves closer, tilting her head to the side, studying our interaction.

“Hi, Mom,” I say, hoping to bring the attention back to Kennedy.

My mother’s gaze returns to me. I watch the tears fill her eyes as she takes in her lineage. She moves closer to the bed, her hands cupping my cheeks as a bright smile takes over her face.

“How is my baby doing?”

A sting begins behind my eyes at her checking on me first. My emotions spill over as I understand the depth of her watching her baby girl become a mother.

“I’m good, Mama,” I answer truthfully.

“May I hold her?” she asks, wiping my tears as her own fall.

“Of course.”

She sits on the edge of the bed, arms open as I lean forward, placing her grandchild into the crook of her arm.

“We’ll give you two some space. Gonna check out the cafeteria,” Kathy chimes in as her and Michael head toward the door. “We got word Ashton should be here soon.”

“Thank you,” I say.

I don’t miss the grimace on Michael’s face after Kathy’s announcement. It would be a lie to say I’m not worried about Ashton being here. For over a year I’ve been brave and somewhat stood up for myself, but this is different. There’s only so far I can push a crime boss when it comes to his heir.

The door shuts and the room is quiet as we both watch Kennedy sleep in my mother’s arms. For a moment things feel exactly as they should, but those moments never tend to last long.

“Have you lost your mind?” my mother asks in a low tone.

I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whichever way this conversation could go. There’s a high chance this has to do with Michael, but if she is bold enough to question it, she is going to have to spell it out.

“What do you mean, Mother?” Annoyance fills my tone.