Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 64617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
“Alright, Eva, only a few more pushes and you will get to meet your baby,” I assured, the panic quickly subsiding.
“You are doing amazing, Eva. Whenever you are ready, bear down,” the operator chimed in.
Bailey swept Eva’s soaking wet hair out of her face as she prepared to once again push.
“EMS is five minutes away. Help is on its way, Eva.”
Things moved pretty quickly after the baby’s shoulders popped out, exactly the way the woman on the phone said it would.
“Holy shit,” I repeated in awe of the life being born. “Push, Eva, keep pushing she’s almost out,” I guided, witnessing what I could only describe as a phenomenon.
“Grrrr…”
“That’s it, you got this,” Bailey soothed, rubbing her shoulder.
My thoughts ran rampant, thinking about the day I watched my mother die. Hating, resenting, blaming God. And there I was witnessing the miracle of birth, His creation come to life before my eyes. I was powerless to hold back the unexpected rush of emotions with seeing Eva’s daughter being born into this world, playing a vital part in her birth. It was as though he was showing me his blessing in all forms.
Proving he didn’t solely end lives, he started them too.
Just as the thought occurred, I grabbed onto the baby with the towel in my hands. Instantly hearing, “Wah! Wah! Wah!” loud and bold in the air. Immediately making her presence known.
I futilely tried listening to what the operator was saying, but I was held captive by the baby girl in my arms. Knowing I was the first person to ever hold her was an imprint I’d never forget. Almost like I was in God’s plan all along, and he was making up for taking my mom all those years ago.
Everything that happened next was in slow motion. The paramedics rushed in, tending to Eva as I held the baby close to my heart. Locking eyes with Bailey who had tears streaming down her face. It was only then I noticed I had tears falling down mine as well.
That day changed my life in ways I never saw coming, making me a better man.
I wanted this with Bailey.
A baby girl.
A family.
A life of my own.
When she really started fussing, I brought her closer to my face, muttering in her ear, “It’s alright, it’s okay, I got you. I got you. You’re safe.”
One of the paramedics gently grabbed her from my arms and I immediately felt a huge sense of loss. Minutes later, I decided to ride with Eva in the ambulance to the hospital, not wanting to leave her alone, already having an attachment to that baby girl. While Bailey followed in my car.
Once everything was settled and we were in the hospital room, Mario declared, “You did great, Aiden. They told us they’d never heard anyone stay so calm before. I think you may have found your calling, son.”
My eyes locked with Eva’s who was beaming from ear to ear, holding baby girl in her arms. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked as shit when she added, “Mario and I would be honored if you would name her.”
I jerked back, blown away by their request. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. You know we’ve been going back and forth for months on a name. I think it’s because God had other plans,” she vowed what I’d been thinking. “So would you do us the honor, Aiden?”
“I’d be honored,” I simply stated, walking over to her. Baby girl opened her eyes as I rubbed her little hand, facing that strong connection to her once again.
I replied, “Faith. Her name is Faith.”
Not only did she restore my faith in God, but she also gave me an immense sense of purpose. This was what I wanted to do with my life, I wanted to help people.
Deciding in that moment, Mario was right.
I wanted to be a doctor.
Chapter 19
<>Camila<>
Now
__________
“Two dirty martinis and three cider beers!” a customer called out from the end of the bar.
“Hey, can we get some service down here?” another hollered from the other end.
“Where are our drinks? Move your tits, sweetheart!”
“Come on sweet cheeks, been waiting fifteen minutes!”
“I ain’t your sweet cheeks, cowboy. Just for that you’ll be waiting ten more.” I moved toward a different customer. “What can I get for you?”
Later that night after my run in with Dr. Pierce, I walked into Danté’s club. Desperate for the distraction that bartending and dancing always provided. Needing to clear my head, focus on anything other than the Pierces.
Specifically, their father.
The man was never far from my thoughts for the rest of the day.
The look in his eyes, the sincerity in his words, the dominance and devastation he exuded, it all tore into me. Bit by bit.
How could I explain things I couldn’t begin to understand?
I hated this. I hated this so much. The worst part was there was nothing I could do to fix it.