Baby, I hope you won't blame me for the decision I'm making right now.
If I could, I'd give you a whole, perfect family.
But your father can't give that to us.
A tear slipped down my temple. I turned my head away and pressed my lips together, fighting the sting in my nose, refusing to let myself break.
"Honey!"
Derek burst through the doors, grabbing my hand, his face bright with joy. When he saw my reddened eyes, his expression crumpled, and he leaned close.
"Was it bad? God, I'm so sorry—I should've arranged to be in the room with you—"
I slipped my hand out of his without making a scene. "Where's the baby?"
"With the nurses, getting checked out. Don't worry—I already looked him over myself, every little detail. Took photos of everything, memorized his wristband info and all."
"Does it still hurt? You did amazing, sweetheart."
Derek's eyes were fixed entirely on me.
He'd been running around nonstop, handling all the paperwork and booking the best postpartum recovery center in the city.
Early the next morning, I hadn't even opened my eyes when I heard the nurse push open the door.