Chapter 188 – Bonus - Bryanna’s Breakdown

Chapter 188 – Bonus - Bryanna’s Breakdown
Trigger warning — stillborn infant death

Zander’s POV

Nonna what?!?

“Nonna!” Salvatore exclaimed. “How could you?”

“I was desperate,” Nonna advised. “I couldn’t let Mia Bella marry that monster!”

“That wasn’t your choice to make. You were basically forcing her to get pregnant,” Mama expressed.

“Stop!” Isabella yelled. “I don’t care. I don’t. I have two beautiful children and the man that I love as my husband. I don’t hate you, Nonna. I love you so much for helping me get what I wanted in life. Maybe it was earlier than I expected, but I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. Right now, what I need is everyone’s support and sleep. So, if you’re all going to argue, take it outside.”

I looked at Nonna, Salvatore, and Nina. They were all standing there with their mouths gaping open. On the other hand, Amelie, Zander, and I all had smirks on our faces.

“Sorry, Mia Stellina,” Salvatore said, walking to her and kissing her on her forehead.

The nurse walked into the room. “Hi, I’m Nurse Wren. Is it ok if I take the babies for their bath?” Wren said, smiling. “It looks like Mommy needs some rest.”

“Yes,” I stated, looking at Isabella. She was almost asleep, fighting to keep her eyes open. “I would appreciate that.”

“First, I need to give you both bracelets that match the babies,” Wren stated, pulling the wrist bracelets out of her pocket. She fastened two bracelets on each of our left wrists. “As long as you’re in the hospital, you need to keep them on.”

Wren then put both babies in the same baby cot and wheeled them out the door. I turned back to Isabella, and she was already asleep. I kissed her forehead and stroked her hair. “Sleep well, my love,” I whispered.

“I’m so glad Mia Bella found you, Zander,” Nina said, hugging me.

“I’m the one who lucked out in finding her,” I grinned. “Now, I should probably go out and let everyone know. I think I have 25 missed calls and texts.”

We all left the room and headed down to the waiting area. I was not expecting everyone to be sitting there. Dante and Kimmy, Dutton and Morgan, Logan, Eliza, Marco, and Marcella were all sitting there patiently.

“Zander!” Morgan squealed. “Babies?”

“Yes, two healthy babies,” I said, smiling. “Sophia Amelie Aralina Cavanaugh and Alexander Edwin Salvatore Cavanaugh. Izzy is doing well, just very tired.”

Everyone cheered, and then the onslaught of hugs started. Morgan was the last to hug me. “I’m so happy for you guys,” Morgan said, squeezing me hard. “Oh shit! I think my water just broke!”

“What?” Dutton questioned, staring at the floor below Morgan.

“I’ll get a nurse,” Eliza shrieked and ran out the door.

A few minutes later, a nurse races in with a wheelchair and takes Morgan out, Dutton trailing behind.

“Maybe we will have three babies born today,” Kimmy uttered. “So exciting!”

“Wouldn’t that be crazy?” Dante smirked.

“So, when do we get to meet the babies?!?” Eliza said, jumping up and down.

“Izzy is sleeping right now, and the babies are having their baths,” I informed. “But we can go see them in the nursery. They should be done with their baths right away.”

“Yay!" Marcela squealed. “I’m an auntie now.”

“I’m only a cousin,” Eliza sighed.

“Well, I’m not having kids to make you an auntie,” Logan laughed.

“Let’s head down to the nursery,” Kimmy stated.

We all walked down towards the nursery. As we approached, we heard yelling.

“Put the baby back, Miss,” a voice called out.

“No,” a distressed voice called back. “This is my baby!! I’m taking my baby!!”

“That’s not your baby, Mrs. DeMarco,” the first voice spoke again.

Mrs. DeMarco? Shit, is that Bryanna?!?

I raced around the corner and saw Bryanna standing there, clutching a baby in her arms.

“Bryanna, what are you doing?” I questioned.

“Zander,” Bryanna replied. “Tell this lady that this is our baby.”

“Bryanna, the baby needs to sleep,” I said, approaching her calmly. “You need to let our baby sleep.”

“See!” Bryanna screamed at Wren. “This is my baby!”

“Mrs. DeMarco,” Wren started to say, but I shushed her.

“Bryanna,” I said, moving closer to her. “Do I not get to hold our baby? I’m the daddy, right?”

Bryanna’s features relaxed from panic to happiness. “Of course, Zander,” Bryanna said, smiling. “Come hold him.”

I moved slowly towards Bryanna, then I noticed. She was holding Alexander, Isabella’s and my son. I pushed the rage and panic down in myself and walked towards her. When I reached her, I hugged her.

“I knew you would come, Zander,” Bryanna grinned. “I knew you wanted us to be a happy family.”

I saw two orderlies standing a short distance from Bryanna, whom she hadn’t noticed.

“Of course, Bryanna,” I replied. “I love my son. Can I hold him now?”

Bryanna held Alexander out to me, and I took him into my arms. Holding him gently, but tightly, to my chest. I let out a sigh of relief. As soon as I had the baby, the orderlies grabbed Bryanna.

“Let go of me,” Bryanna screamed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Antonio DeMarco rush in.

“Bryanna, what the hell are you doing?” Antonio yelled at her.

“Antonio, let the orderlies handle her,” I advised. “Don’t stress her more.”

The orderlies had to hold her steady so Wren could inject her with a sedative. It worked quickly, and she slumped in the orderly's arms. One of them lifted her into a nearby wheelchair and took her out of the nursery.

Wren ran over and took Alexander from me. “I’m calling Dr. Williams to take a look at him.”

“Thank you, Wren,” I responded.

“Security has been called for the nursery,” Wren advised, laying Alexander back in his cot.

“Antonio, what happened to Bryanna?” I asked, confused.

Antonio’s shoulders slumped. “Bryanna was brought into the hospital three days ago,” Antonio told me. “She was having a lot of abnormal pains. Our baby was stillborn yesterday.”

“Oh god, I’m so sorry, Antonio,” I sympathized. “She must be destroyed.”

“Yes, this morning she had a mental breakdown, but she seemed fine this afternoon,” Antonio stated. “I’m so sorry, Zander.”

“You don’t have to apologize, Antonio,” I said, reaching out to hug him. “I know we’ve had our differences, but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Please reach out if you need someone to talk to.”

Antonio embraced me and started sobbing. We stood there for a good minute. “Thank you, Zander,” Antonio said, stepping back. “I wish Isabella and you the best with your new little ones.” Then Antonio walked out of the nursery.