Chapter 196 ***

Chapter 196 ***
Avery Rose

My fingers tightened around Ethan's shirt as another wave of pain washed over me. The warmth spreading beneath me was unmistakable now, and although I had spent months preparing for this moment, nothing could have truly prepared me for the reality of it. I looked up at him with wide eyes, trying to steady my breathing the way the doctors had taught me.

"Ethan," I whispered, gripping his shirt even tighter. "It's time."

For one very long second, he simply stared at me in confusion. His eyes darted from my face to the sofa before realization suddenly struck him.
"Wait..." he breathed.
"The baby?"

I nodded frantically, and his entire expression changed. He jumped to his feet so quickly that his laptop slid onto the couch cushions while everyone else in the room shot up in alarm.

Chaos erupted almost immediately. Linda let out a startled squeal before racing upstairs to grab the hospital bags that had been packed weeks ago. Benny rushed after her, yelling that she would get the baby essentials while simultaneously reminding Linda not to forget the paperwork.

Romeo nearly dropped his plate of food as he sprinted toward the front door, announcing that he was bringing the car around immediately. Even Ethan, who normally remained calm under pressure, looked like he was trying very hard not to panic.

"Ethan," I called between breaths.
"I'm here," he answered immediately, kneeling in front of me.
"I don't know if I can walk."
"You don't have to."
Without another word, he carefully lifted me into his arms.

"You've got enough work to do already."
I rested my forehead against his shoulder and laughed weakly despite the discomfort.
"I told you..."
He smiled nervously.
"You always choose dramatic timing."

Outside, Romeo had already brought the car around to the front entrance while Linda and Benny came rushing out with what looked like half the nursery packed into several bags. Malcolm appeared from the security office, immediately understanding the situation without anyone needing to explain. Within moments, everyone was moving with surprising efficiency, making sure nothing important had been forgotten.

The drive to the hospital passed in a blur. Ethan never let go of my hand once, constantly reminding me to breathe while quietly reassuring me that everything would be alright. Every few minutes, he asked if I was comfortable, if I needed water, or if the contractions had become stronger.

Even though I could hear the worry in his voice, he never once allowed fear to show on his face. Somehow, that alone gave me enough courage to keep going.

Fortunately, our private medical team had already been informed during the drive. By the time the car reached the hospital entrance, several nurses and doctors were waiting with a wheelchair. They greeted us calmly and professionally, immediately escorting me through the private entrance reserved for VIP patients.

Everything happened so quickly that I barely had time to look around before I was already being taken toward the maternity suite.
As the nurses prepared me, I searched the room for Ethan.

He was only a few steps away. The moment our eyes met, my anxiety eased slightly.
He walked over and gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face.

"I'm right here."
I reached for his hand.
"I love you."
His fingers intertwined with mine.
"I love you too."
"Don't leave me."
His eyes softened immediately.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll be beside you through every second of this. I promise."

Hearing those words settled something inside me. I nodded slowly and squeezed his hand once more as the doctors continued preparing everything. Even though I knew the hours ahead wouldn't be easy, I also knew I wouldn't be facing them alone.


Third person pov

Outside the maternity ward, the waiting area gradually filled with familiar faces. Maria and Joseph arrived first, both trying their best to appear calm despite constantly glancing toward the delivery room doors. Linda paced back and forth every few seconds while Benny quietly prayed under her breath.

Romeo sat forward on the edge of his chair, nervously bouncing one leg, and Malcolm stood nearby with his arms folded, though even he couldn't completely hide his concern.
Time seemed to crawl.

Every time they saw a nurse, someone asked if there was any update, only to receive the same reassuring smile that everything was progressing normally. Maria clasped Joseph's hand tightly, whispering silent prayers while Joseph gently rubbed comforting circles across the back of her hand. Nobody truly relaxed until several hours later, when a loud newborn cry echoed through the corridor.

Silence lasted only a heartbeat.
Then everyone erupted at once.
Maria burst into tears before laughing through them. Joseph wrapped an arm around her shoulders, Linda and Benny threw themselves into a hug, Romeo pumped both fists into the air in celebration, and even Malcolm allowed himself a rare smile.


Avery's pov

By the time I was moved into my private recovery suite, exhaustion settled over every inch of my body. I felt as though I had run a marathon without ever taking a break, yet despite how tired I was, I couldn't stop smiling.

Slowly turning my head, I found Ethan standing beside the window with the tiniest bundle carefully cradled in his arms. The sight alone was enough to fill my eyes with tears.
He looked completely mesmerized.
His attention never left our daughter for more than a second.

I watched as he gently adjusted the little blanket around her before smiling to himself.
When he finally looked up, I noticed tears gathered in his own eyes.

"You've been crying," I teased softly.
He laughed quietly without denying it.
“ I wasn't."
He carefully walked over until he was standing beside my bed.
"Look at her."
I did.

She was absolutely perfect.
Tiny fingers.
Tiny nose.
Tiny lips.

She yawned softly before settling comfortably against Ethan's chest.
"My goodness," I whispered.
"We made her."

Ethan nodded slowly, still staring at her with complete wonder.
"I've been thinking about her name."
"Oh?"

He smiled.
"I want her first name to be Rose."
I blinked.
"Rose?"
He nodded.
"For your father."
"My father?"

"I know how much he meant to you."
He looked down lovingly at our daughter.
"I want his name to live on through her."

Emotion tightened my throat. Without realizing it, tears rolled quietly down my cheeks.
I reached for his free hand.
"I was thinking the same thing."
He looked surprised.
"But..."
I smiled.

"I wanted to add another name too."
"What name?"
I looked lovingly at our daughter.
"Lana."

His expression softened instantly.
"My birth mother's middle name."
I nodded.
"She deserves to be remembered, too."

For several quiet moments, Ethan couldn't find any words. Instead, he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
"Thank you."

Just then, the door opened.
Mother entered first, followed closely by Father, Linda, Benny, Romeo, and Malcolm. The entire room immediately filled with excitement as everyone tried to get their first proper look at the baby. Ethan chuckled before carefully turning toward them.

"I'd like everyone to meet the newest member of our family."
He smiled proudly.
"Rose Lana Styles."