Chapter 68 – New life

Isabelle Reinhart.

Eighth month. It was a day like any other, or so it seemed. I was in the middle of my work when my phone buzzed, and I saw Noah's name on the screen. His message was short and to the point: "It's happening."

My heart jumped into my throat as I read those words. I didn't waste a second, hastily saving my work and grabbing my bag. I sprinted to the parking lot to get the driver. I couldn't shake off the excitement coursing through me.

“Sikandar, the hospital. Fast,” I said and he understood as we buckled ourselves.

The ride to the hospital felt both long and short. He parked the car and hurried into the hospital, my footsteps echoing in the corridors.

There he was, Noah, standing outside the door. His face was drained of color, his eyes wide with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. His hands were on his hips, and his eyes darted around as if he was waiting for something – or someone.

I quickened my pace and as I reached Noah, his tense expression shifted into a relieved smile. He pulled me into a tight hug, and I could feel the tremor in his grip. "I'm freaking out if you couldn't tell," he admitted, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"I can definitely tell," I said, trying to offer some comfort with a small grin.

My eyes flicked towards the labor room's closed door, "Why aren't you in there with Emily?" I asked.

Noah's shoulders slumped a little, and he let out a sigh. "The nurses won't let me in," he explained, his frustration and helplessness clear in his voice.

Just then, a doctor passed by, and I decided to seize the opportunity. Stepping in her path, I gave her a friendly smile. "Dr. Anderson, hi," I greeted, for once grateful for my familiarity with hospital settings.

She paused, her gaze on me as she seemed to try to place me. Recognition dawned, and she smiled back. "Isabelle, right?"

"Yeah, that's me," I confirmed, feeling relieved that she remembered.

Her question was plain, but her tone held genuine interest. "What can I do for you?"

I motioned towards Noah, who was looking at us with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "He's the husband," I explained. "Could you please take him inside? The nurses won't let him in."

Dr. Anderson's smile remained warm as she nodded. "Of course, come on in," she said, beckoning for Noah to follow her.

Noah leaned in, his lips close to my ear. "You do realize that we're not married yet, right?" he whispered, amusement in his voice.

I shooed him away playfully, "Go be with Emily," I said, giving him a gentle push towards the labor room.

"Thanks, Isabelle," he said, pressing a kiss to the top of my head before he disappeared into the room.

As they walked away, I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I hoped Emily was doing well in there, and that everything was proceeding smoothly.

Left alone in the corridor, I leaned against the wall, my own emotions catching up to me. My thoughts drifted to Ace, as they often did. I remembered his smile, his laughter, and the love we shared. He was just one floor above, I wanted to go sit by his side but I also didn’t want to miss holding the babies for the first time.

Yes, plural. Emily was having twins in case I didn’t mention.

*****

In the midst of my thoughts, a voice broke me back to the present. "Oh, my God! Am I too late?" Alex's voice echoed down the corridor as he rushed in, holding a bunch of colorful balloons. I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I looked up at him from my seat.

"No, you're not," I replied with a smile. "She's still in labor."

Relief washed over his face as he sighed audibly. "Oh, thank god," he said, his shoulders relaxing as he took a deep breath. He explained how he had been on a two-hour ride and had driven so fast that he managed to cut down the time to just one hour.

As we chatted, our attention was diverted when Noah emerged from the labor room. His expression was a mix of astonishment and awe, and I exchanged a quick look with Alex. The doctor walked past us, a knowing smile on her lips as she disappeared down the corridor.

As if on cue, Alex and I stood up simultaneously, our excitement reaching a peak. "Well?" we both asked in unison, our eyes locked on Noah's face.

His lips curved into a slow smile as he glanced between us. "Come in," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

We followed him into the room. My heart raced as I took in the sight before me – Emily, lying down with one baby nestled on her chest and the other in a cradle beside her. It was a scene straight out of a dream.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I approached the cradle, my fingers brushing softly against the edge. The baby inside stirred, its tiny features visible even in the dim light of the room. I carefully lifted the baby in my arms, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions.

Noah stood beside me, his gaze was fixated on the tiny bundle in my arms, and I couldn't help but notice the proud glint in his eyes. Alex had gone to Emily's side, his voice hushed as he admired the other baby.

The baby in my arms stirred again, its eyelashes fluttering open.

“Hi, my love,” a tear trickled down my cheek as I whispered a soft greeting to the baby, my voice a mixture of awe and tenderness.

With a soft smile, I handed the baby to Alex, who cradled the little one with awe and wonder.

I approached Emily, who was still on the bed, holding the other baby. But as I looked at the baby's clothes, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"Why didn't you put on the blue set?" I asked, genuinely puzzled.

Emily's grin widened, "Because this is my little princess," she said, her tone filled with pride.

My heart skipped a beat as her words registered. A girl? We all thought they were having two boys. The realization that they had a girl and a boy filled me with a burst of happiness, and I couldn't help but jump in excitement.

"A girl?" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with delight. "Oh wow!"

I took a spot beside Emily, feeling a warmth spreading through me as I gazed at the baby girl in her arms. A girl – a tiny princess.

Emily patted the space beside her, inviting me to join her. "Come here," she said softly, her eyes shining.

Sitting down, I looked at the baby girl, my eyes filled with tears.

My best friends were finally parents.

As we sat there, I helped Emily with whatever she needed.

Across the room, Noah and Alex stood by the cradle, their eyes fixed on the babies as if they were witnessing a newborn for the first time. Their captivated expressions showed how much these little lives meant to all of us.

I felt a sad pang to my chest thinking about how Ace missed this beautiful time with us. Looking at my face, Emily squeezed my hand and started, “We’ll go introduce them to Ace first thing in the morning.”

I hugged her and she patted my back with a smile on her face.

I had hope. We all did.