seventy four
“Delia, I am glad I have a minute alone with you.” Frank stroked a stray strand of hair from Delia’s eyes and smiled. He could feel his heart thumping away in his chest, never had a woman made him feel this way before. It didn't matter to him that she was carrying another man’s baby. He couldn't deny how he felt about the woman he had sworn to protect.
“I want you to know that no matter what happens from now, I will always be there for you, both of you.” he placed a hand on her bump and Delia’s eyes widened with curiosity. She wondered what he was getting at.
Then, a taxi screeched to a stop, interrupting them, at the curb, and before Delia could react, her parents were out, hurrying across the pavement with tears and smiles, arms wide.
“Delia!” her mother cried, enveloping her daughter in a fierce embrace, the kind of hug that made all the fear and waiting fall away.
“Mom… Dad…” Delia whispered, overwhelmed, pressing her cheek against theirs, feeling the unspoken relief and pride in their touch.
Her father pulled back just slightly, eyes glinting with emotion. “Thank you… thank you, Frank,” he said, his voice rough with gratitude. “For keeping her safe. For looking after her… and the baby. We can never repay you.”
Frank shook his head, his usual stoic expression softened. “I just did what I had to do,” he said quietly. “She’s not just your daughter. She’s someone I care about — and I’m not letting anyone hurt her.”
Delia felt her throat tighten at the exchange, emotions swirling in a mix of relief, gratitude, and something deeper — the growing bond she felt toward Frank, a quiet trust and something approaching hope.
Her mother leaned closer, brushing her fingers over Delia’s cheek. “You’re safe now, my darling. Everything will be okay. You’re safe, and the baby…” Her voice faltered, but the meaning was clear.
Delia smiled softly, squeezing her mother’s hands. “I know,” she said. “I finally feel like maybe we can all start to move forward.”
But just as she exhaled, feeling the first real sense of peace, something unexpected happened. A warm trickle slid down her leg.
Delia froze, eyes wide, her hand instinctively moving to her abdomen. “Frank…” she breathed, panic and excitement mingling in her voice. “My… my waters just broke.”
Frank’s head snapped toward her, his protective instincts flaring instantly. He wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying her. “Alright,” he said, calm but commanding. “We’re going straight to the hospital. You’re going to be okay. You’re strong. You’ve got this.”
Her parents reacted instantly as well, her father pulling out his phone to call ahead to the hospital while her mother fussed over her, holding her hand and murmuring encouragement. Delia felt a rush of emotion — relief, fear, and anticipation all coiling in her chest.
The taxi pulled closer, and with Frank’s support, Delia was helped inside. She leaned back, her hand over her stomach, feeling the first sharp pangs of labor begin to pulse through her. Frank held her hand tightly, his presence steady and grounding, whispering reassurances in a low voice.
“You’re not alone,” he murmured. “I’m right here. We’re going to do this together. Everything’s going to be fine.”
Delia took a shaky breath, letting his words anchor her. She glanced at her parents, their faces etched with a mix of worry and excitement. They had never expected to see this moment — their daughter, finally safe, bringing new life into the world after surviving so much.
“I… I can’t believe it’s happening now,” she whispered, a tremor in her voice. “After everything… it’s finally happening.”
Frank brushed a strand of hair from her face, his thumb gently tracing her cheek. “It’s the right time,” he said softly. “You’ve fought so hard, Delia. You’ve survived fire, betrayal, and fear. Now it’s time for the next chapter. For you, and the baby.”
The taxi swerved smoothly onto the road, heading for the hospital. Delia felt the contractions grow stronger, each one a reminder of the new life waiting to meet her. Her parents held her hands, murmuring encouragement, while Frank remained a constant presence, his voice calm, his touch steady.
“You’re amazing,” her mother said softly, tears in her eyes. “You’ve survived so much, and now… now we get to meet our grandchild.”
Delia exhaled shakily, closing her eyes for a moment. “I never thought… I’d feel… this kind of hope again,” she admitted, the words trembling on her lips. “After everything with Thomas, after Samantha… I think I can finally forgive. Not for him, not yet… but for myself. And… I want to focus on the baby. Both of them. They’re siblings… they deserve love, safety… everything.”
Frank squeezed her hand, his eyes locking with hers. “And they’ll have that. You’re going to give them that, Delia. You’ve already given them a chance at life… now you’re giving them family, stability, and love. And I’ll be right here with you through it all.”
The taxi arrived at the hospital entrance, and a team of nurses rushed to meet them. Delia’s parents followed close behind, expressions tense but full of pride. Frank helped Delia out of the cab, supporting her as they moved through the sliding doors into the sterile, reassuring glow of the maternity ward.
As Delia was settled onto the bed, the reality of labor began to fully sink in. The first cries of anticipation surged through her, mingled with a nervous excitement and a profound love for the life growing within her. She took a deep, steadying breath, feeling Frank’s hand on hers, her parents at her side, grounding her in this moment that was entirely hers.
“You’re doing amazing, Delia,” Frank whispered, voice low but steady. “Just breathe. One moment at a time. You’ve got this.”
And as the first contractions deepened, Delia closed her eyes, drawing strength from those around her — Frank, her parents, the memory of the trials they had endured — and prepared to meet her child, finally, fully, in a world that promised hope, love, and family.