Chapter 51 Homecoming Joy
"When he finds out about the baby, will that understanding make Zephyra greater vulnerable in his eyes, or will it deliver her something worth combating more difficult than she's ever fought before to shield?"
Zephyra does not know about Gerald's threats. His plans. His watching.
She's too centered at the life developing inside her.
The secret they carry alone
New York welcomes them back with chaos.
Business needs instant attention. Emails overflow. Meetings stack up.
The company needs her. Everyone needs her.
However Zephyra moves through without concentration.
Her hand constantly drifts to her belly subconsciously. Instinctive.
Morning sickness hits hard the second day back.
She's in a design evaluation while nausea moves. Unexpectedly. Overwhelming.
"Excuse me." She stands suddenly. "toilet."
She slightly makes it. Vomits violently.
While she emerges, Elara is ready outdoors.
"You ok?" Her eyes are worried.
"Fine." Zephyra forces a grin. "Something I ate."
But Elara's expression says she doesn't agree with it.
She would not push. Just watches carefully.
That night, Kairo finds Zephyra watching her closet.
"What is wrong?" He asks lightly.
"Nothing fits right." She pulls at her waistband. "Everything feels tight."
"It's early." He wraps hands around her from behind. "Your body is changing. Growing life."
"It's terrifying." She leans into him. "Everything is changing so rapidly."
His hand covers her belly. Protecting. Reverent.
"I want to inform people." He says quietly. "especially my mom. She'd be so glad."
Zephyra turns in his palms. Stressful. Unsure.
" Not yet." She pleads. "Let me process this first. Twelve weeks. Then we're going to announce."
He searches her eyes. Sees the worry there.
"Ok." He is of the same opinion reluctantly. "Twelve weeks. By then we will celebrate."
"Then we celebrate." She promises. Kissing him softly.
The week passes in a blur of hidden signs and symptoms.
Morning sickness every day. On some occasions two times an afternoon.
Exhaustion so deep sleep would not help.
Emotional volatility that makes her cry.
She hides it cautiously. Expertly.
Only Kairo sees it. Supports her quietly. Brings ginger tea. Holds her hair. Rubs her back.
Friday arrives. The prenatal appointment scheduled for Monday.
Zephyra is frightened. Excited. Terrified.
She wants confirmation past the drugstore test. Wants to see proof.
That night, in bed, Kairo's hand rests on her still-flat stomach.
No changes yet. However everything is unique underneath.
"There's someone in there." He whispers. "Our person. Half of you, half of me."
She covers his hand with hers. Feeling the warmth. The connection.
"Terrifying, isn't it?" She says softly.
He nods. "Sincerely terrifying. And surely good."
They lie in silence. Processing. Imagining. Dreaming.
"What if I am terrible at this?" She voices her private worry. "What if I don't know how to be a mom?"
"Then we'll be terrible together." He says. "And figure it out as we cross."
"This is not reassuring." But she smiles anyway.
"It's honest." He turns to stand her. "we're going to make errors. But we'll love this baby with all we have. And that counts for something."
Tears fill her eyes. Satisfied tears.
"How are you so sure?" She asks.
"Because I know you." He brushes tears from her cheeks. "You are strong. You're capable of anything."
"Even motherhood?" Her voice breaks.
"Specifically motherhood." He kisses her. Gentle.Certain.
Saturday morning brings unexpected visitor.
Sara appears at the workplace. Glowing. Transformed.
She's creating her own designs now. Ambitious. Creative.
"I hope I am not interrupting." She says.
"In no way." Zephyra hugs her. "You look tremendous."
"I feel super." Sara beams.
They sit down in Zephyra's office. Coffee for Sara. Water for Zephyra.
"I wanted to thank you again." Sara says. "And let you know something."
"What?" Zephyra leans forward.
"I'm beginning my personal line." pleasure radiates from her. "Because you showed me I could. Zephyra's heart swells. Joy overwhelming.
"Sara, this is superb." She reaches throughout the table. Takes her arms. "I am so proud of you."
"I would not have the courage without you." Sara's eyes fill with tears. "You saved me. Gave me hope."
"You have values." Zephyra says firmly. "I just helped you notice it."
They talk for an hour. About designs. Business plans.
Sara's ardour is infectious. Her self belief is inspiring.
When she leaves, Zephyra feels lighter. Hopeful.
That is why she started out the program. For moments like this.
She returns to paperwork. Reviewing contracts. Making decisions.
Then something occurs.
A tiny flutter in her stomach. Like butterfly wings. Slightly there.
She freezes. Hand shifting to her belly.
Too early for movement.Just eight weeks. Probably imagination.
But it felt real. Tangible.
She sits waiting. Hoping.
Nothing.
Perhaps she imagined it. Maybe it's nothing.
However she smiles anyway. Touching her belly protectively.
"Hi child." She whispers. "I felt you. Or I think I did. Either way, I love you already."
The instant feels sacred.
Her telephone buzzes. Text from Kairo.
"How are you feeling? Need anything?"
She smiles. types lower back.
"I'm accurate. I just had a second with our toddler. Love you."
His reaction is immediate.
"Tell me everything I need to know. Love you more."
Monday morning arrives. Appointment day.
Zephyra is apprehensive. Kairo holds her hand within the waiting room.
Other pregnant women sit down around them. Bellies growing.
Soon that will be her.
"Zephyra Lione-Draven?" The nurse calls.
They follow her back. Vitals. Questions. Medical history.
Then the medical doctor enters. Warm smile. Professional demeanor.
"Let's affirm this pregnancy." She says. "Ultrasound first."
Zephyra lies on the table. Lifts her blouse. Exposes her belly.
Cold gel carried out. Wand pressed to skin.
The display screen sparkles. Indicates grainy photographs.
The health practitioner moves the wand. Searching. Focusing.
Then stops. Zooms in.
"There." She points. "See that flicker?"
A tiny rapid pulse. Like a hummingbird's wings.
"That is the heartbeat." The doctor says.
Zephyra's breath catches. Tears spill immediately.
Kairo squeezes her hand. His eyes moist too.
That's their child. Their infant. Their future.
Reai. Alive. Growing.
"Everything seems perfect." The medical doctor confirms. "About eight weeks along. Due date is approximately March 15th."
March. Seven months away. Appears impossibly some distance but terrifyingly near.
The doctor prints pictures. Hands them over.
"Congratulations." She smiles. "You're formally dad and mom."
They depart the workplace in a daze. Holding ultrasound images.
Proof of the miracle developing in Zephyra.
In the car, they stare at the snap shots. Mesmerized.
"This is our baby." Kairo whispers. Voice breaking.
"It really is our infant." Zephyra is of the same opinion. Tears flowing freely.
They take a seat in silence. Processing. absorbing. Believing.
Then Kairo's phone rings. Unknown number.
He answers. "hiya?"
A pause. His face is going white.
"What? when?" His voice sharpens. "How is that feasible?"
Zephyra's heart pounds. "What is wrong?"
He ends the call. Turns to her. Expression grave.
"That was prison security." His voice shakes. "Gerald escaped."
"Escaped?" Zephyra can slightly breathe. "How?"
Zephyra's hand flies to her belly. Protecting. Instinctive.
Gerald is free. Risky. Coming for her.
And now she has more than herself to protect—but how can she keep their unborn child secure from a man who's already validated he will stop at nothing to destroy her?