A Second Chance at Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard)

Chapter 1390

“Eleanor.” Just as she turned towards the door, Bernard had called out to her.

Eleanor spun around, her eyes locking with Bernard’s, which had involuntarily dropped to her swelling belly.

“Can I… may I touch the baby?” he asked, his voice barely above a murmur.

Throughout her pregnancy, he had been absent, his hands never having the chance to feel the life they had created stirring within her. Should she allow it just this once?

Following his gaze, Eleanor looked down at the gentle curve of her abdomen and gave a slight nod. She couldn’t find it in her heart to deny him.

With a cautious reverence, Bernard extended a trembling finger and let it rest gently against her belly, feeling the round firmness beneath. In that touch, the jagged edges of his heart seemed to soften.

Witnessing the tender emotion in Bernard’s eyes, Eleanor was suddenly reminded of Cedric, holding a children’s book close, narrating tales to the unborn child inside Hailey’s womb.

She too wished for her child’s father to share a moment, to speak a word or two, so that when they parted, the regret wouldn’t be as sharp. Overcome with emotion, she found herself asking Bernard, “Would you… like to talk to the baby?”

cherishing the opportunity nonetheless. He gently caressed Eleanor’s

at Eleanor, “Can

now. There’s movement. Sometimes, when I talk, he’ll stretch out a little hand or foot, give me a kick. It means

for the first time, was unfamiliar with these miracles. Hearing about the baby’s tiny movements, his eyes brimmed with

emotion.

he moving

her gently, searching for the movements Eleanor spoke of,

haven’t said enough,” she suggested with a small smile. The baby wasn’t accustomed to his voice yet, and probably didn’t respond to

and kneeling before her, his

a healthy, happy life. And as your father, I’ve been absent, unable to share stories or lessons with you, unable to care for your mother. For that, I am deeply sorry. But my child, daddy doesn’t ask for much in life. Just knowing that your mother is well and

the moment his words fell silent, Eleanor felt a stir

ear against her belly, yearning

distinct kicks followed, each as palpable as if they were tapping directly on Bernard’s cheek, clear and strong.

amongst the

to hide them from Eleanor, he pretended to listen more intently, wrapping his arms