My CEO 220

220 A Father's Touch (Jayden)

"But what about Ashlyn? What happens now?" I ask because as much as my baby has life, this also means hers will likely end. I can't just ignore that.

"She'll be well cared for post-op and taken back to her room. The same as any patient. You'll get time to say goodbye if that's what's needed."

I sigh in relief. "I want Ashlyn taken to the Brennan Wing. No arguments. Her mother is due this afternoon. Please make sure she has everything she needs in there with her daughter." "Of course, Mr. Brennan."

The trip to the neonatal ward is a blur. The tiny form of my son, wrapped in a small, sterile blanket, is surrounded by the best medical equipment and minds available.

The doctors and nurses work quickly, their hands deft and sure, ensuring that every moment counts.

The billions in my bank don't count for anything right now. Because sometimes the best medical care you can buy still isn't enough.

Winona is beside me as we follow along with the small incubator that holds my son, our son. The reality of what just happened is still sinking in. My son-my tiny, fragile son-is alive. Barely, but he's here.

I love him madly already. I mean, it's incredible really. The feelings that fill me now are more intense than anything I've ever felt. It's a different kind of love.

but I'm also aware I don't want him to have

fun and love. Normal

okay to make mistakes

into the neonatal ward, the sounds of beeping machines and the soft murmur of voices greet us. It's a place where every miniscule breath is fought for, where every tiny heartbeat

throat as I watch

Reeves says, looking up at me with a reassuring smile. "He's a fighter, Mr. Brennan. We'll do everything we can to give

I manage to

nurse who was with us in the delivery room approaches, her expression gentle. "You can hold him again in a few days but right now, would you like to touch him? We have places for your hands to go on either side." She demonstrates. Winona gives me a small nod, her eyes filled with encouragement. I step

tiny arm. His skin is soft, impossibly delicate, and I can feel the warmth of his life beneath my touch. I'm so scared I will break him if

220 A Father's Touch

holding on with a surprising strength. I gasp, the tears I've been holding back since we got to neonatal finally spilling over. "He's holding on,"

all know it's you who will be wrapped around his little finger." The nurse gives me a wink, smiles and leaves us

tiny arm, her touch gentle and loving. We share a look, a moment of silent understanding. This is our

stand there, connected to my son in the most profound way, a flood of emotions washes over me. I see what I missed with Abby, the moments I wasn't there for, the connection I lost without ever knowing. I do feel

love that is almost urgent. Nothing can happen to him. I can't

know there are people facing this kind of loss every

don't know how they do

understand my mother's possessiveness of me, even if I can't condone how she expressed it. Because doing that out of love isn't right. Love should never mean lying and cheating. Love should never

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