Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

EMERSYN

JESS

he quiet hum of the hospital filled the air as Luke pushed my wheelchair out of Laura's room in the ICU. My heart felt lighter now. Seeing Laura awake, talking-even if she was weak-was a miracle I hadn't dared hope for just hours ago. Josh was at her side, practically glued to her, his hand clutching hers like he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go.

"Take it easy, you big oaf," Laura had teased, her voice hoarse but filled with that familiar sass. "I'm not going anywhere."

Josh just shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "You scared me," he whispered. "Never do that again, okay?"

"I'll do my best, but no promises," Laura joked, her lips twitching into a small smile.

Luke had been silent, standing behind me, but his presence was steady, grounding. When it was time to leave, I'd squeezed Laura's hand and smiled through my own tears.

"You scared us all, you know," I said softly.

"Yeah, well," Laura replied with a faint grin, "you've got a baby to think about now, so quit worrying about me."

I didn't know how she could joke, but it gave me hope.

Now, as Luke wheeled me down the hallway, the sterile scent of the hospital seemed less oppressive. EMERSYN

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whispered in my ear,

glancing back at

resting lightly on my shoulder as he steered us into

heart was pounding now, anticipation building as we neared the neonatal ICU. Luke stopped just

the

was both fragile and breathtaking. The room was dimly lit, with soft beeping from monitors and a gentle hum from the warming stations. Nurses moved quietly, their

then, on the other side of the glass, I saw

little fists were curled up beside her cheeks, and her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm.

tears spilling over my

perfect," Luke said, his voice thick with

button nose, her delicate lips. My heart felt like it might explode with the overwhelming

beside me, his arm wrapping around my shoulders as he leaned down to kiss the top of my

were falling faster now.

chuckled softly, his own eyes misty. "Yeah,

my heart full, and asked, "What should

moment. "Something strong. She's already

bubbled up in my mind, one that felt right.

raised an eyebrow.

glass. "And she won. She's our little fighter." Luke smiled, and the