“What did he look like?”
Eden rolled in Miles’ arms so that she could look at him.
“He had dark hair, it was like peach fuzz. There isn’t much else to tell because he was already gone so he almost looked gray and his eyes were closed. He did have this tiny little nose that I kissed. Oh and a birthmark on his right knee.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“I wish I had told you that night and that I…”
“Shhh…maybe if you did, then things would have been different and maybe we wouldn’t be together today.”
“I can’t imagine a life without you.”
“Me either.”
“I love you, Miles.” Eden closed her eyes and then she drifted off to sleep.
A month later…
“I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT I’m getting married in less than four months.”
“I can’t believe that I am going to have to squeeze my fat ass into my dress only a few months after I give birth to this chunky little monkey.”
Alex came walking out of the dressing room in her wedding dress with Faith following behind carrying the train of Alex’s dress.
“Oh Alex, you look just like a princess.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“She’s right you know. My brother won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
“You really think Miguel will love it?”
“I’m positive.”
“Faith, what do you think?”
Faith just stood there staring at her best friend. She was so happy for Alex but it also reminded her that she wasn’t with the man of her dreams.
“Faith?”
“I’m sorry. I just can’t believe how beautiful you look.” Faith hugged Alex.
“Faith Marie, now don’t you make me cry.”
“I think you should all come back to the house and I will whip us up some chicken pot pies and some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.”
“Ok Mom, just let me go change and then we will head over.”
“I’ll ride over with you Mrs. D.”
“Why thank you, Eden. Let me give you a hand up.”
Eden reached out her hand and wasn’t standing for more than a minute when her water broke.
“Oh my God!”
“Alex, hurry up. Eden’s water broke.”
“Mom, don’t get dramatic. I’m moving as fast as I can but this dress has a lot of buttons.”
Faith poked her head out and Eden was standing in a puddle. “Alex, she isn’t joking.”
“Take care of Eden while I finish changing.”
Faith walked over to Eden. “What can I do?”
“Call Miles and tell him to meet me at the hospital.”
“Do you think we should call an ambulance?”
“No Mrs. D, I’m ok.”
“Ok dear, then let’s get you to the car.” Eden followed Mrs. D to the car.
Faith dialed Miles.
“Hey, Faith.”
“Miles, Eden is fine but her water broke…”
“What? Now? But it’s too soon.”
“We’re on our way to the hospital. She told me to call you and ask you to meet her there.”
“I’m on my way.”
Faith hung up just as Alex came running out of the dressing room carrying her shoes.
“Let’s go.”
Miguel was standing there when Miles answered Faith’s call. Miles could barely speak. Miguel insisted on driving him to the hospital.
“We’ve been here for five minutes and she isn’t here yet. Where is she?”
“Miles, get a grip. She is on her way.”
“It’s too soon. The doctor said…” Miles stopped speaking mid-sentence when he saw Eden come through the door. “Eden.”
“Miles.”
Miles picked up Eden and carried her over to the front desk.
“My baby is having a wife, their water broke and I think it’s too soon.”
“Miles, put me down.”
The nurse chuckled and walked around the desk wheeling a wheel chair.
“Have a seat, Dear.”
Miles placed her down and the nurse wheeled her away with Miles following behind.
Alex came running in after she parked the car. Miguel was pacing with Faith in the waiting room.
“Alex.”
“How is she?”
“She’s with the doctor now.” Miguel kissed Alex on the cheek.
Faith sat down. “This waiting is exhausting.”
Alex laughed and shook her head. “Faith it’s like two minutes.”
“It’s been more like eight months.”
“True. I just hope the baby is alright.”
Miguel reached for Alex’s hand.
“I hope they are both alright.”
The doctor was examining Eden and Miles could hear the baby’s heart beating but he was still a nervous wreck.
“Miles, come here and hold my hand. You need to calm down.”
Miles walked over and held Eden’s hand.
“So how are they doctor?”
“Right now they are both stable but I’d feel better if we gave your wife a C-section.”
“C-section? Why?”
“To be honest Eden may be able to deliver this child vaginally but it is risky to both her and the baby.”
“Can I be there with her?”
“Yes.”
“Are you ok with a C-section, Baby?”
“I want whatever is best for the baby.”
“So then we are all in agreement. Good. I will call up to the OR and let them know that we are coming.”
The doctor walked out.
“I can’t believe we’re having this baby today.”
“Miles, I’m scared.”
“Look at me. I promise you that tonight we will be holding Cruz in our arms and everything is going to be alright. You believe me right?”
“I want to but I keep thinking about last time.”
“This is totally different. I’m here and I am not going to let anything happen to either one of you.”
“Miles, you’re not God. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep.”
“I’m keeping this one.”
“Will you go tell Miguel what’s going on?”
“Ok.” Miles kissed Eden and then rubbed her belly. “I’ll be right back.”
Eden just needed a few minutes alone without Miles hovering to clear her head and mentally prepare for what lies ahead.
Miguel looked up and saw Miles walking towards him, he leapt from his seat and headed towards Miles.
“How is she?”
“They’re both doing ok. The doctor thinks that it will be safer for Eden and the baby if she gives Eden a C-section.”
“How does Eden feel about that?”
“She’s ok with the C-section but she’s scared and she will be until she holds Cruz in her arms.”
“And how are you doing?”
“I’m scared too but I’m not about to tell Eden that.”
“I’ll tell the rest of them when they get back from the cafeteria. You tell Eden that I love her.”
“Migs.”
“Yeah.”
“A few prayers wouldn’t hurt.”
Miguel patted Miles on the back. “You got it.”
Miles smiled and walked off.
“Eden, I’m about to begin. Are you alright?”
“Fine.” Eden was far from fine but she knew that was the only answer the doctor wanted to hear in order for her to proceed.
Miles stood there holding Eden’s hand. He felt like he was going to faint but he knew that he had to be strong for Eden and their baby.
“It’s almost Cruz’s birthday.”
“Can you see him yet?”
“No. The doctor is a…”
“Miles, is everything alright?”
“Yes, fine. I just get queasy when I see blood.”
Eden yanked on Miles’ hand to pull him close enough to whisper.
“You used to kill people for a living and blood makes you queasy?” Eden actually let out a chuckle.
“I never cared about any of those people. This is different.”
“Ohhh.”
“Are you alright?”
“Just some pressure.”
“So did you two choose a name for this little one?”
“Cruz, his name is Cruz.” Eden smiled up at Miles.
“Well then, Happy Birthday, Cruz. Miles, would you like to come and cut the cord?”
“He’s perfect, Eden!” Miles walked over to cut the cord. The doctor handed him the scissors and he snipped it.
Cruz began to cry at the top of his very healthy sounding lungs. Eden let out a sigh of relief and the tears she had been holding back began to flow down her cheeks.
The nurse wrapped Cruz in a blanket and carried him over to Eden. Miles followed. Eden looked up at her son. He was the spitting image of Drake. She’d like to think that somehow Drake’s and Cruz’s souls connected somewhere.
“Hi, Baby. Momma loves you so very much.”
“You did it Eden, you made us the perfect baby. God, I love him so much already.”
“Miles, would you like to hold him for a minute?”
Miles took the baby and leaned down so that Eden could kiss his cheek. It was then that his little leg dropped out of the blanket and Eden saw a tiny birthmark on his knee. She finally felt at peace.
“Miguel, would you sit down. You’re making me dizzy.”
“It’s been almost an hour. How long does it take to make an incision and pull a baby out?”
Alex opened her eyes wide. “Well let’s see…they need to carefully do that as well as remove organs and things to get to the baby. They don’t just rip it out.”
“Yeah, I know.” Miguel hugged Alex. “I’m just so worried.”
“She’s going to be fine and so is our Godson.”
“I can’t wait until we have children of our own.”
“Let’s wait until after the wedding. If I gain a pound I am not sure my dress will fit.” Alex laughed.
“HE’S HERE! Eden and Cruz are doing fine.”
Miguel, Alex and Faith came running over to hug and congratulate Miles who was standing there with a huge smile on his face.
“I love you, Bro.” Miguel hugged Miles first.
“I love you too. Eden was so brave. I love her so much.”
“You had better or you’re a dead man.” Miguel laughed.
“My turn.” Alex hugged Miles. “Congratulations!”
“He’s perfect. I’ve never seen such an adorable baby.”
“Ok, ok, it’s my turn now.” Faith practically shoved Alex out of the way so that she could hug Miles. “Hey, Daddy.”
“Thank you, Faith…for everything.”
“That’s what friends are for. So when do I get to see this perfect baby?”
“Soon. The doctor had to finish stitching up Eden and they were cleaning the little guy up.”
Faith hugged Miles again. “I’m just so happy for you.”
“Me too.”
“You had better get back to your family.”
“Family…I love the sound of that. I will come get you when Eden and Cruz can have visitors.”
“Faith, we’re going to head to the gift shop to grab some things for Eden and the baby.”
“I just want to call Zac and tell him and then I will meet you and Miguel down there.”
“Ok.” Alex walked off with Miguel.
Ryan headed over to the hospital as soon as he left court and found Eden’s text message. He prayed that everything was alright. He walked into the waiting room and the first person he saw was Faith.
Faith hung up her phone and caught a glimpse of Ryan standing there in the doorway.
Ryan knew that Faith had spotted him. He could tell by the way her body language changed.
“So this is how it’s going to be? You’re going to ignore me?”
“I wasn’t ignoring you.”
“No? I know that you saw me standing in the doorway.”
“Whatever.” Faith got up to walk away.
“Did Eden have the baby yet?”
“Yes. Miles was just here. He said that both, Eden and the baby are doing well.”
“Thank God.”
“Is she allowed visitors?”
“Not yet. Miles said soon and that he would come and get us when they are ready for visitors.”
“Ok. Thank you.” Ryan walked over to the row of chairs and sat down.
Faith watched him for a minute before storming off. Ryan wore on her every nerve.
Eden was sitting up in bed when Miles came back with what looked like at least four dozen roses.
“Miles, you shouldn’t have.”
“You just gave me a son, of course I should have.”
Miles kissed Eden and Eden kissed him back with such passion.
“I can’t wait to feel you inside me. I miss you.”
“Wow, I mean I want that too but isn’t it too soon?”
“Yes, way too soon but I’ve been so worried for so long that sex was the last thing on my mind until now.”
“Well, it wasn’t ever the last thing on my mind. Especially, every time I was in the shower.”
“Mommy, Daddy, you have a little visitor.” The nurse rolled in the baby who was asleep in his crib.
“Hey, Baby.” Miles rolled the baby up to Eden’s bed.
“Oh Miles, he’s even more beautiful than before.”
Miles smiled at Eden and then he picked the baby up and gently kissed his head before placing him in Eden’s arms.
Eden could feel the warmth radiating from Cruz’s body and she could hear him breathe. A few tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. She kissed his nose and his eyes popped open and Cruz stared right at her.
“Hi there, I’m your Mommy.”
“You’re one hot Momma!”
“Miles! What if he hears you?”
“Eden, he is two hours old.”
“Well, start curbing your language now.”
Miles laughed and Eden winked at him.
“Knock, Knock!” Miguel came walking in carrying a huge vase of flowers, followed by Alex who was carrying balloons, Faith who had her arms full of stuffed animals and Ryan who had a giant teddy bear and a box of chocolates.”
“Ahhh, so you must have been the man who bought all the flowers?” Miguel smiled.
Miles smiled back. “Ha-ha, I guess so.”
Alex and Faith rushed over to Eden’s bedside to see Cruz.
“He is so cute!” Faith squeaked.
Alex stared down at the little bundle in Eden’s arms. “He is just so precious.”
Miguel walked around to the other side of the bed and kissed Eden.
“I still can’t believe that my baby sister and my best friend made a baby…and he is by far the best looking little boy I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you, Miggy.”
“So, do I get to hold my Godson?”
“Maybe tomorrow, I don’t want to let go of him.”
“Seriously?”
Eden smiled. “I’m just teasing. Here you go.”
Miguel leaned over and took the baby into his arms. “Welcome to the family, Cruz Dawson.”
While Miles talked to Alex and Faith, Ryan snuck by and went over to talk to Eden.
“Hey Momma!” Ryan kissed Eden on the cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“The pain isn’t too bad and I’m so happy I don’t care.”
“I’m really happy for you and your son is beautiful.”
“Do you want to hold him?”
Ryan looked down at the baby and for a brief moment thought about the fact that Cruz could have been his baby. “I’d love to but I have to get going. I’ll check in on you tomorrow.” Ryan took off.
Eden hoped that Ryan was being truthful and he really did have to go but deep down she couldn’t help but think that being there with her and the bab
y upset him.
MILES WALTZED INTO EDEN’S room carrying the infant seat.
“I can’t believe this little man is already five days old.”
Eden looked down at Cruz who was asleep in her arms and smiled.
“I still can’t believe sometimes that I’m your wife and now I’m holding our baby. It’s like a dream that I never want to wake up from.”
Miles walked over to Eden and leaned over. “Kiss me.”
Eden smiled and kissed him.
“Nope, not a dream or I would have turned into a Prince and I’m far from it.” Miles laughed.
“You’re a jerk.” Eden giggled. “But you will always be my Prince.”
“You, woman, will always be my Queen.”
“Aww. Well then as your Queen I am asking you to change your son’s diaper.”
“Anything for my Queen. Besides it’s the only way I get to hold my little champ.” Miles looked down at Cruz. “Yes, that would be because your mommy is a baby hog.”
“That’s not nice. Don’t tell him that.”
“Eden, I do not think it is in the best interest of our son to lie to him. You are indeed a baby hog.”
“Whatever.”
Miles unwrapped Cruz and began to change him. “Yes, your mommy is a baby hog but only because she loves you so very much. And I love you too.”
Eden sat watching her two men, one big and one small but she loved them both more than anything in the whole world.
Alex woke up and heard the shower running. She jumped up, pulled her nightie over her head and ran to catch Miguel while he was still showering.
“Have room for one more?”
Miguel smiled. “I always have room for you, Baby.”
Alex climbed in. She grabbed the soap and lathered her hands up and then grabbed Miguel’s cock. He leaned down and kissed her.
Alex bit his nipple while she stroked his cock until it was rock solid. Miguel grabbed Alex and lifted her up and impaled her on his cock.
“Ohh, Miguel, that feels so good.”
“Mmmm.” Miguel didn’t speak he just kept slamming himself into Alex while he held her tight and kissed her neck.
Secrets & Lies (Undercover Love Series Book 2) Page 13
