Unbreakable Hearts (Broken Series #3)

by Amanda Bennett

  "Does that feel good?" She whispered just below my earlobe before taking it into her mouth.

  I couldn't find any words to describe how she was making me feel, so I just moaned as I rolled over, capturing her mouth with mine.

  "I'm going to say yes." She giggled.

  My hands slid up her burgeoning belly, discarding her dress on the floor. "So beautiful."

  I could see her flush a deep red, as I took in her gorgeous body.

  "Stop staring at my fat belly."

  I sat straight up with her still straddling my lap, "I don't ever want to hear that come out of your mouth ever again. You look amazing, pregnant or not. You got me, woman?" I let out a loud chuckle so she would know I was trying to make her feel better.

  She nodded her head slightly, so I started tickling her in all the spots I knew would get her wiggling the fastest.

  "Gray, stop." She choked out between her giggling fits.

  I was just about to release her, when I felt my jeans get extremely warm.

  "Um, Button did I make you wet yourself?" I tried not to laugh, but I wasn't doing a very good job.

  She smacked me across my chest, "No asshole, I'm pretty sure my water just broke."

  My face paled and my jaw went slack. "Are you sure?" I stuttered.

  "I'm positive." She was quickly moving off of my lap and I followed her.

  I quickly changed my jeans and boxer briefs, and then I set out to find Bennett. When I walked out of the closet, she stood in our bedroom doorway completely dressed with her overnight bag in hand.

  "Man, you take forever." She laughed.

  "You head downstairs and call Hannah and Theo. I'll go grab Charlie."

  I walked into Charlie's room a second later and found myself scrambling to find all the things that we would need for her. We didn't live close to the hospital, so coming home every night wouldn't be an option. When I heard laughing in the doorway, I turned quickly to find my beautiful wife laughing at the sight in front of her.

  I had every drawer of Charlie's dresser pulled out and clothing strewn across the floor as I sat on my hands and knees.

  "Having trouble?"

  "Very funny. No, I was just trying to... Oh screw it; I'm freaking out here. I don't know what to grab and what not to grab."

  "How about I grab some clothes and diapers and you grab Charlie."

  Oh yeah, Charlie. Shit. "Okay, sounds good."

  I stood slowly as Bennett came strutting towards me. "Calm down love, everything is going to be fine." She placed a soft kiss to my lips and my nerves instantly disappeared.

  I gently grabbed Charlie out of her crib, tucking her tightly into my chest as I wrapped her blanket around her. I didn't want to wake her just yet. It was going to be bad enough having to wake her up when I put her in her car seat.

  I heard some hard breathing coming from behind me and found Bennett doubled over the rocker in the corner of the room.

  "Button, are you okay?"

  I knew she could handle the contractions, but I wasn't sure how much longer we had to get her to the hospital.

  "I'm...go...good." She let out a loud labored breath before she stood as straight as she could and started making her way to me.

  I helped her downstairs as best as I could while holding Charlie in my other arm. Just as we hit the bottom stairs, the front door flung wide open and a very tired looking Hannah came frantically running through. She was quickly at Bennett's side, helping her the rest of the way down.

  I quickly ran to grab Charlie's car seat and strap her in. "Okay, we're good to go. You ready, baby?"

  "Yup."

  We all made our way out of the house and into our cars, and off to the hospital we went to have our precious baby boy. Life was good.

  Six

  Bennett

  The pain was unbearable by the time we reached the hospital and I was ready to strangle every single person that got in my way. Hannah and Theo took Charlie, as Gray helped me into a wheelchair and up to labor and delivery. Lucky for us, our doctor was on call that night so she was already at the hospital ready to go.

  "You still doing okay?"

  I knew Gray was only concerned, but I swear to god if he asked me one more time if I was okay, I was going to have to physically hurt him.

  "Never mind." He whispered. He must've sensed my anger.

  Minutes later, I was in a room and lying on a bed as they hooked me up to every monitor possible. Just as quickly as we had made ourselves comfortable, a monitor started blaring.

  "What is that?" Now I was extremely nervous.

  "Tell the doctor we need to move her to an OR immediately. There's no time." A nurse shouted above my head.

  "What's going on?" My eyes frantically searched each person's face for an answer, but no one seemed to care about what I was asking.

  "Button, it's going to be okay. Just try to stay calm and relaxed. Everything will be fine."

  "You can't be certain." I whispered up at him. I could see the fear in his eyes as mine started to flutter shut.

  "Um, nurse. Is this normal? She was just talking and now her eyes are closed. Is she okay?"

  I could hear Gray's voice echoing through my mind, but I was suddenly very tired. I didn't have the energy to stay awake any longer. Suddenly, I felt the bed moving and a small breeze whipping me across the face. My eyes fluttered open a few times, but all I could see were fast passing white walls and bright halogen lights.

  I felt a warm hand stroking my cheek and I instantly knew it was Gray. "Hey Button, wake up love. Just for a minute." His voice was warm and soothing.

  I nodded my head and looked up into his beautiful eyes that were staring back at me. "Is he here yet?"

  "Almost." His hand slid into mine and a tear fell from the corner of my eye, as I waited for the small cry of our baby boy.

  "Why isn't he crying, Gray? What's wrong?"

  "Bennett, we're going to have him go into the NICU while I finish sewing you up. It just seems like his lungs are a little wet." The doctor seemed so sure of herself, but I questioned every word coming out of her mouth.

  I looked over at Gray, "Go with him, please." I pleaded.

  Seconds later, Gray and my brand new baby boy disappeared through a door behind me. I tried to keep my emotions in check, but I suddenly lost control. A million different scenarios ran through my mind, but each one ended the same, me without my son.

  ****

  I couldn't tell you what time it was when I finally came to, but I was in my own room with a very concerned Gray pacing back and forth at the end of my bed.

  "Where is he?"

  Gray came rushing over to me. "Oh my sweet girl, you're finally awake. He's doing okay. He's in the neonatal intensive care unit. They had to intubate him because he wasn't breathing well on his own. They said we can go in and see him as soon as you can feel your legs."

  "I can feel them now. Get a wheelchair."

  "Bennett, are you sure? You've only been out of surgery for about an hour and a half."

  "Gray, get the wheelchair and take me to see my son." He nodded and left the room.

  When he came back in, Hannah and Theo followed with Charlie, who was still sound asleep in her car seat. I smiled at the familiar faces, but my smile quickly faded when I took in their sullen expressions.

  "Thank you guys for being here. It means so much."

  "We wouldn't have missed this for anything." Hannah kissed my forehead and then started stroking my hair.

  "Hannah, can you help me get into the wheelchair?"

  "Um." She seemed to look over at Gray for permission.

  "I'll do it." Gray's strong arms slid under me, effortlessly lifting me off of the bed and into the wheelchair.

  "We will be right back." I whispered.

  As we came to the entrance of the NICU, my doctor came walking out. My doctor knew I was a tough cookie, but she stood back in shock.

  "I can't believe you are already up and moving around."


  "I need to see my son."

  She held her head high as she responded. "Everything is going to be okay, Bennett. Call me if you need anything."

  "Thank you." I whispered.

  As we entered the washroom of the NICU, my heart plummeted. Never in a million years did I ever expect to be in this part of the hospital to see my brand new baby. What should have been one of the happiest days of my life, quickly turned into one of the worst and most frightening.

  After we washed up, a nurse showed us into the small area where our brand new baby boy was sound asleep. I gasped as I took in his frail and tiny body. He was absolutely beautiful though. His head had a small tuft of dark copper colored hair, and from what I could tell, he also had all ten fingers and all ten toes.

  He had a thick tube down his throat and his tiny little body was vibrating from the machine that was technically breathing for him. All I wanted to do was hold my precious boy in my hands, but I was told no. The nurse made it very clear that we could touch him, but very lightly, as to not agitate him. The doctor, that was working, also informed me that he would have to be in here for at least a week at this rate. My heart literally stopped beating for a good few seconds. I could feel the life inside of me start to fade away. I dropped my head in my hands and began to cry. Gray wrapped me tightly into his arms, trying to soothe the ache, but nothing would make me better. Not until I got to hold my son.

  Seven

  Gray

  After we stayed by our son's side for at least an hour, I finally rolled Bennett back to her room. She had just had major surgery and as tough as I knew she was, I also knew she was in a fair amount of pain. I gently laid her back in bed and tucked her in. She was out within seconds. I made my way into the bathroom across from her bed and quietly closed the door behind me. When I knew no one else could hear me, I slid to the floor and hung my head as the tears rolled effortlessly down my cheeks. I was trying to keep it together for Bennett's sake, but the sight of my fragile son's body, just lying there helpless and almost lifeless, I just couldn't take it anymore. I needed to let some of it out.

  A faint knock sounded behind me, and I quickly pulled myself together. I straightened my shirt and double checked my appearance in the mirror, before reaching for the handle of the door. After another knock, I cracked the door open and saw the most precious face ever, staring back at me.

  "Daddy."

  I scooped Charlie up into my arms and started peppering her with kisses. "Baby girl. What have you been doing?"

  She pointed in Hannah and Theo's direction before snuggling into my chest. I glanced over at the two of them with an appreciative glance. Hannah simply nodded and leaned into Theo's side. The thought of those two not being together was almost heartbreaking. I couldn't think of two people better suited for one another. Well, besides Bennett and me.

  I glanced over at my wife as her eyes started to flutter open. I thought the crying would ensue as soon as she woke up, but she must've caught Charlie in her sights, because a bright smile lit up her face.

  "Bring me my baby, please." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

  I gently laid Charlie next to her on the bed, as I closed the distance between us. I stood back and watched my two girls interacting with one another. I couldn't wait for our little family to be complete.

  "I'll be right back. You going to be okay?"

  "We'll be fine."

  I turned and started making my way towards the NICU. I needed some bonding time with my son and I needed to do it alone. I could feel the tears starting to well up behind my eyelids as I washed my hands to go into the room. I wasn't prepared at all for what I walked in on.

  Three nurses were gathered around his bedside, conversing quickly about whatever was going on with my son.

  "Excuse me?"

  A petite older brunette turned at the sound of my voice. "Can I help you, sir?"

  "Actually, yes. That's my son you're holding and I'm just wondering what is going on? Is he having problems?"

  Her free hand quickly flew up to my shoulder and she gently squeezed it, "Oh sorry sir. No, nothing is wrong. He's slowly starting to breathe over the ventilator, so we're just trying to make him more comfortable and see if he can breathe on his own."

  My heart jumped into my throat as a flicker of hope started calming me. I clutched my chest, feeling as though a part of me was mending itself back together.

  "Sir, are you okay?"

  I nodded my head, not being able to form words. I wanted to cry. I wanted to cheer. Hell, I just wanted to hold my baby boy. I could only imagine what Bennett has been going through over the last twelve hours. I would definitely lose it if I had carried my child for the last eight months, but have yet to hold him. Fuck, I was having a hard enough time. I'm sure it was ten times worse for her.

  After the nurses and doctor dispersed, I sat in the rocker directly in front of my son. They had told me not to rub his hands or touch him too much, but I just couldn't help myself. I needed my son to know that I was here with him. My deft finger reached out and slowly rubbed his tiny little arm.

  "Daddy's here little man. Your momma and I can't wait until we can hold you in our arms. We love you so much. I hope you know that. You may be little now, but you're a fighter just like your momma so I know you'll be growing like a weed soon enough. Your little sister is excited to meet you too. She can't wait to be a big sister. She doesn't talk a ton right now, but she'll still gab your little ears off. She's a bundle of happiness, just like you will be. You both are perfect in every way, and your momma and I couldn't love two people more than we love the both of you. Now I know we haven't picked a name out for you yet, but I promise by tomorrow morning, you'll have the most perfect name."

  I sat back in the rocker and continued to touch his perfectly smooth skin. I had always questioned what I wanted to be when I got older. Of course, I was pushed to believe that I would follow in my father's footsteps, but I always felt as though I deserved and yearned for so much more. Up until Charlie was born, I had still wondered what my purpose was in this life. Only now, did I fully grasp that all along, I was meant to be a father.

  Being a father felt more natural to me than being with Bennett, and that's pretty hard to outdo. I glanced at my son and then down at my watch. It was getting late and I knew they were probably getting ready to give Bennett another round of pain medication. I was actually surprised she hadn't come down yet to say goodnight to our little guy.

  I quietly stood and placed a gentle kiss to his forehead. Man, we really were going to need a name for this little guy soon.

  As I pulled back, I couldn't help but take one last look at my precious son. He looked lifeless and it literally broke my heart. There was nothing I could do to fix him and I felt helpless. I could feel the tears welling up and I took that was my cue to leave. I know he wasn't opening his eyes just yet, but I really didn't want him to hear me crying. I needed him to be strong and fight.

  I said my good nights and good byes to the night staff and quickly made my way back to Bennett's room. When I entered the dark room I tried to be as quiet as possible, but unfortunately, not quiet enough.

  "Where have you been?" She sounded groggy and I wondered if her nurse had been in yet.

  I closed the distance between us and sat down on the edge of her bed, pulling her into my chest and giving her a tight reassuring squeeze. "I was with our little guy. I'm sorry, I thought you would come down if you felt up to it."

  "That's okay. How's he doing?"

  "He's starting to breathe over the ventilator, so that's good. The nurse said he should be getting close to getting off of it tomorrow."

  "Oh Gray, that's amazing." Her tiny arms wrapped tightly around my waist and I melted into her.

  "Have they brought your next dose of pain medication?"

  She nodded into my chest and then placed a soft kiss to my neck. "I'm super sleepy."

  "Get some rest, Button. I love you."

  "I love you too, Gray."
/>   I gently laid her back on the bed and made my way across the room to my cot. I thought she was out cold, but then her voice broke through my loud overbearing thoughts.

  "Daniel."

  "What Bennett?" I was confused as to why she was saying my father's name.

  "I think his name should be Daniel. It's fitting, you know?"

  I was getting choked up, but pushed all emotion to the side to clearly answer her. "It's perfect. Thank you, Bennett."

  "Anything for you, my love."

  Eight

  Bennett

  Day two in this god forsaken place and I was already going stir crazy. I had been woken up every four hours throughout the night; so needless to say, I got next to no sleep. I was currently in the process of trying to pull myself up into a sitting position, so I could go use the bathroom. It's a good thing Gray was still sleeping or I'm pretty sure he would be taking a video of this. I have to admit, I looked like a fish out of water.

  After at least a good ten minutes had passed and I hadn't made any progress, I gave up, flinging myself back onto the mattress below me. That's when I heard his devious chuckle coming from the floor across from me.

  "Oh, you think this is funny?" I couldn't help but break out in a fit of laughter right along with him.

  "I actually do. Would you like to see what you looked like?"

  "You didn't." Damn that man.

  "Oh, I did."

  "No Gray, but if you don't hurry your smart ass up and get me out of this bed, I am going to totally wet myself."

  "Wait, don't do it yet. Let me get my camera ready." His laugh continued to bounce off of every wall.

  "That's gonna cost you." His laughter instantly stopped and he was up pulling a shirt on over his head.

  My eyes caught sight of his bare abdomen, and I couldn't help but take in the glorious view in front of me.

  "See something you like?"

  "Nope." I winked. "Now help your dear old wife to the restroom, please."

  "Sure thing."

  ****

  As I emerged from the bathroom, I decided to fill Gray in on my plan. "We should probably go see Daniel before Hannah and Theo come by with Charlie."