Hook'd
Page 26
"How was your day?" he asked.
"Emotional."
"Was it?"
"Yeah..." She nodded with a sigh. "It's just hard moving on from something you've built and been a part of for so long, you know?"
"Yeah, that's tough," he understood. "You think it's something you'd ever regret?"
"No," she said honestly. "It's time to move on. I want to be there for the baby. Be the type of parent my own mother wasn't. I owe her that."
"And you will."
Now 7 months pregnant, she would no longer have the energy nor time to continue her position. She wanted to take some years off to raise her child, and be the best mother she could be without the hassle of her demanding career. She worked so hard to get to this point, now it was time to bear the fruits of her labor. In every way possible. She would forever miss Free the Heart. The people, the special memories, the work, the pain and all. It hurt to let it go, but it was time. She was more than positive Lillian would be an effective leader to carry the organization to higher heights. She had no doubt about that.
Would this be the end of her journey? Definitely not. She would still continue to affect the lives of others. But she would do so in other ways. She wanted to travel abroad. Be involved in volunteer work, on a more global level. Later on down the line. Financially, she would be okay as well. She had enough funds saved to last her for a long time. And not to mention a financially stable man, who would make sure she and their child were well taken care of. Soon, after the baby was born, they would be moving together in their luxurious 7 bedroom Long Island home, they had just bought weeks ago. And Reese couldn't wait. It was going to be a big step starting a new life with Cameron. And she was more than ready to embark on that journey.
Chapter 48
December 17, 2015
Warmth soothed Reese's soul as she stared into the face of her baby girl. Her fragile body swaddled in her arms, she wanted nothing but to hold her close. Those innocent brown eyes, small button nose, lips and ears, soft curly hair, and cocoa brown skin, she looked angelic as can be. Reese traced her fingers along her smooth skin, her chest swelling with emotions. Beautiful.
Camryn Lewis.
Born 8 lbs., and 5 oz.
Her pride and joy.
As she stared into her beautiful face, she thought about her own mother, and wondered how anyone could ever give up her their own child. Something so precious. Innocent. Pure. A heaviness deepened in her chest as she fought back tears. No matter what, she would never abandon her baby. She would never put her own daughter through that kind of pain.
She was a part of her. Mind, body, and soul.
She would forever be.
"Hey, baby...this is Daddy," Cameron whispered, holding her in his arms. Reese rested her head against the pillow, watching them with a warm smile.
He had been in the hospital room the entire time, comforting her through her 14 hours of labor. Even through all the cussing, screaming, yelling and all, he never left her side. Not even once. And she was thankful for that.
"Knock Knock."
They glanced ahead at the petite, brunette haired nurse at the doorway.
"You have some visitors," she informed her.
Yasmine entered the room, holding a bouquet of flowers. "Hiiiii!"
Donette and Linda also appeared with gift bags and balloons. Reese gleamed at the sight of them, greeting the ladies as they shared hugs and kisses.
Yasmine gasped. "Oh my gosh. She's gorgeous!"
"She sure is," Linda agreed.
"What's her name?" Donette asked.
"Camryn," Cameron said proudly. It had always been his dream to have his firstborn named after him, and since Reese loved the name but preferably spelled differently for a girl, they came to a mutual agreement to give her that name.
"Can I hold my goddaughter, please?" Yasmine asked with excitement, and Cameron handed the baby to her. With a gasp, she held her in her arms, coaxing her with soothing words. "Hi, sweety. I'm your Auntie Yasmine...Aww, you are just the cutest. Oh, I can't wait to spoil you."
Reese smirked, shaking her head. Knowing Yasmine, she would most definitely spoil her. That was for sure.
"She looks just like you, Cam," Yasmine teased.
"She does?" He blushed.
"Mhmm. Same eyes, nose and everything. She's way cuter though."
They all laughed.
Not before long, Cameron's friends, Bryson and Deshawn appeared, as well as Vance and Zara, his other close friends she had gotten acquainted with over time. Lillian had even stopped by to send her love, gifting her with a large special card signed by each of her staff from Free the Heart sharing their well wishes. Throughout the time, everyone galled over their precious newborn, wanting to hold her as they all snapped pictures, capturing the special moments.
After visiting hours were over, Cameron and Reese laid together in the bed, as their daughter slept soundly in the bassinet. As her head rested on his firm chest, his arms embraced her with protection. It felt so good to finally be alone. She was exhausted. And as much as she appreciated everyone's company, there was nothing more comforting than just being with her family.
Family.
Her heart warmed at the thought. For so many years, she had been alone. No family to call her own. But now, she was blessed with the two most important people in her life. And she couldn't be more thankful.
"I love this one," Reese said, gazing at the picture on his IPad. This particular one was of just the three of them, with Camryn snuggled in her arms, she and Cameron were cuddled on the hospital bed, smiling at the camera. Like two proud parents. It was beautiful.
"Got my ass smiling like a chipmunk," he joked.
She laughed. "It's adorable, though."
"Yeah, it is."
"You know I always dreamed of this..." she reminisced, staring at the photo.
"What?"
"Just having a picture like this. Of my own family. I never thought I would ever have that..." she shrugged, getting choked up. He kissed her cheek.
"Well, you do now."
"Yeah," she whispered with a smile, watching their daughter.
"There's only one way to make this complete though."
"What?" She looked at him.
He dug in his pocket and pulled out a small box. He opened it and she gasped at the beaming diamond ring.
"Will you marry—"
She kissed him before he could say anymore. He didn't even have to ask.
Hold on, not so fast! Want more? Check out other reads from me:
CUFFED
ASHES
STRIPPED FROM WITHIN
BROWN SILK
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