Free Revenge (Phoenix Undercover Book 3) by C.A. Harms Page B

the left, and my gaze immediately shifted toward the small bundle in the incubator, a blue cap covering his head. The closer I got the more my heart raced.
    “Is he okay?” I asked. “Breathing on his own and…” I paused as I swallowed past the instant fear that developed within me.
    “He’s perfect,” she added before I got the chance to panic any further. “He’s just a little small—four pounds, seven ounces.”
    “Can I…” I motioned toward the contraption that held my son and she nodded her head.
    “Don’t be alarmed by the machines. It’s just a precaution. You won’t hurt anything by touching him. You can even hold him.” I turned to face her and she smiled. “Do you want to hold your son?”
    Again that overwhelming rush of something unknown ran through me. I felt as if I was doing something I shouldn’t, like I was taking away from Gabby, as if I was robbing her of something we should be sharing together.
    But the desire to hold my child close outweighed those feelings and I nodded. “Yes,” I whispered, feeling the words burn my throat.
    I watched in awe as she opened the side of the incubator and carefully removed my son, before turning to face me. “If you want to, have a seat and grab that pillow.”
    I did as she asked, sitting in the rocker as I placed the pillow on my lap. “Prop your arm with the pillow on the side you wish to hold him.”
    I placed the pillow beneath my right arm and found myself holding my breath as she lowered him to my arms.
    And in that moment, when his face came in to view, I melted. Never in my life have I ever felt what I was feeling at that moment. It was an indescribable love that left me feeling drained and weak.
    There wasn’t anything anyone could say or even do in that moment to take my focus off this beautiful child that Gabby and I created together.
    Perfection didn’t even begin to describe him. He was so much more than perfect.
    “Hey, Asher,” I whispered, and tears clouded my vision. “I’ve been waiting to meet you.”
    He made a little grunting noise and I couldn’t help but laugh.
    I was so in love within seconds, an instant connection I knew nothing could break.
    “Your mommy’s gonna adore you, sweet boy,” I assured him as I watched him close, committing every noise and movement to memory so I could share them with Gabby later.
    I truly couldn’t wait to introduce Asher to the woman who had given me everything I could ever ask for in a very short time. I wanted him to know just how much she loved us both and how that love was something that would forever keep his head above water, just as it had my own.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 22
     
     
    Gabby
     
    “He’s beautiful,” I whispered as I looked up at Josh through the haze I was in. I was still medicated and drowsy, but alert enough to see Asher.
    Josh sat on the side of my bed as we both watched him sleep in his arms.
    “And he’s okay?” I asked. It was the biggest fear I had from the moment I realized my water broke.
    “He’s amazing, baby,” he assured me. “Small, but perfect.”
    I could feel the instant relief wash over me. I could barely keep my eyes open. I fought against it, but it was pretty close to impossible.
    “We’re gonna let you sleep, okay?” I heard Josh whisper, but all I could do was nod. Darkness had begun to take over as my body went completely limp.
     
    ***
     
    When I woke the next time, I wasn’t sure how much time had passed. It was dark out and my room was quiet.
    Turning my head to the side, I found my father sleeping in one recliner, while Josh slept in the other.
    I found it funny that they both guarded my bedside.
    My father had a hard time letting go, and with everything happening with Leo, he was even worse.
    My heart was so filled with love as I continued to watch them both. The two men I loved with my entire heart both did all they possibly could to keep me safe.
    A light filtered in as the door to my room was