Lost Me Gained Regret



"Gratitude is a virtue, something my elementary school teacher always emphasized."

Before, Dailey had found himself running low on patience and even harboring some annoyance when bombarded with her messages or caught in her verbal spats.

However, since that incident at the airport, their interactions had left him feeling a bit uneasy.

Yet, he hadn't found the right moment to sit down with her and really talk things through.

Once Jane had the baby, he knew he'd have to carve out some time.

"Why isn't she out yet?"

Gregory was practically tearing his hair out in frustration.

Lucius, noticing Gregory fumbling for his lighter, quickly intervened.

"Greg, your sister-in-law hasn't been in there all that long. Giving birth isn't like going shopping, man. You need to be patient. Plus, Bella's in there with her. Everything's going to be fine. You don't want the baby's first breath to be a lungful of smoke, do you?"

Gregory hardly absorbed a word until the last sentence hit home.

He pocketed his lighter and found a reflective surface to tidy up his hair and collar.

But as time ticked on, his appearance was the least of his worries.

Despite Lucius's attempts to calm him, Gregory was on edge.

"Mr. Ford, congratulations!"

Just when Gregory was about to lose it, the doctor emerged from the maternity ward with great news, "Mother and daughter are both healthy!" Gregory finally breathed a sigh of relief. "How's my wife?"

"She's out," Bella followed, pushing the hospital bed out, "Exhausted. Fell asleep."

Gregory took over the hospital bed from her.

Bella glanced at him, "Have you seen the baby yet?"

Caught up in everything, Gregory had forgotten. Reminded by Bella, he rushed over.

Christine was already by the nurse who was holding the baby.

"She seems a bit... off?"

Gregory was not pleased, but upon closer inspection...

Well, he certainly wouldn't admit to any flaws. "My daughter couldn't possibly be ugly."

Christine wasn't about to argue, "Sure, your and Jane's baby is the most beautiful in the world."

Gregory was satisfied. Turning to Bella,

Care said "Mom, please watchet . I'm going to take watche

to

her room to rest."

After Bella left, Gregory naturally started referring to Jane in a new light.

Upon inquiry, he found out Jane had proposed to him.

The scenario was as splendid as a peacock's display.

Seeing them happy and content, she let them be. "Alright."

When I woke up, my first instinct was to touch my stomach.

It was a habit formed over time, given this child had been through so much with me.

I always needed to make sure she was still there.

But today, my stomach was flat, and I panicked, sitting up abruptly.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"My baby!"

"Right here."

Hearing that familiar deep voice, I turned to see Gregory already bringing the baby over.

"Take a look."

I carefully took her, a bit flustered.

Gregory had to guide me on how to hold her properly.

I chuckled, "You seem more like the mother here."

Gregory wrapped his arms around us, planting a gentle and sincere kiss on my forehead.

"Jane, thank you. Thank you for giving us our child."

I nudged him with my forehead, "Thanks won't cut it. From h

ells won't cut it. From here c s all about how you perfet

dad."

Gregory held us tighter, "I won't let you down."

I thought giving birth was the

hardest part, and with everyone's et

to

help plus some professionals guide me, raising her wouldn't be too

difficult. n

But breastfeeding, that first hurdle, had me stumped.

I didn't want to rely on formula; I wanted to nurse her myself.