The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 412

Chapter 412

Aria’s POV

Eight months had reshaped everything.

I stood at the floor–to–ceiling windows of our Manhattan penthouse, one hand ring on my swollen belly, watching the August sun punt the ey

of amber. The baby kicked–a familiar flutter that still caught me off guard, still made me smile.

“You’re restless today,” I murmured, rubbing the spot where a tiny foot pressed against my ribs. Just like your father.”

As if summoned by my words, Devon emerged from his study, rolling his shoulders in that way he did when he’d been staring at screens too long. His gray eyes found me immediately, and something in his expression softened.

“You should be resting,” he said, crossing the room with that predatory grace that pregnancy hormones had made devastatingly attractive. “Doctor said-

‘Doctor said I’m healthy and the baby’s healthy.” I leaned back against him as his arms came around me, his hands settling over mine on my stomach. “She also said I should stay active.”

“Active doesn’t mean standing for an hour. His lips brushed my temple. ‘I checked the security footage.”

“Of course you did.” But I was smiling Light months of marriage had taught me to pick my battles with Devon Kane’s protective streak. “I was just thinking about how different everything is now. A year ago, I was plotting revenge in a hotel hallway. Now I’m standing in our home, waiting for our son to be born, running my mother’s company

Devon turned me in his arms, his thumb catching a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. She would be proud of you. What you’ve done with Harper Group, how you’ve honored ben legacy-

A sharp pain cut through my abdomes.

I gasped, gripping Dewan’s arms as the contraction rolled through me. Not the Beaton Hicks I’d been experiencing for weeks–this was different. Stronger. More purposeful.

“Aria?” Devon’s voice sharpened with concern

I think–Another contraction, and suddenly warmth flooded down my legs. I looked down at the puddle spreading across our hardwood floor, then back up at my husband’s face. “My water past broke.”

For a man who’d faced down hostile takeovers and family betrayals without flinching, Devon went absolutely white.

The ride to New York–Presbyterian Hospital passed in a blur of contractions and Devon’s white–knuckled grip on my hand. Marcus drove with smooth efficiency while Devon kept up a steady stream of reassurance that I suspected was more for himself than for me.

“You’re doing great,” he said, pressing a cool cloth to my forehead. “We’re almost there.”

“Devon.” I squeezed his hand. “I’m not dying. I’m having a baby.”

“I know. I know that.” But his voice cracked slightly. Tve just never been this scared in my life.”

The vulnerability in those words made my chest ache. We’re going to be okay. Our baby is going to be okay.”

He nodded, bringing my hand to his lips. I love you.”

Sat, Jan 24 B

Chapter 412

“I love you too.”

100%

Six hours later, I understood why they called it labor.

Devon stayed with me the entire time, his expensive suit jacket long since discarded. He held my hand through every contraction, murmured encouragement when I wanted to give up, and didn’t flinch when I screamed obscenities that would have made Christopher Quinn blush.

I can see the head,” Doctor announced. “One more big push, Aria. You can do thi

‘I can’t. I was crying now, exhausted and overwhelmed. “I can’t-”

‘Yes, you can.” Devon’s voice was firm, his hand steady in mine. “You’re the strongest person I know. You survived everything they threw at you. You brought an empire to its knees. You can do this.”

I looked into those gray eyes–so certain, so full of love–and found strength I didn’t know I had left.

One final push, and suddenly the room filled with the sound I’d been waiting nine months to hear: my son’s first cry.

“It’s a boy!” Doctor held him up, this tiny, perfect creature covered in vernix and looking absolutely furious about being born.

Devon made a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. “He’s here. Aria, he’s really here.”

They placed him on my chest, and the world narrowed to this moment–this impossibly small human with Devon’s dark hair and my nose, his little fists waving in protest.

“Hey, baby,” I whispered, touching his tiny fingers. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

Devon leaned over us both, his hand gentle on our son’s back. “Welcome to the world, Alexander.”

The waiting room had turned into a Kane–Pierce–Quinn reunion.

When the nurse wheeled me out of recovery, baby Alexander bundled in my arms. I found Devon’s friends sprawled across every available surface. Christopher jumped up first, Noah right behind him, both looking uncharacteristically emotional.

But it was the woman in the corner, with sun–kissed skin and a familiar warm smile, who made me cry all over again.

*Sophia?”

She crossed the room in three strides, carefully hugging me and peering at the baby. “You didn’t think I’d miss being a godmother, did you? I caught a red- eye from Barcelona last night.”

‘You came back. I couldn’t stop staring at her, at the healthy glow that travel had given her. “You actually came back.”

“For you? Always.” She touched Alexander’s tiny hand. “Besides, someone needs to teach this little guy about art and adventure.”

Devon appeared beside us, and I realized with a start that Eleanor Kane was with him.

His mother approached slowly, her usual imperious expression softened as she looked at her grandson. “He has the Kane eyes,” she said quietly.

2/3

09:26 Sat, Jan 24 BAG

Chapter 412

‘Would

you

like to

hold

him?

The offer

came

out

before I could think

better of

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