When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 392

The contraction began to ease. Cassienne reached one hand toward him. The nurses moved his bed closer.

Dreston lifted his hand slowly, his fingers touched hers. The contact was enough to make both of them cry harder.

Cassienne squeezed his hand. “You frightened me.”

“I know.”

“I thought I lost you.”

“I am sorry to worry you that much. But I am here now.”

“You took a bullet.”

Cassienne tightened her hold on his hand.

He winced.

She noticed immediately. “Did I hurt you?”

“No.”

“You made a face.”

“I’m fine.”

Ray stood near the door. “He is lying.”

Dreston looked at him. “No one asked you.”

Cassienne turned toward Ray. “Why did you bring him here if he is in pain?”

Dreston stared at her. “You asked for me.”

“I did, but not if it would kill you.”

“It will not.”

The obstetrician stepped closer. “Both of you need to remain calm.”

Cassienne looked at her. “How am I supposed to remain calm?”

The doctor smiled. “Then at least try to breathe.”

Another contraction started. Cassienne cried out and pulled Dreston’s hand toward her.

His eyes widened as her fingers tightened. “Dove.”

“Don’t call me that now.”

“I was only trying to help.”

“Then help quietly.”

Dreston looked at Ray. He tried not to laugh.

Cassienne breathed through the pain while Dreston kept his hand in hers. And when the contraction passed, she fell back against the pillow.

Dreston looked at her with fear. “Is this normal?”

The doctor nodded. “Yes.”

“It does not look normal to me.”

Cassienne opened her eyes. “You wanted to be here.”

“I did.”

“Then stop questioning everyone.”

“I only want to make sure you are safe.”

“I am trying to have your baby. Our baby.”

Dreston stared at her.

Cassienne pointed at him weakly. “You already took a bullet. Don’t start trying to be romantic now.”

A laugh escaped one of the nurses.

Ray covered his mouth.

Even the obstetrician smiled.

Dreston looked offended. “I was not being romantic.”

“You were about to.”

“I was going to say I would take this pain too if I could.”

Cassienne stared at him. “That is romantic.”

Dreston was quiet for a moment. “Then I will not say it.”

“Good.”

Another contraction came. This time, Cassienne gripped his hand before the pain became too strong. Dreston watched helplessly as she cried out.

He wanted to take the pain from her. He wanted to get off the bed and hold her properly, but he could barely move.

All he could do was stay beside her and keep his hand in hers. “You can do this,” he whispered.

Cassienne shook her head. “I’m tired. I can’t.”

“Yes, you can, because I know you.”

She opened her eyes and looked at him.

Dreston’s voice became softer. “You are the strongest person I know.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks. “I don’t feel strong right now.”

“You don’t have to feel it.” He squeezed her hand as much as his weak body allowed. “You only have to keep going.”

The doctor checked her progress again.

“Good. Very good.”

Cassienne looked at her. “What does that mean?”

“It means the baby is coming faster now.”

“Yes, you can,” the doctor said.

“No.”

Dreston’s own heart was racing. He could see the fear and exhaustion on her face.

He wanted to help, but he did not know how. “Cassienne.”

She looked at him through tears.

“Look at me.”

“I hate you.”

Dreston blinked.

Ray turned away to hide his laughter.

Cassienne cried out again. “You did this to me, you idiot.”

Dreston looked helpless. “I’m sorry.”

The doctor spoke firmly.

“One more strong push.”

Cassienne shook her head. “No more.”

“Dove,” Dreston whispered.

She glared at him.

He corrected himself quickly. “Cassienne. You are almost there.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because the doctor said so.”

“Then let the doctor push.”

The nurse beside her laughed softly.

Cassienne looked at her. “Don’t laugh.”

“I’m sorry.”

Dreston stroked Cassienne’s hand with his thumb. “Just one more.”

She looked at him. His face was pale with pain, but he was smiling at her. He had fought his way into the room just to be beside her.

Cassienne closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she pushed again, and more.

The room was filled with movements, as the doctor gave instructions.

Cassienne cried out, while Dreston held her hand. Then suddenly, the pain changed, a new sound filled the room.

A baby’s cry.

Everything stopped.