A PERFECT STORM A LOVE STORY

Epilogue

STEVIE POV

As I prepared myself for yet another contraction, I took a moment to take a few deep breaths, hoping it would provide some relief, but unfortunately, nothing I tried seemed to make any difference. With every strike that lands, Dominic's grip on my hand tightens, and he leans close to me, whispering urgently in my ear. "Push." I slumped back into his arms, catching a breath before another wave caused me to scream and push.

The pain was excruciating, but I knew I had to gather every ounce of strength within me. As the contractions intensified, I focused on the encouraging words Dominic whispered, reminding myself that each push brought me closer to meeting our baby.

With determination, I mustered all my energy and pushed with all my might, hoping that this would be the final push towards bringing our little one into the world.

My chin rests on my chest as I push, my face screwed up, sweat forms, Dominic encourages, and then, one last push, we hear a baby cry.

I glanced between my legs at our baby. "Congratulations; it's a boy." The midwife tells us. Dominic feathered kisses all over my face with a huge smile. "I love you, Stevie." I rested my cheek against his, and our baby was handed to us.

As we held our precious baby in our arms, a wave of overwhelming joy and relief washed over us. The long and arduous journey had finally come to an end, and we were filled with an indescribable sense of gratitude and love for each other. In that moment, as a family, we knew that our lives would never be the same.

I gazed down at him with a huge smile, observing this tiny being frowning. "He's perfect, Dominic." My tears spill. "Stevie, he's more than perfect." I watched Dominic glow with love towards his son. What a beautiful smile Dominic shows.

After I'm cleaned up and our bundle of joy is weighed, the midwife places him in Dominic's arms. "Hey little guy." Dominic's voice is low, sweet, and gushing with love. "You gave your mother a tough time." He adds.

I rested my head, tired from being in labour for twenty hours. I closed my eyes, and sleep consumed me. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and contentment.

Our journey to parenthood had been challenging, but in that moment, all the pain and exhaustion faded away. I knew that we were embarking on a new chapter filled with endless love and joy.

I was woken by the echo of a baby crying, and when I rose to get my son, Dominic was there, ready to feed him. "Stevie, go back to sleep. Get your rest, baby. I'll take care of the little guy." I curled into the quilt, watching how Dominic cradled his son. "Dominic, we can't keep calling him a little man." Dominic glances at me, then back at his son. "Any suggestions?" Shake my head. "I think we should choose a name that reflects his strength and resilience," I suggested, still mesmerised by the sight of Dominic bonding with our son.

Dominic nodded thoughtfully, his eyes filled with love and determination. "Let's find a name that embodies all the love and joy he has brought into our lives," he said, gently rocking our baby in his arms.

I closed my eyes, and sleep took over once again.

***

It's afternoon, and Dominic's parents came to visit and meet their grandson. They even gushed over him. "We don't have a name for our son." Dominic informs his parents. They laughed. "Son, it takes time to find the right name." Dominic's dad said. "Tanner," I said, and Dominic smiled. "Tanner Davenport is perfect." Dominic kisses me.

As we shared the name with Dominic's parents, their eyes filled with joy and approval. They embraced us, expressing their excitement for little Tanner Davenport and the bright future that awaited him.

Our son finally has a name, and Dominic is glowing with love towards his son; it was practically pouring from him. We couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with happiness as we watched Dominic's parents shower little Tanner with love and affection. It was a beautiful moment to know that our son had brought so much joy to our family.

I couldn't help but smile as Dominic bonded with his son and saw how our family was taking shape. As the afternoon turned into the evening, we all sat around the living room, basking in the joy of our new family. Dominic's parents showered Tanner with love and affection, marvelling at every little coo and smile he made. It was a beautiful moment to see our son bring so much happiness to everyone around him.

This was the family I always wanted, and I smiled with a thought when Dominic asked if I had any dreams. My answer was no, because I thought my life was going to be lonely. But now I have Dominic and our son, which opened my heart to endless possibilities and endless dreams that I want to share with Dominic. My dream is that I hope this will never end and that our love grows stronger each day.

I might have been that awkward girl who accidentally entered the wrong room where my eyes met Dominic's and my insides fluttered like butterflies. But it was Dominic who showed me love and told me it was love at first sight for him. I love every inch of him, and now we get to share that love with our son.

*****

Thank you all for reading.

Several questions remain unresolved because I am considering writing an additional story or adding bonus chapters. These include the kidnappers, Stevie's parents, Mylean, and the possibility of a flashback to explore Dominic's life further. I felt that Dominic was too reserved when it came to discussing his past.

All feedback is very much appreciated.