"Oh!" I sucked in a breath, trying to keep from crying out even more than I had. I fell back against the pillows, crying out in relief as the pressure lessened. I was more exhausted than I'd ever been before in my life. "Oh God, oh God, oh God."
"You're doing great, honey." I almost flinched at the touch of Jaden's hand as he brushed some sweat-drenched hairs from my face. "You're doing perfect."
"I hate you so much right now." I whimpered. He paused, raising an eyebrow at that but not objecting. "No I don't, but I really hate this."
"I know, I know." He promised me. "But it'll be over soon, and it'll so be worth it."
"I know. I-" I cut off as another hard contraction rocked through my body. "Ah-ah!" I closed my eyes, trying to fight through the pain as I forced myself to push once again. The pressure was killing me, but I could feel Jaden's hand in mine, his grip tightening as my screams grew louder.
When the contraction finally ended, I felt myself sink into the pillows. "I can't do this. Fighting Roddiseus and Bridget was easier. Fighting Krane was easier." I muttered.
"You've got this." Jaden told me gently, kissing me on the forehead.
"Alright, you're almost there." The doctor told us. "One more big push should do it."
I nodded breathlessly, out of words. Jaden smiled down at me, squeezing my hand tightly as the contraction started. I pushed harder than before, giving everything I had into making this end. The pain increased for a moment that last far too long, and then suddenly, I felt the pressure lessen tenfold.
I relaxed, absolutely drained in every possible way. I felt like passing out, to be honest, the only thing keeping me from dropping being a single, wonderful sound – crying. "Are they okay? What is it?" I demanded urgently, trying to get a look at my baby. I heard Jaden chuckle, his hand still in mine.
"He's okay, he's perfect." He promised me, taking the baby, now wrapped in a soft, white blanket, from the doctor. He bent down low, carefully placing our child in my arms, keeping so close that his head brushed up against mine as we looked into the crying face of our newborn son.
"He's beautiful." I whispered, absolutely awestruck. Jaden glanced at me, happier than I'd ever seen him before, before looking back at our boy.
"Noah." He murmured softly, his voice rough and shaking, as he placed one hand on the back of our son's head. I smiled, finding it difficult to contain my excitement.
"Hello Noah." I kissed his forehead as I held Jaden's hand, and it was like everything else in the room just melted away, leaving just the three of us.
