Take Back My Heart (Come Back To Me)

by Aubree Valentine

  “I have my ways.” He smiled proudly. “Do you love it?”

  “It’s perfect,” she answered, before leaning up to brush his lips with her own in a kiss. “I can’t believe you did all of this.” She walked slowly around the room, taking it all in. “Is that Eliot’s crib?”

  “It is.”

  “Where’d you find it?”

  “It was tucked away in your attic when you moved out. Bryce found it when he was moving in. I refinished it and made sure it was safe.”

  Connor shook his head at the thought of Bryce buying a house, Lauren’s house on top of it. That was a subject for a different day, though it had worked out for everyone involved.

  “I love it so much. Connor, you never cease to amaze me.”

  “I love you, Princess.”

  Amy cleared her throat behind them, “How about showing off the new nursery to everyone else? The ladies are chomping at the bit to see the big surprise.”

  Lauren grinned and nodded excitedly before making herself comfortable in the rocker. “This is amazing, Connor.”

  He smiled at her. “I wanted to make you happy.”

  “I’m very happy right now, and a little tired,” she stifled a yawn, “but very happy. Thank you.”

  After the ladies ‘oohed and ahhed’ over the nursery and then left to return to the party downstairs, Connor urged Lauren to take a nap. He insisted that he and her friends could handle both the clean-up and watching the boys. She reluctantly agreed, but only because she felt like she couldn’t hold her eyes open a moment longer.

  While she slept, Amy, Kimberlee, and Daphne worked on cleaning up from the baby shower and the birthday party, and the guys continued to keep the kids from getting into trouble. Once everyone had filed out, only Amy’s brood remained. Earlier in the week, she offered to let her boys stay overnight so Eliot could still have his sleepover, and she volunteered to stay to help man the troops in case anything happened.

  When Lauren woke up from her nap, the house was quiet.

  The boys were outside playing in the backyard with some of Eliot’s new toys while Amy, Riley, and Connor were supervising from the deck, enjoying a few beers as the sun began to set. Connor smiled up at her and patted the spot next to him when she walked out the door.

  “Amy, thank you so much for today. It was a pleasant surprise,” Lauren grinned at her best friend.

  “I was happy to do it. I’ve only been planning it since you told me you were knocked up,” Amy chuckled.

  “You sure you’re up to staying here tonight? I think we’ll be fine with the boys, and you’re right across the street.”

  “No way, lady. I’m staying. Better safe than sorry. You can pay me back once my nephew is here and you’re ready to handle the boys solo again.”

  “Damn right, we’re holding you suckers to it,” Riley laughed until Amy nudged him in the gut. “What? I’m just saying. I think Aunt Lauren misses her little nephews and her favorite niece. Which, by the way, Connor, you better keep this one away from my little girl.” He pointed to Lauren’s stomach.

  “I think it’s your daughter we’ve gotta keep an eye out for,” Connor gave it right back.

  “Well, it might not be just one girl we’ll have to watch,” Amy smiled slyly.

  “Amy,” Lauren drug out her name, “something you want to tell us?”

  Her friend shrugged innocently. Riley grinned like a fool and pulled her against his chest. “You two aren’t the only ones who know how to make babies.”

  Connor nearly choked on his beer and started chuckling. “Fuck. Pretty sure we already knew you two had that covered. But congrats, man.” He bumped his fist against his friend’s.

  Lauren’s mouth was still open in shock. “Holy shit! You’re having another baby!”

  “I am, and this one is getting snipped before I deliver. This is it.” Amy snickered pointing at her husband.

  “Oh, my gosh! My best friend is having a baby!”

  “And now you sound like me,” Amy teased. “It’s still early. You’re the only two we’ve told, but the little monster will be here after Thanksgiving.”

  “Holy shit,” Lauren repeated. “We’re going to be raising babies together again!”

  Three Months Later… April

  Connor felt Lauren nudge him in the arm and heard her whimper of pain. He immediately shot up in bed and focused on her.

  “What is it, baby?”

  “It’s time. Oh my God, this hurts!” she groaned with her arms wrapped around her belly.

  He jumped up, throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, and then helped her from the bed, tossing her robe over her.

  “Christ, Connor. Let me get dressed please,” she said before she doubled over in pain. “Oh God, never mind. Just let’s go,” she hissed as the next contraction passed.

  He had gotten Lauren to the bottom of the steps when Amy came barreling through the front door.

  “I’ve got Eliot. Go,” she whispered as they made their way to the garage, watching as Connor helped Lauren into his car. “Keep me updated. Good luck.” She hugged Lauren, then Connor, before creeping back in the house.

  They were halfway to the hospital and Connor mentally timed the contractions while he drove. In between one, he calmly looked over at Lauren. “Princess, wanna tell me how Amy got there so quick? How long have you been in labor?”

  Lauren screeched, taking a few deep breaths before answering him, her voice strained as she panted, “Midnight. My contractions started and my water broke.” She took another deep breath. “Called Amy…then woke you.”

  “Christ, you stubborn, stubborn woman,” he chided as he pulled up to valet parking. Climbing from the car, he rushed to Lauren’s side, helped her out of the car, and into an empty wheelchair one of the valets brought over.

  Stopping at the front desk, Connor announced his wife was in labor.

  Security directed him to the correct elevator bank. “Just press the up button, it’ll take you directly to the right floor. A nurse will meet you there.”

  Arriving at Labor and Delivery, a nurse took Lauren directly into a room and began hooking her up to the fetal monitors and measuring her contractions. Her doctor came floating in shortly after.

  The doctor studied at the monitors and ordered a nurse to get oxygen on Lauren right away. “Let’s see how far you’re dilated here,” Doctor Leon spoke as he pulled on a gown and gloves. “You’ll feel a little pressure.” Wiggling his hand around, he remained silent for a brief moment before he said, “Lauren, your contractions are pretty close together, but you’re only about halfway dilated. I don’t like what the baby’s heart rate is doing, so I think it’s best if we prep you for a C-section.”

  Lauren let out a sob. Fear coursed through her as she worried about their unborn child. She silently prayed they had not made it this far only to lose him. Connor squeezed her hand, reminding her that he was there. His own fear was clearly evident on his face.

  “Clear an OR. I want her in there STAT,” Doctor Lean ordered the nursing staff. Turning back to Lauren, he placed a hand on her knee and tried to reassure her. “Lauren, listen to me. We’re going to try to do this by giving you a spinal block, but if at any time I feel like you or the baby is at risk, I will put you under. Okay? Connor can meet you back there after they get you prepped, and he can stay with you as long as you’re awake. In the event we have to put you under general anesthesia, he’ll have to leave.” Lauren nodded in understanding, and then the doctor continued, “The nurse is going to give you some paperwork to sign. It’s your consent to do the C-section. Once that’s signed, we’ll get you back to the OR.”

  Things moved quickly after that. Nurses buzzed in and out. Doctor Leon went to scrub up while someone handed Connor his own OR apparel. A team came in to take Lauren to the OR, pausing only long enough for Connor to quickly kiss her forehead.

  “I love you, Princess. I’ll see you in there,” he assured her.

  A scrub tech escorte
d him to a small waiting area, complete with a small sink and antiseptic soap. “You’ll want to scrub your hands really well, and make sure you use the brush to get under your finger nails. Scrub your whole arms, beyond the elbows. When you’ve finished, dry off with the paper towels, and then don’t touch anything. Someone will be out for you shortly.”

  Connor scrubbed until his arms felt raw, and then he waited. It seemed like hours ticked by before they finally came to get him. He prayed everything would be okay, begging God to keep his baby and his wife safe.

  When the nurse finally called for him to come into the OR, they had Lauren draped and prepped as he took his seat beside her head, holding her hand. Doctor Leon explained everything that was going on as he worked to deliver their baby.

  Lauren stifled a moan and squeezed Connor’s hand as she felt pressure from the doctor tugging inside her womb. It felt like a herd of elephants was sitting on her chest from the anxiety coursing through her while they waited as the doctors and nurses worked.

  A loud cry filled the room a couple of minutes later.

  “It’s a boy,” Doctor Leon announced.

  Lauren urged Connor away, begging for him to go and check on their baby.

  The doctor was stitching her up when Connor walked back over, holding his boy in his arms, nurses flanking him on both sides. “He’s amazing, Princess.” His voice was full of emotion as he leaned down so she could get a better look at their son.

  “Welcome to the world, Maxwell Connor,” she whispered.

  “All right, Lauren, the hard part is over. We’re going to get you to recovery and take the baby to the nursery for his first checkup.”

  Panic hit Lauren instantly. “Why are you taking my baby?”

  “It’s okay, Lauren,” her doctor reassured her. “Standard protocol. They’ll check him out while we get you settled. You’ll be reunited before you know it.”

  “C-c-can Connor go with them?” she pleaded.

  “He sure can, sugar,” the neonatal nurse answered. “Come with us, Daddy. Give Mommy there a kiss and tell her you’ll see her soon.”

  Lauren had been in the recovery room for over an hour and was about to ask for an update when she heard the door to her hospital room open. Connor came walking in beside the little bassinet a nurse was pushing. As soon as they got to the bedside, he reached down and picked up their little bundle of joy, bringing him to his mother’s side.

  “They said he’s probably hungry, babe, so they wanted me to bring him to you.”

  She cried happy tears as she held their baby boy for the first time. Glancing down at him for a moment, a smile lit her face before moving her eyes upwards to stare at her husband. “He resembles you.”

  “He’s perfect, babe.” Connor grinned and slowly sat down beside her on the bed, watching in amazement as his son latched onto his mother’s breast to eat. “I can’t believe he’s finally here.”

  Lauren and Connor took some time to enjoy Maxwell, allowing her to settle into her actual room, before Connor stepped out and made the calls to everyone letting them know the newest Matheson had made his grand entrance.

  Lauren’s parents were the first to arrive with Eliot a short while later. Their pre-planned flight happened to land while Lauren was delivering their newest grandson. They were expecting to arrive at Lauren’s house and spend the last few days of her pregnancy with her before helping her out once Maxwell made his debut, but things had a way of changing. Connor’s phone call announcing the baby’s arrival was an exciting surprise for them.

  Connor talked to Amy too, who promised she would come visit later on, after Lauren had a chance to rest and bond with her new little one.

  Lying in her hospital bed, she heard Eliot’s soft voice and the patter of his feet as he got closer to her room.

  “Hey, big brother. Someone has been waiting to meet you.” Lauren smiled brightly as Eliot entered the room. Her oldest son moved into her open arms, hugging her gently, before asking if he could sit on the bed next to her. “Hop up, just be careful.”

  Her parents filed in behind Connor a few seconds later. “Check out who I found wondering around,” he joked.

  “Hi Mom and Dad.” She gave them a wave before helping Eliot hold his sibling for the first time. With her own hands helping her oldest child, she spoke softly, “This is your little brother, Max.”

  “He’s so little, Mommy.”

  The minute Max was in Eliot’s arms, he opened his eyes and stared up at his big brother. Then proceeded to let out a loud sound followed by a terrible smell.

  Eliot’s eyes went wide as everyone else got quiet. He turned to Connor and laughed, “I think we’re going to have our work cut out for us with this stinker, Papa.”

  Connor’s face lit up in amusement. “You’re right. If he’s anything like his big brother though, he’ll be fine.”

  “That’s so gross, but so funny. He’s already picking on me, Mommy.” Eliot laughed some more.

  “What do you think, Papa? Should big brother get to change this diaper?” Lauren snickered.

  “No. No, Mommy. It’s okay really. I, uh, I need to, um, stretch my legs,” he said as he started to squirm. As soon as Lauren took Max back, he jumped from the bed.

  Connor took the baby from Lauren and started changing his diaper. Eliot kept shaking his head as Connor cleaned up his baby brother. “Mom, is he really supposed to smell that bad? Please tell me that he won’t always be like that.”

  Everyone in the room laughed when Connor teased him, “No, I think he just saved that one for you.”

  Eliot mumbled under his breath, “I hope I never have to share a room with him.”

  As soon as Connor had Max’s diaper changed and his onesie snapped, Lauren’s mom piped up, “Can I hold Max?” She bounced expectantly.

  Connor finished swaddling him, and as soon as he picked him up from the bassinet, his mother-in-law grabbed the baby.

  Eliot had moved off to the corner of the room, away from everyone and fell silent. Connor could see his shoulders tremble ever so slightly. He gave Eliot a minute, gesturing to Lauren to watch but stay quiet. With a simple nod in understanding, she continued talking to her parents as Connor made his way over to Eliot. “Hey, bud.” He put his hands on his stepson’s shoulders and caught their reflection in the glass of the window. “You okay?”

  “I’m sorry…I just miss my daddy. I mean, I’m really happy about Max, but I miss Daddy,” the little boy’s voice trailed off.

  “Hey buddy, listen, you don’t ever have to apologize about missing your dad. Ever.”

  “You aren’t mad at me?”

  “No way. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you, but I’ll never be mad at you for having any of those feelings, and I’ll help you through them if I can. That’s my job.”

  “I don’t want to tell, Mommy. I don’t want her to be upset,” Eliot whispered.

  “She won’t be, but that’s your choice. Don’t ever feel like you have to hide your feelings though. We love you. Even with the new baby, we still love you as much as we ever did. You’ve had a lot changes happen in a short time. I think all those feelings are completely understandable.”

  Eliot nodded, swiping at his eyes. Taking a deep breath, they both returned to join the others as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

  Once Eliot and Lauren’s parents left, she questioned Connor about what happened. He explained that Eliot was feeling a little overwhelmed and made her promise not to mention it to him.

  “I’m going to probably regret asking this, but do you miss him at all? I guess I’m wondering if you saw yourself doing this again with Kyle,” Connor inquired. He felt guilty for questioning her, but the thought weighed heavy on his mind.

  “Do I miss him?” she sighed. Not really the conversation she wanted to have, especially today of all days, however, she couldn’t hold it against her husband for asking. “I guess I do…for Eliot, because before all the craziness, Kyle was his dad. You know? Sure, when I
married Kyle, I imagined getting my happily ever after, but I quickly learned that Kyle wasn’t meant to be my forever. Connor, you are who I’m supposed to be with. I’ve never been more in love.”

  Connor reached for her hand and leaned toward her. “Good, because I’m very much in love with you.” With that said, he kissed her. “I’ve never ever been happier than I am today.”

  Lauren beamed. “Me too. I can’t wait to see what else life has in store for us.”

  “I’m thinking it probably involves a handful of kids,” he chuckled.

  “Ha! You wish. Let’s get this guy in school and then we’ll talk,” she said as Max began to stir against her.

  “My parents are on their way.” Connor laid his cell phone down on the bedside table. “I’m going to go grab a quick bite to eat at the cafe. I should be back before they get here. Do you need anything before I go?”

  “We should be fine until you get back. Bring me something tasty back. This hospital food sucks.” Lauren moved Maxwell to her shoulder and patted his tiny back.

  “Will do.” He kissed her forehead and pressed his lips to the top of Max’s head.

  Connor’s parents, Bill and Rachel, arrived before he managed to return. Bill was excited to fuss over his grandson; however, Rachel spent more time glaring at Lauren, disdain evident in her expression.

  Regardless of the awkwardness, Lauren was relieved for the company. She needed someone to watch over Maxwell for a few minutes so she could use the bathroom. Waiting for Connor to come back was no longer an option, and she didn’t want to call a nurse.

  She tried not to cry out as she relieved herself. As a nurse, she knew removing the catheter might make things a little tender down there, but she hadn’t expected this. Why hadn’t anyone warned her?

  It had taken her longer than anticipated, and she was just about to exit the bathroom when she overheard Connor’s mom talking. “Billy, I still don’t like this. I mean it’s obvious that this girl got herself knocked up to tie herself to Connor and force him to move back here. For heaven’s sake, she even convinced our boy to elope,” she huffed. “Eliza is still devastated that Connor up and left her when your mother died. I told you when we moved away that I didn’t trust Lauren. It would have been great if she’d lost this baby. Then maybe we could have our son back.”