Chapter Eighty-Two
By September, Stella knew her baby was coming. She sat by the lake, soaking in the peaceful view as the cool evening breeze brushed her face. Suddenly, a sharp pain gripped her, and she clutched her belly.
Peter, in the middle of a video call with board members, noticed her distress through the window. Without a word, he ended the call and rushed to her side. 'It's time, isn't it?' he asked, his voice calm, though his hands trembled as he lifted her into his arms and led her into a sleek black Volvo XC90 Recharge. Its quiet, smooth electric mode provided a serene ride as he drove to the hospital.
The car glided swiftly through the quiet streets, its powerful engine humming as Peter maintained a steady but safe pace. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his focus unwavering despite the panic bubbling beneath his calm exterior. Stella, wincing through another contraction, found some comfort in the smooth, stable ride of the Volvo XC90 Recharge. 'You're going to be okay,' Peter reassured her, his voice steady even as his foot pressed firmly on the accelerator, balancing speed with care.
At Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, one of the finest medical facilities in Switzerland, nurses ushered Stella into the delivery room, where the low hum of machines and soft voices of the nurses filled the space. Stella lay on the bed, her face damp with sweat, her breaths coming in short, quick gasps. Beside her, Peter held her hand tightly, his eyes never leaving her face. He whispered comforting words, trying to ease her nerves as the contractions came in waves.
Stella had requested that Peter be allowed to stay with her during delivery, believing his presence would give her strength. Initially, Dr. Hanna Meyer had been hesitant to approve the request, as it wasn't standard practice. However, upon seeing how much comfort Peter's presence brought to Stella, she reluctantly agreed to let him stay.
'You're doing great, Stella,' Peter said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. 'I'm here, my love,' he whispered, gently wiping away her tears. 'You and our baby will be fine.'
Stella squeezed his hand. 'I can't wait to meet her,' she whispered, her voice trembling with both excitement and exhaustion.
Dr. Hanna Meyer checked on her progress, offering a warm smile. 'You're almost there, Stella. Just one more push, and you'll have your baby in your arms.'
The room seemed to still for a moment as everyone focused on Stella. The clock on the wall ticked away the seconds. Peter kept his gaze fixed on Stella, encouraging her with each breath. Her grip tightened on his hand as the next contraction began.
'Here we go,' Dr. Meyer said, her voice calm but focused. 'When you're ready, take a deep breath and push.'
Stella nodded, gathering every ounce of strength she had. As the contraction peaked, she pushed with all her might. Peter leaned down, kissing her forehead and whispering, 'You're amazing, Stella. You're the strongest woman I've ever met. I'm sure our daughter will be very proud of you.'
A few more pushes, and the room was filled with the sound of a baby's cry. Dr. Meyer gently lifted the tiny newborn and handed her to a nurse, who carefully wiped the baby clean with a warm cloth, checked her breathing, and wrapped her in a soft, pink blanket.
'She's perfect,' Dr. Meyer said with a smile. The nurse then placed the baby on a highly accurate neonatal scale. 'Let's see... 3.2 kilograms. A healthy baby girl.'
The nurse then lifted the baby from the scale and carried her over to Stella, who was waiting with open arms. 'Congratulations,' the nurse said warmly, her smile radiating the joy in the room.
Stella's eyes filled with tears as she held their daughter for the first time. The baby was so small, so perfect—an indescribable gift. In that moment, Stella felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude and love.
Peter leaned in, brushing his fingers gently over her tiny hand. 'She's beautiful,' he whispered, his voice thick with pride and love.
'We've got an angel,' Stella said, her voice full of love as she gazed at the tiny face. 'Let's call her Angel.'
Peter smiled, nodding. 'Angel it is,' he agreed. The name seemed perfect for the little miracle they had just welcomed into their world.
The moment felt timeless—everything else faded away as they held their daughter. The joy and wonder of the moment surrounded them, making everything in that room feel right.
As the hours passed, Stella rested, holding Angel close. Peter stayed beside her, his hand never leaving hers. The joy of becoming parents filled their hearts, and they couldn't wait to introduce their precious daughter to the world.