The world outside was a cacophony of wind and rain, but inside the cramped cabin of the SUV, the universe had narrowed to a single point of focus.
“One more, Victoria,” Dr. Julian Sterling commanded, his voice steady despite the fact that he was kneeling in mud, leaning over the backseat. “I can see the head. One more push.”
Victoria screamed, a raw, primal sound that tore through the thunder. She gripped William’s hand so hard her nails dug into his skin, but he didn’t flinch. He was crouched on the floorboard beside her, his expensive suit soaked in blood and rain, his face inches from hers.
“Look at me,” William urged, his eyes locking onto hers. “You are the strongest thing I have ever known. Bring him to me.”
Victoria sobbed, her body seizing with the final, crushing contraction. She gave everything she had left, pushing past the exhaustion, past the fear of the storm, past the memories of the gaslighting.
And then, silence.
For a terrifying second, there was only the sound of the rain drumming on the roof.
Then, a cry.
It was a thin, wavering wail that grew stronger with every breath. Julian worked quickly, clearing the airway with steady hands before passing the small, slick bundle to William.
“It’s a boy,” Julian breathed, slumping back against the door frame, exhausted.
William took his son. He held the tiny, squirming weight against his chest, shielding him from the cold air. The baby was red-faced and furious, his little fists clenched tight.
William looked down at the child, then at Victoria, who was watching them with heavy, tear-filled eyes. The “Protector” broke. Tears streamed down William’s face, mixing with the rain.
“I have you,” William whispered, kissing Victoria’s forehead and then the baby’s head. “I have both of you.”