n

n

nAsher made a show of being hurt.

n

"So mean! You never change, Shade! Let's hope your son doesn't get that attitude of yours!

" he bolted out, pretending to be offended.

nAdrian rolled his eyes before letting him go. He could hear Cassidy laughing faintly from behind him.

n

"Where is he, anyway? I wanna see my nephew!

" Asher demanded while looking around.

n

"Your nephew?

" Adrian muttered, raising a brow.

nHe was supposed to be an adult, and yet, he was acting as immature as ever. Seeing him cheerfully bounce around like a toddler makes him wonder how exactly he even makes it through life.

nLetting out a sigh, Adrian looked at the door again and found Irish coming in with a bunch of balloons and a bouquet of flowers.

n

"You guys… Why don't you understand that only one visitor is allowed right now-

"

n

"Congratulations, dearest brother and sister!

" she told both of them sweetly, cutting him off, and went to place her gifts on the table at the lounge set in front of the hospital bed.

nShe then walked over to give Cassidy an embrace, which she happily accepted. Over the months, Irish really worked hard to earn her trust and get this close to her – and she succeeded.

n

"Oh, how delightful! You're finally parents! This must be very exciting for you two! I'm glad everything went okay!

"

nGiving in, Adrian eventually decided to just let them be for a little while longer. It wasn't long before Irish dragged Asher out of there, though. She told Cassidy to rest for now and that they would visit her later when she fully recuperated.

nHe felt a bit relieved the moment he was left alone with his wife again.

nShe was clearly tired, and she really did need some sleep. He was about to sit back down next to her when the door opened up again. Taken aback, he turned around and found a nurse with a small baby in a hospital crib.

nShe carefully rolled it inside, slowly positioning it at the right side of the room. Even though she was not saying anything yet, they already both knew what she was doing.

nAdrian turned to look at Cassidy then.

nHe could see her face radiating with happiness. The moment had finally come, it seemed. They were finally going to meet their first child properly.

nAdrian had briefly carried him earlier. It was after Cassidy had given birth to him.

nBut he had been so busy crying with joy that he was not able to enjoy the moment thoroughly. His excitement had overpowered him and locked his mind away.

nStill, it's okay. They'll just have to do it together.

nSoon, the nurse lifted their baby from the crib before making her way to Cassidy. With a smile on her face, she gently placed their child in her arms. Once that was done, the nurse stepped back and introduced the infant as theirs. Adrian could not help but smile, feeling like tearing up all over again.

nHe watched his wife enjoy their baby in her arms. She was looking at him with awe and wonder while pressing his small strands of hair with her fingers. He could see that she wanted to tear up at that moment too. She caressed his cheeks gently before she fixed the blanket that was wrapped over his tiny little body.

n

"Oh, my baby. You're so adorable,

" she whimpered weakly, looking pretty overwhelmed.

nThat whole time, Adrian stood a bit far back. He was suddenly not sure how to approach Cassidy.

nAt that moment, she just looked so beautiful with their child. The scene will forever be engraved in his heart and mind.

nTaking in a deep breath, Adrian finally took a couple of steps forward. Their baby is fast asleep, but every now and then, he can see him moving around. Once he was right beside the two of them, he reached his hand out to Cassidy and placed it over her shoulder.

nHe can't believe it. He's finally a dad. He's the father of a beautiful and healthy boy.

nThey are a family at last.

n

"Why don't you try carrying him, dear?

" she asked as she looked up at him.

nFor the first few seconds, Adrian hesitated. But when he took another look at the small sleeping bundle of joy in Cassidy's arms, he just could not refuse.

nWith that, he slowly nodded before he carefully took their son from her.

n

"He's so lovely, ain't he? I have a feeling he's going to look like you. I can already see that he has your hair color,

" Cassidy commented while Adrian could only stay quiet.

nHe could not say anything since his everything at that moment was too focused on their child. He felt like he's seeing an angel right then. He remembered when he had carried their nephews when they were still this little.

nHowever, the feeling was nowhere the same. It's overwhelming.

nRight now, he badly wants to scream out to the whole world that he is finally a parent. He hopes that his own father is proudly looking down at him from heaven.

nWith those in mind, he slowly began to rock the baby in his arms, feeling his eyes start to swell with tears again. He was being far too emotional today, but he was willing to make an exception.

n

"Hey there, little guy,

" Adrian greeted quietly.

nHis son began to stir around a little. He stroked his cheek with his finger, and even though it was brief, he caught him open his eyes at his touch.

n

"Welcome to the world. I'm your Daddy, and I promise I'll always take care of you. I may not be perfect, but I'll always do my best for you and your Mommy.

"

n

"Wanna name him after you?

"

nCassidy chimed the question from behind him. Adrian turned to find her on the verge of falling asleep.

nShe kept forcing her eyes to stay open, her breaths getting longer. He couldn't really blame her, though. She had just brought a living human to the world, and from what he had witnessed, it definitely had not been easy. It was painful enough to watch her go into labor. If only he could, he would take her place.

n

"Do you want to name our first son Adrian Jr.? I think it will fit him perfectly,

" Cassidy added.

n

"I don't think so,

" Adrian softly said.

nHe looked down at his son one more time. The sight that greeted him then has made his heart melt. He was trying to pull out one of his hands, but the blanket was wrapped around him tightly. Smiling, he leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

n

"We should find a name that's more similar to yours.

"

n

"Hmm? Why?

"

nAdrian turned to her again. By that point, Cassidy already succumbed to slumber.

n

"Because he's got your eyes.

"

n