Read All of Me for Free Online Page B

as another contraction hit.
    “Carter boys always come early. They’re eager to make their mark in the world.”
    Grant was surprised by the soft tone of his father’s voice. He could see the older man’s profile as he waited for his cell phone to connect to the next person he was calling. Grant was a little amazed that his father was acknowledging his paternity after he had been so adamant about testing. His father glanced over at Charlie. When Robert shifted his gaze to Grant, he felt a connection to his father he’d never known before. They’d shared so many ups and downs together, both personally and professionally, but this… God, this was something neither of them could have expected. He had no words, and it seemed his father hadn’t any either, because he turned quickly back in his seat and talked into his cell phone.
    “Just keep breathing, baby, we’ll be there soon. You’re doing such a great job,” Grant whispered to Charlie.
    “I didn’t know it was going to hurt this much.”
    Grant was working on instinct and adrenaline, so when he gathered Charlie closer to him and began to whisper terms of endearment and encouragement, it seemed natural. He might not have been there in the early part of the pregnancy, but he was here now, and he wanted to prove to her that he was worthy to be a true father to their child. If he was honest with himself, his anger earlier had been fueled by the idea she felt he wasn’t worthy. The agreement her attorney presented made him feel like she thought he was just some guy hoping for an easy out. Yes, he’d contacted her through his lawyers, but it was only to ensure he had a legal right to his child. He would never abandon what was his. Rocking her gently, he realized he needed her to know this was all going to be worth it in the end.
    “You’re doing so great, baby. You are so brave and strong,” Grant said softly, stroking Charlie’s head.
    “How much farther do we have?”
    “Not much. Just keep breathing and squeeze my hand when you feel the pain. Don’t worry about hurting me.”
    “Oh, God, Grant. I don’t think I’m going to make it.”
    “Sure you are, baby. See, we’re pulling up to the hospital right now. You don’t have that much more to go.”
    As if on cue, the car pulled to the curb, and hospital staff began to bustle them into the hospital. It was only when they were inside and going through the motions of preparing Charlie for delivery that Grant had a moment of realization that it was really happening. He was going to be a father.
    “Grant, where are you?”
    Grant felt his heart clench when Charlie called out for him. With the help of hospital staff, he got ready for the delivery and quickly went to Charlie’s side. With her face covered in sweat and her green eyes shining, he didn’t have the words to express how he felt. Leaning down, he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
    “Thank you,” Grant whispered.
    He watched as she assessed him. Gazed into his eyes for the meaning of his “thank you,” which he was finding hard to put into words. She didn’t know him, and she didn’t have to do this, but now that it was done he was thankful for it.
    Her breathing was labored as the doctor told her what to do, and he could tell the pain was more than unbearable. If he could, he would have taken it all for her. He wanted her to know that. He needed her to know that he was the right man for her to have given this gift of life to, and though he couldn’t find the words, he tried to express the emotion with his eyes.
    Grant held his breath as she closed hers briefly as another contraction racked her body. When she opened them again, for the briefest of moments there was no noise, no hospital room, and no memory of hurt words spoken in anger. In that moment there was just the two of them. It was surreal and yet felt right. She smiled weakly as she lifted her hand to gently stroke his cheek.
    “You’re welcome,” she whispered back.
    And then