My Mentor's Secret Baby - His Secret Baby

“Alex, would you care to elaborate on the dedication in your latest book?” the woman in the crowd asked me.

“Yes, I would be happy to,” I replied. I looked over at Gibson as I started to explain. “For those who don’t know, I dedicated my latest book to my best friend Gibson, who is here with us today.” I paused so Gibson could give the crowd a little wave, then continued my explanation. “The reason I dedicated my most recent book to Gibson is that he has always been a friend that I can rely on for advice. He has helped me through many situations since high school. I’m very grateful for his constant wisdom, support, and friendship.” As I finished speaking, there was light applause from the crowd. Gibson looked a bit embarrassed. Hazel gave us both an affectionate smile.

The next question was for Hazel. The rest of the day continued like that as we alternated between questions about our books and our trilogy. We read selected samples from each book and ended the evening with a book signing and a few photo ops.

After the day was over, Gibson treated us to dinner. We talked about how successful the day was and about the conference we had planned for tomorrow.

After dinner, we all went back to our hotel rooms. Hazel was very pregnant, so we spent the night relaxing in front of the tv before she fell asleep. I stayed awake a little while longer, thinking about everything, and watching the love of my life sleep. I couldn’t believe how much our lives had changed for the better.

After a while of meditating and thinking, I finally felt ready enough to sleep. “Today was an awesome day!” I said to myself as I got ready for bed. The crowds really seemed to like us and our books. Neither Hazel nor I expected to have this large of a fan base.

It was her idea to invite Gibson to the conferences with us, and I had to admit it was a great idea. We, or I should say I, owed Gibson a lot. He was the whole reason Hazel and I ended up together. If it wasn’t for him talking sense into me and convincing me to go back to the retreat, none of this would have happened.

Once I’m in my pajamas, I climb into bed next to Hazel. I suddenly realized how exhausted I am. I put my arms around my girl and fall asleep.

A few hours later, I’m shaken awake. “What’s wrong? What’s happening?” I gasp as I look around in confusion.

“Alex!” Hazel shouts. I turn to look at her in my half-asleep state. “Alex!” she yelled again.

I shook my head and was finally able to focus on her. “Are you okay?” I asked her.

“No, I think my water just broke,” she explained.

I stare at her for a few seconds. “What?” I ask, even though I heard her.

“My water broke. The baby is coming,” she almost yelled.

“Oh my gosh, okay, don’t panic,” I replied as I hurried out of bed.

“I’m not, but I am in pain,” she told me in between breaths.

I rushed to throw some clothes on then hurried to pack a bag before I called Gibson and told him the news. Afterward, I helped Hazel out of bed.

“Gibson should be here. He will drive us,” I explained. I helped Hazel quickly dress and put on her shoes.

Gibson urgently pounded on our door. “The car is ready downstairs,” he shouted.

After making sure we had everything, I led Hazel down into the hall. We followed Gibson all the way out to the car. We strap Hazel into the front seat. I sit in the back while Gibson speeds away. We drive quickly to the hospital. I hold Hazel’s hand and keep her calm as she does her breathing exercises she learned in class. We arrive at the hospital, and I help her inside.

“I’ll be in the waiting room. Best of luck to you both,” Gibson tells us.

We go our separate ways as the nurse leads Hazel and me upstairs to the delivery room. Hazel is ready, and the baby is on his way out. I’m so filled with emotions as they prep us.

I stand beside Hazel as her coach. “You can do this,” I tell her with a kiss. She smiles at me.

The doctor comes in and announces, “It’s time.”

Hazel starts to push the baby out. My body fills with tension as I realize that in just a few moments, our child will be here.

A short while later, Hazel gives birth to a happy baby boy. They wrap him, then place him in her arms, and I wrap my arms around them both.

“I can’t believe it,” I say in amazement. The moment is so emotionally overwhelming I’m at a loss for words.