Chapter Nine: A New Life, A New Hope
The hospital room was quiet except for the soft beeping of the monitors and the tiny, delicate cries of new life.
Favour lay back on the bed, exhausted, her body trembling from the intensity of what had just happened. Her arms cradled the baby boy she had carried for nine long months. For hours, she simply stared at him, taking in every tiny feature—the soft curve of his cheeks, the little fingers that curled around hers, the way his chest rose and fell with each breath.
"He's… he's beautiful," Favour whispered, voice hoarse.
Faith sat beside her, tears streaming freely, her hand resting over Favour's. "He is a blessing, my child. God has been good."
Favorite leaned close, brushing a strand of hair from Favour's forehead. "He's perfect. Just like you, Favour. Just like you."
John's eyes glistened with tears as he looked at his granddaughter, then at his daughters. "Our family… our love… it brought him safely here. He's ours, and he is loved."
For the first time in months, Favour felt a sense of peace she hadn't known since the storm began. Her baby was finally here, and nothing—not shame, not fear, not Anthony—could touch this moment.
But no peace lasts long when the past tries to catch up.
Her phone buzzed. A familiar name appeared. Anthony.
Favour's hand instinctively tightened around the baby. She did not answer.
Anthony tried again and again, until finally, a trembling, desperate voice came through the speaker.
"Favour… please… I want to see him. Please take me back. I am so sorry. I didn't know what to do before. I was scared. I didn't know how to care for anyone… not even you. Please… he is my son. He looks like me, doesn't he? Please… give me a chance."
Favour's chest tightened. She looked down at the baby, who blinked sleepily up at her, tiny fists curling and uncurling. Her heart was full of love for this child, but it was also full of hard-earned resolve.
Favorite, standing beside her, shook her head, voice trembling with fury. "You think saying 'sorry' now makes up for everything? For leaving her alone, for abandoning your son, for all the pain and fear you caused?"
Anthony's voice cracked. "I… I didn't know… I was young, I didn't have a job… I was scared… I love him. I love him and you. Please…"
Favour swallowed hard, fighting back tears. "Love? This is not love. Love does not run away when it is needed most. Love does not leave a mother alone, trembling and afraid for her child. You are not welcome here, Anthony. Not now. Not ever."
Anthony stammered, trying to find words, but Favorite stepped forward. "The law and decency will make sure you don't come near this family today. And don't forget—you abandoned your child. You do not get to decide anything here."
The hospital security and police arrived at the request of Faith and John. Anthony's protests fell on deaf ears as they were politely, but firmly, escorted out.
Favour watched, chest tight, but she felt a strange sense of relief wash over her. She glanced down at the baby boy in her arms and whispered softly, "You are safe now. No one will ever treat you as if you are nothing. You are loved, my son."
Faith took her hand, brushing away tears. "You've been through so much, Favour. But look at him. Look at what you've brought into this world. He is strong, just like you. And nothing… nothing… will take him away from us."
Favorite rested her head against her sister's shoulder. "We will protect him. We will protect you. No one can hurt our family."
The room was quiet again, but this time it was a calm, warm quiet. Favour finally allowed herself to breathe, a weight lifting from her shoulders. The baby cooed softly, reaching up with tiny hands, and she laughed through her tears.
"I can't believe he's here," Favour whispered. "All this time, I was so afraid… and now he's here. Safe. Alive. Our little miracle."
Faith smiled, stroking Favour's hair gently. "And now, we celebrate life. We celebrate love. We celebrate that even after all the hurt, we have not been broken."
John's voice, usually so calm, shook with emotion. "This little one is a promise. A promise that even when people fail us, God never fails. That's our grandson, and he will know only love."
Favour held her baby closer. She felt the warmth of her family around her, the strength of her parents' faith, the loyalty of her sister who had never left her side. Every harsh word, every tear, every sleepless night that had led to this moment now made sense. She was stronger than she had ever been, and her child would grow up knowing that strength.
Later, as the sun began to set outside the hospital window, painting the room in gold, Favour whispered to her baby:
"You are safe. You are loved. You will never know fear like I did. You will know joy. You will know family. And you will always be my miracle."
Favorite leaned close, whispering as well. "And we will be here, always. No one can ever take you from us."
Faith pressed a gentle kiss to Favour's forehead. "This is a new beginning. A new life. And our hearts are full. Nothing else matters but love now."
For the first time in months, the room was filled with laughter. Small giggles from Favour, soft coos from the baby, the warm presence of parents and sister. Life was fragile, yes—but it was theirs. And nothing, not even Anthony's regrets or past mistakes, could break the bond they had formed.
And as Favour drifted off to sleep with her son in her arms, she finally allowed herself to believe in the future: a future of hope, of protection, and of love that could withstand anything.
Because this baby boy, small and perfect in every way, was more than just a child. He was the proof that even after the darkest storms, life—and love—always finds a way.