Chapter 642: The Parturition (2) The Birth of Their Son

Hearing the nurse's explanation, Theodore bristled. "Are you kidding me? You said it was dangerous, then you said it's not. Are you trying to scare me?"

The nurse, startled by Theodore's anger, fell silent. She had planned to prepare the family for a possible C-section, but Hannah intervened.

"All right," Hannah said, stepping forward. "Tell her we'll support her decision, whether it's a natural birth or a C-section. Don't burden her."

"Yes, immediately," the nurse replied, relieved to escape the tense situation.

They waited outside. Two more hours passed.

"Damn it!" Theodore exploded. "Does it take this long? Do the C-section, now!"

Laird glared at him. Annoyed by his father's scrutiny, Theodore retorted, "I'm worried about Hannah and the baby. If anything happens..."

"That'll happen to you!" Laird snapped. "Shut up!"

Theodore, speechless and indignant, was immediately thrown into fresh panic. "Why did she stop screaming?"

His fear was contagious. Theodore had a way of inspiring terror.

Just then, the delivery room door opened. Theodore rushed forward, shouting, "Is anything wrong?"

The nurse, speechless and visibly shaken, seemed to confirm his worst fears. Anxiety gripped everyone.

"Do I have to choose between mother and baby?" Theodore asked, his voice grim.

"No, no..." the nurse stammered.

"So neither survived?" Theodore's anxiety escalated. He was on the verge of a breakdown. His agitation was infectious.

"No..." The nurse took a deep breath. "The delivery is complete. It's a boy."

Theodore's explosive temper instantly deflated.

"Mother and baby are doing well. The baby will be brought out shortly; the mother needs some time," the nurse added hastily.

Theodore rolled his eyes. "Why are you acting like she's going to die?"

The nurse was speechless. The others' moods mirrored Theodore's rollercoaster of emotions.

Fortunately, both Hannah and the baby were safe. A nurse carried the newborn out.

"Who's Hannah's family?" she asked.

"Me!" Theodore hurried forward.

"It's a boy. You can hold him."

Seeing his son for the first time, Theodore thought he resembled... a small monkey. Hannah's "prophecy" of a beautiful child contrasted sharply with reality, leaving him momentarily bewildered.

"What's wrong?" The nurse asked, slightly embarrassed by Theodore's reaction. He hesitated, not immediately reaching for the infant.

Then, regaining his composure, he asked twice, "Are you sure this is Hannah's baby?"

"Yes," the nurse affirmed. "She's the only one delivering today. We wouldn't mistake your baby."

"How can he be so ugly!" Theodore blurted out.

Silence fell. No one had ever witnessed such parental dismissal.

Hannah leaned in, unconvinced by Theodore's assessment.

"Babies become prettier as they grow," the nurse explained. "He's quite handsome for a newborn!"

"Really?" Theodore asked.

The nurse nodded vigorously. "You can hold him now. We'll take him for a blood test and vaccinations."

Theodore finally took his son. The infant was small and soft, but Theodore's awkward handling was amusing.

Laird couldn't help but comment, "Do you know how to hold a baby?"

Theodore shot back, "It's my first time! If you know, do it!"

Laird challenged, "Give him to me!"

Theodore complied. Laird's handling was similarly clumsy, but no one dared laugh. Theodore's attempt at humor was swiftly silenced by Laird's stare.

Then, Laird offered a rare, joyous smile—a sight even Oscar and Manuel seldom witnessed. He gazed at the baby and said tenderly, "I'm your grandpa."

Goosebumps prickled Theodore's skin. Oscar and Manuel shared his surprise. Only Hannah found the scene natural.

Laird repeated, "I'm your grandpa," his voice soft.

Theodore rolled his eyes. His father had never shown him such gentleness. The disparity in treatment stung.

He muttered, "He's so ugly, why do you treasure him so?" The favoritism rankled.

"You were the ugly one!" Laird's face darkened at Theodore's words. The difference in their treatment fueled Theodore's resentment.

"You didn't look any prettier," Theodore retorted. "How dare you call him ugly!"

Theodore mumbled, "I take after you."

Just as Laird was about to explode, the nurse interjected, "We need to take the baby for vaccinations. Who's coming?"

"Me," Theodore said, eager to avoid a fight with his father.

"No way!" Laird protested. "Hannah's still in the delivery room. You're not leaving!" He turned to the nurse, "I'll go."

Theodore thought his father was overreacting. The nurse quickly followed Laird.

Watching his father's back, Theodore felt a surge of frustration.

Oscar patted his shoulder. "I haven't seen Laird this happy in ages."

Theodore, momentarily stunned, nodded. Despite the scolding, his father's smile brought a sense of relief.