Chapter Fifteen – Labour of Love
The sound of worship music softly filled the living room. Grace had grown used to having peaceful melodies as the soundtrack to her daily routine. She had entered her ninth month of pregnancy, and every breath, every stretch, every flutter within her, reminded her that a divine promise was nearing its earthly arrival.
Daniel had taken time off work and stayed close, more attentive than ever. He prepared meals, massaged her aching feet, and accompanied her to every appointment. He had memorized the signs of labor, watched countless childbirth videos, and prayed daily—sometimes hourly—for a safe delivery.
One Thursday afternoon, Grace sat in her rocking chair, her hands cradling her belly. She felt calm but expectant. She had sensed it all day—the subtle signs that change was near. When a strong contraction gripped her body, she closed her eyes and whispered, "Lord, let this be the day You've made."
Later that evening, as Daniel prepared dinner, he heard her call from the bedroom.
"Daniel…" Her voice was steady, but firm. "It's time."
He dropped the spoon, rushed to her, and found her already dressed, bag packed by the door. She had been ready. Now it was his turn to keep up.
The drive to the hospital was smooth, but Grace's contractions intensified. She squeezed Daniel's hand tightly with each one, leaning into the comfort of his presence and the calmness in his voice. He whispered Scriptures, playing Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28 aloud through the car speakers.
They arrived at the hospital just before sunset. Nurses ushered them into a private room, and after an exam, confirmed she was in active labor.
For the next twelve hours, time became a blur of breathing, contractions, and whispered prayers. Grace was strong—stronger than she had ever imagined. Daniel never left her side, wiping sweat from her brow, encouraging her, and praying over her with unwavering faith.
"I can't—" she panted during a particularly intense wave.
"You can," Daniel whispered. "And you are. You're doing it, Grace. God is with you."
In that moment, strength beyond her understanding surged through her. Not her strength. His.
At 4:16 AM, the cry of a newborn filled the room. Grace collapsed back on the bed, tears streaming from her eyes, as the doctor held up a squirming, healthy baby girl.
"A girl," the doctor announced, smiling. "You've got a beautiful daughter."
They placed her on Grace's chest, and time stopped. Grace stared into the tiny, wrinkled face, overwhelmed with wonder.
"She's… perfect," she whispered. "Daniel, she's perfect."
Daniel sat beside her, tears running freely. He gently touched his daughter's tiny hand. "Welcome, baby girl. You are loved. You are chosen. You are a gift."
They named her Eliana Grace—"God has answered with grace."
The next few days were filled with visits, video calls, and overwhelming gratitude. Daniel held Eliana every moment he could, humming worship songs to her. Grace, though exhausted, found a new strength rising within her—a mother's strength.
Late one night, after everyone had gone and the hospital wing was quiet, Daniel and Grace sat together, their daughter nestled between them.
"I don't think I've ever felt love like this before," Grace whispered.
Daniel nodded. "It's the kind of love that teaches you how deeply God must love us. To entrust us with this little life… It humbles me."
Grace looked at him. "Do you still remember our first meeting?"
"I remember every second," he said, smiling. "I remember the hesitation, the healing, the divine nudges… And now this. From brokenness to beauty."
Grace leaned her head on his shoulder. "I'm grateful. For you. For God's timing. For this little miracle."
They watched Eliana sleep, her tiny chest rising and falling. In her peaceful slumber, they saw the faithfulness of God written plainly.
And though the journey ahead as parents would be filled with learning curves and sleepless nights, one thing was clear—this was a labor of love. A love not built on perfection, but on grace. On faith. On covenant.
As they left the hospital days later, stepping into the morning sunlight with Eliana wrapped securely in Grace's arms, Daniel held the door open and whispered with reverence, "This is not just a new chapter… this is a new book."
And Grace smiled, knowing that the Author of their story was still writing.
End of Chapter Fifteen