A Hopeless Pursuit (Forbidden Love Series Book 10)

Eight Months Later

"Take it easy, baby," said Liam as he helped Lisa with her daily workout. She had been doing them regularly now since her delivery date had neared. The last few months had been blissful, a different world altogether from what she had been accustomed to. Liam's parents were very different from her own. They loved her just like their own daughter, taking care of her every need. Liam had stood by her like a rock. They had fallen more in love with one another with every passing day. They had become inseparable.

Every month Laurence took her home to spend a few days with him and his family as well as Sandra. Victoria came to see her regularly. After Sofia's sudden arranged marriage, she was whisked away from Las Vegas to Reno, Nevada.

"I'm tired, no more for today," said Lisa, breathing hard.

"I'll go get ready for work, " said Liam, kissing her forehead. Lisa nodded as she sipped the refreshing drink that Kathy got for her. "Come home early tonight Liam. I'm making dinner," she announced proudly. She had mastered the art of cooking and was actually quite proud of her culinary skills.

"I'll come home early but don't over do it, please, " advised Liam. Kathy helped her to her room when suddenly she felt an excruciating pain in her lower abdomen.

"Kathy, I think Lenora's on her way, " she said, sitting down and breathing deeply in and out. They had learnt that they were going to have a baby girl. Kathy used the intercom to call everyone. She couldn't leave Lisa alone. She quickly yelled at Liam who was at the foot of the stairs, sorting through some papers.

"Lisa's about to deliver. Hurry, get the car out, I'll bring her down," said Kathy. Liam panicked and ran to ask one of the chauffeurs to take out his car. He couldn't possibly drive with his trembling hands. His parents rushed up to Lisa's room. Kathy had already packed her bare essentials and medical file. They all helped her to the  car. Liam called Laurence and informed him as they were driven to the hospital. His parents followed them in their own car.

"Breathe deeply, in and out," instructed Kathy as she rubbed her palm.

"Nothing to be scared, Lisa. We'll get you to the hospital on time," assured Liam with a pale and stressed face.

"I can't bear the pain, Kathy. I think I'll die," said Lisa with wide eyes.

"Don't say such things dear. The contractions will help your baby out. Don't you want to hold your baby in your arms? You'll be a mom in a few hours.  Be brave and do as I say. Look at me. Breathe like this, " she instructed Lisa. Lisa did as she was told. It calmed her down a lot as the contractions increased.

They reached the hospital and Lisa was immediately admitted. Eric Parker handled the formalities as Lisa's water bag burst and she was immediately taken to the labor room to get her ready for delivery. Liam, Kathy and aunt Eugene stayed with her.

The frequency of the contractions increased and she was wheeled to the delivery room. "You need to push harder, Lisa, " said the doctor. Liam held onto her hands with a nervous look in his face.

He stroked her hair and said gently, "Push harder baby." Lisa tried to push with all her might, her face bathed in perspiration.

"The baby's crowning, pushing Lisa, yes, you can do it," said the doctor. Lisa pushed and grunted to bear the pain. Throughout Liam held her hands and gave her support. After a grueling twenty-minute ordeal, finally Lenora was born. The moment she came out, she started howling. They put her into Lisa's arms and she still howled. Both Lisa and Liam cooed to her and she calmed down considerably to be cleaned and taken care of.

"She's beautiful, just like you," said Liam, with a huge smile of relief in his face. He looked very happy.

"She has your eyes," said Lisa, smiling back at him.

"Are you okay?" Asked Liam with concern.

"Yes," said Lisa. The doctor and nurses finished their work and she was wheeled to her room to rest. Lenora was normal and healthy so the next day, they were released from the hospital. Everyone was ecstatic. Phone calls kept pouring in to see baby Lenora as if she was some celebrity already. She started receiving gifts from everyone.

Liam and Lisa stared at baby Lenora with love shining in their eyes. They were now parents. "I hope I will prove to be a good mom to her," said Lisa with apprehension.

"Of course, you already are, Lisa, " said Liam, having seen how she had started caring for Lenora already. Laurence came everyday with his family to check upon Lenora. Aries was in love with his baby sister, he had to see her everyday. Lauren was growing more beautiful day by day and Laurence was worried about her. Even River came with her children. Victoria stopped coming suddenly and Lisa mentally noted down that she needed to call her and find out what happened to her.

It had been a month since Lenora was born. Lisa started going to college. Her old music teacher came home thrice a week to teach her personally. Her dream was to open a music school for underprivileged children who had the talent but lacked the funds. Liam supported her completely and she was glad to have him in her life.

Although it was a rollercoaster journey for them full of ups and downs, their love for one another always saw them through. It was no doubt a hopeless pursuit of happiness, of love for Liam but his tenacity, his determination made him win against all odds. He not only saved her but saved himself too in the process since Lisa was his life.

"Now let's start making Lucian," said Liam with a glint in his eye.

"So soon? Wait for at least two years," she told him with disbelief.

Liam chuckled and pulled her into his arms. They made love like it was their first time. "Think of more names. I want more children, so that you never think of leaving me, " said Liam with mischief in his eyes as he cuddled her afterwards, laying down to catch their breath.

"I wouldn't dream of leaving you, mister. Who'll give me such awesome massages then?" Said Lisa with a laugh.

"Oh, you're with me for the massage?" Asked Liam.

"No silly, I love you, that's why," she said, kissing his pout away.

"I love you too," said Liam.

So, started their journey of love together, forever.