A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1390

“Eleanor.” Just as she turned towards the door, Bernard had called out to her.

Eleanor spun around, her eyes locking with Bernard’s, which had involuntarily dropped to her swelling belly.

“Can I... may I touch the baby?” he asked, his voice barely above a murmur.

Throughout her pregnancy, he had been absent, his hands never having the chance to feel the life they had created stirring within her. Should she allow it just this once?

Following his gaze, Eleanor looked down at the gentle curve of her abdomen and gave a slight nod. She couldn't find it in her heart to deny him.

With a cautious reverence, Bernard extended a trembling finger and let it rest gently against her belly, feeling the round firmness beneath. In that touch, the jagged edges of his heart seemed to soften.

Witnessing the tender emotion in Bernard’s eyes, Eleanor was suddenly reminded of Cedric, holding a children's book close, narrating tales to the unborn child inside Hailey’s womb.

She too wished for her child’s father to share a moment, to speak a word or two, so that when they parted, the regret wouldn't be as sharp. Overcome with emotion, she found herself asking Bernard, “Would you... like to talk to the baby?”

Bernard froze, unsure of what to say but cherishing the opportunity nonetheless. He gently caressed Eleanor’s belly and whispered, “Hello...”

After speaking, he looked up anxiously at Eleanor, “Can he hear me?”

Eleanor placed her hand over her belly, nodding softly. “It’s nearly six months now. There’s movement. Sometimes, when I talk, he’ll stretch out a little hand or foot, give me a kick. It means he can feel it.”

Bernard, a soon-to-be father for the first time, was unfamiliar with these miracles. Hearing about the baby’s tiny movements, his eyes brimmed with emotion.

“Why... why isn’t he moving now?”

He touched her gently, searching for the movements Eleanor spoke of, but felt nothing.