The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 603

[I swear Cabinda has only ever had one storm this bad, but it feels like Eldervale gets them all the time. A tree in my yard just fell over and completely woke Jasper up.]

Catherine tapped the screen, just about to reply, when a deafening clap of thunder shook the house, making her heart skip a beat.

"Waaah—"

Lanny, clearly terrified by the noise, suddenly started wailing at the top of his lungs.

Catherine clicked on the bedside lamp and scooped Lanny up. He refused to nurse, and pacing the room didn't help either. He just kept crying, his little face turning bright red.

"Shh, don't cry. Mommy's here,"

Outside, the rain battered the glass, and the thunder roared relentlessly.

Catherine whispered soothingly against Lanny's ear.

But Lanny didn't seem to hear her. He just kept screaming.

He cried so hard the veins on his forehead bulged. His skin flushed deeply, and his lips began to take on a terrifying bluish tint.

"Lanny? Lanny?"

She tapped his cheek lightly, calling his name in a rising panic.

But Lanny was locked in a prolonged, breathless shriek, not even pausing to take in air.

"Lance! Lance!"

Fully panicking now, Catherine instinctively screamed for Lance.

She threw open the bedroom door with Lanny in her arms, but before she could step into the hallway, a tall figure blocked her path.

"Give him to me."

Wearing nothing but a pair of navy sleep pants, a shirtless Lance took the baby from her. He laid Lanny on the bed and gave the sole of his little foot a sharp, quick flick.

Lanny's foot twitched, and he immediately let out a loud, healthy wail, finally drawing breath.

The scary blue tint faded from his lips, returning to a normal pink.

Catherine hovered anxiously right behind Lance, not daring to step away. She watched as Lance cradled Lanny, murmuring to him in a low, steady rumble until the baby slowly quieted down.

The little guy's face was streaked with tears, completely breaking her heart.

Lance had already taken Lanny downstairs.

Remembering last night's scare, Catherine felt a jolt of panic upon waking up to an empty bed.

She quickly washed up and rushed down the stairs. Hearing Alexa and Susan cooing at Lanny near the landing, her racing heart finally slowed.

"Catherine, you're awake?"

Susan stepped aside to make room for her. "Lance told us what happened last night. Don't worry, the little guy was just startled. That thunder really was terrifying."

"Yeah." Catherine gathered Lanny into her arms and pressed a kiss to his soft cheek. "I couldn't calm him down at all. I guess because Lance spends so much time with him, he knew exactly what to do."

Susan chuckled. "Back home, people always say there’s just something about a father’s presence. It’s like babies can sense that protective streak and instantly feel safe."

Alexa nodded in agreement. "Babies don't just bond with whoever holds them the most. You nurse him; you'll always be his deepest connection. It's just a different kind of role. But you can't replace the unique comfort a father brings, either."

Catherine's heart, which had just softened at the sight of a happy Lanny, gave a sharp, guilty twinge at their words.

"Exactly. You need balance. Raising a kid takes a village, but more importantly, it takes both parents. Neither can be missing..."

Susan rambled on cheerfully.