“I’m sorry,” she says between rapid breaths. “I need to tell him I’m sorry.”
“I think he understands.” I wince in pain. “He’s just like any other guy around this stuff.”
“Oh, ow, oh, OH, GOD!!!” she screams again, and I cringe. My hand is going to be permanently disfigured.
“He’s crowning,” the doctor says. “Almost there…”
Kenny’s whole body clenches as her face turns purple. A loud groan-scream snorts through her nose, and I swear every vein on her body pops out. I’m clenching with her, trying to push like that makes any sense, and I can’t even feel my hand anymore.
Time, everything, seems to go into slow motion, and in a few moments, her cries are joined by the tiny howls of a baby. Tears flood my eyes as they lift him out, and we’re both crying. Kenny’s shaking, and everyone is exclaiming how beautiful he is.
“He’s here!” Kenny weeps, and I hug her close as they snuggle him to her breast.
“He’s here.” My voice is hoarse, and tears are all over my face.
I lean my head against hers, and we both gaze down at his little body, reaching and struggling. A halo of golden hair is on his little head, and what appear to be blue eyes wander around both our faces.
“He’s so beautiful,” Kenny whimpers, and we both lose it again. One of the nurses goes to the door, and Patrick is back with us. He’s on the other side of the bed, stretching his arms around Kenny and up to my shoulders, looking down at his little son.
“Check him out.” His voice is so warm. I blink back tears, watching him.
“Congratulations,” I say, and he leans across the bed to kiss me.
Our eyes hold each other’s for a moment, before he winks and leans back down to Kenny. “Look what you did,” he says in that funny voice of his.
She reaches up and hugs his neck. “I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
He laughs then. “It’s okay. I really wanted to get out of here anyway.”
“Labor kicks bee sting’s ass.”
He laughs, but I’m confused. “What?”
Just then the baby lets out a little noise, and we all snap to him. He’s reaching and nuzzling against Kenny’s breast, and she glances at both of us.
“Smart guy,” Patrick teases softly.
“Privacy please,” Kenny says, and we both step away—time to eat.
“He’s so perfect,” I said as Patrick and I cross to the other side of the room.
He signals to the door. “I want to sneak out and get Ken a little something… I don’t know what.”
“Get her a gold necklace with a little charm that has an emerald on it.”
His brow creases. “That’s very specific.”
“It’s the birthstone for May,” I say, leaning forward and kissing his cheek. “She’ll love it, now hurry.”
Strong arms go around my waist, and he scoops me up against him. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”
“Yes,” I laugh, kissing him. “And you just had a baby, so hurry back.”
He kisses me again harder and then dashes out the door. I only look after him a moment before turning back and crossing over to Kenny’s bed. She’s nursing the baby and gazing at him with so much love. I completely understand the feeling. He’s a glowing little bundle of sunshine.
“He looks just like Patrick,” she says, laughing.
I lean over. “With your beautiful blue eyes.” Our eyes meet and we smile together, but my heart is heavy. “Is your aunt on the way?”