He frowned. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head and sniffed back the tears that wanted to come. “I’m just a little overwhelmed.”
Seeing Jake’s happiness at being a father had brought all of what I was hiding into sharp focus. I didn’t want to shut off any roads for Jared and being with me might mean he’d only be a dad to one.
Could I do that to him?
“Hey, Tia Bee. Let’s go before the animals bust in there,” Gabby called from just outside the waiting room. “I need to get my hands on that baby.”
I covered his hands on my face, the tears falling anyway. “Guess that Tia Bee is going to stick.”
“As well it should.” He leaned in and kissed me quick. “Go enjoy. I’ll be here waiting for you.”
“Okay. Good luck.”
“Gina!”
I crossed my eyes at Brooks, gave him a goofy grin, and then backed away and ran to my sister.
The hallway down to the private rooms was much quieter. Grumbles and congratulations and the general chaos of a full room made everything seem even more solemn.
“She’s in 409.” Gabby grabbed my hand and dragged me after her.
Outside the door to Erica’s room was a sweet little elephant on a tiny shelf below the number. A little blue flag was tucked in the end of his trunk.
Gabby’s face went utterly soft. “Aww. I can’t with this place. It’s like a complete mom overkill with cuteness.”
She peeked in the skinny window and another squeak came out. “She’s doing the boob thing. Should we wait? You know, bonding and shit?”
“I’m sure she won’t care.” I knocked and Erica looked up from the little bundle in her arms to wave us in. “Hey.”
Gabby blasted by me. “Oh, Ric.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. “I knew you’d have the cutest baby, but wow.” She sat beside her on the bed. “He’s the most handsome baby in all the world.”
Erica lightly stroked the dark hair swirling around the crown of his head. “I might be a little biased, but I agree.”
I peeked over Gabby’s shoulder and my heart melted. His little eyelids were still swollen from the whole birthing thing. He was a golden pink and utterly perfect—even if he looked a bit like a wrinkled old man.
His little fingers had ridiculous nails already. They curled tight against the skin of my sister’s breast.
“Guess he took to the whole food source thing quick, huh?”
“Boob man like his dad.”
I giggled and a tear slipped down my face. I didn’t even realize I was crying until it dripped off my chin. “You did good.”
Ric gave me a soft smile. “Little Leo was in a hurry to be born. His mama didn’t even get to have any drugs.” Her voice was soft and singsongy.
“Oh, no.” Gabby shoved Erica’s legs over a little so she could sit cross-legged. She patted the bed for me to join them.
“Yes. It was…we’ll go with rough. Understatement times a million but,” she sighed. “I got this little guy.”
“Worth it,” I whispered.
“Definitely.” Erica couldn’t drag her eyes away from her son.
“Leo?” I asked.
“Yeah. Like it?”