“Then I’m sorry, as per hospital guidelines, I’m releasing Bailey to her father.”
Nick sucked in a quick breath.
The lawyer stiffened. “Can’t you keep—”
“No, we need the space.” She stepped purposefully toward Mrs. Reaves and held out her arms for the baby.
Mrs. Reaves glared at her lawyer, clearly wanting him to do something, but when he didn’t, she reluctantly handed the baby over to the nurse.
Nick wanted to let out a whoop but played it cool.
Tanya turned toward Nick with a big smile on her face and placed Bailey in his arms. As she looked up at him, his heart melted and nothing else mattered. “Hey there, Bailey.”
“This isn’t the last you’ll be hearing from us,” Belinda said, then turned and walked away, Mike and their lawyer following quickly in her wake. For once, Shelley’s father didn’t say a word and for that, Nick was thankful.
“Do you have a car seat in your car?” Tanya asked.
Nick smiled and nodded. “And everything else on the list you gave me, and more.”
“Good.” She patted him on the arm. “You are going to be great. Don’t worry, and if you need anything, give us a call. I’ve already set up Bailey’s first appointment with our pediatrician on staff, Dr. Reynolds. All the information is in the bag.” She handed him a small diaper bag complete with a few diapers, formula, a pacifier, and two small bottles.
He smiled, relieved to see the care package. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. A word of advice?”
He could clearly see she really wanted to help him. He was going to need all the help he could get. “Please.”
“Sleep when she does, you’re going to need it.”
He grinned. “That, I can do.” He carried Bailey out of the hospital, holding her tight to his chest. He couldn’t believe he was finally taking her home, and couldn’t wait to see her sleeping in her crib. Couldn’t wait to see Gillian holding her. He wanted, no, he needed her in his life. In both their lives.
He drove quickly toward Gillian’s house, hoping she would be there when he arrived.