“I have to get out of here.”
I look up, see Brody, and wave.
“What’s going on?” Jade asks as I push through the crowd with her under my arm.
“Dad, is everything okay?” Ava asks, her hand on my shirt, holding it like I taught her when she was a little girl and we were in crowds.
“Everything is gonna be all right,” I assure her, hoping it gives Tessa some sense of calm. “Ava’s on her way to the hospital. The newest Abraham-Hines is ready to meet her family.”
“She’s in labor?” Jade asks.
Tessa looks up at me, and I smile as we get closer to Brody.
“Go take care of your girls.” I scoop her up and all but throw her over the security gate.
“We’ll be right behind you,” Phoebe calls after her then looks at me. “You’re driving. Let’s roll.”
“It’s too early,” Ava says, about ready to freak.
“Harper was early, and she’s fine.” I wink. “You took your sweet time.”
“Not today, she won’t,” Jade says as she starts throwing elbows.
TWENTY-FIVE
FULL CIRCLE
Iam standing in the nursery, holding a tiny Piper Ann Hines. She’s seven weeks early and weighs only six pounds, but she’s so strong. Her lungs are fully developed, and she passed the APGAR tests with flying colors.
My little girl is a mommy. Harper Ann is a mommy, and I was there when she gave birth. There couldn’t be a better birthday gift than this little life.
Her eyes are blue, her hair blonde, and she is beautiful.
They want her to stay the night in the neonatal nursery and are working on my child now. My girl was amazing in the delivery room, and her husband, Piper’s father, was as amazing.
“Your grandpa in heaven loves you very much, Piper.” I sit and rock her, enjoying the time I have her all to myself.
Her eyes finally meet mine.
“But I bet you already know that, don’t you? You have his nose. Yes, you do. It’s perfect. Just like he was. Just like you are. We haven’t had your baby shower yet, but I have your momma’s crib at home, and it will be perfect. Happy birthday to us, Piper. My happiest yet. You and I are going to be so close. Yes, we are.” I kiss her little nose, and her eyes flutter. “You are such a miracle in so many ways. Your mommy and daddy needed you so badly. I needed you, too. There is nothing as precious as life. Well, nothing except for you.” I kiss her perfect little head and snuggle her against my shoulder.
“Mom?”
“Oh, hey there. How are you?” I ask as I stand so Harper can have the rocking chair.
“Sore. Mom?” She holds out her hands out for Piper.
“Of course.” I hand my daughter her daughter. “They said she has to stay in here for the night. I’ll stay, too.”
“Thank you because they won’t let me.” Tears fall down her cheeks.
“You need to rest and heal.” I wipe them as Maddox walks in, holding the donut seat for her to sit on.
“Sweetness, can you stand for just a second?” Maddox asks softly.
“I need to feed her. I want to feed her.” Harper’s tears continue to fall, and Maddox looks concerned.
“Then we will.” Maddox steps up and takes Piper. I hand them a pillow, and Harper patiently waits for her child to latch on.