“How about Alice or Everly?” I asked.
There was a knock at the door, and the nurse stuck her head inside. “Mom, are you okay with having visitors? Your daughter is asking if she can see you and meet the baby.”
Alexis smiled. “Send her in.”
A moment later, Sophia peeked her head around the door. “Mommy?”
“Come in,” Alexis said. “Come meet your baby sister.”
“Yes!” Sophia fist-pumped, which only made me laugh. A tear leaked out, and I wiped it away. “I knew it was a girl. You’re naming her Charlotte, right?”
Charlotte had always been Sophia’s first choice. She liked how regal it sounded, and I had to agree. Though, I still wasn’t entirely sure I was sold on it.
“We’re still deciding,” Alexis said. “Why don’t you sit on the couch with Preston, and you can hold her.”
“Really?” Sophia’s face lit up, and I knew she was excited she’d get to hold the baby so soon.
“Yes, but wash your hands first.”
Sophia did as Alexis asked and was soon settled on the couch. I could tell from the way she squirmed that it was a struggle to remain still. I carried the baby over to her, sitting next to her on the couch. “Remember to support her head, like this.” I showed her.
“Okay.” She nodded, and I placed the baby in her arms. “Hi. I’m Sophia, and I’m your big sister.”
I grinned, glancing up at Alexis to see her watching us with a smile.
“Your face is kinda scrunched up, but I’m sure you’ll get cuter with age. I certainly did.”
I coughed into my hand to cover a laugh. This kid—she was hilarious. I hoped her little sister would be just as independent and precocious.
I wrapped my arm around Sophia’s shoulder, holding her close as we stared down at the newest addition to our family. “I love you,” I said, pressing a kiss into her hair. “Both of you.”
“I think we should name her Blair,” Alexis said. “Blair Elizabeth.”
“Blair.” Sophia glanced down at the baby. “Are you a Blair? I think I like Blair.”
“Preston?” Alexis asked.
I grinned, feeling a sense of rightness settle over me. “I think I like it too.”
We stayed that way for a while, until Blair started crying. Her face was red, and she shook her little fists, showing her displeasure. I handed her off to Alexis, while ushering Sophia out to the waiting room where a crowd had gathered.
My parents were there, along with Hunter and Lauren, though they sat on opposite sides of the waiting room. Everyone cheered when I told them it was a girl, announcing her weight and height with pride. Sophia ran over to my dad, excited to tell him all abouthernew baby. Lauren and Hunter offered their congratulations and said they’d stop by the house once we’d settled in. Then it was just Sophia, my parents, and me.
Mom wrapped her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you. To be able to know the joy of parenthood—it’s everything.”
She pulled back, cupping my face in her hands. “I’m so proud of you, Preston. You went through hell, but now you’re married, you’re a father. And you’re about to graduate.” She shook her head, pressing her fingers to her lips. “It’s everything I ever could’ve wanted for you.”
“Mom.” I wrapped my arms around her once more. “Thank you. And I love you too.”
“Preston.” Sophia tugged on my shirt. “I’m hungry.”
“Okay. Okay.” I chuckled. “You guys know the drill, right?” I asked my parents.
They’d generously offered to come and help when the new baby was born. And with me in the middle of finals and Sophia’s school year coming to a close, we needed all the help we could get.
Though Sophia would be spending a few weeks with Cal for the summer, we’d all agreed she could spend some time with her new sibling first. Cal wasn’t my biggest fan, nor was I his. But he had apologized for his behavior at Sophia’s party, and we’d reached a sort of tentative peace.
“We’ve got it covered,” Dad said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, son.”
