There’s some noise outside the door before it’s opened and then Noah’s bed is wheeled in. His head turns towards Jessica and me in the chair, his eyelids droopy.
Jessica climbs off my lap upon seeing him and hovers until he’s settled and then leans over and reaches for his hand.
I join her and run my fingers over his brow.
“Hey you,” she says, her voice catching.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” he replies, his voice hoarse.
I look for the jug of water and pour some in a cup and add a straw. Jessica was insistent he had a hospital bag with anything and everything he might need, even though he’s likely being discharged tomorrow.
Raising the glass towards his mouth, I angle the straw, and he takes a few pulls before his head falls back onto the pillow softly.
His lips raise in a slight smile, his eyes drifting closed as Jessica clings to his hand.
I pull the chair over and sit down, ushering her into my lap, so she can still hold his hand.
“I love you both,” Noah says, his voice groggy with sleep.
“We love you too, Noah, so much.”
He hums and I think he’s succumbed to sleep, but then his lips form the most beautiful smile.
“I had the best dream,” he says softly. “You were both there.”
I smirk as I lean my chin on Jessica’s shoulder.
“Were we now?” I ask.
He nods slightly. “Yeah, and our daughter.”
The air catches in my lungs as Jessica turns her face towards mine and then back to Noah.
“Yeah.” He hums. “She had Jessica’s eyes, beautiful just like her mumma.”
I’m about to ask him more when the sound of his soft snores hit my ears.
I glance to Jessica and raise an eyebrow. “Anything you want to share?”
She shakes her head. “No, sadly not. I think that will be the anaesthesia talking.”
I nuzzle into her neck. “I think you may be right. But also, I can’t think of anything more precious than us having a daughter who’s just like her mumma.”
Her eyes glisten, and she reaches up and cups my jaw. “All I know is they’ll be the luckiest, having you and Noah as their dads.”
I want to preen at the compliment. “I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they want for nothing.”
“I know you will, but as long as they’re safe, cared for, and loved. Food in their bellies, and a roof over their heads, that’s all I can ask for.”
I kiss her behind her ear with a contented hum. “Does that mean you’re wanting more than one?”
“I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to it. What about you? Noah?” she asks, staring at his sleeping form, her hand securely in his.
“I’d have an entire house full if I had my way.”
And it’s true, the idea of growing our family, I’d be agreeable to that.
“Okay, slow down tiger,” she says playfully.
