“He needs a name,” Olivia said.
I nodded, mentally reviewing the list we'd compiled over the past few months.But as I looked at our son, peacefully sleeping in his mother's arms, I knew.“What about Case?”
Olivia smiled down at our son.“Case Cassidy,” she whispered, testing the name.“I love it.”
As if recognizing his name, little Case's eyes fluttered open.He yawned widely, his tiny fist waving in the air before settling back against Olivia's chest.
A knock at the door drew our attention.My father poked his head in, his eyes immediately gravitating to the bundle in Olivia's arms.
“Come in, Dad,” I said, waving him over.“Come meet your grandson.”
My father approached slowly.As he reached the bedside, I saw tears glistening in his eyes.
“He's beautiful,” he said, stooping to look closer.“What's his name?”
“Case,” Olivia replied, still smiling despite her exhaustion.“Case William Cassidy.”
My father's head snapped up.“William?”
I nodded.“After his grandfather.If that's okay with you?”
For a moment, my father seemed at a loss for words.Then, to my surprise, he stepped around the bed and hauled me into a tight embrace.“I'm so proud of you, Son,” he whispered.“Your mother would be too.”
Neither of us were dry-eyed when we pulled away.I felt an odd sense of catharsis.Nothing could bring my mother back.Her loss left scars on our family that would never completely fade.But maybe we could find some of the love we’d lost in the new life we’d created.
I looked at Olivia, her eyes shining with love as she cradled our son.At my father, gazing at his grandson with a mixture of awe and adoration.At little Case, peaceful and perfect, unaware of the impact his arrival had made on all our lives.
This was my family.Imperfect, complicated, but bound together by a love stronger than any force I'd ever known.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
OLIVIA
“Jesus Christ!Cover that thing up!”
I laughed breathlessly as Carter fumbled with a washcloth, trying to cover our newborn son's exposed lower half.The sight of the usually composed grump caught off guard by a tiny stream of pee was too much.
“Ow, ow, ow,” I gasped, clutching my still-tender abdomen.“Don't make me laugh, it hurts!”
Carter shot me a glare, but I caught the twinkle in his eye.“You think this is funny, do you?How about you take over diaper duty then?”
“Not a chance, buddy.You're doing great.”I settled back against the throw pillows Carter had so artfully arranged for me.“Besides, they cut me open to get him out.I think I've earned a break.”
Carter finished securing the diaper and lifted our son, cradling him gently against his chest.“Fair point.How are you holding up?”
I took a moment to assess.My body ached, I was exhausted beyond belief, and yet… “I feel amazing.Sore, but amazing.”
Carter sat on the arm of the couch, angling Case so I could see his tiny face.“He's perfect.”
I reached out, running a fingertip along Case's velvety cheek.“He is.I can't believe he's finally here.”
“Believe it, babe.I've got the pee-covered shirt to prove it.”Carter leaned in to press a kiss to my brow and I snickered.“You did it, Liv.You're incredible.”
“I couldn't have done this without you.”
Carter's arm wrapped around me, holding both Case and me close.For a moment, we simply breathed together, marveling at the tiny miracle we'd created.
One sweet moment turned into another when Pete leaped onto the couch and showered his baby brother with kisses.“On that note, little man, time for bed.Say goodnight to Mama.”
