“Actually, I’ll be coming with you. I want a strawberry lemonade from Sonic, too.”
“Sonic is all the way in Bend…”
“Yes, but I need to go to Bend this afternoon anyway.” She frowns as she looks down at her clenched hands.
“Oh, really? I didn’t know you had an appointment today. I’m sorry, I would have let Max handle the cattle this morning.”
“I didn’t have an appointment,” she says calmly. “We’re going to have a baby.”
My brain freezes. There’s static electricity where I used to be able to form complete thoughts. “Have a baby?” I croak.
It’s not due for another week. The doctor told us that first babies are almostalwayslate.
“Are you sure?” It’s the worst question I could ask, I’m positive.
Magnolia doesn’t answer. Her eyes are closed.
I lean forward, lift the backpack off her lap, gently grasp her hands, and rub gentle circles with my thumbs. Her stomach is rock hard under her T-shirt. She blows out a long breath and opens her eyes.
“My water broke an hour ago. This baby is coming whether we’re ready or not,” she says with a smile. “Charlie’s bringing the truck around. She got back to the ranch thirty minutes ago and has been panicking ever since I told her. She said you could meet up with us at the hospital, but I didn’t want to go without you.”
It’s all I can do to keep from jumping up and down. “I’m so sorry, Magnolia. I’m here now. Let’s go!”
I sling the backpack over my shoulder and scoop up my wife.
“Nash, this time you really are going to throw out your back,” she protests as he head for the door.
“Never. I’m so sorry, honey.” I kiss her brow and she loops her arms around my neck.
“It’s okay. I knew you’d be back. That’s why I told the baby it had to wait.”
I nearly drop her out of sheer excitement. We decided to be surprised on gender, so we don’t know if it’s a boy or girl yet. I can’t believe Magnolia’s being so calm about this whole thing.
“You’re not going to forget my donuts, right?”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Actually, I had already forgotten.
Four hours later, with a donut stop and Sonic drive-thru, I find out it’s possible to fall madly in love with somebody else at first sight.
Laurel Elaine Whitlock is the most precious thing I’ve ever held in my arms. Magnolia scoots over in the hospital bed and makes room for me to sit down next to her.
“I can’t believe you grew this baby,” I whisper as we stare at our perfect daughter.
Magnolia reaches over to slip a finger into Laurel’s grasp. “She’s so perfect. I never knew.”
I look at Magnolia then and watch as she stares down at our daughter, happy tears rolling down her face. “You’reperfect,” I tell her. “Look how incredible you are.”
“Is it crazy that it hurts my chest with how much I love her already?” Magnolia asks as she lifts her eyes to mine.
“Not at all. I feel the same way—about both of you.” I lean down and kiss her forehead. “I love you so much, Magnolia. I can’t believe we’re starting a family together.”
“What if I can’t stop crying? I’m so happy I can’t make it stop.” She sobs as she smiles at me.
I gently lay Laurel in Magnolia’s arms and reach an arm around her, pulling her to lean against my chest. That way, I can hold both my girls at the same time.
Pressing a kiss against Magnolia’s head, I watch in awe as Laurel opens her eyes and looks around. I know the doctor told us their eyes aren’t actually focusing on things yet, but she seems so alert and bright-eyed.
Magnolia was right. It’s a love so strong it physically hurts. I know I would do anything to protect this baby.
