“We do. I wanted to name him after someone really important to me. Someone who works hard but loves even harder. His name is Jackson Blake.” I hold the baby out, knowing my mom will want to hold him as soon as possible.
My dad’s tear-filled eyes look into mine. “I am so incredibly honored, baby girl. It has been the honor of my life to be your dad. I can’t wait to love him.” He takes steps closer to me, kissing the top of my head.
“I hope I can figure it out as good as you guys have,” I say as I look over to my mom who sways back and forth with Jackson in her arms.
Watching my parents fall in love with my tiny human isn’t something I thought much about, but it reminds me again of just how damn lucky I am. Their love knows no bounds and I am so grateful my child will get to experience that.
My mom laughs as if what I just said was preposterous. “Oh honey, we still don’t know what we’re doing. Lead with love, be patient, say sorry when you screw up, because you will, and the rest will turn out fine.”
A knock sounds outside my door, and my brother pokes his head in. He looks like he hasn’t slept a wink since I checked in yesterday. His eyes are red-rimmed, probably exactly how I would look if he was injured like me.
“Can I come in?” he asks.
“Of course you can,” I say with a gentle smile.
Weston bee-lines it straight for me. “If you ever scare me like that again, I will personally throttle you.” His arms swing aroundmy shoulders as he pulls me in, while being incredibly gentle, which is greatly appreciated.
“Believe me, I will do my best to avoid this outcome from ever happening again,” I say with a shake of my head.
He nods, looking between me and Rhett, a twinge of regret dancing in those eyes. “I just want you to know that I really am happy for you two. I couldn’t have hand-picked someone I trust with you better. Truly.”
The weight on my chest eases, the last little puzzle piece fitting in. Tears spring to my eyes; these damn hormones are killing me. “Thank you.” I swipe under my eyes, clearing the tears. “You ready to meet your nephew?
He nods, and I see a bit of light come back into his eyes. “I’ve been very impatiently waiting for this moment.” He walks over to our parents. “Time to share.”
“Good thing you got some baby-holding practice in with Mav and Ava’s little one. You ready?” my mom asks.
He gently lifts the baby and cradles him in his arms. “Hi buddy. I can’t wait to teach you how to ride four wheelers and play in the dirt. What’s his name?”
“Jackson. Jack when he’s being a pain in the ass like Dad,” I joke.
West’s eyes fill with tears. “Jack is the perfect name. Those are some big shoes to fill, buddy. I’ll help teach ya how. And so will your dad.” He looks at Rhett and gives him a smile and a nod.
The last twenty-four hours have simultaneously been the worst and the best in my life. But this right here? This makes it all worth it. I’d walk through fire if I knew this was on the other side of it.
Chapter 39
Rhett
Two weeks ago, if you would have told me babies have this much shit, I wouldn’t have believed you. Not actual shit, but there is plenty of that to go around, too. Every surface of this house is covered in something for Jackson. Burp cloths, random diapers, and so many baby socks.
“Hey Rhett, can you bring me my water? I left it on the counter,” Aspen hollers from the baby’s room. It has the comfy rocker for when she feeds him, which is basically all the time. I’ve debated whether to mount a TV in there for her.
I look to the counter, and lo and behold, the one thing, aside from the candle, that isn’t Jackson’s, is Aspen’s water bottle. I walk to the fridge and put in fresh ice and water before bringing it to her. I grab a cheese stick out of the fridge while I’m here.
“Here you go,” I say as I hand it to her. Along with the cheese stick.
“Ooooh, and a snack. You’re on your A game today, baby,” she says before chugging a significant amount of water.
“I try; it’s the least I can do since my nipples are useless.” A lot of me feels useless. She is the one who has to get up and feed him. He still won’t take a bottle, so it’s Aspen up all night and day right now. I do tackle every single dirty diaper. “How are you feeling?” She’s only a week out from major surgery, but you wouldn’t guess it by her attitude.
She rolls her eyes. “Same as the last twelve times you asked. I’m fine. I’m following my weight restrictions and only cry out of fear when I have to use the restroom.”
“Okay, just wanted to make sure.” I put my hands up in hopes she stands down.
“I’m getting terrible cabin fever and would love to leave this house today. What do you think about going for a drive? We don’t even have to get out of the truck, but a nice change of scenery might keep me from a grippy sock vacation.”
Driving the baby in the car still scares me shitless. The only time we’ve left in the last week was for a doctor appointment for her while Jackson was also getting his week check-up. Everyone checked out fine, but I was now the one with a blood pressure issue. I never realized how reckless people were on the road until I had a baby in the back seat. A baby who very well might be our only one, judging by the way he came into the world. I know I don’t want to go through that again, and I wouldn’t blame Aspen if she was one-and-done after it, too.
