Page 41 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Oh, who in the hell on a Sunday morning?” I slap the bed looking for the annoying sound that’s acting as a cannon in my head.

Buzz. Buzz.

I find the damn thing under me and an empty bottle beside me as I roll over with the phone in hand. I press answer.

“Please tell me someone died and that’s the only reason you’re calling me.”

“She’s here,” the deep voice cracks on the last word.

I rub my face, pulling my shit together. “Oh, man. That is wonderful. Congratulations!”

“Thank you. We’re so happy.” His complete and utter happiness exudes even through the phone.

“How’s Sarah?”

“Amazing. Jordan looks just like Silas, man.” I can hear Chord’s tears.

I sit up, shaking off the yuck. “Is she up for visitors?”

“Of course, everyone and their mailman is on the way,” he exclaims.

“I’ll be over in a few.” I stand, stretching. “I’m so happy for y’all.”

“Get your ass over here and see my girls.” He chuckles. “Thank you.”

“I’m on my way.”

I toss my phone back on the bed and head to the shower. I wash and dry in ten minutes flat. On my way out, I grab my phone, and I’m faced with the purple panties. I shove them in my pocket until I figure out what to do.

I drive Seventeen toward the hospital where Sarah and Chord are with their new family member. As if the world hasn’t played with me enough this weekend, the light catches.

“You’re kidding me.” I roll my eyes. “Am I being punked? Honestly, Lord. Just tell me what you’re trying to teach me.” I shake my head, fighting the urge to see if her car is at the store.

A horn blows, and I jump. I immediately look to my left and search for her. Her car isn’t in the parking lot, so she must be home. As I pull away from the light, it dawns on me. “It’s too damn early for her to be here. Or maybe she’s off on Sunday?”

I grip the wheel, angry that I’m still thinking of her. “What in the hell is going on?”

Once at the hospital, I park in the first space I find. I jump out, hurrying inside the elevator to the maternity wing. Three floors up, the doors open to a nurses’ station.

“Good morning, I’m looking for Sarah Hamilton.”

“Hey, they’re down this way.” I turn to find Hardy at the end of the hall.

I jog down to him. “Can I go in?”

“Yeah, Chord’s been showing her off to everyone.” He smiles.

I rap my knuckles on the door and push it open, taking a minute to apply sanitizer. “I hear two of the happiest people on earth are in here with an angel.”

Chord’s face is glowing when he looks up at me, cradling his daughter. His family sits around the room, all entranced by the new member. “She’s so perfect, Alden.”

I walk over, kissing Sarah on the cheek before checking out their gift from God. “Hey, love. How are you?”

“I’m great.” Sarah beams.

I run my finger over Jordan’s hair. “She’s her mother.”

“She is.” Chord stands, handing her off to me. “Don’t freak out.”