Page 131 of Not Mine to Rescue

“Are you sure he should stay in the room?”

I didn’t know the voice, but Honor replied. “As long as he doesn’t pass out, yes. It’s okay, he’s the father.”

It was happening.

I glanced up. “It’s happening.”

Honor’s eyes glistened. “It is.”

Holy shit. Holy shit. “I gotta call Jim.”

“The fuck you do.” Honor’s hand swept out toward me and grabbed on to air.

“No, I mean...” I grabbed her hand and slid closer so I could press it against my chest. “He asked me to let him know if you went into labor. He...” He wanted to be here for her.

“You didn’t.” Her tone almost peeled the paint off the walls.

Yeah, I sort of did. “I’m sorry?”

Honor rolled her eyes. “No, you’re not. You’re being nice, again.” She let out a heavy sigh. “Call him after.”

I could do that. “Things went too fast. I didn’t have time.”

She shook her head. Then her face changed. “Okay, another one.”

I stood by her side and kept her hand in mine. This time, I remembered to breathe with her and focus on what she needed.

Four hours later, I held our sleeping daughter. Nine out of ten APGAR, perfect, fed, and happy. Honor was tired, but still fierce as hell. I stared at both of them. “I think she has your hair.”

It was dark and straight. But that could change, right?

“Did you see those eyes? Those are yours.” Honor curled closer to lean her head against mine so we could admire our baby.

The door opened, and Sonnet and Lemon fought over who got to come in first. Dad followed on their heels, Hal was last, trying to peek over his shoulder.

Sonnet pulled a chair close and leaned on me. “She’s beautiful. Did you pick out a name yet?”

Both of us shook our heads. “We didn’t want to jinx it.”

But this was finally real. I stared at my woman and marveled at how gorgeous she was. Even puffy and disheveled, she was the most beautiful human in the world. Of course, the baby in my arms was definitely a close second place.

“What about Rainbow?” Hal suggested.

“Ooo, that’s pretty,” Lemon replied.

I glanced at Honor and shook my head hoping the horror on my face wasn’t too visceral in case she liked the name. Luckily, she agreed, and said, “No.”

Sonnet chimed in, “They don’t want something weird. Pick a real name.”

Dad couldn’t resist adding his two cents. “You know, you can put anything except symbols and few banned words on a birth certificate.”

That didn’t merit consideration.

“Last name, Blessing, obviously,” Hal waited for everyone to shoot her down.

Sonnet was first to say no. “Calvert. Duh.”

“Like hell,” I replied. “How about Ryder?”