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He kisses Maia on the forehead. “You’ve got this. Be the same badass you’ve always been. Love ya.”
“Thanks, Brade.”
He stands up straight and puts his hands on my shoulders. Then he gives me a mischievous smile. And I know exactly what he’s about to say. The same thing he said to me before Jax was born. WhatIsaid tohimwhen Maia was in labor with Harper.
“Remember, when you’re absolutely freaking out… stop.” I roll my eyes. “Look at her. Focus on her.” He smacks my shoulders. “And suck it up.”
“Thanks for that.”
He winks at us. “Anytime.”
He kisses Harper on the side of the head, then walks out of the room.
“Ready to do this, Mom?”
”As I can be, baby.”
“I hear we’re ready to push,” the doctor says, strolling in with the nurses.
He gives Maia a check, agrees she’s ready, and a few moments later, Maia is screaming and pushing while Harper stands firm, encouraging her mom. She can be a hellion sometimes, but I’m proud of the person she’s growing into.
After a particularly brutal contraction, Maia’s strength falters for a second. By the ultrasound measurements, this is by far the biggest of all her babies.
I drop my head against hers and whisper. “You can do this. You’re Maia Barone. Tough as nails.”
She smiles softly. “Maia Ardito,” she whispers.
Then, with resolve, she sits up a little more, pushing as the next contraction begins.
She yells as she pushes with everything inside her. Harper watches in awe. A small smile crosses my lips as it happens.
A whoosh of air from Maia. A sharp cry. My second little boy is here.
