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“Did anyone record what he just said?” Garrett teased. “I think Mia would like proof of it!”
“Leave your brother alone,” Grace chided before handing Austin his share of the brownies. “I know it’s not exactly a practical breakfast, but I think we ate everything else.”
Austin readily accepted them and took a massive bite out of the first one. “I’m ready to drop, so this is perfect.”
“When can we see them?” Grace asked. “I realize it’s early and you’ve had a long night, but…”
“The nurse said thirty minutes and then she’ll look the other way while you all go in,” he told them. “So I’m going to go back in and make sure everything’s good and I’ll text Jackson and let you know when to come in, okay?”
After Austin walked away, they all started cleaning up the remnants of their night before heading off to the men’s and ladies’ rooms to freshen up. By the time Austin texted, everyone was a little more awake and more than anxious to meet their newest family member.
With Savannah’s hand in his, Jackson made sure he kept her close. He wanted her to be in the middle of the celebration—to see how a baby was a joyous thing and how excited everyone was. Mia greeted everyone with a smile and she looked happy and radiant, but tired, and they all vowed not to stay long so she could sleep.
Pictures were taken and there was a lot of laughter and even a few tears. Jackson held the baby and it seemed wild that this tiny person was real. Then she grasped one of his fingers and he was in love. Head over heels in love with this little girl, which he immediately told Austin and Mia.
“I’m just letting it be known now that Everly has clearly chosen her favorite uncle,” he told the room. “And I am going to spoil her rotten.”
“Good Lord,” Austin murmured as he carefully took his daughter back. “It’s too early in the morning for this nonsense.” Then he yawned and so did Mia, and they all took it as their cue to head out.
“We’re going to go home and catch a few hours of sleep,” Garrett said. “Then I’m going to check in at the clinic for a couple of hours. I plan on being back up here to see Dad sometime after two and we’ll stop back here too. Anything you guys need?”
“I wouldn’t say no to a change of clothes,” Austin said, fishing his keys out of his pocket.
“You got it. Mia? Anything you need?”
She shook her head and yawned again. “I have my bag, so I’m good. Thanks, Garrett.”
After everyone said their goodbyes, they all headed to the elevators.
“Um…I think I’d like to go upstairs and check on Dad,” Jackson said and then looked at Savannah. “Do you mind?”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
So they said goodbye—again—and took the next elevator up. The nurses on Cash’s floor knew them and knew why they were there so early, and Jackson took a moment to show them a few pictures of Everly.
“Isn’t she a beauty?” he asked with pride, and of course, they all agreed.
It wasn’t until they were almost to Cash’s room that he stopped short.
“What’s the matter?” Savannah asked.
“I think I should text Austin and make sure he’s okay with me telling Dad about the baby. I don’t want to steal his thunder or anything.”
Her smile was sweet as she leaned in and kissed him. “You are amazing. You know that, right?”
“Well…” he teased. But instead of answering, he typed out a quick text to his brother.
Jackson: Hey! Going in to see Dad and wanted to know if you’re cool with me telling him about Everly.
Austin: Give me five minutes
Jackson: Done
“Well?” Savannah asked. “What did he say?”
“It sounds like he’s on his way up.” Muttering a curse, he walked over and leaned against the wall. “I feel bad about making him leave Mia like this. I’m sure they’d like a little time just the three of them, and I interrupted it.”
“Jackson…you’re not making him do anything. If he really didn’t want you telling Cash about the baby, he would have just said so.”
