AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh! No. Sorry about that,” he muttered, taking back the clipboard and fixing his careless error. The nurse and I shared a knowing look, and I bit my lip to keep from laughing at how nervous and frazzled he was.
“Hey,” I said calmly, “everything is going to be fine. Don’t worry.”
He nodded rapidly, then checked his watch, then got out his phone. “I’ll text your sisters. They’ll tell your dad. We just have to follow the plan.”
“Ok, you do that.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek as we were ushered out of the waiting area and into the labor and delivery ward.
We made it to our room, and soon there was a flurry of activity, with nurses and doctors coming in and out to take my vitals, get me ready, help me once it was time to push.
Nathaniel stayed by my side throughout the whole delivery. It took a couple of hours, and he let me squeeze his hand and scream curse words at him, unfailingly devoted and praising me every step of the way…
Until we were both holding our darling baby girl.
I had never felt such a deep, indescribable love before. Our baby was perfect–the most beautiful sight I had ever laid eyes on. Watching Nathaniel hold her for the first time was one of the most joyous experiences I’d ever had, and I would cherish the memories of that moment for the rest of my life. We cried and laughed together, cradling our sweet, innocent child. Nathaniel’s adoring gaze darted back and forth between the baby and me, his expression full of awe as we lay together in the hospital room, a little family of three, just beginning our story.
My sisters arrived at seven o’clock, with my dad in tow. Each sister took a turn holding their niece, and my dad’s eyes were full of tears as he held his first grandchild.
Gracelyn Melissa Dean.
Nathaniel’s mother’s name was Grace, and we decided that Melissa was a perfect combination of Melinda and Larissa. I wanted to honor my sisters, and they both said they loved it.
“Good thing you didn’t try and name her after me,” my dad joked, holding her in his big, bearlike embrace. “Gracelyn is much prettier.”
Nathaniel chuckled. My sisters giggled.
“Gracie,” I informed my dad. “We’re going to call her Gracie for short.”
“I like that,” Dad said, still gazing affectionately at his granddaughter. “Gracie, I’m your grandpa, and I’m going to spoil you rotten.”
“It’s a beautiful name, Amelia.” Melinda squeezed my shoulder.
“Love it,” Larissa agreed. “I can’t wait till she’s three so I can teach her how to surf.”
Nathaniel’s eyes shot over to Larissa. “Not so fast–”
“Kidding, bro,” she said, clapping him on the back. “I’m kidding.”
Nathaniel let out a relieved sigh but squinted at her playfully. We all laughed, and the beginning of our new life as parents was spent with the best family anyone could ask for.
– – –
Nathaniel was driving too slowly again. “Honey, the speed limit–”
“There is no way I’m driving a mile over thirty,” he said, shaking his head. “Can’t do it. Sorry.”
I chuckled, watching him take every turn and round every curve with utmost care. Turning to our infant daughter, I whispered to her as she slept. “Your dad’s a big old softie, isn’t he?”
My dad and sisters followed us home from the hospital, planning to stay for a few more hours and help out. Once we were settled at home, my family said goodbye for the day, and we finally had a quiet house and plenty of opportunity to rest with tiny Gracie.
A quiet house for now, at least.
Nathaniel helped make sure I was comfortable in bed, and after a successful breastfeeding, the baby fell asleep on my chest. Nathaniel climbed into the bed next to us and curled up close.
“I love my girls so much,” he said, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes.
“Both of your girls love you more than anything in the world,” I smiled, reaching over to caress his cheek.
He slipped a hand into his back pocket and produced a tiny black box. “I bought you a push present.”
