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The three women with Tobias and Adrian had stayed in the waiting room for over a day. He didn’t deserve friends like them but somehow, he’d been lucky enough to find them.
“We put all the presents in the baby’s room at your house,” said Tobias. “I can’t believe you still don’t have the crib done. You should’ve told me you needed help. If you want, I’ll come over later, and we’ll put it together?”
He didn’t bother to answer. Tobias handled stress by focusing on the problems he could fix.
“Are you hungry? Merri left some of the food from the shower at Estelle’s house, but we packed up the rest and took it to your place. I should’ve thought to bring some here.” Tobias stood. “It’s okay. I’ll go get us all something from the cafeteria.”
“I’ll go with you,” said Adrian.
“Thanks. That’ll be great.” Harker was surprised he could talk around the terror that’d grown in his throat like a cancer. He wanted to shout that he wasn’t hungry. That he’d never be hungry again if they didn’t bring Alison back into this room. She could hate him, leave him, yell at him, anything as long as she was alive.
“We’re going to go get some food,” said Tobias to the four women. “Do any of you have requests?”
“Dr. Shupal.” Harker jumped from his seat as the doctor walked into the room. He couldn't tell anything from her face. “How is she?” Alison had to be okay. She had to be. He didn’t know how he’d survive if she wasn’t.
“She’s good.” The doctor took his hands in hers. “She lost a lot of blood and she’s tired, but she’ll be okay.”
“Thank you, Lord,” said Estelle, hugging her sister.
“Thank you.” The terror that’d filled him slipped away, and his legs shook from relief. Tobias grabbed his arm, and it was probably the only thing that kept him from falling to his knees. “Can I see her? When can I see her? I need to see her.” He’d go mad if he didn’t. He had to see her, to touch her, to know that she was really okay.
“In a little bit,” said the doctor. “We’ll bring her here as soon as she’s out of recovery. Stay with your daughter and family.” She touched his arm. “She'll be fine.”
He nodded, his emotions raw and tangled. He’d almost lost her.
“Sit, Harker.” Merri pushed him down on the chair. “Your daughter is hungry.” She handed him a bottle and placed the baby in his arms.
“She has Alison's nose and her eyes.” Estelle moved to his side.
“Irene’s eyes aren’t brown.” Harker would never forget the color of Alison’s eyes. The warmth in one glance could heat the planet, and the sparkling humor and wit made his entire world right.
“The color will change. Most babies have blue eyes when they’re born, but the shape is exactly like her mother’s,” said Estelle.
“I hope so.” He stared down at his daughter. “I hope she’s just like her mother.” He offered the baby the bottle and she latched onto it like a starving, little gremlin. He couldn’t help but smile as she ate. He’d never realized that he could feel this way about anything. He was devoted, infatuated, fiercely protective and terrified. She finished her bottle and he lifted her to his shoulder, patting her back and kissing her head.
His hand froze as they wheeled Alison back into the room. She looked so pale and small, so fragile and as helpless as the baby in his arms. The nurses lifted her off the gurney and onto her bed. He didn’t remember moving but the next thing he knew he was at her side. She stared up at him, a soft smile on her face. Even though she looked exhausted, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. He couldn’t speak; his emotions tangled in his chest.
“How is she?” Alison’s eyes were on the bundle that he held in his arms.
He cleared his throat. “She’s perfect.”
He placed Irene in her mother’s arms and his world righted. Nothing mattered now. He had Alison and they had their baby. Estelle and Aunt Tiff came over to the bed. Estelle clutched her daughter’s hand.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” asked Alison, smiling at her daughter.
“She is. Just like her mother.” Estelle kissed Alison’s forehead. “You gave us all quite a scare, especially your husband. I’ve never seen a man so worried.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek. “I love you, but I think it’s time for us to all go and let the three of you rest.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
“See you in the morning.” Estelle hugged her.
“It is morning,” said Aunt Tiff.
“Oh. Really? I have no idea what day or what time it is.” Estelle laughed. “I guess we’ll see you later today.”
Aunt Tiff moved to Alison’s side and hugged her. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.” She smiled, wiping her eyes.
“I’ll try not to.” Alison grinned but there were tears in her eyes.
