Page 56 of Hooking

Just as I’m about to shout it from the rooftop that I love him too, a knock sounds on the door before it opens quickly. “Ah, Dad’s finally joined us,” the doctor says, walking over to look at the paper strip. “I would like to check you again. I think you may be ready to have a birthday party,” she says, moving to grab a pair of gloves.

Channing looks at me with so much love and hope as he squeezes my hand. The doctor checks my cervix and confirms I am in fact ready to push. My pulse spikes as the thought of pushing a tiny human out of me sinks in.

“Oh gosh. I can’t do this,” I say, as the nurses break down the bed and set up for me to push. “I can’t do this.”

I look at Channing as he smiles down at me, squeezing my hand. “Yes, you can. You got this, Cass.”

I look at the doctor and push for ten seconds like she instructs. Pausing for a moment, I go right back into it. After the first three pushes, I take a break and look at Channing, who is supporting one of my legs.

“Channing, I—”

“Push, Cassidy. I need you to push. Her head’s right there,” the doctor says, cutting me off.

“Tell me after she’s born,” he says. I push again before tiny cries fill the room.

Epilogue One

Cassidy

Six weeks Later

“Which one do you like?” I ask Channing as I show him my phone.

He looks at the two photos I have queued and then smiles down at the little miracle snuggled against my chest. It’s where she’s been living since the NICU cleared me to hold her for more than a few minutes at a time. Either of the photos will do. One just showcases the three of us, while the other is just of her looking as perfect as she was the moment she came out screaming.

“I say we post both,” he says, walking over to the sink so he can wash his hands to hold her.

I pull up Instagram and post two photos. The first is of the three of us. Hayley snapped it the moment she was born before the NICU swept her away. Channing is kissing the top of my head while I’m holding her close to my chest, eyes closed, and smiling. It’s not the most glamorous or well put together of photos, but it’s us. Raw. You can see the love in the way Channing’s mouth curves slightly while kissing my head. How he holds us protectively. The second photo is of our little girl. She’s dressed in a cream, long-sleeved onesie with a blush-pink bow that’s way too big for her head.

Scottie Mae Halloway. Five pounds, twelve ounces, and nineteen inches long of pure perfection came into the world on the third of April, earlier than expected. Mom and baby are both recovering well, while Dad goes out and wins us another Stanley Cup. Go Skipjacks!

I click post on my Instagram and watch as it uploads. Immediately, likes and comments come through. It’s out there now. Our whole relationship is now on display for the world to see, and I could care less. Channing has always been my person no matter how many people try to keep it from happening.

“Now, everyone gets to meet my two girls,” Channing says, taking Scottie and cradling her against his chest. “All I need now is your mommy to say yes to me.”

“What are you going on about?” I say, walking over to the change of clothes Channing has brought me from home since I pretty much moved into her NICU room when they told me she wasn’t leaving with me.

I unzip his Skipjacks duffel and stop, eyes wide at the blue velvet box sitting on top of my clothing. My hand moves slowly to grab the box and open the lid, mouth opening slightly as the breath whooshes from my lungs.

“Cassidy, I fell in love with you the moment I laid sight on you. I just didn’t know it yet. Our journey hasn’t been the easiest, but it’s by far my favorite.” He gets down on one knee slowly, holding Scottie tightly to his chest. “Cassie, will you do me the honor of being my wife? Marry me.”

My free hand covers my mouth, while the other holds the opened ring box. My eyes brim with tears as I look down at the man I’ve loved for so long.

“You know people are going to think you’re proposing because of Scottie, right?” I say, a wide smile spreading across my face.

“Let them talk.” The corner of his mouth tilts up.

Tears slide down my cheeks as I launch myself at him, careful not to startle the sleeping bundle in his arms. “Yes!” I shout as I pepper kisses all over his cheeks. “A hundred times yes. I will marry you.”

I press my forehead to his as he looks down at Scottie squirming in his arms. “Did you hear that, Scottie? She said yes. She’s finally mine.”

I can’t help the small chuckle that comes out of my mouth. If only he knew how long I was truly his.

“I love you, Channing Halloway.”

“I love you, Cassidy Reynolds.”

3 weeks later

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