Page 58 of Until Delilah

“They had to deliver the baby by c-section, but like your mother said, she’s fine.” My dad smiles at me and brushes his fingers along my hairline. “You’re pretty banged up. You have two fractured ribs and lots of bruises, but they’ll all heal in time.”

A doctor and a nurse come in ushering everyone from the room so they can check me out. I answer all their questions, but my sole focus is on when I can see my daughter. It’s my one and only goal.

“Have you seen her?” I look from my parents to Max once they’re back in the room and sitting around the bed. “Is she beautiful?”

“Max thought you should see her first, and we tried to wait, but you were asleep for so long.” My dad’s eyes turn glassy for a moment before he rests his forehead on my hand.

My mom runs her fingers through his hair. “We didn’t know how long you’d be asleep, and I knew you wouldn’t want her to be alone for so long.”

No, I don’t want my baby girl to be alone. Not even for a minute. I want her to feel loved from the moment she was born. I hate that I couldn’t be there with her, but I’m grateful they were.

“She looks just like you did when you were born. She’s perfect.” She reaches out to touch my face, but stops. Her chin quivers. “Are you in much pain?” She looks to my dad. “Where is the nurse with her pain meds?”

“It hurts, but I’ll live. I want to see my baby.” I’ll give up all the drugs in the world that will make my pain go away if it means I can meet my daughter.

“The nurse should be here soon. She’ll make you feel better and then you can meet your daughter,” my dad says in a soothing voice.

“Did you decide on a name yet?” my mom asks with hope in her voice.

My poor baby’s been here for two long days without a name.

I start to shake my head but stop when all it does is make my head hurt more.

“Can I have some water?” I ask, my voice still rough from misuse.

“Of course, sweetheart. I should have asked you first thing.” She pours me some water and holds the cup with a straw in it up to my waiting mouth.

I take long draws, relishing the way the cool water feels against my parched throat. When I come up for air, I find everyone looking at me. “I guess I was thirsty.” I look to Max, who already looks lighter than he did when I first saw him. “I thought I had more time to name her. It hasn’t been that long since we found out for sure we’re having a girl.”

Max cracks a small smile, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. “She definitely wasn’t cooperating on that front.”

“Surely you must have had some names you like,” Mom urges.

“I do, but I also thought I’d know when I saw her. Never did I think she’d be born with these circumstances.” Emotion clogs my throat as tears well up and track down my cheeks. “She probably thinks I’ve abandoned her.”

“No, baby girl.” My dad stands and moves to stand up by my head. He brushes my hair from my face and dries my tears. “She doesn’t think that. You know I wasn’t there when you were born, right? I was on a plane and devastated I missed your birth, but you know what?” I barely give a shake to my head because I don’t know. “You didn’t care or know I wasn’t there.”

“I still loved you.” My lower lip trembles. “But you understand how I feel.”

Leaning down, he kisses my forehead. “I do, but don’t let it ruin your first meeting with her. She’s going to love you just as you love her.”

A smiling nurse different from before comes in with a wheelchair. “Let’s get you set up here,” she says as she changes out one of my IV bags. “Now hit the button here and we’ll give it a few minutes to work before we get you out of bed. Are the new parents excited to meet their baby?” she asks while checking my stats.

“Yes,” I answer and look to Max.

He gives me a weak smile. “I wanted to see her for the first time with you.”

“Come here,” I beckon him. This time he listens, and when he’s close enough, I lift my hands and pull him the rest of the way, so I can brush my mouth to his. I’m sure my breath is atrocious, so I don’t take it any further.

Hovering over me, he speaks so only I can hear. “I told them I’m the father. I thought it would get me back to see you, but they wouldn’t let me past the waiting room door.”

Cupping one side of his face, I try to keep my voice steady as I speak. The number of emotions I’m feeling is overwhelming. “You are the father, Max. I hate that you waited but thank you. Let’s go see our daughter. Together.”

His eyes turn glassy as he nods. When his phone starts to ring, a look of annoyance crosses his face. He pulls his phone out and looks down at it. “Give me a minute, I need to answer this.”

I watch as he walks out of the room with his phone to his ear and then turns to my parents.

“He’s been so worried about you, baby girl.” My dad rubs my leg through the blanket.

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