Page 36 of Banking on Love

“Maybe once things are less tense, I’ll tease you a bit. How about that?”

I kissed her forehead.

“You’re the best, Beautiful.”

“I try.”

Knock. Knock.

“Come in!” Kensi called out. The door opened and in walked the nurse and Dr. Benning, Kensi’s doctor. “Hey, Doc.”

“Hey, Kenz. I hear it’s go time,” he chuckled, walking over to the sink and washing his hands. “You guys ready to meet the baby?”

“As ready as ever,” Kensi replied. Her eyes were filled with worry. I leaned down to her ear.

“You are the most incredible woman in the entire world, Kensi. You’re going to do great,” I whispered then kissed the side of her head. “I’ll be right here.”

“For how long?” she asked sheepishly.

“Forever. I’ll never leave your side. You’re my everything.”

“You’re my everything too, Nick,” she blushed. “My happily-ever-after.”

“Hate to break up the sweet talk,” Dr. Benning chuckled. He now wore a yellow hospital gown and white sterile gloves. “But it’s show-time.”

* * *

The biggest scream from the tiniest baby had changed my life forever. Without even trying, she had wrapped me around her little finger and made me love another person more than I thought possible.

“She’s so beautiful,” Kensi whispered, looking down at Mariah, our daughter, in her arms.

Mariah had a head full of dark hair. Mesmerizing eyes that I hadn’t quite determined the color of. She had the cutest little nose and the chubbiest cheeks.

“She’s perfect,” I replied, smiling at Kensi. “Just like her mom.”

“Bias,” Kensi giggled.

“Never,” I chuckled.

“Sit next to me,” she said softly. It was a cross between a statement and a question.

“Of course, Beautiful.”

She scooted over in the hospital bed. Slowly and very carefully, I sat beside her. I was terrified of hurting her or the baby.

“You aren’t going to break us by sitting on the bed, Nick,” Kensi stated as though she had read my mind. “Want to hold her?”

“What?” I gasped, shaking my head. “No. I, uh, don’t–”

“Nick, relax,” she whispered. “Just hold out your arms. I’ll help you.”

Fear was trying to take hold of me but Kensi’s bright, sweet smile washed it away. Even after two years, I still fell more and more in love with her each day. Today was no different. She had shown her strength and as I expected, shown what a great mother she was with how she cared for Mariah.

“Stop smiling like an idiot and hold your daughter,” Kensi teased, bringing me back to reality.

“You’re so amazing, Kensi.”

“Nick,” she blushed.

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