“Thank you,” I manage to say through my tears.
The doctor gives us a reassuring nod and leaves the room.
As we settle back into the room, I look at Posey, her tiny chest rising and falling steadily. I reach out and gently touch her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin.
“You’re so strong, my sweet girl,” I whisper. “We’ll get through this together. I promise.”
The next daywe’re in her room, trying to create some semblance of normalcy in this situation.
A knock on the door draws our attention, and a doctor steps inside.
“Hello, Delilah, Wells. I’m Dr. Von Bergo. I’m usually in Madison but come down once a month,” he says with a warm smile. “I’ve reviewed Posey’s case and like to discuss our plan moving forward.”
As he speaks, his thoroughness and genuine concern becomes evident. He goes into great detail, making sure we fully comprehend Posey’s condition and the necessary steps for managing it.
“I’m going to start Posey on a medication called Propranolol,” Dr. Von Bergo says. “She’ll need to take it every six hours. It’s important to keep a strict schedule with this medication to manage her heart rate effectively.”
I nod, absorbing every word. The thought of my tiny baby needing such vigilant care is overwhelming, but Dr. Von Bergo’s confidence reassures me.
“Every six months,” he continues, “I want you to bring her in for an EKG and monitoring. If she has another SVT episode, take her to the ER immediately.”
He teaches us how to recognize SVT episodes at home, pointing out subtle changes in her behavior and physical appearance. Then, he shows us a few home cardioversions we can try before heading to the ER—an ice bath, hanging her upside down, and blowing in her face. Each technique is demonstrated with care, ensuring we feel comfortable and capable of handling these situations.
“You’re doing great,” he says, offering a smile. “Posey is strong, and with your love and care, she’ll thrive.”
Before he leaves the room, Dr. Von Bergo imparts some last words of wisdom. “Trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek help.”
The doctor’s words continue to reverberate in my mind.
Trust my instincts. I can do this. I have to be strong for Posey. I have to believe that we can handle this.
The weightof the past few days begins to lighten as Wells drives us home, signaling the start of our journey toward a new normal. Instead of pulling into our driveway, he comes to a sudden halt in front of the house I was looking at online.
“What are we doing here?” I ask, my stomach fluttering.
Wells turns to me with a smile. “I wanted to tell you on Thanksgiving, but we had Little Boba back there. It’s our new home.”
My skin tingles and adrenaline rushes through me. “You’re serious?”
“Yeah. We can move in whenever.”
I unbuckle my seatbelt and throw my arms around him, tears pooling in my eyes. “I’m so excited. Once we get into a routine, then we can move. I don’t want to do too much yet.”
“Whatever you want, Little Doe,” Wells says, his voice full of warmth and love.
His words comfort me, but there’s an unspoken promise that seems to linger between us, a promise I’ve been hesitant to voice. It’s as if our hearts have been tiptoeing around this moment, afraid to disturb the fragile balance of what we’ve built together. But now, with the world feeling new and daunting, the emotions I’ve held back seem silly.
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of what I’m about to say, and my heart pounds against my ribcage. This is the first time I’m letting these words escape, and the vulnerability of the moment makes my hands tremble slightly.
“I love you,” I whisper, my voice barely more than a breath. I bite my lower lip.
His smile slowly spreads, a tender curve that lights up his entire face. The look in his eyes softens as he reaches out, cupping my face gently. The kiss he places on my lips is soft and sweet, but it carries a depth of emotion that words alone cannot express.
“I love you too,” he murmurs, his voice thick with sincerity.
We sit there for a moment, basking in the promise of our future. With Posey in the backseat, her new medicine ready, and the love of my life beside me, I feel a sense of hope and determination. We’ve faced so much already, but together, we can handle anything.
We sit there in comfortable silence. The car’s interior filled with the soft hum of the engine and the occasional rustle ofPosey moving. I glance over at Wells, seeing him in a new light. It’s strange and beautiful, this new level of connection. I’ve always known he was special, but now, with these words shared, it feels like a whole new chapter is starting for us.