Page 115 of Vince
Epilogue
Vince
Seven Years Later…
“You can do this, Syd,”I encourage, knowing she’s exhausted. “Push…”
Rage flashes across Sydney’s beautiful and exhausted face as she squeezes the fuck out of my hand. “You did this to me,” she groans as she gives in and does what I ask.
Apparently, my lovely wife has been in labor for the better part of the day but wanted to make it to her baby shower before admitting this was actually happening. Well, the joke’s on her, not that I’d ever tell her that. Her water broke just as everyone arrived, and we had to rush to the hospital. Unfortunately, after we arrived, she was told it was time to push—so we’re past the point of being eligible for an epidural.
Holy hell, I’ve always known women are the stronger species but watching her endure this only proves it. Contractions are coming one after another, and I feel so fucking helpless. I’d give anything to take this pain from her.
“You’re doing great, Sydney. Just one more push,” the doctor says, and I pray she’s right. I just want Syd out of this misery.
My fingers go numb as Sydney bears down, and she gives it all she’s got.
It’s okay. I didn’t really need this hand to begin with.
I guess that’s why I’ve been given two, right?
The next thing I know, the sound of a crying infant fills the room, and relief washes over me. As I watch the doctor bring our child into view, I’m overwhelmed with emotion. My eyes well up with tears as I witness this precious miracle before me.
Hearing the words, “Congratulations, it’s a girl,” are almost lost on me as I look at this precious miracle we’ve made.
Leaning in to kiss Sydney, I whisper, “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” She smiles through tears as well. “I still have one more opportunity to break the hell out of your fingers.”
Chuckling, I shake my head and my hand out to prepare for the next round. “She’s got your hair,” I state as the doctor hands me my daughter.
“She’s beautiful,” Sydney sighs.
Leaning in to let Syd get a closer look, I’m startled when Sydney’s hit with another contraction.
“It’s time, Dad,” the doctor says, and a nurse comes to take my baby girl away. “The nurse will clean her up and get this precious girl ready for her brother.”
Leaning in, I kiss Syd’s forehead. “In case I don’t tell you enough, I love you.”
“Love you, too,” Syd says on a groan as she reaches for my hand to squeeze.
Through Sydney’s loud growl, I hear the doctor say, “Let’s do this again, Syd. Push.”
Apparently, my daughter has paved the way for my son, because after two strong pushes, he’s brought into this world with a cry much louder than his sister.
“Wow, he’s got a good pair of lungs on him,” our doctor acknowledges as she cuts the cord, then hands him off to another nurse in the room. “Let’s get him near his sister to see if he might calm down.”
Damn. He’s pissed.
My ears rattle as he screeches out his anger. Holy hell. How can someone so small make such a loud noise? I’m sure his voice is heard throughout the entire maternity ward.
But sure enough, the second he’s near his sister, she calms him.
I can’t help but wonder if Van and I were like that for my parents.
My heart constricts, wishing they were here to ask them. I know they’re looking down on us and smiling with joy. Even though they didn’t like the circumstances that brought Julia, they were the best grandparents possible.
Seeing my parents with Julia was amazing. They only got to experience her for a short time, but from the very beginning, she had us all wrapped around her tiny fingers.
