Page 120 of The Last Thing
She wrenches my hand, and I kiss her head. “You’ve got this. She’s almost here.”
Hallie nods and pushes again. Watching her is exhausting and humbling. Women are magical beings that we’re lucky to share our lives with.
“Okay, she’s crowning. Big push.”
Hallie grunts through the push, and then, in a whirlwind, everything changes. Hallie gasps and leans back as a sharp cry pierces the room.
I stand there, looking between Hallie and our baby, completely overcome with emotion.
A nurse plops our little girl on Hallie’s chest, and I stand at the side of the bed and rest my hand on our sweet girl’s back.
“You did it, baby.”
Hallie looks up at me with teary eyes. “She’s here.”
I pull out my phone and take a few pictures. They’re so intimate, I don’t think I could ever share them.
“Does Dad want to cut the cord?”
I swallow down my emotions and step forward. “Yes.”
With instruction from the doctor, I cut the cord. A second later, I’m back at the side of the bed with my girls.
“Does she have a name?” a nurse asks.
“Hope,” Hallie says with a smile. “Hope Baker-Decker.”
My brows go up. We hadn’t talked about last names.
“Going with the hyphenate?”
“Yeah. She should have both of our last names. No offense, but whenever we get married, I’m keeping my last name. I love being a Baker girl. I want her to be one too.”
“I would never take offense to that. I don’t care what your last name is, only that you’re mine. That we’re a family.”
“We always will be,” she whispers, stroking her finger over Hope’s tiny hand.
I kiss Hope’s head. “Hey, sweetheart. It’s Daddy. I love you.”
I can’t find any other words than those. I’m too overwhelmed with emotion. But really, those are the only important ones anyway.
“She’s so cute,”Sophia whispers, a mix of exuberant and teary-eyed as she looks at Hope.
“Ready to hold her?” Hallie asks.
“Yes, please.”
“Let’s come over to the couch.” I guide Sophia there and sit down next to her, placing a pillow on her lap.
Hallie sways over, looking perfectly content and comfortable, like she didn’t just give birth an hour ago.
“I’m going to rest her head on your arm so it’s supported, okay?”
Sophia nods.
Hope wriggles and lets out a soft cry as Hallie sets her in Sophia’s waiting arms.
“She’s so tiny. Oh my gosh. Hi, little Hope. I’m your big sister, Sophia. I’m going to be your best friend and take care of you and teach you to dance.” Soph leans down and kisses Hope on the forehead, and I melt. Wrapping my arm around Hallie, I pull her onto my lap. Finally, I’ve got all my girls right here with me.
