Page 78 of Pieces into Place
Vera hesitated for a slight moment, looking at Blake and Alexis. They both nodded, letting Vera know it was okay with them if she held the baby first. Blake followed Vera with her eyes as she walked over to the warmer and picked up the baby. Tears streamed down Vera’s face as she paused for a moment and looked down at the baby. She could see Vera falling head over heels in love with her new granddaughter, and Blake never wanted to forget how Vera looked at that moment.
“Here is your mama, sweet girl.” Vera carefully held the baby by Blake’s head so she could see her.
“She looks like Harper.”
“She does,” Alexis agreed, smiling through her tears. “She’s perfect.”
“Can I hold her?”
“Of course, honey.”
With the most care Blake had ever seen, Vera laid the baby on her chest. She was wrapped tightly in a blanket, crying as she got used to being on the outside. Alexis kept her hand on the baby’s back, making sure she didn’t fall. Blake touched her cheeks, her nose. Blake ran her finger over the baby’s small hand.
“Hi, sweetheart. It’s Mama.” At Blake’s words, the baby’s crying stopped. She settled down as she yawned, melting Blake’s heart. “I love you so much, Amelia.”
“Amelia?” Vera’s voice was full of excitement. “Is that her name?”
Blake looked to Alexis, feeling only slightly guilty she’d spilled the name. Alexis nodded.
“Well, we were going to wait and tell you all together. But yes. Her first name is Amelia.”
“Hi, Amelia,” Vera cooed as she kissed the baby’s head. “I’m your Nana and I’m so happy you’re here.”
“We’ll tell you the rest of her name with everyone else.”
“ExceptIalready know,” Melanie chimed in with a grin. It was then that Blake noticed she’d been taking pictures and videos. That never crossed Blake’s mind, so she was insanely touched Melanie had thought about it.
“Excuse me?” Vera sarcastically laughed as she put her hand on her hip and looked at Melanie. “How doyoualready know?”
“I have my ways.” With a wink, Melanie waved Vera off. “Now come on. All of you get in there so Vera can have a picture to show Isla to let her know everyone is okay.”
Alexis and Vera posed around Blake and Amelia as Melanie took their picture. They were all going to stay in the operating room together until Blake was stitched up, but Blake desperately wanted Isla to be updated.
“Mama?”
“Yes, honey?”
“Can you go tell Mom? I selfishly don’t want you to leave, but she needs to know we’re okay.”
Vera nodded, tears rimming her eyes. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“Like mama, like daughter,” Blake said with a smile. Vera put her hand to her heart as the words registered with her.
“Like mama, like daughter,” Vera repeated as she hugged Blake and the baby again. And for the first time all day, Blake felt herself relax.
Chapter 27
Isla
Waiting rooms absolutely fucking sucked.
At least that’s what Isla had decided after being in one for nearly an hour. She’d gone from pacing the floor to hugging Mason to pacing again in the vain attempt to keep herself remotely sane. Which she knew would be damn near impossible until Blake and the baby were okay. Isla was currently back to pacing the laminate floors as Mason pumped on a nearby chair.
Checking her watch again, Isla sighed.
“It’s not changed since the last time you checked it ten seconds ago,” Mason quipped. “Come here and help me instead of pacing.”
Mason handed Isla a bottle as she took her pumps off. Isla filled one bottle up as Mason did the same with another. She was glad that Mason still had an amazing supply almost a year after giving birth. Even though she and Chase were easing Silas into food, he still needed Mason or a bottle throughout the day, especially at night. His mom had been the same way, so Isla couldn’t blame him.
