Page 33 of Paying Daddy's Debt Collector

I kiss my sweet babies goodbye and try to hold back the tears. It must be the hormones, but lately, I can’t seem to stop crying. I cry when I’m happy. I cry when I’m sad.

It’s hard to know what’s going on with me and the kids are always confused, but Chris has been through this four times before. He knows what I’m going through and knows exactly what to do to keep me calm and relaxed.

“I always wanted to have a brother or sister when I was growing up. I guess I thought things would be easier if I had someone to talk to.”

“Yeah, me too,” Chris tells me.

“I’m so glad you wanted a big family so our kids never have to feel that way.”

“They’re never going to want for a thing and neither are you. That’s what I’m here for. It’s my job to keep you all protected, safe, and loved.”

“And you do, Daddy. You do it every day.” Here come the tears again. Jesus, I’m a mess, but in just a few hours, things will start going back to normal in my body and we’ll have another little bundle to love.

We arrive at the hospital, and I change into the blue gown. Chris helps me onto the bed and sits down beside me, holding my hand and wiping my forehead. A few moments later, a hospital staff appears in the doorway with a huge bouquet of flowers and a tiny, blue teddy bear.

“Did you do this?” I ask Chris but I already know the answer. He’s done something similar with each one of our children’s births.

“I have something else for you too.” He reaches into his jacket pocket and hands me a long box with a card attached. I open it and read, “For the love of my life, the mother of my children, my sweet little girl.”

I open the box to find a gold bracelet adorned with the birthstones of each of the children flanked on each side by a row of diamonds.

“Daddy, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” I begin to cry again.

“You’re welcome, baby girl. I’d put it on you but I think it’s best to wait until after.”

It takes just a little more than an hour for the doctor to come in and tell us that it’s time. Twenty minutes later, our son Caleb is born. He’s our biggest baby yet with a round, pink face and chubby little arms and legs.

Chris, who held my hand throughout the delivery, looks almost as exhausted as I feel. He pretends not to worry during the delivery. but I know he hates to see me endure any kind of pain.

I don’t know when I fell asleep but I wake up to find Chris seated in the rocking chair, holding our son in his arms. He looks up at me and smiles. “Excellent job again, little girl. He’s perfect.”

“I believe you had something to do with that, Daddy.”

He rises and comes over to the bed, setting Caleb down in my arms.

“He looks just like his father,” I say as I examine his face.

“He’s had a hard day. He’s been sleeping for a while, but the nurse says it’s almost time to feed him.”

“You should go see the kids. They’re probably out of their minds wondering what’s taking so long.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you.”

“I’m sure. I’ll feed him. Hopefully, we’ll both go back to sleep after.”

“Alright. I’ll bring dinner back with me so you don’t need to eat this hospital food.”

“Thank you, Daddy. You’re always taking care of me.”

“I told you I would. That’s my job.” He leans down and kisses me. I love the feeling of his lips on mine. Even now, every kiss feels like a cold drink on a hot day or that first bite of my favorite meal.

“I’m sure they’re going to want to hear your voice. I’ll text you to see if you’re awake, and if you are, I’ll let them call you.”

“That’s awesome. Thank you.”

The baby stirs, and I start feeding him. While he nurses, my mind goes back to that first night.

Chris seemed so big and gruff. When my father told me I had to go with him, I didn’t know what to expect and I immediately assumed the worst. I thought I’d be found naked and beaten in a ditch somewhere, but then, he told me I could take the kitten with me. He also told me I was going to be his nanny, and I thought if he was a father, then he might not be so bad.

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