I know some of you like to read through the chapters quickly to see what happens...but please, take your time at the beginning of this one or you might miss what is happening. So, take your time and pay attention to the details. :)
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
I wiped my eyes for the hundredth time, clearing the flow of tears that had been making an appearance off and on all afternoon. As I lay in bed crying, Jack lay behind me and put his arm over my side, holding me as the tears fell. His mouth was near my neck, and I could feel the heat blow across with each breath. It had been a tough day, and all I wanted to do was cry for a bit longer. Jack knew this and remained by my side as I did so. His arm felt amazing as I pulled it firmly around me, clutching his hand with mine against my chest.
"I'm so sorry, Baby," he finally stated when I quieted.
I rolled to face him, unable to get as close as I wanted, and he encircled me with his arms. "Thank you for always knowing what to do and say. You always seem to know just what I need."
"I'll do anything for you, Beth."
"I know." I wiped my face and then gave him a small kiss. "I'm really tired of crying today."
"It's cleansing for your soul. Do what you need to do," he said, reaching up to wipe a lone tear rolling down my cheek.
I buried my face in his chest, still as firm as the day we'd met, and let the waterworks flow. Jack was right, it did feel cleansing, and I felt better by the time I was done with that round. I tipped my face toward his as his lips met mine. They were warm and soft and so inviting.
A breeze blew against our bedroom window, creating a soft howl. Summer had come and gone too quickly. The kids had returned to school, Jack and I each celebrated another birthday and our first anniversary, and Thanksgiving was fast approaching. The weather had begun to turn, leaving a yard full of leaves as proof that winter was just around the corner.
"I'm going to miss her so much," I said as I felt another wave of tears threatening to spill over.
"I know, we all will."
We had just returned home from my grandmother's funeral. She had lived a long full life and spent her final three years in assisted living, not knowing who any of us were. It had been hard on us all, so when she had passed, a sense of guilty relief had fallen on us, knowing she was no longer confused or lost. But I would still miss her very much and give anything to see her one more time.
Jack's hand slid across my belly, stopping when he felt the baby turn. Moving his other hand to the area, he held them both firmly against the little human who was pushing back. I was getting into the awkward stage, finding it difficult to get comfortable, but Jack did everything he could to make certain I was.
He slid down the bed until his head was near my stomach, and he pressed his ear to the large, rounded shape it had become. His hand was still on me, following the movements of the baby. He did this most nights, completely in love with this little soul we still have yet to meet. My fingers curled into his hair as I tucked my other arm behind my head. I loved watching Jack. I had missed out on all this, having lost Maxwell before I was even showing, and I felt blessed to finally experience a father who was over the moon with the approaching birth of his child.
"Less than two months, and you'll get to meet your baby," I said as I raked my fingers through his dark locks.
Jack moved up the bed until his face was next to mine, then gently kissed me. "I can't wait."
The day Jack had brought home the three pregnancy tests had ended with the results we'd hoped for – all three read positive. We shared the news with the entire family, including the kids, not wanting to leave any of them out of our excitement. As twelve weeks approached, so did the anxiety that came with it. But that checkup, along with each one after, had been perfect. With a due date in early January, I was seven months along and enjoying every second of it. The first two months had been rough, with morning sickness lasting all day and striking at the most inopportune times. But as we lay in bed and Jack's hand remained on my stomach, I smiled at the life we had finally been blessed with.
"Can I ask you something?" I had been curious about how Jack had been with this pregnancy but had never brought up the subject.
"Of course."
"Were you like this with Alex?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you kind of act like you've never felt a baby move around or were involved this closely with a pregnancy. I know it wasn't good with JoAnn, so I was just curious. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"Baby, you can ask me anything. And to answer your question, I was like this as much as JoAnn would allow me to be, which wasn't much. Most of the time, she didn't want me touching her."
"I'm so sorry," I told him and kissed his cheek. "I will never stop you from experiencing your baby."
"Thank you, Beth." His soft, gentle smile melted my heart every time, and his eyes were filled with a thousand words expressing his feelings for me. He kissed me again, his lips molding with mine as if they were made to fit only with each other. "Can I ask you something now?"
"Of course."
"Do you think it's a girl or a boy?" he asked as he moved back down and rested his head on me.
"I'm not sure. Some days I think boy, some days I think girl."
"How about today?"
"Today, I'm thinking girl. What do you think?"
"I think it's a boy," he said and grinned at me. "Max needs a brother."
"Doesn't Alex need a sister?"
"Next time," he chuckled, then laid his cheek against the baby's foot, pressing against him.
"I'm pretty sure we don't get to choose," I giggled.
"I know. Wishful thinking."
"And...next time?" I teased.
Jack lifted his head and looked at me. "There won't be a next time?"
"I don't know. Do you want there to be?"
Jack moved up alongside me and rested his head on his hand. "Do you?"
"I asked you first."
"I wouldn't mind having more with you," he answered, brushing his knuckles along my cheek. "Unless you don't want to. I know you've been through a lot."
I laid my hand on his face and gazed into his eyes. "Of course, I want more with you."
The smile that spread across his lips mimicked that of a child that just received a puppy, and I laughed at his excitement. He moved an arm around me, drawing me in as close as he could as his mouth captured mine. Even my growing belly didn't stop us as Jack swiftly removed our clothing. It would sometimes get in the way, but we always made it work.
...
A snowstorm blew in a week before Christmas, canceling school three days before break was scheduled to begin. The kids were ecstatic and pulled out every board game, lining them up in the order they planned to play them. Exhausted, I was lying on the couch, taking a nap, when I felt a light touch on my stomach. When I opened my eyes, Alex was kneeling beside me with both hands on my belly.
"He moved," she said as her eyes grew wide. "I love it when he does that."
"He?" I asked her, smiling.
Shrugging her shoulders, she replied, "I don't know. I was just thinking that maybe it would be a boy."
"Are you hoping for another brother?"
"I would actually love a sister. But I remember how happy I was when Max came into my life. So, either one would be good."
"That is a very grown-up way to think about it."
"Mom?"
"Yes, Alex."
"Is my other brother in heaven?"
Alex had never spoken of the baby we'd lost, and her question caught me off guard. "I like to think he is."
"I think so," she said, then leaned down and kissed my stomach. "Max and I are going to play a game now."
"Okay. You two have fun."
"Love you, Mom."
"I love you, too."
I watched Alex skip away, then laid my hand on my stomach. The baby was very active that day, rolling and turning, pressing against my bladder, and sending me to the bathroom about every thirty minutes.
I was just returning from another trip to the restroom when my phone began to ring. Rosemary's face lit up the screen, and I quickly picked up.
"Beth, Beth, he finally asked me," she almost shouted.
"What? Who asked you what?"
"Lee. He proposed."
"Really? It's about damn time," I teased.
"I know. I was beginning to lose hope, but last night, just as the snow began to fall, we took a walk through that park near us."
"Yeah, I know the one."
"When we reached the center, he dropped to one knee, and when I turned to face him...Beth, it was perfect."
"I'm so happy for you, Rosie. It sounds amazing."
"It was. It was so beautiful outside with the snow falling. And this ring, Beth. You need to see this ring."
"I can't wait. As soon as this snow clears, we'll meet for lunch."
"Hey, how are you feeling? Glad you took time off work?"
"Yes. My ankles are so swollen. At least, I think they are. I can't exactly see them."
"Oh, Beth. I'm so happy for you and Jack."
"Thank you, Rosie. So, have you picked a date?"
"Not yet. I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I'm engaged to a wonderful man."
"Lee is so good for you. I'm glad he was persistent that day I introduced you."
"Me, too. You have no idea."
"Oh, I think I might." I smiled, remembering back to the persistence of Jack.
"Yes, I guess you do," she giggled. "I need to get going. I just wanted to tell you the news first."
"Thanks for calling. And congratulations."
"Thanks. Bye, Beth."
"Bye, Rosie."
I laid my phone on the side table and draped my arm over my eyes. I must have drifted off immediately because the next thing I knew, Jack's hands were cupping my stomach, and he was murmuring to the baby.
"...and you have an awesome big brother and big sister that can't wait to meet you. They talk about you all the time. And your mommy, oh my goodness, just wait until you meet her. She's beautiful, sweet, loving, giving, amazing...she's all the good stuff."
My hormones had played havoc on me during this pregnancy, and as I lay there and listened to him, the tears began to flow again. Hearing me sniff, Jack glanced over at me.
"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" he asked as he moved closer to my head.
"It's fine. What time is it?"
Jack looked at his watch. "4:27."
"Oh, my gosh. I've been asleep for three hours."
"Sounds like you needed it. Why don't you go up to bed and rest? I'll bring you supper when it's ready."
"You don't need to do that. I'll help you."
"Don't argue with me. You're growing a human. I think I can handle a meal."
Hard to argue with that. Jack helped me to my feet, which I hadn't been able to see in over a month, and I waddled my way to our bedroom. I was instantly asleep once more, not waking until Jack was on the edge of the bed, gently waking me.
"Do you want to sleep or eat?"
"I should eat," I answered as I sat up and wiped my eyes.
After adjusting the pillows behind me and straightening the covers, Jack placed the tray on my lap. A pork chop, mashed potatoes, and mixed veggies covered the plate and were accompanied by a glass of orange juice. OJ had been the strange thing that I had craved during the entire pregnancy...no matter what I was eating.
"The kids want to come up and watch a movie with you after we eat. Feeling up to it?"
"Of course. What do they want to watch?"
"They said for you to choose." Jack sat on the edge of the bed and rested his hand on my thigh. "Any ideas?"
"I'll have to think about it. This food is delicious," I added as I took another bite of the pork chop.
"Thank you." Jack laid his hand on my stomach just as the baby pushed out. "A strong one," he said as he began to laugh at the quick random movements.
"Don't I know."
"What's it feel like? You know, for you."
"It's hard to describe. Kind of like an alien has moved in and is having a boxing match with my insides," I joked. "But it feels wonderful. Like nothing else."
"I can only imagine. Okay, I'm going to go eat with the kids, then we'll come up for a movie."
"Sounds perfect. Hey, did you hear the good news about Lee and Rosie?"
"Yes, Lee told me today."
"Isn't it wonderful?"
"Yes. My best friend is marrying your best friend. It doesn't get much better than that," he smiled and kissed me. "They both deserve happiness, and I think they are great for each other."
"I do, too. Rosie was so excited on the phone. I'm just so happy for them."
"I'm sure they will have an epic wedding, too," Jack grinned. "Lee will make certain of that."
"I'm sure he will," I laughed.
...
Christmas had been spectacular that year. The snow had remained on the ground, making everything white, and with the approaching birth of our baby coming in days instead of months, excitement could be felt throughout the house.
Jack had gone overboard with the kids, getting them almost everything they had requested, and spoiled me with a gorgeous diamond bow necklace. He told me he considered me a gift, and that I was giving him the greatest gift he could ever ask for. Of course, I cried when he told me as he placed it around my neck. I hadn't taken it off since then.
It was New Year's Day, and the kids were still asleep as we let them stay up well past midnight to ring in the new year. I wasn't able to move much, so I sat and watched as Jack danced around with them, blowing noisemakers and tossing confetti into the air.
I woke earlier than I'd wanted that next morning, having stayed up late with them, but I couldn't get comfortable enough to get back to sleep. I finally rolled out of bed, grabbed my fuzzy warm robe – that refused to close around me – and made my way to the kitchen. After pouring myself a glass of orange juice, I stood in the middle of the sunroom and watched the sunrise as it lit up the sky like an explosion.
My back began to hurt, so I crossed the room to sit down, but just as I was about to lower myself into the chair, a gush of fluid hit the floor. Unable to see what had happened, I stepped back to find a puddle of clear fluid where I had just been standing.
"JACK!" I shouted as loud as I could, unsure if he could hear me, then tried again. "JACK!"
I could hear the pounding of footsteps as he flew down the stairs and across the house. "Beth. Beth, where are you?"
"In here."
"What's wrong?" he asked as he entered the room.
"My water just broke."
"Your water? Oh, your water. Um, well, let's see. What do I do?"
"Call your mom to come stay with the kids and get my bag in the closet."
"Yes. Yes, that's right." Jack ran from the room and back up the steps. By the sound of things, he took the steps two or three at a time. When he returned, he was on the phone with his mother. "I don't know. She just told me. Beth, are you having contractions?"
I shook my head.
"Not yet, Mom. What? Okay...okay...yes. Okay, bye."
"She's calling your mom and will be on her way shortly. I got your bag. Do I need to get anything else?"
"Noooooo." Just as I answered him, the first contraction hit, and it hit hard. I doubled over and held my stomach as Jack rushed to my side.
"Come sit down," he said and guided me to the nearest chair. He knelt before me, holding one of my hands and rubbing the back of the calf with his other. "Is it over?"
"Yes." I leaned back and held my stomach. It had been so many years since I'd done this. I was beginning to get a bit scared.
Jack could see it on my face and took hold of both hands. "Baby, everything is going to be just fine. You can do this. I'll be with you the whole time."
My eyes locked with Jack's, and I forced a smile.
"Seriously, Elizabeth. I just know you'll do great."
"How do you know?"
"Because you're amazing at everything you do," he grinned.
His smile eased my nerves a bit, and I relaxed slightly. After Jack cleaned up the mess on the floor, we sat and waited – waiting for his mother and waiting for the next contraction. Just as we heard Charlotte's car pull in, the gripping pain of my body preparing for birth took over once again.
Jack was with me, having quickly ran to unlock the front door, and held my hands as the contraction seemed to radiate through my entire body.
"How far apart are they?" Charlotte asked when she saw the state I was in.
"Fifteen minutes," Jack answered.
My eyes were closed when I felt a cold hand on my forehead. "How are you doing, Dear?" she asked me.
"Okay." I opened my eyes to find her smiling face looking at me. "Thanks for coming over, Charlie."
"Of course. Thomas will be home later today, so I can go to the hospital."
"That will be great, Mom," Jack said as he rubbed my legs. "Are you ready to go, Beth?"
"I think so."
"Don't worry about the kids. As soon as they wake up, we're going back to my house, and they can help me chore."
"They'll love that, Mom. Thanks."
"We'll see you soon, Beth," Charlotte said just before we stepped into the garage.
"Don't forget Keesha," Jack called out to his mother before closing the door behind him. "She's in Max's room."
...
Jack was making phone calls while I was getting settled into a private room. A monitor was wrapped around my belly to track the baby's heartbeat, while a blood pressure cuff was placed around my arm. Memories of Max's birth flashed through my mind during the buzz of the room when I'd first arrived. Everything seemed so familiar, and this comforted me. Once the nurses were finished with their tasks and the doctor checked my progress, the room emptied, leaving Jack and I alone for the first time since we'd arrived.
"Wow, this is very different than when Alex was born."
"What happened with her?"
"From the moment JoAnn went into labor to when Alex arrived, it was only three hours. She came so fast the epidural hadn't even kicked in yet. JoAnn hated everything about it. They took Alex away and put her under some oxygen dome thing. It looked like she had a cake lid over her head." Jack chuckled at the memory.
"That must have been scary."
"It was at first, but the nurse assured us that it was nothing to worry about. Alex had just come out so fast that she needed a little assistance with the oxygen. She wasn't under it very long. How long was your labor with Max again?"
"Eighteen hours."
"Is that a lot?"
"It is when you're the one trying to push a human out from between your legs."
"Touche," Jack said, smiling.
Another contraction began, and Jack quickly grabbed my hand, allowing me to clamp down as hard as I needed. He spoke softly to me and brushed my hair back, calming me through the entire process. Once it ended and I released his hand, Jack cupped my face and kissed me.
"You amaze me."
"It's still early," I teased.
"How are you feeling now...boy or girl?" he asked as he sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing my arm.
I thought for a moment, smiled, then answered, "Boy."
Jack laughed and pressed his forehead against our hands, which he now held.
"What's so funny."
"I actually feel like it may be a girl now."
"Well, boy or girl, he or she will be loved like crazy."
"No doubt about that," he said, kissing me again.
The day progressed slowly as contraction after contraction wore me out. Ten hours after we arrived, I had finally dilated to a six. With the epidural ordered, I rested as Jack wiped the sweat from my forehead and brushed the hair from my face. Jack's tender touches lulled me to sleep each time, only to be jerked awake by another round of pain. He held my hand, encouraged me in his extraordinary way, remained quiet when I needed to rest, and cheered me on when I needed strength. He was my rock in every sense of the word, and the pain seemed almost easier to bear with Jack by my side.
Another four hours passed, and tears rolled from my eyes as the contraction came to an end. Jack held my hand and pressed his forehead to mine. "You're almost there, Beth. We'll meet our baby soon. You are so amazing."
I nodded, then closed my eyes to rest, only to be hit with another wave of pain. The doctor returned to the room for what must have been the tenth time, checked me, then informed us that it wouldn't be long. After another half hour, I was told it was time to push. My legs were drawn up, and Jack held one, all while keeping his other hand in mine.
I pushed for what felt like an eternity but was told it had been just under an hour before we finally met our baby. I'm certain Jack would have pushed for me if he could have. He would have taken the pain upon himself, even for a brief moment, just to give me the slightest relief. Jack was in tears at the first sight of our child and when he cut the umbilical cord. He kissed me hard as they cleaned the baby, and we cried together with pure joy at finally adding to our family. The emotions that roared through me were almost more than I could bear. A mix of my hormones running rampant, exhaustion from a long day of labor, and the reality of finally meeting the child we had longed for triggered an onslaught of tears.
"Our baby is here," Jack cried as he held me. "Finally here, Beth. You did it, Baby."
I was too exhausted to speak and just let the tears flow. After the baby was cleaned, measured, weighed, and checked over, our child was placed in my arms. Perfection was the first word that came to mind as I counted ten fingers and toes, touched a cheek, and brushed my fingers across the soft fuzzy hair. Absolute perfection.
"Do you still love the name? Does it fit?" Jack asked as he held the tiny hand in his.
"Yes. Without a doubt," I answered between sobs.
...
Everyone had been notified of the birth, and they patiently waited to be allowed to our room to meet the new family member. Our parents were first, and as they entered the room, both our mothers were instantly in tears at the sight of their new grandchild.
"Okay, we've waited long enough," Thomas started. "Do we have a grandson or a granddaughter?"
Jack was next to my bed, our baby in his arms, and our parents circled around him. "Mom, Dad, Grace, William, meet Madison Eve."
"Oh my, a girl? She's perfect," my mother stated as she took the baby from Jack's arms.
Our parents took turns holding Madi, and Jack sat on the edge of my bed, my hand in his. Exhaustion overtook me, and I dozed off while they reveled in their new granddaughter. When I woke, they were quietly slipping from the room.
"Hey, Baby," Jack said, still at my side and with our daughter in his arms.
"Hey, Sergeant." Jack looked amazing with a baby in his arms. He was a natural, as if he'd been made to be a father – and I truly believed that he was.
"Knock, knock. Can we come in?"
"Come on in, Rosie," Jack answered.
"I hear we have a little girl," Lee said quietly.
"Yes, and she's perfect," Jack said. He handed his daughter to Rosie, then took hold of my hand again.
"How are you feeling?" Lee asked me.
"Tired," I answered, smiling. "But wonderful.
"She's beautiful, Beth. Madison Eve?"
"Yes."
"I love it. She looks like a Madison."
"We thought so," Jack said. The pride on his face as he looked at his daughter was like the light of a radiant star. I loved seeing him like this. He had always been incredible with Alex and Max. Still, I had been highly anticipating seeing him with his newborn child.
"So, have you two set a date?" Jack asked.
"We have," Rosie replied with a grin.
"Well, when is it?" I asked.
"March 9th," Rosie answered.
"Wow, that's not far off. Do you have a venue yet?"
"We're still looking," Rosemary answered.
"Wherever it is, it will be spectacular," I grinned. "I'm so happy for the two of you."
"Yes, buddy," Jack started, holding his hand up to lock with Lee's. "You've been single long enough," he teased.
"I just never found the right gal," Lee said, his face beaming as he looked at Rosemary holding the baby. "Until now."
I watched the two of them as they strangely looked at one another. "What's up?" I asked, seeing that Rosie wanted to say something.
"Well, we got some...unexpected news the other day."
I looked back and forth between them, trying to read their faces, but I was at a loss. "What news?"
"In about seven and a half months, it will be our turn here," Lee replied.
"You're turn in wh...WHAT?!" I asked...a bit too loudly. "You're pregnant?"
"Yes, I'm pregnant," Rosemary said, smiling ear to ear.
"But...how? I thought you couldn't."
"It turns out...Rhett lied."
"I'm confused."
"So was I. I told the doctor that Rhett and I had tried for over a year and that he'd even come into the office to get tested, and he was fine. So, we knew it was me. But Rhett left just before my appointment to get evaluated, so I canceled it. My doctor told me that Rhett never came in. He lied about the entire thing."
"What a rat!" I exclaimed. "But...congratulations. I'm so happy for you," I said, holding my arms out to hug her. "I'm so very happy for you."
"We're ecstatic," she said, wrapping one arm around my neck while holding Madison in the other.
"That's great, Lee," Jack said as he pulled his best friend into an enormous man-hug, smacking his back. "Way to go, stud."
We laughed at this statement and talked about babies and weddings for a while. It was so wonderful that Rosie was finally getting the life she'd dreamed of, and I was thrilled for them both.
"We should get going," Rosie said as she placed Madi in my arms. "I'm surprised they haven't kicked us out yet. It's in the middle of the night. Hey, was Madi born on the 1st or the 2nd?"
"12:15 AM, January 2nd," I told her.
"Boy, she just snuck in there," Rosemary grinned.
"Yes, she took her time coming out," I smiled as I looked down at my daughter. "But that's alright. She's here now, and she's healthy." I returned my gaze to Rosemary. "You're going to be a wonderful mother."
"Thank you, Beth. That means a lot coming from you."
After farewell hugs and one more kiss for Madison, Lee and Rosemary quietly stepped out of the room.
"That Rhett is a weasel," Jack said as he moved onto the bed beside me.
"Yes, he is. Oh, what I wouldn't do to get my hands on him."
"You know you're talking to a cop...right?" he teased.
"Yes, and you'll be my accomplice. Right?"
"Always," he said and kissed my cheek.
...
The following morning, as I waited for my mom and Julie to bring the kids by, I pulled the blanket away from Madison's face and gently touched her bottom lip. She was gorgeous. I must say, Jack and I make a beautiful baby. I lifted her hand and inspected her tiny fingernails, and she slowly curled her fingers around mine.
"Mom, Dad," Max exclaimed as he rushed into the room.
"Shhh, not so loud," Jack said.
"Sorry."
"Come meet your sister," I said softly as the kids neared the bed.
"A sister? I have a sister?" Alex stated, grinning from ear to ear.
No one had informed the kids of the gender of the baby, as we'd wanted to surprise them, and wide-eyed Alex leaned over the bed to inspect her new sibling.
"She's cute. Can I touch her?"
"Of course," Jack said and lifted Alex onto the edge of the bed.
"She's so tiny."
"Can I see?" Max asked, trying to get on the bed.
Jack walked to his side, lowered the rail, and helped him up.
"What's her name?" he asked.
"Madison Eve," Jack answered.
"That's cool," Alex said as she gently touched her little sister's hand. "Does she have a shorter name like me?"
"Madi."
"Madi. I like that," Max said. His hand hovered over her as if he was afraid to touch her.
"Want to hold her?" I asked him.
"I don't know. I don't want to drop her," he replied as he pulled his hand back, holding it to his chest.
"Come here." Jack motioned to a nearby chair, and Max hopped off the bed. Once seated, Jack took Madison and placed her in her big brother's arms.
"This is so cool," he said as he stared at her. "I think I'm going to like having a baby sister."
After Max held Madi for a few minutes, Alex took his place in the chair, and Jack gently lowered his new daughter into his ten-year-old's arms.
"I'm going to be the best big sister ever," she said softly as she stared at the baby.
Jack was on the edge of the bed again, my hand in his, as we watched our three children. Max was on the arm of the chair, looking over Alex's shoulder, both in a trance over their sister's tiny fingers. This was the moment I had dreamt of since falling in love with Jack. And I knew he had also imagined this by our many conversations about growing our family.
It had been a long, hard road to get here. One I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. But we had finally made it, and it was more glorious than I could have imagined. Max and Alex were delighted over their little sister, Jack was the amazing man I knew him to be, and my heart was overflowing with joy from sharing this experience with the ones I love.
The kids stayed for over an hour, each taking turns holding Madison until it was time for me to feed her. Jack walked them down the hall to the waiting room, where Julie and my mom were waiting while I watched my daughter eat. She had taken to it like a pro, needing no assistance from the nurse, and ate until her belly was full. She was lying on my shoulder as I gently patted her back when Jack returned, and he quietly moved onto the bed beside me. With his arm draped over my stomach and his head on my shoulder, I cradled Madi, and the three of us got some much-needed sleep.
...
With Madison in her arms, a nurse woke me in the middle of the night for a feeding. I gladly took my daughter, and she quickly latched on. I scanned the room to find Jack asleep in the chair. He had it pulled out flat and was on his side with his arm tucked beneath his head. A small light was on in the room, and I could see him clearly, and he seemed to have a slight grin across his lips. I looked down at Madi, inspecting every inch of her, noticing some similarities she shared with the family. She had my nose, Jack's chin and dimples, eyes shaped like Alexandria's, and her lips looked like Max's when he was born. She was a perfect blend, tying our family together.
When she was finished eating and burped, I placed her into the bassinet that had remained at my bedside and watched her until she was fully asleep. I rolled to my side, and with my hands tucked beneath my head, my eyes locked on Jack's. He was awake and had been watching me.
"Hey, Baby," he whispered from across the room.
"Hey, Sergeant."
As Jack sat up and stood, I slid over on the bed to make room for him. He slipped beneath the covers and put his arms around me, drawing me in tightly against him. With his face buried in my neck and hair, I was lulled asleep by the warmth of his breaths against my neck.
...
It was time to take our baby girl home, and Jack was gently placing her into the new car seat. I was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him and waiting for my wheelchair. He was talking quietly to Madison as he slipped her tiny arms through the seat belt straps, being extremely careful not to pinch her. It was the sweetest sight I had ever seen. He was a fantastic father, just as I'd envisioned he would be. Jack was smitten by his daughter and had barely taken his eyes off her since she'd been born. He picked up her carrier and my bag while a nurse pushed me out in a wheelchair and followed us through the hospital. Another nurse walked close behind with a cart filled with bouquets of a multitude of flowers.
Jack was grinning ear to ear all the way home, constantly looking at me in the rearview mirror as he drove. He pulled my car into the garage, turned it off, and was swiftly at my door to assist me with getting out. Once Madison and I were settled in the living room, Jack finished unloading the car before joining us on the couch.
"Thank you, Beth," he said as he kissed my cheek. "Thank you for the greatest gift you could ever give me."
"This was a joint effort, so thank you," I said and returned the kiss. "She's beautiful," I added as I stared at the sleeping child in my arms.
"Just like her mother." Jack placed his arm behind me and held Madi's hand with his free hand. "Let me know if you need to rest."
"I could probably take a nap after I feed her. Why? Are you wanting to hold your daughter?" I asked, grinning.
"Well, maybe," he smiled back.
I lifted my shirt and began nursing her, switching sides halfway through, and Jack never took his eyes off his daughter.
"I think you're in love with a new little lady."
"Madly," he replied, brushing his thumb across her tiny fingers.
I thought my heart would burst with the amount of love I felt for Jack at that moment. Once she was finished eating, Jack placed her on his shoulder, patting her gently until he received that sought-after burp. He moved to the end of the couch and pulled my feet onto his lap, keeping his baby girl in his arms while I drifted off to sleep.
...
"Are you ready for Keesha?" Jack whispered into my ear.
I opened my eyes to find my husband kneeling beside me, his daughter still in his arms. "You know, you are going to spoil her rotten if you never lay her down."
"And the downside to that is...?" he asked, tilting his head and grinning. "I'll be returning to work soon, and I'll miss much of this. I want to soak in every second possible with her."
"What did you say about Keesha?"
"Ma is almost here with her. Are you ready for the introduction?"
I swung my legs off the couch and rubbed my eyes. Jack eased Madison into my arms and sat down beside me. "Yes, I think Keesha will love her."
"I do, too," Jack agreed and softly brushed his finger along Madi's forehead. "I mean, how can she not love her?"
With a knock at the door, Jack hurried to let his mom and Keesha in. The ecstatic dog jumped up and down at the sight of her owner, and Jack gave her lots of love to calm her down.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Charlotte said as she sat beside me.
"Hey, Charlie."
"How's Madi doing?"
"She's absolutely perfect." I brushed my hand across the top of my daughter's head, and she rolled her eyes back slightly.
"Ready for Keesh?"
"Yes, bring her over," I said, shifting Madison to my lap.
The young dog bounded toward me, then froze a foot away. She stood still, staring at the small bundle on my lap, and remained unmoving momentarily. Finally curious, she stretched forward until her nose was against the blanket that wrapped the strange bundle on my lap and sniffed several times. I moved Madi a bit closer, pulling the blanket back from her face, and Keesha softly touched her nose to her soft skin.
"What do you think, Keesh?" I asked her.
She looked at me, then back at Madison, and sniffed her once more.
"What do you think, girl?" Jack asked and straddled the dog, placing a hand on either side of her neck. "See the new baby?"
Keesha tipped her head up, looking at Jack, then back at Madison, and smelled her again. She slowly took a step closer and pushed her nose against the baby's arm, then laid her head on Madi's stomach.
"I think she likes her," Jack stated as he petted the dog.
"It appears that way," Charlotte said, patting the top of Keesha's head. "Such a good girl."
"Would you like to hold your granddaughter?" I asked Charlotte.
"Of course," she replied with a smile. "Let me see that gorgeous girl."
Charlotte stayed a while that afternoon, spending time with Madison and playing a game with Max and Alex when they arrived home from school. They were excited to see their baby sister home, taking turns holding her. They were as taken with her as Jack and I. Love is one thing Madison Eve will always have an abundance of, and she will want for nothing.