Past and Present Lives
Chapter 16-6 Months Later
"She's so perfect." Mike said as he admired his tiny new daughter.
"She's only an hour old and has you totally wrapped around her little finger. Its funny." Maddie remarked as she shifted in the bed, trying to get comfortable after a long labor.
"Are you sure you are okay with the name?" Mike asked.
"Yes, but I want to pick the middle name. Ellasyn Christine. I think it's only right." Maddie said. Mike had eventually told her about the dream. Mike picked up the baby and handed her to Maddie.
"Deal. Thank you. You are amazing." Mike said before giving her a long kiss. Ellasyn was nursing hungrily and was watching her parents closely.
"Do you think she knows how much she's already loved?" Maddie asked.
"I remember when Katie was born; I asked a nurse the same thing. She was an old battle ax, but was completely tender with Katie. She said that babies this age don't understand love. In time; I disagreed. The babies know. The trick is for the parents to love the baby when it gets older and keeps them awake all night with the flu, or because the teenager is fighting them at every step. That's the trick." Mike remarked.
"Do you think she loves?" Maddie asked.
"She will learn." Mike answered. He leaned down and kissed the top of Ellasyn's head and then gave Maddie a long kiss.
"I know its a little early but maybe the next will be a boy?" Maddie suggested.
"I am fine with a girl but in a year or so, if you want to try for another one; we can." Mike said. Maddie was a natural and Ellasyn was clearly already a mama's girl.
"We didn't have to try very hard for her." Maddie remarked.
"No, I suppose not." Mike said. He sat down next to Maddie and smiled at the way Ellasyn had Maddie's hair tangled in her tiny fingers.
"Mike, thank you. After all that you've been through, I was afraid of you having a negative reaction to her, but you clearly adore her. Do you think it'll help having her?" Maddie asked.
"Yes and no. I will miss Katie, Hannah, Lucas and even Elijah for the rest of my life. Their birthdays, Father's Day and random days will still catch me; but Ellasyn will give me a reason to fight through those days rather than getting mired down in them. Just as you give me a reason to fight through them." Mike said.
"I would imagine those kids adored you. And even though it is painful; you light up when you talk about them. Someday, you will share those memories with Ellasyn. And they will live on in your heart and in Ellasyn's heart." Maddie said.
"You are so unbelievably wise." Mike remarked.
"I have a husband that requires great wisdom at times." Maddie deadpanned. Mike laughed and kissed the top of Maddie's head.
"That is probably true. I love you." Mike said. At one point, Mike hesitated to say the words. Now they slipped out easily.
"I love you too. More than you could ever imagine. Once she finishes and you lay her down, can you settle in here with me?" Maddie asked as Ellasyn detached. Mike took the baby and smiled as she cuddled onto his shoulder.
"You bet. Do you want me to get you something to eat?" Mike asked. It was late into the night. Maddie had been induced early in the morning but the labor had been long.
"Mike, its sweet and I will definitely take you up on that in the morning, but nothing is open and I really want to sleep…with you next to me." Maddie said.
"Yes, ma'am." Mike answered.
"Thank you for being so amazing for me and for Ellasyn. We both love you so much, Mike." Maddie remarked before giving him a kiss.
"And I love you two. More than you could ever imagine." Mike said.
Maddie settled down and was quickly asleep and Ellasyn was out too, only occasionally moving around in her sleep. She was content as long as her diaper was clean and she had her pacifier, only waking up once at three am to nurse. Mike hadn't imagined having another baby at this stage in his life, but Ellasyn was so perfect and Mike could imagine having another baby in a year or so.
He had gained some peace and insight. He missed Christine and his kids, but it was becoming easier to deal with. He had his bad days and Maddie was right there, offering the perfect amount of support and love. He was in a much better place than he had been in before he met Maddie; thanks mostly due to Christine as odd as that was.