--~*~--
"Aaaahhhh!! Something is wrong! Ugghhh!!" Donna screamed, her face contorted in pain.
"Mrs. Lyman, stop pushing!" her doctor urged, trying to calm her and get her to relax.
"I can't! It hurts!" Donna cried, her voice breaking.
"Donna, listen to me, stop pushing!" the doctor repeated, her tone firm but reassuring.
Josh stepped closer, his face pale but determined. "Donna, breathe! Look at me. Focus on me, Donna! Breathe just like we practiced in class. In through your nose, out through your mouth." He began taking deep breaths himself, trying to guide her.
"CJ! Get me CJ!" Donna pleaded, her hand gripping the sheets.
"Hang on! I'll be right back!" Josh bolted out of the room and into the waiting area.
"CJ!" he called, his voice urgent.
"Yeah?" CJ looked up, her attention snapping to him.
"She wants you."
"Alright," CJ said, handing Eva to Josh's mother, Mariah, before following him back to the delivery room. "How's she doing?"
"Not good," Josh replied, his voice tight with worry.
CJ quickly washed her hands and rushed to Donna's side. "Donna, hey, honey, how's it going?" she asked, her voice calm but filled with concern.
"I can't do this, CJ," Donna sobbed, her face streaked with tears.
"Yes, you can," CJ said firmly, taking Donna's hand. "I'm here to help you. We've got you, just like last time."
Donna shook her head, her cries growing louder. "It's not like last time! I can't, CJ. I can't!"
"Donna, honey, stop crying," CJ said gently, dabbing Donna's eyes with a tissue. "Hold my hand. You can do this. Mia is coming out one way or another. Breathe. We can do this, okay?"
"Okay," Donna sniffed, trying to steady her breathing.
"Mrs. Lyman, we have to do an episiotomy," the doctor announced.
"What?" Donna asked, her voice trembling.
"Why? What's wrong?" Josh asked, his worry spiking.
"The baby's head is too big. I need to do this now to prevent tearing," the doctor explained. A nurse quickly brought over the necessary equipment.
"Is this going to hurt her?" Josh asked, his voice tight.
The doctor glanced at Josh and CJ, then nodded. "Yes." Without further delay, she began the procedure. Donna's screams echoed through the room, and CJ froze, her face pale.
"CJ?" Josh said, noticing her reaction.
"No, no, Josh!" CJ cried, stepping back, her hands trembling.
"CJ, CJ! Look at me," Josh said, his voice firm. "Donna needs us. You're her best friend." He locked eyes with her, trying to ground her. "CJ, look at me!" he snapped when she didn't respond.
"Yeah," she finally said, nodding.
"Okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay," CJ said, more to herself than to Josh.
"Let's go."
They rushed back to Donna's side, and CJ found her second wind, ready to support her friend. But this time, she couldn't help feeling everything alongside Donna, and it terrified her more than she had expected. With Eva, it had been easier.
Thirty minutes later, Donna sat in her hospital bed, exhausted but radiant, holding the newest addition to the Lyman family. Ana Mariah Lyman had been born at 6:47 p.m., weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces.
"Donna, she's so beautiful," CJ said, her voice filled with awe. "And I love her name."
"Thank you," Donna replied, her smile tired but genuine. "And thank you for back there."
"Hey, I'm sorry I freaked out on you," CJ said, her voice soft. "I love you."
"I love you too," Donna said, squeezing CJ's hand. "And it's understandable. I was pretty frightened too."
"You did great, Donna," CJ said, her voice full of pride. "I'm proud of you. I have to go, but I'll be back in the morning."
"Go," Donna said, nodding. "I'm sure John is waiting for you."
"Okay, bye," CJ said, leaning down to kiss Donna's cheek. She then gently kissed Ana's tiny hand and whispered, "Goodbye, Ana Mariah Lyman. Happy birthday, princess."
As CJ left the room, she ran into Mariah and Josh, who was carrying Eva.
"You're leaving?" Josh asked.
"Yep," CJ replied, kissing Mariah's cheek and then Eva's.
"Well, thanks for everything."
"Yeah," CJ said, smiling. "Hey, Josh, thank you for before too."
Josh nodded, returning her smile. "It's nice to know the unstoppable Claudia Jean can get a little freaked out too."
"Shut up," CJ laughed as Josh turned and walked back into the room.
--~*~--
"Mama!" Noel's voice rang out as he burst through the garage door, his face lighting up at the sight of CJ.
"Hello, my darling," CJ said, bending down to kiss his cheek. "Did you guys eat yet?"
"No, Daddy's in the kitchen finishing up," Noel replied, taking her sweater and purse to put away.
"Is he now?" CJ said with a smile, making her way to the kitchen. She leaned against the doorway, watching John move around the stove with an apron tied around his waist. "Don't you look sexy in that apron," she teased.
John glanced up, grinning. "I didn't know what time you'd be home. How'd it go?"
"Ana Mariah is beautiful," CJ said, her voice softening. "Donna did great."
"I'm sure Josh is on cloud nine," John said, pulling a lasagna out of the oven. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," CJ said, though her tone wavered slightly. "I, uh… freaked out a little during the delivery."
"Why?" John asked, setting the lasagna on the counter and turning to face her.
"Donna was in a lot of pain, and… a whole bunch of stuff happened that I don't want to get into right now," CJ said, shaking her head. "Just promise me one thing?"
"What's that?"
"No natural births for me. I want all the drugs."
John laughed, the sound warm and rich. "That bad, huh?"
"First of all, that's not funny," CJ said, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Second of all, yes, it was that bad. If it wasn't for Josh—of all people—calming me down, I would've bolted out of there."
"Well, I'll have to thank him for that," John said, stepping closer to her. He cupped her face in his hands. "Gimme a kiss, Mrs. Hoynes."
CJ closed the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a kiss that was both tender and lingering. "I missed you today," she murmured as they pulled apart.
"I miss you every day," John replied, his voice low. He handed her the salad bowl. "Here, make yourself useful and put this on the table."
CJ turned to leave, but just as she reached the doorway, Ryan barreled into the kitchen, narrowly missing her stomach and knocking the salad bowl out of her hands. It clattered to the floor, lettuce and vegetables scattering everywhere.
"Dammit! Be careful!" John snapped, his voice sharp. "You could've hurt your mother!"
"Shit! I'm sorry, Mom— CJ," Ryan stammered, dropping to his knees to clean up the mess.
"I'm okay," CJ said, brushing off her clothes and giving Ryan a reassuring smile. "And stop cursing."
"Sorry," Ryan muttered, his cheeks flushing. "I was just coming to get the plates for dinner."
"Here," John said, handing him the stack of plates. Ryan took them and hurried out of the kitchen.
CJ watched him go, then turned to John. "He's going to be eighteen in two months, John."
"I know," John said, his tone resigned as he rummaged through the freezer for veggies to replace the ruined salad.
"Stop treating him like a kid," CJ said gently.
"Claudia, I don't want to have this conversation right now," John replied, his voice tight. "I'm going to steam some broccoli really quick."
"Aiden hates broccoli. Make the carrots for him," CJ suggested.
"Yeah, go sit down, honey. I've got it. Dinner will be ready in fifteen," John said, his tone softening.
CJ started to leave, but John stopped her. "CJ."
"Hmm?"
"Here," he said, handing her a glass of water. "You need to drink more."
"Yes, sir," CJ said with a mock salute, taking the glass and heading to the dining room.
Later that evening, after the house had quieted down, CJ found John in his office. He was hunched over his desk, papers spread out in front of him, the glow of his computer screen casting a soft light across the room.
"You coming to bed soon?" CJ asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"Yes," John said, glancing up. "Long day, but I've got to finish this. I have a meeting with Emily's List early tomorrow morning, so I won't be too much longer."
"You want me to wait up?" CJ asked, her voice soft.
"Uh… no, baby. I'll wake you when I come in. I'm going to be at least another hour," John said, his eyes returning to the screen.
"I don't mind staying up," CJ said, stepping into the room. "Or I can come in here with you."
John looked up again, studying her face. "What's wrong, Claudia?"
"Nothing," CJ said, shrugging. "I just… you were in Texas last week, and you're headed back soon, and I… I just missed you."
"Are you sure that's it?" John asked, his brow furrowing. He could tell there was something more she wasn't saying. While he traveled to Texas often, and yes they missed each other during those times but this felt different.
"I was terrified today," CJ admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared I'll go through what Donna did. I guess I just wanted to cuddle with you."
John pushed his chair back and stood, crossing the room to her in a few quick strides. "You know what? I'm going to close this down and come to bed."
"John, you don't have to," CJ said, though her eyes betrayed her relief. "I can wait.
"But today, you don't have to," John said, his voice firm. "There will be some days I won't be able to, but tonight, I want to." He saved his work, powered off his computer, and turned off the news. After switching off the desk lamp, he reached for CJ's hand, lacing his fingers through hers. Together, they headed to bed, the weight of the day melting away as they settled into each other's warmth.
--~*~--
"John, I think I want to stop working early, like Donna did before her maternity leave," CJ said, her voice soft as she lay beside him in bed.
"That's fine with me," John replied, his hand gently stroking her arm. "May I ask why?"
"I'm just… tired lately," CJ admitted, her eyes searching his. "Do you not want me to?"
"I want you to be happy," John said, his tone sincere. "I just worry that sitting around the house all day by yourself might start to bore you."
"Maybe," CJ said, considering his words. "I could cut back to half days instead?"
"Whatever you want," John said, his voice warm. "You know I'll support whatever decision you make."
"You're very accommodating right now," CJ teased, a smile playing on her lips as she cuddled closer to him.
"Baby, after what you just did for me, the world is yours," John said, his voice low and teasing.
"So you like it when I put your cock in my mouth, do you, Senator?" CJ asked, her tone playful but her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"As much as you love it when I put my tongue—" John began, but CJ cut him off with a kiss, her laughter muffled against his lips.
When they finally pulled apart, CJ sighed, her hand resting on her rounded belly. "I can't wait until I have this baby and get rid of this huge globe I'm carrying."
"And why is that?" John asked, his lips brushing against her neck as he felt a second wind of energy stirring within him.
"Because I desperately want to ride your cock from here to Houston," CJ whispered, her voice sultry and full of promise.
"Mmm, Mrs. Hoynes," John murmured, his hands sliding down her body. "Keep talking like that, and I'm going to have to fuck you again."
"Really?" CJ asked, her eyes widening with mock innocence.
"Oh, yeah, baby," John said, his voice rough with desire.
"Ride your cock, ride your cock, ride your cock!" CJ chanted playfully, her laughter ringing out as John suddenly pulled her down onto the bed, spreading her legs with a mischievous grin.
"That's it!" John exclaimed, his voice filled with mock determination. "You asked for it!"
CJ's laughter filled the room as John leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was equal parts passion and playfulness. In that moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them, wrapped up in each other and the joy of what was to come.
--~*~--
Two Months Later
"CJ! CJ!" John dropped his briefcase and suitcase by the door, his heart racing as he sprinted upstairs. He'd just landed and switched his phone off airplane mode when he was bombarded with messages from CJ. The urgency in her texts had sent him into overdrive.
"Upstairs!" her voice called out, strained but steady.
"Baby, how are you?" he asked, bursting into the room, his eyes scanning her for any sign of distress.
"I'm okay," she replied, leaning heavily on the dresser. "Contractions are about eight minutes apart now."
"Where's your bag?" he asked, already moving to gather what they needed.
"Already in my trunk," she said, pausing to exhale slowly, her hands gripping the edge of the dresser as she practiced her Lamaze breathing through another contraction.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
She shot him a look that could melt steel, and he immediately regretted the question. "Okay, okay, dumb question," he conceded, raising his hands in surrender. "Did you call your doctor?"
"Yes, she knows we're coming. The hospital's been notified too."
"Good. Come on, hold onto me while we go downstairs. Where the hell are the boys?"
"It's Ryan's birthday," she reminded him, wincing as another contraction hit. "They went to the mall before his party. I tried calling them, but I knew you were landing soon, so…"
John nodded, slipping an arm around her waist to steady her as they made their way downstairs. "Alright, let's get you to the car."
At Walter Reed's Maternity Ward, CJ was quickly ushered into the triage unit. A litmus test confirmed her water had broken, and her vitals were taken. An ultrasound showed a steady heartbeat and confirmed the baby was still in the optimal head-down position. Everything looked good, and after changing into a hospital gown, CJ waited for her room to be prepared.
Less than an hour later, she was settled into one of the newly renovated birthing suites. Her doctor, Dr. Stephanie Windsor, entered with a younger resident in tow.
"Afternoon, CJ, John," Dr. Windsor greeted warmly. "This is Dr. Devin Cartwright, my first-year resident. Do you mind if he observes?"
"Not at all," CJ said, her voice tight but polite. John moved to her side, his hand finding hers.
"CJ, how are you feeling?" Dr. Windsor asked, scanning the printout from the electronic fetal monitor (EFM) that tracked CJ's contractions and the baby's heartbeat.
"I'm okay," CJ replied, though the tension in her jaw suggested otherwise.
"Well, your contractions have slowed, but since your water broke, we can't send you home. Let me check your progress," Dr. Windsor said, pulling on a glove and lifting the sheet to examine CJ's cervix. "Just what I thought," she murmured, removing the glove with a snap and tossing it into the wastebasket. "You're only one, maybe two centimeters dilated. I'm going to order prostaglandin to help thin out your cervix and get things moving."
"And if that doesn't work?" CJ asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"Let's not jump ahead," Dr. Windsor said with a reassuring smile. "We'll take it step by step. For now, try to stay calm and conserve your energy. The nurse will bring the medication shortly, and I'll check back in an hour."
"Thanks, Stephanie," CJ said, her voice softening.
"Of course," Dr. Windsor replied before heading out.
Once they were alone, John turned to CJ, his expression earnest. "Don't you dare start worrying. Look how far we've come. It'll all be worth it when we're holding our baby girl for the first time."
"You're right," CJ said, though her brow remained furrowed. "It just sucks that this is Ryan's day, and I'm stuck here missing his party. I can't leave, but you can go—"
"No," John interrupted firmly. "I'm staying right here. Ryan understands."
"But he shouldn't have to," CJ protested. "Eighteen is one of the big ones, John."
"Have you finalized the name?" he asked, deliberately steering the conversation away from guilt.
"Yes," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll decide when we see her."
"Still thinking Juliette?" he asked, his tone hopeful.
"We'll see," she replied, her smile widening.
"Want some ice chips?" he offered, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.
"Yeah, thank you," she said, leaning into his touch.
"No problem," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead before heading out to procure the coveted ice chips.
--~*~--
Two hours later, CJ's contractions had intensified, coming every six minutes. She cried out, shifting onto her side in bed, careful not to dislodge the monitors.
"CJ, relax and breathe," John urged, his voice calm with concern.
"John! When do I get the epidural?" she demanded, her patience wearing thin.
As if on cue, Dr. Windsor entered the room. "Sounds like we've got a woman ready to give birth in here," she announced cheerfully, heading straight for the EFM.
"Stephanie, when can she have the epidural?" John asked, his concern evident.
"I'll give it to her at five centimeters," Dr. Windsor replied, scanning the printout. "Baby looks good. How are you doing, CJ?"
"I am extremely irritated," CJ snapped.
"Good," Dr. Windsor said with a chuckle. "Still too many words, though. When we get to grunting and one-syllable responses, that's when she'll be ready." She gave CJ a reassuring smile before lifting the sheet to check her progress. "Okay, up!"
"What?" CJ asked, bewildered.
"I need you walking. You're still only two centimeters dilated."
"Walking? I don't—" CJ began to protest.
"Not an option," Dr. Windsor interrupted gently. "Walking, then squatting if you can. Gravity helps. I'll check back soon. I only have one other patient today, so I'll be close by."
As Dr. Windsor left, John followed her into the hallway. "Stephanie, is there any way to ease her pain? I know she can't get the epidural yet, but—"
Dr. Windsor shook her head sympathetically. "Sorry, not yet. Once she's at five centimeters, I'll order the epidural. For now, the best thing you can do is get her up and walking. But at this rate, we're in for a long night. Keep her calm, get her ice chips, and—" She hesitated, her expression shifting slightly.
"What else?" John asked, his stomach tightening. "Is something wrong?"
"No, not right now," Dr. Windsor assured him, her tone steady. "The baby looks good—no signs of distress. But I won't hesitate to do an emergency C-section if there's a decrease in movement or if she doesn't progress. Sometimes first full-term pregnancies take time, but once the water breaks, we have a limited window before the risk of infection increases. I won't jeopardize her health or the baby's. I don't want to scare you, but these are the things I'm monitoring. Help her walk, John."
"Okay," John said, nodding. "Thanks."
As Dr. Windsor walked away, John turned back toward the room, only to see Ryan coming down the hall.
"How's CJ doing?" Ryan asked, his tone clipped. The two hadn't spoken much in the last month. At his wife's encouragement, John had tried to extend an olive branch, but Ryan had been distant, withdrawn.
"Where were you?" John demanded, his voice low but sharp.
"Out with Gabby," Ryan replied, his tone defensive.
"Well, while you were out with Gabriella," John said, his words dripping with sarcasm, "your mother had to wait for me to land before she could get to the hospital. Anything could have happened! I know it's your birthday, but that was extremely irresponsible. I specifically said she wasn't to be left alone with only a week until her due date. Where are your brothers?"
"Downstairs with Gabby and Nicole," Ryan shot back. "They wouldn't let them up, and Mama said we could go!"
"Lower your damn voice," John hissed, glancing at the passersby who were now staring. "Go home now. I'll call you later."
"My birthday party is tonight. I have plans!" Ryan protested, his voice rising again.
"I don't care," John said through gritted teeth, his anger barely contained. "This is more important."
"Well, I do care, and I'm not a child anymore. You can't just tell me what to do!"
Their argument was interrupted by CJ's voice, strained and breathless. "John?" She appeared at the door, bracing herself against the doorframe as another contraction hit.
"CJ, come on, let's get you back to bed," John said, his tone instantly softening as he moved to her side.
"No," she said, shaking her head. "Stephanie said I need to walk." She paused, her eyes flicking between John and Ryan. "Please tell me you two aren't standing in the hall arguing?"
"We aren't," Ryan said quickly, stepping forward. "I just stopped by to make sure you were okay. I'm sorry I didn't see your call."
"I'm here now, so don't worry about it," CJ said, offering him a soft smile despite the pain etched on her face. "I'm sorry this is all happening on your birthday. Don't worry about me go enjoy your party."
"Ceejay—" John sighed, clearly frustrated, but she cut him off with a look. It was amazing how well they could communicate without words. He knew there would be a conversation about this later, but now wasn't the time.
"Thanks, CJ," Ryan said, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I'll come back later, okay?"
"Okay," she replied, her voice warm. "And hopefully, you'll be able to meet your sister by then. Enjoy yourself." She reached up to pull his cheek down, planting a gentle kiss on it. "Be safe."
"I will," Ryan promised, stepping back as CJ turned to grab her bathrobe from the room.
Once she was out of earshot, John leaned in, his voice low but firm. "This isn't over."
Ryan didn't respond, simply turning and walking away. By the time CJ returned, her bathrobe secured, John was at her side, his arm ready to support her.
"Let's go," he said gently, guiding her arm around his shoulders as they began their slow walk down the corridor.
"You wanna tell me what that was all about?" CJ asked carefully, her voice steady despite the occasional wince as another contraction hit.
"Not right now," John replied, his focus entirely on her. "I'm more concerned with you, baby."
—-~*~—-
Hour Seven
CJ was back in her room, lying in bed, her face contorted in pain. John stood by helplessly, his heart aching as he watched her endure the excruciating contractions. Donna arrived shortly after their walk, having left Josh at home with the girls. She immediately took CJ's hand, offering comfort as she placed a cool, damp washcloth on her forehead. CJ lay on her side, tears welling in her eyes as the contractions intensified, now coming every four minutes.
Stephanie entered the room with Dr. Cartwright, her expression calm but focused. "I'm sorry I was delayed—" she began.
"It's okay," John interrupted. "The nurse filled us in when she came to reconnect CJ to the monitor."
Stephanie nodded, turning her attention to the EFM readout. "Your vitals look good. How are we doing?" she asked, her tone gentle.
"She's been like this since we came back from the walk," John said, his voice tight with worry.
Stephanie studied the monitor, her brow furrowing slightly as she noticed a decrease in fetal movement despite the increased frequency of contractions. "Let's have a look," she said, pulling on a glove. After checking CJ's progress, she removed the glove, her expression darkening as she noticed a dark greenish liquid. "Okay, there's meconium in your fluids. That means the baby is in distress. I need to do an ultrasound."
CJ's grip on Donna's hand tightened, her panic palpable. "Why? What's going on? What's happened?" John demanded, voicing the fear that gripped them both.
"Let's get the ultrasound done, and then we'll discuss," Stephanie said calmly, though her urgency was clear. She called for a nurse and instructed Dr. Cartwright to bring over the ultrasound machine. Without ceremony, she lifted CJ's gown, applied the gel, and moved the wand over her stomach. The baby's heart rate was steady but slower than before. As Stephanie adjusted the wand, she saw the problem: the umbilical cord was wrapped once around the baby's neck.
"We're going to have to do a C-section," Stephanie announced, her tone firm but reassuring. "I'll get an operating room prepared and my team together. We'll take you back, administer the epidural, and you'll be meeting your daughter within the hour."
"Can I come in with her?" John asked, his voice trembling as he held CJ's hand tightly.
"Yes," Stephanie replied. "I'll bring you in after the epidural is administered. The nurse will give you the protective gear you'll need."
Stephanie turned to CJ, placing a comforting hand on her leg. "It's going to be alright. I'll be right there with you, and so will John." CJ nodded through her tears, trying to steady her breathing.
As Stephanie rushed out to prepare, Virginia arrived, carrying a "It's a Girl" balloon, flowers, and a pink teddy bear. CJ's tears turned to sobs at the sight, and Virginia's face fell. "Oh my, what's happened?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
John quickly ushered her into the hallway, explaining the situation in hushed tones. "I'm so sorry, Johnny," Virginia said, her eyes welling with tears. "What can I do?"
"Leave the bear and balloon at the nurses' desk for now," John said, his voice strained. "Please."
"Of course," Virginia replied. "I'll help however I can. What do you need?"
"Mama—" John began, his voice breaking.
"It's all in the past, Johnny," Virginia said, cutting him off. "I just want to help Claudia Jean get our baby girl here."
"Thank you," John whispered, his composure crumbling as Virginia pulled him into a tight hug. The nurse took the items from Virginia, and they returned to the room.
"I'm so sorry, my dear," Virginia said, moving to CJ's side and embracing her. It was only their second hug, the first had been after the wedding. Since the incident at Thanksgiving, Virginia had made an effort to mend fences, and her presence now was a source of unexpected comfort for CJ. Virginia had vowed not to repeat the mistakes she'd made with Susanne, and her support was unwavering.
"Everything is going to be okay," Virginia said, her voice steady. "John tells me you're in very capable hands."
"Thank you," CJ said, leaning into the embrace. Despite their rocky history, Virginia's maternal presence was exactly what she needed in that moment.
At CJ's urging, Virginia stayed close, and John couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he watched the two most important women in his life come together.
The anesthesiologist arrived, explaining his role in the procedure before leaving to scrub in. Transport arrived shortly after, and Donna hugged CJ tightly, reassuring her that everything would be okay. Virginia and John walked alongside the stretcher, each holding one of CJ's hands until they reached the operating room doors. Virginia kissed CJ's brow and stepped back, saying a silent prayer for her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
Once inside, the epidural was administered, and John was brought in after the medical team had assembled. A curtain separated CJ from the surgical site, and John sat beside her, holding her hand tightly. Within minutes, Stephanie made the first incision. CJ felt a pull and pressure but no pain. Then, Stephanie announced, "It's a girl!"
CJ smiled, but the room fell silent. "Why isn't she crying?" CJ asked, her voice trembling.
On the other side of the curtain, the nurses worked diligently to clear the baby's airway. "Come on, little one," one of them murmured, rubbing the baby's back in upward strokes. Finally, a loud, piercing cry filled the room, and CJ burst into tears of relief, laughing through them. John leaned in, kissing her lips and whispering, "She's okay."
The nurses took handprints and footprints, completed the Apgar test, and then bundled the baby before handing her to John. He had never witnessed the birth of any of his children, and the moment was surreal. Grinning from ear to ear, he kissed his daughter's forehead before showing her to CJ.
"Savannah Elise," CJ said, her voice filled with wonder as she gazed at the little girl she had prayed for but never truly believed would be possible.
"It's perfect," John said, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you."
The anesthesiologist leaned in, advising that the next IV would put CJ to sleep. She nodded, her eyes locking with John's. "Keep her safe," she whispered.
"Until my dying breath," he promised, his voice steady as her eyes fluttered shut.
The nurses took Savannah for further testing, and John was escorted out of the operating room. He floated back to the waiting room, where Donna, Virginia, and Ryan were anxiously waiting.
"It's a girl!" John announced, his joy radiating through the room. The tension melted away as everyone exhaled in relief.
"Does she have a name?" Virginia asked, her eyes shining.
"Yes," John said proudly. "Savannah Elise Hoynes."
Virginia was the first to hug him, her tears of joy mingling with his. Ryan shook his hand, offering a quiet but heartfelt congratulations. "I'm going to tell everyone," Ryan said before leaving, his excitement evident.
Virginia noticed the lingering tension between John and Ryan but chose not to address it. "I'll go as well, but I'll be right back," she said, following Ryan out.
"How's CJ?" Donna asked, her concern for her friend evident.
"She's doing great," John replied. "She'll be in recovery for a little while, and then they'll bring her back to her room."
"Good. I have to go feed Ana, but I'll be back," Donna said. "Let CJ know."
"Of course," John said, pulling her into a hug. "Thank you for everything, Donna."
—-~*~—-