“I called you first. You know that.” I paused this time. “I don’t want to tell her. She was devastated that first time.”
“We all were. I cried for a week for you guys. She’s getting how this baby thing works with us pretty well, I think. She was even cool that you were involved in the creation of our miracle,” Becca pointed out as I smiled. “Call her. Talk it out. We can go for pizza, or she’ll make a seven-course meal.”
I ended that call, standing up to leave and look over the theater. It was my pride and joy, but Gray was my life. My family was my life.
“Everything okay, boss?” Nancy asked, walking by with a folder in hand.
“It’s great, Nancy. How’s the Petersen wedding coming along?” It was the biggest we’d had.
“I think they’re going to fill the theater. Kelli is thrilled with the catering order.” She winked at me.
“Awesome. Thanks for handling all of that, Nancy.”
***
Gray
“I can’t believe we’re here,” I told Hayden as we walked through the hospital.
“I know. That first meeting was amazing, but I didn’t completely believe that this would work out. Now, we’re here, and Valerie is in labor.” He shook his head. We got to the room and tapped on the door, waiting for the voice of a scared young girl.
We grew close to Valerie, in addition to handling her medical bills and making sure that she was comfortable. She was a sweet kid, reminding us a bit of Vivian. We just hoped that she didn’t meet the same fate, but the father moved out of the state.
“Hi, Val. How are you feeling?” I asked as the petite brunette smiled weakly at us.
“I need something for the pain.” The nurse smiled.
“She’s dilated to five. It should be within the next few hours.” The nurse looked at us and then at Valerie. “Is this who will be with you during the birth?”
“They’re the fathers.” Valerie smiled as the nurse nodded, likely used to these situations.
We were there when Nola and Nick Stone came into the world. We were there when they cried for the first time, and the first to hold the tiny bundles of pink and blue.
“I love you, Daddy,” I told Hayden, staring into his eyes.
“I love you.”
The End