Page 107 of When Love Is Lost and Found

She hands me the baby, who's now calm and satiated. I gently bounce her up and down and walk around the room, absorbing every detail of her face. When she opens her eyes, and we look at each other for the first time, my heart soars, and I feel our special father-daughter bond begin. "I promise to love you always, my sweet baby. I just met you, but I know I would give my life to protect you. I will fight like a fierce lion to keep you safe until the day I die. You are the most important person in my life. You and your mom are my world now. I've been dreaming of you for a long time, and now you're here."

In the waiting room, I find my parents and Noah, Rick and his new wife, Caleb and his wife, Patrick and Cara, Betty and Anthony, and my two sets of grandparents all eagerly waiting to hear the news.

"It's a girl!"

Cheering and clapping erupt, followed by hugs and congratulations.

"How is Shay?" Mom asks.

"She's perfect. She was so strong, and she's already talking about having another."

"What did you name her?" asks Cara.

"Her name is Katherine Shay Linder."