“A lot,” Sunshine offered.
“I wanted Harrison to get her to back off, and I let it slip that we were married.”
She shrugged. “Oh well. It was one of the best-kept secrets in our family. I’m surprised we got away with it for so long.”
Her response surprised me. I thought she’d be pissed, but I guess when looking at the bigger picture, everyone knowing we were married wasn’t a big deal.
“Ryan.” The hitch in her voice alerted me that something was wrong. “Can you get a nurse?”
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“I think my water just broke.” She touched the bed and held up her damp fingers.
Sixteen hours later, Jo held our perfect little girl to her chest. I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life. Jo was exhausted but radiant, her joy lighting up the room. She had never looked more stunning. Despite all the worry, the baby was healthy, with the cutest little head and dimples. I pressed a kiss to Jo’s temple. Then I ran my finger over her little balled-up fist.
“She is perfect,” I whispered.
“I know, right?”
She looked up at me, and I couldn’t resist kissing her. This was family — my wife and daughter. They were my everything. I felt humbled to be blessed with such happiness.
I didn’t want to leave their side, but Jo insisted I let everyone know the latest: Kay had arrived.
“Our daughter is here, and both she and Jo are healthy and doing so well,” I announced to our waiting family. My heart burst with pride. I received hugs from our parents, with promises they would see them soon. Then I rushed back to my ladies.
Later, when it was just the three of us, Jo said, “It’s time to pick a name for her. We said we'd decide once we saw her.”
I thought it would be a hard decision, but we soon found ourselves on the same page. For her first name, we went with my suggestion, and for her middle name, her mother’s.
Although she was just hours old, the name Regina Justine Kay suited her perfectly.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
JO
Regina is the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. This is my unbiased opinion. Her perfect short, bouncy jet-black curls are a delightful blend of my own and Ryan’s features. Regina’s monolid eyes, inherited from her father, beautifully showcase her Asian ancestry. Her tanned complexion adds to her captivating charm, making her the perfect combination of both of us. Born at five pounds, nine ounces, she was a long baby, stretching an impressive twenty-one point three inches. Her delicate fingers and toes are irresistible.
Despite being only a few days old, Regina had a serene demeanor. Her cries were soft and not very loud, as she seemed to prefer gurgling and babbling happily, showcasing her sweet nature. Dimples, just like mine, lit up her face, and although my mom insisted it was too early for smiles, I couldn’t help but believe she was already showing us her joyful spirit.
Her wardrobe was filled with outfits, and I took great joy in dressing my sweet baby girl in each charming ensemble.Once one outfit was complete, my thoughts already drift to the next. Perhaps the adorable yellow onesie would be her next look.
“Hello?” Amara snapped her fingers, trying to regain my attention.
“Yeah, sorry, what did you say?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’d married Ryan?” I sighed, knowing she had been waiting for the perfect moment to get me alone to ask. Earlier, she and Chase had stopped by, but she held back while the guys were around. Now, with our husbands gone and Regina fed and asleep, she seized her opportunity.
Why couldn’t she be like my parents and let me off the hook? My mom hugged me.“I know you had your reasons for not sharing the news with us. I just want my baby girl to be happy.”
“Our wedding was something just for us.” I shrugged. “We didn’t need to share it with everyone.” I avoided looking at Amara as I spoke, keeping my gaze fixed on Regina’s covered foot as she lay in the bassinet.
“I see.”
God, her tone was dripping with a patronizing edge that made my skin crawl. I looked at her then. The patient expression she wore annoyed the living crap out of me.
“I’m pretty sure you don’t see, Amara.”
“You’re right. I get not being able to tell anyone else, but this is me.” She pressed her hand to her chest, her voicetrembling slightly as she fought to keep her composure. Then her eyes softened, filled with a mix of sympathy and frustration as she turned to me. “Why can’t you just admit that Ryan wanted to keep this all a secret?”
