“He’s here!” Julian announced as he walked into the waiting room.
The three jumped to their feet and came to congratulate him. Julian showed them the pictures as he gave them the details, including the name.
“That’s a great name,” Elijah said, thumping him on the back. “Congratulations, man.”
“I don’t deserve the congratulations,” Julian told him. “I did nothing compared to what Kiara did. She was amazing.”
Lucy smiled at him. “I’m glad you made it in time for the birth. She never said anything about having just me with her, but I know she was happy to see you.”
Julian was glad to hear that, but he wished that he’d told her sooner that he wanted to be there for her. She shouldn’t have had to worry about going through something like that on her own.
“I need to let the family know,” Julian said as he took his phone back. “And I can only imagine the response that’s going to get.”
“You'd better let Angela know first,” Lucy told him. “I think Kiara would want that.”
Julian agreed, and rather than send out a group message, he opened one to just Angela.
Meet your nephew! Theodore Julian Burke, aka TJ. He arrived a few minutes ago weighing 7 lbs 12 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches. He’s perfect.
To the message, he attached a couple of pictures. One close-up of TJ and the other of Kiara holding TJ.
“I need to get back to Kiara,” he said. “Once everything is settled, you can come meet the baby.”
The trio returned to their seats as Julian left the waiting room.
When he got back to the room, Kiara was sitting up, the baby cradled close to her. He hesitated for a moment, but when Kiara looked up and smiled at him, he approached the bed.
“How are you feeling?” he asked as he sat down on the chair he’d used off and on throughout the labor. “Did he feed okay?”
“So far, so good,” Kiara said, looking down at TJ. “My milk hasn’t come in yet, but he seems to be doing fine.”
Julian had no idea what that meant, but if Kiara was happy, he was happy.
His phone rang, and he glanced down to see a video call request. “It’s Angela. Are you up for a chat?”
He still hadn’t sent an announcement to anyone else, but that could wait. It was important for Kiara to be able to connect with her sister.
At Kiara’s nod, he accepted the call and handed the phone to her.
“Kiki!” Angela exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell me you were in labor?”
“Well, there was nothing you could do since you weren’t here,” Kiara said.
“Julian was there?” Angela asked. “I thought he was coming to New York.”
“Lucy told Anthony I was in labor, so Julian decided to come here instead of staying in New York.”
“Oh, I’m glad he was there,” Angela said. “And oh, Kiki. The baby looks so precious. I’m so happy for you!”
“I’m happy too,” Kiara said, glancing at Julian for a moment. “Though I’m also tired. It was a long labor.”
“You’ll have to tell me all about it when I get home.”
“When might that be?” Kiara asked.
“I’m not sure, but if Duncan and Elizabeth decide to return home sooner, I’ll come with them, even if Jude has to stay longer.”
They chatted for a few more minutes, then Kiara ended the call after promising she’d call Angela again later.
