We’d had so many moments in our life together, Erica and I. Thoughts of all of them came to mind at once. The first time I called her peaches, when I finally saw her after so many years, her working at The Ink Well, finally asking her out, our first kiss, asking her to marry me, finding out we were pregnant. I thought all those moments would prepare me to feel this much love, but none of them did.
Nothing prepared me for the unconditional feelings that sprang to my heart the moment Charlotte looked up at me, her big green eyes looking right into my soul, telling me she was absolutely my daughter. I reached down and bopped her nose, then put my finger in her hand. She latched onto it and we stood there, Charlotte watching me and me watching her mother change into a new gown and the bed sheets being changed.
“You two look like you were meant for each other.” Erica smirked at me and I looked back down at Charlotte.
“I’m keeping you.”
I whispered to her the same promise I had to her mother and when I looked up, I knew Erica had heard my words. Her finger twirled the ring on her left hand and she stood there watching the two of us.
“I’m keeping both of you.” She shot back with another smirk.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Erica
I stirred in the bed, reaching out next to me where Charlotte was sleeping in the crib next to the hospital bed. I pried an eye open to see the crib moved and I shot up in bed. Chase was across the room, cooing Charlotte back to sleep. Sweet little whimpers came from her lips and my heart melted instantly.
“I’ll feed her.” Chase handed her to me with no argument. I placed Charlotte to my chest and she latched onto my nipple I stuck out for her. I had been to a few classes at the hospital about breast feeding and preparing yourself for it. I wanted this to be something I gave to Charlotte without hesitation. I had studied the effects of breastfeeding and those who were against it. I saw the facts on both sides, but in the long run, if I was able to provide for my child, I was going to.
A knock came from the door and my attention went to where my mom was entering with Lilly and Alexa. They each had a balloon in hand and stuffed animals. Ones that were far too large for Charlotte to play with as a newborn, but I loved their enthusiasm. My dad and the guys followed behind them and then Tabitha bounced through the doors last.
“We know it’s still early, but we just couldn’t wait any longer.” My mom was bouncing with joy, coming right to the side of my bed. She gazed lovingly down at her granddaughter as she drank away, like no one else in the room mattered.
I would have thought that at least some of the guys would be uncomfortable, but they all congratulated Chase and patted him on the back, looking between the two of us. Charlotte popped the nipple out of her mouth and I covered up quickly while Chase took her in his arms, fixing her swaddle, then handing her to my mom.
“What’s her name?” Alexa asked.
We had kept Charlotte’s name a secret from everyone, just in spite of them all. They had been so involved with the whole pregnancy, that Chase and I wanted something that was just for us, so we named her, but didn’t tell anyone.
“Charlotte Leigh Ruthen,” Chase stated for the whole room to hear.
I watched as Apollo left Alexa’s side and walked over to where my mom was standing. Max and Alexa had only had him for seven months, but it was like he was a part of their family from the second he was born. He took to them like they were his true parents and he fit in perfectly to our family, all of us dotting on him.
“Do you want to see her?” my mom asked Apollo.
“Come here.” Alexa pulled Apollo over to one of the chairs and sat him down, kneeling beside him. Len handed Charlotte to Alexa, who placed her in Apollo’s arms. “You have to be careful. She’s a baby.”
“She’s so small.” His words made me smile.
“She is.” Alexa laughed. “Her name is Charlotte.”
“Char—” He started to say, but then Apollo stopped, a confused look forming on his face. “Chartl—”
“It’s okay, honey.”
“I want to say it.” Apollo’s lip trembled and I looked over at Chase, seeing a look in his eyes that had me wondering what he was thinking.
“Apollo.” Chase walked over to where Alexa was kneeled down at and met Apollo at eye level. “Why don’t we try Lottie?”
“Lottie?” The word tumbled out of Apollo’s mouth fast and a toothy smile formed on his face that had us all cracking up. “Lottie!”
This time the name was a shout and Charlotte started to stir in Apollo’s arms. Alexa was about to take her, but Apollo looked down and started rocking her back and forth, leaning down and kissing her forehead.
“Lottie,” he said the word softer now.
“Let’s give Charlotte back to her mom.” Alexa pulled Charlotte from Apollo’s arms and placed her back in mine.
“You can come visit her anytime, Apollo.” I reassured him.
