A forceful exhale passes my lips. Relief mixes with shock, creating an open-mouthed smile as I look proudly at my baby sister.She’s going to be okay. We’re going to be okay.
Warren lets out a loud whooping sound from the corner of the room, punching the air above his head.
I laugh, and so does Dr. O’Leary.
“You did it, Willow! Good job, baby girl.” I turn her in my lap and lift her up, bringing our noses to touch.
“So we will see you for two more weeks, to make sure her blood pressure continues to trend down, but, as of right now, Willow is no longer a PDA patient. She can go to a paediatrician for her developmental visits like any healthy baby.”
Dr. O’Leary closes the computer program and claps his hands once.
“Well done, Chloe. Well done, Willow.” He waves to me as he steps out of the room.
“Are the appointments usually this fast?” Warren walks towards us, beaming.
“No, normally there’s a scan and bloodwork, but—”
He plays with Willow’s hands as I hold her body flush against my front. He is the happiest I have ever seen him, twinkling eyes and broad smile. Because of Willow. Dr. O’Leary should come back to check my heart—it’s certainly beating too fast. My mind fixates on a very different type of PDA.
“Warren?”
“Yep?” He barely looks up from Willow to my face before he straightens.
I step forward, then lift onto the tips of my toes. I kiss him, sweet, soft, and brief. “Thank you for coming.”
He raises one hand to his lips and smiles. “Anytime.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CPS’ visitation room is decorated for a wide variety of families with toys, games and furniture for kids of any age. It’s an inviting space with a large mural of a rainbow and brightly painted walls, a floor-to-ceiling window opposite the entrance and plush carpets thrown about. There is also a red emergency button to call security next to the open door, reminding me of exactly where I am.
Two familiar voices approach down the hall. My heart drops.
Odette enters first, followed by Connie. She stays in the doorway, looking over as I sit holding Willow on one of the beanbag chairs. I clench my jaw and will my trembling breaths to steady.It will be okay.
“My girls,” Connie breathes out, bringing a hand to her lips.
She is much more recognisable now than she was in June. Her hair has been cut to shoulder length and is fading back into her natural colour from the roots. She has gained some weight. Her skin is dewy. She looks well, and I’m glad for it.
“Hello…” I pause, offering her a gentle smile. “Hi, Odette, thanks for coming.” Odette gives me that perfect encouraging nod that makes my shoulders lower.
“I’m not one to miss a reunion, hon.” Odette closes the door and props herself on the edge of a table where snacks are laid out and checks her watch—the two-hour countdown begins.
Connie peels herself from Odette’s side and cautiously makes her way across the room and lowers herself to sit in the beanbag next to me. I shuffle Willow to face her.
“Wow. She looks so much like you.” Connie blinks, looking between us.
“We get that a lot.” I let out a soft laugh.
“May I?” Connie asks, holding out her palms. She looks to Odette, who nods in permission, and then back to me with begging in her eyes.
I straighten, trying to maintain composure, and lift Willow towards her. She cradles her into the crook of her arm. I fight the urge to tell her that Willow only likes to be held upwards.
“Hi baby.” Tears flow from Connie just as the first of mine falls. Odette seems to be wiping her face from across the room as well. Connie fiddles with her hand while Willow gurgles, adorable as ever.
I wince.Don’t be too adorable, kid.
“I chose the name Willow. I hope that’s okay,” I say.
