I shake my head. “I have about a million questions. I’m terrified and confused, and my heart is doing something really weird right now.” I meet his eyes. “But this is your sibling, Ollie. And we’re in this together.”
He stares at me like he’s afraid to believe it. “You’re sure?”
I nod, firm and steady. “I’m sure.”
“I love you, Poppy.”
“I love you, Ollie, always you.”
“Always you,” he repeats with a sigh of relief. Because that’s how it’s always been. No matter how hard life has been for us, we’ve always had each other. Ollie has been there for me through it all. And now I’m going to be here for him.
The baby squirms and lets out the tiniest sound, and Ollie reaches for her automatically, his hand brushing mine. Our fingers tangle for a second, and neither of us pulls away. My heart is all over the place. I feel scared, overwhelmed, and in awe. But one thing is clear as I hold her close. This is messy and terrifying and nothing like the plan.
And somehow, I’m exactly where we’re supposed to be.
Chapter 24
Ollie
A Lot More Free by Max McNown
“What do you want to name her?” Poppy asks softly as we settle into the hospital bed side by side together, careful and awkward, curling around her as we’re figuring out this whole new person. We hold her between us, this tiny, warm weight settling into us like she’s always belonged.
I look down at the tiny bundle between us and shake my head. “I don’t know. What do you think?”
She smiles and coos at her. “Well, we can get to know her and think of a name.”
Something in my chest loosens at that thought.We.I want to be angry, but mostly I’m just sad for the baby. Her mother left her here at the hospital. I know she was safe here with the nurses, but I can’t imagine leaving a helpless baby behind and just walking away. I don’t have that in me. Now that I know she exists, I can’t fathom it.
A nurse knocks on the door and steps in holding a bottle. “Hey there,” she calls gently, “It’s about time for her to eat.”
I nod.
The nurse smiles. “You’re doing great.”
I fumble a little, hands shaking as I take the bottle and feed her, watching her mouth work, her tiny fingers curling and uncurling against my skin. My throat tightens so hard it almost hurts.
Poppy watches me, eyes soft, her head resting on my shoulder like she’s treasuring this very moment. I’m in awe of this baby. Because what does someone even do in a moment like this? This baby was just born and abandoned by her mom. She needs someone. She needs us.
The door cracks open, and my mom’s head appears. “Ollie?”
I stiffen instantly.
She lingers for a second too long, eyes darting to the baby, to Poppy, to me without my shirt on. I meet her gaze and glare at her. I don’t want her here.
She must have gotten the message, because she clears her throat. “I’ll come back later.”
I sigh. “Please don’t.”
After she leaves, Poppy shifts closer. “What’s up with your mom?”
I keep my voice low. “I don’t want her in here.”
“We can keep visitors out if you want,” the nurse offers.
“This is like our first moments with her,” I say to both of them. “And I don’t want her in here.”
Poppy doesn’t argue or question it. She nods once and leans her head against my shoulder. “Okay,” she says quietly.
