“Hello, little man,” I whisper, my heart swelling.
“Fuck, he’s cute,” Saylor whispers.
Nash leans in, his voice gentle. “Welcome to the family, buddy. You’ve got a lot of people who already love you.”
“How’s my girl?” I look up at Tally again, concerned.
“Done, completely and utterly done.” She sighs. “But it was worth every second.”
Tim’s hand finds its way to Tally’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. “She did amazing,” he praises, his voice trembling slightly.
Tally looks up at Tim, her smile weary but filled with love. “We did it. We have a baby, babe,” she replies, her gaze returning to their son.
In the tender quiet of the room, a wave of contentedness washes over me. And when I look up to see where it’s coming from, I sense Shannon is preparing to leave. She promised Tally she’d be here for the birth of her grandchild, and now that her promise is fulfilled, it’s time for her to step into the light.
“I’m ready.” Shannon smiles at me, and I nod.
I turn to Tally, her eyes still fixed on her newborn son. “Tally,” I begin softly. “Your mom… she’s ready to leave, and she wants to say goodbye.”
Nash puts an arm around my shoulder, letting me know he’s here, while Saylor reaches out to stroke the back of my hand.
Tally’s eyes lift from her baby, meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and understanding. Tim’s arm tightens around her, offering silent support.
I take a deep breath, my eyes finding Shannon’s again, and I tell Tally every word she tells me. “I’m so proud of you, Tallulah. I’ve been with you every step of the way, and I’m in awe of how amazing of a person you turned out to be. My daughter is strong, fierce, and still so kind and full of love. Having you was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I’m so happy I could be here for this moment.”
Tally’s eyes fill with tears. “Can she… can she see him?” she asks, her voice quivering.
“Yes, she can,” I assure her. “She’s been watching over both of you.”
I relay Shannon’s words as they come to me. “She says you’re going to be an amazing mother. She loves you so much, and she’s always going to be a part of you and the little shrimp. He has his own guardian angel in her.”
Tally nods, her tears flowing freely now. “I love you, Mom. Thank you for being here, for staying, and for keeping your promise.”
Shannon responds with a wave of love so strong it’s almost tangible. “I love you too. More than words can say.” Her gaze finds Tim’s. “Keep them happy, Tim.”
I smile as I relay it to him. “She wants you to keep them happy, Tim.”
“Will do, Shan, with all I have. I promise,” Tim answers her, a tear streaming down his cheek.
“And you too, Sloan. Take care of my girl. She needs a friend like you,” Shannon tells me sternly, and I laugh a little.
Seems like she doesn’t hate me after all.
I’m home, where I want and need to be. I can now confidently say I’m not going to run again.
“Promise,” I whisper.
“Bye, Shannon, see you in the light.” Saylor smiles at her, and she smiles back.
“Let’s wait a few years before our next reunion, shall we?” She turns to me, and relief washes over me. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Bye, Shannon,” I whisper, and Nash squeezes me to him.
Shannon’s presence begins to fade, a soft glow enveloping her. She smiles one last time at her daughter and grandchild before she enters the light. As she does, a sense of peace fills the room, a gentle assurance that her love will stay although she is leaving.
Tally sniffles, whispering, “Goodbye, Mom. I’ll miss you.”
Tim holds her close, his own eyes still glistening. In the stillness, the baby stirs as if sensing the profound moment.
