“That’s okay, Ingrid.”
Drew entertains Hailey, but I know she hears us.
“What is the name of this wonder of this world?” Drew asks Hailey
“This little treasure is called Alice.”
“What a great name. I never liked Danielle. Now I can tell you that,” says Ingrid with a smile.
“I didn’t like that name, either, but Jeremy chose it.”
The bedroom falls silent, and Hailey yawns. God, how beautiful she is. I can’t take my eyes off her.
“We’ll let you rest,” Ingrid says.
“Honey, rest a little. I’ll keep the little one if I can, so you can sleep a little,” I say.
“Of course you can. Take off your shirt and place Alice directly on your chest. Skin-to-skin contact is essential and relaxes the little one.”
“Sure.” I kiss her. Without thinking twice, I take off my shirt. Then I hold the little one who won my heart at her first cry. She’s so small and fragile. “I’ll protect you for the rest of my life,” I whisper as I kiss her.
I stretch out on the chair next to Hailey, cover the baby with a blanket, and fall asleep, too. The avalanche of emotions that overwhelmed me today has knocked me out.
I hear whispering and wake up. Jeremy and Hailey are talking.
Alice wakes up, and I give her to Hailey so she can feed her.
“Hi, J. Congratulations, man.”
“Thanks. How beautiful and tiny is she?” asks Jeremy in wonder.
I smile as I get dressed. “I’m going to get you something to eat,” I tell Hailey. “Do you want anything special?”
“Anything other than fried food or chocolate is fine, and please get me an orange juice. Take my card out of the bag.”
“The card? I remember what I have to get. I don’t have to write it down,” I joke. Then I leave without giving her a chance to reply
Knowing her, she’s undoubtedly shaking her head.
Hailey
“She’s beautiful and so small,” Jeremy says
“Yes, I know, she’s perfect.” I can’t take my eyes off of her.
When she finishes eating, she smiles and goes back to sleep.
“Can I take her?” Jeremy asks in a voice broken by emotion.
“Did you take a shower before you came here?”
“Hmmm, no. Why?”
“Because I don’t want you to infect my daughter with your lover’s smell.”
He remains speechless but doesn’t argue.
“And it’s something you must always remember! I don’t care who you fuck, I don’t care where you come from, but before hugging or picking up our daughter, please take a shower.”
