Witt’s eyebrows raise. I think he’s surprised that Matt would mention him.
Pointing to my belly, I say, “He still loves TV. We’ve been watching true crime lately, because we’ve had a lot of other things going on.”
After introductions, Birdie clears her throat gently. “Okay,” she says. “While we’re all here losing our minds…let’s talk about the baby shower.”
The shift is subtle but intentional. A lifeline.
“Where do you want to have it?” she asks. “Your place? A venue?”
“And who are we inviting?” Sutton adds. “Because this family alone is a crowd.”
“What about a theme?” Birdie presses. “Classic? Sports? Something neutral?”
I blink at them, startled—and then grateful. Matt’s sister chimes in, “Matt had a best friend growing up who was a girl, Steph. She’s already been blowing up my phone wanting details of the transplant. I know she would love to come celebrate the baby, and don’t forget about Mom.”
“I would never leave either of you out. We’re practically family.” Mrs. Stricker is coming to stay with us during Matt’srecovery. She’ll be here tomorrow. “Oh, and I’d like to invite my friend, Clara; she’s been checking out baby books and bringing them over. And my producer and cameraman. That’s it.”
The women lean in, voices overlapping as they debate colors, decorations, and whether a football theme is too on-the-nose. Dad and the boys huddle a few feet away, talking quietly, their low voices a constant murmur of support.
I glance back at the clock.
Time hasn’t moved nearly enough.
But for the first time since the doors closed behind Matt, I feel something steady settle into my chest.
We are not alone.
And when he comes back to us—because he will—I want him to know that his life is already surrounded by love, laughter, and plans for the future.
I press a hand to my belly and whisper silently,Your daddy is coming back.
Hours pass, gallons of coffee consumed. We’ve all taken turns grabbing lunch or a snack. There’s no need for everyone to be here, but I’m glad they are.
Finally, the surgeon appears in his blue scrubs and takes off his paper hat, holding it in his hands. “Noelle,” he calls out, and I stand up.
“Is he okay?”
“The surgery was flawless,” he says confidently. Matt would like his cockiness. I know my family does. They want to be around people that are sure of themselves. “He’ll be under sedation for another couple of hours so we can monitor him, and if anything changes, we can go back in without starting all over.”
“What are the chances of something going wrong?” I hear the crack in my voice and try to stuff it down. He’ll be fine.
“It just takes a while to see if his body is accepting the kidney. It’s early. Don't worry. So far, it’s been perfect.”
Emotion overwhelms me, and I dive straight into his stomach, hugging him. “Thank you.”
Tears fall. Right now, we can breathe.
Finally, the operating nurse comes out and says, “Noelle, you can see him now. He’s very groggy, but he said your name, so I’ll give you fifteen minutes. Then someone else can go in for a few minutes. I’m sorry everyone can’t go in. His immune system will be really compromised for a while.”
I can tell that Greyson really wants to go in, so I say, “You should go. I think his sister should be the one.”
He shakes his head in agreement. “I’ll get Witley and Sutton home. Tell him we were here, and if either of you needs us, call. Promise?”
“How about I tell him you love him?” I laugh as a happy tear slips down my cheek.
As I walk down the hallway, nurses and technicians are everywhere. What a difference from five in the morning until three in the afternoon. The nurse says, “He’s in here. Here’s a mask. Sanitize your hands. Fifteen minutes. I’ll be back.”
I take a deep breath and peek my head inside. Matt is lying flat on his back, eyes closed, and his head is raised just a smidge. As I get closer, he moves his head toward me like he hears something but isn’t fully aware yet. I survey the room and him. Every monitor beeping, tracking. A pillow placed under his knees. And the gown he’s wearing is different from the one he went into surgery with—it’s blue with littleditties on it instead of the gray one he had on earlier. It makes me wonder why they changed him. Blood?
