“We can try.”
We make our way upstairs slowly—me still moving carefully after delivery, Jake still ginger with his injuries. The nursery door is closed, and when Jake pushes it open, I see what Stella and Brandon left.
A rocking chair. Not just any rocking chair—a beautiful, cushioned glider in soft gray fabric with an ottoman to match. There’s a card taped to the armrest.
“For the late-night feedings and the early morning cuddles. Love, Stella & Brandon”
“Oh,” I breathe. “That’s perfect.”
“It really is.”
Jake helps me settle into the chair while he gets the room ready. He adjusts the mobile, makes sure the sound machine is set up, checks that the monitor is on. Even with one arm in a cast, he’s completely in his element.
He comes back and carefully takes Isla from me, carrying her to the crib. He lays her down with such tenderness itmakes my throat tight, adjusting her sleep sack, making sure she’s positioned safely on her back.
We both stand there for a moment, watching her sleep. Her chest rises and falls in that rapid newborn rhythm. Her tiny fingers twitch. She makes a small sound—not quite a cry, just a sleep noise—and settles again.
“I can’t believe she’s ours,” I whisper.
“I know.” Jake’s good arm comes around my waist, pulling me against his side. “We made her.”
“We made a whole person.”
“A perfect person.”
We stay like that, watching her breathe, until my legs start to protest from standing for too long. Jake guides me to the new rocking chair, and I sink into it gratefully.
He sits on the ottoman, facing me. “How are you feeling?” he asks.
“Sore. Exhausted. Deliriously happy.”
“That’s a good combination.”
“How’s your head? Your wrist?”
“Getting better. The headaches are less frequent. The wrist is just annoying.” He reaches over and takes my hand. “Nat, I need to tell you something.”
My heart skips. “Okay.”
“I’m going to marry you.”
I blink, confusion crossing my face. “I know. I already said I would marry you.”
“I want to make it official. As soon as you’re ready. As soon as we can get things together.”
The words settle over me, warm and certain and right.
My chest tightens, emotion swelling so fast it steals mybreath. After everything we’ve been through, every wall I built, every time I pushed him away, we’re here. Together. With our daughter sleeping ten feet away.
My heart races, pounding so hard I’m sure he can hear it.
“Let’s do it here. Just us, our friends and family, the people we love.” The words tumble out, my voice shaky with happiness.
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I had the fanfare, this time I’ll just take the man.”
A laugh escapes me, watery and breathless, and I squeeze his hand maybe a little too hard. My whole body feels alive with this, with the certainty of us.
