“Today’s the day.” I glance at Riley. Her eyes are closed as she focuses on her breathing the way they taught us in class.
“Oh God. I can’t believe it… I think—I think I need to sit down.”
A shaky sob comes through the phone, sending a warm wave through my chest. The love Riley and Nastya have for each other never stops amazing me. They’re basically like sisters. They’d do anything for each other.
“Is she really okay?”
“She is,” I reassure her. “We’ll call you later when our baby girl is here.”
“Thank you, Hade. Tell Ry I love her.”
“I will.”
I end the call and slip my phone back into my pocket. “I think your best friend is on the verge of a nervous breakdown after hearing the news. And she asked me to tell you she loves you.”
“I love her too.”
“I think she knows that.”
My relationship with Nastya wasn’t exactly great in the beginning, but I can’t blame her for being overprotective of Riley. She’s always put her best friend first, and honestly, I respect the hell out of that. Besides, I think I eventually won her over by continuing to show up for Riley—never giving up on her and proving, again and again, that she’s the one for me.
“I’m sorry I panicked… I don’t even know what came over me,” Riley murmurs.
“Hmmm.” I pretend to think. “Maybe the fact that you’re about to give birth to our daughter.”
“Maybe.” She lets out a small laugh. “Thank you so, so much for being here with me.”
“As I said there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” I squeeze her hand. “I love you, Ry baby.”
“I love you too.”
When Dr. Bell returns, everything suddenly moves fast.
A nurse follows her in, and the room shifts into organized chaos. Equipment is adjusted, the bed is raised, gloves snap into place.
I stay right by Riley’s side every second, helping her breathe the way we practiced in class, encouraging her to listen to the doctor. Inside, my heart feels like it’s about to explode out of my chest. But on the outside, I keep myself calm.
I need to be strong for my girls.
Less than twenty minutes later, the room fills with the sharp, beautiful cry of a newborn.
Riley and I are parents now.
Our baby girl is here.
“Well,” Dr. Bell says a few minutes later, after the nurses finish their quick measurements, “your daughter is a very healthy girl. Nineteen inches and seven pounds.”
Riley looks exhausted, and I’m pretty sure I’m soaked in sweat from head to toe.
“You did amazing, Riley,” Dr. Bell adds warmly. “You’re a great listener. Even under pressure.”
“It’s all thanks to Hayden,” Riley whispers, her voice barely audible. “Can I hold her?”
Dr. Bell nods and gently places the baby in Riley’s arms.
Riley cradles her carefully against her chest. Her gaze is full of wonder and love as she studies our daughter’s tiny face.
My heart feels like it might burst. The rush of emotion flooding my veins is overwhelming, almost intoxicating. I’m drunk on happiness.
