The door creaks open, and before the nurse can even finish her sentence—“You can go in now”—our hospital room is flooded with people.
“Move, you oaf, I was first!” Lucas barks, elbowing DeShawn as they scramble to be the first one through the door.
“She’s here,” I say—because it’s all I can manage.
For a moment, there’s actual silence. Reverent. Awed.
“Her name’s Isla,” Nora says gently.
And the room erupts.
Lucas, surprisingly sincere, says, “Isla. That’s… actually perfect.”
Annie beams. “Okay, but when do we get to hold her? I brought a baby manual. I’m emotionally prepared.”
“You guys,” Nora says dryly, “I just gave birth. You can all wait your turn.”
I snort and kiss her temple. “She’s not wrong.”
Lucas dramatically drops onto the armchair. “Fine. Rotation order? Rock-paper-scissors?”
“Actually: you’re up first, Lucas,” I say.
Lucas clasps his hands like he’s in church. “Thank you! Wait: why?”
“You’re her godfather, right?”
His eyes go glassy. “Shit. Yeah. I mean—yes. Yes, I am.”
I gently pass Isla into his arms. He holds her like she’s made of spun sugar and fragile hope.
And suddenly, all the banter dies.
He stares down at her, quiet. “She’s... wow.”
DeShawn peeks over his shoulder. “Let me hold her before he cries on her.”
“You shut your face,” Lucas says, but his voice breaks on the words.
Annie’s already behind them, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Come on, Luke. You’ve had your full minute. Pass the baby before I report you for hoarding.”
“I’m bonding,” Lucas whispers, tears still clinging stubbornly to his lashes as he rocks Isla gently. “This is sacred time.”
Before Annie can launch into a protest, the door bursts open—literally slams against the stopper.
“Oh my God, I’m not late, am I?”
Emily flies into the room like a one-woman storm in boots and a pink hoodie, a balloon half-deflated and trailing behind her, tangled in a giant tote bag.
“I almost tackled a nurse,” she breathes, eyes wide as they lock on Isla. “Oh.Oh, no one warned me she’d be that tiny.”
“She’s about the size of a Chipotle burrito,” DeShawn says solemnly. “With better vibes.”
Emily throws her bag at him without looking. “Move.”
Lucas looks from Emily to me, then down at Isla. “I’m afraid to hand her off now. She’s so soft.”
“Luke,” I say gently, “if you don’t pass the baby, Emilywillremove you.”
