He gives a sniffly nod and—after one last kiss to Isla’s forehead—carefully transfers her to Emily, who takes her with the care of someone holding a priceless relic.
“Hi,” Emily whispers. “I’m your Auntie Emily. I’m gonna be your favorite, and we’re gonna eat cupcakes and emotionally overshare.”
I glance at Nora, who’s wiping her eyes and laughingall at once.
The door creaks again. This time softer. My mom steps in, looking flushed and radiant, her eyes immediately filling when she sees Isla.
And trailing behind her—wearing a hospital visitor badge crookedly stuck to his blazer and a tie that’s somehow both too tight and completely undone—is Grandpa Sid.
“Am I dead?” he announces loudly, blinking around. “Or did someone finally give me a great-grandkid?”
“Grandpa,” I say, standing to greet him.
He waves a hand. “I saw the balloon girl fly past and figured either someone died or someone got born. Thank God it’s the fun one.”
He peers at Isla in Emily’s arms and grins wide enough to show all his teeth. “Look at that. We finally got another girl in this family who can boss you around, Max.”
“Hey,” I say.
“Don’t ‘hey’ me. You used to eat crayons.”
My mom swats his shoulder. “Dad.”
“What? He did. Purple was his favorite.”
I can’t even be mad. Ididhave a thing for purple.
Emily snorts and carefully places Isla into my mom’s arms.
And just like that, something settles. Everyone’s here. My chaos of a family—blood and found—gathered around this tiny, perfect new human.
Nora reaches for my hand and laces our fingers together under the blanket. Her smile is tired and full of wonder.
“She’s got everyone already wrapped around her finger,” she murmurs.
“Of course she does,” I say, brushing a kiss to her temple. “She’s yours.”
Grandpa Sid squints toward the bed. “Did someone bring snacks? I’m feeling faint from all the estrogen in this room.”
“I’ll get him crackers,” Lucas sighs.
“Make sure they’re salty,” Sid yells after him. “Like my ex-wife!”
And just like that, the room explodes with laughter.
Yeah.
This kid’s gonna grow up knowing exactly how loud, messy, inappropriate—and completely loved—her family is.
And honestly?
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
37
Epilogue – MELODY
Balance Must Be Maintained
