A quiet laugh rumbled out of me.
After a few more slow steps, I made my way back inside, deciding that was enough sun for now.
“This is where your momma does all her baking,” I continued as I walked through the kitchen. “Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t come out as one giant lemon bar with how many of those she craved while you were in her belly.”
I made my way down the hall and into the nursery.
I stopped in front of the watercolor paintings my mom had done—each one hanging perfectly in a row along the wall.
Beneath them sat a cushioned rocking chair.
I picked up the book Molly had bought—the one she told me the quote in my mom’s painting had come from.
Settling into the chair, I opened it and began to read softly while our son slept peacefully against my chest.
“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”
Epilogue
Liam and I stood at the altar, our son tucked against my chest as I looked out over the pews.
It seemed like the whole town had shown up to watch our baby get baptized. Days like this reminded me just how loved our little family was.
Liam slipped an arm around my back and drew me gently into his side. “You okay? Need some fresh air?”
I smiled up at him, thankful for the way he watched me—always sensing when a panic attack might be creeping in, always knowing exactly what I needed.
But right now, I felt amazing.
“I’m doing great, actually.”
The preacher climbed the steps and joined us at the baptismal font. His expression softened as he looked down at the tiny bundle wrapped in white.
“Well,” he said warmly, “this is a beautiful day.” He glanced out toward the packed pews, then back to us. “Looks like Silver Creek didn’t want to miss it.”
Soft laugher floated through the church.
Liam smiled and squeezed my side as I adjusted the sleeping bundle in my arms. He slept through it all, his tiny chest rising and falling, unaware that an entire town had gathered just for him.
The preacher folded his hands. “What name have you given this child?”
Liam straightened. “His name is Noah Allen Carson.”
Noah, after Liam’s brother. Allen, after his best friend.
The preacher nodded, a gentle smile spreading across his face. “Noah Allen Carson. What a strong name.”
He dipped his fingers into the water, his voice lowering as the room fell silent. “Liam and Molly, you are presenting Noah today as a promise—to raise him surrounded by love, faith, and family.”
Liam leaned closer, his shoulder brushing mine. “We promise.”
I nodded, holding our son a little tighter.
The preacher lifted his hand, letting the water fall softly against Noah’s forehead. “Noah Allen Carson, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
The End
