The only sound is the beeping of a heart monitor somewhere in this small area. My lips part, and I can’t find words. Turning, I meet Dove’s wide eyes, and she blinks at me as startled as I am.
Then in a rush, all the sound returns.
“Are you saying…” I ask at the same time as Dove is saying, “Ourbaby?”
Dr. Patel’s brow furrows, and he gives us a tentative smile. “Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, looks like I get to be the first to congratulate you.”
I’m off the table, sweeping Dove into my arms before he even finishes speaking.
Her hands are on my cheeks, and she shakes her head, tears filling her eyes. “A baby? Maverick, is that okay?”
Reaching behind her head, I pull her in for a kiss, opening her mouth, and stroking her tongue with mine. I vaguely register Dr. Patel and the rest of the staff leaving the space and pulling the curtains closed to give us privacy.
“I couldn’t be happier.” I hold her eyes with mine, turning to sit her on the bed. “Are you happy?”
“I think I’m in shock,” Dove says, her cheeks flushed as she starts to laugh. “We’re having a baby?”
Sitting beside her, I put my hand on her tiny midsection. “Sounds like it.”
She reaches up to put her hand on my cheek, and our mouths find each other’s again for a longer kiss. I lift my chin and press my lips to her forehead, then I hold her close.
“All those years, I thought nothing would make me happier than simply having you in my arms.” My voice is husky. “I was wrong.”
Dove reaches up to me. “It’s like the sun after a storm.”
Once more, I lean down to seal my lips to hers. She’s right. It’s a new start, a new beginning. Hope for the future, and another branch in the tree that is our family.
We’re not defeated. The tornado didn’t win. It only made us take deeper roots, and with love and a lot of work, we’ll keep those roots strong.
Six months later…
“I’ve never beenin a VIP box at the Superdome.” Dove stands at the window watching as black and gold confetti rains down on the stadium below.
Knox just led the Saints to a 14-0 victory over Dallas, and I have to confess, I’m glad his older brother wasn’t here to see it.
They announced at the end of last season Austin was retiring from the team. He went off the grid a bit to prepare for what we know is coming. He’s returning to Newhope to take over as head coach at the high school for Uncle Jack.
But before he leaves, he’s working to get full custody of his daughter. It’s something we all know he’s wanted for a long time.
Dove walks over to me, sliding her hand into the crook of my arm. We’ve been working solid since June, bringing in crews to help Leon establish more berms, bringing in local horticulturists to help graft the MP-29 rootstock with the existing trees to potentially create a more resistant species that can block the spread.
It’s a long, complicated fight to get the peach orchard back, but we’re funded and ready to take it all the way.
Hope is growing strong and healthy outside and in. Dove is optimistic and glowing as I spread my hands over her cute little pregnant belly, our baby girl, and I’ve never been more proud.
“Hey,” Knox bursts into the box with his entourage close behind. “It always takes too long to get off the field. How did you like the game? Dove… Looking good, little mama!”
He’s a sweaty mess, and I exhale a laugh. “Bruh, we’re meeting for dinner. Get down there and get cleaned up.”
“I’ll get down there.” He holds out a hand, laughing. “I just wanted to be sure my guests were all taken care of.”
“We’re fine. What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“Dude, language.” Knox points at me, backing out the door to return to the locker rooms. “You’re going to have to start a swear jar.”
We’re all set to follow him down, when I notice a woman in what looks like some kind of old-school flight attendant’s uniform. Her expression is severe, and she’s holding a bundle of what appears to be blankets.
A man is at her side. His face is stern, and he seems exasperated to be here.
