“She was a queen. She’s amazing. And the kid, he’s got ten fingers and ten toes and dark hair, and I cut his cord…” I almost tear up. I cut that cord with precision. The most precise cut I’ve done in my entire career.
But I’m barely surviving. Two days without sleep, without a moment to breathe. I have no idea how Savannah’s still awake, still functioning, after what she just went through. I had no idea labor lasted that long.
“It’s a memorable event. How do you feel?” Tanner asks.
“Insignificant.” It’s the truth. What that woman did, what her body endured, I’m in awe. I’ve built empires, ranches, homes, but she built a human.
“Just wait until he grows up and becomes a little asshole…” Sutton nods toward his nephew Noah, who sits on a chair over to the side, currently knotting one of Sawyer’s spare ties around his neck like he’s prepping for a board meeting.
“Thanks for coming. Savannah couldn’t believe that you all showed up when I told her.” I nod to them all, seeing their happy faces, amazed by the woman I’m in complete awe of.
“Of course. Just glad it all went well.” Connor slaps my shoulder, his grin wide.
“What do you need us to do? Does Savannah need anything? Do you need anything?” Sawyer’s already in logistics mode.
“I’ve got no idea.” I shake my head and rub my eyes. The app doesn’t tell you what to do after the baby’s born. There’s no blueprint for this. I need to research, find out what I can do, what Savannah might need and get it organized for her.
“Mom and baby will probably stay a night or two here and rest.” Hudson is the voice of reason I need right now. “After that, if she needs to, she can come back to Whispers Hospital or go straight home, depending on how they both are and what support she has in place.”
I frown. I told Savannah she could live with me, but I never got a clear answer. Now, after what I saw, what she went through, I need to do more. Hire a nurse. Hire a chef. Stock the pantry. Get bath salts. Maybe one of those beds that elevates her up and down like they have here. I need to call Mother Maven again. I need to make it easy for her to heal. I also want to ensure the baby has everything he needs. Diapers, clothes, a warm safe home. Home… There’s that word again…
“Alright, well, we’ll all go and let you guys have your time. You call if you need anything.” Tanner starts to round up the troops.
“I will.” I nod, shaking his hand.
“Do you want to open the bakery tomorrow or…?” Victoria offers as she gives me a hug, and I feel grateful.
Fuck the bakery. I haven’t spoken to Savannah about what to do with the bakery.
“I’ll call her helper Melissa. See if she’s available.” I know Savannah is prepared with readymade pies and things. Melissa is more than equipped to handle the sale of items.
“Thank you all. Really… I feel a little numb… but I know Savannah appreciates you all.”
Hudson gives me a grin. “You’ll learn to survive on no sleep,” he says jokingly. If only he knew I slept very little anyway.
“Daisy and I can babysit anytime.” Connor grins, punching my arm before he and Daisy slink off.
“I’ll keep an eye on your place. I assume you’re staying here with Savannah?” Sutton comes to shake my hand, Charlotte right by his side.
“Yeah, I need to get some things at some point. I need to organize my place.” I make the mistake of looking at Tanner, who has a big grin on his face and an I told you so smirk.
“You’ll figure it out, Griff.” I glance at Sawyer, who’s watching me. “You will. Might take a bit, but if I can work out monster spray and farm life, you can work out dirty diapers and pacifiers.” He gives me a knowing look, and I pull in a deep breath.
“Thanks, Sawyer.” I shake his hand. “I might need a hand. I need to draw up some paperwork.”
“Whenever you’re ready.” He grins like he already knows. Maybe he does. He’s a father to two kids who aren’t his blood. He gets it.
I stand there, watching everyone leave. I have no idea what time it is. But the hallway is quiet. The weight of responsibility sits on my shoulders. Wanting to provide. Wanting to be a safe space for her and the little one. Wanting to protect.
I look up and spot my two guards at the end of the corridor, grabbing coffee from the vending machine. I nod to them. They stick out like sore thumbs, but I don’t care. No one’s getting into Savannah’s room, and after her sister walked into the bakery, acting like she owned it, I wouldn’t be surprised if her family tried something. Thank God, they don’t know she’s here.
After what Savannah went through, she needs to relax and heal, not be scared or anxious about her fucked-up family. I’m thankful Hudson helped me clear the security requirements with the hospital staff and strategically placed Savannah in the room tucked away, down the end of the hall, out of sight.
I want it quiet. Safe. Special. For her.
Before I go back in, I take a seat in the hallway to gather my thoughts. The small hard plastic chair groans under my weight, but I sit anyway, hang my head, and stare at the floor.
My life just did a full circle. A few decades ago, I watched life leave my mother’s and brother’s eyes. Today, I watched life enter the world. I never thought I’d see something so significant. Never thought it would happen to me.
