“Not yet,” she says. “She’s asking for you, actually.”
“I’m on my way,” I say, jumping to my feet and looking around wildly for my things. Granny stands up, retrieving my keys and wallet from the coffee table and shoving them in my hands.
“Keep me posted,” she yells after me as I bolt out the front door. My tires squeal loudly as I peel out of the driveway, barreling down the road toward the hospital.
I get there in record time, and rush to the maternity ward, following the instructions Ellie gave me on my drive over. I sprint into the waiting room, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. I spot Griffin and David in a corner, and jog over to them. I don’t have to say anything before Griffin tells me her room number and points me in the right direction.
I apologize profusely to the nurse I nearly knock over in my haste to get to Abby. When I find the right room, I take a steadying breath before walking through the door calmly. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed she is, and I don’t want to add to that by showing up in a frenzy.
Her feet are propped up in stirrups, the doctor sitting on a stool between her legs instructing, “Okay, Abby, let’s get back to pushing.”
Her eyes are closed, and I make eye contact with Ellie, who leans over and whispers in Abby’s ear. Her eyes fly open, locking on mine for a split second before her face crumples.
I’m at her side instantly, grabbing her hand and kissing the soft skin on her wrist.
“I’m here, pretty girl,” I murmur. “I’m here.”
“I’m so sorry,” she sobs. “I’m sorry I kicked you out. I’m sorry I haven’t talked to you. I’m sorry I asked you to show up when I’ve been so awful.”
“Abby, you could kick me out a thousand times,” I say, leaning my forehead against hers. “And I’d come back a thousand and one.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, gripping my face like I’m the only thing keeping her grounded. “Thank you for coming back. Please stay with me, I don’t think I can do this without you.”
“Of course I’ll stay,” I say, leaning back and staring deeply into the pools of emerald swimming with tears. “For as long as you want.”
“Okay, mom,” the doctor says. “Let’s do this.”
Abby tears her eyes away from mine, clenching her jaw with determination and nodding.
“Okay, push for me,” the doctor coaxes. “That’s it, great job Abby.”
She grips my hand tightly, and I lean in close, whispering encouragements in her ear and stroking her hair. Time feels frozen, and nothing else in the world to me exists except for her.
I don’t think anything will ever again.
“Baby is crowning,” the doctor says loudly. “One more big push, and you should meet your little girl.”
Abby cries out, straining from the effort when suddenly, the most beautiful noise I’ve ever heard fills the room. A flurry of nurses and doctors moves around the room, but all I can see is Abby, and the baby girl now resting on her chest.
“Hi Little One,” she says through tears. “I’m so happy to meet you. Welcome to the world. I love you so much.”
“You did it,” I say, kissing her shoulder. “She’s perfect. Just like her mom.”
“I’m going to call her Erin,” she says, gaze still transfixed on the tiny wailing baby in her arms. “What do you think?” She looks up at me with a smile brighter than the sun.
“I think that’s perfect,” I nod. “The world is a better place with an Erin Thompson in it.”
“I think so, too,” she says, reluctantly handing Erin to the nurses so they can check her and get her cleaned up. “Thank you for being here, Jack Robbit. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so thankful.”
“I’ll let you have that one,” I say, letting the nickname go for a second time. “But don't get used to it, it's just because you just gave birth and all.”
“How benevolent of you,” she laughs, leaning back onto the pillows and looking happier than I’ve ever seen her. “I really did it,” she whispers, mostly to herself.
“You really did,” I nod. “I knew you could. You can do anything, pretty girl.”
“I’m sure I’m anything but pretty right now,” she says, smoothing her hair back and winding it into a knot on top of her head. “I’m sweaty, and gross, and I don’t even want to know what bodily fluids I have going on right now.”
“You listen here, Abby Thompson,” I say. “Believe me when I say I’ve never been more in awe of anyone. And you have never looked more beautiful.”
