I never thought I’d find a man who would make me feel so loved, so confident, so completely adoredthe way Miles does. Not that I was ever insecure, but the way that man looks at me? It’s like I hung the moon and stars just for him.
Then, when the pregnancy news hit, even though it wasn’t planned, deep down I knew there was always a possibility. Miles and I had stopped being careful a long time ago.
But when he respected my power to decide, that’s when I knew there would never be another for me.
I never imagined I’d become a NICU mom, though.
The first time I saw Millie in that incubator, attached to wires and monitors, is probably the most devastating moment of my life. The way I’ve felt so helpless.
But our little girl keeps fighting.
When life gets tough, I remember Mama Luz telling me that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a tiny sparkle of light worth holding onto.
Mine is Miles.
His steady presence. The way he keeps smiling for me, even though I know seeing Millie in the NICU is wrecking him too.
If I’m being completely honest, neither of us wanted the heartbreak.
I never felt the urge to be a mom until things with Miles started to bloom.
But now? Even after everything we’ve been through, there’s no other life I want.
We’re supposed to be discharged soon, and I can’t wait to take our baby girl home and rock her to sleep in the chair Miles built for us.
Both of our families have been incredibly supportive.
Joss has been bringing homemade meals to the hospital. Granny made me some herbal potion that’s supposed to help with milk production. To say I feel like a cow at this point would be the understatement of the year.
Mami has practically moved to Asheville since I’ve been in the hospital.
It doesn’t matter how many times I tell her Miles and his family are already taking amazing care of me. She rented a hotel room nearby anyway and spends hours with me every single day whenever Miles has to run errands or check on work.
“Penny Bean, how’s my darling girl today?” Mami asks from the door as she walks in.
A huge smile spreads across my face when I notice she’s not alone. Joss and Granny are right behind her.
“Good morning, ladies. To what do I owe the pleasure of having all the matriarchs of the family here?”
The three of them exchange knowing smiles, and my eyes narrow.
“Well?” I ask suspiciously. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing really,” Mami starts.
I raise an eyebrow.
She rolls her eyes, though the smile on her lips gives her away.
“Okay, okay. We’ve been chatting about how excited we are that you and Millie will finally be heading home soon.” Tears gather in her eyes. “And we wanted to know if you’d let us throw a little welcome-home party.”
I glance between the three of them.
Joss looks hopeful. Granny looks ready to start planning decorations and activities right this second.
And God, I love them for it.
But the thought of a party right now makes me want to crawl back under the blankets.
