Julia
“You don’t have to stay, Jules,” Wes whispered as we sat in the NICU Sunday while Londyn rested in her recovery room, the hours of labor having wiped her out. “I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
“I did nap for a bit before Londyn was ready to push. I’m fine.” I fought against a yawn.
“I just don’t want you to feel like you have to stay here. I’m sure you have more pressing matters on your mind.” He stroked Ellery’s head as she lay in the incubator, wires and tubes monitoring her vitals and helping her breathe.
Ellery Jane Bradford was born at 6:12 this morning, weighing in at a whopping five pounds, two ounces, and measuring a mere sixteen inches.
While seeing any tiny baby hooked up to wires and lying in an incubator was difficult, the doctors were optimistic, especially since she was born at a higher weight than other preemies at thirty-four weeks. Her lungs weren’t fully developed, so she needed help breathing for the time being. And she was a bit jaundiced. But aside from that, she was doing great.
Another miracle baby.
Just like my own.
“Your troubles will always be my troubles, Wes.” I rested my hand on his arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Just like mine will always be yours.”
He met my gaze. “You know they will.”
“Which is why I’m exactly where I want to be. If Curran finds anything, he’ll call. For now, I just want to be with you guys.” I smiled at Ellery. “And my beautiful little niece.” I looked back at Wes. “If I go back home, I’ll lose my ever-loving shit,” I admitted with a laugh. “I like being here. Like feeling useful.”
Wes tilted his head. “That’s interesting.”
“What is? You know I love you and Londyn. I—”
“No.” He grinned deviously. “How you referred to Lachlan’s house as your home.”
I blinked. I hadn’t even realized I’d done that. It felt right, though. When I conjured up the image of home in my head, it was no longer my house. It was wherever Lachlan was.
“I guess it kind of feels like home now. Or at least it will once—”
Wes grabbed my hand. “I know,” he interrupted. “She’s okay. She’s a fighter. Just like her mama.”
I gave him a small smile, although I secretly prayed with everything I had that my daughter was stronger than her mama.
Pulling my hand from Wes’, I stood. “I’m going to get a coffee. Do you want anything?”
He studied me for a beat, his analytical gaze sweeping over me. But if he saw anything that worried him, he didn’t mention it.
“If I drink any more coffee, it’ll overtake my bloodstream,” he chuckled, his drooping eyes evidencing his exhaustion.
And it would only get worse before it got better.
But I didn’t want to tell him that.
He had enough on his mind right now.
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
“You sure you’ll be okay?” he asked in a low voice, giving me a knowing look.
“This place is crawling with security. They don’t let you go anywhere without checking this.” I pointed to my visitor’s sticker. “Especially around here. I’ll be back soon.”
I leaned down and kissed his cheek. Then I kissed my fingers and touched them to Ellery’s tiny foot.
“Be a fighter, baby girl. There’s a big world out there just waiting for you to make your mark.” I admired her for a moment, then headed toward the door.
“Hey, Jules?”