Page 187 of Always Us

“She has your eyes.”

“You think so? I think she looks more like you.”

We both just stare at her. It is kind of amazing we made something so perfect.

“Did you pick out a name?” I ask Jade. We decided we wouldn’t pick a name until we saw our baby. Because what if we picked a name and it didn’t fit? We wanted to meet her first and make sure her name fit her.

“Abigail Grace,” Jade says without hesitation.

We talked about Grace for a middle name, but not Abigail.

“Where did you come up with Abigail?”

“When I saw her, the name just popped in my head. Look it up and see what it means.”

I get my phone out and go to the baby name website we’ve been using for ideas.

When I find the name I smile. “It has a couple different meanings. One is father’s joy and the other is brings joy.”

“Then it’s perfect.” Jade talks to the baby. “You’re definitely going to bring us joy. You already have.”

“Abigail Grace Kensington.” As I say it, she gurgles a little. “I think she likes it.”

“Garret, we don’t have to name her that. It’s just an idea.”

“It was the first name that came to you when you saw her. That means it’s the right name.” I put my phone away and scoot closer to Jade on the bed. I look down at our baby. Jade’s looking at her, too. We can’t seem to take our eyes off her.

“What name were you thinking of when you saw her?” Jade asks.

“I wasn’t thinking of names. I was too overwhelmed by the fact that I have a daughter. And that I’m a dad.”

“How does it feel to be a dad?” She hands me the baby.

“I’m not sure how to describe it.” I look down at her, sleeping in my arms. “All I know is that I love her. I loved her before I even met her. And I’m already overprotective of her. She’s never dating by the way.”

Jade laughs.

I give her a serious look. “I’m not kidding, Jade. And she’s going to an all-girl school.”

“Let’s worry about that later. She’s only a few hours old. Born right on her due date.” Jade leans her head on my shoulder, her eyes on Abigail. “Five years ago today you proposed, and I found out you were out of the organization for good. If they’d taken you, I don’t know where I’d be right now. I wouldn’t be married.” She runs her hand over the baby’s head. “And I wouldn’t have her.”

I hand Jade the baby again and put my arm around her. “But that’s not what happened. Which means May 15th will always be a good day.” I squeeze her into me and kiss the top of her head. “I love you, Jade.”

“I love you, too.”

The nurse comes in again to take the baby and Jade falls back to sleep.

My phone rings and I go out in the hall so I don’t wake up Jade. My phone’s been ringing all day. Sean and Harper called. Then Ryan and Chloe. Then Lilly, William, and Meredith. I haven’t talked to my dad yet. He’s flying back from Europe today, but he must be home now because he’s the one calling.

“Hi, Dad.”

“I hear I’m a grandfather.”

“Yeah. You have a granddaughter. Abigail Grace.”

“Congratulations. How’s it feel to be a father?”

“Truthfully? Like I’ll be worrying for the rest of my life.”

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