Page 70 of Flawless Lyric

Not long after, someone joins me, then another and another. There’s no need for me to look up to see who’s there. My mother’s sitting to my right and my dad’s to my left. I’ve no doubt Maya’s somewhere in the mix. No one speaks. No words are necessary. We’re Monroes, and what affects one affects us all. There’s strength in numbers.

Once I purge it all out of my system, I say, “You have a grandson who weighs four pounds and two ounces. We haven’t had a chance to hold him or see him yet, but the doc said he’s doing well for a preemie. Oh, and Lyric and I got hitched. It’s been a crazy fucking day.”

When my parents start to cry, I wrap my arms around them both, holding them close. Maya stands up and walks into Lyric’s room. Giving the three of us a moment. People pass and some may stare as they walk by but no one dares tells us to move. This is my time with my parents who I treasure more than my next breath.

“How are the both of you handling this, son?” Dad, always worried about us no matter what age we are. I hope to be half the man to my son at his age.

“We’re dealing with it one step at a time. I’ll feel much better once I have a chance to see him. I’m sure Lyric feels the same.”

Mom’s still sniffling so I’m surprised when she says, “I should have insisted on going to the house when she told me she wasn’t feeling well. Maybe I could have prevented this from …”

“It’s not your fault any more than it’s mine or Lyric’s or Dad’s. It happened, and the most important thing we can do is to make sure that Gunnar gets stronger and healthier with each passing day.”

“I agree. Now am I losing my mind, or did you tell us your married?” Chuckling, I bump into my dad’s shoulder.

“Nope, not losing your mind. I persuaded Lyric right before the baby was born. I wanted all three of us to be Monroes and thankfully she agreed.” They shed a few more tears at the sentiment. Until Maya pokes her head out.

“She’s awake and asking for you, big brother.” Well, her wish is my command.

Always and forever.

* * *

LYRIC

I’m notsurprised when Micah walks inside the room with Ruth and Frank in tow. I knew Maya wouldn’t be alone since I’ve been told numerous times the Monroes run in packs. No doubt the rest of them are either in the waiting room or will be as soon as they get out of work. I’m grateful every day that I found a man who puts family above all else.

“Have you seen Gunnar yet?” I don’t mean to ignore my in-laws. Wow, not only is Ruth my boss—she’s my mother-in-law too.

“I thought we’d go see him together, Beauty. Are you up for the trip?”

“More than ready.” He hits the buzzer and almost immediately a nurse walks in.

“Are you ready to meet your son?” My son. Two little words that I never thought I’d ever hear in my lifetime.

I know the answer to my question, but I need to ask. “Can we hold him?”

“He’s too tiny right now but he needs to bond with his parents. I’ll show you how to reach inside to hold his hand. And don’t forget to talk to him because he’s heard your voices for months now. Gunnar has tons of wires, but I don’t want you to be worried.”

She grabs a wheelchair and I wave her off, but she insists. “I insist on the chair for the day. Tomorrow is soon enough to find your legs again.”

As soon as I sit in the damn chair, Ruth gives me a big kiss and a hug. “Welcome to the family, Lyric.”

Frank does the same and I get all emotional. I’ll be so glad when I can tamp down these damn emotions once and for all.

We follow the nurse as Micah pushes the chair down the corridors. I swear it goes on for miles and miles, or maybe I’m just a bit eager to see my son. When the nursery comes into view, I want to run inside the room to comfort my son. As if he can read my mind, Micah places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes.

I’m disappointed when the nurse keeps on walking. I should have known that Gunnar would be in a special nursery or NICU unit. Only a few doors down, she opens the door and Micah pushes me inside. I’m so nervous I can’t stop shaking.

Even though I’ve yet to meet my son, I know he’s the one on the far-right corner. He might be tiny, but he’s the spitting image of his daddy. My legs have a mind of their own, much to my husband’s dismay, as I manage to stand in front of the incubator.

Tiny little fists flail in the air. Reaching for me, or so I’d like to think. On instinct, I slip my hands inside and take one of his little hands in my own. His tiny fingers immediately hold mine and he stills. Listening, waiting. Wishful thinking on my part but I’m desperate to hold him.

“Hi, sweet boy. Mama loves you so very much and Daddy and I are so happy that you’re here with us. We can’t wait to take you home and start our new life together. You have tons of wonderful aunts and uncles and crazy cousins to keep you entertained.”

Micah wraps his arms around me and leans his chin on my shoulder, staring down at his beautiful son. Our son. This moment is so surreal I want to pinch myself. In less than a year, I married my best friend and I’m a mother again after eighteen years. Life is full of possibilities, so embrace them with open arms and an open heart.

“Hi there, Gunnar. Daddy loves you more than all the stars in the sky, the sand on the beach, and the grass in a meadow. We’re going to have such a beautiful life together with so many amazing adventures. And a big sister who’s going to save you from all the drama she had to deal with.” Oh god, he didn’t. Knowing how he feels about Novalee, I’m delighted he mentioned her.

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