Page 116 of Curveball

Layton asks the question we’ve all been wondering. “She’s alive?”

The doctor touches her chest. “Oh, heavens, yes. Ms. St. James’s mother is with her now, giving her those maternal things premature babies need.”

Arizona, covered in tears, wraps her arms around me and rests her head on my shoulder. “Congratulations, Dad.”

My eyes widen in realization, and my heart constricts. I’m a father.

The doctor gives a slightly bigger smile. “She’s got bright red hair just like her mom. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that in a preemie.”

“Can…can…can I see her?”

“Of course. She’s going to need you, especially given Ms. St. James’s condition.”

My eyes toggle between Ripley and the door. I don’t know what to do.

Noticing, Arizona rubs my arm. “I’ll stay with Ripley. Go meet your daughter. Tell my niece that her favorite aunt will be down to see her in a little bit.”

Layton motions his head toward the door. “Come on. I’ll go with you.”

We wordlessly make our way down a floor to the NICU. I have no idea what to expect. Will the baby look like a baby? Will she be connected to machines like Ripley?

My questions are answered when we arrive. I look through the glass to see June. She’s wearing some sort of hospital garment that has an opening, so the baby is flush against her body. I catch my first glimpse of the littlest creature I’ve ever seen in my life.

Tears begin to flow again. I turn and see the same from Layton. He throws his arm around me. “Congrats, man. She’s beautiful.”

I let out a laugh through my tears. “She looks like an alien.”

He smiles through his own tears. “A redheaded alien.”

I tap on the glass, and June looks up. She has a mask covering her nose and mouth, but I can tell by her eyes that she’s smiling. She turns and says something to the nurse.

The nurse looks at me and walks out of the room. “Mr. St. James?”

I don’t bother to correct her. I don’t give a shit what they call me right now. I nod. “Can I hold my baby?”

“We need to make sure you’re properly sterilized first, but yes. The baby benefits from skin-to-skin contact. I can get you a discreet top that opens in the front if you’d like.”

Without any hesitation, I remove my T-shirt.

Layton moans. “Oh, Christ, any excuse to be topless.”

I smile at him. “I know it turns you on.”

He snort-laughs.

“Oh my god, you’re starting to laugh like my sister. You’re pathetic, Lancaster.”

“I love her laugh.”

“You would.” I mumble, “So fucking pussy whipped.”

He gives a wicked smile and licks his lips. “Umm hmm. I most certainly am.”

My face falls and I grumble, “Asshole.”

He smiles, loving to rile me up about him and my sister.

After scrubbing me clean and giving me a few instructions, I sit down next to June. She turns to me. “Are you ready to meet your daughter?”

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