Page 142 of The Way We Score

Gigi makes a little grunty noise, and we both look down to see her watching us with round, dark eyes. “Did my baby girl just snort?”

Liv exhales a smile, carefully lifting her and moving her to the other breast. This time, when she pulls the baby close, she latches much quicker.

“See?” I grin, sliding a finger over her soft, round cheek. “You’re a fast learner, little G.”

We both watch her eating and blinking at the two of us. “She’s so pretty,” Liv whispers.

“Just like her mama.”

That gets me a kiss. Liv lifts her chin, leaning closer. “I’m so glad you made it.”

“Me too.”

I’ll save my gator-fishing story for another day. For now, I’m happy to watch my baby girl nuzzling into her mama’s breast, my beautiful family growing closer.

“Whatever happened to the alligator?”Dylan has baby Gina snuggled against her shoulder while Kimmie stands beside her stroking her cousin’s small hand with her finger.

My brothers, Logan, Ms. Plum, Allie, Rachel, thekids and, of course, Miss Gina are all with us at the family house for Gigi’s first official meet and greet.

Even Hendrix sent her a pink cashmere baby cardigan. Liv only laughed, saying she’d save that for when she was out of the spit-up stage.

We’ve only been home a week, but Liv has bounced back so fast. She didn’t have any tearing, which the doctor said was a miracle. Liv said it was because I was there to help her relax. I know better than to take any credit, but that tracks. Apparently, nursing also helps. Either way, Liv is happy and getting back to her old self.

“Aubrey said the old guys were able to load it into a truck, and they drove down and released it somewhere around Week’s Bay.”

“Aubrey Schiffer was always very resourceful.” Miss Gina nods from where she’s sitting beside Dylan, holding the baby’s little hand. “I still can’t believe you named her after me.”

“We decided that night we showed up to swim,” Liv explains. “You’ve always had the kindest heart. I hope Gigi grows up to be the same way.”

Her wrinkled hand rises to her lips, and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen Miss G cry.

Dylan leans her head on her shoulder. “It’s true. I’m mad they beat me to it.”

“She’s holding my finger!” Kimmie looks up at us with wide eyes, cooing. “She’s so cute.”

“She loves her cousin,” I say from where I stand behind Liv.

“Can you believe everything happened at the same time?” Liv shakes her head, exhaling a laugh.

“Yes,” Allie groans. “It’s always the way it happens. Nothing, nothing, nothing, thenBoom!”

“I honestly thought I was going to have the baby right there on the walking path. Those contractions were coming so hard and so fast.”

“I can’t believe I let you walk off like that all byyourself.” Dylan shakes her head, looking down at the baby. “If anything would’ve happened?—”

“It all worked out just fine.” Wrapping my arms around Liv, we bask in the warmth of our friends and loved ones welcoming our baby girl into the family.

Liv’s wearing a pretty V-neck dress in a red, handkerchief pattern, and her long hair is loose over her shoulders. Her push present, a 24-karat gold necklace from Tiffany’s with a heart engraved with Gina Grace’s birthdate (and room for a few more) hangs around her neck.

She’s so beautiful, and I’m so proud of them both.

“I’m just glad you finally got there,” Ms. Plum laughs. “I’ve only done it once a long time ago, and I was out of it the whole time.”

“Same here,” Allie leans into her shoulder.

“You forget how little they are.” Jack stands beside me watching.

Gigi lifts her wobbly head and lets out a huge baby-sneeze, which provokes a chorus of oops and ahhs. I can’t help but laugh, because it’s pretty much what Liv and I do all day every day. We’re all so amazed by her. Everything she does is new and adorable.

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