Page 83 of Claiming What Is Mine

I sit on the edge of the bed. “How many times over the last few months have we talked about names? And how many names have I suggested? Why didn’t you mention it before now?”

“Because I was afraid you’d try to talk me out of it.” Meredith winks. “But I love it. And I love the idea of her growing up to be strong and independent, like her Daddy. So? What do you think?”

Strong and independent?Those are traits she’s going to need if she’s going to stand up for herself. I rub my chin. “We can call her Gabby?”

Christy pokes her head through the door, “Knock, knock. Okay if we come in?”

I nod. “Sure. Come on in and meet your niece.”

Christy squirts some hand sanitizer from the dispenser mounted on the wall into her hand and hustles over to Meredith’s side as Chet strolls in behind her. He stops beside me and extends his hand. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” I say as we shake. “Where’s Logan?”

“Mom’s out there watching him.”

Christy’s voice practically jumps into the stratosphere. “Oh my goodness. Happy birthday little girl. Happy birthday to you.”

The thought hadn’t crossed my mind until now. “What day is it? ” I whisper to Chet.

“The eighteenth.”

“Thanks. February eighteenth. There’s a date that’ll be forever etched into my head.”

Chet smiles. “If she’d come a few days earlier, it would’ve put a whole new spin on Valentine’s day.”

I sigh. “Nah, today is perfect. She shouldn’t have to share her special day with anyone else.”

After a few minutes, there’s another knock at the door. Meredith’s brother Mark and his wife stand outside. Chet calls to his wife. “Come on Doc, time to let someone else have a turn.”

Christy frowns and hands the baby back to Meredith. “Alright, we better go. Your mothers asked us to keep it to only a couple people at a time, so you aren’t overwhelmed.”

Mark and Jenn echo Chet and Christy in their well wishes and conversation. They ask about the delivery, and go on and on about how beautiful the baby is. Like clockwork, a few minutes later Janet knocks on the door with Jim and James in tow behind her. “They got here as fast as they could. Mind if they have a turn?”

Mark nods, acknowledging his mother as he and Jenn say their goodbyes. On his way out, Mark places a hand on his father’s shoulder and smiles. Jim wipes his nose with his handkerchief, and does his best to hide wiping the tears in his eyes. “Your mother tells us this little one really put up a fight,” Jim says as he and James sterilize their hands.

“She was amazing. She did everything right. Just like we practiced,” I say.

Meredith turns the baby, allowing Jim to see his granddaughter. A smile spreads across his face and he snorts as he tries to contain his emotions. He looks back at me. “Now you are responsible for two of the most important women in my life.”

Oh God, really? We’re going to do this now?

Jim gulps. “But I know you’re up for the job. And I’ll be here to help you.” He looks back to Meredith and the baby. “All of you. Whenever you need it. However I’m able.”

Now I’m the one trying to control my emotions. I can honestly say, I did not see that coming. “Thanks, Jim. That means a lot.”

Jim looks back at me and his smile falls. “Call me Dad.”

I don’t know how to react to that. Shocked, I look to Meredith. She seems as surprised by the comment as I am, but nods her head towards her father, urging me to say something.

“Wow. Thanks. Dad.”

Jim smiles, pleased to hear the word. He steps forward and throws his arms around my body, hugging me, just like the day I asked him to marry his daughter. It’s every bit as awkward, and I still have no clue how I’m supposed to respond, so I wrap my arm around him and pat his back.

“Alright Dad, these two could probably use some rest. Don’t you think?” James taps his father on the shoulder, breaking our uncomfortable embrace. He nods at me, and I give him a thousand thank-yous with my eyes.

* * *

The next fewdays pass in a whirlwind. Gabby stays in the room with us as much as possible, so Mer and I can get used to feeding and changing diapers. But two days later, we’re strapping her into her brand-new pumpkin seat, and heading home.

A family.

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