Page 93 of Safe and Sound

When they placed her on my stomach, tears streamed down my cheeks. As the nurse continued wiping her off, I stared in disbelief.

I had a daughter.

Dareand I had a daughter.

And she was utterly breathtaking. The cutest little nose and button lips along with chubby cheeks that I couldn’t wait to bestow kisses on. “Oh my beautiful girl,” I murmured as the sobs overcame me.

In that moment, I never knew how much I would love her. Words could never properly describe the emotions overflowing with me. What had started as somewhat of a burden was now the greatest blessing I could receive.

At the same time, a fierce protectiveness came over me. Whatever I’d felt for Dare a moment ago quickly evaporated. I would do everything within my power to keep her from danger, and that meant keeping her away from her father’s world.

“You did it, sweetheart,” Mom murmured as she kissed my temple.

Swiping my eyes, I said, “I did good, didn’t I?”

She smiled down at me. “I’m so proud of you.”

With a grin, Nick said, “So am I. Seriously, women truly are the stronger sex. I mean, that whole passing a watermelon through a lemon sized hole is insane.”

Mom and I laughed. “Thank you for the compliments,” I mused.

After the nurse removed the towel she’d been wiping the baby’s head with, Mom gasped while Nick sucked in a breath.

She had red hair.

Immediately, the shade reminded me of Dare’s mother and sister. I don’t know why it was such a surprise. Half of her DNA came from Dare, so it made sense she would have his physical traits.

As I peered into her face, I searched my daughter’s features for more of her father’s. Even though it was still early, I could tell I’d given birth to Dare’s twin. And damn if it wasn’t a kick in the chest.

When I glanced up at Mom and Nick, I could tell they were thinking the same thing. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

“She’s the prettiest baby I ever saw,” Mom cooed.

“Seriously, Yaya? I’m standing right here,” Nick teased.

Pink dotted Mom’s cheeks. “The prettiest babygirlI ever saw,” she corrected.

“I’ll be sure to tell Dani and Lexiewhat you said.”

“Stop it,” Mom replied, swatting Nick’s arm.

Jerking my chin at Nick, I said, “Isn’t she the prettiest baby you’ve ever seen?”

“Absolutely.” With a wink, he added, “Considering she has two gorgeous parents, she didn’t have much of a chance at being ugly.”

While I laughed, Mom’s lips fretted. I wondered if there would ever come a time when she didn’t react to mentions of Dare. The moment of tension was broken by the doctor finishing stitching me up and heading out of the room.

“Now that the baby is here and you’re all fixed up, why don’t I go get your father?” Mom asked.

“That sounds good.”

Although I wouldn’t have minded my father being in the delivery room, he had balked at the idea. He was old school in so many ways.

As soon as Mom slipped out the door, Nick asked, “Are you sure you don’t want me to call him?”

“I’m sure.” At his sigh, I shook my head. “Did you really think I would change my mind?”

Nodding, he replied, “I thought holding her in your arms might soften your resolve.”

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