Page 116 of Where We Call Home

“You did a hell of a job,” I said, meaning every word.

Sissy scoffed softly, nodding as her gaze drifted to the hospital room door where Theo was resting. Her expression shifted, pride flickered in her eyes, mixed with something deeper.

“I know,” she said, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. Then she turned back to me. “The reason I told you all of this is because I think you’re good for Theo. I think you bring something to her life she’s been missing for a long time.” Her voice grew warmer, and her hand gave my arm a reassuring squeeze. “You’re an amazing man, Rhodes. To see her trust you the way she does, enough to move in with you so quickly, of all things…”

We both chuckled at that, the brief moment broke the tension in my chest.

“I know you must be special,” she finished, her smile deepening.

Her words settled over me, steadying me. For the first time since we got here, I felt a little less restless. A little more certain. We were going to be okay.

“I love your daughter,” I said, my voice steady, my gaze locked with Sissy’s. “She’s the special one.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile as she reached out to squeeze my hand. “You treat her right, and that baby, too.”

“I will,” I promised without hesitation.

She gave me a knowing look, her eyes twinkling with pride. “Good. Now, go take a seat. You’re gonna need all the energy you can get.” She added a wink, and I couldn’t help but grin as I nodded.

The moment between us eased, and I followed her suggestion, settling into a chair with the rest of our friends. Talking to Sissy had felt like a lifeline, a moment of validation that I hadn’t known I needed.

I loved Theo Matthews more deeply than I’d ever thought possible. This love wasn’t just a feeling; it was a force, a tether that bound us. Her happiness was mine, her fears were mine, and with every beat of our hearts, I could feel us syncing, becoming one.

Aspen returned from grabbing coffee for everyone, and of course, Penny followed. Those two had packed bags and prepared for an overnight stay, ready to take shifts so Theo was never alone. Not that it would come to that—not while I was here. Nothing short of Boone physically dragging me out would make me leave Theo’s side. And knowing Boone, that scenario wasn’t out of the question, which was probably why the girls had made plans.

I glanced around the waiting room, my chest swelling with an unexpected warmth. Seeing everyone here, friends who had become family, filled me with a deep sense of gratitude. Faircloud wasn’t just a place anymore; it was home. And now, that home was growing, its arms expanding to embrace a new chapter, a new life. I sat there, surrounded by the people who loved her, I knew there was nowhere else I’d rather be.

“Rhodes?”

An unfamiliar voice called out, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see a nurse peeking into the waiting room. I was on my feet before I realized it, crossing the room in a hurry.

“That’s me,” I said, my voice steady.

“Theo is asking for you. It’s time.”

My stomach flipped, the weight of her words sinking in. I glanced back at the group. They were all watching me, their faces soft with encouragement. I found it in me to count down from five, closing my eyes to focus on the deep breath.

Following the nurse into the room, my heart pounded as I saw Theo. She was breathing heavily, her face scrunched in pain as she gripped the sides of the bed. The sight of her like that hit me like a freight train, but I pushed through it, rushing to her side.

“I’m scared.” With panic laced in each word, she reached out her hand for mine.

I didn’t hesitate. I slid my hand into hers, wrapping my fingers around hers as tightly as she needed. The warmth of my touch was a promise. I was here, and I wasn’t going anywhere.

“I got you, Honey,” I murmured, my voice as steady as I could make it.

I stood right by her side as the doctor entered the room, the door clicking shut behind her. The staff moved swiftly, setting everything up, but my focus never wavered from Theo. She shifted into position, and I stayed there, whispering encouragement, grounding her through the storm.

The room filled with the sounds of her pain—yells that cut through me like a knife. Still, I kept my voice steady, guiding her through every push, every moment, until finally, the tension broke. A sigh of relief was followed by the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard, the cry of a newborn.

Tears pricked at my eyes, and I didn’t fight them. I watched as they lifted the baby, so small, so perfect, and brought her into the world. She let out another cry before they laid her on Theo’s chest, her tiny body rising and falling with each precious breath.

Theo was crying, too. Silent tears streamed down her face as she held her baby close, skin to skin. I stood, my legs unsteady beneath me, overwhelmed by the moment.

They were perfect—both of them. My heart felt like it could burst knowing with absolute certainty that they were my whole world now.

I turned, digging through the bag we’d brought with us. Theo had insisted I pack one thing in particular, and my hands found it easily. I lifted the viewfinder to my eye, framing the scene in front of me: Theo holding the baby, a radiant smile lighting up her tear-streaked face. I clicked the button, capturing the moment forever.

“Hi, baby,” Theo cooed, her voice soft and full of wonder as she placed a gentle hand on the baby’s back.

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