Page 234 of His Sunshine Baby

“Okay! Daddy, I’ll eat fast so we can go right after, right? Daddy, what is this?”

“It’s crepes, baby. My mom used to make them when we were young, with your uncles. I made ones with chocolate and sugar, so take what you want, okay?”

“Can we save some for Mommy?”

“Of course.”

She smiles and starts eating happily, faster than usual. I may be more excited, though. I barely eat, just gulping down my coffee. I’m so anxious. I get dressed, a T-shirt and some jeans, and help Estelle get ready before we drive to the hospital.

I decide to make a stop on the way to buy some flowers for Elena’s discharge. Is that too much? Estelle can give it to her, it will be less awkward that way. If only I could calm down. I hurry to the hospital, park, and walk inside with Estelle.

Damian is already there, discussing with Elena and some guy from the medical staff. Calm down, calm down. I try to calm myself, holding our daughter’s hand a bit tighter. Elena notices me first, but turns back to the doctor.

“Is that all?”

“As long as you take the medicine and get lots of rest, you will be better in a few days, Miss Whitewood. Please don’t stand for too long, and be careful with your arm. I will schedule a check-up for you in three days, just to make sure.”

“About the hospital bill…”

“Elena, don’t,” says Damian with a frown. “Nora will scold us both. Don’t you dare talk about money.”

She sighs, turning to Damian.

“Can I at least say thank you?”

I see the slightest bit of a smirk on my brother’s face. Since when were these two so close? I let go of her hand, and Estelle runs to her mother.

“Mommy!”

“Baby star!”

She kneels down painfully to hug her daughter. Is it alright for her to be crouching? Her arm is still in a sling, and she looks tired too. I quickly join them, grabbing Estelle to carry her. Elena barely looks at me…

“Mommy, can you really leave now?”

“Yes, baby, I’m leaving the hospital.”

“Really? And you can come and live with Daddy and me? We painted my room! It will be dry in two days!”

Elena hesitates, looking at me. I take a deep breath.

“How about we discuss this a bit first? Maybe Mommy wants some breakfast too, baby?”

“We made some crepes!”

While she tells her mother all about her morning, Damian settles the last details with the hospital so that we can leave. Elena is obviously trying to avoid my eyes while talking to her daughter. Meanwhile, I take deep breaths, trying to calm down and act rationally. It had to happen sooner or later, right?

“Alright, it’s settled,” announces Damian. “I have to go home, Nora asked me to watch the kid this afternoon.”

“She’s not working?” I ask, worried.

“No, but Tonia is taking her shopping for the baby.”

“Didn’t you say you don’t want to know the gender yet?” asks Elena, surprised.

Damian nods.

“We don’t, but they still want to look for more baby toys and things to prepare for the birth. Nora is scared it will be premature like James. Anway…”

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