Page 54 of Eternally London

“Do you remember what that’s called? Hair.”

London touches the baby’s face and kisses her cheek. An evident connection exists between them. It’s pure, sweet, and very beautiful.

I’ve always thought London is the most gorgeous woman in the world. Seeing her now, holding this baby on her lap, exuding immense joy, it seems impossible, but she’s even more beautiful. In fact, the sight of the two of them together makes my chest ache.

I’ve yet to interact with the baby, and the feeling is already there. I have an innate desire to love and protect the two girls in front of me with everything I have. I understand what London sees in this child. She’s special, and she holds a beauty beyond measure.

My heart rate increases. With each beat, it fills with anxiety, fear, and immense love. This must be what being a parent feels like.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when London says, “I want you to meet your daddy.” She reaches out for my hand and pulls me closer to the bed. “Baby girl, this is your daddy. And you’re lucky because he’s the best daddy in the whole world. You’re going to be very loved.”

I kneel down to their level and hold out my hand. The baby cautiously looks at it, and when she decides it holds no threat, she runs her soft hand over mine. After a few breaths, she squeezes her fingers around mine and holds on.

“Hi,” I say to her. “I’ve heard so much about you. I’m so glad to meet you.”

“Do you see it?” London asks me.

“I do.”

“Don’t you just love her?”

“I do,” I answer honestly.

We spend the next hour talking to our daughter before Dr. Gyasi tells us it’s time to go. The sun is setting, and they have to lock up the hospital. He tells us that danger comes in at night and that we should head back to our hotel as well.

Before going to our hotel, we stop off at the beach. The sun is setting behind us, but the water is still calming as it splashes onto the sand. We sit in the sand and watch the water, silent for a moment as we each gather our thoughts from the day.

“I know what I want to name her,” London says.

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes. So, we want her first name to have a geographical meaning, like ours…right? So, what about Lindi? It’s a cute name. It’s where we found her.”

“I like that.”

“Then, for her middle name, I was thinking Blue, like her eyes and the ocean bordering her birthplace.”

“Lindi Blue Berkeley,” I say. “Lindi Blue. I think it’s perfect.”

“Right? I think it’s perfect for her, too. She looks like a Lindi,” London says with excitement.

Immediately, I feel her body language change.

“Loïc, I’ll die if we don’t get her.”

I pull her closer to my side, and she leans her head on my arm.

“We’ll get her.”

“So many things can go wrong.”

“They won’t,” I reassure her.

“We’re going to get her, right?” London’s worried eyes peer up to mine.

I smile. “She’s already ours. It’s just a matter of paperwork and travel documents now. That stuff takes time. But we’re not leaving here without our girl. Okay?”

“Okay.” She nods. “I just love her so much.”

---