Page 6 of All of Me

Sabrina lowers her hand, her expression softening. “I can’t even imagine. I’m glad they’re both okay.”

“Yeah, me too,” I reply. For a moment, there’s a rare sense of understanding between us, a shared recognition of how fragile life can be.

Sabrina looks down at Barrett, her hand resting on his tiny chest. “Thanks for making tonight special for him. I know you’ve got a lot going on, but it means so much to him. And to me.”

“It means a lot to me, too,” I say.

We’re quiet for a moment, the room filled with the soft sounds of Barrett’s breathing. Finally, Sabrina straightens up, giving me a small, tired smile. “You should probably get home. I’m sure Callie needs you.”

“Yeah,” I say, setting Barrett’s bucket on the counter. “I will let her know Barrett sends his love.”

She nods, watching me head for the door. “Night, Owen.”

“Night, Sabrina.”

I step out into the crisp night air; the weight of the day presses against me. Life is messy and complicated, but we’re making it work, for Barrett, for all of us. My thoughts shift back to Callie and Ruby. Callie had to face something terrifying, and I know she’s trying to carry it all on her own. I can’t let her do that. She needs me there tonight.

I climb into the truck and pull out my phone. Opening a message thread with Will, I take a deep breath before typing.

Me:

Hey, man. I need to call in tomorrow. Callie had the baby yesterday, and there were some complications. Ruby wasn’t breathing when she was born, but she’s okay now. Callie’s still at the hospital, though, and I want to be with her.

I hit send and stare at the screen for a moment, the words heavy in my chest. Seeing Ruby come into this world without a sound, Callie’s face filled with fear, is a memory I can’t shake. She’s strong, stronger than she even knows, but no one should have to go through that alone. She doesn’t just need me there, I need to be there.

Will’s response comes almost immediately.

Will:

Of course. Don’t worry about it—just take care of your family. Let me know if you need anything.

I exhale, some of the tension in my shoulders easing.Family. That’s exactly what Callie, Sara, Ruby, Barrett and I are becoming—a family. Even though life isn’t perfect, I wouldn’t trade this for anything.

I start the engine and pull out of the driveway, heading toward the hospital. The streets are quiet now, the Halloween energy giving way to calm. My phone buzzes on the passenger seat. It’s a picture Sabrina sent of Barrett, still in his dragon costume, sprawled out on her couch, candy bucket beside him. He’s such a good kid. He loves Callie, loves the family we’re building together. I know it hasn’t been easy for Sabrina, seeing me move on, but tonight felt like progress.

I turn into the hospital parking lot and cut the engine. I picture Callie sitting in that hospital room, Ruby nestled in her arms. The fear she felt yesterday still lingers in my mind. I walk into the hospital, knowing that no matter how complicated things get, Callie and I will face them together. That’s what family does. That’s what we will do.

three

EIGHTEEN INCHES - LAUREN ALAINA

CALLIE - OCTOBER 31, 2013

My sister sent a text earlier saying the handover of Sara to Adam was successful. No drama, thank goodness. Now, I’m just waiting for him to get here so I can introduce my daughter to her new baby sister.

As I patiently anticipate Adam’s arrival, my heart swells with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The thought of introducing Sara to her new baby sister fills me with joy and wonder. I ponder how she’ll react, what kind of connection they will form. Will they become inseparable playmates, sharing secrets and adventures? Or will they have their fair share of sibling rivalry, bickering over toys and attention?

Whatever lies ahead, I know this moment marks the beginning of a beautiful journey for our family. It’s a milestone that will forever shape the bond between my daughters, a bond that will grow stronger with each day. I take a deep breath, ready to witness the magical moment when my daughters meet for the very first time.

My phone buzzes on the bedside table, and I reach for it, careful not to disturb Ruby. It’s a message from Adam.

Adam:

We’re on our way up. She can’t wait to meet the baby.

A smile tugs at my lips. Sara’s been talking about Ruby nonstop since we told her she was going to have a little sister. She’s been so excited about becoming a Big Sissy. Every time she said “baby” in her sweet little voice or touched my belly, her eyes went wide with wonder. It feels like maybe, just maybe, everything will be okay.

A few minutes later, the door creaks open, and a little flurry of purple sparkles bursts into the room. Sara toddles in, her tiny feet padding against the floor as she clutches the hem of her purple gown in one hand. Her tiara tilts dangerously to one side, and her other hand grips Adam’s finger as he follows her inside.

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