Page 108 of Set me Free

"Alright, Serenity, I need one big push!" Dr. Wesley said nodding her head encouragingly. Serenity gritted her teeth and squeezed my hand so damn tight I swore I lost circulation. “That’s it. Good job keep going.”

“I think I just need a short break.” Serenity said looking exhausted. “Just a second.”

"You’re almost there," I whispered, kissing her forehead.

"One more push!" Dr. Wesley continued to coach her through it.

Serenity screamed, pushing one last time, her entire body tensing. And then I heard it. A sharp, loud cry echoed through the room. My chest caved in as I watched the doctor lift up our daughter, her tiny body caramel and perfect, her little fists clenched, her curly black hair already thick on her head.

"Oh shit," I choked out, my vision blurring. “She’s here baby, our girl is here.”

Serenity sobbed, her body going limp as she exhaled in relief. The doctor quickly cleaned Cree up before placing her in my arms. I stared down at her, completely speechless, my heart aching in the best way possible.

"She’s so beautiful," I whispered, my voice breaking. “She’s so fuckin beautiful Serenity.” She looked just like me, but she had her mama’s nose and curls. Tears burned in my eyes. "Hey, Princess," I murmured, gently brushing my knuckle against her tiny chubby cheek. "I’m your daddy." She yawned, and my chest ached. I looked up at Serenity, who was watching me with tired, tear-filled eyes. I leaned down, kissing her softly. "You did so good, baby. I’m so proud of you."

She sniffled. "We did it."

"Yeah, we did."

I turned back to Cree, holding her against my chest. "And I swear to you, baby girl, I’ll love you forever. Always."

Later that night,after Serenity was resting and Cree was sleeping peacefully in the hospital bassinet, I stepped out into the hallway and pulled out my phone.

My mama had already reached out to Pops to let him know Cree was here. But there was only one person I needed to call…Nasseem.

"Yo," he answered. "What’s good?"

I exhaled, my lips curving into a smile. "She’s here, Nas. My baby girl is here."

For the first time, my boy was speechless.

Then, finally, "Shit, for real?!"

I chuckled. "Yeah, man. She’s perfect. I thought I loved Gio but damn, this little girl.” I felt myself getting choked up.

“Congrats my boy. I’m so fucking happy for you. How Sis doing?”

“Getting some much needed sleep.” I replied. “She had my fuckin baby man. She went through hell and back to get me my princess. There are no words to express how good that shit feels.”

“I’m happy for you C, real talk.”

“I was calling to not only tell you that she was here but, me and SB talked about it and we want you to be her godfather."

There was a pause. Then, "Damn bro... I’d be honored, for real. Wow, that’s crazy, I can’t believe you mutha fuckas trust me to take care of her. Wait, how that work, if y’all die I get her?"

“Yeah, you up for that?”

“All y’all gotta do is get her past the shitting phase and then I’m taking a hit out on both you niggas.”

That made me laugh, hard as hell. Then, I swallowed hard, my throat thick with emotion. "I appreciate you, Nas. I know we made the right choice."

"Man, I appreciate you," he muttered. "You already know she got a whole damn army behind her."

I laughed, nodding. "Damn right she does."

And as I hung up, standing in that quiet hospital hallway, I realized something. This was one of the best days of my life.

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