Page 39 of Sassy Surrogate
Rebecca lays her head on my shoulder, and we sit there quietly, each lost in our own thoughts as we wait for news on Danica.
It feels like we’ve been here forever when a grey-haired man in blood-stained scrubs pushes through the doors of the waiting room.
“Are you Ms Brand’s family?”
I go over to her mother and take her hand, pulling her forward with me. “Yes, sir. We are. This is her mother, Catriona Brand, and I’m her fiancé, Heath Bailey.”
“I’m Dr Green, I’m Ms Brand’s surgeon. All I can say is Ms Brand is one tough cookie. She’s come through surgery quite well overall. There were a couple of moments there, but she’s a little fighter. That her fighting spirit is strong will count in her favour, but the next twenty-four hours will be crucial.”
He hasn’t said a word about the baby, and I’m almost too scared to ask. But I have to know. “And the baby? Is the baby…?”
“Like mother, like daughter. She’s a little small, being a few weeks early, but she’ll be just fine. Her colour and reflexes are good. She’s a healthy girl. They’re just cleaning her up, and then they’ll take her down to the nursery. You’re welcome to go and see her there. Once Ms Brand is out of recovery, we’ll let you know which ward she’s being transferred to, and I’ll leave instructions for you to be allowed to see her.”
Relief like I’ve never known floods through me. It may be touch and go, but she’s still here, and she’s fighting. That’s good enough for now. And I have a daughter. Suddenly I can’t wait to meet her.
“Congratulations on the birth of your daughter, Mr Bailey.”
“Thank you, Doctor. Thank you for everything.”
With a nod, he leaves. For a split second after the doors swing closed behind him, there’s absolute silence. Then come the tears of joy and laughter of relief. Hugs and handshakes are dished out, and congratulations ring.
Graham steps forward, a huge grin on his face. “I have to get home, but I’m thrilled for you, man. Congrats again. Welcome to fatherhood.” He pulls me in for a man-hug. “You got this, bud. If you need anything,anything, you let us know. Yeah?”
“That’s means a lot, man. Thanks.”
“Kieran and I can wait here for news on Nica if you and the family want to go down and meet baby,” Rebecca says, looking from Kieran to me. Kieran nods his agreement, a huge grin plastered on his face.
As I look around the room, look at each person there, my heart brims with gratitude. With the exception of Dad and Will, who are flying back home to be with us, all the important people in our lives are gathered here in this one room. And I’m about to go meet the latest addition to that group.
All I can do is hang on to faith that Danica will pull through and the three of us will get to be the family I dreamed of.
“Off with you then. Go meet your baby girl.”
The four of us make our way down to the nursery without a word. Pop and Gram walk ahead of Cat and me, hanging on to each other for comfort. Catriona has a death grip on my hand. This experience has shaken us all to the core, and I’m simply grateful we’re here for each other.
A paediatric nurse meets us at the doors to the neonatal ward, a welcoming smile at the ready. “I hear you’ve come to see our newest addition.”
“That we have,” I reply with an answering smile.
“Unfortunately, we can usually only allow one person at a time.” Indicating Danica’s grandparents, she continues. “However, in this particular instance, we’ll make a small exception. Who would like to see her first?”
I’m impatient to meet my daughter, but I’m willing to wait until her mom and grandparents have.
“Pop, Gram, would you like the honour of being the first to meet your great-granddaughter?”
Their eyes light up, but then Gram shakes her head. “No, my boy. You should have that honour.”
“Thanks, Gram, I appreciate the sentiment, but I know how excited you are to meet her, so off you go.”
She looks as if she’s about to argue, but then changes her mind. Tugging me down to a more comfortable height for her, she kisses me on the cheek. Then she and Pop follow the nurse.
With tears in her eyes, Cat watches them go. “Thank you.”
“For what, Cat?”
“That means the world to them.” She indicates her parents with her head. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
