Page 88 of Learn the Play
Holy shit, I’m a dad.
I’ve had months for the concept to sink in. However, now that she’s here, it’s life-changing and indescribable. I thought I loved her before she was born, but now, my entire fucking world sits on this hospital bed next to me.
“She’s perfect.” Bellamy coos down at our daughter, who’s resting peacefully after her momma endured twelve hours of labor to bring her into the world.
“Just like her momma,” I reply.
“We need a name,” Bellamy says. “I know we’ve tossed around a lot of ideas, but we can’t wait any longer. We have to decide.”
“Coral,” I blurt. It’s a name I’ve been thinking about for months, but I’ve kept it to myself. I hinted once that I had a name in mind, but we got sidetracked.
“Coral Montgomery.” Bellamy tries it out.
“Yeah, I don’t have a middle name idea. But Coral is fitting because it’s the color of the dress you were wearing the night we met. The same dress that ended up on your hotel room floor, and how this little miracle came about.”
“Reid,” Bellamy breathes. “It’s perfect.
“Did you know that our moms share a middle name?”
“No way! Really?”
She nods. “Coral Renee Montgomery. It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
“I do.” I stand and move to sit on the edge of the bed. I need to be closer to them.
“Daddy loves you, Coral Renee.” I kiss the pad of my thumb and gently press it to my daughter’s forehead. “I love you, too, Bell. Thank you for doing all the heavy lifting. You were incredible.”
“You were there every step of the way. Not just for the delivery. Every moment since I found out we were pregnant, you’ve been there. You’re the backbone of our little family, and I love you.” She glances down at our baby girl. “We love you.”
“I think I need to see a doctor,” I tell her. “My eyes won’t stop leaking.”
She giggles, and it’s the most beautiful sound.
“I’m not a crier, but damn, watching you give birth to our daughter, that gets me all up in my feels. When can we do it again?” I ask her.
More laughter, and I’m rewarded with the sparkle that I love so much in those big brown eyes of hers. “How about we get this one home first, and let me get past my six weeks at least,” she says, shaking her head.
“You tell me when you’re ready. Coral needs a little brother or sister, or maybe a couple of each,” I suggest.
“Slow your roll, Number Twenty. We’re in the off-season,” she jokes.
“All right, all right. Coral, tell your mommy that Daddy’s just a man in love with his family.”
Bellamy leans in and kisses my cheek. “Speaking of family, I think we should start letting them in now. You know there’s a room full out there waiting.”
“Fine, if I have to share you.” I text my mom, telling her to send in the parents. “Our parents and Cliff first, if that's okay with you?”
“Perfect. Wait, can we have that many back here?”
“Meh, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” The words are barely out of my mouth when the door opens, and in walk my parents, Cliff, Candice, and Coach. I guess I need to start calling him Will, but that feels weird to me. I’m sure it’s equally as odd to see me married to his daughter. Which will be happening very soon.
“Oh my goodness,” our moms say at the same time.
“Guys,” Bellamy speaks up. “Meet your granddaughter. Coral Renee Montgomery.”
“After me,” they both say, then turn to look at one another.
“It’s rather convenient that the two of you share a middle name.” Bellamy laughs. She turns to her dad. “Would you like to hold her?” she asks him. I can hear the uncertainty in her voice.
