Page 96 of Seamless Forever (Sleepless November Saga 3)

“Have you held her yet?” I ask Holden.

He nods. “She slept in my arms for a couple hours while you were in recovery.”

We spend the next few hours taking turns with cuddling her. Holden ends up feeding her a small bottle of formula, which she takes surprisingly well for her size. The nurse explains to us that as long as she thrives, she should be able to leave the NICU when she reaches five pounds. I don’t know how long that could take, but she only has one pound to go. Hopefully she gets there quickly because the thought of being away from her physically hurts.

MY MOTHER IS THE first of our parents to arrive. I’m already back in my room when she walks in, looking like she’s aged five years within the last day. I guess that happens when you find out your daughter needs to be rushed into surgery. John follows in behind her.

“I’m so glad you’re alright.” My mom tells me, placing her things on the table and taking a seat next to my bed. “What happened?”

“I had placental abruption. The placenta detached from my uterus and the baby’s heart was showing signs of distress. They needed to get her out.”

“What could have caused that?”

I frown. “I’m not sure. I haven’t gotten a chance to ask. The doctor should be coming around soon.”

Holden comes back from the NICU, greeting my mom and John and showing them pictures of the baby. They both coo at how adorable she is and congratulate the two of us on becoming parents. I watch lovingly as my husband gushes about our daughter.

When the doctor arrives at our room to check on me, my mom immediately starts barraging him with questions. I try to stop her, but she doesn’t listen.

“How did this happen? She was completely healthy and the pregnancy was going well.”

“Well, ma’am, there are numerous causes for placental abruption. There could be too much amniotic fluid, or an infection within the uterus. Smoking or recreational drugs such as cocaine could also be a cause but…”

My mom’s head whips toward me. “Kayleigh Madison Jacobs.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “Okay one, it’s Rivers, and two, I haven’t used drugs.”

“So, you just happened to have a rare complication that can be caused by your previous drug of choice?”

“Ma’am.” The doctor interrupts. “It’s protocol for us to drug test all patients who are admitted to our facility.” He turns his tablet to show my mother. “Kayleigh’s came back completely clean.”

She exhales a long breath and smiles sadly. “I’m sorry sweetheart. I just worry so much about you.”

I take her hand in mine. “I know, Mom. I never used to understand it, but when I held my daughter today, it all made sense. You need to trust me, though. I’m never going to go back to that.”

BEING AWAY FROM MY daughter is extremely difficult, but it hurts to stay sitting up for long. Holden can tell I’m upset every second that I can’t be with her. To make me feel better, he brings me back one of her blankets. It smells like her and I cuddle with it like it’s the most cherished thing in my life.

An idea seems to spring to his mind and he jumps up, telling us all he will be right back. I watch as he runs out of the room with his phone to his ear.

“I don’t think the adrenaline has fully drained from his body yet.” Jo remarks, making us all laugh.

While he’s gone, Heather, Dan, Emily, and Brandon all arrive. They come in with presents and balloons, but all I care about is my best friend. I didn’t know how much I needed her here until she walked in the door. Without a care in the world, she demands I scoot over and climbs into the bed with me.

“Are you okay?”

I snuggle into her side. “I’m better now.”

“I got here as soon as I could.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“Always.”

Holden’s parents ask me questions, most of which are answered by everyone else. H comes back a short while later. He barely greets his family as he pushes through everyone to get to the TV remote.

“What are you doing weirdo?” Jo asks him but he ignores her.

He turns on the television and flicks it to a certain channel. It’s password protected, but he enters the code. Seconds later, a video feed of my daughter appears on the screen. Everyone gasps as they see her. All I want to do is cry and kiss my husband.

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