Page 107 of Nanny for the Doctor

“What is it?” Reed’s excited, overwhelmed voice is right at my side.

I reach down, inspecting the squirming baby. “It’s a girl.”

“A girl!” Reed can’t contain the joy, and tears spill from his eyes, quickly followed by my own. “Hello there, Grace.”

We’d talked about names for months and finally settled on Grace Clara Finnigan. It’s perfect.

She’s in my arms. I’m holding her. She’s real.

“Hi, baby girl.” I look down at her and still can’t believe I did it. “I’m your momma. Happy birthday.”

“You did so great, babe. I’m so proud of you.” Reed kisses the top of my head and then showers attention on Grace.

“I’m a rockstar.” My head falls back, my eyes closing as the adrenaline subsides.

“That you are. Congrats, you guys. You’ve got a beautiful baby girl. When you’re ready, we’ll get you all set up in your bed.” My midwife smiles, and I honestly cannot find the words to thank her for how much she’s helped me.

“We have a baby girl, Reed. Just like Henry wanted.”

“I…” Reed shakes his head with a laugh. “I’m a dad again. And she’s so perfect.”

I sing “Happy Birthday to You” to our newborn daughter, and Reed can’t stop staring at her. She’s only a minute old, and she’s already got him wrapped around her little finger.

It’s just tears of joy then, filling the quiet after what was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. And I wouldn’t change it for anything.

* * *

Once I’mall cleaned up, Reed had his moment to cut the umbilical cord, and Grace is all warm and cozy against my chest as we’re wrapped in a blanket, we have the midwife get Henry.

He’s been waiting in the living room with Stevie and Johnny, and as he walks in, I can’t help but notice the nervousness on his face.

“It’s okay, bud. I’m sure I got a little loud at the end, but everything is great. Would you like to meet your baby sister?”

He lights up and hurries over to the bed, where Reed and I lie against the headboard. Climbing up gently, he crawls over between us and takes his first look at Grace.

Just like his father, Henry positively swoons when he sees her, and my heart feels like it’ll burst from all this happiness. He kisses the top of her head so gently, and I can’t help but chuckle.

He’s already being so careful with Grace. Henry was a sweetheart with me when I was too pregnant to do anything. He really is going to be the best big brother.Well, tied with Johnny for first place.

“So, it’s Grace, right?” Henry’s voice is just above a whisper.

“Yes, bud. Grace Clara Finnigan.” I tip my shoulder so he can see more of her face. “Grace, this is your big brother, Henry.”

“I’ll look after you always.” His little eyes fill with tears as he looks up at me. “I love her so much.”

“I love you, Henry.” I kiss his cheek. “I love her, and I love you and your Dad so very much.”

Reed, who’s been happily watching, tears brimming in his eyes more than he’d like to admit, wraps his arm around Henry, squeezing us all into a hug.

A gentle knock on the door grabs my attention, and I call out, “Come in.”

Stevie comes waddling in, still looking like she could pop at any moment, and Johnny quickly follows.

“Oh my God, Mae.” Stevie sniffles as she takes in baby Grace. “She’s so beautiful.”

Sobs pour out of her, and we all laugh as Johnny rubs her back.

“Oh, shush. You all know it's those damn pregnancy hormones.” Stevie wipes under her eyes and sits down on the rocking chair nearby.

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