Page 101 of Falling for You
“You logged it on the app?” I smirk at her as she peels off her shirt.
“Do not get in the shower. We have to go.”
“Why is she getting in the shower?” my father asks. He’s freaking out a bit more than I am. Which, on any given day, would make me laugh, since with his job, he stays calm, cool, and collected.
“Yes, let’s ask her,” I stare at Collins. “Why are you getting in the shower?”
“Okay, we’re on our way,” he states. “Should be there in a couple of hours.”
“Take your time,” Collins says as I disconnect.
“I don’t know how you’re so calm. I’m like one second away from having a complete freak-out.”
“Can you not? I’m trying not to freak out now.” Her voice is a whisper. “I’m scared.” The tears now fall from her eyes. “I’m so scared. I don’t think I can do this.”
I hold her face in my hands. “Baby, you’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met.” I smile at her. “You are kind and generous.” I kiss her lips. “Fuck, you’re beautiful.” My thumbs catch her tears. “I want our baby to have your eyes.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“I know you’re doing a lot for us right now. You know, carrying the baby and all that. But can you do one more thing for me?” I bite my teeth together. “Put your shirt on and let’s get to the hospital so we can meet our baby.”
“Okay.” I help her put the shirt on and get her outside. She has to stop twice for her contractions, and I don’t have any time to put it in the app.
When we show up at the hospital, she’s starting to cry out with each contraction. It goes so fast; she’s five centimeters dilated when we get there, and they don’t have any time to do anything. She’s in tears by the time the doctor comes in, and I’m one second away from tearing my hair out of my head. I’m trying to calm myself down. The last thing she needs is for me to freak out and focus on myself instead of her.
“Time to push,” Dr. Louis says. “It’s going to be someone’s birthday soon.” She looks at me. “How about you get by her head?” She gets in between her legs. “Okay, for the next contraction,” she tells Collins, “I’m going to want you to push.”
“No.” She shakes her head, the pain etched on her face. “It’s too much.”
I grab her hand. “Look at me, baby.” I put my arm around the top of her head. “You got this. I would do this for you, but you have to do it. She needs you to do this for her.”
“I can’t,” she croaks. “Stop saying it’s a her when you don’t know that.”
Dr. Louis ignores her protests. “Okay, Collins, let’s get this baby out.”
Collins pushes for thirty-nine minutes. It’s the longest and shortest time of my life.
“One more,” Dr. Louis urges. “Her shoulders are almost out.” Collins bears down and pushes.
The next thing I know, I hear, “Meet your baby,” as the doctor places the tiniest, most perfect little one on Collins’s chest.
Tears are leaking down my face as Collins wraps her arms around the baby and sobs. “I love you so much,” she says to our child.
I put my head to hers and wrap both of them in my arms.
“I love you so much.” I kiss her head. “You’re a fucking rock star.”
“Well, you two,” Dr. Louis says, “you have a girl.”
“I knew it,” I declare. “And she’s beautiful like her mom. The best mom she could ever have.”
“Thank you, baby girl,” Collins coos softly, “for choosing me to be your mom.” She smiles as she cries. “I won’t let you regret it.” She kisses her forehead as our baby just blinks and looks at both of us. “Rose.” She turns to me, saying, “Can we name her Rose?”
“Whatever you want, baby,” I softly kiss her lips, “whatever you want.”
I always thought I knew what my purpose in life was. I was wrong. Standing here right now, looking at the woman who came into my life one night by accident and now has a hold of my heart so strong. I don’t think I could breathe without her in my life.
She has now given me the greatest gift that I will ever receive: our daughter.
“Rose,” I say her name, and she opens her mouth as if she’s about to answer me but then closes her lips. “My two girls.” My heart soars in my chest. “I’ll be falling for you two every day of my life.”
