“Where’s my precious grandbaby?” Dad said as he walked into my room.
“Do you want to hold her?”
“You bet I do.” He held out his arms, and I handed Chloe to him. Mom followed him to a chair and helped him get situated. “Has she eaten?”
“She nursed about an hour ago.” I glanced at the clock on the wall. Feeding her every two to three hours was doing a number on my boobs. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to nurse, but I’d do my best.
I grabbed the handrails and tried to move my body, but cringed when a streak of pain shot through my crotch. Luke immediately extended a hand and helped me sit up. I had planned on having a C-section, but Chloe had different plans and was born in just two hours. I didn’t even have time for an epidural.
“Is she latching on or having problems?” Mom asked.
“She’s doing great. It’s me that’s having a hard time.” I shot my mom a wide-eyed look.
“Just give it some time. I read that ice packs and lanolin cream help. In fact, I brought you some, along with a few other things you might need.” She handed me a Target sack filled with lots of goodies.
“Thanks.” Even though Veronica had never had a baby of her own, she had done her homework. Subscribing to baby Websites and reading magazines, she kept me abreast of everything she read and made recommendations. She was the best mother, ever.
“You’re welcome.” She studied Chloe’s face. “I see Luke’s nose and lips and the shape and color of your eyes.”
“You think so?” I asked, still trying to get comfortable in the hospital bed.
“I definitely see Luke,” Dad said.
Luke stepped closer to them and peered over Dad’s arms. “I can’t tell who she looks like.”
“You can’t?” Mom asked, taking another look at our daughter.
Luke turned his head, trying to get a better glimpse. “No, but I guess that’s because she’s still too new to tell.”
“Give it time.” Mom smiled. “A baby’s features can change constantly.”
“They sure can,” I informed him.
“As long as she’s healthy, I don’t care who she looks like.” Luke patted my dad on the shoulder.
“Exactly.” Dad cooed at the baby. “She’s pretty either way. Isn’t that right, my baby girl? Grandpa’s going to buy you a pony and whatever else you want.”
My heart soared seeing my parents and Luke smile at Chloe. Through all the pain and heart ache I’d endured growing up, I never imaged it would turn out so sweet. I knew Veronica and Martin would love Chloe endlessly. Luke’s parents would do the same, and I promised to give them every opportunity to do so. I also promised to be the best mom I could be to Chloe. Seeing the love in Luke’s eyes for his daughter told me he’d be an awesome father.
Thinking of how things could’ve turned out, I thanked God I’d finally learned how to forgive. Deciding to let go of the sadness and hurt allowed me to step into a life that was full of happiness. But that was only possible by facing the tough issues that had tried to destroy me my entire life.
Meeting Luke was no fluke, and I knew that now. Hooking up with him and discovering his mother had caused my parents’ accident was all part of the plan. The bigger plan which I didn’t understand, and still don’t at times. But one thing is certain. I know for a fact that Luke is definitely My Lucky Catch.
About the Author
CM Doporto
Born and raised in the United States of America in the great state of Texas, CM Doporto resides there with her husband, son, and daughter enjoying life with their extensive family along with their Chihuahua and several fish. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, where she is associated with the Young Adult Special Interest Chapter. To learn more about her upcoming books, visit www.cmdoporto.com and sign up to receive email notifications. You can also like CM Doporto’s fan page on Facebook, and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Other Books by
CM Doporto
YOUNG ADULT
The Eslite Chronicles
The Eslites (short story prequel)
The Eslites, The Arrival
The Eslites, Out of This World (Summer 2016)
NEW ADULT
The Natalie Vega Saga
Element, Part 1
Element, Part 2
The University Park Series
Opposing Sides
The Same Side
The Winning Side
A Different Side
A Different Christmas
My Lucky Catch—Luke and Delaney’s Story
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My Lucky Catch (University Park #6) Page 24