Epiphany

by Ashley Suzanne

  “Doctor, can we get her some drugs? An epidural maybe?” I ask when the doctor comes barreling into the room.

  “She’s already at eight centimeters. It’s past the window for an epidural. I’ll

  have the nurse bring in something we can put in her IV.”

  Sitting on the stool in front of Kylee, he urges her to part her legs so he can check

  her and the baby again. He calls out for a nurse, who brings Kylee some medication

  in a syringe, injecting it into her IV. The doctor nods his head and she starts taking

  apart the end of the bed, making it accessible for the stirrups to be moved into place.

  Putting Kylee’s feet inside the stirrups, he advises us it’s time to start pushing.

  “Would you like your friends to wait in the hall until after the delivery?” I didn’t know this was an option for her. I want to be here when my daughter is born. I want to hold her and see her very first moments. Kylee looks over at me, seeing my distress and her pain stricken face softens.

  “She’s the mother, she stays. Him too, the dad, he’s not going anywhere.” Relaxing a little, I stand at the head of the bed, holding onto Kylee’s hand.

  “Thank you.”

  “You owe me a shot when all this is over,” Kylee jokes, biting down her pain as another contraction rips through her body.

  “I owe you so much more.”

  “It’s time to push, Kylee. Are you ready?” the doctor asks. Kylee nods and the entire

  process begins.

  An hour later, my daughter is born. Once the baby is safely out, Kylee relaxes back into the bed, exhaustion written all over her face, and I kiss her forehead.

  “You did amazing.” Her eyes open, just a little, and she smiles, squeezing my hand.

  “Go see your baby. I’m going to sleep. She’s kept me up for the last five nights. I just need to rest for a minute.”

  I take her advice and walk over to the incubator, where the nurse is cleaning our daughter. With Skylar by my side, we watch everything and listen to her cry her lungs out. It’s the most perfect sound. I’m sure I’ll regret saying that in a few weeks, but right now, nothing’s better.

  Once she’s all bundled in a light pink blanket, the nurse hands her to me. Skylar hovers over both of us, staring at his daughter.

  “Happy birthday, Princess,” he says, wiping away tears.

  “Adalyn, I think it’s time you meet your Auntie Kylee and thank her for keeping you

  safe all these months.”

  Skylar and I walk over to Kylee and stand off to the side. “Would you like to meet your Goddaughter?” I ask, now that Kylee’s all cleaned up and the doctor and nurses have started to disburse.

  “Hell yeah, let me see that angel.” I hand Adalyn over to Kylee who smiles and kisses her head.

  “Hey there, good lookin’. It’s nice to see you and you’re not kicking the hell out of me,” Kylee says then looking over at me. “What name did you decide to go with?”

  “I’d like you to meet Adalyn Renee McBride.” The name couldn’t be more fitting and Kylee mists up, knowing that I’ve named my daughter after her. After all, I wouldn’t have a child it Kylee weren’t so giving and selfless, donating her time and body to me.

  “Well, Adalyn Renee, you’re the most beautiful newborn I’ve ever seen.”

  We decide to leave Kylee for a few hours to rest, but I can’t drag Skylar away from the nursery. He keeps watching her through the glass, making sure that everyone’s being kind to her, and I’m sure, wanting to intimidate anyone who thinks they might want to kidnap her.

  “Babe, let’s go get something to eat. I’m starving.”

  “Yeah, we can do that.” We walk out of the maternity ward, his mind obviously somewhere else.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask as I shovel a few bites of eggs into my mouth.

  “I’m just worried, that’s all.”

  “About?” I ask, wanting him to elaborate.

  “Adalyn’s so beautiful. What if I love her more than I love you?”

  “I think that’s the point, babe. You’re supposed to love your child more than anything. As long as I’m a close second, I think I’ll be okay,” I tease.

  “As long as you know that you’re my world. Adalyn just happens to be the sun, everything

  revolves around her. I’m screwed aren’t I? Already wrapped around her finger and she’s not even a day old.”

  “Yeah, you’re a lost cause. Hopelessly in love with a seven pound little girl. It’s okay, though. I’m just as screwed as you are.”

  EPILOGUE

  Skylar

  “Happy birthday, Princess,” I whisper, waking up Adalyn. Rolling over to face me, her eyes shoot open wide and a huge smile crosses her lips.

  “Is it my birthday, Daddy? It’s really here,” her groggy morning voice talks to my heart. Sitting up straight, still in her bed, she’s absolutely

  glowing.

  There really is nothing more special than the bond between a father and daughter.

  Since the second she was born, Adalyn became my entire world—followed by Mira as a

  close second.

  “It is. Are you excited?”

  “I am, Daddy. Is there gonna be a big party? With cupcakes?”

  Laughing and pulling her into my lap, “You bet. Mama was up all night making them

  just how you wanted. Pink icing with purple sprinkles.”

  “Can I have one now?” she asks. Putting my index finger in front of my mouth, signaling her to be quiet, I listen for Mira.

  “Come on. I think Mama’s in the shower. We can sneak one. You are the birthday girl after all.”

  Jumping off my lap, she runs full speed down the stairs and into the kitchen. Thankfully,

  her legs are still so short, her gallop is easily matched by a quick paced walk of my own.

  I grab a mug down from the cupboard and hoist Ada up to sit on the counter. As she

  peruses the cupcakes in the fancy plastic container Mira said we had to have, I add the cream and sugar to my freshly brewed coffee. We’re going to have

  to make this fast. It won’t be long until Mira smells the grinds and comes sneaking

  downstairs for a cup of her own.

  “Can I have this one?” She points to the largest one, directly in the middle, with the most sprinkles. If I know Mira, that’s probably the one she’s designated for Ada, anyway … but for the actual party. Risking upsetting my wife, I give her the next one over that’s slightly smaller and less iced.

  Taking the paper wrapper off, I hand Ada her breakfast and pray she finishes it before Mira comes down. This isn’t really a battle I’m

  ready to fight—there’s no winner. Ada gets her cupcake, Mira’s pissed. Ada gets

  no cupcake, she’s upset on her birthday.

  “Are you guys down there?” Mira calls from the top of the stairs. Shit.

  “Ada, do Daddy a favor? Go into the family room and wait there until your cupcake is gone. Don’t tell Mama; it’s our secret.” I hurry her out of the kitchen and brew Mira a cup of coffee. At least if I get caught, she’ll be caffeinated.

  “Down here, Sweets.” Much like in the movies when someone says ‘look natural’ the person always grabs a magazine and it’s typically upside down—I lean against the counter, holding a cookbook that just happens to be covered in frosting.

  Fresh from her shower and looking sexier than ever, Mira comes waddling into the kitchen, ready for her coffee.

  “Oh, God. Thank you.” She takes the mug from the countertop and carefully sits at the dining

  room table.

  “Just one cup, remember,” I scowl, not liking that she’s not following the doctor’s orders, but I can’t tell her no about anything. Also, she’s taking her vitamins, doing yoga and avoiding baths—I can afford her this one special treat. Are you seeing a correlation here? Both my girls have me wrapped so tightly around their little fingers, I’m useless.<
br />
  “Yeah, yeah. Where’s Adalyn?” Mira glances around and her eyes land on the empty cupcake wrapper

  I didn’t throw away because I’m a moron. I try, not so subtly, to wipe the counter

  so the paper falls in the trash, but she’s caught me red handed. Or maybe it’s pink handed since my fingertips are covered in pink icing.

  “She’s watching cartoons. I’m gonna get her in the bath in a little while.” Mira’s eyes narrow on me, lips pursed. I’m about to be castrated.

  “Adalyn Renee, come here, please,” Mira kindly yells for our daughter, not breaking her stare.

  “Coming, Mama.” All three feet of brown messy curls comes bouncing over to Mira, crystal blue eyes shining with mischief.

  “What did Daddy give you for breakfast?” Mira combs a few chocolate locks behind Ada’s ears, staring over her head at me.

  “It’s our secret, Mama. I can’t break a secret.” Adalyn’s eyes scan between myself and Mira, obviously conflicted.

  “Secret breaking is okay, as long as it’s with your mommy, Ada.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know that.” Ada turns toward me and shrugs her tiny little shoulders.

  This little human with a grown woman attitude is going to be the death of me. “Daddy

  gave me a birthday cupcake. But it’s okay, Mama. I asked first.”

  “How about you grab a yogurt, too? Get something healthy in you before the party

  starts.”

  “Okay, Mama.” Adalyn goes to the fridge, gets her squeezable yogurt and bounces back to the family room where the sounds of whatever TV show she’s watching blares through every room in the house.

  “Cupcakes for breakfast? Really, Skylar?” Mira asks sarcastically when Adalyn is safely out of the room.

  Slowing approaching Mira, I place my hand over her swollen stomach and kiss her forehead. “Would you like to have a cupcake for breakfast, too, Sweets?” I coo, gently rubbing circles on her belly.

  “That’s a stupid question. Yes, I want one. Can you get me one please? And a pickle? And a glass of orange juice?” I stare blankly at her, waiting for her to correct herself. Maybe choosing only

  one of the things listed, but she doesn’t.

  Holding back my initial reaction to vomit in the trash can, I quickly get everything she’s requested. If she actually mixes any of those ingredients together, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.

  While Mira finishes off her morning snack, it’s as good a time as any to start getting

  Adalyn ready for her party. It won’t be long before our guests start arriving. Walking

  into the family room, I’m not the least surprised that she’s wearing more of the cupcake

  than she probably ate. Chuckling to myself, I sneak up on her, tickle her sides,

  hoist her onto my shoulders and gallop toward the stairs.

  Successfully getting Adalyn upstairs, I give her a quick shower and put her in the party clothes that Danny sent from New York. He wanted to try to come back for the party, but between planning his wedding and work, it just didn’t pan out. However, he did go shopping at some kind of expensive ass store, where a dress for a five-year-old little girl costs well over five hundred dollars. It would appear that he’s really enjoying being a big shot. I hope that this dress fits Adalyn to wear to his and Maddie’s wedding this fall, so he can at least see his investment.

  When the doorbell rings, I switch jobs with Mira. Adalyn has an issue with me doing her hair. Apparently a ponytail for every occasion is not what little miss likes, so Mira has to step in. I can almost guarantee it’s going to be some variation of a ponytail, but Mira does it better than me, so I can’t complain.

  “Hey, lady,” I open the door and wrap my arm around Kylee, pulling her in for a hug

  and rub her belly.

  “Where’s the birthday girl?” Awesome. No need to worry about me standing her hugging you.

  “She’s upstairs. Mira’s finishing her hair. They’ll be down in a minute.”

  Kylee, followed by Jacoby and Shelby, walks into the living room and Kylee wastes no time finding a spot on the couch. Taking the presents from Shelby and putting them on the coffee table, I’m a little concerned. Where there was once a sweet, innocent looking child there’s a young woman, with dyed hair and a scowl on her face.

  “What’s happened to her?” I whisper to Kylee when Shelby walks out of the room.

  “Don’t ask. Once she turned thirteen, she kind of lost her mind. I’m thinking it’s because of the baby and Jacoby says she can express herself anyway she wants. I don’t agree. This angel,” she rubs her belly, “won’t be doing any of that weird shit.”

  “How many more weeks?” I ask.

  “Five. Five more long, miserable weeks. I swear. With Adalyn, it wasn’t this bad. This baby is already

  pissing me off. She better be super cute and not cry all the time.” Kylee, never

  one to hide her true feelings, cracks me up. Even if this baby is colicky as hell,

  she’s going to be so happy. All this coming from the woman who said she’d never have

  kids. Now look at her. Over the last few years, Jacoby’s worked his magic on her, that’s for sure. I barely recognize the hostile girl I met in college. Then again, we’ve all changed quite a bit since then.

  “Is that Auntie Ky?” Adalyn’s voice rings from the staircase.

  “You better believe it. Come down here and give me some love,” Kylee shouts back.

  I should probably save my eardrums and get these two some walkie talkies or install

  an intercom system … something.

  Even though Kylee isn’t related to Adalyn biologically, I’m positive that some of

  Kylee’s DNA snuck in there while Ada was cooking.

  “Babe, can you help me with this stuff?” Mira calls, sounding out of breath.

  “Coming.” I nearly run toward the stairs, bounding up them two at a time.

  When I make it to the landing, Mira’s sitting on one of the boxes, looking a little

  more than impatient. What didn’t I do this time?

  “I need these to go downstairs, please. Adalyn can’t have a birthday party without

  any presents.” Three more weeks, just three more and we’re done with this.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Skylar Landon. You can’t fool me. If you want to get

  one over on me next time, try not rolling your eyes like a petulant child.”

  “You know what, Mira.” I stand tall and firm, glaring at her. She swallows hard,

  blinking away the tears. “I love you and I’ll do anything for you. I’m thinking

  three more weeks. Just twenty-one more days until I get to meet my son. Nothing could make me happier.”

  Crouching down, I kiss the spot just below her belly button and look up into her emerald eyes. The tears fall free, landing on her chest. With my hand, I shoo her away so I can actually pick up the boxes and carry them downstairs.

  “Sky, I don’t wanna be crazy anymore. This baby is going to kill me. I’m so sorry,” she sobs, walking into the bedroom.

  “Sweets, you’re not crazy. You’re having a baby,” I gently say, following close behind, trying to calm her down so she can be with our guests and not look like a raccoon.

  “I know, but still. One second I’m nice and happy, then the next minute I’m a maniac. I can’t keep up with myself. How the hell do you

  do it?” Mira flops on the bed, hands wrapped around her midsection.

  “I do it because I love you.” I sit on the bed next to her. “And Adalyn.” I lean over, putting one arm above her head and the other on top of her hands.

  “And Liam.” I kiss her gently.

  “I love you,” Mira whispers, trying to scoot closer to me and pulling me by the back of my neck, silently asking me to kiss her harder.

  “Sweets, we have guests downstairs. I’ll take care of you later, if you have the energy. For now, let’s go to
our daughter’s party.”

  Mira lips curl into the sweetest smile and gives me the slightest peck on the corner of my mouth.

  “You’re right. Let’s go celebrate.” I get out of bed, extend my hand and help my

  beautiful, sexy eight month pregnant wife out of bed. It’s truly amazing the way

  things work out.

  Deciding to wait until later to take down Ada’s gifts, I take Mira’s hand in mine

  and together we make our way downstairs and into the backyard where everyone’s already

  gathered. Looking around at the family we have—Kylee, Jacoby, Shelby and Adalyn—my

  heart swells with pride. Glancing down at Mira, I know she feels the same way.

  We’ve fought our asses off to get to this point. From the first second I saw Mira,

  I knew this was exactly what I wanted … a future with her. Now that we’re here, it’s

  kind of surreal.

  When Kylee gave birth to Adalyn, it was the greatest possible day of my life. Until

  Mira found out she was pregnant with Liam. Doctor visit after doctor visit, we were

  told that Mira’s chance of conceiving and carrying to term would be a long shot.

  She was discouraged, but we never gave it much thought.

  And now look at us … pregnant with a healthy baby and an even healthier pregnancy.

  Never one ounce of speculation that she’d miscarry. Adalyn is our gift and Liam is our miracle.

  “Hey, babe. Wouldn’t it be funny if Kylee and I delivered on the same day? Our babies would

  be the same age and grow up to be best friends.”

  God help us now. Kylee and Mira in labor at the same time. I make eye contact with Jacoby, who’s freaking out just as much as I am on the inside.

  I can see the panic in his orbs.

  “Sweets, they’re going to be best friends anyway. Cousins, too.” I kiss her cheek as we sit at the picnic table.

  Adalyn’s staring at Shelby, and Shelby at Adalyn. When Shelby nods her head toward the cupcake centerpiece and smiles, Ada matches her grin.

  “Daddy, can me and Shelby have a cupcake?” Adalyn asks in her sweetest ‘I’ve got my daddy wrapped around my finger’ voice.

  “Yeah, baby girl. You can have whatever you want.”