"Hi, Bella." A nurse in pink scrubs greets her as she steals another look my way, which causes Bella to smile.
"Hey, Emily. Breanna ready for us?"
A smile lifts at the nurse's lips, "She is. That little outfit you brought by yesterday is too sweet on her. Sign in and follow me," she says.
I sign my name to the paper and then I am given a visitor pass before we are lead through double doors.
"She was moved to the regular nursery earlier this morning. I have a private room set up for you both," the nurse talks and leads us past the giant nursery window. About that time a doctor is reading a chart in his hands as he passes by, lifts his head and stops us.
"Mrs. Kane. I'm glad I ran into you. I was just with the hospital's social worker assigned to this case. She got a call from her supervisor downtown. I'm pleased to hear you'll be fostering Breanna."
We are both aware that someone should be bringing all the necessary paperwork by sometime this week. It's nice to know things are moving along smoothly. I have my dad to thank for that.
"I'm sure you've already heard we moved her out of the NICU. She has improved so much since you’ve been coming in. I would say in another few days she should be ready to leave the hospital," he finishes telling her before glancing at me, "I apologize for not introducing myself. I'm Dr. Silver, you must be Mr. Kane." He offers his hand.
"I am," I remark.
"Then I don't need to tell you what an incredible woman you have here. Congratulations to you both. You'll make great parents," he finishes just as his name is called over the intercom system and excuses himself.
The nurse takes us around the corner, and we enter the small room. Inside next to a rocking chair is a little hospital crib. My steps slow. I watch Bella walk up and reach in, picking up the baby. I vaguely hear the door click shut behind us.
I can't take my eyes off them. Bella carefully cradles a cooing baby swaddled in a pink blanket. The pure look of content and happiness radiates from her smiling face as she quietly talks to her.
"Hey, pretty girl. Someone wants to meet you," she softly speaks as she strokes the curly hair on top of Breanna's head.
With confidence, my woman walks up to me and places the tiny bundle in my arms. I look down on her little face. Her light blue eyes connect with mine. The moment I feel it is when her tiny hand wraps around my finger.
I'm done for.
A memory comes back to me.
The vision clear as the day I first had it; the day I asked Bella to marry me. The image of Bella sitting at the water's edge at our lake. Her belly swollen with my son, and a little girl running around with deep brown curls.
My worries fade.
All this time. Breanna was meant to be ours.
I didn't understand any of it. What Bella has been feeling. What Reid and Gabriel meant. Not until this exact moment. I raise my head to find Bella intently watching me. Tears softly fall over her cheeks. She knows. She knows this little girl has stolen my heart. I'm her daddy. She is my little girl.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" She reaches out and strokes our daughter's hair. "I didn't grow her in my womb, but she is mine. She is ours."
I reach out and pull her into my chest. Holding them both, I kiss the top of Bella's head, "I love you, Angel," I then place a gentle kiss on our daughter's forehead, "I love both of you."
Chapter Ten
BELLA
Everything with Breanna is happening so fast. Ever since Demetri stood in our living room the other night and made that phone call, things have been happening at warp speed. I can't believe she is coming home this week. I'm crazy nervous but excited at the same time.
Yesterday Logan met Bree for the first time. I could tell he was nervous, but as soon as I placed her in his arms, I knew he felt the same instant connection I did upon holding her the first time. It was in that moment I knew without a shadow of a doubt she was our daughter. Now with only five days to prepare our home for a baby, I'm scrambling to get everything in order.
Last night I finally broke down and called my sister for reinforcements. She agreed to go shopping with me today. Alba texted me earlier saying she'd come to my house and pick me up since we'd be using her truck.
Now here I am pacing back and forth on my front porch slightly irritated because she is thirty minutes late.
"Babe, relax. You have plenty of time to get everything done," Logan stresses stepping out of the front door.
Sighing, I sit down on the front step and rest my elbows on my knees as I place my face into the palm of my hands. "I know, I'm just anxious is all. I want everything to be perfect for Bree."
Taking a seat next to me on the step, Logan wraps his arm around my shoulder and urges me into his chest then kisses me on top of my head. "It'll be okay, Angel. Stop stressing and take one step at a time. You're so focused on how much shit needs to be done and how little time you have that you're forgetting something important."
Looking up at his face I ask, "What am I forgetting?"
"To have fun. I want you to go with your sister today and savor this memory… this day. When you're picking out Bree's crib, remember you're buying our daughter's first bed. When you are buying her clothes, you are picking out our daughter's first outfit. When you are deciding what bottles to choose, remember those are the bottles you will spend a countless amount of hours feeding our daughter. I want you to stop worrying about your to-do-list and focus on making memories. The first of many."
By the time Logan has finished his little speech some of my worry has disappeared. He's right. "I love you," I say kissing him.
"I love you too, Angel."
Roughly four hours and three stores later my sister and I are exhausted, but we managed to put a dent in my list. I was able to get all the furniture for the baby's room such as her crib, changing table, dresser, and a rocking chair. All of which are being delivered to our house this afternoon. I called Logan at work, and he said he would have one of the guys go over to the house and wait for the delivery men to show up. "Do you mind if we stop by my place before taking you home?" Alba asks.
"Sure, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just need to give you something. I got you a gift."
"You didn't have to get me anything, Alba," I chastise.
"Oh, hush. Yes, I did." She argues back as we pull up in front of her and Gabriel's house.
Climbing out of Alba's truck, I follow her to the front door. Using her key, my sister unlocks the door. As soon as it swings open and she flicks the lights on, I hear a chorus of voices screaming.
"SURPRISE!"
I stand next to my sister stunned with my mouth hanging open. Lisa, Mila, Emerson, Leah, Sofia and holy shit, even Leyna is here. I can't believe this. After a second, I'm finally able to find my words, and when I do, I turn to my sister who has a huge triumphant smile on her face.
"You little shit," I say to her, my smile matching hers.
Alba's living room has been decorated in pinks and purples. There is a big banner hanging on the mantle of the fireplace that says IT'S A GIRL.
"A baby shower. How did you do all this?" I ask blinking back my tears.
"I started planning the moment you told me the news you were bringing Breanna home this week. I made a few calls and all the girls pitched in. You're going to be a mom, Bella. And we all want to celebrate with you." My sister tells me in a soft voice.
Pulling Alba to me, I hug the shit out of her and whisper in her ear, "I love you, baby sister."
After I have opened all the gifts and played the silly baby shower games my sister insisted on, we all sit and chat while eating cake and watch as Gabe makes a mess with his. He's wearing more cake than he is eating. There is a moment when we all look at each other in silence, and I know each one of us is thinking the same thing.
Grace.
I say a silent prayer that our friend is safe and returns to Polson where she belongs. None of us know anything about her past and I suspect there is a story there, bu
t what I do know is Grace has come to mean a great deal to all of us.
"Alright, let's get this stuff loaded up in the truck so I can get Bella home. It's getting late, and we all know how Logan gets when he's away from his woman for too long." My sister announces bringing me out of my thoughts. Standing up from the sofa, I begin to go around the room and gather dirty plates and cups.
"Oh no you don't, Bella," Lisa chastises. "The guest of honor doesn't do the clean-up. You go on home to your husband. We'll take care of this mess."
Knowing better than to argue with her, I do what she says. Once I've made my way around the room to pass out hugs and thank my friends for showing so much love and support, I follow Alba out to her truck so that she can take me home.
On the way to my house, my sister and I pass Quinn, Reid, and Gabriel on their bikes. "The guys must have come by for a beer after work," I wonder out loud.
"Probably," my sister agrees.
When we pull up to the house, Logan is sitting on the porch with a beer in his hand. Setting it down, he makes his way down the steps and around the back of the truck to unload my purchases from the day and my shower gifts. When I step out of my sister's vehicle, I hear the rumble of a motorcycle. Looking to the end of the driveway, I see Gabriel. He's sitting on his bike smoking a cigarette. It's starting to get dark outside, and I know he's waiting for Alba to follow her home.
Glancing at my sister she smiles and rolls her eyes. Gabriel is protective, and he doesn't like Alba out at night. She may act annoyed at times, but I know she secretly loves it. Giving my sister one last hug and grabbing the last of the bags out of the back seat, I use my free hand to wave to her as she starts her truck and makes her way down the driveway. Once she's turned onto the road, Gabriel gives Logan a nod before he falls in behind her.
"Come on, babe, let's get this shit inside." When we walk inside, Logan shuts the door behind me and sets the alarm. "Come on, Angel; I have something to show ya."
Without question, I follow him up the stairs and briefly admire his ass on the way up. When Logan looks over his shoulder at me, he smirks… busted. I smile and shrug my shoulder, what can I say? My man has a fine looking ass.
When we make it to the end of the hallway, Logan pushes open the bedroom door that is across from ours. When he does the bag that was in my hand drops to the floor as I bring my hand up to my mouth. The sight in front of me is breathtaking. Taking a few more steps into the room my eyes scan every single inch of it, taking in its perfection. The walls have been painted light lavender. All the furniture I bought and had delivered today has been put together. The crib I chose is white along with a dresser and changing table. Hanging on the window is some heather grey curtains and next to the window is the grey rocking chair I picked out.
Everything is in its place, just as I described to my sister as we walked through each store.
With every piece I picked out, I would tell her exactly where I wanted it in the nursery.
Alba must have relayed my detailed description back to Logan. I notice the things in which I didn't buy today. Toys and stuffed animals. A bookcase filled with children's books.
"From your sister," Logan tells me when I walk over to the bookcase and run my fingers along the spines.
"Of course it is," I smile.
Walking up behind me, Logan pulls me into his chest. "When your sister told me what she had planned for you today, I called up the guys and had them come help me."
I turn my body into his arms so I can face him, "How did I get so lucky?"
"I'm the lucky one, Angel," Logan declares right before his mouth crashes down on mine.
Four days later, Logan and I are in my car on the way to the hospital to pick up Breanna. I look over my shoulder into the back seat at the empty car seat. The same car seat that next time we get in this car won't be empty any longer. I'm brought out of my thoughts when I feel Logan's warm hand clamp over the top of mine.
"Stop fidgeting, beautiful. Everything is going to be fine. My dad said the other day our paperwork is in order. A lady with Social Services will be at the hospital to sign off and finalize everything. We're bringing our daughter home today. I promise."
"I know. I just can't help but worry something will go wrong. A part of me will keep worrying until the day comes when a judge makes her officially ours. I hate that we have to wait months for it to happen. So many things can happen over a six-month period." I sigh.
"Yeah babe, a shit ton of stuff can happen, but we're going to focus on starting our family. Nothing else matters."
"No more dwelling on the what ifs." Several minutes later we arrive at the hospital. I wait for Logan as he turns the car off, gets out and walks around to the passenger side and opens my door.
He holds out his hand, "You ready, Angel?"
Taking a deep cleansing breath and releasing it, I place my hand in his. "Yeah, let's do this."
Thirty minutes later Logan is holding a car seat with Breanna strapped in and we watch as the social worker signs on the dotted line. We are now officially Bree's foster parents. Next the doctor hands over the discharge papers along with an appointment card for her check-up she will need in two weeks.
"Best of luck Mr. and Mrs. Kane. I'll see you back here in two weeks," the doctor says with a handshake before walking off.
I turn my attention back to the social worker. "So, that's it?"
"Yes, Mrs. Kane that's it. You're free to take Breanna home," she smiles.
"Come on, Angel. Let's go home."
I look at my husband who is holding the car seat with our baby girl inside; I beam up at him and thread my fingers through his free hand. "Let's go home."
Chapter Eleven
LOGAN
Hearing a cry coming from the baby monitor causes Bella and me both to stir from our sleep. "I'll get her," I whisper into Bella's ear as I untangle myself from her warm body.
"Are you sure?" she asks in a raspy, sleep filled voice.
"Yeah, Angel. I've got her. Go back to sleep." Getting out of bed, I grab my sweat pants and pull them on over my boxer briefs before making my way across the hallway to Bree's room. Walking up to her crib I grin when she spots me, and I see her eyes are laser focused on me and she immediately stops fussing. "Hi, pretty girl," I rumble and lean over her crib to carefully pick her up and bring her close to my chest. Breanna has been home a week, and I still get nervous holding her. She's so tiny and delicate. She has been a good baby so far, and only fusses when she needs changing, is hungry, or simply needs to be held.
After going downstairs to the kitchen to make her a bottle, I bring her back up to her nursery. Sitting down in the rocking chair, I cradle Bree in the crook of my arm and watch as she greedily takes the bottle in her mouth. Before Bella, I never saw myself as a family man and I especially never saw myself with a little girl. And though the adoption is not final, Breanna is mine. I don't need a piece of paper to tell me different. I love this little girl fiercely. She may not have my blood, but she has my heart. I'll take care of and protect her until my last breath.
I hate that Bella's still worried something will go wrong with the adoption process, but with my father stepping in on our behalf, I know we have nothing to worry about. She will be ours. My father has even gone as far as to track down Breanna's birth mom. He wanted to ensure she signed over her rights and that she would not be a problem for us in the future. It turns out she wouldn't be a problem at all because she was found in a hotel a few towns over; dead from a heroin overdose, and no word on the birth father. I suspect the woman didn't even know who the father was. Police reports showed multiple prostitution arrests on her record as well. Bella and I know that one day when she is older, Bree will have questions and, we will do our best to always be honest with her and answer those questions the best we can.
Feeling her presence before she speaks, I cut my eyes over my shoulder and spy Bella standing in the doorway of the room. The glow of the moon coming through the large window of the nu
rsery is casting light over her face. She looks so fuckin' beautiful standing there wearing my t-shirt and her hair is a wild mess of waves hanging over her shoulders. I am without a doubt the luckiest son of a bitch alive.
"Did we wake you, Angel?"
She shakes her head, "No, I couldn't go back to sleep, so I thought I'd come see how you two were doing."
Slipping the bottle from Bree's mouth, I take a burp cloth and place it over my shoulder then bring her close to me and begin to pat her back lightly. The first time I fed Breanna, I didn't know I was supposed to burp her every so often during feedings. I ended up getting covered in spit up. When she threw up, it looked like something straight out of the exorcist. I won't make that mistake again, although Bella got a good laugh at my expense.
Knowing Bella wants Bree, I stand up and motion for her to sit in the rocking chair. Once she settles, I pass the cloth to her and then lean forward to carefully pass Bree to her. Bella is a natural with her. You can see she was meant to be a mother. I love seeing the two of them bond. Without a doubt I fall more and more in love with my woman every day. Not wanting the moment to end, I walk over to the window in front of the chair and sit down on the floor leaning against the wall, stretching my legs out in front of me. We both sit in complete silence. Bella is keeping her eyes on our little girl as she rocks and quietly hums to her, and I continue to stare at my beautiful wife. I imprint the moment into my brain. It will go down in history as one of my most cherished memories.
The next morning Bella and I are at the kitchen table having coffee and breakfast when Sofia walks in. "Morning," she greets plucking a banana out of the fruit bowl on the counter. Sofia has been a big help this past week. The first two days Bree was home she was hardly home. Bella noticed Sofia seemed to be almost pulling away. We both began to worry how she was taking it with us having a new addition to the family. Though Sofia is only a few years younger than Bella, I know Bella feels very protective and motherly towards her. It's just in her nature. Bella is an old soul, and having grown up so fast the way she did with having to take care of her sister, she took on the same role with Sofia. So, on the second day of Sofia staying out all day, Bella confronted her. It turns out Sofia felt she needed to give us space and some alone time. She said she didn't want to be in the way. I'll admit it caused a pain in my chest to hear those words come out of her mouth. We love Sofia. She is a part of this family, and we've shown her as much. I had to remind her that this is her home too and would always be her home. She has never been in the way, nor will she ever be a burden.
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