by Kari Lemor
His question about Ellie hadn’t really been answered. He’d ask another. “What’s that placenta thing?”
“Placental abruption. It’s when the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall. In Ellie’s case it was minor and was high up on the wall. It trapped all the blood from the abruption in a pocket of the uterus and when she delivered, it was released.”
“When did this happen? Was it today? Because she was on her feet all day?” God, if Elle got really sick because of the party, he’d never be able to get through the guilt.
“It could have happened any time in the past few weeks. We didn’t even notice until she gave birth. The buildup of blood made it appear more severe once she delivered. We’ve got measures in place now to help her recover.”
“Mr. Storm?” The nurse with the baby called softly to him. “Would you like to hold your daughter?”
He nodded his head and couldn’t take his eyes away from the blanket clad infant.
“Have a seat in the lounger, and I’ll bring her to you.”
Luke skirted the bed, placed a gentle kiss to Ellie’s head, then settled in the lounge chair.
As the nurse came over, she asked, “Did you want to do skin to skin? There are so many benefits for the baby.”
“They told us about it in the childbirth class.” Luke unbuttoned his shirt and reclined the chair a bit. The nurse loosened the blanket and rested his daughter on his chest, her tiny face so close to his. God, she was beautiful. Tears pooled in his eyes, knowing this little girl was counting on him to take care of her for a long time.
The sensation was unbelievable, like nothing he’d ever experienced before. The fact this child was his blew his mind. Now, he knew what had Erik flying so high with his kids.
He held the back of the baby’s head, and the nurse made a small adjustment to her position, then draped the blanket over her. With one hand on her bottom and one on her head, Luke whispered to her.
“Hey, beautiful girl. I’m your dad. I’ve been waiting patiently for you to be ready to meet us. Your mom has, too. You’ll absolutely love her. She’s an amazing lady. So smart and one of the nicest, most caring people I know. You just wait. She’ll be the best mom in the entire world. As soon as she gets better, you’ll see.”
Luke peeked over at Ellie, so silent and still in the bed. She had to get better. How was he just now realizing he wouldn’t be able to survive without Elle in his life? Why the hell had he never told her exactly how much she meant to him? He needed to tell her. As soon as she woke up.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The unique smell of his daughter’s head wafted toward Luke’s nose. He grinned when he remembered all the women sniffing baby heads and how ridiculous he’d always thought it was. Now, he understood the magic of it. He felt like an animal learning the scent of his offspring.
He’d been lying here for more than a half hour, holding his daughter. The one who needed a name. Ellie was still resting, though the doctor had left her in the care of one of the nurses. She said she’d check back later. Hopefully, Ellie would be fine and wouldn’t need the doctor’s assistance again.
The tone on his phone had gone off a ton since he’d been holding the baby, but he hadn’t wanted to release her to even check. Everything else could wait. His daughter was his priority. And Elle.
His wife started to shift a bit, and soft moans came from her mouth. Was she waking up? The medication they had her on was hopefully working to stabilize whatever was out of whack with her. As he held their daughter, he felt guilty that he wasn’t holding Elle.
“Baby?” Elle called out, and her breathing grew heavy.
“It’s okay, Ellie. I’ve got the baby right here.”
The nurse adjusted Elle’s IV, then faced him. “I’d like to put the baby on her chest, skin to skin. I think it might calm her down.”
Luke sat up slowly, still holding tight to the baby. “Is that safe?”
“We’ll be right here.”
Luke took a place on the edge of Ellie’s bed as the nurse untied the hospital gown and pushed it down off Elle’s shoulders. Luke carefully placed their daughter on her mother’s skin.
“Here’s your mama, little girl.”
Elle almost purred as soon as they touched. Her eyes fluttered open, and a smile grew on her lips when she saw the baby resting on her.
“Hey, babe. How are you feeling? You’ve been sleeping for a bit.”
“Mmm…Little sore and still tired. Look at our baby.” Tears filled her eyes, and she lifted a hand to stroke their daughter’s head. Suddenly, her eyes whipped up to his. “Did you want a boy?”
“What? Why would you say that?” Why had there been fear in her voice?
“You always called Junior him or he.”
Stroking his hand down Elle’s cheek, he kissed her forehead, then kissed the baby’s head. “Look at this perfect baby we made, Ellie. She’s as beautiful as her mother. I bet she’ll be as brilliant as her mom, too. The most perfect baby in the entire world, and she’s ours.”
“She is ours.”
Elle’s eyes were still fluttering, but she seemed more lucid than she’d been in a while. That was good, right?
“Thank you for this most beautiful gift you’ve given me, Ellie. What’s so spectacular is I didn’t even know how much I wanted her. I can’t imagine my life without her. Or you.”
Tears pooled in Elle’s eyes yet again, but this time her smile let him know they were happy tears. Those he could deal with.
“You know, we can’t keep calling her baby girl. She’ll need a name.”
Elle scowled. “We aren’t naming her after my mother. How about yours?”
“Molly, huh? My mom’s middle name is Marie, which I thought was nice.”
“Marie?”
“For a middle name. I had another idea for a first name. I was thinking about when she was conceived. That perfect, multi-colored sky right when the day was brand new. She’s perfect and brand new, also.”
Elle’s eyes narrowed in confusion.
“Dawn. When I finally felt, for the first time, like I was in the right place. With you. Where I belonged.”
“Dawn Marie Storm.”
Luke nodded. “I like it. What about you?”
“Dawn Marie Storm. Has a nice ring to it. It’s perfect. Just like her.”
Luke pressed kisses to both his girls. “Like mother, like daughter.”
“Did you tell your family yet?”
“I called my parents a bit ago. They said they’d pass the word.”
Her brows knit together. “Did they call my aunt and uncle?”
“I don’t know. I can check. They said they’d be here a little later. They were worried about you. Like I was worried about you.” He glanced at the nurse who was tidying up baby stuff on the other side of the room, giving them privacy. “Is she going to be all right?”
The woman grinned. “She’s on her way. I wouldn’t suggest a parade of people in here today as she still needs rest. One or two would be fine. Maybe limit it to a short visit from grandparents for now.”
Luke dug his phone from his pocket and scanned the dozen texts. “I had my parents get your bag from the house. They’re in the hallway outside maternity with it.”
The nurse cocked her head. “Do you want to try feeding her now before anyone comes in? She’s already right there.”
“Luke, I want to clean up a bit before I see anyone. Can you get my bag? It has my brush and a nursing nightgown in it.”
The nurse raised the head of the bed a little and helped Elle get the baby attached to feed. He was mesmerized by the site of that tiny mouth latching on and suckling.
“I’ll get your bag and maybe something to nibble on. Are you hungry like your daughter?’
Elle’s eyes softened. “Starving. I’ll take anything you can find.”
He kissed the top of the infant’s head, then kissed Elle. “You’re beautiful, babe. I’ll be back soon.”
He
found his parents in seats, chatting, outside the maternity ward. They both stood and marched toward him as he came out.
“How are they?” his mom asked, wrapping him in a hug.
As he eased back and shook his father’s hand, he said, “They’ve still got Ellie hooked up to an IV, but she’s better. Exhausted but awake and with it. She’s nursing our daughter at the moment and wants to clean up before you come in. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course, it is, sweetie. It hasn’t been that long since she gave birth. She needs a little time to recover. Why don’t you take that bag to her, and we’ll come back in maybe an hour? Does that work?”
“I don’t want to send you away. They did suggest she have very few visitors today. I hope the others don’t mind.”
“Doesn’t matter,” his dad said. “We’ll all do what’s best for Ellie and the baby. Do you need some food? I remember how hungry I’d get during the labor and delivery of you kids.”
Luke nodded. “Ellie’s hungry, too. She didn’t eat much at the party yesterday and then couldn’t eat while she was in labor. Could you possibly pick something up for us? I don’t want to leave her too long.”
His mom grinned. “We can do better than that. I made a breakfast casserole this morning with ham, eggs, and hash browns. I’ll warm it up and bring it in an insulated bag.”
Luke drew his mom in for another hug. “Oh, if you do that, I’ll love you forever.”
His mom swatted at his arm. “You better love me forever regardless of whether I bring you food or not.”
After kissing her on the cheek, he said, “Of course, I will. You’re the best mom ever. Now, I need to get back to the newest best mom ever.”
“Give Ellie and the baby our love.”
Luke smirked. “Little Miss Dawn Marie Storm is a beauty. Wait ‘til you meet her.”
“Dawn Marie? Oh, Luke that’s beautiful. We’ll be back soon so we can see her.”
Luke watched them as they left, then headed back to Elle and his daughter. Life as he knew it was about to change.
Gina placed the mug of tea on the end table near the couch Elle sat on, then settled herself on the other end with her own mug. Alandra took a sip of her tea as she glanced out the window at the kids and dogs frolicking about.
“It’s so sweet of Ryan and Jillian to take Honeysuckle out to play when they go out with Guinness. I know I should take her out more, but I’m trying to get as much work done now before the baby comes in December.” Gina did freelance computer programming from home.
Elle nodded. “I did the exact same thing while I was pregnant. Especially before I knew Luke would be around to help.”
“Well, he’s here with you now, so no more worries,” Alandra said, smiling at Dawn as the baby blinked open her eyes.
“No worries.” Elle had certainly worried less since they’d gotten back from the hospital with their new daughter. Luke was enamored with the infant and spent every spare second holding or staring at her. He’d given Elle extra attention as well.
When they’d finally had the hospital room to themselves, free of family and staff, he’d held her and Dawn tenderly in his arms.
“I was so scared I’d lose you, Ellie. You are so important in my life, you and our daughter. I hope you know that.” He’d been sincere, and her heart had celebrated doubly as they took care of their child.
He’d taken last week off work and showed her exactly how much he cared. Slowly, she was feeling more secure, though the part of her that had been abandoned by her parents still couldn’t trust that he’d stick around. She wanted to believe in him, but life had pissed on her too often in the past. It would take time.
Dawn wiggled in her arms and let out her hungry cry. “Okay, little one. I’ve got something for you right here.”
As the infant latched on, Elle tried to hide the wince.
Alandra popped out of her seat and grabbed a throw pillow. “Try putting this under her to give her a little lift. It keeps her from pulling on the nipple as much and your arm from getting tired. I’ve got a nursing pillow tucked away I used for Jillian. I’ll bring it over later so you can use it.”
Elle shifted Dawn on the pillow, and her shoulders eased down as the baby’s mouth found a better position to suck. “Are you sure? You said you and Greg wanted to have more children.”
Alandra laughed. “We do, but we’ll give it at least a year of marriage before we try. The kids are getting along great, but we want them to really feel like a family before we introduce another member into it. Doubtful you’ll be using the pillow by the time I need it again.”
“I should be taking notes.” Gina peered closer to watch Dawn feed. “Although I’m sure Alex will have compiled a binder of information for me to read by the time this one comes along.” She patted her still flat belly.
Elle didn’t even want to think about what her belly was like. All soft and flabby. She still looked like she was six months pregnant. Not exactly what she wanted her new husband staring at. She hadn’t had much choice in the past week. After getting out of the hospital, she’d still been weak and too shaky at times to do everything for herself. Luke had needed to help her in the shower to make sure she didn’t fall, then assist her when she got dressed.
Today, she’d managed a pair of soft cotton pants and a cute nursing top with fancy slits for easy access. Molly had bought her a couple nursing shirts that were adorable and functional, helping her to feel semi-human.
“Just ask Molly for any advice,” Elle told Gina. “That woman has been a godsend. I feel guilty that she’s done so much for me, but I hate to admit how much I love not having to run out myself. I still feel gross and fat and tired. Not to mention none of my clothes fit, and I don’t want to wear maternity clothes any longer. Even though I don’t have many other options.”
“I can always pick up stuff on my way home from school if you need anything. Just shoot me a text,” Alandra said, her gaze checking on the kids in the yard every so often.
Gina shifted so she was sitting on one leg. “I’m home all day, Ellie. I can take a break from work, too. Not to mention, Alex works at home. He’s a bit harder to budge when it’s office hours, but I’m working on getting him a little looser with that.”
“Good luck.” Elle remembered how uptight Alex had always been and knew he had a difficult time deviating from his norm.
Dawn drifted off, and her lips slipped off the nipple. Elle maneuvered her away and pulled the nursing bra over her breast.
“Do you want me to burp her while you stretch for a minute?” Gina offered.
The expression of longing on her sister-in-law’s face was comical. “Sure. Can you get her? I’m still so sore down there it’s hard to stand up.”
Gina slapped a cloth diaper on her shoulder, then popped up and gently cradled the baby until she rested on her. Her hand knew exactly how to rub in circles and tap lightly.
Alandra offered her hand to Elle. “Let me help you up.”
“Thanks. I could use the bathroom.” She also needed to change her soaked nursing pads. Between those and the one between her legs, she hadn’t felt clean since she’d had the baby. It would take a while for all these bodily fluids to get under control. In the meantime, Elle felt yucky. Yet she loved her daughter more than life itself and wouldn’t give her up for anything.
When she got back from the bathroom, Gina’s face was wreathed in delight. Something about holding a baby just kicked you in the ovaries. Unless the baby was one you’d just delivered. Then, it kicked you in the heart.
Alandra picked up the empty mugs. “I should probably get these rug rats home and fed. Greg’s working until eleven tonight, so I’m on both supper and bedtime duty.”
“Do you ever get a break?” Gina kept her eyes closed as she rubbed Dawn’s back.
“Greg made sure he was scheduled the first shift right around report card time so he could take care of the kids. It takes forever to get those done. We try to keep it balanced. It’s
worked so far.”
Elle eased onto the couch, and Gina placed the baby back in her arms.
Alandra pressed a kiss to Elle’s cheek, then stroked the baby’s head. “Call or text if you need anything. Ryan’s old enough to watch Jilly for a few minutes if need be.”
Footsteps tromped on the front porch, and Alandra greeted whomever it was on her way out. Alex strode in a second later, casserole dish in his oven-mitt-clad hands.
“I made dinner for you tonight. I figured with Luke back at work today, you might not have had time. These cuties have a habit of keeping you busy.”
Gina bounced up and squealed. “You are so beautiful, Felix. No wonder I fell in love with you.”
“I have to agree,” Elle replied. “I hadn’t even thought about food, other than what Dawn was eating. Thank you so much. It was very thoughtful.”
Alex cocked his head toward the back of the house. “I’ll put it in the kitchen. Luke just pulled up, so he can figure out what to do with it.”
“Gina, I hope he’s this good to you after you have the baby.”
Gina laughed. “Oh, he will be. He’s so organized and has everything scheduled down to the minute. We’ll be well taken care of.”
As Alex scuffled down the hall, Luke came in and smiled when he saw them. It was a special expression he’d had just for them. Elle adored seeing it.
“Hey, babe. And baby-babe. How’d you get by today?” He lifted Dawn and snuggled her in his arms.
“As I told you the twenty-seven times you texted today, we’ve been fine. Ali was just here, and Gina came over, too, as you can see. Your mother also dropped in this morning with a few things she thought we might need.”
He kept his eyes on the baby. “Did we need them?”
Elle chuckled. “Maybe not immediately, but they are things that will come in handy. She bought me this pretty top. Beats that old zip sweatshirt I’ve been using.”
“That sweatshirt is a classic,” he told Dawn in a baby voice. “It’s from Daddy’s college days. Your mommy doesn’t appreciate that.”
Alex popped his head in the doorway. “The casserole is in the oven on low for whenever you want it.”