minutes or so. Might be, you were in labor a couple days and didn’t know it.”
“Maybe. Where’s Owen?”
“Your husband stayed downstairs to sign some papers.”
“We’re not married.”
“Oh? Shoot, anyone can see that man is a husband whether or not there’s a ring on his finger.”
God, am I ready for that? Nope, not yet. I just truly became a mom. I’d think about wife later.
It didn’t take long before I got settled into a room. It had a portable wheelie box that looked like an under-the-bed Rubbermaid container for Ryan, but I held him in my arms and watched his movements in fascination. My heart overflowed with sheer joy.
Bevvie came in, and both of us boo-hooed at each other. “Oh, Mellie-Jellie, you’re a mom now.”
“Yeah.”
“He’s so pretty.”
“He’s my little boy.”
“I’m gonna cry again.”
“You haven’t stopped since you came in the room.”
“I’m not going to either.”
We sniffed, snorted, and cooed, while Ryan made baby faces and squirmed. He made a grunting noise and suddenly stretched out all four limbs in a very familiar action.
“Oooh, I see you now, booger,” I told him as I recognized his favorite move.
Owen walked in the room with a plastic bag of complimentary hospital stuff and came right to me. He kissed me and took my hand as Bevvie and I continued our blubbering.
An administrator followed him in with a giant-sized clipboard. “How are you feeling, Miss Miser?”
“I’m good.”
“Wonderful, and congratulations on your baby. I heard you set a record for the fastest delivery in this hospital.”
“I’m expecting a call from Guinness records any time now.”
Confusion appeared on her face as she didn’t get my joke at first, and then she finally barked out a light laugh. “I’m sure they will contact you soon. In the meantime, I need your signature on some forms.”
Bevvie sniffed one more time. “I’ll leave you alone to get your business done and then get some rest. I’ll run by your house to get your bag and be back tomorrow. Okay?”
I nodded while the forms woman stood patiently. Owen didn’t say a word but leaned down to gently pick up Ryan out of my arms so I could sign. After the woman left, he continued to hold my baby, cradling my son’s tiny form in his huge arms. I watched as one tiny hand grabbed an offered finger.
“Do you want him back, or do you want to nap a bit? Bevvie’s right that you need rest. Ryan and I will be here when you wake up.”
Fatigue suddenly made my eyes droop. “I think that’s a brilliant idea. Please wake me if you need to.”
He brought Ryan over to me for a quick cuddle and kiss. I noticed my baby’s eyes were drooping too. “Being born is hard work, isn’t it? Love you, Peanut.”
Owen laid the drowsy baby in the crib where I could see him and came back to sit with me on the bed. He took my hand in his and held it softly. “I’ve never had many words to say to anyone. I should probably have words to say now, but I can’t think of any other than I love you.” His eyes rose to mine. “I love you, Melanie.”
I sleepily smiled at him. “I love you too, Owen.”
Owen leaned back in the hospital recliner. His large frame barely fit in the flimsy piece of furniture, but no way would he leave that room until Melanie did the following day. Connor, Bevvie, and the kids planned on going to the house first thing later this morning to check the readiness of everything. Diapers stacked, new baby clothes washed and in the dresser, sheets on the crib, food in the fridge, and whatever else they would need for the next few days.
He looked over at the sleeping woman, who gave a light snore and rolled over. The nurse had removed the IV earlier to make the rest of the night more comfortable. A pamphlet of aftercare instructions lay on the oblong table near the baby’s crib along with a how-to card on breast feeding. Giving birth in real life was not nearly as pretty as in the movies, and Owen’s respect for women deepened further after watching this miracle firsthand.
Ryan squeaked and shifted, catching Owen’s attention. He rose from the chair and walked as quietly as he could to the plastic crib. The newborn’s eyes were open, and his face scrunched up as if trying to decide whether to cry or go back to sleep. Owen squirted some hand sanitizer in