Carson kissed the top of her head, “You look tired, are you sure you are okay?” he asked, worriedly.
“I’m perfect,” she reassured him, placing her finger in the baby’s open hand and smiling when she closed her tiny fist around it. “So what do you think about babies now?”
“They are wonderful and a precious gift from God. Little one,” Carson started addressing the sound angel, “We are going to love you and protect you forever. I swear it.”
Ellie kissed his shoulder, letting a tear escape.
“See that,” Kris whispered in Ellsa’s ear, “That’s the sight of a man in love, who’ll never cheat on the love of his life. Give up and leave him alone. He’ll never love you like he loves her.” She stepped from behind her and stood next to her, “Kind of the story of your life when it comes to men, huh?” She taunted. “If they have a son, he will be one more man who’ll love Ellie more than you.”
Kris smiled, knowing she’d struck a nerve when Ellsa’s jaw tightened and fisted her hands at her sides. “Let’s take her first baby picture.” She declared, stepping forward with a camera in her hand.
“Congratulations!” Audrey announced, stepping into the room with pink balloons and a huge teddy bear. The rest of the team followed close behind her, each with a gift for the new baby.
“We came to welcome our new team member,” Doran joked, “How is she?”
“She’s perfect.” Carson raved.
“She’s so cute!” Paloma cooed, staring down at the baby.
“Carson, how does it feel to be a dad?” Richard asked, with a smile, “Practice is over!” The room filled with laughter, disturbing the baby’s sleep. She whimpered for a moment but quickly fell back to sleep.
“Practice will never be over,” Carson whispered, “But it feels scary and exciting at the same time.”
“It’s going to stay that way for the rest of her life, trust me.”
“So what are we going to name my goddaughter?” Audrey asked, excitedly. Kris rolled her eyes at the comment.
“Actually, I wanted to wait for Dale’s mom before we settle on any names.” Ellie answered, tiredly, “It’s the least we could do, since she missed the birth of her first grandchild.”
Ellie and Ann had grown close over the past few months. Ellie got the mother she’d missed and Ann got the daughter she never had. They talked on a daily basis and Ellie was excited about her coming to stay with them to help with the baby. She was supposed to be Ellie’s coach through the labor and not her frantic son.
“Her only grandchild.” Carson corrected, the labor ordeal still haunting him.
“Hey! I only let Audrey be godmother, because I called dibs on the next one!” Kris protested.
“How about having one of your own Kris? I can’t take another delivery like that.”
“You are such a coward, considering Ellie did all the work!” Kevin teased, “You run into fire fights without thinking twice about it, but when you hear of a second baby, you quiver?”
Carson gave Kevin a cut look, which wiped Kevin’s smile away. That was one thing Carson didn’t want Ellie to know.
“Don’t even remind me.” Ellie said, with a sad tone in her voice, as she lightly stroked Carson’s bandaged arm.
Doran spoke quickly changing back the mood, “You’ll change your mind when you get tired of playing dress up and you want to play ball instead.”
“She’s daddy’s little girl, we’ll do everything together.” Carson answered, already imagining her at five. She would be as beautiful as her mother. He’d teach her how to play basketball and watch proudly as she breezed through arts and crafts. With an artistic mother, she’d probably be drawing full human figures and not sticks and circles like other kids.
Daniel stepped into the already overcrowded room, a giraffe in his hand. He looked at Ellie- who hadn’t noticed him yet- jealousy in his heart, as he stared at the picture perfect family that could have been his. He stood next to Kris, opting to stay unnoticed for a few more minutes, but she wouldn’t allow him that pleasure. “The godfather is here!” Daniel cringed at the title. He didn’t want it, but he couldn’t say no to Ellie, he loved her too much.
He smiled at Ellie when she turned to him. She looked exhausted but her smile was full of life and love. “Congratulations, to both of you.” He drew his eyes from her and glanced at Carson in acknowledgement for a second, before he turned back to Ellie.
“Thank you,” she said, “I’m happy you came.”
“I am the godfather,” the title began to feel like an insult to him, “Don’t worry, I’ll always have your back, no matter what.”
“Thanks.”
“Yeah, thank you Daniel.” Carson spoke, his voice stiff. He didn’t like the fact that Daniel was going to be his daughter’s godfather, but he had to forfeit that choice when he insisted on Audrey over Kris. Daniel was in love with Ellie, and that just rubbed him the wrong way.
Gwen chortled, recognizing how she felt, on both Ellsa’s and Daniel’s faces. Ellie’s and Carson’s lives were going to be full of drama. “This is where I bring my gift in and say congratulations.”
Gwen had been standing in awkward silence since they stepped into the room. She’d gotten over Carson and she’d stopped being rude to Ellie, but there was still that pang of jealousy and hurt especially now that they had a kid together.
She opened the door, and in stepped Ann.
“Mom!” Carson exclaimed, excitedly, this time the baby wailed in response. Ann hurried to Carson’s side and took the tiny creature into her arms.
“My little angel, you are finally here.” She kissed her son then Ellie, holding her in a gentle gaze, happy and appreciative. “Thank you.” Ellie just nodded, too emotional to speak.
“Where is senior?” Carson asked, referring to his father.
“He’s still in Scotland. But I called him and told him his first grandchild was born. He was so happy, he rushed to the family pub and put me on speaker to announce it again. He said he wished you stayed on schedule Ellie.” The room filled with laughter again. Ann pulled the pink beanie over the baby’s ears to muffle the noise.
“Well, I didn’t have much of a choice,” she said, giving Dale a look. Carson looked back at her, his eyes begging for her not to say another word.
“So, what is my little angel’s name?” Ann nuzzled her nose against the baby’s.
“I was thinking we could combine the two names of the most important women in our lives, our mothers.” She starred up at Carson tearfully and then settled her gaze back on Ann, “Stacey-Ann.” Saying her mother’s name didn’t hurt as it usually did. Now she felt immense love when it referred to her daughter. “Ellsa, are you okay with that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” She responded, with a tight smile.
Carson caressed Ellie’s cheek lovingly, “That’s a beautiful name.”
Ann teared up, “The best.” She cleared her throat, “And now, you all need to go so that Stacey-Ann and her mommy can rest.”
“I’m not tired.” Ellie shook her head, the exhaustion dominant on her face.
“Still, its time,” the nurse who had slipped in unnoticed spoke. “I have to take the baby back anyway.” She said, reaching for the baby.
“Wait,” Ellie said, sitting up. Ann handed her the baby, “See you later Stacey-Ann. Always remember we love you.” she kissed her tiny cheeks then handed her to the nurse.
“I’ll go with you,” Carson announced, following the nurse. The rest looked at him with amused looks on their faces, “What? I just want to see where she’s taking her and make sure she’s safe.”
“Stacey-Ann is never going to date.” Kevin said, with a laugh.
“You can be sure of that!” Carson echoed.