Page 116 of Hold the Pickle
39
NADIA
Everyone is assembled in Camryn’s room when Dalton and I make it back to the hospital.
“You chose the right time to return,” Mom whispers. “They just brought baby Esmee back from her exam and cleanup.”
I grip Dalton’s hand as Grammy Alma takes the baby out of the clear crib and walks around the room to show her off.
It’s almost two a.m. but no one looks tired, other than maybe Camryn, who sits against the pillows with her hands propped on another pillow over her belly. She seems peaceful, though, watching everyone’s reaction to meeting Esmee.
Jason arrived while I was gone, and he and Uncle Sherman stand near Max. It’ll be nice when Anthony arrives tomorrow. I haven’t seen all three of my cousins together in a long time.
Sherman glances at me, raising his eyebrows when he spots my hand joined with Dalton’s.
I turn away, watching Grammy show the baby to Mom.
Mom brushes a finger across the stretchy pink and blue striped hat. “Hello, little Esmee.”
Then Grammy steps before us. I tilt my head and peer at the baby’s solemn slate-blue eyes. She’s quiet and seems thoughtfuland wise. Maybe babies really do have all the knowledge of the world when they arrive.
“Hello, Esmee,” I tell her. “I’m going to spoil you!”
This gets a gentle round of laughter from the room.
Grammy moves to Jason, who twiddles her nose, then shows off his thumb hidden in his fist. “Let the record show that I was the first to steal her nose!”
Another round of laughter. My chest feels full to bursting with pride and love. This is what it feels to have family. To stay up all night to meet a new member. To celebrate with quiet joy. I glance at Dalton. He has so little, like Cam.
Uncle Sherman takes the baby from Grammy. “Welcome, my first granddaughter,” he says. “Your Grandma Pat would be so proud.” The catch in his voice, coming from such a big, burly, gray-haired man, causes several of us to tear up.
“Pat is here,” Grammy says. “Of course she is. How could she not be watching over this angel?”
Sherman lifts the bundle to his face to place a kiss on the baby’s forehead. Then Max turns to him to take the baby and return her to Camryn.
There are rounds of photos and videos. Then we filter out, leaving the parents some privacy with their new baby.
We all stand in the hall, whispering our goodbyes.
Jason shakes Dalton’s hand. “I didn’t realize Nadia was seeing someone.”
“You’re all the way in Texas,” I tell him. “You don’t keep up.”
Mom side eyes me at that, and Uncle Sherman rocks back on his heels.
“Well, I think he’s perfectly handsome,” Grammy says. “Do you live in Boulder, too?”
I glance at Dalton.
“I’m an intern at this hospital. I met Nadia while she was living in LA.”
“Oh, so you two are apart right now.” Grammy’s smile wavers.
“We’ll figure it out, Grammy,” I tell her.
Our group walks toward the elevator.
“Sherman, where are you staying?” Mom asks.
