"I'm out," Brian announces."Amanda's car broke down, so I'm picking her up.Meet you at the hospital."
Once he's gone, we dress quickly.Cole disappears into the house, returning with a scrap of black lace he tosses into my lap.
"You're not going to the hospital in that skirt without something underneath."
I saunter over to stroke his stubbled jaw."Thought you liked the easy access."
His fingers circle my wrist, bringing it to his lips.Goosebumps erupt as he kisses the sensitive skin."Let's call it self-preservation."
"I should text Samantha and Rachel."
"Already done.Now let's go."
* * *
The hospital corridorsseem endless as we hurry through them.Cole suddenly stops, squeezing my hand.
"What?"I ask, distracted by thoughts of Emma and the baby.
"Gift shop."He points to the store we just passed."Shouldn't we bring something?"
"Oh god, yes!"I dart inside, emerging minutes later with a triumphant smile."Perfect."
My heart swells when I open the hospital room door.Emma lies in bed holding a tiny bundle, Nick beside her beaming with pride.After hugging them both, Cole presents the enormous chocolate brown teddy bear I chose.
"Jesus, Alisha," Nick laughs."That thing's huge."
"Only the best for my nephew."Happy tears fill my eyes as I hug Emma again."I can't believe he's here!"
Peeking at the precious face, I melt completely."Oh Emma...he's absolutely perfect."
"Want to hold him?"
I nod eagerly, carefully taking the baby."His name is Liam Brown," Nick announces proudly as he and Cole join us.
Cradling the tiny form, I touch his chubby cheek."Hey Liam.I'm your auntie Alisha.Thanks for finally coming out.You turned your mom into quite the hormone bomb these past nine months."
"God, he's tiny," Cole murmurs, staring at the baby with something like awe.
Emma snorts."Try pushing him out.Doesn't feel tiny then."
Cole rubs his neck awkwardly as we laugh."When you put it that way..."
"He was in a hurry," Nick adds."Emma was fully dilated when we got here."
"Wait.No epidural?"I stare at my friend in shock.
She shrugs."No time.Once he decided to come, there was no stopping him."
"Damn, Em.You're a queen."
"She is," Nick agrees softly, leaning down to kiss his wife.
Liam chooses that moment to open his eyes, revealing warm brown irises just like his father's.
"Oh boy, you'll be breaking hearts with those eyes, little man."
"Got your mama's nose though," Cole points out.
