“Your mom and Katie are downstairs. Itching for you to join them,” I say. “Both of you.”
He laughs softly. “I’ll bet Mom is just shaking in her seat for us to come down, huh?”
“Of course.”
Today is the first time anyone is getting to meet her. Since bringing her home five days ago, we’ve spent the time getting her acclimated to us, and trying to find some semblance of a routine together. Not that we’ve succeeded in the latter at all. But with it being our anniversary, Valerie thought it would be the perfect time for us all to get together and introduce her to the family, and we couldn’t agree more.
As if she could sense us talking about her, she starts to stir. Her little grunts fill the silence as we both watch her, in awe. Eyes peeling open, she blinks a few times before they find focus. The brilliant blue of her irises is such a beautiful contrast against her smooth brown skin. I grab her before Elias even has a chance, wrapping her in the swaddle blanket that was laid behind us on the bed.
She smells so good. I never understood the baby smell thing until her. It’s comforting and warm and sweet all at the same time. I want to bottle it up and never get rid of it.
“Ready?” I ask Elias, turning my head until our eyes lock.
He smiles, nodding. “Yeah. They’re going to be so in love with her.”
“Impossible not to be.”
We head down the stairs, side by side, her in my arms already back to sleep. By the time we reach the back door, I notice more people have shown up. Enzo is out there with his boyfriend he swears isn’t his boyfriend, Weston, along with Jordan and Waylon.
I’ve come a long way over the years. Elias’s friendship with Jordan used to infuriate me. I felt the need to mark my territory at every turn. Him being in a serious relationship with Waylon helped a lot, honestly. Jordan was even one of the groomsmen at our wedding. He got wasted and gave a sappy, tear-filled speech about how happy he was for us. It was nice.
As soon as we get through the doors, Valerie’s already up and out of her chair, a huge smile on her face that makes her wet, glossy eyes squint. “Oh my word. Look at her!”
Without a question, she takes her from my arms, holding her tight against her chest as she gazes down at our little princessa’s sweet face.
“She is beautiful, you two.” Her voice cracks, tears already falling steady down her face. “Absolutely perfect.”
“Isn’t she?” Elias gushes.
I can’t help but watch them for a moment. Take in how fucking blessed I am. The love shining bright in his eyes as he watches her, ourdaughter, makes my heart swell with pride. Watching him learn to be a dad, me learning to become a dad too… it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Looking around, all eyes are on the baby, everyone huddled around in a circle.
She’s the luckiest little girl ever.
Katie takes the words right out of my mind when she cups her little head, tears welling up, and she says, “You have no idea how loved you are, baby Elena.”
The End.
