That sounded good. Antoine was passed out on a small cot while Nora snored like a chainsaw in her bed. I liked the colors and the softness of this birthing center. It was calmer here, softer, and not as sterile as a hospital.
“She fed him a little bit ago,” I whispered as I gimped stiffly to the door.
“Excellent. I’m sure we’ll see you tomorrow,” Ginger Nurse said as he expertly rolled Matty into what could only be called a burrito. The baby barely moved. Being born was tiring work.
“Oh for sure.” I gave him a wave, slipped out of the room, and made my way to a small lobby with tables, chairs, and vending machines. My stomach rumbled. I bought some candy and a bottle of lemon-lime soda and fell into one of the cushioned seats to phone home.
Kenan answered on the second ring, looking very sleepy. “Hey there,” I said to the little image of my guy in the bottom right-hand corner of my phone. “Sorry to wake you up.”
“It’s fine. How is everyone?” He sat up, the phone jiggling as he righted himself in my bed.
“They’re all great. Kenan, he is the cutest baby on the planet. And I’m not saying that because I’m his uncle. He looks just like Nora.”
“I could see that in the fifty-five photos you sent me an hour ago.”
Yeah, I might have flooded him with pics. Sue me. I was a proud uncle. “I’m exhausted. Feels like this was the longest day of the year, but I know the solstice isn’t until tomorrow.”
“It’s been a long one for everyone up there, for sure. When I tucked the geese in, there was no sign of anything taking place. Maybe we counted wrong?”
I rubbed at my weary eyes with the tips of my fingers. “Maybe. Could be they just needed longer.”
“Could be, babe. Babies arrive when they want as we all know firsthand now.”
Amen to that.
“Right, this is me hauling my ass to my car. I’ll call in the morning. I love you. Thank you for taking care of everything.”
“It’s my pleasure. Tell Nora and Antoine I plan to spoil Matty just as much as you do.”
That made me grin. “I’m sure they’re expecting that. Love you. Sleep well.”
“You too.” He blew me a kiss, then the square went black.
I sighed even though I glowed internally from all the love for the world snuggled in my chest. I smiled at the passing nurse, pushed to my feet, and snuck back into Nora’s room to say goodnight. No one was awake, but Matty was snoozing so cutely that I sat down just for a second to admire him. I opened my candy bar but fell asleep before I could even take a bite. Becoming the best uncle ever was exhausting.
Next thing I knew, someone was poking me in the chest with a very pointy finger. I cracked open one bleary eye. Nora was grinning at me. She looked kind of pale, but she was just gorgeous. Freshly showered, wearing some soft joggers and an oversized tee.
“Damn you look rough,” she informed me as I slowly sat up to blink at the sun pouring through the windows.
“You should talk,” I replied, then spied Matty sleeping in his little bassinet. “He’s too cute to be yours.”
She poked me again, harder, and I winced. “You literally saw him exiting my body.” She sat on the edge of her bed with a tender grimace.
“I saw nothing come out of anything. I focused on your face. It reminded me of when you were six and Mom forced you to eat one Brussels sprout.”
That made her giggle. “Only it was a twelve-hour Brussels sprout face,” she joked. I nodded and took a bite of my slightly melted candy bar. “It’s really nice to have you here.”
“It’s nice to be here. Matty is incredibly cute. You two did good. Whereisyour husband?” I asked around a bite of creamy nougat and chocolate. Breakfast of true champions for sure.
“He went home to shower and change. Mom and Dad will be here soon. His family is gathering at some huge restaurant for breakfast before descending on us like a swarm of incredibly polite French-speaking locusts if you’d like to join them.” My phone buzzed in my back pocket. “It’s been doing that for the past five minutes. That’s why I poked you.”
“Oh? I figured you poked me for the sheer sisterly joy of poking me.”
“Well, that too.” She playfully shrugged. I gave her a look and checked the texts. Five in less than four minutes…all from Kenan.
I saw a head! ~ K
One minute later…
