- epilogue -
4 years post-experiment
Hallee
“You did good, Hal.”
“We did good, Dean.”
“You know, we do eventually have to name her.”
“Really? I had no clue! The nurse has only reminded us every ten seconds when she comes in!”
“It’s been two days since we had her, Hal. She needs a name.”
“I know, I know, but it has to be right!”
We’d had a name planned, but when she arrived, it wasn’t as fitting as it should’ve been. It wasn’t right. So, as the days have blurred into nights, the question still remains. What is her name?
“Knock, knock!” Avery’s voice whispers around the cracked door. I’ve been counting down the hours until our friends would be able to come meet her.
“Come on in, she’s sleeping!”
Avery creeps in slowly, dragging Hudson in behind her with their intertwined hands. Best Dressed and Life of The Party still ring true to this day. Matt and Marlowe follow, swinging their hands like they’re young and in love. Most Likely to Surprise You is more fitting for them.
We were right to be nervous about our friends getting together. It hasn’t always been a steady path, but the bumps and bruises along the way have strengthened us beyond belief. We’ve carried one another through the challenges of rebuilding a life—a family. It’s lonely being the first ones, but the times have changed, and this time we remember.
“Oh, Hallee! She’s radiant,” Marlowe squeals, as quietly as possible. “Just like her mother.”
Tears stream down Avery’s face as she lays a hand atop her growing belly—her and Hudson are not far behind us.
“You okay, Avery?” I ask. Hormones can be a wild ride.
“Yes.” She sniffles as Hudson gently rubs her shoulder. “I’m just speechless. What a wonderful little miracle.”
“Hi baby girl, I’m your Uncle Hudson,” he whispers, gently tickling her cheek. “No matter what anyone says, I am definitely the one you come to for advice. Do you hear me?”
Hudson’s eyes well with tears as she lets out a little squeak. Life of the Party has been a crier these days. Romantic movies, talking about babies, hugging Avery. Time has caught up with him, and he doesn’t quite know what to do with the weight of everything he’s thankful for.
“You did good, sis,” he says, leaning over and planting a kiss on my forehead.
“That’s what I said.” Dean laughs.
“Ew, you called her sis?” Marlowe quips, and my heart bursts. These are the days I’d wished for.
Matt is silent, as he usually is when he’s emotional, but his face is glowing with pride. One exchanged look is all I need to understand what he’s feeling—pure love.
“What is her name?” Marlowe asks.
“We were just narrowing it down, actually, be—”
A knock on the door interrupts my explanation, and a bouquet of colorful balloons floats in. Hesitating respectfully before entering, Miles peeks his head into the room.
“Is now an okay time?” he asks. “I can always come back.”
“Miles!” our friends cheer.
“Now is a fantastic time to meet your granddaughter,” Dean says, welcoming him with a warm hug.
He’s not technically her grandfather, but this family is a unique one. Our daughter will be one of the lucky few of her age to call someone by that title.
“How are you, Hallee? Are you good?” he asks, setting the balloons in the corner.
“I’m great.” I smile.
“You did good, girl. Look at her!”
The room erupts in near-silent laughter.
“I did really, really, really, good,” I say, wheezing between words from laughter. “Would you like to hold her, Miles?”
Awe and wonder flow on his smiling cheeks as he cradles her safely in his arms.
“What do I call her?” he asks.
Dean and I’s eyes shift to each other, to the balloons, and back again. Him blinking three times is all the confirmation I need.
“Miles, meet Lae.”
“No!” he gasps, shock flashing across his face.
“Yes—Lae Lynn Holiday.”
Quiet cheers erupt from our friends.
“It’s perfect,” Avery cries.
Giving a big stretch, little Lae yawns as her tiny hands grab onto Miles’s pinky finger.
“Welcome to the world, Lae,” he whispers, brushing his thumb over her hand. “I’m so excited for all of the memories we will make.”