Epilogue
Charli
“You ready?” he asks.
I offer a sharp nod, a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and fear all competing for the front-runner in this race. I’m on the gurney, ready to be taken to the operating room for a scheduled C-section.
Baby girl was discovered to be in the breech position at thirty-seven weeks and showing no sign of wanting to flip.
We tried several different things, trying to help her turn, but it appears baby girl is a bit stubborn like her mom.
She didn’t want to turn, and thanks to her bigger size, my OB decided it was safer to schedule a C-section than to risk labor and find out she won’t turn on her own.
So, here we are.
Delivery day.
I’m at North Ridge Medical Center, all gowned up, IV’d, and ready for surgery. My mom is in the waiting room, along with half my family, and Quinn is sitting beside me in a chair, tapping his foot nonstop.
“I’m ready,” I assure him, reaching over and placing my hand on his knee. “It’s going to be fine.”
“I know,” he insists quickly before taking a deep breath. “I just don’t like the thought of you going into surgery.”
“You’re going to be right there with me,” I remind him.
His leg stops moving as he reaches for my hand, threading his fingers through mine. “I will be. The entire time.”
“Actually, I was thinking, just in case something happens, I want you to go wherever the baby goes,” I tell him, trying not to think of the worst but knowing it’s important to make these arrangements.
He seems to panic. “Charli—”
“I’m not saying something’s going to happen, Quinn, but it would make me feel better knowing if something does, I need to know you’ll move with our daughter.” There’s a lump in my throat, and I’m doing my best to not let a tinge of worry overshadow the excitement of the day.
He finally nods. “I understand.”
“Good,” I say, relieved to have gotten that off my chest. “So, are we sure on her name?”
He gives me a look. “Have you reconsidered?”
“No, but now is the time to offer any other suggestions, if that’s what you want.”
Bringing my hand to his lips, he kisses my knuckles. “I have no other suggestions, because her name is perfect.”
I can’t help but smile. “I agree.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Just then, the door opens and the nurse joins us. “All right, Charli. We’re going to move you to the OR now. Dr. Greene has arrived, and she’s prepping for your delivery.”
“Okay,” I reply confidently.
I’m ready to meet my daughter.