Chapter Twenty One #2
By five o’clock, the chaos from earlier in the day has transformed into something calm and peaceful. Luke has been measured, weighted, and swaddled tightly in a white blanket, sleeping soundly in Brody’s arms.
The hospital suite has turned into an absolute botanical garden. Massive arrangements of white peonies and pale blue hydrangeas cover every flat surface, courtesy of my mother, who had practically commandeered the wing the moment she arrived.
The door opens, and our family and friends file in, trying and failing to stay quiet.
My parents took care of getting June and Lauren here while I was in labor.
My mother ushers them in, my father coming in behind them.
“Charles, doesn’t she look like a goddess? A slightly exhausted goddess, but absolutely radiant,” my mother says.
“That she is,” my father says, walking over to me and kissing my forehead.
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, smiling as I lean back against the pillows.
June walks over to Brody and places a hand on his shoulder. “I’m so proud of you, Brody,” she whispers softly.
After we had Dylan sign and seal all the paperwork, Brody told his mom and sister about the baby’s paternity. And, being the family they are, they acted as if it didn’t matter and have remained as excited about the birth as we have. To them, he’s simply ours.
“Thanks, Mom,” he says, standing.
He shifts Luke in his arms, so he’s facing out a bit more. “Everyone,” Brody grins, looking down at the baby. “Meet Luke.”
A collective awww ripples through the room.
“Look at all that dark hair!” Lauren squeals, leaning over to look at him. “I think he looks like Ellis.”
“I think so too,” he says, looking down at our son with pride.
Liam claps Brody on the shoulder. “Eight pounds of pure trouble right there, Vaughn. Get ready for zero sleep right as training camp is starting.”
“Uh, Liam, you’ll be in the same boat just as the season starts,” Alie says, rubbing her pregnant belly.
“Worth every second,” Brody replies without hesitation.
Saint steps up with Presley next, looking down at the sleeping baby with a smile. “He’s absolutely beautiful, Ellis,” Presley says softly, looking at me with genuine warmth.
My dad, still standing by my side, leans in close to my ear. “You did well, sweetheart,” he says, his voice gravelly. “He is a Renwick through and through.”
“Thanks, Dad. He’s perfect is what he is.”
My dad looks over at Brody, who’s letting my mom take her turn to hold the baby, tears brimming in her eyes. He gives a single nod. “Yes, he certainly is.”
After a while, I start to get tired, and Brody picks up on it without asking me. He just knows.
“Guys, we’re so happy you came to meet the baby, but they both need some rest. It’s been an eventful day, and my wife and son need some sleep.”
Everyone says their goodbyes, promising to come see us when we get home.
Brody has pulled a large reclining chair right up to the side of my bed. He’s sitting with his long legs stretched out, holding Luke against his bare chest. The view is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.
I lay on my side, as much as I can, watching them both, my hand resting on Brody’s forearm.
“You should get some sleep, Ellis,” Brody whispers, his hand lightly stroking Luke’s back. “I’ve got him. Remember they told you to sleep when he does.”
“I don’t want to sleep though,” I murmur, a smile tugging at my lips. “I just want to look at my boys.”
Brody’s eyes meet mine. The fierce love shining in his face takes my breath away.
“Did your PR draft a statement?” he asks quietly.
I pick up my phone from the nightstand, scrolling through the polished draft our senior publicist sent. The media had been speculating for weeks, waiting for any news regarding the birth, especially after the announcement of our marriage.
“They did,” I say, reading the text on the screen. “It’s perfect.”
I click approve and send it back.
Within ten minutes, my phone starts buzzing as the official statement hits every major news outlet, sports network, and social media feed across the country.
Ellis Renwick-Vaughn and New York Titans Tight End Brody Vaughn are thrilled to announce the arrival of their son, Luke Renwick Vaughn, born on May twenty-sixth.
Mother and baby are healthy and doing exceptionally well.
The family extends their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and privacy during this joyous time.
I turn the phone for Brody to see, and he nods when he’s finished. I set the phone back on the table, turning back to my family.
“Can you scoot over a little?”
I nod, shifting my weight gingerly.
Brody carefully stands and places our sleeping baby into my arms before climbing into the hospital bed beside me. It’s a tight fit, but Brody lies on his side and wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling us both tight against his chest, tucking his chin over the top of my head.
Our son sleeps peacefully between us, his tiny chest rising and falling, in sync with mine.
For a long time, I believed that taking care of myself, focusing on my career, and having fun with my friends was all that I needed. Safeguarding my heart was something I felt like I could control.
It’s funny how perspective changes when you have a baby.
Safety is the steady pulse of the man holding me. Safety is the breath of the baby boy in my arms. Safety is knowing that no matter what life throws at me, I’ve already won.
I pull the blanket higher over us, snuggling deeper into Brody’s side and closing my eyes, knowing I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.