Chapter Forty Six
Reid
A six pound eight ounce tiny baby girl arrived so smoothly.
I felt a sense of pride in Caroline and was in awe of everything she has gone through with such grace.
But an unexpected feeling also filled my thoughts.
I had an odd sense of protectiveness over this new little girl that had just entered the world.
I hadn’t even thought once this whole time about her not being blood related to me.
And although Caroline had not asked me to fill any sort of fatherly role and I did not want to overstep, I told myself and this sleeping bundle in my arms, that she would always have the support that she deserves.
This hospital couch was awful to sleep on, but I didn’t dare complain to Caroline, who was beyond exhausted.
She was navigating breastfeeding like a boss and had surprisingly let down all of her walls around me for the first time in what felt like forever.
The raw, real, and non-performative version of her was beautiful and I was going to make sure she knew that.
She wanted to keep the hospital visitors to a minimum, but her mom and dad really stepped up and helped to bring us meals and give her some breaks.
Once the baby was here, they set their opinions aside and allowed for the excitement of becoming grandparents to set in, regardless of the circumstances.
Once we got settled in at home, Kate, Sydney, and the other friends all came over to meet the baby.
They helped keep her company, even when she claimed she didn’t want it.
As someone who already experienced anxiety prior to pregnancy, she has been very worried about her postpartum experience.
I’m just glad that she has good friends here that never leave her side.
Today, we are preparing to take Chloe over to meet my parents.
Again, everyone has been very open about the circumstances, as we navigate where everyone falls in this new child’s life.
We haven’t heard anything else from Grant or his mom, and I think the longer time passes, the more Caroline’s mind eases.
I haven’t seen my dad in a couple of weeks and am nervous to see how he’s doing.
I knock on the door, holding the carseat while Caroline grasps a bouquet of flowers behind me.
I told her not to worry about bringing anything over, but here she is catering to others even when she is recovering herself.
My mom expressed her apologies for not coming to us, but my dad’s mobility was pretty low right now.
Honestly, we didn’t really mind since it was our first time out of the house in days and it gave us an excuse to actually get dressed.
Did I mention the free home cooked meal? Yeah, that helped.
“Come in dear!” My mom swings the door open, stepping back to let us in.
“These are for you.” Caroline takes the first step in, handing my mom the flowers.
“Oh thank you so much, how are you doing?” Mom gives Caroline a big long hug and I wait patiently behind them. I’ll get in the door eventually.
“Ooooh let me see, let me see!” Mom squeals, bypassing me and bending over to take a peak at the sleeping Chloe in the carseat. Yeah, I’m definitely chopped liver now.
“Hey mom, this thing is getting a little heavy. How about I set her down inside, yeah?” I interject. I would really rather us continue this on the couch.
“It’s good to see you too, Reid,” she gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before stepping aside and closing the door behind me.
“Okay, I have some salads out while the soup finishes up. And some bread, butter, and cheese over here. What can I get y’all to drink?” Mom hurries around the kitchen island, instantly snapping into hosting mode.
“Water is fine for me. The soup smells great. Mind if I put this in the fridge?” Caroline responds, pulling a bottle out of her diaper bag.
“Of course, there’s room on the middle shelf. Reid, iced tea for you?”
“Yes, please.” I say, setting the carseat down on the couch and unbuckling Chloe. I pick her up and enjoy her little newborn scrunch, still refusing to open her eyes. I glance over at my dad sitting at the other end of the couch and see him watching. “Want to hold her?” I ask over my shoulder.
“No, it’s okay. I don’t know if I can.” I could tell he wanted to, but was scared.
“Don’t worry, just stay in your seat and I’ll bring her over to you,” I assure him. Slowly placing her body in one arm and head in the other, I can see the spark in his eyes. He’s so silent, but his face says it all. I just let him soak it in, studying all of her soft facial features.
“Thank you. She’s beautiful,” He says softly, not even glancing up at me.
I look over at the kitchen, where things are growing eerily quiet, and see my mom and Caroline also watching in silent awe.
I think this is exactly what he–and everyone else–needed during this time.
New life and new beginnings filled with hope for a brighter future.