The hospital corridor is stuffy and the air has an undertone of bleach. The walls are magnolia and are scraped in places from the hundreds of trolleys that have bumped into them. The pictures on the walls are cheap benign prints of uplifting scenes and above the double doors are large blue plastic signs with the areas of the hospital that lie ahead.
My head spun with worry. She would be in so much pain. Contractions, cramps...I could only hope and pray she was alright.
It wasn't an accident. I had always wanted a child. But my sperm only had 10% cance of working. That was what the doctor told me anyway.
Andrea never told me she ran out of the pill.
Plus, I never used a condom.
I sat outside the delivery room with my elbows on my knees and my heart in my throat.
I was ecstatic with butterflies as I awaited the arrival of my child.
" Harry! I need you! " I head her cry.
I sprang from my seat and darted into the room.
She was there on the bed, sweating and pushing.
" Here, take my hand. You're doing great. Keep pushing, baby. You'll get there soon. " I said, holding her hand tightly.
I mopped her brow and held her hand and kissed her face softly.
" C'mon little girl. You can do it. Be brave. " I prayed aloud to every collective religion I could think of.
I always spoke to my baby daughter when she was in Andrea's tummy.
I would speak to her until she settled from all the kicking.
We had decided when we found out she was a girl, to call her Darcie-Mae.
" C'mon, baby push. " I urged, holding her head.
She gave one last almighty push and then...silence.
I heard her screams as she entered the world.
I was so proud of Andrea.
" I love you. I love you so much, sweetheart. You did so good. " I grinned down at her.
" Would you like to cut the cord, sir? " the nurse asked.
" Alright. " I whispered.
My hands were shaking as I heard my daughter cry out for me.
I quickly cut the cord and wrapped Darcie-Mae up in a blanket we had brought for her.
She instantly began gurgling and babbling when she was in Andrea's arms.
I honestly thought that this day would never come.
I waited until all of the nurses had left.
I sat down beside the hospital bed and watched as Andrea cuddled Darcie to her chest.
Andrea was exhausted after her ordeal.
I was racked with nerves.
I sat by her until they were both asleep.
They were both so peaceful and beautiful.
I got up and stroked her angelic face.
Darcie-Mae reminded me so much of her mother.
Her eyelashes were long.
Her hair was like mine too, still only wispy ghosts of curls.
" I love you both so much. " I whispered, kissing them both softly.
I placed my pinky in the palm of Darcie's hand. It instantly closed around my littlest finger.
I felt so proud and protective.
I rubbed the back of her tiny hand as she eventually let go.
* * *
The time had come to take Darcie-Mae home.
I had dressed her in a duck sleep suit.
It had a fuzzy yellow duck on her bottom.
" Hey, baby look. She's got a ducky bum! " I chuckled.
Andrea giggled and took Darcie into her arms and stroked her nose.
I went and got Andrea's coat and Darcie's little fuzzy jacket.
I helped Andrea put her coat on and then I dressed little Darcie.
I cradeled Darcie under my coat to protect her from the cold and paparazzi.
I took the hospital bag and Andrea's hand.
I had Darcie in one arm and my darling wife in the other.
When we arrived home, we took Darcie to her nursery and laid her down to sleep.
I tucked her in and kissed her smooth skin.
Andrea came to my side.
I put my arms around her waist and nuzzled my face into her long dark hair.
" I'm so tired. Can we go to bed? " she asked, leaning her head against my chest.
" Of course we can. " I said, she looked so exhausted.
I carried her to the bedroom and turned on the baby monitor.
" I'll see to Darcie tonight, sweetheart. You deserve a rest. " I whispered, leaving her to change her clothes in peace.
I went and made sure Darcie had a clean nappy to sleep in. Which she didn't.
I scooped her up and placed her on the changing mat.
I cleaned her up and put a clean nappie on her and checked she wasn't too hot or too cold.
" Who's Daddy's little girl? Hmm? You are! Yes you are! Yes you are my precious little baby! " I spoke to her in a baby voice, making her eyes open a little wider.
" Where's the baby? Peekaboo! Where's Daddy's girl? There she is! " I said, tickling her little pudgy tummy.
She was so adorable.
I never wanted this moment to end.
I picked her up, supporting her head on my shoulder as I tucked her in under her blanket and gave her a fuzzy yellow duck to cuddle up to.
She made a little sighing noise and shut her eyes.
I left the door open a little bit and left the room. But not before turning on the nightlight.
It projected stars and a moon onto the ceiling and played a little tune.
I blew her a kiss and said: " I love you little girl. Sleep tight. "
