The Patchwork Heart

Chapter 11

Finn Dexter Kendell was born on May 29h, 2015 at 11:27pm. He weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces and was 18 inches long. He was healthy and perfect. I fell madly in love with him the moment I heard his tiny cry, before I even saw his face. The delivery was uneventful. It was painful of course, but all of that was forgotten when he came into the world. All that mattered was my son. When the nurse placed him in my open arms all my fears melted away. I felt an overwhelming warmth throughout my entire body, all because of him. Finn cooed as I kissed his small head for the first time. His tiny fingers gripped each other as I held in close to my chest. I was in awe of my son. I couldn't believe how beautiful he was.

The Leys' came in shortly after he was born and offered their congratulations. Sandra requested to hold Finn immediately of course, which I obliged. She cried as my son cooed in her arms. I knew she was in awe, just like I was. Murray took him next, it took a moment longer, but the tears came to the corners of his eyes as well. They stayed for a few minutes before promising to come back the following day. I was staying overnight in the hospital just for observation, the doctor expected me to return home with Finn the next day.

After Sandra and Murray left, Mitchell lingered in the doorway of my room. His hands were shoved in the pockets of his work pants. He didn't come in, he just stared from afar at the bundle in my arms. My mom gestured for him to come in but Mitchell remained frozen. My parents took turns holding Finn, both of them became sobbing messes at the sight of their first grandchild up close. I smiled wide at the realization that my child would be loved completely by so many people.

When my dad finally gave my son back to me I offered him my breast the way the nurse had shown me so he could feed. Mitchell turned his back to me while I fed Finn. My parents told Mitchell he should just stay at our house for the night, considering by the time they were leaving it was past 1am. He agreed. My parents left us alone in the room and told Mitchell they would wait for him in the van. After they left I expected him to come over and want to hold the baby, but instead he stayed in the doorway. Mitchell seemed nervous, as though he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. I smiled at him softly, "Mitch, come here." I gestured with my head for him to come over next to the bed. He stayed frozen, as though he hadn't heard me.

"Come, meet your nephew." I whispered. Mitchell's eyes shot up to mine, he moved cautiously into the room. It was as though he was afraid of spooking us. He moved to the side of the bed and stared down into Finn's small face. I whispered to him, "This is Finn Dexter Kendell." Mitchell nodded and reached out with a shaky hand to trace my son's hairline. Finn made a small moan at Mitchell's touch. I smiled down at him and kissed his cheek.

"Congratulations Bree. You make beautiful babies." Mitchell said slowly. I smiled at him and whispered my thanks. He didn't try to hold Finn, instead he touched my knee softly and left the room, as he left he muttered, "I'll be back tomorrow."

With that, Mitchell was gone. I was alone in the small delivery room with Finn. He was sleepy in my arms. I couldn't get enough of his soft skin and his sweet smell. He fell asleep in my arms a short time later. As I lay him down in the small crib in my room, I promised to always protect him with my life. I promised to take good care of him and to love him for the rest of my life. As I whispered promises to myself I let sleep take me away.