The Rookie and Me: Second Chances (COMPLETE)

Chloe Jane

"I cannot believe she is finally here." I say as I hold my beautiful baby girl. 

Tyler smiles down at us and strokes her head full of dark hair, "She is so perfect, Ali. Look at this gorgeous little princess!"

I stare at Chloe's face, admiring every single detail. She has the most beautiful, thick head of dark brown hair. And the tiniest button nose and chubby cheeks. Her fingers are long and skinny, just like her daddy's. She truly is perfect. As I sit here and memorize every wrinkle on her hands and toes, my hormones start flooding over me. Tears fall from my eyes the longer I look at my beautiful little girl, wishing that my mom could have been here for this. She would have loved being a grandmother. And she would have been amazing at it. 

"What's wrong, baby? Are you in pain? What can I do to help?" Tyler asks me with concern.

I shake my head slowly and sniffle, "I just..." I wipe the tears from my eyes, "I just wish my mom could've been here for this." 

Tyler hugs me tightly and kisses the top of my head, "I'm sorry, Ali. I wish she were here for this, too."

Connie leans down and grabs my hand, "Honey, your mom might not have been here physically, but you have to know she has been here all along. She got to witness all of this! She has never left your side." 

I sniffle and look up at her, "I know, I just... The last time was so different. I was completely alone, except for having Whitney in the room. But afterwards I mean. I had to navigate motherhood by myself, while most women have their moms around to help them. My mom would have loved every second of being a nana." 

Connie nods her head and looks down at our baby girl, "I'm sorry, sweetie. Unfortunately, I know exactly how you feel. My mom passed away before I had Tyler and Tommy. But I also know that even though I couldn't see her, I felt her presence all along. For every major event that I was wishing she could be here for. And your mom has been and always will be there for yours as well." 

I smile and say, "Thank you, Connie. That really means a lot to me. And thank you for being here, too. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way." 

She lightly nudges my shoulder, "Oh honey, stop. Don't make me cry. Now, can I hold my newest granddaughter?" 

I hand the baby off to her and watch as she walks over to the couch and sits down, talking softly to Chloe. Whitney sits down beside Connie to look at the baby and introduce herself. While the women are distracted, Tyler climbs into my hospital bed and wraps his arms around me.

He kisses my cheek and whispers, "I am so proud of you, baby, you know that?" 

I nod my head and leaned it against his chest. He continues, "And you don't ever have to worry about being alone ever again. Especially in this. I will be there every step of the way for my babies. All three of you guys."

I smile softly and say, "I love you, daddy."

He smiles, "I love you so much, mommy." 

I pull my phone off of the bed tray and dial Blake's number so I can talk to Cameron. They answer on the first ring. 

"Hi, mommy! Are you okay?" Cameron asks immediately.

I grin, "Hi, baby. I'm okay. Are you okay? I know that must've been scary for you." 

"I'm okay. Can I come see my sister now?" Cam asks anxiously.

I think about it for a moment and say, "Mommy and your sissy are really tired, bug. How about Tyler comes to get you first thing in the morning and you can meet her then. Is that okay?" I want to be able to fully enjoy the moment that Cameron meets Chloe for the first time.