Love Lasts Forever

exhausted

I sigh as I lay on the couch, my newborn daughter Demi sleeping peacefully in my arms. I'm exhausted, both from the delivery and from the lack of sleep since bringing Demi home. Charlie, my husband and father of our child, is doing his best to help out, but his snoring keeps waking me up at night.

"Hey, how are you holding up?" Cecily asks as she walks into the living room. She's been coming over a lot since I gave birth, even with her own wedding planning to worry about.

"I've been better," I admit. "I haven't gotten much sleep with Charlie snoring and Demi waking up every two hours."

Cecily chuckles and nudges Charlie. "Looks like someone's keeping momma up at night."

Charlie groans and rubs the back of his neck. "Sorry, babe."

"It's okay," I say, but I can't help the yawn that escapes me.

Cecily pats my leg. "I'll let you get some rest. Just wanted to check in on my two favorite people."

I smile gratefully as she heads for the door. "Thanks, Cecily. Love you."

"Love you too, Harper."

As the door clicks shut behind her, Charlie sits down on the couch next to me.

"I really am sorry for keeping you up," he says, resting his head on my shoulder.

I lean my head against his and rub circles on his back. "It's okay. I know you're trying your best."

Charlie looks up at me with a sleepy smile. "I just want to take care of you and Demi. You both mean the world to me."

"I know," I say, kissing the top of his head. "And I appreciate it. But don't forget to take care of yourself too, okay?"

Charlie nods and closes his eyes. Within minutes, his snoring fills the room again. I try to stay awake, but soon the exhaustion takes over and I drift off to sleep, holding my precious daughter in my arms and my loving husband by my side.