Orchards and Moonlight - a Mialotte story (TNN)

Oops

As Marjorie began to stabilize, her colour returning, and her breathing more even, she turned her head slightly to look at Reece. Her voice was still weak, but there was a clarity in her eyes that hadn't been there earlier.

"Where's Carly?" she asked softly, concern lacing her words. "She should be here."

Reece's heart skipped a beat as realization dawned on him. In the rush and panic of getting Marjorie to the hospital, he had completely forgotten to contact Carly. The guilt hit him hard; he knew how much Carly adored Marjorie and how worried she would be if she knew what had happened.

"I...I didn't call her," Reece admitted, his voice filled with remorse. "With everything happening so fast, it slipped my mind. I'm so sorry, Marjorie."

Marjorie's eyes softened, though a hint of worry still lingered. "She needs to know, Reece. She should be here with us, especially now."

Reece nodded, already reaching for his phone. "I'll call her right now. She'll want to be here as soon as possible."

As he dialled Carly's number, Reece mentally berated himself for the oversight. Carly had become such an integral part of their lives, and he knew how much she loved Marjorie. She deserved to know what was happening and to be there for this moment.

The phone rang once, twice, and then Carly's voice came through the line, cheerful and unaware of the day's events. "Hey, Dad! What's up?"

Reece took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "Carly, something happened. Marjorie's in the hospital. She had to have an emergency C-section, but she's stable now. The baby is okay, but I didn't think to call you earlier, and I'm really sorry."

There was a brief silence on the other end before Carly's voice returned, this time filled with concern and urgency. "What? Is she okay? I'm coming right now!"

Reece quickly gave her the hospital's details, assuring her that Marjorie was stabilizing and that the baby was healthy. As he hung up, he looked back at Marjorie, who had been watching him closely.

"She's on her way," Reece said, moving closer to her bedside. "I'm sorry I didn't think to call her sooner."

Marjorie gave him a small, understanding smile. "It's okay, Reece. I know you were just trying to take care of everything. Carly will understand too. She'll be here soon."

Reece nodded, though the guilt still gnawed at him. As they waited for Carly to arrive, he held Marjorie's hand, silently vowing to make sure nothing was overlooked again. Marjorie's strength and forgiveness gave him a sense of peace, but he knew he wouldn't feel completely at ease until Carly was with them, sharing in the relief that Marjorie and the baby were both going to be okay.

Carly hurried through the hospital corridors, her heart racing as she followed the directions to Marjorie's room. She'd dropped everything as soon as she'd gotten Reece's call, her mind spinning with a mix of relief that Marjorie and the baby were okay and frustration that she hadn't been there sooner.

When she finally reached the room, Carly paused for a moment at the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open. Inside, she found Marjorie resting in bed, looking pale but calm, with Reece sitting beside her, holding her hand. The sight of her mother safe brought a wave of emotion crashing over her.

"Mom," Carly breathed out, rushing to Marjorie's side. She gently hugged her, mindful of the IVs and monitors. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Marjorie smiled weakly, reaching up to stroke Carly's hair. "I'm so happy to see you, Carly. I'm sorry you had to find out like this."

Carly shook her head, blinking back tears. "No, it's not your fault, Mom. I'm just glad you're okay."

She turned to Reece, her expression softening but still tinged with disappointment. "Reece, why didn't you call me sooner? I could've been here to help, to support you both."

Reece looked up at her, guilt evident in his eyes. "Carly, I'm so sorry. Everything happened so fast, and I was so focused on getting Marjorie here and making sure she and the baby were okay... I just didn't think. I should have called you right away."

Carly sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I get it, Reece. I do. I know how overwhelming it must've been. I'm not mad, just... I wish I could have been here sooner."

Reece nodded, his expression one of deep remorse. "I promise, Carly, I won't let anything like this happen again. You're part of this family, and I should have remembered that in the moment."

Marjorie squeezed Carly's hand, her voice gentle. "He's right, Carly. You're part of this, and we'll make sure you're included in everything from now on. We're just so glad you're here now."

Carly's frustration melted away as she looked at Marjorie, then back at Reece. She knew they hadn't meant to exclude her, and the relief of seeing her mom safe was far more important than dwelling on what could have been. "I know. And I'm here now, so that's what matters."

Reece stood and pulled her into a hug, the tension between them easing. "Thank you for understanding, Carly. We're all in this together."

Carly hugged him back, her earlier worries fading. "Yeah, we are."

As they settled back into the room, the door opened quietly, and a nurse entered, gently wheeling in a small bassinet. Carly, Reece, and Marjorie all turned their attention to the tiny bundle inside, their hearts swelling with emotion.

"Here's your little boy," the nurse said softly, lifting the baby and carefully placing him in Marjorie's arms. "He's doing great, and he's ready to be with his mom again."

Marjorie's eyes filled with tears as she gazed down at her newborn son. He was small, but his little fists were clenched with strength, and he let out a tiny, contented sigh as he nestled against her. Reece moved closer, one arm around Marjorie's shoulders, the other reaching out to gently touch the baby's soft cheek.

"He's perfect," Marjorie whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Absolutely perfect."

Carly leaned in, her face glowing with happiness. "He really is. Have you thought about what to name him?"

Marjorie and Reece exchanged a glance. They had tossed around a few ideas, but now, holding their son, it felt like the right moment to make a decision.

"I've been thinking," Marjorie began, looking down at her baby boy. "This little one has already shown how strong he is, how he's fought to be here with us. I want his name to reflect that."

Reece nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. "Phoenix," he suggested, his voice firm. "It symbolizes rising from the ashes, renewal, and strength. Just like our little guy."

Marjorie smiled, the name resonating deeply within her. "Phoenix. Yes, that feels right. He's our Phoenix."

Carly grinned, nodding in agreement. "Phoenix is perfect. It's strong, just like him."

Marjorie looked at Reece, her eyes asking the next question without words. Reece thought for a moment, then spoke. "What about Carter for his middle name? It's a good, solid name, and it flows well with Phoenix."

Marjorie smiled, her heart swelling with love for both Reece and their son. "Phoenix Carter Knight," she said softly, trying the name out loud. "I love it."

Carly beamed at her mom and Reece, the warmth of their little family filling the room. "Phoenix Carter Knight. It's perfect."

The three of them sat together, the weight of the past few hours lifting as they focused on the tiny miracle in Marjorie's arms. Phoenix Carter Knight was here, and with his arrival, a new chapter began for their family—one filled with hope, strength, and love.

Quick author's note

I just want give give a huge thanks to 13_Mick_13 for helping me figure out the names my mind just did not want to work on that while being sick