WHAT IF

Chapter 26

After a week in the hospital, Babe was finally discharged. The doctors had monitored him closely, ensuring his recovery was progressing well after the operation. Today, they were heading home, and this time, they weren’t coming back alone. Moon, their beautiful little girl, was bundled in Charlie’s arms as they made their way to the front door.

Charlie gently pushed the door open, and to his surprise—bang! Confetti rained down on them, and cheers filled the air. Standing in the living room were their  friends: Alan, Jeff, North, and Sonic, all grinning widely.

"Surprise!" they all shouted in unison.

Babe, startled by the colorful explosion, blinked in surprise as he took in the sight. The living room was decorated with balloons and a huge banner that read, "Welcome Home, Baby Moon & Congratulations, Babe!"

"What—?" Babe looked over at Charlie, who was smirking. "You knew about this?"

Charlie laughed softly. "Yeah, they wanted to make it special. I might’ve given them the house keys."

Babe’s heart swelled with emotion. The warmth of their friends' gesture, welcoming Moon into the family and celebrating their journey together, touched him deeply.

Jeff, holding his own baby, was the first to come forward. "We couldn’t let you come home without a proper celebration," he said with a smile. "Welcome to the parent club, Babe."

Alan joined in, clapping Charlie on the back. "She’s beautiful, man. You two must be so proud."

North grinned as he handed Babe a glass of juice. "I told you we were all waiting for the day we’d get to meet her. Congratulations, Babe. You did it."

Sonic, ever the calm one, simply smiled and gave Babe a knowing nod. "Moon’s a lucky girl, you know. With both of you as parents, she’s going to be amazing."

Babe, overwhelmed by the support and love from his friends, looked down at Moon who was now wide awake, blinking curiously at the new world around her. Tears of happiness welled in his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice full of gratitude. "I couldn’t have made it through without all of you."

Charlie, still holding Moon, kissed Babe’s forehead. "You were amazing. We’re a family now," he said softly. "And they’re all here to welcome our little girl."

As they gathered around, talking and sharing stories, Babe couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy. The road had been long and challenging, but looking at Moon, surrounded by people who loved them, he knew it had all been worth it.

As the night wore on, the group gradually began to disperse, leaving Charlie and Babe alone with Moon. Alan and Jeff were the last to leave, hugging both of them tightly.

"You know where to find us if you need anything," Jeff said as he stepped out, his voice full of sincerity. "We’re just a call away."

When the door finally closed, silence fell over the house. Charlie stood by the crib, watching Moon sleep peacefully. He looked back at Babe, who was now curled up on the couch, exhaustion finally catching up with him.

"Let’s get you to bed," Charlie said softly, walking over to help him up.

Babe shook his head, looking at the crib. "I don’t want to be too far from her."

Charlie smiled, understanding. "I’ll move her into our room."

Together, they gently moved Moon’s crib into their bedroom. Once Babe was settled in bed, Charlie placed Moon nearby, within arm’s reach. He slid into bed beside Babe, who had his eyes locked on their daughter.