I Love You, Baby

Chapter Nine

A week after Iris was born, Rafe and Ivy decided it was time to introduce their daughter to the world outside of their little bubble. They invited their families over for a small gathering at the house—a mix of joy, excitement, and nerves dancing in the air.

Ivy had spent the morning carefully dressing Iris in a soft, pale yellow onesie with tiny floral patterns, a bow headband perched on her delicate head. Rafe was busy pacing the living room, nervously checking the clock every few minutes. He had called his family earlier to invite them over to share his daughters name—Iris Sarah Cameron—and it was finally time to share the news in person.

"I can't believe they're all going to see her today," Ivy said as she sat on the couch, gently rocking Iris in her arms. "It feels like such a big step."

Rafe nodded, running a hand through his hair. "I know. It's... nerve-wracking. But she's perfect, Ivy. They're gonna love her."

Ivy smiled, though a hint of anxiety lingered in her eyes. She knew Rafe's family wasn't always the easiest to deal with, especially with his complicated history with them. But today was about Iris—their daughter—and she was determined to make it a peaceful, joyful occasion. She glanced at Rafe, catching his eye.

"Are you ready?" she asked softly, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.

He exhaled, pushing the nerves aside. "As ready as I'll ever be."

At that moment, the doorbell rang, and the sound made them both jump a little. Ivy adjusted Iris in her arms, brushing a lock of hair from the baby's face as she stood up to greet their guests. Rafe followed her, his heart beating a little faster.

When they opened the door, the first to walk in was Sarah—Rafe's younger sister, her eyes wide with excitement. Behind her, Elizabeth 'Wheezie' Cameron bounced in, her arms immediately reaching for the baby, followed by Ward and Rose, who seemed slightly more reserved but still eager to meet the newest member of the Cameron family.

Ivy stepped back slightly, a smile on her face, and gestured toward the couch where she and Rafe had set up a cozy spot for their daughter. "Come meet her," Ivy said softly.

Sarah was the first to reach them, her bright eyes locked onto Iris. "She's so beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "She looks so peaceful."

Wheezie let out a soft gasp. "She's so tiny! And look at her hair!" She carefully placed a hand on Iris's head, her expression full of wonder.

Ward crossed his arms, his eyes softening as he watched the baby. "She's perfect, Rafe," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle.

Rafe gave a small, tight smile in return, his hand resting on Ivy's shoulder. "I'm glad you think so, Dad."

Rose, who had been standing back, observed quietly for a moment before stepping closer. She gave a small smile as she looked down at Iris. "She's beautiful, Ivy. You've both done well."

Ivy's chest tightened slightly at her stepmother's words, but she held her composure, returning Rose's smile. "Thank you."

There was a moment of quiet, as everyone gathered around the baby, cooing and murmuring their admiration. Ivy, watching her family interact with Iris, felt a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn't perfect—there was still tension in the air, some unspoken things—but in that moment, it was enough. They were all here, together, sharing in the joy of their new arrival.

Ivy gently lifted Iris higher in her arms, looking down at her daughter. She'd been waiting for this moment—the moment she would share Iris's name with the world, a name that meant so much to her and Rafe.

"We have something to tell you all," Ivy said, her voice steady but full of emotion. "Her name is Iris Sarah Cameron."

Rafe turned to his sister, his eyes softening as he spoke. "Sarah... I know we've had a rocky relationship, but I want you to know how much you mean to me, and naming Iris after you feels like the best way to honor you." He paused, looking at his daughter with a mixture of awe and affection. "You're a part of her now, always."

Sarah's eyes watered, her lips trembling as she glanced between Rafe and the baby. She stepped forward, gently brushing a finger over Iris's hand. "I'm honored. Really. She's beautiful, Rafe."

Ivy felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The tension between Rafe and his family was still there, but in this moment, it felt like a small bridge had been built—a little step toward healing.

The conversation shifted to lighthearted chatter about Iris's tiny fingers and the color of her eyes, everyone taking turns holding her and getting to know her in their own way. Rafe kept close to Ivy, his arm draped around her shoulders, and they shared quiet smiles as they watched their daughter be passed from person to person.

The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, warmth, and shared stories. Rafe had never imagined this moment—being surrounded by family and feeling this sense of belonging. It wasn't perfect, but for the first time, it felt like they were all truly a family, united by the love for the little girl in Ivy's arms.

As the evening came to a close, Ivy looked over at Rafe, who was leaning against the doorway, his eyes focused on their daughter as she slept peacefully in his arms.

"Iris Sarah Cameron," Ivy whispered, a smile playing on her lips. "She's perfect."

Rafe leaned down, kissing her temple softly. "Yeah, she is. Our little girl."