Helplessly In Love: Forever and Always

Chapter 2: Growing Up

Two months later

 

“Hey,” I crooned softly to baby Avery. He had just been born less than half an hour ago, and I was so happy to be able to hold him in my arms now. He is so precious, sleeping quietly with his tiny hands curled into fists. He had Kendra’s mass of curls sitting angelically atop his small head. “Kendra, he is absolutely beautiful,” I told her quietly, being careful not to wake him.

“Thank you,” I heard her and Derek whisper together.

“I could just hold him forever,” I crooned again, kissing his soft forehead.

“I think it’s my turn,” Kendra’s mom said smiling, walking briskly over to me. She outstretched her arms as we made the gentle exchange. Already my arms felt a little bit less warm without baby Avery in them.

“Taylor says he can’t wait to see him,” I told Kendra. She smiled brightly.

“Of course he can’t wait to see his almost-nephew!” she said excitedly.

“You get some rest, okay? I’ll be back up here tomorrow,” I told her, checking my phone. I had one hour before our date and I needed to get home and get ready.

“Okay. Thank you so much for being here for me,” Kendra replied as I hugged her gently.

“Anytime,” I smiled warmly at her before exiting her hospital room.

I drove home in silence, thinking about my new nephew. He is a wonderful addition to our growing family. My heart is just so full of joy and happy feelings; I smiled a bit wider.

When I got home, I fed Roxy and let her out, took a quick shower and heated up some leftovers from yesterday for dinner. After all that was done, I had ten minutes left.

I would be in New York right now with Taylor, but the moment we found out Kendra was going into labor, he wanted to stay here so we could be there for her. However, I made the brave decision to stay here by myself because he needed to go for work. I kept telling myself that I needed to be here for Kendra and I was glad that I was here for her, but I missed him greatly. He has become such a huge part of my life now, and I honestly have no idea what I would do without him. He’s everything to me. With him, everything just makes sense.

When I finished eating, I had five minutes until our skype date.

I went into the office and tried to organize our tangle of wedding preparation stuff. After I turned on the computer and got skype running, I had three minutes. After running my tongue over my teeth, I decided to run and go brush my teeth. I was so glad I did, because I had a big piece of spinach in between my two front teeth. How embarrassing!

Seconds later, I got a call from him. I grinned and tried to take a deep breath before I answered it. After a few seconds, I saw his heavenly face appear, and everything was alright again.

“Hey,” I said excitedly, grinning like an idiot.

“Hey there, pretty lady,” he said, grinning just like I was. “I miss you!”

“I miss you more!” I challenged.

“That’s impossible,” he stated matter-of-factly. I had butterflies in my stomach threatening to erupt pretty soon. I still got tongue tied and my palms became sweaty. It’s amazing how he still does this to me even when we’re miles and miles away from each other. “Your blush is the most adorable thing ever,” he told me, chuckling.

“Stop it! You know when you mention it I only blush harder!” I said, trying to hide my cheeks.

“Exactly!” he exclaims, laughing. “You’re so cute.”