Burnin' It Down

Chapter Twenty Eight

Ryan's POV
I'm still at the hospital and I'm going home some time today. The doctors did everything they could to at least slow down my labor, but it didn't work. Paisley Skylar was born two days ago. She was born two months early so she will stay in the hospital for at least a month. It all depends on how fast she develops and improves. Jason hasn't left my side and  very thankful for that. I don't know what I would've done without him. We are sitting in the NICU just looking at our baby girl. "She's so tiny." Jason says right before he bursts into tears. I go over to him and wrap my arms around him. "Shh baby it's ok. She's got a stubborn mama and a daddy that's strong as hell. She will be just fine." I tell him the words that I so badly want to hear. I start to cry now and Jason and I just stand there and hold each other. "Mrs. Williams, your discharge papers are ready when you are." The nurse says with a sympathetic smile before walking out. I'm going home without my baby.

Jason walks me through the front door of the house while he talks to his mama on the phone. "Thanks mom. I'll come get him in a few days. I'll also call Jessica and let her know what's going on and that you are going to bring the girls home." He says before they hang up. I go to walk up the stairs and I get halfway up when I completely break down. "Whoa baby. Hey, it's ok." Jason says rushing up the stairs and hugging me. "What if Paisley never comes home? I didn't come equipped to bury my baby." I manage to get out between sobs. "Ryan, don't you start giving up on her. She will come home. I promise." Jason tries to reassure me but it doesn't work. "I'm gonna go lay down." I go and lock myself in the bedroom and cry myself to sleep.

Jason's POV
I've never seen Ryan this broken. I can't even keep my own emotions in check, how am I supposed to help her? My mom is coming by so I can say goodbye to Keeley and Kendyl and so she can grab more clothes for Jaxon. I'm sitting on the couch in silence when the front door opens. The girls walk in and come hug me. "Where is Ryan?" Keeley asks sadly. "She's in our room. She is having a hard time right now. You'll see her again in a few weeks ok?" She nods and her and Kendyl head upstairs with Jaxon to get their stuff and his clothes I sat out. I look at my mom for the first time since she walked in and I lose it. "I don't know how to help them mom. Ryan won't stop crying and I'm scared for Paisley. What do I do mom?" "It's ok to cry baby, but you have to be strong for both of them. Everything will work out. You call if you need anything." Mom says before rounding up the kids and heading out the door.

About midnight, I finally make my way into the bedroom. I look over at the bed and notice that Ryan at least got up and showered at some point tonight. I decide to shower as well and get the hospital smell off of me. I finish my shower and quietly slide some shorts on before crawling in bed. Ryan rolls over and cuddles into me. "I love you." She whispers as she kisses my chest. "I love you too." I barely get out before I fall asleep.