yellow - grayson dolan | © 2018

Thirty-Three

*3 months later*

Everleigh came two months earlier than her original due date. She was supposed to come on May twenty-fifth, but she came two nights ago.

Unlike with Daniel, we have to stay in the hospital for a week or so. Everleigh is extremely premature. She only weighs four pounds three ounces.

Right now Grayson and I are outside of the NICU looking at Everleigh. He was holding my hand and telling me everything was going to be alright. The doctors told us she was having problems with breathing.

"Lauren listen to me." Grayson hugged me. As soon as he hugged me, I started balling.

"Shhh." He rubbed my back and kissed my forehead, "It's going to be alright baby, I promise."

"How are you staying so calm?" I sobbed.

"Because I know our angel is going to be alright." He looked into my eyes. I sniffled and stuck my head in the crook of his neck.

"I love you so much Lauren."

"I love you too."

***

*a week later*

The doctors allowed Everleigh to come home today. They got her breathing corrected and made sure nothing else would happen. I sat in the nursery in our new house cradling her in my arms.

"My angel." I whispered looking into her sleepy eyes. She cracked a small smile and I felt my eyes well up.

"I love you." I kissed her forehead and took her into Grayson and I's room. I laid her in the bassinet and swaddled her. I sat back down on the bed once she was finally asleep and got on my phone. I saw I had a text from Jess.

Jess: Long time no talk. :(

Me: I know, I've been extremely busy. How are you?

Jess: I'm okay. You?

Me: I've been better, but Everleigh is perfect.

Jess: Good, can I come see her?

Me: Of course. Are you coming now or later?

Jess: Is now fine?

Me: Of course. See you soon. <3

Jess: You too babe, what's your new address?

Me: *insert random address because i'm uncreative*

Jess: Ok I'll be there in a few. Love you. <3

***

As I waited for Jess, I went into Daniel's room and brought him into the living room. I put him in his playpen and turned on the tv. I then got Everleigh and sat on the couch with her in my lap.

After a few minutes, I heard a knock at the door. I got up and set Everleigh in her bouncer. I opened the door and saw Jess standing there with a huge smile.

"Jess!" I hugged her.

"Lauren oh my God!" She practically screamed.

"Come in." I smiled. She walked in and stood in the walkway.

"Wow." She gazed in awe.

"What?"

"This house is gorgeous!"

"Thank you." I chuckled.

"Where's your baby daddy?" She asked.

"He's at work." I laughed. "I'm obviously on maternity leave, so I'm off."

"Cool, my boss let me have the day off." She laughed and continued to gaze around.

"So?"

"What?" She looked at me.

"Do you want to see the babies?"

"Well yeah!" I then lead her into the living room and she practically bolted over to Everleigh.

"Hi gorgeous!" She picked her up.

"Be gentle Jess." I laughed.

"I am." She rolled her eyes and laughed. I picked up Daniel out of his playpen and held him in one of my arms.

"Dang, you're a mom of two now." She chuckled, "And you're only twenty-one."

"I know, where the hell did the time go?" I sighed with a chuckle.

"She looks so much like Em." Jess whispered.

"I like to think it is Em, watching over us. Like our guardian angel, she would've loved a little girl" My heart pulsed. She had Emily's sharp blue eyes, Emily's nose, every feature about her reminded me of Emily.

***

a/n: sorry for all the time skips.