After you were born

4-Tessa

It's been two days since I had given birth to Emery.
Given birth. That still sounds and seems so unreal to me. I should've already gone home yesterday but Hardin, being Hardin, argued with the doctor to have him let me stay longer just to be safe.
I've already packed my things and am ready to go but Hardin still isn't here, he's been spending half his day with me and the other half in the nursery with our daughter.
"Morning miss Young, how are you feeling?" The nurse handed me my discharge papers.
"I'm great, thank you...still a bit tired but that's not a big deal, are those my discharge papers?"
"Yes, all you have to do is fill them out and then you are clear to go." The nurses and doctors here have been so friendly, it's weird to say but I think I might even miss them a bit when I'm home.
Home. Just thinking of going back to our cozy apartment with our newborn baby puts a smile on my face, especially because the food here has been awful. I always thought people were so over dramatic talking about how bad hospital food is but it's true, I couldn't take another day of pudding and meatloaf.
I quickly filled out my papers, signed them and handed the stack of forms back to my nurse.
"Well then miss Young, I wish you the best with that beautiful baby of yours."
"Thank you, for everything."
Now, If only Hardin would finally come.
And just as the thought crosses my mind the door opens.
Hardin walks in with our baby in his ours, I slightly tilt my head to the side and grin. I don't know who is more adorable, him or Emery.
„I didn't think it was possible for someone to look this hot two days after going into labor." He really has changed so much, he's surprisingly handling the fact that we are new parents now better that I am but that's not exactly hard considering the fact that I am completely terrified.

„You ready to go baby, I set up the car seat already and we're just waiting for you."
"You do know you'll need a new car since you're a dad now, how does a Volkswagen sound?"
"Yeah, sure, my name isn't Landon. My car stays."
I knew he would say that and honestly, I'm happy he did. I love that car and was just messing with him.

"Can we go already? The nurses here are getting on my nerves, circling like a couple of hungry hyenas. He's true but that happens everywhere we go. Hardin still gets every woman's attention but in comparison to back then, it doesn't bother me. I know he is mine and he knows I am his.

After we reach the car Hardin tries to put Emery in her car seat.
"How is this supposed to work? Is this made to keep her safe or strangle her?" He fumbles around with the straps and buckles, insisting on doing it himself.
"Babe, just let me do it."
After about 20 minute of him hopelessly trying he finally lets me steps aside and I buckle Emery in.

"Where are we going?" We've been driving for 20 minutes now and not to mention in the completely wrong direction from home.
"Home, like I told you the other fifteen times you asked. You ask too many questions still, Tess."
"I wouldn't have to ask so many questions if you would just tell me what I want to know."
"Oh but what's the fun of that." The father of my child smirks and I can see how amused he is that he can still get under my skin.

Okay, it has been about an hour and a half since we left the hospital. There was some traffic to be fair but still, where is Hardin taking us? It looks like the Upper East Side.
We pull up in front of a row of townhouses.
"Hardin, you could've at least told me you were planning on visiting someone. I would've done my hair."
He looks over, smiles and gets out, what's wrong with this man? Emery is pretty much sound asleep as Hardin gently takes her out.
I open my car door and follow the love of my life down the more than just wealthy street full of beautiful buildings.
"I told those idiots to park somewhere else so that I could have a good parking spot." He criticizes under
his breath but I can still hear him.
Suddenly, Hardin stops. It's beautiful, in front of us stands a tall, creme colored towering townhouse.