Ship to Wreck

33

Christian looked out to the early August sunrise, his beautiful daughter snoozing on his chest. He'd never been happier. His heart was so full... Athena was feeling better. His daughter was finally in newborn clothes. He was doing better at the plate.

He had everything. For once in his life, he was genuinely happy and woke up every morning next to the love of his life.

It was pure bliss, and he never wanted it to end.

Hey bud. Sadie and I are roughly 20 minutes out. Can't wait to see Indy!

Moose. He was watching Sadie lady while he and Athena got acclimated to life with a baby, and Athena just told him to bring her back. He was getting his third girl back.

***

"Oh miss Indy. Wait until you meet your big sister. You're going to love her," Christian smiled and held Indy close to his chest.

He headed towards the door, smiling at Athena where she was sleeping soundly on the couch.

"Hey. Shhh, Thenes is asleep," Christian smiled and gently pet Sadie. "Hi princess pup," he grinned and accepted her kisses. "I missed you."

Sadie yipped, carefully sniffing Indigo's diapered bum.

"That's your sister Indy. You're in charge of protecting her. For as long as you can," Christian whispered, letting the pup sniff Indy's hand. "Then, when you can't protect her any longer, it'll be her turn to protect you."

Sadie cocked her head, one of her ears flopped upwards.

"You're already her best friend," he smiled, loving on the pup he and Athena shared. "Go tell mama you love her. Be gentle," he whispered and kissed her snout.

This was what life... what love was about. These moments would be the ones he remembered. Not the pain. Not the fear or disappointment. The love and time spent with his girls.

***

Christian smiled as Athena finally got Indigo to latch, his heart swelling at the sight before him. "Oh my god, Thenes. Look at that. You're such a good mom," he whispered, sitting next to her on the couch and gently taking her hand. "Thank you so, so much."

Athena frowned a bit at Christian, the exhaustion written plainly on her face. She knew that childbirth and the newborn stage were going to be exhausting, but she wasn't expecting this. Her body was in constant pain, the stitches surrounding her most sensitive area both itchy and tender.

And she was so tired. It amazed her that Christian was able to go play baseball most nights. Most diaper changes were him, and most feedings were as well. Her milk took almost a week to come in, and then a few days were spent fussing with Indigo's latch.

Her lactation consultant assured her that it was normal for preterm babies, but Athena couldn't help but feel tremendously guilty. Her body was failing her. One of its most primal actions, and it was failing miserably.

It didn't fill her with pride that Indigo finally latched. Instead, it was a complex mix of relief, anxiety, and anger.

"I was thinking," Christian said softly, drawing Athena's attention back to her doting boyfriend.

"Oh, that's dangerous," Athena smirked playfully, her heart warming as Indy looked at her with such admiration and love. She could feel their bond strengthening already.

"Shush. What if your dad visited? He could meet Indy? Maybe him and I can spend time with her while you get some sleep? You're exhausted, my love. I hate it. I need you to sleep," Christian said softly, the sight of the woman of his dreams feeding their daughter so wonderfully was enough to get his chest warming.