A Baby Changes Everything

Messed Up Family

Greer was lying back against the pillows while Hudson sat next to the bed holding Presley.  Grace came in the room with Clara and Ethan.  Clara asked, "Can I see her?  I've been waiting forever."

Hudson chuckled and looked at Greer.  Greer nodded and he handed her over.  Clara gasped and told them, "She is so perfect.  I can't wait to spoil her.  All the pink and glittery things are going to be hers."

Hudson told her, "Chill.  There is plenty of time for that.  Now isn't she the best.  I can't wait to get her home."

"Let me know how and whenever I can help."

Ethan said, "Okay.  My turn to meet my beautiful granddaughter."  Presley was handed over to him.  He fawned over her like any proud new grandpa with Grace at his side doing the same.

Greer yawned.  Hudson said, "Okay.  I think Greer needs some rest.  I think it's time for us to get out of her face.  I'm sure the nurse will be happy to take her to the nursery for a while."

Greer's eyes got big and said, "Please don't leave me."

Hudson grabbed her hand and told her, "I'll stay if you want me too."

"Please.  The nurse is supposed to come back and help me breastfeed.  This place freaks me out.  I am afraid that I am going to mess Presley up if I am the only one that stays with her here."

"That is not going to happen.  You are her mom.  Everything is going to be fine.  She'll be obsessed with you and I'll be trying to steal time with her.  I'll be more than happy to stay with the two of you though.  I don't want you to be upset."

"Thank you."

Ethan, Grace and Clara hugged the two of them and left.

Greer told him, "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have begged you to stay.  You can go home if you want to.  I'll be okay."

Hudson told her, "I don't think so.  I'm not leaving you now.  I would love more time with my best friend and our baby.  Greer, I can't get over how awesome you were.  You did so awesome.  Presley is perfect.  I can't stop looking at her."

"I know what you mean.  She is beautiful.  I think she is going to look just like you."

"I don't think so.  I think it is going to be all of you."

The nurse came in and asked, "Are you ready to try breastfeeding?"

Greer took Presley from Hudson and held her to her chest.  Hudson asked, "Umm...  Do you want me to step out?"

"No.  Of course not.  This is your baby.  This is how she eats."

"I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I just have to get used to it.  It's all about what is best for her."

The nurse said, "Dad, mom may need some help with this when she gets home.  The first few weeks are difficult for mom and baby."

Hudson said, "I'll do everything that I can to help."

The nurse sat with them for forty-five minutes while they learned what they needed to about breastfeeding and making sure that Presley had everything that she needed when it came to eating.

Hudson sat and watched once Presley was latched.  He said, "I don't know how you can do that.  You are her food supply.  She is going to live because of you.  That is amazing."

"You are such a new dad.  She is going to depend on you just as much as me."

"That's a nice thought.  Can I burp her?  I just want to do something to help."

"That would be great."

Hudson took her in his arms and kissed her head.  He said, "Okay sweet girl.  Give daddy the best burp ever.  I want to make sure that you are happy and healthy.  I love you so much sweet girl.  I can't wait to get you and mommy home.  Then I'll have some time with you before we start college."

"Before daddy starts college."

"Nope.  Both of us.  We will figure it, but we are going to college.  You have such a bright future ahead of you.  I know it isn't going to be easy, but that is why we are co-parenting.  We'll take the slack between the two of.  Plus mom, dad and Clara will kill me if I go to college and you stay home to be with her all the time."

"I don't know..."

"Please.  You have wanted to be a counselor for so long.  I can't keep you from that."

"Thank you.  It wouldn't hurt to apply I guess."

"Well, you may not like me for this, but I applied for you.  You got in with a full ride and free daycare."

"What?"

"Yeah.  I couldn't bear you putting off your life because I messed up.  I just want you to make sure that you take care of yourself and your dreams, too."

"Wow."

"Yeah.  We both got in with full scholarships.  We can get Presley into the daycare if we need to, or we can plan our classes to where one of us is always with her.  Whatever we need to do to make this work."

"We still have time for that."

"Okay.  I think we can manage that.  Hud, I didn't know what I would do without you."

"You wouldn't have a baby, but I can't say that I'm disappointed that she is here.  I already feel like I have a new purpose in life."

"I know what you mean.  So do I.  I can't wait to see the person that she grows up to be.  I just don't want to screw her up."

"I'm sure we are going to make mistakes, but we are in this together.  We will make decisions together.  We will make sure that we do the very best that we can for Presley."

"I look forward to that."

"Good.  Now I'm going to put this girl in the bassinet and we are going to try to get some sleep before she needs us again.  I'm going to be up when you are up.  I'm going to be hands on and help you in any way that I can."

Greer smiled and burrowed down into the sheets.  She couldn't stop looking at Hudson.  The two of them smiled at each other as they went to sleep.