Once the doctor and nurse Jackie leave, I call Abby to give her the news. She jumped in her car when we called her and is already at Lucy’s grandfather’s house. Together they decide to stay put and come to the hospital in the morning while we try to get some rest.

Lucy is asleep before I hang up, the gentle sound of her breath a whisper beside the beeping of the monitors. With my phone still in my hand, I open my camera app and take a picture of her sleeping. The wonders of modern medicine, it’s crazy she’s able to sleep while in labor. Then I call Rissa and when I get her voicemail, leave her a message to let her know what’s going on.

Setting my phone beside me, I recline my chair and try to get comfortable. It’s better than a hard plastic chair, but I’m a big guy and even though I try, it’s impossible. The recliner isn’t the only thing keeping me from sleep, the beeping, and noise from the hallway doesn’t help. There’s a chance even in a dark and quiet room my nerves would kick in to keep me up anyway.

I don’t mind. Watching her sleep is loads better than watching her struggle with the pain of her contractions. At some point, I doze. My eyes open each time one of the nurses peeks into the room. Quietly they check the monitors before leaving without disturbing Lucy.

It’s not until Lucy wakes up on her own that they do a full exam.

Jackie beams. “It’ll be time to push soon. Your water broke. Stay put. I’ll get another nurse in here and we’ll change your sheets.”

That has Lucy sitting up. “Really?”

Jackie nods. “It must have happened while you were resting. Dr. Ormound will be in to take a look. She’ll decide if it’s time to push.”

We have only a moment to stare at each other before the small room fills with extra bodies. They make quick work of changing out the lower sheets on Lucy’s bed, with her still in it. All she had to do was lift up for a second while they did it.

As soon as they’re done, Dr. Ormound does her exam with Jackie staying behind to assist.

Her gaze goes to Lucy as soon as she’s done. “Are you ready to have a baby?”

Lucy presses her hands to her chest, her face lighting up the entire room. “Yes.”

The mood of the room changes, her excitement contagious. Moving beside her, I take her hand in mine and press my lips to her temple. Her fingers clutch mine.

There are two nurses assisting Dr. Ormound now. Jackie stands behind the doctor, off to one side, while the other nurse stands beside Lucy’s bed on the other side.

“It’ll help her if you hold her leg up like this,” the other nurse instructs me.

Locking eyes with Lucy, I wait for her to nod her okay before I mirror what the nurse is doing. My eyes stay focused on Lucy as Dr. Ormound explains how to push even though the epidural has her numb from the waist down. Since she can’t feel anything, she could think she’s pushing even though she’s not.

Lucy nods in understanding.

Dr. Ormound gets settled between her legs and says, “We’re going to use your contractions to tell us when to push. Nurse Jackie will watch the monitor and let you know when to start.”

It must be a reflex, but Lucy and I both turn to look at the machine that has been monitoring her contractions.

When the next one starts, Jackie says, “Okay Lucy, let’s push for ten seconds. Try and give me a good hard push. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.”

Lucy sags back, inhaling deeply. “Was that good?”

Jackie nods. “You did great, just remember to breathe while I’m counting. Take a couple of good breaths right now and let’s try and push for another ten seconds.”

My thumb brushes across her skin. “You’re doing so good Lucy.”

With a determined nod, she leans forward and starts pushing again while Jackie counts backward from ten. From the way she’s exerting herself, it’s clear now why they made a big deal about her getting rest last night. No one has said how long she may need to push before the baby comes.

Her contraction ends and we all take a moment to breathe. For some reason I keep holding mine whenever nurse Jackie starts counting.

One contraction after another comes with more pushing for Lucy. Already prone to blush, her face gets red each time she strains.

Noah tried to warn me I’d feel helpless in here, watching and waiting while Lucy has to do all of the heavy lifting all by herself. I wish I could do something, help in some way.

“Keep breathing Lucy. You’re doing amazing,” I say.

Her eyes squeeze shut as she pushes with all of her might. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, even more so now because I get to witness her become a mother.

The contraction ends and Lucy falls back against her pillow.

Dr. Ormound looks up to catch her gaze. “You are doing great Lucy. I can see the baby’s head so we should only need a few more good pushes.”

Lucy blinks, exhausted from all of her pushing.

A chorus of encouragement comes from the nurses. “You’re pushing like a champ. Fantastic job Lucy.”

I add my voice to theirs. “You’ve got this Lucy.”

Shifting her leg to hold it with one arm, I offer her my free hand. She doesn’t hesitate, sliding her palm against mine.

Leaning down, I press my lips to the back of her hand. “I’m so proud of you Lucy. You’re doing amazing and I love you so much.”

Her eyes glisten as she squeezes my hand. “I love you too.”

Another contraction starts, meaning it’s time for her to push again. Keeping my gaze on her, I watch as she leans forward, her face pinching as she pushes while Jackie counts.

“The baby is crowning,” Dr. Ormound says.

Shifting my attention, I look to see the top of a tiny head. It’s absolutely incredible. I’m awestruck in being a part of this moment and getting to be here for her while the baby is being born.

Jackie keeps her eyes on Lucy. “All right Lucy. We’re going see if the next contraction will do the work for you to deliver the baby’s head. You’re doing perfect. You did such a good job, just keep breathing. Okay?”

“Okay,” Lucy quietly replies.

We checked in close to twelve hours ago. Why does it suddenly seem like everything is moving too fast?

The room goes silent as we all listen for the contraction monitor to start beeping. When it does, I squeeze Lucy’s hand and watch Dr. Ormound deliver the baby’s head.

Swinging my head back to Lucy, I say. “I can see the baby’s head.”

Her eyes widen.

Before I can say anything else, Nurse Jackie says, “Okay, time to push again.”

My attention is split between Lucy as she again leans forward, pushing with everything she has, to Dr. Ormound as she cradles the baby’s head and angles one shoulder, and then the other out. As soon as both shoulders are out, there is no resistance for the rest of the baby.

She stands, baby in her arms. “Congratulations! It’s a girl.”

A daughter, I have a daughter. My gaze is locked on the baby. Why isn’t she making any noise? Is she okay? Before my concern multiplies into panic, she lets out a throaty cry. I choke out a laugh, grateful she sounds all right.

Dr. Ormound looks at me. “Would you like to cut the cord, Dad?”

The cord? We never talked about cutting the cord. My brows shoot up as my eyes move to Lucy. With an exhausted smile she answers my unspoken question with a nod.

Okay. I can do this. I nod back to reassure her. She’s done the hard part. Dr. Ormound motions for me to come closer before passing me a pair of strange looking scissors. “Cut here, between the two clamps.”

A brief spell of lightheadedness hits me until I shake my head, and it away. Then I use the medical scissors to cut the cord before passing them back to Dr. Ormound.

Tears sting my eyes as she passes the baby to Jackie’s waiting arms. Jackie wipes the baby off before wrapping her in a blanket and carrying her over to the counter on the other side of the room.

She passes her to the other nurse and focuses back on Lucy. “You did great. Now, all I need is one last push to deliver the afterbirth.”

If I hadn’t read the baby book, I would have no idea what she was talking about. Thankfully, I’m not in the dark.

I move closer to Lucy and take her hand, kissing the back of it. “One more push sweetheart.”

She pushed for hours and it’s plain to see she’s struggling to find the energy to push again.

I push her hair away from her face. “You’re almost done.”

She sucks in a breath, and then leans forward, her face tensing as she pushes.

I keep my eyes on her face.

“Great job Lucy. You’re all done pushing.”

Lucy’s eyes pop open, relief washing over her features as she slumps back against her pillow.

Dr. Ormound lifts her head. “Now, I need you to stay still for a bit. There was some tearing so you need a couple stitches.”

My jaw slackens. Tearing?

Lucy’s eyes are as wide as I imagine mine are right now. “I tore? Down there?”

Her questions are clearly for my ears only because of how quietly she asked them. I cringe. Honestly, I have no idea of how else to reply.

Our attention shifts when Jackie returns with the baby. “Are you ready to meet your little girl?”

Lucy’s eyes well with tears as she stretches out her arms. Jackie lays the baby gently on Lucy’s chest. Lucy’s arms fold around her precious bundle as she presses her lips to the top of the baby’s head. Crouching down until I’m eye level with the baby, I stare at her in wonder.

She’s pink, with a small tuft of dark hair, and puckering little rosebud lips. “She’s beautiful.”

Jackie stands behind me and rests her hand on my shoulder. “She sure is, and a good size too. She’s 7lbs 7ounces, and 21 inches long.”

Lucy looks at me. “She’s here.”

I move my hand over the baby’s head. “She is. You were amazing.”

“Dad, give me your phone and I’ll take a few pictures of all of you together.”

I reach into my pocket and pass it to her. As soon as I get it back, I’ll have to start making phone calls to let everyone know Mom and baby are doing great.

We pose for a few pictures and then at Lucy’s request, I get pictures of the baby with the nurses and Dr. Ormound.

After her picture is done, Jackie brings in a wheelchair. “Time to change rooms to one closer to the nursery.

I hold the baby and stand with my back turned while Jackie helps Lucy change gowns and get into the chair. Then once she’s settled, I carefully turn back and transfer the baby back into her arms.

“Have you guys decided on a name?” Jackie asks as she pushes the wheelchair, taking us to Lucy’s new room.

Lucy looks at me. “Zoey?”

I nod. “It suits her.”

Jackie pauses her pushing to lean over the back of the chair. “Hello little miss Zoey.”

Lucy beams up at her.

Abby and Mr. Olson are waiting for us when we get there.

“Congratulations,” Abby claps, rocking back and forth on her heels.

“Grandpa,” Lucy says, tears running down her cheeks.

He wipes at his eyes. “This is a happy occasion. What’re you crying for Lulu?”

She laughs. “I guess I’m crying because I’m happy.”

I hold the baby while Jackie and Abby help her out of her chair and onto the bed. Mr. Olson comes to stand next to me and inspect the baby.

Looking back at Lucy, he jokes, “She sure is cute. Are you sure they gave you the right one?”

Even sitting, Lucy plants her hands on her hips. “Hey now.”

Jackie leaves but quickly returns with another nurse. “This is Breana. She’ll be your day nurse while you’re here. It was a pleasure getting to help you. Congratulations Mom and Dad.”

Neither Mr. Olson or Abby bat an eyelash at her calling me dad.

She comes closer to the baby. “Bye Zoey. It was so nice meeting you. Be good for your parents.”

“Zoey?” Mr. Olson asks, looking at Lucy.

When she nods, he wipes at his eyes again. “That was my mother’s name.”

Lucy smiles broadly. “Where do you think I got it from?”

We all wave goodbye to Jackie as we thank her.

Once she’s gone, Breana moves to stand beside Lucy. “Would you like me to bring Zoey to the nursery for a bit or wait an hour?”

Lucy presses her hands to her chest. “Could we wait an hour?”

Breana smiles warmly. “Of course. When I come back, would you like our lactation consultant to meet with you?”

I’m not exactly sure what that is but I do remember Noah saying Finley met with one so I’m not surprised when Lucy says, “Could I meet with the consultant sooner than that? I’d like to try and breastfeed as soon as possible.”

Breana nods. “Absolutely. Let me see if she’s available now.”

As soon as she leaves the room, Lucy says, “If either of you want to hold the baby, now would be a good time.”

Mr. Olson shakes his head. “I’ll wait until she’s a bit sturdier before I hold her.”

“You’re not going to break her,” Lucy argues.

He shakes his head. “Let Abby have a turn. She’s been looking forward to holding the baby since last night.”

My sister tries her best to look innocent and happily accepts Zoey when I shift her into Abby’s arms.

Staring down at the baby, Abby whispers, “You are the sweetest little thing I’ve ever seen.”

Mr. Olson stands beside her and touches Zoey’s cheek with his fingertip. “You’ll be wanting one of your own soon, now won’t you?”

Abby blanches and stutters, “We have plenty of time.”

I guess that answers the question on how baby crazy she is.

Claiming the seat beside Lucy, I reach for her hand. “How are you doing?”

She shifts to her side and grimaces. “The epidural has definitely worn off. Jackie warned me I’d be cramping like crazy and she was not lying. Other than that, and needing a nap, I’m doing okay. How are you?”

My thumb brushes across the top of her hand. “You were such a champ in there.” She blushes but I keep going. “I’m serious. If I wasn’t already in love with you, watching the way you powered through would have done it. You were amazing.”

She ducks her head. “I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”

There’s a knock before nurse Breana and another woman come into the room. “This is our lactation consultant. Her name is Song Ha.”

Song Ha waves. “Hello Lucy. I understand you’d like to breastfeed your baby. I would love to help you with that.”

Mr. Olson blushes. “We should probably be getting out of your hair. I will stop by again tomorrow for another visit after I pick up your folks from the airport.”

Lucy’s mouth drops open before she says, “Oh crap. We didn’t call them. Gid, will you call her?”

Abby chuckles as she sets Zoey into Lucy’s arms. “I’m sure they know you’ve got your hands full, literally.”

Lucy looks up at her. “You don’t know my mom.”

Mr. Olson moves around Abby to pat Lucy on her shoulder. “Your mother will be fine. I promise. Now, let me give you both a kiss before I leave.”

I stand and meet him at the end of the bed. “No kiss for me?”

He shakes his head. “You’re not pretty enough for a kiss. All you get is a handshake.”

Shrugging, I say, “Not even a hug?”

He mutters something about me being a flirt before giving me a back thumping hug. Abby is on his heels and kisses my cheek quickly before following him out the door.

Rubbing my back, I turn back to Lucy. “I should have stuck with the handshake.”

Lucy looks down at Zoey. “Did your great grandpa beat up Daddy?”

Zing. An arrow right in my chest. That’s what Lucy calling me Daddy to our baby does to me.

As they get Lucy ready to breastfeed the baby, I look away.

Until she says, “Gid, come sit with me.”

Not one to tell her no, I go to them. Song Ha shows Lucy a comfortable way to set up her breastfeeding pillow and rest the baby on top of it. Once the baby is there, she has Lucy uncover one of her breasts and walks her through getting Zoey to latch on.

When Zoey does latch on after only a minute of trying, both Lucy and I jump in surprise.

“Is she drinking?” I ask.

Lucy nods. “I think so. It feels weird.”

Song Ha laughs. “That’s how most new moms describe it. Why don’t we try the other side?”

Lucy’s brows come together. “Shouldn’t I let her finish first?”

Song Ha demonstrates how to break the suction. “Sure, after I leave, but while I’m here we should make sure you have no issues getting her to latch on with either side.”

Zoey starts fussing as soon as she stops feeding. I can’t blame her, I don’t enjoy having someone interrupt me while I’m eating either. Once she’s offered Lucy’s other breast, she latches on just as easily.

Song Ha steps back. “She’s a natural. After fifteen minutes of that side, try switching her again.”

As soon as Breana and Song Ha leave, I look at Lucy. “Did you hear that? Our baby is a natural.”

If only everything else turned out to be as easy.