Noah pulled my body closer to his. “Colt was telling me about his Grams and Gramps. He said he’d never seen two people so in love after so many years together.”
“I think that’s what keeps them going so strong. Their love for each other. I would dare to say that when they do pass on . . . they’ll probably go together. I couldn’t imagine either one of them being happy without the other.”
Noah took his finger and placed it on my chin as he brought my lips to his. “That’s a forever love.”
Whispering, I smiled and said, “Yes it is.”
Hearing Taylor let out a gasp, I looked over toward the doors and saw Gunner standing there. Tears were streaming down his face as we all slowly stood up.
“No. Please, God no,” I said as I leaned my body into Noah’s.
Smiling a smile so big and bright, Gunner held up his hand as if he was asking for a moment. Ellie came walking out behind him, followed by Josh and Heather.
Heather took a step forward and said, “Bayli Elizabeth Hayes was born about fifteen minutes ago.”
Crying, I turned to Noah who held me tightly while Heather kept talking.
“She weighs four pounds one ounce and is seventeen inches long.”
Everyone erupted in cheers as they hugged the new grandparents.
Walking up to Ellie, I wiped my tears away as I said, “Ellie, is Alex okay?”
Taking me in her arms, Ellie cried as she said, “Yes! Oh sweetheart, Alex is doing amazing. Will is a little emotional, but I think he is okay.” Pulling back some, Ellie pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Bayli is in NICU, but Dr. Johnson thinks she’ll only be in there for a few days. The main thing is making sure she can breathe on her own and suck so she can eat.”
Closing my eyes, I thanked God for the answered prayers. Opening my eyes, I turned to Gunner as he held me close to him. I stood back and looked between the happy grandparents.
“Um . . . did they say what caused her water to break?”
Ellie shook her head. “It’s really hard to say. It was nothing Alex did. Stress might have led to it, but they aren’t sure. Sometimes these things just happen. Thankfully though, both Alex and Bayli are doing wonderfully.”
Noah wrapped his arm around my waist and said, “Looks like Bayli wanted to make today’s grand opening . . . grander!”
Everyone laughed and agreed as the mood in the waiting room shifted and sniffles were replaced with laughter.
“Alex stood outside the store front window of Wild Flowers and stared as she rocked Bayli back and forth in her arms.
Rolling my eyes, I said, “Jesus H. Christ, Alex. Bayli’s going to be ten by the time you decide if you like the display window or not!”
Alex giggled and handed me her four-month-old baby who had been sleeping in her arms. “Here, take Bayli and let me go change one thing. I want to see if moving that vase to the other side will balance the display more.”
Alex rushed back into the store and moved not only the vase, but at least ten other items as well.
Sighing, I walked with Bayli over to the small bench that sat outside our nursery. Sitting, I hummed as Bayli stretched and opened her eyes. Her big, beautiful blue eyes met mine and my heart melted on the spot. Just like it did every time I looked into her eyes.
“Hey, baby girl. Are you awake now that you’re not in Mommy’s arms?”
Bayli gave me a small smile and closed her eyes again as she quickly drifted back to sleep. Will said his daughter was sharp and I believed it. Even in her sleep, she knew something was different. She wasn’t in her momma’s arms, so she woke up to check it out.
I began humming again while I slowly rocked back and forth as I studied Bayli’s precious face.
I want one.
Wait. What?
Closing my eyes, I shook my head to clear my crazy thoughts. I can’t have a baby! What in the hell am I thinking? I’m getting married in two weeks, I’m part owner of a successful business; I don’t have time for a baby.
Glancing back at the window, I watched as Alex stood in front of the window and looked at all her changes.