“Hi mom,” I say when she steps forward. She comes around to the side of the bed and pulls me into a hug. I refuse to move, not ready to let go of Eden yet.
“I’m so proud of you sweetheart. She’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” my voice breaks. Her approval means so much to me. After everything I’ve been through I know she never thought she’d see this day. But it’s here and she’s a grandma. Mom wipes her tears and steps away, allowing Brigette a moment with us.
“I want both the grandmas to have a photo taken with you and Eden,” Jimmy says as he leaves my side.
“Jimmy, I look like crap,” I whine.
“Nonsense, Jenna. You’re a new mom. There’s nothing more beautiful about that,” my mom says.
“I agree,” Jimmy says as his mom and mine each take a spot next to Eden and me. Each mom places a hand on Eden as I hold her up for Jimmy to take a picture.
“Say “cheese” my favourite ladies.”
I smile big enough that my cheeks hurt. I know how much this picture will mean to Jimmy and to me.
AFTER one night in the hospital I’m ready to go home. My bag is packed thanks to my mom. Eden is dressed, thanks to her dad, and ready to make her public debut. I was worried about the press, but thankfully none of the nurses called anyone so we’ll be able to introduce Eden when we’re ready.
Jimmy, of course, says she’s ready now. I swear we should’ve had a boy. He has her dressed in a 4225 West baby outfit, custom made, and her dark hair is spiked… with a pink ribbon. I gave him props for the ribbon.
I sit down in the wheelchair, holding Eden in her car seat on my lap. Harrison gave Jimmy an hour’s long lesson on how to install the base in the back of the car. Jimmy says he has it mastered. This, I’m going to have to trust him on. The moms have already taken the copious amounts of flowers and gifts we received home. Everyone will be there for Eden’s homecoming and as much as I’d love to sleep, it won’t happen at least for the next few hours.
He wheels us out, saying good-bye to the nursing staff as we pass. I think in the day and half that we’ve been here, he’s charmed each and every one of them. Typical Jimmy.
The sliding glass doors open. I cover my eyes from the penetrating sun. I make sure Eden’s blanket is over her carrier to block the sunlight. The last thing I want is a sick baby so soon. The car is all ready, having been brought around by valet. Valet in a hospital, who knew?
Jimmy takes Eden from me and places her in the backseat. He helps me from the wheelchair and guides me to the back. I told him that I want to be close to her. I want to watch her take her first car ride. I want to be the first person that she sees when she opens her eyes.
He drives away and though I would have expected him to drive like an eighty-year old man, I was sadly mistaken. Jimmy’s Jimmy, and not everything will change overnight.
The trees in front of our house are decorated with pink ribbons and balloons. The cars belonging to our friends line the street. My heart beats with anticipation of Eden making her grand appearance. I can’t imagine all new babies do this, but Eden just isn’t any baby, she’s Jimmy’s and he does things to the tenth degree.
Jimmy pulls into our driveway and shuts off the car. He runs around the front to the backdoor, pulling it open. He helps me out before leaning in and unhooking Eden’s car seat. He holds the carrier in one hand and my hand in his other. I kick the car door closed with my foot and smile at my family as we walk toward our party.
“Well, isn’t this special.”
My blood turns cold at the sound of Damien’s voice. I don’t dare turn around and face him because if I do, he’ll be real. I eye Jimmy and Eden and the backyard wondering how they can escape. Damien wants me, not them.
“Turn around, Jenna.”
I close my eyes and let the tears fall. My life is over. I’ll never see her first birthday. I’ll never see her dress for prom or watch her walk across the stage for graduation. I won’t be there when she has her first boyfriend and her first heartbreak. I squeeze Jimmy’s hand tightly.
“Don’t,” he says, quietly.
“I have to.” I turn slowly and face the man who made it possible for me to stand here today. Yes, he was my husband, but he took his vows to the extreme and beat me. If he hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be here right now.
“Is that your baby? Humph, at least you’re not as fat now.”
I wish I could say no, but it’s obvious. I still have a pouch and my daughter is being held by her father right now.
“You know I thought I killed that man you’ve been allowing to violate your body, but I guess I didn’t do a good enough job.”
I face Damien, waiting for him to deliver my punishment.
“What do you want, Damien?”
“You. I told you that I wanted you back, but you didn’t believe me. You went and married this piece of shit and allowed him to do things to you. Things that you said you’d only do with me. You let him taint your body and now you’ve bore him a bastard.”