Page 154 of Played
"Do you think it's a boy or girl?" I ask for the millionth time.
Julian squeezes my hand. "Does it matter?"
"No. But I'm dying to know."
We stopped at the gift shop—a cramped little space crammed with balloons, stuffed animals, and wilting flowers. I grab a bouquet of yellow roses and white daisies. Cheerful but generic.
When we finally reach room 412, I knock softly before pushing the door open.
The room explodes with warmth and noise.
Caine stands by the window, all six-foot-two of him looking exhausted but radiant. Reeves sits in a chair near the bed, Liam perched on his lap, eyes wide with curiosity. Jenna's friend Clara hovers near the foot of the bed, phone in hand, probably snapping a thousand photos.
And Jenna.
My breath catches.
She's propped up in bed, hair messy, face glowing despite the obvious exhaustion. In her arms, wrapped in a soft pink blanket, is the tiniest, most perfect baby I've ever seen. A little pink beanie sits crooked on her head.
A girl.
"Oh my God," I whisper.
I want to cry. I seriously am going to cry.
I swallow, holding the tears in.
Jenna looks up, and her smile could light the entire hospital. "Get over here."
I cross the room in three steps, Julian close behind me. I set the flowers on the side table, then lean in, peering at the tiny scrunched face.
"She's beautiful, Jenna. Absolutely beautiful."
"Right?" Jenna's voice cracks. "I can't stop staring at her."
"What's her name?"
Jenna looks at Caine, who nods. "Elora."
"Elora." I repeat it softly, testing the weight of it. "That's stunning. Really."
The baby yawns, a miniature, perfect little yawn, and my chest squeezes so tight I can barely breathe.
My eyes are watering.
I'm determined not to cry.
This.
I want this.
The realization hits me like a wave—gentle but undeniable.
I glance over my shoulder. Julian's watching me, dark eyes soft, a small smile playing at his lips.
He knows.
Of course he knows.
