Page 107 of A Simple Mistake
“We need to get this little one cleaned up and do a few standard tests,” the nurse says. “I promise to bring her back as soon as possible.”
“Okay,” Charli mutters, sniffling.
The nurse whisks away our daughter, and I use my gown sleeve to wipe Charli’s tears away. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” I whisper.
“I didn’t do anything. I’m just lying here, strapped to a table,” she insists with a chuckle.
“You grew that incredible girl in your body. Don’t ever tell me you didn’t do anything. You just endured a major surgery, and you’ll spend your recovery taking care of an infant. You’re a fucking superhero.”
She smiles and shakes her head. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you,” I whisper, choked up on my own emotions. I let a few tears slip from my eyes, and don’t even bother to wipe them away. This moment is everything, and I’m not embarrassed to feel the weight of the emotions.
“Daddy, would you like to hold your daughter?”
I turn as the nurse approaches and places the wrinkly bundle in my arms. I want nothing more than Charli to hold her first, but I know that’s not possible right now. So, I keep her close, making sure the woman I love has a direct line of sight on our beautiful baby.
“She looks like a June.”
I can’t help but grin. “She does. My little June Bug.”
“June Elizabeth Garrison. She’s perfect,” Charli says. “I wish I could take a photo right now.”
“Let me,” the nurse says, taking the phone from my hand and snapping several first family pictures.
“I love you,” I repeat, holding her gaze before lowering my lips to hers.
Life doesn’t get any better than this.
The End
