“Of course he’s real,” I laughed. “What did you think had been growing inside me the last nine months?”
He chuckled. “It doesn’t seem like this should be possible…that he’s ours.”
“He is one-hundred percent ours. Crying, screaming, and dirty diapers included,” I smiled up at him.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“Thank you? For what?” My brows furrowed together in puzzlement.
“For giving me this gift,” he ran a finger over the curve of the baby’s cheek. “He’s perfect.”
“I have to agree with you there,” I smiled as the baby yawned. I was sure there had never been a cuter baby. His eyes closed and he opened his mouth in a small yawn. I didn’t want to let go of the baby, but I knew Trace deserved to hold his son. “Here, take him,” I held my arms out so he could take the baby. Family would be arriving soon to meet the baby and I wanted Trace to have time with him first.
The baby looked so small in Trace’s large hands. He stood, rocking the baby in his arms. Slowly, he lifted the baby up and leaned his forehead against our newborn son’s.
“Hey buddy, I’m your daddy,” he whispered to the sleeping baby. “I’m new at all this so you’ll have to bear with me,” he continued. “But I want you to know I love you and I’ll always protect you. No one will ever hurt you.” He kissed the baby’s nose and murmured, “I love you, Dean.”
Tears welled in my eyes once more as I watched Trace with Dean. My son had the best dad in the world, I was sure of that.
Cradling Dean in his arms like a small football, Trace grinned. “Well, what are we going to do now?” His eyes strayed back to Dean, then to me again as he waited for me to answer.
I thought for a moment before answering, smiling at my husband and newborn son. I had everything I wanted right in front of me, so in my eyes there was only one answer.
“Anything we want.”
THE END