“I do,” I say, not bothering to deny it. I’m still in a good mood, however, so I add, “If I don’t see you again, good luck on your opening.”
And without waiting for a reply, I continue heading down the hallway.
* * *
I’m giving Nora a foot rub—the only physical contact allowed for now—when the nurses bring the baby back for a feeding. Lizzy is screaming like a banshee, but the moment she’s placed in Nora’s arms, she goes quiet and begins to root for a nipple. I watch, mesmerized, as her tiny mouth finds its target, and she begins to suck. Nora croons to her, stroking her softly, and I just stare, unable to look away. My beautiful pet is a mother—the mother of my baby. I didn’t think it was possible for me to feel more possessive of Nora, but I do. She belongs to me on a whole different level now, and seeing her like this brings out emotions I never thought myself capable of feeling. It’s as if my whole life has been leading up to this—to my wife and child, to this terrifyingly incandescent joy.
“Do you want to hold her?” Nora murmurs when the baby releases her nipple, and I freeze, all my muscles locking tight. I’ve faced terrorists and drug lords, dealt with generals and heads of state, and I’ve never been this intimidated.
“Are you sure?” My voice comes out strained. “You don’t think I might hurt her?”
“No.” Nora’s soft lips curve in a smile. “Here you go.” Carefully, she hands me the baby, and I do my best to hold her the way Nora did, settling her in the crook of my arm while supporting her little head with my hand. Lizzy is unbelievably light, a tiny, warm bundle of sweet-smelling baby, and as I watch, she blinks at me again and closes her eyes.
“She’s sleeping,” I whisper in amazement. “Nora, she’s sleeping in my arms.”
“I know,” Nora whispers, and I look up to see her smiling even as tears roll down her cheeks. “The two of you… God, I could’ve never imagined this.”
“Me neither.” Careful not to jostle Lizzy, I clasp Nora’s delicate fingers in my free hand and bring them to my lips. Kissing her knuckles, I murmur, “I love you, baby, so much.”
Nora’s lips quiver in a smile. “And I love you, Julian.”
We sit and watch our daughter sleeping, and I know it’s just the beginning.
Our real story is about to unfold.
THE END