“She’s beautiful, Miles,” she whispers. “Look at her.”
I open my eyes and inhale sharply when I see her.
She looks just like he did, except that she has Tate’s brown hair.
Her eyes are blue.
She has my eyes.
I
feel
it.
It’s all there.
Everything I felt the first time I held him in my arms is every single thing I’m feeling now as I look down at her.
Believing that I lacked the ability to love someone in this capacity again was the only fear I had left to conquer.
One look at Sam, and she just helped me conquer that fear.
She’s already my hero, and she’s only two minutes old.
“She’s so beautiful, Tate,” I whisper. “So beautiful.”
My voice cracks.
My face is covered in tears.
Falling
Falling
Falling.
For the first time since the moment I held Clayton in my arms, I’m crying tears of joy.
Rachel was right. The pain will always be there.
So will the fear.
But the pain and fear are no longer my life. They’re only moments.
Moments that are constantly overshadowed with every minute I spend with Tate.
And now with every minute I spend with Sam.
Me and Tate and Sam.
My family.
I kiss her on the forehead, and then I lean over and kiss Tate for giving me something this beautiful again.
Tate lays her head on my arm, and we both watch her.
Our daughter.
I love you so much, Sam.
I’m looking down at the perfection we created when it hits me.
It’s all worth it.
It’s the beautiful moments like these that make up for the ugly love.