Eric sat on the other side of the bed, holding Annie’s shoulders as she curled over her stomach. “Focus on your breathing, sweetheart.” He positioned himself behind her on the bed, so she rested against his chest when the contraction let her go.
Annie dropped her head to his shoulder. “I hate you.”
With a smile, he kissed her cheek. “I know, blondie.”
Dr. Meecham stood, getting their attention. “It’s time, Annie.”
“Oh, God—I can’t do anymore—”
“Yes, you can.” Dr. Meecham took her hand, focused on her. “You are one of the strongest women I have ever met. And that is saying something, since I’ve been delivering babies for over twenty years.” Her voice brisk, she let go of Annie’s hand and moved back to the stool. “Now, let’s bring this baby into the world.”
Claire eased herself from Annie’s loosened grip and backed away. She didn’t want to take the chance. God above, she should leave now before—
“Push, Annie.”
“I can’t—”
“You’re almost there.” Dr. Meecham sat between her legs. “I can see the head. One more push. I know you can do it.”
Annie let out a scream that raised the hairs on Claire’s arms and bore down. Stunned, Claire watched the baby slip into Dr. Meecham’s waiting hands. Annie collapsed, sobbing for breath. Before Claire could panic about the baby making no sound it let out a healthy cry.
“It’s a girl.” Dr. Meecham stood. “Pull her gown away for me, Eric. I like the first meeting to be skin to skin.” Eric eased Annie’s sweat soaked gown off her chest, and Dr. Meecham stepped in, handing over their brand new daughter. “Hello, Mom—meet your future.”
Claire grinned, tears blurring her eyes. She wiped at them, in time to see both Annie and Eric bent over their baby girl.
“Hi, Elizabeth,” Annie whispered. “She’s gorgeous, Eric. Oh, God, I can’t believe you’re really here.” She kissed Elizabeth’s cheek, smiling through her tears as the baby stared up at her. “Do you think she knows I’m her mom?”
“Yeah.” Eric’s voice came out a raw whisper. He shoved hair off his forehead, tentatively reached a hand toward his daughter. “She’s so beautiful.” Eric wrapped his arm around Annie’s shoulders. “I love you, Annie.”
“Love you back.”
“All right.” Dr. Meecham’s brisk voice broke the spell. “Let’s get Elizabeth cleaned up and weighed, then she’s all yours.” She leaned over the bed and gently gathered the baby into her arms. “No arguments, Annie. It will give you time to change into a clean gown, and be ready for her. Do you have her full name?”
“Not yet—”
“Yes, we do.” Annie talked over him. Eric looked at her, waiting. And she smiled as she gave the name to Dr. Meecham. “Elizabeth Katelyn Malone.”
“Annie.” He gripped her hand. “We talked about naming her after your mom—”
“Yes. It feels right.” She cradled Eric’s cheek. “I never got to know your sister, Eric. But now our daughter can carry her name, and you will give her the memories to go with it.”
He wrapped his arms around her and just held on. Swallowing her own tears, Claire decided it was a good time to duck out.
“And where do you think you’re going?” Annie’s question stopped her at the door.
“To give the new family some privacy—”
“Not before you meet her. Now get yourself over here.”
Claire twisted her fingers together, to keep herself from touching, and moved slowly to the bed. By the time she got there Eric had Annie in a fresh nightgown, and a blanket-wrapped bundle rested in her arms.
Wide blue eyes studied her, sober and unblinking. Claire swallowed, already in love. “She’s just beautiful, Annie.”
“And it’s your job to spoil her, like a good aunt should.”
Stepping out of reach, Claire shook her head. “I can’t—”
“We’ll talk about it later.” Annie gave her the look that said there would be more than just talk. “Now go get those fools who waited around all this time. I want them to meet my daughter. Then we have a wedding to finish.”
“Annie—”
“You’re not leaving until you attach a ball and chain to that Jinn.”
Eric met her at the door, followed her out. “I want you to know she speaks for both of us. I want you to be part of Elizabeth’s life.” He took her hands. “We’ll work out the details. Just don’t break Annie’s heart by stepping back.”