Brisé (26 page)

“I love you, always.” His breath hitches on the last word.

“I love you too, Luke.” I’m confused as to what is going on with him. I figured he would be on cloud nine, walking on air, and driving like he’s a race car driver. His arms don’t loosen around me.

“Don’t leave me. I can do it, I know I can raise our daughter, and she will eventually be my happiness, but I need you. She needs you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” I kiss his neck, reassuring him of something, I’m just not sure what. He remains quiet and somber as we drive to the hospital, and I can’t reach him. He’s lost in his own world, and I’m sure it’s nerves.

I’m taken right to Labor & Delivery and surprised that I’m already eight centimeters. So much for the glorious pain medicine I was counting on. Luke still hasn’t let go of my hand, and it’s like a lifeline. “You know I’m okay, right?” He’s staring at the heart monitor and the baby monitor.

“Yes,” he tells me. His hand not leaving mine and his eyes darting back and forth.

“I need you to be here … with me.”

He stops staring at those machines, “You died. In my dream, you died, right in this fucking room. I’m scared.” I don’t know what he’s talking about, or what to say to that admission. “I saw her, our little girl. Your heart gave out, and you died. You told me last year you wanted to leave your mark on me, I can promise you Phoebe; you have. You are permanently engrained in my heart and soul. Always you.” He’s shaking.

“Luke, I’m right here. Look at me.” I wait until I get his full attention. “I know that had to be scary, but it will be fine. It doesn’t feel like the last time.” I call the nurse. When she enters, I ask, “Can you get the doctor?” She agrees to page him.

“What’s wrong?” He’s immediately fearing the worst.

“Nothing.” Once my doctor comes in, I start talking before Luke can bombard him. “Please, tell my husband that my heart is fine. The baby is fine, and we’ll all be okay.”

“I don’t like to say that, but I can tell you her heart is perfect. Looking at the EKG from today compared to last week, all of the damage is reversed. It sometimes happens like that once the patient is infection free and the heart muscle has time to heal. I foresee no problems.” Luke sucks in a shuddered breath and exhales.

“Now get me some ice chips and rub my back. Your son is making his grand entrance.” He gives me his trademark smirk, the one that has lights dancing in his eyes.

“You mean my daughter?” I shake my head at him. He’s so sure about this.

“We’ll see.” I kid him.

“Oh, Twinkle, I can’t wait to prove you wrong on this one.”

It’s been a few hours since I was admitted and I’m so damn tired. He notices and seems hyperaware of everything going on. “How much longer?” Luke’s a nuisance to the nurses.

“I’m calling the doctor now, it’s push time.” Her congenial smile doesn’t seem to calm him.

“Show time,” are the words the doctor chooses as he walks in and sits between my legs. I hope he isn’t expecting my vagina to break out in song and dance. I push, and push, and push some more. “I see her head,” he encourages me. Well, I win. I feel her head, squeezing through my fucking vagina. I may have to change that hole to an entrance only, no exit. “One more push, Phoebe. You’re almost there.”

I hear the cries before I see my miracle. “It’s a girl!” the doctor calls out. Luke just smirks beside me and bends down to kiss my forehead. “I bet she has your hair and eyes.” I’m not going to argue with him. He cuts the cord, and they place my daughter on my chest.

“She’s beautiful,” I tell him.

“She’s amazing,” he tells me. “A dancer, just like her mom.”

Emma Marie Nichols. 7.7 lbs. 21 inches long. Perfection created from the purest form of love.

Playlist

Chains by Nick Jonas

Goodbye to You by Michelle Branch

Even My Dad Does Sometimes by Ed Sheeran

Lay Me Down by Sam Smith

Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift

Amnesia by 5 Seconds to Summer

Just Say Yes by Snow Patrol

Everything by Michael Bublé

Acknowledgements

My betas- From the HFS to the “I think you meant this word” . . . . you have always supported me and encouraged me. When something didn’t work, or you wanted more you told me and for that made this story better. I love you girls and value your opinion more than you know. Danielle, Ebbie, Helena, Jen, Jeneane, Kristen, Monique, Stephie, Terri, and Tracy.

My Sassy Sweethearts- Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Reading when not 100% clean and when I ask for something it is done! Mad love to you ladies.

To all the bloggers and readers- THANK YOU! Sometimes I think we all forget that we are all one community and I personally would like to say thanks for taking a chance, thanks for reading and reviewing, and thanks for giving back!

Author Bio

Leigh Ann Lunsford is a stay at home mom turned author. She writes Romance/New Adult and loves her happily ever after in all books and movies. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs in Fleming Island, Florida. When she isn’t writing or reading you can find her stuck in front of really bad reality shows or watching Sons of Anarchy. Leigh Ann has a filthy mouth and a huge amount of sarcasm that knows no end. She hopes to give the voices in her head an outlet with many more novels to come.

Social Media/Email:

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/leighannauthor

Email:
[email protected]

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/25235051

Other Works by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Parker Siblings Series

Not Enough

Not Leaving

Not Hiding

Not Over

*
Parker Siblings Series Box set
is now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble*

Pieces of Paisley