Holding On (Hooking Up) (21 page)

Authors: Jessica L. Degarmo

BOOK: Holding On (Hooking Up)

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“Does she have a name?” Gran asked me after the doctor and nurse finally left the room and left us to get acquainted with our newest family member.

I snuggled my daughter in my arms and thought for a moment. “Well, we’d really only picked out boy names. Benjie’s going to freak that she’s a girl.” I chuckled, then sobered. “But I think I do know what I’d like to call her.”

“Whatever you want, sweetheart,” Ryan assured me, caressing the downy head of our own little girl.

“Ok. Then I’d like everyone to meet Shelly Maria Ashford.”

Gran’s eyes welled up. “Shelly? Are you sure?”

“My mothers need to be honored, I think. And I couldn’t imagine a better way.”

“I love it,” Ryan declared, kissing me gently. Our daughter let out a little sigh and huff, and I took it as a sign. She liked her new name too.

It was fun watching Benjie interact with his new sister. When he and Isamu arrived to check out the new offspring, he acted disgusted that he didn’t get a brother, but the first time he laid eyes on her, a soft smile appeared on his lips, and he tentatively reached out and touched her with one finger. She shifted and it really looked like her lip curved into a smile. I knew it was only gas, or just a baby muscle twitch, but Benjie was captivated.

“She smiled at me! Shelly smiled when I poked ‘er!” he bellowed, making her flinch.

“Use your ‘inside voice’, Benjie. Yes, I think she likes you. She’ll want you to look after her, you know. She’ll be very proud of her big brother and want to go everywhere you do.”

“Yeah, it’s ok. I can help her climb up trees and find bugs and stuff.”

“Sure. Girls like that kind of stuff, too.” I hoped she didn’t mind being turned into a tomboy by her willful older brother, I thought with a grin.

“I like her. I guess we can keep ‘er,” Benjie declared.

Isamu pronounced her perfect and soon left with Benjie to do a little shopping for the baby. I was sure he’d be buying everything pink he could get his hands on at the mall, as well as whatever Benjie managed to con him into buying for him. I smiled as I pictured it. Isamu was like my dad, and I couldn’t imagine a better grandfather for my children.

Gran left to go home and get some rest, but she kissed all of us and before she left, and waved at us from the doorway, assuring us she’d be back soon. Ryan and I were left alone with our lovely little girl, and we cherished the quiet moments we had marveling over her.

“This is a strange world, isn’t it?” I asked him.

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s just crazy how things end up working out. So much has happened. We’ve gained and lost in a heartbeat, you know?”

“I know. But you know something? I wouldn’t trade it. I think everything happens for a reason. We’re very lucky.”

I swear my heart smiled. “We sure are. I love you, Mr. Ashford.”

“I love you, Mrs. Ashford. Always.”

We were very lucky. Each and every person in our lives was meant to be there; some for a time, and some forever. But they’d each taught us so much, and I knew I wouldn’t change a thing either.

We had each other, a family that loved us, and a bright future with Benjie and Shelly and any other kids we might be lucky enough to have. My heart overflowed as I thought of how far I’d come. I used to be the sad girl with abandonment issues. I was now a confident woman with an awesome husband, two amazing kids, wonderful memories of two sets of parents that loved me, and a grandmother who came back for a second chance at future memories. My cup was running over, and it truly looked as though I might get that happy ending after all.

I’m a sucker for happy endings.

About the Author

When she is not writing, collecting gemstones and spending time with her family of dogs, children and a husband, Jessica L. Degarmo is a country music DJ and the lead singer in a classic rock band. Read more about Jessica and her books at
www.jessicadegarmo.com