My eyes fluttered open an hour later when they finally had my baby cleaned and wrapped in a soft pink-and-blue striped blanket. Star stepped into the room to see us for the first time, holding her father’s hand.
“It’s so tiny,” she said easing up to my side. “Hi, little baby.”
“Meet your new brother,” said Chance.
Star’s eyes widened. “A brother! Just what I wanted!” She leaned down and kissed his little head causing him to scrunch his face and purse his lips.
“His name is Luke, like your dad’s, but I wanted you to give him his middle name.”
“Can I really?” She gave a little squeal, and I braced myself for the name she’d choose. I didn’t want to have to intercept, but if it was too outrageous, I was going to speak up and try to reach a compromise.
“Didn’t you have a secret list of names?” Chance asked.
“Yes, but I don’t think Jeremiah will work. Let’s go with Samuel.”
Chance’s eyes widened, and we exchanged a look.
Chance shrugged. “What made you choose that name?”
“So we can call him Sam. You know, like the book.” She leaned over and kissed his little head again, then stroked the dusting of hair atop his head that peeked out from the little cap he was wearing.
“Then it’s official. Luke Samuel Owens.”
And just like that, we became a family.
The End