“Yes,” Gabe replied eagerly, then turned back to Zoey. “Will you be okay?”
Zoey nodded and replied, “Just hurry and bring her back to me.”
Zoey laid back against the pillows, exhausted and happy.
“Once we’re done in here, we’ll get you cleaned up and moved to your permanent room. Your husband and baby will meet you there.”
While the staff did their business, I brushed my hand over Zoey’s cheek and asked, “Did you decide on a name?”
She turned her head on the pillow and said reverently, “Evie Noelle Lewis.”
“That’s perfect. She’s perfect.”
“I can’t believe it,” Zoey said, her eyes filling with happy tears once again.
“I know, you’re a mommy,” I replied, choking up myself.
“Can you call Mom and Dad for me? Everything happened so fast, that I didn’t get the chance.”
“I called them on the ride over.”
“Thanks, Chloe, I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here.”
“I love you, Zo. There’s no place I’d rather be.”
“I love you too, Chlo.”
“Okay, we’re ready to move you. We’ll be taking her to 1125,” the nurse called out, hands on the mobile bed Zoey was currently in.
“Is there anyone you want me to send in first?” I asked Zoey before they whisked her away.
“Just you and Christopher for now.”
Chapter Thirty-Five ~ Reardon
I waited until Aunt Annabeth and Uncle Zeke had some time with their new grandbaby before heading in to see my new baby cousin.
I’d gone to the gift shop, so I had a dozen pink roses in one hand and a giant teddy bear in the other.
“Hello, hello,” I called softly as I walked into the hospital room.
Gabe was seated on the edge of Zoey’s bed, and they were both gazing down at the little wrapped bundle in her arms. Their eyes shot to mine at my greeting, and the matching smiles of joy on their faces were catchy.
I placed the items on the window sill, which seemed to be the only available space, then crossed to give my cousin a clap on the back.
“Congrats, Daddy.”
“Thanks,” Gabe said, his eyes never leaving his new daughter.
“Great job, Zo,” I added, smiling at my cousin’s radiant wife.
“Thanks, Rear. Do you want to hold her?”
I took a step back and said, “Oh, uh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I’ve never held a baby before.”
“It’s okay, you won’t break her, I promise,” Zoey replied with a happy laugh.
“Sit,” Gabe ordered, and I sat, watching warily as he picked up the squirming baby. “Hold out your arms.”