Broken Dreams (Broken 2)

I nodded my head and weakly said, “Okay.”

Dr. Johnson smiled. “Ready? Give me a good push, Whitley.”

I somehow mustered up all the energy I had while I squeezed the hell out of Layton’s hand as I sat up some and pushed with all my might. Right when I was about to give up, I felt an instant relief.

I collapsed back onto the bed as I heard the sounds of our baby fill the air. I looked up and saw Layton crying, and I began crying. When I turned and looked at our beautiful baby girl in Dr. Johnson’s hands, I really began crying. Everything sounded muffled as I heard the doctor tell Layton to cut the cord. Dr. Johnson handed my baby girl to a nurse, who quickly took her over to a table and began cleaning her up.

“Whitley,” Layton whispered in my ear.

I slowly pulled my eyes from the baby and looked at Layton. The tears running down his face caused me to fall in love with him even more, if that were even possible.

Layton smiled at me, and his blue eyes sparkled as he said, “Baby, that was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. I’m so proud of you, and at the same time, I’m in complete awe of you. I love you so much, Whitley. Thank you for making me the happiest man on earth.”

I couldn’t even talk. I was so lost in the moment that the only thing I could do was let out a sob as I said, “Layton.”

He smiled as he bent down and gently kissed my lips.

“Mr. and Mrs. Morris, your baby girl is very eager to meet y’all,” the nurse said as she walked up and handed Taylor to Layton.

I would never be able to describe the look of love on Layton’s face. I tried to take in every second of it, so I would never forget it.

Layton sucked in a breath and said, “Taylor Elizabeth Morris, I will forever love you and protect you from all things…including boys.”

I let out a giggle as I watched Layton inspect each of her fingers and then her toes. My heart was beating so hard and loud in my chest that I was sure everyone could hear it.

“You, little girl, have made me the happiest daddy ever,” Layton said as he gently rocked our baby in his arms.

Oh Lord…

I wasn’t sure how this man could do it, but he just kept proving to me that I could fall in love with him more and more.

Layton looked up at me as a nurse began sitting me up. “Time for your mommy to hold you, pumpkin.”

I reached my arms out, and the moment Layton placed our daughter into my arms, something happened. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I felt a warm sensation spread through my whole body. Then, she looked into my eyes, and I tried desperately not to cry harder.

“Hi, baby girl. Oh, how I’ve longed to see your beautiful face.”

Our daughter held my eyes captive, and I had never in my life felt so at peace and so happy. Nothing would ever top this moment for the rest of my life.

Layton leaned down and kissed Taylor on the forehead before kissing me on the lips. He pulled back some and said, “I’ve never seen two more beautiful women in my entire life. I will always protect both of you and love you with all my heart. I will never let you down, I promise you. I love you, Whitley.”

A sob escaped my mouth. “Layton, I love you so much. You could never let us down—ever.”

Layton sat down on the bed and gently began tracing his finger down the side of Taylor’s face. She slowly started closing her eyes as she d

rifted off to sleep.

I smiled at Layton as I asked, “Are you ready for this ride?”

He smiled back and let out a little chuckle. “I’ve never been so ready in my life.”

I let out a sigh as I crawled back into the hospital bed. I smiled and shook my head as I thought back to the look on poor Reed’s face when Layton had declared that if Reed and Courtney had a son, he would never be allowed near Taylor.

Layton had walked Reed and Courtney out, and I was taking advantage of the peace and quiet for a few minutes. I reached for my purse and began looking for my bag that had all my hair bands in it.

A white paper caught my eye, and I reached for it and slowly pulled it out.

The letter.