Losing Track (Living Heartwood 2)

Until I glimpse the tiny person being carried into the room.

My throat constricts, and I don’t think I have enough room in my soul to encompass all the love filling me.

“Baby,” Mel says. “Meet your daughter.”

The nurse places the sleeping baby girl in my arms despite my awkward attempt to hold her just right. I cradle her head, my arms stretched out before me, until I feel safe enough to bring her close.

She’s so tiny…just so small. So precious. My gaze takes in every inch of her—short dark hair matted to her delicate head; little eyelashes brushing her pink cheeks. Then her eyes open. Bright blue irises gaze up at me, stealing my breath. My own eyes cloud over. I blink the tears back and exhale a wobbly breath.

“Do you have a name picked out

yet?” the nurse asks.

I glance up to catch Mel looking at us. Tears are gathered in their corners, and she blinks and wipes them away. She nods to the nurse. “Yeah, we do.” She beams at me. “Darla Hunter Randall.”

The nurse says, “That’s beautiful, Melody.”

Bringing little Darla with me, I sit on the chair beside the bed. Transfer our baby daughter into Mel’s arms, and wrap mine around the pillow to get as close to her as possible. “Ready for this adventure?” I ask her.

“Oh, yeah.” She laughs, and I love the sound of it. So much. “But I don’t think we’re going to get the car seat on the back of your bike. Have another plan?”

I press my lips to the top of her head, and whisper, “For you…always.”