Family Love

by Jeanne Mccann

  “Okay. I’ll be right back, honey.” Payton kissed Reina gently and left the room.

  “She’s scared to death.” Reina chuckled. “And she is trying so hard not to show it.”

  “Reina, childbirth can be very frightening to someone who has never seen it before.”

  “She’ll be fine. She’s wonderful, isn’t she?”

  “She is very nice, Reina, and she obviously loves you very much.”

  “I’m crazy about her. I can’t think of anyone else I would rather have a child with.”

  “That’s good, because you are about to have this baby.”

  Payton re-entered the room in a gown, a hospital hat covering her hair. All you could see in her face was her eyes large with fear and wonder.

  “Okay, Reina. Let’s get you ready to have this baby. I’m going to have the nurse come in and prepare you while I go change my clothes. I won’t be long.”

  “Thanks, Doctor.” Reina felt the start of another contraction and began her cleansing breaths. Payton joined Reina and supported her while she struggled through her contractions.

  Within half an hour, Reina was in full-blown contractions with less than a couple of minutes between. Reina dripped with perspira¨tion, and she was showing signs of exhaustion as Payton sat behind her supporting her back and coaching her.

  “Good, Reina. I see the baby’s head. Now, I’m going to make a small cut. You might feel a pinch.”

  Reina rested her head against Payton and closed her eyes. Both of her hands clasped Payton’s. Payton whispered quietly, which made Reina smile and tuck her face into Payton’s neck.

  “Okay, Reina, when you feel the next contraction, I want you to push. It’s time to deliver this baby.”

  When the contractions began again, Reina leaned forward and cried out as she strained to push out the baby. She clung tightly to Payton’s hands as she cried out again and pushed like mad.

  “That’s good, Reina. Push. We have a little girl just waiting to be born.”

  Reina braced herself against Payton and cried out, pushing as hard as she could. “Here she is, Reina. One more huge push.”

  Reina moaned and strained, tears running down her face. Payton had been crying for the last twenty minutes. Another cry caught the attention of everyone in the room, as the doctor pulled the baby free.

  “There you are, little girl. Welcome to the world.” The doctor held up the tiny little girl so Reina and Payton could see her.

  “You did it, sweetie!” Payton cried as she hugged Reina. “Look, she’s beautiful. Your little girl is perfect!”

  “Our little girl,” Reina cried as she leaned back against Payton, her exhausted body slumped tightly against her.

  “Payton, do you want to cut the cord?”

  “Me?”

  “Honey, cut the cord and hold the baby.” Reina kissed Payton softly. “Go hold our little girl, and give your camera to the nurse.”

  Payton gently slipped out from behind Reina, handed her camera to the nurse, and walked to where the doctor was holding the baby wrapped in a blanket. “Okay, Payton, take these scissors from the nurse and cut the cord between these two clamps. The baby and Reina won’t feel a thing.”

  Payton quickly cut the cord before she fainted, and then looked closely at the tiny baby. Her little face was scrunched up as she hol¨lered loudly. “Here is your new daughter.”

  The doctor handed the tiny little bundle to Payton. She held the crying baby against her chest and felt her heart leap. This was their baby. She began to cry as she stared at the miracle. Reina watched while Payton held their child and also began to cry, seeing the look of pure love and awe on Payton’s face as she hugged their baby. The nurse took several photographs of Payton and the baby and she too was overcome by the reaction Payton had when she held her child for the first time. There was nothing like a new parent’s love.

  “Why don’t you show Melinda to her mother?” Doctor Levine suggested.

  Payton slowly walked to Reina and placed Melinda in her arms. “Here is your daughter, honey.”

  “Our daughter,” Reina reminded her as she looked at their baby. She pulled the blanket away from the tiny girl. She and Payton bent over and looked at the very unhappy child. She had a thatch of curly black hair, her skin wrinkled and very pink.

  “She’s beautiful.”

  “She looks like you, Payton.”

  “She does not.”

  “Yes, she does. She’s gorgeous.”

  “She’s perfect. Look at her little feet, her little ears.” Payton touched the tiny ear and her tiny hand. Melinda’s little fingers wrapped around Payton’s and she stopped crying. “Reina, thank you.” Payton burst into tears.

  Payton kissed Reina. “Payton, I love you.” Reina began crying again. They clung to each other, holding their child.

  “Reina, Payton, we need to take the baby and clean her up. Let the nurse take her while we take care of Reina.” The two of them kissed the squalling baby and handed her to the nurse.

  “This little one is pretty feisty,” The nurse remarked as she carried her out of the room.

  “Reina, we need to place a few stitches to close the small cut, and you need to expel the afterbirth,” The doctor informed her.

  “Payton, why don’t you go call my parents and tell them all about Melinda?”

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Please, honey, go call them.” Reina pleaded. She didn’t want Pay-ton to see her get stitched.

  “Okay, honey. But if you need me send the nurse to come get me.”

  “Payton, come here one minute.” Reina smiled at her as she approached the bed. “I love you.”

  “Reina, I love you. You have got to be the most beautiful woman in the world.” Payton kissed her, holding her tightly.

  “Go call Grandma and Grandpa.” Reina gently pushed her toward the door. As Payton left the room Reina lay back down on the bed, a smile no longer on her face.

  “How are you doing, Reina?” The doctor asked as she checked her blood pressure.

  “I’m tired and sore. Otherwise, I am fine. Did you see the look on Payton’s face when she saw the baby?” Reina lay back exhausted but she smiled as she remembered the expression on Payton’s face.

  “I did. I think Nurse Holman got several pictures of Payton and the baby. She also got some great ones of the three of you. Now Reina, we need to take care of you.”

  Payton found the nearest chair outside Reina’s room and sat down before she fell down. Her legs shook as she sat in stunned silence. She was so overwhelmed after seeing Reina deliver the baby. She’d been so scared that she was going to lose Reina and the baby, and now they were both fine. She dropped her head in her hands and began to pray. She would thank God every day of her life for delivering a healthy baby and keeping Reina safe. It was several long minutes before she went and located a telephone. She dialed Reina’s parents’ number, hoping to catch them before they left for the airport.

  “Hello.”

  “Virginia.”

  “Payton, is that you?”

  “You’re a grandmother again.”

  “Reina had the baby? How are they?”

  “She had her a little less than an hour ago, and both are doing fine.”

  “Congratulations, honey. You both must be very happy.”

  “Happy and so scared.”

  “Honey, you’ll be fine. It’s natural to be nervous with a new baby. But you and Reina are wonderful parents.”

  “Thank you, that means so much to me.”

  “Payton, Frank and I love you, and we think you and Reina are wonderful together.”

  “I love you and Frank very much. Now, what time does your air¨plane get in?”

  “Three-thirty and we’ll come directly to the hospital to see the three of you and then go to the house and watch the kids.”

  “That’ll be great, Virginia. Mrs. Lenahan is staying with them until you get there.”

  “Honey, you
go give Reina and the baby a kiss. Grandpa and I will be there as soon as possible.”

  “Thanks, Virginia.” Payton stood holding the receiver in her hand for several minutes before hanging up. She not only had acquired a girlfriend and three children, but also a new set of parents. She was beyond lucky. She decided to call Lindy and Tamara since it wasn’t too early.

  “Hello.”

  “Tamara, it’s Payton. Reina had the baby.”

  “How are they?”

  “Good. They’re both fine. I don’t know how big the baby is yet. They’re checking her out now.”

  “Payton, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, just overwhelmed. Tamara, it was incredible.” Payton burst into tears.

  “Lindy and I will get there as soon as possible, honey.” Tamara grew tearful as she listened to the emotion in Payton’s voice.

  “Thanks.” Payton was still too overcome to say much more. She needed to see Reina. “I’ve got to go back and check on Reina.”

  “Congratulations, Payton.”

  “Thanks, Tamara.”

  Payton headed back to Reina’s room after calling her brother. She promised to call them later after she knew more about the baby. The nurse was just leaving as Payton entered.

  “How’s Reina?”

  “She’s very tired. Could you convince her to get some sleep?”

  “I think I can do that.” Payton entered the dimly lit room to find Reina’s eyes open and watchful. “Why aren’t you sleeping?” She whispered, approaching the bed.

  “I can’t sleep without you.” Reina’s exhausted smile made Payton’s heart flip.

  “Well, I’m here now and I want you to close your eyes.”

  “Payton, I need you to hold me.” Reina began to cry.

  “Honey, I can hold you.” Payton gently climbed onto the bed next to Reina.

  “I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have you here. I love you.”

  “Reina, I love you. I’m still so amazed about everything. Melinda is beautiful.”

  Reina rolled onto her side and tucked herself against Payton. “She looks like you, Payton. She’s our little girl.”

  Payton also began to cry as she held Reina tightly. They both wept, as the emotion of the event overtook them. It was how Lindy and Tamara found them an hour later tucked against each other, sound asleep. They had already stopped by to see the baby and now wanted to congratulate the new parents. Reina’s eyes flickered open as Lindy and Tamara entered the room with balloons and a teddy bear.

  “Hi.”

  “How are you doing, Reina?” Tamara walked over and hugged her.

  “Good. Did you see the baby?”

  “Yes, she’s beautiful.”

  “She looks like Payton.”

  “Speaking of Payton, how is she doing?” The subject they were speaking about was sleeping soundly, holding Reina tightly in her arms.

  “She’s exhausted.” Reina smiled and hugged the sleeping woman. “She was there for the whole delivery. She cut the cord and took the baby from the doctor.”

  “I’ve never known anyone who sleeps as soundly as Payton.” Lindy chuckled. “I’m going to wake her. Payton, wake up and talk to us.” Lindy demanded as she poked her gently.

  “Hi guys.” Payton’s sleepy smile greeted them. She tightened her hold on Reina. She wasn’t about to let go.

  “Payton, she’s a doll,” Tamara raved. “She’s so tiny.”

  “She is beautiful, isn’t she? They should be bringing her back shortly.” Payton turned to Reina. “How are you feeling, honey?”

  “Pretty good. I’ll be better when I go home.”

  “When is that?”

  “We can go home this afternoon if the doctor releases me.”

  “Don’t you want to stay one night and rest?”

  “No, I want to be home with my family. I’ll rest better at home.”

  “Is there anything we can do?”

  “Lindy, you can let Rikki know that I won’t be in this week. She knows what to do.”

  “I will, Payton. Now, tell me did you take any pictures?”

  Payton blushed with embarrassment. “I forgot.”

  “She was too busy.” Reina hugged her with a grin. “But the nurse took quite a few.”

  “Good. We can’t wait to see them.” Tamara and Lindy smiled at the two very happy women.

  “Thanks for the teddy bear and the balloons.”

  “You’re welcome. Wait until you see the outfit we found for Melinda.” Lindy giggled. “We’ll bring it over once you’re home and get settled.”

  “Thanks guys. We appreciate all your support.” Payton couldn’t help the tears. “I seem to be crying quite a lot lately.”

  “Payton, we know exactly how you’re feeling, don’t we Lindy?” Tamara tugged on her arm. “We love our family, too.”

  Reina and Payton smiled at each other and shared a kiss. “We are very happy,” Reina admitted.

  The nurse entered the room pushing a rolling basinet. “Is there someone here waiting for a Miss Melinda?”

  Payton rolled immediately out of bed and went straight to the nurse. “What did they say about the baby?”

  “Melinda is a healthy six pound eight ounce baby girl. She’s a dainty looking little thing, but believe me when I tell you she has a set of lungs, and a little temper.” The nurse grinned.

  “Reina, do you want to hold her?” Payton asked, staring at the wide-awake little girl.

  “Why don’t you bring her to me, Payton?” Reina smiled, as Lindy and Tamara watched grinning.

  “Hey little one, you want to go to your mother? She has been wait¨ing for a long time to hold you.” Payton gently picked up the little girl and carried her to her mother. Reina took the child from Payton and put her on the bed next to her. Payton, Lindy, and Tamara crowded around.

  “Look at that hair,” Tamara remarked.

  “Let’s look at you, Melinda.” Reina carefully unwrapped the blan¨ket from her daughter. She was wearing a tiny undershirt and equally small diaper. Her arms and legs wiggled when she was released from her blanket.

  “She’s so small.”

  “She’s perfect,” Reina announced.

  “Well, ladies, we know you’re exhausted. We’ll let the three of you go back to sleep. Payton, call us when you know when Reina goes home. We’ll come over to the house once you get settled.”

  “Thanks for coming.” Payton hugged first Lindy and then Tamara. They both kissed Reina goodbye before leaving.

  “Goodbye, Melinda. You have two very special parents,” Tamara whispered to the very active little girl.

  “See you later.” The two of them left the room.

  “Honey, will you get my bag and bring it to me?”

  “Sure.”

  “I want to put my own nightgown on.”

  “Can I help?”

  “Yes, you can hold Melinda while I change.”

  Reina slid out of her hospital gown and into her own while Payton and Melinda studied each other. “Can she see me?”

  “I don’t think so, honey. She can only see shapes and shadows. She’ll recognize your touch and your voice first. Now, I think it’s about time to try feeding her.”

  “Really?” Payton knew that Reina was going to breast feed the baby but she wasn’t quite sure how it got started. She handed the baby to Reina who had unbuttoned the front of her nightgown. Reina placed the baby against her breast and with her fingers put her nipple against the baby’s lips. The little girl’s response was to whim¨per for a moment until she very naturally began to suckle.

  “That’s it, little one,” Reina cooed, as Melinda’s little hands clenched against her breast while she nursed. Reina’s arms cradled the baby. Payton was too overwhelmed to speak, and she sat on the side of the bed, tears slipping from her eyes. She had never seen any¨thing more beautiful than Reina and Melinda at that moment. She gazed lovingly at them, her daughter, and her mother.

  Reina couldn
’t help but notice Payton’s reaction and her heart leaped in her chest. Over and over she fell in love with Payton, as she encountered the depth of her feelings for her. She smiled to herself. She had no more doubts. Payton loved her and the children, it was very obvious.

  “Could I take a picture of the two of you?” Payton asked her eyes still wet with tears.

  “On one condition.” Reina smiled at her. “Only if you come here and kiss me first.”

  Payton didn’t have to be asked twice as she stood up and moved close to Reina and the nursing baby. She kissed Reina slowly, her lips gliding softly against Reina’s, full of love. Reina reached up and wrapped her arm around Payton’s neck, holding her as they kissed.

  “God Reina, I love you so much,” Payton admitted as she touched Reina’s face.

  “Payton, I love you. We are so lucky.”

  “Thank you so much for this.”

  “It’s you I need to thank. Having Melinda with you has meant so much to me. I love Molly and Max, but you weren’t there. Melinda will be special because you are. If I had it all to do over again I would have waited to have Molly and Max with you.” They shared another kiss, before being interrupted by a fussy Melinda.

  “Okay, Payton, you need to burp her.”

  “What do you mean, burp her?” Payton responded fearfully.

  “Put her on your shoulders and pat her on her back.” Payton gin¨gerly picked up the fussy little girl and laid her against her shoulder. She very gently patted her. “Is this okay?”

  “That’s perfect, honey. Why don’t you sit here on the bed?” Pay-ton sat down next to Reina on the bed and swung her feet up. The baby squirmed against her shoulder while Payton rubbed her back. Reina slid her arm around Payton and snuggled up against the two of them. Within minutes, Melinda nodded off to sleep. Reina and Payton were content to lay back with the baby between them sound asleep. Before too long all three were slumbering peacefully.

  Reina and Payton and their new baby Melinda slept for a good hour and a half before the doctor arrived. “Reina, how are you feel-ing?”

  “Sore and tired, but not too bad.”

  “Have you gotten up and walked yet?”

  “No.”

  “Well, let’s do try that. I don’t want to send you home too soon.”