by Kaylee Ryan
Chapter 18
McKinley
I feel like I’ve been on the phone forever. I called Evan’s parents and his mom continued to pepper me with questions I don’t have the answers to. After promising her multiple times that I would call as soon as I knew more, I was finally able to hang up.
My next call was to his grandparents here in Kentucky. Ethel ran me through the same stage of questions multiple times, until I too had to convince her I would call as soon as I knew more.
The last call was to my parents. Mom didn’t ask near as many questions, understanding I didn’t have the answers yet. However, she too insisted I call when I had them.
I get it. They all love him and even though they’ve never met that little girl, they love her too. I feel bad for his family in Alabama, unable to travel to see her and living so far away. I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures to send to them.
Stopping at the nurses’ station, I ask, “Evan Chamberlin, baby girl Chamberlin.” I’m directed to the room all the way at the end of the hall. I quicken my step to get to them.
Slowly pushing open the door, I step into the room. I stop in my tracks as I take in the scene before me. Evan is holding his daughter, her tiny finger tightly gripping his. Aaron is sitting in a chair next to him and they’re both looking down at her like she’s…everything.
I wish I had my damn camera. Deciding this moment cannot go without being captured, I reach in my back pocket and pull out my phone. I tap the screen. The shutter sound that the photographer in me refuses to turn off alerts them to my presence.
Evan and Aaron lift their heads to look at me, both wearing grins that light up the room. I can see from my spot just inside the door that Evan has watery eyes and if I’m not mistaken, Aaron does too. These “tough guys” are brought to their knees by this precious baby girl.
“Kinley,” Evan breathes my name, grabbing a hold of my heart.
Walking further into the room, I stop in front of Evan and bend down. He adjusts his hold on her, so I can get a better look. I reach out and touch her tiny hands and she latches onto my finger. My eyes find Evan’s and I can’t describe the look in his eyes. My heart is racing and I’m overwhelmed by what’s happening. This little girl brought us together. Our friendship grew because of her. Now, here, on the day we finally get to meet her, she’s still bringing us together.
“Evan, she’s beautiful,” I say as tears begin to fall. “Is she okay? How much does she weigh? What did the doctor say?” I fire off some of the questions I just fielded with our families. “Can I hold her?” I blurt out.
Evan chuckles. “Yeah, I just need to wrap her back up.”
A nurse, who I hadn’t noticed was in the corner, speaks up. “Let me show you. Lay her down on the bed.”
I step back, allowing Evan room to stand and do as she has instructed. The three of us listen intently as the nurse shows us the proper way to swaddle her. When she’s once again snug in her blanket, Evan ever so gently lifts her back into his arms and motions his head toward the chair he was just in. “Sit,” he tells me.
Without hesitation, I do as I’m told and hold my arms out for her. The sound of Aaron’s ringing cell phone startles her and she jumps. “Shhh, I got you,” I say, gently rocking her.
“It’s Mom. I’m going to step out and take this.” Aaron keeps his voice low and quietly steps out of the room. I told Mom he was here; apparently, she’s not as patient as I thought. Of course, that could be because I was a little snippy with her.
I’m so lost in this little angel in my arms I don’t notice Evan is now kneeling before me, observing me just as I had him only minutes ago. “Evan, she’s so precious.”
Nodding his head, he lifts his hand to my face and wipes my tears with his thumbs. His big brown eyes so full of happiness and love, they’re sparkling with it. I’m just about to comment that I hope she has his eyes---I love his eyes---when he leans in and softly presses his lips to mine.
“There is no one I would want to share this with more than you. You’ve helped me so damn much, Kinley. I just—”
“Does she have a name?” I interrupt him before his over emotional brain says something he won’t be able to take back, something that my sentimental brain will never be able to forget.
“Yeah, well, no, but I’ve been thinking a lot about it. I was thinking about Lexington. It’s Mom’s maiden name,” he says. “I want to call her Lexi.”
“Lexington Chamberlin. Lexi.” I love it. I beam at him. “Good call, Daddy,” I say with a wink.
I see a slight blush creep over his cheeks. Damn, I really wish I had my camera to capture this moment. “So, does Miss Lexi have a middle name?” I ask, focusing my attention back to the little angel sleeping peacefully in my arms.
“Rae,” he says softly.
It takes a few seconds for my brain to register what he said. When it finally hits me, I jerk my head up to find him staring at me. “W-what did you say?”
“Rae, her name is Lexington Rae Chamberlin.” He pauses to let the fact he’s naming his daughter after me sink in. “Lexi Rae,” he says as an afterthought.
Tears, big fat crocodile tears, are rolling down my cheeks. “Evan…I…you can’t…”
Both his hands hold my face and he softly wipes them away---at least he tries to. My eyes are like a damn faucet. “You, McKinley Rae Mills, are an amazing woman. Every step of the way you’ve been there for me and for my daughter. You’ve helped me prepare for her, when I otherwise would have been on my own. I love Aaron, but he’s not much help in the baby department.” He smiles. “I owe you so much, and if my daughter grows up to be anything like you…well, I couldn’t ask for more. Hell, I hope she does. I pray you continue to be a part of my life, of both of our lives, and she will grow up learning how to be a remarkable person just from watching you.”
“I’m honored and I promise to always be there for both of you,” I choke out as the waterworks continue.
Aaron chooses this moment to walk back in the room. “Uh…everything okay?” he asks. His eyes dart between Evan, me, and baby Lexi.
Evan stands and takes a seat on the bed. “Yeah, man, everything’s good. I was just telling Kinley her name.” He smiles.
“Let’s hear it,” he says. “No, wait. I need my turn, baby hog.”
Reluctantly, I allow Evan to take her from me and hand her over to Aaron, who is now sitting in the chair beside me.
“Uncle Aaron says no dating until you’re thirty,” he coos to her. “All right, so what are we calling this little beauty?” he asks.
“Lexington. It’s Mom’s maiden name. I’m going to call her Lexi,” Evan says.
“That’s a kick-ass name, man. Does Miss Lexi have a middle name?”
“Rae. Lexington Rae Chamberlin.” Evan’s voice is strong with conviction that this is what he wants, to name his daughter after his mother’s family and me.
Aaron studies him then turns his gaze toward me. Our conversation about me being careful is running through his mind; I know it is. I smile broadly to let him know I’m good with this. He doesn’t say anything, but nods his acceptance.
Leaning his head down, he whispers, “It’s nice to meet you, Lexi Rae.”
Chapter 19
Evan
Today’s the day I get to bring my little girl home. I’m not gonna lie, I’m scared as hell. This little angel depends on me for everything, me alone. I don’t want to fail her. Last night, I kept her with me in the room they gave me. I’m surprised they gave Misty and me both a room, and when I mentioned it to the nurse, they said that census was low and it wasn’t an issue. Lucky for me, I was able to keep Lexi with me all night. McKinley and Aaron offered to stay, but I told them to go. Lexi is my daughter, and I’m not going to have them there when we get home. I need to get used to this.
I also needed some…distance from McKinley. The more time I spend with her, the more the lines blur. It’s a constant struggle to keep it to myself. Those lips—full, soft
and so damn sweet—I can’t help but think about the kisses we’ve shared. Apparently, we’re friends who kiss. Friends, who kiss and don’t talk about it. I’m not sure how I feel about that. Not the kissing----that’s hot as hell. I’m not sure how I feel about not talking about it. On one hand, it’s a relief she’s not reading more into it. On the other hand, it kind of pisses me off that she’s not. Like she thinks those moments with her don’t mean something to me.
I’m a fucking mess.
Lexi whines from her bed and even though she barely slept last night, I can’t prevent the smile I know I’m sporting right now. Her being awake, again, means I get to hold her. The nurses said I’m going to spoil her. Of course, I am, she’s my little angel.
“Come here, sweet girl,” I whisper as I lift her from her bed. She immediately goes quiet and closes her eyes. I take a seat back on the bed and lay her against my chest. My little girl wants her daddy. It’s a heady feeling, one that has twisted my heart around her chubby little fingers.
I wake up to the sound of soft voices. “He’s held her most of the night.” I open my eyes to see who’s talking. McKinley is here, talking to one of the nurses.
“Hey, sleepyhead.” She smiles softly—my smile, the one that makes her eyes sparkle. I could get used to waking up to that smile.
“Hi.” I kiss Lexi on top of the head and slowly sit up.
“Can I?” Kinley asks, her eyes never leaving my daughter.
I nod. My throat is tight with too much emotion from her simple request. My daughter’s mother wants nothing to do with her, yet this amazing girl can’t seem to get enough of her.
“Hello, sweet girl,” she whispers as she pulls her close and breathes her in. “I brought her some clothes,” she says, her voice soft and low. “I also brought the car seat, but we’re leaving it in my car. No way are we taking Miss Lexi home in your truck. I thought you were going to get a new one?” she asks.
“She kind of surprised me,” I chuckle and point to Lexi. “But, yes, I had planned on a new truck before she arrived. Thank you for the clothes for her and the car seat.”
“There’s a bag for you too.” She nods toward the chair across the room. I see Lexi’s manly diaper bag that Kinley picked out, as well as a bag for me.
“Thank you for taking care of us.”
“It was nothing. Now go shower and let me have my Lexi time.” She grins.
Standing from the bed, I lean down and kiss Lexi on top of her tiny little head then do the same with Kinley. I hear her intake a breath and have to make myself stand and walk into the bathroom to freshen up.
I rush through a shower. It does wonders to wake me up. I’m packing my dirty clothes back into the bag when I hear someone singing. Careful to not make a sound, I move toward the door and quietly turn the handle. McKinley is sitting in the chair singing to Lexi. I can’t tell if she’s got her rapt attention or if Lexi is sound asleep. Regardless, I’m captivated.
I push open the door, alerting her that I’m done with my shower. I watch as a blush creeps over her cheeks. “Oops, looks like Daddy caught us.”
Daddy. I’m a daddy.
“What are you girls up to?” I ask like I didn’t just catch her.
“Just having some girl time, right, Lexi?” she asks.
“Uh-huh. Thanks again for the clothes. That shower felt so damn good.”
“You’re welcome. I’m sure you smell better.” She finally looks up at me, and she’s grinning like a fool.
“Har har.”
This causes her to chuckle, a sound I’ve grown rather fond of over the last several months.
“So what time does she get released?”
“Soon. The doctor said babies usually stay until the mom is discharged, but due to our situation, Lexi is doing well, eating good, so we can go home. I have to make an appointment with her pediatrician in three to four days just to make sure she’s gaining weight and all is well,” I explain.
“I bet you’ll be glad to have her home. Get settled into a routine?”
“Yeah, it’s surreal really.” I don’t tell her I’m scared as hell. That being here with the nurses checking up on me gave me confidence. Who’s going to check up on me at home? Gran and Gramps are up there in age; neither one of them get around all that well. Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa won’t be able to make the trip from Alabama. It’s just me and Lexi.
“I brought her a cute outfit for her hospital pictures and there’s a gift for you in the diaper bag.”
“Kinley—” I start to protest.
“Oh hush! Just say, ‘Thank you, Kinley,’ and open the bag,” she scolds me.
“Thank you, Kinley,” I say, my voice sugary sweet. Although, I’m mocking her, I do as I’m told and dig into the diaper bag. Inside is a small black point and shoot camera. At least that’s what the box says.
“I know you don’t have a camera, other than your cell phone. I didn’t want you to miss out on capturing a moment of this little one’s life.”
It takes everything in me, all the willpower I possess, to not stalk across the room and crush my lips to hers. This girl…she’s nothing if not amazing. I’m so damn lucky to have her in my life, to have her in Lexi’s life. I hope that’s something that never changes.
Chapter 20
McKinley
I’ve spent the morning at the hospital with Evan and Lexi. I taught him how to use his camera and he’s already taken a gazillion pictures. I know he’s worried. I can see it in his eyes, but he has nothing to be worried about. Less than twenty-four hours and he’s already the best daddy. You can see how much he loves her.
“All right, baby girl. Let’s get you home,” Evan says, placing Lexi in her car seat. He went down and got it when the hospital told him he had to prove he knew how to work it. They also have to watch him putting her in the car before he can leave. Who knew?
I insisted he take my Durango and I would drive his truck. He complained, but not as much as I would have thought. I think his only complaint is he was not okay with me driving his rust bucket either. I waved off his concern. It’s not that the truck is dangerous, it’s just…not reliable. I would feel much better knowing he wasn’t stranded on the road with her.
“Really, Kinley, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done,” he says as he straps Lexi into her seat.
“It’s nothing. You can keep my car until you get a new one. I’ve got nothing going on the next few days, and even if I did, I could take your truck,” I tell him.
“No, that’s not—”
“Evan, I’m not taking no for an answer,” I interrupt him.
“Fine, I’ll rectify the situation as soon as possible. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Do you need anything?” I ask him.
“No, I don’t think so. The hospital gave me a ton of formula and thanks to you, her room is ready for her.”
“Okay, well, call me if you need anything. Aaron said he would stop by later tonight.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again,” he says.
I nod, pick up his bag of clothes, and follow him out of the room. The nurse follows us down to the parking lot and watches as Evan straps Lexi into the seat.
“Take care, Mr. Chamberlin,” she says after he passes the test.
“She’s so tiny,” he says, looking at Lexi snuggled in her seat. “She’s riding back there all alone.”
I was thinking the same thing but didn’t want to say anything. “I can ride back with you and have Mom bring me back to get your truck,” I offer.
“I can’t ask you—”
“You didn’t.” I squeeze past him and slide into the backseat beside Lexi. “Hey, sweet girl, you want some company?” I ask her. I don’t look at Evan, even though I know he’s watching me. Instead, I focus on Lexi. Eventually, he closes the door and slides in behind the wheel.
He adjusts the seat and the mirrors. “You girls ready to go home?” he asks. His eyes find mine in the rearview.
“Yes,
she’s ready to see her new room.”
“Oh, she is, is she?” Evan chuckles.
“Yep. Girl talk, buddy, get used to it,” I tease him.
“Got it,” he says through his laughter.
The drive to his place doesn’t take long. Of course, that could be because I spent the entire ride watching a slumbering Lexi on her first car ride. I even pulled out the camera and snapped a few pictures for Evan.
“Do you mind going to see Gran and Gramps with me? I know they’re dying to see her.”
“Sure.”
He parks in front of the old farm house and hops out of the driver’s seat. Instead of opening the door on his side of the Durango, he walks around and opens mine. I climb out, pulling the diaper bag with me, as he leans in and releases Lexi’s seat.
I lead the way up the steps. “Just knock and go on in,” Evan says from behind me. I do as he says and hold the door open for him.
Evan heads down the hall and turns left into a room that I assume is the living room. “Surprise!” he says.
His gran clutches her chest. I’m thinking that was not the best way to announce our arrival.
“Sorry, Gran,” Evan says sheepishly. “Would you like to meet your great-granddaughter?” he asks them.
“What kind of question is that, boy?” his grandfather’s hoarse voice says. “Bring that girl here so we can get a better look.” They’re both sitting on the couch.
Evan sets Lexi’s seat down, carefully removes the straps, and cradles her in his arms. “Gram, Gramps, I would like to introduce you to Lexington Rae Chamberlin,” he says proudly, handing her over to his grandmother.
I watch as tears well in her eyes as she takes in baby Lexi. I catch Gramps swiping at the corner of his eye. I feel like I’m intruding on a precious family moment. Stepping back, I plan to escape to the Durango to give them some time when Evan turns to me. “Kinley, would you mind taking a few pictures for us?”
