20

Jane's POV

Oh God.

My heart was racing, my hands felt clammy and I couldn't hear anything. All I know is that I kept muttering the word please in my head over and over again.

What was I asking for again?

Somebody get my mother. I need her here with me. Oh God, don't let this happen to my baby girl. What'd she do to deserve this? I didn't realise when I started crying and praying.

I could feel my heart shrinking as I watched the doctor pace in front of me with my baby in his hands. How they looked so perfect and yet it was anything but.

It had struck midnight and the tower clock rang through our ears, but all our focus was on what to do for my baby.

"Let me hold my baby," I cried out weakly, my hands poorly outstretched. The doctor looked back at me with his hands still wrapped tightly around my little bundle of joy when suddenly she raised her little fist into the air and cried out loud.

I was shell-shocked! Nothing could amount to the happiness I felt at hearing her voice cry out. Was it in pain? Fear? Just because she felt the need to? I'd never know.

I never want to forget the way the doctor's face lit up with relief and how he clung to my baby or how he kissed her forehead and stared down at her with so much admiration as though she was his baby. I covered my face with my hand to mute the sobs coming out.

"Here, go to mommy," I heard him coo as he came to sit beside me. The adrenaline wore off and I felt a little pain but I was more than welcoming to it because holding my baby in my arms is worth it. And I'd do it all over again if it means I get to hold her in my arms at the end of the struggle.

I kissed my baby's face all over and giggled when she smiled at me, saliva falling out of her mouth adorably. She really is a source of bliss.

"Ma'am, we're gonna have to clean you and the baby up," the male nurse, Dan, said as he gently reached for my baby whom I gave over without a word. She'll come back to me. I'm sure she will.

***

"Say hi to Grandma," I said in my baby voice as my mother walked in with lots of food and baby stuff. I watched as my dad come in behind my mother, holding a few plastic bags as well. They have been really spoiling me.

"How are you?" My father said as he kissed my temple and nuzzled my baby's nose with his.

"Isn't she lovely?" My mom asked as she sat beside me and looked over at my baby.

"Mom, she looks like raw shrimp," I teased, earning a playful slap on the arm. We were in the middle of catching up and talking and laughing when someone knocked at the door.

I looked towards it and locked eyes with Doctor Stamford. My breath got caught in my throat when he gave me a smile, one that showed his teeth that could have toothpaste companies running for their money. His eyes lingered on mine for a little longer before walking into the room and to where my dad is standing.

"Good day to you all. I'm Doctor Stamford, Jane's ObGyn," he introduced himself, shaking hands with them.

"But I thought Sandra Lee is her doctor," my mom spoke up, asking the question I have had on my mind ever since he came into the picture.

"Was. She had some last minute changes," he said which earned a grump from my dad. "But that doesn't mean I'm not good to assist," he said, charming us with his smile.

"If you do say so yourself," I mumbled. Or at least tried to seeing as he gave me a deadpan eyeroll.

"I understand that you would like to have more time to pick a name-"

"Kárri-"

"So I'll leave you at that- Kárri?" He asks, looking at me through hooded eyes, a small smirk on his lips.

"Yes. Kárri Scott."

I carefully watch his face and see so many flickers of emotions in his eyes but can't pick one out. "That's a lovely name."

"Thank you," I say, hypnotised by him completely. How can one person be so handsome and seem unaware about it?

"Well, I'll send in Dan to come check some vitals and so on, Unless you're more comfortable or you prefer a female nurse," he said, checking to see if I'm fine with Dan. I gently wave him off.

"Dan has been nice, and funny. So i'm keeping him," I tease, making him laugh quietly as he brushed some of his hair aside with his fingers before glancing at my parents who were amused by him.

"I'm almost done. Usually the nurse does this but since I'm here, I might as well," he says as he takes my blood pressure and checks some things from the machine next to my bed.

Suddenly I remember something.

"Where's Nate?"

"Who's Nate?" he asks mindlessly, glancing at me.

"My baby's father." His face instantly dropped.

"Oh," he says, taking a step back that one wouldn't exactly notice unless you were focusing on him.

"I gave him a call as soon as the baby was born and he said he's on his way," my mom told me.

"It's not like him to not be here," I say, confused and worried.

"Well, I'll take this to reception for filing. Please excuse me," he said, not even sparing me a glance as he walked out and softly closed the door behind him.

"He's so handsome," mom gushed as soon as it was all clear of Doctor Stamford.

"Mom, really?"

"What?" She asked innocently.

"Dad is right beside you," I chuckle, getting back into conversation with my mom as my dad holds his grandchild and talks to her as though she can hear a word he's saying. We look up when we hear him laughing, his loud voice probably frightening her.

"Life is crazy, little one. You might want to get back in momma's stomach and just hide out there," he whispers to her, completely oblivious to our staring.

I came to realise as I was listening to my mom talk endlessly about something, that this is what I need. With my parents by my side, I can face this new experience with a strong mindset.