“She’s perfect,” cried Jade, smiling. “God, Reid. Look at her.”

Just then our baby opened her eyes, and peered up at us, her irises a slate-gray.

“Hi Daniela Sofia,” whispered Jade. “We’ve been dying to meet you.”

Daniela yawned, and moved her head around. “You want to meet your daddy?”

Jade lifted her, and with slightly shaky hands I held my daughter for the first time. My cheeks were wet, but I didn’t care. My daughter was looking at me like she knew me, and I felt my heart expanding with every breath, filling up with an all-consuming love.

“Hi, baby girl.” Daniela’s eyes widened like she’d recognized my voice. “I’m your daddy, and I love you so much.”

I SAT NEXT to Jade as she nursed Daniela, stroking her cheek. Our family and friends had finally been ushered out by Nurse Alba, and after some teary introductions, it was clear that everyone was smitten with the newest addition to the group.

“She’s so small,” murmured Jade. I could tell she was tired, and needed some rest, but she seemed so content just sitting there looking at Daniela.

“She won’t stay that way for long,” I mused. Jade yawned, and looked a little relieved when Daniela had stopped eating. Jade closed her gown, and slowly started rocking our baby.

I stood up, and held out my hands. “I’ll get her,” I said. “You’re tired.”

Jade smiled gratefully, and settled into bed as soon as I took Daniela. I placed her on my shoulder, and after breaking her winds I placed her in the crook of my arm. When I looked at Jade again, her eyes started drifting closed.

It was only late afternoon, the sun slowly starting to set on the horizon, and it had quite possibly been the longest day of our lives. But also one I would most likely never forget.

Daniela lifted her little fist to her mouth as I sat down in the rocking chair, and her eyes sought me out when I started talking.

“Some day, Princess, I’m going to tell you the story of how your mommy and I got together. I’ll tell you how silly daddy was, and how stubborn mommy was, and then I’ll teach you that boys are trouble, and your daddy is the only man you’ll ever need.”

I heard a snicker, and lifted my head to see Jade watching us. “I thought you were sleeping?”

“It’s a little hard to do when you’re staring down at our baby like she’s the most precious thing in the world.”

I dropped my eyes back to Daniela, and slowly started rocking her. “She is,” I replied softly. I kissed her head, and inhaled that sweet baby scent. “And she’ll never go a day without knowing it.”

After Daniela had fallen asleep, Nurse Alba had taken her to the nursery, leaving Jade and I alone.

“It feels weird doesn’t it?” asked Jade. She was lying on her side, her arm under her head. “To finally have her here?”

“Feels like just the other day you told me you were pregnant...” I trailed off.

“Don’t remind me,” groaned Jade. “That was not a good day for either of us.”

“Maybe not,” I replied, taking her free hand and clasping it between mine. “But I’d be wrong if I said I regret anything.”

“We did make quite a mess of things, huh?” mused Jade.

I shook my head. “No, we just blurred a few lines that shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”

“Have you always been so sure about us?”

“I’ve loved you all my life, Jade, even before I knew what it meant. We’ve made some mistakes a long the way, been through some pretty crazy shit, but somehow we ended up right here, and I don’t think I’d want to be anywhere else.”

“Being a dad has made you soft,” giggled Jade. She lifted her hand, and brushed my jaw. “But I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else either.” She sighed, and then added, “Can we wait at least three more years before you knock me up again?”

I threw my head back as a throaty laugh echoed through the room. “Yes! I don’t think I’m ready for another one just yet, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to practicing.”

“You’ll have to get rid of the cobwebs first,” replied Jade. “It’s been that long.”

“You know we have to wait at least another six weeks right?”

Jade frowned, looking displeased. “I know.”

I chuckled. “You’re unbelievable.”

“But you love me anyway.”

“That I do, Jade Matthews, that I do.”

Chapter 24

Jade

2 Months Later...

“I think Kennedy will pop a kid before Reid and I have another one,” I said, looking pointedly at Kennedy. Her brows furrowed as she took a sip of her red wine.

“I still have to finish school,” she argued half-heartedly. “And I’d like to get married first before Dane and I start talking babies.”

I hid my smirk, knowing that Dane was going to propose at our little get-together. His plans were postponed the day Daniela was born, but according to Reid it suited him just fine. Poor guy had been nervous all afternoon, but Reid and I assured him he had nothing to worry about. Kennedy was so in love with him there was no chance in hell she would say no, that much I was sure of.

Reid and Dane were manning the barbeque, talking about whatever guys talked about with our fathers, Chase, and Grady’s boyfriend, Daniel, while the rest of us – Kennedy, Ashley, Reid’s mother, my mother, and Grady – sat on the deck. It was the first time in weeks that we were all together, aside from the few visits everyone had paid after Daniela and I were home from the hospital.

Speaking of the little Princess, I smiled when I saw she was fast asleep in my mother’s arms while she talked animatedly with Reid’s mother. When it came to spoiling our daughter, her grandmothers were the culprits, although I suspected Reid was guilty of that too.

“I think Ashley will be next,” said Grady. “The rate you and my brother are going, I’m going to be an uncle before the year is up.”

Ashley’s cheeks reddened, and she ducked her head with a giggle. “Your brother’s the screamer, not me.”

Grady rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what made me think I could handle living with you two. I’m starting to think I should shack up with Kennedy and Dane.”

I snorted. “They’re not any better,” – I winced when Kennedy kicked my shin under the table, - “Maybe you and Daniel can get a place together. You look pretty serious about him.”

Grady sighed, and looked to where all the guys had gathered. Daniel was dressed in dark jeans, a navy polo, and a cream sweater. He wasn’t what I had envisioned Grady going for, but when I saw them together for the first time, I knew Grady was a goner. I was thrilled for him. After his attack he’d become a little hard to reach, but Daniel persisted, and Grady was so happy it was sickening.

I saw my mother stand, and I rose to my feet so that I could take Daniela from her.

“Thanks mamma,” I kissed her cheek.

“I hate letting her go,” said my mother. “But she’s tired.”

“I’ll put her in her crib. I’ll be right back.”