The first time…
…was in a hospital hallway that smelled like bleach and burnt coffee, where joy and fear clung to the walls like something alive.
Riley had been in labor for hours. By the time Lily and Nora finally arrived, my entire body felt like it was vibrating—exhaustion, relief, disbelief all crashing together at once.
And then they placed them in my arms.
Babynaming ideas
I broke.
“Two girls,” I whispered, my voice trembling as tears blurred everything. “Two healthy, loved baby girls.”
Riley smiled faintly, her voice soft but proud. “I told you I’d get them here safely.”
I laughed through tears. “You are never paying for coffee again, Riley.”
But even as I laughed… I was already searching the room.
Looking for him.
Sam.
I found him standing by the window, a folder clutched tightly in his hands. His face looked drained—like someone had reached inside him and taken something essential.
“Sam?” I called softly. “Come here.”
He moved toward me, but slowly… like each step weighed more than the last.
His eyes flickered—Lily, Nora… then me.
“Why are you looking at them like that?” I asked, something cold curling in my chest.
He swallowed. “I need a minute, Erica.”
“A minute for what?”
His hand dragged over his mouth. “I just… I need to think.”
