AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I smell Noah before I hear him. “Open your eyes,” he says.
He’s sitting next to me, dressed in a blue gown, but with a pink hat. “They had both colors. I couldn’t pick.”
“Are you ready for this?”
He nods.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything since I said I do.”
“Peyton, we’re going to start now,” Dr. Harmon says. I give her a nod and keep my eyes on my husband as he takes my hand and squeezes it.
30
NOAH
There’s a board or a wall of some type blocking Peyton’s view, which is a good thing. She doesn’t need to see what they’re doing to her body, and frankly, neither do I. When it’s time for me to cut the cord, I will, but I won’t be the father who will tell his children later in life that he watched their birth. I saw what a c-section looks like during some parenting class we took—that was more than enough for me.
I want to touch my wife, but I can’t. I spent five minutes with the nurse, scrubbing up so I could be in this room, I’m not about to jeopardize anything, especially with them cutting Peyton open.
“I love you.”
“I love you too,” she says right back.
C-sections are safe. I know this. I did the research, but there are instances where things can go wrong. To say I’m worried about Peyton would be an understatement. Her body has been through a lot, and I’m honestly surprised she was able to carry the triplets for as long as she has. She was diligent though and worked her ass off to protect them, to keep them growing inside of her as long as possible. Her moving to Beaumont was the smartest thing she could’ve done and I’m forever grateful to my parents for being there for her.
“Okay, Peyton,” Dr. Harmon says.
The next sound we hear is music to our ears. Crying fills the room and everyone seems happy to hear it.
“Baby boy A is out. Dad, do you want to do the honors?”
“I’ll be right back,” I tell my wife, longing to kiss her or squeeze her hand.
I move behind the screen, where Peyton can no longer see. The baby is tiny and won’t even take up the length of my arm. I do my best to keep my worries buried. We knew they’d be small, but knowing something and seeing it firsthand are entirely different. I want to hold him but the staff is busy making sure he’s perfect. I think he is because he’s my son. I look him over as if I’m the inspector general or something. Ten fingers and toes. Knobby knees, puffy cheeks, and kissable lips. He stretches, his tiny fists closed as the team wipe him down.
My throat seizes as tears stream down my face. I have a son. We have a son. We created a life and while I know there are two more coming, this guy is my first and will always hold a special place in my heart.
“Noah?” Peyton’s voice pulls me to the present.
“I’m coming, babe,” I tell her. “Just checking out our boy.” As soon as I sit down next to her again, her eyes fill with tears. “He’s perfect. Look.” I move out of her line of vision so she can see where they’ve taken him. “They’re going to get him cleaned up and then they’ll bring him over to you.”
“Okay.”
We hear more cries and somehow, I know it’s my other son. “Be right back,” I say to Peyton. “Duty calls.”
Baby boy B is small as well and I guess it makes sense. They were crammed in there tightly and Peyton isn’t very big to begin with. Again, I inspect every detail of our middle child. I don’t know what it’s like to be a middle child but I read it can be tough. Not for this guy. I won’t allow it. I’ll have his back, no matter what. Even when his princess of a sister is picking on him.
“He’s perfect, Peyton.” Again, I’m out of the way so she can watch the staff with our son. “One more to go and then they’ll bring them over here.”
Another wail and for whatever reason, a smile spreads across my face. I move to the other side of the screen and glimpse my daughter, our daughter, for the first time. She’s bigger than her brothers, which is comical in the sense Peyton wanted them to protect their little sister. I think it’s going to be a good chunk of years until that happens.
“Peyton, she’s gorgeous.”
“And perfect?”
“Yes, perfect.”
The staff take her from me, and I go back to my wife. “Ah, babe. They’re perfect. With all ten fingers and toes. The boys don’t have any hair, but our daughter does. She looks just like you.”
