Page 119 of While We Waited

When the nurse finally places the baby on Nova’s chest, Nova sighs as she runs her finger down the little, tiny nose. “You’re perfect, Iliana.”

“Iliana?” I ask. “I thought we’d name the baby after your mother.”

“Her middle name will be Stella. Iliana Stella Clark.”

Love for this tiny creature fills me. “I love you, Iliana.”

Tears run down Nova’s face. “I have everything I’ve ever wanted.”

I wipe her tears away and kiss her forehead. “Thank you for giving me the world. I love you, Nova.”

She smiles at me and warmth fills me. “I love you, too, Hudson.”

I never thought giving into the temptation that is Nova Myers would lead me to love and family, but it has. I don’t need football to be happy. This is what true happiness is.

There’s only one thing I have left to do. Convince Nova to marry me.

♥♥♥