Authors: Sarah Curtis
"The nurse tells me you're eight centimeters. Shouldn't be too much longer. Is your epidural working okay?"
"It's great. I don't feel a thing."
"We're going to have to cut you off soon, so you can feel when to push. Enjoy it while it lasts. I'll be by to check on you soon."
Alexis watched to doctor walk out before turning back to Jack. "Honey, you need to relax. Everything is going to be fine."
Jack sighed and gripped her hand tighter. "I know, but I'll be happy once it's all over."
"Well, like the doctor said, it shouldn't be too much longer. Now, give me a kiss. I hear by the time I'm ten centimeters, I'll be cussing you out and wanting to hit you, not kiss you."
"Push, Alexis," Dr. Franks said, from between Alexis's legs. "I see the head."
"Baby, we are never doing this again," Jack whispered in her ear. "I can't stand to see you in this much pain."
Alexis gripped his hand and would have laughed, but she was concentrating too hard on pushing.
"One more push should do it."
Alexis felt an immense relief as the baby pushed all the way out. She sagged against Jack. He held her weight, brushing her sweaty hair off her forehead.
"You have a beautiful baby girl," Dr. Franks yelled, over the baby's crying. "Who obviously has a healthy set of lungs," she laughed.
Jack gave Alexis a gentle kiss. "Thank you."
Alexis gave Jack a tried smile, laying her head against his shoulder.
"Here's your mamma. You can stop crying now," the nurse said, putting the tightly wrapped bundle into Alexis's arms. The baby instantly stopped crying.
Alexis felt her chest tighten, looking down at her daughter. "I want to name her Amber Lynn, after my mom."
"A beautiful name, for a beautiful girl," Jack said, lightly running a finger down the baby's cheek. "I can't believe we created this tiny little creature. She's perfect, just like her mamma."
Alexis looked lovingly at Jack and smiled. "Now
that's
your corniest line yet."
"Sweetheart, that wasn't a line," he said. And then he kissed her.