Seven months later…
Mother’s Day in the maternity ward at St. Joseph’s was usually quite an eventful time, but everyone acknowledged that this particular day was even more eventful.
The news had quickly spread that super couple Asher Hudson and Riley Stamper had given birth to a healthy baby boy. The new mom couldn’t help but wonder if Misha had done something to ensure those results, as she’d been so certain Riley would provide her with a little nephew. Of course, Riley didn’t have time to dwell on the matter for long, since her attention was completely centered on the tiny, beautiful man in her arms.
Still, a small portion of the new mom’s attention was given to the tiny man’s father. Asher rested his chin on her shoulder while staring down, totally absorbed with his son.
“Thank you, thank you…” His tone was soft, almost reverent.
She brushed her mouth across his jaw. “Thank you.”
“So does anyone know about all of us yet?”
“Well, Misha ran out with her phone,” Riley said when Asher laughed. “I’m sure all of New York’ll be in here before the day is out.”
“And have we decided on this guy’s name?”
Riley gasped. “I’ve only been calling him ‘my little angel’ for the past seven months,” she said and drew the baby close to nuzzle a satiny caramel-toned cheek.
Asher pressed a kiss to his son’s palm. “I’ve been callin’ him ‘big guy’…guess they won’t let us put either of those on the birth certificate, huh?”
“I don’t think so.”
The parents contemplated in silence, agreeing that the baby should have its own identity. Riley noted that she wouldn’t mind the two most important men in her life having names beginning with A. After little debate, they settled on the name Ahmad.
“You think he’ll like it?” Riley whispered.
The parents’ contemplation was interrupted by the almost inaudible sound of their son’s yawn. Riley’s eyes filled with tears, and Asher clenched his jaw when his heart lurched in response to the sound.
“I think he likes it.” Asher gave a soft tug on the blue blanket swaddling the child. “I like it, too, but I think this man wants to sleep on it a while.” He nuzzled Riley’s ear with the tip of his nose. “Personally, I can’t think of a better time for a nap. What do you say, Mom?”
She showered his jaw with kisses. “Daddy, didn’t you know that sleep is a new mommy’s favorite word?”
Asher and Riley shared a chuckle before sharing a lengthy kiss. Moments later, the new family drifted off into a delightful nap.