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PAIGE
Paige hit the coffee button on the hospital vending machine. She had been here since nine o’clock last night. She had been in the press box, watching the third period of the Renegades game last night when she got the call. Rylee was in labor!
Of course, she had run right to Rylee’s side, not even stopping home to get changed. She gave up her heels about two in the morning and had been running around in a pair of hospital slippers. Not the most fashionable things, but they did in a pinch, and they were more comfortable than her heels.
Leaving during the game meant she also didn’t get to see Tyler last night. She made sure to have Melanie let him know what was going on after the game was over.
Rylee’s labor was slow, and she insisted Paige put the end of the game on when they got there. At least she’d gotten to see the guys win.
It was now ten-thirty in the morning, and she had well surpassed being awake twenty-four hours. The moment Rylee had begun pushing, Paige’s second wind had kicked in and she was still riding it.
Paige watched as the hot liquid poured into the cup. Paige opted for the freeze-dried coffee grinds from the vending machine versus the cafeteria. She was told late last night that the coffee from the cafeteria wasn’t fit for humans. And the coffee cart in the lobby wasn’t open that late. And now, after probably her fifth cup, she had acquired a taste for this bad coffee.
She was sure that it was the adrenaline keeping her awake, but coffee didn’t hurt. And as tired as she was going to be when she finally crashed, all that mattered was that little Lila Talon and her mommy were healthy and happy.
It had been an uneventful labor for Rylee, and new dad, Nick, did a great job. But she hadn’t expected anything less from the team’s General Manager.
Paige took a seat in the lounge for a moment of calm, sipping her hot coffee. She sat back in the chair and her eyes focused on the television. She stared at the morning talk show while drinking her coffee. The floor was quiet for the moment, so she took her time. Besides, Rylee and Nick needed a few moments alone with their new daughter.
She texted Tyler to let him know she’d be home soon. Paige figured she’d stay for a little longer, than head home before she crashed.
Paige had always known that her best friend was strong, but after twelve hours of active labor, Rylee had achieved rock star status in her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Paige could feel her body getting heavy. It was time to go see that sweet little baby and the new parents before she was too tired to drive home.
Walking back into the hospital room, she was greeted with her friends’ smiling faces. She was so used to walking into a smelly locker room full of sweaty hockey players that this sweet greeting took her off guard.
“You guys do know that if you keep smiling like that, your faces might freeze that way?” she teased. Quietly, she closed the heavy door behind her and joined them cooing over the new baby.
“I don’t think we’ll ever stop smiling as long as this little sweetie is around,” Nick commented. He was beaming with pride as he fixed her little pink blanket.
“You want to hold her?” Rylee asked.
That simple question made her body go cold. Setting her coffee down on the table, she took a deep breath and prepared herself.
“Sure.” Suddenly, Paige became all thumbs and awkwardly tried to stand beside the bed, while half trying to sit on the edge of the mattress and almost falling on to the floor. “Maybe I should go sit down first?”
Maybe her clumsiness was due to the lack of sleep, maybe had low blood sugar, or maybe it was just the idea of having a little baby in her arms after so many months of wanting one of her own, with no results.
Nick let her get settled on the couch before he laid little Lila into her arms.
Afraid of the slew of negative emotions that she knew she was going to feel, she held her breath as the newborn settled into her arms. Then something unexpected happened. None of the feelings she anticipated having happened.
Looking down at the sleeping little pink bundle in her arms, she didn’t recognize the emotion of euphoria that overwhelmed her. There was no anguish. Her heart was full, as if it were going to burst out of her chest. How could someone feel so much love for someone so tiny?
Lila’s pink cheeks and her sweet little lips were so perfect. Paige couldn’t help but stare. Lila squirmed in her arms and let out the tiniest cry she had ever heard. The little baby opened her brilliant blue eyes and stared at Paige.
Paige’s heart soared as she watched Lila. The baby was so perfect in every way. Her little fingers, her little toes, the way she smiled while she slept—that was probably just gas.
Paige knew enough about babies to know that Lila wasn’t really focusing on her—but it sure felt that way. Those pretty eyes stayed on Paige for the longest time before she dozed off again.
Lila wasn’t even an hour old yet, and she had stolen Paige’s heart.
Looking up, Paige realized Rylee and Nick were watching her and Lila. The adoration on their faces told her that Lila already held her parents’ hearts, too.
Paige couldn’t help the yawn that escaped her lips.
“I should get going. I haven’t slept in over a day, and I’m sure the new Mommy might like a cat nap, too.” Paige stood and passed baby Lila to Nick.
She was so tired that her eyes began to water. Obviously, the adrenaline from the day must’ve worn off and she had hit a wall.
“Absolutely not,” Nick said sternly. “You’ve been awake longer than us. I cannot let you drive home while you’re this tired. Take the recliner or the couch and get some rest.”
Paige looked from Rylee to the recliner. “I can’t do that. The recliner is in here for you, Nick. And I’m sure Rylee wants to rest.”
Nick shook his head. “I’m not taking no for an answer. You both can nap in here. I’ll have the nurse take the baby to the nursery, and I’ll go make some calls.”
“No!” Rylee called. “She can stay here, can’t she? She’ll just be sleeping in her little hospital bassinette. She’ll be fine, right?”
Nick smiled and agreed. “Paige, make yourself comfortable and get some sleep. I’ll message Tyler to let him know you are staying. I’ll see if he can bring some sandwiches since you haven’t eaten.”
But Nick’s words were muffled, and Paige could barely keep her eyes open as she nodded. Without even attempting to argue any more with Nick, she curled up on the recliner and fell right asleep.
