A Holland and a Fighter by Lori L. Otto

Author:Lori L. Otto [Otto, Lori L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lori L. Otto
Published: 2019-07-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

PART III - JON

While I’m struggling to keep my eyes open, I see two familiar faces peering through the glass of the NICU. Knowing my hands are bringing warmth to Luca’s small body as he sleeps against my chest, I’m reluctant to wave at my daughters, but the looks of pure joy on their faces change my mind quickly. I open my eyes wide, smile, and attempt to match their enthusiasm without waking my son.

I haven’t seen my girls in 36 hours and my heart aches to be with them now, when I know how badly they need me. Jack and Emi finally appear behind them, looking worn out and ready to hand over Edie and Willow to anyone who will take them. It’s not fair for me to ask my in-laws to watch my daughters now, when they’re still coming to terms with grief that’s so insurmountable, fresh and raw.

I’m grateful Matty and Nolan have agreed to take them home after I visit with them for a bit.

“Jon?” Katie speaks softly. “Time’s up. Looks like he’s sound asleep. I bet he’ll get in another few hours of good rest in the crib.” She points to the incubator. I hate that he has to stay in there. Nothing about it says comfort or home. I want nothing more than to get him out of the hospital and into… well, into some place that’s welcoming. I haven’t been to the apartment in four and a half days; not since that night. Neither have the girls.

Will has been kind enough to supply me with the things I need, not that I’ve asked for much. What’s to need when you feel as if you’ve lost everything?

I kiss Luca on the head and hand him over to the nurse, who walks him to the bed by the window where my family waits. Jack and Emi admire him adoringly. The girls move to the door, waiting for me to meet them in the hallway. After buttoning up my shirt, I hurry out to give them both big hugs and kisses.

“Daddy, when are we going home?” my youngest asks as I kneel down so I’m not towering over her.

“Soon, Wils,” I say to her, not knowing if there’s any truth to my answer. “Look how pretty you both look.”

“You stink, Daddy,” Edie informs me.

I imagine I do. In two days, the only real washing I’ve done is in the sink at the NICU, before I get to see Luca. In the times they take him to do testing and diagnostics, I’ve been jogging up and down the stairs of the hospital to keep my mind occupied. Not a great mix for stellar hygiene.

“Sorry, bunny,” I tell her, feeling a blush come across my face. “I haven’t found a shower here.”

“There’s one at home.”

“Very astute of you,” I mumble sarcastically, exhausted. “How are my girls doing?”

“We miss you,” Willow says, enveloping me in a hug. “I don’t care if you stink.”

“I miss you, too.”

“Then why do you spend all your time with him?”

“Honey, I’ve told you… he has nobody here but me.

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