Authors: Jennifer Collins Johnson
Arizona Cowboy (13 page)
Epilogue
One year later
A
va gripped the sides of the hospital bed and pushed with every ounce of strength she could muster. On the doctor’s count, she blew out short puffs of air, then pushed again.
“He’s crowning,” the doctor announced.
Holden pressed his forehead against hers. “You’re doing so good, Ava. So, so good.”
“Let’s go again,” said the doctor.
Ava took Holden’s strong hand and squeezed as she bore down again. She stopped and breathed a quick prayer for God to help her get her son out. Once again, she pushed.
“His head is out. Just one more push.”
Ava clenched her jaw and bore down with all that was in her. A cry sounded, and Ava’s body trembled with joy.
Holden cupped his mouth as he looked at their son.
“Time to cut the cord, Holden,” the nurse announced.
Holden cut the cord, then kissed Ava’s forehead before walking to the other side of the room with their baby.
Her doctor tapped her knee and smiled at her. His kind eyes told her he knew what she needed to hear. “He looks perfect, Ava.” He motioned behind him. “And those wails sound good.”
Sudden sobs wrenched from within in her as she praised God for blessing her with another son. The nurse handed her tissues and rubbed Ava’s arm. “It’s okay to cry.”
Ava nodded as she allowed sorrow and joy and fear and thanksgiving to flow out of her. Within moments, Holden brought their son to her and laid him on her chest. “Jerry’s all cleaned up and ready to see Mommy.”
She grinned that Holden had beaten his sisters at having the first grandson. Their boy wore a small blue cap just like their first son, and Ava took it off him. She needed to see his perfect head, had to feel his downy skin. He blinked, then stared at her as if to say, “So that’s what you look like.” Touching his lips with her fingertips, she looked up at her husband. “He has your lips, just like his brother.”
Holden’s eyes glistened with tears as he bent down and kissed her head. “He’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. You did good.” He touched their son’s cheek with his fingertip. “And it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought.”
Ava turned her head and glared at him. “If I could get out of this bed...”
Holden burst out laughing. When she saw that the doctor and nurse also narrowed their gazes at him, she chuckled. “I might not have to get up. They might get you for me.”
The pediatric nurse stood beside the bed. “We need to take him back and get him all checked out for you.”
Ava reluctantly nodded as the woman replaced the little cap and took Jerry from her arms.
Holden squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll make sure they don’t hurt him.”
She shook her head as Holden followed the nurse and their baby. He was going to be a terrific dad, just as he’d always be her Arizona cowboy.
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460339404
Arizona Cowboy
Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Collins Johnson
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