Time skip brought to you by Kid Zebra's snazzy sandals!

Three months later...

    Chole's POV:

    I smiled over at Nathaniel and Sarah. The two were playing checkers.

    I felt a kick. I had been feeling those more often for the last few months.

     I felt myself take deep breaths.

     I could tell the baby was coming soon.  Perhaps, even today for all I knew.

    I felt nervous. What if Nathaniel and Sarah are wrong and my child hates me?  What will I do then?

    I sigh. I try to relax, but I find it hard with all the contractions.

   "Nathaniel, sweetheart, it is time, the little one is on her way," I say.

     Nathaniel smiles as he says,  "Don't you worry, I am ready." He pulls on his shoes and grabs his wallet, and keys. He hands me my coat since the weather has gotten colder lately.

  I put it on, but only get it half-buttoned as he puts on his coat. We head out the door to his car.

    He sold his truck weeks ago since it reminded him of some bad times and he no longer wanted to deal with it. Besides, it used a ton of gasoline. His car is electric.

    He drove me to the hospital glad we were about to have our baby girl.

   About thirty minutes later, we arrived at the hospital and he parked his car. We went inside him holding the overnight bag, and me holding onto him. "My wife is about to have our baby," He says with a smile. A nurse smiles and takes me to a room. He follows me.

    "How are you related to our patient here?" The nurse asks. "She is my wife," Nathaniel says. 

    The nurse smiles more. "Take a seat over there Mr. Kurtzberg," She says.  He sits in the chair.

     I  sits on the bed, and the nurse instructs me to lie down. I do and the doctor comes into the room.

      I push hard as  I am  told and I hear the happy noises of our babies' first cry.  The doctor weighs her and smiles. He measures her and hands her back to Chole.  "What is her name?" The doctor asks.  "Madison Ann Marie Kurtzberg,"  Chole answers.  I nod my head in agreement.  "Okay, then, Madison Ann Marie Kurtzberg, welcome," He says.

           I helped Nathaniel to sign the birth certificate for our baby girl. I smile after we finish the paperwork.

     Nathaniel, Madison, and I stay overnight so the doctor and nurse can keep an eye on me and our daughter. It is a pre-cautionary procedure is what they assure me. Nothing is wrong.

    Sarah is staying at the house and her Grandpa is staying over. He was given the guest room.

     The next day Nathaniel, Madison, and I returned to our house.  Before Nathaniel can unlock the front door, my father opens it. Sarah is standing there beside him. 

     "Mom, Dad, and Sister you are home!" Sarah greets us. I could not been more pleased than if the secretary of state had come by to give us the Nobel Peace Prize.

       "Her name is Madison," I say. "Madison, hi," Sarah says. "I am your big sister," She adds.

          I let Sarah hold Madison and sit beside her on the sofa. Nathaniel comes and sits on my other side. The four of us belong together. I can see that now.

           My father smiles as he takes our photo, then turns his phone around and takes another photo. This time it is one of him with us four in the background.

         I am impressed with how well he has learned the features of his first smartphone.

        "Mom, Dad, and Madison, I am glad we are family," Sarah says.

     "Me too, kid, me too," I say.

          I smile over at my husband and our two daughters.  I know now I was worried about nothing. My family my whole family loves me and I love them.

        I hear the doorbell ring and gasp when I answer it. I hadn't seen her in years. "Hi, Zoe, do come in," I say. "Who is that Mom?" Sarah asks.

    "This is your Aunt Zoe," I say. "Yes, that is me," She says.

   "Wow, it is great to meet you Aunt Zoe, and this is my new baby sister, Madison," Sarah says.

         "You must be Sarah," Zoe says. "Yes, that is me," Sarah says.

         "So, sister-in-law, what brings you here?" Nathaniel asks.

     "I dropped by because my husband insisted and I wanted to introduce you to him," Zoe says. "Yes, I have an Uncle," Sarah beams.

        "Hi, everyone," A familiar voice says. I looked up in shock when I saw who Zoe's husband was who stood before us all. It was the one and only Luka Cuffaine.

        "Luka, is it nice to see you, "I say.

   "You two know each other?" Nathaniel asks.

   "Yes, Luka was my best friend back in second grade,  but he moved and we lost touch," I explain.

   "Wow, that is amazing, what a small world,'' Zoe remarks. "Yes, indeed," Luka says.

       "Nathaniel, I see you sweep my sister-in-law off her feet here," Luka remarks.

     "Yes, and she is better for it, I am sure," Nathaniel says. "I can certainly see that," Lukazoe says.

        "So, sis, Luka and I will be in town all week, and we will be staying at this hotel," Zoe says. She hands me the card with the hotel's name, address, and number. 

       "Ooh, you will be staying at Grandpa's then," Sarah says. "Grandpa's?" Zoe asks. "Yes, the Bougerious hotel is the one my Grandpa owns," Sarah replies. "Wow, so my stepfather is the owner of the hotel.  Wow, that is awesome," Zoe says.

     Zoe hugs Sarah, then Nathaniel, and me. Luka hugs me, then Nathaniel, and Sarah.

          Madison is now in her crib asleep.  Lukazoe leaves.

           After they left, I turned to Nathaniel, "I did not know they were coming, but that was a nice surprise."

         "It sure was, I am glad Sarah's Aunt and Uncle dropped by for a visit." He says.

             "Don't worry Nathaniel, I am not into him, he is my brother-in-law, and I have you," I say. I kiss him.

           Sarah smiles. "Awe, Mom, and Dad are such couple goals," She says.

           Find out more in Chapter 49

    Until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!