Sunday, April 21st, 2019

Tatianna's POV

After cleaning up from the baby shower, we stayed up late last night, talking and having fun with the family.

"I've never seen so many packs of diapers in my life. Maia's closet and the hallway closet are filled to the max with diapers. And the library is packed with gifts. That was a great game. And, thank you for giving the winners a trip, Niko. That was sweet. Sabryna talked about it for most of the night."

"Thank you, Aiesha. I was excited for her too. Family is number one to me. Always has been, and it always will be."

"Who won the diaper pins game?" Sophia asked.

"That would be me. My Nana Dalia was the other winner of the game."

Graeme mentioned, "You're good, Tatianna. My pin was gone within 15 minutes by Janiyah."

Janiyah replied, "It sure was. But, Griffin ended up with both pins."

"Yup. I sure did. I took Sophia's pin too." We all chuckled.

"Thanks, Graeme. It was harder than I usually played in the past because of how many words. But I made it. And, sorry about my family harassing you for autographs all night."

"It's all good."

"Thank you all for staying today to help us open the gifts. It's going to be hard trying to find space to put everything."

"Aiesha, for the family that flew into town, we asked them to get Maia clothes. That way, the family could travel light. We got you guys things like cribs, baby carriers, changing tables, etc."

"We couldn't just buy baby clothes. We bought some more baby gifts the day we flew in from Chicago," Sophia says. "Griffin came up with the idea, and I agreed with him. Children are special. And I'm next."

We all laughed at that one. "Sophia, we didn't even plan on a specific person to get that cupcake."

"That's okay. If I really am the next one pregnant, I'm looking forward to it. I always wanted to become a mom."

"Cris, Kami, Bliss, and Shane wanted to come but couldn't make it. They did send gifts for Maia," Niko added.

"Aww, now I'm going to cry. You all are too sweet."

Aiesha kept her word and cried. I wrapped my arm around her. "We are one big family, honey. We got your back, both you and Matti. After we finish breakfast, let's go open your gifts."

"Okay."

****************

Narrator's POV

Baby shower number two, which took place in Jamaica, came quickly. Aiesha and Matti had a great time. They received so many gifts again that it was enough to create a baby room at three different houses.

Now, everyone is on baby watch. Maia's arrival is almost here.

**********

Monday, May 13th, 2019

Tatianna's POV

10:00 am

This week we have been on Maia watch. Tomorrow is Aiesha's due date, but Maia wants to be born now. Aiesha and Matti have had several false alarms. And, Aiesha will give you the stink-eye if you constantly stare at her.

Niko told me I could take the week off, but I came into work. I'll leave once I get the text that Aiesha and Matti are on their way to the hospital.

I received the results back from the annual testing of the executive team. Jenny and I are going through the folders now. Hopefully, it will not be any drama like last year with Callum.

"Tatianna, isn't your sister due this week?"

"Yeah, she is. Niko wanted to give me the week off, but I wanted to come to work. Matti is going to call me when they are going to the hospital. I turned up the sound on my phone."

"Okay. I finished going through my stack of folders. Everyone's results were negative."

"Thanks, Jenny. You can take a break. I'm going to take a break too. My eyes need some rest."

Just as I grabbed my bag, my phone rang. It was Matti.

"Uh, Jenny, scratch the break. I'm going to the hospital. It's time to go."

"Go ahead. I'll lock up your office. After my break, I'll finish the rest of the folders."

"Thanks." I quickly left my office and made my way to my Mercedes. As soon as I approached my truck, Niko was waiting for me.

"Hopefully this one isn't a false alarm."

"I think today is the day. Matti put exclamation points in his text. Come on, let's get moving."

********

Niko and I found parking spaces next to each other. After parking, we got out of our SUVs and quickly walked into the hospital.

"I know where the maternity ward is located. Follow me."

Niko and I then walked towards the elevator and took it up to the fourth floor. My father was waiting for us near the waiting room.

"It's the real deal this time. Pandora is in the room with Matti and Aiesha now."

We followed my dad into the waiting room. Evangeline, Lukas, Nana Dory, Nana Dalia, Nana Vea, Papa Santander, and Papa Evander were in the room. They are the only people that make Niko nervous. It's hilarious.

I hugged everyone. My mom came into the room just as I was about to take a seat.

"Tatianna, Aiehsa wants you to deliver Maia."

"Me? But I've never delivered a baby before."

"There's always a first time for everything. Aiesha said it's not a request either. So you have no choice."

"Bossy much? Okay. I need some scrubs and need to wash my hands."

I handed Niko my bag and jacket. I then followed my mom. We saw Yuri on our way to the delivery room.

"Hey, Tatianna. I have scrubs and gloves ready for you."

"Thanks, Yuri."

"Oh, please don't let there be any complications. I want Aiesha to have a smooth delivery."

After putting on the scrubs, I washed my hands. I took several deep breaths and then walked into the delivery room.

"Doctor Reid, I'm Doctor Chapman. I'll be assisting you through the delivery."

"It's nice to meet you, Dr. Chapman. How many centimeters is she?"

"The patient is at 8 centimeters," Dr. Chapman answered.

"Okay. Aiesha, honey, I need to wait until you are at 10 centimeters. Then at that time, I can deliver Maia."

Aiesha already had her legs positioned to push. Aiesha was doing the breathing technique she learned in her Lamaze class. She was calm for a mom who was about to push out a baby.

"Thank you, Dr. Chapman. I wanted Maia's birth to be extra special. OH MY GOODNESS!!"

"That's understandable. And, you're in good hands. Dr. Reid, you'll do great."

"Thanks."

****

3:00 pm

Aiesha's room monitor sounded off, meaning she was at ten centimeters. I took a few more deep breaths. "You can do this, Tatianna."

Doctor Chapman showed me how to position my hands. "Aiesha, take a deep breath, and push!"

"AHHHHH!"

After the first push, I could see the crown of Maia's head.

"That was a good push, Aiesha. I can see the crown of Maia's head. Okay, take another deep breath and push!"

"AHHHHHH!"

***

7:00 pm

"One more big push, Aiesha, and Maia will be here. Take the biggest deep breath you can, then push!"

"Oh, gosh! AHHHHH!"

"Waaah! Waaah!"

Maia is here. I let a few tears slip down my cheeks. My first delivery of a baby is my niece.

"Papa, would you like to cut your daughter's umbilical cord?" Doctor Chapman asked Matti.

"Yes, I would." One of the nurses handed Matti a pair of surgical scissors, and he cut the umbilical cord. A different nurse cleaned off Maia then placed her on Aiesha for skin-to-skin contact.

"Congratulations, Aiesha and Matti. You were great, Tatianna. We would love to have you join the team. There's an opening available in the department. Don't worry about further training. I will take care of that. I'm not sure what your medical degree is for, but you may need additional schooling. We can talk later. I'll give you my card too."

"Thank you, Doctor Chapman. That's something I would need to think about."

"You were excellent, Tatianna. I know it's a big decision, but you would be great at it."

It's definitely a big decision, and how would Niko feel about it. "Thanks, mom. Aiesha, I'll stitch you up so we can move you to your room."

"And, that's my queue to leave the room. I'll tell everyone that Maia is here." We chuckled as Matti left the room.

*****

Well, that certainly was an experience. And, I liked it. After cleaning up, I went to check on Aiesha.

"Here comes Auntie, Maia," Aiesha said as I entered the room. "Thanks, Tati. I knew you could do it. I also believe you would be great if you became an OB/GYN. Plus, you're super smart. You would pass additional schooling with ease."

"Thanks, sis. I would definitely need additional schooling. I did take several classes in medical school, but I wasn't interested in pursuing that course. But after delivering Maia, I am going to really think about it. I would have to discuss it with Niko."

"He would be disappointed about you two not working together, but I know he would support your decision. Maia wants her Auntie to hold her so mommy can get some rest."

I picked up Maia carefully from Aiesha's arms, and then we walked over to the rocking chair in the room.

"Hi there, Maia. We are so happy that you're finally here. And, Aunt Tatianna got to deliver you. Yes, I did."

Evangeline and Nana Dory came into the room.

"Say hi to your Nanas. Nana Dory and Nana Eva came to see you." I handed Maia to Evangeline, and then I stood up so Evangeline could sit in the rocking chair.

"Maia is adorable. And, look at all of the hair she has already."

"Maia's hair will probably be like Aiesha - thick and curly. I'm going to go sit in the waiting room."

I need to get off my feet. I sat next to Niko.

"We heard you did an excellent job during the delivery, Tati," my dad said.

"Thanks. I was nervous because that was the first time I delivered a baby. I have to say that I liked it. I took course classes in medical school but didn't think it was something I wanted to do for the future. After today though, I think I could see myself doing that long-term. It's something we'll need to discuss. Doctor Chapman offered me a position in the department. I would most likely need to go back to medical school for a little time. That would mean me coming back to the hospital."

"I can't stand in the way of this opportunity for you. Of course, I'll be disappointed that we won't be working together, but I'll be excited that you are doing something you love. I will support whichever decision you make."

I grabbed Niko's hand and kissed it. "Thank you, Cubby."

Speaking of Doctor Chapman, she came into the waiting room and handed me her card.

"Thank you. Do you have an opening in your schedule for next week to talk about the opening?"

"My schedule is open on Wednesday. Any time is okay to come to my office."

"Okay. I'll come in around 10:00 am."

"I'll see you then."

"I'm getting ready to head home. It's been a really long day. Goodnight, folks. I'll see you all tomorrow."

"I'm coming with you. Goodnight all."

Niko and I left the waiting room. Niko said, "Now that Maia is here, guess what is coming up next?"

"Niko and Tatianna's wedding preparations. It will be here sooner than we know. I can't wait."

"Oh, I can't wait either."

"I know you can't, but you are waiting Cubby."

"Dang."

"Come on. Let's really get home."

************

Narrator's POV

During the months before their wedding, Niko and Tatianna went over every detail of how the ceremony and reception were  to go. They even took a short trip to Greece.

Tatianna's meeting with Doctor Chapman went well. It went so well that Tatianna decided to join the team and signed up for the needed courses at medical school, which will start in September. Tatianna successfully negotiated with the hospital, and received everything she wanted.

Tatianna's last day at Phenomenon was sad but happy. Everyone wished her well, and they all exchanged phone numbers.

The hospital also hosted a welcome back lunch for Tatianna.

Tatianna and Niko had a busy two months. They attended Janiyah and Graeme's wedding in May. They flew to London for Shane's proposal to Bliss at the beginning of June. They also flew to Ireland for Griffin and Sophia's wedding late June. And the reception in Chicago at the beginning of August.

Now, it's their time.

*********

Friday, August 9th, 2019

Tatianna's POV

The last few years have been filled with drama and trauma. That is all behind us now. The big day will be here in seven days.

There were times I never thought I would get married. But, here it is - my wedding day. We have so much planned this week. My family will be flying to Greece on Wednesday.

And, all of our friends are coming - Cris, Kami, Bliss, Shane, Griffin, Sophia, Graeme, and Janiyah. We invited them to our rehearsal dinner, which will be on the 14th.

"Niko and Tatianna, buckle your seat belts. We will be landing in 15 minutes," Aeneas announced.

We buckled up our seat belts. As promised, 15 minutes later, we landed at the airport in Mykonos.

Niko went to the cockpit while I stepped off the plane. Lukas, Evangeline, Nana Dory, and my parents flew to Greece this past Wednesday. Lukas and my father came to pick us up.

"Thanks, dad and Lukas." I hugged both of them, and then I took a seat in Lukas' SUV. As soon as we make it to Niko's house, I'm going to sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open.

Niko walked off the plane with our luggage and put it in the trunk. Lukas, my dad, and Niko took a seat in the truck. We are on our way home.

************

Wednesday, August 14th, 2019

I originally had only Cass and Aiesha as my bridesmaids, but I added Bliss to my bridal party. Niko added Shane as one of his groomsmen. Bliss and I are sisters, so I had to add her.

We are on our way to our venue for the rehearsal dinner. Niko rented limousines for us - one for the ladies and one for the guys. Then, we are going to my Bachelorette party. It's going to be a long night.

"Thank you, Tati, for adding me to your bridal party."

"You're welcome, Bliss. Girl, we are sisters. We went through so much together at college. You were always there for me when I needed encouragement. Plus, we have similar personalities. We are going to have our guys drooling on Friday."

"I can't wait."

The limos came to a stop. Niko wanted us to wait so the guys could help us. Our wedding will be the most orderly wedding I have seen.

The door opened. Matti helped Aiesha out first. Cairo then helped out Cass. He is going to propose to Cass at the reception. I'm super excited for them. Shane helped Bliss, then Niko helped me out of the limo.

I can't believe that Niko rented this huge place for our rehearsal. Then again, I can't forget who I'm marrying. When he said he wanted everything lavish, he meant it.

Our family, along with Graeme, Janiyah, Griffin, and Sophia were already inside the ballroom. We are walking into the room just like we are walking down the aisle.

Niko took his place at the arch he had set up for us. Shane, Matti, and Cairo were waiting at the beginning of the aisle for the ladies. Aiesha walked towards the aisle. She then linked arms with Matti.

Cass went next as she walked towards Cairo.

Bliss then walked towards Shane. I can't wait until December for their wedding. I'm so happy for her and Shane. Bliss definitely found the perfect guy for her.

I walked over to my dad, who was waiting for me at the beginning of the aisle. Niko was blushing as my dad walked with me down the aisle.

"I can't wait to see your expression on Friday. Prepare to drool or cry or whatever emotion you display. My bridal party and I will be on point. You too, Cairo, Matti, and Shane. You wanted lavish, so you are going to get it."

"Now I'm really excited."

Darcie said, "That went great, Niko and Tatianna. Now, let's practice with your parents and grandparents."

****

We practiced for about an hour. Now, it's time to eat.

"Everything tastes delicious. And, thank you for the special request dishes," Bliss said to Niko.

"I agree with Bliss. Thank you, Niko," Sophia added. Kami agreed also.

"You're welcome, ladies. When it comes to my family, I spare no expense. I did the same thing for your party tonight and Friday. I want to make sure everyone has a great time."

"Speaking of tonight, ladies, let's get going. Give your boos a kiss because the next time the bridal party will see each other is Friday. We are going to be spoiled. Janiyah and Sophia, I want you to join us too for the party. We are going to have so much fun. Nana Dory is coming."

Niko started grinning, and I had no idea why before he kissed me.

"We sure are going to have an amazing time. Niko, you better not give Tatianna a hard time either. Got it?" Nana Dory said, causing us all to chuckle.

"Nana, we have plans for Niko tonight," Matti said with a sinister laugh.

"Let's just make sure Niko and Tatianna make it home in one piece," Lukas said, and my father agreed.

"Woohoo! Let's get this party started!"

Nana Dory is a trip! Bachelorette party, here we come!

*************