Part 251
"Ouch." Becca winced as she struggled to sit up straighter.
"What can I do for you?" Sarah asked.
"Get me out of here?" Becca replied. "Seriously, this bed leaves a lot to be desired."
Sarah laughed. "Trust me Bec, enjoy it while it lasts. Once you're out of here the pampering stops. You'll be on your own."
"With Nick around? Surely you jest!" Becca grinned. "I had to have him thrown out this morning so he'd go back to the hotel and clean up."
"How long before he comes back?"
"He's coming back with the guys around noon. Thanks for coming to stay with me." She reached for Sarah's hand, squeezing it tightly. "I still can't believe that you're here," she whispered. "When I heard-"
"Stop it Bec, you'll just upset yourself again."
"I thought I'd lost you," she said softly.
"I know. I tried so hard to reach you all, to let you know…"
"You're here now, that's what counts." Both women wiped away the tears that had fallen.
"How do you feel this morning?"
"Sore, stiff, tired, happy, terrified – pick one."
Sarah laughed. "Sounds about right. Bec, he's beautiful. So perfect."
Becca smiled. "Isn't he? Nick is totally smitten. He named him after my father, Sarah."
"I know. He told me last night…early this morning…something! My roomie's a mom … god!" she laughed.
Becca shifted uncomfortably again. "God, I feel gross. I'd kill for a shower."
"Well, come on."
"What?"
"I'll help. Have you been up yet?"
"On my feet?! No way." Becca shook her head as if it was an impossible task.
"The sooner the better." Sarah helped her sit up and showed her how to support herself, and in no time Becca was on her feet. Unsteady and awkward, but upright. "Ta da!" Sarah laughed.
"God, I feel strange. My legs are like jelly."
"That's the result of the epidural, Bec. Let me turn the water on and I'll get someone to change your bedding while you clean up."
A hot shower had never felt so wonderful before. Ten minutes later Becca emerged shampooed and refreshed.
"Thank you," she sighed. "I almost feel human again."
"Well, here, this will help even more." Sarah produced Becca's makeup kit from the bottom of her bag.
"You're too much! What else do you have in there?"
"Aside from my laptop, I brought a digital camera. You have family that needs to see this baby, Becca. As screwy as travel is right now, who knows when Nick's family will be able to meet up with you?"
"Sarah that's so sweet!"
"Come on girlie, let's get you dressed in a real nightgown and not some hospital-issue monstrosity. Then we’ll take a walk."
* * * * * *
Slowly they made their way down the hall to the nursery, Becca leaning on Sarah for support, Billy close behind. As they rounded the corner, Becca was pleasantly surprised to find Howie already there. He laughed at the look on Becca's face.
"You thought I'd let her out of my sight after what we've been through?"
"Thank you for bringing her this morning."
"Congratulations, Becca," he said hugging her gently.
"Thanks," she smiled and turned to look for her son.
"He's over there," Howie said, pointing toward the side of the nursery. As Becca stood with her fingertips pressed against the glass, he quietly began to snap pictures.
Becca stood for a long time just watching Garrett breathe. He was such a miracle and it really hadn’t registered yet that she actually had a child now.
"Hey, beautiful."
The soft words were spoken in her ear, and she was so absorbed in watching Garrett that she jumped. "Nick! When did you get here? Are the others here?"
"Just a few minutes ago, and no. I couldn't wait so I made Eddie bring me back." He stood behind her, his arms gathering her close. "How are you?"
"Fantastic, now that you're here."
"You look better, baby."
"Of course, I do. ANYTHING would be an improvement over the last twenty-four hours." She laughed. "Sarah helped me, so thank HER."
"Hey you two, look over here." Howie called to get their attention, and as they looked he snapped a picture of them, deliriously happy and very much in love.