“How is Harlem?” Carter asked.
Dr. Jones cleared his throat as he provided an update on her condition. “Harlem’s been through a lot. She’s in recovery. It might be at least another hour before you can see her, but she should make a full recovery.” There was a collective sigh that went around the room.
“Fortunately, the scalpel missed any major organs in both Harlem and your daughter.”
My daughter. Carter had a daughter. It didn’t seem real.
Carter was surrounded by congratulations. Nate slapped him on the back. “We’ve got to stop having babies like this.” He chuckled, remembering the birth of his own son.
“Welcome to the club.” Elijah gripped Carter’s hand.
Dr. Jones took a moment to enjoy the celebration with everyone else. Then, he turned to Carter. “Do you want to go up to see her? You won’t be able to hold her just yet, since she’s in an incubator, but you can still visit.”
He nodded. “Yes, of course.”
Carter was overcome by so many different emotions. He would sort them out later. For now, his only goal was to follow Dr. Jones to the nursery to meet his daughter for the very first time.
*****
Harlem woke up in the hospital–again. She could officially say she hated them.
Carter was slumped over her bed and holding her hand. Immediately, Harlem could feel the emptiness in her stomach. She almost began to panic until she looked around and saw all the congratulatory flowers and balloons.
Her body was in so much pain, but she needed to see her baby. She whispered. “Carter?”
The sound of her voice woke him. He looked into the most beautiful face he’d ever seen. “G’morning.” Harlem’s forehead was stitched up, her lip was busted, and she was bruised all over. Still, Carter thought Harlem was a sight for sore eyes.
“The baby?” Her brows were knitted together. Her face was tense and filled with worry.
“She’s beautiful, just like her mom.”
Harlem broke down and started to cry. Carter got up from his seat and wrapped his arms around her. He held Harlem tight until she got it all out.
“What about Elaina?” Harlem said through tears.
“You don’t ever have to worry about her again. She’s gone.”
“I killed her?” Harlem asked.
Carter wanted to reassure her. “You shouldn’t feel guilty about saving your own life and that of our baby.”
“I don’t.” Harlem blew out a long breath. Her voice was hoarse. “I just wanted to make sure this nightmare is truly over.”
“It’s over,” Carter confirmed. “We’ve had more than our share of the bad stuff in life to last a lifetime. I’ve decided to only accept the good from here on out.”
“I like that,” Harlem said softly. “Me too.” She was still cradled in his arms.
Carter kissed the top of her head. “I love you.”
Harlem lifted her head to gaze up into his eyes. “I love you too.”
“Are you sure about that?”
She nodded. “Yeah.”
“Enough to be my wife?”
Harlem didn’t hesitate. She’d had enough of that. Her eyes turned glassy as she whispered. “Yes.”
Gently, Carter pressed his lips against hers, careful to not hurt her. “I’ll make up for this lousy proposal. I just needed to know that you want to be mine–forever.”
“I’ve been yours for a long time.”
“You should know that there’s another young lady you’re going to have to share me with. Are you ready to meet her?”
“I don’t think I can wait another second.”
Carter helped Harlem get out of bed. She was really sore and needed the assistance of a wheelchair. This time, Harlem didn’t complain about it.
Carter pushed Harlem into the nursery. This time, he would not make the same mistake of taking his eyes off of her.
The second Harlem took one look at their daughter, the tears flowed like a waterfall.
Harlem wasn’t able to hold her little girl because she was in an incubator, but she could still touch her. It wasn’t the same as actually holding her, but it would do for now.
Carter’s chest was so full of love, he thought it might burst. He couldn’t imagine a life without Harlem and the most precious gift he’d ever received. “We need to name her.”
Harlem had been thinking about baby names for a while. She hoped he wouldn’t be offended. “I’ve been thinking about that. Would you be upset if we honored Damian by naming her after him?” Harlem rushed her words. “But if you don’t think that’s a good idea, I understand.”
“Actually, I think it’s a perfect idea.” Carter’s throat felt thick. “My only problem is that I have no idea how to turn Damian into a girl’s name.” Carter laughed. “That dude always knew how to make everything hard.”
“How about Damiyah? Damiyah Owens.”
“Damiyah.” He turned to the little bundle of joy in the incubator. “Damiyah Owens is perfect.”
Chapter 22
Six months later
Carter was alone as he looked out the window of his bedroom. He had finished dressing and wore a custom-made tux for this special moment. He had been looking forward to this day for a while. It was finally time to close one chapter and open another.
It was his wedding day.
“You know I can’t do this without you. I can’t believe you orchestrated all of this craziness, but I’m glad you did.” Carter chuckled as he walked over to his armoire. He opened the door and pulled out a special box. Inside the box was the letter Damian wrote to him. He’d sent it at the same time Damian sent Harlem’s letter.
Carter had read it a million times. Today would make it a million and one. Initially, reading it made Carter feel closer to Dame and less alone.
It was strange
