The hospital room was calm, a soft, steady hum of machines blending with the distant sounds of muffled chatter in the hallway. You were lying back in the hospital bed, exhausted but exhilarated, your hand still clutching Billie’s. Her other hand was gently brushing your hair back, fingers tender and soothing against your forehead.

Billie looked at you with a warm, soft smile, blue eyes shimmering with relief and pride. Her red roots peeked out from beneath her messy hair, evidence of how many times she’d run her hands through it in anticipation. She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to your temple. “You did so good, baby,” she whispered, her voice full of awe.

She squeezed your hand again, her thumb tracing comforting circles over your knuckles. “I’m so proud of you,” she murmured, eyes never leaving your face. You could see the emotions flickering through her expression—excitement, nerves, and above all, a deep, unwavering love.

Just then, a nurse entered the room, giving both of you a kind smile. Billie’s grip on your hand tightened just slightly, and you saw her swallow, trying to keep her composure. The nurse glanced between you two before saying, “Are you ready to meet your baby?”

Billie exhaled a shaky breath, her lips curving into a bigger smile as she looked back at you, eyes glistening. “Yeah,” she breathed out, voice thick with emotion. You nodded, squeezing her hand back, your heart pounding with excitement. As the nurse wheeled in the tiny bundle, Billie’s eyes softened even more, and she leaned closer to you, whispering, “We did it, love. We really did it.”

The nurse paused, smiling warmly at both of you. “Would you like to know the gender before we reveal her?” she asked gently. Billie turned her gaze to you, holding your hand tighter as she waited for your answer, eyes full of curiosity and anticipation.