Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Peyton has written out the three names we chose. We’ve said them out loud and given them to the nurse, who promptly wrote up new cards and handed them to us for keepsakes. The original name cards will remain the same for privacy reasons.
With a big sigh, I look at Peyton. “We should tell our family.”
She nods and reaches out for me to help her move from the chair to the wheelchair. While she complains about using it, I think she secretly loves it because I’m at her beckon call. She likes being ushered around by me. Truth be told, I don’t mind.
“I just wish they could meet the triplets at the same time,” I say loud enough for the nurse to hear me. “Your sister really wants to meet her niece and nephews.”
Peyton glances over her shoulder at me with a confused expression on her face. I give her the eyes, like I need her to play along with me. When she finally understands, her lips morph into an “O” and she nods.
“And she’s leaving this evening with Quinn. Is there any way we can bring her in?”
Granted, this isn’t the best argument since Quinn was in here, but it’s what my mind came up with, so we have to run with it.
The nurse chuckles. “All you have to do is ask,” she says, clearly onto our game. “I’ll go with you. The triplets can’t leave the incubator, but everyone will be able to see them, and the babies will hear everyone.”
“Thank you,” I say to her. We wait while she unhooks the incubator and then we leave the NICU and head back to the maternity ward where everyone has decided to hang out instead of going home. It has to be incredibly boring for them waiting around. Although, I think our parents stay because they want to be here if we need them or monopolize any free time with the babies.
My dad is the first to stand when he sees us coming. Katelyn stands next, and then everyone else does. Elle steps forward and I stop Peyton in front of her sister.
“Are you good?” Elle reaches for Peyton’s hand. “Tell me you’re good because I’m freaking out.”
Peyton nods. “I’m sore, but good. Can’t wait to get back into the gym. Thank God for Xander, huh?”
“I knew my brother-in-law was good for something,” Harrison says while everyone laughs.
Elle and Peyton hug, and then Katelyn shoos her daughter out of the way to get to her other one.
“Where’s JD and Jenna?” I ask, hoping they would’ve arrived by now.
“Delayed,” my dad says. “Eden had a test this morning she couldn’t miss. They’ll be here later.”
It saddens me they’re not here. We try to include them in everything our family does, but Eden keeps them busy. She’s a hell of a surfer and now that surfing is an Olympic sport, she’s busting her ass to make the team. I know she can do it and her being there will give us an excuse to travel. I’m not sure any of us would miss seeing her compete for a gold medal.
It’s my mom who notices the babies first. Her eyes widen and she covers her mouth in surprise. Maybe shock? I look over my shoulder and can’t help but smile at the three of them.
“You bought the babies,” Elle states.
“I hear you haven’t been in to see them,” Peyton says to her sister. “How come?”
Elle takes Peyton’s hand. “Because I wanted them to see you first.”
“I love you for that,” Peyton says to Elle. I sniffle and blink my misty eyes. “Go meet your niece and nephews.”
The nurse pushes the cradle into the family waiting room, allowing everyone to gather around. They coo, wave, say their names for the babies to hear, all while Peyton and I stay off to the side. As much as we want to be in the middle of it all, we’ll have our time. Our moments with the babies will come as the days go on.
After what seems like an hour but in reality, is only a few minutes, I clear my throat and push my wife toward the cradle.
“We have names,” Peyton says as she beams at me. “No comments from the gallery if you don’t like them. We do and they’re fitting.”
“Baby A, our oldest is Maverick Liam Westbury.”
We let Maverick’s name settle onto his gramps. My dad wipes at his eyes and nods. Knowing him the way I do, he’s too emotional to say anything about it right now and will likely write a song about his grandchildren.
“Baby B,” Peyton continues as she looks at her dad. “Is Jace Harrison Westbury.”
“Oh, thank heavens,” Katelyn blurts out. “I thought you were going to call him Harry Westbury and I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. The poor boy would’ve been teased relentlessly.”