Page 49 of My Christmas Reindeer
Soon, it was agreed that I was ready to go to the hospital and deliver our child.
We already had a go bag packed. We were ready.
He helped me down the stairs and to the car. As we drove down the village streets, the streetlights lit the way making the road golden. Snow fell lazily from the sky. The flakes were soft and big, so beautiful. I had two more contractions in the car. Despite that, the night looked magical, like someone had waved a wand over the village and created this moment just for us.
At the hospital, I was wheeled into a single room. I got my first check after settling into a gown and the birthing bed. To my surprise, the nurse made a little ”eep” sound followed by, “You’re already crowning.”
A minute later, the doctor came in. “This baby is coming now.” She was an elf with a joyful tone.
I decided to have our baby sitting up with my legs in stirrups. Being on my hands and knees simply didn’t work. I was too sensitive, too tired.
Keir supported my back, holding me as I pushed.
It didn’t take long. I felt the whoosh before the doctor told us we had a new baby girl. Then I heard her cries of life.
“Usually, first babies take the longest. You got lucky,” she said.
I was still panting, but excited to see our brand-new December daughter.
The doctor gave her a quick check over, then placed her on my chest wrapped in a red blanket covered with cartoon Santas.
“Have you two chosen a name yet?”
I glanced at Keir. His slim, gold eyebrows rose as he nodded.
“December,” I said.
We’d discussed names until the very last minute. December was one of five we loved. With his nod, he was allowing me to choose.
Keir leaned forward and rested his palm on her still damp head. Her hair was golden, like his. “Hello, December,” he said.
I looked at her tiny fingers, touching them. “Hi, baby girl.”
We spent long minutes admiring her, already in love with her the moment we saw her.
“Look what we did,” I said.
“We do excellent work together,” Keir replied.
“I thought last year was my best Christmas ever. But this year’s is right up there with it. Last year I got the best mate ever. This year we have a child.”
“Don’t forget. We also saved Christmas.”
“I think maybe it’s unfair to compare the two. They’re both our best Christmases, right?”
“Definitely.” Keir leaned in and kissed me.
December lay in my arms, her wide blue eyes taking it all in.
“Merry early Christmas present,” Keir whispered.
“Merry Christmas, my alpha mate. Merry Christmas, December.”
Two days later, we got her a big red bow and put it in her thin gold hair. She cried, and we immediately took it off, but notbefore we got a picture proving she was our best gift. The gift we gave to each other.
THE END