Page 63 of No Knight (My Kind of Hero #3)

Matt

Dear Baby Maeve,

I want to tell you about how you came into this world. Longed for but early.

You were supposed to be a July baby, but you were in a bit of a hurry ...

When you read this letter and learn of those precarious first days, I hope you’ll know that whatever else life has in store for you, you can face it. Because you’re tenacious. A fighter. Just like your mother. And so damned beautiful like her too.

You were born a little early, nearly thirty-five weeks, and you came into the world at five fifteen in the afternoon due to something called a placental abruption. My heart feels heavy just writing that because I couldn’t protect you. Or your mother.

You needed to be resuscitated. You both did. And I wasn’t there when this happened, rushed out of the room by the medics because the stakes were too high. I thank God for it now because I don’t think I could’ve stood to watch you both suffer.

Instead, I waited and waited for news of you both, wearing holes in the hospital floor.

And I swore to all that is holy that, once I had you both in my arms, I’d hold you so tight and never let either of you go.

It was the longest two hours of my life and the most terrifying thing I have ever faced.

I felt alone for the first time ever, and it was the saddest place in the world.

When they told me what had happened, I cried. Oh, fuck, how I cried. Sorry for the cursing. (I know you’ll fleece me out of cash as soon as you’re old enough for your cousin Clodagh to teach you her ways).

Let me tell you about your mother. Her love for you knew no bounds while you were inside her. She nourished you with her body. Protected you with her heart. And made the medical team promise they would put your life first. She made me promise, too, but how could I choose between the two of you?

In the end, I’m glad I didn’t have to.

Your mother is amazing. She’s my hero. And maybe she’ll be yours too.

I can’t wait until this afternoon when I get to commit myself to her forever, and call her my wife.

Maevy-wavy, you and your mother are what I live for.

Love always,

Daddy.

P.S. While your amazing mom fills your baby book with the prettiest photographs of you, I’m collecting the stinkers and saving them for your twenty-first birthday party. I’m gonna have them all enlarged and wallpaper the walls with them! *Cue dastardly laughter here*