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Damian

“Why were you not afraid that she wouldn’t co our noeekly cat-piss-tea-drinking sessions “When I met you, you had a wall built, and the old you would’ve left and never looked back What changed?”

I sed “The Stella effect Plus, I saw it, you know Her fear fro you orwithinto be patient”

“Thank you, Da away Thank you for staying”

“I’m not the only one who stayed She needed you, too We both did” I glanced at o check in on her and make sure she’s okay But thanks for the conversation, Maple” I stood and gave her a hug

As she squeezed me, my heart almost exploded within my chest as she said, “Please, Damian Call me Grams”

The next fewup to the delivery of the baby were themonths of both Stella’s and my life This time, we made deeper vows for one another, ones that we didn’t o e stood at the coastline

We promised each other to stay until the final chapter of our lives We proht days, too We promised each other forever—even ere scared

And trust me, fear did come

“I got the bag!” I shouted, rushing out of the house and sla into the back seat, and then hopped into the driver’s seat and drove out of the driveway

“I can’t believe it’s time,” I said out loud Then I reached over to hold Stella’s hand

Oh, fuck me

I forgot Stella

Seconds later, I caot a wife!” I exclaiuess I’ll need you to deliver the baby”

She laughed, holding her hands against her back She’d been having back pain and hadn’t been sleeping well, but she said that was just getting her ready for the lack of sleep that came with a newborn

The delivery went s Stella’s hand as she cried out Then when the baby girl was born, I swore the rooht She was placed on Stella’s chest, and Stella cried into her blessing

I cried, too, because fuck…it was overwhel in the best way

“Do you want to hold her?” Stella asked, looking toward me

“Please,” I agreed

She placed her in my arms, and just like that, I fell in love

As Sophie’s eyes stared up at mine, brown like herShe was theI’d ever witnessed, and it felt like a privilege to be near her

I placed irl’s forehead and realized at that er, at her beck and call

“Welco the kisses against her forehead