“Are you ready?” Jaime asked from the living room as I finished getting ready for today’s outing. I moved from side to side in front of the mirror as I continued to examine myself, not happy at what I was seeing. I had changed my clothes about five times already and I still didn’t feel comfortable in what I was in. “You look beautiful.” Jaime said as he placed a kiss on my cheek and stood beside me.
“You really think so? I feel like I look like a whale in this.” I said as I slumped my shoulders and looked down at my black and mint striped maxi dress.
“You’re crazy, you look nothing like a whale. You look great Lauren.”
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“No, I’m being honest. You never looked like a whale to me.” He placed a kiss on forehead and squeezed my hand.
“I love you, you know that.” I heard a chuckle coming from him as I slowly looked up at him.
“Yes I do.”
“Well I guess this dress will do. I can’t wait till you are born.” I said anxiously to my belly. I knew my due date was just around the corner and I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted to hold my little baby in my arms already just like I knew Jaime did too. I couldn’t wait to see them together, he’s been the less patient one out of both of us but it was rather adorable when I saw him in the baby room with a smile on his face knowing that it was only a matter of time. The baby has truly been a blessing for the both of us. Ever since we got closer and closer to my nine months we have seen a big improvement in Jaime’s health which I was extremely grateful for.
I gave myself one last look in the mirror but this time smiled at what my reflection thanks to Jaime and took his hand in mine.
“Ready.”
~~~

“Lauren you make me feel so lucky you know that?” Jaime said as we sat on the beach sand and stared at the beach waves up ahead.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I get to say that I have you as my wife, you’ve been nothing but the best to me from day one. You could have easily walked away once you knew I had cancer but you didn’t. Thank you for sticking by my side even in the worst times. I love you so much Lauren, I can’t express that enough and I can’t wait to have this baby here with us.” He rested his hand on my belly before leaning in close so I can give him a kiss. As soon as his lips touched mine I felt something making me back away from Jaime. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, nothing.” I quickly said as I shook my head and brought Jaime’s face closer to mine again so we continue what we were in the middle of doing. His lips were close to brushing against mine when I felt it again and this time I couldn’t hide it.
“Lauren is-“ he started to ask as he examined me but before I could get the chance to answer him I looked down and noticed the new puddle by my legs. I looked up at Jaime with wide eyes and he looked down at what I had just seen.
“I- I think we got our wish.” Jaime sat frozen before letting out a nervous chuckle. He shook his head to try to snap out of it and nearly jumped to his feet to help me get up. I quickly gathered our things and got to my feet just as I was feeling another contraction.
“Wha-what?” Jaime said as he stood frozen and continued to stare at me still in disbelief.
“Jaime, it’s time.” I told him through gritted teeth as I felt another contraction pass through my body.
“Right.” He said as he shook his head as he got out of his trance. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”
~~~

“We ready to have a baby?” The doctor said as he entered the room and walked over to nurse to check on my progress. “Ok Lauren it’s time!” He said in excitement before sitting at the end of the bed and positioning my legs.
“Alright baby are you ready?” Jaime asked me as got down on my level and he took my hand in his. “Ahh.” He said as I gave it a tight squeeze and pushed.
“I’m sorry.” I told Jaime before I had to give another push.
“It’s ok babe, you just get that baby out.” He told me before he placed a quick kiss on my sweaty temple.
“I’m beginning to see the head.” I gave him one good push. “Almost there, give me one more.” I took a deep breath and pushed my all before laying back exhausted just as the room filled with cries from the baby.
“You did it.” Jaime said excitedly and I can see his eyes cloud over with tears as he leaned in close and cupped my face in his hands and gave me a kiss. We watched as the nurses finished getting the baby all cleaned up before turning around so we can finally see. I spot the little blue beanie on top of the baby’s head and I look up at Jaime to see the grin on his face. He was right, he knew I was going to have a boy.
The nurse gently places the baby in my arms and I can’t help but fall in love with what I was seeing right in front of me. He looked just like Jaime, his nose, his mouth and even his brown eyes and I couldn’t be happier.
“Do you want to hold him?” I ask an eager Jaime and he quickly nods. He leans down and I pass the baby to his arms. I lean back against my pillow and I admire the view of the new father and son, Jaime nearly glowed with such happiness he held inside and that’s when I knew that things were turning around and they were getting better. This was my family, this was my happy ending.
“So what are we going to name him?” Jaime asks, not looking away from the baby.
“I want to name him after you.” I tell him and he breaks his gaze to take a look at me.
“Really?” I smile at him and nod and I see his eyes fill up with tears again.
“Little Jaime Preciado”