Page 119 of Love Puck

I mean, there was more than enough room in our house for her. And to tell you the truth—having my mother-in-law around helped me out in more ways than one. Yes, she cooked and cleaned. But she was also a huge source of moral support.

Heather had hired on more employees for her many businesses and was “taking a step back” to be a grandmother.

Cash and I told her she didn’t have to go to such extremes.

All she said was, “Of course I do. I have to be all four grandparents to this baby. And I don’t intend on missing one hockey practice or soccer game. Life’s too short.”

That had made me cry.

Well, everything made me cry these days. But her little speech had hit me hard.

Because it was true.

She was the only grandparent left.

Although—I swear.

After my first push—I swear.

I swear I heard my mom’s voice inside my head say, “Push, Jillibean. I’m right here with you.” And right after that, I heard my dad say, “Come on, kid. You can do this! Dig deep, and get it done.”

Honestly.

I felt them with me.

And it gave me strength I never knew I had.

When the doctor told me I had to get Tucker out with the next push—I knew I could do it.

Because I wasn’t alone.

And then—he was here.

Our sweet, impatient, wait-for-no-one baby—was here.

He screamed.

And we cried.

All of us.

Cash was too busy wiping his own eyes to wipe mine.

And Heather was practically jumping up and down while she cried tears of joy.

It was such a wonderful moment.

I hoped like heck I’d never forget it.

I knew one day I might.

But right now—today—I remembered. And that was what mattered.

Today.

Always.

Today.