Then Comes Baby (Hanna’s Happily Ever After Book 2) Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  A note from the author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Preview: The Bride Tribe

  Preview: Single Wide Female

  Preview: Alex in Onederland

  Other Titles

  Legal Notice

  Hanna’s Happily Ever After

  (Book 2)

  Then Comes Baby

  By

  Lillianna Blake

  Copyright © 2018 Lillianna Blake

  Cover design by Beetiful Book Covers

  All rights reserved.

  LilliannaBlake.com

  Dear Reader,

  These books are written for every woman out there who has struggled with their weight, self-esteem and any number of issues that we all face as we work to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be.

  They are meant to be light-hearted and fun, but I do hope that they will inspire you—to REALLY live your life to the fullest, loving yourself completely as you do so.

  If you enjoy the “Hanna’s Happily Ever After” series, be sure to check out “The Bride Tribe” series and you might also like Samantha and the “Single Wide Female” series. You can read previews and at the end of this book.

  If you’ve enjoyed Then Comes Baby, I’d appreciate it if you would take a moment to leave an honest review here:

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKDX6M6

  Enjoy!

  Sincerely,

  Lillianna

  Chapter 1

  I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of my daughter’s sweet head. As she squirmed against me, I felt tears gather once more—tears of pure joy. In the space of just a few hours, I’d gone from wondering how I could ever be a mother, to actually becoming one. Zara had arrived and all the worry that had coursed through me as we’d rushed to the hospital had suddenly vanished. She was here and that was all that mattered.

  “She’s so beautiful.” Jake leaned close and kissed the top of her head. I could see the euphoria in his expression and the tears that glistened in his eyes.

  “Can you believe it, Jake?” I gazed at him for a moment, then looked back at our little girl. “I still can’t quite believe it.”

  “I never thought it would happen like this.” Jake slipped his hand into mine and gave it a squeeze. “But you did it, Hanna, you were so brave.”

  “I didn’t have much choice.” I laughed. “Apparently Zara likes to make an entrance.”

  “Yes, she does.” Jake stroked one of her tiny hands.

  “We should let the others know that everything’s okay.” My heart fluttered as I recalled the moments before Zara’s birth.

  The doctor had been nervous, I could tell. And so was the rest of the staff. Zara was early and that could lead to some complications. But she was born with a wail that I could only describe as the cry of a warrior princess—true to the name I’d chosen for her. She’d announced to the world that she was there and not afraid to make it known.

  Still, I’d held my breath as the doctor looked her over and fought back tears until the moment she was cradled in my arms and I could feel her breath, warmth, and strength.

  In the short time that I’d had before I’d actually delivered her, I’d berated myself for traveling, questioning every action I’d taken since my arrival in New York. I’d been certain that I’d done something to cause Zara to be born early.

  But the doctor had explained that sometimes these things happen—that there was no cause.

  As I thought of him, the doctor walked through the door.

  It was a bit of a shock to me to be faced with a male doctor when I’d spent my entire pregnancy working with a female doctor. But, though it had been awkward at first, when I’d seen his skill and dedication to the well-being and safety of myself and my child, I realized that he was exactly who I wanted to deliver Zara.

  “How is everyone?” He smiled as he walked further into the room.

  “She finally latched.” I smiled at him as he approached. “I think she’s doing good.”

  “She is.” He glanced down at the chart in his hand, then looked Zara over from head to toe. “However, since she was a bit early, we need to talk about a few precautions.”

  “What is it? Is she okay?” Jake’s eyes widened.

  “She’s fine—quite healthy.” The doctor placed his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “But to be on the safe side it would be best not to travel just yet. I understand you drove here, right? To New York?” He glanced between us.

  “Yes.” I bit into my bottom lip as a twinge of guilt rippled through me. “We thought it would be safer than flying.”

  “You made a good choice.” He smiled and nodded at me. “But keep in mind, you didn’t do anything to cause this. It was just time for Zara to be born. We would have liked her to stay in a little longer, but to be honest with you, she’s perfectly healthy. Unless something changes, you can both be released from the hospital the day after tomorrow, possibly even tomorrow. But I want to make sure that you consider staying put for at least a week—just to give Zara some time to get a feel for the world. If any issues come up, I’d rather you be here—near a hospital—than on the road. I know that might be difficult considering you’re here for a visit, but from the crowd in the waiting room, I’m guessing that you might have a few places to stay.” He grinned.

  “Crowd in the waiting room?” I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” I’d sent Noella back to the boys about an hour earlier, not long after Zara had been born. She’d been there for me through the last half of the birth and I couldn’t be more grateful, but I knew she was worried about her sons.

  “Maybe you should have a look.” The doctor nodded to Jake. “Everyone is eager to visit.”

  “Everyone?” I laughed. “Jake, who is out there?”

  “I don’t know. I thought everyone was still at the reception. I’ll go check.” He kissed Zara on the head again, then kissed my forehead as well.

  As he walked out with the doctor, I snuggled Zara closer and gazed into her bright eyes. She had a stare that melted my heart. It was as if she didn’t even want to blink.

  “Welcome to the world, sweetheart. I promise that I’m going to do everything I can to show you how wonderful it is.”

  Zara scrunched up her nose, squeezed her eyes shut, and gave a short cry as she squirmed.

  I smiled and kissed her cheeks. Things had not gone as planned, but the end result was everything I could have hoped for. As I cradled her closer, there was a light knock on the door. Jake stuck his head inside and smiled.

  “Are you ladies up for some visitors?”

  “Sure.” I smiled.

  Maybe Noella had returned with the boys or maybe Dawn had decided to come to the hospital.

  When the door swung open, I was surprised by all the faces I saw bey
ond it.

  Chapter 2

  Blu—still in her wedding dress—stepped inside, followed by AJ in his tuxedo.

  As the rest of the wedding party filed in, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

  “What are you all doing here? I told you to stay and enjoy the reception.” I felt a rush of panic as I wondered if I’d ruined the wedding party by going into labor.

  “Are you kidding me?” Blu perched on the edge of the bed and looked down at Zara. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything, Hanna. Congratulations, she’s gorgeous.”

  “Thank you.” I fought back tears as Dawn and Zoe walked up to the other side of the bed and began fawning over Zara.

  “I can’t believe you did it.” Zoe touched one of Zara’s tiny fingers. “I mean, obviously you did.” She laughed. “But wow, did it hurt?” She cringed.

  “Yes!” I laughed, then rested my head back against my pillow. “But honestly, I don’t even remember how bad anymore.”

  “Liar.” Samantha winked at me as she approached the bed. “I remember!”

  “Me too!” Alex grinned as she peered past the others at the baby.

  “I can’t even imagine.” Callie slipped up beside Blu and tickled a tiny foot. “But wow, it has to be the most amazing experience.”

  “I’ll leave you ladies alone.” Jake smiled as he ducked out of the hospital room.

  I felt surrounded by all the strength I’d summoned during my unexpected labor. It was these faces that I’d pictured all around me as I’d dealt with each contraction.

  “Thank you so much for being here, all of you.” I skimmed over their faces, then closed my eyes. “I would never have gotten through this without you.”

  “We’re happy to be part of it all.” Dawn stroked some of the hair back from my forehead. “You must be so exhausted.” She glanced up at the other women. “We should let her rest.”

  “She’s right. Hanna, you need to make sure that you’re resting—and drinking.” Blu ran her hand lightly over the fine hairs on the top of Zara’s head. “Looks like this little one is ready for a nap too.”

  “So amazing.” Zoe breathed. “She looks just like you, Hanna.”

  “Really? I think she has Jake’s eyes.” I gazed at Zara’s peaceful, slumbering face and felt stunned that something so beautiful could have come from me. “She’s perfect.”

  “Yes, she is. And you’ll be surprised by how much she changes over the next few weeks.” Samantha kissed the top of my head. “You did good, Mama. Now you have to make sure that you take care of you too. If there’s anything we can do for you, please be sure to let us know.”

  “No, no.” I sighed as I looked at them. “I know you all have lives to get back to. Blu, you have your honeymoon—”

  “No, we’re not leaving right away.” Blu shook her head. “I want to spend as much time with you and Zara as I can before you go back home.”

  “Well, that may take a little while. The doctor wants us to put off traveling for at least a week. Zara’s okay—she’s healthy, but since she was a little early, they just want us to be cautious and let her have a little time before we think about driving home. Which is great, because I can’t imagine getting back in the car right now.” I held back a yawn as I looked down at Zara.

  “Hanna, you can all stay with us.” Blu smiled.

  “Oh, thanks, Blu, but Jake is going to look into getting a hotel room. There’s no way I’m crashing at your place right after your wedding.” I winked at her. “That would be awkward.”

  “No, it wouldn’t.” She laughed. “But since there is only one bedroom and one bathroom it might get a little crowded.”

  “Stay with me, Hanna.” Callie met my eyes. “I mean, you remember my place, don’t you? It’s huge—there’s plenty of room.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” I recalled her beautiful penthouse and couldn’t imagine staying there. What if we made a mess? “It’s very kind of you to offer, but a hotel would probably be better.”

  “Are you kidding?” She raised an eyebrow. “I have a Jacuzzi tub, remember?”

  “Oh yes.” I groaned in pleasure at the thought.

  “It’s settled then, when the doctor is ready to release you, you three can come home with me. You can stay as long as you need. And if your sister wants to stay or anyone else, there really is plenty of space.”

  “Oh, Noella will have to get back. She has work and the boys have school.”

  “I could stay.” Dawn patted my shoulder. “Just in case you need a little help.”

  “But you have the bakery, Dawn—and Garrett has to get Lily home. No, I’ll be fine, really.”

  “Lucky for you, I have nowhere important to be.” Zoe grinned. “My work travels, remember? I can blog from anywhere. Would you mind if I kept you company for a few days?”

  “Not at all.” I smiled at the thought. “That would be great.”

  “Wonderful.” Callie beamed. “I’ll make sure you have everything you need. My friend that has the children’s clothing line—she has plenty of contacts in the baby world, so we’ll make sure you’re equipped.”

  “Thanks, Callie, but you don’t need to go overboard.” I smiled at her with gratitude. “Just giving us a place to stay is more than enough. Jake can do some shopping.”

  “Where’s my niece?” Noella poked her head through the door.

  “She’s right here.” I smiled as Noella walked right up to me with her arms spread.

  “Do you mind? Can I hold her for a bit?”

  “Of course you can.” I felt a slight pang of hesitation as Noella took Zara out of my arms. But I trusted her one hundred percent and my eyes were so heavy I was afraid I would fall asleep at any second.

  “Get some rest, Hanna. I’ll wake you if the baby needs you, okay?” Noella gave my hand a light squeeze. “I’ll be right here with you.”

  Her voice stayed with me as I drifted off to sleep. I’d never felt so content in my life. Even though the hospital room was a little chilly, I felt as if I was bathed in warmth. My friends were all around me, ready to support me, and all falling in love with my beautiful daughter.

  How could life get any better?

  Chapter 3

  It felt as if I’d only been asleep for a few minutes when I heard Zara cry. I opened my eyes and saw Noella beside the bed with my daughter in her arms.

  “I think she’s probably hungry.” Noella smiled.

  “For a second I thought this all was a dream.” I took Zara in my arms. “I’m so glad it wasn’t.”

  “Me too.” Noella sat on the edge of the bed and poured a cup of water for me. “There will be tough moments, Hanna, but the good ones are bliss. Nothing can compare to them, and each one makes the bad moments a lot easier to handle.”

  “Right now I can’t even imagine any bad moments.” I stroked Zara’s cheek. “I just feel like the luckiest person in the world.”

  “You are.” She smiled as she looked at us.

  “Don’t you need to get the boys home?” I looked into her eyes.

  “Yes, I need to leave in the morning. I wish I didn’t, but I know that Zoe will take good care of you. You know, Hanna, I’ve never been prouder of you. You handled this all so well.”

  “Thanks, sis. I’m so glad you were here with me.”

  “I’m glad I was too.” She kissed the top of my head. “Now I want you to remember, your job is to rest and look after this little one. Nothing else. I don’t want to hear about you cleaning or washing dishes or any other chore that you might think you need to do. I’ll make sure the house is ready for you when you three are ready to make the journey home.”

  “Noella, you don’t have to do all that.” I sighed. “You already have so much on your plate.”

  “Actually, my plate has never felt more clear. Wes is such a huge help to me. It took me a while to let him be, but once I did, I realized what a difference it can make to have a partner again.” She smiled as she stood up from the bed. “You have so much to look forwa
rd to, Hanna, but right now, just savor these moments.”

  “I will.” I snuggled Zara closer as I watched my sister leave the hospital room. Even though she was leaving, I knew that she would just be a phone call away if I needed any advice, and I’d have Zoe for moral support. A few minutes after Noella left, Jake stepped back inside the room with a smile.

  “Look at my beautiful girls.” He settled in a chair beside the bed. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

  “Okay, I think.” I closed my eyes for a moment and felt a wave of dizziness. “Tired.”

  “I’m sure you are. Let me take her for a bit.”

  As he settled Zara against his shoulder, I was blown away by the sight of the two of them. My beautiful family, a family I never thought was in the cards for me. Yet there they were. It brought tears of joy to my eyes to see the two of them together.

  “I love you so much, Jake.”

  “I love you too.” He leaned close and rubbed his hand along my arm, then took my hand. “We’ve got this, darling. Yes, it was a bit of a surprise, but the best surprise, right?”

  “Right.” I smiled, then grimaced. “Uh, I think Zara might have another little surprise.” I started to push the blanket back. “I’d better grab a diaper.”

  “You stay right there.” He drew the blanket back up along my chest. “I can handle it.” He took a light sniff of the air. His eyes widened. “Wow.”

  “Why don’t we do it together?” I laughed as I started to get up again.

  “No, I can do it.” He leaned down and kissed my cheek. “I’ll do anything for you, Hanna, a stinky diaper is nothing.”

  “Good luck.”

  I smiled as I watched him walk over to the changing table. It filled my heart with warmth to know that he was so willing to be involved.