I want to take a look at some of the memorable introductions of our main characters and couples. It’s so weird to me when I look back at writing some of the earlier books. I would change a bit now- not story wise, but writing wise. But, it’s who I was back then and how I saw each character. They have grown as have I.
Our first introduction of Jack and Tommy happened at the same time. It occured in the prequel (which began as book 1) Nothing matters. It leads into the introduction of Stephanie.
“I’m a Cardiologist, not an internist,” Dr. Jack Stephens complained into the phone as he was called to the E.R. The handsome doctor had been working for 24 hours straight and was exhausted. He needed sleep and food, and not another case.
“Jack, we’re short staffed and this case is, well, tricky to say the least. This kid has stage 3 bone cancer and a serious heart murmur. I need someone who will take the care that he needs in assisting me.” Dr. Williams said. Tommy Williams was Jack’s best friend and a Pediatric Oncologist who specialized in surgery.. They had been friends since grade school and as tired as Jack was, he knew Tommy wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t urgent.
“You know if it were me, I would handle it on my own,” Jack joked into the phone. “But since you begged, I’m on my way.”
“You can talk to me about your brilliance later, see you in O.R. 4; and I never beg,” Tommy smiled as he hung up the phone.
A few pages later, we meet the mysterious woman on the roof, the woman who infatuated Jack. The woman who became our first leading lady.
Jack opened the door to the roof and breathed in deeply, hugging his coat tighter around him, glad he decided to wear it, for the chilly February air was biting in Michigan. It was about 6 o’clock, so the sun had begun to set already. He looked out at the roof and smiled at the view. Everything looked so crisp and clear, like the world was right where it should be. He chuckled to himself at the thought. If everything was right where it should be, why did he feel as if he was missing something huge? He walked up to the ledge and as he passed the thick beam, which blocked most of the view, he stopped. There in front of him, standing on the ledge, was a woman in a hospital gown, with bare feet. Stunned for a minute, he took in her appearance. She looked to be in her late twenties, slim and small. He couldn’t see her face, but he didn’t think she was there for the view. He took a few steps towards her and waited for her to acknowledge him. She remained standing and looking ahead.
We finally learned her name at the end of chapter three.
Jack handed her a tissue and she awkwardly held it in her bandaged hands. As quickly as she had begun to warm up to him, she closed down. She looked away and said nothing. Jack stood up and sighed. “Okay, I will arrange for you to go back to the hospital, or wherever you want to go. You need to take your meds, so we need to figure out what they are and when was the last time you took them,” Jack began to walk away.
“Stephanie,” the woman said quietly. Jack turned to look at her.
“My name is Stephanie and I watched my best friend Nikki die.”
Surprisingly, or not if you were paying close attention, we also met another character who would become integral to the series, although not a key player for a while. Jade made her first entry here:
“Do you mind if I keep talking?” he asked, not expecting an answer. “I just finished a grueling shift and I’m exhausted, so this is really cramping my relaxation. I don’t know if you know this, but we debonair doctors need our beauty sleep,” he stopped and turned to see Jade, one of the nurses, enter the roof.
We were also introduced briefly to Jenny and Bill and Julie, but their intro was more pronounced in the next book.
We also met Ron in this book, someone who became everyone’s grandpa. He truly proves that one can turn their life around at any point and be the man his son needs.
The gunman looked at her and then at Jack. He nodded his approval and Stephanie moved to Jack. She knelt down next to him and saw his hands were shaking.
“Jack, tell me,” she said.
“It’s my dad, Stephanie. He’s hurt badly and I can’t get him to wake up,” Jack’s voice broke.
Stephanie put her hands on his shaking fingers. “Let me,” she said. “Talk to him while I work. It doesn’t matter how or why, right now he needs to hear your voice,” she said to Jack as she looked at the wound.
Jack looked at her and felt calmer. He nodded and looked at his father’s face. “Dad, it’s me, Jack. Can you look at me?” he asked him. There was no response and he turned to look at Stephanie.
“Try again,” she said as she applied a pressure bandage to his shoulder. She wondered if he had punctured a lung, but without a stethoscope, it was hard to be sure. Either way, he needed to get to a hospital.
“Dad, please wake up,” Jack said again and Ron gently stirred. Stephanie felt relief wash over her. Ron opened his eyes and looked at his son.
“Jack?” he said.
Jack nodded. “Yes, dad. You’ve been shot in the shoulder, just stay still.”
Now although Brittany was mentioned in the prequel, she opened the first book in the series. She was always my heroine and I created her back in 1990. She was the first character I wrote and one I am so proud to continue to write.
She begins “If Only”
Pull yourself together, Brittany said to herself as the wind whipped through her long red hair as she stood at the edge of the stairs leading to the huge expanse which was the University of Michigan Hospital. The brilliant building was massive and looked like a city within itself. Doctors and patients entered and exited the doors on their way to and from the hectic pace of hospital life. The brisk Michigan air was cleansing as she tried to settle her jumping nerves. Hugging her arms around her waist and smiling at the familiar scene, she told herself again that this was the change she needed. She worked so hard to make a name for herself as an OBGYN working with high risk women and this new job was a great opportunity.
We were quickly introduced to her and Tommy, through a memorable albeit awkward first real introduction:
“Excuse me, I need the room. Now.”
“Excuse me, I am in the middle of a meeting,” Brittany said and turned to look at her clients. “I’m so sorry, I will be right back,” she led the doctor into the hall and closed the door behind her, her anger growing.
“What is your problem? Can’t you see I am in the middle of something?” Brittany seethed at him, astonished at his arrogance. “How about knocking and waiting for an answer? I would think a friend of Jack and Stephanie would have better manners.”
She saw his surprised expression at the mention of his friends, but she didn’t care. He was completely out of line.
“I’m sorry, but why do you need an entire conference room to talk to a pregnant couple? You could accomplish the same thing in your office, you know, the things each of us have here?” He said.
“Who the hell are you? It is none of your business why I am in here and you are completely out of line. I have half a mind to call the chief of staff and report you for bullying,” she yelled at him.
The door of the room opened and the woman and her husband walked out.
“Dr. Anthony, I think it’s best if we go,” the woman said, nearly in tears. Her husband had her arm in a tight grip.
“No, please, it’s fine, let’s go back inside,” Brittany said frantically, glaring at this jerk and trying to convince the couple to stay.
“Actually, you can continue this in Dr. Anthony’s office. It is Dr. Anthony, right?” he said, looking at her name tag.
The woman looked fearfully at Brittany. “You know I can’t do that,” she murmured. She turned to her husband who appeared livid.
“We need to go, now,” he grabbed her arm roughly and they rushed off, the woman turning with another look of fear at the doctors.
“Hey, I’m sorry,” Tommy began before looking at Brittany. “Was there more going on with them?”
“Unbelievable, just unbelievable. Are you happy? Do you have any idea what you just did?” Brittany was flabbergasted at his audacity. “What is wrong with you?” She stared into his eyes, searching for an answer.
“I’m sorry. I have a consult coming in and I need this room, so if you will excuse me,” he looked at her before walking into the room.
“Oh, I don’t think so. We are hardly finished here. You are the most arrogant asshole I have ever met. You can’t come in here and boot my patient out just so you can have the room and then act like everything is okay,” she said. “You don’t know what you just did.”
“Look Red, I don’t have time for this. I have a young couple coming in with their six-year-old son who has a rare form of Leukemia. They want their little boy to have a good experience here and not see the hospital for what it is, the place where he will likely spend most of the rest of his life. I don’t have time for your hissy fits or your soap box because your clients will have a beautiful bouncing baby soon enough and they will go on with their blissful existence and be none the wiser. Now move aside so I can make the room kid friendly,” he walked past her and closed the door, separating her from him and the room.
Thus began the tumultuous romance that cemented the series’ longevity.
We were also introduced to Bill and Julie in “If Only”, but more so in Book 2 “Love Endures.
“Hi Tommy.” Julie said and hugged her brother. She looked over his shoulder at Brittany and smiled warmly as she walked over. “Hi, I’m Julie, Tommy’s sister and this is my husband, Bill. I know he said to meet him in the conference room, but I never listen.”
Brittany smiled. “It’s nice to meet you both.”
Their story was told through book 2, and it is one of my favorites.
“Oh, excuse me,” Julie said and looked up into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. She realized his hands were on her shoulders, steadying her and she backed away.
“Are you okay? You ran out of there really fast,” Bill said.
She looked down, wishing she could melt into nothing. “I’m fine, excuse me.”
He moved and she started to walk away. “Hey, wait.”
She froze and turned to face him. “Look, I just had the most humiliating moment of my life and the best way to remedy that is to leave this place and be alone. So if you will please excuse me, before I die of embarrassment, I really need to go.”
He smiled at her use of hyperbole. “I don’t think anyone actually ever dies of embarrassment.”
“Really? Do you want to talk about my use of rhetoric? Why don’t you just go back inside and forget you ever saw me,” she looked at him with fire in her eyes.
“I don’t think that’s possible,” he muttered, more to himself then to her.
Julie was stumped. She didn’t know why this guy was even talking to her, but even more puzzling was his obvious insecurity amidst his beautiful appearance. “Have a good night,” she said and walked away.
“My name is Bill,” he called after her.
She stopped, realizing he was the man she was singing to. Could this night get any more pathetic for her? She turned around and sighed. “I’m Julie; hope you enjoyed your song.”
We were also introduced to Mike and Rebecca (unfortunately) in book 2. They all met in the hospital in Germany after Bill saved Mike from the IED.
Julie looked at Bill and felt such pride. She reached out and shook Mike’s hand. “I’m Julie, Bill’s,” she began when Mike interrupted her.
“We all know who you are. Corporal K doesn’t let a moment go by without letting us know his only purpose is to get back to you and your little boy. It is an honor and a privilege to meet you” Mike grinned as Bill shot him a look. “I know I shouldn’t give away his soft side, but I can’t help it. What he did for me, well it changed me,” he looked to the door and motioned for the woman to come to him. She walked near and Mike took her hand. “This is Rebecca, my wife. If Bill didn’t carry me, literally, I would never get to meet my baby, or see my family again. I will never be able to thank you,” he took Bill’s hand. “Are you going to be okay?”
Little did we know just how awful Rebecca was going to be. I didn’t know it either. Not for a while.
I could say the same about Megan, the villain introduced in If Only.
A lot of this series developed from itself. Stories were uncovered and characters evolved.
Some for the better, others for worse.
We first met Evan in book 9 “One Final Kiss”. I loved the character and always wanted to tell his story. I was able to do that in Beautiful Disaster, a book which took place years before the series.
“He’s here,” Brittany said.
Stephanie got up and followed her into the other room, the discussion on hold for now.
Jack smiled as Stephanie walked to him and Julie stood with Bill.
“We should sit down or something, this has to be intimidating,” Brittany said.
“He should be intimidated. He needs to know who we are,” Jack said.
“He came highly recommended and I don’t want to scare him off,” Brittany said while Tommy walked to let him in, Tramp trotting after him.
A moment later, Tommy walked into the family room followed by a handsome man in his 30’s, tall, dark hair, dressed in a white shirt and black pants. He smiled at them as he stood to face the six adults.
“Hi. I’m Evan. It’s nice to meet you.”
We were able to meet Elizabeth a few chapters later.
Tommy opened the door to Evan and his wife and Tramp greeted them with a tentative glance. Once he sniffed Evan, he moved into a full body wag.
“He’s adorable,” Evan’s wife said as she bent down to pet Tramp.
“He’s terribly spoiled,” Tommy said with a laugh, “but we wouldn’t trade him.”
Evan smiled and looked up as Brittany walked in carrying Naomi. Tramp immediately walked to his mom and sat down.
“Tommy and Brittany and Naomi, this is my wife Elizabeth,” Evan said with a smile.
The petite brunette reached out and shook their hands. She was a beautiful woman with long dark hair and green eyes. Brittany instantly liked her.
“It’s very nice to meet you all. Evan speaks highly of you and he never talks much,” Elizabeth smiled as Evan rolled his eyes.““It’s very nice to meet you all. Evan speaks highly of you and he never talks much,” Elizabeth smiled as Evan rolled his eyes.
Evan became extremely important to the series and I am so glad I introduced him.
The children all made their entrances known, and they have been so much fun to write.
David was the first born in the series. (Although Bryan is technically the oldest, and then Desi, but they weren’t born in the series). David came at the end of “If Only”
“I want Bill to be here. I need him,” she cried.
“I know, sweetie, but you need to be a mom first. Your baby needs you to do what you can to help,” Brittany said.
“Okay, Oh God,” she screamed.
“Now, deep breath and push,” Brittany said and Julie pushed while Stephanie helped hold her up. “There you go, you’re doing it, keep pushing, you’re almost there,” Brittany said as she tried to move her hand around the baby’s head, afraid the cord was around the baby’s neck. “You need to push again.”
“No, can’t, too tired.” Julie said and closed her eyes. Stephanie looked at Brittany who shook her head.
“Julie, look at me right now,” she demanded.
Julie opened her eyes. “I need Bill.”
Stephanie took the other woman’s face in her hands and spoke to her. “You don’t need anyone but your strength and your power which is massive. You have survived so much in your young life Julie; you can do this. I need you to do this and Brittany needs you to do this, but most of all, your little baby needs you to be strong. Now I know you can do this. Let’s push this baby out right now.”
Julie looked at her through her tears. “It hurts so much.”
“I know, but it will be over soon and the pain will turn into a miracle,” Brittany said and held Julie’s legs back while she tried to help her with the next contraction. “Here we go, push,” she pressed on Julie’s stomach while she pushed and the head finally came out. She grabbed her suction bulb and suctioned out the baby’s nose and mouth and kept the cord from restricting the baby’s breathing. She looked up at Stephanie and Julie and smiled. “One more push,” she nodded. “Now, push,” she heard Julie scream as Brittany delivered the baby.
A little while later, were officially introduced.
She wiped her face. “Tommy, this is David. Just like daddy,” she handed the baby to him and he let his own tears fall.
“Mom and dad would be so proud of you, Jules. Look what you did?” he held the little boy in his arms, his dad’s namesake, and felt a sense of peace. The little boy grasped his finger in his tiny fist and Tommy almost lost it. He looked at his sister who was watching her son. “I am so proud of you. You are going to be the best mom. I wish they could be here to see him.”
Soon after David, Sabrina was born. Much less drama and an actual hospital. Rare for me to write 🙂
Jack looked at Stephanie and he didn’t know how it happened. He didn’t think it was possible, but he felt a love that was more intense, more powerful, deeper and stronger than anything he had ever felt. She had just given him the most precious gift in the world, and he was simply overwhelmed. She looked at him, her own tears mirroring his. The nurse walked over and looked at Stephanie. “Would you like to hold your baby?”
Stephanie nodded and took the bundle in her arms while they continued to sew her up. Jack sat down next to them. Stephanie looked at him. “Look what we did?”
He was at a loss for words. “Thank you for this miracle,” he leaned in and kissed her.
Stephanie looked at the baby. “You are so loved and we couldn’t wait to meet you,” she let her tears fall as Jack held his family.
Tommy and Brittany looked up as Jack came out of the O.R., grinning like a little kid. He walked up to them. “It’s a girl!”
Tommy yelled and picked him up in a bear hug. Brittany smiled a huge smile and breathed a sigh of relief. “How is Stephanie?”
“She is amazing and beautiful and went through the C-Section like it was nothing. The baby is 6 lbs, 2 oz and 19 inches long.”
And our official introduction:
“Hey, come in and meet Sabrina Amanda,” Stephanie said.
Tommy grinned. “That’s beautiful. I know Amanda comes from Jack’s mom, but what is the significance of Sabrina?” he walked over and looked at the baby.
“Sabrina is a name I have always loved, ever since I watched Audrey Hepburn in the movie. It means Princess and that’s what she is,” Stephanie smiled. “But the character also had a strong love of family and a respect for all around her. Those are some of the qualities I hope she embodies.”
Jimmy was born between the two of them, but we didn’t hear much about him until book 10
“It gets worse.” Bill and Julie waited. Mike wiped his eyes. “Jimmy isn’t my son.”
“What?” Bill and Julie both asked together.
Mike got up and paced around the room. “I’m such an idiot. I saw the signs and I ignored them. I just never thought it would effect the people I love.”
Bill could tell there was something more, something about them.
“Mike, what aren’t you saying?”
“I almost killed him, I could have, but when I looked at her and I saw she truly didn’t care about me, I just deflated. It didn’t matter who the guy was, because it was her, and my son, little Jimmy, I mean I’m the only father he’s known, you know?” Mike sat down and put his head in his hands.
Much more would come out about that, and about Jimmy.
Next was Naomi. Perhaps the most impressive and impossible survival of all. Naomi’s medical issues came directly from someone in my life and I was determined to make her story count.
Tommy walked to the NICU and saw Julie standing inside. Jack walked in and put his hand on her shoulder and she turned around and saw her brother. She walked out and hugged him tightly. “She has been waiting to meet her daddy.”
Tommy nodded, not able to form a word. Jack and Julie stood together. “We’ll wait right here. Take your time,” Jack said.
Tommy nodded and exhaled a big breath; he walked in slowly and approached the incubator. His heart almost stopped as he saw the most precious thing he had ever laid eyes on. The tubes and the wires disappeared and he looked at the life he and Brittany had created. She was beautiful and delicate and her face, even in its teeny form was the spitting image of his Red. She lay on her tummy, the tubes helping her breathe didn’t impede on her tiny nose and when he moved close to the incubator, she scrunched her face and made a squeak. He didn’t care that his tears were falling. He looked at the nurse who walked over and showed him how he could reach his hand in through the sterile glove and touch her. He looked at the nurse.
“Are you sure it’s okay?”
“We only allow the parents, and actually, it’s very beneficial. If your wife is up to it soon, we can try a kangaroo hold, skin on skin contact that can promote weight gain and maternal healing. She is a little fighter, just like Dr. Brittany.” The nurse said and gave him some privacy.
Tommy pulled up a chair and sat down, eye level with the incubator. He reached his hand in through the glove and his finger was almost the length of her arm. He gently touched her tiny fingers and she scrunched her face into what he could only describe as a smile. His heart swelled with love for her and he didn’t even know he had the capacity to love someone so completely. It was different from any other connection he felt. It was as if everything in the world was right because of this precious little being.
“Hi sweet girl. I’m your daddy. We haven’t officially met before, but I’m the strange voice you kept hearing. I know you’re probably confused because you were in a nice warm home where you were safe and protected and now you are here and things are scary and harsh, but you need to know something. You are loved and you are wanted more than anything in this world. Your mommy and I, we are so proud to be your parents and we love you to pieces. You are going to grow and get stronger and you are going to have the best life,” he wiped his eyes and she let out a teeny wail and he moved the little cloth she had covering her over a bit to conceal her little behind and she calmed down immediately.
Tommy let a sob escape his throat. “Just like your mom. You like your privacy and you should. Your daddy will never let anyone hurt you. My sweet baby Naomi. Daddy loves his baby girl,” he watched as she slept and he stepped back, looking at the nurse who also had tears in her eyes. “Thank you.”
When Brittany finally saw her, it was the best moment. The Kangaroo touch is such a beautiful bonding experience for parents and babies.
Brittany looked at the tiny baby she had carried for 7 months and didn’t think she could ever feel so much love and devotion to another human being. She reached up and stroked Naomi’s tiny foot. The teeny baby squeaked and Brittany felt her tears fall. She looked at Tommy who was mesmerized by his beautiful wife and his baby girl. He held them and never wanted to forget this moment. Naomi’s oxygen saturation began to improve and both Tommy and Brittany saw the numbers on the monitor. “See how much she needs you? We both do,” he said and kissed her forehead.
Brittany nodded. “Hi sweet baby. Your mommy and daddy love you so much. You are the strongest little girl in the whole world and there is nothing you can’t do,” she said softly.
Tessa was next. I loved writing her birth. Partly because it happened in a mall, partly because Tommy had to perform a c-section, and mostly because it was our first real intro to Evan. This was by far the momst unrealistic birth, but hey, it’s fiction.
“What is it?” he was worried.
“There is no bleeding. There is no problem. It looks fabulous,” she held his face in her hands and kissed him. “You are amazing.”
Jack walked over to Tommy and the two men faced each other. Jack pulled him in for a hug and Tommy hugged him back.
“Thank you,” Jack said.
Tommy nodded, unable to speak. He was overwhelmed and just wanted Stephanie to get to the hospital.
Stephanie looked at Tommy and reached her hand to him as the paramedics came.
“You saved my life and my daughter. I will never be able to repay you,” she said and her tears came.
He kissed her cheek and watched as they took her and the baby on the gurney. Jack followed and Brittany told them they would meet them there.
Elizabeth walked to Evan and he shook his head.
“We are never having a child,” he said, still shell shocked. “That was gross.”
She laughed and hugged him.
“Actually, I think we just might. She’s amazing.” Elizabeth looked at Brittany as she took Naomi from the car seat and snuggled her daughter and sat with her husband.
“They both are. You wouldn’t believe what he did. I thought I had nerves of steel. That man is incredible.”
Elizabeth smiled. “They seem like an amazing group of people.”
We were officially introduced soon after:
“We would like to introduce you to Tessa Blair Stephens. Tessa after her uncle Tommy who has already proven to be her protector. She will learn strength and honor from you and she will always know there is a safe place for her to go.” Jack said and his chin quivered.
“Blair after her Uncle Bill. She will know the true meaning of family by watching how you and Julie love each other. She will know how important it is to be honest and honorable. She will learn the value of trust and the importance of laughter. She will always be safe and loved and there will never be a time where she will feel alone because of her Uncle Bill and Uncle Tommy.”
Josie was born next. Her birth was surrounded by a mix of happiness and sadness. I took a lot of heat for having Julie lose two of the three babies, but I knew it was something that needed to happen. Josie has been a fighter from day one. She deserves to be here and I adore her.
“Bill, come look,” Brittany said to him.
“Down there?”
She grinned. “Yes, come see.”
He walked over and looked and Julie tried to look up. “What is it? What do you see?”
“She has a head,” he said giddily and Julie grinned.
“I’m happy to hear that,” she said. “I have to push,” she cried. “Oh God.”
Bill walked back over and helped her sit up as she began to push. “Not too hard, just a short push, sweetie, you’re almost there,” Brittany said and watched as the head was delivered and Julie and Bill watched as they suctioned out the nose and mouth. The doctor expertly maneuvered the baby’s shoulders as Julie delivered the rest of the way. The doctor quickly placed the baby on Julie’s stomach and rubbed her. They all waited and there was a tiny wail that pierced the silence.
Brittany watched as her brother looked at his girls and his tears fell silently out of pure love and joy. The doctor picked up the baby and motioned to Bill. “Would you like to cut the cord?”
Bill nodded and cut where they said. The nurse walked and handed the baby to Julie. “Hi my sweet baby,” she said softly as she looked at the tiny girl. She looked at Bill. “Look what we did.”
He was overcome and held Julie as he looked at his tiny daughter. “I love you so much,” he said and kissed her.
We were formally introduced soon after:
Julie looked at Bill and he kissed her forehead as she looked at them. “We would like to introduce you to Josie Brianna Kastan. Josie, after her brave Uncle John who gave his life protecting this family, and Brianna after her beautiful and strong Aunt Brittany. She will always know what it means to be happy and to live with integrity and faith.”
Mike and Jade’s twins were next, and there was no shortage of drama there 🙂
Jade nodded and looked at them.
“Before you take them, we would like to introduce you to them properly.”
They all smiled and waited.
Mike looked at her and she gently picked up baby A and handed her to Mike.
“This is Eden Nicole. She is named for Mike’s grandmother Evelyn. Her middle name is for the one person who I believe has the strength and courage of a hero and that’s Naomi.”
Tommy and Brittany both smiled and Mike handed the little baby to Tommy.
“Well hello little Eden Nicole,” he said. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
Brittany wiped her eyes and laughed as Eden grasped her finger.
Jade picked up baby B and handed her to Mike.
“This is Sara Danielle. I have always loved the name Sara and it means Nobility or Princess in Hebrew. It seemed fitting for such a brave little squirt.”
Mike handed the little girl to Julie and she was choked up with the emotion Jade showed.
“Oh my God, someone got her to stop talking,” Tommy said.
Bill laughed and then cleared his throat when Julie glared at both of them.
“Shut up, I’m just taking in the moment,” she said and sniffed.
Kevin was next.
Liz reached to his face and he grasped her hand.
“I love you so much,” she said and they all braced for the next contraction.
“Push and hold it,” Brittany said. “More, more, that’s great,” she said and guided the baby’s head. “One more small push,” she said and Jade showed Evan where to look. He was stunned as he watched his son enter the world.
“Oh my God,” he whispered.
“Is he okay?” Liz cried.
Brittany held him up and they all smiled when his cry pierced the air.
“He’s beautiful,” Brittany said. “Evan would you like to cut the cord?”
Evan stood there, still taking it all in.
“What? Oh, right,” he smiled and took the scissors and cut where she showed. Brittany placed the baby on Elizabeth’s chest and went to finish the delivery.
“Ev? Look at him,” she said through her tears. “He looks like you.”
Evan put his hand on top of hers and his tears fell.
“Maybe he’ll grow out of that,” he said and she rolled her eyes.
We were officially introduced soon after:
Evan held him and watched as his son opened his eyes.
“He needs a name,” Evan said softly.
“I agree,” she smiled.
“Are you sure about the middle name?”
She took his hand and he looked at her.
“Ev, your dad was very important to you. He raised you after your mom died and he loved you. He made mistakes, and he was sorry for that. I would be honored to have our son carry a part of your father with him, the part we loved. The part that made you.”
Evan nodded, overwhelmed with love and gratitude.
“Okay then,” he said softly. “Welcome to the world, Kevin Daniel Thrushcross.”
“Waaa,” Kevin cried and Evan and Liz beamed at their little boy.
Scottie, Matt and Jenny all came later in the series, and they were amazing additions.
Okay, who did I forget?
Would you like to read my favorite scenes? Do you have any questions about the series or characters/scenes?
Let me know 🙂
