The next morning, they woke up and went into the kitchen to have breakfast. Madeline was late coming home the night before so Todd went on to bed before she got back.
“Did you have fun last night?” He asked as he cracked the eggs into the frying pan.
She stood in the kitchen next to him at the stove, watching him cook. “Yeah, we had a real good time. Had dinner, danced a bit… you know, girl stuff.” She smiled.
Todd sprinkled some cheese in the pan. “Yeah, yeah I hear ya.” He joked.
Madeline laughed and snuck a piece of cheese from the stove. Suddenly she clutched her belly. “Oh man,” she groaned. “Maybe I danced a little too much.”
Todd laughed. “Nah, you’re just getting old like me.” He teased. Madeline leaned against the counter in pain. “Are you alright?” Todd asked, getting worried.
“I don’t know,” she said “my back and my stomach are hurting really bad all the sudden.”
Todd quickly put the frying pan down and stepped over to her. He put his arm around her shoulders and led her to the kitchen table. “Come here and sit down for a minute.” He directed.
Before they got halfway to the table Madeline gasped. “Oh my god, Todd my water just broke!”
Todd felt himself start to panic then took a deep breath. He sat her down at the table. “It’s ok, Madeline. I’ll call a cab, just sit here and try to relax.” He ran to the phone. He was so nervous that the phone was shaking in his hand. Get it together, Todd! He thought to himself. You’ve got to be strong for her!
When the cab arrived, Todd grabbed their overnight bags and loaded them into the car. He walked back into the house to escort Madeline, who’s contractions were getting much worse.
“Oh god, Todd I don’t know if I can do this.” She cried in pain. “I’ve got you, Madeline. I’m not leaving your side. Come on, let’s go have this baby.” He put his arm around her and walked her to the cab.

The labor and delivery went smoothly. Madeline gave birth to a 7 pound 5 ounce baby girl. Todd was by her side helping the whole way through, just like he promised. They decided to name the baby Hope, because that’s what she had given them.
When Todd finally got to hold her after the nurses cleaned her up, he felt his heart melt as he held her tiny body in his arms. “Hey there my precious little girl.” He said to her. She was so tiny and fragile, like nothing Todd had ever seen. He’s never held a baby before so this was all a little frightening. He looked her over, touching her little hands and counting all her fingers and toes. “She’s perfect, Madeline.”
Madeline was still tired and exhausted from the delivery. She looked at Todd with lazy eyes. “You look real good as a dad, Todd.” She smiled. “Can I hold her?”
Todd gave Hope a kiss on her head. “Do you want to meet your mamma?” He asked the baby.



Back at home, things weren‘t quite as calm as they were at the hospital. Todd was running around like a crazy person trying to make the house perfect for them.
“It’s fine, Todd!” Madeline called from the bedroom. “Hope said she doesn’t care if the dishes are done!” Madeline joked, trying to settle him down. She sat on the edge of the bed and finished up her feeding.
Todd came into the room and looked at Madeline, their newborn baby in her arms. He didn’t know what to do or how to act. It seemed to come so natural to Madeline but he was so scared he would hurt her or do something wrong.
Madeline could read the expression on his face. “Do you want to hold your daughter, Todd?”
Those were the most wonderful words he’d ever heard. My daughter, he thought. Madeline gently placed Hope into Todd’s open arms. The baby laid there, staring up at him. She had Madeline’s bright blue eyes and his red hair. She was a perfect mix of the two of them. This is our baby, he thought. A product of our love. Suddenly it all felt right. He leaned down and gave Hope a kiss. “I love you.” He whispered.