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“Ready to go home today Mrs. Groban?” The nurse asked. Not wanting to embarrass her with a correction of the Mrs. Part I just nodded. “Then let’s get you cleaned up.” She held the baby while I slid out of bed. “She’s gorgeous.” The nurse remarked. “Just wait until that crowd gets a look at her.” I frowned and eyed her.
“Crowd?” I asked. She indicated towards the window.
“Oh yeah, hundreds of people are out there already.” I rushed over to the window and peeked out. Sure enough there was a hoard of fans contained by a few police officers across the street from the hospital. I sighed. Will they ever give up and let us be? I knew Josh loved them but I was tired and I just wanted to retreat to our home quietly and take a nap. I wasn’t up for a ‘showing.’
“Good grief.” I muttered and turned back to find the nurse straightening my bed. I went over to the closet and pulled out the clothes I’d worn into the hospital night before last.
“If you’d like to shower I’ll do a little straightening here and keep an eye on your baby.” I nodded, that sounded good. Stepping onto the chilled floor of the shower stall I let the hot water beat against my face. I leaned my hands against the wall and let out a deep sigh. I washed my tender body and scrubbed my hair. I dressed and looking into the mirror. A laugh escaped me before I could contain it. The maternity top I’d worn into the hospital was large and baggy. I still had a bit of a belly but not quite like what it was. I glanced over at the little bundle who was moving around in her bed. I went over to her and smiled. “Look what you did to your momma.” I said out loud. ‘ And it was well worth it.’ I thought to myself. A dietary assistant brought in my breakfast on a tray and set it down on the bed table. I climbed into bed figuring on eating when Josh burst into the room, a large bouquet of roses took the place of his head. I giggled. He moved them to the side and smiled. Setting the flowers down on a chair he approached and slid into bed next to me.
“Ooooo breakfast!” He said. “I’m hungry.” He picked up a sausage and stuffed it into his mouth.
“Did you see all those people out there Josh?” I asked him. He nodded as he finished off my eggs. “How did you get in without getting mauled?”
“The police are holding them back on the other side of the street and I got out of the limo under the hospital canopy. I doubt they even know I’m here.” I got out of bed and glanced out the window. The crowd had multiplied.
“I’m sure they know you’re here.” I said. Josh took Claire into his arms and held her in the chair while we waited for the doctor to discharge the two of us.
Josh carried Claire while the nurse wheeled me towards the front entrance of the hospital in a wheelchair. The closer we got the more my stomach did flips. I felt a slight film of sweat all over. I discovered something about myself right then, I wasn’t fond of these large crowds that tended to be wherever Josh was all the time. As long as I was far away from them they were okay but when it came to getting caught up in them I would have preferred avoid them then confront them.
“This is it.” The nurse said stopping the wheelchair intending for me to get up out of it. I swallowed hard and stood. My knees were a little shaky so I sat back down for a moment.
“You okay Teddy?” Josh asked, concerned. I smiled weakly.
“Yeah, honey. I’m just a nervous wreck!” I forced a laugh. He was so excited, he couldn’t wait to show off his lovely little girl. I got up again, stronger this time. The nurse hugged me.
“Congratulations to you both.” She said. “If you need anything please don’t hesitate to call.” She said and watched as Josh and I emerged from the building to the blinding morning sun and cheering so loud that I could almost feel the strength of it push me backwards. Josh gave the fans his famous handsome, white-toothed smile. He proudly held his little girl up so they could see. They roared so loud that I nearly jumped out of my skin, even little Claire jumped. I moved closer to Josh and he slid his arm around my waist as we made our way to the limo and disappeared into it.
“You know you are royalty.” I sighed settling into the seat. He smiled at me.
“How will you ever live with me now after making a comment like that?” I kicked at him. He moved his leg and I kicked the seat instead.
“Damn you Groban.” I snapped. He snickered.
“Best be nice to the king woman or I’ll have you in chains later.” He raised his eyebrows at me. I stuck my tongue out at him. “And you’ll be using that too!”
The house Josh and I bought was big. Bigger then I really wanted but not as big as some of the palatial mansions nearby. We chose it because it was the smallest and was located in the center of a gated community. It was a Spanish style villa, only 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. What we were going to do with six bedrooms was beyond me but Josh seemed to have some dumb idea we were going to have as many children. “Pffft!” I told him. “Let’s make it through the first one and then we’ll see.” He just shook his head. He definitely had other plans. One other redeeming quality was that the home seemed well built and quiet, very quiet..
