I wasn’t certain what Sam’s role would be in my baby’s life, but I knew that I wanted him with me during this birth. He was the love of my life, and I didn’t want to send him away at this monumental moment in our lives.

As the others left, they patted me and left me with words of encouragement. “Piece of pie,” Annie assured me, making Court and I grin as Sam gave us a slightly perplexed look. Seth said, “I can’t wait to meet my niece or nephew.” Jessie leaned over me to say, “Your body was made to do this. Just let it happen.” I nodded at her before waving goodbye to some of the most special people in my life.

Then the real work started. Sam and Court were perfect. They let me squeeze their hands, they rubbed my back and they alternated between sympathy and tough love when I needed it. I pushed and pushed and pushed until I was completely exhausted, but the baby didn’t come out.

The doctor finally said, “We’re not seeing enough progress. I’m afraid we’re going to have to do a C-section.”

“No!” I laid my head back, panting from exertion. “Give me one more shot.” At his nod, I looked to Sam for the encouragement I needed.

His eyes were filled with love, and he looked directly at me as he spoke. “You can do this, Ab. I know you can. You are the strongest, most amazing woman I have ever met, and I love you and our baby with all my heart.”

His words strengthened my resolve, so I used his gorgeous face as my focus point as I bore down with all my might. This time, the doctor exclaimed, “It’s crowning!”

That was I needed to hear. The end was in sight, and I was going to get to meet my precious baby. The exhaustion forgotten, I pushed until I heard my baby’s sweet cry.

“It’s a girl!” the doctor told us as he laid the most perfect, goopy angel I’d ever seen on my still-protruding belly.

I tore my eyes away from her for a second to look at Sam and was touched to see a tear streaming down his cheek as he gazed at us with a look of complete awe. I looked back at my sweet child before glancing at Court, who was openly crying.

A nurse took my baby, indicating that she would clean her up and bring her right back. I missed her immediately, but Court and Sam filled the void by hugging me. “She’s perfect,” Sam whispered as the three of us laughed through our tears.

The medical team worked quickly and efficiently, caring for both my precious baby and me. They even changed the sheets on the lower half of the bed with minimal disruption.