Silver Linings (Collier’s Creek Christmas)

Gemma

GREG

I’m putting the finishing touches on a financial proposal for one of my clients when my phone vibrates on the desk. I grab for it before the sound can wake Tommy. That kid can hear a pin drop from a mile away.

My heart leaps when I see it’s Madi.

“Hello?”

“Greg! It’s time! The baby is coming!” Her voice is breathless with excitement.

A surge of anticipations courses through me. “Oh my god, Madi! That’s amazing! Cam and I will be there as soon as possible.”

“Hurry! I don’t think—” A groan cuts her words short.

Damn. As much as I can’t wait to meet the baby, I hate the thought of Madi in pain.

As if reading my mind, she reassures me, her voice a little stronger now. “Greg, I’m fine. It’s a few weeks early, but the labor is going well. Now get your ass over here!”

“We’ll be there soon. You got this, sis! Love you.”

I end the call, my hands shaking. It’s really happening. Our baby girl is almost here.

Adrenaline pumps through my veins as I leave a voicemail for Cam. This isn’t Madi’s first birth, so the baby could come quickly, as subsequent labors can often do. I grab the two bags we’ve had packed for a while now, then wake Tommy from his nap and bundle him into the back of the car. I call Marnie on the way over to her place. She’s almost as excited as I am and is grinning from ear to ear when I thrust her grandson into her arms and hand over the bag with Tommy’s stuff.

A quick kiss to Tommy’s head, and I’m making the familiar drive to CC’s, leaving Cam another voicemail on the way. Thankfully there’s a park directly out front and I leap from the car and burst through the doors.

My mind is spinning as I scan the crowded coffee shop for Cam. I spot him coming through the kitchen door, untying his apron.

“Cam! It’s time! Madi’s having the baby!”

“I got your message.” He rounds the counter and grabs me in a hug. “Oh my God. I can’t believe it.”

I laugh as he lifts me off the ground before setting me back on my feet. “You’d better believe it. No going back now.”

“Congrats, you two!” Josh says, patting Cam on the back on his way past. “What a special day. We’ll hold down the fort here.”

“Thanks, man,” Cam replies, a smile now stretching from ear to ear. “I can’t believe it’s really happening!”

Will hurries over and pulls us both into a bear hug. “I’m so happy for you guys! Now get out of here and go meet your baby girl!”

Cam grabs my hand and we dash toward the door, but we’re stopped by excited customers offering their congratulations and well wishes.

“Today’s the big day, huh boys? What a blessing!” Mrs. Hendricks says, her eyes twinkling.

“Wishing you all the best!” Logan calls from a table by the window.

“Shame I’m off duty,” Hayes says with a chuckle, “otherwise I’d give you an escort, lights and sirens.”

My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard as we finally make it outside and to the car. Cam pulls me to him, kissing me soundly on the lips. “We’re going to be daddies again,” he whispers.

“I know, babe. I can’t wait.” I squeeze his hand tight, then race around to the other side of the car and climb in. I pull out onto Main Street, beginning the journey to meet the tiny person who will change our lives forever.

Cam sits beside me, his leg bouncing with nervous energy. We can’t stop grinning at each other, as we head toward the hospital.

“Can you believe it, Cam? After all this time, all the ups and downs,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.

“It’s like a dream come true, babe. I keep pinching myself to make sure it’s real,” Cam replies, reaching over to place his hand on my thigh.

As we drive, my mind drifts back to the journey that brought us here. The early disappointments. The amazing Christmas day when Madi first offered to be our surrogate. The tears of gratitude. The early failures. The love and support from our family and our friends in Collier’s Creek, who rallied around us every step of the way. But the challenges we faced seem like distant memories now, overshadowed by the immense happiness of this moment.

“I don’t know how we’ll ever thank Madi enough for this incredible gift,” I say, my throat tightening. “She’s done so much for us.”

Cam nods, his eyes shining. “She’s an angel, that sister of yours. We’re so lucky to have her in our lives.”

We spend the rest of the drive reminiscing about the past eighteen months. The legalities, the doctor’s appointments, Tommy coming into our lives… the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. Until eventually we were hosting a baby shower, painting the nursery, and assembling a crib. It all feels like a surreal blur leading up to this pivotal day.

Before we know it, we’re pulling into the hospital parking lot. My hands tremble slightly as I put the car into Park. Nothing is ever going to be the same—a baby and a toddler. Cam leans over, cupping my face in his hands.

“Hey, we’ve got this, okay? Together, like always,” he says softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips.

I nod, drawing strength from his unwavering love. “We do.”

Hand in hand, we enter the hospital. The bright lights and sterile atmosphere bring home what we’re there for. And what could go wrong. My stomach drops.

As we navigate the maze of corridors, my heart pounds faster with each step. Cam’s grip on my hand tightens, anchoring me. Finally, we come to a stop outside the room we’ve been directed to. I take a deep breath, exchanging one last glance with Cam before pushing the door open.

Behind a curtain, Madi is propped up in the hospital bed, her face flushed, with Dan sitting beside her, holding her hand. A nurse and the midwife are monitoring a machine, and from the activity in the room, it seems the arrival isn’t far off.

Madi’s gaze meets mine. “Greg! Cam! You made it!”

“We got here as fast as we could,” I reply, rushing to her side and planting a kiss on her damp forehead. Cam follows close behind, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

As another contraction hits, Madi grits her teeth, her face contorting in pain. Dan coaches her through it, reminding her to breathe. I watch in awe, marveling at the strength and determination of my incredible sister and eternally grateful for my brother-in-law, who’s been behind this all the way.

“You’ve got this, Madi,” Cam says from my side, his voice steady and reassuring.

Madi nods, managing a weak smile as the contraction subsides. “I can’t wait for you two to meet your daughter.”

The midwife assesses Madi’s progress. “It won’t be long now,” she informs us. “Baby’s heartbeat is strong, and Madison is doing beautifully.”

I can’t keep the grin from my face as my heart swells with gratitude and love for the amazing people in this room—my husband, my sister, my brother-in-law, and the dedicated medical team working tirelessly to bring our child into the world safely.

As we settle in for the final stages of labor, Cam and I take turns holding Madi’s hand, offering words of encouragement, while Dan supports her from the other side of the bed. There’s so much love in this room.

Madi lets out a low moan as another contraction grips her, her face contorted with the effort of bringing new life into the world. Dan stands and murmurs words of encouragement, his hand gently stroking her hair as he kisses her forehead.

The midwife positions herself at the foot of the bed. “Alright, Madison, on the next contraction, I need you to give me a big push, okay?”

Madi nods, her jaw clenched. As the contraction builds, she bears down, her face turning red with exertion. I watch in awe as the midwife guides her through the process, counting steadily as Madi pushes with all her might.

The air is thick with anticipation, each passing moment bringing us closer to the incredible gift we’ve been waiting for. Cam and I exchange a look. It’s a miracle what’s happening before our eyes.

A hush falls over the room as Madi gives one final, determined push. Time seems to stand still, until a high-pitched cry fills the air. Our baby has arrived.

“Congratulations, she’s a beautiful baby girl!” The midwife bundles the baby up and gently places her on Madi’s chest.

My eyes are damp as I watch our daughter taking her first breaths. I turn to Cam, his hazel eyes glistening with emotion, and I know his heart is overflowing as he gazes at the tiny being we’ve dreamed of for so long.

I turn back to Madi. Her face radiates with a mix of exhaustion and adoration as she looks at the baby. She places a tender kiss on the baby’s head, whispering something I can’t make out, before looking up at us.

“Greg, Cam, come meet your daughter,” she says softly.

We step closer and she indicates the baby. With trembling hands, I reach out and carefully take her into my arms. Cam presses against me, looking over my shoulder. As I cradle her close, I’m overcome by an indescribable wave of love and protectiveness.

“She’s gorgeous,” Cam whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “Our beautiful little girl.”

We don’t get nearly long enough before the nurse approaches. “I’m sorry to break up this moment, but we need to give your little one a quick check-up,” he says.

I reluctantly hand over my precious bundle, my heart already aching at the temporary separation. Cam wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close as we watch the nurse tends to our little girl.

“She’s perfect, Greg,” Cam whispers. “Absolutely perfect.”

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Tears blur my vision as I lean into Cam’s embrace and meet Madi’s eyes across the room. She’s got a beaming smile on her face.

Minutes later, the nurse returns and carefully places our daughter in Cam’s waiting arms. “Everything looks great. Congratulations, dads. You’ve got a healthy beautiful baby girl.”

Cam cradles our daughter, radiating love and happiness. His smile is soft, a tender expression reserved only for those he holds most dear. My heart swells seeing him like this, so completely enraptured by our little girl.

He rocks her gently. “Hey there, sweetheart. We’ve been waiting so long to meet you.”

I take a deep breath, turning my attention to Madi, who’s watching us with a tired but content smile. Dan sits beside her, his arm draped around her shoulders.

“Madi, Dan…” I begin, my voice thick with emotion. I clear my throat before trying again. “I don’t even know where to start. What you’ve done for us, the selfless gift you’ve given… It means more than words can express.”

Cam nods in agreement. “We’ll never be able to thank you enough for this incredible blessing. You’ve made our dreams come true, and we’re forever grateful.”

Madi reaches out, taking my hand in hers. “Greg, you’re my little brother. I’ve always wanted the best for you, and seeing the love you and Cam share, I knew this was the right thing to do. I’ve seen you with Tommy, and now you two are going to be amazing dads to your daughter.”

“We’re so happy for you both.” Dan says, his voice warm and sincere. “She’s lucky to have such loving parents.”

“Not to mention the most devoted aunt and uncle a little girl could have,” Madi adds.

Cam chuckles and sits on the edge of the bed. “The absolute best aunt and uncle. She’s a very lucky girl.”

Madi offers a watery smile. “Now she needs a name, boys. What are we calling our little princess?”

I turn to Cam. “What do you think?”

Cam smiles, no doubt recalling the countless conversations we’ve had about this very topic before deciding to wait until we’d seen her before making the final decision. “Gemma,” he says softly, reaching out to stroke our daughter’s downy cheek. “It means ‘precious gem,’ a symbol of something valuable and cherished. Just like our little girl. Gemma Rose Freeman-Walker.”

“Gemma,” I repeat, testing the name on my tongue. “It’s perfect. Just like her.”

He shifts, making room for me to sit beside him on the edge of the hospital bed. I marvel at the tiny miracle in his arms, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude for the incredible journey that has brought us to this moment.

“Welcome to the world, Gemma,” I whisper, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “You are so loved, and we promise to always be here for you, no matter what.”

THANK YOU FOR READING Gemma's story. I hope you enjoyed spending a little more time with Cam and Greg.