The past few months had been a whirlwind for Emily and Eric, filled with milestones, challenges, and a growing sense of anticipation. Emily had finally finished her doctorate and graduated, stepping into her full-time role at her parents' medical practice. Though she loved the work, her growing baby bump had started slowing her down. More naps during the day had become necessary, as her energy levels dipped with each passing week.

Eric, on the other hand, was juggling the demands of his work with Orion Metal and his personal life. Late nights were spent overseeing factory operations, while still making time for Emily. Exhaustion was catching up to him, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He cherished the nights Emily stayed over at his place, bringing a sense of calm to his otherwise hectic life.

That evening, Eric walked into the apartment and was greeted by the delicious aroma of food. He paused for a moment, closing his eyes and letting the scent wash over him, a smile spreading across his lips. He found Emily in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. Without a word, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, giving her a gentle back hug.

"Mmmm... smells amazing," Eric murmured, his breath warm against her neck. "I could get used to this every day."

Emily giggled, setting the spoon down on the counter before turning to face him. "You’re home. Wait a second."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and stretched up to meet his lips, pressing a soft kiss to his mouth. "Welcome home. I missed you today."

Eric smiled, kissing her back before kneeling down and placing a gentle kiss on her belly. "Hey, little one. Daddy missed you too."

As if responding, the baby gave a little kick against his hand, making both Eric and Emily smile.

"I’m so lucky," Emily whispered, her voice filled with emotion as she looked down at Eric.

He stood back up, wrapping her in his arms. "Me too."

Emily gently nudged him. "Go wash up and sit down. Dinner’s almost ready."

"Okay, boss," Eric teased, walking away to clean up.

As Emily finished setting the table, a sudden, intense pain gripped her, causing her to double over.

"Oh... Oh… Ouch!" Emily gasped, clutching her stomach.

Eric came running from the hallway, his eyes wide with panic. "Emily, what’s wrong?"

"I think… I think the baby’s ready to come!" she groaned, her face contorting with pain. And just like that, her water broke, trickling down her leg onto the floor.

Without a second thought, Eric scooped her up in his arms and rushed her to the car, his heart racing as he sped toward the hospital.

"Just hang in there," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "We’ll be there soon. Breathe, okay?"

Emily winced in pain, gripping his hand. "It hurts so much!"

"I know," Eric whispered, squeezing her hand. "You’re doing great. We’re almost there."

Once they arrived, the hospital staff wasted no time in rushing Emily into the delivery room. Eric stood by her side, holding her hand as the doctor prepped for delivery.

"Sir," the doctor said, nodding at Eric. "Stay beside her and help her with her breathing exercises."

Eric nodded, his voice calm and steady. "You’ve got this, little vixen."

Emily gritted her teeth as another wave of pain hit. "I’ll try."

"You’re almost fully dilated," the doctor said, his voice reassuring. "When I tell you to push, give me all you’ve got."

Emily nodded, taking a deep breath, bracing herself for what was to come.

"Alright, Emily, push!" the doctor instructed.

With a deep breath, Emily pushed with all her might, her cries filling the room as Eric whispered words of encouragement into her ear.

"One more big push," the doctor urged. "You’re almost there!"

"You’re doing great," Eric said, squeezing her hand. "Almost there."

With a final burst of effort, Emily pushed, and the sound of a baby’s first cry echoed through the room.

"Congratulations," the doctor said, holding up the tiny bundle. "It’s a baby girl!"

Tears streamed down Emily’s face as she looked at Eric. "We did it, Eric! A baby girl... let me see her."

Eric’s eyes were wet with emotion as he glanced at their newborn daughter. "No, you did it. I’m so proud of you. She’s beautiful—just like her mom."

The doctor placed the tiny baby girl in Emily’s arms, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still as the two new parents gazed down at their perfect little treasure. With tufts of dark brown hair and rosy cheeks, she was everything they’d ever dreamed of.

"She’s perfect," Emily whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Our little Katlyn."

"Yes," Eric said softly, his heart swelling with love. "She’s absolutely perfect."

Once Emily was settled in her hospital room, and Katlyn had been bathed and swaddled, family and friends began arriving to meet the new addition.

Rachel was the first to burst through the door, her eyes wide with excitement. "Oh my gosh, she’s gorgeous!"

Tim followed close behind, slapping Eric on the back with a proud grin. "You did it, man. You’ve got yourself a family now."

Lily, recovering well from her own health struggles, looked down at the baby with awe. "She’s so cute!"

Emily and Eric beamed, their hearts full as they thanked their friends.

A little while later, their parents arrived, crowding around the tiny bundle in Emily’s arms. The room was filled with the sound of cooing and laughter as they fussed over their granddaughter.

"She’s an angel," Eric’s mom whispered, brushing a tear from her eye.

"She really is," Emily’s mom added, her voice filled with pride. "You two did good."

The room was alive with love and warmth as everyone celebrated the arrival of little Katlyn. For Eric and Emily, this was the happiest moment of their lives—the moment their family began.

As the night wore on and the visitors slowly trickled out, Eric sat beside Emily’s bed, holding Katlyn in his arms.

"I never thought life could be this perfect," he whispered, gazing down at their daughter.

Emily smiled softly, reaching over to touch his arm. "This is just the beginning."