It started with a backache.
Nothing unusual. Tiana had been dealing with aches and Braxton Hicks for weeks now.
But this was different lower, deeper, more rhythmic. Like something in her body had quietly flipped a switch.
She waited an hour. Then another.
When she started timing the cramps and realized they were coming every seven minutes, she called Jasmine.
Then she called Leo.
"I think it's time," she said, trying to sound calmer than she felt.
Leo was at her door twenty minutes later, hair still damp from the shower, face pale under the porch light. He looked at her like she might break but also like she might fly.
The hospital was a blur of forms, IVs, and monitors. Jasmine held Tiana's hand through the early hours, cracking jokes, distracting her. But as the contractions deepened, Leo took over. He didn't flinch when she swore at him. Didn't pull away when she clutched his arm like a lifeline. Didn't try to fix it.
He just stayed. Steady. Quiet. Present.
At one point, when her water broke and the pain made her cry out, Leo brushed the hair from her face and whispered, "You've got this, T. You're doing amazing."
She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe this this life they were building on accident and hope could really be something strong.
The hours blurred. She lost track of time.
And then
The nurses rushed in. The doctor gave instructions. The room got bright and loud and urgent.
It was time. The hospital was a blur of forms, IVs, and monitors. Jasmine held Tiana's hand through the early hours, cracking jokes, distracting her. But as the contractions deepened, Leo took over.
She screamed. Cried. Cursed.
Leo whispered, "Almost there."
She squeezed his hand so hard he'd find bruises later.
And then
A cry.
A tiny, furious, alive cry.
Everything stopped.
They placed the baby her baby on her chest, and Tiana sobbed. All the fear and doubt and shame poured out of her in one raw, shaking breath.
Leo was crying too, one hand covering his mouth like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"She's… perfect," he whispered.
Tiana looked down at the wrinkled, red-faced little girl curled against her and felt something inside her settle.
"She's ours," she said.
Leo leaned in, brushing his fingers against Nova's tiny hand.
"Hi, baby girl," he said softly. "I'm your dad. And I've got no clue what I'm doing. But I promise I'll never stop trying."
Tiana looked up at him. Their eyes met. And this time, there was no fear between them. Just love. Raw. Real. Unscripted.