Chapter 26 - Meeting Arthur
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Later that afternoon, the heavy door to the recovery room swung open.
Melissa walked in, holding a massive bouquet of yellow sunflowers. Trailing nervously behind her, wearing a brand new "Big Sister" t-shirt, was Lily.
“Mommy?” Lily asked softly, peeking around Melissa’s legs.
Grace was sitting up in bed, looking tired but incredibly radiant. Arthur was swaddled in a striped hospital blanket, sleeping peacefully in her arms.
“Come here, sweetie,” Grace smiled, patting the edge of the mattress.
Nathan walked over and lifted Lily carefully onto the bed so she could sit cross-legged next to her mother. Lily leaned in, her eyes wide with absolute awe, staring at the tiny sleeping face of her new brother.
“He’s very small,” Lily observed factually.
“You were that small once, too,” Nathan said, sitting on the other side of the bed.
Lily reached out a single finger and gently touched Arthur’s soft cheek. The baby stirred slightly, letting out a tiny sigh, but didn't wake up.
“He doesn’t have any cracks,” Lily said quietly.
Grace and Nathan exchanged a deeply emotional look.
“No, he doesn’t,” Grace answered softly. “He’s brand new.”
“But if he ever gets one,” Lily said, looking up at her parents with fierce, protective seriousness, “we can fix it with the gold paint, right? Like the house?”
Grace’s heart swelled so large she thought it might break. She leaned over and kissed Lily’s forehead.
“Yes, my brave girl. If he ever gets a crack, we will fix it together. With gold.”
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Lily seemed entirely satisfied with this protocol. She settled back against the pillows, proudly watching her new brother sleep, assuming her role as his permanent guardian.
A soft knock came at the door. Daniel stood in the hallway, holding a small, wrapped gift box, looking unsure if he should enter. Nathan caught his eye, smiled, and waved his brother into the room. The family was finally whole.
