Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

EMERSYN

JESS

he quiet hum of the hospital filled the air as Luke pushed my wheelchair out of Laura's room in the ICU. My heart felt lighter now. Seeing Laura awake, talking-even if she was weak-was a miracle I hadn't dared hope for just hours ago. Josh was at her side, practically glued to her, his hand clutching hers like he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go.

"Take it easy, you big oaf," Laura had teased, her voice hoarse but filled with that familiar sass. "I'm not going anywhere."

Josh just shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "You scared me," he whispered. "Never do that again, okay?"

"I'll do my best, but no promises," Laura joked, her lips twitching into a small smile.

Luke had been silent, standing behind me, but his presence was steady, grounding. When it was time to leave, I'd squeezed Laura's hand and smiled through my own tears.

"You scared us all, you know," I said softly.

"Yeah, well," Laura replied with a faint grin, "you've got a baby to think about now, so quit worrying about me."

I didn't know how she could joke, but it gave me hope.

Now, as Luke wheeled me down the hallway, the sterile scent of the hospital seemed less oppressive. EMERSYN

11

Luke whispered in my ear, his warm breath brushing against

back at him.

grinned, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder as he steered us into another

mix of soft colors and quiet sounds, but I barely noticed. My heart was pounding now, anticipation building as we neared the neonatal ICU. Luke stopped just outside the door, leaning down so his

swallowing the lump

soft beeping from monitors and a gentle hum from the warming stations. Nurses moved quietly,

side

with the smallest cap covering her head. Her little fists were curled up beside her cheeks, and her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm.

whispered, tears spilling

his voice thick with emotion.

button nose, her delicate lips. My heart felt like it might explode

his arm wrapping around my shoulders as he leaned down to kiss the top of my

my tears were falling faster now.

chuckled softly, his own eyes misty. "Yeah, she is. Just

my heart full, and asked,

head, considering for a moment. "Something strong. She's already proven she's

in my mind, one that felt right.

an

means 'brave and powerful. She's been fighting from the moment she came into this world," I explained, my fingers brushing against the glass. "And she won. She's our little fighter." Luke smiled, and the