Best of both worlds

32.

Five weeks later.

My emotions have been everywhere in the last few weeks, there's been good days and theres been bad days but finally, I can happily say Charleigh is coming home.

I've dressed her in pink and wrapped her up in plenty of soft blankets so I can show her off to the big wide world, Jamie is just as eager as me and is already waiting at the door with his car keys in his hand.

"Thank you for everything, you've all been incredible," I smiled saying goodbye to a nurse I've grown close to.

"It's been a pleasure, remember we're always here Tiffany. Charleigh is a very strong little girl but don't hesitate to get in contact if you think she needs medical attention."

It's Mother's instinct to panic so I have plenty of booklets to read and every phone number available, although I'm sure we'll be just fine.

"Are you ready?" Jamie asked.

"Yeah, let's go," I smiled.

He took Charleigh from me in her car seat and lead me outside to the car park. As much as I hate hospitals they have the most talented doctors and nurses available, the machines, medicine, support and friendly smile has got us where we are today.

"Do you need anything in town?" Jamie asked.

"No, I've got everything I need here."

"Home it is then, I will warn you that there's some surprises in store for you though."

"What do you mean?"

"You didn't think Amy and Lewis would let you come home without a party did you?" he chuckled.

"Oh," I smiled weakly.

"Are you not up for it?" he asked.

"Sorry I'm just tired."

"They've gone to a lot of effort babe."

"Yeah, I'm sure it will be great."

Amy's car is the only one in the drive so as I let myself inside I was surprised to see my house packed with family and friends, even though Jamie warned me.

"Hey," Amy grinned standing with Lewis at the bottom of the stairs.

"Wow, you didn't have to do all this," I smiled.

"'Of course we did, we're so proud of you."

"Thanks guys."

There's balloons, banners, music and plenty of alcohol to go around. I tried my best to say hello to everyone but eventually I let them come to see me and sat down on the couch.

"Do you want a drink babe?" Jamie asked.

"Oh, erm," I stuttered.

"Go on, we're supposed to be celebrating."

"Okay then," I nodded.

"How are you feeling love?" my Mum asked taking a seat close by.

"I'm exhausted but well."

"Are you nervous?"

"No, I've got Jamie."

"Here you go," he said bringing over a glass full of coke but smelling of almonds.

"Is it Amaretto?"

"Yeah."

He walked back over to Lewis with a bottle of beer in his hand thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere. Amy then walked over with Charleigh in her arms.

"Sorry I was dying for a hold so I stole her from Jamie's Mum," she giggled.

"There's plenty of other times."

"She's adorable Tiffany."

"Isn't she just," I smiled.

"I've got you a present, well me and Lewis have."

"Amy you didn't have to, you've done enough."

"I couldn't leave it in the shop! Lewis?" she called. "Actually, why am I bothering?"

She rolled her eyes at the men drinking and passed Charleigh to my Mum so she could go and fetch it. I looked to Jamie again, he seems to be a world away from me drinking with his friends, I suppose I should let him have his moment though, he has been with me at the hospital more times than not.

"The gift table is so full I couldn't find it," Amy said returning with a little pink bag.

"Thanks babe."

I opened up the bag to find more gift wrap, I thought the idea of a gift bag was to save wrapping?

"Oh my god, this is gorgeous!" I gasped.

I held out a silver bracelet with Charleigh's name engraved on it so Mum could see it too.

"It adjusts to her wrist size so it should last a good few months," she smiled.

"It's something to keep forever, thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Jay helped me choose."

"I'll go thank him," I said getting up and walking over to the men.

"Hey," Lewis said giving me a brief hug.

"I've come to say thank you for the bracelet."

"No problem babe."

I kissed him on the cheek before bumping into Jamie as I turned around.

"Hey, wheres mine?" he frowned.

"Here," I said kissing him on the lips.

"I'll come see you soon."

"Okay."

When Jamie said he would come and see me I was hoping it was to spend time together and not just because Charleigh needs her nappy changed.

"And you're telling us because?" Amy teased.

"Because she smells," he replied.

"Take her upstairs then," I frowned.

"Can't you do it?"

"Why?"

He looked back to the men and I took the hint.

"Fine," I snapped taking her from him and marching upstairs making sure he got the hint that I'm pissed off.

"What have I done?" he mumbled.