3 years earlier
Rose was the type of person who knew everyone, and impacted everyone. Everyone loved her, and she loved life.
Everyday was a new adventure with her, full of happiness and laughter. She let me see a new side of life, and people.
And right now, as she went into surgery to deliver our beautiful baby girl, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic.
Our first date- which was a disaster, the diner staff spilling milkshake all over us- to our last date, where she could hardly walk. Our baby had been a little rascal, and made having a natural birth very awkward.
There were a lot of risks with the surgery, but we were assured it would be fine. I missed her already.
I'd never left her side, really. Not because I was clingy, but because she made sure I was there with her to experience everything.
Shopping trips, hikes, workouts, doctor visits, even the post office.
She wasn't clingy either, but she savoured every moment possible with who she loved.
Making her my wife was the best decision I'd ever made, and we were so excited for a child. A mini us.
We'd take her to dancing or football, we'd go on family holidays, we'd celebrate Christmas together.
Her family had never cared so much about that, so for her to have one, it was so important.
Before she left for surgery, when she was a little loopy, I kissed her several times, telling her I loved her. She was battling the medicine, and we couldn't get her to sleep because she just had to stay awake. She wanted to see my face, and in her slurred words told me how handsome and smart I was.
"You have to sleep now love," I chuckled.
"Sing me the song,"
"We don't have time,"
"Then I won't sleep,"
I chuckled, gently rubbing her tummy. This was our last moment together without our baby.
"Carry on, let the good times roll,
Sail on, let your path unfold,
Won't be long, won't be long, won't be long,
You know it's gonna get better, you know it's gonna get better,"
"More,"
"Say a prayer, for the broken bones,
Cos who cares, we're all going home
And it won't be long, won't be long, won't be long
You know it's gonna get better, you know it's gonna get better,"
And then she was wheeled off, giving me a tired wave before falling to sleep. All I could think was typical Rose.
While she was there, I went downstairs and got her a water, and myself an iced coffee. The waiter commented on how happy I looked, and I couldn't help but tell him I was about to have my own family. My beautiful wife had carried our beautiful child, and I got to see them soon.
I had secretly packed her favourite jumper, and her favourite snacks, as well as a little tiger toy for the baby. It was Rose's favourite animal because they were so fierce.
I made my way up to the hospital room again and sat on the seat, texting everyone to say she was in the surgery. They all sent excited messages back, and when the doctor walked into the room I burst out of my seat.
"I get to see them! She's going to be so beautiful. When can Rose eat? Because I brought her favourite snacks, and she doesn't know but I'm struggling to keep it a secret,"
"Calum, um, take a seat,"
"What?"
"We tried our best"
The baby. Our baby.
"Oh, Oh no. Rose will be devastated, not our baby," I said, covering my face, "not our baby, please,"
But as I looked back up, I saw our little baby girl, wrapped in blankets.
Rose.
"We couldn't save her,"