For one beautiful moment, Naomi forgot every frightening thing that had happened over the previous months.
She heard her daughter's voice.
Saw the medical team caring for her.
And watched David begin crying so hard he could barely speak.
The clinicians completed the necessary assessments and continued monitoring mother and child according to their conditions.
Naomi was exhausted.
Her hair clung to her forehead.
And tears streamed down her face.
But when the baby was placed safely in her arms, she looked down and smiled.
"Hi, sweetheart."
David leaned closer.
He touched the baby's tiny hand.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Then whispered, "She's beautiful."
Naomi nodded.
"She is."
The baby moved slightly.
Her little fingers curled around David's fingertip.
He began crying again.
Naomi laughed through tears.
"You're going to be a disaster."
David smiled.
"I already am."
They looked at each other.
For a moment, words seemed unnecessary.
Everything they'd endured.
The years of hoping for a child.
The difficult pregnancy.
The afternoon outside the pharmacy.
And the fear that followed.
None of those experiences disappeared.
But they were no longer the only story.
Now there was a little girl in Naomi's arms.
Alive.
Loved.
And surrounded by people determined to protect her.
Amanda entered the room after receiving permission.
She stopped beside the doorway.
For a moment, she seemed unable to move.
The celebrated fighter who had stood beneath bright arena lights in front of thousands of spectators now stared at a tiny newborn wrapped in a soft hospital blanket.
Naomi looked up.
"Amanda?"
The champion covered her mouth.
Her eyes filled.
"Oh my God."
David smiled.
"Come meet your niece."
Amanda approached slowly.
For several seconds, she stared.
Then whispered, "She's so small."
Naomi laughed.
"That's usually how babies start."
Amanda wiped her eyes.
"Don't make jokes. I'm having a moment."
David laughed.
Naomi carefully introduced the baby.
They had named her Maya Elise Ellis.
The middle name honored Naomi's late mother, who had always dreamed of becoming a grandmother.
Amanda looked toward the little girl.
"Maya."
She smiled.
"That's beautiful."
Then Naomi asked whether Amanda wanted to hold her.
The champion froze.
"Me?"
Naomi laughed.
"Yes, you."
Amanda looked terrified.
"I fight people for a living. I don't know how to hold something this tiny."
David smiled.
"We'll show you."
With guidance, Amanda sat down and carefully cradled the baby.
For a moment, she remained completely still.