Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(38)

I confirm, “She is.”

“Good, I’m glad you did that. I didn’t think to check up on them.”

“Why would you. You live in a safe world with rainbows and unicorns,” I tease.

“I don’t know about that, but I do prefer to think that the world is filled with more good and love than hate.”

“Well, in this case, it is,” I say looking up at the rainbow of colors on the balloons.

After breakfast, Leah and I go to the hospital to see Gracie. The incubator is gone and has been replaced with a regular hospital baby bed. “Oh, Robert, look. Our baby has graduated,” she giggles.

I knew Gracie was getting stronger and gaining weight, but I had no idea she was well enough to be moved to the step-down unit. She is one step closer to coming home. Nurse Amy is getting things situated to bathe Grace. It will be her first bath in a bathtub of water. “Look, Grace, Mommy and Daddy, are just in time for your bath.” Grace is wrapped up in a hospital baby blanket watching the bright ceiling lights. I like that Nurse Amy talks to Gracie.

Leah rushes over and holds Gracie while the nurse gets everything she needs for her bath. Leah talks to, kisses, and coos to Gracie. Gracie focuses at the bright lights. Her hair is an inch long and stands straight up and every direction. Most babies are born with blue eyes, but Gracie's eyes are as black as night. She is a beautiful child.

I take Gracie from Leah and hold her close while Nurse Amy instructs us on the proper way to bathe her. I watch as Leah excitedly nods her understanding. Amy stands near as Leah and I fumble through Gracie’s first bath. I gave her my phone and asked her to take some random pictures if she had time. The bath is filled with lots of cries from Gracie and laughs from Leah and me.

I didn’t stay to visit as long as I wanted to, but I did stay longer than I intended to. I kiss the baby and Leah goodbye as I run to Upper Cut for my workout. The guys will be there waiting for me. Maybe I should just call them right before I leave the hospital so we can get here about the same time.

Dad, Tim, and Gus are waiting for me and I also see my sparring partner standing at the water cooler. “I’m sorry I’m late,” I say as I rehydrate.

“It’s all right, I was running late myself. My son, Carter, was running a fever this morning,” he says.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Hope he’s feeling better,” I say, honestly.

“He’s teething, he’ll be okay. I’m ready whenever you are.”

“I’ll be right there.”

I walk over to where Gus, Dad, and Tim are huddled together so I can get wrapped and gloved up. I feel good today and I want to get started on my training. I’m on a mission to beat Kennedy and I plan on coming out on top this time. I have a baby girl I need to make proud of me.


“Good morning,” I say as I take my seat for Dad and Tim to wrap my hands. They sit on the wooden folding chairs and begin to wrap each hand.

Gus comes over and gives me a letter addressed to him from the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. “I just got this yesterday,” he says. I look at each person and I remove the letter from the envelope. “It doesn’t give you much time to prepare for it,” he adds.

I read the letter and the hotel wants to do another press conference with Kennedy and me. This time, they are inviting anyone who is anybody in the boxing world. It’s already been scheduled for two weeks. I fold the letter and place it back into the envelope before I hand it to Gus. “I guess it’s time to get serious. I’ll be ready,” I say, flatly.

“What about Leah?” Gus asks.

“She’ll be okay. She knows about the fight and this is all part of it. The sooner this begins, the sooner it will end for her.” When no one says anything, I say, “Let’s dance.”

I turn on my iPod to “The Eye of The Tiger” and place the earbuds in my ears and wait. I think about the press conference and I realize I have been slacking off with my training. I vow to put my training right up there on my priority list — right after caring for my family.

I walk to the ring stand in my corner. After twelve rounds, I feel rejuvenated. My sparring partner can barely stand. I replace the earbuds and walk out of the ring.

I finish my workout with very few words being spoken between my team and me. It’s not their fault I’ve been slacking. I concentrate on my workout and what and how I’m going to tell Leah. After my shower and right before I leave, I say, “Leah won’t be able to attend. I want to fly out in the morning and then we’ll fly home later that night.”

Leah

Gracie and I have a good day. After her bath and after her Daddy leaves, both grandmas came for a visit. Gracie is a good baby and loves attention. We hold her, feed her, and read to her. Because of Robert, we always try to have a bottle of breastmilk available. Since I am breastfeeding, the only way Robert can feed her is if I pump. Same goes with our grandparents.

Our mothers leave right before Robert arrives. He visits with Gracie and I watch and take pictures. She likes him and listens intently when he talks to her. I think she knows his voice from all those nights of him reading to her in utero.

Later that night I wait in bed for Robert. He walks into the bedroom wearing a smile and carrying a small gift. “What are you up to?” I ask.

“There are some things we need to talk about, but I bought you something, too,” he admits.