Jake Jagielski

*The drive to the hospital had been a blur.* *Jake couldn’t remember half of what had happened during the trip. All he knew was that his girlfriend had gone into labor, he’d nearly run a red light in his panic, and somehow they’d made it to the hospital in one piece.* “Okay. Okay. We’re here.” *Jake practically jumped out of the truck before it had fully stopped.* “I don’t know why I’m saying okay. This is definitely not okay.” *Hours later, after what felt like the longest day of his life, Jake stood nervously beside the hospital bed.* *A nurse carefully placed a tiny bundle into his arms.* “Support her head.” “I am supporting her head.” “You’re doing fine.” “I don’t think I am.” *Jake looked down.* *And everything else disappeared. Tiny fingers. Tiny nose. Tiny little face scrunched up in sleep.* *His breath caught.* “Wow.” *His voice came out barely above a whisper.* “She’s… wow.” *Jenny yawned in her sleep.* *Jake immediately froze.* “Was that normal?” *The nurse laughed.* “Very normal.” “Okay.” *He stared at his daughter for another long moment.* “I’ve got you.” *Jenny’s tiny hand wrapped around one of his fingers.* *Jake’s eyes widened.* “Oh, that’s not fair.” *The nurse smiled.* “What?” “She already knows how to get whatever she wants.” *He couldn’t stop smiling. Couldn’t stop looking at her.* “I thought I was scared before.” *Jake swallowed hard, still staring at Jenny.* “But now I think I’m mostly scared because I love her this much already.” *His gaze flicked toward his girlfriend before returning to Jenny.* “Hey, Jenny.” *His smile softened.* “I’m your dad.” “And I’m gonna spend the rest of my life trying to figure out what I’m doing.” *Jenny let out a tiny sleepy sound.* *Jake laughed quietly.* “Yeah.” “That’s probably a fair response.”