I was overcome with joy. I had never experienced happiness such as this. Obviously our wedding day was one of the happiest days of my life, but this, this was unlike anything I had ever felt. There my wife lay cradling our baby girl in her loving arms. Never did I think I'd settle down and have a child of my own.

The doctors moved us out of the operating room and into a private room to give us a moment of peace with our precious newborn baby.

"We should name her" I mumbled still unable to take my eyes off our baby girl who was nuzzling Rosie's breast.

Of course Rosie and I had talked about baby names briefly, but we could never come to an agreement.

Rosie stroked her finger along our baby girl's chubby cheek and smiled at her softly.

"I've thought of a name. In fact, I've known a while back what I wanted to name our baby if it was a girl. I didn't want to say because I didn't know how you'd feel about it. But I know deep down in my heart that only one name could belong to her".

Tears welled up in Rosie's eyes and not even seconds later they slowly trickled down her cheeks.

"I want to name her after your sister. Lucy has and always will be a part of our lives. She was the reason we are together. Even though she's no longer here with us, I want our daughter to grow up to be almost like her. I want our baby girl to grow up fearless and strong, courageous and kind. Just like Lucy".

All the emotions, all the feelings I had kept at bay came pouring out. Barely restrained sobs crawled their way up my throat as I sat myself down on the bed beside my beautiful wife and our perfect baby girl.

"Lucy. Little Lucy. I-I don't know what to say. It's perfect. Are you sure? You don't have to"-

Rosie lifted her finger from our baby's plump cheek and held it gently on my lips instantly shutting me up.

"Dean. I couldn't think of a more perfect name. This is what I want, more than anything".

Tears trickled down my cheek as I lent over to our baby and placed the most delicate kiss on her little forehead.

"Lucy" I whispered as if the part of my heart that died along with Lucy started beating again.

"I love you so much Lucy. Nothing and no one will ever hurt you princess. I promise to love you unconditionally and support you through life. You will grow to be strong and kind and knowing the other person behind your name, I reckon you will grow fierce and unstoppable too just like your aunt. Daddy loves you so much. Mummy loves you so much. Our beautiful beautiful baby girl".

Rosie ran one of her hands through my hair as we both stared down at our angel lying soundlessly in Rosie's arms.

"Isla".

Rosie's head whipped up at me as I repeated the name a little louder.

"If we are giving her a name after Lucy, then I want her to have a part of your mother in her name".

Tears filled Rosie's eyes and leaned over to kiss me before pulling away and looking down at our little angel.

"Lucy Isla Gray" she whispered softly before smiling down at her.

Rosie smiled lovingly at me before cooing our baby girl's new name to her over and over again.

"WHERE ARE THEY?" A loud voice screeched from outside the room. I stood up protectively in front of my wife and daughter as the door burst open.

Isabella and James burst into the room, eyes wide and mouths agape as they stared at Rosie who was just as startled as I was.

"Oh my goodness! Congratulations" Isabella hurried over to Rosie, but stopped dead in her track when Lucy started to cry.

The rage inside of me was indescribable. Someone had made my angel cry and that was not allowed.

"Keep it down you two or I'll have to get security to escort you out of here" I said sternly holding no hint of playfulness.

"Woah, chill man. It was an accident. But seriously congratulations guys" James stroked Isabella's hair as she whispered a shy sorry before walking up towards Rosie on the bed.

"Wow! She's absolutely stunning" Isabella whispered as Rosie gently rocked Lucy in hopes of soothing her from the sudden loud noise.

"James. Can we have another baby?" Isabella beckoned James over but he simply shook his head in disbelief at his wife's request. Isabella rushed over to James and dragged him over towards Rosie and pointed to Lucy.

"Pretty please".

James huffed loudly and shook his head once again.

"What did you name her?" James questioned as he wrapped his arm around Isabella who was whispering frantically to Rosie.

"Lucy. We named her Lucy".

I could see James' eyes glass over slightly and nodded with a smile.

"Your sister would be so proud of you Dean".

James pulled me into a hug and patted my back firmly.

I felt complete as I stared over at my beautiful daughter. Rosie's eyes flew up to mine and mouthed something only for my eyes to see.

Thank you.

I had everything I wanted in life. I was finally at peace.

*******************

Putting away the last of the dishes, I stared out the window feeling an incredibly empty feeling. I thought motherhood was supposed to be amazing, but right now I felt like I did when I reached rock bottom.

"Hey, how's the new yummy mummy?".

Turning round to see a radiant Isabella carrying a box full of baby clothes and toys, I gave her my fakest smile and quickly embraced her in hopes of concealing my true feelings.

"Isabella, it's so good to see you. Honestly, you and James didn't need to"-

"Dean is a literal billionaire, yadda yadda. Oh I know honey, but I don't care. Besides, please take these off my hands. James is trying to put a baby in me at every opportunity and babe, he is on a mission" Isabella chuckled, but shuddered almost instantly afterwards.

"I thought you wanted another baby" I smiled as I took the box from her hands.

"So did I, but as much as I love my husband, he acts like an immature child half the time. I need peace and sleep. Besides, I have Lucy to babysit for" she beamed as she looked over to Lucy's closed door.

"Speaking of which, how is life with a little one? I bet she's a little angel".

Rubbing my tired eyes, I grabbed the kettle and switched on the taps to refill it with fresh water. I wanted to agree with Isabella. I wanted to say everything was perfect, but it was the opposite. I was struggling and I was wondering if having Lucy was the right decision.

Shakily grabbing two cups from the cupboard, I put a teabag in each before pouring over the freshly boiled water. But just as I finished filing Isabella's cup up, my weak arm dropped the kettle causing it to fall to the floor, boiling water splashing onto my trousers.

"Rosie!" Isabella panicked as she rushed over towards me.

Feeling frustrated, I clutched onto the kitchen counter as Isabella placed a damp cloth on my lap.

"Honey, what's going on?" she urged me to talk as she helped me over to a chair.

"I'm a bad mother" I cried out feeling completely defeated.

"What? How can you say such a thing Rosie. You know that's a lie" Isabella scolded me in her motherly tone.

"It's true. She never stops crying with me. I feed her, I change her nappy, I cuddle her, yet when Dean comes home and holds her, she stops. Am I doing something wrong?" I sobbed into my hands.

I had always kept my true feelings at bay always joking with Dean that she was a daddy's girl at 1 month old, but it hurt. Even though Lucy crying was never intentionally, it felt like a stab to the chest.

"Baby no. Gosh no. Listen here you amazing mummy, I think what you are going through is postpartum depression" Isabella got on her knees before me and held my hands in hers.

"What's that?" I asked feeling surprised she'd think I was depressed.

"It's actually a lot more common than people think. It's kinda like baby blues. You feel down, you don't feel the happiness you'd expect being a first time mum. And from you saying you feel a disconnect with Lucy, ongoing stress, lack of sleep evident from the dark circles under your eyes, I'd say my diagnosis is pretty spot on".

They had mentioned it early on, but I thought it was more drastic than what Isabella was saying.

"She doesn't dislike me?".

"Of course not! You carried her inside of you for 9 months. You are her mother, plain and simple. And I know you Rosie, you love her unconditionally. But I think the problem is that you are stressed. Babies can sense stress and as a result, it can cause them to become restless and unsettled. Look, I'm here. Get into bed and have a long sleep. Yes, she's your baby, but you must think of your health as well".

Isabella was the person I needed most. Dean had enough on his plate, and I didn't wish to stress him out over this. He'd probably tell me I'm overthinking, but speaking to Isabella confirmed I was in fact going through something.

"Isabella, I couldn't ask that of you. What about James?" I asked, but the look on Isabella's face said everything.

"James is currently snuggled up on the sofa, a tray full of his favourite snacks on his lap whilst watching Tangled. He'll be happy while I'm gone" Isabella giggled whilst shaking her head at the mental image.

For such a tough looking man, he was such a softie. It was adorable.

"Well, if that's alright. I'd appreciate this so much" I smiled gratefully. I hadn't had a proper night sleep since Lucy came into our lives.

"Of course, you don't have to worry. But promise me one thing, speak to Dean. I can see you're nervous, but he loves you and would never doubt you. Communication is so important in marriage. You're partners for life and he'd support you endlessly".

Isabella stroked her hand on my cheek softly, urging me with her eyes to take in her words.

And deep down, I knew she was right.

"Okay. I'll speak with him".

*****************

Opening my eyes to the sound of a door handle being twisted, I watched Dean walk towards me with concern on his face.

"Hey sweetheart, what's going on? Are you ill?" he asked whilst resting the back of his hand on my forehead.

He knelt before me as he stroked away some loose strands of hair.

"Dean, I asked Isabella over because I've been struggling" I whispered out quietly, instantly feeling guilty at the hurt expression on his face.

"Why didn't you talk to me?" he sighed sadly.

Grabbing his hand, I urged him to look at me. I didn't want him to feel this way. I never wanted him to feel as though I didn't trust him.

"Because truthfully, I didn't know I was struggling until I spoke with Isabella. I came to her first, because I thought it might be a new mum thing. And I was right. Also, you're incredibly busy right now".

Dean's sad face turned into a frown as he continued stroking my hair.

"Firstly, let me make something very clear. You are my wife. You come before anything and anyone. I have all the time in the world for you Rosie. I'd drop anything in a heartbeat for you" he whispered soothingly into my ear.

"Now, tell me what do you mean when you say it's a new mum thing? I know you've been a little on edge, but I thought it was just first time mum nerves".

Clutching Dean's hand to my chest, I stared at him sadly feeling guilty for thinking he wouldn't understand.

"I feel like an incompetent mum. Lucy always cries with me, even after I feed her, cuddle her or change her nappy. But you come home and hold her and she instantly stops. It makes me feel like a bad mum and it makes me feel like she doesn't like me. I haven't slept properly for ages and I can't focus on anything" I blurted out faster than I thought possible, but I had to as I can see Dean to open his mouth to shut it down.

"But! Isabella spoke to me and reassured me that what I'm going through is called postpartum depression. I thought I was just down, but it seems not. And before you say anything, Isabella told me the reason why Lucy might cry with me is because baby can sense stress. And the truth is, I am stressed. I am so tired Dean" I started to cry.

"Hey! Hey, hey, please don't cry sweetheart" he cooed softly and before I knew it, Dean had joined me in our bed and hugged me from behind.

"Rosie, you should have told me how you were feeling. I'd always ask, and you'd say you're fine. Please, I know I'm one to conceal my true feelings, but please don't do this. If you had come to me, we could have gone to the GP".

Turning around, I snuggled into Dean's warm chest and held onto him tightly as he stroked my back.

"Fuck! You felt this way and I damn joked about Lucy being a daddy's girl. Rosie, I'm so sorry".

Shaking my head at Dean, I stared at my handsome husband with concern. How could he know.

"No Dean, you didn't know. It's okay. I'm just relieved that I know why I've been feeling this way" I sighed as I rested my head on top of Dean's chest.

"So what do we do? What can I do to help?" Dean whispered out in his gentle loving voice.

"I'm going to call our midwife tomorrow and get some advice. But apparently Isabella experienced something like this and she said I need to rest and get some proper sleep. She offered to look after Lucy so we can take some time to rest. Is that alright? I want to be a good mum for Lucy and I want to at my best so I can bond with our daughter".

Dean gently lifted my chin up so we were eye to eye and gave me a heart stopping smile.

"Of course, love. And stop saying that you want to be a good mum. You are a good mum, you are just under a lot of stress and we will get through this together. Is that clear?" Dean muttered sternly, but of course full of love and support.

"Yeah" I giggled as I snuggled back into my amazing husband.

"So, Isabella is baking some fresh bread with Lucy sleeping peacefully. So let's use this opportunity and get some refreshing sleep hm?".

Nodding into his chest, I smiled as Dean quickly pulled off his white shirt and I smiled in content as I rested against his warm skin.

I was so lucky to have Dean. So glad to have the most supportive husband.

***************

"Hello Mr Gray".

I waved briefly to the nursery nurse and carefully squeezed myself through the door eager not to let any of the crazed children out.

"How has she been today?" I asked whilst scanning the room for my little princess.

"She's been great today. She's eaten very well and has been having lots of fun playing in the home corner. She also loves to read. Sometimes you'd find her in the corner by her self, concentrated on a book. She had a short sleep but was more interested in getting up and playing".

Of course she was. She was just like her aunt. Her mannerisms, her interests and it pleased me to still have a piece of Lucy alive in our family.

I smiled at the very worn out looking lady and thanked her for looking after Lucy.

Noticing the munchkin in the far corner with her back turned towards me, I quietly crept towards her in hopes of surprising her, but to my amusement she was in the middle of what seemed to be a disagreement.

"Why can't I have some food?" The little girl held out an empty plate to Lucy who had a tray full of toy food.

"Because I don't share food".

That is something Lucy stood by for all 11 years of her life.

"Lucy Isla Gray, I hope you're sharing".

Lucy dropped the tray of food and spun around to face me. My heart melted seeing the shock on her face before her expression changed to a huge smile.

"Daddy!" She yelled and ran straight into my opened arms.

"Now before you tell me about your day, I want you to pick up the food and share it with this girl". I could see Lucy having a mental battle but eventually nodded in defeat.

"Fine. Sorry Claire".

The little girl who I presumed was Claire smiled thankfully and took the food into the play kitchen.

"Good girl. Now come here my little pumpkin".

Lucy spun around and nuzzled her head into my chest as I carefully scooped her up and walked towards the door.

"Bye everyone" she yelled out loudly waving to everyone she passed.

"Daddy. Why is mummy not picking me up".

That stung a little.

"Why? Are you sad daddy picked you up instead?" I sniffled pretending to cry.

"N-no daddy don't cry. I'm happy you picked me up".

After tucking her in comfortably into her seat, I shut the door and made my way around to the driver's seat.

"I'm joking. But mummy was feeling a little poorly today. So daddy came instead".

I could hear Lucy gasp and from the mirror she shook her head.

"Mummy's sick?".

"It's okay princess. She's got lots of medicine and she's lying in bed".

"Can we buy her some flowers? Or chocolates?".

"Sure. Mummy would love that. But anyway, tell me about your day".

We drove along the quiet road and now and again I glanced back to my sweetheart checking to see if she had fallen asleep or not.

"Well, we did lots of singing, I read books and oh daddy, I got a boyfriend".

I hit the brakes hard at the traffic lights hearing that my 4 year old daughter supposedly had a boyfriend.

"You got a what?".

"A boyfriend daddy" she beamed back whilst clapping her hands wildly.

"No you don't" I replied back sternly. My baby girl was not going to have a boyfriend until she was at least 35.

"Yes I do daddy. And I'm going to marry him".

"Not going to happen".

"YES IT IS DADDY" she yelled back at me unimpressed my words.

"You won't be having a boyfriend until you're 35".

Lucy broke down crying and mumbled frantically to herself whilst staring out of the window.

I underestimated James when he said I'd be one protective dad.

**************

"Hey sweetie! How was nursery?" Rosie whispered quietly as Lucy stormed into the house.

"Hi mummy, daddy is a poopie stinky meanie" she huffed loudly storming into the lounge.

"What did you do this time?" Rosie turned to me with her arms crossed across her chest.

"I said she wasn't allowed a boyfriend and that she couldn't get married" I grumbled whilst slipping my coat off and throwing it on the coat rack.

"Jesus Dean, she's 4, chill out". Rosie wrapped her arms around me and nuzzled her head into my chest.

"Fine, but how are you doing baby? You feeling better?".

"Yeah, much better thank you. This little one was rather excited today. Has not stopped kicking me all day".

Kneeling down, I placed both of my hands on Rosie's hips and looked straight at her bump.

"Now listen here little one, as much as we love you moving, I heard you've been giving mummy a rough time today. Just be gentle with her princess, it won't be long until we see you. I know you're excited to come out and we are too, and I can already tell that you're gonna be a tough cookie, but give mummy a little break ok?".

Rosie stroked her hand through my hair and smiled down at me.

"Now that you've dealt with girl number 2, I think you need to have a little chat with our other little princess. She's not impressed that you've rejected her boyfriend".

"I don't give a fu- fudge, she ain't having a boyfriend. But I know how to resolve this. Go rest baby, I'll finish up with dinner after speaking with Lucy".

"Nope. It's almost ready. I'll call you two when it's set up".

There was no room for arguing with Rosie.

"Fine".