If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 68
Overview
News of Angie’s baby draws Autumn and Finny to the hospital, where they encounter Jamie and Sasha. Holding the newborn draws Autumn and Finny closer, highlighting their natural ease together. They decline post-visit plans, opt for a movie, and Autumn finally recognizes she never felt for Jamie what she feels for Finny.
Summary
In the early morning, Autumn receives a group text from Preppy Dave announcing Angie’s daughter’s birth, followed by a duplicative, patronizing message from Jamie offering a ride. Angry and restless, Autumn resolves not to rely on Jamie.
Later, Finny arrives to take Autumn to the hospital. They get lost but eventually reach Angie’s room, where Jamie, Sasha, and friends are already gathered. Despite initial tension, Angie welcomes Autumn, and Autumn holds baby Guinevere, marveling at her smallness and feeling soothed by the focus on the newborn.
Autumn invites Finny to look, then nudges him to hold the baby. Their shared awe creates a private-feeling moment, interrupted by jokes from friends. For the next hour they make small talk while Jamie dominates the conversation near Sasha, subtly underscoring Autumn’s discomfort.
When Guinevere cries to be fed, Autumn and Finny use it as a cue to leave. They rebuff the group’s plans, claim a movie instead, and exit together. In the elevator and afterward, the ease between them becomes undeniable, and Autumn realizes she never felt this way about Jamie, even at the best of times.
Who Appears
- AutumnProtagonist; angered by Jamie’s text, visits Angie’s newborn with Finny, shares intimate moment, recognizes deeper feelings for Finny.
- FinnySupportive friend; drives Autumn to hospital, calmly navigates tension, holds the baby, chooses to leave with Autumn for a movie.
- JamieEx-boyfriend; sends a patronizing text, appears at hospital with Sasha, dominates conversation, heightens Autumn’s clarity.
- AngieFriend who has just given birth to Guinevere; welcomes visitors, confidently identifies baby’s needs.
- Preppy DaveAngie’s husband; sends the group text announcement and proudly hands Guinevere to be held.
- SashaWith Jamie at the hospital; sits close to him, asks about plans, heightens Autumn’s discomfort.
- BrookeFriend in the room; jokes about hunger, takes a turn holding the baby.
- AlexFriend who suggests the group go out after the hospital visit.
- NoahFriend present with the group during the hospital visit.
- Guinevere AngelaNewborn daughter of Angie and Preppy Dave; holding her brings Autumn and Finny closer.