Spencers POV
It's been another month since we had our little welcome home party for Alia. (I have found out they have party names for just about everything.)
Alexei and Melina stayed for about a week soaking up as much time with their granddaughter as they possibly could.
They are so adorable with her. Alexei, this big bad bear that looks like a giant holding Alia, absolutely turns into a puddle with her. I love it. And Melina.. she gets right down on the ground to try and play with her, too.
They're really good grandparents and already promised to come visit again.
We have had to practically force Yelena to go back to the compound at least every other week.
She has taken her roll as an aunt very seriously. In a not so serious way. And Alia already absolutely loves her. And Yelena just lights up when she gets to be with her.
It's really awesome to see how well Yelena fell into being an aunt, like it was natural for her.
She even has us send her pictures of Ally everyday when she isn't here so she can stay updated.
Again, it's seriously adorable.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
The others come to visit sporadically. Each taking their own turn to come see her themselves. All of her aunties and uncles love spending time with her and each one of them are their own cute self with her.
A baby really changes people.
Wanda is probably the worst about it behind Yelena. She also requires pictures and is always asking to come over.
We don't mind, though. We like the company and so does Alia.
Believe it or not we do still have some time just the three of us and those days are absolute magic.
Over all Alia is a very happy, easy going baby.
Super easy to put down at night and still only wakes up a few times overnight. She eats well and hardly ever cries.
I know, we're getting really spoiled with how easy of a baby she is. I'm sure the next one will be the opposite just because.
But that's okay. We were preparing for that anyway.
It's not to say we don't have some rough days and nights because she's still only a four month old and we're two moms trying to balance jobs, each other, and a baby.
Again, there's absolutely no complaints. This is absolutely the life I want and I couldn't be happier. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else with anyone else doing anything else.
This is absolute bliss.
And I know I've said this before. And I've meant it every time. And to be fair, I didn't know what this would be like.
I love being a mom and a wife.
I was always so proud of my title.
I had earned the name the Ghost. I had worked hard for it for a long time and built up a reputation for it. That's what I was known and respected for.
Obviously I know that wasn't really something to be desired.
Even when I started tattooing, it was my reputation I depended upon to get more clients. It's what made my name in that area and what started to build my clientele here in New York.
I am a fan-fucking-tastic tattoo artist and people know it, tell other people about it, and come back to me for it.
I've done a lot of things throughout my life. A lot I'm not proud of and try to forget. I've done some things I'm proud of, become some things I live for.
Two of my proudest are being a great wife and mom. That's what I strive for everyday. If I can make those two ladies happy, make sure they're safe, make sure they're loved, then I've done my job.
It's the most important ones I have or will ever have.
———————
Fast forward a few more weeks or so and Alia is a little over 5 months old. It's crazy to think that we've had her now longer than we haven't had her.
Time really does fly.
She's already growing so much. Her little babbling is the sweetest sound I've ever heard. And she's already starting to try to roll herself around.
Nat and I will find ourselves sitting in the living room rooting for her to roll over. We all get a kick out of it.
Who would have thought.
It's another one of those nights
We're all just hanging out in the living room. Nat and I are laying on the floor as we watch Alia do whatever she wants.
You wouldn't think it's entertaining, but it kind of is.
"Would you want a boy or a girl next?" Nat asks me out of the blue.
"Um.. I mean, I think it would be cool to have a boy too, but honestly I'm up for either or both." I answer honestly.
She shifts so we are facing each other.
"Really? You'd maybe want three kids?"
Well, now I'm not sure.
"Um.. maybe?"
"I could go for a couple more kids. I'd love to have a big family," she smiles.
"Yeah?" Now I'm cheesing. "I would so love that."
She reaches over to tuck some hair behind my ear.
"I love you. I don't know how I got so lucky to find my perfect person, but I am so grateful I did."
"I'm just glad I get to be your person. Being a wife to you and a mom to Alia is all I need in my life." I kiss her and she returns it.
"Yeah? That's all? No tattoo shop?" She teases me.
I roll my eyes, "if it came to it, yes. I like the shop, but I don't need it."
"Well, what else would you like in our future besides a couple more kids?"
"Mm.." I lean back a little bit in thought. "Well, I think I would open a little restaurant as an extension off of Mamas. Maybe add a pool out back. Still have to build that tree house."
"You want to open a restaurant?"
"Yeah, I would like to. Show some youngsters around here how to properly cook. Maybe someday our own kids."
"That sounds amazing. We should do that."
"Yeah? I have a few ideas on it. But, kids or restaurant first?"
"I say we start looking around at the restaurant thing. We don't have to rush into it but it would be good to know everything you'd have to do. Besides, we've only had a few months with Alia. We don't need to rush into having another one just yet," Nat reasons.
"That sounds absolutely perfect, love."
Shortly after that we got Alia ready for bed followed quickly by us. Being a mom is tiring. And cuddling up with Nat in bed falling asleep to some Parks and Recreation is always a win on my book.
——————
A few hours later I'm woken up by the soft cries of my baby. I go to get up but I'm stopped by a hand on my chest and a kiss on my forehead.
"I've got her, bub."
"Are you sure? I whisper back.
"Definitely."
I should try to fall back asleep but I can't help but take in the moment between my wife and daughter.
Nat is such a good mother. It's magical seeing her feed and rock our child back to sleep.
I know it's been some time, but I'm enjoying the moment too much.
Nat stands up from the rocking chair and starts rocking her standing up.
She's been asleep for some time but it's so hard to put her back when you get to cuddle with her.
I can't help it any longer; I get out of bed and join my wife, pushing our daughters hair back before placing a kiss on her head. Then I kiss Natasha.
"My girls. I love you both so much," I whisper.
"We love you too, bub." She kisses me again.
Nat goes to put Alia back in her crib so I go to step away and head back to our own bed.
I start backing away taking a few steps as I watch Nat gently place Alia back in her crib.
But I don't get any farther.
In the next few seconds;
My breath is caught in my throat and only a horrible gurgling sound is made.
There's a pain that starts in my stomach and blooms outward.
I crash down to my knees.
I look down to my stomach.
Red. So much red.. and it's spreading.
I look up to see Nat.
She has our baby girl back in her arms.
She's looking at me.
She's absolutely horrified.
I fall forward, trying to catch myself.
My breathing raged.
I force myself to turn around.
I still have a wife and daughter to protect.
And someone shot me in my own home.
My blurry vision still lets me make out who it is.
"Gal."