Chapter Song - Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root
It's been three days past the given due date of July 5th, the date on my phone reading July 8th and this baby isn't out yet.
I've tried many methods, from bobbing on those big gym balls, eating dates and sex - which the third one wasn't such a boring method of inducing labour.
Doctor Grey said it's normal for a baby to be a little earlier or later than the intended due date, but I'm really wanting this baby to be out. I love him already, but walking or remotely doing any form of movement is difficult.
"I want him to be here already," Hallie whines as she slumps next to me. "Get out of mummy's belly," she whispers 'intimidatingly' to my large belly.
I laugh at her impatience, because all of us are really expecting this baby boys arrival. "Keep telling him bubba, I know I want him out," I grumble.
Danny's chuckle resounds from behind me, sending goosebumps across the nape of my neck. "I think he just loves being inside you," he says, the scruff of his beard tickling my ear as he leans down. "And I do as well," he whispers.
I huff, nudging his face away. "Stop, thats mean," I grumble, earning another low laugh.
"Don't laugh at me, I'm the pregnant one," I snip and his mouth shuts to a flatline. "Could you get me some more grapes though, please?" I switch from grumpy to happy like Bridie does.
He shakes his head with a small smile. "Of course," he answers, taking my empty grape bowl and heading into the kitchen.
As Hallie and I relax on the couch, a sudden loud pitter patter of feet echoes from down the hallway, growing louder as Bridie bursts into the living space.
Both Hallie and I perk up at her wild burst, watching as she runs around the couch. "Aren't you suppose to be asleep, it's nap time, bub," I try to tame some of her wild hair with my hand, as she plops down next to me.
She frowns as she stares at my very protruding belly. "He's still in there?" she asks exasperatingly.
I bite back an amused smile. "Yep, sorry baby," I say and she collapses dramatically back on the couch.
"Here are your grapes," Danny passes me my bowl, pressing a soft kiss on my lips. "And you, silly goose, are going back to bed," he scoops up a sleepy Bridie, as he disappears down the hallway with her in his arms.
Hallie snuggles beside me, her gaze focused on her Harry Potter book - a series she's whizzing through in record speed. I continue watching Grey's Anatomy, thankfully not at all getting queasy from the surgical scenes - it would've been a tragedy if I couldn't of watched Grey's for a total of nine months.
It's quiet as the tree's outside sway and the afternoon birds chirp, the sky growing into it's hazy orange as it prepares for sun down. The days have grown in suspense as we wait for me to go into labour, every movement or minute could be the moment it all goes crazy.
As the show plays on the T.V and I fiddle softly with Hallie's hair, I suddenly sit up, letting out a shocked gasp as my lower belly tightens in a sharp tense pain. Hallie instantly drops her book, worry completely creasing her small features, her hands resting on my forearm.
"Mumma, whats wrong?" she asks.
I shake my head, trying to breathe. It might just be Braxton Hicks, I've been getting a few of those tom fooleries the past few days.
The pain lasts a minute, before it eases and disappears. I sigh, relaxing back into the couch cushion, wondering if it was braxton hick's or an actual contraction.
Guess we'll see in the next couple of minutes.
"It's alright, bubba. Just- oh fuck," I grit out, when the same pain tightens in my lower belly not even five minutes later.
Oh, it's time.
"Bub, go get daddy," I wince out and she bolts from the couch, her feet pitter pattering down the hallway and up the stairs.
It's no time wasted before I hear both her footsteps and Danny's loud ones echo. Sitting in front of me with excitement and worry glimmering in his eye, Danny holds my upper forearms.
"Is it time?" he asks and I just nod, grabbing onto his forearms as I try and breathe through the tight, tense pain. Similar to period pain, but just a million times worse.
"Bubba, can you go grab the pink bag for me, please? I told you which one yesterday," Danny tells Hallie and she nods like a soldier receiving orders, vanishing out of the living room.
"Breathe, baby, breathe," His soft voice tries to console, a hand cupping my face gently.
I try to control my breaths, sitting up straight and shutting my eyes. "This sucks," I mutter, gripping Danny's arms so hard he tries to hide his wince of pain.
"Oh sorry, does that hurt?" I say sarcastically.
He shakes his head firmly. "Nope, it's fine,"
Hallie returns with the overnight duffle bag I already had pre-packed with everything I need, from baby clothes, to after-birth care. With the help of my mum, Mary and Danny's mum, I truly have every single thing I could need for what I'm about to endure right now.
"Okay, lets go," Danny lifts me up by the shoulders, helping to set me on my feet. The pain of the contraction subdues, and I know it'll only be a few minutes before another one is in full blast.
"Are we taking the girls? Bridie's asleep, how do we-" I ramble, freaking out about the entire situation that unfolded in a matter of minutes. From a quiet afternoon in watching T.V and cuddling with my daughter, to being in excruciating pain and about to meet my baby.
"Lets get you to the car first, and then I'll grab Bridie. We'll take them to the hospital and I'll call Ben," he tells me calmly and firmly, his cool facade making this entire process a little easier.
Helping me into the passenger seat, Hallie hops in the back, but leans over the console with me as Danny goes to grab Bridie. Hallie rubs my back soothingly, her small warm hands full of such love.
I tense again when another contraction comes into swing. "It's alright mumma," she whispers, rubbing my shoulder. "Just breathe like daddy said," she says, my eyes pricking with tears at just how beautiful she is.
"Thank you, love," I say, taking deep slow breaths. "You're so beautiful," I whisper and she smiles, her eyes crinkling at the sides.
Buckling Bridie in, Danny hops into the drivers seat and sets in full swing onto the road. Bridie lays still fast asleep in her car seat with Hallie reading calmly in the back.
It's not long until we arrive at the hospital, Danny pulling into the emergency entrance. I spot Ben and Mary rushing up to the doors, the two noticing us as Danny tells them to park the car and take care of the girls.
As he rushes me in, he calls for a nurse to help and I'm - thankfully - seated in a wheelchair. I honestly would've fallen to the floor if I had to sit for much longer.
Until we're taken to a suite and Danny helps me change into a hospital gown, I finally - semi - relax when I'm laying in the hospital bed. My body has set into a full sweat, with my hair sticking to the back of my neck and my pelvic area feeling like it's dropped.
As one contraction vanishes, I take a few breaths and sit up properly. Danny stands by my side and I finally take the couple of minutes of peace to take in everything. It truly went from zero to one hundred in the span of 20 minutes.
"How are you feeling?" he asks, his hand rubbing my back softly as he's been doing since we got here.
"Okay. Nervous, Excited," I smile, earning a loving firm kiss from him.
"The girls, Ben and Mary are waiting outside. I thought I'd let us be until they've given you the epidural," he tucks some hair behind my ear.
I nod. "Good idea, could you hand me a hair tie? There should be some in the side pocket," I ask Danny and he nods, grabbing the bag and retrieving a scrunchie.
I toss all my hair up into a bun, not caring one little bit about what it looks like. "Oh, we need to call our parents and-" I begin to list off everyone to call and notify, but I'm shushed.
"You don't need to do anything except relax and breathe. Ben and Mary have everything covered," he reassures me, pecking my forehead.
"Hi Daphne, Danny," Dr Grey walks in, a soft excited smile on her face. "Are we ready for the epidural?" she asks, as a couple of nurses walk in, one holding a long ass needle.
I'm not even going to look, no way.
"Mhm," I hum. "Just get me on something," I mutter as my lower back winces with tight pain, and my eyes squeeze shut as if it'll disappear.
Danny holds my hand, his hand tracing soft soothing circles along my lower back. "Breathe, baby, breathe. You got this," he whispers, continuously whispering sweet encouraging words in my ear.
"Hi, I'm nurse Beatrice and this is nurse Heidi. Your other nurse Amelia is sorting some stuff out, but we'll be here shortly," a nurse with vibrant baby pink hair smiles kindly, and I greet them both happily.
"I'll be doing your epidural, so is it okay if I untie just the back of your gown?" Beatrice asks kindly.
I nod. "Totally okay, just get that pain med into me," I joke, earning a laugh from the women and Danny.
"Now, it'll be a a bit of burning stinging pain, but it won't last long," she explains. "Just breathe deeply for me," she directs and I do, my hands gripping Danny's tightly as he continues to whisper sweet nothings in my ear.
As I feel the needle enter my back, the stinging burning pain she described filters like roots across my entire back. I whimper in pain, squeezing Danny's hands for dear life as the short lasting pain feels like it prolongs for eternity.
"Breathe, it's okay," Danny whispers, rubbing my head softly.
As the seconds pass the sensation goes away, and I feel a sense of relief once it's gone. "It'll take about ten minutes for the medicine to numb your lower half, so just sit back and relax," Beatrice tells me.
"Thank you," I smile.
Sitting back up, I relax as much as I can into the hospital bed, a few contractions coming by but there pain subduing. "I want to see the girls and whoever else is here," I tell Danny. "Just for a little moment," I say and he nods, pressing a delicate kiss to my lips.
As he leaves through the door, the other nurses surround me. "Where'd you find him? He is gorgeous," Amelia smirks.
I laugh softly. "I was actually a nanny for his other girls, or my girls," I admit and they gape. "I know, what a scandal. But," I shrug. "Can't help love...or lust," I joke and they snicker.
"I need me one of them, he's the entire package. Some dudes just sit on their xbox the entire time, as if their girlfriend or wife isn't literally in labour," Heidi rambles.
I cringe in disgust at the thought. "Poor women, thats sounds disgusting," I say. "How do you not kick them out?" I ask. I know i'd find hardship in not booting them and locking them out of the room.
They sigh. "It's a daily difficulty not to give them an upper cut or quick left hook," Beatrice replies.
Bursting into the room, my mum is the first to rush to my side. "Oh, sweetie. How are you? Okay? In pain? Relaxed?" she rambles, her hand rubbing the top of my head softly.
"The epidural just kicked in, so I feel pretty good," I smile tiredly, my body numbed and loose as I lay in bed. "Little nervous though, but the nurses are nice," I smile at Beatrice, Heidi and Amelia.
"Oh good, I'm so excited to see my grand-baby. Bridie and Hallie are freaking out in the hallway," she laughs lightly.
I smile. "Good, who else is here?"
"Everyone," she says.
"Everyone?" I question, surely not everyone.
She smirks. "Everyone, baby, everyone," she states and my eyes widen. "We're excited, but we'll give you all your privacy, don't worry," she reassures me and I nod.
"Hey sweetie," David walks in, meeting mums side.
I smile. "Hey dad,"
"You going good?" he asks and I nod. "Alright, lets give the others a chance to say hi before everyone swarms them," he tells my mum and she gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, before they exit.
Ben and Mary are next, as Danny stands on the other side of the bed, holding my hand. "Hey Daph'. How are feeling? Oh my god, did you wet the entire ground when your water broke?" Mary asks as she meets my side.
I snort. "No, just my leggings," I tell her. "I feel good, my bottom half is numb though, so that helps,"
She smiles softly, tucking a hair behind my ear. "Good luck, we'll be waiting, so hopefully he doesn't take to long to come," she jokes.
Ben wishes me luck and asks me how i'm doing before they both leave, the girls quickly coming in with joy and excitement. "Mumma, are you okay? Mumma, are you hurting? Mumma, is he here yet?" their questions hit me like a sudden headache.
Danny is quick to swoop in as he notices my wince at their volume. "I know you're excited girls, but lets be a little calmer for mumma, okay?" Danny tells them softly. "Now, just a few minutes, so give her some kisses and hugs. Then soon you'll get to meet your baby brother," he tells them and they jump with excitement.
As the girls douse me in gentle kisses and hugs, Danny ushers them back out to the waiting room. "They're adorable," Heidi says once they leave.
"Thank you," I smile at her compliment. "The younger one can be a little wild though," I laugh, which they join in on. But I wouldn't trade Bridie's wildness for anything, because thats who she is and I not only love her, I like her.
"Don't even, my first one is an angel and then my second one is like a rodeo bull," Beatrice jokes, her brown pigtails flicking in the air. "But I love them more than anything," she shrugs a shoulder.
"Couldn't relate more," I reply.
Returning with ice chips, I delve into the crunchy ice delicacy, the coolness of the ice relaxing my stiff and heating body. I lean back, trying to rest my eyes as Danny stands and rubs my head soothingly.
Thankful I chose to bring my own pillow, I relax into the familiar comfort, my eyes heavy but I'm in no mood to sleep.
"How are you doing?" Danny asks, cupping my face as he caresses my cheek with his thumb finger.
I sigh, leaning into his soft touch. "Alright,"
He nods. "Can I get you anything else?" he asks.
"Just stay here," I smile softly. "Don't leave my side, unless you have to get more ice chips," I smile lazily.
He sits on the edge of the bed, holding my hand. "I wouldn't want to, I'm good right here," he smiles, pressing his lips to mine.
***
At 9:11pm on the 8th of July, our baby boy was born.
Was it hectic? Obviously. Worth it? Very much, but i'm thankful this part is over. It was an experience, one smoother than I expected, but the nurses and Doctor Grey were incredibly comforting and reassuring the entire time.
Danny was my rock during the process, letting me squeeze his hand until I was sure it'd fall off from lack of blood flow, and continuing to encourage me even if I felt too tired to continue.
As the nurses take our baby to clean him off and do whatever tests and measurements needed, Danny wipes a hair off my sweaty forehead. "You did amazing, baby," he smiles, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
I nod, my eyes watery from just seeing his small figure. "I'm really excited to eat some dinner," I mutter out breathlessly, trying to calm my erratic heart and fast breaths. My entire body is sweaty from head to toe and I can't wait to shower and have some dinner.
"I'll go out and grab us something as soon as I can," he reassures, pressing another kiss to my forehead, before connecting our lips for a firm loving kiss. "I love you," he whispers.
I hastily wipe a fallen tear. "I love you, too," I smile softly up at him.
"Here he is," Heidi holds our baby boy in her arms, passing him to me wrapped snuggly in a baby blue blanket and his head topped with a matching beanie.
I take his tiny body in my arms, Danny leaning over as we both stare down at him. He's calmed over the few minutes, no longer crying, eyes now shut and breathing calm.
Tiny nose, tiny eyes, mouth and hands, I'm not sure how I'll be able to look away from him. "Hey, there," I whisper, tracing my finger angel kiss softly over his chubby cheek.
He coo's and I completely melt. "Hello," Danny whispers, completely in awe of the tiny human in my arms. "Tired, huh?" he smiles softly when he yawns.
And if it isn't the cutest yawn I've ever seen.
"Do you want to hold him?" I ask Danny.
He nods, excitement glimmering in his eye. I slowly pass him over to Danny, who takes him with utter caution. The sight of Danny holding our baby is one I'm sure i'll never ever get used to, like whenever he cares, loves or quite literally plays with the girls.
Every time it makes my heart catapult out of my chest and my body tingle with giddy happiness. "It's okay, sh," Danny calms him when he wriggles from the movement, swaying him gently. "There we go. It's alright, little one," he whispers, my hormones pulling the siren alarm of my heart as I swipe another tear away.
Letting us have our small quiet moment, Danny places him in the bassinet next to me, before heading out to update our families almost 40 minutes later. I said I'd rather them come in one or two at a time, since I really don't want to be overwhelmed with everyone coming in.
My mum and dad are first, with them both heading over to me first. "Oh, sweetie. How are you?" my mum asks, cupping my face.
"I'm okay," I smile tiredly. "He's right here if you wanna see him," I point to my left, both of them rounding the bed quietly to see his sleeping figure.
My mum gasps, as they both lean over staring at him with awe. "He's beautiful, Daph'," dad smiles, my mum tracing a finger over his nose.
"Hi, Munchkin," she whispers. "I'm your grandma and this is grandpa," she smiles and I notice her swipe a tear.
"Whats his name?" David asks, not moving his focus from him.
"Archer," Danny answers proudly.
"Archer Jack Thompson," I say, my mum's head snapping towards me. Her face creases with emotion, as David smiles fondly at the middle name choice.
"Oh," my mum comes over and wraps me in her arms. "He would've loved him," she mutters, pressing another kiss to my forehead.
After they leave, Ben and Mary come in, both incredibly excited and Danny shushes them sternly. I give Mary a hug as she checks on me, before they ogle over him.
"Oh my god, he's adorable," Mary gushes. "Cutest baby ever," she smiles.
"I can't wait to teach you how to bother your dad, we're gonna be best friends," Ben says, smirking at Danny who rolls his eyes. "Of course your uncle Nick will help me as well," he adds.
"Time to go," Danny smiles a forced grin towards his brother.
Mary and Ben bid us a goodbye, before silence engulfs the room again. "Do you still want me to get my parents and the girls?" Danny asks. "If you want some rest, they can wait," he says.
I shake my head. "No, let them meet him," I smile softly.
As Danny goes to get his parents and the girls, Amelia checks up on me again. She asks me the general questions of how I feel and all that jazz, before taking a peak at Archer.
It took us a while to settle on a name, not because we kept disagreeing but I'm just incredibly indecisive and couldn't settle on anything. Though when Danny mentioned the name Archer before we went to bed one night and it clicked. Everything in my bones, body and soul new that was our baby boys name.
Jack, my fathers name, was an easy choice. I knew I wanted his middle name to be Jack, in a way to honour him and keep his memory alive for years to come.
"Mumma!" Bridie's voice echoes when she enters, all four parents immediately trying to calm her excitement.
She only smiles sheepishly, before the two climb onto the hospital bed. "Gentle girls, alright. Mummy's tired, so this can only be quick," Danny tells them and they nod.
Hugging me softly, they turn, spotting the bassinet. "Thats your baby brother, you want to meet him?" I question.
They both nod enthusiastically, Danny coming around the bed to lift Bridie up and I help Hallie peak over from the side to see him. "Whats his name?" Danny's dad asks.
"Archer," he answers with a small smile.
Hallie places a delicate hand on his wrapped up body. "Hi, Archie," she says, the nickname she's already given for her baby brother making me melt.
"We're your sisters," Bridie says.
After Danny's parents take some time to see him, gushing over his small chubby features, Dannys ushers them out. His parents happily agree to take care of the girls for the next few days while we're at the hospital, and take them to visit over the days.
"Daph'?" Nick's hushed voice enters the room.
I wave him in, the room just filled with us and Archer. "He's over there," I tell him.
"How are you?" he asks first. Nick can be an annoying weasel most of the time, but he's truly sweet like honey at his true self.
"Tired, but happy," I smile. "Go see him," I wave him over.
He rounds the bed with excitement, looking into the bassinet with awestruck eyes. "He's cute, thank god," Nick says and I roll my eyes. "Probably because he looks more like Dan, than you," he says slyly and I scoff.
"You can't be mean, I just gave birth," I scowl.
He shrugs. "I'm simply fulfilling my younger brother duties, it's written in law,"
After Nick leaves, I take the calm silence gratefully with both no guests visiting and Archer sleeping peacefully, completely conforming into the mattress and pillow. Danny slumps on the couch near the bed, running a hand through his dark salt and pepper hair.
The night is still young, though outside is pitch black with only the glitter of building lights, as the city readies for Saturday's nightlife. I nestle as much as I can into the bed and pillows, but find no such comfort in the uncomfortable hospital bedding.
"Danny?" my voice almost echoes in the dead silent room.
He sits up straight away. "Yes, baby?" he asks, walking over to me.
"Can you get some dinner, please?" I ask, running a hand over his scruff.
He nods. "Of course, any preference?"
"Nope, just something good," I smile, tapping my lips for a kiss.
He leans down with a small smile, the kiss light with silent love. The kind thats carried through the wind and the branches of tree's. It's how the waves kiss the shore and how no matter what we go through as societies citizens, people always persevere through life.
"I keep staring at him," Danny's voice is a mere whisper.
"Me too, he's so peaceful. Well, right now. Who knows what he'll be like in the next hours," I joke, but truly don't mind. Nothing we can't handle and nothing i'm not ready to face.
"I'll be right back," he pecks my lips. "Get some rest," he tells me and I nod, watching him walk out the door, shutting it softly behind him.
I turn over to Archer once he leaves. "It's just you and me, love," I smile, looking over into his bassinet.
His face is neutral and soft, as he lays calmly in his bassinet. Big blue eyes look up at me, as his white and light blue striped beanie covers his light brown head of hair. I gush over the simple dinosaur onesie Danny dressed him in before hand.
I rub his belly, smiling down at him as he peers up at me with interest. "Hi, baby boy. You awake now, hm?" I say, admiring every small delicate but chubby curve of his face and body.
Carefully scooping him up, I lean back as I hold him in my arms. He lays quietly, no visible signs of discomfort or sense that he may burst out into tears.
"We've been waiting so long to meet you, you know? Your sisters couldn't wait to meet you and they're going to be the best sisters ever," I talk to him. Even though he won't respond, I know my voice will comfort him in ways others can't.
"I'm so happy you chose me to be your mummy. I promise to love you, and protect you and guide you however you need me to," I whisper, kissing the top of his head. "Gosh, I love you so much already. You and your sisters have my heart wrapped around your pinkies,"
Archer coo's in my arms, and I can't help but trace over his baby soft skin. Perfect lips and a small button nose, his eyes are wide like mine, but everything else about him is Danny.
"You look so much like daddy already, but you have my eyes," I smile proudly, knowing eyes are the gateway into everyones soul.
The light shutting of the door catches my attention, Danny walking in with a bag of food and placing it on the side table beside my bed.
"Awake now, is he?" Danny questions, pecking my cheek and leaning over to look at Archer.
I shuffle over carefully with Archer in my arms, patting the space next to me. "Sit, please," I say and he does.
The bed dips at his weight and I snuggle into his chest, his arm resting around my shoulders. I stare back down at Archer as he takes both of us in, completely sitting in wonder of the new world he entered not long ago.
"He's just so calm," Danny mutters in awe. "He also looks so much like me, besides the eyes. Those are your eyes," he smiles.
"Thats what we were just talking about, weren't we, Archer?" I peer down at him, obviously no response besides his curious eye contact. "Do you want to bring the table over, I'm starved," I sigh.
Pulling around the bed table, two meals are showcased in front of me. One being a steak and fries, and the other being Danny's bare chest.
I gape as I always do at his tan, perfectly defined torso. "I know you're doing skin to skin, but thats just mean," I pout.
He sends me a teasing smirk. "That wasn't my intention, baby," he kisses my pout. As I delve into my much needed food, I watch as Danny undresses Archer and leans him on his chest, the two now sitting together on the recliner chair.
"After I've had this, can you help me with a shower?" I ask Danny, taking another bite of steak.
He meets my eye. "Mhm, of course," he replies, and I melt at the sight of Danny holding a tiny Archer, who looks minuscule in Danny's strong arms.
"I bet he feels very warm and safe in your arms," I comment, earning a small smile from Danny.
"He seems pretty relaxed, the girls were a little more fussy when they were born," he says. "But you're just happy being here, aren't you?" he talks to Archer in a gentle voice.
A knock on our suite door captures our attention. "I hope this isn't a bad time," Beatrice pops her head in, her pink space buns lighting up the dull hospital room.
I shake my head. "No, it's totally okay," I smile, and she welcomes herself in, shutting the door.
"How's he going?" she asks me.
"Wonderful, been calm this entire time," I smile at Danny and Archer. My boys.
It's now when I really miss the girls and wish they were here, but we'll all be together in a few days. Plus Danny and I need our special alone time with Archer, just us three before it gets chaotic with a newborn and two young children.
"He's one of the cutest babies i've ever seen," she compliments. "But anyways, I wanted to try feeding for the first time. If breastfeeding is something you were choosing to do?" she asks.
I nod. "Yep, it is," I say, a little nervous now, but it'll be okay.
Beatrice notices my apprehension. "It's okay to be nervous, but I assure you it's not bad," she comforts.
Taking Archer from Danny, she carries him over to me. I un-button one of my shoulders, my chest on display for both Beatrice and Danny, not that I care. Danny sure doesn't, as his eyes dart directly to my boobs like some teenager.
As Beatrice helps me, I'm thankful when Archer latches on straight away, though it does hurt a little but I'll get use to the feeling. "How do I know he's full or had enough?" I ask Beatrice, peering down at Archer who's fist grips the skin of my boob. Ow.
"His fists will relax and he'll turn away. You'll know," she smiles and I nod.
After she explains how to burp him and some other details, Beatrice leaves us be. Danny takes a seat on the edge of the bed. "I'm happy to share for now, Archie," he states and I roll my eyes.
Once Archer has been fed and burped, Amelia comes in to take him for the night and place him with all the other babies in the nursery.
"Ready?" Danny asks, as my legs dangle from the edge of the bed. It's finally time for me to take a shower, but the walking and standing for a long while means I need Danny to help me.
Lifting me up on my feet, all my organs feel like they're going to fall out of my vagina. it's a somewhat queasy and unsettling feeling, but I stand for a minute regaining strength and settling my light headedness.
As he helps me to the bathroom, he sits me down on a chair while he gets the shower running. I take out some loose fitting pyjamas and a diaper - yes, a diaper, because thats easier than a big pad at this point.
Undressing, the warm water pelts onto my back and I feel a sense of relief as the heated water trickles over my body. I drench my hair, knowing i'll just braid it after my shower, since it's easier than letting it get mangled all day in a bun.
Danny helps to gently wash me down, running the soap over my body with tenderness and so much focus his eyebrows dip slightly in the middle. "Feeling better?" he asks as he washes my back.
"Mhm," I hum.
Drying off and changing into my loose fitting PJ's, Danny helps me back into bed. "He'll be okay, right?" I ask Danny, a few nerves fluttering my belly.
"He'll be perfectly okay, I bet he's sleeping soundly," Danny smiles softly. "But you need to rest, get some sleep and relax," he tells me.
Giving me a loving kiss goodnight, I snuggle into the blankets and my pillow. Sleep quickly taking over from the long hours I've just endured.
***
"Morning," a soft whisper tickles my ear.
I groan, wiping my eyes as morning sunlight pours in through the large window. Danny stands over me, blocking some of the piercing light.
His hair is ruffled like it usually is, with his bare chest on lovely display for me. "Morning," I smile, sitting up in bed.
"They brought breakfast, so I thought i'd wake you up," he says, pulling around the bed table. "I visited Archer before, they said he slept peacefully through the entire night," he tells me.
"Wow, I hope this isn't just a little strike of luck," I joke, but not really. "What time is it?" I ask, taking in the mediocre hospital breakfast. Though I honestly could care less, I'm hungry and the sound of food in my stomach sounds amazing.
"9:30," Danny answers. "But they'll bring Archer around at 10am," he says.
I smile at the thought of seeing him. "I can't wait to see him," I say, stretching my arms out as I roll my shoulders from morning stiffness.
"Me too," Danny leans down with a lazy smile, pecking my lips. "Hopefully we'll be able to go home later today, Doctor Grey said it should be perfectly fine since you had a good birth," he explains.
"Mm," I hum in delight, biting into the bagel topped with cream cheese.
"Is that a response to me or the bagel?" Danny questions, amused.
I peer up at him, taking another bite. "What do you think?" my response is muffled by bagel.
Soon enough Amelia brings in Archer. Danny picks him up in his arms, pressing a kiss good morning on his head and muttering sweet nothings to him.
"How did you sleep?" Amelia asks.
"Good, better since I can lay on my stomach again," I smile.
Leaving us with Archer, Danny passes me to him. Big wide blue eyes peer up at me and my entire body swarms with giddy love when I look down at him. "Good morning, sweet boy. Did you sleep well? I heard you were very peaceful," I smile.
He simply stares up at me, but grows a little uncomfortable, a whine coming from him. "Hungry, I assume?" I smile softly.
He calms when I feed him, Danny scowling at my uncovered breasts. "I love him, but..." he drifts off. "Those are mine," he states.
"They're neither of yours," I laugh.
As the morning settles, we take our calm time of just us three and the opportunity for a slow morning. Nine months ago I wasn't sure where Danny and I might end up, but now we're together with a new addition.
The morning after two became three.
***