🧚🏾‍♀️

Jack Abbot who two and a half years as a single man has not had a connection that lasted longer than four dates. He was a man focused on his work and his patients and that gave him fulfilment but even he could admit to himself that he was lonely.

Jack Abbot who after a session with his therapist went out and adopted a cat. A black kitten who was about to be euthanised because of her health issues. Her little golden-yellow eyes looked at him through the cage and he just knew that she had to be his. By the time he arrived back at his home, Jack had everything that he would need be a ‘cat dad’ as they called it. A name for the kitten however, that was to be determined.

Jack Abbot who never flaunted his wealth. He was a smart man who, from a young age, invested his money wisely. He knew that he would need something to cushion him after his service and unfortunately his pre-planning saved him a great headache after losing his lower limb. Jack who if you didn’t know him personally would take him for what he is at a simple appearance. A simple man who worked more than he enjoyed living life.

Jack Abbot who after a typical night shift was already calculating how to spend his day off. Grocery shopping, buy breakfast and then home. He didn’t want to do anything else with his two days off but be in his house with his kitten.

However … that all changed when he saw the flashing hazards of a Mercedes coupe and a woman dressed in pink from head to toe pacing back and forth. Her beautiful face pulled into a deep frown as she furiously typed on her phone. The feeling he got when he first saw his kitten, he was feeling it now. So he slowed down his truck.

Jack Abbot who asked “You alright darlin’?” And your tears following after you trembled out a “no” pulled something out of him that had been dormant for a while. He never wanted to see you cry ever again. So he asked questions as he changed your tyre - pretty surprised that a modern Mercedes like this even had one in the back.

Jack Abbot who tried not to blush but failed as he felt your eyes on him as he worked, ignoring the pinch in his stub from the position he was in. He was going to fix your tyre and not complain about his aching body.

Jack Abbot who asked for your name and when you gave it to him, he locked it in his memory. A name he would never forget even if this moment would be fleeting. He was kind of annoyed that changing your tyre was quick, he wanted to bask in your scent for a little longer.

Jack Abbot who tried not to wince as he stood to his full height only to be nearly knocked off his feet when you dove into his arms and wrapped your arms tightly around his neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” He chuckled at your gratitude as his arms naturally closed around your back and held you. God you felt good in his arms and that should have frightened him.

Jack Abbot who looked into your brown eyes and took in your wide smile. “God, you’re beautiful.” He murmured which caused your smile to be wider.

“Thank you.” You giggled and then you pulled away which Jack tried to not show his disappointment. “I have to show my gratitude somehow. You literally saved my life.”

“There’s no need for that darlin’. I was just helping out a stranger.”

“You just told me you were coming from a night shift, I can pay for your breakfast or something.”

“What you can do for me is get back in your car, get home and rest your pretty head.” He watched you poke your bottom lip out and he had to bite his own to stop from doing what he was thinking of doing but he picked up on the fact that you don’t like being told no.

“I feel bad, there’s gotta be something more that I can do for taking your time.”

Jack Abbot who in that moment, feeling bold did something he hadn’t done in a very long time, he made the first move. “Why don’t we switch numbers and we can discuss later how you can thank me.” The flirtation undertone could not be missed and you picked up on it.

Jack Abbot who savoured the kiss you left on his cheek after you swapped numbers and got back into your car. “I’ll be seeing you Dr Jack Abbot.”

“Yes, you will darlin’. Yes you will.” He mumbled as he watched you drive away. He stood there for a moment letting his feelings settle as they registered. He felt giddy and that excited him.

Jack Abbot who as he drove away, smiled to himself as he knew that his life was about to change.

I WILL BE WORKING ON A LONGER TAGLIST.

ru’s note 💌: SURPRISE! I’m back again. I was working on some thangs. This is one of them. I really hope you love it. I’m trying to bring something a lil different to the Jack Abbot/Shawn Hatosy space. Hoping to be posting more soon 💕.

𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕:

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You had met Jack Abbot at the local coffee shop. He’d waltzed in still wearing his scrubs after his shift. In typically fashion, he’d ordered a black coffee with three sugars. He’s not used to seeing the coffee shop be this crowded. 

Usually, when he gets off of his shift, it’s a dead zone in here with a few early morning runners or early birds. Normally, in any situation like this, he’d just walk out of the door and head home, but he really just wants a moment to sit down and not stand on his leg. 

Plus, he wants to actually enjoy his coffee while it’s hot. Not sip on it when it’s reheated. 

He spots an open chair at the table with you and weighs his options. He could go and ask, and you’d say yes. Or he’d ask and you’d flat out tell him no, and he would smile and be on his way. 

One look at your pretty face makes option one sound more tempting. He strolls over in your directions, a visible lack of confidence in the walk paired with the dull ache of being on the prosthetic all day.

You look up from your notebook just as Jack stops at your table. 

“Hi, do you mind if I sit here? All the other tables are pretty crowded…”

You glance around at the other tables before shooting Jack a smile that he can only describe as dazzling. “Yeah, of course. Take a seat.”

You reach over to slide your bag from the seat just as Jack sits down. You start to sketch on your notebook again while Jack sips on his coffee and looks out the window. It’s a peaceful calm with only the quiet murmurs of the other customers, along with the sound of the espresso machine. 

Jack looks down and catches sight of your drawing. “You’re really good at that.”

He immediately cringes at the sentence. The long shift has left his cognitive prowess at a minimal. 

You chuckle, “Thank you. I could do a sketch of you, if you’d like.” 

Of course, he agrees. Anything to keep some form of conversation going with you. Throughout the coffee, you both introduce yourselves to each other before starting to get to know each other more. 

Jack becomes enamored with you almost instantly. He hasn’t been this interested in someone since his wife. When you present the sketch to him, it leaves him stunned. It’s amazing all of the small details about him that you were able to capture. 

From that point, you and Jack make the little meetings a recurring thing. He doesn’t stick around longer than he has to for handoffs. He tells Robby what he needs to know and dips out of the hospital to walk to the cafe. 

You’re always sitting in the same spot, waiting with your coffee order. You even buy his coffee—which Jack immediately shuts down because you shouldn’t be spending your money on him. 

But it’s perfectly fine if he spends his money on you. You both talk for hours. Jack’s pain in his leg fades away with the conversation, and he doesn’t even remember how tired he is.

It’s not quite unexpected when you end up back at his apartment, your hand tangled in his silver curls. He pauses to mention his leg to you, which obviously doesn’t bother you. 

It’s not too long after that when he has bent over his counter, clawing at the granite and drooling because of the intense drag of his dick through your warm walls. 

You lose count of how many times that Jack makes you cum that day. He has you in so many positions that it makes your head spin just thinking about it. 

You aren’t surprised that he would be good at making you feel good. Jack has the look of someone who values their partner’s pleasure written all over him. 

However, what is surprising is the fact that when you take a pregnancy test two weeks later, it comes back positive.

You take three more…and surprise, surprise, they all come back positive. 

-

Telling Jack that you’re pregnant is a job within itself. You didn’t exactly have his number to call him. You both had never traded numbers. You and Jack liked the intimacy of having those moments in the coffee shop together before you returned back to your lives.

However as you sit across from him, you swallow nervously as you sip at your green tea. Jack notices that it’s not your usual sugary confection. 

“Hey, is something wrong?”

On his end, he’s mentally preparing himself to hear you say that you don’t want to see him anymore. Maybe, you felt like he was too old. Honestly, he was pushing fifty and he wondered if he was some kind of creep because he liked you. 

“I’m pregnant.”

As soon as the words leave your mouth, you take a sip of your tea, burning your tongue in the process.

Jack’s ears rings, and this time it isn’t from the tinnitus that he developed after serving two tours. 

“Pregnant?”

You nod, chewing on your lip, “Yeah, I took four tests, they all came back positive. And before you give me that look because I’m aware that tests can come back with false positives, I already went to my primary, and she confirmed it. 

You try not to be insulted when you see the next questioning look that crosses his face. 

“Yes, it’s yours. I’ve only had sex with you, Jack,” you spit out, biting back the sting of tears. The hormones and stress of the situation has you emotion out of this world.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to imply anything. I just wanted to be sure. What are you thinking? Obviously, this is your body, so I’ll respect whatever option that you choose,” Jack states, though some part of him secretly craves this. 

“I don’t know. I haven’t had much time to think it over. I just wanted to let you know, so that maybe we could figure out together,” you explain, your wide eyes gazing over at him. 

That look alone lets Jack know how scary this must all be for you. He reaches across the table, “Sweetheart, whatever you decide, I’ll be here to support you through it.”

-

You decide to keep the baby, which Jack is elated by. From the moment that you both agree to keep it, Jack is by your side every step of the way. 

When you have an appointment, he’s driving you there and even picking you up food on the way there. He’s constantly texting you while you’re at work, checking on you and the baby. Don’t even mention that you didn’t pack lunch, Jack is immediately sending food your way.

He’s on top of your prenatals and vitamins. He’ll text during the morning, reminding you to take them. 

As your pregnancy progresses, Jack falls more and more in the love with the idea of being a father. He imagines a chunky baby with curly hair laying on his chest. 

When your bump starts to show, Jack is over the moon. To him, it signifies that your baby is healthy and growing. He wants to remain respectful, but there’s a part of him that craves to touch your bump.

You catch him eyeing your stomach one day and chuckle, “Jack, you can touch my stomach. This is your baby too.” You only have to tell him once before he’s spreading his large hand across your bump. 

You try to ignore the way that your body reacts to feeling his hands on you. You and Jack had agreed to keep things platonic for the sake of the baby. Who knows why you both thought that would be a good idea? 

Before you know it, you’re riding Jack on your couch, fingers clutching at his shoulders. He looks down at your growing belly and your breasts, which have increased in size. He’s in awe at you truly. 

He grabs your hips in his, “You’re so gorgeous like this, honey. Growing my baby and letting me fuck you full still.” He moves his hands up to grasp at your sensitive breasts, “And these. It makes me even harder knowing that these are gonna fill with milk for our baby.” 

The combination of his words, along with the added stimulation of his fingers rolling across your nipples has you cumming loudly. 

You and Jack swear that this is the last time. 

But it’s not. You have sex in his truck after one of your appointments. You have sex when you go to pick out the baby crib and paint for the nursery. You even have sex late at night because you were horny and craving Jack. 

It doesn’t take long for Jack to ask you to be his girlfriend after that. There isn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for you or the baby. If you’re craving some ridiculous concoction, he’s all on board for getting it. If he isn’t available, best believe he’s sending Robby in his place. 

As your bump grows more and more, so does the pain and fatigue. Jack is there to massage your aching back and feet. In fact, he even hires a masseuse who specializes in massages for pregnant women to come massage your back and stomach. 

When you can’t see your feet and need to shave, Jack is elated to be the one doing it. He might as well be a barber with how much care and dedication he puts into shaving you.

When you need a pregnancy pillow, consider it bought. The baby’s nursery. Already done. Jack and Robby spent a full day building and organizing to your desire. 

“What about right here, honey?” Jack asks, as he moves the dresser with Robby for the third time.

You frown, “No, it looks wrong there. Can we try moving it there, please?” 

Both men move the dresser, but you can see the sweat and how tired they are. Before either of them know it, you’re pouting and sniffling, and then you’re just full-blown crying. 

“I’m sorry. I’m working you both so hard and being difficult,” you state, sobbing and rubbing at your eyes.

Jack’s expression softens, “Hey, baby, you’re not being difficult. You’re doing what feels best for our baby. We don’t have a problem with that. Right, Robby?”

“Right. Whatever will be best for my niece or nephew, consider it done,” Robby answer.

You wipe at your eyes, “Are you both sure?”

“Of course we are. Now, why don’t you go rest. There’s watermelon in the fridge,” Jack said.

“Okay, thank you both. Love you,” you said, pressing your lips to Jack’s. You waltz out of the room without realizing what you’ve said to Jack. 

His jaw is dropped, but then the goofy smile crosses his lips. “Love you too, baby,” he mutters, before turning back to Robby. 

“You’re far, gone, brother,” Robby comments, smiling at seeing Jack so happy.

“M’right where I wanna be,” Jack answers, before navigating to the dresser again.

-

When you and Jack find out that the gender of the baby is a boy, he cries. Not some cute cry, but fully sobs in the room. Your OBGYN zooms in your baby boy as he sleeps peacefully. 

Jack turns to you, “That’s our baby boy in there.” 

He’d always imagined what it would be like to have a son. His mind goes to all of the different ways that he and his son will bond together. He thinks of all the things he wants to teach him. 

He thinks that he couldn’t get more happier than this moment, but then he feels his baby boy start kicking and he’s over the moon. 

“Let daddy feel you kick one more time, buddy,” Jack mutters against your bump. In response, your son kicks lightly. 

Jack laughs, “Ooo, that’s a strong one, buddy. You’re gonna give your old man a run for his money.” 

You curl your fingers in his hair, “You both get to have your little boys day out.”

Most of the time, Jack finds himself talking to your son, even while your sleeping. You’ll get random texts from him during the day asking how you and his baby boy are doing. 

The excitement never dies down. 

On July 17th at 9:15 PM, Koda Jackson Abbot, makes his grand entrance into the world weight 8lbs and 6 ounces. Jack is in pure awe at seeing the doctor holding his little boy. He’s in even more awe when he gets to cut the umbilical cord. 

Koda is set upon your chest and Jack can’t help but take in the sight of his baby. You smile up at him with tears in your eyes. Jack presses a kiss to your forehead, “I love you, baby. Thank you for giving me this.”

He follows behind the nurses when they go to clean Koda up. He eagerly scoops Koda into his arms when it’s time for skin-to-skin.

Fatherhood suits Jack Abbot quite nicely.

-

Jack’s an amazing father. You never have to doubt that. He makes sure that you and Koda are good. He’s attentive and caring. During your healing process, Jack takes extra special care of you, especially when making sure that you have enough rest. 

Things go great for you both. 

Until they don’t. 

Jack falls into some old destructive habits. He spends more time rushing into work, especially when he’s not needed. He doesn’t know why he does it, but it just happens. Your relationship starts to get rocky. You both try to make it work, but it just falls through. 

Jack knows that he’s to blame. 

Even with you both not being together, you still co-parent effortlessly. You both agreed that you would never let any of your problems affect Koda. He was always yours and Jack’s #1 priority. 

The schedule that you both craft is good. All mentions of your past relationship is put on the back burner, but that doesn’t mean that Jack doesn’t miss you. He still yearns for those quiet and intimate moments that you shared.

He misses holding you and sharing kisses. But he respects your boundaries. 

Two years pass by of peace with co-parenting. But that doesn’t stop Jack from subtly flirting with you. You catch him checking you out more times than you can count. 

“Is this a new dress?” He asks, eyes running up and down your figure. 

You roll your eyes playfully, “Yes, Jackson, this is a new dress. Let’s keep our eyes to our self.” 

Jack shrugs, “A man can’t appreciate how beautiful the mother of his child looks?”

That was another thing, Jack didn’t play none of that calling you his baby mama. You were always to be referred to as the mother of his child. Even when you would jokingly refer to him as your “baby daddy,” he never took it to heart. 

You lean across the counter while staring at him, “Hey, are you free to take Koda this Saturday?”

“Yeah, I am. You got big plans with the girls?”

You bite at your lip, “Actually, I have a date.” 

Jack almost breaks his neck with how fast he turns to look at you. He tries in vain to steel his expression, “Oh? I didn’t realize that you were dating again.”

Quite frankly, he wasn’t expecting you to date anyone else. He’d been dropping hints here and there about getting back together. Plus, in his head, you would always be his. 

“It’s nothing too serious. Just a date with this guy that I work with,” You reply. 

“Has he met Koda?” Jack questions, failing to hide the jealously in his voice. 

“Of course not, Jack. You know I wouldn’t disrespect you like that.” 

He sighs, “Yeah, honey, I’ll take Koda Saturday. Have fun on your date.”

You’re surprised at how well that he takes the news. You were expecting him to have a much bigger reaction. 

Little do you know, Jack’s already planning on how he’ll ruin your date. He’ll let you have this little illusion of choice, but honestly, you’re always going to be his. 

-

On Saturday, when you drop Koda off at Jack’s house, the man doesn’t hide that he’s ogling you. 

He grabs Koda as you pass him to Jack. Koda smiles happily, auburn curls flopping in his face, “Daddy!”

Jack smiles in return before pressing a kiss to Koda’s chubby cheek, “Hey, buddy. I missed you so much. You ready to have fun?”

“Mhmm, daddy we play trucks,” Koda states. He was in his truck phase, and neither Jack nor Robby were making it better as they kept buying him toys to add to his collection. 

“We sure are, buddy. We’re gonna have so much fun!” Jack lightly bounces him in his arms before looking at you.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” He tells you, trailing his eyes down your figure. You can’t help the heat that pinches at your skin. 

“Thanks, Jack. Also, thanks again for doing this.” 

“S’no problem, honey. Now go have fun.”

You smile and lean forward to kiss Koda’s cheek, “Bye baby. Mommy will be back to get you tomorrow. Be good for daddy okay?” You ruffle your hand through his curls which resemble yours, but with Jack’s ginger color.

“Otay mommy. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby bear.” You kiss Koda’s cheek one last time. 

“No kiss for daddy?” Jack teases, even though he’s dead serious. 

You roll your eyes before leaning in to press a kiss to his jaw. Both Jack and Koda watch as you walk to your car before getting in and driving off. 

Jack looks down at his son, “Hey Koda, you want to do me a favor, and I’ll buy you a new truck?”

-

The date with Oliver, your coworker, is going surprisingly well. However, you’d be lying if you didn’t say that your mind was wandering to Jack. Though you tried not to, your mind instantly went to comparing Oliver to Jack. 

You take another sip of wine as you try to redirect your thoughts. 

Before you can respond to Oliver’s question, your phone buzzes on the table. You flip it over and see Jack’s name. Your stomach drops. Jack wouldn’t be calling you unless it was a dire emergency. 

You look up at Oliver, “I’m sorry. It’s my kid’s dad.” 

“Don’t apologize. You should take it. It could be an emergency,” Oliver said. 

Clicking on the answer button, you hold the phone up to your ear, “Hello?”

“Hey, honey, Koda’s been crying for you for the past hour. I tried to get him settled down, but he’s inconsolable,” Jack answers. 

“Okay, can you put him on the line?”

You hear the brief shuffle of the phone as Jack passes it to Koda. 

Koda sniffles, “Mama…”

“Oh my baby. What’s wrong?”

“I miss you, mama. I want you to come back to me and daddy,” Koda responds, before he sniffles again. 

Your heart clenches at hearing his little sniffles and sobs, “Hey, I’ll be right there in a bit, baby bear, okay? Just be a big boy for daddy and I’ll be there soon.”

“Otay, mama. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby.” You hang up the phone as you look back at Oliver with a tight-lipped smile. 

Before you can explain, he smiles, “Hey, don’t apologize. Your son comes first always. We have plenty more time to go on another date.”

“Thank you, Oliver.” 

-

It feels like you’re speeding as you rush back to Jack’s house. Which is honestly a little crazy on your part. When you make it there and park in the driveway, Jack opens the door on the first knock. 

Koda reaches out for you as you grab him in your arms. “Hey, baby bear, are you okay?”

“Mhmm, I just missed you mommy.”

“I missed you too,” You said, kissing the crown of his head. You, Jack, and Koda all walk back into the house together as you all sit on the couch together. Jack turns on Little Bear, which happens to be one of Koda’s favorite shows. Pretty soon, Koda is asleep with his cheek pressed to your chest in the same way that he used to do when he was a baby. 

“I can take him,” Jack suggests. 

You seamlessly pass Koda over to him. You both watch as your baby boy snuggles further into Jack’s arms as he carries him to his room. Jack pushes Koda’s curls back before kissing his cheek. 

“Night buddy. Daddy loves you.”

He walks back into the living room where you’re sitting. He plops back into the couch with you casually. 

“So how was the date?” Jack asks.

“It was good. He was really nice,” You answer, trying to keep the conversation light. You figure that Jack doesn’t want to hear the ins and outs of your date with the other man. 

You don’t even know that he paid Dennis to spy on you and Oliver from across the restaurant. 

Jack hums, “Are you planning on going on another date with him?”

“I don’t know, maybe? He’s really nice and I like him. Isn’t this a bit awkward to be talking about with you?”

Jack shrugs, “Not at all. I think it’s important for us to have healthy communication with each other. That includes me asking about the man that’s taking out the mother of my child.”

“Do you ever think about dating other people?” You ignore the bitterness that you feel at Jack dating other women, or even just the thought of him sleeping with other women makes you sick. It’s hypocritical of you, but it still doesn’t ease the sting.

“Nope, I have my eye on one woman only. I’m just waiting on her to come to her senses.”

You laugh, “We tried, remember? We couldn’t make it work.”

“But that was the past, we can make it work this time. I’m in therapy and I’ve been setting boundaries with work. I love you, sweetheart. I love you and I love our little boy. Just give us a shot again.” 

Just as before, you get lost in those hazel puppy eyes. 

Jack always has a way of getting what he wants. That includes you. One minute, you’re both talking on the couch and the next minute, he has your legs pressed to your chest as he bullies his way inside of you. 

You moan loudly as you clutch at him. Jack leans down, “Shhh…don’t wake our baby up. Be a good girl for me and keep quiet.”

You wonder how the man expects you to be quiet when he’s rearranging your insides. 

You’re so lost in the pleasure of it all that you’re right where Jack wants you. He reaches a hand down to start playing with your clit, “M’never gonna let you go, honey. You, me, and Koda, we can be one big happy family. Maybe…we’ll have a little girl.”

Somewhere in your brain, the rational part of you fights against his words. Jack spots the hesitation in your gaze, which causes him to press himself deeper inside of you as he slots his lips against yours. 

You’re so lost in your orgasm that you don’t even pay attention to the warm spurts of Jack’s cum painting your walls. 

Oh well. 

You’ll just have to plan for the next baby, but by that point, you’ll be married.

End.

-

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"What time is it?" He mumbles. His throat tight and his voice raspy.

"Late. You went to lay down before work and you slept through your alarm. And my alarm for your alarm." You sigh, "I called Robby to let him know, and they are covering you. It feels like you have a fever. How do you feel?"

"Bad." He mutters, "I've never felt this bad since I lived in the barracks."

"Poor thing." You grab a little baby blanket and wipe his forehead of sweat. "It has to be the flu."

"I should have went with you to get the shot." He grumbles.

"Miracle! Can you get Daddy some water?" You ask.

"Yes, Mommy!" Miracle gets up from the dining room table and grabs a cup to fill.

"I'm going to put DeAngelo down. You've got your little princess at your beck an call until her bed time." You blow a kiss and head upstairs to put the baby to bed.

Miracle comes into the room with the glass of water. "Here you go, Daddy."

Jack sits up slowly and takes the cup, "Thank you, Sweetie."

"Do you need help getting upstairs?"

"No, Sweetie. I think I'm gonna stay down here until I get better so I don't get any of you sick." He clears his throat.

Miracle pouts at Jack then her eyes light up. She stands up and runs out of the living room. Jack hears her little feet scamper up the stairs. After a few moments, the footsteps return and Miracle is back with her doctor kit. She opens it up and brings out her phony thermometer. "Daddy say ah."

"Oh Sweetie, I shouldn't put that in my mouth." He puts his hand up.

"Use this one." You appear over the couch and hand her a real thermometer, "We can clean it later."

You come around the side of the catch near his head and turn on the thermometer for Miracle. "Open wide, Daddy." She holds out the device. Jack obeys opening his mouth and putting the small end under his tongue. He smiles up at you as you wait for the thermometer to beep. You smile back and look at Miracle as she puts her stethoscope on. You mouth 'play along.'

She places the plugs in her ears and and places the chest piece on his chest. It was the stethoscope that Robby had given her for her birthday. It worked to some capacity but not enough to really make any distinguishing observations. It was enough for her to think she could be a doctor. The thermometer beeps and you take it out and look.

"101.4" You sigh.

"So tell me, doc, will I be okay?" He asks.

"Yes sir, you heart sounds really good. But you don't. Nurse Mommy, please get the bubble gum medicine from the kitchen please."

"Right away, Dr. Miracle." You stand up and go to the kitchen.

While you're away, Miracle continues with her check up. She checks his eyes, and his ears. Then his reflexes with the little mallet. "Everything else looks really good sir. Nurse Mommy should be back with your medicine now."

"Here I am." You hold out a small cup with cough syrup in it. "We are 'out' of bubblegum."

He takes it and drinks the water from the table. You smile at his look of disgust and wipe his head of sweat again. "Didn't like the medicine, sir."

"Who does?" He sighs.

"Miracle—"

"Dr. Miracle." She corrects.

"Yes, sorry. Dr. Miracle I think what Daddy needs is some rest now."

"Okay, I can stay here and monitor him."

"Nurses do that. Not doctors. Doctors go to bed." You say.

"But Daddy's still sick." Miracle pouts.

"I know, and he doesn't need to get you sick too. Go upstairs, brush your teeth, and get in the bed. Say goodnight to Daddy." You instruct.

"Goodnight Daddy." She rests her head on his chest for a hug.

"Goodnight, Miracle." He rubs her back then watches as she scampers off.

"You know, she'll be waking up early tomorrow to bother you some more." You giggle.

"She's never bothering me." He coughs. You kiss his forehead and pull the blanket higher bundling him up.

"Then the doctor will be back in the morning to check on you. Goodnight." You refill his glass and leave the medicine on the coffee table, "And If I see you off that couch trying to do something you're not supposed, I'm gonna tote you around the ER for all your residents to see."

One day, Gloria had taken frequent trips to the ED to talk to Robby. Which meant that Miracle had to make herself scarce or else everyone would suffer the consequences.

Miracle watches the chaos through the crack of a curtain. Gloria is arguing with Robby about something. Miracle was a smart girl and knew that if Gloria saw her the party would end in the ER.

"What are you doing, Shortstop?" Santos stands in front of the curtain blocking the little girl's view.

"Ms. Gloria is here. If I get caught here, Uncle Robby will get in trouble." Miracle whispers.

Santos looks over her shoulder, "She looks mad."

"Uncle Robby says it's her job to be mad." Miracle looks past Santos and gasps, "She's coming!"

"Dr. Santos!" Gloria's voice scares Santos stiff. As she turns around, she hears the sound of small feet pattering away.

"Yes ma'am?" She purses her lips.

"You're not too busy right now are you?" Gloria approaches her with Robby close behind her.

"Not at all, what can I do for you?" Santos smiles politely. She walks towards them and switches places with them so Gloria doesn't see Miracle sneak away. As Gloria asks her about her day to output and some other corpo-bullshit. Robby is behind her and notices Miracle tip-toeing through the hall. He chuckles interrupting the conversation.

"Something funny, Dr. Robby." She turns around.

"Just the fact that you are asking about Dr. Santos' face-to-face time and yet you are keeping her from seeing patients." He shrugs.

Gloria rolls her eyes and when she looks back at Santos. Santos bites her bottom lip, "I should probably go, labs came back on a patient." She waves around her tablet. She walks back past them and follows Miracle's path. As she approaches the North side nurse's station, she see's little ladybug rain boots sticking out from under one of the chairs.

It was still raining in Pittsburgh and Miracle was so excited to go stomping in puddles. However, it only started raining after they came to the ED. With Gloria inside, Miracle couldn't be splashing around in the ambulance bay.

"Coast is clear, Shortstop." Santos nudges her boots.

Miracle peeks from underneath, "Are you sure?" She then hides back under desk.

"Hello again," Gloria walks past quickly probably looking for another resident to sink her claws into.

"Okay, maybe here isn't a good hiding spot." Santos whispers. She looks into one of the rooms behind the desk and beckons Miracle through the door. Miracle crawls through the door and Santos follows suit and closes the door behind them. "So it's been a lot of fun hanging out with Robby."

Miracle looks through the door of the adjoining door, "Lots of fun!"

"I bet." Santos smiles at her. Miracle was who Santos admired when she was little. A spunky little girl who goes on adventures around the city with the strongest support system she's ever seen. "You look like a spy right now."

"A super spy?!" Miracle spins on her feet, "You are one too!"

"Me too?" Santos giggles.

"Yeah," Miracle pulls her hand and cracks open the door, "You helped me hide so far."

"What's our next mission, Super Spy?"

They stack their heads together and peer out into the hall. Once the coast is clear, Santos walks out first then Miracle darts across after her. Santos grabs her rain coat as discreetly as possible.

"Going somewhere, Dr. Santos?" Dana asks without even turning to face her.

"Um… I'm pretty sure there's an ambulance on the way. I was just going to go check it out." Santos says inconspicuously.

"Is that why you are reaching for a child's yellow raincoat too?" Dana looks over her shoulder.

"No…" She dangles the yellow coat under the table. Miracle snatches it quickly.

"She's gone FYI. She went upstairs when a trauma came in and occupied most of our doctors.

"Awesome!" Miracle jumps out from under the table and throws on her jacket. She grabs Santos' hands and pull her out into the ambulance bay. The rain had slowed to a sprinkle but the streets were flooded.

Once the road is clear of ambulances, Miracle jumps from puddle to puddle splashing around. Santos follows her path, laughing behind her as they kick up the water. Miracle grabs Santos' hands again and they jump around in a circle together giggling.

Miracle made Santos feel like a little girl again. She didn't want to stop and go back to doing her job like an adult. She wanted to be a kid again like Miracle was. As they spin around, Santos notices Robby standing under the awning. His face was showing that play time was over.

"Miracle, we have to go back now." Santos stops jumping around.

"Aw, man." Miracle pouts and scrunches her face, "Okay."

"Hey you two." Robby smile, "Have fun?"

"So much fun! Santos is so cool." Miracle squeezes her hand and smiles.

"The coolest. Why don't you go in an do your worksheets with Ms. Dana," He smiles at the young woman, "Thanks for keeping Miracle away from Gloria."

"She did that all by herself." Santos shrugs as they walk back inside following Miracle, "It was fun watching her though."Miracle has already taken off her jacket and got to work on her worksheets. "She's the little girl I always wanted to be."

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