#after outbreak

“You okay baby?” he questions sleepily on seeing that you’re sat up in bed with a cup of herbal tea, visibly tired, but unable to sleep.

“She’s awake so y’know what that means” you groan stroking your stomach with one hand when your back spasms. “And of course, I’ve been having the nightly occurrence of pains” you roll your eyes.

“Oh, y’gonna be okay today?” he sits up studying you.

“Yeah” you reach out to stroke his cheek, “I’m more than-”  

“Used to them by now” he finishes for you. “Yeah, I know baby I just hate you bein’ like this. Y’know this patrol today, I don’t have to go, Tommy and Maria both said I didn’t need to do anymore especially with how you’ve been.”

You chuckle, “I know Joel, but you’ve also been losing your mind being cooped up, don’t try, and lie and say you haven’t, cus you have. I’ll have Ellie with me all day! You’ll be back before you even realise you’ve gone, trust me I’ll be okay, so stop worrying.” You chuckle, but then wince the laughing causing your boobs to bounce. “Fuck my boobs are really sore” you whine.

And Joel knows exactly what that means he needs to do. In about one of the only ways, he can make you feel better.

He sits up in an instant. Dirty smirk on his face. “They just need a lil bit of lovin’ s’all don’t they?” So, he bends to draw his tongue over your nipple twirling it round and round before biting softly, he then does the same on the other.

He begins to massage them in his warm large palms causing you to moan and writhe. “Needy again aint yah baby? Never known someone who needs to fuck so often.” He chuckles taking one hand away to find its way to your core. Stroking his fingers through the slick of your wet cunt before spreading it to you clit and circling. Setting a pace that has you nearing release almost instantly.

“Mmm Joel” you whimper.

“Such a good girl, I’ll make you feel good don’t worry” he squeezes your breasts harder. Taking them back into his mouth as he puts more pressure on your clit, whilst shoving a finger in and out of your tight hole.

“Ugh, g- gonna come Joel.”

“S’it good girl give it t’me!” he demands into your breast, not letting up his pace.

You lose yourself after hearing his gruff voice once more. His ability to make you feel things you never thought you’d be able to leaves you forever wanting. So really, it’s his fault you wana fuck all the time.

“Fuck me” you whisper when his fingers eventually leave your core. Still shaking post orgasm. Your whole body already begging to be filled once more.

“Yeah? S’that what y’need?”

“Yeah” you whisper.

He helps you to lie on your side then before slotting in behind you lifting your thigh ever so slightly as he aims himself at your aching cunt. He pushes in all the way on one agonising thrust. Bringing a hand round to touch your breasts once more “I’ll make you feel better baby.” He whispers into your ear as he begins to move.

“Ugh Joel” you moan.

“Come on baby know you’ve got another one in there for me.” He coaxes moving slowly within you holding you tight as he finds a new, deeper angle.

🩷

Once satisfied Joel then helps you to get ready for the day. It’s Tuesday and as arranged you and Ellie are watching Ted so Maria can go to her important council meeting and of course as per, Joel and Tommy are out on a patrol. The pains you had through the night every so often left you completely restless. You definitely feel as though they’re different, even if it’s only a slight difference. Looking after Ted will mean you have your hands full, you’re already glad of the distraction and it’s not even begun.

On his insistence Joel slowly walks you over to Tommy and Maria’s. Not satisfied until you’re content in the house. There’s no sign of Ellie when you first arrive but it’s not long until she knocks. “Sorry overslept” she utters out of breath when Joel opens the door to her.

With Ellie as your personal ‘aide’ for the day, him and Tommy leave for their patrol and then it isn’t long till Maria goes to meet the council. Explaining they’re determining someone’s fate, on if they get to stay in Jackson or not after an incident on a previous patrol.

🩷

You lap up every second of your nephews company. Enjoying him being crazy till he tires himself out and then all warm and snuggly.

You’re snuggling with Ted on the sofa after having some lunch. Ellie offering to wash up. He’s curls up round your bump, his head resting against your chest as he watches a cartoon. He’s sleepy but fighting it. You can’t wait to do this with your own baby.

“Heyyy!” Ted suddenly shouts lifting his head to look down at your stomach.

“What’s up Teddy?”

“The baby kickeded me!”

You laugh “They’re just sayin’ hi! They know that their cousin Teddy is close.” You stroke your belly, and he follows the pattern you draw with his own palm. Content for a second until his crazy three-year-old mind begins whirring again.

“Why am I the baby’s cos-un?” he questions looking at you.

“Why are you the baby’s cousin?”

“Yah!”

“Well remember I told you this before, your daddy and Uncle Joel are brothers, aren’t they?”

He nods “yeah, I love my Uncle Joel and my daddy, they’re the bestest!”

“Yeah, they are huh? Well, they are brothers and you’re daddy’s baby aren’t you and then this baby is Uncle Joel’s baby. So that makes you and this baby cousins.”

“Is it fun?”

“Fun being a cousin?”

He nods looking to you curiously.

“Oh yes, so much fun! When I was your age, I loved my cousins more than anyone else in the whole wide world! We had weekends where we used to make blanket forts and eat loads of sweets!”

“Yay! I’m so ‘sited! I want the baby to come now! Can they come now?” he looks to the bump once more.

“They’ll come soon don’t worry, but right now they want a snack! Do you want one too?”

“Yes peaseeee!” you smile at one another then before going on a mission to find food.

🩷

Throughout the day you notice the pains you have seem to be slightly different, but you’re so distracted running around after Ted that you don’t take too much notice. It’s always in the back of your mind though that this could potentially be ‘it’, and it’s an exciting prospect.

The day is over before you know it and with Maria arriving back, you tell Ellie she can go and meet Dina if she wants, which of course she does. She jumps at the chance. Anyone would think she hates your company, but then you remember what it felt like to be young and in love-which she definitely is (even if she wont admit it to you), and so you can’t blame her for the way she behaves.

With Ted finally down for a nap you get started on cooking with Maria’s help. Getting some lovely food ready for your boys for when they get back from their exhausting day on patrol. You find this to be the best opportunity to finally relay your feelings to Maria.

“Maria, I think there’s a chance I could be in labour? Maybe I’m not sure. How did you know you were in labour?”

“What? Why are you thinking that?” she startles. “And my waters broke it all started there for me, but not everyone’s waters break right away.”

“Well, these pains today are definitely seeming to be different. Only a little, but they seem to be in more of a pattern too. And they’ve never been in a pattern before.”

“Oh, how exciting! It might be especially if you say there’s more of a pattern.”

“Guess we will have to wait and see huh?” you giggle so excited at the thought it could be.

You leave Maria to go to the bathroom a short while later, with a real sudden urge to go, but stop in your tracks along the way, not even making it out of the kitchen. You feel something trickle and find yourself gripping your stomach.

“Maria!?” it comes out squeaky.

“Yeah?” she turns from the stove to look at you. “What’s wrong, what’s up?”

“How long till the guys get back?”

“Erm only about an hour or so now why?” she looks to her watch then back to you.

“I think my water might have just broke.”

“What really are you sure? You, okay?” she’s quick to be at your side walking you over to a chair and helps you to sit.

“Yeah, I think so. Like I said I’ve had pains off and on all day and I knew they felt different to my usual but of course I wasn’t sure, although it was in the back of my mind, but this now I can feel it leaking out of me. Oh God this is actually happening.” You laugh. Finding yourself not panicking, but everything seems to be hitting you at once and you can’t seem to stop talking. Always one for nervous chatter.

“Okay just take a breath!” Maria laughs “Are you okay? You need anything?”

“I’m fine, excited, nervous” you laugh. “I’m gonna, ouch!” you moan briefly feeling a spasm in your back. “I’m gonna go put a pad on, cus otherwise this chairs gonna get all wet, I’ll be back” you wink.

Maria helps you to stand holding you when your back spasms again.

It’s whilst you’re in the bathroom that you have your first proper contraction. You sway your body side to side as you breathe softly, rubbing at your hardening stomach. You can’t believe it’s finally happening. That the day is finally here after waiting and praying for so long, you can’t wait to finally meet your baby. It makes you smile. You’re at a point in your life that you always dreamed of but never though would happen. Especially with adding the end of the world into the mix. You’ve never ever been happier.

After sorting yourself out you walk back to the kitchen smiling at Maria upon entry.

“It’s definitely happening, had a proper contraction in the bathroom.”

“Amazing… Man, it makes me want another one so badly! Think Ted would love a little brother or sister, don’t you? I’ve radioed down, they’re only 30 minutes out so won’t be long, don’t worry I didn’t say why I was asking would give Joel a heart attack if I did” she chuckles. “But we’ll keep an eye on you, call for Jen if we need her, if not, let’s get some food in you and then you and Joel can go to the clinic afterwards, okay? Unless you feel like you need to go now, if you do we’ll go I’ll drop Ted with Ellie at Dina’s?”

“No honestly, I’m fine for now, the second we need to go, we’ll go. I’m starving though, can’t wait to eat!” you giggle.

“That’s good you’ll need all the strength you can get, so a big meal will work wonders. You just stay comfy here I’ll finish the food.” She smiles at you rubbing your shoulder.

🩷

Dinner is served just in time for when the boys make it home. Ted is now awake from his nap, being fed by his mother as Tommy strides in walking straight over to her to give her a kiss. “Hey Sugar.”

“Hey Babe.” She utters against his lips.

You quickly stand to go and find Joel, whose by the door taking off his boots.

“Joel” you utter softly.

“Hey Darlin’.” Evident relief in his face upon seeing you after a long day.

“Hope you’re feeling brave.”

“What, why?”

“My water broke.”

“What?”

“My water broke not that long ago.”

“Shit” he jumps up “Do we not need to-.”

“No not yet” you cut him off. “Second we need to go to the clinic we’ll go. I just don’t want to be in there for any longer than I need to.”

“Okay baby, whatever you wana do, you promise me you’re, okay?” he pulls you in for a hug.

“Contractions are about 15 minutes apart roughly me and Maria have been working out. It’s obviously going to be a long labour and they hurt, but I’m fine. Very, very glad to have you home though” you kiss him.

“My gorgeous baby, I love you.” He utters pulling away briefly before kissing you again even harder. “Still can’t believe you’re makin’ me a daddy again.”

“Well believe it” you whisper. “Come on lets go eat before it gets cold.” You smile as he puts his arm round you as you begin walking back.

“Fuck...” you suddenly whimper. Your whole-body tensing and you seek Joel instantly. Turning your body into him as you moan through the pain.

“You got this girl” he holds you close as you moan through the pain, “just remember to breathe” he coaxes.

When the pain depletes you stand and look him in the eye “They aren’t that bad yet, I’m okay I promise” you smile as he smiles back at you. He places a delicate kiss to your forehead as you close your eyes from the feeling. Opting to wrap his arm back around your waist as you continue walking into the room, you note how worried he seems already.

“Jeez y'look like you’ve seen a ghost!” Tommy jests upon seeing his brother.

“No ghosts, I just told him my water broke!” You announce excitedly.

Instantly Tommy’s face changes, to an expression identical to that of his older brothers. Just as you expected.

“Exactly brother.” Joel laughs. “Now do y’get it.”

“Man, family’s gonna be expandin’ again, can’t wait!” Tommy mutters big smile on his face before he begins eating.

“Me too” You reply happily sitting at the table with the help of Joel.

“Unc Joe, the baby kickeded me today!” Ted announces when Joel takes his seat.

He gasps dramatically “did they now?”

“Uhu” He nods.

Joel chuckles lightly. “I’ll make sure to tell her off” he winks to his nephew who tries to wink back but just blinks.

“Hey where’s Ellie?” Joel interrupts the silence not long later.

“I’m surprised it took you so long to notice haha, where d’you think?”.

“Need I ask, they’re obsessed with one another I swear” he shakes his head laughing.

About an hour after Joel makes it home it’s clear it’s time for you to go to the clinic. Contractions now around ten minutes apart, but with your waters already broke you decide rather to be safe than sorry. So, you pack up what you need and make the journey over.

🩷🤍🩷🤍🩷

Two hours after arriving:

“Fuck it hurts Joel!” you moan.

“I know Baby, I know, you just keep going, you’re doing so good.” He pushes on your back as you lean over the bed.

You breathe in and out the way you’d read to in the preparing for childbirth books Joel had found on one of his patrols.

“Good you got this Baby; y’know exactly what you’re doing.”

“I’m just so tired Joel” you whimper letting out a long sad sigh through the pain “why won’t she just come out!”

“She’s comin’, I promise she’s comin’, just taking her sweet time; wants to make an entrance. Come on you’re her mama after all, she’s gotta at least try t’be as dramatic as you.”

You laugh, Joel actually manages to make you laugh as the pain finally beginning to subside.

“God help us if she’s like me” you jest rolling your eyes.

“Well, I for one hope she’s just like you, would love to have two of you around t’keep me company.”

“Yeah, then add Ellie into the mix, you’re gonna have your fuckin’ hands full Miller!” you laugh.

“Can’t wait” he mumbles instantly. And boy does he mean it. His life will be complete once he has his three girls, even if one of them is looking down on him rather than living life with him.

With the pain now completely subsided you stand up straight, leaning back against Joel’s chest as he cuddles you tighter to him with the squeeze of his arm.

You rub a hand over your protruding stomach.

“God I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Me too baby, me too.” Joel brings his right hand to your stomach and strokes, his left arm still holding your chest to squeeze you ever closer to him.

“She’s our biggest blessin’ ‘sides Ellie, and of course my Sarah, ain’t never been more excited than when she was born, even if I was shittin’ myself. I can’t wait t’do it all again.”

Joel openly talks about Sarah to you now, it took a while, but he always tells you there’s no one he trusts more than you, and you see Sarah as your daughter too now in a way, never having had the pleasure of meeting her, seeing her gorgeous face in person breaks your heart; you keep the picture he has of him and her out on display constantly. But God you know just how much Joel cherished every single second of fatherhood; that girl never wanted for anything. It makes you smile knowing this baby is going to have the world’s greatest dad.

“Me too I can’t wait. Man I can’t believe we’ve finally made it here.” You finally add placing one of your palms over Joel’s knuckles and you both just stand there. Stroking your bump. Embracing the last moments before the bump is gone and the baby is here. A whole new future awaits.

Joel rests his chin on your shoulder, eventually talking softly into your ear. “Shall we get you comfy before it’s time to go again? Or are you okay stayin’ like this Baby?”

“Erm, I think I’ll get back on the bed actually, yeah. If I sit, will you sit with me, hold me? You’re about the only thing keeping me sane right now.” You laugh before you look at him, your beautiful eye gleam that he fell in love with still evident, even though you’ve been doing this for hours.

He smiles “Course. You know I will darlin’.” He kisses the tip of your nose.

He then helps you to climb back onto the clinic bed and with you sitting in a somewhat comfortable position he toes off his boots and climbs to sit behind you, he spreads his legs to make room so you can get yourself comfortable; head resting on his chest, hands stroking your belly. Joel begins to play with your hair, gently tickling your scalp with his fingertips.

It’s silent for a moment. So comfortable.

“Don’t you think it’s crazy that we made her. That she’s a part o’us?” you utter softly; content.

“I know it’s the craziest thing, thought the exact same with Sarah, n’when I held her for the first time and her eyes looked up at me it’s like she recognised I was part o’her. And I just couldn’t believe I made her; well partly. That she came from me.”

“She was so lucky to have had a daddy like you.”

“Think you mean, I was lucky to have her. She was absolutely perfect. The love of my life. I’d never known love like it, didn’t know my heart could hurt that much with this need to protect, to love. She was my babygirl, will always be my first and she was my entire world. Just like you are, and Ellie is andddd” he reaches down to your belly poking it, “this girl is.”

You chuckle lightly.

“What we gonna call her?” You question as it goes silent once more.

“I don’t know darlin’ you got any ideas?”

You sigh solemnly “None, yet.”

“Well let’s see her face first, I’m sure when we see her it’ll click.”

“Yeah, I hope so, or maybe Ellie could help pick?”

“I love that idea” he chuckles lightly.

“I can’t wait to- ffff - fuck- holy shit- ugh Joel!” you begin to curl into yourself as the pain waves over you.

“Okay babygirl, you’re okay just breathe, breathe, good girl. I got you; I got you” Joel strokes your cheek with one hand the other hand being squeezed by yours.

“Fuck- Joel it really hurts. Holy Fuck!”

Maria walks in then with Jen the midwife of Jackson following closely behind, placing on a fresh pair of gloves; obviously coming back to check you once more. Maria observes how you’re curled into Joel. Screaming in agony.

“Oh dear!” Maria says softly as she runs to your side grabbing your other hand and letting you squeeze.

“How we doin’?” Jen questions.

“It hurts so much, fuck Jen! How have some people here done this like five fuckin’ times… fuckin’ lunatics!”

That raises a laugh from everybody.

“I know honey I know, it’s so worth it though I promise.” Maria adds.

“Hey, look at me sweetie” Jen asks, and you look up at her the pain still ripping through you. “Just remember the breathing exercises I told you about, okay? Big breath in, hold for four, then out.”

You nod before copying her, eyes watering.

“That’s it, goooood, see you know what to do. You’re a fighter mama.” She smiles at you in praise.

It takes a minute or two longer for you to fully recover from the pain. When you finally spread back out alleviating some of the pressure in your back, you look to Maria with a pained smile as Joel continues to caress your belly.

“I can examine you again now if you’d like, see how you’ve progressed?” Jen suggests.

“Yeah, okay please, I just need her out” you whimper.

She nods makes her way over to you after washing her hands thoroughly but quickly, wanting to ensure the examination is over before you’re in pain again, asking you to put your heels to your bottom, legs nice and wide apart. You do so swiftly and take hold of Joel’s hands.

“Just some slight pressure okay just take a breath for me.”

You wince as she checks you. Gripping Joel’s hands in your own tight.

“Okay good eight centimetres look at you go girl! Racing through! Won’t be too much longer now okay.”

“Oh, thank God!” you cry.

“Nearly there!” Maria praises before adding “Oh by the way, I just came back in to let you know Ellie’s right outside, she’s there with Dina.” You follow her finger as she points, looking through the small window in the door and find Ellie and Dina both pacing outside “They’re both refusing to leave. Ellie asked if she could come and see you, I said I’d ask you?” Maria continues.

“Yeah, course she can come in, she doesn’t have to ask!”

Maria nods at you with a smile before she walks back outside of the room and fetches Ellie, you watch through the small door window how Ellie gives Dina a kiss on the lips before parting from her. You shift slightly on Joel’s chest in as much as an effort as you can to look up at him.

“So, they’re an actual thing now- finally?”

He looks down at you a smile on his face as he begins to caress your cheek.

“I don’t know baby, but they look pretty cosy to me.”

“I hope so, Ellie deserves to be happy. Dina’s so good for her; I think they complete each other”

“She does darlin’ you’re right. And yeah, I agree Ellie seems much calmer with Dina. If that’s at all possible.” He chuckles before he kisses the top of your head.

With Dina and Ellie parted, she walks in, and comes straight to give you a hug.

“Hey Els, you okay?” You kiss the top of her head before she pulls away shocked.

“Why are you asking if I’m okay? Course I am, you’re getting ready to push an entire human out of” she gestures to between your legs. “How the fuck are you?”

“Well Joel’s a pretty good help. So that’s something, but fuck it hurts.” You half laugh half moan.

You try your best not to swear in front of Ellie but a whole human is about to rip itself from your body and if that doesn’t give you a free pass, well then nothing does…

“You best be helping her out properly Dino? Don’t wana hear no reports that you’ve been slacking on the job” Ellie looks to Joel then, pointing her finger.

“Dino?” he quizzes. “That’s new” he chuckles.

“Yeah, well you know being born during the Mesozoic era kinda comes with the nickname.” She says giving a nonchalant shrug.

You laugh then, but you’re the only one, Joel’s face remains straight, emotionally untouched. There’s no reaction whatsoever. Eventually he urges “Hmmm, remind me to bring that back up later.” face still unreadable, but it’s clear he’s joking around.

“Sure thing old man” she winks.

“Enough with the old, s’like you wana send me to an early grave.” He sniggers lightly the seriousness forgotten.

“Yes sir” she salutes. “And may I just add I do not want to do that, you might be old but you’re gonna live forever, please and thank-you.” She smiles and Joel salutes her back understanding and accepting of her demands, like he’d ever leave his girls!

She reaches for your belly then, slowly, and gently caressing it, as she takes a seat on the stool next to the bed.

“So, how’s my little sister doin?”

“Yeah, she’s good, planned her escape well, just a shame I’m paying the price in the way I am” you sigh.

“She’s doing great, they’re both doing great” Jen adds in from the side lines with a smile looking over her shoulder briefly before focusing back on prepping everything ready in the room.

“Hey anyway,” Ellie begins, cheeky smile on her face as she chuckles lightly “you chose to get in this mess, so you gotta get back out of it. Not that I wana think about how you got into this situation… ew” she grimaces.

“Well, she’s got you there hasn’t she Darlin’?” Joel adds softly.

“Yeah, I know, but hey you can’t say you aren’t happy we chose this” you tap her lightly.

“Definitely, I’m super happy can’t wait!” Ellie almost bursts as she replies.

“Exactly!” you shout back.

You wince as another pain begins to take over. Rather than curling into yourself this time you begin to straighten yourself out, sitting upright in your place on the bed. Allowing your upper body to rock slightly. Joel sits up with you adjusting so he can properly access your shoulders as he begins to rub. You scream as the pain rips through you, Ellie grabs your hand, and you squeeze “ahhh fuck fuck fuck fuck” she’s quick to add. “Sorry!” you manage to moan back through gritted teeth.

You pant and pant as your body feels paralysed from the pain. It seems to go on and on, and it leaves you traumatised. Beads of sweat run down your forehead and your eyes well with more fresh tears.

When it eventually begins to ease you drop back against Joel, completely and utterly exhausted. Finally Letting go of Ellie’s hand.

Joel shushes you as you weep quietly; you take quick deep breaths.

“Fuck Joel, I just want her out!” you cry.

“Soon babygirl I promise soon.”

You then look at Ellie, “I’m so sorry El, I didn’t meant to hurt you.” That makes you cry even more. You really didn’t mean to squeeze so hard; she didn’t deserve that.

Fuck your spiralling. Everyone knows you had no intention of hurting anyone.

“You didn’t hurt me, just didn’t realise you could grip so hard I was shocked, you’re even more badass than I thought” she responds.

All four of you laugh then.

🩷🤍🩷🤍🩷

2 hours later

Ellie is gone, shooed away when every other word of the sentences you were stringing together became expletives. The pain unbearable and you don’t want Ellie to be witness to you in this state. Maria has gone back home to her beautiful family showing her face for support a few times before you begged for her to go on home to be the mama she deserves to be, rather than having to be witness to this. It’s just you and Joel. So utterly in love. So desperately in need for one another; to be close. Jen close at hand the whole time but it’s just you and Joel, in your love bubble. Nothing else in the world matters but this moment; cherishing your last moments together before the baby comes.

🩷

It’s on the next examination after a particular awful pain that you finally hear what you’ve been longing for “You can push, you’re there!” It’s music to your ears, you let out the biggest sigh of relief, as does Joel.

“Y’hear that garlin’?” he chuckles excitedly.

“She’s coming” you whisper panting hard.

“She is baby, she’s comin’!”

“Let me know when you have a pain sweetie and let’s get this show on the road! Soon as that pain hits start pushing into your bum. Don’t want any noise okay you focus all your energy on pushing down, getting this baby out.”

You nod smiling at her slightly still panting.

“It’s coming!” you shout breathing speeding up.

“Okay great sweetie listen to your body and just go with it, push this baby out let’s go!” she encourages.

“C’mon baby you got this!” Joel screams in encouragement from behind you. Still cradling you the way he has been for hours. His knees are bent as are yours your body fitting into the shape of him. He makes you feel safe, he makes you feel as though you have the energy to keep going even when you’re desperate to quit.

As the pain comes over full throttle you push giving it absolutely everything that you’ve got. It’s silent as you squeeze and squeeze. Face getting redder by the second, but you can feel what’s going on and it keeps you going, pushing till you’re desperate to take a breath.

“Good!” Jen shouts in praise. “Big breath in and go again if you can, let’s get their head out!”

And so, you do “Come on baby, doin’ so well m’so proud of you!” Joel encourages gripping his hands over your thighs tighter pushing your knees closer to your chest to help as you push, just as you’d requested.

The second push gets most of the head out and you give once more, not allowing yourself a rest till you know this babies head is free from your body. With one more all mighty, slightly noisy push, you gasp in relief as you feel the head pops out. Your whole body relaxes. You’re panting hard, beads of sweat swimming on your forehead. Joel releases his grip on your thighs in case you decide to move in any way.

“Well done, that was absolutely wonderful!” Jen adds rubbing your knee in praise. “Take some nice deep breaths for me now, wait for the next contraction okay, well done!”

“Can I feel her head?” You question looking into Jen’s eyes your vision blurred as tears threaten release.

“You don’t need to ask, they’re yours course you can” she smiles.

You quickly bring a hand between your legs, gripping your tiny babies head. “Is that hair?”

“Sure is!”

“Oh Joel, you need to feel her and all her hair.” You turn your head to the side as much as possible to try to gain eye contact with him.

He looks down at your sweaty face, the tired replaced with a newfound energy at knowing this is all almost over. “Can I?” he questions you. He’d absolutely love to, but only if you’re certain.

“Yeah” you whisper.

He manoeuvres himself slightly so he can reach over you without shifting you too much, coming to bring his hand to grasp his tiny new babies head.

“Oh” he gasps wetly.

“Doesn’t she feel beautiful” you utter quietly still panting.

“So beautiful” he whispers.

“Oh fuck” you whisper before beginning to pant, “I can feel it coming!” you suddenly shout, the next pain taking hold.

Joel is quick to remove his hand, sitting back in the bed and grabbing your thighs once more, this time your hands join his, willing your legs to be as open as possible to get this baby out promptly.

You push again feeling as the baby much more easily now begins to slide from your body. You quickly gasp between pushes.

“One more big, big push and baby will be here!” and that’s all you need to hear.

You push for a final time screaming the roof down with this one. Your body wills and the baby is out. And then it’s all over. Your body heaves, so relieved, so drained, so excited.

You’re quick to release your thighs along with Joel and you sit up, him following resting his chin on your shoulder as Jen hands you your screaming baby. You cradle them against your chest as they squirm and scream at their first look of their new world.

“Oh, she’s here, she’s here!” you cry. As Jen grabs a towel wiping the baby over as you hold them close.

“M’so proud of you” Joel mutters quietly allowing himself to release the tears he’d been holding.

“Oh, I know shhh” you hold them close to you willing the cry’s to settle down which they do quickly. “Good, shhhh there you go.” You move the baby to be cradled in your arms then; tiny body and face squishing into you as they’re already on a mission to try to find food.

“Guess we should confirm it’s definitely a girl huh?” Joel practically whispers.

You chuckle wetly slowly moving one of the cute bundles legs so you can check. Going into a fit of giggles with that you see.

“Well would y’look at that” Joel chuckles lightly. “Another daughter. How lucky am I!”

“My beautiful baby girl” you whisper to her crying.

“Daddy do you wana cut the cord?” Jen questions after a few minutes.

“Sure.” He quicks takes the scissors from her, and the cord is cut, she’s separate now, her own person.

“Lemme move baby so y’can lie down with her, okay?” You nod as he moves from behind you slowly on the bed helping you to lie back against the pillows. He stands at your side, cooing over his brand-new healthy, pink, content flesh and blood. His smile so wide it hurts.

“We’re just waiting on the placenta okay sweetie, I’m just gonna push on your belly a little, okay?” Jen asks but you’re not paying that much attention, besotted with your new daughter.

“Okay” you nod, wincing at first touch, jumping slightly from the pressure. “Jen wait a sec” and she stops instantly.

“You, okay?” she’s quick to ask.

“Yeah just” you turn to look at Joel. “Will you cuddle her daddy? Whilst we do this I just don’t wana hurt her if I flinch or something.”

“Music to my ears baby, gimme my girl, we need some daddy daughter time.” He grabs her gently ensuring she’s still wrapped in the blanket shushing her as she groans; but not before taking off his shirt so he can have some skin to skin contact with her, opting to grab another blanket to further wrap her as he holds her close.

He sits just for a moment with his newborn daughter as she looks to him, and he looks down on her studying the features of her father. It doesn’t take long for her to begin smacking her lips together, desperately needing food. Thankfully, the placenta has now been delivered and so Joel is quick to return his daughter to your chest once Jen has propped you up better with the pillows so nursing will be comfortable.

As soon as you take your daughter back from him, he’s there at hand to help you to ease your daughter into feeding at the breast. No help is needed from Jen as the child latches almost instantly. Guzzling away once a steady flow is being released. It isn’t without winces from you which keep making Joel jump, but you assure him it’s all because it’s new, you’re not in pain just in shock. You’ve grown and birthed an entire human. A human you’re now responsible for. And god she is gorgeous.

She’s out cold after a feed, lying against your chest snoring softly, you and Joel both can’t keep your hands off her.

Joel hears you sniffling softly, and it suddenly dawns on him that you’re crying.

“S’wrong baby? You in pain?” you can hear just how worried he is.

“No, no I just- hiccup- I just am so in love with her, and it’s making me cry and I can’t stop.”

He shushes you gently, kissing your temple “I know Baby she’s so beautiful. You did it! You did it so well, brought her safely into this world!”

“I can’t believe it’s over, after everything we went through.”

“It’s not over baby, this chapter might be, but we have so much now that’s only just starting. The beginning of so so much!”

“I know, I just I’m so happy and so excited… where’s Ellie, I miss her, and I want her to meet her sister?”

“Jen went to get her. I said don’t bother going to Tommy’s she will be with Dina” he chuckles lightly.

“Haha yep one thing about that girl is, she’s so predictable” you laugh back wetly.

🩷

It’s about twenty minutes later that Ellie is back, ecstatic at the prospect of meeting her sibling.

“Holy shit, I can’t believe that they’re actually here!” she exclaims as she first enters the room. She runs straight to your bedside admiring her sleeping sibling.

“Ellie, meet your sister” you utter softly.

“Sister? Damn you guys were actually right all along. Haha that’s brilliant. Oh, by the way I brought her this”, she offers over a blue t-rex stuffed toy. “Gotta make sure she’s as educated as me, start her early.”

“What she’s out of the womb maybe three hours and she’s already due a lesson?” Joel remarks.

“Hey, you can never start them too early!”

You chuckle.

“You wana hold her?” you question kissing your daughters head when she stirs slightly.

“Erm, I- I mean yeah I do, but I’m a bit out of practice with holding a baby.” She utters slightly embarrassed “I don’t know if it’s a good idea. I don’t wana drop her.”

“Trust me it’s second nature. Y’wont drop her.” Joel utters standing to allow Ellie to sit in his chair and he then begins to carefully pick your daughter up, shushing her gently when she grunts. She settles fast in her daddy’s arms. He bends slowly to lower his daughter into his older daughters hands. Releasing her only when he sees Ellies confidence shine through, and she settles into the comfortable feeling of having a baby in her arms.

Joel takes a step back coming to sit on the edge of the bed holding your hand as you both watch the sisters bond with one another. Eventually she opens her eyes and stares curiously at her big sister, Ellie brushes one of her fingers over her sisters eyebrows and smiles softly.

You stay like this for a while, content, happy, complete.

“So, what’s her name?” Ellie questions quietly.

“Well, this is the thing” Joel utters and Ellie looks to him curiously.

You add “we thought maybe you’d like to name her?”

“Me?” she’s shocked.

“Well why not?” Joel adds.

“Because I -I mean, seriously? You actually mean that?”

“We actually do” you nod.

“Well, there was actually a name that came to me the second I saw her, but I presumed you’d already have one picked out, so I didn’t say anything.”

“N’what name was that?” Joel quizzes

“To be fair it would fit for a boy too… so maybe I’d have thought it if it was a boy?” it’s clear she’s nervous to say.

“Just spit it out” Joel chuckles.

“Frankie” She announces “I think Frankie Miller sounds perfect.”

“Frankie” Joel whispers.

“Oh, Ellie, I love it.” You mumble trying to hold back tears “so beautiful.”

“Yeah, I thought so too. Well, there we go then! - Frankie Miller, welcome to the world!” she coos down at her sister whose eyes beam up at her. You and Joel are still transfixed on watching the two sisters bond.

“Welcome to the world Frankie baby” you whisper.

When Sarah yawns for what must be the fiftieth time in the last ten minutes, he knows she’s done in, it’s been a long few (exhausting although happy) hours.

“You should get some sleep baby you’re exhausted.”

She shakes her head as she yawns again. “No I’m okay.”

She watches the way Joel protectively sits near them, watching so content. The inept need to protect, watch, be close. But she knows as much as it’s partly that reason the other reason is because of how obsessed with his granddaughter he is already.

After she’s watched him stare for what must be fifteen minutes, and once she feels Bea stirring against her chest she chuckles “do you want another cuddle gramps?”

“Do I ever, the day I say no t’that question you’ve got my full permission t’take me out back n’shoot me” he grumbles back with a smile. “But she’s sleepin’ best not t’disturb her.”

“No she’s waking up look, take her daddy give her some gramps love.”

He doesn’t need to be asked twice. He gently leans across in order to grab her from her mother’s chest. Placing his large hands under her tiny armpits in order to raise her up. She moans sleepily and scrunches her body in on itself as she’s raised away. Her mittened hands quickly moving to curl around her head.

He shushes her as he brings her to his chest and sits back. Her head in the side of his neck as he strokes at her back and leans his head down to place a kiss at her crown before then inhaling. The newborn smell is oh so real…

“God, she smells good” he mumbles, “I’m so obsessed with her baby, she’s so precious” but when he gets no response, he looks over to Sarah and finds her asleep.

How quick she went from being alert with Bea on her to asleep the second she was safe with someone else. She’s already such a good mother and it’s only been a few hours.

“Come on let’s leave your momma to it huh Bea? Go cuddle somewhere else.” He coos at her as she finally begins to properly wake. He moves her to be laid in his arms and she stares up at him curiously. Her wide eyes look around although he knows there isn’t much she can see yet, but even so, she’s clearly obsessed with her gramps already. He lifts his arms to place a kiss to the top of her head before making sure she’s properly comfortable and secure in his arms.

As he rocks her back and forth whilst making his way out of the room, she pulls a face and he’s not quite sure why, but once he hears the noise and feels the vibrations against the hand that rests under her bottom he understands.

“Of course baby, waited till you were with me to fill it up huh? Couldn’t do that to ya poor old momma could you?” She instantly begins screaming and he moves her back to be cuddled against his chest as he bounces her up and down. “Shhh that’s okay baby I don’t mind. Let’s get you changed and go see if Uncle Tommy and Maria are still here huh?”

She doesn’t let up on the screaming until she’s clean. Yet her gramps does everything he can to keep her happy, change her as quickly as he can whilst trying to keep her warm so she’s content once more.

He loves her so much already.

After she’s changed, he makes his way to the living room where Tommy and Maria have just finished helping Alison clean up.

With everything sterile and back to normal Alison packs her bags to leave. It’s sad really, after she’s been so involved in brining little Bea into the world, it really does seem awful to see her go. But it’s her job and it’s not like she won’t be around town enough to see her; she coos at the baby once more before leaving.

Once it’s just the three of them Tommy walks over to his older brother peering at her resting against his chest being held up by his large palms. She seems so utterly tiny against him.

“Still can’t believe she’s here” Tommy utters stroking at her head.

“I know” he chuckles rubbing at her back as she stares around the room curiously.

“She looks just like Sarah.”

“Scarily so huh?” Joel chuckles back and the brothers nod.

They were just like this twenty-two years ago when Sarah was born, Joel twenty-two, Tommy even younger, and both their lives were forever changed by the biggest blessing they decided to call Sarah.

It’s like a step back in time the two of them seemingly in a world of their own as they coo over this new girl they’d kill for. They’d do anything by any means necessary to keep her safe, healthy, and happy.

Joel lifts her to be held in front of their faces. She scrunches her tiny body as tight as possible as she licks her tiny lips “mmm I know, even down t’that mark on the side o’her neck, just like the one Sarah was born with.”

“Can’t believe we’re doin’ it again, got another girl t’raise and protect.”

“Yeah, well by this point we’re both old hands, we got this in the bag baby brother.”

Tommy nods, as his brother adds “you wana hold her?” And his eyes light up instantly. Joel chuckles as he passes the tiny bundle into her Uncle Tommy’s arms.

“Suits yah.” Joel adds sincerely.

“Thanks. And like you were sayin’ course we got this big brother, know exactly what we’re doin’ this time, and she’s got one awesome momma raisin’ her too, so she ain’t ever gonna have to worry about nothin’.”

“Mmm, maybe just her gramps and Uncle crampin’ her style.”

He chuckles as he peers down at baby Bea, more than making herself comfortable in his arms.

“Sarah’s so good with her already it’s crazy, have you seen her?”

“Yup, always knew she’d make an amazin’ momma one day.”

Just then the door to the room closes and both men look up to see Maria making her way over. “Damn Tommy, you look mighty fine with a baby in your arms.”

He blushes “why thank you ma’am.”

She chuckles as she moves to coo over her. “Hi pretty girl.”

“You’re itchin’ t’hold ain’t yah?” He looks to his wife with a knowing smirk on his face.

She nods and he ever so carefully places her into his wife’s arms immediately admiring the sight of the two of them.

“Well I must say Mrs Miller that you too don’t half look good with a baby in ya arms, most definitely suits yah.”

“Guessin’ it’s your guy’s turn next huh?"

“One step at a time big brother.” Tommy chuckles nervously.