First Day
Disclaimer: Sadly I own neither Saving Hope nor Daniel Gillies.
Pairing: Joel & Alex (or vice versa if you prefer)
Rating: T
Summary: Alex's first day back at Hope Zion after Theo's birth.
Alex Reid was exhausted. Today had been her first day back from maternity leave that followed the birth of her youngest son Theo. All she wanted to do was take a hot shower and crawl into bed next to Joel.
I'd rather change a million diapers than work this day again.
She closed her eyes against the pain of a persistent headache that had been plaguing her for hours.
It's just stress.
A few weeks off with my kids and I'm already out of practice.
She pulled the car into the driveway and wearily trudged up to the front door.
It was nearly midnight and the house was silent.
Joel and the kids must be asleep.
Today had been his day off and her husband had been home all day with their three children.
Next time we'll coordinate schedules so we have the same days off.
Alex closed the front door as quietly as she could.
She smiled at the note on the fridge in Joel's handwriting:
Reid,
Leftover Chinese in the fridge.
Bet you kicked ass on your first day back.
Tried to wait up but the kids wore me out.
Love you
-Joel
Even though she was hungry she didn't open the refrigerator. Instead she kicked off her shoes and walked slowly upstairs toward the shower.
She entered the master bedroom and turned on the light in the bathroom, as she grabbed one of Joel's tee shirts to sleep in.
She leaned over the bed she shared with Joel and kissed him on the mouth, waking him from sleep.
"Mhhhhm….Alex. How was your day?" He asked opening his eyes and looking at her.
"Exhausting. I'd rather be home with you and the kids any day."
Joel chuckled, "We missed you too, Reid. Just give it some time you'll get your sea legs back. Are you coming to bed?"
Alex nodded, "Soon. I'm going to shower first."
Joel pulled her towards him once more, reaching up to remove the ponytail from her hair, letting it fall loose to her shoulders.
"Thanks. I'll just be a minute."
"Yes ma'am." Joel mumbled, the words running together as he drifted back to sleep.
Alex stayed in the shower for nearly twenty minutes, letting the hot water soothe the pain behind her eyes.
She dressed quickly and climbed in bed, wrapping her arms around Joel exhaling slowly.
"Feel better?" Joel asked, returning her embrace, pressing his lips against her shoulder.
Alex nodded, "I wish I could take something for this headache though."
"There are bottles in the fridge. You can take an aspirin."
Alex shook her head, "I don't want to take any chances. I'll have to feed the baby soon. Besides I haven't been able to feed him all day. I missed it."
Joel smiled, and she heard his voice in her ear, "Let me see what I can do about that headache, Reid."
Without waiting for her reply, Joel placed a hand on either side of her head and began to rub his fingers against her temples in slow soothing circles.
She exhaled with relief as the pain began to ease.
"Thank you, Joel, baby," She whispered, sleepily.
"You're welcome, Alex." He replied, gently lifting her head, and placing it on the pillow.
"Love you," She said, moving even closer to him in their bed.
I'll always love you.
"And I love you too, Reid." Joel answered softly just before he finally surrendered to sleep.
I'll always love you.
