Title: "A Perfect Reminder"
Rating: K+
Category: General
Author: grissomrocks
Summary: Warrick's new daughter stirs up old memories.
Spoilers: "Pilot" and "Cool Change"
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters, except the baby. Just using them for my own, and hopefully others', enjoyment.
Tina was sleeping soundly. She deserves the rest, Warrick thought as he sat by her hospital bed. A mixture of love, pride, and even some guilt coursed through him as he reflected upon what his wife had been through over the past day. I know I wouldn't have been able to go through all that for 17 hours.
His attention was then diverted to the bundle in his arms. The newborn baby girl was also sleeping, which, Warrick reflected wryly, was in stark contrast to a few hours ago. At that time she had loudly protested her entry into the world.
As the new father looked with devotion upon the new life he and Tina had created, Warrick couldn't help but compare the start of his own life with that of his daughter's. As soon as his mother discovered she was pregnant, Warrick's father disappeared. To this day, Warrick had never met him.
Well, at least I've done one thing right so far, Warrick acknowledged with some pride. I'm here. And no matter what happens in the future, I'll never bail out on my baby girl.
As if his mind wanted to prove him wrong, images of Holly Gribbs began to penetrate Warrick's consciousness. Instead of shadowing and mentoring her like he was supposed to, he bailed out on her to place a bet. And she had died because of it. The guilt would plague him the rest of his life.
Until Holly's death, Warrick had never believed that gambling would hurt anything besides his wallet. All that changed afterwards. Despite the strong temptations from living in Las Vegas, he had managed to stop most of his gambling.
However, Warrick realized that all it would take was the right set of circumstances and the problem could consume his life again. This time though, he had a family that was depending on him. He needed a constant reminder of what could happen if he didn't stay focused.
A smile crossed Warrick's face as an idea came to mind. It would be the perfect reminder. And since Tina already knew the circumstances behind it, he was fairly certain she would agree.
Warrick whispered to his baby, "Welcome to the world, Holly Brown."