Jo Wilson was pissed. As she drove through the wet Seattle streets toward the home she shared with her husband, her anger only intensified. What kind of spouse doesn't show up to support their wife on a huge day like today? He knew how important today was and he knew how nervous she had been about her boards. However, he hadn't shown up to greet her and hadn't responded to calls or texts. All she had wanted was to celebrate with her family the way the other fifth year residents had.
She pulled up to the house feeling her face flush in anger at seeing his car in the driveway. She could have forgiven him if he had been stuck in a surgery or a department meeting, but sitting at home? His ass was definitely sleeping on the couch tonight.
She lugged her suitcase up the stairs and softly set it down to peer into their daughter's room. Her angry heart melted at the sight of Alex asleep in the rocking chair with Haley asleep on his chest. She pulled out her cell phone and snapped a picture before quietly walking into the room and kneeling beside them. Alex opened his eyes sleepily and stretched slightly. She rested her hand on his thigh and smiled softly, "Hey."
He grinned sleepily at her, "Hey. How does it feel to be a board certified surgeon?"
She looked at him with wonder, "How did you know?"
Alex shrugged slightly, "Never had any doubt. You're a great surgeon, Jo. There was no way you were going to fail that exam."
Jo beamed at him, "It feels pretty damn good." She reached up to stroke Haley's hair, "What's wrong with Hales?"
Alex's eyes widened, "What makes you think there's anything wrong with her?"
"Well for starters she has a fever. She's fast asleep when it's not her nap time, you're home in street clothes when you're supposed to be at work." She quirked a brow at him, "Do I need to go on? What's wrong with my baby, Karev?"
Alex smirked at her, "I don't think it's anything serious. Just a slight fever the past two days. Probably just teething. She didn't sleep too well last night."
Jo shook her head, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You needed to focus on your boards. I didn't want you to be distracted with worry."
Haley began to stir and Jo lifted her from Alex's arms to cradle her and kiss her forehead as she carried the small child to the changing table to give her a fresh diaper. Alex stood and followed them, still stretching out from being in the same position too long. He wrapped his arms around Jo's waist and nuzzled her neck, "We missed you."
Jo leaned back on his chest, "I missed both of you too."
He kissed her shoulder softly, "Wish we could have been there to meet you when you got back."
Jo shook her head quickly, "It's okay."
"You thought I had forgotten," Alex murmured with a smile in his voice.
Jo shook her head again, "No I didn't."
Alex smirked, "Mmmhmm. You were pissed. I can tell."
Jo picked up Haley and turned back to face him as Haley rested her head on Jo's shoulder and sucked her thumb. "Fine. I was mad."
Alex gave a smug grin, "I know."
She rolled her eyes, "I just…I was looking forward to celebrating with you guys and then you wouldn't even answer the phone…"
Alex started patting his pockets before looking up sheepishly, "Sorry. Guess I left it downstairs."
Jo gave a loving look, "Call it even?"
Alex nodded slowly before leaning forward to kiss her softly. He pulled back and asked quietly, "What time are you meeting up with the others to celebrate?"
Jo smiled softly at him as he rubbed Haley's back, "Are you kidding? There's nowhere else I'd rather be than here with you two."
Alex grinned, "Wanna order in pizza?"
Jo smiled brightly, "Sounds perfect to me."
