Hi everyone! This story has been nagging me for the past few days, and I just had to sit down and start writing it. Please read and let me know what you think. I do not own Emergency or the guys, but I sure as heck wish I did!
He stood in the doorway, watching his wife rock their 3 year old son in the rocking chair. She was singing the Kenny Loggins song Return to Pooh Corner, trying to get their young son to sleep. A smile played on his lips as their son laid his little head on his mother's shoulder and slipped his arms around her neck.
He watched for a moment more before turning away, tears stinging his eyes. He thanked the Good Lord above that he had them both still on the earth with him. He had almost lost both of them when his wife was 8 months pregnant. It was the worst time in his life.
He sat down in his den, and began flipping through one of the many photo albums that was on the shelf. His mind began to wander back in time as he looked at the pictures.
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It had been a long day at the station, due to a structure fire, a couple MVA's and other rescues. Mike Stoker steered his truck homeward, yawning the whole way. He opened the windows and cranked the radio. The drive home was uneventful and he pulled into the driveway of his two-story house. He noticed that after his nap, he would have to mow the lawn.
He parked in the garage, grabbed his duffle bag and walked in the house. Beth met him at the door, taking his duffle, dropping it near the washing machine, then turning back to her husband. Mike was surprised, to say the least, when his wife kissed him passionately as she unbuttoned his shirt. Not that he minded. But his mind was going a mile a minute.
"Well, good morning to you too ,Honey," Mike said, smiling as he noticed for the first time his wife was wearing only her robe. He was definitely loving this welcome home.
"I thought you might need a little…relaxation," she replied, leading him to the living room. "I have some news for you."
Instantly, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He was worried that something was wrong with the love of his life.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm okay. In fact, I'm more than okay." Beth took Mike's hands into hers, looked him in the eye before saying, "Mike honey, I'm pregnant."
It took a moment for the news to digest in his head. He looked at his wife for a moment before pulling her to him, hugging her tightly. "I'm gonna be a father!" he yelled excitedly. He stood up abruptly, pulling her with him and dancing around the living room. They continued for a good five minutes before Mike calmed down and sat next to his wife on the couch again.
"When did you find out?" he asked, holding her hand.
"Yesterday. I went to the doctor last week when I wasn't feeling good. It was morning sickness. The doctor says that I am 2 months along," Beth said, smiling brighter than Mike had ever seen.
"That is great news honey! I am so excited!" Mike exclaimed, hugging her again. They pulled apart for a moment before the two fell into each others embrace and kissed each other passionately again.
Mike and Beth spent the whole day together, their love deepened by the thought of the tiny life they had created together. They began making plans for the house, where the nursery would go, how they would need to baby lock certain areas of the house and other things. Mike had the next day off too, so he took advantage of the warm sunny day to mow the grass. Beth spent the day pouring over magazines, trying to get ideas for the nursery. Then, they went out to dinner to celebrate their special news.
They had not told anyone, not even their families. So, it was decided that Mike would tell the guys at the station on his next shift, and Beth would tell her workmates at the hospital at the same time. Their families deserved to hear first.
So, after Mike's shift, their families gathered for a BBQ, and were told the wonderful news. Beth's mother cried, along with Mike's mother. His dad pumped his hand, then hugged him tightly. Their brothers and sisters all were excited; the girls telling Beth they would be planning a baby shower and the boys promising Mike that they would help with the nursery when the time came. At the end of the day, they were happy to have the support of their families.
Mike and Beth both had to work the next day, so both left early for their shifts. As he drove, Mike was in 7th heaven. He had the love of a beautiful woman and now he was going to be a father. He played the drums on the steering wheel to the Bee Gees as he sang at the top of his voice.
He pulled into the station's lot and parked his truck, noticing that Cap was already parked in his usual spot. He grabbed his duffle bag and headed for the locker room. He was changing as Marco and Roy entered. He listened as Roy and Marco talked about their day off as Johnny flew into the room, throwing things into his locker and changing. Chet also flew in, mimicking Johnny's frenzied pace. Cap stuck his head in to announce, "Roll call gentleman."
A few curse words were thrown around as Mike left the room. He chuckled as he left, Johnny and Chet racing out the door right behind him. They filed in line as Cap walked around the squad. He began roll, passing out assignments. Just as Cap was about to finish, Mike raised his hand. "Cap, I'd like to say something if I could."
"Sure Mike, go ahead."
He turned to the guys, his friends. He took a deep breath before saying, "Guys, I have some great news that I just can't hold in any longer. Beth and I are going to have a baby."
He wasn't prepared for the rush of congratulations he received. They were patting him on the back and pumping his hands. "Alright, give the guy some room," Cap said, smiling as he managed to give Mike some breathing room.
"When did you find out?" Roy asked, leaning against the squad with Johnny.
"A couple of days ago. Beth told me when I got home from work. We already told our families and I wanted to tell my best friends."
"How far along is she?" Cap asked.
"The doctor told her she was about 2 months along. We'll know for sure in a month or so when she has her appointment. We are so excited. She has already been looking through magazines to get an idea for the baby's room," Mike replied, smiling broadly.
"Well, I'm happy for you amigo," Marco replied, patting Mike on his back again before heading to do his chores, the others echoing their agreement and following suit.
Mike stayed next to the engine for a moment, thankful for his wife, family and friends. He was reveling in the thought of being a father, a thought that filled him with pride and joy. He could not wait for his little baby to come along.
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He came back to the present, noticing that Beth had left their son's room, heading for the living room. He smiled, stopping on a picture of he and a very pregnant Beth with the guys from the station. He remembered when that picture had been taken. It was one of the last BBQs Beth had been able to attend before the baby came along. It was also one of the last happy times they had during her pregnancy before the living hell that had been his life began.