Jackson had decided not to take his paternity leave yet, as both April and Harriet were still at the hospital. Jackson was often in April's room, though not as often as he wished. They had decided to leave Harriet in the nursery during the night, so April would get proper rest; April wasn't particularly happy about it, but she hadn't complained. He knew she resented the fact that she couldn't pick Harriet up herself if the baby girl started crying during the night. He had planned to stay over at April's room during the nights to watch over her, but April's mother had taken care of that. At first he suggested to take turns, but Karen insisted she could do it alone. And he knew April would be more comfortable this way, since she needed help to get up, go to the bathroom and shower, and she wouldn't like that help from him. Still, he would go to the nursery first thing in the morning to pick up Harriet and take her to April, and both would have breakfast together. His ex mother-in-law would leave during the mornings to take a shower and rest properly, and come back at noon. The afternoons were a bit chaotic since both Harriet's grandmas would fight over their turn to hold her.
Their friends had come to visit, and Arizona would come to check on April several times a day. April's sisters had come to visit, and, secretly, both Jackson and April were glad their visit wasn't long. At first, April needed help to hold Harriet, and wasn't able to hold the weight for long. Jackson could see she was still in pain, but April refused to get any less time with Harriet, and Jackson couldn't blame her. They had such a beautiful baby girl.
- April?
- Yes?- she said without looking up, she was playing with Harriet's fingers.
-The nurse is here to take Harriet.
She looked up this time, and she couldn't hide the sadness and disappointment in her eyes.
-Ok.- She kissed Harriet in the forehead and let go of her so Jackson could hand her over to the nurse.
Karen had gone out to get dinner, and they were left alone in the room. He decided it was the right time.
- I brought you something today. I thought it might cheer you up a little.
April was looking at him in doubt. He walked towards his backpack and got a small bag out of it. Then he gave it to April.
- Fortune cookies!
- I know it's not much and you would rather be able to stand by yourself, but…
- It's great, Jackson. Thanks. - and she smiled at him.
He wanted to hold her hand, and comfort her. But he held back and smiled.
After a few days, April had been able to hold Harriet without help and that had cheered her up more than any fortune cookie could. A week later, Karen would no longer stay at night, and instead she spent the whole day with April, which left Jackson with less time alone with Harriet and April. But it wasn't long before Catherine had to get back to work and Karen had to go back home.
Jackson would sit in April's room after rounds, and in between surgeries. He would even read the cases in there. He was glad April didn't kick him out of the room while she was breastfeeding. He couldn't help but smile every time he saw April holding their healthy, beautiful and tiny baby. Their little miracle, April called her. After Harriet's dramatic entrance to the world, Jackson wouldn't fight over that nickname. Both had been in so much danger, and for a moment that felt endless, Jackson had feared he would lose both. But they were there, right in front of him. If April minded Jackson being there all the time, she hadn't mentioned it.