Chapter 3 - Sunrise
"Mr Holmes?" The graying nurse stepped into the waiting room, glancing once at his parents before centering in on the man himself. "She lost a lot of blood, but the surgery went well otherwise. She's been taken to recovery. The baby's being taken to our NICU for now."
Mycroft sagged back into his seat, a rare show of emotional exhaustion. "Can I see her? Either one of them?"
The nurse smiled softly and nodded. "I'll take you to your wife first. Your daughter is stable, I promise, but it'd be better to wait."
Mycroft hesitated, glancing once at his own mother and then stood up. He'd changed from his usual three-piece suit into something decidedly more casual, a dress shirt and trousers, with a loose jacket over top. All a little rumpled now from the hours of waiting. "Very well."
"We're here, Mikey, if you need us," Violet Holmes squeezed his hand and then let him go.
Mycroft didn't even correct his mother about that ridiculous nickname and let the nurse led him out of the room.
The pregnancy had been an accident. Upon their marriage two years previous, Naomi and Mycroft had never truly decided against having children, but it hadn't been on their to-do list yet. Naomi's career with the CIA was blossoming, and she was frequently traveling or going on field work missions herself. So when they found out in the autumn of 1997 they were expecting, it came as a bit of a shock.
It was an unexpected blessing, serendipity, but had turned their world over again. Just like falling in love had.
Unfortunately, the pregnancy was not without its complications. Naomi had been excessively ill through the months following and had to be rushed to hospital late one April night a month and a half before her due date. She ended up needing an emergency cesarean section at thirty-four weeks.
Mycroft followed the nurse until they slipped quietly into a recovery room. Naomi lay still in the middle of a bed, propped up just slightly with pillows. Her eyes were closed and she looked like she'd been to hell and back. Mycroft moved in quietly to the opposite side of the nurse. He took Naomi's hand. She was so cold, and still frightfully pale, but definitely alive. He leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Naomi hummed and fluttered her eyes open again. While she'd been awake a little while now, she still felt exhausted. "Mycroft?" She whispered his name, trying to get her bearings again.
"I'm here, darling," he said, smoothing her hair back from her forehead. "The baby's doing well, everything went smoothly. You did it." The nurse worked quietly next to them but neither paid her mind.
A ghost of a smile drifted over Naomi's exhausted expression, she reached for his hand. "We did it," she murmured. "I never…told you outright, but I'm so happy. I'm so happy we're going to be parents. She's going to be amazing."
Mycroft held her hand closely, pressing a kiss to her fingers. "She is, just like her mother." That drew a laugh from Naomi and the two slipped into a pondering companionable silence. Quietly anticipating the change that had come over their lives.
Hours later, when Naomi was finally settled into a room, they were given a chance to hold their new baby girl. Mycroft took her first, wide eyes and truly amazed stare as the nurse placed the tiny neonate in his arms. He hadn't held a baby since Sherlock was born, over two decades ago now. His heart clenched just a bit, hoping that his little brother would want to meet the baby soon. He put that aside for later thought.
"Mind the head, you. She's doing really well," the nurse said in a light Irish accent. She adjusted the little white cap on the head and smiled at Naomi. "I'll give you all a little privacy, use the call button if you need anything."
Naomi hummed her understanding, but her eyes were on her husband holding their new baby.
Mycroft moved over to her, slowly, and sat on the edge of the bed so she could see. He was terrified he'd break her, but she seemed fairly content to just sleep in his arms now. "She's beautiful…and so small," he whispered.
"She'll grow, she has big shoes to fill after all" Naomi gently brushed the baby's soft cheek with her fingertips. "Zariah, our little sunrise."
"Our little one."
Mycroft wanted to burn this memory into his perfectly organized mind. He wanted to keep this moment forever, as emotional as it was. This little innocent life he was now responsible for. A life created out of pure love and commitment. The best of both of them. Potential just waiting to be freed and encouraged. He felt a tightness in his chest, an uncommon emotional reaction. But in the privacy of this family, he allowed himself the vulnerability.
Naomi met his eyes in quiet understanding and smiled softly. "I love you both, forever."
Mycroft, with as much care as he'd ever taken, leaned in to press a kiss to her forehead. "We love you too."
Zariah Hope Celestial Holmes grew up with a family who loved her. Her parents, while certainly over-protective, secretive, and strict, were also understanding and open within the privacy of their home. Her only set of grandparents doted upon her and were essential in helping around when Naomi needed to go back to work.
The girl showed early signs of being intellectually gifted, just like her father had, and dove into her studies with passion. When the time came, they sent her off to a prestigious school that would allow her to excel and encouraged her learning. By age six, she fluently spoke three languages and was already a proficient pianist. She took horseback riding lessons and dance, along with advanced studies. Both Mycroft and Naomi were exceedingly proud of their little girl.
Years passed, life was good. The husband and wife worked hard, each at their own chosen job. Both in relative secrety. The little family wasn't perfect, but it was theirs, and they had devoted to one another. Through sickness and in health, in the good times…and the bad times…
