Lucas and Brooke arrived at the hospital mid morning, after stocking up on the formula that Lucas had hoped he'd never need. He stumbled through the entire process of identifying himself to the nursery staff and taking his daughter in his arms, but it was made possible by Brookes presence. She carefully answered questions and finished sentences when Lucas trailed off or couldn't find the strength to speak, and she took the paperwork from the nurse while Lucas fastened his newborn into the car seat they'd brought. Eventually, the three of them exited the hospital and were on route to Lucas's home, where he would begin his life as a single father.
Lucas swung open the door and looked around, almost expecting to see Peyton. When he didn't, his heart sank and he set the car seat carrying his sleeping daughter on the floor. He collapsed in the arm chair next to it covered his eyes with his hand, willing the tears not to escape. He sat in silence for some time, while the baby slept and Brooke unloaded the supplies they'd purchased. She readied a bottle almost expertly, and had it on hand for when the baby woke. Lucas watched the clock tick by and began calculating how many he'd missed count of while he was out. It was now 11:03, it had been fourteen hours and fifteen minutes since Peytons passing. Lucas continued to count, whispering the minutes aloud as they passed, "fourteen hours and sixteen minutes, fourteen hours and seventeen minutes," he went on. "Fourteen hours and twenty eight minut-" Lucas was cut off by the sound of Brooke screaming at him.
"Lucas! Your daughter is crying right next to you and you're counting?" She stood over him, holding the baby girl. He hadn't even noticed she was crying, and now she was in Brookes arms. She shook her head at him furiously and went to the kitchen to retrieve a bottle. Lucas stared blankly after, unfeeling, unmoving. Brooke ran the cold formula under the hot water tap until it was a good temperature and came to sit on the sofa. She laid the baby in her right arm while her left held the bottle. She looked down into the eyes of the unnamed baby and coo'd to her, telling her sweet things in her soft and loving voice. Lucas continued to count.
"Fourteen hours and thirty three minutes, fourteen hours and thirty four minutes."
"Shut up!" Brooke shouted at him. Lucas stood and left the room without a backward glance.
