Author's Note: Please see chapter 1. The poem is by ee cummings "I carry your heart with me (I carry it in).
XXX
"I like this one," Janine said as she pointed to the third house on the PADD. "It has a nicer yard."
T'Pol and Trip eyed the home and exchanged a look. A yard was not their highest priority.
"Mama, it has four bedrooms," Trip said as he looked at the specs. "It's too big a home for us right now."
"May not be, one day," Janine smiled at him as she griped his shoulder and then waked away.
"Which one do you prefer?" Trip asked T'Pol as he rubbed at his eyes. All the homes had started to blend at this point; there were not three but six homes to choose from. Three on one area of the base, two on another, and the last one in a totally different section.
"This one is the most private," T'Pol noted as she pulled up the map of the base. "But the high concentration of homes to the west is…bothersome."
"Row houses for lower ranking Ensigns and their families…" Trip muttered. "They'd probably have kids closer to Elizabeth in age."
T'Pol raised an eyebrow at the comment; he was correct in that assumption.
"Aesthetically, I find the fourth home most pleasing," T'Pol explained. "But the first home seems to have the best location for amenities and the second home seems to have the greatest access to people who may have children similar in age to our daughter."
"I'm happy with those three as well, as long as it's not the sixth one," Trip said as he shuddered slightly.
T'Pol nodded. The sixth one looked so close to the work facilities that it might as well be an office. There was no getting away from work if that one was chosen.
"Why don't I send a message to Commander Hicks and get his opinion? Sometimes living on the facility can give you some insight that the pictures and specs won't have."
"Agreed," T'Pol nodded before she leaned over and shut down the PADD.
"How's she doing?" Trip asked before he turned around and looked toward his daughter on the far side of his parent's yard
"She is upset and keeps turning to ensure we are still present," T'Pol noted.
"Could still be the teething…" Trip noted.
Elizabeth was in his father's arms being entertained by a mechanical caterpillar. She seemed torn between enjoying the object, shoving her hand in her mouth, and keeping a close eye on her parents.
"I'm not sure we can go away for the night," T'Pol said honestly.
Trip sighed. He knew she was right to be cautious but it was probably the last time they'd stay alone somewhere for a long time.
"We still have two days to see if she adjusts," Trip said before he took a drink of his beer.
"True," T'Pol said doubtfully.
Their visit with his parents was coming to an end. In two days, they would have an official Earth wedding ceremony. In four days, they'd be leaving for Houston and their new life. Starfleet had not sent them the specs on the officer's homes until yesterday so they had little time to make a choice. Trip had broached the idea of a honeymoon a few days ago and T'Pol had looked confused. They slept together each night, were about to have their first home together, it seemed illogical to go to a hotel for one night alone. They were alone all the time.
But Trip had persisted that it was an Earth custom and one that they would both enjoy. She had relented, citing Elizabeth's comfort as the deciding factor. He'd booked a room at a hotel looking out onto the city for one night and hoped they would make it there. Over the ten days they'd been staying with his parents Elizabeth had grown very comfortable being cared for by others. She was easily carried around by his nephews, whom she found quite amusing, and even allowed his mother to take her on walks without kicking up too much of a fuss. His father had purchased some rudimentary puppets and entertained her for significant periods of time with them as well.
The time when others would care for her was precious and the couple took full advantage of it. They had gone for quiet walks, taken naps, had serious discussions about the future, and several times just relaxed on the porch swing. Most couples had an entire pregnancy to figure out their future. In the seven weeks they'd had Elizabeth, Trip and T'Pol had been forced to adjust dramatically to a different existence. One that involved medical procedures, a teething child, bonding, breastfeeding, medication, living together, choosing a home, switching jobs, and moving to earth. All in all, Trip felt they had taken everything in stride. But, he needed just one night alone with T'Pol, one night free of middle-of-the -night feedings and teething, one night where they didn't have to be quiet, one night where they could just be Trip and T'Pol again.
"T'hy'la," T'Pol said softly as she took his hand in hers. "I want it too."
He looked at her surprised. Had his thoughts been that…clear?
"I understand," she said softly.
He nodded and kissed her softly on the cheek. She had taken most of this adjustment so stoically that he forgot, sometimes, how it must be tough for her as well; probably even harder because she was the one who's hormonally charged body was at war with itself.
"I love you," Trip sighed. "You…you amaze me."
She raised an eyebrow at his comment but said nothing in return.
"Maybe we should go inside so you can send a message to Hicks," T'Pol said as she eyed Elizabeth who was now attempting to gnaw the toy caterpillar. "Maybe we can make our decision tonight?"
Trip nodded and they rose and started to walk inside, both carefully watching for Elizabeth's reaction. He stood at the window with T'Pol for a few minutes and noted that Elizabeth had looked for them, cried for a minute when she realized they were gone, then settled back into play with his father. She kept looking for them, and part of him wanted to step outside to re-assure her she hadn't been abandoned, but T'Pol's hand on his arm told him that was not wise.
"She can still feel my presence through our bond," T'Pol said softly. "She knows we have not permanently left her."
"I wonder if she'll always have abandonment issues because of Terra Prime," Trip mused.
"The doctors I have consulted on Vulcan and Earth agree that it will fade," T'Pol said.
"Maybe it's too early to leave her for a full night," Trip sighed as he ran a hand over his brow. As much as he wanted time with just T'Pol he didn't want to hurt his daughter.
"I think we are correct to observe this earth custom," T'Pol said assuredly. "She will still know we are nearby and feel us through the bond. I think you were right to book a room."
"What changed your mind so fast?" Trip asked as he turned to look at her.
T'Pol just pointed to their child who was sitting in his father's arms laughing uncontrollably at the upturned caterpillar's moving legs.
XXX
"We're so happy you came Malcom!" Trip smacked his friend on the back. "I wasn't sure with the distance…"
"To be honest, I thought I'd be getting away from the heat, but Mississippi is as bloody humid as Malaysia," he joked.
"Yep, and it's only spring" Trip nodded. "A warm spring at that."
"How do you feel about your new role?" Malcolm asked him.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that, first officer?" Trip smiled at his friend.
"Well, I'm no T'Pol but I'll do my best," Malcolm smiled at him. "It won't be the same without the two of you up there with us."
"I'm still adjusting to my Earth legs as well," Trip admitted. "It wasn't an easy decision but it was the best one."
"How are you two doing? Elizabeth looks happy," Malcolm said as he looked around for the baby who he saw not ten minutes ago. He looked at Trip concerned.
"T'Pol took her to eat before the ceremony so she wouldn't have a fit," Trip chuckled. "Still no guarantees though, she's teething."
"Ahhh," Malcolm nodded. "So how are you doing?"
Trip sighed and wiped a hand across his mouth.
"It's a lot to take on with no warning," Trip admitted. "But we're on the same page and that's what counts. It's been nice being with my family these last couple of weeks; they've helped us adjust a lot. I'm not sure how T'Pol is going to take to being, essentially, a stay-at-home mom."
"Being second in command to the most significant Star ship of our time to…playdates? That is going to be…challenging."
"Ya think?" Trip chuckled.
"You two are obviously good," Malcolm smiled at his friend. "Considering the gathering."
Trip smiled broadly at his friend.
"It's nice to see you so happy," Malcolm said honestly.
"Thanks, Mal," Trip nodded. "Hoshi's here!"
Both men turned to see Hoshi come out into the yard followed a minute later by Travis.
"I heard he spent some time in Brazil," Malcolm said, knowingly.
"Really?" Trip asked, surprised.
"Really," Malcolm said with a smirk.
"Huh," Trip smirked as well.
"Congratulations!" Hoshi said as she ran to him and enveloped him in a hug. "I wasn't sure if you were going to do something like this but I'm glad I got an invite."
"Of course, you'd be invited!" Trip chuckled as she released him. "Thanks for interrupting your time in Brazil."
"I wouldn't miss this for anything!" Hoshi said with a huge grin. "Where are T'Pol and Elizabeth?"
"Feeding time," Trip said as he took Travis' outstretched hand.
"Congratulations!" Travis said with a big smile and a clap on Trip's shoulder.
"Thanks Travis," Trip said warmly. "You got here okay?"
"Yeah, we…I…I mean of course I…" Travis stammered and blushed.
"Don't hurt yourself," Trip joked before he noticed his father approaching the group. "Daddy I'd like you to meet our friends Travis, Hoshi, and Malcolm."
"Nice to meet y'all," Charlie Tucker said warmly. "Pastor Mike is here, I said you wanted to get married by the edge of the yard by the trees, is that right?"
"Yeah, I think that's good," Trip said with a nod.
"Is it just us?" Hoshi asked.
"My brother and his boys are over there," Trip gestured to the man who looked very like him except with brown hair. "My sister-in-law, my aunt and uncle…that's about it besides you guys."
"Nice," Hoshi said with a nod. "Do you need help with anything?"
"Nah, my dad's going to fire up the grill after the service and my mother has made enough salads and desserts to feed the entire town," Trip said as he watched T'Pol exit the house and hand Elizabeth to Kiera.
Elizabeth fussed for a minute and then got distracted by his nephews who pulled faces for her.
T'Pol looked beautiful in the dress his mother had taken her shopping for. It was traditional white, made of eyelet lace and hit her just below the knee. The form-fitting dress showed off all her gorgeous assets and her long legs and the strapless top made Trip's pants tight. He was happy his mother hadn't talked T'Pol into one of those huge frilly dresses.
T'Pol met his eyes and nodded. Apparently, Jon, who was running late, had arrived.
"No not seeing the bride on the day of the wedding?" Hoshi asked with a smile.
"Kinda hard when you're living in a room together with your baby," Trip chuckled. "Nah, I didn't tell her about that part. It's going to be a quick service as well, she's not big on being the centre of attention for too long."
Trip's dad gestured for everyone to make their way to an area at the back of their property which bordered some woods. It was a quiet, beautiful setting for the service as the guests all stood around the groom and made a space for the bride to enter.
Trip's brother sat on a chair and strummed on his classical guitar. A beautiful song filled the yard and everyone turned to see T'Pol walking slowing out on the arm of a very proud Jonathan Archer, a small bunch of gorgeous wildflowers clutched in her hands.
She looked at Trip who was smiling ear to ear and her nerves softened.
"Thank you everyone for joining us for the wedding of Charles and T'Pol," Pastor Mike began. "Who presents this woman here today?"
"I do," Jon said warmly before he kissed T'Pol on the cheek and placed her hand in Trip's. Jon stepped back slightly to stand next to Trip's mother.
"Love is the ultimate gift that one person can give to another, Charles and T'Pol are sharing their love for each other with us today," Pastor Mike began. "And that love is supported by the family and friends who join them here today. Charles?"
"I, Charles, take you T'Pol to be my lawfully wedded wife. I will love, honour, and cherish you all the days of my life." Trip said confidently.
He slipped a small gold band onto her finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"T'Pol?" Pastor Mike asked.
"I, T'Pol, take you Tr…Charles to be my lawfully wedded husband. I will love, honour and cherish you all the days of my life," T'Pol said softly as she met his eyes.
She slipped a larger gold band onto his finer. "With this ring, I thee wed."
The pastor nodded to Hoshi.
"T'Pol has chosen a poem for the service," Pastor Mike said as Hoshi readied herself to recite it.
Trip knew T'Pol had just sent it to her yesterday, and was surprised Hoshi already memorized it. The poem was a secret T'Pol had kept from him and he suspected it was Vulcan, that's why Hoshi was reciting it.
"i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart). i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling). i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet). i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true). and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you. here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart. i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)" Hoshi recited.
Trip, at first, had looked at Hoshi but after the first line, turned to look at T'Pol, surprised and delighted. She held his gaze the entire time the poem was read and he felt warmth and love across their bond. He felt a tear slide down his cheek and heard a couple of people sniffling.
"Thank you," he said softly to T'Pol. She squeezed his hand gently and gave him a very tiny smile.
Pastor Mike nodded and looked back toward the couple.
"By the power vested in me, by the state of Mississippi, I am pleased to present new husband and wife, Charles and T'Pol Tucker. You may kiss the bride," Pastor Mike finished.
Trip leaned in and kissed T'Pol fully on the lips, bending her back slightly with the great love and joy he felt in that moment. She responded to his kiss instinctually and there was clapping and a few whistles before he let go of her and she dropped her head to his chest slightly embarrassed by the passion of the act. He then lifted her chin with his one finger and smiled at her sending calm across their bond which allowed her to raise her head and turn to the loving audience that surrounded them. Everyone moved toward them and shook hands, kissed Trip's cheeks, and handed her Elizabeth who was getting agitated with all the hoopla.
Trip and T'Pol posed with all their guests and the pastor for a picture, then with his family, then the Enterprise crew. Finally, the two of them posed with Elizabeth who was snuggling into her mother's chest and wanted nothing to do with photos. The last picture was just of the two of them, happy and married.
"Come on and get a drink everyone!" Charlie Tucker called right after the bride, groom, his brother and Jon signed the marriage certificate on the PADD.
The group went to the Tucker's patio and all got drinks before they settled in to talk, share stories and laugh as the food was cooked and salads put out. The next-door neighbors, the Grahams, had offered to help so Trip's parents could enjoy the day. It was a casual and wonderful way to get married and suited the bride and groom perfectly.
After many stories, several drinks and a lot of food, Trip and T'Pol saw their guests off as transfer vehicles arrived and land cars were unlocked.
"You heading right back?" Trip asked Jon as the transfer vehicle waited for him.
"A Captain's job is never done," Jon said with a smile.
"Did you even take a break this time?" Trip asked him concerned. They were so caught up with their own move and Elizabeth he'd lost track of his friend.
"I went to the cabin in Oregon for a week," Jon said. "Don't worry about me."
"I can't help it," Trip smiled back at his friend. "Thanks for walking T'Pol in. I think it calmed her down to have you with her."
"She's kind of like my Vulcan half-sister after all these years," Jon chuckled. "I was happy to do it. You guys getting away before Houston?"
"We're hopefully heading into Jackson tonight if Queen Elizabeth co-operates," Trip said as he eyed T'Pol saying goodbye to Hoshi and Travis who were getting into the same land car. Elizabeth was clinging to her as if it was the end of the world.
"Queen Elizabeth huh?" Jon chuckled.
"I love my daughter Jon, but babies are friggin' demanding," Trip said honestly as he smiled.
Jon laughed at his comment and clapped him on the back. "T'Pol seems to be doing well with it."
"She really is," Trip said placing his hands on his hips. "I think we take turns losing it. This is my week."
Jon laughed again as Malcolm approached them.
"So, you're on Jupiter Station already?" Trip asked Malcolm.
"Re-distributing the weapons from Enterprise to multiple ships," Malcolm explained. "We don't need the heavy arms complement anymore."
"Here's to that," Trip said in a mock toast.
"My thinking exactly," Jon said with a soft smile.
"Thank you for coming today," T'Pol said as she stood next to Trip with Elizabeth.
Trip reached over to take Elizabeth from her and she went readily to her father with a laugh as he made a silly face.
"Have you figured out housing?" Malcolm asked.
"Yeah, we chose one on the base," Trip said before he blew a raspberry on Elizabeth's cheek and caused her to burst into a fit of giggles. "It's a ranch. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms. A treed yard."
"It was easier for Trip's work and safer for Elizabeth," T'Pol explained.
"And you're starting at the Academy in two weeks?" Jon asked.
"I am," T'Pol nodded. "It's only a tenth the size of the one in San Francisco but they needed someone to teach advanced physics. They changed the schedule to evening classes to accommodate my family needs."
"They were so happy to get her, they would have scheduled it at midnight if that's what she asked for," Trip said proudly.
"I highly doubt that," T'Pol said honestly.
"Regardless, they are pleased as punch she'd joined the faculty," Trip said with a smile in her direction. "When is your next scheduled dock?"
"Eight months," Jon said before he opened the door to the transport. "I am hoping I can book that extra room in your house for a few days visit."
"Captain, there is no need to book. We are not an Inn or a…"
"He's joking, darlin'," Trip said as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "It's just Jon's way of saying he wants to stay with us for a few days next time they dock."
"Oh," T'Pol nodded. "You are always welcome. Both of you."
"Malcolm?…I don't know…" Trip hedged as Malcolm punched him jokingly in the arm.
"Have a safe trip you two and I expect to hear from you each week," Trip said. "I'm exploring space vicariously through you now."
"Will do," Jon said before he hugged them both and stepped into the transport. Malcolm hugged Trip, kissed Elizabeth on the cheek and nodded to T'Pol before he joined Jon.
They watched the transport leave and Trip felt T'Pol lean against him slightly. The emotionally charged day had been a lot for her. It was almost six pm and if they were going to Jackson they had to leave soon.
"So, what's the verdict? Can we part with Elizabeth for a night?" Trip asked her, slightly worried it was going to be a negative response.
She nodded. "She will be fine for one night. It will be good for her, and us."
Trip smiled at her and heaved Elizabeth up in the air.
"Guess who gets to have fun with Grandma and Grandpa and her cousins tonight? Guess who's getting a bottle of mummy's milk?" Trip said animatedly as they walked Elizabeth into his parent's home. "Oh Elizabeth, you are going to have soooo much fun!"
XXX
It was dusk when they eventually entered their hotel room and the wall of windows were a great display of the lights across the city below them.
"Wow, the pictures don't do this justice," Trip said as he walked around the room and looked at the sofa, the king size bed, the large TV and the huge washroom.
"It is a lovely room," T'Pol said, approaching the wall of windows and looking down on the city.
"I think that washroom is bigger then my quarters on Enterprise," Trip said pointing to the other room.
T'Pol walked toward the washroom and took several paces across the room in one direction. "It is at least two square metres larger."
Trip smiled at her literal interpretation of his interest.
He dropped their bag on the dresser and turned to watch her walk toward him in her wedding dress.
"You always look beautiful, but today, today in particular, you look exceptionally beautiful," Trip said, placing his arms around her waist and drawing her against his frame.
"Thank you," she said as she touched his chest. "This is the first time I've witnessed you wear a suit. It is an aesthetically pleasing choice."
Trip's chuckle was deep and melodious in his chest.
"Did you know that the term honeymoon traditionally referred to a month, or a moon's cycle, when the married couple would vacation together and visit relatives initiating the virgin female into sexual practice?" T'Pol asked him.
"Well we don't have a month, as we're expected in Houston in a couple of days," Trip said as he rubbed her back gently. "And we visited with relatives before hand. If one night at a hotel could be considered a vacation we've got that part. And as far as initiating you into sexual practice…well, that happened quite a while ago…"
"We don't meet the traditional definition of a honeymoon," T'Pol agreed.
"We don't meet the traditional definition of anything, T'Pol," Trip said as he looked down at her face. "And that suits me just fine."
She looked up at him and he felt, across the bond, how safe she felt with him in that moment.
"The poem you chose was beautiful," Trip said as he leaned down and kissed her temple. "It surprised me."
"I have started to take enjoyment from surprising you," T'Pol admitted. "I have another surprise for you tonight."
Trip grinned and looked quickly toward their bag. "Did you pack something skimpy and lacy to wear to bed?"
T'Pol looked at him confused. "Isn't the point of our honeymoon to engage in sexual relations? I do not need clothes for that. In fact, clothes would impede…"
Her speech was stopped by her husband's passionate kiss on her lips as she felt him reach for the zipper at the back of her wedding dress and start to slide it open. The cool of the hotel room touched her skin as it was revealed and she shivered slightly. Trip pulled away from her and the dress dropped to the floor as he walked toward the thermostat and turned up the heat to a bearable Vulcan level.
"Wow!" he said as he turned to look at her standing completely naked with her dress pooled around her high heels. "I'm surprised by that."
T'Pol looked down at herself confused. He'd removed her dress, why was he surprised she was naked?
Trip was kissing her again before she could ask, and started to kiss his way down her body, stopping for some time at her breasts and the apex of her legs before he removed one shoe at a time and then kissed his way back up her body. He walked her slowly to the bed as she pulled off his tie, then his shirt and finally undid his pants. He kicked his shoes and pants off and flicked his underwear down as well, kicking them with one foot somewhere in the room.
She dropped to the bed on her back and felt him lower back down to the spot between her legs where he spent a great deal of time pleasuring her to climax before he crawled up her body and entered her. His thrusts were strong and indicated that their first coupling would not be long. T'Pol needed to demonstrate her surprise.
She reached toward him with her two thumbs and was just about to make contact when he suddenly pulled out of her.
"Fuck, the condom!" He said before he trampled across the room to their overnight bag.
T'Pol sat up in surprise, she had also forgotten about contraception in the moment.
"I'm sorry," Trip apologized as she watched him place the condom on and return to her.
"I forgot as well," T'Pol said, surprised they had been so oblivious.
He entered her again and they worked back up to the rhythm with each other. T'Pol, when she felt he was close to orgasm, reached for two pleasure nodes as he thrust into her and kissed her neck.
When she made contact with his skin, he shuddered above her and groaned so loudly she hoped she hadn't hurt him. Then, she felt him palpitating inside of her releasing his seed and his body went limp above hers.
"Trip?" She asked, worried as she pushed his head up so she could look at him. "Trip?"
He slowly opened his eyes in awareness and looked at her strangely.
"Did I just faint?" He asked.
"I think so," T'Pol said, still worried.
"What did you press?" Trip asked still trying to clear his head.
"Two neural nodes," T'Pol explained. "One at the base of your left testicle, and the other right where your pubic bone intersects with your hip joint."
"Neural nodes?" Trip asked, still confused as he pulled himself up slightly so he could look at her better.
"For pleasure," T'Pol explained. "There are six on your body and I was hoping to demonstrate the effect all six have tonight."
Trip shook his head slightly.
"Wait, that was your surprise?" He asked, his eyebrows knitted.
"If you'd prefer not to…" T'Pol hedged.
"No, I'm up for all of it," Trip said before she felt his cock slip out. "Pleasure, huh?"
"Enhanced pleasure during sexual relations," T'Pol confirmed as she watched him unsteadily stand and get his bearings.
"Why haven't you demonstrated these before?" Trip asked before he walked toward the washroom to remove the used condom.
"It's generally only shared between a couple during pon farr," T'Pol explained. "As we have not, and possibly will not experience that…"
"Are there some on your body?" Trip called from the washroom.
"Six as well," T'Pol said, sitting with her legs crossed naked on their bed.
"And will you show them to me tonight?" Trip asked, walking back to her and crawling up on the bed naked next to her.
"That is also part of the surprise," T'Pol said. "I assumed the contact would make both of us more vocal, so a hotel is an ideal place to test these nodes."
"Where are they?" Trip asked as he drew light circles on her leg.
T'Pol pointed out the locations on her head, under her right breast, on her inside right thigh, at the base of her pubic bone, halfway between her vagina and anus, and finally behind her left knee.
Trip gently touched each spot as she identified it and then looked up at her when she was done. "I guess we both have our work cut out for us?"
T'Pol nodded and lay back on the bed, excitedly waiting for him to stimulate her pleasure nodes.
XXX
"You have to try these figs," Trip said as he held one up for her. They were sitting at the table in the room wearing bathrobes and eating breakfast.
"I don't like the feel of the skin," T'Pol said as he cut into a peach.
"You don't know what you are missing," Trip said as he popped another one in his mouth. "Should we call to check on Elizabeth or…?"
"We'll be back after lunch," T'Pol said calmly.
"How do you think she did?" Trip asked as he reached for his coffee.
"Hopefully she slept more than we did," T'Pol said with a slight smirk. "I had no idea how stimulating neural nodes could be."
"I think we used the last condom at about six am," Trip said with a shit-eating grin. "I may have pulled something."
"Are you okay?" T'Pol asked, suddenly concerned.
"I'm fine, just sore," Trip said honestly. "Incredibly satisfied though."
"That was the point of my surprise," T'Pol said satisfactorily.
"I can see why this is a pon farr activity because once you get started you don't want to ever stop…like, ever," Trip chuckled.
"Agreed," T'Pol said.
"I wouldn't mind a nap before we went back," Trip said as he shifted in his chair.
"That is agreeable to me as well," T'Pol nodded. "Elizabeth is up a lot during the night and even though I need less sleep…I would also enjoy a nap."
"How are you going to be with not working during the day?" Trip asked her.
"This isn't the first time you've made this inquiry," T'Pol said.
"And you've never really answered my question," Trip smiled across at her.
He watched T'Pol look out the window and take a breath.
"I anticipate I will need more meditation," T'Pol said softly. "It is not an existence I am used to."
"No, that is true," Trip said softly. "Are you sure you don't want to see about some kind of daycare so you can work during the day?"
"Vulcan mothers care for their own children," T'Pol said seriously. "Even working in the evenings is something few would do."
"Well, you are not most Vulcan mothers," Trip said as he leaned forward and placed his hand over hers. "T'Pol I want whatever is best for you and Elizabeth. I make enough money that you don't have to work at all, but if you want to work full-time we'll make that work as well."
"Thank you," T'Pol said quietly. "But I honestly want to care for Elizabeth myself. It will be a role I've never held before and I anticipate it will be a challenge and I will need your assistance, but I want to do this."
Trip lifted out of his chair and kissed her on the lips. He then took her hand and pulled her to the bed with him. They gathered together under the covers and promptly fell into an exhausted sleep.
Hours later, they returned to Elizabeth who had slept most of the night, fussed quite a bit this morning and actually squealed when she saw her parents arrive home. She clung to T'Pol's breast and ate within five minutes of their arrival. She had easily taken bottles of breastmilk throughout the night, but obviously missed the closeness with her mother. T'Pol, as well, looked happy to have Elizabeth suckling her breast and the happiness her daughter expressed with her return.
XXX