Chapter 10
Ianto was settled into one of the guest rooms, with Jack fussing over him.
"Hey," began Ianto. "You should be the one being looked after." He touched Jack's stomach and smiled. "You look ready to pop."
"Don't, please. One thing at a time. You walking then the baby then we get married."
"I like that list," Ianto smiled, kissing Jack.
"Okay you two, let's get this rota sorted out."
'Rota' Ianto mouthed. "What rota?"
"Starting first thing tomorrow morning, we get you up and start doing some warming up exercises. Get those legs feeling like they wanna walk. Plenty of massage. Maybe weights….on your legs."
Jack looked at Owen.
"I won't push him too hard, but if he slacks…."
"I won't," Ianto assured him. "I want to walk, Owen."
"Oww!"
"Jack!"
Jack held his stomach. "It's kicking, that's all."
Owen smiled. "Can't wait to get out."
"Go take a nap. I'll be fine."
Jack ran a hand through his hair. "Are you sure? I can stay…."
"No. Go rest."
Ianto watched as Jack left the room headed for the main Hub. Owen stayed with him.
Jack was finding it hard to get down into the bunker because of his stomach, so he laid down on the couch in his office, closing his eyes.
When Jack next opened his eyes, it was the middle of the night. He got up from the couch, grabbing at his stomach.
"No, it's too soon. I can't have you yet."
Jack moved to the door, looking out. The Hub was quiet, save for the water trickling through the Hub.
Going down to the kitchen, Jack opened the fridge and poured himself some cold water. He took it over to the scanner, placing his other hand on the plate. The baby showed up, perfectly formed and ready to be born. Making his way down to the guest quarters, Jack knocked on Owen's door.
"Yeah?"
"It's time," was all Jack said.
Five minutes later, Owen was dressed and on his way to the autopsy room with Ianto.
"It can't be," said Ianto. "It's not time!"
"Jack said it's on it's way. That's good enough for me."
Jack was sat on the table, stripped down to his boxers. He smiled at a very nervous Ianto.
"It'll be fine."
"You're so calm."
Jack just smiled.
First injecting Jack with a local aesthetic, Owen prepared his stomach for the sonic scalpel. Cutting across Jack's abdomen, Owen reached inside and got hold of the baby.
Ianto watched, eyes wide in wonderment.
As Owen took the baby out of Jack, he announced. "It's a girl!"
Tears of joy shone in Ianto's eyes.
"Congratulations. She's beautiful," said Owen, wrapping the baby in a towel. He handed her to Ianto, while he closed Jack up.
"Ella Kathleen," whispered Ianto, kissing his daughters forehead.
Minutes later, Jack was sitting on the edge of the bed, his arm around Ianto.
"She has your button nose."
Ianto smiled.
"What time is it?" asked Jack, sleepily.
"3.22am. Ella was born at 3.18am."
Ianto handed her to Jack. "Say hello to our daughter."
Jack took her in his arms, smiling down at her. Reaching out her tiny hand, Ella grabbed Jack's finger in a firm grip.
Tears rolled down Jack's face. "She is so perfect."
"The girls will be over the moon," said Owen, as he cleaned up. "You really ought to rest now," he told Jack.
Jack handed Ella back to Ianto, and wheeled them both back to the guest quarters. Owen helped Ianto into bed, while Jack put Ella in a makeshift crib beside the bed, before getting in beside Ianto.
"I'll check you both over later," Owen told Jack.
"Thanks," said Jack, smiling at Owen.
Ella slept through until the two men woke at 6am, then it was time for her first feed.
Jack padded up to the kitchen making up a bottle from the milk powder that Owen recommended. Going back down to Ianto, he placed the baby in his arms and then handed him the bottle.
"You look made for this job," Jack told him.
Ianto smiled down at their daughter.