Wonder

"She's beautiful," I whispered, awestruck as I cradle the small pink bundle in my arms, tracing her button nose as I sit on the bed next to Liz. "Just like her mama. Thank God she has your nose."

Liz smirked, raising her tired eyes to mine, chuckling softly. "What, didn't want her stuck with the regal Guerin nose?" she teased, looking back down as our daughter started to fret. "She has her daddy's mouth though, complete with scowl. Great, now I have two cranky aliens to deal with."

Nudging her softly, I playfully fix her with said scowl and gently rock the infant in my arms. "You know you love me."

"I do? Is that the funny feeling in my heart when I see you?" she furrowed her brow mockingly and giggled. "I was thinking it was indigestion."

"Smart ass," I growled, smiling tenderly. "Why do I put up with you again?"

"Hey! Don't be stealing my lines," she snorted. "Get your own material!"

"Too much work, I'd rather just steal yours." I laughed, leaning down to place a soft kiss against her lips. Looking back to our daughter, wonder and love suffuses my heart. "I suppose we need to name her."

Liz snorted, "Uh, yeah, that would help. We certainly can't call her kid for the rest of her life. What about naming her after your sister? Isabel or Amanda?"

"Hmmmm, maybe for a middle name," I said, staring at our precious bundle. "But I have a better idea for her first name."

"What's that?" she asked, looking up at me curiously.

"I was thinking Claudia." I replied, looking down at my wife.

"Claudia?" she asked softly, tears of happiness brimming in her eyes at the thought of naming her after her beloved grandmother.

"Yes, Claudia. Claudia Isabel Guerin," I said.

"I love it." Liz cried softly, tears running over her cheeks as she lifted her lips to brush mine. "I wish she could be here to see her namesake."

"I'm sure she knows and is watching over us this very moment," I smiled softly, touching my forehead to hers.

"Claudia Isabel Guerin. It has a good ring to it," she smiled.

"Yes it does. Welcome to the world little one," I said, kissing her soft downy head, her bow-shaped mouth pursing into a yawn as she falls asleep.