The corners of his eyes droop as he tries desperately to stay awake. He sits in an uncomfortable vinyl chair adjacent to Elizabeth's bed. His feet rest on the rail of her bed. Exhaustion washes over him, but he can't help but drink in the scene. Baby McCord sleeps nestled against Elizabeth's chest, no doubt drooling all over her. Her hair is partially secured in a top knot as she dozes soundly. A gently wrapping against the heavy wooden door jars him from the edge of sleep.
Maureen tiptoes into the room carrying a warm cup of coffee which she dutifully presents to her brother. He shoots a genuine smile in her direction as he accepts the caffeine from her grip. She hovers over the bed silently surveying the picture before her. Even she can't help but smile.
"That is a beautiful sight."
"She is the most incredible human being I've ever met. I still can't figure out what she sees in me."
"I wish that I had known. I would have arrived more prepared."
"Aside from the President, the kids, and Elizabeth's staff we didn't tell anyone. She insisted that the circle in the know must remain small."
"Understandable after the devastation the pair of you faced last time."
"To be honest she even kept me at arms-length. She wouldn't allow me to attend any of the appointments. I could hardly even convince her to broach the subject."
"It was her way of protecting you, and probably her heart, too."
"It doesn't matter now. He is here, and is perfectly healthy."
"Does he have a name, this sweet little nephew of mine?"
"Payson Theodore Jackson McCord."
"That is quite a moniker for such a little lad. I am sure he is destined to live up to it. Am I to assume that Theodore is in homage to Thomas Aquinas?"
He nods, "She finally threw me a bone. Yes, his mother's name was Theodora. It was definitely a compromise, but I'll take it."
"I'll take the night shift. Go home, and shower. You are reminiscent of your high school gym bag."
"I…"
She motions, "Shoo. How many more chances are you going to get to have a night of uninterrupted sleep for the next few years?"
"Duly noted. I am on my way," he rises from his seat, and retrieves his jacket. He is half-way across the room when he stops abruptly.
"Did you forget something?"
He nods subtly, "To tell you thank you. It is my understanding that without your intervention I would not have so many of the blessings that I currently have in my life."
"I am not the villain in every story, Henry."
"Thank you."
"Good night."
Maureen settles into Henry's warm vinyl seat. A smirk creeps across her face as she peers across the room at the newborn soundly sleeping on Elizabeth's chest. One tiny hand pokes from the blanket and clings to his mother's gown. Elizabeth begins to shift in her sleep.
"No!" She cries in her sleep.
Maureen silently rises from her chair. She gently presses Elizabeth's hands against the tiny infant on her chest.
"Elizabeth your baby is right here. Your perfect little boy is right here," she attempts to soothe.
It doesn't stop the crying. Maureen cautiously slips Payson from Elizabeth's grip. While securing the newborn in the crook of one arm she uses the other to gently nudge her sister-in-law's shoulder. Elizabeth abruptly vacates her unconscious state. Her eyes pop open, and she is instantly greeted by Maureen. It takes a moment for her to orient to her surroundings.
"Elizabeth we are here at the hospital. I am holding Payson, and he is perfect."
The pain etched across Elizabeth's face does not dissipate instantaneously. Maureen cautiously lifts the head of the bed. She secures Payson in Elizabeth's arms, and scoots onto the bed next to her.
"He will never be a replacement. All of the pain you feel is very real. No one is trying to take that away from you. I am right here with you."
"Will you stay…" she begins.
Maureen offers a reassuring smile, "I will stay right here all night. I sent Henry home for some shut eye. I will stay awake and watch the two of you breathe until he returns."
"Am I being irrational?"
"To love, and feel concern toward you precious new baby? I certainly don't think so. Get some rest. Tomorrow I doubt we will be able to keep the vultures at bay."
"I didn't say I was going to share my baby."
"The world is clamoring to meet him."
"You can hold him for a while. I don't know that I trust my arms. I am so tired."
Maureen nods in understanding as she pries the newborn away from her, which proves to be a challenge between Elizabeth's sweat, and Payson's drool.
In the morning light Henry returns with fresh coffee. He pushes the door open, and finds Elizabeth still snoozing. Much to his surprise his sister is lying next to her. Her chin rests atop Elizabeth's head as Payson sleeps in her arms.