A Fresh Start

Nick was in a pediatrics room, rocking Brianna as he fed her a bottle. Catherine walked into the room holding a little gift bag and a stuffed bunny. Nick looked up at her and smiled.

"Geez, I step out for a minute and they move you."

"Yeah, they have to keep her overnight for observation. The good news is I filled out all the necessary paperwork to get on the birth certificate. I get to take her home with me tomorrow."

"That's great Nick! I'm really happy for you. And hey, if you need anything, just let me know. I think I still have all of Lindsey's old baby furniture."

"Thanks, but I'm sure there's stuff in Katie's apartment." Nick didn't want to feel like a burden to his friends, they had already helped him so much.

Catherine shuddered as she recalled the run-down crib and stained blankets she saw in the apartment.

"Oh no!" gasped Catherine. "No, Brianna's not spending another night in that rickety old crib."

Nick smiled appreciatively at Catherine and nodded.

"You're right, she deserves a fresh start." he said as he kissed Brianna's forehead. Nick could not wait to get his daughter home. He couldn't believe how happy he felt. Catherine sat down on the edge of a cot that the nurse had brought in for Nick. She watched Nick tenderly hold his daughter. He seemed so relaxed and natural.

"You're good at that."

Nick laughed, "Cat, I'm the youngest of seven kids. I have more nieces and nephews then I can count. Trust me, if there is one thing I know how to do it's change diapers and warm bottles."

Catherine laughed at the visual image of Nick changing a poopie diaper. But she also knew there was a lot more than that when it came to being a parent. Raising Lindsey on her own was the hardest thing she has ever had to do. If it weren't for the support of her sister and her coworkers, Catherine would have lost her mind long ago. Looking at Nick, Catherine realized just how close her team was.

"Well, if you need help with anything, I am just a phone call away."

Nick looked at Catherine and nodded.

"I know, Catherine, thanks for everything. Hey, what's in the bag?"

"Oh, just a little something for Brianna to wear home, since they had to take her sleeper to the lab."

Catherine put the bag down and took Brianna from a reluctant Nick. She loved holding babies, they were so warm and soft, and smelled so good. Catherine nuzzled Brianna's dark hair as Nick picked up the bag and looked inside. He pulled out a little pink sundress with a yellow sweater. There were bumblebees embroidered on the dress. There were even little matching socks with bumblebees on them. Nick was delighted.

"Oh my God, this is too sweet! She is going to look so cute in it. Thank you! You didn't have to do this."

"Yes I did, I will be this child's fashion maven. I mean, you dress well for a guy, but I don't think black and gray look good on babies. Catherine paused and handed Brianna back to Nick. "Well, I should get back to the lab. See what they have going on the grocery scene. You need anything, you just call, okay?"

Nick just nodded and went back to rocking his daughter.