A/N: Big thanks to itsnotrightbutitsokay and Tiffany for reviewing! It's
very much appreciated!
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Welcome Home
The morning after Elizabeth's birth, Katherine entered Karen's hospital room carrying two Armani bags. She was surprised to see that Jack was sleeping in the hospital bed with her sister, his arms wrapped around her. As quietly as possible, Katherine walked over to the small couch and set down the bags on top of it.
"Are both of those for me?" Karen said suddenly.
Whirling around, Katherine saw her sister was looking at her over Jack's arm. "One's for you and the other one's for Jack," she answered.
"Thanks for bringing our clothes," Karen said. "I guess we forgot them yesterday."
"You should get some rest Kare," Katherine said, walking over to the bed.
"What time is it?" Karen asked after yawning slightly.
"A quarter to nine, I just dropped these off now since I'm on my way to work," Katherine said.
"Are you still coming after lunch?" Karen asked.
"Yeah, I'll be here," Katherine answered, squeezing her sister's hand and kissing her cheek. "Get some sleep and I'll see you then."
"Bye," Karen murmured, already half asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
~~~
A few hours later, Jack woke up and looked over at Karen and saw she was still asleep. Trying to get out of the bed as carefully as possible, Jack accidentally woke her up.
"What time is it poodle?" Karen asked when Jack had gotten out.
"Oh sorry, did I wake you up Kare?" Jack asked, turning back to her.
"It's okay," Karen said, smiling up at. "Oh, Kath came earlier, brought us some clothes."
Jack turned to the couch and saw the two bags. "Great, I'm going to get changed, I'll be right out though," he said. He grabbed the black bag with a silver clasp, which was his, and went into the bathroom.
While Jack was in the bathroom, a nurse came in with a tray of food which she put in front of Karen. "When would you like me to bring your baby in Mrs. McFarland?" she asked.
"A half hour," Karen answered. Once the nurse had left the room, she took a sip of orange juice that had been on the tray and winced at the taste. She started eating; with some hesitation though as most of the food looked like it was plastic.
When Jack came out of the bathroom, he saw the tray of food and said, "You're actually eating that stuff?"
"I don't really have any other choice poodle," Karen said, lifting a forkful of the watery scrambled eggs to her mouth.
"Wait a sec, I'll get you some real food," Jack said. He got his cell phone out of his jacket and dialed a number. After speaking with someone on the other end, he hung up and turned to Karen. "We'll have lunch in about an hour or two."
"Who did you call Jackie?" Karen asked, pushing the tray away from her.
"You'll see," Jack answered simply.
Karen immediately started prodding him about what was going on, but he wouldn't say anything. When she gave up, she said, "Can you help me change out of this thing since you won't talk?"
"Sure Kare," Jack said. He went over to her bag with a gold clasp and opened it, pulling out navy blue silk pajamas. As he helped Karen out of the hospital gown and into the pajamas, he asked, "Are you going to breast feed Ebie?"
"Yes," Karen said as she lay back in the bed.
"Did you ask Kat about that?" Jack asked, sitting down on the edge.
"I made that decision myself," Karen said smiling. She looked past Jack as the nurse came in with their daughter.
"Here you are," the nurse said, handing the baby to Karen. "The nurses in the nursery who had the shift before me said she was very quiet all night, she seems to kick a lot though."
Karen laughed and said, "Yeah, that's very true." Before the nurse left, she asked, "Has she been fed yet?"
"Earlier, but I'm sure she's hungry by now," the nurse said. "Would you like me to get a bottle for you?"
"Oh, no," Karen said. "I'll be breast feeding her."
"Alright," the nurse said before leaving. "If you have any problems, though, just press the call button and a nurse will come to help you."
When the nurse was gone, Karen kissed Elizabeth's cheek. "Hello honey," she said softly.
The baby was able to free one of her hands and she reached out and grabbed a strand of Karen's hair.
Gently pulling the hair out of the tiny hand, Karen said to Jack, "I guess I should try feeding her now."
"Do you want me to leave or something?" Jack asked.
"Why?" Karen asked, looking up at him. "Nothing you haven't seen before."
Jack shrugged and said, "I thought you would want privacy."
"That's okay Jackie, you can stay," Karen said as she unbuttoned the top buttons of her pajama blouse. She put Elizabeth up to her left breast and smiled as she started to suck.
Jack moved around so he was sitting next to Karen, and he put his arm around her.
While the baby drank, the two were quiet as they watched her.
When Elizabeth pulled away from Karen's right breast, Karen said to Jack, "Hand me that towel there poodle." When he gave her the small towel, she put it over her shoulder and then put her daughter up on her shoulder and burped her.
A few minutes later, Jack was holding Elizabeth as she fell asleep. "So...what did that feel like?" he asked a little hesitantly.
"It was weird at first, but I got used to it," Karen said, shrugging. "It's not different then when you played with the girls Jackie."
Blushing slightly, Jack nodded and put Elizabeth back in the little cradle she was brought in with. When he got her settled, there was a knock on the door which he walked over to and opened.
"Hey Jackie-boy," Katherine said from the other end. She hurriedly walked into the room, carrying one of her sister's large purses.
"Why do you have my purse?" Karen asked, almost missing Edward who came into the room behind her sister. "Oh hi Eddie, come to see the baby?"
"Yeah, I hope its okay," Edward said.
"It's fine," Karen said. "But Kath, what's with my purse?"
"Jack called me and said you guys needed some real food," Katherine said, walking to the bed and opening the purse. "I got lunch for the four of us, but I had to use your purse to carry it in."
"Oh, well then that's okay," Karen said as her sister handed her a sandwich.
"So how is my niece doing?" Katherine asked, handing Jack and then Edward their lunches.
"She's fine, asleep right now," Jack said, gesturing to the baby.
Katherine went over to the cradle and looked at Elizabeth for a few minutes before sitting down next to Karen on the bed and eating her own lunch. "When are they letting you and Ebie leave?" she asked.
"A couple of days," Karen said.
"Great," Katherine said. "I'm nearly done with her room, just a few last minute things. It should be ready for her by the time you go home."
"I can't wait to see it," Karen said, smiling at her sister broadly.
~~~
Three days later, Karen was allowed to leave the hospital with Elizabeth.
The past few days, Karen and Jack had gotten used to the routine of taking care of their daughter. Surprisingly, they both had no difficulties when it came to doing things like changing diapers and other stuff.
On the way back to the penthouse, Jack was playing 'This Little Piggy' with Elizabeth's toes while she was in her car seat. Whenever he tickled the bottom of her feet, she laughed and smiled happily.
Karen watched the two, and suddenly had a strong feeling of contentment. After a while, she moved over to sit next to Jack and she took one of his hands.
Jack stopped tickling Elizabeth and turned to Karen. He smiled at her and they kissed deeply before the limo came to a stop.
When they entered the penthouse, Katherine, Edward, Will, Grace and Amber were all in the entryway, waiting for them.
"What are you guys doing here?" Karen asked in surprise.
"We're throwing a welcome home party for you and Ebie," Grace said.
"And I wanted to be here when you see Ebie's room for the first time," Katherine said.
Karen smiled and said, "Then let's go see that first Kath." She walked toward the stairs with Elizabeth in her arms, her sister and Jack following her.
When they got to the door of Elizabeth's room, Katherine said, "I hope you both like it." She opened the door and let Karen and Jack inside.
When she looked around, Karen gasped in surprise.
The room had been decorated with a moon and stars theme. The walls were painted a blue color and on one wall which had no furniture or windows, was a mural of space with a few planets.
"Kath... it's beautiful," Karen said, turning slowly.
"All this is just fabulous," Jack said, looking at the crib, which had a mobile with stars hanging from it.
Karen walked over to the crib and placed Elizabeth, who was asleep, in it. When she had covered the baby with a blanket, she looked to the side and saw an odd looking chair in the nook next to the window. "What's that?" she asked her sister.
"A gift for you Kare," Jack said quickly.
"I'm a bit thirsty, I'll be downstairs guys," Katherine said suddenly, and she left before Karen could say anything.
"You bought this Jackie?" Karen asked, looking at the chair. She realized then that it wasn't really a chair, but a cedar wood rocking bench with a tall back and armrests.
"I thought it would be a nice place for the two of us to sit with Ebie," Jack said.
"I love it," Karen said, turning and putting her arms around him. "And I love you."
Jack smiled and put his arms around her waist. "Love you Kare," he said before they kissed each other deeply for a few moments.
~~~
Later on that night when everyone had left, Karen went into Elizabeth's room to check on her. She walked over to the crib and peered down, surprised to see that the baby was awake, staring up at her calmly. "I hope you'll cry or something so I know when you're hungry and stuff," Karen said as she picked Elizabeth up. She walked over to the rocking bench and sat down, pushing back and forth slowly as she watched her daughter.
After a few minutes, Elizabeth started to cry, waving an arm around like she was angry.
"Okay honey, I know you're hungry," Karen said soothingly to the girl. She unbuttoned her blouse slightly and started feeding Elizabeth.
Jack walked into the room just as Karen was getting the baby settled in the crib, fifteen minutes later. "Ready to get some sleep Kare?" he asked her.
"Yes," Karen said quietly, running her fingers down Elizabeth's cheek softly. She and Jack then left the room, pausing only to turn on the baby monitor so they would be able to hear Elizabeth when she cried at night. Once in their room, Karen changed into her pajamas while Jack got into bed.
While they got settled under the covers, Jack asked, "When can we start having sex again?"
"I don't know," Karen said as she rested her head on Jack's chest. "I can call my doctor tomorrow and ask though." She lifted her head so she was looking into Jack's eyes and said, "I've missed making love to you poodle."
"I miss you too," Jack said, putting his hand on the back of her head and pulling her down to his lips. They kissed passionately for a few minutes until he pulled away and said, "We should sleep Kare, 'cause I'm sure Ebie'll wake up later on tonight."
"Alright," Karen said, kissing him on the lips. She settled back on his chest and said, "I love you Jackie, good night."
"Good night Kare," Jack said, holding her close to him as he fell asleep a few minutes later.
~~~
Three weeks later, a whole parade of people visited the penthouse to see the new baby. The most memorable of all the visits though, was when Jack's mother went to see Elizabeth.
"Hello Jackie, dear," Judith said when her son let her into the penthouse.
"Hi Mom," Jack said, giving him mom a quick hug.
"Well are we going to stand here or am I going to get to see my granddaughter?" Judith asked impatiently.
"Come on mom, the baby's with Kare in her room," Jack said, going to the stairs.
When they got to Elizabeth's room, Judith literally ran inside. "Hello Karen," she said. "I've come to visit my little granddaughter."
Karen smiled and then picked Elizabeth up out of the crib. "Here she is," she said, walking over to Judith. "Would you like to hold her?"
"Oh, of course, but I'd like to sit down," Judith said.
"Over here mom," Jack said, leading her to the bench.
Judith sat down and took the baby from Kare. She looked down at the child and smiled. "Well she is beautiful," she said, smiling. "She looks a lot like you Karen, but she's got my Jackie's blue eyes." She touched the tip of Elizabeth's nose with her finger and laughed as the baby tried to grab her finger. "You said you named her Elizabeth?" she then asked.
"Elizabeth Marie," Karen said.
"She is simply gorgeous," Judith said, leaning down and kissing the top of her granddaughter's head.
Just then, Elizabeth started to cry a little, and Karen said, "Oh, she's hungry." She took the baby from Judith.
"Well I suppose I better be going," Judith said, getting off the bench so Karen could sit. "Thank you so much for letting me hold her. And you both will let me know when her baptism is, right?"
Jack and Karen glanced at each other, and then Jack said, "What are you talking about mom?"
"Dear, the baby needs to be baptized," Judith said. "You were even baptized Jackie, at St. Agnes' Church."
"We haven't really thought about that yet," Karen said.
"Well I hope you do have her baptized," Judith said. "I'll talk to you both later, goodbye."
"Bye Judith," Karen said.
Jack walked Judith to the door of the penthouse and then went back up to the baby's room. "Do you think we should have her baptized?" he asked when he sat down next to Karen on the bench.
"I guess, I mean, it is one way of making Grace and Will her godparents officially," Karen said, leaning against Jack while feeding Elizabeth. "What church though?"
"What about St. Paul's?" Jack asked. "I was baptized a Catholic, so."
"Hmm, I guess that's as good as anywhere," Karen said. "I don't think my mom had enough religion to baptize me."
"Okay," Jack said, ignoring Karen's statement about her mother. "Why don't we wait till Ebie's a little bit older to do it though?"
"Sounds good Jackie," Karen said. Using her free hand, she pulled Jack to her and they kissed each other tenderly.
~~~
A week later, Edward was saying goodnight to Katherine in her apartment. Earlier, they had gone out to dinner with Amber and then had gone to Times Square before returning to Riverside Drive for hot tea.
"Am I going to see you for lunch tomorrow or are you going to your sister's," Edward asked as he pulled his jacket on.
"Why don't we eat lunch at your place, that way I can see Kare and Ebie after?" Katherine suggested.
"Great, I'll pick you up at twelve then," Edward said. He kissed Katherine on the cheek softly, and was about to leave when she stopped him.
"I...wanted to do this all night," Katherine said shyly. She put her arms around him and kissed him deeply.
Surprised at first, Edward almost didn't return the kiss. He then got a hold of himself and wrapped his arms around her back.
When she pulled away from him, slightly breathless, Katherine blushed and smiled softly. "I'll see you tomorrow Edward," she said.
Touching her cheek with his fingers, Edward turned and left the apartment.
Katherine leaned against the door once he had left, trying to breathe normally. It had taken her a long time that night to build up the courage to do that, but she was extremely happy. Touching her lips slightly, she opened the door to get her daughter from Will and Grace's apartment where Amber was watching TV with the two. She stepped into the hallway, and was surprised to see a dark-haired woman knocking on the door of apartment 9C.
"Excuse me ma'am" Katherine said cautiously. "But I'm afraid no one lives in that apartment."
The woman turned towards her, and when she faced her, the woman gasped, "Oh my god. Katherine?"
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Welcome Home
The morning after Elizabeth's birth, Katherine entered Karen's hospital room carrying two Armani bags. She was surprised to see that Jack was sleeping in the hospital bed with her sister, his arms wrapped around her. As quietly as possible, Katherine walked over to the small couch and set down the bags on top of it.
"Are both of those for me?" Karen said suddenly.
Whirling around, Katherine saw her sister was looking at her over Jack's arm. "One's for you and the other one's for Jack," she answered.
"Thanks for bringing our clothes," Karen said. "I guess we forgot them yesterday."
"You should get some rest Kare," Katherine said, walking over to the bed.
"What time is it?" Karen asked after yawning slightly.
"A quarter to nine, I just dropped these off now since I'm on my way to work," Katherine said.
"Are you still coming after lunch?" Karen asked.
"Yeah, I'll be here," Katherine answered, squeezing her sister's hand and kissing her cheek. "Get some sleep and I'll see you then."
"Bye," Karen murmured, already half asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
~~~
A few hours later, Jack woke up and looked over at Karen and saw she was still asleep. Trying to get out of the bed as carefully as possible, Jack accidentally woke her up.
"What time is it poodle?" Karen asked when Jack had gotten out.
"Oh sorry, did I wake you up Kare?" Jack asked, turning back to her.
"It's okay," Karen said, smiling up at. "Oh, Kath came earlier, brought us some clothes."
Jack turned to the couch and saw the two bags. "Great, I'm going to get changed, I'll be right out though," he said. He grabbed the black bag with a silver clasp, which was his, and went into the bathroom.
While Jack was in the bathroom, a nurse came in with a tray of food which she put in front of Karen. "When would you like me to bring your baby in Mrs. McFarland?" she asked.
"A half hour," Karen answered. Once the nurse had left the room, she took a sip of orange juice that had been on the tray and winced at the taste. She started eating; with some hesitation though as most of the food looked like it was plastic.
When Jack came out of the bathroom, he saw the tray of food and said, "You're actually eating that stuff?"
"I don't really have any other choice poodle," Karen said, lifting a forkful of the watery scrambled eggs to her mouth.
"Wait a sec, I'll get you some real food," Jack said. He got his cell phone out of his jacket and dialed a number. After speaking with someone on the other end, he hung up and turned to Karen. "We'll have lunch in about an hour or two."
"Who did you call Jackie?" Karen asked, pushing the tray away from her.
"You'll see," Jack answered simply.
Karen immediately started prodding him about what was going on, but he wouldn't say anything. When she gave up, she said, "Can you help me change out of this thing since you won't talk?"
"Sure Kare," Jack said. He went over to her bag with a gold clasp and opened it, pulling out navy blue silk pajamas. As he helped Karen out of the hospital gown and into the pajamas, he asked, "Are you going to breast feed Ebie?"
"Yes," Karen said as she lay back in the bed.
"Did you ask Kat about that?" Jack asked, sitting down on the edge.
"I made that decision myself," Karen said smiling. She looked past Jack as the nurse came in with their daughter.
"Here you are," the nurse said, handing the baby to Karen. "The nurses in the nursery who had the shift before me said she was very quiet all night, she seems to kick a lot though."
Karen laughed and said, "Yeah, that's very true." Before the nurse left, she asked, "Has she been fed yet?"
"Earlier, but I'm sure she's hungry by now," the nurse said. "Would you like me to get a bottle for you?"
"Oh, no," Karen said. "I'll be breast feeding her."
"Alright," the nurse said before leaving. "If you have any problems, though, just press the call button and a nurse will come to help you."
When the nurse was gone, Karen kissed Elizabeth's cheek. "Hello honey," she said softly.
The baby was able to free one of her hands and she reached out and grabbed a strand of Karen's hair.
Gently pulling the hair out of the tiny hand, Karen said to Jack, "I guess I should try feeding her now."
"Do you want me to leave or something?" Jack asked.
"Why?" Karen asked, looking up at him. "Nothing you haven't seen before."
Jack shrugged and said, "I thought you would want privacy."
"That's okay Jackie, you can stay," Karen said as she unbuttoned the top buttons of her pajama blouse. She put Elizabeth up to her left breast and smiled as she started to suck.
Jack moved around so he was sitting next to Karen, and he put his arm around her.
While the baby drank, the two were quiet as they watched her.
When Elizabeth pulled away from Karen's right breast, Karen said to Jack, "Hand me that towel there poodle." When he gave her the small towel, she put it over her shoulder and then put her daughter up on her shoulder and burped her.
A few minutes later, Jack was holding Elizabeth as she fell asleep. "So...what did that feel like?" he asked a little hesitantly.
"It was weird at first, but I got used to it," Karen said, shrugging. "It's not different then when you played with the girls Jackie."
Blushing slightly, Jack nodded and put Elizabeth back in the little cradle she was brought in with. When he got her settled, there was a knock on the door which he walked over to and opened.
"Hey Jackie-boy," Katherine said from the other end. She hurriedly walked into the room, carrying one of her sister's large purses.
"Why do you have my purse?" Karen asked, almost missing Edward who came into the room behind her sister. "Oh hi Eddie, come to see the baby?"
"Yeah, I hope its okay," Edward said.
"It's fine," Karen said. "But Kath, what's with my purse?"
"Jack called me and said you guys needed some real food," Katherine said, walking to the bed and opening the purse. "I got lunch for the four of us, but I had to use your purse to carry it in."
"Oh, well then that's okay," Karen said as her sister handed her a sandwich.
"So how is my niece doing?" Katherine asked, handing Jack and then Edward their lunches.
"She's fine, asleep right now," Jack said, gesturing to the baby.
Katherine went over to the cradle and looked at Elizabeth for a few minutes before sitting down next to Karen on the bed and eating her own lunch. "When are they letting you and Ebie leave?" she asked.
"A couple of days," Karen said.
"Great," Katherine said. "I'm nearly done with her room, just a few last minute things. It should be ready for her by the time you go home."
"I can't wait to see it," Karen said, smiling at her sister broadly.
~~~
Three days later, Karen was allowed to leave the hospital with Elizabeth.
The past few days, Karen and Jack had gotten used to the routine of taking care of their daughter. Surprisingly, they both had no difficulties when it came to doing things like changing diapers and other stuff.
On the way back to the penthouse, Jack was playing 'This Little Piggy' with Elizabeth's toes while she was in her car seat. Whenever he tickled the bottom of her feet, she laughed and smiled happily.
Karen watched the two, and suddenly had a strong feeling of contentment. After a while, she moved over to sit next to Jack and she took one of his hands.
Jack stopped tickling Elizabeth and turned to Karen. He smiled at her and they kissed deeply before the limo came to a stop.
When they entered the penthouse, Katherine, Edward, Will, Grace and Amber were all in the entryway, waiting for them.
"What are you guys doing here?" Karen asked in surprise.
"We're throwing a welcome home party for you and Ebie," Grace said.
"And I wanted to be here when you see Ebie's room for the first time," Katherine said.
Karen smiled and said, "Then let's go see that first Kath." She walked toward the stairs with Elizabeth in her arms, her sister and Jack following her.
When they got to the door of Elizabeth's room, Katherine said, "I hope you both like it." She opened the door and let Karen and Jack inside.
When she looked around, Karen gasped in surprise.
The room had been decorated with a moon and stars theme. The walls were painted a blue color and on one wall which had no furniture or windows, was a mural of space with a few planets.
"Kath... it's beautiful," Karen said, turning slowly.
"All this is just fabulous," Jack said, looking at the crib, which had a mobile with stars hanging from it.
Karen walked over to the crib and placed Elizabeth, who was asleep, in it. When she had covered the baby with a blanket, she looked to the side and saw an odd looking chair in the nook next to the window. "What's that?" she asked her sister.
"A gift for you Kare," Jack said quickly.
"I'm a bit thirsty, I'll be downstairs guys," Katherine said suddenly, and she left before Karen could say anything.
"You bought this Jackie?" Karen asked, looking at the chair. She realized then that it wasn't really a chair, but a cedar wood rocking bench with a tall back and armrests.
"I thought it would be a nice place for the two of us to sit with Ebie," Jack said.
"I love it," Karen said, turning and putting her arms around him. "And I love you."
Jack smiled and put his arms around her waist. "Love you Kare," he said before they kissed each other deeply for a few moments.
~~~
Later on that night when everyone had left, Karen went into Elizabeth's room to check on her. She walked over to the crib and peered down, surprised to see that the baby was awake, staring up at her calmly. "I hope you'll cry or something so I know when you're hungry and stuff," Karen said as she picked Elizabeth up. She walked over to the rocking bench and sat down, pushing back and forth slowly as she watched her daughter.
After a few minutes, Elizabeth started to cry, waving an arm around like she was angry.
"Okay honey, I know you're hungry," Karen said soothingly to the girl. She unbuttoned her blouse slightly and started feeding Elizabeth.
Jack walked into the room just as Karen was getting the baby settled in the crib, fifteen minutes later. "Ready to get some sleep Kare?" he asked her.
"Yes," Karen said quietly, running her fingers down Elizabeth's cheek softly. She and Jack then left the room, pausing only to turn on the baby monitor so they would be able to hear Elizabeth when she cried at night. Once in their room, Karen changed into her pajamas while Jack got into bed.
While they got settled under the covers, Jack asked, "When can we start having sex again?"
"I don't know," Karen said as she rested her head on Jack's chest. "I can call my doctor tomorrow and ask though." She lifted her head so she was looking into Jack's eyes and said, "I've missed making love to you poodle."
"I miss you too," Jack said, putting his hand on the back of her head and pulling her down to his lips. They kissed passionately for a few minutes until he pulled away and said, "We should sleep Kare, 'cause I'm sure Ebie'll wake up later on tonight."
"Alright," Karen said, kissing him on the lips. She settled back on his chest and said, "I love you Jackie, good night."
"Good night Kare," Jack said, holding her close to him as he fell asleep a few minutes later.
~~~
Three weeks later, a whole parade of people visited the penthouse to see the new baby. The most memorable of all the visits though, was when Jack's mother went to see Elizabeth.
"Hello Jackie, dear," Judith said when her son let her into the penthouse.
"Hi Mom," Jack said, giving him mom a quick hug.
"Well are we going to stand here or am I going to get to see my granddaughter?" Judith asked impatiently.
"Come on mom, the baby's with Kare in her room," Jack said, going to the stairs.
When they got to Elizabeth's room, Judith literally ran inside. "Hello Karen," she said. "I've come to visit my little granddaughter."
Karen smiled and then picked Elizabeth up out of the crib. "Here she is," she said, walking over to Judith. "Would you like to hold her?"
"Oh, of course, but I'd like to sit down," Judith said.
"Over here mom," Jack said, leading her to the bench.
Judith sat down and took the baby from Kare. She looked down at the child and smiled. "Well she is beautiful," she said, smiling. "She looks a lot like you Karen, but she's got my Jackie's blue eyes." She touched the tip of Elizabeth's nose with her finger and laughed as the baby tried to grab her finger. "You said you named her Elizabeth?" she then asked.
"Elizabeth Marie," Karen said.
"She is simply gorgeous," Judith said, leaning down and kissing the top of her granddaughter's head.
Just then, Elizabeth started to cry a little, and Karen said, "Oh, she's hungry." She took the baby from Judith.
"Well I suppose I better be going," Judith said, getting off the bench so Karen could sit. "Thank you so much for letting me hold her. And you both will let me know when her baptism is, right?"
Jack and Karen glanced at each other, and then Jack said, "What are you talking about mom?"
"Dear, the baby needs to be baptized," Judith said. "You were even baptized Jackie, at St. Agnes' Church."
"We haven't really thought about that yet," Karen said.
"Well I hope you do have her baptized," Judith said. "I'll talk to you both later, goodbye."
"Bye Judith," Karen said.
Jack walked Judith to the door of the penthouse and then went back up to the baby's room. "Do you think we should have her baptized?" he asked when he sat down next to Karen on the bench.
"I guess, I mean, it is one way of making Grace and Will her godparents officially," Karen said, leaning against Jack while feeding Elizabeth. "What church though?"
"What about St. Paul's?" Jack asked. "I was baptized a Catholic, so."
"Hmm, I guess that's as good as anywhere," Karen said. "I don't think my mom had enough religion to baptize me."
"Okay," Jack said, ignoring Karen's statement about her mother. "Why don't we wait till Ebie's a little bit older to do it though?"
"Sounds good Jackie," Karen said. Using her free hand, she pulled Jack to her and they kissed each other tenderly.
~~~
A week later, Edward was saying goodnight to Katherine in her apartment. Earlier, they had gone out to dinner with Amber and then had gone to Times Square before returning to Riverside Drive for hot tea.
"Am I going to see you for lunch tomorrow or are you going to your sister's," Edward asked as he pulled his jacket on.
"Why don't we eat lunch at your place, that way I can see Kare and Ebie after?" Katherine suggested.
"Great, I'll pick you up at twelve then," Edward said. He kissed Katherine on the cheek softly, and was about to leave when she stopped him.
"I...wanted to do this all night," Katherine said shyly. She put her arms around him and kissed him deeply.
Surprised at first, Edward almost didn't return the kiss. He then got a hold of himself and wrapped his arms around her back.
When she pulled away from him, slightly breathless, Katherine blushed and smiled softly. "I'll see you tomorrow Edward," she said.
Touching her cheek with his fingers, Edward turned and left the apartment.
Katherine leaned against the door once he had left, trying to breathe normally. It had taken her a long time that night to build up the courage to do that, but she was extremely happy. Touching her lips slightly, she opened the door to get her daughter from Will and Grace's apartment where Amber was watching TV with the two. She stepped into the hallway, and was surprised to see a dark-haired woman knocking on the door of apartment 9C.
"Excuse me ma'am" Katherine said cautiously. "But I'm afraid no one lives in that apartment."
The woman turned towards her, and when she faced her, the woman gasped, "Oh my god. Katherine?"