AN: Here is the last chapter and it's all FLUFF. Thank you to everyone for waiting patiently for the update add a very special thank you to Nina doc_pickles for Beta reading for me and giving me the encouragement I need! 😁
Jo smiled as she caught Alex glancing at her and their newborn daughter in the rearview mirror. "We're fine."
"Is she still sleeping? What about you, are you in any pain?" Alex asked with worried eyes as he glanced back at them again.
"When I say that we're both fine, Alex. I mean we're both fine," Jo said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as she met his gaze in the rearview mirror. "You know, for someone who's driving so carefully, you're glancing back at us an awful lot."
"I'm just being careful and watching over my girls," Alex said, looking back at the road as he drove up the street. "It's her first car ride."
"Yeah, and it's not going to be her last, but it might be if Daddy keeps going so slow. Isn't that right Maddie," Jo said, looking down at her newborn daughter.
She ran her fingers through her daughter's little tufts of brown hair and smiled down at her little chubby cheeks. She picked up her chubby little arm, letting her hand automatically curl around her finger. Their daughter was absolutely perfect and Jo resisted the urge to adjust the blanket on top of her. Alex wasn't the only one who fussed over her. He was driving them home from the hospital, and Jo insisted on sitting in the back next to Maddie, and pretended it wasn't so she could be as overprotective as he was. To be honest, she was still getting used to her daughter being outside of her.
"Here we are," Alex said as he pulled into the driveway. "And it looks like your siblings are here too, baby girl."
Jo looked up to see the banner across the entryway porch. It said, 'Welcome Home Mama Jo and Madeleine.' So much had changed since she got pregnant. It had all been so new and terrifying at the same time. The twins and Izzie had become a part of her family and Jo wouldn't want to come home without them waiting for her.
She waited for Alex to come around and open her door as she started to unhook the car seat from the base. She let him help her out of the car as she was still sore and walking a little funny, but she reached back in to grab the car seat, only for Alex to protest.
"What are you doing?" Alex asked as he grabbed her waist and gently pulled her back.
"Getting our daughter," Jo said, raising her eyebrow at him as it was quite obvious.
"No, you are not supposed to be lifting anything heavy."
"Carina said it was fine. It's not like I had a C-section," Jo said, trying to reach for Maddie again.
"You have stitches, and Carina said not to lift anything heavier than Maddie. A car seat counts as such," Alex said, turning around and putting his hands on his hips as he stared at her down. "Jo, let me take care of you and Maddie."
"Fine," Jo relented, putting her arms up in defeat. Although she smiled as she watched Alex carefully lift up the car seat and she couldn't resist adjusting the blanket around Maddie.
Alex softened as he smiled at her and took the car seat and one arm and put the other around her waist as they walked inside. The second they walked through the door, they heard Alexis and Eli talking excitedly as Izzie shushed them. The two of them walked up the hallway and into the open living room and kitchen. Jo smiled as she reached over to flick on the light and Izzie, Alexis, and Eli all jumped up from where they were hiding behind the couch.
"Welcome home Mama Jo and Maddie!" They all shouted as Izzie held both the twin's hands. It reminded her of the moment she opened the loft door to see them standing there five months ago.
The living room was decorated with streamers and pictures the twins had drawn. As Jo looked around, she realized it was cleaner than it was two days before when they had rushed to the hospital.
"Oh my goodness, thank you guys," Jo said as she looked around.
"Can I hug you now Mama Jo, I missed you?" Eli asked, pulling against Izzie's arm where she held him back.
"Can I hold my baby sister?" Alexis asked, bouncing up and down as Izzie still held their hands as they walked over to them.
"Let's let Jo and Maddie get settled and then you two can greet her and Maddie," Alex said, putting a hand on her back and gently leading her over to the couch.
Alex put the car seat on the coffee table and helped Jo sit down on the couch and propped her feet up before putting a blanket over and generally fussing over her as well as Izzie and the twins came to coo over Maddie.
"Can I hold her now?" Alexis said positively jumping up and down in excitement as Izzie laughed as she held the car seat study.
Alex looked over at her and Jo just smiled at Alexis. "Okay, but sit down and let your Daddy help you."
"Yay!" Alexis cheered, immediately running over to the blue armchair and sitting down, although she still vibrated with excitement.
Alex got Maddie from the car seat and picked her up as he walked over to Alexis, trying to get her to settle down before he put Maddie in her arms. Izzie sat on the coffee table watching everything as Eli came over and stood next to her. Jo instantly reached out her arms and pulled him in for a hug as he melted into her arms.
"I missed you too Buddy," Jo whispered to him as she held him close.
She moved back to make room for him on the couch as he crawled up next to her. She put her arm around him as he laid his head on his shoulder and they both watched Alexis hold Maddie.
Alexis had finally calmed down as Alex helped her take a few big deep breaths. Now she held her arms out as Alex placed the newborn in her arms. Jo loved the look of awe, accompanied by a smile that spread across Alexis's face as she held her baby sister. Izzie had brought the twins to meet Maddie the day before when they were in the hospital and the twins had gotten the chance to hold her then. Still, Alexis reacted as if it was the first time and Jo loved the bond the sisters already had. Alexis adored her baby sister, although Eli was still getting used to the idea of having the baby.
"So there's muffins and cookies on the counter that we just finished baking. There's also a couple of meals in the fridge that various people have been coming over and dropping off. You guys can just pull out the lasagna in the fridge for tonight and I've done laundry and cleaned up a little bit around the house. I'll keep the twins with me at night and text before letting them run over. They know that you guys are going to be pretty tired taking care of Maddie and so we'll work out the time schedule. That way you guys don't have anything to worry about managing two kids and a newborn," Izzie said briefly, glancing at Alexis before she looked back at Jo.
"I can't thank you enough, Izzie. I don't know what we'd do without you," Jo said as they exchanged a smile. "I know we left the house in such a state when I went into labor."
"Oh, don't worry about it. We're family, that's what family does," Izzie said with a wave of her hand.
"It really means a lot to me," Jo said, looking over at her as Izzie met her with a soft smile.
The two of them have become close friends in the last few months. They had bought two houses next to each other and combined the backyards and the twins were always hopping between the two houses. Izzie was constantly over as well, helping out and doing little things for Jo and Alex. It was like it was when they were in Kansas, all six of them as a family. Jo realized why Alex had fallen in love with Izzie all those years ago. She was kind and a little hard-headed at times, but her intentions were good, and once the three of them agreed to do what was best for the kids, they became my family.
"Your belly is gone," Eli said gently, placing his hand on her partially deflated stomach.
"Yeah, well, your baby sister isn't in there anymore," Jo said, looking over at him and poking his shoulder as he giggled. "Do you want to take a turn holding her?"
"I don't know," Eli said, looking over at Alexis and Maddie.
"Why don't we hold her together? Your Daddy can come put her in my arms and I'll hold her head and you can hold her feet?" Jo offered, looking over at Eli and watching his face as he considered it.
Eli finally nodded and Jo looked up at Alex, who had been looking back at them as he smiled. "Okay, Alexis, time to let your brother have a turn."
"But I'm not done with her yet," Alexis protested, holding Maddie closer.
"There'll be plenty of time for you to hold her later, remember you've got to share her with everyone," Alex said as he crouched down in front of her.
"And if your Mama Jo asks for Maddie, you need to give her back so Jo can take care of her," Izzie added as she sent Alexis a look.
Alexis looked down at Maddie with a little pout as she seemed to memorize Maddie's face before she relented. "Okay."
Alex smiled as he reached to pick Maddie up, gently cradling her close before he stood up and carefully walked over to her. He handled Maddie with such care and caution, more so than Jo had ever seen him do before. Watching Alex with their newborn made her heart burst with love for him. He came over and gently placed Maddie and her arms. Jo smiled down at her sleeping little girl before she looked over at Eli.
"Are you ready?" Jo asked him as Eli had turned stiff as a board next to her.
He held his arms out in front of her like he was waiting for her to place a box in his arms, but he looked up at her and nodded. Jo moved to hold Maddie and one arm and gently moved over, so Maddie was half in her arms and half and rested her legs on Eli's lap. She took Eli's arms with her free hand and took his hand and gently placed it on her legs. She watched Eli intently as he watched Maddie with wide eyes. He still remained stiff, but after a moment, he let out a breath and softened up as he leaned against her and ran his finger over Maddie's cheeks.
"She's fat."
Everybody giggled and Jo laughed as she leaned her cheek against Eli's head. "She's a baby, babies are generally fat, but she is bigger than usual, no thanks to her Dad."
"Your genes played a part in that too and those cheeks are all you," Alex said as he smiled over at both of them.
"Yeah, but the size of her head is all you," Jo said accusatory as she pointed a finger at Alex. "And don't even try and argue with me. I have ten stitches in my vagina to prove it."
"I'm sorry about the stitches in your butt Mama Jo. Stitches are no fun," Eli said, referencing the two stitches he had gotten that summer when he fell off his bike.
Izzie and Alexis held back giggles, but Jo just wrapped her arms around Eli and gave him an extra squeeze. "Thank you, sweetie."
Alex chuckled a little bit too, and Jo looked up to glare at him, but she quickly melted as his eyes met her own, and they exchanged a little smile. Jo felt Maddie move and stretch and Eli froze back up if she glanced down at them.
"Mama Jo, she's awake," Eli said, staring down at Maddie as if he was waiting for her to cry, but instead, she stared up at them.
"I see. She seems to like you," Jo said as Maddie glanced up at her before looking over at Eli. For now, she seemed content in both of their arms, just staring at them.
Alexis wiggled out of Alex's arms and came over to crawl up on Jo's legs before Alex grabbed her and held her back. "Gentle Lex."
"It's okay, come here, Alexis," Jo said as Alex looked carefully, lifted her up, and set her on next to her legs in front of her as Eli and Alexis leaned forward to look at Maddie.
"Hi Maddie, it's me Alexis again," Alexis said, reaching out to hold Maddie's hand as Maddie wrapped her fingers around her and Alexis positively beamed with happiness.
"What do you think Buddy?" Izzie asked, reaching forward and putting her hand on Eli's knee.
"She's okay, I guess," Eli said as he tilted his head at her, the two of them seemed completely enraptured with each other as the adults looked on.
Maddie wiggled again before she let out a bit of a squawk and she started crying. Eli immediately froze up and Jo moved Maddie back into her arms as Eli ran over to Izzie. Jo quickly quieted Maddie, although the newborn was still fussy.
"She's not crying because of anything you did Eli, remember we talked about how babies cry because they need or want something," Izzie reassured him as Eli turned his head out and looked at Maddie, still a little weary.
"Sorry buddy, I think she's just hungry," Jo said as she watched Maddie turn her head and open her mouth with a cry.
"It's okay Maddie," Alexis said, crawling forward and taking Eli's spot as she gently reached out and rubbed the sole of Maddie's foot. "Can I get her a bottle Mama Jo?"
"No, I'm just going to breastfeed her, but thank you for offering Alexis," Jo said as she pulled up her shirt.
"Alexis, why don't you go grab Mama Jo a muffin that you made and Eli, you and I can get her a glass of water?" Izzie offered as she got up and offered her hand to Alexis.
"Okay," Alexis said reluctantly, getting up.
"Can I stay? I don't want the baby to bite Mama Jo," Eli asked, looking at her with eyes full of concern.
"She's not going to bite," Alex said, scooting closer to her and wrapping one arm around Eli.
"But Michael at school said that his baby sister bites a lot!" Eli protested, watching closely as Jo pulled out her breast and worked to get Maddie latched on. "See, look, she's biting Mama Jo!"
"It's okay Eli, she's supposed to latch on to my breast like this, see she's eating," Jo said as she looked down at Maddie, who was staring up at her and happily nursing.
"You got it?" Alex asked as Jo looked up and caught his eye.
"I think so," Jo said, looking down at Maddie again.
She had spent an hour with the lactation consultant yesterday. It had gone well, but Jo was still struggling to get used to the whole breastfeeding thing. She thought she got a good latch and Maddie happily ate, but she still wasn't quite sure.
"You're doing great," Alex assured her.
"Thank you," Jo said as she looked up and took in Alex's reassuring smile.
"Does it hurt?" Eli asked, leaning forward to watch.
"No, it's a little sore because Maddie and I are still getting used to it, but it won't hurt forever," Jo said as she smiled as she looked over at him and offered her arm back to let him grow up next to her.
Eli looked back at Alex, who gave him a little nudge forward, and he came to stand next to her. His eyes narrowed at Maddie as he watched to see if she would bite.
"Mama Jo, do you want milk since you're giving Maddie your milk?" Alexis asked as she leaned over the back on the couch.
"Water is fine, thanks Alexis," Jo said, looking back at her.
"Okay," Alexis said as she ran off again, only to come back a second later with a muffin that Jo happily accepted.
"Jo, where's your water bottle? I can't find it?" Izzie said as she searched through the cabinets she had opened.
"Oh, I think we left it in the car," Jo said, looking over at Alex. "Along with the diaper bag and my hospital bag."
"I'll go get it," Alex said, standing up to go before he looked back at you. "Are you okay here?"
"Yeah, I think I'm well taken care of," Jo said as she looked over at Eli, who nodded.
Alex gave her one last look before he disappeared down the hall and out of the house to retrieve their bags. Izzie came over with another muffin and set it on the coffee table as Alexis hung off the back of the couch and stared at Maddie.
"Do you want anything else to eat Mama Jo?" Alexis asked As she came over to sit next to but she mostly just stared at Maddie.
"I'm good for now, Alexis, but thank you," Jo said as she smiled over her before looking at Maddie, who looked up at her with droopy eyes. Jo ran her finger over her nose and forehead as her eyes fluttered shut, although she continued to nurse.
"Are you guys hungry, I could get going on lunch?" Izzie asked, looking around at them.
"No, but I could cook something for you Mommy?" Alexis offered as she got up. "Come on Eli, let's play restaurant."
"I don't want to leave Mama Jo, in case Maddie bites her," Eli said, looking over at Jo and Maddie.
"I'll keep an eye on her Eli," Izzie said, with a serious nod.
"And you and Alexis can play in here," Jo added, knowing that meant their clean living room would soon be overrun with play food, but she didn't mind.
"Okay, I'll be there later," Eli said, pointing to where he was going to be as he got up.
"Yay," Alexis said as she ran over the sunroom and started to drag the play kitchen into the main room.
"Mommy, you're sitting on our table," Eli said as he came back to them with a stack of plates and one of the dishtowels over his arm.
"Oh, I'm sorry, waiter," Izzie said as she moved to sit on the floor in front of Jo.
"No mommy," Alexis said as she came over with her little apron half on and pulled on Izzie's arm to lead her to the other side of the table. Then she and Eli pushed on the coffee table, with Izzie's help, as they moved it up to the couch next to Jo.
Jo watched everything with a smile as Maddie finished nursing. She moved to burp her and Izzie handed her a burp cloth she pulled out of somewhere. Eli finished setting up the table as Alexis went back to the play kitchen and started stirring up a storm. Alex came back and peeked in on them before he went to drop her bag off upstairs. He came back down with her water bottle, but as he tried to enter the room, Eli ran over and stopped him.
"Excuse me Sir, do you have a reservation?" Eli asked as he stood in front of Alex with a notebook and pen.
"Um, no, but my wife, baby, and friend are over there at the table waiting for me," Alex said as he pointed over to the three of them.
"I'm sorry Sir, but you'll need a reservation," Eli said with a shake of his head.
"What? But I don't have a reservation!" Alex said as he played along and threw his hands up in distress.
"Well, you'll have to make one."
"Okay, I'd like to make a reservation for Karev."
"I'm sorry Sir, but you'll have to call it in."
"Okay," Alex said as he pulled out his phone and pretended to make a call. "Ring, ring, ring, ring."
Eli held his hand up to his ear as he took the call. "Hello, this is the restaurant Al La Moo."
"No Eli," Alexis said as she stopped cooking to run over to him. "It's Restaurant Maddie."
"Oh, okay," Eli said as he turned back to Alex and held his hand up as a phone again as Alexis went back to the kitchen. "Hello, this is restaurant Maddie. How can I help you?"
"Yes, I'd like to make a reservation for one, for Karev?"
"Okay, I'll put you down for one for Karev," Eli said as he opened his notebook before he paused. "Un Daddy, how do you spell Karev?"
"K-a-r-e-v." Alex said as he looked over to watch Eil spell it out.
"Thanks," Eli said before going back into character. "Okay Sir, I have your reservation here."
"Okay, thank you," Alex said before he hung up the phone and looked down to address Eli. "Hello, I have a reservation for Karev?"
"Oh yes, right this way," Eli said as he led Alex over to their table and Alex moved to sit next to Jo and pulled her feet in his lap.
"How are you doing Madam, Ex-Madame, and Little Madam," Alex said as he smiled over at them.
"I'm fine, Ex-Sir, but waiter can we get some bread," Izzie asked as Eli nodded before writing it down and running away.
"We're doing good, too," Jo said as she looked down at Maddie, who was asleep on her chest, and Jo rubbed her hand up and down her back, enjoying her time with her baby.
Alex smiled and he and Izzie just stared at her and Maddie like he had since she was born. Jo didn't mind as she stared at Maddie too. She was so fascinated with the sight of her new baby. Maddie was all pouted lips and big cheeks with dark hair and a little nose. She was so new and yet so extremely familiar to Jo as she knew Maddie when she was in her belly and watched her on the ultrasounds, but now she was here in front of her. All she wanted to do was hold her and stare at her forever, but her eyes grew heavy. The couch was so comfortable and Alex was rubbing her feet. She was still tired from having given birth and getting into the routine of taking care of a newborn. As much as she wanted to stare at her newborn, she felt her eyes drift close.
"Mama Jo, what do you want to eat?" Eli asked as her eyes fluttered open.
"Let her nap Eli, she's had a long few days," Alex said as he glazed over at her with soft eyes as she gave him a sleepy smile.
"Yeah, 15 hours of labor will do that to you," Jo said if she lightly glared at Alex.
"Okay, I'll have Alexis make you something in case you get hungry later," Eli said before running back to Alexis at the kitchen.
"You know they say women forget their labor pains when they look at their baby," Alex said as he teased her and raised his eyebrows.
"They don't," Jo and Izzie said at the same time as they exchanged a look
"You're the one who said 'I want another one' before we even cut the cord," Alex said with a teasing smile.
"It was the drugs talking," Jo said as she rolled her eyes.
Although as she looked down at Maddie and over at the twins as they played, she smiled because she did want another one. She wanted a hundred of them, but for now, she wanted to focus on Maddie and the twins. Plus, she wasn't too eager to be pregnant again.
"Here is your food Sir, and Madam, and Madam Mama Jo, Alexis made soup for you in case you're hungry later," Eli whispered as he gave her a bowl of random plastic vegetables.
"Thank you," they all said as Alex and Izzie pretended to eat the food Eli had presented to them as they all gushed about how yummy it was.
Jo went to grab the bowl of soup and pretend to eat it as well before she heard a familiar gurgling sound coming from Maddie. It was so loud that it woke her up as she looked up at Jo with wide eyes before letting out a cry. Jo pouted as she quickly soothed her frightened baby.
"Was that her tummy?" Alexis asked, coming over to them.
"Nope, that was her butt," Alex said as he stood up with a chuckle. "Do you want me to change her?"
"Yeah, could you?" Jo asked as she lifted up Maddie and handed him over to her.
"Of course," Alex said, cradling her close and he put her on his shoulder. He gently held her back as he carried her over to the diaper station they had set up next to the window. "Hey Lex, you want to come learn how to change a diaper?"
"Na hu," Alexis said with a quick shake of her head as she ran back to play in the kitchen with Eli.
Izzie laughed as she watched them run away and Jo smiled as she leaned her head back. She listened to Alex coo at Maddie as he changed her and the twins as they talked about what to serve them for dessert. She didn't mean to, but before she knew it, she was fast asleep.
Jo woke up for the second time that night as she rolled over onto her stomach. This time, however, she didn't hear the cries of her newborn, and Alex's side of the bed was empty. She looked over to see Maddie's bassinet empty as well. Instantly Jo panicked as she sat up and scanned the room for her husband and child, but it was just the dark master bedroom.
Then she realized Alex must have just taken Maddie out of the room to calm her down, so he didn't wake her up. He had done that a few times in the hospital, letting her sleep while he tended to Maddie, but it made her panic every time she woke up alone. Jo took a deep breath as she closed her eyes. She forced herself to remember that wherever Maddie was, she was being well taken care of. Alex loved her and he loved taking care of her. She knew that Maddie loved Alex. She was calmed by his voice, even in her womb, and would happily stare up at him. Even though she did cry when she found out she couldn't nurse from his useless nipples. Still, every time someone else took Maddie, Jo couldn't help but think that Maddie missed her and needed her, and Jo felt the need to go and get her daughter.
She slipped out of the room into the hallway, where she saw the night light on in the kid's room and the light on in the nursery. The door was slightly ajar, but she couldn't hear Alex. Still, she knew he was there and she pushed open the door. Alex was sitting in the rocking chair across from her, fast asleep, but Maddie wasn't in his arms. Jo's panic rose before she looked around and saw Izzie holding Maddie in her arms. Both of them were wide awake as Izzie lightly rocked her.
"Hey," Izzie whispered as she walked over and immediately gave Maddie to Jo, and for that, she was grateful. "I got up and saw the light on in the nursery and Alex was fast asleep. Maddie had just started to fuss, so I picked her up and tried to get her back down, but I think she's hungry again."
"You don't have to get her," Jo said as she just gently swayed from side to side, and Maddie calmed down for a second, but then she fussed again and threw her arms up in protest. Jo looked around, but Alex was in the only chair in the nursery.
"Oh, I wanted to. I miss the days when the twins were this little," Izzie said as she wrapped her cardigan around her and smiled down at Maddie. "And I figured I'd help out you and Alex since I was staying over with the twins."
"I can't thank you enough Izzie. You've done so much for us these past few days," Jo said, looking up from Maddie as she continued to sway.
"I'm only doing what was done for me when I had the twins," Izzie said as she held the nursery door open and the two of them walked down to the hall and back to the master bedroom. "It was just me, but I hired a postpartum doula. She was amazing. She made me dinners, and treats, and took care of the laundry and dishes and all the household chores. She sat and talked with me and helped me take care of two babies. She even let me take a nap while she was there. I always said that if any of my other friends had a baby, I would do this for them."
"I always figured that I would just do it on my own," Jo said as she looked at Maddie and settled back into bed. "I mean, I knew I'd have Alex, and he's been such a good husband, but there are times when I knew it would just be her and me and everything."
"Well, you're not alone now," Izzie said as she sat down on the bed next to her. "And if you want me too, I'll be here for you?"
"Are you offering to move in and do my laundry?" Jo asked with a laugh as she undid her pajama shirt and nursing bra.
"If you want me to?" Izzie said with a shrug.
"I'd really appreciate that," Jo said with a nod before she looked down at Maddie, whose fussing had turned into cries as Jo tried to get her to latch.
"Okay, then do you want me to get you anything right now?"
"Did you breastfeed the twins?"
"I did for a little, but it was hard with two babies and I struggled a lot with my milk supply before I completely switched to formula when they were about two and a half months old, but I remember enough."
"Can you help me get her latched? She's just too upset and I just can't seem to remember what the lactation consultant said," Jo said as she tried to calm down Maddie a little bit. She gently rocked her as she held her breast and tried to get her to latch, but Maddie turned her head away, still crying.
"I can help try if you're okay with me putting my hand on your breast?" Izzie offered, a bit hesitant. "Then you can hold her head better and turn her in to latch."
"Okay," Jo said as she let go and held Maddie's head as Izzie gently reached forward, looking up at her again as Jo nodded before she put a hand on her breast and gently held it in position.
Jo moved Maddie closer and moved her open mouth around her breast. Maddie closed her mouth around her and opened her eyes in surprise. She started to suckle as Jo sighed in relief and Izzie smiled.
"Why is my ex-wife holding my wife's boob?" Alex said that they both looked up to see him standing in front of them, staring with his eyes narrowed at them.
"She's helping me breastfeed Maddie, you perv," Jo said as she shook her head. Izzie let go of her breast and they watched Maddie happily eat.
"Oh," Alex said with a shrug as he climbed into the bed next to her. He smiled down at Maddie as he put his head on her shoulder. "Looks like you two succeeded."
"Yeah, we did," Jo said as she looked up at Izzie. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Izzie said as she returned Jo's smile with one of her own.
"Yeah, it looks like you're doing it right. Why don't I grab a burp cloth really quick," Izzie said as she got up and went over to the changing station they had set up and grabbed a few things. "Also, where's your nipple cream?"
"Okay, it should be by the burp cloths," Jo said, still looking down at Maddie.
"Oh, I see it," Izzie said as she came back with the cream and a burp cloth along with a diaper and wipes just in case.
"You can go back to bed if you want," Jo offered to her now that Maddie was settled.
"That's okay. I remember how lonely those midnight feeds were and it was nice to have company," Izzie said as she smiled at Maddie.
Jo smiled back down at Maddie too, as she leaned into Alex, who wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her head.
"You know when Izzie told me about the twins, and you insisted on coming along. I never imagined you two would be friends, let alone that you would let her help you breastfeed," Alex said with a chuckle.
"I couldn't have imagined it either," Izzie said as she shook her head. "I thought we were going to hate each other, yet here we are."
Jo just smiled as she looked up and caught Izzies eyes. Despite how different they were, Izzie had become one of her best friends. "What can I say, we just clicked."
"That we did," Izzie agreed with a nod.
Maddie grunted as she happily ate and Jo and Alex looked back down at her. While Izzie busied herself by folding the stray swaddle Jo had thrown over the side of the bassinet. It was a quiet midnight moment that didn't last for long as the door creaked open and Alexis and Eli peeked in.
"See, I told you Maddie was awake," Alexis said as she bounded over to the bed and crawled up to them while Eli still stood in the doorway rubbing his eyes and clutching his blanket.
"What are you two doing up?" Alex asked, reaching out to pull Alexis onto his lap as Eli walked over and Izzie picked him up.
"I thought I heard Maddie crying, but I wasn't sure. Then I heard you guys talking, so I came in here to check?" Alexis explained as she looked down at Maddie and reached out to grab her hand.
"And you dragged your brother with you?" Izzie asked as she held Eli close and Alexis just shrugged as she stared down at Maddie.
"You don't need to check up on Maddie. That's our job, your job is to sleep," Alex said as he reached out and bopped Alexis' nose while she giggled.
"Is she biting you Mama Jo, or is she just eating?" Eli asked with a sleepy voice as he turned his head out of his mom's shoulder and watched her and Maddie.
"Don't worry, she's just eating Eli," Jo said as she looked up at him.
"That's good," Eli said with droopy eyes as he laid his head on Izzie's shoulder.
"When the twins were babies, I wondered when I'd finally get them to sleep through the night?" Izzie said if she rubbed her hand up and down Eli's back. "The answer apparently is never."
Everybody laughed, even Alexis and Jo shook her head as she traced her finger across Maddie's cheek.
"We should go put them back down," Alex said, although he made no move to get up.
"I'll go back to bed when Maddie does," Alexis said, not looking up from where she was staring at her baby sister and rubbing her thumb over the back of Maddie's hand.
"Fair enough," Izzie said with a shake of her head.
"But you guys can't get up every time she does, okay," Alex said in his dad voice as he looked over at Alexis with accusatory eyes.
"Okay," Alexis said with a huge sigh as if it was the greatest of defeats.
Jo giggled as she looked up at Alexis before looking around at Alex, Izzie, Eli, and Maddie. This was her family now and she loved them more than her heart could contain. She had Alex and he supported and loved her more than anyone ever had. He gave her their beautiful baby girl, who she adored. He also brought Izzie into her life, who loved and supported her as a friend. Izzie had the twins whom she loved and adored as if they were her own kids and she loved being their bonus mom. As Jo looked down at Maddie, she couldn't help that smile that appeared on her cheeks every time she looked at her sweet baby girl. She always wanted her kids to have a big family and now they did. It didn't happen as she expected, but she loved the family that they had.
AN: This was my 100th fic and I am very proud of it, it was;t the original story I set out to tell, but it was the story I wanted to tell. Thank you to all my loyal readers and friends.