To everyone reading this story,
This is the final chapter. And yes, I know so many would like it to continue and I may, one day but I have stories that have been started and need to be finished. Thank you for reading and for those who have taken the time to review, you have my thanks.
Now, there's a person who left a review that the chapters are posted out of order. I wish I could contact you and explain but your account settings would need to be changed so I could respond.
First Anniversary
Danny and Maria walked into the Reagan home. Jack had been waiting for his goddaughter to arrive and took her out of her father's arms. She was delighted; Jack spoiled her and was enjoying doing so. Erin came out of the kitchen and greeted the happy couple.
"So, first time you're leaving the baby overnight? Are you sure you're ready? You know how Jack is with her, he might convince her to be a lawyer." She gave each of them a hug.
"You we trust, Erin. Jack? Not so much. But she does love him, doesn't she?" asked Danny.
"She loves everyone so far but Jack - she adores him. Next time we try a new food we're going to let him do it. She'll do anything for him," said Maria. Jack and Emmie were laying on the floor playing with some of her toys. She had a basket full at each home where she spent time - her grandpa's home, her grandma's home, Erin and Jack's place as well as a few toys at work. Danny and Maria wanted to have a quiet dinner, just the two of them, to celebrate the anniversary of their wedding. Frank and Henry were going to babysit but when Erin found out she invited herself to dinner along with Jack.
"We'll be back to pick her up in the morning. Her dinner is in the bag along with breakfast and anything else you might need," said Maria. "And we'll have our phones if you need us." Maria handed Erin a small bag. "This has enough milk for about twenty four hours. It's not frozen so you'll just need to warm it up, room temp is fine. She's becoming more interested in what is going on in her world and not as much an interest in nursing so I've been able to save lots and Danny can get up and feed her if she wakes up during the night. We've been taking turns so we're not too sleep deprived."
"We'll be fine. Pops is finishing dinner in the kitchen and Dad is on his way home. We'll be eating in the kitchen and the high chair is all set up. Go on, have fun and we'll see you tomorrow. You know, this will fulfill one of Jack's fantasies and I never knew he had any. He has always wanted to sleep with me here, in my father's home. Typical male fantasy. But, maybe I'll make him sleep with the baby."
"Hey, sis, thanks for this, we really appreciate it. See you tomorrow." Danny kissed Erin on the cheek and Maria gave her a hug and they headed out. Danny helped Maria into the car and drove off. Erin sat in a chair near Jack and watched him play with Emmie.
"Have I told you how much I enjoy this, playing with her?" asked Jack.
"Does it make you wish for another child?"
"No, but I do wish Nicky would find someone and give us grandchildren."
"Someday, now how about you bring your girlfriend to the kitchen, dinner is ready."
The next morning
Maria woke to the smell of coffee in the bedroom. She opened one eye and saw Danny waving the cup under her nose. "Danny, why are you waving that coffee around? This is the first morning we get to sleep in and you're up at the crack of dawn?"
"Actually, I was hoping for a repeat of last night before we head out and pick up our child. I love her, I really do but her mother…" He put the cup down and climbed back into bed. "I can't get enough of her." He leaned over and started placing soft kisses in her hair and down one side of her neck. Maria moved, giving him more access and Danny took advantage.
Sometime later they were cuddled together, resting in each other's arms. "I can't remember the last time we did that. Maybe we should allow Erin and Jack to babysit more often," said Maria. "But, we should get up and get going soon. I'm gonna need to pump soon."
"Ten more minutes, please? I love having you all to myself. You fit so well in my arms." Maria moved closer and kissed him using all of her feminine wiles. "That's going to make us late, wife. But, if we're quick…" unable to say more as his wife had begun her 'exploration'.
They finally were underway two hours later. Maria had picked up a jar of sweet potatoes and a jar of applesauce from the fridge. By the time they would get to the family home it would be almost lunch time. They walked into the house and heard laughter coming from the kitchen. Jack was making nonsense noises to the delight of their daughter. Emmie was totally enthralled with her uncle until she spied her father. Her squeals turned to babbling that sounded like 'da-da-da' and her arms were held out to Danny. He picked up the baby and held her close. She cuddled with her daddy for a few moments before she started babbling to Danny. Then she saw Mommy and the tears started. Maria reached for her daughter and the baby began rooting looking for something she needed. "Please excuse us, Emmie needs me for a few moments." Maria headed for the sun room and closed the door. She opened her blouse and prepared to nurse her baby. The tears stopped immediately as the baby latched on as if she hadn't seen her mother in days. She put her hand on the source of her milk and patted it, glad to see that Mommy had returned. Danny gathered the baby's things in preparation for heading home.
It was time to leave and go back home. In the car, Maria was very quiet. "Are you okay?" asked Danny.
Maria looked at him. "I can't imagine a better life. We have jobs we love and we're good detectives. We have a daughter who is the light of our lives and who has the most wonderful family surrounding her. Thank you for being my husband and for loving me. Now, when we get home, let's talk about what the future holds for us and our sons and daughter."
