Here comes Part 2 folks.
When Jessica's alarm went off and she woke up on August 23rd, she could barely get out of bed, only doing so because Aubrey prodded her awake. She went to bed early last night and slept soundly, even though she could not get into a comfortable position in bed. She wanted to go back to bed, especially with her back hurting, but today was the first day of class at American University, so sleeping in was not an option. After Aubrey made her a smoothie and some catnip tea, the two kissed as they met outside the garage.
"Good luck on your first day of school, Jess." Aubrey said. "Afterwards, take it easy at the lab, please? You're obviously exhausted."
"I'll be fine, Superman."
"I still think you should take the day off—"
"Aubrey…" Jessica put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm fine. If it gets too hard to get through the afternoon, I'll go home. Now, remember that I'm having lunch with Dr B after class, so I won't see you until you get home tonight."
"I may just come by and pay a visit to my wife." Aubrey kissed her hand.
"That would be nice. Be careful today, Superman."
"I will. See you later."
The couple separated before getting into their respective vehicles. As Aubrey pushed the remote to open the gate, Jessica left first, followed by him.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"The students seemed like a good bunch this semester, Dr B." Jessica grabbed her Sprite and took a sip.
Brennan finished a bite from her salad as they sat in her office at the Jeffersonian. "I agree, Ms. Warren. It is annoying when some show up in their pajamas, but they seemed eager to learn."
"I'll email my notes for Oliver later tonight and touch up on the Power Point this weekend for next week's class."
"That is very appreciated Ms. Warren. I know we agreed to a modified duty schedule for you while you're on maternity leave. However, if it's too much, please let me know."
"Thanks, Doctor B, and I will. I know Rachael will keep me busy, but I'm determined to do all I can while I'm off. I appreciate you letting me do everything from home." Jessica said before shifting and grimacing.
Brennan saw her face and grew concerned. "Ms. Warren, are you feeling all right?"
Jessica tried to make herself comfortable in her chair. "Yeah, Dr B. I'm just feeling…off today. My back has been killing me since I woke up this morning. Aubrey tried to massage it for me in the shower, but my body is being stubborn and I'm super tired. I barely woke up this morning and Aubrey wanted me to stay home today."
"That would explain you napping at the desk while the students were on break."
Jessica cringed, not realizing she saw that. "Dr B…I'm so sorry…that wasn't professional at all. It won't happen again…"
"Ms. Warren, you are nine months pregnant. Your body is caring for two people right now. I was quite tired near the end of my pregnancies with Christine and Hank." Brennan nodded. "The constant need to urinate was also frustrating."
"Oh my God, me too." Jessica said as the two women shared a laugh before Oliver entered the doorway.
"Ladies, I'm here for our meeting of…the minds."
Jessica rolled her eyes while Brennan gave one of her typical Oliver expressions. "This is not a meeting of the minds, Dr Wells, but a conversation on how the class went as well as another discussion on what I expect from you this next eight weeks. Ms. Warren is an excellent teaching assistant and you will live up to those standards."
Jessica bit her lip to keep from chuckling. Oliver Wells was a jackass, but he would do a competent job. He had come a long way since being assaulted almost two years ago and his people skills, although improved, still sucked at times. However, Daisy's influence and friendship, as well as his secret fear of Dr B that he thought no one knew about kept him in check.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Inside the interns' locker room, Jessica yawned once again after putting her lab coat on. She didn't understand why she was still so tired. She didn't do much besides handle the Power Point presentation for Dr. B as she conducted her class this morning.
More than once today, she wondered if she was in labor, but chalked things up to wishful thinking. She felt silly enough after the false alarm her and Aubrey had a couple of days ago. She cringed as she remembered the sheer panic on her poor husband's face as he raced into her cubicle at the hospital. Aubrey had an important job at the FBI. Not again would she pull her husband away from work unless necessary. To her frustration, it seemed that the newest Aubrey was settling in for the long haul and Dr Moossavi would be inducing her labor Monday morning.
Shaking off her thoughts, the redhead went back into work mode. Getting her badge out, she walked the short distance to the door leading to the lab. To her frustration, right as she was about to scan her badge for entry, Nature called again.
The redhead growled before looking down at her abdomen. "I love you Rachael, but I'm tired of peeing all the time."
Heading back to the restrooms, Jessica completed her business and ten minutes later finally entered the lab. Already briefed on her assignment at lunch, she headed into the Bone Room, where she saw her mentor setting up equipment at the end of the light table.
"Sorry I took so long," Jessica said as she put on gloves. "I had to pee twice."
"It's quite all right, Ms. Warren. I've got the machine set up for you to take the bone slice. Now I'll do the first one, then I will talk you through the next few until you're comfortable."
"Sounds good to me." Jessica said.
She had taken only two steps when she felt something wet rush through her. Hearing a splash, she stopped dead in her tracks as she realized what just happened. "Dr B?"
Brennan turned and saw her intern with her eyes larger than she had ever seen them. Recognizing the expression, she looked on the floor and with her suspicions confirmed, the anthropologist peeled off her gloves. "Ms. Warren, remove your gloves, take off your lab coat, and come with me."
Doing what she was told, Jessica completed the tasks as Oliver came around the other corner and saw everything.
"Good…God, Jessica! There are…restrooms for that you know."
"Be quiet, Dr Wells." Brennan admonished as she led a shocked Jessica out the door.
Encountering Hodgins and Angela, the forensic anthropologist took charge. "Dr Hodgins, please call Aubrey. If you can't reach him, call Agent Shaw or Booth. Angela, please get my keys from my desk and bring my Prius around to the garage entrance."
Jessica was still in a disbelieving daze until she felt her first large contraction, causing her to bend over. "Auuuuggghhhh!"
"Ms. Warren, we need to get you to the hospital." Brennan said as she gently led her intern along. "Come with me. We will call your obstetrician in the car."
Their travels were stopped by Oliver as he joined them. "Now Jessica, I've done some research…on labor and Daisy told me…about…Lance's…birth. Now, just…breathe…"
Cam had arrived from the pathology suite to the group. "Doctor Wells, please shut up."
"Doctor Saroyan…I'm trying to…extol my knowledge—"
"GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY OLIVER OR I WILL KNOCK YOUR SMARMY ASS DOWN MYSELF!" Jessica yelled in pain.
Scared, the tall man did as was requested. Brennan gave Oliver both hers and Jessica's lab coats before they continued to move towards the exit. "Dr Wells, put those items in my office and call maintenance to clean up the spill by the Bone Room."
Oliver watched as the two women walked out the door. "'Be more helpful at the lab', Daisy says. Well look where…it got me."
The two women with the help of one of the security guards at the sign in desk made their way to the garage as Angela screeched the Prius to the elevator doors. Helping the pregnant woman into the passenger side, the artist patted her young friend's shoulder.
"We'll all be down as soon as we can." Angela said before shutting the door. "Oh, shit this hurts…" Jessica moaned as Brennan drove away.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
In Genny's office, she and Aubrey were meeting with the profiler working her case. As the woman gave her observations, Aubrey made notes on his notepad. "So, we are looking for a male who maybe had issues with banks in the past?"
"Yes, mid to late 30s. Awkward and quiet." The profiler replied. "While initially, the robberies may have initially been to solve a money issue, now that he's graduated to murder, it's become more of a 'screw you' to all federal institutions. Something happened to him involving the banking industry in some way."
Genny's phone rang and she picked it up. "Agent Shaw…yes he's right here." She replied before handing the receiver to her boss. "For you, Boss. It's Hodgins."
"Thanks, Genny." Aubrey said before taking the receiver. "Hodgins what's up...holy shit where is she...on my way."
Aubrey dropped the phone. "Jessica is in labor! Oh shit…oh shit where are my damn keys?"
Running out of the office down the hall to his own, he looked around in a panic for a moment. Suddenly, he checked his pockets and pulled them out as Booth entered his office, holding up a file.
"Aubrey, I've got something from Homicide that may help Shaw's case…" Booth asked but he saw his friend's frantic face. "I know that face. Come with me, Aubrey. No way in hell you're driving yourself to the hospital."
The two SACs came out of the office to be greeted by Genny, followed by Karen. "I will cover your meeting with Deputy Director Stark this afternoon, Boss and Booth, I'll let Chamberlain know where you are."
"Thanks." Both agents said before running out of the Major Crimes Division.
Reaching the garage, they jumped into Booth's SUV and using the siren, the elder agent drove through the DC traffic as his friend was babbling.
"She's in labor…oh shit, I'm going to be a dad…we're having a baby…do we have enough diapers? We got a lot during the bridal shower…did I remember to pack Jessica an extra outfit to come home in…"
Pulling in, they parked and the two men ran out, eventually arriving on the maternity floor with the younger man literally slid to the desk in his rush. "Jessica Warren is in labor! I'm her..."
The nurse recognized the man from the previous week and his test runs. "Room Four Special Agent Aubrey. It's down—"
"…the hall on the right side. Thanks."
"Good luck, Dad." Booth yelled as the lanky man took off. Turning to the nurses, he gestured to the waiting room. "We still wait there, right? Got a few people coming..."
"Yes." The OB nurse replied with a smile. "If you're Agent Booth, your wife is already waiting there for you."
"Thanks." Booth said before going into the waiting room, where his wife got up and greeted him. "How's Jessica?"
"Good, but she will be better now that Aubrey is here."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica was in bed when the door open and she saw a harried Aubrey run in. "Superman…I'm so glad you're here."
"Nowhere else I would rather be, Jess." Aubrey said as he caught his breath. "How are you?"
"Contractions about seven minutes apart." Jessica said. "Labor really hurts…AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
Aubrey reached over. "Jess, squeeze my hand…HOLY SHIT…OOOWWWWWW!"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
For the next four hours, Jessica and Aubrey rode out contractions. Brennan, Angela, Daisy, and Andie took turns walking around with the expectant mother on the floor, whose excitement was intermixed with frustration and pain.
By 5:30, Aubrey had shed his tie and jacket, which he tossed on the room's recliner. He played the labor music mix Jessica created on her cell phone. At that moment, Jessica was riding out another hard contraction while almost breaking her husband's hand. When she was done, she turned to her husband apologetically. "I'm sorry Superman."
He brushed the damp red hair from Jessica's forehead. "I'm fine, Jess. I'm more concerned with you right now."
"I'm good." Jessica said as she closed her eyes in relief.
The agent considered his next question. "Jess, I know we discussed this already but I'm going to ask one more time to be sure. Do you want me to call your mother?"
"No, Superman. She's the last thing I need right now. Don't let her come here, please. Not until we get her home."
"I promise."
"I love you, James." Jessica said softly. "Sorry I'm yelling at you and hurting you."
"I love you too, Jessica." Aubrey said before kissing the top of her head. "As for the other stuff, it's fine. You're giving me the best gift ever. I'm just sorry it hurts."
"Me too…oooohhh here we go again."
"Jess are you sure you don't want an epidural?" Aubrey asked.
"I get so sick with narcotics…I'm afraid to even have a little. Besides, childbirth is supposed to be natural and beautiful." Jessica said as she breathed through the contraction. When it was done, she decided enough was enough. "Screw natural childbirth. I need a fucking epidural."
Aubrey turned to the nurse. "Did you hear that?"
The nurse who was watching her fetal monitor, put on her game face. "I'll check with Dr Moossavi and find the anesthesiologist."
"Thank you." Aubrey said, his focus on his wife.
It wasn't long before the nurse returned with their OB as Jessica rode out another hard contraction. Both observed the readings on the fetal monitor before the doctor turned to the couple.
"James, Jessica how are you two doing?"
Aubrey caught the looks of concern on the women's faces. "We're fine but why do you keep watching that monitor? Is there something wrong with our baby?"
The petite woman turned to the couple. "During labor, the fetus will have fluctuating heart rates with contractions. However, your little girl's heart rate is more varied than I'm comfortable with and I suspect it's because of that nuchal cord we discovered on the last ultrasound."
"Oh my God…" Jessica exclaimed tired and exhausted.
"Don't panic yet, Jessica. While the rate is more varied than I like, I don't think its cause for alarm yet and remember at our last appointment we discussed this possibility during labor. Right now, I'm going to inject an isotonic fluid into your birth canal to loosen that cord, but I'm going to request an OR be prepared just in case. If it's successful, we can do a vaginal birth without all that fuss."
"And if it isn't?" Aubrey asked, trying to keep the panic out of his voice.
"Then, as I discussed with you two at the last appointment, we will have to do a Caesarian section." Doctor Moossavi said. "I'm going to have the anesthesiologist prepare for a spinal epidural."
"Oh my God…" Jessica said as she began shedding tears.
"It's okay, Jess." Aubrey said as he put his arm around his wife.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
A short time later, the maternal wing's waiting room was filled with Aubrey and Jessica's friends, including Caroline, and a late arriving Wendell, Andie, and Daisy. As well as their second family, her brothers Aaron and Stephan were there with their wives along with Jack and Greg.
"Hodgins and Cam are on their way and Arastoo will meet us here." Brennan said after reading her phone.
"Good. Shaw just sent a text to let Aubrey know that Major Crimes is all right and that all Aubrey's agents are sending their congratulations." Booth replied.
A nurse came out into the waiting room. "I need to speak to Temperance Brennan, Doctor Aaron and Nadia Warren, and Andrea Roberts."
Surprised, the four got up and followed the nurse to a private room. When the door closed, they listened before concern permeated the air. When they returned, a recently arrived Hodgins, Cam, and Arastoo were just sitting down.
"What's going on?" Daisy said fearfully.
Aaron sat down. "The baby began having a decreased heart rate during contractions, possibly due to the nuchal cord. They attempted to loosen it with saline, but it wasn't successful, so she's going to have a Caesarian."
"What is the world is a nuchal cord?" Caroline asked.
"It's a cord that wraps around the baby in the womb." Cam replied.
"Cord around the baby's neck?" A scared Caroline asked. "Oh, dear lord."
"I'm sure the baby will be fine." Cam said vaguely.
Everyone remained quiet before Booth sat down and gave a silent prayer. He was joined by everyone, including Brennan. While she did not pray, she used her scientific knowledge to guide her to believe in a positive conclusion.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
After getting gowned and prepped, Aubrey joined back with Jessica and held her hand as she got the painful spinal epidural. In a whirlwind of fifteen minutes as she waited for the anesthetic to go into effect, the doctor told the couple what to expect.
For the redhead, she fell back on her knowledge of human anatomy to keep herself from panicking. The doctor was confident that Rachael would be healthy, but time was of the essence. Aubrey squeezed her hand and when she looked up, it was obvious that while her husband wanted to make sure she was okay, he was scared too. When she squeezed back, he looked at her with an expression that said all that needed to be said.
"Okay, Jessica and James, let's bring your little girl into the world." The doctor said.
The nurses wheeled Jessica into the delivery room. Quickly, they secured her legs and put up the curtain as Aubrey sat next to her and took her hand.
"Jessica, I'm making the incision right now. You will feel some tugging and pulling but no pain."
"O-okay…" The young anthropologist replied.
As the procedure went on, her commitment to using her knowledge as comfort flew out the window as she felt herself being moved around inside her body. Soon she couldn't control her emotions and squeezed Aubrey's hand again.
"Superman, what's going on?" Jessica said in a terrified voice, unable to see through the curtain in front of her. "It feels so strange."
Aubrey continued to watch as the OR team worked to remove their baby from Jessica. He took a deep breath to make sure his fear was under control. "They're getting ready to take her out."
"Superman what if the cord cut off her—"
Then the young couple heard the most beautiful sound ever as a loud cry pierced through the OR. Jessica had tears in her eyes and Aubrey had a couple welling up.
"She's here." Jessica whispered.
After cleaning her up and the initial check, a baby with a shock of red hair was placed on Jessica's chest. Both parents were in awe of their new family. Aubrey smiled when the baby grasped his finger.
"Welcome to the world Rachael Brennan Aubrey."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
An hour later, as the group waited anxiously, a nurse came out. "We have a new baby who would like to meet her family. Dr Moossavi said everyone could come see the family in small groups but to keep the visits short and quiet."
First Jessica's family went in and Aaron was the first to hold his niece. "I see we have another redhead in the family. Good job, G-Man."
Aubrey laughed. "Thanks."
When Stephan held the baby, he smiled at her before turning to his sister. "We'll call Dad, Mike, and Jason when we leave here. I know you didn't want her here, but do you want us to let Mom know that you had the baby?"
"Sure, why not?" Jessica said tiredly. "Maybe she'll be happy to have a new granddaughter."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Next went in Hodgins, Angela, Cam, Arastoo, Caroline, and Daisy. The prosecutor won the right to hold Rachael first.
"Give me that sweet child." Caroline said. Taking the baby, she held her and smiled. "Look at you, sweet girl. So pretty with your momma's red hair."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Finally, Booth and Brennan went in, where the Special Agent held the little girl first. "Cute little girl, Aubrey. Must get it all from her mother." Booth joked.
"You're a funny guy, Booth."
Taking the baby from Booth, Brennan looked at the newborn. "Booth, on the contrary, while her eyes resemble Ms. Warren's, the color is not the typical blue of birth. I am confident that she will have her father's eye color."
"Good." A weary Jessica said.
"You know, our little girl needs godparents." Aubrey said. "Jess and I talked about it and we want them to be you, Booth."
"And you Dr B." Jessica said while fighting her exhaustion. "You are the best mother I know."
Brennan found herself getting emotional, understanding Jessica's meaning. "While I don't believe in the concept of a deity, I will be proud to be a figure in your baby's life. Thank you."
"Yes…thank you." Booth said, choked up as well.
Brennan gave the baby back to Aubrey. "I think both parents need some rest. We will come back tomorrow."
"Okay." Aubrey said. "Thanks again."
After Booth and Brennan left, Aubrey turned and saw his wife sound asleep. Finding the recliner in the room, the agent carried his newborn daughter with him as he sat down. For a few minutes he just looked at her with awe, this amalgamation of him and Jessica and a dream come true.
"Did you know that your mother is not just your mommy but also my best friend?" Aubrey said. "The day I met her four years ago changed my life forever. You see, I was working a case and was talking to your Aunt Angela in her office when a cute redheaded intern ran into the room like a tornado waving my phone…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The next day, it was late afternoon at the Hoover and an exhausted Aubrey was talking to Genny in her office.
"So, you have everything you need for the next two weeks?" Aubrey asked. "Did I give you my keys in case you need them?"
"Yes Boss. Major Crimes will fine while you're gone." Genny said before her phone buzzed. After looking at it, she turned her attention back. "Ms. Julian said she needs to talk to you right now in your office."
"Okay. Thanks, Genny."
"You're welcome. Say hi to Jessica and tell her I'll stop by tonight after work." Genny chuckled. "I'll bring Danny and Emma around this weekend for a visit or when she's ready for company."
"I will."
Aubrey went to his office and saw the blinds down. On the door window there was a flyer decorated with colored ink and several balloons. A picture of the baby was on it along with the following message:
CONGRATS TO THE MAJOR CRIMES DIVISION'S NEW ARRIVAL!
RACHAEL BRENNAN AUBREY
7 lbs, 11 oz, born 6:39 PM AUGUST 23, 2018.
(Yes folks, she looks like her mother.)
"That was Booth!" He huffed, although he got over felt pride at seeing his daughter's name on the flyer. Opening the door, he was greeted with streamers and a banner with CONGRATULATIONS BOSS. On the table across from his desk was a cooler opened to reveal prepared meals.
Turning around, he saw his agents, Booth, Deputy Director Stark, and Caroline clapping. "Thank you everyone."
"Just remember to share that food with Jessica, Aubrey." Booth said to several laughs.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The next night, Aubrey drove 25 mph all the way home, causing him to be passed several times during rush hour traffic. The loud horns and annoyed drivers didn't escape Jessica's observations as she sat in the back seat with their daughter.
"Aubrey?"
"Yeah, Jess." He replied as another horn blasted next to him.
"Um, did you know you're driving 20 miles under the speed limit?"
"Yeah, I know, but you're recovering for major surgery. I'm just trying to be careful with you and Rachael."
Jessica smiled. "I know Superman, and I really appreciate it and so does she. However, it would be nice to get home…tonight. Rachael is probably getting hungry."
"Maybe I'm being a little paranoid." Aubrey exhaled. "I'll just kick it up to 30 miles an hour."
The redhead's only response was to shake her head and look to their baby. "You've got an overprotective daddy, Rachael Brennan."
"I prefer prepared, thank you very much." Aubrey retorted as he turned onto Janus Street.
Arriving home a few minutes later, the agent rushed to get out of the vehicle to open the hatch and let Jessica out. When the redhead reached for her bag, she was stopped by Aubrey.
"Jess…Dr. Moossavi said to only carry the baby, remember?"
"Sorry." Jessica said.
Aubrey opened the other back door and cooed at the baby as he got her out of her car seat. He handed their little one to his wife before taking her bag out of the SUV. They walked slowly to the door to Jessica's exasperation before he opened the door, where they were greeted by Skinner.
"Hey baby boy…Momma missed you. I can't bend down right now, though." Jessica said before walking around the living room. "Welcome to your new home, Rachael."
Aubrey laughed as Skinner watched everyone while twitching his tail. Picking him up, he scratched behind the cat's ear. "You'll always be our first baby, buddy…but right now I'm hungry and I'm sure you are too."
Jessica laughed through the soreness as she watched Aubrey feed Skinner before taking a casserole dish out of the fridge.
"Rachael, if you're ever looking for Daddy, always check the kitchen first." She whispered to the baby before joining the two in the kitchen.