Welcome back to another chapter everyone, I hope you're all doing well and staying safe.
Once again, I owe you a massive apology for the long wait between chapters. Last week was a little crazy for me, first it was absolutely boiling hot here in the UK so I couldn't sit down and concentrate for even 2 minutes, let alone the amount of time it takes me to write a chapter. It was also my birthday last week so I took some time to see some family I hadn't seen for 4 months and just relax in the nice weather.
I'm hoping to get back to my regular upload schedule as I'm finally starting to feel much better after what has been a difficult month for me.
If you have missed any of the chapters before this, feel free to read those first to make sure you haven't missed anything in the story.
It had been a hectic four weeks for Jay and Hailey since their baby shower for Sophia, in particular for Jay who had been working nonstop of various different things. Both of them had returned to work two weeks ago and were thrown straight into a complex joint case with Rixton's gang task force, progress in the case had been slow and tedious for the most part, lots of surveillance and waiting around for someone to make a mistake was required. Luckily for both Jay and Hailey, Voight had been very understanding with the two of them and had allowed Jay shorter working days, giving him the ability to be there for Hailey whenever she needed his help. Hank had also allowed Hailey to just work whenever she felt good enough to work, she would often only work short hours as she pushed closer to Sophia's due date.
Aside from work, Jay had been working tirelessly on Sophia's nursery with help from the unit and the firehouse, Casey giving Jay lots of help whenever required. Jay had stopped Hailey from seeing the progress of the nursery, even though Hailey knew roughly what the nursery was going to look like, Jay wanted to surprise her when everything was finished. Hailey found it adorable and lovely that Jay wanted to surprise her when everything was finished, she loved how Jay always wanted to surprise her with something special, and at the moment there was no better surprise that she could ask for than what was waiting for her behind the door to Sophia's nursery.
Jay and Hailey has also been attending classes over the last few weeks, both of them enjoying learning about different parenting styles and what was ahead of them once Sophia arrived. Natalie had also been a big help for Hailey, the two of them had spent hours talking about becoming a first time mother, Natalie explaining to Hailey what had been successful for her when Owen was first born.
It was a cool damp October Saturday morning, it was close to 11 o'clock when Hailey woke up. After a second long frustrating week on the case, Jay and Hailey had relaxed in each other's company last night, staying up until just after midnight watching a TV series as they cuddled up together on the couch.
Hailey was a little disappointed as she woke up, she was alone in their bed. Hailey shuffled over to Jay's side of the bed and rested her head against his pillow, inhaling his strong scent that she had fallen in love with since the day they had met. Hailey's hand reached over to his bedside table and grabbed hold of his phone, wanting to find out the time. Her lips slowly curved into a smile as her attention was drawn to his screensaver, it was a photo of them wrapped up in big winter jackets with woolly hats on, Hailey tucked tightly into Jay's side with big smiles plastered across both of their faces. Hailey immediately knew exactly when this photo was from, it was when Jay asked her to be his girlfriend last November, one of the many memories that they had created together that she would never forget.
Hailey's attention was quickly drawn away from Jay's phone as the bedroom door slowly pushed open, Jay coming into view holding a stack of fresh pancakes covered in fresh berries in one hand and a mug of decaf coffee in the other. "Good morning beautiful, I thought I'd treat you to some breakfast in bed." Jay softly spoke, smiling from ear to ear at the cute sight of Hailey snuggled into his side of the bed.
Jay slowly made his way towards Hailey, setting down the pancakes and coffee on the bed side table as he leaned down to capture Hailey's lips, his hand cupping her cheek as they shared a gentle kiss, sharing a big smile together as their noses brushed once pulling away from each other's lips. Jay took Hailey's hand in his as he helped her sit up against the headboard of the bed, handing her the pancakes before rounding the bed and shuffling in next to her. "Thank you so much baby, you really do know how to make me feel special." Hailey whispered, her hand moving to cup his cheek this time as she pulled him in for another kiss.
The couple sat in silence for a few minutes as Hailey worked through the stack of pancakes and berries that Jay had done for her, Hailey catching Jay staring at her with love in his eyes every few moments. "What time is your scan at the hospital Hails?" Jay broke the silence just as Hailey finished off her breakfast.
"Not until later, 3 or 3:30 I think." Hailey replied, smiling back at her fiancé as she shuffled over slightly to be closer to Jay, resting her head gently on his shoulder, Jay's arm immediately wrapping around her waist as he pulled her even tighter against his body.
"Well, I think it's about time that I show you our little girl's nursery then as we've got plenty of time to kill." Jay replied, already smiling as he felt the instant excitement in Hailey's body.
"You've finished it?" Hailey instantly replied, unsure whether her words were meant as a question or a statement.
"Yes Hails, most of it has been completed since last weekend but I've been adding the final touches this week when you've been resting. I waited until today to show you so we have some more time and you feel fresh and well rested." Jay explained, locking eyes with Hailey as they both had enormous smiles displayed across their lips.
Jay slowly made his way from under the covers and rounded the bed to where Hailey was, taking both of her hands in his as he carefully helped her up off the bed, Hailey's hand trembling slightly in excitement. They made their way from their bedroom, across the hallway to Sophia's nursery, Jay stopping Hailey before she could open the door and reveal what Jay had created. "Close your eyes for me Hails." Jay demanded, Hailey quickly doing so.
Another surge of excitement powered through the whole of Hailey's body as she heard Jay open the door to the nursery. As she stood there with her eyes closed, Hailey could see all of the nursery designs that Jay and her had looked through over the past weeks, she was preparing herself for all of those ideas that they both loved to become a reality. Hailey felt Jay's hands move to her hips and carefully shuffle both of them forward into their finished nursery for the first time. "Open your eyes Hails." Jay whispered close to her ear, planting two light kisses against her neck before returning to his original position.
As Hailey's eyes opened and settled on her daughter's nursery for the first time, she was left truly speechless, her eyes instantly started to water and a couple of tears slowly trickled down her cheeks. The nursery that Jay had created for her and Sophia was better than anything she could've imagined, she was shocked at how beautiful the nursery was, the design was exactly the same as what they had agreed on but seeing it in reality made Hailey fall in love with it even more.
The crib was the main focus point of the room, sitting proudly in the middle of the long wall to their left as they stood in the door way. The crib had been painted white just like they had asked Casey to do, the hollowed out ends at each end of the crib had been filled tufted cushioned pads, the velvet material of the pads matching the light grey colour of the walls. Attached to the slats on the side of the crib was a white mobile arm, that was holding up lots of different soft animals, that along with the small musical box with plays lullabies will be used to soothe Sophia to sleep. Hanging on the wall just above the crib, was 6 identical picture frames, each one containing a different hand drawn portrait of an animal, the rabbit with big floppy ears being Hailey's favourite.
Just to the right of the crib was a harper swivel glider in high quality pale pink fabric with the matching ottoman just in front of it. Tucked away in the corner was a small bookshelf for Hailey to store books or any other items she would need will spending time in here caring for Sophia. On the other side of the chair, just underneath the window looking out onto the backyard, was a small table with a lamp on it, the rest of the space on the table for any drinks or other small items Hailey might require.
On the opposite wall to the crib was the large dresser, the majority of the wooden structure the same colour as the crib with pale grey drawers stacking three high. On top of the dresser was the changing pad, stacks of diapers, baby wipes and other essentials already in place ready for the arrival of Sophia. Down the side of the dresser was the travels bags ready for use, bags full of essentials they would need for Sophia's arrival and for the future. Just above the dresser was a couple more picture frames hanging up, both of them displaying more of the hand drawn animal portraits. Along the rest of the wall that lead from the dresser to the door where Hailey and Jay were standing, were a few baskets full of various gifts that had been given to them at the baby shower, the majority of the contents of the baskets were soft cuddly toys for Sophia to play with as she grew older.
Against the wall directly to their left was a large bookshelf, the wooden structure also matching the crib and the dresser. The shelves were fairly bare compared to the rest of the room at the moment, a few books and bigger toys sitting on the shelves waiting to be played with. The top shelf of the structure was dedicated to the memories book that Vanessa had created for the couple, along with another identical book which Hailey had never seen before.
Without even realising, Hailey had been silent for a few minutes as she slowly made her way around the room with her eyes, every single small detail of the nursery making Hailey more and more emotional. Jay had been standing behind her silently the whole time, letting her take in the sight before her without disturbing Hailey. "Do you like it Hails?" Jay questioned nervously, he was hoping Hailey's silence was caused by her being overwhelmed with happiness and joy, but the longer she stayed silent the more nervous Jay was getting that she didn't like what he had created.
Hailey still couldn't find the words to describe how much she loved the nursery for Sophia, she decided instead to answer in the only way she could truly show much she loved what Jay had done. Hailey turned in his arms, her arms wrapping around the back of his neck and kissed him with more passion than she had ever done before, her lips dominated his as she poured all of the emotion she was feeling right now into the kiss. Pulling away a few moments later, Hailey's arms moved down to his waist as she nuzzled her head into his chest. "I love it jay, it's absolutely perfect for us and our little daughter." Hailey whispered against his chest, Jay breathing out a sigh of relief as Hailey put an end to his worries.
The couple moved further into their nursery, Hailey headed straight for the crib, tears still in her eyes as she leaned over and imagined her daughter snuggled up in a soft little blanket fast asleep. "This is your room Soph, your daddy has done such an amazing job creating this for you. I know you're going to love spending time in here with me and your daddy. We are so excited for your arrival little one." Hailey spoke looking down towards her bump, she leant back into Jay's embrace as she felt his arms wrap around her and rest against her bump as he lightly kissed her neck, Hailey humming in pleasure from the movements on her sensitive skin.
"I've got another little surprise I want to show you Hails." Jay whispered against the shell of her ear, moving his lips down to lightly kiss her neck a couple more times. Jay quickly headed towards the bookshelf and grabbed the identical memory book from next to the one Vanessa had created, handing the book to Hailey as he returning to his position behind her.
Hailey's eyes immediately locked onto the writing on the front of the book. 'Hailey and Sophia. The two beautiful girls in my life.' A big smile formed on Hailey's lips at the slightly cheesy words on the front of the book. "I think that's a gift for you more than me, baby." Hailey teased, turning in Jay's arms with the book still in her hands, Jay chuckling at the dorky smile on Hailey's face.
"I wanted to have a photo album that I can look back on and see the two wonderful people that have made me so happy over the last few months. I want to be able to look back in the future and see your's and Sophia's journey together, and smile looking back at you being such an amazing mother to Sophia as she grows up. We've already got a book for Sophia, so she can look back at the journey of her parents, so I wanted one of her and her mommy." Jay explained. The tears kept on flowing for Hailey, she found Jay's reason behind wanting this book absolutely adorable, all of these small gestures that Jay, Vanessa and all of their friends had been doing for them recently was only adding to her excitement of becoming a mother.
Jay and Hailey spent the next couple of hours in their daughter's nursery, Jay pointing out every little adorable detail that he had added in the nursery. The tears of happiness never stopped falling from Hailey's eyes, every little single thing ranging from a tiny woolly hat to a cuddly toy was only making Hailey more emotional as she soaked up the amazing feeling in her body right now.
There was only a few moments that her and Jay had shared together that could rival how happy she was feeling right now. The moment she told Jay that he was going to be a father, the moment that Jay slide the engagement ring onto her finger and the moment they found out that they were having a little girl. Those were the only moments in her life that could beat how happy she was feeling right in this moment.
It was 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Jay and Hailey had just parked up and were making their way into the hospital for Hailey's 34 week scan. It had been 27 weeks since Jay and Hailey had been coming to the hospital for the scans, even after all of this time it still felt just as magical to see their little girl as it did the first time they saw their baby. Hailey's scans was the most exciting part of the week for the couple, it was a time where both of them felt nothing but happiness.
Jay and Hailey walked into the hospital hand in hand, both of them still feeling on top of the world after Jay had finally revealed Sophia's nursery to Hailey. The couple were met by an equally happy looking Natalie, Jay and Hailey smiling too each other as neither of them had ever seen Natalie so happy before. They followed the routine that had become very familiar to them throughout Hailey's pregnancy and Hailey was set up ready for her scan, Jay right by her side like always.
"Just before we get started Hailey, How has the last week been for you? Has anything concerned you? Like any new pains or other issues?" Natalie questioned, smiling towards Hailey's as she sat alongside the bed.
"The last week as been pretty similar to the previous weeks. I've been getting a few back aches and leg cramps every so often, but that's not anything I haven't been used too recently. Aside from that and the occasional power kicks from Sophia, I've been feeling good." Hailey replied, seeing Natalie's smile grow a little wider hearing that Hailey had no new concerns.
"That's great to hear, make sure that if you're concerned about anything, you call me straight away, I'm always one call away whether I'm on or off shift. You're probably bored of hearing me say this, but make sure you are getting plenty of rest and enough calories in your diet. I'll get started and you can see your little girl." Natalie replied. Natalie started the process of the ultrasound scan, placing the cool gel on Hailey's bump, the sudden shock of the cold gel hitting Hailey's skin making her gasp, and Natalie moved the stick over Hailey's bump.
Like always, Natalie started off by writing some notes down on the baby's progress and checking for anything that seemed out of place. The few minutes that it took Natalie to check everything still hadn't got any easier for Jay and Hailey, both of them were so nervous and terrified that Natalie could turn around and tell them something was wrong with their little girl. Thankfully, every scan they had been too had confirmed they had a perfectly healthy little baby, but until that confirmation came from Natalie it didn't get any less nerve racking for the couple.
"Your little girl still looks perfectly healthy, your baby has turned around into the position we want her to be in for the birth, she is now head down and is starting to press deeper down into your pelvis. This is what we call engaging, meaning your baby's head will move down into your pelvis as the ligaments in your pelvis loosen more for when you give birth. You might notice that your bump look a little lower than it did before, that shows that the baby has engaged and you probably will find yourself not being out of breath as much as you have been feeling. If your baby does engage, that doesn't mean you're going into labour so don't panic, your baby's head engaging won't speed up or delay the labour process." Natalie explained, both Jay and Hailey's attention firmly fixed on Natalie as they listened closely to what the doctor was explaining, both of them making a mental note to check for a difference of Hailey's bump.
After double checking that everything was perfectly okay with little Sophia, Natalie turned the monitor so Jay and Hailey could see their daughter. Still to this day, the couple were left speechless as their eyes concentrated on the picture of their daughter, it amazed them that this was a life that they had created through their love for each other, a life that in less than 6 weeks would change their lives for ever.
"I love you so much Hails." Jay whispered against her forehead after planting a couple of light kisses on her forehead, both of them still staring in awe at the sight of their daughter. After a few more minutes, the picture of their daughter disappeared off the screen, both of them couldn't help but be a little disappointed that they couldn't just sit here for hours and watch their little daughter.
"Before you go Natalie, we were wondering if you and Will wanted to stop for dinner at our house tonight, I was planning on cooking my mom beef hotpot that I know Will loves." Jay questioned.
"Yeah, that sounds lovely Jay. Thank you for inviting us." Natalie replied, a small soft smile on the doctor's lips as she left the room to sort out the latest ultrasound photos for Jay and Hailey.
It was later in the evening, since getting back from the hospital Jay and Hailey had spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, spending a lot of that time up in the nursery, Hailey getting used to the glider were she would be spending a lot of time breastfeeding Sophia during the first six months of her daughter's life. After spending the majority of the afternoon in the nursery, Hailey relaxed in the bath for a long time while Jay prepared his mother's beef hotpot, his favourite meal to make.
Natalie and Will arrived at just after seven, both of them still grinning like two Cheshire cats when they arrived, both Jay and Hailey suspecting something had happened between the couple. The four of them sat around the dining table as they thoroughly enjoyed the meal that Jay had prepared for them. Throughout the whole of diner, both Natalie and Hailey were laughing their heads off as the brothers started telling embarrassing stories about each other from their childhood, some of the stories utterly ridiculous that they almost didn't believe them themselves.
Once they had all finished with their meals, Natalie and Hailey moved to the couch as Hailey asked more questions about Natalie's experiences as a first time mother. While Natalie and Hailey settled and relaxed on the couch, Jay showed Will Sophia's finished nursery, Will had helped Jay massively over the last few weeks with Sophia's nursery but hadn't seen the room finished until now.
"You've done such an amazing job in here Jay, it's such a beautiful space for you, Hailey and your daughter to create lots of memories in." Will complimented, slowly making his way around the room, taking ideas for what he could do in the future.
"Thanks Will. There's something I need to ask you Will." Jay stated, Will's head turning back towards his brother, looking back with curiosity.
"What is it Jay?"
"What's got you and Natalie so happy today? I don't think I've ever seen the two of you smile so much." Jay pushed his brother for answers.
Will's lips formed into the big smile that Jay had just mentioned, he took a moment to contemplate how he was going to tell Jay the news he had found out earlier in the week. "Me and Natalie found out something on Monday, I've wanted to tell you about it since I found out, we were going to invite you and Hailey over for some food tomorrow but as you invited us over here, it seems like a good opportunity to tell you. You're not the only one that's going to be an uncle, Jay." Will announced, the already big smile of his face growing even wider as he took in the shock on his brother's face.
"Natalie' pregnant?" Jay blurted out in shock.
"Yes Jay, I'm going to be a daddy." Will responded immediately, his body almost shaking in excitement as the overwhelming feeling of excitement powered through the whole of his body.
Jay quickly engulfed his brother in a massive hug, much like what Will had done to Jay when he revealed the news that Hailey was pregnant months ago. "That's such amazing news Will, I'm so happy for you and Natalie." Jay struggled to get his words out as his emotions were starting to get the better of him, his hand moving up to furiously rub away the tears that were trickling down his cheeks.
The brothers continued sharing a hug for what felt like hours, both of them struggling to contain their emotions at the news that there was going to be another addition to the Halstead family. Both of them took a moment to compose themselves once pulling away from each other. "Are you ready to be a father?" Jay questioned, a small warming smile on his lips as he stood across from his brother.
"I have had experience with Owen but that's different to having a new-born. But yeah, I feel like now is the right time to have a baby with Natalie, our relationship has never been stronger and it felt right to take this next step. I'm obviously nervous and a little scared for what the future holds now but I know that we both want this so I'm really excited and happy that I'm going to be a father." Will explained, still trying to contain the tears that were persistently trickling down his cheeks.
"I don't feel like I've said this enough to you, I'm really proud of you Will. I know we've had our differences in the past but I'm so happy that you're here with me and we're both building lives and families that make us both so happy. I've always wanted you and Natalie to work out and I'm so glad that the two of you have pushed past those differences that pushed you apart and built a relationship that you've always wanted." Jay confessed.
"The same goes for you Jay, I'm so proud of everything you've achieved and the life that you have created here. You've found a fiancée in Hailey that is the perfect person for you and look where we're standing right now, we're standing in a room that in less than two months will be your little daughter's. As a brother, I couldn't be happier to be a part of your life that's going so well for you at the moment. All I've ever wanted for us is to be on good terms with each other and to be living a happy life, and now achieved both of those, I couldn't be happier." Will replied with his own confession.
"I couldn't be happier either Will, I'm so glad that we're on good terms because it would be the same if you weren't here." Jay replied, quickly being pulled back into another hug with his brother.
"Mom is up there with the biggest smile on her face right now Jay, I know she would be so happy and excited for me but I know she's up there looking over you, happier than she's ever been. You have given mom everything that's she's ever dreamed of, you're marrying someone that mom would have absolutely loved and cherished just like she was her own daughter and you're giving her something that she always wanted, a granddaughter. Even dad will be looking down on you right now, happier and prouder than ever before. Even though you didn't get on well, he always wanted you to succeed and live a life where you were happy." Will spoke softly as he held onto Jay, feeling Jay's body trembling slightly as Will's words brought more than just a tear to Jay's eyes.
Jay finally pulled away from his brother's embrace a few moments later, his tears now stopped as his emotions had calmed down. "Have you thought about whether you would prefer a girl or a boy?" Jay questioned.
"I haven't really thought about it much. I do quite like the idea of Owen having a baby brother though and Owen certainly likes the idea of having a baby brother. I think Natalie would like a girl, she really likes the sound of having a little daughter she can treat like a princess." Will replied, the big smile from before returning at the mention that he was going to be a father.
The brother's made their way downstairs to re-join Hailey and Natalie and celebrate the news that Natalie was pregnant until just after ten in the evening when Will and Natalie called it a night and headed home. Jay and Hailey headed up to bed, feeling so happy after what had been such an amazing day, not only for them but for Will and Natalie as well.
Hailey fell asleep with Jay's arms wrapped around her, Jay choosing to stay awake for a little longer and silently listen to Hailey's calm breaths while his hand slowly ran across her baby bump, his hand stopping as he felt a gentle kick from Sophia. "Goodnight baby girl, me and your mommy love you so much." Jay whispered before nuzzling his head into Hailey's hair, quickly falling asleep with his favourite two girls in his arms.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, Sophia's nursery is finally completed and its not going to be long until she arrives.
I would love to know your thoughts on this chapter, I love reading all of your reviews left on this story.
Thank you all for reading, I'll be back in a few days hopefully with another chapter. Until then, stay safe and healthy :)