Nayeli was properly introduced to the clan a short while later, when they all crowded into the room to meet their newest member.
"She's a mite small," Hudson said, stroking his beard and looking at the tiny female.
Elisa laughed. "She'll grow, Hudson."
He looked disgruntled for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't think she'll get as big as the rest of us."
"Hey," Broadway said, reaching out to tickle the baby on the belly. "Being smaller isn't such a bad thing."
"Speak for yourself," Lexington joked back, and everyone shared in the good natured ribbing.
"Have you decided on a name?" Angela asked, looking at her new sister over her father's arm.
"We have," Goliath confirmed. "Everyone, my mate and I would like to introduce you to our daughter, Nayeli."
"Nayelli," Angela breathed, running gentle fingers over her sister's brow. "It is beautiful."
"A unique name," Came a voice from the doorway, "For a unique baby."
Elisa looked up and smiled. "Maria!"
"I was here last night," She said briskly, "But you weren't up to visitors yet. I sat with your family for a while and waited for an update. I got a peek at the baby, heard that you were going to be fine, and then decided to come back tonight to see you all."
Maria leaned forward to take a look at the baby and smiled. "Have you given her a middle name?"
Elisa looked blank. "Uhhh, no?" She said, the slight uplift of her voice making it sound like a question. "We've been talking about names for months, and only just decided on one tonight."
Maria looked from the baby to Elisa then back again. "May I make a suggestion?" She asked quietly.
"Sure," Elisa said.
"What about 'Nayeli Hope'?" She asked.
Goliath smiled at the fierce woman who had placed herself front and center of the clan, fighting for them to be accepted and allowed to join with the NYPD to continue doing what they had done for their whole lives: Protect.
"Yes," He said solemnly. He handed the baby, once more wrapped in a soft pink blanket, to Maria. "I believe that would be the perfect name."
"Nayeli Hope," Elisa said with a smile.
"Nayeli for love," Goliath said, taking Elisa's hand in his, "and Hope because she is just that. She is a new hope for all of us."
"On one condition," Elisa said. "Maria, would you be willing to be godmother to our daughter?"
Maria's eyes swung upwards to meet Elisa's in surprise. "What…"
"I know you're already the godmother to all of us crazy Maza kids," Elisa said with a laugh, "But, honestly, you're more like an aunt. I would love for Nayeli to grow up with the same kind of love and support."
In a rare show of emotion, Maria took one of Elisa's hands in hers. "You know," She began, her voice holding the slightest of wavers in it, "I should probably insist that you find someone younger, but no way am I going to pass on this. Thank you," She said.
Elisa returned the smile and laid back on the bed. She found herself drifting and finally fell asleep surrounded by the sounds of friends, family, and love.