Disclaimer: I don't own any familiar faces from the show. Simply using them for entertainment purposes for myself and others :D
A/N: Thank you all for the constant love when I'd post stories. It always warms my heart to see that you enjoy it. That includes the guest reviewers that I can't respond to. I do read everything :D Now these final two chapters are going to be where things come ahead. I wanna thank SWWoman for her knowledge as she went above and beyond to fix a good portion of this chapter along with informing me about the trick with writing out numbers less than 10. It helps me try to develop better writing habits and I really appreciate the tips. Now with the shameless flattering out of the way, on with the show :D
Chapter 3 - The Baby
"So what should I get Carter for this baby shower?" Shaw asked John as they sat in their car, staking out their newest number.
John continued looking through the binoculars. "Well, I'm sure that you will think of something Shaw. You are resourceful after all."
She took a large bite out of the burger she had brought once she learned they would be on another stakeout. "Funny. It's not like I have experience with this type of stuff. On top of that, having her asking me to be her maid of honor at your wedding was something new. I want to get something for her that really tells her thanks, you know, for looking past all the bullshit and giving me a chance, too." As much as she didn't want to admit it, Shaw felt that Joss someone she could truly call a friend, someone that she could hang out with as they had done on occasion. In the past, Shaw tended to steer conversations to her and Reese because from the moment she saw them together, she didn't buy Reese's claim that they were 'just friends'.
Of course, finding out Joss got knocked up by her 'just friend' made Shaw smile like a Cheshire cat because she had known what Finch and Fusco had seen too. She didn't really understand much about love, but she could see that these two were the definition of it with those looks that were a little too steamy for public viewing.
"Well don't give her anything too crazy or you might accidentally have her going into labor" John joked. Joss was now in her last month of pregnancy, her due date was next week. Things had been so hectic that they hadn't been able to figure out a good schedule where everyone would be free for the party until so close to the due date. Joss was with her mother and Taylor while he worked this latest number. He wanted to give her some time with her family. He wasn't worried since she wasn't by herself. The numbers also helped with his anxiety. He had been mentally preparing himself for 8 months and for those months, he still couldn't believe this amazing journey they have traveled so far. Joss, despite her threats of bodily harm and mood swings, was happy as well. Their love for each other hadn't wavered.
Since that night he confessed his true feelings and proposed to her, John had felt as those he had truly found his home. It's true that the numbers allowed him to slowly repent for his sins, but Joss being there with him since that day they had met in the diner allowed him to feel like someone cared about him for the first time in years. It was funny how their relationship had started with a cat and mouse chase with her hell-bent on putting him behind bars. Now they were not only engaged but expecting. John was sure that this had to have been fate. Had he decided to ignore Anton that night, he would have never been brought in to meet Joss.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Shaw said before taking another big bite. Her mind was going a mile a minute just trying to think of any past conversation that would give her a hint as to what to get Carter. "Maybe I should get her some sexy lingerie." At hearing this, John gave Shaw a glare. "What? I could help you spice things up since I'm not sure what to get a baby. It would benefit you too. Besides, don't act like I'm intruding on something private with the way I've caught you two acting around each other when you're together."
John's attention went back to the street. "I don't know what you're talking about Shaw."
"Uh huh and I was just imagining those noises from the back room when I came in early last month." Shaw pointed out with an evil smile, loving how Reese's face turned a bright red.
John groaned at the memory, remember how Joss's hormones were in full swing and she practically begged for him to take her just so that it could ease the feelings. He wasn't crazy about the idea, he didn't think it would be comfortable for Joss, but those beautiful brown eyes batted prettily at him and he instantly caved. Finch had stepped out to walk Bear and Shaw had gone to get food so he thought a quickie wouldn't hurt. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out like that because John always wanted to take his time to love Joss's body, to kiss every inch of her and especially give extra attention to her stomach. Joss wasn't rushing either, sighing and moaning over the smallest touch because she was so hypersensitive.
"We were just doing exercises" John lied, refusing to admit that Shaw had been right about their activities. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he breathed a sigh of relief for an interruption to the conversation. Checking the caller ID, John saw that it was Taylor and picked up. "Hey Taylor, how is everything going?" There was a pause before John felt his stomach drop.
Shaw noticed the color draining from his face. "What's wrong Reese?" She could only hear his side of the conversation.
"What happened?" There was another pause as he listened to the young man on the other side. "Alright, I'll be there as soon as I can." He hung up quickly before turning to Shaw. "Joss went into labor and is at the hospital."
Her eyebrows shot up at the realization of what was going on before saying, "Well get your ass over to the hospital and take care of her. I'll handle the number." Shaw saw John ready to protest and punched him in the shoulder. "Your woman is about to have your baby and you want to worry about the number. Get your ass in gear." She then quickly exited the car and John peeled out without another thought. Shaw rarely smiled but she couldn't help it because of being around those two. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man dressed in black approach the number and made her way over to subdue him.
Joss was getting tired of it all. It had felt like forever since she was brought into the hospital because her water broke while at her mom's house. She tried hard to remember her breathing from Lamaze classes while Taylor and Evelyn hovered over her to help her keep calm. They offered their hands but Joss was afraid of breaking their fingers with how much pain she was in. The doctors gave her some drugs and it dulled it a tad but not entirely. She tried thinking of other things like telling her mom how she was sorry for ruining her carpet and offered to get her another one.
Evelyn just laughed at her daughter's worry over something so insignificant when she was in labor with her grandchild.
Her heart sung when her fiancé John walked through the door, his eyes wide at the sight of her in a hospital gown with a thin sheet of sweat on her forehead and machines all around her to monitor her. After greeting everyone, Evelyn decided to give them some privacy by bringing Taylor down to the cafeteria for some food. John took off his coat and suit jacket before laying them over the back of a chair and sat in the now empty seat. "Joss, you know if you missed me, you could have just called right. I doubt going to such extremes is a good idea."
Joss rolled her eyes as John grabbed her hand and dropped a kiss on her knuckles. "Tell that to your child who didn't exactly give me a warning. Scared me stupid that he was early, that's for sure." She then cringed at the pain that hit her and felt John rubbing her knuckles to try and help soothe her. Joss smiled in appreciation that he was trying to make her feel better. "Other than the surprise, doctors tell me that everything is okay. Sorry for pulling you from the number."
John shook his head, dismissing her apology. "It's fine. Shaw practically pushed me out of there when I told her. Sometimes it's nice to have that extra hand for help." He then looked around the room. "Are you comfortable?"
"As comfy as I can be under the circumstances. Doctors just wanted to make sure everything was alright. Unfortunately, they told me that I'm not going to be pushing anytime soon." Joss let out a long sigh. "I remember that it took 12 hours just to have Taylor and I'm guessing that it will be the same here."
John sensed her frustration and tried to relax her by teasing. "At least you're already here so that's one less step."
"Good point." Just then, a middle-aged nurse with dirty blonde hair entered the room.
"Hello, Ms. Carter. My name is Mary. I'm here to check your progress." She reformed quick exam. "You're progressing nicely. Call if you need anything."
Once Mary left, John sat back down. He had to admit that he got quite the scare to hear that she was in the hospital. It was probably paranoia because of how good his life has been so far. John was fearful that this happiness would be ripped away from him in an instant. However, when Joss smiled that beautiful smile, he did the same as he was reminded again why he fell in love with her. "Well do you remember when you craved mayonnaise and pickles?"
"Hey, tell that to your child." Joss pointed at her stomach. "I'm not the one with strange tastes." She felt content but another contraction caused her to gasp, drawing John's attention.
He stood up to get closer to her. "Joss, are you okay?" His hand wiped her hair from her forehead so that he could drop a tender kiss to it, assuring Joss that he wasn't going anywhere. In turn, she reached up to get his arm and drew him down to meet her lips instead.
"Just some pricks of pain here and there" she explained. "Sorry for worrying you."
John sat back down. "I don't care how long it takes. All I care about is making sure you are alright and seeing you bring our boy or girl into the world."
"I know you do. I'll be glad for that too so I can work on getting rid of this weight and having a life again that doesn't involve you or anyone else watching out for me like I'm an invalid or something."
"Not a fan of being pampered, Joss?"
"When you're as independent as me, it's hard to have others doing stuff for you. I know that I needed to be more careful but it's a habit." Joss thought back to a few months ago when John spent time making sure that the hardwood floor of their home was clear for her to be able to safely walk barefoot. The two had decided shortly after getting engaged that moving to John's loft would be the better idea as it was bigger and could accommodate everyone comfortably. That also allowed John to keep a close eye on Joss was constantly met with resistance from her.
The mood was still light when Shaw came by to visit, assuring them that the hitman was taken care of. Talking with everyone allowed Joss to forget about her anxiety, even for a few minutes. She was nervous about this birth, considering that she was no longer a spring chicken. That's why every appointment was important, to make sure that the baby was safe. John made sure to come for each and everyone as the diligent father. The ultrasound was mesmerizing as the tiny human appeared before them. Their clasped hands squeezed one another as Joss cried in happiness over the sight. John would be an attentive father, knowing that regardless of the gender, that this child would be his everything.
Day turned to night and John remained at Joss's side, keeping up the small talk between them as they waited until the time was right.
"Could you have ever imagined that this would have been our lives?" Joss asked wistfully, thinking about everything that had happened.
John chuckled at the question before giving Joss's hand another kiss. "I thought I knew what I wanted but I guess even the best-laid plans can change." He turned serious as he looked into those expressive doe eyes that had drawn him in that first night. "I know that if I hadn't escaped to New York after getting burned by the CIA, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet you and I couldn't imagine my life any other way."
Joss smiled at his answer. "I know that things might have been a little easier at work if you hadn't shown up since I suddenly had so many guys that got kneecapped, but there is no doubt that I love my life more with you in it." Suddenly Joss felt a jolt of pain and sucked in some air before squeezing her hand hard, drawing John's attention.
When he looked up, there was concerned over the distress on Joss's face and John stood up. "Joss?"
She then began breathing heavily. "I-I think that the little no-one wants out John. Ah!" Unlike when she first was admitted to the hospital, this pain was brutal.
"I'll get the doctor," John said before making his way out of the room, looking calm on the outside but anxious on the inside over the fact that things were finally going to happen. His child was finally ready to meet their family. John found her doctor and explained the situation. She then arranged for nurses to bring all the things they needed into Joss's room. Reassured that they would be there, John rushed back, standing by Joss's side and stroking her head to help relax her because now the pain would be worse.
"Ow, this is one of the things that I hate about having kids." Joss started to practice her breathing while nurses began filing into to set everything up.
"I need to call your mom and Taylor." They had gone home earlier and John had promised to let them know when the baby was about to be born.
Joss nodded, continuing to try and focus on something other than the pain. "Go ahead John, I'll be…be okay ouch" He then rushed out to make the call and the nurses made sure that Joss was comfortable. She bit her cheek to keep from making a harsh comment, not wanting to hurt feelings. The pain made her want to break the nearest thing close to her.
Mary stepped up to her bed to make sure that she was alright. "I have to say that you are handling this really well Ms. Carter."
"Just call me Joss," she said through clenched teeth. "I wish I could say I feel good but it feels like I'm being stuck with hot pokers right now. This kid wants out and now!" Joss sucked in more air, hoping to collect herself.
Mary took a wet rag and wiped it over Joss's sweaty forehead. "I can imagine, got two kids myself. You are one lucky woman though. With the father looking like he does along with your genes, your child is going to come out adorable. I'm so jealous." Mary continued to see that Joss was as comfortable as she could be and Joss greatly appreciated her attention with John still out of the room. John's handsome features were never lost on her, even when it was buried under rags and the strong stench of booze. "If it's a girl, I'd feel bad for the boys she brings home."
"I would laugh but 'gasp' I've got other things to worry about. Thanks though Mary." Joss panted in a rhythm, the pain only dulling just for it to return. The contractions were very rough and Joss hoped that it would be over soon.
John rushed in moments later only to be given a pair of scrubs along with a hat and gloves to prepare him for the delivery. "Joss, everyone is on their way. How are you feeling?" He noticed how much she was squirming and how her beautiful face was etched in indescribable anguish. "God sweetie, here." He then grabbed her hand.
Even in pain, Joss noticed the gestured and eyed him. "You're willing to sacrifice your hand?"
"Anything for you" he responded without hesitation. He had a high pain threshold so when Joss suddenly squeezed his hand with all her might, he tried not to think about it, knowing that it would heal and he would do anything to help Joss through this. Just as he leaned over to give her a comforting kiss to her head, there was a commotion at her room's door, grabbing everyone's attention.
"We're here!" Evelyn announced with Taylor not too far behind, both were out of breath. Thankfully the driver that Mr. Finch arranged for them was fast. "I had to make sure to bring the camera. I'm not about to miss another grandbaby be born." Mary handed the two of them scrubs as well and Evelyn put up to her face an old-school camera that ran on VHS tapes. "So we are only moments away from Joss giving birth to her second child" she commentated before stepping closer to get a better shot of Joss's cringe-filled face. "Honey do you have anything to say?"
Joss was in disbelief that her mother would do such a thing but at the same time, it was what she did with Taylor. She shouldn't have expected her to change her ways and she was glad to have a record of an important event in her life. "Well mom" she began through clenched teeth." I can't wait for all of this to be over and for the record, I blame John for all of this." Her anger was unfounded of course but Joss needed to let off some steam.
"I love you too Joss," John said, earning a chuckle from Evelyn and Taylor.
The doctor entered soon after and began setting up Joss's bed, raising her legs to open wide and settle her feet in the stirrups. "Alright Ms. Carter, I know that you want to say hello to your new baby so when I say so, I'm going to need you to push okay?"
"Gotcha. Oh man." Joss slouched back, pure exhaustion battling her as she had been in anticipation for hours.
"Mr. Warren, I'll have to warn you that you might lose a hand during the process. I've seen this plenty of times and the guys usually need ice before being able to hold their child."
John appreciated the doctor's concern but he was going to see Joss through this to the end. They would do this together. "I'll be fine. Thanks."
Her attention then went back to hover between Joss's legs that were hidden underneath a thin sheet, Mary stepping beside her to wait for further instructions. "Okay, I'm going to need you to try pushing now." Joss let out a wailing screaming as she tried to force the baby out of her stomach, met with words of encouragement from everyone in the room. When the doctor told her to relax, Joss fell back on the bed breathing heavily. "Okay, you are doing a wonderful job. Try again. Just think about becoming a mommy again. C'mon push push push" Joss sat up and once again followed instructions. This time she didn't stop, determination to see her baby fueling her now as John continued to offer verbal and emotional support.
It was a rough couple of months but finally, the moment had arrived. The room was met with the wailing of a newborn and Mary handed the doctor a towel to take the little bundle of joy to clean them up while doing a brief examination. Joss felt a sense of wonderful relief, no longer in pain from the contractions and ecstatic to hear their baby crying. Evelyn and Taylor stood back in amazement at the sight, waiting for the news of the gender while Evelyn continued to record.
"Well, congratulations Joss. You have a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Would you like to cut the umbilical cord, Mr. Warren?" However, John was in complete and utter disbelief at the sight before him. This little baby girl was something that he, who he thought was only meant to destroy, help create with the woman that meant the world to him. His hand was only in a dull pain with his attention distracted towards the little one and finally, he snipped the cord.
After cleaning her up, the doctor stood proudly and presented her to the mother, whose bed was now in a sitting position, with their new baby. Gently, Joss took the small bundle and her eyes watered at the sight of the small baby in her arms. Their daughter had a dusting of black hair and Joss saw that she had inherited John's blue eyes. They looked so bright against her dark mocha skin. "She's so beautiful" Joss finally said, her throat clogged up with pure emotion from the entire event. Joss took a finger and grazed their baby's nose, smiling as she wiggled it in response.
"Wow, Joss" John finally said, the idea that he was really a father finally hitting him hard with their newborn daughter lying in Joss's arms. He could already see himself never wanting to miss a day with her, spoiling her with whatever her little heart desired. Joss joked that he was a really attentive and nurturing father even during the months leading up to this. He would kiss and speak to her stomach, making the child feel like it was truly part of their lives. John wanted to brush away any lingering doubts she may have had on whether he was really committed or not.
Evelyn and Taylor were in awe over the small child. Before long, they decided to give the new parents some privacy and grab them all some food.
Their little girl's eyes were searching between Joss and Joss, bewilderment and amazement at her new surroundings. Joss was amazed at how tiny her fingers were when she grabbed on to her index finger with a surprisingly strong grip. Then she looked up at John, noting the wonder and love on his face. "So dad, what should we name her?" They had a few discussions but neither had come to a clear-cut decision yet. Joss gently bounced their daughter and nuzzled her nose tenderly over her head, still in sweet amazement that their daughter was finally here for them to dote, spoil, and love with all of their beings.
John took an index finger and tenderly brushed his daughter's face. She was absolutely beautiful he thought, just like her mother. He then reached over to kiss the top of Joss's head. "I know that you have something Joss and whatever it is, I'll love it. I'm just happy that she's finally here with us."
She knew that would be his answer and she did have a name picked out. "This little one will be our little Angel, Angel Warren." Joss's face had a warm smile, proud of her decision but want to see what John had to say.
John returned the smile before leaning over to give Joss and his Angel a loving kiss, silently telling her that he loved it. "Welcome to the family Angel," he said as he gazes over at his daughter. Commotion at the door drew their attention and they saw Taylor and Evelyn with bags in their hand. John beckoned them over, properly introducing their daughter by her new name.
Evelyn was just astounded by how small the child was, tears welling in her eyes at her second grandchild. Taylor was all smiles, happy to have a sibling to take care of, especially one that would have some of Mr. Badass's genes. "I brought some food to celebrate" Evelyn announced and Joss smiled widely.
"I don't think I'll be doing anything but making sure to lose all of this baby weight after I get out of here. Might as well enjoy it now that I'm eating for one again." Everyone laughed before surrounding the bed with chairs and passing out their meals. Angel snuggled further into Joss's chest. She was surprised at how quiet their daughter was. Joss ate some French fries while inside the circle of loved ones and she couldn't be happier.
Well, one thing would actually be slightly better. Now that she had their daughter, she needed to work off the weight so that she could fit into a wedding dress.