AN-Well this only has one more chapter left but...I do have one in the making to accompany this one. So as always enjoy this chapter.
Walking slowly through the hospital he held Merri close to his side, she was tired and he hoped that Emily would settle for a few hours so she could sleep. When DJ was born he did a full eight hours after he was born before he woke to be fed and changed. As they reached the doors they saw Christopher sitting with a coffee in one hand and the car seat on the floor at his feet. Stepping up to him he jumped up and looked at the tiny pink bundle cuddle up on Merri's chest. His coffee cup was soon put on the table as he stood with a huge grin on his face.
"Come on then let me see her, I need to see the baby that was in such a hurry to get here her daddy had to deliver her." Stretching his hands out towards Merri for the baby.
Merri untucked Emily from her chest and passed her into the hands of one very excited Chris. Chris took the baby and gently brought her to his chest as he sat back down with her. Opening the blanket a little more, he peered in and smiled at the sight of his goddaughter. He gently ran a finger down her cheek and bent to kiss her head. King being King had his phone out and was snapping pictures that he knew he could blackmail both Christopher and Emily with at some point. Christopher was too wrapped up in the tiny baby in his arms to know or care.
"Well hello, their little one. I gotta say yet again your mom and dad did good, you're beautiful my little angel." Placing another kiss on the baby's head.
"So what is my goddaughter called then?" Tearing his gaze from the baby in his arms up to her parents.
Merri came and stood beside Christopher and looked down at her daughter then rested her hand on Christopher's shoulder.
"Chris I would like to introduce you to Emily Louise Pride." Seeing Chris look down at the baby and again kiss her head.
"Emily, very fitting. Well, Emily, shall we get you and your Mom home. I suppose we should take your dad as well since he did help a little." As he dropped to his knees and carefully strapped Emily into her car seat.
Standing up he picked the car seat up and looked at King and Merri stood together and then started to lead the way out to the car. Again King tucked Merri against his side as they walked out to the car behind Christopher and their daughter. He loved seeing Christopher with DJ and seeing him just there with Emily he knew they couldn't have a better friend to be their children's godfather come, surrogate uncle. Finally reaching the car Christopher opened it and quickly tied the car seat in as he watched King come round and hold the back door open for Merri to get in.
He wasn't surprised when instead of King shutting the door and coming to climb in the front he climbed in the back with his family. He had seen a whole new side to his boss since he had started his relationship with Merri and it was most definitely for the better. Gone were the long nights and early morning unless it was really necessary, gone was hanging around the office when there were no cases. He would come in do what was needed and then go home, normally dragging Merri with him. She hadn't been back at work long after having DJ when they found out she was pregnant again. He knew neither of the children were planned and they still blamed DJ's conception on him getting them drunk at King's birthday party. As he looked in the rearview mirror at the couple currently snuggled up on the back seat he stuck the car in drive and headed home.
Pulling up at what he still called Merri's place, even after it had been home to the Brody-Pride family since they got together as a couple Christopher turned to see King trying to wake Merri up. Christopher got out the car and came straight around to get Emily, he would hand her back only when he had to. As he lifted the car seat out the car he saw King and Merri finally getting out the car, Merri leaning on King as he stopped to get the bag. King threw Christopher the keys and watched as he headed up the path to take Emily inside. It was then he felt Merri stop and look at him.
"King we got to clean up after Emily and..." But she was stopped from continuing as he brushed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Loretta came over and did it. She offered after she found out what had happened. Let's get inside and get Emily settled in and before you ask Laurel is keeping DJ overnight. Now come on before we have trouble getting Emily off Christopher." Laughing as he walked with Merri at his side again.
Sure enough, as they entered the house they saw the place was pristine clean again and there were some brightly coloured presents on the coffee table along with a couple of bright pink "baby girl" balloons floating in the air. King did notice that there was also a blue" big brother" balloon and a present sat next to it. Trust Loretta to include DJ in all the new baby stuff. As he shut the door behind him he saw that Christopher had already made himself comfortable on the couch with Emily in his arms. The baby looked so small in Chris's big arms and he had to say that Chris looked good holding his goddaughter so protectively.
Looking at the clock he saw it was little after 21:00 and no one had eaten since lunch and then it was a rush as Emily decided she wanted out. Getting Merri settled on the couch that wasn't occupied by Chris and their daughter he got her to put her feet up and covered her with one of the throws from the back. Placing a kiss on her head he started to make his way to the kitchen to make coffee and find food that was quick but filling. Once the coffee machine was brewing he looked around and found some soup he had made the day before in the refrigerator. Getting it out and tipping it in a pan he set it off to simmer as he went back to make coffee. He gathered everything he needed for what was now a very late dinner and then took the three cups of coffee into the lounge.
As he came into the hall he stopped as he heard Merri and Christopher talking and he was surprised when he saw that Chris had gotten up and was now sat beside Merri on the couch he had left her on. She had sat up and was now leaning against Chris who by the look of it had his arm around her shoulder. Now he was intrigued so he waited, listening and watching.
"You did good today Merri, she's perfect just like her brother. King did good but let's not tell him that bit. I am both proud and honoured to be DJ's and Emily's godfather. I know I'm a goofball and mess around a lot but when it comes to this one here and her brother I will do anything for them. They mean the world to me and so do you and King, you're my family." Hugging her close as he kissed her cheek.
"Christopher you may be a goofball, but you're my goofball and I couldn't ask for someone more loving, more caring and more dedicated to being my children's godfather. I know you will do anything for them and I know that if anything ever happened to King and I you would step up and take them in. DJ adores you and I know Emily will too." As she kissed his cheek in return.
King stood and watched two of the most important people in his life share a very special bonding moment and he was surprised that he got a tear in his eye. Seeing the woman he loved talking with the person he classed as a son he remembered back to when they first meet. They bickered and fought and got on each other's nerves, but that had given way to the special bond they now shared. He was pulled from his sloppy thoughts when he heard his name being called.
"King get that coffee in here before it gets cold." He heard Merri say as he walked towards the lounge laughing.
"How did you know I was...actually I don't want to know. Here coffee for you both. Pass me Emily and I can put her in her crib." Seeing Loretta had set the crib up in the lounge.
"Soup will be five minutes, silly question, but you want some Christopher?" Seeing Chris smile at the mention of food.
"Won't say no to your cooking, never have and never will." Laughing as he looked at King.
Shaking his head he turned to walk back into the hall but not before he made Chris choke on his coffee.
"Christopher don't be kissing the future Mrs Pride again, please." Hearing Chris literally choke and the sound of thumps as Merri hit his back.
Now he really was laughing as he made his way to the kitchen to finish the soup.
"Did I miss something?" Chris asked taking Merri's hand." Can't see any ring." Looking for a ring on Merri's ring finger.
"We both must have as I haven't seen a ring either." Looking at her hand and yawning at the same time.
Just then, King came in carrying a tray which he tried to put on the table but couldn't due to presents. Turning he was just about to ask Christopher to move some but saw Chris get up and move two of the presents so he could put the tray down. Passing Merri and Chris a spoon he lifted the tray up leaving a tray on the table which Chris picked up. Passing a bowl to Chris he did the same for Merri but he passed her the tray and then he sat down with his on the other couch. It was as he sat down and rested the tray on his knee he looked down at the floor and his mind flashed back to the earlier that day. He would never be able to look at the floor the same again now.
Sitting eating he kept looking at Merri to make sure she was eating and still awake. He was pleased when she was the first to finish and looked at him. He had just finished his and he knew the look on her face. Standing up he took her tray and his tray back through and filled her bowl again with what was left in the pan. Bringing the now full bowl back through he saw she was now sat looking between the crib and the bowl he had just brought through. Passing Merri the soup he went to the crib and looked down as he watched Emily stir.
"You eat that and I will change her and get her ready for bed. Hopefully, by the time I am done, you will be finished." Looking at Merri and then scooping Emily up.
"Come with me little one and let's get you changed unless uncle Chris wants the job." Looking at Chris and laughing.
"I love her and all, but that is so not in the job description. I think it's time I went and got her present out the car and headed home, leave you three alone to bond." Making a dash for the door.
"Looks like it's me and you, princess." Walking towards the hall and the children's bedroom.
Taking Emily through to the bedroom he got everything he needed and lay Emily on the changing table. As he changed her he stood singing her a lullaby that he had sung to both DJ and Laurel when they were babies and he was sure his mother had sung to him. It seemed to keep her somewhat settled as she was changed and redressed for bed. Once she was done he wrapped her in her blanket again and carried her through to Merri.
"We timed that perfect Emily, mommy is all ready for you." Seeing Merri had finished her soup and was now sat waiting to feed Emily.
Sitting next to Merri he passed her Emily who sensed she was about to be feed and instantly grew quiet as Merri took her.
"There we go little one," Merri said to Emily as she latched and watched as she fed hungrily.
"How about you feed and I get to open presents before bed." Looking at the presents on the table.
"Sure. Chris left her bear in her crib." Pointing to the pink bear now sat in Emily's crib.
"We can take that through when she goes to bed. Wait till DJ sees he not only got a baby but she has a bear like his." Smiling as he imagined his son's face.
Reaching over he took the presents and brought them to the couch beside Merri. Picking the first one up he opened it and saw a blanket the same as DJ's but in pinks and purples instead of blues. Merri smiled when she saw it and took it instantly covering Emily with it. Next was a Pink car sign like DJ's but reading "little princess on board" instead of "little prince on board". The last present had both Emily's parents smiling. The last gift was a romper suit with her name on along with a matching vest and bib which also had her name on.
"Someone has been a spoilt along with their brother when he comes home tomorrow." Looking at Emily and then the gift and balloon still on the table.
"You didn't expect much else from our family, did you. She will most definitely be spoilt by them all, especially her big sister." Remembering Laurel when DJ was born.
"She sure will be, who's is the last gift?" Seeing one last gift beside King on the couch.
"That one is yours, you do actually have another, but it's in the bedroom. You have your hands full so when she's done eating we can go to bed and get some sleep before she's up again." Snuggling up to Merri's side and watching his daughter.
"I hope my milk comes in quicker this time as she will be full then and I won't be sat here half asleep." Merri yawned as she shuffled around to wake herself up.
"Let's hope so, she may sleep longer then as well which means you get more rest." Running his finger over the tuft of brown hair on Emily's head.
"Well she seems to be filling up here, let me swap sides with her." Moving Emily so she could swap her around.
Emily was not happy at being interrupted when she ate and was about to get a right scream going when Merri quickly got her settled and feeding again.
"You fancy making me a coffee, looks like we are here for a while as she seems to be filling up." Looking at King then down at Emily.
"Sure, anything else?" Asking as he stood up.
Merri shook her head and looked down at Emily who was now wide awake and feeding happily.
"Well hello there Emily, I see you have big brown eyes just like Mommy did. Auntie Emily would love you and DJ and I am sure she would never be away if she was here. She always said she didn't want children and even though I said I didn't she said I would be the one that had them. She was right as well, which is annoying but never mind. She had a knack for being right and used to drive me mad when she was. I have to say up until I meet your daddy I still didn't want babies, but then things changed and I have DJ and you. I still blame uncle Christopher for DJ and I will tell you why when you're older. As for you, you weren't planned either but I always knew after we had DJ I would have more. How do you feel about being a big sister? Not saying you will be but not saying you won't be, it's still early days. Who am I kidding its early days when you're still only a few hours old? I have a feeling that you won't be my last one but let's not tell daddy just yet, you left him a little traumatised today with that quick entrance, me too now I mention it." Seeing Emily's eyes drifting shut as she talked.
"Let's not tell daddy what?" King asked as he came into the room carrying two coffee mugs.
"Never mind girl talk. Oh, coffee thank you." Watching King put the cup on the small table beside her.
"Pass my present then, I can open one-handed." Giving King the eyes that made him pass her the present.
Taking the small wrapped box, Merri managed to tear the paper off with one hand as she fed Emily. Due to the fact she had long slender fingers she was able to hold the box in her hand and pop the lid. Sat on the red pillow inside was a beautiful silver heart-shaped pendant with small hearts hanging down from it. The centre heart when she looked closer had both her name and Kings and on and the two smaller hearts that hung down had DJ and Emily's on along with their dates of births. Lifting the necklace up gently she couldn't stop the tears that fell, it was a beautiful gift and she would have to thank Loretta in person. King had watched her open the box and saw the small inscriptions on the necklace. It was just something Loretta would pick and by the look on Merri's face and the tears that were slowly running down her cheeks she liked it.
"You want me to put it on?" Reaching for the box to put the necklace on.
Merri just nodded and passed the box over so King could put the necklace on. Moving her head a little King put the necklace around her neck and fastened it. Merri looked down and placed her hand on the pendant now resting on her chest. She was still crying and she couldn't stop as King reached over and wiped some of the tears away.
"These damn hormones will be the death of me." Letting her head drop to King's shoulder.
"They might be but them damn hormones help make our beautiful daughter so I can't complain. That is a beautiful necklace, I am sure the present I have for you will look good with it." Seeing her lift her head and look at him.
"When do I get this present then since someone is not in a hurry to move." Giving Emily a little move to see if she was finished.
Emily moving only reminded her why she was where she was causing her suck reflex to pick back up and Merri to grimace.
"No hurry Emily darling, Mommy doesn't want sleep anytime soon baby." Yawning again as she reached across for her coffee.
"I promise as soon as she is finished and tucked up in bed then I get you tucked up in bed you can have your present." Sliding his arm around Merri's shoulder as she snuggled against his side.
They both watched the tiny baby as she fed, getting there hopes up when she stopped then started again when she was moved. Looking at the clock Merri saw it was now 23:35.
"Emily you have got to be full now, you have been there an hour." Moving Emily only for her to grip a little tighter and suck harder. "Fine but you can come to bed with me now since that coffee did nothing to keep me awake." Shuffling forward and standing up with Emily still attached and feeding.
"How many times you practised that one?" King asked as he watched Merri make her way to the bedroom.
"Too many with DJ, he had a few days and nights where he was permanently stuck to my boob so I learnt to work with one hand and move around. I am sure I have a sling somewhere from them days so he could feed and I got stuff done." Hearing King follow behind her.
"We can look for it in the morning, let's get you both settled in bed and when she finally decides she's full I can put her in her crib, another thing to thank Loretta for when we see her." Nodding to the crib at the foot of the bed.
Merri waited till King had pulled the covers back and climbed on the bed sitting up and against the head of the bed. King climbed on and stuffed some pillows behind her back as she lay back and wriggled around getting settled with Emily still attached. Once she was in she was tucked up and King grabbed the feeding pillow from the cupboard and supported Emily on it. Standing back he looked at Merri and then Emily and satisfied they were settled he came around and climbed on the bed beside Merri but didn't actually get in the bed. He looked at Merri then at Emily and then to a picture of DJ that was on the bedside cabinet before returning his gaze to Merri. Taking a deep breath, he reached into his pocket but kept his hand still and never pulled it out.
"I have waited long enough to do this and after the events of today, I realized I had put it off long enough. Today when we sat in the lounge on the floor and you gave birth to Emily right where you sat and I caught her in my hands I saw how precious life is. I saw how much you went through when you had DJ and now when this one made her very quick entrance. You have given me the most precious gifts ever, my children. I love you so much Meredith Brody and I know you deserve so much more than I can ever give you. I know before we got together you never wanted children yet here we are with two of them. I have had no idea if we will have more of if you even want more when we never planned these two. All I do know is I will be grateful for the two we have. This is going so far off track here so I will cut to the chase, marry me, Meredith." Pulling his hand out his pocket and opening a small ring box.
