The Secret Life of the ADA Novak

By: Liv-x-Case-Benson & dcmasters

Ch. 11: Big Brother Ben

The following morning they were allowed home, the team telling Casey she must rest as well to avoid popping the stitches. They arrived home a short while later and Casey sat down on the bed, taking Madison through with her. "What time is Ben due back?"

"Around two. Did you want something to eat?" Olivia asked, propping Casey up on the pillows.

"Toast?" Casey asked, holding Madison tightly. She hadn't put her down at the hospital either.

Olivia nodded. "I'll bring a few things in here first." She went into the nursery, pulling that bassinet and diaper bag in as well as a few soft blankets, setting them by Casey. She sat beside her, kissing her gently and Madison. "Welcome home baby girl," she said, handing Casey a blanket.

Madison gave a soft sigh as Casey wrapped a blanket around her, leaning over to kiss Olivia.

Olivia smiled. "Welcome home, Mommy."

"Thank you, Mama," Casey smiled in return, "would you mind if I slept for a little while?"

The detective nodded. "Do you want to lay her down?"

Casey initially looked hesitant, but stood slowly placing her in the bassinet, kissing her forehead gently before returning to bed.

Olivia pulled the bassinet close to Casey. "I'm going to have a shower."

"Ok, take your time," she replied. What she wanted to say was "don't be long".

Olivia nodded, knowing Casey meant the opposite. Quickly, she stripped and stood under the warm water. Olivia turned on the shower before disrobing. She stepped in with a sigh. letting the water was over her as she scrubbed the shampoo into her scalp, before scrubbing her body wash into her skin.

Casey lay her head down, watching the bassinet closely. She couldn't understand why felt so anxious about Madison when she'd been fine with Ben. Casey reached her hand into the bassinet from where she lay, and when Madison held tightly to one of her fingers, Casey finally relaxed enough to sleep.

Ben wandered in several minutes later, looking into the bassinet when Madison grizzled, stroking her hand. "Shh... you'll wake Mommy."

Madison looked at him curiously with wide eyes.

A few minutes later, Olivia walked out in a tied robe, with her hair in a towel, hugging Ben. "Hi buddy," she whispered, hugging him tightly. "Do want to sit by Mommy and hold your new baby sister?"

Ben nodded eagerly, carefully getting up onto the bed, sitting next to Casey.

Olivia gently lifted Madison from her bassinet, carrying her over. "A pillow on your lap might make it easier," she whispered. kissing her gently.

Ben pulled one of Olivia's pillows onto his lap. "Like this?"

Olivia nodded. "Now, you want to support her head," Olivia said as she rested her in Ben's arms. "Don't be afraid. Babies can tell if you're afraid. Be strong, confident," she said, sitting beside him.

He nodded, his chest puffing proudly when he held Madison. Ben stared at her for a long time, then kissed her forehead. "I said I wanted a brother, but don't worry, I like sisters much better."

Olivia smiled, wrapping her arms around them. "That's good for little Madison, huh?" she asked, kissing her head.

Ben nodded. "I love you," he whispered to Madison.

Olivia smiled, kissing Ben's cheek. "And she loves you too."

"You love me too, right?"

"Yes, I love you very, very much."

"Good, because I love you too, Mama," he smiled, cuddling into Olivia.

Olivia held the two tightly. "You're going to be such a great big brother Ben."

"And you're already a great Mama," he whispered as Casey stirred.

"We're over here, Casey. Be careful when you turn over."

Casey groaned, slowly rolling over. "Ben, what are you doing up?"

"He just got home," Olivia said.

"I wanted to see her!"

Casey smiled, pulling herself up. "I missed you so much! Do you like your sister?"

He nodded. "She's nice. She's so tiny!"

"Yes, she is, but so were you."

Olivia smiled. "They're both perfect."

Casey nodded. "There's something for you in my bag."

Olivia took little Madison from Ben as he dug through Casey's bag.

"Where is it? Where is it?!"

Casey sat up properly, kissing Madison's cheek, smiling at Ben when he pulled out a dinosaur building kit he'd been pestering her for over the last few months.

Ben pulled it out."YAY!"

"Shhh!" Olivia said.

"It's from Madison," Casey smiled. "But don't forget about being quieter around her. Remember we talked about it?"

He nodded. "Can I try to go build it now?"

"If you're quiet, you can make it on the floor in the corner whilst I rest."

He nodded. "Okay."

Olivia nodded. "Your mom's right. They both need to rest."

"They can rest and you can help me, Mama," he replied.

Casey smiled when he called Olivia Mama.

Olivia nodded, handing Madison to Casey, kissing her gently. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Casey replied, placing pillows around Madison, laying down to watch her.

Olivia smiled, getting on the floor beside Ben. "Do you know how to build these?"

"Yes, here, I'll show you." Ben showed Olivia what to do as Casey listened, falling asleep a short while later, Madison's hand wrapped around her finger once more.

Olivia smiled, watching as Ben put the dinosaur together.

"Mama..."

"Yeah?"

Ben moved to kiss her cheek. "We should get Mommy a present."

Olivia smiled. "Like what?"

"She likes... red tulips with yellow tips... or chocolate truffles..."

"Well, should we go get some?"

Ben nodded. "You want to put the last piece on?"

Olivia nodded. "Sure," she said, fitting the last piece.

Ben grinned, hugging Olivia, seemingly clingier to her today. "Thank you."

Olivia smiled, hugging him. "You're welcome! Now what should we do?"

"Get Mommy's present and make a cake. You do know how to bake a cake, right?" he asked, looking at her skeptically having never seen her in the kitchen.

Olivia nodded. "I suppose we could do that."

"You have a better idea?"

"No, it's a good idea. I just never really have time to bake, so I buy them."

"Well, I can help. Come on," he said, standing as he took Olivia's hand.

Olivia nodded, getting up as Ben drug her into the kitchen.

He dragged his stool over to the counter so he could help, quickly wiping flour on Olivia's cheek.

Olivia laughed, getting some on his nose.

Ben gave a loud sneeze as some of the flour went up his nose, causing him to giggle.

Olivia smiled, grabbing a large mixing bowl and the eggs. "Do you know how to crack them?"

"Yes. Mama?" he asked cracking the eggs.

Olivia smiled. "Careful not to get the shell in. Yes Ben?" she asked after a minute.

"I know," he smiled "You love me, right?"

Olivia nodded, "Of course I do. Why are you asking?"

"Do you love the baby more?"

Olivia shook her head. "I love you both the exact same amount."

"Even though the baby is yours and Mommy's and I'm just Mommy's?"

Olivia nodded. "You're both mine. I love just the same."

Ben grinned, hugging Olivia tightly.

Olivia hugged him back.

"You're way cooler than any dad."

"Thanks."

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