I'm so sorry for making you wait. I wanted to post this last chapter together with the epilog but for some reason I struggled with that last part. Perhaps I didn't want to end it ;) But here it is and it's cheesy but what the heck. You and Finanda deserves it after this roller coaster I guess.
For the very last time (on this fan fic at least) I wish you happy reading!
XXX
He worked hard the next couple of weeks. He even stayed overnight at the hospital to try out a new treatment with electricity that hopefully would literary light some sparks in his legs. She was so proud of him. She was able to laugh again. Feel hopeful about the future. And Fay cheered up rapidly. He let them both be a part of his therapy. Amanda felt it was such a good thing that Fay got to see him fight and that you could conquer obstacles in life if you just fought. Fin invited them to join him for water therapy and Fay got to jump in the pool wearing only her underwear.
Seeing her do her dog swim next to Fin was a sight that warmed Amanda's heart and even more so as the physiotherapist let Fay help out and be a weight around Fin's neck as he swam his laps. The photo she managed to snap of the two in that pool would forever be one of her favorites. The joy on both faces was so evident it shined through the lens.
Fin did make progress. Such a huge progress from being bound to his bed but he would never gain all mobility back. It was especially his left leg that gave him grief. He had some nerve damage that caused some pain. He handled it good though. Tried to not let it bring him down but when it did he let Amanda be there for him. Her hands worked magic on his tingling leg and her support was all he needed to get back up on his feet so to speak.
Munch had lent him one of his favorite canes. One with just the right amount of pimp as Munch put it and he let Fin know he could have it as long as he needed. He used it as he made his way back to the squad room and to work. Everyone was really happy to see him again. Nick probably most of all since he still felt some guilt for what had happen. They'd been in that apartment complex to bring in a suspect but some other sketchy scumbag had thought they were there for him. Nick had his back to the gunman and Fin had tossed him to the side as a bullet came flying. If it weren't for Fin it would have gone through his heart and not just grazed his shoulder. That had left Fin open for the next bullet though. He'd been trying to duck when the second bullet came flying and hit him in the side.
So when Nick now finally was able to greet him back to work it felt even better than he'd anticipated. He'd been carrying more guilt around then he'd realized. Fin would start with desk work, he could handle interviews and interrogations of course but for now he had to stay inside. They were hopeful though that he'd be able to get back out on to the street sooner or later. Amanda missed riding with him but not as much as she'd anticipated. She saw plenty of him off hours. Of course that didn't mean she wished the shooting gone if she could but they were on their way again and that felt good.
Christmas was just around the corner and they decided it was time. Fay was in a good Christmas spirit and Amanda hoped they wouldn't ruin it. She had suggested they'd wait until after Christmas but this time it had been Fin that persisted. Not that he wasn't concerned and, yes even a bit frighten of how Fay would react but he just didn't want to go through another Christmas without the truth being told. He had hopes, some vivid dreams on how he wanted this Christmas to turn out. They consisted of some alone time with the two and exploring this whole new dynamic they had going on.
That needed Fay being included on the fact though. They decided a night and would do it after dinner. They built it up so much that when dinner was over with they were both bundles of nerves. Neither one of them could calm the other one down and Fay had told them they were weird during dinner. They tried to just laugh it off but that had made Fay just giving them another odd look. Amanda sent her into the living room to watch some TV after dinner as Fin stayed behind to help clear the table. Amanda felt doubt but didn't dare to voice it fearing that would make Fin just as doubtful if he wasn't already.
There was a moment once everything was handled and put away after dinner, the kitchen was even cleaner than usual because of the extra work both had chipped in. A moment where they just leaned on opposite counters and their eyes darted around the room to avoid each others.
"This is silly. Let's just do it," Amanda said finally, "she'll be fine." She pushed herself off the counter and starred him down with assertive eyes that she hope didn't show any of the ambivalence she still felt inside.
"She'll be fine," he said but she wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement. Amanda nodded.
"And we'll be fine," he added and took a step to her. She nodded again trying to convince herself as well. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her in.
"I love you," he whispered. She let out a low growl though.
"Not now, I'm nervous as it is," she breathed. She closed her fists on his chest and fought the tears that were threatening to escape her eyes. She loved hearing him say it but it still just made her so darn emotional. He smiled at her though, the kindness over his face not helping her control herself but she leaned her forehead on her closed fists and took a few deep breaths.
"I still love you," he teased and kissed the top of her head. She squirmed a little in his arms letting him know she didn't want to hear it but he still could sense she was smiling now. He gave her a tight squeeze and then let his hands go up and down her back a few times before he told her to get going.
They found Fay by the couch table. She'd lost interest in the TV and was down on her knees coloring away as usual. Amanda hesitated on where to sit down but decided on the couch as she felt Fin's hand on her back.
"Hey Fay," she said as she got around the table to have a seat.
"Hi mama," the girl sang without looking up from her current drawing. There was lots of blue on the paper already and Amanda could tell she was about to start one of her many unicorn drawings.
"Hey can you come sit with us for a while," Amanda said once seated, "there's something we wanna talk to you about." Amanda knew not even she could compete with a crayon and a paper for her daughter's attention so she needed to pull her away before they could talk to her.
"Can I just…" Fay started but quite down as her tongue came out when she traced the outline of the unicorn. Amanda shot Fin a smile. He'd sat down on the footstool right next to her. They let her finish the outline but then Amanda reminded her that they wanted to talk to her. She looked up at them, still with the crayon in hand and gave them a suspicious look.
"Did I do something?" she asked with just a hint of apprehension mixed in there. Amanda quickly shook her head. Not that Fay usually misbehaved, sure there were the small mischiefs in school at times but right now Fay was very worked up about this whole Santa Claus business. She knew he only visited good kids and she was doing her very best to be a more than model citizens right now.
"It's nothing like that," Amanda reassured her and gently patted the seat next to her on the couch. Fay shot her a smile as she dropped the crayon and hurried over to her. Fay got up on her knees right next to her as Amanda got her leg up on the couch so she could twist her body to face Fay better.
"Okay so Fin and I want to talk to you about something," Amanda started carefully and shot Fin a nervous look over her shoulder. He gave her a warm smile and then turned his attention to Fay as Amanda turned back to face her daughter again.
"Whatsup?" Fay smiled and chuckled when she saw the face Fin made. Amanda had to smile too, made her lose some tension but she had plenty to spare right now.
"So you know that I love you very much right?" Amanda said and Fay nodded still with that smile on her face from before.
"And Fin loves you a whole lot too," she said and watched Fay's eyes briefly go over towards Fin again.
"Is he moving in?" Fay asked all excited. Amanda gasped a little but then chuckled as she shook her head.
"I don't know about that just yet sweetie," she smiled.
"But maybe?" Fay tried and Amanda shot Fin a plead of help over her shoulder with her eyes. This conversation was taking an unsuspected turn. Fin just shot her a smile that made the turmoil in her gut settle a bit.
"You know," Fin said and turned his focus to Fay as he continued, "I would love to live with you guys in the future. I love being around you all the time and you've both helped me so much after I was shot and all."
"I can be your buoy every day. Buoy," Fay repeated the word as she loved it so much. Fin had taught it to her when she was wrapped around his neck back at the therapeutic pool and Amanda had heard it about a thousand times after that.
"And I'll be yours," Fin smiled. This was so endearing Amanda felt her cheeks get all flustered. And just like she sensed it, perhaps she could see it Amanda thought to herself, Fay got up on her knees, leaned in and touched her mom's cheek. Fay shot her a smile and Amanda shot her one back as she caught her little hand in hers and brought it to her lips to give it a kiss right in the palm. It was something Fin had done to her many years ago and it was such a sweet gesture Amanda had started doing it too.
"There's something we need to tell you," Amanda said and kept her daughter's hand in hers. Fay sat back down and listen intensely.
"You know that Fin and I have been partners for many years right?" she gave Fay the opportunity to nod, "even before you were born." She added once Fay had nodded.
"And I guess we've loved each other for many many years."
"We have loved each other for many years," Fin corrected her. Amanda kept her eyes on Fay as she felt unable to break the contact now that she was on her way to spill it all.
"And we've both loved you since the very first minute we met you. And you know how we talked about how a baby is born. That when two people love each other very much they can have a baby," Amanda felt herself stalling and perhaps just confusing Fay. She seemed to hold her attention though.
"Well Fin and I… We… Fay, Fin is your dad," Amanda finally got it out and she held her breath as she watched her daughter's reaction intensely. Fay's face gave away nothing though. She just kept looking at Amanda for a while and then looked a little towards Fin before her eyes travelled somewhere into the distance.
"Fay did you understand what I just told you?" Amanda had to ask finally. That made Fay look at her again and then she nodded but with a tiny crease between her eyes.
"You get what that means?" Amanda searched her daughter's face but wasn't sure she truly got it. Fay nodded again but seemed unfocused. She bit her lip as she seemed to contemplate something and Fin couldn't help but see the resemblance to Amanda as the little girl did this. Both Amanda and Fin held their breaths as she let her lip go and opened her mouth to say something.
"So Ken's my brother?" she asked and when Amanda nodded Fay's face lit up.
"Half brother but yes, brother," Amanda explained as she felt some quickly built up angst wash off her.
"Alejandro too?" Fay asked a bit confused.
"No, he's Ken's fiancé so he would be your brother-in-law once they're married," Amanda tried to explain.
"Brother in law? Like in jail?" Fay looked surprised. Amanda had to chuckle.
"No, not in jail. It's like Ken's your brother in blood and Alejandro your brother according to the law." Fay looked disgusted though.
"Blood?" she asked.
"Oh never mind. Ken's your brother and Alejandro will be his husband one day and that will make him our family according to the law," Amanda tried to explain it a little better.
"Does Ken know? That he's my brother?" Fay asked and Amanda nodded.
"Can I call him?" She was up and over by the phone the moment Fin nodded. Amanda had looked to him for an okay on that question and Fin didn't see any harm in it.
"I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad she's more excited about getting a brother than me as a father?" Fin said with a troubled face as they watched her hit the speed dial button she knew belonged to Ken. Amanda smiled and put a hand on his cheek to make him face her.
"I think you should be happy. I think she's always thought of you as a father anyway," Amanda said. Fin looked a little surprised. His eyebrows rose and asked the question 'really'.
"Yeah," Amanda said and nodded a little.
"Hey bro," they heard Fay shout into the phone as apparently Ken answered on the other line. They both smiled without letting each other go with their eyes. Amanda looked his face over slowly and when she came back to meet his eyes she smiled wider. She still had her hand on his cheek and as he put his hand over hers she leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips. She figured it was okay to do that even with Fay in the room now. It was just intended to be a light one though but when she tried to separate herself from him his hand laced around the back of her neck and pulled her back in. She opened up her lips to let him in as he demanded it and she moaned into his mouth a little as his tongue tickled hers. His other hand came up around her waist and he pulled her entire body in a little further.
"I dunno," they heard Fay say somewhere in the distance, "they're kissing right now." Amanda started chuckling with Fin still inside her but he had to pull away as he too started chuckling. Amanda wiped her lips as Fin turned his head over Fay's way. She had the wall bound phone still to her ear but when Fin looked over she held it out towards him.
"If you're done kissing Ken likes to talk to you."
Both Fin and Amanda shook their heads with wide smiles on their faces. Fin gave Amanda a quick peck on her lips before he got up and limped over to the phone. He gave Fay a big smile as he took the phone from her. Fay immediately ran over to her mama and jumped into her lap and then squeezed her neck hard for a few seconds.
"I have a brother," Fay sang when she finally let her mama go. Amanda could feel her daughter's entire body was tingling with excitement.
"Yes you do," Amanda could smile now that she felt a bit more relieved.
"And a dad," Amanda tried carefully. Fay kept smiling and turned her head towards Fin over by the phone.
"And a dad," Fay smiled and looked very content. Amanda kissed her cheek and once she let her go Fay looked at her again.
"It's like the best Christmas gift ever," she smiled and Amanda could not argue as she felt the very last drop of any worry disappear. It was replaced by so much love and admiration of this little girl it was beyond her how a creature could evoke that. And not only did she feel this way about one person in her life, but two. How could she be so blessed?
Later that night once Fay was tucked in and sound asleep Amanda and Fin lay silently just watching each other on the bed. They were facing each other and the intimate looks didn't seem to frighten any one of them. The bedroom was silent, no neighbors or street life interrupted their moment. They both felt a bit drained by the worked up anxiety that tonight's task had built up only to be replaced by relief and happiness.
Even though these last weeks had made them both a bit more physical with each other, mostly cause his need of actual physical help it now felt as they had permission to be so. To be intimate even with Fay nearby. Amanda knew she'd been slipping a bit lately, things like leaning into Fin on the couch instead of keeping on her side of it as usual. Perhaps that had even helped Fay easing into the fact they presented to her tonight. But now it felt okay for her to show her love for Fin in front of her and it changed everything. No longer was it just a secret between the two, something they had to hide from anyone and everyone.
It both scared her a bit and made her feel happy. Mostly happy though. Perhaps the slight fatigue she felt right now made her worry less about what the future had in store for them.
He'd seen her eyes wander, not off him but he could tell she was deep in thought. To bring her back where he wanted her he reached out and touched her hand that was resting between them. It worked and she gave him a slight smile.
"So…" he whispered feeling like the peaceful moment asked for low voices.
"So?" she repeated but with a slight question mark at the end.
"I have a kid," he smiled, still speaking with a low voice. She gave a short chuckle.
"You do," she smiled and took a deep breath. The room felt quiet again for a bit as he played with her hand a little.
"So what she said, about the moving in," he looked at her seriously, "you think that's something you'd like? I mean us moving in together?" He was worried he was jumping the gun but he had to know since it had been on his mind since Fay mentioned it.
"I think I'd liked that. Yeah that would be cool I guess," she said a bit coy. He squeezed her hand and looked at her with an amused face. He could tell she was trying to act cool. She smiled and moved in a little closer, making the distance their hands made the only space between them.
"Soon or you thinking further down the line?" she asked once the slight storm in her gut settled and she was able to be serious again.
"I don't know. I'd like it to be sooner than later. But I guess there's other things we need to clear out first," he looked her deep in the eyes. The slight storm in her gut twirled a bit before he was able to speak again.
"Now that Fay knows I think we need to tell the captain."
"You want to tell him you're Fay's dad?" The thought scared her a bit she had to admit. She feared Cragen would feel more deceived than Fay did. Fin smiled though.
"Well I wasn't thinking about starting with that confession but more so that it's you and me. Off hours too," he let her know.
"Oh," she breathed and felt a bit relieved.
"But what if that means we can't be partners? What if he doesn't even want us in the same squad room?" Amanda aired her concerns.
"Well," Fin started but took a second to think about it before he continued, "I don't think he'll make one of us leave the squad but if that is the case I'll go. I did get the retirement offer with the injury and all or I'll go back to narc or something." Amanda shook her head on the bed.
"You were there first, that's not fair," she started but he silenced her with a feather light kiss on her lips before he settled back down again.
"I don't mind. I'm not saying I'm not good at it but you're brilliant there Amanda, you need to be there. And I don't think he'll make one of us leave anyway, I'm not so sure about the partnering though. That might be something he'd be against if," he changed his mind quickly, "when we go public." She felt all kinds of feelings flush over her. Sadness that they might not be able to be partners but also gratitude that he valued her work so much and a bit jittery over the fact they were going public. He let her hand go and put it on the side of her face before he started to brush her hair with his fingers slowly.
"You okay with that?" he asked and she nodded.
"I hope he'll let us still be partners though," she added.
"He might if you're the one that tells him, you have him wrapped," Fin smiled. Amanda gave his chest a tender tug as she tried to hide her tiny smile. He let his hand fall flat on the side of her head and he played with his thumb over her cheek and down to the side of her mouth.
This time it was her time to catch his eyes wander as he seemed to get lost in thought.
"What you thinking about?" she whispered as she got curious. His face got a bit cheeky before he was able to focus his eyes back at her again and she suspected his mind had gone dirty. Not that she minded.
"What?" she urged but he just shook his head. She got a bit disappointed that he wouldn't tell her but it would soon change as he looked at her with a smile and said;
"I just can't wait to call you my girlfriend." It was the sweetest thing she'd heard but it was also so out of his character it made her giggle.
"What are you? Eight?" she teased but regretted it the next second as he got a hold of her neck and squeezed a spot that he knew hurt. He didn't squeeze it too hard though, it just got the reaction he'd wanted from her as she started to fight him back. They fought back and forth a while, both too tired to really get into it seriously and she soon gave up and rolled back to admit defeat. As she bared her throat he took the opportunity to taste it. It made her giggle again as he let his tongue run over a sensitive spot.
She could feel him smile against her neck and soon he came up so he could look at her again. He got his elbow up by her side and rested his head in his hand. Again she caught him drifting away in his thoughts as he watched her. She could feel his right hand circling her stomach underneath both her shirt and the sheet. His finger felt nice and smooth against her tummy and she got all warm thinking about how they now could, perhaps would, lay like this every night.
She felt overwhelmed with feelings and reached up to touch his face just to do something to get out of her own head. He snapped out of his thought and smiled right before he leaned down and kissed her. He was about to lean back up again but seemed to change his mind and got back down to kiss her again. He tasted her slowly but soon asked for permission to get inside her mouth with his tongue. She granted it willingly while her fingers played around his neck.
He leaned down his body slightly against her, putting some pressure on the side of her hip as his leg found its way in-between hers. His hand made a short trip up to her breast, ghost over her nipple to add to the already heated waves that slowly ran through her body. He came back down to her stomach though and again started to circle it. He let her go suddenly and she made a sound of displeasure as she opened up her eyes. His serious look surprised her a bit and she gave him a questionable look.
"I want another one," he whispered, exposing he was slightly out of breath.
"Another what?" she asked confused.
"Another kid," he said seriously, almost sad looking. She had to admit she was startled and he could see it on her face.
"I wanna be there from the get go, through it all. Be part of everything," he explained. Another kid hadn't entered her mind. Not that she had time to really, this was speeding along too fast even for her. The suggestion didn't seem so bad though. It actually made her feel even happier.
"Yeah?" she asked and he nodded looking a little bit happier now that he got it off his chest.
"Another one as remarkable as the one down the hall," he smiled.
"You do know though that she got the best of us right? There's a huge possibility another try might not come out just as good?"
"If the next one just has a fingertip of her personality it's enough for me," he said and touched her lips with his. She smiled so hard she couldn't greet his lips properly.
"So you wanna?" he asked once he came back up again. She had to take a breath to calm the excitement she felt rumbling inside but then she finally managed to nod. She could see he got relieved and then came that wide smile of his, the one that reached all the way to his eyes and even further up making fine lines in his forehead. She had to touch the lines and ended up stroking his cheek.
"This is insane," she whispered with the biggest grin on her own face. The goal had been to tell Fay the truth and now they'd planned to tell the captain too and were talking about moving in together and adding another kid to the mix. Insane.
"Insanely good," he smiled just as she thought it and then he kissed her. She closed her eyes and got overwhelmed with how good his lips tasted. She got aware of the hand on her stomach though and now realized why he'd lingered there and not reached for any of her erogenous zones as he usually did rather quickly. His big warm palm over her stomach felt nice but she had to admit it felt even nicer as it slowly made its way up to her breast again.
He moved himself up over her a little more and she arched herself up against him as he gently squeezed her nipple between his fingers. His tongue was far down her throat and they breathed together. She swiped her hands up over his back bringing his shirt up with them as she went. He reluctantly let her go for a brief second so she could pull it all the way over his head and throw it to the side of the bed. She met his eyes briefly before his mouth crashed down on hers. Amanda let her hands feel the toned muscles in his chest and she dug her nails into him as he moved his thigh further up in-between her legs, rubbing up against her warm core.
She separated her legs further to give him better access and she felt herself getting wet quickly as his thigh rubbed her. His hand unexpectedly showed up down by her hip and she moaned into his mouth as it found its way in-between them. His fingers rubbed up against her through the thin fabric in her panties and he felt the dampness tangible. He left her core and pulled her top off. She wasn't sure how he did that without it feeling like he never left her lips with his own but she quickly found herself topless underneath him. His hands roamed her torso before one of them found their way back down to her core.
This time he paid a visit underneath the fabric and even though he could feel she was already ready he stayed and enjoyed the feeling of her wetness, the muscles contracting around his fingers and the delightful sounds she was making underneath him. She'd wrapped her arms around him and her nails dug into his back from time to time.
He stayed outside of her, enjoyed feeling her orgasm under his touch, under his body. Today was all about them and the huge step they'd taken in their relationship. But tomorrow, tomorrow he was making a baby.
She would go off the pill the very next day and even though they probably didn't make a baby that following night she found herself pregnant only a month later. They'd been enjoying each other and their official status as a couple rather liberate the past month so the baby making opportunities had been plenty. Fin humored himself by trying to recall each possible time and vividly narrated them for Amanda, mostly because it made her blush so insanely but also since it seemed to trigger them both to do more fondling around.
Before the baby news though they broke the news of their relationship to captain Cragen. And it had been news to him. Fin had done most talking, thankfully for Amanda who felt a bit like admitting running out with a boy to her father as they faced Cragen. They never had to go into just how far back they'd been an item, Cragen settled, and thanked them for being open with him, with what Fin told him and would look into the regulations at their precinct. He'd never been put in this situation so he wasn't sure but he immediately made sure they knew neither one of them faced termination or having to leave the squad.
The only question was if they should be partnered up together or not and Cragen asked to get some time to look through the rules and think about it. He came back with better news than they could have imagined. Cragen trusted them to handle it well, keeping their private life outside the office so he saw no need to make any drastic changes. Fin was stationed more at his desk as it was so they would just keep going, Amanda rotating with the others but not exclude Fin in that rotation when he was able to go out.
Cragen asked them to be frank with the rest of the squad though, wanting to keep an open climate with no secrets within the squad. They chose to do that one on one first chance they got. It ended up being so that Fin got to tell Nick while grabbing coffee one day and Amanda finally managed to get the words out to Olivia as they rode to a crime scene later that same day. It had felt awkward but this wasn't news to Liv which made it easier. Nick had wanted to probe a bit though but Fin had been coy and enjoyed keeping him guessing about the rest. They had a new guy on the squad, a guy Amanda's age that had transferred from upstate New York. He was cool and Fin filled him in as the three of them walked out that day.
As they said good night to him and headed over to Amanda's car Fin grabbed her and pulled her to him as he planted a kiss on her head. It would be the first time he did anything like that out in public, without care about who saw them, and even though it wasn't a grand thing it spoke volumes to Amanda and it made her feel so good. She knew he would never be the guy that got her flowers, to her surprise though it would happen in the future as well as other things.
Nor would he give terms of affection out in public but she was well settled with getting them behind closed doors. She had to admit she would enjoy it a bit in the future when she spotted him getting jealous when another guy paid her attention or when she found him longing for her and he couldn't hide it. She didn't mind him approaching at times like that, putting his arm around her shoulders and in a way claim her in front of someone. She didn't mind anyone else knowing she did belong to him just as he belonged to her.
They waited two months before they broke the baby news to Cragen. He was nothing else than happy for them. They'd planned to wait another month to tell the rest of the squad just to make sure nothing happen to the baby in the first trimester. Fin would spoil it though, letting it slip to Nick during a casual talk on a break and then they just let the cat out of the bag to everyone.
Amanda was feeling good. She did suffer some morning sickness, more than she remembered with Fay but that time had been a bit hazy with her recuperating from her shooting at the same time so she wasn't completely sure what was what during that pregnancy.
Fin was determined to be there for everything this time around but he never got overbearing. Amanda quite enjoyed seeing him worked up about every little thing. Last time she'd tried to keep up with the baby's progress just to connect to it better. This time it was Fin, and then Fay as she learnt rather early on about the sibling, that would keep track on the baby as well as Amanda's stages.
They did the Lamaze classes properly this time, even managing to keep rather straight faces during all of them.
Doctor Sandra Levitt made Fin and Amanda know there was a slight possibility that she wouldn't carry the baby full term like the last time and made sure they were prepared for that. The fact Amanda's mother hadn't carried either of her daughters full term also spoke to the possibility the baby would come early. But as they were coming up to week 37 Fin started to think the doctor knew bubkus as he put it.
They'd still not made any definite plans about their living arrangements which meant they spent time at both their places. Fay had got to help to refurnish Ken's old room so it was now her room when at Fin's place. She wanted to keep a lot of the basketball items though, probably since Ken was her biggest role model, but in-between them you could now find multiple unicorns and other more girly items. Fay may have been a bit of a tomboy when it came to roughing it and the color of her outfits but she preferred a skirt any day and her own toys were mostly girly. She was a perfect mix to both Fin and Amanda.
But while Fin stressed out a bit about their living arrangements Amanda seemed to be fine with it. He wanted stability before the baby came but she was still hesitant and duct out whenever he brought it up. She wasn't even sure why herself. Why Fin's suggestion that they found a bit of a larger apartment for the four of them in her area scared her a little. Like having another baby wasn't serious enough. She knew she'd always have Eva as a friend and since Fin didn't mind staying in the area Fay would be able to stay at her school and Eva taking her home afterwards wouldn't be a problem either if work prevented either of them to do so.
Perhaps she was still fearful she wasn't cut out, or deserved a nuclear family. It felt so right being with Fin but her parent's miserable marriage was still poking in the back of her mind whenever she thought about her current family being settled under one roof. She knew, yes she was certain, Fin would never ever hurt her. He'd come such a long way in such a short amount of time. Still she feared she would screw up somehow. That her scars and fears would rear its ugly head and screw it all up. She tried him at times, tried to provoke him just a little. See if he would bait. If his feelings for her would change if he saw what she thought was her true colors.
But every time he passed the bar and beyond. It was like he saw through her, knew what she tried to do and stopped her before she went too far. And he would surprisingly knew exactly what she needed even though she hadn't even known herself. A tight hug that prevented her from destructiveness at times, a speech of reassurance she was good enough most often and sometimes, always away from the kids though, a bit of scolding if she deserved it. But whatever she was in need of it always ended with endearing physical contact. He could walk away angry at times but never in these situations. He never turned his back on her when her insecurity was the reason behind her erratic behavior. And it made her love him even more and with time she would no longer feel she wasn't deserving of the love that came her way.
She'd told her mom about the baby when she reached about three months and at the same time let her know it was her partner that was the father. Her mom hadn't even asked about Fay but Amanda knew she figured it out herself. A bit of silent disapproval but Amanda didn't let it get to her. With Fin empowering her she felt as she could handle her screwed up family easier. He'd made clear that he didn't want her sister near any of the kids without anyone else present and under no circumstances could she visit while under the influence of drugs. This, Amanda knew, was rather hard to determine though since her sister was always rather flakey. With Amanda's knowledge of her sister and Fin's knowledge about drugs though they would work it out in the future.
They, Fin included of course, would make a few visits to Atlanta over the coming years. Fin got along great with her dad, perhaps mostly because her dad didn't say much. But he seemed to accept and even admire Fin. The relationship with the mom would never be easy for anyone of them though but Fin bore with it. They'd always stay at a hotel though, that was his only demand. Well that and that he wouldn't let her mom trash Amanda without him sticking up for her. She loved him for doing that. For wanting to have her back. So the visits would at times be strained but in front of the kids they always played nice and Amanda felt it was important for them to know their grandparents.
But right now she was just reaching the 36th week of pregnancy. It had been a rather smooth ride. Her back had started to give her some trouble but Fin's hands worked magic for that. Like last time it was mostly her belly that had grown. She did have some funny cravings and she longed desperately for coffee. And beer. Whenever Fin had any of the two she took the opportunity to kiss him just to get a taste. Well mostly to get a taste but it always ended with his lips being the thing that tasted best.
The back had been an issue for a couple of weeks but this last week the fatigue had also been a problem. The baby moved around a lot over night which made her sleep badly and there were days when Fin let her sleep in since he knew she hadn't gotten much sleep that night. She didn't like that though, getting the special treatment just because she was pregnant didn't fly with her and she let Fin knew every time. It didn't stop him from doing it though. He at times knew better than her what she needed and right now sleep was it.
He woke up by her light hand rubbing his arm gently. He heard his name a few times before he was able to open his eyes. Even though he felt dead tired he figured it was time to get up and was quite taken aback when he realized it was still dark outside.
"What's wrong?" he asked quickly and tried to wake up just as quickly fearing the worst.
"We need to go to the hospital," she whispered, "the baby's coming." He could hear strain in her voice. She was standing by the bed with one arm around her round belly. This news got him to wake up immediately and he flung his legs over the side of the bed. He felt his left leg tingling.
"What?" he almost shouted at the same time as he saw she was completely dressed.
"Why? How? Why didn't you wake me?" He grabbed a hold of her free hand as the other one landed on her belly. She gave him an affectionate smile.
"Because I'm pregnant. Having a baby remember? You put it there."
"But it's too soon right?" he asked nervously.
"Fay came earlier, this one's definitely coming even if it's a bit too soon," she said and tried to calm him.
"You're sure it's real contractions and not those Brax ones?" he asked as he tried to get his damn leg to wake up. She gave him a definite nod.
"How far apart?"
"Eight, or seven," she changed her mind and gave him the true answer.
"Seven? Why didn't you wake me earlier?" he tried to get up even though his foot still felt numb. She helped him get his balance by holding on to his hands.
"I was hoping morning would get here before we had to go, this makes it so troublesome," she said with a sigh.
"When did the contractions start?" he asked.
"Around midnight," she let him know as she let him go and walked over to the dresser. He checked the clock on her side of the bed.
"Midnight?" he was back to shouting again. It was 4 am.
"You should have woken me up Amanda," he scolded as he made his way over to her. She was getting him a shirt he realized.
"Stop that, you get yourself seated down somewhere and I'll be done in an instant," he said and tried to not sound as harsh but still took his tee from her.
"It helps to move around actually," she said and made her way back over to the bed to get his jeans that was hanging over the bed board. They were at her place. She liked his place but she was happy they'd decided to stay here tonight. It was closer to the hospital and right now she was actually looking forward to seeing doctor Levitt. She could handle the pain right now but she wouldn't mind a little help when it increased.
"What do you wanna do with Fay, can we call Ken over at this time?" Amanda asked. Fin came over and took the jeans from her.
"I'll work it out. You go pace by the front door please. We should have been at the hospital hours ago," he tried to get through to her by giving her an intense stare.
"I'm fine," she said and tried to look intense too but failed as her mouth turned upwards. It was fun to see him this worked up. She felt oddly calm but then again she'd been here before and this time around it wasn't as stressful.
"I'll just hit the can and then I'll get Fay," he said after have briefly brushed his lips over hers and hurried into the bathroom. Amanda took a deep breath and tried not to waddle down the hallway. Passing Fay's room she took a look inside. All she could see was a bundle of blonde locks and it made her smile. She wondered what kinda hair this new kid of theirs would have. They still didn't know if it was a boy or a girl. She didn't have trouble bonding with the baby this time around and they both thought it could be fun to get surprised.
Fay wanted to know though. She so wanted a baby sister and had tried different ways to get her wish to come through. She'd written Santa Claus even though she figured he was on vacation right now. She offered him to not have to bring her any Christmas gifts this holiday if he just made sure it was a girl in her mama's belly and not a boy. The Tooth fairy had gotten a letter too, Fay offered her all her teeth for free once they fell out if she just made sure it was a baby sister.
Amanda wasn't sure why she was so headstrong about it being a girl, Fay hadn't offered any answers either just said it had to be a girl. Amanda wasn't sure though, she wouldn't mind a boy to even out the numbers. She heard the toilet flush and decided to get going before Fin caught her here.
Fin hurried to do all the essentials in the bathroom and then got his jeans on properly before he headed into get Fay up. They would just have to bring her he figured. There was no way they were staying there until Ken could make his way over and driving her there was out of the question. He spotted Amanda's back further down the hall. He felt like making sure she was okay, he wasn't sure if he was doing things right or not. But he figured he'd check on her once he got Fay up and about.
He got the lights on not thinking just how harsh the lights would be for the kid's eyes. She was turned on her stomach though so it didn't bother her.
"Hey noodle," he said with his usual voice and rubbed her back a bit more roughly than any other morning.
"Bub, squirt, sweet pee," he tried but all he got was a tiny whimper and no movement at all. He wished he could get her a gentler wake-up but he felt rushed and ended up just picking her up.
"Hey, your mama is having your baby brother or baby sister," Fin said and kept his voice rather low.
"It's a sister," Fay whimpered without opening her eyes. Her entire body was like a limb mass in his arms.
"Okay, okay, either way we have to take your mom to the hospital," he tried to explain.
"She's coming now?" Fay whimpered and he felt her body start to wake up a little.
"Yeah," Fin said and kissed her face. He could see she tried to get her eyes open. The bright light obviously didn't sit well with her though and she crumbled her entire face.
"Why now?" she complained and Fin chuckled knowing how she felt.
"That you have to ask your brother or sister once he or she is here," Fin said and tried getting her to sit up on her own on the bed so he could go get her clothes to wear.
"Sister," Fay whimpered. He let her go once he felt she at least had her back straight and wouldn't fall off the bed or anything. He rumbled through her drawer and grabbed a few things.
"No," he heard her complain and looked over. She was peeking through one eye as the other one was pinched shut.
"Not that, I know what I wanna wear," she argued and held up her arms so he would come get her. He hurried back over and got her up. He held her so she could grab another tee out of the drawer and then helped her open up the next drawer so she could get a pair of tights. She seemed to be picking the most colorful of the bunch, same as the tee.
"You see Ms Ashley told us about how newborn cats and dogs don't see well. Dogs have their eyes closed for weeks even. And I was thinking maybe it was the same thing with babies so if I wear really colorful clothes she might see me better. Maybe I will be the very first person she sees even," Fay explained as they made their way over to her closet to get another piece of colorful fabric to complete her ensemble. Fin felt a bit to stress to really enjoy another awesome thought process of this magnificent girl but had time to give her cheek another kiss.
"You think you can get yourself dressed while I go call your brother so he can meet us at the hospital?" Fin said and got a short nod before he put her down. He hurried back to the bedroom to get his phone off the bed stand and he dialed Ken as he went to check if the pre-packed delivery bag was still in the closet or not. They had one at her place and one at his just in case. Now he still didn't feel prepared enough though. As he a bit franticly searched the closet he managed to get all the vital information over to Ken who picked up after only two rings. Fin took a look down the hall and was relieved when he saw that the bag was already down by the door. Of course she'd already gotten it there. Fin was also relieved to hear Ken and Alejandro would be at the hospital as soon as they possible could. He hurried down the hallway as he ended the conversation with Ken. He didn't spot Amanda at first though but soon found her by the counter making sandwiches?
"Dear God Amanda, what are you doing?" he said and hurried over.
"I thought it would be smart to bring snacks for her, and for you," she explained as he took the jam spreader from her. She gave him an annoyed look.
"We need to get out of here already," he complained but she stopped him from putting away what she'd brought out.
"You know she'll get hungry," she said and since he knew she was right, as always, he helped her finish the sandwiches instead of fighting her. He did however let her know, with sighs, that he still thought this was a stupid thing to be doing right now.
"Can we get going now?" he asked once they had what could be a complete picnic in a bag.
"Did you get a hold of Ken?" she asked and when he nodded she asked what the plan was.
"He'll meet us there now common get your shoes on," Fin urged.
"You're making him come all the way over here, couldn't we just take her over there," Amanda tried but he wasn't even paying attention as he put the bag down next to the other one by the door.
"What shoes you want?" he asked and grabbed a pair of sneakers she'd used a lot lately. She had to stop wearing her boots months ago. Her feet swelled up way earlier than with Fay. She was larger than with Fay too. She still wasn't that large though, it all just seemed to go to her stomach and not much else. Okay perhaps her boobs a little which was only normal. He had a little more to grab there than usual and he didn't complain.
"I need to pee," she said and he rolled his eyes with a loud sigh as she waddled by him. She just shook him off trying to keep her mood up. She had another contraction only minutes ago and this one had been worst of them all, of course every new one felt like the worst so she wasn't really sure any longer. He put her jacket and the sneakers out and did the same for Fay. He found one of his hoodies on a hook and pulled it over his head. He would need it once outside he figured, it was getting cold as the fall approached. He spotted Amanda peaking inside Fay's room and hurried over fully intending to get her moving again.
"You're not doing a really good job," she smiled before he could say anything though. He had to smile when he got a look at their daughter too. She was all sprawled out in the middle of the floor. It looked as though she managed to get her panties on but then her tights had ended up on her arm and then she'd just given up. She was sound asleep again but now on the floor.
"I'll get her, hurry yourself up," he said as he touched her back gently and planted a kiss on top of her head. He heard her giggle a little as she waddled over to the bathroom. He got inside and down by his daughter's side as he gave her all the endearing nicknames he could remember right now.
"Did I miss her, is she here?" Fay mumbled as he got her arm free and started to pull the tights up her legs.
"We're still on our way to the hospital munchkin, you haven't missed her," he let her know as he got her tights all the way up by twisting her again limb mass around in his lap. She stayed quiet for a while and he got her tee over her head. He had to guide her hands straight as she wasn't of much help.
"You wanted the skirt too?" he asked.
"Yeah," was heard as a tiny whimper. He tried to hold her up as he pulled the skirt up.
"Dad?" she whimpered. Most of the time she still called him Fin, he didn't blame her for it but the times she did call him dad it still made his heart skip a beat. Even at this stressful time the 'dad' registered and made him feel warm inside.
"Yeah baby boo?" he asked and she answered with the most pitiful and miserable sounding voice he'd ever heard;
"I'm so tired." He could help but chuckle but bit it down quickly.
"I know sweetheart but it will all be worth it once your baby sister arrives," he said and stroke her back gently as he picked her up against his shoulder. He struggled a little to get the balance right to get up off the floor without holding on to anything. The last thing they needed now was him falling over and hurting himself, and Fay in the progress. But he managed to get up fairly easily and then met Amanda in the hallway. She gave them a suspicious look when she spotted her daughter's outfit. Not that she wasn't usually colorful but this was a little above and beyond.
"She has a reason behind the outfit, I'll tell you later, you'll love it," he said as they didn't have time now and he pushed her forward towards the door. She put her heels down though and gave him a stern look.
"I might look like a cow, I certainly feel like one but don't dare drive me like one," she said.
"I'm sorry," he said immediately as he realized how she must be feeling the way he handled her ever since she got him up.
"It's okay," she said quickly as she hadn't meant to sound so angry. She leaned up in search of his lips and he gave them to her without hesitation.
"I love you," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you too," she said right back and then together they moved down the hallway. He supported her back with his hand in case she needed it. Even if she didn't need it, it did feel good. As he was helping her get her shoes on, managing to keep Fay on his shoulder somehow, she had another contraction. He freaked a little as he saw the pain wash over her face and her body fold in the middle as she hugged her stomach. It took a second before he was able to help out by telling her to breathe through it and he rubbed her back gently as he'd done in the Lamaze classes. Fay stirred a bit on his shoulder as Amanda's low shriek had woke her up a little.
"Is she here?" he heard her mumbled but kept focus on Amanda. The pain seemed to ease a little and she was able to rise up a little. She put her forehead against his free shoulder though and he felt her take heavy breaths underneath his palm that was still stroking her back.
"You okay?" he asked after a while. He felt her nod against him.
"You want me to carry you downstairs?" he asked but felt her shake her head quickly. He then felt her chuckle underneath his hand.
"What?" he asked with a smile on his face. Again he felt her shake her head and soon she came up so he could see her face.
"Me on one arm and her on the other eh?" she smiled and nodded Fay's way.
"Do you question my strength?" he challenged her with a smile. She smiled back.
"Never," she said seriously and their lips connected soon thereafter.
A few minutes later they were finally down in the car. Fin got Fay and the bags securely in while Amanda took care of herself. The hospital was only minutes away and the streets were still rather empty but on the way Amanda had another contraction. She told him to keep driving but it was hard for him to just sit by when she was in such obvious pain. Amanda bit down the moaning though so she wouldn't wake up Fay in the back. She didn't want to scar Fay in any way. She remembered all too well how scary it had been to see her mom delirious from painkillers and, or, alcohol and all the times she had injured herself in the process. Not that Amanda thought kids should be overly sheltered from life and its burdens but this wasn't the right time for life lessons she figured.
By the time they'd reached the hospital the contraction had succumbed and they managed to make their way over to the emergency entrance together. Thankfully there was a friendly and swift nurse at the reception desk and she quickly got a nurse over with a wheelchair for Amanda to rest in. Amanda signaled Fin to hand Fay over and he did. Fay snuggled up to her mom as Fin gave the nurse Amanda's information. The nurse behind the desk would call dr Levitt in as the other nurse got them settled upstairs.
Once upstairs Fin felt useless for a while as two nurses helped her get prepped. They got her out of her clothes and into a robe, ran some quick tests and at the same time managed to get the bed in order. As another contraction hit her though she held out her hand towards him and he was quickly there to grab it. She leaned over the bed, elbows securely planted as she gasped for air with her face buried in the sheet. Fin rubbed her back again, urging her to get her head up a little to get better air. She did as told and it felt better once she was able to breathe better.
She refused to get into bed but kept pacing instead. Fin was by her side but knew better then to hover. She would reach for him whenever a contraction was coming along so the arrangement suited him well. Fay had been asleep on a chair in the corner but woke up. She did not like seeing her mother in pain and aired it. Amanda tried to keep up a strong face but Fin could tell it was super hard for her and finally decided it was best if Fay left the room. Hopefully his son and Alejandro would arrive soon and Amanda gave her daughter a big hug and a kiss before the nurse whisked her into the co-joined room.
Ken and Alejandro did show up soon thereafter. The nurse behind the reception desk had no problem recognizing the company the two men were describing and searching for. They only had one walk in delivery tonight and she guided them to the right floor. Alejandro waited out in the hall while Ken, escorted by a nurse on the maternity floor, took him to the right room. The nurse told them they had a visitor and asked if it was okay to let him in. Fin looked to Amanda, who had squatted down by a wall. She nodded smilingly and gestured for Fin to help her up on her feet. Ken stepped in, he looked tired but smiled once he saw his dad and Amanda. Once he knew it was okay for him to be there he hurried to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"How are you holding up?" he asked at the same time as he gave his dad a hug. She wasn't sure how to answer and just gave him a face that told him enough.
"She's a trooper," Fin said though. He'd left his arm around her shoulder after helping her up. Amanda leaned into him a little.
"Thanks for driving all the way over here," Amanda said to Ken but he shook his head quickly.
"No need to thank us, of course we'd come," Ken smiled and touched her arm.
"You didn't forget her at home did you?" Ken said after scanning the room. Amanda gave a chuckle.
"No, she's in the next room. Couldn't handle her mama in pain," Fin explained.
"I'll take you to her," a nurse volunteered and stepped forward.
"Do you want the keys to go back to her place?" Fin asked but Ken shook his head.
"I won't be able to drag Alej out of here now, he's super excited," Ken smiled.
"Good luck," Ken said and directed it towards Amanda before he followed the nurse next doors.
Ken found a distressed Fay on another nurse's arm in the other room. The nurse had tried to avert her angst by roaming through a cabinet with supplies but nothing but holding the little girl tight and reassuring her that her mom would be fine had worked. Ken could see the relief on the nurse's face once the long awaited big brother finally arrived. Ken thanked the nurse and then brought Fay outside where she shifted into Alej's arms.
Fin had handed Ken the bag with sandwiches before he left and once they'd taken seats in the waiting room he asked Fay if she wanted one.
"I think I'm too angsty to eat right now," Fay declared from her seat in-between the two men. Ken and Alej gave each other an amused look before Ken tried again. He managed to get her to accept a sandwich but she took it over to the glass door and stood there taking small bites as she tried to spot any movement outside in the hall.
"Are you sure she will be fine?" she asked with a tiny voice.
"Very sure," Ken said and came walking up to her.
"And soon we'll both have a new baby brother or sister," he said as he squatted down behind her. He stroke her hair and left his hand on her back.
"Sister. Don't say brother," she whined. He stroke her back.
"Why would a brother be so bad? I'm not am I?" he asked. Just like his dad and Amanda, Ken was curious too while Fay was so fixed on it having to be a girl. She spun around as she licked some jam off her upper lip.
"You're the best," she said and touched her big brother's cheek.
"So, then a little brother wouldn't be so bad would it?" Ken hoped he could perhaps persuade her since he knew Amanda was a bit worried Fay would be so very disappointed if the child turned out to be a boy.
"But I want a baby sister," Fay said and looked miserable.
"Why Fay? Why is it so important it's a girl?" he asked.
"Cause mama has a sister. I wanna have a baby sister just like mama, I wanna be like mama," Fay said and looked like she could cry. Ken still smiled and stroked her cheek. She was such a cute girl. Of course she wanted to be like her mama.
"Well with or without a sister you are like your mama Fay," Ken reassured her. Fay didn't look convinced though.
"You remind me a lot of your mama you know. You are just as pretty and just as kind as your mama," Ken said and put his palm on the little girl's chest.
"And you're brave like your mama," Alej added from his seat. Fay shot him a look over Ken's shoulder.
"And you have her eyes, and her nose," Ken said and put his finger on her nose. Fay's face lit up.
"And her smile," Alej said. Ken brought his hand down as it seemed they'd achieved the goal to make her light up.
"Come over here and tell me one of those good jokes of yours, I'm sure you have a new one for me," Alej said and patted the seat next to him. Ken raised his eyebrows at her and once she nodded he picked her up and brought her over to Alej. He kept her in his lap though.
"Hit me," Alej said and meant the joke.
"Did you hear about the skeleton that couldn't go to a party?" Fay asked.
"No, I have not," Alej said after giving it a short seconds thought.
"He had no body to go with," Fay said quickly. Ken started laughing making Fay jump a little on his knee. Once the coin landed for Alej he started chuckling. Fay smiled, very content that she'd made them laugh and she took a bite of her sandwich. She chewed as the laughter faded out.
"I still hope it's a girl though," Fay said and she didn't know why but it got them both laughing again and this time she joined them since it made her feel better.
A few rooms down the hall dr Sandra Levitt had arrived and came in to say hi before she went to get changed. Both Fin and Amanda was relieved to see her there. Even with the late, or early, hour she came in with a smile and took the time to grab Amanda's hand, look her straight in her eyes and sincerely asking how she was doing. Amanda just nodded with a smile and then admitted she was ready to get the baby out now.
Sandra took a look at her sheet and asked the nurses a few questions before she came back to Amanda. Unfortunately, but just as Amanda had expected though, she let them know it would probably be a while before the little one was ready to arrive. Sandra left them for a while to get into gear but promised she would be right back.
Amanda asked Fin to redo her ponytail that was slipping down. He could feel the dampness that had started to form around her face as he pulled her hair back to get the rubber band back in place. Once he was done he pulled her back into him and held her tight for a while. It felt nice having his strong body support her and his strong arms around her at this very moment when she wasn't feeling all that strong herself. She tried to just relax complete into him, letting him hold her up. For a moment she almost felt as though she could fall asleep standing up like that but then the baby made itself known again and Amanda felt the need to pace a little again. Fin reluctantly let her go. He sat down on the bed where he wished she would be planted and kept his eyes on her. Once the next contraction hit he was by her side immediately and rubbed her back as she leaned against the wall with her arms.
"You're doing great," he whispered and planted a kiss behind her ear once the contraction succumb. This would go on for at least another hour. Fin was exhausted and had no idea how Amanda and millions of women all over the world were able to do this. It seemed the contractions had got stuck at four or five minutes apart and Fin was concerned but Sandra reassured him both the mom and baby were looking good.
Sandra knew both of them were avid basketball fans and asked Fin to brief her a little about how the teams were looking pre-season. It worked well as a diversion. Fin filled her in and Amanda couldn't help but add something or contradict Fin when she thought he was way off. They even got through a contraction almost fighting about which team had made the best draft for the upcoming season. Sandra couldn't help but smile at them. Their voices were close to angry but at the same time he had a good hold on her and rubbing her back while she was squeezing his hand tight.
He were just about to tell Sandra his prediction of which team would win the series when Amanda let out a painful groan and the second later water flooded down her legs leaving a pool around her feet. Even though he knew what it was he cursed out of shock as he raced to her. A nurse beat him to her though and helped Amanda take a few steps forward to get out of the pool. Fin grabbed a hold of her but her legs buckled underneath her and she got down on her knees with his help. He tried to get her up but she fought him off, instead getting down on all four.
"It's okay, just let her," Sandra smiled at him as Fin looked up with great concern on his face.
"Amanda, I'm going to check your cervix okay?" the doctor let her know as she put a new glove on. Amanda moaned something incoherent but it didn't seem she objected. While one nurse was cleaning up the pool, the other one took Amanda's now wet socks off. She would get her a new, dry pair but meanwhile Sandra got down by Amanda's side and stuck a hand up her robe. Fin rubbed Amanda's back gently but kept a look at Sandra's face.
"Everything okay?" he asked once she pulled her hand out. Sandra nodded.
"Perfectly fine, you're almost fully dilated Amanda," Sandra said so Amanda would know too. Amanda nodded as she kept breathing hard.
"Once you feel ready I'd like you to get up on the bed so I can just have a better look where we're at. But just once you're ready okay?" Sandra said once she'd taken her glove off and shifted closer to Amanda's head. Amanda nodded again. She stayed like that through another contraction that came only a minute later. After that Amanda let Fin know he could help her up. He could feel her legs were wobbly and he held on tight as he walked her over to the bed. Once up in it she wouldn't come back up as she entered the final stage of labor soon thereafter.
Any sign of Fin's exhaustion was gone as he had his hands full of taking care of Amanda's every need. He fought her irritability and then waves of nausea that she experienced in-between contractions. She said she felt hot during the contractions but then cold in-between and he did his best to keep up with covering and uncovering her with a blanket. Sandra stayed mostly planted down on a stool by Amanda's legs that were now up in the stirrups but a nurse helped Fin out and he was more than grateful for the extra sets of hands.
There would be another intense hour but at 8:33 am that sunny September morning they became proud parents of another remarkable little girl. Riley Cora Tutuola came into the world screaming at it but settled down quickly after her father had cut the cord and then gently placed her on her mother's bare chest. She was a spitting image of her sister Amanda saw once the nurse had helped get the goo and the blood off her tiny but perfect body. Both Fin and Amanda had tears in their eyes as they looked from each other to their little girl and then back at each other.
Amanda would give the girl her name only minutes after she was born. She just looked like a Riley and Cora was Fin's maternal grandmother's name. Since Faith was named after Amanda's grammy Amanda wanted their new girl to be named after his. He had no objection to either name.
Once Sandra was done downstairs she helped Amanda get her legs out of her stirrups, cover her up and then came up to have a look at the new miracle. Sandra could only agree the new miracle looked very much like their first one. Sandra let Amanda know how brilliant she'd been through labor and Sandra smiled as she saw how proud her words made Fin and he leaned down and planted a kiss on Amanda's forehead. She excused herself to get cleaned up and said she'd be back in a little while.
"In the meantime I think you should get the rest of your family in here if you're up for it Amanda," Sandra said before she left. Fin made sure Amanda was okay with it and then took his robe off before he headed down the hallway. He found Ken peaking out the glass door while Alej and Fay were coloring at the table in the corner. Ken's face lit up once he saw his dad coming closer and the big grin he had over his face which surely meant everything had gone well. They'd been briefed from time to time by a nurse on the progress. Ken called for the other's attention and Fay came running over quickly.
"Is she here?" she shouted as she jumped in her father's arm.
"Yes she is," he smiled so wide his face could crack.
"Yay," Fay said and hugged him tight.
"It's a girl?" Alej asked with tears in his eyes and Fin nodded. Ken put his arms around both Fay and his dad and said congratulations.
"You wanna meet her?" Fin asked once all the arms finally eased up.
"Yes," Fay shouted and bounced with excitement in his arms.
"Common," Fin said and aimed it at Ken too before he turned to get the door open.
"You're not coming?" he said once he saw Alej turning slightly away.
"Can I?" he asked unsure.
"You're family too Alej, common," Fin said. They moved down the hallway and Fin made sure they were all gathered before he slowly pushed the door open.
"The gang is here," he said softly as he made his way around the bed. Amanda smiled and covered her breasts up with the robe as Riley didn't seem interested in them right now anyway. Fin held Fay down so she could get a good look on the sleeping baby. Her eyes were glued to her brand new baby sister. Ken and Alej also had eyes on the little one but didn't forget to show their admiration to Amanda as well. Ken touched the side of her face as Alej squeezed her hand as she held it out towards him.
"Oh she's so adorable," Ken whispered as he very carefully touched the little one's cheek. Fay reached down too and gently stroke her head.
"She looks just like you Fay," Ken whispered. Fay kept her eyes on the baby for a while but then looked up at her brother.
"I look like a baby?" Fay asked and it made them all chuckle. Riley stirred a little as Amanda's chest moved. Fin swopped Fay over to his other arm and took the opportunity to plant a kiss on her cheek.
"No you don't," Amanda clarified, "but you looked just like this when you were born."
"I did?" Fay smiled and had another look at the look-alike.
"Yes," Ken could confirm.
They stayed like that just admiring the newborn for a while and Amanda let them know her name. They could all agree the name suited her well.
"Riley and Fay. Fay and Riley," the proud big sister repeated a few times.
"Yes, I like it," Fay then smiled.
"You wanna hold her?" Amanda asked Ken.
"Sure?" he asked.
"Yeah, I feel like holding on to my other baby for a while," Amanda smiled as her arms longed to give Fay a hug right now. Ken very carefully picked the baby up and very gently turned her over before he brought her into his arms. Alej was quickly there to get even closer to the baby. Amanda held out her arms towards Fay and Fin let her down so the two could hug properly. Fin then got his phone back up and told his son and Alej to smile as he snapped a photo of them.
"Did it hurt very much when she came out of you?" Fay asked and Amanda nodded with a crumbled nose.
"But it's all so worth it in the end," Amanda said and pulled Fay back into her embrace.
Riley stayed calm and quiet in her big brother's arms but soon they got interrupted by the nurse that wanted to get Riley measured and checked out a bit. While they were over in the corner aiding to that the rest of the family made some plans. Ken needed to head to work but Alej would bring Fay to her school so Fin could stay with his other girls. Fay first wanted to stay with them but then suddenly changed her mind as she wanted to tell her teacher and classmates about her new baby sister. Fin promised to pick her up early.
Once they had left Amanda reminded Fin they needed to check in with their own work. The squad was probably wondering where they were at by now. Fin chose one of the better photos of the new arrival and attached it to a text he sent to Liv.
"We're playing hooky today since we wanna hang out with this cutie that arrived at 8:33 am this morning. Meet Riley Cora Tutuola." He simply wrote and it wouldn't take long until he got a 'congrats and everyone sends their love' back.
Riley was soon back on her mother's chest and this time she seemed to search for her mother's breasts almost immediately. Fin watched in awe as the little one fed. Amanda tried her best to enjoy it but felt her eyes falling shut every now and then. Fin smiled at that too. Once Riley had enough the nurse gave Fin the option to carry Riley himself or place her in her mobile crib as they were taking mother and child upstairs to rest in their own room on the maternity ward. Fin of course took the chance to hold on to Riley and followed the nurse as she pushed Amanda's bed in front of her.
Amanda tried her best to stay awake during the ride as she knew she was switching beds once upstairs. Once they arrived though he put the baby down in the crib and stepped over to Amanda's bed. He could tell every movement hurt her and without asking he gently picked her up in his arms and carried her around the new bed so he could put her down there.
"I hate you," she whispered as he carried her over.
"I love you too," he smiled as he put her down knowing she didn't like to be handled like a damsel in distress but had to admit she liked, and needed it, right now.
He kissed the top of her head after he'd gently put her down and she almost immediately fell asleep once she'd gotten the cover pulled up over her. The nurse gave him a smile and rolled the crib closer to the bed before she headed out. Fin went around to push the crib to the other side of the bed so he could have a seat in the chair but still keep an eye on both of them. He managed to stay awake for a while as he couldn't get enough of his two sleeping lovely ladies. But fatigue got the best of him and he soon drifted off to sleep too.
Riley would wake them both up two hours later. Fin was quickly there to pick her up in hopes Amanda would be able to get some more sleep. It was obvious though he wasn't what she wanted right now and soon Amanda just gestured them over as she untied her robe to bare her breast. He put the baby down carefully and Riley quieted down as soon as she got the nipple in her mouth. Amanda yawned and Fin stroke her cheek. She rewarded him a smile and he just had to give her a quick kiss. He then leaned down with his elbows on the bed which made him come very close to the feeding baby and he watched her suckle hard. He got lost in the moment and Amanda smiled as she was watching him watching.
He finally caught her looking at him.
"What?" he asked with a big grin.
"You're mesmerized," she smiled with tired eyes.
"How can I not be?" he smiled back before he leaned down and took a whiff of the back of his newborn's neck. He stayed nearby and just watched her. She fed for a few more minutes and then, just as she let go of the nipple, she let out a tiny burp which made both Fin and Amanda laugh a little.
"You do make it easy for us," Fin whispered and kissed the girl's head. Amanda got up a little on the bed, rearranging the child as she did so Riley faced her dad. She was so precious Fin thought to himself as she laid there resting peacefully against her mother's bare skin. They both were he added to his thought as he watched Amanda peek down on their newborn.
"You were so awesome," he whispered and leaned up to give her forehead a kiss.
"So were you," she let him know.
"Really?" he asked as he leaned back down on the bed, "I felt completely incompetent." Amanda let out a chuckle.
"Well you weren't," she said and touched his face. He leaned into her palm a little.
"God I'm tired," she sighed after a while.
"You want me to take her?" he offered but she shook her head.
"No having you two near feels good," she smiled. Fin pulled the cover up a little around the little one so it could cover Amanda a little too.
"Is there room for me too you think?" he asked once he was done though. She immediately moved a little to the side and he was quickly up there with her on the bed. He carefully got his arm in underneath her head and she found a comfortable position against him. He rested his other hand on top of the baby, feeling her body breathing calmly which in turn made him feel completely calm. Amanda enjoyed the moment and didn't want to fall asleep but she felt her eyes slowly falling shut against her will.
"I didn't know it was possible to be this happy," she managed to whisper and his kiss on her head sent her off to sleep.