Jim was bursting with pride when he loaded his small family into his car to take them home. Little James Elliot Brass had been thoroughly checked out from the top of his head to the tips of his tiny toes and pronounced in good health. Jim had hurt for the little guy when the plastic bell shaped piece had been put on him, continuing a tradition that had been around for thousands of years, clipping the manhood. The doctor had told them that she preferred it to other methods. Jim didn't remember his own experience but thought that a plastibell probably wasn't used. He winced and decided to move his thoughts into another direction.

Sofia was absolutely radiant. Jim couldn't keep his eyes off of her, except of course, when he was ogling his new son. The gang had come by to visit and ogle with him. The younger ones had been congratulatory and happy for him, but it was Gil that Jim thought came the closest to understanding. His friend of many years had looked at him squarely. "Congratulations Jim," he'd said. But as Jim had looked into his eyes, he thought he saw a little envy. Gil confirmed it when he continued sadly,"Guys like us…our age, our chances at this are usually behind us. I always wanted a family…kids, but I was afraid to make it happen. But you went for it. I know I'd be sacred."

"More like scared shitless," replied Jim. "But I try not to concentrate on the fear. I might miss something, if I do." Gil had smiled at him and nodded, regret filling his eyes.

They pulled into the drive and Jim's heart swelled as the reality hit him. He was bringing his wife and his son home. He helped her from the car and taking the little guy from her, he walked with her into the house. She stopped just inside the doorway and turned to him, smiling. Leaning across the baby, she kissed him tenderly. Backing away, her eyes glistened.

He watched her in awe of the moment. She had brought so much into his life; one that had been winding down until she had finally pried his feelings out of him. Now he felt more alive than he had in years and he had so much more to look forward to.

He carried the baby back to his new room and laid the little guy down. They stood together next to the crib, watching him stretch before lapsing back into sleep. Quietly they walked across the hall to their room. Sofia began to shed her clothes, preparing to change into something less restrictive. Jim watched her as she stripped down to her underclothes. She glanced sideways at him, a suggestive smile from her filling him with heat. But not yet, he reminded himself. Her body still needed some time. Still, she looked so beautiful; he had to look. After all, that was the body that had carried and given birth to his child. As far as he was concerned, she was something mystical….having summoned life from a virtually dead man

She caught the smoky tint in his blue eyes and recognized some of what he was feeling. He had always looked at her appreciatively, making her feel beautiful and cherished. But now as she caught him looking, she saw something different. Oh the lust there, along with the love, but there was something new….reverence, maybe? Whatever it was, it made her feel ethereal. She stood there, watching him watch her, tears forming in her eyes. He made her feel so loved and treasured.

He saw the tears in her eyes and grew concerned. Crossing the room swiftly, he folded her into his arms. "What is it baby? What's wrong?"

His voice soothed her churning emotions. "Nothing…I just….the way you looked at me, it was just so overwhelming. I love you so much." She felt him smile as his hand stroked her back. Gently he kissed he cheek and then pulled his face back to look at her. A lump was sitting in his throat and he couldn't speak but he hoped she understood what he was thinking. He loved her too.

Just then they heard the soft whimpers of a newborn's cry. She tensed as he chuckled. "I guess little Jimmy is awake," he said. "I'll go get him while you finish changing."

He walked across the hall as she pulled her sweats on. He returned with a whimpering bundle. As she watched him, a thought occurred to her. "Jim, it's going to be confusing if we call him Jimmy. I mean eventually either someone will call you Jimmy or call him Jim …"

Jim smirked at her. "You were the one that insisted on James. But I suppose we could use his middle name."

"No, way too formal…"

His bright blue eyes gazing into a smaller set of blues, an idea came to Jim. "Well, we could use his initials…J.E.B."

"Jeb?" She thought for a moment and then smiled. "I like that…." Looking at him and smiling, "what do you think Jeb, like it?"

Little Jeb quit whimpering and tried to focus his stare on her. Apparently he liked his nickname. "So, Jeb it is," smiled Jim.

"He's probably hungry, Jim. I'll take him." He handed the bundle over to her and followed her to the chair in the corner. She sat, collecting the baby and positioning him for his snack. Jim sat on the bed, watching. He couldn't remember ever seeing anything as beautiful. Although, envy wormed its way into his reverie as he realized that little Jeb was getting to do something that Jim very much wanted to do also….well, without the milk maybe.

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I've noticed a trend with Brassfics. There aren't enough. BUt one really nice thig...they are truly appreciated. I can write a Grissfic and get lots of readers and reviews. But a Brassfic gets fewer readers and almost as many reviews...and all so supportive. Many thanks to all of you! The angst is coming but we have to happy first, right?