"Thanks so much for everything." Zoe said, thanking the Nicu staff once again.
"That's all right. Now, you've got a car seat we presume?" The nurse asked. They nodded. "Excellent. Well, congratulations on the new baby." Nick and Zoe thanked them one last time before they, and Jody, headed into the elevator.
"Shall we go show her off?" Nick asked, cheerfully.
"I think we should." Zoe replied, cheekily.
"I think you owe it to your staff!" Jody said, grinning at Nick.
"No! I can't handle it! If she turns into you Nick, putting the ED first last and always, I swear to God I may be done for murder!" Zoe said, feigning extreme stress. Nick and Jody broke into a fit of laughter.
"That's my girl!" Nick said, affectionately clapping Jody on the back.
"I'm not kidding!" Zoe continued, indignantly. "I'll kill you Nick." She laughed.
"She's not that bad. And neither am I! You, Jody and Eilidh come before the you all know it." He flashed a radiant smile at Zoe, who, immediately, flirted with her eyes and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Yes. We do." She whispered.
"Okay no, lets not start the oohy gooey love stuff in the lift! For goodness sake. There is am infant present!" Jody stated, sarcastically. This time it was Nick and Zoe that ended up killing themselves laughing. "Full seriousness mum, baby, remember."
"And sweetheart, how do you think she got here? Hmm?" Zoe asked, cheekily. Jody squealed.
"Ew! Mum! That's so gross! Why would you even go there!" She shouted. The lift stopped and they got out, Nick and Zoe were still laughing. Much to their surprise, they didn't run into anyone en route back to the ED, however, they were immediately surrounded when they got to reception.
"Oh lets have a look then!" Dixie shouted coming over to see Eilidh, along with Jeff and the rest of the staff.
"Oh look at her! she's gorgeous!" Rita exclaimed.
"She is, isn't she! What have you called her?" Dixie asked.
"Eilidh." Zoe answered.
"That's a beautiful name!" Robyn said.
"Well, Jody picked it." Nick beamed, filled from top to toe with pride in his family.
"Well done Jodes!" Sam added. "You've certainly picked a good one. She is beautiful Zoe."
"Thank you. Well guys, we'd best be getting her home. We'll see you soon." Zoe said, waving. They received a chorus of 'goodbyes' and 'congratulations's as they walked out of the ED and finally made it to the car. On the drive home, Eilidh whimpered a bit, however, Jody quickly placed a loving hand on the infant's stomach and patted it gently. It soothed her so much she went back to sleep and never made another sound for the rest of the journey. When they arrived home, Jody lingered at the car for a bit, wanting to let Nick and Zoe share the moment of bringing their first baby home in private. However, Zoe was having none of it. She took firm hold of Jody's hand and walked up the path with her saying,
"You're just as much her family as we are."