The Newest Jones
Killian had said he could feel the baby's hair. If her last efforts were as successful as he claimed, he likely could see her head emerging too.
She never had the opportunity to feel Henry arrive. She was so determined to close herself off from any feelings of connection to the infant, she'd refused to do anything besides deliver him safely. She turned away when he was cleaned off and wrapped up. She didn't kiss him, say goodbye, or even glance at his face before a nurse took him from the room.
Suddenly, she needs to feel this little one. Her fingers ache to touch their baby as it begins to arrive, leaving her body for life in her and Killian's arms.
She was instructed by her husband not to push, but that doesn't mean she can't touch.
With great effort, she bends herself down a little, hand outstretched. Killian, the smart man that he is, recognizes immediately what she has set out to do. He softly ushers her palm to their child's head which rests firmly between her mother's legs. She is waiting for the next big push to help her into a new world.
Emma gasps out a sob as she encounters the soft skin. Her husband's ringed fingers encircle hers, holding them both. "She's beautiful aye?"
She might not be able to see her yet, but Emma knows he's right. "Yes," she whispers as tears roll down her cheeks.
The determination to at last see her baby is so urgent, she doesn't realize the glow until... "Swan! Look at your hand love!"
She brings it back up only to see the white shine fade, leaving a pleasant numbing warmness behind. Her magic! It always had a way of coming naturally when she needed it most. It had given help without her being conscious of its working.
The pressure is still there but the pain has dulled to become almost non-existent...as if she has slipped into a warm bath.
She gives a surprised huff before anchoring her hands on Killian's arms. "I want to see her."
"You can do this lass," he agrees.
It takes only seconds before the pressure began to build. She forces herself to take large gulps of air at each increase. These next moments will be the hardest but also the most rewarding. She waits out the intensity until it seems to overtake everything else and then, she pushes with all she had left.
Inch by agonizing inch, her body extends as the baby makes its way forward and down. She brings her legs up to the lip of the mattress, providing even more support. In the haze of the moment, she can recognize the assistance of Killian's fingers, helping where he can.
Light is edging the horizon outside their bedroom window when Emma, with a final cry, feels the child slip into her husband's waiting arms. Her pregnancy is over and their journey into parenthood together is about to begin.
She collapses against the pillows at her back with an exhausted sob.
She hears the amazed sigh of Killian as he begins to gently rub their new baby clean. "Is...Is..."
He rises up and nestled in the crook of his arm, wrapped in an anchor printed blanket is the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. "She's an absolute marvel love. We have a daughter!"
With great tenderness, he sits next to his wife. "I'm so proud of you Swan. You were a wonder."
She finds her usual sarcasm and nonacceptance of the compliment disappear. Instead, she allows herself to enjoy his pride and acknowledge her achievement.
He shifts his precious cargo and Emma coos as their baby is at last in her arms. She is the perfect mix of them both. "Hello, little one. I'm your mommy...and the devilishly handsome man next to me is your daddy."
Killian smirks at the reference. They sit together in silence, marveling at their daughter who has eyes the color of the sea.
"Welcome to the world Rhea Jones."
