In the morning, she found herself lying in the bed alone. Looking around the room, she found Erin sprawled out on the recliner in the corner, the baby blanket she'd begun the other night on her lap. "Good morning, Mama," she said, watching her lover wake up. "So, what time do you think they'll spring me from this joint?"
"Just as soon as your OB signs the paperwork. And I have even better news. Your twins did so well during the night that they're being moved to room five today. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, you'll be taking them home in one to two weeks. It was a pleasure to watch over your pregnancy, Penelope," Dr. Liggett said as she picked up Penelope's chart and signed off on it. "Consider yourself sprung." She handed Penelope her discharge papers and then left the room.
Penelope swung her legs out and stood up, going over to their bag. She pulled out clothes for both of them, handing Erin's to her before stripping off her nightgown and putting on fresh clothes. "Think you'll be finished with those blankets in a week's time?"
"Certainly, I'll just have to work a little faster is all." She smiled up at Penelope. "Let's go up and see them before we go home."
"Exactly what I was thinking." Erin picked up the bag and they went up to the eighth floor. The first thing Penelope did was pick up Elinor, breathing in her unique scent. "One week, and I'll have you two all to myself. No nurses or doctors to look in on you," she whispered, rocking her gently.
"Don't forget about me," Erin said, pouting slightly at her, her eye twinkling.
"Look, Elinor, you're going to learn on your first day in the world what Mommy does to pouters. It's a trick she picked up from Mama," Penelope said as she stepped close to Erin, kissing her forehead lightly. "Only I can't leave lip prints, since Mama forgot to pack my makeup kit."
"Mama happens to think Mommy looks gorgeous just the way she is, Alan," Erin replied, kissing Penelope's cheek.
"You're just in time to feed them," a nurse said as he wheeled in a cart containing six bottles. "It's still a little early for the other parents to be here, so you'll have some modicum of privacy. They were just born yesterday, right?"
"Yes," Erin replied as she took the bottle he was holding out, maneuvering it into Alan's mouth with the practiced ease of an experienced mother. Penelope tried to copy the movement, but found it not to be as simple as Erin made it look. "Penelope, she won't break, she just feels different now that she's here and not in your womb."
"You make this look so easy, babe."
"And this is child number one and two for you. There is a bit of a learning curve. Don't worry, I was the same way with Karen." As they continued to feed the twins, a few more people trickled in and took over the feeding of their babies until the nurse was left with just one charge.
Erin took the bottle from Penelope's hands and placed it back on the cart. Penelope sat in the rocking chair and slowly rocked, cradling Elinor close. She looked up at Erin and asked, "Is it time to switch?" Erin nodded and carefully they exchanged the babies. Alan had a little more heft to him, the almost half pound difference seeming much greater.
Penelope found herself shy around the other parents, focusing in on Erin and Elinor, holding Alan close. She knew she should be more sociable with these people, since they were going through the same thing, but she found herself thinking of them as an invasion on her family. Never was she more relieved to hear Morgan's voice them when it came a moment later.
"Hey, Sugars, how are the little ones today?"
"Derek! Let me guess, you flirted with the nurses to get in?" Penelope asked, arching her eyebrow.
"No, Sweetness, I'm on the list of approved visitors. And I brought you both something." He put his hands in his jacket pockets and pulled out two small jewelry boxes. Penelope handed Alan over to him and opened the box.
"Oh, Morgan, you shouldn't have," she whispered as she stroked the ruby pendant.
"All your baubles commemorating the babies were peridot. I'm just making it right." He smiled at Erin and held out his arm. She took his hand and smiled back. "Now, may I escort two very beautiful mothers to breakfast?"
"Certainly," Erin responded, carefully putting Elinor back in her incubator. "Penelope, would you mind?" She held up her long blonde hair and turned from them, handing back the jewelry box. Penelope opened her box and put the necklace on her. Erin returned the favor and they watched Morgan settle Alan in. Bot unconsciously rubbed their thumbs across the heart pendant as he did so.
Penelope threaded her arm through Erin's and followed Morgan out of the room. "Where are we going?"
"Reid's meeting us at that diner by work. Emily is going to be so jealous that I got to hold one of the twins already." As they rode down the elevator, Penelope found it didn't bother her as much as before, but she still turned to Erin, wanting to retain this small, intimate, gesture.
"I'm on to you," Erin whispered in her ear, nipping the lobe delicately. Penelope blushed and turned further into Erin, trying to ignore Morgan's knowing grip and low chuckle.
"I'll remember this for tonight, my dove," she said, squeezing her hand tightly. It was Erin's turn to blush as Morgan threw his head back and laughed.
"I'm glad you find this so humorous, Derek. I'll just have to tell Spencer, now won't I?" Erin said, pursing her lips to cover up her smile. He tried to look contrite, but failed, breaking into laughter once more. "We'll meet you at the diner," she said as they exited the elevator.
"Sounds good." They walked over to the parking ramp together, parting ways to go to their cars.
"We're one floor up, and no, we're not taking the elevator. Unless you don't think you could handle twenty steps?" Concern tinged her voice and she touched Penelope's arm lightly. "I mean, you did just give birth to twins."
"I think I could handle the stairs, but I would like to take the elevator, if you don't mind." Erin nodded and they went over to the elevator. Penelope reached out and pressed the button. While they waited, her thoughts kept going back to the NICU. "After we eat, can we come back?"
"Certainly, though I would like to stop home and take a shower before we go back. I just don't know if I want to be away from them that long." Penelope wrapped her arm around Erin's waist as they stepped into the elevator car.
"We could cut the time in half by taking a shower at the same time," she suggested saucily, running her hands down Erin's back to cup her ass.
"Now, now, my peacock. That only leads to more babies."
Penelope snorted. "Only if one of us were to go back in time and be born male. Otherwise, biologically impossible." She kissed Erin's cheek. "And of course, that would cause other problems, since I can't imagine losing these wonderful curves of yours." She squeezed Erin's ass and delighted in the shiver that ran down her spine.
The doors to the elevator slid open and they stepped out. Erin had gotten a spot close to the elevator and she opened the car door for Penelope. The radio was playing a familiar song and Penelope looked over at Erin. "This is you, isn't it? When'd you get a copy of the concert?"
"Yesterday. I had just gotten the mail when Emily called. I don't sound too bad, do I?"
"To me, you'll always sound perfect. I could never do what you do with the cello, my fingers would get too confused." She settled back into the seat and watched the scenery pass by. Once at the diner, Erin took her arm and they went in together, finding the team waiting for them in the back. They squeezed in next to Morgan and Reid, and Penelope was startled when Reid puleed her into a tight side hug.
"How are the twins this morning? Derek's been bragging about how he got to hold Alan already."
"They're doing well. Before she left, Dr. Liggett said she expected them to be released in a week or two. And you all were the ones who sent Morgan for us."
"But did you have to let his hold a baby?" Emily asked, frowning a little. "He's never going to let us forget this."
"There will be plenty of time to hold the babies, I promise," Penelope began, but was interrupted by the waitress coming to take their orders. Penelope looked at Erin and nodded. While she ordered for them, Penelope looked at Cass. "Do you have my cell phone still?"
"Yes, Penelope." She opened her purse and fished around until she pulled it out. "Here you go."
Penelope looked at the call log and saw there had been a dozen calls since yesterday. Most were from Karen or Annie, though she saw Jason's number pop up on the list as she scrolled through. She brought up her voicemail and listened to the messages of congratulations from the girls. She smiled has she heard Jason ramble on about the babies and how glad he was they were okay, if early. "Listen to this, my dove," she said as she played the message for her.
"We are truly blessed with wonderful friends," Erin whispered, smiling contentedly. As they ate, they talked about the upcoming wedding, marveling at the resolve in Penelope and Erin to not let this derail the plans for October. And then, the familiar beeping broke into the meal.
"We have a case to get to, ladies. We'll see you when we get back. Penelope, your eight weeks maternity leave began today. I don't want to see you darkening your office door until the entire eight weeks are up. I know you, you'll try to get back into action as soon as possible." She blushed under Aaron's gaze, knowing he was right. He paid for the meal before leaving, and then they were alone.
"They know me too well. I'll just have to use this time to get Paul's system built. And, and this means we'll both be able to run him up to MSU. Road trip! I wonder how far East Lansing is from Tustin?"
"I don't know. I've never been to Michigan." Erin smiled and stood up. "But we could tell Jason we're coming and have him meet us for lunch or something." She held out her hand and Penelope took it, standing as well.
"Just more practice for the honeymoon. We are going to fly up, though, right?" she asked as they got back in the car.
"Yes, we'll fly up. I do not relish repeating a three day car trip one month after we drop Paul off."
After a quick shower, they went back to the hospital. Sure enough, the twins had been moved up to room five, where there was currently only one other baby. Another nurse bustled in to check on them and smiled gently at Penelope and Erin. "It's time to feed them. Did you want to try breastfeeding?"
"It's what I wanted to do, but with them being early, I didn't know I could, that I'd be ready."
"Of course you're ready. It will just feel weird, since all your milk might not be in yet. Here, let me show you how to hold the babies." She demonstrated with Alan and Penelope watched her closely before taking Elinor from Erin's arms. She unbuttoned her shirt and Erin accepted the blanket the nurse held out, arranging it over them as Penelope got Elinor to latch on. A deep wave of contentment washed over her as she felt Elinor suckle strongly. Looking up at Erin, she noticed her crying, even with the happy smile on her lips.
"You're so beautiful, my peacock," she whispered as she rocked Alan gently in her arms.
"I'll be back in a little bit to give you some more instructions," the nurse said when she'd finished feeding the other baby in the room. Penelope hardly noticed her leave, she was so wrapped up in her family.
Soon, Elinor was finished and she switched with Erin, holding Alan up to her other breast. He was a little more difficult to get to latch on, but as soon as he figured out what was up, he was off. While he was feeding, the nurse came back with a breast pump and some extra bottles.
"We know you can't be here all the time to feed them, especially since they'll eat more often now. How long were you planning to stay today?"
"At least until seven," Erin quickly replied. "I noticed that was the end of visiting hours."
"Yes, but you're the parents. Sometimes, seven can be later than it normally is."
Penelope looked up at Erin suddenly. "We have Jack to take care of. Remember, they just left on a case."
"Oh, that's right. So, it'll be until five today."
"All right, so you'll have to express enough milk to last until tomorrow when you come in." The nurse showed Penelope how to do that as Erin burped Alan. While Penelope filled the bottles, the nurse labeled them with the twin's information. "That should be enough, Penelope," she said after she'd labeled the tenth bottle. She took the bottles with her and Penelope bent over Elinor's incubator, gently picking her up once more.
"They're beautiful, Erin. What did we do to deserve such perfection in our lives?"
"When I figure that out, I'll let you know," she replied, holding out her hand. Penelope clasped it and together they rocked back and forth, lulling their children to sleep. Penelope fed them once more before they left, feeling a little more normal with the second go round.
Paul had supper waiting for them when they got home. "Karen's coming home tomorrow. She's upset that you couldn't wait to have the babies until she got home. Jack's in the den, playing video games, and we'll be ready to eat whenever you are."
Penelope hugged Paul tightly. "When did you grow up?" she asked, tears in her eyes.
"Mom?"
"It's the hormones, sweetie. She'll calm down in a few days. Though she does have a point. You have grown up a lot this summer."
"Well, they need someone to set a good example for them. I am their big brother, after all." He blushed deeply and went back into the kitchen. Penelope made her way into the den and took a seat next to Jack.
"Did you really have the babies, Aunt Penny?"
"Uh huh."
"Then where are they?"
"They have to stay at the hospital for a little bit, to make sure everything is all right, since they came early."
"Can I see them?"
"Sure. How does tomorrow sound? We'll have Paul bring you down for some time with them. Now, I think it's time for supper. Pause the game and go wash your hands." He got up and did as he was told. Penelope yawned and stood up, going into the dining room. The table was set and Penelope took her seat next to Erin. "I hope you don't mind, but I sort of told Jack you'd take him down to see the twins tomorrow, Paul."
"That'll be fine. I want to see them, anyway. Are they doing well?"
"More than well, I think. They'll be home sooner than I would have thought possible, being so early. They were moved up to the best room at the NICU, which is a wonderful sign. They eat well, and cry strongly. They're perfect," Penelope said, her eyes filling with tears.
"Then why are you crying?" Jack asked as he sat down next to her.
"Because I'm so happy." As they ate, she filled Jack in on the babies and why they had to stay so long in the hospital. Paul made them leave the room when they were finished, saying he and Jack would clean up. Penelope took Erin's hand and tugged her over to the stairs. They had gotten halfway up when Jack came running over.
"Aunt Penny, Aunt Erin, Paul says you have to stay out of the nursery until the babies come home. We're planning a surprise for you, okay?" He smiled up at them, then finished with, "Surprises are the best thing ever!" He ran back into the dining room while Penelope burst out laughing.
"Do you have any idea what they're planning?" she managed to ask through her laughter.
"No. And I don't know if I should be worried or not." Erin leaned over and kissed Penelope's cheek. "As long as the house is still standing I suppose everything will be all right." She closed their door and swept Penelope's hair over one shoulder, stepping behind her to unbutton the blouse she wore as she pulled her back against her. Penelope purred in pleasure as Erin's long fingers danced across her stomach and slipped beneath the skirt, stretching the elastic so that she could pull it down.
"Aren't you overdressed, my dove?" she asked, turning to face Erin.
"No, because I am going back downstairs to check our messages and the mail. Perhaps read the paper and talk with Jack and Paul for a little bit as well. You need your sleep, Penelope, and the way you look right now, well, I don't want you to sleep, let's just leave it at that."
"Really?" Penelope reached out and pulled Erin flush against her body. "I don't think so." As she kissed Erin, her hands made short work of the blouse Erin had worn, pushing it to the floor with little resistance. Breaking the kiss, she stepped back from Erin, breathing heavily. "Are you really going down there like that?" she saucily asked, sashaying to the bed. Erin shook her head slowly, a smile spreading across her face as she unzipped her skirt, letting it drop to the floor as she joined Penelope. "That's what I thought. Besides, it's not like we're going to be having sex, I just want you next to me, my dove."
Erin kissed her sweetly and pulled her close, and soon, Penelope was asleep, safe in her lover's arms.