Disclaimer – I don't own H5-0, blah, blah, blah
A/N – I haven't forgotten about my other story, Nightmare of Reality. I lost my beloved grandmother last week and haven't had the time or the inclination to write. But today I found myself wanting to write something happy, so I'm putting the epilogue I had in my head for this story down on "paper". Hope you enjoy.
Steve tapped his foot nervously waiting for the elevator to lift him to the fourth floor. He stretched his left hand, which was still adapting to the weight and feel of the gold band circling his ring finger. As the doors opened, he began to emerge before being tackled by two small bodies. "Uncle Steve!" Grace and Cooper squealed, enveloping him in a tight hug.
"Too much sugar," Ray offered by way of explanation for the kids' enthusiasm. Steve laughed and extended his hand to the older man, who shook it before clasping Steve's hand with both of his own. "Room 412," he said with a tired grin.
"Thanks," Steve replied, returning Ray's smile.
"Okay, you two, let Uncle Steve go," Ray ordered, waving his hand toward the waiting elevator.
Steve bent at the waist and picked both kids up. He threw them over his shoulder, making Grace and Cooper howl with laughter. He stepped back into the elevator and deposited them carefully on the floor before offering them his best "stern" face. "Go burn off some of that energy, 'k?"
"Aye, Aye, Commander!" the duo replied, saluting Steve.
Ray groaned. "It's gonna be a long day."
Steve chuckled a reply and waved to the trio as the elevator doors began to close. He turned from the elevator and quickly surveyed the signs on the wall that would indicate the direction of room 412. He paused at the door to admire the colorful arrangement of flowers, bows and teddy bears adorning it. He knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open.
The sight before him rendered him speechless and caused his heart to flip with joy. Claire, sound asleep on the hospital bed, curled up against the body pillow she'd been using as support for the past several months. Danny in the rocking chair across from the bed, head balanced on one fist, eyes three quarters of the way closed and heavy with exhaustion.
"If you say she has my nose, I'll break yours," Danny threatened from the chair, not bothering to fully open his eyes.
"No kid should be cursed with that honker," Steve replied with a scoff. He crossed over to Danny and peered at the tiny bundle in his arms, deep in newborn sleep. He brushed a finger over the baby's porcelain cheeks.
"Steven John McGarrett, meet your new niece, Amelia Grace Williams," Danny said proudly.
Steve shook his head, his heart caught in his throat. "She's beautiful, Danno."
"She is, isn't she?" the detective replied with a wistful smile.
"And that's Claire's nose," Steve smirked, "Just in case you had doubts. How is she?"
Danny looked past Steve for a moment to glance at his wife. "Tired. Doc was just about to call for a c-section when Lia finally starting moving. I guess she was plenty happy in Mommy's belly." He stood from the rocking chair and gently passed the baby to Steve, who cradled her in his arms.
Steve inched the knit cap covering Amelia's head back, examining the silky blonde hair beneath it. "Guess it's true what they say about a headful of hair equaling heartburn for Mom," he said with a laugh.
"You'll find out soon enough," Danny replied with a grin.
"Don't go there, man," Steve warned. "Cath has to finish this tour on the Enterprise before she's stationed stateside. Can't even think about kids yet."
"Amelia will be good practice till then," Claire offered. Both men spun to face her. "Hey, babe," Danny said, dropping a kiss on her forehead. "You didn't sleep long."
Claire glared at him; then narrowed her eyes at Steve. "You two have to learn how to whisper when people are sleeping. The kids were hopped up on sugar and adrenaline and they managed to whisper. Why two grown men can't is beyond me."
"I was whispering," Steve countered with a smirk. "Not my fault you have super-mom hearing."
"I'm from Jersey," Danny added with an explanatory shrug.
Claire groaned loudly and pulled the body pillow over her face. "Go away," she commanded with a weak wave of her hand.
Danny laughed and reached to take Amelia from Steve's arms. He pressed a soft kiss to the baby's cheek before gently lowering her into the bassinet. After moving it closer to Claire's bed, he turned to Steve.
"Coffee?" the commander said as quietly as possible.
"Yes, please," Claire answered from beneath the pillow still covering her face and ear.
"Not for you," Danny replied. "But when I get coffee, I will get you one of those frothy, frappy, whipped creamy things you like so much, 'k?"
Steve laughed at the "ok" sign she offered before adding "and a hamburger."
"It's 9 a.m., babe. Nobody's making burgers this early!" Danny countered incredulously.
Steve chuckled at the couple and nudged Danny's elbow. "10 bucks says Kamekona knows where we can get a hamburger at 9 a.m."
Danny ran a hand over his exhausted features. "I would take that bet, but I know you're right and I've got diapers and stuff to buy. So you can take that ten bucks and buy my wife a hamburger."
"I can do that," Steve replied with a nod. He crossed over to Claire's bed and took the hand that was atop the pillow. She peeked out at him with red-rimmed eyes from under the light blue cloth. "You did good, Mama. She's as beautiful as you."
"Thank you," she answered with a soft but genuine, albeit exhausted, smile. "Now go away and get me a hamburger."
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied with a laugh, making his way to the door leading into the hallway just a step behind Danny.
The End.