WARNING TO ALL STORY READERS WHO READ THIS STORY!
️THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS AFTER A COUPLE OF THESE CHAPTERS WILL CONTAIN HEAVY AND UPSETTING TOPIC. IF SOME OF THESE TOPICS TRIGGER YOU PLEASE SKIP THE CHAPTERS. I WILL PUT TRIGGER WARNINGS IN EVERY AND EACH CHAPTER IF NEEDED ️
️AGAIN HEAVY TOPIC IS COMING
Nadia and Jay slept soundly on the couch, wrapped in the warmth of the blanket and the love of their friends. The apartment was quiet, the soft glow of the lamp casting gentle shadows on the walls.
Suddenly, Nadia stirred, a sharp pain shooting through her back. She winced, trying to shift her position, but the spasms only intensified. She took a deep breath, hoping the pain would subside, but it persisted.
"Jay," she whispered, her voice strained. "Jay, wake up."
Jay groaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. "Nadia? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice thick with sleep.
"I'm getting spasms in my back," Nadia said, her face contorted in pain. "I need some painkillers, but we're out."
Jay immediately sat up, his concern evident. "Alright, I'll go get some. It's 2AM, but there's a 24-hour pharmacy nearby."
Nadia nodded, grateful for his quick response. "Thank you, Jay."
Jay gently kissed her forehead. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Just try to relax."
He quickly got dressed and grabbed his keys, heading out the door. The cool night air hit him as he stepped outside, but he didn't mind. His only focus was getting back to Nadia with the pain relief she needed.
Jay arrived at the 24-hour pharmacy, the fluorescent lights bright against the dark night. He hurried inside, quickly finding the aisle with painkillers. He grabbed a bottle and headed to the counter, paying for it and rushing back to the apartment.
When he returned, he found Nadia still on the couch, her face pale and tense. He handed her the painkillers and a glass of water. "Here you go, Nadia."
Nadia took the pills, swallowing them with a grateful sigh. "Thank you, Jay. I'm sorry for waking you up."
Jay shook his head, sitting down beside her. "Don't be sorry. I'm just glad I could help."
He gently rubbed her back, trying to ease the tension. "How are you feeling now?"
Nadia leaned into his touch, the pain slowly starting to subside. "A bit better. Thank you."
Jay wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "Let's try to get some more rest. We'll get through this together."
Nadia nodded, feeling comforted by his presence. Despite the late hour and the discomfort, she knew she could rely on Jay.
As Nadia and Jay walked into the bullpen, it was clear they were both exhausted. The previous night's events had taken a toll on them, but they were determined to push through. Nadia's back was still a bit sore, but the painkillers had helped her get some rest.
Erin and Kim noticed them first, exchanging a quick glance before walking over with smiles on their faces. "Hey, how you doin', baby mama?" Erin teased, her tone light and affectionate.
Kim nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, how's our favorite mom-to-be holding up?"
Nadia managed a tired smile, appreciating their support. "I'm hanging in there. It's been a rough night, but we're getting through it."
Jay put an arm around her, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Yeah, it's been a bit of a challenge, but we're managing."
Voight approached them, his expression softening as he took in their tired faces. "You two should take it easy today. We've got things covered here."
Nadia shook her head, her determination shining through. "Thanks, Voight, but I want to stay. I need to keep busy."
Jay nodded in agreement. "We'll be fine. Just let us know if there's anything urgent."
Voight gave them a nod of understanding. "Alright, but don't push yourselves too hard. We're here if you need anything."
The rest of the team gathered around, offering their support and encouragement. Despite their exhaustion, Nadia and Jay felt a renewed sense of strength from their friends' unwavering support.
As the day went on, the team worked together seamlessly, each member contributing to the tasks at hand. Nadia and Jay found comfort in the familiar routine, knowing they had a strong support system to rely on.
Despite the challenges ahead, they knew they could face anything with the love and support of their team.
Later in the day, Nadia decided to change into a surprise pregnancy outfit she had planned to show Jay. She headed to the locker room, leaving Jay in the bullpen. As she was changing, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. Looking down, she saw blood and felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. She tried to call out, but her voice was weak. The pain intensified, and she collapsed to the floor.
Back in the bullpen, Jay was starting to get worried. "What's taking Nadia so long?" he muttered, glancing towards the locker room.
Erin noticed his concern and placed a hand on his arm. "Give her a minute, Jay. She's probably just getting ready."
Jay nodded, but his worry didn't subside. Suddenly, he heard a faint groan coming from the direction of the locker room. His heart raced, and he pushed past Erin, heading towards the sound.
"Nadia!" he called out, his voice filled with panic.
Voight, seeing the urgency in Jay's movements, immediately ordered the team to follow. "Let's go, everyone. Something's wrong."
The team rushed to the locker room, finding Nadia on the floor, unconscious and bleeding. Jay dropped to his knees beside her, his face pale with fear.
"Call an ambulance!" he shouted, his voice breaking.
Erin quickly dialed 911, while Kim and Ruzek tried to assess Nadia's condition. Voight placed a reassuring hand on Jay's shoulder. "She's going to be okay, Jay. Help is on the way."
Jay held Nadia's hand, his eyes filled with tears. "Stay with me, Nadia. Please, stay with me."
The team worked together, their training and experience kicking in as they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
The ambulance arrived quickly, and the paramedics worked swiftly to stabilize Nadia before rushing her to Chicago Med. Jay rode with her, his heart pounding with fear and worry. The team followed closely behind, their faces grim with concern.
As they arrived at the hospital, Dr. Will Halstead noticed Jay covered in blood, his face pale and strained. Will's eyes widened in alarm as he approached them. "Jay, what happened?"
Jay, his voice shaking, explained the situation. "Nadia started bleeding and collapsed. We need help, Will."
Will immediately took charge, ordering the nurses to prepare a room for Nadia. He then turned to Jay, his expression firm. "Jay, you need to get cleaned up. You're covered in blood."
Jay shook his head, his eyes filled with desperation. "No, I need to stay with Nadia."
Will placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "I understand, but you can't help her like this. Let the nurses clean you up, and then you can be with her."
Jay hesitated, his eyes darting to the room where Nadia was being taken. He heard her groan in pain, and his resolve broke. "Alright, but hurry."
The nurses quickly led Jay to a nearby room, where they helped him clean up and change into fresh clothes. Jay's mind raced with worry, but he knew Will was doing everything he could for Nadia.
In the examination room, Will and his team worked quickly to assess Nadia's condition. The bleeding had slowed, but they needed to determine the cause and ensure both Nadia and the baby were safe.
After what felt like an eternity, Will emerged from the room, his expression serious but calm. Jay, now cleaned up, rushed to his side. "How is she, Will?"
Will took a deep breath. "She's stable for now. We're running some tests to find out what's causing the bleeding. But she's in good hands, Jay."
Jay nodded, his relief palpable. "Thank you, Will. Can I see her?"
Will nodded. "Yes, but just for a few minutes. She needs to rest."
Jay entered the room, his heart aching as he saw Nadia lying on the bed, looking pale and exhausted. He gently took her hand, his voice soft. "I'm here, Nadia. You're going to be okay."
Nadia managed a weak smile, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Jay. I was so scared."
Jay leaned down to kiss her forehead. "We're going to get through this together. I promise."
As Jay sat by Nadia's side, the rest of the Intelligence Unit waited anxiously in the hospital lobby, ready to support their friends through whatever came next.
Jay sat by Nadia's side, holding her hand as she rested. Exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the day, he eventually fell asleep, his body curled protectively around her. One of his hands rested gently on her bump, a silent promise of his unwavering support.
In the hospital lobby, the rest of the Intelligence Unit waited anxiously for updates. Ruzek, unable to sit still, decided to check on Jay and Nadia. He quietly entered the room and saw Jay fast asleep, cuddled into Nadia. His heart ached at the sight of his friends in such a vulnerable state.
As Ruzek approached the bed, he noticed something that made his stomach drop. There was blood on Nadia's hospital gown, a stark reminder of the earlier emergency. He quickly turned and left the room, finding Voight in the hallway.
"Voight," Ruzek whispered urgently, his voice low. "There's still blood on Nadia's gown. Should we get a nurse?"
Voight's expression hardened with concern. "I'll handle it. Stay here and keep an eye on things."
Voight walked briskly to the nurses' station, explaining the situation. A nurse nodded and followed him back to Nadia's room. She gently woke Jay, who blinked groggily, his eyes widening as he remembered where he was.
"Mr. Halstead, we need to change Nadia's gown," the nurse said softly. "It'll just take a moment."
Jay nodded, carefully moving aside to give the nurse space. He watched anxiously as the nurse worked quickly and efficiently, changing Nadia's gown and checking her vitals.
"Is she okay?" Jay asked, his voice filled with worry.
The nurse gave him a reassuring smile. "She's stable. The bleeding has stopped, but we'll keep monitoring her closely."
Jay sighed in relief, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you."
The nurse finished her task and left the room, leaving Jay to return to his place beside Nadia. He gently took her hand again, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.
Voight and Ruzek stood outside the room, watching through the window. "They're strong," Voight said quietly. "They'll get through this."
Ruzek nodded, his expression determined. "Yeah, they will. And we'll be here for them every step of the way."
As the night wore on, the team remained vigilant, ready to support their friends through whatever challenges lay ahead. Despite the fear and uncertainty, they knew they had each other, and that was enough to face any challenge.
In the early hours of the morning, the hospital was quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of machines and the occasional footsteps of nurses making their rounds. Suddenly, Nadia screamed in pain, her voice piercing the silence.
Jay woke up instantly, his heart racing. "Nadia, what's wrong?" he asked, panic in his voice.
Nadia clutched her abdomen, her face contorted in pain. "It hurts, Jay. It hurts so much."
The commotion woke the rest of the Intelligence Unit, who had been dozing in the waiting area. Jay, seeing the severity of Nadia's condition, shouted, "Atwater, grab a doctor! Now!"
Atwater sprang into action, running down the hallway to find a doctor. The rest of the team rushed to Nadia's room, their faces filled with concern.
Within moments, Dr. Will Halstead and a team of nurses arrived, quickly assessing the situation. "We need to get her to the OR, now!" Will ordered, his voice calm but urgent.
Jay was pushed aside as the medical team worked to stabilize Nadia and prepare her for surgery. He watched helplessly, his heart breaking at the sight of her in so much pain.
Voight placed a reassuring hand on Jay's shoulder. "She's in good hands, Jay. Will's one of the best."
Jay nodded, his eyes never leaving Nadia. "I know. I just… I can't lose her."
The team followed as Nadia was rushed to the operating room, their support unwavering.
As Nadia was rushed into the operating room, Jay stood in the hallway, his body shaking with worry. The fear of losing Nadia and their unborn child was overwhelming, and he felt utterly helpless.
Kim Burgess, who had been watching her brother with concern, couldn't stand to see him in such distress. She walked over to Jay and gently pulled him into her arms, offering the comfort he desperately needed.
"It's going to be okay, Jay," Kim whispered, her voice soothing. "Nadia is strong, and she's in good hands. Will and his team will do everything they can."
Jay clung to his sister, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "I'm so scared, Kim. I can't lose her. I can't lose them."
Kim tightened her embrace, her own eyes filling with tears. "I know, Jay. But you have to stay strong for Nadia. She needs you to believe that everything will be alright."
The rest of the Intelligence Unit stood nearby, their faces filled with concern and support. Voight stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Jay's shoulder. "We're all here for you, Jay. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
Jay nodded, taking a deep breath as he tried to steady himself. "Thank you, all of you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
As the minutes turned into hours, Jay found himself constantly glancing at the clock on the wall. Each tick of the second hand felt like an eternity. The waiting was unbearable, and his mind raced with worry and fear.
Kim stayed by his side, her presence a steadying force. The rest of the team sat nearby, their support unwavering. The hospital's sterile environment only heightened the tension, the quiet hum of activity a stark contrast to the turmoil in Jay's heart.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dr. Will Halstead emerged from the operating room. Jay immediately stood up, his heart pounding in his chest. "Will, how is she?"
Will's expression was serious but calm. "Nadia is stable. We managed to stop the bleeding, and both she and the baby are okay for now. But she'll need to stay here for a while so we can monitor her closely."
Jay let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his relief palpable. "Thank you, Will. Can I see her?"
Will nodded. "Yes, but she needs to rest. Just a few minutes, okay?"
Jay nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you."
He followed Will to Nadia's room, where she lay resting, her face pale but peaceful. Jay gently took her hand, his heart swelling with love and relief. "I'm here, Nadia. You're going to be okay."
Nadia's eyes fluttered open, and she managed a weak smile. "Jay… thank you."
Jay leaned down to kiss her forehead. "We're going to get through this together. I promise."
The next morning, the entire Intelligence Unit gathered in Nadia's hospital room. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of relief and joy. Jay sat beside Nadia, gently stroking her brown hair and whispering sweet words to her, making her smile despite her exhaustion.
"You're looking more beautiful than ever," Jay flirted, his eyes twinkling with affection.
Nadia chuckled softly, her hand resting on her bump. "You're just saying that because I'm stuck in this bed."
Jay shook his head, his smile widening. "Nope, it's the truth. You're amazing, Nadia."
The team watched the tender moment, their hearts warmed by the sight of their friends' love and resilience. Erin and Kim exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes filled with happiness for Nadia and Jay.
Just then, the door opened, and a nurse walked in, carrying a tiny bundle wrapped in a pink blanket. "Mr. and Mrs. Halstead, I have someone who wants to meet you," she said with a smile.
Jay's eyes widened in surprise and joy as the nurse gently placed their baby girl in Nadia's arms. Nadia's eyes filled with tears as she looked down at their daughter, her heart overflowing with love.
"She's perfect," Nadia whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Jay leaned in, his eyes misty as he gazed at their baby girl. "She really is. Welcome to the world, little one."
The team gathered around, their faces beaming with joy and pride. Voight placed a hand on Jay's shoulder, his voice gruff but warm. "Congratulations, you two. She's beautiful."
Ruzek grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Looks like we've got a new member of the Intelligence Unit."
The room filled with laughter and happy tears as the team celebrated the arrival of the newest member of their family.
Adam Ruzek gently cradled the baby girl in his arms, his face lighting up with a big smile as he cooed at her. "Hey there, little one. Aren't you just the cutest?"
The baby, however, had other plans. Her tiny face scrunched up, and she let out a loud wail. Adam's eyes widened in surprise, and he looked around, unsure of what to do.
Kim Burgess stepped forward, a knowing smile on her face. "I think she wants her daddy," she said, nodding towards Jay.
Adam chuckled, carefully handing the baby over to Jay. "Looks like I'm not her favorite just yet."
Jay took his daughter into his arms, his expression softening as he held her close. The baby's cries quieted almost immediately, and she snuggled against him, her tiny hand grasping his shirt.
"Hey there, sweetheart," Jay whispered, his voice filled with love. "Daddy's got you."
Nadia watched the scene with a smile, her heart swelling with happiness. She leaned over and whispered to her boyfriend, "You're gonna be the best dad."
Jay smirked, his eyes twinkling with affection. "And you're gonna be the best mama."
The rest of the team gathered around, their faces beaming with joy.
As the time came for Nadia and Jay to get ready to go home, the hospital room buzzed with activity. The nurse carefully unhooked Nadia from the machines, ensuring she was comfortable and ready for discharge.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Intelligence Unit took turns holding the baby. Once Again, Adam was first, gently rocking her and making funny faces. "She's got a strong grip," he said, laughing as the baby grasped his finger.
Next, Erin held the baby, her eyes softening as she looked down at the tiny bundle. "She's absolutely precious," she murmured, her voice filled with awe.
Voight took his turn, his usually stern face breaking into a rare smile. "Welcome to the family, little one," he said gruffly, his eyes twinkling.
As the team passed the baby around, Nadia sat beside Jay, her fingers gently massaging his head. "That recliner must have been awful," she said sympathetically.
Jay closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. "You have no idea," he replied with a chuckle. "But it was worth it."
Nadia smiled, her heart full. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Jay opened his eyes and looked at her, his expression tender. "Not as amazing as you."
The nurse finished her tasks and smiled at the couple. "You're all set to go. Just take it easy and follow the doctor's instructions."
Jay stood up, carefully taking the baby from Voight. "Ready to go home, little one?" he whispered to his daughter.
Nadia stood as well, leaning on Jay for support. The team gathered around them, offering words of encouragement and congratulations.
"Take care of yourselves," Kim said, giving Nadia a gentle hug.
"We'll be here if you need anything," Erin added, her eyes warm with affection.
As they left the hospital, Jay and Nadia felt a sense of overwhelming gratitude. Surrounded by their friends and filled with love, they knew they were ready to face whatever came next as a family.
The Intelligence Unit helped Jay and Nadia into their apartment, making sure they were settled in comfortably. The team moved around the space, setting down bags and arranging things to make it easier for the new parents.
Jay gently placed the baby in her crib, his eyes filled with love as he watched her sleep. Nadia sat on the couch, a look of contentment on her face.
"Alright, everyone, let's give them some space," Voight said, though his tone was warm. "But not before we have a little celebration."
Adam Ruzek appeared with a case of beers, handing them out to everyone. "To Jay, Nadia, and the newest member of our family," he toasted, raising his bottle.
The team clinked their bottles together, the sound of laughter and camaraderie filling the room. As they sipped their beers, Adam glanced at the baby and grinned. "You know, she's definitely going to look like Jay," he said with a wink.
Jay chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's hope she gets Nadia's brains and not my stubbornness."
Nadia laughed softly, leaning against Jay. "I think she'll be perfect just the way she is."
Erin smiled, taking a sip of her beer. "She's already got the best parents she could ask for."
The team spent the next hour sharing stories, offering advice, and simply enjoying each other's company. It was a moment of pure joy and support, a testament to the strong bonds they shared.
As the evening wound down, the team began to say their goodbyes, each one offering a final word of encouragement.
"Call us if you need anything," Kim said, giving Nadia a gentle hug.
"We'll be checking in on you," Voight added, his voice gruff but caring.
Jay and Nadia stood at the door, their hearts full as they watched their friends leave.
As the afternoon sun streamed through the windows, the Intelligence Unit returned to Jay and Nadia's apartment, eager to spend more time with the new family. The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with laughter as they settled in, beers in hand.
Adam Ruzek, always curious, leaned forward with a grin. "So, have you two decided on a name for the little one yet?"
Jay and Nadia exchanged a glance, their eyes twinkling with excitement. Jay nodded, looking down at his daughter who was peacefully sleeping in Nadia's arms. "We have," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Her name is Lily Grace."
The team erupted in smiles and cheers. "Lily Grace," Erin repeated, her eyes softening. "That's beautiful."
Kim nodded in agreement. "It suits her perfectly."
Voight raised his beer in a toast. "To Lily Grace, and to Jay and Nadia. May your family be blessed with love and happiness."
The team clinked their bottles together, the sound of celebration filling the room. As they continued to chat and share stories, the sense of camaraderie and support was palpable.
Nadia looked around at her friends, her heart full. "Thank you all for being here," she said softly. "It means the world to us."
Jay nodded, his arm around Nadia. "We couldn't ask for a better family."
The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, stories, and the warmth of friendship. As the sun began to set, the team slowly started to say their goodbyes, each one offering a final hug or word of encouragement.
"We'll be back to check on you," Kim said, giving Nadia a gentle squeeze.
"And to spoil Lily Grace," Ruzek added with a wink.
As the door closed behind the last of their friends, Jay and Nadia looked at each other.
As the night settled in, the apartment was quiet and peaceful. Jay and Nadia were fast asleep, exhausted but content after a long day. The soft glow of the nightlight cast a gentle light over the room.
Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of Lily Grace waking up and crying. Her tiny wails filled the room, piercing through the quiet.
Jay groaned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. "I'll get her," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
Nadia stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. "Are you sure?" she asked softly, concern in her voice.
Jay nodded, already on his feet. "Yeah, you need your rest," he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I'll take care of her."
He made his way to the crib, gently lifting Lily Grace into his arms. "Hey there, little one," he whispered, rocking her gently. "What's got you so upset?"
Lily Grace's cries began to quiet as Jay held her close, his soothing voice and gentle movements calming her down. He walked around the room, humming softly, trying to lull her back to sleep.
Nadia watched from the bed, a smile playing on her lips. "You're a natural," she whispered, her heart swelling with love.
Jay glanced back at her, a tired but happy smile on his face. "Just doing my best," he replied softly.
After a few minutes, Lily Grace's cries turned into soft whimpers, and she finally settled back into a peaceful sleep. Jay carefully placed her back in the crib, making sure she was comfortable.
He returned to the bed, slipping under the covers and pulling Nadia close. "She's back asleep," he whispered, his voice filled with relief.
Nadia snuggled against him, her eyes closing. "Thank you, Jay," she murmured. "You're amazing."
Jay kissed the top of her head, his heart full. "We're in this together," he said softly. "Always."
As they drifted back to sleep, the apartment was once again filled with a sense of peace and contentment
The loud banging on the door jolted Jay awake. He groaned, rubbing his eyes as he checked the time on his phone. It was 8 AM. He sighed, remembering that Adam had mentioned wanting to watch the game together.
Jay carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to wake Nadia or Lily Grace. He made his way to the crib, gently lifting Lily Grace into his arms. "Hey there, little one," he cooed softly, her tiny face relaxing at the sound of his voice.
As he walked to the door, still shirtless, he opened it to find the entire Intelligence Unit standing there, grinning. Adam was at the front, holding a bag of snacks. "Morning, sunshine!" Adam said cheerfully. "Ready for the game?"
Jay chuckled, shaking his head. "You know it's 8 AM, right?"
Voight's eyes twinkled with amusement as he noticed Jay's state. "Nice look, Halstead," he remarked, his tone teasing.
Jay laughed, stepping aside to let them in. "Come on in, guys. Just keep it down, okay? Nadia and Lily are still sleeping."
The team filed in, setting up in the living room as Jay settled Lily Grace back in her crib. The sound of the game soon filled the room, a comforting background noise as they enjoyed each other's company.
Nadia emerged a little while later, smiling at the sight of their friends. "Morning, everyone," she greeted, taking a seat beside Jay.
"Morning, Nadia," Adam replied with a grin. "Ready to watch some football?"
Nadia chuckled, leaning against Jay. "As ready as I'll ever be."
As the game continued in the background, Jay tried to feed Lily Grace her milk. He held her gently, the bottle ready, but Lily had other plans. She started to cry and wriggle in his arms, turning her head away from the bottle.
"Come on, sweetheart," Jay murmured, trying to soothe her. "You need to eat."
Nadia watched from the couch, a sympathetic smile on her face. "Do you want me to try?" she offered.
Jay shook his head, determined. "I've got this," he said, though his voice was tinged with frustration.
Adam, noticing the struggle, leaned over with a grin. "Looks like she's got your stubbornness, Jay."
Jay chuckled, though he was still focused on calming Lily. "Yeah, seems like it."
Voight, always the observer, stepped in with some advice. "Try holding her a bit more upright. Sometimes that helps."
Jay adjusted his hold, lifting Lily Grace slightly. Almost immediately, she stopped crying and began to drink from the bottle. Jay let out a sigh of relief, his eyes softening as he watched her.
"There you go," he whispered, a smile spreading across his face. "That's my girl."
Nadia reached over, gently squeezing Jay's hand. "You're doing great," she said softly.
The rest of the team watched the tender moment, their hearts warmed by the sight of Jay and Nadia navigating parenthood together.
As the game continued in the living room, Jay found himself in the bedroom, shirtless and trying to get Lily Grace to sleep. He gently rocked her in his arms, humming softly, but she kept crying and wriggling, refusing to settle down.
"Come on, sweetheart," Jay murmured, his patience wearing thin. "You need to sleep."
Lily Grace's cries only grew louder, and Jay's frustration began to mount. He tried different positions, different songs, but nothing seemed to work. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a sigh of exasperation.
Outside the bedroom, the rest of the Intelligence Unit stood quietly, watching the scene unfold. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of sympathy and amusement. They knew Jay was doing his best, but it was clear he was struggling.
Nadia, sensing Jay's frustration, gently shut the door from the hallway and turned to the team. "Let's give him a moment," she said softly, her voice calm and reassuring.
She walked back into the living room, where the team had gathered. "He's just a bit overwhelmed," she explained, her eyes filled with understanding. "It's been a long day for all of us."
Voight nodded, his expression thoughtful. "He'll get the hang of it. We all do, eventually."
Adam grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, and until then, we'll just have to keep giving him a hard time."
Nadia chuckled, appreciating the support. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot."
Back in the bedroom, Jay took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He looked down at Lily Grace, her tiny face scrunched up in distress. "Okay, let's try this again," he whispered, adjusting his hold and rocking her gently.
Slowly but surely, Lily Grace's cries began to quiet, and she finally started to drift off to sleep. Jay let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing as he watched her settle.
He carefully placed her in the crib, making sure she was comfortable before stepping back. As he stood there, watching his daughter sleep, a sense of peace washed over him.
Jay returned to the living room, where the team greeted him with smiles and pats on the back. "You did good, Jay," Erin said, her voice warm with encouragement.
Jay smiled, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. "Thanks, everyone. I couldn't do this without you."
The team settled back in, the game continuing in the background.
As the game continued, the living room was filled with the sounds of excitement and cheers. Atwater and Ruzek were particularly animated, shouting at the TV as their favorite hockey team made a crucial play.
Jay, exhausted from the long night, had fallen asleep on the couch, his head resting on Nadia's chest. Nadia gently stroked his hair, a soft smile on her face as she watched him sleep.
Suddenly, Lily Grace's wails pierced through the noise, her cries echoing from the bedroom. Jay groaned, his eyes fluttering open as he tried to shake off the sleep. The noise from the game and the baby's cries were overwhelming.
"Adam, Kevin, can you keep it down?" Jay snapped, his frustration evident. "I'm trying to get some rest here."
Adam and Kevin exchanged guilty looks, immediately lowering their voices. "Sorry, man," Adam said, his tone apologetic.
Jay sighed, rubbing his eyes as he stood up. "It's fine. I just need to check on Lily."
He walked into the bedroom, the door closing behind him with a loud slam. The team watched him go, their expressions a mix of concern and understanding.
Nadia looked at the team, her eyes filled with sympathy. "He's just tired," she explained softly. "It's been a rough night."
Voight nodded, his expression thoughtful. "He'll be alright. We all have moments like that."
In the bedroom, Jay picked up Lily Grace, trying to soothe her cries. "Hey, sweetheart," he whispered, rocking her gently. "What's got you so upset?"
Lily Grace's cries began to quiet as Jay held her close, his frustration melting away as he focused on calming her. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that they were all in this together.
Back in the living room, the team resumed watching the game, their voices now hushed.
As the game continued in the living room, Nadia glanced at the clock and realized it was time for Lily Grace's feed. She gently shifted, preparing to get up. Adam, noticing her movement, looked concerned.
"Hey, Nadia," Adam said softly, "do you think it'll wake Jay if you get up?"
Nadia smiled reassuringly. "I'll be careful. He needs his rest."
She quietly made her way to the bedroom, opening the door just enough to slip inside. Jay was still fast asleep, Lily Grace nestled peacefully on his chest. Nadia's heart melted at the sight, but she knew Lily needed to eat.
Gently, she lifted Lily Grace from Jay's chest, careful not to disturb him. Jay stirred slightly but didn't wake up. Nadia carried Lily Grace to the rocking chair in the corner of the room and began to feed her, humming softly to keep her calm.
Back in the living room, the team continued to watch the game, their voices low to avoid waking Jay. Adam and Kevin exchanged a glance, both relieved that Jay could get some much-needed sleep.
As Lily Grace finished her feed, Nadia carefully burped her and then placed her back in the crib. She glanced at Jay, who was still sleeping soundly, and smiled. Quietly, she slipped back out to join the team in the living room.
"All good?" Erin asked, her voice hushed.
Nadia nodded, taking a seat beside her. "All good. She's fed and back to sleep."
The team smiled, their hearts warmed by the sight of their friends navigating parenthood together.
As the game continued in the living room, Jay walked back out of the bedroom, looking a bit more rested. He noticed Adam in the kitchen, busy making dinner. The delicious aroma filled the apartment, making Jay's stomach rumble.
"Hey, Adam," Jay called out, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"
Adam turned around, a grin on his face. "It's just past 6 PM. Figured you guys could use a good meal."
Jay nodded, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks, man. I didn't realize it was that late."
Nadia, who had been chatting with the rest of the team, looked up and smiled at Jay. "How's Lily?"
"She's asleep," Jay replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "Finally."
Kevin chuckled, giving Jay a pat on the back. "You're doing great, Jay. It's all part of the adventure."
Jay smiled, feeling the support from his friends. "Thanks, guys. I couldn't do this without you."
As Adam continued to cook, the team gathered around the kitchen, chatting and laughing. It was a moment of normalcy and comfort, a reminder of the strong bonds that held them together.
Dinner was soon ready, and they all sat down to enjoy the meal.
As the evening wore on, the team enjoyed their dinner and the game. Suddenly, Lily Grace's cries echoed from the bedroom again. Jay, who had just started to relax, groaned and began to get up.
"I'll get her," he said, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
But before he could stand, Adam Ruzek quickly intervened. "No, Jay, sit down. I've got this," Adam said, already heading towards the bedroom.
Jay hesitated for a moment, then nodded gratefully and sank back into his seat. "Thanks, Adam," he murmured, rubbing his eyes.
Adam entered the bedroom and found Lily Grace fussing in her crib. He gently picked her up, rocking her softly. "Hey there, little one," he cooed. "What's got you so upset?"
Lily Grace's cries began to quiet as Adam walked around the room, humming a soothing tune. He glanced back at the door, seeing Nadia peeking in with a smile.
"You're a natural, Adam," she whispered, her eyes filled with gratitude.
Adam grinned, continuing to rock Lily Grace. "Just doing my part," he replied softly.
Back in the living room, Jay leaned back, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. The team exchanged knowing smiles, their hearts warmed by the sight of their friends supporting each other.
As Adam returned with a now calm Lily Grace, he handed her back to Jay. "She's all good now," Adam said with a wink.
Jay smiled, holding his daughter close. "Thanks, Adam. I owe you one."
The team settled back into their evening, the room filled with a sense of camaraderie and support.
As the evening continued, the team enjoyed their time together, sharing stories and laughter. Jay, feeling the weight of the long day, had dozed off on the couch, a half-empty beer in his hand.
Nadia noticed and smiled softly. She gently took the beer from his hand and set it on the coffee table. Carefully, she shifted Jay so that his head rested on her lap. He stirred slightly but remained asleep, his breathing deep and even.
The rest of the team watched the tender moment, their hearts warmed by the sight. Erin leaned over to Kim, whispering, "They're such a great couple."
Kim nodded, her eyes softening. "Yeah, they really are."
Nadia gently stroked Jay's hair, her touch soothing. She looked up at the team, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you all for being here," she said softly. "It means so much to us."
Voight nodded, his expression warm. "We're family. We're always here for each other."
As the night wore on, the team continued to chat quietly, respecting the peaceful moment. The room was filled with a sense of love and support, a reminder of the strong bonds that held them together.
Jay slept soundly, comforted by Nadia's presence and the knowledge that he was surrounded by friends who cared deeply for him and his family.