Chapter 58

Arrival

Having a due date in the middle of summer was not ideal, Amanda decided. An extra thirty pounds hanging around your midsection in the mid-summer heat, as Phillip so eloquently put it, sucked. Amanda's due date was just a few days away and she made to it clear she was ready to have this baby. Her normal positivity had morphed into something closer to grouchiness. Lee, Phillip and Jamie made it their goal just not to upset her, or as Jamie described it, release The Hulk.

When Amanda woke him at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, Lee could not help but feel a bit relieved that the time had arrived, despite the lack of sleep. He rolled over and sat up.

"Okay, I'll start timing." Lee said. "How strong are the contractions?"

"Getting stronger." She said. Shortly thereafter the next contraction started.

"Lean back," Lee said as he massaged her low back. Fortunately, this was the one thing that he could do that seemed to give her some relief.

"Thank you," she said, leaning into the pressure. Amanda then stood up to take a shower to get ready to go. Lee followed her and they made their way downstairs by 2:00 a.m. to travel the short distance to the hospital. As it would likely be several hours before they'd see any action, Lee left a note for Dotty and the boys.

- SMK -

After several hours, the contractions were becoming more intense and only about two minutes apart. While she'd dilated to 3 centimeters, she had been there for some time. Lee was walking with her around the hallways to try to keep her progressing. Dotty had arrived later that morning and both were supporting Amanda through the labor. Lee was grateful for Dotty's experience in all this. Meanwhile, Dotty was happy that Lee was being so supportive to her daughter. When a contraction would start while Amanda was walking, he'd hold her as she leaned on him. Finally, as she was making her way down the hallway near the nurse's station there was a splash.

"Woah!" Lee yelled. "What the hell?" Then it dawned on him that her water had broken. After a moment he called over to the nurses station. "Sorry, clean up on aisle nine."

One of the nurses grinned, shaking her head. "Oh, you dads are so hilarious." She said sarcastically, but in good humor. "We'll get someone to take care of it. Just don't slip."

As a contraction was taking place at the time, Amanda did not even react to it until after it was over. "I'm certain this happens all the time, but thank you." She told Lee and the nurse as he slowly brought her back to the room. In the next hour the contractions became more intense and were almost on top of each other. She was making progress, but not there yet. "My labor with the boys was never this intense." Amanda became much more vocal as the contractions strengthened. "I'm calling it," she finally told Lee. "Can we find out if I can get the epidural."

"Ok," Lee said. "I'm only asking because you told me to, but are you certain?"

"I love you, but get me the damn epidural!"

"I guess we get the damn epidural," Dotty grinned at Lee..

"You got it," Lee said, heading off to the nurses station, grateful to be doing something more to help her with the pain. After about thirty minutes the anesthesiologist came to administer and few minutes later, Amanda leaned back into the bed, happy for the reprieve. During this period of time, Amanda and Lee were able to get some sleep, while Dotty waited patiently.

After about two hours, Amanda awoke and sat up a bit. "I think we may be there. I'm feeling a lot of pressure."

Dotty walked out to retrieve Amy, the lead labor and delivery nurse that took over a couple hours ago. She was upbeat, positive and supportive. Something Amanda appreciated as some of the nurses with Jamie were a bit surly. Amy walked in as Lee had gotten up and walked over to Amanda. "Ok, Amanda, I'm going to check you." She quickly completed the exam. "Well done, I think you're about ready. I'm going to call Dr. Marks and we'll get the room prepared. Who's ready for a birthday party?!" The room started buzzing as a basinet was rolled into the room and Amy and the other nurse adjusted the bed to allow for Amanda to start pushing.

Dotty walked out to quickly call Joe and Kristen, as she promised she would let them know when it was about time.

"Come right back," Lee said to Dotty. "We want you to be here when your granddaughter arrives." She smiled and hugged them, grateful they wanted her to be a part of the experience.

"You ready to meet our girl?" Lee smiled at his wife. She'd been laboring for hours, and all he saw was a superhero.

"Yeah. I can't wait to meet her." Amanda replied. "I'm sorry I've been so awful to last couple weeks."

"It's okay," Lee said. "You put up with me in the mornings, so I can't really complain." He grinned kissing her. After a couple minutes, Dotty returned as Amanda's expression changed.

"I don't think she's going to wait much longer," Amanda said. "I really need to push."

"Okay," Amy said. "We'll get to started. Dr. Marks should be here shortly." Dad and Grandma on each side. Support her legs and just encourage her, okay?" At that, Amy started counting to ten as Amanda pushed. After each round, Amanda would take a breath and start again. Within a couple minutes, Dr. Marks arrived.

"Great pushing Amanda." She said. "Your daughter should be here pretty quickly." Amanda pushed for just about 10 minutes, when Dr. Marks looked up. "She's right there, Amanda. Two three more pushes. You're doing great."

She was not kidding as Lee saw the excitement as the end of the table as his daughter emerged to cheers from all the nurses. As the baby made her way to the outside world, Amy cleared her mouth. Lee panicked a moment at the initial purple color until he heard a loud wail that lit up the entire room and the baby started to turn a healthy pink color. Amy took the baby and placed her on Amanda's chest.

Amanda's heart swelled at seeing her daughter for the first time. She had chubby cheeks, dark hair and the sweetest face Amanda had ever seen. She had no words as she wept out of pure joy at the sight of her newborn baby.

"Oh my God, she is gorgeous," Lee said, tears gathering in his eyes as he stroked his daughter's soft head.

"She's perfect," Amanda smiled, finally able to speak. "Thank you for giving me a little girl." Amanda told Lee as he lovingly kissed his wife. They didn't plan for her, but that made her even more precious. Like, the surprise you never knew you needed, but makes your life complete.

"She really is perfect," Dotty said, tears flowing. "My first granddaughter."

As Lee gently stroked her arm, the baby grabbed on to his finger. That did it. Tears started flowing. "You know exactly what you're doing, don't you?" He said to his daughter.

"You're in trouble now." Dotty beamed at her son-in-law.

"Don't I know it. But this is amazing."

"Ok, Daddy," Amy said to Lee as he had to extract his finger "You get the honors of cutting the cord." She handed him the scissors and he took them, cutting the umbilical cord as the room cheered. "I need to take her briefly so we can check her, okay?" Amy then took the baby to weigh her and take her measurements. Lee followed her over to stay close to his daughter. "Already a protective daddy," Amy laughed. "I love that." She put her on the scale. "Wow, nine pounds, ten ounces." She said. Lee shook his head and smiled to himself. Yep, ten pound love goblin. "Twenty-five inches. Tall girl." After all the initial assessments were complete, Amy swaddled her in a blanket and handed her to Lee. "Go back to Daddy," Amy said to the baby, as she instructed Lee while putting her in his arms. "Hold her head," Lee was overcome with emotion and tears now freely rolling down his cheeks as he carried her over to Amanda.

"I don't think there's ever been a baby this cute." He said as he sat next to her. Amanda caressed her daughter's head.

"Absolutely, she's adorable." Amanda said. "Do we agree on the name?"

"Yeah," Lee said. "It suits her."

"When everyone gets here, you can tell them."

"Okay, I will," Lee said trying to compose himself. "Woah, I mean I knew I've love her, but I was not prepared for it to be this overwhelming." Her looked at his daughter. "Hi there, I'm your dad." At which point she started to open her eyes, making his heart swell further. "Oh my God. Five minutes old and you already know who to play your dad."

"Welcome to girl fatherhood." Dotty smiled. "Carl said the same things about Amanda when she was born."

Meanwhile, after Kristen received the call from Dotty that the baby was about to arrive, she broadcasted it across the Agency. There was a mass exodus to the hospital. Billy Francine, Beamon, Tony, William, Jackie, Todd, Leatherneck, Duffy and half a dozen other agents all rushed to the hospital to support Lee and Amanda. Joe brought the boys, and both Tess and Ryan made their way as well. As people arrived, the waiting room was overflowing. A nurse entered the room.

"Ah, Dad? Grandma?" The nurse said. "There's a huge crowd forming out here. I think you need to let them know that the world's cutest baby has arrived." Lee handed the baby to Amanda, gave them both a kiss then went bounding down the hall with Dotty to find a waiting room packed with familiar faces. He came bursting into the room with Dotty smiling behind him. With his arms raised in victory, Lee shouted: "She's beautiful!"

The room erupted in cheers. Down the hall, they could hear the cheers in the room as the nurses and Amanda all laughed out loud. Everyone in the waiting room was hugging and crying along with Lee. Dotty was absolutely giddy, hugging anyone and everyone regardless if she knew them or if they were even there for Amanda.

"My granddaughter!" Dotty yelled.

"How's Amanda?" Billy yelled above the crowd.

"She's great." Lee responded.

"What's her name?" Tony asked.

"Well, I think that's the best part." Lee said. "Her first name….is Emily, and her middle name," he looked at Kristen, "is Kristen." Kristen tried to hold it together but started weeping as she walked over to hug Lee. "You saved our family. I would not be here without you and Ryan." Lee told her quietly.

"I am so honored," Kristen told Lee. "I have.a duty to that little girl. You can't get rid of me now. Besides, you're my new boss!"

"And you guessed it," Lee said loud enough for everyone to hear. "Emily is nine pounds, ten ounces and twenty-five inches. She's a tall girl."

Dotty ran up to Kristen and hugged her. "When they told me they wanted to include you in her name, I knew it was perfect." She told her. "After I had Amanda, Carl and I couldn't have any more children. With you, I feel I got a second daughter."

"Oh, Dotty!" Kristen cried. "That means so much to me." The boys ran up the Kristen and hugged her.

"Mom and Lee asked us if we liked the name," Phillip said. "I said I thought it was pretty cool."

Joe walked up to Lee to shake his hand, "Congratulations, Lee." He said. "I know we haven't always gotten along, but Amanda and the boys are happier now than I've ever seen them. This is, in very large part, your doing. You're a great dad, and I'm happy to share this responsibility, for the boys, with you."

"Thanks, Joe." Lee said, shaking his hand. "I think we may end up making a great team." For the first time, Lee actually meant it.

Francine came up to Lee. "I never thought I'd see the day," Francine said. "But I think you might just make a decent father." She hugged him.

Billy brought cigars which were passed out to the entire crowd. "Lee," Billy said. "I'm really proud of you, in every way.."

William and Tony sneaked in some champagne and paper cups. William popped the cork. "To Emily Kristen Stetson!"

- SMK -

A short time later, Lee returned to the room while Dotty made some more calls. Lee reported that after the champagne was popped, the nurses had to get the crowd out of the waiting room as they were getting too rowdy.

"We heard you down the hall," Amanda laughed.

"Yeah we did." A nurse chuckled. "We were taking bets when the music and break dancing would start."

Dotty and the boys came in right away to see baby Emily.

"She's so cute," Jamie said. "Like really cute, not all squishy like other babies."

Dotty was the first to hold her, taking precedence as the grandmother. Then Phillip and finally Jamie had a turn with her.

"Jamie's right," Phillip said, "she's pretty cute. We can keep her." He joked.

A little while later Kristen and Ryan came to visit. "Knock, knock," Kristen said. "Can we see her?"

"Come on in," Lee responded cheerfully.

Amanda had been holding the baby. "Kristen, do you want to hold her?"

"Absolutely," Kristen said, gently taking Emily. "Hi there, you ARE really beautiful like your dad said. We are gonna have so much fun together. I'm gonna be that cool aunt who takes you to concerts, goes shopping with you, and I'll be the one you can talk to about boys, and most of all I'm going to teach you to kick butt."

"Should I be getting concerned?" Lee asked.

"Probably." Kristen joked. "No, I'm gonna watch out for this little one." Kristen smiled at Emily again. "You know, I think this is a song you'll like. Tell me if you've heard it." She started singing Rainbow Connection to Emily.

"Kristen's singing more lately," Ryan said. "I have a feeling Emily may get regular serenades."

"That would be perfect." Amanda smiled. Lee felt a little pride in helping Kristen find her way back again.

While Kristen was holding the baby Billy and Francine came to visit.

"Amanda, how are you feeling?" Billy asked.

"I'm sore," she answered, "but happy she's here and healthy."

"She's really pretty," Francine said. "Congratulations."

"Lee, you were not wrong. She is absolutely beautiful." Billy smiled. "Have you told Emily Farnsworth yet?"

"Yes we did." Amanda said. "We called her a little while ago. She said she was truly honored and can't wait to meet her."

- SMK -

The next morning, Amanda woke early to the sounds of Emily crying.

"I think she's hungry," the nurse smiled, handing her from the basinet to Amanda. Lee had been sleeping on the small couch in the room and woke to the sound of Emily's cries and sat up. Amanda took Emily and unbuttoned the front of her nightgown and lifted her up to nurse. It had been hit and miss last night, so they were hoping today she would latch on. Emily moved her mouth around and then, like magic, Lee saw relief on Amanda's face as he heard suckling sounds while he walked over to sit next to them.

"I'd forgotten how weird this feels," Amanda smiled at Lee then looked down at their daughter happily enjoying her breakfast as Lee said gently caressed Emily's foot.

"Now the fun starts, huh?"

"Yeah it does." Amanda smiled. They spent some quiet time with just the three of them while Emily nursed. When Amanda was going to change sides, she handed the nappy to Lee. "Put it on your shoulder in case she spits up. I'll show you how to burp her." Lee placed her on his shoulder as he rubbed her back. After a few moments, he was rewarded with a little belch. He gently lowered her so Amanda could feed on the other side. "Well done," Amanda laughed.

"Well, that was easy." Lee thinking he had this made. After feeding, Emily let out a particular wet sounding fart. "Woah, that as a good one!"

"Next lesson." Amanda said. She directed him to the diapers and wipes, then instructed him as he undressed her and opened her diaper to a dark mess.

"I think I spoke too soon." He said. Amanda let out a huge laugh as she helped him. "It's a good thing I love you." He said to Emily while wiping her butt. Amanda's heart melted as Lee talked to their daughter. Core memory captured.

- SMK -

Later that day, Amanda and Emily were released from the hospital. Lee, very proudly, was able to secure the car seat within the new Suburban. Amanda climbed into the backseat next to Emily.

"Ready to go home?" Lee said

"All set, and ready for a new life." Amanda smiled.

"Speaking of new life," Lee said as he was driving away from the hospital. "This new role may have a little more, well, complexity to it. I'll be at some regular White House briefings and well, I don't know that working for a film company will work as a cover anymore. So…"

"What are we going to tell my mother?!"

To Be Continued.