Chapter Four

Chosen Family

"Piper!"

I rolled over and snuggled my face deeper into Negan's chest and breathed in deep, letting his smell surround me. How did he always smell so good?

"Piper! Please answer!"

Banging sounded and my eyes popped open.

"What the fuck is happening?" Negan grumbled, shifting slightly under me.

"Someones yelling for me. I'll be right back," I whispered, crawling out of the bed and making my way through our room and the office to the front door.

Pulling the door open quickly, I was greeted with Harvey's smiling face.

"Come on! The baby is coming! Emily wants you there. Like, now. She actually screamed at me, so please come," Harvey said, bouncing on his heels.

My eyes widened and I ran back to our room, snatching a pair of sweats from the dresser and frantically pulling them on while attempting to tie them tight enough to stay on my hips. Until I fell directly on my ass, in the least cute way possible.

Negan sat up on his elbows looking at me with an amused smirk as I sprang back up and ran to the closet.

"Care to explain why you're running around like a chicken with their damn head cut off?" Negan chuckled.

"The baby! She's having the baby!" I yelled back, though it came out muffled as I tried to pull on the t-shirt Colt had given me.

I heard shuffling as I stumbled out of the closet, realizing I had stuck my head in the arm hole and quickly trying to fix myself.

"I'm coming with you. We got them something," Negan said, pulling on sweats of his own in a much more graceful manner than I had.

I grabbed Negan's arm as I pulled him through our bedroom.

"Hold on, let me grab it."

"She will kill me if you're not in that room within the next five seconds, Piper. I'm serious. She was really mean," Harvey said, his hands running through his hair anxiously.

"Negan's grabbing some-"

"Ready! Let's go," Negan cut me off, breezing past me and out the door.

I caught sight of a large gift bag in his hands but didn't question it as I took off after him with Harvey on our heels. I screamed when a body rounded a corner further down the hall and slammed into me.

"Fuck! Sorry! Jolene just threatened Arat and I with our lives if we didn't hurry," Laura explained as she continued pulling a sweater over her head.

"I sure did, now move it everyone!" Jolene commanded, coming up behind Laura with Arat closely behind her.

Arat was still attempting to pull a pair of boots on even though she was wearing pink pajama pants. A smile pulled at my lips.

"Not a fucking word, Piper!" Arat hissed.

We barreled through the Sanctuary, moving quickly until we finally hit the infirmary.

"Oh, thank God! Piper, Laura, Arat, inside now! Everyone else, get comfortable. The baby will be here any second! I brought cookies and coffee," Eleanor called from the front door of the infirmary.

Laura and Arat followed me through the door. The second we crossed the threshold, I heard Emily's voice screeching at the doctor.

"GET. IT. OUT. OF. ME!"

"I'm literally never giving birth," Arat said under her breath as we rounded the small curtain that sectioned Emily off from the rest of the room.

Emily was in the bed, legs spread and everything on display for the entire room. Her face was red and she was sweating as she tried breathing in and out. Dr. Carson was between her legs with his back to us. James stood near Em's head, white as a ghost and clutching one of her hands, as his other rested over his mouth in shock.

We descended on the small group. I quickly positioned myself at Emily's head on the opposite side as James, grabbing her other hand, while Arat and Laura took up position near her legs.

"I thought you motherfuckers weren't going to make it," Emily gritted out, trying to breathe in deep, "He hasn't said a fucking word. I think he's in shock or something."

I looked at James, who was just staring at Dr. Carson with a terrified look on his face, not having moved a centimeter since we stepped into the room.

"You know we wouldn't miss this for anything," Laura cooed, patting Em's leg.

Emily let out a grunt, followed by a scream. I was pretty sure my hand was about to break, but I let her squeeze as hard as she needed to. I put my hand on the top of her head and started rubbing soft circles into her scalp.

"I can't fucking do this, I can't fucking do this," she started chanting over and over as tears streamed down her face.

"Hey, none of that," I said, putting my face close to hers, "You got this, Em. You're so strong. You're going to be just fine, right James?"

The man was still as a damn statue until Laura kicked his shin and he looked at everyone wide eyed.

"What?"

"Jesus Christ, tell your wife she's going to be fine," Laura muttered.

"Oh. You're doing great baby," he said to Emily, finally looking at her.

Emily screamed again and her body seemed to bare down.

"That's it. I see the head, keep pushing!" Dr. Carson called from below.

"Holy shit. There's so much hair," Arat said absentmindedly.

I looked over to her to see her peering around Emily's open legs.

"Well, I wasn't going to shave, Arat!" Emily screamed, pushing down again.

Arat whipped her head to look at all of us, obviously trying to contain laughter.

"I was talking about the baby's head," she clarified.

"Push, Emily!" Dr. Carson barked.

"Come on, sweetheart. Keep going," James chimed in, apparently fully pulled back to reality now.

Less than two minutes later, Emily let one last scream out, before the sound of a baby's cries filled the room. Em sank back into the bed, eyes fluttering closed. Dr. Carson stood and held up a beautiful, blood covered baby. He made quick work of wiping away all the fluids and walking towards James, causing Laura to round the bed to stand between Arat and I. The three of us watched as James cut the cord and Dr. Carson placed the baby onto Emily's chest.

It was one of the most magical moments of my life. Getting to see two of my closest friends look at the face of their first child. Tears slid down my cheeks.

"Oh, fuck. I'm definitely crying," I whispered, wiping the salty water from my face.

"Been crying," Laura hiccupped.

"Same," Arat sobbed.

We stood there, staring at the couple coo over their baby for a few minutes until Emily shifted and looked at us, all of the evidence of the pain from before gone. A peaceful, happy smile rested on her face.

"Savannah, I want you to meet your aunts," she whispered to the baby.

It was a girl. A fresh wave of tears slid down my face as the three of us crowded around the dark haired angel.

"She's perfect," Laura breathed.

Arat reached a shaky finger out to run along her little leg before speaking, "She's so tiny."

I placed my finger on Savannah's red cheek, feeling how soft her skin was for a moment.

"You're going to be the most loved child on this planet," I promised.

"You guys wanna go get the gang in the hall while we get her in a diaper and clean her up a bit? I think it's time she made her debut to everyone else," James said softly, not taking his eyes off of Savannah.

I nodded my head, "We'll give you a few minutes."

I followed Arat and Laura into the hallway, coming to a quick halt just outside the door. Jolene was sitting next to Ms. Ellie on the floor, a plate of cookies between them, laughing about something. Negan and Harvey were sitting against the opposite wall, playing a card game.

Their heads snapped up to us.

"Ms. Savannah will be ready to meet everyone here in a couple minutes," I said, smiling at the group.

"Oh, it's a girl!" Eleanor whooped, slowly pushing herself to her feet with the help of Jolene.

Negan stood as Harvey started cleaning up the cards.

"The kid was kicking my ass," Negan muttered, grabbing the bag he'd brought from the floor.

"The man was kicking your ass," Harvey corrected.

Negan rolled his eyes, but a grin settled across his face.

We waited outside the door until James opened it a few minutes later, ushering us in. The group surrounded Emily, James, and Savannah, spouting words of support and compliments on the beautiful baby and her new pink onesie. Even Negan had a soft smile on his face as he looked at her.

Emily passed her to Eleanor, who held the child like a professional for a few minutes, before handing her to Jolene. Savvy made her way down the line, not crying the entire time. Eventually, Harvey cautiously handed her to me.

I tucked her into the crook of my arm and took in the child's face. She really was a beautiful baby.

"Well, fuck. She's gorgeous," Negan said softly from behind me, resting his chin on my shoulder and looking down at Savannah.

"She really is," I agreed.

I didn't want to give her away, content to just hold on to her for the rest of the day. I looked at Negan.

"You want a turn?"

His eyes widened.

"Abso-fucking-lutely."

I laughed and carefully handed over the baby after Negan set the bag on the floor beside him. She looked so small against Negan's large, lean frame. He instantly started a rocking-bouncing motion and began doing what he did best: talking.

"Aren't you the most beautiful baby in the world? Yes, you fucking are. You're going to spend so much time with Uncle Negan and Aunt Piper. Need to make sure you know we're way cooler than your parents, don't we? Yes, we sure do," he cooed, a serene smile on his face.

He continued as I stared at him, a smile of my own permanently stuck on my lips.

"We're going to spoil the shit outta you, ladybug," he declared, grinning at the baby.

He eventually gave her to James, with a clap on the man's shoulder.

"Here. This is from myself and Piper."

He picked the large back up from the floor and handed it to Emily. I watched as she started pulling items out, curious to see what "we" had gotten them. Blankets, bottles, pacifiers, a breast pump, a little stuffed ladybug, a few kids books, a baby carrier, baby shampoo and lotion that smelled like lavender. Emily's face lit up with every item she pulled out.

"Boxes of diapers and a new bassinet will be delivered to your room later. You guys should take time off. However much you need," Negan said to them.

"Thank you," Emily said, tears rolling down her cheeks, "I'm sorry. The fucking hormones are still kicking my whole ass."

I laughed and stepped toward her, leaning over to wrap my arms around her.

"You did so good, Em. So fucking good," I whispered before standing back, "We'll leave you guys alone. Send someone if you need me. I'll check in later."

James handed Savannah to Emily and hugged me quickly, whispering a thank you to my ear, before doing the man shoulder-bump-around-the-back-pat hug with Negan. I wanted to laugh.

Negan's hand rested on my lower back, leading me from the group as everyone else started saying their goodbyes. We quietly headed back to our room, with Negan keeping his hand on me the entire time.

The Sanctuary was still quiet and dark, with most of the inhabitants still being fast asleep. The only sounds came from our footsteps and our soft breathing. A dazed smile pulled up my lips from what I had just gotten to witness. Savannah was perfect, Emily was healthy, and James had looked so happy. It was a moment that would stick with me for the rest of my life.

This was the life I wanted. Friends. Family. Happiness. No bullshit with Alexandria or anyone, really. This is what life should be like.

Negan tugged me into the bedroom, closing the door behind us. In an instant, I was pressed to the wall gently and his hands hoisted my thighs up to wrap around him. His lips made contact with my throat as I pushed my fingers through his hair.

"What's all of this for?" I whispered, a smile still on my face.

"You looked so happy holding Savannah. Made me think about what you would look like pregnant and it's got me all fucked up, wildflower," he murmured, biting down lightly on my shoulder.

Fear speared through me for a second.

"I thought… you told me a while back you couldn't have kids," I said, cautious to keep my tone even.

"And that's true, but I would give just about anything to see you knocked up with my kid," he continued, kissing across my throat as relief washed through me.

The thought of bringing kids into this world now was not something I could see myself doing. Before everything, I could picture that life with Negan. Before the dead started walking, before my parents getting slaughtered, before my revenge tour of Purcellville, before every decision became one of life and death.

I let my eyes drift shut as his lips sucked on a particularly sensitive piece of skin under my ear, and I let myself imagine that life with him. Three kids, two boys and a girl, running around a field with our dogs while we sat on our front porch laughing at them. He'd make spaghetti for dinner and we'd lay on the living room couch afterwards and read them Dr. Seuss books. For some reason, I just knew that Negan would do the best voices for the characters. It would be the best fucking life.

But that was my before dream that I would keep all to myself, because in this world, the real world, there were multiple reasons that dream would not become a reality.

Negan briefly sat me down, only long for both of our sweatpants to hit the floor below us, before he had me wrapped around him with his dick buried to the hilt inside me.

A gasp left my mouth and his lips slammed down on mine.

We didn't speak as he slowly drove into me again and again, slamming his hips to mine in powerful thrusts. I knew both of us were lost in a fantasy that would always be just out of our reach.

"I love you, wildflower," he grunted as he slammed into me, causing me to freefall over the ledge into bliss.

"I love you, Negan," I murmured.

I'd sent a message with Fat Joey to Harvey and Jolene, letting them know we would be taking a few paid days off in celebration of Savannah being born. Then I promptly fell asleep in Negan's arms and didn't wake up until noon.

When I finally forced myself awake and into something other than sweatpants, I stepped into Negan's office to find him in the middle of a conversation with Dwight. I heard Daryl's name briefly mentioned before the conversation stopped and Negan grinned at me.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. Finally decide to join the land of the living?" He asked as I rounded the desk and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"I'm going to see Savannah. Make sure Emily doesn't need anything," I said, "Everything okay out here?"

"Right as rain, wildflower. Just talking about that asshole in the cells. We have a shipment coming in from Hilltop, so I'm going to go meet Simon outside here in an hour if you need me," he said, patting my ass with one of his hands.

"Come get lunch with me and Ms. Ellie when you're done, yeah?"

"I'll be there," he grinned.

I stepped around the desk, squeezing Dwight's shoulder as I passed him.

"See you later, D," I smiled at the man.

"See ya, trouble," he smiled back.

I quickly trekked through the Sanctuary to the infirmary, a definite excited pep in my step. I quickly marched into the room, finding Emily sitting up in bed, rocking little Savannah. Her eyes brightened and a smile fell on her face when she saw me.

"Where's James?" I asked, closing the distance between us.

"I sent him out in search of food. I'm starving," she said, turning her body slightly to face me, "Pushing one of these out is fucking exhausting."

I laughed and reached a hand out to run my fingers across Savannah's head.

"I can't imagine. Ms. Ellie cooking you something special?"

"Alfredo. I may have children more often if I get this kind of treatment after they're born," she grinned at me, "You want to hold her?"

I leveled her with a look that very clearly said obviously and scooped Savannah out of her arms. Backing towards the recliner beside the bed, I sat down, careful not to jostle the sleeping baby. Crossing my legs underneath me, I held her close to my chest.

"I always thought babies all kind of looked like potatoes, but fuck, Em. This one is a really beautiful potato," I breathed, running a finger across Savannah's puffy cheeks.

Emily barked out a laugh.

"Literally same, but you're right. Might be a little biased, but she's the cutest."

"She been doing alright? Did the doc check you over?" I asked, glancing up to see her watching us with a smile plastered to her face.

"Yes, ma'am. He's going to let us go back to our room tomorrow, but he says we're both healthy," she beamed.

"Good. We'll make sure her bassinet is set up before you get released," I murmured, looking back down at Savannah as a smile pulled up my lips again.

"You guys have been so good to us, Piper. I cannot thank you enough," Em whispered as she sat back in bed.

"You don't have to thank us at all, Em. You know I'd do anything for you guys. And especially for Savannah. I am her godmother after all," I grinned and she laid back in bed with a laugh.

"I have a feeling 'fairy godmother' is going to be a more accurate description. You mind if I just close my eyes for a few until he gets back with our food?"

"Of course not. Rest. I'm mostly here to see this cute little thing anyway."

A soft snicker sounded as Emily whispered, "She's already got you wrapped around her little finger."

She was right, of course. My eyes roamed over Savannah's face and beautiful dark hair. I put my finger under her tiny ones sticking out from the soft yellow blanket she was swaddled in. A grin settled on my face as her little hand wrapped around my finger.

I heard snoring come from the hospital bed and looked up to see Emily out cold. Repressing a laugh, I again focused all my attention on Savannah.

Her little eyes opened for a moment, surprising me when beautiful gray orbs looked up at me. She let out a little coo, her hand staying wrapped around my finger.

"Well, hi there, Ms. Savannah. I don't think I introduced myself earlier. I'm aunt Piper. Momma's sleeping, so I'm just going to hold on to you for a bit while we wait for daddy to get back," I breathed.

Happiness flooded through my body as she continued to look up at me. I started a slow rocking motion, like I'd seen Negan do earlier.

"I want you to know that I'm always going to make sure that you, mom, and dad are so safe. You're going to have the best life, even if I have to move heaven and earth to make it happen for you, Sav. I promise," I whispered to her.

Her little hand clenched around my finger and her eyes started drifting closed. Before I could register what I was about to do, I quietly started to sing her the same song my dad always sang to me.

"When you need me, call my name

'Cause without you, my life just wouldn't be the same

If you want me, come sunny skies or rain

When you need me, just call my name

If you miss me, I'll be there

To brush the sunlight from your hair

I'll be there to guide you, when trouble walks beside you

If you need me, I'll be there

And when this dirty world, has been cold to you

I got two strong arms, oh waitin' to hold you

And when those mean days come along

We'll stand together and we'll take 'em on

So if you need me, just call my name."

Her eyes were now firmly closed and little, steady breaths were leaving her tiny lips. I couldn't help the smile that had stayed consistently on my face since I'd been in the room.

"Bruce Springsteen, huh? Solid," James murmured with a grin, as he came in with a tray of food in each hand.

I returned his wide smile, slowly getting up from my seat gently placing the sleeping baby in her small hospital grade bed.

"My dad used to sing it to me all the time. Always made me feel better."

"Your dad was a smart man," James responded, placing trays on the small nightstand next to Emily, "You get baby-fever eyes when you look at her, you know?"

He turned toward me, raising an eyebrow. I let out a low chuckle.

"Hard not to when you two reproduced a literal angel. I'm extra good on the child front, though. I'll get to steal this perfect thing from you two daily, so I think I'm just happy with that," I said, giving him a genuine smile.

"She is a fucking angel, ain't she?" He proudly stated, his chest puffing out slightly as he looked at his daughter.

"That she is. I'm happy for you guys, James. Really," I said sincerely.

"Thanks, boss lady. I have a feeling this wouldn't be such a happy time if we didn't have a whole brigade beside us to help. Especially you and Negan. You two have been amazing. I'll forever be grateful to you both, Piper. Really," his voice was sincere as he spoke and his eyes had gotten a little misty.

"Oh, you stop it. That's what family does, right? There for each other in the good times and the bad. You know we always have you both," I said softly, giving the man a tight hug.

His arms wrapped around my shoulders, giving me a hard squeeze.

"Right. Fucked up little family we have here, but I wouldn't trade it for the world," he snickered as I stepped back.

"Hey, guys! Livie and I came to love on a baby, if that's okay," Harvey called, walking into the room with his hand wrapped around Livie's.

The little girl was bouncing up and down, excitement rolling off of her as she peered over at Savannah.

"I was just heading out," I said, smiling at both of them, "Maybe you guys could hang out with Sav while Em and James eat, yeah?"

Livie ran to the seat I had been sitting in and made herself comfortable quickly before holding her arms out straight in front of her.

"Give me the baby, Harvey. Hurry!" Livie commanded, with a look of excited determination on her face.

I laughed, patting James on the shoulder and bumping my hip against Harvey's on my way out the door.

Knowing I was still a little early for Negan to meet me for lunch, I started making my way through the hallways. I could meet him outside and walk with him to the kitchens.

I pushed open the double doors and stepped outside, letting the warm breeze rustle my hair as I turned my face to the sun for a second. I pulled a deep breath into my lungs and for the briefest of moments, it felt like everything was going to be okay.

Until gunfire sounded in front of me.