Little Arrival

Warning: Love Scene

The familiar click of the lock announced Jason's return home, from, surprisingly, not a bad day after all. Everything seemed to work out, no major issues, just an easy day for once. As he stepped into the kitchen, his gaze landed on Kelsi and his day went from fairly good to amazing. Her seventh month of pregnancy had gifted her a captivating glow and his heart swelled every time he saw her. "Well, hello there, beautiful," He quickly approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her, gently caressing her belly.

"Hey, Gearhead," Kelsi replied, leaning back into his embrace, her voice filled with warmth. "How was your day?"

"It was good actually, had a pretty rare mustang in for a tune up, a '64 E, I think only fifty of them were ever made so that was a cool," Jason replied, nuzzling into her neck, inhaling her familiar scent. "How about you?"

"Wow, that is cool! And oh you know, just lugging around the baby you so pleasurably put in me," Kelsi teased, tilting her head back to look at him. "Classes were good though, I think she can hear the music too because she's been really active today."

Jason chuckled, his fingers tracing across her belly. "Let's see." He paused, laying his hand flat. Kelsi moved it for him, helping him find just the place where the little feet were kicking wildly. "Wow," he whispered, "that's..."

Kelsi's smile widened. "Pretty amazing, isn't she?"

"She is," Jason agreed, his voice filled with wonder. "I can't wait to meet her."

"Me too," Kelsi said, placing her hand over his. She felt a surge against their hands, stronger than she'd felt all day. "I think she's excited to meet her daddy."

"And her mamma," Jason retorted with a kiss on her forehead before letting her get back to her cooking.

"So did you hear from your dad at all?" Kelsi asked.

Jason pulled out his phone and opened the email he'd gotten earlier that day. "Yeah, he made it to the base, he can't say much more, but he's safe and hopes to see us all soon." He switched over to the news app, checking the headlines about the conflict that didn't look good made his heart flood with worry. Then there was a comforting hand on his back and gentle fingertips wrapped over his wrist to lower the phone from his gaze. He turned to see Kelsi's gentle smile, her eyes full of love and understanding.

"He'll be okay, Jason," she said softly.

With a sigh he returned his phone to his pocket, a wave of dread washing over him despite the consolation she provided. "I guess so, I don't know, I've just got a bad feeling about this time…" he trailed off and turned out of Kelsi's embrace towards the stairs. "I'll be back when I'm clean," he said with a sigh.

Kelsi nodded and watched him go, her heart breaking at the worry that weighed his shoulders down. But what could she do? It was a very harsh reality that his dad might never come home and the whole family was more aware of it now than ever before. When you're young and don't fully understand, it makes it a bit easier, the ignorance providing some hope and bliss. But now, as an adult with a full scope of the situation, she knew Jason was hurting and she determined to be the support he needed. She turned back to their dinner, trying out a new recipe for baked trout fillets that gradually filled the room with a salty aroma.

When Jason came down the stairs, the strong notes of cooking fish hit him like a brick wall. "Wow, that's gonna call for some open windows," he chucked and crossed the living room to open them.

"I know, these are really fresh," Kelsi remarked. "I'll light some candles after dinner too."

"Since when do you even like fish?" Jason asked over his shoulder as he pulled the plates down from the cupboard. Of all the things cooked in their house, anything fish and seafood related was probably the least popular.

"Since your daughter decided I like fish," she replied with a roll of her eyes. "My mom said to follow my cravings because in pregnancy that's often the body saying it needs something. I guess my body needs some of those vitamins, minerals and Omega3s."

Jason couldn't help but laugh at her playful tone as he set the table then returned to join her in the kitchen. Lately "their daughter" had become "his daughter" whenever Kelsi was experiencing some sort of discomfort with her pregnancy, but he was still too excited to meet the little girl to care. He wrapped his arms around her as she cooked, hoping to distract her just enough. "Any chance your body's craving mine?" he whispered in her ear, letting his hands travel slowly to her hips.

Kelsi heaved a sigh, enjoying the feeling of his strong hands pulling her close. It had been a couple weeks since they'd last had some good sex, having a hard time finding a comfortable position with the growth of their daughter within her. "I'm always craving you, J," she said with a groan. "But definitely later, I'm hungry."

"When are you not these days?" he teased.

"Just wait until I start nursing," she lamented. "Jenny was telling me she felt like she could eat a full meal in between feedings. Apparently it really takes a lot out of you! But I hope I can do it, that would save us a lot on formula."

Jason smiled and worked his hands back up her body, stopping to caress her breasts. He knew her body was changing in so many uncomfortable ways, but he couldn't help but enjoy the crevice of her cleavage deepening in recent days. "I still find it hard to believe I'm gonna have to share these with someone else," he said, "they've been all mine for so long, so soft and—"

"Sensitive, J!" Kelsi squealed, his tender massage turning unbearable when he gripped tighter.

"Oh right, sorry, babe." He quickly released her and drew his hands away. "I'm trying to remember that, but you're so damn hot, it's hard to keep my hands to myself."

"You know babies can nurse up to two years right?" she said with a raised eyebrow.

Jason exhaled sharply and gave her another gentle hug. "I'll survive… I hope," he said with a smile.

They soon sat down to their dinner, the cool spring breeze blowing through the window and reminding them of how close they were to the due date. It made Kelsi start running through the to do list again in her mind.

"Did you get the last of your books moved down to the basement?" she asked.

"Yep, everything is stored now, just have to move the desk and shelves down there. I still haven't decided if I want to bother setting everything up like an office down there, but we didn't really have much choice. The little girl does need a place to sleep."

"Yeah…" Kelsi sighed, picking at her plate, "does it make you long for your bachelor days again? When two girls weren't kicking you out of all your spaces?"

Jason reached his hand to her cheek, gently caressing her soft skin, and said softly, "no way, Kels. This space is so much better with you in it, and it'll get better still when with our little girl gets here."

"It's getting a bit down to the wire though, Jason, do you think we could get the room done this weekend? I'm starting to get nervous that we won't be ready," Kelsi asked. "After all, we've barely got two months left."

"I know Kels, it's been a busy couple weeks but I'm off this Saturday and we'll get it all done."

"Thank you." She forked up the last bite of her dinner and relaxed back in her chair, a gentle hand resting on her belly as the baby shifted within her. "I for one have to get off my feet tonight, this girl is getting heavy."

Jason stood to collect their plates and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "No problem, babe."

Later that evening, they settled on the couch to watch a movie. Jason gently massaged Kelsi's swollen feet, ever trying to help ease the pains she endured as she carried their child.

"You're spoiling me, you know," Kelsi said, her voice tinged with playful accusation.

"Anything for my two favourite girls," Jason replied, his smile tender.

Kelsi sighed contentedly. "You're the best, J."

"And you're the sexiest pregnant woman I've ever seen," Jason said, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

When the movie ended, they made their way to bed. As Kelsi changed into her pyjamas, Jason felt a terrible pang of desire for her. He could tell she was uncomfortable, their baby making every move she made more difficult, but yet he still longed to make her feel good again. "You know," he started as they crawled into bed, "I meant it when I asked you earlier if your body was craving mine…"

Kelsi stretched out on her back and sighed deeply. "I always want you, J. If you have any ideas to make it happen I'm all ears."

Jason jumped back out of bed and strolled around to her side. With a gentle lift and pull, he shifted her hips to the edge of the bed, sliding a pillow underneath for her comfort. "I was hoping you'd ask," he said with a smile. He leaned down and touched his lips to hers before letting them take a slow journey down her neck, then across her shoulders and down her arm. The subtle shivers and twitches she made told him she was getting turned on, and fast. When he reached her hand he laid tender kisses across her palm and near her wedding rings. "Kelsi…"

"Mmm?" she groaned softly, sinking into his gentle touch.

"Your students may call you, 'Mrs. Cross' and soon this little girl will call you 'Mom'," he whispered as he pulled her underwear off, "but you'll always be my 'lover'. That'll never change, baby."

Kelsi drew in a shaky breath and did her best to hold back a tear. With a flustered groan she chuckled and grasped his shoulders. "Oh… you— ugh! Fuck you, Jason, you're such a damn charmer, making me cry like this." Tears rolled out of her eyes and she laughed through them in embarrassment.

"And you're a foulmouthed little lady, Kels, but I love you, and speaking of fucking…" he trailed off and angled his hips into hers. Slowly inching forward, he pressed in, keeping his strokes shallow and gentle. "How's that?"

Kelsi felt her body tensing, the sparks that arced between them shot straight to her core and she was instantly moving in time with him. "It's good," she moaned, "so good, baby."

"Okay, I can work with good," he replied with a sly smile. Bringing up the pace, he let his fingers join the party, quickly adding some extra stimulation.

"Oh! Forget good," she exclaimed, her hips rising to meet his, "that's great!"

Jason leaned down to kiss her gasping lips again, how he managed to keep thrusting, fondling and making out he'd never know, but he did and she responded beautifully. In mere moments she shattered, shaking from head to toe and contracting tightly around him. "Fucking hell, woman!" he groaned and pulled closer to finish off. Their lovemaking usually make him collapse, but there was precious cargo beneath him and he willed his arms to keep him upright despite the wonderful tremors that threatened to make him fall. With that reaction, he had no doubt she was seeing stars because he could see them too.

"Damn, Jason, that was amazing, honey," Kelsi sighed. "I don't want to say 'finally'," she said with a wince. "But yeah, finally. It's been so different and I can't wait for this baby to get out."

Jason only laughed and withdrew to clean up. "It's okay, Kels, I know it's been hard but we'll get back to normal soon."

Kelsi settled into Jason's arms when he returned, her belly resting against him. With their breathing slowly evening out, they could feel the gentle kicks and flutters of their little girl as they lay entwined in the quiet darkness.

"Have you thought about names?" Jason asked, his voice a soft murmur laced with satisfaction.

"A little," Kelsi replied, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. "But I'd love to hear your suggestions."

"Well," Jason began, "I like Olivia. It's classic and elegant. I also thought about Elise, just thought those were pretty for a little girl."

"Olivia..." Kelsi repeated, testing the name out loud. "I like it. It has a nice ring to it."

"Now yours babe," Jason suggested.

"Well my mom's mom was named Ruth, she was the one who first taught me piano, I'd like that to be her middle name."

"That's a wonderful idea, Kels. Got any first names?"

"Not yet, I'm thinking really hard about it, I don't want her to hate it."

"It'll be fine, we'll think of something, at least there's one cool name in the family already. I don't know if I've ever told you that I really like your name, it's cool and unique. Not like mine."

"Don't you know what your name means, J?" Kelsi asked.

"No," he chuckled, "do you?"

"I looked both of ours up not too long ago. Mine means something about a 'ship's victory', kinda weird actually," she said, "but yours means 'healer', which I think is fitting."

"Huh," he remarked, "well I never knew that. Why do you think so? Not like I'm a doctor or something."

Kelsi giggled softly and squeezed her arm tightly around his chest. "No, but you fix things. And not just cars, but you're always a healer to me. You go out of your way to make me feel better when I've had a bad day, you took care of me when I was sick, and you're always the problem solver. You've always been a healer, Jason, just a different kind."

"I never would have thought about it like that. Thanks, Kelsi, that's really sweet of you."

As the night deepened, their conversation drifted into contented silence, the steady rhythm of their breathing punctuated only by the soft movements of their unborn daughter.

"You are going to be an amazing mother, Kelsi," Jason whispered, his voice full of conviction. "Our baby will be so lucky."

"You too, Jason," Kelsi replied, her voice equally tender. "I can't imagine a better man to be this precious girl's father."

With Kelsi nestled securely in his arms, Jason drifted off to sleep, his heart brimming with a love he'd never known could exist. He knew that their lives were about to change in ways they couldn't even imagine, but what a beautiful change it would be.

"Ah! What the hell?!" Kelsi cried out, clutching the countertop as another contraction ripped through her. This one was even stronger, leaving her breathless and lightheaded. She stumbled towards her phone, her wet pyjama bottoms clinging to her legs. Nearly an hour ago she had felt like she was having some back pain, but as she crossed the floor and her pants had become soaked, she knew it was more than that.

"Jason," she gasped, selecting his number with trembling fingers. It went straight to voicemail. "Damn it, Jason, pick up!" Panic swelled in her chest. She needed someone, anyone. Her hand hovered over the screen, then she quickly tapped her mother's contact. "Mom!" she cried as soon as she heard the familiar voice on the other end. "My water just broke! I think...I think I'm in labor!"

Lina's calm, reassuring tone cut through Kelsi's fear. "Okay, sweetheart, deep breaths. Where's Jason?"

"He's not answering!" Kelsi sobbed, another contraction forcing her to her seat.

"Okay, listen to me," Lina said, her voice firm but gentle. "I need you to tell me exactly what's happening. How far apart are the contractions? Are you bleeding?"

Through her tears and gasps, Kelsi answered her mother's questions. "No, I'm not bleeding and I don't know exactly, maybe 5 minutes?"

With the practiced ease of an experienced obstetrician, Lina soothed her daughter, offering guidance and reassurance. "Kelsi, I want you to breathe, okay? Focus on your breathing. Dad and I are on our way. We'll be there in ten minutes. Just stay calm, sweetheart. We're coming."

Those words, spoken with such love and authority, were a lifeline for Kelsi. She clung to them, repeating her mother's instructions, trying to find a centre in the chaos that had erupted around her. She grabbed her phone and called the shop, praying one of those other grease monkeys would pick up.

Jason found himself in a deep groove, his mind a focused instrument. He could barely manage to hear the timing of the engine over the dull roar of the other shop hands hard at work. He leaned in closer, silencing his vibrating phone on the tool bench without even looking at it. Just when he thought he could hear the slip in the chain, Dani yelled across the shop.

"Hey, Jason! Your wife is on the phone," she shouted, "get over here and take it."

Jason's heart pounded as he headed for the front office.

Kelsi's voice, breathless and laced with anguish, erupted into his ear when he answered. "Jason! Why the hell didn't you answer your damn phone?!"

"Kels? What's going on, hun?" he asked.

"What do you think is going on?!" she groaned through the receiver. "I'm in labour, dumbass! My water broke and the contractions hit fast, the baby's comi—ah! Now! Mom and Dad are taking me straight to the hospital."

"I'm on my way, Kels, I'll see you there," he said and cracked the phone down in its place. A wave of adrenaline coursed through him, his hands trembling as he frantically passed by the office. "Hey Allan!" he called, his voice catching as the emotion rose in his chest. "I gotta go!" He rushed back to his station, quickly grabbing his phone and packing up what he could.

Allan ducked out of the office, a look of confusion on his face. "What the hell, Cross?! The customer is expecting that one tomorrow."

"The baby's coming, Kelsi went into labour early," he managed to say, his voice thick with emotion as he frantically scrubbed his hands. "She's going to the hospital now, I have to get there." He paused and ran a trembling hand through his hair, trying to gather his thoughts.

"Alright, Jason, get to the hospital." Allan's voice became steady, reassuring. "Be sure to let us know when she arrives." The news fluttered around the shop, making the other mechanics catch him with quick handshakes and smacks on the back as Jason ran for the door.

"I will, thanks guys" he said with a smile as he blew into the parking lot. In no time he was on the road, urging himself to calm down. Getting into an accident wouldn't get him to the hospital, where his wife and child needed him to be.

The miles seems to stretch as the GTO barrelled down the road, Kelsi's father propelling her safely towards the hospital. Another contraction ripped through her body. "Mom…" she groaned, leaning her head against her mother's shoulder.

"You'll be alright, sweetheart, take some deep breaths with me," Lina replied, her own expertise feeling strained by the emotion of her daughter in pain.

Steven glanced back in the rearview mirror, catching a knowing glance from Lina. They'd been through this before. He had driven this car like hell on wheels so many years ago when Kelsi entered their world, and he was glad to do it again for the sake of his granddaughter.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, Lina barked orders at the staff she knew so well and quickly had Kelsi into a delivery room.

Sweat beaded on Kelsi's brow, her breathing ragged. She heard her mother giving details to the OB on call, a flurry of voices that became drowned by the thundering of her heart in her ears. Finally her mother sat beside her, her hand a comforting presence.

"You're doing amazing, K," she said, her voice calm and soft, "Just focus on your breathing."

Kelsi nodded, her jaw clenched. Each contraction was a monstrous wave threatening to consume her. She needed her husband. "Where's Jason?" she murmured, her voice thick with worry. What if he missed it? She couldn't do this without him. Suddenly the door swung open and he was rushing to her side, sweaty, grimy and peppering her cheek with kisses.

"I'm here, Kels," he said, his voice shaky as he grappled with his own nerves, but his body was strong and ready to help her. His hands found hers, a grounding force.

"Hey, J," Keli replied, reaching for his cheek. "Sorry about calling you a dumbass," she added with a slight smile as another contraction hit her hard and made her scrunch her eyes shut in pain.

"With what you're doing, Kels, you have a free pass for whatever you need," Jason replied, wincing at the sharp pain his hand. And here he thought she'd gripped his hand hard when she got her tattoo.

Time stretched with each agonizing wave, shrinking the room around her as her labour progressed. They walked the halls, hoping to encourage the little girl to join them, until Kelsi could hardly stand and had to return to the bed. Given the progression of her labour, she was advised against the epidural that might stall her progress and had to grit her teeth as the nitrous oxide gas barely took the edge off. Minutes soon became hours, contraction after contraction stabbing into her bones, draining her body of all its energy. Kelsi clung to Jason, her nails digging into his skin. "I can't do this anymore," she gasped, her voice barely a whisper, "I'm exhausted, baby."

Jason wiped the sweat from her forehead and brushed her frazzled hair from her face. "You can, Kels. You're at eight centimetres, almost there, honey."

His words were a lifeline, pulling her back from the precipice. Kelsi focused on his voice, on the rhythm of his breathing, matching his calm breaths as the final phase of her delivery neared.

Lina reentered the room, gowned and prepped to their surprise. "Alright, Kelsi, it's time for this baby to make her entrance, and there's no way anyone is bringing her into the world but me," Lina said confidently and sat down to a stool at the foot of the bed.

Kelsi smiled as the nurse helped her into position to push. "Thanks, Mom," she whispered with a smile.

The nurse coached her through the agonizing effort, each push bringing their daughter closer to the world. "Push, Kelsi, you're almost there!" she urged, her voice a clear command in the chaos.

A burning sensation spread through Kelsi's body, a pressure unlike anything she had ever known. With every ounce of strength, she pushed, her body trembling as the room began to tilt and spin.

"You're doing amazing, Kels," Jason whispered in her ear. Each push was a battle, but she focused on his voice, the only point of clarity through the pain. Then, a shift, a sudden, overwhelming pressure. She felt a tearing sensation, a primal groan rising from deep within her. With one final, earth-shattering push, a new noise rose above the voices. A shrill cry filled the room as Lina lifted a small, squealing baby, red from head to toe.

Jason gasped at the sight as the infant was quickly laid on Kelsi's chest. "You did it, Kels!" he said gleefully.

Her heart swelled as she gazed down at their daughter, tears filling her eyes. She let her head collapse onto the pillow, snuggling the gurgling infant close.

Tears rolled down Jason's cheeks as a wave of emotion washed over him. It was a mixture of awe, relief, and an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness. He had been this amazing woman's lover, husband, and now he was the father of their child. A lump formed in his throat as he realized that this tiny being was the culmination of their love, their journey together. He felt a surge of pride in Kelsi, who had endured such horrible pain. "Damn, woman, you're such a bad-ass."

Kelsi giggled through her tears, his humour lifting her weary spirit. "Oh look at her, she's perfect," she whispered, her voice filled with awe and exhaustion. Soft sobs because to shake her body as she caressed the infant's cheek, her heart so full it could burst at any moment. This little girl was a miracle, a testament to the strength she had discovered within herself. As she held their daughter close, she knew that nothing in the world could ever compare to this moment.

Lina came close and joined them, the emotion of the moment bringing tears to her eyes as well. She had delivered a lot of babies in her career, but none of them had made her a grandmother before. She reached out and placed a gentle hand on the baby's head, speaking softly as the room fell into a calm hush for the mother and child. "Do you guys have a name?" she asked and signalled for a nurse to fetch Steven from the hall.

Jason looked down at Kelsi and nodded. "Go ahead, babe, you did pick it out," he said. Kelsi took in a shaky breath and was about to speak, but the sound of her daughter cooing softly on her chest brought too many sobs. Shaking her head, she fell into Jason's chest, releasing overwhelming tears that urged him to pull her into a tight embrace.

He fought back his own tears and turned to Lina, seeing Steven had joined them too. Drawing energy from the family that surrounded them, he took a deep breath. "Talia Ruth, that's her name."