Author's Note: The site has been a little weird over the last week, so if you missed chapter 43 and 44, make sure you read those before this one.
Today, we're having a baby!
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Chapter 45-Surprise Number Seven
Jenna sat in the rocking chair in her daughter's nursery. With her hands cradling her bump, she looked around the room. The walls were painted white, with soft pink sheer curtains, pink bedding, and pink letters spelling out the baby's sweet name. Jenna was filled with peace every time she set foot in this room, and she hoped it would bring the same kind of peace for her baby girl when she arrived.
Hank had just hung the letters above the crib the night before. It was the last piece of the nursery, and Jenna felt like she could finally relax. Hospital bags were packed, all of the basic newborn necessities were ready, and Jenna was thirty-eight weeks pregnant today. Their little girl could come any day now. They were ready.
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Five days later…
After a long day at the office, Hank headed home from work near 10:00pm. When he arrived at home, he was surprised to see Jenna lying on the couch, a collection of pillows around her. He stopped in front of her, trying to understand the need for all of the pillows.
"What?" Jenna asked, when she realized Hank was staring at her.
Hank continued to study the scene in front of him. "Just...trying to figure out what I'm looking at right now. Pillow fort?"
Jenna sighed. "It's the only thing that's working. My entire body hurts, I've had a few contractions off and on today, and I can't get comfortable. This position works, so I'm living here until the baby decides to come."
"Contractions?" Hank asked.
"Yeah, a few. I've been having them for a couple of days. Nothing regular, and nothing too strong."
"If you say so," Hank said.
He held out his hand to help Jenna from the couch. She looked up at him and shook her head. "I wasn't kidding, Hank. I'm not moving."
Hank continued holding out his hand. "Come to bed, babe."
"I can't get comfortable in there," Jenna said, shaking her head again. "I've tried, and nothing works, so I'm staying here."
Hank sighed. "Ok." He picked up a blanket, covering her up and kissing the top of her head. After changing clothes and grabbing another blanket, he went back to join Jenna in the living room. He kissed her head again and softly said, "I love you."
"I love you."
"I'm gonna sleep over here in case you need me," he said, sitting down in his recliner and covering up.
"Go to bed, babe," Jenna said. "You need your sleep. I can't have you going out to catch bad guys without sleep."
"I'll be fine. I'm not leaving you down here."
"Ok," she said sleepily as she yawned.
Hank smiled as he watched her. "Sleep, honey. I'll see you in the morning."
Jenna woke up a couple of hours later to a familiar pain in her abdomen and back. 'Contraction', she thought to herself. This one was harder than any of the other contractions she'd been having. She attempted to go back to sleep, but over the next couple of hours, the contractions began coming faster and harder. She began walking around the living room, trying to get some relief or move things along. After an hour of timing the contractions, they were five to seven minutes apart. She knew that due to the intensity and frequency of her contractions, it was time to wake Hank up and head to the hospital. This baby was coming, and fast.
Jenna walked over to Hank, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Babe. Wake up." He grunted in his sleep, but he didn't rouse. Another contraction hit her, and she leaned over, putting her hands on his shoulders as she tried to breathe through it. It was the hardest one yet, and she knew they needed to go, right now. "Hank, wake up," she said through her clenched teeth. When he still didn't wake up, she waited for the contraction to pass before punching him in the shoulder.
"What? What's going on?" Hank asked as he quickly sat up, nearly falling out of his chair.
"I'm in labor."
He jumped up from the chair and took her in his arms. "Ok. Is it time to go to the hospital?"
"Yeah. Contractions are five to seven minutes apart."
"Ok, I'll go put our bags in the car and come back for you." Hank quickly kissed her, resting his forehead against hers for a moment. "We're having a baby today?"
Jenna nodded, forcing a smile. "We're having a baby today."
When he came back into the house, Hank found Jenna leaning on the back of the couch, in the middle of another contraction. He quickly rushed over, rubbing her back until it passed.
When it was over, Jenna looked up at him. "Hurts," she said softly.
"I know it does. I wish I could do this part for you. But you're so strong, and you're going to be incredible at this. Now, let's get you to the hospital."
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Hank held Jenna's hand as they drove to the hospital, coaching her to breathe through the contractions. When they got to the hospital entrance, her doctor was waiting for them. Hank was immediately filled with relief when he saw the doctor. Jenna's contractions had increased in intensity again during the drive, and Hank had been a little worried that he was going to deliver this baby on the side of the road. As the doctor opened the car door, Jenna was hit with another contraction. The doctor held Jenna's hands as Hank rubbed her back. When it was over, the doctor said, "That was really good."
"She's doing amazing," Hank said.
"Shut up. I am not," Jenna said, leaning back against the seat to catch her breath.
The doctor met Hank's eyes, a smile on her face. "Oh, you're going to be like that. I was hoping you would be, and I'm so glad it's true. Let's get you up to the labor and delivery floor and see how things are going."
When Jenna had been examined and settled into a room, she was allowed to labor how she wanted, opting for sitting on a birthing ball, leaning over onto the bed. Hank sat in a chair behind her, pressing against her lower back to give her some relief during her contractions.
As a contraction passed, Jenna sat up, leaning back into Hank's chest, her head resting against his shoulder. "I'm ready for it to be over," she said softly.
Hank slid his arms around Jenna's waist, cradling her bump in his hands. "I know, Jen. I know it hurts, but the doctor thinks she'll be here in a couple of hours. You're doing so well, and I'm so proud of you. I've been watching the monitors, and both of you are doing great. Just keep breathing, and I'm right here for whatever you need me to do." He kissed her head. "I love you both so much."
"I love you," Jenna whispered as she felt another contraction building.
An hour later, Jenna felt a dramatic increase in pressure and the overwhelming need to push. "Hank, she's coming. I need to push right now."
Hank felt his own heart rate spike, but he tried to stay calm for Jenna. "Ok, let's get you into bed, and I'll call for the doctor."
"No, right here," Jenna said, as she moved to kneel beside the bed, leaning over the bed. "Call her now." Hank quickly called the doctor as he knelt next to her, rubbing her back as she started to push.
The nurse rushed in, and when she saw the scene in front of her, she called for another nurse to help while they waited for the doctor. "Mrs. Voight, we need you to stop pushing. I know it hurts, but we need to wait for the doctor."
Jenna shook her head. "I can't wait. She's coming right now."
As she started pushing again, the doctor burst into the room, quickly kneeling behind Jenna. "Whoa, ok, baby girl doesn't feel like waiting, does she?"
"Mind of her own. Stubborn like her daddy," Jenna said as the contraction ended and she took a moment to breathe.
Hank and the doctor both laughed. "If she got my stubborn streak, we're in trouble, Jen."
As the next contraction started, Hank took one of Jenna's hands, letting her squeeze it as her other hand clutched the sheets on the bed, pushing as hard as she could. Hank rubbed her back, softly telling her how good she was doing and how proud he was of her. A tear rolled down his face as he watched Jenna fight through immense pain to bring their daughter into the world. He loved her so deeply, but he felt his love growing every moment they came closer to meeting their daughter. Every day, he wondered why she chose him, and today, he thanked God even more that she came into his life.
He was shaken from his thoughts when the doctor said, "She'll be here with the next contraction. Let's get ready."
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An hour later, Hank was sitting beside Jenna on the bed, cradling their tiny, six pound, four ounce, newborn daughter in his arms. "Hi baby," he said softly. Jenna slipped her arm through one of his as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"She's so precious," Jenna said, brushing a few tears away from her face.
Hank placed several soft kisses on Jenna's forehead. "You were so amazing, Jen. Watching you give birth…it was probably the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed. I'm just…in awe of you."
"Thank you," Jenna said, kissing his shoulder. "I couldn't have done it without you next to me. You kept me calm when I really wanted to panic."
Hank smiled against her head. "You could've done it on your own, because you're strong, but I'm glad I could be here to help." He looked back down at the sleeping baby in his arms. "Jen, she's so perfect. Just…unbelievably perfect."
"She is," Jenna said, as she reached over, gently stroked the baby's cheek. "She's so beautiful."
"Should we let the kids know?" Hank asked.
"It's early. My girls won't be up for another few hours, and it'll be at least another couple of hours for Erin and Nick. Let's just let them sleep, and we can have a little more time alone, just the three of us."
"That works for me."
Hank transferred the baby back to Jenna's arms. As Jenna laid the baby against her chest, they watched as the baby snuggled herself closer, as if she knew her momma had her now. They both laughed when they heard the baby let out a big contented sigh as she fell into a deep sleep.
Hank leaned over and kissed the baby's head and said, "Momma's chest is Dad's favorite place to sleep too."
Jenna giggled as she playfully elbowed Hank in the stomach. "You're terrible."
She looked down at the baby for a moment before looking back up at Hank with tear-filled eyes. Her hand stroked his cheek before moving to the back of his neck, and she pulled him into a deep kiss. "Thank you," she whispered.
"For what, babe?" he asked.
"For her."
Hank smiled, kissing her again. "You did everything. I should be thanking you. I'm so happy, Jen. I never imagined something like this would happen. When Camille died, I thought that was it for me, that I'd never love again. But I had Justin, and I had Erin, so I'd be ok. Then I lost Justin, and I didn't know if I would ever recover. I was almost dead inside, and then I met you, and now...this incredible little girl...I never thought I'd have a chance to have this. I just...thank you, for loving me, for giving me this perfect little girl, for giving me a family again." He pulled her close and kissed her hard. "I love you so much."
"I love you too."
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Hank let Jenna sleep for a couple of hours before deciding that they couldn't wait any longer to talk to the kids. He needed to notify the district that his paternity leave was starting, and he knew Jenna wanted their kids to be the first to know.
He gently stroked Jenna's cheek and kissed her head as he tried to slowly bring her back into consciousness. After a few moments, her eyes fluttered open. "Hey," she whispered.
"Hey beautiful," he said, kissing her softly. "I'm sorry I had to wake you."
"It's ok. Did you sleep?" she asked.
Hank shook his head. "No, I couldn't close my eyes. I didn't want to miss a moment of this," he said, gesturing toward her and the baby.
Jenna rolled her eyes as she laughed. "Yeah, yeah."
"Yeah," he said, kissing her again. "I hated to wake you, but I thought we should call the kids because I need to let the district know that I'm starting paternity leave today. We have open cases that I need to get covered, so we really can't wait much longer."
"Ok," she said. "How about we FaceTime all of the kids, and then we can let Erin and Nick know that we need another hour alone, and then they can come by any time to meet her."
"Works for me," Hank said, taking out his phone and setting up the call. Moments later, everyone was connected.
"Hank, what's going on?" Erin asked, a little concerned at the family call this early in the morning.
"Is Mom ok?" Paige asked, sharing Erin's concern.
"Your mom is fine, everything is fine. We just have something we need to show you." He flipped the camera around to reveal Jenna and the baby, and they laughed at the excited screams coming from their kids. Hank flipped the camera back around as he sat down next to Jenna, holding the phone where she could see the kids and they could see the baby up close.
"She's here!" Erin said.
"Mom, she's gorgeous," Chloe said.
"Thank you. We are so in love with her," Jenna said.
"Tell us everything!" Paige said.
Jenna looked up at Hank, and he nodded, beginning the story. "She's been here with us for about three hours. We didn't want to wake everyone up too early. Jen has been having contractions off and on for a couple of days, and overnight they picked up. About an hour after we got settled here in the room, she was born. It was the most incredible thing I've ever seen."
"That's amazing," Nick said. "Mom, how are you feeling?"
"Tired, sore, but happy. She's perfect," Jenna said, snuggling the baby a little closer.
"When do we get to meet her?" Erin asked. "I mean, I'm sorry for the California crew that has to wait, but when can we come up and meet her?"
Hank and Jenna laughed. "We need about an hour. I need to make some calls, and the baby needs to try to eat. Text when you get here, and I'll come out and meet you."
"Jay and I will be there in an hour," Erin said excitedly.
They said goodbye to their kids amid congratulations, squeals, and demands for photos. Hank made the necessary work-related phone calls, Jenna nursed the baby, and when they were finished, they cuddled together while they waited on their visitors, enjoying their last few minutes alone before they had to share their little one with the world.
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Exactly one hour later, Hank received a text from Erin that she and Jay had just arrived at the hospital and were in the labor and delivery waiting room. Hank kissed Jenna before going to meet the kids.
When Erin saw him, she rushed over, throwing her arms around his neck in a giant hug. "Congratulations! I can't believe you have a baby!"
Hank laughed. "Thanks, kiddo. It is pretty unbelievable. She's so tiny and so perfect."
"Congratulations Hank," Jay said, shaking Hank's hand. "We're really happy for you and Jenna."
"Thanks. Follow me."
When they reached Jenna's room, Hank stepped in ahead of the others to make sure she was ready. She had already fallen asleep, the baby still sleeping on her chest. He walked over and kissed the top of her head, waking her up.
"The kids are here," he said softly.
"Ok. Sorry, I just needed to close my eyes."
Hank smiled down at her. "It's ok. I just wanted to make sure you were ready."
"Yeah. Bring them in."
Erin had tears in her eyes before she ever stepped into the room. "Oh Jenna," Erin said when she saw the baby.
"Come on in," Jenna said. Hank sat down on one side of the bed, while Erin sat on the other, Jay standing behind her with his hands resting on her shoulders.
"She's so beautiful. She has to be the most beautiful baby I've ever seen," Erin said.
"I would have to agree," Jay said. "Even with Sarge as her dad, she's pretty cute."
They all laughed as Jay backed away to avoid Hank's fist.
"But seriously, she's great, and we're both really happy for you," Jay said.
"Thank you Sweetie," Jenna said. "We're pretty in love with her."
"Can we please know her name now? The wait has been killing me?" Erin said.
Jenna looked up at Hank. "Go ahead," he said.
"Her name is Emerson Grace."
"I love it!" Erin squealed. She reached out and gently patted the baby on her back. "Emerson Grace, you are the luckiest little girl in the world. Ok, we've been waiting forever. Can we PLEASE hold her now?" she asked.
"Of course." Jenna handed her the baby, and Erin moved to the chair next to Jenna's bed, gently snuggling the baby against her chest. Jay pulled up another chair next to Erin's, getting as close as possible to see the baby. "Hi precious girl. I'm your big sister Erin, and I'm going to spoil you rotten."
"You spoil my baby girl, I'll spoil your future children even worse," Hank threatened.
Erin rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever. Big sisters are supposed to spoil the babies."
"Just like grandparents are supposed to spoil their grandkids," Hank said, smirking at her.
"Ok, enough, both of you. No spoiling of any babies," Jenna said.
After Erin snuggled, took pictures, and covered Emerson's face in kisses, she asked Jay, "Do you want to hold her?"
Jay looked at Hank and Jenna. "I haven't really held many babies, especially one this tiny. Is it ok?"
"Of course it is," Jenna said.
Erin carefully transferred the baby to Jay's arms. He looked up at her nervously. "Am I doing this right?" he asked.
"Relax Jay," Jenna said. "They can smell fear."
Jay took a breath and tried to calm himself. A smile crossed his face as he felt Emerson relax in his arms. "Emmie Grace, you are pretty amazing."
"The sweetest baby ever," Erin said, gently touching the baby's cheek.
Hank moved across the room to sit next to Jay, so Erin moved to the edge of the bed beside Jenna.
"I remember you told me once that you'd always wanted six kids," Erin said. "I'm glad you finally got your special number six."
Jenna took Erin's hand. "Sweetie, I got my sixth child the day I got you."
Erin covered her face with her hand as she fought back tears. "Jenna."
"I'm serious," Jenna said, pulling Erin into a hug. "You were my special number six. Emerson is my surprise number seven, and I'm thrilled she gets to have you as a sister."
"Thank you," Erin whispered, wiping her tears.
As they passed the baby back and forth, watching her sleep, they didn't realize that Jenna had fallen asleep. "Oh Jenna," Erin whispered when she saw her sleeping.
"Yeah, she's pretty exhausted," Hank said. "She was up all night and has only slept a little."
"We'll get out of here," Erin said. "She needs to rest. Can we come back this evening with the unit? I know they'll all want to come by and see Emerson after shift."
"Fine with us. Text first though," Hank said.
"Will do," Erin said, as she passed the baby to Hank. "Send pictures. Lots and LOTS of pictures."
Hank laughed. "We'll see. Thanks for coming by."
When the room was quiet again, Hank stretched out in a chair with Emerson sleeping against his chest. A tear rolled down his cheek as he kissed the top of Emerson's head. He was overwhelmed at this perfect little life he'd been entrusted with. As much as he tried to avoid them, his thoughts drifted to Camille and Justin again. He wasn't there for them the way he should've been, and he missed out on a lot of the early years. When he lost Justin, he'd prayed for another chance, a do-over, a way to right the wrongs of the past. Looking down at his newborn baby girl, he realized that a do-over is exactly what he'd been given. It wasn't the same second chance he'd begged for at Justin's grave, but it was a new opportunity to be a father, to do right by his wife, and to be there for his child.
That was exactly what he was determined to do, no matter what.
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Their first day with Emerson was going smoothly. Nursing came easy to her, she gave them little periods of awake time, and the entire day couldn't be described as anything other than perfect.
Later that evening, Hank received a text from Erin asking if the members of their unit could come by and meet the baby. Jenna's son Nick and his family had visited on his lunch break, so Intelligence would be their last set of visitors for the day. Jenna agreed that the unit could come, and she was excited to see Hank's team with their baby.
Erin texted again when everyone had arrived, and she led them up to Jenna's room.
Kim had tears in her eyes as they walked in to see Hank cradling the baby. "Wow Sarge. You really have a baby."
Hank chuckled, turning the baby so everyone could see her. "We do. This is Emerson Grace, the newest member of the Intelligence family."
"She's really pretty," Hailey said as he handed the baby to her, while everyone gathered around to see her.
"Thank goodness she looks like her mom," Adam said.
"Yeah, thank goodness for that," Hank said as he laughed.
Al walked over to Jenna and gave her a hug. "Anything you need?"
"I'm good right now, Al. Thank you though."
"She's really beautiful," Al said.
"Thanks," Jenna said. "We think she's pretty amazing."
Al squeezed her hand. "I know you've got kids here that can help you, but if you need anything, Meredith and I are more than happy to help. You just call, ok?"
"We will. Thank you Al."
"How long are you off work, Sarge?" Kevin asked, taking his turn to hold Emerson.
"I'm off the rest of this week and all of next. After that, we'll play it by ear. I may do some half days or something. We'll see. It's going to be hard." He smiled as he looked over at Emerson, looking so tiny cradled in Kevin's arms. "I already can't imagine spending a minute away from this little girl."
"Take your time coming back. Al and Jay and I will hold it down," Antonio said.
"Thank you all," Hank said. "I appreciate how supportive everyone has been since we found out about Emerson, and I appreciate your help in keeping the unit running while I'm out." His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he stared at his baby girl. "I need to be here for both of them as much as I can. I'll be available if you have questions or need to talk something through."
"You got it, Boss," Adam said. "We've got everything under control. You just enjoy spending time with that pretty little girl."
"Thank you."
When Hank's unit was gone, and Emerson was fed, changed, and sleeping soundly in her bassinet, Hank slipped into bed behind Jenna, holding her close as they watched their baby girl sleep.
"Today was a great day," Jenna said.
"It sure was," Hank said, kissing Jenna's head. "I'm grateful everything went smoothly, and both of you are safe and healthy."
"Me too. I was really concerned about how this day would go, but she's here, and she's perfect, and I'm ok, and I couldn't ask for anything else." She pulled his arms tighter around her waist. "I love you, and I love her, and I love that we get to have her."
"I do too. I love that we get a chance to do this together. You're an incredible mom, and I'm glad my baby girl gets to have you as hers."
"I'm glad we're getting to do this together too. We're so lucky."
Hank nodded. "We are. Incredibly lucky."
They held each other for awhile longer, watching their baby until they both fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of their future with their perfect little girl.