The happy chirps of a baby awoke Dennis from his slumber.
Reaching beside him, the bed was still warm, but lacked his husband. Laying back on his pillow Dennis glanced over at the video monitor.
Found him. Dennis smiled to himself.
It had been a long road to get here, but something about Baby Jane Doe and the sabbatical changed Robby.
While it wasn't plausible for him to take care of her, the social worker reassured them she was going to a loving home.
All they could do was hope that was true, and that they did the best they could to help her.
It was about 3 years after Baby Jane Doe that another baby appeared in the Pitt.
This one was known as Baby John Doe.
Unknown infant, presenting with high fever, irritability, and a rash.
Robby and Dennis had been working that shift, and both their hearts broke for the little baby.
They had been living together for about a year and a half, and if Robby could ever find the courage, the ring box sitting in his locker would hopefully move them to the next step into heir relationship.
As the shift wore on and the baby was treated it became clear that social services had no emergency homes available for the little one.
All it took was a look exchanged between Robby and Dennis, before they inquired about becoming an emergency placement for the child.
Thus began their journey into guardianship.
The nights were long, the diaper blow outs plenty, but neither man would change the experience for the world.
Every smile and milestone their little guy reached helped heal something that was broken in both men.
Gazing now at the baby monitor, Dennis’ breath is taken away, he listens to the low timber of Robby's voice. Singing a Hebrew lullaby as the baby slowly nodded off back to sleep. A few moments later Robby entered their bedroom.
Tired brown eyes meeting Dennis’, he gives his husband a tired smile before crawling back into bed, pressing a lazy kiss to Dennis’ cheek before curling up behind Dennis, holding him close.
Fingers intertwined both men fell into a restful sleep, warm and surrounded by love and family, at least until the next feeding.