Get Used To It Part 5: Shaking Hands Still Hold The World Together
Summary: The baby is on the way and Jack is not at all freaking out. He's totally fine. Not sweating at all.
Warnings: labor, childbirth, birth gone wrong (no death), c-section
A/N: The final part! I liked this little series; it made me all warm and happy. I hope you all enjoyed it!
Rose was too pregnant. Like, can’t get off the couch without help, bending over isn’t an option, can’t remember the last time she saw her feet, pregnant. Her due date is in one day. She wanted this kid out two weeks ago.
Jack is panicking. Quietly.
He couldn’t legally take any paternity leave, so he was working until Rose went into labor. Then he’d cash in all his PTO. He had plenty.
He had a rotating schedule of people to keep her company (watch her like a ticking time bomb) while he was at work. Dana volunteered the most, she slept over a couple of times.
“I am an adult, Jack! I don’t need a babysitter!” Rose growled.
“I know you don’t! It’s for me!” Jack groaned.
Dana and Benji were hanging out with her tonight. They kept Jack up to date on everything. He used to despise his phone. Thought it was a stupid invention. He couldn’t put it down now. He and Shen were finishing up a bar fight patient when his phone went off. It was Dana. His hands started shaking.
“Yeah?” He answered.
“Jack, take a breath.” Dana demanded.
“What is it?” Jack’s heart was beating like a drum.
“She’s been having consistent contractions for the last few hours.”
“I’m on my way-”
“No! Don’t do that. We’re meeting you there. Her OB has privileges at PTMC and they have it all set up. Call Robby, get him to cover you. We’ve got your girls.” Dana tried to keep him calm, knowing there was no way in hell that was happening.
“Fine. Come through the ED.”
“We will. Breathe.” Dana hung up the phone.
Jack dialed Robby, his hands shaking more, sweat beading on his forehead. He can’t be this nervous.
“What?” Robby’s sleep-addled voice rasped.
“Rose is in labor. You need to come cover me.” Jack’s voice was strained as he tried to keep his emotions in check.
“Right. Okay. I’ll be there in fifteen.”
“Be here in ten.” Jack hung up the phone.
Jack did his best to take care of his notes, finish up with his patients. He was never so happy to see Robby as he was tonight. He ran up to him, wrapping him in a quick hug.
“I guess this is my official notice that I’m putting in for my PTO.” Jack huffed.
“Can’t argue with that.” Robby chuckled. He looked Jack up and down, taking in his clearly rattled visage. “You need to chill.”
“I’m fine.” Jack’s rigid body saying the contrary.
“Brother, you gotta be the calm one. You need to be her stone tonight. You can’t be…this.” Robby chuckled.
“I know! Fuck!” Jack ran his hands through his curls.
“Take a breath. You’re a good doctor. So is she. I’m sure her OB is too. If you’re really doubting things, call me. Nothing is going to happen to them. You have to believe that or she won’t. That will just make things harder.” Robby patted him on the back.
“When did you get so wise?” Jack chuckled.
“Always have been, you just never noticed.”
The triage doors opened and Dana and Benji wheeled Rose in. She looked calm and collected, her cheeks were flushed but other than that you wouldn’t know she was in labor. Jack ran over to them.
“Hey, how are you?” He asked, taking her hand.
“Oh, ya know, just peachy. My uterus and cervix are fighting each other and a bowling ball is trying to escape my insides. Thrilled.” She huffed.
“Stupid question?”
“Very.” Rose smiled up at him.
“Let’s get you upstairs, sweetheart.” Dana said.
“Jack, here.” Benji handed him a tissue. “You got the ‘first time dad sweats’.” He laughed.
“Shit.” Jack dabbed at his forehead.
“Don’t worry about it. I sweat through my shirt with the first one.” Benji slapped him on the back.
They all piled into the elevator. The energy was nervous and electric. It could power the whole of Pittsburgh for at least an hour. When they exited the elevator, Benji pulled Jack aside.
“Just some advice, real quick.” He cleared his throat. “You’re going to get into your head, and it’ll probably be worse for you, but try and be present. Remember this is about her. Just do as she says. Speak up for her when she can’t. Remember everything is your fault, even if you weren’t the one to actually get her pregnant.” Benji laughed. Jack hung on every word.
“Right. Okay. Be present. It’s my fault. Got it.” Jack nodded.
“Just be kind to her. It’s not hard. She’s scared, even if they won’t say it out loud.” Benji smiled to himself, the memory of his children’s births playing in his head.
“Thank you.” Jack nodded.
“Hey! You two quit jaw-jacking! I got a woman in labor who wants to get in her room.” Dana barked.
“Everything is my fault.” Jack nodded as he ran off.
“I’ll be out here!” Benji waved them off.
The L&D nurses had arranged it so Rose got the nicest room on the ward. It was huge, with big windows and a tub in the corner. Rose had floated up to L&D a few times to cover and quickly made friends with the entire department.
“Hi, Rose!” Dr. Malone walked.
“Hi, how are you?” Rose panted as she paced back and forth.
“I think that’s my question.” Malone laughed. “I’ll be taking care of you until Dr. Jane gets here. Are you alright with that?”
“Sounds great. When do I get the epidural?” Rose asked.
“I’ll put in the order.” Dr. Malone chuckled. “First, I’ll do a quick exam. If you’ll hop on the bed for me.” She grabbed her gloves as Rose got herself as comfortable as she could.
“I didn’t think I could get more uncomfortable, but this bed might be my mortal enemy.” Rose groaned.
“Dr. Abbot, do you want to step outside while we do our pelvic?” Dr. Malone asked.
“He stays. He stays with me. I want him on my file as my emergency contact. I put in the paperwork a while ago, he’s in your system. He has decision-making privileges. ” Rose sat up, suddenly very anxious at Jack leaving.
“It’s okay. Relax, she didn’t know. I’m not going anywhere.” Jack grabbed her hand.
“Understood. I won’t question it again.” Dr. Malone nodded. “Deep breaths for me, Rose. I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“I’ve never wished I was a man until today.” Rose grimaced.
“Great job, Rose. You’re at six centimeters. A while to go. But your vitals are looking good and baby’s are holding steady. I trust you two to keep an eye on things. We’ll give you as much privacy as we can. I’ll let you know when Dr. Jane arrives.” Dr. Malone smiled and left.
Rose rolled out of bed, hoisted to her feet with the help of Jack. She resumed her pacing; her nerves wouldn’t settle.
Jack watched her as he sat on the windowsill. He had calmed down once Dana had left. Something in his body knew that he had to be the calm one, had to make sure she didn’t panic.
“How are you not freaking out?” Rose huffed, her hands kneading the muscles on her lower back.
“Oh, I’m freaking out. I’m just not showing you.” Jack chuckled as he walked up to her and started massaging her back.
“Oh, that’s better.” Rose hummed as she leaned over the end of the bed.
“I’ll do my best to read your mind, but it would be helpful if you let me know when you need something,” Jack said.
“Got it. I forget you aren’t squeamish.” Rose nodded.
“Only with abscesses. Fucking hate those.” Jack cringed.
“Glad childbirth doesn’t make you gag.” Rose chuckled.
“Naw. It’s kind of amazing. I like when we get to do deliveries downstairs. The one time we get to be a part of someone’s best day instead of their worst.” Jack dug his fingers into her muscles absentmindedly.
The hours dragged on. Word spread throughout the hospital. Perlah had snuck her way upstairs to wish her luck and gave her a quick prayer before leaving. Princess had snuck her some chocolates and a few of the good blankets. Jack was there, steady and willing to let her crush any part of his body her hands got hold of. Even when he felt his knuckles crunch in a sickening grind.
“Oh fuck!” Rose cried as she clutched onto Jack’s shoulders.
“Steady breaths. It’s almost over.” Jack hummed, his voice low and calm. He put counterpressure on her hips.
“It’s been forever! I should be further along by now!” Rose groaned.
“Every body is different, you know that. Just let your body do the work.” Jack brushed the sweaty hair from her face.
“Easier said than done.” Rose pushed off him and sat on the edge of the bed. “What if…what if I’m bad at this?” Her hands caressed her belly.
Jack looked at her, taken aback. At no point in her pregnancy had Rose doubted her abilities as a mother. Or at least, she didn’t voice it to Jack. She had seemed so confident as she prepared for the baby.
“Rose. If anyone can do this, it’s you. You’re the kindest, smartest person I know. You take care of everyone without even thinking about it. You can do this.” Jack pulled the stool over so he could sit in front of her. “You love them. That’s the first step. You’re already a great mother.”
“I want you on the birth certificate. I want her to be an Abbot.” Rose sniffled. “You’re her dad, Jack. I knew it that night in the rain. She was always meant to be yours. Ours.” Rose ran her fingers through his curls, cupping his cheek.
“I knew on the bathroom floor.” Jack chuckled, wiping the tears from his eyes.
“I trust you with us.” She smiled and Jack felt his heart explode in his chest.
“I won’t let you down. I promise.” He sat up a little straighter.
“Good. I’ll be…I’ll be furious if you…do. Fuck….” Rose groaned as another contraction took over.
“You’re doing great.” Jack held her hand as she panted.
“J-Jack…something’s wrong….my head…dizzy…” Rose started shaking.
“Deep breaths. You’re okay. I got you.” Jack jumped up, pressing the call button. “Sit back.” He guided her back on the bed. He looked over her vitals, the monitors screaming.
“Dr. Nolan, Dr. Abbot, what-”
“Her pressure is tanking. The baby’s heart rate is dropping. Get Malone!” Jack barked. The nurse nodded and ran out of the room.
“Jack-”
“You’re okay. I’m not letting anything happen. Just focus on breathing.” His voice was steady, even as his hands shook.
The door burst open, and Malone came running with a team of nurses behind her. She started prodding Rose and reading the monitors. She whispered something to one of the nurses. The nurse gave a curt nod and ran out of the room.
“What’s going on!?” Rose growled, furious with no one talking to her.
“Rose, your baby is in distress and your body isn’t taking the labor well anymore. We’ve got to do a C-section to keep you both safe.” Dr. Malone said as she typed on her tablet.
“O-okay. Do what you have to do.” Rose nodded. “Can I stay awake at least?”
“We’ll do our best, but if things escalate, we’ll have to put you out,” Malone said.
“Jack goes on the birth certificate. He gets to make the call.” Rose let the tears fall down her cheeks.
“Stop it, Rose.” Jack begged.
“Please, just for peace of mind. Just, please.” Rose held onto his hand like it might be the last time.
“He’s down as your proxy. He’ll be the father. We’ve got you, Rose.” Dr. Malone promised as she rushed out of the room.
“Let’s get you ready.” One of the nurses said.
“Dr. Abbot, here.” Another nurse pushed OR scrubs at him. “Wouldn’t want you bringing ER germs in the OR. Go get changed. We’ve got her.”
“Right. Okay. Thanks.” Jack sighed, looking at the blue scrubs. “You’ll be okay for a second?”
“Y-yeah. Go get changed.” Rose pushed him away.
It was all a blur. They were wheeling her into an OR and pushing Jack into a scrub room to put on shoe covers and a cap. They gave him instructions he didn’t hear. He had just enough time to send a quick text off to Dana and Robby before they were pushing him into the bright room. Rose was splayed out on the table, her hair pulled into a cap, an oxygen cannula under her nose. A nurse shoved Jack onto the stool next to her head.
“Hey, Rose. You doing okay?” He asked, his hand on her forehead, desperate for his voice to stay firm.
“Oh, ya know. Just getting my abdomen ripped open. No big deal.” She forced a smile.
“Stupid question?”
“Just a little.”
“You’re going to be okay, she’s going to be okay,” Jack spoke the words like a prayer.
“If…if it goes sideways-”
“Don’t. Don’t do that. Please.” Jack hung his head.
“Jack, she’s yours.” Rose smiled up at him. He was going to beg her to just keep smiling like that for him forever when Malone interrupted.
“Alright, we’re going to get started. You’ll feel a lot of pressure and tugging. If it’s painful, tell us. Okay, Rose?” Dr. Malone’s voice bellowed.
“Okay.” Rose sighed.
“I’m right here. Not going anywhere.” Jack held her hand.
“God, it feels so weird.” She gave a misty chuckle.
“I bet. Never had anyone dig around my insides before.” Jack tried to joke.
“Pressure is dropping, Dr. Malone.” The anesthesiologist said.
“Push the Phenylephrine. Almost there, Rose.” Malone said.
“Hey, what outfit did you put in the bag? To take her home in?” Jack tried to distract Rose.
“I-I…the purple one.” Rose’s voice shook, tears brimming.
“The one with dinosaurs on it?” Jack traced his thumb along her cheek.
“Yeah. But I couldn’t decide. So I-”
“Baby will be out in just a second, Rose,” Malone shouted.
“I brought the polka dot one too. We’ll know which one when we see her.” Rose cried.
“Yeah. She’ll tell us. With your genetics, she’ll be opinionated for sure.” Jack smiled.
“Here’s baby girl Abbot!” Malone said as the room was filled with the cries of a very perturbed baby. Jack’s heart stopped at the sound. Rose didn’t stop the silent tears. Their eyes were wide as the emotions hit them with full force.
“You did so good, baby.” Jack kissed her forehead.
“She’s okay?” Rose sniffled.
“Baby girl is perfect, Rose. Eight pounds, four ounces. Big, strong girl.” One of the nurses smiled through her mask.
“I want to see her. Please.” Rose begged.
“We’ll bring her over. Dad, you want to get her for Mom?” The nurse put a hand on Jack’s shoulder. His whole body felt like it weighed nothing, the feeling of being called a dad for the first time made him feel like he could fly, and like he was going to shit himself at the same time.
“Yeah. Yes.” He nodded as he got up and went over to the bassinet. The pink, screaming little girl was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. She was so angry and loud, and it was the greatest sight Jack had ever borne witness to.
“She’s feisty. She’s already fighting the swaddle.” The nurse chuckled as she wrapped the baby in the blanket. She smiled as she handed the baby to Jack. He held her close to his chest as she cried.
“Hi, sweet girl.” He cried. “Jesus, she’s perfect.” He mumbled. “Let’s go see Mom.” Jack walked slowly back over to Rose. His legs felt like jelly.
“Jack?”
“Here she is.” Jack smiled as he put the baby on Rose’s chest.
“Hi, baby. Oh my god.” She sobbed.
“She’s amazing.” Jack beamed down at his girls.
“I love her so much!” Rose laughed through her tears.
“We’re almost done, Rose. How you holding up?” Dr. Malone asked.
“I’m great.” Rose smiled.
“Good to hear.” Dr. Malone laughed.
“Alright, Mom and Dad, we’ll take her to the nursery for a bit. Get her cleaned up. Once you're settled in your room, we’ll bring her back down.” A nurse came over and gently took the baby from Rose’s chest. Jack had a knee-jerk flash of anger at the poor woman. He brushed it off; she was just doing her job.
“I saw that.” Rose smiled.
“What?” Jack looked at her confused.
“You wanted to snap at that nurse.” Rose chuckled. “Kinda hot.”
“That’s my baby. I feel protective of you both right now.” Jack huffed.
“Dr. Abbot, I just wanted to let you know that you two have visitors waiting in the waiting room. When you’re ready.” A nurse informed them.
“I’ll go see them once you’re settled.” Jack nodded to Rose.
“Just a few more sutures and you’ll be all set. Vitals are looking much better. No hemorrhage. Should be an easy recovery.” Dr. Malone said.
“Is it bad that I’m kind of glad that art teacher turned doctor didn’t do this?” Jack chuckled.
“She was a good doctor! Kind of crazy she just never showed.” Rose said.
“Malone is better.” Jack said.
“I’ll take the compliment.” Dr. Malone laughed.
Jack refused to leave Rose’s side as they brought her into her room. She had to keep telling him that she was fine. She ordered him to go update Robby and Dana. Jack reluctantly left.
When he entered the waiting room, Robby, Dana and Benji were all sitting and wringing their hands. Jack stumbled over to them, his body still not fully functional.
“She’s okay. They’re both okay.” He panted.
“They’re okay? Thank god.” Dana sighed in relief.
“It was a girl, right? She have a name?” Robby asked.
“We haven’t gotten that far.” Jack said, suddenly realizing they had to nail that one down.
“You have time. You’ll know once you spend some time with her.” Benji gave his shoulder a pat.
“We?” Dana smirked.
“I’m on the birth certificate. She’s mine. I have a daughter.” Jack couldn’t stop the tears; he rubbed at his eyes.
“Congrats, brother.” Robby chuckled as he squeezed Jack’s shoulder.
“She’s so fucking perfect. They both are.” Jack took a deep breath.
“That feeling never goes away, just so you know.” Benji chuckled.
“Good.” Jack smiled.
“You took good care of them. You stepped up. You’re already the best dad, Jack.” Dana pulled him into a tight hug. “Go take care of your girls. We’ll come back tomorrow for a visit.”
“Thanks. Thank you for keeping me on my feet.” Jack nodded before he ran off.
When he got back to the room, the lights were low. The city lights gently illuminated Rose as she rocked the baby, cooing over her. Jack was so filled with love and pride that he could never articulate it. He walked over and sat in the chair next to her bed.
“She’s so great. I’m addicted.” Rose hummed.
“Yeah, I feel the same way.” Jack laughed. “She needs a name.”
“Yeah, I was just thinking about that,” Rose said. “Any suggestions? We never could agree.”
“I have no clue. Nothing feels good enough.” Jack leaned on the bed railing.
“What about Cora? If I remember correctly, it means beloved in French. Or something close to that.” Rose said. “Cora.” Jack played with the feel of it. “I think it fits. Cora Abbot.” His voice started to shake.
“You have no idea how loved you are, Cora.” Rose kissed the baby’s head.
If Jack was protective before, he was practically a guard dog now that Rose and Cora were home. Jack had made it very clear that Rose was to stay in bed as much as possible. He was insistent on doing as much as he could. He couldn’t do all the feedings, but he tried. The baby spent most of her time in the bedside crib.
Jack was asleep, enjoying the silence until he realized how rested he felt. He sprang up and looked over to find Rose and the baby gone. There was a moment of panic before he heard her voice from across the hall. She was singing something. Jack grabbed his crutches and made his way to the nursery. The sight he was met with almost brought him to his knees.
Rose was sitting on the window bench, drenched in the rays of the sunrise, rocking Cora. She was singing a lullaby to her, Cora gurgling and waving her arms around in contentment.
“You shouldn’t be out of bed.” Jack cleared his throat. Rose jumped a little.
“Cora, your dad is a control freak.” Rose giggled to the baby. “She was fussy and you needed to sleep. I’m fine.”
“That’s a hell of a sight.” Jack hummed.
“What?” Rose looked at him, confused.
“You, rocking my baby on the window bench.” Jack’s voice cracked.
“Come sit with us.” Rose prompted. Jack made his way to sit next to them.
“She looks so much like you.” Jack smiled.
“I’d be pissed if she looked like him, I did all the work.” Rose smirked.
“She knew.” Jack nodded, running his hand across Cora’s soft curls.
“Take her for me. My arm is falling asleep.” Rose passed the baby over to him. Jack cradled her close to his chest, resting her head near his collarbone so he could smell that newborn smell.
“I’m going to be devastated when she doesn’t smell like this anymore,” Jack grumbled.
“Wow.” Rose sat back.
“What?” Jack rocked himself and the baby.
“You, holding my baby on the window bench.” Rose smiled up at him.
Epilogue
Jack opened the door as quietly as he could. It was still early enough that his girls would still be asleep. He’d be damned if he woke anyone up. He creaked the door closed behind him as his body started to sag, the relief of being home after a tough shift taking over.
He set his bag down and went to the kitchen, making a fresh pot of coffee. He was toying with the idea of making French toast when he heard a sound coming from the living room. When he got to the doorway, he couldn’t help but laugh.
Cora was sitting on the couch, with all her stuffed toys next to her, the TV playing The Goofy Movie. Her stuffed rabbit, the one Jack had bought six years ago, was in her lap.
“Hey,” Jack whispered to get her attention. Cora jumped a little, but a wide grin spread across her face at the sight of him.
“Papa!” She matched his whisper, albeit with a little more enthusiasm.
“What are you doing up?” He came over and sat on the edge of the couch, kissing her forehead.
“Don’t know. Didn’t want to sleep anymore. I wanted to watch a movie. Momma’s still sleepin’.” She shrugged.
“You’re sneaky.” Jack chuckled.
“Momma says I get it from you.” She smiled up at him.
“Yeah, probably.” Jack nodded. “Don’t cause too much trouble. I might make you breakfast.” Jack stood with a groan.
“French toast?” Cora somehow made her eyes even bigger, and Jack couldn’t say no when she did.
“I think I can make that happen.” He ruffled her hair as he left the room.
He walked into the bedroom, Rose was pulling a full starfish. Her limbs were hanging off either side of the bed, the blanket haphazardly covering her. There was a little bit of drool pooling on the pillow, but Jack wouldn’t ever say anything.
He pulled his scrubs off, tossing on some comfortable clothes before climbing into the bed and pulling her into his chest. His hands glided along her soft skin. He buried his nose in her hair, breathing in the sweet scent of her shampoo.
“Mmm…too early,” Rose grumbled.
“Cora has officially figured out the child locks on the door handles.” Jack hummed against her skin.
“What?” Rose turned her head towards him.
“She was sitting on the couch with all her stuffies, watching a movie when I got home.” Jack chuckled.
“Shit.” Rose sighed as she stretched.
“She’s your child for sure.” He laughed. “She checked on you before she went out there.”
“How’d she turn the TV on?” Rose rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
“She’s too damn smart for her own good.” Jack kissed her neck.
“I guess we’ll have to talk to her about rules or something.” Rose moved to get up but Jack pulled her back down.
“You smell good.” He hummed as he kissed her.
“You smell like a hospital.” Rose giggled. “We shouldn’t leave a six-year-old to her own devices.”
“She’s watching a movie. She’s fine.” Jack moved so his body was on top of hers.
“Which one?” Rose ran her fingers through his curls as he trailed kisses down her body.
“The Goofy one that you like.” He nipped at her hip bone.
“Well, she has taste at least.” Rose sighed as she leaned into Jack’s touch.
“Coffee should be ready.” Jack kissed the inside of her thigh.
“Let it burn.” Rose moaned. Jack laughed as he kissed up her thigh, his fingers digging into her hip.
“Papa!” Cora’s voice broke the moment. Jack fell forward, head on Rose’s stomach, in frustration.
“Oh, that girl has your sense of timing,” Rose grumbled as she pushed Jack off and got up.
“I think it’s time we have a serious talk about letting momma and papa have alone time. Papa is about to lose his mind if he doesn’t get to wreck momma soon.” Jack huffed as he got up.
“Oh yeah. That’s a great way to phrase that.” Rose laughed.
“I’ll go start breakfast.” Jack sighed, dejected.
“French toast?”
“You two and your need for carbs.” Jack huffed. Jack made his way to the living room.
“Papa, I’m hungry.” Cora whined.
“Me too, kid.” Jack grumbled. “Let’s make French toast for you and Momma.” He bent over and picked her up.
“I can have berries?” Cora laid her head on his shoulder.
“Whatever you want, baby.” Jack kissed her forehead.
Jack pulled the stool over and plopped Cora down on it. She did a little dance on it as she watched him grab all the ingredients.
“Let me crack the eggs!” Cora made grabby hands at the eggs.
“Alright, cool your shorts.” Jack brought the bowl in front of her. He handed her an egg. She carefully cracked the egg into the bowl.
“Did it!” She jumped. She had only gotten a little of the whites on the counter.
“Good job, baby.” Jack smiled as he handed her another egg to crack.
Rose walked in, her pink robe hanging loose. She wrapped her arms around Jack, her hands rubbing up and down his chest.
“Don’t start something you can’t finish.” Jack hummed, leaning his head back to rest on her shoulder.
“I always finish in this house.” Rose giggled in his ear.
“You’re goddamn right.” Jack growled.
“Papa, I messed up.” Cora looked up at him with big, teary eyes and hands covered in egg, the shell everywhere.
“It’s okay, cricket. Accidents happen. Papa will always help you with accidents.” He kissed her forehead as he wiped her hands clean.
Jack had started calling her cricket when she was a few weeks old. She used to rub her legs together and squeak like a cricket. He thought it was the best thing he had ever seen. The name stuck pretty firmly.
“Can Mama take over?” Rose leaned down to kiss Cora’s cheek.
“Yeah, I’m bored,” Cora grunted as she hopped off the stool and ran off to play.
“Don’t be surprised when they diagnose her with your ADHD.” Jack snorted.
“Rude.” Rose scowled at him as she finished making batter. “She gets the poor tolerance for idiots from you.”
“I don’t see that as a problem.” Jack started drowning the bread in the custard.
“Her teachers tell me all the time that she glares at kids when they get an answer wrong.” Rose crossed her arms.
“Someone has to.” Jack tossed the bread on the griddle. “Toughen them up.”
“Oh, please.” Rose laughed.
Jack always tried to soak in these little moments. Making breakfast for his girls was his favorite thing to do. He was never happier than when they were all putzing around the kitchen.
“Cora, come get breakfast.” Jack plated her French toast. Cora came running into the kitchen with a big grin.
“Thank you, Papa!” She took the plate and made her way to the table. They all followed suite.
“I was thinking about going to the movies today. There’s a new animated movie that’s supposed to be good, heard it makes you cry.” Rose said as she helped cut up Cora’s food.
“Your favorite.” Jack snorted. “I’ll go if you let me sleep some.”
“Sounds good.” Rose hummed as she took a bite from her breakfast.
“Mama, you have to help with my project!” Cora said through a mouthful of food.
“Close your mouth. Finish chewing, you know the rules.” Jack scolded her.
“Sorry.” She swallowed. “The family tree has to be ready on Monday. You have to tell me how you and Papa met.” She said as she tried to cut her French toast.
Jack and Rose looked at each other, all color draining from their faces. They knew this day would come, but they thought they could procrastinate a while longer.
“Right. Um…Jack?” Rose turned to him.
“Oh, no! You get to take this one!” He put his hands up.
“Mama! Tell me!” Cora was suddenly too curious.
“Okay.” Rose took a breath. “Mama and Papa used to work the same shift at the hospital. We both worked at night. That’s how we met. It took some time but we found each other.” Rose nodded, hoping that was enough to satisfy the curious child.
“So you had me after you met at the hospital?” Cora cocked her head.
“Well…” Rose couldn’t find the words appropriate for a six year old.
“Cora, sometimes Papa’s aren’t the ones that make the baby. Sometimes Papas or Mamas are the ones that want the baby and step up when there isn’t a Papa or Mama. Does that make sense?” Jack tried to save Rose.
“Like…a baby only has a Mama and no Papa?” They could see the wheels turning in Cora’s little mind.
“Yes.” Jack nodded. “I knew Mama for a long time. We were friends. But your Mama thought she liked another person. She got pregnant and I wanted to be your Papa, so I was. I’m your Papa because I wanted you so much no one else could argue that you weren’t my baby.” Jack’s hand creeped onto Rose’s thigh.
“Mama thought she had picked a good Papa for you, but he wasn’t up to the task. He wasn’t a good guy. Your real Papa is a good guy.” Rose squeezed his hand in hers.
“I’ll write that you worked together. That seems easier.” Cora nodded and ran off to her room.
“Jesus, fuck.” Rose sighed.
“That went well.” Jack chuckled.
“She’ll have questions eventually.” Rose groaned.
“Yeah, but I think we bought ourselves a few more years.” Jack rubbed her back.
“You going to bed?” Rose massaged the back of his neck. He kissed her forearm.
“Yeah. Come with?” Jack raised an eyebrow.
“We won’t get far.” Rose laughed.
“We’ll see. Head up, I’ll take care of the dishes.” Jack said as he picked up the plates.
“You just want to watch my ass.” Rose sauntered away.
“Always!” He called after her.
Jack made his way upstairs. He stopped into Cora’s room. She was on the floor coloring her family tree.
“Cora, will you be a good girl for a little while?” Jack asked.
“I’m always a good girl.” She looked at him confused. Jack couldn’t stop the laugh.
“I know. But can you let me and your Momma have some alone time?” Jack was aware he was now in negotiations with a toddler.
“I guess. But what if I need juice? Or a snack?” Cora huffed.
“You can wait a little for juice and snack. You just had breakfast.” Jack crossed his arms.
“What if I need something else? Or I fall down?” She scowled at him.
Jack groaned as he walked out of the room. He pulled out his phone and hit the call on his contact.
“Jack?” Dana’s voice had a worry to it.
“Come get this kid before I die of blue balls.” Jack whined.
“Oh for god sake! No! Ben-no, don’t!”
“We’ll be there in a few minutes!” Benji’s voice sung into the phone. He was not happy being an empty nester like Dana was.
“You owe me.” Dana huffed as she hung up the phone.
“Cora, Aunt Dana and Uncle Benji are coming over!” Jack mocked excitement.
“Yay! They give me cookies!” She jumped around the room.
“Of course they do.” Jack sighed. “Why don’t you draw them a picture and I’ll go check on your mom?”
“Okay!” Cora happily started drawing again as Jack slipped back into the master bedroom.
“How did hostage negotiations go?” Rose smiled as she laid on the bed.
“Dana is coming to get her.” Jack shrugged.
“Ah, the big guns.” Rose chuckled. Jack laid on top of her, kissing her neck.
“I was desperate.” He growled against her skin.
“My hero.” Rose hummed.
“Whenever you need me, Rose.” Jack looked up at her from between her legs and gave her a wink.
