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She was star-struck between the overwhelming love she felt staring at her soulmate – and again, gazing at the product of their love. Teensy little buns were curled up into the air as the baby moved – and her hand immediately moved to touch her back, regardless of the amniotic fluid. She was drawn by this creation, this breathtaking miracle, and couldn’t get over those sweet little cheeks that were suddenly there.
Mary began chuckling as she looked at Jax, so happy and feeling so effervescent. This moment she never imagined she would experience, yet here she was, treasuring every second, trying to commit it to memory.
“She’s beautiful,” she beamed, tracing the little arms that wobbled precariously as the baby cried, letting out tiny little shrieks. “Ohhh sweet girl, it’s okay. I promise,” she crooned, and felt Jax hugging her as she saw his trembling hand appear before her eyes, touching the baby’s head.
“Our baby girl,” Jax said emotionally, kissing her quickly on her hair, her temple, her cheek, repeatedly as if he couldn’t get enough of her. She turned her head up to him as he kissed her tenderly, before breaking the kiss, and pressing his forehead to hers. “You are my everything…”
His voice cracked with the intensity of the moment, and she nodded in understanding.
“And you are mine,” she whispered, touching the baby again to keep her still from where she was still protesting.
The nurse came over and scooped the baby up like hefting her a football, startling the two of them… and Jax immediately turned into a protective daddy.
“Watch her neck,” he said openly, moving to where they were measuring the baby, causing Mary to grin in appreciation for that strong, sexy man she’d married.
They were talking… well, Jax was talkingtothe nurse, telling her to be gentle, cover the baby with something warm, instructing her to watch the baby’s belly button stump that was clipped off – and Mary knew he was going to be something fierce to reckon with as their daughter grew.
Mary met his eyes as he cast a glance over his shoulder back towards her, looking sheepish, and couldn’t help but laugh as they shared a look.
“Go with them to the nursery – and then tell our friends that our pretty girl is here,” Mary said lovingly. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep,” she smiled, pointing at the doctor who was palpitating her stomach, checking her over, and talking to a nurse. “I’ve still got some work to do, and need to clean up.”
* * *
Mary awoke a little while later,lying in the hospital bed and beyond exhausted, as everything had finally caught up with her. The lights were off in the room, and moonlight streamed in through the window, giving her enough lighting to look around… only to spot Jax in the distance.
He was cradling their daughter in his arms, swinging her softly, and humming the theme song of the television show Deep Space Nine to their daughter… making her smile tiredly.
“You are such a pretty girl…” he said softly, touching her head, and oblivious to the fact that he had an audience. “Yes, you are. Most babies have little bitty coneheads in the nursery, but not my pretty girl… oh no. My sweet princess has the prettiest swirl of dark hair on her perfect head, and little pink lips like her lovely mama.”
Mary almost said something, but hesitated, not wanting to interrupt him.
“Dear God, I love your mama so…” he choked out intensely, his voice full of tears as he spoke to the silent, sleeping child in his arms. “She’s the most incredible being and so good to me, Jolie. I hope you understand how lucky we both are to have her.”
Tears stung her eyes at his emotionally charged words, realizing that Jax had given their daughter a name that seemed so perfect. Jolie – meaning pretty in French. It was delightfully feminine and original, something she could have never imagined.
“I would give my last breath for either of you,” Jax whispered softly, bending down to kiss the tiny forehead tenderly. “But be good to me, because I don’t want to be a screw-up as your Daddy, and I’m bound to make some mistakes along the way…”
She couldn’t take it anymore.
“Jax?”
He looked up, startled as a smile touched his lips, quickly brushing his eyes. Walking to her side, he handed the baby over to Mary and lay her across her bosom, before leaning forward to kiss Mary’s temple. She sighed and pressed her head against his, reaching up to touch his cheek.
“Did you just wake up?” he breathed. “Can I get you anything, my love?”
“Just missed you,” she said softly, staying there immobile, treasuring these moments. “I feel so blessed – and she is so wonderfully sweet.”
“Our pretty girl,” he smiled, moving to kiss the baby’s forehead again. “Prettiest one in the nursery, but I might be biased.”
“Ya’ think?” Mary smiled tenderly at him as he kissed the baby’s forehead again, and turned his head to kiss her lips softly.
“Definitely,” he agreed, and hesitated. “Would it be alright if we called her Jolie? I’ve been trying to think of a name for her, and it just seems to suit our pretty girl.”
“It’s perfect.”
