16. CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 16
Today is brighter…and lighter somehow. Maya can feel it in the air as she makes her way through the hospital to get back to her wife’s room. Five days ago was one of the worst days of her entire life. The night she thought she was going to lose Carina forever. But now…she feels light again. Maya walks down the hallway and smiles when she thinks about yesterday and this morning. She was planning on staying the night with Carina again last night but her wife had other plans. Maya was ordered by her stubborn Italian wife to go home and finally get a good night’s rest. When Maya argued that she wouldn’t be able to sleep without her wife Carina had played dirty and mentioned a little girl with brown eyes that could use some quality mommy time. Well played DeLuca…well played.
Today, after spending the morning with Ginny she is finally headed back to see her wife. Carina also ordered her not to come back till after 10:30 insisting that Maya take a well deserved break from the hospital….relentless.
As Maya rounds the corner she hears somebody call after her and turns her head to greet the doctor who helped save her wife’s life.
“Hey Maya!” Maggie calls after her.
Maya turns her head and sees Maggie Pierce walking up to her. “Hey.”
“You look rested.” Maggie says as she catches up to Maya.
Maya chuckles and nods her head. “Carina made me go home last night.”
“Well, she loves you.” Maggie says jokingly to the fire fighter. “Deal with it.”
“I know.” Maya drawls knowingly.
Maggie laughs to Maya before smiling. “I bet Ginny was glad to have her mom home last night.”
“There were lots of cuddles before bed.” Maya says with a fond smile as she remembers back to her night with Ginny. “And we had breakfast together this morning.”
“Have you seen Carina yet?” Maggie asks.
Maya shakes her head. “I’m headed there now.”
“Well, I took a look at her abdomen this morning.” Maggie informs Maya with a big smile and a nod of her head. “Everything is still looking really good.”
“Thank god.” Maya says with a sigh of relief.
“I’ll stop by the room later.” Maggie says as she clutches Maya’s arm in passing.
Maya smiles back as Maggie starts to walk away. “Sounds good.”
Maya continues walking down the hall towards her wife’s room but when she rounds the final corner in the hallway her heart stops. All of the steam shoots out her ears when she sees her wife slowly walking down the hallway dressed in her bathrobe with Amelia Shepherd by her side.
“No! What are you doing?!” Maya exclaims angrily.
“Maya, I’m fine.” Carina says through a tough breath as she continues to walk slowly. “We’re just going for a walk around the hallway.”
Amelia nods her head and continues to help Carina take her steps. “We have developed a mobility protocol routine for early mobilization.”
“I don’t know what any of that means.” Maya shakes her head annoyed before zeroing in on Amelia Shepherd. “Why is my wife out bed?!”
“Bambina.” Carina murmurs softly.
“Easy Tiger.” Amelia says to Maya with amusement in her voice. “It has been proven that early mobilization helps ICU patients condition their muscles to avoid problems down the road with function decline.”
“You look like you’re in pain.” Maya states gently to her wife.
“I’m sore.” Carina says giving in knowing there is no point in lying to her wife. “But this is going to help me recover faster and get home quicker.”
Maya squints at her wife before again turning to her doctor. “Shepherd.”
“We’re not pushing her too far…just enough to help her recovery.” Amelia insists.
“Amelia knows what she is doing.” Carina says to her wife as she takes another struggling step down the hallway. “She is the best in her field.”
Amelia seeing Carina get tired holds on tighter to keep her up. “This is absolutely true.”
“Fine.” Maya grumbles.
Carina shakes her head at her wife before offering a smile. “Do you want to join us for my final lap?”
“I’m not sure my heart can take it but sure.” Maya mumbles as she gets on Carina’s other side before wrapping her arm around her waist.
“You’re adorable.” Amelia snorts.
“I am not adorable.” Maya huffs past Carina towards Amelia. “I am tough…and focused.”
“Okay.” Amelia sings sarcastically.
“I think you’re adorable.” Carina whispers to her wife.
Maya turns her head to kiss Carina on the cheek. “You are different.”
Maya and Amelia continue to help Carina take tiny steps down the hallway to work at her muscles. It is starting to become more of a struggle for the recovering woman with every step, which Carina of course tries to hide.
Carina takes a steadying breath. “Did you bring my clothes?”
“I did…I packed your most comfortable clothes.” Maya assures her wife.
“What about your SFD hoodie?” Carina asks urgently.
Maya nods her head and smiles at the fact that her wife loves her hoodie so much. “I brought that too.”
“Good.” Carina says with a tight smile before wincing in pain.
“What’s wrong?” Maya asks immediately getting worried at the strangled sound that escaped her wife’s lips. “Are you okay?”
Carina swallows the lump in her throat and attempts to take a breath. “I’m good.”
Amelia looks to Carina and studies her features before deciding that they should probably head back to her room. “Let’s cut this lap short for today.”
“I’m fine.” Carina insists firmly.
Maya tilts her head to Carina knowing that is not true. “Honey.”
“Carina…you did great.” Amelia reassures her friend with a comforting smile. “We’ll do it again tomorrow.”
“Okay, yea…let’s go back.” Carina says softly giving in as she closes her eyes. “I’m feeling kind of dizzy.”
When Carina stumbles a bit on her feet Maya wraps her up tighter and holds her up. “I gotcha.”
“I know.” Carina says with a smile towards her wife.
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Meanwhile over at Station 19 the firefighters are all taking a break after spending their first morning on shift cleaning. Vic, Travis, and Andy all find themselves in the rec room to pass the time before the inevitable alarm starts to go off. Travis Montgomery sighs and grumbles in the recliner after having no luck finding something on the TV to watch.
“I am so bored.” Travis complains as he leans back against the recliner.
Andy lying on the couch looks up and smirks. “You could go mop the floors again in the beanery if you are so bored.”
“Will you look at that?” Travis sighs as he clicks to another channel. “I was looking for this rerun of Who’s the Boss.”
Andy rolls her eyes before a wave of nausea hits her stomach like a ton of bricks. “Ugh.”
Vic looks from the table over to her friend concerned. “Are you still feeling nauseous?”
“It feels like this kid is swirling my guts around with an electric mixer.” Andy complains before getting up to head out of the room. “I need some air.”
Vic opens her mouth and sticks out her tongue. “Ewe.”
“Why?” Travis scoffs as he shakes his head at Andy as she walk out. “That was so graphic!”
“I need to go spit…or something.” Vic complains as she clutches her throat.
“Pull it together…you do not need to throw up.” Travis says with a roll of his eyes before going back to the program. “Tony Danza is kind of hot on this show.”
“He kind of reminds me of your dad.” Vic chirps as she flips through a page in the magazine.
“Vic! No!!” Travis yells out completely grossed out. “Why would you say that?!”
Vic shakes her head and laughs. “I’m sorry.”
“You just ruined Tony Danza for me.” Travis deadpans.
“I think you’ll get over it.” Vic snorts.
Before Travis can keep yelling at her Dean makes a fake trumpet sound with his hands before walking into the rec room with Lieutenant Gibson and the probie Willet behind him. Both men look sweaty and out of breath while Miller simply looks amused.
“Attention! We have a winner!” Dean announces as he walks into the rec room with Jack and Carter behind him.
“Well?” Vic asks as she looks up from her magazine.
Willet out of breath just rolls his eyes and grumbles. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Travis chuckles and looks to Gibson. “So the probie lost.”
“Oh yea.” Jack says with a smug smile.
“What happened?” Andy asks as she walks back into the rec room and takes a seat on the couch.
“The probie lost.” Travis repeats with a small smirk.
“He only beat me by like 4 seconds.” Willet explains to the rest of the rec room before pointing to Dean. “Right Miller?!”
Dean nods his head and takes a bite of the granola bar he grabbed from the beanery. “That is correct.”
“More than that Miller.” Jack tells his best friend. “I beat him by more than that.”
Dean snorts and squints back at Jack. “Bro, I was being generous with the 4 seconds.”
During the last shift Carter Willet may have made an off the cuff comment that he could outrun Jack Gibson any day of the week. He also may have mentioned that the man was getting older and a new stallion was looking to take over….Jack was not amused. The two agreed to race during their next shift with Dean Miller acting as mediator and judge.
When Theo Ruiz walks in to the rec room and sees Willet and Gibson he claps his hands together in excitement. The news of the race had traveled very quickly around Station 19.
“Who won?” Ruiz asks as he goes over to sit by Andy on the couch.
Miller nods his head over to Jack. “Gibson, barely.”
“By 3 seconds.” Willet says defensively.
“It doesn’t matter.” Jack says with a grin before pointing his fingers at Willet. “Because the probie now has to take over my bathroom duties for the next month.”
“Don’t I clean enough as it is?” Willet mutters out pathetically to Andy as he holds up his hands to show the marks. “I’ve got splinters from that stupid mop.”
Andy looks at the probie and scrunches her face before looking at her phone. “You made the bet probie.”
Ruiz nods his head in agreement. “If you’re gonna play with the big dogs...prepare to get bit from time to time.”
“I just thought Gibson would have beaten me by more…a seasoned lieutenant as he is.” Willet explains.
Travis flips the remote up in the air and catches it before snapping his fingers. “That’s a good point.”
“Ooo…he’s got you there Gib.” Miller teases as he starts to mull it over. “You should have crushed the kid.”
Jack bites his bottom lip bitterly. “It was at least 10 seconds.”
“No it wasn’t.” Willet laughs as the whole room erupts with laughter.
Ruiz laughs at Carter before noticing Andy fidgeting next to him. “What’s up?”
“Huh?” Andy asks startled as she looks up from her phone.
“You’ve checked your phone 6 times since I sat down.” Ruiz says as he nods towards her phone.
Andy nods her head and goes back to her phone. “I’m just expecting a text or something from the hospital.”
“Is Carina okay?” Vic asks concerned hearing the last part of their conversation.
“Yea.” Andy says over to Vic before tapping the back of her phone with her fingertips. “Bailey is working on kind of a surprise for them…I’m waiting for my marching orders.”
Vic clicks her tongue and raises her eyebrows. “I smell a secret.”
“It’s not a secret.” Andy grumbles to Vic before tilting her head. “I’m just waiting for confirmation.”
“Confirmation on what?” Dean asks jumping into the conversation.
Jack nods his head steps closer to Andy. “Yea…spill.”
“Why do you smell like chicken?” Andy asks with her nose scrunched together in disgust.
“I had leftover chicken wings for lunch.” Jack says innocently before looking at the sweat glistening on his arms. “The smell must be pouring out of my pores.”
Andy immediately gets nauseous at the comment and covers her mouth. “Oh god.”
“Gross.” Theo Ruiz agrees before handing Andy his unopened bottle of water. “Here you go.”
“Thanks Ruiz.” Andy says as he opens the bottle to take a sip to help settle her stomach. “It is nice to have another adult lieutenant at 19.”
Jack squints his eyes at Andy and nods his head. “Funny.”
Andy takes another calming sip of water but when she sees Ben walk in with a silly grin on his face she almost chokes.
“Hey.” Ben says to the group from the door. “I just got off the phone with Miranda.”
Andy hearing this perks up in her seat. “And?”
“And...it’s on.” Ben says with a smile.
“Really!” Andy cheers as she claps her hands together before getting a soft goofy look on her face. She couldn’t be happier right now for the family involved. “Oh.”
Travis looks back and forth between Ben and Andy before exhaling a loud breath. “I am so confused.”
Dean nods his head in agreement before squinting his eyes. “Are you two going to fill the rest of the class in or what?”
Dispatch: Engine 19, Ladder 19, Aid Car 19. Structure Fire, St. Peter Street.
“Ah, come on.” Jack complains roughly as he his arms up in the air. “I’m all sweaty.”
Andy nods her head and motions for the group to head to the barn. “Let’s go…let’s go.”
All of the firefighters get up and start to pile out of the rec room towards the barn to get ready to head out on the call. Vic remembering the conversation before stops in her tracks and focuses in on Warren and Herrera.
“Hey! What about the secret surprise thing?” Vic asks turning back to face Ben and Andy.
Ben nods his head and points ahead. “Come on, we’ll tell you everything in the truck.”
Andy turns to Ben after the rest of the fire fighters rush off towards the barn. “Well?”
“It’s all set.” Warren says with a big smile before nudging Andy with his arm. “We’re gonna have to make a stop on our way back to the house.”
Andy raises an eyebrow at the man as they start to pick up their speed. “You got an idea?”
“I’m thinking a banner…maybe some streamers.” Ben says with a smile before grabbing his jacket and jumping on the truck.
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A couple hours later back at the hospital Maya walks out of a small waiting room to head back once again to Carina’s room. After the walk around the hallway which Maya still thinks was a terrible idea Carina got pretty tired and passed out. Maya was happy to sit guard by her wife’s bed and watch her get some sleep she still desperately needed to heal. She sat by her bedside for an hour and when her wife started to wake up they were content just talking about little things together. They smiled and talked and when Maya wondered if she should check in with the station Carina told her to go make some calls…she wasn’t going anywhere anyways.
Now she is walking back towards her wife’s room when Maya sees Miranda talking with Teddy at the nurses’ station and waves at the good doctor. “Chief.”
Miranda smiles at the chipper blonde. “Captain.”
“Everything okay?” Bailey asks as she watches Maya make her way down the hallway.
Maya smiles and turns to walk backwards so she can face Miranda. “My wife is awake…everything is great.”
“We’re happy for you!” Teddy calls after Maya who gives a thumb up before making her way down the hallway toward her wife’s hospital room.
Once Maya is far enough away Teddy turns to Miranda with a raised eye brow. “So?”
“We are all set.” Miranda says quietly making sure there are no listening ears before turning to Teddy with a big smile on her face. “It’s going to happen early tonight.”
“Really?” Teddy gushes as her heart flutters in happiness for her friends. “I’m getting emotional.”
“I have called everybody.” Miranda says with a nod of her head. “They have their jobs and all know to be here tonight.”
Teddy still smiling crosses her arms across her chest. “Have you told Carina and Maya yet?”
“Not yet.” Miranda says shaking her head. “I wanted to wait for Katherine to get here first…she should be here soon.”
When Maya gets to Carina’s room she runs her hand through her hair as she opens the door. She is distracted enough that she doesn’t see her wife staring off into nothing from her bed.
“Okay, everything is good is at the station…they are out on a call.” Maya says to her wife as she walks into the room, closing the door behind her. “Do you want me to get you a late lunch from the cafeteria?”
“I’m good.” Carina says softly from her bed.
Maya gets concerned when she hears Carina’s tone and when she looks up she can see the tears building up in her big brown eyes. “Hey…what’s the matter?”
Carina just shakes her head and keeps her eyes on her lap. “Nothing…I’m okay.”
“Honey.” Maya says softly as she rushes to the bed and gently takes a seat next to her wife’s legs. “You are not okay. Why are you crying?”
Carina bites her bottom lip and looks up at her wife. “It just started out of nowhere.”
“Talk to me.” Maya urges.
“I think it is all just sinking in…how close I was to dying.” Carina confesses as she closes her eyes and lets out a low breath. “It was close Maya…really close.”
“It was.” Maya says swallowing the lump in her throat….as she tries to stay strong. “But you pulled through…you are here and you are alive.”
“I was hit by a massive truck and I crashed multiple times.” Carina says as she starts to ramble on through panicked shallow breathes. “And when-when the thought of never seeing you or Ginny again--”
Maya scoots up closer to Carina and tries to calm her. “Hey.”
“It’s a lot…it is just a lot.” Carina cries with falling tears.
“Here.” Maya says as she holds out her hands for her wife to take.
Carina looks at the hands and slowly takes them while she hiccups through her tears. Maya grabs her wife’s hands and holds them tightly before bringing them up to her lips to kiss gently...only causing more emotional tears to fall from Carina’s eyes.
“Your feelings are valid.” Maya says to her wife as she swallows back her own tears. “But I will tell you that you are okay, that you are safe.”
Carina looks up in Maya’s eyes and finds truth and comfort. “Thank you.”
“We will get through this together.” Maya reassures Carina before reaching over to wipe away her tears.
“Bambina.” Carina sighs as she leans into the touch. “I hope you know how much you mean to me.”
“I do.” Maya says smiling softly. “You?”
Carina laughs softly before smiling back. “I do too.”
“Good…I’m glad that is all settled.” Maya says as she claps her hands down on her thighs before looking up at her wife. “Now we can get on to more important things.”
Carina raises her eye brow. “Like what?”
Maya smiles and reaches into her back pocket to pull out Carina’s wedding ring. “I’ve been waiting to put this back on your finger.”
“My ring.” Carina whimpers happily at the sight of her ring. “I was too afraid to ask about it…thought maybe it was lost in the crash.”
“It has been keeping my lucky penny company.” Maya says as she motions to her chain behind her blue sweater.
Carina chuckles lightly and cheers. “Yea…the lucky penny.”
Maya chuckles back before holding out her hand. “May I?”
“Always.” Carina whispers as she places her hand on top of Maya’s.
Maya bites her bottom lip and gently slips the silver ring back on Carina’s ring finger where it belongs. She looks down at the ring and smiles. “There.”
“My hand feels complete again.” Carina says happily as her voice breaks with fresh tears…this time happy tears.
“I’m glad.” Maya sighs as she wipes away the fresh tears off her cheek. “I missed you last night.”
Carina nods her head and takes a deep breath. “You needed the rest.”
“I did.” Maya agrees before reaching down to take Carina’s hand again. “I know how disappointed you are about not doing the adoption like we planned.”
Carina nods her head. “I’m trying not to think about it.”
“Well….what if you both could still formally adopt Ginny?”
Maya and Carina both look over to the voice at the door and are surprised to see Chief Miranda Bailey walking into the hospital room with a grin on her face.
“What?” Maya asks confused as she glances over to her wife. “How?”
“I made some calls.” Miranda says with a smile as she claps her hands together. “Judge Aaron Kofax is willing to come here tonight to do the adoption ceremony.”
Maya looks over to her speechless wife before turning back to Bailey. “Are you serious?”
“How did you get him to do that?” Carina then asks confused.
“Amy Kentzman and I both explained what happened and begged him to find time to finalize everything.” Bailey goes on to explain.
“Wait...” Maya says as she holds up her hand before looking to her wife. “Are you sure you want to do this here at the hospital?”
Carina tilts her head at Maya wondering where her head is at. “Do you want to wait?”
“This is a big deal…I want it to be perfect.” Maya says softly.
Miranda steps closer and holds her hands up. “It is up to you…but there are a couple other people who have been working behind the scenes to get this all ready.”
“Who?” Maya asks confused.
Bailey smiles and turns back to the open door. “Come on in!”
Maya and Carina both look to the door to see Katherine Bishop walking in with a very dressed up Ginny in her arms. The moment could not be cuter until Ginny breaks out in a big smile when she sees her mommies….cuteness overload.
“Somebody is ready to get adopted!” Katherine cheers as she bounces a happy Ginny in her arms.
Carina’s smile takes over her face. “Mimma!”
“Ginny!” Maya laughs happily before sticking out her bottom lip. “She looks so pretty!”
Katherine smiles at the little girl before kissing her cheek. “Ginny and I went shopping after you left.”
“I called your mother yesterday morning and told her my plan.” Bailey says with a triumphant smile on her face.
Maya squints her eyes over at her mother. “You kept this a secret from me?”
“I did.” Katherine chirps proudly.
Maya just shakes her head in shock. “I had no idea you had it in you.”
“Neither did I.” Katherine laughs before smiling widely at Ginny. “Look at the bow.”
“It’s is so precious.” Carina says as she gets a good look at Ginny dressed in long sleeve white shirt and red frilly skirt…complete with a little red bow. “She looks so cute in that little red skirt.”
“I’d say Ginny is on board.” Bailey says smugly as she looks over to the wives. “What about you two…are we doing this?”
Carina smile and looks to her wife. “Maya?”
“I’m done waiting.” Maya says quietly under her breath before looking back at Carina. “Are you done waiting?”
“I am.” Carina whispers back with a big smile. “Let’s do it.”
Maya lets out a breath and holds out her hands. “The DeLuca-Bishops are in.”
“Yeah!” Katherine cheers as she bounces Ginny again in her arms. “So exciting!”
Carina smiles at her daughter before looking to her boss. “What do you need us to do?”
“Just get yourselves ready.” Bailey tells the women on the bed as she holds up her hands. “The judge will be here around 5.”
“I will wear my most formal pair of sweat pants.” Carina teases.
Maya bites her lip and looks to Carina. “You could wear your LBS.”
“My what?” Carina husks back.
“Little black sweats.” Maya teases.
Carina rolls her eyes. “Cute.”
“I don’t have anything to wear.” Maya huffs as she looks down at her jeans and sweater.
“I actually took care of that for you.” Katherine says as he goes back to the hallway to grab a duffel bag she packed for the family.
“Wait a minute.” Carina says as she watches her mother-in-law. “If Maya and Ginny are dressing up then I am dressing up.”
Katherine walks over and sets the duffel bag on the bed before handing a very willing Ginny to her mommy. “Just take a look.”
“Hi Baby.” Maya says to the little girl before bringing her attention to the duffel bag. She watches as Carina unzips the bag and opens it to reveal what is inside. Maya’s heart bursts at the gesture made by her mother…it is perfect.
Carina looks in the bag and immediately smiles. “I love it.”
“It’s perfect.” Maya agrees.
“So we’re doing this?” Carina asks her wife as she reaches to grab Ginny’s hand.
Maya smiles and leans closer to her wife’s face. “Absolutely.”
“Nothing could stop us.” Carina whispers as she gives her wife a kiss before pulling away with a smirk on her face. “Not even a big moving truck.”
Maya shakes her head and scowls at her wife.
“Too Soon?” Carina asks innocently.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That evening the recovery floor of the hospital is buzzing with excitement. Everybody has been scrambling with their jobs to get ready for the impromptu adoption ceremony for the DeLuca-Bishop family. Carina and Maya could not be more grateful to their friends…both of them becoming speechless with every little surprise. When Ben and Andy showed up to help with the ceremony Maya was ecstatic. She knew that the whole team couldn’t be here for this but she was glad that Andy and Ben were able to stop by in the aid car.
Now Ben is on a tiny step ladder putting up a banner that reads ‘Congratulations DeLuca-Bishop Family!’ on the wall with his wife supervising.
“A little to the left.” Miranda orders to her husband as she points to the left with her finger.
Ben fixes the left side. “Here?”
Carina scrunches her face from her bed as she studies the banner on the wall. “The right corner needs to be higher.”
“Got it.” Ben says before lifting the banner up a little higher.
“Perfecto!” Carina cheers grateful to her friend for the help. “Thank you.”
Ben finishes the last pin before turning back to Carina. “Of course.”
“Are you sure you don’t have to get back to the station?” Carina asks not wanting to keep him here longer if he needs to leave.
Ben shakes his head and smiles. “I’m on aid car with Andy…we can hang out for a bit.”
Carina offers him a small smile but soon the smile widens when her wife and daughter walk back into her recovery room. The doctor out of habit bites her bottom lip when she sees her wife dressed in her Station 19 crew shirt.
“We’re back!” Maya exclaims before getting a good look at the new banner. “The banner looks great.”
“Joey and Tuck painted it.” Miranda says proudly.
“You will have to thank them for us.” Carina says to Ben and Bailey before addressing her wife by the door. “What took you so long?”
Maya nods her head towards Ginny. “She is getting so squirrely when getting her diaper changed.”
“Ginny is going to go straight from crawling to running pretty soon.” Carina says.
Maya’s eyes got wide. “We have so much to baby proof.”
“Let’s worry about that tomorrow.” Carina says trying not to laugh at her wife. “Where’s your mom?”
“She wanted to check in with my aunt.” Maya answers.
Carina nods her head and motions for Maya to bring the baby closer. “Can you bring her over here so we can get her shirt on?”
“Yes.” Maya says as she walks over to her wife in the bed.
Bailey nods her head and points to the clock on the wall. “The judge is going to be here soon.”
“You can sit her down on the bed.” Carina tells her wife as she makes room for Ginny and Maya.
Maya nods her head and sets Ginny down in front of Carina before sitting behind her. She carefully takes the little red bow out of her hair before grabbing the tiny blue crew shirt from the side table.
Maya nods her head to Carina. “Okay….ready, ready?”
Carina nods back and looks to Miranda and Ben. “Ginny’s not a huge fan of taking off or putting on shirts over her head.”
“It’s been a fun new little development.” Maya grumbles before kissing the side of Ginny’s head already expecting tears. “We’re gonna be quick.”
“Go.” Carina says as she reaches and takes the long sleeve shirt off of the baby quickly as the baby immediately starts to whimper out small tears.
Once the shirt is off Maya quickly pulls the blue t-shirt over her head before slipping little arms through the sleeves as Ginny’s cries start to get louder and more frantic. “There! It’s all done!”
“Come here Mimma.” Carina says as she reaches to take the crying baby in her arms.
“Careful.” Maya urges her wife firmly before reaching over to wipe little tears off Ginny’s tiny cheeks….grateful that her tears have now turned to small hiccups. “So dramatic.”
Carina kisses Ginny on top of her head before she turns the baby around so everybody can get a look. “Let’s show everybody how cute you look in your Station 19 crew shirt.”
“Look at you…so cool!” Ben cheers before crossing his arms across his chest.
Carina kisses Ginny on the cheek before looking adoringly to Maya. “Now we both match with Mommy.”
The pride Maya feels in her chest at the sight of her wife and child in matching SFD Station 19 crew shirts is like nothing she has ever felt before.
Bailey smiles brightly at the DeLuca-Bishops in matching shirts. “This was a good idea for you to wear those shirts since you can’t really get dressed up.”
“It was a good call by my mom.” Maya agrees before admiring her wife in the shirt. “You look so hot Dr. DeLuca.”
Carina rolls her eyes. “I’m in grey sweat pants.”
“Like I said…so hot.” Maya teases before leaning over to kiss Carina on the side of the head.
“The three of us look amazing in our matching t-shirts.” Carina says before smiling back at Maya. “We’ll have to get a family picture for your desk at the station.”
Maya again looks at the three of them with nothing but pride. “Yes we should.”
“Okay…the judge could be here in like ten minutes.” Miranda says as she claps her hands together before turning to her husband. “Will you go get the balloons out of my car please?”
Ben nods his head. “Yes, absolutely.”
“Wait!” Carina exclaims causing everybody to freeze and turn to her. “Uhh…can you wait actually?”
“Now?” Maya asks her wife.
Carina shrugs her shoulders. “Why not.”
“Okay.” Maya drawls through a breath before speaking to Ben and Miranda. “We want you both to know how much we appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
Carina nods her head in agreement. “And your support and guidance has been so amazing to both of us.”
Bailey looks to Ben before nodding her head. “Of course.”
“Anytime.” Ben adds.
“So…we are hoping you two would agree to be Ginny’s godparents.” Maya says.
“What?” Bailey asks speechless at the gesture.
Ben deeply touched sticks his hands in his pockets. “Guys.”
Carina hugs Ginny close before looking to their friends. “Having her baptized in some capacity is important to me…and we would love for you to be her godparents.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Miranda Bailey says softly.
Maya looks to Carina before continuing. “We wanted to not only pick godparents that are important to the two of us…but also Andrew.”
“Andrea loved and admired you both so much.” Carina says with a small smile before wiping a lone tear from her eye. “Ben he valued your friendship deeply and Miranda…you know how much you meant to him.”
This completely breaks the married couple at the foot of the hospital bed as the emotion takes over both of them as they try to find the words.
“We wo--” Bailey struggles to get out through thick emotion in her voice. “We…..”
Ben reaches over and wraps her arm around his wife’s shoulders. “We would be honored.”
“Yea.” Bailey manages to get out through her tears.
“What do you think Ginny?” Maya asks as she reaches over to take Ginny from Carina. When Maya kisses her nose the little girl immediately smiles brightly. “I think she approves.”
“Come hug me Miranda.” Carina urges her friend with her arms open.
“Gently.” Maya warns firmly. “Hug her gently.”
Bailey walks over and gives Carina a gentle hug as Maya supervises.
“Thank you for everything.” Carina whispers to Miranda before looking to Ben over her shoulders. “And thank you Ben…I don’t know if I would have had the courage to go up that day to the nursery without your encouragement.”
Ben nods and puts his hand on his chest. “I was happy to help.”
Miranda pulls away from Carina and raises an eye brow at her husband. “What did you help her with?”
“We had a moment.” Ben says with a smirk as she motions his hand back and forth. “We’re pretty much best friends.”
“What?!” Amelia hisses from the door.
“Crap.” Ben grumbles.
Amelia steps over and glares at the fire fighter. “You are not her best friend Warren…that would be me.”
“I’m gonna go get the balloons.” Ben says before making a quick exit out of the hospital room.
“Hey! Come back here!” Amelia calls out before chasing after him down the hallway.
“Stop chasing me Shepherd!”
Maya shakes her head and leans closer to Carina. “I’m your real best friend, right?”
“Yes Bambina.” Carina answers with an amused huff before watching Andy and Katherine walk back into the room.
“Okay!” Katherine exclaims as she walks into the room holding a pot of yellow flowers for the celebration. “We come bearing yellow tulips and yellow daffodils.”
“It’s a lot of yellow.” Andy says as she follows Katherine into the room
“Yellow is Ginny’s favorite color.” Katherine says before setting her flowers down on the counter.
Andy sets her own flowers down before walking to stand over to Maya. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Maya says back.
“How are you feeling?” Andy asks as she places a hand on top of Ginny’s head. “This is exciting.”
Maya smiles brightly. “I’m excited.”
“Well, this is exciting.” Andy gushes through a happy sigh. “I am so happy for you.”
“Thanks.” Maya says sincerely to her best friend. “And thank you for coming.”
Andy nods her head and rubs her hands together in excitement. “Hopefully, aid car doesn’t need to go on a call till after the judge does his thing.”
Maya nods her head and accepts a side hug from her best friend. It is moments like this where she wonders how she got so lucky to have so many people in her corner. When she was a child she felt so alone, but now…she is surrounded by love and support.
Her mind continues to wonder happily when Teddy and Owen come rushing in nervous that they missed the big moment.
“Did we miss it?” Teddy asks urgently.
Bailey shakes her head as she looks at the clock on the wall. “Nope…the judge should be here soon.”
“Congratulations you guys.” Owen gushes to the two moms. ‘This is huge.”
“Thank you Owen.” Carina replies to her friend as Ginny crawls across her mommy’s lap to get to her mama. “We are very excited.”
“Careful Babe.” Maya says to Ginny as she reaches over and grabs her to gently place her on Carina’s lap.
Teddy looks at the family of three and waves her hand around. “You three are matching…I can’t.”
“Will one of you please take some pictures of us before the judge gets here?” Carina asks as she motions to Maya to get her phone out.
“Of course.” Teddy says as she holds out her hand to take the phone from Maya.
Carina sets the baby in front of her while Maya sits next to her on the bed…both holding her tightly before looking to Teddy to take the picture.
“Can you look at the camera Ginny?” Maya says in Ginny’s ear before smiling over at Teddy.
Andy goes and stands behind Teddy to help get the little girl to look at the camera. “Ginny! Smile!”
The DeLuca-Bishop family smiles as their friend takes a few more pictures as their guests stand around and awes accordingly.
Amelia walks back into the room and gushes at the adorable family. “So cute.”
It is then when Carina makes a move to swing her legs out of bed in an attempt to get up with Ginny still in her arms. Maya instantly starts o freak out…of course.
“What are you doing?” Maya asks in a panic as she tries to stop the movement.
Carina rolls her eyes and waves her hand around. “I want a picture of us standing.”
“No.” Maya retorts quickly.
Carina turns to her doctor to tell her wife to chill out. “Amelia.”
“She can stand.” Amelia confirms.
“Thank you.” Carina says to Amelia before raising her eyebrows at her wife.
Maya points and glares at Amelia Shepherd. “I should really ask you about your credentials.”
“I already told you I am a Neuro god.” Amelia says smugly as se crosses her arms across her chest.
Maya rolls her eyes and huffs but reaches for the baby “Fine…let me take her though.”
Carina hands the baby back to Maya before slowly shifting her legs off the bed. The doctor takes a steadying breath before holding out her hand to Owen. “Care to give me a hand Dr. Hunt.”
“Absolutely.” Owen says as he grabs her by the hands and carefully helps her out of the bed.
Maya gets up off the bed with her eyes glued to her wife worried that she is pushing herself so far. When she sees Carina standing on her own she walks over and takes her place next to her wife.
Carina smiles and wraps one of her arms around Maya’s waist while putting the other one over Ginny in Maya’s arms. Maya studies her wife to make sure she is okay as Ginny starts to play with her blond curls.
“Okay.” Teddy says with a smile as she holds up the phone again. “Say cheese!”
When Maya decided that her wife is indeed okay the family follows the request. “Cheese.”
Andy claps her hands and makes a goofy face to try to get Ginny to smile behind Teddy. “Smile Ginny!”
“There.” Teddy says smiling as she admires the photo with a giggling Ginny. “I got it.”
Carina slowly walks over and leans over to take a look. “It’s perfect.”
“Hey.” Ben says with a smile as he points to the group of people behind him. “Look who I found in the lobby.”
The room looks to the door and watches as Amy Kentzman and Josh Bartlett walk in to the room. The social worker and children’s advocate have been working on this case from the beginning and could not be happier to witness this beautiful ceremony.
Mrs. Kentzman offers a greeting all around with a smile. “Hello.”
“Mrs. Kentzman, Mr. Bartlett thank you so much for coming.” Carina says to the social worker and child advocate who have been helping them through this entire process.
Josh Bartlett smiles and waves at everybody in the room. “Are we ready to do this?”
“So ready.” Maya says with a smile as the judge comes walking through the door.
“All rise.” Ben says jokingly much to the annoyance of pretty much everybody.
Bailey rolls her eyes and groans into her husband’s ear. “Benjamin.”
“Just kidding.” Ben says defending himself with a grin. “I’ve just always wanted to say that.”
Amelia nods her head and holds out her finger. “The court is now is session.”
Bailey looks o Amelia and rolls her eyes. “Not you too?”
“That was fun.” Amelia quips.
“Judge Aaron Kofax presiding.” Judge Kofax says introducing himself before looking towards Carina and Maya. “You must be the lucky parents I’ve been hearing so much about.”
Maya nods her head and reaches out to shake his hand. “Yes sir, Maya Bishop and Carina DeLuca.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Carina adds as she too shakes his hand.
Judge Kofax smiles at the two women. “You as well.”
“Thank you so much for coming here.” Maya says gratefully to the man for making the trip over to the hospital. “We really appreciate it.”
“I was happy to.” Judge Kofax says before turning to Carina. “How are you feeling?”
Carina smiles appreciatively as Maya reaches over to grab her hand. “I am doing much better…thank you for asking.”
“And this must be Ginetta.” Judge Kofax says before smiling to the baby in Maya’s arms. “I like the bow.”
Maya smiles at the baby before motioning towards her mother. “Judge Kofax, this is my mother Katherine Bishop.”
“Hello.” Katherine Bishop says.
“Nice to meet you.” Judge Kofax says to Katherine before clapping his hands together. “Shall we get started?”
“Are you ready?” Carina asks Maya as she runs her soft hand over Ginny’s brown locks.
Maya nods her head and starts to rub circles on the baby’s back. “Let’s get started.”
Once Judge Kofax gets the go ahead he takes the files from Josh Bartlett. “I am calling case number J2384…juvenile adoption. Are all parties ready?”
“We are your Honor.” Josh Bartlett says before nodding his head to Carina and Maya to declare their presence for the hearing.”
Maya sees this and swallows the lump in her throat before speaking up. “Yes, your Honor.”
“Yes.” Carina adds with a small smile.
“Let’s proceed then.” Judge Kofax says before putting on his reading glasses and opening the adoption file. He takes a quick look before addressing the hospital room of guests. “You know, juvenile and family court is important work…but it can also be difficult and tragic at times.”
Maya and Carina glance to each other and quickly think of this crazy journey they have been on. Neither one of them had any idea what was in store for them that morning they were drinking coffee in the beanery at the station. And then with a couple of visitors and a bomb to drop everything changed.
Judge Kofax then smiles and points to Carina and Maya. “But then there are days like today…where we get to celebrate families coming together.”
“Yeah.” Carina cheers in Maya’s ear softly getting the blonde to smile brightly.
“Mrs. Kentzman” Judge Kofax says to Amy Kentzman who stands steps over from the back to stand in front of the judge. “Does Child Protective Services feel confident in this case proceeding?”
Amy Kentzman nods her head and smiles. “We do, your Honor.”
“Thank you Mrs. Kentzman... we shall proceed.” Judge Kofax replies back as he watches Amy step back once more before turning back to Carina and Maya. “Ready?”
“Yes.” Maya murmurs.
“We are.” Carina adds gently before looking to the judge.
Judge Kofax looks at the file once more before looking to the brunette. “Carina Rosa DeLuca do you wish to adopt Ginetta Rosa into your family today?”
“Yes, your Honor.” Carina says as she chokes back the tears before smiling over at the baby in her wife’s arms.
“Maya Katherine Bishop do you wish to adopt Ginetta Rosa into your family today?” Judge Kofax asks the other woman.
Maya bites her lip before clearing the emotion out of her throat. “Yes, your Honor.”
Judge Aaron Kofax nods his head and takes out a piece of paper from a file. “Now…have you both decided on a full name for the child?”
“We have.” Carina says before urging her wife to be the one to say it. “Maya.”
“Ginetta Rosa DeLuca-Bishop.” Maya says proudly as her eyes water softly. “Your honor.”
“A beautiful name for a beautiful little girl.” Judge Kofax says with a smile.
Maya nods her head as a lone tear rolls down the side of her nose. When Carina handed her the final document for petition to adopt, Carina wrote Ginny’s new name on the form. Maya read the new name over and over again and almost didn’t feel deserving of what she saw. The thought of this amazing little girl sharing her last name…it was a feeling she couldn’t even explain.
Bailey looks over and sees Ben tearing up so she grabs a tissue from her white jacket pocket before handing it to her husband. “Here Benjamin.”
“Thank you.” Ben mumbles as he takes the tissue to wipe at his eyes.
Andy nods her head and clutches her chest. “I think my heart is going to blow up.”
“It is a beautiful name Sweetheart.” Katherine gushes emotionally to her daughter.
Judge Kofax watches the family and friends for a moment before interrupting. “Shall we continue?”
“Yes, your Honor.” Maya says as she again wipes away another stray tear.
The judge writes down the name on the piece of paper before looking back to the emotional family in front of him. “Please hand this to the parents to sign where indicated.” Judge Kofax says to Josh Bartlett before handing him the certificate.
The children’s advocate takes the certificate and walks over to the family for signatures. Carina takes a calming breath and signs first before Maya follows. As Maya signs her name Carina watches in awe. She can’t help but cover her mouth with her hand as the tears continue to fall with joy. When they finish Josh grabs the certificate and hands it back to the judge.
“The adoption of Ginetta Rosa DeLuca-Bishop is hereby complete, legal, and biding.” Judge Kofax says with a wide smile. “So witnessed by me, Judge Aaron Kofax, 8th Circuit Family Court of Seattle, Washington.”
Amy Kentsman looks at the new moms and smiles. “Congratulations.”
Carina claps her hands together as she smiles at her daughter. “Mimma! We did it!”
“What do you think?” Maya gushes before nuzzling her nose in Ginny’s cheek. “Ms. DeLuca-Bishop.”
Andy still smiling so happy for her friends holds out her hands. “Why don’t we get a couple of photos?”
“So stinking cute.” Amelia says to Owen who immediately nods his head in agreement.
Judge Kofax goes over to the newly minted family to take some photos before a round of congratulations takes over the small hospital room.
“I have to get going but Josh Bartlett and my office will file all necessary items and mail you her official documents.” Judge Kofax informs the new moms before shaking both of their hands once more. “Congratulations.”
Carina bites her lip emotionally before offering her appreciation. “Thank you.
“Yes, thank you so much.” Maya agrees whole heartily.
Carina lets out a breath and tears escape her eyes. “I didn’t think we were going to do this…thank you for coming.”
Maya looks to her wife and immediately places her hand on her lower back to offer comfort.
“Of course…it was truly an honor.” Judge Kofax reassures the emotional woman.
Amy Kentzman waves towards the door. “We’re going to walk Judge Kofax out.”
“Thank you both! We couldn’t have done this without you.” Maya says as she continues to rub circles on her wife’s lower back.
Carina nods her head enthusiastically. “Yes Grazie!”
“Congratulations.” Josh Bartlett adds before the three make their way out of the hospital room.
“It is time to celebrate!” Ben cheers loudly as his wife starts to hand out plastic champagne flutes for the cider. “Sparkling cider all around!”
Carina smiles at Ben’s enthusiasm before turning to her wife. “I’m sorry the rest of 19 couldn’t be here for this.”
Before Maya can says anything Andy holds up her finger and speaks up. “That’s not exactly true Dr. DeLuca.”
“What do you mean?” Maya asks confused.
Andy smiles at her best friend before clicking on her radio. “This is Herrera…Gibson you ready?”
“Oh yea.”
Then all of a sudden faint sirens can be heard coming from the window.
“What is that?” Carina asks.
“Our sirens.” Maya answers slowly recognizing the sound immediately as she sees red lights start to flicker from the window. She and Carina walk over to the window and neither one of them are prepared for what they see below.
Carina stunned wraps her arm around Maya and Ginny before resting her cheek against the side of Maya’s head. “Wow.”
“Oh my god.” Maya says in a state of shock.
Down below on the side of the street is the Station 19 fire truck and engine parked with sirens and lights blaring. The red trucks are decorated with streamers as six firefighters stand in front holding a giant banner that says ‘Congratulations Ginny DeLuca-Bishop!’.
Maya filled with emotion looks to her best friend. “Andy.”
Andy winks at her captain before shrugging her shoulders. “Again if anybody asks…we’re just on our way to get groceries.”
“Thank you.” Maya chokes out…her voice thick with emotion.
Carina leans over and nuzzles her nose against Ginny’s cheek before pointing out the window to the fire trucks below. “Mimma look!”
“Congratulations Ginny DeLuca-Bishop.” Maya reads the banner before tickling Ginny’s tummy getting a loud giggle in return. “That’s you.”
“This is so sweet.” Carina says admiring the gesture made by their friends before turning to the woman she loves. “I love you.”
Maya nods her head and leans in to kiss her wife. “I love you too.”
Dispatch: Station 19 we are requesting all additional units to Arthur Avenue, Structure Fire, Station 23 on scene.
Ben listens to the call before looking to Andy. “That’s us.”
“Herrera we’ll meet you at the scene.”
Andy nods her head and clicks her radio. “Copy.”
“Congratulate our newest recruit will you?”
Maya smiles at what Jack says over the radio before looking out of the window to see her team rushing to get on the rigs before heading out towards the call.
“We gotta go.” Ben says to his wife giving her a quick kiss goodbye.
“I’ll see you at home tomorrow.” Miranda says before he rushes out of the room.
“Andy!” Maya calls out to get her best friend to stop for a second. “You are the best.”
“We want a big party at 19!” Andy exclaims loudly before holding out her hands. “Huge.”
Maya licks her lips and nods her head. “You got it.”
“Big party….big, big party.” Andy rambles on.
“Get out of here!” Maya exclaims with a laugh to her lieutenant.
“I should go too.” Amelia says when she notices the time on the wall. “I need to go pick up Ginny’s friend from daycare and take him home.”
“Thank you Amelia for everything.” Carina tells her friend...knowing none of this would have been possible without her.
Amelia smiles at Carina’s sincere gratitude. “Please get some rest soon.”
Carina can’t help but roll her eyes. “Yes Dr. Shepherd.”
“I still can’t believe this is all real.” Maya says with her eyes firmly planted on Ginny who is now playing with her lucky penny chain.
Carina nods her head in agreement. “Yes….crazy.”
“Hey…are you okay?” Maya asks after noticing the slight change in her wife’s tone.
“I’m happy.” Carina murmurs before letting out a sigh. “But also dizzy….can you help me back to bed?”
“Of course.” Maya says without hesitation as she wraps her arm tightly around Carina’s waist to help her back over to the bed.
“Let me help too.” Katherine says as she goes over to Carina’s other side and puts her arm around her shoulders.
Carina smiles and leans some of her weight on her mother-in-law. “Thank you Katherine.”
Katherine and Maya help Carina get settled back into bed while Miranda grabs something from the hallway before walking it over to the group.
“Here.” Bailey says ash se sets the picnic basket down n the bed in between Carina’s legs.
Carina looks at it confused. “What is this?”
“We packed you a picnic basket so you can have your first meal as an official and legal family of three.” Bailey explains with a small smile.
Katherine nods her head and points to the basket. “I made sure to include extra mango slices for Ginny.”
“Mom, you don’t have to leave.” Maya says sincerely to her mother before looking to everybody else. “None of you do.”
“I will be back tomorrow for a big family breakfast.” Katherine tells the girls with a smile. “But tonight should be about the three of you…enjoy this time together.”
Maya inhales a long breath honestly grateful for the gesture. “Thank you Mom.”
“We’re setting up breakfast tomorrow morning in the cafeteria to celebrate the adoption.” Teddy adds with a big smile as she reaches over and runs her finger along Ginny’s cheek.
Owen nods his head before holding up three fingers. “Spoiler alert…there will be three types of pancakes.”
“Thank you all so much…I am speechless.” Carina says still consumed with emotion.
Maya nods her head in agreement. “We are so very lucky to have you all in our lives.”
“Did we mention there will also be a good amount of gifts?” Owen says with a big grin.
“Jackpot!” Maya cheers as she holds out her hand to Ginny who covers it with her own.
The room smiles and laughs as Ginny giggles with her mommies before Teddy and Owen’s phones start to go off in their white coat pockets.
Teddy looks to her phone and sees the page. “That’s us…they need us in the pit.”
“Congratulations you guys.” Owen says to the family on the bed before heading to the door.
“We are so happy for you.” Teddy says with a sincere smile before following Owen out the door.
“Thank you!” Carina calls after her friends before waving her hands to motion for her wife to pass her the baby. “Okay, I am feeling much better.”
“I think Mama needs some cuddles.” Maya says with a giggle, catching on to her wife’s not so subtle gesture. She carefully passes Ginny over to her giddy wife.
“Hello my beautiful little angel.” Carina says as she settles the baby down on her lap.
When there is knock at the door Bailey immediately ushers them in. “Come on in!”
The door opens and in comes two orderlies wheeling in a portable crib and sleeping cot into the room before setting them up near Carina’s bed.
“What’s this?” Carina asks as she cuddles the baby close with her arms.
Dr. Bailey shrugs her shoulders and smiles to the DeLuca-Bishops. “We also figured that after your first meal...you’d want to have your first sleepover.”
“Chief.” Carina murmurs as she swallows a lump in her throat. “You are going to make me cry.”
Miranda smiles over and takes Carina’s hand in her own before smiling at Maya. “You are going to fill this little girl’s life with so much laughter…and so much love.”
“That’s the plan.” Maya says with a soft smile as Bailey reaches over to place her hand on top of Maya’s head.
Maya closes her eyes at the warm gesture before smiling back to Miranda. She has always felt this gratitude and admiration for Miranda Bailey that has only gotten stronger with every big milestone in her life.
“Enjoy the basket.” Miranda tells the new moms before nodding towards the door. “We’ll be around later to check on you.”
“I will see you both tomorrow.” Katherine tells the two women as she gets ready to follow Dr. Bailey out of the room to give them some privacy. “I snuck extra pajamas for the three of you in that bag behind the door…surprise.”
What Maya does next surprises everyone…including her. She quickly gets off the bed and envelopes her mom in a big hug full of gratitude. Katherine is caught off guard for a split second but soon wraps her arms tightly around her baby girl.
Maya holds on to her mom tightly. “I love you Mom.”
“I love you too Baby.” Katherine says before placing a kiss on the side of Maya’s head.
Maya truly doesn’t know how she would have gotten through this without her mom. Becoming a mom would not be as sweet without her own mom in their lives. Carina watches in adoration as Maya and Katherine finally pull apart.
“Good night Katherine.” Carina says to her mother in law who she has come to adore whole heartily.
Katherine blows a kiss in Carina’s direction before she and Bailey walk out of the hospital room.
Maya turns around and looks at her wife and daughter. “And then there were three.”
“You are too far away from us.” Carina pouts playfully.
“I’m sorry.” Maya says with a small smirk as she walks over and takes a seat next to her wife on the bed before wrapping her arm around her waist. “Is this better?”
Carina nods her head. “Yes.”
“Shall we?” Maya asks nodding her head towards the picnic basket.
Carina nods her head and raises her eye brows a few times playfully. “I think I smell cheesecake?”
“Your mama is a blood hound.” Maya jokes to their daughter.
“My nose never fails me.” Carina says proudly before tilting her head back and forth...thinking about stupid American idioms. “My tongue…however is another story.”
“Your tongue has never failed me.” Maya says with a flirtatious grin before taking the cheesecake out of the basket.
Carina’s mouth drops in shock at the comment. “Maya! Really?!”
“You pitched that one right over the plate…I had to.” Maya laughs as she takes the plastic wrap off the slice.
“I don’t know what that means.” Carina chirps back.
Maya laughs and shakes her head as she hands Carina the slice. “Eat your cheesecake.”
The family of three eats their picnic supper between lots of cuddles and laughs throughout the evening. As the night goes on the DeLuca-Bishop family soon finds themselves laying down in a massive cuddle as the time on the clock shows 9:30. The halls in the hospital go quiet outside their room and there is a peace surrounding them. Carina and Maya enjoy the moment with their baby girl who Maya notices is finally asleep.
“She’s asleep.” Maya says keeping her voice quiet as Carina pulls her closer.
Carina closes her eyes for a second simply soaking in the moment of her and the woman she loves with their baby snuggled in between. This moment is a blessing with everything they have been through the last 5 days.
Carina smiles and puts her chin on top of Maya’s head before pulling her closer. “Ginetta Rosa DeLuca-Bishop.
Maya smiling turns her head and nuzzles her features into the curve of Carina’s neck. “How many times are you going to say her full name tonight?”
“30 more times maybe.” Carina murmurs into her wife’s sweet smelling hair.
Maya laughs quietly before looking down to Ginny and slowly running her hand over her soft brown hair while resting the other hand on the baby’s tummy. Carina watches adoringly before reaching down to place her hand on top of Maya’s.
The fire captain smiles at the gesture and looks up into Carina’s warm brown orbs. “Thank you…thank you for this extraordinary life.”
Carina smiles through the tears and nuzzles her nose against Maya’s. “Grazie per questa vita straordinaria.” (Thank you for this extraordinary life.)
Maya squints at her wife. “Did you just repeat what I said?”
“I did.” Carina smiles.
Maya snorts and leans back into Carina’s arms. “Take that Gabriella.”
Carina stifles a laugh before drawing Maya close to her once more. She closes her eyes again and simply holds Maya tighter with the sleeping babe below. Maya lets out a long breath and enjoys this moment, safe in Carina’s arms. How did she get here? How did she get so lucky? Maya doesn’t think she will ever stop asking the universe these questions. She has truly been blessed.
Carina reaches over to the side table next to her bed and grabs Ginny’s new birth certificate. She smiles at the piece of paper before handing it to Maya who looks at it in awe.
“Ginetta…Rosa…DeLuca…Bishop.” Maya reads slowly as she traces the words with her finger.
Carina smiles and repeats the name. “Ginetta Rosa DeLuca-Bishop.”
Maya props herself up on her elbow to look down at Carina. “I am so incredibly in love with you.”
Carina simply nods her head and reaches her hand up to Maya’s cheek before guiding her face down so their lips can meet. It isn’t long before all three DeLuca-Bishop women are fast asleep in the bed….dreaming of each other and their very bright future ahead.