A Little Sane

Chapter 131

The same conversation played in Mercedes' mind as they made their way to the bunker. 

"Mercedes... this could very well be from your injuries you gained from your.. accident.. I don't think you'll be able to have any more kids... Ever." 

Mercedes stared at Lee heartbroken.

"What?! I didn't even know I was pregnant... I mean we weren't just planning to have more kids, but we didn't even talk about it.. now you're telling me that if we decide we want another child.. I can't get pregnant again..?"

Lee closed her eyes. She finally opened them after a heavy breath. 

"I know that sounds horrible... but I think you are very lucky that you were able to have three very wonderful and beautiful kids.. I wish there was something I could do for you.. but I honestly think we are just going to have to try our best to be thankful for the beautiful babies we do have.."

 Jerome gently placed his hand on her thigh. Mercedes jumped out of her trance. Jerome held her cheek.

"I'm sorry for scaring you.. we're here."

Mercedes lifted her gaze towards the bunker. A smile slowly formed on her face. Ecco lifted her gaze as she heard more than Jeremiah walk into the living room. She was gently rocking Mariana. She instantly spoke to Jeremiah when he looked unhappy. 

"I'm sorry... she was just..."

Mercedes interrupted her. 

"You don't need to explain anything to him. What's going on? She couldn't sleep?"

Jerome and Jeremiah were shocked when Mercedes set on the couch next to Ecco. Mariana was wide awake. Mercedes poked her nose. 

"Hey there my sweet baby girl."

Ecco sighed.

"She's been crying when she goes to sleep at night... it's after she drinks her last bottle of the day..  I think her tummy hurts and I try my best to burp her. She also has been having bad poops at night.."

Mercedes thought for a minute.

"It could be her formula."

"See that's what I thought. I've been try to rub her belly and burp her as much as possible. She's generally a happy baby though."

Mercedes smiled at Ecco. 

"I'm glad to hear that and you're doing great actually. That's what I would do."

"Hello miss Ecco..."

Ecco turned her gaze to see Jessie and Aislinn standing next to her. Ecco smiled.

"Hi there.." 

Ecco looked in her lap at Mariana and gasped.

"Oh I'm so sorry... I've been hogging your baby.. would you like her?"

Mercedes laughed.

"It's perfectly fine, but yes I would love to hold her."

Mercedes held Mariana close. She smiled.

"You are such a precious angel my baby girl."

"Mommy... I want to hold her.. please..?"

Mercedes smiled at Jessie. She nodded.

"Come sit between me and Ecco. Here. Keep your arm under her head."

Me lifted her gaze towards Ecco.

"I'm glad she has you Ecco.."

Mercedes' words shocked Ecco to her core. She couldn't believe that Mercedes was so okay with her handling her daughter. 

"She needs a friend. If she can't come to me or her father, I'm genuinely glad that you would be the next person she would go to."

Jerome and Jeremiah stared with confusion. Ecco smiled her first genuine smile in a long time. 

"Thank you... I'm happy to help."

"You know I do understand your position, but I never disliked you Ecco." 

Mercedes gazed upon her son who was admiring his little sister. Aislinn stood in front of Jessie and gently ran her finger across Mariana's forehead. She smiled and turned to Mercedes. 

"I love her mommy."

Mercedes smiled from ear to ear.

"I love her too.

Mercedes stood up from the couch. She turned to Jeremiah.

"Thank you..." 

She pulled him into a tight hug. She placed her hand on his cheek and smiled. 

"Okay guys. Give Mariana back to Ecco. It's late. Let's get you two home and to bed." 

Both of the twins pouted.

"Awe!"

Jerome laughed. He shook his head.

"Come on you little goobers."

Jerome watched Mercedes as she changed into her pajamas. She was still super tired. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as if he knew what he was about to talk about could make her explode. He took in a heavy breath.

"Um.. Doll face? Can I talk to you about something..?"

Her smile took him back to the day he first witnessed it grace her face. Her spoke in the most loving way.

"Of course love. What's up?"

He set on the edge of the bed and sighed. Mercedes stood in between his legs and lifted his chin. She had a slightly concerned look.

"What is it baby? What's wrong?"

Her thumb gently brushed across his lips. She leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss. Jerome responded with a small smile. She tiled her head and held his chin.

"Jerome? You can tell me. We can talk about it."

His slight hesitation was making her nervous. He finally broke the silence.

"I know that it was an accident. I know it was out of your control and you didn't know what you were doing when you slept with him and ended up with Mariana... but... you do care about him.. and it's just.."

Mercedes nodded. 

"I know what your asking about. The answer is yes. It was a mistake that I wouldn't have made in my right mind, but yes my daughter was made out of love. I do love your brother to some degree. Mariana was made with so much love.. despite how she got here.. but you.. are everything to me. My entire universe. I knew the day that I fell in love with you, I couldn't be near anyone else. I knew that no matter how many mistakes I made or what I went through.. I wanted you to be the one I ran to. Every time I look into your eyes, see your smile, or hear your laugh, I am reminded of how incredible you are and how much I am in love with you. This is the second time I could have died.. I don't want to take a single moment with you for granted." 

Mercedes gave him a genuinely loving smile. Jerome's eyes were watery. He stood to his feet causing Mercedes to step back half a step. He gently grabbed her the hips and swiftly turned to lay her on their bed. He hovered over her. Mercedes gently reached her hand to his cheek and wiped away a tear that was rolling down his cheek. Jerome gently shook his head. 

"I- I love you... so much.."

Mercedes smiled brightly as Jerome crashed his lips into hers. Jerome set up and gently pulled her with him. She instantly pulled her shirt over her head and threw it the ground. She watched Jerome do the same with his. She gently set in his lap with a loving smile. Jerome gently grabbed her chin and pulled her into a gentle kiss.