So This Is Love?

Part 23: Bring Her Home

"I can do it." Freema says exasperatedly as Ryan takes the baby carrier from the taxi as well as the gifts their friends brought her.

Gracie had to spend a good two weeks in the NICU. Once she gained two more pounds- putting her at a good 6 1/2 pounds- they said she graduated and was able to go home.

The second all of that happened, was the second Ryan became Superman.

Carrying all the heavy things.

Running back and forth for whatever Freema mentioned- but had not asked for yet.

And at the ready to change the diapers or prepare a bottle if Freema couldn't breastfeed.

"I got it, Baby. You take it easy." They walk through the lobby and Freema keeps turning and glancing back at Ryan and all the stuff.

"Do you want me to take her? That carrier is heavy."

"I got her. She's asleep."

"Oh...okay."

It's weird for her.

Going from being alone for months to having him back at her side, dutifully taking care of her.

Getting in the elevator, they ride up to her floor and Ryan doesn't set anything down once.

"You're going to ha a hernia by the end of this." Freema states and he shakes his head.

"No- I'll be fine."

"You realize you have a heart condition. Fairly certain you aren't supposed to be over doing it."

"I'm not over doing it." The doors open and they head out and to her apartment. Freema hasn't been home since the birth. She was forced to stay in the hospital as well to be monitored. This was wonderful for the fact that it allowed her stitches to heal and her pain in her woman region to subside. She feels much better than she expected she would.

Getting inside, she is shocked. Her mouth drops open at the sight of all the white roses and the super clean house. Her couch looking brand new and her floors nicely waxed.

"Welcome home, Baby." Ryan kisses her temple and heads into the living room- setting the carrier on the chaise and the gifts on the coffee table.

"Did...do you get me all these?" Nodding, he rocks back and forth on his heels with his hands behind his back- nervously looking away.

They haven't discussed what they are or where they are starting over at in their relationship.

He figures he has to win her heart and trust back once more- so he's pulling out all the stops.

"You are so sweet." Going to him, she wraps her arms around his waist and goes to kiss him, when Gracie begins to fuss. It pulls their attention immediately and she leaves him.

They haven't had a moment to actually kiss on their lips or be close like that. Between the baby and the hospital- a private moment alone is not on their agenda at the moment.

"Gracie— what's wrong Peanut? Mummy and Daddy are here." Going and unstrapping her, Freema picks up the baby girl and holds her upright against her chest. The baby glances around the room and coos softly.

"I could look at this forever." He quietly says and walks closer to them. Kissing Gracie's head, he removes her hat and her teeny mittens.

"Let's get you unbundled- Baby girl." Sitting down, Freema holds her on her knees and unzips the pram and she gently tugs her arms from the extra padded warm winter garb. Pulling her feet out- Freema leans down and kisses her socked feet. Gracie smiles tiredly up at her. "Look at that beautiful smile. Oh my goodness, you are such a sweetie. Mummy loves you so much."