Let Me Help You

Early birthday present

Stevie was doing as much as she could to wake up Lindsey, but he wouldn't even budge. She started digging her nails and poking him, and after a couple of minutes, he finally lifted his head up, eyes still closed.

"Why are you up? It's completely dark outside still."

"Because I have an early birthday present for you."

"I'm sure I'll love it, Steph. Can we sleep a little more first?"

"No. You have to get up now and I mean it!"

"What's the matter, baby?" He rubs his eyes, yawning.

"I'm about to deliver your son in this bed if you don't take me to the hospital!"

That got Lindsey's full attention and he sat up in bed, unsure what to do. "What... how... what..."

"Oh my GOD, Lindsey! Just put on pants and a shirt and start the car!"

"Right, okay! I'm going." He jumped out of bed, then turned back to Stevie. "Are you fine here? Do you need some help?"

"No, I think I can manage. Go please!"

A lot more calmer and collected, than Stevie thought she would be, she left the house, with a bag in her hand and Lindsey was waiting, with the door opened. "Are you hurting? Are you feeling those... what are they called?"

"Contractions, Lindsey and yes! So, would you be so kind and start driving right about fucking now?!"

"Okay, honey. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize."

"Right, sorry."

"LINDSEY!"

"I'm just going to shut up right now." He said and turned on the engine.

When they got to the hospital, at last, Stevie flung the door open, Lindsey hadn't even properly stopped yet. "I'll meet you inside."

A nurse saw Stevie coming right away and she gasped, rushing to Stevie's side. "Did you come here by yourself?"

"No, my husband is parking. I, on the other hand, am about to have this baby slip out of me!"

The nurse was leading her to a room, when Lindsey caught up with them. "Are you alright, Steph?"

"Don't talk."

"Sorry." She didn't reply, just glared at him.

"The doctor will come in to see you in a minute."

"Let me help you." Lindsey made her sit down on the bed and started undressing her, to put on the hospital gown. "How come you're so not freaking out?"

"I don't imagine that being okay for our son and I'm using all my energy to get over this pain."

"Does it hurt really bad?"

"Just what do you think?" Stevie was very short tempered, getting into bed.

"What can I do for you?" He asked, taking her hand, as he stroked her hair.

"Don't leave my side and hold my hand." Lindsey smiled, kissing the top of her head, knowing that no matter what, she needed him there more than she let him know.

~

It was the afternoon of October 3rd. Stevie had just woken up and Lindsey was unaware of her watching him with their son in his arms. He had the biggest smile on his face she had ever seen and it was melting her heart.

"Happy birthday, Linds."

He jerked his head to her side at the sound of her voice. "This is the best present I've ever gotten, Steph. Nobody will ever beat this."

"Bring him to me, will you?"

Lindsey without question walked over to one side of the bed and put their son, the perfect mixture of the both of them, in her arms. "Hey you, our little cuddly teddy bear." Stevie spoke softly, completely mesmerized by Ernest's piercing blue eyes staring back up at her. "God, you're so beautiful... You're going to get all the girls like your daddy."

"But remember son, there's only that one and only you'll ever need." Lindsey added jokingly, sitting at the empty space on the bed, by Stevie's feet.

"I can't believe we made him."

"Perfect, isn't he?"

Stevie nodded, reaching for Lindsey's hand. "Our timing, huh?"

"I know!" They laughed, trying not to startle Ernest. "Hey, it's going to be twice the fun from now on."

"I doubt it. Everyone we'll be coming over to see how wonderful our son is, you'll be forgotten, Linds."

"I should have known there will come a time when I'm overshadowed."

"Do you think he's going to be into music, like us?"

"I hope so. He's half me and half you, he wold be silly to waste all that talent."

"Just as long as he's healthy and happy."

Lindsey nodded agreeing. "And how are you?"

"Tired and still in need of sleep, but I'm fine."

"I thought this was supposed to go on for hours."

"Oh, and it didn't?" She looked pointedly, with an eyebrow raised. "Four hours of pushing a person out of my body wasn't the most fun I've ever had."

"No, you're right. But like I thought it would take ten or more, doesn't it usually?"

"I suppose every case is different."

"I'm glad the hardest part is over."

"Remember, you promised to be the one waking up every night."

"I know, I know." Lindsey rolled his eyes at her teasing. "And I'm still keeping to my word."

"Linds?"

"Mm?"

"I love you."

"I love you so much more, sweetheart. And you, son." Lindsey kissed Stevie on the lips and then Ernest on his little forehead.