Serendipitous [Joe Burrow]

Chapter 22

March 2021

Chandler sat on the couch of her old apartment as Miles and Joe carried boxes out of the apartment. "Are you sure I can't help?"

"No. You could give birth anytime!" Katie said sitting down next to her, "You are not lifting any boxes."

"I'm pregnant. Not helpless!" Chandler said.

"She's right," Joe said walking into the living room, "You're gonna sit there and rest."

"Yes, sir," Chandler said saluting Joe. He laughed as he walked out of the door. Chandler looked over to see Katie smiling at her. "What?"

"It's just good to see you so happy," Katie said.

"Joe makes that really easy. Especially after he stood up to my parents," Chandler smiled, "I know we've only known each other for eight months and dated for a month...but I think I love him. Does that make me sound stupid?"

"No. That doesn't make you sound stupid at all," Katie said, "I knew the second I met Miles that I loved him. When you meet the right person you just know. It doesn't matter how long you've been together."

"So I'm not crazy?" Chandler asked.

"Honest I'd think you were crazy if you didn't love him," Katie laughed.

"Do you think he feels the same way?" Chandler asked.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" Katie questioned, "Do you even see the way he looks at you? It's like you're the only girl in the room. Even before you guys started dating I could see the love he had for you."

"Really?" Chandler asked.

"What guy would offer to let you move in when you aren't even dating?" Katie asked.

"I guess you're right," Chandler said, "I'm just overthinking it." Joe and Miles walked back into the apartment silencing the two girls' conversation.

"I think we just have two more boxes and then we're done," Miles said.

"Yeah should be our last trip down," Joe said.

"All right. We'll meet you guys down there," Chandler smiled. Both girls looked around the apartment they'd lived in for the past several years.

"It's kinda sad to see it so empty," Katie said.

"I know," Chandler gloomed, "It's been full since the day we moved in."

"You know its kind of sweet that this couch was the first thing in here and it's going to be the last to leave," Katie said.

"Someone's coming to pick it up tomorrow?" Chandler asked.

"Yeah I'm gonna meet them here tomorrow," Katie said.

"You sure you don't want me to come?" Chandler asked.

"No. You need to rest," Katie said.

"Ow," Chandler said as a sharp pain shot through her stomach.

"You all right?" Katie asked.

"Yeah I—" Chandler's eyes went wide.

"What?" Katie asked.

"Either I just peed my pants or my water just broke!" Chandler said looking over at her best friend.

"What?!" Katie yelled.

"I think I'm going into labor," Chandler said as another sharp pain shot through her stomach.

"It's time!" Katie yelled.

"Go get Joe," Chandler said. Katie got off the couch and ran downstairs. Chandler tried to remain calm by breathing. She couldn't believe she was going to meet her baby today. A loud noise came from the hall making her look up.

"It's time?" Joe asked wide-eyed.

"It's time," Chandler said.

"We gotta get to the hospital!" Joe said walking over to the couch and helping Chandler up. She looked down at the couch seeing a wet spot on it.

"Katie, I think you're gonna need to call that person who's picking up the couch," Chandler said.

"Don't worry about it," Katie said, "You just go and deliver my perfect niece."

••••

Joe and Chandler sat in the hospital bed staring down at their daughter. "She's so beautiful," Joe smiled.

"I don't think I've ever loved someone so much," Chandler whispered.

"Did you ever decide on a middle name?" Joe asked.

"I narrowed it down to two," Chandler said, "But as soon as I saw her I knew which one was perfect."

"So what did you decide on?" Joe questioned.

"Lee," Chandler replied. Joe looked up at the girl in shock.

"Seriously?" he asked.

"I thought it was perfect," Chandler smiled.

"Bridget Lee Burrow," Joe smiled staring down at his daughter who was in his hands.

"Got a nice ring to it don't you think?" Chandler asked. Seeing Joe look down at their daughter made her love him even more than she thought possible.

"I love you," Chandler said making Joe look up at her, "I know it's early but when you know you know. Seeing you with our daughter just confirmed my feelings. It's all right if you don't feel the sa—"

Joe used his free hand to pull the girl into a kiss. "I love you too," he said pulling away, "More than you'll ever know."