Silent Night- A Reddie Christmas Story

Chapter Four

Twenty minutes later...

Eddie pulled into the driveway of their home. He looked over to Rachel, who had fallen asleep, her head resting comfortably against the window. He smiled, she looked so peaceful. He didn't want to wake her up, but he found himself brushing his fingers across her cheek lightly. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open slowly, taking in her surroundings.

"We're home, love" Eddie whispered gently

She yawned, getting out of the car. Eddie followed her.

They stepped into the hallway of their home, both taking their shoes and coats off. Rachel paused, hissing in pain as another contraction began. She leaned her back against the wall, closing her eyes as she breathed deeply. Eddie rubbed her arm with his hand, brushing her hair away from her face.

"You're doing great" he reassured

She nodded tiredly, resting her head on his chest. Eddie wrapped his arms around her, guiding her into the living room. He sat her gently down on the sofa. The soft smile she gave him warmed his heart.

"Can I get you anything?" He offered

She shook her head, rubbing her aching back, her face scrunching up in discomfort.

"What about a hot water bottle?" He suggested

She nodded.

Eddie stood up, going into the kitchen and making up a hot water bottle for Rachel. Once it was ready, he carried it back into the living room. Rachel took it from him gratefully. She placed it onto her lower back, sighing in relief as it calmed the dull, niggling ache instantly.

Eddie sat down next to her on the sofa, pulling her into his arms. She shuffled, nestling her head against his shoulder. Eddie placed his hand on her stomach, smiling as he felt their little one kick against his hand.

"Is she ok in there?" He asked, rubbing his hand up and down Rachel's stomach

"I think so" Rachel sighed, placing her hand on top of Eddie's

"Not long now, Rach" he smiled

Rachel hummed contentedly, smiling too. He was right. Soon they'd be a family of three, meeting their baby girl for the first time.

"How long do you think? Before she arrives" she wondered aloud, staring at Eddie inquisitively

"I think... no later than midnight. 11pm at the latest"

Rachel scoffed, looking at the clock, it was only 4pm!

"That feels like ages away!" She exclaimed

"Well, hopefully I'll be wrong and she'll arrive quicker" he shrugged

"We need something to do to pass the time. I can't sit here all evening" she huffed

"We could watch TV?" Eddie suggested

"That's my definition of boring" Rachel sighed

"What were you thinking, then?" He asked

Rachel thought for a moment.

"We could put the tree up and decorate it?" She suggested

Eddie laughed, thinking she was joking. His smile dropped when she looked at him. She wasn't joking.

"Rach! You're in labour, you can't decorate a Christmas tree!" He scoffed

"Yes, I can! We can. What else are we going to do?"

"Sit and- you know... relax?" Eddie pointed out

Rachel shook her head

"I need something to do, Eddie! We were going to put up the tree anyway. I'm not in that much pain, and it'll give us something to do other than waiting for every contraction to come and go!" She reasoned