WHAT IF???

Chapter 79: Finale

After a few days in the hospital, it was finally time for Mon and Sam to take their baby home. The drive back was filled with quiet excitement, both women stealing glances at their newborn, securely nestled in a car seat.

As they pulled into the driveway, Sam looked at Mon with a smile. "We’re home," she said softly.

Mon parked the car and hurried to help Sam out, then gently lifted the baby from the car seat. They walked into the house together, their hearts full.

Inside, the house was filled with soft decorations – a "Welcome Home" banner from their friends and family, and a few gifts neatly stacked on a table. Mon and Sam exchanged a glance, both touched by the gesture.

Mon gently placed the baby in a bassinet they had set up in the living room. "Welcome home, little one," she whispered, brushing a finger across the baby's cheek.

Sam, looking tired but happy, sank onto the couch. "It feels so good to be home," she sighed.

Mon sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around Sam’s shoulders. "I can’t believe we’re finally here, starting this new chapter," she said softly.

Sam leaned her head on Mon’s shoulder. "I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else," she murmured.

The baby stirred slightly, and both women turned their attention to the tiny bundle. Mon reached over and gently rocked the bassinet. "We’re going to take such good care of you," she promised.

Sam smiled, reaching over to take Mon’s hand. "And we’re going to take good care of each other, too," she said.

Mon nodded, squeezing Sam’s hand gently. "Always."

They sat there for a while, enjoying the peaceful moment. The future seemed bright, filled with the promise of love, joy, and the adventure of raising their child together.

Every day, Mon dedicated herself to caring for Sam and their baby. She ensured Sam had everything she needed, and the baby was always in her arms or nearby. Mon’s tireless dedication was evident in every tender gesture and soft lullaby she sang to their little one.

One night, while Sam lay in bed, the baby sleeping soundly in the crib beside her, she noticed Mon had dozed off in the chair nearby. Mon’s head was resting against the back of the chair, her features softened in sleep, showing just how exhausted she was from days of non-stop caregiving.

Sam smiled tenderly at the sight, feeling a rush of gratitude and love for Mon. Quietly, she got out of bed and gently woke Mon. "Hey, love," Sam whispered, stroking Mon’s arm. "Wake up."

Mon stirred, opening her eyes slowly. "What is it?" she asked groggily.

Sam smiled warmly. "You’ve been taking care of me and the baby for days now. Let me take care of you tonight," she said softly, pulling Mon gently towards the bed.

Mon tried to protest, "But I—"

"No buts," Sam interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. "You need rest too. Come on, lie down."

With a soft sigh, Mon allowed herself to be led to the bed. She lay down, and Sam pulled the covers over her. "Just relax," Sam murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Mon’s face. "I’ve got this."

Mon’s eyes fluttered closed as she gave in to the comfort of the bed and the reassurance in Sam’s voice. "Thank you," she whispered.

Sam lay down beside her, wrapping an arm around Mon. "You’re amazing, you know that?" she whispered. "But you need to take care of yourself too."

Mon nodded sleepily, snuggling into Sam’s embrace. "I love you," she mumbled.

"I love you too," Sam replied, kissing Mon’s forehead. "Now sleep, my love. I’ll watch over both of you."

As Mon drifted off into a deep sleep, Sam lay awake, watching over her wife and their baby, feeling a profound sense of peace and contentment. The night was quiet, filled with the soft sounds of their breathing, and the knowledge that they would always take care of each other, no matter what.

The next morning, the soft light of dawn filtered into the room, casting a warm glow. Sam was sitting up in bed, gently rocking their baby, who gurgled happily in her arms. She made funny faces and cooed softly, eliciting giggles from their little one.

Mon stood quietly in the doorway, leaning against the frame as she watched the scene unfold. A tender smile spread across her face, her heart swelling with love and adoration for the two most important people in her life. She couldn’t help but feel grateful for these precious moments.

As Sam played with their baby, she looked up and saw Mon watching them. "Good morning, sleepyhead," Sam greeted with a radiant smile.

Mon walked over to them, her eyes filled with warmth. "Good morning," she replied, leaning down to kiss Sam on the forehead and then the baby. "You two look so perfect together."

Sam blushed slightly, her smile growing wider. "Well, someone had to keep the baby entertained while you got some much-needed rest."

Mon chuckled softly. "I feel so much better after last night, thank you." She reached out and gently stroked the baby’s cheek, her eyes soft with affection. "How’s our little one doing this morning?"

Sam laughed lightly. "Full of energy and smiles, as usual." She glanced up at Mon with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I think our baby missed you."

Mon’s heart melted at the thought. "I missed both of you too," she said softly. "It’s moments like this that make everything worthwhile."

Sam shifted the baby so Mon could sit beside her. "Come here and join us," she said, patting the space next to her. "Our little family time isn’t complete without you."

Mon sat down, wrapping an arm around Sam’s shoulders and kissing the top of her head. The baby reached out, grabbing onto Mon’s finger, making both women laugh softly.

As they sat together, Mon felt an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. "I love you both so much," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion.

Sam leaned her head on Mon’s shoulder, her eyes shining with love. "We love you too," she replied. "And we’re so lucky to have you."

They stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying each other’s presence and the love that bound them together. In that quiet, sweet moment, the world outside faded away, leaving only the warmth and happiness of their little family.

As the morning light continued to fill the room, Sam turned to Mon with a soft, thoughtful expression. "Mon," she said gently, "I have something for you."

Curiosity piqued, Mon watched as Sam stood up and walked over to the dresser. She picked up a wrapped package and brought it back to the bed, handing it to Mon.

Mon took the package, her fingers carefully unwrapping the paper to reveal a beautifully crafted picture frame. Inside the frame was a photograph that made Mon’s heart swell—a picture of their new family, taken just a few days after the baby was born. In the photo, Sam held their baby, and Mon had her arms around both of them, all three of them beaming with pure happiness.

Tears welled up in Mon's eyes as she looked at the picture. "Oh, Sam, this is beautiful," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I love it."

Sam sat back down beside Mon, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I thought we needed something to remind us of this special time, of how far we’ve come," she said softly. "I want us to always remember these moments, no matter what."

Mon hugged Sam tightly, her tears falling freely now. "Thank you, Sam. This means the world to me. You and our baby are everything I could ever ask for."

Sam kissed Mon’s temple, smiling through her own tears. "I love you, Mon. And I love our little family. I can’t wait to create more memories together."

Mon looked back at the photograph, her heart full. "Me too," she said, her voice full of determination and love. "We’re going to have a beautiful life together, all three of us."

As they sat there, holding each other and gazing at their family picture, they knew that no matter what challenges they might face in the future, their love and the bond they shared would always see them through.

-The End-