In which a new father does his best to soothe his fussy baby and his wife's nerves
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Through the Looking Glasses
Jack was enamored with his baby boy from the moment he found out she was pregnant. He couldn't have been more ecstatic if he tried. He could still recall the exact moment that she told him. He'd just gotten back from a tough practice. He wanted nothing more than to lay his head on her chest and fall asleep. But that was the furthest thing from his mind once she'd those two fateful words.
He'd dropped his bag so quickly the figurines in the armoire shook. He'd stared, disbelief across a tired face. He ran a hand through semi-damp hair, blowing out a long breath. "You're kidding."
"I'm not kidding." He'd stepped closer to her, a little hesitantly - as if he was afraid her belly would pop right out and sucker punch him.
"You mean there's really a baby in there?" He'd asked, his fingers gently brushing the fabric covering her stomach. He'd seemed suddenly awestruck, as if he'd just realized how it worked.
His innocent question made her giggle. She could barely suppress her smile as she affirmed the answer. "Yes, Jackie, there's really a baby in there."
He gathered her in his arms, then seemed to suddenly doubt his strength. "I'm not crushing the baby, right?" He muttered his question into the nook of her shoulder.
She snorted then. "No, you're not crushing the baby."
"And if I spin you around, are you gonna throw up on me?"
"No, I wo-" her statement became a squeal as he lifted her off the ground and spun her around.
"I hope our baby has your smile," Jack said, planting a kiss on her lips. A jubilant grin across his face.
His excitement boiled over into the way he cared for her for the nine months that followed. As much as he could with his hockey schedule, he made sure she didn't lift a finger. She got a little annoyed with his insistence that she wouldn't do anything. But she felt so lucky to be showered with love and attention, praise and thanksgiving.
Anytime he was away, his heart ached with longing. He wanted to be with her. Holding her hand, guiding her through every little motion. His determination to protect his wife and their little baby made even the smallest distances unbearable.
He loved coming home to her. He loved that little bump and her greeting him at the door, pressing the unborn child against him. She was always so happy. She gave him that smile he hoped their baby had. She was so full of life and energy, even when the morning sickness and the aches and pains were at their worst.
As much as he delighted in being greeted at the door, he enjoyed even more when she got further along. When her feet swelled to match her belly and she'd say hello from the couch or the bed - or wherever she was stationed. He'd stare in awe of her stomach, touching it gently, giddy with excitement to meet the little one she was carrying. He'd carry her into the bedroom and lay her down, tucking her in with all the gentleness he could muster.
