The Captain's Heart

seventeen

Little bonus chapter as a thank you for all your votes and comments. They truly are appreciated.

23rd January 2022.

'Oh baba... What's happened?' Amanda asks making her way into the hospital room where the blonde is propped up in bed with tears streaming down her cheeks as she uses one hand to gently rock the plastic cot containing the newborn.

'I don't know.' Leah admits as Amanda drops her bag onto the chair and makes her way over to the blonde. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Amanda leans forward to wrap her arms around her daughter.

'Feeling a bit overwhelmed?' Amanda asks and Leah nods her head as she buries her face in the crook of her mum's neck.

'That's perfectly normal. You've just went through a huge life change and so soon after it you were left on your own. I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere until they throw me out again.' Amanda says softly as she gently rubs her daughter's back.

'They said I might get home today.' Leah almost whispers.

'Yeah? That would be good, wouldn't it? Your dad is going to bring Jacob up this afternoon so we'll see what's happening, if you're home they can always just come to the house.' Amanda says and Leah nods her head.

'I think I've picked her name.' Leah says quietly.

'Yeah?' Amanda asks and Leah nods her head.

'Aurora Berny Williamson... But I think I'll use Rory for short.' Leah replies smiling.

'I think that's absolutely perfect, baba. Our little Aurora.' Amanda says glancing over at the cot where the newborn is sleeping.

'I think it suits her.' Leah says and Amanda nods her head.

'Oh absolutely.' Amanda replies smiling as Leah leans back against the pillows.

'Have you had breakfast?' Amanda asks and Leah nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... Had toast and cereal.' Leah replies causing Amanda to smile.

'That's good. Do you need anything while I'm here and she's sleeping?' Amanda asks.

'I might go for a shower if you're okay to sit with her.' Leah says and Amanda nods her head.

'Of course I am.' Amanda replies smiling.

****

Her heart melts at the way her dad bypasses the plastic cot to make his way directly to where she's sitting up in bed. Immediately his arms wrap around her and she almost sinks into his embrace.

'How's my girl doing?' David asks softly.

'I'm okay. I'm sore but I'm okay.' Leah replies smiling. Pulling back slightly, his hands move up to cradle her face as he smiles at her.

'My baby girl all grown up with her own baby girl.' David says shaking his head as she glances over to where Jacob is staring down at Rory in her cot.

'You can pick her up, Jacob... You're not gonna break her.' Leah says.

'I'm waiting for dad to hold her first.' Jacob replies causing David to smile.

'You hold her, bud. Gimme time with my girl first.' David says causing Leah to smile.

'Mum said you handled the labour like an absolute champ.' David says softly as he sits on the edge of the bed.

'Mm... I don't think I'd say that.' Leah replies.