My Choice (Third in the "Baby Brother Series)

Twenty-Nine

When Tom got to the car, he chuckled at seeing Bill fast asleep with Andy holding him. When he gently nudged his little brother's knee, Tom had to hide the smile that was trying to make an appearance. He couldn't help it, Tom could remember the tiny little toddler that used to follow him around; that's all he saw usually especially when his brother has just woken up.

He hadn't changed, always rubbing his eyes with both fists and sitting up with staticky hair. He looked lazily at Tom for a second before launching himself into his brother's arms. Tom silenced any apologies by giving his own, Bill was immediately confused but chose to accept his brother's sorry.

"Do you want to come meet your nephew? He's with Miley right now?"

"Can I?" Bill asked. "You're not still mad at me, are you?"

"I wasn't mad at you. Worried yes, because I don't like it when you're not feeling well. I never have."

"Oh, I thought you were because I saw your text to Andy," Bill muttered.

"I understand that it may have been seen as dismissive," Tom started, holding his brother closer. "But I'd never abandoned you. I already promised I'd stick by your side. Even with a little baby in the family now."

"Please. Don't laugh. But can I ride on your back. I don't trust my legs or feet right now," Bill shrugged.

Tom only chuckled and turned around so he could pull Bill onto his back like a koala. He walked toward the hospital and continued to Miley's room like that. He didn't care that people stared at him as he proceeded past. When he got inside, Miley smiled at seeing Bill finally make it to meet the baby she spent two hours pushing out. He slid off Tom's back and stumbled over to the seat closest to Miley. The tiny newborn was asleep in her arms, small noises escaping his tiny mouth.

"Is that Billy? He's so small," Bill smiled.

"Wanna hold him?"

"Can I?"

Tom picked the small baby up from his mother's arms and carefully put him in his brother's arms.

"Hallo little Billy. I'm happy you're here. We've been waiting for you," Bill smiled, trying to hold the tears from falling on the baby's head.

Little Billy cooed and opened his eyes, staring at Bill unable to really see his face. Bill put his finger up to wave at him when Billy grabbed it. Bill chuckled at how strong the little grip was on his finger. Tom loved how Bill already adored his nephew, he could see all the plans his little brother was making. He carefully handed the baby back to his mother and walked over to his brother, hugging him tightly. His brother was finally a dad and he knew how much Tom deserved it. He was doing so much for Bill, his little brother didn't even know if he'd be able to start a family.

"Congratulations Tomi," Bill said.

"Don't forget me over here, not like I didn't carry him for almost nine months and then spend two hours pushing him out of me," Miley snorted.

Tom walked over to her and started kissing her all over her face.

"Thank you, I love you. I love you. I love you." Tom went in over and over with each kiss.

"Okay, okay, I get it. You love me! Get off of me before you smother Billy," Miley chuckled.

Tom looked down at his son and couldn't help but pick him up again. He was so small but the weight he put on Tom was twice his tiny size. He wanted him to grow up in a safe home, a place where he could have the childhood Bill had, only Tom wouldn't abandon him. He looked up at Miley with a smile but saw her face of concern.