Stronger Together

Part 10

The room was quiet now, a soft, peaceful silence broken only by the gentle sounds of their newborn baby breathing, nestled securely in Buck’s arms. The sterile brightness of the hospital lights felt softer somehow, and the tension that had filled the room just moments ago had been replaced with a calm, almost sacred stillness. Buck lay back against the pillows, utterly exhausted but so overwhelmed with love and pride that it didn’t seem to matter.

Eddie sat beside him on the edge of the bed, his hand still clasping Buck’s, never once letting go since the moment Buck had started laboring. His other hand hovered above the tiny baby cradled in Buck’s arms, unsure where to touch first. His emotions were written plainly on his face—tears of joy still damp on his cheeks, a soft smile playing at his lips, and his brown eyes wide with awe.

“Look at him,” Eddie whispered, his voice reverent, barely above a breath as he reached out to gently brush his fingers along their baby’s cheek. The baby made the smallest of sounds, stirring at Eddie’s touch before settling again, still wrapped in the blanket, still so new to the world.

Buck smiled, exhausted but brighter than ever, his heart swelling as he looked down at their son. He shifted slightly, his body aching and sore, but he couldn’t tear his gaze away from the tiny bundle in his arms. “He’s perfect,” Buck whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

Eddie nodded, completely mesmerized by the little face that was so brand new, yet somehow so familiar. “He really is,” he breathed, his voice thick with wonder. He leaned in closer, resting his forehead against Buck’s for a brief moment, letting the reality of it all sink in. They were parents. After months of waiting, after all the pain and uncertainty and joy, they had finally made it. Their son was here, and nothing else in the world mattered.

“You were incredible,” Eddie murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Buck’s temple. “I can’t believe you did that. You’re so strong, Buck.”

Buck laughed softly, a tired sound that came from deep within his chest. “I didn’t think I could do it,” he admitted, his voice quiet as his eyes filled with tears again. “But we’re here. He’s here.” He looked down at the baby, his heart swelling all over again. “I just—he’s everything, Eddie.”

Eddie’s hand gently caressed the baby’s tiny head, his eyes never leaving his son’s face. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the baby’s forehead, his breath catching as he felt the warmth of the tiny body in Buck’s arms. “I love you,” Eddie whispered to their son, his voice breaking. “I love you so much.”

The baby stirred again, his little fingers twitching inside the blanket as he let out a tiny, sleepy cry. Buck and Eddie both froze, holding their breaths as they watched their son move, his face scrunching up in that way only newborns can manage. Buck couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the sight, even through his exhaustion. “I think he’s hungry,” he said, his voice filled with a quiet joy.

Eddie immediately sprang into action, ever the protector and caregiver, reaching for the nurse call button. “I’ll get the nurse,” he said, his hand gently squeezing Buck’s shoulder before he stood up, still never straying far from Buck and the baby.

When the nurse entered the room, her smile was warm and full of pride for the new family. “How’s everyone doing?” she asked softly, her eyes flicking to the baby in Buck’s arms.

“He’s perfect,” Buck replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. “We’re all… perfect.”

The nurse nodded, giving them a few instructions on feeding and making sure both Buck and the baby were comfortable. She gently took the baby to check his vitals, letting Buck have a moment to stretch and adjust himself on the bed, and when she handed the baby back, she gave Eddie a reassuring smile. “You’ve got a strong little one here,” she said. “And he’s got two amazing parents. You’re doing great.”

When the nurse left, Eddie climbed back onto the bed next to Buck, careful not to jostle him too much. He slid his arm around Buck’s shoulders, pulling him close as they both stared down at their baby, their little boy, so tiny and fragile, yet so full of life.

“I can’t believe this is real,” Eddie whispered, his voice filled with awe. “We have a son.”

Buck let out a breathy laugh, leaning his head against Eddie’s shoulder. “It feels like a dream,” he agreed. “I keep waiting to wake up and realize it’s not real, but…” He paused, his eyes welling up with fresh tears. “But he’s here. We really did it.”

Eddie pressed a kiss to Buck’s hair, his own emotions bubbling up again as he gazed at the tiny miracle in their arms. “We did,” he whispered. “We did it together.”

For a while, they just sat there in silence, soaking in the moment, their world reduced to just the three of them. Every now and then, the baby would make a tiny noise or shift in Buck’s arms, and each time, Buck and Eddie would exchange a look—filled with love, wonder, and pure joy.

“I’m so proud of you,” Eddie murmured after a long stretch of silence, his voice thick with emotion. “You were incredible through everything. And now, here he is. Our family.”

Buck smiled, leaning up to press a kiss to Eddie’s cheek, his heart swelling with love for the man beside him. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” he whispered. “You were with me every step of the way.”

Eddie’s eyes softened, and he turned to look at Buck, their faces so close that their foreheads touched. “We’re a team,” he whispered. “Always.”

Buck nodded, tears slipping down his cheeks as he gazed at the man he loved and the child they had brought into the world together. It was all so much, so overwhelming, but in the best possible way. He had never felt more complete, more at peace, than he did in that moment—with Eddie by his side and their baby safe in his arms.

And as they sat there, the world outside continuing on without them, Buck realized something: this was just the beginning. The start of their new life as a family. A life filled with love, laughter, and all the beautiful chaos that came with it.

They had made it through the hardest part. Now, they had forever to look forward to.

And Buck couldn’t wait.