Wren

Part 19

The month passed slowly. So, excruciatingly slowly. Wren felt like he was going crazy, and his impatience was starting to rub off on Matteo, who was already stressed from work. But the day finally arrived.

Wren was sitting outside, scrolling on his phone looking at parenting tips, when it suddenly started vibrating in his hand. His heart flipped when he saw their adoption agent's contact on the screen. He answered the call with shaky hands. 

"Hello?"

"It's time! You need to come to the hospital! Sarah's water broke about thirty minutes ago--"

He hung up the call and dashed in the house, making a mad sprint down to Matteo's study. He wasn't there! He ran to Vincenzo's study, and found both of them discussing a new deal. This time, he didn't care about interrupting. "Matteo! Sarah's having the baby! We have to go!"

Matteo stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over. "Are you serious? Its really time?"

"Yes! Come on!" He grabbed Matteo's hand and pulled him out the door. Vincenzo followed.

"Do you want me to come later?" Vincenzo called after them.

"We'll give you a call," Matteo shouted back.

They rushed to the car and peeled out of the driveway. The hospital was 20 minutes away, and Wren fidgeted the whole drive. Matteo placed a hand on his bouncing knee. "Its okay, puppy. Everything's okay."

They parked and quickly entered the hospital, walking up to the front desk. Wren's hand gripped his husband's like a vice. Wren didn't listen as Matteo got them checked in, only paying attention when he had to hold out his arm for a wristband. 

"Could we get directions?" Matteo asked, and the lady told them how to get to the labor and delivery unit. They rushed down the hallway, anxious to get there. They found the room. Sarah had graciously agreed to let them be in the room until it was actually time for the baby to be born. Then she would want some privacy.

Wren rushed to her side, and Matteo took a seat beside Sarah's father, who had the same deal as the couple. "He's been so excited," Matteo commented, watching Wren brush hair out of Sarah's face as she smiled at him, talking. They were around the same age. (20/21-ish.)

"Sarah's so grateful that the baby will have a good home and good parents. She hated the idea of abortion, but she doesn't want a baby right now. She's not ready." Daniel, Sarah's father, said.

A few hours passed and the contractions got worse and worse, and Wren was right there holding Sarah's hand until he had to leave. The men waited in the hallway, Wren anxiously pacing back and forth in front of the bench where the other two sat. It was about an hour later that the nurse came out of the room, smiling. 

"You can go in now," She nodded at the three.

They rushed into the room, slowing and inching forward. Sarah looked exhausted, but happy. A little bundle was in her arms. 

She motioned Wren forward, knowing how excited he was. She pulled down the blanket a tiny bit, revealing the most perfect little face he'd ever seen.

He sank to his knees beside the bed and cried, and Matteo came up and hugged him from behind. He hadn't realized just how much this meant to him until now. 

"Its a girl," Sarah whispered, and Wren sobbed harder. "Pull yourself together and you can hold her," She laughed.

Wren quickly wiped away his tears and steadied his nerves. Sarah passed the baby to him, and Matteo guided him to a chair he'd pulled up. They couldn't take their eyes off of her. She had a cute little button nose, dark hair, and the tiniest little hands. She was asleep, and they watched in wonder at all the little movements her face made.

"Do you have a name picked out?" Sarah asked, watching them happily.

Wren nodded. "Sophie," he whispered, and Sarah smiled. 

"That's beautiful." Daniel breathed, standing behind the chair beside Matteo.

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A nurse had come in and told them that the mother and baby needed to stay two days, and Wren spent every second in the room. He took care of Sarah and learned how to take care of the baby. How to feed her, change diapers, bathe her. . . it was a lot to take in, but he did his best. He wanted to have plenty of practice before he didn't have the nurses to help him anymore. 

Sarah left first, kissing the baby's cheek and wishing them luck and happiness. 

They packed up everything and tidied up the room, ready to be home. Wren carried Sophie and Matteo shouldered their bags, and they checked out and got in the car. It took a few minutes to figure out the buckles on the car seat they'd bought, and Wren decided to sit in the back with her. Matteo couldn't stop smiling at how cute it was to see the two together. 

They made it home, and were met by Vincenzo, his partner Vivian, Leo, and Dace, who'd completely healed from his knife injuries. They clamored and wanted a turn holding the precious bundle. 

When Dace finally got to hold her in his beefy arms, he dramatically swore to protect her with his life. Everyone laughed happily, but he protested and said he meant every word. He was a bodyguard though, so. . .

Vincenzo was immediately wrapped around Sophie's tiny finger, just like he was with Wren. Vivian was also absorbed in the cuteness, and Leo showed his love in his own way. By worrying. 

"Do you know how to feed her? Did she get all the medicines and things she needed?" He asked, hovering over everyone. "She'll need checkups every month, and you have to watch for jaundice--" Matteo placed a hand over his mouth, and everyone laughed again.

Wren was handed back his baby and they were ushered to their room; everyone knew they were exhausted. He laid her gently in her crib, watching her with a type of love only a parent could understand. Matteo came up behind him and put his arms around him, the same look in his eye.

                   Part Twenty Coming Soon