September 26 2019
AJ adjusted the soft blanket over Mateo's carrier as she stepped into the hospital she proudly called her second home. LMateo was tucked in snug, eyes wide and curious, wearing a "Property of Mom's Hospital Team" onesie that was already famous in the halls.
Right beside her was Luke, ever-reliable, carrying the baby bag in one hand and her much-needed coffee in the other.
Luke (low, casual)-Still think we should've used the back entrance. You know he draws a crowd.
AJ (smirking, tired)- Let them stare. He inherited my spotlight.
Luke- He also drools on your badge.
AJ- Balance.
With Dave out of town on business, it had been a chaotic morning — getting Mateo dressed, grabbing her notes, calling daycare — but AJ kept it together. Mostly. Thanks to Luke, who'd been there the entire morning like a calm shadow.
The hospital's sliding doors whooshed open — and like clockwork, gasps and whispers began. Nurses glanced up from clipboards. Phones subtly emerged. The *Mateo effect* was in full force.
Luke (sotto)- And we're live.
Camilla came practically sprinting down the hallway, lab coat flapping, clogs squeaking.
Camilla- Clear the way, please! Baby royalty incoming!
She reached them with zero subtlety and immediately leaned down to coo at Mateo.
Camilla (grinning)- My hospital boyfriend is here. You're glowing, little man.
AJ (rolling her eyes, laughing)-He's just here for daycare, not rounds. Maybe he'll do some rounds and like will take him back to daycare
Camilla- You say that, but half the nurses already signed up for playgroup duty.
Nurse Caroline - Is that a tiny ID badge clipped to his carrier?!
Nurse Jacqueline (filming)- Okay, but look at his face. He's *thriving*.
Luke (to AJ, amused)- Do I need to start crowd control?
AJ (deadpan)- Only if someone tries to hold him without washing their hands.
Just then, the elevator *dinged*, and out walked Chief Miranda Bailey — clipboard in hand, unimpressed by theatrics, but mildly intrigued by the commotion.
She took one look at the growing circle of nurses, the unmistakable baby gear, and her eyes landed on AJ and Luke.
Bailey - I assume there's a medical emergency happening?
AJ-If adorable is billable, then yes.
Camilla (offering the carrier)-Would you like to hold him, Chief?
Bailey (pretending to sigh)-Fine. But only because he's better behaved than half my staff.
She took Mateo in her arms like a seasoned pro. Instantly, Mateo blinked up at her, then let out a soft sigh and nuzzled against her shoulder. The room fell into reverent silence.
Bailey (softening)-He's calm. Sharp eyes. Already judging me. Just like his mother.
Luke (quietly to AJ)- You gonna cry or should I?
AJ (softly)-Shut up. You play to much I don't know why Dave didn't hire you sooner
Martin burst through the stairwell doors, out of breath.
Dr walker - I *swear* I left the car for ten seconds—Did I miss it?!"
Camilla (teasing)-Too late. He's already calling Bailey 'Chief Grandma.'
Dr walker (grinning at Mateo)-You got a whole hospital wrapped around your pacifier, huh?
---
**Later – Daycare Drop-Off**
Luke held the door open to the on-site hospital daycare, a cozy room near the east wing with plush rugs, mini cribs, and a handful of trusted staff AJ personally vouched for.
AJ crouched down, unbuckling Mateo's carrier, gently lifting him out and settling him into a padded rocker while the daycare nurse approached.
Nurse Issa -Hi Mateo! We've been waiting for you!
AJ (softly to Mateo)- Mama's just down the hall, okay? You're gonna be great.
Luke (passing over the diaper bag)-You remembered the giraffe teether?
AJ (smirking)-Obviously. I'm not a monster.
Nurse Issa- We'll keep you updated every hour. If your in surgery and he's here it's to keep your husband updated
Aj- yes Issa and to keep Luke updated as well because I know got papa well chew me up
Mateo cooed, grabbing AJ's finger as if reassuring *her* this would be fine.
---
**Doctor's Lounge, Later**
AJ sat with Camilla and summer, sipping her now-lukewarm coffee. Luke stood by the door again, flipping through a clipboard someone had handed him earlier.
Camilla- He didn't cry at drop-off. That's basically a win.
Summer - No offense, AJ, but he might like them more than you already.
AJ (grinning)- As long as someone's keeping him happy.
Luke- He's a cool kid. Calm. Observant. Takes after you.
AJ (quiet)-Hope so.
A ping came through her phone — a photo from daycare: Mateo asleep, hugging his giraffe, one sock already off.
AJ (showing them)-And *that* is why he only wears matching socks for the first ten minutes of the day.
Everyone laughed — warm, easy, like family.
