October 8 2019
The lull between surgeries gave AJ a rare pause — the kind of break most doctors dream of. She didn't waste it.
With a glance at her watch and a soft smile tugging at her lips, she slipped down the hallway toward the on-site daycare, badge swinging gently from her neck.
Luke, as always, trailed just behind, one earbud in as he scanned the corridor.
AJ (over her shoulder)-You don't have to follow me, Luke. I'm just going to the baby wing.
Luke (deadpan)-And if a rogue nurse tries to steal Mateo for cuddles again?
AJ (sighing with a grin)-Fair.
They arrived at the cozy, pastel-colored room tucked in a quiet wing of the hospital. AJ gently tapped on the glass, and the daycare nurse waved her in with a wide smile.
Inside, Mateo was sprawled on a soft play mat in a sunny patch of the room, kicking his sockless feet in the air, surrounded by plush animals and building blocks. He spotted AJ immediately and lit up, arms flailing in baby excitement.
AJ (melting instantly)-There's my little man.
She scooped him up with practiced ease, pressing a kiss to his forehead as he cooed against her shoulder.
Daycare Nurse (smiling)-He's been a little angel. Took two naps, flirted with every intern who walked past the window.
AJ-Sounds like his father.
Luke (mock insulted)-I was going to say sounds like you.
As AJ sat in the cozy rocker, cradling Mateo against her chest, the daycare door opened quietly behind them.
She turned — and froze.
Dave stood there, suitcase still in hand, loosened tie around his neck, and a smile that was equal parts exhaustion and adoration.
Dave (softly)-Thought I'd surprise you.
AJ (grinning)-You did. How did you—?
Dave-Wrapped up early. Took the first flight back. Couldn't stay away from you two.
He crossed the room, leaning down to kiss her, one hand brushing over Mateo's tiny head.
Mateo as if on cue, let out a delighted little sound and patted Dave's chest.
Dave (softly)-You remember me, huh? Daddy didn't stay away long.
Luke (quietly, backing toward the door)-I'll give you guys a minute.
AJ (teasing)-You're not crying, are you, Luke?
Luke (gruff)-No, but the baby just winked at me. I can't compete with that.
When the door closed behind him, Dave knelt in front of AJ, resting his hands on her knees, looking up at both her and Mateo.
Dave-I know I had to go, but the second I landed, I missed this.
AJ (gently)-We missed you too.
Dave (to Mateo)-Mama hold it down for us?
AJ-Always.
They sat like that for a while — just the three of them — wrapped in the kind of silence that speaks louder than words. Mateo blinked slowly, nestling between them like he belonged exactly where he was... because he did.
Absolutely! Here's a cozy, heartwarming follow-up scene of **AJ, Dave, and Mateo heading home together** after a long day — peaceful, real, and full of quiet love.
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Dave carried the baby carrier, one hand gripping the handle, the other holding AJ's. Mateo was bundled in a soft sage-green blanket, dozing peacefully, a tiny hand peeking out near his face. His little knit hat — the one Camilla insisted was "too cute not to wear"— bobbed slightly with every step.
AJ (glancing up at Dave)-Still can't believe you flew back just to walk out of here with us.
Dave (smiling)-I needed this. The meetings were loud. This? This is quiet.
AJ (teasing)-We have a baby. Nothing about this is quiet.
Dave-You know what I mean.
Luke trailed behind them toward the car, carrying a diaper bag and Mateo's fuzzy giraffe plush. He remained a few respectful paces back, giving the couple their moment while still playing guard.
At the car, Dave opened the door, carefully securing the carrier into its base while AJ double-checked the buckles — more out of habit than concern.
Luke (handing over the giraffe)-His royal highness forgot his emotional support animal.
AJ (grinning)-You've got a soft spot for him.
Luke (shrugging)-Kid's growing on me.
Dave-It's mutual. Mateo lights up every time you're in the room.
Luke (half-smirking)-That's 'cause I don't wipe his nose or take his temperature.
Once everything was set, Luke gave a brief nod and moved toward his own car, parked discreetly behind theirs.
Luke (to AJ)-You're covered for the night. Call me if you need anything.
AJ-Thanks, Luke. For everything.
Dave-Seriously. We owe you dinner or something.
Luke-I don't do dinner. I do duty.
And with that, he was gone.
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**Inside the Car**
The hum of the city faded as Dave turned onto a quieter street. AJ leaned her head against the window for a moment, watching the traffic lights blink by. Mateo made a soft sigh in his sleep — that sweet baby sound that made AJ's heart thud in rhythm with his.
Dave (quietly)-I missed this. Just us.
AJ-Me too. You being gone made everything feel... louder.
Dave (reaching for her hand at a red light)-I don't want to miss anything. Not if I can help it.
AJ (smiling)-We're always going to be juggling work and life and this little human. But if we can end days like this — going home together — that's enough.
Mateo stirred, letting out a soft gurgle, his eyelids fluttering open for just a second before he drifted off again.
Dave (whispering)-You think he knows he's going home?
AJ (softly)-I think he knows he's safe.
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**At Home**
Dave unlocked the door, holding it open as AJ walked in first. The apartment smelled faintly of lavender and clean laundry — Tony had stopped by and folded clothes, probably.
They moved like a team: AJ straight to the couch with Mateo, Dave to the kitchen to warm up dinner. In minutes, the baby was curled in AJ's arms again, and Dave handed her a bowl of pasta and a sparkling water with lemon.
Dave-It's not gourmet, but it's warm.
AJ (smiling)-Perfect.
They sat in the golden hush of evening, Mateo between them, the flicker of soft lamplight painting shadows on the wall. No emergencies. No alarms. Just home.
AJ (quietly, almost to herself)-We're doing okay, huh?
Dave (looking at her, at Mateo)-We're doing great.
