Just in Time (A Tom Hiddleston Fan Fic)

Chapter 39: Confidence and Names

A/N: Hello, lovely readers. This chapter carries us closer to the end of Tom and Kenni's story. It's not over yet, but it will be soon. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this chapter. Comments and votes are always welcome!

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Though the epidural has taken away the physical pain, my heart aches at what may be to come. I want what's best for my baby, not out of some selfish need to have a perfect child, but because I want her to have the best life possible.

Tom returns and walks toward me, wearing the medical gown and other items required. There is a calm sense of confidence in his demeanor. "Love, everything is going to be alright," he says, smiling at me and taking my hand.

"If you say so, Adam. But I think the blood bank is at the other end of the hospital," I say, trying to make light of the situation though I'm close to tears.

Tom chuckles and kisses me on the cheek.

"I mean it, Kendall. Everything is going to be just fine," he whispers in my ear. When he pulls back, I still see confidence in his eyes and adoration for me.

"Okay, Mom and Dad. Let's see if we're ready to proceed," Dr. Patel says as he enters the room. He adjusts his gloves as he sits on a stool to check my progress.

"We're about ready to begin. Kendall, after the baby is born, we'll need to take him to give him a thorough check over. I don't want you to panic when he's taken away quickly," he says, meeting my eyes before returning to the task at hand.

Tom leans in and kisses my cheek again. "Don't worry, Love. You and our baby are my family, and I'm not going to let anything happen to either of you." He squeezes my hand before adding, "Plus, you've got this, Kenni. I know you do."

Something about his words fuels my resolve. I smile at Tom, the first genuine one for many hours before responding.

"You bet I fucking do," I whisper. Tom chuckles before admonishing me with, "Language, Darling."

"Okay, Kendall, with the next contraction I need you to push," Dr. Patel says. I do as he asks, and then several more times, so many it seems that I lose count. The whole time Tom is with me, whispering words of encouragement or simply telling me that he loves me.

"Okay. The baby's head is out. One more big push for the shoulders."

I push with all the energy I have left, gripping Tom's hand for dear life. He's still whispering to me, though by now his words sound more like cooing which has a calming effect on me.

I feel a pop and then a slow sliding sensation. The doctor makes quick work of what I assume is clearing the baby's airway. I hear a soft whine then cry which is music to my ears.

"Okay, Dad, would you like to cut the cord?" Dr. Patel asks. Tom looks at me with tears in his eyes before whispering, "Yes."

He steps to the doctor, and I see his hands are shaking. He cuts the cord, then the doctor holds up the baby quickly for me to see. "Congratulations you two. It's a girl," he says before handing our baby off to a waiting nurse.

Tom returns to my side with a look of wonder, love, and complete astonishment. "I'm a dad," he says before smiling the goofiest grin I've ever seen, then he kisses me softly on the lips.

He stands beside me, waiting until the doctor turns his attention from me to check on our baby. While I'm sure it's actually only minutes that he's gone, the time seems to move like a stone. Finally, Dr. Patel returns.

"Good news, Mom and Dad. Your baby girl is just fine. She'll be in the NICU for a bit just to monitor her vitals, but I see no reason she won't be in your arms before the day is out."

I start to laugh and cry at the same time, and I look at Tom to find he's doing the same thing, then he bends down and takes me into a hug.

"I love you with all my heart, Kendall," he whispers.

I pull back slightly, still giddy from the news. "Right back at you," I say before kissing him with all the love I feel.

A few hours later...

Ben, Hector, and Sylvie have left, but not before officially welcoming Champ. Sylvie held her, acting like a proud grandma, while Hector cooed at her, not getting enough of her little toes and fingers. Ben patted Tom on the back repeatedly, offering him a cigar for later, then he gave me a surprise kiss on the lips and a cigar as well.

Things are quiet now, with the only noise being Tom whispering softly to Champ as he walks around the room, holding her like she is the most valuable treasure in the world.

"You're going to spoil her, you know," I say, though I can't get enough of watching Tom with our baby girl.

"Yes, yes I am," he says, not looking at me as he continues to pay rapt attention to Champ.

"Come here, Daddy," I say. Tom walks to the bed and sits on the edge as I scoot over a bit. I wince at the discomfort, but it's somehow a good feeling. Tom hands Champ over to me so I can take my turn cuddling her.

"Thank you," Tom says softly as he first touches Champ's head then my cheek.

"For what?" I ask.

"For loving me. For giving me a child. For making us a family. But most importantly, for making me whole."

I look at Tom, and I see love in his eyes.

"You make me complete, Kenni. I never realized I was missing anything until I met you." He leans forward and kisses me with all the hope and promise our life together holds.

After we break our kiss, I touch Tom's cheek.

"Thank you," I say.

"For what?"

"For putting up with my bullshit. For seeing something in me that made you not want to quit. For giving me Champ. But most of all, for filling the hole in my own heart with a love I never thought I'd know."

Tom caresses my cheek again then grins. "You know, I think we have to come up with a name," he says.

"What? We're not naming her Champ?" I ask in mock astonishment. Tom chuckles and kisses my nose.

"I'm afraid that won't do," he says.

"How about Mia?" I ask.

"No. That's the name of a girl I once dated," he says.

"What do you think of Chelsea?" he asks.

"No. Definitely not. I knew a Chelsea who worked as a publicist," I say.

"I know!" Tom says, then he leans toward my ear and whispers it to me.

I smile at him as he looks into my eyes. "That's perfect," I say.

Tom takes out his phone and calls his mom.

"Mum. Yes, everyone is fine. I just wanted to tell you we've picked a name. It's..."