The Halstead Freckles - [Linstead] ✓

19. - Thnks fr th Mmrs

a/n

so, here we are. the final chapter, or the epilogue, however you wanna call it. i just really hope you enjoy it and i have to say a big thank you for all of you who stayed until the very end. i love you all. comment your thoughts pls:)

also, i know if you calctulate months and evrything it would be kinda wrong but i really wanted to write a christmas chapter so lets put pregnancy math away and enjoy the story  lmao.

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about 8 months later

On December 23rd, Oli's sibling was finally born. Erin got strong contractions early in the morning on the 22nd and about 24 hours from then their baby was born. Hank picked up Oli at the hospital, since Erin and the baby had to stay there for a few days and Jay's probably going to be there all the time, and Hank wanted for Oli to get some sleep and normal food. Jay was really thankful for that, and so was Erin.

It was the 25th now, it was Christmas, and Hank was making pancakes for breakfast in his kitchen. He heard soft, slow steps on the stairs and he smiled when Oli showed up, wearing his pink Piglet onesie that he loved so much, with messy hair (that Hank thought should be cut at least a little), and a sad expression on his face.

"Hey, kiddo, everything alright?"

"Yeah, I guess," Oli replied and sat down at the table. His face lit up a little, tho, when he smelled his favorite breakfast "Is that pancakes you're making?"

Hank only chuckled. He was just like his mom. Food could change his mood instantly.  "Won't you check if Santa left anything for you under the tree?"

Now he looked at his grandpa with the did-you-fall-on-your-head-? look. "Santa brings presents here, too? For me?"

"Well, he must have known that you were staying here the past couple of days." Hank smirked. Oli's smile told him that this was probably the thing he was sad about earlier.

The little boy jumped off his chair and ran towards the big tree that was standing in the corner of the living room.

All Hank could hear was ripping paper and then a silent gasp "Wooah."

"What is it?" Hank asked, already knowing what present he opened.

"Grandpa, can you believe it? I got a bike! Santa brought me a bike! And it's for the big kids!" he couldn't hide his excitement.

"Well, you did turn five last month. You're a big kid now. And you also grew so much from last year, I think one of these days you're going to end up taller than me." he chuckled and ruffled Oli's already messy hair.

Oli picked up another small present, that was also addressed to him.

"A Harry Potter book? Awesome! I can't wait to show all this to mom and dad!"

"You know what, kiddo?"

"What?"

"Your dad just called."

Oli's face lit up even more, it that was possible at this point. "Are they...?"

"Your mom and your sister are coming home today." Hank smiled.

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When they arrived to their building, Oli jumped out of the car (still in his onesie - 'It's Christmas so I can wear whatever I want!') and ran inside and up the stairs. Hank followed him slowly and every now and then he would get a "Grandpa, come on."

When Jay opened the door, Oli pushed past him and ran into the apartment.

"Well hello to you to, my child. Yes, I missed you too." Jay said sarcastically then turned to Voight "Hey. Thanks for taking him, again."

"Mom, mom, mom!" Oli shouted as he was running around, trying to find Erin.

She walked out of the bedroom, carrying the baby in her arms. "Hey sweetie." she smiled to him. Lately that's all she's been doing.

"Can I hold her?" Oli asked with pleading eyes.

Erin told him to sit on the couch and showed him the right way to hold a baby and then they were all gathered around, just admiring how adorable she was.

"Hi Mia. You're so tiny." Oli told her. He already adored her "My name is Oli and I'm your big brother. We're going to read books together and watch Nemo and built forts and we'll do everything you'd like together. I'm going to be the best brother, I promise."

Erin was in awe. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes but this time she'd let them.

Later that night, when they had finished dinner (of course it was spaghetti, Oli's favorite) and Hank had left they were all snuggled up on the couch, watching The Grinch (that Oli also absolutelly loved). Mia was sleeping on top of Jay's chest and Oli's head was resting in Erin's lap.

"Baby, do you want me to take you to your bed?" Erin asked when she saw Oli's eyes were getting heavy.

He only rubbed his eyes and nodded his head yes. "Come on, let's take them to sleep." she said and nuged Jay who was also drifting to sleep a little.

First Erin tucked Oli in and they both kissed him goodnight, then they went across the hall, where they set up Mia's room in the past months and lay her down in the crib.

"I can't believe it." Jay whispered.

"What?"

"We made another person. Erin, we made them. I just... I guess it's hard to believe." he smirked, before putting hands on her hips in attempt to pull her closer. He gently pecked her lips twice but then Mia made a sound and they both quickly turned their heads to her. It was nothing, but they were both still a little nervous around her. She was just so tiny and fragile.

When they covered her up, it looked like there was a hint of a smile on her face.

"Look," Jay whispered to Erin "She's got your Lindsay dimples."