Baby, baby.

F O U R T Y S I X

beep. "you had me so scared," beep. "the thought of losing you and your mom." beep. "you have her nose, you know." beep. "and you have her lips." beep. "you're so beautiful, and i'm going to tell you every single day. i love you so much more than you will ever know." beep. "im so sorry."

layla forces herself to pry her eyes open as she takes in her surroundings. she found herself in hospital beds more than she'd like. her heart feels full as she looks to her side to see david holds both of the babies, rocking them slowly to sleep, a smile on his face. "you're so strong," david begins and looks up at layla slowly, his eyes glistening with love and adoration. "you're the strongest person i've ever met. i'm in awe of you constantly-" layla begins talking but is cut off with a shake of david's head. "layla, listen to me." he sits up a little straighter. "i've never been as scared as i was when i thought i was going to lose you and astoria. i was terrified. i had no idea what i was going to do and it felt like my world was collapsing. and you did it. you saved yourself and you saved astoria. you're extraordinary." he lifts himself from his spot on the chair and places astoria by her side, and maria on the other side of her.

layla couldn't have been happier to be near the babies again, she felt like a piece of herself was missing when they weren't near. "david, i do-"

"layla rain sanchez," he gets down on one knee quickly and pulls out a small heart shaped box, flipping it open to reveal a simple song with a single silver stone on it. it was easily the most beautiful ring layla had ever seen and as she realizes what's happening her can't hold back the tears that escape her eyes. "please do me the honor of becoming my wife. i want you forever." she nods quickly and he slides the ring on her hand with a smile. "this wasn't the place i wanted this to happen, but i guess it's as good as any." he kisses her cheek lightly and looks down as maria begins to stir. "hello, beautiful." he pulls her into his arms and she releases a yawn, stretching her arms and leaning against david with a sleepy look on her face.

"mama." her eyes light as as she sees layla layla in the bed with astoria by her side.

"hi, baby." layla smiles widely and issues her free hand to grip maria's hand tightly.

"hi." she repeats and let's a giggle escape her mouth.

"but, seriously layla." david takes a seat beside her on the bed. "i'm proud of you. i'm so so so proud of you. you're amazing." he leans down and places a kiss on her lips and it seems like forever since the two have kissed. it's filled with every emotion they experienced over the past few days and layla finds herself crying softly as she presses her lips against his. "i love you. i love you so much."

-

the next few weeks pass by quickly. as soon as they left the hospital it seemed as though they were bombarded with working and social events. it was all so draining but at least it distracted layla from thinking about the traumatic experience she'd went through.

she hadn't gotten past it at all yet, but she was trying. it was hard for her. the nightmares never stopped coming and the feeling of the fear she felt when she thought she was going to lose her family was like nothing she ever felt. it seemed like something that could happen so easily now and no matter how hard she tried to keep it away, laylas anxiety ate away at her all hours of the day every day.

things were easier, though. knowing that the biggest threat to her family was in jail gave a sort of peace to layla. it made it easier for her to get through the day.

scotty and the boys all spent months planning one of the most extravagant birthday parties possible for the girls and though layla insisted she wanted something small, the massive wonderland that they're house turned into seemed perfect. although she's socially drained being surrounded by the ones that she loved the most and so many friends and family made her feel a sort of safety that she hadn't felt before. she felt secure.