Locked and Loaded: A Jay Halstead Fanfiction

Chapter 25

"PoPo!" yelled Skylar from Jay's arms as the police car passed them in the parade.

Harley about choked on her hot cocoa as she laughed. Her and Jay met up with Matt, Casey, and Becca along with Nat, Will, and Owen to watch the Christmas parade downtown. Shortly after they got their spot, Kim and Adam joined them. Skylar was so excited to be at the parade, and so was Becca. Matt was nice enough to put his daughter on his shoulders, so she could see over the tall people.

"You good sis?" asked Becca with a chuckle.

"Yep. All good," she smiled, taking another sip.

"Look mom! It's the ambulance!" cried Noah from his spot on Will's shoulders as he pointed at the rig.

"Yeah it is! And there's the fire truck behind it," Natalie pointed out.

"Uncle Kelly!" spotted Becca as Squad 3 drove passed, followed by Truck 81 and Engine 51.

"Uncle Kelly!" cheered Skye, now spotting him hanging on the side of the rig and waving.

"I didn't know 51 got stuck with parade daughter," stated Harley as she turned to Matt and Gabby, "How'd you two get out of that one?"

"Since Terrence and Donna are in the parade, Boden figured he'd just be in it to so he took my spot on 81," explained Matt.

"And I got Kidd to cover ambo with Sylvie," added Gabby, "They're all really understanding when it come to kids."

"Voight was too. The commander not so much. She wanted a pair of detectives to be in the parade even though it's typically patrols job. Of course Voight fought him tooth and nail on that one. Platt too. The man didn't stand a chance."

"Gotta love Voight," chuckled Jay.

"He's visiting Erin over Christmas, isn't he?" asked Will.

"Yeah. Which worked out for us because we all got off Christmas Eve and Christmas."

"Boden managed to bargain that for us too. It was part of the parade deal."

"Smart."

***

Christmas Eve

"God, I am exhausted," chuckled Harley as she plopped down on the couch.

Now that Skylar was asleep, the couple had to set up the gifts, eat the cookies, drink the milk, stuff the stockings, etc. And being 8 months pregnant, Harley was easily exhausted, well physically anyway.

"I know, but Skye's had a blast this month. All because she has the best mom ever."

"It's Christmas time! Of course I want to make it special for her, and Becca too," explained Harley, "We had so much fun today."

Earlier in the day Becca was over, baking cookies and making gingerbread houses while Matt and Gabby finished their Christmas shopping. By the end of the girls baking session, the kitchen was a complete disaster. There was frosting, candy, sprinkles, and flour EVERYWHERE. Skye definitely needed a bath after.

Once everyone (when the kitchen) was all cleaned up, the girls cuddled up on the couch to watch a Christmas/Winter movie. After watching Rudolph, Becca picked out Frozen which Skylar loves.

"Mommy! It's Elsa!" cheered Skye as the snow queen appeared on screen.

"Yeah, that's Queen Elsa!"

The little girl's eyes completely lit up when the goofy Olaf appeared on screen. Olaf was her absolute favorite.

"Olaf! Olaf!" she clapped in excitement.

Overall, it was a fun Christmas Eve for the Halstead clan. They had done their tradition of opening new pajamas. Matt and Gabby got Becca cute blue snowflake pajamas which she loved. Harley and Jay decided to do the family set this year. So there's Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Sister Bear, and a Brother Bear onesie for the baby. But since Harley won't fit into hers yet, Jay surprised her with a maternity Christmas pajamas shirt that said, Dear Santa, I can explain.

Now Harley was exiting the kitchen with cookies in one hand and hot cocoa in the other. Jay stopped her with a boyish grin on his face. When decorating the place, they had placed mistletoe on the door way. She shook her head and chuckled before giving her husband a kiss.

"Merry Christmas baby."

***

Christmas Day

"Momma! Momma! Wake up!" cried Skylar as she climbed into her parents bed.

"So much for a silent night," sighed Harley, causing Jay to chuckle.

She threw the covers off and scooped Skylar up in her arms. Jay followed right behind her, making coffee while Harley got the little girl some apple juice. Once everyone was ready, they headed to the living room. Harley helped Skylar open presents and then her stocking. The little girl immediately began playing with her new toys which allowed Jay and Harley to exchange gifts. She got him a black leather jacket he had really been wanting along with a framed family photo. He got her a charm bracelet that her birthstone, Skye's birthstone, what's supposed to be their son's birthstone, handcuffs, a heart, an infinity symbol, and in the middle was a charm that said family.

"Jay, I love it. It's beautiful. Thank you," smiled Harley as she teared up.

"Your welcome. Let's just hope our son's born right around his due date," chuckled Jay.

Later in the morning Matt, Gabby, and Becca came over to do their own Christmas gift exchange. That night Jay and Harley hosted a Christmas dinner for friends and family. The Manning- Halstead clan came along with Hailey, Severide, Kidd, Kim, Adam, Sylvie, and a few others. Harley could not have thought of a better way to spend the holiday.

As she sat at the dinner table with her hand on her growing bump, she took in the kids before her. The kids were running around, she was surrounded by people she loves and who love her, and best of all she had her hubby right beside her. She had come so far from the woman she used to be.

"You good babe?" asked Jay, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"I'm excellent."