Safety Net

34

It had been a month since Jo had started therapy. Four sessions, thirty-one sleepless nights, and one one month old baby Hazel. Before becoming parents, Alex and Jo swore they wouldn't be the type to make a huge deal out of their babies one month birthday, but this however, was a huge deal. Their Hazel Irene- their baby girl- was one month old today. She was still sleeping in their bed. Beside the fact there was no mattress for her crib, Jo couldn't bring herself to lay her down all alone.

Alex had kept to his word and stayed home. He checked on Oliver, Paige, and little baby Chloe. He couldn't leave without knowing what happened to them. Paige woke up a week after the accident. She was getting better, however that didn't mean there wasn't a long and hard recovery ahead. Chole and Oliver were doing great. Chole still had a few health issues that needed to be tended to before being discharged.

Hazel squirmed in bed in between Alex and Jo. She was much more active recently— compared to when she was a newborn. The most she would do right now was reach for a toy, hold it, maybe shake it, then drop it. Her parents were fascinated by the small action.

Jo opened her eyes, smirking at the baby. "What are you doing awake, Hazelnut? It's," She checked the time "Five am. Do you know it's your one month?" She whispered, tickling her stomach. Hazel made an 'o' with her mouth— her way of giggling. "You're the cutest baby in the world, I swear. No baby comes close to comparing to you, my princess."

Despite Jos effort to stay quiet, Alex woke up. He kept his back to Jo, smiling at their conversation. After a few seconds, he turned over. "You two are very happy this morning." He kissed both of their cheeks. Any other way he would've hated waking up so early.

"It's her birthday." She grinned. Hazel cooed. "Did you hear that?! That was adorable." She gushed. Becoming a mother brought out an entirely different side of Jo.

Alex smiled from ear to ear. He pulled the covers off and sat up. There was no point in going back to sleep, especially when Hazel was so happy. He picked her up, laying her in his arms. He walked to the living room and laid her on her tummy time mat, Jo followed. They sat and watched her coo and play for half an hour before she started whining. Jo picked her up and began feeding her.

They spent the rest of the day celebrating and catching up on housework. Once they put Hazel down, Jo and Alex sat on the couch together watching whatever movie was on that night. Jo was cuddled up to his chest. "I love you," Alex started.

"What?" She picked her head up.

"I love you." He repeated "I let too much time go by without you, and without saying it. It feels wrong to go another day without saying it. I love you so much, Jo."

"I love you so much, too."

A/N ngl this was totally a filler