Countin' on a Miracle

Real World

Patti was physically and emotionally exhausted, she fell asleep as soon as she knew their son was okay. They were keeping him down in the NICU for observation but would bring him down in the morning. Bruce had left about 2am to go home and get some things they hadn't grabbed on their way and would be back early. She was still asleep when he came in and she woke to him kissing her forehead and taking her hand.

"Morning" he said in his comforting tone of his.

"Mmm what time is it?" She asked.

"9am, I talked to your nurse, they are bringing him down in a little bit." He smiled.

"We still hadn't officially decided on a name yet" Patti said adjusting in the bed.

"What were we between?" He asked sitting down on the bed.

"Oliver, Jack, or Ben"

"I still really love the name Oliver" Bruce said making her smile, that was her vote too.

"Oliver is perfect, just like him." She beamed. "I was thinking his middle name could be after your dad. Oliver Douglas Springsteen?"

"You never cece to amaze me Pats" he said with a crack in his voice.

There was a knock at the door and the both looked up seeing a nurse come in with Oliver.

"How did he do last night?" Patti asked sitting up.

"He's did great! We had some worries about his breathing but he is a little champ and mastered it in no time. A doctor will be in soon to talk to you but for now he's great and a charmer." She smiled carefully moving Oliver to Patti's arms.

Looking down at him Patti was in awe that even now she could have so much love for him and have created him. At that moment she was just glad he was here and he was safe. They would figure out the rest.

"Now you two are aware he does have Down syndrome." The nurse said matter of fact like.

Closing her eyes Patti felt the tears well but she opened her eyes and looked at him seeing him looking at her with those baby blue eyes.

"We had chosen not to know before he was born." Bruce said for the both of them.

"I'm sorry I would have said that differently."

"It's not your fault, should it effect anything?" Bruce asked looking from her to Oliver.

"Not that we could tell, his heart is fine and everything about him is perfect. I have a daughter with Down syndrome, she's the youngest of four boys and the literal best kid. You guys will be fine I promise."

"You do not look old enough to have five kids" Patti said making her laugh.

"I'm not, uh I had my oldest son when I was 18. But I am swearing that my daughter is my last."

Patti and Bruce both laughed, "funny we said the same thing about our last one."

She laughed, "I'll let you three have some alone time together and come back in a bit. If you like go ahead and feed him. I can stay if you want a hand or..."

"I can manage I think." Patti replied.

The nurse gave them a gentle smile and walked out closing the door behind her.  Bruce looked to Patti then to their son.  He was so small and so perfect.  Patti adjusted her gown to feed him and he quietly got the hang of it. 

"He's so precious, his little hands." Patti was in awe. 

Bruce smiled watching them, "I was worried if something was wrong with him I would feel guilty but...  I couldn't be more proud right now."