Countin' on a Miracle

Long Time Comin'

*Flashback; 7 months earlier*

Patti laid back on the exam table and stared up at the ceiling while she adjusted her top to reveal her stomach. She felt a hand take hers and she glanced over at Bruce who gave a soft smile. She glanced at the TV screen in front of here where the image was being shown. Her heart skips a beat when she sees the little baby, no bigger than a grape. The tears stung her eyes and she squeezed Bruce's hand and tried to wipe away the tears with her other. The doctor says something but she isn't listening, she only hears her own heart pounding. Already filled with so much love for this little baby growing inside her. She had thought this was imposible, that it would never happen again but here they are. And here it is. A part of her wants to shout with joy and write about how happy she is. For now she pushes away the fear and uncertainty she knows the next few months will bring. All she wants is to be happy. The doctor says something else and she nods only half listening now and Bruce helps her sit up. The man leaves and the two of them are left alone.

"This is really happening" She breathed unable to stop smiling.

Bruce's own grin grows and he softly laughs. He stands in front of her and lays his hands on her hips, "it is. We should probably think about telling the kids."

"I know, and I want to be able to tell my mom." Patti said biting her lip slightly.

"Well it's a good thing she's coming over tonight then" he replied.

"I love you" Patti said quickly.

"I love you too" Bruce smiled leaning forward he kissed her softly.

Later that day Patti was finishing up cleaning while Bruce made dinner for them. She glanced up catching sight of herself in the mirror. Standing up straight she looked at the only slightly noticeable bump and laid her hand on it.

"You look beautiful baby." Bruce said making her turn.

"Thank you, for everything." She said putting the container of silver wear back in the drawer.

There was a knock on the door and Patti suddenly felt nervous but hurried to get the door. Opening it she smiled at her mom, her nerves turning to overwhelming emotions. She felt her throat swell up before she could even say hello. The tears stinging her eyes.

"Oh sweetie, is everything okay?" Her mom asked, shutting the front door behind her.

"Pats?" Bruce asked as he came down the hallway.

She was practically shaking as he wrapped his arms around her.

"What's going on? Is it about that appointment today?" Her mom asked growing concerned.

"Damnit, I don't know why I'm crying." Patti managed, rubbing her face.

"It's okay" Bruce reassured her. "Why don't we go sit... I promise it's nothing to worry about." Bruce said this time to Patti's mother. She nodded and followed them into the living room.

"This isn't how I had planned this." Patti sighed.

"Want to show her?" Bruce asked.

Patti nodded and handed her mom a picture. Taking it she smiled.

"Oh is this Sam... wait... what is this?" She asked completely dumbfounded.

"I'm pregnant." Patti said in almost a whisper.

Xxxx present xxxx
Patti looked down at her son as she sat in the hospital bed. Finally able to hold him without the hear monitor. It had been almost 24 hours since he was born and she was madly in love. His chubby cheeks, button nose, his round ears and his tuffs of light brown hair. He was perfect and he was here. There was a soft knock at the door making her look up. She smiled seeing her mom there.

"Hi" Patti whispered.

"Is he asleep?" She asked as she came in a set her bag down.

"Yeah," Patti replied watching as her mom looked down at him.

"Oh, he's precious. What did you end up naming him?"

"Oliver Douglas" Patti replied. "Do you want to hold him?"

"Of course" she beamed taking him carefully before sitting down in the chair. "He looks like Bruce, even more than Evan did."

Patti laughed, "I said the same thing."

The two of them sat talking, cooing over every detail of the baby. 

"He has down syndrome mom" Patti said breathlessly. 

She looked up at Patti, "How do you feel about it?"

"I don't care, I thought I would.  But I saw him and I just didn't care anymore.  I'm sure it's not all going to be easy, but I could care less." 

"You two will do fine."

Patti smiled laying her head back on the pillow, talking with her mom casually. She watched her with the baby feeling her heart swell and love overflow.

"Where did Bruce run off to?" Her mom asked.

"Home, he had to pick up a few things." Patti replied.

"How does he feel about all this?"

"He's over the moon. He barely let him down last night." She replied with a smile.

"Do you need help? I'm more than happy to come stay a while with you."

Patti smiled, "no we're fine. Go figure it's easier to raise a baby at 65 with three adult children. I am worried about Sam though. Jess has been great and helping Sam the last week but she can't stay forever and I know how hard it is to be a new mom. And I wasn't doing it myself. I had you and Bruce."

"I'm more than happy to stay with her and help."

"I know here, she isn't going to ask for help."

"I'll call and offer." She said simply.

The baby started to fuss and cry, "Oh sweetie. It's okay, grandma's got you" Patti said quietly.

Her mom handed him over, Patti laid him on her chest kissing the top of his head and laying her hand on his back. She can feel his heartbeat against her chest and feels peace.