there for me (shourtney)

lxxvii.

courtney's pov -

A handful of weeks passed before Shayne and I got truly acclimated to our new life in Santa Monica with a baby. Both my mom and Shayne's mom visited twice, while Kari was usually out here weekly. 

I finished unpacking our newly purchased baby food, when a sharp sound caught my attention. A laugh?

"Shayne?" I called into the house. 

No answer. 

Realizing no one was here, my instincts heightened. I walked out to the deck and the salty breeze hit my skin. Not bothering to throw on a shirt, I headed down the stairs in a sports bra and workout shorts. 

I scanned North of the beach, and a figure caught my eyes. As I jumped into the sand, the person became clearer. Shayne. 

You didn't tell me you left. 

They were walking along the water, toward the sun. Shayne squinting in the bright light, Kai's little form against his chest, secured by strong arms. His yellow onesie a stark difference from Shayne's green shirt.

"Couldn't find you." I said as I got close enough for him to hear me.

"Got excited." He laughed dryly. "I saw dolphins." 

My annoyance melted as Kai reached up at the pelicans gliding above us. He laughed, pressing himself into Shayne. I couldn't stay upset. "God, your logic." I laughed. "How's this little man?" I cooed, placing a hand on the back of Kai's head. His precious face tucked into Shayne's shirt.

"A little drooly, but we're having a great time." 

I hummed, smiling at Shayne. We started to walk back together. 

"Do you want to bring him around the office?" He asked, boosting Kai further up his chest. 

"Not until he can toddle around. I want to get him through the germ season, you know?" I said. I want to keep him as healthy as possible. 

"I get it. I was thinking the same. His immune system just needs a bit more time." Shayne agreed, holding Kai in his hands to look at his face. The infant giggled. Music. 

"I'd be cool with bringing him in a few months. So I could hold his hands when he walks, and people still won't be grabby because he's so tiny." I scrunched my nose at Kai's beaming face. 

Reaching my hands out, I took him from Shayne. Holding Kai's chest flat against mine; supporting his neck as he looked at Shayne. I placed kisses on his soft forehead, savoring the joy I felt when Kai looked at Shayne and smiled. Opening and closing his fingers near my collarbone as he buzzed his lips. 

"I'd like that." Shayne smiled. Tickling Kai's back with his fingertips, making him laugh all over again. Shayne chuckled at Kai's squeals. "Such a happy kid." 

"Gets it from his dad." I said, lifting Kai closer to my face, pressing our cheeks together for a beat. From you.

"Buddy ... " Shayne clicked his tongue with a grin as he removed Kai's fingers from his own mouth. 

I laughed, a hand under one of Kai's arms, the other under his small legs. 

"His eyes are so blue, Shayne." I said. Suddenly aware of their crystal-like qualities. 

"Thank god he got my good looks." Shayne said proudly, hip checking me lightly. 

I rolled my eyes. 

"Don't let it get to your head." I raised my eyebrows, then laughed, pecking Shayne's cheek. 

-

"Congratulations, guys, he's beautiful, really." Jax said, Sam nodding fervently behind him. "I'm glad we caught you quickly, we've been dying to see him."

"I'm glad you finally got to see him, too." Shayne said, sliding a hand onto my back.

I held Kai with protective arms as I heard Kora and Jude racing down the staircase to the beach.

"Courtney!" Kora shouted. 

"Shh, shh, hey, easy." Jax said, catching Kora and picking her up before she was able to reach me. Thank you. 

"Gentle, Kora." Sam reminded her. 

"Can I see him?" Kora asked politely. Her hands clasped together, tucked under her chin.

"Yes you may." I smiled at her, rotating my body so she could get a view of Kai's tiny face. She peered at him curiously. His vertical body braced against my chest, Kai's eyes rested on Kora.

"He's so small." Jude murmured, hanging close to Shayne.

"You were that small once, too." Jax laughed. 

"It's not nighttime, why is he sleeping?" Kora asked innocently. 

Shayne laughed. "It's hard work being a baby."

I chuckled. Wiggling one of Kai's tiny hands with mine.

Soon after, Kora lost interest in Kai and asked to go swim in the ocean. She fidgeted in Jax's arms, who let her and Jude go down to the shore. Sam followed suit. 

"That was smooth," Jax said, relief filling his voice. "I thought she'd be jealous."

"You know, I wondered that too, but I'm glad she saw him. Same with Jude." Shayne nodded. 

"He's perfect, you guys, honestly." Jax smiled, looking at Kai again. "If you two need anything, anything, take it from parents twice over, we'll help you out."

I exhlaed. "Thank you, Jax. That means a lot."

"Comforting, truly." Shayne added. Squeezing Jax's shoulder for a second. 

"Anytime." He reassured. "I'll let you guys go. Just had to say hello to the little one." 

With one last 'congratulations', Shayne and I were hiking the stairs to our house, and heading into our room to get Kai ready for sleep. 

I relished this routine. Undressing, bathing, and clothing Kai, then putting him in his crib. His laughter filled our house. Shayne took videos whenever his phone was handy. 

"Can't forget this moment." He'd say. 

I'd snatch out my phone at points during the day as well. Capturing when Shayne and Kai fell asleep together - Kai draped over Shayne's chest, or when Shayne fed him with our airplane spoons. 

Some other moments I'd just commit to memory. Like when I'd catch Shayne holding Kai late at night, swaying him back to sleep after he woke up screeching. He'd place Kai (rocked to soundless sleep) back in his bassinet, next to my side of the bed, and climb under the sheets, pressing himself against me again.

Let's savor this.

-

cute stuff! kora and jude met the little babeyy! hope you liked it! :)