Two Pink Lines

chapter 11: hes here

A loud cry came, and Taylor looked down as a baby was placed in her arms. She instantly started sobbing, looking up at Joe, who was crying as well. "Hi James," Taylor said, her voice cracking.

The baby continued crying as Joe spoke, "Hey there buddy. You really couldn't wait to get out, could you."

"Sorry, we're going to have to look at his lungs, premature babies often have those sort of problems," The doctor said, as the nurse helped take the baby. Joe held Taylor's hand tightly, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

"You did amazing. He's going to be okay," Joe stroked her cheek as she stared out into space.

"What if he's not?" Taylor asked, teary-eyed.

Joe shook his head, "He'll be fine."

Andrea walked over, reassuring Taylor as well. Half an hour later, James came back in the room, being held by a nurse. Taylor looked nervously, "So what's wrong?"

The nurse handed James to Taylor, who smiled down at him, stroking his small head. "You got quite lucky. For how early he is, we expected a lot more problems. But he does have pretty severe asthma. Meaning we'll have to give him an inhaler, and he'll have to stay in the hospital for a bit longer to monitor it."

Taylor nodded, "Okay."

Joe kneeled down next to Taylor, and Taylor handed him James. Joe let a few tears fall down his face as he looked down at James. "You're so beautiful," Joe said softly, causing Taylor to tear up at the interaction as well.

The rest of the family gave them space, as well as the nurses and the doctors. Joe turned to Taylor, "I'm so proud of you."

Taylor couldn't stop crying tears of joy as Joe handed James back to her. After ten minutes the doctors came back in, and laid James down in a small crib next to Taylor.

"We're just going to set him up with an inhaler," the doctor explained, setting up equipment. "Joe, would you like to see how you do it, so when you guys go home you can do it on your own?"

"Sure," Joe gave Taylor's hand a final squeeze before standing up and walking over to the doctor.

Taylor watched the doctor teach Joe how to use the baby inhaler, smiling as Joe completed the task. Joe walked back to Taylor, "It's not that complicated, I can show you when we get home. See? It'll be alright."

"Your right. Did the doctor say how long we have to stay in the hospital for?" Taylor asked.

"Just a week," Joe replied.

Taylor nodded, sitting up more in her bed. "Kiss?"

Joe grinned, leaning down and placing a kiss on her lips, "First kiss as parents."

"I still can't believe I'm a mum," Taylor said in disbelief.

"You're doing amazing so far," Joe looked proudly at his wife.

Taylor blushed, "Thanks."

Joe stayed with Taylor and James until the night, staying in between their beds. Taylor yawned, "Joe?"

"Yeah?" Joe said, turning towards Taylor.

"I didn't pack a hospital bag, and I need pajama's," Taylor groaned. "Can you go home and get me some things? You're the only one who knows where everything is."

"Of course darling," Joe said, already standing up, "So what exactly do you want me to get?"

Taylor pulled out her phone, "Here, I'll just text you a list."

Joe nodded, leaning down to stroke James head before placing a kiss on Taylor's cheek. "Okay, I should be back in about an hour."

Taylor closed her eyes as she waited for Joe, her peace being interrupted after thirty minutes by her phone ringing. Joe was trying to Facetime her. Taylor picked it up, seeing Joe's face pop up on the screen. "Hey darling!" Joe said, walking around the house.