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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:25:51 GMT -5
"What are you doing here?" Gus asked when he walked up to Joe's grave and saw John.
"I had a feeling you might show up today," he answered.
"I can't do this." Gus said as he turned around and started back down the walk.
"Wait, please, will you stay? I don't care if you talk, but please listen, I need to explain all of this to you," John pleaded.
"Ten minutes. That's it, then one of us is leaving," Gus agreed and walked back to the grave.
He sat down on the ground and pulled some weeds.
"Do you come here a lot?" John asked.
"Every year. Even when I wasn't living around here, I would be here on the day that he - that I thought he died. And since I moved to Springfield, every time we've been in Chicago we've come here," Gus answered.
"Is that a lot?"
"Harley and I were here a few times. Just for the weekend or to go to a ball game," he shrugged. "I never came as much as I should have. Or wanted to. Guess it doesn’t matter though, does it? It’s not like he was really here.”
“It matters Gus. I’m sorry about what I did. I didn’t do it to hurt you, I swear. You were in so much danger. Miguel had threatened your life so many times, I had no choice,” John explained.
“Why didn’t you take me with you?” Gus asked quietly.
“It would be too suspicious. And I didn’t want you to have to spend your life running.”
“No, I just spent it alone.”
“I’m sorry. Well, look at it this way, if I would have taken you with me, you never would have met Harley,” John said, trying to cheer him up.
“Yeah, I think I would have. Because I was meant to. That’s the one thing I believe in, that Harley and I would have found each other no matter what. Some things are just meant to be.”
John smiled over at him, “I was so afraid you would never know.”
“Never know what?”
“Love, the kind of love that changes your life. The kind of love you would give up your life for,” John replied. “But you did. You found that with Harley and Susan and Zach and the baby. I had that kind of love with your mother and you. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Gus scoffed, “Whatever.”
“Whatever. What kind of response is that?”
“It’s a response that means you’re full of sh…”
“Don’t talk to your father like that,” John interrupted and Gus looked at him.
“I meant it when I said I needed time. I’m not ready to accept this, and I’m not ready for everyone to know, okay? So can we just keep this between us for now, please?” Gus asked.
“Sure. Can you stop shooting me dirty looks at work?”
“I can’t promise anything.”
“I should go. Have a safe drive back,” John said before he left the cemetery.
“You too…dad,” Gus said quietly to himself.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Home sweet home," Gus said as he walked into the kitchen and saw Zach sitting at the table and Susan setting it.
He kissed them both on the top of their heads then went over and put his arms around Harley who was at the stove and she saw the bouquet of flowers he brought her home.
"Sorry I'm late," he said as he kissed her cheek and hugged her tightly.
"What are these for?" she asked.
"Because I love you. And sometimes I worry I don't tell you or show you that enough," he answered quietly.
"Honey, you do. And I love you too," she assured him and they were both silent for a few moments. "He was there, wasn't he?" she asked and Gus nodded into her shoulder. "Are you okay?" she asked, rubbing his arm.
"We'll talk later. Right now I just want to have dinner with my family," he replied, "Go sit down, I'll finish this,” he said and a few minutes later, he was eating dinner with the only family that mattered to him right now.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:26:59 GMT -5
Zach tiptoed down the hallway and peeked his head into Gus and Harley’s room. It was still dark outside and he crept in and jumped on the bed at their feet. When neither of them acknowledged his presence, Zach got off the bed and jumped on Gus’s back, spreading his arms over Harley whose back was snuggled into Gus’ chest. Gus groaned and buried his face deeper into Harley’s neck.
“Zach, what are you doing up?” Harley mumbled.
“It’s my first day of school!” he exclaimed as he wriggled in between them and Harley rolled onto her back.
“Sweetie, we don’t have to get up for two more hours, go back to bed,” she replied.
“But I’m up now,” he argued.
“Well, we’re not, so either go back to your room or stay here and be quiet,” Harley ordered and Zach let out a heavy sigh and laid between them.
Zach couldn’t manage to lay still so Gus put his arm around him and pulled him onto his chest.
“Go back to sleep,” he said and put his other arm around Harley and soon the three of them were asleep again with Harley and Zach’s heads both resting on Gus’s chest.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Well, Zach seems okay with starting Kindergarten, but how are you doing with it?” Gus asked Harley later that morning while they got dressed.
“I think I’m okay,” she answered with a smile. “But we’ll see how I feel when we put him on the bus.”
While they waited out on the street for Zach’s bus, Harley squatted down in front of Zach and straightened the straps of his backpack.
“Okay sweetie, Sarah will be here to get you off the bus and she’s going to get you dinner and Aunt Blake is going to take you to your soccer game. And we will meet you there, okay?” Harley explained and Zach nodded.
“Is my dad coming too?” Zach asked her.
“I don’t know sweetie,” Harley sighed. When she mentioned Zach’s first soccer game to Phillip he shrugged it off and said he would try to fit it in his schedule.
They saw the bus down the road, so Gus knelt down beside Harley and grabbed Zach for a hug.
“Have a good day at school buddy,” he said and kissed the side of his head.
“Listen to your teacher and learn a lot, and be nice to the other kids, and look after Clarissa,” Harley said as she hugged him, “And have fun.”
“You know what number to call in case you need us, right?” Gus asked.
“Yes Daddy. 555-3842,” Zach recited the number he had memorized since he was old enough to dial the phone.
“Good,” Gus replied as the bus pulled up and he and Harley stood while the door opened.
Harley breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the bus driver had also worked at Company for awhile and both she and Zach knew her well.
“Hi Patty,” Harley greeted and Patty waved back.
“Hi, hey Zach, are you excited for your first day of school?” she asked Zach and he nodded then turned around and waved to Harley and Gus.
“Bye Mommy, bye Daddy,” he said with a big smile before he jumped up the steps and found a seat on the bus.
“Bye Zach,” Gus replied as he put his arm around Harley and they both waved at Zach through the window.
After the bus pulled away, Harley sighed and put her arms around Gus as he kissed her forehead.
“That was harder than I thought it would be,” he said.
“You’re telling me,” she laughed and hugged him tight.
“Think Phillip will show up tonight?” Gus asked her as they walked back to the house.
“I hope so for Zach’s sake,” she answered. “I am so glad that we will never have to deal with this kind of stuff with this baby. My life would be so much easier if you were Zach’s father.”
“You don’t mean that,” Gus said as he opened the door and pulled Harley into the living room.
“Oh no, I do. My life would be so much easier,” she repeated.
“Okay, but then he wouldn’t be Zach,” Gus replied as they sat down on the couch. “And all the good stuff with him, everything with him, is worth having to put up with Phillip every other weekend,” he added as his finger brushed across Harley’s chin.
“I love you,” she smiled up at him before placing a soft kiss on his lips. “And I love the way that you love Zach. You have no idea what that means to me.”
“I think I know,” he smiled back. “Zach is my son in every way that really matters and as long as I’m alive, he will always have a father who loves him and puts him before anything else.”
“Speaking of fathers…what are you going to do about John?” Harley asked, changing the subject.
“I don’t know honey, I told him I needed time, and I think he understands that,” Gus answered. “I don’t know what to do baby, I can’t just forget what he did and welcome him back into my life- into our lives. I can’t trust him right now- what if I forgive him, he comes over for Sunday night dinners, Zach gets comfortable with him, and then he disappears again? I won’t do that to Zach or this baby. I can’t let him in yet, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to.”
“Okay, and I understand that, I just want to make sure that you give him a chance to make this up to you. I know how much your father means to you, and I really would love for you to have him back in your life – or at least give him a chance to be back in your life,” Harley said.
“Joe August meant something to me. John Castelli is just a guy I work with.”
“But he’s not sweetie. He is Joe August,” Harley protested.
“Not to me he’s not,” Gus replied, kissed her quickly and went into the kitchen for another cup of coffee before they went to work.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:27:33 GMT -5
“Look, there he is,” Gus pointed Zach out to her when they got to his soccer game later that day.
“He looks so adorable in that uniform,” Harley gushed when she saw him out on the field practicing with the other kids before the game started.
“He’s not supposed to look adorable, he’s supposed to look tough and sporty,” Gus said as he took her hand and led her over to the edge of the field.
“Why not? You look adorable in your uniform,” she teased as she wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him close. “Adorable and very, very sexy,” she added.
“Oh yeah?” Gus asked, raising his eyebrows.
“Uh huh,” she nodded, “you make me want to do some very illegal things when you’re in uniform,” she continued, her voice low and sexy.
“Well maybe I need to pull out my uniform tonight then,” he whispered, his breath rushing over her lips until he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on them.
“Maybe, although I think we’ll be okay without it too,” she replied as they saw Zach running over to them.
Gus bent down just in time for Zach to jump into his arms and he stood up with him .
“You are looking good out there! Are you ready to play?” Gus asked him and Zach nodded.
“How was your first day of school?” Harley asked him after she kissed his cheek.
“It was so much fun, Mommy!” Zach exclaimed.
“Good, did you make a lot of new friends?” she asked.
“Yeah and we got to play outside during recess! Do I have school again tomorrow?” Zach asked.
“Yep,” Gus answered.
“Yay!” Zach beamed as his coach started rounding up all the kids.
“Go with your coach buddy, we’ll be up in the stands cheering for you,” Gus said as he set Zach down and he went off running.
“He likes school,” he continued as he and Harley searched the bleachers for Blake and Ross and headed towards them.
“So far, so good. Let’s hope it stays that way for awhile,” Harley replied.
“Hey guys,” Blake greeted them as they squeezed in beside her on the bench. “Awww, look at you, you’re getting so big!” she gushed as she rubbed Harley’s growing stomach.
“Gee thanks Blake,” Harley rolled her eyes.
“Isn’t it great?” Gus beamed.
“Yeah, great for him. He gets me with a bigger chest and doesn’t have to gain any weight,” Harley replied.
“Aww, he’s just excited about being a new daddy,” Blake laughed, “So do you know what you’re having yet?”
“No!” Harley answered quickly, “And we’re not going to know,” she added, glaring at Gus.
“Dr. Sedwick knows,” he said.
“Well, then maybe I should ask her so we know what to get you for the baby shower,” Blake replied.
“What baby shower?” Harley asked warily.
“The baby shower I am throwing you! You didn’t think you were going to get away without one did you?”
“Well, I was hoping…”
“Tough. You’re getting one. Actually, I was thinking of throwing a couples shower- you know for both of you. And we would invite guys too, so it wouldn’t be a really girly shower or anything. What do you guys think about that?” Blake asked.
Harley looked over at Gus and answered Blake, “I think that sounds good. What do you think about that?” she asked Gus, “Going to a baby shower for our first baby?”
“I think I could do that,” Gus smiled and kissed her softly.
“Yay!” Blake exclaimed, rubbing her hands together. “This is going to be the best baby shower ever!” she said as Buzz, Frank, Amanda and Matthew joined them in the stands.
“Oooh, a baby shower! When?” Amanda asked as Gus reached for Matthew and she handed him off.
“I don’t know when- probably late October?” Blake suggested. “It’s going to be a couples shower. So Frank, you’re invited too. Buzz you too since you’re the grandpa,” she filled them in.
“A couples shower? What is that about?” Frank asked. “Guys aren’t supposed to go to baby showers! We’re supposed to go golfing or something.”
“Honey, this is Gus’s first child, maybe he wants to be at the shower,” Amanda replied.
“Really? You want to go to a girly baby shower?” Frank asked Gus.
“It’s not going to be girly! I promise!” Blake interrupted.
“Yeah, Frank, I do want to be there,” Gus answered, making funny faces at the baby.
“Frank wants to be there too, don’t you Frank?” Amanda asked, glaring at him.
“Yeah, right. No place else I’d rather be,” he nodded unconvincingly.
“He’s as bad a liar as you are,” Gus said to Harley who rolled her eyes.
“I’m starving,” she replied, “Come with me to get food?” she asked and Gus nodded and handed Matthew back to Amanda before he and Harley walked over to the concession stand.
“I wanted to ask you something,” she said after she ordered a soft pretzel and they stood watching the beginning of the game.
“Shoot.”
“If we have a boy, do you still want to name him Nicholas Joseph?” she asked cautiously.
Gus hesitated for a moment and stole a piece of her pretzel then answered, “Yes. I do.”
“Okay,” Harley smiled and the matter was settled.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Get your shoes on," Harley said as she came downstairs the next Saturday afternoon.
"Why? Where are we going?" Gus asked.
"We have been ordered to register," she replied.
"Register for what?"
"For the baby shower. Blake demands it," she laughed. "We're going to Toys R Us."
"Oh yeah? Will we get one of those laser gun things like we did when we registered for the wedding?" he asked, pulling his shoes on.
"Maybe," she shook her head. He was really just a kid himself.
"Sweet, let's go," he said and practically pulled her out the door.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"How are we supposed to know what to get when we don't know if it's a boy or a girl?" Gus asked as they stood in front of a row of cribs and bedding.
"Go with neutral colors I guess," Harley shrugged.
"Okay, well do we want bold colors or soft colors?" he asked.
"I want boy or girl colors," she replied sighing. They were both starting to regret their decision to wait until the baby was born to find out the sex.
“You know we could find out,” Gus replied.
Harley sighed again, “I know we could, but I want to be surprised. But I also want to have a pink room if it’s a girl,” she whined.
"Why don't we come back to this stuff later," Gus suggested and they moved on to car seats.
"So we need two of these right?" Gus asked, just itching to shoot the scanner at a bar code.
"No, we just need one, but we can get an extra base so we have one for each car," Harley replied. "Actually, why don't we just get one of those strollers with the car seat? That will be easier," she suggested and pointed him in the right direction.
"Well, at least the stroller people make this easy on us. All of these are neutral colors," Gus said as he looked at the choices of navy blue, dark green, and khaki.
They spent the next two hours picking out bottles and blankets and other small items until they were left with two final decisions.
"Okay, we need to pick a diaper bag and bedding. This should not be that difficult," Gus said.
“Well, why don’t we find a diaper bag that matches the stroller?” Harley suggested and they went off in search for one that matched the navy and pale yellow stroller/carseat combo they picked out.
“Here we go,” Gus announced as he picked up the bag that matched it perfectly and held it up for Harley. “Good?”
“Perfect,” she nodded and he scanned the barcode.
“I think I may have figured out a solution to our bedding problem,” she said as she pulled him back over to the cribs. “What if we paint the nursery a neutral color, I know we were thinking of doing the sky theme, or whatever. But we pick out one set in case it’s a girl, and another if it’s a boy, whichever set we get, if we have to exchange it, we can.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Gus agreed as he kissed the side of her head. “So you want pink for a girl, huh? And if it’s a boy, I’m all about a baseball theme,” he continued as they looked through the crib sets for the ones they wanted.
An hour later, they walked out of the store completely registered, and more excited than ever about the arrival of their first child together.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:28:57 GMT -5
Gus excused himself from the circle of guys and went to find his wife. When he saw her chatting with Reva and Frank over near one of the food tables, he walked up to them and put his arms around Harley while they finished their conversation.
“I’m going to see if Cassie and Blake need any help getting the food out,” Reva said and Frank went in the house to fill up the beer cooler, leaving Gus and Harley alone.
“Hey you,” Harley greeted as she turned around in Gus’s arms. “Whatcha been doing?”
“Just talking with the guys, you having fun?” he asked.
“Sure. All of our friends are here celebrating our child and we get a ton of gifts,” she winked as Zach came running up to them.
“Mommy! I want to feel the baby kick!” he exclaimed, jumping up and down.
“Honey, he’s not kicking right now, maybe later,” she said as she ran her fingers through his spiky hair and sent him off to play again.
“Well, the food is good,” Gus added as he picked up a chocolate covered strawberry off the table and held it to Harley’s mouth.
She took a bite of the sweet fruit and licked her lips as Gus finished the rest of it. She pulled him over to her and kissed a smudge of chocolate off his lip.
“God I love you,” he sighed as he ran his fingers through her hair. “You look so beautiful today, and you are really glowing. Even moreso than usual, and I didn’t even think that was possible.”
Harley smiled up at him and slid her hand up under his shirt, teasing his lower back with her fingernails. She thought she looked pretty good, considering her growing waistline. She was wearing an off-the-shoulder top with a brown skirt and her favorite brown boots.
“You are so sexy,” he breathed as he kissed her bare shoulder. “I can’t even begin to tell you how much I want you right now.”
“Well, that’s going to have to wait,” Harley replied. “I don’t think our guests would appreciate us sneaking away from our own shower.”
“Well, they’re not looking at what I’m looking at right now,” Gus said, his eyes burning with love and desire.
“Later, sweetie,” she replied with a deep kiss.
“Hey, look who I found wandering on the porch,” Frank announced as he walked back into the backyard with John following him.
“Hi,” John waved cautiously and Harley looked at Gus.
“Let me help you with that Frank,” Gus said as he took the full cooler from Frank and walked away, leaving Harley with John.
“Uh, sorry about that,” Harley apologized.
“That’s okay,” he shook his head. “Look, I’m not going to stay, I just wanted to bring your gift. I guess I shouldn’t have come at all,” he added.
“No, it’s fine, I mean, you were invited. And I’m sorry about Gus.”
“Umm, here,” he said as he handed her two gift bags. “One of them you can open with the rest of the gifts, but this one, I’d like the two of you to open in private.”
“Okay,” Harley nodded as she noticed John staring off in the distance.
She turned to see what he was looking at and saw Buzz hand Gus a cigar and then light it for him.
“Your dad likes him, right?” John asked.
“Yeah, he really does,” Harley nodded.
“Good, he needs someone like that. Someone who can help him be a better father.”
“Well, my father is probably not the best candidate for that,” Harley said with a slight laugh.
“Why?”
“He wasn’t exactly around when I was a kid. I didn’t even know him until I was in my twenties,” she explained. “We thought he was dead,” she added quietly.
“Wow. You two really are perfect for each other,” he mused. “Okay, I’m going to go. I hope you both enjoy your party,” he said before he kissed Harley’s cheek and turned to leave.
As he was walking away, Harley caught Gus’s eye and he came over to her.
“Go get him. Ask him to stay,” she said.
“Harley, I don’t…” he protested.
“Please?” she asked with a kiss. “I want him here.”
“Then you go get him,” he replied quietly as he looked down at the ground.
“Stop being so stubborn and ask your father to stay for his grandchild’s shower,” she said firmly as she lifted his chin with her finger.
Gus sighed and went after John.
“John!” he said loudly, causing him to turn around before he got into his car. “You umm, you should stay.”
“No, Gus, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” John objected.
“Look, Harley wants you to stay and I am in the business of keeping my wife happy.”
“And what about you? What do you want?” John asked him.
“I don’t know,” Gus answered quietly. “But today isn’t about you and me, okay? So please, come back to the party. There is a ton of food and we’re probably going to play some stupid games…”
“Okay,” John interrupted. “I’ll stay,” he said and followed Gus back to the backyard.
John went and joined Franklin and a couple of other guys from the station and Harley pulled Gus over to her as they walked by.
“Thank you,” she said with a kiss.
“Well, I would do anything for you, baby…even this,” he sighed and she grabbed his face with her hands.
“Gus, you are my husband, and I love you more than anything in this whole world, and I never want to see you hurt, but I am not going to let you not deal with this. I know what you are going through… I know what it’s like to find out your father is alive,” she said quietly, “And I know what it’s like to have him back in your life. I want you to deal with this. Whatever choice you make, I will support you, you know that. But you have to make a choice.”
“Choice about what?” Blake asked as she interrupted them. “The only choice either of you need to make today is what you put on your plate,” she teased. “Come on, we’re ready to eat.”
“Okay Blake,” Harley smiled, “We’ll be right over,” she said and Blake rushed away.
“We’re not done with this conversation,” she told Gus as she put her arm around his waist and they started walking over towards their guests.
“Harley!” they heard behind them and turned around to see Danielle, Kevin’s widow coming into the backyard. “Sorry I’m late,” she said.
“That’s fine, we’re so glad you could make it,” Harley said as they hugged. “How are you doing?” she asked as Gus hugged Danielle.
“It’s getting easier,” Danielle answered. “A little bit. We’re doing okay.”
“Good, you know if you ever need anything, you call us okay? I mean it,” Gus said.
“Thanks,” she smiled. “Did I miss anything?”
“No, we’re just getting ready to eat,” Harley answered as the three of them joined the rest of their guests.
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“Excuse me! Hey!” Blake yelled, trying to get the attention of the large crowd that was spread throughout the backyard. “Gus, a little help?” she begged and Gus made a piercing whistle and everyone finally turned to Blake. “Thank you. Hello everybody, I just wanted to thank you for coming to Gus and Harley’s shower…”
“It’s not a shower!” Gus interrupted.
“Okay…Gus and Harley’s party,” she corrected and continued. “We’re going to eat first and then we have some games to play before they open all of their gifts. So they can start, and then the kids, and so on. There are drinks in the coolers, wine is in the kitchen if anyone wants that, and I think that’s it.”
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:29:19 GMT -5
“Okay, for our first game, I need Harley and Gus to come up here,” Blake announced and Gus and Harley reluctantly joined her in front of the crowd while Cassie went around and handed out rolls of toilet paper to each of the small tables.
“Oh god, what are those for?” Harley laughed.
“The object of this game is for each table to decide on how many sheets of toilet paper you would need to wrap one time around Gus and Harley,” Blake explained.
“Together?” Reva asked.
“Yes, like while they are hugging. You guys want to show them so they can guess?” Blake asked and Gus wrapped his arms around Harley in an embrace.
“Hey, I like this game,” Gus said after he kissed Harley softly. “Anyone want to guess how many it would take if we were making love?” he teased.
“Uh, your step-daughter is here!” Blake reprimanded, laughing and Harley punched his arm playfully.
“You father-in-law is here!” Buzz added.
“Okay, strike my last comment,” Gus corrected himself and kissed Harley again.
“Alright, everyone have their guesses? Who wants to go first? Frank?” Blake suggested.
“Fifty-four,” Frank answered holding up a ton of toilet paper.
“Fifty-four?! It better not be that many!” Harley laughed.
“Well, let’s test it and see,” Blake said and pulled Frank up to Gus and Harley who she put back in an embrace while Frank started wrapping the toilet paper around them.
He got around twice and still had some left, so he admitted defeat and sat back down after Harley punched him jokingly.
“Okay, so it’s less than fifty four! Anyone else?” Cassie asked.
“We’ll try,” Susan said and she and Marina took their guess up.
Their length of toilet paper fit perfectly around Gus and Harley.
“I think we have a winner!” Blake announced. “Let’s count how many sheets you had.”
“No, that’s really not necessary,” Harley laughed.
“Oh shush, it’s all in fun,” Blake replied as she started ripping off sheets counting. “Twenty four!” she finally declared.
“Great, can we move on to the next game? Perhaps one that doesn’t tell the world my circumference?” Harley smirked.
“Alright, alright, our next game is going to test how much you know about Gus and Harley. We’re going to ask you some questions, you write down your answers and then they will give the right answers when we’re done. The person with the most correct wins,” Cassie explained as Blake passed out blank sheets of paper and pencils.
Gus grabbed a chair and pulled Harley into his lap while Cassie and Blake started the next game.
“What kinds of questions are these?” Harley asked.
“You’ll see,” Cassie teased as they waited for everyone to be ready.
“Okay, the first question is: Where did Gus and Harley meet? And I want a specific location,” she said and everyone wrote down their guesses. “The second question is what were their first words to each other?”
Harley laughed at that question, remembering the first time she met Gus at the Bauer house when he asked her, ‘Who the hell are you?’.
“What did they do on their first date?” Blake asked as the third question and followed that one with “When and how did Gus propose? And where did they go on their honeymoon?”
“This should be an interesting one,” Cassie smiled as she read the next question. “Where was the baby conceived?”
“What do you want? A room?” Reva asked and Cassie looked at Gus and Harley.
“A room?” she asked.
“Uh sure,” Gus answered, “But what if we don’t even know?” he laughed.
“Well, make an educated guess!” Blake replied and Gus and Harley discussed between themselves the answer.
“What cravings has Harley had while being pregnant, if any,” Blake asked the next question.
“Okay, the last two questions! What name do they have picked out for a boy, and which name for a girl?” Cassie asked.
“Alright, everyone review their answers and we’ll get the correct answers in a few minutes,” Blake added.
“Everyone ready? The first question was where did Gus and Harley meet?” Cassie asked.
“At the Bauer house,” Frank called out the answer.
“Yes, but can we ignore the reason why they were there in the first place please?” Michelle joked.
“Forgotten,” Gus replied, holding him hand up.
“The second question was, ‘What were their first words to each other?’, anyone know?” Blake asked.
“Well, I was there, but I don’t remember. Michelle?” Frank asked.
“I don’t know,” she answered.
“No one? Not even a guess?” Cassie asked.
“Hi?” Buzz guessed.
“No,” Harley laughed. “You guys want the answer?”
“Who the hell are you?” Gus answered and everyone laughed.
“Isn’t he sweet?” Harley teased and kissed his cheek.
“I can’t imagine what took the two of you so long to get together after that wonderful introduction,” Blake joked before she moved on to the next few questions.
“Okay, in what room was the baby conceived?” Cassie asked.
“This is a horrible question,” Harley laughed.
“Any guesses?” Blake asked.
“The bedroom?” Ross guessed and everyone looked at Gus and Harley.
“Sure,” Gus nodded. “And uh…give yourselves a point if you said shower too,” he added quietly.
“The where?” Josh yelled.
“He said the shower!” Blake answered loudly.
“Oh god,” Susan hid her face as the backyard erupted in laughter.
“Next!” Harley pleaded.
“Okay, cravings?” Blake asked.
“Uh, brownies,” Harley answered.
“And sex,” Gus added.
“Yeah, okay, brownies and sex,” Harley nodded.
“Baby’s name if it’s a boy?” Cassie asked.
“Nicholas Joseph,” nearly all of the guests answered in unison.
“I guess they all know,” Gus said.
“And the last question is the girl’s name?”
“They don’t even have one!” Susan answered from the back.
“That would be our answer,” Harley laughed. “We’re working on it!”
“Alright, so who has the most points?” Blake asked and she and Cassie walked around looking for the winner who turned out to be Frank.
“That’s it for the games. Why doesn’t everyone get some cake and we’ll start with the gifts soon,” Blake suggested and the guests started milling around for awhile.
“Zach, come here,” Harley called out as Zach came running past them with the rest of the kids.
“Do you want to feel the baby kick?” she asked and he nodded excitedly.
Harley took his hand and placed it on her stomach and he beamed up at her when he felt the baby.
“I can feel it,” he said. “When is the baby coming?” he asked.
“It won’t be long now,” Gus answered. “Should be here after Thanksgiving.”
“I can’t wait- I’m gonna be the best big brother in the world!” Zach said as he climbed up onto the chair beside Gus and wrapped his arms around his neck.
“Yes you are,” Harley said as Gus kissed his cheek before he jumped back down again and was off running.
“It’s still too long for me,” Gus whispered as he kissed Harley’s cheek.
“I know,” she nodded before Blake pulled them over to the presents.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:29:40 GMT -5
“Hey guys, I’m going to head out,” John said as he came up to Gus and Harley.
“Yeah, well thanks for coming,” Gus said unemotionally and walked off to find Zach.
“I’ll walk you out,” Harley said and took John’s arm, leading him into the house, not knowing Frank was a few steps behind them.
“I’m sorry Harley, I didn’t want to put you in the middle of this,” John said as they stopped in the kitchen and Frank stopped just outside the door and listened to hear what John was talking about.
“Well, I’m his wife and you are his father and our child’s grandfather. I’m in the middle no matter what,” Harley replied and Frank gasped silently.
“Oh my god,” he breathed and turned back towards the backyard. “John is Gus’s father?” he asked himself, unbelievably.
“Still, it’s not fair. Thank you for inviting me. It really meant a lot for me to be here. I um…I’m glad that Gus has someone like you in his life. Someone who will love him and take care of him like I never could,” John said, hanging his head.
“I’m sorry about the way he has been behaving, but it’s hard for him,” Harley apologized.
“I know it is,” John nodded. “Well, enjoy the rest of your party,” he added after a few moments of silence and kissed Harley’s cheek before leaving the house.
“Harley…” Frank said quietly as he walked into the kitchen. “What was that about?” he asked.
“What was what about?” she asked.
“Is John Gus’s father? What the hell is going on?” he asked again.
“Oh Frank,” she sighed and pulled him into the living room. “Okay. Yeah, John is Gus’s dad.”
“What about Joe?” Frank asked.
“John is Joe…”
“What?”
“It’s true. They had a blood test and everything.”
“How long have you known about this?” Frank asked.
“A couple of months, but Gus doesn’t know what he wants to do yet and that’s why I didn’t tell you,” Harley answered. “Frank, you can’t tell anyone, not until Gus has this all figured out.”
Frank nodded, “Well, we certainly know what he’s going through.”
“Yeah.”
“What do you want him to do?” he asked.
“I want him…to be happy, whatever that takes,” Harley answered and Frank pulled her in for a hug.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Honey?” Harley called out as she came into their bedroom later that night.
“Yeah?” Gus asked, popping his head out from the bathroom.
“Come here,” she replied and he joined her on the bed.
“What’s that?” he asked, pointing to the gift bag she brought in with her.
“It’s a gift that someone wanted us to open alone,” she answered.
“Who?”
“John,” she said and Gus tried to get off the bed but she pulled him back down.
“No, we’re going to open it,” she insisted and handed the bag to him.
He hesitantly pulled the tissue paper out and lifted the first item out of the bag. It was an old pair of baby shoes.
“Are those yours?” Harley asked and Gus nodded before pulling out the rest of the stuff, including a picture taken at the hospital of him, Joe and Angela on the day he was born, his baby book, and an envelope with his name on it.
He put the other things aside and opened the envelope and pulled out a letter.
“I’ll leave you alone,” Harley said, starting to get up but Gus took her hand and pulled her back.
“I don’t want to be alone,” he said and kissed her softly before he turned his attention back to the letter.
Nicky,
I know you’re angry with me, and I don’t blame you. What happened all those years ago, I did to protect you. After I lost your mother, you were all I had. You were what gave me strength to get up every morning and the thought of Miguel Santos or anyone hurting you killed me. I had to do whatever I could to protect you and at the time, leaving you was the only option. I thought I took care of everything. I thought you would be fine, and I’m sorry that’s not how things went for you when you were younger. But looking at you now, the way you love and take care of Harley and her kids, I know that even without me you turned out to be a wonderful, strong, loving man, and I am so proud to call you my son, no matter what happens between us. Working with you and getting to know you this past year has meant more to me than you will ever know and I just want to tell you that I love you, Son, and I’m proud of you. You are a great cop, a great husband, friend, and I know you’ll be a great father. Give Harley my love, and know that you have it too, always.
Take care, John
As he read, Gus couldn’t stop tears from filling his eyes and Harley laid her head on his shoulder when she saw his response to the letter.
“What is it, sweetie?” she asked.
“He’s gone,” he answered and passed the letter to her and she read it.
“Honey, it doesn’t say that he left,” she argued.
“No, but he did. I know it,” he replied quietly and pulled another slip of paper out of the envelope.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“He set up a trust fund for the baby,” Gus explained. “He’s gone,” he nodded and Harley hugged him tightly.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:30:23 GMT -5
“Are you expecting someone?” Gus asked when the doorbell rang early one mid-November Saturday morning.
“Not unless it’s the stork,” Harley joked as she shifted uncomfortably so Gus could get up and answer the door.
“Frank, what’s up?” Gus asked when he opened the door and Frank came into the living room.
“The sun is out, the temperature is up and you and I are going golfing,” Frank announced, swinging a pretend golf club.
“Oh we are?” Gus grimaced.
“Yes, we are,” he nodded.
“Frank, I’m not a really big golfer…”
“Tough. Hey, I had to go to your shower thing and play those games, the least you could do is come golfing with me,” Frank replied.
“Alright,” Gus sighed, “Give me a few minutes to shower and get dressed,” he added and headed upstairs.
“How are you feeling?” Frank asked Harley after he kissed her cheek and sat down beside her on the couch.
“Huge,” she replied with a smile.
“This baby will be here before you know it,” he said as he kissed her forehead.
“About that…” Harley began and looked up at the stairs to make sure Gus wasn’t coming back down. “Will you do me a favor?”
“Of course,” Frank answered.
“When the baby’s born, will you call John and let him know? I mean, I don’t know where he’s at, but will you call his cell phone and do everything you can to get in touch with him?” Harley asked. “I just think he should know when his grandchild is born and I don’t know if Gus will do that…”
“I’ll take care of it,” he assured her. “Is that nursery done yet?” he asked.
“No,” Harley laughed. “Well, we have it painted and all the furniture together, it just needs the bedding. We’re going to wait…I guess. I just want pink if it’s a girl and Gus wants baseball if it’s a boy, so we’re just waiting.”
“Should have found out months ago…” Frank teased.
“You guys didn’t know before Matthew was born that he was a boy,” Harley refuted.
“Yes, but we didn’t disagree on nursery themes,” he replied.
“Well, we don’t disagree, we just don’t want a neutral one, so we have to wait,” Harley finished as Gus came back downstairs.
“Alright, I’m ready,” he said as he put a baseball cap on.
“You look cute,” Harley said as she held her hand out and pulled him over to the couch.
“You like the hat, huh?” he asked with a kiss.
“I do,” she nodded.
“I will have my phone on the whole time, okay? So call me if anything happens. I mean it,” Gus said as he kissed her again.
“I will,” she assured him. “Have fun guys. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Gus replied as he and Frank left.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“You know Gus, on my wedding day, you came to me and asked if I was nervous. Do you remember what I said?” Frank asked as they moved onto the back nine holes.
“I remember you couldn’t even tie your own tie,” Gus teased as he set his ball on the tee.
“Besides that,” Frank smirked. “I said I was more nervous about being a father again. I mean, it had been a long time since Marina was a baby, but at least I had done it before. But this is your first child, so it’s my turn to ask you. Are you nervous?”
Gus was silent as he took his first swing and watched the ball fly through the air before he stepped away from the tee and thought a moment.
“I don’t know,” he finally replied. “I think I’m more anxious than nervous. I just want our baby. I guess I am nervous…you know, what if something goes wrong in the delivery room? What if I lose one of them or both of them? No, I’m not nervous about that- I’m terrified about that.”
“Gus, women have been having babies forever. Nothing’s going to go wrong,” Frank assured him with a pat on the back.
“I’m kind of nervous about the little things too. Like what if she doesn’t want to eat or sleep? What if she gets sick? What if I drop her the first time I hold her?” Gus continued and Frank laughed.
“I don’t think you’ll drop her. Or him,” he replied and Gus smiled as Frank drove the ball off the tee.
“You know, you say it’s my first, and I guess it is, but I don’t really feel that way.” Gus began as they walked to their balls. “I mean it’s my first time going through the pregnancy and it will be my first time with a newborn, but I already feel like a father to Zach.”
“I know you do,” Frank nodded, “And uh...I don’t think we’ve ever talked about that.”
“Talked about what?” Gus asked, confused.
“About how much I appreciate the way you love Zach. I mean, Phillip mess up big time, and since before he and Harley got divorced, Zach has been too far down on his priority list. I know that he loves him, but he just doesn’t seem all that important to Phillip most of the time. But since you came into their lives, you make Zach important, and I know he thinks of you as a father, and that really means a lot to me,” Frank replied.
“He is important to me. So is Susan…everyone in Harley’s life in important to me,” Gus added. “Even you Frank,” he teased and broke the warm moment between them.
“I was trying to bond with you here,” Frank replied.
“I know you were, and I really appreciate it. You and I have come a long way, haven’t we?” Gus asked.
“Yeah, we have. Well, you know I can be a little overprotective of Harley, and I really was afraid you were going to hurt her. But I finally realized that if there is anyone in this world who loves her as much as I do and will take care of her as well as I would, it’s you.”
“I really really love her Frank,” Gus nodded. “And I am going to do everything I can to keep her and Susan and Zach and the baby happy and safe.”
“I know,” Frank smiled. “And that’s the first time I’ve ever said that and really believed it. I just wanted you to know…that I’m proud to be your brother-in-law.”
Gus was silent as he put his golf club into his bag then he turned to Frank, “Thank you,” he replied. “That really means a lot to me. And I know it means a lot to Harley. I mean, that we get along,” he smiled.
“Yeah,” Frank nodded.
“Look, I know that you know about John and I wanted to apologize about not telling you…” Gus began.
“Gus, you don’t…” Frank interrupted.
“Just let me finish. He was your partner, and you had a right to know, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do about it. I thought it would be easier if less people knew about it.”
“Gus, it’s fine. Believe me, I completely understand. It was none of my business. But, since I know now, if you need to talk to someone, I’m here. I mean, if you need someone other than Harley,” Frank offered.
“Thank you. You know Harley has been great. Really, she’s so supportive, she just will not let me not deal with this. I think she really wants him to be a part of the baby’s life,” Gus replied.
“And how do you feel about that?” Frank asked.
“I don’t know. I am afraid that he would leave again and I can’t do that to my child, I won’t, and I won’t let that happen with Zach either. I mean, they would get attached and then he would disappear. That’s not fair. I mean, it’s not even an issue cause he left. He was here and he had his chance and he left anyway,” Gus answered.
“Maybe he didn’t feel welcomed. Maybe he thought you would be happier if he left…” Frank suggested cautiously and Gus remained silent.
“I’m going to call Harley and tell her we’re almost done,” was all he said and took out his phone as Frank sighed and went into the clubhouse.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Hey baby,” Gus greeted as he and Frank walked into the house and he kissed Harley.
“Hey. How was it?” she asked as Gus went into the kitchen to get beers for him and Frank.
“I’d rather not talk about it,” Frank replied as he sat down in the easy chair and Gus returned.
“Honey, did you beat him?” she asked Gus as he sat down beside her.
“Oh yeah, I killed him,” he answered and put his arm around her.
“Good for you sweetie. Did you have fun? Frank?” she asked.
“Yeah, it was nice,” Frank smiled and Gus nodded, leaving Harley wondering what had the two of them so happy and nice.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:30:43 GMT -5
Thanksgiving Eve…
"How are you? Are you comfortable?" Gus asked when Harley crawled back into bed.
"Look at me, would you be comfortable?" she asked, pointing to her stomach. "I'm more stuffed than Dad's turkey for tomorrow."
Gus tried not to laugh, but couldn't stop a smile from slipping through, "You're a beautiful turkey," he said, "and very sexy."
"I am not sexy."
"Honey, you're carrying a child that we tried for months and months for- the perfect expression of our love. You don't think I find that sexy?"
"You always know the right things to say," she replied as she leaned over and kissed him. "I know it's late, but can you rub my back?"
"Sure, scootch down," he said and sat behind her and rubbed her lower back. "And actually, it's really early," he corrected her and she looked at the clock that read a little after five.
"I wish you would have let your dad have Thanksgiving instead of having it here. It's too much work for you," Gus said.
"I'm not doing anything, that's why I wanted it here. Dad, you, Frank and Amanda are doing all the cooking and cleaning and this way if I'm exhausted, I can take a nap in my own bed."
"Feel better?" he asked after a few minutes.
"Mmhmm, you have amazing hands," she nodded, her voice relaxed.
"I bet you say that to all the guys that give you massages," he teased.
"Only the really good-looking ones," she replied as she laid back against his chest and his hands ran over her belly.
"She's really moving around. Was she like this all night?" Gus asked.
"Yep, playing soccer with my all of my organs," Harley nodded. "You always say 'she', you're so sure it's a girl, huh?"
"It's definitely a girl, because my son would be playing baseball with your bladder, not soccer," he teased as he kissed her cheek and she laughed.
"Well what if it is a boy and he wants to play soccer instead of baseball? That will be okay right?"
"Of course. I'm just saying that my son would have a natural affinity to baseball like his old man. Zach plays soccer and I completely support him."
"Yes you do. More than his own father does," Harley sighed.
"Speaking of Skeletor," Gus began, calling Phillip the nickname that always made Harley laugh, "Is he getting Zach at all tomorrow?"
"No. He and Beth went skiing, remember?"
"Oh, right. What about Alan?"
"Out of town on business," Harley answered.
"On Thanksgiving? Who's keeping James?"
"Lillian I guess. Or the nanny, I don't know," she shrugged. "So Zach is with us."
"Well, good. I don't like giving him up for half the holidays," Gus said as he tapped on Harley's stomach with his fingers.
"Neither do I," she agreed as she reached up and put her arm behind Gus's neck.
"Ow!" she gasped a few minutes later.
"Sorry, was I hurting you?" Gus asked because his hands were still on her stomach.
"No, it wasn't you. All of my back pain has moved to the front. I'm in labor," she said as she gripped Gus's neck.
"Seriously?" he asked.
"Do I sound like I'm joking?"
"Okay, okay, then let's get you to the hospital," he said as he helped her sit up and get off the bed.
"Wait a second, we have like hours. Go wake up Susan and tell her we'll be at the hospital and you'll call later. And tell her to make sure she gives Zach something for breakfast," she instructed.
"Harley, that's not really important now," he argued and she shot him a dirty look that shut him up quickly.
"I'm going to change and after you wake up Susan and change, we'll go to the hospital," she finished and sent him downstairs.
He got halfway out the door before he ran back and kissed her. "I love you," he said excitedly.
"Go!" she laughed and he left the room while she changed into some comfortable clothes.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:31:33 GMT -5
“How are you doing? You okay? Do you need anything?” Gus asked Harley after she got settled into her room at the hospital.
“No, I just need you here with me,” Harley smiled as she pulled him over to her for a kiss.
“I can do that,” he replied. “Does it hurt?”
“Well, it doesn’t feel good,” she laughed, “but it’s not too bad yet. Listen, I just want you to know, anything I say when I’m in extreme pain, I don’t mean, okay?”
“Like what?” he asked.
“Like if I say I hate you, I don’t, okay?” she answered and kissed him again.
“Okay,” he smiled. “Can you believe we’re going you have a baby today? Finally. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he said as he kissed her forehead.
“Well, I couldn’t have done it without you,” she joked then gripped his forearm in pain. “Oww, sorry.”
“It’s okay, sweetie,” he replied and took her hand in his.
“Good morning,” Dr. Sedwick greeted as she came into Harley’s room. “How are you feeling?”
“Not too bad, but the contractions are coming quickly,” Harley answered.
“Well, let’s see how we’re doing here,” she said. “How long have you been in labor?”
“A few hours, why?” Harley asked.
“Because you are really dilated. It shouldn’t be too long. You may want to make some calls if you want anyone else here, because this baby will be coming very soon. I’ll be back in a little bit,” Dr. Sedwick answered before she left the room.
“Wow!” Harley laughed as she turned towards Gus. “Looks like we’re gonna have this baby sooner than we thought!”
“I guess so. Are you ready for this?” he asked.
She nodded, “Are you?”
“Yes. Absolutely yes,” he smiled and kissed her. “I’m going to go call Buzz, Frank and Susan. Anyone else you want me to call?”
“No…we’ll call the rest after. But you could call John,” she suggested cautiously.
“Harley…” Gus shook his head.
“Okay,” she replied, not wanting to fight. “Go call them.”
“Yell if you need me,” he smiled and blew her a kiss.
Thirty minutes later, Buzz, Frank, Susan and Zach were all crowded in Harley’s room trying to talk to her between contractions.
“Woah! Busy place,” Dr. Sedwick said as she came in to check on Harley. “I hate to break up the party, but I want to check mom out and I think we will be having a baby soon, so I’m going to chase you all out anyway.”
“Alright, alright,” Buzz said as he kissed Harley and Susan and Zach followed him out of the room.
Frank leaned down to kiss Harley and she pulled his ear to her mouth and whispered for him to try calling John. He nodded and kissed her cheek before leaving the room.
“Just a little while longer Harley,” Dr. Sedwick after she chased everyone out and checked out Harley’s progress. “I’m going to go make sure we have a delivery room ready and I’ll be back,” she smiled.
An hour later, Gus was beside Harley in the delivery room while they were waiting for her to start pushing.
Gus pushed a wild piece of Harley’s hair behind her ear and kissed her temple while she breathed through a contraction. When it subsided a bit, she smiled weakly at him.
“I love you so much, Harley. I’m right here with you, and pretty soon we’re finally going to have our baby,” he said softly and she nodded.
“I love you too,” she replied and kissed him quickly before she had another contraction.
“Okay Harley, on the next contraction, you’re going to push, okay? Gus, help her out,” Dr. Sedwick instructed
“Sweetie, whenever you’re ready,” Gus said as he put his arm around her and in a minute, she was pushing.
“Good, Harley, take a break,” Dr. Sedwick said after the first push.
Harley caught her breath and pushed again, with Gus encouraging her.
“Okay, I can see the head, another big push, Harley. Gus, do you want to see this?” Dr. Sedwick asked and Harley nodded when Gus looked at her, then he moved to the end of the bed, still holding her hand.
“Push, Harley,” she instructed and Harley pushed. “Here we go.”
“Oh my god,” Gus breathed and squeezed Harley’s hand.
“It’s a girl!” Dr. Sedwick announced and Harley fell back against the bed, smiling.
“Oh my god, baby, look at her!” Gus said as he rushed back to Harley and kissed her cheek. “Harley, you did so good, I love you so much.”
"Gus, would you like to cut the cord?" Dr. Sedwick asked.
"Okay," he nodded and cut his daughter's umbilical cord.
The nurse wrapped her in a blanket and handed her to Harley.
"Hi sweetheart, we are so glad to finally have you here," Harley cooed and kissed the baby's forehead.
"Look at all of her hair!" she laughed as Gus smoothed down the wild dark locks.
"She got her daddy's hair, didn't she?" Dr. Sedwick smiled up at the three of them.
"She sure did," Harley nodded. "She got Daddy's big mouth too," she teased over the baby's screaming. "Here honey, hold her before they take her," she added and passed the baby to Gus.
Gus adjusted his arms around her and swayed a little until she quieted down. When she finally did, she opened her eyes a little bit and Gus smiled down at her, tears pricking his eyes.
"Hey beautiful," he said as he moved back next to Harley. "We have waited so long for you," he added then kissed the top of Harley's head.
She reached up and wiped his tears away then laid her head on Gus's shoulder and they looked down at their daughter until the nurse came to take her to be weighed and cleaned up.
"We'll keep her in the nursery for awhile so you can get some sleep and so your family can see her. We'll bring her down to your room so you can feed her," the nurse said and left the room with the baby.
"Sweetie, go tell everyone," Harley said after she kissed Gus.
"Okay, I'll meet you down in your room," he replied.
"I'll be there," she smiled and they kissed one more time before he left the room.
When he got out to the waiting room, he was practically tackled by everyone.
"Okay, first of all," he began, ignoring their questions, "It's a girl!" he announced and Susan hit Buzz in the arm.
"I told you it would be a girl!" she said excitedly. "What does she look like?" she asked Gus.
"She's gorgeous," he gushed. "She has dark hair and brown eyes and she's just perfect."
"When can we see her?" Buzz asked.
"They're going to put her in the nursery soon, so you can see her there…" Gus answered in surprise when he saw John slip out the door of the room.
"How's Harley doing?" Frank asked.
"She's great, they're taking her to her room now. I'm going to run down there, and then I'll be back to get you guys," Gus said.
"Daddy, do I have a little sister?" Zach asked and Gus swung him into his arms.
"You sure do, what do you think about that?" he asked.
"Yay!" Zach replied and Gus hugged and kissed him.
"You stay here and you can see Mommy and the baby in a little bit, okay?" Gus asked as a nurse came in for him and Zach nodded then went back to Susan.
"I'll see you guys in a little bit," he said before leaving with the nurse who would show him where Harley's room was.
"Your daughter is absolutely beautiful," the nurse said as she and Gus walked into Harley's room. "She's only a few minutes old and she's captured all of our hearts already."
"Thank you," Gus smiled and pulled a chair up next to Harley's bed.
"We'll have her in the nursery in about fifteen minutes so your family can see her," she said.
"Great, I'll let them know, thanks," he replied and she left the room.
Harley reached for him and they kissed deeply.
"Everyone is so excited," he told her. "Even Zach," he laughed.
"I'm so glad," she smiled. "And I know you're happy you got a girl."
"I am, but I would have been ecstatic with a boy too," he replied as Harley laid back against the bed.
"You should get some sleep," he said. "You must be exhausted."
"Oh please, that was an easy one," Harley laughed, "but I would like to rest for a little bit. Why don't you go see the baby and let everyone see her, and then bring her down in a little bit," she suggested.
"Okay," he nodded. "I love you."
"I love you too," she replied with a kiss.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:31:55 GMT -5
Gus left Harley’s room and went back out to the waiting room. When he found it empty, the nurse at the desk told him that everyone had gone to the nursery. Gus walked down the hall and saw Buzz, Frank, Marina, Susan and Zach standing outside the nursery cooing over the new baby.
“Hey,” he greeted as he stood beside Susan and put his arm around her.
“Hey, how’s Harley?” Buzz asked as Susan hugged Gus.
“She’s good, she’s resting right now,” he replied as someone standing around the corner looking into the nursery caught his eye. “Excuse me,” he said as he patted Buzz on the back as he passed him and walked around the corner.
“Hi,” he said as he stood beside John.
“She’s beautiful,” John said.
“Thank you,” Gus said.
“Why are you thanking me? She’s beautiful because of Harley, not you,” John teased.
“Gee, thanks,” Gus replied sarcastically.
“Oh come on, I’m kidding. You’re my son, of course you’re good looking. She has your chin actually,” John added.
“She doesn’t even have a chin,” Gus countered.
“Well, when she gets one, I’m sure it will look like yours. Let’s just hope she shaves more often,” John laughed as he touched Gus’s stubbly chin.
Gus laughed, “Oh, you don’t like the stubble action, huh?”
“No,” John shook his head. “All good cops have clean-shaven faces,” he said.
“You sound like the Chief. But a good shave doesn’t make a good cop,” Gus disputed.
“No, I guess you’re right,” John replied, “You’ve certainly done pretty well even with the stubble.”
“I think so,” Gus smiled and John laughed.
“I uh…I just wanted to see her once before I left,” John said, suddenly serious.
“Where are you going?”
“Back to Santa Fe, I guess. I don’t know. So when I get to wherever it is I’m going, I’ll let you know and maybe you can send me some pictures of her? You know, the big stuff, her first birthday, her first day of school…”
“So you’re leaving again. Maybe that’s for the best, it’s something you’re really good at,” Gus scoffed as he turned away.
“Oh Nick…” John sighed and Gus turned around. “You’re new to this father thing. But give it a few days, and you’ll understand that I did what I did because I loved you and wanted to keep you safe.”
“Look, what I said, that wasn’t fair. I’m sorry. And I know you think you did what was best for me, but you’ll have to forgive me if I can’t jump on your shoulders and start calling you ‘Daddy’ again,” Gus spat out bitterly.
“I don’t want to do this. Not here. Not now. You don’t want me here and you’re the only reason I came to this town. I just wanted to see my grandchild be born before I went. So umm, tell Harley I said congratulations. Take care of yourself and your beautiful family. I know you’ll be a good father- better than I was,” John said as he took one last look at the baby then backed up to leave.
“You were a good father. Before you left, I mean. You were the best. And I have spent the last 20 years of my life idolizing you. I don’t agree with what you did. And I can’t promise you that I ever will. Or that we can go back to having the kind of relationship we had before you left, but I’m asking you not to leave again. I’m not the only reason for you to stay here. You have a daughter-in-law, and three amazing grandchildren, don’t…don’t make them miss out on knowing you like I did,” Gus pleaded. “I want you to stay. Please.”
John tried to suppress his surprise. “Are you sure?” he asked and Gus nodded.
“Okay. I’ll stay in Springfield. Tell Harley I said congratulations. I’ll see you later, hopefully,” he replied as he turned around to leave.
“Tell her yourself,” Gus said. “I’m going to take the baby back to her room now. You can come down with Buzz and them in a little bit.”
“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“I want you there,” Gus assured him. “Look, I still have some issues as far as you and I are concerned, but you are her grandfather, and I can’t let her grow up not knowing you. Just promise me that you won’t, you know, fake your death again,” Gus added.
“I promise,” John said as he put his hand on Gus’s shoulder.
“Okay, I’m going to take her back to Harley now, I’ll come out and get you guys in a little bit,” Gus said as he and John started walking towards the waiting room.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Gus said.
“There isn’t anyplace else in the world I’d rather me right now,” he replied.
“I didn’t just mean here at the hospital,” Gus corrected.
“Neither did I,” John said as they stopped walking as they got to the waiting room and looked at each other.
Gus smiled, then turned to the rest of the family. “I’m going to take the baby down to Harley. I’ll come get you all in a little bit and you can see them.”
“Thanks Gus,” Buzz said before Gus started down the hallway back to the nursery.
The head nurse in the nursery opened the door for Gus and led him over to the baby.
“Would you like to take her to your wife or would you like a nurse to bring her down later?” she asked.
“I’d like to take her,” Gus replied, never taking his eyes off his daughter.
“Absolutely, I’ll have someone bring down a bassinet later,” she said as she lifted the baby out of her bassinet and placed her in Gus’s waiting arms.
“Thank you,” she said as he left the nursery and walked to Harley’s room with his daughter in his arms.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:33:00 GMT -5
Gus slowly pushed the door to Harley’s room open and stepped inside. Harley was on her side with her back to the door, she wasn’t sleeping soundly, but she didn’t hear Gus come in.
“Shhh, Mommy’s sleeping,” Gus said to the baby quietly, but loud enough to pull Harley out of her dozing state.
“No she’s not,” Harley replied quietly as she rolled over and flashed Gus a smile.
Her smile got even brighter when she saw the little bundle in his arms.
“Hi,” she said as Gus started over towards her.
“Hey beautiful,” he replied with a smile as he went to pass the baby to Harley but she stopped him.
“No, you hold her. Just sit here with me,” she said as she moved over on the bed and he sat down beside her.
He leaned over and covered her lips with his and they kissed deeply. When they broke the kiss, Harley put her arm around Gus’s neck and leaned against his shoulder, looking down at their daughter.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” he said as Harley reached over and stroked her soft cheek.
“She is,” she replied.
“Everyone says she looks like you- I agree,” he said.
“Really? I think she looks like you. Her hair and her dark eyes, and she has your lips,” Harley responded.
“John said she has my chin,” Gus added.
“She doesn’t have a chin,” Harley replied.
“I know,” Gus laughed.
“John was here?” she asked cautiously.
“He still is. He was at the nursery when I went to get her. We talked, it was good,” Gus told her.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I saw him and I thought I would be mad at him and want him to leave, but I wasn’t. I couldn’t be mad, because I finally realized something.”
“What’s that?” Harley asked.
“He’s my father, you know, just like I’m her father. And even though she’s only a few hours old, god, I love her and I would do anything to keep her safe and happy. And that’s what he was trying to do, I just can’t blame him for that,” Gus finished quietly.
“She made you realize that?”
“I think so,” Gus replied, “You know, your parents always tell you, ‘Just wait until you have kids’. It always comes back to bite you in the ass, doesn’t it?”
Harley laughed, “Yeah, it does,” she said as she kissed his cheek, “So you guys are okay?”
“We’re working on it,” Gus nodded as the baby started crying. “I just don’t know how he knew to come today.”
“Well, I uh…I had Frank call him. I thought he should be here for this,” Harley said as Gus passed her the baby. “This better not become a habit,” she joked as she rocked the baby in her arms.
“I knew that girl had a good set of lungs,” the same nurse that was in the nursery earlier said as she wheeled in a bassinet. “She’s probably hungry,” she told Harley, “I was just coming down to have you feed her.”
Harley opened the front of her gown and the baby quieted down as soon as she got what she was looking for.
“Do you need any help?” the nurse asked.
“I think we’ve got it under control,” Harley smiled and the nurse nodded then left the room.
“You had Frank call him?” Gus asked and Harley nodded.
“Yeah, I’m sorry, I should have told you, but I figured you would just say you didn’t want him hear, but I wanted him here, I wanted him to meet his granddaughter,” Harley excused.
“Honey, it’s okay. I’m glad you had Frank call him. You were right, he should be here,” Gus replied as he kissed Harley’s cheek.
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that? I couldn’t quite hear you, I was…I was what?” Harley teased.
“You were…right,” Gus whispered. “But don’t push it,” he laughed.
“No, I think I’ve done enough pushing for awhile,” she replied and Gus appeased her with a fake laugh.
After the baby was fed and sleeping again, the nurse came back into Harley’s room and asked if they were ready for some visitors. Within a few minutes, her room was full of Coopers and John cooing over the new addition.
“I’m the big sister, I get her first,” Susan said and took the baby from Harley and Gus helped Zach up onto the bed with them.
“She’s so beautiful guys,” Frank gushed. “What’s her name?” he asked and everyone looked at them waiting for an answer.
“Uh, we’re not really sure yet,” Harley replied. “We have it narrowed down to a few, but we have to pick one.”
“So pick,” Buzz shrugged.
“We will…but not right now,” Gus said and got off the bed setting Zach next to Harley. “Hey Sus, can I talk to you?” he asked and she handed the baby off to Frank before following Gus out to the hallway.
“What’s up?” she asked.
“I just wanted to talk to you about John…” he began.
“Yeah, what is that about? Uncle Frank said he’s your dad?”
“Yeah…I’m sorry that you had to find out this way.”
“It’s okay. How long have you known?” she asked.
“A few months…I was just shocked, to say the least and didn’t know what I wanted to do about it, so I didn’t want to bring any other people into it. But I would have liked to be the one to tell you about it.”
“Gus, it’s okay. It’s a lot to deal with, it’s fine. But what do you mean you don’t know what you want to do about it? I mean, he’s your dad and you haven’t seen him for over twenty years. If I got my dad back…well, I…”
“I know Sus, but your dad died, mine left on purpose…”
“To protect you,” she corrected him. “I just know how much your dad meant to you and you always said you would give anything to have even just one more day with him. Well, he’s here, Gus, and you have more than one day. Maybe you should forget about what he did in the past, and think of what he could do in the future, with you and his granddaughter…”
Gus was quiet for awhile then smiled at her, “Your mom is right. You are smarter than us,” he said and pulled her into a hug.
“So what do you think about your little sister?” he asked.
“I think she’s gorgeous and I think this family is going to drive her insane…but she couldn’t ask for a better one,” she replied with a smile.
“I couldn’t agree more,” he said and they walked back into the room together.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:33:24 GMT -5
“We're going to let the three of you, the four of you," Buzz corrected himself, "have some time," he said as he laid the baby in John's arms. "Do you want us to take Zach?" he asked.
“No, he can stay here if he wants,” Gus replied and Zach nodded as he continued playing with his truck at the foot of Harley’s bed.
“Alright, we’ll be back in a little bit,” Buzz said as he and Frank kissed Harley goodbye then left the room with Susan and Marina.
"Oh I'll go too so you can get some rest," John said as he stood up and started to hand the baby to Gus.
"Sit down," Gus ordered and John fell back into the chair.
"I can rest with you here," Harley assured him. "As long as you won’t be offended if I fall asleep. But I don't think you'll even be paying me any attention," she teased when she saw John looking down at the baby.
"Oh what?" he asked, looking up.
"Nevermind," Gus said as he brought Harley's hand up to his face and kissed it.
"Come here," she beckoned as she moved over in the bed.
"Get some sleep, I'll be right here," he said, not moving.
"I just gave birth to your daughter, would you humor me please?" Harley sighed and Gus finally crawled into the bed beside her.
"She is so beautiful," Gus said quietly as he kissed the top of Harley's head and wrapped his arms around her.
"She's perfect," Harley agreed. "That's a nice scene in front of us," she added quietly as they watched John with the baby.
"It is nice. Really nice," he agreed. After a few minutes of silence, Gus looked down at Harley and smiled. “You were amazing today,” he gushed.
“Oh let’s not relive it,” she groaned. “At least it was short.”
“I mean it. It just blows my mind that a few hours ago, she was inside of you and now she’s here. Finally. I just…” he replied, trying to find that right words to describe what he was feeling.
“I love you,” she said, filling the space.
“Yeah,” he nodded, “I love you too. And I feel so close to you. And I didn’t even think it was possible for us to be closer than we already are, but I really think we are. Do you think so?”
“Yes, definitely. And I think we will just get closer as she grows up. Cause we’re going to have a lot of stuff to deal with together about her.”
“I can’t wait,” he smiled and kissed her deeply before she snuggled against him and fell asleep.
When Buzz, Frank, Amanda, Marina and Susan returned a few hours later, Harley was sleeping while Gus sat in the rocking chair with Zach on one knee, fast asleep and the baby asleep on his shoulder.
"Hey," Buzz whispered as they walked into the room and Gus turned to see them all with bags in their hands. “Where’s John?” Buzz asked.
"He went to get some coffee," he replied, "What's going on?"
"We brought Thanksgiving to you," Susan answered as she set her bag down and came over to take the baby from Gus.
"Thank you," Gus said as he shook his numb arm. "You brought all the food?"
"Yeah, we figured you'd all be hungry," Buzz said as Zach stirred in Gus's arms and he rocked him until he was back asleep. "How long has she been sleeping?"
"Hour and a half maybe," Gus shrugged as a nurse came into the room.
"Wow, big crowd," she said. "How's Mom doing?" she asked Gus.
"She's good, she's been sleeping for awhile," he answered.
"Good, she should take advantage of it while she can. And so should you," she replied.
"Oh I slept for awhile with these two," he said motioning to Zach and the baby.
"What did you guys do? Bring dinner with you?" she asked when she saw all the paper bags.
"Yeah, actually," Buzz laughed.
"Wow. Well, the waiting room down the hall has a big table and couches, if you want to use that. It's probably easier than crowding in here and eating on your knees," she suggested.
"That sounds good," Frank agreed.
"Why don't you all go down there and I'll get Mom up to feed the baby and then she can come down and eat," the nurse suggested as she politely urged them out of the room.
"Yes ma'am," Buzz replied and the nurse playfully hit his arm.
"That's miss," she teased.
"Well, either way, we're out of here," he replied as the nurse took the baby from Susan.
"Do you want me to take him down?" Frank asked Gus.
"No, I'll bring him down then come back," he answered. "Will you…?"
"I'll get her up and tell her you'll be right back down," the nurse finished for him.
"Thanks," Gus replied and he followed everyone else down the hall.
When he came back, Harley was awake and feeding the baby.
"Hey," she smiled up at him.
"Hey baby," he replied as he came over and kissed her forehead then sat on the bed beside her.
"I hear we have a feast waiting for us," she said as she brushed the baby's dark hair off her forehead.
"We sure do. I hope you're hungry."
"I'm famished," she nodded.
"By the looks of it, so is she," Gus teased. "I wanna do this."
"Breastfeed?" Harley asked.
"Just feed her. There is just such a bond between the two of you when you feed her. Call me selfish, but I want that too," he explained.
"It's not selfish. And I talked to the nurse, we're going to start her on a bottle tomorrow morning and see how she does before we go home. So you'll be able to feed her too," Harley said as she reached for Gus's hand.
"Going home tomorrow already?"
"Yep. They don't keep you in here very long anymore if you're healthy, and we both are so, we get to go home really soon," she smiled. "Where's Zach?" she asked.
"Sleeping on a couch in the waiting room," he answered. "You should have seen me earlier. I was in the rocker with him on one knee sound asleep and her over my shoulder sound asleep."
Harley smiled at him, "I probably would have started crying if I saw that," she laughed. "I'm so emotional about everything."
"Well, we've waited a long time for her. You're allowed to be emotional," he replied.
"Her. She needs a name, Gus."
"I know. I'm getting sick of calling her 'the baby'," he agreed. "So we were down to how many names?"
"Three. Madeline, Katelyn and Gabrielle," Harley reminded him.
"Oh right. I like them all," he shrugged.
"Well tough. Just pick one. And I'll pick one and we'll say them at the same time," she instructed and he nodded.
"Ready, set, go."
"Katelyn," they both said at the same time.
"Well, that was easy," Gus laughed.
"Why did you choose Katelyn?" she asked.
Gus shrugged. "She just looks like a Katie to me. Why did you?"
"I like it best with Aitoro," she answered.
"Katelyn Nicole Aitoro," Gus said as he put his finger to her hand and she gripped it tightly. "I think she likes it."
"I think so," Harley nodded and she leaned against Gus's shoulder while she finished feeding their daughter.
When the nurse came back and took the baby back to the nursery, Harley changed into a pair of pajamas Susan brought for her and they walked down to the waiting room.
“Hey! The guests of honor are here!” Buzz said as he pulled out a chair for Harley and she sat down.
“I can’t believe you guys did all of this!” she said in amazement when she saw the feast spread on the table in front of her.
“Well, we decided that we certainly have reason to give thanks today, so we’re going for it,” Buzz explained.
“Thank you guys,” Harley smiled as she pulled Gus into the chair beside her and they started passing food around.
“Okay, before we eat, I would like to make a little toast,” Buzz said and stood up at the head of the table. “I just want to make it known how…thankful I am that my newest grandchild is finally here, healthy and beautiful and mom is good too. I am thankful that all of my grandchildren and children are healthy and happy. Finally, life for the Coopers couldn’t be better. And I am thankful for Gus and Amanda who have helped make my family so happy. And I am thankful for having John here with us today, you are part of the family, and this is where you belong,” he finished.
“I’ll second that one,” Gus said and smiled at John who was sitting next to him. “Actually, I will second all of it, especially the part about the baby being healthy. I am a very lucky man today, and I am very thankful for that…for all of it, even if I don’t always show it,” he added as he looked at John who put his hand on Gus’s shoulder and smiled at him.
“Well, I am thankful for this turkey that is just begging to be eaten, so can we eat already?” Frank asked and Buzz started carving the turkey.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:33:46 GMT -5
"Daddy, this was either the best turkey you've ever made, or I was just starving," Harley said as she got out of her seat and sat on Gus's lap.
"It's great Pop," Frank agreed and everyone else concurred.
"Do you want a piece of pie?" Gus asked Harley as he dished himself out a piece.
"No, not yet," she replied.
"Can that kid sleep through anything?" John asked, pointing to Zach who was still sound asleep on the couch.
"Yep, unless you want him to stay asleep, then he's wired," Gus answered before taking a bite of pie.
"Of course," John replied. "Are you sure you're not his father?" he teased.
"I wish I could take the credit for that, but that came a few years too early," Gus replied.
"Don't remind me," Harley added as she cut off a piece of Gus's pie and ate it.
"I thought you didn't want pie," he teased.
"I changed my mind," she shrugged and kissed him and he fed her another piece.
"I guess my invitation got lost in the mail," Dr. Sedwick said as she came into the waiting room.
"Well, here, sit down, we have plenty of food," Buzz offered.
"No, I'm actually meeting my husband in the cafeteria. I just wanted to come by and give an update. I was just in the nursery and I see we have a name," she replied.
"Oh yes, we have a name," Harley said.
"Nice of you to tell us," Frank teased.
"So what is it?" Amanda asked.
"Katelyn Nicole," Gus answered.
"It's perfect," Buzz replied.
John nodded, "She looks like a Katie."
"That's what your son said," Harley laughed. "So how is she?"
"Absolutely perfect. The nurse said you wanted to start her on a bottle tomorrow before you leave?"
"Yeah," Harley nodded.
"That's fine. I have an Cesarean in the morning, but I'll be around after lunch to check you both out and discharge you."
"Great," Harley smiled.
"Alright, I'll see you at least once more tonight. Enjoy the rest of your meal. Happy Thanksgiving," Dr. Sedwick said before she left the room.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After everyone left for the night and Susan took Zach home, Gus sat in Harley’s room rocking Katie to sleep.
“How’s that feel, Dad?” Harley asked as she watched them and Gus smiled up at her.
“It feels amazing,” he answered. “I just don’t even know how to describe what I am feeling right now.”
“I know,” Harley nodded. “I love watching you with her. It’s just something I’ve been waiting to see for a long time.”
“We both have, but we finally got it. We have our baby, and we have three amazing children and each other. What more could we ask for?” Gus asked before he got up and put Katie in her bassinet.
“I know what I could ask for,” Harley said.
“What’s that?”
“An amazing, take-my-breath-away kiss from my amazing, take-my-breath-away husband,” she replied.
“Well, I think I can handle that,” Gus smiled as he crawled onto the bed and took her face in his hands.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” she replied before he covered her lips with his and gave her what she asked for.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:35:53 GMT -5
Gus slowly opened the door to Harley’s room and peeked his head in. When he saw the bed was empty, he walked in and found her packing her bag, already dressed to go home.
“Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I walked into Superwoman’s room,” Gus teased as he came up behind her and kissed her neck. “I figured you would still be asleep.”
“No way, I want to get out of here as soon as possible,” she replied as she leaned back against him as he held her tightly.
“Good morning,” he whispered into her ear and she turned in his arms.
“Good morning,” she smiled and kissed him softly. “Did you go see Katie yet?”
“Not yet, did you?” he asked and she shook her head.
“Then let’s go see our little girl,” Gus smiled and put his arm around Harley while they walked down the hallway to the nursery.
“Did you sleep well last night?” he asked as he kissed her temple.
“I did. I fell asleep not long after you left and got up like a half hour before you got here. I got a lot of sleep, but this morning I just wanted to get up and take our baby home,” she answered.
“Pretty soon,” Gus smiled.
“What about you? Did you enjoy having the bed all to yourself?”
“No, I didn’t even sleep in our bed,” he laughed.
“Why not?”
“Well, when I got home, I got Zach ready for bed and by the time he was asleep, it was almost eleven, then I finished up the nursery and when I finally got into bed, Zach was awake because he was missing you, so I ended up sleeping in his bed with him.”
“Is he okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, I just think it hit him that Katie is here and you were here with her instead of at home with him…”
“Oh boy…”
“He’ll be fine,” Gus assured her.
“There she is!” Harley exclaimed when they saw her through the window sleeping in her bassinet. “I don’t care what anyone says, she looks so much like you.”
“What are you talking about? She is all you, she’s gorgeous,” Gus protested.
“Exactly,” she replied as she stroked his cheek and he kissed her.
Ahem, they heard Dr. Sedwick clear her throat behind them.
“Good morning,” Harley said when they broke the kiss.
“You two are up early,” Dr. Sedwick said.
“Well, I am very anxious to get out of here,” Harley answered.
“And I am very anxious to take my wife and daughter home,” Gus added.
“And you will, in a few hours. I’m just doing my rounds before the c-section I have soon and after that, I will discharge both of you. Why don’t you come in with me,” she suggested and started into the nursery with Harley and Gus following her.
“How is this little one doing?” Dr. Sedwick asked the nurse when they got to Katie’s bassinet.
“She is doing wonderfully, no problems at all,” the nurse answered.
“Great, I will just check her out really quick and then she is all yours for the morning,” Dr. Sedwick told Gus and Harley and they watched as she checked over Katie.
Gus wrapped his arms around Harley’s neck from behind and kissed her cheek. She smiled and leaned back against him as he let out a contented sigh. Harley reached down and gently stroked Katie’s closed fist and she opened her eyes and looked up at her parents.
“Hi sweetheart,” Harley gushed and knelt down so that she was level with the baby and kissed her hand. “Look at those gorgeous eyes. You have your daddy’s eyes, you know that?” she said quietly and Dr. Sedwick smiled over at Gus who was already beaming.
“Everything looks good here,” Dr. Sedwick said and Harley scooped Katie up in her arms.
Gus watched Harley hold their daughter and kiss her forehead until he couldn’t help but reach over and touch her. He put his arm around Harley and stroked Katie’s cheek while Dr. Sedwick talked to the nurse. After a few minutes, Katie started crying and the nurse came over.
“She’s about ready to be fed,” the nurse said. “I’ll get her a bottle.”
“Thank you,” Harley replied and the nurse disappeared.
When she returned a few minutes later, she led Gus and Harley over to a rocking chair and handed the bottle to Harley. She was about to sit down when she changed her mind and handed Katie to Gus instead.
“Sweetie, you feed her,” she said as she laid the baby in his arms.
“Are you sure?” he asked and she nodded so he sat down in the rocker and gave the bottle to Katie.
Harley pulled a stool over next to Gus and sat down, watching him feed their daughter.
“I’ll be around if you need anything,” the nurse said quietly before she left them.
“This is amazing. I mean, I’ve fed Matthew before, a lot, but this is different. This is our baby, our little girl, finally,” he smiled over at Harley and she kissed him softly.
“Finally,” she said softly and rested her head on his shoulder.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A few hours later, Gus opened the front door and followed Harley into the house carrying Katie in her car seat. Harley was attacked as soon as Gus shut the door by Zach and Susan with hugs. Susan went and took the car seat from Gus while he took off his coat and Harley tried to walk over to the couch with Zach stuck to her leg.
Susan took Katie out of her seat and joined Harley on the couch. Harley pulled Zach into her lap and hugged him tight.
“I missed you last night,” she said as she kissed his cheek.
“You did?” he asked.
“I sure did. I missed tucking you in and kissing you goodnight.”
“I missed you too,” he replied and wrapped his arms tight around her neck.
“Hey Zach, Mommy and I want to talk to you okay?” Gus asked as he sat down beside them and Zach nodded.
“Do you remember when Matthew was born and we had that talk about how he was going to get a lot of attention from everyone?” he continued.
“Yeah,” Zach replied as he settled back against the couch.
“Well, do you remember what else I told you? That no matter how much we love the baby or how much time we spend with the baby, we still love you like crazy. And that’s true with Katie too.”
“Yeah, you know, we love Katie, but we still love you so much,” Harley added.
“Do you understand what we’re saying Zach?” Gus asked.
“That you love me and Katie the same?” Zach asked.
“That’s right,” Harley answered. “We love you and Susan and Katie all the same, and always will,” she said and kissed Zach as she pulled him into her lap. “So what do you think of your little sister?” she asked and looked over at Katie in Susan’s arms.
“She’s smaller than Matt is,” he replied.
“Yeah, she is, because she’s younger than Matthew. But she’ll get bigger before you know it,” Harley said.
“Then I can play with her?”
“You bet. But you can play with her right now too,” Gus said.
“How?”
“Well, you can talk to her, so she learns her voice. And you can make funny faces at her,” Gus answered.
“I can?”
“Absolutely. Do you want to hold her?” Gus asked and Zach looked over at Katie cautiously.
“Okay,” he agreed and Harley put him back on the couch and took Katie from Susan.
“Alright, you have to make sure you keep your arm beneath her head,” Gus instructed and Zach held his arms out while Harley laid Katie in them.
“What do you think?” Gus asked after a few minutes.
“How come she’s always asleep?”
“Cause that’s what babies do when they’re really little. She’s going to sleep a lot,” Gus answered.
“So she takes lots of naps?”
“Yeah, kinda,” Gus shrugged.
“Yeah, she’ll probably sleep all the time except when the rest of us want to,” Susan said and Harley smiled over at her as the phone rang and Susan answered it then passed it to Harley.
“It’s Blake,” she said and Harley told Gus to watch Zach while she took the phone from Susan.
“Hey Blake. Yeah, we just got home a little while ago. Oh, that sounds great, but can we do it tomorrow? I mean, we just got home and I’m exhausted and we’re trying to get everyone comfortable with the situation. But we would love for you guys to come see her tomorrow. Yes, please tell Cassie the same. Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Harley finished before hanging up.
“Well, I got Blake and Cassie to hold off coming until tomorrow, but I can’t promise Dad and Frank won’t show up tonight,” she told Gus.
“That’s fine, they didn’t get to spend too much time with her yesterday,” he replied as Katie woke up and started to fuss and Zach started to squirm.
“She’s crying,” he informed them and he jumped off the couch after Gus took her from her.
“Well, I think that was a good start,” Gus said to Harley who nodded. “Do you want to go see the nursery?” he asked her, then looked down at Katie, “Do you want to go see your room? I think you’re going to like it,” he said and took Harley’s hand and led her upstairs.
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Post by Jen on Jan 13, 2005 21:36:28 GMT -5
He slowly opened the door to the nursery and he and Harley stepped inside.
“Honey, it looks wonderful. It’s perfect,” Harley gushed as she ran her hand over the crib.
They had already painted the nursery white and they put up a white textured wallpaper on the walls beneath a white wooden chair rail molding, but were waiting until the baby was born to put up the border. Gus had done it the night before and the once plain white room was now their daughter’s bedroom. The bedding that filled the dark cherry wood sleigh crib was soft pink with a large inset of pink teddy bears on a white background. Gus had added all of the accessories they had gotten and the room was finished.
“It better look good, it took forever,” he teased. “What do you think Katie? Do you think you’ll be able to sleep in here for eighteen years?”
“Well, we might have to get a different bed eventually,” Harley joked as she put her arm through Gus’s and laid her head on his shoulder. “It’s so good to have her here with us.”
“It sure is. I already can’t imagine this family without her,” he replied and kissed Harley’s forehead before they went back downstairs.
“Why don’t you put her down to sleep and we’ll get some lunch,” Harley suggested and Gus looked around the living room.
“Put her down where? We don’t have a bassinet,” he said.
“How do we not have a bassinet?” she asked.
“Well, we were going to get one after she was born, cause you wanted a girly one if she was a girl,” he reminded her.
“Well put her in her car seat for now, but where is she going to sleep tonight?” Harley asked.
“I’ll go later and get one,” Gus replied and laid Katie in her car seat as they heard a knock on the door and Harley answered it.
“Anyone hungry?” Frank asked as he held up bags of food and came into the house with Amanda, Marina and Matthew behind him.
“We sure are!” Harley replied as she kissed his cheek. “Where’s Dad?”
“They made him do the hard work,” she heard Buzz say in the door behind her and they all turned to see him wheeling a bassinet into the house.
“Oh my god, where did you get this?” Harley asked in surprise.
“Well, I remembered that you didn’t have one yet, and I figured it wasn’t on the top of your priority list last night, so we got one for you. And I see we’re right on time, she can’t sleep in her car seat all the time,” Frank replied and Harley hugged him. “And we got a second base for it that you can put in your room and then all you have to do is move the basket instead of the whole thing.”
“It’s the best thing ever, it’s what we have,” Amanda added.
“Thank you guys, we were just wondering what to do about a bassinet,” Gus laughed.
“Well, before you put her in there, I want to hold her,” Amanda said as she passed Matthew to Marina and picked Katie up out of her car seat.
“Come on Frank, let’s get this food ready and celebrate Katie’s first lunch at home,” Buzz said and they all went into the kitchen for lunch.
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By the time everyone left that night, Gus and Harley were exhausted, but they had to get Zach ready for bed and since he was playing with Buzz and Frank all day, he was wound up. Susan took Katie to feed her while they gave Zach his bath and after fighting with him and three stories, he was finally asleep.
“Is she asleep?” Harley asked hopefully and Susan nodded.
“She just went out,” she answered.
“Thank you,” Harley said as she kissed the top of Susan’s head. “I think we’re going to go to bed and get some sleep before she wakes up again. Gus has to work tomorrow morning.”
She took the baby from Susan and Gus grabbed the top part of the bassinet before they headed upstairs. They were in bed ten minutes later and both sound asleep not long after that. They slept for three hours before Katie woke them up crying.
Harley moaned as she lifted her head off of Gus’s chest, “And so it begins…” she said before they both sat up.
“I’ll get the bottle,” Gus said and went downstairs while Harley tried to keep Katie quiet until he came back.
He took Katie from her when he came back and sat in the rocking chair they brought into their room.
“Honey, go back to sleep,” he said as he fed Katie.
“You may regret that,” she laughed. “You’re the one who has to be up early in the morning.”
“I’ll be okay,” he replied and Harley laid back in the bed and watched him feed the baby before she dozed off.
When she woke up a little while later, Gus was done feeding Katie, but was still holding her in the rocking chair. She looked over at the clock and two hours had passed and it was almost four am.
“Gus, what are you doing?” she asked.
“Just watching her sleep,” he answered.
“You need to be watching yourself sleep,” she replied, “you have to get up for work in a few hours.”
“I know, I just can’t seem to put her down. I just want to hold her all the time,” he said.
“I know you do, but you still need to sleep,” she said and rolled over and went back to sleep.
He finally put Katie back in her bassinet, kissed her cheek and crawled back into bed beside Harley before falling asleep.
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