Noah

“I’d ask how things are going, but I heard about what happened with Jyn,” Brayden tells me as we wait for our food. We’re having lunch away from C&C, because I’m not sure if I’m welcome there.

“I didn’t mean to forget.”

“Yet, you did.”

“I was caught up in the designs for the new C&C building. It’s a big deal.”

“A bigger deal than having a baby?”

“I don’t know.”

“Damn, Noah. I don’t even know what to say about that.”

“Darcy told me you’re having trouble getting pregnant, and I’m sorry about that. My situation is different, though; we didn’t plan this.”

“No, you didn’t, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Unless you’re planning to give up your rights, and walk away from your child.”

“I don’t think I could do that.”

“Man, it’s even worse than I thought. You shouldn’t be having to ‘think’ about it at all.”

“You should understand why I’m having trouble coming to terms with this. Of all the people in my life, you should get it.”

“That your career means everything to you? Yeah, I get where you’re coming from, because I know how hard it was for you to grow up with us. But, that was before you found out about the baby. No reason they can’t both be equally important.”

“I don’t know how to give up on my dream.”

“Did someone ask you to? Ryan has kids. Matt has a kid. Hell, lots of our friends have kids. None of them have given up their career dreams for their kids. There are sacrifices, but having a baby doesn’t mean you have to change your dream.”

“Then why does it feel like it?”

“Because you have your head up your ass. You’re scared of something else being more important than your life goals.”

“That’s part of it.”

“No one’s going to swoop in and steal your job because you have a baby. I mean, Ryan should understand you needing time off.”

“He does. It’s my own hang-ups.”

“Get over them, Noah. They don’t apply here. Back in Cyndryann things were a mess for all of us. But this city, and the people that come with it, are our new start. I took mine, and so did Jen. Now, it’s time for you to take yours. Starting with your job, but continuing with your baby. And your baby mama, who is one awesome woman, in case you didn't already realize that.”

“I realize it, but Jyn’s pissed. Rightly so.”

“Admitting it’s the first step.”

“I’m guessing you’re going to tell me groveling is the second.”

“See, you already know what to do. You don’t need me.”

“I’ll always need my best friend.”

“As will I.”

I fight the urge to get up, and hug him, even though I want to. Too many prying eyes with cell phones here, and we don’t need the scandal. It would be just a hug for us, but by the time the headlines went around, it would be Bray cheating on Darcy with me. Thankfully, no one’s found out about Jyn, because she doesn’t need a spotlight on everything right now. Especially while she’s so mad at me.

When I get back to the office, I call Kenny to ask about free time he might have to re-schedule the sonogram. He says he’s free today, and also offers to check in with Jyn. Once I receive his text with a time, I make my way to Ryan’s office. I hate to ask for a favor so soon, but I know I need to do this.

“Hey boss,” I tell him once Chloe waves me in.

“Hey, how are the plans coming along?”

“Great. I have a meeting with Matt tomorrow to talk about what he wants, so I can incorporate everything.”

“Good. Have you picked an assistant yet?”

“No. I’ve had my head focused on drafting up the design. There hasn’t been time for anything else.”

“Except Jyn, right?”

“Not exactly.”

“Uh-oh.”

“That’s why I’m here. I missed a sonogram appointment, and I was able to re-schedule for today. I’d have to leave in an hour, though.”

“I already told you to take whatever time you need.”

“I hate taking advantage of your generosity when I've only been here such a short time.”

“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it. Go see your baby, and give yourself some time tomorrow to interview assistants. Once you finish the drafting stage, and Matt approves everything, you’ll be swamped and need the help.”

“I will,” I promise him. “Thanks again.”

He waves me off with a smile, and I go back to my office, determined to get as much work done as possible before I have to leave. The time flies, but luckily, I remembered to set an alarm for myself. I head out, making it the C&C building with ten minutes to spare.

I’ve never been in the medical ward before, and I’m impressed with what I see when I get off the elevator. I had no doubt Reina’s part of this building was state of the art, but this place is even more insane than I’d imagined.

“Hello, Noah,” Jyn tells me, not bothering to stand from her seat in the waiting room.

“Hi. Thank you for agreeing to this.”

“I told you I would.”

“I know, but I was an ass.”

“Agreed.”

“Can I take you to dinner after this?”

“It’s not dinner time.”

“Okay, then how about a snack?”

She eyes me warily, before her face softens. “Right now, I don’t turn down baked goods, or ice cream.”

“Whatever you want.”

“Okay.”

“Are you ready?” Kenny asks, smiling at both of us.

“Yes,” we say at the same time.

“Well, let’s go look at your baby.”

He leads us to an exam room, where a nurse is already setting everything up. I help Jyn up onto the table, and hold her hand as some gel is squirted on her stomach. Kenny takes hold of the scanner, and moves it over her belly, adjusting things on the machine as needed.

All of a sudden, I’m seeing my baby for the first time. She turns right to us, and shows us her parts. “It’s a girl,” I say in wonder.

“Yes,” Kenny agrees.

“Wow.”

“She’s beautiful,” Jyn says, and when I look over, tears are running down her cheeks.

I lean over, and kiss them away. “She is. Just like her mommy.”

I say that, because I know it’s true, even though we only see images on the screen, and they aren’t clear. With Jyn as her mother, my girl is going to be a knockout. And probably a kick-ass chick, too.

“She’s still healthy, and growing at a good rate. You could go into labor safely any day.”

“She’s not due yet,” I remind him, worried for both of my girls.

“No, but it’s safe for both of them if it happened right now.”

“Oh, okay. Good to know.”

“Look at her little hands, Noah,” Jyn says, smiling at me.

“They’re perfect. All of her is perfect.”

“I’m going to need to go buy some girl things. I have neutral items, but nothing specific to a girl.”

“Can I go?”

“I’d like that.”

“Me, too.”

We watch the screen for several more minutes, marveling at our beautiful girl. Brayden was right—there has to be room for this baby, and my career in my life—because I’m already in love with her.

* * *

Jyn

I can’t even describe how happy I was to see Noah excited about our baby. And now, we’re out for decadent desserts at Downtown Summerlin. This is pretty much the perfect day so far.

“Do you want to look at some of the stores here, or are you too tired?”

“I’m not too tired,” I tell him honestly, because I would love to look around with him. “Are you sure you don’t need to get back to work?”

“Nope. Ryan said I should take the afternoon off.”

“You’re really okay with that?”

He looks me in the eye when he answers. “Yes.”

“Okay, then. Let’s shop.”

We start at H&M since it’s the closest to where we are. I have fun picking everything out with Noah, and smile when he grabs our girl superhero shirts from the boy’s section, too. After making it through Macy’s, Dillards, and every small store that even looks like it has something for babies, plus getting me some bath stuff at Lush, Noah is bogged down with bags.

“I think we bought too much,” I tell him with a laugh.

“No such thing. My girls get whatever they want.”

“I’m a woman, not a girl.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“You didn’t. I just wanted to remind you, because some women don’t like to be called girls.”

“Who cares about other women?”

“You might want to date them. Just because we’re having a baby together, doesn’t mean you’re chained to me.”

“You didn’t hear me say I loved you the other night?”

“I did, but then you forgot us the next day. Those three words are wonderful to hear, but when your actions don’t live up to them, it hurts even more.”

“Fuck. I hate myself a little right now.”

He looks as defeated as he sounds, which makes me want to cut him some slack. Not a whole length of rope, but I’ll give him more to hold on to.

“I know it’s an adjustment, Noah. It was for me, too. All I ask is that you try. I said trying wasn’t enough, but it really is. You've been wonderful today, and I appreciate it.”

“You shouldn’t have to ask, and you won’t. I promise. Today has been great for me too.”

“You’re going to mess up, and so am I, because neither one of us is perfect. We just need to keep trying, and talking to each other about how we feel.”

He leans over, and kisses me, letting me know with his actions that he’s on-board with what I need. I kiss him back, letting him know we’re good right now. I don’t know what the future will bring, but for now, we’re good.

Once we get home, I show him the nursery I’ve started setting up, and the pile of presents. “I wanted to open them with you.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

We dive into the stack of gifts, and I was right to wait for him. It’s fun having him here as I gush over little clothes and booties, and he smiles at some of the toys. There are things we can’t figure out, making us both laugh, and there are things that make us both tear up a little.

“What did you get me?” I ask, picking up the gift bag he brought to the shower.

“Nothing special.”

I pull out a stuffed baby giraffe, and can’t help but smile. “It’s adorable. I love giraffes.”

“I remember. I didn’t know it was your shower, but I’ll admit I thought of you when I saw it.”

“I wish I hadn’t scared you off in London. I had the worst time, walking around alone and heartbroken.”

“I wish I hadn’t been scared to admit I loved you. We have to go back, and walk around holding hands, and showing everyone we’re in love.”

“It’s going to be hard to travel with the baby—and your job.”

“Give it a couple months, and we can go away for a weekend while my sister, or my friends, watch our girl. If you want.”

“I want.”

Noah helps me put all the clothes and toys from the shower away, but we decide to tackle our purchases tomorrow. I’m tired, so he orders us takeout, and puts my feet on his lap so he can rub them. I let him spend the night, because I missed him, but we don’t make love. He pulls me into his arms, and holds me all night, one hand massaging my belly as we fall asleep. This might just all work out.