New Beginnings

Author’s Note: Please be aware, I did a lot of research for this chapter, I really hope you like it. If you don’t, please don’t be too harsh in your criticism. I put a lot of extra work into this one. I didn’t want it to be the ‘typical’ scene. I really hope that you'll like it.

Chapter 24 The Arrival

Hermione sat on the floor of the Draco's study, surrounded by muggle pregnancy books, accompanied by her laptop computer. She had been studying them intently for weeks and she had finally made her decision. Now came the difficult part, convincing Draco. This wasn't going to be easy but if she gave him all of the information and her reasons for wanting this, maybe, just maybe he won't think that she's mad. If she's really lucky, he'd support her in this and their child's arrival would be as special as his or her conception.

"Hey Beautiful, what's all of this?" Draco kissed her head as he sat down next to her. Hermione moved so she could sit between his legs; her rounded belly filling out his t-shirt that she had commandeered.

"I was researching birthing options." Draco looked at her, confused.

"They have options?"

"Well, yes and I think I've found the one that I would be the most comfortable with. I know I had originally said that I wanted to have the baby in a muggle birthing center but after doing all of this research, I found something that I think would be even better for me and the baby. It's not what you're used to but I would appreciate it if you would hear me out."

"I'm all ears, Love." He kissed her temple. She smiled, relieved that he wasn't pushing back, yet.

"Ok, I would like to have a Hydro-birth, ie: a water-birth."

"What? I don't understand."

"In short, I would be giving birth in water."

"Hera, wouldn't the baby drown." She chuckled.

"Good question; and no because at that point the baby is not breathing on their own yet." She could see Draco was trying to figure this out. "I would be submerged in warm water and give birth there so it would be less traumatizing for the baby and it's more gentle on my body." Draco looked at her skeptically.

"Hera, I don't know."
"Will you, at least, look at some of the stuff I have here? Hopefully, this stuff will provide all of the answers that you are looking for."

"Ok, if it will make you happy." Draco wasn’t going to get Hermione upset and he knew that she was a very thorough researcher. There was no harm in looking at the information. She had put a great deal of effort into compiling all of it.

Hermione showed him a few of the videos that she found on YouTube as well as the videos that she borrowed from her midwife. Draco sat quietly and watched as he lovingly rubbed her belly. When the videos were finished, Hermione turned to look at him; his cheeks were glistening with tears.

"The husbands were really able to share in the experience, not just hand-hold and sound like a Quidditch coach. I could hold you, comfort you in ways that I know make you feel better." His voice was soft, almost mesmerized that something like this was possible. He kissed her head, closing his eyes, remembering Chloe's birth, it was beautiful but the hospital environment was very evident. To have their baby born at home, just them and her midwife would be so intimate.

"Hermione, l love the idea. Can we have photos or video or something like that?"

She nodded. "We can set up the video camera and Katia, Gail's assistant, said that she often takes photos for couples." She paused, "Do you understand why I don't want to do this with magic involved?"

He nodded. "Is it the same reason why you don't want to do it in a muggle hospital? You want it to be completely natural, right?"

"Exactly."

They cuddle together and discuss when they would meet with Gail, her midwife, so they could make the arrangements.

A few days later, Draco and Hermione had a meeting with Gail and Katia, they were coming over for lunch so they could evaluate the space. When they arrived, they also met Sally, the doula that she selected to assist her during the birth. (A.N.: A doula is someone who accompanies a woman in labor, mothers the mother and father, taking care of their emotional needs throughout childbirth and afterwards. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth.) Over lunch, they discussed how to set up the flat so everything would be ready whenever Hermione went into labor. Some of the keys that they suggested was to set up the space so Hermione felt safe and comforted as well as there being enough space for them to work.

"Would it be appropriate to set this up in front of the fireplace? That's the place that gives me the most comfort", Hermione asked.

"It may make it significantly more difficult to sterilize that area but we can look at it", Gail said, trying not to disappoint her patient. Hermione and Draco looked at each other, not sure if they should say anything, they both knew how to take care of that but they weren't sure if they wanted to reveal that information. Sally squeezed Hermione's hand and looked into her eyes and smiled before turning back to the midwife.

"Gail, I can take care of that issue, it won't be a problem, I will make sure of it." Gail nodded in complete understanding then continued.

"When Hermione's contractions start, call us first. Then fill the pool with warm water. When she's ready, sometime after her water breaks, she will want to get into the pool. This will help support her body as the contractions intensifies and Draco, they will get pretty bad. Are you going to be able to handle that? She's going to need you to be really strong for her. It is true this will be easier on her body but it will by no means be easy."

"Yes, I can do it. Don't get me wrong, I'm nervous, but I know I can do it." His voice was confident and the love in is eyes warmed Gail's heart. There was nothing she loved more than eager dads-to-be. They were so adorable. They finished lunch; the women took some notes about the space before examining Hermione. Then they finished; Gail and Katia left but Sally stayed to speak to the couple.

"Ok, you two, I need to be upfront about something. If this makes you uncomfortable and you would like another doula, I will understand. I'm a witch, that's how I will be able to sterilize the fireplace area for you. Is this going to be a problem for either of you?" Draco and Hermione looked at each other, in shock; then smiles lit up both of their faces.

"Um, Sally, are you a Mediwitch?"

"Yes, I trained at St. Mungo's but I didn't like…", then she stopped and looked at Hermione and started to smile. "Are you…?" Hermione smiled and nodded. "And you?" Looking at Draco, he also nodded.

"This is awesome…"

"We would appreciate it if you didn’t mention this to anyone in the Wizarding World, we haven't been back in quite sometime."

"That's not an issue, I haven't been back in over 15 years. As I started to say, I trained at St. Mungo's but didn't like the 'political environment'. I wasn't willing to wait around for things to change so I came here."

"Why didn't you go to medical school? You already know all of that stuff." Hermione asked.
"I wanted to embrace my muggle-side. I wanted to help people without magic, well primarily without magic. When I found the doula training, it was a perfect fit. I will be able comfort Hermione, support her in anything she needs from now and after the baby arrives.

Draco had a concerned look on his face. "But what about me? What am I supposed to do?" Sally squeezed his hand.

"Draco, your job is to be there for Hermione, mind, body and soul. If she needs to lean on her, physically, then you can climb in the pool with her. Do whatever you do and have been doing all along to comfort her. My job is to provide comfort for both of you, to set the scene, so to speak. Everything from the lighting to the room temperature to the music that’s playing all contributes to the birthing experience. I help to facilitate that, making it as perfect as possible for the two of you. The nicest thing about my relationship with Gail and Katia is that we work extremely well together and we are very familiar with each other’s practices. This makes it much more comfortable for the two of you. "

He swallowed harder than he was expecting and blinked a bit as his cheeks turned a bit pink. "What is it Draco?" Hermione turned to him then she looked away and started to blush as well. "Ok, you two, is someone gonna clue me in?" Hermione cleared her throat and let out a slow breath.

"Sorry, Sally. We just never expected to be telling anyone this; it’s a bit embarrassing for us but now, I guess it would be best to tell you so we know if it’s ok or not.” Hermione’s cheeks were scarlet and her voice was shaky as she spoke.

“When I started getting bigger and I started having severe back pain, I started taking a lot of warm baths. Draco would take them with me. We began a little ritual…he would massage my back to help loosen up the muscles and to ease my discomfort." She paused then looked down. Sally took Hermione's hand, squeezing it, gently.

"Hermione, you and Draco love each other, and your love created this little baby. Nothing that you do together is wrong and we, Gail, Katia, and I, would never dream of judging you because of anything that you do as a couple in order to make this pregnancy easier on you." Hermione smiled and seemed to relax a bit; then she continued.

"As I was saying, Draco found some ways to ease my discomfort, I don't know if they're…conventional. He stroked the sides of my breasts. I don't know why it helps but it really does, even when I had false labor pains, it helped a lot. He also rubbed my legs, which seems to help a great deal." As Hermione spoke Sally listened intently but said nothing. Draco continued where Hermione left off.

"You seen, Sally, I am a Reiki master and I know several different types of massage so I've been able to help relieve some of her discomfort using the techniques I've learned."

Sally nodded, "May I make an observation about the two of you?" Draco and Hermione looked at each other then looked back at her and nodded. "Correct me; if I'm wrong but you have a very healthy intimate relationship and both of you find a great deal of comfort in physical contact, meaning the touch of your partner. Am I right?" They both nodded. Hermione tried her best not to blush but she couldn't help it. She didn't realize they were so transparent. "Because Hermione finds the most comfort from your touch, Draco, I suggest that you continue to do all of the things that you've always done to comfort Hermione throughout the pregnancy when she's in labor. It has obviously worked thus far so you must be doing something right." He smiled shyly. "Now Hermione, this isn't going to be easy so you need to listen to your body, that is why you chose to take this route; no medical or magical intervention. Just trust your body and let it do what it has to do. We will all be here to support you and help you through this." Hermione nodded.

"Sally, I'm nervous…actually, I'm scared." For the first time since all of this had started, she actually said it out loud. Draco instinctively put his arms around her; Sally watched Hermione's body relax into his. She had worked with many couples over the years but these two really had something special and they knew it.

"It's alright to be scared. You've got Draco to lean on when you’re scared. Gail and Katia will keep you and your little one safe. So there is no need to worry."

"Thank you, Sally."

"For what…"

"Just for being here. This is…more than I ever expected."

"The first time always is, Hermione. Now you get some rest and I will talk to you tomorrow." Draco showed Sally out then went back to Hermione.

"Well, what do you think?" She asked, tentatively.

"I think that we'll be fine. I trust them; how about you? You're the important one in this equation."

"I like them, especially Sally, there's just something about her I really like."

"Yeah, me too. Now, my love, it's time for you to take a nap, you look exhausted."

Hermione complied without argument; he was right; she was exhausted. Carrying around all of this extreme weight was beyond tiresome. She didn't even remember her head hitting the pillow.

&&&&&&&&&&

About 4 weeks later, at 5am, Hermione wake to wetness on the sheets. At first, she was afraid that she didn't make it to the washroom in time but then she realized, as a stabbing pain washed over her.

'This is it'.

She didn't want to frighten Draco so she clenched her teeth and quietly got out of bed. She did a quick cleaning spell on the sheets then went to the washroom to change out of her wet pajamas. When she came back, she went to Draco's side of the bed. For a moment, she stood, just looking at him. In a few hours, their lives would change forever. He would not only be just her husband, he would be someone’s father. Draco, a father, something he's always wanted, something he feared would never happen yet something he that scared him to death. Hermione knew he would be a wonderful father. This was going to be the longest, scariest, most wonderful day of their lives. She touched his face gently, brushing his hair from away from his eyes. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her and smiled, He placed his hand on her full belly then looked into her eyes.

"It's time, isn’t it?" Hermione nodded and smiled. "Are you ok?"

"I think so. My water broke. I don't know how long I've been having contractions, I haven't timed them yet. They don't seem too close together…" Hermione squeezed Draco hand as a contraction started. She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth against the pain. Draco rubbed her leg and started to talk to her.

"Hera Love, look at me. Open your eyes and look at me. I'm right here, Angel, just breathe, nice and slow. Come on, in through your nose and out through your mouth... In and out… In and out…" Hermione's breathing calmed as the pain passed.

"Thank you."

"That's my job", he smirked.

Draco got dressed, sweatpants and a t-shirt, and helped Hermione downstairs. He called Gail and Sally, filled the tub with warm water and put a spell on it so it would stay at the perfect temperature. There was a nice fire in the fireplace then he sealed it off so the heat wouldn't affect the tub but it would still keep the room at a comfortable temperature. All the while, he was there to time Hermione's contractions, comforting her and keeping her calm. She was trying to be so strong but he could look into her eyes and see how much pain she was in.

By the time Gail, Katia and Sally arrived; Hermione's contractions were just 6 minutes apart. Sally put on her favorite classical music, the volume was set really low so it would help to keep Hermione calm. Sally set up a small cooler close to the pool, stocked with water, juice, popsicles, and other little snacks for the couple, to help sustain them during their journey. Contrary to popular muggle belief, there is no reason why a woman in labor can’t eat light snacks in order to sustain her strength.

Gail and Draco helped Hermione into the water then Sally held her hand while Draco called Blaise and Blythe to let them know that Hermione was in labor and he would call after the baby arrived.

"How's Mia doing?" Blythe asked, she couldn't hide the concern in her voice.

"She's trying to be strong but it's getting pretty intense."

"Tell her we love her."

"I will. I'm not sure when I will be able to call you again."

"Don't worry about us; just take care of Mia."

"Will do, Blythe."

"Draco!!", Sally yelled from the living room.

"I've gotta go. Bye." He ran into the room, Hermione was curled up into a ball crying with her head on the side of the pool; he ran to her side.

"The contractions are getting much stronger; she needs you, now more than ever.” Draco stroked her hair and Hermione opened her eyes. Her face was streaked with tears.

"Hi Angel…"

"Draco, it hurts…I'm scared…” she clutched his hand tightly.

"I'm here, Love…It’s ok. ” He rested his forehead against the side of her head. “Do you want me to hold you?" She shook her head, yes; her face was streaked with tears. Draco kissed her temple, then stood and disrobed down to his boxers. He looked at Sally, asking, without words, if she would mind if he took them off.

"Draco, she's your wife, we're just here to support the two of you. Do whatever feels right for the two of you."

He nodded and removed his boxers and climbed into the small pool behind her. Hermione leaned against him, whimpering from the pain.

"I'm here, Love. Draco's here. Shhh… I love you, Angel…" He ran his hand across her cheek.

"I can't feel you…get this bloody thing off of me..." she tugged at her wet t-shirt. "Get it off.. Get it off."

Draco helped her take off her t-shirt; when she felt her skin against his, her breathing slowed a bit. As the next contraction began, he whispered encouragements and endearments in her ear as he gently stroked her upper thighs. Hermione held his wrists and whimpered but she was much calmer now. As the contraction ended, she relaxed against Draco's body. He placed a gentle kiss on her temple and rocking her gently. Sally leaned in, whispering into Draco's ear.

"You're amazing with her. Keep it up." Sally placed a warm wet towel on Hermione’s chest so she wouldn’t get a chill. Draco held Hermione and stroked the side of her breast. Her eyes were closed, her head was resting against his chest.

“Breathe in. Breathe out. Nice and slow. Again, in and out. Focus on the sound of my voice, I love you, sweetheart.” While Draco lead Hermione through a guided meditation in order to keep her relaxed.

“…you’ve the door, now open it and walk through. It closes, quietly, behind you. Tell me where you are, Hera.”

“I’m on the patio, looking out at the lake.”

“You walk down to the lake side, what do you see?” He felt her body tense as another contraction began. “Come on, Love, breathe nice and slow, it’s almost done.” Her body relaxed and Draco continued. “What do you see?”

“I see us, having a picnic under the big oak tree. You’re lying in my lap, and I’m reading to you.” Hermione gasped softly.

“Another contraction?” He asked. She shook her head, no.

“Oh Draco, she’s beautiful. She’s peeking around the tree, looking at you.” Hermione giggled, softly. “She jumped on you. Oh Merlin! She looks just like you. She’s so beautiful.”

“She doesn’t look like her mommy?” He asked, softly.

“She has my curls.” She said with a smile.

Draco smiled; that was what he always wanted, his wife, and his daughter. Contrary to popular belief, he wanted a little girl in the worst way. Again, how very unMalfoy-like of him, he should want an heir to carry on the family name. Obviously, he could careless about that; he wanted a little girl just like his wife; beautiful, brilliant and a force to be reckoned with. They had plenty of time to have a boy later. Draco continued the meditation; Gail checked Hermione’s vitals and nodded to him, letting know that it was working very well. He smiled; he knew it would.

Sally had gone to the kitchen and got some more juice for both of them. She couldn’t help but smile at the two of them as she watched them. As much as she loved her job, it warmed her heart to see a couple that barely needed her support. They were so connected, it was truly beautiful to see and she felt honored to be able to share in this moment with them.

Hermione started to push back against Draco, her breathing was much faster now…

"Oh…Oh Draco, I can feel the baby… I wanna push… Please…I need to push…"

Draco looked at Gail; she could see the concern in his eyes. She checked the baby's heart beat and made sure that Hermione was fully dilated, everything was fine. She looked at Draco and nodded.

"Yes, Love, it's time, you can push now."

To Hermione, it felt like being a strange almost surreal dream state. Her body took over, she wasn't consciously doing anything. She could hear Draco's voice; encouraging, telling her how much he loved her. She could hear herself breathing, she could feel pressure. Her nails dug into Draco’s wrists as she heard someone cry out, it was her. There was pain, and it felt like her heart was going to burst; there was a feeling of release, and then she looked down.

"Oh Gods… Our baby… Draco, our baby…" She was laughing and crying at the same time. Hermione couldn’t move; she just stared at the infant, in shock. Gail placed the baby on Hermione's chest. She very quietly checked the baby's vitals, without disturbing the new family. She placed a warm wet towel over the baby; just like the one on Hermione’s chest, to keep the baby warm.

"Draco, look what we made. We made a baby girl." Hermione couldn't stop crying as she looked at their daughter.

"She's beautiful, Hera. Look at all of that brown hair like Mummy." The baby yawned and opened her eyes, looking at them, as if she recognized them.

"Draco, she has your eyes. Look at her little hands and her little feet." He could only smile as tears of joy ran down his face. His wife and his daughter, in his arms, there is no greater joy.

~*~

When Gail and Katia had Hermione and the baby all settled in on the couch, resting. They took Draco aside and gave him instructions for the next 24 hours. Kelly was going to be coming over tomorrow morning to check on them, just as a precaution. Gail didn’t mind, she knew that Hermione was like family to Kelly and she would do the same thing if she were in Kelly’s shoes. Sally told Draco to call if he needed anything and she would come over if they needed any help. She usually stayed for the first 12 hours but, after watching them together, she could tell that they were ok and just wanted to give them some alone time. Draco took impeccable notes and said his polite goodbyes before going back to Hermione and their little girl. He stood at the end of the sofa, taking in the beautiful sight before him, his beautiful wife and their amazing daughter. He walked over, and sat down on the floor next to them; Hermione opened her eyes.

"Hi Daddy…"

"Hi Mummy… Maybe we should think about giving our amazing girl a name."

"I think I know her name."

"Really?"

"I think so."

“How?”

“I think you said it in my meditation. She peeked around the tree at us, then we heard her giggle and run away us so one of us would chase her. You called out her name and said, ‘I’m gonna get you.’ Chasing her and scooping her into your arms and kissing her as you carried her back to me.

"Well?”

"Tylinn Grace, you called her Tylinn Grace. " Draco touched the little girl's cheek..

"How is our little Tylinn Grace?" The infant opened her eyes and cooed at her parents before wiggling and closing her eyes again. Draco and Hermione looked at each other.

"Well I guess that answers that question now doesn't it? Tylinn Grace it is", he said with a smile.

"Draco, come lay with us?" He nodded and smiled, walked into the kitchen, retrieved his wand as well as some drinks for them. He made the couch larger, walked over, took off his sweatpants and climbed over the back of the couch, snuggling next to them, under the warm fuzzy blankets.

"Thank you, Hera, thank you for making all of my dreams come true."

"The two of you, you are my dream come true. I never thought any of this was possible for me, until you." They kissed and fell asleep together, a blissfully happy family.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

It had been four weeks since Tylinn's birth and Draco's feet hadn't touched the ground. His life had changed so much in one year, he almost didn't recognize it.

'This time last year I was working all the time, I had no life and I was desperately lonely. Who would have that one trip to Sid and Nancy’s would have changed everything. Now, I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the world, and we have a beautiful daughter. Me, a husband and a father. This is even better than a dream come true.'

He quietly walked upstairs towards the bedroom. As he got closer, he could hear Hermione singing. When he reached the doorway, a lump formed in his throat that took him by surprise. His heart began to pound as he stood in awe of the sight before him. His beloved Hera breastfeeding their daughter; she was singing to Tylinn so sweetly, it brought tears to his eyes. He finally had the life he had always wanted, dreamed of, secretly prayed for… it was truly his. He climbed into bed next to Hermione, kissing her on the head. Her hair was still damp from her shower; she smelled like cinnamon and vanilla, the smell of home to him.

"Hi Love," he whispered, as he noticed that Tylinn had fallen asleep while nursing. "Is she ok?"

"She's perfect, full tummy and sound asleep." Hermione smiled. "Draco, I still can't believe that she's ours…that we made her."

"I know… We done good, Mummy…We done really good." Just then, Tylinn gurgled, stretched, and rubbed her face. Her blissful happy parents couldn’t help but smile at their little gift. Draco ran his hand over Hermione's hip and kissed the tip of her ear. She sighed softly as she felt herself become slightly aroused; it almost startled her. From all of the research she had done, she wasn't expecting to have any sex urges after the birth at all and really wasn't expecting to want Draco to even touch her. But then again, according to many of the books, she wasn't supposed to have any sex urges during her later months of pregnancy and that wasn't the case. She had become even more amorous, practically begging Draco to touch her in any way. And her orgasms…he would barely caress her breast, or rub her thigh and she would be on the brink of a mind melting orgasm. All of the books had said that she and Draco would be 'nesting' in her later months and sex would not be something they would be interested in. That definitely was not the case. Their lovemaking became more intense, more intimate since she became pregnant. Maybe it was caused by her raging hormones or maybe not but it was wonderful all the same.

'Hmmm, I wonder if that's why I was comforted by his touch doing labor. Draco's touch was counteracting the pain with an endorphin rush…Hmmm. Interesting. Maybe?,' she thought.

"Do you want me to put her in the cradle?" Hermione nodded. Draco picked up Tylinn, gently placing her cradle then returned to his wife. He climbed into bed next to her; he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. "You are so beautiful, Hera." Draco's hands began to caress her curves. Hermione moaned softly.
"Draco...", she rubbed her thighs together, trying to suppress the ache she was feeling for her husband.

"I know, Love, we can't do anything, yet. I just need to feel you, to touch you. I don't want you to…", his voice trailed off…

"What? You didn't want me to what?" Draco cringed inside; he knew her hormones were still in overdrive and he didn't want to upset her.

"Well…umm...Let me try to explain. Please just listen and try not to get all pissed off, ok?” Hermione nodded, but she had a scowl on her face. “When Blythe had Chloe, she was afraid that Blaise didn't find her... attractive anymore. They never spoke to each other about it and it created a lot of undue tension for them for a while. Blythe would tell me they she missed being intimate with Blaise but he didn't want to touch her like that anymore because of Chloe and because she didn’t look the way she did before she was pregnant. Blaise would say that Blythe didn’t want him anymore because she was now ‘a mummy’ and didn’t want to be ‘his wife’ anymore. He kept saying how beautiful she looked since she had Chloe, that she radiated a womanly glow that took his breath away. They both would tell me not to say anything to the other. I finally had to break my silence when it was really starting to push them apart." He cleared his throat and prepared himself for her wrath. "I don't want you to ever feel like that. You're my beautiful, sexy, sensual wife. I'm even more attracted to you since the birth of our little miracle…I didn't know that was possible. I would never dream of rushing you into anything, just know that I adore you and I love making love with you. I'm here, whenever you're ready."

Hermione gently pulled him to hers, resting her forehead against hers, as tears rolled down her face. Her body had changed so much in the past year, in the past few weeks. Sometimes she didn't recognize herself when she looked in the mirror. She wasn't sure if she liked what she saw so she definitely didn't know if Draco liked it. Now as she heard his words, she knew that he still wanted her as much he always did. It calmed all of that doubt that had been rearing its ugly head, every time she looked at herself in the mirror.

Hermione kissed him softly, at first, then more passionately as she guided his hand to her breast, moaning softly at the warmth of his hand. Draco pulled back slightly.

"Hera, is it ok?" She nodded and smiled.

"It's ok… I had my check-up with Kelly yesterday. She said that it's ok. We just need to start out slow at first." He nodded, then smiled and kissed her deeply. She touched his face, lovingly.

"Thank you…"

"For what, Love?"

"For knowing me, for knowing what I need before I realize how much I need it. For being my best friend and…", the words actually got stuck in her throat, much to her surprise. She was crying as Draco touched her new body. He still wanted her, he loved her. It was like a weight off of her shoulders that she didn't know existed.

"…your lover, Hera… I've missed you, my Angel." He pressed his warm lips to her ear,
"Let me show you how much." Hermione whimpered as she felt her husband's hand caress her breast. He kissed her passionately as he covered her body with his. They made love slowly, gently, quietly, finding each other again as husband and wife.

"I love you, Draco…"

"I love you, Hera…"

They fell asleep holding each other and slept until Tylinn's next feeding. Draco happily lay next to his wife and watched her nurse their daughter.

"Hera?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you…" He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. He knew he would be thanking her every day for the rest of his life…