“Come on Liam, you can do it!” Maya encouraged, as she bounced her little man in her lap. “Copy me okay… mom… mom… mom…”
Maya watched on with a wide smile as Liam giggled at her, babbling and humming almost like he was trying to but couldn’t get the words out.
“Mmm...” Liam started, his fists flying wildly in the air as he concentrated on Maya’s face.
“That’s it…mom…mom!” Maya’s smile grew.
That was when Liam found the bright lights of the Christmas tree more delightful than paying attention to his mum. Giggling at the twinkling of the low hued lights and colourful decorations covering the tree behind Maya.
Maya sighed as she dropped her head to the baby’s tummy, letting out a huffed laugh herself as Liam’s giggles turned into high pitched squeals when she wiggled her head. His tiny hands came down to hold her head, ever so slightly giving her blonde hair the baby scratch test.
Carina laughed at the scene before her.
She had just got done with pulling the last batch of biscotti cookies from the oven, placing them on top of the stove to cool as she moved out of the kitchen and through to the living room of their home.
She could hear Maya’s mini conversation with Liam turn from what Christmas was going to look like for them this year, going into a story about Maya and Carina’s first Christmas together to now trying to get their 9-month-old baby boy to call her ‘mom’ for the first time.
Although hearing what was going on in the other room made a warm smile spread across her face, the sight of the two most important people in her life, made her heart feel fuller than ever.
Carina a few years ago, the one who travelled the world, worked in every hospital she could and never settled down with anyone long enough to even contemplate the idea of getting married would have laughed at the version she was now.
Married to a beautiful woman, sharing a home together with their son, getting to spend their first Christmas as a family of 4.
She almost couldn’t believe it herself and often found herself closing her eyes on scenes she found in front of her, only to reopen them to reaffirm that she wasn’t dreaming. This was her life now.
Her perfect life with her perfect family.
Well almost perfect… the intrusive thought came flooding in once again.
Carina sighed as she thought back to yet another failed attempt at her getting pregnant. Not long after adopting Liam, they began their first IVF journey a few months back. Following the process to a tee, Carina and Maya had been faced with more negative tests. Leaving both the couple with a gaping hole in their hearts at the missing piece to their puzzle.
Maya had reassured her after hours of sobs and endless comforting cuddles that they will try again, that Carina will get the chance to feel what it was like go through pregnancy and carry their baby.
It had been 2 months since then as Carina was slowly starting to let the doubt crawl it’s way back into her mind. The doubt that she will never get to give Maya what she had promised all along. A little version of her.
The silver lining in all of this was that they had Liam and with his adoption now completely finalised, they had never been happier than they were with the knowledge that the little guy was their son and forever will be.
Yet, Carina still felt the overwhelming need to fill that piece to their puzzle.
We’ll try again, baby. Everything will be okay.
She closed her eyes to picture Maya’s word from 3 months ago. The same voice that she could hear talking to Liam now.
Opening her eyes once more, taking in the sight before her as Maya rubbed her head into Liam’s tummy, coughing an erupted giggle from the boy as they rolled about on their living room floor.
Carina decided it was enough dwelling for one day. Christmas Eve was a time for celebrating and being with loved ones. So that was exactly what she intended on doing.
“You can try all you want Bambina; he’ll be saying Mama first.”
A smile graced Maya’s lips as she took note of Carina’s presence now in the room. Moving her hand around his back to support Liam on her lap, she used the other to prise his hands out of her hair as she lifted her head from his belly. She looked over to where the sound of her voice came from, seeing Carina leant against the doorframe, gazing on at the scene with arms folded.
Maya’s expression shifted from a playful smile to one of wonder as she took in the woman, she had been so lucky to call her wife.
As she took her in, Maya smiled warmly at the brunette’s attire. Carina had thrown on a pair of her Christmas PJ bottoms and a long sleeve t-shirt. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun and a slight dusting of flour and no doubt baby formula powder was printed on the burgundy top.
Carina never failed to take her breath away.
Even after all this time, she was still blown away by Carina’s beauty. From the sophisticated, highly decorated OB/GYN to being a wife and a mother. Whatever role Carina was in, Maya was still astounded that this insanely intelligent and gorgeous woman chose to spend the rest of her life with her.
Maya felt her heart swoop madly and her chest grew tight at the vision that was Carina Deluca.
Liam also recognised her Carina’s voice and tried to turn his little body to look for his Mama. Only when Maya turned him around, now facing away from her and the Christmas tree, he let out an even bigger squeal as he held out grabby hands for his Mama.
Carina smiled at her baby boy, moving into the room a bit more as she unfolded her arms.
“Hello to you too, pulcino.”
“Oh, I see how it is, probie.” Maya fake gasped as she expertly stood up from the floor and moved towards Carina with Liam in her arms. “You’re all happy to see me one minute, getting me to play firefighters with you all morning, laughing at my jokes and stories but you were saving the best reactions for Mama, huh?”
Maya and Carina both laughed at Liam solidified Maya’s statement as he buzzed in her arms, leaning in for Carina to take him.
“I guess that’s my answer.” Maya laughed.
Passing a squiggling Liam over to Carina, Maya couldn’t help but smile as he immediately buried his face into her neck, grabbing hold of her top with his fists as he tried to get as close as he could to the Italian.
“And he may be a Mama’s boy but he’s Mommy’s probie…” Maya spoke proudly, tickling Liam’s chubby cheeks as he looked up towards her with a semi- gummy smile at his little nickname. “See… I’ll have him saying mommy first in no time.”
“Sure, you will, Bella.” Carina chuckled, laying her head on top of Liam’s as she swayed to the lightly playing Christmas tune, they had on from the sound system.
Maya sm9iled at the pair, moving a little closer to place her hands on Carina’s waist, tugging her closer, conscious of the tiny body between them.
Their eyes met as they continued to sway along, smiling warmly at each other was they soaked up the moment. It was still early into the morning. Liam woke up with the energy level of a Duracell battery, Carina being the first one up to get his breakfast ready to then the couple switching over duties. Maya tasked with entertaining Liam as Carina fulfilled a long running tradition of Christmas Eve biscotti.
It was their typical Christmas morning but the new addition and joy of having Liam in their lives was the star on top of the tree.
Carina was the first to break it as the song came to a close. “There’s biscotti right from the over in there.” She indicated with her head towards the kitchen after lifting it from the top of Liam’s.
Maya let out a moaned hum, as she tilted her head in the direction of the blissful smells of Carina’s cooking.
“Knew there was a reason I married you” she said as she leant in to plant a light kiss to Carina’s lips. Both smiling into the kiss when they heard Liam let a dissatisfied sound out from between them, letting his mother’s know he was not liking not being the centre of attention.
Chuckling, Maya pressed a little peck to Carina’s lips as she pulled back. Casting her eyes down between them at Liam gurgling his distain up at her. His face contorted in a frown with his lips puckered out.
Almost a spitting image of the woman holding him whenever she demanded a kiss.
Smiling down at the little boy, Maya loosened her arms around Carina, lifting one hand up to tickle under his chin. “You look just like Mama when you want my attention.”
Maya leant down, kissing Liam’s head, smoothing out the strawberry blonde tuft of hair on his head. She straightened out, meeting Carina’s eyes as she noticed the pouty lips of the Italian.
Chuckling, Maya kissed her once more before stepping out of their family embrace, moving off towards the kitchen to grab a cookie from the stove.
Noticing a few already missing from the baking tray Maya smirked at Carina already getting a head start.
She had the other day too when Carina had made brownies for the station, only to scoff down a handful of the chocolaty goodness. Maya had noticed a change in Carina’s desire for anything sweet recently. She would get random cravings for chocolate or cookies, going to the point of even getting up once they’d settled into bet to go and grab a handful of stuff from the kitchen.
Maya frowned, shrugging moments later as she made a note that Carina might be coming up to her time of the month. Making a mental note to stock up on what Carina had been fancying.
Munching on her second biscotti, she made her way back through the house to join Carina and Liam in the living room, the sound of Sia’s Snowman filling the air as she heard Carina singing the songs in her native tongue to Liam as the little boy sunk into her.
Maya polished off the last of her cookie, she joined Carina and Liam on the sofa they had sat down on, placing her arm around Carina on the back of the sofa.
Carina leant into the blonde, bringing a now sleepy Liam to lay between them as they settled down after a rather fun filled morning. She laid her head on Maya’s shoulder, sighing in contentment when she felt Maya’s arm come around her, tugging her that bit closer as she pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“I think Liam’s needs a nap.” Carina observed, glancing down to the little guy to see his eyes drooping and his fist coming up to his mouth to suck on his fingers.
Carina smiled as she shifted him more comfortably onto her, letting him curl up as he finally let himself drift off.
“He has had a busy morning. Getting the knack for standing and crawling after his trucks is hard work.” Maya said, her smile persistent on her lips as she gazed down at the boy, her fingertips ghosting the hair line on his head.
“Hmm I bet it was.” Carina hummed. The smile on her lips soon falling as she lifted her head from Maya’s shoulder to gaze up into her favourite pair of blue eyes. “When do you have to go in for shift today?”
Sighing, Maya played with the ends of Carina’s hair, twirling the thick brunette’s strand between her fingers as a way to comfort both Carina and herself. “I have to be in for 12. Thankfully I’m only covering for Cutler to help out Andy until 6 tonight, before we’re off. Ross was nice enough to grant us all Christmas Day break.”
Carina hummed, licking her lips as she took in the information she already knew but needed confirmation that she and Liam will be without Maya for a small portion of Christmas Eve.
“I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Me too, babe. But Andy was desperate and Ross called me in.”
“I know. I just wish she would get someone else for a change rather than keep calling you to fill gaps in the department.” Carina scowled at a spot on the wall, almost envisioning Chief Ross standing right there.
Chuckling lowly at the adorable pout gracing Carina’s lips, Maya tugged her closer, placing a kiss to her forehead and mumbling out against her head, “You should tell her that next time you see her. We all know she’s petrified of you… much like the rest of the team.”
Gasping Carina turned to look at Maya once again, keeping her movements slow as to not wake the sleeping baby between them. “I’m not that scary! You’re just exaggerating!”
“Oh, I’m really not. The guys, Vic and even Andy only have to hear one Italian word that sounds particularly angry, along side the finger…” Maya, emphasising her point brought her free hand over, to squeeze lightly at the tip of said finger, “For them all to scatter and do exactly what you say.”
Rolling her eyes, but the slowly appearing smile on Carina’s face gave her acceptance away. “Okay, okay, fine. I’m only agreeing because I have seen them all do that.”
Maya tipped her head back laughing. Stopping immediately as Liam jolted in her lap. Her face scrunching in a silent sorry to the boy, one that he didn’t seem worried on receiving as he too scrunched his nose up, curling back into Carina fully.
“I better go lay him down for a bit.” Carina said, moving out from the comfort of Maya’s embrace to stand up.
As she moved, holding Liam close to her chest, Carina felt a sudden wave hit her. her head felt woozy and her legs turned to jelly as the room around her spun.
As quickly as she stood, Carina plopped back down again, prompting a concerned look from Maya.
“Babe, you okay?” Maya asked, her brows knitted together as she sat up. Her hand came off the back of the sofa to rub circles on Carina’s back.
Nodding, Carina swallowed hard. As soon as the wave of dizziness was there, it was gone again. almost like it never happened.
“Si, Si, I’m good. I think it’s the early morning catching up and the lasting effects of the stomach bug we all had last week lingering on.”
“You sure?” Maya asked.
“I’m good, bambina. I promise.” Carina smiled, standing once again, this time with no issue as she turned to face the blonde with a reassuring smile.
“Okay, but when you get back, you can come lay here with me. I want as much time with you as I can before I have to go.”
Carina’s eyes twinkled at the blonde, feeling her body go fuzzy at the needy tone to her brave and bold firefighter.
“That was going to happen whether you wanted it or not, Bella.” Carina heard Maya laugh, as she moved through the house taking Liam to his room.
Carina was just finished folding up the remainder of Liam’s laundry load. It had taken her longer than usual since Liam was insistent on crawling over from playing with his toys, wanting to help his Mama in the task, only to pull apart the neatly folded pile of clothes piece by piece.
“Cosa stai facendo, Piccolo? (what are you doing little one)” Carina spoke, scrunching her nose up at the little boy as she took his stuffed giraffe.
Liam giggled at his Mama, mumbling and babbling as she tickled his tummy with the small toy, his little fingers trying to grasp hers.
Just then, the sound of her phone ringing from the arm of the sofa pulled the two out of their bubble. She passed Liam back his stuffed Giraffe, before reaching across to answer whoever was calling her this late into the afternoon on Christmas Eve.
“Ciao.”
“Hey Carina!” Amelia Shepard’s panicked voice came through the phone. “I’m so sorry to do this today of all days but Jo needs your help. A woman by the name of Janice came in, 28 weeks pregnant, she’s suffering from what Jo suspected was Braxton Hicks contractions. Jo’s been trying to get to run a few tests to confirm before sending her home but she’s very insistent that she only want to see you and is causing quite an issue in labour and delivery.”
Carina sighed, recognising the name of the woman.
Janice had been her patient for the last few years. Her and her husband had been trying to get pregnant for the entirety that she had known them. After years of trying, the couple moved to IVF and on the 3rd try, Janice fell pregnant only to miscarry. Now, on her 5th and finally attempt, she fell pregnant with twins but the lasting effects of multiple failed attempts and years of disappointment, Janice was in the hospital for every little pain, change in her body and a slight movement from the babies.
Usually, she would object to coming in for patients demanding her on her day off, especially now she had Liam, and being rather disruptive when they didn’t get their way but Carina understood and sympathised with patients like Janice.
She too knew the struggles of trying to get pregnant, wanting nothing more than to give birth to a child and have your family grow yet it not happens the way you wish it to. So, she too would be a bit paranoid the first time it worked.
So, as she watched Liam play animatedly with his giraffe and trucks, Carina sighed once again as she relented.
“I’ll be there soon.”
“Oh, thank the lord! We owe you one! Well… not me, Jo… but you get what I mean.” Amelia laughed.
Carina chuckled too. Standing up from her place on the floor, suddenly feeling that dizzy feeling return for a moment. She chose to ignore it once again, as she moved about the living room, turning off the lights from the tree and any other light up decoration they had placed around.
“The only thing is, Maya’s on shift til later this evening and I can’t exactly bring Liam in for a consult with Janice.”
“I’m off in about half an hour or so. Let me know when you’re here and I’ll watch the little man in your office until you’re done.”
“Grazie Amelia.”
“No need to thank me. You can just buy me that expensive chocolate you got me from your last trip to Italy.” Amelia smirked on the other end.
“Nice try but it’s Jo’s turn to treat us this time around.”
“Damn right!” Amelia chucked. “See you soon Sweets.”
“Okay Janice, Doctor Wilson’s diagnosis is correct. It is Braxton Hicks you are experiencing. It’s just your body’s way for preparing itself for the approaching labour you will go through in a couple more weeks. It’s perfectly normal and can ease with time and care.” Carina smiled warmly as she removed her gloves, throwing them in the bin beside the examination table.
Janice sighed, having heard the confirmation that all was okay from their favourite doctor. Taking a look over at her husband, Jason, noticing he too had the same relieved expression before turning back to Carina.
“Thank you, Doctor Deluca. And we’re sorry to drag you all the way here on Christmas Eve and with your son nonetheless. I just can’t help but be a little paranoid when it comes to my babies.”
Carina smiled sympathetically, placing her hand on the woman’s arm as she caressed her baby bump. “I understand, Janice. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m always here for you both with whatever you need.”
Janice smiled her gratitude once again towards the OB before shifting her gaze to Jo at the corner of the room. “I’m really sorry Doctor Wilson for how I acted with you. I know you’re very good in what you do but I couldn’t help the panic…”
Jo waved it off with a smile. “Hey, if I was in your position, I would want Doctor Deluca to be here any day.”
Carina smiled, shaking her head bashfully at her colleague that was when she felt a niggling in her stomach. the smile soon falling as she hunched in on herself, withdrawing her hand from Janice’s arm to place over her stomach.
“Doctor Deluca, are you feeling alright?” Janice asked softly as she eyed up the doctor.
Carina tried to stifle the growing nausea, her hand coming up to her mouth as she took shallow breaths. She swallowed hard, willing the rising feeling from rising any further as she gave a slight nod to Janice. A smile graced her lips as she managed out a few words.
“I’m fine thank yo….” Carina then felt a surge from deep in her gut, the gurgling of her stomach and the wave of intense nausea hitting her like a freight train.
Wide eyed, she glanced over towards Jo to take over before attempting a weak smile back at Janice as she raced out the room and down to the nearest bathroom.
Barging open a stall door, Carina just managed to throw herself on the floor as she brought up all she had eaten that day into the toilet bowl.
After spewing the contents of her stomach up, Carina became aware of the door to the stall she was sprawled out in opening, revealing a concerned looking Jo.
“Carina, are you okay?” Jo asked attentively. Moving into the stall with Carina as she rubbed her back.
Carina kept her eyes closed for a second longer, fighting off the lasting effects of the sudden nausea before nodding her head. She wiped the sweat from her forehead, smearing her wispy hair across it.
“I’m okay. I just need a moment.” She sighed as she sunk back against the partition walls of the toilet stall. She opened her eyes to see Jo moving opposite her, her trained eyes watching her as she too leant back against the wall.
“I don’t know what’s been up with me. I think ever since I’ve had that stomach bug I’ve been all out of sorts.” Carina determined.
Jo let out a hum as she continued to observe the doctor.
Silence filled the air momentarily as she helped Carina off the bathroom floor. She continued to watch the OB go about wiping her mouth and slashing water on her face from the sinks. Before long, Jo found it increasingly difficult to keep her opinions to herself and asked the burning question.
“Carina… how long ago did you have your last IVF embryo transfer?”
Carina froze mid-way of throwing away a paper towel into the near by bin. Her brows frowning slightly as she glanced over towards her colleague and friend.
“A few months ago, but you already know, the tests came back negative so I never scheduled an appointment…” Carina trailed off, as she took in the look of realisation from Jo.
“You’re one of the best OB’s in the world, you know that false negatives are a thing. Sometimes it’s too early to tell and there have been anomalies with early stages of pregnancy doesn’t always show up on hospital tests.” Jo summarised. “Carina, do you think you could be pregnant?”
“No, no! I would know! I would have seen the signs, I should know…” Carina trailed off, her mind now honing in on every symptom she had been having. From the endless cravings, the sickness and flu light symptoms that didn’t match Maya or Liam’s, the dizziness upon standing and moving too quickly to the sudden nausea she had been having… it was all making sense.
“Oh my god” Carina whispered as she brought both her hands subconsciously to her stomach. “I… I might be pregnant… Could I?”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Jo smiled.
The house was dark and silent by the time Maya huffed her way through the door.
Her jacket bundled all the way up as she practically ran from the car to the house, protecting herself as much as she could from the icy breeze that had settled into the night.
She stripped off her coat and boots, throwing down her backpack at the entry way. She rubbed her frozen hands together as she moved through the darkness. The small light above the sink she had installed had been left on by Carina as she often did whenever Maya was due home late from shift.
She sighed as she made her way through to the kitchen, glancing up to the clock on the wall that read ’11:28’.
She had hoped to have been home earlier, her shift was only a few hours today to help out Andy and what would no doubt be a typically Christmas Eve in Seattle. Call after call came flying in, one particular call came in right at the end of her shift, resulting in a longer shift and a delayed return home. Not to mention a disappointed wife when she called to explain she was going to be at work longer than she was meant to.
Andy had apologised profoundly as they both left the station, knowing full well her lieutenant wished to have been home getting to ring in their first Christmas as a family of 3.
Having spoken to Ross, Andy made it known under strict circumstances to give Maya off until New Year’s, unless a 5 alarm came in. They parted ways with a tight hug and a passing ‘see you for Christmas dinner tomorrow’ as they made their ways home.
Deciding to not bother with anything else for the night, Maya made her way through the lounge once again, smiling as she caught the presents all wrapped and placed neatly underneath the tree, just waiting to be opened. She made a beeline for Liam’s room.
Opening the door slowly as to not wake the sleeping boy, Maya tiptoes in, her footsteps a dull thud on the plush carpeted floor as she peeked in on Liam sleeping soundly in his crib.
Maya smiled down at him. He had grown to love laying on his tummy, one arm laid out one side, the other tucked neatly underneath him, his little butt in the air.
Maya chuckled inaudibly as she reached in, rubbing gently on his back, before bringing the forgotten blankets back over him, protecting him from the cold the boy never seemed to feel.
She brought her hand up to her lips, kissing her fingertips before placing the kiss on his head.
“Merry Christmas little probie.” Maya whispered before moving out of his room, and down the hall to her own.
As she walked through the closed door, Maya fully expected to be greeted with a sleeping Carina, sprawled out on her side of the bed, clutching her pillow like she always did on nights Maya worked late.
Instead, her breath hitched at the sight of Carina leant back against the headboard, her knees drawn up to hold the book in her hands. Her reading glasses over her eyes, her long brown hair framing her gorgeous face. That tempting silk, red robe adorning her body no doubt over a cami set that Carina adopted in the winter months ever since they had bought thicker bedding.
Maya felt her body come alive and yet deflated with a comfort only the sight of Carina could bring.
That was when Carina seemed to realise, she wasn’t alone in their room anymore and lift her head. A bright smile now tugging at her lips as she pushed her reading glasses up and off her face as she took in the blonde firefighter.
“Ciao bambina” Carina smiled, placing down her book on the nightstand beside her, now her full attention on the firefighter.
Maya sighed, moving across the room and all but flopping onto the bed. The laugh she received from Carina caused a smile to spread up her face. she lifted her head, moving up further into bed as she came to lay out beside her wife.
“Hey baby.” Maya smiled, leaning in as her lips met Carina’s. She felt the Italian bring her hand up to cup her cheek, holding her in the kiss for a moment longer before pulling back.
Maya licked her lips, the lasting taste of Carina still lingered on them as she placed her forehead against the brunette’s. “I missed you both”
“We missed you too, Bella.”
“How’s your day been? Was Liam good? Did he settle okay after I left?” Maya asked having lifted up to properly look at Carina, her hand coming up to rub at Carina’s side as she turned to face her.
Carina continued to thread her fingers through Maya’s slightly damp hair. They settled facing each other as Carina filled Maya in on her day.
Making sure she skipped out one… small detail.
“It was good. Liam has been an angel like always. Like usual, after a few minutes he settled after you left and went back to chasing around after the fire trucks Jack got him. How was your shift bambina? You look tired.”
Maya nodded, as she leant up on her elbow, her other hand continuing to draw circles on the exposed skin of Carina’s side.
Carina listened intently as Maya told her about the shift from hell. What would have been the shortest shift of her career, turned out to feel the longest she had ever had.
“I’m sorry I missed today. I really wanted to be here with you both.” Maya scowled.
Tracing her fingers over Maya’s eyebrows as to ease the tension there from the guilt she was no doubt feeling having missed Liam’s first Christmas eve with them. “It’s okay Bambina. You stayed safe and came home to us, that’s what matters.”
Maya’s features softened at Carina’s words, sinking into her wife’s warmth and comfort.
Carina trailed a finger down the centre of Maya’s chin, she watched it as it moved down to the sweat shirt Maya had on, settling in the valley between her breasts. Carina brought her eyes back up to Maya’s as she took in the dopey smile from the blonde.
“I’ve got something that I want you to open now.”
“But it’s not Christmas Day yet. You always say we have to wait til Christmas day to open presents…” Maya said in somewhat disbelief at what she was hearing.
“I’ll make the exception for this present…” Carina said, smiling at the tilt to Maya’s head as she contemplated the reason behind the change in tradition just for this one present.
Before Maya had a chance to ask any thing further, Carina pulled away from their embrace, smiling as she tapped Maya’s hip, “go get ready for bed in your Christmas PJ’s and then you can open it.”
Maya’s face went from being contorted in confusion to smirking, raising an eyebrow suggestively at Carina as she made her own mind up on what the present Carina had for her could be. “If by unwrapping a present tonight means unwrapping you, then I’m all in.”
Swatting Maya’s hands away from trying to pull her back into her, Carina laughed pushing Maya up and pointing in the direction of the bathroom. “It’s not that, but if you’re lucky and hurry, bambina, I wouldn’t object to starting our Christmas off with a bang.”
In lightening speed, Maya jumped off the bed, running through to the bathroom as she stripped off her clothes on her way through, smiling widely at the loud laugh she received from Carina at her exaggerated movement.
Carina’s laughter died down. Her caramel eyes laid on the door Maya had just went through as she took a deep breath.
Extracting herself from the bed this time, Carina quickly moved over to the walk-in wardrobe Maya had installed not long into their home renovation at Carina’s request. She took out the small gift bag she had placed there earlier that evening. She glanced into the bag, an excited smile making its way up her face as she moved back over to the end of the bed. Placing the bag beside her as she sat down, crossing her bare legs underneath her, she waited for Maya and what would no doubt be the turning point for the rest of their lives.
After what felt like an eternity but was only a few minutes, Carina turned to the sound of the bathroom door opening. Her eyes darkened as Maya appeared in her red and blue tartan PJ bottoms and a plain white t-shirt. Her wife had a thing for tartan this time of the year and Carina for one was never shy in showing the effect seeing her Maya in the pattern did to her.
Maya lifted her head, her blue eyes meeting Carina’s honeyed ones as she padded over to her.
Coming to a stop in front of Carina, Maya placed her hands either side of her face, her thumbs tracing the line of her cheekbones and into her hair as Carina sighed into her.
They remained like that for a second, content to just be with each other in the quiet of the late hour, before the chaos that would be greeting them in the morning.
That was when Carina gaze moved to the bag beside her. The forest themed bag, with a stag deer on the front staring at her, willing her to give it over to the woman before her.
Pulling back from their embrace, Carina smiled up at Maya before she turned to take the bag gently in her hands before handing it over with a drawn-out breath.
Maya took her hands away from Carina, to take the gift bag from her. she took note of the lightness of it as she looked back towards Carina in silent question if she could open it now.
Not trusting her words, Carina nodded.
Wasting no time, Maya reached in to take hold of something soft. She took the plush present in her grasp and pulled it out the bag.
Starring back at her was a little brown bear, dressing in a knitted firefighter uniform. She smiled at the bear, a slight frown gracing her face a she wondered why Carina had gifted her a bear when she had bought her a similar one for the first birthday their had shared together.
Tilting her head at the Italian in confusion, Maya was then made aware of the heavy droplets filling Carina’s eyes, the watery smile on her face giving way to her reaction coming from a good place as she knelt up on her knees on their bed, bringing them both eye level.
“There’s one more thing in there.” Carina spoke softly.
Maya placed the bear beside Carina’s legs before she dug around in the bag once again, her hand coming into contact with a thick piece of card. She pulled it out, turning it around as her mind finally caught up with what she was seeing.
The black and white smudges of a sonogram filled the piece of card. The outline of what looked to be a tiny white blob no bigger than the size of a mango could be spotted in the middle.
Maya’s eyes grew wide as her mouth hung open. She dropped the gift bag to the floor, grasping the picture in both hands with a grip so firm, anyone would worry Maya thought someone was going to come and snatch it away.
After staring at the picture for a few short seconds, Maya’s wide eyes met Carina’s tear-streaked face. Her blue orbs in silent question about what she was holding.
With a smile so wide and a vigorous nod, Carina whispered out.
“Merry Christmas, Mommy.”
Maya couldn’t help the megawatt smile from erupting across her face as her gaze swiftly continued to move from the sonogram in her hand and back to Carina again.
“You’re pregnant?”
Carina laughed out tearfully, “I’m pregnant.”
Maya lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Carina’s waist. Not letting go of the picture as she tugged Carina’s body off the bed, the Italian squealing in delight as Maya twirled her around the room.
Their laughter may well wake up Liam as he slept on soundly down the hall but neither of them minded. This moment had been what they had been longing for, wishing every Christmas ever since they announced them wanting to try extending their family, and now it was here, Maya and Carina let themselves soak in the moment together.
They were getting their Christmas miracle.
The twirling came to an end as Maya’s eyes once again met Carina’s. Carina brushed back stray wisps of blonde hair behind Maya’s ear as she cradled her head in her hand, her other holding on to strong shoulders.
Carina brought her lips down to meet Maya’s, pouring every ounce of love and happiness she felt in that exact moment into the kiss. They quickly deepened it as Maya brought Carina back down to the floor. Their tongues danced together as they continued to soak in what had just happened. What they had just discovered.
Before long, Maya withdrew from the kiss, the questioning swirling in her head becoming too hard to ignore as she smiled dazzlingly at Carina.
“How?! When did you find out?! I thought the last round didn’t work?” Maya asked in a state of amazed shock.
Carina smiled back, her hands now cupping Maya’s reddened cheeks. “I got called in on a consult last minute. While I was finishing up, I had to run out and to the bathroom. Jo came in on me spilling my guts out into the toilet, asking a bunch of questions that had me realising that a lot of the symptoms I’ve been having match up to pregnancy signs.”
Maya had a look of realisation now. All those cravings, the dizziness… it all made sense now. Maya smile grew even more so as she honed back in to listen to Carina’s ways of confirming Jo’s suspicions,
“Jo took me in to get checked out. She done my bloods and done a sonogram…” Carina brought her hand down to trail Maya’s arm, bringing the hand that still held the picture of their blob on it between them.
They both glanced down towards the picture, their smiles now aching their faces but neither cared.
“I really wanted you there with me to find out. But Jo said it was unusual for couples like us to have a surprise in this way and I could have just that with telling you about the pregnancy like this…” Carina looked up. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out like that, that you weren’t there for it…”
Maya swiftly brought her eyes back up to Carina’s. “Of course, I would have loved to have been there…” Maya saw the tears well up in Carina’s eyes, regret now lacing her gorgeous face. Maya placed the picture down on the bed behind Carina before bringing her hand up to get Carina to meet her eyes again.
“But baby, Jo was right. We wouldn’t have had this moment right now, I had. And I for one am so glad we got it.”
Carina bit her lip to stop the quivering at Maya’s soft words. Maya’s blue eyes, holding nothing but adoration and pure happiness let her know what Maya had said was the God’s honest truth.
Maya moved her hand to the side of Carina’s face, threading her fingers through soft strands, giving them a light scratch before she pressed a light kiss to Carina’s pouty lips.
Maya soon descended down to her knees before Carina. Her hands now holding Carina’s waist gently, her thumbs rubbing soothing circles where they met the skin beneath Carina’s robe and above her shorts.
Maya eyes then taking in the slight swell in the bottom part of Carina’s stomach. Something she hadn’t noticed much before until now. The sight caused a lump to fill her throat as the emotions of the moment overwhelmed her.
Feeling the comfort of Carina holding her head, encouraging her as she watched her movements, Maya placed a gentle kiss to the bump, closing her eyes as she felt the skin beneath her lips.
She pulled back to whisper against Carina’s belly.
“Hey there little one, I’m your mommy and I can’t wait to meet you… our little Christmas Miracle.”
Maya looked up to see Carina’s loving gaze peering down at her and she never felt more in love with her than she had in this moment.
The blonde rose to her feet once again, her arms circling Carina’s waist as she tugged her close, her grip strong but loose as to not hurt her or harm their baby in any way.
“I love you, Carina.” Maya whispered against her lips.
Carina smiled, her arms wrapping around Maya’s shoulders.
“Ti amo, bambina.”
Before Carina could comment, across the baby monitor they heard the faint murmurs of Liam, mid dream.
That was when, in the mix of mumbles and babbles of the boy in his slumber came the audible sigh of…
“Mmmm… Mama…”
Carina and Maya both starred at each other in amazement, their eyes flickering over to the monitor on Carina’s beside table. The noises quieted again, with Liam drifting back off with ease after his bombshell in the form of his first word.
Carina turned back to Maya with a bright smile before bringing her hand up to stifle a loud laugh at the defeated look on Maya’s face.
“I’m sorry bambina.” Carina said, the laugh that still threatened to erupt lacing her apology.
Maya shook her head, her smile now back on her face as she looked at Carina. “This has got to be the best Christmas ever!”
“Even though Liam called my name first?”
“I’m looking past that right now, it was in his sleep, it didn’t count.” Maya huffed.
Carina chuckled lowly. “Then what is it then that’s made this the best one yet? Because, we finally got what we wished for?”
“That and I accomplished what I set out to do on that first round of IVF after agreeing to use my eggs…”
“And what was that?” Carina asked, curiously.
“I knocked my wife up on our first try.” Maya smiled smugly, sending a wink for dramatic effect.
Carina laughed wholeheartedly at that. Her head tipping back as Maya too joined in on the joyous silliness.
“You’re lucky I love you, Bella.”
“Oh, I’m the lucky one baby.” Maya smirked.
Carina’s smile morphed into a seductive smirk herself when she trailed her hands down Maya’s shoulders to her abs.
She raised her eyebrow at the blonde hearing the sight hitch in her breath and the tenseness of her muscles at her touch.
“Hmm, I can think of one way I can make you even luckier.” Carina hushed out.
“What even luckier than you having my baby?” Maya said breathlessly.
Carina felt her heart swoop at Maya’s words. The adoring smile gracing her lips once more before it shifted back to seductive. She brought her fingertips down to toy with the waistband of Maya’s PJ bottoms.
Biting her lip, Carina’s eyes never left darkened blues as she husked out, “It involves you out of these and you finally unwrapping the present right in front of you…”
Carina barely had a chance to finish before she was whisked up off the ground and being placed back on their bed, with Maya hovering over her with a mischievous smile. She wrapped her legs around her firefighter, laughing at the eagerness of her and the desire that now course through her veins.
“Merry Christmas to me” Maya mumbled as she leant down to connect their lips together in a kiss of many for that night.