His Little Miracle

Matt dutifully followed the nurses over to the corner of the room where the bassinet was set up, along with the scale and changing supplies. The doctor explained that the nurses would need to take Theo’s temperature, weight, and height, and then they would get him in a diaper before returning him over to you. While he was trying to be attentive to the nurses in front of him, his senses kept flickering back to you in the bed as a different nurse encouraged you to drink some water. He could tell that adrenaline was still surging through your body, and you kept straining to look over to where he was with Theo, checking in with them from a distance. Matt was careful to angle his body so that you could still see as much of Theo as possible while the nurses fluttered around him. 

They were able to take Theo’s temperature while he still rested in Matt’s arms, fitfully whining the entire time. Matt smoothed his fingers over the baby’s cheeks, gently shushing him so that the nurses could work with little disruptions. It wasn’t until one of the nurses asked him to place Theo down on the scale that Matt hesitated, his jaw clenching. His entire body was screaming at him to keep Theo in his arms, to keep his boy close to his chest where he was safe. But he also knew that the longer he protested, the longer Theo would be away from you, so he gingerly placed Theo on the scale, keeping his hands hovering closely by for the moment the nurse allowed him to pick him up again. 

“Eight pounds, seven ounces! A good healthy weight,” the nurse said with a smile. “He’s definitely got cute chubby cheeks, that’s for sure.” She made quick work of taking his height as well, declaring him to be twenty-one inches long. Theo’s crying sharpened as she placed the cold stethoscope of hers to his chest, listening to his heart for any abnormalities, which Matt already knew would come back fine. He would have heard if there was anything worrisome in the way Theo’s heart thumped quickly in his chest.

“Now let’s get a diaper on you before you mess up my station,” the nurse cooed at Theo. She pulled out a diaper from the drawer and placed it next to the infant. “Would you like to do the honor, Mr. Murdock?” 

Matt’s eyes widened a bit, but he nodded. “You might have to guide me a bit. I’ve tried to practice, but I’m sure it’s different on a real baby,” he admitted sheepishly. 

The nurse laughed. “Definitely. I’ll make sure to show you everything. You’ll be a pro in no time!”

It didn’t take long before Theo was approved to go back to you, diapered and given a clean bill of health. He was loosely wrapped in a blanket, but the nurse suggested to just allow time for skin-to-skin with ‘mom’ before swaddling. It was still odd to hear others refer to you like that, but it made Matt smile regardless. He picked up his son, and Theo’s cries softened as he got tucked into the warmth of his arms.

Your arms opened to him instantly as Matt arrived back at your bedside. He carefully maneuvered the baby onto your now bare chest, your gown pulled down from your shoulders in  preparation. Theo squeaked in protest at being shifted onto his front, but nuzzled against your skin once he got settled. You smiled brightly and readjusted the blanket over him, making sure his back was covered properly. “Welcome back, baby,” you murmured softly, placing a kiss to the top of his head. 

Matt sat next to you on the bed, his hip pressed against yours and his arm draped around your shoulder. “Did you miss him?” He asked teasingly. His free hand joined yours on Theo’s back, comforting the infant as he cooed. 

You rolled your eyes, bumping your head lightly against Matt’s cheek. “He’s been with me for almost forty-one weeks. We’ve never been apart. Of course I missed him,” you murmured, smiling down adoringly at the little bundle on your chest. Theo squinted up at you curiously, his eyes just barely open. “Isn’t that right, Teddy? You’ve been my little buddy for so long.”

Matt chuckled and pressed a kiss to your temple, allowing his eyes to fall closed. He was quiet for a moment before he rested his forehead against your hair. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me him. I love you so much, sweetheart. You gave me this perfect gift,” he whispered, feeling the sting of tears start in his eyes. 

“Oh Matty,” you breathed, leaning more of your weight against him, which he supported happily. “I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.”

Theo squawked once more from your chest, face scrunching and lip quivering as he began to cry again. You gently shushed him, brows drawing together with concern as you tried to figure out what he wanted. He buried his face against your skin, wiggling back and forth. A realization dawned on you. “Oh little one, are you hungry? Hold on, let me just readjust you,” you murmured softly, sitting up a little straighter, grateful for Matt’s arm moving to support your back. 

“Do you need any help, sweetheart?” He asked softly. He knew you’d done plenty of research on breastfeeding, and had already talked to the lactation nurse while he was over at the bassinet with Theo. Still, all of this was new to the both of you, and he wanted to help in any capacity he was able to.

“No, it might just take him a minute to figure it out,” you muttered as you lowered your baby’s head down to your breast. You did your best to guide him into a proper latch as you’d been taught, and he definitely fumbled for a few minutes. As expected, there was a learning curve to it, but you remained patient. Finally he was able to latch on correctly, and his cries instantly quieted, replaced by little suckles and grunts as he nursed. A smile graced your lips, and you gently stroked his cheek. “There, you’ve got it, Teddy. Good job, baby boy.”

Matt smiled, curiously listening to the new little sounds Theo was making. “Mama is going to take such good care you you, Theo,” he murmured softly, reaching out to gently caress the baby’s head, fingers brushing against his soft, fuzzy hair. Matt hummed, curling his fingers against the curve of his tiny ear, mapping out the delicate shape of it. “Can you describe him to me?” He asked quietly. 

You nodded, smiling down at your newborn and drinking in his features. “He’s beautiful, Matty. Absolutely beautiful. He’s got your dark hair, almost the exact same shade. It’s wispy, but he’s got a lot of it. I didn’t think he’d have this much hair,” you said, voice filled with adoration. “He hasn’t fully opened his eyes yet, but most babies have dark blue eyes until they get older anyways, so we’ll have to wait and see on that.”

“I hope he gets your eyes,” Matt mused, smiling as he leaned his cheek against the side of your head. “Karen always tells me how pretty they are.”

“You have pretty eyes too, Matt. I tell you that all the time,” you replied with a roll of your eyes. “They’re not just brown. They have shades of hazel and green in them. He’d be perfect either way.”

Matt hummed in agreement. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, angel. How could he not be perfect if he comes from you?”

You felt your cheeks warm with flush and let out a soft laugh. “Your daddy is such a big softie, Theo,” you whispered to your baby like it was a big secret, as he was still greedily nursing from your breast, oblivious to the conversation happening above him. You gently brushed a finger over his lips where they were latched onto you. “He’s got your lips, Matty. All cute and pouty.”

It was Matt’s turn to laugh now. “My lips are not pouty,” he protested in jest, though he couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. 

“Yes they are,” you insisted, turning your head and capturing his mouth in a kiss. “Mm, they’re one of my favorite parts of you,” you murmured against his lips.

Theo was beginning to fall asleep as he nursed, his eager suckling slowing substantially as he drifted off. Your attention pulled back to him and you gently removed him from his latch, wiping his mouth with the corner of his blanket before lifting him up to your shoulder to burp him. After a minute of patting his back, he let out a gurgled burp and promptly fell asleep against your shoulder, head tucked into the curve of your neck. You chuckled softly, rubbing his back soothingly as he slumbered. “I’m the one who did all of he work today and he’s the one who falls asleep first? Completely unfair,” you muttered jokingly, leaning against Matt.

He hummed in amusement, kissing the top of your head. “You deserve to rest, sweetheart. Do you want me to take him?” 

You shook your head as you pulled up your hospital gown, covering the majority of your chest once more. “Not yet. I’m still a little too crampy to sleep anyways,” you admitted quietly. “Everything feels so sore.”

“Let me know if there is anything I can do to help, my love,” Matt responded. He quickly checked his braille watch, tilting his head when he realized what time it was. He hadn’t realized how long you pushed for, how late it had gotten since the birth. Foggy and Karen would be leaving the office in an hour. “Do you want me to call Foggy and Karen to tell them the news, or wait until you’ve had some rest?”

“We can give them a quick video call, at least let them see him,” you suggested, reaching over to the side table to grab your phone, wincing at the movement tugged at your sore muscles. 

“Careful, sweetheart,” Matt reminded, placing his hand delicately on your swollen stomach. 

The warmth and soft pressure from his hand eased some of the ache, and your body relaxed marginally in response. “Thank you, my love,” you murmured quietly. You quickly unlocked your phone, scrolling until you hit Foggy’s number. Before you hit the call button, a cheeky smile made your lips quirk up at the edges. “Should we tell them his name, or make them wait to meet him in person?”

Matt chuckled, his thumb brushing over your belly in a slow, soothing rhythm. “I think we’ve made them wait long enough, don’t you?”

“I guess you’re right,” you relented, hitting the button without another thought.

It rang twice before Foggy’s face appeared on screen. The second your video feed came into view, showing you and Matt crowded on the hospital bed and baby Theo tucked into your chest, his eyes widened into round saucers. “Oh my god! Karen, come here! The baby’s here!”

You laughed as Karen’s rushed footsteps sounded over the speaker, and suddenly her head popped into view. A bright smile appeared on her face, her hands coming up to cover her cheeks. “Oh, congratulations you two!” She squeaked, her voice high pitched with excitement. 

You shifted the camera slightly to give a better view of the newborn’s face, peacefully slack with sleep. “Meet Theodore Jack Murdock, our son,” you announced, chest swelling with pride. 

“Another Murdock boy?” Foggy asked with a laugh, bringing his face closer to inspect the video call. “He’s healthy? You’re healthy?”

“Everyone is doing okay, Fogs,” Matt reassured from beside you. “He’s absolutely perfect. They’re both perfect.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say I’m perfect,” you corrected, wrinkling your nose. “In fact, I didn’t realize how much I looked like a mess until this video call started.”

“You just gave birth!” Karen exclaimed in protest. “Cut yourself some slack. I’m pretty sure I’ve looked worse after a night at Josie’s.”

That made you laugh. “Well neither of us got any sleep last night, so I don’t think we’ll be up to visitors today. We should be able to be released tomorrow, though. Think you could sneak out of the office a bit early tomorrow to meet him?”

“Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Foggy said brightly. “And don’t worry about dinner. I’ve got it covered.”

“You’re the best, Foggy,” Matt said gratefully. 

“Go get some rest, we’ll see you guys tomorrow! Can’t wait to hold that little guy,” Karen said with a smile, eyes glued to the sleeping baby on your chest.

“I call first dibs!” Foggy retorted, nudging Karen with his shoulder.

You laughed and quickly bid your goodbyes. You put your phone back on the nightstand, then collapsed back into Matt’s embrace with a quiet hum. “Matty?”

His head tilted, honed in completely to you. His hold on you tightened just a bit, holding you more firmly to his side. “Yes, sweetheart?”

“If I fall asleep, make sure to take Theo. I don’t want to drop him in my sleep,” you murmured, letting your eyes flutter shut. 

“Don’t worry about that, angel. I won’t let anything happen to either of you,” Matt breathed, repositioning his arms so that he was supporting your hold on your baby. “I’ve got you. I’ll always make sure both of you are safe. I promise.”

“I love you so much, Matt,” you mumbled, allowing your exhaustion to take hold, your body growing heavier as you sunk further into unconsciousness. 

His whispered reciprocation didn’t reach your ears until it was too late. You were already asleep.

-

“Careful. Take it as slow as you need to,” Matt reminded as you slid out of the cab, busy with the straps that held Theodore’s car seat snugly in place. 

You waved him off, a small grimace appearing on your face as a twinge of soreness radiated through your hips. “I’m fine, my love. Don’t worry about me. Can you get him undone all by yourself?”

Matt shot you a look from behind his red lenses, just missing your gaze by a few inches. “I always worry about you, sweetheart. I’ve got him, you go ahead.”

You were eternally grateful for the elevator up to the apartment, instead of having to walk up several flights of stairs. Theo was fast asleep in his carrier the entire ride up, but you couldn’t keep your eyes off of him, and you could tell Matt was keeping an ear out for any signs of him stirring. Before you reached the door to your apartment, Matt’s hand flew out and grabbed your wrist, stopping you in your tracks. You looked at him with confusion, taking in the way his head was tilted down, the way his body turned to act as a barrier between Theo and the apartment door.

It took a moment, but he suddenly relaxed, an easy smile overtaking his expression. “Foggy and Karen are already inside. They brought Italian.”

You let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding, and you smacked his arm lightly. “Don’t scare me like that,” you scolded. “I was already trying to figure out how I was supposed to run after just giving birth yesterday.”

Matt chuckled softly and pressed a kiss to your temple. “Sorry, sweetheart. I would rather be safe than sorry, especially with Theo now.”

You rolled your eyes and entered the apartment, smiling as the smell of fresh Italian bread filled your nose. You kicked off your shoes and shuffled into the living room, where you could see Karen and Foggy bustling about the kitchen. 

Foggy’s head whipped up and a wide smile threatened to split his cheeks. “Hey! Welcome home!”

You grinned in return. “Thanks, Foggy.”

Karen’s brow was furrowed, her eyes scanning the space around you. “Where’s Matt and the baby?”

“Right here,” Matt said as he rounded the corner, the newborn cradled delicately against his chest. Theo had on the little bear hat you had bought months ago, along with a cream colored footie pajama to keep him warm as autumn chill took over Hell’s Kitchen. 

Foggy’s eyes widened as he caught sight of Matt with his son. It was the first time you;d ever seen Foggy seem hesitant as he approached your little family, practically tiptoeing over to Matt as an effort not to wake the little one. “Hi,” he breathed, smiling wide as he tilted his head down to get a better look at the baby. “Hi little Murdock. I’m your Uncle Foggy.”

Matt smirked, turning so that Foggy could see Theo’s peacefully slumbering face. “Say hi to Uncle Foggy, Theo,” he murmured. “Foggy, meet your godson.”

Foggy’s expression shifted to one of shock, looking between you and Matt with a gaping mouth. “Woah, wait, godson?”

You let out a laugh, reaching out to pat Foggy’s shoulder. “Who else would it be, Foggy? We wouldn’t trust anyone more than you to take care of our boy,” you said sincerely. You looked up at Karen then, who had moved closer, and invited her in with a wave of your hand. “We’d actually like to invite both of you to be the godparents.”

Karen smiled and nodded eagerly, stepping in to admire Theo. “Absolutely. What kind of aunt would I be if I said no?”

Once the shock wore off, Foggy shook his head, joy once again gracing his features. “God, Matt, he looks just like you. A little mini Matt.”

Karen hummed thoughtfully. “I think he’s got his mama’s nose, though.”

Foggy lifted his head, looking at you with big, pleading doe eyes. “Can I hold him?”

“Of course,” you said, placing your hand on Matt’s shoulder to encourage him to hand over the infant. 

Luckily Foggy had a big family, so he was no stranger to babies and kids. He settled quite naturally into rocking on his feet, swaying the baby back and forth to keep him asleep. “Hey little buddy. You’re so lucky to have the parents you do, did you know that? They’re pretty awesome,” he murmured down to Theo. The baby scrunched up his face momentarily before letting out a yawn.

“He’ll probably start fussing in a bit, he’s due for a feeding soon,” you warned.

“Then you should grab some food before it gets cold. I’m sure the hospital food wasn’t up to par,” Karen said, ushering you into the kitchen to grab a plate of chicken parmesan. 

Matt scoffed and shook his head. “Luckily I managed to get ahold of Claire before her shift last night and she pulled some strings to get something edible sent to us.”

“It turns out that knowing a nurse really comes in handy, even if your boyfriend isn’t gravely injured,” you teased before shoving a piece of chicken in your mouth. 

“Did you guys at least catch a little sleep last night?” Foggy asked, concern furrowing his brows. “I mean, I know it was probably hard with this little guy, but you were both going off of no sleep in, what, 36 hours?”

Matt hummed and took a seat at the dining table, reaching up to pull off his glasses. “I think we maybe got 4 hours total?” He guessed, sending Karen a grateful nod as she put a plate of food in front of him. 

“The nurses offered to take Theo to the nursery so that we could get more sleep, but neither one of us wanted to be away from him,” you admitted a little sheepishly, rounding the counter to sit at the table with Matt. “Besides, they were coming in to check on my blood pressure all night, making sure I was recovering well.”

“Let’s just say I think we’re both grateful to be able to sleep at home now,” Matt concluded with a smirk. 

After a few minutes of casual conversation while eating, Foggy passed Theo off to Karen. She shifted the newborn, a little less confident in her hold, but cradled him carefully against her chest regardless. “He’s beautiful. You guys made a really cute kid,” she said, smiling up at you and Matt.

Matt chuckled and shook his head. “She did all of the work. I’m going to give her the credit,” he said resolutely, gesturing to you with his fork. 

“And hard work it was. I’m just thankful he’s finally here,” you admitted as you finished off your plate of food. “Thank you both for dinner. It was nice to know we’d be coming home to a meal.”

“Thank Giovanni, from that grand theft auto case we defended last month. He started working in his cousin’s restaurant after we got the case dropped,” Foggy said as he started cleaning up the plates. 

Matt’s brow furrowed. “The cousin he borrowed the car from?”

“No, different cousin,” Karen replied absentmindedly, readjusting the hat on Theo’s head as she rocked him. 

“Italian families are like Irish families, Murdock,” Foggy said, flashing Matt a smile. “Lots of fun family drama.”

“Speaking of family, is Sister Maggie coming to meet Theo?” Karen asked curiously. 

You nodded. “She’s coming tomorrow after morning mass is over.”

“She must be excited to meet her grandson. I know my mom was thrilled when my brother had his first kid,” Foggy piped in. 

Matt nodded, although there was an odd sense of reservation about it. “She said she was looking forward to baby cuddles. It’s been a while since they had one so young in the orphanage.”

“Who doesn’t love baby snuggles?” Karen said, wrinkling her nose as she held Theo closer to her chest. He was starting to stir a bit, making little noises that got muffled by her shirt.

“Well you’ve probably only got thirty more seconds of snuggles before he starts crying right in your ear,” Matt laughed, standing up and holding his hands out so that Karen could pass the baby. “He smells like he needs a diaper change.”

Karen let out a disappointed noise but helped settle Theo into his arms, despite the baby’s protests at being moved. He quieted quickly enough when he realized it was a familiar embrace, comforted by the low rumbling hum sounding from Matt’s chest. Matt brought him into the bedroom where the changing station was, set up with all of the diapers and wipes that were needed. 

“We should probably get going. You probably want to get Theo settled in at home,” Foggy said. 

You stood from the table, stretching a bit to work out the kinks in your sore muscles. “Make sure to call Jessica, so she knows it’s her turn to watch over Hell’s Kitchen tonight.”

Karen chuckled. “Are you sure Matt’s not going to sneak out tonight to go deviling?” 

“I don’t think I could convince him to leave Theo if I tried right now,” you admitted with a smile. “He’s wrapped around his little boy’s finger already.”

“And he needs more sleep before going out. A sleep deprived vigilante isn’t stopping anyone,” Foggy said, face pinched in a concerned scowl. 

“Once he’s done changing Theo’s diaper, I’ve got to feed him, so Matt can get some sleep then. Don’t worry, Foggy,” you reassured. 

Foggy pulled you into a hug. “Take care of yourself too. Call us if you need anything, okay?” 

“Thanks, Foggy. We’re so lucky to have you two in our lives,” you said, your words sincere. 

-

The familiar sound of Matt’s low voice dragged you up from the depths of your sleep, accompanied by Theo’s little whimpers, which sharpened your grip on the waking world. You pulled open your eyes, allowing them to adjust to the low light in your bedroom as you searched for the source of the sounds. Silhouetted by the emerging sunrise outside the window, Matt was changing Theo’s diaper at the bottom of the bed. He seemed to be fumbling through the steps, brows furrowed in concentration, especially as Theo’s limbs flailed and his whimpers became more distressed. Matt did his best to soothe the baby as he continued to work, shushing him and whispering reassurances as he maneuvered the fresh diaper below the wiggly baby. 

“Shh, it’s okay, little one. Daddy’s got you. I’m doing my best, stick with me, okay?”

A smile tugged at the corner of your mouth. “Another dirty diaper?” You mumbled, rubbing the heel of your palm against your eyes. 

Matt froze, not realizing you had woken up, too focused on the baby to hear how your breathing changed as you gained consciousness. He managed to finish putting on the diaper and then loosely wrapped Theo in his blanket, eager to just pick up the fussy baby and comfort him. He held his boy close to his chest and offered you a small smile. “At least I’m getting quicker. He still doesn’t like it, though.”

You shifted, groaning as you sat up in bed. Your hand fumbled out for the alarm clock, pressing the button and making the automated voice read out what time it was. “Come back to bed, Matty. You can still get some sleep while I feed him.”

Matt hummed, bringing Theo with him as he sat down in bed, pressing his hip to yours. “I already put on a pot of coffee. It should be done soon,” he confessed as he handed the baby over to you, carefully adjusting him into your arms. 

You smiled a bit, finally registering the faint scent of coffee coming from the kitchen. “I can’t wait to have a cup. I missed being able to drink it,” you admitted as your eyes swept over Theo’s face. He was staring back at you, making little noises and grunts. “But it was all worth it for you, my little love.”

When he started to fuss again, you brought him to your chest to nurse. While he was eating, Matt shuffled off to the kitchen to bring two mugs of coffee back to bed, placing yours on the nightstand so that you could focus on Theo. Matt pressed himself against your side once more, wrapping an arm around your waist and stroking your hip where your warm skin was exposed. He took a sip of his coffee with his free hand, head tilted as he listened to you and his son. “How are you feeling, sweetheart? Need any Tylenol?” He asked, noticing the tense way you were postured. 

You shrugged slightly, knowing he would pick up on the subtle movement. “I think it will be a while before I feel normal again,” you admitted quietly. “My stomach just feels a little achy, but it isn’t anything I can’t handle. The nurse said it was normal to experience some cramping while I breastfeed, it encourages my uterus to shrink back to a normal size.”

Matt made a noise of understanding, leaning down to press a kiss to your shoulder. “You’re such an amazing mother to our son,” he breathed, utterly in awe of you. “I always knew you would be, but… it’s different, now that he’s here. I didn’t think I could fall in love with you any more than I was, but here I am, doing just that.”

A warmth spread through your cheeks and you could surprise the smile that pulled at your lips. “Seeing you with him is different for me too,” you admitted, drawing your gaze away from your son to focus on Matt, on the delicate peacefulness that had settled over his features. “I can see how much you love him, Matt. It practically radiates off of you. I couldn’t be happier, truly.”

Matt put down his coffee, reaching up his newly freed hand to cup your jaw and pull you in for a kiss. His lips slotted against yours perfectly, pillowy soft and parted just enough for you to swallow his satisfied hum. 

Yeah, this was what happiness and love truly felt like. You were sure of it. 

-

A knock at the door signaled you to wipe your hands on the kitchen towel, just having washed them after cleaning up one of Theo’s diapers. Matt was rocking him by the window, illuminated in the warm glow of morning light streaming in through the windows. The soft music coming from Matt’s record player provided an easy swaying beat to follow. Matt made a step towards the door, but you waved him off, insisting on you being the one to answer. 

When you swung open the door, Sister Maggie stood on the other side, fiddling with the strap of a full tote bag on her shoulder. A friendly smile appeared on her face, although there was an odd sense of nervousness hidden behind it. “Congratulations, my dear,” she said warmly, pulling you into a hug. 

You thanked her sincerely, holding her close to you in the embrace. There was something so comforting about her motherly aura, something that made you trust her instantly. It had been a much longer road for Matt, however. Given the history, it had been a long journey to build trust between her and him, to push past all of the feelings of betrayal and hurt. Trust didn’t come easily for Matt, not with anyone, not even you at first, but it was much harder with her. You sensed that she didn’t quite know where she fit into Matt’s life - not quite a mother, but not quite not a mother, either. Their relationship hung precariously in limbo. 

And now, she had a grandchild, which threw a wrench into an already complicated relationship. What role was she to play in Theodore’s life? Would he call her Grandma Maggie? Just Maggie? You weren’t sure you knew the answers to those questions either. You tried to leave the navigation of the relationship to Matt. It wasn’t your place to tell him how to feel about her, but you could tell how much she craved to be a part of this little family.

When you lead her into the living room, her gaze falling upon Matt, you heard the hitch of her breath at the sight. It must have been so jarring, to see the child she had given up have his own baby to care for. Matt turned at the noise, head tilted, but he offered her a small lopsided smile. 

She took that as a sign to shuffle closer, discarding her tote bag on the sofa on the way. Her eyes focused between him and the baby, not sure which one she should be observing more. Finally, she reached up, her hand softly cupping Matt’s stubble cheek. “I’m so proud of you, Matthew,” she stated confidently. 

A flash of emotion clouded Matt’s face, and he struggled for a moment to find the words to answer. He settled for pressing his lips into a thin line and nodding. After another quiet moment, he cleared his throat. “Do you want to hold him?”

“Of course,” she answered quickly. She helped transfer Theo over to her hold. She was a natural, having taken care of all of the children at St. Agnes’. Her face lit up as she smiled down at her new grandson. “Oh, what a handsome boy you are,” she breathed, reaching up to stroke his cheek with a delicate finger. 

Matt hovered over them, though his attention shifted to you as you stepped closer. You wound an arm around his hip, pressing yourself to his side. He returned the favor, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head. 

“Everyone says he looks like Matt,” you said softly, watching Maggie and Theo. 

Maggie smiled fondly, not bothering to lift her gaze from the baby. “I would have to agree. I think he has a bit of Jack in there as well,” she admired quietly, sweeping her fingers over Theo’s soft tufts of hair. “Murdock boys are always handsome, I suppose.”

Matt stiffened a bit beside you, and you pressed your fingers into his hip, grounding him back to you. You looked up to try to gauge his feelings, but his face was carefully guarded, clouded behind a mask of neutrality. You shifted your attention back to Maggie, giving her a smile. “I’m sure you’ve been excited to meet him. He just ate not too long ago, so you’re free to hold him as long as you’d like.”

Maggie lifted her gaze to you. “Oh, I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

Before you could respond, Matt piped up from beside you. “Nonsense. He’s your grandson. You should spend time with him,” he said firmly, and you almost thought you heard a hint of an edge to it. 

Maggie observed him for a moment before nodding. “Well I brought fresh bagels and pastries from that bakery down the way. Make sure you both eat something.” She looked back at you. “Especially if you’re breastfeeding, dear. Keep up your energy, yes?”

You nodded, locking hands with Matt and pulling him towards the couch where the bag was left. “Yes, of course. Thank you so much, Maggie,” you said sincerely, picking up the bag and bringing it to the kitchen with Matt. You placed the boxes of treats on the counter, opening up a few before turning to offer a strawberry danish to Matt. 

“What’s going on with you?” You whispered, keeping your voice low enough so that Maggie couldn’t hear. She was closer to the record player, which helped muffle your voices. “What’s wrong, Matty?”

Matt’s eyebrows furrowed, but he took the danish from you regardless. “Nothing.” There it was, that cold, detached tone that was oh so familiar to you. The one he used when he was hiding behind the carefully constructed emotional boundaries he had built. 

You sighed, picking up a cream cheese danish and pulling off a chunk. “I thought things were going better with her,” you mumbled, popping the piece into your mouth. 

Matt made a noncommittal sound, shrugging his shoulders as he fiddled with the pastry in his hand. “They are. I just…” he stopped, sighing heavily. “She couldn’t be there for me, I know that. But it doesn’t make it any easier seeing her with him.” He shook his head, his jaw clenching as he shifted from foot to foot. “I want her to be there for him, for him to have her in his life, in ways I never did. It just…”

“Hurts?” You offered, placing a hand on his chest. He nodded after a moment, and you sighed. “I’m sorry, Matty. I know this isn’t easy for you. But Theo is so lucky to have another person in his life that loves him. And I know you don’t always believe it, but she loves you too.”

Matt hummed quietly, finally taking a bite of the strawberry danish and chewing slowly, clearly processing your words. He lifted his head after a moment, focused just past your shoulder towards where Sister Maggie was rocking Theo and murmuring to him softly. Something she said must have been nice, because Matt’s lips quirked up a bit at the edges. “You’re right, sweetheart. He’s lucky to have her.”

He never told you what he heard that day, but from that moment on, he referred to her as Grandma Maggie when talking to Theo.