Chapter Text
The wind howled outside, the Santa Anas hitting Los Angeles unexpectedly early this year. Athena was nearly 38 weeks pregnant and absolutely miserable. Her body refused to cooperate, and the baby nestled inside her womb showed no intention of making an early appearance yet. Apparently, she decided she was comfortable in her mother’s belly and she was not coming earlier, regardless of her mothers wishes.
In an effort to distract his wife from her discomfort, Bobby decided to take them on one last trip. They dropped Zuri off with Hen and Karen for the weekend, their little girl absolutely loving her aunts and the lively household they created, filled with foster kids constantly running around. The four-year-old loved playing with the other kids, and had asked her parents for a brother or sister for ages. She could barely wait for the baby to arrive, waking up every morning and asking if she was here yet.
Bobby had chosen a wooden cabin near Big Bear. It wasn’t too far from home so they could get home quickly if something went wrong with Zuri, but it still felt like a true escape. The cabin had two bedrooms with queen-sized beds, two patios, a fenced backyard and a cosy living room with a plush couch and fireplace. He wanted Athena to be as comfortable as possible, especially because her body was everything but comfortable these days, with their baby girl so close to full term. The cabin even had a bath tub, and Bobby had already made a mental note to pack her favorite bath salts. She might not be able to have her usual piping hot soaks, but a warm bath would still be a welcome luxury.
Twinkle lights strung in the backyard added a charming, cozy touch at night, and Bobby was sure his wife would love them. Two nights without Zuri, chores, or distractions felt like a rare gift. Maybe they could finally read those books they never got around to, watch a movie uninterrupted, or simply sit together in silence, curled up on the couch. They loved Zuri and couldn’t wait to have their second daughter, but it was nice to be just the two of them from time to time, to remember who they were besides Mom and Dad.
“It is just two nights, baby.” Bobby said with a smirk, tucking a third pair of maternity leggings into Athena’s suitcase. She sat against the headrest of their bed, legs crossed and her hands resting on her round belly. She had been giving him instructions for the past half hour on how to pack her suitcase for the trip, since his daughter didn't let her do anything anymore these days. Bobby hadn’t dared to ask her why the baby was always his when she was giving her mother trouble.
“I know, and I don’t think I am being unreasonable. What if one of them is not comfortable? I can hardly steal another one of your joggers.” Athena said absentmindedly, eyes fixed on the slow movement of her hand across her bump. Their daughter was running out of space, her movements significantly less noticeable. There were no longer sharp kicks or elbows to her ribs as they changed into rolling movements and their baby trying to stretch, which was just as uncomfortable for Athena.
“I don’t have any joggers left for you to steal, baby.” Bobby grunted while he was trying to zip her suitcase and was barely succeeding in doing so. Some things never changed and he already feared their future holidays, in about fifteen years when he would have two teenage girls who likely inherited their mother’s packing habits.
“You didn’t complain when I was wearing them last week.” Athena said, arching a brow with a knowing smile. She vividly remembered the response of her husband when he saw her wearing them. It ended with her on the kitchen table and him on his knees. Honestly, they deserved an award for creativity, considering her bump wasn’t making it easier for them to get around. Still, Bobby had gotten the job done and definitely earned his own reward.
Bobby just chuckled, grabbing her suitcase and heading for the front door. His own go bag was already waiting, so the last thing he needed to finish preparing and packing was their food. Even though it was just two days, he wouldn’t be himself if he didn’t prepare their dinner already. He also got Athena’s favorite snacks and drinks ready in their cooler.
The drive to the cabin was easy and peaceful, taking a little less than two hours. When they arrived, Athena waddled inside and immediately got herself comfortable on the couch with a book, grateful to get off her feet, while Bobby got their luggage inside and their food into the fridge. It didn’t take long for him to join his wife on the couch, taking her swollen feet into his lap. They were puffy and sore, and he knew she was uncomfortable in the final stretch of her pregnancy. Without a word Bobby started to massage her feet, his thumbs pressing into her pressure points.
“Oh, you are so good at that, baby.” Athena sighed, lowering her book to scoot down so she could rest her head against the armrest. If she was being honest, she would rather take a nap. Between getting Zuri ready, the drop-off at Hen and Karen’s, and the car ride, she was completely drained so she wasn’t surprised when her eyelids started to flutter closed, and shortly after she fell asleep.
She awoke to the most delicious smell surrounding her. Slowly, she stretched her arms and pushed herself upright from the couch, so she could get up and investigate what her husband was doing.
“What are you making?” Athena said softly as she entered the kitchen, her voice a little husky from sleep. She wasn’t sure how long she had been out, but apparently long enough for her husband to cook an entire meal.
“Lasagna,” he said with a proud grin. “And I made a small garden salad to go with it. We’ll have leftovers for tomorrow too, so we won’t need to go out.”
The dish was just coming out of the oven as she walked over to him. He had already set the table and filled their glasses with ice water. Bobby knew her current craving was chewing ice, so he filled her glass with extra cubes.
“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” Athena murmured dreamily, watching him put the dish on the table before he turned around. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him as close to her as her bump allowed. While she genuinely loved being pregnant, she also couldn’t wait to move around without a watermelon attached to her middle. She wanted to sleep on her stomach again, lift Zuri into her arms and just be as close to her husband as she could.
“I don’t mind hearing it again.” Bobby teased, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“I love you very much, Bobby Nash.” Her stomach rumbled. “And now your child wants some food.” She added with a laugh, her hand pressed against her bump where their daughter was shifting around in the little space she had left.
Dinner was filled with stories about the calls Bobby had had lately, telling Athena about Rick’s antics and how Lou wouldn’t leave him alone, always asking questions about the baby and complaining he missed his favorite coworker. Athena shook her head at that, taking another bite while she shifted slightly in her seat. The wooden dining chairs weren’t exactly ideal for someone at the end of her pregnancy, and even the smallest discomforts felt amplified lately.
“We can go stargazing later, if you want to.” Bobby offered, noticing the way she kept adjusting in her chair. “The chairs outside might be more comfortable. And the sky should be clear tonight.”
Athena’s eyes lit up. “That sounds like a great idea, baby.”
Bobby looked forward to seeing real stars in the sky. Los Angeles had too much light pollution to see them clearly, and it made him miss Minnesota. At his childhood home it was so easy to watch the stars at night, since there was hardly any light outside. He remembered making wishes with his brother on shooting stars. Bobby made a mental note to bring Zuri along the next time, wanting his little girl to experience the same kind of wonder.
Athena started to get up to clear the table, but Bobby ushered her down again. “I got it. You just go to the yard. I will be out in a minute.”
Athena rolled her eyes at his overprotectiveness, but she got up and walked over to the back door to get into the yard. It was so quiet and peaceful outside, the only sound out here were the crickets. No sirens, no yelling and no other sounds that came with living in a big city. While she absolutely loved Los Angeles, this quiet was a nice change and she would enjoy every minute of it.
Bobby was right and he came outside after just a few minutes, carrying two glasses filled with ice tea and a tub of Athena’s favorite ice cream with two spoons on a tray. He carried them over to the loveseat where his wife was already sitting, a blanket spread over her lap and her gaze resting on him. The twinkle lights were off for now, so they could see the stars better.
“You really thought of everything.” Athena reached out for her glass of iced tea, feeling very thirsty all of a sudden.
“It is not every day we have a baby moon. In just a few weeks we will have a family of four and these quiet moments will be even more rare.” He pressed another kiss to her temple before he sat down beside her, dropping the tub of ice cream in her lap with a grin.
They stayed out there for a while, pointing out the few constellations they could recognize and stealing spoonfuls of ice cream between quiet moments. Eventually, Athena began yawning more frequently, her body reminding her just how exhausting pregnancy could be.
Back inside, they got ready for bed. Athena wore one of Bobby’s old shirts, which was stretched to its limits around her bump, but the fabric was so comfortable she didn’t care that it barely covered anything anymore. She was pretty sure her husband was used to her maternity underwear by now, and since it didn’t seem to deter him, she didn’t mind that it showed beneath the shirt.
The bed was a little smaller than the one they had at home, especially with Athena’s pregnancy pillow added to the mix, but they made it work. Still, Bobby didn’t mind squeezing in close. He would always choose a cramped bed over sleeping apart from his wife.
“Good night, love. Be kind to your Mama tonight, okay?” Bobby said softly to the baby bump, keeping one hand there while he gave Athena a kiss. He knew his wife would probably still wake up multiple times during the night, but at least they wouldn’t have a four year old at their bedside at six in the morning.
The night passed more peacefully than either of them expected. Athena only woke once for a bathroom break, and somehow Bobby didn’t even stir, which was an unusual occurrence, since he typically woke at the slightest movement.
Athena woke first, stretching out slowly before turning around to face Bobby. The pregnancy pillow was too comfortable to take away, so she laid her head on it to see her husband, still deep asleep. He looked so peaceful, the usual worry lines on his forehead smoothed away when he was this relaxed. She liked to run her fingertips over them when they were lounging around, even if Bobby complained about looking older with those lines on his face. Athena would tell him how much she loved them and how sexy he looked. They were getting close to their eleventh anniversary of their first date and he had never looked better to her than he did now.
She had been looking at him for a little while before she saw him slowly wake up, blinking against the sunlight streaming from between the blinds and groaning softly. It reminded her of the way Zuri wakes up most mornings, all groans and grumbles until she is fully awake. Athena reached over to rake her fingers through his hair and smiled at him when his eyes flicked over to her.
“Good morning, baby. You look like you slept hard .” Athena whispered, gently stroking his cheek where a faint pillow imprint remained.
“Hmm. What time is it?” Bobby honestly felt a little confused, because he assumed he would wake whenever Athena did like he usually does at home.
“A little past eight.” She answered, still lightly stroking his skin from his cheek to his temple and back.
“I thought I would wake up sooner. How are you two doing?” Bobby yawned, slowly pushing himself up from the mattress. He leaned over her pillow to press his lips against hers, morning breath and all.
“Baby is doing fine.” Athena murmured, then added, “Did you know it is going to rain tonight?”
“I checked the weather last night. It’s not supposed to be anything serious—just a little drizzle. Might even make it feel extra cozy here.”
Athena hummed softly in response, her brain trying to process the new information. She always slept better with the sound of rain hitting the window, but she hoped they were still able to leave the next morning.
She removed the pregnancy pillow between them, so she could rest against his side, her bump resting on his hip where their daughter was stretching like she had all the space in the world. Apparently, the lack of room didn’t bother her.
“Good morning, my love.” Bobby whispered and rested his hand on her belly, smirking when he felt the baby shift slowly against his palm. The feeling never got old, but he was just as eager as Athena for their baby girl to finally arrive. He was ready to share the load of parenting with his wife who had carried their daughter so beautifully the past nine months.
“She is acting like she is living in a villa instead of a womb.” Athena muttered, shifting slightly against him to find a more comfortable position. She’d forgotten how physically difficult the final weeks of pregnancy could be when she was pregnant with Zuri. It wasn’t a myth that you forget the discomfort and pain after giving birth, because otherwise, no one would ever willingly go through it again and have another baby.
“I don't remember Zuri being this active. Maybe we have a sprinter on our hands. Or a future cross country runner.” Bobby said teasingly, nuzzling her temple.
Athena would have elbowed him for that remark if she hadn’t been so comfortable, for the first time in weeks. There was no four-year-old begging for their attention, or a chore waiting for them to be done. It was quiet and peaceful, just the two of them and an enthusiastic baby between them.
The two of them lounged around for a little longer, before Athena’s bladder told her she needed to pee, because their daughter was using it as a personal squeeze toy. It took her a moment before she was able to leave the bed and the warm arms of her husband. She knew he would probably get up as well to get started on their breakfast.
Their breakfast was simple, but perfect: pancakes, some scrambled eggs, a glass of orange juice (for her), and a cup of coffee (for him, because the last thing Athena needed was an overexcited baby).
Conversation flowed easily between them. They talked about potential baby names, which they still weren’t 100% sure about, and about how Zuri might respond to being a big sister. Their little girl adored babies, always eager to play with them or “help” in her own chaotic way, but she also thrived on being the center of their attention. It would be an adventure to navigate the change from one child to two, but there wasn’t much they couldn’t handle between the two of them.
“Maybe we can go to the lake? As long as the weather stays nice? Maybe you could finish your book.” Bobby rose from the table to clear the dishes. Athena was sitting across from him at the table, feet resting on another chair and hands folding on her belly. She looked ethereal with the sunlight hitting her face just right, bathing it in a warm glow that enhanced the pregnancy glow she already had.
“Are you reading my thoughts? That is exactly what I was thinking of.” Athena smiled at her husband and stretched her arms above her head, not missing how Bobby’s eyes flicked south. Even at 38 weeks pregnant he couldn’t hide his desire for her. Despite her swollen feet and aching back, it was comforting to know her husband still looked at her like that.
“There must be a lot of benches around and we can always come back if you want to lie down.” Bobby added, eager to take a look at the lake.
“You are a godsend, Bobby Nash.” Athena grinned and lifted her face in invitation when Bobby passed by her, happily leaning down to press his lips against hers, teasingly flicking his tongue against her bottom lip when they parted again.
“I love you too, baby.”
They drove a short distance to the lake and walked at a leisurely pace along the quiet trail. The sun had fully broken through the morning clouds, warming their faces and lighting the trees in a golden haze. Athena leaned against Bobby occasionally as they walked, her hand resting on her belly as she breathed in the cool, fresh air.
They ended up on a bench with a clear view of the water. Athena pulled out her crime novel, one she picked up months ago, but between raising Zuri, work and a tough third trimester she barely had the time to read anything at all, which made her all the more grateful she had the chance to finish the book now.
Bobby took out his own book, one he took with him to read on his breaks at the station, but he never managed to read, because Rick never left him alone.
The quiet between them was comfortable, the sun on their face was welcome and the sound of the birds around them was calming. After an hour or so, the wind picked up and the clouds began rolling in, dropping the temperature noticeably. It caused Athena to shiver so they decided to go head back.
Back at the cabin, they ended up watching a movie together on the couch in front of the fireplace. Bobby stretched out along the longer side, with Athena nestled against him. Her bump rested on his hip, her arm draped across his chest. Unsurprisingly, she fell asleep pretty soon after the movie started, and Bobby gently pulled a blanket over her shoulders. The movie played quietly in the background while he held her close.
She woke up twice for bathroom breaks, settling back against him each time when she returned. Bobby made sure to keep her water glass filled and her favorite snacks within reach, silently promising himself to soak up every quiet moment of this trip.
After another nap and movie, they sat down for dinner. Lasagna always tastes even better the next day, and Athena felt ravenous, devouring two plates and enjoying every bite.
Outside the weather worsened, heavy rain and strong winds battering the windows. Bobby just received a text telling them that they couldn’t leave the area for tonight due to flooded roads, but it would likely clear up by the morning. Athena felt a flicker of worry, but reminded herself there wasn’t much she could do about it now, and she trusted they would be able to head home tomorrow. They still had another evening and morning to enjoy with each other before they returned to their regular day to day.
Athena settled back on the couch, a blanket draped her lap as she waited for Bobby to return from the kitchen. She had been feeling a faint ache in her lower back, but it felt very similar to the pains that came with the third trimester, so she wasn’t too concerned. Maybe she could ask Bobby to give her a massage to ease the tension. The pain came and went, more like Braxton Hicks than real contractions.
A memory of Zuri’s pregnancy surfaced, one from around seven-and-a-half months in.
Athena had been in the mall with Bobby, trying to find the last few items on their baby list. They had already ordered a bouncer, but she was determined to get a specific pacifier Hen told her about. It wouldn’t be easy to find, but she didn’t want any other for their baby.
They had just left the third store when Athena suddenly stopped in her tracks, clutching Bobby’s arm with a death grip as she bent over. A sharp pain shot through her lower back and she felt the wind get knocked out of her.
“What is going on, baby?” Bobby asked, concerned, crouching down to see her face, his hand rubbing up and down her back in an effort to soothe any of the pain.
“I am not sure.. Maybe contractions? But she’s still got six weeks to go, Bobby.” Athena said shakingly, tears gathering in her eyes, both from the pain and the fear she felt. It was too early for their baby girl to arrive. She had envisioned starting labor at home, feeling safe and relaxed, not walking through a mall. At least Bobby was with her.
Together they slowly got her back upright. Bobby tried to hide his fear so he wouldn’t worry her any further. It didn’t take long to get back to their car, stopping every few steps when another wave of pain hit her again. The only thing he could do was stroke her back and reassure her.
In the car, they called her OB and explained the situation. The doctor told them to come in, so she could take a look. That was exactly what they did, driving straight to the hospital. When they arrived, Athena sat down in a wheelchair, because the pain was still coming and going which made it hard to walk. Bobby rushed them through the hospital to the OB wing.
It turned out to be Braxton Hicks. Just another way for Athena’s body to prepare for the actual birth. The baby wasn’t coming that day. Their daughter was healthy and would arrive when she was ready, but not yet.
“You looked far away.” Bobby’s gentle voice pulled her out of her thoughts. He sat beside her again, pulling her feet in his lap again so he could massage them.
Athena let out a quiet groan as his thumbs found her pressure points. “I have a little back pain and was just thinking about that time we thought Zuri was coming, but it ended up being Braxton Hicks.” She said with a soft laugh. They were so sure something was going to happen back then, and it all ended up being a false alarm.
“Oh, that was scary. Do you think it’s happening again?” Bobby asked softly. He had noticed her shifting slightly during dinner, but blamed the uncomfortable chairs. Now that she mentioned back pain, it all made sense.
“I think so. It started during the second movie and hasn't gone away.” As soon as she said it, she shifted again, the pain had spiked before slowly fading away.
“Are you sure, baby? They look painful. The last four were pretty regular in timing and intensity.”
“This is not labor. I know what labor feels like, Bobby. Remember Zuri?” Athena shot back, slightly breathless.
“I know. But this seems to be more intense than just Braxton Hicks.” Bobby released her feet and reached for her bump. Her skin was tight, and their daughter squirmed inside, as if she knew something was going on.
“It’s fine, Bobby. It’s not labo—” Athena froze mid-word, eyes widening as she looked at him. A wet sensation between her legs caught her off guard.
“Okay, maybe it is labor.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because my water just broke.”
“And we can’t leave tonight.”