Missing [ST]

One Hundred And One

When the midwife had arrived over two hours ago, Steven hadn't expected to be sitting on the bottom step of the stairs, with every passing second increasing the possibility of missing the birth of his child in his own home.

"Daddy, can we go in the pool?"

"No," Steven sighed in exasperation, ignoring the small hands rocking his knees. "Not right now."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so."

Elbows on his thighs, he had his head in his hands, so he could tug at his hair every time Leah grouched out in pain. She had instructed him to stay downstairs in a moment of distraught hesitation on his behalf, not wanting him by her side, but Steven didn't blame her after the thoughts he must have given her.

Liv humphed, which lifted his head in surprise, because that typical adult response didn't usually work with her. It was a wish too soon though, because she was flouncing around the foyer, first dragging her hand over the backs of coats and jackets on the rack, and then balancing on her tiptoes to fiddle with decorative, and fragile things on units and sills that she shouldn't have been.

"Liv," Steven warned, watching his daughter's movements. "Leave the ornaments alone. You'll break them."

"No I won't," Liv responded, skipping back towards the kitchen, ponytail swirling behind her neck.

Steven had to peer around the bottom of the staircase to be able to see her opening and closing drawers properly.

"If you want your toys, go and choose something out of your box or playroom," he said, trying not to raise his voice. "I'm not getting them for you."

Thankfully, the rattling of brushed gold hooped handles stopped before he lost his temper.

"I want to go in the pool!"

"And I've said no," Steven enforced, watching her t-shirt get frustratingly pulled downwards.

Liv came to a dramatic stop, standing between his knees, and the intense frown and pushed out lip in a huff was a spitting image of an expression he could make.

Steven raised his eyebrows.

"Don't pull that face at me."

"You're being stoooopid"

"And you're being naughty. I need to be here if Leah...if she wants me."

Trying to convince himself of being wanted was the hardest part, and the lack of confidence that followed his discipline had him looking away in shame.

Liv seemed to sense she wasn't getting her swimming pool desires, losing the sulky attitude.

"Is Leah okay?" she asked, taking a piece of his hair to twirl.

Steven sighed quietly, pinched thumb and finger rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"I don't know."

"Don't be sad, daddy." Liv was assessing his facial expression, when he looked up. "I don't like it when you're sad."

For his baby girl, he could attempt a smile.

"I'm not s-"

"Steven! Ste- oh good, you're there. Come up."

Neck jarring from turning his head over his shoulder at such a speed, Steven's heart jumped. The midwife didn't stay to repeat herself, disappearing in the direction of the master bedroom, and there wasn't a single delay from the excited, if a bit nervous, father to be for the second time.

"Blue, I need you to stay here," Steven said. "If you do, I promise we can go in the pool afterwards."

Blue eyes lit up, and a row of baby teeth appeared in a big smile.