The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the hospital room's blinds, casting a soft golden glow over everything. The past twenty-four hours had been nothing short of life-changing, and though exhaustion clung to every fiber of Y/N's body, she was still running on the high of pure happiness.
She stirred in her hospital bed, blinking sleepily as she turned her head to the side. The sight before her instantly melted her heart all over again.
Aaron sat in the chair beside the hospital bassinet, cradling their newborn daughter against his chest. He was still dressed in the same dark gray T-shirt and sweats from the night before, his hair slightly tousled, and there was a faint shadow of stubble along his jaw. His hand covered almost the entirety of Sophia's tiny back, holding her close, while her little face rested against his collarbone.
The scene was nothing short of breathtaking.
"You didn't sleep, did you?" Y/N murmured, her voice hoarse from sleep.
Aaron turned his head toward her, a small, guilty smile tugging at his lips. "A little," he admitted. "But she kept making these little noises in her sleep. I couldn't stop watching her."
Y/N sighed, smiling as she stretched slightly, wincing at the lingering soreness in her body. "I don't blame you."
He glanced down at Sophia, who was still curled up against him, her little fingers clenching and unclenching in her sleep. "I just... I don't want to miss anything."
Y/N's heart swelled. "You're already the best dad, you know that?"
Aaron shook his head with a small chuckle, but the warmth in his gaze betrayed just how much her words meant to him.
A soft knock at the door interrupted their moment. A nurse peeked in, offering a kind smile.
"Good morning, Mama and Dad. How are we feeling?"
"Tired," Y/N admitted with a chuckle.
Aaron huffed a small laugh. "Still in awe."
The nurse smiled warmly. "That sounds about right." She walked over to check Sophia's vitals. "Well, the good news is that your discharge papers are ready. We just have to go over a few things, and then you'll be all set to take your little one home."
Y/N's heart skipped a beat. Home. It still felt surreal to think that after months of waiting, they were finally about to bring their daughter home.
The nurse handed Aaron a set of forms. "We just need signatures here and here. And have you installed the car seat yet?"
Aaron nodded. "I made sure it was secured last week."
"Perfect. I'll be back in a bit with her going-home outfit," the nurse said before stepping out of the room.
Y/N turned to Aaron with a grin. "We're really doing this."
Aaron exhaled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Yeah. We are."
Once the nurse returned, she handed Y/N a neatly folded baby onesie—the one they had chosen together weeks ago, a soft pink sleeper with tiny white flowers embroidered on the chest.
Aaron gently laid Sophia down in the bassinet, and Y/N carefully reached for her, still mindful of the soreness in her body.
"Hi, sweet girl," she whispered as she began unwrapping her from the hospital blanket. Sophia stirred slightly, her little face scrunching up in protest.
"She's not going to like this," Aaron murmured as he grabbed the onesie.
Y/N laughed softly. "Nope. But we have to get her dressed."
Sure enough, the moment Y/N slipped Sophia's tiny arms into the sleeves, she let out a soft, disgruntled wail.
"Shhh, baby, I know," Y/N cooed, carefully guiding her little legs into the onesie.
Aaron fastened the tiny snaps at the bottom, brushing a gentle hand over Sophia's belly. "All done, sweetheart."
Sophia responded with an adorably dramatic sigh, her little face relaxing again.
Y/N chuckled. "She's already got a personality."
Aaron smirked. "She takes after her mom."
Y/N shot him a playful glare before pressing a kiss to Sophia's forehead.
Once Sophia was snug in her onesie, Aaron carefully wrapped her in a soft white blanket, making sure she was warm but not too snug.
"Ready to go home, baby girl?" Y/N whispered, trailing a gentle finger along Sophia's cheek.
Aaron helped Y/N into the wheelchair the hospital required for new mothers upon discharge, and the nurse placed Sophia in her arms. Aaron grabbed the hospital bag with their things before taking hold of the handle of the wheelchair.
"Let's go home," he said softly.
The walk to the hospital's entrance felt like a dream. The moment they stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted them, a stark contrast to the warmth of the hospital room.
Aaron opened the car door, securing the infant car seat before turning back to Y/N.
"Alright, sweetheart. Time for your first ride," he murmured, carefully placing Sophia in the car seat.
The moment her tiny body settled against the cushioned seat, her face scrunched up again.
Y/N smirked. "She's about to protest."
Aaron chuckled. "Let's see how long it lasts."
He fastened the straps securely but gently, ensuring she was safe. Sophia let out a tiny whimper, but the moment Aaron placed a hand on her chest, she settled again.
"See? Not so bad," he murmured.
Once Y/N was settled in the back seat next to Sophia, Aaron climbed in behind the wheel, glancing at his girls in the rearview mirror.
The car ride was slow and careful, with Aaron driving like he was transporting a priceless artifact.
"You're being so cautious," Y/N teased.
Aaron shot her a look. "I will not apologize for being careful with our daughter."
Y/N grinned. "I know. It's cute."
The entire ride home, Sophia remained peaceful, making only the occasional sleepy coo. Y/N couldn't stop turning in her seat to check on her, and every time she did, Aaron reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
After what felt like the longest drive of their lives (even though it was only twenty minutes), they finally pulled into the driveway.
Home.
Aaron stepped out first, moving quickly to open Y/N's door before carefully unfastening Sophia's car seat. He carried it inside with the same precision he handled a crime scene, his expression unreadable but full of emotion.
Y/N followed, feeling a wave of overwhelming happiness as she stepped into their home for the first time as a family of four.
Aaron set the car seat down in the living room, carefully unbuckling Sophia before lifting her into his arms.
"Welcome home, sweetheart," he whispered against her tiny forehead.
Y/N felt tears sting her eyes again. Hormones, she told herself. But really, it was just pure love.
Aaron turned to her, smiling. "We did it."
Y/N nodded, stepping close and resting her head against his shoulder as she gazed at their daughter. "Yeah. We did."
They stood there for a long moment, just soaking it all in—their daughter, their home, their new life.
And it was absolutely perfect.
YOU ARE READING
Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨
FanfictionY/n is new in the BAU and she finds it hard to trust people. She has a dark past; she was abuse by her husband among other things. Time passes and she gets comfortable with the whole team. Although she is closer to Aaron Hotchner; besties we could s...
