Together

Bundle of Joy

Well, sadly, I did not name the baby after any certain member of the royal family (if you know, you know) but you all do get to finally find out what the baby's name is in this one! Yay!!! I hope you all enjoy because I like this one a lot. Comment/vote xxx
-ab

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October 1, 2026

Harper

Upon waking up in the morning, the first thing that I think of is Taylor. I wonder if her little girl has been officially born yet, or if she's still going through painful contractions and pushes.

I open up my phone to see if Patrick and I have received word from Joe yet, but we haven't.

Since Patrick is already at work for the day, I've been left in charge of buying a baby gift. I adore shopping in the baby section, as everything is so sweet and cute, so it isn't a problem for me.

I get dressed in a jumper and jeans, then eat a quick breakfast before I head out of the house to go to the store, a little place called 'huggle,' which I know Taylor and Joe have been purchasing some of their things at for the little girl.

I can't wait to know her name and see the first picture of her, and even more, I can't wait to meet her and cuddle her for the first time.

At the store, I may go slightly overboard. I pick out a few onesies, a few little hair bows, a sweet tutu skirt that I absolutely cannot resist, and an adorable little plushie. It's a panda, my favourite animal.

After purchasing everything and having the lady behind the counter wrap the package up for Taylor, I head back home.

That's when I notice a text from Joe.

Joe: Attachment: 1 image

Joe: Meet Audrie Katelyn Alwyn, born October 1, 2026 at 10:22 am.

The picture is of an absolutely gorgeous little girl curled up on Taylor's chest. She has little, wispy strands of blonde hair, as expected with Taylor and Joe as her parents, and the sweetest little face. Just from seeing the picture, I'm already in love.

Harper: Oh! She's so precious. How is everything?

Joe: Mom and baby are both doing well. Audrie is in good health and passed all of her tests right after birth with flying colours. She'll get to come home in a few days.

Harper: Congratulations! Will you be ready for visitors this afternoon? Patrick and I would love to stop by.

Joe: Tay says that would be fabulous. She can't wait for you to meet our little girl.

Harper: I can't wait to meet her either x

After setting my phone down, I decide that I need something to pass the time until Patrick gets home. Yesterday, he cancelled all of his appointments today after 14:00, in anticipation of going to visit the new baby.

I write out a little card to the family.

Taylor and Joe,
Congratulations on the arrival of your beautiful little girl. Patrick and I couldn't be more excited for you. I can't wait to watch her grow up and become an incredible young woman, as well as I can't wait to watch the two of you grow into the amazing parents that I know you will be. I'm so lucky to get to call you all my family, and more importantly, my friends. I love you both.

At the bottom of the card, I sign my name in loopy cursive, then seal it in an envelope and tape it to the package.

After I kill some time watching telly and making myself lunch, I hear the door open and know that Patrick is home.

"The baby is here!" I tell him, as soon as he walks in.

"I know," he smiles. "She's so cute."

"Come on, let's go see her!"

Patrick laughs. "Slow down. Give me a second, and we can get going in a bit, alright?"

"Okay," I reply. "I'm going to bring my things for the show tonight, just in case."

"That sounds good," Patrick nods. I gather everything, and once I'm ready, Patrick and I begin our quick trip to the hospital.

Patrick texts Joe that we have arrived, and he comes to get us in the lobby. There are some extra security precautions in place, as Taylor obviously doesn't want people who she doesn't know to come to the hospital right after she has given birth.

"How is Tay doing?" I ask as we are taking the lift up to the maternity ward of the hospital. I've heard some absolute horror stories about labour, so I know to always check up on mom, as well as the baby.

"She's good. Sore, but that's to be expected. She had a painful labour, but she told me that it was all worth it for little Audrie."

"It's typically painful," I nod. "Has she gotten any other visitors yet?"

"Abi is here," Joe says. "Her best friend from America, the redhead."

"Oh, did she come in?"

"A few days ago," Joe nods. "Tay's parents were here earlier, as well, but when Abi came, they left for a bit."

"Sounds like you'll have lots of help for the next few days," Patrick remarks.

"And we are going to need it," Joe laughs. "To tell you the truth, we are terrified for this whole 'parenting' thing."

"You'll be very good at it," Patrick assures his brother. "When I was younger, I really did look at you as a sort of second father, as we have such an age difference."

"Thanks," Joe says. After that, we find ourselves outside of the room. Joe pulls a key out of his pocket and unlocks the door. "Security precaution," he explains. Then, he slowly opens the door.

Inside, I see Taylor propped up with some pillows, holding her little girl in her arms. She looks so motherly like that, and it's a very natural look for her.

"Hi guys," she smiles at us.

I instantly walk over to Taylor's bedside, with Patrick trailing behind me.

"Oh, Taylor, she's so beautiful," I gush, looking at the little girl, swaddled up in Taylor's arms.

"Thanks," Tay replies. "Would you like to hold her?"

"Of course," I reply. I take the little bundle out of Taylor's arms and hold her in the crook of my arms. Patrick peeks over my shoulder as I watch the baby girl, still sleeping peacefully.

Eventually, I pass the baby to Patrick, who wants to hold her as well, though I don't want to part. She's so lovely.

"Oh, Tay, I nearly forgot," I say. "This is for you."

I place the package which I picked up earlier on her bed, and Taylor smiles. "That's so sweet. Thank you."

As Patrick holds Audrie, Taylor gets to open the package, which she loves, but almost as soon as she's done, Audrie starts to cry.

"Well," Taylor sighs, "time to feed her again."

"Would you like for us to step out?" I offer.

"If you don't mind, we are breastfeeding her," Taylor replies.

"That's wonderful," I say. "Come on, Patrick."

At that, him and I, as well as Abi, step out of the room, leaving just Joe and Taylor in there to feed their little girl.