Father's Day… again

"You were absolutely great. I'm proud of you, you know?"

"Cut that out, Patrick. You have no idea how I feel now".

Jane brushed his lips on her forehead. "I bet you'll feel better very soon".

She snorted. "Yeah, it's easy for you to stand there and say such things. It's me that had to go through it all, not you…"

"That's why I said I'm proud of you, Teresa".

"Fair enough".

Her glance strayed towards the door. "Where's Dorothy? Why didn't they bring her yet?"

"Maybe she's still in Kansas".

That earned him a smack on the arm – though luckily she was too tired to use her full strength.

"Please, don't be silly".

"I was joking, woman. Don't want our daughter to end up stranded in the Land of Oz anyway".

"I'm glad to hear that".

The nurse showed up a couple of minutes later – her voice as cheerful as ever. "Here you are. Your baby is as fit as a fiddle".

Lisbon frowned slightly at this wording, yet immediately focused her attention on the child.

"She's gorgeous, isn't she?", Jane remarked fondly.

"Yeah", was all she was able to breathe – as she carefully held the baby against her chest.

The nurse tactfully disappeared out of the door. She knew from experience that new parents always needed a bit of privacy.

"Sorry, how selfish of me… you'll probably want to hold her too".

Jane gave her a tender smile. "Why should I want to hold just her, when I could hold you both?"

True to his words, he sat down on the edge of the bed and put his arms around his new family.

The baby contented herself with gurgling – while her parents exchanged gentle kisses just above her head.

The sweet moment was somewhat interrupted by the buzz of Jane's cellphone.

"Wrong timing, as always", he commented dryly as he flipped it open.

Then he chuckled – much to Lisbon's surprise.

"Well, what's that?"

"It's the team, sending their best wishes to all of us. By the way, I had completely forgotten…"

"What?"

"Today is Father's day. It's a wonder how many things can change in a year".

A soft smile appeared on her lips. "Happy Father's day, Patrick".

He grinned. "Do you mind if I tell you this year's gift is much better than last one's?"

Their hands met almost of their own accord.

"Not at all".