Eddie was the last from the 118 to meet Maddie and Chimney's baby. It had just worked out that way, with Bobby and Hen able to visit her a little sooner after Maddie brought little Hope home from the hospital. Today was finally Eddie's turn to meet her. He knew Buck was at the apartment, having hardly left since she had come home, much to Chimney's annoyance.
When Eddie arrived, he was quickly ushered to the sink to wash his hands and then Maddie brought the baby to him, Chim hovering at her elbow.
Eddie could hardly believe how tiny Hope was. Looking at her small nose almost made him want to cry. She was just so little. It seemed like a lifetime ago that Chris had been this small.
"This is Hope," Maddie said. She gently placed the baby into Eddie's arms. "Hope, meet Eddie."
"Hello, beautiful," Eddie said softly, holding Hope carefully against his chest. He prodded her little fist with his finger and she opened her hand, clasping her tiny fingers around the one Eddie offered. Eddie held her quietly, content to gaze at her precious face.
"Lucky for you," Eddie said in a stage whisper after a moment, "you look a lot like your mama."
Before Chimney could protest, Buck bounded noisily into the room. "Ha!" he exclaimed breathlessly. "She's got those good Buckley genes. Here, give Hope to her favorite uncle."
"That's low," Chimney said. "Saying that when Albert isn't here to defend himself."
Buck ignored him. Eddie graciously handed the baby to Buck when he held out his arms. Hope didn't release Eddie's finger during the handoff, so Eddie stood awkwardly in front of Buck so that Hope could keep hold of his finger as long as she wanted.
"You really are a natural with her, Buck," Maddie praised. She was smiling at her brother softly.
Buck beamed. He turned his attention to Hope. "I've always loved kids. But I love you the most of anyone," he confided.
"Better not tell that to Christopher," Eddie teased. At the stricken look on Buck's face, Eddie wished he could take back his words.
"Chris knows he's always gonna be my special guy," Buck said desperately.
"Of course he does," Eddie soothed. He finally extracted his finger from Hope's chubby fist. "Speaking of, I should get going. I gotta pick up the little man from school. He's gonna be so jealous that I got to see Baby Hope first."
"Bring him over!" Chimney said. "They're gonna basically be like cousins or something. They should meet."
"I think he would love that. And then maybe," Eddie leaned in closer to Hope, switching back into a cooing baby voice, "Uncle Buck can come over for movie night. Give your mama and papa a little break from his constant presence."
"Eddie, I could kiss you," Chimney said.
"Hey!" Buck protested.
"Don't yell," Chimney replied. "You'll disturb the baby."
Buck glared at him. Eddie just smiled and stepped toward the door.
"I'll definitely come over, Eddie," Buck said. "Then I can get away from this constant persecution. And I do want to spend time with Chris."
"Okay, good," Eddie said with a laugh. "I'll go get him."
Before he went out into the hallway, Eddie took one last look back at the family inside the apartment.
Buck was still holding Hope. Maddie was right, he was very natural with her, holding her like it was second nature. Maddie had wrapped her hands around Buck's arm, laying her head on his shoulder to look down at her baby. Chimney had his arms crossed as he stood right by them, but he was smiling brightly.
If Eddie blinked away tears once he was outside the apartment, he would keep that to himself.
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