And Then There Were Three

"And then there were three."

“How do I do this? How do I tell him?” Sharna wondered as she paced back and forth in the bathroom. The positive pregnancy test glaring at her from its position on the sink counter. She and Val had been trying for months to get pregnant but the universe hadn’t seemed to be on their side. She had been to the doctors who told her and him that nothing was wrong. It was just not happening. The couple went through weeks of tears, fights, and drama until they gave up. They had decided that they wouldn’t focus on it anymore and if it happened it happened, if it didn’t, they’d figure out what to do next.

“I could call P. No, I kind of want this to be ours right now.” She said out loud. Duke and Daisy were watching her pacing with careful eyes. They seemed to understand that something was up and they were intent on protecting their mother. Val was out with Maks as they were prepping for another Our Way tour so Sharna was home alone. She had been feeling off lately and realized she had missed her period. Initially she brushed it off and pinned the feelings and period skipping to the recent amount of work she was doing for her clothing line. However something in her gut told her this was different. So she headed to the closet and dug out the box of buried tests from before and tried one.

“What do I do you two?” She said finally stopping and looking at the dogs for a minute. She had ended up retrieving the two puppies while she was waiting for the results of the test. When she saw the lines come up confirming she was pregnant, she felt her eyes well up with tears. And that’s how she had gotten to this moment because after her excitement peaked, she realized that her husband needed to be told and suddenly it all became so much real.

“You’re both going to be a big brother and a big sister. You’re going to have to be very protective of this little nugget and keep him or her safe, you know that.” Duke yipped in response while Daisy ran between Sharna’s legs.

“You both just think I’m going to let you out. Come on, let’s go outside. You two can run around like crazy puppies and I’ll figure out how to tell Daddy that’s he’s going to be a human dad as well.” Sharna said as her eyes misted over at the statement. She knew this had to be big because of how long they were trying and the disappointment they had shared. She let the puppies out and settled in one of the armchairs on the back deck as they ran around and enjoyed the summer air.

She began to look for different ideas. A lot of them included the pregnancy test however she wasn’t really comfortable with that. She just kind of thought it was gross on some level. She’d be keeping it but she wasn’t putting it in the oven or in a gift bag for Val to open. It took some time but she eventually decided she wanted to include the dogs in the surprise for him. She found cute bandanas that said “Big Sister” & “Big Brother”. After researching, she found a shop near their house that made the bandanas and she could have them customized as well. And they would do it on the spot.

“Alright you two. I’ll be back soon.” She said after she had gotten ready and headed out to the store. She found the two bandana collars quickly and purchased them. She was going to head home but decided to spend some time just browsing to kill time until Val was home. She wondered through a few shops on the street the collar shop was on before heading into a home goods store.

“Ahh!” She said as she wondered into the picture frame aisle. There was a black frame with silver lettering on it. The lettering read “And then, there were three.” She knew she needed it immediately figuring it would be a perfect additional to telling Val. She held tight to the frame and headed to the counter.

“Will this be all?” The cashier asked as she rung up the purchase and wrapped the frame in some protective wrap.

“Yes that’s all.” Sharna said happily.

“Is this….sorry, that’s not my business, that’ll be $11.42.”

“Thank you, you can ask however. And it is. I actually just found out a few hours ago. I’m going to use it to tell my husband.” Sharna said handing her the payment.

“Aww, you have a glow about you, that’s why I started to ask. Will this be your first?”

“Yes, we’ve been trying for a while.” Sharna said accepting the bag from the lady.

“Well Congratulations, it’s definitely one of life’s best blessings.”

“Thank you, so much. It definitely is.” Sharna said before taking the bag and heading out of the store. She realized she had a text from Val who asked if she wanted him to bring home an early dinner. She replied with a yes and then headed home to prep the house and puppies. She got the dogs in both their collars before trying to figure out where to put the picture frame. She knew he’d see the dogs pretty quickly so she wanted it to be near. She fixed the frame on the hall right where he normally laid his keys. She had taken the generic fake picture out and put a slip of paper in that said picture coming soon. She settled on the couch and tried to distract herself from being antsy but it wasn’t working. She breathed a sigh of relief when she heard his keys in the lock.

“I’m here! Hey you two. I missed you. Ohh did mommy get you two new collars? You both look so cute. Oh Daisy, be nice to your brother. Did you have a good day with mommy? Come here miss. Let’s get a better look at your……” Sharna heard his voice trail off and she decided to move to the hallway to see his reaction herself.

“Babe.” She said softly as he continued to look at Daisy’s collar before leaning down to check Duke’s as well. As he started to stand back up, the picture frame caught his eye.

“Princess…are you? Are we?” He asked as he sat Daisy down gently and looked at his wife.

“According to the test this morning we are. We’ll need to go to a doctor’s to confirm but….” Her rambling was halted as he crossed the hallway in two steps before grabbing her up and kissing her quickly.

“We’re pregnant.” He whispered as his forehead rested on hers. She nodded slightly as a few tears snuck out of her eyes and slipped down her cheeks.

“We are.” She said finding her voice. Val leaned forward and kissed her softly again before moving to rest his hand on her belly.

“Hi Peanut.” He said as he ran a thumb back and forth gently. Sharna tipped and leaned into his body, her head nestling into the crook of his neck as the two stood there. Her eyes caught sight of the picture frame, the words resonating even more than before.

“And then there were three.” She murmured as her hand landed over Val’s.

**That's a wrap on this little gem! I hope you guys love it! I'm hoping to be able to stockpile a little more of these shorties this week/weekend. Also traveling to Chattanooga next week which means I could either be writing extra or writing less. Let's hope for extra! Anyways, let me know what you think of this one, like it up, comment. Love you guys!

Thinking of You & Me :3

* So Here's part 3 of this story! I really hope you all enjoy this chapter! I loved writing it!! Enjoy! P.s. This one is a little longer than chapter two.* -------------            Val sat with Sharna on the bench outside of Peta and Maks LA home until amber came out looking for Val. Amber spotted them through the back door take a quick notice at how they were sitting before she opened the door walking outside.            They hadn't noticed her presence yet so she quietly walked over to them until she was standing a few feet away from them. "Val?"           Val head whipped around to find his girlfriend standing a few feet away from him and Sharna staring at them. "Hey, I'm sorry I left. I just need to make sure Sharna was okay." Amber nodded walking closer to them "She looks fine to me."            Val nodded back watching as amber crossed her arms giving Sharna the death stare as if she did something wrong.           Val kept his arm around Sharna though not moving. "Yea she is okay now. We were just coming back in to eat."            Amber watched closely as Sharna moved away from Val standing up on to her feet watching as Val did the same.           He walked over to amber gently wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "I'll see you inside Shar?"          Sharna nodded back quickly "Yes of course." She said in almost a whisper as she watched Val walk away from her with amber in his arms.         Sharna sat back down on the bench for a moment taking a few deep breaths, all she needed to do was make it through today and her feelings would go away right? Well she hoped they would disappear into thin air even though she knew that was impossible especially with someone like Val.           Sharna heard the door close, this time she noticed that it was Trevor walking towards her.         "Hey are you alright? I haven't seen you for a least forty five minutes. Do you want to leave?" He asked as he sat down next to his girlfriend wrapping his arm tightly around her shoulder bringing her into his side.            Sharna smiled laying her head on to  his chest "I'll be okay I promise. Thank you for worrying about me though."        Trevor smiled placing a kiss on the top of her head "Of course I care, your my girlfriend. So I'm always worrying."            Sharna giggled a little bit leaning closer to Trevor, "Thank you, for being here today." Trevor smiled down at Sharna "There's no where else I'd rather be."           They sat for another moment or two before Trevor spoke up, "How about we go eat?" He questioned looking down at Sharna watching as a smile appeared on her face.         "That sounds beyond amazing." Sharna giggled standing up with Trevor as they walked back towards the back door.        Trevor opened the door letting Sharna walk through first, she waited for him to stand in behind her before wrapping her arms around his waist.          "You're the sweetest." Sharna said curling into the strong arms of her boyfriend as they walked into the living room laughing together as he whispered into Sharna's ear.         "I think you're mistaking me with you." He said tapping his nose making her giggle, which grabbed everyone's attention.          Val watched them laughing together as they got their food before sitting down next to one another on the couch opposite of the one her and amber were sitting on.         Jealously flew through Val's body as he watched them together.            He shouldn't be feeling this way, his girlfriend was sitting next to him. This was Sharna he was thinking about, his sister, he shouldn't have these kind of feelings. Plus shouldn't he be thrilled that she found someone like Trevor. He was everything Sharna wanted in a man, she was beyond happy with him.             So why am I jealous? He thought as he took another bite of the pizza. Before his thoughts drifted off to years ago when Sharna and Paul had broken up. Val walked up on to Sharna's front porch knocking on the door with a pizza in one hand and some ice cream. She texted him about an hour ago saying that she really needed him and to also bring pizza and ice cream even though it was almost eleven thirty at night. A moment later Sharna opened the door with makeup running down her face "Thank God your here!" She said throwing her arms around Val's neck, almost making him drop the pizza and ice cream. "What's wrong baby?" Val asked watching as Sharna unlatched her tight grip on him back up pulling the pizza box from him. "Lets sit down on the couch, I'll grab spoons for the ice cream."          Val nodded following his best friend over to the couch watching as she sat down the pizza he brought over on to the coffee table. Sharna then disappeared into the kitchen before coming back out with the two spoons in her right hand.           She quickly made her way back to Val who was waiting for her on the couch, she sat down next to him feeling his hand come underneath her chin pushing her to look at him. "Are you going to tell me what happened."            "Paul and I broke up." She whispered before tears started to falls again, Val sighed brushing away the fallen tears. "I'm so sorry my Love." Sharna almost laughed as she reached to grab a piece of pizza handing a slice to Val as well.            "It isn't you're fault V. You're my best friend who brought over pizza and ice cream. You literally saved the day. Believe you me you're making the world a better place every pizza and ice cream party we have." Sharna said laughing as she took a bite of pizza.          Val also laughed watching as smiled at him goodness he was falling hard for her and he didn't think he'd be able to stop himself from falling anymore.          "Do you mind if I put on a rom com?" Sharna asked Val as he picked up another piece of pizza. "Whatever you feel like. Tonight's all about trying to make you smile." He said pressing a kiss into the side of her forehead.           "Yay!" She said as she pulled up her Netflix account finding her favorite rom com which just happened to be "The Wedding Planner"  this was her absolute favorite movie.          Her and Val have probably watched this movie together at least five times already, but he would watch it a thousand times if she asked him.        She started to play the movie before she decided it was time for ice cream, she grabbed the cookie dough blizzard she asked Val to bring. She took the lid off before sticking her spoon in to the ice cream taking a large bite.        "Mmmhhh", she said closing her eyes as if it was the best thing she had ever eaten. Val laughed watching as a content smile appeared on her face.           "Is it good?" He asked laughing as she shot a smile in his direction. "It's amazing babe. Thank you so much. Here have a bite."  She said handing him the other spoon watching as he took a bite of the ice cream smiling as he ate it.            "Mmhh, it is quite delicious." Sharna laughed at his response, "I told you."   She said giggling before sticking her spoon back into the cookie dough ice cream.           It was now almost to the end of the movie and Sharna was laying was her head in Val's lap as he ran his hand in her hair. It was so relaxing her so much that she may or may not have dozed off of few times in the movie.                 "Val why do we suck at relationships?" She asked opening her eyes looking directly into his eyes.        Val almost laughed at her question, "I don't know baby. We just love to hard I guess."  Sharna nodded cuddling closer to Val and his warm body.          "Why can't I find a man that like him. Someone who would cancel their own wedding because they knew it wasn't right. Someone who would chase after me if I left. Someone to love me that much."Sharna said watching Matthew McConaughey  character chased after Jennifer Lopez's character.            "You'll find someone one day that does everything you could ever imagine wanting , but they will be better than you ever pictured. They be your best friend and love you even on your worst day. They'll cheer for you on your best day and love you ever second of everyday." Val said leaning down pressing a kiss to Sharna's forehead.            Sharna smiled listening to everything Val had said to her as the end of the movie and the credits started to play. "You know V, you'll find that person one day too. She'll love you every second of every day. I just know it."          Val nodded smiling down at Sharna "You're right. How about right know I take you to the bathroom to clean up your tear stained face. Then I tuck you into bed."        Sharna smiled siting up letting val get up, he stood up quickly before picking Sharna up in his arms carrying her to the bathroom upstairs where she kept her makeup wipes.         A moment later Val had Sharna sat up onto her sink gently wiping her face clean of her mascara tears.        He eventually got all of the makeup off before he grabbed her moisturizer putting some into his hands before her gently rubbed her face with the moisturizer.        Sharna smiled watching Val "Why are you doing this?" Val almost didn't know what to say as she stared up into his eyes.        He looked down into her eyes "Because I love you too much to leave you a mess. Because your my best friend and I would do anything for you. Even if it means I have to bail you at of jail, hopefully that's never happens."        Sharna laughed before leaning forward into Val's chest "Thank you V for everything. Your my best friend and I don't know what I'd do without you."          Val smiled pressing another kiss to her forehead before he picked her back up carrying her into her bedroom. He got her all settled and tucked in, before he was going to leave.         "I'm going to go now baby, but I'm just a phone or a text away." He said leaning down placing a kiss to her temple, "Wait V please don't go." Sharna said almost in fear that if Val walked away she was going to loose her best friend.          "Okay I won't go, but I'm going to go downstairs make sure the doors are locked and all of the mess is cleaned and the lights are off. Give me ten minutes." Sharna nodded "Okay, but come back."             "I will I promise." He said before quickly leaving her bedroom heading downstairs.            Val quickly picked up the pizza box the had some slices left so he put it in the refrigerator. He then threw away the ice cream the was empty, before checking the doors making sure they were both locked.            He quickly shut off the lights and the tv before jogging back up the stairs where his best friend was waiting for him.          Val walked into Sharna's bedroom quietly making sure she wasn't already asleep "You're back." "Of course I wasn't going anywhere."  Sharna smiled watching as Val kicked off his sweatpants and t shirt before crawling into bed with her.          Sharna immediately snuggled into his chest pressing a gentle kiss to his chest "Goodnight V, I love you." "I love you too Shar, Goodnight." He said before closing his eyes gently falling asleep with his arms wrapped tightly around Sharna as she fell asleep.              "Hey babe, they're going to sing happy birthday. Let's go." Amber said pulling Val out of his thoughts. "Yes lets go." He said standing up grabbing ambers left hand as he looked around noticing that they were the only ones left in the living room.           They quickly walked into the kitchen where everyone else was waiting for them so they could sing happy birthday to baby Shai.                 *Yay! Chapter three is officially finished!! I really hope that you all enjoyed this one! Because I think this is personally my favorite chapter so far. So please tell me what you all thought because once again I love to read all of your comments! They mean so much! Thank you all for your love and support! You all are the best! - Tori*

The wedding

It had been a long time since we dated and what felt like longer still since we had an actual conversation that included more than just pleasantries. I knew that he had gotten engaged, to some random girl he met in New York, not a dancer, not a preformer, a lawyer actually and a very sweet girl. I was half shocked when I got the wedding invitation in the mail, I didn’t know why he would invite me, probably because it would be wierd if he hadn’t, or because I’m amazingly close with his brother and sister in law, as is another ex girlfriend he also invited. A funny world, a funny small world it is that we all live in.

Sharna POV I stepped out of the car cautiously, I half expected someone to run up to me saying that I wasn’t invited after all, that why on earth could I expect a wedding invitation from him of all people, that this was all a joke and I should just leave now. But that didn’t happen. It didn’t happen throughout the entire ceremony, although beforehand I was assaulted by my wonderful best friend Peta but her and Maks had matters to attend to being the family of the groom and couldn’t chat for long. It didn’t happen as they walked out of the church, holding hands, smitten looks. It didn’t happen as I showed up at the reception and ate and made small talk with some ex cast mates and friends of the bride.

So here I find myself, sitting alone at my table, not finding the courage to get up and dance or really do much of anything. When I see someone pull over a chair and sit next to me.

“Hey Shar.” I turn and look at, possibly the only other person who understands me in this moment. 

“Hey Jen, longtime no see” She looks away slightly embarrassed.

“Yeah sorry about that it’s just with everything I…” she trailed off. I understood what she meant though, her and Val had been off and on for several years before he started to date me and I always knew he broke her heart.

“I understand” she flashed me a quick smile.

“It’s wierd being here.” She said looking around the venue. “I always kind of assumed it was going to be one of us.” I looked at her getting why she has come over here.

“Me too, I just always thought he was going to get his life together and ask one of us, it didn’t have to be me, but to not even marry a dancer, she just seems so foreign” she nodded.

“I’m sure you’ve talked to Peta too but she says she’s really nice when you get to know her.” I had forgotten that Jenna and Peta were so close, once I stared dating Val I wasn’t as close to her anymore. I forgot Peta wasn’t the same way.  But Peta hadn’t spoken to me about Val’s new wife and I don’t know exactly if that meant anything, I suppose I never asked either.

“It hurts a little, not badly, not as much as it would’ve a year ago but it stings. I don’t know if I’ll ever completely stop feeling at least something for him”

“He’s wierd like that, he draws you in and makes you feel like you’re all that matter and it’s all so dramatic in the moment and when it ends it’s like a piece of you has been ripped away.” She spoke with the words I couldn’t form, as if she was reading my thoughts.

“I hope they are happy together, no matter what happened between us I want him to be happy.” She smiled and raised her glass.

“I’ll cheers to that!” We clinked our glasses and smiled. “I suppose that’s why he invited us, it’s such a big step in your life and he was such a big part of my life, it would feel wierd if he just wasn’t there” I nodded softly.

The rest of the night passed slowly, I know that Jenna left early, but I couldn't bear to follow, who leaves a wedding early?

~~~

I thought about that night in passing moments over the next years, when I felt the worst or most alone. Until three years later, I hadn’t spoken to most of the people from the show in almost five years, save for an occasional phone call from Peta every month or so. It stung a bit to no longer talk to those I was so close to, but I had new friends and I loved them. But it made a certain phone call much stranger.

One day around twelve in the afternoon I revived a call from and unknown number I vauguely recognized. It was Jenna.

“Hey Sharna it’s Jenna I had a question for you and I know we haven’t spoken since well. Since Val’s wedding but it’s sort of about that and only you can answer it.” She was calm and composed but I could hear a tone of panic in her voice.

“Hey Jen,” I said quite taken aback, she was not who I expected, “ what do you need?”

“I’m getting married today,” this conversation was getting stranger by the minute. “to Artem, I love him and he is so so wonderful, Lindsay is maid of honor, Peta, Brittany and both my sisters are my bridesmaids, I’m so happy Sharna, so happy” I didn’t quite understand why she was calling me.

“I’m happy for you”

“But keep questioning myself, Sharna I have been in love with Val for most of my adult life, he was my first true love, but I love Artem more than I have ever loved Val.” I was throughly confused at this point. “ he called me you know?”

“What? Who called you when?”

“Val, on the day he got married, he called me and asked about, well you, and me but he was talking about how much he had hurt the two of us, and that he was so sorry for everything and he told me that a small part of him would always love us and that if we said it back he would run away with either one of us. He would run from his fiancé and never look back. But I knew it was just wedding nerves, I knew that he loved that girl more than he ever loved us. It hurt but I told him I didn’t love him, it was a lie, and the hardest lie I have ever told but I knew it was right. Sharna I need you to be that person for me. No one else understands like you do. I need you to tell me that Val doesn’t love me, that he isn’t going to come back like before, that he isn’t in love either one of us. Because I love Artem and I want to marry him.”

I was shocked. Completely and utterly flabbergasted. But she was right I knew where she was coming from, Val had a grip on me for too long, so I composed myself and said, finally believeing it myself. “Val isn’t in love with us. Jenna he is not coming back for you. You love Artem. He is a great guy and you are going to be happy with him. Marry the man you love Jenna” It felt so nice to say that. I knew in my heart that I was saying Jenna’s name but it felt like I was talking to myself. If she could move on I knew that I could too.

“Thank you” she wispered and the phone fell silent.

~~~ Two years later I got a letter, inside was a baby announcement for a one “May Anna Chigvintsev”. She was a precious little girl with her mothers eyes and her fathers head, scribbled on the corner of the paper was, written in her mothers scrawl, “thank you, for everything, raise a glass to happiness”. I looked down at the little girls face, and at her bearing my name, and smiled. Before addressiging an envelope cordially inviting Jenna and Artem Chigvintsev to the marriage of Sharna Burgess and James Hinchcliffe

A/n thanks so much for reading. I have had this idea for a while now and I hope I did it justice. I’m a massive valenna stan but you can’t doubt chmergesses chemistry, so I settled for neither of them, oops. Thanks again hope you enjoyed! Xoxo R 💕💕

How long more until some chmergess fanfics?

2 Weeks!!! They're coming! and a lot of them! I promise! 

Always - Chapter 2

Ok guys, here is the next section of my fanfic. I know its a Chmergess fanfic but this chapter has no Val, its all about Sharna’s break-up with Paul which will lead into the strengthening of the Chmergess friendship & eventually relationship.

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Chapter 2 (The Break-up)

 Sharna shut her car off and started to gather her stuff from her car. Val was right, of course he was Val is always right she thought, not only did everyone completely understand but the producers insisted she take a few extra days off to spend with her family during the recovery. She smiled to herself, years ago when she decided to make the jump and move to the States she couldn’t imagine having a support system that was as close to family as her real family was to her, and she couldn’t be more grateful for those people in her life.

 As she started towards the apartment she shared with Paul, Sharna started making a mental list of the hundreds of things she had to get done; check flights, get all the last-minute things she needed for tour, pack for both Australia and the tour. She walked in to Paul sitting on the couch scrolling through something on his phone.

 “You look tired baby, long day at rehearsals?” he asked as he continued to scroll through his phone.

 “Woo called this morning they found a donor for Dad” she said.

 He finally looked up “really that’s great news”.

“Yea it is, after talking to Val and thinking about it for a while I decided I’m going to go be there with him for his surgery and a bit of the recovery for support. I’m going to check into some flights do you think you’ll be able to get some time away and come too” she asked as she walked into the dining to grab her laptop.

Paul suddenly sat up and put his phone down next to him, “you’re going to Australia? When?” he asked.

She came back into the living room and opened the computer on her lap. “Well I’m not entirely sure I have to look up flights but as soon as possible”

“For how long?” he asked.

“well I was just gonna go for a few days but after talking to Mandy and the producers they told me to take some extra time to be with my family, so probably like two weeks. I mean it sucks because I’ll miss the first few stops on the tour but its family and Val assured me they would be fine without me and the fans would understand.”

 “I don’t understand” he responded.

“Oh, Val was there when I called Woo back, I originally thought she was calling about Nan and wanted support but turns out it was good news. He suggested that I go for the surgery since its still risky and this way I would also get a chance to see Nan a bit too” she replied.

 “No, what I don’t understand is when I asked you a few weeks ago you told me you wouldn’t be able to take anytime off” Paul said.

 Sharna put the laptop on the table looked at him confused “huh”.

 Paul shifted his body so he was facing her “when I asked you to come with me to Hawaii for Rachel’s pro-bowl performance, you told me you wouldn’t be able to take time away, and now you can take 2 weeks that it wasn’t fair to the other dancers?” he responded.

 Sharna stared at him for a few seconds taking in what he said, “Paul this is different, its family”.

 “And I’m not family” he retorted angrily.

 “You know that’s not what I meant Paul, while the other dancers and the producers are ok with re-blocking a few numbers for me for my Dads surgery I don’t know if they would be for me to go on a vacation” she exclaimed “trust me I would love to go to Hawaii, but it’s just not fair to ask them to give me a vacation when everyone else has been working just as hard.”

 “But I asked you before you committed to the tour Sharna, you could have said no to them and they wouldn’t have had to re-block anything” he responded.

  “It’s just after the last two seasons I’m really starting to make a name for myself, not just my dancing but the show has made mentions of my creativity, choreography and my passion. If I keep it up like this it can lead to some other great opportunities for me. And while that’s all amazing I miss the rush of performing for me, with the show it’s all about our partners, being on tour allows the fans to get to see more of who I am”.

 “Got it” he responded “I’m just trying to figure out where I rate in all this”.

 “What is that supposed to mean Paul? You know how much you mean to me” Sharna responded upset.    

“Yeah, just not as much as your family or your job or your fans” he responded sarcastically as he stood up.

 Sharna sat still for a few seconds trying to process the conversation in her head. “Babe that’s not fair”

 “Isn’t it” he retorted.

 “No!” She was now getting angry and stood up too “We’ve been together for over 5 years and you really think that just because I decided to go on tour and not on vacation with you that I don’t love you! That’s crazy! I’m madly in love with you”

 “let me ask you something than, would you quit DWTS if I asked you to?” he said.

 “Sharna’s jaw dropped “I.. uh .. what?” she stuttered.

 “This show takes up your life you spend 8-10 hours a day in the studio practicing, then another dozen a week shooting promos and doing interviews, and even when you aren’t doing that stuff your thinking about your routine or staging. And now in your off season you’re doing tours and travelling for the show” he said.

 “But, I love what I do. I love getting to choreograph and perform every week. I’m lucky that I can do something I’m passionate about every day and get to call it a job.”

 “so is that a no?” he asked.

 “I .. I don’t understand why you would even ask me to quit” she replied “I love what im doing, I love that I can be creative and I love that my talents are being notice. I was asked to help choreograph the BackStreet Boys Residency in Vegas because of my work with Nick, why would you want me to quit the thing that is helping to build me, something that I have worked my whole life for” she said staring at her fingers.

 “I guess I just needed to hear you say that your career would always be your priority” he said softly.

 They both just stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. How did this conversation even get here thought Sharna, one second they were talking about her dad’s surgery the next minute he is asking if she would give upper her career.

She replayed the conversation in her head one more time before she finally spoke up, “I don’t understand why there has to be a choice Paul, what I do for a living has never really been an issue before why is it an issue now?” she paused for a second and that asked the question that was floating in her head. Although she already knew what the response would be she asked anyway “would you give up your career if I asked you to?”.

 The look that crossed Paul’s face told her all she needed to know and she knew what was about to happen next even though her heart wasn’t ready for it. She took a deep steadying breath, “Paul, I love you but I can’t be with someone who doesn’t want me to grow, someone who feels their wants are more important than my own. A relationship is all about compromise and I think on this issue both of us want separate things and want you want is something I’m not willing to give up, I did that once before when I got hurt and I totally lost my way, I lost everything I was and everything I am. I can’t do that to myself again”.

 Paul stared at her for a few seconds before he asked “so what are you saying Sharna, that after all this time we are done?”

 Sharna just nodded unable to get any words out, and with that Paul stood up and walked out of the apartment.

PSA: As @wonderlandmydarlingxx said in her text post .. Dear all fanfic chmergess shipper writers... write a fanfic of the beautiful holding hand chmergess moment 😍😍💞 #chmergess #sharnaburgess #valchmerkovskiy #sharnandval #valandsharna

Fix A Heart 33

Chapter 33 - All I Want For Christmas Is.....

"I'll get her." Val said as a shrill shriek echoed through Bella's baby monitor. He shifted Sharna off him just slightly before standing and heading towards his daughter's room.

"Hey, what's wrong? Come here. Daddy is here. It's alright sweetheart." Val said softly as he entered Bella's room. He scooped her up and cuddled her against him as he swayed with the little girl. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night however whether it was him or Sharna, they always tried to get her back to sleep before keeping her with them.

"Not happening huh? Let's go see mommy and we'll figure something out." Val said after a good fifteen minutes. Bella had started teething about a week ago and it had been one hellish journey for the family. She was a bit behind on actual age milestones but if you counted in her premature birth, she was right on target. Her mouth had decided that it needed to play catch up however and she was starting to cut all four of her front teeth.

"Oh no, it's going to be one of those nights huh?" Sharna said as she seen her husband and daughter return to the bedroom. Bella's tear streaked cheeks showing her exactly how her daughter felt about the situation going on right now.

"Yeah, not doing it. These teeth are going to be the death of us I swear." He said moving next to Sharna who rubbed Bella's back as well.

"Tylenol?" She suggested.

"She hates it." Val deadpanned. It was the truth, Bella absolutely hated taking medicine of any kind. Getting it in her was worse than hearing her so upset. However it did help on the rare occasions that they got it in her. They usually made that last resort however this was the 5th night that Bella was up miserable. Her teething always got worse at night and she wanted nothing more than her parents.

"I know but she's miserable." Sharna said as she took Bella who was reaching for her mother. She buried in to Sharna's chest and continued to cry.

"She is. I just hate that. Can you try her on your chest?" Val suggested. They had learned that Bella when worked up beyond belief still needed that skin to skin contact. It worked with Val but there was something about her connection to Sharna.

"I can, that doesn't always work with this. It settles her some but not enough that she sleeps. And that's what she needs honestly. These teeth just need to come through the rest of the way. Huh baby?" Sharna said rubbing her back gently.

"We just have so much coming up tomorrow with Christmas. I hate for her to have this and then have to deal with lack of sleep too. For all of us." Val said. On top of the current situation they were dealing with, the next day was Christmas Eve. Sharna's family had gotten in that night and were already at the hotel. Bella as much as she had come leaps and bounds since she was born, was still sketchy on people and preferred her parents so they knew this was already going to be a rough time.

"You're right. I know you don't want to but maybe we should try the Tylenol. I don't want to put her on my chest until after. I don't want her associating the two." Sharna said adamantly.

"Yeah, I suppose. But I agree. Here, I can hold her. Wait, when is the last time we tried it with the bottle? I know she's not sucking well but maybe it'll be enough to get it in her." Val said realizing that they hadn't tried that option for a bit. Bella had an ear infection 2 months ago and they had attempted to get her to take the Motrin by letting her take it out of the bottle. She wasn't fooled however and then the attempts to really get it in her were worse.

"Uhh..." Sharna said looking at him remembering that time.

"I know. Let's just, it may work this time." Val said.

"Okay." She nodded as she handed Bella to him and then headed to get the bottle and Motrin. She returned and the two got ready. Surprisingly, Bella took the medicine but made the worst face ever and spit the bottle out immediately after. She began to wail again into Val as he cuddled her.

"Hang on sweetheart, Momma is gonna cuddle you." Val said as he swayed as he stripped her out of her pajamas while Sharna set the bottle on the nightstand and then stripped out of her shirt. Bella's wails slowed slightly knowing exactly what this could mean. She pulled Bella into her and held her tightly as Val wrapped her blanket around her on the opposite side.

"Shhhh love, I got you. I got you. We just gotta wait for the medicine to kick in." Sharna said as Bella calmed but still cried into her mother.

"How about we go sit by the tree? She loves those lights." Val suggested. Bella had been fascinated by the lights on the tree when they got ready for Christmas.

"Yeah, will you grab a blanket? I'm gonna get cold." She asked.

"Yeah, I'll grab her teether too and elephant." Val said as he reached for the throw blanket on the end of the bed as well as his zip-up sweater. He figured Sharna could slip that on without disturbing Bella.

"Alright love. Let's go find some Christmas lights." Sharna said as she headed down to the living room. She flipped the light switch on which turned on the Christmas tree lights. Val appeared shortly after with the supplies.

"You want this?" He asked holding up the sweater for his wife.

"Mmm, let's wait, will you hold us?" Sharna said with a wink.

"You don't even have to ask that one." Val said as he settled into the corner of the couch and reached for his girls. He pulled Sharna down between his legs cocooning her back against his. He wrapped the blanket around all three of them and handed her Bella's teether. She tried to give it to Bella but she wasn't ready for it yet. 

"I know sugar, I know." Sharna hummed softly to her daughter as she ran her fingers across Bella's head. Sharna knew it was going to be a bit before the Tylenol kicked in for Bella so she wanted to try to soothe her as best as she could. 

"I wish we could explain more of this to you little one." Val said as his hand slipped around Sharna and rested on Bella's back on top of the blanket. 

"Daddy's right baby. I know they hurt but as soon as the Tylenol kicks in, it'll be better and then we'll get you some sleep. Everyone is coming to see you tomorrow. It's your first Christmas. Yours and Evia's." 

"Baba & Deda & Grammy & Pappy are here. And we're going to see Shai and Uncle Maks and Aunt Peta. Don't worry though, Mommy and I will make sure that you still feel safe little one. It's a lot of people. You know Aunt Peta and Uncle Maks though, and you love them, so that helps. And we know Shai will protect you." Val talked softly. If she couldn't have her parents Maks and Peta were probably the next best thing. Considering the families were only a few streets apart, they did spend a lot of time together. 

"Maybe Santa will bring you these teeth." Sharna said with a slight giggle as Bella finally realized that the tree was right there and caught sight of the lights. Her cries slowly began to shift to whimpers. 

"That would be a present for all three of us. I hate seeing her so miserable and knowing we can't fix it." Val said shifting them so Sharna could tuck into his chest and let Bella see a bit better. 

"Makes two of us, but for right now, I think we may have gotten her settled." Sharna said as Bella finally stopped fussing completely as she curled into Sharna and watched the lights on the tree. She knew now that she was calmer, the sheer exhaustion would take over and she'd be asleep. 

"You want to stay here until she falls asleep?" He asked once he seen what she meant. 

"Mmhmm, because as much as I want those teeth to come in for Christmas, I already have all I wanted right here. And I want to enjoy that for a bit.” Sharna said tipping he head back and puckering her lips for her husband to kiss. He granted her request without hesitation, gently kissing her before tucking her in closer and wrapping them up in the blanket. He felt the same exact way and was happy to enjoy the quiet time with his family.

** Okay, so this was supposed to be a Christmas post....but umm yeah. Life. 😂 it gets in the way peeps, it really does. So better late than never. This falls right around when Bella would be 8 months. I hope you allll enjoyed it! Don’t forget to like it up and let me know what you thought!

Fix You 32

Chapter 32 - The Sound of Silence

"Fools," said I, "You do not know: Silence, like a cancer, grows. Hear my words that I might teach you. Take my arms that I might reach you," But my words like silent raindrops fell And echoed in the wells of silence.

"Okay, mommy doesn't feel good so we have to be gentle." Val said softly as he carried Bella to his bedroom with Sharna.

"Mommy yucks?" Bella asked.

"Yes, she feels yucky." Val said as he pushed Bella's hair out of her eyes. She had just woken up from her nap and had immediately asked for Sharna. Sharna had woken up that morning feeling pretty miserable so Val had told her to spend the day in bed while he kept Bella.

"Hugs?"

"You can give her hugs. I'm sure she'd love that." Val answered as he pushed open the bedroom door. Sharna was tucked into the covers on Val's side of the bed. Her red locks spread across her face and the pillow.

"Mommy." Bella whispered softly as she curled into Val.

"Princess." Val said just as softly as he settled next to Sharna on the bed. He was careful to keep Bella in his arms until he knew his wife was awake.

"Val?" Sharna said groggily as she reached out for him. He slipped his hand into hers and left her hold on.

"Right here princess. You have a tiny visitor though. Someone wanted to see her mommy for a bit." He explained. Sharna's eyes opened and she saw Bella watching her carefully.

"Ohh, come here sugar. Did you miss me today?" Sharna asked as she moved to sit up but winced at a cramp in her stomach. Val moved Bella beside him so Sharna didn't have to go so far. She was timid at first as she took in Sharna but then moved over and curled up into her.

"Miss you." She whispered as she held her mother tightly. It was honestly the first time since she had been there that she had witnessed either of them sick. Even when she was a baby neither of them had gotten a cold or anything. And despite her protests that she was "okay," Val could see she really wasn't as well.

"I missed you too sugar. Do you wanna stay with me for a while? Maybe daddy will watch a movie with us." Sharna suggested. She had slept pretty much all morning and while she felt like she could still sleep she knew it was important for Bella to get some time in with her especially since she seemed worried and scared of the situation.

"BB?" She said pointing at the tv and then herself. They had shown her Beauty and the Beast shortly after her first birthday and she realized that her name and Belle's name were basically the same. It had quickly become the most requested movie in the house.

"We can watch Beauty and the Beast." Sharna said as she looked up at Val.

"Here, I'll put it on and then come cuddle you too. Real one or Cartoon Bells?" Val asked holding up the two boxes which had become a staple in the family's life.

"Oon." She said pointing to the cartoon box. Val got it in and headed back to the bed. He settled next to Sharna and helped her flip over before getting Bella situated as well.

"How are you?" He finally asked Sharna once the movie started and Bella was immersed.

"My stomach hurts and I feel like I could sleep for a month but otherwise." She shrugged.

"Hurts like pain or like I'm gonna be sick."

"More pain...it's weird but not constant. Almost like cramps. A little nauseous at times but only because I think the pain is working against me."

"Princess...did you take anything?" Sharna heard the Mr. Mom tone come into the picture as her husband started to play doctor in his head.

"I took tylenol. I can take it again after the movie but honestly right now I just wanna lay here with you two."

"At least you're resting." He sufficed. She grinned before slipping down a little and settling her head on his stomach.

"Will you...." The question died at her lips as she felt his fingers begin to gently comb through her hair. There were two things she enjoyed when she was sick, her husband near her and her hair played with. She enjoyed both regularly but there was an added comfort when she wasn't feeling well. The family watched the movie with Sharna dozing off and on a few times however Bella was happy to just be with her mother again.

"Alrighty, come on Bells, let's go get you changed and get you a snack." Val said as he realized it was a bit late in the afternoon.

"Come see mommy gin?"

"You can come back sugar, go with daddy. Mommy is gonna go potty."   Sharna said as she rubbed Bella's back and shifted her towards Val.

"We'll be back." Val said with a wink. He pressed a quick kiss to Sharna's head before gathering Bella up. The two headed out and sharna decided to get up and go to the bathroom like she had said. She stood up gingerly, wincing at the dull ache in her abdomen. She took a deep breath and headed for the bathroom. She did her business slowly before washing up and heading back out to the bedroom.

"Ahhh." She groaned as a more intense cramp hit her almost causing her to double over.

"It's okay, I'm okay. I'm okay." She repeated over and over as she held onto the wall. Soon after she was hit with another agonizing stab. This one did knock her to her feet. She sank to the floor and curled tightly up as she rocked trying to ease the pain. It happened again and again and suddenly she was hit with a sickening feeling. She had felt this type of pain before. She felt tears start to slip down her cheeks as vomit bubbled up in her throat.

"Prin...." Her nickname died on Val's lips as he saw the state of his wife. He quickly set Bella on the bed praying she'd stay there.

"Hurts, like before." She muttered as soon as she saw him. He was confused not knowing what she was talking about but alarmed at the same time.

"When before baby?" He said as he knelt beside her.

"Before. Rose." She whimpered clutching his body tightly. He looked at her in utter shock as he realized what she meant.

"Shar, no, you're, we're going to the hospital. I'm calling Maks." He said turning to check on Bella. She was sitting precariously close to the edge of the bed but was minorly content with her snack.

"Peta, need Peta too." She said as she squeezed him tightly, another wave of pain hitting her.

"Ok, I have to get my phone." He said letting go of her quickly. He grabbed his phone and checked on Bella before settling next to Sharna.

"Hey, what's up bro?" Maks's voice echoed on the other line.

"Umm can you keep Bella? Sharna is sick and I'm taking her to the emergency room and can Peta come with us?" Val said immediately.

"Val, what's wrong?"

"Maks, just please, yes or no?" Val said needing and wanting to just get Sharna where someone could help her.

"Yes, yes. Here or there?"

"There. Just give me ten minutes." Val said hanging up.

"Val." Sharna whimpered.

"I know princess, I know. It's gonna be okay. We just have to believe that. I'm going to get Bella's stuff and come back for you two. I'll only be a few minutes." He said pressing a kiss to her head and leaving her.

"It's not going to be." She murmured. Bella decided to come over at that point and sat next to Sharna. She wrapped her arm around her mother and just sat there. Sharna fought hard to stop her tears but it wasn't happening as they continued to slip down her cheeks.

"Better momma." Bella whispered as she curled into her mother.

"Thank you sweet girl." Sharna said as she gritted her teeth together so she wouldn't groan as another cramp hit her.

"Ok, come on sweet girl. We're gonna go visit Uncle Maks and Shai and Evia." Val said as he reappeared holding a bag. Bella looked at him confused but let him pick her up.

"Can you?" Val looked at Sharna as he was trying to figure out how to get both girls to the car without having to leave Bella alone.

"I drove myself there last time." She whispered. He shut his eyes in a silent prayer that history wasn't repeating itself and that this was some other nightmare. He held his hand out to her before getting her to her feet. He slipped his arm around her body, holding up the majority of her weight. They slowly made it to the car and he got her in the passenger seat before hooking Bella into her seat.

"It's going to be okay." Val said outloud as he looked over at Sharna. She had tucked into a ball and was whimpering every so often as silent tears slid down her cheeks. He made it to his brothers in record time. Peta was waiting on the porch and bolted to the car. She opened Sharna's door and knelt beside her best friend.

"It's happening again." Sharna whispered to Peta and it clicked for Peta exactly what was wrong.

"No babe. No." Peta said as she pulled friend into her arms. Sharna's body shook with silent sobs as she held tight to Peta. She held her until Val appeared again.

"You don't have too..." Sharna murmured trying to tell Peta she didn't have to come anymore.

"No, you'd be here for me, I'll be there for you." Peta said fiercely. She let go of Sharna and moved to the backseat before they headed to the hospital. Val made it there in record time as well.

"My wife, she's having stomach pains and she thinks..." His voice trailed off as a nurse rushed to them. He had scooped her up out of the car and had carried her in with Peta trailing behind her.

"Miscarriage." Sharna inserted where Val's voice had trailed off.

"Okay, let's get you checked out. Sir can you put her here." The nurse said motioning to a gurney nearby. Val settled her on and the nurse began to take Sharna away. She went quickly and asked for Val to wait however he wasn't listening well.

"Wait, I need...." Val tried to follow but Peta stopped him.

"Let them do what they need. They'll take care of her."

"She needs me." Val said as he finally looked at Peta, really looked at Peta.

"I know but she's going to need you even more after this."

"No, she can't be. This can't be happening to her, to us. No Peta. No. I refuse to believe it." He said angrily nearly yelling at his sister in law. She let him knowing he needed to get this out.

"She knows Val. I've never experienced it but I can imagine that's not a pain you forget." Peta said.

"Why? Why Peta? Why is this happening again? We were so careful to ensure that it wouldn't. She's going to blame herself. You know that she is. She's going to shut down. I'm going to lose her." He said as his own tears started to fall. Peta didn't have any words for him at that moment because she knew most of what he said was right.

"Come here." She said pulling him toward a row of seats. She pulled him in to one and held him. She felt her own eyes well up as she tried to figure out what to do or how to fix things.

"Mr. Chmerkovskiy." The nurse who had taken Sharna back had appeared again.

"Yes." He said standing and wiping his eyes. Peta stood with him, taking in the nurse and trying to figure out what was running through her mind.

"I'm sorry but your wife was correct, she was suffering a miscarriage. Now there's going to be some more procedures that will need to occur in the following hours but right now we do have her on pain medicine."

"I...can I?" He asked not knowing what to say or do.

"You can, you both can if you'd like. I can take you to her." She said. They both nodded and followed the lady through a maze of curtain cubicles before coming to one in the corner. She gestured that Sharna was in there.

"Is there anything we can do?" Peta asked.

"No, right now, it's up to her body. And then we'll examine her after to ensure that nothing further needs to occur. As hard as it is, just keep her calm as possible. I'll be in to check in a little bit."

"Thank you." Peta nodded as the nurse left them be then. Val stood frozen at the curtains as he watched not sure what to do.

"Val...you have to go in." Peta said as she rested her hand on the small of his back.

"I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I don't want to make it worse." He whispered defeatedly.

"You will. This is your Sharna. At the end of the day she will always be your instinct. You will know exactly what to do." She said as she gave him a gentle nudge. He took a deep breath and headed in to the cubicle. Peta went with him however stayed back letting them be. Val took in the sight of his wife laying on the white hospital bed. Her red hair messily across her face. She was curled into herself as her tears continued to fall.

"Princess." He whispered softly and her eyes lifted to meet his.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"No, babe. No. This is not your fault." He said quickly moving over to her. He found her hands and griped them tight. His eyes filled with tears again.

"I lost our baby. My body did it, it is my fault. I can't give you a baby." She said angrily.

"No, you already have. You've given me Bella. We have Bella. I know it's not the same but she is our baby. We'll get through this. I promise." He said as he tried to find the right words when he knew there wasn't any.

"No. It is my fault. You should go. I'm just going to keep hurting us both. You should leave." She said as she started to get louder and more upset.

"Sharna. No. I'm not leaving you. Yes this hurts but I'm not leaving you." Val said desperately. She yanked her hands away from him and tried to push him away.

"Yes, you should. You need to go. I want you to go. Go Val. Leave me." She said as she struggled against his hands which were still trying to hold her.

"No. I'm not leaving you." He repeated again.

"Yes. You are. I'm not worth it. This isn't worth it. It isn't fair to you." She said as the anger started to dissipate and the tears came back into place.

"Yes, you are. You are worth it. And life isn't fair. You shouldn't have had to deal with this again. But for whatever reason you are. This time is different however, you aren't alone. I'm not leaving you Sharna May. I'm not going anywhere. If you don't want held fine, if you want to be angry at me fine, if you want to cry fine, but I'm not going anywhere."  He said with conviction. He pulled a chair up and sat by her bed with his arms crossed. She glared at him for a moment before flipping over and tucking into herself. The room fell silent for a good fifteen minutes before Sharna's sobs filled the air again.

"Babe." Peta said softly as she moved to the other side of the bed. She settled on the edge and reached for Sharna. She knew there was nothing to do other than be there so she wrapped her arm around Sharna and held her tightly. She waited for her to struggle but she didn't this time. She just let Peta hold her. Val watched the two with his own silent tears slipping down his cheeks.

Peta stayed on the bed with Sharna until the nurse, whose name they found out was Tara, came back to check Sharna again. She stated that unfortunately before they could discharge her, they would need to do a D&C so they would get that scheduled in the next hour so they could get things over with for Sharna. Once Tara left, Peta resumed her spot on the bed with Sharna while Val remained in his chair. He knew why Sharna was pushing however it didn't make it any easier.

"Alright, it's time. We're going to take you to a different room. One of you can come with her if she'd like." Tara said.

"Babe?" Peta asked Sharna trying to figure out what she wanted.

"I'll go alone." She said with the most conviction she had since this whole thing had started.

"Shar, are you sure?" Peta said as she stood up watching her best friend. She didn't think that was a good idea.

"Yes." She said. Tara nodded and moved to unhook the IV and put the rails up so she could move her.

"Wait." Val said stepping forward. He had remained quiet ever since his speech wanting to respect Sharna's wishes but not wanting to let her truly push him away. He moved to the bed and leaned down to look in his wife's eyes. She felt herself tear up at his gaze.

"Val." She said softly.

"Is this really what you want? You want to go alone?" He asked as his hand came to rest on her cheek. His thumb stroked gently as he watched in her eyes.

"You shouldn't have to deal with this." She said as she tried to look away. He knew his answer then and thankfully his hand kept her head from fully turning away from his gaze.

"That's not what I'm asking princess. Do you want to do this alone?" He said again. She was silent for a minute as a few more tears slipped out.

"No." She murmured so softly that he almost missed it.

"Then I'm coming with you." He said gently. She nodded ever so slightly and left him take her hand. Tara took that as her cue and lead the two out of the room. This left Peta time to set and try to catch up on her thoughts. She spoke to Maks and updated him on what was going on. He let her talk to Shai which settled her some. She also told him that she was going to offer to keep Bella to give Sharna the evening to rest. He agreed. Eventually the two fell silent which was fine with Peta. Eventually Val and Sharna came back. Sharna was much paler this time and Val was even more shook up.

"We can go home in a half hour." He said as he settled beside Sharna again. This time however his hand didn't leave hers and she didn't try to pull away. Peta moved to the bed again and settled beside Sharna.

"Okay. I can go get the car. Do you have prescriptions or anything?" She asked.

"Yeah, but they are going to bring them in shortly with her discharge papers." Val said.

"Okay, do you need anything?" Peta asked both of them.

"Just stay." Sharna said finding Peta's hand with her free one. She griped it with an intensity that Peta hadn't felt before.

"Okay babe, we're right here." Peta said as she ran her other hand over Sharna's hair. Sharna nodded and leaned her head on Peta's shoulder as her tears started again. Val rested his head next to her belly as he griped her hand as well. The room was then filled with the nothing but silence as all three tried to figure out what was next.

And the people bowed and prayed To the neon god they made. And the sign flashed out its warning In the words that it was forming. And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls And tenement halls. And whispered in the sound of silence."    

*That's a wrap. I got nothing other than hopes that you all don't think I'm sadistic. I know I've been sucking at responding to comments lately. However my USA road trip was amazingly awesome butttt crazy busy as it would be with a 2 year old in an RV. I promise I'll catch up. Don't forget to like this up and let me know what you thought. Love you all xoxoxo

Ps. My bestie gets full credit for the amazingness that is this song for this update. Thanks babe. Love you.

Almost

"The saddest word in the human language is "Almost". She "almost" confessed her love. He "almost" kissed her. They "almost" made it." Sharna sighed as she watched the other pros spin around on the dance floor in sync to Mandy's claps. She was waiting for her turn to get her lessons but right now since she had a particular part in the beginning she wasn't in the current section. She found her gaze locked on one pro in particular, his dark hair and haunting smile making her belly twinge. She knew she needed to shake this but she couldn't help but wish she had done something about her hearts desire when she had a chance, however something always held her back. And now the chance was gone. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she missed Mandy send the group to break and that same man sit down next to you. "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?" Val said as he settled next to her grabbing his water bottle and wiping the sweat from his face. "Nothing." She said absentmindedly while her brain was screaming at her to tell him "I Love you!" "That's the biggest lie I've ever heard, I thought we were friends Sharnachka? You know you can tell me anything." He pressed further seeing the look on her face shift just slightly. "Even if it would rock your world? And mess up your entire life." She said with a look. "Wait, what?" He asked suddenly perplexed by her words. His phone started to vibrate however and when he looked down, it was Jenna calling. "Answer it, she is probably letting you know when she'll get here." Sharna said with a shrug. "Can we finish this later?" He asked as his finger hovered over the answer button. "Just answer, I'm good. Just working out dance moves. Your girl needs you." She pushed him to answer. He sighed and then answered the phone quickly before it went to voicemail. "Hey beautiful, how's it going over there?" Val said into the phone making Sharna's heart break just a little bit more. He stayed sitting next to her as he talked to his girlfriend. When he finished he turned back towards her fully intending to continue the conversation. "Alright, Val, Sharna, you're next. We've got Niall Horan on during results night. He's going to be performing "Slow Hands." And you two are going to be the dancers." Mandy explained. "I need you two in practice room 2 in 2. I'll be in with you. The rest of you, you'll continue on the opening and blocking with Adam." "Let's go." Sharna said as relief flooded her body. She realized she was stopped again. She almost told him she was in love with him. She needed to be mindful of these moments. Because one time, she wasn't going to get stopped and things weren't going to be okay between the two of them after. They didn't have much time alone after that. They spent the next 2 1/2 hours with Mandy mainly alone as they learned their routine for the song which they'd be dancing a rumba to. As Val listened to the words he could nearly groan out loud as he realized just how much it spoke to what he'd ultimately like to do to Sharna. There has always been this amazing spark between the two of them however neither of them had been single at the same time to actually take advantage of the situation. And now he was with Jenna again and he was happy. He knew she was single but she was still on the mend from her rounds with Paul as well as her last season with Bonner which had just taken everything out of her.

"Okay, Val, for the ending, I want you to lean in close to Sharna. She's going to be laying on the ground on her back with her arms up. Your body is going to balance over hers before you lay down next to her and trail your fingers up her side. Her costume will have a cut out along her ribs and you can either actually run your fingers up against her side if you're both comfortable." "Uhh." Val said looking down at Sharna's face which was just as bewildered as his. "It's up to you. I don't want you to upset Jenna." Sharna said. "It's fine. She understands the aspect of the dance. Let's just play it by ear and we'll do what feels right in the moment." He suggested. "That works." Mandy said before continuing. "Alright, once you do that I want you to caress her face and bring your lips close to hers however the song will end and the dance floor will go dark which will allow you to skip actually kissing. Got it?" "Err...umm...yes." Val stammered. "Okay let's keep going. I want you guys to get to run it a few times. Then I'll send you out to Adam to do the blocking." Mandy said. And that was what happened. They continued practicing and getting the routine and motions down before they went out with Adam to do camera blocking. The next 3 days leading up to the opening were intense with practices, camera blocking, dress rehearsals, fittings, and interviews. Finally it was over and it was opening night. The pro's opened to Demi's "Sorry Not Sorry" before Tom began to recap the previous nights dances. Slowly they worked their way through the other numbers and dances until it was Val and Sharna's turn. They moved fluidly through the number both focused on their jobs as they executed each and every move perfectly. Something seemed to click as they went into the bridge and final chorus and Val suddenly became more passionate. His movements were annunciated with an extra flare that Sharna began to match as well. Suddenly as quickly as it started the song was ending and the two were on the floor. Val's hand coasted up Sharna's bare rib cage making her shiver. He ran his fingers up her cheek before hovering close to her face. The lights went dark but he didn't move right away. He started to close the distance to press his lips to hers however the studio lights came on. Sharna looked at him in pure shock. They didn't have time to talk however since they had to do bows and then both had to switch into their last costumes for the final number. "What was that?" Val said to himself realizing he had just nearly made a huge decision. He had almost kissed her. He had wanted to kiss her. He had wanted to kiss her since he first met her and right now that sensation was stronger than ever. He thought back to when they had been sitting at rehearsals and thought back to her words. "Even if it would rock your world? And mess up your entire life." They suddenly made sense. He knew what he needed to do. He needed to tell her he felt the same way. He'd do it tonight after the show, he needed to do it. The rest of the night went smoothly and once the show was over Val was in his trailer getting ready to go see Sharna when there was a knock at his door. He moved to answer it seeing the red hair beauty standing on his steps he welcomed her in. His phone began to ring at the same time and he went to check it figure it was his parents. However it was Jenna.

"Fuck, the finale!" He murmured out loud. Somehow in the hecticness of the night he had forgotten his girlfriend was getting the results of her finale with Kiki. "Answer it!" Sharna said immediately. "Hey babe." He said into the phone. "We won! We won! We did it handsome! Kiki and I won! I can't believe it!" She yelled in his ear in sheer excitement and amazement. From that moment on a flurry of things took place. Sharna ushered Val out to see his girl and sent him on his way. She knew that what she had been planning to say was no longer important as was what he had to say to her. Peta caught her on the way to her car. "Hey, you okay?" She asked her best friend slipping her arm over her shoulders. "Yeah, just burnt. Jenna won. Did you hear?" She said leaning directly into Peta. "We did. I'm so happy for her. Maks and I were going to watch the finale. Wanna come over? Shai will be getting ready to go to sleep soon. Maybe some Shai cuddles are in order." "I think I'd like that." Sharna said fondly thinking of the little man. She stayed leaning into Peta's shoulder as they made their ways to the car as Sharna thought once again. 'We almost made it. I almost told him. He almost kissed me. We almost were on our path. Maybe our almosts are meant to tell us something. That we aren't ever supposed to be a full couple. Just an almost couple.' **Finished! Hope you guys like it! I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I was with all the love on last nights post! I had so many comments on my help post as well as last nights update that my email combined all the comments. That's never happened before! I love you guys so so much. Don't forget to like this up and let me know what you thought! I'm still on vacation so it's most likely Fix You or Begin Again won't be updated until Monday. However I'll continue these fun ones in the meantime. Thank you!!!

Fix A Heart 31

Chapter 31 - Better Place

**Disclaimer, the middle has a R rating…skip if it you don’t like it please!

I see the whole world in your eyes It’s like I’ve known you all my life We just feel so right So I pour my heart into your hands It’s like you really understand You love the way I am And ah ah ah ah ah, you’re my favorite thing Ah ah ah ah ah, all the happiness you bring But it feels like I’ve opened my eyes again And the colors are golden and bright again And the sun paints the skies and the wind sings her song It’s a better place since you came along It’s a better place since you came along  

“Alright sugar, let’s see if you can do this.” Sharna said standing Bella up by the sofa for probably the 10th time that day. Bella had been showing signs that she was going to be walking soon and Sharna was determined to witness it.

“Ahhh!” The little one shrieked in delight as Sharna moved a few steps away.

“Come on baby, come see mommy.” Sharna said holding her arms out to the little one. Bella bounced slightly and giggled but the second she let go of the couch, she plopped directly on her butt and scrambled to her mother.

“Princessssss.” Val said laughing from the hallway. Sharna had been working on this with Bella all day and he had been teasing her all day.

“Maybe we shouldn’t go tonight. What if….” Sharna said tickling Bella as she scrambled away to find one of her balls.

“Babe, we’re going. We need an us night. This is our Valentine’s Day. She’s going to be fine with Maks and P.” Val said sitting behind Sharna and wrapping his arms around her. She leaned back into them as Bella came rushing back to the two wanting in on the cuddle session.

“Mamamamama. Ug! Dadadadadada” Bella chirped as she climbed up Sharna.

“Come here love bug.” Sharna said cuddling her up tightly. “What if she walks tonight Val, I don’t want to miss it.”

“I don’t either princess but we can’t stop life because it might happen. She’ll do it when she’s ready. And honestly, I don’t think it’s going to be Maks, Peta, or Shai’s main goal tonight. They are going to be so focused on playing that I doubt the last thing that they’ll be doing is seeing if she can walk.”

“What if she misses us? She’s never been away from us for that long. And never at bedtime.” Sharna said as Bella turned around and curled back into Sharna, playing with her ball and Sharna’s hands.

“Then they’ll call us. She loves being with them. We’re dropping her off right before dinner. And we’ll pick her up first thing in the morning. If she gets upset, we’ll go get her. We’re only 10 minutes away with the exception of dinner.”

“You aren’t worried about being away from her?”

“Yes, babe, of course I am. But I know how worried you are. I also know she’s ready. She knows she’s loved, she’s not been having her anxiety moments anymore. She knows she’s safe. As much as we need this, she needs this too. It’ll show her that even if we go away we come back.” Val said as he ran his fingers through Sharna’s hair.

“Maybe if you told me where dinner was, I would be calmer.” She said with a smirk. Whenever he had come up with the idea of the Valentine’s Day date and convinced Sharna to be on board, he took charge of the planning and therefore additionally kept it all a secret. She had been trying to squeeze it out of him for days on end.

“Princess! You’re not using our daughter to swindle the location of tonight’s dinner out of me are you??” He said tickling her, including Bella as well. Her giggles filled the air mixed with her mother’s making Val’s heart swell.

“Maybe I am, but fine. You have to promise to let me check in on her.” Sharna said once the tickle fest ended.

“You know I will. Now, let’s get this one ready and then head out.” Val said laughing gently as he saw the pout on Sharna’s face. He knew she was worried about leaving but at the same time knew Bella would be great with her aunt, uncle, and cousin.

“I have to get ready too.” Sharna said attempting to delay the inevitable.

“Nothing fancy, but then I’ll take this one. Casual babe.” Val reminded her. He was taking her to a lighthouse restaurant that overlooked the ocean. It was known for its delicious food but casual attire. He figured it would be a good throwback to their lighthouse weekend during Sharna’s initial therapy sessions.

“But…” Sharna said.

“Go babe, we’ll be fine. You can check the bag when I’m done.”

“Alrighty, you go have fun with daddy, make sure he picks you cute pjs and a cute outfit for tomorrow munchkin.” Sharna said as she kissed her baby and handed her over to Val.

“I think I can handle this. Come on love bug.” Val said cuddling Bella into him. “Casual babe.”

“Okay.” She smiled as she leaned in to kiss him and Bella before walking to their room. She picked a pair of medium blue jeans with a gray sweater, gray boots, and a teal long scarf. She had a black purse that she choose as well. She assumed Val was wearing what he had on and they knew would complement each other well. He had on a black sweater with dark jeans. She straightened her hair and did her make up light. She made sure she had what she needed before going to find her husband and daughter.

“Alright little princess, so mommy and I are going to go on a date tonight. You’re going to hang out with Aunt Peta and Uncle Maks. Shai will be there too. He’s so excited to play with you all night. You’re going to sleep over there which when you are older, you’ll know is a fun word. Right now it might be a little scary because it’s your first time that you’ll sleep somewhere else without us but I promise, we’ll pick you up right away in the morning and you’ll have the best time ever okay?” Val said as he rocked Bella in her rocker. Sharna watched from the doorway smiling just enjoying the two together.

“That you will. Now did daddy pack you good stuff?” Sharna said after a few more moments of letting them enjoy their time together.

“Tell her we packed you your favorite pjs and two pairs of backups, a sweater and leggings for tomorrow and a backup outfit as well. We put in two of your books just in case even though Shai always shares and we packed your blanket and puppy and some other toys too. We just gotta grab your formula and bottles from the kitchen and a bib. We veered off from packing to have some cuddle time.” Val said with a wink. Bella gurgled in response before holding her hands up to Sharna who scooped her up and made her giggle as she pressed kisses to her cheeks.

“Looks like daddy was right, you two did handle it well. I guess it’s time to take you to your sleepover, huh? Let’s go grab those things and we’ll head out.” Sharna said as she followed Val out of the room. They gathered the remaining objects and headed to Maks & Peta’s. The drop off went well considering Bella started playing with Shai nearly immediately and forgot her parents were there. She even shrieked in protest when they scooped her up to say goodbye.

“She’ll be good.” Val said as they got in the car. Sharna had been decently quiet since they left the house. Once he was in and buckled, he took her hand before they set off towards dinner.

“I know, it’s just a milestone. And I hate leaving her. But you’re right and I am excited for our night together.” She said squeezing his hand.

“Good, I get it. I’m worried too but I want us to be able to enjoy this.” He said as he headed out of their town.

“Do I get to know where we’re going now?” She said with a wink.

“Nope, not til we are there. Right now is about us and relaxing.” He said turning the music up just a little and running his thumb back and forth across her hand. She sighed but sunk into the seat and enjoyed her time with her husband. Since Bella had come into their lives, they hadn’t had much time alone. Neither had minded because Bella was the best thing that happened to them however some good quality time alone was much enjoyed. They drove for a bit before turning on a road that ran along the bay.

“Are we going….Val?” Sharna said with a gasp. She saw the lighthouse looming head and knew where they were going.

“I thought it would be a perfect follow up to our mini vacation a while ago.”

“It is perfect. Oh my goodness, I love you.” She said happily.

“I love you too.” He said as he pulled in. He made her wait as he came around and opened her door. He led her into the restaurant where their table was already set up. On Sharna’s seat there was a bouquet of red roses.

“Valentin!” She said as she picked them up and held them.

“It’s been awhile since I bought you flowers.” He said with a wink pulling out the chair and letting her sit down. He took the flowers and placed them on the seat across from her before settling next to her. He pointed out the window where the sun was setting over the bay.

“It’s gorgeous. I love this.” She said as she leaned against his body. His arm wrapped around her as they watched the sunset in silence. Eventually the waitress came and took their orders but the rest of the evening went smoothly. Sharna checked on Bella who was sleeping peacefully in her pack & play in Shai’s room. Peta promised to alert her if anything happened over the evening but promised that Bella had been happy all evening.

“She’s good?” Val asked as she pulled into their driveway.

“She’s good.” Sharna said with a small smirk. She was waiting for Val to say I told you so but was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t.

“Good, now let’s go in. I want to make sure her momma is good as well.” Val said with a seductive wink. Additionally with the lack of quality time, they had been lacking on romantic time as well. They had become inventive at times but it seemed like Bella had a timer and knew when her parents were getting ready to become intimate. This evening however, their little timer was missing so the two would get to definitely enjoy being lovers tonight rather than parents.

“Stay here.” Val said as they entered the house. He wanted to set up their bedroom.

“Valllll.” Sharna whined and teased. Now that she had the opportunity to just be with her husband she wanted it to start immediately.

“Trust me, 5 minutes, tops. I love you.” He said kissing her before running away. Sharna groaned and sent a quick text to Peta letting her know they were home and to call their cells if needed or the house phone. She texted back to stop worrying along with a picture of Bella curled up in the corner of her pack and play. She was cuddling her puppy and her little bum was up in the air. She smiled and sent back thanks as well as loves for Bella.

“My lady?” Val said appearing in the stairwell. He held his hand out to her and she took it gratefully. He led her up to the bedroom before stopping in front of their door. He opened the door slowly and Sharna gasped in appreciation. There were candles lit everywhere and Val had strung some lights around their dresser. There was another bouqet of flowers on Sharna’s bedside table. This time it was lilies which were Sharna’s favorite. She could smell her favorite lavender bath bubbles in the air and looked at him with wide eyes.

“You’re going to?” She asked amazed. They very rarely took baths together. One, there just wasn’t time for that and two, he wasn’t fond of smelling like her lavender bubbles.

“I have no doubt that I’ll be doing that tonight.”

“Sharna May, are you insinuating…..” Val said with a look.

“Yes, yes I am.” She said as she leaned up and kissed him hard on the lips. Her tongue slipping into his mouth. He reacted quickly kissing her back just as hard his tongue battling with hers. She slipped her hands under his sweater wanting it off him immediately.

“Whoa, the bath.” He said attempting to slow her motions.

“After, it’ll still be there after. I need you.” She said realizing just how much she was craving his body to be connected with hers.

“Mmmmhhh.” He moaned as she nipped his neck. He raised his arms and helped her pull his shirt off before pulling hers off as well. Their mouths melted together again as they both furiously worked on each other’s pant buttons. Finally they were both undressed and fell onto the bed. Val slide them up as his hand caressed up Sharna’s side. His fingers making goosebumps rise all over her flesh as she shivered under his touch.

“Valll.” She called reaching for his face. He was next to her in a moment and their lips were together again. His knee pressed between her legs easing them apart so he could slide into her. He nipped her lip as he slid into her, connecting their bodies.

“Princess.” He murmured gruffly as they began to move. They went slow wanting to enjoy the feeling. Val came first but ensured that Sharna followed soon there after. The night continued with the bath, massages that turned into more love making, a shower, and a final round before the two collapsed into their bed, happily satiated and thoroughly exhausted.

The next morning Val woke to Sharna’s lips against his as her body moved overtop of him. Before his eyes were completely open, her hips descended on his and she connected their bodies.

“Holy…..” He said as his head tipped back in appreciation at the motion. She leaned back allowing him to fill her fully as she groaned as well. His hands found her hips and helped her keep her position as they started to move against one another. Due to the spontaneity of the experience, Val didn’t last long at all and with the new position, Sharna came almost immediately with him as she felt him fill her. She collapsed forward on his chest attempting to catch her breath. He went to slip out of her but she stopped him.

“Just, stay.” She said between breaths. There was something so intimate about remaining connected like that. She knew it couldn’t last long but she wanted to enjoy it while she could.

“Someone was very fiesty this morning.” Val said once his breathing calmed and he ran his hands up and down her back.

“Did you not like it?” Sharna asked sassily.

“Oh, no babe, I loved it. Best way to wake up.” He said tipping her chin up to press his lips to hers.

“Definitely.” She said as her phone vibrated on the night stand. Val reached for it and handed it to her. She slipped off his body and tucked into him.

“P? Bells okay?”

“Yeah, it’s P. She said they are all up and Bella is fine but asking for us. We should probably go soon.” She said as she texted Peta back that they’d be there in less than a half hour.

“Half hour….that mean you’re showering with me?” Val teased. Sharna giggled and then left him in the bed heading to the bathroom in all her glory. Once she got to the doorway, she turned around and gave him the come here look. It took him all of 2 seconds to leap from the bed and join his wife in the shower.

*************************************************************************************

“Ahh, there’s my little sugar, come here baby.” Sharna said as she and Val appeared in Maks and Peta’s kitchen. Bella was in Shai’s old high chair while Shai sat in Peta’s lap helping feed her. Evia was in Maks’s arms eating her breakfast as well.

“Mamamama!” Bella shrieked happily when she saw Sharna and Val in the doorway. Shai jumped off Peta’s lap and bolted for his aunt and uncle.

“Aunt Sharna! Uncle Val! I helped with Bella & Evia! They were both really good.” Shai said as Sharna caught him in her arms.

“Thank you, I’ll bet you were the best helper ever.” Sharna said as she moved over to her daughter.

“I was. Momma said I’m a great baby sitter.” Shai said proudly.

“That you are, but I’m thinking Aunt Sharna might wanna say hi to Bella. And I think Bella might climb out of the highchair if we don’t let her get to her Mommy.” Peta said stealing Shai back into her lap as he giggled. Sharna unhooked the high chair top and scooped up her girl.

“Ohh, I missed you sooo much!” Sharna said as she cuddled her in tight. Bella began to babble in Sharna’s face, her arms flying.

“I think she’s telling you what we did Aunt Sharna.” Shai said watching his cousin as he giggled.

“What about me little princess? Did you miss me too?” Val said appearing behind his wife. Bella’s eyes grew wide as she shrieked again and dove for her father. Val caught her easily. She cuddled into him for a minute but then began her rambles all over again. The group laughed at the excited little one. Evia started to yammer as well and it seemed like the little ones were telling their own stories. The group relocated to the living room to hang out for a bit before Sharna and Val needed to head home.

“Alrighty, tell Aunt Peta thank you.” Sharna said as she put Bella’s coat on. Val was with Maks and Shai as Shai showed him one of his latest Lego creations. Bella kept up her senseless babble, throwing some words in there that sounded like Thank you.

“Ohh, you’re welcome. You can stay here any time.” Peta said stealing the little one and cuddling her.

“Tell her, she’s gotta come help Mommy get all the stuff for you birthday.” Sharna said with a wink as she took Bella back.

“Ahh, I can’t believe she’s going to be 1!” Peta said as she made sure she had everything in the bag for Sharna.

“I know! And the party is in 2 weeks, there’s so much to do.” Sharna said as she cuddled Bella who was getting sleepy against her.

“Well, you wanna plan to go get stuff tomorrow? Maks can keep Shai or his parents can. I may have to bring Evia though.”

“That’s fine. Bells will probably come with me. No offense cause I trust you guys but leaving her the first night was a bit rough.”

“Oh, I get that. I’m not looking forward to the first night with Evia. It helps that it’s with people you trust but still.”

“For sure. Val and I will be happy to keep the little monkey whenever you decide you’re ready. And tomorrow sounds great. I have a list all ready. It’s mostly basics and décor. Val and I talked, I’m going to have it catered. So on our end it’s going to be decorating, and preparing the house especially with everyone coming in.”

“That’s easy, we can help with that too. You have room for your parents right? We have two extra rooms so if Maddy or Kirby or anyone needs a room.” Peta reminded her.

“Right, that’s perfect. If you’re good with it, I may tell Maddy. Her and the kids and Jeff would probably be the easiest. Especially since you have 2 rooms.”

“Yeah, we’re good with it. I already told Maks that I was going to offer and he said he was going to tell Val too. His parents have room too if Kirby wants to stay with them. We all have room so there’s no sense in people paying for hotel rooms unless that’s what they want. I know it’s hard being with strangers too. But we’ll all be together for the majority of the time anyways.” Peta said shrugging.

“Thanks, I will let them know for sure. I know none of them have much money and we’ve offered to help but they all want to come and yeah.”

“It’s perfect timing honestly. They are coming for her party and everything. It works so well. I’m glad they are able to do it.”

“Me too. I just want it to be the perfect celebration of her.” Sharna said as she rubbed Bella’s back. She was pretty much out at this point.

“It will be. I promise.” Peta said smiling at her best friend.

“Are you….ohhh…looks like someone is out.” Val said as he saw his daughter.

“Yeah, she passed out when we put her jacket on. Let’s hope the car transition isn’t too bad.” Sharna said. Bella had never been a huge fan of the car. She tolerated it but waking her up during nap time to be put in the car spelled disaster.

“Is taking her coat off easier?” Peta asked softly.

“Typically….” Sharna trailed off confused.

“Why don’t you guys just hang here for a bit? Val you were going to home to work on class stuff right? You can use the study if you need. Shar we can figure out a game plan for tomorrow. We’ll just do dinner here.” Peta suggested. Sharna looked at Val to see if he minded and shrugged.

“Works for me. I just have to finish up the details for the spring promos. Most of it’s in my emails.” Val said.

“Looks like we’re staying. You sure you don’t mind? Did you guys have stuff to do today?” Sharna asked Peta.

“Nope, it was going to be a quiet day here. It’s perfect, I promise. And it’s the weekend.” Peta reminded her.

“Okay. Val, will you help me?” Sharna said not wanting to leave Bella in her coat the whole time. He helped her get the coat off the little one and then headed to the study to do his work. Peta sent Sharna to the living room to settle with Bella while she let Maks know what was going on. Then the two girls spent the next hour and a half figuring out everything they needed to pick up the next day. Sharna had settled on a Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star birthday. She had been looking for different baby themes and came across that one and fell in love. So they were going to be getting lots of star themed things with pink and gold accents. While she was having the party catered and the cake made, she wanted to do a lot of the rest herself. Thankfully Peta was more than happy to help.

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The next two weeks went by quickly and family and friends started arriving for Bella’s birthday. They were all so excited to meet the little one or see how much she had grown since they had seen her last. Sharna was proud of her little girl. She was handling all the new people and chaos so well. She liked to know Sharna and Val were in the room when she was meeting new people or even when she was playing or exploring but she was in such a different place than a year ago. It was quite the miracle for Sharna to see.

“Go get mommy, go get her Bells.” Sharna heard Val’s voice the morning of Bella’s birthday. She felt the bed dip slightly beside her and then felt her daughter next to her.

“Mamamamamamama. Up. Up. Up.” Bella’s voice echoed as she patted Sharna’s cheek and tugged at the covers.

“Who’s waking me up?” Sharna said as she snatched Bella and began to tickle her. Bella’s giggles filled the room as her mother’s fingers worked their magic. Finally she relented and just pulled Bella into her lap as she cuddled her.

“Here’s her bottle.” Val said as he settled in next to the two. He had headed off to go make the bottle after Sharna had started the tickle session. He figured they could use some family quiet time before they day started and everyone was there.

“Ohh, yeah. Good idea. Here you go sugar. It’s your birthday. I can’t believe you’re one year old today!” Sharna said as she gave Bella the bottle and then adjusted her so she was snuggled into her. She looked at Val with a sad look and he moved over cuddling both his girls.

“I know, it’s kinda crazy. This past year went so fast. We didn’t know if you’d even be with us right now but you are. You’re right where you belong little princess.” Val said as he ran his finger along her cheek. She reached out and grabbed it holding it tightly in her hand.

“That you definitely are. I can’t imagine you being anywhere else.” Sharna said leaning down and pressing a kiss to her head.

“I figured we could use some us time with her before everyone got her and it got chaotic.” Val explained. They were having her party that day with the celebration early that afternoon but the family would stay for the day. While everyone was in town they had some things planned to do as a group. They were slightly limited since they were at the end of February.

“Definitely. Everyone is coming over to love you up and celebrate you but mommy and daddy need some special time first. Then we’ll let you play while we finish up. I’ll bet Grammy Woo & Pappy will play with you while we do that. Then everyone will be here and you’ll get presents and your cake.” Sharna said as Bella watched her intently. Her grip on Val’s hand still firm. Since Bella had been so anxious from the beginning, Sharna had started just explaining things to her. Whether she knew what was going on or not, she felt like it was a fair thing to do and something she wanted to continue as she got older. Val teased her at first but then saw the benefit in it himself. Sharna had since caught him doing the same thing. Much like when he talked to Bella before their night out.

Once Bella finished her bottle, Sharna and Val let her play on the bed with them for awhile before they headed downstairs. Woo and Ray were already at the counter having coffee. Bella yelped happily and squirmed in Sharna’s arms. She put her down and she scrambled right over to her pappy who was more than happy to pick her up and give her loves. He and Lucy then took her to the play room so Sharna and Val could start getting things ready. Since they were having just close family and friends it only amounted to about 30 people so they decided to stick to the house. It was easier as far as Bella’s needs as well as Peta with Evia as well. They just had some furniture rearranging to do. Maks and Peta came shortly after. Shai bolted to the playroom already loving time with his adopted grandparents as well. Evia stayed tucked against Maks in her carrier. She was definitely a daddy’s girl. The guys worked on the furniture while Sharna and Peta did the decorations.

They used the kitchen table for what would be the food station. Peta and Sharna covered the table with a gold table cloth and then draped a ribbon of pink, silver, gold, and white stars across the front. They were using the counter for the cake and favors. They used more of the tablecloth and star ribbon there as well. Sharna had also gotten a sign made that describe all of  Bella’s favorites, milestones, and personality. They put that at one end. The cake which was three layers, the bottom with white icing and gold & pink stars, the middle one with gold glitter icing and Bella’s name, and then the top which slid off to be Bella’s smash cake was light pink with gold stars making a path up the side. On the other side of the cake were the favors. Baggies of star themed cookies tied with a ribbon and a tag that said “Thanks for making my party sparkle! Love Bella.” They put a table along the patio doors for presents. Sharna had found a decoration on Pinterest that she loved. The start said “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, I’ve grown so much and come so far.” After the initial saying there was a star with a number for each of the twelve months of Bella’s first year. Sharna printed pictures to signify each of those months. Finally they did the area for Bella’s smash cake. Sharna had found a tulle skirt for the highchair that used light pink tulle with gold stars and had the word One written on it. Behind the chair they hung star streamers from the ceiling.

“We good princess?” Val asked once it felt like they had completed all their tasks.

“I think so. We just have to get dressed and the birthday girl dressed. Dad said he’ll go after the food which should be now. I wanna give Bells a bottle first so she’s at least happy in that regard.”

“Okay, well let’s go relieve your parents and get Bells. You wanna feed her while I get dressed?” Val asked knowing Sharna probably wanted to have a little bit of downtime with her baby.

“Yeah, P you guys good?”

“Definitely. I need to feed Evia and hopefully get her to nap. Shai can play on the iPad.”

“I’m gonna ask your dad if he wants a buddy.” Maks said.

“Thanks. He’s usually great at directions but just in case.” Sharna said appreciatively.

“And momma and papa and baba are coming soon. Nic just texted, that group will be here right after one. She said Colby was a bit fussy so they are running a bit behind.” Val said looking at his phone for the first time all morning.

“Perfect, we’ve got time then.” Sharna said and Val could see the nerves wearing on her. He knew she wanted all this to be perfect and it would be. She just needed to relax to enjoy it.

“I’ll go relieve your parents princess. You go get the bottle ready, I’ll meet you in Bells room.” Val said. Everyone split then to their tasks and jobs. Sharna made Bella’s bottle before heading to meet Val in the bedroom.

“There’s my little birthday girl.” Sharna said gathering the little one up in her arms. She cuddled Bella close as she felt her eyes fill with tears.

“Princess?” Val asked looking at her in concern.

“It’s just a big day. I’m alright. I, just, there was a time when I thought we’d never have this. Celebrating a first birthday, ya know? And not only is it her first day but it’s the day we met. And I know we didn’t know she’d be with us forever then but it just, it’s a huge anniversary.” Sharna said as she settled in the rocker and let Bella cuddle into her before giving her the bottle. She took it appreciatively as she reached up and held Sharna’s hand as well. She had long since learned to hold the bottle but preferred to hold her parents or feeders hand instead.

“I get it babe, I just want to make sure you’re enjoying it. As special as it needs to be for her, it’s just that special for us too. Like you said there was a time when we thought this would never be an option for us. Don’t let the overwhelming feelings take over the importance of the day.” Val said as he bent down beside his girls.

“I’ll try. I promise. I think once the party is going and we’re in the moment, I’ll be calmer. And if not, I know where to find you.” Sharna said with a wink.

“That you do.” Val said pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I’m going to go get ready. I’ll be back shortly.”

Sharna nodded and cuddled Bella in closer. She was going to talk to her but after a few moments decided to just enjoy the time and reminisce on the past 12 months. Eventually Bella finished and Sharna burped her before returning to cuddling the little girl. Val appeared soon after and they got Bella dressed in her birthday outfit. She had a white onesie with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on it with a pink 1 in the background. It was accented with gold stars. There was a tutu made of various ribbons   and tulle. There was also a gold bow headband but Bella refused to leave it on so they gave up on that. She was only staying in this until after her smash cake. And then rather than putting her in an outfit, they had star pajamas for the rest of the day.

“I think everyone is here. Are you ready to celebrate your birthday little princess?” Val asked as he waited on Sharna to finish up her makeup. Bella babbled in response.

“I’m ready.” Sharna said appearing in the bedroom. Val nodded and they headed downstairs. The party went off without a hitch. Everyone had a great time. Bella loved being loved up but all her family members and friends. She loved all her new toys but particularly loved a set of Mickey and Friends characters that Shai had picked out for her. Ironically Lily had picked out a princess set as well. All the kids with the exception of Evia actually sat on the floor and played with the figurines. Cake time was a bit sketchy, Bella hadn’t liked the stickiness of the icing on her fingers however as soon as she realized how sweet the sticky stuff was, she got over that quickly. She shared with her parents at first but then set herself on eating the rest of the deliciousness on her own. When it was time to clean her up, she shrieked in displeasure. The rest of day went extremely well. After the initial party was over, some of the people left however the majority of the family stayed. The kids continued playing and the adults enjoyed the time together.

“She asleep?” Val asked softly as he appeared in Bella’s room later that evening. Everyone had headed out for the day and they had gotten Bella ready for bed. She was extra clingy to Sharna that evening so she decided to rock her a little before tucking her in her crib. Typically once they laid her down, she fell asleep on her own. Sharna decided that all the extra excitement of the day had just thrown the little one off of her regular schedule.

“She is. I just, I wanted a little more time.” Sharna said as she ran her finger along the dark curls on Bella’s forehead.

“I figured. Sometimes these are the best moments to soak her in.” Val said agreeing. Rather than asking if she wanted to tuck Bella in together, he pulled the footrest beside his wife and settled in as well. The whole day while full of perfection had been quite a roller coaster so these quiet moments together as a family were ones that he cherished the most.

Cause it feels like I’ve opened my eyes again And the colors are golden and bright again There’s a song in my heart, I feel like I belong It’s a better place since you came along It’s a better place since you came along  

**That’s a wrap peeps. It looks like Option 1 wins! Final counts were as follows: Option 1 had 10 votes, Option 2 had 6 votes, and Option 3 had one vote, so this is counting as 1 of your 2 Fix You updates. Remember, like I said, that’s worst case. If I squeeze more out of me or if life is less hectic than I think, you may get more. :) this one was very calm and undrama filled which can only mean that drama looms in the future for our favorite couple. Muwahahaha!  Don’t forget to like this one up and let me know what you thought. Love you all!

Fix a Heart 30

Chapter 30 - Best Day Of My LIfe

"What does an 8 month old wear for Halloween?" Val asked as he collected Bella out of her car seat. They were going Halloween costume shopping for the annual DWM Halloween party.

"A ladybug costume." Sharna said matter of fact as if it wasn't even a question.

"Oh, well then. And what are we being? Are we matching?" Val said as he settled the sleeping baby on his shoulder and wrapped her favorite blanket around her.

"I was thinking superhero-ish. And semi matching. Maybe couples?" Sharna said as she gathered the diaper bag.

"That works. So we know what we want for her and for us, we're just kind of hunting."

"Yeah, stroller?"

"Nah, She's out and I don't wanna risk moving her again. Unless you want it for the diaper bag."

"I'm good." Sharna said and then they headed into the costume store looking around. Sharna didn't need much for Bella at the store since her costume was going to be a black onesie with a red and black tutu and a headband.

"Spiderman." Val said seeing the costumes for the famed superhero.

"That's what you want for you?"

"What if that was both of us? There's different versions of Spiderman and so that way, you could be like one version and I could be a version. And plus it would get you into that sexy suit." Val said raising his eyebrows at his wife.

"You'd have to behave alllll night long." Sharna pointed out.

"Oh, as long as I get rewarded later in the evening, I definitely can make that happen."

"We'll see about that."

"Wait, does that mean you're on board?" Val said excitedly.

"If we can find the costumes, yes." Sharna giggled as Val kissed her before moving to look for the costumes they'd need. He was definitely excited about this year's plans. And considering some of the things he had agreed to be in the past for her, she was more than happy to let him take the lead on this one.

"Found them! I'll be black and you can be original." Val said presenting her with the two costumes. Hers was more sleek and form fitting while his was a little bulkier.

"They come with masks? That might scare the munchkin."

"They do but they aren't attached so we don't have to wear them. I think the suits will be enough. And now I have an idea. Will you hear me out on this one?"

"Oh boy, no conversation starts out good like that. But yes, I'll hear you out." Sharna said as she wondered through the aisles figuring she could get some ideas for the future.

"I think Bella should be a Spiderman too. We'd all match and it would be so cute. They had a little Spider-toddler outfit back there and it would be so cute babe. It came with a little mask which she wouldn't wear but it would be so cute. The bottom was a little sparkly skirt and the top was like a long sleeved onesie. I know you wanted a ladybug but can't we dress her up as a ladybug for trick or treat night?"

"Babe, we aren't even going trick or treating." Sharna said laughing. She didn't mind changing Bella's outfit but at the same time it was fun to give her husband a little bit of a hard time.

"Well no, but we're passing candy out and it's her first Halloween so we can dress her up for that. That way she matches us for the party and then she still keeps your idea.

"I mean.....I guess so." Sharna said turning her back to him so that he couldn't see the smirk on her face.

"Nevermind, it's okay. We can just keep her a ladybug." Val said slightly defeated.

"You are way too easy mister." Sharna said spinning around with a grin.

"Princess! Were you trying to trick me?" Val said in astonishment.

"Never, I would never do that to you." Sharna said heading towards the kids section where she found the costume her husband had been talking about. She searched for a few moments and found one that would fit Bella.

"You're doing it?!"

"Yeah, the ladybug was just something I found that I thought would be cute, nothing special or anything. I just wanted something easy that wouldn't aggravate her especially since the party cuts into bedtime hours."

"Makes sense, so you're okay with this outfit then? It's still pretty simple."

"Yeah, and we'll just find her some Spiderman jammies to take with us. If she gets cranky and we wanna change her to something cozy."

"Good plan, let's go do that now and then I'll take my two girls out to dinner." Val said with a grin as Bella started to wake up. The two kept going, getting the things they needed before checking out and heading to the mall to finish up.

The next two weeks flew by as it always seemed and it was finally the night of the party. Bella had just started rolling so Sharna got her dressed first before settling her under her entertainment center and moving to get dressed and do her hair. Peta and Shai would be coming over soon so they could go together. The guys were already there to help with the finishing details.

"Alright Spiderbaby, let's go wait for Aunt Peta and Shai-Shai." Sharna said gathering her little munchkin up. She thought for a second and took a quick selfie in the mirror before sending it to Val.

'Your Spider-Girls are ready for you. See you soon babe, we love you.'

"We're hereeeee!" Shai's voice yelled loudly up the steps making Bella startle slightly.

"It's okay sweet girl, it's just your cousin. He's excited to see you and for the Halloween party." Sharna said as she rubbed the little girl's back. She headed down the stairs to find her best friend and nephew waiting in the kitchen. Peta was attempting to keep Shai from charging up the stairs.

"Oh my dear goodness, you are sooooo cute!" Peta said immediately seeing Sharna and Bella.

"Why thank you?" Sharna said teasingly even though she knew Peta was talking to Bella. She let her scoop the little girl up from her and cuddle her. Bella fussed for a few moments reaching back to Sharna.

"Uh ho, what's wrong bug?" Peta asked as she danced her a bit.

"She's been fussy for the last 10ish minutes. I don't know what's wrong. Huh sweetie, nothing happened, she's been playing while I got ready and then was good while I dressed her."

"Hmm, just a grumpy bug right now." Peta said before handing the little one back to Sharna. She snuggled into her mother but continued to fuss.

"Well, this could be an interesting evening." Sharna said as she swayed slowly with Bella. The little one was very rarely grumpy so this wasn't something they dealt with often.

"Aunt Sharna...." Shai said pulling on her hip.

"Oh my god, I have a toy Woody talking to me!" Sharna said leaning down to take in her nephew. She held her hand out and he took it letting her spin him. "You even have a pull!"

"Isn't it awesome? Momma is Andy's mom! And Daddy is....well, he's Andy's dad. We don't really know what he looks like but he still is him."

"You all look awesome! And Evia even gets to participate!"

"She does, she's just hiding. It's right when Andy found out that he was going to have a little sister but I'm different cause I'm excited. Well I'm not really Andy. But she's still my little sister."

"Exactly. She'll be here before you know it." Sharna said looking up at Peta who was wincing at the moment.

"27 more days!" He said.

"Well, we hope. You okay P?" Sharna said as she watched Peta.

"Yeah, Evia is just extra active today and has been leaning against my back. I'll be okay. I just might need to sit out a bit on the dancing side of things tonight."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I promise, come on, I think we need to get going." Peta said effectively changing the subject but Sharna knew better. She planned on making sure Maks knew something may be up. She went and grabbed the diaper bag with had a Spiderman sleeper in it for Bella incase she was over the costume and sleepy. That was most likely since her bedtime was typically in 2 hours and the party wasn't over til 3 hours later. Then they headed out. Peta didn't stop wincing while Bella didn't give up her protests especially when she was in the carseat. Shai tried his best to settle his cousin but it wasn't happening. Finally they arrived and headed in to find the guys.

"There's my Spidergirls." Val said appearing. "Oh my goodness and Woody!"

"Hi Uncle Val!" Shai said high fiving his uncle before heading off to find Maks. Peta sighed and followed after him.

"Uh ho, someone doesn't look very happy." Val said reaching for Bella.

"Yeah, the whole about last hour she's been like this. I don't know what's wrong." Sharna said as  she rubbed Bella's back while she snuggled into Val. Her little hand fisted into his top as she gripped him tightly.

"Hmm, she's a little warm. But you've said she's been upset so that could be why. Hopefully she'll settle." Val said automatically swaying.

"Let's hope. Umm, and I need to talk to Maks. Peta was wincing and stuff and she blew it off but I don't know. I just have a funny feeling about it."

"Okay, well, I don't think letting him know at any cost hurts. That girl is stubborn as they come." Val said shaking his head. He took the diaper bag off Sharna and led her back to where Maks was in the back office.

"Babe are you sure you're alright?" Maks was asking as the three walked in.

"She's been doing that since before she got to our house." Sharna inserted quickly.

"BABE!" Peta yelled in frustration.

"Hey, I just worry, that's all. I'm just glad he caught it too. I'd rather be worried about nothing than not care and it be something." Sharna said with a shrug.

"Whatever. I'm fine though. I promise. Both of you. It's just braxton hicks and Evia is pressing more on my back than usual." Peta said with another grimace.

"Only because I know you, I'm going to make you a deal. If you are still hurting at the end of the night, you let me take you to get checked." Maks said.

"Maksim, that's not fair. You know from experience that this happens and it could be nothing."

"I'm going to go out on a limb here and just say, I think you should agree to Maks's offer. You are really pale P." Val inserted.

"Fine whatever. If I'm still hurting at the end of the party, then you can take me. Let's go do this red carpet. My bug over there isn't going to make it much longer." Peta said.

"Yeah, I think we may have to do the carpet and then pajamas. Sorry babe." Sharna said knowing Val had been excited about the family Spiderman theme.

"It's okay. She's in it. She's adorable but I'd rather her be happy." Val said. The group went and did the carpet which was always fun especially with Shai now. He hammed it up for the photographers which were just hired by the studio. The carpet was just something fun and to have photographs of the event. After the carpet, Val and Sharna changed Bella who seemed to settle a tiny bit. The night wore on and Bella slept on Val. Finally it was over and everyone was heading home. Peta was feeling less pain so Maks conceded to just taking her home with the concession that she would solely rest tomorrow.

Sharna and Val got Bella home and tucked into her crib before they headed to bed themselves. They didn't get to sleep long though when an upset Bella woke the two up.

"I'll get her." Val said attempting to get Sharna to go back to sleep. However the cries Bella was giving weren't her normal love me, I'm sad cries. They were more scared and unhappy ones so Sharna followed her husband into Bella's room.

"What's wrong miss?" Sharna said softly as Val snuggled her in with her blanket. She continued to cry. o tried everything however the little one wouldn't settle. They finally took her temp and realized it was a bit high so they gave her a little Tylenol hoping that would help.

"You know, she could be cutting a tooth...." Val said as he realized that while crying, Bella was also chewing on her finger. Bella hadn't cut any teeth yet which they said wasn't too big of an issue just that she may cut a bunch all at once which would not be fun for the family.

"I didn't even think of that. Is that what's wrong baby? Are you getting your first tooth?" Sharna said as she ran her hand down Bella's head. She was currently snuggled into Val's neck, holding her lovey, wrapped in her blankie, and chewing her finger.

"I think that may be the culprit. She's never like this."

"You're right. Well the Tylenol should help her for awhile. Why don't we just keep her tonight? I'll run down and get a teether for her. I'll bet once the Tylenol kicks in, she passes right back out. We've never had trouble with her sleeping." Val agreed and took Bella to their room to settle in while Sharna went down for the teether. She fully expected them to be snuggled into the bed when she came back however Val was pacing the room while on the phone.

"Yeah, definitely, bring him over or would it be easier for us to come there. Yeah, no I know. Definitely alright, I'll see you in 20."

"What's wrong?" Sharna said immediately as she walked to her loves. She handed Bella the teether and she shoved it in her mouth and nearly sighed in relief.

"They are pretty sure Peta's in labor."

"What? Val, it's too early. And by pretty sure how pretty sure are we?"

"Umm, her water just broke. Now it is early but she's surpassed what would be the safe stage. At least that's what Maks says. Evia's lungs are developed and everything. She just may want to meet all of us early."

"Babe....." She said softly and it clicked that she was probably thinking of Rose.

"It's going to be okay princess. That's not happening again. Peta's safe. Evia's safe. They are going to the hospital and all the doctors and everyone will make sure of it." He said pulling her into him and Bella.

"You don't know those things. Anything can happen." She murmured.

"I don't and it can but we aren't going to think like that. Okay?" He said holding her tightly as he rested his lips on her head.

"Okay." She whispered, clinging to him.

"They are bringing Shai to us. And he is quite upset because well he's scared and he knows Halloween is in 2 days and he wanted to do the whole family trick or treat. Maks warned us we might have our hands full."

"Well, I mean I don't blame him and he's only 4 so that's hard. We already have this one with us so we might as well just keep him with us too. We can just put on a movie and treat it like a sleepover." Sharna suggested. They had a guest room and usually when Shai stayed with them, he at least started there in the evenings but tended to end up with them at some point.

"That works. Why don't we lay this one down before we go get him. I'm afraid he's going to be miserable and wake her up." Sharna nodded in agreement. They settled her in the middle of the bed and tucked pillows on either side of her before heading downstairs. Val settled the baby monitor on the end table before settling on the end of the couch and pulling his wife into him.

"I know what you said is the truth but I can't stop from worrying." She whispered into his chest.

"I know princess. And that's normal. I think you're going to worry more than most people would since you have a history with Rose but there's nothing wrong with that. Just don't let it consume you. And I'm right here if you need to talk or vent."

"Thank you for understanding." She said as she snuggled in a little tighter. There were so many people growing up or just in general anytime that she was nervous and they blew it off or told her to stop worrying. Even before she had everything happen with Paul she had been a general anxious person and it never failed to aggravate her when people more or less told her to get over it. It wasn't like one could just shut off this lingering buzz, it was just there and she was learning to deal with it. Thankfully, that wasn't something Val had ever done to her and she appreciated it more than anything.

Maks and Shai appeared in the living room then. Shai clinging tightly to his father as tears continued to stream down his face. Sharna and Val both stood up quickly moving to the two.

"Hey, how is she?" Sharna said as her hand rubbed Shai's back gently.

"A nervous wreck. Her contractions are about 7 minutes apart and we know they can't stop them since her water broke. And I don't blame him but she feels awful leaving him like this. I do too but I wish it went smoother all around."

"I know, us too. You want me too?" She said gesturing to Shai, they all knew if he was going to go easily to one of them it would be Sharna.

"Yeah one minute." Maks said before attempting to shift Shai so he could talk to him. Shai wanted no parts of it and just clung to him harder. "Alright buddy, I know you're scared and upset but I have to go with momma to the doctors. That way we can make sure she's and Evia are okay. You're gonna stay with Uncle Val and Aunt Sharna. I'm going to give you to Aunt Sharna now unless you want to pick. I love you little man."

Sharna moved forward to accept her nephew who clung fiercely to Maks. It took a good three minutes and a lot of coaxing before he went to Sharna. His tears continued to fall as he tried to get back to Maks.

"I'm gonna go. I'm sorry, thank you. I'll keep you posted and let me know if he doesn't settle. I don't know what I'll do but...."

"It's okay bro, just go do Peta and we'll get this one settled in. He'll settle I promise." Val said getting ready to lead him out. Maks came back and kissed Shai once more before heading out the front door. The minute it closed Shai freaked out and thrashed in Sharna's arms. She eventually had to put him down and he ran to the door.

"Nooooo daddy! Momma! Come back!" He wailed as he tried to get out of the house. Sharna's heart broke as she watched him.

"Hey, hey, come here buddy." She said as she moved closer to him, settling on the floor. She reached her hand out to him but he shrieked in protest.

"Shai buddy, we can't help you if you don't let us." Val said moving to the two.

"Momma!!!!!" He just wailed over and over again. There was nothing the two could do to help at that point so they say there helplessly letting him cry it out. At one point he started to gag, but nothing happened. However the gagging scared him more and started a whole new round of hysterics. Once they were certain he wasn't vomiting right then, Val left to get a garbage can just incase.

"Bring me a few books." Sharna asked thinking that maybe just reading to him would help. He had always loved being read to so maybe she could calm him down with that. Val nodded and headed off. He came back holding three books, a garbage can and Shai's abandoned elephant.

"Here, you think that'll work?" Val said sitting down next to her.

"I don't know. It's worth a shot." She said shrugging. She opened the first book "Dinosaurs Love Tacos" and began to read. She went through all the books once before starting back with the Dinosaurs book again. As she started that one, Shai's wails settled slowly. By the end he had moved closer to his aunt and uncle but tears still streamed down his cheeks.

"You want to come sit with us buddy?" Val asked softly watching his nephew. He watched his uncle carefully almost like he didn't know what to do. "You don't have to if you don't want. I just know when I'm sad or scared that sometimes I just like to cuddle with Aunt Sharna."

"You think about it. I'll start another book." Sharna said as she opened the second book, "Green Eggs and Ham" and started to read. Slowly Shai crept closer to Val eventually ending up in his lap. Sharna nearly sighed in relief. Shai was still super upset but at the same time, he was finally no longer wailing and shrieking.

"Babar." He whispered pointing to the last book. He reached for Sharna however so Val took over reading this time as Shai curled tightly into his aunt. She rocked her body back and forth as they listened. Her hand ran through his hair as she felt him finally stop crying. His body was still shaking against hers but his tears had stopped.

"Again." He said softly once Val had finished.

"Can we move up to our bed? Bella is up there, we were going to have a sleepover. You can pick a movie and we'll cuddle." Sharna explained.

"No sleep." He muttered.

"Okay, let's just snuggle okay?" She said. Val looked at her like she had lost her mind however she was assuming that once they got him snuggled and warm, he'd drift off.

"I can stay with you?"

"Definitely. We just have to be quiet cause Bella is sleeping. She's going to maybe get some teeth so she wasn't very happy." Sharna explained. Shai didn't have anything for that so she pulled him into her and waited for Val to stand who then helped her up. They headed upstairs and let Shai pick a movie, Air Bud before they settled in bed. Val settled Bella on his chest and let Sharna and Shai cuddle into his free side. It took a good bit but Shai finally passed out.

"I thought you were crazy when you said he didn't have to sleep." Val said looking at her.

"I figured once he settled enough the upset and day was going to catch up with him. It wasn't worth fighting on either. Not when we just got him calm."

"I've never seen him like that before. I wasn't really a fan. I hope that's something we don't have with this little angel."

"I think it happens. They are kids. They need to know they can be upset or scared or angry and allowed to feel that emotion. It's just like us as adults, how frustrating is it when people are like suck it up? Ya know? Just like I said earlier, there's so much validation in being allowed to feel what one needs to feel." She said with a shrug.

"And this is why you are the best mom." Val said leaning over to kiss her.

"I love you. Best dad." She said slithering some and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Sleep princess, I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be just as stressful." Val whispered. She nodded into him and after a bit he felt her become heavy against his shoulder. He knew she was out and with knowing that all three people in the bed with him were asleep as well, he drifted off as well.

********************************************************************************************

Sharna woke to soft whimpers coming from her baby laying on her husband's chest. He was whispering to her however it wasn't seeming to be working.

"Let me try." She said as she reached for her phone realizing that it was 9 am. They had all slept in way later than usual. "Or it's just time to get up."

"What about this one?" Val said as Shai continued to sleep peacefully.

"I say we let him sleep. He had a rough experience. And maybe once he's awake we'll know more." She had checked her phone quickly and they only had gotten 2 updates from Maks. One at about 2:30 stating they were letting the labor progress and then one at 6 saying that she had just gotten the epidural and was at about 7 cm.

"Let's hope. One of us should stay here with him until he's awake."

"Probably. Here give me my love bug. I'll go change her and get her bottle. Then come back. I'm assuming he won't sleep too much longer." She said. Val nodded and passed Bella over to her before shifting some, lying closer to Shai so he wouldn't notice if Sharna disappeared. Shai shifted into him as Sharna and Bella left. Val laid there holding his nephew as it hit him just how much he had grown up. He was still their little Shai but he really was growing into a great kid.

"Momma." Shai's sleepy voice said as he opened his eyes and they immediately filled with tears.

"Shh, buddy. It's okay. Daddy sent us a message and Momma is alright. We just have to be patient and Evia will be here soon." Val said sitting up and pulling Shai into him.

"She's okay?"

"Yup, she is. She's with the doctors remember? She has to be with them so they can make sure she and Evia are safe."

"Oh. Can we go see her?"

"Well, not until Evia comes. Once Evia comes Daddy will let us know and we'll go meet her okay."

"I miss her. And Daddy." Shai's lip trembled slightly as Sharna appeared in the door holding a babbling Bella.

"I know buddy and last night was scary but I promise you'll see her soon. In the meantime it looks like your little cousin is up and happy." Val said pointing towards the doorway. Shai's head turned and the smile on his face was beyond precious as he saw Bella.

"Bells! We sleeped over together." He said happily. Sharna grinned and moved over to the bed.

"You wanna help feed her?" Sharna asked. Shai's head nodded quickly as he settled against Val and held his arms out in the baby holding ready position. Sharna laid Bella in his arms and helped him give her the bottle. Bella was at the stage where she'd hold the bottle herself which was perfect for when Shai wanted to help. Sharna propped a pillow under the two as they sat there. He fed her the whole bottle before the group decided what they wanted to do that day. Shai asked if they could go to the zoo. Val and Sharna decided that was probably a great way to distract the little munchkin from what was going on.

They got the two dressed and headed out for the day. They took them to breakfast before heading to the zoo where Shai showed Bella all the animals before they went and had dinner in a restaurant near the one park, letting Shai and Bella both play on the playground equipment. They had gotten a few updates from Maks saying that Peta's labor had slowed down immensely, he said that if things didn't pick back up, they were discussing a c-section.

"What about Halloween?" Shai asked as they arrived back at the house. Bella was already conked out for the night however Shai was still wide awake. He had asked a million questions on the way home, some of which Sharna nor Val had answers for. They ranged in why do Zebra's have stripes to what their favorite animals were at the zoo to why it was taking so long for Evia to come.

"What about it buddy?" Val asked looking at his nephew in the rearview mirror.

"Trick or Treat is tomorrow. I know cause I only had 2 sleeps once we finished the party at the studio."

"You're right, it is, it's tomorrow afternoon. You're going to go with me and Aunt Sharna." Val explained.

"But...." He said as his lip trembled.

"I know you want momma and daddy buddy but they can't right now." Sharna said reaching her hand back to rest it on his knee.

"But we were going to be Woody and Andy's mommy and daddy. We always go as a group." His eyes filled with tears. Big crocodile tears started to slip down his cheeks. Thankfully they were pulling into the house so Sharna went out and got him while Val got Bella. Sharna pulled Shai into her arms and headed into the house. She settled in the recliner letting him curl into her.

"What if Uncle Val and I were Andy's mommy & daddy?"

"No! You can't take Momma and daddy's spots." He said immediately with such force that Sharna didn't even press the idea. She figured the idea of replacing his parents was a bit much for the little guy.

"What if we were a different group of people?" She said as her brain began to spin.

"What about my Woody costume?" He asked.

"Well, you got to wear it to the party and you have Halloween at pre-school next week so you get to wear it there. So you'd just have to be something different for this time with me and Uncle Val."

"And Bella?"

"If you want her to be in it, we can do that."

"I do. Who would we be?" He said with a yawn as he twisted into Sharna. He curled up into her neck as his hand wound into her ponytail.

"Hmm, I'd have to think buddy. Who would you wanna be? It would have to be something easy since we don't have a lot of time but we could figure it out. We could be The Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 & 2." Shai didn't respond so she kept rambling.

"He's out princess." Val said making his wife jump in alarm at his voice. "Sorry babe. I got Bella down and in her crib. Then I came to check on you two."

"We're going to be a different group with him. He wants Bella to do it too."

"Princess, I love you, but what are we going to do before tomorrow? It's at 12 tomorrow." He said looking at her with wide eyes.

"I know, I know. I just feel bad Val. I don't want to ruin his holiday. I figured we can look for groups that we may be able to find just regular clothes to mimic."

"We could do that. Why don't we put him in bed and then we'll research." He said holding his hand out to her. She nodded and let him pull her up.

"Do you think we should keep him again?" She asked as she shifted Shai against her.

"I think we should put him in the guest bed. We'll leave the night light on and the hallway light in case he wakes up scared. He's come into our room before so I think it's alright." Val suggested. He selfishly just wanted a little bit of time with his girl.

"Okay, let's get him in then. Can you grab me his pajamas? He'll be more comfortable. And his blanket and elephant?" She asked as they headed to the guest room. Val nodded and headed off. He returned with the requested items and they got Shai changed and tucked in. He stirred slightly so Sharna rubbed his back for a few minutes ensuring he was asleep. Then they headed to their room to get ready.

"Maks texted. Her labor picked back up however she's not dilated as quickly as they want. If she hasn't dilated by 9, they want to do a c-section." Sharna was just coming out of the bathroom from brushing her teeth and washing her face while was already situated in bed.

"Val...." She trailed off looking at him. In reality she knew this was a normal thing. Some babies were stubborn and took their time coming. Some came quickly. Some never came at all. However the fact that they were discussing different options about her best friend and soon to be goddaughter weren't okay.

"Come here princess. They are going to be okay." He said holding the blankets open for her. She moved into the bed and curled into him for a moment.

"But it's P. And Evia." She mumbled.

"I know. I know. We just have to pray and be patient." He said as his fingers ran through her hair. She hummed into his chest in acknowledgement however her grip on his body said she wasn't feeling any better about the situation than she had been before. "We need a distraction, weren't we going to look for the Halloween costumes."

"Yeah, you're going to help?" She asked looking up at him curiously. While he was fashion savy, he wasn't into the whole internet/pinterest thing that she was most likely going to be using.

"Well, I was going to cuddle you and look over your shoulder while you looked. And insert my opinion from time to time to ensure you don't put me into a leo and glitter."

"Now, would I really do that?" She giggled at his expression which clearly showed that he knew that she was more than capable of doing just that. He tickled her slightly before they switched positions and she moved so she could look while he watched. After a good half hour and a zillion ideas. They narrowed it down to 4 that Shai would probably like and were doable. They'd show him in the morning and then go get the supplies.

"I think it's bedtime princess." Val said as she yawned for about the 4th time in 5 minutes.

"I wanna wait for Maks." She protested.

"Babe, they are giving her til 9 am in the morning. It's 10:30. You need to rest. Either way, after costume making & trick or treat, we'll be going to the hospital."

"Fine. Will you rub my back?" She said curling into him. He chuckled and pulled her in a little more before his fingers started to run up and down her spine. He felt her shiver initially but then settle into him and his touch. She pressed her lips into his chest before mumbling she loved him.

*******************************************************************************************

The next morning they woke to babbles from the baby monitor and a little munchkin tucked in beside Sharna. Shai must have come in sometime during the night. It looked like he hadn't been upset, just needing extra love since he hadn't woken them.

"I'll go get Bells." Val said pressing a kiss to Sharna's head before removing the covers. He groaned at leaving the warm coziness but headed off to get his baby. He headed into her room and found her sitting up talking to her puppy. Her eyes lit up when she saw Val and she rose her arms to him.

"Aren't you oh so happy today. Did you know that today is the day that you're getting your new cousin? I think once you two get older, you'll be best friends." Val said as he changed her before going down to grab her bottle and then returning to the room.

"Uncle Val! Aunt Sharna won't show me the Halloween ideas until you and Bells are here. Hurry." Shai said from his place curled into Sharna.

"We're coming, we're coming. Oh wait, we forgot..." He said starting to turn around.

"Nooooo!" Shai let out.

"Just teasing." Val said turning around making Shai burst into giggles. Bella watched the interaction before she giggled as well. He moved and settled on the bed.

"Now Aunt Sharna?" Shai asked excitedly.

"Now buddy. Okay so Uncle Val and I looked last night for ideas that we could do. Especially since we don't have a lot of time and we're going to include Bella but these are your options. We have Dr. Suess & The Whos, Scooby Doo and the gang, Ninja Turtles, and Minions."

"That one." Shai said immediately pointing to the picture of Scooby Doo. Sharna had a feeling that one was going to be picked. He had started watching old cartoons with Maks one evening while they were spending some Daddy/Shai time. Shai had fallen in love with the crazy gang.

"You're sure?" Sharna asked.

"Yes! I love Scooby Doo! Can I be Shaggy?" He asked quickly.

"Yup, and I'm going to be Fred, Aunt Sharna will be Daphne, and Bella will be Velma." Val explained as he shifted Bella to burp.

"What about Scooby?"

"We have a stuffed Scooby we'll put in the stroller with Bella." Sharna explained.

"Whoa! So cool!"

"Definitely very cool. Now we have to go get the things. Do you want to go with me or stay here with Uncle Val and Bella?" Sharna asked.

"Can I come? I'm a good shopping helper." Shai said.

"You can definitely come, we need to get you showered though and then we'll go." Sharna said ushering the little one out of bed. He scampered into the bathroom where the two got ready. While they were in there, Val continued his snuggle session with Bella who was content to just ramble to him around her bottle. He talked back to her as if they were having a conversation. Once Sharna and Shai were dressed they  headed to find their costumes after a promise of donuts and smoothies for breakfast.

"Alright princess, let's go find something to do while they are gone." Val said. He headed downstairs and put some music on. Bella played around on the floor while he played with her. Now that she was rolling she was a little harder to keep an eye on but as she was getting older, her sweet personality was showing more and more. While Val loved their time as a family, there was something special about getting time with the little girl. Hearing her giggles and babbles that were especially for him in those moments were so precious.

Maks finally texted after 9 saying that Peta had progressed enough that they weren't going to do the c-section and that either way Evia should be there in a few hours. Val found out when they wanted Shai and them to visit and agreed to come by after they did lunch after trick or treating as long as the delivery went smoothly. Sharna and Shai returned home around 10 and the next hour was a flurry of costume creating and prep. Val and Sharna were both on high alert with their phones as well waiting for that important text.

"Alright Shaggy, are you ready?" Sharna asked as she fluffed out his hair once more. They had found a baggy green shirt and brown pants for Shai to wear. Sharna was sporting a purple dress that flared out at the hips. It was identical to Daphne but it matched well enough. She had found a lime green scarf and purple headband to complete her outfit. Bella had gotten little orange leg warmers with a red skirt and orange t-shirt. Val was wearing blue jeans with a white polo that he already had. Sharna and Shai had picked up some fabric  to make the ascot tie that Fred sported.

"Yup! Candy time! Is my sister here yet?" He asked for what felt like the thousandth time.

"Sorry, not yet buddy, daddy said soon though the last we heard." Sharna said as they headed to find Val and Bella. They were waiting in the garage since Bella had fallen asleep and Val had settled her in her stroller.

"I just want her to come already! Maybe after trick or treat." Shai said thinking. He laid the Scooby Doo he was carrying gently next to Bella.

"Okay, remember the rules, no running off, no eating the candy until we say it's okay, and always use your manners." Val reminded Shai as they started out. The neighborhood was milling with kids in all different costumes. Shai pointed out ones he liked. They made it through about 20 houses before Val and Sharna's phones buzzed simultaneously.

"Ahh!" Sharna said gasping while Val's face resembled the Cheshire Cat.

"What?!!" Shai said as he bounced next to the stroller.

"Guess what?" Val said finding his composure before Sharna did.

"My sister is here!" Shai said hopefully but you could see that he wasn't expecting it to be the right answer.

"She is!" Val said moving them off the sidewalk so he could show Shai the picture Maks had just sent.

"I'm a big brother! Hey that's momma holding her. She looks like me, doesn't she?" Shai said excitedly.

"She does buddy. She sure does."

"Can we go see them?"

"Daddy asked us to give Momma little time to rest so once we finish trick or treating, we're going to go to the house and then go get lunch. We'll go visit after okay?"

"How many is that?" Shai asked throwing Val off for a second.

"About 5 Scooby Doo's buddy." Sharna chimed in knowing what he was asking.

"Oh man! That's forever!" He said exasperated. Sharna giggled knowing the feeling. Now that Evia was here, she wanted to go snuggle the little one as well.

"It'll go quick I promise. Let's keep getting candy and that'll help." Val said moving Shai along. He agreed and the group finished out the rest of the 2 hour trick or treating slot. They made it to the house and all changed at rapid speed before heading to lunch. Finally it was hospital time. Maks texted Val and Sharna the instructions to the room as well as the visitors access code they were given.

"Remember, be quiet and gentle okay? With momma and Evia." Sharna reminded as they came off the elevators.

"I will. I will. I'm going to be the best big brother ever." He said holding Sharna's hand. They headed down the hallway until they found the correct room. The door was nearly closed so they didn't just head right in.

"Go ahead and knock munchkin." Sharna said. Shai moved forward and knocked gently.

"Come in." Maks's voice said gently. Shai nearly burst through the door but Sharna caught him quickly and gently reminded him to be easy. He then headed in at a slower pace but tackled Maks as soon as he realized his arms were free.

"Daddy!" He said jumping into Maks's arms.

"Bubby." He said holding him tightly. "I missed you."

"Momma." Shai said next as he realized his mother was right there as well.

"Hi bubby, I missed you so much. We have someone who wants to meet her big brother." Peta said as she shifted the pink bundle in her arms.

"Evia." He said as Maks gently set him on the bed. He moved closer to Peta peering closely at the little baby. "She's so tiny."

"She is. She's a little extra tiny since she was so excited to meet us." Peta explained.

"She was. I think she looks like me. I'm your big brother Evia. I'm going to protect you like I protect Bella. Momma and Aunt Sharna said you two will be best friends like them and I think they are right which is pretty cool. I love you Evia. I can't wait to play with you. Momma, can I hold her?"

"You can baby. Here can come sit right here next to me. And hold your arms out. I know you know how to hold Bella but since Evia is so tiny we have to make sure we support her neck so I'll help you okay?" Peta explained. Maks took Evia while Peta helped Shai get settled. She stole a quick hug and kiss from her little boy before they were fully ready.

"I'm ready daddy." Shai said softly. Maks placed Evia in his waiting arms and everyone watched as Shai held his little sister finally. He talked to her softly much like he would with Bella. Eventually he decided his arms were tired so Maks took her back. Shai snuggled in with Peta while Maks brought Evia to Sharna and Val.

"Evia, these are your godparents and your cousin. We see them pretty much everyday so I'm sure you'll see them lots and lots." Maks said with a chuckle.

"She's so precious. I need to snuggle my new lovebug if it's okay?" Sharna asked.

"I think she'd like that. But Uncle Maks wants some Bella cuddles. That way you two can see Evia."

"You mean I have to share?" Val teased. Sharna swatted him gently as she shook her head. Maks handed her the little girl and Sharna cuddled her in gently as she took in the tiny thing. Bella reached for her uncle making that transition easy. Val led Sharna to one of the chairs and pulled her down with them so they could both meet Evia together.

"So we have a question." Peta said looking at the two. She was a little nervous because she wasn't sure how this would go over. It could go great or it could be the worst idea ever. Maks moved over to her knowing she was nervous and slipped his hand into hers.

"What's up babe?" Sharna said looking at her friend in concern.

"Well, I know we told everyone we were going to name her Evia May which was after you but we would like to change her middle name to something different."

"Oh...well...that's...that's fine." Sharna said thrown off slightly. Not that it mattered but it was just a weird thing to change.

"Well, wait, that's not really the question. The question is the middle name we picked." Peta explained and she could see it click with Val before it registered with Sharna what they were going to ask. He wrapped his arm around his girl tighter knowing exactly why Peta was nervous. Sharna could either appreciate this or hate it but either way it was beyond the sweetest gesture.

"What...well, what name did you pick?" Sharna said as she watched the two closely.

"We'd like to name her after your little girl. So if you're okay with it. Her name would be Evia Rose."

"P." Sharna said with a gasp as her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry, we don't have to use it if you don't want to. I knew it was a bad idea to ask, forget I asked. We'll keep it as Evia May. I'm sorry babe. I'm sorry, I, well we, just thought it would be a perfect way to honor Rose and her memory. I know they can't meet but if they could I know all of them would be best friends. So this keeps her with them still. But I get it, it's okay. We didn't put it in writing yet because we wanted to get your okay first."

"I....I love it." Sharna said as her tears started to fall.

"Oh, wait, what?" Peta said making the guys laugh nervously.

"I love it, so much. I can't believe you guys would want to do that. I appreciate it more than anything. Are you sure you want to do that?"

"We'd be honored." Maks said.

"Welcome to the family, Evia Rose Chmerkovskiy. We all love you so much already."  Sharna whispered as she looked down at the little girl. She felt Val's arm around her body and his lips at her temple.

**That's a wrap! I hope the wait was worth it. It's extra long to make up for the drought. Don't forget to like it up and let me know what you thought in the comments (which I have been slacking at responding to lately but I promise once I stop being a hot mess at life I'll be better) Love you guys! I apologize for the spelling errors. It's after midnight and I've been rocking since 5:30.

Your First, Your Last

@katieamazeballs (She's getting a second one from her requests since she just dealt with the wrath of Irma, I promise I'll spread the love to the rest of you all evenly here on out.)

"I may not be your first love, your first kiss, first sight, or first date but I just want to be your last everything."

"What am I going to do? How am I going to tell him this? The tour, the show, the new clothing line. Everything. The studios. Fuck!" She said pacing back and forth in her bathroom that she shared with her boyfriend of 3 years. "What if he, no he wouldn't do that. Would he, no, he wouldn't leave me. We've talked about this. We want this. We just didn't talk about it for right now. There's so much going on right now. How could we have? Oh my god. He is going to leave me. That's what's going to happen. I can't tell him this. I'll keep it a secret. I can do that, right? Can I do that. I can do that. It'll work. Oh my god, I don't even know if this is happening. I think I'm going to be sick."

"Beep, beep, beep." Went her cell phone letting her know that the timer she had set 5 minutes ago was finished however she felt that sickness rising quickly in her stomach and rather than looking at the stick which seemed to  be mocking her, she spent the next few minutes bending over the toilet.

"Hey, hey, are you okay?" Val said appearing next to his girlfriend, he grabbed a bottle of water which was sitting on the counter next to her and a wash cloth. He knelt beside her and ran his hand up and down her back.

"Val, where, when, I thought...." She stammered realizing just how close he was to finding out.

"I got out early. Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well." He said getting ready to help her stand.

"No, no, I'm okay. I'm alright." She said pulling away from him not wanting to see what was on the counter. She knew from being with him for all of 3 years that he was going to help her to the sink and to brush her teeth. That damn stick was sitting directly next to the wash basin.

"Babe, you're as pale as they come, and you're shaking." Val said softly as he reached for her.

"I'm fine!" She snapped as she also became dizzy at the same time and grabbed the counter.

"No, you're clearly not." He said reaching for her again intending on making her brush her teeth and making her lay down with him.

"Fuck." She said as she caught glimpse of the positive sign on the stick. His eyes followed hers as he finally saw the stick sitting on the sink.

"Babe, is that? Is it? Are we?" He stammered letting go of the grip he had on her arm.

"I, yeah, I'm sorry. I know we weren't planning on it and we have so much going on. I mean, I'm on the pill Val. I don't know what happened. I'm sorry." She rambled as quickly as she could trying to fix the situation.

"Why, wait you're sorry?" He said confused.

"Yes. I mean we're not married for one. We're both at the height of our careers, your fashion line. We both have the show and the tour coming. How is this going to work, it's going to mess everything up. Our parents, oh my god. How do we even tell them? They are going to be so disappointed." She continued on and on. He froze for a moment before leaving her standing alone in the bathroom. She felt her heart sink to the bottom of her stomach. Her eyes filled with tears. This was it. This was the moment that everything in the world that she had ever wanted was going to slip away. She leaned against the counter and pressed her face into her hands as hot tears began to pour out.

"Princess." Val's voice startled her as she opened her eyes and saw him on one knee in front of her reaching for her hand.

"Val, what are you....."

"Sharna May Burgess, the last 3 years of my life have been some of the best years. Now this wasn't exactly how I planned on doing this. I wanted to be fancy, take you out, maybe go to the pier, surprise you with roses and then ask. But this, this is exactly what feels right and that's what's most important with us. Us, from the moment we started, has felt perfect. I may not be your first love, your first kiss, first sight, or first date but I just want to be your last everything. I want that because I know it's what's meant to be. I know that whatever life throws at us, we'll get through it together, because we're us. I love you Sharna May, i've loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. It just took sometime to get through my thick skull. But since then, we've been perfection. And that perfection is going to include this." He said reaching forward and resting his hand on her belly.

"Sharna May, will you do me the honor of being the last girlfriend I'll ever have by becoming my fiance and then my wife? Will you marry me?"

"Yes, Val, yes." She whispered out, shock filling her voice and body. He slipped the ring out of his pocket and slide it on her finger before standing up to meet her.

"I love you." He said before leaning in to kiss her.

"I love you too, so much. And guess what, you do get a first. You get to be my first and last husband." She said as she leaned in to kiss him once more.

9 months down the line found the couple in the hospital about to deliver their baby girl. Sharna had been pushing for what felt like ever to her but had been about 35 minutes.

"I can't. I can't do it anymore. She's just staying in there." She said collapsing back against Val who was sitting behind her. Her hands were clenched tightly in his as sweat dripped down her face.

"Yes, you can. Come on princess. A couple more and then she'll be here." Val encouraged. Sharna felt a surge of energy and aggression at her husband all at the same time.

"Fuck you. Remember when you thought you were being sweet and said you wanted to experience a bunch of lasts with me. Well I hope you enjoyed your last round of sex because I'm never allowing you to touch me again. How's that for a last? Owwww, fuck. Make it stop." Her yelling turned to whimpers as pulled his arms seemingly around her body trying to shield herself from the onslaught of pain.

"Come on Sharna, the head is out. Two more pushes and you'll be holding your baby girl." Dr. Abrahams coaxed.

"Come on princess, let's meet our baby." Val said as he pressed a kiss to her temple before bracing her up a little more. She screamed and pushed two more times before the screams that filled the room were no longer hers, they were the first screams of their baby girl. The next two hours were a flurry of motions as the baby was laid on Sharna's chest and the two were given time to meet their little girl. Then she was whisked away to be checked and cleaned up while Sharna finished and had the same experiences.

"Hi sweet girl." Val said once the hustle and bustle died down. The baby was tucked against her mother as the two rested. Val was sitting beside them, one arm around Sharna with the other under Sharna's arm holding the little one.

"Did we ever pick a name?" Sharna asked. The two had gone back and forth a thousand times on what they had wanted but had never formally agreed on a name.

"Alyse Lauren." Val whispered. It had been the name they had both kept coming back to but had never made it official.

"Alyse Lauren Chmerkovskiy. I love it." Sharna whispered. The little one opened her eyes and yawned gently looking briefly at her parents before snuggling in and falling back asleep. Sharna and Val opted to just remain there quiet as they enjoyed what would be their first child but certainly not their last.

**That's a wrap. :) Hope you guys loved it. I promise that starting tomorrow I'll get back to Fix You & Begin Again. I was visting family who is moving from New York to San Diego so while I was soaking up as much time as I could with them, we were also packing. Then my return home was met with lots of "I missed yous" and time settling back into home. In the meantime however, I hope you thoroughly enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed writing it. Don't forget to like it up and let me know what you thought. And keep the quotes coming. These have been amazingly fun and challenging (we know I excel at length and lots of words lol) for me. I love you guys so much! Thank you for allowing me to share something I love with all of you and allowing me to grown and explore things at the same time. I will be forever grateful. XX

I just want to cuddle with you and forget all my problems.

“I just want to cuddle with you and forget all my problems.” “Valentin.” Sharna whined as she looked at her husband. “Yes princess?” He said looking over at her to see what was wrong. It was a Saturday night and they had spent the majority of the day working on anniversary plans for Maks and Petas 10th wedding anniversary. “None of these places can do the food for us.” She said in mass defeat. “None of them?!” Val said in pure shock. “None. They either have another event that same day or aren’t open that time period. None of them. I checked with all 10 options we had picked.” “Oh, well no, that’s not okay. Do you want me to see if we can get one of them to cave? We don’t really have many other options since those places were the only places that accommodated everything we needed.” “I suppose so? I mean maybe you can swoon someone into something, you’re a better sweet talker than me.” “That’s why you married me huh?” Val said with a wink. “Exactly. Okay, I’m moving caterers over to your list.” “Alright and take off dj and photo booth. I got both of those lined up. The same people who did their wedding agreed to do the anniversary.” “Perfect….now…” “Momma, daddy, I need you.” A sad sleepy voice sounded from the top of the stairs. “Dang it.” Sharna said softly. Alyse, their 4 year old daughter had recently begun to have nightly nightmares. Some nights she’d wake up in pure terror, some just a little upset, and a little of everything in between those. They had spent a lot of time talking that day and Sharna had hoped that maybe the nightmares would stop. “Lets go.” Val said shifting the laptops and Sharna’s planner to the coffee table. Then he reached out and held his hand out to her. “We’re coming sweet girl.” Sharna said as they started up the steps. Alyse was standing at the top of the stairs holding her purple blanket and her polar bear. Her cheeks had light tear stains on them.

“Daddy.” Alyse said dissolving back into tears as she held her hands up for her dad to pick her up. “It’s okay sweet heart. Mommy and I are both right here. You’re safe.” Val said as he cuddled her tightly. Her arms went into a vice grip around his neck. Alyse had finally told them that her nightmares typically centered on a man trying to take her away from them. Both Sharna and Val were beyond concerned considering that topic or issue had never even been something they spoke about. Alyse hadn’t even seen any movies where something remotely similar had happened. “You stopped him but he tried to hurt momma this time too.” She said as she reached a hand out to Sharna. “Oh baby, that must have been so scary, but it wasn’t real okay? I’m right here and you’re right here and daddy is right here.” “I know but I didn’t liked it at all. I had to watch while he hurted you momma.” Alyse said as she shuddered in Val’s arms. Val looked at his wife in alarm, that was a new development in her nightmares. “Come here baby. We’ve got you. I promise nothing like that is going to happen ever.” Sharna said as Alyse wrapped her arms and legs around Sharna almost as if she were a monkey. “I, I don’t wanna go back to sleep.” Alyse whimpered into Sharna’s shoulder. Val’s hand ran up and down her back. “I know angel, it’s too early to not sleep anymore though. You have to try to sleep some more. How about we take you to our bed?” Val suggested. “You’ll both stay with me and hold me?” She asked as she looked up into her fathers eyes. “Always baby, always.” Val said. And with that they headed into their room and got Alyse tucked in between them. This had almost become the normal lately after the nightmares however very rarely she did go back to sleep in her own bed. After a good hour of talking and cuddles, she drifted back to sleep curled into her mother with her feet pressed into her father. “What are we gonna do?” Sharna said looking at her husband. “I guess we take her to someone. Everything that we’ve researched isn’t working and we can’t let her continue this. It’s going to start affecting her more and more. She already has a hard time leaving us unless it’s Maks & P. Preschool starts in 3 months and we wanted her to get that socialization but we can’t do that to her with all this going on.” “You’re right, we can’t. I guess that’s our only option.” Sharna said in defeat. “Babe.” Val said softly. “What? You can’t fix this one.” “I know and I wish I could. I would in a hot second.” “I know. So tomorrow we call around and find somewhere to take her?” Sharna said half a statement and have a question. “Yeah.” “I should go write thah down. Not like we’ll forget but still. And I should get ready for bed….” She trailed off mid sentence. “But?” Val asked hearing the hesitation in her voice. “But I just want to cuddle with you and forget all my problems.” She said as she curled around Alyse for a second. “Well, I don’t think I can make you forget but I can definitely help with the first part.” Val said as he shifted away from Alyse, moving to Sharna’s side of the bed.  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled Her into him. He felt her sigh slightly as she gripped his hand tightly. He was right, he couldn’t make her forget all the obligations she had coming up with the party and he definitely couldn’t make her forget her baby girls nightmare problems but he could cuddle her and that would ultimately help tenfold. **Thats a wrap on this one! The response from you guys on these have been amazing! Dont forget to like this one up and let me know what you thought. Love you guys! Xx

Fix a Heart 29

Chapter 29 - A Thousand Years

Heartbeats fast Colors and promises How to be brave How can I love when I’m afraid to fall But watching you stand alone All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow One step closer I have died everyday waiting for you Darling don’t be afraid I have loved you For a thousand years I love you for a thousand more  

“Ohh, there ya go. I should probably go down and we can start getting breakfast but I think I’ll enjoy some snuggles first. How about you? That sound like a plan. Today is a huge day for us. We have our hearing this afternoon and you’ll officially be a Chmerkovskiy. Not that daddy and I didn’t see you as anything less but it’s nice to hear that the whole world agrees. Huh sugar? Do you even realize what a big day today is?” Sharna said as she talked to Bella one morning while she rocked her. She had gotten up early with the little one and fed her while they relaxed in the rocker. Typically she would then go down and start breakfast or at least coffee for her and Val. Today however it felt more appropriate to just slowly take in the day.

“We got you a new pretty dress and then after we get back, everyone is coming to visit you. We’re going to have cake. Maybe we’ll let you try a teeny tiny bite. I feel like that’s allowed today. You can have green beans and cake for dinner sound good?” Sharna said smiling as Bella reached up and put her fingers in her mom’s mouth. Sharna pretended to chomp on them making Bella giggle in response. Considering how things could have went, Bella was an amazingly calm back. She was most content when she was curled up with one of her parents but enjoyed her extended family as well. She rarely cried except for when she was scared or not feeling well. Her anxiety had calmed immensely as they had got home and sorted out a routine for the three of them. Once she realized things were normal and this was her new life she was good.

“You know, there was a time when I thought I would never get this opportunity.” Sharna whispered softly after Bella was done playing and went back to just cuddling into her mother. She pulled Bella in tighter as she felt tears fill her eyes.

“You have a big sister but you won’t ever get to meet her until you go to heaven which is a long long time away. She was in my belly but God decided that he wanted her as an angel  instead of a baby just like he needed your momma and daddy. When he took Rose away, I thought for sure that he was punishing me. For thousands of things. For not being a better kid, for not getting out of the situation I was in, just for anything. I thought he didn’t think I could be a good mommy because of my past so he took that chance away from me. Then daddy and I got the call that you needed someone to love you. And I thought, well that’s not fair to this little girl, what did she ever do? She didn’t have anything that caused her to need to be punished. And then after being with you and falling in love with you, i realized something that daddy had been trying to tell me all along. I wasn’t being punished and neither were you. We all just get dealt a hand of cards and sometimes our cards aren’t as fun as others but that doesn’t mean we should give up. Sometimes it means we need to be patient, sometimes it means we need to be creative, sometimes it means we can’t always have what we want, and sometimes we just need to remember that it’s not all about us and there are people in our lives that are there to support us. And you know what, daddy and I will always always be there for you. No matter what.” Sharna said bringing her up to pretty a kiss to her cheek.

“And daddy will always be there for mommy.” Val’s voice came from the doorway startling Sharna and Bella both.

“Babe. How much did you hear?” Sharna said sheepishly once she got her wits about her.

“A lot. I realized you weren’t in bed and weren’t in the kitchen. So I made coffee and came to find my girls.” Val said as he crossed the room and put the coffee he was carrying on the nightstand. He knelt down next to the two and found Sharna’s hand.

“I guess it’s not really a secret. But it’s how I feel. I feel like I’ve waited forever for this Val. And now it’s here. I mean it’s been here for the past 6 months but now it’s official. I didn’t need for it to be official but to know the whole world is going to make it official is a whole other ordeal.” Sharna said as she gripped his hand.

“I get it. It’s a huge day. For us and for Bella and just for you in general. Are you feeling okay?” Val asked.

“Uhhh…yeah. Normal anxiety, I think.” Sharna said softly. Val studied her for a moment before stood and held out his hand.

“Come sit on the couch with me. I wanna hold both my girls for a minute.” He said.

“Val we have to get ready. She needs bathed, we both need showers.” She said giving him a look that plainly said she didn’t want to talk about this. However, he had learned a long time ago when to push and when to let her be. This time wasn’t a let her be moment.

“I know, we have time though. Come on, please? Just come sit. Talk to me princess.”

“Fine, here, I think someone wants some daddy cuddles though. Huh Bella?”

“Ohhh come here my tiny princess.” Val said as he took Bella into his arms and loved her up for a few moments. She cuddled into him before going into a string of rambles. He listened intently to her as they made their way to the family room. He chimed in when it felt appropriate. He let Sharna get settled on the couch while he found one of Bella’s current favorite toys. Then he settled next to his wife situating Bella before tucking her into him as well.

“I love listening to you talk to her.” Sharna said as she smiled while Bella played with her cloth book.

“I love talking to her. And to you. Tell me, what’s going on in that head of yours princess.” Val said pressing a kiss to her head as his hand stroked up and down her arm. Sharna buried into Val while her hand rested on Bella’s leg.

“I’m okay. I just….I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Whether it’s with you and now with her. Like I believe what I said to her about it not being a punishment but at the same time it just hangs out in the back of my mind. And then in huge moments like these it creeps up.” She said with a quiet shrug.

“What can I do?” He asked.

“Nothing really. Just don’t judge me. I know you love me. I know that she’s here with us. And that something can always happen but that it’s pointless to live my life in that fear.” She said as she finally picked her head up and looked at him. He could see the resounding fear there but he could also see the strength and courage and knew it was just something that they just had to deal with.“

"You’ll let me know if you need anything? No hiding?” He said looking at her.

“I promise.” She nodded.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” She whispered as she leaned up to kiss him. Right as their lips met, Bella let out a shriek startling the two.

“Oh, someone wants in on the lovings.” Val said as he scooped her up and tickled her belly while Sharna moved to press kisses over her cheeks as the little one giggle in relief. They spent the next half hour just playing and enjoying the morning before it was time to get ready. They bathed Bella first before taking their turns showering. Bella took a mini nap on their bed while they finished getting ready. Then it was Bella’s turn which thankfully she had just woken up so she wasn’t too grumpy.

“Oh my goodness, look at the family all matching.” Peta said with a chirp of excitement when she appeared with Maks and Shai.

“We don’t look stupid do we? It’s subtle isn’t it? I just felt like we needed to be a unit.” Sharna said as she fixed Bella’s shoes for what felt like the 50th time. She had found a sleeveless pink chiffon dress for Bella. Her dress was light pink as well with a black accent belt around the waist. Val was sporting gray dress pants and a light pink dress shirt with a gray jacket over his top.

“I think it’s absolutely adorable and perfect. Not stupid at all. Relax babe. Everything is going to be set in stone here in just a little. Breathe. And let me see this precious thing.” Peta said stealing her niece and snuggling her in.

“See princess. Relax.” Val said coming up behind her and resting his fingers on her shoulders.

“Aunt Sharna! Bella is going to be in our family forever!” Shai said as he hugged her legs interrupting the mini intervention that was occuring.

“Yes, she is. Are you excited?” Sharna said as she leaned down and scooped the munchkin up.

“I am! She’s gonna be friends with Evia. Momma say they be best friends.”

“I think your momma is right. And you’re going to be their protector right?”

“Right! Papa teached me to be kind and helpful and pro…..aww papa. I forgetting again.” He said looking at Maks.

“Protective buddy. It’s a big one.” Maks said ruffling the little one’s hair.

“Yeah, that word. It is big, Aunt Sharna. But I’ll do it. Just like papa and Uncle Val teached me. I keep Bella and Evia safe. Momma I wanna see her. I didn’t give her any loves.” Shai said holding his arm out for his cousin. Surprisingly he had taken to Bella extremely well. They had all been concerned that he would be jealous especially because of his bond with Sharna but he took it in stride. Thankfully considering his little sister was coming regardless of how he felt. A month ago, Maks and Peta found out that the next baby Chmerkovskiy was going to be a girl. Shortly after they announced her name would be Evia May.

“Here bubby.” Peta said coming closer allowing Shai to give Bella a kiss.

“I’ll cuddle you later Bells. Aunt Sharna can I help feed her later?” He asked sweetly.

“Sure buddy, as long as she’s not grumpy.”

“Okay, don’t be grumpy Bells, then I can love you.” Shai said as he kissed her once more.

“Alright, we should probably get going.” Val said reaching for his little one. Peta huffed but handed her niece over. Then the family headed out. They had decided when they got their court date that Maks and Peta would come along with Shai if he chose too which he did. Larisa and Sasha were going to handle getting together a small get together for when they came back. However there was going to be a surprise for Sharna at the get together.

Time stands still Beauty in all she is I will be brave I will not let anything take away What’s standing in front of me Every breath Every hour has come to this One step closer I have died everyday waiting for you Darling don’t be afraid I have loved you For a thousand years I love you for a thousand more  

“Do we bring her with us?” Sharna asked Lydia as they were waiting their turn to go before the judge. Bella was currently sitting in her uncle’s lap while Shai entertained her playing peek a boo.

“It’s completely up to you. If you think it’s scary for her, she can sit with Maks or Peta. If you think she’ll be okay, bring her with you. There’s not really a whole lot of rules here other than the givens.” Lydia said as she rested her hand on Sharna’s shoulder.

“Okay.” She nodded.

“Chmerkovskiy vs. State.” The officer at the door announced making Sharna jump. Val slipped his hand into hers and they stood together. Maks, Peta, Lydia, and Shai stood as well.

“Do we?” Sharna said looking at Val.

“She’s content so it’s up to you.”

“I just don’t want her to pick up on my nerves so maybe if you’re okay Maks?” Sharna said quickly.

“I’m more than okay. Go get the papers that makes this little one permanently in our lives.” Maks said as he shifted Bella in his arms. The group followed in with Maks and Peta sitting with the kids directly behind Sharna and Val. The next ½ hour was filled with legal jargon and things none of the adults completely understood.

“I would to speak to the petitioning parents.” Judge Madison stated sharply after he had listened ot all the material presented.

“Go ahead.” Lydia nodded at them to move forward. They took a few steps towards the podium and waited to be told what they wanted.

“I’m slightly unorthodox in this aspect but I would like to know why you two feel you would make good parents for the infant.” He requested before leaning back in his seat like this was a huge test.

“Well your honor. We feel that we could make good parents because…” Val started before the judge cut him off.

“No offense Mr. Chmerkovskiy but this isn’t a high school essay. I don’t want numbers or norms. I want to know why this is important to the two of you.” He explained throwing them both off for a second.

“Your honor, sir. Ever since I was little I dreamt of being a mother. It was one of my passions. To have a family, and grow old with that family. The American dream almost, ironic since I’m Australian however it was my dream and I intended to chase it. However that dream was crushed when I was put into the situation of an abusive boyfriend and became stuck for quite sometime. During the time frame, I had my chance and unfortunately my little girl, Rose was taken from me. Since then Val helped me to get back to me. Once we decided to start a family we found out that it was high unlikely, there was much damage as well as my body just will not support this. We decided to move forward with adoption. During that time frame, I struggled immensely with why the one thing that meant the most to me was taken away. Why I couldn’t have this one thing. And then we got the call that Bella was in need of our love. As soon as we got to the hospital and met this little princess it was clear that she was meant to be in our lives. You see being a parent isn’t always about money and goods but it’s about love. It’s about teaching this human being to grow up to be a strong individual. To reach for the stars and to know that just because your dream doesn’t come true the way you thought it should doesn’t mean that it’s out of reach.” Sharna stopped to take a breath when Bella burst into tears. She turned to look at Maks who was already trying to settle the upset little one.

“Excuse me.” Sharna said moving out of Val’s grip and going to get the little one. She didn’t think twice about the reaction she had to needing to calm the little one. Maks handed Bella to Sharna who tucked Bella into her chest and started to hum as she moved back to where she had been standing before. Bella started to settle instantly as she was tucked into one of her few truly safe places. Val smiled at the two as his arm looped around his wife’s waist.

“If I can pick up where my wife left off, sometimes parenting isn’t about what’s best or what’s right. It’s about instinct. It’s about knowing in the moment that this moment is what is supposed to be. And I can tell you from the moment we met Bella, we knew that she was supposed to be a part of our families. We love her like she is part of us. And she will forever be a part of us. That is why we feel we would make the best parents there could be for Bella.” Val said as he watched the little one drift off into sleep as she listened to her mother’s heartbeat.

“Thank you, you may be seated.” He stated allowing the two to return to their seats next to Lydia. The next 5 minutes were full of not so patient waiting as the judge looked over everything. After awhile he finally looked up at the group. “I have come to a decision. By the power vested in me by the state of New Jersey, I grant full custody and parental rights to Mr. And Mrs. Valentin & Sharna Chmerkovskiy.”

“Seriously?” Sharna said in pure shock making Lydia laugh out loud.

“She’s yours guys. Fully and completely yours for, forever.” Lydia said as she watched the two. Sharna’s eyes filled with tears and they started in cascade down her cheeks quickly before she looked at her husband and realized his face matched hers.

“She’s ours princess.” Val said as he stroked Bella’s curls gently as he watched the baby with a new found admiration. He leaned over and kissed his wife gently before leaning down and kissing Bella as well.

“She’s a Chmerkovskiy! Forever!” Shai’s tiny voice yelled out interrupting the sweet moment but just making it all the better. Everyone chuckled at the young boy’s excitement who was clearly thrilled that his cousin was coming home for good. The next hour was filled with paperwork and lawyers and much much more. They shared their thanks with the judge who stated that he had all intentions of granting them custody but the parents testimony of love was always his final cinching point. They got some information with Lydia about a few follow ups that would need to happen and then they got to go home.

“Hey sweetheart, we’re going home.” Sharna said as they got her situated in the car seat to head to the house. Bella cooed at her mother grasping her hand. She slid into the backseat next to the little one making Val chuckle slightly. He squeezed Sharna’s hand before they headed home.

“Alright tiny princess, now this is an important moment. We knew that you were staying with us forever because we believed it, but now it’s official. We’ll never take the place of your angel mommy and daddy but we’ll love you just as much as them and hopefully fill their void in your life.” Val said as the three stood in front of the doorway. Maks, Peta and Shai had gone ahead to let everyone know they were coming but additionally they wanted to give the family just a few moments on their own.

“Ready?” Sharna asked as her hand reached for the handle. Bella was safely tucked into her father’s arms. Val nodded and Sharna turned the handle.

“Congratulations.” A soft chorus sounded as their family waited anxiously however there was a special set of people in the middle that made Sharna gasp.

“Mom, Dad.” She whispered as tears filled her eyes. Her parents had fully intended on coming to visit Bella shortly after she initially came home but her dad had a kidney scare that turned out to be okay however halted all travel. They were planning on coming after the hearing however Val had convinced them to come now as a surprise for Sharna.

“Surprise baby.” Lucy said as she wrapped her daughter up in her arms. Ray was close behind them holding both Lucy and Sharna after letting the girls have a moment.

“How’d…” Sharna rambled pulling back to look at the .

“That one helped us out. He figured it was the perfect time for Bella to meet her Woo and Paw.” Lucy said wiping a few tears off her own cheeks.

“Babe.” Sharna said turning around and looking at her husband in disbelief.

“Surprise.” Val said pulling Sharna into him and giving her a kiss.

“I can’t believe you did this. Thank you. I love you.” Sharna said as more tears streamed down her face. Val held her for a second before wiping the tears away gently and then handing Bela over to her.

“I think it’s time someone met her grandparents.” Val said giving her a nudge. Sharna smiled up at him and kissed him once more before pressing a kiss to Bella’s head as well. She turned around and placed the little one in her mother’s waiting arms.

“Woo, Dad, I’d like you to officially meet Bella Joy Chmerkovskiy.”

And all along I believed I would find you Time has brought your heart to me I have loved you for a thousand years I’ll love you for a thousand more

I have died everyday waiting for you Darling don’t be afraid I have loved you For a thousand years I’ll love you for a thousand more

**The end. Completely.

**Just kidding. This aint be over yet. But this update is. Don’t throw eggs since it’s been so long. I love you guys! She’s a Chmerkovskiy! Officially! WHOOP! I feel like i just shipped a baby bird out my nest. BFF and I legit had this update planned when I started this story. So exciting that it’s finally here. Don’t forget to like this one up and let me know what you thought. Love you guys, alllll so so so much!

Fix a Heart 28

Chapter 28 - Where You Belong I know sometimes you're feeling lost It's hard to find your place in it all But you don't have to fear Even when you mess up You always got my love I'm always right here Oh cause, Anything come what may Don't look back forget yesterday “So we’re positive she’s good to go home. Or well to our house. Or well home. She’s safe?” Sharna asked as she watched her husband cuddle Bella against him. “Babe.” Val laughed as he watched her. This was probably the 6th time she had asked Christine & Dr. Francis this question. “What?! I don’t want to get her home and then have her like I don’t even know. I just want to be sure. I want her to be safe.” She glared at him making Dr. Francis and Christine laugh this time. “I know, I get it. But she’s good. They’ve checked her, they’ve told us all the things that could happen, we’re okay. She’s going to be okay.” He said shifting Bella so that she was on his chest but tucked under his chin. Her tiny hand fisted a piece of his shirt as she squirmed for a minute but then cuddled into him. “I just…can you just say it one more time? Please?” Sharna said with a sigh as she looked defeated. Val decided to take pity on his girl and moved over next to her and slid his hand into hers before squeezing it gently. He felt her settle minimally but not much. “From a medical standpoint she’s doing great. All her tests and screenings have come back perfect. She’s breathing on her own, eating, handling herself in all situations, she’s doing good. Now with any infant or newborn there is the possibility of sickness or setbacks. Their immune systems are weaker and they are delicate. So just be mindful of her. Watch her cues and her behaviors you’ll know if something is up.” Dr. Francis said. “I know you’re scared that you’re going to miss something but I can promise you both that as much as you think we’re taking care of her, really as time has gone on, you guys have caught more and more. And it’s not because we weren’t diligent, it’s because you know her. You know her normal and when her normal aren’t in line, you ask something. There’s going to be times you have questions and we’re just a phone call away. We’re more than happy to help when we can.” “Okay, I’m sorry. I know I’m being ridiculous. It’s just she’s little and fragile. And I want to keep her safe.” “Sharna, it’s fine. It’s normal. You’re thinking exactly like a parent. Which is what you are, whether you know for sure that she’s staying with you permanently or not, she’s your baby right now. And we wouldn’t expect anything less of any parent.” Christine said as she moved forward and reached for Sharna’s free hand. During the 4 month stay in the hospital, the group had gotten close. Christine & Caitlin had been Bella’s nurse regularly with a few others mixed in. They had become like a second family to them. “Thank you. I just want the best for her.” Sharna whispered as her eyes filled with tears. Val let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders supporting her. “We know princess, we all do.” He said as his thumb stroked her shoulder gently. “Alright, we’re good?” Dr. Francis said warmly smiling at the two. He had been a pediatrician for 27 years now and was well versed in NICU cases. He knew just how fragile the infants were as well as the parents. Seeing people like Sharna and Val with their love and protectiveness for Bella always warmed his heart. “Princess?” Val asked wanting to make sure his wife was good first. “I’m good.” She nodded with a smile. It wasn’t like she didn’t want to take Bella home, she just wanted to be sure the timing was right. “Alright, let me go sign off on her final discharge papers. You’ve already passed the carseat test and everything so it should only be about 25 minutes tops.” Dr. Francis said as he headed out of the room. “Do you guys need anything? She just ate right?” Christine asked. “Nope, I think we just need to get her dressed and then we’re ready. We packed up everything she’s gained while being here so that’s done.” Sharna replied. “Okay, so I’m going to do my rounds. I’ll be back in with Dr. Francis for discharge.” Christine said before heading out. “Princess, are you okay?” Val asked as he kept his arm around Sharna and held his girls. “Yeah, I’m just worried and scared but I know what they said is right. The reasons for that are going to be something that I need to be used to especially if this works out to where she stays with us.” Sharna said as she ran her finger across Bella’s cheek. “Exactly. It’s the mommy feelings.” Val said leaning to give her a kiss. “Alright daddy. Let’s get this one changed into her going home outfit.” Sharna said with a grin. Val felt Sharna’s mood and anxiety shift for the better. “That’s right, are you ready Miss Bella? We’re so excited to show you everything. And Shai, oh my goodness, he’s been waiting on pins and needles to finally meet you.” “Oh that’s right, Shai. He’s already decided that he’s going to protect you forever.” Sharna said as she laid out the outfit she had found for Bella. It was a cream colored sundress with spaghetti straps and a little matching diaper cover. Then since it was just going into May and still chilly at time, Sharna had found a beige colored sweater. “Yes, well right after he gets over the fact that he has to share his Aunt Sharna.” Val chuckled as he laid Bella down who whined in protest. “Ohhh, it’s okay. We’re both right here. We know you like loves best but sometimes we do have to lay you down sweet girl. We’ll be quick, okay?” Sharna said as she quickly changed Bella’s diaper and put on the diaper cover. Val then held her up so Sharna could take her shirt and slip the dress on. She slid the jacket on next before brushing a few of Bella’s curls out of the way. “Ohhhh my goodness. Look how cute you are!” Val said once he turned Bella around and saw the final product. The white and beige went perfectly together and she looked so big even though she was still only about 6 lbs. “You are soooo precious. I know you’re not going to like it but we need to take a picture of you miss. Then we’ll cuddle you again.” Sharna said as she moved for her phone. Val held her until Sharna was ready and then laid her down in her crib. She gave him a look and let out a shriek. “Hey hey, Miss Bella. You’re good. I’m right here. Miss Sharna is right here. Can you smile for us?” Val said as he rambled to her. He switched over to Russian which Bella seemed to love and she focused in on him. They didn’t get a smile but the picture they got was just as precious. She was looking up at Val with an intent look on her face. She just looked content. “Alright precious, come here. We’ve tortured you enough.” Sharna said once she snapped a few. She gathered Bella up into her arms and cuddled her. “I’m going to run these bags to the car. You alright?” Val asked as he realized one trip wasn’t going to cut it with all the things Bella had acquired. “Yeah, we’re good. Go ahead. Say see ya in a minute Mr. Val.” Sharna said making Bella wave at Val who was loading up his arms. “See you soon girls.” He said blowing them both a kiss before heading out of the room. “Alright lovey. You want to read for a bit until they tell us we can leave?” Sharna said settling into the rocker with Bella. She grabbed her blankie and tucked it around the little one as she sat her so she was leaning back into her chest. She found one of the books they had left in the diaper bag and began to read to her. She became so entranced in the feel of Bella against her and the story that she didn’t hear Val come back until he cleared his throat. “She’s asleep princess.” He whispered as he crouched down next to the two. “Oh, I was busy reading about The Rainbow Fish.” She said sheepishly. “I see that. I can’t wait to find you two curled up in her room.” He said as he pressed a kiss to Bella’s head. “Val.” Sharna said softly. “I know, I shouldn’t focus on that but I just need to think of positive things right now because otherwise it’s the alternative and I just, I’m not ready to think about that. I just want to focus on what would be the best outcome.” He said as he leaned his chin on his arm and looked at her. Her hand moved to run through his curls before resting on his cheek. “I love you.” She said. “I love you too. Both of you.” “Who is ready to go home?” Dr. Francis said appearing in the doorway with Christine right on his heels. “I think we are.” Val said with a grin as he stood up. “Are we good to go?” Sharna said looking around him as she shifted Bella in her arms. “You are. You’re free to go. Make sure to call into the office to schedule up her first appointment. It’ll be within 30 days. I know Lydia will also be keeping in contact with us as well. But I know you two will be on top of things. And like Christine said earlier don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. You be good Miss Bella and keep on growing. I’ll be seeing you in a while.” Dr. Francis said as he looked at the little one sleeping peacefully. He said his goodbyes to Val and Sharna before he left them to head out. “I get to be your escort.” Christine said with a grin. She helped Val with the remaining bags and they walked down to the lobby. Val left them to grab the car and Sharna suddenly felt like she was leaving a member of her family. “I can’t thank you enough for everything. I’m really going to miss you.” Sharna said as she reached to hug the lady. “Don’t be getting sad on me. Now I know everything is up in the air for you guys but you have to promise to come visit me with this little one. I’m going to miss all of you. Worst part about this job is getting attached and people leaving. Although this leaving is much better than the other leaving.” “You’re right about that. This is Val.” Sharna said as Val pulled up. The two headed out where another round of hugs and goodbyes were had. Finally they had Bella strapped into her carseat and buckled properly. They had somehow managed to do it without waking her. Sharna slipped into the backseat with her as Val got in the front and got ready to pull out. “You ready for this?” He said as he looked at Sharna in the rearview mirror. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s go home babe.” She said as she moved her arm over Bella’s carseat protectively. He nodded and started the drive home. It was pretty quiet considering Bella slept the whole way however right when they pulled in, she started to fuss. “Ohhh, hey, look, we’re at your new house.” Val said as he hopped out and moved to help Sharna free her from the seat. “Yeah, and you have guests who are waiting to see you.” Sharna said as they finally got her out. She let Val take her and they headed in. Maks, Peta, Shai, Sasha, and Larissa were already there. Lucy and Ray were coming in a few weeks regardless of any news that was found out. “Look who’s here. Ohh, I can’t wait to steal you. Oh my goodness look how cute your outfit is. Mo…Miss Sharna did a great job with that.” Peta said as she gushed over the precious little girl. “Tell Miss Peta she can cuddle you once you get settled huh precious? It’s okay, I know, it’s all new. We’re right here though, we’ll keep you safe.” Sharna said softly to the little girl as Val swayed with her. “How did she do in the car?” Peta asked. She was the only one who was up close at the moment other than Val. The rest of the group seemed to notice that Bella was a bit upset and Maks currently had Shai distracted. “She slept right up until we pulled in and then realized everything was different. So I think we just need to give her a little bit and she’ll settle.” Sharna said. “Why don’t we show her, her room and change her? It’ll give her some time to just settle and then we’ll bring her back down with everyone.” Val suggested. “I think that’s a good idea. P, can you let them know what we’re doing? I would say we’ll be down in 15 minutes.” “Definitely. Once you guys are down, we’ll order lunch and then just relax quietly. I know everyone wants to see her but we don’t want to upset her either. And Shai, I can’t believe he hasn’t seen you yet.” “I know, I can’t wait for my little boyfriend hugs. Soon, I promise. Okay, that all sounds good, we’ll be right back.” Sharna said as she followed Val upstairs. “Are you ready little princess? This is where you’ll sleep. Well not right yet. Right now you’ll sleep in with Miss Sharna and me.” “Val! We don’t have a bassinet!” Sharna realized. They hadn’t gotten one because they figured that even though they wanted an infant, the chances of getting one who needed a bassinet were slim. “It’s been taken care of princess. Just wait.” Val said with a wink. Sharna tried to ask a question but he shushed her with a kiss. “Fine. Alright sweet girl. This is your room. See it’s all pretty and teal. We’ll have to get you some more girly sheets now that we know you’re a girl. But we have a rocker so we can cuddle you and a changing table and a night stand.” “Don’t forget the pretty lights.” Val motioned to the ceiling. “Oh yes, Mr. Val found these pretty lights that at night time look like stars. So when we tuck you in at night or even if we just rock you, we’ll be able to pretend we’re under the starry sky.” “And when we find out exactly what’s going on, we can get you lots and lots more things. But I’m sure we’ll do that anyways.” Val said with a laugh. “Still not helping huh sweetheart.” Sharna said as Bella still fussed in Val’s arms. She wasn’t crying but she wasn’t content either. “She’s gonna hate it but let’s try changing her.” Val suggested. Sharna agreed and they quickly changed Bella getting her situated in her new diaper and leaving her diaper off. She still however wasn’t content. “You shouldn’t be hungry.” Sharna said as she rubbed her back while Val cuddled her in. “Why don’t you try her on your chest? Maybe even just for a little bit that’ll be enough to calm her down.” “Good thinking. All this may have just been too much.” Sharna said as she worked on unbuttoning her top. She settled in the rocker and Val stripped Bella out of her sweater and dress before handing her to Sharna. He stood and watched in fascination as the little girl pressed further into Sharna before nearly breathing a sigh of relief. Her gaze seemed to focus on Sharna as she settled immensely. “And she’s in her safe spot.” “It would have worked on you too. But can I have her blanket? I don’t want her getting a chill.” “She settles quickest with you but you’re right. And yes, look at you sounding like a little momma. Getting a chill.” He said with a wink. “Oh shush.” Sharna said with a swat. “I’m gonna run down and let everyone know we’re gonna give her some quiet time and then you’ll be down. Do you want me to come back?” “It’s up to you. P said they were gonna order lunch. Do you want to handle that? I’ll rock her for a while and then bring her down. I may just put her back in jammies.” “She’ll be cozier that way. But yeah, I can handle lunch. Anything special?” “No, you know what I like. Thanks babe.” Sharna said holding her hand out to him. He grasped it and leaned down to kiss her. “Anytime princess. I love you. And you too miss. You enjoy your cuddles before you see your family.” Val said pressing a kiss to Bella’s head as well. He headed out leaving the two in silence. “Alright miss, we’re just gonna cuddle for a bit. Then we have to go see everyone cause they are so excited to see you. They’ve been waiting. You’ve met all of them before except for Shai but he’s a sweetheart. And after a few days all this new stuff won’t be as scary.” Sharna talked to her. She continued talking as Bella seemed to get calmer and calmer. After a good fifteen minutes, Sharna stood and got her dressed in a gray sleeper with little gold dots. She grabbed her blanket as cuddled her to her as they headed down. “Hey, there’s my girls. How is she?” Val asked as Shai made a bee line for Sharna’s legs. Val gathered Bella and let Sharna scoop of Shai. “Much better. I think she just needed adjustment time. We cuddled and talked. And now I think she’s ready to meet Shai. Shai are you ready to meet Bella.” “Yes please. Momma said I gottsa protect her and keep her safe so we have to be quiet and gentle cause she’s little.” “That’s right, we have to be super gentle, you want to sit with me so you can see her?” “Yes please. I missed you bunches.” He said as he settled on her shoulder. “I missed you too buddy, so much. Here come here.” Sharna said after she squeezed Shai tightly for a few moments. She moved them over to the couch and settled him in her lap. Val came over and settled beside the two while the rest of the family watched. “Shai, this is Bella. Bella, this is Shai.” “Hi Bella, Momma said you may not stay with us forever but I hope you do. That way when you get bigger you can play with me. I’ll be a good big friend to you and keep you safe okay?” Shai said as he tentatively reached for Bella’s hand. She took it and gave him a tiny grin. “Aunt Sharna! She smiled. She’s so tiny!” “She did smile buddy. She doesn’t do that very often. You should have seen her when we first met her. She was much tinier.” “Really? Wow, that’s really tiny! I wish I could hug her.” He said as he kept holding her hand. “Do you want to hold her? You’d have to sit with me or Momma or Daddy or well any adult.” Sharna rambled. “Can I really do that? I’ll be extra careful. And momma made me wash my hands earlier so I didn’t spread any germs to her cause she’s breakable.” He said looking at his aunt. “That was very smart of momma. But yes you can hold her. Who do you want to sit with?” “You please.” “Alright, here, you have to be super careful of her head and hold her tight but not too tight. Like you used to do with Balto when he was a puppy.” Sharna said as she got the two situated. She showed him how to hold his arms and braced them with her arms. Val shifted closer and laid the little girl in Shai’s arms. “Hi Bella. You’re safe with me. I promise.” Shai whispered as he held her gently. Bella looked at him and held his gaze before yawning and closing her eyes. Shai continued to whisper to her, a lot of what Sharna couldn’t hear but she saw Bella start to drift off. “She’s sleeping Aunt Sharna.” “She is buddy. You did so good with her. I think she likes you a lot.” “Good cause I like her too. And I have to get in lots of practice because I’m going to be a big brother soon.” “Shai!” Peta said from across the room as everyone’s eyes got wide and they looked at her and Maks. “Oops!” Shai said covering his mouth quickly. “Maksim, do you two have something to tell us.” Larissa asked as she looked at her oldest son. “Well, pretty girl, guess we’re doing this now.” Maks said with a chuckle. “Guess so. We were going to wait a little bit longer because we wanted this to be Bella’s day but we found out a few weeks ago that we’re expecting. I just entered my 13th week. We told Shai this morning because we wanted him to have time to adjust.” “Sorry momma, I ruined the secret.” Shai said as he dropped back into Sharna. “It’s alright bubby, you were just excited.” Peta said with a smile. Sharna whispered something in his ear and he let go of Bella and Sharna helped him slide off her lap. He scurried over to Peta and hugged her tightly as the news finally sunk into the rest of the room and they all moved to congratulate the two. Peta tried to apologize to Sharna and Val at least 3 times however they both blew her off and told her she was crazy. News like this was amazing for the entire family and it deserved to be shared. Lunch came soon after and the group ate all together while everyone took turns loving Bella up. She got worked up a few times which was to be expected but she settled once she was back with Sharna or Val. Shai did his fair share of loving her however he spent most of the afternoon parked between his aunt and uncle whom he had missed immensely while they had been tied up with taking care of Bella. Sasha & Larissa surprised Sharna and Val with a bassinet for Bella that would eventually convert into a toy box. Maks, Peta, & Shai gift them a bedset for Bella as well. It matched their teal theme however had little arrows all over it. It would match the plain teal bedding they already had perfectly and would make the room just a little more girly which would suit Bella. Eventually the evening came which meant Sasha and Larissa had to leave. They had a dinner to go to and needed to head out. The others moved the relaxing to the backyard so Maks and Val could play catch with Shai while Sharna and Peta got some girl time in with Bella. “Babe, I can’t believe you kept this from me the whole time!” Sharna said excitedly as Bella rested against Peta. “Well, we wanted to wait at least until we were further into the pregnancy just in case but then everything started with Bella getting sick and we were all so focused on her progress that I couldn’t find the right time. So we were going to tell you all next week.” “Fine, you’re still in trouble for keeping it from me for so long but I’m so excited.” “If this all works out, we’ll have little ones the same age.” Peta said wistfully as she let Bella play with her fingers. “That would be….” Sharna trailed off as she realized Lydia was calling. She showed Peta and motioned for her to get Val as she answered. “Hey Lydia, how are you?” “I’m good. Sorry to bother you guys late in the evening. How’s miss Bella doing with being home?” “She’s good. Adjusting to life outside of her little incubator. What’s up?” Sharna asked nervously as Val appeared and gave her a look. She shrugged showing that she didn’t know yet. “Well, I typically wouldn’t do this this late in the day but would it be okay if I stopped over? I have some news that I think you two need to hear.” She said. “Uh, yeah, Maks and Peta are here but that’s fine. You can’t just tell us over the phone?” “It’s better in person. Alright, I’m leaving my last client for the day so I should be to you in about a half hour.” “Alright, we’ll see you then.” Sharna said as she waited for Lydia’s goodbye and then hung up. “Princess?” Val asked seeing the pale look on her face. “She’s coming over because she has news. What if……?” Sharna trailed off as she looked at her husband’s face. She needed him to tell her that wouldn’t be the case but she knew he couldn’t. “We can’t focus on that. Just focus on good things. It’s going to be okay.” He said pulling her into him. “We just got her home. They can’t take her away already.” Sharna said as a few tears slipped out tof her eyes. “They won’t.” “How do you know?” Sharna said getting frustrated. “I just do. Here, I think someone wants her Sharna.” Val said as he saw Peta standing close enough to hear what was going on but not close enough that she was encroaching. Bella however was done with Peta and was not a happy camper. “Come here sweet girl. It’s okay. You’re alright. I have you.” Sharna said as she scooped the baby out of Peta’s arms and rested her on her chest. She swayed slowly as she kept her gaze on Val’s eyes. “Maybe we should go…” Maks interrupted the two once he realized what was going on. “No, stay, please?” Sharna asked with a tremble to her voice. “We’ll stay babe. We won’t go anywhere.” Peta said as she moved over and rested her hand on Sharna’s arm. “I’m gonna go change her.” Sharna said as she nodded and headed into the house. Val sighed and went off after her after he asked Maks & Peta to keep an ear out for Lydia. “Princess.” Val said as he headed to the nursery where he found Sharna already snuggling Bella in the rocker as she talked to her softly. “No matter what sweet girl. I will always love you. You hold a huge piece of my heart, you know that. And it’ll stay that way no matter what Lydia says when she comes okay? No matter what I’m always here for you.” Sharna whispered as the little one watched Sharna intently. She had her binky in and was suckling gently as she listened to the only mother figure she had experience once she was brought into this world. “Same goes for me too.” Val said after he watched the two for a moment. “Babe.” Sharna said as her voice cracked. “I know princess, I know.” He said coming and sitting on the foot rest in front of them. “You’re so calm.” “Not on the inside. I just keep reminding myself to be positive. That the world is going to do what is best.” “But what if what’s best isn’t her with us? Val I love her, I don’t want to lose her.” Sharna whispered. “What if it is with us? Whatever it is though, we’ll do it together, okay?” Val said as he heard the doorbell. He also heard Maks answer and Lydia’s voice shortly after. “We need to go down.” Sharna said as she wiped the few tears that had fallen off her checks. He nodded and held his hand out to her. She took it gratefully and the three went down to find out their fate. “Hello you two. Shai told me all about how Miss Bella is doing. Sounds like you had an eventful day Miss Bella.” Lydia said greeting the three. “That she did. Lots of new things and lots of loves.” Sharna said softly. She didn’t notice but Peta and Maks ushered Shai out of the kitchen leaving the four of them alone. “I don’t mean to be rude, but what is your news?” Val asked getting right to the point. He was just as nervous as Sharna, he was just keeping it together for her. “Not rude at all. I’m sure I scared you both but I can promise you that the news is something you’ll all enjoy.” She said with a smile. Sharna reached for Val’s hand with her free hand as she pressed Bella into her tighter. “Did you talk to her grandmother?” Sharna asked. “We did and she has decided that she is too old to take in a newborn infant and while she wants to keep a piece of her son in her life, she’s just not capable at this time. So while she would like to possibly keep in touch with Bella, she has signed away her rights.” “What? Does that mean…? Is that?” Val stumbled as Sharna looked on in shock. “Yes, it does. There’s a ton of red tape and a few hearings but it seems like this little one is here to stay with you two. The process will take about 3 months to make official but then she’ll be your daughter.” “Our daughter. Ours. Like as in no one can take her away.” Sharna said in pure shock. “Exactly.” “Wait you said the grandmother wants to keep in touch?” Val asked not sure how things like that worked. “She would. She’s 77 and in a nursing home acutally however her son was just about the best thing that ever happened to her. It seems they got into a huge fight right when he was marrying Bella’s mom and they hadn’t been close since. She didn’t even know they were pregnant. She asked that you guys keep in touch with her if possible. She lives about 3 hours away from here and would love to meet Bella if you were okay with it.” “is this required?” “Definitely not. It’s totally up to you. If you don’t feel it’s right you don’t have to or if you don’t think it’s beneficial then you don’t have to do it.” “Okay.” Val said as he turned his gaze on Bella and just tried to soak everything in. “What’s next?” Sharna asked as she realized neither her nor Val had spoken in a good five minutes. “I need to file the paperwork. I’m going to start everything first thing in the morning. Once it is processed, they will review it. You’ll have a handful of case studies and then a court hearing. Since you’ve already declared desire, I can move forward with starting the petition to transfer you from her foster parents to her adoptive parents.” “And you said about 3 months?” “Right. Sometimes it’s faster but that’s usually the round about time.” “She’ll be 6 months.” Val muttered. “She will.” Sharna agreed. “Okay, I’m sorry I scared you both but I wanted to be able to share that in person. I’m going to let you get back to your evening. I’ll be in touch tomorrow so we can schedule the first case study and get things rolling.” Lydia said as she smiled at the two. “Thank you. So much.” Sharna said moving to hug her as she moved Bella to her shoulder so she wouldn’t get squished in the hug. She then realized it was nearly bottle time and instinctively moved to get the bottle ready. Val and Lydia laughed before Lydia said her goodbyes to Sharna and then let Val lead her out of the room. “Princess.” His voice echoed through the kitchen as he watched her prep Bella’s bottle and begin to feed the little one. She was humming to her keeping her calm until the bottle was in. “Val, she’s gonna be….” Sharna stopped as if saying the words would take it away. “Ours. You’re going to be ours.” Val said as he moved in front of the two and rested his hand on Bella’s head. She looked at him while she continued to drink. “She’s not going anywhere.” “Not for a long long time. You hear that sweetheart, I’m going to be your daddy. And Miss Sharna here is going to be your mommy.” Val said as tears filled his eyes. He looked up and realized Sharna’s matched his. ‘She’s staying?” Shai’s little voice interrupted the moment as he almost fell into the kitchen. “Shai!” Maks and Peta both said but it was clear they had been waiting as well. Val shook his head and motioned Shai over. He scooped him up and hugged the little boy. “She is staying.” “Good then she’s right where she belongs.” Shai said making Sharna’s tears start again as well as Peta’s. Val just smiled at his nephew’s words. He moved forward to hug his wife and his soon to be daughter as he thought that Shai’s words were exactly right. Bella was right where she belong and it was going to stay that way. It's not where you come from It's where you belong Nothing I would trade I Wouldn't have it any other way You're surrounded By love and you're wanted So never feel alone You are home with me Right where you belong **That’s a wrap. I should proof this but I stayed up 2 hours past my bedtime so you guys are getting this unproofed. I’m kinda in love with it. I hope you all are too. Don’t forget to like it up and let me know what you thought in the comments. Love you all so so much.

Fix a Heart 26

Chapter 26 - You’ll Be In My Heart

For one so small, You seem so strong My arms will hold you, Keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can't be broken I will be here Don't you cry  

“Hey tiny thing, how are you doing?” Val said as he cuddled a tiny Bella in his arms. She rested quietly on his chest as she looked around the room before returning her gaze to him. He had convinced Sharna to go take a mini break and grab some food before she crashed due to sheer exhaustion. Bella had been in their lives for about a week now and was starting to really thrive. Her breathing was getting better and her lungs were developing as well as she was starting to eat easier. They were still feeding her using a syringe but she was swallowing and taking the food in. Her favorite and calmest thing however was still the kangaroo care when she was snuggled into either Sharna or Val.

“I know you can’t answer but you do look like you’re growing, little by little. That’s all we can ask for huh? You look a lot better and they were talking about letting us try to feed you with a bottle rather than in the syringe. They want to see if you can suck baby doll. I think they’ll try the pacifier first and then we’ll try the bottle. You think you can do that for Miss Sharna and I? If it goes well, we can cuddle you while you eat.” Val asked as he watched her. She yawned in response almost as if she was saying, man, I got this. He chuckled before tucking her a little closer and beginning to sway. Sleep was the best thing for the little girl because it gave her body rest time and grow time. It wasn’t a fight either because she didn’t have the strength to be up for more than about 20 minutes at a time.

A lot of the love they needed to give Bella aside from the cuddles was just encouragement and something to be soothing. Sharna learned during one of the first few days that the little one seemed to adore just being talked to quietly. She wondered if her mother had just talked to her all day long while she was in her belly. Neither Val nor Sharna minded though and on one of his trips home, Val actually grabbed some of the books they had bought for the baby’s room so they could read to her. This also brought up the conversation of what they should refer to themselves as, at the moment it wasn’t as imperative as it would be if they were fostering an older child however they still wanted to come to an agreement. After a couple different ideas, they went with Miss Sharna & Mr. Val. Sharna said that it felt very teacher like at first but agreed it was the smarter of the two options.

“How is she?” Sharna’s soft voice came from the doorway.

“Princessssss.” Val said with a look.

“I know, I know. I just, I can’t rest out there. I ate, I promise. I’m just going to sit in that rocker.” Sharna said motioning to the other rocker in the room. NICU rooms had come a long way in the previous years. Bella’s room had two rockers, one that would fold out into a bed, a small shelf, a lamp, and then the whole area where her incubator was along with all the medical equipment.

“Only if you’ll really try to sleep.”

“I will, I promise. She’s with you and I’m right here.” Sharna said with a look. Ever since Bella had come into their lives, they had basically been at the hospital non-stop. One time, Val had made Sharna leave to shower and get new clothes and it had nearly resulted in a panic attack for the young woman. Since then, she had mainly stayed within the hospital which was thankfully set up very well for parents who were experiencing this. Val was the gopher and Peta had helped out as well.

“Okay, now back to your question, she seems to be doing well. She was looking around and listening to me. She just started drifting off right before you came in. The nurses said they want to try to see if she’ll suck so they can switch her to a bottle.”

“Wow. Look at that precious. I’ll bet you can do it. You enjoy your snuggles with Mr. Val. I’m going to steal you back later.” Sharna said pressing a kiss to her head before curling up in the rocker next to Val. She rested her hand on the arm of his chair as she closed her eyes. He rested his hand on hers and cuddled Bella closer as he felt himself doze off as well.

The three dozed off for quite some time. Val stayed semiconscious knowing that both of his girls were under his supervision. At some point, Bella’s monitors’ beeps increased slightly which wasn’t a rare occurrence. Sometimes especially when she was sleeping, she fluctuated on how she was breathing and her heart was working. Val stayed out until a shrill beep resonated from the monitor.

“Val?” Sharna asked as she sat up quickly looking at her husband.

“I…She’s breathing but it’s labored.” He said as he loosened his grip on the tiny infant.

“Ohh, here, I’m going to take her for a minute.” Christine said appearing next to the two.

“What’s wrong, is she okay?” Sharna asked stepping forward.

“That’s what we’re going to find out. Now it’s about to get hectic. You two can stay for now, however, you have to stay back. And if we tell you to leave you have to leave.” Christina said as she got Bella into her incubator and opened the top so that they could easily work on her.

“Okay.” Val said nodding. He had experienced the hospital a time or two with his grandma and he knew that if you were pretty compliant they didn’t push you out. He reached for Sharna’s hand, gently tugging her back with him.

“Val.” She said clearly alarmed at the situation.

“I know babe, I know. We have to let them help her though. That’s the best thing for her.” Val said wrapping his arm around her waist and tucking her against him. He was terrified at the moment as well but knew he needed to keep it together for Sharna and Bella now as well.

“She has to be okay.” She whispered as she watched a set of doctors rush in as well as another nurse.

“She will be, she’s a fighter princess.” Val whispered before the two of them fell silent watching all the fluttering activity around them. They took blood, checked her heartrate, checked her temperature, and just did everything. Bella got upset more and more throughout the experience and Sharna tried to go to her twice only to be stopped by Val.

“Babe.” She growled after the third time.

“I know, I know you want to fix it, but they’ll just kick us out. They need to find out what’s wrong.” He said trying to sooth her.

“But…” She trailed off as finally the activity in the room seemed to dissipate.  Val pulled her in closer knowing they were about to get some news.

“Okay, so I’m Dr. Francis. I’ve been the main doctor on Bella’s case. While I’ve been keeping a close eye on her, I don’t believe we’ve met yet.”

“I don’t think so either. I’m Val Chmerkovskiy and this is my wife Sharna. We’re currently Bella’s foster parents.” Val said as he shook the doctor’s hand. Sharna did the same.

“What’s going on with Bella? Is she okay?” Sharna said immediately.

“Well, we’re running some tests at this time.”

“What does that mean?” Sharna interrupted.

“Babe, let him speak.” Val said as his hand coasted up and down her back.

“Sorry.” Sharna said sheepishly.

“It’s okay. Honestly, I appreciate the concern, especially with foster parents. So we’re running some tests on our Miss Bella. While she’s been doing amazingly well this past week it does appear this is going to set her back. From my initial observation, it looks like she’s contracted pneumonia.”

“Wait, wouldn’t that be dangerous for her lungs?” Sharna interrupted but this time Val let her. He was thinking the same thing.

“It is, it’s extremely dangerous honestly. That’s why we’re going to take as many precautions as we can and ensure we’re giving her the right medicine to fix her up.”

“When will you know?”

“In the next hour. We did take her blood as well as a culture to test. And they are going to come do an xray as well. Typically it’s a bacterial pneumonia in this case which can be treated. I already started her on a higher dose of oxygen to assist with her breathing, as well as an antibiotic, Tylenol, and small dose of steroids.”

“For an infant?” Val asked as the roles reversed and he was the one interrupting. Dr. Francis just took it in stride. It was sure to be a common thing in his practice.

“Yes, when you have a baby who is born premature like Bella, their lungs don’t have time to develop completely as they are the last thing that develops. Now the lungs produce surfactant which keep the lungs open, the lungs control the amount of fluid in them, and just general use. Steroids while used only in cases where necessary will help the lungs with all of those areas. They’ll help them create the surfactant, decrease the fluid buildup, and assist with the development. This is vital considering pneumonia attacks the lungs and is simply a fluid buildup.”

“So if she ends up not with pneumonia, what will occur? Will the steroids affect her at all?”

“No, some hospitals will treat with steroids as soon as the baby is born. We try to shy away from that practice because it’s not always necessary. However it’s not harmful. I will tell you that her breathing, the fever, and the fluid buildup in her lungs all already point to the pneumonia.”

“So now what do we do?” Val asked.

“We wait. We’ll do the x-ray. Then once we get all the results back, I can put her on a more direct course.”

“Can we….” Sharna said looking at the upset little one.

“Touch her yes, hold her no. I’m sorry. Unfortunately until we know what we’re dealing with it’s the safest thing for her.” He added the last part after seeing the defeat on Sharna’s face.

“Do we need to do anything specific before touching her?” Val asked.

“We’re going to ask you to scrub and gown for now. So you’ll go out with Christine, get scrubbed and gowned, and then you’ll be allowed back in. You can touch her through any of the hand openings in her incubator, we just ask that you’re mindful of the wires. And listen to the nurses.”

“Okay.” Val said.

“I know this is stressful but I can promise you it’s pretty common, and it was caught so quickly that as long as we get things sorted and start her on the correct medicine, it will just set her back a bit.”

“Thank you. Can we scrub now?” She said looking between the two.

“Yes, you can. Christine, I’ll let you take over. If you two have any questions, just let one of us know.” Dr. Francis said as he shook their hands one more time before exiting the room.

“Come on you two. This is quite the process but necessary especially when their immune system is also compromised.” Christine said leading them to the wash room. She showed them the process for scrubbing as well as the gown and covering process. She explained when they needed to follow these steps and how’d they’d remove them once they knew Bella was doing better. Finally after what seemed like forever, they were allowed back in with Bella.

“Is there anything we need to watch for?” Val asked as Sharna was already over to the incubator.

“No, well I mean yes, but all her monitors are doing that for you. So unless you see a drastic change in her behavior or activities, then you’re good. We’ll be in and out even more than before. You’re both already well versed in the gentle method to handle her, all we ask is that you watch the wires and tubes.”

“We will.” Val said.

“Alright, I’m going to leave you with her for a bit, x-ray should be in shortly.” Christine said as she left the room. Val moved over next to Sharna whose hand was already in with Bella.

“Hey sweet girl, I’m right here. It’s all going to be okay. The nice doctors and nurses are going to find out what’s going on so we can get you all fixed up. Then we’ll cuddle you and make you feel safe again alright.” Sharna whispered softly as she rested her hand over Bella’s head running her finger back and forth slowly.

“That’s right tiny one, Miss Sharna and I are right here with you. You just have to fight some too but the doctors and everyone are going to help you with that fight. You just be strong baby doll.” Val said as he slipped his hand in and found her tiny hand. She grasped his finger which always shocked Val because she was so tiny that her fingers just barely made it around his finger.

“Val.” Sharna whispered.

“Yeah princess?”

“I’m scared.” She said softly as she looked at him. He kept his gaze on Bella.

“I know babe, me too, but we’ll just have to..”

“No Val, I’m scared.” She repeated with a little bit more force this time making him look up at her. When he saw her face, he saw that she was talking about a much bigger picture than just being scared about Bella’s health.

“Princess.” He said looking at her tear filled eyes.

“I’m going to get too attached.” She said and he could almost feel her panicking. He took his hand out from his side of Bella’s incubator and moved to her side. He stood next to her body and wrapped his arm around her waist.  

“I know you are. I am too. I think we already both are. But remember what you told me the very first day when we were making our decision?”

“No?” She said shakily.

“You told me that she needed to know she was loved and that we needed to ensure she felt that. And she does. She is already much calmer simply with your touch in there with her. Do you think you could back out now just because she may not end up being a permanent part of our family?”

“No. I can’t leave her. I’m just scared.” She whispered as she reached for his hand on her hip with her free hand. He found her hand and interlaced their fingers.

“I know, I am too. But we just have to pray that this situation is going to work out in the best way possible for all of us. On one hand, I want to be able to say she’s ours but on the other, I don’t want to say that she has absolutely no family out there.” Val said softly.

“I don’t either. But, yeah. I already love her Val. I mean I loved her the second that we saw her. I just knew. I knew no matter what they had told us when they were explaining everything what I wanted to do. But today, today when we woke up and the monitors were going crazy and she was upset, that’s when everything sank in. And now, I just want to fix it. I mean when Shai is with us and upset, I feel the same way, but this is different, this is stronger and weirder. I don’t know how to explain it.” She said.

“You probably felt motherly princess.” Val said pulling her in closer and pressing a kiss to her head. She fell quiet as she leaned against her. Rather than moving back to his side, Val slipped his hand in the second incubator hole on Sharna’s said and found Bella’s hand again. Her tiny fingers grasped his hand as her monitors settled down just slightly more.

“Alright, we’re here to do Miss Bella’s x-rays.” A polite tiny older lady said as she steered a large machine.

“How long will they take? Do you need us to leave?” Val asked.

“No more than 10 minutes. You can stay until I have things set up and then you’ll have to go while we do the actual x-rays. I’m Denise.” She explained.

“Do you have to move her much?” Sharna said nervously. She seen earlier just how much that had upset the little girl.

“No, we won’t have to move her at all actually. We’ll or well I since I’m doing it will slip a board under her blanket, it’ll just give us a background. Then I’ll lay a blanket over her legs and put a pair of eye covers on her. Then I’ll do the picture and remove everything and she’s done. It sounds more complicated than it is.”

“Okay, she’s just much calmer when she’s near to one of us and we just got her as calm as we could again.” Val explained.

“Understandable. I promise I’ll be quick. Mom, you can even leave your hand in there while I get everything situated.” Denise said assuming they were the parents.

“Oh we’re not…” Sharna started immediately although initially the statement startled her and Denise realized her mistake.

“I’m so sorry.” She said immediately. She had seen a lot of families and couples go through something like this.

“We’re fostering, so kind of but we didn’t want to set up that expectation. There’s a lot of what if’s right now.”

“Understandable. She’s already quite taken with you I can see. And that’s what counts. Regardless of the outcome, she’ll always be in your heart. And what you two are doing, is one of the biggest gifts of all especially when you’re doing it for the right reasons, which I can see you are.” Denise said.

“Thank you.” Sharna said as a few tears slipped out again.

“You’re welcome dear. Alright, it’s picture time. Miss Bella, can you tell m….”

“Miss Sharna and Mr. Val.” Val supplied realizing she almost made the same mistake again.

“Thank you, Miss Bella, tell Miss Sharna and Mr. Val that you’re getting ready for your close up now. You’ll see them in about 2 minutes.”

“You be good sweet girl. We’ll be right back.” Sharna murmured as she stroked her cheek one last time before removing her hand. Val led them out of the room and they waited in the scrub room until Denise told them they could return.

“She did great. She’s a little upset though, I think she’s ready for more loves. I’m going to get theses down to the processor so we can get you all some answers.” She said as she headed out. Sharna was over with Bella already as she talked to her softly. Her hand resting on her head as her thumb ran back and forth.

“Her breathing is worse Val.” She said worriedly.

“I’ll call…”

“I’m here.” Christina said as she appeared in the room. “I saw it on her stats.”

“So it is worse?” Sharna asked.

“It is, she’s distressed however so I don’t think that’s helping. I’m going to turn her oxygen up some and see if that helps. Keep talking to her however, she’s done the best this whole time with the two of you. She wasn’t with us alone for a long time but she was immediately content with you the first day Sharna, and none of the nurses here got that response. The calmer we can keep her the better it is for her. As soon as we can get some answers, we can see about getting her back with you two. I honestly think in her case that’s going to be key.”

“We can’t do that yet?” Val asked unsure of why that wouldn’t be okay.

“Not until we know for sure. Some things could get worse with moving her and we honestly need to keep an eye on her lungs. With them being as weak as they are, they could very easily collapse. Once we get the x-rays and tests back, it’ll give us a better idea of what to put her on and what pre-cautions we need to take.”

“And we’ll know in about an hour or so?”

“Yeah, the blood results and that should be back in soon and x-ray never takes long. Dr. Francis will be in as soon as we know something.”

“So for now we just keep her calm?” Sharna said looking up.

“Right, just keep doing what you’re doing. She’s already settling some. Worst resort with her breathing would be to intubate her but we don’t want to do that unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“Yeah no.” Sharna said immediately.

“Right. So as soon as we know, we’ll know what medicine to give her, and then the rest will hopefully fall into line. I need to go check on a couple of other little ones but I’ll be back in with Dr. Francis. You two page the desk if you need anything.” She said.

“Thank you.” Val said as he moved back next to Sharna. He slipped his hand in and found Bella’s hand like before. She was slightly more listless but whined when he went to move it. So he slide his under hers and rubbed the back of her hand much like he would do with Sharna.

“Val, I don’t want her to have to be intubated.” Sharna said with a shudder.

“I don’t either. Let’s just pray that they figure something out quick.” He said as he pressed a kiss to her head.

“Talk to her in Russian.” Sharna said softly.

“Really?”

“Yeah, your voice is so soothing with that.” Sharna said as she tucked her body into his as well.

“Okay.” He said thinking for a few moments before starting off with one of his old prayers that he used to say everyday with his Baba. He continued with old verses and things he knew and they watched the little one calm more and more until she was asleep. The two remained quiet once she was out. Sharna focused on her chest which had evened out some as she calmed.

“Hey, we have some news.” Christine’s soft voice startled the two making Bella jump as well. Sharna focused on shushing her and the little one fell back to sleep.

“What did we find out? Pneumonia?” Val asked as he moved behind Sharna, so she could stay with Bella and look at the two.

“It is. Her oxygen levels in her blood as well as the fluid buildup in her lungs and her other counts all point to that.”

“So now what?”

“We’re going to get her on a few different medicines. One for the infection, one to decrease the fluid in her lungs, and one for the aches and pains she’s probably feeling.”

“How long will she be bad like this? I mean worse that what she has been?”

“She’s actually improved immensely since she was born and I do attribute that namely to you two. I know medicine does play its part but when someone has nothing to live for then it’s a lot harder. And that more than goes for babies too. But this will derail her growth some but depending on how quickly she fights this, will depend on how long. She may get a little bit worse before she gets better.”

“Now that we know, can we hold her?” Sharna asked immediately.

“I want to get one round of everything in her. Then we’ll check things over and go from there. I know you want to fix it and make things better and I want that for you all too but at the same time, I have to make sure that as much as that need needs filled, that it’s not going to harm her any further.”

“Because of her lungs right?”

“Exactly. I just want to monitor her progress and see where she is before we try that.” Dr. Francis said.

“Alright.” Sharna said as she turned her focus back to Bella. She kept her ear in tune to their conversation but knew it was about over. They briefly went over what was next and said they’d do another round of blood draws and x-rays in 6 hours and they’d go from there. Those 6 hours seemed to be the longest 6 hours in Sharna and Val’s life. Finally they came to do the results and the x-ray, both upsetting Bella but not to the intensity of before.

“Who’s ready for some cuddles?” Caitlin said appearing. She was the alternate to Christine, it was currently her shift.

“Really?” Sharna said with wide eyes.

“Really. Dr. Francis said that the medicine has helped her improve very minimally however she didn’t get worse on any instance. So he feels it’s safe for you guys to hold her. We’ll watch and monitor her and if it seems she’s getting worse, then we’ll re-evaluate.”

“Okay, thank you.”

“Which one of you is going to hold her first?”

“Sharna.” Val said immediately. Not that he didn’t want her but he knew his wife had been waiting on pins and needles, plus he could sit right with them.

“Are you sure babe?” She asked looking at him.

“Positive. I’ll be right beside you both.”

“Okay, me then. Skin to skin or?”

“If you’re good with the skin to skin then yes.”

“I am.” Sharna said sitting in the rocker and getting situated. She had been wearing button downs lately to make the process easier.

“Okay, let’s go see Miss Sharna miss.” Caitlin said as she opened the incubator and gently gathered Bella. She cradled her in her hands as she moved over to Sharna. Bella let out a shrill whine and began to cry, letting them all know she was not happy.

“Come here precious.” Sharna said as she took the baby. Val was holding her blanket and helped Sharna get her situated as Caitlin stepped back. It took a few moments of fussing and quiet talking but finally Bella settled and snuggled into Sharna as she realized where she was. Caitlin watched the monitors from in the room and saw no evidence of distress so she decided that they were safe for now.

“I’m going to leave you guys be. I’ll be in definitely in about an hour to give her the next dose of the medicine for the fluid in her lungs otherwise, her monitors are on my phone and the nurses as the station are watching as well. And as always, call if you need anything.” She said smiling at the three.

“Thank you.” Val said meeting her eyes for a second. She left leaving the makeshift family alone in the room.

Alright miss, you need sleeps. You’re safe now, the doctors are giving you medicine to help, and we’re here to love you up since you feel yucky. Tell Mr. Val to talk to you again.” Sharna said looking at her husband. He shook his head but leaned forward to press a kiss to her lips before he started talking in Russian again. It didn’t take long before Bella drifted off gaining a slight sigh of relief from both Sharna and Val. They knew they weren’t out of the woods yet but having the little girl finally back in their arms was enough for them at the moment. They’d deal with anything else down the line.

'Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart From this day on Now and forever more You'll be in my heart No matter what they say You'll be here in my heart Always  

**That’s a wrap. Don’t hate me! It’s realistic! And don’t worry, as dramatic as I am, not even I could give you all a horrible ending. It will always work out in the end. We just may take 17 twists to get there. Thank you all for the amazing response to the last update! I’m floored honestly. That means the world to me. Let alone all the support you’ve all given me in general. Hopefully you like this one just as much. Don’t forget to like it up and let me know what you thought in the comments. Love you all!