Point of View Series
by Kristen

Part 16 -- Names and such (Alexis' POV)

I gave a small sigh of relief as Sonny walked through the door, carrying Ellie in his arms. While she had only been gone five minutes, I had been worried sick, for a couple of reasons. One, that was my daughter, out there alone. And two, I knew how much havoc she could wreak when left to her own devices. Trust me, I have the cancelled checks to prove it.

It was immediately clear that all was not right with my daughter. Her arms were crossed and her lower lip and jaw were jutted out in a decided pout. Sonny put her down and she immediately crossed the room to pick up Dammit. As she stroked his ears and he licked and nipped at her playfully, I turned to Sonny, a confused look on my face.

Where was she? And what's wrong?

He shook his head.

You don't want to know.

Funny, I thought I did.

Alexis.

Sonny, I said in a warning voice.

Fine, I found her at the nurse's station, talking to Lila. She was telling her about the babies and lamenting the fact that there will be no more babies.

She's got that right.

While attempting to cheer her up, Lila told her that she was practically a second mother and Ellie took that to mean she is old enough for a "toy" like yours. I told her she wasn't, hence, the lip and the silent treatment. And speaking of your "toy", is that thing really necessary?

I grinned at him devilishly. Men can get threatened by the least little thing.

Not if you do your job right, it isn't.

I would think they, he gestured at our six children two of whom had recently been brought into the room,, are proof of that.

Well, I just don't want you to rest on your laurels.

You love my laurels Alexis, and as long as you're around, my laurels will not be resting.

Is he a smooth talker or what?

Excuse me!

We both jumped then looked at Kristina.

Are you sure you don't want me to take Ellie home so you two can be alone, she asked with a wink.

I knew Sonny was tempted to say yes, but he was crazy. We were in a hospital, and while it was true we had done things in stranger places, we had never done those things hours after I had given birth. I rolled my eyes at him and turned to my sister.

I'm sure. Besides, I think my oldest needs some special alone time with her parents.

Okay, she answered, in a dubious voice. Don't say I didn't ask.

Ellie, you need to give Dammit a kiss. I have to get your brother and sister's home now and I think Dammit needs to make a trip outside.

Ellie kissed the little beagle and handed him over to Kristina, giving him instructions in a solemn voice as she did.

Dammit, you listen to Kristina and do exactly what she says ok? I'll be home soon and we can play tug o war, I promise. But only if you're a good boy.

As in response, the little ball of damage gave a small yap, eliciting a small giggle from Ellie. Thank goodness for small favors.

MJ wandered over for a kiss and a hug from me, and as I unwrapped my arms from his little body, he looked at the newborns.

Babies eat mommy?

I nodded at him.

Yes MJ, babies eat FROM mommy.

It's called nursing MJ, Ellie interjected, then rolled her eyes at me in derision. Babies!

MJ not a baby, he pouted.

Are too.

Am not.

Hey you two, that's enough, Sonny reprimanded gently. No fighting in this family.

On what planet, I thought to myself.

Apparently Ellie had the same thought.

Daddy, me and MJ fights all the time. And you and mommy LOVE to fight. `Course Aunt Kristina says that you and mommy like to fight just so you can make up. Is she right, is that why you fight? Do you have a special way that you make up? Is it fun?

Yes Ellie, it's fun, Sonny told her with a grin.

It sure was, I had to agree with him.

Time to go, Kristina announced gaily. Come on MJ.

MJ climbed off the bed and held out his arms to Sonny.

Daddy hug.

Sonny looked at me with a huge smile on his face.

Didja hear that? He called me daddy. Come here buddy.

He bent down and picked up his son, giving him a huge hug. I understood his relief. Doesn't look good when one's only son calls him mamma in front of the entire PCPD. If we had had a video camera in the room right then, I'm sure Sonny would have sent a copy to the squad room. I know my husband.

Kristina, the kids, and the dog left in a flurry of blown kissed and more directions from Ellie, and soon it was just Sonny, Ellie, our sleeping newborns, and myself. I held out my arms and Ellie crawled up on the bed and nestled in next to me.

I'm sorry I scared you and daddy, mommy.

I gave her a gentle kiss on the top of her curly brown head and hugged her even tighter.

"It's ok little one, but next time you want to go see the babies, tell us ok?

Ok mommy. She furrowed her brow in confusion. She had a question to ask, I knew. God help us.

Mommy, what are laurels and why don't you want them to rest. Don't they need to sleep too, like mommies and daddies and babies? And it's not fair. You have a kitty and daddy has laurels and you don't have to share them with us. You're always telling me to share so don't you think that you and daddy should have to share too?

I looked at Sonny. He didn't know what to say either so he did the only thing he could do. Changed the subject.

Ok, about these names, he said, clapping his hands together. Any thoughts ladies?

But daddy, mommy didn't `splain about the laurels yet.

Ellie, we'll talk about the laurels later ok? But right now, we need to name those girls, don't you think?

Daddy, they have names, `member? Mommy named them Frick and Frack. I like those names; they're easy for me and MJ to say. Why do we have to change them?

I sighed and turned Ellie to me.

Ellie honey, I know you like those names, but mommy was tired when she told them those were their names, and I didn't really mean it. We have to change them and we need your help, ok?

She chewed on her lip and thought for a minute, then gave a shake, curls bouncing merrily.

Ok mommy, I'll help. On one `dition.

I narrowed my eyes.

What condition Ellie?

I get one of those toys like yours.

Sonny rubbed his forehead.

Ellie, I told you, he started in.

Fine, I said.

Alexis! His eyes were wide and stunned.

Sonny, calm down. Fine Ellie, but I have a condition of my own.

What mommy?

You get the toy, but it stays in your room. IN YOUR ROOM. Is that clear? I ever see that toy anywhere but your room; it goes bye bye, ok?

Deal, she dimpled, holding out her hand.

I shook her tiny hand and then turned to Sonny, who was looking at me in consternation.

Sonny, it'll be fine.

If you say so Alexis.

It was clear that he didn't believe me. I knew she would forget about it in a month. Ellie stays focused on a toy about as long as Carly stays focused on one man.

About those names, I said.

I have a name mommy, Ellie said in an excited voice.

Let's hear it sweetie.

How bout Juliet? You know, like in that dance you and daddy go see every year? And if MJ can't say Juliet, we can just call her Julie, how's that?

Sonny and I looked at each other and smiled.

"It's perfect baby, just perfect.

She smiled proudly.

What about the other one mommy, what are you gonna call her?

Yeah Alexis, what are you gonna call her, Sonny asked mischievously.

I had given it a lot of thought and looked at Sonny, a smile on my face.

I want to name her Cate, after Stone.

Sonny stared at me as tears filled his eyes. He coughed and looked away, trying to compose himself. He turned back and leaned over, kissing me gently.

It's perfect, he whispered. Thank you.

He kissed me again. Ellie giggled.

I think you should have made me go home with Aunt Kristina.

part 17