(A/N  Before you begin, please note that I have changed the baby's age to 2 months old. I corrected it in the last chapter, but if you read it before I made the change, it would have been confusing to you)

Chapter 26

Nico

When I saw the time I jumped up from my desk.  The car and driver would be waiting for me in front of the building as well as one member of my security team who would accompany us.  I peaked into Ajax's office.

"I'm headed out Jax."  He stood up and made his way around the desk.  Last night Finn and I had filled Benji in on all that had happened since the afternoon at the café.

"Good luck! Let me know what happens and if there's anything you need me to do." 

Ajax gave me a tight hug and an encouraging smile.  "I will.  I'm nervous.  Should I be nervous?" I asked.

"No, it's a little baby, I mean, she might puke on you, but that's probably the worst that can happen."

"I guess I'm just worried for Finn.  We don't know what will happen yet.  This is just a visit, it all has to go before a judge, there's a whole process, he still had to be approved by child services…I don't want him disappointed if it doesn't go our way…and he's still so young.  Is he even ready for this?  He's still in school…"

"Nico.  Stop.  He has you to help him.  I know you, this is like your dream come true, you've always wanted a child.  You'll make sure this baby has everything she needs and Finn as well.  You also have the best lawyers in the city, this will happen.  It's just a matter of time, the process might be slow, but it will happen."

"Yeah.  You're right.  Thanks."

Ajax gave me another hug before I headed for the door.  "Oh," he called out.  "Benji's so excited to be an uncle I think he's probably out today buying baby things.  Apparently, as uncles, we need to baby-proof our whole house."

"Don't let him jump the gun…oh my god…I've got to baby proof the apartment.  We need a nursery…I need to talk to Finn about where we'll live…Do you think he'll want to move in with me now?  I've wanted it, but didn't want to push him, his apartment's too small for a baby…"

"Nico, relax.  You two will work it all out one step at a time.  You have to go now before you're late."

"You're right, bye.  I'll call you later," I shouted as I raced to the elevator.  I was going to pick up Finn on campus since he had morning classes today and then we were picking up our new lawyer, Jennifer.  She wanted to talk to us on the way and be there to speak with the case worker as well.

It was only a 20 minute ride to UCLA, but it felt like an eternity, I let out a deep breath when I saw Finn standing outside the art building talking to some other students.  When he saw the car pull up he waved goodbye to his friends and ran over.

"Hi!"  He hopped in the car and gave me a quick peck on the lips.  "I'm nervous Nico, should I be nervous?"

I laughed, what a pair we were.  "I was a wreck at work this morning, Ajax had to talk me down," I admitted.

"I wonder what she looks like.  She's only two months old, will she be really small?  I don't know anything about babies.  What if I drop her?  We have to wash our hands before we pick her up, I do know that.  What if she cries when I hold her?  What if she doesn't like me?"

"Baby, she's related to you, she'll be beautiful.  You won't drop her and she'll love you."  I tried to sound reassuring even though I had all the same doubts.

Finn looked out the window as we drove, deep in thought.  I could tell he had something serious on his mind, but I wanted to give him a few minutes to formulate his thoughts.

"Um…Nico?"

"Yeah baby?"

"Do you remember how we…umm…talked about…maybe…eventually…well…you wanted me to move in with you?"

"Yes.  I still do, very much."

"I do too, but I don't want you to feel that it's just because of Paisley.  I mean, I've been thinking about it anyway."

"I know, I wouldn't think you're only doing it because of her…does that mean…"

"Yeah, I want to move into the apartment…if it's okay.  I want us to raise Paisley together, like a family."

I felt a wave of warmth flow through me at his words.  I blinked a few times to make sure I was awake and this wasn't just a dream.  Then I blinked a few more times to keep back the few tears that wanted to escape.

"Are you sure baby?"  I wanted this, but I had to make sure that he did too.

"Yeah, really sure.  If you're sure, it's a lot to ask of you."

"Finn," I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and my voice cracked as I spoke.  "All I've wanted since I met you was to have you in my life.  Somehow I finally have that.  Now, this.  I couldn't imagine anything I would want more than to raise this little baby with you…and…I feel honored and…like the luckiest man alive that you would want to do this with me."

"Really?"

"I couldn't even express how much Finn."

"So…I'll move into your apartment, mine's way too small for all of us."

"Yes, we can make a beautiful nursery and I've already started having a room converted to a studio."

"Chris and Thomas can keep my apartment too, they'll be happy not to have to find a new place."

"And eventually we can find a house near Ajax and Benji, so she has a yard to play in."

Finn paused for a moment, he glanced back out the window before he spoke.  His voice was quiet and unsure.  "What if they don't let me have her?"

"You're her brother Finn.  You're a successful artist, you can support her and give her a great life.  You have the consent of both biological parents…and we have a team of the best lawyers who specialize in these cases.  I'll do whatever it takes to make this happen."

"I know Nico, thank you."

I pulled Finn into my arms and held him tightly against my chest.  My eyes closed as I breathed in the scent of his hair as I pressed my face into the side of his head.

We stayed like that for several minutes until we pulled up at Jennifer's offices.  One of my men ran in to let her know we were here.  The privacy screen was up, but Finn and I separated before Jennifer arrived so she didn't feel like she was intruding on a private moment.

"Good afternoon gentlemen," Jennifer said as she got into the car.  We both greeted her as the door was closed and we were back on our way.

"I'm glad we have some time to talk before we get there.  I know you both understand that this is just a visit, but I wanted to fill you in on my discussions with Child Services.  I've already filed a petition for custody, and I honestly don't anticipate any problems with it going through - you're family Finn, your mother and her husband have consented, you can provide for her…"

"How long will it take?" Finn asked.

"It may take a few weeks, there is a fair amount of bureaucracy to go through; you'll have to meet with a social worker, have a home visit, it's just red tape, but I don't foresee a problem."

"Will we get to see her until she can come home?"

"Yes, Finn, you should be able to see her as often as you like.  I just have a few questions, I'll be meeting with the case worker while you spend time with Paisley.  I just need to understand the living situation.  You and Mr. Salazar are together, would you like me to present the request as a couple or just on your behalf?"

"Will our relationship put the custody in any jeopardy?" I asked quickly.

"No, in fact, with Finn's age and the fact he's still in school, you add more stability into the mix.  And let me clarify, the first step is custody.  Once we have custody established, then you can decide on how you want to proceed, whether you want to formalize it into an adoption…so for right now, we'll concentrate on getting the custody."

"Nico and I were planning on living together," Finn started.

"That's good, they'll have a social worker do a home visit, I don't know when, it could be any time."

"We have to get a nursery put in, but we can get that done pretty quickly," I added.

"That's fine, they'll understand if it's not completed before they come.  This has happened so quickly.  They'll just want to see a safe, healthy and stable environment."

"We can certainly show them that," I confirmed.

"Well, here we are," she said as we pulled up to the facility.  "Are you both ready?"

I looked at Finn, he took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders back.  I gave him a wink just before I stepped out of the car, then helped Jennifer out as well.  Finn was last out and I gave him a quick kiss before we made our way to the main doors.

The caseworker was there waiting for us and we first had to meet with her.  She had several questions for us and then finally a young woman came to lead us to the nursery, while Jennifer stayed to work out more of the details.

"Hi, my name is Mia.  I work in the nursery and Paisley is one of the babies I take care of.  She's such a sweet and happy baby, you're going to fall in love with her." 

I looked around the facility as we followed Mia and it seemed clean and the people seemed very friendly.  I'd been worried about her care, but even though it was a state run facility, I figured it had to be better than staying with Finn's mother.

"Nursery B is right down this hallway."  Just a few moments later we walked into a brightly colored room filled with  comfortable chairs and rocking chairs.  There were a few nurses in uniform and a couple of older women, each of them holding a baby either rocking them or feeding them bottles.  Mia introduced the nurses, who all seemed very pleasant, and we found out that the older women were retired volunteers who came in to hold or feed the babies, giving them lots of contact and love.

My eyes scanned the room, looking at the different infants.  "Paisley is in her crib, she'd been napping before I went down to get you, but she should be waking up just about now and she'll want a bottle," Mia said, noticing our glances around the room.

We followed Mia into one of the rooms off of the main area.  There were four other cribs and in one we could hear soft baby sounds.  "Hello Miss Paisley, it looks like you're awake.  Are you ready to meet your big brother."  Mia spoke in a cheery tone and we could hear what sounded like a happy baby reply.  Mia reached down and carefully picked up her charge after throwing a small pink blanket over her shoulder. 

My knees went weak when I saw a little blond haired, blue eyed face peak over at us from over Mia's shoulder.  I think maybe my heart had stopped for a minute too.  I can honestly say, I had never seen a more beautiful baby than the sweet face that peered at us with that pure baby wonderment. 

"This is Paisley," Mia said as she walked over.  "Who wants to hold her first?"

I gestured to Finn, he was looking at her with the same expression I felt.  Like the world had just shifted.  "Hi Paisley," he cooed.  "I'm Finn, I'm your big brother."  The baby let out a little squeak or squeal or some very happy sounding exclamation.

As Mia handed her to Finn, he got a little nervous.  "I've never really held a baby before."

"It's easy, just make sure you support her head.  Don’t worry, she's not that fragile."  Finn took her in his arms the way Mia had, upright, leaning against his shoulder and he kept his hand behind her head.  Mia tucked the small blanket over his shoulder.

Finn was a natural as he bounced gently, telling her how beautiful she was.  "And this is Nico," he said as he walked closer to me.  I gently ran my hand over the soft blond downy hair on her head.

"She looks just like you," I said to him.

"You think so?"

"Yes.  She's…she's so perfect.  She's beautiful." 

I put my finger by her little hand and she grabbed right onto it then looked up at me.  "She's an old soul," I said as we locked eyes.  For a two month old, there seemed to be so much going on behind those baby blues.  I laughed when she started to make raspberry sounds against Finn's shoulder.

"Do you want to hold her?" he asked.

"Yeah."  Finn handed her to me carefully and I cradled her in my arms, looking down into her angelic face.  With one hand holding her securely, I gently ran a finger down her soft cheek.  "She's so tiny," I said quietly as she carefully inspected my face.  We just stared at each other for several minutes.

"I love her," I whispered in awe.  The feeling sweeping over me was nothing I'd ever felt before.  Probably the same feelings a father feels the first time he holds his newborn.  I didn't care that she wasn't mine biologically, within minutes of seeing her, I was ready to do whatever it takes to make her happy, protect her, take care of her, make her laugh.  This tiny little being already had me wrapped around her little finger.

Mia walked in with a bottle and asked who wanted to feed her.  "Here," I said handing her to Finn.  As much as I wanted to never let her go, this was his moment.  Finn sat down in a rocking chair and Mia showed him just how to hold her, how tap the nipple on her lip and soon she was busy drinking her bottle.

"Does she eat any real food yet?" Finn asked.

"Not yet, but it won't be too long until she can start on some soft foods."

"There's so much we have to learn," I observed already planning a visit to the book store on my way home.

"It's not too hard if you follow the baby's clues," Mia said cheerfully. "And your pediatrician will also let you know when she's ready."

I'd also call my doctor for a referral.  Paisley would have the best pediatrician in the city.

"Is there anything she needs," I asked Mia.  "I want her to have the best of everything until we can take her home; formula, diapers, clothing, toys."

"You don't have to worry Sir, this is a really great facility and we have a many donors who provide us with the best of everything, and I make sure she gets plenty of attention and love."

Donors.  I'd have my finance department make regular donations as well.  All the babies here should have the best of everything.

"Can we visit her each day until we can take her home?" Finn asked.

"You would have to discuss it with the caseworker and the head of infant care here, but I don't think it will be a problem, people have done that in the past many times," she replied.

I was already reorganizing my schedule in my head.  I could come in the morning for a quick visit and go into work late and then leave early in the afternoon.  Even if Finn was in classes as long as one of us came to make sure she would know us well before we took her home and to learn how to take care of her ourselves.

We spent another half hour with her before Jennifer came and got us.  We met with the caseworker again to discuss further details and answered a few more questions.  She was very positive and didn't foresee any problems with our custody request.  She even brought in the director who approved us for daily visits until we were able to take her home.

When we finished with the meeting and the caseworker told us she would call in a few days regarding the home visit, we went back to the nursery just in time for Mia to teach us how to change our first diaper.  Finn's nose scrunched up and I started laughing as I stepped in and took over.

"It just takes practice," Mia assured him, "you get used to it."  When we had her all cleaned and in a soft purple onesie both of us took turns holding her and talking to her until we realized another hour had passed when she started yawning.

Finn put her down for a nap and we followed Mia out of the door to talk in the main room.  She gave us a basic schedule she had written up so we could learn her routine and decide when we wanted to visit.  It was early evening when we left so we stopped for a quick dinner.

"So what's going through that head of yours?" I asked Finn once our waitress took our orders.  He'd been quiet for a while, but I could tell there was a lot on his mind.

"I don't know…everything.  There's just so much to think about, I don't know where to start."

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"What? No!  Not at all, I just worry that I'll screw up.  I mean…do you think I should quit the semester and go back in a year or two when she's not so little?"

"No! No Finn, you only have one year to go, you finish school.  Don't worry about anything, let me worry about the details.  I already have ideas, everything's going to work out."

"I don't want it all to fall on you.  She's my sister."  Although I knew how he meant it, I couldn't help but feel a little hurt and he must have seen it on my face.  "I mean…um…"

"Finn, I want to raise her with you, I want her to be mine too.  But that brings up another question, are you going to raise her as your sister or…"

"or like my daughter?"

"Yes."

"What do you think?"

"I think she needs a daddy more than a brother," I said honestly.

"Or two?" he asked. 

I let out a breath and a huge smile took over my face as I thought about it.

"Daddy Finn and Daddy Nico?" he suggested.

"How about Daddy for you," I replied, "and Papa for me.  I always called my father Papa and he called his father Papa."

"That sounds perfect.  What will we tell her when she's older?"

"I think we should tell her the truth, but just make sure she knows how much we love her and that it doesn't change anything."

"Yeah," Finn agreed. 

"Daddy."  He repeated the word a few times looking off with a soft smile as if practicing the sound of it.  "I can't believe we're going to be parents.  I feel like this is a messed up episode of teen mom."

I burst out laughing, I didn't know the show, but I could just imagine.  "It certainly was nothing we ever expected, but I know we can do this Finn."

"I know too," he replied.

"Nico?" he said a few minutes later.

"Yeah baby."

"There's no one I'd rather be doing this with, than you.  Paisley Louise is very lucky, she's going to have the most amazing Papa any little girl has ever had.  I could already see how much you love her, even after just a few minutes…and she's already looking at you like you hung the moon."

Finn's words took me by surprise and I wasn't ready for the reaction it brought to me.  I quickly wiped away a few tears and took a few deep breaths to compose myself.  Finn reached over and held his palm to my cheek, petting me gently.

I forced out a chuckle.  "I'm sorry baby, I don't know what just came over me."  I looked up into his eyes.  "Thank you, I think that's about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.  And…you know I'll do whatever it takes to give our baby girl the best life she could possibly have."

"I have no doubt of that," Finn said taking my hand. 

"We're going to be great parents," I assured him. "Both of us."

"As a team," he replied.