The Christmas Gift

Rick Lincoln hadn't seen or spoken to his only cousin Jasper Lincoln in years. Now he was getting a call from the hospital that his husband worked at. Jasper wasn't calling to catch up, he was calling to change his cousin's life.

And to grant a wish both Rick and Drew had forever.

Jasper was calling the NICU of the hospital. His wife had been rushed to there less than one hour ago from her doctor's office. Her blood pressure so high that the physician was shocked the patient were still conscious. The miracle didn't last, the pregnant woman died during an emergency c-section. The baby, a girl though small weighing four pounds was healthy despite being a month early. But she wasn't Jasper biologically; legally maybe because the two were married but Jasper hadn't wanted the child from the start.

"They're makin' me wait twenty-four hours but I'm signin' her away. Since you and Drew would have a hard time with the whole kid thing and your mom said you talked 'bout one, I wanna give you two first dibs," Jasper said like he was ordering take-out.

First dibs? Rick thought. This was a baby, not an appliance.

Yes, he and Drew had talking about parenthood lately. But to hear this so soon was like a lightning bolt. A call came on the other line.

Drew, no surprise there. He had spoken to Jasper before Jasper called Rick. He had also seen the yet-to-be named newborn. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. There was no doubt in Drew's mind he wanted to adopt the baby but would his husband? It was almost ten o'clock but Drew told him he could come to the hospital and see the girl. He had to head back to the ER but Rick would be allowed to see and hold the baby at this hour. Jasper left written consent. Drew was up to his elbows in patients downstairs when he got there. Rick realized he was this close to saying "yes" to being a dad to this baby-along with Drew.

Holding her in his arms was going to be what pushed him over the edge. The baby was the tiniest person he had ever seen. Only for she was moving and making the softest, sweetest noises Rick would have swore she were a doll. Brown hair with reddish tint covered her head. The nurse said the baby's eyes were blue with flicks of green. Then she was placed in Rick's arms the baby's eyes opened and she stared at his face. Rick had fallen over the edge and hit the ground. He hadn't had the chance to talk to his husband yet but if Drew didn't feel the same Rick didn't know what he would do.

A text from Drew before left the hospital told Rick everything.

What are we going to name her? We need to shop ASAP. Her stay here shouldn't be long.