Another year over And a new one just begun

 It was the last day of the year, and Chili wondered if she'd accomplished much. Of course, Axton came up from behind her and hugged her. They were at his place in his bedroom and they were alone. A gift that rarely happened these days. She knew they needed to make the most of it.

"Oh, you can't seriously be worried about losing business on the holiday, now are you?" His message was warm to her ear, and she smiled and turned to him. They were dressed for a cozy winter night. He wore the bottom of the flannel pajamas, and she wore the top over her boy-short undies.

"That's not what's on my mind," she said.

"OK, then what is it?" He kissed her forehead and then her lips. She fell into him as if she might dream of the future, but she knew he was not in a hurry.

"I don't know," she pulled away and looked him in the eye as if she wouldn't dare let him sweep her away for the night. "I just feel."

Chili didn't want to be sad about it, she had to keep going, but where? 

"Feel what?" He asked as if he needed to know too.

"Well." She pressed her lips tight as if she knew he wouldn't want to hear the same old story about her biological time clock ticking away, kicking her from time to time with ovulation that was a pain in her side. Maybe it just wasn't meant to me. She smiled at him quickly. 

"You know, you'll always be my baby." Axton grinned. It was the cheesiest line she'd ever heard but it filled her with laughter. She didn't have her doubts about that. Somehow, she needed nature to take its course and hoped for the best. 

Truly, it was a wonder how she got by. It was best to be thankful for what she had. Finally, they sat together on the bed and looked through the Christmas photos on her phone. There was joy and such happiness with extended family. It was good to see how much Maddie had grown since they'd met. Of course, she was filled with laughter to think Rafe would be a father this coming year.

When Phil and Lexi got the call, there was no time to waste. They went to the hospital immediately. He guessed they wouldn't have been ready if it hadn't been for Boone's mother who knew all the ins and out when it came to adoption. They volunteered in the newborn ward. Actually, they did anything they could to be ready for a newborn. They both wanted to know what it would take to be parents.

They would start with fostering a child. Although, he was certain it might be a teenager. So they were both thrilled when they heard the news. Of course, it was a little unsettling. Some one dropped off a baby after giving birth at the Safe Room in the Police Department. 

Neither were sure what they were in for, but as Lexi said in tears of joy, "She needs us."

As soon as they saw her, so tiny and crying from being poked and prodded. it was love at first sight. Lexi got to hold her first. Phil was certain he shouldn't have been sobbing with so much happiness. They didn't even have a name for her. Of course, he wasn't sure it would be possible for them to name her either, but at last minute they got word it would be up to them.

He held her with pride and she slept right away in his arms. They settled on Everly as if they wanted a trending name or the thought of loving her forever.

Oh, it wouldn't be an easy year, Phil knew this much. But he was certain it was a miracle that would keep giving and he and Lexi were up to the challenge.