Page 36 of A Trident Christmas Baby

Alex nodded, her emerald eyes shimmering. “And Jordan, after Ace’s dad. We wanted her to carry a part of both of them.”

Derek exhaled sharply, his lips pressing together as he reached out to take the tiny bundle from Ace. For a moment, he simply held her, staring down at her as though trying to memorize every detail. Or he was trying to suppress his emotions before trying to speak.

“She’s beautiful,” Derek said, his voice cracking slightly. His finger traced along Jacqueline’s tiny hand, which instinctively wrapped around it. “You’ve got a legacy behind you, little one.”

Ace sat back down on the bed beside Alex, wrapping his arm around her as they watched Derek rock Jacqueline gently. His typically stoic face softened, and for a moment, Ace thought he saw the glimmer of a tear.

After a few minutes, Derek carefully handed Jacqueline back to Ace. “You two did good,” he said, clearing his throat. “She’s perfect.”

Ace smiled, settling Jacqueline into the crook of his arm. “Thanks, Derek.”

Derek lingered a moment before turning back to the door. “The others are getting restless. They want to know if they can come in,” he said, his tone almost sheepish.

Alex and Ace exchanged a look, both smiling. “Of course,” Alex said, her voice warm.

Derek walked over to the door, but before he could open it, the door pushed open, and Tenley walked in first.

“We heard,” she said, a smile gracing her lips.

The door opened wider, and the rest of the team filed in, their wives trailing behind them. The room instantly filled with chatter and laughter as everyone crowded around the bed, congratulating Alex and Ace and cooing over the baby.

“Look at that head of hair!” Autumn exclaimed, grinning.

“She’s got your nose, Alex,” someone teased, earning a chorus of chuckles.

“Yeah, but look at those blue eyes,” Bailey stated. “Clearly, those came from Ace.”

Potter smirked at Ace. “You’re in for it now, buddy. Midnight feedings and diaper blowouts.”

“Yeah, and just wait till she can talk,” Irish chimed in, a huge grin on his face.

Ace laughed, shaking his head. “As long as she doesn’t spend too much time with Sienna, we should be good,” he teased, knowing that Sienna was a handful and had no filter on her mouth.

“Speaking of Sienna. Who is watching all the kids?” Alex asked, looking around.

“Juliette is with them at Tenley’s house. She said she’ll stop by tomorrow morning.”

Ace was still grinning when another knock sounded at the door. Before he could respond, a little blonde head poked through the crack, bright blue eyes peering curiously inside.

Ace immediately recognized Twinkles and groaned inwardly. In the chaos, he’d forgotten entirely about the elves and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Twinkle’s wide grin grew as she caught sight of him, and she waved excitedly.

Alex immediately noticed the stranger, and she looked up at Ace. He didn’t miss the amusement in her green eyes. “Friend of yours,” she asked with one of her eyebrows arched.

Ace rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. He knew they all were never going to live this down.

“So, remember how I said I’d do whatever it took to get home.”

Alex’s brow rose higher. “Yeah.”

“Well, I might’ve promised some helpers that they could meet the baby,” he admitted, avoiding her gaze.

“Helpers?” she repeated, her voice laced with suspicion but also laughter.

Before Ace could elaborate, Twinkles pushed the door open wider, revealing the rest of the gang.

The sight of the jolly group cramming into the already crowded hospital room made Alex burst out laughing. “Oh my God. I cannot wait to hear about this adventure you all had,” she whispered to Ace.

“Like I said, I did whatever was needed,” Ace said with a grin, motioning for the group to come closer.

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