Sooooo, this is the last chapter! =D *does dance*

I hope you're all doing well, and I HOPE you all like this chapter.

I enjoyed writing this and look forward to finishing up my other stories and beginning my new ones!

~LAla

Rei shut off Mina's radio as they pulled up into Darien's driveway. "Did you girls hear that?"

Ami and Lita nodded from the back seat and before Mina could put the car fully in park all three girls were running up the driveway "Mina, call 911!" Lita shoved her key in the lock and twisted quickly. The door swung open as the girls took a quick scan of the family room and kitchen area. Lita and Rei moved in first, followed by Ami. Ami looked towards the hallway and stopped.

Grabbing Rei's shirt, she pointed a shaky hand. Rei's eyes followed and before she could even blink, she was running down the hallway, "Serena!?" She looked at Lucas's lifeless body and stepped over him, moving into the room.

Her eyes fell on Serena, backed up against the dresser; the gun laid gently on the floor beside her. Her sapphire eyes were exceptionally large. Her skin pale and covered with sweat. Rei called out again, though gently, "Serena?" She turned toward's Rei then, "He came after me. I told him to leave—I…" She stopped as she looked back towards Lucas's body.

Ami had leaned down and was checking for a pulse, she shook her head towards Lita, who stood on the other side of him. The sound of sirens brought them all out of the haze. Ami moved forward, "Serena, we need you to stand up, okay?" Serena shook her head, "I think I wet myself." Glancing down, Ami gasped suddenly, "Serena, I don't think you wet yourself, I think your water broke." Serena glanced down and in an instant her eyes rolled back and everything went black.

Darien tapped his fingers impatiently against the table as his Captain took the call from the two officers who showed up at Beryl's work. Sure enough, she was exactly where she said she was. Darien sat back in the chair and looked up at the ceiling.

Everything just seemed to be wasting time-then, as if everything fell into place, his cobalt eyes widened, he turned quickly towards the man in charge, "Captain, I need you to send my team to my house. Now! I think this was a rouse to get me to leave." Darien didn't even wait for a response before he grabbed his phone and dialed Serena's number. When it went straight to voicemail, he flipped through to Rei's number.

The Captain walked over, "You mean that Lucas guy? That file you gave me a few weeks ago?"

Darien only nodded as Rei's frantic voice came over the phone. "Rei? What happened?"

Rei stared at the unconscious Serena, she had simply moved inside the Ambulance voting herself in charge. She felt the vibrations of her phone and picked it up; Darien's voice came over the line. "Darien he came back. Serena and the baby seem to be okay but Darien," Rei paused, having to stop to prevent herself from crying, "Serena passed out and her water broke. We're on the way to the hospital now."

000

Darien stood and practically ran out of the Mobile home base. His Captain not far behind, "What happened Shields?"

"He came to my house after I was called in; he set this whole thing up. Serena is on her way to the hospital her water broke."

"I'll send your team to the hospital she will have round the clock surveillance until everything is deemed secure. Go, I'll send the guys."

Darien made eye contact with Jed over a police car as Jed only nodded and took off running to his own car. Darien slid into the front seat and put his sirens on. Pulling away he couldn't stop the prayer from forming on his lips, "Please, don't take them from me."

000

"Rei!" Rei looked up as Darien and Jed made their way over to her, both still in full gear, "Tell me what happened." Rei seemed to be shaking as Jed engulfed her in his arms, rubbing his hands over her back, "shh baby. You're safe now. Tell us what happened."

Rei only nodded, "We had just pulled up to your house Darien when I heard what sounded like a gun shot. Lita, myself and Ami ran inside. Mina called 911. When we got inside, Lucas was in the hallway, he had a bullet wound to the chest. Ami checked and confirmed he was dead. Serena was..." Tears started falling from her dark eyes as her body shook "Serena was on the floor in your room. She said a few words then passed out. The police had showed up then. They allowed me to go with Serena, but the girls are still at the house taking statements." Rei wiped the tears that had escaped to her cheek, "Detective Kit showed up right as I was getting in the ambulance; she said she will take statements soon."

Darien looked over his shoulder at the sound of others approaching and nodded as his team filled up the waiting room, "Any word?" Jacob placed his helmet on one of the chairs as he looked at Darien. "No, I need to talk to the nurse." Just as Darien was about to move a doctor came out, frantically looking for someone. When he spotted Rei, he moved towards her, "You came in with Mrs. Shields, correct?" Darien stepped forward, "I'm her husband, whats happened?"

The doctor glanced between Rei and Darien and sighed, "The stress of everything pushed her into premature labor. I need to do an emergency C-section." The blood in Darien face completely vanished as he looked back at the double doors, "Save them both." The doctor nodded and jogged back behind the doors.

000

Mina, Ami and Lita looked around the filled waiting room as cops stood against every corner and filled almost every chair. Rei saw them and stood up, walking to them. "Everyone wanted to be here to support Darien, the doctors came out about 10 minutes ago. They are doing an emergency C-section." All looked towards Ami, "Will she be okay Ames?" Mina's normally high pitched voice was lowered, sad. " She's within her 7th month, she's in the safer zone. Besides, Serena is a fighter and look who's the father of the baby. Both will be okay." In an uncharacteristic display, Ami gripped Mina's hands and squeezed.

A few cops stood and offered their chairs as the girls moved to sit beside Darien and Jed. "Darien we're sorry. We should have gotten there sooner." Darien looked at Lita's sad emerald eyes and leaned back, "Lita, this is no one's fault except Lucas. Do not blame yourself. Any of you." His eyes traveled back to the double doors. His eyes narrowed though when Detective Kit came into his peripheral vision. "I came as soon as I heard."

She rushed to Darien, a look of concern painted on her face. Darien stood, his larger form forcing her to take a step back. "I was informed that you were at my house within minutes of the police showing up. I am curious Detective, how did you get there so quickly?" She glanced around as the other cops stood and looked at her as well.

Rei stepped forward, "I'd love to know that as well. Were you on your way there?" Detective Kit took a step back, "What are you accusing me of?"

"It's amazing how quickly you got to Darien's house, Brenda and you asked Ami who was shot." Jed spoke while placing a protective arm around Rei. "How did you know that?"

"I heard it on the radio and I was in the area so I came over as quickly as possible." Detective Kit defended.

"I noticed you never asked how Serena and the baby are doing; you never even asked us when we showed up. You simply took a few notes down and left. Tell me Detective," Ami's quiet voice rose, "how long have you known Lucas?"

Multiple heads turned towards the normally quiet Ami then moved back to look at the Detective.

Brenda took a few steps back, "You all are obviously very emotional right now and that's to be expected, but you are looking to place blame on me when my sole job is to protect."

Ami pushed on, "Actually Detective, after you left your partner showed up and informed me that he knew nothing about half of the stuff that you told Serena. So, answer me, how long have you known Lucas?"

"This is ridiculous. I will come back when you all have settled down and not on a witch hunt." Detective Kit went to move, but was snatched up by two Officers standing towards the exit. "We actually would like to know all of this information too. Detective Kit, you are being taken in for questioning on the attempted murder and stalking of Serena Shields. Anything you say can and will be used against you."

Brenda sputtered, "This is ridiculous! Let me go!" The Captain waved his hand, "Take her away."

Darien looked back towards the double doors as the doctor exited. The doctor paused as he took in the room before him, looking for Darien. When spotted, he moved quickly. "How is she? The baby?"

"Both are resting as we speak. We did have a minor complication but I will explain that when we get in the room. You can come see your baby." Mina poked her head around everyone, "Is it a boy or a girl?" The doctor smiled, "I think the father should know first."

Darien cooed to the small baby girl as she slept peacefully.

Even at 7 months, she seemed so strong. She had a breathing tube, though the doctor informed him that it may be taken out by the weeks end. She was wrapped in a perfectly pink blanket and her head already sported his dark hair. He smiled as she squeezed his finger tightly in her sleep.

"Mr. Shields, your friends would like to speak to you."

Darien looked up into the elderly nurse's face, "She'll be okay?"

The nurse smiled, "She's actually very healthy. I'll watch over her." Darien looked back down at the sleeping angel. Leaning down, he gave her a soft kiss.

"So?" Mina stood right outside the door as Darien exited, "How's Serena? The baby?"

"Serena is doing alright. She had lost a fair amount of blood during the C-section, but they were able to get that under control. She's sound asleep right now. And Baby Rini is healthy and strong."

Mina squealed, "IT'S A GIRL!" Lita rolled her eyes as Ami giggled. Darien smiled at his team as congratulations were issued. His captain walked up to him, "I'm personally going to interview Detective Kit-but I wanted to say congratulations Shields. I'm putting you in for some time off. I'll call you by the end of the week and let you know how long you have." Darien smiled, "Thanks Captain. I better get back. I want to be there when Serena wakes up."

Serena opened her eyes and looked around. The sound of machines beeping brought back the reality of everything that had happened. She went to sit up but was held down by a warm, strong hand, "Everything is okay Serena." Her eyes turned frantic as she looked at him, "Darien...our baby?"

"Our baby is doing just fine. You did a good job. They'll be able to bring her in shortly."

"Her?"

Darien smiled and nodded, "A beautiful baby girl. She has my hair color." His chest seemed to puff out with pride as he spoke and Serena smiled while leaning back, relaxing.

Then everything else came back, "And Lucas? Did I really….?" She swallowed hard as she clenched the bed sheets. "He won't be bothering you again Serena. We also discovered who "b" was."

Serena turned a curious head towards him, "Who?"

"Detective Kit." Serena's gasp sounded throughout the room, "I recall Lucas saying that? But what about Beryl?" Darien shook his head, "Beryl was used as an excuse, though they are still not sure if she did play a role in all of this. Both are in custody."

Serena could only nod. Darien's hand grasped hers gently, "How are you feeling Sere?"

"I'm sore and a little overwhelmed but, I want to see our baby." He stood and leaned down, kissing the top of her head, "I'll see what I can do."

Beginning of September

Serena stood over the crib looking down at her sleeping angel. She couldn't believe she was already two months old. She brought her hand down and gently wiped the black wisps of hair from her forehead.

She grabbed the baby monitor and moved out of the room.

She sighed when she took in the rental home Darien had moved them into. It was almost identical to the house he had owned. Serena didn't know what she had ever done in her life to deserve a man like him, but she promised herself that she would do everything in her power to keep him. She would love him and remind him everyday. Serena couldn't help but make that vow.

She smiled as she watched him in the kitchen, finishing up the lunch he had prepared. He looked up when she entered, "Hungry?"

"Very, what did you make me?" He placed a massive sandwich before her complete with potato chips and some fruit, "How does a turkey sandwich sound?"

She giggled, "Sounds delicious." She went to take a bite when her phone rang, noticing it was Rei, Serena offered an apologetic smile at Darien and answered, "hello?"

"SEWENAHEPROPAUSED!"

Serena moved the phone away from her ear, as Darien lifted a perfectly sculpted eye brow, "Was that even English?"

Serena shook her head, "I'm not sure," pulling the phone back, "Rei, repeat and in English, please."

For the first time in a rather long time, Serena heard Rei giggle like a school girl, "Jed! He proposed!"

"OH MY GOODNESS! CONGRATULATIONS!" Serena slapped a hand over her mouth as she eyed the baby monitor. Rini hadn't made a sound. In a quieter voice, Serena spoke again, "We need to meet up and discuss everything!" Serena could almost hear Rei nodding. "Oh, and Jed's dad is divorcing that witch. Come to find out she has been "in love" with her step son since day one. She admitted to seeing me with the pregnancy test and concluded that it was Jed's. She also admitted that she never sent any of my letters."

Serena shoved a grape in her mouth, "ewww! That's disgusting! But at least she admitted to everything. When do you think the wedding will be?"

There seemed to be a pause on the phone as Rei said something to someone else, then she spoke again, "Well, since school is starting back up again next week, I think we'll either do an early one around Christmas or wait until next summer. I think Jed wants Christmas."

Serena laughed gently, "I bet he does. Hey, how about you and the girls come over tonight. I'll make everyone dinner and we can discuss everything. All the details."

"That sounds good! I'll call everyone—ohh and Sere? I wanted to know if Rini could be my flower girl and if you would be my Matron of Honor?" Serena's eyes filled with tears, "I'd love that Rei!"

"Good! I'll see you tonight say 6?" A few more goodbyes were given before Serena hung up.

"So Jed finally proposed?"

"Yep!" Serena clasped her hands together, "I can't wait to the see the ring!"

Darien slid his phone over the table, "I took photos, check the gallery."

"You knew about this?"

Darien shrugged as he took another bite of his sandwich, "I helped him pick out the ring." Serena grabbed the phone and quickly went to the photos—ohhing and awwwing at the design. She looked back up, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because," he smiled sweetly at her, "you can't keep a secret to save your life."

"HEY! I resent that! I can too!" She grabbed a grape and aimed for his head. Darien was too quick and caught it before it did any damage. He chuckled, "Really Sere? Should I mention the reason you refused to ask what gender our baby would be because you wanted it to be a surprise for the girls and I quote, "I can't know because I'll have to tell the girls!" end quote."

Serena glared as Darien busted up laughing, "I can keep a secret, if I tried."

"mmhmm, if you were on a deserted Island and the only thing there to listen to you was one palm tree. Then yes, you could keep a secret."

"Har har. I could if I tried." The baby monitor echoed Rini's soft cries and both Serena and Darien stood and made their way to her nursery. Serena entered first and gently cooed to the still tired baby.

"She's beautiful."

Serena smiled up at Darien, "She is." He wrapped his arms around her gently as they watched Rini fall back into a deep sleep. "I was thinking Sere." Serena leaned back into him, her hands gently moving over his stronger arms, "hmm?"

"How about three?"

Serena titled her head back against his chest, "Three? Three what?"

"Three children."

Serena's sapphire eyes bulged, "Three children?"

Darien smiled and nodded, "I would love a big family. I want to hear their laughter. I want to hear the sound of multiple feet running through the house." He pulled her back gently until he sat on the rocker. Serena sat on his lap as he rocked them, "I'd love to come home to that. Every night."

Serena looked over at Rini sound asleep in her crib. She imagined a few dark haired children running around laughing. Then her mind conjured up a little blonde child, the runt. Serena smiled, "I'd love that too Darien."

спасибо!

I'm so happy to have this one story finished! I can't wait until I can finish another one!

What did you all think? Reviews? отзывы? Opinions? Thoughts?

I kept thinking I should add to it-but then I realized-nope. It needs to end. =)

Please check out my other stories and if anyone has any ideas for stories they'd love to read, let me know. I like to write what people *WANT* to read.

~LAla and LaNaHwAnNa (Editor)