A/N: Ok, first off, im still recovering from Tuesday's episode. Like OH DEAR GOD. Did that really happen?! It sure was NOT a disappointment. Though i think i broke the 'rewind' and 'play' button on my remote lol.
Now back to the story, this is the epilogue! Hope you guys enjoy it! Oh! Huuuuge thanks to Valerie for helping me w not just this chapter, but the whole story!
"Come on Aria, keep pushing." The doctor spoke gently.
Aria laid breathing heavily, beads of sweat covering her face, as she squeezed Ezra's hand tightly.
"Ugh." She moaned in pain as she gave another push.
Her breathing became more ragged as the minute passed.
"We're almost there, sweetie." The doctor spoke again. "But you gotta keep pushing."
"Ahh." She cried out in pain again.
"You're doing great, babe. You can do this. Our baby is almost here" Ezra encouraged, as he wiped her forehead.
"Ahh."
Why was this so painful? Why couldn't it be just as easy and enjoyable as the 'baby making' process? This hurt so damn much.
She couldn't wait to see their new baby. They'd both decided they would let it be a surprise, and were both equally anxious as to what gender they'd be. She was almost there.
"We're almost there!" Doctor Lornas said.
"Come on, Aria." Ezra added.
"Aughhh. Why did you do this to me, Ezra? I swear, we're never." She paused as she cried out in pain again. "having sex again."
Ezra shook his head, holding back a smile. She'd said those same exact words back when she'd given birth to Olivia, and as soon as soon as a few weeks went by, she was desperately counting down the days until she was cleared.
"Whatever you say, babe." He laughed.
"I see the head, you can do this honey." Dr. Lornas encouraged.
After one final push, the room was filled with soft cries.
Aria collapsed back in bed, her chest rising up and down rapidly.
"Congratulations. You just welcomed a healthy baby girl into this world."
Within seconds, Dr. Lornas placed the tiny baby on her chest. Aria stared lovingly down at her, placing a soft kiss on her forehead as tears of joy streamed down her face.
"She's beautiful." Ezra's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm so proud of you."
"Would you like to cut the cord, Mr. Fitz?" One of the nurses asked.
He nodded, before following her. Minutes later, after getting her all cleaned up, their new bundle of joy, laid sleeping soundly in her mother's arms.
Neither Ezra nor Aria could stop staring at their daughter. She was absolutely precious.
"I love you so much, baby girl." Aria cooed, stroking her daughters soft hair.
"And I love you." She smiled up at Ezra.
"I love you too." He smiled. "So so much. Thank you for giving me another beautiful daughter."
"I couldn't have done it without you."
Ezra leaned down, giving her a chaste kiss.
"So what are we naming this sweet angel?" Aria asked. "It's your turn this time."
Back when they'd first moved in together, they'd agreed that they would each get to chose a name for their kids. Olivia being the firstborn, was named by Aria.
"Hm." Ezra said.
He was silent for a few moments. This was tough. He'd always liked the name Grace, and that would've been Olivia's name, had Aria not chosen her name. Not that he didn't like 'Olivia', but he always had a very strong liking to Grace, no matter how common of a name it was.
Just as he was about to speak, he got an even better name. One that just a short week back, had crossed his mind. One that would forever hold a special meaning to both him and Aria.
"I love the name Grace, but I want to name her after someone who I owe a lot to. Someone who took care of you and helped you, when I couldn't. So what do you say to Emma Grace?"
Aria smiled.
"You really want to name her after my grandmother?" She asked teary eyed.
Ezra nodded.
"Positive." He smiled.
"Well then, welcome to the family Emma Grace."
After a long night of being in the hospital, it was finally time for her to go back home. She'd been bombarded with visitors, all beyond happy with the newest addition. Olivia had been ecstatic to learn she'd had a baby sister and had to be practically dragged out of the hospital room the previous night.
Gently kissing one of Emma's tiny fingers, she stared lovingly at her daughter.
Emma looked up at her mother, blue orbs meeting her hazel ones. She could get lost in her daughter's beautiful eyes that were identical to Ezra's.
"I could just look at you all day long, my sweet girl." She cooed.
After kissing her forehead, she sat up further up on the bed. She had to get ready soon.
"Babe, can you help me get down so I can go change?" Aria asked.
"Of course." He replied, rushing over to her side, and taking Emma in one of his arms.
With his free hand, he helped her down from the bed, handing her her duffle bag.
"Do you need help getting dressed?"
Aria giggled.
"Thanks, but I think I think i'm Ok. I'll let you know if I need anything."
He nodded.
"Actually, could you help me get Emma dressed?"
Ezra looked back at her nervously.
"Ezra, you've done this before. You'll be fine." She assured before going into the bathroom.
He nodded.
Nervously grabbing the diaper bag, he took out the small purple and pink flower print outfit with a matching headpiece, along with a diaper.
"You're so so tiny." He whispered as he gently took off the white onesie the hospital provided.
Feeling the cool air hit her, Emma started whimpering softly.
"I know baby girl. It's chilly in here. I'll do this quick."
After five minutes, Ezra held the now dressed infant in his arms. She sucked on her binky as he swayed back and forth attempting to get her to sleep. Within seconds, her big blue eyes fluttered shut.
Just as Aria was stepping out of the bathroom, the nurse walked in.
"Mrs. Fitz, I just need you to fill out some paperwork before you're discharged."
Aria nodded, taking the few papers from her.
"Do you need help filling them out?" Ezra asked.
"I'm fine." She smiled. "But why don't you put Emma in her carseat so as soon as I'm done, we can get the hell out of here. I can't wait to take her home."
Taking the car seat Aria handed him, he placed it on the bed, and gently placed his daughter in it. She whimpered softly, but soon fell back asleep.
"I'm gonna start loading the car, ok. I'll be back soon. Do you want anything from the Cafeteria?"
"Just some orange juice, please."
He nodded.
"Ok. I'll be back soon." He announced, taking both the diaper bag and Aria's duffle bag.
Once outside, he sent a quick text.
Be there in about 30 mins.
Aria grabbed her duffle bag, along with the baby bag from the backseat. Oh god, was she happy to finally go back home. Hospitals always gave her the chills. And being bugged by all the nurses and doctors, didn't help.
She couldn't wait to take a warm shower and rid herself of her black sweats and one of Ezra's old Hollis sweatshirts.
As she was started walking to her front door, she felt Ezra catch up to her.
"I told you I would get the bags."
"Ezra, I can manage."
"Bu-"
"Babe, it's ok."
Ezra sighed before nodding.
"So are you excited to be back home?"
She nodded as she opened the door.
"Very much so, I can't wait to take a warm shower an-" She was immediately cut off.
"Surprise!" Came the voices of all.
She looked back at Ezra who only smiled. She shut the door behind them, as Ezra placed the car seat by the armchair.
The room was filled with pink decorations. As she looked around, she spotted all her friends, her Dad, Mike, and even Dianne and Wesley, who hadn't been able to make it to the hospital the previous day. Although she couldn't spot Ella.
Hanna was the first to run up and hug her.
"Since we couldn't give you a baby shower before, not knowing the gender, now that we know she's a beautiful princess, here it is!"
"I don't know what to say." She smiled, tears filling her eyes.
"Mommy!" Olivia came running in from the backyard.
"Hey munchkin, were you a good girl for Grandma?"
"Yes. But I missed you and Daddy."
"We missed you too, sweetie."
"Where's Emma?" She asked curiously.
"She's sleeping." Aria smiled.
"Hey Livs, can you come with me into the kitchen to get something?" Ezra asked.
Knowing what her father was referring to, she immediately ran to him.
Minutes later, Olivia came running back.
"Mommy, Mommy. We have a surprise for you."
"You do?" Aria asked.
"Uh huh. But you havta close your eyes."
"Ok then." Aria smiled, shutting her eyes instantly.
Everyone remained quiet, all knowing what the surprise and anxiously waiting for her reaction.
Aria could hear footsteps, only assuming it was Ezra with her surprise. She hated surprises, and Ezra knew that. Why was he doing this?
"Can I open them now, sweetie?" She asked impatiently.
"Almost."
She heard the footsteps getting closer to her, before they stopped altogether.
"Ok, Mommy. Open them now."
Aria opened her eyes, expecting to see Ezra holding some sort of jewelry or something for the baby, but she was not expecting the sight in front of her.
"Grandma?" She asked in disbelief.
"Surprise!"
Instantly throwing her arms around her, tears filled both their eyes.
"I've missed you so much." She sobbed. "I'm so happy you're here."
"I've missed you too, sweetie." She cried.
After several moments, they both pulled back from their embrace, both smiling big and wiping away their tears.
"Did you like your surprise, Mommy?"
"Very much." She smiled, placing a kiss on her forehead. "Thank you."
"Nana was so excited to meet me, weren't you?"
"Of course I was. I've been wanting to meet you ever since the day you were born."
"She also says I look just like you, Mommy. Don't I, Nana?"
"Just as beautiful as her." Emma smiled.
Olivia gave them one last smile before running off.
"Now where is my newest great granddaughter, I can't wait to meet her."
Ezra walked over to them, holding the tiny purple bundle in one of his arms, as he used the other to wrap around Aria.
"Grandma, we'd like you to meet our new baby girl." Aria paused. "Emma Grace Fitz."
Emma gasped, as happy tears filled her eyes.
"Emma?"
They both nodded.
"Ezra wanted to name her after you." She explained, smiling up at her husband.
"Sweetie, you don't know how honored I feel. Thank you."
She hugged them both, before taking the infant in her arms.
"Hi Emma, I'm your Nana. You're so precious, my sweet angel."
"She's absolutely beautiful. Congratulations."
"Thank you." They both replied.
"Ok! Time for presents!" Hanna squealed as she dragged Aria across the room.
"Mine first!" She added.
Hanna had given her more outfits than she could count. Of course, they all screamed 'Hanna' but they were beyond cute, nonetheless.
She'd also received several more outfits, blankets, diapers, bottles, the list could go on. Anything baby related, she got it. Finally, Spencer's gift came last.
"Open the big one first." She instructed.
Aria did as told, and opened it to reveal a pink and grey playpen, filled all the way to the top with even more baby outfits and supplies.
"Thank you." She smiled.
"Now open the small one."
Aria nodded.
"I saw it, and I just couldn't resist." Spencer smirked, Toby also trying to hold back a smile.
Aria eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she continued to unwrap. Once only the box was left, she looked up at Spencer who still had that smirk on her face.
Pushing that aside, she pulled out a small pink shirt onesie, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she saw the wording on it.
"Come on Aria, show us what it says."
Aria glared at her, but showed them anyway.
'Mommy only wanted a back rub.'
The room instantly filled with laughter, as both her and Ezra tried to hide their embarrassment., because truth was, that had been what had led Emma had been conceived. After a long day at work, Aria wanted a back rub, but soon, it became more than that.
"Are you blushing?" Emily asked.
"No." They both said at the same time.
"You two are hilarious." Hanna added.
"Food's ready." Ella announced, and the both silently thanked her for speaking up and avoiding any further teasing.
"Come on, I'm excited to eat some real food." Aria stated.
Hours later, as they all sat around the Fitz's living room, Aria smiled as she held her newborn daughter in her arms, and as she watched Olivia snuggle closer into Ezra. With his free arm, he wrapped his arm lovingly around Aria, kissing her forehead gently.
"I love you." He whispered softly.
Aria smiled up at him, pressing her lips gently against his.
Years ago, when first diagnosed, she never thought she'd have this. Her family. Aria assumed she'd live out the rest of her days alone, secretly keeping tabs on Olivia. Keeping them, painfully, at arm's length to protect them.
She never imagined that she'd be able to rebuild the life she thought she'd lost. And now that she had loved and lost and then loved again, she now knew how precious every moment was.
She'd never be able to get back the time she'd lost with her family. But there was no use mourning what was gone. All she could do was move on and live out the rest of her life. Treasure every moment as they came. Of course she wouldn't live forever. There was no telling what would happen; for all she knew tomorrow she'd be hit by a car. But for each and every day she was given she would appreciate it, appreciate her little slice of forever.
That's the end! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, as well as this whole story. Y'all don't know how thankful I am for all you amazing readers. You made this story my biggest success yet and im so thankful for that. And to think I almost didn't write it. Glad I did, and again gracias times a million!
On a sidenote, now that this story is over, im going back working on Two Pieces of a Broken Heart, so please, if you haven't read the first chapter, please give it a read. I posted while back.
Please give it a shot, and leave a review telling me whether you guys really want me to continue it, and I'll post as soon as possible. The chapter is already written! This, along with the Hardened Heart will be my two stories i'll be working on.
Again, thank you for being amazing readers and stay tuned for my other stories!
-Koraima :)