Steady As They Go Chapter 42: And So It Ends, an alias fanfic

Thank you all so much for your feedback.

obsessed101: Not quite ten years...:)

aliaschikita47: I will continue to write Alias fics (I have become slightly addicted...) but just not in line with this particular fic.

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Vaughn awoke early and for a spilt second didn't know why. He and Sydney had been up late the night before and he would have preferred a sleep in.

However, he smiled when he heard Emilie over the baby monitor, babbling away to herself in her own private language. Reaching over, he switched the monitor off so that she would not wake Sydney and then threw of his covers.

Throwing on a t-shirt, he padded barefoot out of the bedroom, across the living room and into Emilie's room. Peering into the cot, he grinned at his daughter. "Good morning, birthday girl," he whispered.

Emilie's own face broke into a smile as she looked at her father, her gurgles growing more excited as she stared at him through her clear, green eyes. From her shock of dark hair, to her dimples when she smiled, Emilie had come to resemble Sydney more and more as she had grown, but there was no denying that her eyes were the mirror image of Vaughn's.

"How are we today, Em?" Vaughn asked as he reached down and picked her up. "You ready for it, hey? Because you have got a big day ahead of you," he said as she snuggled up into his arms. "How about we go wake mum up?" Vaughn murmured as he walked out of her room. "You got me up- let's get her up."

Entering the bedroom, Vaughn settled himself back on the bed, before putting a hand on Sydney's shoulder and shaking her gently. "Hey?"

"Yeah?" she replied, her voice sleepy.

"Somebody has decided that it's time for us to get up."

Sydney rolled over, a smile on her face. "Is that so?"

"Yup," Vaughn placed Emilie on the bed between them.

"Well, maybe we should have a talk with somebody about her parent's need for sleep after staying up for the New Year."

Vaughn chuckled. "Given that somebody's birthday is New Year's Day, I have the feeling that her parents should get used to early morning wake up calls."

"Unfortunately, I think you might be right," Sydney said wryly as she glanced at the clock. The time read 8.30. "You know," she said, "this time last year Emilie wasn't even an hour old."

Vaughn smiled. "New Year's wasn't quite as eventful this year."

"I don't know," Sydney said. "We still have the party this afternoon. My bet is something will happen."

Vaughn let out a snort of laughter. "Bet? Nice choice of words, Syd."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on Syd." Vaughn replied, his eyes twinkling. "Vegas."

xxxxx

"How long?" Vaughn asked, trying to sit still besides Sydney.

"A few minutes." Sydney ran a hand through her hair. "Oh, this is so not how I imagined Vegas."

Vaughn gave a small laugh. "What if I was to wager ten bucks on it being positive? Would that give the whole situation a more Vegas feel?"

"Vaughn!" Sydney slapped him lightly. "But thank you."

"Thank you for what?" Vaughn asked.

"For everything…for not freaking out when I dropped the bombshell."

"Well, it wasn't exactly a horrifying bombshell, was it?"

Sydney paused for a second. "I guess it wasn't." she smiled at him and then suddenly clapped a hand over her mouth. "Weiss and Ainsley!" she gasped. "They are probably wondering where the hell we are."

"I wouldn't worry too much." Vaughn said. "Weiss's losing streak is probably keeping them occupied enough."

Sydney let out a small chuckle. "Could you just imagine their faces if they knew what we were doing at this moment?"

"Their's wouldn't be half as classic as Francie's," Vaughn murmured back, as he leant in close, nuzzling her neck.

But then both of them jumped when the timer they'd set suddenly buzzed.

xxxxx

"Oh god," Sydney covered her eyes. "When I think about us holed up in that hotel room…"

Vaughn just grinned as he leant across and gave her a kiss. "We should probably get up and dressed. Because I can guarantee that maman and your dad are going to be here well before the party starts."

"Oh good, you're ready," Sydney said, sounding relieved as Vaughn walked out of the hallway. She was at the table, attempting to feed Emilie, who was sitting in her high chair. "You can take over. I need to have a shower."

Vaughn nodded, taking the spoon and bowl from Sydney. "Here we go," he said, taking in Emilie's devilish grin. Feeding their daughter was a task and a half. Emilie seemed to gain more satisfaction from seeing how much food she could smear over herself, rather than from eating.

Sydney chuckled to herself. She had been more than happy to hand the feeding reigns over to Vaughn. Already Emilie was grabbing for the spoon, trying to take control, her round eyes shining with joy. This whole process was just a big game to her.

It never failed to amaze Sydney how much personality such a small person could posses. In the space of twelve months she had grown from a tiny newborn to a little girl who could express genuine happiness or excitement, sadness or fear. And every day Sydney and Vaughn fell more and more in love with her.

She paused as she walked towards the bathroom, spotting a photograph on the Walls of Fame. Emilie's first ultrasound.

xxxxx

"So what do you think? Boy or girl?" Sydney asked Vaughn, staring at the picture of the ultrasound as he drove them home.

Vaughn shrugged. "I wouldn't have a clue, and how that doctor can tell is beyond me too."

Sydney smiled. "Well, do we want to know?"

Vaughn came to a stop at a red light and looked at her. "What do you think?"

"I asked you first."

"And now I'm asking you."

"Vaughn! Do you want to know?"

"I don't know. Do you?"

"I'm asking you."

"Oh, but your opinion is so much more important than mine." Vaughn shot back jokingly.

Sydney laughed. "Fine. On the count of three- 1…2…3…"

"No." They both said at the same time, their faces breaking into grins.

"Right." Vaughn said, accelerating as the light turned green. "Decision made."

"If only everything were that easy." Sydney said as she went to put the picture into her bag.

"You be careful with that."

Sydney looked at Vaughn. "I wasn't planning on doing anything too rash," she smiled. "Is there any reason behind this sudden concern?"

"Oh, come on Syd. You're telling me you don't know." Vaughn teased. "This is me. We're talking about a photo. Put two and two together an—"

"You get four." Sydney couldn't help putting in. "Or a spot on the Walls of Fame."

xxxxx

Sydney smiled and continued on her way. Their little girl was growing up on them and there was not a thing that was going to stop that.

"Hey dad." Sydney walked over and greeted Jack with a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm good," he stepped back. "You?"

"Good, too."

He nodded. "So where is the birthday girl?"

Sydney nodded towards the backyard. "She's outside with Vaughn and Donovan."

Jack glanced outside. "Do you mind…"

"Go ahead," Sydney laughed softly. "I am not about to be the one to keep you away from your granddaughter."

With a small smile, Jack headed off. About ten minutes later Sydney heard the front door open.

"Hello?"

'In here, Juliette," Sydney called back. Seconds later a smiling Juliette appeared. "Hey, how are you?"

'I am great," Juliette wrapped her into a tight embrace. "Though I cannot believe that Emilie is a year old."

"You can't believe it?" Sydney said, looking over as Vaughn walked in with Jack, who had Emilie in his arms.

"Can't believe what?" Vaughn asked.

"Everything," Sydney smiled.

"Before you know it, it will be her first day at kindergarten, and then school. And then first boyfriend and driving lesson and—"

"Whoa, maman," Vaughn laughed. "Don't you think you're getting a little ahead of yourself?"

Juliette just gave him a prudent looked and turned to Jack. "He's got no idea, has he?"

Jack nodded. "The firsts will fly by before you know it."

"As opposed to the lasts?" Sydney said with a glance it Vaughn's direction.

xxxxx

"You know what I realized tonight?" Sydney asked and Vaughn shook his head. "We've been going through a series of 'lasts' these past months. The last time we'll be doing things before becoming parents. Our last Halloween, your last birthday and soon it will be our last Christmas and New Years." She paused, taking a breath. "And I think I getting scared."

"Hey Syd." Vaughn ran a hand over her hair. "You're not the only one."

"Really?" she asked and he nodded. She let out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank god. I mean, I am so excited but then there's this fear in the back of my mind, telling me that we're not ready for this."

"We're ready." Vaughn said firmly. "That I'm sure of. And this fear? It can be a good thing. It's like when you're playing—"

"Vaughn," Sydney interrupted. "If you compare us having a baby to a hockey game, I swear, I cannot promise that I will won't cause you harm."

Vaughn grinned. "Not just any game, Syd, a—"

"A hockey final. Right." Sydney laughed. "Same thing, still going to cause you harm."

"Come here," Vaughn wrapped his arms around her, in a safe and warm embrace. "Do you still want to hurt me?" he murmured into her ear, as he proceeded to trail a line of kisses down her neck.

Sydney laughed softly, his breath tickling her skin. "I think the urge might be fading," she said, tilting her head so that their lips could meet.

xxxxx

Juliette waved a hand. "Firsts, lasts whatever. They will be gone before you know it…but then of course you'll be experiencing a whole new set of firsts and lasts, so in a sense they won't ever be over, they'll just be moving fast…" she trailed off, realizing that she was just getting more and more muddled as she continued.

"Ok maman, you can stop the spiel before you completely bamboozle us all," Vaughn laughed. "We get you loud and clear."

It wasn't long before Sydney and Vaughn's was crowded with friends and members of Vaughn's family. After Jack and Juliette, the next to turn up had been Marshall and Carrie from next door, bringing with them a wrapped present and a jar of pickles.

When Sydney saw the pickles she cracked up and received an indignant look from Carrie in return.

"Don't laugh at me!" she exclaimed, indignantly. "Michael told me all about you peanut butter cravings!"

"Ok, ok, I'm sorry," Sydney said and she truly did sympathise with Carrie. The craving to eat pickles 24/7. Yuck.

The guests continued to arrive in a steady stream, Keely and Dixon with their families, along with other friends from Abrams and Ken Olin. And of course, Weiss, Ainsley, Francie, Craig, Amy, Troy and showing up last, and looking decidedly tired, was Will and Nat.

"Hey!" Sydney gave Will a quick hug. "You made it. How was your flight?"

Will shuddered. "Horrible…but worth it. Nat's family are great."

Vaughn looked at Nat. "So they actually liked him?"

"Unfortunately," Nat sighed. "It was a last ditch attempt to get rid of him. If flying Will to Australia and subjecting him to my family for two weeks won't scare him off, I don't know what will."

Francie let out a laugh. "Oh, you are brilliant Nat," she declared. "I love you more and more everyday."

"Excuse me?" Craig looked at her, rasing a single eyebrow. "What did you say?"

"Sorry Craig, but there's something we need to tell you," Nat said, throwing her arm around Francie's shoulders, a teasing glint in her eyes. "It kinda has to do with why I need to get rid of Will."

"All right!" Weiss cheered. "This is gonna get good!"

"Oh god," Ainsley slammed her palm against her forehead. "I am married to a pervert."

"Hey sweetie," Weiss shot back. "You knew exactly what you were getting yourself into the day you said 'I do'."

"And as for you two," Will said, pointing between Nat and Francie with a grin. "You are going to be separated from today."

"I agree," Craig put in

Francie laughed as she patted him on the chest with her left hand, the diamond on her ring finger clearly visible. "You are so cute when you're insecure."

Sydney looked at Vaughn. "You do realize that these are the people who will quite possibly have a big influence on our daughter?" she asked, laughter in her eyes.

xxxxx

"Syd?" he called out.

"In here." Her voice came from the direction of the nursery.

"Hey," Vaughn stopped in the doorway. "What are you doing in here?"

Sydney looked up from where she was sitting on the rocking chair. "Just thinking," she replied.

"About what?"

"About how scared I'm getting."

"Syd, is this about the dreams? Because…" he trailed off as Sydney shook her head.

"This isn't about my dreams- though they're still freaking me out," she said with a small smile.

"So then what?" Vaughn asked, gently.

"It's like a fear of the unknown. We've never been parents before and in a few weeks time we are going to be thrown into the roles of our life. What if we stuff this up, Vaughn? It's not as if it's something that we can go back and redo. This is a living, breathing human being we're going to be in charge of. I know that we think that we are ready for this, but actually doing it is a whole other ball game."

Vaughn came across and crouched beside the chair. "You're not alone on this, Syd. I've been freaking a little too."

A look of relief crossed Sydney's face. "Why didn't you say something?"

Vaughn shrugged. "I didn't want to worry you."

Sydney smiled. "So then, what do you think we should do about it then?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Sure. Every new parent surely experiences something like this and when the time comes, we are not going to have to do this alone. We've got our parents, Amy, Dixon, Keely and even thought they're probably as clueless as us, I'm pretty sure that the rest of our friends are going to be there to help as much as they can."

"I have a feeling that if Aunty Francie gets her own way, we're never going to see this baby," Sydney said. "Except when it's screaming it's head off or in need of a nappy change."

Vaughn laughed. "Yeah, well I have an inkling that Uncle Eric will be giving Aunty Francie a run for her money."

"Right," Sydney agreed. "And add Grandpa and Grandmère into the equation." She threw up her hands. "I don't know what I was so worried about. We're not going to be the ones raising this child."

With a grin, Vaughn stood up. "We need a veg out session. The couch with an obscene amount of movies. What do you reckon?"

"Sounds good to me," Sydney replied and Vaughn went to walk out of the room. "Uh, Vaughn." Her voice stopped him.

"Yeah?"

"Can you…" She gave him a conceding look.

"You didn't really think this through, did you, Bristow?" Vaughn said as he reached out, grabbed her hand and hoisted her out of the rocking chair.

Sydney pulled a face. "I know. I think I leave the rocking chair until after this baby is born."

"I think that's a good idea, Bristow."

xxxxx

Vaughn laughed. "The way I see it is that they are going to be no worse influence than the two of us."

Sydney grinned. "I suppose you're right."

'Happy Birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Emilie
Happy Birthday to you!'

As everybody clapped and cheered, Vaughn bent Emilie down towards the cake as Sydney stood by with the camera. However, still to young to understand the fundamentals of a birthday cake, Emilie was more interested in putting her hand into the icing rather than blowing out the candles.

Vaughn's laugh at his daughter's antics was enough to extinguish the flame, and soon everybody else was joining in when Emilie twisted in his arms and placed her sticky hand on his cheek.

Sydney chuckled as she clicked away with the camera. The image of Vaughn with pink icing smeared across his face was a definite for the Walls of Fame.

The group filtered off as Sydney picked up the cake to slice it up and serve.

"Here," Juliette took Emilie from Vaughn's arms. "Go and get yourself cleaned up." Vaughn just grinned and followed Sydney into the kitchen

"I must say," Sydney said as she picked up a knife from the drawer, "pink is very much your colour."

"You think?" Vaughn asked, wiping his face with a tea towel.

Sydney nodded, her eyes twinkling and Vaughn could not resist pulling her into his arms for a kiss.

"Hmm," Sydney said when they had separated. "What was that for?"

"Do I need a reason other than that I love you?"

"Mmm…yeah," Sydney replied. "I'm sick of the whole 'I love you' reason," she joked. "Give me something solid to work with."

"Ok then," Vaughn chortled. "How about that was to say thank you?"

"For what?"

"For everything. "For being as incredible as you are, for making me smile everyday, for having the ability to drive me crazy- in both good and bad ways, for being a little crazy yourself, for bring our beautiful daughter safely into the world…" he trailed off, a grin on his face.

xxxxx

"She's perfect," Sydney whispered as she stared wondrously as the small bundle in her arms.

They had returned to her original hospital suite, and both Sydney and Vaughn were struggling to comprehend the enormity of the moment. It had finally happened. They were parents.

Vaughn smiled, wrapping one of his arms around Sydney as he settled next to her on the bed. "She looks like you, Syd."

"Now, how can you say that when she has your chin?" Sydney asked, gently grazing the tiny dimple in their daughter's chin.

"Because I know that she is going to grow up to be a stunner just like her mum. A regular little heart breaker."

Sydney laughed. "You know, her dad ain't that bad either."

Vaughn grinned as he pressed his lips into hers. "I kinda like hearing that."

"What? That you aren't bad looking?"

"No," Vaughn shook his head. "The dad thing."

"Hmm," Sydney's gaze fell back upon her tiny daughter, who was sound asleep. "So perfect," she murmured. "Ten fingers…ten toes." She paused, as something occurred to her. "Emily was right."

"Huh?" Vaughn cocked his head. "What was that?"

"Emily was right." Sydney repeated.

His brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"You know how I've been having those freaky dreams?"

"No, I'd forgotten about them," Vaughn deadpanned. "You might have to remind me."

"Vaughn!" If she hadn't been holding their baby she would have hit him. "I'm trying to be serious here."

"Ok. I'm sorry." Vaughn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Now, about Emily?"

"Yesterday, when I fell asleep on the couch, I had another dream, but it wasn't crazy or freaky. I dreamt that Emily was over at our place. She was just sitting on our couch, chatting away and drinking tea as if she'd been there a hundred times before." Sydney paused, a faint smile on her face. "She told me that everything was going to be ok. That the dreams were nothing. Basically what you had been telling me all along, but it wasn't like she was trying to make me feel better. It was like she knew. She told me that this little one would be perfect and that we wouldn't screw her up too bad." She laughed softly, looking up at Vaughn. "It was Emily, on our couch and I could swear that it was almost real."

"Hey Syd."

"Yeah?"

"I think that this little one," Vaughn gently stroked the side of their daughter's cheek, "looks like an Emily. How about you?"

Sydney held his gaze for a few seconds before breaking into a grin. "I think she does. It's perfect." She was silent for a second, as a look of almost inspiration came across her face. "But how about we spell it with an 'ie' in stead of an 'y'? The French way- to make sure that she has some of where her dad came form in her."

Vaughn smiled. "I love it," he said, his eyes falling upon the sleeping baby. "Well then, Emilie Georgina Vaughn, I think it's time that we welcome you to the world."

xxxxx

"Wow," Sydney said. "Those are some pretty good reasons."

"Yeah, I thought you would appreciate them."

"And you know what the rest of us would appreciate?" Both Sydney and Vaughn jolted slightly when Weiss's voice broke into the conversation "Cake, we would appreciate cake."

"Get out of here," Sydney laughed as she grabbed the tea towel off the bench and flicked it in Weiss's direction.

"Hey, hey, hey," Weiss held up his hands in mock defence. "Don't shoot the messenger. I am just expressing everybody's opinion here."

"Well, why don't you go and express to somebody else," Sydney grinned, " and then you'll get your cake a whole lot sooner."

Early evening the guests all started to leave, and to be honest, Sydney and Vaughn were glad of it. It had been a long day and they were both just about ready to crash.

"See ya," Francie gave Sydney a quick hug by the door. "Oh, I've been meaning to tell you. I've organized a dress fitting for next Saturday." She looked over Sydney's shoulder. "That goes for you, too, Ainz."

"Got it," Ainsley called out. "And for the record, you're not going to make us wear something hideous are you?"

"Of course I am," Francie replied, her expression completely straight. "I don't want any of my bridesmaids upstaging me." Her expression faltered and she was soon smiling. "No bridesmaid dresses from hell, I promise."

Ainsley smiled back. "Just the bride from hell, hey?"

Francie laughed, nodding. "Yup."

"Oh god, Ainsley," Craig groaned. "Please don't give her any ideas."

"Try and stop me, Craig," she grinned.

"Come on sweetheart," Weiss put an arm around Ainsley's shoulders. "Let's go before you cause a brawl at Em's first birthday."

"Hey," Ainsley gave him a small push as they walked towards the door. "You wish I would. It would make you feel better about getting beat up at Dillon's."

"I was not 'beat up', it was more like one punch…" his voice trailed off as the door shut behind them.

"And we're off too," Francie and Craig gave a small wave as they headed out. Will, Nat, Carrie, Marshall, Jack, Juliette and the last of the guests were soon to follow.

Sydney and Vaughn both sighed. It was over.

"Would you look at that?" Sydney whispered. Vaughn came up beside her and smiled when he saw Emilie, who was strapped in her high chair, dead to the world. She had barely finished her dinner before conking out.

"You'd think that she's had a big day," he said chuckling softly.

Sydney looked up at him, a serene smile on her face. "Remember when we first brought her home. We were on eggshells for days."

xxxxx

Sydney just smiled as she picked up the capsule, with Emilie securely tucked in. "So, you ready to go home?"

Vaughn nodded, grabbed Sydney's bag and the three of them made their way out to the car park.

Already both Sydney and Vaughn were experiencing an overwhelming urge to protect their daughter. After securing the capsule into the car, Sydney climbed into the back seat. She wanted to be near Emilie, to watch over her during her first car ride.

Vaughn, on the other hand, as he pulled out onto the streets, found himself driving considerably slower than usual. Never before had he ever had such a precious cargo and he couldn't help but look upon the other drivers in the road and see reckless morons who posed a grave danger.

Once they got home, after a much longer than anticipated trip, the new family entered their house for the first time together. Thankfully, no welcoming surprise had been planned. Their friends had realized that the day would be overwhelming enough for Sydney and Vaughn.

Inside, Sydney placed Emilie, who was fast asleep, in the bassinet set up in their room and then looked at Vaughn, who was standing beside her.

"Well…what do we do now?"

Vaughn grinned as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I've got no idea," he said cheerily.

Sydney laughed softly. "And that makes two of us."

"Ah, we're in this together, Syd." Vaughn said. "I'm sure that we are going to be fine."

A content smile formed on Sydney's face. "I love you."

"And I love you," Vaughn said, as he bent down slightly to allow their lips to connect.

xxxxx

"I know," Vaughn replied nostalgically. "I was so afraid that we were going to break her or something."

Sydney laughed quietly as she bent down, unclipped the straps and gently lifted Emilie's sleeping from the chair. "Lucky for us, Boo is one tough little cookie. Aren't you sweetie," Sydney murmured, pressing her lips onto the top of Emilie's head and inhaled deeply. Her daughter's sweet baby smell was one thing that she could not get enough of.

"Come on," Vaughn gave Sydney a quick kiss on the cheek. "Let's get her to bed."

"Here you go," Vaughn handed Sydney a mug of coffee and then sat next to her on the couch.

"Ah," Sydney sighed gratefully. "Just what I need. Thank you." Taking a mouthful, she gazed around the living room, taking in the stray scraps of wrapping paper and the obscene pile of gifts that were stacked up in the corner. She shook her head slowly. "Where are we going to put all this stuff?"

Vaughn shrugged. "Let's leave that decision for tomorrow. I have had enough for today."

xxxxx

He didn't let go until they had got back to their room, and he sat her down on the bed. "I'm calling the front desk to see if we can get a doctor up here."
"No!" Sydney was adamant. "No doctor."
"Syd, you almost passed out."
"I know, but I'm fine now. Seriously, the head spins have gone."
"Fine." Vaughn sat down beside her. "But I want you to tell me what's going on."
Sydney hesitated. "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is why did you almost faint. Why were you throwing up this morning?"
"I wasn't th…you heard that?"
Vaughn nodded. "And given you getting up early every morning, I'm guessing that it wasn't a one off. If I didn't know any better I'd swear that you were…" He trailed off as Sydney looked into his eyes. "Syd?"
Biting her bottom lip, Sydney looked somewhat sheepish as she gave a quick nod.

- - - - -

Taking a deep breath, Sydney looked down at the white stick in her hands. Her eyes went back to Vaughn and then returned downwards. She had to check if she had seen correctly.
"It's positive."
Before Vaughn had the chance to react, the door to their room flew open, and an ecstatic looking Weiss and Ainsley burst in.
"Oh, you're here!" Ainsley exclaimed. "We hoped you would be."
"You are never going to guess what happened!" Weiss bellowed, throwing his arm around Ainsley's shoulders. He looked at her before turning back to Sydney and Vaughn. "We just got married!"

- - - - -

Jack leaned forward slightly. "Michael, I said I would hurt you if you did something to hurt my daughter, not if you gave me a grandchild."
"You said what?" Sydney exclaimed. "You told Vaughn you would hurt him?" She looked at Vaughn. "You never told me this? When was this?"
Vaughn glanced at Jack, who was still looking thoroughly amused by the situation. "Uh, the first Christmas we spent together and when I told him about my plans for proposing."
"I can't believe this." Sydney laughed. She turned to Jack. "So, just how exactly were you planning on hurting him?"
"Oh, I knew that I would never have to carry through," Jack said, picking up his wine glass. "I just wanted to have some fun."
"Fun?" Sydney smiled. "That is your idea of fun?"
"Trust me," Jack said. "If you saw the look on his face, you'd understand the whole fun side of it all, no questions asked."

- - - - -

"Not drinking. Since when?" Weiss laughed as Sydney rose her cup to her lips. "What are you- pregnant or something?"
As if against her control, Sydney choked on the mouthful of drink she'd just taken. Vaughn, too, jerked suddenly as those words came out of Weiss's mouth.
Weiss's eyes were as wide as saucers. "Oh my god!" he bellowed out, with perfect Weiss timing. As a song came to an end, the guests all looked in the direction of his loud voice and as a result, heard what he was about to say next.
"You're pregnant!"

xxxxx

"Mmm," Sydney shifted slightly, nestling into Vaughn's side. "It was a good day, though."

"Great," he agreed. "I think we couldn't have given a better party for our little girl."

"She won't be little for much longer," Sydney commented.

xxxxx

Sydney looked closer. At first she had been able to see nothing- the ultrasound looked like a mass of black and white blobs to her. But now, with Dr Carter's guidance, she was able to make out something.
"Oh my god." Vaughn breathed as he squeezed Sydney's hand. "That's really a head. That's our baby's head."
Dr Carter let out a small chuckle. "It's not only a head, Michael. There's a whole baby in there." She looked at Sydney and upon seeing her somewhat dazed expression, spoke up. "Reality setting in?"
Sydney nodded, a smile growing on her face. "Just a little bit."

- - - - -

"Syd, that's an ad for dog food." Vaughn said, biting his bottom lip. What was going on here?
"I know." Sydney replied, still sniffing. "That poor puppy has to resort to stealing food."
"Syd," Vaughn said slowly. "I think the puppy stealing is meant to be construed as funny."
"But it's not! That poor puppy is lost and must be starving. Why should he have to go through that?"
Vaughn took a few seconds to compose himself before speaking. He didn't think that Sydney would really appreciate laughter at this point in time.
"Ok Syd," he said, stroking her hair. "I think that it's time we got you some fresh air."
Sydney sat up. "And some ice cream?" she asked in a small voice.
"And ice cream." Vaughn affirmed. 'Anything to keep you from blubbering at commercials,' he thought to himself.

- - - - -

"What do you reckon?" Vaughn asked as he sidled up behind her. "How many times have I told you how sexy you look in my clothes?"
Sydney laughed. "Too many to count, and yet each time I can't help but wonder why. You have very strange tastes, Mr Vaughn."
"They're not strange. Anybody would agree with me. You'd make a hessian bag look hot, Bristow."
Sydney grinned. She loved it that Vaughn still continued to call her Bristow. It was comforting; like it was proof that marriage hadn't changed their relationship.
"Well?" Vaughn raised his eyebrows.
"Well what?" Sydney asked.
"Are you going to return the compliment?" Vaughn asked with a playful pout.
"How about I just do this?" Sydney leaned up and brushed her lips against his. "Or would you rather just have me list off your good traits?"
Vaughn paused, his index finger idly tapping his chin. "That's a pretty tough decision. You, or an ego boost?"
"Well," Sydney laughed. "You're about to get neither."
Vaughn grinned as his pulled her into his arms. "I lied. Easiest decision ever."

- - - - -

"Oh, for Pete's sake!" Sydney yelled. "For once could you please just stop psychoanalysing—" Suddenly she stopped short, letting out a small gasp as her hand flew to her abdomen.
"Sydney." Vaughn was up and by her side in a second. "Syd, are ok? Is everything alright?"
Sydney nodded.
"What's wrong?"
"The baby…" Sydney trailed off as she looked at him. "I think I felt it move."
Despite the fact that they were in a middle of an argument, Vaughn felt his face erupt into a grin. "Are you serious? You felt it move?"
Sydney nodded as she motioned for him to come closer. "Here." She grabbed one of his hands and placed it under her own. His eyes widened as he too felt the slight fluttering movements.

xxxxx

"She'll always be my little girl," Vaughn said. Sydney smiled, remembering that what she and Jack had said to each other on her and Vaughn's wedding day.

"What are you smiling about?" Vaughn asked, breaking into her thoughts.

"Nothing…it's just, are you happy?"

"Of course I am happy Sydney," Vaughn replied. "How could I not be?"

xxxxx

"Well, I would be too. The Oops." Sydney shuddered. "And if, by chance, our nickname sticks, Boo is a whole lot better than The Oops."
"Says you." Vaughn grinned. "Me, I couldn't imagine anything worse than being a sixteen year old guy and having my mother call me Boo in front of my mates."
Sydney laughed. "I don't care. I am not calling our child 'it'."
"Fine," Vaughn leaned back in his seat ,a small smile playing on his lips, as he silently reserved the right to tell Sydney 'I told you so.'

- - - - -

Sydney let out a laugh as she snuggled into Vaughn's side. "Do you think we might be placing too many expectations on Boo? Maybe we should just say we want a happy and healthy baby."
Vaughn nodded along as she spoke." Yeah…though I did kind of have my heart set on the hockey thing."
Sydney gave a sheepish grin. "Me too, with your eyes…and Dirty Dancing."
Vaughn let out a loud laugh. "We are-"
"Ssh." Sydney suddenly cut him off.
"What?" he asked, slightly puzzled.
"Boo's settling down," she said quietly. "So shut up. I'm getting some sleep while I can."
Vaughn smiled as he shifted, wrapping his arm around her, so that she could nestle her head into his chest. "Sweet dreams, Syd," he whispered.

- - - - -

"Well, it takes real creative genius to be able to pick a colour that so perfectly—"
"Vaughn." Sydney cut him off.
"What?"
With a grin she swiped her brush down the side of his face. "Shut up."
For a few seconds he just stared at her through wide eyes. Then, slowly, he reached down for his roller. "I believe you just broke our peace agreement, Bristow."
Sydney just smiled at him. "I believe I did."
He held up his roller. "You've got three seconds."
"Till what?"
"One…"
"What are you gonna do Vaughn?" she laughed.
"Two…"
"You don't scare—"
Vaughn pounced before he even got to three.

- - - - -

"Ok then." Vaughn removed his hands and Sydney's jaw dropped when she saw what was in front of her. All the furniture that she and Vaughn had brought for the nursery had been assembled and was no in place. No longer was it their spare room; it was now their baby's room.
"Vaughn…" Sydney sighed.
"Surprise," he whispered into her ear.
"It's…it's…" Sydney couldn't help it. She burst into tears.
"Hey," Vaughn's voice was concerned. "Is something wrong?"
"No," Sydney shook her head. "It's perfect…you're perfect." She wiped furiously at her eyes. "I'm just being a silly, emotional woman." Through her tears she let out a laugh.
Vaughn smiled. "Emotional, yes. Silly, no."
Sydney smiled back. "So this is what you and Weiss got up to today?"
Vaughn nodded. "It kept us pretty occupied."
"But how?"
Vaughn's brow creased. "What do you mean?"
"I had a look at those assembling instructions when all this got delivered. It looked like in was written in Ancient Greek or something." Sydney said. "Did you and Weiss actually understand it?"
"Well…we had a little help from Marshall." Vaughn admitted. "A lot of help actually."
Sydney laughed, and then sobered a little, placing a hand on her stomach.
"You ok?" Vaughn asked, his hand on the small of her back.
Sydney nodded. "Yeah, it's just that in a little over a month…"
Vaughn smiled, pulling his arm tighter around her. "I know," he said. "I know."

xxxxx

Sydney shrugged. "I was just asking." She paused. "We've been pretty lucky, haven't we?"

Vaughn nodded. "Luckier than most." He bent down and pressed his lips into hers. "I love you, Syd."

Sydney smiled. "I love you too." She leaned back into his arms, her expression pensive. "Vaughn," her voice was low.

xxxxx

Sydney sighed. "I said I can't get up."
"You what?"
"I can't get up." Sydney repeated. "Can you help me?"
Vaughn grinned as he walked across. "Have you been waiting for me to get out of the shower?"
Sydney nodded, biting her bottom lip. She looked at Vaughn for a few seconds before starting to laugh. "Oh my god," she managed to say. "I am stuck on the floor…what if you hadn't have been home?"
Vaughn chuckled as he grabbed her hands and helped her up. "You would have to wait longer for my heroic rescue."
Sydney smiled as she leaned up and pressed her lips into his. "My knight in shining armour."

- - - - -

Sydney nodded. "It was just lying in Boo's cot with those eyes and it pointed at me." She looked at Vaughn, who was starting to chuckle. "Don't laugh! It's not funny."
"Having an E.T baby?" Vaughn said. "I happen to think that it's hilarious."
"You just don't understand how freaky that alien is."
Vaughn grinned. "That's just your irrational fear speaking."
"It is not an irrational fear!" Sydney said insistently, yet was unable to fight the smile that was forming on her face. "Ok, maybe a teeny little bit irrational."
"Teeny?" Vaughn said, giving her an unconvinced look.
Sydney waved the comment off. "But irrational or not, it is still a fear and seeing that…that thing in our baby's cot is not something I want to see. Ever."
"Well," Vaughn shifted closer to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Somehow, I don't think that will happen. But, if it did," he smiled, patting her belly, "you would have some serious explaining to do."

- - - - -

"Come on," Vaughn ran a hand up and down her back in soothing strokes. "When you walk into that restaurant tonight, nobody is going to be thinking how big you've got. They are going to think that you look fantastic. And happy. And glowing. And how lucky you are to have such a handsome man by your side."
To his relief, Sydney gave a snort of laughter and then placed her lips on his cheek. "You are way to good to me, Mr Vaughn."
Vaughn smiled and then stood up, holding out a hand to help her up. "That's only because you make it worth my while, Bristow."

- - - - -

Vaughn bent down and pressed his lips into Sydney's sweaty brow, with one arm around her shoulder and his other hand being squeezed by one of hers. "You can do this, Syd," he murmured into her ear. "You know you can."
"No, I can't," she managed to say.
"Yes you can. You're Wonder Woman remember." He kissed her forehead once again. "I love you and I know that you can."
Vaughn's words gave her the fuel that she needed, and with her last ounces of strength, Sydney beared own with everything that she had.
"That's it," Dr Carter said. "You've done it Sydney."
Sydney collapsed limply against Vaughn as the unmistakable cry of a newborn was heard.
"Congratulations," Dr Carter said, as she placed the newborn upon Sydney's chest. "It's a girl."

xxxxx

"Yeah?"

"Do you think that we could ask for anything more?"

xxxxx

"Hey, ssh," he soothed. "It's ok, Boo…oh god. Did you hear that? I told your mum that this would happen, but do you think she would listen to me? Sorry kid, but I have the feeling that you're going to be stuck with that name for a long time.Though it could be worse. Trust me. I'll introduce you to Uncle Weiss's sister one day." He paused, brushing a finger down Emilie's cheek. "You know, I have the feeling that things are going to be pretty great. I can't promise that your mum and I will get everything right, but we love you and we are never going to let anybody hurt you. That I promise."
"Vaughn?" He looked up at the sound of Sydney's sleepy voice. "What are you doing?"
"Me and Boo are having a bit of a chat."
Sydney raised her eyebrows. "You do realize that you just called Emilie 'Boo', don't you?"
Vaughn nodded. "Unfortunately, yes." He looked at Sydney pointedly. "And you do realize that I told you this would happen."
Sydney laughed softly. "Fine, if and when Emilie starts complaining about the nickname, just send her to me. I'll deal with it."
Vaughn grinned. "Sounds fair to me."

- - - - -

Sydney looked up at him and Emilie at that point. Within seconds she had thrown her pen down and was seated beside them on the couch.
Vaughn smiled at her. "What about the thank you's?"
"They can wait," Sydney whispered, placing her finger on Emilie's palm, allowing her daughter tiny hand to clasp it. "I've got more important things to attend to."

- - - - -

"Hey Vaughn," Sydney called out as she walked into the house, shopping bags in hand. "I'm back. You should see…" she stopped short when she entered the living room. Vaughn was stretched out on the couch, dozing, with his arms wrapped protectively around Emilie, who was fast asleep on his chest.
She could only smile at the scene. Her beautiful daughter and amazing husband. Could a person her any luckier than she?
On the couch, Vaughn stirred and opened his eyes with a yawn. Spotting Sydney his face broke into a grin.
"Hey."
"Hey yourself," Sydney replied, sitting down on an armchair.
"Looks like you had a good time," he commented, eyeing off the bags.
"I might have," Sydney said. "I got some things for Em."
"Surprise, surprise," Vaughn said with a chuckle. "Is there anything for you in those bags?"
"Beside the point," Sydney waved off his question. "You are going to love one of them." She reached into one of the bags and pulled out a tiny Kings jersey. "What do you think?"
Vaughn's face lit up. "That is awesome."
"I know," Sydney sounded rather pleased with herself. "I saw it and had to get it. Emilie is a Vaughn after all."

- - - - -

"She's spent," Vaughn commented, looking down at Emilie's sleeping form.
"Well, its been a been a big day for her," Sydney replied. "Her first hockey game, enduring the wrath of Francie and Ainsley. I'd be exhausted as well."
Vaughn smiled as he wrapped his arm around Sydney's shoulders. "Can you believe that she is a month old tomorrow?"
"I know," Sydney smiled. "It seems that New Years was only yesterday. It's like we blinked and all of a sudden our baby is a month old."
Vaughn chuckled slightly. "Another blink and before we know it, we'll be celebrating Em's first birthday." He sighed contentedly. "Maman told me that time would fly, but I never believed it…"
"Until you experienced it for yourself," Sydney finished for him.
"Hmm," he pressed his lips onto the top of her head. "I guess we should get used to time flying by, hey?"
"Yeah," Sydney looked up at him. "I guess we will."

xxxxx

Vaughn looked down at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know what Syd? I don't think we can."

Sydney smiled, as she brought their lips together once more. She could not agree more.

THE END

Wow, I cannot believe that I have made it here- the end. Never, never did I imagine that, when I first sat down to write Meeting Their Match, I would still be writing the same story over a year later. I never imagined, but it is not hard to believe that I did it, because I loved each and every second that I spent with pen in hand, or in front of my computer. And that is due, in large part, to you- those who read my stories, and most of all those who took the time to review, letting me know how I was going and how you were feeling about the fic. For those who have not yet written a fic, the motivation that you supply to a writer is enormous- it is impossible to put into words just how much your encouraging words gave me the inspiration to keep going (those who have posted pics know exactly what I am talking about).
My thank you's at the start at each chapter are in no way near enough of a way for me to show you my gratitude. The truth is I don't think that I would have been able to undertake the massive task of writing Meeting Their Match, All That They Need and Steady As They Go if it had not been for all of you.
I can't believe that it is over. Writing this fic has been a source of somewhat comfort me for so long- always in the back of my mind somewhere as I run through scenarios, or thinking furiously about which quotes from the show I could fit in. And it certainly made my day to hear all of you lamenting the end of the story- it seems that you love my 'baby' as much., if not more than me.
I will say now that I am not ready to let go of this fic or these characters yet, so keep your eyes open. I'm saying that another 30+ chapter story is in the works, but hopefully I will be able to maintain the occasional update, maybe one shot, just so that we can check in on these characters and see what is happening :)
So once again, thank you all so much for your support. These three fics are just as much yours as they are mine.

m47e47l
(Melissa)