FINAL CHAPTER

Six days later

Olivia heard a key turn in the lock at 4.45pm that Friday afternoon. She looked down the hallway, and was unsurprised to see Alex heading toward her, a sheepish grin on her face. Olivia looked at her watch pointedly. "Working late, counselor?" she asked sarcastically.

"Anything?" Alex asked impatiently, ignoring the jibe from her lover.

Olivia took her in her arms and kissed her softly. "Nothing," she said. "The Rookie's not coming out today."

Alex pouted. "But it's your due date today."

"I know, sweetie. And I'm sure he, or she, will be here soon enough. But nothin' doing today. So you didn't need to run home early. I told you I'd call as soon as anything happened."

"I know, I just couldn't keep away from you one moment longer," Alex said.

"I can come meet you for lunch on Monday, if nothing's happened by then?" Olivia sounded hopeful.

"Surely the baby will be here by then?" Alex sounded aghast. Her nerves were stretched to breaking point, every time the phone had rung at work she had jumped.

Olivia shrugged. "Babies come when they're ready, not when we are," she spoke gently. She knew how hard it was for Alex to go into work each day.

"I know," Alex was glum. She brightened. "At least I've got two whole days with you now. I hate leaving you, especially now. I know, I know, Rosie's real close."

"And Rebecca," Olivia smiled. "She came over today with baby Bethan. I didn't tell you, she's managing to breast feed her."

"I thought Downs babies couldn't breast feed?"

"It's harder, but some do manage it. And I suppose Rebecca's had a lot of practice with her other two."

"So how are they?" Alex asked. "Bethan's, what, two weeks old now?"

"Just under," Olivia told her. "She's so beautiful, Alex. And Rebecca is so happy. You know," her voice cracked a little, "if it happened, it'd be okay. We'd be okay."

"Whatever happens, it's going to be okay," Alex ran her hand over Olivia's bump. "But there won't be anything wrong with this baby. Hey," she grinned as she felt the baby's foot kicking. "The Rookie's awake."

"I know," Olivia grimaced. "He's been quiet all afternoon, but whenever his other mommy comes close, he wakes up."

"He?" Alex said.

"Or she," Olivia smiled.

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Alex was brought awake by movement next to her. She heard Olivia muttering in her sleep. "Hey," Alex put her hand on Olivia's back. "Hey Liv, what's up?"

Olivia continued to mutter, her face turned away from Alex. She seemed distressed.

"Olivia?" Alex spoke a little louder, and rubbed her hand soothingly between Olivia's shoulder blades. She realized Olivia was trembling. "Liv? Are you okay? Is it the baby?"

Olivia whimpered, and jerked away from Alex's touch.

Alex sat up, panicked, and switched on the lamp on the nightstand. Very gently, she turned Olivia so that she could see her face. Olivia's eyes were closed, her face crumpled and seemingly frightened. She was asleep, Alex realized.

"No!" Olivia called out, tears starting to fall. "Please no." Blindly, she reached out and grasped Alex's nightshirt in a death grip.

"Liv?" Alex stroked her hand softly, and prised it gently off her shirt. She slid out of bed, returning in seconds with a damp washcloth that she had run under the warm water. She sat next to her lover, who, it seemed, was getting more panicky by the second. "I'm just going to wipe you down, Liv," Alex kept her voice low and soothing. She took the washcloth and ran it lovingly down Olivia's cheeks, wiping away the tears.

"No!" Olivia jerked away. "Don't touch me. You... oh my God, it's him. Leave her alone," her breathing was becoming ragged. "I... we... Lex... don't hurt..."

Concerned that Olivia might be sick, Alex put a cool hand to her forehead, relieved to find no fever. "Olivia?" she spoke more loudly. "Liv, baby, you're having a nightmare. It's not real, Liv. You're safe. We're all safe." She took the washcloth and bathed Olivia's upper chest and her face.

Olivia's movements became more panicked, and her distress increased. She tried to pull away from Alex; trapped in her nightmare, she just wanted to escape.

"Liv, listen to me," Alex cupped Olivia's cheek. "You need to wake up now, honey. It's over. You're safe Liv, I swear to you."

Olivia jerked away violently. "No!" she screamed loudly, and sat up, suddenly awake.

"Liv?" Alex kept her voice soft. "Olivia?"

Olivia, her face white as milk, turned to face Alex, her face a mask of anguish and confusion, tears streaming as she struggled to regulate her breathing.

Alex placed a hand unthreateningly on her back. "You had a nightmare, Olivia," she told her. "It's over now. It's over. You're safe."

Olivia just stared, horror and fear slowly leaching from her eyes. She nodded minutely.

"Can I hold you?" Alex asked.

Olivia nodded again, her movements almost imperceptible.

Alex shuffled closer to her and wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders. She used the wash cloth to wipe the tears from Olivia's face, and then pulled her gently into a hug. "Shh," she said, "just try and relax. Just give yourself a minute, Liv. It's over now. The worst is over."

Alex heard a soft tap at the door, and saw Sarah's concerned face as the door opened. "She's okay," she mouthed to her niece. "Nightmare," she said quietly.

Sarah nodded. "I'm here if you need me," she said.

"Thank you," Alex continued to gentle Olivia in her arms, rocking her. She felt Olivia turn her face into her front, wrapping her arms round the blonde attorney. "We're okay now, aren't we Liv?"

Sarah nodded and withdrew.

Olivia clung tight to Alex as her breathing calmed. She inhaled sharply, and her tears started to fall anew as she remembered fragments of her nightmare.

"Shh," Alex pulled the quilt around Olivia's shoulders. "You're okay, Liv. We all are. Let it out, baby, cry all you want to," she kissed her softly. "You'll feel better real soon."

Olivia stayed in Alex's grip for long minutes. Eventually her sobbing slowed. "It was so real," her voice was hoarse.

"You want to talk about it?" Alex asked.

"It felt so real. The baby. It had my father's face," Olivia's breathing started to speed up.

"Your father? But you don't know what he looks like?"

"I know. But it was so real. And then he hurt you. Our baby. He was a monster. I hated our baby Alex," Olivia looked up into Alex's face. "How could I do that? How could I ever hate a baby? But he wasn't a baby. He was a man, it doesn't make sense. Nothing makes sense. I knew I had to protect you."

"Nightmares don't make sense, Liv. They never do. They're always odd fragments."

"How could I hate a baby, Alex? I wished our baby dead. I'm the monster, Alexandra. Maybe it's my father's genes coming out in me now. This baby," she clutched her belly. "This innocent. I hated it. Alex, I'm so sorry. I'm not fit to be a mother."

"Liv, it was a nightmare. All your worries come out in nightmares. You're going to be a wonderful mother. This baby," she placed her hand over Olivia's, "is the luckiest in the world. It gets to have you as its mom. You can't ask for better than that."

"You too," Olivia was finally calming down.

"The dream team," Alex teased gently. "We're going to have a wonderful time, our family. The four of us. And," her eyes twinkled with mischief, "our built-in daughter over there," she nodded in the direction of Sarah's room, "is old enough to babysit. We planned that well, huh, Liv?"

Olivia tried to smile. She remembered something. "Was Sarah here?" the events of the night were muddled.

"Just for a moment. She must have heard you scream."

"I screamed? Oh God, Lex. And I woke you up, you need your sleep. You haven't been sleeping well. Alex, I'm so sorry, I didn't..."

Alex silenced Olivia with a soft kiss. "It's okay, Liv. Everything's okay. Everything's going to be okay. You're anxious. We both are. Neither of us is sleeping as well as we should. It's natural. There's a huge change coming."

"A good change," Olivia said, and tried to stifle a yawn.

"A wonderful change," Alex agreed. "Think you could sleep now?"

Olivia looked up at her. "I don't want to wake you up again, if..."

"You won't," Alex told her, noticing that Olivia was struggling to keep her eyes open. "There won't be any more nightmares tonight," she sounded confident. "Let me hold you. I'll keep you safe. There, you're okay," she helped Olivia to lie down and pulled her into her lap. She rocked her gently, smiling as Olivia drifted almost immediately into sleep, burrowing into her lover. At long last, Alex felt her muscles relaxing. She unbuttoned her nightshirt. She knew the one thing that always settled Olivia, even after the worst cases. She pulled Olivia's head to her exposed breast, cupping the back of her head so that her nipple pushed against Olivia's lips. Involuntarily, Olivia's mouth closed round the soft, plump flesh, and Alex smiled as she felt Olivia nestle into her, suckling gently. "No more nightmares," she whispered, pulling her tight. "You're safe now Liv."

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It was almost 11am when Olivia awoke, alone. She felt greatly refreshed, and then remembered back to the night before, unsure as to what was real and what she had dreamed. She climbed out of bed and shrugged on a robe.

Sarah was in their kitchen, reading the newspaper. She looked up and saw Olivia. She went over to her and hugged her. "Hey," she smiled. "You okay?"

Olivia nodded, as she lowered herself into a chair. "I'm sorry about last night. I think I woke the whole house," she tried to smile.

Sarah put her hand on her shoulder. "You're okay now?"

"I'm great. I slept like the dead afterwards. I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," Sarah told her. "You're anxious. You're nine months' pregnant, Olivia. Anyone would be anxious. You sure you feel okay this morning?"

Olivia smiled. "Truly, I feel good."

Sarah smiled back. "Tea?" she suggested.

Olivia nodded. "Is Alex around?" she asked.

"She went for a run. Said she wanted to clear her head. I told her I'm here until early this afternoon."

"Is she alright?" Olivia was worried.

"She's fine. More than fine. Said she just wanted to get some fresh air. And she does love to run."

"We used to run together. Before," Olivia smiled ruefully, looking down at her bump. "I can't wait to get out there with her again."

"It won't be long," Sarah smiled.

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As Alex's feet pounded against the tarmac, she took deep, cleansing breaths. She hadn't wanted to leave the apartment, to leave Olivia. But Sarah had persuaded her to take some time to herself. "You'll be better able to help Olivia if you're feeling good," Sarah had said. "And neither of you will have a minute to yourself as soon as the baby arrives. Go. I'll stay here. We'll call if anything happens."

Alex lengthened her stride, feeling her muscles stretch. Sarah had been right, this was just what she needed. She loved Olivia more than she had ever imagined she could. But Olivia had baggage. Just like she did. Olivia's baggage was even worse than her own, though, and the specter of the monster who had raped her mother would always be there. The only thing she could do was to ensure that Olivia's family, their family, kept the nightmares at bay. Having a child of her own was the best thing for Olivia. It would go such a long way toward healing her. And it would make Alex's own family problems seem insignificant. So what if her mother and her sister despised her? She had the love of the sweetest person in the world, and they were having a baby together.

Alex stopped at a bench and took out her phone, pressing 1 on the speed dial.

"Alex?" Olivia's voice answered.

"Hey," Alex suddenly felt foolish.

"What's wrong?" Olivia sounded anxious.

"Nothing," Alex said. "I just wanted to tell you I love you. So much."

"Where are you?" Olivia asked.

"In the park. On the bench, just by the water," Alex referred to one of their favorite places. "I'll be home in 20 minutes."

"But you had to call now to tell me you loved me? It couldn't wait 20 minutes?" Olivia's voice was laced with humor.

"Nope, it couldn't wait," Alex smiled as she spoke, the sound of her lover's voice balm to her ears.

"Well I love you too, Alexandra," Olivia was sincere. "I didn't know love could be like this. I love you more than I could ever express. The Rookie does too," she caressed her bump unwittingly.

"You want sweet rolls for breakfast?" Alex asked. "I go right past the bakery."

Olivia grinned; Alex knew all about her weakness for warm, sweet rolls. "That would be wonderful. I tell you what else would be wonderful," her tone was teasing.

"Oh yes?" Alex rejoiced at the sparkle she heard in Olivia's voice.

"We haven't tried out the new shower," Olivia said.

"I used it yesterday? You did too, Liv?" Alex was confused.

"Not together," Olivia said huskily. "We should find out if that massive shower head covers us both. Just as an experiment, you understand."

"Scientific research, you mean?" Alex felt her pulse quicken. "I'm on my way."

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"Hey," Olivia smiled as Alex caressed her under the pounding droplets. "Somebody's woken up!"

Alex grinned, both hands on Olivia's belly; she could feel the baby doing its morning exercises. She looked into Olivia's eyes. "Are you okay with all of this?" her voice suddenly serious.

Olivia nodded. "More than okay. I don't know what happened last night; I think I had a kind of meltdown."

"You had a nightmare," Alex said tenderly. "It's not your fault."

Olivia looked deep into her eyes. "I'm ready for this. For him. Or her. I don't care which. I can't wait, Alex. I know, it's going to be exhausting. And labor's not going to be a barrel of laughs. But this baby," she placed her hands over Alex's. "I truly feel that it's part of you. Of us. It's going to bring us so much joy."

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Monday morning

"I don't want to go," Alex complained as Olivia pushed her toward the door. "What if something happens?"

"Then I'll call," Olivia said patiently, for the fifteenth time that morning.

"I want to start my leave now," Alex said.

"I know you do, baby. But you only get two weeks of 'paternity' leave," she laughed at the expression. "So it makes sense not to start before the baby's here. And, honestly, I don't feel anything. Apart from huge and ungainly. Nothing unusual's happening. I swear to you."

"You swear you won't go out alone?" Alex nagged.

"Cross my heart," Olivia passed her her briefcase. "Now get out of here," she pushed her out of the door.

"'kay," Alex said reluctantly. "Liv?"

"I'll call. The moment I feel anything," Olivia laughed.

Alex cupped her face with one hand. "God, you're beautiful. Why have I never noticed how beautiful you are?" Leaning forward she captured Olivia's lips in a passionate kiss.

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"Alex, you have to stop calling," Olivia laughed as she picked the phone up for the fifth time that day. She no longer even bothered to look at the caller display, she knew it would be her lover.

"I just want reassurance," Alex's pout was audible over the phone.

"I know, baby. I tell you what, how about I text you crossword clues? Then you can answer them when you get a moment, if you want to, and you'll know nothing's changed here."

Alex brightened. "That's a great idea. I can check my phone when I get out of court. But you swear you'll call Louanne if anything happens when I'm in court? She'll come get me," Alex referred to her ever-helpful secretary, who was almost as excited about the baby as she was.

"I swear. Here's your first clue; 12 down, 'A confused English beach'"

"Shingle," Alex replied immediately. "You're going to have to do better than that."

"I'll text you the harder ones. Now get back to work, woman," Olivia laughed.

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Five days later

"It's a week late," Alex said. "You're really not feeling anything?"

"Nothing new," Olivia told her.

"How late can it go?"

"They won't do anything until two weeks. But I don't want to be induced, Alex. This baby knows what it's doing. If it's not ready, then it's not ready. I don't want any sort of intervention. As long as the baby's okay."

"There are natural things you can do to encourage it," Alex grinned. "I've heard that sex can really get things going."

"I'm kinda tired today, Lex," Olivia was apologetic. "And my back hurts. I'm not really feeling in the mood."

"That's okay, Liv," Alex immediately understood. "How does a massage sound to you?"

"Like bliss," Olivia said. Alex gave the most wonderful massages.

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"Seventeen days," Olivia snapped at Elliot's question.

"So you're feeling grumpy, uncomfortable and bored of people asking when that baby's coming?" Elliot tried not to smile.

"I'm sorry, El," Olivia put a hand out to her partner. "And it's so kind of you to visit. I'm going stir-crazy here."

"What time is Alex working until?" Elliot asked.

"5pm, she's never late these days," Olivia smiled. "She's been amazing, Elliot."

"Phoning every ten minutes, I'll bet?"

"No," Olivia smiled again, "we made a deal. I text her crossword clues throughout the day, so she knows I'm okay and that nothing's happened."

He smiled. "What a good idea," he said. He looked at his watch. "It's 3.30pm now. Why don't I drive you to her office? You can sit there for an hour until she finishes. At least it'll get you out of the house."

"Would you really?" Olivia levered herself awkwardly to her feet. "That would be wonderful. I've promised Alex I won't go out alone, but this place is driving me nuts."

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"You have a vistor," Louanne smiled as Alex strode though the outer office on the way to her office.

Alex's face fell. It was nearly 4pm, and she was determined to leave at 5pm.

Louanne laughed at the almost comic look of disappointment on Alex's face. "I don't think you'll mind this visitor," she said.

Alex opened the door to her office, and saw Olivia sitting on the client chair. "Liv!" she cried. "Is something happening? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you took a cab? I thought you were going to stay in?"

Olivia laughed. "Which question should I answer first? I'm okay, Alexandra. And no," she pouted. "The Rookie has shown no intention of coming out today. And I didn't take a cab, Elliot suggested dropping me here. I was going crazy, Alex. And I promised you I wouldn't go out alone. And," she ran her hand lovingly down Alex's cheek. "You look so hot in a business suit," she allowed her hand to travel lower and slip inside Alex's suit jacket. She cupped a pert breast. "We're leaving in a hour, right?" her voice was a little breathy.

Alex nodded. "I have to finishing these files," she gestured reluctantly to her desk.

Olivia kissed her. "Okay," she agreed mildly, and settled herself back in the client chair. "Just as long as you don't have plans for this evening."

"I do now," Alex told her.

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"Eighteen days," Alex said. "When do you next see the OBGYN?"

"Tomorrow morning," Olivia said. "If nothing...," she waved her hands expressively.

"I really don't want to go in today. You've got the paper, right?" Alex looked around her.

"I have," Olivia smiled. "And I haven't started the crossword yet. Call me at lunch, huh?"

Alex nodded. "I'm so sorry, baby. I know this is real hard for you."

"It's nearly over," Olivia said. "It's going to be worth it."

Four hours later

Alex's phone beeped; she hadn't had a crossword clue in nearly two hours, and was beginning to worry. She saw that it was a message from Olivia, and smiled.

Special clue for you Alex. 'Why is today the first Monday in September?'

Call me when you can. O. xxx

Alex was already dialing the phone when it hit her. The first Monday in September. Labor Day. Labor Day!

"Liv?" Alex shrieked when Olivia picked up.

Olivia could hear the excitement in her lover's voice. "Take it easy, counselor," she sounded remarkably calm.

"Is … is it?"

"It is, Alexandra, at least I think it is. Two contractions, but not very strong."

"I'm on my way."

"There's no hurry. You could probably wait until after lunch, nothing much is going to happen for ages."

"I'm on my way," Alex repeated. "Are you alone?"

"I'm fine, Lex," Olivia was patient. "I only sent that text because I promised. I swear, nothing's going to happen, not for a long time. And you're only 20 minutes away. I want you to promise you'll drive carefully Alex? I couldn't bear it if you were in an accident."

"Of course I'll be careful. Liv, I know it's silly, but will you stay on the line? I'll put you on the speaker once I get to the car. I just want to hear your voice. It'll stop me panicking."

"Whatever you want, baby, whatever makes you feel best."

Alex was already in her coat and she strode out of her office, stopping only to smile at Louanne, and raise her thumb in celebration. Louanne's face split into a wide smile. "Good luck!" she mouthed at her boss.

The door was open as Alex approached the apartment, and an excited Olivia stood at the threshold. "Kiss me," Olivia demanded. So Alex did.

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"How long since her first contraction?" Melinda asked Alex on the phone.

"Six hours," Alex told her. "But she's only had three contractions so far."

"I'm fine!" Olivia shouted, making Melinda smile at the end of the phone.

"It can be a long process," Melinda told Alex. "Want me to come and check her over?"

"Would you?" Alex asked. "I know I'm fussing, but..."

"You want reassurance. That's natural. I'll be there soon."

Half an hour later

"Well, nothing's going to happen for a while," Melinda said. "She's barely dilated. There's a long way to go."

"When should she go in?" Alex asked.

"Once the contractions are regular, and getting strong. She's hardly started labor yet."

"She has a name," Olivia sounded pissed.

"I'm sorry, Liv," Melinda said. "I know this is frustrating for you. But you have a hell of a way to go yet. You need to try and relax."

Olivia nodded.

"I think it's going to be many hours yet. Would you like me to stay? Rosie can take care of the kids."

"We'll be okay," Olivia said, her mood softening. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be snarky."

Melinda laughed. "Oh you're going to get a hell of a lot snarkier than that before this is over! Just try and do what your body wants. Walk around. Take a bath. When your contractions are lasting over 30 seconds, and they're around ten minutes apart, then that's the time to get to the hospital. You've got everything ready?"

Alex nodded.

"Call me when you want a ride," Melinda told them.

"Sarah's on her way home," Olivia said. "She's promised to drive us in. But thanks."

Melinda hugged first Olivia, and then Alex. "You take care of each other?"

Alex nodded.

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"Liv?" Alex looked at her watch. It was now sixteen hours since Olivia's first contraction, and things were moving on, though horribly slowly, or so it seemed to both of them.

"That one was stronger," Olivia was a little breathless. "How long?"

"Seventeen seconds. Twenty-three minutes since the last one," she smiled, tiredly, at her lover. "You're doing good, Liv."

"What time is it?"

"Just after 3am," Alex said. "I don't suppose you could sleep?"

Olivia shook her head, and tears unexpectedly sprang to her eyes. She blinked, feeling encroaching nausea.

"You want to throw up again?"

Olivia nodded. "I think so," she whispered, miserably.

"Bathroom or basin?"

"Bathroom," Olivia moved to the edge of the bed, and was glad of Alex's supporting arm.

Alex held her as she heaved, wiping her brow with a damp washcloth, whispering soothing noises into her ear. Once she was done, Alex helped her back to the bed.

"M'sorry," Olivia whispered.

"Don't be sorry, baby," Alex said. "Melinda said it's a good sign. It's your body's way of dealing with a rush of hormones.

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By 8am, both Olivia and Alex were exhausted. The contractions were now 18 minutes apart, and lasting for anything up to 22 seconds. After a very difficult two hours in the night, Olivia's nausea had finally subsided, and she was taking regular sips of soda to keep her hydrated. Despite Alex's pleas, she still refused any food.

Sarah knocked on the door. "C'm'in," Alex said tiredly. She smiled at her niece.

"What can I do?" Sarah asked.

"Nothing," Olivia said, her voice a little weak. "There's nothing any of us can do. Melinda's on her way over, she just wants to check things. It's a waiting game. You can take Alex through, make her eat some breakfast," she smiled at her lover, noting the dark rings under her eyes.

"I'll bring some toast in," Sarah compromised, seeing the stubborn look in her aunt's eyes.

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"Nearly six centimeters," Melinda smiled at Olivia. "And the heartbeat is good and strong."

"We just have to wait?" Olivia sounded miserable.

"I need you to try and sleep. Even if it's only a half hour at a time," Melinda put a hand on Olivia's shoulder. "I know it's difficult, Olivia, but it's only going to get harder. You need to have all your strength for the next bit."

Olivia nodded.

"Thanks, Melinda," Alex said as the doctor made to leave.

"Call me. Any time," Melinda said.

Alex climbed into the bed with Olivia and put her arm round her. Olivia snuggled into Alex as best as she could. "Try and relax, Liv," Alex soothed.

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5.40pm

"Lex?" Olivia panted, the pain driving through her body.

"Nearly there, honey, that's it, that's good," Alex's hands felt the contraction lessen. Finally Olivia relaxed and fell back on the bed. Alex looked at her watch. "29 seconds, 14 minutes apart. I think we should go in, Liv, what do you think?"

Olivia nodded, exhausted. "I think so," she croaked.

"We can get you some proper pain relief too," Alex wiped her face.

"No epidural," Olivia insisted.

"Whatever you want, honey, you're in charge. I'll just tell Sarah."

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10.45pm

"It's been thirty-six hours," Alex pleaded with the midwife. "Are you sure she's okay?"

"They're both fine," the midwife smiled. "It won't be too long now. You're doing real good, Olivia," she said. "And the baby's heartbeat is strong as an ox."

Olivia nodded, sweat pouring from her brow. Another contraction hit her, and she grasped Alex's hand. The pain was indescribable, and it seemed that the hits of gas and air that she had so enjoyed initially were making little or no difference. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Alex was beside herself, she hated seeing her lover in such pain, and not being able to help.

"It's nearly time to push," the midwife said. "Olivia, do you want Alex to hold you? It might help if she sits behind you and helps you to sit up a bit."

Olivia nodded weakly. "It hurts so much."

Alex, glad of something to do, settled herself behind Olivia.

"Try and support her when the next contraction comes," the midwife explained.

Olivia moaned and grabbed desperately behind her for Alex's hand. Alex took her hand and, with the other, rubbed comforting strokes on Olivia's belly. She could feel the muscles contracting under her hand. "Nearly there, Liv," Alex whispered. "Nearly there, my sweet girl. You're doing so well. I know, baby, I know, it hurts. But it's nearly over."

Olivia collapsed back into Alex's arms.

The midwife made another check. She looked up and smiled. "It's time to push," she said. "At the next contraction, I want you to push for all you're worth."

Olivia nodded. Two minutes later, Alex felt her tensing up. She held her tight. "That's it Olivia. You're so close. It'll all be worth it."

Olivia screamed as she pushed, the contraction seeming to last for ever. Finally it was over and she slumped exhaustedly into Alex's arms.

"That's the head," the midwife said. "One more should do it. Come on, Olivia."

The next contraction went on for ages, and Olivia saw spots start to dance in front of her eyes. She couldn't take the pain any longer. "I've got you Liv, I've got you, that's it baby, you're amazing. Be strong, you're my hero. You're so close."

Olivia let out a gutteral cry as she felt the baby finally slide out of her. The midwife busied herself under the sheet, and for a split second Olivia thought she could die with fear. Then a thin cry was heard.

The midwife looked up, a small, mewling bundle in her hands. "You have a daughter," she said. "A beautiful baby daughter. Want to cut the cord?" she asked Alex.

Alex looked stunned, her usually immaculate hair in disarray, her clothes rumpled. Olivia glanced back at her; she had never looked more beautiful. Alex eased out from behind Olivia, helping her to lie comfortably on the pillows. She took her hand, and looked at her. "Shall I?" she asked.

Olivia smiled. "Of course," she said. She reached up a shaking hand and cupped Alex's cheek. Alex leant forward and kissed her softly.

After cutting the cord, the midwife wrapped the tiny, whimpering baby in a soft blanket. "You want to hold your daughter?"

Alex looked over at Olivia again. Olivia nodded, tears gathering in her eyes.

Very tenderly, Alex took the child, her heart bursting with love and pride. "She's okay?" she asked the midwife.

"She's perfect," the midwife smiled back.

Very carefully, Alex took the precious bundle and carried her to Olivia's arms. "Someone wants to meet her momma," she whispered, as she lowered her onto Olivia's chest.

Olivia was overwhelmed at the sight of their child.

"Skin to skin is good," the midwife said gently. She pulled the blanket to one side, and adjusted Olivia's robe, angling the baby so that she was naked against Olivia's bare chest. The baby's whimpers stopped immediately as she nestled into her mother.

"She's beautiful," Olivia gently stroked the downy hair on the baby's head. Tears rolled unchecked down her cheeks. "She's so beautiful. She looks like you, Alexandra."

Alex was clutching the side of the bed. Kindly, the midwife guided her into a chair.

Olivia grimaced once more. "That's just the afterbirth coming away," the midwife said, moving efficiently down the end of the bed. "That's great, Olivia. All done now. It's all over. Congratulations, mommies! You have a daughter. Does she have a name?"

Olivia looked at Alex. "I want you to choose," they had had endless discussions about names, but had never come to a conclusion, both agreeing that they needed to meet their child before they could decide. "But I get to choose the middle name."

Alex reached out, and stroked the top of the baby's head. "I want to call her Lily," she said, decisively.

Olivia looked surprised; Lily had never come up as a name, but now, she realized, there was no other name that would do. "It's perfect," she whispered. "Hey, Lily."

"We should tell Sarah," Alex said. "She's waiting outside."

Olivia nodded. "Tell her to come in."

Moments later, Sarah entered the room, holding Alex's hand.

"Hey," Olivia said, almost shyly. "We want you to meet the newest member of the family. This is Lily Alexandra Benson. Your sister."

Alex stared at Olivia. "I said I wanted to choose her middle name," Olivia smiled.

Sarah's eyes filled with tears, not only at the sight of the child, but at being so completely accepted into the Cabot-Benson household. "She's beautiful," she whispered.

"You want to hold her?" Olivia asked.

"Can I?" Sarah asked.

Alex led Sarah to the chair and, very carefully, lifted her daughter from her fiancée, and laid her in Sarah's arms. Alex kissed Sarah on the cheek. "Sometimes," she took Olivia's hand. "Sometimes, your family is what you make it. This is our family now. Nothing will ever break us apart."

END

A very big thank you to all of you who have stuck with this story to the bitter end. I have really appreciated all your feedback and reviews, they have kept me focused!

I hope you have all enjoyed the story as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

I may do a sequel at some point, but for the moment, please enjoy the new family!