Title: The Day That Changed Everything

Disclaimer: I do not own Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Dick Wolf and NBC-USA do.

Author's Note: Random idea came to mind! What if Alex became a mother not long after Nathan was born and a baby carriage showed up?

Genre: Family/Romance

Mentions of (but not a post-ep): Shrink-Wrapped (3.15)

Major thanks to my beta, xushi, she really helped with this chapter with the corrections and the figuring out the adoption process.

Rating: T (just to be safe)

Chapter 1: Her Luck

When the alarm began buzzing at 6:30am Alex Eames groaned loudly and reached for the snooze button.

"Just five more minutes," grumbled Alex, but it was no use, she was already awake from a fitful night of sleep. She and her partner Bobby Goren had just wrapped up an infuriating and frustrating case. It was also heartbreaking because the girl's parents chose to neglect her and fight each other instead.

She knew that today would be full of paperwork which after awhile got so boring.

What she didn't know was her life was about to change that very morning.

Right as she had came out from the bathroom from getting ready she thought she heard a faint crying sound but figured she was hearing things because she was still tired and just needed coffee. Lots of it. Then she heard the sound again only this time it was more audible as it had become a loud wailing sound.

She had her protection and badge by her side just in case. She opened the door and scanned both sides of the street and then gasped. Left at her door was a baby carriage along with a diaper bag.

Alex's heart melted when she flipped over the cover and saw the baby girl swaddled in pink now screaming at the top of her lungs.

Alex set her gun and badge aside, quickly scanned the streets again to make sure it was not a trick and then took the carriage and diaper bag in.

As soon as she closed the door, she walked over to the couch set the carriage down, unbuckled the baby carriage and picked up the screaming infant.

"It's okay little one, let's get you warmed up," cooed Alex.

The moment she had the infant wrapped in the fleece throw she always kept on her couch Alex held her gently, the baby's cry died down.

"There you go, don't you feel better now?" Alex whispered in a soothing voice.

In an instant Alex made out what looked like a smile and her heart softened.

After a short silence the baby began to fuss and Alex knew the baby was hungry and searched around the diaper bag and found three bottles of formula - one warm for now and the two for later. The moment she got the bottle near the baby's lips the baby latched on and began to drink.

While the baby drank, Alex looked through the bag again and saw a few changes of clothing and diapers. After that, she saw a note within the baby carriage. She gently reached over and got a hold of the note and carefully opened it and read it.

Monday, March 1, 2004

To Resident(s) of this Household:

Please take care of my little girl who was born on February 28, 2004 at Mercy. At this time I cannot care for her because I am beside myself with grief. My wife (the baby's mother) and the love of my life, died during childbirth.

Many thanks; I know that you will be able to pick a fitting name for her.

I owe you my gratitude,

Jaime Chan

When she finished reading the note her heart went out for the father.

At least he is doing the right thing.

Right then she noticed that the baby had finished the formula, and she quickly found a towel, placed it on her shoulder, gently placed the infant on her shoulder and gently tapped her back and when the baby burped Alex brought her down and cradled her until the infant had drifted off to sleep, warm and comfortable in Alex's arms.

After a little bit she realized she had a phone call to make but knew she couldn't put the baby back in the carrier so she got up, got her cell from her purse and made the two necessary calls.

The first person she called was her partner.

Bobby Goren was about to leave his apartment when he felt his phone buzz.

When he saw who it was he smiled and answered, "Good morning Eames."

"Morning Bobby. Um I am not going to be able to come in today."

"Is something wrong?" Bobby asked in a concerned voice.

"No, everything is fine, something personal came up and I have to take care of it. So you don't have to get me anything this morning. How about this, I will stop by later so you can be assured that I am fine and let you know what happened okay and you can make it up by taking me to lunch?"

"Um okay," answered Bobby, "I will see you later then."

"Sure thing partner."

After Alex ended the call, she checked to see if the baby was sleeping. The infant had stirred a bit and then settled again, snuggled into her and fell asleep, causing Alex to grin brightly.

She then made the next important call.

"Major Case Squad this is Deakins speaking."

"Captain, it's Detective Eames calling."

"Detective Eames, is anything wrong?"

"No, no nothing is wrong, it is just that something has come up and I need to take care of it. I won't be in but will check in later. I already told my partner."

"Okay, just be careful okay?" said Deakins.

"I will sir."

After the call had been made, she checked on the infant and saw that she was sleeping peacefully.

"Well little one, I will be spending today with you. Later we will be able to go see Uncle Bobby and Uncle Jimmy who I know you would be able to charm them the moment they see you. Now, let's take you to get a check up to make sure you're healthy."

Once she got what she needed and had the baby in the carriage and the carriage secured in the back seat of her car, she drove off to see the Eames' family friend and pediatrician, Dr. Gavin Parker.

Following the quick checkup and getting the clean bill of health and chatting a bit with Dr. Parker she headed over to 1 Hogan Place. It was during the checkup she decided she wanted to adopt the baby.

When she heard a "Come in" after knocking on the door of ADA Ron Carver she went in.

"Detective Eames," said Carver when he saw who it was and was about say something when he saw her carry a baby carrier and a diaper bag.

"What brings you by today?"

"Mr. Carver, I was wondering if you can help me start the adoption process."

Carver sitting at the edge of his desk looked at Alex and waited for her to explain in which she did.

As soon as Alex had finished telling what happened and gave him the note. He let out a sigh and went to sit back down at his desk.

"I have a friend who practices Family Law, Kelliana Cortez. I will be having a lunch meeting with her and will give her the copy. I will also need the name of the doctor, assuming you already have taken the baby to get checked out and a name for the baby."

Alex let Carver know that she had taken the baby for a check up and then gave him the number of Dr. Parker. As for the name of the baby Alex knew it was the perfect timing as the baby was rousing after a peaceful nap.

Alex smiled as soon as she saw the baby awake, and cooed at her a bit.

"Hmm, for her name how about Teagan Vanessa Eames."

Precisely then she heard the baby gurgle happily and Alex knew it was a perfect fit.

Carver jotted down the name and nodded.

"Okay Detective Eames I will give Kelliana your number and have her get back to you. In the meantime take care of the beautiful little Teagan," said Carver smiling when he saw the baby smile.

"I will Mr. Carver."

Soon after leaving the ADA's office Alex looked at little Teagan in time to see another adorable smile.

As they made their way down to the parking garage, Alex said, "Why don't we go see where Mommy works and meet Uncle Bobby and Uncle Jimmy and have Uncle Bobby take us to lunch?"

Teagan just gurgled in agreement but not before she made a big stink and Alex knew it was time to change her.

When the duo reached the squad room of Major Case, she knew that she was going to have to give a good explanation. No sooner had she reached the desk she shared with Bobby, Bobby stopped what he was doing and looked straight at Alex when he saw her carrying a baby carrier and diaper bag.

"Eames," began Bobby uncertainly, "what is going on?"

"Why don't you come with me and I can explain everything to both you and the Captain."

Bobby only nodded as he got up and followed her to their commanding officer's office, hoping whatever happened did not fuel the rumors that most likely were already circulating about them.

Alex knocked on the door and after hearing a 'come in', Bobby opened the door and let her in first and then followed her, closing the door behind him.

"Sir, do you have a few minutes?" asked Alex.

Deakins picked his head up and was surprised to see half of his best detective pair carrying a baby carrier and hearing a baby's squeal.

"Um, care to explain Detective Eames?"

Alex smiled, as she had expected Deakins to say that.

As soon as Bobby sat down, she put down the carrier and bag, bent down, folded over the blanket, undid the carrier fastener and picked up baby Teagan and held her up.

"Well, this morning as I was getting ready for work I heard a faint whimper and thought I was imagining things but then I heard again, so I got my gun and badge, just to be on the cautious side."

Both Bobby and Deakins waited for Alex to continue, which she did.

"When I opened the door I looked around and saw no-one and imagine my surprise when I looked down and saw a baby carrier and diaper bag. By that time this little one here, Teagan, was screaming her head off so I checked around again, set aside my gun and brought her in and got her warmed up. Awhile later I called you guys."

Bobby was silent but Deakins asked, "What are your plans now?"

Alex answered, "Well, as I was giving her a bottle while holding her, I had fallen in love with her, so I went to get her a checkup and made my way over to see Carver to see if he could help with drawing up adoption papers."

Both were silent and then Deakins spoke up again.

"Are you ready to be a single mother?"

Alex looked at Deakins and nodded. He knew not to push it because he knew she had a support system of people who were going to be more than willing to help out.

He then added, "I do believe congratulations are in order, pending a call from Carver, Detective. Let me or Angie know if you need anything. She will be thrilled to hear the news."

"Thanks Captain," began Alex and added, "would you like to hold your honorary niece?"

Deakins was at a loss for words but then said, "Yes I would."

He stood and made his way over to Alex and she carefully placed Teagan into his arms.

Deakins made silly faces at baby Teagan causing her to squeal. He smiled as he asked, "What's her full name?"

"Teagan Vanessa Eames."

"Teagan is Welsh for beautiful and Vanessa is Greek for butterfly," Bobby spoke up.

Alex and Deakins exchanged glances and shook their heads; leave it up Bobby to know the meanings of names.

Bobby then added, "Yeah the name suits her very well."

Before they left Deakins said, "You two can take the rest of the day off, and then one week off starting tomorrow to spend it with the baby. Because I know Goren without Eames means no work done."

The duo nodded.

A short time later Bobby, Alex, and baby Teagan were on their way as Bobby said he'd buy lunch. They decided on take out and going to the park and eating there.

As they were eating Alex suddenly realized it was time again.

"Okay Bobby I will be right back or else something bad will happen."

With that, Alex darted of with Teagan and the diaper bag in hand.

Ten minutes later, Alex and Teagan were back and Alex gave Teagan another bottle.

Teagan finished her bottle and Alex put a cloth to her shoulder and gently placed her there and lightly tapped her back and she burped.

Bobby watched in awe and thought, she is such a pro I guess she had some practice with her nephew.

After Alex had put Teagan down for a nap, Alex ate her lunch and they chatted about the everyday life in NYC.

When they left, Bobby decided to help with getting baby stuff, such as, formula, bottles, clothing, bassinet (for now) and also a crib for later on, some toys and stuffed animals and taking it back to Alex's place to set up.

Right before Bobby left, Teagan roused again and Alex asked "Bobby would you like to hold Teagan?"

"Um, I don't want to, uh."

"Don't worry Bobby, she isn't going to break, you did well with Nathan remember?"

Alex gently picked up Teagan and carefully placed her in Bobby's arms.

Bobby and Teagan looked at each other; it was obvious to Alex that it was love at first sight for the two and when Bobby positioned his index finger near Teagan's chubby little hands she grabbed on and held on tight.

"Wow she is really strong," proclaimed Bobby.

Alex just smiled at the sight in front of her.

No sooner had Bobby left and gone back to his apartment, did she receive a phone call.

"Eames."

"Detective Eames this is Kelliana Cortez calling."

"Oh yes Ms. Cortez thank you for calling."

"Please call me Kelli. Now I have talked with Ron Carver and have the note you gave and all the other items necessary. I called Dr. Parker and he has already faxed over the clean bill of health for Teagan. I will begin the paperwork process in the morning and I will need to interview whomever you feel would give you the best recommendation. I'll also need to observe you and Teagan for a day."

"Okay, thank you Kelli. I appreciate your help."

A few hours later after eating dinner, giving Teagan a bath, putting on a fresh diaper, baby clothing, and gave her another bottle, she had Teagan sleep with her in bed that first night to make her feel at home.

The next day, Bobby came by to help with painting the nursery as he had picked up paint. After that, he left and had decided to hang out with Lewis.

Alex knew she had to tell her parents about the newest member soon. So she called them to ask them to stop by.

"Eames residence, this is Andrea speaking."

"Hey mom, it's me Lexie."

"Lexie, what a pleasant surprise, wait, aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"Well I was given the week off because something came up, and no don't worry I am fine."

"Do you want to tell me what is going on sweetie?"

"Do you think you and Dad can stop by? There is something I want to talk to you about … show you rather."

"Okay what time do you want us to be there?" asked Andrea signaling to John as he stepped in from the garage.

"How about in an hour?"

"Okay we'll see you then."

After she hung up, she looked at Teagan who was lying there, giving her mom her cute signature grin.

"What do you say little one, why don't we go and give you a bath and dressed up to meet grandma and grandpa? They will absolutely love you."

Teagan continued to smile as Alex picked her up and took her to give her a bath.

Over at Eames family home, Andrea hung up the phone wondering what was going on.

"Hey honey who was that?"

"Lexie; she wanted to meet with us in an hour, she said has something to tell us or show us rather. I wonder what it is."

John raised an eyebrow but wasn't sure what to say.

Nearly an hour later, John and Andrea had reached their daughter's house in Rockaway still wondering what on earth was going on. However, somehow they knew they had to stop and buy a stuffed animal and they couldn't explain why.

No sooner had John knocked did Alex open the door.

"Hey mom and dad come on in."

Soon after sitting down and Alex got them each a glass of water, John's curiosity and police instincts got the best of him and he asked.

"Okay Lexie what is going on sweetie and why aren't you at work?"

Alex just smiled broadly.

"Well I have a hypothetical question for you. Okay, say it is morning and you're getting ready for work or for the day and then you hear a faint whimper, what would you do?"

"Well, I would have my protection with me just in case and approach slowly. What are you getting at Lexie?"

Alex nodded and then asked, "Okay what would your take be if there was a new member of the Eames family?"

"Um that is a question that is kind of out of blue, unless … wait, you aren't pregnant are you Lexie?" asked Andrea wide eyed and John raised his eyebrow.

"Why don't you hold that thought, and I will be right back."

Alex went to her room to get Teagan. When she got there she saw that Teagan was keeping herself occupied.

"Okay my little one, time to meet grandma and grandpa. They will be so surprised," Alex said in a delighted whisper as she picked up her daughter.

When Teagan sensed she was in her mother's arms she gave her cute smile.

As Alex approached the couch, her parents still looked baffled by the confusing explanation their daughter had given them.

"Mom, dad, I would like you to meet the newest member of the Eames family."

Andrea and John looked up and Andrea gasped.

"Oh Lexie, I, I don't know what to say."

Alex just grinned and started the whole story before her dad even asked.

As Alex told her story she turned Teagan around so her parents could see her and she knew that they were both goners.

Andrea looked at the baby swaddled in pink and said, "Oh Alex she is adorable."

"Would you like to hold her?"

"You're going to adopt her?"

"Yes mom, I am."

"Yes I would love to hold her."

Alex stood up, walked over and gently placed her in Andrea's arms.

Teagan noticed she was in someone else's arms but knew it was safe and began to gurgle.

"Alex she is a gorgeous baby. What is her name?"

"Teagan Vanessa Eames."

"The perfect name for a beautiful baby, why yes indeed," cooed Andrea.

"Yeah she is absolutely beautiful," said John and then remembering something.

"Your mother said to get a stuffed animal and we had no idea why we had and now we do," said John as he reached over and got the purchase and began to move it in front of the baby.

No doubt Teagan would be their favorite granddaughter even if they tried not to play favorites.

When it was John's turn to hold baby Teagan, he couldn't help by saying, "You're one lucky little girl who will have the best mother in the world. I know she will take wonderful care of you."

What her dad had said cause a tear of joy to fall down her cheek.

After a few minutes of silence, Andrea said, "How about when the adoption is approved we will have a celebration to welcome Teagan into the family and..."

"Uh mom, it will be at least a year before adoption is finalized."

"Ok then how about we have one family at a time to meet Teagan?"

"Sounds like a great idea. I know that once everyone meets Teagan they will absolutely adore her," said John.

Andrea was right; the moment Ethan, Jake, Liz, and her nieces and nephews met Teagan they couldn't get enough of her.

A/N 2: I decided to model Baby Teagan after me so that would make a baby of Asian descent.

A/N 3: Thanks for reading Chapter 1 of "The Day That Changed Everything". As always reviews are appreciated!