Author's Note: Thanks to Leigh Ann (leighann415) for reading drafts of this, and helping me w/ some details. This story is obviously not a one-shot, but unfortunately I don't have that much more written right now. But I'll try to change that soon! In the meantime, please R&R!
Daphne sat in front of the TV, grateful that David was currently mesmerized by Sesame Street. Her second child was due any day now, according to her doctor. Niles had wanted to stay home, just in case. But Daphne had insisted he go to work, saying that if this child took after her brothers, he or she would never be that punctual. So far, the day had been uneventful. Though she missed Niles while he was gone, she also knew that if he'd stayed home, he would've watched her like a hawk, not allowing her to move or strain herself in any way.
Earlier in her pregnancy, Daphne had felt overwhelmed with taking care of David, keeping an eye on Martin, and all the other things that needed to be done in order to keep her home and famly running smoothly. When she'd admitted her feelings to Niles, he'd immediately offered to send her and Roz away for the weekend. That one trip by itself hadn't solved everything, but after that, Martin and Ronee had volunteered to bring David to their house a few times a week. Daphne hated needing help like that, but she did enjoy the break from keeping up with her energetic son.
Daphne's mind returned to the present as she heard Elmo begin to sing a song on TV. David was singing along, obviously enjoying himself. It was clear he'd inherited his father's ear for music, although he hadn't quite fallen in love with classical music as much as Niles had. Niles wanted to expose his son to some of the great composers, in hopes of changing that. But Daphne refused, saying David should be allowed to be a kid for a while, rather than turning to a mini-adult by school age. As the red puppet concluded his song, Daphne suddenly felt a sharp pain. That was immediately followed by a wet sensation. "Um, sweetheart?" Daphne said, trying her best not to alarm David. "Could you please bring me the phone?"
"Sure, Mommy." David got up and half-ran, half-danced over to where the portable phone was. Daphne managed a smile when he handed it to her. But of course, her son wasn't so easily fooled. "What's wrong?"
Daphne touched David's cheek. "Nothing. I just need to call Daddy. You can go back to watching Elmo now."
"OK!" David said, quickly returning to his spot on the floor.
Daphne dialed Niles' cellphone. Ordinarily, Niles kept his phone off when he was working. Daphne usually called Mrs. Woodson, and she would transfer the call to Niles. But under the circumstances, Niles had set his phone to vibrate. "Come on, pick up!" Daphne muttered impatiently as the phone rang.
Niles sat at his desk, typing up some notes from this morning's sessions. His phone sat in his briefcase. Suddenly, he heard a buzzing sound and was immediately alarmed. He picked up his phone, and the caller ID confirmed his fears. "Yes?" he asked.
"Niles, I think you'd better come home."
"Oh, my God. I'll be right there." Niles quickly hung up and returned his phone to his breast pocket. He could barely think straight as he gathered his belongings to leave. When he rushed into the waiting room and right past Mrs. Woodson, he did not need to explain. "I'll take care of your appointments, Dr. Crane! Don't worry about a thing!" With a quick nod of acknowledgement, he left the building.
As he drove home, Niles' heart pounded. He knew that by the time he reached his apartment, it could be too late. After all, David hadn't waited till they were at the hospital. If it was time for this child to be born, he or she would be born. Niles took his chances, running a yellow light. It was something he would never have done normally, but these circumstances were anything but normal.
He reached home in record time. When he let himself in the door, he was immediately greeted by a heartbreaking sight: his wife doubled over in pain. "Daphne...," he said, taking her in his arms.
Just then, David looked up. "What's happening to Mommy?"
Niles saw the fear in his son's eyes. "Everything's going to be all right," he said. "You're going to be a big brother very soon." As David absorbed this, Niles returned his attention to his wife. "I think we should get you to the hospital now."
"No," Daphne said. "I called Roz. She's on her way over here to watch David. We can go when she gets here."
"Oh, my love. You're in so much pain. Are you sure you want to wait that long?"
Daphne took a deep breath. "I've been through this before. I'll be just fine."
"Is there anything I can do?" Even with all his medical background, and that long-ago experience of delivering his cabdriver's baby, this whole thing made him feel lost and helpless.
"Just stay here with me," she said, slipping her hand into his.
"Oh, my love. Of course. You know I'll be right beside you the whole time."
Daphne melted when she looked into Niles' eyes. She'd never had a doubt about his feelings, not after all they'd been through together. But sometimes, she was still overwhelmed by how much he loved her.