A very short drabble largely inspired by Nickelback's Lullaby. Minor character death mentioned. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Not mine!

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I need you.

Those three simple yet terrifying words filled Juliet O'Hara's head as she raced into Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Just an hour ago, she had been lying in bed with her fiancé Shawn Spencer, dreaming about everything that lay ahead of them. Then she got the call. All she could remember was Carlton's broken voice as he asked, no, begged her to meet him at the hospital.

I need you.

She rushed through the emergency room doors and was directed to the Maternity Ward. One prickly nurse tried to point out the visitation hours, but Juliet flashed her badge and the most intimidating glare she had adopted from Carlton and the nurse reluctantly backed down, still huffing and puffing.

Two floors up, Juliet found the Maternity Ward. Babies were crying and new parents shuffled around with wide, hopeful eyes. She thought of the last time she had seen Marlowe; it seemed like a lifetime ago but really it had only been two or three days ago. She was round and glowing, radiating joy as she stroked her swollen belly.

She was the epitome of happiness, and so was Carlton for that matter.

Turning a corner, Juliet was surprised to see a figure slumped over on a bench against the wall. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was her partner. "Carlton?"

It took several moments for him to look in her direction. Her heart fell when she saw the brokenness in his eyes. In his arms, a tiny pink bundle was snuggly ensconced in a soft blanket.

"Oh, God…"

"Juliet," he croaked, looking like a small child himself instead of a man who should have been celebrating the happiest day of his life.

She practically flew to his side and sat down beside him. Hesitating for only a moment, she slid her arm around his broad shoulders and pulled him into her embrace.

The moment his head hit her shoulder, he sobbed openly into the soft material of her shirt. "Marlowe… She's gone…"

Her heart splintered for him and the baby nestled between them. "Carlton, I'm so sorry…"

"She… She had a hemorrhage," he managed between gasping breaths. "They couldn't…couldn't save her… Juliet, what am I going to do?"

She didn't have an answer for him. What answer would work in this moment? Her best friend was broken and left alone to raise his child. Having a child was a daunting enough prospect, but losing his wife in the process? She had no magic words, no salve to soothe the pain he was suffering. She could only sit there and hold him and hope it would be enough.

There was little else she could do.

So just give it one more try to a lullaby

And turn this up on the radio

If you can hear me now, I'm reaching out

To let you know that you're not alone

And if you can't tell, I'm scared as hell

Cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Honey, here comes your lullaby

Finis.