Author's Note: This idea came from watching a rerun of "Mary Midwife." I know I'm compressing a lot of time into these first few paragraphs, but this was the best way I could think of to do it. Also, I might be taking a bit of liberty with Mary giving birth in MN, but I wanted at least some of her friends there. Anyway, please do R&R, and I hope to have the rest up soon!

Mary could hardly believe this day was here. After she introduced Congressman Steven Cronin to her WJM family, their relationship quickly grew more serious. Before she knew it, she was wearing an engagement ring and planning a wedding. Because of her history with a previous engagement, she decided to get plans into motion as soon as possible. Rhoda was a great help in getting everything together. But now, only a few months later, Mary found herself pregnant. They hadn't even thought about trying, and yet here they were.

At first, Mary thought her cycle had become irregular due to the stress of her job, and moving back to Minnesota. Once again, thanks to Rhoda, she visited the doctor. One test confirmed it. The idea of having a baby both scared and thrilled her. Of course, there was a flurry of telephone calls as she informed her friends. Everyone reassured her she would of course be a great mom. Mary was grateful for the support, but she privately wondered if they were only saying that to be polite. Georgette and Rhoda threw a baby shower, and most of the baby items were acquired in no time.

The nine months of her pregnancy went much quicker than Mary expected. At her last doctor's appointment, she was told the baby could come any day now. Steven immediately ordered her to stay in bed until the baby came. He would not take chances with their firstborn. Suddenly, a contraction hit, and they rushed to the hospital. "This is happening too fast," Mary said. "I'm not ready!"

"Well, apparently, our baby feels differently," Steven replied as she was being wheeled into the maternity ward. "I know this is scary, but you're going to be fine. Trust me." He knew all too well how Mary could be when she got emotional. He'd seen her begin to stammer uncontrollably, and knew such a thing would only make matters worse now.

Somehow, Mary managed to regain control. But then another thought hit her. "Where's Rhoda? I forgot to call her! She's my best friend, and I didn't even think about her till now!"

"Relax," Steven said. "I called her right before we left. She's on her way, and I think she said something about calling Georgette too."

"OK," Mary said. The mention of Ted Baxter's wife brought back a very vivid memory. Years ago, she and Lou Grant had helped to deliver Ted and Georgette's baby. It happened during one of Mary's infamous dinner parties. That one, at least, had a happy ending.

In another part of the hospital, things were not quite so happy. "I don't see why we have to be here. Mary hasn't even had the baby yet!"

Georgette sighed. "Mary is our friend, and I want to be there for her." She loved Ted with all her heart, but he could be stubborn sometimes.

"Sure, buy her a baby gift if you want. Maybe we can even find her a stupid walrus!" Ted rolled his eyes, remembering the present Lou gave after the birth of their baby.

"Ted, Mary did more than give us a gift. She delivered our baby. Or maybe you forgot that, because you didn't even want to come in the room!"

"OK, so maybe I wasn't a perfect husband, but do you have to keep bringing that up?"

Georgette didn't want to answer that question. "If it weren't for Mary, we wouldn't have ever met. I just think the least we can do for her is be here for her." She slipped her hand into Ted's, but her tone made it clear the topic was no longer open for discussion.

They walked up to the nurse's station on the maternity ward. "Do you have any information on Mary Richards?" Ted rolled his eyes as he asked the question.

"Cronin," Georgette corrected. Ted still had not gotten used to the fact that Mary was now married. Even though they were never an item, he seemed bothered by the fact that Mary had fallen in love with a man who wasn't him.

The nurse looked up from her computer. "Are you family?"

"No, but we're good friends of hers," Georgette replied.

"I'm sorry, but the hospital has strict rules about patient privacy. We can't disclose information to anyone but immediate family."

"Oh." Georgette was disappointed, but rules were rules. "Come on, Ted." She took his hand, leading him to a nearby seat. "I'm sure Steven will come out when he has something to tell us."

Just then, Rhoda came running in. "I'm sorry I'm late, but I got here as fast as I could. Is Mary OK?"

Georgette smiled, glad to see her friend. "The nurse couldn't tell us anything. We're not family."

"We'll see about that," Rhoda said, immediately turning to the nurse. "Mary Richards is my oldest and dearest friend. My own mother practically wanted to adopt her. Trust me, we are family."

"I'm sorry, but rules are rules," the nurse said. "I have to follow the hospital policy." She shrugged.

"I don't care what your hospital policy says. You go back there and ask Mary if she wants Rhoda Morgenstern in that delivery room. I guarantee you, she'll say yes." Rhoda's tone made it clear she wasn't taking 'no' for an answer.

The nurse walked away, obviously going to follow up on Rhoda's request. Rhoda turned to Ted and Georgette. "Everything's going to be OK. Mary's going to be thrilled you guys are here. I'll let you know as soon as anything happens."

Georgette could only smile gratefully at Rhoda. Sometimes, Rhoda's outspokenness could come in handy. Now all they had to do was wait until they could meet Mary's baby.