Chapter One: A Blutbad-Fuchsbau Baby

Marimba ringtone sounds

Nick groans as he rolls out of Sean's arms and over to reach for his ringing phone, noticing that it is just after 3:00am. "Burkhardt."

"Hey Nick! It finally happened! She's only six days overdue, but she's here! Ten fingers! Ten toes! Dark brown hair! The most beautiful brown eyes! Absolutely perfect! 7lb 9oz 21 inches long! The cutest little button nose and Rosalee's lips!"

Nicks half-asleep brain struggles to take in all that was just said. "Monroe?"

"Duh! Who else calls you at 3:00am to tell you that their little girl is here! She arrived at 1:17am! Rosalee did so well! A pushing champion!"

"Oh, wow! Congrats Monroe! Will Rosalee be up to visitors later this morning?"

"Yes! We can't wait for you and Sean to meet our little lady!"

"Great! We will be up to St John's in a few hours."

"Seventh floor. Room 725. See you soon Nick!"

"Congrats to you both Monroe! See you after while."

Nick sets his phone back on the night stand and turns back to see Sean has woken up. "That was Monroe. Their baby is finally here."

Sean pulls Nick back to rest against his chest. "It's about time she made her appearance."

"True! Monroe has been going crazy with each day that's passed since Rosalee's due date."

"Well we should get some more sleep so we can go meet her."

Nick snuggles against Sean and nods, kissing his chest as his eyes slide closed.

Following a quick breakfast of coffee and bagels, Nick and Sean head out to St John's Hospital. Once they reach the hospital they stop at the gift shop for flowers and a stuffed toy. They debate for several minutes over which flowers are appropriate for the new mom before they agree on pink poinsettias. The toy selection elicited even more debate between the two men. Nick wanted the brightly colored clown, but Sean insists that clowns are ultra-creepy. Amused and sensing a story behind this opinion, Nick files the thought away for later. They finally agree on a stuffed bear. "Which room did Monroe say they were in?" Sean asks as they step out of the elevator onto the seventh floor.

"725."

Reaching the new parent's room Nick knocks quietly. "Come on in!" Monroe calls out.

Nick and Sean enter their room to see the new parents sitting on the bed looking adoringly at the bundle Rosalee is holding. "Nick! Sean! Come meet our little lady! I'm sure Rosalee can be convinced to let you hold her!"

Nick sets the vase of pink poinsettias on the table along with the stuffed bear. "She's adorable. It looks like she's taking after her mother thankfully!"

"Very funny Nick. Here come sit and meet Gabrielle Alice. We plan on calling her Gigi."

"The flowers are beautiful guys! That was so sweet of you to pick her December birth flower, thank you! Nick would you like to hold her?" Rosalee asks watching as Nick carefully caresses Gabrielle's dark brown curls.

Nick hesitates, looking between Rosalee and Gabrielle. "She won't break." Monroe says as Rosalee hands the baby to Nick. He sits in the visitors chair with the precious bundle. Rosalee and Monroe share a knowing look as they watch Sean watching Nick hold Gabrielle. It is clear to the couple that Sean is very much enjoying seeing his mate holding a baby. Rosalee knows from her tea time chats with Nick at the Spice Shop that the couple has not discussed having a baby, but that Nick very much wants a family with Sean. It seems as if the Zauberbiest is entertaining the same thoughts as he smiles watching Nick talk to Gabrielle.

"She's so tiny…and perfect!" Nick says smiling up at the new parents before looking over to Sean who has moved to stand beside him. "Sean you should hold her!"

The normally calm and collected Captain hesitates before saying "She looks quite content with her Uncle Nick. I'm sure there will be plenty of chances later to hold her. Besides, I'm sure the new family could probably use some rest."

Nick smirks at his mate as he stands up to hand Gabrielle back to Rosalee. "Chicken! Didn't you hear Monroe – she won't break!"

Sean rolls his eyes and sighs. "I'm sure this is true. I will be sure to hold her next time we see her."

"We'll hold you to that next week Sean. Don't forget everyone is coming to our house for a welcome Gigi dinner." Monroe says as he picks up his daughter.

"We wouldn't miss it!" Nick says as he takes Sean's hand. "Call us if you need anything. We are both off the rest of the weekend."

"Of course Nick." Rosalee says as Gabrielle starts fussing. "It looks like someone is getting hungry."

Realizing what that means, Sean begins to pull Nick towards the door. "We will see you next week unless you need us sooner. Congrats. She is precious."

The new parents smile and begin to tend to their hungry bundle. Nick and Sean take this as their sign to make their exit from the hospital room.

To be continued…