For Marie's sake, Scott and Logan decided to try to amicably coexist...at least for the remainder of the pregnancy. Neither of the men wanted the already very sensitive pregnant woman to have to deal with a hostile living environment.

Weeks ticked by and milestones were met.

Marie finally started to gain weight, so the doctor took her off of the Zofran pump. Logan, meanwhile, realized just how real the situation was the first time she wore a fitted tank top that showed off her tiny baby bump.

Up until that moment, it was fairly easy for him to forget or ignore the fact that she was carrying Scott's baby, but now, the proof was staring him right in the face.

He watched Scott attend to her, rub her back, stroke her belly and kiss her forehead and very quickly realized that he might not have as much to offer her. He could never be the perfect family man, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't love that baby the way Scott did.

It took several minutes, but after some time, Logan finally understood that he had no place there.

The day before he left, he approached Scott as he sat in his empty classroom, grading papers. The team leader looked up, "Logan. What can I do for you?"

"I'm just comin' to tell you that you win."

Scott furrowed his eyebrows, "Pardon me?"

"Marie...she deserves happiness and peace...and I know you can give that to her better than I can."

Scott stood up, "It was never about winning to me, Logan. I love her."

"I'm glad to hear that. Take care of her...or I'll kick your ass."

Logan started to leave, but Scott stopped him, "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah. Don't tell her, will ya? I don't want to deal with one of those big goodbyes."

That night, Logan got his bag together and decided to leave in the middle of the night so that he could avoid a run-in with Marie. Too bad he didn't count on her pregnant lady appetite.

She spotted him walk by the kitchen door and quickly called his name, "Logan!"

Logan stopped and backed up toward the kitchen, "Hey."

"You leavin'?"

He looked around the empty kitchen and spotted her spread of popcorn, chips and peanuts, "That's quite a spread you got there, kid. Glad to see your appetite return."

"Me too! Oh man. I have so many pounds to catch up on! We need to put some meat on those bones, don't we squirt?" she said as she patted the side of her belly.

Logan smiled, "Pregnancy looks good on you."

"Thanks. I'm really happy."

"I can tell. You look really happy", he said as he stared at her smiling face.

Marie sighed, "So...you still haven't answered my question. You leavin', aren't you?"

Logan glanced down at his bag, "Uhhh...yeah. I'm running low on cash. Gonna hit up the fighting circuit."

She nodded, "When do you think you're gonna be back?"

He stared at her for a while, "Few months..."

Marie sighed and walked over to wrap him in a hug, "I'll miss you."

Logan hugged her back and gently rubbed her back, "I wish I could be enough for you, kid."

She sighed and took a step back out of the embrace, "We end up on the paths we're meant to follow. Whatever we did or didn't say to each other brought us to where we're supposed to be..."

He nodded, then favored her with a gentle kiss before leaving.


Marie started feeling the baby moving when she was about 22 weeks along, and Scott was disappointed that he couldn't feel anything right away.

As soon as the father-to-be read that it was possible for the baby to hear him, he started buying books and spending an hour reading to the baby every evening before Marie fell asleep.

Marie loved how attentive and excited Scott was over the impending arrival of their child.

Despite the fact that he was pulled into missions constantly, he made it a point to be back for every single doctor's appointment. He personally moved her into a larger room to give her the extra room she would need for the baby, and quickly went to work purchasing needed items for the baby.

As time ticked by, Marie and Scott began ironing out the exact details for the arrival of their baby. They both decided against a traditional hospital birth and instead decided to deliver in a Birthing Center that would allow for a more natural experience.

Scott, being the meticulous, overly cautious planner he is was not fully on board with this idea. He tried to convince her to opt for a hospital birth due to the thousands of things that might go wrong, but Marie drug him along to a meeting with her doctor and a midwife, who both convinced them that, because of Marie's low risk pregnancy, she was an ideal candidate for a Birthing Center delivery.

Knowing that the experience was important to her, Scott relented and began attending birth classes with her. There, he dove head first into the role of supportive coach. He learned how to help her concentrate on her breathing, how to time contractions, special massages to relieve pain and other tips that would come in handy.

By the time Marie was the full 40 weeks pregnant, she hadn't shown any signs of labor and she was completely miserable. Her back hurt, her feet were swollen, she was always hot and her hips ached from carrying, what felt like, a bowling ball on her pelvis.

Scott tried to keep her comfortable with daily massages, drawing her a warm bath every night and keeping her favorite foods handy, but Marie was struggling to remain her normal, happy self.

They went to her doctor's appointment to see if things might be progressing, but when her doctor checked her dilation, they found that she was "barely 1 centimeter".

Marie let out a loud groan, "What the hell? Is there anything I can do to move things along?"

"Well...there's a ton of old wives tales out there, but only a few physicians actually deem safe", said her doctor.

"Which are..."

"Well, spicy foods, pineapple, walking...oh, actually, I swear by sex. I've had a ton of patients who were right where you are and they have sex, and boom. Within 24 hours, they're in labor."

Marie glanced at Scott and raised a brow, "Oh really?"

Scott cleared his throat and scratched his head, "Is that...um...safe?"

The doctor nodded quickly, "Absolutely safe. I suggest you give it a try, because if you're still at 1 centimeter by next week, I'll have to induce you...which means you'll have to deliver at a hospital."

Scott watched Marie start to panic, so he quickly began rubbing her back, "It's alright. I'm sure it won't come to that."

Marie shook her head, "I can't be induced. Inductions come with a higher chance of c-sections...I'll probably need an epidural because I've heard about how painful pitocin can be. Scott...I don't-"

He took her hand and kissed it, "Don't think about that, OK? We still have a week. We're gonna do plenty of walking and get that baby here naturally, just like you want."

As soon as they got back to the mansion, Scott accompanied Marie on a long walk around the expansive grounds. She felt a couple of contractions, but when they didn't persist, Scott walked her back to the mansion, then left to go get take out.

Per Marie's request, he brought back pineapple and the spiciest Mexican food in the tri-state area. Luckily, he also brought back some Tums, because after Marie finished the food, all she had was heartburn.

After two days of vigorous walks and spicy food, Marie began to resign herself to the dreaded induction.

She laid on her side on the bed, reading a book and stroking her belly when Scott walked in, "You pouting?"

"No", she said quickly.

He smiled and sat on the edge of the bed as he placed a hand on her belly, "Have you been counting kicks the way the doctor said?"

Marie nodded, "Yeah, but I really don't have to. This kid has been beating the hell outta my ribs today."

Scott sighed, "You're really miserable, aren't you?"

"Even more so now that it looks like I have to sacrifice my relaxed, natural birth for a hospital experience. We tried everything! Spicy foods, walking, pineapple...ugh! Nothing's worked!"

He cocked his head to the side and cleared his throat, "We haven't tried...everything."

Marie furrowed her eyebrows, "What do you mean?"

"The doctor did mention sex..."

She sat up, "Do you think...um...are you comfortable with that? I mean I know I don't look the same way I did 9 months ago. I'm huge."

Scott shook his head and laughed, "Honestly, you look more beautiful to me now than you ever have. I've been driving myself crazy trying to keep my hands off of you."

Marie blushed, "Are you messin' with me?"

"Marie...remember that time you got changed in front of me last week and I practically ran out of your room?"

"Yeah...because you had an appointment-"

"No! I had a hard on and I was embarrassed."

Marie laughed, "You're not serious."

Scott raised a brow, "Look...the doctor said that having sex gives us a really good shot at sending you into labor naturally, so, if you're not interested-"

When he started to get up, Marie snatched him back down to the bed and looked into his red lenses, "Let's do it."

Scott didn't say anymore, he just grabbed her face and laid a hungry kiss on her lips. She wrapped her arms around him as the kiss deepened, but soon, they were in the midst of an awkward situation as they attempted to figure out how their situation would best "work" with her large belly.

Marie giggled, "This isn't gonna work, is it?"

Scott took her face in his hand and kissed her lips, "Oh...I'll make it work."

He began slowly undressing her and taking the time to kiss each and every square inch of flesh he exposed. When she was finally naked, Scott wasted no time in divesting himself of his clothes before laying down beside her and gently stroking her body.

When Marie was writhing and ready, she rolled over onto her side as he began kissing her neck. He lifted her leg and slowly guided himself into her moistened snatch.

She gasped and closed her eyes, "Oh god...yes..."

Scott kissed her shoulder blade as he slowly began moving in and out of her, savoring every inch of her soft flesh. He continued at a slow and steady pace as he nibbled on her ear and whispered her name reverently, over and over again.

It didn't take long before he felt her body begin to shudder around him. Marie arched her back, "I'm gonna cum soon..."

"Me too baby..." he said as he quickened his pace and gripped onto her thigh.

She reached back and grabbed a hold of the back of his neck, as she cried out through her orgasm. Scott pressed his forehead against her temple as he thrust inside of her once more, cumming hard.

They laid down to relax and, within an hour, they were both asleep. Several hours later, Scott woke up to realize that Marie was already awake, "Hey...been up long?"

"A couple of hours."

He glanced at the clock, "It's 3am...go back to sleep."

"I don't think I can."

Scott smirked and kissed her shoulder, "Do you wanna try to jump start things again?"

Marie laughed, "No, I think we're good."

He raised a brow as he kissed her shoulder again, "Really? How can you be so sure?"

She breathed out and put a hand on her belly, "Because I've been in labor for the past two hours..."

"What!" he said, practically shooting out of bed. He began running around the room, throwing on his clothes at lightning speed.

Despite being in the middle of a contraction, Marie couldn't help but laugh at him.

An hour later, they were all checked into Marie's suite at the birthing center. It was complete with a spacious bedroom, birth ball, birthing stool, and a large bathtub in the bathroom.

Scott escorted Marie as she slowly walked around the birthing center in an effort to progress her labor. Every time a contraction hit, she stopped and put her arms around Scott's neck to keep her legs from giving out. Per the instructions he'd received in class, he slowly rocked her back and forth in an effort to ease her pain and "open up" her pelvis. It almost looked like a dance, so he couldn't help but start humming a little something.

Marie laughed wearily as the contraction drew to a close, "What was that?"

"Sorry...I was humming."

"No, I mean, what song was it?"

He slowly massaged her lower back as they continued walking, "The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra."

Marie smiled as she breathed out, "I like that..."

Within a few minutes, she was experiencing another contraction. She put her arms around Scott's neck and whimpered softly, "Oooh god..."

He kissed her cheek and began humming softly, "Some day...when I'm awfully low...I will feel a glow just thinking of you...and the way you look tonight..."

Marie slowly rocked with him and leaned her head against his chest as she breathed in and out, whimpering softly as the contraction racked her body.

His singing continued to offer a pleasant distraction from her pain for nearly an hour as they continued walking, but when her water broke, he convinced her that they should return to the suite and labor there since she seemed close. When the midwife checked her, she was 8 centimeters dilated, meaning she didn't have far to go.

They ran her a bath while she labored on a birthing ball. Scott stayed busy massaging her lower back through her contractions and whispering words of encouragement.

Marie had requested a relaxed atmosphere for her birth and, so far, the midwife and nurse who were assisting them had been flies on the wall. They frequently checked the baby's heart rate with the doppler and checked her every couple of hours, but other than that, they left she and Scott to labor as they pleased.

When the bath water was run, Marie got in and was somewhat relieved by the warm water's soothing effects on her labor torn body. Scott briefly disappeared to the bathroom to change into a pair of swim trunks before returning to Marie's side. He wanted to be ready to assist in the tub if needed. She sat in the tub, breathing in and out through the contractions as Scott watched.

Several minutes in, Marie shifted uncomfortably and murmured, "The back of the tub is too hard...it's hurting my back."

The midwife got up from the stool she'd been sitting on near the tub, "Would you like to get out?"

Marie shook her head, "The water eases the pain. I think I'm gonna birth here."

Scott leaned over, "Do you want me to get in with you?"

She glanced at the midwife, "Can he?"

The midwife nodded, "Absolutely."

Marie scooted forward a bit as Scott climbed in and leaned back against the tub. He slowly helped her maneuver backwards between his open legs and lay back against his chest. As soon as she was against him, he felt her entire body relax.

She breathed out as he gently massaged the sides of her belly with both hands and whispered in her ear, "Better?"

Marie nodded and closed her eyes, "Much..."

Scott softly kissed her forehead as she breathed through another contraction. Meanwhile, on the other end of the large tub, the nurse was letting out some of the cool water and running more warm water to keep the temperature just right.

Almost an hour later, Marie felt an intense pressure in the base of her pelvis.

"I think I need to push", said Marie as she gripped the edge of the tub.

The midwife nodded, "Do what your body tells you."

Marie was still for several moments before she drew her legs up slightly and pushed. Scott softly counted in her ear to help her time her push before she relaxed against him. The midwife nodded as she put on her gloves and knelt down beside the tub to monitor her progress, "Really good one...really good. Keep going."

Marie grabbed Scott's hand and pushed hard again.

It took thirty minutes of pushing before the baby finally crowned. Scott gently whispered, "Just a little more and you'll be done."

She cried out as she pushed, causing the baby's head to emerge. The midwife smiled, "After this next push, you can reach down and get your baby!"

After another push, the baby's shoulder's were free and Marie and Scott both reached down to retrieve their baby from the water and lay it against her chest.

Scott was crying as he kept repeating "oh my god" over and over while he watched Marie cradle the baby against her chest. One glance between the baby's legs told everyone in the room that he was a bouncing boy.

The midwife quickly suctioned the baby's nose and throat out before he began crying.

An hour later, Marie had been cleaned up and transferred to the bed as the nurse cleaned and examined the baby before taking his measurements. An attentive and excited Scott looked on, snapping hundreds of pictures with his phone and camera.

When the baby was finally dressed and cleaned, the nurse picked him up and looked at Scott, "Would you like to hold your son?"

Scott, who was still in his swim trunks and holding two cameras, eagerly nodded before putting the electronics down. She gingerly handed him the bundle as he smiled down at the baby.

Tears began to flow anew as he held his son for the first time, "Hi little guy...I've been waiting for you for a long time..."

An exhausted Marie smiled from where she sat on the bed, "Who do you think he looks like?"

Scott shook his head and smiled without taking his eyes off of his son, "I have no idea. All I can see is that he's the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on."

She sighed and laid back in bed as he walked over and sat down next to her, "I can't believe it..."

"What?"

"He's here...I'm a father. Because of you."

Marie smiled, "I don't think I coulda done it without you."

"Oh you could have and you would have. After seeing you go through all of that...and still have a smile on your face...you're the strongest person I've ever known."

He handed her the baby as she smiled down at him, "You need a name, don't you, handsome?"

Scott smiled at her, "We didn't really decide on anything, did we?"

Marie looked at him, "How about Christopher?"

His bottom lip trembled as he spoke slowly so that he could try to keep his voice from cracking, "You...you want to name him after my father?"

She nodded, "You two were close...he was a good man who I wish I could have met. I think it's a great fit."

Scott pursed his lips together, "Thank you."

Thanks to the Birth Center's lenient policies, they were allowed to go home the next day so that they could begin their journey through parenthood.

Since Marie decided to breast feed, Scott couldn't lighten the load of night time feedings until the baby got used to latching, so, as a show of solidarity, he stayed in her room every evening and woke for every single feeding. One particular evening, he was able to prove that his presence wasn't just for show when he changed a huge poopie diaper. This gave Marie the opportunity to go back to sleep.

They spent many a nights just standing above Christopher's crib with their arms around each other, marveling at the beautiful baby they had somehow managed to create. They both knew that their feelings for each other had forever changed, but they had yet to talk about it.

Seven weeks after the birth, Marie was finally able to pump some milk and put it in a bottle so that Scott could do more feedings and get more one on one time with his son. She'd barely been out of the mansion since having Chris, so Scott scheduled a massage for her at a local spa.

She was a little hesitant to leave, but the promise of rest and relaxation proved to be too tempting, so, she kissed Christopher goodbye and happily bounded out of the mansion.

Two hours later, she returned to her room to find Scott sitting on the bed.

Marie smiled, "How'd everything go?"

Scott looked a little worried as he stood, "I don't want you to panic...but there's a little something on his foot. I'm not sure how it got there."

She panicked and dropped her purse as she rushed over to the crib, "On his foot? What is it? Does it look like a rash?"

When she reached the crib, she was met with the sight of Christopher, sleeping peacefully. As her eyes zoned in on his tiny foot, she immediately spotted a sizeable diamond ring strung through a ribbon that was loosely tied around his ankle.

Marie gasped and covered her mouth, then slowly reached down and gently untied the ribbon from Christopher's ankle. She turned back around to Scott and held up the ring as it dangled on the ribbon, "What is this?"

He slowly walked over and knelt in front of her, "Before you ask, I'm not doing this just because of Christopher. I'm doing this because you're my best friend and I can't imagine loving anyone more than I love you."

She sniffled softly and covered her mouth before nodding quickly. Scott's eyebrows raised, "Yes?"

"Yes!"

THE END!


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