A/N: This is the last chapter. I thank each and every one of you for sticking with this story and reviewing. I wanted to get this up now, as I am away for the entire weekend. Enjoy!
THEIR DAUGHTER - CHAPTER 7
Another winter season hovered over New York City, and no matter how old she got, Brinn always loved the snow. She stood at the living room window, her mind straying back to those long-age days where her and her parents would have a snowball fight on their front lawn. Afterwards they would all come inside and sip on hot chocolate, waiting for that special day to arrive. Brinn hoped that one day she would do the same with her child.
Stealing up behind her, Brandon carefully wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a chaste kiss to her temple. Brinn sighed in bliss as she continued to watch the snowflakes land softly on the windowsill.
"Are you ready?"
She half-turned her head and nodded in silence. Brandon smiled before releasing his hold and taking her hand, speaking in a gentle tone. "Come on then, they won't find out by us standing here all night."
---
Years of living on a farm had taught Lindsay well, and she was renowned as an excellent cook. She often stated that she was a better chef than Danny, who secretly loved her dishes. The aromas alone were enough to send his saliva glands into overdrive.
Danny moaned as she placed a delicious-looking cake on the table. "Jeez Montana, you're goin' to kill me here. I don't think I can eat any more."
Lindsay chuckled fondly at her nickname, which he still used frequently. "When does that line ever come into play? I think you've finished all the meals I've ever cooked."
Swift as a flash, his lips were against hers. Brinn watched in amusement as her father snaked his arms across her mother's waist and pulled her in close, their noses touching.
"That's because your culinary skills far surpass mine, Mrs. Messer."
Brinn was enjoying her parent's antics, but she was obviously nervous about something. Her edginess did not go by unnoticed by Lindsay, who turned her gaze to her daughter.
Concern was etched in her voice. "Brinn, what's the matter? Are you feeling alright?"
The young woman glanced at Brandon, who took her hand and nodded encouragingly. Still holding his wife, Danny fixated his eyes on Brinn and spoke in a level tone, though his heart was pounding with anticipation. "Brinn, you have something to tell us?"
Swallowing the huge lump in her throat, Brinn looked up and met her parent's gaze. "I'm pregnant."
---
Danny blinked and yawned as exhaustion was beginning to take over his weary body, yet he smiled at the recollection of that wondrous day. He remembered being in this place some thirty years ago, pride swelling his veins as he held his beautiful baby girl. Now here he was again, about to become a grandfather.
Lindsay shifted beside him on the couch, and his arm wrapped tighter around her shoulder. She sighed deeply but remained asleep. Around them were Stella, Hawkes and Flack, as well as Brandon's mother. He was an only child, and his father had died when he was an infant. Adam was unable to make it, and Mac and Sid had passed away only a year before. Time had caught up with the two highly-respected men, and in their places were Kelly – a new coroner who had been hired only a few months before Sid's death – and Flack, who had been a little hesitant when Mac offered his position to him. Despite their quarrels, Mac admired the younger man and felt he was fit for the job. Danny was proud of his friend, and he believed no one was better suited for the position than Flack.
Lindsay's peaceful breathing, coupled with the excitement of a grandson or granddaughter just over the horizon, lulled Danny into a deep slumber.
---
He stood on the shoreline, the great waters stretching out far before him, out into eternity. Gentle waves lapped at his feet, and he stared at the ocean as if waiting for something to occur.
He did not have to wait long, as the waters suddenly roared ferociously. He was not afraid and merely remained in his spot, watching as the ocean split into two, making a path for someone who appeared to be walking towards him. The waters hissed all around him, but he kept his focus on the strange path. The faintest voice tickled his eardrum, but before he could search for its owner, they were right in front of him.
He gasped as the specters face became clear. "Aiden?"
She simply nodded, and he immediately felt at peace, bowing his head respectfully. "Thank you for saving my daughter. I am forever grateful."
Aiden touched his chin lightly, lifting his head and meeting him eye-to-eye. Her features had not changed since the last time he had seen her alive, and her voice was soothing when she spoke.
"I'm proud of you. You've come a long way from the hot-headed kid I used to know. Protect Lindsay and take care of Brinn."
With a bright smile, Aiden faded into the waters. Both walls crashed down onto the path, and as sleep once again closed in on Danny, his entire surroundings became calm, as if nothing had ever disturbed them.
---
Someone was shaking him and calling his name. "Danny, wake up!"
The older man moaned and opened one eye, smiling at the sight of his wife. "Way to disturb my dream, Montana."
Lindsay's voice was shrill with excitement. "Your dreams are about to become reality. Brinn is in labour!"
Danny became instantly awake. Heart threatening to tear out of his chest, he clasped Lindsay's hand and kissed her fingers lovingly.
"Come on Montana, let's go see our grandchild."
---
Brinn clenched her teeth together, a bead of sweat falling down her temple and dripping onto the sheets. Brandon was right beside her, his hand red from her vice-like grasp, encouraging her constantly and wiping away the perspiration from her forehead with a cloth.
Danny and Lindsay were off to the side. The former held a video camera to capture the special moment whilst the latter linked arms with Brandon's mother. Upon meeting each other only a few days after the engagement, the two had quickly become the best of friends.
"C'mon baby, just a few more pushes. You're almost there."
Following her husband's instructions, Brinn summoned up all her strength and pushed. Total exhaustion suddenly swept over her like a great wave, but she was rewarded with a piercing cry that lifted all their hearts. Raising her head weakly, Brinn tried to catch a glimpse of her new child, but the doctor was one step ahead of her. He lifted the baby up so she could see.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Messer. It's a beautiful girl."
Brandon kissed his wife and bumped noses with her. "We're parents."
Brinn said nothing. Instead, her father's trademark smile flashed across her lips.
---
Everyone gathered around Brinn so they could see the new bundle. Brilliant blue eyes stared up at the strange faces in awe, and a yawn escaped her throat. Her tiny hand instinctively grasped Brandon's finger when he extended it to her, and he watched in admiration as her grip tightened.
Danny was in the midst of his own reverie. They would call the new baby girl by the name of Aurora Montana Messer. He never expected to be in this place, looking down upon his granddaughter. But three things had made it happen: Lindsay, Brinn, and the good Lord. His wife and daughter had blessed him with more love and happiness than he could ever possibly imagine.
"Dad?" Brinn's voice brought him back to reality. She was peering up at him through chuckling eyes. "Would you like to hold her?"
Danny gingerly took the child as Brinn handed her to him. Aurora shifted slightly and looked at him, and he swore that the faintest smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Lindsay, who was standing beside him, very carefully rubbed her cheek with the back of a finger. Immense pride bubbled in his veins, and he took a moment to centre himself. He had no idea what lay ahead for this innocent child, but he was prepared to love and shelter her, just like he had done with Brinn. A smile creased his features; his years were slowly drawing to an end, and he would sleep in peace knowing that this beautiful person was part of him, Lindsay, and Brinn.
She was their granddaughter.
A/N: The name Aurora is credited to a very special person - the little girl whom I am watching for observation class. She mentioned this name a while ago and I decided to go with it. I hope you have enjoyed reading this story, because I have enjoyed writing it. Cheers xx