Fraser turned the rocking chair in front of him and swiped the stray dust off the arm where he had just sanded. Doctor Logan had finally agreed that he was no longer in need of complete bed rest. The doctor still wouldn't allow him to return to work at the Consulate, deeming it too stressful of an environment with all the continuing changes. And if Fraser was honest with himself, he was fine with staying home. Turnbull running around explaining to every guest that walked in the door about his condition had worn on his very last nerve. He didn't need the whole city of Chicago and all of its guests to know that he was going to have a baby. His doctor did tell him he was free to work in the workshop, but was restricted in what weight he was allowed to lift or pull. Ray was more than happy to do the heavy lifting for Fraser as he assembled numerous rocking chairs for his mother's friends. If anything, crafting furniture seemed to be the biggest stress reliever for Fraser.

Ben had found a pattern for a double lounge chair that would fit comfortably in the corner of their balcony. Within three days, he and Ray were able to spend the evening relaxing on it and watching the sunset over the backyard of their home.

A knock at the door startled Fraser. Ray had gone to work hours ago and he wasn't expecting any visitors. He dusted his hands on his jeans and turned on his stool to find Damien Kowalski standing nervously in the doorway. His stomach fluttered at the sight of the man. It had been nearly two months since he had last seen Ray's father, since he last heard what the man had to say about him. He felt nausea and anger rising to the surface. Ben wasn't sure what to expect from the unexpected visitor.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. When no one answered the door, I figured you would be out here. Benton, I'm an ignorant old man." Damien remained frozen to his spot just inside the doorway, his hands twisted the brim of his ball cap nervously. "I came to apologize."

"I'd rather you apologized to Ray, Sir. He's your family, not me." Fraser's tone was flat and void of emotion. What was there to say to the man who considered you a freak?

"Family… yeah that's true, he is my family. But he's also your family." Damien took a tentative step forward into the workshop. "You two really do put each other first, don't you?"

"I care about Ray very much, Sir, and his needs and well-being are very important to me."

"I see that now. Truth is, I went to talk to Ray. Tried to take him out to lunch today, get him away from work for a little while. I wanted to apologize for the things I said about you and the way I've treated both of you these past few months." Damien looked to the floor humiliated. "My own boy wouldn't even look at me. Waved me off with a flash of his hand and said 'Not a word to me until you apologize to Ben.' He's my son. I figured I should start with him first. But, I'm not going to get anywhere if one of you don't let me speak."

Fraser remained silent. Until he saw his father off in the corner fiddling with his own Stetson.

"It takes a courageous man to do what he is doing, Benton. Give him a chance."

Damien turned to leave. "I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have come."

"No, wait… please don't go."

Damien turned. "You don't have to accept my apology. Just please know that it's sincere. It took a friend losing her husband and son to finally make me see things clearly. Barbara and I have a friend from Arizona who has… had a son about Ray's age. Good kid, a little mouthy, but I think he got that from his old man. He was an only child, just like Ray. Name was Brian." Damien rubbed at his eyes. "Anyway, Barbara got a call couple of days ago that he and his father had been killed in a car accident. Terri was devastated. Barbara flew out yesterday morning to stay with her for a few weeks to help her make arrangements."

"Ray mentioned something about that last night. I'm sorry for your loss, Sir, that's a horrible phone call to receive."

"Yes, it is, to find out your whole life has been taken from you in an instant. I knew I had to make things right with you and Ray. I wasn't going to lose my family too over my own bull... headedness." Damien worked his way slowly towards Fraser. "I said some very hurtful things out of frustration and ignorance."

"I wouldn't give up what I have right now, just to assure that you liked me. I didn't even know about my condition until I went to the doctor. My best friend knew about it and never told me because it didn't change who I was to him."

"I know that. I did some research to learn about what it means to be… well to be an intersex individual. It's quite rare. I'm amazed you actually found a specialist."

Fraser huffed and toyed with the sandpaper in his hands. "Apparently my doctor knew about my condition and had one on speed dial. He says he told me years ago but the timing was all wrong and I don't remember the conversation."

"Can't imagine forgetting that conversation."

"I had just been shot in the back and was on some very powerful medications. Believe me, I don't remember much of anything."

"I'm sorry, I'm just trying to make heads or tails of all of this." Damien apologized.

"As are we. There's not a lot of literature to be found for men with my condition. My doctor would like to remedy that by using me as a case study for some medical journals, but Ray and I have declined his offer."

"Even if it would help out other people like you that are just as lost?"

"It's a very private matter and I don't feel like making my life an open book."

"I met a man in a pub the night that we had our falling out and he said his brother in law was the same as you. That got me to thinking that I was an ignorant old fool and I needed to be more open minded. What this man said really hit home. It just took two months for it to finally sink in. He told me that the man he knew had killed himself. I wasn't in the right mindset to come talk to you yet. I don't know, I think I needed more information to fully understand what you were dealing with. Barbara, bless her heart and her amazing capacity for dealing with this fool of a man, has kept me informed of your progress and restrictions."

"I won't be allowed to return to work until after the baby arrives, but at least I'm no longer on complete bed rest."

"Ben, I'd like to be a part of this baby's life, if you and Raymond will still allow me."

"Ray and I would like that very much."

"When Ray was much younger, my father had a workshop similar to this and we used to tinker around in there building things. Just small do... dads like animal cut... outs for yard decorations. Ray was always in there helping out with little tasks like sanding down the rough edges and sweeping up piles of dust. But if you will let me and maybe help guide me, I'd like to build the baby a crib."

Fraser smiled at the humble man before him. "I'd like that very much."

"That's a beautiful rocking chair you have there. May I help you finish sanding it?" Damien asked as he ran his hand over the back of the chair.

"It's actually for you." Fraser chuckled lightly and rubbed at his brow. "I uh… had one built already but it had an accident. So, I needed to start over. I think you will find this one much more fitting."

"Barbara's friends have been admiring your handiwork."

"Yes, I've actually built several rocking chairs for her friends. Ray thinks I should begin a side business."

"I could help with that. That's what my father and I did. We never made enough money to get rich, but it was enough to take some family vacations. But then again, we never built furniture either." Damien ran his hands along the edge of the chair again. "Do you think that you can forgive me, Benton?" Damien searched Fraser's face, then looked away, ashamed.

Fraser was silent for several moments before he spoke softly.

"Do you think I could still call you Dad?" Damien blinked back tears.

"Yes," he managed. "Yes... I would like that very much." He stepped forward, and pulled Fraser into a tight embrace. Suddenly he was weeping. "I miss..." he broke down, "I miss the days when Ray was so little and all I had to do to make him happy was to pick him up."

"He still loves you…" Fraser nodded towards the open door. Damien turned when he heard his son's voice.

"He's right, Dad… I do."


Shrieking and a long string of expletives forced Fraser's head to snap up from his book. Concern for his partner quickly replaced his confusion as he tossed his book onto the bed and struggled to stand up. At thirty weeks, he already felt like he was going to pop. It felt like he had a soccer ball stuffed inside his shirt. Easy mobility was becoming a thing of the past as he walked as quickly as he could to the source of the yelling.

"Ray," he called with conviction. No answer. 'Great. What the hell is going on?' Fraser cursed inwardly as he made his way down the stairs. "Ray," he called louder, seeking an answer from his partner as he made his way through the lower level of their home. He stepped through the doorway leading towards the downstairs bathroom and ran into a very angry Ray, backing his way out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Fraser stumbled as Ray backed into him and caught himself on the wall.

"Fraser," Ray spun so he was facing his startled partner. He jabbed Fraser in the chest with an index finger. "So help me, God, if your dad doesn't knock it off, I'm going to… to… I don't know what," Ray threw his hands up in the air in frustration. "But so help me, I'm gonna do it!" He bent over and quickly picked up the towel that dropped from his waist.

Fraser scanned the hallway and cocked his head, slightly amused at his flustered partner. "Ray, I don't see him anywhere around…"

"That's right, you can't see him," Ray jabbed him again and stood nose to nose Ben. Fraser clutched at his chest mocking an injury. "'Cause he just pops in and out on his own free will. Poof!" Ray's hands flew up in the air and the towel fell to the floor again. "God, he's annoying as fuck."

Ben bent over and retrieved the forgotten towel. "That's not annoying. If memory serves me correctly, that's quite pleasurable."

"Shut up… just shut up. You know what I mean." Ray snatched the towel from Ben and wrapped it around his waist tightly.

"I do and I'm sorry. My father's presence can come at the most inopportune times."

Ray shook his fist in the air and drove it hard into his opposite palm. "He needs ground rules, Ben. This is when he can visit, this is how long he can stay. And he needs to give us some kind of warning." Ray turned on his heels and called over his shoulder as he made his way into the kitchen. Fraser followed at a much slower pace. "No more popping up while I'm in the shower or while we are in the middle of sex."

"That was merely a miscalculation on my part. Believe me, I won't make that mistake again." Bob Fraser's ghost stood beside his son as Fraser buried his head in his hands. "You have no idea how tricky the timing is in the afterlife."

"Could you at least knock?" Ray asked annoyed.

"Well, I tried that once but my hand went right through the wood." Bob moved to the patio door and demonstrated. Ray clenched his own fists together. "Besides, it's much more fun this way, don't you think?"

"No. No... I don't think this way is more fun. What is wrong with you?" Ray shot back.

Fraser couldn't help but snicker at the argument his partner was having with his ghost of a father. Ray shot him a warning glance. "Although, if it was me in the shower, I'd probably be upset too."

"You know," Bob continued, "Benton asks me that all the time. I believe he thinks I'm unhinged."

"You are unhinged, Old Man."

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Fraser asked trying to deflect the growing animosity Ray had towards his father.

"I came to check on the status of my rocking chair. I want to make sure it's wide enough. I told you about my hips, didn't I? It needs to be comfortable."

"Oh because the bottom of a coffin really isn't all that comfy, right?"

"Ray," Fraser tried really hard to hold back his laughter. "You do realize you're arguing with a ghost, right?" It seemed so much funnier to hear someone other than himself getting riled by his father.

"Your Yank is a little grouchy this morning, Benton."

"Again, his name is Ray, you're not getting a chair because you're dead and it really is quite rude to pop in on someone first thing in the morning before they've had their coffee. Ray's right, Dad. We need some ground rules if you are going to continue with your visits and the first one is wait until morning coffee has been consumed and all showers are complete."

"Thank you, Ben," Ray pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I'm just gonna go get dressed now." Ray stopped as he passed the island and picked up the head of cabbage that was placed in the center of the island. "Seriously, Ben. Cabbage? I'm Polish, and you're trying to put me off cabbage? Try again, buddy."

"You said you were getting tired of the fruit comparisons. The baby is the size of a small head of cabbage this week. Well," Fraser rubbed his abdomen as the baby turned a somersault. "I'm not sure cabbage is the best comparison. I'm fairly certain it's closer to the size of a soccer ball."

"Uh, Son," Bob called as Ray made his way up the stairs. "You might want to consider a bigger towel."


The late summer heat had finally given way to cooler fall temperatures and Fraser was eternally grateful. Surviving the heat of a Chicago summer was one thing, doing it pregnant was an entirely different matter. If he and Ray ever considered another child further down the road, and that was a big 'if' at this juncture, there would be some considerations to be made that included the best time of the year to actually be pregnant. Fraser was sure it wasn't in the heart of the summer. Although Ray had pointed out the icy conditions of the sidewalks in winter that could be a hazard as well. 'Was there ever a good time to be pregnant?' he thought.

"You got the buns out?" Ray asked as he pulled the fresh pressed hamburgers from the refrigerator.

"Yes, I put them with the condiments out on the porch."

"Ben…" Ray flustered. "Why are there condoms on the porch?"

"What?" Ben was confused and then understood what Ray was asking. "No condiments, Ray, like mustard, ketchup, relish, pickles."

Ray blushed and blew out a breath. "For a minute there I thought you were trying to give Stella and Vecchio a little warning about what could happen when you… you know, aren't prepared." Ray added the slices of cheddar cheese to his tray with the napkins and forks. "Can you believe Vecchio finally proposed to her? I didn't think he was ever going to get up the nerve."

"I think it's wonderful." Fraser stated as he picked up the tray only to have Ray snatch it away from him.

"I do too, they're great together. Took him long enough though. What?" Ray asked his frowning partner.

"You have to let me do something, Ray."

"I did. You took the condommints out to the table." Ray snickered at his own joke. Ben was not amused.

"You won't let me do anything," he griped. "I start to pour a glass of tea… you take the pitcher from me, I start a load of laundry… you shoo me away, I try to wash the dishes… you tell me to go sit down. It's driving me batty. I have to do something besides remain idle for the next eight weeks."

"What's the harm in letting me do that stuff for you?"

"I'm not wired that way. I'm used to doing things for myself." The ringing of the doorbell interrupted his rant.

"Fine," Ray grinned before planting a kiss Ben's lips. "You can get the door. It's probably my dad."

"No, your father's been here for hours. He's out in the shop working on the crib." Fraser walked to the door and opened it for their friends.

Ray Vecchio and his soon to be bride, Stella were holding several containers of food and a coconut? "Ma sent her pasta salads with me, you want them in the kitchen?"

"Yes, that would be fine."

"Ray told me about the fruit and veggie comparisons so I looked it up and I found out that this week the baby is the size of a large coconut." Stella handed the object to Fraser who accepted it with a crooked smile.

"I'll put it next to mine," he said with a smirk and a wink. "Scare him into thinking we're having twins."

"Oh, Benny," Vecchio laughed as he entered the home. "I didn't think you had it in you to pull a prank on someone."

Fraser cocked his head to the side and rubbed at his brow. "Living with Ray, I've learned a few things." He ushered them into the kitchen and helped lay the food out onto the island countertop. At least his friends weren't treating him like he was about to break. He rubbed at his abdomen when the baby somersaulted into a new position under his ribs, making breathing slightly more difficult. Fraser let out a slow shaky breath when the baby moved again.

"You okay, Benny?" Vecchio asked concerned when he fell silent. "You've got quite a grip on the countertop there."

"Yeah… I'm fine," he let out another long breath. "She's very active today. She's either playing around in there or she's like Ray and just can't settle into a comfortable position."

"My money's on she's like Kowalski. Speaking of, where is he?" Vecchio asked as he scanned the living room.

"He took some things out back for the picnic." Fraser motioned to the back yard with one hand while holding his stomach with the other. He wasn't sure what was up with the baby but he hoped she found a comfortable position soon. He rubbed his stomach in an attempt to sooth her.

"I'm going to go see if he needs help. Frannie should be on her way with Ma. She wanted to drive separate in case Ma got tired and wanted to head home. Has anyone else arrived?"

"No, not yet. Well, Ray's father is here. He's out in the shop. Ray didn't want it to be too overwhelming so he only invited a handful of people from the station. He just wanted to have a small party to celebrate your engagement."

"You okay?" Stella asked. "You lost a little bit of color there."

Fraser winced when the baby kicked out. "Phew, she's a little wound up today. She's usually not this active." The doorbell rang again and Fraser moved to answer it but Stella stopped him. "You go outside and sit down and rest. I'll get the door."

Fraser reluctantly obeyed.


Over the course of the afternoon, their friends ate and laughed and celebrated the engagement of Stella and Ray Vecchio. Ray had been keeping a close eye on Ben who seemed to be getting increasingly more uncomfortable as the afternoon worn on. He stood behind Ben and wrapped his arms around his waist, lacing his fingers over the squirming baby in his belly. No wonder Ben was uncomfortable, she was like a gymnast tumbling all over her confined space.

"How about you go in and lay down for a bit?" Ray nestled his head on Fraser's shoulder.

"Ray," Fraser protested, "We have guests…"

"Who won't even realize you're gone. Just for an hour. The baby's going crazy and you're looking a little frazzled." Ray rubbed Fraser's belly and felt the baby kicking. He massaged in soothing circles trying to get her to calm down and settle for Fraser. "Wow, what is up with her today?"

Fraser took long deep breaths, breathing out slowly. At least all the baby's activities weren't painful, just extremely uncomfortable. He wished she would just settle. When she rolled again, he bit his lower lip. "Okay, I'm going to go lay down. Maybe that will help."

"You can use that body pillow I bought you." Ray gave him a quick kiss and helped him to his feet. He caught a concerned glance from Vecchio from across the yard and motioned for him to stay put. Ben didn't need an audience. "Come on, I'll help you upstairs."

"No, you go mingle. I can manage."

While Fraser made his way indoors to lie down, Ray found Vecchio with an arm wrapped around Stella by the old tire swing.

"Is Benny okay?" Vecchio asked concerned.

"Yeah, the baby's just moving around a lot today and it's getting to where Ben's uncomfortable." He motioned towards the house with his thumb over his shoulder. "He's just going to go lie down for a little bit and hopefully the baby will relax."

The few remaining guests made their way to Vecchio and Stella and wished them well and then thanked Ray for the party before departing.

"Well, Kowalski, looks like it's just us. I know it was our party, but let us help you clean up."

Ray scanned the large yard. "Hey, have you seen my dad lately?"

"Oh, I think he went back into Ben's woodshop." Stella offered. "He said he was almost finished with the crib and he wanted to get it done tonight."

"Did he show it to you yet?" Ray asked. "Ben helped get him started, but he's done almost all the work himself. It's really going to be beautiful."

"Can we see it?" Stella asked. "How great to have the bassinet from your grandfather and now a crib from your father."

"My dad's come a long way these past few months," Ray admitted. "This whole thing has been difficult for him to accept. But, we've worked past all that." Ray led the way into the workshop so Damien could show off the crib. "What do you think?"

"Damien this is gorgeous!" Stella beamed as she ran her hands carefully over the railing. "Wow, I'm impressed."

"What, you think this old man forgot how to use a saw?" Damien jabbed at her playfully. "It has been a while, but Ben was a huge help showing me how to get started." He turned to his son. "Where is he anyway? I'm all finished. It just needs to be stained. I wanted Ben to pick the color."

"The baby was doing some serious somersaults, so he went to lay down for a bit. Hey, can you match it to Grandpa's bassinet that he made?"

"Sure can."

"Greatness! Thanks, Dad. It really is beautiful." Ray pulled his father into a hug. "You do good work."

"Okay, Damien, how about you go in and get freshened up while Stella and I help Ray clean up the backyard and then we can all sit and relax for the evening. Maybe Benny will be awake by then and will be up to joining us."

"It is a gorgeous evening. The fall colors are spectacular this year and especially in your back yard with the sun setting through the trees. You have a beautiful home."

"Thank you. I put in a bonfire pit if you want to stick around for a fire."

Vecchio laughed and ran his hands over his balding head.

"What's so funny?" Ray asked confused.

"Nothing. Just the last time I was around a fire, Benny had a serious concussion and we were lost in the woods."

"Oh yeah, that whole plane going down thing. He told me about that. You had to carry him around because he lost the feeling in his legs."

Vecchio looked rueful, and rubbed his shoulder. "Still get backache sometimes, thinking about it. Benny's no lightweight."

"Well, he's lost some."

"That's true. We'll have to fatten him up a bit. He nodded his head at the door. "Whaddaya say we take all the food in and start this fire up. I've got some Benny stories for you."


Ray had a fire roaring in the open pit just off the porch, when Fraser cracked open the patio door and poked his head out.

"Hey, you're awake." Ray stood up quickly in case Ben needed help. "Dad, Ray and Stella stuck around for a fire. We've been swapping stories about you." Ray held his hands up in a scout's honor pose. "All good, I promise."

Fraser apologized to his friends for sleeping so long but knew that both he and the baby needed the rest. She was much calmer and he could sit comfortably and breathe better now that she was settled.

Stella was wandering the yard admiring the late blooming perennial flowers. "Ray, do you mind if I pick a few?" She motioned towards the white daisies that had re... bloomed along with the purple cone... flowers.

"Nah, go ahead. I know they're your favorite." Ray sat back down and slid over on his double Adirondack chair, making room for Ben. "You want a start for Vecchio's house, you're more than welcome to dig some up in the spring." Ray turned his attention to Ben. He had his legs bent with his knees in the air, allowing for some relief on his lower back. "How are you feeling? Baby calm herself down?"

"Yes, she has apparently worn herself out."

Damien disappeared quietly into the house. He returned a few moments later with a throw pillow from the couch and offered it to Ben. "Here, Son, this will help."

Ray smiled at his father's gesture. "Thanks, Dad."

Damien reclaimed his seat beside his son. "Too bad your mother isn't here. It sure turned out to be a nice evening."

"When she coming home?" Ray asked as he massaged Fraser's belly. Ben was right, the baby wasn't as active as she was just a couple of hours ago. Good.

"I'm to pick her up tomorrow afternoon."

"Have you told her about the crib?" Ray asked. He grinned wide when the baby kicked him in the wrist.

"No, I wanted it to be a surprise. I was hoping to have it in the baby's room before she got back, but I need to stain it and let it air out so the fumes aren't too toxic for Ben." Damien rolled his shoulders and then leaned back in his chair admiring the emerging stars. "Plenty of time . You've got what, eight weeks or so to go yet according to your coconut on the countertop. She's anxious to get home to you boys. For some reason, she thinks that she's missed something."

That drew a chuckle out of a rather silent Fraser.

"I don't get it," Vecchio admitted. "Stella comes home from the store with a damn coconut and she says it's for Benny. What the hell does a coconut have to do with a baby?"

Ray rolled his eyes and Ben happily ignored him. "In my pregnancy book, it gives a week by week comparison of a real life object to the size of the growing fetus. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew what a visual person Ray was and I read that at ten weeks, the baby was the size of a plum. So I bought a bunch of plums…"

"Which I will no longer eat, thank you kindly…"

"And every week, I present the new comparison. It's turned into more of a running joke now."

"Ah, I get it now."

"Ray, you got any coffee?" Stella asked shivering a bit in crisp night air. Vecchio wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close.

"I'll make a pot of coffee and bring you a blanket," Fraser offered as he swung his legs off to the side of the chair. "I need to stretch my legs and baby is starting up her acrobats again. Remind me when she is old enough to enroll her in tumbling lessons.

Fraser closed the lid to the coffee canister after pouring the desired amount of grounds into the filter. He took a deep breath and held it before releasing it slowly. The baby was moving erratically again. He massaged his stomach and debated going back and lying down again. He switched the coffee pot to brew and went to retrieve an afghan for Stella. How could she be cold? To him, the temperature outside was perfect, but then again, he was like a human furnace at the moment at seven months pregnant. Seven months… where the hell did the time go?

Ben bent over to take a blanket out of the basket beside the couch when he felt the familiar taste of bile building in his mouth. It had been weeks since he had thrown up. He dropped the blanket and spun towards the bathroom, barely reaching the toilet before he lost the contents of his stomach. He coughed then retched again. The bathroom started to spin and Ben closed his eyes and rested his head on his forearm on the toilet seat. This was not very hygienic but he was too weak to stand. 'Where was this coming from?' he thought to himself. Perhaps he was coming down with the flu. He pressed a hand to his forehead. It was on fire. He managed to get to his feet and cooled a washcloth under running water in an attempt to cool himself down. It seemed to have the desired effect. The bathroom ceased spinning and Ben rinsed his mouth and slashed some more cool water on his face. He didn't recognize the reflection in the mirror. He was as pale as a ghost.

Ben pressed a palm into his side when he felt some cramping. The baby was trying to tell him it was time to go lie down. "Yes, little one. I'm listening. Let me just take the coffee outside to daddy, grandpa and Uncle Ray and a blanket to Aunt Stella and then we will go lie back down."

Consecutive beeps from the kitchen signaled the end of the brewing cycle. Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He seemed to be doing a lot of that today. He returned to the living room and picked up the discarded blanket, draping it over his forearm as he entered the kitchen. Another sharp pain in his side stopped him and he grabbed the edge of the counter in a tight grip. His heart was racing and his breaths were short and shallow. As quick as it came, the pain was gone. Ben breathed in deeply in an attempt to calm himself. He kept telling himself he just needed to go lie down and everything would be okay.

Vecchio stole a glance at his watch. "I'm going to go see what's keeping Benny," he offered. "Surely it doesn't take your coffee pot more than twenty minutes to brew and if it does, then you need one like Stella gave me. Oh and remind me when I get back to tell you about a dream I had about Fraser and my Riv and how he ruined it again."

Vecchio had just stepped through the patio doors into the living room when he heard a loud crash come from the kitchen. It sounded like something had shattered.

"Benny…" he called frantically. He ran to the kitchen and found the coffee pot and its contents splattered all over the kitchen flooring. Fraser's feet were covered in hot coffee and the afghan had been dropped and was soaking up the coffee from the surrounding area. Fraser was doubled over, clutching his stomach with one hand and had a death grip on the countertop with the other.

"Oh my God… Benny, what's wrong?" Vecchio was instantly at his side, guiding him over the discarded blanket and broken glass.

"It hurts," Fraser forced out through clenched teeth. "The baby… get Ray, something's… wrong." He gritted his teeth together and screwed his eyes shut against the onslaught of pain.

"Ray!" Vecchio screamed, not wanting to leave Ben's side. "Ray…" he hollered louder as he steered Fraser towards the couch. "Can you sit down?" Fraser pressed his lips together and sat gingerly on the arm of the couch. Vecchio held him steady with a solid hand on his shoulder as he called once again.

Kowalski met Vecchio at the patio door. The confusion in his eyes was quickly replaced with fear when he saw Fraser clutching his stomach on the arm of the couch. Ray was immediately at Fraser's side holding his arm and rubbing his back.

"Benny needs a doctor or a hospital. Something's wrong with the baby. You want me to call an ambulance?" he asked as he pulled out his cell phone.

"No, we can get there quicker. Grab my cell, will ya? I'll call his doctor."

Damien and Stella had wondered what all the commotion was and had left the bon fire to see what was going on. They entered the living room to find both Ray's hovering over Fraser on the end of the couch.

"What's going on? Oh my God!" Stella exclaimed, "Do you think he's in labor?"

"I don't know, grab my cell."

"I'll get it, Ray, where is it?" Stella offered.

"On the counter, by the toaster. Grab my wallet too, would ya?" Ray focused on Ben. "Do you think you're having contractions? Does the pain come and go?"

"No," Fraser grimaced in pain as he blew out a long breath. "No, it's constant. Jesus, Ray… it hurts." Fraser squeezed Ray's hand hard.

Ray winced. "Ow… fuck, Ben, you're gonna break my hand. Deep breaths, alright? We're gonna get you to the hospital."

Vecchio took the cell and wallet from Stella and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll call as soon as I know something." He handed Kowalski the items. "I'll drive, you call the doctor."

Damien tossed his keys to Vecchio. "Take my car, it will be easier for him to get in and out."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Stella and I will lock up. You take care of Ben."