I'm sorry for neglecting this story. I have written the next few chapters already but I need to edit them but I will try to do that this weekend. I hope there are still some people out there who are enjoying this story... Anyway please leave a review and enjoy! -Tato Potato

One Night (Ed Sheeran)

Emily walked around the house tidying up. She had spent the whole day cleaning and tidying. She decided that she had had enough and sat down with a cup of tea. Ethan was at work with Cal and Emily was going to meet them for lunch. She flicked her phone on and checked her emails to pass the time. The washing machine bleeped and she went to go and fold the laundry. As she bent over to empty the machine she felt a twinge across her lower back and abdomen, but she thought nothing of it. Once the laundry was done she grabbed her bag and keys and headed to the car. The feeling came again and Emily began to worry. It wasn't too painful but she wanted to make sure that it wasn't anything wrong with her baby.

She pulled up outside the ED to see Cal stood talking to Alicia. She waddled over. 'Good afternoon' she called over as she approached. Cal looked up with a grin. She was glowing despite the fact that she was exhausted and carrying some extra weight.

'Hello Mrs Hardy, How are you feeling?' Alicia asked with a smile, her hands held in front of her in her signature position.

'I'm very well thanks Alicia, and please call me Emily. How are you?' Emily replied returning the question.

'I'm great, just taking a break, it's been mayhem today' Alicia told her. 'Would you like me to fetch Ethan?' She asked.

'No don't worry, I'll go and find him, then I'm taking these two to lunch would you like to come with us?' Emily offered.

'No thanks I don't want to intrude, besides I better get back or else Dr Chao will have my guts for garters' she whispered with a cheeky grin. 'It was nice talking to you' she said as she walked off.

Emily felt the pain ripple through her core once more, she gritted her teeth. 'Are you alright?' Cal asked worriedly.

'Just a twinge, honestly I'm fine, I'm probably just hungry' Emily told him. She headed into the ED in search of her husband who happened to be stood at reception.

'Ethan, sweetheart are you ready to go?' She asked kissing his cheek.

Ethan smiled, he was desperate to get out of the ED. 'I'll grab my hoody and be with you in two seconds' he whispered kissing her lips gently.

As he turned on his heel, Emily doubled over in pain. 'Ow!' She gasped. Ethan spun around and rushed to her side.

'What's wrong?' He asked worriedly.

'I think I'm in labour' she replied as another pain struck. Cal was just behind them when Emily spoke. He stepped forward, putting his arm around her.

'Let's get you to a cubicle' Cal suggested taking her weight in his arms, Ethan trailed behind them; not sure of what he should be doing. Cal turned to face him and saw how vulnerable and afraid he was. 'Listen, just keep her calm and let her know you're in this together, I promise she'll be fine but she might find it hard so encourage her' Cal suggested, taking him to the side.

Ethan sat beside his wife, holding her hand tightly. 'I'm scared' Emily whimpered holding her husband's hand tightly.

'I know sweetheart, but you'll be just fine. Think of our little baby and how exciting it is that we will finally be able to meet him. There's no need to be scared baby, I'm going to be right here with you and I'm going to look after you, because I love you more than anything in the world. I'm so proud of you and I'm so proud to call you my beautiful wife' he murmured wrapping his arms around her. She reached up and kissed him, tears streaming down her cheeks. Ethan never normally made his feelings known so openly and it really surprised her, how much he genuinely cared and loved her. Cal was listening in the background and he too felt emotional from the huge outpour of love his brother seemed to have for his wife.

Cal left the pair to it whilst he went to fetch another doctor. He passed Dylan as he headed towards Connie's office. 'She's not here, she left early' Dylan told him.

'Where's Dr Hanna?' He asked the ginger haired consultant.

'She's left to go on leave, I'm the only consultant in today' Dylan replied.

'I need a senior doctor urgently' Cal explained.

'Can I be of assistance?' Dylan asked. Cal paused, then nodded. He saw Alicia walk past.

'Dr Munroe, I could do with a female doctor's help, are you free?' He asked.

Alicia nodded and followed the pair towards the cubicle. Ethan was sat beside Emily reassuring her as she grimaced at another contraction. 'Okay, so this is Emily Hardy, Ethan's wife, she's nearly full term and is now in labour. She's been experiencing some contractions for a little while now but as far as I am aware her waters are intact' informed the two doctors who were with him.

'Hello Emily, I'm Doctor Keogh and this is Doctor Munroe, we're going to check you over and then see about getting some pain relief' he explained.

Ethan placed some more cushions behind Emily's back as he made her more comfortable. 'Hello Emily, listen Dr Keogh and I are going to look after you, I'm going to just quickly check your progress' Alicia explained.

Emily's face suddenly resembled that of horror. Everyone looked at her worriedly. 'D-Doctor Munroe, um I think that um, my waters, um, may have just, um broke' Emily stammered. Ethan looked at her with a reassuring smile.

'Please call me Alicia, and don't worry about that, we'll get Doctor Knight and Doctor Keogh to fetch some new blankets and a gown' she assured the young woman.

'Wait! Cal, my bag it's in the car, I brought it with me this morning in case' she explained. Cal and Ethan smiled. Emily was always one to think ahead and bring what might be needed in any situation. He took her keys and went to fetch her things.

Alicia sat at the foot of the bed. Emily peeled her clothes off of her lower half and let Alicia check her progress. Alicia grabbed a spare blanket and draped it over Emily's lap before checking her over. Emily grasped Ethan's arm tightly as Alicia did the examination, she fidgeted uncomfortably for a moment. Ethan was quick to reassure her. 'You're doing great, Alicia's nearly done now' he whispered kissing her temple. When Alicia reappeared Emily relaxed.

'Alright, you are about three centimetres at the moment, but you are doing great. We'll get you some pain relief as soon as Doctor Keogh returns' Alicia murmured.

Emily lurched forward, gripping the blankets and the rail of the bed. She grimaced in pain. Ethan gently rubbed her back. 'It's alright sweetheart, I'm here' he soothed.

She sank back onto the pillows and smiled at Ethan. 'How are you feeling?' He asked.

'It hurts' she whimpered.

'I know sweetheart but you a doing really well, and I'm going to look after you. Just think in a little while we are going to meet our little baby, and I don't know about you but I'm excited' Ethan told her. Emily grinned.

'Me too! I hope it's has your personality, I want out baby to be kind-hearted, understanding and respectful just like you' Emily whispered.

'I hope it has your eyes, and your smile but most of all I want our baby to be able to change someone's life like you did for mine, I want our baby to care for someone like they never have been cared for' Ethan whispered kissing his wife again.

Emily leant forward slightly, biting her lip. Ethan reached a hand out to her and she took it. He gave her hand a gentle reassuring squeeze as a small contraction began. She whimpered slightly before flopping onto the pillows. Emily took his hand and held it to her cheek, she took her hand and placed it on his. 'I love you' she whispered, kissing him gently. The curtain opened and Cal came in.

'Sorry we took so long, we couldn't find the car, and here is your bag. How are you feeling?' Cal asked.

'Sore, but I'm coping' she told him as she opened the back and pulled out some comfy clothes. Ethan had put a pair of his own tracksuit bottoms and a large baggy top in the bag for her. She took her things out of the bag and Ethan brought a screen over and she pulled the clothes on. As she was nearly half way through she let out a loud scream, resulting in Ethan running to her aid. 'Don't look at me, I don't want you to see how ugly I am' Emily begged.

Ethan closed his eyes and felt his way over to her. He pulled her close and pressed his lips to her. When they broke apart he opened his eyes. 'I don't care what you say, you look gorgeous, and I love you more and more each time I see you' he whispered helping her pull the clothes on. He led her back to the bed and helped her get comfy. Cal stood on her other side and held her hand.

She sat down for a bit and then decided it might be better to walk around a bit to try and relieve her pain. 'Can we go for a walk?' She asked Alicia who was monitoring her.

'That's a great idea, it might help you feel a bit better' she replied.

She tried to stand up but couldn't because her bump was in the way. Ethan rushed over and offered her a hand, Cal took her other hand and gently lifted her to her feet. They led her outside and decided to get some fresh air. With the brothers on either side of her, Emily felt safe, and comfortable.

They walked towards the peace garden and stopped at Jeff's bench. Emily sat down momentarily for a rest. She went to stand up but hesitated as a sharp pain rippled through her core. A tear dripped down her face as she let out a small moan. Ethan wrapped an arm around her back and held her hand. Cal crouched before her and took her hand. 'Breathe darling, just breathe through it' he whispered. He reached up and wiped her tears away. She gripped Ethan's hand tighter and he turned to face her. He pulled her into a gentle embrace. She rested her head on his shoulder and her hands on her bump. Ethan rubbed her back softly.

After a few minutes she relaxed and wrapped her arms around him. He rocked her gently in his arms. Cal stood up and pulled his brother and sister-in-law into a hug. 'Come on Mr and Mrs Nibbles, let's get back inside and check on this baby' he said leading them into the ED.

Cal lifted Emily up and gently laid her onto a bed. Alicia came over and examined her again. Ethan gripped her hand tightly as she fidgeted in discomfort. Cal put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. 'Just keep breathing and stay calm' he whispered.

Alicia resurfaced. 'Okay, you're nearly five centimetres, so the contractions are going to be a lot worse, I will fetch Doctor Keogh as it won't be too much longer' she said as she turned to leave. Dylan came into the cubicle pulling on some gloves.

'Okay Mrs Hardy, Dr Munroe here tells me that you are progressing well so I'm going to see how your baby is positioned' He informed her. 'If you'd like to make yourself comfortable' he suggested. Ethan helped her get into a better position before taking a seat beside her. Dylan rolled up her top and started pressing firmly on her abdomen. It was tense and rigid, Emily biting her lip to stop herself crying as a contraction overwhelmed her. She grabbed at Ethan's arm and let out a small whimper followed by a sob.

'Okay sweetheart, I'm here. Stay nice and calm and breathe with me, in and out. That's it keep going' Ethan instructed. 'You are doing really well' he soothed. She relaxed and he kissed her knuckles gently. 'Are you alright, love?' He asked.

'Sore, and tired' she replied.

'Get some rest sweetie, Cal and I will be right here and if you need anything just let us know' he assured her. He pulled the blanket over her toned bump and tucked her in. He kissed her forehead and left the cubicle to speak to Alicia, and Dylan about pain relief whilst Cal stayed with Emily.

'Can we get some gas and air for Emily so we can manage her pain because I'm worried about her' Ethan asked the two doctors.

'I'll get the canister and mouthpiece and we can set it up for her' Alicia offered. She returned a few minutes later and set up the entonox. Emily was fast asleep holding Cal's hand. Ethan followed Alicia into the cubicle and sat on the spare chair. He rested his head in his hands.

'She'll be okay, she's strong and she's going to be just fine' Cal assured his brother.

Emily mumbled something inaudibly in her sleep before whimpering. Ethan leant forwards and kissed her knuckles then kissed her bump. 'I'm here sweetheart' he whispered. 'Just keep nice and calm and breathe' he encouraged as she screwed her face up. He took the mouthpiece and handed it to her. 'Take a breath of this, it will take the edge off' he instructed. She clutched it tightly and took in a deep breath. She relaxed slightly before snuggling back down on the bed.

Ethan brushed her hair from her face. 'You sleep my angel, I'll be right here when you wake up' he murmured.

Emily curled up on the bed and held his hand tightly. She woke up half an hour later in complete agony. She was covered in a thin layer of sweat. Her bottom lip trembling as she fought back her tears. She let out a loud shriek as a contraction tore through her core. 'EEEETTTHHHHAAAANNNN!' She screamed.

'I'm here baby, just calm down. I'm not going anywhere. Just try to slow your breathing down darling' he whispered rubbing her back.

Cal rushed into the cubicle and sat beside his brother who was trying to be strong for his wife. He put an arm around his brother and tried to comfort him. 'Don't cry Emily. We're both here and we're both going to look after you. Alicia is on her way and she's going to check you over' he soothed. Emily looked at the two brothers, her eyes filling with tears and her face looking more and more vulnerable.

'Okay Mrs Hardy, I'm afraid I need to check you over again, try to relax and stay nice and calm for me' Alicia told the young woman as she pulled on some gloves. She ducked down and checked Emily over. 'You're about 8 centimetres now so it won't be much longer. I need you to keep taking the entonox and to try and stay calm, according to the monitor your baby's heart rate is very high, I want to try to avoid any intervention so we need you to relax' she explained. Ethan and Emily looked at each other worriedly.

'Don't worry, its normal when the mother gets stressed that baby's heart rate increases, just try to relax and I'm sure your little baby will calm down' Cal assured his brother and his wife.

Emily tried to make herself comfortable but it didn't last as another contraction hit shortly followed by another. She was exhausted and struggling to cope. Ethan could see this and wasn't sure what he could do to help. He ran to his locker and grabbed something before coming back. He handed the object to Emily. She looked at it, a smile growing on her face. It was a small bar of chocolate that Ethan was going to give to her that evening as a surprise. On the wrapper was her name and when she flipped it over, it had a small message on the back. 'Thanks for making me the happiest man alive, I'll love you forever and always. Eth xxx' she smiled at him, before kissing him gently.

She ate some of it and handed the bar to Cal and Ethan so they could have some too. They had missed lunch and it was way past dinner time.

They were more calm and relaxed and were talking excitedly about various things when suddenly Emily gasped. 'I think the baby is coming, Ethan!' She gasped panicking. Ethan jumped out of his seat.

'Get Alicia now!' He ordered to a nurse who was passing by. Alicia came running into the cubicle and pulled on some gloves followed by Dylan.

'Okay Emily. I need you to stay calm whilst Doctor Keogh takes a quick look' Alicia instructed. Emily tried to take some deep breaths as Dylan examined her.

'On the next contraction I need you to push as hard as you can' Dylan instructed. Emily looked up at Ethan scared.

He grabbed her hand, and Cal took the other. They both looked down at her. 'Don't be scared, we've got you' they murmured simultaneously. Another contraction came and Emily pushed as hard as she could. She flopped onto the pillows exhausted.

Alicia placed her hand on her knee. 'You're doing great, I can see the head' she whispered. Ethan gasped and looked at Emily. She smiled at him before quickly focusing her attention back on the task in hand as another contraction came. She squealed in pain.

'Okay, one more push and I think your baby will be here, just take your time and stay calm' Dylan instructed. Emily began to push. Within a few seconds a tiny shrilling cry filled the cubicle. Emily flopped onto the pillows in an exhausted heap, tears rolling down her cheeks. Dylan wrapped the baby in a blanket and handed it to her. 'It's a boy' he declared before leaving.

'Oh Emily, I'm so proud of you' Ethan cried kissing her passionately. He looked down at the small bundle in his wife's arms and couldn't stop the tears flowing down his cheeks. Cal wrapped an arm around him, he too was crying. 'I-I'm a dad' Ethan gasped.

Emily gestured for him to come over. 'Here, its your turn to hold little Tommy' she whispered handing him the child. 'Thomas Caleb Hardy, our perfect little boy' she whispered. Cal was touched by their gesture to name their child after him.

He tickled his nephew's feet gently causing him to squirm as Ethan took him.

Ethan held his arms out to take his new son. He took the tiny bundle in his arms and adjusted his grasp. He looked down at the chubby faced baby who was gazing intently at him. His heart melted. Tommy squirmed and fidgeted before grabbing Ethan's finger in his hand. For the first time in his life Ethan felt like he had a purpose, like he had a reason to live. Holding his new born child in his arms reiterated this feeling. He looked over at his wife who was asleep on the bed after the long ordeal she had just faced.