He was beautiful. Maybe in later years he wouldn't like hearing himself described as beautiful, but Kat would not change her mind. Her son was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Nine months of waiting and then only an hour and a half of pain. It had been worth every moment. When the nurse placed the squirming bundle wrapped in blue into her arms she felt her heart sore.

Her son was a healing balm to her battered heart. After Paul left her, Kat was sure that she'd never feel happy again. Happy wasn't the word to describe how she felt upon seeing the tiny face of her new reason to live. The newest Weathers was crying loudly with a determination to be noticed, tears of joy streaked down her cheeks as she leaned back to relax.

"Hello there…" She whispered to the tiny bundle. Her green eyes soaked in the features of the crying bundle.

He was perfect in every way. His tiny head was covered in thick blonde hair and she could tell already that he had Paul's nose. She smiled to herself and gently brushed a thumb along his cheek. The touch seemed to soothe the child and she felt genuine joy overflowing her previously shriveling heart. Tiny brown eyes blinked up at her and welled with tears.

"Welcome to the world darling." She placed a gentle kiss on his hair. Slowly she began counting his fingers and committing every detail to memory. It was a wonderful day indeed.

They'd nearly died getting to the hospital. It was no exaggeration of details, any of the people riding with Junior Moon would have attested to the fact that they'd nearly died more than once. The news of Kat being at the hospital had caused Nash, River and Smokey to willingly jump into Moon's car, it had been a stupid decision.

"You could have at least let me get into the car before you peeled out of the parking lot!" Nash scowled at Moon as they waited impatiently in the waiting room.

"You were taking too long!" Moon raised his voice only to have Smokey send him a scolding look.

"Better hush up Moon, else Smokey will be skinning you alive." River rubbed his shoulder and sent Moon a glare of his own. "You weren't very gentle with those curves. Slammed my shoulder good."

"I told you to hold on!"

"Right AFTER the turn." River's tone was dry and in an even tone that scraped against Moon's frazzled nerves.

"I'm sorry, but who had to rush Kat to a hospital?"

"Better quiet down Moon else the staff is going to throw you out." Nash smirked and leaned back in her chair. With a huff Moon stood and began pacing. There was no keeping him still as the group continued to wait for a long hour.

Smokey twisted his cap anxiously in his hand and watched the other three. Nash conversed quietly with River about some car business and Moon…well he kept on pacing. It was a nerve wracking hour, his mind kept returning to Kat and the baby. He hoped they were ok. The longer they went without hearing from a doctor the more worried he became. Had something went wrong? The mechanic could hear every sound it seemed, his hair stood on end and his skin felt clammy. What was taking so long?

Doc Barker stepped into the waiting room and Smokey shot to his feet. His eyes scanned the doctor quickly searching for any indication that something had gone wrong. A wide smile painted the doctor's face and caused Smokey's shoulder to tense in anticipation.

"Smokey?" The doctor's voice was soft and relaxed.

"Yes?" Worry was evident in Smokey's voice as he twisted his hat further in his hands.

"There's someone you should meet." A twinkle entered the doctor's eyes.

"Is she…alright?" Worry coated every word and his eyes seemed filled with tension. "Are they..?"

"They are both fine," He motioned Smokey towards the door he had just exited. "This way Smokey."

The mechanic relaxed only slightly at the doctor's declaration but he walked behind him eager to check on Kat and the baby. Sounds of scraping chairs alerted Smokey to the racers in the room trying to follow. He turned and motioned for them to wait. There was no need to overcrowd Kat and the newest addition to the Weathers family. Anticipation bubbled in Smokey's chest with every step he took towards Kat's room. The doctor opened the door and motioned for Smokey to enter.

With a nearly mutilated cap in hand, Smokey entered the room. Immediately his eyes focused on the bed in the room. Kat was propped up with pillows cushioning her back and her hair was braided back tightly with only a few hairs framing her face. In her arms was a squirming blue bundle and the cries of the baby was a welcome song, better than any symphony that had ever been composed. She was glowing with happiness and it made Smokey smile, he hadn't seen her so content since Hud left.

Smiling softly he came to stand beside her, his eyes drifting to the blanket in cradled snugly against her chest. It was one of the most beautiful pictures he'd ever seen. "Hud would be ecstatic." The thought made his gut churn painfully. Quickly he shoved the thought aside; this was about Kat and the baby now.

"Hey, Red." His smile grew brighter as he looked down at his friend.

"Smokey!" Kat beamed happily up at him.

"Is it a boy then?"

"A boy," She brushed a thumb against Strip's cheek gently. "Yes, a beautiful boy."

"Just like you thought."

"Want to hold him?" Kat's voice was soft and her eyes twinkled with mischief. "After all…You're his godfather and uncle."

"If you want me to." His voice was gruff as he moved closer.

Ever so carefully Kat handed the bundle over to Smokey. The mechanic was careful as he positioned the little one in his arms. His heart swelled as a tiny hand peeked out of the blanket. Gently he tugged back part of the blanket to get a look at the newest Weathers.

"It's a little Hud." The crying of the little boy caused Smokey's heart to clench happily.

"He has my eyes though," the new mother's voice was full of awe as she watched his every move. "And he has Paul's nose." Cries of the newborn filled the air as if he was making his arrival known to the world around him.

"He's small, Kat." The mechanic kept rocking him till the crying ceased.

"He is," Worry filled her voice. "Is he too small? He's only about 5 pounds."

"Not at all," Smokey soothed. "He's a healthy small, Red."

"He's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"What's his name?" Smokey settled into the chair next to the hospital bed. He positioned himself so that Kat could see her son.

"Strip…"

"That's an unusual name, Red."

"It's actually Strip…Smokey…Weathers." She watched Smokey with a smile.

"Oh, Kat, you didn't have to do that." His voice choked up subtly as he glanced down at his godson.

"I wanted to and it fits him…"

"Where did Strip come from?"

"Well, his last name is Weathers. So, weather…stripping. Strip." Her green eyes danced with humor.

"Clever, Red," He gently brushed a thumb over his cheek, "I always knew you liked puns."

Smokey's gentle touch caused Strip to turn his head as he weakly searched for the source of the touch. His little pink lips latched onto Smokey's thumb lightly, the tiny baby began sucking on the offered thumb. With a small smile Smokey let his new charge have his way.

Kat watched the exchange with a lightness of heart that had been missing for months. It was wonderful to watch Smokey with her child. She found joy in the situation despite the absence of Strip's father weighing heavily on her mind. Paul should have been there to drive her to the hospital. He should have been there to annoy the doctors in the waiting room…he should have been there to come in and hold their son and tell her she was beautiful. It was the most wonderful day but the most horrid as well.

Just as Kat began worrying over how she'd provide for a growing boy she heard the sound of hushed whispers and scuffling feet from outside of her hospital room door. She glanced from Strip and Smokey towards the awning that kept uninvited guests from barging in.

"Can we come in now?" Moon's voice cut through the pleasant silence.

"I suppose," Kat called back with a small smile.

"Hey, Kat," River came in first and shot the new mother an even smile.

"Kat, you alright?" Nash asked gently as she came to stand beside Kat's bed.

"Tired but good. He's finally here."

"Look at him River. Ain't he the cutest little thing you've seen?" Moon grinned at the new addition to the racing family. Little Strip was sucking on Smokey's thumb contentedly and he blinked sleepily up at Smokey. It was an adorable sight.

"Anyone's cuter than you Moon," River smiled as he got a closer look at Strip. "He is the cutest thing I've seen." His smile widened.

"Can I hold him, Smoke? Please?" Moon practically whined.

"Quit it, Moon. Little man don't want to be held by you." Nash rolled her eyes at Moon.

"He's something else." River brushed a hand over Strip's tiny head. "I have a feeling he's gonna' make a large mark in the world."

River's words were fervent and caused a stillness to cover the room. There was a tangible anticipation in the air. It was as if the world was waiting for the little baby cradled in Smokey's arm was going to do something legendary. However, only time could tell what the tiny bundle of joy would do and become.