A/N Hey my friends! Happy New Year! I know that it has been awhile since I updated but I'm really running out of steam on this story so I think I have one or two more chapters then I will have this wrapped up. Thank you to those who have stuck with this story and reviewed me it has been the glue that has kept me writing. This chapter is really short and I hope not too sappy I had a hard time writing it so let me know what you think.

Thanks Lilly moonlight for reading over this. Without her this would be full of mistakes!

Chapter 10

Stella sighed heavily as she waited for the doctor to release her. She had woke up with sharp pains and thought she was in labor. She called Flack who quickly rushed her to the hospital. She called Mac when she got to the hospital but after several hours she found out that it was false labor she sent him and Don home. But Don insisted on staying and taking her home. Now she just wanted to go home. Don walked into the room.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, as he sat in the chair beside the bed.

"Ready to go home," she said, tiredly.

"They should be bringing your release papers soon," he said, softly.

"I'm sorry I woke you up on your day off. I know you don't get very many of those," she said, not meeting his eyes.

"Hey Stell don't worry about it I would do it again," He said stroking her hand. There was a short pause "Why didn't you tell me you were being followed Stell?" he asked, softly.

"You already had a lot on your plate Don I didn't want you to worry about me besides it was just Reed Gareet looking for his mom. I'm sure he was surprised when he thought I was Claire," she said.

"But I do worry about you Stell. I know you are tough and can take care of yourself. But I … I care for you Stell so I worry," he said, looking straight into her eyes.

Stella really wasn't sure what to say to him. She had never been happier when the nurse came into the room to give her the release papers.

Stella couldn't blame Don for being quiet in the car as he drove her home. He had just told her how he felt and she couldn't seem to find the words to say to him. They rode in a tense silence and it seemed to take forever to get to her apartment. When they finally made it to her apartment Don helped her into her apartment then made sure she was settled on the couch.

"Don," she said grabbing his arm before he could leave.

"You need to rest Stell. Call me if you need anything," he said and then gave her a peck on the cheek before he left.

Stella felt like curling up on the couch and crying she just hurt one of her good friends and she didn't know how to fix it. She jumped up, the best she could, when she heard the doorbell ring, she hoped it would be Don. She tried not to act disappointed when she saw Lindsay standing there.

"Hey Stell, how are you feeling," Lindsay asked, as she stepped in to the apartment.

"I'm fine just tired," she said, grumpily.

"I know you must be bored being home all day so I brought some movies, magazines and some junk food," Lindsay said, sitting a bag on the coffee table.

"You didn't have to do that Lindsay. I'm sorry I snapped at you Linds I guess I'm just ready to have this baby," she said, as the tears welled up in her eyes.

Lindsay hugged her tightly.

"It's ok Stell. Now you want to tell me why Flack was walking out of your building looking like someone licked the red off his candy?" Lindsay asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Stella said quickly.

"Come on spill," Lindsay said smiling as she led her over to the couch.

Stella didn't know why but she just opened up and told Lindsay what happened with Don.

"I think you just need to talk to him and let him how you feel," Lindsay said.

"But I don't how I feel Linds," Stella said frowning.

"I think you do Stell," Lindsay said, as she stood up to leave Stella to her thoughts.

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Don walked in to Central park trying to clear his head. He cared a lot about Stella he might even love her but he never planned on opening up like that. Now he just felt stupid. He didn't know why it hurt when she didn't respond. What was he suppose to expect? He just told her that her that he cared about her when she was almost nine months pregnant; with another man's child. He found a bench, sat down, and closed his eyes. It wasn't long before he felt someone sit down beside him.

"You're not supposed to look so stressed on your day off detective," the voice said.

"Hey Jen, what are you doing here?" he said, smirking.

"I got a call about a victim in the park. One of the strangest things I've seen. It looks like the guy was stomped on by a horse. So I'm going to check out the stables see if the owner is missing a horse. I saw you and thought I'd see why you look so upset," she explained.

"I'm not upset," he snapped.

"Ok," she said, holding up her hands and stood up then started to walk away.

"Jen wait. Can I ask you something?" he asked.

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Stella had dozed off on the couch when there was a knock on the door. Stella slowly pushed herself off the couch and went to the door. She was surprised to see Don standing there.

"Don!" she said shocked.

"Hey Stell you feeling better?" Don asked.

"Yeah I'm just really ready to have this baby," she said, sighing.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

"Yeah I think we need to do that" she said, letting him into the apartment.

He went and sat on the couch.

"You want something to drink?" she asked.

"No I'm good thanks," he said.

She sat down beside him. They sat in silence neither on them wanting to speak first. Don took a deep breath.

"Stell I just wanted you to know that I meant what I said earlier I do care for you but I just don't want what to ruining our friendship," he said, quickly then looked down.

She put her hand on his face and made him look at her before she spoke.

"You could never ruin our friendship Don. I care a lot about you too it's just obviously I'm not ready to start a relationship right now. So how about we start slow and see where things takes us ok?" she asked.

"Slow is good," he said, as he took her hand.

"Good. You want to watch a movie Lindsay brought over?" she asked, smiling.

"Sure," he said.