Good evening lovelies! Sorry I've been gone so long! Usually when I'm away I have more time to write but one of my best friends from college lives here and all my free time has been spent with her because I haven't seen her in two years! So to make up for my absence this chapter is extra long!

This chapter is for my amazing sisters for giving me all these details I never wanted to know and for the nieces & nephews I adore. And it's for the three little blessings that came into my crazy family this year: Silas, Noura, & Sawyer. I love you little monsters.

Hope everyone enjoys this chapter & as always thanks for sticking with me!

Elizabeth was sitting upright in bed, pillows surrounding her as she read through a thick binder. Henry walked into the room and smiled at the sight in front of him. She was exhausted but she still looked radiant and she had a pair of headphones over her belly.

Henry crawled onto the bed next to her and put his head close to the headphones to see what she had their little girl listening to today.

He grinned when he heard the music, "Magical Mystery Tour kind of day?" He asked.

Elizabeth put her binder down and smiled, "Yeah, I know they say classical music is good but I think she likes The Beatles best. It seems to keep her from pressing on my bladder."

Henry grinned, "Well, she's a smart girl already."

Elizabeth sighed and leaned back into the headboard as Henry rubbed her belly soothingly. "What's the matter, babe?"

She frowned, "I'm just feeling bad. This is supposed to be a magical time and it was when I was in my 20's and early 30's but there's a reason why so few women in their 40's do this, I'm exhausted and I want my body back. Then I think those thoughts and I feel incredibly guilty and ungrateful and I am grateful for her I just want her to be here so I can have my body back."

Henry scooted up and wrapped his arm around his wife, "Babe, it's okay you feel that way. No one is questioning your gratitude for this baby girl and if they are, well you just tell me and I will deal with them."

Elizabeth laughed and turned her head to kiss him lightly, "I love you so much."

"I love you too and your due date is just around the corner. She will be here in no time."

Elizabeth sighed, "Oh god and as much as I want my body back I really don't want to think about having to push a human out of it."

"You've done it three times. You know what's going on, you've got a great doctor, you've got this babe."

Elizabeth smiled at Henry. He was so sweet and supportive and just trying to help and she appreciated it but that didn't make her any less nervous. She had less than four weeks to go and while she was thrilled to be so close to the end of her pregnancy she also wanted her daughter to take her sweet time. The closer she was to her due date the better in regards to possible complications.

Henry of course knew what she was thinking, he almost always did. "Babe, don't stress yourself out thinking of 'what ifs'. You need to relax and get enough sleep and focus on the fact that in a few weeks we're going to have a beautiful baby girl and we're not going to be able to relax again for at least ten years."

Elizabeth couldn't help it when she started laughing. "Ten? Stevie's twenty-one and I don't think I've relaxed about her once!"

"I was trying to be optimistic!"

The next three weeks seemed to fly by and the McCord's spent most of their time making sure they had everything they would need for their upcoming arrival. The kids, including Jason, were all being incredibly helpful and as Elizabeth felt even more run-down than normal during this time she couldn't have been more grateful for he family and their support.

Elizabeth even felt good about the way she was leaving work. They weren't dealing with any major crises currently and she just hoped it stayed that way for a little while.

But even though she was confident in her staff once she got within ten days of her due date Elizabeth started feeling anxious about everything. She was grateful she and her staff had a whole plan in place for the first couple weeks of her maternity leave. Only her inner circle at the State Department and Conrad and Russell knew her actual due date and she wanted to keep it that way. Her family deserved some adjustment time with the new baby before the media found out and started hounding them all. Even her deputy secretary had no idea when he would officially start covering her for her maternity leave. She felt a little bad keeping him out of the loop but it was going to be fine. Nadine and her staff could handle things for two to three weeks. She had faith in them. But she was still anxious.

She was sitting on the sofa in her office in somewhat of a daze when Nadine walked into the room. "Ma'am? Are you all right?"

Elizabeth nodded, "Yeah, I'm sorry. I just keep thinking about all the new crazy that's going to be added to my life next week and I keep thinking about how this poor kid isn't going to get to be a normal kid."

Nadine smiled. She wasn't usually the type of person to start a personal conversation but every once in a while she and Elizabeth had nice moments where they connected. "Crazy isn't necessarily bad, ma'am, and normal is overrated. She's going to be a lucky kid to grow up with you as her Mom."

Elizabeth felt tears at her eyes and she tried to blink them away. "Thank you, Nadine. That means a lot coming from you."

Nadine watched as her boss tried not to break down and knew she wasn't the one she needed right now.

Thirty minutes later Henry strode into Elizabeth's office to find his wife lying on her sofa.

She opened her eyes and relief washed over her as she took in the reassuring vision of her husband. "Hi baby, what are you doing here?"

Henry kneeled down next to her and kissed her forehead. "Nadine called me. She thought you might need me."

Elizabeth could have cried tears of joy. She did need Henry. Nadine was right.

Henry stroked his wife's hair gently. "What's going on, babe?"

"Everything in our already crazy lives is going to get even more insane. How the hell do we do this?" She started to panic and her breathing rapidly increased.

"Elizabeth, just breathe." Henry said calmly. One hand on her cheek as the other stroked her thigh gently.

Elizabeth squeezed her eyes shut and nodded her head and tried to let his words sink in. "Okay, I know you're right I just can't help myself."

Henry chuckled, "I know, babe. You're fine. Just breathe."

Elizabeth continued to take deep breaths and Henry was grateful he could feel her body relaxing. He moved the hand on her thigh to her belly and she smiled and put her hand over his and intertwined their fingers.

After a few minutes she opened her eyes again to see Henry smiling at her reassuringly.

"There she is." He said, his beautiful smile reaching the corners of his face.

Elizabeth laughed, "I don't know what happened. Everything just became so real. In just over a week our lives are never going to be the same."

Henry smiled, "No they're not going to be the same, but they're going to be better. We get a new little human to love for the rest of her life and then when we're old and decrepit guilt into taking care of us."

Elizabeth couldn't help her laughter, "Thanks a lot babe, that's a pleasant thought."

Henry leaned in to kiss her. "But it made you laugh."

She wrapped her hands around his head and tugged at his hair as she pulled him closer. They shared a deep kiss before Henry finally pulled back. They were at her office after all.

Elizabeth smiled up at him, "You did make me laugh. I love you, babe."

"I love you, too."

As Elizabeth went into her final week she had less anxiety and she was getting excited.

Sunday night she crawled into bed next to Henry and snuggled up against him. "I can't believe this is my last week. She is definitely getting ready. I finally feel like I can catch my breath and I've got more energy and I have to pee every even more often." Elizabeth said with a laugh.

"Maybe she will make it easy for you?"

Elizabeth threw her head back in an animated laugh. "Because when have any of our children ever made this easy? Thirty-five hours with Stevie, Alison was breech, then Jason ripping through all my muscles. McCord children are not easy. Is it bad that I almost want to have a C section because just in case she follows in Jason's footsteps learning how to use all those muscles again is just not something I'm up for at my age."

Henry smiled and ran a hand through his wife's hair in a soothing manner. "Whatever happens it's going to be fine. Dr. Bell is prepared for anything. She told you the minute something starts to feel even a little off she will do whatever is best for the baby. Don't stress yourself out about it. She's a great doctor and soon enough we're going to have a healthy baby girl."

Elizabeth smiled at her beautiful husband. His optimism had gotten her through so much and she knew it would get her through this too.

"I can't wait to meet her." Elizabeth said, snuggling into Henry's side.

Henry grinned, "Me too, babe. Me too."

"I hope she sticks to her due date though because I'm kind of attached to December 13th. Though I'm not opposed to a couple days early. God I hope she isn't late though. Part of that is because I'm so excited to meet her and part of that is because I honestly just can't be pregnant any longer."

Henry laughed, "I think that's okay, babe." He paused. "You're going to call me immediately if anything happens at work, right? I mean anything. The tiniest sign that you're going into labor, please call me."

"Of course I will. I swear I won't ignore anything."

By Friday afternoon, her last day of work and two days before her official due date, the lower back pain Elizabeth had been experiencing all week started to get worse. Around 3 o'clock it got sharper and Elizabeth knew within the day she was probably going to go into labor. This was how it always started. She knew her staff hadn't really expected her to be in today. She had figured this kid would come a little early so she was as surprised as anyone to walk in Friday morning feeling fine. She knew Blake had a poll going with the inner circle about when she would go into labor and she wondered who was winning as of right now. She called Blake into her office. "I need to you call my detail. I'm going home."

Blake's eyes lit up and she could practically see the anxiety wash over him. "Are you...should I call the hospital?"

Elizabeth shook her head, "No Blake, I'm not in labor yet. I haven't had any contractions but I know this feeling. I just need to get home and be with Henry. Please be calm about this." She had lied about the contractions part but she didn't want Blake to freak out. She definitely just had one but she knew one was nothing at this point.

Blake just nodded his head and ran out of the room. Elizabeth laughed out loud. So much for being casual.

A minute later Nadine walked into the room. "Blake looks terrified. Are you all right?"

Elizabeth laughed, "Yeah, I've been through this three times. This is how it starts. Honestly I'm fine. I just want to get home."

Nadine smiled and Elizabeth appreciated how calm she was acting. "Can I get you anything or help you with anything?"

"No Nadine, thank you though. Actually scratch that can you please make sure Blake stays calm?"

Nadine laughed, "Of course, ma'am."

Nadine left Elizabeth's office and she picked up the phone to call Henry. He had been so sweet when she left for work this morning. He told her his whole schedule for the day. He was going to be out buying baby supplies in surplus over the morning and then he would be home. He made sure she knew he was only a phone call away if she needed absolutely anything. Sure enough he picked up before the phone rang once.

"Hey babe, how's your last day coming?"

"I'm actually on my way home."

"Your back is really starting to hurt?"

Elizabeth loved that Henry remembered exactly how this happened. "Yeah, my back really hurts. She's getting ready, Henry. I just started having small contractions."

"Okay baby, I'm going to get a bath ready for you. How close are you?"

"Five minutes or so."

"Okay, I'll see you soon. I love you so much, babe."

When Elizabeth arrived at the house Henry was right there to walk her inside. "Are the kids home yet?"

Henry shook his head, "No and I didn't think you'd want me to call them home. I think our best bet for relaxing you is to not have three excited kids freaking out."

"You read my mind, Dr. McCord."

Henry led her up the stairs to a warm bath he had drawn for her. "Still just small contractions? Any pattern?"

"Still small and no pattern. I think it's going to be a while."

"Just tell me if there's anything I can do babe. Want me to order that extra spicy Thai food you love?"

Elizabeth's eyes lit up. Henry hadn't let her have that throughout her whole pregnancy. "God yes! Please get it extra spicy. I think it drove Jason out of me."

Henry laughed, "Okay, do you want it now or later?"

"Later when the kids get home. Will they be home for dinner?"

"Yeah they should all be home for dinner. I'll order it and then text Stevie to pick it up on her way back and for now let's get you into your bath."

Elizabeth felt more relaxed the moment her body hit the water. The warmth alleviated some of her throbbing back pain and she felt better than she had all week.

Henry sat outside the tub and ran a hand over her belly. They talked about the kids and anything other than the fact that they were going to become parents for the fourth time sometime soon. They needed this moment of normalcy.

"Okay the bath is getting cold. Please help me out of here and then let's have sex before the kids get home."

Henry laughed, "Now there's an epic come-on line."

Elizabeth tried not to smile at him but couldn't help herself. "It worked to speed things up the last three times."

Henry nodded, still smiling at her, "You're right about that."

Sure enough, Elizabeth was right and when they were finished her contractions started coming faster. "You're magic, Dr. McCord."

Henry laughed and pulled his wife closer so he could kiss her forehead. "Only with you, babe. How about we walk around the house downstairs? Stevie is picking up Ali and the food and Jason should be home any minute."

Henry was right, the minute he and Elizabeth got downstairs Jason walked in the front door. He saw his father holding his mother's hand as they walked around the room and immediately got nervous that something was wrong. "Are you okay, Mom?"

Elizabeth smiled, "Hey baby, I'm just fine. I promise. I'm just in the early stages of labor."

Jason's eyes grew wide. "Shouldn't you be in the hospital?"

Elizabeth smiled at her sweet son. "No honey, it's too soon. We've got a ways to go. The doctor knows what's happening and she will be ready when we are."

Jason did not look convinced.

"Buddy, I promise you, this is all normal. We're walking around because movement could help speed everything up."

Just then they heard the girls bustle into the laundry room and Elizabeth and Henry headed into the kitchen with Jason following.

The girls set the takeout on the counter and Elizabeth felt her mouth start watering. She dove into the container that held her spicy noodles.

Jason kept looking at his mother with deep concern. "Are you sure that's the best thing to eat right now?"

Stevie looked over at her brother, "Jason, she's nine months pregnant. Leave her alone!"

Jason rolled his eyes, "She's not just nine months pregnant, she's currently in labor."

Stevie and Ali both froze and turned to look at their mother who was currently enjoying her food.

"It's fine, girls. It's just pre-labor. My contractions are still pretty far apart and they're not coming consistently. We've got a ways to go before we head to the hospital."

Ali turned to her Mom, "I hate to say I agree with Jason but should you be eating that?"

"It's just carbs. She ate spicy food with all of you and she was fine. Please don't stress out about this. Mom and I know what's going on."

None of the children looked convinced. They all had the same tense looks on their faces.

"Guys, I know this is weird but you have to trust that Mom knows what's going on. She needs to relax right now and it would help her a lot if you could all remain calm."

The kids all nodded. They were nervous but they really wanted to be there for their mother.

"Let's all go eat in the family room and put on a movie or something. How does that sound?"

"Mom, there is a human being coming out of your body, how the heck are you staying so calm!" Alison exclaimed. She looked like she was about to cry.

Henry walked over to her and wrapped his arms around his middle child. "She's more like preparing to come. Don't worry. Nothing major is going to happen before we get to the hospital. This is just how this works."

Ali still didn't look convinced but she nodded her head anyway.

The kids were on edge the whole night and they were all baffled when Elizabeth decided to go to bed like it was any other normal night. "You guys, I swear everything is fine. I need to get some sleep while I can because I'm probably not going to be able to for a while."

They got upstairs and into their bedroom and Elizabeth grimaced as a contraction hit her. "I am going to try to get some sleep, babe, but I think this is going to happen tonight."

Henry smiled, "I figured you were keeping quiet for the kids sake. I've already got your bag ready so we are ready whenever baby girl is ready."

Elizabeth made a phone call to Dr. Bell letting her know she thought they'd be in sometime tonight and Dr. Bell agreed if Elizabeth's contractions stayed above five minutes apart it was best for her to be home and attempt to relax. Henry gave her some tea and she felt relaxed and sleepy and she fell asleep curled up on her side as Henry gently rubbed her back. She didn't sleep well and within a few hours her contractions had woken her up and she was pacing around the room.

"How far apart are they?"

"Six minutes."

Elizabeth groaned, "Okay, okay let's call Dr. Bell and tell her to be ready for us. I know she said five but I'm getting really nervous that this kid is going to take her sweet time and I think I need to be as close to the drugs as possible so they can get them to me quickly."

Henry smiled and helped Elizabeth sit down on the bed. "I'm going to call the detail and tell them to be ready and then calmly inform the kids we're leaving."

Elizabeth nodded as she took in a deep breath.

Henry called her detail quickly and then headed up to Stevie's room. He shook her awake gently. "Hey sweetheart?"

Stevie looked out of it when she first opened her eyes but then shot up. "Is Mom okay? Are you going to the hospital?"

"Yes, Mom's fine but we need to head to the hospital now." Stevie made a move to get out of bed but Henry placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sweetheart, we need you guys to stay here for now."

Stevie wanted to protest but she knew her Dad was right. "Okay, but I'm not going to be able to sleep so I'm going downstairs."

"That's fine. Go give your mother a hug and a kiss before we leave and I'm going to tell Ali and Jason."

Ali had gotten upset when Henry told her they needed to stay home for now but she had thankfully calmed down and Jason seemed nervous but he just headed into his parents' bedroom to hug his mother.

The kids all took turns hugging their mother and then they all held onto her for a little while. "Dad and I promise to call you when it gets closer to the time. We don't want you guys waiting around all bored and anxious. It's better for you to stay here for now. We promise to keep you updated on everything."

The made their way to the hospital and Elizabeth clung to Henry's hand. A part of her couldn't believe this all was happening. The next time they were at their home it would be with a tiny new baby.

Their check in was as smooth as Dr. Bell assured them it would be. Elizabeth felt better knowing everything was so far going according to plan.

They got her all settled in and Dr. Bell examined her and reiterated what Elizabeth already had a feeling about. Things were progressing slowly and she was probably looking at a long night and day.

She tried walking around for a little while but her back was killing her and she had to sit down. Thank god for Henry who rubbed soothing circles on her back as she laid on her side in bed.

She already felt awful. She was sweaty and exhausted and she needed this kid to make a little progress soon.

"Baby girl can you please hurry it up at little bit?"

Henry smiled, "She doesn't want to leave. Can you blame her? It's warm and cozy in there."

Elizabeth managed a laugh, "Well her nursery is pretty cozy as well so maybe she can give that a chance. And your Daddy, baby girl, the quicker you get here the quicker he can snuggle you up and it'll be even better than this."

Henry leaned in to kiss his wife's temple. "I love you so much sweetheart and you're doing so well."

"I love you but I'm really angry with you right now that you got me into this position."

Henry laughed, "Me?"

Elizabeth scowled at him, "Yes you with that irresistible face and your voice when it gets all low and sexy. I can negotiate ceasefires and weapons deals but I have zero self control when it comes to you."

Henry laughed, "I'm sorry babe."

"Four babies. We're about to have our fourth baby. Remember before we got married we decided on two?"

Henry smiled and rubbed her back soothingly. "Babe, I hate to tell you but you were the one who wanted to go for three."

She scowled at him, "I know that! But we never discussed four! Can you just let me have this, please?" She started to pout.

"Of course, babe. I am completely responsible for your current situation."

She knew he was teasing but it was nice to hear anyway. She sighed and smiled. "Thanks for giving me the five loves of my life, babe."

"Um, sweetheart, we only have four children."

Elizabeth turned to look him in the eye. Not sure if he was being serious or if he was screwing with her. His eyes had a devilish twinkle to them. She rolled her eyes, "You're number five you ass."

He leaned over to kiss her. "I love you, baby."

By the time morning came everything was still progressing at an extremely slow pace and Elizabeth was beyond miserable. Henry held a damp cloth to his wife's neck and he wished he could do more to help her.

"Babe, you're doing so great. I'm so proud of you."

Elizabeth groaned, "This girl is already stubborn just like her father."

Henry smiled. "I'm going to give you that one since I'm half responsible for this position you're currently in."

Elizabeth managed a smile as she adjusted herself into a more comfortable position on the bed. She took a deep breath as a contraction hit her.

Henry reached out and stroked his wife's hair back. The contraction was quick and that frustrated Elizabeth. "This baby is never coming, Henry. I feel like I'm going to be in labor for the rest of my life."

Henry sat down on the edge of the bed and wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders and started stroking her arms. "Sweetheart, I know this is slow and I'm so sorry, you know if there was anything I could do to speed it up I would, but she's coming as fast as she can. Remember with Stevie? Everything was so slow like this and then all of a sudden she was here."

Elizabeth leaned her head back against Henry's arm and took a deep breath before she smiled up at him. "Henry, when this little girl gets here we are going to have a twenty-one year old, a sixteen year old, a thirteen year old and a newborn…are we insane?"

Henry laughed, "Maybe, but I think it's a little late for that considering baby girl is on her way. You know what is kind of crazy though is thinking about how Stevie's future kids and even Ali's will probably be closer in age to baby girl than they are."

Elizabeth groaned, "Oh my god Henry, I am in the process of pushing our daughter out of my body and I swear to god if you say another word about us becoming grandparents I am going to kill you and I really don't want to deprive our daughter of her amazing father."

Henry laughed again, "I'm so sorry, babe. We are nowhere close to that and I will not bring it up again."

Elizabeth sighed, "Thank you. I can't think about our babies having babies while I'm having a baby."

Several hours' later things were still moving slowly and Dr. Bell suggested they give Elizabeth some morphine so she could attempt to sleep since she had been up over twenty-four hours without almost any sleep.

Elizabeth wasn't keen on the idea. "How the hell am I supposed to sleep when I have a human being taking her sweet time exiting my body?"

It didn't help that Henry was constantly getting texts and calls from the kids and those were making Elizabeth even more anxious.

Henry eventually had to step out of the room to talk to Stevie. "Sweetheart, I appreciate how excited you all are but I promise I will let you know the minute anything big happens. You guys have to stop calling and texting. It is not helping your mother.

Stevie didn't like the sound of that. "Is she okay?"

"Yes, sweetheart. Believe me we've been through every scenario. Everything is going fine it's just slow. Now please can you guys try to focus on something else for a while? I need to get back to your Mom."

Stevie laughed, "Yeah, we're sorry. Tell Mom we love her."

Henry smiled, "Don't be sorry. I'm glad you guys are excited. I will tell Mom and I will let you know the minute anything happens. I love you, kiddo."

"Love you too, Dad."

Henry walked back into the room and told Elizabeth the kids were doing fine and they loved her. That at least made her smile.

Henry grabbed her balmy hand and squeezed as he told her the kids were doing fine and they loved her. He brushed her messy hair back with his free hand and kissed her forehead. "Have I mentioned you're glowing?" He knew that would make her laugh.

She couldn't help herself when she started laughing. "You are so cheesy and I love you. Also you need to make an appointment for a vasectomy because this cannot happen ever again. I am far too old to be doing this." She said with a groan as she felt a contraction coming on.

Henry laughed, "Babe, I don't think we have anything to worry about. Miracles like this don't just happen."

Elizabeth wanted to roll her eyes at his cheesiness but she knew he was right. This baby was their little miracle and as much as she ribbed him about everything she was very happy they were about to add to their family.

Elizabeth was incredibly grateful Dr. Bell had talked to her about the possibility of a c-section several months earlier. That way after her labor seemed to come to a screeching halt, they had a plan in action. Dr. Bell had been adamant that considering Elizabeth's age they needed to be prepared to do whatever it took to keep her and the baby in good health. Elizabeth had been fine with this plan. She wasn't particularly keen on a c-section but after Jason ripping through all her muscles she definitely wasn't going to argue with Dr. Bell's decision that a c-section would be best for mother and baby.

Henry held her hand and stroked her hair gently as Dr. Bell worked. She felt tired from the drugs and she only felt the odd pull and tug below her waist. The whole thing seemed to play out in slow motion. That is until Dr. Bell lifted their baby girl up so Elizabeth and Henry could get their first glimpse. "Madam Secretary, Dr. McCord, you have a beautiful baby girl."

Henry squeezed his wife's hand and tears of joy ran down his face. The pediatrician took the baby, clearing out her lungs quickly. Elizabeth squeezed Henry's hand tighter. They had warned them it might be a minute before the baby cried due to having to clear her little lungs. Elizabeth and Henry both exhaled deeply in relief, breaths they didn't even know they were holding inside, when they heard their little girl's first cry. Henry leaned down to kiss his wife tenderly, gently cupping her cheek and then pressed his forehead against hers. She ran her hand through his hair and they quickly realized they were both crying tears of joy. Henry leaned in to kiss her again, their lips meeting in a deep, meaningful kiss. Twenty-eight years and four children later and they still loved each other more each day.

Waiting for the doctor to clear their baby girl was the longest time in either of their lives. But she finally walked the tiny baby over to Henry and placed her in her father's arms.

Henry felt a surge of love for his new little girl as the doctor placed her safely in his arms and he wrapped his arms around her so she was safe and secure. She was tiny and pink and perfect and he was completely in love with her. He positioned himself as close to Elizabeth as possible and brought the tiny baby up next to her mother's face.

Elizabeth turned to look at her little girl. She looked so tiny in Henry's strong arms. She reached over carefully and ran her hand gently over her daughter's head and down her little arm. She touched her tiny, pink fingers and she couldn't stop smiling at her beautiful infant daughter. "Hi, baby girl. We're so happy you're here." She said, her voice shaky and tears once again threatening at her eyes.

She felt like her heart broke a little bit watching her new daughter cry in her father's arms. It was a strange feeling. After her parents died and she had been adamant she would never give another person the power to ruin her ever again. She had met Henry and broken that promise. Then with each of their children she had broken that promise again. She was staring at her newest child and her heart was breaking all over again because she now had a fifth human her whole world revolved around, a fifth human who had the power to ruin her.

Dr. Bell finished up and Elizabeth was anxious to get to recovery and finally get to hold her daughter. They got her situated and although she was exhausted she couldn't wait another minute to hold her tiny, pink, beautiful baby girl. Henry situated himself next to her and carefully handed her their tiny daughter.

She was sound asleep as Henry passed her to Elizabeth. She wiggled around a little bit and settled into her mother's arms.

Elizabeth felt tears forming at her eyes as she cradled her new baby girl in her arms and she could not stop smiling, "Henry, look what we made."

Henry was sitting next to her and had wrapped one arm around his wife's shoulders and the other hand around her middle to help her support their daughter. He couldn't stop smiling either, "She's perfect." He was completely awestruck by the tiny baby in his wife's arms.

Elizabeth ran her hand over the little girl's head through her wisps of blonde hair. The tiny baby batted her eyes open and looked up, taking in her parents with wide eyes.

Elizabeth felt tears threatening at her eyes once again as she watched her little girl take everything in. "Hi baby girl, I'm your Mommy."

The little girl reached up and Henry raised his hand over her and held her tiny hand in his. He knew her grabbing his fingers was only a reflex but it still made his heart skip a beat. "And I'm your Daddy, sweet girl."

They spent a little while just mesmerized by their new baby, taking everything in and memorizing these perfect moments. They finally decided it was time to get the kids. Henry had called them when Elizabeth went into surgery and they arrived soon after. They had waited long enough and they deserved to meet their new sister.

"I'll go get the kids. Hopefully they've decided on a name so we can stop calling her baby girl."

Elizabeth giggled, "I don't know, baby girl was kind of growing on me."

Henry laughed and kissed her temple, "I'm going to grab them. I'll be right back."

Henry quickly ran out of the room to the kids and Elizabeth turned back to the tiny human.

"Baby girl, your Daddy is the best man in the whole world and you are the luckiest little girl on earth to have him. And in a minute you're going to meet your siblings and they are the three best siblings a kid could ever ask for. You're going to love them so much and have the best time growing up with them."

The door opened again and Henry led the kids in the room. Stevie had a huge smile on her face, Alison looked like she was going to explode from excitement and Jason looked like he was trying to be cool about meeting his little sister but failing miserably.

"Hey baby girl, these are your siblings, Stevie, Ali, and Jason." Elizabeth said as they surrounded her, each trying to get a good look at their new little sister.

They all cooed over their new little sister for a minute. "She's so perfect!" Alison squealed.

Henry smiled and squeezed her shoulder, "Just like you Noodle, just like all of you."

"She is so tiny and precious!" Stevie gushed.

Henry grinned, "I hope you guys have decided on a name for this little one because Mom is a little exhausted and 'baby girl' is starting to sound like a good name to her."

The kids laughed and they exchanged glances with each other. "Jason, you want to tell them what we chose?" Stevie asked, looking over at her brother.

Jason nodded and reached over to sweetly caress his baby sister's head, "Hi Kate." He said softly.

Elizabeth grinned and looked down at the little girl, "Kate," she repeated, testing it out. She looked up at Henry, "I think it's perfect, don't you?"

Henry nodded, "Welcome to the world Katharine Charlotte McCord."

Elizabeth turned to her husband, "No, Katharine Elizabeth McCord."

Henry thought his ears were deceiving him. He had tried to float the idea to Elizabeth multiple times and she had shot him down each time and they had settled on Charlotte. "Babe…are you sure? I don't want you to hate it in a few days or hold it over my head in a few years?"

Elizabeth laughed, "I swear I won't. It's not an impulsive decision. I've been thinking about it for a while."

"You're positive? Because babe, I love Charlotte too."

She nodded, "I swear. Katharine Elizabeth should be her name."

"You know, really it's only right she's named after Mom since my middle name is after Grandma Adams and Ali is named after Grandma McCord." Stevie chimed in.

"Katharine Elizabeth," Henry repeated, looking down at his beautiful new daughter. "I think it's perfect. I'm glad you guys picked Katharine. She looks like a Kate, doesn't she?"

Elizabeth nodded, "She really does. I like Caroline a lot too but I was definitely leaning toward Kate so I'm glad that's what you picked. I would have hated to have to veto your choice."

All the kids laughed. "Well, looks like McCords think alike because our final vote was unanimous for Katharine." Stevie said.

"She really does look like a Kate. It suites her," Alison added and then paused, "Mom…can I hold her?"

Elizabeth smiled, "Of course you can, Noodle."

Henry grabbed Ali's arm gently and switched places with her, "How about you sit next to Mom and she'll pass Kate to you?"

Ali nodded and climbed up on the bed next to her mother.

Elizabeth couldn't really turn well because of her stitches but she managed to shift Kate over enough so Ali could carefully reach around and grab her. "Just make sure you support her head." Elizabeth gently reminded her middle daughter. Ali nodded as she cradled Kate in her arms, careful to support the little girl's head.

She beamed down at her baby sister, "Hi Kate, I'm your big sister Ali and I'm so happy you're here. We're going to have so much fun together and I'm always going to be here for you."

Kate took in Ali and smiled up at her.

Ali let out another coo, "She's smiling at me! Kate you're smiling!"

"Probably gas," Stevie jested, earning herself a glare from Ali and a laugh from her father.

"Unfortunately Stevie is probably right Al, she won't smile on her own for a few weeks, but that doesn't mean you don't get to be excited when she smiles at you even if it is gas."

Ali beamed at her Dad and looked down at Kate, "It's okay, Kate. I love you even if it was gas."

Elizabeth couldn't control the tears falling from her eyes; she was so touched by Ali's tender words and excitement. She wrapped her arm around her middle daughter and pulled her over so she could kiss her cheek. Ali cooed and fussed over Kate for a little while and Henry and Elizabeth felt their hearts expanding at the sight of Ali holding Kate.

Stevie was grinning at the interaction but she was getting impatient. "Okay, Jason and I want turns too!"

Ali pouted, "Okay."

Stevie turned to Jason, "Jase, you can hold her next."

Henry grinned over at Stevie; the amount she had grown up in the last few months was incredible. He was so proud of her.

Jason nodded, "Yeah, okay." He looked a little nervous but also excited.

"Okay, buddy how about you sit down over here and I'll bring Kate over?"

Jason nodded, still looking nervous as he made his way over to the chair next to his mother's bed.

Henry tenderly took Kate from Alison's arms, his face lit up when she looked up at him. "Okay Kate, time to hang out with your brother."

Elizabeth couldn't take her eyes off her husband, as he cradled their daughter in his arms and brought her to Jason, the happiness seemed to radiate off him. Kate looked even tinier in his strong arms. Elizabeth loved how the little girl immediately shut her eyes, a little smile of contentment illuminating her precious face. She had only been on this earth for a little while and she already knew nothing could harm her when she was in her Daddy's arms.

Henry leaned over and carefully placed Kate in Jason's arms. "Don't worry, buddy. You've got her. Support her head and you'll be fine." Jason nodded and looked down at Kate. Although he still looked nervous about holding her, a huge smile broke out on his face as she wiggled around making herself comfortable.

Jason laughed, "She's really cute."

Elizabeth felt her heart soar and she knew the tears were about to come again. Even though Jason had come around Elizabeth had still been a little nervous at how he would react when he actually met his little sister.

He held her for a little bit before offering her to Stevie, "You want a turn?" He asked his oldest sister.

Stevie's eyes lit up and she looked over at her Dad, sure he wanted to be the one to transfer Kate to her arms. "You've got her Stevie, just support her head." Stevie grinned with pride realizing her Dad completely trusted her with her baby sister.

Stevie walked over to Jason and carefully picked Kate up and she couldn't stop grinning as the little girl looked up at her, wide-eyed. "Hi Kate," Stevie gushed, her voice breaking with emotion, "I'm your big sister Stevie." She said as she carefully walked over to her mother's other side.

Kate studied Stevie for a minute and then shut her eyes and cozied herself up to her big sister. Stevie grinned, "I will always take care of you, kid. No matter where I might be I am always here for you."

Henry looked over at Elizabeth; she had silent tears running down her cheeks but she smiled and reached out to squeeze his hand. "Hey Stevie, Dad and I have something we need to ask you. Now, we don't want you to answer right away and just know we understand if you say no, this is a very big thing we're asking of you."

Stevie glanced at her mother, complete confusion evident on her face.

"Stevie, we aren't exactly young and on top of that we don't have the most stable of jobs. It's really important to us that if something ever happens to us that Kate grow up with someone who will take the absolute best care of her. We know you're only 21 and we initially didn't want to ask this of you, but the more we thought about it the more we decided even though you're young you would be the best person for this job. So we would be very honored if you would be Kate's godmother and her guardian if something ever happens to us? Again, don't answer right away, we know we're asking a lot so just think about it."

Stevie shook her head, "No, no I don't have to think about it. Of course I'll be her godmother!" Now tears were falling down her face.

"Are you sure, Stevie? We'd really prefer it if you took some time to process all this. I mean, of course we hope you'll never have to do this, but we want you to be sure of it just in case."

Stevie shook her head again, "No, I'm all in, if anything happens to you guys there's no way I'd let anything split us up no matter what. Team McCord. Always."

Elizabeth started to really cry at that point, "Thank you so much baby, you have no idea how much it means to your Dad and me."

"I would be honored to be your godmother, Miss Kate." Stevie said, talking sweetly to the baby who just continued to smile up at her.

"So when do you guys get to come home?" Ali asked from her perch on the bed, curled safely into her mother's side.

"Since your Mom and Kate are both doing well they said we could take her home in a day or so." Henry responded.

Elizabeth sighed, "Thank god, I'm already sick of hospital food."

They all talked for a little longer about Kate and Elizabeth and Henry shared stories about bringing each child home from the hospital.

"Okay, Stevie, I need a turn." Henry said, walking over to Stevie so he could hold his youngest daughter again. Stevie pouted and reluctantly handed over her little sister.

"Hi Kate. You recognize Daddy yet?" He said, grinning down at his unbelievably perfect daughter.

Kate smiled and made a little noise that sounded like a sigh of contentment before settling into her father's warm embrace.

Elizabeth smiled at her beautiful husband. He couldn't take his eyes off Kate and it melted her heart. "Of course she knows her Daddy."

Henry just kept grinning down at their new baby girl. He still couldn't believe here they were again after all this time.

After a little bit the nurse came into the room and announced Elizabeth needed to attempt to feed Kate. The children filed out of the room, they needed to eat as well, and Henry stayed with Elizabeth and Kate. Elizabeth quickly explained to the nurse she had never had the best luck with breastfeeding and the nurse was kind and understanding. Kate apparently didn't get that memo because she took to it with ease.

"Baby girl you're only a couple hours old and you're already proving your Mommy wrong, that must be a record."

When she was finished Henry went to get the kids. They all came back to the room and the family interacted for a while until Kate started to cry. She was probably tired. The kids promised they would be quiet but Henry knew they needed their rest too, promising them they could come around before school the next morning but that just started another argument. None of them wanted to go to school but Henry reminded them they had to run business as usual until they were ready to send out a press release about Kate's birth. The kids grumbled but agreed it was for the best and headed home.

Kate fell asleep in Elizabeth's arms and Henry could tell Elizabeth was fighting sleep herself. He picked Kate up, rocked her for a little while himself and then put her in the bassinet, making sure it was as close to Elizabeth's bed that it could possibly be. He then took off his sweater and rolled it up and put it on the back of his chair.

"Baby, you can go home. I want you to get a good nights rest."

Henry shook his head, "Are you insane? I'm not leaving you."

Elizabeth sighed, she was too tired to argue and she hadn't actually expected him to leave. "Well then get in bed with me, please?"

Henry sighed, "Babe, I don't want to hurt you."

Elizabeth pouted, "You won't, my stitches will be fine. Please Henry, I just need you to hold me."

That was his undoing, it wasn't fair really because he didn't stand a chance once she said that.

"Okay, scoot over."

Elizabeth grinned; she loved it when she won.

Henry climbed into the narrow bed and Elizabeth snuggled close to him. "You did good, baby. I'm so proud of you." He whispered against her head.

Elizabeth smiled and relaxed her back against his strong chest, "We did good."

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I really really really appreciate with all my heart you taking the time to read this story! It means the world to me when you leave me some love!

P.S. The next chapter of Something Blooming will be up this week. I promise I've not forgotten it I just got stuck and I've been busy. Thanks for being patient with me!