Baby I'm Amazed

Chapter 11: All that I was looking for was somebody who looked like you …

(Note: These characters are not mine. Please do not sue me! Italics indicate singing)

Before too long Cosette's due date was in sight. Two weeks prior to this Josh had booked Drake to appear at a charity event in Texas.

"The doctor said the baby could come any day. I can't do this concert, man."

"Look I understand it's cutting it close but the label's been bothering me because they feel you haven't been doing enough philanthropy."

"Philanthropy? What am I, a fraternity?"

"Just make them happy and they'll give you more time off to spend with your daughter once she's born."

"Good point. I'll do it."

Cosette on the other hand was not so thrilled.

"I'm not having this baby without you."

"I'll be back before anything happens I promise."

"I just hope you're right."

"Me, too."

"I gotta get back to work. I'll see you when you get back from Josh's."

"You're at the paper? I thought you went on maternity leave two weeks ago."

"I'm doing stuff at home remember? This is a big article so it needs my full attention. We'll talk when you get home. Love you."

"Love you more."

"Bye."

"How'd Cosette take it?"

"She'll put up with it. I just hope you're right."

"Me too, brother. Me too."

"Honey, I have to leave for the airport."

"I just have a feeling that something's going to happen."

"Everything's going to be fine."

"My feelings are almost always right."

"Cosette, look at me. The concert is in five hours. I'm the very first act. After my 10 minute set I'll be whisked away to the airport and come back home to you. I'm pretty sure the baby can wait until then."

"You better be right."

"I love you."

"Love you too. Be safe."

"I will. Bye!"

"If he's wrong he's a dead man.", muttered Cosette to herself as she went back into the comfort of her house.

Three hours later Drake was safely in Austin, Texas doing sound check. In the middle of his set Josh came flying onto the stage, clutching his cell phone in his hand.

"You're going to kill me."

"You're right about that. You interrupted sound check!"

"Cosette's in the hospital."

"Is the baby okay?"

"It's time, dude."

"I gotta get out of here! Who called you?"

"Mindy, she's with her right now."

"Call the airport. I need to be on the next flight to L.A."

"First class?"

"I don't care if I have to ride in the cargo hold just call them and get me a ticket! Now! Don't just stand there!"
"Right, I'm calling. Just remain calm."

"Mr. Parker, where do you think you're going? You're performing in two hours. We need you to get into hair and make-up."

"I can't do the show anymore."

"Why not?"

"My wife's in labor! Don't you think it's more important to be with her than here singing for hunger relief?"

"Good point. Good luck, Mr. Parker!"

"Thanks."

"The limo's outside waiting."

"Did you call the airport? "

"Yeah. I got you booked for the next flight. We have a half an hour."

"You couldn't get one that's sooner?"

"It'll take us twenty minutes to get to the airport, not including traffic. It was the best I could do!"
"Right. Okay, let's rock and roll."

"Welcome to US Airways flight 473: Austin to Los Angeles. During the flight please remain seated while the seatbelt sign is lit. Once the captain has turned off the sign you will be free to move about the cabin."

"Did Mindy say how far along Cosette was?"

"She said the contractions were 4 minutes apart."

"We're not gonna make it back in time."

"Dude, relax. The first labor is always the longest."

"Really? This coming from the same person who told me that most women having their first child deliver closer to their due dates!"

"Okay, so I was wrong once. But I have two kids and another one on the way. Don't you think I know a thing or two about pregnancy?"

"Fine. I guess I can trust you. But if I miss the birth of my child I will tie you up, pour cement on your feet, and personally push you off of the Golden Gate Bridge!"

"Oh please God let me be right!"

"Thank you passengers and enjoy your flight."

Two hours later Drake and Josh arrived at L.A.X. Once they arrived they were greeted with a limo which took them to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

"Josh just texted me that they landed safely and should be here soon."

"Thank, ow, God."

"Just breathe and relax, alright. The more you give into the pain the more it will affect you."

"I hear what you're saying, ow. And I'm trying to, ow, listen but oww, it's just hurts too much."

"I know. The first is always the worst but after that you get used to it."

"I still don't understand how you can keep having kids."

"One word: epidural."

"I need one of those."

"The doctor said you're not ready yet."

"Forget him. I want painkillers. Now!"

"I'm not a drug but I think I can make the situation better."

"Honey, you're here!"

"Told you I'd be here."

"And I'm not gonna get thrown off the bridge."

"What'd you say Josh?"

"Nothing."

"I think we should leave these two alone. Josh and I will be in the waiting room."

"Thanks, Mindy! You're amazing."

"Yeah, thanks for taking care of my girl."

"Anytime."

"I'm so glad you made it."

"Me, too. I got so nervous that it would be too late."

"But fate intervened."

"Exactly. No matter what happens I will always be by your side."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

"OW!"

"Just hold my hand. Everything will be okay."

"That feels better."

"Told ya so."

At 4 a.m. the next day McCartney Belle Parker entered the world. Both mother and father were extremely exhausted but equally as proud. Family and friends flocked to the hospital to visit the new bundle of joy.

"Congrats, bro."

"Thanks, man."

"Soon I gotta go through again this for the third time."

"I bet Heather and Luke are excited."

"They are. I mean I am too. It's just crazy, you know."

"I know. She has my eyes."

"How many pictures did you take when she was born?"

"I used up the entire memory card."

"I used two for each kid."

"Can I ask you a question father to father?"

"Sure."

"Do you ever stop obsessing over your kids?"

"Never."

"I thought so."

Early one morning McCartney was having trouble sleeping. As with most newborns Drake and Cosette had taken turns rocking McCartney all through the night. However, the efforts were futile. At 5 a.m. she still hadn't fallen asleep.

"It's my turn. I'll go."

"No, you have to leave for work in an hour. I'll go."

"But you have rehearsal with that new guy."

"I can push it back. It is my band."

"True."

"I'll be back."

"You're bringing your guitar?"

"I have an idea."

"Okay."

"Go to sleep."

"I'll try."

"Hey, honey. Shush, don't cry. I know you must be tired. Mommy and Daddy are tired too. How about Daddy plays you a sing to help you go to sleep? Trust me this will work.

Little darling it's been a long cold lonely winter. Little darling it feels like years since it's been here. Here comes the sun. Here comes the sun. And I say it's alright. Little darling the smile's returning to the faces. Little darling it seems like years since it's been here. Here comes the sun.
Here comes the sun. And I say it's alright."
As soon as Drake finished singing McCartney closed her eyes and peacefully drifted off to sleep. The perfect beginning to a perfect family life.

Final Chapter Coming Soon!