Mallory was getting used to going to sleep alone because Daniel was busy helping his daughter as she was currently going through some kind of hysteric breakdown. He didn't know if it was the depth of her relationship with Rhodes that was causing her to feel overwhelmed or some sort of stress at work but whatever it was, it had him at work day and night with little to no time to see Mallory.
Mallory was getting to a point in her pregnancy where she was having trouble moving around quickly which was driving her crazy and the staff was doting on her which drove her equally crazy. They constantly tried to help her when she just wanted to be left alone to to her work even if her process was slower than usual.
On this particular morning, Dr. Manning was at her computer, looking down at her sympathetically, "I remember this part. Is there anything I can do to help? I can go grab you a cup of tea or something. I know Dr. Charles has been pretty busy lately and he'd want us keeping a close eye on you," she offered with a large smile.
Mallory shook her head, "I have 8 weeks left so I'm still pretty independant. Thank you though," she finished trying to remember that even though she didn't want it, everyone was just trying to help.
"Only 8 more weeks?" she exclaimed, "That is no time at all. You could go early. I wanted to talk to you about your shower. Where do you want us to throw it? We could do it here so the greatest amount of people are able to show up but I'd love to do it at Herman's. What do you think?"
Mallory thought for a moment, realizing as Natalie spoke that they hadn't picked up anything for the baby or decided where the nursery would be or who's place anyway. "Um, I am good with whatever you decide. Herman's would be nice since that where Daniel and I met. But, I will leave all the planning up to you. Sound good? Also, do you know if Daniel is in his office? I haven't seen him today," she stated as she started to feel a mini panic attack coming on.
"Yeah," Natalie began, "I think he went there to look over some of Robyn's results from her work with Sarah."
"Thanks," Mallory replied, shooting up from her seat and heading to the elevator with speed she hadn't used in weeks. She took it up to his floor and shuffled as fast as she could to his door, afraid to miss him if she took too long. She reached his door and sighed in relief as she saw it open and him inside, sitting at his desk.
"Hey Babe," she announced her presence causing him to look up from the file open on his desk.
His large lips curled into a smile as he replied, "Hey Stranger. I'm so sorry I haven't been around much lately. I have really missed you," he admitted as he gestured for her to come sit with him, in his lap.
"Are you sure about that?" she asked, referring to his offer, "I way as much as a newborn elephant right now."
Daniel shook his head as he pushed out his chair and patted his thighs. Mallory laughed softly as she walked over and took a seat causing him to let out a playful grin as if she was killing him. She slapped his shoulder, "Be nice. I'm very sensitive right now."
"What do I owe this visit?" Daniel asked, "You haven't made your way up here in quite some time."
"It's a long walk," she joked before changing the subject to what she was really there for, "Natalie was just at my desk talking to me about throwing a baby shower and it occurred to me that we haven't done anything to prepare, including deciding who's place the nursery will go."
Daniel sighed, feeling slightly stressed at her words, "Well, you've been at my place so much, wouldn't it make sense for you to just move in and set up the nursery at my place. THere's no sense in you paying rent for you place anymore. When is your lease up?"
Mallory looked at him, unsure if he really wanted what he was offering or if it was just the easiest answer in his current circumstances, "My lease is up next month so if this is something you really want then I won't renew. But, we really need to go pick out a crib and some necessities. I know you don't have much time so if you want me to do it on my own, I can," she said looking down, realizing how much their time apart was starting to weigh on her.
Daniel caught on to what she was feeling and shook his head, "I'm doing everything I can for Robyn but I also know that I am overbearing to Sarah's process so it would be good for the two of them if I took a step back. How about we go tonight? Do you want to get out of here early?"
Mallory sighed, "I wish that was possible but my temp starts this afternoon. Goodwin wants me to have plenty of time to them in case I go into labor early, which is unlikely since this is my first baby. I can do it after normal end of day time though, if you are also free. I'd really love it if you could come home tonight," she almost whispered the last part afraid of appearing as if she was demeaning Robyn's needs for her own.
Daniel nodded, "That sounds like a really good idea and I could really use a night in my bed instead of on this couch in my office. I'll pick you up at your desk around 4:30?"
Mallory nodded in reply as she leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his lips before groaning as she attempted to lift herself off of his lap. Daniel helped her up and smiled, "I'll see you in a few hours."
"Sounds good," she replied as she began to walk out of his office but stopped briefly, wincing as she felt a sharp pain in her back.
Daniel noticed instantly and was on his feet by her side, "Are you alright?"
Mallory took a moment to catch her breath before answering, "Yeah, my back is just sore from all of this extra weight," she laughed.
Daniel didn't look convinced but he allowed her to leave without further questions.
Mallory walked down to her own desk to wait for the temp as she felt the pang in her back multiple times more as she sat.
Maggie noticed she seemed to be hurting and walked over, "Mallory, are you doing ok today?"
Mallory nodded, "Yeah, I just have a weird backache. I'm sure it'll go away. I'm gonna go get a bottle of water and see if that helps," she said as she stood. Once her feet were firmly on the ground, Mallory gasped as she felt a large gush of liquid pour down her legs.
"Don't panic," Maggie said, "But your backache is labor and your water just broke. Do you want me to walk you up to L&D or do you want a wheelchair?"
Mallory shook her head, "I'm only just turning 33 weeks. This is too early. I think the water just sounds like the best idea."
Maggie laughed, "Sometimes it isn't up to us. I'm gonna walk with you. Just let me call Dr. Charles before we go," she stated as she picked up the phone.
Maggie walked Mallory up to L&D where Daniel was waiting for them, already down to his button down from the stress. Maggie calmly got her signed in and in a bed before giving her a hug, "I'll be back later. You are going to do great."
"Thank you, Maggie," Daniel and Mallory said together.
"Guess we are going to have to buy the supplies after the baby arrives," Daniel joked as Mallor felt a contraction take over her body. He offered his hand so she could squeeze it.
After it passed, her doctor came in, "Ok, we're a little ahead of schedule but it will alright. Let's see how far along this labor is," she said as she gestured for Mallory to spread her legs open. "Looks like you're ready to push."
"What?" Mallory asked, her face filled with shock.
"You're a rare bird but you're also a are gonna get you prepped," her doctor stated as she left momentarily.
"You're about to do this," Daniel stated, "I'm right here so don't be scared. I know I've been a little distant lately, but I will be by your side through all of this. This baby is my chance."
Mallory nodded as another contraction took over her body and she resisted the urge to push.
The doctor returned moments later and they quickly readied her for delivery. Within two pushes, Mallory delivered a healthy baby boy.
"Congratulations," the doctor stated as she placed the baby onto Mallory's chest, "He's doing great. We might just want to put him in the NICU for a day or two to make sure those lungs are as strong as they appear," she stated referring the baby's loud cries.
Mallory soothed the baby with kisses and whisper as Daniel pulled them both into his arms.
The End
