Chapter 21
Christmas Shopping...Visiting Santa....
Arriving at the Mall Mac parked the car.
"Mac...did you bring Mitch's soother. He's going to get cranky very quickly without it."
"I have it Stel. No worries. Okay son...let's go see Santa."
Mitch had no idea who Santa was...but his daddy made him sound fun.
Walking through the Mall Mac seen the line up around the corner.
"Maybe we should forget Stel. It's an awful long wait."
"No Mac...I really want pictures done for the team. This is his first Christmas."
While they waited Mac gave Mitch one of his animals cookies while they waited. Taking the little cookie elephant he made it dance along his Mitch's tummy...causing him to giggle out loud.
"The elephants go marching one by one..hurray..hurray.."
Mitch laughed again...his daddy was the funniest. He was so smart the way he got that cookie to dance.
As Mac continued to sing while the cookie danced. They had finally made it to Santa. Walking to his side Mac counted the seconds in his head...
"One....two...."
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.....waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... ."
"Ho, ho, ho....aww...come on little one. It's okay. Come see Santa."
Mitch's screams could be heard throughout the Mall.
"Mac...sit with him on Santa's knee. Show him it's okay."
"What?? You're kidding...right Stel? You sit with him."
"I have to make him laugh. Just sit Mac...Santa won't bite."
Everyone was watching. This was highly embaressing for Mac. Giving in he sat on Santa's knee with Mitch.
"Look Mitch...look at mommy."
Watching his mommy play with the pink piggy he laughed. Deep belly laughs as the girl snapped the pictures.
"All finished Maam. They will be ready in a week."
"Thank you so much. Take care."
"Great job Mitch...did you give mommy lots of smiles? You did great to Mac. Come on...I'll buy you lunch."
"No one is seeing those pictures Stella. Promise me."
Smiling she kissed him sweetly on the lips.
"Of course hon. No worries. I'll keep them between us."
Yeah right....Mac knew damn well she would be showing those pictures to anyone who would look.
After lunch they headed home. Unpacking all the presents they had bought for Mitch. Mac was ready to collapse. Taking off his shoes, he took Mitch right to his room. Undressing him out of his little suit he laid him in his crib. Not more then two minutes later..he was sound asleep.
Walking into his own room he flopped down on the bed and closed his eyes. His last thought being....
"Thank God for naps."
While Mac and Mitch slept Stella hung the mistletoe above the ceiling with a ladder. Stretching up she felt a warm hand slither up her calf.
"Mac Taylor....you are going to make me fall. I thought you were sleeping?"
"I was power napping love. Now I'm awake and ready to help you decorate."
"Hmm...I'm sure you are. Just what kind of decorating are you thinking about?"
"Oh....I don't know Stel....maybe a little ribbon and bow. Or how about a garland dance."
"A what??" She smiled.
"Garland dance love. We take off our clothes..wrap ourselves in garland and dance."
Stella had to admit her husband sure was creative when it came to their playtime. Watching him as he put on mellow music and dropped his clothes.
"Hmm...umm..oh my."
Reaching for her hand she slipped it into his as he helped her down the ladder.
"You have way to many clothes on love. Let me help you."
Stella could feel the warmth of her husbands caress as he kissed her shoulder. Then taking a long piece of garland he tied it around them, leaving them both neslted tightly in each others arms.
As the music played they began to dance. Swaying in sensual passion across the floor...as his fingers twined within her hair...leaning her head back as he whispered soft kisses across her neck.
Then looking up above he seen the mistletoe.
"Sweetheart....look up."
Looking up she smiled. then bringing her face back down they looked into each others eyes as the passion filled air bathed the room in their love. Softly as their lips touched...they heard the faint whisper....."Maaamaaa."
Meanwhile.....
Brenda was getting ready for another night of work. She could feel her body craving sleep, but she also knew she had three mothers ready to deliver tonight.
"Are you going to be okay Bren? I don't want you straining yourself."
"I'll be fine Sheldon..don't worry. I'm a OBGYN remember."
"I know that. But you're carrying our child now. I just don't want you to overdo."
"Don't worry Sheldon. I won't."
Grabbing his keys they headed to the car. When they arrived at the Hospital she kissed Sheldon good bye.
"Thank God you're hear Brenda. Mrs. Boucher is in full labor. We've tried to get the baby to come...but he doesn't seem to want to cooperate."
"Who's with her?" Stevens...he wants to do a C section. I told him he can't till you got here."
"Okay Fran thanks. I'll get in there."
Walking into the room she seen with the instruments ready.
"It's about time Brenda...we need to get this child out now."
Brenda could see her patient was upset. She knew this was their first child.
"Did you bother at all to explain to the patient about the procedure?"
"No....there's no time for that. The child is in distress."
The mother was in a panic. She was terrified.
"I want you to listen to me . Everything is going to be fine. Your baby is doing wonderfully. But we need to help him come into the world. So what we are going to do is called a C section. Basically we will make an incision from your belly button to just below your waist. This way we can bring the baby through without doing any harm."
"Okay.....she cried. I'm sorry...I'm just so scared."
"That's understandable with your first child. Now we are going to freeze you up. You will still be awake...but you will feel no pain. You ready?"
Nodding her head yes, she gripped her husbands hand. Not more then five minutes later they heard the screams of their child.
"Congratualtions...you have a wonderful baby boy."
Crying tears onto their child....the parents thanked Brenda for all her help. Leaving the room followed her out.
"Listen to me very carefully Doug...you are not to touch my patients. You upset this woman for no reason at all. The child was in no distress...the BP didn't even fluxuate. Her opening was to small. That is why the child appeared lodged. You paniced this couple for no reason what so ever. Stay out of my Labor rooms."
Walking away from him...she checked on her next mother.
Looking up she smiled. then bringing her face back down they looked into each others eyes as the passion filled air bathed the room in their love. Softly as their lips touched...they heard the faint whisper....."Maaamaaa."
"I need to get Gary Mac." She laughed as she dressed.
Entering the Nursery she seen Gary with tiny tears in his eyes.
"Aww...what's the matter my baby. Shh....it's okay my angel. Mommy has you."
Kissing his sweet head she walked out into the living room with him.
"He was lonely Mac. He wanted some company."
Seeing his daddy he yawned and reached out his arms. Taking him from his wife he snuggled him up against his neck. Then wrapping his wife up in his arms too, they all stood under the mistletoe.
"Maaac...."
"Yeah love?"
"This is so nice. You..me...Mitch. All nestled together in our love."
Mac couldn't agree more.
When Brenda finished her shift she was tired. Heading out of the Hospital she seen sheldon waiting for her.
"Oh....thank God Sheldon...I'm so nauseated and tired."
"I know Bren. Let's get you home."
Helping her into the car they headed home. When they arrived Sheldon swept her up in his arms and carried her into bed.
"Mmm...my sweet Prince. Thank you."
Kissing her passionately he whispered..."you're welcome my love. Sleep well."
Over at the Flack's Jess and Don were putting pieces of food on her tummy watching as the baby kicked it off.
"Okay...let's try a strawberry. Listen son...daddy has a strawberry on mommy's tummy...do you like that?"
*Kick*....the strawberry flew off. causing Jess to laugh.
"Hmmm..okay son let's try some sliced peaches."
Jess hissed from the cold.
"Sorry Jess. Okay son...you like peaches?"
*Kick*....down slid the peach slice.
"Stop teasing him Don. I'm all sticky now."
"That's okay Jess...I'll clean you."
Kissing her tummy...he watched as his son ripple.
"You see that Jess....he loves my kisses."
"Hmm..him and me both." She grinned.
"In that case...."
Bending over reaching his wife's sweet lips, he kissed her passionately as she purred. Hearing her purrs caused Don to need more. Caressing his hands across her thighs, she cried out his name in fevered passion.
"Please Donnie....love me...I need to feel you inside my soul. I ache so bad for your touch."
"Shh....don't cry Jess...I'll love you for as long as you need me too."
Setting their passionate fire to flames, they loved each other well into the afternoon.
She was walking across the park. She knew that it wasn't wise to do it. But she was going to be late for work if she didn't. Hearing a sound behind her she looked but seen nothing. Continuing to walk she heard it again.
"Who's there? Show yourself...this isn't funny."
Knowing she was no more then five feet from the street she began to run. Then she felt it...the pull on her hair as she fell to the ground. Sorry now that she didn't put it up.
Tearing at her clothes she tried to fight. Biting and scratching, but tasting nothing but leather. Closing her eyes against the pain and torture she was feeling. Trying to remain numb...non responsive.
Once he was finished she hoped he would leave. But he didn't. Instead he pulled out a knife and slit her from cheek to ear on both sides. Then with a finally stab to her heart, she died.
Taylor Home....
"Hello."
"Mac...it's Don...we have a murder. We need you in Central Park."
"I'll be right there Don."
"Mac...what's going on?"
"I have to go Stel. We have a homicide. I'll be home as soon as I can."
"Okay. I love you. Stay safe."
"I will love. Bye."
Arriving at the crime scene poor Adam looked ill.
"You okay Adam?"
"Umm...I think so Mac...err...wow...this is sad."
"I know it's hard Adam, but I need you to process the scene with Sheldon."
"Okay...yeah...sure Mac."
While Mac looked over the body he noticed a small black piece of material. Placing it in an evidence bag, he tagged it.
"TOD Sheldon?"
"Around two am Mac. She's been sexually assaulted. I'm going to get her back to Sid. Hopefully this animal left us some trace."
"Take this with you too Sheldon. Let me know what you get from it. I'll send Adam back as soon as I can."
"Okay Mac. Later."
Once they had everything collected they headed back to the lab.
Meanwhile.....
Jess was having trouble sleeping....she knew this was the first night Don was on his own without Danny. Picking up the phone she called Stella.
"Hello."
"Stella....I'm sorry to wake you."
"It's okay...I was awake. What's the matter Jess?"
"I guess I'm a little lonely...would it be alright to come over."
"How you going to get here Jess? It's late."
"I'll take a cab. Please Stel."
Stella had never seen Jess this scared to be alone.
"Okay Jess. But you don't leave your apartment till you see the cab."
"I promise Stella. Thanks."
Hanging up the phone Stella called Mac to let him know Jess was coming there. Watching out her door she seen Jess get out of the cab.
"Hi Stella. I'm so sorry..."
"Shh...it's okay Jess. Come on in."
Taking off her coat. Stella helped her over to the couch.
"I'll get you some tea. God Jess...you're huge. It just seems like yesterday you were so small."
"I know....I can't wait for Danny to be born. This is going to be so exciting."
Smiling Stella couldn't agree more.
With Jess comfortable on the couch Stella checked on Mitch. Finding him wide awake, she changed him and carried him out to the living room.
"Looks like we have some company. Look who's here Mitch...Auntie Jess."
Looking over at his Auntie Jess he gave her a wide smile.
"God Stel...he's so sweet. Look at his hair...so much curl. Aww...I so want Danny to be born."
"I know Jess. Just another month and half. Never know maybe you will have the first New Year baby."
"Hmm...that could be good. But I think I'd prefer after New Years. I'm not much for hoilday's mixing in with birthdays."
"I hear you. Listen Jess...I know you're worried about how Don's doing without having Danny by his side. But I'm sure he'll be fine."
"I know Stel. It's just some nights I still hear Don crying out in his sleep, it's so heartbreaking. He's still riding one hell of a guilt trip."
"You know what Jess...that will all change with time. Honest. It's hard when you love someone so much and see them die while in your arms. Always thinking....could you have done more."
Meanwhile....
"Umm...Mac...can we...err...talk for a minute."
"Sure Adam. What is it?"
"Umm...when are we getting the new CSI...cause...hmmm....I'm not really much for the...umm..."
"I know Adam. You don't like it in the field. I know it's hard. It shouldn't be to much longer. I have two Detectives to interview on friday."
"Okay...thanks Mac...see ya."
Mac understood Adam's hesitance in the field. It wasn't easy seeing mutilated bodies. Especially when you were qualified for the lab. Turning in his chair he looked out over New York as the snow fell to the ground.
"Oh...Jess..look at this. Come see."
Looking out the window with Stella she seen the snow falling softly on the ground.
"My God...it's so beautiful. I guess us New Yorkers are getting our white Christmas afterall.
"Woof, woof..."
"What's the matter Bonkers? You want to see the snow. Do you?"
"Woof, woof, woof."
Alright...opening the back door Mitch giggled as Bonkers buried his nose in the snow, and rolled in it.
"What a silly dog eh Mitch?? You see your silly puppy. Look at him."
Mitch's eyes were wide with excitment. Picking up a little snow Stella let him feel it. Bringing his hand up to his mouth he tried to taste it.
"Yuk...not in the mouth...eww..yucky snow...yuk."
Mitch giggled. His mommy was funny with her yucky faces.
"Alright...let's go Bonkers. Come on..."
Running back into the house Bonkers slid across the floor with his wet paws.
"Ouch.....awww...."
Stella and Jess tried so hard not to laugh. Poor Bonkers was flat on his tummy with his paws now out stretched in front of him.
When Don went downstairs to grab his coat. He seen Danny's locker. Opening it he realized they hadn't cleaned it out yet. Seeing Danny's glasses, he smiled...remembering back to when he got his contacts.
Watching from the door Mac could see the pain across his face. Grabbing a box Mac took it over and helped Don clear out Danny's stuff. Then closing it up, they took one last look and walked out.
"Come on Don...let's go get Jess. She's at my place."
"What's she doing there Mac?"
"Stella said she was worried about you. This is your first night without Danny with us. She just needed some company."
When they to Mac's place they found their wives in bed with Mitch between them wide awake.
"Hey..my son. What are you still doing up?"
Picking him up he held him close while inhaling his scent.
"Daddy missed you sooo much. I love you Mitch."
Mitch loved his daddy's hugs, as he snuggled in closer allowing his daddy to cuddle him.
"Jess...Jess...wake up love."
"Mmm...Donnie...hi...how was the case. Did you get the suspect?"
"Not yet Jess. Though we have alot of evidence to follow."
"That's good. Kissing his lips...she felt the cold."
"Brrr...it must be freezing out there."
"It is Jess. Let's go home."
Leaving out the door Mac and Stella smiled. It was so sweet the way Don was caressing his wife.
Over at Sheldon's he came home to an empty apartment. Reading the note it said....
"My darling Sheldon....
I had a call from the stork, I'll be home as soon as I can. Love Bren."
Smiling Sheldon headed to kitchen for a snack. Opening the fridge he noticed some cheese manicotti left over from last night. Heating it in the microwave he sat with a glass of milk.
Just as he was about to take the first bite he heard the door open.
"Hey Hon...is that you?"
"Mhmm..mmm something smells good Sheldon, what are you eating?"
"The left over Manicotti...want some?"
"Hmm..no...well...maybe just a bite."
Giving her a fork full she ate it. Mmm...second thought. Getting a plate she took two of his three Manicotti's.
"Hey...I thought you didn't want any?"
Laughing she sat down on his knee.
"Sheldon..."
"Mhmm.."
"Are you really happy about our baby?"
"What!!! Of course. Were is this coming from Bren. I'm more then happy. Why?"
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Bren...what's going on? Please talk to me."
"It's nothing Sheldon. Honest...just one of those difficult decisions with a birth mother, that's all."
"Did you want to talk it about."
Raising her head she looked into his eyes.
"I'd rather you love me. Please..."
Putting his dish in the sink, he took her by the hand and led her to their room
The following morning the young girl unlocked her door, heading out to work. As she turned to lock it, he pushed her inside. Covering her mouth so she couldn''t scream he tossed her onto the bed.
Tearing, shredding at her clothes As she closed her eyes in fear he placed the knife under her throat.
"Open your eyes and watch...open them. Everytime you close them I'm going to slice you...understand?"
Nodding her head she felt the heat of his hand...sobbing into her gag she could feel herself become ill. God all she wanted to do was die. slowly her eyes closed...and that's when she felt the slice.
Trying to scream out...she couldn't. The only thing she felt was her vomit choking her against the gag...she knew she was going to die before he finished...and all she could do was thank God.
Looking up into her eyes he noticed she wasn't breathing.
"Noooooooooooooo....you're not supposed to die. Not until I take your life. Daaaaaaaaaaaamn...this isn't how it's supposed to be."
Hearing the yell of a male next door startled the husband and wife from sleep.
"You here that Thomas? It's coming from Hanna's apartment. Hanna never has boys over. Maybe we should go check on her."
"Alright...calm down."
Throwing on his robe he head over next door. Knocking on the door he could hear footsteps, then silence.
"Hanna?? Hanna...it's Thomas. Are you okay?"
Finding the door unlocked he walked in. Seeing things scattered around the floor he walked towards the bedroom.
"Good God...Hanna...Hanna..."
Running out he picked up the phone and called the Police.
When Mac, Don, Sheldon and Adam arrived on scene they knew it wasn't good.
"First of all I want all you Officers to remove your shoes. Then wait outside. You have blood all over the soles."
Heading towards the entrance they removed them and walked out in their socks.
"Adam...start collecting any trace from their shoes."
"Okay...umm...sure Mac."
Walking into the bedroom Sheldon took out his BT and checked TOD.
"God Mac....not more then half an hour ago."
Nodding that he understood he followed the blood trail that lead to the window. Looking down, he seen what looked like a piece of torn skin.
"What have you got Mac?"
"I think it's the suspects skin. I can't be sure till we get it back to the lab."
With the scene processed, and the body removed. Mac headed over to anaylize the skin.
While Mac was in his Office Sheldon came running in.
"We got a hit Mac...Harold Gannon. He has three previous charges for sexual assault. He was released two weeks ago. I've found an address for him. he's staying at the New York City Rescue Mission 90 Lafayette Street."
Grabbing his jacket, they headed out the door. Hearing the sirens in front of the Mission Harold took off out the back door of the kitchen. Seeing the Officers coming towards him he climed the escape ladder to the roof.
Trying the door, he found it locked. Knowing he was trapped, he banged on the door hoping someone would hear him.
Sitting on the stairs the little boy heard the banging coming from the roof. His mommy had told him he wasn't to play up there. but she didn't say he couldn't let someone in.
Climbing the stairs he pushed the handle down as he heard Officers yell...
"Freeze Harold....don't move."
Grabbing up the child he hugged him to his chest. Then walking backwards he neared the ledge. Mac and Don froze. They knew if they startled Harold he would jump with the child in his arms.
"Listen to me Harold. I'm Taylor. We can talk about this. We can work something out....just put down the child."
"Noooooooo....I ain't going back to jail. I'll kill the boy with me if you come any further. I have nothing to lose now."
Mac seen Sheldon sneaking up behind the suspect from the fire escape stairs. Carefully reaching the top, Sheldon quietly stepped behind Harold, and tackled him to the ground, with the child sandwiched between them.
Running over Mac cuffed Harold while Sheldon checked the little boy.
"I want my mommy.....mooooooooooommy..."
"Shh...it's okay. Let's get you back to your mommy."
As Sheldon headed downstairs with the boy the mother ran out.
"Gavin....oh God...Gavin."
"It's okay maam....he's fine."
After explaining the situation to the mother. Mac and Sheldon headed back to NYPD.
"Hell of a day...eh Mac?"
"You can say that again. Thank God it's over, and everything worked out. You're quite a hero Sheldon."
"Naaaah....all in a days work Mac."
Slapping his back, they laughed.
With Harold safely put away, Mac, Sheldon, and Don decided to head home.
"I think we need some relief Mac. How about your place tonight. Sheldon and I will bring the movies. You and Stel handle the snacks."
"Sound like an idea. But no love stories. Grab a couple oldies."
"Hmm...what did you have mind Mac?"
"Oh...maybe some Impostor and Miracle...."
Don laughed...."we'll see what we can do. See ya Mac."
When Mac got in the door Mitch rolled towards him in his walker. Reaching his arms in the air he giggled for daddy to pick him up.
"Heeeeeey.....there's my little man. How goes it?"
Bouncing up and down on his daddy's hip, Mac carried him to the kitchen.
"Hi Stel."
"Hi....bout time. I hear we are having guests tonight?"
"We are. Uncle Don...Uncle Sheldon...and your Aunties."
Mitch clapped his hands, and laid his head on his daddy's shoulder.
When company arrived Mac placed Mitch on the floor while he answered the door.
"Bout time...what took you two so long? And where's Sheldon and Brenda?"
"They won't be coming. Brenda got called back to the Hospital for the stork and Sheldon drove her."
"So he's not coming over at all?"
"Nope...he's going to wait for her to finish. But he said he'll call you tomorrow."
As they walked into the living room Mac heard Mitch crying. Running over he seen Bonkers had his sons soother in his mouth.
"Bonkers....No....bad dog. Bonkers no."
As Mac went to grab for the soother bonkers picked it up again and ran with it. Watching his daddy chase the the puppy caused Mitch to giggle. He thought his daddy was the funniest chasing the puppy across the floors.
Don put down the snacks infront of Mitch on the floor while he helped Mac. Bad mistake that...for Mitch seen the bright shinny red bags glistening. Sliding his way over on his tummy...he pulled at one of the bags until he had it out on the floor.
Not knowing what it was..he had to admit he liked the crinkling noise it made as he squeezed it. No longer interested in his daddy and Uncle's persuit of his soother, he began gumming the bag.
*Pop*
Hearing the bag of chips pop from the pressure of the air scared Mitch as he began screaming. Coming out of the kitchen Stella and Jess seen the potato chips all over Mitch, and the floor.
"Maaaaaaaaaaac....weren't you watching. Who left the chips on the floor?"
Turning to the sound of her voice...Bonkers seen the chips. Dropping the soother he ran over and began cleaning them off Mitch's tummy, causing him to laugh and giggle.
"Jeeez Stel....no I didn't. Concidering I've been spending the last ten minutes with Don trying to get Mitch's soother from that idiot dog."
Picking his nephew up before Bonkers thought he was a chip, he carried him to the couch and sat down.
"Hey Mitch...did you have fun?"
Gurgling out sounds he looked at his Uncle all wide eyed as he bounced up and down on him. With the mess cleaned up Stella reached for her son.
"Alright Mitch....say goodnight to everyone."
No way...Mitch didn't want to go to bed. He wanted to stay up and play. Throwing back his back he screamed...
"Shh....come on Mitch....here..here's your soother. Shh....."
Not wanting it, he threw it down on the ground again while continuing to scream.
"Just leave him up for a bit Stel. He doesn't want to go to bed yet."
"Listen Mac....I'm the one who gets up with him in the middle of night. He needs to stay on his schedule, otherwise he becomes cranky, like he is now."
"He's cranky love because you are trying to put him to bed."
Mitch was watching his mom and dad argue over his sleeping habits. Which he had to admit he liked...cause he got to stay up longer.
"Ummm...not to interrupt or anything. But have you both noticed Mitch has stopped screaming."
"So....what does that have to do with anything Don?"
"He knows Mac....he's smart that boy of yours. The more you two argue, the longer he gets to stay up."
"You're crazy Don...babies don't think like that."
"If you say so Mac. Just look at his face. His expression shows it all."
Mac decided to test Don's theory.
"Come on Mitch...bedtime."
As Mac went to take his son he screamed again.
"Mac....leave him up...he's not tired."
Watching as they began to argue....they both noticed Mitch had stopped his temper.
"Huh...sneaky little imp."
Laughing everyone couldn't agree more.
With bed time obviously not happening for Mitch. He sat quietly on his Uncle's lap playing with his keys.
"Alright..seeing we didn't get the movies. What rerun are we going to watch?"
"Hmm..how about a Christmas one? I love Christmas movies."
"There's an idea. I have....It's a wonderful life and Scrooge with Alister Simms."
"Oh yay...let's watch both."
Placing the movie in the DVD player Stella heard the knock on the door.
"Hey Stella....umm...I talked to Sheldon. Err...hmm..he told me you guys were watching movies. So I brought Pizza."
Stella laughed. Adam was so sweet.
"Come on in Adam...we're all in the den."
"Hey.....Adam. Have a seat."
"Thanks Mac....hey Mitch...what are you still doing up?"
Stretching out his arms Adam reached for him.
"He only wants you cause you have Pizza and he likes gumming the crust."
Mac smirked..."put the horns in Don. You have to share the Mitch'man."
With the movie starting Adam leaned back against the couch with Mitch in his arms.
"Stella....I think he's sleeping."
"Aww...he is Adam. I'll take him."
Leaving the room Stella changed him into his jammies, turned on his nightlight, whispered her love and left the room.
In the Maternity Ward Sheldon was having fun holding all the babies.
"Sheldon Hawkes....look at you. I haven't seen you for years. Still hiding under the ME rock?"
"Nope...I'm in the field now. I gave up the ME part of it. So how's life treating you Frank?"
"It's good. My wife and I had our third child. My oldest daughter just got married, and my second oldest son just graduated with Honors."
"Wow...sounds like you've all been doing great."
"We have. So how about you? You married yet?"
"Engaged...soon to be married though to Brenda. So we've planned on a small ceremony in Feburary."
"Nice...you have yourself a wonderful fiance there Sheldon. Hold onto her tight."
"Oh I plan too. You can count on that."
"Hey Sheldon....you ready to go?"
"Hi Bren, yeah. See you around Frank."
"Sure thing Sheldon. Take care Brenda."
"You too Frank. I didn't know you knew Frank... Sheldon?"
"Just a little. We did one year together. He was alright. Little rough around the edges, but he seemed smart."
"I don't know about smart. He's had three confrontations with other doctors. There's been talk of having him removed from the Hospital."
"You're kidding."
"Wish I was. Though I can understand the Hospital's concerns too."
Sheldon knew there was a story to be told here. But he also knew it was best to wait till they got home.
Half way through the movie Jess became uncomfortable.
"You okay Jess?"
"No...my back is killing me. Way down low."
Getting up she sat on the floor with her back facing her husband.
"Donnie....can you just rub my lower back please?"
While Stella watched she wondered if Jess may be going into early labor. She wasn't due till January, but it wouldn't be unheard of to have it early.
"Jess....do you have pain anywhere else?"
"A little in my bladder. But it's my back that aches. really bad."
"Don...maybe you should get her to the Hospital. She could be going into early labor."
"Oh Stel...it wouldn't be that....would it? I think it's just those braxton hicks. I'm fine....don't fuss."
"Are you sure Jess? I don't mind taking you to the Hospital."
"I'm fine honey....don't worry. Just keep rubbing. It's feeling a little better."
"You know what you could do love.....call brenda."
"Forget it Don....she's been in the labor room all night. Let her and Sheldon have some peace."
"Fine....you win for now. But if they get worse we are going. Even if I have to drag you."
"Deal...now let's watch the rest of the movie."
Once the movie had ended everyone left for home.
"You know Mac. I have a feeling Jess is going to give birth early."
"Hmm...you think so love?"
"I do. You know what would be wonderful? If she had it at Christmas."
"But I thought Jess didn't want it born on a holiday."
"Oh....that's what she says. But secretly....she'd love it. Cause I know I would."
"Well then . How about we go to our room, make love, and see if we can't make another miracle of our own."
Laughing Stella ssaid.....
"Last one there has to do all the work."
Mac laughed...all the work of loving his wife. He could handle that. Taking his time, he slowly walked towards their room.
It must have been three in the morning when the pain started again. Waking Don from sleep he helped her dress.
"I told you we should have went to the Hospital earlier Jess. Help me here now, give me your leg."
"Oh...oh God...my water just broke."
Once Don had her dressed, he picked her up and carried her to the car.
"Are you going to be able to tolerate the ride Jess? Or should I call 911?"
"No...I'm fine. Let's just get there. We can call Brenda now."
Flipping his cell, Don woke her and Sheldon from sleep.
"Hello."
"Sheldon it's don...is Brenda there?"
"Yeah...hold on. Is everything okay?"
"It will be soon."
"Okay...brenda...Bren...wake up love it's Don."
"Mmm..hello."
"Brenda...I'm on my way to the Hospital with Jess. I think she's in labor."
"Okay...how far apart are her contractions?"
"I've timed the last three. Less then a three minute apart."
"Okay...we still have time. Has her water broke?"
"Yes...about ten minutes ago. We are just pulling into the ER now."
"I'll be there in five Don. Just relax and stay calm."
"What's going on Brenda?"
"You may want to wake Mac, Stella and the team. Jess is having her baby."
Looking at the calender Sheldon seen the star on his date.
"I won...I won the two hundred bucks."
"What two hundred bucks?"
"That we bet on Jess. I said she would give birth on the 13th and she is."
"Tsk...leave it to you boys to bet on a child. I'm going now...you and the gang can meet us there."
"Alright Bren....drive carefully hon."
"I will. See you soon."
Picking up the phone Sheldon called Mac.
"Taylor.."
"Mac...it's Sheldon...Jess is in labor. Don just rushed her to the Hospital."
"What!! Are you serious. Okay...we'll be right there."
"Umm...Mac.."
"What is it Sheldon?"
"If you and Stella are both coming. Who's staying with Mitch...Bonkers?"
*Laughing*
"Funny Sheldon. Very funny. For your information your nephew is wide awake. So we'll see you soon."
Hanging up the phone, Mac dressed Mitch, then woke his wife.
"Stel...Stella...wake up love. Jess is in labor. We need to get to the Hospital."
"Oh...ohhh...are you serious. Okay...give me five minutes. Oh...this is wonderful."
Mac laughed....only his wife would be full of happiness at three in the morning