Alright you guys...here we go. Once again, thank you for all of the reviews, alerts, favorites and for simply reading and enjoying "Grace".

Epilogue

"Ryan...Evans...you...are...never...touching...me...again!" Kelsi screamed as the contraction ripped through her entire body. She seriously felt like she was being torn in half. She held on to her husband's hand for dear life, physically opposing the command she had just yelled.

Ryan felt like each and every finger was being broken off his hand, but he stayed silent. He knew the pain in his hand was nothing compared to the pain his wife was in right now.

"It's going to be alright sweetheart, I promise, everything is going to be fine." Ryan said in a soothing manner, using his free hand to push some damp curls off Kelsi's forehead. Inside Ryan was a basket case, praying that the promise he had just made his wife was factual.

Kelsi shot Ryan a look that said "this is most definitely not fine." She was about to verbalize the thought, when the doctor's voice interrupted.

"Alright Kelsi, when I say go I want you to push."

Kelsi didn't think she had ever heard a more welcoming order.

"Alright Kelsi, now...PUSH!"

Kelsi let out a huge scream as she pushed with all of her might, struggling to release the pressure that was presently centered in her abdomen. She forced herself to let go of Ryan's hand, so he could be one of the first faces their new son or daughter encountered.

Ryan had never seen anything so extraordinary. He watched as with one push Kelsi gave birth to the newest member of their family. As he heard the baby's cry echo throughout the room, an emotion so deep and powerful took over his entire being. He was shaken out of his inner revelry when the doctor announced the gender.

"Mr. And Mrs. Evans, you have a son." The doctor handed the baby to the waiting nurse, who quickly cleaned the young boy up.

Ryan quickly followed after the nurse to the side of the room, taking in every available feature of his son...his son...he had a son. He was so tiny, if Ryan were to place his head in his palm, his son's toes probably wouldn't even reach his forearm. White-blond fuzz covered his head. He couldn't yet see the color of his eyes, he had them closed tight while he wailed. He didn't seem too happy to be out of his Mommy's warm body.

Kelsi looked at Ryan, tears falling down her cheeks as she listened to her son's cries...was their anything more beautiful than the first cries of a child. And not just any child, hers and Ryan's child.

"We did it." She whispered, multitudes of emotion and love where behind those three little words as Kelsi gazed longingly at her husband.

Ryan tore his gaze away from the baby to look at his wife. God, she was beautiful. Her long brown curls were in a wild and damp disarray. Her eyes luminous and blue behind her glasses. And her cheeks and lips were both duo shades of an inviting pink. Ryan didn't think it possible, but in that moment he fell even more in love with his wife. His perfect wife who had just brought their second child into the world.

"You did it." Ryan said gently, correcting his wife.

Kelsi laughed lightly before answering Ryan, the exhaustion of the labor catching up to her.

"I had a little help in that department honey, the baby certainly didn't make himself."

Ryan actually had the grace to blush at Kelsi's comment.

"Well, is it safe to assume that whereas I participated in the fun part, the hard work was definitely all you." Ryan said, softly touching his fingers to Kelsi's smooth cheeks.

"You were wonderful Ryan, with all of it...the cravings, the moments of discomfort, helping me tie my shoes. You were my partner every step of the way. You were quite perfect actually Mr. Evans." Kelsi said with a smile, pulling Ryan's face down to hers.

The young couple's lips met in a wonderfully tired yet passionate kiss....that was cut off by the attending nurse.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I think there is someone here who is ready to meet you both."

Kelsi and Ryan both looked up anxiously, impatient to see the face of the little one they had gotten to know so well over the last nine months. The nurse gently placed the baby boy in Kelsi's arms. The new mother looked down on her now sleeping son and felt her breath hitch. He was magnificent. She turned to Ryan, the wonder evident in her expression.

"Look at him Ryan, he's so...beautiful." Kelsi stated in awe, struggling for a word that did the newborn justice.

Ryan leaned over to sit next to his wife on the bed, his hands covering Kelsi's as they held their son together. With the love evident in his features, he kissed both mother and son before addressing the baby.

"You, little man have no idea how many people are waiting outside those doors to meet you." Ryan said softly, so as not to wake the sleeping baby.

Kelsi smiled, thinking of a particular person who was probably impatient by now, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her baby brother. She turned towards her husband.

"I think it's time this little guy met his big sister." Kelsi said, her blue eyes meeting Ryan's.

Ryan smiled at the mention of Grace. He imagined the thought of his daughter would forever illicit a sense of pure happiness within his heart.

"And does Grace's brother have a name yet?" Ryan said addressing his wife. They had both decided to keep their thoughts on names a secret until the birth.

Kelsi looked down on her sleeping son, before turning to focus her gaze on his father.

"I was thinking he looked very much like a Gabriel."

Ryan reached down to trace the lines of his sleeping son's brows.

"Gabriel huh? What do you think little guy? Would you like the name Gabriel?"

At the sound of his father's voice directed on him, the baby boy opened his eyes. The bluest eyes Ryan had ever seen stared straight back at him. As Ryan remained eye contact with his son a sense of infinite peace came over him. He had the sudden premonition that his son was going to be someone remarkable.

"I think Gabriel is perfect." Ryan said, lifting his gaze to Kelsi's. "Now how about I go get Grace?"

"I think that's a grand idea." Kelsi said, nuzzling the baby.

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Ryan was so overcome with joy as he walked down the hallway, he performed a little jazz square. A passing nurse caught this and couldn't suppress her giggle. Ryan quickly turned from a walking dance to a sprint, as he raced through the doors into the waiting room. And then he stopped at the sight that greeted him, overcome with emotion.

Waiting outside the doors, he saw a room full of friends and family. All of them there eagerly awaiting the news he was about to share. His sister and Zeke sat in the corner, in deep conversation with Grace and Izzie. The two young girls were focused on Sharpay's rapidly expanding belly. Ryan smiled warmly as he watched his daughter put her ear to his sister's stomach, striving to hear a sound from the two babies who resided inside. Zeke watched in amusement, not about to admit that Ryan had caught him doing the same thing yesterday. Gabby and Troy sat next to Sharpay and Zeke. Ryan could have sworn he saw Troy quickly place a hand on Gabby's belly before kissing her gently on the cheek. Hmm...it looked like the Boltons were going to be making an announcement sometime soon. Taylor and Chad were playing with Jason and Martha's toddler Jack. And if Ryan wasn't mistaken there were definitely some looks of longing going on. These looks weren't lost on Jason and Martha, who were happy to let Chad and Taylor chase their one and a half year old for a while. Ryan let his gaze travel to the last couple in the room. He felt tears cloud his vision as he took in the sight of his parents. As far as Grandparents went, Vance and Derby deserved a medal; that's how devoted they were to their present and future grandkids.

Grace was the first one to sense her Daddy's arrival. She quickly turned her head from her Aunt Sharpay's stomach, making eye contact with her father. Grace felt a laugh bubble up to her lips. Her Daddy looked so messy. His hair was sticking up, his hat long ago forgotten so he could run his nervous fingers through the short blond tresses. His button down shirt was un-tucked and his pants were wrinkled. Grace didn't think she had ever seen him look better. She raced towards her father, the happiness radiating through her making her legs move even faster than normal.

"Daddy, is the baby here? Am I a big sister?" Grace asked excitedly.

Ryan leaned down and hoisted his daughter high up into his arms, taking a quick second to cuddle her to his chest. While Ryan focused on Grace, he made sure his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.

"You my dear have a new baby brother named Gabriel, and he and your Mommy are eagerly awaiting your arrival in the room." Ryan said, watching Grace's eyes grow with each passing word.

"I knew it!" Sharpay's shout filled the area...and probably beyond. Lost in the moment she tried to stand up, quickly realizing moving fast was no longer an option for her.

Zeke hurried to help his wife to her feet, letting his hands fall over the two girls that were nestled safely in his wife's belly. He was secretly thrilled at the prospect of having girls. The past couple years with Grace had convinced him how truly special little girls were...even if this did mean he was going to be wearing pink tutus in his future.

Ryan and Grace watched as Sharpay waddled towards them, her hand holding onto her husband's arm for support. Waddling was really the only way to describe Sharpay's walk, her usual strut on hold until after the babies were born.

Sharpay lovingly embraced her brother, enfolding him and Grace in an impromptu group hug.

"Congratulations Ry." Sharpay said warmly.

Sharpay's sentiments were quickly followed by the rest of the gang. All patiently waiting for their turn to meet the newest Evans. With the congratulatory hugs were the promises of cigars, (Chad, Troy and Jason had come prepared) babysitting, (Izzie through that one in), offers of food, (Gabby, Martha and Taylor offered their services) and most importantly love.

Grace gently reached up to her Daddy's face, bringing his gaze to hers. Ryan had become accustomed to Grace's surefire way of literally grabbing his attention.

"Daddy, please take me to meet my brother. I have been waiting for such a long time." Grace said, thoroughly touching Ryan's heart in the process.

Ryan gave his daughter a quick kiss on the lips, still holding her securely in his arms.

"Alright everyone, first things first...Gabriel has to meet his big sister." Ryan said, setting Grace down and enfolding her hand in his larger one.

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Ryan led Grace down the corridor, every so often twirling her into a spin. Before either one of them knew it they were at the door. Giving a gentle knock announcing visitors, Ryan pushed the door open. The sight that was waiting for him took his breath away.

Kelsi sat propped in the bed, the baby cuddled to her breast feeding. Ryan could hardly believe the beauty and intimacy in such a moment.

Kelsi looked up her gaze meeting Ryan's, a knowing look shared between the two before her focus moved down to Grace. Kelsi felt her heart fill at the sight of her first born, her perfect saving Grace.

"Hey Bunny Rabbit, come on over and meet your brother." Kelsi said softly, so as not to disrupt the feeding infant.

Grace needed no further encouragement. Quicker than lightening, she was by her Mommy's side. She felt her Daddy lift her up so she could watch her baby brother better. Resting her head on her Mommy's shoulder, Grace took in Gabriel for the first time. He was so tiny...and pink...and perfect. She was going to be the best big sister ever. As if suddenly noticing her blue eyes on him, Gabriel turned away from his Mother's breast to gaze at Grace. With his attention firmly on her Grace spoke to her baby brother.

"Hi there Gabriel. I am your big sister Grace, and I am so excited to finally meet you. It seems like I have been waiting for you for forever. I just want you to know that I am going to be the best big sister there is. I am going to walk you to school someday and babysit you and help you with your homework. I am going to make sure there are no monsters under your bed or in your closet. Oh, and I am going to share my Lucky Charms with you too. We are going to make forts and catch lightening bugs. I am always going to hug you and kiss you so you always know how loved you are. Because I love you Gabriel, I love you so much." Grace looked away from her new brother and into the eyes of her parents.

Kelsi and Ryan couldn't tear their gaze away from their daughter. Both of them had tears clouding their vision as they listened to the sweet speech Grace gave to Gabriel.

Grace looked at her parents, confusion showing in her features.

"Why are you guys crying? Aren't you happy?" Grace asked, suddenly growing worried.

Kelsi hurried to put her daughter's mind at ease.

"They're happy tears Bunny." Kelsi said, sharing a look with Ryan before continuing. "So many happy tears."

Ryan sat down on the bed, his arms settling around his growing family.

Grace felt her Daddy's arms around her and settled back to lean into his embrace. She thought about what her Mommy had said.

"Well, that makes sense then, because I don't think I have ever been this happy." Grace said, speaking her thought aloud.

Ryan looked from Kelsi to Grace to Gabriel. He was blessed, it wasn't every man who got to live his heaven.

The End