Well, there was supposed to be a wedding...but things don't always happen as planned.

I don't own the newsroom, or any of our favorite characters!

Chapter 37

Will returned the apartment to shower and change. His mind was spinning.

He was a father of a baby boy so tiny and helpless he could barely stand to think about his fragile state. He'd never seen a premature baby and the shock of if it was overwhelming. The doctor and nurses were congratulating him but all he could feel was fear. He couldn't understand how this tiny little bird could grow into a healthy child. Mackenzie seemed to understand that their baby already had feelings and could feel love and needed Will's reassurance. How did she know that…he wondered…

He hated feeling so helpless. This was not the way he had wanted things for Mackenzie or his son.

He wanted them to be married before their baby was born. It was a silly thing really. Married or not married, what was the difference? They were together and committed, and deeply in love, and that was all that mattered, as Mackenzie had pointed out many times.

But in his mind it made a huge difference. When Will became obsessed with something it took over, occupying his brain and disrupting his thoughts. It had always been that way. He obsessed over Mackenzie cheating with Brian, staying up nights reading mindless self help websites and grilling Dr Habib until finally one day, the obsession left his brain, without prior notice, but not before it nearly drove Mackenzie away for good.

He had to sort this out. There were a hundred other details that he needed to focus on now…like getting Mackenzie home…but to where? Their move was supposed to be happening now..and he wanted to go back to work, to do the news which he missed, and there were all these guests in town for the wedding that didn't happen, including his sister and Mackenzie's sister and brother in law…and when was the nanny starting, and where would she stay?

He found Andrew in the kitchen, baking and waiting nervously for the news of Mackenzie and the baby.

"Andrew, I have wonderful news. Mackenzie has delivered a baby boy, and you'll be happy to know that he has your name. We've named after Mackenzie's grandfather, the old Earl, who you know, shared you name."

"That makes me feel very good sir. How is Madame feeling?"

"She's doing well. You know you can call me Will, and she would want you to call her Mackenzie."

"Thank-you sir, but I'll need to think about that."

"What would you be calling her, if you were at home, on the estate?"

"Well sir, the correct title would be her ladyship, actually"

" I see…well then…let's work on Mackenzie, because here in New York we're not comfortable with titles. I hope you understand Andrew?"

"Yes of course. What can I do for you sir. I would like to help in any way I can."

"You can carry on with the move. Thing seem to be pretty well packed up and I would like Mackenzie and the baby to be coming home to our new place in a few weeks. Let's see if we can get it set up and comfortable by then. Do you think that's possible?"

"Absolutely"

Will had planned to call Charlie for some wisdom but then decided that Charlie had enough on his plate running two shows without him or Mac. And then Father Carl called to ask how Mackenzie and the baby were doing, and it was Will's chance to talk things through.

"They're doing ok, thank-you Father Carl"

"If there's anything I can do for you or Mackenzie, please call me Will. Perhaps you'd like to come to church and pray with me?"

"Sure Father, thank-you. There is something I would like talk about if you have a minute?"

"Of course Will. Come and see me if you can?"

Just walking into St Barthalamus made Will feel better. Since he was a boy, churches had been a refuge for Will and his brother and sisters. They were a safe place when his father was on drunken rampage. Father Carl was young and they both liked his easy manner. Mackenzie had even invited him to come to England to help their village pastor marry them in the family chapel, when the time came for a second ceremony.

"Will, this must be a hard time for you. How is the baby doing?"

" I guess he's ok. The doctors tell me he is, but he's so tiny and frail looking…"

Father Carl put his hand on Will's arm, and Will began to shake and cry openly, embarrassed at his sudden outpouring of emotion.

"That's fine Will. Sometimes tears are the best way to relieve our tension"

"I'm just really scared for our baby, and for Mackenzie. She's already so attached to him and she's hasn't even met him yet"

"Of course she is. She carried him for all these months Will. And your fear is because you're just as in love with him. Premature babies look so tiny, I know, but they are like little miracles. Believe me, I have watched so many grow up to be normal healthy kids."

Will looked up at Father Carl, wiping his eyes and trying to believe what he was saying could be true for his son, but still needing to ask the question…

"What if he dies?"

"Will, you're fearing the worst, but he's in God's hands and all we can do is pray that he'll grow and develop into a healthy child. Would you like me to baptize your son? Would that help to ease your mind?"

"I hadn't thought of that, but if you think so…?"

"Is there something else on your mind then?"

"I was actually going to ask you if you thought that Mackenzie and I should get married and if you could help us with that…I mean since our plans for tomorrow were interrupted by all of this, and now she can't leave the hospital until she's stronger. Even then our doctor thinks she should stay to be near the baby so she can feed him and hold him. But I really think we should be married.."

"Is that what you both want?"

"I don't know about Mac, I mean probably not. She never thought it mattered if we were married or not, and she wanted to be slim again for our wedding, but I want it."

"Why do you Will?"

"Because I want our son to have two parents who were married when he was born…or as close to his birthday as possible. I don't want him to grow up knowing that we weren't. It's not a big deal for Mackenzie because she grew up above the fray, so to speak. I didn't. I'm from a very poor family…white trash.. as they called us. I had a father but I knew kids who were bastards and it wasn't fun for them."

" I understand what you're saying. "

"Do you think it matters?"

"I think that God doesn't judge, but others do. Most of all, you marry because it's what your heart wants Will. If you heart wants to make this pledge to Mackenzie and your son, then you should. But talk to Mackenzie first. Would you like me to come with you?"

"Thanks, but I need to talk to her myself. I don't want her to feel pushed. When Mackenzie feels like she's being maneuvered….which I have been known to do…she reacts badly. If I mess this up, it could be years before we see the alter…if ever!"

"Then go and talk to her. If she wants to do this, I would be happy to marry you in the hospital , or here if her doctor would allow it. It doesn't matter where Will. God will be there, I promise you that."

"Rose! You're here". Mackenzie cried

"Of course I'm here Mackenzie. I came for you wedding remember! But now I get to meet my nephew. That's lovely, really it is." Rose kissed Mackenzie and hugged her through her tears.

" I know. I do tend to do things backwards, don't I ?"

"You've always managed to surprise me Mackenzie. But always in a good way. How are you feeling and how is my nephew?"

"I'm feeling much stronger and Andrew is so tiny and perfect…look Rose.." Mackenzie held out the photo the nurses had taken. Today I am going to meet him. I can hardly wait. As soon as Will arrives we're going to the neo natal ward to see him."

" I just arrived, so when Will gets here I'm going to leave you so I can drop by the hotel and shower and take a short nap, and then I'll be back. Is there anything you need?"

"No. Just come back when you're rested. Andrew will want to meet his aunty."

"Are you happy Mackenzie? "

" Yes, very happy. Will is frantic at the moment, but as soon as he sees that Andrew is going to be fine, and we can take him home, everything will be perfect Rose. And you haven't even see our new place yet. It's going to be beautiful and there's a lovely guest suit for you and Daniel and lots of room for the children. "

"And you and Will?"

"I love him so much and he's going to be a wonderful father. Can you believe that after all we've been through, it's Will after all?"

"Of course I believe it. Before father died we used to talk about you all the time. We both believed that you would never be happy with anyone else. And I'm sure it was the same for Will."

"You know when I came back he was still so angry with me, he could barely speak to me. But even then, I knew that he loved me Rose. I could see it in his eyes every time he looked at me. For over a year it was torture for both of us, but we got past that and now here we are with a new baby."

"What about your wedding plans?"

"Honestly? I don't care if we ever get married. I mean I'm sure we will because Will wants it so much…but someday. It just doesn't seem important now."

Will had been standing at the door to Mackenzie's room, just long enough to hear her last sentence. This is not going to be easy...he thought..

"Rose. I'm so happy you made it. Hello sweetheart. Rose what do you think of your sister? She couldn't stand the thought of waddling down the aisle, so she decided to go into labour instead" Will kissed Rose and then bent down to embrace Mackenzie and kiss her tenderly.

"I think she's brilliant. Congratulations Will. I couldn't be happier for you both. I'm leaving you two alone now and going to my hotel for a shower. I'll be back with Daniel. We both want to meet our new nephew ."

They said their good-byes and Mackenzie looked at Will with excitement.

"It's time Will. Please take me to see Andrew. I can't wait a moment longer."

Will called for a nurse and they helped Mackenzie into a chair and wheeled her to the nursery.

"He's here Mac. This tiny little thing is our son" Will whispered…

"Oh Will, her's so beautiful." Mackenzie took Will's hand and asked if she could hold her baby. The nurse showed her how to put her arms into the incubator and gently placed Andrew into her hands. Will was moved by the sight of Mackenzie holding their tiny son and cooing to him. When it was his turn his hands were shaking and Mackenzie put her hand on his arm and helped to quiet his nerves.

"It's ok. He's knows you're his daddy. Don't worry, he's tiny but he's very strong."

Andrew opened his eyes and looked up at Will and Mackenzie could not stop the tears from streaming down her cheeks. Andrew fit into Will's large hands and his eyes were as blue at Wills and she was certain they would stay that way.

"Mrs McAvoy, you'll be feeding him a few days. He'll be off the tubes in a week and you'll be able to hold him in your arms. He's doing very well. Dr Knolls is very pleased."

After a while Will could see that Mackenzie was growing tired. He wheeled her back to her room and helped her into bed.

"Mackenzie I want to ask you something before you fall asleep. Something you can think about."

"What is it darling?"

" You know Rose is here now, and Susie is coming, and we were going to be married and I was thinking…well, it's …have you noticed how they call you Mrs.." Mackenzie could see that Will was struggling just to get the words out

"Will, take my hand and take a deep breath. What are you trying to tell me? Just say it, please?"

"That I want us to get married. I want Father Carl to marry us, as planned, only right here if you can't go church. I don't care where we do it. . Can you we do that Kenz? Will asked, quietly.

Mackenzie looked at Will's face and could see how much he wanted this. His eyes were blazing and he was looking at her with so much love and longing…she wondered what she had done to deserve this incredible man who wanted her so badly…

"Of course we can. " she said softly. We just have to ask Dr Knolls if I can leave for a little while. I'm feeling so much stronger and no more tubes.""

Will smiled and kissed her gently…and whisperd…"Thank-you Kenz. That would make me very happy. You don't have to do a thing. I'll let you know when and make all the arrangements. Just go to sleep. You need to rest."

"I would suggest that you talk to Father Carl first…except knowing you, you've already got the whole thing arranged…haven't you McAvoy? " Mackenzie laughed.

"Well…. let's just say I put him on notice, pending your ok…of course."

"Of course…" Mackenzie's eyes were closed. She wanted to dream about Andrew and the sight of their tiny son in his hands…Will could figure out the rest, and she knew he would.

Will just knew he needed to leave and get everything organized for his third attempt.. to marry this woman, before she changed her mind. He called Dr Knolls and got his ok to take Mackenzie out of the hospital for a few hours, so long as she didn't walk, and was back in bed later that evening.

"Where the hell is Sloan?!" Will's voice boomed through the newsroom as if he had never left it.

"Will.. what are you doing here?"

"Not now Maggie. Where is Sloan? Go and find her !"

Maggie scurried away in search of Sloan, but not before stopping to call Charlie as she had promised to do the second anyone heard from Will or Mackenzie. But no one expected to see either of them in studio for at least a week.

"Millie, tell Mr Skinner that Will is here" Maggie whispered into the phone…"And tell him that he's kinda worked up."

"Maggie!" Will shouted from his office. "Now where has Maggie gone?

"Will, you're back and I see you've found your voice!" Charlie waltzed into Will's office happy to see his favorite anchor back in fighting form.

"Where the hell is that girl? I sent her to find Sloan, and instead she sends you?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I told Maggie to call me if she heard from you. Never expected to see you so soon. Things must be fine at the hospital?"

"Better than fine. We're having a wedding Charlie. I need you and Sloan and I'm sure that Mac would want Jim, but that's it. Father Carl is going to marry us. Mac can leave the hospital for a few hours. Can I count on my best man to show up?"

"Of course you can. So when is the happy event ?"

"Well that depends when Sloan gets here. She does still work here doesn't she?"

"Will…Maggie says you want to see me? What are you doing here anyway? Is everything ok with Kenz and the baby?" Sloan was out of breath as she ran into Will's office.

"Everything is fine with Mac and my son Andrew" will said with pride in his voice.

"And by the way Sloan, Kenz is MY name for Mac…in case you didn't k now!"

"Gee, I can see that fatherhood has brought out your most charming side!"

"Ok, I guess I better be nice and let you call her Kenz, because I need a favour from you. Sloan, I'm marrying my girlfriend..if you would kindly get your ass in gear and come with me to the apartment. Mackenzie is going to need something to wear that's easy for her to get into. Check with her and see what she wants. Then pack it up, and get yourself ready because we're going to have a wedding"

"What are you talking about? When?"

"You know, the ceremony with the 'I do's"…and it's as soon as you and Charlie are ready…hopefully tonight…and it's in our church, just you two and Jim, our sisters, and Mac's brother-in-law and Lonny. Call Mac, I'm sure she'll give you a list. Oh…and bring Lottie. Mac will feel better if she can get a little dolled up and Lottie will know what to do. "

"Well Sloan, you heard the man! You and I have things to do! I'll go and get my tux. Don't care where this is happening, I want to look my best for your bride, and Will you better get some flowers..and don't forget to bring the ring!"

Late that afternoon Sloan arrived at the hospital with Lottie in tow to wash and blow dry Mac's hair and do her make-up. Sloan decided to bring her bridal gown as it was loose and flowing, so Mackenzie could be comfortable. She got the combination for the safe and brought the tiara and other jewelry just in case..

Lonny had gone to get Will and had sent a car for Rose, Daniel and Jim.

No one knew where Susie was, and unfortunately Will was not surprised. They left instructions for her at the apartment in case she showed up, to come to the church. Charlie was planning something. He had an idea that would be a wonderful surprise for Will and Mac. With Millie and Peter Philips help, he might just be able to pull it off.