Here we go! Chapter 25! Enjoy :)
I DO NOT own NCIS, Rizzoli Isles or anything related to it.
Tony's good knee nervously bounced up and down as he and Kate waited in the physician's office for the doctor to return with his x-ray results.
Kate placed her hand on his knee, halting the movement. "Relax. It's going to be good news."
The door opened and in walked the physician.
"Got good news for me?" asked Tony with a nervous smile.
The physician sighed as he sat down. "I'm sorry, Tony, but from looking at your x-rays, it doesn't seem that your bones are healing as quickly as we hoped. We're going to have to hold off on your surgery."
"But Dr. Evens said I would be ready for surgery in February. It's February!"
"February was just a projected time frame."
"I have a projected time frame too," Tony looked down at Kate's swollen stomach.
"You can't rush your recovery, Tony. Now I know you were looking forward to having the use of your hands before your baby is born but that might not be the case. We'll check the situation a few more times in the coming weeks but you're looking at least another four to six weeks before you are ready for surgery."
Tony dropped his head in disappointment.
Kate reached over and rubbed gentle, comforting circles on his back. "It's going to be okay, Tony."
Without a word, Tony stood up and limped out the room.
"I'm sorry," apologized the doctor. "But he's just not ready for surgery."
"It's not your fault," replied Kate. "He was looking forward to being out of his casts. Especially with the baby's due date approaching."
"I wish there was something I can do to expedite the process but I can't."
"I know, Doctor and I thank you for all you've done," Kate shook the physician's hand before walking out the room.
In the hallway, Tony leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He looked to the side to see his wife approaching him. "You're a doctor," he said. "Use your medical training, perform my surgeries and get me out these casts."
Kate chuckled. "You know I can't do that. I'm a pathologist not a surgeon."
"You perform autopsies, same concept."
"No, it's not. My patients are already dead, I don't have to worry about possible complications killing them. There's greater room for error."
"So? I trust you, you're the queen of perfection, I know you won't mess up."
"I'm not willing to take that chance. Plus, you can't rush your recovery, Tony."
"I want to use my hands, Kate! I'm tired of being helpless!"
"You're not helpless."
"Really? I can't feed myself, I can't bathe myself, I can't go to the bathroom by myself! I want be able to touch things! Feel things! You know how hard it is not be able to feel the baby move! To feel you!"
"I know you're frustrated with your condition but we will get through it. It's just another six weeks."
"Another six weeks that puts us closer to the baby's due date. These are the weeks I really should be taking care of you, hand and foot and instead you have to look after me."
"I vowed to be with you through sickness and health, Tony."
"Yeah but there's a line, Kate."
"Not for me."
"But what about the baby? You are always talking about how babies come early. You want me to catch her and I might not get to do that."
"But you will be there. You will be there with me to welcome our baby into the world and the doctors will put her in your arms because the Tony DiNozzo I know wouldn't let anything stop him from holding his little girl, and she will get to feel all the love you have for her, that's all that matters."
Tony looked down at Kate. "You always try to find the bright side, don't you?"
"Yes, I do," Kate smiled.
Tony laughed. "Are you even human? How can you possibly find the bright side in all this?"
"I have already been through the worst I could ever imagine when it comes to you. Seeing you in a coma all those weeks, facing the reality that you might not have woke up and I would have to raise our daughter without you made me realize what is most important in life. Right now, it's not about whether or not you are in casts or able to use your hands but the fact that you are here with me, alive, without any neurological or motor complications."
Tony sighed. "You know when you put it that way, complaining about being in these casts for six more weeks seems rather silly."
"Exactly! So what I may have to come up with a feeding schedule that accommodates both of you and the baby, at least I have you."
Tony smiled as he kissed Kate. "I love you."
"I love you too. Now, what do you say we go get some lunch?"
"I don't know?"
"Come on! I could really go for one of Angela's bacon clubs right now. We could share some of that loaded potato soup you like."
"Why do I feel like you are trying to use me as an excuse to consume more bacon?"
"Because I am!" smiled Kate. "Plus, since we are so close to the office, the team was going to meet us for lunch."
"I'll go grab lunch but I really don't feel like dealing with the team today. I just want to go home and hang out."
"We can do that too."
"Thanks."
Later that evening, Jane walked into Kate and Tony's apartment. "Maura?"
"I'm in the nursery!" called out Kate.
Jane walked into the nursery to find Kate folding a basket of baby clothes placing them into drawers. "What happened to lunch today? Me, Ziva, Abby and Tim waited at the café for you guys."
"Tony was feeling a little down after his appointment so we took ours to go. Sorry, I should've called."
"Guess Tony didn't get good news from his doctor."
Kate sighed. "No, his bones aren't healed enough for them to move forward with the next surgery. His physician says it could be another six weeks."
"Six weeks? Are you serious?"
"Yeah, he has been in a funk all day."
"I know how Tony feels, when I shot myself during that hostage situation at B.P.D., all I wanted was to get back to work, back to my life but my doctors wouldn't let me."
"You weren't ready. Neither is, Tony. You all want to go out and chase bad guys, neglecting the effects it can have on your already fragile bodies."
"We're cops, Maura! That's what we do! We fight through the pain to get the job done, to protect innocent lives! If we can't do that we're lost! I mean this has to be ten times harder for Tony, given his injuries. I knew I would be back to work eventually but he doesn't even know if he will ever be able to walk without assistance again."
"I think both are the least of his concern right now. With me being due in eight weeks, he's more worried he may still be in casts when she's born."
"Can that happen?"
"Seeing as only five percent of women actually give birth on their due date, it's quite possible."
"Maybe she will come late? Ma says I was nearly two weeks late, Frankie, three! She had to be induced for the both of us and I still didn't come out until almost a day and a half later!"
"That must have been rough on your mother?"
"She brings it up anytime me or Frankie do something wrong. "Thirty-six hours in labor with you and this is all I get!"" mocked Jane in Angela's voice.
Kate laughed. "What about Tommie?"
"Oh, he was born two weeks early. Which explains so much. He didn't have time to develop fully."
"Well that information is useful to you if you want to gauge when your children might be born, giving birth premature or being overdue is usually hereditary but it isn't very useful to me as I am not your mother's child."
"You are too."
"Genetically, I mean."
"Oh. Anything making you think you may deliver early?"
"Other than Angela's superstitions, no. I haven't experienced any cramping or spotting. My guess would be we will be seeing her in April."
"What has Ma been saying?"
"She say my stomach is getting lower which is an indicator that the baby is getting ready for delivery."
"You know, there's a good chance my mother was born early too."
Kate laughed. "Not that I would mind her coming a bit early. Pregnancy kind of sucks!"
"You don't mean that."
"Yes, I do! My feet are swollen beyond recognition as is the rest of me, my back hurts constantly, and I pee every hour."
"Yes, all so in two months you can have a cute little baby to match with all your outfits," Jane rubbed Kate's stomach.
"Are you trying to make me feel better?"
"Is it working?"
"A little."
"Come on, Maura. You're having a baby! I'm sure the process stinks but just think of what you are getting out of it."
"You're right."
"I know I am. Well, I got to go, I'm meeting Joey for drinks."
"Oh, meeting Joey again, are you?"
"Don't say it like that."
"Say it like what?"
"Like you are trying to imply that there is something between us when there isn't."
"If you say so."
"I say so!"
"Have you slept with him yet?"
"What? No! Maura!"
"You are a grown woman, Jane. Sexual desire is perfectly normal. You can tell me, I won't tell anyone."
"I haven't slept with Joey, there! Happy?"
"Why not?"
"What do you mean why not?"
"I mean you want to sleep with him, don't you?"
"Yes but I'm taking it slow. There's an emotional component that comes with sex that I don't know if I'm ready for. My last two relationships haven't exactly been the healthiest emotionally. I don't want to risk it."
"Joey is not Dean and he is certainly not Casey. Grant has been the only man who I have ever seen you be able to be one hundred percent yourself with and who loves you just like that. He doesn't make you choose between being Jane and Detective Rizzoli, he accepts both, just as she is."
"How did you know that you wanted to go back and try again with Tony?"
"Tony is home for me. For the eight years I had been Maura, I never felt as safe and comfortable with a man as I do with him. Who doesn't want to go back home?"
"Maybe, you're right."
"I don't think it will be something you will regret."
Jane smiled. "Are you guessing, Dr. Isles?"
Kate smiled. "You know I don't guess. Oh!" Kate flinched as she felt a kick from the baby.
Jane laughed. "My niece says otherwise. You two need anything before I go?"
"No, we're fine. Thanks."
Two weeks later, Kate wobbled into the living room rubbing her lower stomach in discomfort.
Tony looked up at her from his spot on the couch. "You okay?"
"Yeah," groaned Kate.
Tony reached out his arms, allowing Kate to sit on his lap as he gently rested his casted hand on her stomach. "She sitting low again?"
"Not really, I'm just cramping. I think I'm having Braxton Hicks contractions."
"Do we need to go to the hospital?"
"No, they are completely normal just uncomfortable."
"You sure?"
"I've worked a few maternity ward rotations, I would know if I was going into labor and I'm not."
"Okay," Tony softly kissed Kate's cheek. "Anything I can do to help?"
"Get your daughter out of my uterus."
Tony laughed. "I can't do that, she still needs to cook for six more weeks."
"Fine. What are you watching?"
"News, they are calling for a bad snowstorm this weekend."
"How much snow are they calling for?"
"At least a foot overnight. We should probably hit the store for some essentials."
"What are you talking about? I always have an emergency kit on hand and plenty of dry and canned goods."
"Yes, but you don't have an emergency pregnancy kit stocked with chocolate, bacon or Cheetos."
Kate smiled. "No, I don't have that."
Tony laughed.
Just then the door opened and in walked Angela and Jane. "Okay, get dressed, we need to hit the grocery store, there is a big storm coming and we need the essentials. Bread, eggs…"
"Beer!" added Jane.
"You two can come with us and pick up your snacks. Tony, you still have pudding?"
"Yeah but I'm out of applesauce."
"We'll pick up some more," Angela helped Tony up. "This is going to be fun! My first snow day with you kids! We can make s'mores, drink hot cocoa, play games!"
"You do realize "us kids" are in our thirties, right?"
"You will always be kids to me," Angela playfully pinched Jane's cheeks. "Now come on, let's get a move on! I want to beat the crowds!"
At the grocery store, Tony hobbled behind Kate as they pushed their cart together down the aisle.
"You want crunchy or puffed Cheetos this time?" asked Tony.
"Hmm, puffed," replied Kate.
Tony walked over and carefully squeezed a bag of chips with his casted hands and placed them in the cart.
"Getting good at that," smiled Kate.
"As long as I've been in these casts, I should be!"
Kate laughed but her laughter quickly turned to moans of pain as she held her stomach. "Ow!"
Tony rushed over to her side. "Whoa, you okay?"
Kate took a few deep breathes. "Yeah," she stood up.
"Those Braxton Hicks contractions again?"
Kate nodded. "I'm okay, Tony," she smiled. "Come on, help me finish pushing the cart. We still have to get you some applesauce."
Tony hesitated before he resumed his position behind Kate as they continued their shopping trip.
That evening, Angela and Jane crashed at Tony and Kate's place. The four of them sat around the coffee table playing a board game.
"Oh!" exclaimed Jane. "Boardwalk, so buying it!" Jane began to count out the colorful play money. "How much for a hotel, Maura?"
No reply.
"Maura?"
"Mmm?" winced Kate, rubbing her lower stomach.
"I want to buy a hotel, how much?"
Kate groaned in pain as she sat up in her spot in between Tony legs. "I don't know, Jane."
"You're the deeds keeper, can you look?"
"I can't do this right now."
"Honey, what's wrong?" asked Tony.
"I'm not feeling too well."
"You don't look too good," commented Angela.
"I think I need to lay down for a bit."
"Yeah, sweetie, you do that."
Kate looked at Tony with pleading eyes. "Will you lay with me?"
"Yeah, sure," agreed Tony.
"You two go lay down. We'll leave," said Jane as she and Angela helped Tony and Kate to their feet.
"You don't have to leave. Make yourself at home. I just need to rest a bit," Kate and Tony went into the bedroom leaving Angela and Jane in the living room.
"You think she's okay?" asked Jane, worried.
"She'll be fine," said Angela. "She's in her third trimester, at this point, I was always feeling sick."
"We're not talking about you, we're talking about Maura."
"She'll be okay. You want to restart the game?"
"Sure."
In the bedroom, Tony tried his best to make Kate comfortable in bed. He laid down next to her, allowing her to snuggle into him.
"My back really hurts," whispered Kate.
"I really think you should go to the hospital. You really don't look good," said Tony.
"Just lay with me, I'll be okay," Kate grabbed Tony's arm wrapping it around herself.
A few hours later, Jane stood looking out the window at the falling snow, sipping a beer. "It's really coming down out there. Feel bad for anyone who has to be out in that!"
"Glad we're inside, warm and cozy!" smiled Angela. "Pizzas are almost done. You think we should wake Maura and Tony and see if they're hungry?"
"Yeah, I'll go see if they want anything," Jane walked to the bedroom and knocked on the open door.
Kate and Tony stirred from their sleep.
"Sorry to wake you, just wanted to know if you two were hungry. Ma made pizzas."
Tony stretched. "What do you think, Kate? You feel well enough to eat something?"
Kate froze as sat up in bed.
"What's wrong?" asked Jane, approaching Kate.
Kate pulled back the cover revealing the wet spot surrounding her in the bed.
"Oh shit!" whispered Jane.
"Kate, is that?" questioned Tony.
"Its amniotic fluid," said Kate.
"Oh my God, Kate. You're water broke!"
"I'm very much aware of that, Tony."
"But that means you're having the baby!"
"I know, Tony."
"But you said you were having Braxton Hicks."
"I was wrong."
"But it's too early."
"Could you please stop stating the obvious and help me?"
"What should we do?" asked Jane, panicking.
"First thing is not to panic."
"Messed that up already!"
At that moment, Angela walked in. "Everything okay in here?"
"Maura's water broke!"
"What?" shouted Angela. "Maura, you're in labor?"
"Can you please stop shouting?" exclaimed Kate. "And yes, I am in labor."
"Oh my God," grinned Angela. "We're having a baby!" She rushed over to hug Kate. "I'm so excited! I get to meet my granddaughter!"
"Angela, could you maybe curb your excitement until after we get to the hospital?" asked Kate.
"I'm sorry. Do you have your hospital bag packed already?"
Kate nodded. "It's in the hall closet, so is the baby's. Can you grab the outfit out the crib as well?"
"Okay, I'll grab the bags. Jane?"
"Yeah?" replied Jane.
"Call the front desk and have them bring you car around."
"Good idea," Jane ran out the room, followed by Angela.
Kate carefully moved to the side of bed. "Can you help me up, Tony?"
Tony hobbled over allowing Kate to use him as support to stand.
Standing up, Kate was hit with a strong contraction causing her to fall into Tony's chest, gripping his arm casts tight.
Tony did his best to support her weight. "Breathe, Kate."
Kate slowly inhaled and exhaled as the contraction passed. "I need to change clothes. I can't go to the hospital looking like this."
"You are seriously worried about fashion right now?"
Kate tilted her head at Tony.
"I don't know why I asked that."
Tony helped Kate to the closet where she changed into a clean pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt and a zip up hoodie. Tony helped Kate to the living room where she sat on couch trying her best to put her sneakers on.
Kate looked up at Tony, noting the nervous look on his face. "You look like you are going to vomit."
"It's too soon, Kate. Thirty-seven weeks! That's the magic number! All the books said babies born earlier have a risk of health and developmental problems. Brain hemorrhage, chronic lung disease, visual and hearing impairment, not to mention the risk for the mother."
Kate laughed. "And you call me Googlemouth."
Tony chuckled, nervously. "Sorry, I've had a lot of free time lately and I'm nervous. I just don't want anything bad to happen to you or her."
Kate smiled. "I know you're nervous but don't worry, everything is going to be fine. The baby is healthy and so am I, she will be premature but nothing says she won't be a normal, healthy baby," Kate rubber Tony's arm reassuringly.
A shy smile crossed Tony's lip. "We're having a baby! Are we sure we're ready for this?"
"I don't think we have much choice at this point."
Tony smiled as he kissed his wife.
The moment was interrupted when Jane entered the room. "We got a problem," said Jane. "The garage is snowed in, we can't get out of here!"
"What?" winced Kate.
"What's the matter?" asked Angela carrying two designer duffle bags.
"We can't get out!"
"But we need to get to the hospital! Maura is having the baby!"
"Well, unless you plan to walk the to the hospital, I don't know how you're going to get there."
"No need to panic, we will just call an ambulance," said Kate. "Emergency vehicles are equipped for this type of weather."
An hour passed as the group waited on the ambulance and Kate's labor progressed. Angela paced the room, checking her watch every ten seconds while Jane and Tony sat on floor with Kate. Tony sat with Kate in his lap, massaging her now constantly aching back with his casts.
"What's taking so long?" questioned Angela. "Someone could have died in the time that ambulance is taking!"
"There's like a foot of snow on the ground, Ma," said Jane. She turned her attention to Kate. "How you doing, Maur?"
"I'm hot," groaned Kate as she pulled off her jacket.
"You're doing good, Kate. Just hang in there," Tony kissed the side of Kate's head.
"How are your contractions?" asked Jane.
"Stronger," groaned Kate.
"Remember what Annabelle said, try to focus on something other than the pain."
"That's easier said than done."
Jane looked around the room before getting up, grabbing a deck of cards out the kitchen drawer. "Come on, let's play Gin."
"I'm terrible at Gin."
"Exactly, so you will be more focused on beating me than on the contractions," Jane shuffled and dealt the cards.
Another hour passed as Jane tried to keep Kate's mind occupied with cards. Try as she might, it was getting harder and harder for Kate to focus through the pain.
Jane put a card down. "Come on, Maura, your turn."
Kate groaned as she tried to breathe through a contraction.
"Fight through it, honey. Focus on the cards," coached Tony.
"I can't do this," hissed Kate, throwing the cards down.
"Come on, Maura. You can't just quit because I'm kicking your butt!" joked Jane.
"Here," said Angela, handing Kate a cup. "Eat some ice chips."
"I don't want any stupid ice chips!" snapped Kate as she doubled over holding her stomach. "Shit," hissed Kate in pain.
"I don't think I've ever heard Maura curse before," said Jane, sympathetically.
"She must be getting closer," said Angela.
"Breathe, Kate," cooed Tony. "You're doing great."
Kate leaned back against her husband, tears forming in her eyes.
"The baby is coming, Tony."
"I know, we will be at the hospital soon."
"We aren't going to make it to the hospital."
"What are you talking about? The ambulance will be here soon.
"We don't have time. The baby is coming now!"
"Maura, you aren't about to do what I think you are about to do?" questioned Jane, nervously.
Kate looked at Angela. "Angela, go to the laundry closet and get towels. Put them in the dryer. Then go in the kitchen and boil some pots of water. When I tell you to, bring them."
"Oh shit, you are!" exclaimed Jane. "Maura, you can't do this! Not here!"
"I don't have a choice, Jane," winced Kate.
"Maura, are you sure about this?" questioned Angela.
"It's the only option. Now could you please go warm the towels?"
Angela nodded before leaving the room to get towels.
"Would you prefer I sit on the sofa or the floor, Jane?" winced Kate.
"Why?" questioned Jane.
"Because you have to deliver her. Tony can't use his hands."
"Maura, no!"
"I'll talk you through it."
"Maura, I can't! I'm not a doctor!"
Kate looked Jane in the eyes. "Jane, please? I need you, my baby needs you."
"No, Maura," pleaded Jane.
"You can do this, Jane. I trust you with my life, with my daughter's life," said Kate.
"What if I mess up and hurt you? Or the baby?"
"You would never hurt me, Jane, and I know you would never hurt my baby."
Jane looked at Tony.
Tony nodded. "You got this, Rizzoli."
Jane swallowed. "Ok, what do I do?"
"Help me get out these pants," said Kate.
"Wouldn't you rather do this in the bed?"
"I don't think I can make it," Kate reached for the blanket on the couch, draping it over her legs. She wiggles out of her jeans. "Grab a pair of gloves out my medical bag."
Jane shuffled through the Hermes medical bag in the corner pulling out a pair of blue gloves. She slid them on. "Okay."
"I need you to see how dilated I am."
Jane cringed. "Wouldn't you rather have Tony check that? He's more familiar with you down there than I am."
"Jane!" scolded Tony and Kate.
"Okay!" Jane looked under the blanket. "Shit, Maura, I think I see the head."
"That's what I thought," winced Maura. "Okay, I'm going to try to push. I need you to count to ten and then tell me what you see."
"What can I do?" asked Tony.
Kate slid her back closer to Tony's chest. She placed his hands on her knees. She looked up at Tony. "Help me push, like we learned in class."
Tony gently kissed Kate's cheek, holding her closer. "I got you."
Kate looked at Jane. "Ready?"
Jane exhaled. "Ready."
Kate took a deep breath. With a grunt she began to push.
"1…2…3…" counted Jane.
At ten, Kate exhaled, breathing heavily as she tried to fight the pain.
Jane examined her. "She's lower. Can you push for ten more?"
Kate complied for ten more.
"The head is coming out!"
"You have to support her, Jane. As she comes out, just cradle her, don't pull her!" said Kate through labored breathing.
"Okay."
Angela ran into the room, kneeling down next to Jane. "Towels are in the dryer and the water is boiling! How can I help?"
"Make sure I don't pass out," retorted Jane.
"I need to push again," said Kate as she took a deep breath and began to push again.
Jane carefully cradled the baby's head.
Kate took a quick breath and began to push again.
"Her head is out."
"Put your finger and her mouth and scoop out anything that's in there so her airways aren't disrupted."
"I got it!" Angela slipped on some gloves and gently ran her finger inside the baby's mouth.
"Okay, the shoulders are the hard part," Taking another deep breath, Kate began to push again.
Seeing his wife struggle, Tony leaned into Kate allowing her to push back against him.
Beads of sweat formed on Kate's forehead as she screamed in pain.
"You're doing great, Kate!" cheered Tony. "Keep going!"
"Her shoulders are out!" said Jane with a smile that quickly disappeared. "Shit! Shit! Maura, stop pushing!"
"What?" questioned Kate.
"The thing! The thing is around her neck!"
"What thing?"
"The cord! It's around her neck!" repeated Angela.
"Jane, you have to take it off!" said Tony.
"I can't! It's too tight!"
"Jane, you have to relieve the pressure around her neck or else the cord can strangle her!" pleaded Kate.
"Ma, help!" cried out Jane.
"Hold on," Angela slid closer to get a better look. "I think I can get my fingers underneath to lift it up."
"Do it!"
Angela slipped two fingers underneath the cord lifting it off the baby's neck.
Jane looked at Kate. "Alright, Maura we need to get her out and fast. I want you to push as long and hard as you can."
Kate nodded and took a deep breath before she began to push again.
"Good Maura! Good!" cheered Jane. "Just a little more!"
Kate took another breathe before pushing. She left out an exhausted grunt as the felt the baby leave her body.
Holding the baby girl in her arm, Jane quickly removed the cord from her tiny neck. "Ma, bring me the towels fast!"
Angela ran out the room.
"Is she breathing, Jane?" asked Kate, near tears.
"I don't know?"
Angela brought in the towels and helped Jane wrap up the baby.
Jane gently cleaned off the baby's tiny face. "God, she's blue! Why is she blue?"
"She's not getting any oxygen," cried Kate, as Tony held her in his arms, fighting back tears as he looked at the motionless baby in Jane's arm.
Jane laid the baby on floor. Jane began to vigorously rubbing the baby with the towel. "You need to breathe, baby girl! You have to breathe! Come on, sweetheart, breathe! Breathe!"
Just then the baby's head jerked to the side.
"She moved!" exclaimed Angela.
Jane continued to rub the baby. "Come on, breathe!"
The baby's head jerked to the other side. Her face frowned up as she tiny mouth opened with a gasped.
"That's it! Come on!"
The baby gasped again and then again. A third gasped was followed by a whining exhale.
"Come on, baby girl," whispered Tony. "Do it!"
The baby gasped two more times before a silent pause hit the room. The group watched as her tiny chest expanded before the loudest wail of a cry filled the room.
"Yes!" exclaimed Jane. "Yes!"
The baby took in another deep breath before continuing to cry.
"I have never been so happy to hear a crying baby in my life!"
Tony wrapped Kate tight in his arms, kissing her sweat soaked hair. "She's breathing, Kate! She's breathing!" Tony looked down at Kate, unconscious in his arms, a pool of blood forming between her legs. "Kate!"
To be continued…LOL! What do you think? Reviews and comments are welcomed and an update is coming :)