*Hi, everyone! I know it's been a looong time, but I have had such a horrendous writer's block. I'm so sorry! Thank you for being patient.

I also have a headcanon for Linus. If this bothers you when you get to it, I apologize greatly.*

"Jas," Shane called to her with a chuckle, "what are you doing?"

Jas stopped moving the toy car that was on top of Maeve's slightly extended torso, her innocent gaze endearing to her godfather. "Playing with the baby. Duh."

This made Maeve giggle as she patted Jas' head. "Yeah, Shane. Duh."

Shane shook his head, a smile still on his face, as he sat down on the couch beside Maeve, Jas on the other side of her. Maeve was five months along and only now really starting to show. When she had been early on in her pregnancy, she had actually lost weight due to sickness, being unable to keep down her food. Shortly after her first trimester, she found herself able to eat and keep it down, and her main craving was for pepper poppers. The spicier the peppers, the better, heartburn be damned. Shane got into a competition with her once on who could handle the spiciness the most, thinking he'd win since before the pregnancy, she had been unable to handle much spice. He was surprised that she trumped him, easily. Then, there was the weirdness of some of the things she craved. She wanted to smell hay all the time. The first time Shane woke up to her gone, he had freaked and searched all over until he found her in the hayloft of one of the barns, sitting on top of a hay bale and sniffing loudly, her eyes closed in utter bliss. Many times had this happened by now, her disappearing only to be found in the hayloft, happily sniffing away. Another odd craving she had was pickles and vanilla ice cream mixed together. At this, Shane drew the line and had to look away whenever she ate it; it was too gross for him. She would jokingly tempt him with it, and he would gag every time.

Jas moved the car back over Maeve's stomach, leaning her elbow on the side of the couch and using the same hand to prop up her head. "It's a boy."

The statement was so matter-of-fact, it made Shane stop petting Soleil and look to Maeve, who was just as stunned as he. He then chuckled for a moment.

"What, you got X-ray vision, kiddo?" he asked his goddaughter, his tone jovial.

Jas was undeterred. "Maybe," she sang. "But I just know."

Maeve put her index finger on the car and moved it slightly. "I find out next week." Her eyes scanned Shane's eyes then moved to Jas'. "You can come, too."

Jas' eyes lit up, and her mouth fell open. "I can?!"

"Wouldn't do it without you," Maeve smiled, Shane nodding with her in agreement. "You're going to be like a big sister, y'know?"

"A really old big sister," Jas agreed. "I'm almost ten!"

"Then they'll be in good hands," Maeve assured. "Just look at James. He's six years older than me, and he's the best big brother ever. You'll be a great big sis, I know it."

Jas swayed in place, gently gliding the toy car on Maeve's stomach, not saying another word. Shane watched her quietly, his mind preoccupied with thoughts about the future, but not caring to voice them to Maeve. They were his to mull over, his fears to face when the time came. Yet, Maeve knew.

XXXXXX

"You've got ice cream on your shirt."

Maeve glanced down to see a glob of vanilla ice cream just below the collar of her shirt. With a groan, she used her fingers to swipe it off, then licked them, Haley and Emily giggling at her.

Maeve, Haley, and Emily sat on a bench in front of the saloon, the warm summer night falling slowly. Maeve had been craving ice cream and pickles, and since they had ran out earlier that day, she had made her way to Pierre's. Haley and Emily had caught her just as she was leaving the store, and due to her inability to wait until she got home, parked herself on the bench and dove in. She hadn't expected Haley and Emily to join her, but she was glad to have the company.

Haley shook her head as she reached into her purse, pulling out a couple of napkins and handing them to Maeve. "Really, Maeve. I've heard of weird cravings, but this is disgusting."

"Don't judge me. I'll eat what I want," Maeve sulked, absentmindedly dabbing the napkins at the damp spot on her shirt.

"I mean, sure," Haley nodded, "but c'mon. Couldn't you have more normal cravings? You beat Shane in a spicy-eating contest, for crying out loud!"

Maeve dipped a pickle in her ice cream. "Pretty sure I can hear you judging me, Haley."

Haley grinned. "Only a little."

Emily stretched her legs out, wiggling her toes as she stared at her flip-flop tanned feet. "So, what are you and Shane doing in about a month or so?"

"A month or so? I dunno. I guess what we normally do- farm work, getting ready for the baby. Y'know, the usual," Maeve replied nonchalantly before biting down on the ice cream laden pickle with a crunch.

"Oh. Good."

And that was it. This confused Maeve greatly, as she had thought there would have been more to the conversation than that. She looked away from her snack over at Emily and Haley; Emily was still looking at her feet, and Haley had a rather irritated look on her face as she stared at her sister. Emily must have noticed Maeve's expectant gaze, as she finally took her eyes off her feet and to her, to which she flashed a nervous smile.

"Wh-What?"

Maeve laughed. "I dunno. I was thinking there was more to the question than that, but..."

Emily's eyes scanned the area, expressively giving away her social awkwardness. "Oh? What made you believe that? Not like we were planning anything, me and the gir- oof!" she grunted as Haley elbowed her in the ribs. She rubbed her ribs and shot Haley a glare then turned to Maeve and tried to give an innocent smile. Maeve slowly bit down on her snack, the crunch seemingly louder in the awkward silence. Haley then groaned and gave Emily a smack on her shoulder.

"You are the absolute worst, Em!"

Emily gave her a frown. "You told me to ask!"

Haley rolled her eyes. "I should have known to have Leah or Abigail ask! They would have made it less obvious and awkward!" She then looked at Maeve. "I'm sure you've caught on."

Maeve swallowed. "That you're planning something involving me and Shane? Like a baby shower?"

Another smack filled the air.

"Ouch, Haley!"

"I'm never letting you do something like this again!"

Maeve started laughing. "N-No, don't fight! Haha, it's fine, really!" She tried to stop laughing but couldn't as the sisters bickered back and forth for a while. After nearly five minutes of this, she became the referee, pulling Emily back. "Thanks, guys. Really. You don't have to do this, though. Shane's not the kind of person to be in the spotlight, and to be honest, neither am I."

"Oh. Right," Haley simply stated. "Forgot that he doesn't do well in social settings." She narrowed her eyes at Emily. "Like someone else I know."

"I'm fine with crowds. It's just interacting with people I'm not so great at," Emily addressed. "Well, still. We want to give you some things to help out. Would it be okay if we did?"

"Em, don't ask! Of course she'll say no!" Haley fussed. She then smirked and crossed her arms indignantly. "Besides, even if she were to say no, we'd do it anyway. Because we're so nice." She leaned forward. "Next week, you'd better tell me what it is! Em has been teaching me how to make clothes, so I'm gonna make it the cutest little outfits ever!"

"Between the two of us making clothes for your baby, you won't have much to worry about in that area," Emily giggled. "Not to mention you're gonna be able to make clothes soon, yourself! You're learning quickly!"

The next while was spent with the three of them talking idly about whatever came to mind. As they sat there, Maeve realized that while she had had friends in the city, she hadn't had friends as close as the ones that she had made in Pelican Town. And while it had certainly taken time for Haley, Alex, and Sebastian to have warmed up to her, they had become dear friends. There were those that she wasn't necessarily close to, such as Demetrius and Lewis, but she held them in warm regards nonetheless. She had been given to choice to either sell her grandfather's farm or to take it for herself; where would she have been had she decided to sell it those several years ago? Her hand rested briefly on her torso, her chest fluttering and an odd twinge there, the question disappearing in the recesses of her mind.

XXXXXX

"What's that stuff they're putting on your belly?" Jas asked innocently as she watched the ultrasound technician apply the gel on Maeve's torso. "Is it sticky? Is it cold?"

"It's a little cold, yeah," Maeve answered.

The technician laughed and picked up the sensor. "It lets me see the baby more clearly."

Jas looked at the sensor then to the technician. "So, we're gonna see if it's a boy or a girl!"

"Maybe," the technician nodded. "Hopefully, the baby will be cooperating. Sometimes, they like the hide."

Shane stood next to Maeve, her hand in his, silently waiting. To say he was nervous was an understatement; any time she had a doctor's appointment or had an ultrasound done, he unknowingly held his breath until everything turned out just fine. Maeve never seemed apprehensive on the outside, but he was certain she had to have been. He tried to conceal his nerves for her, but for once, his thoughts were clear on his face; she found it to be endearing and encouraged him that it was all right to feel this way. His eyes focused on Jas for a second, watching her as she stared in wonderment and eagerness- a strong, beating rhythm filled his ears, and he turned at once to the sonograph, knowing Maeve and Jas were looking, too. The technician smiled brightly, moving the sensor around Maeve's torso in efforts to get a clear sight.

"Ah! There's the baby!" Jas gasped, pointing at the screen.

"Uh-huh. There it is," the technician retorted. "Strong heartbeat, too." She moved the sensor more. "C'mon, kiddo. Don't be shy, now. Your mama and daddy want to see what you are."

"C'mon, baby!" Jas cheered.

They could hear the clock on the wall ticking, somehow louder than they had ever noticed before. Seconds turned to minutes, the technician moving the sensor idly as they waited. The technician sat back, her eyes on the screen. "Ah, we got some movement. Maybe once we settle down, we'll be able to see."

Shane felt Maeve's hold on his hand tighten, and at once, he could discern she was wanting so badly for them to know. She had been quiet for most of the time, but her demeanor told him the truth. He used his other hand to softly stroke her hair, reassuring her that even if they didn't find out today, there would be the next time. After a moment o two, the technician clicked her tongue and smiled.

"Well. You ready to find out?"

"You can see?" Maeve breathed, her eyes pleading.

"Pretty as a picture."

"Then, yes!"

The technician pointed to a spot on the screen with her free hand, showing them what it was she was seeing. Shane saw her mouth move, but he didn't need to hear the words to know. On the bed below him, Maeve smiled brilliantly, and Jas giggled, her hands on her cheeks as she wiggled in place. And when Maeve turned her head up to him and gave him that same smile, he reciprocated with one of his own.

XXXXXX

Linus took a fish off the hook, putting it in the bucket of water beside him. Maeve was on the other side, a bucket of her own next to her, reeling slowly in hopes a fish would bite. Linus hooked another of his famous bait and idly tossed the line next to a sunken log, letting the line sink before reeling it slightly. Fishing with Maeve was honestly one of his favorite pastimes, and he was worried that once she became pregnant, that would stop. While it did slow down, she always made it a point to fish with him at least twice per week. Each time, she brought a cooler full of drinks and a couple of sandwiches for them to share; now that she was pregnant, she would pack a small Tupperware bowl of peppers to munch on. There were times she would get sick, and Linus would stick by her to ensure she was all right; once the sickness went away, they would resume fishing as normal.

It was the little things Linus found himself to enjoy. Before Maeve came along, the only people who he considered a friend were Rasmodius and Gus. Maeve had no issues with the way Linus lived, and nor did she feel sorry for him. He had made it quite clear that he chose this life and preferred it, and who was Maeve to try to convince him otherwise? At first, he had been wary of her, not that she blamed him. Humanity could be cruel, especially to those it did not understand. Now, he thought of her as the granddaughter he never had, Shane a grandson. He had known Shane most of his life and had seen the metamorphosis he underwent, fully acknowledging that while Maeve had been a vast motivator, Shane ultimately had to change all on his own. The two were the family he had always wanted, and he would never take it for granted.

And when Maeve and Shane had told him they were expecting, he couldn't help but to embrace them both. He couldn't think of anyone who deserved it more, and he hoped the spirits would preserve them through it all. He prayed. He prayed often. If the spirits listened to anyone, he was certain they heard his prayers. Rasmodius had helped him become more in-tuned with the spirits and auras, and when each day was a good day, Linus would silently thank them. He would listen to his radio every morning, to Welwick's report about how the spirits were feeling that day; most thought it to be hogwash, but not Linus. If the spirits were ornery, he would immediately go to Rasmodius' tower and ask for a way to appease them. Rasmodius called him a "worry-wort" every time, but would humor his friend and help him. He knew Linus was concerned over Maeve, who was dear to him as well. If it put Linus' mind at ease, he'd gladly do it.

"Finally!" Maeve gasped as she secured her catch. She began reeling in her fish, careful to not let the line get too much tension. She grunted and struggled, and Linus could tell it was a bigger fish since the pole was bending. "Get the net, Linus! This one's a doozy!"

Quickly reeling in his line, he put his pole down and grabbed the net, hurrying to Maeve. She puffed, her reeling in as fast as she could. It was a warm Spring day, and her bangs were sticking to her forehead from the sweat.

"Oooo, you're gonna taste so good!" Maeve joked.

It was a battle, but she eventually reeled it closer to the bank; Linus caught it in the net and brought it up, the two of them cheering when they saw it was a massive bass. It flopped around in the net for a bit before Linus took the hook out of its mouth; the bucket luckily was big enough, so they put it in there before Maeve plopped down on the ground with a tired sigh. Linus sat down next to her, reaching into the cooler and pulling out her already-opened bottle of water, to which she gladly took. Muttering a thanks, she took several huge gulps, the cold a welcoming sensation on the hot day.

"That was fun," she giggled, still slightly out of breath. "I haven't caught a fish that big in a while!" She nudged Linus with her elbow. "Thanks for the assist."

"Was nothin', Miss Maeve," Linus smiled. "I just had the net. You did all the wrestlin'."

She laughed again and took another swig of water. "Hey, hand me the peppers, will ya?"

Linus reached into the cooler again and grabbed the small Tupperware container full of the peppers, handing it over to her. He then got himself a sandwich and began to eat it while Maeve bit into a pepper, its crunch audible. For a time, they sat there quietly, snacking in the sunshine.

"So, Shane's in the mines, huh?" Linus asked.

"Yeah," Maeve mumbled, her mouth full. She swallowed. "He, Sebastian, and Abigail went early this morning. He doesn't want me to go since I'm pregnant, and I won't argue this time. It's not just me and him we're looking after now."

Linus gave a single nod. Maeve drank more of her water then tightened the cap on it.

"Hey, Linus?"

"Yeah?"

Maeve messed with her shoelaces. "How come you never married?"

Linus stared ahead at the lake. It had been almost four years since Maeve had came to the valley, and this was the first time she had ever asked this. No one had bothered to ask about his life- Gus and Rasmodius never spoke of it out of respect for him- so the question took him off guard. He took a bite of his sandwich, to silence giving Maeve her answer.

"I see." She leaned back on her hands. "Was he special?"

"Yeah." He looked at Maeve. "Actually... Shane is a lot like him."

"Oh?"

"Mm."

"How so?"

Linus swallowed his bit, finishing off his sandwich. "Judah was very reserved. He was guarded and could be cold and indifferent... but once you got to know him, you would see that he had such a heart of gold."

Maeve smiled. "That is very much like Shane, indeed."

"Not many liked him, y'see."

"I know that all too well."

"That was what made it so special."

They listened to the wildlife for a moment, Maeve still munching on peppers. Linus rubbed his arm, a peculiar feeling entering his chest.

"When the war began, we both enlisted. Of course, we had to keep what was between us secret. We knew we wouldn't stay together for the entirety of the war, so we prepared for separation." His eyes clouded over as he recalled distant memories, and Maeve didn't miss a single word. "We wrote to each other all the time. We had code phrases we used- the letters were always read before being sent, y'know? But we knew what they meant." He smiled. "There were so many letters..." He then looked at his hands. "It took a few years, but eventually, the war ended, and we reunited. We lived in the city together for a time, but, uh... it was too much. Too loud, too confusing. So, we moved here."

"You did?" Maeve asked, turning to face him, sitting cross-legged. "Where did you live? What did you do?"

"We lived where Emily and Clint do now," Linus replied. "We more or less helped Pelican Town onto the map. We built every building you see."

"That's amazing, Linus," Maeve awed. "Really, it is." She smiled. "I bet you even built my grandfather's place."

Linus nodded. "Yup. Granted, he didn't want anything more than just that little shack he willed to you. We wanted to give him better, but he just wouldn't hear of it."

"That's Grandpa for you," Maeve chuckled. "So, then what?"

"It was years of just... happiness. Sure, we had gone through hell in the war, but... we had each other, and it made it okay. We knew we could never legally get married- you know how it was back then. But it didn't stop the town from treating us like we were married. We never expected to be welcomed here, but we were, and that meant the world."

Maeve closed her Tupperware bowl. "It's crazy, how something like love is so 'scary' for some to understand when it doesn't apply to their norm. But I'm glad you two were happy here." She looked at Linus and smiled. "You two had a place to belong."

Linus' eyes grew soft. "We did."

Maeve tapped her fingers on the lid. "I saw a tombstone in the cemetery... 'Judah Newman'." She swallowed, hard. "I'm guessing that's him."

"Mm."

"He's been gone for many years..." Maeve breathed, her chest aching. "What happened?"

Linus picked at a blade of grass. "Hunting accident. He loved to hunt. Loved to fish. Anything to do with the wild outdoors, he was all about it. Guess that's where I get it from. But, uh, he was hunting in the forests one day, and someone who should have never been given a gun in the first place was out there, too. Just saw movement and fired." His face twitched. "Ironic, ain't it? Survived a whole damn war, bein' shot at every which way, only to be taken out by a hunter and a single bullet."

Maeve's mouth went dry. She couldn't swallow, and her chest wound up tight. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but nothing came out. Instead, she simply put her hand on Linus' arm, and that alone conveyed every emotion she felt, spoke every word she couldn't. He put his hand on top of hers and gave her a pained smile.

"I couldn't stay in that house any longer after that. Too many memories... too many sleepless nights thinking about what could have been, what we missed... I wandered for a while, place to place, but eventually, I wound up back here." He looked out of the lake. "I felt at peace out in nature, felt accepted... felt him around me. And that's where I stayed." His hold on Maeve's hand tightened. "That's why it's so important to make the most of it. The good and the bad. It ain't gonna be perfect, y'know this. But through it all, if you can look back and say, 'Yeah, it was good', then that's all you can ask for." He smiled. "And I can say that every single day." He then let go of her hand and rose to his feet, stretching his back and arms. "Welp, I'm done for the day. Howzabout we head back and start cleaning these fish?"

Maeve stood up as well, tossing her Tupperware bowl in the cooler and closing it. "Yup! Shane will probably be starving by the time he gets back. I'll have us a grand feast! Marnie, Jas, and Nathan can come, too."

Linus picked up the buckets, Maeve grabbing the cooler, tacklebox, and fishing poles.

"That li'l Jas sure it a cutie! She's growin' up so fast!" Linus beamed as they headed to Maeve's farm. Maeve walked by his side, her heart light again; Linus had trusted her, opened up to her... and she was so grateful. Even now, Linus still loved Judah deeply and missed him dearly; yet, he kept his memory alive. As the sun beamed from overhead, Maeve remembered her grandfather, and was even happier knowing the home she and Shane would be growing their family had been built by two who were very much in love and put that love into that home.

XXXXXX

That night, Maeve and Shane lay in bed together, Maeve resting her head on Shane's chest as she told him about her day with Linus and what he had revealed to her, feeling Shane's fingers run gently through her hair. Soleil was curled up in a ball at their feet, fast asleep. Shane, as usual, quietly listened until she was through. He knew she was done by the silence that filled the room afterwards, so he cleared his throat and relaxed further into the pillow.

"I gotta say, feels good to know we're staying in a place they built so long ago," Shane nearly whispered, his fingers moving out of Maeve's hair. "Sure, we've added onto it, and Robin was the one to do so, but they started it."

"I know. I'm glad."

Shane shifted slightly, making Maeve have to re-position so she could still be laying against him. "Linus is so private. I never would have guessed any of this."

This made Maeve giggle. "That's the pot calling the kettle black. You wouldn't even talk to Elliott."

"That's... different."

"Is it?" Maeve teased, reaching behind her shoulder and poking Shane's ribs. He jolted a bit, making her laugh. "You barely talk to anyone when they ask about the baby."

Shane sighed. "I'm just... not good with words. You know this."

"Yeah, I know." She turned and put her arm over his torso then hooked her leg around one of his legs. "How were the mines?"

She listened as he told her about his, Sebastian's, and Abigail's adventure into the mines. They were nearly as deep as Shane and Maeve had ventured to before she had gotten pregnant, and Sebastian was even using Maeve's furnaces to make ingots. Clint was getting much more business now, especially since Sam would go to the mines with Shane or Sebastian from time to time. Penny would worry about him until he came back, but she would focus on teaching Jas and Vincent throughout the day to distract herself. The three had definitely gotten stronger, and Maeve missed going to the mines with them.

"By the way, the dwarf has been asking about you."

"He has?"

"Yeah. I told him it would still be a while before you'd be able to go back to the mines. I think he and Krobus miss you."

Maeve slumped. "I would go visit Krobus, but I cannot handle the smells of the sewers right now."

Shane pulled her closer to him. "He knows. He's fine. They're fine. I keep them updated, y'know."

Maeve rubbed her hand up and down Shane's arm. "Hey, uh..." she stopped. Shane tilted his head down toward her, waiting for her to say whatever was on her mind, but she didn't.

"What's up?" he asked.

She struggled with the words, but Shane waited patiently. He could feel her legs fidget, her anxiety apparent. He could hear her take in a breath.

"Are you scared?"

"Am I scared?"

"Yeah."

He put his other hand on his stomach. "I mean, yeah. Kinda. Why?" Maeve shrugged. "No, don't just shrug it off. Tell me."

Maeve sighed. "I guess... I guess I am, too. Glad to know it's not just me."

Shane moved his hand and put his fingers softly under her chin, where he tilted her head up so he could see her eyes. He then kissed her forehead, and her anxiety was subdued slightly. While Shane wasn't good with words, his actions made up for it by far. She rested against him again, and Shane reached up and turned off the lamp, enveloping the both of them in darkness.

Yet, as usual, around three in the morning, Shane was woken up to Maeve's rustling out of bed. She tiptoed on out of the bedroom door, and he could hear her putting on her shoes, followed by the front door opening and closing. His eyelids heavy, he rose up as well, found his shoes, and went out to the barn to see her laying on top of hay bales, her eyes closed as she inhaled deeply. She didn't notice was even there until he sat down beside her, making her jump up with a shocked cry. He let out a tired chuckle and hugged her to him, the two of them laying on the hay together until Maeve's odd craving was satisfied and they went back into the house to sleep.

Morning came quickly, and the two lazily rose out of bed and began their farm chores. Shane had Maeve take care of the chickens, rabbits, and ducks while he now took care of the cows, sheep, and pigs, as there wasn't as much heavy lifting for her to do. At lunch, they sat at the dock to the pond, Maeve talking about whatever with Shane listening. It hit them both that before long, everything would change. It was surreal, but they also felt as though they were ready to share the love they had for each other for someone they had created together.

XXXXXX

Three months passed, and it was no secret to anyone anymore, not that it had been to begin with. It was more or less something that had happened and wasn't given much thought, other than asking here and there about the baby and Maeve's health. Visibly showing at eight months, everyone knew it was close. Whenever Maeve was in town, people would help her even with the smallest of tasks, not that she would complain. Her feet swelled, and she could hardly wear shoes anymore, instead wearing slippers everywhere. Shane made sure they stayed clean, washing and drying them every night. By now, she was tired and ready for the baby to come, but she still had some time yet. Sleeping was uncomfortable, and she missed being able to sleep on her stomach. Then, there was the kicking- oh, the kicking. It would have been fine had the baby not consistently decided to kick her ribs, particularly at night when she tried to sleep. Shane was ever helpful, doing whatever he could to help her keep comfortable, but there was only so much he could do. Yet, despite it all, she was excited and nervous... and ready.

Shane was pulling her slippers out of the dryer when she walked into the room, her cellphone in hand and a confused look on her face.

"What's up?" he asked, concerned.

"Mom, Dad, James, Danielle, and Lucas are in town. Right now," Maeve answered, her tone holding confusion. "Weird... did they tell you they were gonna visit soon?"

Shane shook his head. "Nah. Did they you?"

She shook her head as well. "They're wanting to meet up at the saloon to eat. Their treat, they said."

Shane tilted his head to the side briefly but shrugged and handed Maeve her slippers. "Yeah, sure." He looked down and smirked. "Should probably put on pants, though. Pretty sure they don't wanna see me in my boxers."

Maeve giggled. "Probably not."

Once they were ready, they headed into town, somewhat slowly since Maeve had to waddle everywhere. Shane wrapped his hand around hers, listening as she talked idly. She pointed at several finches as they hopped around on the fence, her face holding the smile he had become so used and attached to. The closer they got to town, the noisier it became, and at once, Maeve could feel Shane tense up. Still with an aversion to crowds, he began to mentally prepare himself; festivals were still difficult, but he was all right with them since everyone was focused on everything else. He didn't feel people staring, and he was able to be occupied with Maeve and Jas. Yet, it was a struggle.

She tugged on his hand. "You good?"

"Yeah."

They kept on until they entered town, where they were surprised to see everyone located in the center, along with Maeve's family, with food, stacks of gifts, and blue decorations all around. Blue balloons, blue tablecloths, blue streamers- in the middle of one of the tables was a massive cake with white and blue icing. There was a banner that read: "We can't wait to meet you, Ivan Judah!" held up by two bamboo poles that were stuck into the ground beside the saloon. When Penny saw the two, she called out to them, making the rest look their way-

And instantly, Maeve felt Shane's hand disappear.

XXXXXX

Shane hunkered down next to a bush near the playground, his breathing ragged and sharp. Sweat plastered his forehead, and he tried to catch his breath but couldn't.

He felt ridiculous.

Of course they'd want to throw them a shower. It was the first new life other than an animal that was being greeted into the valley since Vincent was born, and they were excited. Maeve was excited. He needed to be there for her. She was down in the plaza by herself, probably trying to explain why he had bolted so fast without giving too much away. He felt sick to his stomach, and his chest was so tight, he felt as though he was going to suffocate. For years, he had practiced controlling his breathing whenever faced with a panic attack, so why was this so different? Dr. Aston had given him several good pointers, too, if it ever got out of hand, like it was now. But his mind was blank.

In his peripheral, he saw someone stop next to him.

"Shane?"

"Oh. Hey, Sam," he gasped out.

"You, uh... you okay?"

He shakily nodded, and he heard Sam inhale quickly, as if understanding.

"Yeah. Yeah, you're okay. You're good, man," Sam encouraged. "Just slow it down a bit, okay? You're fine."

Thanks to Sam's kindness and coaching, Shane found himself being able to breathe better, his fear subsiding little by little. Within minutes, he was all right, his breathing back to normal and his shaking gone. However, he was unable to look up from the ground, embarrassed.

"You good?"

Shane tried to swallow, but his mouth was too dry; his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth briefly. He couldn't say anything for a time, thinking on what excuse he could give. Instead...

"You may not know this," he croaked, watching an ant crawl up a blade of grass, "but I don't do so well in crowds."

"I kinda picked up on that years ago, man. But I never knew it was this bad. I just figured it was because you hated everyone. Er, no offense."

"None taken." Shane blinked slowly. "Something, uh... something bad happened to me several years ago. I guess... I mean, I've dealt with what happened. Sort of. But I've never been able to get over crowds. I can handle when eyes aren't on me, but now, when they're like this?" He sighed. "I dunno, Sam. I know I need to be there for Maeve, but I don't think I can handle this."

Sam moved and leaned against the incline next to Shane, crossing one foot over the other. "You know we're doing this for you, right?" Shane said nothing. "I get it. Or, well, maybe I don't. But, uh... we're in this for you and Maeve." He bopped his foot around. "I don't think you've realized this, but you're our friend now, too. It's not just Maeve, Shane. We've all come to like you." At this, Shane tore his eyes away from the ground to look up at Sam, who was smiling at him. "Don't think of us as strangers trying to judge you. That shit's over and long since gone. We're your family now, and hope you see us the same way that we see you." Shane couldn't say a word. He just sat there, staring up at Sam, who leaned off the wall and held his hand down to him. "Look up when we get back, yeah? You'll see what I mean."

Shane only nodded once before taking Sam's hand. Sam helped him to his feet, and they started back to the plaza- out of reflex, Shane's eyes darted back to the ground, the noises of the crowd filling his ears.

"I see Maeve," Sam spoke softly. "Look up, man. She's glowing."

Per Sam's request, Shane cautiously looked up from the ground-

He was breathless again, but for an entirely different reason.

Everyone was there, as he knew before. But instead of being scared or thinking about what it was they felt or were saying about him, he was met with beaming faces and laughter. He could see Jas and Vincent with Danielle, helping Lucas pull a party popper. Lucas laughed as they watched the confetti explode out. "Again!" he cried out. There was Nathan and Marnie, talking with James, Hubert, and Julia; Nathan looked over at Maeve and said something to Hubert, who only smiled brightly. Alex was helping Haley, carrying her camera equipment as she took pictures, and she hurriedly turned and snapped one of Ellen as she put a blue party hat one George's head. Although he rolled his eyes at it, he gave her a wink and a smile. The other mothers were making sure the food was ready, while their husbands reminisced about the days their children were young and how fast those days went by. Maru and Harvey, and Elliott and Leah were guessing what names Shane and Maeve had picked out for their future son. Lewis, Pierre, Gus, Willy, and Marlon were in a circle, talking about whatever. Linus and Rasmodius watched from a distance, as always. Helping set up the gifts were Abigail, Sebastian, Emily, and Clint, carrying them two chairs where Shane and Maeve would sit, surrounded by...

Surrounded by their friends and family.

And there was Maeve.

She saw him and smiled her usual, namesake smile, as she made her way to him, a blue bow stuck to her extending stomach.

He felt a tear roll down his cheek.

This shocked him, and he jerked his hand up to his face and wiped it away, bringing it in front of him to see the wetness on his fingertips. He felt it again, but on the other cheek, and he looked up at Maeve, whose smile softened as she put her hand on his arm. Before he could stop it, more tears fell, and soon, he was crying. It hit him then that he hadn't cried in... he couldn't remember the last time. He furiously tried to abate the tears, to wipe them away, but in vain. Maeve stood there, her hand on his arm, as he wept those tears of happiness.

He'd never known this. He'd never known this kind of happiness, nor had he ever allowed himself to know it. He had been so guarded, jaded, and because of this and anxiety, he had always pushed people away. Fearing judgment and hatred for this, he kept a distance, unable to look people in the eye or have the willingness to be forgiven. Yet... Yet, before him were the very people he had pushed away for so long, expressing acceptance and love, and he was overwhelmed by it all. Maeve wrapped her arms around him, feeling his body shake as he cried. His eyes, though the vision was blurried by tears, scanned around to see his closest friends: Sam, Sebastian, Abigail, Harvey, and Clint. He then looked at his family. At last, he hugged Maeve closer to his chest, not even caring by now what people thought when they saw him crying his eyes out.

He had been so fucking blessed. And he hadn't even known it.