Good evening! It's day 10! Thank you so much for the reviews Hawk, 2NYwlove, ChibiDawn23 and Lizbet2008, I appreciate them so much :D

They were definitely contractions. All day, since waking up with pains across her abdomen, Stella had done her best to ignore them. That was no longer an option. This was the real thing. Swearing as she doubled up, grabbing the edge of the kitchen counter, she breathed deeply in and out several times. Once the pain ebbed, she caught up her phone and called Mac.

'Everything OK?' he asked immediately.

'Yes…' she began hesitating only a fraction.

'I'm on my way,' Mac said. 'Hang in there and keep breathing.'

'I intend to.' Stella chuckled grimly. 'Don't worry about that.'

'Be there as soon as I can.' He hung up.

Stella had only just packed the last few essentials into her hospital bag when he came bursting through the front door.

'In the bedroom,' she called and he ran in. 'It's OK, I'm not going to give birth right here and now…' Another contraction caught her out and she sat down heavily on the end of the bed. 'Least I don't… think so,' she gasped.

'Let's not take any chances on that. I'm not confident in my abilities to be a labour and delivery nurse,' Mac said, rubbing her back. 'The car's right outside.'

On the way to the hospital, Stella concentrated on breathing, Mac concentrated on driving, as much as he was able to. The glances they shared held the same excitement and fear.

The reality of giving birth hit Stella the moment they entered the maternity unit and she stopped.

'I don't know if I'm ready for this,' she breathed, clutching her stomach.

'Neither am I, but I think our baby is.' Mac squeezed her hand. 'And you're not on your own.'

She touched his cheek. 'I know my love.' Taking a deep breath, she nodded determinedly. 'All right. Let's go meet our baby.'

Less than seven hours later, their baby girl was in Stella's arms. Still dazed and overwhelmed, the new parents simply stared at the brand new life they had brought into the world.

'She's so perfect,' Stella murmured, nursing the baby in the crook of her arm, gazing down at the tiny rosebud-like face and wisps of black curls. 'I can't believe she's actually here after everything.'

'Neither can I.' Equally enchanted and helplessly in love, Mac stroked the tiny fingers and the baby blinked and opened her eyes.

'Hey there, little one,' Stella said, beaming at her. 'Welcome to the world. There are so many people waiting to meet you, yes there are.'

Perhaps unsurprisingly, their first visitor was Flack the next day, bringing with him an array of gifts, cards and food.

'Got make sure you keep your strength up, Stell,' he explained when she raised her eyebrows at the containers of food. 'Besides, I know what hospital food's like.'

'Thanks, Don, I appreciate it.' Stella grinned.

'Any time. So, you going to introduce me to tiny Taylor?' He gestured at the sleeping baby.

Stella looked at Mac, and they both smiled at Don. 'Don Flack, meet Holly Millicent Taylor. Our safely-delivered Christmas miracle.'

A shorter one today, but I hope you enjoyed it :D Please let me know with a review, and see you tomorrow! Lily x