Dixie had lasted through the night, which was a relief. She didn't seem any stronger, but at least she hadn't gotten any worse. Her heartbeat was steady. Weak, but steady and her face had regained a bit of color.

Tad still sat wide awake at her bedside, her hand in his as he ran his thumb over her palm. He took a deep breath, leaning forward in his seat slightly.

"Can you hear me, Dix?" Tad said as he moved his hand and began stroking her hair. "Our little girl is even more beautiful than anyone could have ever imagined. She looks just like you. She's got... those beautiful blue eyes of yours and... a personality to boot. I can just tell." Tad paused as he ran his fingers over her face. "She's so strong and... Jake says that she's an eating machine." he laughed. "I guess she takes after me with that one." Tad's smile faded slowly. "She needs a name too you know. She can't go her whole life as 'Baby Girl' Martin. That precious little girl needs a name. And picking one out is something I refuse to do without you." He paused, remaining silent for a while before leaning forward and kissing her forehead. "Come back to me, sweetheart. Please come back to me."

"Dad?" Tad heard from behind him. He didn't need to turn around. Jamie slowly approached him, handing over a cup of coffee. "How's Dixie?" Tad was silent, running his fingers through her hair. "She looks like she's doing better." Tad nodded slowly. "The baby's doing good. Uncle Jake said that maybe she could come home in a few days... Dad?"

"Hmm?" Tad asked, looking up at Jamie.

"Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but... you look like a mess. You've been up all night with her." Jamie paused. "Mom's worried about you."

"I'm fine." Tad said. "Tell your mother that I'm fine... Really. I'm fine."

"Come on, Dad," Jamie said. "You know that she'd want to hear that from you." He paused. "I just came from seeing the baby and..."

"Oh... you guys are trying to get me out of here."

"You're going to lose your mind locked up in here. We just thought that you should get out for a little while. You haven't spent too much time with the baby and... well... I could sit with Dixie for a while. I'd really like to." Tad didn't budge for a moment, his hand still in Dixie's hair. "Please," Jamie said. "Dad..."

Tad stood slowly, offering his seat to his son. "If you need me," he said. "I'll be in the nursery."

"I know," Jamie replied. Tad put his hand on the boy's shoulder briefly, looking down at Dixie before turning and starting towards the nursery.

His mind was a jumble as he made his way down the hall, contemplating whether or not he should have left Dixie's side. Whether or not he should be walking through these halls. But this all came to a stop as he stood outside the nursery, looking in at his baby girl.

She was wide awake and calm. The only baby in the nursery who was neither sleeping or crying. She just kicked her tiny feet and reached for the little pink beanie on her head.

Tad could feel a lump form in his throat as he was overcome with an enormous sense of pride. He smiled, taking a deep breath as he felt a hand come down on his shoulder. Tad turned.

"Pop," he said. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see my granddaughter," Joe said as he stood beside Tad, looking into the nursery.

"She's beautiful," Tad said. "Isn't she? She's all Dixie."

"I don't know," Joe said. "I think I can see a bit of you in her."

"You think so?" Tad asked, looking at his daughter. She seemed to stare right back at him. A happy, healthy baby, who aside from her size would be difficult to tell she was almost three months premature. "She's got Dixie's strength, that's for sure."

"Why don't you take her down to Dixie's room?" Joe said.

Tad looked at his father with a sense of nervous inquisition. "Are you sure she's well enough for that? The baby?"

"Jake has had her examined," Joe explained. "She is strong... and healthy. And I think that Dixie needs to have both you and your daughter in the same room. I'll sign for your clearance."

Tad smiled. "Thanks, Pop." He quickly embraced his father. "Thanks."