Author's Note: look how quickly I got this out!  I'm so proud of myself.  We'll discount the fact that this particular part of the story has been written for over a month now.  Further notes at the end.

PS – Kendra belongs to bobo3

**************************************************

The months passed quickly enough for all but Winn.  As her pregnancy progressed and she got more and more unwieldy, Winn's lost if approved activities got shorter and shorter.  This was done out of precaution as well as necessity.  There'd been a few times where Winn had had mild contractions kick in for an hour or so – something that happened to most women during late pregnancy, but something to be avoided in her circumstances. 

   Oddly enough, even though her limitations grew, so did her patience – enough so that she was merely bored instead of continually irritated.  Her friends and family each took turns sitting with her during the days, but she wouldn't let any stay for longer than an hour or two.  Her reasoning was that she didn't want to confine anyone in the same way she was.  Jack and Will were the only ones who really paid any attention to that request; Will because he his own work to complete, Jack because his nephews shanghaied him for several hours every day to work on their boat . . . and because he knew that Winn was serious when she asked that people not limit their activities for her.  He also didn't want to catch the rough side of Winn's tongue later.  Although, at the moment, that translated into disappointed look that tore at his heart rather than his ears.

   To help the days pass, Winn tried to learn how to do needlepoint or quilting – or even simple mending – but found that her fingers were just as clumsy as they'd ever been.  The women tried to keep her busy by asking her to draw enough quilt designs that every member of her family would have one, and deciding that new portraits were needed for the entryway, but all this did was eat through Winn's art supplies.

   The bright parts of her day were the times spent with her husband and with Kendra.  The latter was a source of constant delight.  Winn had long ago decided that her family – whom she included Will and Elizabeth in – was her sanity at this point in time.  They were there to do whatever she needed, but what she really was some mental exercise.  The younger woman provided this; she had a . . . unique outlook on life, one that Winn enjoyed hearing about.  Kendra was glad to talk, bus she was unsure why Winn wanted to hear so much about what she thought.  Often she'd retaliated by asking Winn her own questions.  Advanced pregnancy had made Winn somewhat philosophical, so she was somewhat easy to get off track.

   But as much as Winn enjoyed the distraction that Kendra offered, most of her idle thoughts were focused on her nights.  That was when she had Jack to herself.  If her family was her sanity and her friends her delight, then Jack was her refuge and comfort.  They often retired right after the evening meal, and spent the hours until breakfast cloistered away together.  First Jack would regale her with stories of what'd happen during his hours with her nephews.  The boys – in typical boy fashion – had decided to name their ship 'The Daft Maiden.'  As he told his stories, he worked on unknotting the muscles in Winn's back and shoulders, a process that took as much as an hour at times.  Once that was done, they'd turn to individual pursuits.  Jack could often be found pouring over reports and lists and comments not only from Gibbs, but from Basil Cuthbert – the head of the shipwrights guild who'd taken the Pearl under his care – and from Anamaria who'd decided to stick around until his ship had been repaired.  The bills he handed over to Winn to handle, which she did gratefully.  She was curious as to some of the correspondence, but Jack usually managed to distract her from inquiring too far.  When they weren't engaged in these activities, they read, or drew together, or played games.  And after a few hours spent like this, they'd go to bed.

   It was during these times, in the dark hours they spent next to each other, that Winn unloaded her own cares on Jack.  She'd confided that most of what she did during the day was think about life; her life, their life, their new life.  The life inside her.  Jack listened solemnly, offering advice or comfort when it was needed, but knowing that most of what Winn needed was an ear that would listen and not offer unwanted comments.  Any problems she had, she managed to work through by the simple act of talking out loud, and he was more than glad to be her sounding board.

   And so, the next six weeks passed with nary a cause for excitement.

****************************************

Winn had been feeling restless all day.  She would have started pacing, but that was an indulgence that no one in her family was willing to allow her.  So she settled with sitting in the family room, looking out the large bay windows.  Jack had sat with her until midmorning, and then in a temperamental burst common to frustrated very pregnant women, she'd told him to leave and go work on the dinghy with the boys.  It was bad enough that she was restless without having to suffer someone else's restlessness as well.  Jack had simply looked at her as if judging how serious she was.  She must have looked very serious because he had kissed her and left.

   Kendra wasn't interested in building the dinghy, which would keep her in Jack's presence, so she wandered the house and kept an eye on Winn whenever she passed.   Winn was grateful for the company, but as the weeks had passed, even the female pirate's presence had started to wear on her.  "I know you're just as eager to move around as Jack was – you're just able to hide it better.  You don't have to sit here and watch me.  I'm not going to explode and the child isn't due for another two weeks at the least.  I'll be fine if you go."

   Kendra shrugged.  "Doesn't really bother me to do this.  You're much better company than Sparrow, and . . . I guess I've started to like this role."  Kendra smirked.  "And besides, we wouldn't want you overexerting yourself.  Want that lil' Sparrowling nice and healthy.  And yes, I know that isn't what you want to hear –"

   "You're right."  Winn went back to looking out her window.  Every once in awhile, one of her sisters or nieces or nephews would stop by and talk to her.  Ry was in Antigua talking to his second in command about business.  Richard and his family had gone home a month or so ago to make sure the plantation was running smoothly, but would be back sometime next week.  Marcus had also been granted a leave of absence by Norrington.  The Commodore insisted that he'd been putting in too many hours of late and needed some shore-leave, but they all knew that he'd been given the time to stay with Winn until the babe was born.  Winn had smiled, bemused, but Jack had been glad to have another adult to pull into the boat project so he could spend more time with Winn.  If only. . . .

   Kendra, bored by Winn's silence, looked to the ceiling.  "What's it like?  Havin' a . . . lil' person inside you?"

   Winn turned from her view of the beach.  I wonder where Elizabeth and Will got to?  She hadn't seen them all day.  "Well, I'm not sure how to describe it."

   Kendra looked to Winn and nodded. "I guess that's understandable.  One of those things that more than likely very personal, very. . . ." she narrowed her eyes.  "Not even sure how to describe me own thoughts."

   "It . . . it messes with you.  It changes how you think, especially once you're big enough to have visual proof that there is another life inside you.  People say that once the baby is born, life changes, but life changes before the baby is born.  As soon as you can feel it moving inside you, you want nothing more than to protect it.  Which is odd since it's not going to go anywhere for awhile."  Winn laughed.  "At least it won't if you're smart and stay at home for your pregnancy."  Why were tears pricking her eyes if she was laughing?  "And like I said, your emotions run rampant."

   Kendra chuckled.  "Aye, but ye'll be fine now.  Even with the emotions.  Got more people than you want to think about keeping an eye on ye."  Kendra cocked her head a bit.

   "You're right about that.  At least Alex has stayed conspicuously absent –"  The door opened, interrupting her mid-sentence.

   "Did I hear someone say my name?"

   Kendra looked over and tensed.  Why didn't I hear him come close?  

    "Alex!"  Winn noticed the face of her companion as it went blank.  That happened often whenever the two were in the same room, just as Alex seemed determined not to pay too much attention to the presence of the small pirate.  There was something between them, Winn was sure of it.  And once she had other things off her mind, she was going to figure out what it was.  For all she knew, they simply disliked each other.  Then again. . . .  "What are you doing here?"  

   Kendra narrowed her eyes and felt herself instinctively go on the defensive.  Him again . . .

   "Thought I'd come adore mother and child.  Has anyone mentioned how radiant you look?"  Kendra rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair.

   "Careful, Alex.  You don't want to make Jack jealous again."

   "Ah, Spitfire, I have every confidence that you're more than able to keep Sparrow in line."

   "You assume a lot of a woman who can't even get out of her chair without people protesting."  Winn looked back out her window.  "I'd be content with a short walk, really, I would.  Just so I could sit in the sun."

   Kendra watched the two converse and did her best to look nonchalant.  After a moment, she stood and stretched.  "Well, as long as no one else knows, I see no reason why ye can't go out for a short walk.  It won't kill ye, that's for sure."

   Winn looked hesitant for a moment, but then she nodded.  "You're right.  Although Jack might if he catches me.  No, Jack would understand.  He wouldn't like it, but he'd understand.  It's my sisters we'll have to watch out for."

    Kendra nodded.  "I'll keep lookout if you trust this lug to accompany you."

   "Well . . . I suppose I'll have to risk it."  She let Alex help her up.  Together the two old friends left the room as Kendra watched the hallway.

   "All clear."  She walked briskly ahead of them, searching each corridor before nodding in approval.

   "I'd almost forgotten what the sun feels like," Winn murmured as they finally made it outside.  "I think it's been close to a month since they've let me out."

   Winn didn't know how long they managed to stay outside before Grace and Cat tracked them down.  She was sitting on a bench with her two friends, simply soaking in the rays when trouble found them.  "How long do you think it'll be before they realize I'm not in the house?"

   Kendra had just smirked back at her. "Looks clear for quite a ways.  Should I go back in and pretend to take an interest in the more 'feminine' arts?  I could probably keep Grace and Cat distracted for a short time at least."

   "Winifred Morgan.  What are you doing?"

   "Then again, maybe not," Kendra muttered under her breath.

   "It's alright, Cat.  I carried her out."  If the looks on the women's faces were any indication, they weren't buying a thing Alex said.  That was the downside of old childhood friends.

   Kendra grinned back at Cat.  "If it's anything, she took it on me word.  Me own fault for putting the thought in 'er head."

   Winn appreciated the effort, but everyone knew that she wouldn't have gone outside if she hadn't wanted to.  She sighed.  It looked as if she were headed back inside.  But, she had time and reason for one last defiance.  "Morgan-Sparrow.  I'm married."  She looked down at her belly.  "Very married, indeed."

****************************************

"Love, is something wrong?"

   "No, everything's fine, Jack.  Why do you ask?"

   Jack watched Winn's hand pointedly.  She looked down and stopped rubbing her overextended belly.  "You've been doing that a lot since mid-day.  Are you sure you're feeling up to dinner?  Cat would find no trouble in sendin' up a tray for us.  In fact, she'd most likely be overjoyed to do so."

   He was right, but that didn't mean that she was ready to do any such thing.  Her muscles were on edge.  Almost like she was preparing for a fight . . . not that that was something she could even consider at the moment.  "I'm fine, Jack.  Really.  I'm just a bit . . . edgy.  Probably from being cooped up for so long."

   "Don't cast lures for sympathy, Winnie.  Cat already told me about your earlier jailbreak.  I notice that Thompson is your preferred partner in crime."

   "What can I say, Jack?  Old habits die hard.  And we only walked to the garden."

   "Be that as it may, that's still farther than you're supposed to walk."

   "Jack," Winn said warningly.  Jack simply rolled his eyes in exasperation and held up his hands in defeat.

   "Won't say another word about it, love."

   "Thank you."  Winn turned back to what she was beginning to think of as her view – the gardens, a bit of the beach and bay, and the sky.  Sunset was drawing near.  "Let's go to dinner."  If nothing else, I want to move around.

   Jack lent a hand as they walked the short distance to the dinning room.  The two seats closest to the entrance had been reserved from them ever since it'd been decreed that Winn was to start taking things even easier than she had been.  The couple took their seats, Winn talking with her family, Jack watching his wife.

   She was pale.  She hasn't been outside for any length in months.  Of course she's pale.  Despite this reasoning, Jack had the nagging sensation that all was not quite right.  He hoped he was merely being paranoid.

   Halfway through the meal, Winn dropped her fork.  It clattered against her plate, bringing her to the center of attention.  Winn just smiled and said, "Clumsy fingers."  Conversation resumed, and the smile slipped.  Swallowing, Winn took a deep breath through her mouth.  She sincerely hoped that bolt of pain had been a one time occurrence.

   Kendra had been about to resume her rather agitated debate with Alex, but kept her eyes on Winn for a moment longer.  Sparrow's concerned.  And . . . something isn't right with Winn.

   Jack noticed Winn's face and her rigid stance.  He was right.  Something was wrong.  "Winnie?"

   "I'm fine, Jack.  I . . . it's just –" she stopped as the pain came again.  Her hand gripped Jack's knee under the table as she bit back a moan.  What's wrong now?  Then there was a rush of fluid between her legs, and Winn realized what was happening.  "Jack, it's the baby, it's coming."  She felt Jack freeze beside her.  "No, Jack, you don't get to panic yet," she joked through the pain.  "I need you to tell Cat what's happening, and then let her decide what to do next.  I'd rather not distress everyone.  Can you do that?"

   Jack nodded and got up, going to the head of the table where Cat was sitting.  Kendra saw him murmur in the other woman's ear and narrowed her eyes.  Something is definitely going on.  She glanced over at Alex, and saw that he had taken her long standing silence as defeat.  Curses . . . let that go too long.  But one lost argument doesn't matter.  She sat up a bit taller and smiled at Winn, getting to her feet and walking over before noticing the fluid on the floor.  "Winn . . . what . . . ?" she lifted a bewildered gaze to Winn. 

   "Umm . . . don't worry.  It's natural.  It seems like my child is just a bit impatient, that's all.  Why should it be any different than its parents, right?"  The pain was getting worse, but Winn was determined to keep people from worrying as long as she could.  Joking helped.

   Kendra nodded numbly, really not sure what to do next.  She'd dealt with her share of  danger, but . . .never a birth.

   Oh, the pain was coming again.  It hurt, it hurt worse than when she'd had her labor induced.  This time she could tell that her body meant business.  Winn gasped.  "It's okay, love.  It's okay.  We're going to get you upstairs, alright?"  Winn nodded, grasping her husband's arms and trying to breath through the pain. 

   The moment she felt Jack beside her again, her mask collapsed.  It hurt, and now that pain showed on her face.  Winn normally would have noticed her friend's uncertainty and tried to calm it, but she had other things on her mind, like how Jack was picking her up to take her upstairs. "Jack, it hurts."

   "I know, love.  I know.  But it'll be alright. You've your sisters here to help."

   Winn nodded, taking a deep breath as the pain faded.  "I'm sorry.  I'm trying to hold things together, really."

   "Don't apologize, love.  I think you have the right to be concerned."

   "I know.  It's just that . . . last time . . . ."

   Last time she and her child had almost died.

****************************************

"Just suck it up, Sparrow."  Kendra scowled up at Jack.  "You've dealt with skeletal pirates, Aztec curses, and even me as a cabin lad.  You can take your wife giving birth.  Winn's tough, and I know her sisters are good at what they do."  She paused.  "I'm sure it sounds worse than it really is."

   Another moan came from the couple's room.  "Easy for you to say – you've never been a father before."

   Kendra raised an eyebrow.  Jack in a tizzy really was a sight to behold.  "I'd hope not. Bein' a woman and all."

   Will decided to stick in his oar.  He'd never seen Jack so agitated, although he could relate to what the pirate was feeling.  "Jack, Kendra's right.  Winn's a strong woman.  She's had months to recover her strength.  She'll be alright.  Trust me – I've been through this twice already."

   "Winn had years of being fine, but that didn't stop her from almost dying the last time."

   Will and Kendra watched the pirate pace the floor.  Clearly he needed something to help keep his mind off his busy wife.  Kendra scowled, crossing her arms over her chest and glanced over at Will.  "How's the dinghy coming along?"

   Jack grumbled and Will shrugged.  Kendra sighed.  Will was going to be no help – he'd probably been too worried about Elizabeth to remember what people had said to him to help calm Jack's nerves.  And she'd never done this before.  She sighed and walked into Jack's path, blocking him.  "Out of my way, scamp."

   "Watch yer mouth, Sparrow.  It's Captain Ken, and you know it."

   "As long as you're in my way, I'll call you what I wish."  Despite his words, Jack turned and started pacing the way he'd come.  Kendra clenched her fists and let out an agitated breath, striding after Sparrow and punching him square in the arm.

   Jack whirled, his weighted hair swirling like a cape.  He pulled back an arm to retaliate, but Will grabbed it.  Even the weathered pirate had a hard time breaking free of the young blacksmith.  "Traitors, both of ye," he muttered, letting his arm relax.  When Will let him go, he stalked over to an armchair and threw himself down in it.  "What I wouldn't do for a bit of rum right now."  Not that he would drink it – now more than ever he needed a clear head.

   Kendra looked to Will.  "Would ye help the man out?"

   Will nodded and left the room.  Kendra turned to Jack as soon as the other man was gone and said, "Now Sparrow, listen hard and listen well.  Winn's dealing with something neither one of us can really comprehend, and her entire pregnancy has been difficult."  Her eyes narrowed dangerously.  "You're her husband.  She looks to you for support.  Winn's strong, aye, but she needs your support.  I know this is a terrifyin' experience for ye, but I would be sorely disappointed in you, and I'm quite sure Winn would too, if you can't pull yourself together.  Have a little faith in the woman in there.  She loves you.  And . . . you shouldn't let her down."

   "How can let her down if I can't even get into the room to let her know I'm supporting her!" he demanded.  "My wife is in there, letting out sounds alarming enough to chill the blood of sea demons, and I'm stuck in another room because it isn't 'proper' for me to be in there with her.  How am I supposed to lend my support if I can't even bloody see her?"

   Kendra nodded.  "Then I'll see about you gettin' in there."  She went to the door and took a breath before slipping inside.  The sounds that Winn was making were sending chills down her own spine.  She saw . . . well, to tell the truth, she didn't see much except for a bunch of bustling women.  She moved farther into the room.  Elizabeth was sitting on the bed, holding Winn's hand and wiping her face with a cool cloth, but she seemed to be the only one doing anything to help Winn.  Grace and Cat were busy arranging basins, and towels, and such.  Every now and then, one of them would check on the progress of things, but other than that, they weren't doing much.

   Taking a breath to keep herself calm, Kendra walked up to Cat and crossed her arms.  "Is this all you can do for Winn?  What's going on?"

   Cat turned to the small pirate.  "We're doing what we can, but there isn't much to do until the child decides to make an appearance."

   "And all that hollerin' she's doing?  That's normal?"  Cat and Grace exchanged a look.  Kendra didn't like that look.  She kept her voice low, but her agitation was obvious.  "Spill it.  Or else I let Sparrow in."  This being besides the point; she was planning on helping him get in anyways.

   Cat waited for another of Winn's groans to die down before answering.  "Her contractions are coming with far more regularity than is normal for this early on in labor.  They should be coming no more than every ten or twelve minutes, and then slowly grow closer together over a matter of hours.  But . . . but Winn's body seems to have panicked.  It must remember the last time this happened, and it's trying to force the babe out before it's ready to be born.  And if the babe doesn't cooperate, Winn will soon grow too tired to deliver the child."

   "And is there a reason you couldn't come tell me this?" Jack demanded.  "That's my wife and my child, if you haven't noticed.  How long were you plannin' on waitin' before informing me of this?"

   Kendra didn't bother to look back at Jack.  "Then . . . then Winn could die?" she whispered to herself.

   "Jack . . ." Cat threw a sharp look at Kendra as she drew herself up to her full height which nearly rivaled Jack's.  "We didn't come tell you because we have nothing definite to tell you as of yet.  We didn't want to worry you unnecessarily."  Cat let some of the authority drop from her voice as she addressed Kendra.  "Winn's not going to die.  Not if we can help it."

   Kendra squared her shoulders and fought back the fear that was beginning to drown her other senses.  "Anything I can do?"

   "We could use some more water," Elizabeth volunteered.  Kendra nodded and went down to the kitchen to fetch some from the pump.  "And I need to check on my children.  And the rest of them while I'm at it.  Jack, will you come take over for me?"  Cat and Grace both opened their mouths to protest, but Elizabeth stopped them.  "He's a pirate."  She winked at Jack.  "What use do pirates have for propriety?  Besides, can either of you say that your husbands stayed out of your birthroom when your firstborns were on their way?"  Both women shook their heads and Elizabeth smiled.  "Why break with tradition then?"  She got up and Jack gave her a curt nod of appreciation before taking a seat next to Winn.

   "Winnie?  Love?"  He stroked some hair out of his wife's face.  "Want to look at me, or are you mad at me at the moment?"

   "Jack?"  Winn opened her eyes.  "What are you doing in here?  It's not proper."

   "Love, that argument has already been made.  As you can see," he kissed her forehead, "it didn't make much impact.  Would you prefer if I left you to your business, love?"

   Winn shook her head, whimpering as another contraction took her mind off Jack.  "It hurts, it hurts, it hurts," she hissed.  Jack saw how her knuckles were turning white as she gripped the bedclothes.  The moment she relaxed her death grip, he replaced the sheets with his hand.

   "You're doin' a fine job, love.  And I'm here for as long as you need me."  Winn nodded, and sunk into the bed.  Jack watched as she had another contraction not five minutes later.  She sat up as the pain hit.  When she moved the lay back down, he inserted himself behind her, supporting her back with his chest.  "There, love.  Not so much work now."

   Kendra rushed back into the room, hauling two large pails of water, setting them down on the floor beside Jack.  "That should more than cover it."  Jack barely even acknowledged this declaration, instead wetting the cloth Elizabeth had been using.  He tenderly wiped the sweat from his wife's face, whispering in her ear.  Kendra watched for a moment, smiling softly.  Never thought I'd see Sparrow like this . . . I guess at times he's tolerable.  With him here, and Cat and everyone else . . . she'll make it.  Winn's a tough one.  No need to worry just yet.  She slowly backed up, not wanting to disturb the two.   

   Winn fed off her husband's presence, letting him take over the job of supporting her.  His words stayed with her even as she faced the pain.  When she murmured her fears to him, he calmed them, assuring her that she would be fine, that their child would be healthy and beautiful, that he hadn't come back from the dead to give up on her now.  She swallowed these words in almost the same way that she swallowed water from the glass he held to her lips.  Now, if only he could give her his strength in the same way he shared his confidence and peace. . . .

****************************************

To both mother and expecting father, it seemed as if things had been dragging on for days.  In reality it was only nearing dawn before the babe decided it was ready to make its way into the world.

   Winn was growing exhausted, almost too tired to notice the pain anymore.  Her entire body was coated in sweat, her hair was a mess, and she was sure she'd never looked worse in her entire life.  That was all topped off by the fact that her husband was still holding her and still talking to her constantly even though his voice was starting to grow hoarse.  She decided that she was never going to go through this again, and that wouldn't be a problem because whenever Jack looked at her after this, he'd remember what a mess she'd been and not find her appealing at all.

   Jack on the other hand, was battling his own doubts.  Things had gone on for so long without any progress.  Winn was lying limply in his arms.  How much longer could she take this before she did as Cat had said, and lost the strength to see their babe safely into the world?  What would the cost be?  How would he pay it?

   "Jack?  Cat?"  Winn's voice wavered.  "I . . . I think something's happening.  I feel . . . different."

   Cat came over to the bed.  Grace had just retired for a bit of a break.  Discreetly, she raised the hem of Winn's nightshirt.  Jack averted his eyes and looked into his wife's face, murmuring endearments and assurances and memories.  Whatever it took to get her through this.  Cat seemed to think that Winn was right, for she called for Kendra.

   Kendra jerked up from her position leaning against the wall and hurried over, looking ruffled.  "Aye?  What can I do?"

   Cat went over to the shorter woman.  "Go down the hall and get Grace."  She kept her voice low enough that the couple on the bed paid her no attention.  "I want her here just in case."

   "Aye, aye."  Kendra nodded and slunk out, running down the hall and knocking on Grace's door.  "Grace?  You in there?"

   "Yes.  Just a moment."  Grace appeared at the door, her husband behind her.  "Has the babe decided to stop giving its mother such a hard time?"

   "Not sure . . ." Kendra did her best to keep her nerves calm.  "Cat just told me to get you . . . just in case."

   Grace nodded, turned and whispered something to her husband, kissed him on the cheek, and then followed Kendra back to Winn's room.  Kendra resumed her spot on the wall and nodded at Cat.

   Cat smiled, then turned back to Winn.  "Com'on Freddy.  I know you're tired, but you need to push.  Your nestling has finally decided it wants to hatch, but it needs some help from Momma."  Winn grimaced, but tried to do as she was told.  Jack met Cat's eyes as Winn struggled.  There was precious little strength left in her body.  "Freddy, the next time a contraction comes, I want you to push down.  You have to wait for a contraction, otherwise it won't do any good, alright?"

   Winn nodded as her heart sank.  The waves of pain were still coming, but they were nothing like the ones that she'd had earlier.  It was like comparing gentle summer waves to brutal winter ones.  But one came, and she clamped down on it, squeezing Jack's hand as she pushed.  If it was the last thing she did, she was going to see this child safe.  She'd failed the others.  She'd almost failed this one earlier.  She wouldn't fail now.  She couldn't fail now.

   "Good, good Winn.  I can see the head.  Another few pushes like that and you'll have your son or daughter."

   More?  She had to do that again?  She gasped for air as her heart thudded in her chest.  What did she have left to push with?  "Jack, I can't do it.  I can't."

   "Shh, love.  Yes you can.  I know you can.  You don't give up, you don't give in, and you don't turn your back on the helpless.  I'm here.  Tell me what to do to help, and I'll do it."

   "Keep talking.  Please keep talking."  She could hear another wave coming.  She waited for it, holding onto the sound of Jack's voice like a drowning woman to a rope, and pushed when the wave crested.  Somewhere someone was telling her she was doing a good job, but she couldn't hear it over the sound of Jack's voice, and even that was having a hard time making itself known over the buzzing in her ears.  She opened her eyes and grey dots danced in her vision.  She was exhausted.  Another wave was coming.

   Kendra watched with an expression that was a mixture of awe and horror.  This was childbirth?  And Winn looked so very tired. . . .  Come on, Winn.  You can do it.  Just a little longer.  I didn't do all this work to see you die on me . . . come on Winn.  Kendra clenched a fist and did her best to swallow down her fear, only to find more billow up within her.  Winn can go through all of this . . . I can fight back a little fear for her life.  She's tough . . . she's a Morgan.  She'll make it.

   "Winnie, you're almost there, love.  Just be stubborn for a little longer and then you can rest with our child in your arms.  Just one last push, love.  One more."

   "Is that . . . is that a . . . a promise?"  Winn was gasping for breath, reminding Jack all too vividly of those first dreadful hours after they'd known she'd been poisoned.

   "Yes, love.  And if it's not enough, then I'll take over."

   "I'm . . . I'm holding you . . . to that . . . Sparrow."

   "I wouldn't have said it if I hadn't meant it."

   Winn made an disbelieving sound that quickly turned into a groan.  Jack felt her entire body tense, then felt her muscles slam down.  He knew without seeing her face that she'd just used the last of her strength.  Please let that have been enough.  Please.

   When he heard Cat's triumphant cry, he knew it had been.  He relaxed, hugging Winn to him.  "You did it, Winnie.  You're done.  The work is done, love."

   Kendra finally began to breath more easily, having felt her own body tense as the minutes of agony had slowly ticked on.  "A Sparrowling is born," she smiled to herself.

   Jack, pirate though he was, kept his eyes on his wife's face as the women finished their work.  Cat came over with a swaddled bundle in her arms.  "Well, I think the two of you need to meet your daughter."

   Kendra listened carefully and smiled.  "A lass."

   Jack just stared in disbelief.  A daughter.

   "What do you want it to be?"   Winn's voice had been hesitant.

   He'd looked into Winn's eyes and seen all her fears there.  "I want a little girl who is every bit as headstrong and courageous as her mother.  I want to worry about what she's getting up to next and what danger she's courting along the way.  I want a dark-haired fury whom I can hand over to you when she's throwing a tantrum so you know how I've felt often enough in the past."  Cat placed the small bundle in Winn's arms, but Winn didn't move to take it.  "Winnie?"  Surely she wasn't too tried to hold their daughter. "Winnie?"  She didn't stir.

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A/N 2: I know, I'm evil.  Next chapter up on Saturday.

Author's Thanks:  these are combined thanks for chapters 32 & 33.

bobo3gotta love some cute scenes, especially before I rip out one like this.  Scandalous Elizabeth?  The woman is outspoken and I saw no problem with her saying such things in front of her friends, although if she'd known that Jack had heard that comment, I'm sure she would have turned as red as a turnip.  Or a radish.  Turnips are really . . . I've no idea what color they are, actually.  Now you've stumped me.  I have to go.  ^_^

nebberah!  New reviewer.   You can rock the teddy bear I got for Valentine's Day.  Thanks for the compliments, although I'm still sure that my plots are easily predictable.  But that's probably only because I know what's going to happen.  ^_^  Glad you liked 'Inconvenient' and that you're enjoying this one.

Kontaranice.  Gotta love commitment like that.  I'm glad that you liked chapter 32 so much.  I got to the point where I needed Gandolfi to die, but when I got there, I couldn't make Jack kill him.  No matter that Jack felt like he had to to protect his family, I couldn't do it and keep the man in character.  And part of my reasoning on that was expressed by Jack.

Golden Rose3 – boy, aren't you an impatient little thing?  ^_^ 

NightSkyFlightthanks.  I try to get things up quickly and not keep you waiting.  Lashings?  Well, I have to admit to not being a very bloodthirsty writer myself, and to appreciating the humor that came before this chapter, and that was so much fun to read.

Siremaik – 'wheee' to you too.  ^_^

Piper8188umm, I'm sure Cat had things to say about Kendra's real identity, but she knew that wasn't the time to say them, and she didn't tell me what she wanted to say, so that's that.

Lila Elensar – no, Jack building boats isn't good, but he needed to keep busy.  Hallington's punishment was all bobo3's doing.  I had nothing to do with it, although I do agree that she's a genius. 

Breeze – I'll pass along your comments on Kendra to bobo3

Dawnie-7 – Jack would need to be something of a carpenter.  He lives on a boat made of wood.  Not sure how good he is at building a boat from scratch though.  Guess we'll find out eventually.

lilitaliandragonyou're about to kill me, aren't you?

Curiosity Inc. – I hope this is enough of a climax for you.  I did have something up my sleeve for Jack and Co. to overcome before I truly end the story, and this is it.

KamikazeCreamPuffoh, don't worry.  I have plans for the Pearl.  *rubs hands*  Jack wouldn't be Jack without his ship, and I have no intention on keeping him away from it forever.

Pendraggininkthat was one of the most thorough reviews that I've ever had the pleasure to read.  It was wonderful.  It's always good to know that I'm portraying people correctly, especially since I've no idea what I'm doing.  There's a writer's adage I'm sure you've heard – write what you know.  Well, that's gone out the window.  I've never been pregnant, never had kids, and never truly been in love.  But I can write it apparently, and that's good to know.

KawaiiRyuyes, I'm afraid that I have changed Jack a bit, but that's what happens when you continue on with a character.  I can't wait until PotC 2 comes out so I have a new Jack to work with.  But I am trying to make this incarnation of Jack believable, and I'm glad it's working.  I home things at home are going better for you.  I know how stressful that can be.

pirate-missI'm glad to have Jack and Winn together again too, although, *looks at story* apparently I wasn't afraid of . . . making certain people suffer more.  I did say this was going to be a drama.

Alliagain, thank you for that complement.  It's inevitable that Jack change a bit, no matter who is writing or portraying him.  I bet there were changes that happened just from what the scriptwriters wrote and what Johnny Depp changed the character into.  If I've managed to change him more without anyone noticing and getting upset, then I am truly honored.

Eledhwenthank you.  Never been pregnant myself, but I did manage to do some homework.  Glad it paid off.

Clover the Sea-Beast – yes, a sequel coming, all about the little Sparrow daughter.  First I'm combining forces with bobo3 to write a collaboration, but then I'll be back with more of my characters.  I'm looking forward to writing an action adventure.

BlueTrinityas much as I appreciate the suggestion for Hallington and the sentiment behind it, I would like to keep my PG-13 rating.  Not to mention that I've never been one to read or write such things.  As for Alex and Kendra . . . bobo3 and I are definitely cooking.

jigglykatfeeling much better.  That first day or so is awful though.  Not to mention I was also coming down with a cold.  Real life sucks sometimes.  ^_^  And I'll pass along your complements to bobo3 since she's the one who came up with that ingenious plan.

VagrantCandynot to mention that public humiliation works ever so much better on him than kidnapping would.  He'll be steaming about that for years.  Just wait until he learns that Jack's not dead.  Too bad we won't be able to see that reaction.

SuzzieQueI'm glad you're taking the time to read her story.  It's good stuff, that's why I jumped at the chance to work with her.