This is, in a sense, a prequel to the Family of Four series. What happened was I got an idea and said Oh, I wish I had writtenSo instead of just wishing, I actually wrote. While Family of Four began in March of 2018, this piece is set in November of 2017.
Rachel is 28 has been married to Steven for two years and she is nine months pregnant with their first child. She is a special-education teacher but has taken maternity leave for the year. Steven is 36 and a pediatrician in a small practice. They live a little ways outside of Chicago, about 45 minutes from Mark, Elizabeth, Josh and Rebecca and see them several times each month.
Mark and Elizabeth got together in the Spring of 1998 and she never had a relationship with Benton. They married in May of 2000 and have two children. Joshua David was born in March 2001 and is currently in his junior year in high school. He plays baseball for his high-school team. Rebecca Isabelle was born in September 2004 and is in the eighth grade. Mark is Chief of Staff at County Stephanie is Mark's secretary in this new position. Elizabeth is Chief of Surgery, a position she accepted once she returned to full-time status when both children started school.
Mark's father did not die in Season 6, although his mother did. David moved to Chicago sometime after his wife's death but lives in a retirement community not far from Mark, Elizabeth and the children and sees them once a week or so. In addition, both of Elizabeth's parents are alive. They have met David but there was never anything romantic between David and Isabelle such as that which occurred in Season 6.
Also, Rachel and Elizabeth are very close because Jennifer died when Rachel was in her teens. Their relationship had been tense when Rachel first moved to Chicago but over time they grew closer and Elizabeth became the one that Rachel would turn to when she needed advice.
Notes: Rachel's Hospital is Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL which specializes in maternity/neonatal care. I chose such a hospital for reasons you will see later. Dr. Watkins is her obstetrician.
The idea for the title came from Brad Paisley's song He Didn't Have to Be.
As usual, I do not own any of these characters and make no money from their use. Thanks go to Lori and Jo for letting me bounce ideas off of them and reading through this for me. E-mail me with any questions or comments that you may have.
It was around 3 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2017, and due to complications with her pregnancy, Rachel's doctor had decided it would be good to induce labor on Friday morning. Steven had gone with Rachel to the hospital, but he needed to return to the office and tie up some loose ends with the doctors covering for him while he would be off.
Rachel was settled in her room, flipping through one of her many baby books when she heard a knock at the door. Looking up in surprise, she said, "Hey, Dad" and set her book down.
"Hi," he said, giving her a kiss. "How are you doing?"
"Pretty good. Still getting settled to some degree."
"What time did you get here?" Mark asked, pulling a chair up next to the bed.
"About an hour ago," Rachel said, glancing at her bedside clock. "I had to be at the hospital at one for the pre-admission tests, but they didn't bring me up here until a little after two."
"Did Steven come for the testing?"
"Yeah, he just left maybe 15 minutes ago. He said he should be back around 7:30."
"That's good. Have you seen the doctor yet?"
"Dr. Watkins is supposed to come by soon to check on me. The nurse said that they are going to induce at 6 AM tomorrow though."
"Wow. I'm glad I made the drive down tonight," Mark said with a smile.
"Although I was surprised to see you, I'm glad you did too."
"I was always planning on coming down tonight because I had a feeling they would induce early. But once you told me you had to come in during the afternoon, I decided to take a half day off. I figured you could use the company. Elizabeth is coming down after work, she should be here around 7:00."
"Is Grandpa staying with Josh and Rebecca?"
"Yes, I told him we'd call as soon as there was any news tomorrow and they will come. While Elizabeth and I wanted to be here for tonight, we figured they would both soon be bored and since its nearing finals, they shouldn't miss class."
"I understand," Rachel said. "I really appreciate both you and Elizabeth taking time off to come down."
"I wouldn't miss this for anything," Mark said. "And neither would Elizabeth."
A moment or so later they heard another knock at the door followed by, "Hello, Rachel."
"Hi, Dr. Watkins. How are you?"
"Fine, thanks. And yourself?"
"Good, thanks. I'm not sure if you've met my father, this is Dr. Mark Greene."
"Nice to meet you," Mark said, shaking the other doctor's hand.
"Same here. Are you a local doctor?"
"I'm Chief of Staff at County General in Chicago."
"So this must be a nice change of pace?" she asked with a laugh.
"Definitely." Knowing that Rachel needed time with her doctor, Mark continued. "I'm going to call Elizabeth to let her know I arrived and grab something to eat. I'll be back in about 20 minutes?" he asked, unsure of how long things would take.
"Twenty minutes is good"
"No problem. Do you need anything while I'm gone?"
"No, thanks, Dad."
Mark returned just under a half hour later, pleased to see that a bouquet of flowers had arrived but a little concerned, because Rachel appeared to be upset. Wanting to deal with the good first, he asked, "Flowers? Do you have a Secret Admirer?"
Rachel smiled and said, "Yes, I do. Thanks, Dad. You didn't have to."
"I know I didn't. I wanted to. I'm just glad to see that they got here. That was one of my calls just now. They were supposed to be here by the time you got here."
"Well I'm glad they got here, even if they were a bit late."
"Me, too," Mark said, sitting on the bed beside Rachel. Rachel tried to look away because she knew what was coming, but Mark took her hand and asked gently, "What's the matter?"
Rachel didn't answer right away and not wanting to make her feel as if she had to talk when she didn't want to, Mark just sat there holding her hand. Finally Rachel said softly, almost inaudibly, "I'm scared."
"Of what?" Mark asked gently. "Did Dr. Watkins have bad news?"
"N-n-not exactly. She just told me to be preparedin case there were any complications. I know that's her job to tell me and all but"
"Did she tell you what kind of complications?" Throughout Rachel's difficult pregnancy, Mark had tried to stick to his role of father, rather than doctor; but the distinction grew finer as he worried about the potential complications.
"She wasn't real specific, but she mentioned something about post-partum hemorrhagingOr a problem with the baby." Rebecca bit her lip to fight the tears and said, "I don't know what I'd do if something went wrong."
Mark wanted nothing more than to tell her everything would be fine, but he didn't want to give her any false promises. Instead he put his arms around her, held her, and gave her the reassurance, "I'll be here".'
A few minutes later Rachel pulled back and asked, "Can I tell you something?"
"Of course."
"In case something happensTo the baby or to me, I want you to know what Steven and I chose for her name."
Mark considered telling Rachel not to think such things, but decided against it, as he didn't want her to think that he disregarded her fears. Instead, he said, "I didn't think you knew the sex."
"We didn't want to know but the doctors have known from the other tests. Once we realized that there could be serious problems, we decided that we wanted to know, and give the baby a name."
"I think that's a great idea. When did you find out?"
"About a month or so ago. We had originally planned to keep it a secret but then Steven and I were talking last night and I told him I wanted to tell you before the birth and he agreed that it was a good idea."
"And I'll keep it top secret," Mark said with a smile.
Rachel continued, "Her first name is Grace. That's just a name that Steven and I both really love."
"It's a beautiful name," Mark agreed.
"And her middle name is Elizabeth." Rachel let that hang in the air for a moment before continuing, "I wanted to show her how much I appreciate everything she's done for me."
"She will be so touched."
"It's something I always wanted to do as I never felt I could thank her enough for everything she's done for me, despite how I first treated her. She never gave up on me, or let me give up on myself."
Mark wasn't sure what to say as he and Rachel had talked before about how her move to Chicago when she was eleven for a year and then permanently when she was 13 had helped her, but he didn't know at all how much she had shared with Elizabeth. "This is a wonderful way to say thank you."
"I'm going to tell her as soon as Grace is born, but if something happens" Rachel paused for a moment or two to gain control of her emotions before continuing. "If something happens, please give her this," she said, taking a letter from her bedside table. "It pretty much tells her what I just told you," Rachel said by way of explanation.
"I will," Mark promised, wishing that Rachel didn't have to think about all of this. He was grateful that Rachel and Elizabeth had grown closer as the initial year or so was rough with Rachel feeling as if she had to compete with Elizabeth for his attention.
As Mark looked back at Rachel he noticed her trying to stifle a yawn. "How much sleep did you get last night?"
"Not much," Rachel admitted.
"Why don't you try to rest?"
"You didn't drive down here to watch me sleep."
"I'm your father. That's part of the package. Besides, some of our best moments for the first couple years of your life were me watching you sleep." Mark added with a laugh, "You need to sleep while you can. If Grace is anything like you were when you were a baby, she will be nocturnal."
"Stay with me until I fall asleep?"
"Of course, I wasn't planning to leave."
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Of course, what do you need?"
"Can you ask Elizabeth to wake me when she gets here? I wanted to ask her something."
"If you want to talk to her now, she's probably in her office. She didn't have any surgeries scheduled for this afternoon."
"It's OK, I can wait." Reaching for Mark's hand, she added, "Thanks for being here, Dad."
"You don't have to thank me," Mark said. He gave Rachel kiss on the cheek before adding, "Like I said, it's part of the package."
Mark sat, reading a book as Rachel slept. Around 6:30 he heard footsteps approaching and saw a shadow in the doorway. He rose when he saw Elizabeth and put his finger to his lips. "How was work?" he asked softly after they kissed.
"Not bad. Quiet for a change, so I escaped a bit early. How's Rachel?"
"Worried," Mark admitted. "She didn't sleep much last night, but she wanted to talk to you. I think it was important"
"OK," Elizabeth said. "She could have called me at work if she needed me."
"Yeah, she knew that, but she said it could wait." Noticing the flowers in Elizabeth's hand Mark added with a laugh, "I guess you had the same idea as I had?"
"Yeah," Elizabeth admitted. "You can never have too many flowers." After a moment, she added, "Have you eaten anything yet?"
"Nothing substantial. I was thinking of running to the deli though. Does that sound good to you?"
"Sure. Do you want to get two and we'll have half of each?"
"Sounds good. Any preferences?"
"I'm sort of in the mood for roast chicken."
"I can handle that. I'll be back in a little while."
As Mark left, Elizabeth sat on the edge of Rachel's bed. As she did so, Rachel's eyes fluttered open. "Hi," Elizabeth said softly. "How are you doing?"
"OK," Rachel said, somewhat evasively. "How was work?"
"Not bad, a quiet day. How early did you have to be here?"
"Pre-admission testing was at one but I didn't see the Doctor until after Dad arrived, around 3:30."
"I think you were talking to her when Dad called to let me know he was here. What did the Doctor have to say?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not much. Just that she doesn't know what to expect and to be prepared for anything. II know she has to warn me but I wish she'd never brought it up," Rachel said softly.
"I don't blame you," Elizabeth agreed.
As Elizabeth moved slightly to reach for the tissue box on Rachel's bedside table, Rachel caught sight of the bouquet of purple chrysanthemums. "Are they from you?" Rachel asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"I decided you would need something to brighten up your room. And chrysanthemums are November's flower."
"Thank you," Rachel said, reaching to give Elizabeth a hug. "I'm sorry that I started crying as soon as you got here."
"You're pregnant. Just blame it on the hormones. That's what I did," Elizabeth commented, laughing. "Dad told me that you needed to talk. You could have called me at work-I would have come down earlier."
"I know you would have but I couldn't ask you to do that, you've already done so much for me. So much that you didn't have to do," Rachel added.
"I wanted to, that's all that matters. And I will always be here for you," Elizabeth reassured Rachel. "I hope you know that."
"I do."
Rachel wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and as she did so Elizabeth asked, "So what else did the doctor tell you?"
"Not much. They're going to induce at 6:00 with the hope of delivery by noon or 1 PM."
"And hopefully all will go as planned."
Just then Mark stuck his head in the room, "Dinner is served," he said with a smile. "How was your nap?" he added.
"Great, thanks. You didn't have to leave."
"My stomach was calling. Which of the sandwiches do you want? We have turkey, roast chicken, and tuna."
"I can't have any." Mark frowned, concerned, before she added, "Dr. Watkins said no food, no drink in case" she trailed off.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize," Mark said.
"It's OK."
"I'll just put the sandwiches in the refrigerator," Mark said.
"No, you can eat." Rachel said. "I honestly don't mind."
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes. I'm not even really that hungry."
"OK."
Because visiting hours ended at 8 PM, Mark and Elizabeth spent the night at Rachel and Steven's house. They returned to the hospital by 5:30 AM with Steven. Steven noticed immediately that Rachel was not happy. "What's the matter?"
"Only one family member is allowed in the delivery room," Rachel said, choking back emotion. "They said there is a waiting area just outside each room and that you can come in as soon as the baby is born, butI feel bad," Rachel said, a tear sliding down each cheek.
"It's OK," Mark reassured her. "I expected this. Now no more tears," he said with a smile. "What else did the doctor have to say?"
"I haven't seen her yet, as she came by while I was asleep. The nurse came by to change the IV and told me that Dr. Watkins will be back a little after six."
"Hopefully she'll have more to say then."
"Yeah. I think you can stay with me until they actually start, will you?"
"Of course. How did you sleep?"
"OK. I had a little trouble falling asleep but once I fell asleep I was fine. How about you two? Everything OK?"
"Of course." Elizabeth said with a laugh. "Steven is the perfect host."
"A regular Martha Stewart," Mark added.
The day seemed to go by quickly and by just after 1 PM, Rachel was in the final stages of labor. Mark and Elizabeth stood in the waiting room and took turns going to the door to hear what was going on. "I think Dr. Watkins just said last push," Mark said.
"Great. I'm glad there have been no complications so far."
"I'm afraid to be too happy yet," Mark admitted.
"I know," Elizabeth agreed sympathetically.
"I know. I am as well. I just wish we were in there-doing something rather than waiting to hear what's happening in there.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement and put her arm around Mark's waist. "I understand. But at least we know Dr Watkins is one of the best in the area. She's doing all she can."
Just then a loud wail filled the air, loud enough that neither Mark nor Elizabeth needed to approach the door to hear. "Well that's definitely a good sign," Mark said with a laugh.
Within just a few minutes the door opened and Dr. Watkins came out, "You can go in," she said to Mark and Elizabeth. "I'll be back in a little while."
"Thank you."
Mark and Elizabeth walked into the room and smiled at the site of Rachel and Steven sitting side by side on the bed with the baby in Rachel's arms, wrapped in a pink blanket. "She's beautiful," Mark said.
"Thank you."
"Rachel, she has your eyes. But Steven, she definitely has your nose," Elizabeth laughed.
Steven said, "I want to go call my parents. Mark, do you want me to call Josh and Rebecca?"
"That's OK, I'll come with you." Mark said, as he leaned down to give Rachel and his new granddaughter a kiss. "I love you both," he said softly.
"I love you too, Dad."
At that moment, the nurse came in to give the baby a bath. "We'll be back in just a few minutes, Mom," she said with a smile. "You both did well."
"Thanks," Rachel said, kissing her daughter before she passed her to the nurse.
After they left, Elizabeth sat down next to Rachel on the bed, and said, "I think Dad forgot something important."
"What's that?" Rachel asked, with a knowing smile.
"He didn't ask the baby's name to tell Josh and Rebecca."
"That's because he already knows," Rachel admitted. "I told him yesterday afternoon."
"So when do I get to find out?" Elizabeth teased.
"Right now." Rachel said, pausing briefly before she continued. "Her name is Grace Elizabeth Acton." After another pause, she continued, "For everything you've done for me-for all of us."
Rachel didn't know what reaction she had expected, but when she looked up, she saw that Elizabeth's eyes were brimming with tears. Elizabeth put her arms around Rachel and said, "That means so much. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Rachel said, returning the hug.
-February 16, 2002
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