"So Gordie, what do you think?"

"I think I am glad my pretty behind has a nice spacious office uptown. This place is so small I'm getting claustrophobic, Diva."

Brooke playfully rolled her eyes at her friend. What would they all do without Gordon's colorful theatrics? It was a warm Tuesday morning and Brooke and Gordon had ventured to an empty property on Long Island that was to be the future home of one of the Sascha Naj regional offices. Brooke had personally assisted Jessica in picking the location and although not as lavish as their main city digs, it was a quaint little place with a lot of potential.

"Oh Gordon, quit being a stick in the mud. This place has…hope. With the right designer, we could do things."

"Right now the only thing I want to do besides that hunky new Calvin Klein model that dropped by the office this morning, is lunch. Diva, I am starving! My stomach is a talking to me. Can we get out of here, please?"

"It's only ten, cry baby."

"Yeah but by the time we get back to Manhattan, if I haven't withered away by then, it'll be just in time to hit up that new sushi place in the Village."

"Mmmmm. Sushi sounds good. Okay, you got me. Let's just lock up so I can return these keys to the real estate broker."

Brooke closed the building and put the keys in her purse. She winced a little at the nagging pain in her lower back.

"Diva? Everything okay?"

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. I just had a pretty uncomfortable night. I was so restless I thought I was gonna jump out of the window. I'm okay now, it's just that my leg keeps cramping up and my back aches a little bit. Oh the joys of being with child."

"Well, I can't wait till Baby Diva gets here. And it's a good thing I drove too. Wouldn't want you behind the wheel with your legs cramping and carrying on. Oh no. This face is way too pretty to be going through the windshield."

"Gordon, do you ever get tired of being a Drama King?"

"Queen. And to answer your question, no."

Brooke's grin was shortened by the weird feeling that was going throughout her entire body. Nothing hurt but she just felt…different.

"Diva?"

"I'm fine", Brooke said, grabbing onto a nearby bench for support.

"You don't look fine."

"I…I just need to sit down, that's all. Oh…"

"Uh-uh! Girlfriend, you are not looking good. Talk to me. Are you in pain?"

"No, I…it's just. Ow!"

"Ow?"

"I keep having these damn stomach cramps, you know, like period cramps. I think I need to sit down."

"Okay, okay. We can sit down. Here. Let me help you."

Brooke managed a smile to reassure Gordon as well as herself. But something wasn't quite right. As the minutes passed and the cramps continued to circulate, she couldn't escape the building panic that something was wrong. Biting her lip, she reached inside her bag for her phone.

"Karen's Café, may I help you?"

"Karen? Hey, it's me. It's Brooke."

"Brooke? Hi hon. It's good to hear from you. Everything okay? You sound upset."

"Um, I don't know. Listen, I'm in Long Island with my partner, Gordon and I've been feeling pretty crappy ever since last night. I'm kind of scared. I don't know what's going on."

"Well, what do you feel like?"

"I don't know. A leg cramp that seems to move all the way up. Now my lower back is killing me but it's a very dull pain, not sharp or anything. Now I keep getting these belly pains, like a menstrual cramp. I mean, I'm not in a lot of pain, I'm just worried. They just started but it feels like it did sort of the night I almost had the miscarriage. I'm afraid if I get up, I might start bleeding. What if something is wrong?"

"Okay, calm down and take a deep breath. Everything is going to be alright. Just stay on the line with me and tell me when you get another cramp."

"Okay. Ouch…damn, I'm having one right now."

"Okay, okay. How long is it lasting?"

"Just a few seconds."

"Good. Now let me know when you have another one."

Brooke and Karen continued talking as Gordon sat nervously by. 15 minutes later, a cramp. 15 minutes later, another one.

"Karen, what's wrong? I think I should call the doctor."

"No need. Honey, get your friend Gordon to drive you to the hospital. Sounds like you're in labor."

"What? No way. I mean, are you sure?"

"It's been 26 years but trust me, you never forget it. Now get to the nearest ER and call Lucas and call me back when you're admitted."

Brooke hung up the phone in a cold sweat. Labor. Labor? Labor! Why did the word all of a sudden terrify her? She had waited so impatiently for the moment to arrive and now that it had, she wasn't ready. In fact, she was scared out of her mind.

"What did she say, Diva? You okay? Tell me it was some bad pasta or indigestion. Tell me something because you know I am not good with tragedy."

"Gordie, Karen said I…she said I'm in labor."

"Labor? Labor like in ready to have a baby? Oh no! Oh no you don't. Not on my watch, Miss Thang. Gordon don't know nothing about birthing no babies. You better hold that in until we get back to the city."

"I think I can", she grunted.

"Think? Wait a minute, when are you due, again?"

"Not until next Friday."

"Next Friday?" Gordon yelled. "Oh Lord! Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and four more folks from the Old Testament! Diva! What are you doing in Long Island dragging me around a week before your due date when your hind parts should be at home in bed?"

"What? I felt fine and there was work to be done. I get bored sitting at home. Look Gordon, don't panic on me. Everything is going to be fine, okay? I heard in Lamaze and my pregnancy yoga classes that first time labors can go on and on. We've got plenty of time, besides Karen might not even know what she's talking about. I certainly don't feel like I'm in labor. Now come on."

Gordon reluctantly helped his friend to a standing position and both exchanged horrified glances as a puddle of clear fluid formed on the ground underneath Brooke's skirt.

"What in the hell is that, Linda Blair?" Gordon asked, hands on hips.

Brooke took a deep breath.

"Gordie…I, I think my water just broke. We need to get to the hospital."

"Not in my new Porsche!"

"Gordon!"

"What? But Diva, you're dripping and pissing…"

"Oh quit your pissing and just put a towel down, will you?"

"My leather seats", Gordon moaned as he put down a towel.

Within seconds they were on the road.

"Now where is the nearest hospital?"

"Gordon, what are you talking about?"

"Hel-lo! Hospital! You know the place where they do surgeries and have babies and all that foolishness. Or do you expect me to boil a pot of water, grab some forceps and deliver Baby Diva myself?"

"No. Just drive me to Connecticut. I want to have my baby with my obstetrician in Greenwich."

"Child, are you crazy? There's no time for that."

"Oh Gordon, there's plenty of time to spare. We'll make it. Now please. I am not having my kid on Long Island."

It was only approximately 31 miles but with traffic it took well over two hours to make it to Greenwich. Gordon was relieved as Brooke's labor was steadily progressing.

"Thank God for Jesus, we're almost there", he panted.

"Gosh Gordie, who's having the contractions…you or me?" Brooke laughed. "You're sweating buckets."

"Diva, this is no time for jokes. You're making me nervous and I am starting to perspire. You know the Gordon does not perspire."

"You are such an old woman. Hey before we go to the hospital, can we stop by the house first?"

"For what?"

"I need to get my hospital suitcase and I need to feed Pete."

"Damn, can't Judas do all that?"

"Luke had a meeting with his agent in the city this morning and he'll probably be tied up with that all day. Besides, I'm not speaking to him."

"Not speaking to him? Lord have mercy, how do I let you get me into these messes, Diva?" Gordon asked in near tears as he pulled up at Brooke's home. "This is crazy."

"Oh Gordon, quit your sniveling and help me inside. I'll grab my bag and you feed the dog."

"Why do I have to feed that mangy old mutt? Why couldn't you and Judas get a Yorkie or a Poodle or some other toy dog like the rest of us rich folks? And why are you driving me to the point of a nervous break down by making me drive your Lamaze breathing, contraction having, water breaking self all the way from Long Island City to Greenwich, Connecticut? This is seriously messed up."

"Aw Gordie, you're my bestest friend and I love you. Baby Diva and I really appreciate what you're doing for us. And I think it's cute that you're scared but we are going to be fine."

"Shut up. Now I'm the one not talking to you, Diva. Dragging me into this sill old mess. I'm gonna be traumatized by the time this day is over. There goes another ten grand in therapy."

"Gordon", Brooke laughed.

"I mean it. You leave me alone, you mean old pregnant woman, you. You know what this feels like? One of those cheesy WB dramas."

"Cheesy? I love the WB. You should check out that show that comes on Tuesday nights at nine."

Gordon continued to panic as they finally made it to the hospital. Brooke was admitted immediately and the doctors examined her while Gordon anxiously paced outside her room.

"Gordie", he heard Brooke call.

"I'm right here, Diva. You alright?"

"The nurse says I'm almost five centimeters dilated. I'm half way there…"

"Child, spare me the details."

"She's gonna be here soon…my little girl. I've waited for this moment for nine months. Hell, three years actually. I'm excited but I'm nervous too. Just…will you stay here with me…please?"

He smiled looking into her pleading eyes as he brushed away a stray strand of her dark hair.

"Of course I will, Diva but what about the person that should be here?"

"No way. You mean, the guy that cheated on me and destroyed our marriage? The guy that is once again putting basketball before his own family?"

"Diva, it's still his baby and he has a right to be here. You know that. Despite everything you just said, Judas does love you and he does love Baby Diva. Don't deny him this moment. He should be here."

"Gordon…"

"Brooke!"

She knew he was serious when he called her by her name. Reluctantly she conceded.

"Fine but I'm not calling him."

Gordon shook his head as he dialed the number for Luke's personal cell.

"Lucas Scott", cam the reply on the other end.

"Judas?"

"Gordon? What's going on, man?"

"I'm at the hospital and I think you need to get your stubborn, conniving, cute behind here too."

"Is Brooke okay? What happened? Is she…"

"She's in labor. Now get yourself here before your daughter does."

"I'm on my way", Lucas said, grabbing wallet and keys. "And I know we haven't always gotten along and stuff but thanks for calling me."

"Yeah, yeah just get here", Gordon smiled as he hung up.

"Is the jerk on his way?" Brooke huffed.

"Of course. Like you knew he would", Gordon answered.

"Whatever. I don't care. Like we need him anyway. We can do this on our own. Ow! Dammitt!"

Brooke squeezed Gordon's hand as she breathed and fought her way through a more powerful contraction.

"Damn, Diva!"

"Sorry. Didn't mean to hurt your hand", she groaned. "That was a big one. You alright?"

"I'm fine. You know, you might want to consider cracking walnuts for a living when all this is over."

"Sorry Gordie."

"Is there anyone else you want me to call?"

"Yeah", Brooke sighed. "Karen. And Haley and Peyton too please."

Gordon nodded and did as he was told. Two hours later Brooke's contractions had strengthened and Gordon was getting scared. He'd never felt more relieved than when he saw Lucas Scott bounding down the hall.

"Gordon, is she okay?"

"She's fine but it ain't a pretty site. It's like the Exorcist in there. I'm waiting for her head to spinning any minute now. But you need to get in there. Your mom is catching the first stand by flight up here and I called your sister in law, Haley, like Brooke asked me too and Broad Shoulders as well."

"Broad Shoulders?"

"That Peyton. She's cute but I tell you, she would have made an excellent linebacker."

Lucas shook his head as the two men entered the room. Brooke was red and sweaty and writhing in pain.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she hissed.

"Where else would I be?" Lucas gently asked. "We're having a baby."

"We? You are chilling in the corner smacking on Dentyne. I feel like my insides are being carved out with a hot knife. We are not having a baby! Brooke is having a baby."

"Don't take it personal, Judas. She's been like this the last half hour or so as the contractions get stronger."

"Shut up, Gordie!" Brooke yelled. "Don't talk about me like I'm not here! What, are you two scheming holes building a secret alliance or something?"

"Diva…"

"Don't 'Diva' me. Get out! Both of you! Now!"

Shrugging and turning sheepishly on their heels, both men did as they were told. As they made it to the door, another contraction hit Brooke, causing her to cry out in agony.

"Don't leave me!"

And that was all it took as the two rushed to her side.

"I'm sorry. It just hurts so much", she whimpered.

"Nurse, is there anything you can give her for pain?" Lucas asked.

"We can start the epidural now? Mrs. Scott, are you ready?"

"Please", Brooke begged.

Within minutes the anesthesiologist was on site. Gordon and Lucas both looked on with horror as the long needle was inserted into Brooke's lower spine.

"Doesn't that hurt?" Gordon grimaced.

Almost immediately the medicine took its numbing effect and Brooke was able to relax.

"Feels better than the sex that got me here…no offense, Luke."

"None taken", he sighed, just grateful she was no longer in unbearable pain.

A half hour later, she was peacefully dozing. Gordon excused himself to get coffee and also promised to be Karen's ride from the airport whenever her plane arrived. Lucas was grateful for the help but more than that, at that moment he just felt lucky to be alive. He smiled as he kissed a sleeping Brooke's nose and tenderly caressed her stomach. Little Girl Scott would soon be making her highly anticipated debut and Luke would be there to witness it all. It was a beautiful moment, one he couldn't describe. He just felt lucky.