Chapter 14: A Christmas Miracle

3 Years later…

Ashi leaned against her husband's chest, a small baby cradled in her arms. Duo had his arms wrapped around Ashi's waist, his head on her shoulder. "Look at her…she's perfect."

Ashi sighed in exhaustion. "9 hours of labor…" she stroked the sleeping baby's cheek and smiled. "But it was worth it."

She grinned. "She has your eyes."

Duo chuckled. "Yeah, but she's gonna look a lot like you with the hair. Oh look…she has your nose, too. Father Maxwell must've pulled a few strings with the big man to have her look like you. Thank God he did."

Duo pulled the blanket down a bit from the baby's face. "Hello…" he cooed in a baby voice. "This funny lookin' guy is your daddy!"

The tiny baby let out a little giggle, causing both parents to laugh. "Is Daddy funny?" Ashi said.

Duo kissed Ashi's cheek. "Merry Christmas, honey."

Ashi laid her head against Duo's chest and sighed contently. "This has to be…the most precious Christmas gift you have given me."

Duo grinned. "And Daddy sure had fun helping Mommy bring you into the world, kiddo." Duo said to the little infant and winked at Ashi.

Ashi blushed. "Duo!" she chided.

Duo shrugged. "Hey…she doesn't know what I'm talking about…yet."

Ashi groaned. "I'm not ready for 'The Talk' with her yet…so behave!"

Duo laughed. "Yes, Ma'am."

Ashi sighed. "So much for a tender moment. Mr. Romance."

Duo chuckled. "I was just playing with you...but yes…you giving birth to our daughter as been the greatest of Christmas gifts. Though…I don't know how well I'm gonna do as a Father. But…I'll try my best."

Ashi kissed his cheek. "You'll be an awesome father. Who would've thought that Heero would be a father? He's not only a father to one…but two children. And he's a wonderful father at that. It's hard to believe that Ashley is in preschool now. And Maxwell is just learning to walk. And last spring…Quatre and Catherine had their baby…he can say so many words now. My…how the time flies, doesn't it?"

Duo kissed the top of Ashi's head. "Yes, it does…I hope she takes a while in growing up. You know…it's really annoying calling the baby "baby" or "she". We need a name."

Ashi smiled. "I have one…if you don't like it…that's ok."

"I'm open to anything!"

Ashi smiled, tears glistening in her eyes as she stroked the infant's baby fine hair. "Helen."

Duo smiled, his eyes misting as he nodded. "Th-That's…that's perfect."

Duo leaned over and kissed baby Helen's forehead. "Welcome to the family, Helen. We've been waiting for you."

Duo leaned back against the hospital bed so Ashi could lie back comfortably.

Ashi kissed Helen's little fingers. "Merry Christmas, Helen…my little miracle."

The End

Originally I was going to have this posted during Christmas…but due to the little reviews, I put it in the back burner…

So, a belated Happy Holidays to you!