THE GIFT

by kinoa

Angel is given his family. Connor decides to stand by Angels side and learn the family business. (Follow up to The PTB's Boss Sends Help)

13. Chapter 13 I give you Mary Kathleen Mar...

This is a replacement for Chapter 13. One of my readers pointed out to me that I had quiet a few spelling mistakes in the previous posting of Chapter 13. I checked it again and found a lot of mistakes. I usually am very careful about double checking my work but I guess I was anxious for Kathleen to come into the world also. It's odd but when you double check your own work you very often see what you want to see even though it's wrong and unfortunately I don't have anyone that can do the proofreading for me.

The Gift

I Present to You

Mary Kathleen Martin

Chapter 13

The AI team made it to Los Angeles without any problems, that is if you don't count the times that Angel had to stop so that he and Cordelia could go to the bathroom.

Angel pulled up to the back of the Hyperion as close as he could to let Cordelia and Dr. Martin out. They all went into the hotel and Xander was there to greet them. David's guards went in also to check the hotel out. Neither Angel or Connor could sense any strangers in the hotel so they all came in. The head of the team of guards approached Angel.

"Every thing is secure sir. You have a beautiful place here. We will be taking our leave now sir Mr. Morgan has instructed me to tell you that if you should need any further assistance to please call him." "Thank you. It's Gary isn't it." "Yes sir." "Thank you Gary. Are you hungry? Would you like something to drink before you leave?" "No thank you sir we've kind of been spoiled by what we get at Mr. Morgans. Thank you though. Good night." The men and vampires all left then.

Xander had all of the lights on so they could see all of the changes. The lobby had a new coat of paint but otherwise didn't look any different until you looked more closely.

"Xander if you know where the wheel chair is would you get it please?" "Sure Angel, I think I saw it in the clinic. I'll get it for you." Cordelia's back was hurting. She didn't have to say anything but because Angels was also he knew she needed it.

Dr. Martin saw Cordelia sitting in the wheelchair that Xander had brought over. She came over and joined them. "How are you doing Cordelia?" "My back has been hurting all evening." Cordelia said as she sat forward and tried to stop the pain that was localized in her lower back.

"Cordelia you might be starting your first stage of labor. Tomorrow morning call me if you still are uncomfortable okay?" "Okay Mom. Can I possibly take anything for the pain?" "That wouldn't be wise to do that right now. Angel can give you a back rub and that's all."

Xander took them all into the clinic first. They had torn apart the whole kitchen and set up the clinic according to Dr. Martins specifications. A corner of the room had been designated as surgery or in Cordelia's case the delivery room. One corner had a desk and shelves set up for medical books and a brand new PC was on her desk along with a printer, fax machine, and scanner that was on shelves along the wall. Angel looked at Dr. Martin, she had tears in her eyes as she walked around the room. She opened doors and drawers. She checked the refrigerator to see if it was cool enough to put in the drugs that needed refrigeration. There was also a desk close to hers that had a sign over it. "Fred's Desk". Fred let out a squeal as it caught her eye. She had a PC on her desk as well that was hooked up to the printer and scanner also. Every drawer and cabinet door had either key accessed entrance or child proof locks.

They left the clinic then and went to the kitchen. Everything had been updated and the room enlarged. All counter surfaces were made of marble and cabinet doors, drawers and refrigerator doors matched. They had 2 microwaves and a stove with 6 burners and a grill. A barbeque had also been installed in the kitchen, not as a modern barbeque but as a raised fire pit. As in the clinic all drawers and doors had child proof locks on them. All electrical outlets had safety plugs in them and those that were normally near the floor were repositioned higher up so that curious little fingers couldn't reach them. The dials for the stove were set to the side and could be covered. There were two wall ovens that were set side by side so that they could be to high for a child to touch.

After checking all of the first floor they went to the 2nd floor and all of their bedrooms. The space for each room had been increased so that they each had a mini kitchen sitting room and elaborate bathrooms.

"I need to go to bed now Angel. I can see the rest of the hotel tomorrow morning okay?" Cordelia was so tired and sore that she was falling asleep as they went through the hotel.

"Okay Cordy. Wesley we're going to bed well see the rest tomorrow. Goodnight everyone."

"Okay goodnight." Wesley said as he and Fred went into their suite of rooms. Angel and Cordelia heard Fred scream and new she was happy with their rooms.

Cordelia was so tired she slipped out of her clothes, went to the bathroom and was out in a few minutes. She headed right for the bed and crawled in. She didn't look for a nightgown she just crawled into bed in her birthday suit. Angel was checking out the new flat screened TV and home theater when he heard Cordelia crying. He turned everything off and turned the lights off after removing his clothes. He crawled into bed and put his arms around her. "What's wrong Cordy?" "I'm just so tired I guess. I can hardly wait for Kathleen to come out. Sing me that little Irish lullaby you remembered when we were staying in the barn in Ireland." Angel started to sing the lullaby to her. When he was done he could hear her slow steady breathing and heart beat that had slowed down which signaled that she had fallen asleep.

Angel was the first to wake up the next morning, it was 10 A.M.. Since Cordelia was still sleeping he carefully got up from the bed and took the phone over to the couch. He called Fr. Barris.

"Fr. Barris this is Angel. I need to see you. Can you come here or I can come to your church tonight?" "I can come over there this afternoon Angel. Any certain time?" "How about 4 o'clock that way you can stay for dinner and I am sure that Dr. Martin would love to see you. I think she will have a lot to talk to you about." "I'll see you at 4 o'clock then. Good bye."

What had happened in Sunnydale was weighing heavily on his mind. He came so close to denying God as St. Peter had done when Jesus was being tortured. He felt a need to confess what he saw as a terrible sin against his Boss. He went into the bathroom to take a shower when he hung up the phone. Angels muscles where sore and he seemed to have a constant headache. He stood under the hot water and let it run over his back. He was deep in thought when he heard the shower door open. He knew it was Cordelia so he didn't look up yet. He felt her hands on his shoulders as she rubbed them and continued to message his back with soup. He turned then and took her in his arms. She pushed him away a little and took some more soap in her hands and bathed him with just her hands. She did it slowly and massaged each arm then to his shoulder then down the front of his chest. She did each muscle that was distinctly defined. Her hands went slowly down his stomach then to his back and over his behind and slowly brought them forward. She got on her knees and reached up to put more soap in her hands then completed the process. Lovingly and softly she took all that physically made him a man into her hands and carefully cleansed him.

"Rinse yourself off Angel." He turned around and let the water rinse the soap away. Then he reached down and pulled Cordelia up and started to do the same for her except he started with her hair which he loved so much. When he had finished with her hair he took some of the liquid soap into his hands and started to wash her. Starting with her shoulders and neck and face he carefully rubbed the soap over her soft young skin. She raised her hands to better wash her face then rinsed the soap off. Yesterdays makeup went down the drain along with the fatigue that showed in and around her eyes. Angel couldn't help himself and he had to steal a kiss. He pulled away then and continued to wash the rest of her body. He did her arms and legs first so that he could spend more time washing her breasts and stomach. He got on his knees and reached up to wash her breasts. He heard her gasp, not in sexual pleasure but in pain.

"Be careful Angel they are very tender now. When you wash between my legs be very careful because I am very tender there also." "Why?" "I think my body is getting ready to bring Kathleen out to join you."

Angel proceeded to finish her bath then before turning the water off he ran his hands around her stomach. He stopped and positioned his hand as he usually did when he wanted to feel Kathleen. He closed his eyes and concentrated. No matter how hard he tried though she didn't respond and that scared him. He didn't tell Cordelia that he couldn't find Kathleen's mind. The water was getting cold now though and he quickly rinsed her off and shampooed his own hair and rinsed it. Cordelia had already gotten out of the shower since the hot water had run out. Angel helped her to dry off then he took care of himself.

"Go and sit on the bed Cordy and I'll be out in a minute to help you get dressed." Cordelia did as he said. Angel came out after he finished drying himself off.

"What do you want to wear today?" "Give me a clean nightgown for now. I want to see Mom so she can check me. I think she was right last night I think I am in the first stage of labor." Angel got on the phone and called Dr. Martins room to see if she was in there. After the second ring she picked up the phone.

"Hello, this is Dr. Martin." "Mom, I'm glad your in your room. Cordelia wants you to examine her, she says you were right last night and she thinks she's in the first stage of labor." "Take her to the clinic Angel and I'll be right their." "Okay well see you downstairs." Angel put the nightgown on Cordelia and quickly blow dried her hair. After he got dressed he took her downstairs and into the clinic. Angel helped her get on the examination bed then they just waited for Dr. Martin.

A few minutes later Dr. Martin came in. "Good morning Cordelia and Angel. Angel tells me that you think your going into labor." "Yes, I am so sore. My breasts are so tender I can hardly stand for them to be touched. All the area between my legs is tender also." "Okay let me check your cervix to see if it is starting to open. Lay down and put your feet in those ever popular stirrups."

Dr. Martin put some gloves on and examined Cordelia. Since she was so tender it hurt as soon as Dr. Martin touched her. Cordelia held on to Angels hand.

"Okay Cordelia you were right. Your cervix is starting to get tender and you have opened up about 1 cm. I want to check on Kathleen right now." Dr. Martin put a monitor on Cordelia's stomach so they could listen to the baby's heartbeat. Because Angel was worried about Kathleen his arm started to shake.

When she turned up the speaker on the monitor they heard her heartbeat. It was strong and steady. She noticed that Angel had been holding his breath. "What's the matter Angel? Did you think that their was something wrong?" "Yeah I did. When we were taking a shower this morning I tried communicating with Kathleen and I couldn't find her mind."

"Kathleen is busy listening to what ever is telling her that it's time to come out and she has to figure out what she has to do in order to start her journey. So don't try to communicate with her anymore so that she doesn't get distracted. The next time you communicate with your daughter will be when I put her in your arms."

"How long do you think it will take?" Cordelia asked as she got up.

"I can't give you a time for anything Cordelia. Kathleen is in control now. It could be today or it could be tomorrow. It's all up to her. Let me get the rest of your vitals. I suggest that you carry on with whatever you were planning on doing. I know you were real tired last night but you may start having so much energy that you won't know what to do with it. So what are you going to do now?" "I think I'll go upstairs and get dressed then see what Fred is doing and we will probably check on the other bedrooms to see how they look. We probably also have to do some major grocery shopping. Okay I think that energy thing is kicking in now." Dr. Martin and Angel were laughing at her.

"Cordelia make sure that you stay here okay, don't leave the hotel. I want you to take a nap this afternoon also. I know you feel like you have a lot of energy right now but your going to need to rest just in case you deliver tonight or tomorrow morning."

"By the way Cordy I asked Fr. Barris to come over for dinner tonight. Angel told her.

"Okay, I'll let Fred know." Cordelia came over and gave him a kiss then left to go and get dressed. "Cordy take the elevator." Dr. Martin yelled. "Yes Mother." They could hear the laughter in her voice.

Dr. Martin went to the sink to wash her hands and straighten up the area. When she was done she went over to Angel. "Lets go out to the garden. Xander fixed it up so that you can go out and sit under the tree during the day." Angel and Dr. Martin went to the kitchen first to get some hot tea to take out to the garden. Angel made himself a large glass of blood also. He hadn't had anything yet and he was hungry. They went to the garden and sat at the new chairs. Angel seemed nervous though, he couldn't sit still for long. He got up and started pacing back and forth.

"You must be picking up on Cordelia's energy." Dr. Martin said as she sipped at her tea. She was as calm as he was agitated. "Angel Wesley told me that your afraid of what Cordelia and you are going to be going through. He said that when you think about it you break out in a sweat and that you almost passed out last night when you two were out here talking. Come and sit down Angel so that we can talk about this." Angel sat down but his leg was going a mile a minute. Dr. Martin was getting nervous just watching him.

"Stay right here, do not leave. I am going to get something and I will be right back." She left then and went to the new cabinet that held the liquor. She pulled out a bottle of 100 proof Southern Comfort and a couple of glasses and went back out into the Garden. She filled his glass to about 1/4 full then poured a small amount for herself. "Drink it Angel it will help to calm you down so that I can at least talk to you without getting dizzy watching you walk back and forth." Angel did as she said and drank the contents of the glass. Since all he had was liquids so far it didn't take long for it to hit him.

Dr. Martin was watching him. Within a few minutes his leg stopped bouncing. "Now that your capable of sitting still you want to tell me what is going on. Why are you so afraid of Cordelia's labor when you have gone through worse. At least I would say being dragged behind a vehicle, whipped and nailed to a cross would more than match what you two are going to go through."

"I don't know why I am so afraid of it. When we had the last Lamaze class they showed a film on a delivery. They showed it from the first contraction to the babies head crowning and then the shoulders. I was watching the pain that the mother was going through. If it hadn't been for Cordelia I would of embarrassed myself and passed out. Fortunately she caught me and told me to put my head between my legs and to concentrate on my breathing only. It also helped that one of the other fathers passed out and fell to the floor. I don't know why I get like that because like you said I have gone through a lot more and it never bothered me half as much as this is." Dr. Martin noticed that Angel was starting to break out in a sweat and his arm started to shaking again.

"Angel I think your having a problem with it because you are thinking about what is "going" to happen and not what has already happened. You've never had to do that before. Is that not correct?"

"Yes I guess so, but why is it that Cordelia isn't having the same problem though?" "Angel she's a woman and we grow up knowing that this is what has to happen in order to bring a new life into the world, that is unless you have a Cesarean for some reason. You on the other hand have been given less than 9 months and besides that you are the first man that I know of that will have to go through this."

"Yeah I guess your right. I guess it was my male ego that was taking a beating. I was feeling like a coward." "You, a coward, give me a break. You are the bravest man that I have ever come across so far. Why do you think God chose you. It takes guts to go through what you've gone through Angel. I don't want to ever hear you talking like that again. Now my advice to you is to do the same thing Cordelia is doing. Put that energy to good use and either go and kill some demons and vampires or go and exercise until you can't do one more sit up or whatever it is that you do."

Angel jumped up, leaned over and gave his mother a kiss then ran inside and to his bedroom to change into some sweats. Then he went downstairs to the basement where the exercise equipment was. For the next 3 hours he exercised until he was exhausted. By then it was 3 o'clock and he had to go and take a shower and prepare himself to see Fr. Barris. He went to room 412 first to check it out and make sure that it was okay. When he got up there he found that it had already been completed. New furniture had been put in along with a big chair for him. The balcony had been screened in so that any children that came up here wouldn't be able to fall off of it. An iron fence that was 4 feet high had been installed for further safety. All balcony's had similar reinforcements. He checked the refrigerator to see if it was on. No one had turned it on yet but Angel decided to leave it off and empty since they were going to be up here for only an hour or two. The bathroom had been enlarged and a new whirlpool bath had been installed. Candles of various sizes filled the corners by the bath. The bed was new with a black silk quilt and half a dozen deep blue and black pillows of various sizes. Before he left the room he looked at everything again and said to himself 'This has got to be Cordelia's work.' He laughed to himself and went to his bedroom to take a shower and get ready to see Fr. Barris.

By 4 o'clock Angel was down stairs and waiting for Fr. Barris to arrive. A few minutes later he heard his car in the front and he went to the door to greet him. They exchanged pleasantries then went to the elevator to go to room 412.

As they approached 412 Angel opened the door for Fr. Barris and let him in. "I can see they did a lot of work in here also. Well I'll look around later. I believe you want to make your confession?" "Yes something happened while we were gone that is weighing heavily on my mind."

Fr. Barris went to the chair on the left and Angel sat on the right. Fr. Barris prepared himself to hear Angels confession. "You can start now Angel." Angel made the sign of the cross and started with the ritual beginning of a confession. He explained to him what had happened while they were in Sunnydale. He explained about Stephan Johnson and David Peterson and what they had wanted him to do and how he had almost turned Peterson's volunteer. Angel was very ashamed about what he had been so willing to do as soon as the lives of Cordelia and Kathleen were threatened. But when he saw Dr. Martin he was reminded of his duty to God. It was only then that he was able to find the strength within himself to refuse Peterson his Vampire and forfeit all of their lives. He then told him what Dr. Martin had said to him that God was testing him as he had tested Abraham.

"Are you sorry for what you did Angel?" "Yes, I am sorry that I was so weak. I am sorry that I didn't refuse Peterson at the very beginning. I am sorry that I put myself first and Him last."

"Are you sorry because you fear losing all that He has given you? Are you sorry that you put your daughters life before Him, or are you sorry because you love Him and you hurt Him by denying Him as St. Peter did?"

Angel was quiet for awhile as he thought of his answer. "I think that at this stage I am sorry because I feared losing Cordelia and Kathleen more. I think that at this stage in my return to humanity that I am more interested in what I can see, hear, and touch. Right now I respect Him but I don't love Him. I know that He deserves this but it will take time for me to come to love Him more than I love myself and my family."

Fr. Barris was quiet for awhile while he thought of what Angel had said and what his penance should be. "Angel this is your penance, I want you to read the life story of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus. Afterward you are to add to your prayers a prayer that will ask her to teach you to love Jesus. You need never fear her or be afraid that she will put you through some ordeal that will test your faith or you physically. St. Theresa was a simple nun that paid homage to Christ by doing everything that she was given with a smile. No matter how simple the task or how humiliating the task was she did it with love in her heart. When she got on her hands and knees with uneducated pheasant girls and washed the floors she told herself 'I will do the best that I possibly can because Christ will walk on this floor.' When she took care of patients that were in the infirmary she would say to herself 'I will take care of this person gently and with respect because this is Christ that I am taking care of.' When she changed the soiled sheets of those nuns that were sick she did it with love and respect because each person was the personification of Christ to her. Her way to heaven was known as the 'Simple Way' because she didn't do anything grandiose she just met everything in life without complaint or bragging and did it with love in her heart for Christ because that was the task that He had set before her. The difference between Saints and people like you and I Angel is that they loved Him instantly. They loved Him so much that they often gave their lives for Him. Where as you and I must learn to love Him. If anyone can teach you to love God and his Son she is the one. Now make a good act of contrition."

Angel said the prayer while Fr. Barris gave him absolution. When they were done Fr. Barris put his hand on Angels.

"Angel what you did only shows that you are becoming more human. You are weak as all

humans are. When it comes to defending what is ours we humans will always take the side of what we can see and touch. The miraculous part was that you found the strength to do what was right. You almost failed but in the end you turned around and faced the demon that threatened to take everything from you and did what was right. You are a good man Angel and I don't know if I would be able to live through what you have to live through. I feel privileged to have known you and most of all I am honored and thankful that God has chosen me to be your confessor."

"You make it very hard for me to practice humility Father. Thank you for all that you have done for me and taught me. Let's go downstairs now. I think Dr. Martin would probably like to talk to you. Has she spoken to you since we last met?" "No I haven't spoken to her since then."

Angel and Fr. Barris went downstairs and then to the kitchen to see who was there. To Angels surprise no one was in the kitchen. "Have a seat Father and I'll see if Moms around." Angel stopped in mid stride, turned and looked at Father Barris and they both started laughing.

"That did sound funny, when did you start calling Sr. Mary Mom?" Angel came and sat down across from Fr. Barris and explained what had transpired and of the mutual adoption that has worked out so well.

"Let me try that again." Angel went up to Dr. Martins bedroom and knocked at the door. "Come in Angel." "How did you know it was me?" Angel asked as he walked in. "I felt the presence of an Angel." "Ha! Ha! Very funny. You know then that Fr. Barris is here?" "Yes. I am trying to do something with my hair and as they say 'I just washed my hair and I can't do a thing with it' can you help me? Cordelia told me that you fix her hair sometimes."

Angel brushed her hair out. She had tried curling it but it was so long that when she took the curlers out it just stretched and almost lost all of the curl. Angel took her hair at her temples only and braided it then pulled the ends to the back and let the rest of it hang just like that. "I love long hair on a woman and you have beautiful hair. Lets go downstairs Fr. Barris is waiting for you." "You can't do anything else with it?" "No not at the spur of the moment. If I had more time I could do something but a lot of the things that I know how to do are from back in the 1800's. When I do Cordy's hair she gives me an idea as to what she wants. Lets go now or Fr. Barris might leave." Dr. Martin wasn't used to putting makeup on yet so she just put on a light lipstick. "Well I guess this is going to be it then." They left then to go downstairs.

"Where is everybody? No one seems to be around." Angel asked. "Cordelia is doing what I told her to do and is taking a nap. Fred and Connor went grocery shopping in Cordelia's brand new Toyota Sienna. I told her that I contacted Dr. Thompson this morning when I was through examining her and let him know what was going on. I also called Buffy and let her know that Cordelia was in the first stages of labor. She said that 'come hell or highwater' they would be here tonight."

Fr. Barris stood up as Dr. Martin and Angel came down the stairs. Dr. Martin had chosen to continue to wear a long skirt and white blouse so that Fr. Barris didn't notice anything different. Even her long hair that fell down over her shoulders and slightly beyond her waist gave an impression that she was wearing a veil.

"Hello Fr. Barris, it has been so long. Come lets sit out in the garden I have a lot to tell you." "Hello Sr. Mary. How have you been?" "Well for one thing I no longer have any right to the title of Sister." They went out into the garden and stayed their until the sun went down and it started to get cool. Fred and Connor had already returned and Angel had helped them put the groceries away. Cordelia had come downstairs earlier and felt that she still had energy to spare, but Angel could tell that it wasn't energy but nerves.

By 7 everyone was sitting down to dinner. All of the Scooby gang had arrived just 1 hour before. Angel gave Cordelia his arm to hold onto as she walked to the table. He knew she was starting to feel tired again and the nervousness that fueled her energy was now gone. He took her to the table and pulled the chair out for her.

"You guys sure made good time getting here. What did you do with Spike, stuff him in the trunk?" Cordelia asked. "That was suggested but you know how Dawn is always sticking up for him so I said okay that he could sit in the front with the rest of us." Buffy said jokingly as she helped bring the food out. "We all wanted to come for the birth of the first one in the next generation." Giles said as Fred brought all of the food out along with Buffy and Willow. Fred brought out two mugs of blood for Angel and Spike. As the food was passed around Dr. Martin and Spike noticed that Cordelia wasn't taking anything but some bread that she was tearing pieces off of and eating very slowly as she talked.

"Aren't you hungry Cordelia?" "No I don't feel like eating." "I want you to eat something besides bread. I know you don't feel hungry but believe me when I say that you are going to need the energy later." Reluctantly Cordelia made a small sandwich out of one slice of bread and some meat. "Their, happy now?" "Yes I am happy, now drink all of your milk." Cordelia drank the milk and put the glass down hard. "Now are you happy?" "Yes, yes, yes. I am so happy that I want to do a dance. Ha, ha, ha." The way Dr. Martin was acting was so unusual that Cordelia couldn't help it and laughed at her.

They were all done with their dinner when Dr. Martin noticed that it became very quiet at the other end of the table. Both Cordelia and Angel had their eyes closed and where holding onto each others hand. In a loud voice Dr. Martin spoke to Angel 'Angel don't hold her hand you'll break it.' Cordelia was having her first contraction.

Dr. Martins words came through the pain and Angel let go of Cordelia's hand. Spike was sitting on Angels left so he reached for Angels hand. "Hold onto me Angel until it passes." Buffy was next to Cordelia and she reached for her hand. The onset of the contraction was such a surprise that they forgot all that they had learned in the Lamaze class. When the contraction passed Cordelia was out of breath but since Angel always received her pain a few moments after her he was still going through the pain of the contraction. Finally Angel released Spikes hands. He had been holding on so tightly that when he pulled his hands away from Spike both of their hands were whiter then usual.

When Angel had recovered he turned to his wife who had sweat beading on her forehead from fighting the pain and reached for both of her hands. "That was fun." They both laughed.

"How are you feeling Cordelia?" Dr. Martin asked her because she saw her hands shaking a little as she put them into Angels.

"I am rather tired. I had felt better after getting up from my nap but now I am tired again."

"Angel bring Cordelia over to the clinic. I am going to test her blood. Come with us Fred and Spike and I'll show you how to check blood under a microscope." Dr. Martin went to the clinic with her two students following close behind. Angel picked Cordelia up and carried her to the clinic. She put her arms around him and just rested her head on his shoulder.

Dr. Martin was showing Spike all of the clinic while she pulled out what she needed to draw blood from Cordelia. Spike was impressed with all of the changes. "Your clinic is more modern and better equipped then Mikes." "Yes isn't it beautiful. I can hardly wait for Mike to come and see it. Angel wanted to pay for the whole thing but I argued that it was my clinic and I insisted that he let me pay for half of it. I want you two to wash your hands with the antiseptic soap then put some gloves on. Set up several slides Fred so that we can check her blood for several possible problems."

After they washed their hands and put on gloves Dr. Martin let Spike draw blood from Cordelia. "Prepare several slides from that Spike. I've already instructed Fred as to what stains to use." Spike took the sample over to Fred and she proceeded to make the slides.

"Cordelia I am going to check you to see if your cervix has opened any more. Your water hasn't broke yet has it?" "No, not yet." "That's good. When I get done checking you I would like to give Spike the opportunity to check you also. He needs to feel with his hands what it feels like to check how wide the cervix has opened. Telling him that it is 1 or 2 cm isn't the same as actually feeling it. Would you let him do this?" Cordelia thought about it for a minute. "Angel would you mind?" "I'll leave that up to you Cordy. You're the one that he is going to put his hand into not me. Just remember what he told us that when he does things like this your just an object to him that he can practice medicine on and he doesn't see you as Cordelia Chase-Martin whose husband would rip his throat out if he ever touched you in an inappropriate way." Fortunately Angel said all of this with a smile.

"Okay but his hands are a lot bigger then yours Mom so tell him to be careful." Cordelia gave her okay but she was scared to and Dr. Martin could see it in her eyes.

"Help her take her clothes off Angel then lets put this sheet over her." When they were ready Dr. Martin called Spike over.

"Spike Cordelia and Angel have agreed to let you assist me in checking Cordelia to see if her cervix has opened any more. According to Dr. Thompson you haven't had the opportunity to do that yet so this may be your only chance. Okay Cordelia I am going to start now. Angel why don't you stand at the other end of the table and hold onto her hands." Dr. Martin proceeded to check her then told her when Spike was going to do it. When Spike put his hand in her she felt some pain but nothing she couldn't stand. All the time Dr. Martin was talking to Spike and pointing out different physical changes that were taking place with Cordelia. When they were done they listened to Kathleen's heart beat. It was nice and strong and she wasn't showing any stress. Dr. Martin then went to check the slides and was teaching both Fred and Spike what she was looking for.

"Cordelia you're a little anemic again. That is partly why you are so tired. You must have been craving blood again?" Dr. Martin asked it in a way that told Cordelia she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"I tried to put it out of my mind but it just crawled in there and wouldn't let go." Cordelia answered. She was looking at Angel when she said it.

"Were going to give you some fresh blood and that will make you feel better and give us a head start if you should lose any amount of appreciable blood. Spike is going to hook you up. Now your cervix has opened some more from the time that I checked you this morning. Your about 2 cm right now which means that you will probably deliver sometime tomorrow morning. As they would say when getting ready to launch a shuttle 'Houston all systems are ready for a go.' When Spike is done with the transfusion I want you to go and lay down on the couch. When you feel the next contraction starting Cordelia I want you to call me if I'm not right there. We need to figure out something to do for Angel. Remember Angel when the next contraction hits don't hold onto Cordelia. Call Spike or one of the other men."

Dr. Martin went out to the dining room to get some coffee and talk to everyone else and let them know what was going on. She found that the table had been cleared and Buffy, Willow and Tara were just finishing with the kitchen. "Is there any coffee left ladies?" "Yes we made some more. I can see why they need such a big coffee maker here." Willow said as she filled a cup for Dr. Martin. "If you two are done you want to come out here with me and I'll let everyone know what is going on." Dr. Martin went out to the dinning room and took her usual seat.

"Well it looks like you guys made it just in time. Right now mother and father are doing okay. Cordelia is a little anemic because she has been craving blood again and Kathleen was taking a drink at the fake nipple that she created on the wall of the uterus. Spike is giving her a pint of blood right now and then I told Angel to take her and put her on the couch over here. I want to observe Angel during the next contraction. Angel has taken all of Cordelia's problems a lot harder than she has."

"What do you mean that Angel has taken all of Cordelia's problems a lot harder than she has?" Giles asked as he took his glasses off and cleaned them.

"Well for instance at the beginning when she was suffering from morning sickness it always hit him harder then it did her plus he would always have a headache afterward. Then when she was having problems with depression Angel attempted to walk out into the sunlight twice. Now with the contractions he seems to be suffering more then Cordelia but I can't be sure about that because men just aren't built for sustained pain like that." Dr. Martin stopped when she heard the men making comments to the contrary. The women all looked at each other.

"It's a scientific fact gentlemen that women are able to handle more pain for a longer period of time." Dr. Martin was waiting for a comeback. She didn't have to wait for long.

"Where did you get that looney bit of information. A woman must have come up with it." Xander said.

"Well as a matter of fact Xander it was stated by NASA. They found that to be true while testing both men and women for the space program." Giles hesitated at first in volunteering the information since it would support what Dr. Martin was saying.

Angel brought Cordelia over to the couch as they were talking and she heard them. "Come over here guys so we can join in."

Everyone got up and brought their drinks with them and took seats or brought seats around the couch so they could all talk. Spike and Fred came out of the clinic and joined them also.

"Angel would you massage my feet and legs for me?" "Sure baby. I'll be right back." Angel went to the room and grabbed the special massage oil Cordelia had bought for them. He rejoined the group and sat at the other end of the couch and took the socks off of her feet. "I forgot to get a towel." Angel started to get up again. "I'll get it for you Angel just sit there." "Thanks Fred." She was back in a few minutes with a couple of towels. Everyone was watching him put oil on his hands and start to massage Cordelia's feet. Angel got Spikes attention and told him to listen to her purring.

Spike leaned forward and listened carefully. Sure enough he heard her purring almost like a cat. Buffy could hear her also. They laughed at Cordelia who had her eyes closed.

"What's so funny?" Cordelia opened her eyes and asked no one in particular.

"Does he do that for you all of the time?" Buffy asked. Spike knew where this was leading.

"Yes we do it for each other all of the time. Although he has been giving me full body massages more often. It is so soothing Buffy. For the past 3 months I have rarely wanted to have sex so Jr. has been in semi-retirement. So we give each other a full body massage at least once a week and Jr. seems to be satisfied with this." Everyone could tell that Angel was blushing even though he didn't turn red. They all had a good laugh at his expense.

"Your terrible. I'm going to get you for that later." Cordelia giggle at his remark. "Be quiet and keep rubbing."

AND here it comes Spike thought to himself. Buffy punched Spikes arm. "How come you never do that for me?" "But Luv I don't know about stuff like that. He didn't do that on the film." Before Spike knew what was going on Angel had leapt at him and had him down on the ground and was wrestling with him. He had his arm around Spikes head and was holding his left arm also.

"Your never going to let that film go will you. Besides what do I have to do to teach you how to treat a women? Do I have to take you to the same woman that I took Connor too. Even he knows about the massages." Everyone went quiet then. Angel let Spike go and put his hands to his face as he rolled over to his side. "I can't believe I said that."

Cordelia let the silence play out long enough so that she could have the proper affect when she did speak.

"Uh Angel." Cordelia said softly. She knew he could hear her. It was silent for a moment. "I have to go wash my hands Cordelia they still have all of that massage oil on them. I almost couldn't hold onto Spike." Angel started for the bathroom. But Cordelia called him again.

"Angel?" "Yes." "Come back over here you can continue to rub my feet for me." Angel turned around and took a deep breath and let it out. Then he slowly walked back. Everyone was watching and having a good laugh at Angels expense once again. Dr. Martin and Fred exchanged looks. They tried to hide their knowing smiles.

Angel sat down at the other end of the couch again and started to massage Cordelia's feet again.

"Angel.... who did you take Connor to see that he knows about massages and all?" Angel didn't say anything at first but he knew that she was waiting. He also knew that she was enjoying this also so he played along.

"Wesley, Gunn, and I took Connor to have his first encounter with a woman. I wanted him to have a good teacher like I did when I was a young man. I wanted someone to teach him how to make love to a woman and not just have sex. I didn't know how much he knew so we set him up to go to a triple X theater where he could see how to have sex. Then he was put into the hands of an experienced woman that taught him how to protect himself and his partner. Then she taught him how to pleasure a woman. Then what rang his own chimes. I knew what kind of man Holtz was so I didn't think Holtz had taught him anything or even talked to him about it so that's why I wanted him to watch a couple of porno films first." Angel turned then and looked at Cordelia.

"You know the kind I mean Cordelia?" Cordelia kicked him. "Yes I do Angel."

Angel smiled and continued to massage her feet. He knew he had won. "You knew didn't you?" Angel asked as he kept his eyes down.

Dr. Martin couldn't stand it anymore. "Angel when we went to the medical equipment company in Covina we were going down main street and we saw Wesley walking into an office that was right next to a triple X theater. Cordelia put 2 and 2 together and figured that you 4 had been there the night before. She knew that all she had to do was bide her time and sooner or later you would let it slip as to what you guys were doing then all she would have to do is squeeze you a little and you would spill your guts. I'm sorry Cordelia but I can't stand to watch you do that to him. I can play the game just so long. But girl you enjoy watching him squirm."

"Do I make you squirm Angel?" "Yes, you know you do and you think it's funny embarrassing me in front of everyone." Angel put some more oil in his hands and ran his hand further up her leg. At first he rubbed her leg softly then harder. He continued to do it softly and harder like this over and over again. Everyone was watching him. They could see it was having it's desired affect on Cordelia.

"Alright Angel I'll let you tell the guys about the school that Fred and I went to." "Are you sure?" Angel asked. "Yeah, go ahead that will make us even then. I am sure that Fred has already used what she learned already." When Cordy looked at Fred she was shaking her head frantically.

Dr. Martin knew all about where they had gone to school and she happened to see Fred also so she said something to change the conversation.

"What are we going to do with you Angel when things really start heating up?" Dr. Martin asked as she started to play with her hair. "I just realized that Fr. Barris wasn't here. When did he leave?"

"He left shortly after you went into the clinic. He said he had a scripture class that was meeting tonight that he was leading and he would call you tomorrow to see how Cordelia was doing." Wesley reported.

"Thanks Wesley. Poor Fr. Barris I think you people are a little to much for him." Dr. Martin said as she rubbed her neck. She was already looking tired and it was only the beginning.

"Well I think I am going to have a shot of Jack Daniels and see if that helps us." Angel wiped his hands carefully then went into his office. He took out his bottle of Jack Daniels and filled a glass half way and drank it all at once. Instead of going back right away he sat down on the couch in his office and put his head in his hands. Dr. Martin noticed that Angel didn't come back right away. She called to Wesley. "Wesley I think I hear Angel calling you." When Wesley looked at her she winked at him and mouthed the words 'I think he needs you right now.'

Wesley got up and opened the partially closed door. "Angel are you all right?" Wesley could see that he had been crying so he sat down and put his arm around him. "Wesley I can't remember going thru that much pain since I was crucified. I don't know if I can do it." "Yes you can Angel. What was it that you told me that Cordelia told you when you asked her if she was afraid." "She said that she thought about it sometimes but then she would think of the look of pure happiness that she would see on my face when they put my child in my arms for the first time. She said when I think of that then I know that I can endure anything." "When you start getting scared Angel think of what you will have when the pain is over. Lets go back before they come and get us." Angel wiped his eyes and got up. He reached out and grabbed Wesley's arm. "Thanks Wesley Cordelia's hormones are going crazy right now." Wesley just smiled and put his hand on Angels arm and squeezed it. They went back to the others then.

They all talked about past fights for the next hour as they usually did. Dr. Martin found these conversations very interesting. Two hours after the first contraction Cordelia had another one. Angel went to sit next to her. "Buffy help Cordelia. Give her your hands to hold onto. Spike come and sit across from me." It wasn't affecting Angel yet so he had time to tell everyone what he wanted them to do. When the pain hit him he reached out for Spikes hands.

Buffy helped Cordelia to breath correctly through it and when it was over she told Cordelia to take a deep breath then to let it out slowly. Spike did the same with Angel except that his pain lasted a little longer. To everyone's surprise Angel lost control of his features and his demon face came out.

"Okay Cordelia and Angel the last one was at 9:15 and this one was at 11:15. Your coming along pretty good. You may get lucky and have this baby before morning. Spike why don't you carry Cordelia upstairs and put her in her bed. Angel and I fixed it up today so that if she is in bed when her water breaks she won't ruin the mattress. Get as much rest as you can because it's going to be a long night. I am going to get some rest too. Spike you and Buffy seem to be able to handle them okay so I'll leave them to you. It will be good experience for all of you. Call me if you need me Spike."

Dr. Martin went to bed to get some rest while she could. Spike started to pick up Cordelia. "No Spike let me walk. Maybe it will help things along. Buffy would you let me hold onto you?"

Buffy helped her up then they started for the stairs. "Shall we run up the stairs?" "Yeah sure."

Cordelia and Buffy took the stairs slowly. Spike was waiting for Angel to get up. He had been holding his head and bent forward.

"Spike can you give me something for my headache. I feel like it's going to blow at any second." Angel laid back on the sofa. "I always seem to get these whenever there is intense communication between Cordelia and I." "I'll see what I can get Pops. Don't go away." Spike went into the clinic and came back out in a few minutes then went to the kitchen and warmed up a glass of blood. Angels eyes were closed when Spike came back. "Angel here is some aspirin and a glass of blood. Since you had that Jack Daniels I don't want to give you anything else."

Angel sat up and washed the aspirin down with the glass of blood.

"I think I'll go and lay down with Cordelia now." Spike helped him up and then followed him upstairs. Angel took the stairs slowly. When they got to the bedroom he stopped while still in the hallway and put his head against the wall and tried to relax. He took a deep breath then went into the bedroom. Buffy was sitting on the edge of the bed next to Cordelia who was sleeping. She got up when she saw Angel and Spike coming in. Angel took his shoes off and Spike helped him to take his shirt off then he just lifted the covers and laid down. He put his arm around Cordelia and pulled her close to him. Within the next few minutes he was asleep.

"How is he doing?" "Not to good. He seems to get bad headaches when ever she has contractions. He described it as intense communication. Lets go and sit on the couch and try and get some rest also. Like Dr. Martin said it's going to be a long night." Spike and Buffy laid down on the couch together and were asleep in a few minutes. The time was 12 midnight.

Spike jumped up as he was jolted out of his sleep. He had heard his name and Buffy's. They ran over to the bed. Buffy went to the other side and took Cordelia's hand in hers. She started to talk her through the contraction. Angel had rolled out of the bed and was sitting up on the floor and leaning against the bed.

An idea came to Spike out of the blue. "Angel your fighting the pain she is going through. Listen to Buffy as she talks Cordelia through the pain. Do what she says." Spike was holding onto Angels hands. He felt as though he was going to crush his hands at any second. Then he felt a slow lessening of what seemed like a death grip. Spike could see the look of concentration on Angel's face. He was concentrating on his breathing just as Buffy was telling Cordelia to do. The contraction passed and Cordelia took a few deep breaths. Angel was still going through the pain but in another few seconds it ended and he took a few deep breaths. He started to get up but Spike held him down. Angel looked at Spike and Spike shook his head. "Stay on the floor for a few more minutes Angel. Get your breath back." Angel stayed down because his head felt like it was going to split in two any second. Spike put his fingers to Angels right ear and when he pulled it away he showed the blood that was on his finger. Angel pulled some kleenex from the box on the stand and wiped his ear. When he looked at it he could see that it was soaked with blood. Spike pulled some more kleenex out and wiped all of the blood away. When he was done he helped Angel up.

Cordelia laughed when she regained her normal breathing pattern. "Who would of thought that we would ever be in this situation when we were back in high school." Then suddenly Cordelia's laughter turned to tears as she reached for Buffy. Buffy held her closely and rocked her gently. "Who would of thought that the spoiled, mean, self centered, beautiful rich girl from Sunnydale would become one of the fighters of evil in the world. I can't tell you how many times Willow and I have been shocked by seeing you so domestic."

Buffy let Cordelia lay back down again. They both turned to Angel and Spike.

"How are you doing now Angel? You seem to have taken it better this time." Buffy said.

"Yes I feel a lot better this time. I only have a slight headache thanks to Dr. Summers here. When Cordelia's contraction started he saw that I was fighting the pain instead of dealing with it. He told me to listen to you as you talked her through the contraction. I did and it immediately got better." Angel was laying down now. He had his eyes closed as he talked.

"I am going to get some wet towels for both of you. You'll feel better after you wipe your faces down." Buffy left to go to the bathroom and returned with two hand towels. She threw one to Spike which he used to wipe Angel down and she did the same for Cordelia.

"You feel unusually warm Angel. Not hot but not cold either." Spike checked Angels pulse. His heart was beating faster then usual, at least unusual for Angel. Spike reached over then and took Cordelia's wrist and checked her pulse and timed it. He then took Angels wrist again and timed his as well. "Stay here Buffy, I'll be right back." Spike wanted to check their blood pressure. He was back in a few minutes with the blood pressure monitor. He checked Angels first then Cordelia's.

Spike looked at Buffy. "They are almost exactly alike. Angel right now you are so attached to Cordelia that your body is timing itself to match hers. Right now you are more human then you've been since you were turned." Both Buffy and Spike just looked at him. He didn't hear what Spike had said because both Angel and Cordelia had gone back to sleep.

Spike leaned over and put the covers up over Angels shoulder. "I would have never thought in my wildest dreams that I would ever be in this position. Especially when Angelus was beating the shit out of me just to entertain Darla." Buffy and Spike turned out the lamps on the bed stands then and went back to their couch bed.

By 6 A.M. Dr. Martin was up and taking a shower. As soon as she was dressed she headed for Cordelia and Angels bedroom. She knocked at the door. Their was no answer. She opened the door carefully and as quietly as she could. Angel and Cordelia were in bed and sleeping. No one else was in the room with them. She carefully backed out of the room and closed the door.

Spike and Buffy were just coming out of their bedroom. They all went downstair where they could talk. "How far apart are her contractions now?" Dr. Martin asked as she started to make a large pot of coffee.

"Thirty minutes. She has been progressing steadily. Buffy and I just took a break to bath and get a change of clothes. I take it you just checked on them?" "Yes they're sleeping. How has Angel been doing?" "Better. I came upon an idea when I saw him struggling with the pain. I told him to stop fighting it and listen to what Buffy was saying to Cordelia to cope with the pain. When he did he was able to deal with it better. He can hold onto her now and not hurt her hands. It's a good thing you caught her anemic condition early because she is pretty tired now. The contractions are coming on hard. For several hours they were staying at every hour then about 4 o'clock it started to come on every 45 minutes then quickly progressed to 30 minutes. I discovered something very interesting last night. I noticed that Angel was warm so I checked his pulse and blood pressure, I then checked Cordelia's since I had the monitor up in the room. Dr. Martin their blood pressure, pulse, and temperature was almost exactly the same."

"That is interesting. It will be even more interesting to see if it goes back to what it is normally once it's over." Dr. Martin said. She was deep in thought when Spike jumped up from the table that they were sitting at and ran up stairs. "Angel is calling me." He shouted back to Dr. Martin and Buffy.

When he arrived at the room he went in. "What's wrong?" "Her water broke. I woke up when I felt my clothes and sheets wet." Dr. Martin came in just as he finished telling Spike why he called him. "Take her downstairs Spike. I'll get something for her to change into." Dr. Martin told him. Cordelia was awake. "Mom can I clean up. I feel so dirty and yucky." "When was your last contraction?" Cordelia looked at Angel. They're coming every 30 minutes and it's been 15 minutes since the last one." "Okay but make it fast and I mean like 10 minutes. Do you need any help?" "No there is a shelf where she can sit down. Buffy if she should start to have another contraction would you come in and help us?" "Yes of course. Now go." Angel picked Cordelia up and went into the bathroom. He left the door partly open.

Within 5 minutes of going to shower another contraction hit them. Angel had enough time to put Cordelia on the floor of the shower and call Buffy. He was still wearing his pants because he didn't have time to undress all of the way. Buffy stayed on the outside of the shower and talked them through the pain. As soon as it was over they took a minute to get their breath back. Angel finished bathing Cordelia then wrapped her in a towel and picked her up and put her in Spikes arms. "Take her downstairs Spike. I'll be their in a few minutes." Spike and Dr. Martin took Cordelia downstairs and Buffy stayed with Angel just in case he needed her.

They were on there way downstairs when Cordelia had another contraction. Unfortunately Angel was just coming down the stairs when it hit him and he fell partway down the stairs . Everyone else was downstairs including Gunn who had arrived just a few minutes ago and went running to help Angel. Buffy told him not to help him get up though. She went to the step below him and took his hands. "Angel look at me, look only at me. Don't fight the pain let it wash over you like a wave." Buffy continued to talk to him. The contractions were lasting longer now. When it was over he opened his eyes and looked at Buffy and Gunn. "Hey Gunn when did you get in?" Angel asked as he continued to get his breath back.

"Just a few minutes ago and by what I just saw I would say you've been having a veritable party." "Yeah it's been fun. Thanks to Buffy and Spike though we're doing better now then we did at the beginning. Help me up please." Angel reached for Gunn's hand. He was a little weak and his legs were a little wobbly so he was glad to have Gunn there.

As they arrived at the entrance to the clinic Buffy put her hand on Gunn and stopped him. "You should stay out here Gunn. I'll help him the rest of the way." Gunn backed off then and went back to the table. Dr. Martin came to the door. "Wesley would you call Dr. Thompson. Try his office first. Tell him her contractions are 15 minutes apart now and he better hurry."

Wesley got up and went into his office and called Dr. Thompson. "Can I speak to Dr. Thompson please.......... If you can call his cell phone and tell him that Cordelia's contractions are now 15 minutes apart. He will know who it is. Thank you."

Wesley went over to the clinic entrance. He walked in and saw Cordelia on the table. She was going through another contraction. Buffy was trying to talk her through it but the contraction was so strong that she couldn't hear Buffy. Angel could though and he concentrated on calming her down. When it was done she sank back down and was breathing heavily.

"Angel, Angel where are you. I want Angel." Wesley and Spike helped him to stand next to the bed. "I'm here Cordy I'm here." She was breathing heavily as she reached up and put her arms around his neck. "It hurts Angel. It hurts so bad. Make it go away." "I can't Cordy it's to late. Remember what you told me when I asked you not to have the baby naturally. Your answer to me, and I am quoting you verbatim, 'Our lives are so unusual Angel that I want our baby to be born as naturally as possible.'" Cordelia let go of him and laid back down. Spike and Wesley were surprised to hear her laughing.

"What's so funny?" Dr. Martin asked her. "Angel is. When we had that conversation I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth that I was going to regret saying it because he was going to remind me of what I said." "It's nice to see that you still have a sense of humor." Dr. Martin said.

"Mom if you can't retain a sense of humor you have to get out of the game. I learned that from Buffy you know. I would watch her fighting all of the demons and vampires and she would always have some kind of snide remark to send them back to hell with. If these guys were normal they would have been put in the Looney Bin already. But as you can see we are all still here." "My goodness what does that say about me now that I have joined this group." Dr. Martin said with a laugh as she held onto Cordelia's hand.

It had only been 10 minutes since her last contraction and another one was starting. Cordelia let out a scream and Angel would have joined in if he hadn't been concentrating on what Buffy was saying to him. While Buffy was handling Angel Wesley stepped in to help with Cordelia.

Dr. Martin checked the heart monitor that was on the baby. She turned the sound up more in hopes that Cordelia would hear it and relax more. As they all heard Kathleen's heartbeat it got quiet in the room. Cordelia relaxed more and stopped fighting against the pain. She concentrated on listening more to Buffy. She thought more of the moment she would be able to hold Kathleen in her arms. The contractions were coming more frequently now and lasting longer.

Dr. Thompson came through the front doors just as Cordelia was starting another one.

"How is she doing Mary?" "She's doing okay Mike. I think you got here just in time. Her contractions are coming almost constantly." Dr. Thompson checked the fetal heart monitor reading and Cordelia's. "What about Angel, how is he doing?" Dr. Thompson went to check on Angel. He noticed that blood was coming out of his ear and his nose was bleeding. Buffy had an ice pak on his forehead and was cleaning up the blood. The doctor checked his eyes for bleeding and found them to be clear.

"What's wrong with him. I've seen fathers in bad shape before but not like this." "Other fathers aren't vampires with special abilities to feel what their wives are feeling." Dr. Martin said as she checked Angel also. "Angel? Angel can you hear me?" It took a minute but he was finally able to answer. "Yes." Dr. Martin held up two of her fingers. "How many fingers do you see?" "Two." Dr. Martin playfully gave him a light slap on his face and said, 'Get up Angel or your going to miss the birth of your daughter. Would you like Connor to come in and see his sister come into the world?"

Angel took the cold wash cloth from Buffy and wiped his face. He got up then and went over to Cordelia. "Cordy, Mom said it won't be long now. Is it okay for Connor to come in and see the birth of his little sister." Angel could see how tired she was. He took the hand towel again and wiped her face. "I must be a sight to behold." "Your beautiful Cordy, just like God made you." He gave her a kiss on her forehead and each eye then lightly touched her lips. "Let them all in if they want but on this side of the table. A girl has to have some secrets." Wesley went to tell the rest they could come in if they wanted.

"Cordelia is close to giving birth and she has given permission for everyone to come in and be their when Kathleen makes her first appearance. You have the camera Gunn?" "Yes right here."

Cordelia was having another contraction and this time she started to push. "Cordelia don't push yet." Dr. Martin said as she watched her. "I feel like I have to." "Don't do it until I tell you to." Cordelia screamed with the effort to deal with the pain and not push. The contraction passed and she was breathing heavily. "I'm so thirsty can I have something to drink." "No water Cordy here is some ice. Rub her lips with the ice Angel." Dr. Martin gave her a few small chunks of ice then gave a larger piece to Angel. "How is that? Does that feel better?" "Yes, thank you."

Cordelia started to squeeze his hand tighter. "Can I push now?" Cordelia asked through clenched teeth. The women were watching Cordelia and the men were watching Angel. Cordelia was beyond words now but Angel wasn't so Buffy continued to talk him through the pain. "Go ahead Cordelia push." Dr. Martin told her. Spike helped Cordelia to sit up a little while she pushed. When she was done he laid her back down.

"Spike come on this side and help Angel to stand. Angel come over here and watch your daughter come out into the world." Spike came over and put his arm around Angels waist and Angel held onto him by putting his arm around his shoulder. Wesley came back over and held onto Cordelia's hand.

"When the next contraction starts Cordelia push as hard as you can. As the contraction started Buffy helped her to sit up a little. Come on Cordelia push. Cordelia tried but she was so tired she wasn't pushing hard enough. "Cordelia Chase-Martin I told you to push girl and you had better dam well push." Dr. Martin yelled at her. Cordelia gave it what seemed like the last of her strength. "Okay Cordy that was a good one her head is crowning now. Give it another push and will have the head out. Let's go Cordelia, push that little girl out."

Everyone was starting to say it under their breath. Cordelia sat up again and gave it her all as everyone helped her in their own way.

"I can see the head Cordy." Angel told her as he held onto her leg that was in the stirrup. For some reason he wasn't picking up on her pain now and he could watch his daughter come into the world. "Tell her to push again Angel and well have the next seer with us."

"Cordy, one more time and she'll be with us. Come on Cordy." He reached out and took her hand. Buffy helped her to sit up and told her to push. Cordelia took a deep breath and started to push again. Dr. Thompson ran his fingers around the shoulders, he got one shoulder out then the other and Mary Kathleen slid out the rest of the way and told everyone that she had arrived by taking her first breath and giving out a loud cry. They cleared out her nose and throat of all of the fluid that she had been living in for nine months. Kathleen protested all of the way.

Dr. Thompson held her up for Cordelia to see her baby. "Here is your daughter Cordelia." He put Kathleen on Cordelia's stomach.

"You want to cut the cord Angel?" Dr. Martin asked. "Yes." He took the funny looking scissors from Dr. Thompson and cut the umbilical cord that was the one remaining physical tie to her mother.

Dr. Martin picked Kathleen up from her mothers stomach. "I'll bring her back as soon as we clean her up and weigh and measure her. Spike went with her so that he could help her and see what had to be done. Fred was with them also so that she could fill out the information on the birth certificate. In the mean time Cordelia successfully expelled the after birth and Dr. Thompson cleaned her up. When he was done he went to clean up then came over to Angel and Cordelia. "You did a good job young lady. You and Angel were lucky that you delivered so fast. First babies usually take a lot longer. I am going to leave now. I have another future mother that has gone into labor also. I am leaving you in very capable hands. I will come by tomorrow after you've had a good rest. Hunter will be over sometime tomorrow also. We've heard about the problem of your arm shaking when your under stress Angel and she want's to check on it.

Dr. Martin came over with Kathleen before he left. She handed the baby that was now all wrapped up in her receiving blanket over to Dr. Thompson. He held her up in the air. "I present to you Mary Kathleen Martin 7 lbs. 3 oz. and 27 ½ inches long. Here you are Cordelia and Angel."

Dr. Thompson put Mary Kathleen in her mothers arms. Then Cordelia looked at Angel. She looked around for Gunn. "Gunn would you bring the camera over to the other side so you can get a better picture." Gunn came over and got a good close up of the baby.

"Angel I want to introduce you to your daughter Mary Kathleen Martin. Mary Kathleen Martin this is your daddy Angel."

Angel reached out for his daughter. He carefully put one of his large hands under her head and the other around her tiny body. Angel looked at this tiny bundle in his hands. He could hear her tiny heart pumping the fresh newborn blood going through her veins and that which was so prized by him. A soul. He gave his daughter a kiss on her tiny little forehead and wiped the tears that were falling down his cheeks and onto his daughters face.

Angel bent down and gave Cordelia a long kiss. Dr. Martin was standing close by. She reached over and removed the little cap from her head.

"Look at all of that dark red hair and I can't say for sure but I think that she will have green eyes. This is a true child of Ireland Angel." Dr. Martin put Mary's little cap on again and bundled her up.

"Spike would you pick up Cordelia carefully and take her up to her bed. Angel give me Mary Kathleen and I'll carry her upstairs to her bed. I think you'll have enough on your hands just getting yourself upstairs." Angel started to follow them upstairs but he was so weak that he fell to his knees on the stairs. Wesley and Connor came over to help him up the stairs but he just laid where he fell. Wesley turned him over and lifted his eyelid. Angel was unconscious. Blood was coming out of his ear again and his nose was bleeding. "Stay with him Connor I'm going to go and get a towel and some ice."

Wesley was back in a few minutes with a wet towel and ice in a bowl. He applied the towel to Angels forehead.

Spike sat Cordelia on the bed then stood back. Buffy got a clean nightgown for her and helped her change. She stood between Cordelia and Spike while she took off one and put another one on. She then lifted the covers and helped her to lay down. Dr. Martin gave Cordelia Kathleen then went out to see what was holding up Angel.

When she saw Angel on the steps she went running down to him. "What happened?"

"He fell as he we were helping him up the stairs. He seems to be unconscious and he has started to bleed from his ear and nose. The only thing I could think of was to apply a cold towel."

Wesley said as he got up so that Dr. Martin could check him.

"That's good Wesley. He was bleeding before when Dr. Thompson came in but he was still conscious then." She sat back and let out a big sigh. "I think he might be bleeding because of what he has been going through. When we took Cordelia upstairs and her and Angel slept for awhile Spike told me later that Angel had asked for something for a headache. He told Spike that it felt like it was going to blow his head off. He said that his head would hurt after each session of intense communication with Cordelia. Hunter is coming tomorrow. She knows more about the brain then I do and she knows more about Angels physical makeup. The bleeding has stopped now." Angel started to open his eyes.

"What happened?" Angel asked. Wesley helped him to sit up.

"How does your head feel?" Dr. Martin asked. She felt for his pulse on the side of his neck. It had slowed down to it's normal beat.

"It still hurts but not as much as before. Before when I passed out it had started hurting real bad. When she had the contraction after I asked her if Connor could come in it started to get so bad that I had to break the link. If I didn't I would have passed out again. Don't tell her though I don't want her to know that I failed in my promise to her again." Dr. Martin and Wesley just looked at each other and a silent agreement passed between them. They would let this pass for now.

"Okay Angel but lets get you to bed for some well deserved rest." Dr. Martin backed away and let Connor come over and help Wesley take Angel upstairs.

Just before they went in Angel stopped and shrugged off Connor and Wesley's support. He leaned against the door and took a few deep breaths as he steadied himself. He turned around to look at Wesley.

"Is all of the blood gone?" "Yes your all clean again." Wesley said. Angel turned around then and went into the bedroom.

Dr. Martin came over next to Cordelia. She was holding her daughter in her right arm. Angel sat down and looked at his daughter. "I feel like this is a dream and she is just wishful thinking. But I know she is real because I can smell her and I can hear her tiny heart beating." Angel ran his finger on her forehead then touched her little hand. Kathleen grabbed onto his finger. The new mother and father were staring at Kathleen when Dr. Martin saw Cordelia's eyes starting to close.

"Spike take the bassinet downstairs please. I think it would be best for all three of you to let the girls take care of Kathleen for now. You two need to rest for now. Don't worry about feeding Kathleen. She won't be hungry until this evening. I'll bring her up then and show you how to feed her. Would you take that downstairs Spike and I'll be down in a moment." When they left and Buffy closed the door Dr. Martin let Cordelia hold her daughter for a moment longer. "Go to sleep now Cordelia and we'll bring you something to eat when I bring Kathleen up." Angel and Cordelia gave their daughter a kiss then gave her to Dr. Martin. Buffy had made sure that the balcony enclosure was closed tightly and she had tested the locks. She also made sure that the drapes were closed before she left.

Dr. Martin brought her granddaughter downstairs. Everyone was at the dinning room table as usual. By now it was 2 in the afternoon and Dr. Martin hadn't even had breakfast. She was both hungry and tired.

"Ladies I am going to give you the privilidge of watching over Cordelia and Angel's brand new baby girl. I am going to make myself a sandwich and take it up stairs and then I am going to take a nap. Kathleen should sleep until tonight at least because she has had a long and difficult journey. Before I leave Connor would you like to hold your sister for awhile?"

"Yes, I thought you would never ask." Connor sat down at the end of the table where Dr. Martin usually sat. She laid Kathleen in Connors arms. "She's so tiny. How come Cordelia was so big?" "She had a lot of fluid in there also Connor. When we are in our mothers womb we float in water. The water helps to cushion the baby as the mother moves around. Remember when Cordelia got up to fast from the table and her stomach hit the underside of the table?" "Yeah, I remember she said that Kathleen gave her a good swift kick in her side." "Well that water that she was floating in protected her from getting hurt. If you go downstairs you can pick up the sheets that Cordelia was laying on when her water broke. You'll be able to get a good idea then of how much water she was carrying. Lets put her in her bassinet now." Dr. Martin went to the bassinet and grabbed the baby blanket which was one of the ones that Angel had bought in Ireland. She put it on the table then took Kathleen and put her on the blanket. She took her cap off and the coverings over her hands and feet.

"Look at that red hair everyone. I think she'll have beautiful green eyes also." "They look blue to me grandma." "Connor all baby's eyes are blue when they are first born. They get their natural color a couple of weeks or so later." Willow said. "Just think Dawn that Buffy will have one of these before long." "I know then I'll be Auntie Dawn." The girls all laughed. "Oh and Giles will be Grandpa Giles." Willow said and that brought another round of laughter. "Look at her tiny hands their so small and yet she has a powerful grip for something so tiny. I wonder if she'll inherit any of Angels powers like Connor did?"

Dr. Martin checked on the umbilical cord then pulled her sleeper nightgown down and wrapped her up again and placed her in the bassinet. "Won't she get to hot all bundled up like that and with a blanket on top also?" Connor asked as he bent over and continued to stare at his little sister. "You have to remember where she has been for the past 9 months Connor. She was in a constant temperature of 98 degrees. Okay ladies I am leaving her in your hands. Guard her well Connor. She will be your seer." Dr. Martin went into the kitchen then and made herself a sandwich. She poured some chips onto her plate also and grabbed a can of Cherry flavored coke and went upstairs for a well deserved rest.

Connor pulled the bassinet over by the TV and settled in for his tour of duty. The hotel was quiet right now. All of the mornings activities had worn everyone out. Dawn, Willow, and Tara were all babysitting as well. The girls fell asleep after a while but Connor kept watch over his little sister to make sure that no harm would come to her. Giles and Wesley were in Wesley's office having a sandwich and talking. Gunn had gone to check on his boys to see if there was any activity in the city. Xander had gone out to get some supplies to finish up several of the rooms on the top floor.

Angel woke up after two hours. He couldn't sleep even though he was so tired. He held Cordelia in his left arm and in his right hand he had his rosary. He started off by thanking God and His Son for the beautiful gift they had given him. While praying he realized that he hadn't heard Angelus's voice ever since Cordelia went into labor. He smiled at that when he remembered that Dr. Martin had ordered Angelus to leave him alone for the first 3 months after the baby was born. By the time he got to the 3rd decade of the rosary his eyes closed and he slept a deep, peaceful sleep. For the first time since he was turned Angelus was quiet also.

Cordelia woke up at 8 P.M.. She had to go to the bathroom so bad. She had to sit for awhile before her bladder emptied itself. It hurt to do it but Dr. Martin said that it would. She held onto the counter while she carefully cleaned herself. She flushed the toilet then washed her hands. It was slow going but she finally made it back to the bed. She lowered herself slowly to the bed then laid down and pulled the covers up around herself and Angel. It felt strange not having her large stomach in front of her. The phone was on Angels side so she shook him gently. He opened his eyes and looked at her. "What time is it Mommy?" Cordelia smiled. "According to your clock it is 8 in the evening Daddy." Angel gently pulled her down where he could reach her. He gave her a long passionate kiss.

Cordelia pulled her head back and studied his face. Angel looked back into Cordelia's eyes. She saw tears start to gather in his eyes. She wiped them gently with her finger. "Cordy I know I've said it before but I can't tell you enough how much I love you. My mother would have liked you. She would have welcomed you into the family and she would have been so proud of us for producing such a beautiful little girl. The sisters at the convent were right, we make beautiful babies together. He took her into his arms and kissed her lovingly and tenderly. He ran his hands around her back and up and over her breasts carefully. He wanted to touch and love the body that had given him his daughter. He pulled away and just looked at her.

"Thank you Cordy. Thank you for such a beautiful daughter. Thank you for going through so much pain for me. Thank you for loving me." "Your welcome Angel. Now would you call downstairs and tell them I am hungry and I want my daughter." Angel reached for the phone. Fred answered the phone. "Yes Angel." "Is Dr. Martin there?" "Yes she is right here do you want to talk to her?" "No, just tell her that Cordy is awake. We are hungry and she wants her daughter if you ladies are through with her." "Yes Angel we'll bring everything up including your daughter." Angel hung up the phone. He looked at Cordelia and found her sleeping again.

Thirty minutes later he was awakened again by the sound of someone knocking on the door. "Come in." Angel called out. He reached over to Cordelia and shook her gently. "Cordelia we have visitors." Cordelia woke up and Angel helped her to sit up against the head board. Dr. Martin brought Mary Kathleen in and put her in Cordelia's arms. She gave her daughter a kiss and let Angel do the same. When he pulled his head away from her Kathleen wiped her face with her little hands and gave a big yawn. Spike had brought the bassinet up and put it by Cordelia's side. Dr. Martin came over then and took Kathleen and put her in the bassinet so that Cordelia could eat.

Fred and Dawn came in with Cordelia's and Angels dinner and put them on their laps. "Wow what service. Thank you everyone." Cordelia said as she started to eat her hamburger and fries. She took a long drink from her glass of milk. Angel had been given the same thing along with a large glass of blood.

Fred and Dawn left as soon as they gave Cordelia and Angel their dinner. Spike and Buffy stayed. They let Cordelia and Angel eat most of their dinner before they said anything. "How are we feeling now?" Dr. Martin asked. "Better, a lot better. It's true what they say about the pain of delivery." "What's that Cordelia?" Buffy asked. "You forget the pain. The memory of having it still is there in your mind but you don't remember the actual experience of the pain. Do you understand what I mean?" "Yes. I can't remember the pain of child birth when I had my son but I do remember how I loved the marvelous little miracle." Dr. Martin said. They were quiet for a minute as though out of respect for Dr. Martin and the son she lost.

"Have you gone to the bathroom yet Cordelia?" "Yes I was able to go about an hour ago." "You did? Why didn't you wake me?" Angel asked. "I didn't need your assistance so I thought I would let you sleep."

"Are you ready now to feed your baby?" Dr. Martin asked as she took away the tray from Cordelia's lap and Buffy took Angels. "Common Spike let's let them have some privacy." "But I want to see how she does it." "You'll see all you want when we have ours. Now take that tray from Dr. Martin and lets go." "Yes Buffy." Spike took the tray from Dr. Martin. He gave them a look as though he suffered so much. "She can be such a bully sometimes but if I don't do what she says she won't let me see hers for a couple of days."

Dr. Martin closed the door after him. "Okay Mommy lets have our first feeding. Angel helped Cordelia to pull her nightgown off of her shoulders so that her breasts were exposed. Dr. Martin then showed her how to prepare her breasts to nurse. She then took some of the blankets off of Kathleen and gave her to her mother. Cordelia put her to her breast and Dr. Martin helped her to get Kathleen to take her breast the first time. Angel had his head over Cordelia's shoulder and was watching the whole procedure with fascination and interest. "Make sure her mouth covers all of the areola. If you can't get her to do it right away don't worry about it because she will soon catch onto the idea that, that is where her meals are coming from. Now you won't start producing milk for a couple of days but the colostrum will be providing her with what she needs right now. Your nipples are soft Cordelia so you have to give them time to toughen up. Let her nurse for only 2 or 3 minutes on one breast then change her to the other one."

Dr. Martin had a funny thought when she saw how Angel was watching the whole procedure. "See Angel, this is what they are really for and not just as your toys. You may find later on as Kathleen gets older that she may become very possessive of her mothers breasts. When she is nursing and you put your fingers on Cordelia's breasts she will push them away. Just remember that she is smaller than you and if you start fighting over Cordelia's breasts she will have to break it up and I think you know who she will side with."

Kathleen was busily suckling at her mothers breast. "Cordelia put your fingers on each side of your nipple to keep the rest of your breast from covering her nose. As she gets bigger you won't have to do that but right now she is too tiny."

After a short time at Cordelia's other breast Kathleen stopped suckling and was sleeping again. "She's stopped now." "Okay just try pulling her away and see if she starts again." "Cordelia did as she said and immediately Kathleen started feeding again. Cordelia let her continue until she fell asleep again then pulled her away. Dr. Martin took her and wiped her mouth then she gave Cordelia a special wipe to clean her nipple off. Then to Angels surprise she put a cloth diaper on Angels shoulder and gave his daughter to him. "Put her on your shoulder Angel and pat her back gently until she burps. Baby's take in air along with the milk but they need help to get rid of that air."

Angel put his daughter against his shoulder and gently patted her back. He was rewarded with a little burp. They all laughed and he gave her over to Dr. Martin again. She laid Kathleen on the bed and uncovered her so she could check her diapers and her umbilical cord. Everything was okay though and she bundled her back up and put her back in the bassinet. Cordelia had already put her nightgown back up and was yawning again.

"Once you start producing enough milk Cordelia you need to use a breast pump so that you can let Angel feed Kathleen. It's important that both of you feed her because it provides an opportunity for him to bond with his daughter as well. Let everyone in the group hold her once in awhile so that she will come to know everyone. That especially applies to Wesley."

"Why is Wesley so important?" Angel asked. Dr. Martin heard a hint of jealousy in his voice.

"It's not Wesley himself it's his glasses that she has to see. Babies that have never seen anyone with glasses on will be scared when they see them for the first time. That's why it's best to expose her to people who wear glasses early on. You two go back to sleep now and I'll see you in the morning or would you rather that I sleep on your couch tonight?" "No we will be all right Mom. After all your right down the hallway." Cordelia said. Dr. Martin gave Cordelia a kiss then went to the other side and kissed Angel goodnight also. She left them for the night then and turned the lights off and closed the door.

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TBC......................................................