A/N: Thanks again for all the reviews!

Chapter 20: When You Say Nothing at All

May 4th

It was 3 days past her due date and Claire was getting inpatient. Christian had died, and the family was now focused on the baby's arrival. Life was going back to a sort of normalcy. Jack and Kate both got accepted to UCLA on almost full ride scholarships. They were now apartment hunting for the fall. Margo put all her energy into her coming grandchild. She threw a nice baby shower for Claire, which the mother to be got so much baby items and blue clothes. Jack, along with Charlie, Sawyer, and Hurley, put together the baby's room, complete with a brand new crib, rocking chair, and changing table. Kate, Margo, and Ana decorated it for her. There was a Noah's Ark theme and the walls were baby blue.

Claire was sitting in the rocking chair imaging her baby when Jack found her. Her eyes were closed so she didn't see him come in. "Trying to make the baby magically appear?" He teased.

Claire giggled as her eyes opened. "Why is this taking so long?"

"It's your first. They usually take longer."

"I want to finally hold him." She said placing a hand on her stomach.

Jack knelt down beside her. "You will soon." He said squeezing her hand. "I have something that might cheer you up!" He placed a wrapped box in her lap.

"Jack, you…" She stated.

"It's not from me. Mom said it was for you. Read the card."

Claire eyes widened. She opened the card wondering whom it was from.

My dearest Claire,

I know I can't be with you love for your first child's birth, but I got this for that occasion. That way it can remind him/her and you of me. I love you so much.

With all my love,

Lindsey

Tears came to her eyes. "It's from my mum!"

Jack hearing her say mum surprised him. He didn't know Lindsey did this for her. The fact made the teens realize what Christian gave them at Christmas meant so much more.

Claire unwrapped the box and opened it. Inside was a small stuffed Koala Bear. She picked it up. It was so soft in her hands and it would be a nice bear for her son. "It's so pretty Jack. I'm so happy she did this."

"That is a good idea. That way you'll always have something to remember he by. Just like your angel necklace from dad." Jack stated.

Claire touched it thinking about her father. "Any you still have Kate's ring." She smiled saying that. "How come you haven't given it to her yet?"

Jack smiled. "I will soon."

Claire's eyes lit up, but a pain shot through her! Jack noticed the change and went into doctor mode.

He checked her pulse and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I think I just had a contraction!" Claire worried.

"OK." Jack tried to calm her. "Mom!" He yelled.

Margo heard it and ran in. "What is it?" But she could tell.

"I need you to help Claire get to the car. She's starting labor and needs to go to the hospital. I'm going to get her thing and meet you two in the car." Jack ordered.

Margo looked at her son thinking He's going to be a great doctor. Just like his dad. "Claire. It's OK. Let's try to get you up and to the car."

"I'm scared mom!" Claire said as she was helped to her feet.

Margo assured her. "You'll do fine."

As they went to the car, Jack got a suitcase for Claire. He picked up some clothes for her, a couple outfits and blankets for the baby, some diapers, a bottle, and the Koala.

4 hours later, Claire was still in labor. Jack had called Kate from the hospital and they were now in the waiting room.

Kate could see Jack's worry. "She'll be fine. Your mom is with her."

"I know. But I can't help it.

"I'm afraid of what it will be like when it's us having a baby." Kate laughed.

Jack just stared at her. He was going to have to ask her that one question soon. He interlocked fingers with her. "It will be different then. I'll be there with you."

"One more push Claire." The doctor told her.

The young woman grasped hold of her mother's hand and gave one last big push.

"It's a boy!" The doctor stated over the baby's loud cries. He placed the newborn in Claire's arms.

Her face beamed. "I have a son!" She kissed his forehead and silently thanked God for this baby. He was cleaned up and put in a blue blanket. Claire wouldn't let go of him once she had him back. "I love you so much! And I'm so happy you're here!"

The baby quieted down hearing his mother's voice, and Margo smiled. "I'm so proud of you honey." She kissed Claire's forehead. "My grandson is so handsome." Claire giggled at the thought. "I'm going to get Jack and Kate."

Claire nodded as her mom left, as well as the doctor and nurses. She looked down at her son. Her own. She never knew she could love someone so much.

Minuets later, Jack, Kate, and Margo came in. Wide smiles came to their faces as the sat close to Claire.

"Hey little man!" Jack greeted him for the first time, and the baby opened his eyes.

The color looked so familiar to the siblings. "He's got dad's eyes! Aaron has dad's eyes!" Claire said excitedly.

"Aaron?" Jack asked making sure the name was right.

Claire nodded and said, "Aaron Christian Shepherd."

Margo's hand came to her face as tears came. Jack smiled widely and said, "That's a fitting name."

"It's beautiful Claire!" Kate had tears of her own she said this.

"Thanks. You want to hold him Jack?" Claire asked.

"Sure!" He accepted the infant from his sister. "Hey Aaron! I'm you Uncle Jack!" The little boy moved in his arms. He was going to love being an uncle.

After a little while Claire asked, "Kate? You ready?"

"Sure" She said as her smile got wider. Jack walked over and placed Aaron in Kate's arms as she sat in the chair. She was a natural with babies and Jack loved seeing her hold him. "Hi! I'm your Aunt Kate!" She smiled down at him. "He's so beautiful Claire!"

"That's the second time you said that!" Claire laughed as Kate giggled.

Later that day, Aaron was sleeping after Claire gave him his first bottle. She was still holding him when a knock came to the door.

"Charlie!" Claire said quietly. Her smile became huge.

"Your mom let me in. Jack called and told me, so I had to see him." He replied as he walked over to the bed. "He looks great Claire! You did a good job."

"Thanks. I am tired though. You want to hold him?" She asked.

"Sure!" Charlie beamed. Claire made room for her next to her on the bed and he sat down.

She gave him the infant and Charlie smiled down at him. "Hey turnip…"

"His name is Aaron." Claire giggled.

"Aaron." Charlie started again. "I'm Charlie. Your mom's friend and hopefully yours too."

Claire smiled as she watched him with her son. He would be a good father. Suddenly, different feelings came to her. I must still be hormonal, but I wonder what it would have been like if Charlie were Aaron's father.

After Charlie held Aaron for awhile he noticed Claire yawn. Charlie said, "It's getting late and I think mommy and baby need some sleep. I'll put him in the bassinet." Charlie offered.

"Thanks."

He got up and slowly laid the infant down.

"Oh Charlie! I forgot! Put this with him."

"Sure thing love." He walked over and got the Koala Bear. He placed it next to Aaron. "Goodnight Aaron."

He then walked back to Claire. "Goodnight Claire." He said as he kissed her forehead.

She smiled. "Goodnight Charlie." And her and her son slept peacefully.