Special Notice: My most heartfelt thanks go out to Dee (MidLifeCrisis) for co-authoring this chapter with me...really, she did all the hard stuff and i just put it into (more or less) my own words...there's plenty in here that she wrote outright and i just kept it and filled in the blanks, especially the complicated medical stuff...so, to show your appreciation of her knowledge and expertise, go check out her story "More Than Yesterday, Less Than Tomorrow", along with the others in her profile...i guarantee, you won't be disappointed!

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Chapter 22.

(Logan)

"What!" I shouted into the com and turned to Sam. "Get us home, now!"

"I heard, we're taking off." He replied calmly.

I strapped myself into the co-pilot's seat. "Darlin', hold on. I'll be there soon."

"Logan, there's a really bad thunderstorm right now." She replied. "Buzz just took a look and there's power lines and trees down all over."

I cursed softly. Dr. Owens had really wanted her to give birth at a hospital, a situation neither of us liked one bit. But it looked like we were getting our way after all. "Is there any way to get out?"

"All the pilots are with you." She gasped and I heard her breathing hard. "Logan, please hurry."

"When did the pains start?"

"I don't know. I was feeling off before you even left for DC. So I think it was gonna happen tonight no matter what."

"Well, we'll let the doc be the judge of that. You just hang in there, I'll have Storm smooth the way."

"I love you. I'm sorry."

"Love you too, tiger. Wolverine out." I got on the regular radio to the other jet. "Storm, where are you?"

"Just a little ahead of you, why?" She replied.

"We gotta get back ASAP, Hellcat's in labor."

"What? Isn't it a little early?"

"Just a little, nothin' to really worry 'bout. She says there's bad weather at home. I need you to ease things up a bit."

"I'll do what I can, but you know that if I do that, it might mess something up somewhere else."

"I ain't askin' ya to get rid of the whole thing. Just make a path we can slip through that's not as bad."

"I'm on it. Blackbird One out."

The flight that only took about half an hour to get to DC took nearly twice that long with the weather. Storm determined that this system was pretty far-reaching and she didn't want to do too much to it. It was powerful enough that just a little too much of a nudge could make it escalate elsewhere into something that dropped tornadoes or even a hurricane and she didn't want to be responsible for that. I didn't blame her one bit, but I was still ready to tear my own hair out when we made our final approach.

The landing was a little bumpy, especially because we still didn't have anywhere underground to store the two new jets. The plans had been drafted, but the construction hadn't started yet. As soon as Sam lowered the ramp, I was out of the jet in a flash, running through the rain towards the mansion. I was starting to sense a theme in my life. Whenever something monumentally horrible happened to me, there was a storm. I'd almost lost Angela to one in a far-off jungle a lifetime ago. I thought I'd lost Rogue in one a little less than a year ago. And now my woman was in labor during one. I did my best to smother my panic as I hit the patio doors hard enough that one of them shattered. I didn't care, I ran to the stairs and all the way down, stripping off the remnants of my uniform on the way. I quickly grabbed a pair of sweats and a shirt out of the cabinet in the locker room, pulled them on and ran to the infirmary.

Hank met me at the door. "Well Logan, looks like today's the day!" He said cheerfully. "Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be." I mumbled. "Where is she?"

"Right this way."

Hank ushered me into the back of the infirmary, where Angela was already on the birthing bed that Dr. McCoy had requisitioned, "just in case", he'd said. It was a little larger than the other ones and more comfortable, with stirrups for her feet and side rails in case she needed to spend the night on it. With those things up, it looked like some kind of torture device, which Hank assured me it wasn't. Made me glad for the millionth time that I wasn't a woman.

As I rushed in, Angela looked up at me. "It's goddamn well about time you got your ass back here!"

Oh yeah! I could feel the love! 'Maybe I oughtta back away slowly? Come back when things are friendlier maybe?' I thought.

Suddenly, she curled up into a ball and groaned. "Fuck! It hurts!"

"Come on Angela," Rogue said, standing at her side. "Breathe!"

"I'll take over kid," I told her and slid into the bedside chair. Show time. I hoped that Lamaze shit we'd learned was all it was cracked up to be. "Darlin', look at me."

"Uhh!" Her eyes were glued shut and she had a death grip on the bed rails.

"Open your eyes." I got right in her face and she cracked one eye a bit. "That's good. Together now, breathe."

"Hee, hee, hee, hoo. Hee, hee, hee, hoo."

'Why do I feel so fuckin' stupid?' I couldn't help but think.

"Hee, hee, hee, hooooooo," she sighed. "It's over." She grabbed my hand and smiled at me. "Don't listen to me. I'm so glad you're finally here."

"Love you too, darlin'." I replied bringing her delicate hand to my lips. "Hank says we're gonna have a baby today. Says it won't be too long."

"I hope not. My back's killing me."

"Hey, lemme fix that for ya." I moved around to the other side and smoothed my hands over her back. She was purring within seconds.

"Lower. Can you dig your knuckles into my lower back?"

"You got it."

"Oh yes! I hope this is as good for you as it is for me." She teased.

"For sure, tiger. I'm so ready."

We both laughed and she added, "After the last couple weeks, I know you are, stud. Light's at the end of the tunnel." Her eyes twinkled with mischief and I knew she was just as ready as I was.

"Marie sweetie?" Angela said, "You didn't hear that. Comprende?"

"Huh? Can't hear ya Angela." She replied, smirking. "Nope, can't hear a thing."

"Smart girl. Hey, would you mind refilling the ice chips?"

"You got it."

"Hey, ain't I supposed to be in charge here?" I complained.

"Only if you wanna trade places. Uh oh…"

I checked my watch, " 'Nother one?" Two minutes had passed since the last one. Damn! I quit rubbing her back to get her to focus on breathing again. Bad idea.

"Don't you dare stop!" She groaned. "I can do the damn breathing by m'self." She breathed through that contraction while I continued to dig my knuckles into her lower back. At the end, she made a sound that was almost pleasurable then settled back and smiled at me. "Lover, you have the most amazing hands."

"So you've told me." I replied, smoothing the hair from her forehead. Marie came back with another cupful of ice chips, which Angela took gratefully. After she popped a couple in her mouth, I took the cup away from her. She leveled a death glare at me. "Logan, I want those."

"I know, angel. But Dr. Owens said not to overdo it. Don't want ya throwin' up all over me."

"Beast."

"No, that's me my dear." Hank said and Angela chuckled softly. "He's Wolverine." He checked her vitals and the fetal heart monitor. "Everything's going just fine, Angela. Shouldn't be much longer."

"I hope not. This sucks. I don't remember it sucking this much before."

I rubbed her back some more and she leaned into me, purring once again. "You can do it, tiger. Our boy's comin' tonight."

"Could still be a girl, you know." She said and gasped once again. She started her breathing and I continued working on her back, Marie hovering nearby in case she was needed.

"Come on, angel. Just concentrate on my voice." I coached. "You can do this, just keep breathing."

"Hee, hee, hee, hooooooo." She breathed out and leaned back into me. "Ice, please." She pleaded and I popped another chip into her mouth. "Gods, this hurts so much! I can't stand it. Are you sure there's nothing you can give me?"

Hank shook his head. "I'm afraid not. We don't have anything that'll be effective on you long enough to make a difference."

She groaned and closed her eyes again. I stroked her forehead and kissed it softly. "C'mon, darlin'. We've been through worse before."

"Says you." She mumbled.

"How far apart are the contractions?" Hank asked.

"Two minutes on the dot," I replied.

"Duration?"

"Fuck if I know."

"Hmm! I need to know."

Angela moaned as another pain took control. I glanced at my watch. "Yo Hank, make that just a minute since the last one."

"Hee, hee- quit hee, hee- looking at your- hee, hee- fucking-hee, hee,-watches-hee, hee!" she gasped. "Aarrgghh! Looogaan!"

I made her look me in the eyes again. "Together- hee, hee, hee."

She copied me. "Hee, hee, heee-Noooo. Hurts."

"I know darlin'. It's a long one. Be over soon, I promise." I hoped it would be over soon. My watch said damn near two minutes.

"Uunnhh," she exhaled and collapsed back onto the pillow. "Long one! Ya think?"

Patting my woman's hand, Hank was nauseatingly upbeat, "Sounds like we're making progress."

"I fucking hope so." Angela snapped. "I'm about to have Logan just kill me and let you cut this thing out. I don't know how much mo…oh crap!"

She moaned loudly as another contraction wracked her tiny body. Just when we thought it was over, another one started, followed by another. It felt like forever, but I think it was really only about six minutes all told. Still, seeing my woman in so much pain was killing me and I'd have done anything to spare her from it. By the end, she was nearly hyperventilating and it took me a few tense moments to calm her down. At least she didn't throw up on me.

"Aarrgghh! Gotta push!" She moaned and grabbed my shoulders for dear life. "Gotta push now!" She emphasized with growl. Her claws came out and dug into my skin.

I grunted in pain with a grimace. "Angela, honey! Retract---now!" I said, clenching my teeth.

She pulled her hands away and her fingertips were bloody. "Oh gods! Logan, I'm so sorry. I don't remember this happening when I had Emma."

"S'ok darlin. Little blood lettin's," I winced and flexed my shoulders, "good for—Aw, never mind. Healed already."

She smiled a little and I kissed her forehead. Hank came back over, snapping on a rubber glove. "Ok, my dear. I have to give you a pelvic exam now. I'll be as gentle as I can, I promise."

"Mm-hmm." She said and frowned as he performed the exam. "So, is it time yet?"

"Not yet, I'm afraid." He replied, removing the glove and tossing it in a nearby trashcan. "You still have about another centimeter to go, ok?"

"Fuck no it's not ok!" She moaned as another contraction gripped her. "It hurts so bad!"

Her claws came out again and I gave her little shake. "Angela, listen to Blue. Retract and stop trying to push!"

"Logan, I can't do this. Don't make me do this!" She whimpered and my heart clenched in my chest. Her claws came out again and I gave her another gentle shake. She growled and pointed her claws at my groin. "Do that again and you'll be singing first soprano for the Vienna Boy's Choir!"

"Darlin', the doc knows what he's doing. Just listen to him and everything will be over soon."

She nodded and breathed a sigh, but immediately gasped again as another contraction started. I could smell how much pain she was in and my inner animal was clawing at my mind to be set free to help release her from that pain. I clenched my teeth and beat the animal back. I didn't have time to fight with it; I had more important things to worry about. Just when I thought her contraction was over, another one started and I could smell tears start to form in her eyes. I made her look at me as she breathed, whispering encouragement and smoothing her hair. After an eternity, that one ended too.

Hank came back and did another exam, but came up with a frown on his face. "Hmm, that's not so good."

"What?" I asked, scowling. "Somethin' wrong?"

"The baby isn't turned properly. I'll have to consult with Dr. Owens on what she wants me to do." He snapped open his cell phone and inserted an earpiece. He dialed a number and as he waited for Dr. Owens to pick up, he looked over to Rogue. "Marie, would you be so kind as to call Charles down here please? We may need his assistance."

"Sure Hank." She said and dashed over to the internal phone.

"Doc, is there somethin' you ain't tellin' us?" I asked, scowling.

"What? Oh no, nothing at all." He replied, tapping his foot as he waited. "I would just feel better with someone down here to attend the fetal heart monitor in case I get distracted with…Dr. Owens? Hank McCoy here. Yes, I'm calling about Angela…no, I'm sorry that won't be possible…yes, her water broke over an hour ago…yes I know that's what you wanted, but…Dr. Owens, with all due respect, her labor has already progressed beyond the point where…I know, but I am perfectly capable of delivering a baby…yes, if you can make it out here, that would be fine, but there are some trees and power lines down…of course…yes, the reason for my call…It appears we've got a malpresentation; occiput posterior, if my memory of my eons ago medical school obstetrics rotation serves me…ok…yes…yes…I see…very well, thank you Dr. Owens…No, everything should be fine now…yes, I will call you back if anything else comes up."

The conversation took less than five minutes, but it was five minutes more that my woman had to suffer and I didn't like it one bit. "What'd she say, Doc?"

"She advised me how to get the baby to turn on its own." He replied as he lowered one of the side rails. "Angela, I know this is a lot to ask, but I need you to stand up and lean against the side of the bed."

"Fuck you and the horse you rode in on, Blue." She snapped.

"Perhaps later. Right now, you need to do this or your labor will go on much longer than necessary." She glared at him, but reached out and took his hand. He helped her stand and showed her how to lean over the bed. He directed me to stand behind her and to rub her lower back as hard as she could stand as soon as her next contraction started. The Professor came in accompanied by Storm just as that happened and he took position near the fetal monitor.

Angela was beyond doing the breathing at this point and Storm rushed over and stood across from her, placing her hands over Angela's and whispering encouragement. I massaged her lower back, but I could smell her pain increasing along with her frustration and I bit back a growl. "Hank, please, I need to push! Please!" She begged.

"Just a couple more contractions, my dear." He said mildly. "We have to make sure the baby is in the correct position, for both your and his safety."

Finally, the contraction was over and she collapsed to her elbows, gasping. I felt a sudden cool breeze and I saw Storm's eyes had glazed over white. I smiled at her and nodded my thanks, which she returned with a wink. I leaned over and stroked Angela's hair. "You're doin' great, tiger. Almost there."

"Logan, I don't know how much more of this I can take. Please, there has to be something we can do!"

"We're doin' all we can, angel. We can do this, you can do this!"

She nodded and Hank instructed her to get back on the bed, which he lowered a little, and to get into a squatting position. "You're fucking crazy, you know that?" She said.

"So I've been told. Nevertheless, this is what Dr. Owens said to do." She glared at him, but complied and just in time. Another contraction wracked her body and I continued to massage her back as Storm bathed her face with a cool cloth that she seemed to have produced from nowhere. I looked around and saw that Marie had brought a basin of water over and I smiled at her too. She returned it weakly and I could smell the anxiety coming off of her. At least she wasn't showing it, which was good. Still, Angela was practically screaming in pain and it was all I could do to hold myself together.

That contraction passed and Angela sat back gratefully. She looked at me and tears started pouring down her face. "Logan, I can't do this." She said, shaking her head. "I can't."

I wrapped my arms around her. "Yes, you can. I know you can!"

"No, Logan. It's too much."

Hank came back beside me and I turned to him with a scowl, which he ignored. "Angela, just one more, all right?" He told her to get on all fours, then told me to again massage her lower back. The next contraction hit her and it was the worst one as far as I could tell. She started out with a low groan, but the next thing I knew, she was screaming. That was it for me.

"Damn it McCoy! What the fuck are you playin' at?" I snarled, my claws itching to pop out. "Can't you see you're killin' her?"

Hank crossed his arms and scowled. "I am doing no such thing, Logan and overreacting will not make this any easier for her! Now either you do as I say or so help me I'll have you removed from the infirmary!"

"Just fuckin' try it, bub." I growled. The contraction finally passed and I helped Angela get turned back over and settled. She was crying harder by then and her claws were out again. "That should be it, darlin'. We're almost there."

"You keep saying that, but it still isn't true." She whimpered.

I scowled at Hank again, who was once again examining her. When he looked up again, he was smiling. "Great! The baby's turned!" He patted her on the knee. "Next contraction, you can push."

"It's about fucking time." She muttered and I couldn't have agreed with her more. Storm once again produced that wonderful breeze, while Rogue gave her a couple more ice chips and bathed her forehead. I helped her get into position and stood beside her, holding her hand. Less than a minute later, it started.

"Ahh- aww. Here comes one." She moaned.

"All right.!" I said and smiled. "Ok now. Deep breath, darlin'. Now, push it, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Ok, let it go."

She sank back into the pillows, "Phew!"

I wiped her brow and pressed the cup of ice chips to her lips. "You're doing great." Out of nowhere, after all that we'd just been through, she got the giggles. "What's so funny?" I ask.

"Just hearing you telling me to push it. It's usually me screaming at you to push it when you're banging my brains out."

"Ok, this qualifies as TMI," Marie said, blushing.

Hank, ever the sharp wit, added to Marie's embarrassment. "Ahem! I do believe it was activities such as our little mother just described that precipitated today's event."

I copped my best stupid grin. "Is that what it was? Hell. An' all along they been tellin' me it's somethin' in the water."

"You are such a smartass, lover." Angela said with a smile. "But I still love you." Before I could answer, another contraction started. She gripped my hand tightly but I dodged the claws this round.

I coached her through that one, then two more, when Hank suddenly looked up at me, a twinkle in his eye. "Logan, would you like to see the baby's head?"

Would I? Hell yes! Angela nodded and I moved to the end of the table. Storm took my place for the next contraction and I watched in fascination as my child's head began to emerge. There wasn't really much to see, just a lot of thick, black hair, but it was still amazing. I smiled and took my place back at the side of my mate. "He's gonna be gorgeous, tiger. You did good."

"We did good." She said and smiled at me.

"I don't want to be the cause of any alarm," Xavier said with a frown, "but there was a drop in the fetal heart tone during that last push."

"Hmmm!" Hank said, clearly concerned but not panicked. "Angela my dear, we need to get this baby born now."

"Well what in bloody hell do you think I've been trying to do?" She snapped. "Knit booties?"

I looked over at Hank, who was busying himself with an oxygen tank and mask. "Doc, is everything all right?" I asked, starting to worry.

"Yes, everything's just fine. But still, just as a precaution, have her breathe with this between pushes."

"Is there somethin' you ain't tellin' me?" I growled.

"Not at all. Each time she bears down it puts pressure on the baby and the cord. A bit of supplemental oxygen eases things for mother and baby." I couldn't smell any lies on him, so I did as he said.

Angela moaned as another contraction started. I held her hand and coached her through it, making sure she kept her eyes focused on me. When it was over, Hank looked up with another smile. "Angela, Logan? Would you like to touch his head?"

I helped her sit up a little and sure enough, there he was. He had a full head of dark hair, sticking up already, but he was an odd shade of purplish-red. I looked up in alarm. "Doc, why is he purple?"

"It's perfectly normal, Logan." I heard the Professor say from behind me and I whipped my head around to look at him. "He'll turn pink once he's born, I assure you." Again, I could smell no lies, so I took another look at my baby, then reached down and gently stroked his tiny head. My heart swelled with emotion and I coughed a little and looked down until I was in control of myself.

"Oh gods, I have to push again." Angela said and leaned forward. I coached her through it, counting it down with her until it was over.

"Hank, the heart rate has dropped again and it's not coming back up to safe levels." Xavier said and I felt my own heart clench painfully.

"There was no progression with that last push either." Hank said and I caught the first whiff of anxiety that he'd shown all night. He pulled out his cell phone again and hit the redial. "McCoy here…there's been a drop in the heart rate and no progression since the head emerged…yes, I understand…ok…yes, I'll stay on the line with you from here on." He put in an earpiece and clipped the cell phone to his belt, then looked at Angela apologetically. "My dear, I have to check and see if the umbilical cord is wrapped around his neck. For obvious reasons, this may hurt a bit."

"Do what you gotta do, Blue." She replied and gripped my hand. He carefully maneuvered a hand inside her and she immediately cried out and dug her claws into my flesh. I bit back a curse and let her do it.

"Ah! I feel it!" Hank said. Supporting my son's head with one hand he moved his other hand in an odd twisting kind of motion. A moment later, he looked up with another grin. "All done!"

"Fetal heart tone has returned to normal levels!" Charles proclaimed. Storm offered a prayer of thanks and Rogue sighed deeply.

McCoy patted her gently on the knee. "That means you can push again, my dear."

"Thank the fucking gods." She said, then noticed the wounds healing on my hand. "Oh Logan! I'm sorry!"

"S'ok angel. Anythin' to make this easier for you."

"Really? Then you can have the next one. You know it's only coming out of one place." She said and looked pointedly at my groin. I scowled at her playfully and she smiled, which quickly turned to a grimace. "Oh, time to push again!" She cried and leaned forward again.

When it was over, Hank was frowning. "What's wrong?" I asked, my anxiety returning.

He ignored me completely. "Dr. Owens, nothing's happening." His expression changed to one of panic. "This is not something I wish to hear."

I started to panic along with him. "What?" I growled.

Hank was still consulting with Dr. Owens and ignored me. "How do I know for sure? Very well…Recommendations?… Are we set up for an emergency cesarean? The short answer is no…Listen, you know Angela's mutant capabilities. Beside, the head's delivered…No Zafferelli's Maneuver must be a last resort…McRoberts Maneuver? Explain…"

Angela was still pushing and I was doing my best to focus on her and listen to Hank. I couldn't hear what Dr. Owens was saying but the anxiety pouring off Hank was scaring the shit out of me.

"Fetal heart tone is dropping again." The Professor reported and I could smell the panic coming from everyone in the room. I growled low in my chest, no longer able to contain my own fear.

Now Hank was addressing a very distraught group of people, "Logan! Ororo! Quickly, both of you, get on either side of Angela. Going from under her knees, pull her legs to her chin."

"What the fuck?" I snapped.

"Shoulder dystocia." Hank replied shortly.

"In English, bub!"

"The baby is stuck and we must get him unstuck."

Jesus! This wasn't covered in the classes and the fear gripping my heart made it hard for me to breathe. I tried not to show it, but by the look Angela was giving me, I hadn't succeeded. I took a deep breath and gave her a nod, the only encouragement I could muster at that moment.

"Angela, contraction or not, I want you to bear down with everything you've got." Hank told her.

"It hurts. I can't do it." She moaned, clearly at the end of her rope.

"You must!" Hank commanded.

"Just cut him out!" Angela screamed. "Or kill me and take him! Anything, please!"

"Too late for that. Ororo, Logan, support her legs. Now push Angela."

"Angela, come on baby. You can do it." I soothed as well as I could, knowing she could hear the panic in my voice. "I'm right here. Push, push! We'll do it together."

"Marie," Hank said, "The scissors on the left." Marie pointed to a pair of long, narrow, rounded tipped scissors and he nodded. "Yes, that's the ones. Good girl."

I didn't know what he needed those for, but I couldn't imagine it was a good thing. A growl escaped my throat. Hank's gaze met mine. "I've got to make more room. I promise it won't hurt her or the baby."

I knew I had to trust Hank. He'd never let me down before.

"Fetal heart tones are still low." Charles said and even he couldn't hide the worry in his voice.

"Damn it to hell," Hank cursed and spoke into the cell. "Nothing. Absolutely no forward progress." He listened intently to the Dr. Owens, the look on his face betraying his flagging confidence. Finally, he addressed the labor team again. "Marie, I need you to support Angela's leg, just like Logan did." He gestured toward the bottom of the bed. "Logan, you're not trained but I need your strength. Ororo, continue as you are."

I moved next to him and he placed my hands just above Angela's pelvic bone. "When I tell you, apply firm, even, downward pressure." He instructed. "Do not stop until I say so. Do you understand?" I simply nodded.

"Angela," Hank commanded, "push now. Logan, press." He worked his hand inside her doing God only knows what while he continued to coach me. "Steady. Good. Easy, forward motion. Keep up the pressure."

Angela let out a howl of pain and I looked up just as her eyes fluttered and she blacked out.

I desperately wanted to stop what I was doing and grab her, hold her, but knew I couldn't for fear of losing our baby. It might sound terrible of me to say this, but Angela would always come back tomorrow. My child might not have that chance. Fortunately, Charles was still free to help her. He reached out and stroked her hand, murmuring to her until her eyes opened again. I almost cried with relief.

"I'm afraid of cervical torsion or clavicle fracture," Hank said into the cell. Suddenly his voice lowered, "Yes, yes. I'm well aware that we may be facing a Section…Yes, I'll try anything at this point…Don't quote me statistics Owens, just tell me what to do…Thank you…"

Sweat was pouring off of him as he looked up. "Change of tactics. Angela, we need you to get on your hands and knees." She protested weakly as Storm and I helped her into position, staying on either side of her. "Angela, this time wait for a contraction and we ARE going to deliver this child." Hank said in all seriousness.

Charles had secured the oxygen mask over her face, so all she could do was nod and moan. I gently stroked her back, then leaned over and kissed her softly on the forehead. "I love you, angel. This is the last one, I promise." She whimpered softly, then moaned again as the contraction started. "C'mon, tiger! This is it! Look at me darlin'!" She turned her head slightly and locked eyes with me. "That's it! You're doin' great! Almost there!" In the meantime, Hank had started to insert his hand inside her again, but suddenly gave a surprised yelp as Angela cried out in what sounded like victory. I looked down and sure enough, our baby was born! "Angela, baby, you did it! He's here!"

Everyone let out a cheer as Hank carefully lifted the baby off the bed and Angela collapsed onto her side with her eyes closed and a groan of relief. I stroked her forehead and she smiled at me, then removed the mask from her face. "You're definitely having the next one." She joked and I grinned like a fool.

"Hey Blue!" I said. "Do we have a boy or a girl here?"

Busy suctioning the baby's nose and mouth and cutting the cord, he didn't answer, so I asked him again. When I was still being ignored, I got nervous. "Doc! Is he ok?" Angela was struggling to sit up and I could smell outright fear on her.

"This little precious had a rough time. Give me a moment." He answered. Hank massaged the baby, then held a small oxygen hose by his nose. He gradually changed color to a healthy looking pink and let out a howl of protest. Angela collapsed back into the pillows and began to cry in relief.

"That's my boy!" I declared with a mixture of relief and pride.

"Ahem!" Hank said and placed our baby on her tummy. "Check the plumbing you two."

We looked closer and Angela began to laugh softly. "I told you it might be a girl!" She said through her tears. She gathered our daughter into her arms and stroked her cheek. "Hello Genevieve. Welcome to the world." Evie turned towards the touch and Angela smiled knowingly. She opened her gown and nestled our baby to her breast. My little angel latched on to my big angel like a barracuda.

I collapsed back into the chair next to her bed and lowered my head, my hands resting on Angela's. I couldn't hold anything back anymore; the emotional roller coaster of the past couple hours had been the most intense thing I could remember and before I could choke it back, a sob escaped from my throat. I felt her shaking and looked up to see that she was still crying, too. "Hey lover, it's all right. We're all here now."

"Angela, I coulda lost both of ya tonight. I know it was close, no matter what Blue was tellin' us." I choked back another sob, but the tears still fell from my eyes. "You were in so much pain, baby, an' there was nothin' I could do to help you."

"It's ok, Logan. We're both all right, see?" I looked up and she was smiling at me, our baby still nursing at her breast and my heart swelled with new emotion.

I thought I understood what it was like to love someone when I found Angela again, but I didn't know anything. She was so beautiful at that moment and I fell in love with her all over again, only it was different this time, so much so that I simply do not have the words to describe how it felt. This was what it meant to love someone, this new feeling that overwhelmed me.

After a while, Genevieve decided she'd had enough and Hank took her away gently to clean her off, weigh and measure her. Angela dozed off and I sat there, stroking her hair while I watched her sleep.

When Hank returned, the baby was wrapped in a soft pink blanket. "Ten pounds, nine ounces, twenty-one and a half inches." He stated and I smiled again.

Angela stirred and opened her eyes. "My dear, you have a very lovely daughter." He said, then started to hand her back to Angela, but she shook her head and motioned to me. Hank nodded in understanding and held her out. I took her carefully into my arms and fresh tears sprang into my eyes.

Hank cleared his throat quietly before speaking again. "Genevieve, meet your daddy."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

AN: Yeah, it's a girl...for the record, the gender was actually chosen by coin toss, since i didn't have a preference either way...:) Any other children they may have in the future (and there's NO guarantees on that!) will be decided the same way...Special thanks to Zac and Turiel Tincdaniel, beta readers extraordinaire...Extra Special thanks to DBK(tm) for his ongoing support, even if he STILL insists my story is like crack...:) Super Special thanks to my readers, for sticking with me through the whole saga (so far!)...and Extra Super Swanky thanks to my reviewers, who were theNightEnchantress, sela103 and reeltreble1031...:) NightEnchantress - i update every three days unless someone takes the plunge and reviews for the first time...:) So blame them that you had to wait! sela - like i said, i left the gender up to the hoary whims of fate and it was a girl...maybe next time, eh? reeltreble - glad you liked the last chapter, hope this one measured up!

Now, my next update is scheduled for Oct. 21 and it's the VERY LAST part of the story...so, if you want to see it sooner, then please review...:)