"Frankie," Boyds voice echoing as he steps into the lab.
" She's in there." One of the lab techs tells him as he pointed to the small office at the back.
"Thanks." He replied walking slowly through the lab to the small room.
He could see the back of Frankie, her head dipped down as if she was looking at something on the desk. It was as he gets closer he saw she was standing up, leaning forwards slightly. He stopped just outside the office door, taking in the woman behind the glass divide. She was stood up, her hands resting on the edge of the metal worktop. Her head was bowed, her back slightly bent as she leand into the workbench. It was a very unusual position to be stood in, unless her back was playing up of course. He pushed the button to allow himself entry, watching as Frankie quickly stood up straight and turned to look at him. He didn't miss the quick play of emotions that crossed her face before she managed to school her features to neutral.
"You okay?" Stepping inside and reaching out to her.
"Fine, just my back giving me grief, nothing major." Her reply sounding a little too rehearsed.
He looked at his watch and saw she had been down in the lab just over six hours. He had been checking up on her, but not as often as he would have liked. Spencer had brought in someone for questioning, then Mel had been out following a lead and he got sidetracked. He had last seen her just over two and half hours ago and she'd been fine, or at least acted fine.
"Here, sit down." Pulling the stool over towards her and helping her sit down. "Where does it hurt?" His hand automatically going to the small of her back as that's where she normally had her hand when she complained of back pain.
"Ahhh, shit." She hissed out, her hand resting on her bump instead of her back.
"Frankie, talk to me, what's happening?" His voice full of concern as Frankie's head dropped and she started taking slow steady breaths.
His placed his free hand just beside Frankie's on her bump, felt how hard and tight her bump felt as she continued to take deep breaths. He waited, his hands staying still on her back and her bump. He could feel for himself the gradual change in her bump, the whole thing going soft again.
"Are these the same as you've been having the past few weeks?" Seeing Frankie finally raise her head and look at him.
"They started that way, but they're getting worse." Knowing there was no point lying to Boyd.
"How long ago did they change?" Having no real clue what he was asking for but needing to know so he could work out what to do next.
"About three hours ago, maybe three and half. I need to stand up." Shifting forward and going to stand up as Boyd helped her.
"Right, let's get you out of here. You've done enough, by the sounds of it more than enough." Sliding his arm around Frankie's waist as she leaned into him.
Now he knew he was in trouble. The way Frankie just leaned against, accepted his support without putting up a fight, that was not Frankie. Normal Frankie pushed him away, told him she was just pregnant and not a invalid. This Frankie, this in pain and needing him Frankie had him worried. They had just made it up the first flight of stairs and were on the landing when Frankie stopped suddenly. She leaned further into Boyd, her face buried in his neck as one hand came up to press against her bump while the other grabbed a handful of Boyds shirt at the back and held on tightly.
"Breath, Frankie, breath through it." Feeling her breath slow and steady against his neck.
He held her firmly, took as much of her weight as she needed him too until the contraction passed. She slowly righted herself, looking up at him as she nodded her head. He kept a tighter hold on her as they made their way up the last flight of stairs and walked down the corridor towards the squadroom. When they entered the place was empty, Spencer and Mel still out chasing up leads, and god only knew where Grace was.
He helped Frankie over to Mels chair, easing her down just as another contraction started. Frankie grabbed hold of any part of Boyd she could reach, hanging on as tight as she could as the pain ripped through. Boyd ended up bent over, Frankie's head on his chest as she hung onto his shirt sleeves, the breathing techniques she had learnt seeming to help her through the pain. Frankie was so focused on her breathing that only Boyd heard Mel and Spencer enter the squadroom, both stopping dead as they saw Frankie leaning against Boyd as he supported her.
"Shit, is she in," Mel not even finishing her sentence as she rushed over to kneel down beside Frankie.
Spencer just stood watching, he had no idea what to do. Frankie lossend her grip on Boyd allowing him to stand up, Mel shuffling in front of Frankie as she kneeled on the floor.
"You okay?" Placing her hands on Frankie's knees as Frankie raised her head and looked at Mel.
"For about another seven or eight minutes yes, after that not so much." Sitting up in Mels chairs and closing her eyes.
"Spencer, you take over the case. Phone the commissioner, tell him I'm going to fucking kill him the prick for putting Frankie in this position in the first place. Mel, can you help me get Frankie to the car." Boyd darting into his office to grab his jacket and coat.
"Sure thing boss." Mel said as she helped Frankie to her feet.
"I'll speak to the commissioner, boss, I'll handle everything here, just go, before she has the bloody thing in the squadroom." Spencer staying well back from Mel and Frankie.
"Thanks, Spence. Tell Grace where we are, I'll ring you later." Boyd called out to Spencer as he rushed through the doors after Frankie and Mel.
Boyd caught up with Mel and Frankie in the foyer, Frankie hanging on to Mel as a contraction took hold. He stood back and waited for it to end, coming to stand beside Frankie when she stood up straight. Just as she stood up straight Frankie's hand went to her bump, a puddle appearing on the floor at her feet.
"Definitely time for the hospital." Mel pointed out the obvious as Frankie look straight at Boyd.
"You think!" Frankie's sarcasm still just as sharp as ever.
Between Mel and Boyd they got Frankie in to the back of Boyds car, Mel Trying to make a get away but Frankie hanging on to her.
"Don't you dare, Mel. Godparent duties start right now." Keeping a tight grip on Mels sleeve.
Mel looked at Boyd then back at Frankie. Boyd just shrugged, he was in no position to argue with Frankie.
"Okay, I'll get in the other side." Feeling Frankie loosen her grip.
When Mel was in the car Boyd set off for the hospital, using the blues and twos attached to his works car to get traffic to move out his way. Frankie sat in the back, gripping on to Mel when a contraction came. She had never expected to be driven to the hospital in labour, by Boyd, with the blues and twos on. This was not how she had been picturing things working out when she had thought of this moment over the last few months. Boyd pulled into the hospital car park, scanning for somewhere to park. He managed to find a spot, making sure to leave the blue siren visible as he got out. The met could pay for any parking charges or fines he incurred.
Mel helped Frankie out the car, passing her to Boyd when he joined them.
"My bag, it's at home." Frankie said looking straight at Boyd.
"Mel, can you go back and get it please. It's just behind the door when you go in. I'll get Frankie inside." Passing Mel the car keys as Frankie grabbed onto him.
Frankie rode out another contraction as Mel stood waiting to get in the car.
"Come on, let's get you inside." Wrapping an arm around Frankie waist as they slowly made their way inside.
Mel waited until they disappeared out of sight before putting the blues and twos back on, the car screeching out the bay as she slammed it in reverse and drove out the car park.
By the time they got into the hospital the contractions were coming every four of five minutes. A nurse saw Frankie and Boyd stop as another contraction came on, and went to get a wheelchair.
"If you'll follow me, we'll get you settled in while your booked in." The nurse speaking to Frankie as Boyd pushed her.
When they arrived on the delivery suite the midwife went to take the wheelchair from Boyd, causing Frankie's to go into meltdown, grabbing out as the midwife tried to separate her from Boyd.
"Frankie, I won't be long. Go, let the midwife get you settled and I'll be there soon, okay." Bending down to try and reassure Frankie.
"You promise you'll be there?" A single tear falling from Frankie's eye.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Now go, I hear they have some great drugs that make everything feel fantastic." Kissing Frankies hand and head as she finally let him go.
He stood and watched her being wheeled down the corridor, the midwife pushing her into a side room near the very end.
"Sir, if you follow me I'll take a few details and then you can go join her." The midwife's voice breaking him out of his trace.
He gave the midwife all the details she asked for, feeling rather smug when he was able to answer every single question she asked.
"That's everything, let's get in with your partner so you don't miss anything." The midwife gesturing for Boyd to lead the way.
"A colleague is bringing in her hospital bag. Detective Sergeant Mel Silver, she shouldn't be long now." Telling the midwife as she lead him to the door he had seen Frankie being wheeled into.
The midwife opened the door leading into the room Frankie had been wheeled inside, but only enough for her to stick her head around it and look in.
"I have your partner here Frankie, is it okay for him to come in?" Hearing the midwife ask as Boyds view was completely blocked by the door.
"Yeah." He heard Frankie groan as the midwife stepped aside for him.
He moved past the midwife like a race hound let out a trap, seeing Frankie stood leaning on the bed with just her t-shirt on, her back to the door. He was at her side in a second, a hand on her back as he mirrored her position.
"Boyd." She somehow managed to hiss through gritted teeth, the contraction fading out as he joined her.
"I'm here." Running his hand up and down her back as she stood up straight.
"I hate you, you know that right." Her face red and sweaty as she looked at him.
"I know, but that's okay. Not long now, and it'll all be worth it. I promise." Sliding his arms around her shoulders as she leaned against him.
They stood silently, Frankie's eyes closed as she let Boyd hold them both up. When the next contract came she gripped his shirt, Boyd whispering words of encouragement in her ear. The contraction was just fading out when there was a knock on the door and a midwife popped her head in.
"I have a DS Silver at the main desk with your bag. Do you want to come get it or shall I send her down with it.?" The midwife looking at Frankie for an answer.
"Send her down, she can," but stopping mid sentence when a contraction come on.
"Shit, another one. It's only been a couple of minutes." Rubbing Frankies back as he looked at the nurse.
The midwife stepped inside the room and closed the door. Boyd watched her as he continued to talk Frankie through her contraction, seeing her wash her hands, pull on a pair of gloves and approached them.
"Frankie when your ready, climb up and we'll take a quick look, see how far your dilated." The midwife moving to stand at the foot of the bed.
As the contraction faded Frankie slid on the bed, Boyd hovering at the head of the bed.
"Frankie, can you bring your knees up to you chest and then move them out to the sides." The midwife watching as Frankie followed her instructions. "Okay, this may be a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. Let me know if it is and I'll stop."
Boyd focused on Frankie's face, trying not to watch the midwife as her hand disappeared between Frankie's legs.
"Yeah, that's uncomfortable." Frankie said, looking down as the midwife removed her blood streaked gloved hand from between her legs and smiled.
"Good news, your at nine centimeters now. I suggest you stay put, it will be anytime now." Removing her gloves and seeing Frankie lower her legs.
"If you get the urge to bear down or push give us a shout. I'll go get your bag from your colleague, unless you want her here?" The midwife seeing Frankie shake her head.
The midwife nodded her head and went to the door, opening it and closing it as she left them alone.
"I thought you were going to ask Mel to join us before. You changed your," His words being cut off as Frankie grabbed at him. "Okay, you got this, breath, in and out, slowly. You can do it." Stroking her hair as she moaned loudly.
"I knew there was a reason I said I'd never do this. Why the fuck couldn't I remember in the back of your bloody car." Flopping back on the bed as the contraction died out.
"You were a little preoccupied to remember much that night. That was a fun night." Feeling Frankie thump him hard in the chest.
He was about to wind her up some more about that night when she grabbed ahold of him, another contraction coming hard and fact. The midwife came back in just as she swore loudly, her breathing forgotten as pain tore through her.
"I need to push." She groaned as the midwife placed the bag beside Boyd.
"Okay, I'll get my gloves on and we'll see if we can get this show on the road. Don't push just yet, pant through it, I need to check your ready so we don't cause any damage." The midwife moving over to the sink to wash her hands and pull on some gloves.
"That's it Frankie, pant, don't push, you can do it." Boyd said as he brushed hair from Frankie's face as she tried to pant.
"Frankie, knees up and out, just like before. Let's see if it's time to meet your baby." The midwife approaching the foot of the bed pulling a baby's crib alongside her.
Boyd again focused on Frankie, the midwife's hand again going places he didn't really want think about if he ever wanted to have sex again.
"Frankie, it's time." The midwife sounding really happy and cheerful. "Next contraction bear down, let your body lead you, it knows what to do."
Seconds later the room was filled with a deep moan, Frankie gripping whatever was in reach as the contraction started and she let her body lead her. Three contractions later Boyd couldn't feel his hand, Frankie was sweaty, moaning loudly and a deep shade of red, while the midwife was keep chanting for her to push.
"I have a head, with a mop of brown hair. See." The midwife indicting between Frankie's legs where she held the baby's head.
Boyd had no idea why he looked, but he did, following Frankie's gaze as she got her first glimpse of her baby. Boyd wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh, cry, or throw up. That was his child making its way into the world, his and Frankie's baby. "Don't push yet, Frankie, pant, breath through it." The midwife suggested as her hands and fingers moved around the baby's head. "Okay, Frankie, next contraction, big push and we'll delivery the shoulders." Frankie already bearing down as she pushed.
The next few minutes were a blur, Frankie swearing, the midwife giving instructions, and them a piercing cry. Frankie flopped back on the bed, and Boyd wasn't sure where to look.
"You have a beautiful and healthy daughter." The midwife beamed as she placed the screaming, bloody, baby on Frankie's chest. "Would dad like to cut the cord?" Boyd suddenly seeing a pair of scissors being held in front of him.
He took the scissors, his hands shaking as he cut where the midwife indicted. He looked up at Frankie, tears streaming down her face as she looked down at the still squirming crying baby, her hands gently cradling her new daughter.
"Peter, we have a daughter." The wonder, love and awe in her voice evident as she used Boyds given name.
"We do, and she's beautiful just like her mum." Leaning in and kissing Frankie on the forehead as he placed his hand on his daughters back above Frankie's.
They both stared at the baby, her crying slowly subsiding. Boyd had slid his arm around Frankies shoulder, her head resting against his chest.
Neither took any notice of the midwife as she cleaned Frankie up, both besotted by the now quiet baby on Frankie's chest.
"Right, that's you all done Frankie. Now let's get this little lady cleaned up and checked over, she'll be back before you know it." The midwife reaching out and scoping up the baby.
They both watched as their daughter was placed in the cot and another midwife came and took her away to be checked over.
"Frankie, I take it you have everything you need with you in your bag to get washed and changed?" The midwife cleaning up as she talked to Frankie.
"Yeah, everything should be there."
"So, do want me to give you a hand or can dad help you out?" The midwife asked looking directly at Boyd.
Boyd felt like a rabbit caught in headlights, looking at Frankie for her to help him out.
"Dad can help out, this is just as much his responsibility as mine." Seeing Boyd swallow thickly.
"Bathroom is there, if you need anything pull the cord. We'll bring little lady back when she's been checked over, if you're still busy we can keep her in the nursery until you're done. I'll leave you guys to it, and congratulations again on the birth of your daughter." The midwife giving the room one last over as both Frankie and Boyd said theirs thank you.
When the door was shut Boyd turned to looked at Frankie, her head back against the pillow and her eyes shut. He leaned in and kissed her, his lips brushing softly over hers, once, twice, three times, before he moved back ever so slightly.
"What was that for?" Frankie asked as she opened her eyes and found he was still so close.
"No reason, other than I love you." His face for once so honest and open.
"I love you too." Closing the small gap between them and returning the kiss.
"Now, how we doing this? Can you walk, do you need a carry? This is a whole new ball game to me." Boyd having no clue what he was supposed to be doing.
"How about we try the walking thing, but pass me some of them bloody amazing maternity pants Mel bought me so I can get up." Sitting up and managing to swing her legs off the bed all the while keeping whatever the midwife had placed between her legs firmly in place.
Boyd dug around in the bag, finally pulling out a huge pair of black knickers. Frankie snagged them and put them on, trying to work out the logistics of pulling them up at the same time as standing up and keeping everything together. She managed it, with Boyd standing beside her but not actually looking down. He picked the bag and and held out his arm, linking it with Frankie's. Frankie took one step, then another, then another before stopping.
"What's wrong? Do you need a midwife?" Boyd panicking as he looked at Frankie.
"No, I just, Christ almighty, that's bloody painful." Slowly Taking a few more steps before she stopped again.
When they finally reached the bathroom Boyd pulled the light cord and the light came on. Frankie stepped inside, her body starting to hunch with the pains in her abdomen and neither regions. She went to take her top off but stopped, pains rippling across her abdomen. Boyd noticed, so he stepped up and helped her, reaching round and undoing her bra for her as well. Between them, with some awkwardness, they managed to get Frankie in the shower, washed, dried and into clean nightwear. He again helped her walk back to bed, even assisted her getting in and lifting her legs up. Frankie lay back and closed her eyes, her mind and body feeling totally wiped out. Boyd quietly tidied everything away, leaving only the baby's new clothes out for her to wear when she came back.
When he turned back to the bed he saw Frankie was sleeping, the labour and delivery taking its toll on her. He pulled out his mobile and sent a message in triplicate, one to Mel, one to Spencer and one to Grace. He told them Frankie had had the baby, they had a daughter, and that Frankie was now sleeping so he would ring them later. He sat down in the chair beside the bed and lay his head beside Frankie's hand, closing his eyes as he played over the last hour in his mind.
He woke to a sharp rap on the door, sitting up and blinking quickly. Frankie stirred too, looking around to see who had woke her.
"I have a hungry little girl here. Do you want to try feeding her?" The midwife asked as she entered the room pushing the cot in front of her.
"Yes." Frankie's eyes fixed on the mop of brown hair on her daughter's head.
"You get sorted out then, and dad can hold her until your ready." Pushing the cot in front of Boyd and putting the break on.
Boyd instinctively reached down and picked the baby up, bring her against his chest as he cradled her gently. She was fussing, not quite crying but building up to it. He gently raised her up her closer to his face, kissing her head and whispering soothing sounds as Frankie got settled with the midwife's help.
"Okay dad, Mums ready for her." Boyd looking down at Frankie as she sat with one breast hanging out.
He eased the baby into Frankie's arms, watching her as she tried to get the baby to latch. It took a couple of goes, and a little help from the midwife, but they got there, the baby finally latching on as Frankie gritted her teeth.
"Today is definitely full of weird and wonderful firsts" Frankie commented as her daughter sucked hard on her breast.
"You can say that again." Boyd sitting partially on the bed so he could be close to both Frankie and the baby.
"I'll leave you to it, buzz if you need anything." The midwife said before leaving the family alone.
Frankie stroked her daughter's cheek as she fed, the sucking sensation going from hard to soft, fast to slow. Boyd watched them both, Frankie in awe over their daughter, and his daughter taking in her new surroundings, bonding with her mother as she feeds her. Frankie was so mesmerised by the baby she didn't notice Boyd slip his phone out and take pictures. He wanted to remember this day, this moment, forever. The day he became a father again, the day he met his daughter. The day Frankie Wharton made him the happiest man alive. The first day two became three.