Chapter seventeen -

Robert drained his coffee cup and put it down on the table. "So if she says yes, you're okay with it?"

"Absolutely. How is Elizabeth?"

He leaned back in his chair and blew out a breath. "Very pregnant."

Reading between the loaded words Donald smiled. "And how are you coping?"

"Honestly? It's like being on a roller-coaster."

"We've all been there. Hang in there, it will all be worth it."

Robert smiled. "Don't misunderstand me Donald...it's the best ride of my life."

"Hah! I know what you mean. I remember when Scot was born...now those were the best days of my life. They really are precious," he said his voice taking on a melancholic lilt.

Robert looked down and felt a bit uncomfortable. Here he was, an excited and expectant father to be when Donald had lost his son just a few years back.

Donald shook his head and snapped himself back, before standing up. "My advice? Don't waste a single day of it... but I think you've already come to that conclusion."

Robert stood with him then reached across and shook his hand.

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Robert stood outside the E.R Doctors lounge drinking coffee watching the comings and goings of his worker bees. He was equally aware of Kerry's close scrutiny, amused every time she glanced over. He'd been stood there for close to half an hour now, just watching and sipping his coffee. He glanced at his watch and reckoned she'd last no more than two more minutes before it would be too much and she would be hobbling her way over to him. He smiled when she lasted just one.

"Robert, is there something I can do for you?"

He looked around at the curious looks of the other doctors and nurses, all casually trying to act disinterested.

"There is actually." He pushed and held the door open with one arm. "Got a minute?"

She narrowed her eyes and looked at him suspiciously before limping past him. Robert smirked at the nosy peanut gallery and closed the door.

"Coffee, Kerry? I'm refilling," he said walking to the pot and topping up his cup.

"No, I'm good." She leaned her weight onto her crutch. "What's this about, Robert?"

He turned around and looked at her. "Elizabeth is due in a week."

She nodded. "An exciting time for you both I expect."

"It is." He smiled and blew on the hot liquid. "Which is why...I would like to hand you the keys to the Kingdom."

"The keys to what?" she said, but he could see her mind already working it out.

"I want to be at home with my wife and that's what I intend to do. But before I can do that, I need to know that there is someone here at the helm, steering the ship so's to speak. Now, I know we don't always see eye to eye...in fact, I'm not sure we've ever seen eye to eye," he chuckled and she actually smiled too. "But, you do have my respect and you are an excellent administrator."

"Thank you," she said quietly. "And naturally you have my respect too."

"Thanks, but there's no need to brown nose me back, Kerry."

"I wasn't..."

He waved a hand at her cutting her off. "Kerry, how would you like to be Chief Of Staff in my absence?"

Her eyes widened. "You're serious?"

He nodded. "Never more so. Think you can handle it?"

"Yes, yes of course. I'd relish the challenge."

"Good. How soon can you start?"

She shook her head dumbfounded. "Whenever you want me to."

"Right well, there's no time like the present. Brenda's deliberately kept the agenda light for the next few weeks anyhow, soooo."

He reached into his pocket and produced a key to his office. "Here is your key to the Kingdom. Please don't make me regret this."

She reached out an eager hand accepting it. "I won't."

"Brenda will give you any help you need and if you're not sure about anything run it past Donald. Okay?"

"Okay." She nodded smiling widely unable to hide her amazement. He held out his hand to her and she shook it.

"Just don't get too comfortable...it is just temporary."

"Off course. I'm happy to be able to help."

"Okay then. Well, good luck and I...am going home." He reached for the door and her voice stopped him.

"Thank you Robert, for the opportunity. I won't let you down."

"Temporary, Kerry."

"I know, I know...and Robert?"

"What?" He turned around to face her, surprised to see her looking right at him.

She smiled warmly. "I think you're going to be an excellent father."

He gave her a genuine smile. "Thanks Kerry." They nodded at each other, a silent truce agreed and he left.

Kerry shook her head and looked down at the key in her hand and let out a small laugh. "I'll be damned."

She opened the door to find Mark, Chen and Haleh loitering outside.

"Everything okay, Kerry? What did he want?" asked Mark.

"He just made me interim Chief of Staff."

"HE WHAT?!" They all turned and looked at the elevator just in time to catch Robert's cheeky smile and thumbs up wave just before the doors closed on him.

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"Lizzie! Where are you?"

"Lounge!"

He walked in and found her sprawled out over the couch, surrounded by a plethora of cushions and grinned.

"Well, now don't you look comfortable."

She looked up at him and returned his smile. "You're home early."

"Yes, I am...and as of now….I'm on a months paternity leave," he said watching as her eyes lit up.

"Really?! How on earth have you managed that?!"

He gave a casual shrug. "Donald's covering the department aaaand..."

"Yes?"

"I just gave Chief of Staff to Kerry."

"You didn't!"

He nodded and sank down next to her and gave her a kiss. "Did so...it's just temporary and...since we won't be there to witness it, also not our problem….that pleasure, is reserved for the rest of County!"

"Oh now that is both brilliant and evil! I love you!"

"I love you too. So, where's this list of chores you keep telling me is getting longer every day."

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Over the next week Robert put the finishing touches to the nursery they'd decorated together and collected his mother who was going to stay with them until after the birth. Isabelle had threatened to visit again, but was put off when Elizabeth revealed that her father was in town and had been talked into staying at the house.

Robert still felt a certain amount of stiffness coming from Charles' where he was concerned, but was somewhat forgiving of it, as Elizabeth, clearly a daddies girls, loved having him there. His own mother was also working her own special brand of charm on him leaving Robert to pretty much get on with what he wanted to do, finishing Elizabeth's list.

Thursday evening Mary had prepared yet again another feast and afterwards Mary insisted on doing the dishes, and Charles offered to help. Once they'd finished they carried through some drinks through to the lounge, where, upon entering he winced and smiled at the sound that greeted them. Elizabeth was seated at the piano having a quick lesson from Robert.

Mary wandered over to where Robert stood and tapped him on the shoulder. "A brilliant doctor you are my boy, but a piano tutor you are not."

Robert pouted but let her take his place and watched as Mary placed a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "Scoot over." Elizabeth shuffled to her left and Mary sat down. "Right my lovely, ignore everything he just said. What you want to be doing is..."

Robert rolled his eyes and shook his head. He turned to Charles who was seated on a couch reaching for a cup of tea.

"Would you like upgrading to a Scotch? I know I am."

Charles nodded and placed the teacup back down on the table as Robert went to the bar and returned with two tumblers full. He passed him a glass and sat down opposite, then raised his glass. "Here's to Elizabeth."

Charles raised his own glass and smiled. "To Elizabeth."

They drank and listened as Elizabeth ran through scales under Mary's careful tutelage.

"She's getting better," Robert said.

Charles scoffed and raised a sceptical eyebrow. "Really? How long has she been at it?"

"On and off, six months."

Charles looked down and smiled into his glass.

Robert caught the look. "She'll get it."

"I'm surprised she's bothering. She's never shown the slightest bit of interest in learning an instrument before."

Robert considered that and leaned forward a little. "My mom taught me how to play when I was pretty young. We spent hours and hours together and I think that that is something Lizzie would like to be able to do with ours."

Charles looked up and nodded suddenly understanding. He glanced over as she hit another bum note and winced. "Do you really think she'll get it?"

Robert looked over too. "I know she will," he said with confidence. "She can pretty much do anything."

Charles looked back at Robert and smiled. "You know, I had my reservations when Elizabeth told me the two of you were getting married."

Not wanting to say anything wrong Robert just gave a slight shrug.

"However, despite what Elizabeth's mother might say to the contrary, I am not above being able to admit when I am wrong. And in this case, I can now say that I was wrong. You obviously make her very happy, anybody can see that, so I thank you...and as for the little one, well...I know that you two will do a much better job of it, than Bella and I ever did."

Robert attempted to mask his surprise. "Thanks."

"Take good care of them both."

"You can count on it, sir."

"Call me Charles."

Robert smiled, nodded and raised his glass. Charles raised his glass to meet it but leaned forward and patted Robert on the shoulder just as Mary and Elizabeth joined them.

Mary immediately engaged Charles in conversation as Elizabeth sat down heavily next to Robert. "What was that all about?" she whispered.

"I think your father just give me his seal of approval," he whispered back.

"Really? Well will wonders never cease..."

Robert smiled. "Wait, does this mean your mom will stop liking me now?"

She smiled and giggled. "God only knows."

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The pain started later that evening. A backache just like she'd experienced after she'd taken her fall in the E.R. Not saying anything, wanting to make sure she kept her eye on the clock she asked Robert to run her a bath, where she took a nice long soak and the warm water helped with the discomfort, before she went to bed.

Around six in the morning, Elizabeth lay on her back staring up at the ceiling. Robert lay on his side, fast asleep beside her an arm flung over her. When she felt the pain hit again she glanced at the clock once again.

"Robert!" She nudged him. "Robert!"

"Wassup?" he slurred and then came quickly awake. "Are you okay? Is it show-time?"

Elizabeth nodded and smiled. "I think so."

He rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Okay, right then. Err, how far apart are you?"

"It's time Robert," she said gripping his hand.

"Okay. Okay." He stayed with her until the pain passed then jumped out off bed and nearly tripped over as he tried to pull on his jeans in too much of a hurry.

"Robert slow down. I don't need you breaking a leg, and I really don't need you stressing me out!"

"Sorry," he said breathing in and shrugging into a T-shirt. He went around the bed and helped her up. "So the bags all ready," he said passing her her clothes that she'd already laid out in preparation. "You okay if I go and get everybody up?"

She nodded and Robert left to rouse Charles and Mary. Shortly after they all climbed into his car with Elizabeth in the back with Mary and Charles either side of her, each holding her hand while Robert drove as fast as he legally could.

He pulled up into the ambulance bay and looked back at Elizabeth who was breathing her way through another contraction.

"I'm gonna run in and grab a wheelchair, okay?"

She puffed and nodded. "Hurry!"

He climbed out and raced over, but as he reached the E.R doors a security guard held up his hand and blocked his entrance.

"You can't leave that there," he said pointing at the car. "You'll have to move it."

Robert swore to himself and puffed up his chest. "I'm the Chief of Staff and I'll leave the damn car where I please! Now get out of my way!"

The guard shook his head unimpressed.

Robert quickly sidestepped past him and as the doors opened he scanned the faces in the E.R, spotting the one person he was hoping to see. "ABBY!" he yelled. "A little help here!"

She turned around from the front desk were she stood talking with Luka and Malucci.

The guard reappeared and grabbed hold of Robert's arm. "Sir, you need to move that car!"

"Abby tell this bozo who I am, and you, get your God-damned arm off of me!"

The guard looked down at him with an amused smirk and Robert got ready to deck him.

"It's okay Bob...Bob only started yesterday," Abby explained, putting her own hand into the mix. "You can let him go. This is Doctor Romano, he's our Chief of Staff."

"AKA your boss!"

"I don't care, he still can't leave his car in the ambulance bay."

"He's the Chief of Staff, and I'm guessing his pregnant wife is in the car outside about to give birth?" Robert nodded. "So you do the math...and if you don't let go of his arm, I'd say you're also a split second away from finding out that he's also a black belt in karate."

The guard released his hand. "Sorry...I thought the Chief was the lady with the crutch?"

Robert shook his head and waved a dismissive hand.

"I'll grab a chair and follow you out," Abby said as Haleh joined them. "Is it time?" she asked excited. "I'll go hold the elevator for you!"

Robert looked the guard up and down and peered at his security badge. "Bob, huh? Well, Bob if you want to redeem yourself in my eyes come with me, and you can move my car to the garage."

He ran back out to the car followed by Abby.

"How's she doing?"

"She's being a trooper, she is," Mary said climbing out of the car.

"Someone call for a taxi to Obstetrics?" Abby said catching up and Elizabeth smiled up at her.

Robert handed the car key to the guard. "Put her in the garage in my spot….Doctor Romano, third level...and please, try not to scratch her."

"Seriously? I'm in labour and you're worried about your precious car?" Elizabeth spat out.

He slipped his arm around her waist and grinned, helping her out of the car. "Come on, lets get you inside."

Elizabeth shook her head at the chair. "I think I can make it."

"Hospital policy," Abby said. "In the chair."

Elizabeth nodded and let Robert help her into it. He kept hold of her hand and walked alongside as Abby pushed. Mary and Charles followed carrying her bags as they entered the E.R to a new bustle of activity.

"Oh and mom?" Robert said dropping his voice. "Please don't call me Robbie while we're in here."

"I'll be good Robbie," she said chuckling and patted his cheek with her hand. "Last one, I promise."

Abby hearing the exchange tried not to smile and turned her head away.

"Hey, Family Romano...having a baby?" Malucci said just as Kerry joined them.

"How far apart are the contractions?"

"Every ten minutes."

She smiled. "Best you get upstairs then."

"Who are the olds?" Malucci asked.

"That's Elizabeth's father and Romano's mother," Kovac said having met them both at the wedding.

"That sweet looking old lady gave birth to the anti-Christ?!"

Kovac laughed. "That sweet old lady is as sharp as they come and there's nothing wrong with her hearing!" he said as Mary turned and scowled at Malucci.

"I've got the elevator," Haleh called out and Abby pushed her into it as Chuny ran up and asked, "Is it time?"

"YES!" Elizabeth screamed as another contraction hit.

"In case you missed it, that would be a yes," Robert laughed taking hold of the chair from Abby.

"Good luck," she said.

"Congratulations."

"Don't be a hero, my advice...get the epidural."

The doors closed on the smiling and waving well-wishers.

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Robert glanced over at the sleeping Elizabeth. Exhausted as she was, she'd never looked quite as beautiful to him as she did right now, and the love that he always felt for her also somehow, seemed different. He couldn't quite comprehend it or put it into words, so instead he sat there, happy in this state of silent sentry, watching her chest rise and fall, in a comforting pattern, rising and falling, sleeping the sleep of the just. He returned his gaze back to the precious small bundle he cradled in his arms. His daughter.

He thought back over the last year and a half, amazed at just how much his life had changed. He'd been a workaholic, single man doting after a woman who didn't see him, destined to die alone because he wasn't willing to settle for anyone less than the woman sleeping soundly in the bed next to his chair. And then somehow, by some stroke of luck she had let him in, let him love her and let herself love him back. And the result of that love now lay, cradled in his arms. He was a husband, a father; they were parents and right now, nothing else mattered.

The birth had been without complications and Elizabeth had weathered it well. He knew the O.B nurses were relieved that he'd been on his best behaviour but the truth of the matter was he'd been in complete awe of Elizabeth the whole time, especially the moment when she bore down with that one final push and they were rewarded with the sound of a crying baby. Their hands had gripped each others and their collective breaths held as Janet announced they had a daughter. He'd cut the cord not giving a damn that his steady surgeons hand had shook whilst he did it. He'd watched as they'd weighed, bathed and swaddled her before handing her to him. And at that moment he'd fallen utterly and hopelessly in love for the second time in his life.

He passed her carefully into Elizabeth's outstretched arms. "She's beautiful Lizzie…she's you. Thank you...thank you for the most amazing gift ever," he said, looking into her eyes, his own once again misty and not giving a damn who saw it.

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Elizabeth woke slowly, surprised to find herself lying on her back, a position she rarely slept in. It only reinforced to her, just how tired she was. She'd done many marathon surgeries before and never quite felt fatigue like this before.

Thirsty, she thought. She was thirsty and looked to her right looking for the water jug. That's when she spotted Robert dozing in the chair next to her, their daughter, carefully cradled in his arms. The very image would have been inconceivable not so very long ago she thought. And yet now it just seemed...right. They were a family and she couldn't conceive of anything else but, this. They had come so far in a relativity short period of time and ironically taken such a long time to get there. She reached an arm out to the water jug and somehow his eyes flicked open alert.

"Hey," he said. "What do you need?"

She smiled and chuckled. "I think I already have everything."

He returned the smile and carefully stood up. "Good job you're awake. I think this one might be wanting her mom soon."

She reached up her arms to him and accepted the bundle, staring down at her. "It's amazing isn't it? It's instant... this feeling of love, of commitment, of..of everything...that from this moment on, without hesitation, without question, you'd blindly do anything for her."

He smiled and nodded as he poured a glass of water and handed it to her, letting his fingers caress hers as she reached up and took it from him. "Not just for her, for you too."

"Where is everybody?"

"They've gone home..said they'll be back tomorrow. Your mother is on her way by the way."

"What? No, she can't! You told her daddy is staying at the house, right?"

"What can I say Lizzie. She wants to meet the little one, plus she said and I quote, 'If Charles cannot see his way to doing the decent thing and vacate for alternative accommodation, she would just have to remind him why he couldn't share living space with her in the first place,' unquote."

"You're not even kidding are you?"

"Don't worry Lizzie. My mom is more than capable of refereeing two squabbling brats. She had plenty of practice with me and Emma. She'll be the buffer we need."

He leaned down and kissed her just as the baby started to stir and started reaching.

Elizabeth readjusted herself and Molly quickly latched on to feed. "You're a natural," Robert said lovingly.

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They looked up at the knock on the door to see Donald sticking his head round followed by Shirley.

"Up to visitors?"

"Absolutely! Want to see the nipper?" Robert said proudly.

Donald and Shirley both tried to enter the room at the same time, comically getting stuck in the door frame as each tried to wedge the other other out of the way. Shirley won out as she wiggled, elbowed and lunged forwards.

"Ohh, she's beautiful," Shirley cooed. "What's she called?"

"Short version...Molly."

"Molly...I like it...heeey Molly!" she said, curling her little finger as she gently brushed it against the baby's cheek. "And , Oh my goodness, she has soooo much hair! Just like her mommy!"

"Excuse me, I used to have quite a bit of hair you know."

Shirley looked to Elizabeth for verification and received a silent nod. She looked at Robert and shook her head. "No, sorry. Don't believe it. I'll need to see photographic evidence to the contrary."

"Like I'm gonna fall for that. No, you're right. I've never had hair, you go with that."

"So, what's the long version then?" Donald asked.

"Mary Isabelle," Elizabeth said.

"Well, congratulations you two!" Donald said and produced a box of cigars from around his back, which he handed to Robert who in turn shook his hand.

"Thanks."

"I heard she did well."

Robert nodded. "She did. Although, she was up most of the night feeding. Kids got my appetite."

He chuckled. "Well, I'm afraid you are both going to have to get used to disturbed nights from herein."

Donald produced a hip flask from his jacket as Molly distracted both Elizabeth and Shirley. He waved it at Robert who nodded and they took sneaky turns taking celebratory swigs.

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Robert walked proudly, carefully cradling his daughter. He had a daughter, he thought still trying to wrap his head around it. He heard Kerry's voice from behind him as he made his way to his office.

"Robert? What are you doing down here?"

"Hey, Kerry," he said turning. "Thought I'd give this one the tour while Elizabeth catches up on some sleep."

Her face lit up as he turned and she saw the baby. "Ohh! She's beautiful. What's her name?"

"Molly."

"Hey Chief they said you wanted to see me?" Malucci said appearing from round the corner. He spotted Robert and jogged over. "Hey boss, congratulations...wow, she's a cute one! Look at her! You're gonna have to keep the boys away from her, if you know what I mean. Hi, you're quite the heifer, aren't you? Can I hold her?"

Robert looked at him like he had two heads. "No."

"Aww, c'mon boss, I just washed my hands."

"Good for you Malucci. Answers still no."

"Are you serious?"

"Yup."

"Why can't I hold her?"

"Just following your advice and keeping the boys away."

Malucci pouted and Kerry laughed at his sulkiness.

"Actually Robert, do you have a minute to go over a few things?"

"What about me, Chief?"

"I'll see you when I want to see you."

"Well, what does that mean?"

"It means go away," Robert said.

Malucci looked between the pair of them, shrugged and turned around walking away.

"What did you want me to look at then?"

"Budget report. It's on my desk." At his raised eyebrow, she corrected herslef. "Sorry...your desk," she said motioning towards his office.

He rolled his eyes but followed her into his office. She pulled out the relevant report for him and offered it out to him. He was about to reach for it with one hand when he noticed her looking at Molly with longing. It wasn't totally removed from the way Elizabeth gazed down at her when she was feeding. A bond between mother and child that even he was jealous off, and hoped when he got to give her a bottle he'd get that same look. Feeling magnanimous he surprised even himself. "Would you like to hold her?"

Kerry looked up at him surprised. "Really?" He nodded, she smiled. "Yes please."

He handed her over and quickly looked through the various budget reports, quietly impressed to see nothing outrageous or to cause alarm. He looked up and watched Kerry gazing down at Molly, her expression one of wonder, but of wanting also. Something he'd have never credited her with. Then again, he supposed not many would have credited it with him.

"Are you going to have kids one day?" he asked softly.

"I think I would very much like that," she said quietly, not taking her eyes away from Molly. "She's perfect, Robert."

"I know."

"You're very lucky."

"I know that too." His tone was almost too sincere for her to believe, and she looked up fully expecting to see him wearing a smug smirk but all she saw was an honest smile and she returned it. "There's some other stuff there you could look over if you wanted," she said nudging her head at the large pile of paperwork on the desk. He reached for the file from the top of the pile and cast his eye over it. There was nothing in there of interest that would warrant a second pair of eyes, and a little confused he cast his eyes back to Kerry, who was cooing and pulling faces at Molly and it struck a chord within him. What the hell are you doing to me Molly, he thought to himself as he smiled reaching for another file happy to indulge her for a few more minutes.

TBC