Ten minutes later a familiar car came to a screeching halt and a moment later Hugh was racing up the stairs. "Hugh!"

He turned and Foyle realized he hadn't seen Hugh look this rattled since Grace was born and he was suddenly very glad he had sent Milner to fetch him; this wasn't a side of the Superintendent the men needed to see.

"Christopher! Is she all right? Have you heard anything?"

"No but there's no reason think we'll hear for a while yet." Foyle spoke calmly as he laid a hand on Hugh's shoulder and nodded subtly to Milner who nodded back, the car pulling away a moment later.

"She was alright though? When you brought her in? Bloody Borden, I can't believe I was at a bloody useless meeting Christopher!"

Foyle nodded as he steered Hugh into the hospital and towards the small waiting room where he had been told to wait earlier. "She was fine Hugh, said it was the very early stages and you know White and the midwife will take care of everything. Now sit for a minute while I fetch us some tea."

Hugh allowed himself to be guided into a chair but Foyle knew he would be pacing when he returned. It didn't take long to get them two cups of tea and as expected Hugh was pacing back and forth like a caged tiger. Foyle took a deep breath reminding, himself that if roles should be reversed he would do exactly the same thing. "Hugh, come and have some tea"

When Hugh looked like he was going to object Foyle pinned him with the look he usually reserved to insubordinate constables and Hugh obediently sank into a chair. "I still don't see why I'm not allowed to be with her, I mean she is my wife."

"Think the main reason is that Matron would throw you out on your ear Hugh, Superintendent or not"

Hugh just scowled into his tea and Foyle sighed, "It's just the way things are Hugh, doesn't matter whether we like it or not; husbands have been deemed persona non grata and I don't expect that to change anytime soon."

"There won't be another time." Hugh said gravely, "I've spoken to White and there are umm ways of making sure this can't happen again." He ran his hands through his hair, "I still need to discuss it with Elaine but I'm not willing to put her in this position again Christopher not with these risks, no matter how wonderful medicine may be."

Foyle nodded, "Completely understandable." They lapsed into silence as they drank their tea and Foyle was pleased to see that the wild look in Hugh's eyes had eased slightly since he arrived. He suspected they were in for a long wait and he would prefer it if Hugh weren't a minute away from trying to break down the door the whole time.

"So did Borden have anything useful to say?"

"Not unless you consider him complaining about the number of cars we use to be useful. Not sure how the he expects us to actually deal with anything if we can't get there! We can hardly walk back and forth along the whole bloody South Coast!"

"Indeed" Foyle said mildly as he watched Hugh pace back and forth, wondering idly how many miles he would have walked by the time the baby arrived.

Suddenly Hugh looked at the clock and swore, striding towards the door. Foyle jumped to his feet hurrying to get in front of him, "Hugh? What is it?"

"The girls…Christ they'll be worried sick! I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner…"

He looked stricken and Foyle laid a calming hand on his arm, "Hugh, listen to me; the girls are fine. They know what's happening and Sam is with them."

"What? How?"

Foyle smiled slightly, "Because Sam and I picked them up from school. Sam said she was happy to stay Hugh and the girls were fine with it, Elaine too."

Hugh blinked, "I've no objections Christopher, very kind of her. I just…"

He trailed off and Foyle tightened his grip briefly. "I know. Grace gave me two hugs which I'm supposed to pass onto you and Elaine, so consider yourself hugged."

Hugh gave a watery laugh, "Thank you Christopher"

"Not at all. You be alright if I go and fetch us some more tea?" Reid nodded so with a final reassuring smile Foyle collected their mugs and left the room, considering whether it was worth asking a nurse if there was a chessboard they could use.

Time much passed as it had the last two times Foyle had kept Hugh company for this same reason; except that he had to walk farther to get tea and didn't have the option of plying Hugh with alcohol.

Which was too bad really because Hugh looked dreadful; the Superintendent who took robberies, smugglers and entire pub brawls in stride was nowhere to be found and in his place was a husband and father who was petrified of losing his wife and youngest child.

Foyle did his best to reassure and distract him, even telling some of the more amusing stories of Andrew's youthful escapades, something he had rarely done since the war began and the threat of his son not adding to them had become so painfully real.

By the time Foyle got back with some sandwiches that would have to serve as their supper Hugh was in his shirt sleeves his head resting in his hands, lips moving soundlessly in what Foyle assumed were prayers.

"Hugh?" His head shot up and Foyle smiled reassuringly as he nodded to the tray of sandwiches and tea he held, "Not much but it will do"

"Thank you Christopher, I'm afraid I'm not very hungry."

Foyle nodded, "I know but you should try to eat something Hugh, passing out won't help Elaine or the baby."

"Nothing I can do will" Hugh muttered and Foyle squeezed his shoulder, "They'll be fine Hugh, Elaine's strong and you told me yourself the baby's been kicking like a footballer for months."

Hugh nodded but didn't look convinced although he did take a bite of his sandwich so Foyle decided that counted for something at least.

The hours wore on and it was getting on for 9pm before a nurse appeared in the doorway, "Mr. Reid?"

Hugh shot out of his chair, Foyle only a step behind, "Is Elaine alright?"

The nurse smiled warmly, "I'm afraid I don't know any details Sir, I'm working the desk at the moment but Dr. White has asked to see you."

Hugh paled and Foyle gripped his shoulder supportively before stepping away to grab Hugh's uniform jacket, "Here Hugh" Reid took it automatically and Foyle clapped him on the shoulder again, "Suspect this means the baby's arrived Hugh, better go find out."

Again Hugh nodded, seemingly without comprehension and pulling on his tunic followed the young nurse out of the room, fear and anticipation fairly radiating off him.

Foyle watched him go and then sank back into his chair and rested his head in his hands. He truly thought that Elaine and the baby would be fine, everything he'd heard suggested as much but there was always a chance of something going wrong.

The thought of having to watch Hugh and the girls endure what he and Andrew had made him feel ill and he got up and began to pace, trying to convince himself that everything was all right.

If not for the fact that he didn't know where he was going Hugh would have been running, the nurse had withstood his badgering better than most suspects and despite all of White's assurances over the last few months and Christopher's calm, steadiness over the last few hours he was nearly out of his head with worry.

White knew him well because when they finally reached a wing of private rooms he was waiting in the hall and didn't look the least bit surprised when Hugh broke into a run. "She's fine Hugh, they both are. She came through everything beautifully"

He spoke slowly and calmly but fear had fogged Hugh's brain and he could only blink at White until the older man laid a hand on his shoulder, "Elaine is fine Hugh and so is the baby; now take a breath before you pass out"

Hugh obeyed instinctively and once his brain received some oxygen he was finally able to process White's words and his shoulders slumped in relief. "Can I see her?"

White smiled, "Why do you think I sent for you? She's still a little groggy but that's to be expected between the anesthetic and the morphine. She's going to be sore for a bit Hugh and it will take time for the incision and muscles to heal; we'll keep her for a week if we can and she'll need to be on bed rest for another week to ten days after that."

Hugh nodded, face once again cloaked in worry and White clapped him on the shoulder, "It's what's prescribed for every caesarean section patient Hugh, Elaine did wonderfully and I am confident she'll make a full recovery."

Hugh nodded again, "And the baby…?"

White grinned, "The baby is fine, except for the fact that they haven't met their father yet. 7lbs 9oz, all appendages accounted for and a fine set of lungs. Now go on, Elaine's likely to fall back to sleep before too long and I know she'll want to see you first."

He gestured toward the door and Hugh allowed himself to be herded through it. The head of the bed had been raised and Elaine, carefully propped up on a number of pillows, looked up from the bundle of blankets in her arms to offer him a tired smile.

A moment later he was kneeling beside the bed, taking her free hand in both of his, "Oh Elaine, are you alright? I'm so sorry I wasn't here when it started love."

Elaine shook her head, "Hugh, you could hardly cancel on the Chief Superintendent. It was fine, Christopher and Sam came and got me here straight away."

Hugh nodded and brushed a kiss to her knuckles, "How are you, truly?"

"Tired and a bit sore" Hugh frowned and she laid her hand against his cheek, "And I would do it all again Hugh"

He turned his head and pressed a tender kiss to her palm, "You're the bravest person I know Elaine and I love you so much. White said you did beautifully."

Elaine smiled softly, "Well, I think he's beautiful but why don't you have a look for yourself?"

Hugh blinked at her, "He?" He asked breathlessly and Elaine nodded, eyes bright with unshed tears as she watched her husband get to his feet to get his first look at their son.

She patted the side of the bed "Sit down Hugh"

He shook his head and pulled the chair right up beside the bed, "Not going to jostle you love, White said it's going to take time for the muscles to heal. May I hold him?"

Elaine smiled softly; "Of course you may." She looked down at the baby, brushing a gentle finger along his cheek, "Your Daddy's silly sometimes"

Hugh grinned and leaned over to carefully lift their son from her arms. His breath caught in his throat as he studied the little face, the defiant tuft of red hair that was sticking straight up and the perfect tiny hands. With tears slowly tracking down his cheeks he sat down and pulled the blanket back gently to get a better look. "Hello little one." His voice cracked on the words and he looked up to see that Elaine was crying too, "He's perfect Elaine, absolutely perfect"

Elaine smiled through her tears, "He is isn't he? What shall we call him?"

Hugh looked back at his son, running a finger over one tiny hand and beaming when he gripped it reflexively, "Whatever you like my darling"

"I seem to remember you were keen on 'James' before Maggie was born?"

Hugh nodded, "I always liked the idea of naming my son after my father but we could use your father's name. Edward, call him Teddy?"

Elaine shook her head, "I thought about it but I don't think he really looks like Edward or Teddy but I like Jimmy"

Hugh smiled, pressing a kiss to the baby's forehead, "James and call him Jimmy?"

Elaine nodded, "What about a middle name?"

Hugh looked down at his son and then back at his wife taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, "Would you mind if we used Christopher? I still think it's the right thing to have Andrew be godfather but Christopher has been my friend for so long and he's done so much for us. I mean even today he took care of everything."

Elaine beamed, "I don't mind at all Hugh, I'd been going to suggest it if you didn't."

"James Christopher Reid then? You're sure you don't want a family name on your side? He could have two middle names?"

Elaine smiled and shook her head, "The girls only have one middle name each and both of them are from my side of the family. James Christopher Reid has a nice ring to it."

"It does" Hugh agreed as he kissed her hand before looking back at their son, "Mummy and I are very happy you're here Jimmy and I know your sisters will be too."

"Have you seen the girls?"

"No but Christopher said he and Sam collected them at school and he explained everything before having Sam take them home." He glanced at the clock, "Hopefully they're in bed by now but I'll bring them by in the morning to see you and meet Jimmy"

Elaine nodded and rested her head back against her pillows, "Good idea, I'm sure I look a fright now anyway"

Hugh shook his head, "You look beautiful but you must be exhausted. Are you in pain? Shall I fetch a nurse?"

Elaine smiled tiredly, "I'm fine Hugh, just tried. Why don't you take Jimmy to meet Christopher?"

Hugh frowned slightly, "Sure you'll be alright?"

"Yes, just tired"

Hugh nodded and got carefully to his feet leaning over to kiss her gently, "I love you Elaine, more than anything."

Elaine smiled, "I love you too Hugh, now stop fussing and go show off our son."

Hugh grinned, looking back at the dozing baby in his arms, "Alright, if they don't let me back in I'll see you first thing in the morning" Elaine nodded her eyes already slipping closed so with a final kiss he carried their son out of the room.

Hugh walked slowly and carefully towards the small waiting room where he and Christopher had passed the hours since his arrival at the hospital, glancing up only often enough to make sure he wouldn't walk into a wall.

Christopher rose as soon as he stepped into the doorway; "Hugh?" There was a sentence in the single word and Hugh could hear the worry in his voice.

"She's alright Christopher, they both are" The relief at saying those words and knowing they were true was overwhelming and if not for the precious bundle in his arms Hugh knew he would probably be on the ground, legs no longer able to hold him up.

It must have been written on his face because Christopher squeezed his shoulder and then smiled down at the baby in his arms, "And who might this be?"

Hugh's smile was ear to ear as he looked from his son to one of his oldest friends, "James Christopher Reid"

Christopher sucked in a surprised breath and Hugh's brow furrowed slightly, "If that's alright with you of course."

"Of course it's alright, I'm honored. You sure…?"

Hugh chuckled, "Christopher, you're one of my oldest friends, not to mention the fact that you've saved my life more than once and kept me from driving Elaine mad while we waited for Jimmy here to arrive"

Christopher smiled, "My pleasure Hugh, truly."

"In that case, would you like to hold him?"

Christopher nodded, "Yes I would, thanks" Hugh smiled and very carefully passed him the baby, smiling as he watched his friend's lips pull down into a smile as he studied the baby's face. "Elaine asleep?"

Hugh nodded, "Yes, she was awake when I first got there but fell asleep not long after, White said it was to be expect and they'll be keeping her a week to make sure everything's healing well."

"Sounds reasonable" he glanced up, easily reading the worry and fatigue in his friend's face, "She's going to be fine Hugh, you said so yourself"

Hugh nodded, "I know" his voice was rough and he suddenly sank into a chair, "Christ I've never been so scared in my life Christopher!

Foyle nodded, carefully rearranging the baby so he could rest a hand on Hugh's shoulder, frowning as he felt the tremors running through him. "I know Hugh. Just sit for a minute, I'll take James back to the nursery and find us some more tea"

"No, I'll…" he went to rise but Foyle tightened his grip, "Hugh, look at your hands"

Hugh blinked but obeyed, frowning at the way they shook, "I don't understand"

"It's the adrenaline Hugh, you've had quite the day." Foyle smiled down at the baby still fast asleep in his arms, "Looks like your son is ready for a nap anyway, might as well do that in the nursery."

Hugh nodded, "Can I…?"

Foyle nodded and sat beside him, holding the baby out so Hugh could run a finger gently down his son's cheek murmuring, "Sleep well Jimmy."

After another minute of staring at his son he pressed a gentle kiss to his tiny forehead and nodded. Foyle nodded back and got carefully to his feet, "Won't be long"

It didn't take him long to return James Christopher Reid to the nursery or get tea and if he noticed the fresh tear-tracks on Hugh's face when he got back to the waiting room he gave no indication of it. Instead he steadied Hugh's cup until he'd managed to drink enough that he wasn't at risk of spilling and discussed how excited Andrew would be to hear it was a boy.

"He'd have been happy regardless but I think he'll be glad to know there'll be more rugby than tea parties involved in his godfather duties"

Hugh laughed, "Fair enough, although he has always been a very good sport about the tea parties and I suspect Jimmy will have to attend more than a few"

"Expect so, they seemed to do Andrew some good." They lapsed into silence and by the time the tea was finished Hugh had stopped shaking so when a nurse firmly informed them visiting hours were long since over Foyle escorted him home.