N.B. Well thank you ALL so much for the fantastic reviews on the last chapter. You guys are the BEST and really keep me writing! For Mel & V, love ya girls, mwahs! I've tried to write this chapter, as true to one of my actual birth experiences as possible. So apologise in advance, if you find it a little long and drawn out (some of you wanted a chapter on the birth, not just a birth announcement lol)… Anyway, enough rambling, ENJOY! X

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Chapter 11 Welcome To The World

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Staying remarkably calm, Donna had taken her time and gone back to her bedroom with Sam. She wanted to have a bath and clean herself up, after her waters breaking unexpectedly in the courtyard. Sam on the other hand, was a complete mess and couldn't stop himself from panicking, as he fussed over his wife. Not in any real pain so far, Donna relaxed back in the hot bath, as her husband paced the bathroom and timed how far apart her contractions were hitting, now they'd started. They were still irregular and Donna was able to calmly breathe through them, making Sam worry all the more. He didn't feel comfortable with the idea of his wife being in labour, when they were so far away from the hospital on the mainland. The Carmichael's had been told by Doctor Christou, that as soon as anything happened and Donna showed signs of going into labour, they were to contact him right away. Due to Donna's age and the fact her blood pressure had kept rising, the doctor wanted to be on the safe side, taking no undue risks.

Staring down at his wife, Sam dialled the number for the doctor's office and waited for a while, until he gave up after no one answered. "There's no one there." He said worriedly, placing his cell phone back in his pocket and running his hand through his hair. "I think we should go to the hospital Donna." He added, peering into his wife's eyes, as she stroked her bump.

"I told you Sam, I don't want to have my baby in the hospital." Replied Donna, smiling up at her husband. "Besides, my contractions are over ten minutes apart. It could be hours until this little one shows signs of moving." She finished, as her expression changed and her bump contracted, making her wince slightly.

A few months previous, the Carmichael's had been discussing the birth of their child and Donna had expressed her wishes, that the baby be born at home. She hated hospitals, ever since she had given birth to Sophie on the mainland, all by herself. Not only that, but memories of Emma's birth had also given her nightmares and made her realise, how close they had been to losing her and their daughter.

Checking his watch, Sam shook his head. "That was six minutes since the last one darling. I want you out the bath and getting dressed." He said, grabbing a clean towel and holding his hand out to his wife.

Donna sighed and took Sam's hand to haul herself out of the soothing, hot water. "My god, you worry too much Samuel." She replied, stepping out of the tub and allowing him to wrap the fluffy towel around her body. "Why don't you just try the doctor again?"

"I've tried three times sweetheart." Answered Sam, guiding Donna by the shoulders, into the bedroom and rifling through her drawers for her underwear. "Now, you're going to get dressed so we can go to the hospital…I'm an architect, not a midwife." He finished, causing his wife to laugh, as she stepped into her panties and sat down on the bed.

There was no use Donna arguing with her husband. Sam was adamant that they should go to the hospital, seeing as they couldn't get hold of Doctor Christou. He couldn't believe how calm his wife was handling everything so far, but knew it would all change once the real pain kicked in…It may have been nearly twenty years ago, since the birth of his youngest son, but Sam remembered the experience like it was only yesterday. Having missed Ben's birth by a few minutes, after getting caught in traffic, Sam had vowed to be there for Zack's birth. He remembered how calm Lorraine had been at first, but how she suddenly changed into a woman possessed and nearly strangled him towards the end…Something told Sam, this was the calm before storm.

"Come on beautiful." Smiled Sam, taking Donna's hand and picking up her packed bag, after getting her dressed. "Let's go have a baby." He finished, pausing in the doorway, to kiss his wife's soft lips.

Running her hand through Sam's hair, Donna savoured his kiss. "Are you sure we can't stay here?" She asked, after pulling away and fluttering her eyelashes at him.

"Nice try darling, but no." Answered Sam, giving Donna one last peck on the lips and taking her hand to lead her down the stairs.

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Kissing her daughter and grandchild goodbye, had been hard for Donna and the bumpy ride down to the ferry, had been even harder. Her contractions were fluctuating from six to ten minutes apart and although they were uncomfortable, it was nothing she couldn't cope with. Waiting for the ferry to dock at Kalokairi, seemed to take forever for the Carmichael's and all the time, Sam was calling Doctor Christou's office, in an attempt to tell him that Donna was in labour. There was still no answer, as Sam put his cell phone away and held tightly onto his wife's hand, finally boarding the ferry.

Snuggling up to her husband, Donna nuzzled her face into the crease of his aftershave scented neck. "Can you believe we're about to become parents again?" She whispered, closing her eyes at the sensation of him wrapping his arms protectively around her.

"No." Sam answered, laughing softly as Donna kissed his neck. "In fact today has been a little surreal…It's not everyday you find out you are in fact the father of another kid and then, your wife goes into labour with your fourth." He continued, gently stroking Donna's cheek, as she raised her face to look into his eyes.

Smiling, Donna took her husband's hand and placed it on her rock hard bump. "Anyone would think you're trying to start your own soccer team." She said, just as another contraction hit and caused her to gasp with its growing intensity.

Holding his wife close, as she breathed through her contraction, Sam gazed at the lights on the harbour. "Maybe we should get this one out of the way, before you plan on anymore babe." He responded, scanning the dock for a vacant taxi, as the ferry docked.

Gripping Donna's hand and guiding her into a waiting taxi, Sam jumped in next to her. Giving the driver the name of the private hospital, it wasn't long before the car came to a stop outside the modern looking whitewashed building and Sam helped his wife out. He continued to time her increasing contractions and it soon became obvious, they were now coming closer together. Donna was putting on a brave face, pausing when one sent a wave of pain through the bottom of her bump and using the breathing techniques she'd practised with Sophie.

Walking down the deserted corridor, it wasn't long before they were greeted by one of Doctor Christou's nurses. She was an older Greek lady, who spoke perfect English and smiled sympathetically at the sight of Donna, nearly doubled over with pain. Donna had met the friendly nurse at nearly all of her appointments at the hospital and there was something about her calm presence, that helped her to relax a little. There was no denying she was now petrified and looking up at her equally worried husband, didn't make Donna feel any better. Inside, she was so scared, it reminded her of right before her precious baby girl had been born. The pain had been almost unbearable, but as soon as she held Sophie in her arms, Donna had instantly forgotten about it.

"Mrs. Carmichael, we weren't expecting you for another three weeks." Said the nurse, wrapping her arm around Donna's waist and helping her to a nearby private room. "Let's get you settled and I'll page the doctor."

Handing Donna a hospital gown, the friendly nurse left Sam to help his wife undress and went to call Doctor Christou. Pausing, to breathe through another contraction, Donna rested against the bed and cried out in pain, reaching out for her husband. They were now coming more frequently and the pain was becoming more intense, causing beads of sweat to form on her brow. Sam was beginning to feel helpless, wishing the doctor would hurry up and come to examine his wife. After about a minute, the pain had slowly subsided and Sam helped her up onto the bed, as Doctor Christou walked in with the nurse.

"Good evening Mr and Mrs. Carmichael." Said the doctor, shaking Sam's hand and then smiling at Donna. "I take it baby Carmichael is growing impatient."

"Yes, something like that." Mumbled Donna, placing a hand over her bump, as Sam took hold of her other. "My waters broke about an hour and a half ago." She finished, watching as the doctor instructed the nurse to take her blood pressure.

Sitting down on the end of the bed, Doctor Christou nodded. "Do you mind if I examine you Donna? We can see how far along you are." He asked, slowly parting her legs as she nodded in agreement. "How often are your contraction coming?" He then asked, pulling on a latex glove and sliding his hand between Donna's legs.

Feeling his wife squeezing his hand tightly, Sam realised she was in pain as the doctor carried out his internal examination. "They're down to every four minutes." He answered, leaning down to whisper words of encouragement into Donna's ear.

Thankfully for Donna, the examination was over in a few minutes and the doctor stood to read the blood pressure results. Sam never took his eyes off Doctor Christou, while holding his wife's hand tightly and noticed him writing everything down. If anything, he was thorough and it helped to put Sam's mind at ease, that his wife was in safe hands. Donna on the other hand, didn't care if the doctor was thorough, she was now in more pain and wanted the baby to be born as soon as possible. She yelped quietly, as another contraction hit, bringing tears to her eyes and causing Doctor Christou to look up at her.

"You're five centimetres dilated Mrs. Carmichael. So half way there already." Said the doctor, smiling and rigging up a foetal monitor. "Blood pressure's a little high, so we're just going to keep an eye on baby and make sure it isn't in any distress." He continued, exposing Donna's bump and placing two straps under her back, attaching them on top of her belly.

Within a few seconds, the room was filled with the sound of baby Carmichael's steady heartbeat and the doctor looked happy. Sam smiled down at his wife and leant close to place a slow kiss on her lips. He could tell Donna was in pain and scared, but he wanted to reassure her, that he was here for her. Feeling another contraction building, Donna closed her eyes and tried to breathe through it, gripping tightly onto her husband's hand. She was already tired and the thought of only being half way near to giving birth, filled her with dread.

"What about pain relief." Donna finally asked, relaxing back after the contraction subsided. "I need something if I'm going to have hours of this." She finished, as Doctor Christou nodded at her.

"The nurse will give you a shot of Pethadine. It won't take away the pain completely, but it with help relax you and hopefully give you chance to nap in between contractions." Replied Doctor Christou, closing up Donna's notes and walking over to her. "It's your second pregnancy, so it might not take hours. Things often progress quite quickly towards the end." He finished, gently patting her hand and leaving the room.

Sam held Donna close, as the nurse administered the injection of pain relief and he took a seat by the side of her bed, as the nurse dimmed the lights on her way out of the room. They were alone at last, listening to the sound of their baby's heartbeat and Sam smiled as his wife turned her head to peer at him. He noticed the glazed look in her eyes and realised the shot must be taking effect, as she looked like she was about to fall asleep. Donna felt strangely relaxed, almost stoned and as another contraction hit, she closed her eyes to let it wash over her. Sam glanced over at the monitors, as the baby's heart rate increased loudly during and returned to normal as it finished. It was exciting and scary at the same time, knowing that soon they'd be meeting the already loved child, they'd created together. Looking down at his watch, Sam knew they were going to be in for a long night, as it was already after ten.

Giggling softly, Donna made herself as comfortable as the monitor straps would allow. "This stuff is fantastic…I wonder if Tanya knows about it?" She said, giggling again, as Sam rolled his eyes at her.

"I'm sure she does darling. I don't think there's a drug that woman hasn't tried and tested over the years." Answered Sam, resting his elbow on the bed and stroking his wife's cheek. "Why don't you try and get some sleep, before this little one makes the final bid for freedom?" He suggested, then leaning forward and tenderly kissing her damp forehead.

Grinning cheekily, Donna grabbed her husband round the back of his neck. "I've got a better idea…Why don't you get in here with me and make my blood pressure rise even more?" She replied in almost a slur, kissing him teasingly on the lips.

Laughing, Sam unhooked his wife's arms from around his neck. "Now I know you're high sweetheart." He responded, shaking his head and watching Donna smile sleepily. "Only you could suggest sex during labour."

"Will you read to me?" Asked Donna in a whisper, placing her hands over her bump and talking long, deep breaths, as another contraction hit.

Nodding, Sam reached for the holdall they'd brought with them to the hospital and soon found the poetry book he'd given Donna for their anniversary. He turned to one of the pages, she'd bookmarked as her favourites and started to recite the poem to his wife. Donna closed her eyes and listened to her husband's soothing tones, mixed with the sound of their baby's heartbeat and soon drifted off into a Pethadine induced sleep. Carrying on reading, until he was sure his wife was settled, Sam finally closed the book and placed it on the hospital nightstand. He stared down at Donna peacefully sleeping and couldn't help but smile at how stunningly beautiful she was, even in the early stages of labour. Sam slowly stood, bent down to place a delicate kiss on her lips and quietly left the room. Closing the door behind him, Sam let his eyes adjust to the brightly lit, white corridor and rested against the wall, as he pulled out his cell phone.

Sophie had promised to get hold of the Dynamos and let them know that her mother had gone into labour earlier than expected, so Sam decided to check in with her. The phone back at the villa rang for a short time, before an excited Sophie answered.

"Hey sweetheart, It's me." Said Sam quietly into the phone, as to not disrupt anyone else in the hospital.

"Oh my god, I've been waiting for you to call. How's Mom? Is baby here yet?" Sophie asked down the line, not pausing for breath.

Sam smiled, at the sound of his daughter's excite voice. "No baby yet. Mom's fine though, a little high on pain relief, but doing okay." He replied, smiling at another doctor, as he walked past him down the corridor.

"Can I talk to her?" Sophie asked, after giggling at the thought of her mother being spaced out on the drugs she'd been given.

"She's asleep darling, but I've got a feeling it won't be for long." Answered Sam, knowing the pain relief wouldn't work forever. "Did you manage to get hold of the Dynamos? Because god help us both if they thought we hadn't kept them up to date."

Sophie laughed at her father's question. "I got through to Aunt Rosie, who is getting on the next fight from London and she said the last she heard, Aunt Tanya was already on her way back from LA." She explained, still in an overly excited tone.

"Good work sweetheart." Sam responded into his cell phone. "I'm going to call the boys and get back to your mother. I promise to call you as soon as I have news."

"Okay. Give Mom a kiss from me and Emma…Bye Dad." Sophie answered, before hanging up the phone on her end.

Pressing the call end button, Sam was about to press the speed dial for his son's apartment, when he heard Donna call out for him. Slipping the phone back into the pocket of his jeans, he opened the door to the room and instantly found his wife, looking as though she was in a lot of pain. He walked over to Donna and took her into his arms, feeling her body trembling beneath his touch. She was perspiring and grabbing her bump, as she let out a loud scream. Doctor Christou had been right, the second part of Donna's labour, was progressing rather quickly and it had taken her by surprise.

Keeping his arm around his wife, Sam went through the breathing technique with her, as an almighty contraction hit two minutes after the last. "Okay darling, just breathe." He said calmly, trying to sooth Donna as best he could.

"You breathe." Donna responded quickly, tears now trickling down her face. "Don't just stand there. Get the doctor…This baby's coming." She continued, panting and wincing at the same time.

Springing into action, Sam pressed the call button for the nurse, before turning his attention back to his wife. In less than a minute, Doctor Christou had come into the room, quickly followed by his nurse. Examining Donna again, the doctor smiled signalling all was progressing as it should be and without being asked, his nurse had set up the gas and air for her. After being handed the mouthpiece to suck on, Donna embraced her next powerful contraction, with the help of the Entonox. It made her feel like she was floating, but unfortunately, didn't take away the now excruciating pain she was in.

"Donna, you're cervix nearly fully dilated." Said Doctor Christou, helping his nurse to drop the end of the hospital bed. "So when you're next contraction comes, I want you to use the Entonox to get you through it." He continued, raising Donna's hospital gown further and watching the monitors. "I know it's going to be hard, but don't start pushing until I tell you to."

Hating to see his wife in so much pain, Sam felt helpless, as he stood by her side and held her hand. "Come on darling. You can do it." He whispered, leaning close down towards her ear and kissing her on the cheek.

"I can't do it. I can't." Donna moaned, shaking her head as perspiration now trickled down her chest.

The pain was now constant and Donna could feel her huge bump getting tighter by the second. Biting down on the mouthpiece, she sucked hard on the gas and air, welcoming the out of body floating feeling she got from it. Doctor Christou's gaze was firmly fixed on the foetal monitors, listening as the baby's heart rate spiked and dropped erratically, giving him small cause for concern. Taking a cup of ice chippings from the nurse, Sam offered it to his wife, who looked at him like he was insane.

"Ice?" Asked Donna, beginning to get a little delirious with the pain. "I only want it, if it's got a double vodka poured over it." She finished, causing the nurse and Doctor Christou to laugh at her.

Placing the cup down on the nightstand, Sam was trying not to cry out as Donna squeezed his hand so tight, she actually stopped his circulation. She was busy sucking on the Entonox to even notice her husband's discomfort and batted his hand away, as Sam then tried to wipe her brow with a cool facecloth. Before he could attempt it again, another contraction took Donna's breath away, making her scream out in pain.

"You're doing amazing baby." Soothed Sam, trying to wipe her face once more and this time succeeding. "Keep breathing." He finished, leaning close to kiss her forehead.

"Get… off… me… you bastard." Hissed Donna, in between sucking on the gas and air. "It's all your fault I'm in this pain." She continued, her body now writhing in agony, as the foetal monitors beeped loudly.

Sam knew not to take his wife's words to heart. He had gone through all this before, at the birth of his youngest son and he knew he should be quiet, letting Donna vent as she needed to. The nurse looked up at Sam and gave him a sympathetic smile, reassuring him it was normal for his wife to be letting him know how much pain she was in. Before Donna knew what was happening, Doctor Christou was examining her again and eagerly watching the monitors at the same time. The baby's heart rate was dropping with each contraction and he was concerned that Donna was going to struggle with the delivery.

Looking up at Donna, as she gripped Sam's hand once more, the doctor placed a hand on her bump. "We need to get this baby delivered as quick as we can." He said in a calm tone, trying not to panic the Carmichael's. "With your next contraction Donna, I want you to take a deep breath and push down into your bottom…Keep going until I say stop."

"What's going on Doctor? Is the baby alright?" Asked Sam worriedly, as he too noticed the baby's slowing heart rate.

"Oh my god." Groaned Donna, squeezing her husband's hand as tight as she could. "Please don't let anything happen to my baby." She sobbed, tears now streaming down her flushed face.

Gently tapping one of Donna's raised knees, Doctor Christou smiled. "Let's take this one step at a time." He said, in his still very calm tone. "Now, you remember what I said?…As soon as you feel the contraction start, use it and push." He finished, watching the monitors once more.

Donna was now shaking, pulling Sam closer towards her and feeling the next contraction mounting. Holding her close, Sam whispered words of encouragement into her ear and stroked her damp hair away from her face. Taking a deep breath, Donna felt her bump contract and an urge to suddenly push. A sharp pain ripped through the underneath of her pregnant stomach, as she closed her eyes and pushed with all her strength, emitting a low growl sound as she did. Sam kept his hold on his wife, glancing anxiously at the doctor, as he told her to keep pushing.

"Okay, relax Donna." Doctor Christou instructed, placing a hand on her bump. "As the next one comes, do the same. Baby's head is nearly crowning." He finished, watching the monitors again, to make sure the baby wasn't too distressed.

Before Donna had time to recover from the last, another searing pain shot through her, causing her to grip tighter onto Sam's hand. She was so close to finally giving birth, yet she didn't think her pushing was getting her anywhere. The pain was unbelievable, much worse than she remembered with Sophie and on top of it all, she was physically exhausted already. Doing as the doctor instructed, Donna took another deep breath and pushed as hard as she possibly could. She screamed, as a horrific burning sensation ripped through her womanhood, causing her to nearly pass out.

Doctor Christou looked up at the Carmichael's and smiled. "The head's nearly out." He announced, sending a wave of relief through Sam. "On the next one, I need you to stop pushing as soon as I say… and pant."

Donna looked up at her husband and slowly shook her head. "I can't do it." She whispered, as fresh tears cascaded down her already tear stained cheeks.

"Yes you can darling. You've nearly done it." Sam whispered back, squeezing her hand, as yet another contraction ripped through her. "Push Donna." He finished, wrapping his arm around his wife's body and supporting her weight as she bared down.

The burning sensation came to an end and a sudden feeling of calm swept over Donna. Doctor Christou told her to stop pushing and begin panting, as the baby's head emerged and he checked around it's neck for the cord. Noticing the doctor's sudden worried expression, made Sam feel nauseous and he turned his attention back to his wife, as not to worry her too. Something wasn't right and Donna soon picked up on it, breathing hard and peering down at the doctor. So far, the Carmichael's hadn't heard their baby make a sound, but before Donna could begin to panic, one final contraction overcame her.

"That's it, push Donna." Instructed Doctor Christou, pulling the small baby's limp body out as she did and cutting the cord.

Donna slumped back against the bed, as the doctor carried the newborn baby to a unit in the corner of the room. The room was eerily silent, until Donna looked up at her now crying husband and sobbed loudly. Sam could feel his legs go weak and he slowly sank down into the chair beside his wife's bed. Pulling her into his arms, Sam watched as the doctor worked on their baby, clearing fluid from it's airways. Donna couldn't bare to look, burying her face into the crease of Sam's neck, as she remembered back to her horrible nightmares, where she never got to hold her child.

Doctor Christou remained silent, as he turned the tiny baby over and rubbed it's back with a firm hand. Within a few seconds, a loud, piercing cry broke the silence and the Carmichael's looked over anxiously. Allowing the nurse to take over with cleaning up the baby, the doctor turned and walked over to Sam and Donna. He smiled, as he held out his hand for Sam to shake it.

"Congratulations Mr and Mrs. Carmichael, you have a new son." Said Doctor Christou, shaking Sam's hand and then doing the same to Donna's. "He had me worried there for a moment, but he's going to be just fine." He finished with a big smile, before leaving the room.

Closing her eyes, with a huge beam on her face, Donna rested her head against Sam's chest. She had never been so scared in her entire life, when her newborn baby hadn't cried at first and now she was just moments away from holding their son in her arms. Hearing his son cry, as the nurse weighed him and wrapped him in a white blanket, made Sam cry tears of joy. It had been so difficult for his wife, but she'd done it. Going through all that terrible pain, to provide them with another child.

"We did it." Donna whispered, peering up into her husband's eyes and reaching up to wipe away his tears. "We have a little boy." She continued, smiling as Sam leant forward and kissed her passionately.

Breaking from their kiss, Sam wiped Donna's tears and smiled at her. "You did it darling. You are amazing, thank you." He whispered, kissing her lips again and again, as they both giggled.

Walking over, with the tiny bundle in her arms, the nurse smiled at the Carmichael's and handed the baby over to Donna. "He's perfect…and a good weight too. Six pounds, four ounces." She informed them, before quietly leaving the room, to give the family some privacy.

Both Sam and Donna stared down at the tiny baby in her arms. He was gorgeous, with dark hair like his daddy and green eyes, like his mommy. Donna's heart melted, at the sight of their son staring up at her, whilst making occasional sharp crying noises and sucking on his little hand. She leant down to kiss his forehead, inhaling his sweet baby scent as her lips made contact with his soft skin. It was totally overwhelming for her, knowing she now had another little life depending on her and Sam.

"Hello baby boy. I'm you're Mommy." Whispered Donna, still staring in wonder at her newborn. "And this is your Daddy." She continued, as Sam climbed onto the bed beside her, leaning close to kiss his son's head.

Shuffling into a comfortable position, Sam pulled his wife and child into his arms. Donna snuggled up against him, as they both stared in awe at their baby boy, who was now sleeping peacefully cuddled up on Donna's chest. They couldn't take their eyes off him, his perfect peachy skin and cute button nose, just listening to his gentle breathing. Everything seemed so perfect and their family now complete.

Hooking his finger under his wife's chin, Sam turned her face to look at him. "I love you so much Donna Carmichael." He whispered, leaning close to place a delicate kiss on her lips.

Reaching up, Donna trailed her hand down her husband's cheek. "I love you too honey." She responded, after slowly pulling away from his kiss. "And our little boy." She continued, quickly glancing down at the baby, as he jumped slightly at the sound of his mother's voice. "Don't you think we should name him?" She then asked, looking back into Sam's eyes.

"Well, we only had one name for a boy, that we both agreed on." Sam answered, smiling at his beautiful wife. "That's if you still like it."

As a sweet smile crept onto her face, Donna peered down at their son. "I do." She replied in a whisper, as not to startle her son again.

Reaching down and delicately stroking his baby son's dark hair, Sam kissed the side of Donna's head. "Welcome to the world…Max Carmichael." He said quietly, as his wife giggled softly and kissed his cheek.

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A.N. Wow, I'm exhausted lol… Hope you liked it hunnies? But please, please let me know. That was a difficult one to write and make sound realistic (I can't even begin to describe the pain, but hope it came across okay)… Love to you all, Liv x

P.s. Thanks for the reviews on my other story too, mwahs! That will be the next to get updated!