A/N: Let me start by saying I am really sorry for the period in which I didn't update!! But I am glad to announce that there is no more need for updates for this story…..Because this is the last chapter. I hope I did you all proud!!!!!!!! And just to point something out: the delivery scene is the same one in my fic "Letting Go" which is a later installment in this series. Hope this was worth the wait!!!

Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own anything…..but I wish I did.

Chapter 13: Court can Wait; Life Can't

Being in the ninth month of pregnancy, Lindsay had been on maternity leave for about six weeks. She was driving herself insane considering Mac had banned her from the lab, with the exception of meeting someone for lunch, claiming he was only doing it for the welfare of his niece(s) and/or nephew(s). Despite how annoyed she at the start, could she really fight with him when she knew he was right?

"Hey Linds, you ready to go?" Don asked as he stepped out of the break room. Since Danny was tied up in court all afternoon, Flack had suggested they go out for lunch; actually it was more Danny's idea because he knew Lindsay was tired of sitting at home and Don was happy to be of help.

Lindsay smiled and nodded, gesturing for him to follow her. "I thought we'd go get some pizza."

As they walked out the door to the lab into the parking lot Don couldn't help but grin, "Messer's gonna be so proud." For that he earned a slap on the back of his head. In the past few months Lindsay had been on a pizza kick, so Don came to the conclusion that the twins were addicted the pizza and you can't get better pizza than New York. It had become a joke now that the kids were already true New Yorkers.

"Yeah well, they can like pizza all they want but their also gonna love country music," Lindsay retorted and couldn't help but laugh at the look of disgust on Flack's face. "Yup, that's what I thought," she smiled in triumph.

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Don assisted Lindsay back into his Denali after they exited the pizza shop off main street. "That is the last time I go to lunch with you," Flacks sighed as he closed the door and went to get in the driver's side.

Lindsay shook her head and gave him a disbelieving look, "That's what you said the last time you went to lunch with me and still here we are."

Flack feigned a glare, "Well that's just because you're my best-," his words faltered as he took in the look on Lindsay's face. It had gone from reflecting a fun afternoon to one of sheer pain and discomfort. "Linds, honey, what's wrong?"

She took a deep breath and exhaled before answering him in a shaky breath, "Flack, I think my water just broke." Before she could get anymore out she shrieked in pain and grabbed hold of the armrest in attempt to ease the pain.

Don just sat there for a moment, realizing what was happening, and contemplating is next move; he had never been in this situation but he knew he was not going to let his nieces or nephews be delivered outside a pizza shop. Making his decision, he started the car and switched on his lights, "Don't worry, Lindsay, I'm gonna get you to the hospital, okay?"

Lindsay nodded weakly, coming down from her last contraction. She looked at her friend pleadingly, "Flack you need to get a hold of Danny. I am not going to do this alone." He voice was strong and determined, and, for the first time in a while, her western accent cut through.

Flack nodded and reached for his radio, "Dispatch, this is Detective Donald Flack Jr. I need someone to contact Detective Danny Messer…He is currently in court but he is needed at Bellevue Hospital…His wife is going into labor."

xoxoxoxox

An attending officer outside the courtroom entered through the double doors and approached the judge. "Excuse me your honor but there has been a request made on behalf of the NYPD." The young uniform paused for a moment before continuing in order to get a receptive nod from the judge, "It has been asked that Detective Daniel Messer, a respective witness, be excused from court today."

Upon hearing his name being called, Danny stood up hesitantly from his place behind the prosecution. The residing judge eyes Danny and then turned to the officer, "Under what circumstances is this request?"

"Under the circumstances that his wife, Detective Lindsay Monroe-Messer, is reputably in labor at Bellevue Hospital," the officer explained fully.

The judge turned to Danny, whose face displayed slight shock but overall excitement. "Detective Messer, I am here by giving you permission to leave this court under one condition," the Judge explained and Danny's face lit-up, "You treasure every moment today brings; besides, court can wait, life can't."

Danny nodded and saluted the judge, "Thank you, sir." And with that he rushed out of the courtroom.

xoxoxoxox

The nurse rolled Lindsay, who was currently positioned in a wheelchair with her legs crossed to the best of her ability, down the hallway of the hospital towards the maternity ward. "Flack, where the hell is Messer? He should be here by now," Lindsay whipped out, her face still contorted in pain.

Don winced at the harsh undertone in her voice, and the fact that she had called Danny by his last name was even more proof that she was aggravated and uncomfortable. "He's gonna be here Linds. I promise." He squeezed he hand in reassurance, "Danny wouldn't miss this for the world; he's probably got his lights on trying to get here as fast as he can."

Lindsay nodded and attempted to smile, "I know. I just can't help but be scared, Don."

Don was about to respond, but before he got the chance the nurse stopped in front of a door that read Maternity: Delivery 1. "I assume that the daddy would like to be in delivery?" The nurse, who apparently hadn't been listening to their prior conversation, asked of Flack.

In a loss for words Lindsay and Don fumbled for some reasonable response, but were saved when a familiar voice echoed down the hallway. "Montana!" Danny called, running towards his wife and best friend. When he reached their location he turned to the nurse, "I'm the daddy!" The surprised nurse nodded and led them into the room. Danny intertwined his and Lindsay's hands and received a slap on the back from Don before the two expecting parents disappeared behind the door, leaving Don to make some more phone calls.

xoxoxoxox

Ten hours, three doctors and/or nurses, and several threats made towards Danny from an uncomfortable Lindsay later, the first baby was ready to make its debut into the world. The attending doctor looked up as an exhausted Lindsay and smiled, "Now Lindsay, I need you to take a deep breath for me and then push, okay?"

Lindsay nodded and did what she was told. A few exasperating moments later the sound of a crying baby filled the small delivery room. "Congratulations Lindsay and Danny. You are now proud parents of a baby boy," the doctor exclaimed as he handed off the little one to a nurse. "Now, it looks like his little sister or brother isn't going to let him have all the attention."

Once more Lindsay gripped onto Danny's awaiting hand for dear life. In a few moments another voice was added to the chorus of crying. "And it's a girl," the doctor joyfully announced.

After the two wonderful gifts were properly cleaned, the nurse handed then to their awaiting parents. Lindsay smiled down as the beautiful baby boy in her arms, "Lucas Ryan Messer."

Danny nodded in full agreement and then turned to look t the precious baby girl in his own arms, "And Addison Corrine Ellie Messer." He took in the sight of his two children and his beautiful wife; it took his breath away. Danny couldn't believe that he and Lindsay could make such precious miracles. Danny leaned down and placed a kiss on Lindsay's temple, "I love you, Montana."

Lindsay looked up, a magical sparkle in her eyes that Danny had never seen before, "I love you too, Cowboy."

xoxoxoxox

Not long following the delivery, Lindsay was moved to a private room in the maternity ward; the twins followed after being taken to the nursery to be checked up on. In a matter of minutes the gang piled in to get first looks at the newly crowned prince and princess.

"Oh my god! They're adorable," Stella remarked, being the first one in the room. She looked from Lindsay to the beautiful baby boy in her arms, "Can I hold him?"

Lindsay nodded, "Of course, but, um, be careful. I just fed him so I can't accountable for his actions." The room was filled with laughter as Lindsay gently extracted her son from her arms and handed him over to Stella.

Stella gazed down in wonder at the bundle of joy. "He definitely has his mother's deep brown eyes but he is gonna have that irresistible Messer charm," she commented and winked at Danny who was occupied with a quiet Addison.

Don, who was standing next to Danny, peered down at the little angel, "And this precious little thing had her Daddy's blue eyes. You really outdid yourself, Messer; you're gonna have to beat off the boys with a stick," he smiled at Danny who shot him a warning glare.

Lindsay grinned as she watched the interaction. "Be careful, Don. He's gonna be one overprotective, Dad; I'm surprised he's even letting you hold her," she warned Don who had now gained possession of Addison.

"So, do these darlings have names yet?" Mac asked from his place by Stella; his pointer-finger enveloped by Luke's tiny little hand.

Danny feigned shock, "Of course! I will not have people calling my children Baby Girl Messer and Baby Boy Messer."

Stella, Mac, Hawkes and Flack just laughed in amusement. "Well get on with it," Hawkes pushed.

"Addison Corrine Ellie Messer and Lucas Ryan Messer," Danny stated proudly with a sparkle in his crystal blue yes.

Lindsay smiled, "Lucas Ryan after Danny's brother and my brother, and Addison Corrine after Aiden and my late grandmother. We didn't want exact names so we went for similar ones." Lindsay explained trying to clear things up. Everyone awed at the sentiments and Danny placed another kiss to Lindsay's temple.

Not wanting to ruin the moment, but knew they all had to get back to the lab considering they had already lost Lindsay and Danny for the week, Mac cleared his throat. "Sorry guys, but as much as I would love to spend the afternoon with these adorable kids we really do need to get back to the lab."

Danny and Lindsay laughed at the groans that their boss received from the three other people in the room. Flack carefully handed Addison back to Danny and gave Lindsay a hug. "Thanks for everything this afternoon, Don. I am sorry if I caused you any emotional or physical pain," Lindsay whispered in his ear as they exchanged an embrace.

Don laughed, "No problem, Linds. I'm just glad everyone made it out safe and sound. It was worth pain, I promise." He gave her a teasing grin and Lindsay smiled in return.

The rest of the group exchanged good-byes and filed out, leaving Stella to be the last one to leave. Similar to Flack, she handed Luke back to Lindsay and gave her a hug. "I am so happy for you kiddo," she whispered in addition to something else.

As they pulled away, Lindsay had a grin plastered to her face, "Thanks, Stella." She then hugged Danny as well and smacked his upside the head as he said something wise.

As she walked out of the room, Danny turned to his wife giving her a questioning look. "What was that about?" He asked, commenting on Stella's comment and the grin that was etched on Lindsay's face.

Lindsay smiled and shook her head, "It's a girl thing."

Danny just sighed and decided not to dig any further. Instead he positioned himself on the bed next to Lindsay, once again admiring the view. His mind drifted back to the events of the past couple of years and was amazed at how far they had come. Danny didn't know how he would have gotten through of the tough times without her gentle hand to guide him through the fog. She was his one and only and together they would have the strength to get through all of life's speed bumps.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Lindsay asked in a hushed tone, as to not wake up the two sleeping children in Danny and her arms.

Danny shook his head and kissed her temple, "Just thinking about my wonderful life and all the things we've overcome; together."

Lindsay smiled and allowed her head to fall onto his shoulder. "And just think, there's plenty more where that came from."

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"In three words, I can sum up everything in life: It goes on."

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A/N: Let me know what you think about the ending...And look for the Part II: Binding Ties to be posted soon!!! Remember that everyting is connected!!! xox Ash