Author's Note: This isn't quite the end. :)
"Oh, my God, oh, my God," Niles repeated over and over as they drove to the hospital. Daphne did her best to recall the breathing exercises she'd learned with David.
"There's nothing to worry about," Daphne said in between contractions. "We're not that far from the hospital, which is a lot better than last time!" She couldn't help smiling, remembering the experience of giving birth at the vet's office.
"I know, but this isn't how it was supposed to go!" Niles could feel himself beginning to hyperventilate. Dizziness was not far behind.
"Niles, you've got to calm down," Daphne said reassuringly. "Otherwise you'll pass out again, and we can't have that, now can we?"
"Right," Niles said, taking a deep breath. His wife and unborn child were counting on him. He couldn't let them down.
Daphne screamed as another contraction hit, just as they pulled into the hospital parking lot. Niles threw the car into park and got out. "My wife's having a baby. We need help!"
"All right, sir, don't worry. We'll take very good care of your wife," an orderly said to Niles as Daphne was being loaded onto a stretcher.
Great, even complete strangers can tell what a wreck I am, Niles thought. But he couldn't worry about what others thought right now. Daphne was definitely the first priority.
As he went into the hospital behind the stretcher, Niles took out his cellphone. He knew his father and Ronee were at home with David, anxiously awaiting any news. His mind raced as he pressed "Home" on his speed dial.
"Well?" Martin greeted his son.
"They've wheeled Daphne in. I'm not sure what's happening, but I think she's in good hands."
"I'm sure she is," Martin replied. "David's fine here. Don't worry about him. Just keep us posted."
"Right," Niles said. "I'm just...so scared."
"I've been a father a lot longer than you have. Of course you're scared. It's a big deal, being responsible for someone else's life. But you're gonna be great."
Niles' heart warmed at his father's words. "Thanks, Dad. I'll call as soon as I know anything." He hung up the phone. For the first time, he noticed the activity around him. It felt like he'd stepped into a TV medical drama. Not knowing what else to do, he once again followed where Daphne had been taken.
Just as he was about to enter the room, Niles heard a voice. "OK, now push. I can see a head!" He stood frozen, knowing he was about to watch his own child being born. Daphne screamed as she began to push. He could hardly imagine the pain she was in. He wanted nothing more than to go to her and comfort her. But then, suddenly, a cry filled the air. It was the most wonderful sound in the world.
"It's a girl!"
I have a daughter, Niles thought. He had to pinch himself, just to be sure this moment was real.
"It's all right, you can go in now," a nurse said behind him. The next thing Niles knew, he had entered the delivery room. Just as he did, a baby was placed in Daphne's waiting arms. Like a magnet, Niles was drawn to her side.
"Look, Niles. We have a girl," Daphne said, never taking her eyes off the new creature in her arms.
"She reminds me of you," Niles said.
Daphne looked up at him, somewhat startled. She didn't see much of a resemblance.
"I fell in love at first sight," Niles explained, smiling.
Daphne leaned over as much as she was able. They kissed for a long moment.
"Well, I think this little angel needs a name," Niles said, gently touching his daughter's cheek.
"What do you think of Grace?" Daphne asked. She and Niles hadn't talked much about names this time. But, suddenly, she had a feeling this was supposed to be their little girl's name.
"I love it," Niles said. "Hello, Grace."
"Grace Hester Crane," Daphne said.
Niles' heart soared when he heard that Daphne wanted to use his mother's name.
Daphne smiled at the surprise on his face. "Well, if it weren't for your mum, we wouldn't be here."
Niles gasped, suddenly feeling as if he couldn't contain the love he felt for his wife and newborn daughter.
