Epilogue

Miley.

3 months

"I have labeled every single item in the florist." I explained.

I stepped forward pointing towards the flower filled buckets, "When I tell you I want a dozen red Tulips, wrapped in white paper with a Tuscan red ribbon all you need to do is examine the labels." I continued moving to the other side of the room pointing at the bench,

"I've categorized ribbon and paper in alphabetical order by color, the flowers not so much because they're always being delivered you're going to have to sort through them yourselves." I stated turning back to my two students.

"Understand?"

Both Danielle and Demi nodded as I quickly motioned towards the next room. "Now we're going to discuss how money moves around here okay?" I glanced at both of them expectantly, "You probably should be taking notes."

Danielle's eyes widened as Demi snorted laughing, "You're joking right?"

I glared at Demi unimpressed by her attitude, "No, I'm not! If you make a mistake with the flowers we can probably fix it. You make a mistake with counting costs and taxes we could have serious economic difficulties. This place is barely staying afloat and we need to make sure it profits by the next financial year. We can't be coming up with a deficit."

"But if we run into deficit we can just get money off our husbands." Danielle stated giving a huge smile and I felt my nerves rising. I knew teaching Demi and Dani the ropes wasn't going to be easy but this was damn right impossible.

"Dani," Demi murmured obviously seeing my uneasiness, "Miley wants- I mean we want to stay independent from them. We don't need to be using their money. This is our project, right?"

I nodded in agreement pleased by Demi's understand while Dani just looked confused, "But they have heaps of money, we have heaps of money why not use it?"

I just blinked staring at her ready to explode as Demi gave an awkward laugh.

"How about we make a bouquet?" Demi suggested eagerly.

I shook my head, "No, no I haven't taught you all the methods of flower arranging yet and until you get a grip on the simple techniques I don't want you-" Demi reached out putting her hand on my shoulder staring straight into my eyes making me stop mid sentence.

"Miley take a deep breath, we need to practice, then you can critique us."

I looked at her unsure, "Miley come on, it's time we have a break from the non stop information overload you're giving us and time to get out hands dirty, so to speak. Now you tell us what you need and we'll try and do it for you okay?" She suggested very slowly and Dani nodded eagerly.

I stared at the two of them feeling concerned but maybe they did need a break for a while. "Okay let's start simple." I announced and they both looked at me listening closely, "I want two bouquets, both white lilies and red roses mixed, six of each with white paper and a harvest gold ribbon."

"Twelve flowers, roses, lilies, white, gold ribbon. Got it!" Demi proclaimed pulling Dani towards the cold room as I shook my head panicked.

"No, No Harvest Gold." I hissed.

"Like it matters." Demi muttered slamming the door.

I stood there for a moment feeling stressed out. I couldn't do this. It was so much work trying to teach them everything when I could probably more successfully do it on my own. I promised Nick though, I had to give them a go, but it was only three hours in and I was already at my wits end. It's not that they didn't care, they obviously did, but I was trying to convey an entire two decades of my knowledge into their blank minds. It was hard.

The doorbell rung as I sucked up my doubts and headed to the front of the shop ready to immerse myself in actual work. I stepped out and pulled a smile onto my face attempting to appear pleasant even if inside I was beyond restless.

When I saw Nick though the smile dropped on my face as did his,

"Oh God, what's happened?" He asked straight away standing all dressed up in his very expensive work suit.

I shrugged my shoulders not knowing if words could explain what I was feeling. I was a perfectionist and it was hard working with two people who were anything but. Nick walked over to me apologetic as I noticed the cardboard coffee carrier, four caffeinated drinks at percedh within.

"I'm sorry." He murmured putting the cups beside me, his hands now free to pull me into a hug. "I thought it would be a good idea,"

"It was, it's just hard explaining everything that is simple to me but complex to them."

Nick let go pecking my lips, looking at me with a small smirk. "I know, but you taught me without even trying. Like…' He indicated over to the other side of the room where some of today's new flowers were placed, "Those blue colored flowers grow wild in Germany. You fly them in because one elderly man who fought in World War Two buys them for his wife every single week on Wednesday."

I stared up at him surprised, "You remember that?"

Nick smiled nodding, "Of course I do, because you always make the stories interesting. It's going to be fine with the girls okay? You just got to give it time and be patient, which I know is hard for you. Actually where are they…" Nick asked awkwardly, "You haven't killed them have you?" I rolled my eyes,

"Not yet, but I'm close too." I responded as Nick leaned back on the counter.

"And how's my bub doing?" He asked looking at my stomach.

I put my hand on it and smiled, "Good, preparing to celebrate it's three month birthday. It's estimated at tomorrow you know." I stated as Nick nodded grinning.

"I know, of course I know, you wrote it in my planner."

I blushed embarrassed, "I want to keep a record of everything."

"Then we should take photos- you're starting to show."

"Am I?" I asked nervously staring down.

Nick nodded grinning at me excited while I just felt nervous at the idea, "Definitely. Not much, but you can tell. Mom noticed it the other day too…six months to go." He whispered smiling leaning further back only to knock something. Nick instantly stood up fearing it was the coffee's only to realize it was the stapler.

"Miley why does the stapler have a label on it saying 'stapler'?"

Nick held up the plastic device as I frowned, "So the girls know what it is."

He just stared at me trying to stop the laugh I could see coming, "Miley, honey, I think they know what a stapler is…they may be ditzy housewives but they aren't completely stupid." I huffed glaring at him.

"You sure? Dani asked me how many flowers were in a dozen." I snapped.

Nick chuckled putting the stapler down, "I stand corrected, maybe that was a wise decision. So where are they?"

"Cold room, making bouquets."

I'd barely finished my sentence when I heard a familiar young cry.

"Miley deal with Holly!" Demi yelled instantaneously. "I have my hands full"

I looked at Nick who grinned leaning forward kissing my cheek, "Let's go see baby Holly and give the girls some caffeine maybe that will help the situation." He suggested as I nodded even though I doubted it.

Nick took my hand as we moved down the hallway and he we went our separate ways. I opened the door looking into the back room still amazed by the transformation. Not much had changed, but at the same time thanks to the guys the room was now baby friendly. We had a cot, blankets, toys, a changing tables and even a little swinging chair to keep Holly entertained and one day soon my baby.

I walked over cooing at the little girl who cried sticking her bottom lip out. "Oh baby, come here…I got you." I picked Holly up her little arms struggling as I brought her to my chest rocking gently. "It's okay, mommy is busy but I'm here."

I hummed trying to ease her cries but they didn't cease to my disappointment. Nick finally came in smiling at me, "The bouquets are going well, Dani is bleeding though, pricked her finger. Good news she found the well labeled Band-Aid box. But what's going on here, someone's an unhappy little bub."

Nick offered to take her as I obliged willing to do anything to stop the cries. The second she left my arm it was like Holly snapped, her pink mouth closing and eyes shut. I looked at Nick speechless as he stared at me smugly,

"It's a gift." He murmured quietly.

I frowned jealous, "Good, that means you can deal with our child in the middle of the night gifted one." I mocked as Nick just smiled staring at me.

"Trust me, when he or she comes along you won't be able to let go."

Nick.

5 months.

It was the one question all future fathers never want to hear…

"Do I look fat in this?"

Miley stood in front of the mirror holding down the shirt staring at her now protruding belly. She rubbed her hand along it sniffling, while I watched her pale sickly face concerned. She'd come down with a common cold yesterday and although battled through work I'd been attempting all morning to lightly hint at her that Demi and Danielle could hold down the fort for one day. Miley disagreed.

My wife turned and stared at me expectantly as I bit my lip, "You look pregnant."

"So I look fat?" She asked with raised eyebrows.

I groaned pulling on my shirt. "No, no you don't. You look like you're having a baby and if you stop wearing these…" I murmured touching her normal sized shirt, "And start wearing the maternity clothes you bought with mom."

Miley shook her head, "No, no then I'll actually-"

"Feel pregnant?" I asked as she glared at me. I couldn't help but laugh looking down, "Mi that ship sailed a while ago, you need to accept the fact your body is changing and that is completely acceptable for you to look…large." Miley's face screwed up at that word, her mood thankfully sedate today or she would have blown up at me for even discussing her size.

"I feel fat." She murmured sadly.

I kissed the side of her warm head, "You aren't baby okay? Trust me. I know."

"You still find me sexually attractive right?" Miley asked bluntly.

I looked at her taken aback for moment nodding, "Yeah, of course I do, why? Do you not feel like we're not having sex enough, if you want we can tonight or…wait…" I looked at her analyzing my wife, "Have you been talking to Demi?"

Miley's eyes instantly looked away back to the mirror as I sighed. "She's been telling you how Joe refused to have sex with her when she was pregnant right? And that since she had Holly, they're barely having sex." Miley kept her eyes on the mirror staring at her stomach, attempting to ignore me.

I walked up behind Miley stepping into her view so she could see me in the mirror. I moved my hand out and put it on her stomach, "Miley, Demi is over dramatic. You know that. Plus Joe has been giving me a disgusting graphic detail of what they've been doing in the kitchen… clearly Demi hasn't updated you on it yet," Miley looked up at me as I smirked, "I find you as sexy as I did the day I met you okay?"

Miley nodded, "Prove it tonight?" She asked.

I looked at her and shook my head, "No, and not because your not sexy but because I don't want to catch your cold. I have a really important deal coming up and I need to go everyday to work. But when you're feeling better…sure. Maybe Demi can give you some tips about the kitchen" I winked as Miley gave a small giggle, which turned into a cough.

I gave her a dirty look as she sniffled, "What?"

"Mi come on," I murmured pleadingly doing up my buttons, "You're sick and I know normally you would just continue on but you're pregnant. You need rest. Demi and Danielle-"

"Aren't ready to-"

"It's one day. How badly can they screw up?" I asked her seriously.

Miley pulled a face but nodded, "Fine, okay fine. I won't go to work."

"Good. You and my offspring deserve bed rest today."

"Talking about offspring…when is Luce back from camp?"

Miley headed back to bed as I grabbed my tie, "I think Friday night, we're supposed to have her for the weekend but maybe-"

"Oh my god" Miley hissed.

I turned back to see her wide-eyed lying on the bed staring at her stomach. I frowned confused as her mouth dropped, her hand flying down amazement flooding her expression. I began to move over as her head snapped up laughing,

"Nick it's moving, I can feel it."

"You can feel it?" I asked quickly rushing over.

"Yeah, yeah for the first time, oh my god, it's like shifting again-wow, this feels so strange." She murmured taking my hand pressing it against her stomach. I waited to feel something for a few seconds, both of staring down until finally Miley sighed.

"I think it's stopped now. Sorry." She murmured looking at me disappointed, but I could still see her eyes filled with excitement.

I kissed the side of her head, "It's fine, you wait until it starts kicking." I whispered to her as I kept my hand on her stomach, "Luce never stopped with Sel, she hated it with a passion, thought it was disgusting."

"Disgusting?' Miley murmured frowning, "It feels strange, but at the same time…nice, really nice Nick. I know it's there now. It makes this feel more real." I watched her staring down as I smiled at her amazed by how far she'd come in such a short time. Miley was glowing she just hadn't realized it yet.

Nick

7 months

"And, and, and mom said I can be a bridesmaid!" Lucy stated ecstatic,

I looked at my daughter who was practically bouncing off the walls at the news Selena was engaged. The proposal had been yesterday, they'd known each other a total of three months.

I didn't want to judge but at the same time I doubted Lucy would get to walk down the aisle as bridesmaid. I hated that Selena had got our daughters hopes up when she barely knew the guy, and I'd expressed that via a phone conversation last night that had resulted in Selena hanging up on me.

"And she said I could pick the color. I'm thinking blush pink? Miley what do you think?" Luce asked turning to Miley who sat beside me in the waiting room, preparing for another one of the endless baby checks. "Maybe you could make the flowers!"

Miley just stared at Luce and then back to her magazine not at all caring what Luce had just suggested. To make matters worse Miley was in a shocking mood today, the worst she'd been the entire pregnancy. Everything I said was wrong, and nothing I did was helping. I understood I did. The baby had kicked all night, meaning she hadn't got any sleep, Danielle had accidentally not ordered the right amount of flowers and her hormones had definitely spiked.

Miley was a raging monster that was not to be reckoned with.

"Miley are you listening to me?" Lucy asked frowning.

I gave my daughter a look shaking my head slowly. Miley huffed and closed the magazine as I turned to see her eyes maliciously looking into mine, "I can see what you're doing." She yelled at me. "Stop exchanging looks."

"Miley I was-"

"I don't want to hear your excuse." Miley snapped ending the conversation.

"Oh and mom wanted to know if you could provide the wine for the wedding, she wants one from France and seeing as you are going next week she thought it would be…." Luce trailed off as I glared at her shaking my head pleadingly,

Miley tensed her jaw clenched, "France?" She hissed at me.

Everything in me stiffened as I turned to my wife, "It's only for a day, twenty fours hours-"

"Twenty four fucking hours?" Miley screamed this time.

I saw a women across from us instantly cover her young son's ears looking at Miley appalled as Lucy awkwardly stepped back. "I'm going to get a soda." She whispered quickly and rushed away. Miley stared at me, her eyes filled with anger and fingers clenched ready to strangle.

"Baby," I tried to reason, "You won't even know I'm-"

"Don't even finish that sentence!" Miley snapped at me, looking disgusted, "I'm your wife! I'm pregnant with your god damn fucking child I expect you to be with me! Yet you're always at work. This is what caused all our God damn problems to begin with."

I groaned noticing everyone was now watching us, "Miley just calm down-"

She laughed in my face furious, "Calm down? You want me to calm down? Okay fine, I want a divorce." She snapped at me crossing her arms.

I looked at her closing my eyes, "Miley this is your hormones speaking not-"

"My hormones?" She blew up her eyes now open again looking at me hysterical as I edged off the seat feeling seriously scared, "I will rip you to shreds if you bring up my God Damn hormones one more fucking time. After this baby is born you are getting a Vasectomy."

"Miley, be reasonable, you might want more kids."

"More kids?" She looked at me horrified, "Are you fucking joking I didn't even want this one!"

"Gray, Miley?"

We both turned looking at the familiar receptionist, whose bright smile in my direction was the last thing Miley needed. My wife stared at me, "Go find your daughter, or have fun with the slut receptionist for all I care. I want to go in alone." With that she got up and walked off.

I groaned and jumped up as Lucy appeared with a can of Coke. The whole reason I'd brought Luce was because she hadn't seen the baby yet, and there was no way Miley's bad mood was going to stop us seeing our future family member. I motioned for Lucy to follow as she quickly caught up and we walked down the hallway. We followed Miley into the room where Dr. Hunter was already sitting.

"Miley, Nick so good to see you again and this must be Lucy. Miley told me you were coming along, are you excited? " She asked grinning standing up to greet my daughter as Miley gave me a scolding look taking a seat.

"YES! Will I be able to see my brother or sister?" Lucy asked grinning.

Dr. Hunter frowned confused, "Yeah of course you will, you don't know what Miley is having?" Her question stumped me as much as it did Lucy. I stared at the Doctor bewildered who instantly looked awkward.

"They don't know, Nick doesn't want to know so I didn't tell him." Miley stated simply staring ahead out the window.

"Oh, oh okay-"

"Wait. You know the sex of our child?" I asked Miley directly.

She didn't even glimpse at me and nodded, "I do, I asked last time I was here."

"I was with you last time, you didn't ask-"

"You didn't come to that appointment." Miley snapped still ignoring my gaze. "You had work, so I didn't want to burden you with something that is oblivious so unimportant." I saw Doctor Hunter's eyes move between the two of us as I sealed my lips feeling somewhat frustrated.

"Okay how about we see your baby?" The doctor suggested calmly as Miley nodded completely uninterested. Lucy on the other hand jumped nodding. "Then let's move into the other room…"

Both girls walked through as Doctor Hunter hung back waiting for me, "If I'd known, I would never have let her have the appointment Nick, she was adamant you knew." Doctor Hunter said to me apologetic. "You know this will get better, it's just the-"

"Hormones, I know."

"No, no…" Doctor Hunter murmured. "Nick she's scared. Really scared."

I stopped as I looked at Miley's doctor confused, "But she's been doing so well, wait did she tell you that?" I questioned suddenly feeling sick, God I thought we'd got through this but apparently we hadn't.

Doctor Hunter gave me a look, "I can't tell you that, but she's not alone okay don't be too worried. A lot of mothers go through this, worse then this. The positive is, she loves that baby Nick you can see it in her eyes and if she didn't I'd be worried too. The only thing your wife is fearful of is not being good enough for the baby, she wants to be a perfect mom and now the birth is coming up she's-"

"Panicking that she isn't ready." I finished.

Doctor Hunter nodded looking towards the room, "But Miley is,"

I looked at her, "Are you sure? How can you tell?"

"Because a little birdy came in the other day and told me how the next day after I told Miley the sex, she'd already painted the walls in the nursery and bought color matching clothes. I guess you wife isn't letting you in on everything baby related." I shook my head confused. Miley had blockaded the nursery and refused to allow me access. Now I knew why. "Trust me, she's more prepared then she realizes, and the little birdy told me she is unbelievable good with her little chick."

Doctor Hunter quickly walked off as I stood there feeling a little bit better yet still just as confused. Then it began to sink in, little birdy? Little chick? Demi and Holly. Wait Demi had been here recently? Doctor Hunter was purely an obstetrician that meant…. Holy shit.

I didn't linger on the thought, pushing it to the back of my mind. I walked in and moved to Miley who was already lying down, Luce on the edge of her tip toes looking up at the screen.

"Let's see this baby." Doctor Hunter announced grinning.

I took Miley's hand as she looked at me and I leaned forward kissing her head.

"I love you," I whispered to her.

Miley ignored me and looked at the screen as our unborn child appeared. Lucy squealed excited as Doctor Hunter began pointing things out to Lucy the steady heart beat filling out ears. Miley finally looked back to me and nodded,

"I love you too," She whispered her eyes nervous, but I had no doubts. Miley could do this and the next two months I was determined to prove it to her.

Miley.

9 Months

"You're being paranoid Nick."

"I'm not, I'm worried." Nick stated seriously packing Lucy's lunch. "I mean you're due in three days and I really think I should stay home today, or at least call mom to look after you just in case-"

"What? I suddenly explode?" I asked seriously drinking my green tea.

Nick looked at me chewing his lip, "Nick I feel fine okay? Actually this last month has been the best I've felt the entire pregnancy, minus the swollen ankles and being unable to move. The baby is content. I'm happy. It's not coming today."

"You don't know that," Nick stated deadly serious.

I groaned, "Nick, trust me. I feel fine. You can't skip work, today is the day."

Nick looked torn, but he knew I was right. Today was the final signing of a multi million-dollar deal to take control of a company in France. He'd been working on it for months, and I knew he wanted to be there for the final settlement. This was his baby, so to speak, and I wanted him to be there when everything was finalized so he could feel proud of himself and the work he put in.

"Please go, you'll be late. LUCY!" I yelled as I heard her thump down the steps.

"I don't want to go to school." She mumbled walking in.

"Oh, not you too. You both need to leave." I stated putting my hand on my stomach, "Me and the bub want to sleep, and you hovering, and you complaining about the test you haven't studied for isn't helping."

"But we could both stay home and look after-"

"Go!" I pointed at the door.

Nick sighed and nodded, "Fine, but I want you to call me if you even feel remotely unwell." He instructed as I nodded.

"I will, once your meeting is done at eleven."

"Miley-"

I smiled at him, "Nick go, you'll be late."

"Fine, I love you." He whispered kissing my lips.

"I love you too."

Lucy and Nick both slowly walked out of the kitchen taking their time to leave the house. Once I was definite they were gone, I got up stretching my arms out my back aching under the strain. I wasn't going to lie I was ready for my baby to come out, as enjoyable as it had been the past month my body was starting to fatigue carrying this constant weight. Especially this morning, my whole lower abdomen just felt so tight and cramped.

Today however was not the day. I was sure.

I decided a warm shower and then bed would be the best plan for the day knowing anything else would be far too strenuous. It took a good five minutes to climb the staircase and another five to make it to the bedroom. God, I wouldn't miss being this slow that was for sure.

I checked my phone making sure Demi and Danielle hadn't called. I was confident enough now to leave them alone most of the day, they'd learnt a lot and I was impressed about how serious they were both being about the job. Over the past couple of months I was pretty sure they'd even started to enjoy it, Danielle loved talking to the customers while Demi loved letting out her stress on the flowers. Although it appeared we had a concerning problem with her, Nick had told me his suspicions, and I'd begun to notice Demi's uneasiness. It appeared Joe didn't though and he was in for a hell of shock when he found out baby number two was coming a lot sooner then expected.

By the time I got to the shower, I didn't really feel like it anymore. My lower back was killing me and all I wanted to do was lie down. As I stood in front of the mirror debating mentally if I was even up to showering the pain increased violently for a split second.

I looked down seeing a small puddle on the floor, I did a double take suddenly feeling angry at the fact Nick had clearly walked water through the bathroom after his shower this morning. Yet as I looked again, there was more, coming from me.

Oh God.

I gripped onto the sink feeling feint at the realization. My water had broken.

I just stood there for a moment, my mind in shock. I didn't know what to do. So I just stood there until finally the panic hit. I let go of the sink and turned feeling frantic, my mind rushing through all the things I needed to do.

It was at that moment I remembered Doctor Hunter's words,

When it happens, take a deep breath hold it in and then call me.

I took in the breath and waited. Call her. I needed to call her. I let it out and turned walking into the bedroom. I grabbed the phone and dialed, keeping myself calm, I'd prepared for this. It was going to be okay, it's not like the baby would come out all of a sudden. It was my first, it would be hours away if not tomorrow.

Tomorrow. Holy shit, I'd have a baby tomorrow.

"Hello-"

"I need Doctor Hunter!" I yelled, my voice betraying the calm approach I was attempting so hard to take, "It's Miley Gray, my water just broke."

No sooner had I finished the phone connected to a new line, "It's happening?" Doctor Hunter asked directly.

"Yep." I whispered.

"Okay, how are you feeling?" She asked me slowly and I nodded.

"Okay, I feel fine, aching a little but not on the floor agony."

"That's good Miley, okay I want you to go to the hospital. I'll meet you there once I've finished up this next appointment. You're going to be, is Nick with you?" I shook my head, my mind buzzing.

"No, no he just left for work, I'll call my sister." I stated thinking reasonable.

"Okay, Miley…" She stated sternly, "Make sure you call Nick."

"I will, I will." I murmured.

"You're going to be fine okay, I'll see you soon."

"Okay, thanks."

I hung up just as I felt the pain, it wasn't too bad, but it was enough to make me lurch over. I kept dialing though, unwilling to let it get to me, this was just the start I had felt worse then this. I waited to hear Noah's voice, but when it picked up I heard someone I didn't expect, or want.

"Hey Miley, Noah left her phone at home. She just left for school." Brandi responded getting straight to the point, "How you been, we haven't talked in weeks?"

I opened my mouth to respond only groan feeling a sudden stabbing urgency, "Oh, well it's good to hear from you too. Look I'll tell Noah you called." Brandi stated in a bitchy voice, misinterpreting my groan. "Oh and by the way Emily is up in San Francisco, not that you'd care-"

"Shut up." I snapped realizing what I needed to do.

"Miley look I know you're pissed at us, but it's not like we haven't been calling, Em has called you everyday-"

"Brandi shut up and listen." I ordered her, "You are going to drive over here, right now, and pick me up and take me to the hospital." There was silence on the end of the line. "I'm having the baby."

"What?"

"I'm having the fucking baby. "I yelled at her clenching down on the phone.

"Baby? Oh God, okay I'm leaving now." She hissed and hung up.

I sighed breathing heavily trying to calm down as I awkwardly leaned onto the bed. I looked at the phone, pressing Nick's number only to stop. He had the meeting. I bit down on my tongue and clicked off my phone deciding to wait until I got to the hospital at least. There was no point taking him away from his accomplishments when our little baby might not make an appearance anytime soon.

After a few minutes of bringing my breathing back to a steady rhythm I picked myself up remembering the mental list I'd made. I needed to get my bag for hospital and go downstairs.

It took a while, but finally I made it just as the front door flew open. Brandi looked at me pale faced and terrified, "Oh my God, I rung Emily she's coming back from San Francisco, dad is god knows where, Noah isn't answering and…Oh my God your in pain I can see it on your face." I stared at my sister the constricting feeling radiating. "Oh my God Miley, what do you want me to do? Should I carry you or call an ambulance- yes I'll call an-"

"Brandi calm down, I'm fine, just help me to the car." I whispered slowly, remembering to take deep breaths. "It's not too bad, it just feels like really bad cramps. Nothing I can't walk through okay?"

Brandi just looked at me speechless, "Brandi car, let's go."

My sister helped me to the car and proceeding to do up my seat belt hyperventilating. Her driving had me screaming in fear, her erratic sudden decisions reminding me why I never let her drive me anywhere. It was then I remembered Demi's car ride, she'd been in agony yet I wasn't. The pain was constant but steady thankfully and by the time Brandi hit the breaks outside emergency I was feeling discomfort and stretching but nothing extreme.

We'd barely walked into emergency before a nurse was upon us,

"Name?" She asked me straight out, skipping the pleasantries.

"Miley Gray,"

"Dr. Hunter yes?" She asked as I nodded. "Water broken?"

I nodded not taking in her appearance concentrating on breathing. "Contractions?"

I nodded again, "How often?"

I shrugged not really knowing as she snapped her fingers, "Wheelchair, get one, take her to the maternity ward immediately. You are her…"

"Sister," Brandi whispered breathless.

"Move your car, come back ask for Hayley you can fill out her paperwork."

"Should I leave her?"

I was gently helped into a wheelchair seeing my panicked sister who was clutching her hair utterly freaking out. "Miss she's fine okay, we'll look after her. Go move your car." The nurse turned to me and smiled gently, "Tell her you're fine."

"I'm fine Brandi, better then expected I promise." I murmured honestly.

"Okay, okay, I'll be back okay. I promise. I'll be back."

I was pushed quickly forward as I allowed my eyes to close feeling overly constricted. I kept my eyes firmly shut until we stopped, the pain burning all over. I opened them looking around the room, as another nurse easily helped me onto a bed. She asked me basic questions, trying to keep me calm but I just felt so distant. It was starting to really hurt now.

"Okay we need to have a look…" My newly arrived midwife announced motioning for my legs. I nodded as she took control of the situation. She didn't say anything just frowned confused.

"When did your labour start?" She asked me, the first time I'd actually heard the word today.

"About…I don't know twenty minutes ago."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded swallowing feeling sweat trailing down my head. A thought suddenly came to mind as I stared at my dress that I was still wearing. Why weren't they getting me changed?

Thankfully the pain eased again, but a short time later it rapidly started again. I didn't understand, Demi had a good ten minutes between the contractions and it felt like I was having barely a minute. I saw the midwife turn to the nurse mumbling something about calling my Doctor. I looked at her distressed opening my mouth panicked as she just smiled at me,

"It's okay, you're doing great. Just stay calm okay?"

I nodded just as the door opened. I turned and breathed a sigh of relief seeing Doctor Hunter. She walked over quickly staring at my face, "Miley how you feeling? You are really pale…can you push more fluid through the IV, she looks a bit feint." She instructed as I just stared at her nervous,

"Is something wrong?" I asked scared.

Doctor Hunter smiled at me grabbing a set of gloves while I felt the pain start again. I took note that she didn't respond as the midwife jumped up. Doctor Hunter took one look and then stared at me.

"When is Nick getting here?" She asked me nervously,

"I I…I…" I murmured biting my lip, "I haven't called him yet, I-"

"Call her husband. Tell Mr. Gray he needs to get here in less then fifteen minutes." Doctor Hunter snapped at the nurse who nodded rushing out.

"Oh God," I whispered scared, "Something's wrong?"

"No," Doctor Hunter murmured seeming surprised, "Quite the opposite everything is really great Miley, I promise. But what I'm seeing down there is what I expected in about six hours." I just looked at her blankly feeling sick, "Miley, you need to get ready to push. Do you understand? That baby is coming right now."

I just looked at her feeling feint. "No, no…" I groaned feeling a sudden heaviness tears filling my eyes, "No, I had a plan, the epidural, Nick…Demi I wanted them to be here." I struggled out feeling everything in me pushing painfully downwards.

"Miley, honey, your baby isn't going to wait for them. But I'm here okay,"

I just looked at her terrified shaking my head, "No, I can't, not without Nick. I-"

Doctor Hunter stared at me apologetic, "Miley you can do this okay? I know you're scared, but it's going to be okay." She whispered calmly, "Now the contractions, have they changed now? Your body should be wanting to push, you should be able to feel it." I felt a few tears fall as I nodded utterly terrified. I was supposed to have Nick here. I wanted him with me.

"Then on the count of three I want you to push okay?"

I let out a sob and nodded, my body aching all over.

"One,"

"Two"

"Three"

I complied and pushed gritting my teeth through the intense pain. Doctor Hunter smiled at me nodding, "That was great, now we're going to do it again okay?" I nodded as the nurse reappeared and I saw her exchange a look with the Doctor. She instantly moved over taking a wet towel pressing it against my forehead smiling.

"Now push again, now."

It became a constant agonising routine. My mind getting into a sequence of taking breaths and pushing, each time worst then the last. Then suddenly I saw Doctor Hunter smile staring at me nodding encouragingly,

"Miley the head is almost out, this is it three more and you're done."

I nodded feeling tears spill down my face, not in pain but in disappointment. No one was here. I clutched the sheets feeling exhaustion as I heard the door open and slam against the wall. I tried to open my eyes, but I just felt dizzy. Hands grabbed mind entwining my fingers,

"Miley, baby, I'm here, it's going to be fine. I'm here."

I groaned hearing the voice, "Nick?" I asked opening my eyes.

I looked up into his brown eyes as he stared at me looking just like my sister had, completely and utterly panicked. Nick nodded kissing my cheek trying to smile at me.

"Miley come on, one more. Nick's here now, no excuses." Doctor Hunter whispered sounding some what relieved.

I gritted my teeth and pushed with everything I had, feeling the release I'd been waiting so long for. Instantly Nick's grip on my hand tightened. There was silence for a second until finally I heard a loud scream, my eyes opened as I looked up at Nick who was just gawking a huge smile spreading across his face.

"Miley you did it, look…you did it!" Doctor Hunter exclaimed, as I looked towards her arms seeing a bright pink little baby opened mouthed and screaming. I stared unable to process what I was seeing as the midwife took the child wrapping it up.

She slowly moved over to me offering it out as I stared not sure what to do my mind fatigued and disorientated. My heart acted instead opening my arms staring down at the tiny human being with a full head of brown hair and small open lips.

"My little girl," I whispered feeling more tears falling.

"Girl?" Nick asked, "It's a girl."

I nodded smiling holding her to my chest a million emotions flooding me, I was so happy, excited and nervous. Nick's arm wrapped around me whispering things but all I could hear was her crying, a little outstretched hand moving towards me. I moved my fingers out touching the tiny fingers, the skin so smooth.

"It's soft like a petal," I whispered out loud as Nick pressed his head against mine.

"Petal." He murmured in my ear.

I looked to Nick who had tears in his eyes staring down at our daughter like she was the brightest star in the sky. We exchanged a look not speaking but knowing. Nick leaded down covering both out hands entwining our new member into our lives.

"Welcome to the world Petal."

AN: Longest chapter ever. It should have been two but I didn't want to drag this story out too much longer. Yay it's finished! Hope you enjoyed it ;) and thanks for all the amazing support. I'll give credit to Iluvemileyandliam who planned out a lot for the chapter, and I tried to incorporate a few other things people requested so I hope it was what you expected 3 Thank you!