Author's Note: I used Windsor Arms Hotel as a locale only because it fitted the story. Everything used to describe the menu and the room were taken from the hotel's own website. No embellishment on my part.

Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who inspired me and encouraged me to tell this story; one in particular, you know who you are.

After writing 'Promise Me' I didn't think I had another story in me until she came up with the inspiration, "Two Pink Lines" she said. And it became the title of the first chapter. Little did I know that this would become one of my most loved stories. You have all made it a rousing success.

Two more chapters to go... please stay with me to the end.

Grand Entrance

Spike followed Wordy's advice to the letter – and more. With still a week to go before Winnie's supposed due date, Spike did the previously unthinkable. He relaxed. And he began to think of ways to surprise his lovely wife.

One day, it was a bunch of red roses.

The next day, it was a box of Ferrero Rocher, albeit small one, but it was all for her.

And the day after that he booked a romance package for two at the Windsor Arms Hotel, the highlight being dinner for two at the hotel's renowned Prime Restaurant. He called her from work and instructed her to dress for an evening out, when she asked why, he said, "It's a surprise."

He arrived home dressed in a tuxedo. "Are you ready?" he asked as soon as he entered their home. Winnie was left open-mouthed at the sight of him looking like a high powered executive. She giggled and said, "What's going on?"

Likewise, he was thunder struck at the sight of her. She took time to put a bit of make up on, gathered her hair at the back using a black scrunchy with silver dots. She chose a sleeveless, slightly low-necked red maxi. He smiled as he ogled, Her breasts look amazing, the pregnancy enhancing their shape. For footwear, she selected a sensible low heeled black pumps with a silver buckle. "You look amazing."

"You do, too," she replied then needled him about the night's event. "Come on, I'm dying to know what this is about."

"It's a 'because I love you' date."

She flashed an appreciative smile, "Wow. So, where are we going?"

"Windsor Arms Hotel."

She was taken back, "Are you serious? Do you know how much they charge per night?"

Spike laughed, "Of course, I paid for it. But for the mother of my child, only the best would do."

He helped her into her thick coat and offered her his arm. Winnie couldn't help but be gobsmacked at all these amazing deals. If it wasn't too uncomfortable, she'd like to be pregnant forever.

It was a quarter past eight in the evening when they arrived at Windsor Arms, the Concierge showed them to the restaurant and personally introduced them to the maître d'hôtel. It has all been pre-arranged so a seat was saved for them in a very private part of the venue.

There was a crystal vase on the table with a dozen pink roses. As soon as they were seated, he took a stem of flower out, "Pink means unconditional love and nurturing." Tears welled up in her eyes. "I hope you don't ever change."

"Are you kidding me? I know at least a dozen people who'll hunt me down if I just upset you."

The first course arrived, Moroccan salad for him with heirloom tomato, roast peppers, feta and salsa verde. And for her, the chef prepared Roast beets, steamed shrimp salad with tender greens, avocado, lemon emulsion.

For the main meals, it was poached Atlantic salmon with warm red onion and grain mustard fingerling salad, and pistou. A gastronomic delight. He was tickled when she cleaned the plate off with her finger and licked it.

For dessert, they shared the hotel's trademarked Flourless petit four comprised of some very unpronounceable delights. Dulce de Leche Tulip Cup, White Chocolate and Amarena Cherry Bitter, Valhrona Framboise Chipotle Chile and finally, Truffle Heart Grand Marnier Callebeault Chocolate.

They savoured the meals with mineral water and non-alcoholic beverages. Spike refusing the hotel's offer of "on the house wine". If Mrs Scarlatti wasn't having any, then neither would he.

A couple of hours later, they called it a night. Win gathered her flowers, and then they sought out the chef to let him know how much they enjoyed their dinner. The same Concierge checked them in and told them to "Enjoy the evening."

Win's jaw dropped when Spike opened the door to reveal their suite, then giggled like a little girl.

The room measured 700 square feet (65 square meters), and featured a king bed. There was a separate living room, with a sofa that converted to a double bed. A handsome large working desk, deep soaker tub, separate standing shower, Nespresso maker, butler service, and complimentary breakfast served again in the Prime Restaurant.

She shrieked when she saw the acoustic guitar, "Are you going to play for me?"

"No... not unless you want us to be booted out. We just got here."

They spent the night slow dancing to instrumental music in front of a window, watching the glittering lights of Toronto. They went to sleep around mid-night, undisturbed by 'hot calls' and further baby news from friends having babies.

Hours went by as they slumbered, morning light passed through the glass window, landing softly on the walls. Spike woke Win up with tender kisses, "Hungry?"

"Not really," she said. "Let's wait another hour."

"Ok, whatever you like..." He got up to shower and Win remembered the deep soaker tub. She tried to recall what her OB/GYN said about bathing at the late stage of pregnancy. She called her just to be safe. Dr Mary Headley answered cheerily, "Have you started labour yet?" she asked foregoing the usual "hello."

Win laughed, "I wish... but I'm being pampered by Mr Scarlatti."

"Well, he better... you're carrying the progeny. He can be rest assured that the future is secure," they giggled merrily.

"Anyway, I'm sure this isn't just a social call."

"It's not really. I'd like to soak in the tub, is it safe?"

"Of course, even at birthing centres women are encouraged to use the tub; even give birth in the water. Just make sure it's comfortably warm water, not hot. Hot bath can elevate your body temperature which isn't good for the baby. The recommendation for water temperature for use during labor is 95-100 degrees - use that as a guide."

"Thanks, sorry to disturb your morning."

"Hey, don't worry about it. Call anytime."

But in the end, she decided to shower, the main attraction being a certain hunk who would be happy to give her a proper back scrub.

"We gotta have that breakfast, tesora. I'm hungry."

"Me, too."

They took their time to get dressed, and being daytime, Spike ditched the bowtie, left the top two buttons of his shirt open and even with a jacket he looked casual. The maxi worked at treat for Winnie, she combed her hair back to control the frizz. Then they were ready.

As they stepped out, she suddenly remembered, "My roses."

"It's ok, I'll get the hotel to bring it to the car."

They took the stairs down to feast their eyes on the interior design and the architecture. Gliding down the steps, slowly, "There's no reason to rush," he said smiling, his dimples highlighting the day for her.

They enjoyed breakfast buffet at Prime Restaurant. While they ate, Spike asked the Head Waiter to request for the flowers from their room to be taken to their car, "The valet has my key," he said.

Finally, it was time to check out. It was a busy day. The foyer and the lobby full of international guests checking in. Spike queued to settle their account and thanked the staff, just then, in the midst of a whole stack of people, in the glittering surrounds of a five star hotel, Winnie's water broke.

She covered her mouth in embarrassment. One ancient-looking Chinese woman saw the puddle of water and clasped her hands together in glee, delighting in the knowledge that a new life was about to be born. She pointed her out, Spike turned pale. The Asian guests were all happy, it would be "Good luck. A baby is being born," the interpreter said.

The Concierge was all agog, in his 10 years in this business, he has never had a guest broke water.

The Director of Guests Relations herself came to attend to Winnie, sat her down as a couple of cleaners came to mop up.

A well dressed socialite called 9-11 for an ambulance while Spike attended to his wife.

Everyone were off their rockers because this little baby chose this moment to announce a grand entrance.

The ambulance came in no time, the guests milled around and some even followed the couple as they boarded the emergency vehicle, waving and telling them, "Good luck."

On the way there, he called Win's Mom and Dad to give them the good news. He sent a group text to let everyone who mattered in their life know that Win's water finally broke. Everyone in that group message list received an hourly update on the hour.

In exasperation, Ed turned to Sophie and said, "One more text and I'll go to the hospital to shot him."

Sophie laughed and said, "If it annoys you that much, turn off the phone."

Ed thought about it for a sec and decided that...truthfully... honestly... he'd rather know. "Nah," he said with a smirk, "I love Winnie after all. Spike? I couldn't care less."

Mrs Lane laughed, "You could have fooled me."

The group were as anxious as the couple, especially when the labour has reached eight hours. Billy started to fret, "Bloody hell, I hate to think what she's going through."

Raf told her to relax, "The mid-wife knows what she's doing."

Spike was surprisingly cool. He was Winnie's rock. Coach. Helper. Nurse. Encourager. Story teller. Jester. Photographer. He only left her side to go to the toilet, apart from that, he was always there. Even when Winifreda Camden was on hand to attend to her daughter.

On the 10th hour, Win's contractions were closer together. When she said she was ready to push, Spike positioned himself at the head of the bed to give her someone to hold onto, since she elected for the kneeling position for the birth.

The hospital bed was raised, she draped herself over the head of the bed to rest and relax in between contractions, Spike rubbed her back to ease her back pain. During the contraction, she flexed her hips and lowered her buttocks slightly as she pushed.

Half an hour into the last stages of labour, the baby came. The infant cried as soon as the cold air hit her being. The nurse cleaned her a little before handing the her to Spike, "It's a girl."

Spike took his bundle of joy in his arms, "God saved the best for last," he said turning to Win. He handed her over for skin-to-skin contact.

Shortly after, a nursing aide walked in to help the baby latch on to Winnie's breast for her first feed. Spike watched as the baby nursed hungrily. "She's amazing," he said with unsurpassed joy.

After the feed, Winnie gave her back to Spike for a cuddle, the contented baby seemed asleep. Her eyes were closed, her brows knitted as if she was having a disagreement with someone unseen. Her hands with long tapered fingers were closed in balls of fist. Minutes later, she stretched a little. Yawned a little. Then smiled as if having a pleasant dream; then two, not one, dimples appeared on each cheek. Spike had a near death experience.

It took all his self-control not to ran up and down the hospital corridor screaming, "My baby is the most beautiful in the world."

Finally, after being up for nearly 13 hours, Spike went to sleep, with the baby cradled in his arms. He couldn't let go.

Winnie would have to be wise from now on or this little girl won't ever come out of his shadow.

By nightfall, they decided on a name. Mika Louise Scarlatti