In this chapter; Evie is 13, Elijah and Henry are nine, Alexis is five and Cecelia is four, Jacob is nine and Oliver is five
Pepper and Tony had been trying to get pregnant for months, and finally her period was late.
She booked a doctor's appointment and dragged Tony with her as soon as possible.
Unfortunately it wasn't the news either of them wanted to hear; Pepper was unable to conceive, her hormone levels weren't high enough for her to become pregnant at the moment.
They both felt disappointed but decided to carry on trying, the doctor prescribed various pills and medications, even injections to help them; but nothing worked. Three failed attempts at IVF later; they gave up. They'd been trying for almost three years and decided to just enjoy the two sons they had; between them and the five Baton kids, they certainly had enough to contend with.
Then for their 15th wedding anniversary the team booked them a surprise vacation to Dubai; three weeks away with no team, no missions, no stress and no kids. It was perfect.
One month after returning Pepper discovered that she was pregnant. She was absolutely terrified it was a dream, that it wasn't true. Or if it was; it wouldn't last.
At the twelve week scan she gripped Tony's hand tightly as they heard their baby's heartbeat. She smiled at the grainy image on the screen; finally allowing herself to believe it.
She was still too afraid to tell the others yet, and so she and Tony waited until after the 20 week scan. When all was confirmed to be okay she wept with happiness; they were going to have a daughter.