A/N - It is hard to believe, but we've reached the final chapter, although there will be an epilogue and a sequel. When I started writing this I thought I would be lucky to hit 10 chapters and 20,000 words. I never dreamed of going over 150,000 words. It's been a fun story to write. Thank you all for reading and especially to all of you who took the time to review and send me PMs. I really appreciate it. As always, standard disclaimers apply. I don't own Chuck, Cutting Edge or the Olympics. Here's the last chapter.
Chapter 33
As Olympic champions, Chuck and Sarah Bartowski took center stage, so to speak, on the ice in the Iceberg Skating Palace for their exhibition skate. This would be the last time they would skate before an audience as a pairs team, so they were rather melancholy about it. The crowd cheered loudly for them as they performed most of their short program and added some footwork and spins. At the conclusion of their program, they decided to do something not allowed in competition, side-by-side back flips, which they landed without a bobble. The audience roared its approval and Sarah and Chuck stood in the center of the ice, arms tightly wrapped around each other before sharing a kiss.
When they left the ice, Diane and the members of the US Figure Skating Federation were waiting for them. Diane said "They would like to talk to you."
Sarah whispered into Chuck's ear. "This can't be good."
They all went into a conference room and each person took a seat. "I suppose you wonder why we asked you here for this meeting."
Chuck responded "You could say that."
Mr. Solomon spoke "First of all we wanted to thank you for competing in the Olympics. You exceeded our wildest expectations. You are probably the greatest pairs team ever."
Chuck and Sarah looked at each other and smiled. Sarah responded "You're too kind."
"We heard the interview you did with Hartley. We would like you to reconsider."
"Reconsider what?" Chuck asked confused.
"Competing in the Worlds. It's only four weeks away."
Chuck looked at Sarah who just shook her head. She leaned in to whisper in his ear. "No. I don't know how I'll be feeling then. We won't do the Pamchenko. Let's retire while on top."
Chuck nodded and looked at the group. "We are flattered that you want us to represent our country in the Worlds but our answer has to be no. Sarah needs to get back to Stanford and I need to get back to ice hockey. This has been a lot of fun, but we just can't."
"What if we contacted Stanford and got you a little more time off, Sarah?"
Sarah squeezed Chuck's hand. She whispered in his ear. "I better tell them."
Chuck whispered back. "Are you sure?"
Sarah nodded.
Sarah began. "I'm going to tell you something that we, Chuck and I, do not want to leave this room until we make a public announcement. Do I make myself clear?"
They all nodded.
"I'm pregnant. I do not want to risk the health of our baby in order to keep competing and I do really need to get back to Stanford."
Diane jumped up and gave Sarah a hug with a hearty congratulations. "I'm really happy for you two. Will I have a new skater to train in about five years?"
Sarah laughed. "If he or she wants to skate we'll make sure you get the job."
Mr. Solomon was disappointed but understood. "Congratulations. We understand and wish you well."
xxxxx
The closing ceremony was a festive affair. Chuck, Sarah, Crash, Carina, Zondra, Rye, Morgan, Alex, Cole and Karolina all walked together taking pictures and videos with their phones and doing mock interviews with each other. Morgan asked everyone to send him copies so he could make a movie to share on Sharetube.
Crash was disappointed that Team USA missed out on a medal by losing to Finland in the bronze medal game but they were happy for their teammate Temu Selanne. Carina and Zondra both won a gold and silver medal in their events while Cole won gold in Curling. Karolina won a bronze medal.
After the closing ceremony, they all attended a party hosted by the Dudeks at the Raddison Blu. In addition to the athletes, Chuck's and Sarah's parents were there plus Devon and Ellie, Bryce and Lindsay and several of the Dudek's business associates. The champagne was flowing and there was enough food to feed an army.
Ellie and Devon came up to Chuck and Sarah. Ellie said "Based on our discussions, I set your due date October 20. I know Dr. Farnsworth. She is very good."
Sarah said "Yes, I've worked alongside of her on many occasions and I like her bed manner and knowledge."
"They say, although I wouldn't know, that doctors make the worst patients." Ellie smirked.
"I'm not a doctor yet, Ellie, but I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about." They both laughed.
Damian and Kasia walked up to the Bartowskis. "Are you enjoying the party?"
"Very much! Thanks for inviting us."
"We wouldn't be having this party if it wasn't for you." Kasia added.
Chuck just said. "You'd have done the same for us. We're just glad everything worked out and most of all that you and Molly are safe."
Kasia said "I think you missed your calling. You're pretty good at that spy stuff."
Sarah laughed while waving her hands. "Yeah, we're scary spies, scary spies."
Kasia laughed with her. "We've checked our schedule and the first week of July will work out perfectly for our visit to Newport Beach."
"Great!" Sarah said. We'll look forward to it. We've got plenty of room. When you get your flight details just let us know. We're very close to John Wayne Airport. "
xxxxx
June 30, 2014 Newport Beach CA
The Bartowski's Fourth Anniversary started normally enough. It was about 5am. They were both lying naked in bed sound asleep in their favorite position, albeit adjusted slightly for Sarah's pregnancy, when a high pitched alarm suddenly went off. They both sat up with a start. "What is that?" Sarah asked.
"It sounds like a smoke alarm."
Chuck hopped out of bed and put on his robe as he headed down the hall toward the noise. He didn't smell anything or see any smoke until he got to the opposite side of the house. Looking through the window Chuck saw that their neighbor's house was on fire. By now Sarah had walked into the room tying her robe closed. "Call the fire department. Our neighbor's house is on fire. I'm going to check to see if anyone is in there."
Sarah immediately went to the phone and called while Chuck ran back to their bedroom and pulled on some sweats and a hooded jacket. He soaked a towel with water and headed next door. Chuck ran next door and started banging on the door. Their cars were in the driveway and he knew they had two young children aged four and five. When no one answered the door he headed into the back yard through the gate. Fortunately they left the back sliding glass door open and he was able to get in through the screen. "Paul, Amanda!" He called out. "Help!" He heard back. Chuck grabbed a couple more towels and soaked them before running upstairs. He spotted Paul and Amanda in the doorway to their bedroom. The flames were blocking their path to their children's room. "Save our kids Chuck!"
"Do you have an escape ladder?" Chuck asked.
"In Phillip's room." Chuck ran into Phillip's room and got the ladder. He took it out and threw it through the flames to the parents. "Get out through your window. I'll take care of Phillip and Annie."
Chuck ran into little Annie's room and picked her up from her bed before rousing Phillip. He had them each put one of the wet towels over their mouths and noses while doing the same. He led Phillip down the stairs while carrying Annie. When they went out the front door, they spotted Sarah waiting there looking relieved that her husband was OK and that the children were safe. "Where's Amanda and Paul?"
"Right here," came the reply as they came around to the front of the house. Sirens were getting louder and louder as the fire department was getting closer and closer. Amanda came over to Chuck to take Annie from him. "Thank you for rescuing us Chuck."
The entire Johnson family then surrounded Chuck and gave him a hug as Sarah watched, beaming with pride. Looking over at Sarah and turning back to the family Chuck just said "We're just glad you're OK."
By now the fire department had arrived and began putting out the flames. Fortunately they were able to keep the damage to a minimum but the entire kitchen was destroyed and part of the dining room and family room. Chuck and Sarah offered to take the kids back to their house until they were done with the fire inspector. Fortunately the fire didn't spread to any other dwellings.
xxxxx
By the time mid-morning had arrived, the Johnson's had packed up what they needed before heading to a hotel that their insurance company was paying for. It was going to take a month to six weeks for the repairs to be completed. They thanked Chuck and Sarah again before heading off. Chuck and Sarah headed back into their house before plopping down on the couch in the family room. Sarah snuggled up to her husband and said "Don't take this the wrong way, but you need to take a shower. You smell like smoke."
Chuck smirked at his wife. "Are you just trying to get me naked on our anniversary?"
Sarah chuckled. "You got me. I'm just a love crazed wife on a mission to get my husband naked on our anniversary. Did it work?"
Chuck laughed. "What if I'm just a love crazed husband on a mission to get my wife naked on our anniversary?"
Sarah looked coyly at Chuck. "The only thing I know for sure is that there's been entirely too much talking going on and not enough clothes removing."
Chuck grinned before grabbing the bottom of Sarah's sweatshirt that she had put on before going outside. He pulled it over her head. She was wearing nothing underneath it. Chuck sucked in a breath as his wife's beauty never ceased to amaze him. If anything, the five month baby bump made her even more gorgeous. They quickly finished undressing each other before heading to the bathroom for a shared shower. Sarah asked Chuck as he was running his soapy hands over her swollen breasts and abdomen. "Am I still beautiful to you even though I'm fat?"
Chuck couldn't believe Sarah asked him that question. "What have I done or said to make you feel that way? You are the most beautiful woman in the world and knowing you're carrying our child makes you even more beautiful. I can't believe how blessed I am to be married to you. I love you forever and always."
Sarah wrapped her arms around her husband and held on tight, their naked bodies pressed together. She looked up into his eyes, seeing the concern. "I'm so sorry sweetheart. I love you forever and always too. I just think my hormones are out of whack and I'm feeling really insecure right now."
Chuck smiled, relieved. "I think I know what you need."
Sarah asked "What?"
"You need some serious pampering from your husband. Then, after the Dudeks leave, you and I are going on a babymoon."
Sarah grinned. "You're the best husband any wife could ever have,"
Chuck shut off the water and led her out of the shower. They dried each other off before heading into one of the extra bedrooms where a massage table was in the middle. Chuck laid out a fluffy white towel over several pillows and had Sarah climb on the table laying on her stomach. Chuck arranged the pillows to give Sarah maximum comfort and proceeded to give his wife a massage. Starting with her neck and shoulders, he slowly worked his way down to her legs and feet before working his way back up her body. Sarah moaned with delight, feeling both relaxed and turned on by Chuck's magical fingers. Chuck leaned down and kissed his wife on the cheek before whispering in her ear. "Time to roll over onto your back sweetheart."
Sarah rolled over onto her back. She let her eyes drift down her husband's torso admiring his broad shoulders and firm abdomen. She also noticed he was turned on as much as she was. Sarah reached up behind Chuck's neck and pulled him down for a heated kiss. After breaking the kiss Sarah whispered to her husband "I see you're going to need some serious pampering from your wife."
Chuck smiled. "I can hardly wait."
Sarah smiled back. "You won't have to."
xxxxx
Sarah and Chuck were enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner at Flemings in Fashion Island to celebrate their anniversary when the waiter returned. "Would you like to order dessert?" Chuck looked at Sarah and she nodded. "Are you having some cravings?" Sarah nodded. Chuck looked at the waiter. "This ought to good."
Sarah chuckled. "I would like a slice of chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, blueberries, extra whipped cream, all sprinkled with almonds."
The waiter cocked an eyebrow. "Anything for you sir?"
Chuck was about to answer when Sarah said "He wants the caramel cheesecake with extra caramel."
The waiter cocked his other eyebrow. Chuck smirked as he looked at his wife. "Thank you sweetie. How did you know what I wanted?"
Sarah chuckled and shrugged before blowing him a kiss.
"Is there anything else?"
Chuck said "I'd like a cappuccino. Do you want anything else to drink honey?"
"Just another mineral water please."
The waiter nodded and turned in their order. Chuck looked at his wife and smirked. "What?" Sarah asked.
"I think your cravings are rather cute."
"Cute. Now you're making me feel like I'm eight."
Chuck laughed. "You are definitely not eight."
Sarah chuckled as she looked down at her belly. "That's obvious."
"Is everything set for your maternity leave from your residency?"
"Yes. They're going to give me until after the first of the year off since our baby isn't due until mid-October. Are you excited to get back to playing ice hockey again? I'm sorry you couldn't get back before the end of the year."
"It was nice of Dr. Arnaldo to come visit us and check out my eye, but by the time he cleared me to play the Ducks were already bounced out of the playoffs."
"It just proves how important you are to the team sweetheart."
Chuck smiled. "It's nice to know I'll always have at least one fan."
Sarah patted her tummy. "You'll have more than one fan soon."
The waiter brought the desserts and Sarah dug in. Soon after their baby started kicking. Sarah reached out and put Chuck's hand in the right spot. He felt a strong kick.
Chuck cocked an eyebrow. "I think our baby is going to have a sweet tooth."
Sarah laughed. She thought for a moment. "It'll be fun having Molly with us for a week."
"Yeah. We've sure been blessed to meet so many nice people, haven't we."
"We sure have. "I know one thing with absolute certainty Mr. Bartowski."
"What's that, Mrs. Bartowski?"
"That I'm glad I married you Mr. Bartowski."
Chuck beamed at his wife and leaned in for a kiss which was gladly returned.
"I'm so glad you said yes!"
Sarah chuckled. "Did you really have any doubts?"
Chuck just shook his head. "I love you Mrs. Bartowski. Happy Anniversary."
"I love you too Mr. Bartowski. Happy Anniversary."
xxxxx
The next afternoon, they went to John Wayne Airport to pick up the Dudeks. They were surprised that they were told to go to the private plane section. After they arrived, Chuck and Sarah were escorted to a private lounge reserved for owners of high end planes. They were told to help themselves with refreshments if they so desired. Chuck took a bottle of mineral water and handed it to Sarah. "This is nice in here. It sure beats having to go through airport security."
"Yeah. I'm glad we have our own plane. I don't know if all this extra comfort is worth the expense."
"I see what you mean." A woman walked into the lounge. Your plane is arriving now. You can watch it land from this window." She pointed to the West facing window.
A few minutes later Chuck and Sarah watched a Gulfstream G650 land and taxi to their location. They walked down the stairs to meet their friends.
When the stairs were lowered, Kasia descended the stairs holding Molly. Damian followed right after with their carryons.
After greeting each other with hugs, Damian said "Would you like to check out the plane?"
Chuck and Sarah both nodded. They headed up the stairs.
The cabin was luxurious complete with a galley and a bedroom. It sat eight people. Damian took them to the cockpit. "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly one of these?
Sarah and Chuck looked at the controls. "It doesn't look like it would be too difficult to learn to fly this plane. What's the range?"
"12,000 km."
"Wow."
Kasia returned up the stairs. "We were hoping you'd like it."
Chuck and Sarah turned to look at her, confused looks on their faces.
Damian came over and stood next to his wife. "What Kasia is trying to say is that we bought this plane for you. It comes with flying lessons for both of you, all maintenance, fuel, hanger fees, the cost of this facility, everything has already been paid for."
Chuck's and Sarah's mouths just dropped to the floor. Chuck stammered "Wha, Wha What? That's extremely nice of you. We really appreciate it but it's too much. We can't accept this." Sarah nodded along with her husband.
Kasia smiled and said "We knew you'd say that, but please, hear us out. We really want you to have this. For some reason, we know you will need it. I don't know why, but I do. Besides, it's just a small token of our appreciation for what you've done for us."
Sarah and Chuck both started to speak. Kasia raised her hand to cut them off.
"We know everything you've done for us was done because we are friends and that you don't want anything in return. We love you too. We know you two have the biggest hearts of any two people we have ever met. Please, let us do something nice for you for a change. It will make us feel good. Please?" Kasia pleaded with her eyes and Damian nodded along.
Sarah and Chuck were left speechless for a minute before finally nodding. With eyes moist with tears they both said "Thank you."
Damian and Kasia both grinned and threw their arms around Chuck and Sarah. "Let's go get something to eat. I'm starving."
xxxxx
Chuck and Sarah loved having Molly at their house. She loved to play in the swimming pool, and the little playground they had set up. They took the Dudeks to Disneyland and California Adventure several times and down to the beach where they showed them their favorite spot. Kasia and Damian were surprised the ocean water was so cold but that's why the temperatures are so mild in Southern California.
After a wonderful week with the Dudeks, Chuck and Sarah said goodbye to their friends with the promise of getting together again as soon as possible. Chuck and Sarah took flying lessons with their new plane and loved every minute of it. By the end of summer, they were both certified to fly it, although Sarah was having a little difficulty getting into and out of the cockpit.
Needless to say, the Ducks were delighted that Chuck was back in training camp to get ready for the new season. A surprise signing was also made in the offseason as the Ducks brought in Yuri Gabrienko on defense to protect their skill players. At first Chuck, Crash and his teammates that were on the 2010 Olympic team were apprehensive about the trade after what happened to Chuck. Sarah was especially hurt by the trade and couldn't believe this man could be on Chuck's team. So, on the first day of camp, the Gobbler went up to Chuck to clear the air. He apologized for the hit and insisted it was an accident, that he never intended to hurt him, and was very glad that he has gone on to be such a great player. After a team family dinner where Sarah met Yuri's wife and he apologized to her as well, she finally was at peace with the Gobbler on Chuck's team.
xxxxx
October 18, 2014
Sarah Bartowski was home in Newport Beach on maternity leave as it was getting very close to her due date. She was in their baby's room making a list of everything they had so they would know what they needed to get. Chuck was at practice getting ready for their next game the following night. Thankfully it was a home game. She heard the doorbell ring.
Walking slowly to the front door Sarah could only think that she was done being pregnant and couldn't wait for their baby to be born. She was surprised that Chuck didn't want to know the sex of the baby so they decided to not find out and be surprised. When she finally reached the door, a look through the peep hole revealed that her mother and father were on the doorstep. She opened the door.
"Mom, Dad. What a nice surprise. I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. Come on in."
After exchanging hugs and kisses, they headed into the kitchen and sat down at the table.
Emma said "How are you feeling?"
"I feel like a blimp. I can't wait until our baby is born."
Jack said "Can we get you anything?"
"No dad, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."
"Where's the schnook?"
Sarah laughed. "He's at practice. He's stopping to get Chinese on the way home. I'm in the mood for some Sizzling Shrimp. I think you just solved our name dilemma. If we have a boy we'll just call him Schnook Jr."
Jack and Emma both laughed. Emma asked "You still haven't picked out names yet?"
"We have it narrowed down. The dilemma we're having is that if we have a boy I want to name him after his dad. I want a Chuck Jr. Chuck Sr. isn't so sure."
Jack laughed. "I think I can see Chuck's point. He doesn't want to be called a senior when he's only 26 years old."
Sarah laughed. "I hadn't thought about that before."
Sarah felt her phone vibrate. After fishing it out of the pocket of her maternity dress she looked at the screen. Her face lit up. It was Chuck.
"Hi sweetheart. How was practice?"
"Great babe. How are you feeling?"
"Like I'm going to explode. Are you almost home?"
"I'm picking up the sizzling shrimp. Is there anything else in particular that you want?"
"Just the usual though you better buy extra. Mom and dad are here."
"OK. I'll double the order. Do you want to hear some shocking news?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Crash and Carina are talking about getting married. He told me after practice. He said she brought it up."
"It's a good thing I'm sitting down. That is shocking. I never thought Carina would settle down."
"Crash wants some ideas for popping the Q."
"No one will ever top the way you popped the Q to me. Every time I think of it I get goose bumps. It was so perfect."
"The only thing that topped you saying yes was when you actually said I do."
"Hurry home. I can't wait to see you."
"On my way sweetheart."
"Love you. Bye."
Emma and Jack smiled at each other because they were so happy for their daughter, that she was so happy and so completely in love with her husband and he with her. Jack said "I'll go get our bags out of the car. Do you want us in the room you usually give us?"
Sarah nodded and he headed out the door. When he had left Emma asked "Are you nervous about the delivery?"
"A little. I want to do it naturally but I don't know how much pain I'll be able to take."
"Don't think less of yourself if you ask for some medication or an epidural. I was in labor with you for 24 hours and they finally had to take you out of me."
"And I've been a pain in your side ever since."
They both laughed.
xxxxx
The two Bartowskis and two Walkers sat around the kitchen table after feasting on sizzling shrimp, fried rice, chow mein, egg rolls, sweet and sour pork and cookies. They were sipping on their tea when Sarah said "I feel a little funny. I think I ate too much sizzling shrimp."
Chuck said ""Why don't you lie down for a minute." He helped his wife waddle over to the couch where she stretched out. Chuck got her a pillow and he massaged her feet.
Jack and Emma cleaned up the dishes and joined Chuck and Sarah in the family room. A few minutes later Sarah groaned in pain. "Ooh. That hurt. I feel like I'm starting to cramp up a little."
Emma stood up. "Sarah, I think you're in labor."
"But my due date isn't for two days."
Sarah felt another pain. "Ooh. There was another one."
Emma looked down at her watch. "You're having contractions about ten minutes apart. It's time to go to the hospital."
Chuck helped Sarah sit up. "I'll get your bag and call the doctor. Be right back."
Emma came over and sat down next to her daughter. She held her hand. "Ooh, there's another."
"How far away is the hospital?"
"Hoag is only about ten or fifteen minutes away."
Chuck came back into the room with Sarah's bag in hand. "I'll put this in the car and be right back for you." Chuck was surprisingly calm on the outside but was freaking out on the inside.
As soon as he came back in, Chuck helped Sarah into his BMW. Jack and Emma decided to follow in their car in case something went wrong.
"Did you get ahold of the doctor?"
Chuck nodded. "She's already there with another delivery."
"Well I hope she has time for me."
Another contraction hit Sarah. "Oooph. They're getting closer together."
Chuck drove down Jamboree and was just about to onto PCH when it happened. A tanker truck was driving down PCH when a red sports car ran a red light. To avoid the car, the tanker truck driver swerved, causing his trailer to jack knife, tipping the truck on its side. Fuel spilled out of the truck covering all lanes of PCH. Chuck and Sarah would have to turn around and take a longer inland route to the hospital. The trouble was they were stuck. Car after car came down Jamboree giving Chuck no way to turn around. "Ooooph." Sarah complained. "What are we going to do Chuck?"
Chuck took his wife's hand. "I don't think calling the police will help because there's no way they can get any cars in here except maybe a motorcycle. I don't want my wife riding on the back of a motorcycle when she's in labor."
Sarah was hit by another contraction. They were now about five minutes apart. "The way things are going our baby is going to be born in the back of our car."
Chuck looked into Sarah's eyes with conviction. "Not if I can help it." He pulled out his phone and called his dad. He put it on speaker.
"Dad, Sarah's in labor and we're stuck. The road is blocked by an accident and we can't turn around."
"Why didn't you call us earlier?"
"I was just about to call you but the accident happened."
"Do Jack and Emma know?"
"They came a day earlier. They were at our house when Sarah went into labor. Unfortunately they're stuck in the same place we are."
Emma had gotten out of her car and walked up to Chuck's and Sarah's car.
Stephen thought for a moment. "Is there a place to land a chopper nearby?
Chuck got out of the car and looked around. "There's a parking lot about 100 meters from here. It looks fairly empty."
"Ok. Hang on for a minute." Stephen turned to relay the information to Mary. She made a call.
Mary got on the phone. "How's Sarah?"
"She's hanging in there. Contractions are about four minutes apart."
"OK. I'm sending a chopper to you. Unfortunately the closest one available is in Long Beach. It will be there in twenty minutes. Get Sarah over to the parking lot and wait."
"OK mom. Thanks. What are we going to do with the car?"
Emma spoke up. "I'll stay with it."
Mary heard what she said. "You'll miss the birth. I'll send Bryce and Lindsay to stay with your cars. They offered to help in any way they can."
"OK. Thanks." Sarah let out another groan.
Chuck disconnected the call and helped his wife to her feet. "Can you walk sweetheart?"
Sarah nodded. Emma handed Chuck Sarah's bag and they walked slowly to the parking lot. They received lots of stares from other people who were similarly stranded and decided to get out of their cars as there was no place to go. It took them five minutes to travel the distance and Chuck had Sarah sit on a bench they found at the edge of the parking lot. Fifteen minutes later the chopper arrived. Sarah's contractions were now three minutes apart. Bryce and Lindsay jumped out of the chopper, said hello to Chuck and Sarah and raced to the cars. A couple of minutes later Jack and Emma joined Chuck and Sarah for the short flight to Hoag Hospital. Looking outside the window, it was eerie seeing PCH empty in both directions as they flew by.
xxxxx
Eight hours later, Chuck was holding Sarah's hand, his face inches in front of hers telling her to breathe. Sarah felt like she just skated ten long programs in a row without stopping. The doctor said "you're at ten centimeters and fully effaced, it's time to push Sarah."
Sarah took a deep breath and pushed. Chuck said "Breathe sweetheart. Don't forget to breathe."
The doctor waited a minute or so and said "Push." The baby's head was just starting to crown.
Several minutes and pushes later the doctor announced that's it. A cry filled the room. Chuck was too nervous to cut the umbilical cord so the doctor did it. The doctor came over to Sarah and placed their baby on her chest. "I would like to introduce you to your son. Does he have a name?" Sarah and Chuck looked down on their newborn with tears of joy streaming down their faces. Chuck and Sarah spent a few minutes touching him and counting fingers and toes. All were accounted for. He had brown eyes like his father and hardly any hair on his head. The nurse came over and said "Let me clean him up a bit and you can have him right back." Reluctantly Sarah let go of their son and looked at her husband. He gave her a kiss. "Well, Charles Irving Bartowski, I think it would be great to have a Charles Irving Bartowski Jr. in the family. Don't worry. I won't call you Senior."
That brought a smile from Chuck. "You won't go for Luke? Sarah shook her head. "What about Han? He kind of looks like a Han." Sarah shook her head again. "I guess that means you won't like Yoda." Sarah laughed. "Mace?" Another shake of the head. "I know, Anakin." Sarah said "I will not name my son after the person who becomes Darth Vader. No Star Wars characters."
Chuck pretended to frown and then broke into a grin. "At least you're not asking to name our child after spoons from Ikea."
Sarah reached up and pulled Chuck down for a kiss. "I think my choice is the perfect one."
"You really want to name him after me?"
"Definitely."
"Ok, then." Charles Irving Bartowski Jr. it is."
Sarah beamed at his answer and said "As soon as I recover, it'll be time to start working on giving him a sister."
Chuck gulped.
The nurse brought little Charles Jr. back to Sarah all cleaned up and said "You should try to nurse him."
Sarah offered him a nipple and he latched right on, drinking hungrily. Sarah cocked an eyebrow at Chuck and smiled. "See? He's a chip off the old block."
A/N 2 - Stay tuned for the epilogue. Thanks for reading. Oh, for those who don't know, PCH stands for Pacific Coast Highway.