AN: We have finally reached the end. I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and interest. It has truly been my honor to write for you over this past year. I never in my wildest imagination would have expected such kindness and interest. I can never express my unending gratitude. I would like to send a special thank you to the three incredible girlies who I am privileged to know. Miss Em, I hope you enjoy my tribute to you. Once more, thank you all! ∞

Saturday, September 8, 2018

"And…done," Rose said to the empty room, smoothing out the wrinkles on the duvet before raising upright and looking around her. "'Bout bloody time, too," she grumbled, wiping her glistening brow with the back of her hand and sighing tiredly.

No doubt about it, setting up house was highly overrated—the movers, boxes, crumpled newspapers, the endless up and down on the stairs. Finally, after drowning in a sea of cardboard for ages, the last item had been placed in its perfect spot, and now it was officially…home. Their home.

It hadn't been the easiest of tasks, what with Rose being eight and a half months pregnant and Ian desperately trying to finish the majority of his caseload before the baby arrived. Their family had helped with the major parts, transferring furniture, unloading boxes and the like; but it was the little things that were the most important to Rose and Ian. Things such as the perfect place for each photo—photos like the one Ian insisted on having on his nightstand.

Shuffling over to his side of the bed, Rose lifted the frame and stared reminiscently at the photo, her fingers ghosting over the image. She loved that picture. It was taken on their last holiday, almost a year ago. She was clad in her red bikini (Ian's favorite) and laughing in ecstatic happiness, Ian grabbing her from behind, his arms wrapped tightly around her middle. Warm tears came up into her eyes as she played that scene over in her mind. It was one of the happiest moments of her life because that was the day Rose finally told Ian she was pregnant. She'd known for three days before that picture was taken, having confirmed her suspicions in the loo of a petrol station on the day of their arrival; but Rose had been so nervous, so uncertain of the right method or words to break the news to him that she had kept silent.

Closing her eyes, Rose could still feel the warm sand between her toes and the ocean breeze through her hair as she stood back a ways from their spot on the beach, watching as Ian helped Tony aimlessly pile sand into tiny mounds while her mum unpacked lunch. The adoring look in Ian's eyes as he helped her little brother put to rest her lingering fears.

With nothing holding her back, she'd walked over to them, lowering herself onto the sand beside her husband. Ian immediately turned to look at her, his brilliant grin shining as brightly as the noonday sun. Mirroring his expression, Rose leaned forward and placed a long, still chaste kiss on his lips before breaking away just enough to move her lips to his ear and whisper those two life-changing words. Ian's eyes had widened in shock, his motions frozen as he processed her words. Suddenly gripped by a giddy impulse, Rose had giggled at him and took off towards the water. It was by pure happenstance that her dad had taken the photo at that moment, but it perfectly captured Ian's reaction, the sheer elation and love that had radiated off of him as he laughingly pulled her into his arms.

A brilliant smile crept across her lips as her free hand stroked her swollen stomach before putting the frame back in its proper place. Taking another look around the room, Rose sighed in satisfaction at the end result of her work. Feeling another strong bout of hunger take over, she decided to go downstairs and make herself a late third breakfast. Walking into the hallway, her eyes caught sight of the nursery and she walked over to the door, tracing her fingertips over the name etched on the door. A flutter of movement broke her out of her reverie, and she smiled, looking down.

"Just a few more weeks, sweet pea," Rose said, patting her belly in assurance.

Her hunger pains increased, demanding immediate attention, and Rose descend the stairs. She began raiding the cabinets, searching for anything to satisfy her growling stomach. Unfortunately, they hadn't been able to make a proper trip to the shops, mostly living on takeaway during the move. Much to her relief, Rose found a half-eaten jar of Nutella. With an excited squeal, she threw off the lid, and spooned a mass of the velvety goodness into her mouth.

Now that she had a form of sustenance in her, Rose was able to think more clearly. With everything finally in order, it was the perfect time for her and Ian to have a true and proper dinner in their new home. Taking one more massive bite of her 'meal,' Rose reluctantly put aside her jar and went to retrieve her keys. However, when she reached the door, she was surprised to see that they were missing from the bowl. Instead, there was a small note waiting patiently.

Narrowing her eyes, she grabbed it in hand, growling as she read the missive.

I meant what I said.

Growling again in frustration, Rose hurried back into the kitchen, ignoring the flicker of pain in her back, and pulled open the jar where they kept the spares. Instead of metal, her fingers latched onto paper once again.

Yes, I took these too.

"Bloody git!" Rose shouted to the emptiness before jerking her mobile from its customary pocket. Her fingers furiously swept over the screen, finding their intended selection. There were only two rings before the call was answered.

"Hello?"

"Your nephew is a bloody prat, y'know that?"

"It's been mentioned once or twice. Why? What's happened this time?"

"He took my bloody car keys!"

"Did he have a reason to?"

"Not a good one."

"Well, what was it?"

"Hasn't anyone ever told you that you're not s'posed to argue with a pregnant woman?"

"Rose…," Sarah Jane drawled questioningly.

She sighed with dramatic exasperation. "He said it's too close to the birth an' he wants me to take it easy."

There was a short pause before Sarah Jane spoke again. "Why do I feel as if you're leaving out an important tidbit?"

"Fine," Rose groaned, rolling her eyes, "I may have tried sneaking off last night."

"Rose!" Sarah Jane admonished.

"Wha'?"

"What was so bleedin' important that required you to sneak off?"

"Fish sticks and custard," Rose answered in complete seriousness.

"Fish sticks…and custard," Sarah Jane repeated slowly, deciding that Rose had finally been consumed by pregnancy madness. "That's hardly worth going through trouble for."

"Sarah Jane, I'm eight an' a half months pregnant. All food is worth the trouble. For Heaven's sake, I just inhaled a jar of Nutella not ten minutes ago. But I think you're missin' what's really important, which is your nephew is being a daft prat. I'm basically under house arrest, it's a wonder he doesn't put a bleedin' collar on me!"

"Alright, even you can admit that was hormonally irrational."

Rose huffed and crossed her arm over her chest. "Fine…maybe…just a bit," she grumbled, rolling her eyes skyward. "But I think you're missin' the point here, an' that's that I've got things to do, and I'm trapped in this bleedin' house."

"You're hardly trapped, love," Sarah Jane assured her, a smile evident in her words. "You have a load of people willing to take you where you need to go, one of whom is currently on the phone with you. So, give me twenty minutes, and I'll come round. Alright?"

"Alright. Thanks, Sarah Jane."

"Of course, dear. See you in a bit."

"It's rather a madhouse in here, isn't it?" Sarah Jane said, observing the swarm of people within the grocery.

When no response came from Rose, Sarah Jane turned to look at her, frowning when her eyes rested on her niece. Rose's features were twisted in a slight grimace as she rested her hand to her lower back, taking several silent breaths. Sarah Jane worriedly stepped closer towards her, touching her shoulder gently.

"Rose… Are you alright, sweetheart?"

The feel of Sarah Jane's hand snapped Rose out of her daze. She turned her eyes upward, forcing a smile.

"'Course. Just a bit of a backache, s'all," she assured her, "Been happening all morning. I can't wait till I'm able to walk around without feelin' like a bleedin' whale. I'm so over the waddling."

Raising a brow, Sarah Jane eyed her questioningly. Rose saw the doubt written on her face and rolled her eyes good-naturedly, waving her hand dismissively. "Stop worrying, Sarah Jane. I'm pregnant; a backache isn't all that surprising."

Satisfyingly appeased, Sarah Jane sighed. "Alright, I suppose I'm a tad anxious. It won't be long now, practically any day."

"Two weeks, four days. Which is another reason ya shouldn't worry. There's still time," Rose insisted, turning her attention back to the shelves.

Cocking an eyebrow, Sarah Jane smirked. "Babies have been known to make up their own minds about their arrival time. And seeing as this is yours and Ian's child, we know she's bound to be a stubborn little one. I'm certain she'll make her entrance when she sees fit."

Rose couldn't help but snort in amusement. "You may be right, but I still say it's not time." She reached to pluck another item off the shelf and instantly felt another pain, this one slightly more intense than previously. Stubbornly she pushed the pain aside.

Just a backache…

"Do you have much more to get? You're looking a bit knackered."

"Just one more thing, and then I'll be ready."

"In that case, I'll bring round the car. I had to park further than I'd anticipated."

"Alright, I'll meet you outside in a few," Rose assured her, sending a grateful smile Sarah Jane's way as she left the shop.

True to her word, Rose gathered one last item before heading to the register. The queue was rather long and Rose found herself becoming anxious as she waited. The pain in her back persisted, and a suspicion was whittling at the back of her mind. However, Rose was continuing to stubbornly ignore it.

"It's your turn, pay attention," the tailor-suited man behind her snapped.

Rose turned and glared at him. He'd been incredibly irritating, talking incessantly on his mobile about the most inane topics. To have him rudely bark at her was just icing to the incredibly tasteless cake. But it was in fact her turn, so she moved forward, placing her items on the conveyor while the clerk scanned them.

"£37.81," the clerk informed her.

Reaching into her purse for her bank card, Rose immediately halted as an intense pain rippled from her back to her abdomen, nearly taking her breath away.

"Oi, some of us have important things to do, and don't have time to wait around," the priggish man snapped again.

Rose arched upward, ready to give him what for, but was again stopped by another pain, this one slightly above a tinge but still unexpected.

"Y'alright, miss?" the clerk asked worriedly.

Taking a breath, Rose managed to nod her head. "Mm-hmm."

"A-are ya sure? Y'don't look so good," the young man stuttered, clearly unconvinced.

Rose opened her mouth to reply, but stopped when she felt a gentle hand on upper back. Looking up, she saw a young brunette in scrubs standing beside her.

"I think you're feeling a bit more than you're letting on, yeah? How far gone are you?" the stranger inquired, her hand still comforting Rose's back.

"Nearly nine months, but I'm honestly fine," Rose protested weekly, "It's just a ba-…"

The words were cut off as another pain surged, and Rose gasped, dropping her purse and grabbing onto the railing in front of her, her knuckles white while the pain rippled through her.

The man behind her huffed irritably. "Can't you take tha-…"

"Oi, bugger off!" the brunette snapped, whirling her head around and glaring furiously, "She's in labor, you wanker! So, one more word and they'll have to surgically remove that mobile from your bloody throat, understood?"

The man gaped at her outburst, but remained silent.

"No," Rose insisted breathlessly, shaking her head, "I can't be in labor. It's too soon. There's still two weeks."

"Sorry to break it to you, sweetie, but too soon or not, you are in labor," the brunette said with a soft smile. "Trust me, I'm a nurse. I know labor when I see it."

A sudden fear and uncertainty violently gripped Rose as she finally accepted the confirmation of what she had been subconsciously suspecting for hours.

"We need to get you to hospital. Did you drive yourself?"

Rose shook her head. "No, my…my…," Rose verbally stumbled, the wave of emotions making it difficult for her to concentrate, "Sarah Jane drove. She's outside waitin' for me."

The young nurse nodded, moving her arm to Rose's waist and walking towards the exit, abandoning both of their groceries in the middle of the floor. "Right, then, let's get you to the car. I'll ride with you, if that's alright?"

Merely nodding, Rose allowed herself to be led to the waiting Sarah Jane. The brunette opened the back door and helped her in, taking a seat beside her. Sarah Jane caught sight of them in the mirror and hurriedly turned around to view them properly.

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong is that you were bloody right," Rose groaned. "Seems she made her mind to show up today."

Sarah Jane's jaw slacked before she burst into an excited grin. Suddenly registering an unfamiliar presence, she turned her attention to the young brunette.

"And you are?"

"Name's Emily," the nurse introduced herself before motioning with her head to a groaning Rose, "Now, I suggest you drive…quickly."

Glancing at his mobile for at least the tenth time, Ian was surprised that he still had not heard from Rose. He was almost certain that by now she had discovered he had confiscated her keys, and he'd been expecting some sort of irate communication. It really had been for her good. He'd practically begged her to see reason, but Rose, as usual, was being incredibly stubbornly. When he'd caught her trying to sneak off close to midnight, Rose had tried to slyly persuade him to let her go, resorting to artfully tracing patterns against his chest and looking up at him through her dark lashes. He'd nearly caved till he remembered that she'd employed that exact technique in the future. Suddenly called to his wits, Ian stood firm and nearly dragged her up the stairs, deciding then and there that he would have to result to drastic measures to keep her from being foolish.

Ian's eyes drifted from his mobile to the dark blue frame sitting on his desk. He gazed lovingly upon the black and white photo, remembering the first time he'd seen it, as well as the day it had been taken. It was of them on their wedding day, him dipping Rose mid-dance. The emotions he'd experienced the day he'd first come across it were nothing compared to the ones he'd felt on that day—their day. He was filled with such joy, such contentment, such…love. Ever since the day when he'd allowed his heart to finally be hers, Ian had come to understand how he'd gone from the broken, shell of a man he had been to the man he'd seen in all those photos so long ago.

Ian had never told Rose about his "journeys" to the future. He'd warred with himself about whether or not it was the right thing to do, to keep that from her; but eventually, he'd decided that it wasn't necessary for her to know. He'd been given a gift, a glimpse of the life he was supposed to have with Rose if only he'd be willing to let go of his past and grab hold to his future. And that was what he'd ultimately done. Now, he was living a life day to day with Rose, an adventure he'd believed he could never have, and that was all that mattered.

A knock at his door brought him out of his musings. He looked up to see his, now former, assistant.

"Sir, I just wanted to properly introduce you to my replacement. This is Suki Cantrell," Cathica introduced.

Ian rose from his chair as Suki moved forward, her hand extended. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Smith," she said with a handshake.

"Likewise. Cathica speaks very highly of you, and she's not one to readily give her good opinion," Ian responded, casting a teasing smile Cathica's way. She merely rolled her eyes and smiled. It was a clear testament to how far their relationship had progressed over the years.

"Well, then rest assured she has nothing but praises to sing about you, sir," Suki informed him.

"Well, she can't think too much of me, or she wouldn't be running off." Though he was teasing, there was a slight, genuine pout to his words.

"I'm hardly running off, Mr. Smith. Tom was transferred to Dublin. It's usually customary for a woman to go with her husband when he moves away. I think he'd rather appreciate my tagging along, don't you?"

"Dublin," Ian scoffed, "Hardly anything to write home about. Rather run of the mill, if you ask me."

"Don't believe I did, sir," Cathica responded cheekily.

"Oi! Rude! I'm still your boss, y'know."

"Sack me," she grinned.

"See how she treats me?" Ian entreated Suki. "I hope you won't be as sassy."

"Oh, no, sir!" Suki assured him hurriedly, worry lining her words. "I would never b-…"

"He's not serious, Suki. Well, not completely," Cathica said, patting the young woman's arm.

Suki saw a grin emerge from Ian, and visibly relaxed. She wasn't used to seeing such familiar interaction between employers and employees.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow morning, Mr. Smith."

"Yes," Ian nodded, "Nice to meet you, again. Look forward to working with you, Miss Cantrell."

Cathica escorted Suki out of the office just as Ian's mobile went off. Fully expecting Rose to be the caller, he was surprised to see his aunt calling.

"Hello?"

"You need to come to Royal Hope immediately! Rose is having the baby!"

Ian felt his mind stumble to a halt. He opened and closed his mouth several times before finding his voice. "What?"

"Rose is in labor, Ian."

His mind finally resumed working, and Ian ended the call without another word. He rushed out of his office and ran down the hall towards his brother's office, sliding past the door before hurrying in. Jack regarded him with raised brows, waiting for a breathless Ian to explain himself.

"Rose…baby…now…," he panted, pointing to his mobile.

A wide, brilliant grin took over Jack's features and he quickly gathered his coat and keys.

"C'mon," he said, clapping Ian's back. "Let's go meet my niece."

"Do you need more ice, sweetheart?" Jackie asked as she swayed back and forth, a sleeping Tony in her arms.

"Not since ya asked two minutes ago, Mum," Rose said, wincing as a small pain radiated through her.

Donna snorted from her chair as she perused through her magazine, briefly grinning over at Rose.

Jackie pursed her lips as she cocked a disapproving eyebrow at both of them. She suppressed the urge to comment on Rose's snippiness, remembering that she was shortly about to push out a life out her body. Not the most physically pleasurable of experiences.

Just then, Emily entered the room. When Rose found out that the young woman worked in labor and delivery, she insisted that Emily be her nurse. She'd come to feel secure under her watchful and caring eye, and Rose wasn't prepared to let someone else take her place.

Walking over to Rose, Emily examined her and then adjusted the infusion rate on the IV fluids; smiling at her once she was finished.

"Everything's progressing nicely, Rose. I know it may seem like a silly question, but how are you feeling?"

A slight smile formed on Rose's lips. "Like a watermelon is tryin' to shove its way out of my nethers," she weakly laughed. There was a brief pause before she asked, "Where's Martha?"

Emily's smile faltered slightly. "Um…Dr. Jones is in a medical conference all day. We've paged her, but she hasn't contacted us yet."

Rose threw her head back and groaned.

"Right now you're assigned to Dr. Poisson. She should be in shortly."

"Thanks," Rose answered, offering a weak smile.

Emily nodded in acknowledgment, her eyes sympathetic, and promptly left.

"Well, that's just wizard," Donna grumbled, picking up her mobile and sending another angry text to Martha.

"She'll be here," Rose insisted. "She-…"

"Hello, Mrs. Smith," an attractive blonde interrupted with her sudden appearance. "I'm Dr. Poisson. I'll be covering for Dr. Jones."

"Hello. 'M Rose. That's my mum, and this is Donna. "

The doctor smiled and looked around the room, her eyes settling on Jackie. "You must be excited to have another grandchild on the way."

A fire flashed in Jackie's eyes. "Excuse me? Another grandchild?"

Donna fiercely bit her lip, desperately trying to contain her mirth. Rose's eyes widened and she clapped her hand over her mouth. There was a great possibility that she was about to witness the murder of the young doctor.

"Yes," Dr. Poison confirmed, motioning towards the sleeping boy. "He's your grandson, correct?"

Angrily Jackie stepped towards her. "I'm his bleedin' mother, you-…"

"Mum, don't!" Rose warned, gritting her teeth as another pain presented itself.

"He's yours?" Dr. Poisson questioned with no small amount of disbelief. "Well, isn't that…something," she said, a smirk emerging as she quirked an eyebrow. Before Jackie could say anything else, the doctor turned back to Rose. "You're progressing rather quickly. I'd imagine you'll be fully dilated within a few hours. I'll be back to check on you in a short while."

With that, she turned on her heels and left the room.

"I'm gonna skin that blonde bint," Jackie growled, her eyes blazing. "How dare she?! Callin' me Tony's grandmother! How old does she bloody think I am?"

As Jackie ranted, still mindful not to wake Tony, Rose turned wearily towards her best friend, clutching her hand tightly.

"Bring. Me. My. Husband."

Clara sighed as she finished the ninth page of her dissertation. She was so tired of research, of the late nights, of the endless papers. She kept telling herself that it would all be worth the hard work; but when you're in the middle, it's often hard to see the end.

The sound of rapid footfall pulled her focus from her screen, and she looked up at a very frantic, yet familiar looking man.

"Uh, I'm looking for..."

"I know you," Clara interjected, halting his hurried speech.

Ian pulled his head back before moving forward, squinting in observation. Recollection suddenly dawned on him.

"You don't work here."

"Yes, I do."

He shook his head. "No, you don't. You're a ticket agent."

"Obviously not," Clara countered, smirking at him. "I've moved up in the world. I run the information desk now."

"Congratulations."

Clara rolled her eyes. "It's only temporary. I'm in school. Why are you here?"

"Oh…right," Ian said, suddenly remembering his purpose. "Remember when you said I should 'get a move on?'"

She nodded.

Ian grinned brilliantly. "I listened."

Clara narrowed her eyes in confusion, but then, as the pieces fell into place, she returned his grin and chuckled. Clicking out of the current window onscreen, Clara moved in front of her keyboard, looking up expectantly.

"So…"

Ian blinked at her, unsure of her meaning.

"She needs the name, Ian," Jack said, finally arriving from parking the car.

"Right, right, right…," Ian said rapidly. "Rose. Rose Smith. She's having a baby."

Jack rolled his eyes while Clara typed away, chuckling, "Ya don't say… Alright…got it. Take the lift to 4 and she's in Room 8. Now, run, you clever boy!"

Grinning like a madman once more, Ian sprinted to the lift, Jack hot on his heels. They had no sooner stepped out of the lift before they ran directly into Donna. When she realized who they were, her eyes immediately flashed.

"Where have you been?" she demanded, thumping Ian hard on the arm and causing him to yelp in pain.

"I came as soon as Sarah Jane called. Where's Rose?" Ian asked hastily.

"Fourth room on the right," Donna directed, pointing the way.

Before anyone could fully blink, Ian was sprinting down the hall towards Rose's room. Now that they were alone, Jack and Donna exchanged a few coy glances. They'd come to know each other very well over the years, and their attraction to each other grew, yet remained unspoken. Ever since Rose's warning four years ago, Jack had gone to great lengths to make sure he was worthy of her. However, Donna was difficult to read. She was always affected by his broad smiles and always an active participant in their playful, flirty banter. But there was still something holding her back.

He must have been staring too long because Donna shifted her stance. "What?"

Jack smirked and opened his mouth to speak, but instantly froze when he eyed the woman standing a slight distance behind Donna. His eyes widened exponentially and he gulped.

"You alright? Ya look scared out your wits."

"I-…"

The woman began to turn, and Jack whirled his head around, looking for quick hiding place. Seeing the door of a utility closet ajar, he grabbed Donna's hand and pulled them both into the small space, shutting the door swiftly behind them.

"What do y'think you're doin', you git?" she squawked irritably.

"Shh!" Jack instructed, putting a finger to her lips. Donna rolled her eyes and swatted his hand away.

"Answer me, Harkness."

"I'm trying to avoid someone, alright?"

"Lemme guess, old girlfriend?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"No!" Jack insisted straightaway. "God, no! I represented her father in a lawsuit, and she asked me out afterwards. That was four years ago. She's yet to take the hint. It's a little 'Fatal Attraction,' if you ask me."

Donna chortled in amusement at Jack's methods of avoidance. "So, who's this nutter?"

Jack walked over to the door, cracking it open just enough for Donna to peer out. "See the blonde standing at the nurse's station? That's her. Her name's Reinette Pois-…"

"Poisson," Donna finished.

Closing the door, Jack regarded her in surprise. "How do you know that?"

"'Cause, Loverboy," she smirked, "She's Rose's doctor."

Groaning, Jack scrubbed his face and then leaned against the wall, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"So…exactly how long does to take give birth?"

A rather intense contraction had just finished when Ian entered the room. Seeing her husband's glorious face instantly brought tears to Rose's eyes as her head lolled back onto the pillow. Ian ran over to her, grabbing her hand and stroking her dampening hair.

"Hello," he grinned down at her.

"'Bout bloody time," she muttered breathlessly before grabbing hold of his loosened tie and crashing his lips to hers. Ian cupped her face, enthusiastically reciprocating her kiss. Suddenly, Rose pulled away with a hiss, gripping his hand tightly while she breathed in a controlled pattern. Ian watched with no small amount of worry at the scene playing out. After what felt like ages, Rose's breathing returned to normal, and she once again rested her head on the pillow.

"Y'alright, love?"

"Oh, just peachy," Rose said, grabbing a few ice chips and popping them into her parched mouth.

Ian stroked her hair. "Sorry. Stupid question."

"No…'s fine. I'm alright. They're just gettin' more intense. The doctor said it shouldn't be long now."

Rose's reference confused Ian, and he frowned. "Doctor? Where's Martha?"

"Some stupid conference, they said. No one can get ahold of her. I…I don't think she'll make it here in time to deliver the baby."

A small sob escaped Rose, and Ian felt a twist in his heart. Leaning forward, he kissed her glistening brow. "Everything will be alright, love. I promise."

She nodded, smiling softly at her husband and lifting their joined hands to press her lips to his knuckles.

"I'm so glad you're finally here. I-I…I can't do this without you, Cillian," Rose choked out, her tears straining her voice.

"There's nothing that could ever prevent me from being here with you. From seeing our daughter."

Lifting up as best she could, Rose placed a soft kiss to his lips, cherishing the feel of him. A soft rap on the door turned their focus from each other and to the new presence—Emily.

She smiled bashfully, her cheeks pinking at her intrusion on their private moment. "Uh, I'm sorry. I just thought you'd like to see someone."

Ian went to protest having visitors, but his words faded as Martha stepped into the room, fully in doctor mode.

"You made it," Rose cried in relief.

"I'm so sorry, Rose," Martha answered, quickly making her way to her friend. "I had my phone off for the conference."

Rose's eyes narrowed in confusion. "H-How did you find out, then?"

"Emily, there," Martha motioned with her chin, "Seems she got it into her head to come get me when I didn't answer."

Both Rose and Ian's eyes widened at the young nurse, their surprise quite evident.

"You did that?" Rose asked disbelievingly.

Smiling softly, Emily shrugged her shoulders. "It was nothing, really. You looked so heartsick when I told you we couldn't reach Dr. Jones, and you shouldn't be sad on a day like today."

A few tears rolled down her already damp cheeks, and Rose quickly wiped them away. "Thank you, Emily. I…I can't thank you enough."

The young brunette smiled warmly at her patient. "It was my pleasure."

"Alright," Martha interjected, clapping her hands together. "Let's see where we are." Moving towards the bed, Martha made a quick examination, smiling up at Rose once she finished. "She's definitely in a hurry to get here. You're almost there, Rose. My best guess is that at this rate you'll be ready to push in three hours."

An hour and a half later, Rose was cursing Martha and her "best guess." A shrill cry burst from Rose's lungs as their child tried to make her way into the world. Ian felt utterly helpless seeing his wife's plight, his heart literally hurting as he watched her struggle and cry out in pain. But despite that, he remained steadfast at her side, whispering words of love and encouragement into her ear as he stroked her hair. Rose held onto his hand for dear life, drawing strength from his presence, both physical and emotional.

"You're doing brilliantly, Rose. You're so close," Ian cheered her on.

Rose released a haggard breath as a she finished yet another push. She looked up at her love, her eyes weary with exhaustion. "I don't know how much more of this I can take, Cillian," she whispered.

"You can do it, love," Ian assured her, pressing his lips hard against her perspiring brow. "You're the strongest woman I know, and you can do this."

Closing her eyes, Rose nodded in agreement.

"Alright, Rose, I need you to push again," Martha instructed as she watched the baby's progress.

Rose took another harsh breath and obeyed, pushing yet again, eager for this painful experience to end and finally have their daughter in her arms.

"C'mon, Rose. You gotta push, okay? Push!" Martha said again, this time more firmly.

"I am pushing, you heartless cow!' Rose snapped, pain and exhaustion finally pushing her to the edge.

Martha merely grinned at her, pushing aside the harsh outburst and focusing on helping the little one make her arrival. "C'mon, Rose. Just take one more deep breath and push."

Taking a final deep breath, Rose pushed with all her might, crying out as her little girl finally left her aching and physically depleted body. Completely spent, Rose fell back onto the bed, trying to catch her breath.

A strong, infantile cry rang out through room, instantly reviving the weakened Rose and taking away every trace of air from Ian's lungs. Martha took the small, reddish-purple wiggling bundle and handed her over to Emily and another nurse who began the rapid process of measuring and cleaning the babe. Ian and Rose both watched in awe as they swaddled the infant in a soft pink blanket. Martha walked over to the still wailing bundle, picking her up and walking the short distance to the eagerly waiting parents.

"I think this little one belongs to you," she said smilingly, her eyes misted as she laid the little girl on her mother's chest, her arms immediately wrapping protectively around her daughter.

"Oh, my little love," Rose said, tears streaming freely down her flushed cheeks as she gazed upon the perfection she cradled. "Oh, my God, Cillian…she's so beautiful."

The babe's cries had subsided to the occasional whimper as she rested within the safety her mother's embrace, her little hand curling around her mother's finger.

Ian looked on in tearful awe at the two women in his life, consumed with an overwhelming sense of completion and love. He'd never imagined having such a life, but now that it was his, he couldn't imagine having anything else. Ian reached down and cupped the infant's small head, stroking the soft skin with his thumb.

"Why don't you meet your daughter properly," Rose said, slightly raising her arms towards her husband.

All Ian could do was mutely nod as he took the squirming bundle into his eager arms, staring intently at her cherub-like face as he held her to his chest.

"We never decided on a middle name for her," Ian said huskily, his voice ravaged with emotion. In the back of his mind, he knew he possessed the memory of the name. However, Ian was so overcome with the intensity of the moment, he couldn't bring himself to recall it. And honestly, at that moment, it didn't matter. All that mattered was that he chosen this life, that he finally had his beloved wife and daughter. Everything else was just an added bonus.

"I rather like 'Emily,'" Rose said softly, "What do y'think?"

A slow smile spread across Ian's features as he continued to lovingly gaze upon the newborn, stroking the apple of her cheek with his fingertip. He lowered his head, and closing his eyes, placed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Hello, Olivia Emily. I've waited so long for you…oh, such a long time," he said lowly.

Ian placed another lingering kiss to her head, and when he pulled back, his breath hitched. In her eyes, Ian could swear that he caught a glimpse of that same adoration and love he'd witnessed so many years ago. Tears now streamed unabashedly down his face as he smiled brilliantly from his little girl to his Rose.

He would never know what entity, what unseen force had decided to bestow such a precious gift as that glimpse into the future. And truth be told, he didn't need to know. All he needed to know was that he had finally awoken from his guilt ridden and lonely slumber, and embraced what had been waiting for him all along.

Looking once more from his wife to his child, Ian knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had most certainly made the right choice.