The travel in the ambulance had been quite fast all things considered. Or that's what it had felt like as the new parents were too caught up in admiring their miracle. They couldn't stop looking at her, in awe with this little human being who happened to be theirs. She was perfection, she was them. They couldn't stop debating whether she looked more like him or more like her. Andy kept insisting that she was all Sharon with these captivating eyes but Sharon knew that whether or not their little girl looked like her, she'd be a daddy's girl. A little Flynn girl for sure! – and it made her so proud.

Soon enough, the three of them reached the hospital and were led into an individual room where mother and daughter got fully checked. Their little girl was taken by the nurses for a short while to get closely examined, just to make sure everything was alright with her. Sharon got the stitches she needed while Andy enjoyed privileged minutes of skin to skin with his daughter after bathing her carefully with one of the nurse's help. She then placed the baby on his naked chest and wrapped a blanket around both. They were left in a small room for a little while.

Andy was struggling to realize all this was truly happening. Their baby was truly there, healthy, 10 fingers, 10 toes. Everything was perfect about her, from her short darkish hair to the shape of her tiny feet. He almost asked for the nurse to pinch him. How had he gotten so lucky? How had they gone from struggling to be reunited to conceiving and then bringing into this world such beautiful creature. In spite of the several obstacles they had gone through, their little one was there with them, finally. Feeling this fragile little baby against him was a bliss. He had a strong arm secured around his daughter, settling her against him, while his free hand couldn't stop touching her in a slow delicate move. He caressed her little fingers with the tip of his own, to then travel to her arm, shoulder and back, drawing soothing circles.

- We're gonna be a good team, aren't we? he whispered close to the baby's ears. We have to be good to Mama though… she was through a lot to have you here, Sweetheart. You'll see, she's a bit of a stickler for rules but she knows how to relax when I do my thing, he chuckled to himself. She's the best mother you could ever asked for…You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her strength you know?

Sharon wasn't far, he knew, and they hadn't been apart for too long, but he missed her already. He wanted to share this with her, he wanted to wrap his girls into his embrace and never let go of them. The baby started fussing and took him out of his thoughts.

- Shh, easy honey… I know, I miss her too. Let's go find Mama… he whispered again.

- That's exactly what I was about to say, the midwife smiled joining them at the right moment, your wife must be ready by now. Let's get her dressed before she goes back to Mama!

/

Looking out the window, Sharon felt like the world was different today, extra colorful, extra shiny. She kept feeling that state of deep amazement and gratitude for her family, a smile still drawn on her lips. It was undeniable, she was exhausted. Her body felt sore, almost every inch of it was aching, clearly affected by the miracle she had just accomplished. Giving birth to their beautiful daughter made the last hard months look insignificant although she still felt the physical pain. She would have to be patient with herself now because she would need some time to recover. All she needed for now though, was her Andy and their precious little one whom she already missed.

While she waited for him to come back with her, after the doctors and nurses had left the room, she laid eyes on her skin, her body, the stretch-marks, her stomach now looking empty and flabby yet still expanded. She hadn't always been in good shape throughout her life. Her body had often endured difficult times, hunger, abuse even. But right this minute, although it didn't look gracious at all, she didn't despise it. Actually, she felt thankful to have been able to carry their baby so far along. It felt almost unbelievable - she was still pregnant a few hours ago. It seemed like so many things had happened since. And yet, she could remember so vividly when she had first found out about her pregnancy like it was yesterday.

A random thought hit her. They had thought of names, pondered different options without being 100% satisfied. It was time to find their little girl a name. Now that she was thinking of it, it seemed so obvious. Their little girl had brought such happiness to them, that the name that had popped in her head couldn't be more appropriate to the specialness of their miracle - God only knew how she truly was one. She had come across that name a while ago, not paying too much attention to it at first. But all things considered, it couldn't suit her better. One day, they would be so proud to tell her their story and how they had fought to finally be able to have their own family together. She hoped Andy would like her idea.

A light knock resonated in the hospital room and pulled her out of her thoughts, making her look expectantly towards the door. It was pushed open and Andy appeared behind it along with the little hospital bassinet mounted on wheels. He pushed it through the room until it was right next to Sharon's bed. He delicately grabbed their daughter and safely placed her in the crook of her mother's arms.

- We missed you… he warmly smiled to his wife dropping a kiss on her lips and a second one on her forehead.

- I missed you too… she whispered. How is she? she asked not taking her eyes off the baby.

- No worries so far, she's healthy and strong… and freshly washed by daddy, he added proudly.

- I can see that, she smiled. She's perfect… look at you, baby, Daddy got you all clean and dressed, she cooed. I had forgotten how small they are...

- How are you? Are you okay? he asked somewhat concerned.

- I'm okay now that you're here… she whispered and raised her head to meet his eyes.

She shifted on the bed making him understand instantly what she needed. She looked tired. Andy sat next to her and while she made some room for him, he placed his arms around both his girls and felt his wife snuggle into his side. Sharon muffled a groan while settling herself against him and finally let her body relax. Her head naturally found his shoulder. Oh how he wished this moment could last forever.

Andy wasn't quite sure if his wife had drifted off to sleep because her breathing had gotten regular and her body felt soft against his side. He caressed the full cheeks of their little one while his other arm was still securely holding them both.

- How are we on names? We gotta find this little beauty a name, he smiled to the baby and kissed Sharon's temple.

- I know… I was thinking about it earlier and… I think I found a special one for her, she answered lazily.

- Really? Any of the ones we had talked about before? Andy was curious.

- No… actually, I had come across it before, but I hadn't noticed how well it suited her until today. See, it hit me how happy we are together, how delighted we were to be having a baby together and how she instantly lit us up as soon as we laid eyes on her, Sharon explained. And so, I thought of the name Felicia… it means happiness and luck, and she's exactly that for us, Sharon's smile was genuine.

- Felicia, he echoed with a smile, I love it! he tightened his arm around her and kissed her temple again. Felicia… he repeated again. How about we add…

- Martha?

They both chuckled realizing they had thought of the exact same thing without even telling each other about it.

- Yes, Martha… he chuckled again.

- Felicia Martha… sounds pretty good, she smiled looking up to meet his eyes.

- Felicia Martha Flynn… he sung tonelessly as to try out the full name.

- Our little Felicia, she widely smiled to their daughter happy to see their little one opening her little eyes, seeming to agree that this was just the perfect fit.

- Thank you, Sweetheart… Thank you for doing this for us, he leaned his cheek against hers.

/

After getting some rest, little Felicia had soon gotten hungry. Breastfeeding had gone quite well. It wasn't Sharon's first time and the little one had caught up pretty fast. It was a special mother-daughter moment that Sharon had particularly missed in having a newborn. Her little girl was slightly under the average weight but there was nothing to worry about, had assured the midwife, she would soon put on some weight as she was eating quite well.

The evening came and a soft knock against the door was heard. Sharon was observing her daughter from her hospital bed. The little one had just eaten and would probably drift off to sleep anytime now. Andy was catching up with the sports news sat right next to the bassinet. The door was slowly pushed open which caught their attention. Rusty's shy face appeared in the gap, he seemed quite hesitant. He was then pushed by Martha who could be heard from afar hurrying him to open the door, probably impatient to meet the baby. The little scene made both Sharon and Andy chuckle at the teenager's awkwardness while the old lady was anything but shy.

- Rusty, Martha! Please come in… Sharon gently gestured for them to approach. I'm so happy to see you!

- Come on Rusty, no breastfeeding going on, it's safe son, Andy encouraged the teenager.

- Oh dear Lord! My dear, you look beaming, the old lady closed her arms around her daughter, tightening her embrace as to congratulate her.

Their eyes met and Martha's smile was genuine. She was so proud of that woman she now considered her daughter. Both hands stayed a few seconds on Sharon's cheeks and she couldn't help but drop a motherly kiss on her forehead.

- Now, where is our beauty? she asked, urging to meet the new addition to the family.

- There she is…

Sharon smoothly slid her hands under the baby's neck and back, then delicately lifted her out of the bassinet to place her in the crook of the old ladies' comfortable arms. Martha hadn't asked but she knew it would make her happy to hold the baby.

- Martha, I want you to meet your granddaughter, Felicia Martha Flynn, she paused to look at Martha's reaction and then continued. Honey, this is your grandma Martha.

- Oh my… I… I can't believe it… her voice was thick with emotion.

Grandma Martha was deeply touched, more than she would ever be able to tell Sharon and Andy. Not only was she being declared the little girl's grandma, but the baby had been named after her. She was a hell of a lucky old broad and she knew it. The last decades had been dull, sad even. She had always felt a void because she had never been able to have children on her own. And that void had just become bigger when her dear husband George had passed away. Never in a lifetime would she have thought possible to have her dreams come true.

Sharon softly laid her hand on the lady's shoulder. Oh how she deserved the privilege and the attention she was getting. She had done so much for their family. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that this woman would be part of them forever even if not by blood.

The grandmother, in full bloom after this warming introduction, was struggling to keep the tears at bay. She naturally rocked the tiny little creature still safely in her arms and whispered to her. Andy came to Sharon's side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He let his head rest on top of hers. They were quite proud of their choice and they just knew it was the right thing to do.

A few minutes later, Martha claimed that she needed to freshen up and gave the baby back to her mother to disappear for a short while. Andy gave her a few minutes and then joined her outside. The old lady would probably need some company. On his way out, he winked at his wife and then at Rusty who had stayed forgotten at the bottom of the hospital bed, knowing what he was doing. After the room quietened, Sharon turned to her son.

- Rusty… come have a seat, she patted on the hospital bed inviting him closer. Are you okay? she asked tilting her head, seeing him very distant.

- Yes… I was just worried… Rusty looked down to his hands.

- About what? Sharon was confused.

- I was worried about you… The lieutenant Provenza said you struggled and that there was a shooting at the station. I was afraid to see you… I didn't know if you were…

- Hurt… she completed his sentence. I'm okay, Rusty. We had a good scare for sure, but luckily nothing happened to me or to the baby, she drew soothing circles on his back to reassure him.

- Buzz got hurt in the shooting but he's gonna be okay… he added tonelessly.

- I know, I'm glad he's gonna be alright. He was very brave today.

- I heard Provenza talking to Patrice. They thought I couldn't hear them… but I heard them say the shooter was a lady… they said it was my mother…

His eyes suddenly met hers. There were tears forming and slowly rolling down his cheeks. Rusty seemed like a toddler, he was lost and in desperate need of reassurance.

- Come here… Sharon extended her free arm to snuggle him into her side. Rusty, I know this is confusing and perturbing, but you're not responsible for your mother's choices, okay? You're still welcome in our family, she gave him a warm smile.

- She could have hurt you… or her, he looked at the baby in Sharon's arms.

- But she didn't, and that's what matters.

- Sharon…

- Mmh?

- I want to stay… with you… he gave her a sad smile but a smile nonetheless.

- And you're welcome to stay, honey. You're part of this family now. You're my son just like any other of my children no matter what you decide to do... By the way, I really want you to meet your new sister, she smiled proudly. Rusty, this is your sister Felicia Martha Flynn, she proceeded to introduce them. My love, this is your big brother Rusty…

It was endearing to see Rusty dare to touch the baby for the first time. He touched her tiny fingers and her tiny toes. After a few silent minutes, the teenager finally let out a few words in what was barely louder than a whisper.

- Hey Felicia… I'm Rusty… he paused to look at Sharon whose eyes were encouraging him, I'm your big brother… and I'll take good care of you…

The little girl tugged her hand around one of his fingers. The gesture made him feel awkward, but it made him smile and feel like his little sister was accepting him as her brother. Sharon was watching the scene, feeling very touched and proud of her boy. She patted Rusty's back and her attention went to her daughter who was getting sleepy.

/

After Rusty and Martha had left at the end of the afternoon, Sharon had finally been able to doze off for an hour or two before little Felicia started to fuss. She was hungry again. While Sharon breastfed their little one, Andy left to go get them a proper meal as the hospital food was never too crazy. By the time he came back to her room, the baby was done and back to sleep which let him enjoy his wife's company and full attention for dinner.

Neither of them could truly believe it. They were now the parents of this little baby, their perfect little girl. They were lucky beyond any explanation to have a healthy daughter and they were well aware of it. It all still felt like a vague dream as they were still in the first 24 hours of what would be their new adventure together.

As always, Andy had thought of everything. He had brought Sharon's favorite and had even remembered to take a little surprise for desert.

- Week 38, he chuckled before putting out on the small table what he had brought.

- Watermelon week! she joined with a chuckle. You are unbelievable Mr Flynn… she paused looking him in the eye. We started the pregnancy journey with a fig, now we seal it with watermelon.

Sharon lovingly extended her arm to touch her husband's cheek delicately. She didn't know what to say or how to thank him for his support. He always had this way of making her fall in love with him all over again with small gestures, just little things really. She could almost tear up at the thought of having him. His heart was hers and she was incredibly lucky. Andy laid his hand on hers and met her lips.

- Are you okay? I mean, really okay? there was her Andy, always worried about her.

- Honey… I had a baby, she smiled, nothing that I haven't done in the past! I'm fine don't worry, she reassured him.

- You have to rest though, I can see you're exhausted… I know I sound like a broken record but I don't want you to pretend like it's all right when you're actually not so well.

- You're right I'm tired and my body feels particularly old today, but I'm okay because she's here and healthy… I promise I'll tell you if anything's off, My love, she kissed him again. Thank you for taking such good care of us.

- You know it's my job to look after you Mrs Flynn, he smiled and dug into his food.

- And you're very good at it! Now how about you? Are you okay? I must have scared you there…

- A bit, he shrugged. I didn't expect Felicia to come into this world in such conditions… it was a very particular day, full of surprises!

- Yeah… I got really worried when I was in the breakroom. I was so scared that you'd be hurt… and my water broke just like that… at the worst moment ever.

Andy suddenly stood on his feet and took a few steps away from the table. He laid out his arm as to invite her to follow him, which she did without any questions. Sharon gave him a quizzical look but he didn't bother to explain what he had in mind. Instead, he helped her up and took her in his embrace. His arms circled her waste which was still expanded by the life she had carried until that day and let his hands rest on her lower back. Her arms went around his torso and closed tightly around it. She naturally leaned her head on his shoulder, her face to the crook of his neck. She relaxed in his arms and followed his swaying steps. They were slow dancing to a ghost song. He kissed her hairline once or twice before he broke the silence.

- I'm sorry… he whispered.

- Sorry? about what? she asked confused.

- I wish you hadn't been alone and scared for the most part of your labor. I so wanted to be there for you and support you through that special moment… his voice was thick with emotion.

Sharon pulled herself out of his embrace to be able to face him.

- Andy, it was not your fault, honey… I know how much you wanted to be there… and you were there right on time before it got complicated! Please do not blame yourself for that! she cupped his cheeks understanding what had been weighing on him for all this time.

- I know I didn't choose it… but maybe, you know, I should have met you at home or something – you shouldn't have been in the building and I'm mad at myself for that…

- You're being unfair with yourself. That's just how it was supposed to happen and things worked out fine, it's the only thing that truly matters at the end of the day, she kissed him lovingly.

Sharon pulled him back against her and held him tight. After a few more minutes, she faced him again to add:

- I can't believe you've been mad at yourself for that when I felt so supported and so safe around you! Andy… I would never have been able to deliver our baby without you. I'm so thankful that you were with me and remained so calm. You worked it all out for our daughter to be born safely despite the situation. You gave me the strength I needed for the delivery, you just have no idea how much you've done for me today - or all along my pregnancy for that matter. I've done this before for sure and twice… but I never felt supported, I never felt seen and heard, and never before have I felt all this care and love you showed me. This is simply priceless to me. As soon as you were able to join me, you didn't leave my side, not even for a second. You stayed, Andy, you stayed and helped me deliver our little miracle. You should feel nothing but pride. You were my hero today, you were my rock and the best partner I could ever have asked for. So please, please, do not apologize anymore about this.

- Mrs Flynn… he started.

- Mr Flynn? she smiled expecting his answer.

- You are the love of my life, I love you so, so much, Sweetheart. You were beyond amazing today, I admire all the courage and strength you showed.

- Love you more, she kissed him tenderly. Thank you, Andy... for everything...

- Not sure it's even possible, I'm quite sure I love you more, he smirked. But I still have to tell you that I very much hated to see you in such pain while the context was so risky and dreadful. It felt so frustrating to not be able to take the pain away from you, I felt unuseful… but I'm glad that I still managed to help you as much as I could.

- You sure did, honey, no doubt about it!

After prolonging their tight embrace for a few more minutes, both went back to their supper, which they enjoyed while losing themselves in each other's eyes. It sure had been a full day for them. Still they were beyond ecstatic about their little girl and had once more seen how much they completed each other. After they were done with dinner, they proceeded to get some sleep before their sweet Felicia would wake up again. Finally, a new chapter was starting for them and they couldn't be happier at the prospect of what would be ahead of them.