Andy had been there all along as he had promised. He had not once let go of her hand. He knew how scared she was and he wasn't too positive himself. He was totally conscient of the risks giving birth now would entail for the baby and for his wife. He'd do anything in his power to stop it but all they could do was wait and pray.

After a few hours, Sharon was exhausted. She was sleep-deprived and the contractions worn her out even more. Her eyes seemed strained and she looked pretty weak in a general way. It was hard on her to endure painful contractions for hours. They didn't seem to come any closer together, more of the opposite. They were further apart from each other but still wouldn't stop.

The doctor eventually came after quite a while. When he saw Sharon's general figure, he decided to sedate her for a few hours. She needed the rest, moreover she wasn't in labor, at least not yet. Practice contractions again. But these were so close to the labor ones that Sharon hadn't been able to make the difference. Anxiety had confused her and after a few hours of them, she was struggling to manage everything at the same time.

As she was down for a few hours, the doctor insisted for Andy to go home toget some rest but he refused. He didn't want Sharon to wake up alone in a hospital room, completely disoriented. And he had promised he'd be there all along, he wouldn't break his promise. He still agreed to leave the room for a few minutes to get something to eat for both of them once she'd be awake.

When he was on his way back to her room, he took the elevator. It was already dawn, and the corridors seemed to fill up by the minute. Once at the right level, he was smiling. He had missed her even he had spent the whole night with her. She hadn't been awake in over an hour and he couldn't help it, he was looking forward to hearing her voice again. Not to mention he couldn't wait to tell her that the baby was alright. During her deep sleep, the graphs of the machine had indicated that the contractions had eventually faded. She would feel much better now and he couldn't be more relieved. She finally wouldn't be in pain anymore. It was so hard on him to see her suffering and not be able to do anything to help her except talk to her and touch her.

As he pushed her door open his arms full food, he was surprised to hear an unusual sound that seemed to beat way too fast. He hurried to her bed and heard his poor Sharon crying in her sleep. She was suddenly agitated. She was so stressed out. He put everything he had on the table next to her bed and sat next to her. Andy gently placed his hands on her shoulders vainly trying to calm her. She was sweating and her breath was irregular. He was suddenly concerned about her, was it normal for her to be like that? He felt the urge to put her out of her deep sleep, she had to wake up so that she would be able to calm down and get her breathing under control. This couldn't be good for the baby.

/

Lost in her worst nightmares, she felt lonely. How could it be the end of such a beautiful thing? Not again. Not like this. Why would they get another chance at parenhood if it was to be taken away from them again? Her biggest fears were coming true and she felt like crying and screaming her anger out. It was too unfair.

She had a look at her surroundings. She couldn't see him anymore. She was walking down a dark tunnel, trying to find her way out, disoriented. She didn't know whether she should keep walking or just stop there and wait for something or someone. She kept hearing it, his voice. His announcement. She pressed her hands hard against her ears, hoping to finally stop hearing those terrible words. Their baby couldn't be gone. It would be more than she could take. She wouldn't survive this.

Suddenly she could hear him calling her. It was confusing. Was it actually him or was it in her head? Was she turning crazy? She let her hands fall. It was him. Andy. He was saying her name over and over again. She started running. With each step, his voice felt closer to her. She kept running for her life. She needed him way more than she could explain. She was lost but she knew she had to follow his voice to get out of there. If her baby was no more, she at least needed him.

His voice was louder and louder and she kept following it. She widened her eyes as she found herself in front of a gap, a gap that had showed up out of nowhere. The oblivion. The darkness. He was still shouting her name but she couldn't follow his voice anymore. She would have to jump if she wanted to keep following him. She could hear he was in distress, calling her name as if he was about to lose her. She took a few steps back. Hesitation. Where was she? What would she find there? Would he be on the other side waiting for her? There was only one way to find out. She closed her eyes and let herself fall. After all nothing could be worse than losing their baby.

/

Sharon jumped out of her sleep gasping for air. Her eyes were wide open and everywhere at once. Panic. Her heart was racing and her breathing was out of control. Confusion. She was trying to put every piece together.

- There you go, Sweetheart. I'm here, it's over now… Andy tenderly caressed her cheek and waited for her eyes to meet his before taking her into his arms.

- Andy… she sighed in relief, tears rolling down her cheeks.

- Yes, my Love… it's okay, just relax, everything's alright… he drew soothing circles on her back.

He had rarely seen her like that, in such distress. His girl was clearly overwhelmed and lost. He hated to see her like that. She had her arms tightly wrapped around his neck and her grip was fair indication of how shaken up she was feeling. He just wanted to keep her in his arms until she would feel safe again.

- Andy, she cried, what happened to our baby? she let go of him to be able to look at him.

- The baby is alright, Sweetheart. Everything's okay with our little one, his voice was calm and reassuring through his warm smile.

Sharon couldn't believe it and instinctively took her hand to her middle, realizing the baby was moving. It was somehow alive. Andy could decipher how confused she was despite the relief he could see in her eyes. His heart ached for her.

- It felt so real, Andy… Oh my god, I just can't believe it! she exclaimed while still crying, though now it was out of joy and relief.

- What happened? Andy felt suddenly curious drying his wife's cheeks with his fingers.

- I just had a terrible nightmare… she paused trying to get the words out… I had given birth, she snifled, but our baby was…

Just the memory of it, that feeling of loss made her feel all emotional again, so she forced herself to close her eyes trying desperately to banish that thought from her mind.

- Oh Sweetheart… he took her in his warm embrace again, placing one of his hands on the side of her very prominent stomach. We are all okay fortunately, it was just a nightmare, he kissed her neck.

- Thank God, Andy, Thank God… she hugged her husband back, nuzzled into his reassuring scent.

After a few silent minutes, Sharon felt finally a little calmer. Her fears had taken over her and it was all a devastating nightmare after all. What would she do without him? He just knew how to relax her. She invited Andy into her bed, she needed to be in his arms for a little while before the doctors and the nurses would ramble into her hospital room. The bed suddenly felt very narrow for the three of them but she couldn't care less.

- What happened exactly? I feel like I don't remember much? Sharon needed to know all the facts to understand what had just happened to her.

- Well, remember we thought you were in labor right?

- Mmh, she nodded.

- You had contractions for a few hours in a row, but your water never broke. At some point, the doctor came to examine you and said you were not in labor, at least not yet. Since you still had contractions, he decided to keep you here for a few more hours to see how things would unfold. You were feeling very weak, you needed to rest but couldn't sleep because of the pain. So the doctor gave you a little something to help you rest. While you were sound asleep, a nurse came several times to check on you and noticed on the graphs your contractions had stopped – which was a very good sign. So, no labor for you today, Mrs Flynn, he ended his explanation quite satisfied. We're probably heading home in an hour or two.

/

The night had been long. Very long. And scary. But fortunately, Sharon was still pregnant, hoping to make it through at least one more week before giving birth. Her nightmare had felt so real that she was still pretty shaken, endlessly thankful for the baby's great health so far. Before they left, the obstetrician took the opportunity to examine her closely to make sure everything was alright for the mother and the baby. The little one wasn't exactly in the right position to be born yet and it was a good thing. It just meant it wasn't ready yet and it was fine for her. She just had to be a little patient with the practice contractions and trust fate.

Another good news was that the placenta was no longer in the way, or at least much less, leaving a possibility for natural birth. Sharon was happy about it although now she felt a little scared to take any more risks than needed. Maybe a C-section would still be safer after all.

As they were finally back home, Martha welcomed them with the widest smile and the warmest embrace. Sharon was so happy to be back to their cozy nest. The old lady had cooked a full lunch for all of them and it did them good to eat quietly around the table, smiling and laughing together. After breakfast, Sharon went upstairs to have a hot bath followed by a well-earned afternoon nap. Her sleep was more peaceful this time around. She woke up when she felt that Andy had joined her and was actually sound asleep behind her, spoon fashion. It curved her lips upwards to notice his hand was, as always, reassuringly around her, resting over their little miracle.

Now that she was thinking about it, they still hadn't found their baby a proper name. They'd need to fix that as soon as possible. She gently maneuvered to be able to face him and nuzzled into his chest, her head fitting perfectly under his chin. He stirred in his sleep and curved his lips when he understood what she was doing even if his eyes were still closed. He tightened his arms around his wife. It was one of the best feelings, having her in the crook of his arms, calm and relaxed, the fruit of their love protected between them.

- Mrs Flynn… I'm so glad you're mine… he kissed her forehead.

- So am I, Mr Flynn, she smiled against his chest.

- Feeling better? his hand moved to her hair, tenderly caressing it.

- Yes! The baby is asleep for once. Stressful night. Probably exhausting for our little one… she sighed.

- Yeah… that nightmare really got you, didn't it?

- It's so hard to explain… it felt like… you know when I woke up from my coma? It was like all I had gone through was real, until I woke up and slowly understood all I had lived wasn't reality. And in this case, thank god it wasn't real, she exclaimed, her shoulders feeling suddenly heavy.

- I know, it must have been really hard for you, Sweetheart… I'm sorry you had to go through that on your own… Andy gently tightened his grip around his girl. It's over now…

Sharon snuggled even closer to him.

- I know I've said that a lot lately, but I mean it, thank you so much for being here with me, I can't imagine going through all that without you, Andy.

- Well, I think I'm the one who got you in trouble in the first place, he chuckled and kissed her hairline. So I'm not going anywhere. I know you're scared and worried about the outcome, to me that's what your nightmare was about… and honestly so am I! But you're not alone in this, whatever happens, I'll be by your side where I've always belonged.

He kissed her on her forehead and kept stroking her hair and back. He loved that woman so much his heart could explode. He continued:

- We're only too aware of the risks… but let's focus on the positive, shall we? You've carried our baby this far already! We're only one week away to a safe time for it to be out – and up until now, our little miracle is active with a strong heartbeat and as healthy as it can be. We're lucky, Sharon, endlessly lucky for that! Rocky road so far, I can agree with that, but hey! We've made it through all the obstacles! Why wouldn't we overcome this one too?

- You're right… you're right we can do anything together… I love you more than words can say… she whispered taking his hand in hers.

- Love you more, he smiled and kissed her.

This man never ceased to amaze her. Even in her wildest dreams she had never dared to dream of being with him like this. It was indescribable. After such a night, after so many complicated weeks, months, we could even say years, he was still there. And not only physically there, but he was with her in every way possible. Despite all her mistakes, despite all his mistakes, they had found their way back to each other. It felt suddenly glorious, magical and beyond any understanding really. It was like in his arms, no problem could be too big for them overcome because together they were invincible.

After a few minutes of silent cuddles, Andy slipped out to have a quick shower while she decided to make herself a warm cup of tea. It would soon be time for a little afternoon snack as the baby was slowly emerging from its nap and would soon be claiming some food. She was getting hungry herself.

She made her way out of their bedroom, letting Andy know she was going downstairs. As she was about to take the first step down, she looked at it again. It was staring back at her and this time she couldn't ignore it. She turned around and shyly went back on her steps. She pushed the door completely open and admired the baby's nursery from the door frame.

What a peaceful room. She hesitated for a minute and finally dared to enter the room. Earlier that day she had seen that chair from the stairs where she was on her way to the hospital not knowing how she would come back. Thankfully, she was back still pregnant and with a healthy unborn baby.

She swayed in the room, her fingers delicately tracing the furniture's edges with emotion. As she felt the wood on her skin, she could already imagine herself with their little one and could hear the baby cooing with joy. Many sleepless nights were awaiting them, but hopefully many joyful days were also ahead. She stopped in front of the rocking chair. She now understood even better Martha's feelings towards it. There was something magical and warm about it. She gently sat on it and let her hands rest over her belly and started rocking back and forth. Her eyes slowly closed and she started humming their song almost unconsciously, while lovingly stroking her middle.

Her mind traveled far away, her intentions of making herself a tea and a little afternoon snack totally forgotten. They had thought of a few names. While for her two first children it had been an obvious choice, this time around that task seemed very difficult. So far, their picks were nice, but she couldn't imagine any of them actually fitting their precious miracle. They needed something special and they hadn't found it yet.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and almost jumped, immediately opening her eyes expecting to see Andy. She had probably lost track of time. Only she found someone else in front of her. Rusty.

- Is everything alright? he shyly asked sounding concerned.

- Oh Rusty! I thought you were at school? Sharon was a little taken aback not expecting him at all.

- I was, but my last class was cancelled and I was glad to be back earlier to see you… Martha told me this morning you had gone to the hospital over night… he was nervously fidgeting.

- Oh yes! I'm sorry we didn't want you to worry, honey! I'm alright and so is the baby. Just a little false alert that's all, she smiled to him and grabbed his hand for short seconds, sincerely touched by his concern.

- Okay… good! the teenager was clearly uncomfortable but relieved nonetheless.

- How was school today? She asked willing to take this moment to catch up with Rusty's life.

- Oh well, great I guess, the usual really…

- How's your friend Chris? Sharon kept digging.

- We had lunch together, her dad is driving her crazy these days and since she doesn't have any brothers or sisters, she's been feeling a little lonely, he explained quite factually.

- Oh I see, that must be difficult. And… how are you feeling, dear? This whole baby thing must be a lot for you, I suppose… she tilted her head showing her compassion.

- I feel okay… it isn't so hard. It was a little weird in the beginning… but I guess I'm used to it now, he sounded pretty distant but Sharon knew it was just a façade.

- I'm glad you feel better about it, then! You'll see it's gonna be great company for you, she chuckled. Probably a little loud sometimes, but it's always great to have a sibling in the house… she shrugged.

His reaction suddenly surprised her. He sat on the floor in front of her.

- You know… when the baby comes, I'd understand if you need me to move out… his eyes didn't dare to look at hers.

- Rusty, what are you talking about? Why would we need you to move out? she didn't expect that and didn't understand why on earth he would think that.

- You know, I don't wanna bother you when you'll need to spend some family time with the baby and everything… he kept looking away.

- Rusty, look at me, she paused until he did. Whether you like it or not, you are part of our family. I understand if you don't want to consider yourself so, but we do. To us, you're gonna be the baby's brother just like Joey and Ricky are. We just feel that in some way you are one of our children and we care for you a lot. If you wanna go, we will never forbid you to, but we'd really like you to stay… plus we'll need someone we can trust to babysit once in a while, she chuckled trying to lighten the mood.

- Right… okay, thank you, Rusty was clearly struggling to cope with affectious talks like these.

After a few silent seconds, Rusty stood up and left the room. That was his coping mechanism: escape and hide. Sharon didn't really know if she had said too much. Maybe he wasn't ready to feel included as a family member. She just couldn't let him believe he wouldn't be welcome in their home anymore only because there would be another addition. She maneuvered out of the chair, laughing at her struggle. Her middle was really huge now. When Sharon was finally back on her two feet, she noticed Rusty was still at the door. Their eyes met and for a few seconds, neither of them moved. He then started walking back towards her. Both were silent. She just waited there, not knowing what he was doing exactly. As he got closer, he unexpectedly spread his arms and wrapped them around her. She didn't manage to say anything. She simply hugged him back and felt her eyes fill up with tears. She hadn't seen that coming at all but it felt very special and she couldn't be more thrilled to share such an intimate gesture with him. They had never really done that before or at least the initiative had never come from him before. They remained in each other's arms for a few seconds.

- I'd love to become a big brother… he whispered barely daring to say those words too afraid to regret them.

- You already are, honey, she drew soothing circles on his back.

Vivid staccato baby kicks interrupted them and they broke apart chuckling at the little life claiming its attention.

- See, the baby agrees and wants to meet you already, she warmly smiled to him.

- Yeah… he felt a little awkward but continued anyway. I was wondering… does it hurt when the baby does that?

- Oh no, at least not most of the time. But sometimes it can feel a little uncomfortable although not actually painful, she explained. Do you wanna feel it? she offered.

- Oh hum… he hesitated. Okay…

He held out his hand and she placed it on her belly on the spot on which she had last felt the baby's movements. His eyes widened when he felt them too under his hand.

- Oh god, what is this? he asked in shock.

- A baby, she laughed.

- Right… he chuckled and gently pulled his hand back when she released it.

- How about we go downstairs and feed ourselves? The baby's hungry again, she chuckled, and I might be using that as an excuse to treat myself as well.

They both laughed and found their way to the kitchen where Rusty insisted on preparing their afternoon snack himself. That kid had come such a long way. She couldn't be more proud of the person he was becoming. Not only was she about to welcome a new baby but she had also found in him another child to cherish. Six children. What a marvel to be the mother of six children.