How hadn't they put the pieces together before? How hadn't they recognized her as soon as she had penetrated the Murder Room? It now seemed so obvious, so unmissable. Her jerky moves, her general incoherence, it was all Sharon Beck. Her request didn't make much sense. She wanted to see the Captain to have her son back, when the last time they had been able to contact her, she had deceived them and left Rusty behind over money once more. It was almost comical to see her threaten them to get him back. There was certainly a reason for such request but why now? After so many months of silence. She never even tried to get back in touch with the Captain or her son.

She barely knew how to hold a gun or at least that's what her clumsy moves revealed. All this didn't seem planned. But it didn't make much sense as penetrating the Police Department's building was no easy task let alone with a gun. Mrs Beck had probably gotten some help and they would have to find out who was behind this. Maybe there was a mole among them – again.

The clock was ticking and the 30 minutes she had given them were long gone now. Hopefully she had forgotten about time. Her phone rang. She clumsily picked up almost dropping the gun. Someone shouting, a man's voice, could be heard. There was indeed someone behind this.

- I… I know… I'm taking care of it! She was confused and pressured by the interlocuter.

The fire alarm went off.

While Sharon Beck looked around surprised by the loud alarm, Sanchez made it straight to her taking the only opportunity to make her drop her weapon. He twisted her arm, a gunshot went off but he hit her wrist against one of the desks and made her drop her gun. Meanwhile, Provenza went around his desk to get his service weapon along with Tao who were both pointing at the woman shouting for her not to move. Sanchez gladly handcuffed her. He was satisfied and reassured to have finally put an end to this, until he looked up. His face fell off.

/

He didn't dare to leave her side, not even for a second. He needed to make sure she was alright and he couldn't imagine letting go of her hand. Thankfully, Andy had had his phone all along and had called for reinforcement back when he was still in the rest room. As soon as he found his wife and understood what the situation entailed, he called the paramedics hoping that she wouldn't have to give birth out of a hospital. Her pregnancy had been risky and complicated quite early on, they couldn't take any more risks. Giving birth on the floor of the Break Room wasn't an option, let alone without any medical care. They had to figure something out to have her out of the building without getting caught or injured.

Andy got her a glass of fresh water. Her state made him feel unsure and concerned. She was tired and awfully sweaty. The pain was harder for her to bear contraction after contraction. He felt unuseful although she kept reassuring him and telling him how happy she felt that he was with her. The situation was stressful and complicated but being there with him somehow made her feel lighter and more relaxed.

- The ambulance should be here any minute now… we have to reach the emergency staircase. We'll get you to the floor right beneath and we'll rush you to the elevator. From there we'll easily get to some medical care and we'll be in safe hands to meet our little one, Andy explained the plan.

- I can't wait to meet our baby, Andy… we can do this as long as we are together, right? she smiled, looking at him through her heavy lids.

- Yes, Sweetheart, together we can do anything, he kissed her hand which he had been holding ever since he had gotten to her side.

- Hey… how's the Captain? Amy suddenly interrupted them.

- She's okay for now but we gotta get her out of here fast! The paramedics are on their way, Andy answered before Sharon even started talking.

- I can hear you, she chuckled looking at her husband.

- I know, I'm sorry, he chuckled back.

- It's getting serious out there…

- What do you mean? Sharon asked feeling the stress rise again.

- The woman… she wants to talk to you because… because she wants her son back. Captain, it's Rusty's mother out there threatening the team… Amy slowly explained not quite sure it was a good idea to upset the heavily pregnant Captain who was about to give birth.

Sharon was under shock. It meant they were going through all this because of her, it had been her idea to shelter Rusty in the first place. She felt responsible and guilty for putting the team through this. She had never thought Sharon Beck would come to this, she hadn't seemed very interested in her son so far after all. Had she found out about the adoption and changed her mind? If so, how? Why would she show up now of all times? Somehow, it changed everything. It wasn't just a random woman claiming something and threatening them. It was Rusty's mother. And she wanted her son. Sharon's son's biological mother wanted him back. It hurt to suddenly be reminded that Rusty wasn't hers, theirs. It was hard to take in. She didn't know how or why this was happening, but she knew that she had to do something about it… although Andy wouldn't be happy about it.

- Andy… This changes everything… I have to go talk to her! I can't just flee and leave the team like that! Sharon declared.

- What are you talking about? You can't go out there and have a talk with her just like that! Sweetheart, she's armed and dangerous! You're about to give birth to our baby and you should be far away from this crazy woman! Andy couldn't wrap himself around such crazy idea.

- I know but Andy… she's his mother and she wants him back… we can't just go. I know I can handle her. Please, trust me on this. I won't need much time… I can deal with her!

Sharon sounded absurd to both Andy and Amy who were completely scandalized that she would even consider going out there to talk to an uncontrollable lady who happened to be armed on top of it all. It was extremely dangerous and too unpredictable. There was no way he could agree to let his pregnant wife face Sharon Beck alone even less while being in labor.

- Honey, please… I can talk her into giving up her gun. I know you're scared for me but I'm sure I can calm her down…

- Sharon… this is nonsense. How are you gonna manage your contractions?

- I have a few minutes in-between, trust me I can manage, I gave birth twice before, I know my body. I just keep imagining Rusty finding out we didn't do anything for her… it's his mother… if we leave now and let reinforcement take care of it they might hurt her or worse. I wouldn't be able to move on with my life and adopt Rusty if I know I took part in this. Andy… we have to do something…

He knew his wife only too well. She wouldn't let go. Her stubbornness had proven to be quite enduring over the years. And who was he to upset his pregnant wife who was about to deliver their little miracle. However, he wouldn't let her talk to Sharon Beck just like that. She was out of her mind and he intended to bring her to that conclusion. And with a quite perfect timing came the next contraction.

- Easy Sweetheart, he held her hands tightly feeling a hard squeeze.

Sharon moaned and protested at the pain that was getting more and more difficult for her to endure. She tried to focus on her breathing until her muscles relaxed again. Who was she fooling, she was in no state to face Sharon Beck. But she still felt like she had to try something.

- You're right… she sighed.

- About what?

- I can't talk to her… the contractions are too strong and unpredictable now…

- I'm glad you can see it now… Sweetheart, indeed you can't go out there and expose yourself and our baby like that but I might have a plan to get you out of here and help the team at the same time… he turned to the young lady, Amy we're gonna need you!

Both women were all ears, desperate to put an end to this chaos.

/

Amy had covered up for Flynn and the Captain in the corridor while they reached the emergency staircase. She waited a few minutes to give them the time to access the level below them before setting off the fire alarm. That would give the team a good distraction to hopefully have Mrs Beck under control. Sykes heard Sanchez intervene, that's when she dared to appear in the Murder Room and pointed her gun at the suspect. It happened so fast, she barely got time to understand who was leading the fight when a bullet left the woman's gun. Julio had Rusty's mother back under control in a few seconds. The gun was dropped and he forced her to the ground. He then took his handcuffs out and locked them around her wrists.

Provenza picked up his ringing phone. Reinforcement was probably there although now they would be unuseful. His interlocuter took him by surprise. It wasn't reinforcement. Andy needed the paramedics as Sharon wouldn't make it to the hospital after all. Louie had a quick check at his watch. He thought of something that might get his best pal and his wife out of trouble.

- Lieutenant! Sykes suddenly called for him.

- Okay, 6th floor, there must be a couch in one of the offices if my fading memory is working. I'll send her, she'll be there in a few minutes. Good luck!

- Lieutenant… It's Buzz…

- Sykes, go to the main entrance and send the paramedics here and to the 6th floor. Sachez, put our suspect in Interview Room 1. Tao, what do we have to do to stop the bleeding? Provenza ordered automatically taking the lead.

Tao undid his tie and tied it around Buzz's left thigh right above the wound the bullet had made. They had to stop the bleeding. Poor Buzz was quite pale. Tao pulled on both sides of his tie to make a tight knot. He then pressed with all his weight on the wound. Buzz grunted out of pain feeling suddenly faint.

- We need a glass of water with some sugar, his blood pressure is too low, Mike explained quite factually.

- I'll go get it, Provenza hurried to the Break Room.

Meanwhile, Sanchez came back after handcuffing Sharon Beck to the table of the interview room 1. He took her phone and tried to find who was the person she was talking to right before the alarm went off. Her conversation implied that she had an accomplice. And what if that someone was out there ready to take over where Sharon Beck had failed? Was the Captain still threatened? Was Rusty's life in danger? These were questions that needed to be answered and fast.

/

5 minutes in-between each contraction wasn't much considering the numerous steps composing the staircase. Although Andy's plan had seemed quite smart at first, they had both forgotten about one little detail – the fire alarm disabled the elevators. They had several levels to go through before finally reaching the ambulance awaiting in front of the building and Sharon was exhausted. She could only take a few steps before taking a short break. The pressure she felt downwards increased with every passing minute. The baby would be there soon.

Another contraction took over her body, her muscles clenched, the pain hit her. She had given up silence quite a few contractions ago. She stopped and leaned onto the handrail for support. She let small cries of pain escape her mouth, it was becoming truly unbearable. They were running out of time, she could feel it. Andy kept whispering encouraging words to her ear, massaging her lower back to relieve her. She was so glad to be with him. She knew he felt unuseful but the truth was his presence only was helpful. Once the contraction was gone, he put his arm around her waist again and held her against him while she grabbed the handrail with one hand and put the other one under her swollen middle to help carry the weight. They went for a few more steps until Sharon stopped in her tracks unexpectedly.

- What's wrong? Another contraction? Are you in pain? Andy looked at her concerned not knowing what else he could do to help.

- No, Andy… we're not gonna make it to the ambulance at this pace… Sharon was out of breath. I'm too slow and the contractions are too close together. The baby is coming, we don't have much time before I'll have to push…

She tried really hard to sound calm but the look in her eyes gave her away. Things had escalated way faster than she had expected. She had given birth twice before but her body had always needed hours of labor to be completely dilated. But this time was different. She was in distress, frightened because although Andy was with her, it was a risky delivery as much as it had been a risky pregnancy all along the way. And it was certainly not a good idea to give birth by themselves in a staircase without any medical care at all. Her brain swam in confusion, it was difficult to think of anything while dealing with the pressure and the labor going on.

- Okay, Sweetheart, we're gonna work this out, he made her look him in the eye, it's the two of us against the world, remember? For better or for worse, he smiled to her while cupping her face.

Tears were forming in her eyes. She wanted to trust him and believe everything would be okay. But it was getting difficult to keep convincing herself when they were stuck in a staircase still levels away from any medical advice whatsoever.

- I know you're scared but the little one is our miracle, it will fight tooth and nail even if we have to deliver the baby here, boy or girl it's gonna be a tough one like its mama, he chuckled. We can do this together, I believe in you, you are the strongest person I've ever met and you're gonna get through this, I can promise you that.

Andy lovingly kissed his wife and dried her wet cheeks with his thumbs. He hated to see her like that, which pushed him to think even faster to figure something out before she'd have to push the baby out right there. He took his phone out of his pocket and dialed a phone number. Sharon was too busy dealing with the next contraction to pay attention to who he was talking to. While he talked, he held her hair up, she was hot and sweaty. The top of her dress was soaked in. He hung up and blew some fresh air onto her neck.

- Can you walk a couple more steps? We need to reach the level right below us.

Despite several stops, they finally reached the 6th floor. All this time and pain to cover only 3 floors. Thank God, the Major Crimes unit wasn't any higher in the building!

- Who are we meeting here? Sharon mumbled under her breath.

- We should find a large couch in one of the offices… Stay here I'll go have a look…

- Where do you think I can go? she rolled her eyes up while humming through the next contraction coiling through her body.

While Sharon was leaning against the wall for support, Andy had a quick check to find the spot he had been told about. There was no one around. The whole building had been evacuated because of the fire-alarm. And considering she was probably gonna give birth right there, it wasn't a bad thing to be alone and have some privacy.

- Okay, honey we found you a very comfortable spot, can you walk? It's right next door, we're almost there.

She managed to make her way to the so-called couch and Andy helped her lie down. She laid carefully on her back. Her husband nicely placed a cushion under her neck to help her reach a half-sitting position. She instinctively put her knees up and spread her legs. The baby's head was probably not far from crowning. She placed her hands on both sides of her belly and breathed vainly trying to relax. The contractions were now 2 minutes apart. The delivery was about to start. She knew she would need to push any minute now because the pressure was too intense. Her body urged her to push while she tried to delay it the most she could.

- Andy… the baby's coming now… she alerted him between her breaths.

- There you are! Patrice interrupted them.

- Oh thank God! You made it in time! Andy was relieved.

- Hi Sharon! How are you? Patrice smiled to her and placed her hand on Sharon's shoulder in a reassuring manner.

- I've been better, she answered out of breath.

- I'm sure you have! Sharon, I'm Patrice…

- Louie's Patrice? she asked her voice unsteady.

- Yes! As you may know I'm a nurse and I'm gonna help you bring this baby out while the paramedics get here. Can I have a look, dear?

- Yes… she answered in a sigh.

- The contractions are 2 minutes apart more or less, Andy added.

- I can feel the baby… her eyes fell shut again and she grunted out of pain.

- Okay, let's see this…

Patrice kneeled on the couch right in front of Sharon's knees. She helped her out of her underwear and saw for herself that indeed the baby was crowning. Andy kneeled right beside his wife and grabbed one of her hands.

- Honey, breathe… that's my girl, he passed his hand over her forehead and kissed her hand. Hey, we're gonna be parents again, he smiled through a few tears. We're finally gonna meet our little miracle.

Sharon squeezed his hand and smiled painfully while looking at him. He was right, it was finally time after all these complicated months of sacrifice. This was the last effort she had to make although right this minute it seemed impossible.

Patrice brought the attention back to her after slipping on surgical gloves and placing a few towels right at Sharon's entrance to welcome the baby.

- Sharon, it's time to start pushing, the baby's right there, she sounded calm and she seemed to know what she was doing which reassured both parents-to-be.

- Let's do this, Sweetheart, Andy whispered.

Sharon filled her lungs up with air and started pushing when she felt the next contraction come. Nose wrinkled, eyes shut and tightening Andy's hand for dear life, she pushed as hard as she could while screaming through the pain.

- Very good, Sharon. Catch your breath and we'll go for another one. Give me another good push! Patrice encouraged her.

Sharon did as she was told for a few pushes but fighting the exhaustion was no easy task. She had done this before, but she was older and feeling so tired and weak. She had been in labor for a couple of hours now and the contractions had worn her down consequently. She went for another push but she knew it wasn't enough. She was out of breath already and the head wasn't even out yet.

- I need you to push harder, Dear. You can do this, Sharon. The baby's right there!

Andy had an idea and changed position. He sat on the edge of the couch, next to her stomach. He perched himself above her.

- Sweetheart, put your arms around my neck, we're gonna push together, okay? he explained.

- Andy… I'm so tired, she whispered out of breath. I don't know if I can do this… I can't seem to push hard enough, the poor thing was crying suddenly discouraged.

- Sharon, listen to me, we can do anything, remember? I know you're tired and scared but we're gonna do this together and in no time you'll be able to hold our baby in your arms. Now settle your arms around me and let's get this baby out, he kissed his wife's forehead again certain that she would make it.

She pulled herself together, placed her arms around him and joined her hands behind his neck.

- Ready? he whispered.

When she felt the next contraction coming up she nodded and went again for another big push along with Andy who didn't stop encouraging her to keep pushing despite her screams. She stopped on Patrice's order sensing that something was up.

- I think you're struggling because the baby has the cord around its neck. Now don't worry, I'll just need to release it. I'm sorry it's gonna be uncomfortable…

Patrice used two fingers and slid them next to the baby's head. Sharon groaned and closed her eyes trying to focus on Andy's reassuring scent and voice. The nurse proceeded to unwrap the cord and gave Sharon the go-ahead to push again which she did with Andy's help. He had his arms tightly wrapped around her chest and helped her push.

- There you go! The head is out, Sharon! You're doing amazing, dear! Last big push for the shoulders and we're done! Give us a good push!

- Did you hear this? We're almost there, Sweetheart! Last one! Andy repeated.

It seemed like moving mountains, but her baby needed her to give whatever she had left of energy to bring it to the world and she couldn't give up now. She looked Andy in the eye, he whispered an emotional "I love you" and it gave her the strength to inhale as much air as she could take before giving one last loud push that would finally allow her to have her baby released and out in the world. She gave her everything until she finally heard her baby cry.

- Well done, my Dear! The baby's out! Patrice cheered. And we have a little girl!

A little girl. They had a little girl. Sharon sighed out of relief and allowed herself to relax a little. Andy kissed her several times.

- We have a little girl, Sharon. It's our little girl! Andy was just so adorable, completely overwhelmed. We made it, Sweetheart! I'm so proud of you! He kissed her forehead letting tears freely run down his cheeks.

- Her lungs are definitely functional, 10 fingers, 10 toes and already a hell of a temper! Patrice added, chuckling to the couple while managing to clean the crying baby.

Sharon didn't know what to say. Tears were freely rolling down her reddened cheeks, she was smiling from ear to ear. The baby was here. At last. A little girl. Their little girl. And she was healthy and crying. She was struggling to realize this was truly happening. Andy cut the cord on Patrice's invitation. Neither of them had even paid attention to it, but Patrice had come with a bag apparently carrying everything needed for an improvised delivery. A few short minutes later, the baby was wrapped up in a towel and placed on her mother's chest which made her settle down. Andy sat back on the edge of the couch against her side facing his two beauties.

- Hello, my love… she smiled down to her daughter while her tears made it hard to clearly see her little face. I'm so glad to meet you, she delicately traveled from the baby's nose up to the side of her face with the tip of her forefinger. I'm your mama… and this is your daddy… she raised her face to meet his. We love you so much…

Sharon was ecstatic, over the moon happy with their perfect little miracle, the fruit of their love. This little girl was still so tiny and had barely a few minutes of life, and yet she had no idea how important she was already and what she represented for her loving parents. Andy delicately kissed her tiny head and played with her minuscule fingers which she instinctively wrapped around his thumb.

- Daddy's here, Beautiful. Do you remember we used to talk and sing together every night? Now, let's keep doing this to make your mama laugh her heart out, he winked at his wife beaming with pride.

- Andy, she whispered – her voice too shaky to say it out loud, thank you for not leaving my side… Sharon was still crying, I love you so, so much my Love… she extended her lips seeking his and they kissed. I would never have made it without you.

If she already loved him beyond words before that, right now her heart could explode with love and gratitude for him. Her family was complete, and she couldn't love this man any more than she did now. She had given birth twice before but never had she been able to count on someone like that. The way he had been able to calm her and encourage her through such a stressful delivery was just unexplainable. Andy met her lips and kissed her lovingly placing one of his hands on the side of her face affectionately.

- I'm so proud of you, Sweetheart. See? I told you you'd make it through and look at her… she's perfect just like you… I love you, Sharon, more than I can say, more than you can ever imagine.

The happy little family was in their own little bubble of happiness, totally disconnected with the outside world. While they were introducing themselves to their new daughter, the paramedics had finally reached the 6th floor and taken over Patrice's good job. The placenta was to be expelled and Sharon would need a few stitches but generally and quite unexpectedly, mother and daughter were healthy and it was what truly mattered.