Friday came round quickly. The day Emma and Rafael were meeting his mother for dinner. Emma was a bundle of nerves, As Rafa was her first partner, she'd never gone through the whole ' meet the parents thing'. She hadn't sat still all day, not only because she was uncomfortable at 7 months pregnant but also because she felt too anxious. The team let her do her thing, but after Rollins had returned from dropping a victim home she had to do something before Emma wore a whole in the floor. Grabbing her arm gently, Amanda pulled her into the break room.

'Emma, are you feeling okay? do you feel ill? I don't think I've seen you this restless.'

' Yes, no, argh i don't know Manda.' Tears started falling down her cheeks. Amanda pulled her as close and she could with the bump in the way.

' What's the matter honey?'

' I'm meeting Rafa's mother for the first time tonight.' Amanda continued stroking her back.

'Well that's exciting isn't it?'

' But.. but what if she hates me? what if she thinks I've trapped her baby boy? What.. what if she thinks i wanted to keep the baby away because he didn't tell her? That i made him to that? What if she hates British people and thinks my accent is stupid?' Emma started panting in a panic.

'Emma! Emma you need to breathe, calm down.' Amanda placed her against the bed and poked her head out of the room.

'Olivia! Carisi! i need you!' Both walked over quickly.

'What's wrong? is the baby okay?'

'Carisi i need you to stand guard on this door. Do not let anyone in, including Barba if he shows up. Liv i need you in here with me.' She pulled Olivia in by the arm and immediately went to sit in front of Emma to hold her hands. Olivia placed herself behind Emma and pulled her back to her chest Speaking softly she said.

'Emma feel me breathing, i want you to match it. In and count to 4, out and count to 4. Thats it and again, in.. and out...in...out..' Emma's head lolled on Liv's shoulder as she tried to calm down. Her vision danced as she looked up to the ceiling, trying to match Olivia. It took 10 minutes before she was calm enough to sit up. She murmured a thanks.

' Now can i ask what got you so panicked? Amanda?'

'Emma is meeting Barba's mother this evening and it appears she has been psyching herself up. She is worried she will hate her.'

Olivia hugged Emma from behind and rested her cheek on the top of her head.

'Oh Emma. I promise you you don't need to worry. Lucia is one of the most caring and open people i have ever met in my life. I promise you she will greet you with open arms. And if she doesn't, I'll give up my badge.'

'You... you think so? '

'I know so.'

'But what if..'

'I SWEAR CARISI IF YOU DO NOT LET ME IN THAT ROOM I'LL PUT YOU ON THE FLOOR MYSELF!' All three heads snapped to the door. They had never heard Barba raise his voice like that. Amanda stood up to open the door and Barba immediately walked forward and knelt before Emma. Kissing her forehead, Emma leant into him.

'Esta bien Mi Amor?'

' I'm fine Rafa.'

' Are you ready to go?' Emma nodded and stood. Learning down to hug both Amanda and Olivia she whispered.

'Thank you both.' She whispered. As Emma was about to walk out the door Olivia called her back.

'Emma.' She waited for Emma to look at her. 'Trust me.' Emma nodded, held Rafael's proffered arm and walked out.

Emma pulled her new coat closed over her bump, trying to hide it as much as possible. Rafael kissed the back of her hand and led the way into the restaurant. He immediately saw his mother already at a table and made his way over, pulling a nervous Emma behind him. She stood up and he hugged his mother hard, it had been over a year since they had seen each other.

'Hola Mami, como estas?'

'Si, es tan bueno verte hijo mio. Now where is this wonderful woman you've been telling me about.'

'Right here Mami. I'd like to introduce to you the woman I love, and the mother of my soon to be baby girl. Emma Jones.' As Rafael turned to retake Emma's hand she jumped back slightly when his mother gave a shriek.

'Ah un bebe? por que no me lo disjiste hijo?!' Rafael's mother practically threw him aside and stepped towards Emma.

'Mami!' Emma took a quick step back.

His mother stopped and put her hands up.

'Lo lamento, i didn't mean to scare you mi novia. I'm Lucia, may.. may i abrezo ?' Emma looked at Rafael, who stood stock still. Taking a deep breath, she took a step forward and brought her arms round the older woman.

'It's very nice to Meet you Lucia, I'm Emma.' Lucia gave another squeak, making Emma jump again.

'Your British too?! My hijo, you have chosen right!' Rafael relaxed and chucked, taking Emma's hand and pulling out her chair for her then doing the same for his mother before sitting down and holding Emma's hand again.

Lucia beamed at her son and pulled him into conversation about why they hadn't been introduced before and why he didn't tell her he was going to be a Papi.

'Mami, so much has happened in the last year, i didn't want to worry you while you were on your trip.'

'Disparates, nonsense. How long have you been together?' Emma glanced at Rafael and tensed when he answered.

' Officially since December, though we were practically living with each other long before that.'

' months and you haven't told me you were with this beautiful girl! Shame on you Rafael.' Emma chuckled.

'Lo siento mami.' They ordered their food while Emma and Lucia got to know each other. She explained about her childhood in England ( obviously not mentioning what happened to her parents only that they were dead.

'So, When are you due? You are having a girl? Do you have a name yet?' Emma smiled and rested her hand on her bump.

' We don't have a name yet but we are thinking one American and one Cuban. She is due on the 4th December.' Emma could feel their baby girl kicking. Reaching towards Lucia she held her hand out for hers and asked.

'May i?' Rafael wasn't sure what Emma was doing but it became apparent when his mother placed her hand in Emma's and Emma rested it on her bump. After a few moments his mothers face lit up.

'That.. thats her? Mi Nieta? Hola bebe, I am your Abuela.' Emma grinned.

'Abuela? I think I like that.' Rafael was warmed by the fact that his mother and Emma got along, it was a big weight off of him and he felt himself relaxing for the first time that evening.

Lucia made sure to make Emma feel included in conversation. Emma ended up having a lovely time but by 10pm she was starting to flag. Rafael offered them to drive his mother home but she refused saying she would get a cab. She gave Emma a big hug, held her face and whispered.

'I am so glad he has found you mi amor. I cannot wait for us to be a family.' Emma teared up and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Rafael and Emma made it home by 10:30, and made their way to bed. After making love they cuddled and enjoyed being with each other. Emma was pushed up against his chest facing away, the pregnancy pillow that Amanda had insisted she buy was between her legs and Rafael was gently stroking her stomach. Rafael though Emma had fallen asleep when she spoke up softly.

'Rafa?'

'Si amor?'

'How would you feel if little lady's middle name was Lucia? after her Abuela?' Rafael sat up and learnt over her so he could see her face.

' Are you sure?'

' 100%, I'd love for that to be her middle name.' Rafael grinned and kissed her slowly but firmly. Lets just say they didn't get to sleep for a while.