Emma was now 8 months pregnant and very done with it, She felt huge. She was no longer able to see her feet, let alone tie her shoes, her back hurt every day and baby girl was positioned very low. She had terrible heart burn. Swollen ankles and major headaches most days. Stuck on Desk duty after almost fainting at a crime scene, Emma was feeling very bored. The team hovered every chance they got. Carisi kept trying to make her comfortable, bringing her food and ice chips, Olivia tried to keep an excited Noah in check and fielded off any comments from 1PP or other officers. Fin would randomly show up behind her desk and silently massage her shoulders or head if he felt she was stressed. Amanda was the funniest though, every morning she would say 'no baby yet?' and everyday, Emma would reply with ' still cooking'. And Rafael? Gosh he was the most worked up. He would call any chance he got, Rub her stomach any time they passed each other. Wouldn't let her carry a thing, not even her bag. They had gotten the hospital bag ready after their midwife appointment last week and he kept unpacking and repacking it when he thought Emma wasn't looking. Lets just say, Emma needed a break.

An opportunity for just that arose one Monday when the team went out to a crime scene. Emma decided to take advantage of having no handlers nearby and walked to the park she where it had all started. The park she had met Noah and where one decision changed her life for the better. Sitting on the same bench she rested her hand on her bump and observed the mothers and babies who were sat playing in the sand. That would be her soon. We'll not just huddled in the middle of the day but she would have a tiny baby to reply on her. She'd explained to Rafael that although she would try breastfeeding for the first few days, ultimately she wanted to bottle feed. She felt that with their jobs it would be easier to transition than having to express. Rafael was happy with her decision. It meant that he could help with the feeds and hoped it meant Emma would not feel as isolated. He kept hinting to her that he had a surprise in the wings but she couldn't think for the life of her what it could be. As she people watched she noticed a board in front of one of the brownstone town houses across the street. Waddling across the sidewalk she looked up at the house before her, It was stunning and inviting. Taking a breathe and holding her lower back she rang her man.

'Hello? Emma? is it time?'

'Rafa calm down, nothings happening'

' oh thank god, so whats up mi amor?

' I just wondered if you'd had your lunch break yet?'

' No i was going to head out soon to grab something, why what's wrong?'

' Do you remember the entrance to the park where Noah and i were taken? Can you meet me there?'

' Of course, i'll be twenty minutes. Are you sure your okay?'

'I'm good, i'll see you soon. I love you.'

'Love you too.'

True to his word Rafael arrived twenty minutes later. After taking a look around he found her the opposite side of the street in front of a brownstone.

' Hey Carino, What are you doing here?'

' Hey Rafa, um.. you know we talked about getting a bigger place? I wondered if we could look at this one...'

Rafael looked at the sign he hadn't noticed before. IT said open-house. He kissed her forehead and led the way inside.

Emma was in love for a second time as they walked through the house. on the ground floor there was a kitchen, sparkling white countertops, Fridge freezer and a small island in the middle. along with a dining room in rich greens and browns. The 1st floor held the lounge and study. Pretty cream walls with antler horns above the fireplace. The second floor were two bedrooms, a communal bathroom, a spare room and some closets. and finally on the top floor there was thee master bedroom with a huge en-suite with his and her sinks, a large floor bath and a walk in shower that was about 3 times the size of their apartment. Emma had a huge beam on her face, already imagining how they would decorate the nursery. Rafael kissed her and went to talk to the real estate agent. An hour later the papers had been signed and they were collecting the keys in a week.

After Rafael dropped Emma back to the station he made an important call.

' You're here? great! I'll come and collect you now and drop you to your hotel. See you soon.'

On Saturday Emma was lounging on the couch with her feet up when Olivia and Amanda walked in.

'Hey guys, everything okay?' Emma and Rafael were supposed to be going out this afternoon to buy the furniture for the baby. But he'd had to run out early morning as he had urgent paperwork for the trial he had on Monday and wasn't back yet.

' All good. No baby yet?' Emma rolled her eyes.

' No Amanda, she's still cooking.'

' Raf called us to say he was held up so wanted us to come and take you for a pregnancy massage and lunch. Said he knows you didn't sleep well last night and were a bit uncomfortable.' Emma smiled softly, He really was the best man she could have hoped for.

'Alright, help me up?' They gently pulled Emma to her feet when she grabbed her jacket and her bag.

It was a few hours later that the three woman made their way back into the building. Emma felt very pampered indeed after her massage and lunch with the girls. Putting her key in the door she pushed it open to..

'SUPRISE!' Emma stopped in the doorway. The flat had been transformed into a small party. Pink balloons were strung with streamers, A buffet-style platter was spread on the dining table which had been brought in from the kitchen. There was a table of presents and soft pink blankets piled on the coffee table all with pink and cream ribbons. The entire team, Lucia, Noah and Jesse were all there, the adults with drinks in their hands, the kids with juice boxes. Rafael stood in front of the crowd, a baby shower banner hanging above the fireplace with a small smile on his face. Dressed in black jeans and a crisp white shirt he walked forward and snaked his arm round her, resting his hand on her bump.

'Rafa i.. I don't know what to say.' Carisi called out.

'Oh my god Counsellor, we broke her' Fin rolled his eyes.

' Don't worry, i got it.' And with that he slapped Carisi at round the back of his head.

'I.. guys thank you so much!' We smiled and walked in. She was about to say something else when she heard a voice she thought she would never hear again.

' Oi! What about me? I've come all the way out here and you haven't even noticed me yet? Some best friend you are..' The crowd partner to reveal her very best friend, blue hair, piercings and all.

' Bry.. i.. how? Oh god.' And with that she stumbled over to her and burst into tears. Bryanie's arms circled round her and tears fell from her own eyes. It had been almost 2 years since she watched her friend jet off to America. They weren't allowed to speak, or text. Nobody knew where she was. Bryanie's felt as if she had died. And then out of the blue she gets a facetime from an American solicitor. Saying he was dating Emily and they were having a baby in a few weeks. He asked if she would come out to see her as he knew she was upset at not having her parents go through this time with her. Bryanie jumped at the chance, he'd flown her there, first class and on the redeye so she arrived within hours. He'd collected her the other day from the airport and taken her to a hotel. Then when her colleagues took her out for the day she'd helped Rafael set up for the party. Bryanie just needed to remember not to call her Emily. Em would be safer. They sat on the couch as they caught up. Emma's friends milling about enjoying themselves.

After food and presents Emma was feeling very overwhelmed. She couldn't believe what Rafael had done for her. Not only had he thrown a surprise baby shower he had gotten her best friend to her when she thought she'd never see her again. Her team had gifted her everything they could possible need for baby girl. Lucia had gotten her a beautiful hand made rocking crib that the baby would sleep in for the first 6 months. The team had gotten her small presents like a sling, clothes nappies and things. But the entire SVU department and also the ADA department had all chipped in to buy them a beautiful stroller. Top of the line, sleek and stunning. Emma had burst into tears when she was told it was from everyone. The most incredible present for her to receive though was from Bryanie, When she'd asked her when she had to go home Bryanie had looked at Barba and said.

' unless you want me to I'm not leaving.'

'What? what do you mean?'

'I mean, you are no longer the only British woman here anymore.' Emma screamed, making Jesse jump from where she was dozing on Carrisi's shoulder. Emma continued to cry until she had no more.

But back to her being overwhelmed, Rafael noticed and asked Carisi to keep everyone busy while he took Emma out to the balcony. Taking her hand he saw his mother give him a wide smile as he led her out the door. Once outside he put the blanket he'd hand over his arm round Emma's shoulders and held her from behind. His hands resting on his baby girl.

'Have you enjoyed your baby shower Mi Amor?'

She leaned her head back and he kissed her slowly.

'I can't believe you did this all for me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. And getting Bryanie here. i just.. Thank you Rafa.' He kissed her again and took his arms from round her. When he didn't replace them Emma turned around to find him on one knee with a small box in his hands. Emma gasped and her hands flew to her mouth.

'Mi Amor, Emma, you've made me the happiest man in New York. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?' Emma stumbled into his arms, tears pouring down her face.

'Yes' She whispered. He kissed her softly and put the ring on her finger. It was beautiful. A simple diamond on a gold band. It was his Abuela's ring. He'd asked his mother for it after their dinner and she had been all too willing to pass it on. Next second there was cheering coming from inside. Everyone was standing at the window watching, Bryanie had her arms round Carisi and Fin, jumping in excitement, Olivia and Amanda were comforting a crying Lucia, also with tears in their eyes. and the kids were grinning from ear to ear.

' Rafael Barba. I love you.'

' I love you too soon to be Emma Barba.'

Once everyone had gone home, Fin giving Bryanie a lift to the hotel she was staying at, Emma and Rafael laid on the couch just enjoying the quiet. They didn't need to talk. So many things were being said in silence that they felt closer than ever. holding her stomach with Rafael's hands on top of her, they sat watching the skyline, feeling their daughter kick into the night.