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*Eight Weeks Later*
Amy shifted uncomfortably in the bed. Try as she might, she couldn't position herself in any way that felt good - but at nine months pregnant, that was to be expected.
The redhead let out a soft groan of frustration as she turned from her side to her back, which seemed to be the least *uncomfortable* position for her these days. She heard Adam sigh beside her and felt his strong arm suddenly on her, his warm breath soft as it gently hit her cheek. He tenderly kissed her, his large hand stroking her much larger belly.
"Can't sleep again, baby?"
Amy sighed deeply.
"Nope... I just want this baby out of me already," she said.
"Well, you're due in a couple more days, but if you want to hurry it along..." His hand snaked up from her stomach to one of her fuller-than-usual breasts.
She laughed, knowing exactly what he was getting at. Just the other day, they'd seen the episode of Friends in which Rachel was a week overdue to give birth and she'd wanted Ross to have sex with her to induce labor.
"Well, I'm not overdue sweetie," she chided, gently caressing his hand. "But you're so sweet... I love you."
"I love you, too, Ames." Adam grinned in the darkness, his lips finding his wife's as he lowered his hand to her stomach again. He could hardly believe he was about to become a father again in the next few short days. That fact just about took his breath away, and he could not wait. He was filled with anticipation over the child's arrival. He and Amy had of course still not inquired about the sex, as they'd agreed they wanted to be surprised.
Adam broke the kiss a moment later, a soft smile playing at his lips as he gazed at her in the darkness. He caressed her cheek ever so gently, marveling at how much love he held for this woman. She was his world, his everything. And he counted his blessings every day that somehow, after six years of being apart, she had been brought back into his life.
"You know what?" the redhead asked, suddenly breaking the sweet, comfortable silence between them.
"What?"
"I'm having the most incredible craving for some ice cream."
The blond man laughed heartily. My God, but she was simply adorable. He sat up and got up out of bed, coming over to her side to give her an assist.
"In that case, let's get you some."
She smiled up at him appreciatively, taking his hand, and with effort, got up with his tender loving help. They headed to the kitchen, listening for any sign of Mandy being awake. There was none, so they knew the little girl was still sleeping.
Once in the kitchen, Adam made a beeline for the cupboard to retrieve a bowl in which to put his wife's ice cream. However, Amy stood rooted to her spot just past the doorway, a small exclamation escaping her.
The Canadian was alarmed as he turned back to face her, noting the look of shock on her lovely face.
"What?!"
"My water just broke..."
Adam's green eyes widened in alarm, and he put the bowl down on the counter, completely forgetting about Amy's dessert. Frantically, he stepped over to her, not quite knowing even what to do.
"Oh, God... Are... Are you all right?" he asked. He glanced down at the small puddle beneath her, realizing he had stepped in it. He ignored that and snapped his head back up to examine her face. "We've gotta get you to the hospital!"
The redhead smiled easily, amused by her husband's reaction. He'd missed this the first time, when she'd had Mandy, but this was just adorable to her. He was like the typical, *stereotypical* nervous wreck of an expectant father. It was quite endearing.
"Sweetie, it's okay," she said, reaching one hand up to his cheek. "We have some time... I haven't even started having contractions yet."
The tall blond man cringed.
"Oh, God," he moaned. "Are those really painful for you?" He touched her cheek, caressing the soft skin, his gaze full of sympathy. "Is it really bad?"
The redhead was touched. How in the world had she ever managed to get herself the kindest, sweetest, most sensitive man?
"They *can* hurt a lot," she replied. "But it's really not *that* bad." She winked at him, then pulled her hand away and headed to the table.
Adam stood there and watched after her incredulously. What was she doing? And then, with some effort, she lowered herself into a chair.
"Ames? I have to take you to the hospital!"
"In a little while... I'd still love some ice cream." She looked up at him, a perfectly calm yet anticipatory expression on her pretty face.
The blond man nervously tore at his long hair. He could hardly believe what he'd just heard, and it felt so surreal, as though he were really still asleep and dreaming. Yet, he *wasn't*. He finally nodded as he came to his senses.
"Okay... If it's ice cream you want, it's ice cream you will get."
Several minutes later, as they sat there at the table, Amy spooning her frozen treat with delight, Adam watching her and feeling as though he could throw up from nerves, it happened... The redhead suddenly dropped the spoon into the bowl and sat back, her hands flying to her belly.
"Oh..." She winced, her eyes squeezing shut as the contraction hit her.
The Canadian's eyes widened.
"Amy?"
"I'm okay," she said, nodding. "But I think it's time... That was actually my *second* contraction in the last few minutes."
"Holy shit..." He sprang up for the phone, as he had to call Jay and Trish, who had agreed to watch Mandy when they
had to go to the hospital for the baby's birth.