-several months later-

It was nearly 3 in the morning. Jess glanced at the clock as she hit the, yes you jerk, I'm still watching button, on Netflix.

The theme song of Cheers played for the 8th time that night as she cuddled with her pillow and waited for Nick to come home. Her body felt heavy and she sunk down deeper into her fluffy comforter.

He'd been working a lot of late nights lately, trying to get as much done in advance for Cece to take over when he took time off for baby. She heard the front door creek and Nick throw his keys down on the table.

He peeked into their room, "You're still awake?"

"I can't sleep," Jess said.

"At least you have most handsome man in America to keep you company," he joked as he lay down to cuddle.

He placed his hands on her belly. He felt around for a second, landing slightly under her rib. "Ahhh, there you are!" He felt baby kick, pushing on his fingers with her little feet.

"She's giving you a hard time tonight huh?"

"Mm hum," Jess agreed. She let out a heavy sigh.

They lay together. Nick danced his fingers over her belly and Jess snuggling in closer to him. "I can't believe it's been 9 months," he said.

"I can!" Jess replied with nervous laughter.

"I feel ready. You know?"

"You're ready for what? Are you suddenly giving birth instead of me?"

"No Jess," Nick grinned, "I'm ready to be a dad."

She grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight, "I'm ready to be a mum, 100%."

They fell asleep cuddling. They woke up in the early afternoon. Ferguson was sitting on the windowsill staring and licking his paw. "Whoa, okay, good morning," she whispered to him. She rolled over and looked at Nick. She leaned in to give him a kiss when suddenly, "Uuuuugh," she moaned. Okay, she thought, is that what a contraction feels like? She paused and took in a few deep breaths. She was surprisingly calm all things considered.

Jess got up and made a cup of tea. She was trying not to read too much into it, until she felt another. She hunched over and braced herself on the counter. YIKES. She went back quietly in her room and grabbed her balance ball. She sat on it rolling around like she learned in her birthing class.

Nick woke up, "Whatcha doin', Jess?"

"I felt some contractions!" She blurted out loud and excitedly, "Don't worry, I text Sadie…."

She continued talking but Nick didn't hear word she said. He got up groggily and started walking around the room picking stuff up and putting it down: a notepad, a book, the lamp, his shoes.

"Nick, get a grip! Sit with me," she motioned towards herself.

Nick holding both of Jess' hands, steadying her on the ball and she bobbed and rocked.

Winston poked his head into Jess' room, "Hey Jess, have you seen Ferguson?"

"Yeah he's right here. He hasn't left my side since… well since I started con.." she stopped herself knowing she opened up a can of worms, "Contracting."

"It's happening!" Winston rubbed his hands together, "Be right back."

Winston came back with his own balance ball and sat down next to Jess. Winston started rolling and humming deeply.

Hours dragged on, thankfully Winston left for work, and night came. Nick strolled around the house trying to keep busy. Jess shifted, from bed, to couch, to ball.

"I think I need to get up and walk around a bit." Nick walked over and helped her up from the couch. She felt a warm trickle of water down her leg. "Son of a b…Nyaaack! My water broke!"

Nick gasped. She looked at him and grabbed both sides of his face. She kissed him, pulled back and said, "I love you, Nick." He felt instantly relaxed and assured, "I love you too, Jess."

"I'm going to shower, come with me, and then we can head to the hospital."

Jess rinsed off and stepped out of the shower.

He looked at her in awe. She'd been amazing this whole pregnancy. He watched her belly grow and her body change. She was brave and sure of everything. She was his rock.

"Your boobs are huge," he said with a grin.

"Really, Nick?" she laughed.

Nick grabbed the bag that, in typical Jess fashion, had been packed for weeks, and they were off. "Let's go have a baby Mrs. Miller."

They got to the car and Nick drove them to the hospital. Along the way Jess called Sadie, who assured them that everything was going to be great. They checked in and got settle in a room. Nick was on phone duty. Texting everyone to let them know baby was coming. They waited and waited. There has been a steady stream of nurses, interns and doctors. Hours passed, Jess was finally dilated enough with her contractions coming on strong.

Nick stared in admiration. Jess was the strongest woman he'd ever met and was certainly proving it right now. Bearing down on the bed rails, riding the wave of massive contractions rippling through her body.

"You're doing so good! I'm so proud of you!" Nick said shaking. He looked up at her, tears were streaming down her face but she was still smiling. He kissed her forehead.

Sadie came through the door, beaming. "Jess! Nick! The nurses say you're doing wonderfully! I think we're going to push now! Buckle up! Jess, it's gonna suck but I promise you, once she's out it won't even matter… Nick, don't pass out."

And that was just the pep talk they needed. Soon, Nick stood over Jess and their brand new baby daughter. She was pink and wrinkly and her little fingers kind of gave Nick the creeps, but, she was theirs.

"You did so good, honey," he said brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Jess gave him a tired smile, "Look at her. Have you ever seen anything more precious and perfect in your whole life?"

"Never in my life," Nick replied, knowing 100% that was the most honest words he'd ever spoken.