A\N: I got the idea for this story last night. I know I'm already writing a lot of stories in different fandoms but I just had to post this now. I might update pretty regularly over the next two weeks. After that I'm supposed to go back to work after the three week COVID-19 shutdown.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Warnings: Never seen on screen charter death.

Spoilers: None

Chapter 1

Shane and Rita were coming back from an extended lunch. Rita and Norman had just gotten bac from their honeymoon two days ago, so Rita and Shane still had a lot to talk about. The two best friends were also starting to plan Shane and Oliver's wedding. Even though they hadn't set a specific date, yet they were hoping to have it in a year or year and a half.

"Ms. McInerney, Rita did you two enjoy your extended lunch?" Oliver inquired as they walked back into the DLO. Norman and I were just about to go to the lab and find out what substance is on the letter."

"Oh, we did, thank you Oliver," Rita smiled as she went over to see Norman.

Shane walked up to Oliver. She looked at him and smirked just a little. She knew he didn't approve of kissing at the office, but she decided she'd try to see what would happen. She began playing with his tie, "Since you called me Ms. McInernery instead of Shane, I think I'm going to have to kiss you." She kissed him.

After their lips parted Oliver looked at Shane, his eyebrows raised a little, "if that was supposed to be a deterrent so I would not call you Ms. McInernery it did not work."

Shane watched Oliver walk into the makeshift lab and walked over to her desk. She was going to begin a new search on her computer when her cell phone rang. "Hi Mom," She answered the phone as she held the phone between her shoulder and ear so she could start another search,

"Wait…slow down. Mom you're not making any sense. I didn't even know- no she didn't tell me. I guess- yeah, yeah I'll come." Shane hung up the phone and as she placed it on the table she began crying.

"Shane, my love, what is wrong? Rita said your mother called," Oliver gently led her over to the couch, "What happened?" He made sure she was seated before going to her water bottle.

Shane took the water bottle with a small smile "Alex died giving birth to a baby. I didn't even know she was pregnant. Mom said she wanted to tell me, but I guess she never… Mom's at the hospital in D.C. so I said I go. I'll go and look for a flight," She stood up, but Oliver stopped her.

"Oliver," Shane protested.

"You are not to do a thing Shane," Oliver told her, "We will look after everything for you."

"I'll look for flights to D.C" Rita walked to Shane's computer. "After that'll I'll take to back to your place so you can pack.

"If you are okay here Shane, I am going to go to my house and pack."

"Oliver," Shane looked at him, "I appreciate you wanting to come but this isn't going to be a trip with any schedules, and I know you don't like hospitals."

"I do not want you to go alone. I have plenty of saved up time off that I can take. Now, are you alright here if I leave,"

"Uh-huh," Shane nodded her head, "Thanks Oliver."

"Of course," Oliver kissed her cheek before leaving the office.

Early the next morning Shane and Oliver walked into one of D. C's busiest hospitals. Even though Shane had barely slept the previous night she was running on adrenaline. She just wanted to find her mother so she could support her. Shane texted her to let her know they were on the elevator and Catherine met them as they exited the elevator.

"Mom," Shane walked to her mother and hugged her tightly as they both cried. She might not have always gotten along with her sister, but she still loved her very much. When both women were able to settle their tears, Shane looked at her mother, "Is the baby okay?"

"The baby's fine. She's actually the only thing keeping me going right now. Before… before Alex did get in contact with her father but he signed all parental rights away. She wasn't sure at first about being a single mother but then she got so excited. She wasn't gambling she was doing so great." Catherine began to cry again.

Shane hugged her mother, "I'm here. Do you want me to sit with my niece for a little while? You probably haven't eaten much. I know we're both not hungry but as Oliver-" She suddenly remembered Oliver's presence, "Oliver," She turned and faced her fiancée, "Sorry, Mom this is Oliver, Oliver this is my mother.

Oliver shook Catherine's hand, "I wish we were meeting under different circumstances. I am more the happy to take you to the cafeteria to get you something to eat. Shane should probably eat something as well, but I am most certain she would like to see the baby first."

"I would," Shane nodded, "The maybe 'll get something to eat. Is the baby eating? She must be wanting Alex too."

"She's been fussy with taking a bottle. Some of the nurses are very good at feeding her. She's in the nursery over here," Catherine began walking down the hallway until they got to a glass window. She pointed out a baby who was currently crying, "That's Hope."

"Hope?" Shane looked surprised, "Did Alex come up with that name?" She wondered. That wasn't a name she thought Alex would pick

"She called the baby her second chance, a hope for a better future. She really did love the name. She would have been-"

"Mom," Shane attempted to be strong for her mother, "I'll go and sit with Hope. You go with Oliver and get something to eat and drink."

Catherine looked at her daughter, she could tell she was trying not to cry, "You don't need to be strong for me sweetheart. Alex was your older sister. You're allowed to be sad too."

Shane gently nodded her head as she walked into the nursery. After showing ID and filling out some paperwork she was allowed to sit with Hope in rocking chair in another room attached to the nursery.

"Here she is, if you need anything just let us know. She might be hungry, but she hasn't been interested in eating that much,"

"Thanks," Shane took the small baby and held her, "Hi Hope. My names Auntie Shane. I know you want your Mommy. I miss her too but maybe we can help each other out. I know neither of us wants to wat right now."

Hope looked up at Shane and yawned, she attempted to snuggle into Shane to sleep but then started to cry again.

"I know, I know," Shane tired her best to comfort the baby, "I know you thought I was Mommy. I know you're so confused right now. I just wish you'd drink something. You don't want to get sick. Grandma and Auntie Shane don't want you to get sick," She carefully stood up with Hope still crying in her arms, "Why don't you try to drink some milk," She carried the baby out of the room and went to find a nurse.

An hour later Shane was still sitting with Hope trying to get her to drink the bottle. Hope had only drunk a little bit out of the bottle. Shane was now dipping the milk slowly into a pacifier and then giving it to Hope. So far that seemed to be working. Shane was very grateful for the nurse who had recommend doing that.

Oliver walked quietly into the room and watched Shane with the baby. The way she was looking at the baby Oliver knew how this was going to end. He was trying to sort out his feelings while making sure Shane was okay as well.

"I was able to convince your mother to go home and try to get some rest. She told me the funeral is going to be on Friday," Oliver walked up to the chair Shane was sitting in, "Why are you dipping the pacifier into the milk?"

"Hope won't drink the bottle," Shane explained, "Thanks for getting Mom to ger some rest. I'll stay here with Hope. She needs to be held but I don't want to get to attached. I think adoption is probably the best thing for her.

"Adoption? Your mother never said anything about putting her up for adoption.'

"I know, but she shouldn't have to take her she should be able to enjoy her retirement as much as she can. And I'd take her but-"

"But?" Oliver prompted.

"Oliver, we just got engaged. I wanted to be playing our wedding not looking after a newborn. I know you don't like change and Hope would throw my world upside down, which means our relationship would change. I want us to get married and then in a few years have our own children."

Oliver knelt down so he was level with Shane, "The best place for Hope is with family. I am prepared for all of the changes this might bring. God works in ways we don't always understand. I have faith everything will work out. Plus, I think my father would love to have a… well a baby around."

Shane studied his face, "Oliver, if I take custody of her that means I won't have time to plan or wedding, I'll be so busy with her and I won't be able to work."

"I didn't say you'd have to do everything alone. I'm quite sure your mother would move back to Denver with us to help you with the baby. Rita would be more than happy to help you with the baby and planning the wedding; And I'm sure Norman can give you some advice on fostering a baby."

Shane attempted to smile, "That sounds good but in reality, it would be much harder. Oliver are you sure you're okay with all of this? You're being very calm. This whole situation doesn't scare you?"

"It does," Oliver confirmed, "But right now my priority is looking after you and I know raising Hope for Alex would mean a lot to you.

"It would," Shane nodded her head as she began to cry again. Hope looked up at her wondering why she had stopped receiving milk and then she began to cry too.

"Right, right," Shane whipped the tears away from her eyes, "Should I even ask if you'll take the bottle?" She picked up the bottle and held it up to Hope's lips surprisingly the newborn slowly began drinking.

"Good girl," Shane praised, "Now you won't be hungry anymore and maybe we can get some sleep. "Let's go tell the nurses you drank all of your bottle. It took an hour to feed you but now I think you should probably ger some sleep." Shane stood up and saw Hope yawn and open and close her hands.

TBC

A\N: I know this chapter was sad but I promise things will get better. Please review.