I am soooo sorry! Well eighth grade is over and Summer has started so here ya go!

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Chapter 16: Going Home.

Rouge's POV

I yawned, and stretched my wings, sitting up in the hospital bed. Today was the day! I smiled wide. Today, me and Shadow bring Maria home! I was so excited. Although…I had been shocked when the doctor told me I had a daughter, I had thought I was carrying a son. But, nonetheless, I made Midnight her middle name. Just then, Shadow walked in, interrupting my thoughts. He looked at me, then walked to my side. He smiled.

"Today's the day…Do you think Maria will like the house?" He asked, blushing slightly. I smiled, taking his hand.

"I know she'll love it, Shadow… But… I was thinking…We don't have a crib, or baby blankets, or-" Shadow cut me off, his right ear twitching, amused.

"Love, I bought everything we need while you were sleeping last night. Its all ready." He said, a little smug. I sighed, and looked at him, asking what colors. "Pink, red, and…gray." He admitted.

"…Okay, I'm good with those colors. When do we leave?" I asked. The purple walrus came in then, and smiled, holding a clipboard.

"Whenever your ready Ma'am." He told me, and the nurse came in holding Maria. She handed her to Shadow, then handed me my outfit.

"We washed your clothes, and I even took the liberty of fixing a hole that was forming." Nurse Sally said. I nodded. Shadow helped me stand, and I walked to the bathroom, changing into my outfit. I walked out, feeling more confident now that I wasn't in a hospital gown. I happily took Maria from Shadow. Nurse Sally smiled.

"Lets go home." Shadow said, wrapping his arm around my waist. I kissed Maria's forehead and walked out. Soon enough, we were home. I walked to the door, and Shadow opened it for me. I loved him so much… And we were finally a family. I laughed and twirled into the house. Shadow chuckled and led me to Maria's new room. I gasped at the beauty. In the middle there was a pink and red crib with a small gray stuffed animal bear. In various corners, small play mats and toys sat, waiting to be played with. On the window seal, there was a small box that had a black and red bow on it. I smiled and sat Maria in her crib, then walked over to the gift. I opened the box, and saw a small baby blanket. I pulled it out of the box, and looked at the design. Tears of happiness came to my eyes. On the blanket, there was a picture of me and Shadow holding hands, and a small little pink bundle was right where our hands joined. Little gray and black dots where here and there, just like Maria's fur. On the edges, the words 'Now and Forever, a happy family, always together, through whatever weather.' were sewn on. I turned and ran to Shadow, hugging him.

"Oh Shadow this is perfect! I love it so much!" I cried. He kissed my forehead.

"I knew you would…" He whispered. I smiled wide, and walked over to Maria's crib. She was blowing little spit bubbles, and stretching her wings out.

"Aw…" I cooed. The feeling in my heart was to much to describe as I placed the small blanket over her fragile body. Emotions that were indescribable rushed through me. I'm a mother…I thought. Tears flowed from my face as I happily hugged Shadow, and we watched our daughter play with the small bear, the blanket covering her. I was so happy, my heart felt like it was going to burst. Maria's small legs kicked, but the blanket stayed on, and she laughed for the first time. A laugh that sounded like church bells. Shadow and me both smiled, and I picked her up, keeping the blanket wrapped around her. Shadow stood right beside me, like I knew he always would. And I knew that this family would last forever, and the thought brought more happiness into my heart. Now and forever… Forever and always.

"I love you Rouge." Shadow whispered, and looked down at Maria. "And I love you too Maria." He kissed her cheek, then kissed mine.

"I love you too Shadow…" I looked down at Maria. "And Mommy loves you too baby." I leaned into Shadow's arms. He lied his head atop of mine, and everything was perfect. Like it always would be.

…

Sorry it's short… I'm planning on either making an epilogue, or putting in a few more chapters. Well, I turned fourteen a few days ago… And I really am sorry it took so long to update… hey, im not good at drawing, but I bet people who are reading this are! Ya know what would be the best? If you guys could draw a picture of what you think Shadow, Rouge, and Maria look as a family and email it to me at . Or draw a picture of various scenes that where in this story. Lol. Its totally up to you, you don't have to, but I wanna see how people's imaginations differ from my own, and see what you guys think. Well, comment on if I should make the epilogue or a few more chapters, and if you'll do the picture. This story, by far, has got the most comments of all my stories, and I wanna thank EVERYONE because YOU ALL encouraged me. So, thanks. Love you guys! R&R!