"Just let me smell it. One little sniff." I pleaded.

Rosaline looked at me with guilt, staring at the sushi platter Damon made for her. Just looking at it made my mouth water as I saw the rolls piled up with Damon's special sauce.

"But Xavier said–"

"He's not here, Rosie. He won't be back from his mission until late tonight."

It was a miracle that Xavier went on a job out of state. Xavier had practically put us both on house arrest, wanting us to nest here until the baby arrived. Being almost nine months pregnant, Xavier had been glued to my side until he received an urgent message on a mission in Louisiana. If it hadn't been dire, I was sure Xavier would have sent Damon.

Rosaline pushed her plate to the side, hiding the food behind items on the counter. She blinked her big brown eyes and gave me an innocent smile. If I didn't know how genuine and sweet she was, I would have snapped her head off. Rosie had been taking care of me since I found out I was pregnant, giving me massages and helping me with tasks when Xavier wasn't available. Without her, I would have gone insane or murdered my husband by now.

My emotional and physical state went back and forth. I could be feeling fantastic and then I sneeze and pee my pants. I could be yelling at Xavier and then I would get giddy when the baby started kicking.

But I blamed my inconsistent state on the one who turned me into a bloated whale.

Now I was just exhausted and ready to get this child out of me. My due date was in a few days and I was struggling to get comfortable. My pelvis hurt whenever I sat or walked, the swelling in my feet was killing me, and I just wanted to eat the food I wasn't allowed to eat.

Seeing the defeat on my face, Rosaline came over and gave me a hug.

"How about I cook something for you? I know how to make some mean waffles." Rosaline offered.

"Add whip cream and chocolate syrup and you got yourself a deal." I said, waddling over to a stool to watch Rosaline cook. It was amazing to watch Rosaline dance around the kitchen, easily grabbing ingredients. It was crazy to think that six months ago, Rosaline didn't even know how to use a mixer, much less bake. Damon took her under his wing, becoming a little chef herself.

It was also refreshing to see Rosaline at peace. Rosaline had been through hell and back, and I couldn't have picked a better person to be with Damon. She made him more open and protective, even more talkative. If you told me all those years ago that Damon would panic over a girl, I would have laughed in your face.

I grimaced as my body churned, a sharp pain hitting me down my lower abdomen.

"Are you okay?" Rosaline asked as she scooped up some batter.

"Just more Braxton Hicks." I waved off, easily dismissing her concern.

"You sure?"

"This isn't my first rodeo. My body just likes to be a fucking tease."

It was unfortunately very common, something that always sent Xavier for a tailspin. We saw my doctor multiple times over the last few weeks, thinking it was finally time only to be wrong.

Still hurt like a bitch.

"Maybe when Xavier comes back, you can try all the remedies to go into labor? I think I read it in one of the books Xavier shoved in my direction." Rosaline suggested and I snorted.

"I tried already, but putting that on hold until Xavier comes back. But I started some things like exercise, spicy foods, sex–and I mean lots of sex– and nothing! I swear, baby Monroe just wants to stay in my body as long as possible." I rubbed my stomach, feeling the baby move around.

Rosaline blushed, clearing her throat. "Well, I don't need all the sex details, but I get the picture. The waffles should be ready in a few minutes."

I rubbed my hands together in anticipation. "Come to future mama!"

A few moments later, a beautiful creation was in front of me. I shoved the delicious morsel in my mouth, not caring that I am getting syrup and cream all over me.

"Holy crap, Rosie. This is–"

I nearly choked as another sharp pain hit. It felt like someone was punching my stomach.

Rosaline dropped her spoon in panic. I gave her an apologetic grin.

"Sorry. It was just so good. Mmm..."

Rosaline didn't look convinced, turning off the waffle maker and going to me. "That was seven minutes apart from your last one. Maybe we should see the doctor–"

"Nope. No way. The doctor is only going to send me back. Besides, Xavier is still out of town. There's no way the baby would decide to leave now, right?"

"I don't think anyone really has any say," Rosaline responded warily. "We should tell Xavier–"

"Nope. I am going to be sitting on the couch watching my favorite TV show and eating some damn good waffles. The baby is not coming and Xavier and I will cuddle in bed later tonight, baby still inside of me. Got it?"

~*~

"It's just Braxton! It's just Braxton!" I insisted, groaning in pain as another contraction hit.

"No, Maria. It's too consistent." Rosaline argued back. "I've been tracking you for the last two hours. You're definitely going into labor!"

Rosaline was a mixture of excitement and panic on her face, her body slightly vibrating. I still shook my head in denial.

"You don't know that." I panted.

"Maria, you almost choked on your waffle!"

"I told you that it was too salty!"

Rosaline grabbed the ends of her hair. "I'm not getting anywhere with you. Marco! Marco!" Rosaline shouted, tugging on her strands anxiously. Marco came rushing in and Rosaline immediately started shooting orders. "Get the car, the baby is coming. Tell Damon – I think he's still at the shooting range."

"You guys are just exaggerating. I'm fine." I gritted out.

"Maria, you need to get your head out of the sand. I really think you are starting to go into labor. If it's nothing, you can yell at me later." Rosaline insisted, helping me stand up.

I tried to resist getting in the car when we got outside, but Rosaline stood firm as she carried my baby bag. I saw Damon rush out the house, talking on the phone.

"He wants to talk to you." Damon said, giving me the device..

I quickly took it, hoping he would talk some sense. "Xavier–"

"I'm on my way, Sugar. I should be there in three hours," Xavier promised, his voice frantic as he barked orders to people in the background. "I need you to listen to Rosaline and remember to do your breathing exercises. We've practiced–"

"I know about the fucking breathing exercises. The baby isn't coming!" I snapped into the phone.

There was silence for a moment before my husband spoke again.

"It's okay to be scared, Maria."

"Scared? I'm not scared." I scoffed, ignoring the emotions that felt a lot like panic.

"You are Sugar, but that's okay. I'm scared as shit. But we're going to get through it together."

I closed my eyes, fighting back the tears. Rosaline rubbed my back soothingly, gesturing for everyone else to get in the car.

"But you're not here. I don't know if I'm ready. What if the baby hates me? What if you don't make it in time? What if something happens–"

"I will do whatever I have to do to be by your side when you deliver our baby. We have one of the best OB doctors in New York taking care of you, and our princess is going to love you – me more, of course."

I laughed a little, letting out a sniffle. "How do you know it will be a princess? The baby could be a prince."

"I just have that feeling," Xavier boasted, his voice soothing my frazzled nerves. "But you are going to go through this labor like the goddess you are. I need to jump on the plane and will get there soon. I love you."

"I love you," I said before hanging up. I took a deep breath, turning to Rosaline. "Let's get to the hospital."

Rosaline gave me a beaming smile and helped me get inside the car.

Let's fucking do this.

~*~

I can't fucking do this.

"Argh!" I wailed, holding Damon's hand tightly. "Get it out. Get it out!"

"You haven't fully dilated. You're only 8 centimeters. Don't push." Rosaline ordered sternly, patting my forehead with a towel.

"Should've done the epidural." Damon muttered.

I gave him a death glare and Rosaline swatted him. "You're not helping!"

"She's trying to crush my hand." Damon hissed at her.

"What time is it?" I asked in exhaustion, the recent contraction over.

"It's nine o'clock. Xavier should be here soon. I also called your Mom and she's on a flight now." Rosaline reported, giving me some ice chips.

My heart panged at the mention of my mother.

"If the baby is going to stay long enough for Xavier to show up. I don't want to push without Xavier here. It wouldn't feel right." I said, attempting to do a breathing exercise.

It had felt like an eternity since we arrived at the hospital, the nurses sticking and plugging things in me. The contractions had somehow gotten even more painful as sweat coated my entire body.

Like a goddess my ass.

"You are doing an incredible job. Damon is just a stupid man. Men are stupid," Rosaline reassured me. "Xavier is going to be here any second and take charge. You'll be ready to kill him in no time."

"That sounds– nice!" I grunted, another wave of pain passing through me. "Why have women been cursed?!"

"I believe every woman has thought the same thing at least once, Mrs. Monroe." Dr. Barker said as she entered the room. She quickly did an exam. "It looks like you are ready to push. I'm going to gather the nurses and get ready for the delivery."

I shook my head rapidly. "No. My husband–"

"Is right here!" Xavier shouted, running into the room and by my side. I let go of Damon to grab him. Xavier's clothes were ruffled, his suit jacket missing and his hair a mess like he'd been running his hands through it.

"You're here!" I sighed in relief as he wiped some wet strands of hair from my face. "You're really here."

"I wouldn't miss this for the world, Sugar." Xavier said with a smile, kissing the top of my head.

The room was full of chaos, nurses rushing our friends out and preparing for baby Monroe to enter the world. But I had never felt more calm now that Xavier Monroe was here murmuring reassurances in my ears.

~*~

The first cries of our baby was the most beautiful sound I ever heard. I panted as Xavier showered kisses over my face.

"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. You have a healthy baby girl." Dr. Barker announced with a smile.

"I guess you did know we would have a princess." I murmured to my husband.

"You did it, Sugar. You did it." Xavier said, his voice strained with emotion.

"Mr. Monroe, would you like to cut the umbilical cord?" Dr. Barker asked.

Xavier beamed, looking at me for permission. I gave him a nod as he rushed to help. Xavier followed the nurses as they cleaned our baby girl. I strained to see my baby's face as the doctor examined me.

The nurse bundled her up in a pink blanket before placing her in Xavier's arms. Xavier looked at her in awe, tracing over her little features with a love only a father could have. My heart grew at the sight, wanting to engrain this moment into my mind forever. Our child would forever feel loved and cherished if I had anything to say about it.

Xavier slowly brought her over, placing her in my arms. I gasped at how small and beautiful our daughter looked, little red strands escaping from her small beanie.

"She's perfect." I murmured and Xavier kissed the top of her head.

"Just like her mother."

I grinned as I gave Xavier a kiss.

The nurses and doctor took a few more moments to look over me and the baby before leaving us alone.

"We need to give her a name." Xavier said as he trailed a finger down her chubby cheek.

We created a list of names the last few months for either a boy or a girl, but I knew exactly what her name would be.

"Reagan Octavia Monroe."

A sheen of tears entered Xavier's eyes upon hearing his mother's name. "She would have loved to be here. To be a part of all of this."

"She is. She's a part of you. And now, she is a part of our daughter. I thought you and your dad would like to honor Octavia's memory."

"Thank you. And thank you, Reagan," Xavier cooed at our daughter, who began to squirm. "For being my little princess. I will protect you and keep all men away from you. I'll keep you inside the property forever and you will never get married and leave me."

"She is barely an hour old and you're already worrying about her dating life?" I snorted. "Figures. But now I can't help but feel a bit sorry for her."

"Not if I make her the ultimate daddy's girl. I already have her first outfit ready." Xavier protested, digging through the baby bag to show a pink onesie that said 'I have the best daddy ever!' with flowers and hearts all over it.

I couldn't help the large smile that escaped.

Reagan let out a small cry and I laid her head on my chest, right over my heart. The beat instantly calmed her down as she let out the cutest noise. Xavier and I practically melted.

She already had us wrapped around her finger.

Xavier kissed me, holding his girls close with no intention of releasing us anytime soon. I sighed in contentment, basking in my new reality. I knew the others were waiting, but I wanted those extra few minutes of it just being the three of us. We were a little family now.

Welcome to the world, little Reagan.