Authors' note: It's quite fitting that on the night before Mother's Day we have Maddie giving birth!
At hospital, Maddie was perfectly calm while Ethan was freaking out.
"What if it pops out?" Ethan asked in a panic.
Maddie laughed. "Ethan, that's not going to happen. Sit down, you're making me nervous."
"I can't," Ethan paced back and forth.
"Why don't you get a cup of ice chips for me?" Maddie suggested. "There's a bucket over there on that table."
"Okay," Ethan said, rushing to the table. In his haste he spilled them all over the floor.
Maddie smiled adoringly at him. "It's okay---no use crying over spilled ice chips."
Ethan sighed. "I'm a bloody mess."
"Take a deep breath," Maddie told him. "Close your eyes and find your centre; your inner peace."
Ethan looked at her. "What?"
Maddie looked at him. "Just do it...close your eyes."
"I can't relax, Mads," Ethan said.
"Ethan James," Maddie said firmly. "Close your eyes."
Ethan sighed and did as his wife told him.
"Take a deep breath," Maddie told him.
Ethan sucked in a deep breath and held it.
"Breathe out, but keep your eyes closed," Maddie said softly. "And think about---think about that night years ago when we were in my Nana's woods. Remember?"
Ethan had to smile. "The first night we twirled?"
Maddie smiled, too. "Yes."
"I kissed you for the second time," Ethan recalled.
"Remember how carefree we felt?" Maddie said softly.
"Yeah," Ethan grinned.
"Now," Maddie said. "Remember how it felt when you held Kiera in your arms for the first time?"
"I was amazed," Ethan recalled.
"When you feel yourself freaking out again, remember those two moments," Maddie said.
Ethan opened his eyes and looked over at his wife. "I'll try," he promised.
Maddie smiled. "Feel calmer now?"
"Yes," he responded.
"Good," Maddie said happily.
Ethan leaned over and gave her a kiss. "I love you."
"I love---ooooh," Maddie said wincing as a contraction hit her.
"Uh," Ethan instantly panicked again. "What do you do... you have to breathe, right? Really steady?"
"As do you," Maddie told him, squeezing his hand. "Centre, Ethan. Calm."
"I know, I'm sorry," Ethan told her.
"No need to apologise," Maddie reassured him. "Just stay calm."
"I can't believe no one's been in to see you yet," he said.
"They will be," Maddie said. "Besides my contractions are far apart."
"Oh," Ethan nodded. "Right."
"This is already so much better," Maddie said smiling at him. "Because you're here with me."
Ethan smiled back. "I wouldn't miss this one for anything."
Maddie patted her stomach with her other hand. "Gwyn's certainly glad to hear that."
"Kiera's with my parents," Ethan replied. "I think she'll be okay out there."
"Can you go and see if my mum's here yet?" Maddie asked. "I'd like her to be in here with me."
"Sure," Ethan squeezed her hand.
"And give Kiera a kiss from me," Maddie said.
"And more ice chips?" Ethan asked.
Maddie nodded. "And ...do you think you could fetch me some chocolate chip muffins? I'm starving."
"Done deal," Ethan answered.
Maddie gave him a kiss. "You are the best."
"I won't be long," Ethan promised.
He hurried out of the room and into the waiting area.
"Luna," he said when he saw his mother in law. "Maddie wants to know if you'll go in there with her.
"Of course," Luna nodded. "How is she?"
"So far so good," Ethan answered. "I've got to get her some chocolate chip muffins."
Ron perked up at this. "Ooooh, that sounds good, actually. I'll run down to the cafeteria and buy some for her."
Harry chuckled. "And yourself?"
"That goes without saying," Ron answered. "Be right back."
"Thanks, Ron," Ethan said gratefully. He looked over at his mother who was holding Kiera. "How's she doing?"
"Perfect," Hermione looked adoringly at her granddaughter. "She was asking for you."
Ethan reached for her. "How's Daddy's big girl?"
"Daddy!" Kiera said happily.
Ethan hugged her to him. "Your Mummy wants to give you a big hug and kiss."
"Mummy?" Kiera asked.
Ethan nodded. "She loves you very much."
Kiera grinned at him. "See?"
Ethan grinned back at her. "You want to see Mummy?"
Kiera nodded.
"Just for a minute," Ethan said. He knew it would be Maddie a world of good to see her daughter.
He carried Kiera into Maddie's room and watched his daughter's eyes light up.
Maddie beamed when she saw her little girl. "Hi, baby!"
Kiera reached for her, almost making Ethan lose his hold on her.
"It's okay," Maddie said taking her daughter. "How are you, sweetheart?"
"Hi!" Kiera said happily. "Baby?"
Ethan watched as his daughter put her small hand on Maddie's stomach.
"Are you talking to Gwyn, love?" Maddie asked.
Kiera didn't answer. Her only response was a smile.
"Ooooh," Maddie said as another contraction hit.
Ethan picked up Kiera. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go and see if your Grandpa brought back those muffins."
"Kay," Kiera agreed.
Maddie blew a kiss in her daughter's direction. "I love you, Kiera."
"Bye Mummy," Kiera waved to her.
"I'll be right back," Ethan promised, carrying Kiera out of the room.
"You okay, Maddie?" Luna asked softly.
Maddie nodded. "Just hurts."
"I'm sure they'll give you something soon," Luna said.
"I hope so," Maddie replied. "They're only eight minutes apart now."
Ethan came back in carrying the muffins and a cup of ice chips. "Here you are."
"Thank you," Maddie said gratefully.
"Your father brought back every muffin they had in the place," Ethan joked.
"And how many did he eat?" Maddie asked.
"He didn't say," Ethan laughed sitting down. Maddie eagerly took a bite and closed her eyes. "Mmmm, this is soooo good!"
"How are you feeling?" Ethan asked her.
"That's my question," Lizzy said as she came into the room.
"I am so glad to see you," Maddie replied.
Lizzy grinned. "I bet you want something to relieve those contraction pains?"
"That would be wonderful," Maddie replied.
Lizzy looked at her. "How far apart are your contractions now?"
"I just timed them at 8 minutes apart," Maddie replied.
Lizzy nodded. "Give me just a moment to brew the potion."
"Of course," Maddie took another bite of her muffin
"I guess I should be asking how Ethan's holding up," Lizzy said as she mixed the ingredients.
Maddie smiled at her husband. "He's relaxed for now."
"With help from Mads," Ethan said.
"Shouldn't that be the other way around?" Lizzy teased.
"He's a newbie," Maddie said.
"He'll be an old pro when this is all over," Lizzy said, handing her the potion.
Maddie eagerly drank the potion.
"What does that do?" Ethan asked anxiously.
"Lessens the pain she feels when she has contractions," Lizzy explained. "It's perfectly safe for her and the baby."
"Okay," Ethan relaxed.
"I'll be back in just a little while," Lizzy said.
"I'll keep timing them," Maddie said, leaning back.
"Want another muffin?" Ethan asked.
"I'm okay right now," Maddie shifted on the bed. "My back hurts a bit."
"Can I do anything?" Ethan asked.
"Just stay here with me," Maddie smiled at him.
"Absolutely," Ethan promised. "I'm not going anywhere.'
"I'm so glad you're here," Maddie reached for his hand.
"Me too," Ethan said leaning in and kissing her.
Luna smiled at the young couple. "I'm sure Kiera will be very excited to have a younger sister."
"I want them to be close," Maddie said. "Like Darla, Drew and me."
"They will be," Luna predicted.
"Kiera and Gwyn are going to be fast friends with Ellie," Maddie said.
"They'll all be right around the same age," Ethan nodded.
"Kind of like how we were growing up," Maddie said smiling at him.
"Except they won't want to marry each other," Ethan joked.
Maddie giggled. "I wasn't that bad, Ethan!"
"Nah," Ethan replied. "Not that bad..."
Maddie swatted at him causing Luna to laugh.
"Come on," Ethan chuckled.
"I finally got you though," Maddie said.
"Yeah you did," Ethan grinned at her goofily.
In the visiting room, Saffron had just arrived. Andrew had stayed behind with the baby. Kiera waved excitedly when she saw her aunt.
"Hello, gorgeous," Saffron cooed at her niece
"Sa," Kiera said reaching for her.
"What a smart girl," Saffron scooped her up and kissed her cheeks.
Kiera giggled. "Ba-by?"
"That's right," Saffron said. "You're about to be a big sister."
Ron mumbled something and Saffron turned. She saw him wiping his mouth. "Chocolate chip muffins?"
"I brought some to Maddie," Ron said. "How are you, Saffy?"
"I'm well," Saffron replied. "Ellie slept through the night last night for the first time."
"That's great," Ron told her.
Hermione smiled at her daughter. "How's Andrew?"
"He's fine," Saffron said. "Staying at home with Ellie."
"Which I'm sure you had to twist his arm to do," Harry joked.
"Yeah right," Saffron said wryly.
Saffron sat down with Kiera. "How's Maddie? Any word?"
Ron shook his head. "Not in a little while, but I'm sure they'll tell us when something's going on."
Saffron smiled. "I'm just glad Ethan's here. I know how important is for him."
"Maddie's happy about that too," Ron replied.
"I know she is," Saffron said thoughtfully.
"Sa," Kiera looked up at her.
"Yes?" Saffron asked smiling down at her.
"Buh?" Kiera asked her.
"I was going to ask you where your little shadow was," Saffron replied.
"I can't imagine bringing him here," Ron shuddered.
"Buh, Buh, Buh," Kiera said looking at her grandfather.
"No Blue," Ron shook his head.
Kiera buried her face in Saffron's shoulder.
"It's okay, love." Saffron reassured her. "You'll get to see him later."
"She's just like Maddie was with Dolly," Ron said shaking his head.
"Like mother like daughter," Saffron joked.
"Ron never quite got over what Dolly did to his Canons shirt," Harry said.
"Shut it, Potter," Ron scowled at him
"You don't even like that team anymore, Uncle Ron," Saffron said. "So, in a way, Dolly did you a favour."
"I guess," Ron replied.
"Ron, it's been years," Hermione pointed out.
"I know that," Ron said.
Saffron patted Kiera's back. "You'll see Blue soon, Kiera. I promise and you can tell him all about your big trip to hospital to meet your little sister."
Kiera grinned at her.
"There's that smile we love so much," Saffron said.
The little girl giggled. "See Daddy?"
"You will soon," Saffron promised. "He's with your mummy right now."
"And baby?" Kiera asked.
Saffron nodded. "And the baby."
"Hmm..." Kiera rested her head on Saffron's shoulder again.
Saffron smiled and patted Kiera's back. She hoped that things were going well for Maddie in the delivery room.
"Three minutes," Maddie said after breathing through her latest contraction.
"You're doing really well," Ethan said.
"The pain is coming back, but still not as intense as it was," Maddie replied.
"That's good, isn't it?" Ethan asked.
"I suppose," Maddie replied.
Ethan squeezed her hand. "You're doing great, Mads."
Maddie looked at her husband and tears welled up in her eyes.
Ethan smiled. "What?"
"I'm just glad you're here," she sobbed.
Ethan leaned over and hugged her. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I know," she said, holding onto him.
"You, Kiera and Gwyn are everything to me," Ethan said softly.
"I love you so much," Maddie wiped at her eyes.
Ethan gave her a kiss. "I love you, too."
Maddie managed a watery smile as another contraction hit.
It seemed like an eternity to both of them, but finally Lizzy entered the room again and after examining Maddie announced that it was time.
"Right now?" Ethan asked.
"Unless you'd like to wait," Lizzy teased. "Because Gwyn Potter seems ready to make her appearance."
"We're ready," Maddie said, pushing herself up.
Luna used a cold rag to dab at Maddie's forehead. Ethan held his wife's hand and tried to be strong for her.
"All right," Lizzy positioned herself on the end of the bed. "I'm going to need a nice, big push from you Maddie."
Maddie nodded. "Okay..."
"What do you want me to do?" Ethan asked.
"Just---just hold my hand," Maddie replied.
"Okay," Ethan said. "Just... squeeze mine as hard as you want."
Maddie squeezed his hand as she bore down and pushed as hard as she could.
"Good!" Lizzy said. "Very good!"
"That's quite a grip," Ethan said hoarsely.
Lizzy smiled. "Another one from you, Maddie."
Maddie nodded and mustered all her strength. She groaned as she pushed.
"Head's out!" Lizzy announced. "You're doing great, Maddie."
Maddie closed her eyes and pushed once more. A baby's cry echoed in the room.
Ethan stared as Lizzy cut the umbilical cord. "A happy, healthy Gwyn!" she announced. "Congratulations, both of you."
Ethan was absolutely speechless.
"We're just going to clean her up and then you can hold her," Lizzy said.
Maddie sank back against the pillows. Luna beamed at her daughter. "Congratulations, love!"
"Thanks Mum," Maddie said, still breathing hard.
Ethan turned and looked at his wife. "You were fantastic, Maddie!"
Maddie smiled at him. "You were too, Ethan."
"You did all the hard work," Ethan said giving her a kiss.
"Having you here helped," Maddie told him.
Lizzy carried the baby over to them. She was wrapped in a light pink blanket. "Gwyn Potter, meet your mum and dad."
"Go ahead and take her," Maddie said to Ethan.
Ethan looked at her. "Are you sure?"
"Of course," Maddie nodded.
Ethan took the baby from Lizzy. She was so small and her face was red, but to Ethan she looked absolutely beautiful. "Hi," Ethan whispered.
Gwyn's little face screwed up and her mouth puckered.
Ethan smiled. "I think she likes me."
"She loves you, I'm sure." Maddie said softly, gazing at her new daughter.
"She looks like you," Ethan said.
Maddie smiled. "She's got blonde hair."
"Just like her mum and sister," Luna said.
"She's perfect, just like them," Ethan said.
Maddie smiled sleepily at him. Ethan gingerly handed her the baby. Maddie cradled Gwyn in her arms. "My precious girl."
Ethan smiled. "And how are you?"
"Knackered, but very happy," Maddie replied smiling at her new daughter.
"I'll take her and introduce her once you're asleep," Ethan told her.
Maddie nodded. "Kiera's going to be so excited."
"Yes, she is," Ethan agreed. "I think I'll go get her now."
Luna shook her head. "I'll go. You stay with your family, Ethan. I'll bring her back for you."
"Thanks," Ethan smiled at her.
Luna stepped out of the room and walked down the corridor to the waiting area. Everyone looked up when she entered. Kiera was asleep in Saffron's arms.
"Gwyn was just born about five minutes ago," Luna said.
"She's healthy?" Hermione asked.
"Completely," Luna said.
Hermione grinned and hugged her husband.
Saffron touched Kiera's shoulder. "Sweetheart, wake up..."
"Sa?" Kiera mumbled.
Saffron kissed the top of her head. "Are you ready to meet your baby sister?"
"Baby!" Kiera exclaimed.
Everyone laughed at the little girl's sudden exuberance.
"Hi you," Ethan said, scooping his daughter into his arms.
"Dad-dy!" Kiera giggled.
"Come meet your baby sister," Ethan said. "The one you've been talking to."
Kiera put her arms around his neck.
Ethan carried her into Maddie's room.
Kiera's eyes focused on her baby sister the moment she entered the room.
"Hi sweetheart," Maddie said. "It's your little sister."
"Gwyn, meet Kiera," Ethan said carrying Kiera closer to the bed.
"Hi," Kiera said, her eyes wide.
Gwyn stared at Kiera.
"She's the one who was talking to you all this time," Maddie whispered to Gwyn.
Gwyn sent a gummy smile to her sister.
Kiera smiled back at her. "Baby."
"That's a smart girl," Ethan kissed her cheek.
Maddie used her free hand to wipe her eyes.
"You all right?" Ethan asked her.
Maddie nodded. "I'm perfect."
"Yes you are," Ethan smiled at her. "I love you."
"Love baby," Kiera said.
"That's my good girl," Maddie said.
Kiera beamed at her.
Luna came back into the room. "Your parents and Ron would like to see Gwyn if it's possible," she smiled at her new granddaughter.
Maddie smiled. "Of course."
"We'll let you get some rest," Ethan said, handing Kiera to Luna and carefully taking Gwyn into his arms.
Maddie nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Ethan. Mum."
"I won't be long," Ethan promised. "I'll stay with you tonight."
"Okay," Maddie said, already closing her eyes.
Ethan carried Gwyn out into the waiting room.
Luna followed, carrying Kiera.
"Oh!" Saffron was the first to gasp. "Ethan she's beautiful!"
Ethan grinned. "She is, isn't she?"
"Good job, big brother," Saffron smiled at him. "She and Ellie will be the best of friends."
Ethan smiled back at her. "I think so, too, Brat."
"Let me see her," Hermione took the newborn into her arms.
Ron chuckled. "The baby hog has her. You'll never see her again, Ethan."
"You're just jealous I got to hold her first," Hermione retorted.
"As if I could have gotten past you," Ron said. "You're as bad as Harry when he sees the Snitch."
"Stop, both of you," Harry said, leaning over his wife.
"She looks like Maddie, doesn't she?" Ethan asked proudly.
"Very much," Harry agreed. "Another blonde, eh son?"
Ethan laughed. "It seems so, Dad."
"That's all right," Harry assured him jokingly.
Saffron looked over at Kiera. "So, how does it feel being a big sister?"
"Love baby," Kiera told her.
Saffron grinned. "I know you do. You'll be a great big sister."
Kiera giggled. "Where baby?"
"Ellie, you mean?" Saffron asked.
Kiera nodded.
"She is at home with Andrew," Saffron said. "In fact...I was going to ask if you might want to come home with me tonight. We'll have a little sleepover."
"That would actually be great, Saf." Ethan said. "I was going to see if Mum and Dad would take her... and only if you're sure you won't be overwhelmed with two babies."
Saffron waved her hand. "We'll be fine, won't we, Kiera?"
Kiera nodded.
Saffron grinned. "We'd love to have her over, Ethan."
"Thanks Brat," Ethan said gratefully. "I really appreciate it. But you'll let me or Mum and Dad know if you and Andrew feel overwhelmed, okay?"
Saffron nodded. "We'll be fine. It'll be good practise for us."
"Are you planning more already?" Ethan asked mischievously.
"Not for awhile," Saffron said. "I'm still getting over the pain of labour."
Ethan laughed. "Take your time, Brat."
Saffron grinned. "We will. Kiera Faith, are you ready to go?"
Kiera went willingly into Saffron's arms.
"You be good for Aunt Saffy and Andrew," Ethan told her.
"Love Daddy," Kiera said.
Ethan kissed her cheek. "I love you too, baby."
He watched his sister leave with his oldest daughter then turned his attention back to his parents and in laws.
"She's perfect, Ethan," Hermione said gazing adoringly at Gwyn.
"Thanks," Ethan said proudly.
"And does she have a middle name?" Ron asked.
"Not yet," Ethan said. "When Maddie wakes up later we'll decide on one."
"Give her my love," Ron said. "And I'll see her later this evening."
"I will," Ethan promised. "Thanks."
"She's already asleep," Hermione whispered as she handed the baby back to Ethan.
"It's been a big day for her," Ethan said softly.
"And for you," Harry said. He knew how much it meant for his son to have been here for this.
"Yeah," Ethan said with a grin. "It was incredible, Dad."
Harry grinned back at him. "And I'm sure it meant the world to Maddie, too."
"I think so," Ethan nodded. "
"I know it did," Ron said. "My daughter loves you very much, Ethan."
"And I love her," Ethan said. "We have quite the little family now."
"Yes you do," Hermione said.
"I better get Gwyn to the nursery," Ethan said.
"We'll see you later, son," Harry said.
"Thanks for coming," Ethan said.
"We wouldn't have missed it," Hermione said kissing her son's cheek.
"We'll see you later," Luna promised.
Ethan carried the baby back to the nursery and reluctantly gave her to the nurse. "Daddy will be back soon, I promise, Gwyn," Ethan said softly.
Gwyn let out a tiny cry, but didn't wake up.
"We'll take good care of her, Mr. Potter," the nurse told him.
"Thank you," Ethan said, giving his newborn daughter another look before heading back to his wife.
Maddie was sleeping soundly when he walked into her room.
Ethan looked down at her for a few moments before carefully climbing onto the bed next to her.
"Mmmm," Maddie murmured.
"Just sleep," Ethan whispered.
"Mmm kay," Maddie said curling into him.
Ethan wrapped his arms around her. "Love you," he said, kissing her hair.
"Love you too," Maddie whispered.