They both had a lot going on in their lives, both being quite busy and their baby was due mid September. Eve had to admit she was a bit nervous, but she was pleased that her and Julian would be married before the arrival. It wasn’t really a problem if they weren’t, but Eve just wanted to make their little ones arrival into this world with parents who were married. Time flew by quickly, the first good news was that Julian got the job and had been working very hard, getting as much work done as he could before the wedding arrived. The wedding was only a week away and Eve was in the bath when Julian arrived home from work.

“Hello dear.” He said entering the bathroom.

“How was your day Julian?”

“A little stressful, but nothing I couldn’t handle, how are you feeling Eve?” he said sitting on the edge of the tub.

“Okay I guess.”

“Are you nervous honey?” he said touching her cheek.

“Yes, but I have had a child before, so at least I have an idea of what pain really is.” She said smiling.

“You have had three beautiful children, you will be just fine Eve, and I am here for you.” He said taking her hand.

“I know Julian and I love you for it.”

“I love you too Eve.”

He assisted her in getting out of the Jacuzzi and handed her a towel to dry off.

“You haven’t started dinner have you?” he asked.

“I was just about to, but my feet were so sore Julian, I needed this bath.”

“Don’t start it, let me order take out, I want you to rest Eve, the time is getting quite close and I want you off of your feet.” Julian said.

“Thanks Julian, any little bit helps, not that I wouldn’t cook for you, but…”

“Hey I have to help out too remember? Mind you, it will just be easier tonight to order out. But I promise you, once our baby is here, I will be helping out even more, don’t you worry Eve.” He said kissing her hand.

“I know Julian.”

They ordered some chicken from a small place down the road and when they were finished, Julian cleaned up. They both took it easy that night; Eve sat on the sofa with her feet up while Julian looked through some figures. He noticed that Eve looked a bit uncomfortable, so he got a blanket and a pillow from the closet and put it behind her back.

“Thanks Julian, you are so good to me.” Eve said leaning back against the pillow.

“Of course Eve, anything I can do to assist, I will.”

When it was time to turn in, Julian fixed up the bed and Eve found a comfortable position to lie in, she would be glad when the baby arrived, it had been a long time since she had to find a comfortable position to sleep in or the many times she had to run to the bathroom. She hoped that she would have a relatively easy labor; she had done her best to exercise and keep in shape so that it wouldn’t be as difficult to get back to what she was. But life was unpredictable so she could be in labor for an hour to twenty-four, she would have to wait and see. Julian turned off the light and held her in his arms, kissing Eve sweetly on the mouth.

“I love you.”

“I love you too Julian.”

Julian was in a deep sleep, when Eve tapped him on the shoulder. He looked at her, a look of concern on her face.

“What is it honey?”

“Julian, we have to go.”

“Where?”

“To the hospital, we have to go now, its time!” she said holding her stomach.

“Oh my God!” he said in a sudden panic.

“Get my things please.” She said trying to stay calm.

“The baby, but its early Eve.” He said so surprised.

“That’s life Julian, just get my things now.”

“Okay.” He said with concern.

She watched him as he grabbed everything she needed, trying to stay calm. He had never had to prepare like this for one of his other kids, so he was almost like a first time father. When they arrived, Julian ran up to the desk.

“Our baby, our baby!” Julian said.

“What about your baby?”

“It’s coming nurse, help Eve please!” he said panicking.

“Julian, calm down, it’s going to be okay.” Eve said.

“I’m sorry, I am trying to be calm, but it’s our baby!”

“Just be cool, I am a doctor remember, I do know about these things.”

“She will be in good care sir.”

“But the baby is early, I am so worried.”

“Julian, keep it together.” Eve said firmly.

“I’m sorry darling, you are right.”

“Mr. Crane, some babies are born early, we will monitor her, and everything will be fine.” The nurse said touching his arm.

Julian knew that he had better chill out, the last thing he wanted to do was upset Eve; he had to be the strong one. The nurse prepared the bed for Eve and Julian was by her side.

“Oh Eve, I’m here.” He said holding her hand.

“Julian, it will be okay, I know you are not used to all of this.”

“You look so calm sweetheart.”

“You have to try to be Julian, as best as you can.”

The time had come and the baby had decided that even though their wedding was only a week away, they weren’t waiting any longer to make their arrival. As she tried to deliver, Julian was so inexperienced at this part; he hadn’t even really been at the hospital for his kids before. He was usually off somewhere else until he heard the news that he had a boy or girl. This time was different though, he wanted to be a part of this, he wanted to be there for Eve and show her just how much he cared for her and their new baby. This event was especially important and significant to Julian, as he wanted so much to have been able to go through all of this with their son. As the minutes ticked away, Eve finally delivered their new baby, a little girl. Eve looked at Julian who was overcome by emotion, his eyes filling up with tears.

“Julian, this is supposed to be a happy moment honey.”

“Oh Eve, I am happy sweetheart, believe me, so happy.” He said wiping his eyes.

Julian couldn’t help it, to know that he was there for his new daughter’s arrival made all of the difference in the world. For a moment, he had flashbacked to when he abandoned Eve, but as soon as he saw his little angel, he knew that this time everything was right and he was with the woman he loved. The doctor handed Eve her new baby girl and Julian kneeled down next to the bed, to look at her, such an innocence about her, it was amazing in Julian’s eyes to see the child that their love created, right there, in front of them.

“Isn’t she beautiful Julian, our baby girl.” Eve said proudly.

“She’s so lovely Eve, so pretty, just like her mother.” He said kissing her.

“Why don’t you hold her?”

“Okay sweetheart.”

He cradled his little girl in his arms, looking at her beautiful and angelic face, he was overcome by emotion once again and Eve smiled at Julian, she knew how happy he was and she knew just how much love he had for her. He was going to be an incredible father.

“I hear you had planned on being married.” The doctor said to Eve.

“Well it was next week, but I think we are going to have to wait a bit now. Now that she is here, she is our first priority.” Eve said.

“Have you picked out a name for her?” the doctor asked.

“Ashtyn.” Eve said.

“That’s nice.” The doctor said smiling.

“Ashtyn Eve Crane, welcome to the world my little darling.” Julian said kissing her gently on the head.