Uncertainties
by Dani
Chapter 21 - 30
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CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Ben propped himself up on his elbow as he watched Meg sleeping peacefully. He watched her chest rise and fall with each breath she took. He smiled as he saw her eyelids begin to flutter open.
"Good morning," he whispered as he brushed a stray hair away from her cheek. He kissed her lightly on the forehead when she rolled onto her side to face him.
"Good morning," she smiled and kissed his lips tenderly. "How long have you been awake?" she asked and yawned.
"Not very long. Long enough to take in a little of your beauty before I start the day."
"Ben, you are too sweet," she laughed. "I'm sure I look SO beautiful this early in the morning," she said sarcastically.
"Well, you do. You always look beautiful to me," he said sincerely.
"I'm glad you think so, but I know that you're always amazingly handsome, Mr. Evans. I like waking up to your face every morning. It's incredible."
He smiled and kissed her again. She pulled away abruptly and rushed into the bathroom.
"Meg? Meg, darling, are you alright?" Ben asked concerned.
She stepped back out of the bathroom and walked back over to the bed. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me,' she assured him.
"Morning sickness again?" he asked. She nodded. "This has been really bad for you, hasn't it? Are you sure that everything's alright with you and the baby?"
"Of course it is, Ben. We're both fine. Morning sickness is just a part of pregnancy... But I thought it would have been over by now," she said. "I'm already three months along."
"Did Tyus say anything about it yesterday?" Ben asked. "No. No, he didn't. I'm sure it's fine, though."
"You're probably right. You probably just need some rest, and you certainly didn't get any last night," he grinned.
"No, I didn't. But I can't complain," she smiled and kissed him. "I hope not," he smiled. "So when do I get to tell the world that I'm going to be a father?" he asked after a moment of silence between the two of them.
"Well, I suppose we should tell everyone. We could use some good news after everything that's happened lately." "You're right. You know what? Let's throw a party tonight. At the Deep. We can make our announcement there."
"Wonderful idea," she smiled. "But if we're going to do this tonight, we need to get out of bed," she sighed.
"Oh, you're right. But I think I'd rather spend a few more minutes here, holding you in my arms."
"I won't argue with you. I'd like to stay here, too," she grinned. "But just for a minute. This party could take a while to plan."
"You let me plan for this, alright? You don't have to lift a finger. I want you to lie in bed all morning and rest."
"Ben, I - "
"No, Meg. You're going to rest here at the house all morning. I'll go and take care of the plans and then you'll be ready for the party tonight. All rested up. And I won't take no for an answer."
"You're just too good to me, Ben Evans. You've spoiled me."
"Good. And I plan to spoil you for the rest of my life," he smiled and then kissed her. "I'm going to get started on this party," he said as he got out of bed and began getting dressed.
"Well, if you need me to do anything, let me know, okay?"
"All I need you to do is stay here and rest. I'll call you soon," he said when he finished getting dressed. "Behave yourself, Meg," he said and kissed her forehead again. "I love you, Meg." He bent down and lightly kissed her stomach. "And I love you, too, little one," he smiled.
"I love you, too," she replied as he left the room. "And our baby."
When Ben was gone, she sat up in bed and placed her hand over her stomach. "Good morning, sweetie," she smiled. "You certainly know how to wake your mommy up, don't you?" she said, referring to the morning sickness. "Did you hear your daddy this morning? He loves you so much, sweetie. He and I both do. You're the most wonderful thing that could have ever happened to us... I'm so sorry that I... I... I'm just sorry that I wasn't excited when I learned about you, sweetie. You just weren't exactly planned right now, but we love you. You have to know that no matter what I've said and done, I do love you, little one. I love you and your daddy more than anything..."
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
"Are you ready?" Ben asked as he entered the bedroom. He saw Meg sitting at the dressing table, trying to put on a necklace.
"Almost. I just can't get this..."
"Here. Let me help you." He took the necklace from her and placed it around her neck. "There you are." He bent down and kissed her neck. "You look absolutely stunning, Meg," he whispered.
"Thank you," she smiled up at him. "You look rather handsome yourself."
"I have to look nice to be seen with the most gorgeous woman in the world," he replied.
"You always look wonderful. You're very sexy, Ben Evans."
He grinned. "Well, you're very sexy, too. Especially when you're carrying my child."
She smiled as she stood up. "I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. I can't believe that I'm marrying you AND having your baby."
"Well, you'll be the only one," he smiled and took her into his arms. They kissed passionately.
"Mmm..." Meg pulled away. "You'd better stop that if we're going to be on time for our own party."
"Well, as much as I hate to admit it, you're right. We'd better get going." He grabbed her wrap from the bed and placed it over her shoulders.
"Shall we?" he asked and held out his arm for her to take.
She smiled, took his arm, and followed him out the bedroom door. "I love you, Ben Evans," she whispered.
"I love you, too, Meg."
Soon they arrived at the Deep where all of their friends had gathered, anxious to hear the news Ben and Meg had to share with them. Ben led Meg inside and prepared to make the announcement.
"Shall we tell them now or make them wait?" Ben whispered to Meg as they politely spoke to each person who addressed them. They had put everyone off about the big announcement, but Ben was anxious to let the world know about their good fortune.
"I guess we could tell them now. If we do it now, we won't have to put everyone off any longer."
"You're right. Let's do it now."
He took Meg's hand and led her to the front of the crowd. "May I have your attention please?" Ben shouted above the noise.
When everyone had become quiet, he took Meg's hand and proceded to make his announcement. "You all know that Meg and I have an important announcement to make." He wrapped his arm around her and continued.
"Well, first of all, we have renewed our engagement..."
The crowd clapped and cheered for the two of them until Ben interrupted again.
"There's more. This beautiful woman has not only agreed to marry me... she's pregnant," he smiled.
"We're having a baby," he said excitedly. Once again, the crowd cheered. Ben and Meg were greeted with congratulations throughout the entire night. As the crowd diminished, Meg sat at a table, alone, while Ben said goodbye to a few friends. He soon rejoined Meg at the table.
"Meg? What's wrong, darling?" Ben asked when he saw the look on her face.
"Nothing, Ben. I guess all of the excitement just got to me. I'm fine."
"Are you sure? You look a little pale." Ben caressed her cheek.
"I'm sure. I just need some sleep," she assured him. "Stop worrying about me. I'm just tired."
"Meg, you're not lying to me, are you? You look pale. I'm worried about you."
"You don't need to be. I'm sure I'll be fine. Let's just go home now, alright?"
"Of course, darling. Let me just ask someone to close up. I'll be right back." He kissed her forehead and walked over to the counter.
"Oh, Ben. I don't know what's wrong with me. I just feel so... so weak..."
Ben returned to her. "I'm ready now. Let me help you up." Ben helped her up from the chair and
led her towards the door."Meg, you don't look so good. Is something wrong?" Sara asked when she saw Meg and Ben leaving.
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me, okay? I'm fine."
"But you look sick, Meg. Are you sure nothing's wrong?"
"Why don't you people just stop asking me that?!" Meg said, frustrated.
"Meg, I'm sorry. I was just worried about you," Sara replied, surprised by her sister's remark.
"No, I'm sorry. I just - " She was cut short when she collapsed into Ben's arms.
"Oh my God. Meg? Meg, darling, are you alright? Wake up, sweetheart, please..." Ben said as he took Meg into his arms. "Somebody call an ambulance. Now!" Ben yelled. "Meg, please. You have to be alright. You and the baby have to be alright..."
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
"Meg, please be alright, sweetheart. You have to be alright, darling," he said quietly as he sat in the hospital waiting room, anticipating Tyus' diagnosis.
"Ben?" Tyus said as he neared him.
"Tyus, what's wrong with Meg? Is she alright?" he asked worriedly.
"Ben, she'll be fine, but we need to talk about something."
"Thank God... How about the baby? Is the baby alright?" Ben continued.
"Yes, Ben, they're both fine, but I need to talk to you."
"Thank God," he said again. "Tyus, what did you need to talk to me about?"
"Well, Ben, Meg has been under a lot of stress lately and I think that all of this has put a strain on her pregnancy. She really needs to take it easy, Ben. She's been through the first trimester without any problems until now. The next six months could be difficult, and you need to watch out for her. Don't get me wrong, Ben, she'll be fine, but she just needs to take it easy for a while - at least until she gets used to the fact that she's pregnant and not able to be so active. But she'll be fine. Just keep an eye on her, okay?"
"Of course I will, Tyus. I'm always gonna be there to look out for her. I love her, Tyus."
"I realize that, Ben. And congratulations, by the way."
"Thank you," he smiled. "Now can I see Meg?"
"Sure. She's right down the hall..."
Tyus pointed Ben in the right direction and soon Ben was at Meg's door.
"May I come in?" he asked as he cracked the door open.
Meg smiled when she saw his face and heard his voice. "Of course you can come in," she replied. Ben entered the room and came to the side of the bed. "How do you feel?" he asked as he bent to kiss her forehead.
"Just a little tired," she said as he sat in a chair beside the bed.
"You really scared me, you know. I was worried about you and the baby."
She smiled. "I'm glad you're that interested in me and the baby."
"INTERESTED in the two of you? Meg, I'm in love with you," he smiled. "I'm in love with you and our baby..."
"I love you, Ben." She reached up to kiss him.
"So did Tyus say anything to you? Anything important?"
"He just told me that you need to take it easy. And, trust me, I'll be taking care of you every second of the day. You'll probably be tired of seeing me by the time we're ready to be married."
"I'll never be tired of you, Ben Evans. But you don't have to wait on me hand and foot. I'm not incapable of taking care of myself."
"But Tyus said that you need to take it easy, and that's exactly what you're going to do, Meg."
"You're too good to me, Ben," she grinned. "I just hope I can make it up to you."
"Meg, you don't need to make anything up to me, darling. Marrying me and having my baby is the most amazing thing that you could ever do for me, and I should be the one making up for everything that I've put you through lately."
"Ben, don't - "
"Meg, I'm the one that put you here. It's my fault that you've been so stressed lately. If anything had happened to you or the baby, it would have been my fault..."
"Ben, don't blame yourself for this. It isn't your fault. We're all going to be fine."
"You're right. Soon you and I will be married and it's less than six months until the baby is born... Meg, I still can't believe that we're having a baby."
"Neither can I. But it IS true, and I can't wait to meet your child, Ben."
"I can't wait to meet OUR child..."
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
"Is there anything else that you need me to do before I go?" Ben asked as he sat down beside Meg on the bed.
"No, Ben. I'm fine. Listen, you don't have to do everything for me, Ben. I've made it through the first four months of pregnancy and I think I can make it through the next five without you taking care of me all the time. I'm just pregnant, I'm not sick or anything."
"Meg, you could GET sick if you don't take it easy. And what do you mean, 'just' pregnant? Being pregnant is a big deal, Meg. I worry about you and the baby all the time."
"I know, Ben, but I don't want you to spend all your time doing that - worrying about us - okay?"
"Meg, my entire life revolves around you and the baby. I'll always worry about you."
"Well, stop worrying for today and get your work done at the Deep so we'll be ready to get married this weekend, alright?"
"Since you put it that way..." Ben smiled.
"Good. I'm glad you see things my way," Meg replied. "Now, go on and get to work so I can finish up the last minute wedding plans, okay?"
"Yes, darling." He reached over to kiss her. His lips lingered a little longer on hers than planned. She finally pulled away.
"If you start something, Mr. Evans, I definitely won't be getting any rest today," she smiled.
"And I won't be getting any work done today... I'd better go then, before I DO start something... I love you, Meg."
"I love you, too, Ben," she smiled and kissed him once more.
"I'll call and check on you later, Meg. Don't do too much, alright?"
"I'll only do what needs to be done for the wedding. Don't worry about me though. I'll call you if I need you."
"Is that a promise?"
"Yes, that's a promise. Bye, sweetheart."
"Bye, darling," Ben replied, and was gone.
"Sara, I need you to pick up some things for me this afternoon. I've called the caterer and the florist... I need you to stop by the wedding boutique and try on your dress. Vanessa and Gabi are supposed to stop by later, too... Oh, and you know, I really need to go by there to try on my dress again. I'm gonna grow out of it by the weekend... You know, maybe you should just pick me up and take me with you... Yeah, that would be best. So when can you pick me up? Oh, wait, Sara, I - "
"Meg, Meg. Slow down, alright?" Sara laughed over the phone. "I'll come by and get you, but you've got to calm down a little."
"I'm sorry, Sara," Meg apologized. "I just get a little carried away sometimes."
"A LITTLE carried away? Meg, you're going crazy," Sara laughed. "No, no. I understand. When do you want me to pick you up?"
"Just give me half an hour to change and then come by. I'll see you soon, okay?"
"Okay. I'll be there. Bye."
"Meg, you look beautiful," Vanessa said when she saw Meg in her wedding dress. "It fits perfectly."
"Oh, I don't know. Are you sure it isn't too tight? I've put on a little weight since the last time I tried it on."
"No, Meg. It looks great. Ben will flip when he sees you in that. It's gorgeous."
Meg smiled at the mention of Ben's name. "I hope he likes it..." She smoothed out the skirt of the dress.
"He'll love it, and you know it," Gabi laughed.
"It looks great on you."
"Thank you," Meg replied. "I just want to look as good as I can for my wedding. You know, I never planned to be four months pregnant when I did this."
"Well, you'll make a beautiful bride, Meg... Hey, you've had your wedding planned since we werevkids," Sara teased. "It should be great."
Meg laughed. "I hope so..."
The girls finished their fittings and each made their way home. Meg returned to find Ben waiting for her in the living room.
"Hey, I thought I'd lost you," Ben said when she entered the room.
"Ben, you know you'll never lose me." She joined him on the sofa. "I told you I was going to do some last minute things for the wedding."
"I know, but I thought you'd stay around the house."
"Well, so did I, but I had to try on my dress again."
"Oh, so you tried on your dress? Any chance that I might be able to take a look at it?" he smiled.
"No. No chance at all. You won't see that dress until the moment I enter the church during the ceremony."
"And I know that you'll take my breath away, Meg. You always do..."
"Ben..." He leaned over to kiss her.
"I love you..."
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
The day of the wedding arrived quickly. Meg had finally finished up the last minute preparations for the big event, and was anxiously awaiting the moment she could officially call herself Mrs. Ben Evans...
She arrived at the church along with her bridesmaids in the early afternoon. The four of them prepared themselves for the ceremony. Meg had chosen pale blue gowns for her bridesmaids. They were simple, but gorgeous.
Meg wore a long, elegant gown with delicate lace work on its bodice. Each flowing yard of her train was trimmed in lace Ben had flown in especially for her gown. She looked at herself in the mirror and placed her hand on her slightly bulging stomach. A single tear ran down her cheek as she looked at her reflection.
"Meg... Meg, honey, what's wrong?" Joan asked when she entered the bride's room.
Meg quickly wiped the tear from her cheek and turned, smiling, to her mother. "Nothing, Mom. I was
just thinking.""About what, sweetie? It looks like you've been crying," Joan observed.
Meg smiled at her mother once again. "I have, Mom. But I'm alright. It's just that my emotions are a little out of control."
"I understand," Joan consoled. "That's completely normal for an expectant mother - and a bride-to-be," she laughed.
Meg smiled as she listened to her mother. "Oh, Mom. I never thought that I'd be doing both of these things at the same time in my life. It justs seems like so much to handle."
"Meg, I know that you'll be able to make it through this. You're a strong young woman, Meg. You're gonna be fine. You shouldn't worry at all."
"Maybe you're right..."
"I'm your mother, Meg. I'm always right... Besides, I can see how much Ben loves you and how much you love him. And that love will be doubled when this baby arrives."
Meg smiled at the thought of the baby's arrival.
"Mom, I know that Ben and I love each other, so it's not really the marriage that I'm worried about... I know that Ben is going to make a wonderful father, but I'm afraid that I'm not going to be much of a mother for this baby."
"Of course you will, Meg... Now. Let me fix this for you..." Joan adjusted Meg's veil and kissed her daughter's cheek. "Your father wants to see you before he walks you down the aisle. I'll send him in, okay?"
"Okay, Mom," Meg smiled. "And Mom?"
"Yes, sweetie?"
"I love you."
Joan smiled. "I love you, too, honey."
Moments later, Hank greeted his daughter. "Hey, Meggie. You look beautiful."
"Thank you, Daddy," Meg replied.
Hank walked over and gave her a hug. "Is there anything you want to talk about before I walk you down the aisle? You know you can tell me anything."
"I know, Dad, but there isn't anything that I can think of... Oh, wait. There is one thing."
"And what's that, Meggie? Remember, you can tell me anything."
"Just that I love you, Daddy."
"I love you, too, Meggie... And I'm gonna love that grandbaby of mine just as much, you know," he continued and patted her stomach.
Meg smiled at him. "Good, because if you didn't I was going to have to take back what I just said," she teased.
Hank laughed. "Well, I certainly hope not... Meg, I'm so glad to see you this happy, honey. I'm glad that one of my children has found happiness so early in life."
"Dad, we all have, and you know it. You and Mom gave us everything we ever needed to be happy and find happiness out in the real world. I'm just glad that you let me go in search of my happiness, Daddy. I'm surprised you didn't try to drag me back to Ludlow when I came here to Sunset Beach."
"Meggie, I wanted you to be happy, and if that meant running off to some place you'd never been before, then I was ready to let you do that. And I'm glad I did, because I can see how happy Ben has made you."
"Yeah... You're right, Daddy. Ben HAS made me happy, and he always will..."
"He'd better, because if he ever makes you unhappy, I'll come loooking for him... But for now I'm going out with your mother and let you finish getting ready. And you really do look beautiful, Meggie."
"Thank you, Daddy..."
Meg continued preparing for the ceremony when she was interrupted by a knock on the door. She walked over and called out to the visitor. "Who is it?" she asked.
"It's the happiest man in the world," a British accent answered.
"And you're talking to the happiest woman in the world," she responded with a smile.
"Well, I plan to make sure it stays that way forever, Meg. I'm always gonna make you happy," Ben assured her.
"As long as I have you, I'll be happy," she said sincerely. "I love you, Ben Evans."
"I love you, too, Meg Cummings... soon-to-be-Evans."
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
The doors opened and Meg entered the room full of her closest family and friends - and the love of her life. When she walked in on her father's arm, she immediately made eye contact with Ben and smiled brightly at him. Ben smiled when he saw the vision in front of him. He thought that Meg looked like a princess in her gown, walking towards him. When Meg reached the alter and her father had given her away, Ben leaned over and whispered in her ear.
"You took my breath away, Meg. You look gorgeous."
She blushed and smiled at him. The ceremony continued with the exchanging of vows. Ben began.
"Well, I hardly know where to begin. You have changed my life, Meg - for the better. If I didn't have you here with me, I don't know where I would be. I'm lucky that you've stayed by my side through everything I've put you through. You're a precious gift, Meg. The most wonderful thing anyone has ever given me was from you - and that was yourself. I love you more than anything or anyone, Meg, and I can't wait to share my life with you - and our child." He placed his hand gently on her stomach. "I promise that I'll always make you happy. I love you, Meg, and I always will..."
Meg was crying when Ben finished his vows. She began in tears.
"Oh, Ben, I love you so much. There are so many things that I want to say to you, but it's so hard to put it all into words..." Ben wiped a tear from her cheek. "I came to Sunset Beach in search of SB, and I found him... I found you... I had already fallen in love with you as SB, and I fell in love with you all over again when I came to know you as Ben Evans. My first day here in Sunset Beach was the day I knew. When our eyes met at sunset, I felt the most amazing feeling. I knew that I had found the man of my dreams. I was right, Ben, and I hope that I can make you - and our baby - happy. I love you, Ben, and I always will..."
Ben and Meg sealed their union with a tender kiss as they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Ben Evans...
Later, the newlyweds made their way to the reception.
"I can't believe that I'm Mrs. Ben Evans," Meg sighed as she walked in on Ben's arm.
"And I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to have you as my wife, Meg Evans," Ben responded.
"I love that..." Meg said quietly.
Their first dance as husband and wife was anounced. Ben and Meg made their way onto the dance floor as "I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You" began playing.
"Ben, I really did know that I loved you before I met you. I knew when we were SB and Dorothy."
"So did I, Meg, but I couldn't admit it to myself. But I'm certainly glad that you took the risk and sought me here in Sunset Beach. And I'm glad that you didn't give up on us, Meg."
"I couldn't give up on us. I love you too much... I'm just glad that you didn't shut me out of your life when I slept with - "
"Shh... Meg, don't even say it. That's over now, and we don't have to worry about him ever again. He's dead... And this is our wedding day. Let's just enjoy ourselves, alright?"
"You're right," Meg smiled. "I love you, Ben... and our baby."
"I love you, too, darling. And you, little one," Ben said as he put his hand on Meg's stomach. "This is absolutely amazing, Meg. We're married and we're having a baby."
"I know. It's incredible, isn't it?" Meg smiled as they continued dancing.
"Yes, it is. Very incredible..."
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months as Ben and Meg anxiously awaited the arrival of the baby. Meg had grown quite impatient as she grew larger and larger every day - or so it seemed. Ben had assured her that she was even more beautiful than ever, but she refused to listen. Even his comments about a mother's glow went unnoticed as she stared at herself in the mirror every evening before bed.
"Ben, how can you say THIS is beautiful," Meg sighed one evening as they prepared for bed.
Ben walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Meg, THIS is our baby and it's the most beautiful sight I've ever seen," he said as he took her hands and placed them on her stomach.
Meg turned around to face him and smiled. "Well, I'm glad YOU think this is beautiful... Now let's get some sleep," she suggested as she took his hand and led him to bed. Once they were both tucked in, they conducted the nightly ritual which had taken affect months ago.
"I love you, Ben," Meg whispered.
"I love you, too, Meg," Ben replied and then kissed her tenderly. After they had broken the kiss, he bent to kiss her stomach lightly. "I love you, little one," he whispered.
Meg lay in Ben's arms as she tried to find sleep in her uncomfortable condition. Once she finally did find sleep, it didn't last long. She was awakened late in the night by the baby.
"Ouch..." she said quietly as she felt the baby kick her harder than ever. "You must be getting restless, too," she whispered.
Carefully she got out of bed, making sure she didn't wake Ben. She walked into the bathroom for a drink of water and then returned to bed. As she pulled the sheets down to get in, she felt another pain - this one even worse than the first.
"Ouch," she cried, a bit louder this time. Ben woke upon hearing her cry and saw her standing by the bed, clutching her stomach.
"Meg, darling. Are you alright?" he asked as he helped her sit down.
"I think so," she replied. "I think the baby's just a little restless tonight - like me. I'm fine," she assured him. She laid back down beside him and smiled at him. She noticed the worried look on his face as he stared at her. "I'm fine, Ben. I promise. If it happens again, I'll wake you."
"Are you sure? It didn't like you were fine when you were standing there, clutching your stomach. Do you think you're in labor?" he asked.
"Ben, if I were in labor, I'd know it. I told you that I'm fine, and I meant it. Now let's get some sleep, alright?"
"Meg, I don't know..."
"I do. Now go back to sleep," she said and then kissed him.
"Alright. Wake me if something happens, Meg."
"Oh, I'll wake you alright. If I go into labor, you'll defintiely know," she teased.
"Meg, I mean it," Ben said seriously as he stroked her cheek. "You always ignore things and push them aside when they could really be serious. If anything at all happens, I want you to wake me, alright?"
"Alright, I will, Ben. But it was nothing, really. Good night."
"Good night, darling." He kissed her again and then lay down beside her, trying to fall asleep.Hours later, Meg stirred again as she felt the baby kick.
"You've got to stop that, little one," she whispered. "You've really been active tonight."
The baby kicked again, harder than she had felt earlier that night, and she yelled in pain. "Ben," she said as calmly as possible. "Ben, honey, I think it's time..."
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Ben looked up at Meg drowsily when she called out to him. "What is it, Meg?" he asked as he sat up in bed. "Are you alright?"
"Ben, honey, I think it's time. I think I'm having the baby now," Meg said again as she caught her breath from what must have been a contraction.
"Now? Are you sure?" Ben asked as he helped her sit down on the bed.
"Well, no, I'm not sure, Ben. I've never done this before, remember?" she smiled weakly.
"Oh. I suppose you're right," he grinned. "So do you really think the baby's coming today?"
She nodded her head. "Yes, I think so," she smiled and then paused. "We should probably go to the hospital, Ben."
"Oh, yes. We should probably do that," Ben responded as he got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get dressed.
Soon Ben had gotten Meg to the hospital. They had both managed to stay reasonably calm, given the situation. Tyus had put her into a room, and Ben was on his way to be with her.
"Meg?" he said as he opened the door. "Hey, sweetheart. How are you feeling?" he continued as he walked to the bed. He pushed her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead.
"I'm alright, I guess. Just tired," she sighed. "It looks like you're doing a wonderful job, Meg," he smiled and took her hand in his. He raised it to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "I love you, Meg."
"I love you, too," she said weakly. "Ben, please promise me that you'll stay right here with me. Don't leave me again, okay?"
"Meg, I'm gonna be right here by your side through the rest of this. I promise. I wouldn't miss this for the world," he assured her. "I'm waiting to meet our precious baby. I can hardly believe that we're going to meet our child today, Meg. We've waited so long."
"I know..." she smiled.
"Thank you for doing this for me, Meg. Thank you for having my baby."
"Ben, I'm having OUR baby, and I couldn't be happier to be doing something as I am about this."
Ben stayed by Meg's side, helping and supporting her through each contraction. Soon it was time for the delivery.
"That's it, Meg. You're almost there, darling," Ben coached, holding her hand to help support her and rubbing her back with his other hand, as Tyus urged her to push.
Moments later, the room was filled with the sound of a little Evans' cry...
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
"Congratulations," Tyus smiled as he held the baby up for the new parents to see. "It's a girl," he announced.
"A girl, Meg. It's a girl," Ben said happily. He kissed Meg softly. "I love you, Meg. I love you so much...." Ben cut the umbilical cord with Tyus' help.
Meg was crying when Tyus handed the baby to her. She looked up at Ben and smiled. "Ben, we have a daughter. A little girl..." she cried as she held the baby close to her.
Ben smiled at mother and child. "She's perfect, Meg. Just perfect..." he whispered as he fingered the baby's soft, dark hair. He kissed Meg tenderly and whispered, "I'm so proud of you, Meg. You were wonderful, darling."
"Well, I couldn't have done it without you, Ben... Dad..." she smiled as she gazed at the bundle in her arms. "I can't believe it, Ben. We're parents..." Meg whispered, exhausted.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" he grinned. "Can I..."
"Hold her? Of course you can," she said and handed the little girl to her father. Ben carefully took the baby in his arms, not really knowing what to do with the tiny infant. "Just support her head," Meg instructed. "You're doing fine," she assured him when she saw the worried look on his face.
"Hello, little one," Ben whispered. "It's so nice to meet you. Your mother and I have been waiting for you... Speaking of your mother, she's a marvelous woman, isn't she? And you look just like her," he
said as he looked up and smiled at Meg."I think she looks like her daddy. Look at her eyes, Ben. They're the brightest blue I've ever seen," she commented. "Just like yours."
"Oh, I don't know. I still think she looks like you. Beautiful..."
Meg blushed. "Ben, I just gave birth to our child," Meg said in disbelief. "This is amazing..."
"Yes, it is. And so are you... Now what should we name this little one?" Ben asked as he watched the baby's every movement. She clasped his finger in her tiny hand. Ben's heart melted as he looked at his daughter.
"I'm not sure. We looked at all those names, but we didn't decide on a girl's name, did we?" Meg said as she watched Ben with the baby.
"No, we didn't. But I think I have an idea," Ben said as he looked up at Meg.
"Really? And what would your idea be, exactly?" Meg asked curiously.
"Well... I was looking through one of those baby books last night, and I found one particular name that I liked."
"Well, don't keep me in suspense, Ben. What was the name?" she asked.
CHAPTER THIRTY
"Well, the name that I was thinking about is Hannah," Ben replied.
"Hannah? Hannah Evans... Ben, I love it," Meg whispered as she gazed at the baby in Ben's arms.
"That's wonderful. Now she just needs a middle name," she added.
"You're right..." Ben thought for a moment before continuing, looking at the bundle in his arms.
"How about Audrey? Hannah Audrey Evans... What do you think?" he asked.
"Hannah Audrey Evans..." Meg let the name register before voicing her approval. "Ben, that's perfect," she smiled. She then looked back at the little girl in Ben's arms. "Welcome to the world, Hannah Audrey Evans."
Ben looked up from the baby and smiled at Meg.
"This is pretty wonderful, isn't it?"
"Yes it is, Ben... Dad..." Meg grinned. She looked back at Hannah and watched as she released a tiny yawn. Meg smiled and then yawned herself.
"I should go and let you get some sleep, Meg. You look tired," Ben said when he saw her yawn.
"No, Ben. Just stay here. Don't leave me, okay?" she pleaded.
"Well, if you promise me that you'll get some rest, I'll stay here with you... and Hannah."
"Good... I love you, Ben," she smiled wearily.
"I love you, too, Meg."
Meg quickly fell asleep. "Well, Hannah, I think you tired your mother out today. She's very sleepy."
Hannah cooed softly. "How about you, little one? Are you tired?"
She answered with another yawn. "I suppose that's a yes," he smiled and began to rock her to sleep...
Meg slept for hours, and so did Hannah. The nurse had taken Hannah to the nursery once she had fallen asleep. Ben had remained by Meg's side the entire time and eventually found sleep himself. Soon, however, they were both not-so-rudely interrupted...
"Mr. Evans... Mr. Evans, wake up..." the nurse whispered.
"What? What's wrong?" Ben asked as he looked up at her, trying to wake himself up.
"Nothing's wrong, Mr. Evans. I just brought your daughter in." She handed the bundle to Ben. "I'll be back to get her later. Call me if you need anything."
"Thank you," Ben called as she left. He looked down at Hannah and smiled. "Well, little one, I think we should wake your mother now. I'm sure she wants to see you again."
He got up onto the bed, sat beside Meg, leaned down, and kissed her. "It's time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty," he whispered. Meg slowly opened her eyes and looked up to see Ben and Hannah.
"Hi... How long have I been sleeping?" she asked.
"A couple of hours. How do you feel?"
"I feel wonderful... And I'd feel even better if you'd let me hold our little girl."
"Well, I suppose I could let you hold her since you did give birth to her," Ben teased. "It's the very least I can do..."
Meg smiled. Ben handed the baby to her and she safely cradled little Hannah in her arms. "Well, Hannah, did your Daddy take good care of you while Mommy was sleeping?" she asked.
"Actually, Daddy and Hannah both slept as well," Ben grinned. "Our little family has had a busy day."
"Yes, we have... Can you believe it, Ben? We're finally parents... We're parents," she whispered.
"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" he smiled.
"Yes it is."
"We might have to do this a little more often,"Ben commented.
"What's that?" Meg asked.
"This." He took Hannah's hand and kissed it.
"Oh. So you're already thinking about brothers and sisters for her, huh?" she smiled.
"Of course... Meg, this is the greatest feeling
I've had since you came along... And sharing it with you only makes it better."
"Ben, I feel the same way." She paused for a moment, taking Hannah's tiny hand in hers. "And to think that I almost ruined this..."
"Ruined it? Meg, how on earth could you have ruined this?" Ben asked, confused.
"Well, when I thought that the baby was Derek's, I - "
"Meg, please. Haven't we put all of that behind us?" Ben interrupted. "You didn't almost ruin this. Our little family is perfect, Meg, and I have you to thank for that."
"Ben..." She paused with tears in her eyes. "I almost ruined this for us..."
"No, Meg, you didn't. You gave birth to our little girl, Meg. You've done everything BUT ruin this."
"But, Ben - "
"No, buts, Meg. I'm happy, Hannah's happy, and you're happy... You are happy, aren't you?" he asked after a pause.
"Yes, Ben. Yes, I'm happy. I've never been happier in my life..."
"Well, let's just stay happy, okay? All three of us..."
"Okay," she smiled. "You're right, Ben... I love you so much..."
"I love you, too, darling..."
And they lived happily ever after...
(Okay, so it isn't much of an ending. I kept tossing it between a couple of endings, and I couldn't decide which to use. So... I left it to your own imagination. Of course all B&M fanfics have happy endings - or they'd better! LOL! So I decided that I'd leave this one how I did. Everyone has their own ideas of how they want things to end - or continue, I guess. I imagine that Derek stays dead, Maria stays missing, and Ben and Meg stay happy - forever. LOL! And that, my friends, is what they call THE END...)