Star-Crossed Lovers Ch. 09 - Finale

Candace woke up to use the bathroom for the third time that night.

"You're killin' me, kid," she looked down at her huge stomach. "I know you're running out of room in there, but do you really have to dance on my bladder every night?"

She was 2 days past her due date. Miserable was an understatement. Still. She tried to enjoy every minute of it as much as she could. Another baby in the future wasn't out of the question for her, but at the same time, she had a feeling that wouldn't happen now that Sam was out of the picture. Candace gave a discontent sigh and waddled back to her room across the hallway.

It was only 5 am. She had a few more hours of sleep in her. Not that she needed to wake up at a certain time. Of course, Candace hadn't planned it by any means, but she couldn't have picked a better time of year to have her baby. It was the beginning of February. Work was deader than a doornail. She was free to do whatever she wanted. Unfortunately, that also gave her too much time to think.

It had kept her up many a night since she had broken up with Sam. That wasn't her problem at the moment, though. She tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. Physically, she didn't feel any worse than she had been, but something just seemed off. Sweet sleep finally found her, fleetingly, as the soft morning glow crept into her room.

She woke to what felt like period cramps. Candace didn't think much of it at first. She'd been having them off and on for close to a week. She rolled out of bed awkwardly and went into the kitchen to make some fried eggs and toast.

Candace decided to be lazy that day. Her nesting instincts had been in overdrive the past several weeks. She was about to drive herself crazy not having anything to do. The hospital bag was packed. Everything in the baby's room was set up. She resigned herself to watching TV after she cleaned up her breakfast dishes.

She flopped around on the couch, unable to even focus on the show she was watching. She just couldn't get comfortable. Fed up, she decided to get in the bath. Surely the warm water would help her relax. Maybe she was just stressed out.

No such luck. Candace felt like a whale tossing about in her small tub. She was on the brink of tears as she struggled out of it.

"I don't think I want to go to lunch later," she texted her mom.

"Everything alright?" she immediately texted back?

"I don't know. I just can't get comfortable, feel off today. Sorry."

"Want me to come over?" her mom offered.

"Sure. I probably won't be very good company, though."

"You're overdue. I expect as much. :P Be over in about an hour. Going to fix your father's lunch before I come. Want some?"

"Yes, please. I don't feel like cooking. Just come in when you get here."

"Ok. See you soon."

Candace attempted to lay down on the couch again. She realized after a while that her stomach was cramping worse than it had been. It felt tight when she placed her hand on her stomach. The strangest part was when it relaxed again a minute later. She tried not to get her hopes up, but couldn't help herself. Candace was so ready to not be pregnant anymore. Labor still scared the crap out of her, but she was also ready to meet her son.

By the time her mom arrived, Candace was fairly certain she was having regular contractions. Her mom's excitement was contagious. She was still uncomfortable, but she was happy to have someone around to lift her spirits.

Three hours later, she was at the hospital with her mom. Candace had planned all along to get there before the pain became unbearable. A couple more hours and she was getting close to that point.

Candace had new admiration for her mom, for always being there for her no matter what, but she couldn't help but wish Sam were there with her too. The 2 months they had been apart had done nothing to soften her feelings for him. He was her soulmate. She knew that somewhere deep inside of her.

"What is it?" her mother asked with a look of concern as Candace lay in the hospital bed forlornly.

She didn't feel like lying anymore. She had done plenty of that since leaving Sam, though she knew her mom knew better. It was never her hormones acting up, as she had claimed a hundred times. When she was upset, it was always when she was thinking about or missing Sam.

"I wish Sam were here," her lip trembled as she broke down. Candace was so tired of crying, but it felt good to finally admit her feelings out loud.

Lucy hugged her daughter close and let her cry. Once she quieted down, she gently asked, "Have you let him know that the baby is coming?" It had crossed her mind earlier, but she had been too afraid to ask. It was none of her business, really. Her daughter was her top priority. But Candace's words had started a chain reaction in her head.

"No," she shook her head. "I figured I would let him know once he was here. Send a picture of him," she couldn't help but smile weakly at the thought.

"Ok. Just wondering," Lucy squeezed her hand.

Candace closed her eyes, another contraction seizing her. She squeezed Lucy's hand harder.

"I don't think I can take much more of this," Candace tried to joke once it was over, but she could see the look of pain on her daughter's face.

"You know you can get an epidural any time, sweetheart."

"I know. I think I'll wait a few more. It just makes me nervous. I want the relief, but I don't want to risk stalling my labor out either. I'm ready to meet this little boy," she smiled tiredly.

"I know, sweetheart," she patted Candace's hand. "Me too. He'll be here before you know it," she smiled back at her.

Her sneakiness surprised even her. While Candace was having her epidural placed, Lucy stealthily snuck her daughter's phone into her pocket. Once it was finished, she put her plan into action.

"I completely forgot. Your aunt Mary wanted me to let her know when you were having the baby. Care if I sneak out for a minute and call her and grab a snack?" she asked Candace.

"Go for it. I'm feeling much better already," she smiled genuinely.

"Ok. I'll be right back," Lucy headed out the door.

She walked a few paces down the hallway and took her daughter's phone out.

"This is Lucy. Candace is in labor. Get here asap. She's about halfway there. She doesn't know I'm texting you. Don't overthink it. Just come. My # is 501-618-2547. Text me, not her," she sent to Sam. She waited until it had gone through and deleted the message from Candace's phone. She snuck back and waited just outside of her daughter's hospital room. The familiar jingle of her own phone's text notification went off a few seconds later.

"I got about halfway to the elevator before I realized I grabbed your phone instead of mine!" she walked in nonchalantly, shaking Candace's phone in the air before setting it on the bedside table.

"Guess we shouldn't have gotten the same kind of phone," Candace chuckled. "Yours just went off," she pointed.

"Did it? Must be your father wanting an update," Lucy lied. She picked her own phone up and headed for the door again.

"I'll be right back."

She really did head downstairs to the vending machine this time, reading Sam's text and formulating her own response on the way.

"How is she doing? Are you sure about this?" she read. Silly boy. I told you to not overthink it. She still couldn't help but notice that he had asked about Candace's well-being first. She had another pang of guilt for ever doubting his intentions with her daughter. He had a heart of gold.

"She's doing great. Just got her epidural. She's halfway dilated, though. Better get here quick. I know for a fact she wants you here. I'm not just saying that," she sent back. Lucy hoped to God he believed her.

"I'll be there as soon as I can," is all he replied. She crossed her fingers he would make it in time.

"I'm here. They won't let me in because I wasn't on her list," Sam texted several hours later.

"Be right down."

Lucy hoped that her daughter was asleep for real still, but had no luck.

"Where are you going?" Candace asked groggily, looking right at her through half-closed eyes.

"I'll be right back," she rushed out the door, unable to think of a good excuse. She spotted Sam down the hallway as soon as she stepped out the door. The nurses at the check-in desk looked as flustered as he did.

"Do you know this man? He claims he's here to be with your daughter," a dark-haired nurse questioned her.

"Of course. He's my future son-in-law," Lucy lied.

"Then why is he not named on your daughter's list of allowed visitors?" the nurse raised an eyebrow, holding a piece of paper up.

"Because she thought he wasn't going to be able to come. You do know who he is, don't you?"

All of the nurses took a closer look at him.

"Oh yah. You're the Avatar guy, aren't you?" a younger, blonde-haired nurse directed her attention to Sam.

"That's me. The 'Avatar guy'," he smiled weakly. Lucy could tell he was trying not to get irritated.

"He's been off filming a new movie and we didn't think he was going to be able to make it. Surely you can make an exception just this once?" Lucy put on her sweetest smile for the nurses.

"I guess," the dark-haired nurse looked at her skeptically. "Movie star or not, if we find out the patient doesn't actually want him here, security will escort him off the property immediately," the nurse looked sternly between her and Sam.

"That won't be an issue," Lucy reassured her.

"Come on, honey," she grabbed Sam's hand. "You got here just in time," she escorted him down the hall with all of the nurses looking on. They stopped outside of Candace's door, out of earshot of the nurses' station, though a couple of them were still watching them.

"Thank you," Sam let out a sigh of relief, letting go of her hand.

"You're welcome," she smiled, turning toward the door. He put a hand on the door, stopping her.

"Wait. Are you sure she wants me in there?" he asked quietly, not wanting the nurses or Candace to hear him.

"Sam, she hasn't been the same the past few months. Don't tell her I told you, but she cries all the time. She's been depressed. I tried to talk her into seeing a therapist, but she wouldn't listen. She was a blubbering mess after her baby shower. Right before I messaged you she admitted to me that she wished you were here. I know what she said and some of what's been going on between you two, but yes, I really believe she wants you here. Besides, you already flew all this way. Kind of late to change your mind now, don't you think?" she smiled at him.

Sam just nodded his head, taking everything in. "Thanks, Lucy."

They turned to go into the room, but she spun around, putting her hand on his chest, stopping him.

"One more thing."

"What's that?" he asked nervously.

She almost hated to ask, especially after seeing his eyes grow watery at the mention of how much turmoil her daughter had been through without him over the past several months.

"You're going to do right by them, aren't you?" she looked at him seriously.

"Of course. Wouldn't be here if I wasn't," he smiled genuinely.

"Candace, sweetheart, you have a visitor," her mother called quietly, peeking her head through the crack in the door. She was just about to doze off again. In her groggy state, she thought for a split second that she had already had the baby. That her dad or aunt Mary was there to visit them. Then she realized one of her hands was resting on her protruding stomach.

Before she had the chance to ask who it was, the last person she expected, but the only person she wanted to see, walked through the door behind her mom.

"Sam!" she cried out, becoming alert instantly. She covered her mouth, utterly shocked, tears instantly streaming down her face.

He had a sideways grin on his face, his nervous smile. Her mom nudged him forward as she mouthed the word "go". He did as he was told and strode over to Candace. She threw her arms around him and buried her face in his neck, just relishing the scent and warmth of him.

"I missed you so much," she sobbed as he hugged her tight, pulling her as closely as he could.

"I missed you too," his words came out ragged, relieved she was happy to see him. They embraced for a long moment, not wanting to let go.

"I'm so glad you're here," Candace took his face in her hands, staring at him in disbelief.

"You are?" he asked hopefully. He couldn't help himself.

"Yes," she laughed, nodding, and kissed him passionately. She knew they were making a scene in front of her mom, but didn't care. He was the only thing that mattered at the moment.

"I'm sorry I shut you out, how hateful I was to you," she started crying again.

"No, no," Sam shook his head, speaking soothingly to her as he brushed the flyaways from her face.

"It's not time for that. We can talk later," he reassured her. "Right now you need to focus on having that baby, yeh?" he rubbed her stomach gently. Candace just nodded her head vigorously in agreement, still trying to fight back tears.

"He got so big," Sam continued rubbing her huge belly, fighting back his own tears. Seeing her now made him miss the past couple of months without her even more. He had missed numerous doctor appointments and ultrasounds with her. She'd had to go to those all alone, for all he knew. Even though it had been her choice, he couldn't help feeling guilty and sad.

"I know," she laughed, placing her hand over his. "I'm sorry you weren't there," Candace looked up at him, seeming to read his thoughts.

"It's ok. I'm here now," he stroked her golden hair with his other hand, smiling.

"How did you know, anyway? My mom arranged this, didn't she?" Candace chuckled, her tears finally slowing.

"Well, you can't very well say things like 'I wish Sam were here' and not expect me to do anything about it," she winked.

"Well, for once, I appreciate your interfering," she said to her mom, but looked up at Sam. She didn't have to say "I love you" out loud. It was written all over her face.

A knock came at the door and the dark-haired nurse let herself in.

"We've been monitoring your contractions from down the hall," she walked over to the machines spitting out readings next to Candace.

"Looks like they're getting pretty close together," she smiled before looking at the printed sheets gathering on the floor.

"Are they?" Candace laughed. "This epidural is wonderful," she giggled again, holding onto Sam's hand.

"Enjoy it while you can. I'll let you in on a little secret: They turn your epidural down for first-time moms so you can feel where you're pushing better," she looked to Candace momentarily.

She didn't like the sounds of that. She was having a hard enough time 4-5cm ago when she had gotten it.

"Great," she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"You'll be fine," Sam squeezed her hand.

The nurse finished looking at the readouts.

"Mind if I check you? It's been a while and your contractions are about 2 minutes apart."

"Sure," Candace agreed and the nurse went about her business.

"I think you're just about ready," she smiled. "I'm going to get Dr.Stevens. There will be a couple of other nurses coming in to get things ready in just a minute," the nurse headed out the door.

"Looks like you got here just in time, daddy," Lucy teased.

"Better late than never," Sam smiled down at Candace.

"You're doing so good, sweetheart," Sam tried to encourage Candace as she worked on pushing their son out. It had only been half an hour, but she was getting close. He was just glad she didn't seem to be in any pain. That would have killed him.

"I can see his head," the doctor announced. "Give me a few more good pushes, Candace."

Sam stroked the hair out of her face for the millionth time during her short break of relief. She looked tired. He kissed her on the forehead, not minding the slight sweat on it from her exertion one bit. He had no idea if she would still be as happy to see him once the euphoria of the baby coming wore off, but he didn't care. He had never loved her more than he did at that moment.

"You're almost there, baby," he whispered in her ear as she started pushing again. Candace squeezed his hand tight.

"Push! Push, Candace! His head is almost out!" Lucy encouraged from the other side of the bed. Sam couldn't bring himself to look down there as she did. He would never admit it, but the thought of it made him a bit squeamish.

Candace flopped back hard against the bed when the contraction ended, taking ragged breaths. He knew the epidural was doing its job, but was still in awe she hadn't complained once. It was obvious the hard work her body was doing.

"Yes, Candace!" her mom cheered.

"Baby's head is out," the doctor confirmed. "Give me one more good push next time and we can get this little guy all the way out."

Candace nodded in agreement, eyes closed.

A minute later, she and Sam were officially parents.

"It's a boy!" Dr.Stevens confirmed as he held up the baby far enough for them to see his sweet little face. The nurses went about wiping the majority of the gunk off of him.

"You did so good, sweetie," Lucy patted Candace's hand, tears glistening in her eyes.

"I'm so proud of you," Sam spoke quietly in her ear before kissing her temple. She looked up at him with tears of her own rimming her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Congratulations," one of the nurses placed their son on Candace's chest. He was starting to fidget, but the other nurse continued rubbing him down, both to clean him up and to get him to start crying, clear his lungs. Sam watched in amazement as his son silently worked himself up before erupting into a startled cry.

"Aww," Lucy and Candace both cooed.

"Hi, baby. It's ok," Candace rubbed his head gently. There was hair there, but it was light in color. Sam couldn't help but wonder if it would stay that way.

"Oh my goodness. He looks like you, Sam," Lucy looked over at him, smiling. He just smiled back at her.

"Alright, dad. You want to cut the cord so we can get this little guy bundled up for you guys?" the doctor asked. Sam had completely forgotten about that part. He was so giddy, his squeamishness didn't even bother him as he did it.

He couldn't wipe the stupid grin from his face as he quietly watched Candace with their son. She looked so natural, like that moment was always meant to be.

"So what are we calling this little boy?" one of the nurses asked.

"Oh God," a look of horror passed over Candace's face as she looked up at him. "We never decided, did we?" she spoke solemnly.

"Not really. I think we both like 'Charlie', didn't we?" he thought back to the last time they had talked about names. It had been months ago.

Candace looked back down at the infant as if she were sizing him up.

"Yah," she finally nodded. "I think he looks like a Charlie. What about Charlie Daniel?" she looked to him hopefully.

"Charlie Daniel," he said out loud. "I like it," he smiled and rubbed the baby's cheek. He was finally starting to calm down, wrapped up and toasty in Candace's arms.

"How about a last name?" the nurse asked as she wrote down the information.

"Worthington," Candace spoke without hesitation. Sam snapped his neck toward her. She was already staring at him, waiting for his response.

"Are you sure?" he asked quietly, surprised.

She nodded, smiling, fresh tears starting in the corners of her eyes.

"Does that mean..." he left the implication hanging in the air.

Candace beckoned him closer with her finger.

"Later," she whispered. "We'll talk later," she kissed his jaw.

"You should get some rest," Sam insisted.

It was nearly 10 pm. Charlie had been born at 8:08. The doctor and nurses had left a good hour ago. Lucy had left about half an hour after that, wanting to give them some privacy and go home and sleep herself. Not before getting to hold her first grandchild for a bit, though.