Imagine you and Ichabod Crane are having a baby.

"Out of the way! Out of the way!" Ichabod Crane yelled, frantically, as he was dashing through the village of Sleepy Hollow, with an empty bucket in his hand to fetch some water. The villagers quickly moved out of the way as they watched him running towards the well. Once he got there, he scooped some water in the bucket and dashed off back to the village before the recently orphaned, Young Masbath, caught up with him, a little out of breath.

"But, Master Crane—" The young lad was about to say something. "No time for questions, Young Masbath! I need to get this bucket of water to (y/n)! She's having our baby!" Ichabod said, hectically, as he continued running through the village, not even noticing the water splashing out of the bucket and was about to go down a small steep hill. As soon as he approached it, he ended up tumbling down the hill and the bucket water slipped out of his hand and landed on his head, causing the water to splash all over him. "Oh, goodness gracious! How very clumsy of me!" Ichabod said to himself through the bucket, as he stood up and blindly walked around, with Young Masbath walking behind him.

"(y/n)? (y/n)? (y/n)?" Ichabod called out, as he was walking backwards. "Ichabod, I'm right here." You said from behind him. Ichabod, then, spun around towards your direction and removed the bucket off his soaking wet head, where he saw you, nine months pregnant but not in labor with your hands on your hips, and Katrina, Baltus Van Tassel's daughter, standing next to you, with the two of you looking at him with furrowed eyebrows.

"Oh, my dear (y/n). I'm so sorry. I went to get water in preparation for the birth of our child and well...this happened." Ichabod explained, motioned to his soaked self. "Ichabod, it was just a kick." You told him. "But I thought it meant that it was time, (y/n)." "My body could tell when it's time to have our baby. A kick is just a kick, darling." You explained. "Then, why didn't you tell me?" He asked. "I did tell you. The moment I said that the baby kicked, the next thing I know, you dashed out of the cottage like a mad man before we could stop you." You told him, gesturing to Katrina and Masbath. "Again." You added.

Ichabod shifted his eyes after he realized his mistake and he let out a nervous chuckle as he scratched the back of his neck as he turned to the villagers. "Apologies, everyone. False alarm." He announced. The villagers groaned in annoyance as they resumed back to their duties and talked amongst themselves. "That's the second time he's done that today." One of the villagers complained.

Ichabod, then, turned back to you, got down on one knee, and placed his hands on your swollen abdomen before he spoke, "You certainly know how to scare your father, little one. But it's a working progress. Although don't scare me too much before I'll end up having a heart attack." You laughed, softly, as you placed your hand on his shoulder and rubbed it before you said, "Darling, you really gotta calm yourself down before you'll be known as the 'Crazy Mad Man of Sleepy Hollow'." "I know, sweetheart. I just wanted to be prepared when our child arrives and make sure that everything goes well. After all, it is the due month." Ichabod said, while standing up.

"I'm due in two weeks, Ichabod. There's nothing to worry about. As soon as you're done with the case, we'll be back in New York City in time for the baby to arrive on its due date." You said. "You sure you don't want to go see the midwife to make sure it's not too soon for your baby's arrival, Madam?" Katrina asked. "No. That won't be necessary, Katrina. I have my own doctor. But I appreciate it though. And please, call me '(y/n)'." You said. "We'll still keep the midwife in mind, (y/n), just as a back up if anything happens early after all." Ichabod mentioned.

"All right, Ichabod. Whatever you say. Right now, let's head back to the cottage and get you out of those wet clothes before you catch your death of cold out here." You told him. "That's probably a good idea, my dear, considering the fact that I'm beginning to feel a bit...chilly." Ichabod responded, shivering a bit from a breeze that came out of nowhere, and, then, you both headed back to the cottage, with Katrina and Masbath following behind.

***

You were sitting on the couch in front of the living room fireplace, crocheting two baby booties with yarn, while Ichabod was sitting on the other side of the couch, dried off from earlier and in new clothes, including his robe. The atmosphere was completely silent for the last few minutes, even when Katrina and Masbath were in the kitchen. You took a break from crocheting and looked at Ichabod, who was staring at the fire, as if he was deep in thought about something.

"Everything alright, Ichabod?" You asked. He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to you afterwards. "Hm? Oh, yes. Everything is alright, my dear (y/n)." Ichabod answered. "You seem like you have something on your mind. What is it?" You questioned. Ichabod seemed a bit hesitant at first, but, then, he let out an exhale before he responded, "I was just thinking about a lot of things from my childhood. Even though my mother was a witch, she was always there for me, even when she was protecting me from my abusive, religious father. After what he did to her, not only I had lost faith, but I've always had doubts if I was ever going to be a good father one day from what I had seen from my own."

After he said all that, you had a sympathetic expression on your face as you scooted closer towards him and rubbed his shoulder to comfort him. "You don't need to doubt yourself anymore, Ichabod. Even though from what you had told me about your childhood was absolutely traumatizing, you have to remember that you never became like your father. You are who you are, even if you're clumsy or skittish. I know that you're going to be a wonderful father to our child." You said.

Ichabod's eyes began to soften up after he listened to your words. "You really think so, (y/n)?" He asked. "Of course, darling. Two years of being together with you and I already know that you will be." You responded. A smile formed on his face after you said that. "Two amazing years of being together and it seems like nine months ago that you and I had finally gotten married." "It was nine months ago, Ichabod. And to think we received the greatest gift afterwards. The beginning of us becoming a family of three." You said, with a smile on your face.

Then, Ichabod wrapped his arms around you and he embraced you in a gentle hug. You wrapped your arms around him and hugged him back. "Thank you, my dear (y/n). I don't know what I would do without you. I love you so, so much." He whispered. "Same here and I love you too, Ichabod." You said back.

***

Three days later, on All Hallows Eve...

Thunder and lightning occurred in the middle of the night in Sleepy Hollow as you were sleeping in bed with Ichabod. The storm didn't bother either one of you. But you were having trouble sleeping as you were feeling the baby move and slight painful contractions for a few minutes. You tried to sleep it off more, hoping they would go away. But it didn't work and the contractions became more painful, so you took a few quiet deep breaths so you wouldn't wake up Ichabod. After a few more deep breaths, the contractions seemed like they were starting to go away and, then, you tried to go back to sleep.

Suddenly, your (e/c) eyes instantly opened when you felt the contractions coming back, but they even more intense. You sat up in bed and placed your hand on your swollen abdomen as you took a few deep breaths to try to ease the pain. "Ooh! Ah!" You exclaimed, as you felt another painful contraction, making you groan in pain. "Ichabod! Ichabod!" You called out loud, in pain, as you shook him vigorously to wake him up.

Ichabod, then, woke up and sat up immediately before he turned to you. "What is it, (y/n)?" He asked, sounding concerned. "The baby's coming, Ichabod!" You answered, while panting. Once you said that, Ichabod's eyes widened. "As in for real, (y/n)?" He asked, anxiously. Before you could answer, you felt a popping sensation in between your legs. You looked down and saw a wet spot on the sheets. "Really for real, Ichabod! My water just broke!" You answered, and, then, you started panting even more.

Without hesitation, Ichabod jumped out of bed, frantically, and started getting dressed as quick as he could. "Okay. Don't panic, (y/n). Everything will be okay." He said, even though you were calm the whole time while he was the one panicking, as he finished getting ready. "Ichabod, it's you who needs to not panic!" You stated, angrily. "Right! Good point there, (y/n). Here. Let me get you a glass of water and I'll go get help!" Ichabod said, trying to be calm, as he grabbed the cup and pitcher of water that were sitting on the nightstand and began to quickly drink the pitcher of water instead, without even realizing what he was doing since he wasn't thinking straight. He exhaled after he finished before he handed you the empty cup and said, "Here you go, darling. Katrina! Masbath!" He, then, ran out of bedroom, with you glancing at his direction, while you were still holding the empty cup. 'What am I going to do with him?' You thought to yourself.

***

You were still in labor as you were taking deep, calm breaths to ease the pain, while Ichabod sat behind you, rubbing your shoulders and spoke sweet sayings to you in your ear. Katrina was in the kitchen boiling some hot water, while Masbath was out getting the midwife. You winced in pain as you felt another intense concentration. "It's okay, darling. I'm right here." Ichabod whispered by your ear, as he rubbed your swollen abdomen in small circles. "It hurts so much, Ichabod." You said. "I know, (y/n), but it'll be over soon. Just breathe." Ichabod responded. With that, the pain stopped and you let out an exhale.

"I don't understand, Ichabod. I was certain that the baby would arrive on the timely due date." "It can't be helped, sweetheart. Nature had different plans for us. What matters is that our baby will arrive very soon that we've been anxiously waiting for and everything will be alright once the midwife arrives." Ichabod said.

But just at the perfect, Masbath walked into the bedroom by himself. "Young Masbath, where's the midwife?" Ichabod asked. "You might want to know about this, Master Crane." The young boy spoke, gesturing Ichabod to come over. "I'll be right back, darling. Katrina, stay with (y/n)." Ichabod said, and, then, he got out of bed and went over to Masbath, while Katrina sat down to assist you.

"What is it?" Ichabod asked, quietly. "Sir, the Headless Horseman had returned and claimed three more victims...including the midwife." Masbath answered, quietly. With that being said, that's when Ichabod began to panic inside. "Oh, this is not good. This is so not good." He said, not realizing that he was saying it out loud where you could hear him. "What's not good, Ichabod? Is the midwife coming?" You questioned, while Katrina wiped your forehead with a cloth since you were getting drenched in sweat. Ichabod's eyes widened as he turned to you, hesitating to respond back, but he had to tell you otherwise. "Uh, (y/n), I have some good news and some bad news. Well, uh, particularly bad news at the most and that is...the midwife isn't here because she became another decapitated victim." He told you.

When he said that, your (e/c) widened and you were beginning to panic. "Oh, God! No!" You freaked out. Then, you felt the baby was getting closer to arrive and you felt like you needed to push. "The baby is coming!" You exclaimed, painfully, and started panting more while you bend your knees up. "Who's gonna deliver the baby?" Katrina asked. "Can't you do it?" Ichabod asked. "I don't know how to." Katrina responded. Then, Ichabod turned to Masbath and was about to ask, "Are you willing to—" But the young lad shook his head in response. "No, Ichabod! That will not be necessary!" You yelled.

"There's gotta be someone who can deliver the baby!" "I know who can do it and that's you, Ichabod!" You said. Once you said that, Ichabod looked at you as if you were crazy. "M-Me?" He questioned. "Yes, you, Ichabod! You're the closest person who has medical experience!" You responded. Ichabod was loss for words and he began to sweat as he was starting to panic even more. But he didn't want to argue with you in your condition. "O-Okay. I'll do it. I mean, it can't be that bad." Ichabod said, as he went around and stood in front of you. "There's nothing wrong with the miracle of birth and right now, I can see—" He spoke to himself, trying to be confident, as he barely lifted the hem of the skirt on your nightgown up and saw something that made him roll his eyes back. "The head." He groaned, and, then, he fainted, abruptly, on the floor.

"Ichabod!" You yelled, as you sat up and tried to see where he was on the floor. "Now's not the time to be your fainting self!" You added. But Ichabod was still unconscious. "What are you gonna do?" Masbath asked. "Well, I can't deliver the baby by myself!" "Hold on. I have something." Katrina said, as she got up, took out a flask, kneeled next to Ichabod, and held the open flask next to his nose. Once he inhaled it, he regained consciousness. "Oh. Thank you, Katrina." He said. "You're welcome." Katrina responded. "I'm curious to know what that is that helps— " "Excuse me? I'm having a baby here!" You called out. "Right!" Ichabod spoke.

He stood in front of you again, but he was visibly disgusted. "I—I can't do it, (y/n)." He said. "Yes, you can, Ichabod! If you can handle corpses every day, I'm sure you can handle childbirth! Now for my sake, please don't faint again and help deliver our baby!" You encouraged him, as you sweated and panted more. Hearing your words of encouragement helped wash away the panic and disgust on Ichabod's face. He knew he had to help you and the baby more than ever.

"Masbath, go get my bag and some blankets, and, then, I want you and Katrina to help support (y/n) through this." Ichabod instructed, and they both nodded in response before Masbath ran to the other room, while Katrina sat down next to you and you held her hand to squeeze it. With Ichabod, he lifted up the skirt of your nightgown again, trying his best to not faint or feel disgusted. He kept his composure and observed what he needed to do as soon as Masbath brought him his bag that had some medical tools inside that he might need and a couple of blankets. Afterwards, the young boy went over to the other side of the bed and held your other hand.

"Okay, (y/n), I can see the head and everything looks fine so far. I need you to start pushing." He instructed, while he laid out the blankets. "Okay." You said, and, then, you leaned forward and started pushing, while you squeezed both Masbath and Katrina's hands. After the first push, you let out an exhale and took some deep breaths. "You're doing good, sweetheart. Just keep pushing." Ichabod said, and, then, you started pushing again for a short time before you stopped as it kept getting painful. "I can't do it. It hurts so bad." You whimpered. "It's okay, (y/n)." Katrina supported you. "You're doing good, Lady Crane." Masbath added. "Don't give up, darling. You're doing an excellent job. Our baby is almost here. Just keep pushing." Ichabod encouraged you. "Okay." You responded, and, then, you started pushing again.

After several minutes of pushing and crying out in pain, you heard Ichabod say, "The head is out, (y/n). Just one more big push." Then, you gave one more big push before the room was surrounded by the baby crying. You let out an exhausted sigh and tears were rolling down your cheeks. You looked at Ichabod, who was already crying tears of joy as he held the baby, wrapped in one of the blankets, in his arms. He looked up at you and said, softly, "(y/n)...we have a baby girl." More tears ran down your cheeks and a smile spread across your face after you found out it was girl before Ichabod carried her over and carefully handed her to you as he sat down next to you on the bed, while Katrina and Masbath walked out of the bedroom so that you and Ichabod could spend time with your newborn daughter.

You held your daughter in your arms for a while as you looked down at her sleeping form, while Ichabod had his arms wrapped around your waist as he looked down at her as well. "It's unbelievable that we've brought this sweet little angel into this world, Ichabod." You said. "I can't believe she's already here, (y/n). You did so good and I'm so proud of you." Ichabod responded, and, then, he placed a kiss on your cheek. You chuckled, softly, as you turned to him and said, "Not just me. You did too. You helped a lot with delivering our baby." "I'm glad I pulled myself together and helped bring this angel of ours into our lives. We're a family now, (y/n)." He said, and, then, you both kissed each other.

After you pulled away from the kiss, you realized something. "Oh, my goodness. From everything going on, we never thought about any names. What are we gonna name her?" You questioned. Ichabod thought about it for a few seconds until he looked down at his daughter and answered, "She looks like a Madeline. I think we should name her Madeline." "Madeline. I've always loved that name, along with Rose." You said. "Madeline Rose Crane. Now I love that even more." Ichabod commented. "It suits her perfectly." You agreed. Then, you looked down at your daughter and smiled. "We love you so much, our little Madeline Rose Crane." You spoke, softly, to your sleeping newly named daughter.