5 months later

Ever since Ichabod and Serena found out they were going to have a child, things began to change. No, nothing bad. I mean, it did get stressful, but that was to be expected. They just wanted their unborn child to come out healthy, not to mention they wanted Serena to survive. She was the mother of his child, of course she had to survive. Neither of them wanted their baby to grow up without a parent, mother or father. 

Ichabod vowed to never be like his father; his father was absolutely abusive, cruel, and downright evil. He killed his mother over the fact that she was a witch, which he believed was the unholiest thing a woman could ever become. Ichabod was the absolute opposite. He was stubborn, yes, but he was also very generous, kind, supportive, and he was the best husband he could be. He was going to make sure Serena, and this child, had nothing to worry about ever again. 

Serena was laying on the sofa, with her back propped up against the pillows and her ankles resting on Ichabod's lap, who was looking over some documents, trying to figure out his new case.  A woman was killed; tragically died in the most horrific way.... she was pregnant. Not only was her body stabbed to death multiple times, but her body was cut open and the baby was ripped from her, organs completely out on display. Who, in their right mind, would kill a woman, and then tear the baby out of her?! 

On top of that, why in the hell did Ichabod take the case, when his wife, was pregnant with his child? God, had he been that stupid? Just reading the details in the documents, it just made him more paranoid about the safety of Serena, and their soon to be child. Serena knew about the case, but not at first. Ichabod wasn't trying to hide anything, he was always honest with her. But considering what the case entailed, in their situation, he didn't want to frighten her. He already knew she was stressed enough as it is, so he didn't want to add onto that. 

But Serena was very persuasive and eventually, convinced him to tell her about the case. It absolutely horrified her, no doubt about it. But honestly, even though she already loved their unborn child, it just made her grow more protective of it. And she knew that Ichabod would NEVER do anything to harm her, or anyone else around him. She trusted him with her life.

Silver was laying down on the floor beside the couch, her golden eyes looking out the window. Serena's hands rested on her stomach, which was now showing a little bit and her eyes were locked on her husband. She could see the stress etched all over his face and it concerned her. She let out a soft sigh before slowly removing her legs from his lap and carefully scooting over, until she was sitting right next to him. While keeping one hand on her stomach, the other one gently placed a hand over his that was holding the documents and she could feel how shaky he was. 

"Honey, please, take a break. You're working yourself up. Our baby is going to be okay." She tried to console him as she stroked the top of his hand with her thumb, her lips pressing against his shoulder. Ichabod was fighting with himself, trying not to pass out. He wanted to figure out this case, but at the same time, it was just freaking him out. He shouldn't have taken this case, not when his wife was pregnant. And he knew she was right. He had to keep telling himself that everything was going to be alright. 

He let out a sigh of defeat as he set the documents down on the table in front of them before leaning back against the couch, running his fingers through his hair. He tried to focus on his breathing but this case was frazzling his brain. How could someone do something so horrific, so cruel? Something no sane person would ever dream of doing!

"I just don't understand... I don't get it Serena..." he mumbled and Serena reached up, the back of her hand softly running over his cheek in hopes of relaxing him. She hated seeing her husband so worked up. But, that was the life of a constable... nonetheless, she would always be there for cheer him up and lift up his spirits. Nothing was going to stand in the way of that. 

"I know, darling. But trust me, in time, you will figure this out. Right now, just focus on me and-" before she could say anything else, she felt a movement and she let out a gasp, her eyes widening slightly as both hands clutched her stomach. She didn't feel any pain, just shock. Ichabod thought something horrible happened and he immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his heart beginning to race. 

"Are you in pain, Serena? What happened?" He asked worriedly and Serena, quickly figuring out what just happened, let out a giggle as her eyes began to water. Ichabod, still worried for her wellbeing, now grew a little confused as he raised an eyebrow. She had gasped, so immediately, he thought something terrible happened. But now, she had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. What was going on? 

"Ichabod... I- I think the baby just kicked..." 

When she said that, all his worry washed away and was instantly replaced with relief and happiness. His baby kicked inside of her.. just now? Well now he wished he could have felt it! His eyes stung with tears as a smile formed on his face, one of his hands resting over hers that were on her stomach. They couldn't believe it, their baby just kicked! 

And then the baby kicked again. Serena jolted, but immediately laughed as tears now poured down her cheeks, her head gently hitting his shoulder. Ichabod rested his cheek on top of her head and let out a chuckle as they held each other close, thinking about the day that their child would soon be in their arms. Everything was going to be alright. 

4 months later

Serena was due any day now, and she couldn't contain her excitement, or her nervousness. But again, those feelings were completely normal. Ichabod had found a really nice midwife, who had been delivering babies for about 15 years. She was in her mid 40s, shoulder length brown hair with fair skin and a more rounded figure. She was as sweet as can be and the Cranes knew that Serena was in good hands. Anything could happen, so everyday, they were prepared. 

Except on this day... it was the middle of the night, around 2:00 in the morning and they were sleeping peacefully, curled up in each others arms. However, Serena started to groan in her sleep, her head moving slightly on the pillow. Her back was pressed against Ichabod's chest, his arm gently draped over her stomach. Serena tried to shake off whatever it was that was happening, but almost immediately, the pain got worse and she let out a strangled gasp, her eyes snapping open and her hand clutching Ichabod's, almost breaking it in the process. 

That woke him up and trying to ignore the pain in his hand, he quickly propped himself on his elbow and helped her roll onto her back, already seeing the distress all over her face. Tears of pain rolled down her cheeks as she tried to focus on her breathing. He let go of her hand and placed his on her forehead, trying to keep himself cool, calm and collected. 

"Are you alright?! What happened?!" Ichabod asked worriedly and in Serena's mind, she wanted to smack him across the face. Now she would never hurt him for any reason, but did he really just ask if she was alright?! Did he NOT see how much pain she was in? But she knew that yelling at him wasn't going to make the situation any better... for either of them. 

"G-get a doctor... I-I think my water broke!" She exclaimed before crying out once more, her hands clutching her stomach. She could feel the baby was in the right position, which already made her feel grateful, but this pain was absolutely excruciating!

Ichabod just sat there for a moment, completely shocked and stunned, but then quickly lit a candle so she had a source of light and set it down on the nightstand before running off to put some pants on, with booths and his coat. Silver, who was just now waking up, heard her owner in distress and rushed over to her, sitting down beside the bed and whining, tilting her head in confusion and worry. 

Once Ichabod was dressed, he quickly knelt down and placed a hand on her stomach, rubbing his thumb over it. "J-just focus on your breathing and I'll be back before you know it. Silver, stay with her." Silver just grunted in response as Ichabod quickly kissed his wife's forehead, then darted downstairs and left the house, leaving Serena to cry in her bed, praying to god that everything would be alright. 

About 10 minutes later, Ichabod had returned home with the midwife, quickly shedding off his coat as soon as he stepped foot inside and led the midwife to Serena, who was now on her back, sweat dripping from her forehead, with her head tilted to the side, her eyes closed and her hands gripping the sheets and pillow. Hearing what was around her, she let out a whimper as she felt another contraction brewing inside her. Will this pain ever end?

"I-it hurts..." she sobbed and Ichabod was quick to rush to the bathroom to grab a rag, then he ran to her side, getting on the bed and running a hand through her hair to try and calm her down. The midwife opened up her bag, getting her supplies set up as Ichabod gently dabbed the rag against her forehead, trying to wipe away her sweat. 

"It's going to be okay, dearie. Just focus on your breathing. Do you mind if I check to see how dilated you are?" She asked, even though she knew that was a part of her job. Serena looked at Ichabod, her blue eyes filled with tears and pain as she bit her bottom lip, trying to suppress a scream that threatened to leave her mouth. 

"G-go ahead..." Once all the midwife's supplies were ready to go, she moved the covers from her body and looked at Ichabod. "Sir, I need you to step out of the room." Ichabod's and Serena's eyes widened when she said that.

Like hell that was going to happen! Did this lady want to die?! Ichabod started to leave, but Serena, despite being in immense pain, reached out and grabbed his hand, almost breaking his bones from just her grip. She wasn't THAT strong, but anybody could tell she was in pain, and she was angry. Ichabod stayed where he was as Serena looked at the midwife, trying not to scream at her. 

"L-listen here, ma'am... I- I trust that you know what you are doing... b-but I will not be separated from my husband. I w-want him here with me. W-we created this baby together s-so it is only fair that he is here with me, to witness the birth of our child... please..." she begged through tears before crying out once more. The midwife was about to speak but Ichabod looked at her with pleading eyes, and the midwife only nodded before kneeling down in front of her, and lifting up the hem of her nightgown, pushing it past her knees. Her eyes widened and Ichabod noticed, his heart pounding in his chest. 

"What's wrong?" He asked and the midwife looked at him. She didn't look worried, but she looked determined. 

"Get a towel and then help her sit up. This baby is ready to come out." Serena's eyes widened in horror, Ichabod trying not to pass out right then and there. This baby was gonna come out now?! Now they really had to get their shit together. Ichabod nodded his head and almost tripped while running to the bathroom. He grabbed a towel and once back at the bed, he set the towel down, then propped the pillows up against the headboard, his hands shaking like a leaf. He was nervous, but to say he was excited was an understatement. In a matter of time, he was going to be a father, the best father he could be. 

After setting up the pillows, he placed one hand under her back and the other on her shoulder and very carefully helped her sit up, causing her to gasp at the switch of positions. But as soon as her back hit the pillows, she let out a shaky sigh as Ichabod moved her sweaty hair away from her forehead. She opened her fear filled eyes as he stroked her head with his thumb, her body trembling while the midwife placed the towel under her lower body. 

"I-I don't think I can do this Ichabod... i-it's too much... Please take the pain away..." She sobbed  and Ichabod felt his heart break seeing her in this state. But he also knew this was going to pass, and he truly believed that everything was going to be alright. After zipping off his boots, he sat down beside her and wrapped one arm around her shoulders, his other hand grabbing the rag and wiping away more sweat that dripped from her forehead. He had to be strong for her, and their child. 

"Serena, you are my wife, and the mother of my child. You have no idea how strong and courageous you are..." his eyes began to well up but he continued to speak. "You can do this, I know you can. Once our baby is out, you will no longer feel this pain. Sore, yes but pain, no. You will be relieved and we will soon have our baby in our arms. I have faith in you, my sweet Serena." 

Hearing his words of encouragement, it just boosted her confidence and made her fall in love with him even more. This was just one of the many reasons why she married the love of her life, her constable. He rested his forehead against hers as he reached down with his other hand and grabbed hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He knew his hand was going to be either sprained or broken, but it was going to be worth it.

"Okay, sweetheart. When the next contraction hits, I need you to push until it goes away. We will keep doing this until this baby is out of here. You can do this." the midwife reassured and Serena gave a small nod, her heart pounding so fast, she thought it would burst out of her chest. But as soon as that contraction hit, she gripped Ichabod's hand and started to push with all her might, letting out a cry of pain.

"You got this, honey! Keep pushing!" She pushed for about 10 seconds, and then stopped, the back of her head hitting Ichabod's shoulder. He squeezed her shoulder in comfort as she breathed heavily, her body shaking. 

"G-get this fucking baby out of me!" Ichabod's eyes widened in shock and the midwife just chuckled. Ichabod had heard her swear before and he didn't mind. But she mostly swore when they were making love, so to hear her cuss when she was angry, he did not expect it. 

"Swear to your heart's content dear. Now, get ready to push again." Serena braced herself and when the next contraction hit, she began pushing and all she screamed out was "FUCK!" It did feel good to swear while she was pushing, but how much longer would this last?

"I can see the head, Mrs. Crane! Just one more push!" Serena looked at Ichabod who kissed her forehead, letting it linger a moment as he held her in his arms. This was it. One more push and their baby would be in this world. The final contraction hit and she gave the biggest push, screaming her heart out as she felt the baby slide out of her body and into the midwife's arms. Serena fell back against Ichabod and instant relief filled her body as she slowly caught her breath, her chest heaving up and down. 

"You did so well, my love. I am so proud of you..." Ichabod whispered and Serena just smiled in response, already feeling so exhausted. Before she could say anything, loud crying could be heard and they opened their eyes, turning their attention to the now bawling baby in the midwife's arms. She smiled warmly as she grabbed another towel and cleaned the baby, who cried it's little heart out.

"Congratulations, you two. Its a healthy baby girl." The midwife said happily before standing up with the baby in her arms and walking towards Serena, who held out her arms and was immediately filled with joy when the baby was placed against her chest. The baby continued to cry as Serena moved a bit of the towel away from her face, a small giggle leaving her lips. 

"She's perfect. Our little crane..." Serena cried as she looked at Ichabod before kissing his lips. Feeling the warmth of her new mother, the baby started to calm down, her wails turning into whimpers as her tiny arms came out from the towel. Serena extended her index finger towards her and the baby's tiny hand wrapped around her finger, making both of their hearts melt. Then, to their joy, her eyes fluttered open, revealing beautiful baby blue irises. They took a good look at her and noticed that she definitely had Ichabod's facial structure, but she had Serena's eyes and lips.

"She definitely has your nose..." Serena teased playfully and Ichabod chuckled, kissing Serena's cheek before looking back at their daughter. He never thought he would be a father, or a husband. That was until he met Serena, who was the only woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. She had always been there for him, through their ups and downs, twists and turns... she brightened every single day they shared together, and now they were married, with a little girl who they already cherished and wanted to protect. 

"Do you want to hold her, darling?" Serena asked and Ichabod looked at her, his breath trembling slightly. He wasn't scared or afraid, he was still trying to process everything. And now, he was finally going to hold his little girl. He nodded his head and Serena helped place the now calm child in his arms, making sure he was supporting the back of her head. He carefully cradled her close to his chest, his eyes never leaving her face. How could something they created be so small, and yet, so perfect at the same time?

He started to silently cry and Serena, her heart filled with so much love, rested her head against his shoulder while her finger stroked their daughter's cheek. The baby cooed in his arms, her eyes now wide open, filled with awe and confusion. The midwife, who had just finished cleaning everything up and packing her things, smiled and placed a hand on Serena's shoulder. 

"Do you have a name picked out?" She asked softly and Serena glanced at her over her shoulder before looking back at Ichabod. She had been thinking about a name if it was a girl, but she wanted to keep it a surprise. She wanted the child's name to be special. Serena nodded her head and Ichabod gave a small grin, sensing that she was a little hesitant. 

"What will her name be, Serena?" He asked and Serena thought for a moment before letting out a breath. 

"Okay, while I was pregnant, I was thinking of multiple names. And then for some reason, Katrina popped into my head. I know how much she meant to you, so, I wanted to honor her, despite everything that happened. However, I started thinking of my name as well... then I thought; why not put our names together? So... what if we named her Karena?" 

Ichabod's smile widened even more when he heard the suggestion, and he pressed his lips to her forehead. Katrina would always have a place in his heart, and so would Masbeth. But now, he was happily married with a beautiful little girl, and he wanted to make every moment mean something. 

"I think that's a perfect name, sweetheart. Our little Karena..." He whispered and before he could say anything else, Silver, who had been downstairs the entire time Serena was giving birth, made her way upstairs and once at the top, sat down and tilted her head in confusion. Serena looked over at Silver, then at Ichabod. She wanted Silver to meet their new daughter, but wasn't sure how she would react. Ichabod could sense that she was nervous and he nodded his head. Serena looked back at silver and gently pat the bed, signaling for her to come. Silver made her way to the bed and sat down, grunting quietly. Ichabod, still holding Karena close, slightly moved a little closer so Silver could smell. 

Silver gave small sniffs and then to their relief, very gently, gave her the tiniest lick on the cheek before laying her chin down on Ichabod's lap. Serena giggled as she rubbed her head before looking back at Ichabod, her head nuzzling against his shoulder. Ichabod rested his cheek on top of her head as they looked down at Karena, who just stared up at them with her beautiful blue eyes, her little hand wrapped around Ichabod's index finger. 

Life couldn't be better.

HAH! You thought this was the end, didn't you? Well, you thought wrong! There will be one more chapter, the epilogue if you will, and then that will be the end of this story! I had so much fun writing it and I have so many more ideas! After I finish this, I am thinking of writing either an Aro love story (Aro is from twilight for those of you who don't know), a Barnabas Collins love story, OR a Victor van Dort love story! Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!