Hollywood and Sam were already in the door way of the hotel when they arrived there, both darting out to help.

"We were in the lobby when that Charles guy came in," explained Hollywood, going to take Anna from Hans, but he wouldn't budge. "We don't need you no more," he spat at Hans.

"Not now, Hollywood," managed Anna. "Just come up to the room with us."

"Yes boss," sighed Hollywood, falling in behind them alongside Sam.

"Have they phoned a Doctor?" asked Abe as they crashed through the doors, Charles standing by the reception desk.

"Yes," promised Sam. "He says he'll swing by and do an initial check-up, but he won't stay until Anna is ready for the final push. Charles said he will wait here for him."

Abe looked up to Charles who nodded. "Thank you!" called Abe, as they rushed for the lift. It would be a tight fit.

"Boys, can you meet us upstairs?" Anna asked. Reluctantly, they agreed, and left for the stairwell. Hans still refused to leave Anna's side, and she didn't push.

The three of them climbed in, Abe huffing loudly. "You don't have to stay now we are here," mumbled Abe, his voice biting.

"I'm not going anywhere," replied Hans curtly. "You need to get used to that idea."

"You're such an asshole," grumbled Abe.

"I swear to God I will have this baby on my own if you two do not be quiet," snapped Anna. Neither apologised, but they both fell silent.

They were soon on the right floor, both helping Anna out of the lift just as another contraction washed over her. She gripped their hands tightly, both stopping as she let it take her for a moment. Hollywood and Sam arrived up the stairs, panting heavily where they had run.

"Let's get you inside to wait for the Doctor," said Abe as Anna's contraction finished, as he fumbled with the keys in his pocket and handed them to Sam to open the door. "Can y'all wait outside whilst Anna gets comfortable?"

"Sure thing," said Sam.

Hollywood glared at Hans. "That goes for you too."

"I'm fully aware, thank you," replied Hans. Then he looked to Anna, squeezing her hand before he let it go, ever so reluctantly. "I'll be right outside."

Anna gave him a grateful smile, then followed Abe into the room before he shut the door.

He left her to lean on the dresser as he got her nightdress, now looking around for the birthing bag.

"It's on my side of the bed," she said, knowing what he was looking for.

He smiled, then grabbed it, chucking it on the bed. "Come on," he said softly, "let's get you comfortable."

She began undressing, Abe waiting patiently with her nightgown in his hands. Anna smiled at him.

"Whatcha grinning at?"

"We're having a baby," she whispered, Abe returning the grin. "Are you excited?"

"Of course I am!" he said, pulling her in mid-way through her undressing and kissing her on the mouth. "Are you?"

"Yes," she said, though her voice was thick.

"You nervous?" he asked softly, Anna nodding a little. "I promise you, baby, I'm here every step of the way!"

"I know," she whispered, holding his hands in hers and kissing his fingertips. She paused. "Can you please stop fighting with Hans."

He let out a very long, frustrated sigh. "Baby, he's an ass..."

"I know," she cut across. "But now is not the time for petty arguments..."

"It ain't petty," insisted Abe as she dropped his hands and carried on getting changed. "Especially after what you said in court today."

There was a long silence, Anna taking her night dress and tugging it on. "I'm sorry I never told you about the lake," she mumbled.

Abe pulled her back into his arms. "That's all right," he murmured, kissing her head. "It ain't no easy thing to tell."

"I suppose I didn't like to dwell on it," she mumbled. "Or have you think of me like that. I'm not that person anymore."

"I know you ain't," he promised, kissing her nose. "But are you really surprised that I'm mad at Hans after hearing that's what you were reduced to?"

"He didn't push me to that point-"

"He left you with the men that did. I know you've forgiven him. And that's your choice. But he's pushing his luck."

"Just try to be civil. For me."

Abe huffed. "That ain't fair," he sighed. "You know I'll do anything for you." She smiled, reaching up and kissing him. They stayed entwined for a moment, Abe's hands splaying on her belly. "I love you so much, Anna."

"As I love you, Abraham," she returned.

There was a knock at the door. "You decent?" called Hollywood.

"Yes," said Anna, Abe helping her to the bed as the others came in. Hans hovered by the door as the other two came closer.

"How are you feeling Anna?" asked Sam. "Can I get you anything?"

"Water, if you don't mind," she said. "And I'm fine, thank you, Sam."

He nodded, smiling at her and slapping Abe on the back before he went to the bathroom to get her a drink.

"Ready for the little critter?" asked Hollywood.

Anna gave a huffy laugh. "As I'll ever be," she said, Sam handing her the glass of water then standing by the door again.

"You're gonna do great," Hollywood promised, taking her hand as Abe sat beside her, rubbing her back. "You're already such a great Momma. This little one is so lucky to have a mother like you."

Anna squeezed his hand tightly. "Thank you, Hollywood." Then there was another knock at the door.

Sam opened it, Maria stepping in.

"Helga and Freda are going to come later," she assured her, Anna breathing a sigh of relief as Maria turned to Hans. "Your sister and husband heard me tell them. They're waiting downstairs in the lobby for you."

"Thank you," replied Hans. "I'll be staying here."

"Perhaps you could wait in the lobby?" offered Anna, everyone glancing at her. "We don't know how long this will take, and I can't have you all in here."

Hans looked wounded, but he nodded. "If you need me up here, just send someone for me."

"I will," she promised.

He paused. He clearly wanted to come over and say goodbye to her properly. But Abe and Hollywood presented a barrier he knew he'd never get through. Instead, he bowed his head and left.

"Sounds like we'll need to do crowd control," said Sam, glancing at Hollywood. "Come on."

"Yeah, I'm coming," sighed Hollywood, looking at Anna again quickly. "You'll have to tell me about the trial later."

"I promise I will," she said.

Hollywood winked, getting to his feet.

"I'll be downstairs too," said Maria, making to leave with the boys, but Anna called out.

"Won't you stay?" she asked, Maria surprised. "You were with me the last time..."

Maria's expression melted. "Whatever you need, my darling. You know that."

"Please stay with me. Help Abe."

"Yes please," said Abe, just about getting the gist of the conversation. "I am uneducated in this."

Maria smiled, so touched to be included. "Let me go and wait with Charles for the Doctor. Then I'll bring him up and be here to help you."

"Thank you, Maria," said Anna.

She came over to the couple, bending down and planting a kiss on Anna's forehead. "I'll be back so soon," she promised, leaving quickly and quietly.

Abe and Anna sat on the bed together, Anna leaning into Abe as another contraction came. Now, it was a waiting game.

***

The next several hours dragged by.

The Doctor arrived with them after about an hour, ready to do an initial examination. He promised to remain at his Doctor's office not too far away but would return when the contractions were closer together.

Klara and Daniel were now sat with Hans in the lobby; Klara didn't trust him to keep his temper around the Americans and thought it prudent to watch him.

Helga and Freda arrived after the trial had finished for the day, Hollywood filling them both in on what was happening.

Charles was in and out between the lobby, his room and the birthing room. He was the best go between and wanted to make sure Maria was all right as well. She was now glued to Anna and Abe, only leaving them when Anna needed something. She was the one who ran to call the Doctor when Anna was in the final stages by late evening.

Anna was grateful that the labour seemed to have progressed quickly; the waiting seemed unending as it was. When the Doctor arrived and began to prep for the birth, Maria's focus turned to him. He had no assistant, so Maria would have to do. Anna suddenly found herself panicking.

This was it... the final moment was coming.

She couldn't help but think back to the last time she had been in this position. She remembered that awful silence that followed Reina's birth. She felt herself panicking. She'd managed to stay calm for so long... but she had nowhere to hide now. Anna reached out for Abe, her clammy hand finding his and squeezing.

The Doctor had suggested he leave, and a woman take over.

He'd told him to fuck off. "You're doin' great darlin'," he encouraged.

Anna looked up at him. "I'm scared," she admitted, her breathing ragged.

Abe pulled himself closer to her, her head resting in the crook of his neck as he kissed her sweaty brow. "I know, baby," he said, "but this ain't like before. You just gotta get through the pain, and I am right here with you. I ain't goin' nowhere."

She nodded, another contraction coming.

"Time to push again," instructed the Doctor.

"Squeeze my hand, baby," encouraged Abe. "Come on. You got this!" Anna pushed with all her might, her head ringing as she did. Again and again this cycle continued, Anna already exhausted. But every time she looked up and saw Abe smiling at her, she felt a new surge of courage. Finally, they heard what they had been waiting for.

"She's crowning," said the Doctor.

"You're doing so well Anna!" cried Maria, looking up at her from the Doctor's side.

"Home stretch, baby. You got this," said Abe as she gritted her teeth, his hand turning blue as she crushed his fingers in her palm.

Then it was over.

The cry came almost instantly, Anna collapsing into Abe who was kissing her all over her cheeks. She was smiling, her whole body trembling as she watched her child squirm happily in the Doctor's hands. He had Maria help him to cut the umbilical cord as Abe stayed beside Anna to congratulate her. The Doctor was checking the baby over, Maria watching with delight as he did so.

"Baby, you did it!" whispered Abe, Anna spluttering out a laugh. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Where's our baby?" she asked. They looked at Maria who was grinning at them, now holding the baby in her arms. "What is it?" asked Anna, her voice breathy.

"A boy," managed Maria, her voice wobbling with emotion. "A perfectly healthy little boy."

"Anna, do you wanna hold him first?" asked Abe.

Anna nodded, her eyes filled with tears. Maria brought him over to her, Abe helping her sit up as their son was placed in her arms. Abe perched beside her on the bed, his arm around both of them as he looked down at their child, who was still covered in muck. Neither of them cared one bit. He began to calm, his crying less frantic now he lay tight in his parents' embrace. Anna pulled him close to her face, her cheek pressing against his head.

Maria helped the Doctor tidy up, giving them both a moment alone before the baby would need to be bathed.

"Our boy," Abe murmured.

Anna tucked further into him. "He's so perfect," she whispered, Abe kissing her head. They sat like this for a moment, both of them so relieved. Anna looked up at her husband, smiling at the tears trickling down his cheeks. He looked at her, his gorgeous brown eyes creasing at the corners. "Do you want to hold him?" she asked.

"I don't know how to," he admitted.

Anna was unable to stop the warm smile spreading over her face. "Support his head, cradle him with your other arm."

Nervously, he took him from her, Anna helping him to. He stared down at him, more tears welling in his eyes. "He's so tiny," sniffed Abe, Anna cuddling into him. He cocked his head to the side.

"What is it?"

"I don't think he looks like a Joey."

Anna looked over her son's small, squished face. "I agree," she mumbled. They were quiet for a moment.

"What about Caleb?" Abe asked. "I remember I read that name somewhere once... always stuck with me."

"Caleb," she whispered, "I love that." Then she hissed in pain, suddenly caught off guard.

"Baby?" asked Abe, his voice filled with concern.

The Doctor ventured closer.

"We need to get you ready for the next part, Frau Coleman," he said, both of them looking up to him. "And your son needs a bath."

They both nodded, neither one wanting to surrender their beautiful Caleb, but eventually they handed him to Maria.

Abe stayed by Anna's side as she began the afterbirth. She was eager to get it over and done with. She just wanted Caleb back. It didn't take too long, much to Anna's relief. Abe kissed her forehead again, whispering to her encouragingly as The Doctor busied himself with clearing everything away.

Soon Maria bustled in with Caleb. He was sparkling clean now, Anna eagerly holding her arms out for him. Maria helped the Doctor, talking quietly with him as the new parents spent more time with their son.

"Did you want to tell the others?" Anna asked.

Abe glanced at the door, then back at her.

"Not just yet," he mumbled. "Just wanna stay in this bubble a little longer, you know?"

"I do," she whispered, snuggling into Abe. "But I'll need to wash... and then I'll need to try feeding him. We'll need more hands-"

"Five more minutes," he pleaded. "I just can't stop looking at him."

Eventually, Abe did go and fetch the others. Everyone followed him upstairs, clearly all eager to meet the new arrival. But Abe only allowed Helga inside the room. He tried with Freda, but she chose to remain outside, still clearly apprehensive of the big American.

Helga immediately went to Anna, kissing her cheek and cooing over Caleb. She helped her up, Caleb now placed in his father's arms as Helga took Anna to get washed.

Anna was suddenly exhausted. She felt so woozy, her head lolling on Helga's shoulder. Now the adrenaline wasn't coursing through her in the same way, she suddenly felt so tired. Helga supported her, helping to wash her gently. Outside the bathroom, Maria whipped off the bedsheets, putting on a fresh set as Hollywood and Sam pushed their way into the room.

Abe grinned at them, sitting in the arm chair as his two closest friends stood beside him. "Boys," said Abe, "This is Caleb, my son."

"Fuck me," said Hollywood, Samuel just smiling. "He's a handsome little tyke, ain't he?"

"I sure think so," sighed Abe, his eyes fixed on his little boy.

"Clearly takes after his Momma," added Hollywood.

"We're so happy for you both," said Sam, squeezing Abe's shoulder. When Caleb began to gripe, the three men looked alarmed. But Helga was helping Anna back into the room.

"He needs feeding," said the Doctor, who had now returned to check on them all.

"Right you two," said Abe to Hollywood and Sam. "Get out. You don't get to see this!"

"All right!" laughed Hollywood.

They both went to Anna quickly as she settled back in the bed. They congratulated her, Anna just about able to say thank you before they left. Helga took Caleb from Abe, now handing him to Anna and explaining what she needed to do.

Anna tried her best to listen, but her head was swimming, everything that had happened finally catching up with her. The Doctor came over as Caleb took to the breast, inspecting her with a furrowed brow. Why was he still staring at her? Was she doing it wrong? She chose not to focus on him or the cold now sweeping over her body. Instead, she watched her son.

The Doctor placed his hand to Anna's head, alarm in his eyes.

"What is it?" asked Anna, Caleb eventually finished and content.

"You feel far too warm," explained the Doctor.

"She's exhausted," sighed Helga. "What do you expect?"

"Maria, would you please take the baby? Try to burp him," said the Doctor. Maria did as she was asked, Anna watching her as she leant in to take Caleb. Why did she seem so blurry?

"Baby," said Abe, trying to rouse her as he sat down beside her again.

She was trying to look up at him, but her body wasn't listening to her.

"Anna, y'all right?"

She tried to say yes... tried to reach out for him. But she felt so heavy.

"Anna?" came Abe's voice again.

Where was he? She couldn't see anything. Everything was hazy.

"Baby, wake up! Look at me!"

She was trying to tell him she was okay, but she felt herself slipping further away from him, drifting far away to a darkness that seemed so painfully familiar.