**Hi guys! Sorry I didn't get this uploaded yesterday, I kind of spaced out after studying and just watched Bones the rest of the night. This is the LAST CHAPTER before the epilogue :( I've loved this story so much and have had so much fun sharing it with you all. I hope you've loved it as much as I have!**

Roxie's POV

The reality of Tori's sentencing didn't hit me until I heard the final pound of the Judge's gavel. In exchange for a plea deal, Tori would only pay a hefty fine and serve five years in prison with the opportunity of parole after a year if she showed good behavior. I'd heard through the grapevine that Sandra had thrown money at every possible opportunity to try and sweep this whole ordeal under the rug. Unfortunately for her, my pregnancy made things all the more nightmarish. She learned the hard way that money can't solve everything.

I was due any day now. Jedrek was worried my water would break while I was testifying. Thankfully, the courthouse wasn't too far away from the hospital had that been the case.

My dad nor Sandra had even glanced at me throughout the entire hearing process. They both acted like I didn't exist. That was perfectly fine with me. These days, I had exactly who I needed in my life and I was happier than I could've ever thought possible.

"Why don't we get home and get a nap? I don't want you tired for dinner tonight," Jedrek remarked as he walked me back to his truck. The comment had me smiling from ear to ear as I remembered Xander's plans. I had to avoid Khloe at all costs the last few days as I was terrified of ruining the elaborate proposal he had planned - or slipping up and telling her that Xander was finally able to finalize his divorce. I nodded in agreement to Jedrek's question and accepted his help getting into his truck.

I didn't nap for long. Sleeping was getting harder each day. I couldn't get comfortable and the ache in my lower back was never-ending. Not to mention, I'd been having gripping pains extending throughout my whole belly all day.

I had to have Jedrek's help in getting ready - not only with zipping my dress but also with getting my shoes on. Turns out, such a simple task is damn near impossible when your ankles are swollen, you can't see your feet, and bending over stopped being an option months ago.

Jedrek helped me out of the truck as we stopped at the valet. He quickly handed over our keys before rushing us inside so we wouldn't be late. We slipped in right as Xander and Khloe's food was delivered, taking our seats next to Ivy, Ezekiel, Milo, and Candice. Our waiter came over to take our own order moments later. I had to grip the edge of the table as my belly seized with pain more intense than it had been ever before. Jedrek eyed me with worry, but I just shook off his concern and ordered my own dinner.

I eyed my dish with want, but my stomach revolted every time I attempted to take a bite. I distracted myself from the pain wracking my body by watching Xander and Khloe. Just as I saw Xander drop to one knee beside his and Khloe's dinner table, I felt a gush of liquid between my legs. I gasped and reached out to squeeze Ivy's hand. She squeezed back and squealed loudly. The expression on Khloe's face brought tears to my eyes - as well as the pain emulating throughout my body - seconds before her own started sliding down her face. Khloe jumped out of her seat and mauled poor Xander before he even got a chance to slide the beautiful four karat ring onto her finger. Our table burst out laughing as the entire restaurant flooded with applause. I cupped my belly as I gritted my teeth, focusing on breathing calmly and evenly as I'd learned in birthing class.

Thankfully, my dress was black so the stain from my water breaking hadn't shown as I painstakingly waddled over to where Khloe and Xander were kissing passionately with the rest of our group.

"Congratulations!" Ivy and I spoke at the same time, though my voice was much breathier than Ivy's.

"Thank you guys so much for being here! You mean the world to me," Khloe blubbered before giving Ivy, Milo, and me tight hugs. When Khloe released me from her arms, a powerful contraction gripped me, causing my knees to buckle as I gripped Khloe's chair to keep myself upright.

"Roxie, are you alright?" Khloe rushed out, coming to one side as Jedrek Appeared on the other seconds later.

"Totally fine, so happy for you," I hissed out before sucking in a large gulp of air.

"Your dress is wet, Roxie girl," Jedrek deadpanned, a look of fear in his eyes.

"Oh my god, your water broke! You're in labor! Why didn't you say anything?!" Khloe demanded before instructing Xander to run and get the car.

"Didn't want...to steal your limelight..." I forced out as a cold sweat broke out along my forehead.

"You are such a stubborn woman!" Khloe ground out with a shake of her head. Her and Jedrek helped me get to Xander's car before piling in with me.

"Call my dad and tell him to grab my mom and board the company plane as soon as he can!" Jedrek yelled through the window to Ezekiel before Xander took off like a bat out of hell in the direction of the hospital. I groaned five minutes later as another contraction hit me, taking my breath away.

It wasn't long until we pulled up to the hospital, but I was wreathing in pain. Things were hazy as I was rushed inside and quickly admitted. Ivy entered the room, my hospital bag in tow - something I was incredibly thankful for. The nurses began hooking me up to multiple monitors and IV's, speaking kind and reassuring words as they did so. Jedrek never strayed from my side, his hand grasping mine the entire time. No matter how hard I squeezed, he never let go.

About three hours later, my contractions were getting closer and longer, but I still was only dilated four centimeters.

"Would you like to get up and walk around a bit? Walking will help move the process along," my nurse suggested. While getting up and moving was the absolute last thing I wanted to do, I was willing to try anything. I nodded before allowing her to help me get up. I grasped my IV pole in one hand and Jedrek's arm in the other to steady myself. I took it slowly, inching one foot forward at a time. I had to take a break only a few feet down the hall as another contraction hit me.

"You're doing amazing, baby. I'm so proud of you," Jedrek whispered against the shell of my ear before helping me get walking again.

Another two hours and a couple of laps around the nurse's station later and I was at eight centimeters. I was exhausted, sweaty, hungry, nauseous, and in excruciating pain all at the same time. The contractions had grown so close that by the time one was ending, another was beginning. I cried out and gripped the railing on the hospital bed in a death grip.

"How's she doing?" Miranda asked as she and Colton rushed into the room.

"She hurts fucking everywhere," I cried as a few tears slipped down my cheek. She grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the bedside, sitting down before grabbing my hand and giving it a quick squeeze. She reached up to push my sweaty locks away from my forehead. She and Colton continued to replenish my ice chips and provide words of comfort until the doctor came back in to check on me sometime later.

"Mom, you're going to be happy to hear you're finally at ten centimeters. Are you ready to start pushing?" my doctor asked.

"Fucking finally," I hissed, causing him to laugh. One nurse assisted him in gowning up and putting on his gloves as another helped get me into the correct position.

"You can have two people in here with you but the rest need to go," the doctor informed me.

"Would you like to stay?" I asked Miranda. Ever since her apology, we'd grown incredibly close. She treated me like I was her own daughter - something she'd apparently been missing ever since her own daughter moved away for college years ago. Tears gathered in her eyes as she nodded vehemently. Sitting on the stool and stopping between my legs the doctor calmly explained how things were going to go.

"Push when you say push and stop when you say stop. Seems simple enough," I grunted out as the doctor laughed. I listened to his instructions and pushed to his counting. The pain grew in intensity until I felt like I was going to pass out.

"Alright, I need you to give me everything you've got with this next push. Ready? One, two, three, push!" The doctor instructed. I bore down, squeezing Jedrek and Miranda's hands as I screamed in pain. An intense burning sensation suddenly encompassed my nether regions.

"She's crowning! Give me another strong push on the count of three!" The doctor encouraged. I did as told, crying out as the pain peaked and I lost my voice. "Her heads out, we just need one last push from you, mom. One more and you can hold your little girl," the doctor said. I gave it everything I had, the pressure and pain relieving seconds before a shrill cry echoed throughout the hospital room.

"Your little girl," the nurse murmured with a smile, lifting my gown to press the purple-tinged body against my skin. My tears were flowing rapidly as I clutched the tiny body to my chest.

"She's so beautiful," Jedrek choked out. I reached my hand up and cradled his face, wiping away his tears as he leaned forward to press his forehead to my own. The nurses checked my vitals and hung a new bag of saline fluids before determining the baby and I were stable. Not even a few minutes later, a lactation specialist knocked and entered the room. Miranda left to give us a bit of privacy and to give everyone an update on the baby and me.

It took me twenty minutes with the specialist's help until I was able to get Adelaide to successfully latch and start feeding. Jedrek and I watched her every little move, completely enamored with her.

"She's absolutely perfect," I whispered just as she released my nipple and gave a large yawn. She rested her head against my chest as I proceeded to burp her for just a few short minutes as the specialist had instructed. When she was done, I wrapped her small body in the baby blanket and gently handed her off to Jedrek. I could see the love he already had for our daughter in his eyes plain as day. He slowly rocked her back and forth, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Hi sweet girl," he whispered softly, "I'm your daddy," he choked out. "You know, it's going to very awkward when she calls me that. We might have to teach her papa instead," he joked, giving me a salacious look. I blushed deeply before swatting his butt in playful reprimand. He just chuckled and went back to staring at her intently.

"Thank you," he suddenly said, giving me an intense look. "You've given me everything I've ever wanted. You girls are the reason I live and breathe. My life wouldn't have a purpose without the both of you," he stated confidently.

"The feeling is more than mutual," I murmured softly before pulling him down for a kiss.

**

"I can't wait to see this little cutie coming down the aisle in a couple of weeks," Ivy murmured in her perfected baby-voice as she cooed at Adelaide. Though at six months she couldn't walk yet, Ivy had still insisted Adelaide be one of the flower girls in her wedding. I had to admit, the whole idea of Addie being pulled in a wagon by Havana's niece was really cute. Addie let out a giggle before mirroring Ivy's smile.

"I swear, she's the happiest baby I've ever seen," Sam commented while intently watching Addie. The second she spoke the words, Addie started to fuss in her lap and make grabby hands at me. I began making my way over to her, but I just wasn't fast enough. Addie started to cry seconds before I took her into my arms.

"She the happiest unless she's hungry," I stated with a laugh.

"Well, then not only does she look just like her mother, but she acts just like her too," Khloe teased as we all laughed. They followed me to the couch where Ivy handed over my nursing pillow. We all settled down, fanning the numerous papers around us on the coffee table. Ever since Jedrek and I had gotten things settled in our new home, it had become the usual hangout spot for all us girls. Though it still needed a lot of work, the main parts were renovated the best we could in the short time we'd had.

"I can't believe you're going to be married in a week," I commented absentmindedly while helping Addie latch on. I looked up and scanned the various checklists we'd been going over to ensure that we truly did have everything done.

"I know, I almost can't either. I always thought I'd be getting cold feet by now but if anything I just wish the wedding were tomorrow," she commented.

"When you know you know," Sam mocked her with a smile. Ivy just snorted and shoved her shoulder. Ever since I invited Sam to get coffee with me and the girls a few months ago, she quickly integrated into our little circle. It was like she's been one of us since the beginning of our own friendship. Ivy gave her a faux-annoyed glare while sticking her tongue out at her.

"When are you going to finally let us set you up, Sammie," Khloe demanded, "It's about time you start going with all of us on our couples dinners instead of staying back and babysitting baby A."

"When I find the right guy," Sam retorted shortly.

"How the heck are you supposed to find the right guy if you won't let us set you up with anyone!" Ivy ground out with exasperation in her tone. Sam just giggled at her obvious frustration before shrugging her shoulders. I didn't blame her. The date she'd been on with Porter had gone just fine, but they didn't connect. Xander's coworker Khloe set her up with was the exact same situation.

"I love you guys, I really do, but cool it," Sam laughed. Ivy and Khloe let out similar huffs of frustration just as I had to switch Addie to my other boob as she'd drained the first one. Seconds after she latched on, I yelped in pain. The cry startled my little girl and caused her jolt and begin crying.

"What the hell?"

"Remember how we talked about nipples being chew toys?" I grimaced while trying to soothe Adelaide. "Well, her first two teeth emerged last week and my boobs are paying the price," I groaned. Ivy and Khloe tried to hold back their snorts of laughter but failed at containing them. A few moments later, my front door opened and shut before the sound of footprints grew louder and louder as they approached.

"What's all the giggling for?" Milo asked as he and Candice made themselves comfortable.

"Poor Roxie is finally having to use that nipple cream I bought her as a joke," Ivy snickered.

"Is it really that bad?" Candice asked, a look of horror on her face as she smoothed her hand over her own expanding belly, the wedding ring on her finger glimmering under the lights.

"It's not horrible. The little tired yawn she makes when she's done feeding makes it easier to forget the throbbing," I joked as Addie finally settled down and finished feeding.

"What's all this?" Milo asked while examining the spread of lists.

"Wedding stuff. We're making sure everything is set and ready to go for next week," Ivy explained.

"Christ, I'm so glad we said to hell with all this and just eloped," Milo commented before pressing a chaste kiss to Candice's cheek.

"So, is this in the near future for you, commitment-phobe," Milo teased while eyeing Sam.

"Jesus, not you too," she groaned before grabbing a couch pillow and covering her face with it. We all laughed at her expense.

"Why is there always a goddamn party at my house whenever I show up. Don't any of you people have your own home?" Jedrek laughed while entering the room with Ezekiel in tow. Ivy quickly grabbed the photo of her in her dress and pressed it against her chest as to not reveal it too soon. I just shook my head as Jedrek made his way to me. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my lips and Addie's forehead, though she was passed out on my chest despite the noise in the room. He silently took her from my arms and pressed her to his own chest, rocking back and forth between his feet as Addie released a content sigh and nuzzled into Jedrek's chest.

"Sammie, I think I've found the perfect man for you," Jedrek commented quietly.

"Ugh! That's it. I'm joining a convent," she grumbled.

"I could never," Ivy stated.

"Well, duh. You like sex too much," Khloe laughed.

"Well, that and I'm pregnant," Ivy revealed, an ear to ear smile taking over her face. There was a split second of silence before all the women in the room squealed happily. Addie lifted her head from Jedrek's chest and began looking around to see what all the commotion was about. Jedrek and I watched her with big smiles. Suddenly, she looked up at Jedrek and just stared into his eyes intently.

"Your mommy's friends are crazy," he commented. Addie's face lit up with a smile before she released a high pitched giggle that made my heart soar.

I reached up and thumbed my locket - the one that now held two pictures; my mother and I after I was born, and Addie and myself in the exact same position. I couldn't believe how much my life had changed in the past year, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

All that was left was for Jedrek and me to finally tie the knot.