Ichabod stared at the picture he was holding In his hands. He was holding Isabella, his newborn daughter at the time. It was one of the most happiest moments of his life. Watching Katrina give birth to their beautiful baby girl, made him extremely nervous. But when their child came into the world for the first time, he felt his heart fill with so much joy and love.

Now, his daughter was 16 years old. 16... time flies by. He couldn't believe it. Neither could Katrina.

Isabella walked downstairs, humming quietly. She saw her father sitting on the chair with a picture in his hands. "What are you looking at daddy?" She asked softly as she walked towards him. Ichabod looked up at her and smiled softly before looking back at the picture.

"Come and look at this my cardinal..."

Isabella walked to him before looking at the picture in his hands. Ichabod gently took her hand in his and stroked it with his thumb.

"Is that me?" She asked as she looked at the picture. He nodded.

"I remember this day. It was when you were first born..."

Flashback

Katrinas screams of pain filled the room as she squeezed the hell out of her husbands hand. "Jesus, get this child out of me!"

Ichabod tried not to pass out. He was concerned for both his wife's and the baby's life. He wanted them to make it through it alive. The doctor in front of her told her when to push and when to stop.

Ichabod moved her hair away from her sweaty forehead. "You can do this darling."

The doctor looked at Katrina. "Just one more push madam Mrs. Crane and your baby will be out!"

Katrina gave a quick nod before pushing with all her might, letting out a loud cry of pain. The baby slid out of her and into the doctors arms. Relief filled her body as she fell back against the pillows, catching her breath. A loud cry caught their attention, which focused on the baby.

The baby cried for the first time, the doctor looking at them with a smile. "It's a healthy baby girl."

They had a daughter. A little baby girl.

Ichabod looked at Katrina and smiled before kissing her forehead. "You did so well my love. I'm so proud of you."

The doctor cleaned her up before wrapping her up in a towel and placing her in katrinas arms. Almost immediately, the baby's wailing turned into soft whimpers, feeling the warmth of her new mother.

Katrina stroked their baby's small temple with her thumb, hushing the baby lovingly. "So beautiful.." she whispered.

Ichabod couldn't help but look at their new daughter. She was so little. Just as beautiful as her mother. He still felt nervous. He's never had a child before. Especially with someone he loves so much.

But she was here now. He would protect her and love her with all his heart. Just like he did with Katrina. Katrina looked at ichabod and smiled. "Would you like to hold her?" She asked, making ichabod look at her. His eyes shone with nervousness but his head moved in a nodding motion. Katrina very carefully placed her in his arms, helping her support her body and head.

Ichabod looked down at the child in his arms, holding her delicately.

Suddenly, his eyes started to water. He was so proud of his wife. Together, they had created a beautiful child. He loved his wife and their beautiful girl so much.

Katrinas own eyes filled with tears as she looked at them, smiling softly. "I love you both so much..." she whispered.

The baby girl cooed in his arms, her tiny, little hand holding his index finger, which made their hearts melt. A tear slid down ichabods cheek as he looked at his wife. "I love the both of you as well.." he kissed her lips.

Then they realized. She still needed a name.

"Isabella..." he whispered, the name clicking in his mind. "What if we named her Isabella?" He asked.

Katrina smiled warmly. "That's a beautiful name my love."

They looked at Isabella and smiled, their hearts filled with joy.

End flashback.

Isabella was now sitting on his lap, listening to the story of how she was born. His arms were around her, his fingers gently running through her hair. "You named me?" She asked softly

He nodded. "I just thought of the name instantly. Don't know why it was the first name in my head. But I'm glad we named you that."

Isabella looked at him, smiling softly.
He then felt tears fill his eyes. "And you're 16... soon you'll be 18... you'll be away... living your life..."

Isabella felt her heart twist. She didn't want him to cry. It broke her heart.

"No no daddy don't cry... I know I'll be 18 in two years. But that doesn't mean I'm going to leave you. I'll always spend time with you and mama. You're my dad and I love you so much..."

She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. "I love you so much..." she whispered as a tear fell down her cheek.

He held her close as he cradled her head, his lips pressing against her cheek. "I love you too sweetheart. You and Katrina. So damn much..." he whispered. He never cussed. But Isabella meant the world to him. And so did his beloved wife.

He rocked her back and forth as he ran his fingers through her hair, holding her close.

"You'll always be my little cardinal... my baby girl.... my sweet Isabella..."