Derek’s Legacy

By Donna and Toni

As soon as it was determined that Fiona was actually in labor, the garden fae sent out mental messages to their sisters in the town of Edan. Hydra immediately dashed to the church to tell Philip to run back home, and Coriander, who was the cook at the hotel, notified the father of the baby. At the same time, another fae went to go fetch the midwife! In all, it was a very effective means of getting the information out rather quickly!

The network had its usual quick results, with Derek and Philip both at Fiona's side before the labor had gotten too severe. At Derek's gentle urging, Marien had come along too. She had actually felt a little like she was intruding on a private family moment, but Derek explained that not only would Philip and Fiona not mind her presence, but that since he considered her part of his family, she might as well get used to it. At the very least, it'd be another pair of hands to help if it was needed.

If nothing else, it would be good to have her there to keep the twins from being underfoot once things got down to business! The two hoydens, as Philip lovingly called them, were almost two years old, and into everything.

Fortunately they did adore Aunt Marien, and she them; she was one of the few people they'd actually listen to and sit quietly for, in the hopes of getting a story. For his part, Derek felt very relieved when he saw Katherine arrive.

The petite midwife got Fiona settled and then checked things out, confirming that Fiona was indeed in active labor. Each member of the team had their assignment, just like the Legacy. Derek was on one side of Fiona encouraging and holding her hand, Philip on the other, and Marien caring for the children while everything was going on. Derek and Philip were also kept busy getting cool cloths for Fiona's forehead, taking turns rubbing her back, and whatever else they could to ease her pain.

It was going well, but labor was not fun. It was hard work. And this baby was a good bit bigger than either one of the twins! Still, the midwife had every confidence that Fiona and the new baby would do just fine.

As the day passed, Marien managed to get the twins settled down and in bed, and just in time! Fiona was pushing now! It seemed to take forever; and just when the new mother thought she couldn't possibly give one more push, everyone was heartened by Katherine's declaration that she could see the baby's head!

Thus encouraged, she took another deep breath and pushed with all of her might. "Easy now," Kat chuckled. "Let me get the shoulders out." A moment later, a red faced little boy slipped squalling into her waiting hands.

He had black hair like his mother’s, and enough of a resemblance to Derek that there was no doubt who his father was. Both men had tears in their eyes, and Derek kissed the little boy's head and smiled softly, "Welcome, Brendan."

At Fiona's nod, Marien reached out to touch the baby as well, her heart swelling with emotion. Watching from nearby, Katherine chuckled. She had seen that look on many a woman's face. There was nothing like seeing a brand new baby to make a woman want one of her own!