One N SYNC reunion, a wedding and nine months later...

"He promised." Rachel ground out, fighting through the pain that hit her.  "Damn it!" She exclaimed as she closed her eyes.  "He promised he'd be here."

"I know." Megan answered, grabbing her hand and letting Rachel squeeze it tightly.  "But you're a week early." She reminded her.  "And I'm here." Megan smiled.

"Yeah," Rachel breathed as the contraction subsided.  "But I'm not so sure how great this plan is." She said dryly, putting her head back against the pillow propped behind her.  "One pregnant woman taking care of another?"

Megan smiled as Rachel attempted to sit up more in the uncomfortable hospital bed.  "I'm barely four months, Rach.  I'm fine.  What did he say when you called?" She asked.

Rachel smiled recalling the frantic sound of JC's voice when she'd called him a few hours ago to inform him she was in labor and Megan was taking her to the hospital.  "That he was hopping on the next flight and he'd be here as soon as he could." She said, brushing the hair back from her face.

"Then let's not loose all hope, just yet." Megan said.  "You've only been here a couple hours.  He could still make it in time."

"Depending on when the next flight was." Rachel replied.

"Well, let's think." Megan said, pulling the one chair in the room up to the side of the bed and sitting down.  "Where is he?  Seattle?"

"Yeah, they're in Seattle right now."  Though he was currently on tour with N SYNC, JC had promised her-no matter when the baby came--he'd be there.  He didn't care if it meant canceling shows.  The fans would just have to understand.  Luckily tonight had been an off night for the group so they hadn't had to cancel the show last minute.

"And it's what..." Megan looked down at her watch.  "Ten?"  Rachel nodded as Megan continued.  "A flight from Seattle to Los Angeles is only a couple of hours.  If he got on a plane as soon as you called him...let's say he was able to get an eight o'clock flight..." She pursed her lips as she counted, "Eight, nine, ten..." She looked at her watch again.  "He could be here any minute...give or take traffic."

"Don't get my hopes up." Rachel responded.

"He'll be here." Megan insisted with a smile.  "Hey," she said, suddenly realizing something.  "If you have the baby tonight she and Scotty will have the same birthday.  You sure planned this good."

"Oh, there was no planning involved in this." Rachel replied dryly.  "Believe me."  They were both quiet for a moment until Megan chuckled.  "What's so funny?" Rachel asked her.

"Do you realize what you're doing right now?" Megan questioned. 

"Do I realize what I'm doing right now?" Rachel repeated slowly, looking at Megan like she was completely crazy.  "Of course I know what I'm doing.  I'm having a baby."

"Not just any baby." Megan smiled.  "You are having JC Chasez's baby!"  Rachel laughed as she continued.  "Like right now.  You." Megan pointed at her, "Are having the baby of the man whose poster you had on your wall growing up.  How does that make you feel?"

"I...uh..." Rachel closed her eyes and put her hand against her stomach as another contraction came. 

"Breathe, Rach." Megan reminded her.  "You can do it."

"No I can't." Rachel said, shaking her head.

"What do you mean you can't?" Megan asked.  "You're doing it.  It's almost over." She said keeping an eye on the monitor Rachel was hooked up to.  Rachel relaxed back on the bed as the pain passed.  "Are you okay?" Megan asked as Rachel blew out a breath.

"No, I am not okay!" Rachel exclaimed.  "As you just pointed out, I'm having a baby, Megan!" She pointed to her expanded middle now currently covered by the generic blue plaid hospital gown they'd made her change into when she'd been admitted.  She put her head back and covered her eyes with her hand.  "I'm not okay." She said quietly.  "I don't want to do this alone.  I shouldn't be doing this alone."  I need you, Joshua.  She petitioned silently.

"You're not alone."

Rachel's heart skipped and her head came up at the familiar voice coming from the doorway.  She smiled, blinking back tears, as JC dropped the duffle bag resting on his shoulder to the ground and walked towards her. 

"Hey, Sass." He smiled as he took her outstretched hand and brushed her hair back.  Leaning down he kissed her forehead, then rested his forehead against hers as he sat down on the side of the bed.  Rachel closed her eyes and tightened her fingers around his as he brushed his nose against hers--inhaling his presence.  "I got here as quickly as I could." He told her.  She opened her eyes and looked up at him as he pulled back.  "How you doing?" He asked, putting a hand against her belly.

"Better, now." She answered with a tremulous smile as she just lay there looking at him.  It had been almost a month since they'd seen each other last.  When the group had gone back out on tour she'd met up with him as often as she could--especially on the weekends--but when her advancing pregnancy had made it dangerous for her to travel she'd been left with only being able to talk to him on the phone every night.  She smiled as he put a hand to her face and brushed his thumb back and forth across her cheek, his eyes never leaving hers. 

"If uh...if you guys are okay," Megan said, reminding them of her presence.  "I'm going to go find something to eat.  Jace, do you want or need anything?" She asked. 

"No, I'm fine." He said, looking at her.  "I grabbed something at the airport as I was running through." He grinned.

"Alright.  You have my cell number." She said, heading towards the door.  "Call me if you need anything."

"Hey, Megan?" JC called out before she left. 

"Yeah?" Megan stopped and turned.

"Thank you." He said sincerely, tightening his hold on Rachel's hand. 

"You're welcome." Megan smiled then left the room, leaving the prospective parents alone.

~~~~~ 

JC turned and looked down at his wife.  He had missed her--terribly.  He'd gotten used to having her around on the tour.  He liked knowing she was waiting for him backstage and these last few weeks had been torture.  Knowing she was so close to having the baby and he wasn't around if something were to happen...but that was the reason Megan was here.  Rachel smiled as she looked up at him and he could tell she was anything but happy.  Her brown eyes were worried and she kept biting her bottom lip--not to mention the almost vice-like grip she had on his hand.

"How are you, really?" He asked.

"I'm really scared." She admitted quietly.

He smiled.  "Would you think I was a wuss if I told you I was too?" He inquired, making her chuckle.

"I already know you're a wuss." She teased.

"Hey!" He interjected, looking hurt.  "I am not."

"Uh, yeah." She nodded.  "You are.  Who is the one that almost faints every time they have to draw blood?" Rachel asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.  "And who was the one that started crying when they showed us the baby on the ultrasound the first time?"

"I did not start crying!" He said.  Rachel looked at him pointedly.  "Alright," he relented, ducking his head.  "Maybe I cried...a little."  She chuckled.  "Regardless." He said chuckling and pointing a finger at her as he looked back down at her.  "I'm here now and even though I'm terrified, we'll get through this Rach.  Together.  I promise."  Rachel smiled up at him and opened her mouth as if to speak but all that came out was a gasp as she tightened her hold on his hand and closed her eyes.  He stood and looked down at her worriedly, until he realized what was happening.  "Breathe." He coached her, keeping a hold of her hand as he put his other hand behind her, rubbing her back as she leaned forward slightly.  "Just like we practiced, remember?  Breathe.  You can do it.  That's it, Sass.  You can--"

"Shut up!" She exclaimed, glaring at him.  "You are never..." She said between breaths, "touching me...again!" She told him.  "This is all...your fault." 

"Don't take anything you hear in here seriously." An unfamiliar female voice told him.  JC turned his head as a middle-aged woman wearing blue scrubs entered the room.  "Hi, I'm Dr. Woods." She told him.  "You must be Dad." She said smiling and holding out her hand.

JC switched the hand that Rachel was holding onto and shook the doctor's outstretched one.  "JC." He said.  "Nice to meet you."

"How you doing, Rachel?" The doctor asked as she sat down on a small rolling stool and put on a pair of gloves. 

"I've been better." Rachel replied, lying back and breathing deeply as the contraction passed.

"Let's see how much longer till this baby makes its appearance." Dr. Woods said as she had Rachel put her legs up on the bed.  "Have you guys thought of a name?" She asked.

JC looked down at Rachel.  When they'd found out they were having a girl they'd discussed a few name options, but hadn't really been able to narrow it down to one.  "We're still discussing." Rachel answered.

"Well," The doctor said, scooting back.  "You better decide soon." She said, standing up.  "It looks like you're having this baby tonight, Rachel."

"What?!  Tonight?" She asked.  "I thought...isn't this supposed to take a lot longer?"

The doctor laughed.  "It's different for everyone and you're progressing rapidly."

"Is there still time for an epidural?" Rachel asked.  "I am not having this baby without pain killers."

"You're not progressing that rapidly." The doctor replied with a smile.  "I'll send the anesthesiologist in."

"Thank you." Rachel replied then looked up at JC.  "Can you believe this?" She asked.

"No." He shook his head and sunk down wearily into the chair Megan had pulled up to the bed earlier.  "I never...what are you doing?" He asked concerned, watching as Rachel worked to slowly move onto her side.

"My back is killing me." She told him. 

"Does it help to lie on your side?"

"A little."  She grimaced as her arm draped across her belly.  "Not really, but it's better than laying flat."  She closed her eyes.

JC scooted the chair closer and once more took her hand.  He reached his other hand out and brushed the hair back from her face, smiling as she looked at him.  She was amazing.  When she'd informed him last June that he was going to be a father he'd been shocked--his faith in birth control severely shaken.  They'd been married less than a month and hadn't been planning on trying for a baby quite so soon.  But as time went by and he got used to the idea he found himself growing more and more excited.  As he'd watched what she had gone through on a daily basis--everything she was willing to put up with and sacrifice in order to give his baby life-his love for her grew exponentially.  And he'd never forget the way he felt when he had gone with her for her first ultrasound.  The first glimpse of his baby on the screen and the sound of her tiny heartbeat would forever be ingrained in his memory. 

"Alright," A friendly voice said, interrupting his thoughts.  JC turned to smile at the brunette who'd come into the room.  "Let's see if we can't do something for the pain you're in right now--make this whole thing a little more comfortable for you.  ‘Cuz you know the saying: if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

Rachel laughed.  "I will love you forever if you can make it so I don't feel another contraction!" She replied, making the girl laugh.  She set a few items down on the bedside table and instructed Rachel to draw her knees up as much as she could.  "You're kidding, right?" Rachel asked.  "I haven't been able to pull my knees up for the last four months."

The anesthesiologist laughed and placed her hand on Rachel's hip as she stood behind her, facing JC.  "Just do what you can.  The higher you can pull them up the less this is going to hurt initially."

"Okay, I take back that whole comment about loving you." Rachel grumbled, causing JC and the anesthesiologist to both chuckle. 

"Come on honey, you can do it." He said encouragingly.

"Thank you, dear." Rachel replied acridly.

"I love you too." JC smiled, keeping a tight hold of her hand.  Rachel sighed as she drew her knees up as much as she could--her back rounding so the injection of the epidural could go in properly.  She hissed and clamped onto his hand, biting down on her lip, as the local anesthetic was delivered-numbing the injection site. 

"Seriously." Rachel said to him through clenched teeth, her eyes glaring at him.  "This better be worth it."

"Okay, you might feel a little pressure back here," the anesthesiologist said, "or a slight tug..." Rachel grimaced.  "Done." The girl said pulling off the gloves she had been wearing.  "That should help."

"Thanks." Rachel said, straightening her legs and taking a deep breath. 

Things progressed quickly after that and before he knew it JC was sitting behind his wife--one arm around her while she held onto his other hand--as she let out one last scream which was quickly followed by the most amazing sound he'd ever heard: his daughter's first cry.

"You did it." He said, unashamed of the tears that came as Rachel collapsed back against him.  He kissed her temple then closed his eyes, leaning his face against the side of her head.  "You did it." He whispered to her.

"Do you want to cut the cord, Dad?" Dr. Woods asked, surprising him.

"What?  Really?"  He asked.  "I can...I can do that?"

The doctor smiled at him.  "Yeah." She said.  "If you want to."

"Go on." Rachel said with a weak smile. 

JC hesitantly released her and walked towards the end of the bed, his fingers trembling as one of the nurses placed a pair of surgical scissors in his hand.  He looked down at where the doctor held the baby--feeling as if he were in the middle of some fantastic dream.  This couldn't possibly be real.  He cut where the doctor indicated then watched as a nurse quickly took the baby away as they cleaned, weighed and measured her--all amidst her constant little cries.

"She's got a good set of lungs.  She's definitely yours." Rachel teased from the bed as the baby kept everyone aware of her presence.  He smiled as he walked back to her side. 

"I love you." He said, feeling as if his heart was going to burst right out of his chest.  "You are amazing.  I never..." He shook his head, at a loss for words.  He didn't know how to accurately describe to her what he was thinking--what he was feeling.  She smiled up at him tiredly.

"Alright, here you go, Dad." The doctor said, holding a tiny pink bundle out to him.  JC straightened and looked at the doctor nervously--it had been a long time since he'd held a baby.  "She's healthy and strong and as Rachel already commented, has a good set of lungs." She smiled as she laid the baby in his arms.  "Seven pounds, three ounces and nineteen inches long.  You did good." She smiled at Rachel.  "Congratulations."  She offered, putting her hand on JC's shoulder.  He looked down at his daughter--his daughter!--an awesome feeling washing over him as the baby slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. 

"Hi." He whispered, blinking back tears again.  He smiled as she opened her tiny mouth and yawned, her eyes closing as she went back to sleep.  "Oh, Rach." He breathed.  "She's perfect." He said, looking at his wife.  He turned and handed her the baby, sitting down beside them on the bed.  He put his arm around her shoulders then leaned over, pressing and holding his lips against Rachel's temple as she looked down at the baby.  "Thank you." He whispered.

~*~

"She's beautiful, Mom."

Rachel opened her eyes early the next morning and turned her head, smiling as she watched JC looking down at the tiny bundle in his arms as he talked on the phone to his parents.  He was talking quietly, trying not to wake her and she took a moment to just watch him.  He was utterly captivated by his daughter--his blue eyes full of wonder and amazement as he gazed down at her.  Everything she'd gone through the last nine months--the morning sickness, the constant roller coaster of emotions she'd ridden, the fear and worry, the sleepless nights--had all been worth it.  To lay here now and observe father and daughter as they quietly bonded brought tears to her eyes. 

"Yeah," JC smiled, lifting his head as if sensing her watching him.  His eyes shone with love as they connected with hers and he smiled.  "Rachel's great.  She did terrific."  He laughed quietly at something his mother said then, "Yeah, it's amazing." He nodded.  "Claire Alexandria Chasez." He repeated the name they'd finally decided on proudly and Rachel smiled.  "Alright.  We'll see you guys in a couple days.  I love you." He ended the call and placed his cell phone on the table beside the chair.  "Good morning." He said.  "How are you feeling?"

"Tired and sore."  She replied honestly.  "How's your mom?" Rachel asked, as JC stood--safely cradling the baby in his arms.  She attempted to sit up in the bed.

"Ecstatic." He answered, placing Claire in her ready arms.  "She said she can't wait to hold the baby.  The guys have all called too." He said.

"Already?" Rachel chuckled.  "It's only eight o'clock."

JC shrugged.  "They knew why I left last night.  They're all excited and said to tell you hi and that they can't wait to meet Claire."  Rachel smiled and scooted over as he sat down beside her on the bed.  The baby started crying but soon Rachel had her situated against her breast as the nurse had shown her earlier.  With Claire busy nursing for a few moments she put her head against JC's shoulder. 

"When do you have to go back?" She asked.

He sighed, putting his arm around her shoulder and pulling her close to his side.  "I have to fly out and meet up with them in Denver on Wednesday.  Then we have a show in Phoenix and one in Vegas then we're done.  It's only going to be a week and then I'm home.  I promise."  Rachel nodded her head against him.  "But Megan's here until I get back," he tried to reassure her.  "And my parent's are flying out this weekend so you won't be alone.  If she had just been patient and waited, instead of being so anxious to get here," he said, running his finger over the top of Claire's tiny head, "The tour would have been over and I wouldn't have to leave you at all."

"We'll be fine." Rachel assured him.  She situated Claire against her shoulder when it appeared she was full.  "Can you hold her?" She asked, handing the baby to him after a few quiet moments.  "I need to go to the bathroom."

"Do you need help?" He asked standing and moving to put the baby in the small bed standing against the wall. 

"No." Rachel said, standing slowly.  "It's going to take me a minute, but I'm fine." She said, and began walking slowly towards the bathroom--her body angry at the movement.  Finally after what seemed an eternity she made it to her destination and, after taking care of business, opened the door quietly, stopping when she heard JC's voice drift over to her.  She smiled and put a hand against her chest, blinking back tears, as she leaned against the doorframe and watched him sway back and forth gently--their baby nestled against his chest--as he sang to her. 

And I will take
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you

Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Ooh, I promise you 

Rachel watched as he gently laid the baby in her bed then just stood, looking down at her.  "Kind of gives a whole new meaning to ‘love at first sight', huh?" She asked from the doorway.

"Yeah." JC replied with a smile.  He walked over to her.  "Yeah it does.  It's amazing." He said, bringing his hands up to gently frame her face.  His eyes sparkled as his thumbs brushed across her skin.  "I thought my life was complete when I met you." He said, leaning forward and pressing his lips to hers softly.  Rachel brought her hands up, her fingers wrapping around his wrists.  "I was wrong."  He smiled.  "You have given me more than I ever dreamed possible.  I don't know how to make it up to you."

"Just love me." Rachel said, blinking back tears.

"Forever." He vowed, once more kissing her.  "I promise."