I will always love you <3

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗

Natalie's POV:

Once Crockett opens the door to Molly's, a combination of smells and warmth hits me, as well as the cheering of my colleagues and friends. I promised myself I would not cry, which I usually wouldn't, but the hormones got me hard this pregnancy. I try and wipe away the tears, but they just keep coming. Maggie welcomes me, literally with open arms. She pulls me into a hug, and gives me a quick kiss on the cheeck, as she starts leading me to the rest. I shortly turn around, wanting to stretch out my arm and get Crockett's hand, but he gives me a reassuring look, and I continue following Maggie.

As we're walking around, I get congratulated, and handed presents, from all around me. It's quite overwhelming, and I'm wishing I'd have stopped to take Crockett's hand. At a certain point, I somehow get tossed around, but luckily, I end up with my mom. I'm a little surprised that she's here, because I didn't expect anyones parents to be here, especially since Crockett has barely talked to his parents since Harper died. 

"Hey mom!" I say excited, and somewhat relieved, hugging her tightly. She giggles a little, surprised by how tightly I hugged her "you alright sweetie?" she asks me. "Yeah, I'm alright, just glad that you're here" I say. I take her hand, and forcing my way through the crowd, trying to find Crockett.

I see him standing in the corner, eating a slice of cake, just watching the crowd. Once he spots my mom and I, he nervously sets down the cake, and tries to make sure he looks presentable, as we stop in front of him "Hi, Carol, it's so nice to see you here!" he says excited, but I see how nervous he is. I know he wants to make a good impression, to show his best side, and clearly, it seems to be working. "Yeah, well, you gotta thank Maggie for that" she says as they give each other a polite hug "such a sweetheart, isn't she?" my mom asks, turning to me. I nod "Absolutely! She's always there, right when you need her" I say, and look at Maggie, who coincidentally is looking at the awkwardness coming from our corner. I laugh, when I notice her mouthing "nice and awkward" while sticking her thumbs up. 

My mom notices me and Maggie laughing at each other, and she turns around "Ah there she is" my mom says, and slowly trails off, making her way to Maggie. I hear Crockett sigh, and put my arm around his "she loves you" I say, as were both still looking at all the guests. "you think?" he asks. "Oh absolutely" I say, gently rubbing his shoulder, "you know, even though I was pretty skeptical about this, I'm really glad we came, and really grateful that Maggie arranged all of this" I say and I lean my head on his shoulder. "Yeah, me too" he says and gently places a kiss on my head. 

I start walking, with my arm still through Crocketts, and even though he resists, I manage to pull him with me into the crowd.

We continue talking with a lot of guests, thanking them for being here, opening presents, cards and other. After a couple hours, once multiple people had already left, it was pretty much just Crockett, Maggie, my mom, some of the staff from the ED, and me left. I grab myself one of the last pieces of cake, and a bottle of water, and sit down at the bar. I notice miss Goodwin approaching me, realising I hadn't seen her all evening. "Miss Goodwin, hi!" I say, pulling back one of the chairs for her to sit on it. She gratefully takes the chair and sits down "So, how have you been feeling?" she asks. I nod, while I've just put a big piece of cake in my mouth. I quickly chew and swallow "Pretty good, yeah, pretty hungry though" I say, putting yet another piece of cake in my mouth. "Oh I can imagine! But it's just as exciting as the first time, isn't it?" she asks.

"Oh absolutely!" I say "And just as scary" I take a sip of water. She scoffs "Yes, absolutely. But I know you will do just as amazing as you did with Owen. Besides, you have even more help now, in case you need it" she says, and puts her hand on mine. I nod with a big smile "Yeah, I'm so grateful" I say while looking at the others.

A couple hours later

Crockett and I enter my apartment silently, both of us being very tired and not happy with any noises. I flop down on the sofa, while Crockett takes my jacket and purse. I sigh from the exhaustion from this night, and Crockett comes and sits next to me. He slides down a little and first looks at my belly, then at me "Can I?" he asks with puppy eyes. I tilt my head in confusion "Can you what?", "listen" he almost whispers. I chuckle for short second and nod "go right ahead" I say, as I pull up my sweater.

Crockett very carefully puts hits head on my stomach, to not put to much weight on it "I used to always do this with Harper, just like imagining all the things I was going to do" he says, again almost whispering. His head is turned away, so I don't see the tears in his eyes, but I feel one running down my stomach. I blindly wipe away one of his tears, when I feel the baby kicking. Crockett giggles and I do too "guess someone has established dominance" I say mockingly, and Crockett laughs again. He looks at me, still with watery eyes, and then gives my belly a kiss "establish all the dominance you want" he says, still looking at my stomach. 

I slowly run my fingers up and down through his hair, while he puts his head back on my stomach.

We sit there, enjoying our euphoria and moment of peace.