#3 The Red, White and Chicago Blue

Chapter 25 "Baby Bennett"

The hours turned into days, the days into weeks, and the weeks into months. Hannah walked into the district to collect her maternity leave paperwork, when Trudy stopped her.

"When are you ever gonna have that kid?"

"It's my due date, so I'm hoping today."

"Is Noah ready?"

She laughed. "I'm sure as hell hoping so."

"I got you something for her."

"You did?"

She reached under the desk and pulled out a little pink bag. She handed it over to Hannah and she opened it up. Inside the bag was a pink onesie that said "Future Police Officer"

"Oh I love it! Thank you so much!" She gave Trudy a hug and thanked her over and over.

"Oh it was nothing. Randall and I are always happy to help out." Trudy smiled.

She went down the hall the Leslie's office. "Hey, can I talk to you?"

"Sure sweetie. Come in."

She went over and helped Hannah sit down in the chair.

"Everything alright?"

"I feel like a freaking balloon."

Leslie laughed. "I've been there before. When I was pregnant with Ember, I use to beat the crap out of Kelly and Amber every day."

Hannah noticed the sad look on Leslie's face when she spoke Amber's name.

"Do you miss her?"

"Seventeen years later, my heart still feels pain. I miss that woman like crazy. But you see, I think of it as her being in a better place. I know she's watching over me and Ember, proud of all we've accomplished. I know she would've wanted me to move on, but I just couldn't do it. I never gathered up enough strength to move on after her. I mean I liked Chilli, but she was with Jimmy and I knew nothing would break them up. That was until the Ivory Tower collapse when Jimmy's life and mine changed for the worst."

"I feel bad for Ava and Candice. They were so young when they lost their mother..."

"She'd be proud of them, I can tell you that. The minute those girls graduated high school, they went straight for the fire academy."

"I only wish she was still here so she could see them."

"You know, it really makes me happy seeing all you kids do the jobs your parents and I did. You guys make us proud everyday, serving this city."

"Well I'm sure my brother banging all his informants is no help."

They both started laughing.

"I'm here if you ever need to talk. I have a meeting to get to, so maybe dinner later? You can bring along the parents, bro and sis. Ember, Kelly and a bunch of us others are gonna be there."

"If I don't go into labor, that would be great. Oh by the way, do you have my maternity leave papers? I need to bring them to the Ivory Tower."