When Blaine finished his final exam, he turned his phone back on and couldnt believe what he read on his screen.

6 missed calls and 14 new text messages.

(9:03) Rachel: Are you already in your exam?

(9:06) Rachel: Of course you are... I knew I should have told you sooner...

(9:07) Rachel: Blaine, Ive been having contractions. Theyre getting worse... I think I might be in labor.

(9:15) Rachel: This exam is too important. Dont leave if you do read this. Im okay, really.

(9:51) Rachel: Dont freak out but Im going to call Kurt... That last one was intense.

(9:53) Rachel: Kurts on his way... Im just going to wait for him before I do anything.

(9:57) Kurt: Im on my way home... I guess Rachels in labor... This is NOT the time for your cell phone to be off.

(9:58) Kurt: Call me ASAP! Xo

(10:32) Rachel: Kurt and I are on the way to the hospital. Contractions are about ten minutes apart.

(10:35) Kurt: DAMN IT BLAINE ANDERSON ANSWER YOUR PHONE. WERE HAVING A BABY.

(10:40) Rachel: SHIT. My water literally just broke in the back of a cab. I think I better tip this driver well.

(10:46) Kurt: Made it to the hospital, thanks to a very annoyed cab driver. Blaine, please call me.

(11:14) Kurt: Rachels in a room... Contractions are still about ten minutes apart. She seems to be doing okay.

(11:51) Rachel: Blaaaaaine. Please. Im scared. I need you.

The last message from Rachel came nearly fifty-five minutes ago. No one had said anything since. What happened in that fifty-five minutes. Was Rachel okay? Was Blaine too late? Had he missed the birth?

He dialed Kurts phone number. His husband answered almost immediately. "Whats going on?" Blaine pressed, giving Kurt no time to speak.

"Were just waiting... Im so happy to finally here from you," Kurt answered. "I hadnt really sent you anything because we went for a walk and theres nothing new other than contractions every few minutes."

"How is she?" Blaine asked, hailing a cab.

"Five centimeters dilated. Contractions are eight minutes s exhausted but shes staying strong," Kurt breathed.

"How are you holding up?" Blaines heart ached for his husband, who was in over his head. He so desperately wanted to be with him right now.

Kurt hesitated, before he admitted, "Im freaking out." He sounded tired. "Its just nerve-wracking, you know? I wish you were here."

"Im on my way. Ill be there as soon as I can. Stay strong for me, okay? I love you," Blaine comforted him.

"Love you too," Kurt replied, before the line disconnected.

Traffic seemed to be backed up and Blaine was pulling on his hair, trying to take deep breaths. This was the most stressful thing he could imagine. How could the baby be coming now?

"Keep the change," he thrust an extra ten dollars in the drivers hand and flew out the door. He bolted into the hospital and found Rachels room as soon as he could. Blaine knew he had time, but his emotions couldnt handle being away from Rachel and Kurt any longer.

"Hey," he said soothingly, when he entered her room. She was lying on her side, with a blanket thrown over her. She was gripping Kurts hand tightly, who sat beside her bed with a pale face.

"Keep breathing," a nurse had noticed Rachel holding her breath through the contraction.

Blaine stepped next to the bed and placed a hand on her forehead, "Hey, Im here. Its going to be okay. Just listen to the nurses."

The corners of Kurts mouth turned in a weak smile and he whispered, "Thank you."

Letting out a load groan, Rachel curled into herself. "Ughh..." she buried her face in her pillow. When the contraction ended, Rachel took a moment to reposition to her back. Panting heavily, she croaked, "That w-was... the worst... one."

Blaine brushed hair off her sweaty face and said, "Are you holding up okay?"

"Aha... Oh, Im fantastic," Rachel rolled her eyes, leaning her head back. "Never been better."

"She started getting sarcastic shortly after we got here," Kurt chuckled.

"Shut up," Rachel snapped.

"How far apart are your contractions?" Blaine asked.

"Oh, I dont even know anymore," Rachel hissed. "I stopped keeping track when the nurses started."

"Eight minutes," a nurse informed.

"Will you be okay if I steal Kurt for a moment?" Blaine asked in concern, seeing that things hasnt progressed since he left school.

"Its not like I have a choice," Rachel ran a hand over her belly. "Do as you please. Ill be here."

"Ill be right back," Blaine kissed her forehead, before he led his husband into the hall. He grabbed Kurts shoulders and backed him into a wall. Tenderly kissing his lips, Blaine said, "Thank you for helping her."

"It was scary," Kurt whispered, his face still pale.

"I know," Blaine cupped his cheek, stroking it with his thumb. "But you got her here and thats what I care about. You were Rachels hero today, and youre mine too. "

Tears formed in Kurts eyes and he said, "This is really it, isnt it? Were having a baby."

"Yeah," Blaine replied, gratitude toward his husband filling his heart. "Why dont you take a break? Youve had a long morning. Go down to the cafeteria and grab some lunch."

"Are you sure?" Kurt bit his lip. "I dont want - "

"Kurt," Blaine said firmly. "Youll make all of us feel better if youre not as stressed as Rachel. Take a breath. Youre not going to miss anything."

"Fine," Kurt pecked his lips. "But Ill be back shortly."

"Take your time. Shes not ready to deliver yet," Blaine reassured him. He watched Kurt move swiftly down the hallway, before he went back into Rachels room. Her eyes were closed and she was taking slow deep breaths. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Taking advantage of these moments between contractions," she admitted, opening her eyes to look at him. "Im really glad youre here, Blaine. I was so scared without you, but you make everything seem easier."

"Im not going anywhere," he sat in Kurts chair and took her hand. "Im right here."

"I love you, Blaine," she whispered, tears in her eyes. "I mean that. Im really glad I have you."

"I love you too, Rachel," he smiled reassuringly. Rubbing a thumb over the back of her hand, Blaine waited patiently, until she tensed up, squeezing his hand tightly. "Breath," he said quietly.

"I-Im... trying," she panted. She continued to focus on her breathing through the next minute or so, before she fell back on to her pillows and let out a long sigh. "Theyre getting worse," she muttered.

Kurt was gone through the next three contractions, and when he came back, he still looked really pale. "I just called my dad and told him we were here. Hes so excited, but also a little disappointed that it happened just days after he left."

"Oh man, I still have to tell my mom," Blaine said, running a hand through his thick curls.

"And my dads," Rachel moaned.

"Should I make some calls?" Kurt asked. "I can, if you want me to."

"Would you?" Blaine asked. "It sure would help." Kurt nodded and Blaine added, "Thanks, babe."

"Thatll keep him distracted. Honestly, I think hes more nervous than I am," Rachel said, when Kurt left the room. "Hes been so..."

"I know. I saw his face when I first came in during that contraction," Blaine replied. "I guess its just overwhelming for him."

"Its overwhelming for all of us," said Rachel, frowning. "But I guess, for me, its all been natural. Im pregnant, I knew this was coming. I was told what to expect, but Kurt was thrown into this and had to be the supportive one."

"Yeah..." Blaine trailed off, feeling more guilty that he wasnt around from the beginning.

Another contraction hit, just as Kurt walked into the room. He stopped in the doorway and stared at Blaine, who tried breathing along with Rachel. "There you go, thats it."

"That was seven minutes," a nurse informed them. "Lets see how far dilated you are."

Kurt mumbled something about calling Cooper, before he left the room again. The nurse checked Rachel and Blaine began stroking her hair gently.

"Youre still at five," the nurse announced.

"Ughh," Rachels head fell backward in defeat. "This is so annoying."

"Mhm. Ive heard that before," the nurse said.

Time passed and Rachels patience was growing thin. When she finally reached eight centimeters, she was contracting every four minutes. "Oh my goodness! That one felt like death," she breathed.

Blaine sat back in his chair, flexing his sore fingers. "I agree," he huffed.

"Blaine, shut up," Rachel shot back, closing her eyes.

"Okay," he turned to look at Kurt, who released a harsh grip on Blaines shoulders. Blaine grabbed his hand and kissed it, "Can we step out for a minute?"

"Hurry back," Rachel hollered after them, knowing she only had two minutes before another contraction hit again.

"Whats going on with you?" Blaine asked, taking Kurts face in his hands. "Are you okay? Im worried about you."

Kurt bit his lip, lowering his eyes to avoid Blaines gaze. "Its just nerve-wracking. I dont know what to do with myself. Weve been here for hours and I feel useless."

"Youre not useless. Youre keeping me from being the only target against the wrath of Rachel," Blaine shook his head.

Glancing into his eyes, Kurts lip quivered, as tears escaped his eyes. "Im just so scared. It never really felt real until I got put into a situation where I had to do something to help my daughter. I was suddenly responsible for getting her here and making sure she was okay. "

"You did a good job," Blaine reassured him.

"But then Rachel and I went for a walk and she had this contraction that brought her to her knees," Kurt continued, his hands started shaking. "I didnt know what to do. I just sort of ran down the hall to get a nurse that wheeled Rachel back to her room..." He closed his eyes. "She was crying and I felt like an ass for not staying with her."

"You did the best you could," Blaine grazed his cheek with his thumb.

"But shes not even here yet, and Im making wrong choices. I know nothing about being a parent. Shes going to be here very soon and I really am going to be responsible for her. I dont think Im ready," Kurt shook his head.

"Hey... hey, babe, Im scared too. I dont know what Im doing," Blaine tried to calm him.

"You look like you know what youre doing," Kurt huffed.

"Ive also been in medical school. I know a little more. Im just trying to accommodate Rachel the best I can," Blaine wiped a tear off Kurts cheek and smiled weakly. "Look, were both clueless about being parents, but I promise you that were going to grow and learn together. No one has it figured out their first time, but well get there."

"I guess," Kurt shrugged.

"Come here," Blaine pulled him into a hug. Kurt rested his head on Blaines and sniffed. "Its going to be okay, I promise," Blaine whispered.

Taking a deep breath, Kurt said, "Thank you. I couldnt get through this without you. I was losing my mind before you got here.."

Blaine gave him a kiss, before grabbing his hand and leading him back into the room, saying. "Ive never seen you so vulnerable before, and I hate seeing you like this, but Im happy to make you feel better.

Another hour and a half passed and the events from the day were wearing on everyone. Rachel was so tired, she said she felt like she was losing her mind. Kurt was curled in a chair, with his head between his hands, and Blaine had stood up to stretch after sitting for so long.

"Well, Rachel, youre dilated to ten centimeters," the nurse, Melanie finally told them. "Shell be making her entrance as soon as shes ready."

"Really?" she said happily. "Its about damn time." Her contractions were now every forty-five seconds or so and she was growing weary.

Kurt stood up and took Blaines hand in his. "Were so close," he whispered.

Blaine kissed his cheek, "I know."

The nurses began to prep for the delivery, and the doctor was called in.

"All right, Rachel, on the next contraction, I need you to push," Doctor Gill said, sitting before her.

"Im so tired. I dont know if I... oh!" Rachel was cut off by her contraction. The grip on Blaines hand was so tight that he started squeezing Kurts hand to relieve his pain.

Again and again, Rachel was told to push and Blaines hand had become so sore, but he kept his focus on Rachel, who looked so pale and exhausted. He stroked her hair with his free hand, calmly whispering to her through the nurses instructions to push harder, because she began crying and insisted that, "I cant push any harder."

"Rachel, hang on, dont push," the doctor informed her. "Save your strength for one final push."

The moment Rachel tensed for the last contraction, she let out a long, squeal through the last push. The doctor announced, shes here," and a small cry filled the room.

Rachel slumped back on the bed and closed her eyes, "Good Lord..." she whispered.

"Dad, would you like to cut the cord?" Doctor Gill asked, watching Blaine closely.

Turning to look at his husband, Blaine smiled, "Go on, dad, cut the cord."

"You want me to?" Kurts face lit up with pleasure. "Are you sure?"

"Im positive," Blaine insisted, pushing him forward.

Taking a deep breath, Kurt cut the cord, and then turned to Blaine and smiled. The nurses checked over the baby, before she was placed in Rachels arms. "Shes so cute," Rachel cooed. "Look, Blaine, she has your curly hair and shes got your eyes."

"Shes got your nose," Blaine smiled at his daughter.

"Poor thing," Rachel frowned. She glanced up at Blaine and said, "Wanna hold your daughter?"

"Yeah," Blaine gently took his daughter in his hands and beamed at her beautiful face. Tears formed in his eyes and he whispered, "Hi there."

"Do you have a name?" Kurt asked quietly. He gently reached up and stroked the back of his index finger along her cheek.

Blaine stared for a long moment. He had thought about it, and after seeing her face, he knew. "Annabelle," he whispered. "Annabelle Rachel Hummel."

"Not Anderson?" Rachel asked.

Shaking his head, Kurt said, "Hyphenating was for the purpose of Blaine and I taking each others names. But in the end, you are Blaine Anderson and shes your daughter, and I want her to have your name."

"Shes your daughter too," Blaine protested. "Come on, please, I want you to have this. She is biologically mine, but I want proof that shes yours too. Adoption or no adoption, shes our daughter and thats all that matters."

"Annabelle Hummel," Kurt smiled at her, as Blaine carefully placed Kurts daughter in his arms. He began tearing up too.

"Is that okay?" Blaine asked nervously, afraid Kurt would regret his decision to let Blaine wait until she was born to name her.

"Yes," Kurt nodded. "But does that give me the right to make a suggestion?" Blaine nodded and he added, "Can we call her Belle for a nickname?"

"Savannah would approve if we referred to her as Belle, because she loves her Disney princesses," Blaine chuckled.

"No. She wont like that you didnt name the baby Rose," Rachel added.

At this, Blaine laughed, "No, I like Belle much better."

"I love Belle," Kurt bent his head down and kissed her forehead. "Shes perfect."

Belle slept peacefully in Blaines arms the following morning. Rachel had slept as much as the nurses and Belle would allow her that night, and Kurt slept curled in a chair, sleeping more than Rachel had.

Blaine could hardly sleep. He was so infatuated with his daughter. He couldnt stop watching her sleep. Having her here was still something he couldnt wrap his mind around.

Pulling out his phone, he updated his Facebook status, tagging Kurt and Rachel so their friends could see. Belle had been born close to eight oclock that night, so they decided to wait for the morning.

Posting a picture that he took of Belle and himself, he said, "Annabelle Rachel Hummel was born last night at 7:42. She is 5 lb 7 oz. 19 inches. Belle is healthy and happy. Kurt, Rachel, and I are so blessed to welcome this bundle of joy into the world, and we cant wait to take our little princess home."

Setting his phone down, Blaine ran a finger along her chin and whispered, "I love you very much, Annabelle."

"She loves you too," Kurts voice startled him. Kurt sat down next to him and wrapped a finger around Belles hand. "Look how content she is with you."

"I cant wait until we take her home," Blaine said. "I just cant believe we have a daughter. We couldnt be more of a family than we are right now."

"I know, its on my list of things I know about you," Kurt smiled at their joke. "I was really scared at the idea of being responsible for a human being, but after seeing her and holding her, all my fears went away, and I knew we were going to be okay. This is where we belong."

"That makes me really happy," Blaine kissed his cheek. "Because I felt the same way. My love for her took over all my emotions. My love for you does that every day."

"I cant wait for everyone to meet her," Kurt stated. "My dad said theyre going to catch a flight here as soon as they can."

"I feel bad that everyone left and had to come back so soon," Blaine admitted. "Maybe we should buy their tickets for them, so its not so much on them."

"My dad might disagree, because hes so thrilled to be a grandpa, but Ill talk to him," Kurt nodded. "I think its a good idea."

"Who are we talking to?" Rachel said groggily, sitting up in bed and watching them.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Blaine asked, standing up and hovering next to the bed.

"Sore," she grumbled. "Hows Belle?"

"Tired. She had a busy day yesterday," Blaine chuckled, handing the baby over to her.

"Ugh," Rachel rolled her eyes. "I think a busy day is an understatement of what happened yesterday."

"Were so grateful for this, Rachel," Kurt joined Blaine at the bed. "Im so glad everything worked out okay. You gave us something truly wonderful."

"Sure thing," she smiled.

"Do you want to hang out with her for a while, so Kurt and I can go home and get cleaned up and grab something to eat?" Blaine took Kurts hand in his.

Rachel nodded, "Of course. Take your time. Well have some girl time."

Kurt and Blaine left the room and made their way on to the street to catch the subway home. Blaine felt exhausted but his mind was still buzzing from excitement.

"It feels so weird to think that the next time Rachel comes home, the baby will be with her," Kurt said.

Blaine strolled into Belles room and smiled down at the crib, "This crib has sat here empty for so long. When shes here, itll really feel whole here. I cant wait."

"For sleepless nights and more work than you have energy for?" Kurt raised an eyebrow. "Are you ready for all that?"

"Itll be worth it," Blaine said. "All our struggles have been worth it." Blaine stepped forward and kissed Kurt, reaching up to cup his cheek.

Kurts arms wrapped around his shoulders and he deepened the kiss. "Im really happy," Kurt said, when they broke apart.

"Me too," Blaine said. "Did you ever think wed end up here?"

"I was lucky you came back to the coffee shop after that day I chased you down," Kurt shook his head. "I didnt know itd lead to this."

Blaine laughed, leaning in for another kiss, "But Im so glad you did."

By the time they got showered, dressed, and fed, Kurt had received a call from his dad that their flight was boarding and theyd be there soon. They made their way back to the hospital and waited patiently for Kurts family to get there.

"Okay, wheres my granddaughter?" Burt exclaimed, entering the hospital room and scanning it for a sign of the baby.

"Right here," Kurt said, standing up with Belle in his arms. He handed the baby over to his father and smiled. He quietly said, "Belle, this is your grandpa."

Burts eyes softened and he cooed, "Hi, little girl. Youre such a pretty little thing."

"Dad, youre melting," Kurt giggled.

"Well, its not like Ive been through this since you were born. And even then, your mom was awfully clingy to you. I barely saw you before you came home," Burt joked.

Kurt smiled in response.

Burt them passed the baby to Carole, who teared up, as soon as Burt said, "And heres grandma."

Kurt came and sat next to her and she took his hand, "You are the reason I will ever get to be called that, so thank you. This is... beyond special. First walking you down the aisle and now this... You have given me something I had lost hope for after Finn died."

"You know, youre right. I think its about time I stopped calling you Carole and started calling you mom," Kurt squeezed her hand. "Youve been in this family too long and youve been so good to me."

Caroles tears rolled down her cheeks and choked out, "Thank you."

"Is your family coming?" Burt asked Blaine, creating his own conversation.

"Uh, I dont really know. Im sure my mom will make a trip up as soon as she can," Blaine shrugged. He wasnt in much contact with his mother, but that didnt bother him. Communication had never been strong between them, so it wasnt unusual.

"My dads are coming up next week to help me move into Sams apartment," Rachel confirmed. She hesitated at Blaines expression and said, "Itll give you and Kurt a few days to adjust but I dont want to get too comfortable, because then I wont want to leave."

"Youre welcome any time," Blaine assured her.

"I know, honey," Rachel smiled. "But youve done more than enough for me, and I think its time to take a step in a different direction."

"Were all stepping into new directions, arent we?" Kurt asked, chuckling at the irony.

"Well, hopefully, this time, youll all be a little more ready for the real world," Burt shook his head. "I dont know how the three of you worked through all that drama but Im glad you did."

"Me too," Kurt, Blaine, and Rachel all said in unison.

Two days later, Blaine entered Rachels hospital room, shoving his phone in his pocket. "That was Cooper," he announced. "He said his schedules too busy but he wishes he could come see Belle."

"Thats great," Kurt said, pulling away from his fathers embrace. "Ill miss you," he said to Burt.

"Are you guys heading out of here?" Blaine asked.

"I gotta get back to the shop," Burt admitted. He gave Blaine a pat on the back and said, "But well see you guys soon. Cant let this little girl grow up too much without us."

"Thanks for coming. Im glad you could make it," Blaine gave Carole a hug.

"We are too, sweetie," Carole said. "Take care."

The nurse passed them on their way out the door and smiled, with a clipboard in her hand. "They arent the only ones getting out of here."

"You mean, I can leave," Rachel said happily from the chair in the corner of the room.

"Yes," she replied. "I just need these papers signed and to go over a few things with you..." She began going through all the information with them.

"And if you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask. Raising a baby is a lot to process," their nurse confirmed, as they signed release forms. "A lot of first time parents end up with questions. Its totally normal to feel overwhelmed."

"Thank you, Penny," Rachel smiled. "Youve been so good to us."

"Its been my pleasure," Penny said. She turned to Blaine and Kurt, "I truly hope everything goes well for you. You deserve it."

"Thanks," Kurt said.

They were led down to the lobby, where Blaine left to hail a cab. Soon enough, the family of four piled into a cab and were on their way home.

Blaine carried the car seat up to the apartment and set it on the coffee table. Pulling out his sleeping daughter, he walked over to her room and set the baby in her crib. "Welcome home, Belle," he said quietly.

Kurt placed a hand around Blaines waist and pulled him close to his body, "Welcome home."

Blaine curled into Kurts embrace and wrapped his arms around his back. Burying his face in Kurts shoulder, Blaine mumbled, "You are home."

Kurt kissed the top of his head and said, "So are you."