In all of their other four pregnancies, (Y/n) had only been down to the emergency room twice. They had a running streak of having easy, uncomplicated pregnancies. (Y/n) didn't want to start having complications now with baby number five.

Eddie's lips stayed meshed against her hair and he moved his right hand up from her hip to hold her shoulder. One of the many nerves sparking through his chest dulled down a little when he felt (Y/n) hold his left wrist and give a small squeeze.

It was a relief when they walked into reception and noted that there weren't many other people here tonight. Although it was only early into the evening, the emergency room usually livened up after nine o'clock.

"Do you wanna sit down and I'll tell them we're here," Eddie moved his hands down to (Y/n)'s hips and waited until she was sat down before he dared let her go.

He didn't like the tension he could see on (Y/n)'s face or how uncomfy she looked as she began smoothing her hand across her abdomen as if it would take away the contractions.

His eyes couldn't tear away from her even as he walked across to the reception desk that was thankfully vacant of a queue. He leaned his left elbow down on the desk and dragged his free hand through his hair. Eddie knew his smile wasn't convincing. The worry was evident on his face.

His family was the only thing that could get Eddie panicked like this.

"How can I help?"

"Hi, uh I've brought my wife, (Y/n) Diaz. She's only thirty weeks pregnant but she's started having contractions over the last hour or two. They're not going away."

"Her waters haven't broken yet? No falls or straining or accidents today?"

"No, none of that, just stress."

In the back of his mind, Eddie was waiting for (Y/n)'s water to break. The rational part of his mind knew that wasn't likely, she had only just started getting the contractions and if they got (Y/n) calmed down and looked at by a doctor, the contractions might stop. But Eddie felt like it would be just their luck to go and have this baby now.

He'd never looked after a preemie before, none of their babies had ever been this early. Eddie didn't want to have to think about having one of his babies in the neonatal unit, having to see them in an incubator rather than hold them and cuddle them and take them home.

Eddie had held every one of their kids after they were born and he cut all the umbilical cords, he wanted to keep that tradition with this baby.

"Take a seat and someone will call you in soon."

"Thanks." His fingers continued to card through his hair as he walked away from the desk and slumped down in the seat next to (Y/n).

At least this had happened after they found Liv. They weren't out combing the streets or sat crying, wondering where she was. That would definitely have pushed (Y/n) into early labour. But all the kids were safe with Bobby and Athena for the night and they were all happy to be with their grandparents for the night.

Reaching his hand across, Eddie curled his fingers around (Y/n)'s thigh and tried to smile when she leaned her cheek on his shoulder.

They stayed quiet for a few moments but (Y/n)couldn't help but wince and curl into Eddie when she felt another contraction.

She opened her eyes and looked up at him when his hand moved from her thigh to cup her stomach. He kissed the top of her head and started moving his hand around the lower part of her stomach for a while, trying to distract himself and take (Y/n)'s mind of the dull aching pain.

"Do you think I'll go into labour?" (Y/n) kept her voice quiet and turned to the left so she could push into Eddie's side a little more. Her hands moved to his arm that was draped across her chest and she curled her hands tightly around his bicep. Holding him against her as if he would dare let her go.

"I don't think so. They should be able to stop the contractions before that happens, mi amor. Don't worry."

"I hope so." (Y/n) murmured against his shoulder. She didn't want to have their baby now. They'd never had an early birth especially not this early on.

"You'll both be fine." Eddie moved his free hand to cup (Y/n)'s jaw so he could kiss her temple, gliding his thumb up and down her cheek for a few seconds.

"(Y/n) Diaz?"

They were both glad they didn't have to wait long. Neither of them were fans of waiting, it only made them both panic more and Eddie couldn't be doing with anymore panic. Not tonight. Not for the next few months.

He weaved his arm around (Y/n)'s waist and helped her up, gluing his chest into her back as they made a steady, slow walk down the corridor after the nurse that called them over. (Y/n) kept hold of his wrist and tried to take deep breaths and calm her system down. They followed her down into one of the cubicles and when she kindly pointed towards the bed, (Y/n) walked over.

Her teeth sank down into her lower lip and her hand tightened around Eddie's wrist while her other hand pressed into the bed and she leaned forward. A deep, shuddering breath escaped her lips and she closed her eyes, wishing away the contraction.

With each one that hit, (Y/n) suddenly feared she was going to look down and see her waters break and trickle down her legs. But it hadn't happened yet. That had to be a good sign.

"Okay, how far along are you, (Y/n)?"

When she sat down on the bed, (Y/n) reached back out for Eddie's hand, relieved when he moved closer and stood beside her. His other hand tangled in her hair and he leaned down to kiss her temple, momentairely taking her mind off her discomfort.

"Thirty weeks."

"And it's just contractions that came on tonight, no other problems or symptoms? No fluids or bleeding?"

"Nothing like that." (Y/n) lifted her shirt up and tucked it beneath her bra while she shook her head. Her hand deadlocked around Eddie's and she tried to focus on him instead. He had his left hand tangled in hers and his right arm was now bound in front of his chest so tightly he was barely breathing. His chin tilted down and his eyes were intently focused on (Y/n)'s stomach as if he wished to see through her skin and check on the baby himself.

He watched the nurse press the heel of her hands down on (Y/n)'s stomach and move around but he could see the way (Y/n) twitched and held her breath when it hurt.

"Well baby feels quite high up from the pelvis which is a good sign, and contractions don't seem close together. Let's do a scan and see baby's heartbeat."

Moving her hand, (Y/n) bit down on her thumb and watched the nurse move the ultrasound over.

What would they do if something was wrong? What if the baby was distressed or (Y/n) really did have to go and have the baby tonight? Would the baby be alright? They'd have to call Athena and Bobby and see if the kids could stay with them. They'd have to get things changed and sorted out if the baby was coming now.

They didn't even have the crib down from the attic yet. This baby hadn't exactly been planned, but after having Lilah, they kept the crib in the attic in case they had any more kids down the line. It wasn't so surprising to find out they were having another baby; there was only one year separating Trixie and Lilah, after all.

"Is this your first?" The nurse smiled softly while she moved the sonogram around (Y/n)'s stomach. She was clearly trying to keep them both calm and relaxed and stop them from panicking.

Eddie managed a smile and gave (Y/n)'s hand a squeeze before he shook his head. "No… no this is number five."

Eddie could still hear the team teasing him amidst their congratulations when he told them (Y/n) was pregnant again. He was by far the one in the team with the most kids which everyone loved to point out. It was something Eddie was proud of.

"Oh, you're experts at this then." She smiled kindly before she turned the monitor so they could both see. "Okay, baby's head isn't near the pelvis, they've stayed in the usual position thus far. Fluid levels look good, placenta is in place and blood flow is all okay."

Relief swarmed through (Y/n) as she looked between Eddie and the monitor. They could see their baby up there on the screen, just the same as they had been last week at their routine scan. If that all sounded okay then they had a big chance of walking out of here in a few hours with their baby right where they should be.

"You shouldn't have started to dilate yet which is good for us… I'd like to check your blood pressure and temperature and if all looks okay, I'll go fetch a doctor. We can give you an injection to relax your muscles and stop the contractions."

She took a quick picture of the scan before she handed (Y/n) some towels to clean the gel from her stomach.

That sounded good.

Their baby wasn't moving or engaging ready to be born, (Y/n)'s body was just getting confused and panicked. But she wasn't showing signs of fully going into labour and her body clearly wasn't ready if her waters hadn't broken and the baby wasn't moving down yet.

(Y/n) held out her arm and waited patiently for the band to tighten around her upper arm below her shoulder. She watched Eddie lean over to look at the results and he nodded. Her blood pressure was within the normal range which was as surprising as it was reassuring.

"Temperature is good, I'll go get everything ready."

"Thank you." Once she left the room, Eddie leaned down and pressed his lips to the top of (Y/n)'s head while she gave his hand a squeeze. "See? Our girl's not going anywhere."

"It might be another boy." (Y/n) smiled tiredly and tilted her head back, trying to dampen down her smile when Eddie kissed her. He kissed her again and a third time and he smirked when (Y/n) gave a sharp tug on his hand when he pulled away.

Her eyes followed him as he leaned over and grazed his fingers across her stomach and kissed the top of her bump.

"It's a girl, trust me."

They never found out the gender during each pregnancy, they waited until the birth to find out and so far, every time Eddie said they were having a girl, he was right. (Y/n) had been right when they had Chris, she just knew they would have a boy. And she thought this time they might be having another little boy, but Eddie was dead set on a fourth girl.

The guys at the station were all placing bets about the baby and only Hen and Athena thought it would be a boy, the same as (Y/n). Everyone else was betting on a girl. With Eddie's track history of three daughters, guessing on a girl seemed the safest bet.

"This is Doctor Menon," The nurse smiled and came back into the room with a metal trolley that (Y/n) didn't dare look at. She didn't want to see any needles. She wasn't queasy when the kids were having their vaccinations but anything for (Y/n) herself, made her feel faint. Which wasn't good with the amount of blood tests she had to have each time she was pregnant.

"Hi there. Let's see if we can get you and baby settled again, shall we?"

"Oh God," (Y/n) looked over at Eddie when she caught sight of the needle. That didn't look good.

"Are you not good with needles?" The doctor's voice was soothing and she had a calm smile. She must see a lot of patients who weren't the best when it came to having injections or getting bloods taken.

(Y/n) shook her head wordlessly and kept her eyes on Eddie who only smiled and kissed her temple. At least she was lying down. Eddie wouldn't have to reach out and catch (Y/n). When she'd had a vitamin injection three months ago she blacked out so fast Eddie had to lean forward and catch her before she crumpled down to the floor.

This way if she felt sick or fainted or just blacked out, she was lying down and wouldn't hurt herself.

"It's just one injection but it's in your tummy I'm afraid."

"How long until we know if it's worked?" Eddie pulled (Y/n)'s hand so he could kiss the back of her hand and hold it against his lips.

"We'll do the injection, set up the monitors to watch over the baby and keep you here in observation. If the contractions stop and all vitals look good, we can send you home later on tonight."

The doctor could see her words made (Y/n) feel a lot better. She wanted to go home. She thought coming here would mean getting checked over and possibly be admitted onto a ward. The worst case scenario was being shipped across to the maternity ward and having this baby now or within the next few days. But everything had to be okay if they were willing to send (Y/n) home tonight.

"Try and hold still, it won't take long."

(Y/n) pressed her face into Eddie's hip and felt his fingers tangling through her hair. She pushed as close to him as she could while he held her hand against his lips and watched the doctor. A shiver tore through (Y/n)'s stomach at the antiseptic wipe across her stomach and Eddie clenched his jaw when he looked at the needle. He could feel his heart breaking for (Y/n).

The moment the needle punctured into her stomach, (Y/n) whimpered and tried to tense up and stay still. She could feel her head clouding over and the baby twisted as the needle went right into her muscles.

Her head felt fuzzy and her heartbeat pulsed through her temple so loud (Y/n) didn't hear the doctor telling her it was all done. She stayed still and silent, huddling close to Eddie when monitoring stickers were placed around her stomach and a pulse clip was placed on her index finger.

"We'll leave you be for a while and we'll do checks every twenty minutes. If the contractions don't stop in the next ten minutes, page for a nurse and we can try another injection."

"Thank you. See, mi amor, you're both gonna be fine."

***

"Everything's okay then? I won't- I won't start having anymore contractions again, will I?"

(Y/n) bit down on her thumb and looked over at the nurse before she looked across at Eddie. She always seemed to look for validation from Eddie rather than from the doctors. It was as if Eddie's medical knowledge was better or more advanced. But (Y/n) knew it was because he knew just how to calm her down and if Eddie thought everything was okay, (Y/n) would too.

She was glad the doctor was doing an ultrasound now that the contractions had stopped, just to put everyone's mind at ease.

"Contractions haven't come back in three hours, your vitals are fine and baby is very settled. I'm happy to discharge you and I'll make a note for you to see a midwife in two days just to be safe."

(Y/n) nodded and sat up, relieved to have the annoying, itching monitoring stickers removed from her stomach.

The contractions had come to a stop almost five minutes after the injection and they hadn't started since. It left (Y/n) and Eddie to sit and chat and almost drift off to sleep if it weren't for the checks the nurse made every twenty minutes.

"For the next two weeks you need to be on bed rest, though. No heavy lifting, no straining or stress. If you lose any fluid or have any kind of pains or contractions, come straight back. Okay?"

"Thank you."

(Y/n) would take that. She would go on bed rest- and not just because she knew Eddie and the kids would all enforce it. She had been on bed rest when they had Lilah for the last month when she got sick and her blood pressure rose. All the kids had loved it because they stayed in bed with (Y/n) and brought her drinks and baked her cookies and made her presents. She had never felt so loved.

She would stay in bed and take it easy if it meant keeping the baby safe and sound where they were. They couldn't have the baby yet, the contractions couldn't come back.

Eddie took the folded discharge papers and put them in his back pocket, securing his arm around (Y/n)'s waist when she stood up. He could tell from the way she leaned against him that her legs had turned to jelly from how long they had been sat in here, but it was more than worth it. It was worth the back ache and the numb, stuff legs if it meant (Y/n) and the baby were okay.

With a gentle smile, (Y/n) wrapped both her arms around Eddie's waist and buried her face in his chest as they walked out the cubicle and headed back down to reception to leave.

As soon as they were outside and Eddie had a signal back on his phone, he scrolled through his messages.

Bobby must have told Evan the situation because he had at least three messages and a missed call from Evan. Asking if everything was alright, if he needed Evan to have the kids tonight or tomorrow for them and to call him when he had news.

But Eddie felt his heart spasming when he realised he had a few messages off Liv too.

*Is mum okay? x *Are you having the baby? Is it my fault? x *Dad are you and mum mad with me? x *Dad I can't sleep. Can't I come down to the hospital and stay with you and mum? Please. Please. Please. x

"Okay?" (Y/n) mumbled softly into Eddie's shirt when he stopped walking and started scrolling through his phone.

"Yeah, just gonna call your dad, make sure the kids are okay." Eddie clicked on Bobby's contact and carried on guiding them towards the car.

He knew if he showed (Y/n) the messages from Liv she would only get upset and start to get worried again. He would talk to Bobby and see how all of the kids were but it was past eleven at night now so chances were they were all asleep. Although Liv's last message had been forty-five minutes ago so Eddie wasn't sure if she would be asleep or not.

"Eddie, how's everything going? Is she okay?"

There was no hint of tiredness in Bobby's voice and Eddie figured his father n law wouldn't go to sleep until he had heard about (Y/n) and knew what was happening. He was a worrier, just like Eddie, the only difference being Bobby knew how to remain calm.

Eddie kissed the top of (Y/n)'s head and helped her down into the car before he shut the door and leaned up against the bonnet.

"They're both okay, contractions have stopped, thank God. I'm taking her home now and as long as she's on bed rest she should be fine. Are the kids okay?"

"Oh that's a relief. All of them are fine, Chris didn't want to sleep he was a bit excited but the three of them are fast off now. Liv was still worried though, so we're having a hot chocolate."

That was what Eddie was expecting. Chris wouldn't have been settled at a surprise sleepover but since it was with his grandparents, Eddie wasn't expecting a meltdown. Chris had been hyper at the thought of staying over on a school night, something that only happened if his parents were away or unwell but he had been reassured they were both fine.

Now Chris and Trixie were fast asleep in the back room and Lilah was asleep with Athena. It was only Liv who refused to go to bed and Bobby couldn't blame her so he said he would stay awake with her and try to get her to go to sleep soon.

"You take (Y/n) home, I'm not on shift tomorrow so I'll sort the kids and take them to school."

"Thanks Bobby. Can you put Liv on for me?"

He waited patiently and heard a shuffling sound as Bobby handed the phone over to his eldest granddaughter. Her voice was timid on the other end and it made Eddie's heart break. He didn't know how many times he would have to reassure her that he wasn't angry with her, but Eddie would tell her a million times if he had to if it would calm her down.

"Liv, baby why are you still up, you okay?"

"I can't sleep, I wanted to go with you. Is mum okay?" Her voice gave away the fact that she was close to tears. And Eddie didn't want to speculate how much Liv had cried tonight, all because of him.

"She's fine I promise. I can take her home now on bed rest, the contractions have stopped."

"So- so the baby's not coming?"

"No births today… baby do you want us to come and pick you up? We're going home, we can stop by and get you and you can stay home with us tonight."

Eddie sighed and smiled to himself as he rounded the bonnet and climbed in the driver's seat. He could see what would happen if he didn't go and get Liv. Their daughter wouldn't sleep, (Y/n) would panic and Eddie would stay up all night wondering if Liv was okay and he would end up messaging her to check on her.

If the rest of the kids were fine and fast asleep, they could stay with Bobby and Athena for the night. It wouldn't be right or fair to wake them up and drag them out of bed in the middle of the night when they had school in the morning.

But if Liv was panicked and she wasn't going to settle, Eddie would rather bring her home where she would feel safe. Then, if she didn't sleep at home, Liv would at least be somewhere she was comfortable and she would be with her parents.

"You'll come get me? Just me?"

"Yeah, just you baby. Go tell grandad that I'll be fifteen minutes, okay?"

Turning her head to the right, (Y/n) tiredly opened her eyes and looked across at Eddie. "What are we doing?" She mumbled softly, giving Eddie's thigh a squeeze as he put his phone back in his pocket and started the car.

"We're gonna go get Liv and go home, mi amor."

***

A quiet groan vibrated at the back of Eddie's throat and he tiredly opened his eyes, trying to look around and take in his surroundings.

He pulled his head away from (Y/n)'s neck that he had been tucked into while he was sleeping and he slowly lifted his head and looked around. While his hand twitched and moved across (Y/n)'s stomach.

Eddie could barely feel his left shoulder from laying on his side for so long. His chest was moulded up into (Y/n)'s back with his right leg wedged between her thighs and his right arm protectively over her waist. He'd had a hand glued to her stomach since they'd left the hospital, even in his sleep he seemed attached to her and the baby.

He blinked through the darkness and looked around before his gaze locked on the doorway.

The bedroom door was open. Liv was stood in the doorway.

The eldest girl was stood there, a small halo of light from the hallway cast around her like a luminous glow. She had her arms folded and her hand anxiously rubbing up and down her arms, but she didn't move from the doorway.

It was what she always used to do as a child. Whenever she had a nightmare or she was worried about something and she knew she should be asleep, Liv would wait in the doorway. She would wait until her parents smiled or beckoned her over. They never told her off but she always feared being in trouble for being up late.

"Dad?"

"What's up baby?" Eddie's voice was thick and groggy as he slowly unravelled his arm from (Y/n)'s waist and pulled his leg free from the clutches of her thighs.

He flopped over onto his back and sat up to look over at her. It was past two in the morning and they had gotten home just after midnight. Eddie had hoped Liv would feel more comfortable back in her own bed and would of managed to get some sleep.

He and (Y/n) had already agreed that Liv didn't have to go to school tomorrow. She'd had a shock tonight and she was upset, not to mention she wasn't going to get much sleep. They didn't want her feeling horrid and going to school where she wouldn't be able to concentrate and would just feel upset.

"I can't sleep."

Liv continued to rub her hands up and down her arms, despite the twinge of pain in her right wrist that her grandad had graciously bandaged up for her when her dad confirmed it was only sprained.

She had tried to sleep, she tried everything. But she kept waking up. Her mind was too wired to go to sleep and she didn't know what to do. All Liv wanted was to sit with her parents. This was the first night in weeks where she had been alone with them without the younger kids and Liv wanted their comfort.

She wasn't at school in the morning so she would be home all day with both parents while her siblings were at school. But she couldn't sleep. She didn't know what to do.

"Do- do you want in?"

Without thinking twice, Eddie lifted the cover and motioned to the bed while his mind drew a blank.

He couldn't remember the last time Liv had climbed into bed with them. She was fourteen now, she was growing up and that hurt. But if she wanted to stay with them tonight, neither he or (Y/n) would have a problem with that.

They were used to Chris getting in bed with them, especially when he'd had a nightmare. And Lilah was almost always sneaking in because she didn't like sleeping alone. Sharing a room with Trixie wasn't enough, Lilah loved being cuddled and comforted. But it had been a long time since Liv had crawled into bed with them for a hug and a good night's sleep.

Eddie could feel his lips quirking into a smile when Liv hurried over to the bed in a split second. She didn't think, contemplate, frown or look indecisive. She took the offer straight away.

She crawled onto the end of the bed and scurried up the middle and when Eddie shuffled over, she slid beneath the covers in the middle of the bed.

Liv smiled and burrowed down beneath the cover, feeling her heart jump free from her chest when Eddie kissed the top of her head and moved his pillow towards her. She laid on her back and held her breath, unsure which way to lie or how to snuggle down. But she stayed still when her mum started to move.

(Y/n) tiredly turned over to face the other way but her eyes shot open when she moved her arm and realised Eddie was no longer right behind her. When she realised who it was, (Y/n)'s tired expression softened and she leaned forward to kiss Liv's cheek. Her left arm looped around Liv's waist and she cuddled up to her, relieved when Liv held her arm and stayed tucked up in the embrace.

"Hi sweetie,"

Liv stayed lying on her back with (Y/n)'s arm over her chest and she closed her eyes when she felt Eddie curve his arm around her too and press another sloppy kiss to the top of her head.

"You know we love you, don't you, sweetie?" (Y/n) could feel sleep ebbing away at her and clawing at the back of her mind, but she wanted to talk to Liv first. They hadn't spoken much in the car; all three of them had been tired but now clearly Liv was wide awake.

"I know, I just… you're always so happy when you have a new baby, I don't- I don't want you to forget me."

Her eyes stayed closed so she wouldn't have to look at either parent and see their expressions. But when she felt both of them inch closer to her and wrap around her, she felt like crying. This is what she wanted. Liv wanted to feel like the younger kids, like she was the centre of their world and nothing else mattered.

She knew she had to share her parent's attention, Liv was the eldest so she understood this more than any of them. And she loved her sisters and her little brother.

But it didn't stop her from wanting her parent's attention or from worrying that with another baby in the house, she might be forgotten.

Liv could do more than her siblings. She could make her own food if she wanted to, she could clean and go out on her own and walk home from school by herself. She was more independent but she didn't want that to mean she had to stop feeling loved or that she had to do things by herself or look after her siblings. She worried a new baby meant there wouldn't be enough attention and that she wouldn't be as important anymore.

"Baby girl we could never forget you or push you away. You're our first baby, you're just as important. We don't have favourites you know, we really don't, you're all special and we love all of you."

Eddie spoke quietly against the top of her head while his hand cradled her face and his thumb brushed up and down her cheekbone. He closed his eyes and continued to kiss her head, keeping her as close as he could without suffocating her.

"This baby won't replace you or push you away, sweetie. You, are so special."

"Plus, being the eldest means you're the one we brag about the most." Eddie's voice lowered as he felt himself on the verge of sleep.

But his heart picked up the pace and he cracked an eye open when Liv gripped his wrist and tilted her head back so she could look up at him. They locked eyes in the darkness and Eddie could see traces of a smile on her face as she shimmied closer to him beneath the cover.

"You brag about me?"

He grinned and let out a low chuckle, moving closer until Liv was cuddled into his chest and he could stretch his arm across both of his girls. This was how they used to lay when it was just the three of them. This was how they cuddled up when Liv was little.

This was a memory that Eddie was so, so happy to relive and go through again.

"Of course we brag about you. I tell everyone at work what a smart-ass girl you are and how proud we are of you."

It made him think back to the time when Liv was nine, back in Texas. She'd started getting bad nightmares to the point she wouldn't sleep on her own. At first, she had dragged Eddie from his bed every single night and made him stay in her room with her until she fell asleep.

But then when Liv used to wake up and realise Eddie was no longer there, she would scream.

For over three months straight, Liv had come into Eddie and (Y/n)'s room and slept with them each night to feel safe. Even with Trixie being a toddler in the cot in the corner of the room and (Y/n) being pregnant with Lilah, they had still had Liv in bed with them every night to make her feel safe. And when Chris would come and find them, they had all their kids in the same room with them.

But this was different; this was better. It wasn't Liv being too frightened to sleep alone or waking with nightmares and staying with them every night.

It was Liv wanting comfort and attention while they were all alone together, and Eddie and (Y/n) were more than happy to oblige.