Nikkie managed a weak, brief smile, before bearing down once again when she was told to. The next few hours passed in a vague haze of pain, pushing, and squeezing Joey's hand until she was sure it'd shatter.
Finally, finally, she gave one last great push and collapsed back onto the bed, sweaty and exhausted. She heard faint noises in the background, and then a baby began to cry. She was given a blanket wrapped bundle, and pulling back the edge showed her daughter, wailing up at her. "None of that, now," she said softly, pulling her close and rocking her gently. "It's alright, darling. Hello. Welcome to the world."