Shaw took a deep breath, then knocked on the locker room door. Jeff opened it and peered out, a mixed expression on his face when he saw who it was. "What do you want?" he asked cautiously.
"I need to talk to Matt," Shaw replied. "Alone, if you don't mind," he added.
Jeff considered for a moment, glanced back into the room, then shrugged. "Alright," he agreed, holding the door open for Shaw. "I'll be right out here if you need me."
Shaw nodded, stepping into the room and closing the door after the younger Hardy. He froze when he saw Matt. The blonde man was sitting on the couch in loose maternity pants and a t-shirt, pulled up to expose his round stomach, which had grown significantly large. His hands were resting on his swollen belly, his eyes locked on Shaw.
Shaw swallowed to regain his composure, unable to stop staring at Matt's stomach. "Matt, we need to talk," he got out with difficulty. "We need to talk about us, about our - our baby."
"Yes, we do." Matt patted the seat next to him, which Shaw uncomfortably settled into.
Shaw looked into his eyes, seeing the fear and uncertainty in the younger man's gaze. He could tell how much stress this was putting on Matt from the look in his eyes. He had to look away, closing his eyes briefly, then opening them again. "God, I thought I'd never have to deal with something like this! This kind of shit is for straight guys. I - I just can't believe that - you're carrying my baby." Shaw's eyes moved to Matt's bulging stomach.
Matt hesitated a moment, then reached out and took Shaw's hand. "Here, feel," he whispered, placing Shaw's hand on his stomach. "She's been kicking me a lot recently. See - there!" Matt looked up at Shaw. "Did you feel her?"
Shaw nodded, staring with wonder at his hand on Matt' tummy. "How - " He swallowed and tried again. "How do you know it's a she?"
"I don't know." Matt shrugged, running his finger over his abdomen. "I just know it's a girl."
Shaw smiled, trailing his fingers lightly over Matt's stretched skin. "I've always wanted a daughter," he breathed, his lips curving in a wondrous smile. "I'm glad I made the decision I did."
Matt looked up into Shaw's face inquiringly. "And what did you decide?" he asked, a touch of apprehension in his voice.
Shaw took a long, deep breath, then dropped to one knee, taking Matt's hand in his as he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket. "I want you to marry me, Matt."
Matt's mouth fell open. "You - I - you really want to?" he gasped.
"Yes, I do. You're having my baby, and I want us to raise her together. Matt, will you be my husband?" Shaw peered up into Matt's face, who looked absolutely floored.
A huge grin suddenly broke out across Matt's face. "Oh my god, Yes! Oh god, Shaw, I can't believe it!" He leapt threw himself into Shaw's arms, tears pricking his eyes as he hugged the other man tightly.
"Believe it," Shaw replied, grinning broadly as they drew apart. "I'm sorry I haven't been there for you, baby, but I swear I will be from now on." Shaw put his hand on Matt's stomach, giving the brunette an impish grin. "And considering this, I think we should get married sooner rather than later."
***
"Ahhhhhh!!" Matt was panting harshly as another contraction ripped through his body. He was holding onto his husband's hand with a death grip, sweat dripping off his forehead. Stephanie and Ivory were standing on the opposite side of the bed from Bradshaw, Ivory wiping some of the perspiration from Matt's skin. "Oh god, I feel like I'm being fucking ripped apart! Please god, give me something!" Matt screamed at the doctor who was standing between his wide spread legs.
"It's too late, Mr. Hardy. Now push!" the doctor urged.
Matt took a deep breath, then pushed with all his might. He let out a ragged sob, his body shuddering with the effort.
"I can see the head. It's coming! Push!" the doctor ordered.
"I am so sick of pushing!" Matt yelled. "Can't you just pull it out or something?!?"
"Baby, you're almost done," Bradshaw whispered soothingly, squeezing Matt's hand reassuringly.
"Easy for you to say!" Matt closed his eyes tightly. "I hate you, Stephanie, I hate you!!!" he screamed as he gave one final push.
The doctor eased the infant out and laid the brand new baby down on the mattress, quickly checking to make sure it could breath alright. He fished a pair of scissors out of his bag, looking inquiringly at Bradshaw. "Would you like to cut the cord?" he offered.
Bradshaw nodded, managing to get his hand out of Matt's grasp. He took the scissors and cut the umbilical cord where the doctor instructed. He watched in wonder as the doctor picked the baby up and wrapped her in a blanket. "It's a girl," the doctor told them. "Would you like to hold her?"
Bradshaw nodded, taking his daughter in his arms. A tear slid down his cheek as he looked into the little girl's face. "She's beautiful," he whispered.
"Give her to me," Matt demanded, holding out his arms. Shaw gently handed the baby to his husband, watching the pain and stress on Matt's face vanish in an instant. "Oh my god." Matt's form began to shake, not from pain or fear, but from pure joy. Tears began flowing down his face as he gazed at his daughter, his own flesh and blood. "She's so beautiful," he whispered.
Stephanie and Ivory glanced at each other, Ivory's arms wrapping around her lover's waist from behind in a warm embrace. They both had slightly dreamy smiles on their faces.
Matt looked up at the McMahon Princess, still blinking tears from his eyes. "I guess I've learned what you wanted me to," Matt said quietly, a blissful smile on his lips. "I'm certainly never going to speak ill of women again." He smiled as he ran his finger gently across his tiny daughter's cheek. "You know, you thought you were punishing me, but really you've given me the greatest gift a man could ever have," he breathed. He looked up at Shaw, who gave him a loving smile. "I've got a wonderful husband, and a beautiful daughter. I can't thank you enough."
Stephanie smiled, feeling very warm inside. "Well, I can't say that I planned this, but you're welcome."
Matt nodded, his eyes locked on the baby on his chest. "Would you be her godmother?" he whispered. "If it's ok with Shaw, that is."
"Fine with me," Shaw agreed.
"I'd love to!" Stephanie exclaimed, beaming.
"Thank you." Matt's eyes were filled with wonder and happiness as he gazed at his baby. "I'm a daddy," he whispered.
