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Nine months or so after the mission at the Trafford Centre, Ilsa gives birth to her and Ethan’s baby girl.
Grace’s advice worked, or so Ilsa and Ethan believe. Six weeks or so afterwards, they discovered that Ilsa was expecting.
Her name is Eliza and she has her mother’s eyes, and her father’s stern expression.
She has light brown hair like Ilsa, and is adored by both of her parents.
“Hi, baby girl. I can’t believe you’re here.” Ilsa whispers to the tiny life she’s holding.
“Hey, Eliza.” Ethan murmurs, sitting down next to Ilsa. Finally they’ve been left alone in the hospital room, so the new parents can enjoy their baby without interruption- for a while, anyway. The rest of the team are on their way.
“Elisa Grace Hunt-Faust, we love you so much.” He says to his daughter, smiling as she opens her eyes from a nap, looks at him, and closes her eyes again.
“She’s just like you, always goes back to sleep.” Teases Ilsa.
“Thank you, my love.”
“You are welcome.” Ilsa chuckles.
Later, Luther, Grace, and Benji arrive, bearing gifts in various shades of pink.
“Hello!” Grace says happily. “She is absolutely beautiful, Ilsa.” She compliments her friend, sitting down on a hospital chair, leaving Luther to dole out the gifts.
“Ethan helped as well, in his defense.” Benji says. “And apparently, Ethan, you and Ilsa make very cute babies.”
“We do, and I would say that his job ended at the fun part, but I could not have gotten through this pregnancy without him.” Ilsa responds. “Thank you for the gifts, everyone.”
“You’re welcome, we are all so happy for you both.” Says Luther. “She’s got her mother’s eyes.”
“She has.” Ethan nods proudly. “And my nose, and my earnest expression, apparently.”
Ilsa chuckles at how excited her partner is to be a father, he loves them both to the moon and back. “Grace, would you like to hold her first?”
“I would love that.” Grace answers, and carefully, Ilsa places little Eliza into her arms.
“Meet your honorary niece- Eliza Grace Hunt-Faust.” Ethan murmurs, smiling at Grace, who has become an important part of the IMF family.
Grace gazes at Ethan and Ilsa in shock. “Grace? After me?”
“Yes, after you.” Smiles Ilsa. “Grace goes lovely with Eliza, and we wanted to honour you, you have become a part of us now, and us a part of you. Life in the IMF is not easy, but we have each other.”
“Th-thank you.” Grace stammers out, and a couple of tears of happiness fall down her cheeks.
“That is such a lovely touch.” Smiles Benji, placing a hand on Grace’s shoulder. “My turn next to cuddle her, by the way.”
Grace laughs, and Ethan exchanges a glance with Ilsa. What they have- their baby girl, their friends, the family they have created, is precious, something never to be taken for granted.
Some time later, when everyone is gone, Ilsa is feeding Eliza, having made the decision to exclusively breastfeed whilst the little one is a newborn.
“I love you, Ils. I am so proud of you. Watching you give birth- out of everything I’ve seen you do, I… I was awed. You are so strong, my love. Our girl is so blessed to have you as her mother.”
“And you as her father.” Ilsa replies, and Ethan drops a kiss to her head.
Despite everything, they have won. Against the odds, Ilsa is alive, engaged to the love of her life, a beautiful baby girl, friends to call family.
~Fin~