Things after the wedding settle into place as life returns to a new normal. Cory finds his stride as Joseph helps him balance time between practices and the games. There's been a few times they've coached solely on their own rather than together. It allows not only the coach a chance to see them shine, but the new boosters club that Lloyd has assembled since the hockey team has always been the pride of RiverCreek.

With the playoffs locked in place for the first time in years, the team rallies to support the graduating seniors on the final home game of the season. While fans fill the stands, Cory and Joseph wait with the team for the coach to make his farewell speech to them. After he exits the office, everyone collectively holds their breath when they notice the light has dulled in the coach's eyes.

"Good evening, gentlemen, I know you've been waiting on me, but I was waiting for the final vote from the boosters club on their opinion of who should replace me," there's a moment of silence with the tension building.

"After a season of consideration with chats with various members of this new club, the decision was made for," the coach stops and locks eyes with Cory and Joseph, "Cory, Joe, would you please come up here and stand beside me. While they stare at the team, their hearts pound ferociously in their chests.

One by one, the players naturally get to their feet and begin to clap, showing their appreciation for how hard Cory and Joseph have worked to make the team better than they were the previous season.

"You beat me to it. Team, and coaches, I've seen so many talented and bright young men walk through this locker room. Less than a handful made it to the NHL, and some have become leaders in the community and world. These two right here worked tirelessly to win a state title and bring out the best you young men have to offer. With that being said, only one of you can be given the title of head coach and the other associate head coach."

Again the tension intensifies with sweat forming along with Joseph's balding head.

"So, let's congratulate Coach Winters as the new head coach and Cory taking the new associate head coach. Barring, they accept the offers right here, right now. The reason for the decision came down to how much time you can give the team. Since Joe's daughters are a little older than your son and with a new baby on the way, we all thought it would be best if you could focus on them. It doesn't mean you can't become a head coach one day, but for now, I'd recommend you spend as much time with your little ones."

Unable to speak for a minute, Cory and Joseph turn and shake hands to show the team mutual respect over the decision, "Sir, I will accept this position with great humility. Cory, it would be a great pleasure to coach with you," Joseph says with his heart rate starting to lower.

"Consider it a done deal for me. I am honored to return to our team to give back. So, Joe, I say we take the next challenge and bring home another state championship," Cory replies, feeling relieved that the decision has been made.

The decision has the team amped up to get out to face another tough defensive team. Down the way, the Plymouth Penguins prepare for the game th save their season. They need a win to secure a wildcard spot in the playoffs. There's a dark history between them, and RiverCreek is a violent one. When the team hits the ice to warm up, the crowd boos until the Beavers come out, then they cheer harder for the seniors.

Gathered at the box, Cory leads the pep talk, "Alright, tonight is our night! So for you, seniors take a little pride out there. But, seniors, you take the ice first. Make it count. Hit 'em hard and fast. Who's house is this?"

"Our house!" The team cries.

"I can't hear you!" Cory shouts.

"OUR HOUSE!"

With his hand still stretched out, Cory yells, "Then protect this house and send them home! Beaver on three, one...two...THREE!"

"BEAVERS!" The team shouts then the seniors skate out, motioning to the crowd to get pumped up.

The crowd goes crazy, but it doesn't help as Plymouth uses their desperate hunger to make the playoffs and send RiverCreek a loss. They win four to three, but before the crowd leaves, the retiring coach takes a microphone, "Excuse me, everyone, could I steal a moment of your time. I'd like to introduce you to the future coaches of the team and the poll results for the mascot and colors of the team."

Most of the crowd takes a seat, eager to hear the results, "First, the mascot, the Beavers, will forever remain the Beavers. Secondly, our colors will be orange and black with white trim starting next season. Examples of the new colors and jerseys will soon appear on the school website. And lastly, give a round of applause for Cory Dubois and Joseph Winters," the crowd shows their appreciation, "Starting next season, your new head coach is Joseph Winters, and Cory has accepted to become the associate head coach. Together, I believe these two will bring home our next state championship. Let's hear it for a magical season and see all of you when the playoffs begin! Go RiverCreek!" He says as the crowd reacts to the news.

Two weeks later, the playoffs begin, and RiverCreek loses to the Lake Elmo Bears in the second round. After the team returns to town, things change when Joseph and Cory take control of their offices. Cory smiles every time he sees his name on the door. With a picture of Tara, CJ, and himself on his desk, Cory feels at home in his office.

After winter extends its hold into the late spring, Tara is miserable waiting for the baby to be born. She's anxious to discover the sex of the baby since she and Cory want to be surprised. Her belly has grown more than it did with CJ. She's close to taking her maturity leave, but one day at work, about a month away from her due date, Tara begins to feel some cramping in her lower back.

"Ah jeez, my back is killing me," she says after completing table checks in the kitchen.

The restaurant has stayed jam-packed ever since the grand opening. Tara's hardly taken a day off to keep things running smooth. Finally, the sous chef notices she's having trouble about an hour after the pain begins, "Hey, boss lady, are you okay?"

"Yeah, you know, pregnancy stuff making me feel like crap," Tara shares, trying to hide how bad she's hurting.

Not buying the excuse, the sous chef informs the assistant manager of what she's noticed on Tara's behalf, "Hey, Bryan, keep an eye on Tara. I think she's trying to hide how much pain she's in."

"Thanks, Dyla. I'll keep an eye on her."

About an hour later, Tara's in her office with the pain intensifying three times over when it started, "Oh God, it's too soon," she whispers, oblivious that Bryan is beside the door listening.

"You're going into labor, aren't you?" He asks, bursting through the door.

"No! It's probably fake labor trying to trick me. But, you know, the baby wants to be an ass to remind me it's almost time. I have another month to go."

Bryan doesn't buy the excuse, "Tara, I've been your second since getting hired. Do I need to find Cheryl or Harry and make them force you to get checked out? It looks like you can't get out of your chair." He says, seeing Tara's face tighten in pain.

"No, no, once the pain eases, I'll call my doctor to see her immediately. I promise, though, I'm fine. See, I can get up if I want." She argues back and struggles to get up, wanting to scream.

Still not believing anything she's said about the agony she's in, Bryan makes his way upstairs to Cheryl's office and knocks before entering, "Hey. We need to talk about Tara," he begins, then takes a seat.

"I think she's going into labor. Tara's having trouble walking. Dyla spotted her holding her lower back. I asked her to stand up, and Tara could barely do that without looking like she was about to pass out."

Concerned, Cheryl gets to her feet and quickly walks downstairs to Tara's office. When she knocks and enters, she finds Tara with her head on the desk, "Okay, I've seen everything I need to see. Let's get you some help out to my car. I'm taking you to the hospital."

"No! I swear I'm okay. I have another month," Tara stops and screams, "Oh God, it hurts!"

"Bryan! Harry! I need you now!" Cheryl screams with both men running to her, "I'm going out to pull my car around to get her to the hospital ASAP."

When Cheryl darts up the steps to get her purse and keys, Bryan and Harry put Tara on their shoulders to assist her out to the ruby Cadillac waiting by the front doors. The customers see them help her with words of encouragement. Then, parked and waiting, Cheryl leans over to open the passenger side door.

"I need to call Cory and my mom," Tara cries, barely able to get into the car.

"Do that on the way there, Harry; call the ER to let them know we're on our way. Tara, hang on; I'll get you there as quickly and safely as possible."

Harry takes out his phone to call the ER after the passenger door closes and Cheryl takes off. On the way, Tara gets her phone from her purse to text her mother first.

I'm on way to ER. In lots of pain – Tara Dubois

OH MY! I'll meet you there. I'll call the others. be safe love you, mom

The second after the text is sent, Olivia calls Rick telling him to call Janet. The second phone call is to Lorraine to ask her for a ride to the hospital, "Hey! Could you pick me up? Tara's on her way to the hospital. She texted me and said she's in a lot of pain. I think the baby is coming!"

"Oh lord, uh, uh, okay, yeah, let me get my shoes on. Wow, oh wow, um, do I need to call anyone?" Lorraine babbles, trying to gain her composure.

"Yes, call Cory. I got ahold of Rick. Oh shit, I almost forgot about Lloyd and Simon. I'll text them on the way there. Jesus, this is out of the blue!"

Lorraine doesn't take long to slip into her shoes, but Olivia can hear her talking to someone in the background, "Hey. I'll see you this weekend. I need to go now! Oh, Olivia, I'll be there in like two minutes. Oh, I'm so excited!"

Within a matter of minutes, the Crown Victoria pulls up, and Lorraine honks. Olivia tries to hurry down to the car, but her leg nearly gives out when she hobbles down the steps. Once she's in the car, she looks a little confused.

"My car is in the shop. Rick's replacing the head gasket. Anyway, when do we surprise the kids with the house?" Lorraine asks, looking over to see the late 90s model convertible Mustang in the driveway.

"The day they come home. I know we said when the baby is born, but I think the bigger impact will come when we drive onto the driveway and hand over the keys."

Lorraine takes her foot off the brake and drives to the hospital with a nod to agree. Along the way, Olivia texts Simon to get the kids together and inform Lloyd of what's going on.

Simon, we are on our way to the hospital. It might be time to get Lloyd to meet us there.

In almost no time, Simon replies.

Oh my, oh my! I will tell him the second he gets out of his meeting with the Sheriff. Ah, this is so fantastic! – Simon Trippet

See you soon! Love to the kiddos!

We will be there, grammy O! – Simon Trippet

After they arrive and park, Olivia and Lorraine walk inside and notice that Tara isn't waiting in the ER, "Nurse, we're looking for my daughter, Tara Dubois. Where is she?"

The young nurse lifts her head to respond, "She's been taken to delivery. Are you family?"

"Not to be rude, but did you miss me say that she's my daughter? I'm Olivia Rose, and this is her mother-in-law, Lorraine Dubois. When can we see her?"

"Soon, are you part of her birthing coach?"

From behind them, Janet calls out, "That would be me," then quickly sharing a hug, Janet places her hands on the desk, "Where is Tara Dubois?"

"Follow me to the waiting area," the nurse says when she stands up to escort them to the elevators, "Go to the third floor then..." she's interrupted.

"We remember the way from there, thank you," Lorraine says and pushes the up button, "Oh damn, I forgot to call Cory!"

Janet is the first one on the elevator, but she is the first to handle the situation, "Rick called him. He's on his way to pick Cory and CJ up. So Lorry, relax. We got this handled."

Impressed but regretting to call her son, Lorraine pushes her thumb between her eyebrows, mentally beating herself up. Arrived on the Delivery floor, the three of them walked to the waiting area after checking in at the nurse's station. It's nearly another half an hour before Cory walks off the elevator with CJ and Rick.

"I'm here! Where is she?"

"She's in the room. We're still waiting for the doctor to talk to us." Lorraine informs them.

Janet looks around and doesn't see Dawson and Charlotte, "Where are the kids? Are they with your parents?" She asks Rick.

"Yeah, they're going to pick them up at school and keep them until we get home."

Running his hands through his hair, Cory paces around the waiting area until the doctor calls out from the door, "I need Cory Dubois and Janet McGuiness."

Scurrying to the double doors, Cory and Janet look concerned.

"Let me begin by introducing myself. I am Dr. Caitlin Frost, and everything is fine. Mommy and baby are safe, but Tara is in Delivery Room Four. She is four centimeters dilated. Which means we're getting her ready for delivery. Once we're in there, we stay until the baby is born, then what's known as 'the Golden Hour.' So, follow me. Let's get ready to welcome your little one into the world," Dr. Frost mentions, moving aside as Cory and Janet walk down to the room and put on medical gowns.

"You're finally here!" Tara cries out, feeling every contraction.

Cory walks over to the side of the bed, "There's nowhere else I'd rather be than right here. It's going to be okay," he says, taking Tara's hand.

The delivery team gathers in the room. Soon the anesthesiologist administers the epidural that allows Tara to relax. Then, with everyone either waiting or in place inside the delivery room, time becomes the enemy; when Tara's fully dilated in the early evening, Dr. Frost encourages her to push.

"Okay, Tara, this is the moment I need you to start pushing. You're going to breathe between every push and try your hardest when I tell you to push as hard as possible."

After a couple of deep breaths, Tara squeezes Cory's hand with all her strength and clenches her teeth tight for the first push, "That's it, push a little more," the doctor calls out, "And relax. You're doing so well. Take a moment to breathe and push again."

"AHHHHHHH!" Tara screams when she pushes again.

"You got this, baby! Come on and push!" Cory urges, feeling his hand being squeezed harder than anything he's ever felt.

When the second push stops, Tara lays her head back to relax momentarily, "Only a couple more pushes, and you're there. You're doing so well. Come on, Tara, take another deep breath and push!" Dr. Frost calls out.

Tara continues to push, and after the eighth time, Dr. Frost has the baby in her arms, "That's it, you've done it! Nurse, I need a warming blanket. Mr. Dubois, would you like to meet your daughter?"

When she lets go of his hand, Cory's body shakes the closer he gets to the doctor. Finally, Janet switches places with him and takes a cool washcloth to apply to Tara's forehead, "I counted ten fingers and toes, and she looks beautiful," she says with tears in her eyes.

"Here you go, daddy," Dr. Frost says when the baby is cleaned and wrapped in the warming blanket.

Unable to speak, Cory bows his head for a quick, silent prayer while he rocks his daughter in his arms. Suddenly a name comes to mind that he whispers to Tara when he takes their baby for her to hold.

"I have an idea for a name. What do you think about giving her the name Makayla Rose Dubois?"

Tara gives it a second to say the name in her mind, "I love it! Welcome to the world, Makayla Rose. You're already more loved than you know.

The Golden Hour begins right after they agree on the name. Janet takes out her phone to get as many photos as possible but doesn't send them to anyone. Instead, she texts Rick to give everyone an update.

She's here! The baby is here. I'll be out there after the hour ends. Everyone is fine. Tara is resting, and Cory is holding his daughter. He's crying like a baby, too, it's so sweet.

OMG that's terrific news! I'll let everyone out here know. When can we see them? – Slick Rick

Soon. They have a room ready but you know mommy and daddy get the first hour to themselves. Once they're settled, I will come to get y'all to take you back.

We're impatient, but we waited this long I guess we can wait a lil more. – Slick Rick

"Hey, hey y'all, it's a girl! We'll see them within the hour," Rick announces as the waiting room explodes in cheers from others waiting with them.

Before the wait ends, Lloyd and Simon finally arrive without their children. Rick asks about them after they exchange fist bumps, "Where're your little ones?"

"My mother is keeping them. A hospital isn't a place for kids. I know CJ is here, but that's expected. Mom sends her love. Has Tara delivered the baby yet?"

Lorraine gets to her feet to beat Rick to the punch, "Yes! We have another girl to add to our family. Sadly, they're keeping the name from us."

Simon huffs with a stomp and crosses his arms, "How rude can you be to keep all of you in the dark like that. Tara and Cory are going to get a little piece of my mind."

Everyone laughs then Simon and Lloyd take a seat. What feels like days while waiting for Janet to take them back to the private room finally ends. She ushers everyone down the hallway, around the corner, and into the room. Tara looks at everyone with Makayla in her arms as the room fills. Once the door closes, Olivia takes the seat beside Tara and reaches for the baby, "Come here, you little angel."

"Would you like to learn her name?" Tara asks.

"Yes!"

Without looking at the tiny hospital bracelet, Olivia is anxious to learn her granddaughter's name.

"Everyone, Cory and I are happy to introduce you to Makayla Rose Dubois. We wanted to honor Kayla and keep the Rose family name alive."

That's all it takes for Olivia to lose it and starts crying. Lorraine comes over with tissues and gently wipes away the tears.

"If there was ever a more perfect name, I wouldn't know what it would be. You both did so good, and Makayla is perfect," Olivia says as her southern accent kicks in. Rick can't help but break down in tears too. He's touched to have Kayla honored in such a way that her name will live on.

Before too long, everyone is driven out of the room when visiting hours end at ten o'clock, but they all take a quick opportunity to hold Makayla to welcome her into the world. CJ goes with Olivia since Cory's spending the night with Tara and Makayla. But, before they leave, CJ has his chance to hold his baby sister.

"I'm a big brother now!" He says, looking at Cory, "She's my little sister, and I will beat anyone up who messes with her. I'm going to be the bestest big brother that ever lived. I love you, Kay-kay," he says and dubs Makayla, which touches all of the adults.

Alone, at last, Cory gets out of his chair to give Makayla and Tara a kiss on their foreheads, "What CJ said was absolutely priceless. Baby, you have no clue how much love I'm feeling right now. If you want, I can take 'Kay-kay' and put her in the bed so you can rest."

"Yeah, rest sounds good right now. I love you, CJ, and Makayla so much. Thank you for being here and being you. I know it's been rough, but there's no one else I'd ever want to share this moment with other than you, 'daddy.' Our lives are almost complete," Tara says, then falls asleep after Makayla is placed in the hospital baby bed.

Unable to sleep after the nurses take Makayla to the nursey to be checked out in the morning. Cory takes out his phone with headphones to watch YouTube videos until his eyes can't remain open. He dreams that night is a replay of the day with his father there to attend and hold Makayla. It brings him a wave of peace that he never expected when seeing how happy his dad is holding his granddaughter with a bright light surrounding them, which tells Cory his father was there the entire time.