Little pink plus signs

[JORDANNA HAILE GARCIA]

Jo was glad to be home from their little trip. She had loved spending time with Brandon one on one, and after their huge fight and then make up, they had spent more time together. Brandon had even helped her with some of her chores like finding a new tin since one of them got discontinued, and helping pick out new label ideas along with batting around ideas for her new line. In the end he was helpful and he was a lot nicer about pulling her away to spend time with him. The sunshine was wonderful, too. She had never felt so good before and it had been great to not have to shift every night. In fact, she hadn't needed to shift once the entire trip! She was sad their trip was over but looking forward to getting her life back in order. Seeing the Bronson family was bittersweet upon her return, as well. She was grateful they had come to take care of her store for her and they had gone above and beyond what she had asked from them. She sent them along with plenty of toiletries and promises to come visit over the winter holidays, and for now she was getting ready to hunker down for the night. Brandon had plans with Melanie since he hadn't seen her in about a month and she knew they had plenty to catch up on, and Jo had her shows to catch up on as well. She had figured out how to work the remote as a mouse, so shifting at night would be a pleasure, really.

Jo ate a big supper and set a small snack out for herself for when she turned into a mouse, and stripped after shutting her curtains. She relaxed on the couch ready for her shift to begin, knowing it would probably halfway through this episode of Once Upon A Time. Jo kept glancing at the clock, awaiting her shift, knowing it was coming close though her body didn't prepare itself as it normally did. Usually she felt the shift coming on, but not tonight.

An hour after she was supposed to shift Jo started to feel nervous. Why wasn't she shifting? Had the curse been lifted? It was still dark out, so that was odd.. maybe because she had been in the sun for so long? That didn't make sense either. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks, knocking the wind from her longs. Her eyes grew wide and her draw went slack. No... no, no, no...NO! Could she? Her mother had once told her she had never shifted when pregnant, but was Jo pregnant? When was the last time she had a period? She couldn't even recall off hand, but she had been at the camps and was stressed out from that, plus the whole not eating thing, she expected her period to be a little irregular. She was always sensitive to change. Hell, just the darkness had made it go all wonky. She couldn't be, though! Then again it wasn't like she and Brandon had been exactly careful.. Jo knew she had to find out. At least if she wasn't she could rule that out and come upon the next possible answer, which she would have to think about since she had no idea what else it could be.

Jo left her apartment building after getting dressed again and took her car down to the Walgreen's on Birch. Coming into the brightly lit building she went down the aisle with birth control and diapers and found herself in front of condoms, KY and pregnancy tests. Choosing the box with three tests that was on sale, she brought her purchase to the cashier and avoided her gaze, not saying anything and paying in silence. She rushed home and practically ran up to her apartment, unbuttoning her pants as she made a beeline towards the bathroom.

Waiting the three minutes was like watching water boil. She refused to look at the little white applicator until her little egg timer chimed at three minutes. She paced back and forth, telling herself there would be a negative on the test, that she wasn't pregnant because she didn't feel pregnant, not that she knew what being pregnant felt like. After an eternity the timer chimed, making Jo jump and rush to the bathroom counter. She took a deep breath before looking down at the test.

Jo's world stopped in that moment. There it was, plain as day; a little pink plus sign. She grabbed the box and checked again and again that that was what a positive reading looked like. Convinced it had to be wrong she went to the kitchen and chugged water until she felt she would throw up, her mind a jumble of terrified thoughts. What would Brandon say if she actually was? He loved her, but this would trap him with her forever. Was she ready for a baby? Could she afford it? Did she have time for a baby with her job? She managed to drink enough to get her bladder full enough to take the other two tests. Sure enough, each displayed a little pink plus. "Oh my God.." She whispered, sinking to the bathroom floor and zoning out. Jo was going to be a mother.

Jo didn't sleep much that night, waking up now and then in a panic and touching her stomach. A tiny little being was in there! When she got tired of trying to sleep she went to the computer and looked up symptoms and then read up on what to and not to do when pregnant. At some point she passed out at the computer, waking up at quarter to seven. Not sure if she could handle waiting to tell Brandon anymore, she sent him a text asking him to come over for breakfast, that she missed him. Forty five minutes later she got a text that he would come by and was bringing donuts. Donuts sounded good..

Jo paced back and forth, on edge as she waited for Brandon who was taking his sweet ass time getting to her apartment. When she heard a knock on the door she went to it, opening it up and smiling anxiously at Brandon. "Hey!" She gushed, letting him in and pecking his lips. She bit her lip as he made himself comfortable and she shut the door. "I, uhh.. I made coffee." She offered. It was really for him since she didn't drink coffee normally, and she was avoiding caffeine for the next nine months! "What kind of donuts did you get?" She asked, obviously wired, slight bags under her eyes from lack of sleep. She had absolutely no idea how to approach the subject, deciding she would need to feel him out first.

[BRANDON GARCIA]

Brandon was relaxed and stronger than he had been in quite some time when he and Jo returned to Scriptor Bay. His skin was tan again and all of that sunshine had made a world of difference. He didn’t even know how weak and tired he’d been until he felt the sun on his skin once more. California had treated him well, physically and mentally. Jo had made more time for him and Brandon had been nicer when asking for her time. He’d helped her with some stuff too, and the waters off the California coast had been teeming with fish. Even though his catch wasn’t terribly large, it was a good catch and he found buyers willing to pay well for every catch he brought in. Plus, he didn’t have to share the loot with anyone else, so it was a profitable venture. He and Jo even had time to go inland to her uncle’s ranch for a couple days. Brandon knew she had family spread out, but it made him feel pretty important to meet a member of hers. Plus, it was pretty cool riding a horse—he’d never done that before. She still had business to deal with, but he was more understanding as the weeks wore on. By the time they returned to Scriptor Bay, she was caught up on her business and obviously happy to be so.

When he walked into his house, he was just glad to be home. He was practically attacked by his little sister in the doorway, who’d been apparently enjoying her time playing house with Kevin. It was a good thing the boy wasn’t there when he got home because Brandon might have given him the stink eye. She made him enchiladas without his begging for them and they enjoyed a good afternoon together before Kevin showed up. Kevin didn’t ruin it or anything, but it was obvious the man hadn’t expected Brandon to be home. It was an unannounced return after all. Melanie insisted they all play a video game together, obviously trying to mash the guys into getting along, and she actually did a decent job. Brandon liked to think he and Kevin had gotten over their differences through the bonding experience of kicking Melanie’s ass in Super Smash Brothers. It was funny to see her get all worked up sitting between the two of them. Brandon wished Jo had been there to join in the fun, but he knew she was shifted and enjoying some down time most likely.

The next morning when his phone buzzed, he slapped it to shut it up, fully intending to sleep for just five more minutes and then he would answer the text…and then he woke up forty-five minutes later. Jo had texted him, saying she missed him, and he had to smile at that. One half day separated and she already missed him…he was still floating on the clouds of love and it touched him that she was too. He promised donuts and immediately rolled out of bed to go shower and get ready for the day. Brandon wasn’t just bringing donuts, though—he was bringing Krispy Kreme donuts. He didn’t often splurge on calories, liking to stay fit, but this was the perfect opportunity since he was still getting over their little vacation. The first of next week it would be back to work for him. It was a little ways out of the city to get to the Krispy Kreme, but it was worth the drive in his Mustang. He knew she’d be a little miffed at having to wait, but the donuts would more than make up for it. By the time he got to the apartment, it had been a considerable amount of time since she’d texted him, so he assumed her anxious smile when she opened the door had to do with that. “Hey!” He grinned wide at her, loving to be greeted with that smile in the morning. “Hey!” He leaned down and pecked her on the lips before making his way into her apartment.

“I, uhh…I made coffee.” Again he turned his smile to her as he placed the bag on the table. “Oh, great. I could use some.” She looked a little jittery as it was and he was about to comment on it when she pushed forward. “What kind of donuts did you get?” He grinned again and pulled the box from the bag. “Glazed Krispy Kreme donuts, baby. Fresh. It’s like an orgasm in your mouth if you’ve never had them.” His smile turned a little devious, but she seemed like she was forcing herself to be amused. Brow now furrowed, he stepped over to her and noted the bags under her eyes. “What’s the matter?” he asked with genuine concern, his hands reaching up to cup her face. “Were you up all night working again?” There didn’t seem to be the need since she was all caught up on work, but maybe there was more that she simply couldn’t do remotely from the boat. It made him frown, not liking the idea of her staying up all night to work. She needed her rest! “I’m about ready to start drugging you at bed time if you start getting some decent sleep.” It was a playful warning, but really, what could she have been up doing all night?

[JORDANNA HAILE GARCIA]

“Glazed Krispy Kreme donuts, baby. Fresh." She bit her lip thinking how yummy that sounded. "It’s like an orgasm in your mouth if you’ve never had them.” She let out a soft sort of chuckle, finding his choice of words to be a little weird. If he'd orgasmed in her mouth she wouldn't be in this situation at the moment. "Oh, I've had them, and they really are every bit as wonderful as you say." She was still a little jittery, but all in all trying to keep her calm. When he came closer she got a little nervous. Did he know? Could he smell the pregnant on her? Was there a smell? It didn't mention that online.. “What’s the matter?” he asked, concern in his voice and Jo gulped, her eyes a little wide as she forced a wide smile on her face. "Nothing!" She lied, insisting it was true. Technically nothing was exactly the matter. This wasn;t a bad thing.. or maybe it was.. No, she wanted this baby! It was a good thing for her. Babies were good, but what sort of mom would she be? She willed herself not to think about that again. That had been a huge part of being up all night, not knowing if she would be a good mom. Her mother was a terrible mother, but she had also had her way too young. Her mom was a better mom to her younger sister who she had much later in life; fifteen years after Jo to be exact.

“Were you up all night working again?” She bit her bottom lip. She was supposed to be in mouse form all night, how was a mouse supposed to work? “I’m about ready to start drugging you at bed time if you start getting some decent sleep.” He warned and she knew he was trying to be playful so she let out another forced laugh and pulled her eyes away. "Yeah, uhh.. No more late nights. I promise.." She said reaching for the donuts and taking one out, shoving it into her face and taking a huge bite, pulling off almost a quarter of the donut. She grabbed another figuring if her mouth was full then she had a good excuse to be quiet and think things through. Still, she had no clue how to tell him they were about to be parents.

Jo made her way to the couch and stepped up on it, slinking down immediately into a sitting position with her legs tucked neatly under her. She watched and waited for Brandon to fix his coffee and come join her. The whole time she watched him she chewed on her bite of donut, trying to think of how to approach the subject. She had to say something! "Uhh.. so, how's Mel?" She asked, putting the information off again. Brandon came back in and took his seat beside her and Jo listened as he talked about Mel and Kevin. She was genuinely glad Kevin seemed happy with Brandon's sister. Kevin needed a good girl in his life, and Mel seemed like a really sweet one. She laughed at all the appropriate times and tried not to be obvious about covering something up from him.

When he finished she had finished her first donut and was nibbling on the second. "Hey, uh.. Bran?" She started, looking away from him. "What.. what do you think about, like.. uh.. yah know, us..?" She peaked up at him, anxiety making her feel a little queasy. "Like.." The last thing she wanted to do was scare him off and she was terrified she would, but they had spent a lot of time together and it had only brought them closer. Much, much closer.. "Do you think maybe this is it? That.. I don't know, this is coming out dumb." She bit her lower lip, wanting to know if Brandon thought she was the one. Did he even believe in that soul mate crap? Jo did once upon a time but not so much these days. Still, she was sure Brandon would stick around for a long time. "I know you love me but.. I mean, is it forever kind of love you think?" How could he even know that? Her stomach squirmed and she put her hand on it to stop it. Would freaking out hurt the baby? She willed herself to stop, just in case, shoving the donut into her mouth once more.

[BRANDON GARCIA]

“Yeah, uhh…No more late nights. I promise…” Brandon smiled, satisfied with that answer. He still wasn’t sure why Jo was acting so nervous, though. She practically inhaled part of the donut she snagged and then she had another one in her other hand. Well, maybe she was hungry…What was she doing all night? He just shook his head and went to get a cup of coffee. Brandon only put a little sugar in his coffee, knowing he would dip his donuts in it and then he snagged a couple of the donuts himself. One bite and he could have moaned with how good it was—it just melted in his mouth. “Uhh…so, how’s Mel?” He nodded as he made his way over to the couch and took his seat beside her. “Good! She’s glad we’re back and sorry she missed you. She was afraid you were mad at her or something when I came home without you.” He chuckled and shook his head. His sister was a nutcase sometimes. “She made enchiladas—they’re perfect by the way. Hers are the best enchiladas I’ve ever had. I bet she’d make them just for you if you came over for dinner one night. And then Kevin came over and I think we kind of settled some of our differences. He played Super Smash Brothers with Mel and I and we totally kicked her ass. It was hilarious to see her get so worked up.” Grinning from ear to ear, he knew he sounded like the kind of older brother that loved to terrorize his sister…and really he did. Melanie was so funny when she got upset at one of his pranks. “Looks like they were playing house while we were gone. I hate to say it, but I like that she’s so happy with Kevin. And Kevin seems really happy with her.” All these years and his sister was finally in love…Interesting how it happened to them both at the same time.

He turned to her, ready to ask what she was doing all night when she dropped a loaded question on him. “Hey, uh…Bran?” Still chewing on a coffee dunked bite of heaven, he raised his eyebrows to show she had his attention. She looked away from him which only made him smile at how cute she was. “What…what do you think about, like…uh…yah know, us…?” He gave her a curious look. The man had just spent a month at sea with her and told her he loved her about a thousand times—he could only think good things about them. So why was she so nervous? “Like…Do you think maybe this is it? That…I don’t know, this is coming out dumb.” He chuckled softly, just watching her with warm black eyes. “Go on,” he encouraged, patient for once as she tried to spit out the words. He had an idea of where this was going… “I know you love me but…I mean, is it forever kind of love you think?” His smile spread across his face making his dimples show and the lines around his eyes crease. “Are you asking me to marry, Jo? How forward of you…” he teased lightly, trying to ease some of her anxiety. With a sigh, he set his coffee cup on the table and the donuts balancing on top of it before licking the glaze off his fingers. Once he’d wiped his hands on his pants, he took one of hers and looked her dead in the eye. “Before Jordanna Haile ever existed to me, I didn’t think there was love outside of the family you were born with that could last forever. Then, lo and behold, I knocked over a cute little mouse’s tea party and ended up falling in love with her. I think that was God’s way of telling me I was being a cynical idiot and to wake up and smell the tea…and soap.” He smiled wider, seeing her calm down a little. “Now I’m starting to think this forever thing might be possible. I love you, Jo. I really can’t see me ever not loving you. Maybe that’s weird to say when we’re only a few months into our relationship, but I really feel that way.” Gently he brought her small hand up to his mouth and kissed her fingers and her knuckles before he placed their hands back down on the couch between them.

“So if you’re not proposing, what’s this about? You’ve been jumpy since I got here and you look like you maybe got a couple hours of sleep last night. You’re still beautiful of course, but I can tell when you’ve been up late.” His smile was warm but slightly concerned. He didn’t like the thought of her being stressed and that could be the only reason why she hadn’t slept. His thumb grazed her knuckles as he waited for her answer.

[JORDANNA HAILE GARCIA]

“Are you asking me to marry, Jo? How forward of you…” he teased lightly with a wide, dimply grin on his face. Jo bit her bottom lip and half grinned in response. Was she? Not exactly, but she supposed it would be nice to know if that's where their relationship was heading. She shook her head, tearing her eyes from him and following his hands as they placed his breakfast on the table and then reached out to take her hands. “Before Jordanna Haile ever existed to me, I didn’t think there was love outside of the family you were born with that could last forever. Then, lo and behold, I knocked over a cute little mouse’s tea party and ended up falling in love with her." Jo felt her heart race as emotions surged forward, her eyes dampening. Could she love this idiot any more than she already did? "I think that was God’s way of telling me I was being a cynical idiot and to wake up and smell the tea…and soap.” She eased at his words, wondering if maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe he would be happy.. “Now I’m starting to think this forever thing might be possible. I love you, Jo. I really can’t see me ever not loving you. Maybe that’s weird to say when we’re only a few months into our relationship, but I really feel that way.” Her heart melted when he kissed her knuckles and her eyes continued to fill with tears as a smile slid on her face. A genuine smile, not the forced, anxious one she'd been using.

“So if you’re not proposing, what’s this about?" And just like that the anxiety returned, squirming in her belly. Or maybe that was their unborn child.. No, she had read she wouldn't feel the baby for several months still. "You’ve been jumpy since I got here and you look like you maybe got a couple hours of sleep last night. You’re still beautiful of course, but I can tell when you’ve been up late.” Of course he had to throw the beautiful part in. He was making this both harder and easier at the same time. Easier because he was so loving and doting and understanding, but harder because she feared losing it all when the truth came out. Would he bolt? A man so focused on family certainly wouldn't run out on his child.. but would he blame Jo for prematurely becoming a father to a child with a woman he hardly knew? Loved, sure, but she was still in many ways a stranger.

She couldn't not tell him. There were no more excuses she could come up with. "I know you don't know much about the therians.." She started softly, still afraid to look up at him, but instead she watched her hand enveloped so gently in his. "Before I came to Scriptor Bay I didn't, either. I had to learn from other people, and uhh.. well my mom had told me some stuff when I was older." She licked her lips and looked up at him knowing she wasn't making any sense at all. "I didn't shift last night." She said after a beat. "I was supposed to.. the darkness is still making us all shift, but I'm not shifting, and.. well, when a therian doesn't shift and is supposed then.. well, it's sort of complicated because, uh, because we turn into animals? So.. so sometimes there are circumstances when we shouldn't because.. because sometimes there are things inside us that.. uhh.. well, If I shifted, then.." Jo gulped. There was no way to explain it without just telling him. Bracing herself she looked him in the eye, relishing those last moments of his ignorance. He would either stay or run, and she had to be okay with that. For the baby.

"We're going to have a baby.." She practically whispered, but before he could say anything she held her hands up, "And if you don't want to be a dad I get it. I mean, it's a big responsibility, but I want it and if you don't then..."She gulped her eyes growing wet once more. Then you could leave.. She couldn't finish the statement out loud. She couldn't bear the thought of him leaving them.

[BRANDON GARCIA]

Brandon could see Jo was still struggling with something. He wished she would say it! It was driving him crazy not to know what was going on with her. “I know you don’t know much about therians…” Finally they were going to get to the heart of the matter! He was afraid he’d have to get down on one knee to convince her he loved her. But now he was getting anxious—was she trying to ease her way into saying she was leaving him? Or that something was seriously wrong? The more she talked, the more his stomach twisted and he felt like she was trying to ease him into some very bad news. “Before I came to Scriptor Bay I didn’t either. I had to learn from other people, and uhh…well my mom told me some stuff when I was older.” He was staring at her intently, trying to decipher the cryptic meaning in her words. Okay…so what did her mother tell her? “I didn’t shift last night.” His brow lowered over his eyebrows, afraid that meant something very serious. Was it some rare therian disease keeping her from shifting? “I was supposed to…the darkness is still making us all shift, but I’m not shifting, and…well, when a therian doesn’t shift and is supposed to then…well, it’s sort of complicated because, uh, because we turn into animals? So…so sometimes there are circumstances when we shouldn’t because…because sometimes there are things inside us that…uhh…well, if I shifted, then…” There was a disease inside her. He could feel his stomach falling five hundred feet into the Earth. She was sick and there was nothing he could do for her. Was he going to lose her? He couldn’t bear the thought…

“We’re going to have a baby…” The breath was knocked out of him now as the words very slowly sank in. Wait, what? She wasn’t dying she was…it was the opposite of a disease. Immediately his stomach was shooting into his throat and squirming. Oh Jesus…a baby…a baby?! “And if you don’t want to be a dad I get it. I mean, it’s a big responsibility, but I want it and if you don’t then…” He could barely hear her words as he just stared at Jo in shock, her words echoing over and over in his mind. Baby…baby…he was going to be a dad. It was like the whole planet had shifted on its axis and he was seeing things completely differently, knowing his whole life from this point on was going to be different. He finally breathed again, sighing a little and staring into space. It was an absolutely bewildering feeling. And then he thought of the little person growing in Jo’s belly. That was his child. He’d always wanted a child. All of the happy things he imagined doing with his child, everything he’d ever wanted to be as a father came flooding over him and a smile slowly broke out on his face. A baby…he loved Jo so much that it made a life. A life. He created that! He created that with the only woman he’d ever loved. How could he keep from smiling? His hands squeezed hers, leaning toward her. “A baby? I’m going to be a dad? We’re going to be parents?” His voice was getting steadily more excited. Suddenly his arms came around Jo and he simply hugged her tight with a huge grin. “Jo! Oh my God, I couldn’t be happier! That’s amazing!” He was still breathless, but his arms held so tight he was sure he was making her breathless too.

When he finally pulled away, he cupped her face and kissed her hard, feeling the tears on her cheeks. They were happy tears though, and he felt like he was so happy he could burst into a million pieces. He pulled his lips back but kept his face close, smiling so wide again. “Jo, this is wonderful. You’re having my baby. God, we’re having a baby! I’ve always wanted a child and I’m so, so happy I get to have one with you.” He kissed her again hard but brief and then thoughts started flooding into his head and he looked at her wide-eyed. “Wait, does that mean you want to get married? I mean, I’d be fine either way, but what do you think would be best for our family?” Again he smiled, letting out a little breath as he did. “Our family. Jesus…I’ve gotta tell Mel. Oh, but not until we decide on the whole marriage thing. What do you think? I mean, I’d do it right and get a ring and surprise you with a proposal and all of that, but we don’t have to if you’d rather wait and see. I’m on the boat either way.” He was grinning like an idiot and talking a hundred miles a minute, but he was so damn excited. A kid! He was going to have a kid! There was so much to do to get ready but he couldn’t wait. A child all his own…he loved it already.

[JORDANNA HAILE GARCIA]

All her fear started to slip away as Brandon's lips curved up in a smile, his fingers squeezing her hands gently. Jo gulped, hoping his thoughts were as good as they were appearing to be. “A baby? I’m going to be a dad? We’re going to be parents?” Her heart was fit to burst at not just what he was saying, but how he was saying them. Brandon was excited!? It was more than she could have asked for. Not an ounce of terror slipped across his young, handsome face as he reached for her, wrapping her in a tight embrace. She could hardly believe what was happening!

“Jo! Oh my God, I couldn’t be happier! That’s amazing!” Her heart caught in her throat and she found her arms wrapping around him as well. She had spent the whole night worrying about what he would do, how would he react and what he would say. She thought of every possible scenario, hoping for this but knowing it wasn't likely. She should have had more faith in this incredible man. Tears welled in her eyes and she had to stop herself from breaking down into hysterics, but when he pulled away and cupped her face, kissing her deeply, she couldn't stop their flow from her eyelids to down her cheeks and finally pooling in his rough fingers. “Jo, this is wonderful. You’re having my baby. God, we’re having a baby!" She nodded, sniffling. Yes, she was definitely having his baby, that was for sure! "I’ve always wanted a child and I’m so, so happy I get to have one with you.” He kissed her again and Jo thought for sure she was dreaming. How had she gotten so lucky? A man who loved her and had accidentally impregnated her ad was actually excited about it!

Brandon's sudden wide eyed look made her suddenly feel anxious, though, and she offered a skeptical look, her smile faltering for a moment. “Wait," Oh no.. she thought, wondering why he would want her to wait! Did he think it wasn't his? Would he ever think something so awful? "does that mean you want to get married?" Married? "I mean, I’d be fine either way, but what do you think would be best for our family?” Marriage and a baby?! The two things Jo always wanted for herself. But it was all so sudden! They had just come home and now.. now they were discussing weddings and babies and who even knew what next! “Our family. Jesus…I’ve gotta tell Mel. Oh, but not until we decide on the whole marriage thing. What do you think? I mean, I’d do it right and get a ring and surprise you with a proposal and all of that, but we don’t have to if you’d rather wait and see. I’m on the boat either way.” He was grinning like an idiot and rambling like crazy! It threw Jo off, having been ready to be on the defensive.

"I.." She shook her head, letting out a soft laugh and looking at her hands. "I'm so happy you're happy." She said, biting her bottom lip as she looked up at him. "But, let's just... Can we wait to tell Mel for a couple days or something? I mean, it's so early. I don't even know how far along I am! And.. it's all so sudden." Since when did she become the skeptical one? This was everything she wanted and more! She reached up and cupped his chin, gazing into his eyes and sniffling again. "I don't want you to marry me because we're going to have a baby. I want you to propose when it's right, when you would have before.." Her hand moved to her stomach. Was there really a baby in there? It was such an odd thought, but her body and three pregnancy tests confirmed that there was, in fact, life within her. "We have a lot to prepare for and, I don't know, a wedding on top of that? I want to do this right. I know first comes marriage, but I want you to know without a shadow of a doubt that it's what you want, because I don't want to get divorced, not ever. So don't do it for the baby, if it's parents aren't shackled I don't think it'll care, as long as we love it." She bit her bottom lip again, fidgeting. "But, uh.. I'm not entirely opposed to living together. I mean.. I mean if we're dating and having a baby there's no reason we shouldn't. Not now!" She insisted, letting him know she didn't expect him to start packing his bags any time soon, "But, uhh.. maybe sometime in the next nine months maybe.. would be nice.." She offered a hesitant look, hoping she wasn't coming off too strong. She couldn't imagine she would be. He'd just been talking wedding bells! Sharing a bed every night wouldn't be a problem in theory.

[BRANDON GARCIA]

“I…I’m so happy you’re happy. But, let’s just…Can we wait to tell Mel for a couple days or something? I mean, it’s so early. I don’t even know how far along I am! And…it’s all so sudden.” Jo was totally right: Brandon needed to slow down. His thoughts were racing at a mile a minute and it was hard for him to slow them down even for a second. As her hand came up to cup his chin, though, he forced himself to breathe slower, focus on what she was saying. He had never felt dizzy from his own thoughts before! “I don’t want you to marry me because we’re going to have a baby. I want you to propose when it’s right, when you would have before…” He watched as her hand slipped to her stomach and he wanted to do the same. Everything in him wanted to touch her belly and know there was a life forming just beneath his hand. A life he helped create… “We have a lot to prepare for and, I don’t know, a wedding on top of that? I want to do this right. I know first comes marriage, but I want you to know without a shadow of a doubt that it’s what you want, because I don’t want to get divorced, not ever. So don’t so it for the baby; if its parents aren’t shackled I don’t think it’ll care, as long as we love it. But, uh…I’m not entirely opposed to living together. I mean…I mean if we’re dating and having a baby there’s no reason we shouldn’t. Not now! But, uhh…maybe sometime in the next nine months maybe…would be nice.” He could have laughed at how uncertain she looked. He’d just offered to marry her! Why would he hesitate to move in with her? Instead of laughing, though, he just smiled broadly and reached out for the hand on her stomach. His fingers laced with hers and rested against her still flat tummy.

“Whatever you want to do Jo, I’ll go with it. Really, whatever you want. Hell, if you wanted the moon at this point, I’d try to figure out a way to get it for you.” Brandon leaned in and kissed Jo softly, his free hand playing at the tips of her growing hair. If there was a happier moment in his life, he couldn’t remember it. He didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl, as long as it was healthy. Already he was sworn to making that tiny life inside Jo happy and loving it so much it would never know. When he pulled away from Jo’s lips, he rested her forehead against hers and cupped her jaw with his free hand. “I love you, Jo. I’d do anything to make you happy. And I’ll try not to fight with you while you’re pregnant.” He grinned mischievously, looking into her deep, red-brown eyes as he stayed close to her. His fingers swept through her hair and he kissed her lightly once again. There was no fear in that moment. Brandon knew he could be a good father because he had been raised by one. True, his father had gone into spells of melancholy, but aside from that he’d always been kind and understanding, soft-spoken like his sister. He would do his best to be like that with his child too. Maybe later it would kick in, but he was too ecstatic right now to worry.

When he pulled away, he smiled at Jo and sighed a little. “I’ll wait to tell my sister until you’re more comfortable, but she’d probably be able to suggest some great doctors at the hospital. And as for us living together, I think that’s a great idea. We can start looking when we have a better idea of when the due date will be. If you need medical advice, Mel’s the one to go to since she’s in pediatrics. I’ll read pregnancy books, but I’m not sure about that whole birthing seminar thing…Are you gonna drag me to those?” He wrinkled his nose playfully, reaching for his breakfast again. There was still excitement coursing through him and making him a little jittery, but not as much as before. Now he could actually manage to eat something. He hoped she wasn’t thinking about taking him to a Lamaze class or something…

[JORDANNA HAILE GARCIA]

His fingers felt good lacing through hers, pressing against her flat stomach which would be bulging to the size of a watermelon over the next year. "Whatever you want to do Jo, I’ll go with it. Really, whatever you want." She could have kissed him. In fact, she considered it until he continued talking, not wanting to interrupt him with a kiss. "Hell, if you wanted the moon at this point, I’d try to figure out a way to get it for you.” She didn't have to kiss him; he came to her and she let him know how much she loved him in the way her mouth moved against his, her eyes moistening with his kind, adoring words. How had she been so lucky to have found this amazing man? And to know his child was growing deep within her womb. The tears ran freely down her cheek as her arms moved up gently over his shoulders. “I love you, Jo. I’d do anything to make you happy. And I’ll try not to fight with you while you’re pregnant.” He said as he pulled away, smiling mischievously at her and she choked a laugh through her tears, sniffling and pulling a hand away from his neck to wipe at her damp face. "I love you too, and you better not fight with me or you'll be in serious trouble." She teased with a laugh.

Every fear she had was starting to subside. It didn't matter what happened with the baby next because she had a loving, doting partner who wanted this child every bit as much as she did. The rest would work itself out, she was sure of it. She had nine months or so to get all her ducks in a row with work and the baby's arrival, which would be enough time for her. Hell she caught a month and a half's worth of work up in a week, this would be a breeze in comparison!

“I’ll wait to tell my sister until you’re more comfortable, but she’d probably be able to suggest some great doctors at the hospital." Jo nodded, knowing Melanie would probably be a good resource, but she still had some time before heading up to her gynecologist. She just wanted some time to really digest it all before letting everyone in on their little miraculous secret. "And as for us living together, I think that’s a great idea." Her big brown eyes lit up and she smiled, sniffling once more as she wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "We can start looking when we have a better idea of when the due date will be. If you need medical advice, Mel’s the one to go to since she’s in pediatrics. I’ll read pregnancy books, but I’m not sure about that whole birthing seminar thing…Are you gonna drag me to those?” All she could do was laugh and dramatically roll her eyes at him. She hadn't even thought that far ahead. "Hey, if I'm doing all the work growing the damn thing, you could at least attend a birthing class or two!" She scolded.

For the first time Jo truly admired Brandon. She knew he was attractive, she'd been looking at that gorgeous face for months, but she never really appreciated it until now. Her baby would adopt half of those looks. Whatever was inside her would probably have big dark eyes and soft, dark hair. She hoped that if it was a boy he would look like his daddy. Hell, even if it was a girl she hoped she would look like her daddy! Melanie was a pretty girl. But what would the baby be? Would it be able to shift? In theory it was supposed to since she did, But what about Brandon's genetics? Would it fly? A whole new set of scares entered her mind. She reached her hand to touch Brandon's face, feeling the light stubble scrape against the delicate pads of her fingertips. "Thank you." She said softly, stroking his cheek gently. "Thank you for wanting this as much as I do.. for not wanting to run away. I was so scared you might.." She admitted softly, hoping he wouldn't be offended by it. "It's just, we're still so new and I know we fight sometimes.." She bit her bottom lip, chewing on it lightly as she offered wide, innocent eyes. She leaned in, brushing her lips gently against his. "I love you." She whispered, sliding her arms around his neck once more and hugging him tight. "I can't believe we're going to be parents.." To hopefully a non deformed child..

[BRANDON GARCIA]

“Hey, if I’m doing all the work growing the damn thing, you could at least attend a birthing class or two!” Brandon laughed but wrinkled his nose at Jo too. She had a point, though…He supposed if he were asked to go, he would, albeit reluctantly. For carrying their child in her tiny little body for nine months, it was a small price to pay. As she gazed at him, he did the same to her, smiling as he took in her beautiful features. What would their child look like, he wondered? If it looked like its mother, it would be extremely fortunate. He couldn’t even decide whether he wanted a boy or a girl. If it was healthy, he would be happy. But then would it be able to shift? Would it have little wings like the other half Avisaille children he’d known? It wouldn’t be able to fly…Maybe Jo would know if it would be able to shift or not. Would it have physical problems because of what it was? For the first time Brandon felt apprehensive about this. He didn’t want his kid to be screwed up because of a mixed gene pool…Either way he would love it, but he was worried about its quality of life if it was deformed…How could he be thinking of that when Jo touched his face so gently, though? He leaned into her touch, smiling a little more at the mother of his child. His child…

“Thank you.” He gave her a confused smile, not sure what she was thanking him for. “Thank you for wanting this as much as I do…for not wanting to run away. I was so scared you might…” Really? He wasn’t really offended by it, just surprised. With how protective he was of his sister and how close they were, he thought Jo would be able to tell how much of a family man he was. “It’s just we’re still so knew and I know we fight sometimes…” He couldn’t help but smile a little wider at the way she chewed her bottom lip nervously, her big brown eyes fixed on his. As she leaned in, he watched her approach, feeling like he would never be unhappy again. Their lips touched and he closed his eyes, leaning into her more as she kissed him. This was all he needed in the world. Family was all he needed. “I love you.” He sighed into her shoulder as she hugged his neck tightly, his own arms sliding around her tiny body. “I love you too.” His reply was as soft as her words, one hand smoothing over the length of her back as he simply enjoyed holding her. The most amazing woman he’d ever met was carrying his baby and snuggled safe in his arms…he would never let anything bad happen to them. Ever. “I can’t believe we’re going to be parents…” He smiled more into her shoulder, squeezing her a little tighter. “Neither can I. But here we are…having a baby.” Thoughts were running through his head about how to prepare for a baby. What on earth did a person do to get ready for a baby? Sure, you make room for it and buy it things, make sure you have everything it could ever need, but how did you emotionally prepare for it? For the rest of his life, he was going to care for this beautiful woman and their wonderful child and while he was excited for the responsibility, it was also a big task. A huge task…Would he be a good father? He was sure he would, but what if he screwed it up? Was there anything he could do that would be absolutely unforgivable? Probably, but he was determined not to do that; he didn’t want to hurt his baby or his baby’s mother. He would do whatever it took to avoid that. Holding Jo now only proved that for him and he took a deep breath into her shoulder.

Once he exhaled, his lips found their way to her neck, jaw and cheek, wanting to smother her with love and affection for bringing his baby into the world. With a big grin he nudged her back some so he could kiss her on the mouth, his fingers brushing through her short hair. If bad times came, they would deal with it in time. Right now, he just wanted to be happy and he couldn’t think about all of the things that could go wrong. They would know soon enough and he would learn to deal with his child and its unique personality. When he pulled away from her lips, he smiled fondly at his girlfriend, sweeping his fingers through her hair again and simply admiring her. “I love you so much.” The way he spoke the words, it was almost like he was in awe of what she made him feel. And he was in awe. He was in awe every day they were together that he’d found someone finally. “Do you think it’ll be able to shift? I pretty sure it’ll have little wings that don’t work like the other Avisaille Halflings that I’ve heard about. If they shift, those wings could be a problem…but I don’t know how the shifting gets passed down for Therians.” There was a lot that he knew, but a lot he still had to learn. Perhaps she knew, though. No, she hadn’t grown up with Therians, but she might have heard somewhere along the way…

[JORDANNA HAILE GARCIA]

“Neither can I. But here we are…having a baby.” She grinned up in response, feeling his arms around her squeezing. It was so surreal, and she just didn't feel like it was actually happening yet. She didn't feel any different, but then again it was early in the pregnancy. It would take some time for her to feel something she was sure. Even nausea. Brandon took a deep breath and exhaled slowly into her shoulder and the small girl nuzzled his face adoringly in response. He replies by planting small kisses over her neck, up her jaw and then her cheek. Jo shut her eyes, taking in the gentle way his mouth moved over her skin, the delicate scrape of his facial hair as he doted on her. She really did love him, and no matter what happened she would always have him around. It wasn't like Kit where she could just go. Sure they shared friends but they could go the rest of their lives without seeing each other, but Brandon? If they broke up they would have a baby in common. There was a part of her that feared what that meant, knowing he was stuck with her, but it was almost comforting in a way. Maybe if things got bad they could work through it for the baby.

Thoughts of trapping Brandon with the baby slipped away as he nudged her back a little, his fingers gliding through her hair as his lips found hers once more. She kissed him back, humming a gentle moan of contentment into his mouth. This was everything she could hope for. She got her freedom back, her store was, for the most part, back in order, things with Bran were great and she was going to get the baby she had always dreamed of. “I love you so much.” He said softly after pulling away and his tone made her feel weak all over. "I love you, too." She murmured affectionately back, her fingers moving to stroke his chin gently as she looked into his dark eyes, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Do you think it’ll be able to shift? I pretty sure it’ll have little wings that don’t work like the other Avisaille Halflings that I’ve heard about." Now the tough questions started.. "If they shift, those wings could be a problem…but I don’t know how the shifting gets passed down for Therians.” Jo bit her bottom lip as she thought about it. How would she receive care if her child had wings? That would definitely pop up on an ultrasound. Would she need to deliver at home? With no drugs? Well, that was something she had sort of wanted to do anyway, but all that pain! It was something Jo wasn't sure she was ready to think about yet.

"If a mother is a Therian, her child is." She explained softly to Brandon, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach again as if to protect the fetus somehow from all of this. "It'll have wings though, too?" She inquired as if she couldn't believe it. Her baby would have wings! Wings like it's fathers but that didn't work. And what would happen when it shifted? A winged mouse? "What should we do?" She asked sounding a little nervous, which she was now. Could they have them surgically removed? would that be cruel? They would never be able to go out during their shift! Were they being selfish having a child? Could the child even survive? Would mixing such different species hurt it somehow? "Are you sure it's wings wouldn't work? Would we have to have them amputated? I mean.. it's going to shift.." She bit her lip and ran a hand through her hair and looked anxiously at her partner. "What should we do?" She repeated, desperate for him to have some magical answer.

[BRANDON GARCIA]

Brandon wondered if he’d asked the right question as he saw the uneasiness slipping onto Jo’s face. He hadn’t meant to worry her, but her worry made him worry. "If a mother is a Therian, her child is." He moved back a little as her hand slipped over her stomach. Though it was still flat, it would be growing soon enough, and he briefly thought of her with a little swollen belly. It was enough to make him want to smile even though they were having a very serious conversation. "It'll have wings though, too?" Brandon nodded, pretty sure he was right about that. He’d never heard of an Avisaille-Therian baby before! All he’d ever heard about was human-Avisaille crossbreeds, and they did have wings, though they were small and useless. “What should we do?” He frowned at her nervous tone, having no answers to give her. What could they do? “Are you sure its wings wouldn’t work? Would we have to have them amputated?” The word made him feel sick as he thought of David in the camps, his wings torn from him for trying to escape. “I mean…it’s going to shift…” But that was an excellent point. If the child was something small like Jo, the wings would overpower it or crush it when it shifted—he doubted they would get smaller with the child. “What should we do?” He found himself staring worried at her stomach instead of in her eyes, but her question drew his gaze again. What should they do? Shaking his head, he just didn’t know and it made him feel a little lost.

“I don’t know…all I know is the human-Avisaille Halflings that have been born in the past only have small, decrepit wings. They couldn’t fly, so I don’t think our kid would be able to either. If it’s going to shift, it might be best to…amputate the wings.” He swallowed hard, obviously not liking the idea. It would be painful, but as a baby at least the child wouldn’t remember it and it was likely to heal up as good as new. “That would be best for the baby. I would think it would heal quickly; kids tend to do that. I just don’t want the kid to turn into a chipmunk and have these gigantic wings on its back, you know?” The image was a little amusing, though pathetic, and he gave a weak lopsided smile. Still, it meant the part of their heritage from him would have to come from his looks, not what made him an Avisaille. Another thought came to him. “They might have hollow bones like me, which could make them easy to break. We’ll have to be careful about that.” He nodded, trying to think of anything else that could go wrong with this child. Jesus, he didn’t want to think about that! He was too happy he was even getting a baby! Seeing the look on Jo’s face made him realize he was scaring her and he suddenly reached up and cupped her face, bringing her forehead to his lips. “Don’t worry, Jo. Whatever happens, we’ll make it work. I’m sure everything will be fine and it has two parents who will do anything for it. We’ll just have to see what happens, okay? Maybe in the ultrasound we’ll see it doesn’t have wings after all. But if it does, we’ll find out how to fix it.” With a wider smile, he looked mildly mischievous. “At least we know it’ll be smart and beautiful if it’s coming from us.” He gave a soft laugh, obviously trying to cheer her up with his overconfident attitude.

With another kiss on her lips, he sighed as he sat back and pulled her against him in a tight embrace. Leaned against the back of the couch, he tucked her head under his chin as his hand ran comfortingly up his back. Now they would have to find a doctor who knew how to handle guardian pregnancies. “Maybe Mel knows a doctor who specializes in guardian care. That doctor friend of hers Marius might be able to help…or maybe he knows someone.” He didn’t mention the camps, but that name automatically invoked the memory. Brandon knew Jo might not be comfortable with a camp doctor doing anything close to their baby, but Melanie had really vouched for the guy. He’d done a lot and risked a lot in helping them with providing the rebels with insider information. Brandon had never met him and he wasn’t sure how to feel about him. He had helped, but he couldn’t save Jo from whatever torment the infirmary inflicted on her, which made Brandon want to despise him. Still, Melanie had said he didn’t know what was really going on in the infirmary and when she’d told Marius what they did to her, he’d been furious. Brandon still didn’t know the whole story there either…Both women were holding back on what had happened to them. He nestled his nose into Jo’s hair. “Are there any Therian doctors that you know of?” he asked gently, hoping it would draw attention away from the memory of the camps.

[JORDANNA HAILE GARCIA]

Brandon shaking his head made her uneasy. “I don’t know…all I know is the human-Avisaille Halflings that have been born in the past only have small, decrepit wings. They couldn’t fly, so I don’t think our kid would be able to either. If it’s going to shift, it might be best to…amputate the wings.” It hurt her to hear but she knew it made sense. She suddenly felt sad for the baby inside of her, but she also knew that if it would be best for them, then it was what would need to be done. “That would be best for the baby. I would think it would heal quickly; kids tend to do that. I just don’t want the kid to turn into a chipmunk and have these gigantic wings on its back, you know?” She nodded, knowing she would have found the imagery funny last week but not so much now. Not when it was her baby in that scenario. “They might have hollow bones like me, which could make them easy to break. We’ll have to be careful about that.” He nodded and she looked skeptical once more. This was suddenly seeming like a worse and worse idea. She didn't like the idea of their child needing wings amputated at birth or them having frail bones. She knew once she laid her eyes on that child she wouldn't be able to let it get hurt ever.

Too many emotions were running around in her head and she felt herself steadily getting upset. This exciting moment was getting ruined by this horrible discussion. She suddenly felt Brandon's hands on her face, cupping it gently as his lips moved to her forehead. She sniffled and relished in that moment of adoration with him. “Don’t worry, Jo. Whatever happens, we’ll make it work. I’m sure everything will be fine and it has two parents who will do anything for it. We’ll just have to see what happens, okay? Maybe in the ultrasound we’ll see it doesn’t have wings after all. But if it does, we’ll find out how to fix it.” She gulped and nodded, her moistened eyes meeting his and seeing the mischievous look on his face. “At least we know it’ll be smart and beautiful if it’s coming from us.” She couldn't help but grin a little. He was sweet and cocky at the same time and she was glad when his lips met hers. What had she done to have things turn around for her? How had she gone from on and off with Kit to this? "You're something else Bran, you know that?" She teased with a gentle giggle.

Jo snuggled up to her boyfriend, hugging him and nestling her head in the crook of his neck. His hand felt nice as it moved gently up her back. “Maybe Mel knows a doctor who specializes in guardian care. That doctor friend of hers Marius might be able to help…or maybe he knows someone.” Oddly Jo didn't want to discuss doctor stuff yet, especially doctors who worked at the camp. She still wasn't over all of that trauma yet and often had nightmares regarding her treatment there. She wanted to try and enjoy the moment and not worry about the things she had been worrying about all night. She wanted to celebrate this moment and not think about Guardian care or wing amputations or frail, hollowed bones. She just wanted to talk about the good stuff, like how the baby would probably have dark eyes and dark hair and be stubborn as a little ox. “Are there any Therian doctors that you know of?” She didn't know of any off hand.

"Baby, we have time to think about doctors. No one's going to want to see me until I'm a few more weeks along anyway." She had done her research and knew no obstetrician would want to see her until she was at least a couple months along which she knew she was most definitely not. She leaned back and looked into his dark eyes. "Let's just enjoy this moment, okay? Please?" She pleaded softly, her dark brown eyes searching his for understanding. When he agreed she smiled and leaned in and kissed him gently, her fingers moving up and brushing through his messy brown hair. "Let's talk names." she chirped more excitedly as she pulled back, her eyes sparkling with excitement once more.

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