AN: This story takes place three years after Jack, Kate and the rest of the castaways were rescued off of the island. Jack and Kate are now married with a son named Riley who is three years old. Claire lives close by with Aaron who is now four, and she hasn't talked to Charlie since they left. The idea for this story is pretty sad, but I'm going to balance it out with Jate fluff whenever I can. I hope than if anyone likesthis then they will tell me what they think:)

Disclaimer: I do not own Lost, or the characters used in this story.

Chapter 1- Pregnant?

"Hey Kate, what's up?" Claire asked as she looked back at her close friend.

"I think…" Kate paused for a second. She bit her lip as she tried to hide her excited smile, and then she ushered Claire in the house. "Come inside,"

"Okay," Claire said breathlessly as she adjusted a sleeping Aaron on her shoulder. She placed a kiss on top of his head and then shook her head back at Kate. "He's four years old now, but he still insists that mommy carries him when he takes a nap,"

Kate giggled, "Poor thing, he looks beat."

Claire scoffed as she placed down her purse which also served as a bag of entertainment for Aaron complete with toy trucks, movies, and snacks. "One of his friends Aislyn came over earlier today and I swear they ran around the apartment at least one hundred times!" Claire smiled down at her sleeping son. "He has too much energy for me,"

"Why don't you bring him up to Riley's room, and then we can talk." Kate's cheeks flushed with a tinge of crimson as she thought about the news that she was about to tell Claire.

"So has Jack said anything about your three year anniversary tomorrow?"

"Maybe he forgot,"

"Jack forgetting your anniversary, I highly doubt that." Claire smirked. "I'm sure he's planning something extravagant behind your back, like a yacht trip around the world, a hot air balloon ride or…"

"Claire," Kate said with a laugh as she opened her three year old son's room. Kate went to the other twin bed in Riley's room and signaled for Claire to rest him down. "Hopefully Aaron doesn't wake up the second you place him down."

"Oh he would do that, so don't say it too loud. Kate can you help me take off Aaron's shoes, If I move him around too much then he's going to wake up, and I can't quite reach his little feet."

"Sure," As Kate helped take off Aaron's shoes she looked at her son. She felt bad for Riley; poor guy hadn't been feeling well last night. He slept all morning and she wanted to wake him, but she figured it was best to let him sleep.

"Has he been asleep all morning?" Claire asked tilting her head in the direction of the small body hidden underneath the covers.

"Yeah, he got a little sick last night."

"Did you cook?" Claire teased.

Kate blushed, "I did, or at least I tried to. I made Jack's favorite soup because I've been taking cooking classes. Jack wanted to go out and eat but I wanted to show him what I've learned."

"And it didn't turn out so good?"

"Well, you know Jack would never tell me unless I twisted his arm behind his back," Kate sat down on the edge of Riley's bed. She pulled back the covers and smiled to herself as she ran her hands along her son's dark brown hair. He looked so much like Jack. They had the same nose, eyes, and Riley even had Jack's ears. But Riley did have her freckles. "I still can't believe this is our life,"

Claire nodded, "When we were on the island I seriously didn't think we would ever get off, and I thought Aaron would have to grow up there," She walked over to Kate and sat down next to her. "But thankfully that isn't the case. Does Riley have a fever?"

Kate turned her hand over and felt Riley's cheek for any elevated temperatures. "He was burning up last night but the fever is breaking, I don't think my soup could've made him this sick, or at least I hope not," She kissed him on the cheek and then squeezed his hand.

Claire watched as Kate tended to Riley with adoration. "Remember how scared you were when you found out that you were pregnant on the island."

"I was terrified,"

"I know, but look at you now. You're a great mother Kate,"

"I try my best and I guess it doesn't hurt that Jack is my husband. He's so great with Riley, he's a natural…" Kate stopped when she realized that Aaron didn't have a father figure in his life.

Claire waved her hand and passed Kate a sunny smile. "No it's not a big deal, I mean Thomas left me way back when, and you know what I'm fine. I don't need him in order to raise my son. I'm doing the best I can on my own." She clasped her hands together and then started to toy with the bracelets around her wrists.

Kate smiled as she felt Riley snuggled up closer to her. She looked down at him in hopes that he was waking up but his eyelids were still closed. Kate smoothed down curly hair once more and then tucked him back underneath the covers. "Have you heard from Charlie recently?"

Claire blinked. She exhaled and then frowned as her pale blue eyes darted around Riley's room. Jack had painted the room himself. The walls were decorated with an ocean theme. Fishes were painted on the walls, mixed in with a background of deep beautiful blues, and coral reef. Claire then focused back at Kate who was watching her closely. "Well Charlie still sends me letters. I must have like a hundred of them now,"

"You keep them all?"

"No I…"

"Claire," Kate sat down next to her and then playfully nudged her. "We're friends now, all secrets and lies were left back on the island. I know you still like Charlie,"

"Well I," Claire pouted as she placed her hand against her cheek. She still wasn't ready to admit that she missed Charlie even though she did. "I thought I could trust him, and I wanted to Kate, but he let me down."

Kate nodded as she listened. "He seems to be trying."

"He does, but how do I know that he really is clean now?"

"I guess you have to take his word for it, even though I know it's hard. But Claire he's been writing to you every week for three years, that's got to mean something right?"

"I guess so, but you called me over here for a reason. Let's talk about you, I don't want to talk about me now," Claire tapped Kate's shoulder. "You sounded excited earlier, I was almost positive that you found out what Jack was planning for your anniversary tomorrow."

"Well not exactly. I was at the store buying groceries and then I thought that I should pick up something else." Kate stood up and then walked towards the door. She was smiling from ear to ear and struggling to control her giddiness. Her life was so perfect now. Never in a million years would she have expected that life would end up like this after the island. Kate placed her hand onto her stomach and then rubbed it softly. She then turned back to Claire.

Claire's eyes widened when she looked at Kate's hand on her stomach. "Are you pregnant!"

"Shh!" Kate said through a giggle as she pointed towards Riley and Aaron.

"Ohh," Claire clamped her hands over her mouth as she looked at Aaron. His eyes were starting to flutter open. "Oh no, not yet sweetie, mommy still needs a break." Claire quickly got up and followed Kate out of the room. She closed the door quietly and looked back at Kate with her mouth agape. "Kate, congratulations!"

"Well I don't know yet. I just brought a pregnancy test the other day but I haven't taken it yet."

"Have you been feeling sick lately?"

"Not that much, but I have missed my period so…"

"Well what are you waiting for, don't you want to know?" Claire ushered.

"I do, and I know that if I am pregnant for the second time then Jack would be so happy. He loves kids Claire, even when I'm at work he comes to visit me at the shelter and spends time with the kids there."

"He's a great father," Claire replied with a nod. "And if you are pregnant, then what better timing with your three year anniversary tomorrow."

"I know, I guess I'm scared to take the test. I've been so excited these last couple of days thinking about it, and whenever I look at Jack I want to tell him, but I have to be sure."

"I understand," Claire smiled.

"See what Riley's done to me. I did not want to be a mother before he was born. I couldn't get him to stop crying, he wouldn't eat, and I was positive that my son hated me. I even told Jack that we weren't having any other children."

Claire giggled, "All of that sounds familiar. I remember that I had to ask Locke or Char…" She paused and then waved her hands in the air. "Remember how Jack taught you how to take care of Riley?"

"Jack sent me through mommy classes," Kate filled in with a grin.

Claire giggled, "Yeah that's right,"

Kate smiled fondly at the flashback of Jack showing her how to change diapers, and then how to hold a baby. She was so clueless back then "But look at Riley now, he's a great kid. So I guess I'm not that horrible of mother." Kate wrapped her arms around her body as she glanced towards his room. "I'm going to ask Jack to bring Riley home a Happy Meal, because he loves them,"

"Aaron does too, I'm sure Riley will feel better when he wakes up. You said his fever was breaking, so he probably just needs a little more rest."

"Yeah, Jack's worrying is starting to rub off on me, and he's the calm one these days. He is even starting to tell me not to worry so much. I guess I do need to take it easy."

"You do," Claire placed her hands on the banister and then looked down. They had all come a long way since the island. She was now an assistant at a pediatric office, and a sitter for Kate and Jack whenever she was off or they were at work. Life was different, and she was happy, but at the same time she was lonely. Even though Kate was her close friend she would never admit it, but she did miss Charlie. Claire tucked a strand of her golden hair behind her ear, and then focused back on Kate who was twirling her wedding band around her finger.

"I'm going to take the test," Kate fanned herself nervously as she took in a deep breath. "I don't even know why I'm making that big of deal out of this,"

"You know how happy Jack will be that's why," Claire tilted her head to the side as she rubbed Kate's back. "I'll go make us some tea okay,"

"And I'll go…" Kate nodded as she took in another deep breath. "I'll go take the test,"

Claire watched as Kate walked down the hallway and smiled to herself. "I'll be downstairs,"

Kate sat down on the edge of the bed she shared with Jack. She smiled to herself as she turned her wedding band around her finger. Every morning she woke up next to Jack she had to do a reality check, because she wasn't in jail thanks to Jack. He had hired the best lawyer he could find, and by some miracle she had only been sentenced to four months in prison, with monthly check ups by a parole officer once released, and five years of community service. Although, the check ups by the parole officer got a little tiring at times, it felt good to be free, and even better because she was with Jack and her son.

Kate closed her eyes as she tilted her head backwards. She imagined the look on Jack's face when he found out that she was pregnant with Riley. Even though they were on the island and everything around then didn't make any sense he was happy. Kate had thought he was crazy at the time because she didn't want to raise a kid on that crazy island, but thankfully they had been rescued shortly after Riley was born. After sitting for a while deep in thought Kate's eyes started to drift around the room. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she looked at the pictures on the press. She stood up and walked across the beige carpet towards them. Kate picked up the last picture that they had taken. It was a family portrait, and Riley was dressed up in a baseball uniform and he was sitting on her lap, while Jack's arm was wrapped around her shoulders. They all wore wide smiles, genuine happy smiles. Kate covered her mouth with her hand as she laughed with joy. Whenever she looked at this picture she was reminded of how fortunate she was. Her life was normal now. Normal. Kate placed down the portrait and glanced towards the closet she shared with Jack.

She walked towards the closet. Golden Georgian sunlight spilled in through the blinds and bathed their spacious room with light. Kate opened the window quickly and glanced outside, the weather was beautiful. She breathed in the fresh air, and then rested her head against the screen. It was time to stop procrastinating, Claire was here, and both Riley and Aaron were asleep so it was probably best to take the test now. Kate breathed in and out slowly. As she closed her eyes she imagined Jack standing in front of her. He was smiling back at her reassuringly, with his hands on her shoulders, and he was counting to five. Kate opened her eyes. She was ready now.

Kate walked towards the closet. She flipped on the light and then glanced at Jack's side. He had a lot of suits for meetings, and scrubs for work, Jack dressed rather well. She smiled to herself as she thought about what he would wear for there anniversary tomorrow. There was no way Jack would forget their anniversary, and he was probably planning something really big. Her cheeks flushed with warmth as she went over to her side of the closet. He was such a romantic. Kate bent downwards and pulled the top off of a purple bin. Inside the bin were pictures of her with Jack, and Riley and even a couple with Claire. Her heart beat with joy as she thought about her family. She had been all alone her entire life, but now here she was, a mother, a wife, and a good friend to Claire.. She had three years to get used to this reality but it still hadn't set in yet. Her hands then came across the pregnancy test. There were no secrets between her and Jack, but still she didn't want him to get excited if it was just a false alarm.

Kate looked at the home pregnancy test box for a while and then she stood up. Claire was right she had to know. It was a relief having easy access to pregnancy tests, because if she were still on the island then she would've had to ask Sawyer, because he was the island hoarder. Kate smiled at the thought of Sawyer, she thought about him often because after they were rescued he had disappeared and no one had heard from him since. She shook her head because she couldn't worry about Sawyer now. Kate stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She smiled in surprise when she noticed a folded piece of paper on the sink counter next to an assortment of flowers.

"Ohh Jack," Kate cooed. She had been so excited about the 'possible pregnancy' and also worrying about Riley that she hadn't even noticed the flowers or the note. Kate reached for the letter and then started to read.

Hey sweetheart,

You were knocked out this morning so I didn't want to wake you. I was about to make breakfast but the alarm clock didn't go off this morning so I was a little late. I was thinking we could go to dinner if Riley is feeling a little better, I'll call later. Oh, and tomorrow is some special day, but I just can't remember what it is? Can you? I love you Kate, give Riley a kiss for me, and I'll see you when I get home.

Love, Jack

Kate placed down the note and peered into the mirror. She had to look away because the goofy, lovesick smile on her face was so pathetic. Kate opened the pregnancy kit and then picked up the stick. Thankfully she had experience with these things thanks to Riley. Kate then prepared to take the test.

"Jack Shepard the man of the hour,"

Jack smiled at his friend Cameron as he approached and then closed his flip phone. He was in the break room about to call Kate to check on her and Riley. "Hey, what's going on?"

"Not much, it's a slow day in the OR today, and I am bored out of my mind. Are you about to call your wife?"

Jack smiled, "Am I that obvious?"

Cameron shrugged and then reached in his bagged lunch for a sandwich. "Whenever you're on break you, talk to Kate or Riley the entire time. And I see you looking over here, so before you even ask, yes my wife packs my lunch."

"I wasn't going to say anything." Jack chuckled.

"Kate doesn't make you a lunch,"

Jack laughed, "I'm not exactly in Middle School here, and Kate doesn't cook that much. Either I cook, or we go out to eat."

"I see, so how's Riley?"

"He's feeling a little under the weather today so I just want to check on him." Jack leaned forward as he thought about Kate. "Tomorrow is our anniversary."

"Wow, three years and counting Shepard, and I can tell that's going to last," Cameron nodded approvingly. His dark brown eyes lit up as he looked back at Jack. "So knowing you, I can only guess that you're pulling out all the stops. What is it that you are planning Jack? And you whisking her off to Manhattan for the night and taking her to a spa, and then a five star restaurant?"

Jack shook his head, "I'm still working everything out, but we're not going to Manhattan. I have to work the next day."

Cameron grinned. "I see,"

"Well, I will be back," Jack patted the middle aged African-American male on his back and then signaled towards his phone. "I'm going to call Kate,"

"Tell her I said Hi,"

"I will Cameron," Jack replied with a smile. He glanced down at his watch and smiled when he noticed that he still had fifteen minutes left. Jack walked briskly towards the exit. He stepped outside of the hospital in Savannah where he worked. Out of all the places to live in the United States he was still surprised that they had chosen Georgia, but as of now he liked it, and so did Riley and Kate. Jack lowered himself down on a bench and then called home.

Claire answered.

"Claire, how are you doing?" Jack said.

"Jack, hey, I'm good. Did you want to talk to Kate?"

"I did, is Riley up yet?"

Claire glanced towards the closed room, where both Riley and Aaron were sleeping. "No, but Kate said that his fever is breaking. I'll go get her, hold on one second Jack,"

"Thanks Claire," Jack waited. He pulled out his wallet and looked over the reservations to The Fritz, one of the most expensive restaurants in Atlanta, and behind that were reservations for both Claire and Kate to the spa. He smiled, they both deserved a break, and while they went to the spa he would watch both Aaron and Riley. As Jack got ready to tuck the reservations away a picture of Kate and Riley fell onto the sidewalk. He quickly scooped it up, and then smiled in remembrance of the day that Kate had been released from jail. Riley used to always cry when she held him on the island, but that day he didn't want to be held by anyone else. Jack smiled from ear to ear. It was amazing how much the island had changed him, who'd of thought that a place with monsters, and secrets would lead to this. A real life. He closed his eyes as he thought about getting home to his family. Work was his second priority, and Kate and Riley were definitely his first.

While he was immersed in his thoughts Jack realized that Kate still hadn't come to the phone. "Kate, my break is going to be over soon," He said to no one in particular. Jack raised an eyebrow. Where was she?

Claire tapped on the door. "Kate, Jack is on the phone,"

"Hold on one second," Kate called.

Claire waited outside and a couple of minutes later Kate came to the door. "Well?"

"I just took it so I don't know yet," Kate quickly headed towards the stairs. Aaron opened the door and then stepped out.

"Hi Mrs. Kate," He said with a smile.

"Hey Aaron," Kate patted him on the head and then quickly ran down the stairs to get the phone.

"Good Afternoon, did you have a good sleep?" Claire walked towards Aaron and then got down on her knees so she could give him a hug. She noticed that Aaron looked a little sad so she placed her hand underneath his chin. "What's wrong sweetie?"

"Riley," Aaron pointed towards the room.

Claire affectionately squeezed Aaron's cheeks. "Well he doesn't feel to well,"

"I asked him to play,"

Claire pouted back at Aaron, "You woke him up honey?"

"I did, was that bad?"

"No, it wasn't bad it's just…we should let Riley get his rest okay,"

"Well who can play with me?"

"I will," Claire said with a wide smile. "Go hide!"

Aaron giggled and then clapped his hands. Within seconds he was running down the hallway.

"No stairs!" Claire exclaimed.

"I know!" Aaron called back giddily. He ran towards the extra bedroom on the second floor and then closed the door.

Claire sighed as she watched him. Charlie had been such a big part of Aaron's life when he was a baby, and it didn't seem right that Aaron didn't even know who he was. Claire bit her lip. She reached in her pocket and pulled out the letter that had arrived in the mail this morning. It was post-marked from Los Angeles, Charlie never seemed to stay in the same place these days. Claire thought about opening the letter, but then she decided against it. The letter went back into her pocket as she walked towards the guest room to find Aaron.

After getting off the phone with Jack, Kate headed back upstairs. She resisted the urge to check on the test right away, and instead checked on her son. Kate opened the door slightly. She smiled in relief when she saw Riley getting up from the bed. He stretched out his arms and then wiped the sleep from his eyes.

"Mommy, I feel better," He replied.

"You do, well that's great." Kate quickly checked his temperature. Her eyebrows dropped low over her eyes when she noticed that he still was a little hot. "Sweetie, are you sure?"

"Aaron told me I was no fun," The child pouted.

"He did," Kate laughed as she massaged Riley's arm.

He nodded as he reached for the heart shaped necklace, Jack had given her for Christmas, and started to play around with it.. "I don't want to lie in bed all day, can I play?"

"You can play with Aaron, but only if you feel better?"

Riley seemed to think it over, he let go of Kate's necklace and then placed his hand to his mouth. "All better!"

Kate felt his forehead once again. She didn't think that he was feeling better, but then again she had been the worrier the last couple of days. Kate bit her tongue as she stared deep into Riley's hazel eyes with flecks of yellow swimming around the pupil. He looked so much like Jack, so handsome, and adorable. "Of course you can Ry,"

"Thank you," Riley leaned forward.

"Ohh," Kate replied pleasantly as she accepted a hug from Riley. He wrapped his little arms around her back and rested his cheek against her own. He was still burning up, was his fever breaking?

Kate gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "The second you start to fill a little sick, you'll tell mommy right?"

"Like if I get a booboo, or my tummy starts to hurt?"

Kate smiled, "Yes Riley,"

He nodded, and then walked out the room.

Kate placed her hand to her cheeks. If he felt sick then he wouldn't ask her to play with Aaron right? She stood up and then dusted her hands on her jeans. Kate looked at Riley's toy chest before she left and her mouth dropped open in surprise when she noticed that a toy airplane was sitting on top. Riley didn't have any airplanes so it had to be Aaron's. Kate slowly walked towards the toy and then picked it up. On the small white plane was a sticky picture that could easily be pulled off of a captain. Kate flipped the plane over and scowled when she read the words underneath. "You're captain speaking Ben Sawyer,"

Sawyer. Kate placed down the plane. Sawyer wasn't that uncommon of a last name so maybe it was just a coincidence, but where was he? How could someone just disappear into thin air? Although she was perfectly happy with her life now, she still thought about him often. Even if Sawyer hadn't been there for her trial, or her wedding, she still cared about him. Hopefully he was okay wherever he was.

Kate exited Riley's room and then closed the door behind her. "Woah," She quickly stepped back when Riley and Aaron ran past with Claire following close behind.

"Auntie Claire is a monster!" Riley giggled.

"Grr," Claire said playfully. She stopped by Kate and then rested her hand against the wall so she could catch her breath. "Ha, Auntie Claire doesn't like to do all this running."

Kate smiled as she continued to think about the plane.

Claire studied Kate's concerned expression with worry. "I'm sure Riley is fine look at him,"

"Oh, I know." Kate glanced at Riley who was now with Aaron who was trying to get into the 2nd bathroom outside of Jack and Kate's room.

"Oh no, Aaron's been going through this stage where he wants to be a dog." Claire placed her hand to her forehead as she watched her son. "Aaron! I can get you water from the sink…Aaron…Aaron Littleton!" Claire sighed as her hands dropped down to her hips, "He never listens to me! I'll be right back,"

Kate watched as Claire quickly walked towards Aaron. Riley sat down and rested his back against the wall. He smiled as he watched Claire quickly pull Aaron away from the toilet. Kate walked over to him, "You okay,"

"Just resting," He said with a wide smile. Riley then jumped up, "Done!"

Kate looked down. She couldn't make him lay down if he didn't want to.

Claire rested Aaron down and then closed the bathroom door, "Aaron, you've got to stop this. You're not a dog,"

"I want to be like Vincent! When will Walt and Mr. Michael come back with him?"

"Well they don't live in Georgia,"

"Then we should move by Vincent,"

Claire giggled, "Sure honey, whatever you say."

"I'll pack my bags, come help me Riley!" Aaron jumped up in the air and then ran down the hallway towards Riley's room.

Riley walked after him. He looked completely zapped of energy.

Claire sighed, "I can tell already that Aaron is going to be a handful," She then smiled, "He is so active I think I need to find a sports club for four year olds!"

"He can stay over here tonight if you want, I'm sure Riley would like that." Kate offered.

Claire waved her hands, "No way, your anniversary is tomorrow, so you should be well rested and believe me if Aaron stays over the night then you won't get a wink of sleep." Claire glanced down the hallway and watched as Aaron tried to pull down a vase. "Aaron!"

Kate smiled as she watched after them. She glanced towards her closed door. It had been at least ten minutes since she had taken the test so the results should be ready. Kate opened the door and stepped back inside. She made a beeline towards the bathroom and picked up the test that was waiting on the edge of the sink. Kate bit her lip nervously before she looked down.

The test was positive. She was pregnant with their second child. Kate smiled in relief, and placed her hands to her cheeks as she looked upwards with joy. Riley was going to have another little brother or sister, and she and Jack were going to have another child.