Chapter 1

"I fold." Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge sighed as he laid his cards on the table. Captain William Riker smiled and tossed a few more chips in. "I raise you 20." Counselor Deanna Riker lay down her cards as well.

"I fold."

First Officer Data glanced up at Will. "I believe that you are bluffing."

Will smiled. "Am I?"

Data tossed in the extra chips for his turn. Will and Data flipped their cards over. "I win." Will announced taking all of the chips. The other three players groaned.

"You always do." Geordi added as he began to clean up the cards.

Data looked puzzled. "After all this time, I still can never tell if you are bluffing or not."

"That's because he's got a killer poker face." Geordi answered.

"And," Deanna started standing up. "He's just really good at poker."

"Another hand anybody?" Will asked.

Geordi shook his head. "No thanks. I think I'd better get to bed."

"I should go back to my quarters as well." Data agreed.

"Alright then. I will beat you all again next Tuesday night." Will announced dramatically. Deanna elbowed him in the side playfully.

"Ow!" He complained smiling.

"But seriously, next Tuesday right?" Will added. The group nodded.

"Good-night!" Deanna called as Geordi and Data left Will and Deanna's quarters.

Will sat on the bed sighing. "I'm glad we still play poker together. It reminds me of the good old days."

Deanna nodded. "Yes. Before Picard was an Ambassador and was the captain of the Enterprise."

"Yeah, I'm so happy that they asked me to be the next captain. I loved the Titan and all, but it just wasn't the same."

Deanna suddenly walked over and sat on his lap smiling.

Will looked at her quizzically. "What?"

Deanna shook her head laughing a bit. "Nothing. Maybe I just want to sit on my husband's lap sometimes."

Will raised an eyebrow. "No there is definitely something. You're too...happy."

Deanna put her hands on her hips. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Will shook his head. "Nothing, nothing. It's just; I can... almost feel that you want to tell me something."

"I thought I was the empath." Deanna teased. "But you are right I do have some news."

"What kind of news?" Will asked curiously. "Good news?"

Deanna nodded.

"What then?"

"Guess." She smiled.

"Um..." Will squinted one eye in thought. "You got a promotion?"

Deanna shook her head still beaming.

"You discovered that you are truly telepathic?"

"Nope."

"Your mother decided not to visit next week?"

Deanna laughed. "No. Guess again."

Will shook his head. "I give up. Just tell me."

Deanna looked meaningfully into his eyes. You're going to be a father...She told him telepathically.

Will's eyes grew large and glanced at her abdomen. "Imzadi, really?"

Deanna nodded.

"Th-that's wonderful!" He spluttered. He stood up and took her hand. She placed in on her belly.

"I did notice that your clothes have been a little snug." He added smiling mischievously. "I thought maybe it was all the chocolate you've been eating."

Deanna gave him a playful shove. "Hey! I had a craving!" Her face became more serious. "But, you are happy aren't you?" She asked a little insecure.

Will looked surprised. "Can't you tell? You are empathic aren't you?"

Deanna sighed and began to pace a little while tapping behind her right ear. "Yes but, my own emotions have fluctuated so much recently that I can't seem to focus on other peoples." She revealed a little embarrassed.

Will drew her to him. "I can assure you, I am thrilled."

Deanna smiled up at him lovingly.

Will gently leaned down and kissed her.