The Parent Trap

Part 1of 6: Why Not a Hallmark Card?

By: ioanhoraito

A/N So a long time ago I thought of this story. I've always wanted to write it (even outlined it), but just never got around to it. I've had this story in mind for so long that I've hinted at it in A Quiet Goodbye like it was cannon. LOL! Everyones reaction to those hints was so positive that I decided to make myself sit down and write this. Luckily my kids slept until 7:30 this morning (a true rarity) and while my hubby enjoyed sleeping in, I enjoyed a quiet hour or so at the computer, writing in the morning light...sigh...Anyway, I hope you enjoy my take on how the Messers and Monroes react to the baby news! This is set between The Triangle and Forbidden Fruit.

"Tell me again why we had to do this at their house. Why couldn't we have just met in the city, gone to a restaurant and been done with it?" Lindsay grumbled as Danny turned the car down the street that led to his childhood home.

He rolled his eyes. They had been over this a few times already, and Lindsay was just being difficult. "'Cause my ma nearly had a coronary when I suggested it. She was insulted that I wouldn't think to bring you here so she could cook for us."

Lindsay groaned and leaned her head against the passenger side window, hoping the coolness of the glass would help her heated cheeks. "What kind of coronary is she going to have when we tell her I'm pregnant?" she asked then added petulantly, "At least in public she is less likely to flip out."

Danny snorted, "That's where ya wrong Montana. My ma isn't to discriminate when it comes to her temper, public or private."

"Wow, really not helping Danny," Lindsay grumbled as her hand moved to stroke the tiny bump that was carefully hidden beneath her dark navy knit shirt and coordinating cardigan. Lindsay was terrified that she would walk in the door and Danny's mom would take one look at her and instantly know. Danny had assured her many times that she had nothing to fear, that the only reason he could tell she was pregnant was because he knew what to look for. This was the first time his parents and Lindsay had ever met and they had nothing to compare Lindsay's appearance to. They wouldn't notice the fuller breast, the slightly paler pallor, or the looser fitting clothing.

"Linds," Danny said reaching over to grab her other hand, "it's gonna be fine, a'right? No matter what happens, we know we are doin' the right thing. And this baby is already pretty important to us. My ma is going to love being a grandma, and she will be excited about it."

"And your dad?" Lindsay hedged carefully.

Danny just shrugged. "Who knows. He can be a pretty selfish bastard, but ever since Louie,

he's been a little...I don't know...a little bit more considerate."

When he didn't elaborate Lindsay tightened her grip on on his hand in a silent show of support. She knew Danny resented his father's behavior towards his family. Vinnie Messer's involvement with unsavory character's and the almost constant threat of law enforcement carrying him off to jail had left an impact on Danny. It was hard to be the son of the black sheep of the family, and she knew how tenuous their relationship was now. When Louie had died, it had been a wake up call for him, but Lindsay wasn't sure, and she knew Danny wasn't sure, if it came a little too late.

Part of Danny's commitment to this little baby stemmed from his desire to be nothing like his own father, and on a moment of impulse, Lindsay pressed his hand tightly against the small swell of her stomach and affirmed, "This little one is pretty lucky to have you as a father Danny."

"Do you really believe that?" He asked quietly.

"Yes. No matter what happens in our lives I will always be grateful that you are the father of my child," Lindsay assured him.

"But I've never changed a diaper before Linds. I've barely even held a kid before. I might drop the thing," Danny pointed out, "How can you know I'm gonna be a good dad?" His own insecurities bleeding out.

"Because, there's more to being a dad than just changing diapers Danny. You'll learn that. I know you're going to be a good dad because you are hardworking, committed, fun, stubborn, and have a lot of love to give. I know because the moment I handed you the ultrasound photo you had this tiny, almost imperceptible smile on your face. I'd just rocked your world with the biggest bombshell possible, and your first instinct was happiness. That's how I know, and that's why I decided to give us another shot; a real shot at being happy," she explained.

Danny had to pull his hand away to make the turn into his parent's driveway, and threw the car into park. He turned the engine off, but instead of turning to the door to exit, he turned to face her. "I know right now I don't deserve you, but I promise I will do everything I can to become that guy that you believe in so much."

Lindsay felt her throat begin to clog at his admission, and swallowed quickly. The last thing she wanted was Danny's parents to see her face red and puffy from crying. To lighten the mood she said simply, "Good. The first thing you could do is get me out of here and we'll just send your parents a Hallmark card telling them about the baby."

Sensing her need for levity, Danny chuckled. "What would the card say? Something like 'For the new grandparents; I knocked up my girlfriend'? No can do. I don't think they make that card Montana. Besides when you taste my ma's cookin' you'll be happy we came."

He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, then turned and opened the door. Lindsay gave a dramatic sigh, and followed suit. Danny waited for her as she rounded the vehicle, then took her hand in his own. They made their way up the cement path that led to a small set of weathered stairs. The house was a nondescript white house, nestled among other nondescript white houses. The front lawn was tiny, but it was obvious someone took care in the flower bed that ran along the fence that separated their bit of property. The two story home was in need of a fresh coat of paint, but seemed to be well kept. Any other time, Lindsay would have taken a moment to image what little Danny Messer would have looked like running up the steps from school or playing in the yard, but her mind was racing with anxiety at the prospect of Danny's parents' reaction to their news.

Her legs suddenly stopped moving and she jerked Danny back slightly by her abrupt stop.

"Lindsay?"

"I think I might be sick," she mumbled.

Her morning sickness had been steadily wanning as her pregnancy progressed, and these days it seemed to only appear when an odor was particularly pungent, but Danny suspected her nausea had less to do with the baby and more to do with nerves.

He cupped her face with both his hands and looked directly in her eyes. "Take a deep breath," he commanded, "and let it out slowly. My parents are goin' to love you, and they are goin' to be happy about this baby." He wasn't entirely certain if that was true, but he knew Lindsay needed to hear it. "If at any point you wanna to leave, then we'll leave. Simple as that. I love my parents, but you are my priority now, 'K?"

Lindsay finished letting our her breath of air, then nodded. Reassured by his commitment to her, she forced her mind to calm. A few deep breaths later, she was taking his hand and declared,

"I'm ready."

Danny led her to the front door, the stairs being so small that she stood a step beneath him, still gripping tightly to his hand. With one finale wink and smile in her direction, Danny raised his hand and knocked.

Thanks for Reading! I apologize for any errors. I typed this very quickly in an effort to get it done and posted, hopefully there aren't too many.

The next chapter: The Messers learn about the baby...let's just say it's not the reaction Danny and Lindsay were going for.