Disclaimer: Throughout the entire process of this story, I will not own Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys or any other familiar characters.

A/N: Hello there! Well, here it is, the 'sequel' to Just Like Nancy!

Although you don't have to read Just like Nancy to understand this.

All you need to know is that Frank and Nancy are together, and Joe and Vanessa just recently got married. That should get you through.

This takes place about four years after JLN. I know it seems like a long time, but there is a reason.

Which means: Joe and Vanessa 23 Frank and Nancy 24

Yeah, and I realize that it's only been like three days since I finished JLN, but...my days feel empty without this.

Please enjoy:


Vanessa sat crossed legged on the one of the many chairs that furnished the apartment that she and her new husband Joe shared.

She twiddled her thumbs, wishing that Joe hadn't had to work so late. She was nervous enough, but waiting all of this extra time was killing her.

She glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly seven o'clock. While she waited for Joe to return, she had prepared dinner, eaten, washed the dishes, put away leftovers for Joe, and cleaned the entire kitchen. Her hands had never been so pruned.

She heard the lock turning and the familiar creek of the door opening and felt the knot in her stomach grow.

"Vanessa? I'm home," Joe called out, wiping off his feet.

"I'm in the living room," she said quietly, not moving from her spot in the chair.

Vanessa turned her head and saw Joe standing with the fridge open, gazing at her intently.

"Are you OK?" he asked, concerned. Vanessa was looking paler than normal, and he knew she had been feeling sick all week.

Vanessa laughed nervously.

"Technically," she said, brushing her hair behind her ears.

Joe just gave her a confused look.

"H-how was work?" She asked, looking down at her lap. Joe held up a beer.

"That bad?" Vanessa asked. This made talking to him a lot more difficult.

"No I just like pretending it was," he laughed. "Would you like one?"

Vanessa took a deep breath and shook her head.

"No, thanks. I've heard alcohol isn't good for pregnant people," she said, fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

After a minute of silence, Vanessa looked up at Joe. He was staring at her blankly, his drink still clutched in his hand.

"W-what?" Joe stuttered, leaning on the fridge.

"One of us is pregnant, and guess which one it isn't," Vanessa said, smiling.

"You-you're…" Joe stammered.

"Wrong. I thought that was such an easy question," Vanessa said, frowning.

A moment later Joe walked over and sat on the couch, holding one beer and setting another one on the table.

"Did you not hear me?" Vanessa asked, looking straight at Joe.

"No, I heard you. I just have a feeling I'll need both," Joe said, laughing nervously.

"Oh," Vanessa said quietly.

"So, you're pregnant?" Joe asked, looking directly at Vanessa.

"Yep, I'm pregnant. I'm knocked up, got a bun in the oven, an egg in the basket. Or whatever stupid saying you want to use," Vanessa laughed, but went quiet again. "So…w-what do you think?"

Joe was quiet for a moment.

"I think it's good," he finally said, locking eyes with Vanessa.

"You do?" Vanessa said, a smile breaking out over her face.

"Of course I do. Don't you?" Joe asked. Vanessa nodded enthusiastically, walking over and sitting next to Joe.

How-how far along are you?" Joe asked.

"Just a little over a month," she said, resting her head on Joe's shoulder

"So…" Vanessa drawled out.

"So…we're going to have a baby?" Joe asked.

"We're going to have a baby," Vanessa confirmed, smiling at her husband.

"Wow," Joe said, kissing the top of her head.

"Wow is right," she laughed.

They sat in silence for a minute.

"I think we should name him Joe Jr.," Joe said.

"What if it's a girl?" Vanessa asked, sitting up to look at Joe.

"It's a boy," Joe said, laughing.

"How do you know?" she asked.

"Duh, I'm physic," Joe said, wrapping an arm around her neck.

"Oh, right, I had forgotten. Please, forgive me Swami Joe?" Vanessa asked sarcastically and Joe laughed.

"Hey, being sarcastic isn't good for the baby!" Joe joked. Vanessa laughed and leaned against him.

"Whatever you say," Vanessa said, snuggling up to Joe.

They sat in silence for moment before Joe suddenly sat upright.

"Oh, my God. Oh, my God! I'm going to be a daddy!" he exclaimed, jumping to his feet and racing towards the phone.

"Is this just hitting you now?" Vanessa asked, laughing. But Joe didn't answer.

He quickly dialed a number, and put it on speaker phone.

"Hello?" Vanessa heard the familiar voice of Joe's brother Frank echo through the apartment.

"Frank! Hi, it's me!" Joe exclaimed. "I have something great to tell you! Is Nancy there too?"

"Yeah, just a second," Frank said, calling over his shoulder for Nancy to pick up the phone.

"Hello?" said Nancy, picking up the other phone.

"Nance, hi! It's Joe," Joe exclaimed breathlessly.

"I figured that out," Nancy laughed. "What's up?"

"I have great news!" Joe cried out and Vanessa cleared her throat. "I mean we have great news." Joe smiled at Vanessa, urging her to tell it.

"I'm pregnant," Vanessa smiled.

Joe heard Nancy gasp and the stunned silence that followed.

"Wow," Frank said when he finally was able to speak again. "Wow. Congratulations!"

"Thanks," Vanessa smiled. A sniffle echoed through the phone.

"Nancy, are you crying?" Joe asked, laughing.

"No, I am not crying!" Nancy sniffled. "I'm just so happy for you it sounds like I'm crying!"

"Then why did you blow your nose about a thousand times?" Frank teased.

"Not funny, Frank," Nancy said, sneezing.

"Well, it is kinda funny over here," Joe laughed.

"So, what do you think?" Vanessa asked.

"Oh, I'm just so happy, aren't you happy, Frank?" Nancy gushed.

"Yeah! This is great! I mean, I'm gonna be an uncle!" Frank exclaimed proudly.

"Yeah, well, I'm going to be a daddy. Being a daddy tops being an uncle!" Joe bragged.

"Whatever," Frank laughed.

"This is going to be so much fun! Vanessa, we have to discuss everything!" Nancy exclaimed.

"OK, yeah! So what first?" Vanessa asked.

"Well, obviously the babies room," Nancy said.

"OK!" Vanessa said happily.

"So what color do you think--," Nancy started.

"Oh, look at the time! I think there's, uh, a sports… thing on now that I wanted to watch. Talk to you guys later," Frank said before hanging up.

"Oh, right! The sports thing! I've been waiting forever for that!" Joe said, rushing out of the room.

"What's wrong with them?" Vanessa asked.

"They're anticipating the money that's going to be spent on this, and a girly shopping conversation, so they're trying to run from they're problem," Nancy laughed.

Vanessa giggled. This was going to be fun.

--

(Eight Months Later)

"Ow, ow, OW!" Vanessa howled. "This is SO not fun!"

Joe looked at her, helpless. If he could do anything to take her out of this horrible pain, he would. He hated seeing her like this. It was almost worse than the morning sickness.

But other than the practically scheduled morning vomit-fest, Joe had been in total wonderment.

Like when he first felt the baby kicking, he had almost passed out from the excitement.

When he first saw the ultra-sound picture on the tiny little monitor they had in there, (he suggested they should upgrade to big screen, just so that you could get the full effect. Vanessa had commented that she wouldn't really feel comfortable getting the full experience of her insides) he was speechless for the first ten minutes, and then couldn't stop talking about how awesome it had been. He had proudly shown everyone he knew and made copies, giving it out to everyone he knew, framing one and putting one in his wallet.

But now he was in complete fear, wishing that he could do something to help, when in reality all he could do was comfort and encourage her, squeezing her hand and trying to avoid passing out.

Joe glanced at Vanessa, who was taking deep breaths, trying to work through the pain.

He was grateful when the doctor finally walked in, finally getting a legit distraction.

He had already left to go to the 'washroom' twice and also had gone out to 'tie his shoes'. He couldn't stand to be in that little room, watching the woman he loved more than anything go through so much pain.

"Doctor, hi," Joe said. Vanessa grumbled a greeting.

"How are you doing?" Dr. Matthews asked.

"I'm nervous," Joe admitted. Both Vanessa and the doctor looked at him

"I was talking to Vanessa," the doctor said.

"Well, doctor, I can assure you it's NOT a walk in the sunshine," Vanessa grumbled, readjusting herself on the bed.

"Well, that's normal," Dr. Matthews said, peering over her glasses.

"Are you sure? Cuz this hurts a lot," Vanessa said, shrieking as another contraction hit her. Joe looked away as the doctor did…something to Vanessa.

"Well, Vanessa, it looks like it's about time for you to become a mommy," Dr. Matthews said, giving Vanessa a smile.

Joe felt excitement growing in his stomach. He smiled, but beads of sweat still broke out on his forehead.

"What are you smiling about?" Vanessa snapped. "You're not the one who has to do this. Which, by the way, I totally don't find fair. Because you know what? This is your fault. You started it; you should have to end it!"

"Sorry, babe, but I don't exactly have the parts to accomplish that. I would if I could, but I can't. I'm sorry. But just think how happy you'll be when we have a little baby boy!" Joe said reassuringly. He smoothed back Vanessa's hair from her sweaty forehead.

"How do you know it's a boy? Did you peek at our file? We promised we were going to wait!" Vanessa cried. Joe stepped back, shocked at her outburst.

"I don't know that it's a boy. It was a joke," Joe said soothingly.

"Ugh, I'm sorry Joe! It just hurts so baAD!!" Vanessa screamed, another contraction hitting her at the end of her sentence.

Dr. Matthews gave Joe a sympathetic look before a nurse entered to take Vanessa to the delivery room.

"Ready?" Joe asked. Vanessa had gone quiet.

"I-I don't think I can do this, Joe," Vanessa said, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"I think you can. Just remember how much I love you, and how much this baby is going to love you. Sure, it'll hurt today, but tomorrow, well, tomorrow, Van, you'll be a Mommy," Joe said, stroking her hand.

"I love you, too," Vanessa whispered. "But what if this baby doesn't love me?"

"Vanessa, of course the baby's going to love you! You're wonderful. You're so giving, and funny. And gorgeous. You'll be the hot mom," Joe grinned before leaning down to kiss her.

"OK, I think I'm ready," Vanessa smiled, but soon her eyes were once again filled with pain.

"Ugh! This kid is going to be SO grounded!" Vanessa shrieked through her teeth as she was wheeled down into the delivery room.

--

Joe cringed as Vanessa squeezed his hand so hard it turned white. She was screaming so loud the windows shook, so loud that the swear words that she was yelling were barely audible.

But then suddenly, the screams ended with a relieved sigh and a watery cry.

Joe's breath caught in his throat.

Vanessa squeezed Joe's hand tiredly. When Joe looked at her, tears were rolling down her face.

"A baby. We have a baby!" she said tiredly.

"Congratulations! Take a look at your beautiful baby girl!" Dr. Matthews said, handing Vanessa a pink bundle. The second the baby was placed in her mother's arms, her crying stopped, and her eyes closed.

"A girl, Joe, it's a girl!" Vanessa choked out, cradling the baby close to her.

Joe nodded, smiling like an idiot.

"I'll leave you three alone," Dr. Matthews said with a smile.

"She's beautiful," Joe whispered, planting a kiss on Vanessa's forehead.

Vanessa nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Can I assume those are happy tears?" Joe asked, gazing at his daughter.

"Yes; they're happy tears," Vanessa sniffled. "I can't believe we have a daughter!"

"Me either. I guess this means the Swami is dead," Joe laughed.

Vanessa laughed, wiping away her tears.

They were silent for a few minutes.

"Oh, Joe! We still don't have a name!" Vanessa said suddenly.

"You choose," Joe said, leaning down to brush his fingers against the baby's soft skin.

"No, I want you to choose. I was being horrible to you back there. You didn't deserve that. You were being nothing but kind and sweet. So you pick," Vanessa said, looking up at Joe.

"Are you sure?" Joe asked, hesitant.

"Positive. You pick her first name and I'll pick her second," Vanessa smiled, squeezing Joe's hand.

"OK. Well, I like Alexis. You know, in Greek, it means helper and defender of mankind. I think it would be kinda cool for our baby to defend mankind. And she looks like an Alexis, doesn't she?" Joe said as the baby opened her impossibly blue eyes. "We can call her Alex for short.

"Alex. Alexis," Vanessa repeated. "I think that's perfect."

Joe smiled.

"Hi, baby. You probably have no idea what the he-heck I'm saying, but I'll say it anyway. Your mommy and I, we already love you so much, and I just know that you're going to make us love you a thousand times more over the years. Well, as long as you don't do drugs, or fail school or something. Ow! I was kidding, Van! Anyway, you're going to have two Grandmas and a Grandpa, an Uncle Frank, and an Aunt Nancy, that is if Frank ever get's around to proposing, an Aunt Bess, who you should not believe when she says it's good to spend Daddy's money, and a Mommy and Daddy who are going to love you more than anything in the world. Oh, and your name is Alexis, by the way, you probably shouldn't forget that," Joe laughed, but trailed off when small fingers wrapped tightly around his index finger.

Emotion burst through Joe, and he pressed his lips together, not knowing whether to smile or to cry.

Vanessa smiled when she saw a tear roll down her husband's face, and brushed it away.

"Do you want to hold her now?" she asked. Joe nodded mutely.

He perched on the bed beside Vanessa, holding the baby closely. He felt the warmth from Alexis' body and smiled.

"OK, so I picked Alexis. What did you want her middle name to be?" Joe asked, his eyes locked on the little girl's face.

Vanessa smiled.

"Iola. I want her middle name to be Iola," she said.

Joe looked up, shocked.

"Are you sure?" Joe asked.

Vanessa nodded. "I know how much you loved her, Joe, and I know it would mean a lot to you, which means it means a lot to me. So, yes. I want her middle name to be Iola."

A smile broke out on Joe's face. Her leaned over, careful not to squash Alexis, and kissed Vanessa.

"I love you so much," Joe whispered in her ear.

"I love you," Vanessa said, before shifting her eyes down towards her daughter.

"So, Alexis Iola Hardy?" Joe asked.

Vanessa nodded.

"I think that sounds perfect."

--

"Go fish," Nancy smiled.

"Come ON!" Frank groaned, dropping all his cards. "I already have most of the deck in my hands!"

"Well, sorry, honey, but it's not my fault that you have yet to master Go Fish," Nancy teased, planting a kiss on Frank's lips.

They broke apart just in time to see Joe enter the waiting room, looking flushed and happy.

Everyone (Laura, Fenton, Nancy, Frank, and Andrea) stood up.

"It's a girl," Joe said happily, smiling as everyone gasped and came up to hug him.

"OK, Alexis is going to grow up without a father if you guys don't let go soon!" Joe choked out, and everyone backed away.

"Her name is Alexis?" Nancy asked, tears in her eyes. Joe nodded proudly.

"Alexis Iola Hardy. Alex for short," he said, grinning.

"Did you say Iola?" Frank asked, surprise etching itself across his face.

"It was Vanessa's idea," Joe grinned.

Everyone in the room smiled.

"Oh, I can't stand it!" Laura exclaimed. "Can we see her now?"

"Oh, right. Yeah, come this way," Joe said, motioning for everyone to follow.

--

Vanessa was just getting comfortable in her room, relishing the feeling of her own clothes, when a knock sounded at the door and Joe's handsome face poked through the opening.

"We have some visitors," Joe grinned, opening the door the rest of the way.

Vanessa smiled tiredly as everyone poured into the room and immediately turned their attention to the baby snuggled in her arms.

"Oh, my God! She's so beautiful!" Nancy sobbed, leaning against Frank.

Vanessa and Joe beamed.

"Mom, look!" Vanessa whispered. Tears rolled down Andrea's face as she gazed at the face of her grand-daughter.

"Honey, she's beautiful," Andrea whispered, leaning her head on Vanessa's shoulder.

"I'll second that," Laura cried, leaning in over the bed.

"Good job, son," Fenton said, pulling Joe into a hug.

"On what? Getting Vanessa pregnant or the actual baby?" Joe grinned.

Everybody laughed as Fenton swatted at Joe's head.

"Good job, baby brother," Frank said as he and Nancy both pulled him into a hug.

"Ah, ah, Frank, you can't call me that anymore. No, from this point on, I'll only refer to baby daddy," Joe laughed and Frank made a motion much like Fenton's earlier one.

Laura looked at her husband.

"Oh, right!" Fenton exclaimed, taking a gift bag from Laura. "This is for the baby."

Vanessa handed Alexis to Joe and took the bag, peeking inside.

"Aw! Thank you! It's adorable!" she gushed, pulling a soft brown teddy bear from the bags depths.

Everybody immediately began to gush over Alexis again, so caught up in the baby's delicate features that they failed to notice the look Laura gave Fenton, and then look he gave back.

It was a look of relief, safety, and the urgency now forgotten. Everything would be OK now.

Or at least that's what they thought.


A/N: OK. Well, there's the first chapter. Don't expect all of the chapters to be quite that long; there was just a lot to say in this one.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on what was good and what could be improved on.

Reviews?