Author's Note: Thanks once again to Andrea (iloveromance) for writing such a wonderful sequel to my "Easter Surprise" story. And, of course, I felt the need to return the favor. I hope to have this finished soon!
Daphne woke up feeling a sudden rush of excitement. For the past few months, she had been meticulously keeping track of her periods. They were always right on schedule, but a few days ago, it hadn't shown up as expected. Something told her it was time to take out the pregnancy test she'd been keeping in the bathroom. She got out of bed, doing her best to be quiet, so as not to disturb Niles' sleep.
She took out the test and read the instructions once more. She held her breath as she waited for the results to appear. Niles had been so sweet to her lately, reassuring her that her vision had been correct. He told her that all of their trying was bound to pay off, and David would have a sibling soon. But Daphne secretly had her doubts. If it never ended up happening, she knew it would be her fault. Oh, sure, she knew Niles would tell her that he was just as happy with a son. But he would be disappointed. After all, any father would love to have a little girl. Right now, Alice was the closest thing to a girl in this family. Everyone adored her, but Daphne knew it wouldn't be the same as giving Niles a daughter of his very own.
But Daphne was jolted out of her thoughts as a blue line began to appear on the pregnancy test. She checked the diagram on the box a dozen times before she believed what she was seeing. It was positive! She rushed out of the bathroom, eager to wake Niles with the good news. But before she could, she heard the faint sound of David sniffling in the nursery. The poor thing had been sick lately with a cold.
Leaving her husband blissfully asleep, she hurried off to tend to her son. She lifted him from the crib and held him over her shoulder to rub his back. "It's all right. Sh," she said soothingly. She rocked him back and forth in her arms. He seemed to be breathing more easily, so she changed his position so that she could cradle him. "Oh, David," she whispered. "I haven't even told your daddy this yet, but it looks like you're going to be a big brother. I know he's going to be as happy as I am. We can't wait to meet this new baby. But please don't worry. No matter what happens, you'll always be our precious miracle. It doesn't matter if we have ten more children, or just this one."
Niles appeared in the doorway. "My love, I woke up and saw that you were gone. I thought I might find you here. But did I just hear you telling David he's going to be a big brother?"
Daphne felt tears in her eyes as she nodded. "I took the test just now. Niles, it's positive. I'm pregnant!"
Immediately he entered the room, taking them both in his arms. "I knew we could do it. I love you so much." He caressed her cheek and kissed her forehead. "What do we do now?"
"Well, I suppose I should go and call Roz. She's been such a wonderful friend these past few months." Daphne remembered how she hadn't even wanted to tell Roz what was going on. Of course Roz hadn't been fooled when she'd insisted nothing was wrong. "And I'm sure you'll be wanting to call Frasier."
"Actually, I've got a better idea," Niles said. "Why don't we invite Dad and Ronee and Roz over for dinner tonight? We can tell everyone at once."
Daphne smiled. Though everyone had enjoyed Easter, Niles and Roz's work schedules had prevented the family from having more gatherings like that one. But now seemed like a perfect time to change that. "All right. But I don't think I can keep this news quiet all day!"
Niles grinned mischievously. "I think I know of a way to keep you busy for a while. I'll just make a quick call to Mrs. Woodson, and then I'll be all yours."
"That sounds lovely." She kissed David one more time before returning him to his crib. Fortunately, he was still tired, so he quickly went back to sleep. In his arms, he held his favorite pink stuffed bunny. Daphne smiled to herself as Niles led her back to their bedroom. Hopefully, there would be a lot more pink around this house in the near future.