Consequences by Deweydell25
When Abbie Mills emerged from the bathroom on Tuesday morning, her sister Jenny was waiting for her.
"So, demanded Jenny, with crossed arms and raised eyebrows, when are you gonna tell Crane?"
"Tell Crane what?"Abbie asked , her voice lacked its usual confidence.
"Oh come on Abbie", Jenny returned, "do you think I haven't noticed?'
"Noticed what exactly Jenny?" Abbie was trying to play it cool here, she was failing miserably.
"Let's see now Sis", Jenny began to tick off points with her fingers,
"One - you've been throwing up every morning for the past two weeks. Two - you can't stand the taste or smell of coffee anymore and we both know how much you love coffee, and three - you're in the bathroom practically every ten minutes. Hell Abbie, you're a walking Billboard for early pregnancy symptoms. So - when - are - you - going - to- tell - Crane?"Jenny enunciated each word very slowly.
"It's not that easy Jenny." Abbie sighed.
"Well girl, if you don't tell him", Jenny admonished, "your just as bad as his wife was, - I mean is, - oh whatever! The point is Abbie , he deserves to know, and if you won't tell him, maybe I should."
"Jenny", Abbie answered angrily, "Stay out of this! You don't understand, I mean, the anger dropped out of her voice, what am I supposed to say anyway? Huh? Oh, Crane remember Thanksgiving when we both had a bit too much rum? Yeah, that's right the night neither one of us has mentioned since."
Abbie's mind suddenly drifted back to that night.
Abbie's attempt to persuade Ichabod to join her and Jenny for Thanksgiving dinner were fruitless. He politely refused her invitation, and simply asked to be driven back to the cabin. When they arrived, Ichabod asked Abbie to stay for a bit. Abbie knew he shouldn't be alone , so she agreed to stay for awhile.
The two friends sat on the couch with mugs of tea and talked . Slowly Ichabod reached for Abbie's hand and gently pulled her into a heated kiss.
Ichabod's need for Abbie was intense and she responded in kind. Clothes were discarded quickly and before either of them could stop, their passion overrode any rational thought.
It seemed their lovemaking was the only the only thing that mattered. Abbie had never felt more aroused and alive than she did in Ichabod's embrace. The pair connected with a synergy that amazed Abbie. Their bodies moved in absolute synchronicity ; limbs entwined with an effortless passion that was intoxicating.
No, Abbie had no regrets about that night. The safety and comfort she felt
with Ichabod was like nothing she had ever experienced. Her coupling with him felt right, she certainly wouldn't change her actions. It was the consequences of that night that gave her pause. She was frightened, confused and worried about the path her life would take now that she was pregnant. She trusted Ichabod with her life, but how could they deal with this?
"Ahem", Jenny cleared her throat in an effort to break her sister's reverie.
"Hey, Jenny softened her tone, ok I know it won't be easy, but Crane will probably be really happy, scared shitless maybe, but happy. Just tell him. The sooner he knows the better."
"But I", Abbie stuttered.
"No buts", Jenny cut Abbie off before she could continue. "Look it's clear how you both feel about each other. The looks between you two - anyone would be a fool not to notice."
"Is it that obvious?", Abbie asked.
"Oh, yeah", Jenny replied. "Have you seen the way he looks at you Abs? "I'm telling you, Crane loves you. So tell him today. Don't drag this out. You know you owe him that'.
"You're right", Abbie admitted, "I'll do it this morning."
"Do you want me to come with you", Jenny offered, "for a little moral support?"
"Thanks Jen", Abbie said, "but I need to do this alone. And hey, thanks for giving me a reality check and a swift kick in the ass. I guess I needed that".
"Don't mention it Abs", Jenny smiled, "isn't that what sisters are for? She gave her sister a hug and whispered "For what it's worth, I think you'll be a great Mom."
When Abbie arrived at the Archives, Ichabod was transcribing something from a huge reference book. He stood when Abbie entered.
"Good morning, Lieutenant, he greeted cheerfully. Did you have any trouble driving this morning? We had a good bit of snow overnight."
"No trouble", Abbie replied, "the roads were clear. Listen Crane", Abbie bit her lower lip. She suddenly felt queasy, and this time she couldn't blame it on the morning sickness. "We have to talk".
"About the baby", Ichabod said. It was a statement , not a question.
Ichabod's reply confused Abbie. "Wait, she asked, have you learned
something new about your son Crane?"
"No Abbie", Ichabod said , as he walked closer to her. "I was referring to our baby."
"What", Abbie asked increduously, "you know? How? Oh wait, I am so gonna kill Jenny."
"No", Ichabod clarified, "it was not Miss Jenny who told me Abbie. Do you remember the night I told you were easier to read than a vigenere cipher? I've known for a fortnight now. I was just wondering when you would tell me, and I'm so glad you did."
"You're not upset?", Abbie wondered. "I mean this could really get complicated.
"My dear Miss Mills", Ichabod reassured her, "we seem to specialize in complicated situations, do we not?"
'Yeah I guess you're right about that.", Abbie agreed.
"Have you ever stopped to consider", Ichabod continued, "that your current condition could be part of our shared destiny? How likely would it be for you to conceive after our first coupling? It seems that this conception is something that was fated from the start. Whenever I recall that night, and my dear, I do recall it quite often", Ichabod blushed, "I cannot help but believe that everything that unfolded was truly preordained. That night was certainly the most memorable of my life, and I have no regrets."
"Wow! Do you really think so?", Abbie asked. " I mean I felt the connection too. I think you know how I feel about you Crane. I've never felt more complete than when I'm with you." She took his hand "But do you really think we can do this?"
"Yes, Lieutenant I do", Ichabod replied. He kissed her then and in his secure embrace nothing mattered to Abbie but the here and now.