The apartment was quiet when Don came home. He went into the bedroom and saw Angie asleep on the bed. He tried not to make any noise as he took off his work clothes and prepared to take a shower. He looked at her before he went into the bathroom. She was sleeping peacefully, and he was glad of that. She'd had a rough couple of weeks with morning sickness that lasted until the evening and left her exhausted. She'd lost some weight, but she wouldn't tell him how much.

He sighed with relief at the feel of the hot water flowing over him, melting away the stress of a grueling day. He'd been busy, driving around town working on a triple homicide with Stella. He'd missed lunch and was starving but he wanted to get the stink of work and stress off him before he went foraging for dinner. Angie hadn't done much cooking lately; the smell of food made her sick. He'd eaten alot of donuts and danish for breakfast and mostly sandwiches and other ready-to-eat foods for dinner. If it didn't have to be cooked Angie wouldn't start puking from the smell. They never knew what would turn her stomach. His heart ached to see her suffering, and he felt powerless to do anything to help her. At first she'd tried to keep fixing meals for him but she just couldn't handle it. He couldn't even make coffee in the morning; he had to go get it somewhere on the way to work. Small price to pay to spare her having to puke any more than she already is. My poor wife... He looked at the ring on his left hand. He was still getting used to it being there, but he loved it. He loved being married to Angie, and was thrilled, albeit somewhat terrified, at the fact that he was soon to become a father.

They'd had a simple ceremony in Central Park. He'd cringed at the thought of Angie's disappointment at not having time to plan a fancy wedding, but she surprised him by saying that it didn't matter.

"I just want us to be married. Maybe we can have a big wedding later. After the baby's old enough to be the ring bearer or flower girl."

He'd almost cried.

The wedding had been attended by Danny, who was Don's best man, and Marilyn, who was matron of honor to Angie. Don's mother had driven into the city, but his father had declined the invitation. Don was hurt, but not really surprised to hear that Pop wouldn't be attending. Angie's mom had been there, as had Koree and Jeff, and everyone from Mac's team. Some of Don's fellow officers showed up as well. Since it was such an intimate group they'd gone out for dinner afterward instead of having an actual reception.

He went back to the bedroom, feeling like a human being again. A very hungry human being. I wonder what there is to eat in the fridge... he was pulling undergarments out of the dresser when he heard Angie stir. He glanced over his shoulder to see her smiling at him.

"Wow. That's a beautiful sight," she said, looking at his back side. "I wish I felt well enough to take advantage of it."

"You still feelin' sick?" It was after 6pm.

"Oh I'm fine as long as I don't try to get up."

Don pulled on his boxers and went to sit beside her on the bed. "Are you sure this is normal? To be sick all day like this?"

"Yeah, unfortunately. Doctor said it happens to a certain percentage of women. Great, huh?"

He smoothed her hair back from her forehead. "I just worry about you. It doesn't seem fair that we both created this kid but you're the one doin' all the sufferin'."

"Again, you amaze me with your way of looking at things. Most men would be thanking God that they don't have to go through this."

"I just wish I could do more to help you."

"Are you kidding me? What about all the times in the past few weeks when you've gone out in the middle of the night to get me something I think I might be able to eat?"

"Speakin' of that, is there anything I can get for you? I was just gonna go look for some dinner. I'm starvin'."

"I hate to tell you this but there's not much there. I never made it to the market today. I'm sorry..."

To Don's dismay she started to cry. "Hey, it's ok. I'll go to the market. You just relax. Is there anything I can get for you?"

"I just feel so useless. I'm sick and miserable and I can't even make dinner for you and you're being so sweet to me and..."

He interrupted her with a kiss. "Would you stop it? You're pregnant, not useless. Come on, Angie, cut yourself some slack. Now I'm askin' you again. Is there anything you'd like me to get for you? Is there anything you think you might be able to eat?"

"Fruit. Like watermelon. Weird, huh?"

"Not if that's what you want. I'll get you some ginger ale too."

She managed a watery smile. "I love you so much."

"I love you too." He kissed the cleft in her chin. "I adore you." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Mommy."

She laughed and cried at the same time. "Before you go, I have to pee. Stay here till after I go."

"You got it."

"I've been afraid to get up. I just know I'm gonna started throwing up again."

"Don't give it any power. Come on." She made it to the bathroom without incident. He heard her sigh with relief as he was putting on jeans and a t-shirt. "How long you been holdin' it?"

"Too long. I was afraid to get up."

"How do you feel now? Your tummy, I mean?"

"Better. Right now I feel ok." She came back into the bedroom and sat down on the bed.

"So should I bring you anything else besides fruit?"

"Let's not push it."

"Well, I'm just gonna get sandwich stuff. Maybe you can try to eat a little of that."

"I promise to try."

Don stepped into his loafers and grabbed his wallet off the nightstand. "Ok, I'll be back as soon as I can."

"I think I'm gonna make some tea." She looked at him and held her arms out. He stepped into her embrace. It felt wonderful to hold her, and to feel her holding him.

"See you in few, Daddy."

"Would you just sit down and let me do this?"

"Don, I'm not that fragile. Jeez. Besides, I really feel better. I've been in bed almost all day. It feels good to get up and move around."

He shook his head and smiled. "Will you try to eat a sandwich?"

"Make me half a sandwich. Just turkey and cheese. I think I can manage that."

"You got it. Now sit down."

She heaved a sigh and did as he told her. She didn't want to admit it to him, but she was pretty tired, even after lying down most of the day. She knew she wasn't getting enough nutrition, because every time she tried to eat she threw it up. If I can get it down at all... But tonight she was feeling almost normal. Her stomach wasn't queasy and she actually felt hungry. She hoped that maybe the morning sickness had run it's course.

She nibbled at her sandwich while her husband watched her. My husband. Don Flack, my husband. It's still like a dream. She looked at her wedding rings, turned her hand to watch the diamond sparkle in the kitchen light. It wasn't a big stone; she hadn't wanted one. She'd picked out a simple set with a small diamond in a half-bezel setting. At first she'd actually just wanted a band like Don's, but he'd talked her into the engagement ring as well. She really didn't care if it was a fancy ring or a big stone, but he'd at least wanted her to have a set. So they'd found one that she felt she could wear without it driving her crazy. She wasn't used to wearing rings. But this set was surprisingly comfortable.

"I was doin' that earlier," Don said. She looked up at him.

"Doing what?"

"Lookin' at my ring. The new hasn't worn off, ya know?"

"Let's hope it never does."

"Amen to that. The sandwich goin' down ok?"

"Yeah. I may have another half."

"Good! You've lost too much weight."

"I think it's safe to say I'll gain it back."

"I'm waitin' for the baby bump."

"Really? You're not worried about me getting flabby and out of shape?"

"Nah. Besides, you're not gonna get flabby and outta shape."

"Let's hope not."

"You won't."

Angie nuzzled Don's neck, kissing him in the hollow under his ear. He was surprised by her attentions. She hadn't been in much of a mood for lovemaking lately. And he'd missed it. Alot. But he hadn't pushed her to have sex. He'd promised himself he'd wait till she wanted it. She sure seems to want it right now... She climbed onto his lap and kissed his lips, and he felt a shock of arousal strike through him. They were on the sofa with the TV on. Before he knew it they were making out like teenagers.

"You must be feelin' better," he said, a bit breathlessly. He was almost afraid to let himself enjoy her kisses, the way she was touching him, but it was hard not to.

"I am. I've missed you so much, missed making love, I mean."

"Me too. Are you sure you're up for it?"

"Uh-huh. I want you so bad I can't stand it."

"Well let's turn off the TV and go to the bedroom. Or do you want to do it here?"

She nodded toward the bedroom. "Let's go." She got up from his lap, took his hand and pulled him to the room with her. "You turn down the bed. I'll light a candle."

He smiled. It was a standing rule: no making love in the dark. There had to be at least a candle illuminating the room. She lit the candle and then met him at the bed and started to undress. He did the same. They fell onto the bed together. He let her take the lead. She pushed him down and climbed on top of him.

"What do you wanna do?" she asked.

"Whatever you want. You're in charge."

"But tell me what you'd like."

"Ok. I'd like to kiss your pussy till you scream with ecstasy, and then I'd like to get inside you and fuck you till I scream with ecstasy."

"I like the sound of that." She rolled off him and onto her back. "Do it."

Food to a starvin' man... He pushed her legs apart gently and settled himself between them. He caressed and kissed her thighs, and saw goosebumps rise on her skin. He wanted to spend a bit more time just touching her, but he wanted to taste her so bad he couldn't wait. He brushed his lips across her pubic hair and then started to kiss her. He heard her whimper. He smiled. He reached up and cupped one of her breasts. She put her hand over his. He pushed his tongue up into her and was rewarded with the slippery wetness of her arousal. He licked and kissed and tickled her. She moaned with pleasure. It wasn't long before her breathing quickened and he felt her push against his mouth. She was wet and swollen, and he knew it wouldn't be long. He found her perfect spot, and started to flick his tongue in a quick rhythm that made her cry out. Next thing he knew she was coming, holding back a scream, putting her hands in his hair and pushing against him. He kept going until he felt her start to relax. He wanted to get inside her so bad he couldn't stand it. In one fluid movement he came up over her and pushed in. His breath caught in his throat at the feel of her all around him, fitting perfectly like a key in a lock. He knew he wouldn't last long, and he didn't try to hold back. She was holding him, her arms around him, caressing him and whispering to him, telling him how much she loved him, and he wanted to say it back but he couldn't speak. When he came it was like he was grabbed and thrown over the edge. It was incredibly intense. Later, when he was able to think, he decided that the reason it was so overwhelming was because he'd waited two weeks for it. He'd given in to his frustration and jerked off in the shower once, but it wasn't the same as making love to her.

He finally collapsed beside her, satiated and spent.

"God damn I needed that," he said.

"Me too. I'm sorry I haven't been in the mood for sex."

"Don't be sorry, you have a good reason. Besides, we just made up for lost time, don't you think?"

"Yeah, that was great. But then it always is with you."

They both turned on their sides facing each other. "I heard you tellin' me how much you love me. I wanted to say it back but I couldn't talk right then. I love you too baby."

She smiled her beautiful smile. He felt like he would melt. "How do you feel? You ok?"

She nodded. "I'm fine. I'm sleepy now. But I don't feel sick or anything. Thank the Goddess."

"You've been alot better this evening. Maybe the morning sickness is gonna let up."

"Oh, I hope so."

"Me too."

She turned with her back to him, and he spooned her, pulling her close. He kissed the back of her neck, and she let out a sigh of contentment. He felt a flood of relief, not just because they'd reconnected physically, but because she truly seemed to be feeling better. He'd been so concerned about her, so frustrated at not being able to help her, that it made him want to cry with gratitude that at least for now, she wasn't suffering.