"Hey," said Kurt as he got home from work that evening. Rachel came over from the kitchen and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey yourself," said Rachel. "You're home early. I just put dinner on." She looked down at the huge bag at his feet as he closed the door behind him. "What is that?"
"Isabelle's presents. Remember when I texted you earlier?" said Kurt. "She said to tell you that you are welcome for the flowers and she was glad surprising me worked out."
"Oooh presents," said Rachel. She went to reach for the bag and Kurt grabbed it first.
"My boss, so I get to open them."
Rachel drew a circle around her abdomen in the air. "Baby. Baby is here. I get to claim any and all baby related packages by default."
Kurt handed off the bag with a look of amusement at his wife. Rachel squealed and took the bag of gifts over to couch.
"Isabelle is the best," said Rachel. She sat the bag on the coffee table and picked out the first present. Kurt sat down beside her, pulling out his phone and videoing it.
"Kurt, I've been working," Rachel said exasperated, pulling on her ponytail. "My hair is a mess and I am sweaty."
"And you expect me not to video our first baby presents?"
"You could have given me some sort of warning," she said, giving him a look. Rachel started pulling on the ribbon and then looked back over to Kurt.
"You already know what these are, don't you? That's why you gave in so easily."
"Maybe," said Kurt. "Go on and open it."
Rachel tore into the wrapping paper around the flat box and put it on the coffee table and took the lid off the box. She gasped as she moved the tissue paper.
"It's so soft and thick," she said, pulling the blanket free of the box and holding it up. "And Gucci? Isabelle," said Rachel, shaking her head.
"What can I say? She has great taste," chuckled Kurt from behind the phone.
"It's beautiful," nodded Rachel. "It's a receiving blanket right? Isn't that what they call them?"
"Yep, supposedly baby's first blanket," said Kurt. "It helps keep them warm since they can't regulate their body temperature well, being so tiny."
"Well, our child will most certainly be spoiled with warmth and luxury from the beginning," said the brunette. She put the blanket back in the box and sat it on Kurt's lap. He laughed as she started picking up the second package.
"Let me guess, you know this one too?" asked Rachel with a half smile.
"I think I know all of them," he said casually with a smirk. "But that's beside the point. Open it!"
Rachel laughed and began to open the package. It was bigger than the first, but lighter. She opened the box, pulling out a bag from inside.
"It's a…"
"Diaper bag," said Kurt. "I think."
"Well, it does have to be the ultimate fashion for you to carry it around," teased Rachel. "I couldn't see you carrying a pink baby bag with bows."
"I think I could make the sacrifice if it involves having to change diapers," said Kurt, rolling his eyes. "Now open the other present, or this file is going to eat up all my memory."
Rachel complied, opening the wrapping and the box. Moving the tissue paper, a whimper emanated from her lips. She looked over to Kurt, who was happily smiling at her.
"Baby clothes," she moaned, holding one of the outfits to her chest. "Oh goodness, they're so little!" She whimpered. "They're precious Kurt."
"And just think, in a few months you can dress a baby in them."
Rachel sat the boxes on the coffee table and took Kurt's phone from him. She laid her hand on his cheek and kissed him. Tears started to form in her eyes and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
"We're having a baby," she said into his ear. Her sniff made him laugh softly.
"Mood swing?" the countertenor asked.
"Shut it," she said, crying. They both started to laugh.
"At least you seem to have gotten out of the whole nausea part," said Kurt.
"So far," said Rachel, pulling back a little. "And what's up with that? If I ever have to play a pregnant woman, how can I potentially get into the role if I have never had to deal with morning sickness?"
"I think most people would consider it a blessing," said Kurt sarcastically.
"Yeah, I'm not complaining," said Rachel, sitting back down with a sigh.
"Kurt, we're going to have to move."
"What? Why?" he said as he picked up the diaper bag. "Ooh, it has a little mat thingie you can lay out for a changing spot."
"Where would we put a crib Kurt? It's so tight in here, we barely have room for our furniture as it is. And what if after this one we want to have more? What if I get pregnant with twins then? What if I'm having twins now? Or triplets? Three kids Kurt? We would have to buy a house."
"Whoa whoa whoa," said Kurt, putting a hand up in front of Rachel's face. "We barely have this one child. Let's not go planning for more right now." He looked nauseated at the thought. He worried his bottom lip for a moment before letting out a deep breath. "We can talk about it and look. And as far as the baby bed, we could get one of the smaller cribs and keep it in our room after the baby is born if necessary. It wouldn't hurt us to get a bigger apartment in the future, really. Two bedroom maybe. I think we could manage that."
"I'll start going over the budget," said Rachel.
"And here I thought we could stay in this apartment for a few years," sighed Kurt. Rachel frowned at that.
"Kurt, if you don't want to do this…"
"No… No. That's not what I mean. I like this location and…" he said, shaking his head. He rubbed the back of his neck. "It's all just… sudden." He sat back on the couch. "I guess I feel a little overwhelmed. Doctors, baby furniture, toys, clothes, more rent… how are we going to pay for all this?"
"We'll manage," said Rachel. "We always do."
"Maybe I should start buying lottery tickets," muttered Kurt.
"Funny how the fashion writer and Broadway actor's life isn't as fancy and glamorous as you think it would be," said Rachel, staring at the baby clothes.
"We're working people just like anyone else," shrugged Kurt. "We're not waiting tables anymore at least."
"Or only having unpaid internships."
"I will never forget the day I earned my first Vogue paid intern paycheck and saw how little I actually got to keep," said Kurt.
"I need to go check on the spaghetti squash," said Rachel, standing up. She wobbled for a moment and Kurt stood up to steady her.
"Easy," he said as he put a hand on her back and side. "You okay?"
"Just a little dizzy," said Rachel, shaking her head to clear it. "I must have got up too fast."
"I'll go check on it and you sit," said Kurt. Rachel moved his hands and made a swatting motion at him.
"I'm not helpless," she said as she headed off to the kitchen. Kurt started picking up the little bits of wrapping paper off the floor and made a big ball out of the paper. He teasingly threw it at Rachel when she came back into the living room. She laughed and threw it back as Kurt collected the boxes.
"We'll have to get Isabelle a thank you card."
"For Gucci? I think I'm going to have to take her out to dinner," said Kurt.
"How about for lunch? I can slip away and meet you one day so we can both thank her personally."
"We can do that," nodded Kurt. His eyes flickered towards the wall where there was a large collage of pictures from their high school years. It had been his plan to put all their pictures where they could see them. It was oddly grounding to see where they had started. Although they still kept in contact with many of their friends, it was never enough to have texts and the occasional pictures. He looked over to the picture from their wedding that was of their high school friends and their parents, which basically made up the wedding party and at least a 1/3 of the guests.
"How are we going to tell everyone?"
Rachel smiled at that. "I have an idea, actually."
After checking with their health insurance and making sure her future OB list was Jewish, Rachel finally found a doctor she was happy with. She had a private practice that worked with midwives to provide a complete service for pregnant women. It had been a confusing couple of weeks trying to figure out what she wanted. Kurt, while being comforting and supportive, hadn't really been helpful. Rachel finally just had to giggle about it because as much as Santana used to tease and taunt that Kurt was Lady Hummel, his knowledge about pregnancy and feminine health she could have fit into a thimble, although she would give him a gold star for the effort he was putting into research. He was always there for her though, and that's all that mattered. Rachel had talked to some of her friends there in New York, so she was beginning to think she had a handle on things. There was so much information around and it really felt like she was drowning in anecdotes and tales of people's horror birth stories.
Figuring out her own birth story was getting a little complicated.
Rachel had sort of planned out in her head what she wanted. Maybe. She wanted to have a natural birth or perhaps have a water birth. Being surrounded by warm water just sounded relaxing and very comforting. Maybe with the right music she could develop a rhythm and make her way through contractions easier.
But then, she didn't know the cleanliness of the equipment and she had more than a few stories about infections...
She looked over to Kurt, who was restlessly sitting beside her in the doctor's office. Rachel had already been to there before and gotten some of her questions answered and gathered a good bit of information. She was happy with Doctor McKenna's practice and her level of expertise. She had been a graduate of Weill Cornell and Northwestern, and had even been a midwife while putting herself through medical school. Rachel put a hand on Kurt's knee. The act made him sigh.
"How can you sit so still? This is your appointment."
Rachel was amused at his words. She rubbed his knee.
"Relax," she chided him. "At least you get to keep your clothes on."
"I don't know. If you leave me out here in the waiting room, that woman over there might make dinner out of me. She keeps looking at me like I'm a piece of meat." Kurt pointed her out by jerking his head in her direction and making a face.
Rachel laughed softly and looked out of the corner of her eye. The woman did seem to be not so discreetly checking out her husband over a magazine. She was always amused when Kurt would notice others checking him out. It was so much fun to tease him.
"It's nice to know my husband is so good looking and appealing to pregnant women."
"Well, I am irresistible," said Kurt with a smirk as he looked at her. "But I think that man over there in the corner can't decide if I'm your boyfriend, husband, or if you're my surrogate."
"Do you remember when we used to plan that?"
Kurt winced. "Or when Quinn and Blaine decided they were going to do IVF for our future kids? That even made it onto Mr. Schue's future child's video."
"That seems so long ago now. By the way I always meant to ask, Tracey and Hepburn?"
Kurt sat back in his seat, crossing his legs. "I refuse to take any ridicule for those names. It was just a thought at the time. Especially from someone who wants to name her children after all of Barbra Streisand's roles."
"It was just an idea," sniffed Rachel. "So... plane tickets?"
"Ordered and waiting," said Kurt. "And I went ahead and rented us a car so we can flip a coin once we land in Ohio to see who we're telling first."
"I can't believe I'm already not fitting in some of my clothes. I'm gaining inches," whined the brunette. "The costume department had to let out a pair of the dress pants I'm wearing in the show just a little bit."
Kurt smiled sadly. "It's only going to get worse from here on out. You'll gain on average about a pound a week."
"Ugh," said Rachel, hiding her face behind her hands. "The costuming people are going to be not happy with me soon."
They went quiet for a little bit, waiting semi-patiently for the appointment. Kurt was doing something on his tablet while Rachel answered a text. She put her phone away after that and was starting off into the distance.
"Rachel Hummel?" said a nurse, walking out into the reception area. But Rachel was not paying attention. Kurt shook her shoulder.
"The nurse just called you."
"Oh!" said Rachel. "Sorry." She stood up, shaking her head to clear it. "I spaced out."
"I could tell," he said amused. "Maybe you should have put down Rachel Berry instead. You might have heard her."
Rachel rolled her eyes and nudged him with her shoulder as they both started walking towards the nurse. "That's only if she was announcing me for another Tony or a Grammy." The nurse smiled at them as they approached and gestured for them to follow her as she led them down to an examination room.
"Hi, my name is Laura," said the red haired nurse. She was wearing bubblegum pink scrub top covered in yellow polka dots over pink scrub pants in the same shade. "I see you've already had a confirmation appointment with your regular doctor. So you're about two months along?"
"Two months and two weeks now," said Rachel.
"Have you gained any weight?" asked the nurse as she gestured to the scales. Rachel went and stood on them as the nurse slid the scales.
"Maybe two to three pounds," said the Broadway actress. She laid a hand on her stomach. "Not much really."
"It's still early," said the nurse with smile. "If your doctor is correct, then they're only about the size of a plum right now. Lots of time to grow."
"You know, I think that's about the one thing I haven't craved. Write it down Kurt."
Kurt rolled his eyes as he took a seat in a chair not far from the exam table.
"So I'm guessing you're having a lot of food cravings," chuckled the nurse. "Any food aversions?"
"None so far," said Rachel as the nurse put a blood pressure cuff around her arm. "But then, I really haven't had any nausea either."
"Lucky," said Laura with a nod as she started to pump up the cuff. "How long have you two been married?"
"Five years. Five loooong years," said Kurt, giving Rachel a quick smirk from over his phone. Laura laughed at that as she took the reading off the gauge.
"My dear darling husband is just kidding. He's a joker when he's nervous," said Rachel to the nurse. She sent Kurt a glare as Laura turned to put away the blood pressure cuff.
"I've heard worse, believe me," said Laura. "Sometimes you feel sorry for the kid already and hope things get better or they find their way to a loving home."
"We most definitely want to keep ours," said Rachel, shaking her head at the thought. "Even if they are a little bit early in our plans."
"Babies can be surprises," said the nurse with a smile. "What birth control do you use?"
Rachel handed the nurse a stack of papers. Laura gave her a curious look. The brunette looked sheepish as she tossed her hair back over her shoulder.
"When I dropped by the office to make an appointment, I asked what all questions might be asked so I went ahead and typed them up to save time. It's all there. Our medical history and names and phone numbers of our regular physicians."
"Thoughtful," said the nurse. "And it does save some time. If only we had more patients like you." She added the paper to the file. "I'll be back to draw some blood after you meet with the doctor, but you probably already know that since you're so well prepared." Rachel laughed at that and the nurse smiled and closed the door with a soft click. The Jewish woman began to pick at her sweater as she rolled her sleeve back down.
"I guess I should have worn a short sleeved shirt. Might have made things easier."
"I think they can draw blood either way," said Kurt. "And usually do."
"Can you do it for me?" said Rachel, looking over at the equipment area of the room where there were glass jars of things at the waiting.
"I would, but I'm not pregnant," humored Kurt as he put away his phone. "It might be a little hard to screen for things."
"The males of our species should be like sea horses," said Rachel as she looked up at the ceiling. "I provide the eggs, you provide the sperm, and then you gestate the babies in your pouch till they are ready." She smiled a little too happily at her husband at the thought. "I'd check on you every day and make sure you're fed and well kept."
"You'd be lucky if I didn't drown you in the process," said Kurt with a sour look. He got up out of his chair and came to a stop in front of Rachel. She leaned her head into him and closed her eyes. He ran his hand through her hair.
"Tired?"
"It's not too bad right now," she said, enjoying his touch. "I have something to focus on. But you're so warm and comfy that it might change."
"Silly," he said with a chuckle. He kissed her forehead lightly. Rachel wrapped her arms around his waist.
"I love you," said Rachel.
"I love you too, but you're still not getting into the peach crumble before dinner tonight. We have guests coming from my work."
Rachel pouted. "Spoilsport."
"I know you too well," said Kurt. "And before your hands go anywhere else, I'd like to remind you that your doctor is coming in the door. Hi."
"Hi," laughed a black haired woman. She had soft, wavy black hair to her shoulders and wore large copper colored glasses. She looked amused as she put her hands in the pockets of her white lab coat. Kurt noticed she was only a little bit taller than Rachel.
"No, go ahead," said the doctor. "I never get to walk in on anything fun. Everyone is always so serious. I think it's all the titles. Runs people off like rabbits."
"I think it's all the money you spent on your education that's frightening," said Kurt, pulling out of Rachel's grasp.
"Ugh, don't remind me," said the doctor. "I'm still paying it off." She held out her hand to Rachel and Kurt in greeting. "Hi, I'm Doctor McKenna. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"I'm Rachel and this is Kurt," said Rachel, gesturing. "I've heard great things about you from your staff."
"Don't believe a thing Laura and Carrie tell you, please. They are terrible liars."
Rachel laughed at that. "So they are on to you huh?"
"They do know all my secrets," muttered Doctor McKenna. "So, new patient. Do you have any questions before the examination?"
"I know this is our first appointment," began Rachel. "But I was wondering if we could hear the heartbeat today?"
"I don't see why not," said Doctor McKenna. "It shouldn't be a problem." She picked up Rachel's chart. "It says here you're not exactly sure of the date of the possible date of conceptions. So it would probably be a good idea to go ahead with a sonogram and set a good guess as to when someone is going to make their appearance. When was the date of your last period?"
"First of December I think," said Rachel. "I've always been early-ish."
"Great," said Doctor McKenna. "So let's get started…"
After a few questions and a physical examination, the nurse came back into draw blood. Kurt was doing his best not to laugh at Rachel, although he was sympathetic. He didn't like giving blood in the doctor's office either. But it was all over with for now. The doctor had explained that there wouldn't be many since Rachel was young and healthy. Both Doctor McKenna and the nurse Laura had left the room. Rachel was rubbing her arm with a frown.
"Poor baby," cooed Kurt from his seat. She glared at him.
"You are so going to get it later," she said with a pout.
"Isn't this supposed to be some cute bonding moment?" asked Kurt. Rachel patted the spot beside her on the exam table. Kurt got up off his chair and sat down beside her.
"It is," said Rachel. "We're officially getting an addition to our family. At least, a picture of him or her."
"A little grey blob," mused Kurt.
"Because only you would have an alien for a child," said Rachel, eyeing Kurt with a smirk. She laughed when he wrapped his arms around her. She loved when they teased each other.
"I'd only be having an alien for a kid because you are such an oddball that you can't be human," said Kurt. He paused. "That would explain so many things."
"Like what?" Rachel hummed. She already knew where this was going.
"Like how you're chipper at 5:30 in the morning."
"I'm just a morning person," said Rachel.
"Alien is the only theory that fits," said Kurt. "It'd explain how you got me to fall in love with you." Rachel elbowed him in the side.
"That was a mutual attraction based on how well we work together," chided Rachel.
"Alien," coughed out Kurt.
"You're only adding more fuel to the fire, you know," said Rachel, pulling on Kurt's shirt, pinching his waist. Doctor McKenna walked back in with an amused smile at the two.
"So are you ready to hear your baby?"
"Please," said Rachel. "We want to know if they are okay." Kurt moved to step down off the examination table, but Rachel grabbed his hand before he could go back to his seat.
"As do we. We want you to have a happy and healthy pregnancy," said the doctor, setting down Rachel's chart. "And you can stay with her if she wants Kurt, it's completely fine. Sorry Rachel, but you'll have to move your clothes again." Nurse Laura came over with some paper blue sheets, and laid one on top of Rachel's outfit before rubbing some gel on her stomach. A sonogram machine was brought close, and the transducer was rubbed over Rachel's abdomen.
"You're lucky," said Doctor McKenna. "We have not long had these mobile ultrasound machines. Only about three weeks. We used to have send you elsewhere. Ah," she said with a smile. "And there's your baby's heartbeat."
"So strong and loud," said Rachel as she laid her head back against the exam table. "Already marching to the beat of their own drum." She squeezed Kurt's hand. "Kurt?"
"Yeah, I just…" He smiled at her. "Very strong." The heartbeat filled the room with a very quick pulse that made both her parents hearts beat a little faster as they watched the screen.
"And there is the embryo," said Doctor McKenna. She chuckled. "Quite well developed for a two month old. I think or she might be a little further along than what you and your regular doctor might have thought. I'm going to say you're actually into your third month."
"So our baby is three months?" said Rachel. "Kurt…"
He kissed the top of her head. "All your theories are off a little bit Rachel. I think someone may have had their own timing." He looked back at the picture, his eyes unfocused as they both took in the image of their very small baby in Rachel's body.
"I guess it's safe to say you two would like records," smiled Doctor McKenna. "I'll have Laura to print them off."
"Thank you," said Rachel. "For getting to see him or her… but if I'm three months, does that mean the baby will be born in…?"
"I'm going to put in your estimate due date to be around November 18th which is still in the same ball park your regular physician thought, just not as late in the month," said the doctor. "You might be having a Thanksgiving baby instead of the turkey and stuffing."
"Thank you," said Kurt.
"You're very welcome," said Doctor McKenna. "It's always a pleasure to see young couples happy and welcoming. It never gets old." She paused and picked up Rachel's chart. "I'll be seeing you in about a month Rachel. You can schedule your next appointment at the front desk."
"Guess so," said the brunette, sitting up. "I'll probably be a little bigger by then."
"Which I will be pleased to see," said Doctor McKenna. She left the room with a smile and a wave.
"We have a three month old baby," said Kurt.
"She's beautiful," Rachel said as she straightened her clothes. The nurse had already helped her clean up and left the room.
"So middle of November," said Kurt, thinking. "We will have to think about the color palette for the nursery and decide what patterns we want. And paint." He was staring off into the distance.
"It seems all the more real, doesn't it?" stated Rachel
"It does," agreed Kurt. Their eyes met and they both began to laugh.
"We're being ridiculous," Rachel said as she dangled her feet of the edge. "We always knew this would happen."
"Yeah, unfortunately babies do happen by the meeting of the genitals," smirked Kurt, side-eyeing Rachel.
"Kurt really," said Rachel as he helped her down off the table. "That was a little on the bad side, don't you think?"
"I saw it on a card in the drugstore yesterday while I was waiting on a line to clear," he said. Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Ah, you're still back here. I thought you would be up front already," said Nurse Laura as she entered the room. She handed Rachel a CD and two small sheets of black and white photos.
"Bring the CD back with you on your 20th week appointment and we'll add more sonogram photos then."
"Thank you," said Kurt. Laura nodded and they followed her back to the reception area. Rachel couldn't stop staring at the photos of their child as Kurt handled the co-pay for the visit. She put the CD away in her purse and handed Kurt the second sheet of the photos after he put away the card and receipt.
"So other than what we discussed, what are you going to do with the photos?" teased Rachel. "Going to plaster Vogue with it?"
"Funny," said Kurt sarcastically as he put on his sunglasses after they had exited the building. "And I'm assuming you're going to get the show to use it for the Playbill?"
Rachel took Kurt's arm with a smile. "Now that sounds like a great idea." Kurt chuckled weakly as they headed towards the subway.
"I can just see the billboards in Times Square now."
"Our child will be Broadway royalty," said Rachel, waving her hand. "I have no doubt."
"By the way, she?"
"She might be a girl," said the brunette as they started down the stairwell. "At least, I think she might be a girl."
"Do you want to know?" asked Kurt.
"I haven't made up my mind," shrugged Rachel. "I think it would be good to know so we can get things… but I kind of want to be surprised too."
Kurt nodded. "I kind of thought the same thing. And it'll have to be a mutual decision, because more than likely we would end up spoiling each other."
"A baby isn't exactly like a season finale," said Rachel, shaking her head.
"Technically it is," said Kurt as they went through the turnstile. "Big changes and lots of emotion."
"So when do you want to tell everyone so we can have the fantastic comedic reactions?"
"Well Isabelle knows," Kurt said. "And you told your director."
"Our families?"
"They are next yes," said Kurt. "We've already booked the flight."
"I think we should tell our high school friends next," said Rachel. "I mean, I already dropped some hints to my New York girl friends when I was looking for an OB, but…"
Kurt hesitated for a moment. "I think we can wait to tell our friends when you're in your second trimester. It'd be easier just in case…"
Rachel frowned at that as they stood at the platform. "Kurt, are you worried about a possible miscarriage?"
"Yes. Well, no. Maybe?"
She sighed and took his hand. "I'm healthy. He's healthy. We're going to be fine Kurt. Besides, we're nearly already there."
"Sorry," he said, looking for the train down the tunnel. "You know I worry."
"Too much," smiled Rachel. "But you'll be a good daddy."
"I dread the day our child starts dating," muttered Kurt.
Rachel just had to blink and shake her head. Yes, at one time she had planned out her funeral in her head, but the thought of her future baby even thinking about making future babies was something that was beyond her frame of mind. Which at the moment was not all that surprising considering she spent a good chunk of her days in a fog.
"Plums," she said to Kurt as the doors began to open on the arriving train. "We're going to the Chelsea Market after lunch. And kosher dill pickles. I need them."
A couple of days later, Isabelle walked into Kurt's office. She was amused at her protégé and friend staring off into space and bouncing a pen on his desk.
"Kurt?" she said softly as she knocked on the open door.
"Isabelle," Kurt said, surprised. He looked at the time on his computer. "I thought you were still at that production meeting for another 20 minutes."
"We let out early." She waved her hand dismissively as she sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk. "And it looks like Rachel isn't the only one spacing out."
"I'm sorry about lunch yesterday," said Kurt. He sighed. "Besides the distractedness, she gets super crazy hungry. But I didn't think she'd actually eat three dozen servings of fries."
Isabelle laughed. "It wasn't even close to three dozen Kurt. Far from it. And it's not like I haven't dined with pregnant women before. It was really sweet that you two wanted to say thank you. And I have to admit, I kind of have to agree with Rachel. Those pommes frites were quite exceptional."
Kurt smiled at that as Isabelle sat back gracefully in the chair.
"So what were you thinking about?"
"Flying," answered Kurt. "Rachel and I are going home tomorrow to tell our parents."
"Ooh, the telling of the grandparents," said Isabelle. "It's all getting serious then huh?"
"We're already apartment shopping," said Kurt. "Ours is only a one bedroom."
"Babies will need the room to roam," nodded Isabelle. "Hard to do in the really cramped New York apartments."
"That's another consideration," said Kurt with a sigh. "Soft carpeting and more space for crawling. Thanks."
"Way too many changes?"
"More than I realized," muttered Kurt, rubbing his jaw. "Not that I'm complaining or anything, but…"
"At least you can claim the baby on your taxes next year," chuckled Isabelle.
"Is baby furniture tax deductible?" joked the countertenor lightly.
"I really have no idea," said Isabelle as she shrugged her shoulders. "But you are worth more to momma and the baby than the worry. Relax and take it as it comes."
"I know," said Kurt. He drummed his fingers on the top of the desk. "I have two to worry about now."
"Mmhmm," Isabelle said as she checked her phone. "But you're not alone. You both have friends and family who will support you both. And you know we will always try to work with your schedule if something comes up."
"Thanks," said Kurt with a half smile. "I needed that."
"It's easy to get flustered," said the older woman. "But for now, I am borrowing you from your work to come with me over to GQ. We're having a joint editors meeting this afternoon about an upcoming shared spread and I just know that I'm going to be bored out of mind."
"And what's in it for me?"
"You'll be paid and we'll get to make notes back and forth critiquing their outfits in scathing detail? Plus there will be a catered lunch."
"Tempting, but…"
Isabelle sighed. "Fine. If there are any scarves and accessories up for grabs in the future, you get first pick." She gave him a menacing glare as she stood. "You drive a hard bargain."
"Perfect," said Kurt with a knowing smile. Isabelle would do just about anything to survive meetings where she had to pretend to be really attentive. "Just let me grab my coat."
Flying home to Ohio had been uneventful. Rachel had been fine throughout the trip, though she had felt a little dizzy when they took off. Kurt was glad she hadn't gotten queasy. Her not having morning sickness he believed was a blessing. After claiming their luggage and getting the keys to the rental car, he dug a quarter out of his pocket.
"I thought you were kidding," said Rachel incredulously as she looked at the coin in his hand. She shook her head.
"How else are we going to decide?" asked Kurt as he placed the quarter on the back of his thumb. "Heads or tails?"
"Neither," said Rachel as the wind blew her hair in the parking lot. She took the quarter off his hand and pocketed it. "Burt will go home for lunch right? And my dads are taking us out for dinner tonight. We can tell them then."
"Are you sure Rachel?"
"I am," she said as she closed the trunk after they had put their suitcases in. A large smile graced her features as she walked around and pulled on the car door. "Besides, I can't wait to see the look on Burt's face. It's practically the only reason I'm missing the show."
It was an hour before they made it to the Hummel household. Rachel had called ahead and told Carole to keep Burt occupied a little while and maybe make a little extra for lunch. Since it was a Friday and she was off for the day, it wasn't that hard. The older man was all smiles when he saw them pull up into the driveway from the front porch.
"No wonder Carole was cooking so much for lunch today," he said as Kurt gave him a hug. Rachel squealed and hugged him next. He laughed at that and gave Rachel the biggest smile.
"You two home for the weekend?" he asked as he adjusted his hat. "Because neither of you have said a word about this."
"We are," said Kurt. "We told Carole this morning when we called."
"Nothing to your old dad huh?"
"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise," Rachel said as she held onto Burt's arm. His plaid shirt was warm and he smelled vaguely of oil and grease from the shop.
"Surprise?" said Burt, looking between Kurt and Rachel. "Everything is always a surprise with you two."
"We have another one," said Kurt. "But I think lunch would be better first."
After taking in their things and enjoying Carole's delicious lunch of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, spinach with garlic, and homemade whole grain bread, they were sitting around the table over coffee and tea talking about their trip down and Rachel's show. Kurt had gone upstairs to his former bedroom and had come back down holding two wrapped boxes. Rachel smiled at his quick glance in her direction as he put the presents down in front of both Burt and Carole.
"And this is your surprise?" said Burt. "Presents?"
"Just open it," said Kurt, rolling his eyes at his dad. Rachel stood up and Kurt pulled her closer. She wanted to chide him for holding her so protectively, but she knew it was more for security than anything else. This was a big moment for him, telling his dad about their baby. She laid her head against his shoulder with a smile as Carole pulled one of the black coffee mugs they had gotten made free from the tissue paper.
"Another World's Best Dad mug?" asked Burt as he took his out of the box.
"Burt… you might want to read it again," said Carole with a laugh, laying a hand on his shoulder with a smile.
"World's Best Grandpa…" His eyes shot upwards at Kurt and Rachel and they both started to laugh. Burt's face was priceless. Rachel snapped a picture with her cell phone, knowing Kurt would appreciate it later. Burt got up out of his chair and came over to them with a fierce hug, wrapping his arms around the both of them.
"You're not just playing with your old man are you?"
"No dad, we're actually going to have a family," said Kurt. "That's why we wanted to visit. We wanted to tell you and Carole and Rachel's dads that she's pregnant."
"Rachel honey, how far along are you? The sonogram picture is a nice touch," said Carole as she looked at the mug in her hands.
"Three months," she responded. "We wanted a unique way of telling all of you and this sort of popped in my head after something Kurt said once."
"I'm taking it out to the shop and showing the guys," said Burt. "I can't believe you two want to start a family already. Were you trying?"
"He or she is a bit of a surprise," said Kurt. "But not unwelcome."
"We discussed it," said Rachel. "And really… we don't want to be in our thirties and forties and starting a family. It would be a little harder I think."
"And just one baby?" teased Burt.
"I think one will be quite enough for now," said Rachel, whining as she rubbed her abdomen. "I've already been nearly out of it mentally for the past couple of months. I can't concentrate much. It's a good thing I knew my lines already or I would have had to drop out of the show."
"So are you two making preparations yet?" asked Carole. "Babies need a lot of things."
"We're looking," said Rachel. "But we don't have much yet."
"We got our first presents," said Kurt. "From Isabelle."
"That was nice of her," said Carole. Rachel was enveloped in Carole's warm hug after the older woman had hugged Kurt.
"When are you due?"
"Middle of November," answered Rachel.
"Were you having any morning sickness?" asked Carole.
Rachel shook her head. "I was exhausted and out of it like I said. I think my breasts were a little sore and I've been really hungry."
"Yeah, she's been really focused on food," said Kurt. He pointed at her. "Mention anything to her and she automatically needs it."
"It's your child," grumbled Rachel.
"And I get the blame," Kurt sighed. Carole laughed.
"Sorry Kurt, but I think that's common for all dads," said Burt. He gestured for everyone to head to the living room. "Your mom used to blame me when she'd get sick from the smell of fried eggs. I used to cook them for breakfast before I'd leave for work."
"No wonder Kurt eats a lot of those," muttered Rachel as she sat down.
"It's healthy protein," he said, giving Rachel a look that said not to bring up that old argument again.
"I couldn't stand the smell of a gas stove or fireplace. Even putting gas in the car was an ordeal," said Carole. "It would make me sick to my stomach to try to cook. We finally had to switch over to electric and nausea eased up."
"There always seems to be something quirky, isn't there?" asked Rachel.
"From what I've heard from other woman," nodded Carole. "It's completely random."
"I bet you'll end up having disdain for my conditioner or something," said Kurt.
"I hope not," said Rachel, leaning against Kurt on the couch. "I like your products."
