A/N – this chapter contains a nod to the wonderful 'Just Pretend' by rubycaspar.

I'm publishing this a little earlier than intended, but I thought InvisibleBlade deserved it :)

Jess and Becker

Jess hated being ill. She'd been sent home from work yesterday with a stomach bug. The nausea and vomiting were disgusting, but worse was not knowing what was wrong or how to put it right. Being out of control was not something that Jess enjoyed. As she looked at the stick in her hand, a smile returned to her face. Now she knew what was causing her nausea she could do something about it.

Returning to the living room she picked up her phone and called Becker. "Hils, are you still on site? How did the anomaly go? Are you coming home soon?"

"Yes darling. A routine call. No incursion and no casualties. How are you feeling?"

"Better thanks. Quite hungry in fact. Do you want to pick up a chinese on the way home, but no prawns."

"Yep if you're sure. Do you fancy wine or beer?"

"Neither thanks. Hurry home, I've missed you."

Jess sat on the sofa and ran scenarios of how she would break the news of his impending fatherhood. She could leap at him and kiss him within an inch of his life before telling him, or let it slip during dinner, maybe "no darling, no wine for me, I'm pregnant." Or just leaving the stick on the table – no, too unsanitary. Anything but "We've got to talk."

As she sat, her eyes drifted around the flat and began another mental list – swords and guns into storage, ornaments moved out of reach, sharp corners covered, glass shelves replaced with wood, cupboard doors latched, hardwood floors covered by warmer, softer carpet - no rugs, too much risk of tripping.

Then her face fell. Her shoes! Her wonderful collection of high heeled shoes would have to go and be replaced by flats, at least until baby was in a pram. She couldn't risk tripping in heels whilst pregnant or carrying baby in a papoose. Her poor, darling heels. And poor Becker, he would be devastated at the loss. Her face suddenly brightened as she thought of all the darling little pumps she was now going to have to buy, and the maternity clothes, and the baby clothes! The thought of shopping sprees and adorable baby outfits brightened her mood considerably.

She was still bubbling when Becker arrived home bearing takeaway. She met him in the kitchen as he was lifting plates out of the cupboard. "Feeling better?" he asked rhetorically as he picked her up and kissed her before placing her back on the ground with a puzzled look. "You're shorter."

"That would be the flats" she said as she smiled and modelled her footwear for him. "I thought it was appropriate" she said as she dished up her meal.

"No prawns but I thought prawn crackers would be OK. Are you sure you only want water? So, did you find out what's been causing your sickness? I see your colour is coming back."

She couldn't miss the golden opportunity he had laid before her. She coyly grinned and went for it. "Oh yes I found out. It was you, or more to the point us. We're having a baby." Jess positively glowed.

Becker went through shock to acceptance and finally to a weak smile. He managed to choke back "Are you sure?" before it slipped out, betraying him. Instead he leant forward and drew Jess into a hug. "That's wonderful" he said, but his face over her shoulder was one of fear.

As he drew back he again smiled and tried to look pleased. They took their food through to the living room. Jess happily burbling away about what they needed to do in the flat to make it baby-safe, and how she simply had to go shopping. She continued as they ate, her nibbling in between squeals and delight, whilst he barely registered what passed his lips – he was going through the motions, just buying himself time.

She was currently running through a list of who she should tell first and wondering if her mum would be worried at her being pregnant at just twenty-three.

Oh my god, she's only twenty-three! That's too young to be a single mother. How could he possibly be responsible for leaving her alone to raise a child on her own at such a young age? He had to get his insurance and will sorted out. His Army pension records would need updating. He needed to ensure that everything was set up with her as next of kin and beneficiary. He must talk to his solicitor. And his investments and holdings – he would have to talk to his broker. He needed to get all his assets made over to joint names so that she had full access to everything. His father would need to know to include Jess as beneficiary in his will so she inherited Becker's share of the estate. They needed to sort out their marriage - that would help straighten things out. And there would be school fees and university - perhaps he should consider setting up a trust fund. It would be tight, but he had to make sure that they were properly provided for.

He suddenly realised that she was staring at him expectantly. Had she asked him something?

"Are you OK Hils? This is what you want isn't it?" The doubt in her eyes went straight to his heart.

He smiled reassuringly, setting down his plate. "Of course it is darling. I couldn't be happier. This is wonderful news." He drew her into a hug, knowing that he had just told the love of his life a bare-faced lie.

tbc

Sorry for the short chapter and the cliffhanger, but the story demanded it.

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