Claire found Spike sitting on the top step of the porch, smoking a cigarette. He turned around when he heard her behind him, she could see that his eyes were bright and full of anger, but they softened a little when he saw it was her.
"Hey" He said in the mild voice he saved for her.
She took a seat next and picked up the pack of cigarettes sitting by his feet and had one in between her lips before Spike pinched it between his fingers and crushed it in the ashtray along with his own cigarette.
"You know we gotta quit smoking while you're pregnant". He said giving her a small smile.
She scoffed at him."I wasn't the one out here trying to smoke one in a single drag".
"Yeah, well I was a just a bit stressed out". He said bitterly.
"Well, you're not the only one". She said and leaned her head against her shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her waist and let her scent wash over him and calm him. He stroked her stomach in small circles with his thumb, he had started doing this soon after they found out that she was pregnant. Even there wasn't much to feel with her being only a month along, she didn't mind him doing it though since it helped relax her, especially in a situation like this.
They sat like this for a moment with no words, just enjoying each others company until Spike started the conversation again.
"Do you know what your brothers problem is with me"? He asked her quietly.
She shrugged against him. " He's just very protective of me".
"A little overprotective if you ask me"
Claire sighed sadly. " I know, it's just that when our parents passed away he was the only left that could take care of me. Chris has just never been able to get over his overprotective tendencies".
She straightened up and looked him in the eyes. " That's not an excuse for him to treat you like shit though, and I'm going to make sure he understands that when I decide to talk to him again".
Spike just smiled and kissed her, he loved how protective she was of him even though he could handle himself it felt good to know she would always back him up. They kissed for a few more moments, only breaking off when they heard the door open behind them. Spike turned around ready for another argument and maybe for a fight if Chris tried to push him further, but it was only Jill with a sympathetic look on her face.
"Spike, I want to apologize for how Chris acted, He can be really hard-headed sometimes.
Spike nodded. "It's alright, it wasn't your fault anyways".
Claire stood up. "Where is my brother? I need to have a talk with him".
Jill smirked "I sent him up to our room to cool off after we ate because he was still acting like an idiot, but I was wondering if I we could talk in private for a minute"?
Claire gave her a questioning look but agreed. "Where do you want to talk at"?
Spike stood up, zipped up his jacket and gave Claire a kiss on the cheek. " Y'all can have the porch, I'm gonna go for a walk".
With that he jogged down the steps and began striding down the road. Claire watched after him for a moment before turning back to Jill.
"What'd you want to talk about"?
Jill shrugged. " Just about what's been happening the last few months, we haven't had many opportunities to talk since we've both been so busy".
Claire realized just then that it had been at least a month since she had talked to Jill. It made her sad to think that she wasn't as close to Jill as she used to be, before Chris and Jill had become so busy with their police work Jill had been like a big sister to Claire.
Jill took Claires hand to look at the engagement ring on her finger it was a modest one, just a small diamond with a silver band, but it meant the world to Claire. Jill looked up from the ring into Claires eyes and gave her a knowing smile.
"You really love him, huh"?
Claire laughed sardonically. " Well, I am marrying him so I would hope so".
Jill laughed. " Seriously though, I can tell by the way you look at him that you truly love him.
Claire smiled. "Yeah I do, he's really a great guy." She let out a frustrated groan.
Jill put a hand on her shoulder. " What's wrong?"
Claire shook her head. " I just wish that Chris would stop trying to be such a hard-ass, and just get along with Spike."
Jill gave her an understanding smile. " He'll come around eventually, once he gets to know Spike. He just wants to be sure that whoever you're with is good enough for you".
Claire scoffed. " He needs to understand that I'm not a little girl anymore and can make my own decisions and take care of my own problems".
A conflicted look came over Claires face for a moment. "Jill, I want to tell you something but you have to promise not to tell Chris".
Jill didn't look happy about it, but she agreed all the same. " I promise I won't say anything to him. What is it?"
Claire gave her answer straightforward. " I'm pregnant".
Jills eyes widened. "Pregnant? are you sure"?
Claire nodded and smiled. " I'm five weeks along. We went to the doctor just before we came down here to make sure."
"Is that why you're marrying him"?
Claire glared at her. "No, I love him. This just happened, he proposed to me a week before we knew anyway".
Jill smiled. "Well then, I guess you have this handled. Who else knows that you're pregnant"?
"Just Ryan and Becca".
"What do they think about it"?
Claire smiled and let out a small laugh. " Your brother tried to convince Spike to name the baby after him".
Jill laughed and shook her head at her brothers antics. "What about Becca".
"She was really happy for me when I told her, but then of course she started lecturing me on all the vitamins and nutrients I needed. Now, what do you think about it Jill"?
Jill shrugged and smiled. " As long as you're happy and safe then its fine with me, and I guess it's gonna be fun being an aunt".
Claire smiled brightly and hugged Jill. "That's good 'cause I'm gonna need you to help me deal with my brother when we tell him about this".
Jill smiled back at her. " Come on inside, you should have that talk with Chris before Spike gets back so nothing else starts up".
Claire nodded and followed Jill into the house.