A/N: Ok, this is my first chapter that wasn't in the original story. Hope you guys like it. Oh yeah, some reviews would be nice. :)

Countdown : 8 weeks

"Aren't you cold out here?"

James turned around. Kate was walking down the steps leading into her back garden. She sat down on the bench beside James and he shrugged.

"It's the price you pay when you're a smoker and your pregnant daughters in the house. Plus, I had to get away from all your yuppie friends."

"Hey!" Kate playfully slapped James' arm and the both laughed. Since Ella had announced her engagement to Aaron, James and Kate had called a truce. Agreed to turn over a new leaf with each other...for Ella's sake. They had ended upon good terms and although neither saw each other often, they enjoyed each other's company when they did. It was this little arrangement which had led to Kate, finding out James had no New Year's Eve plans, to invite him to the party she was holding. It wasn't really his sort of thing but it was better than sitting at home doing nothing and it meant he got to see Ella...something James could never turn down.

Kate looked at him inquisitively. "I seem to remember you said you was quitting? What happened?"

James smirked. "I'm working on it." He stubbed his cigarette out on the ashtray that had been placed outside for the smokers. "See."

"I don't think smoking half cigarettes counts as trying to quit."

James shrugged. "Everyone has to start somewhere."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So...how are you feeling?"

"Well...I have still have morning sickness. Is that normal?"

Juliet nodded. Ella sighed in relief. Even though her mother had recommended her she didn't realise she knew Juliet enough to invite her. Ella wasn't complaining. Always good to see another friendly face.

"Erm, apart from that...nothing's really changed. Well...I think my boobs a little bigger but..."

"Eh-erm"

Ella turned around and she felt herself blush.

"If I'd known that's what you were talking about, I would have gone to find that dentist instead."

Her dad must have snuck up behind her. She hoped embarrassment didn't affect the baby.

Juliet chuckled. "I'll leave you two to have your awkward moment. And Ella, I'll see you in a couple of weeks. And..."

"James."

"Juliet." They shook hands. "Nice to meet you."

"You too."

Juliet slinked off, leaving the father and daughter alone. Ella looked up at her Dad. "You sure know how to make an entrance."

"I think that dilemma was just as much your fault as mine, cutie pie."

Ella smiled at her nickname. Most people got pissed off when her dad called them a nickname but Ella loved it, probably because he always gave her cute ones. "I saw Mom go outside. What'd she want."

"To check I was okay. That's all...don't worry, we didn't share secrets." James leaned in closer to Ella. "By the way, who was that woman you were talking to?"

"Oh...that's Dr. Burke. My baby doctor. Why do you ask?"

James shrugged. "Oh, nothin'." Ella giggled. "What?!"

"Oh...nothin'" Ella replied in a sarcastic tone.

"If you were anybody else..."

"I know." She smiled and James couldn't help but smile back.

"ONE MINUTE TO GO PEOPLE!" James turned round to see Kate standing on a chair shouting to her guests. "Get your glasses, your streamers and your partners together." James picked up his champagne glass and noticed that Ella was holding one too...and that definately didn't look like OJ!

"Don't worry Dad. It's non-alcoholic champagne." James breathed a sigh of relief. Ella turned her head to look round the room. "By the way, have you seen Aaron?"

"What, you mean the guy dooling on your mom's couch." Ella turned and saw her loving husband sprawled out on her mother's extremely expensive couch fast asleep. And yes, he was drooling. She heard her Dad smirk and, even though she was slightly pissed, she couldn't help but smile at the sight. Pathetic and cute wrapped into one.

"Looks like you'll have to settle with me. Hmm? Second best will have to do." James cocked his eyebrow at Ella and she smiled. She could see how women would find him charming.

"Dad, trust me. You're never second best."

3...2....1...

James and Ella clinked glasses and they gave each other a kiss on each others cheek before taking a swig from their wine glasses.

"Happy new year Dad."

"Happy new year cutie pie."