Long, slow process...


Flack rubbed at his jaw tiredly, still looking at the picture in front of him.

"You've known for four weeks. A month."

Jess wasn't entirely sure if it was a statement or a question. She hesitated, then spoke.

"I didn't know how to tell you. I... I was scared. I'm still scared. I was almost two months gone before I even realised I'd missed something," She let out a small laugh. "What kind of woman takes eight weeks to even notice she's pregnant? I could have been drinking or smoking or, or God knows what else."

"So even though you didn't know, you haven't had a drink since before I knocked you up?" Don asked, smiling slightly.

"I only really had one opportunity, what with work and everything. That night I went out for a drink with Anna, I just didn't feel like having anything. Lucky, I guess."

Don pulled Jess towards him, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I think that means you've got good instincts or subconscious or whatever you call it. You were being a mother before you even knew you had to be."

Jess gently shoved him. "Stop sweet-talking me like one of your bimbos"

"Na, when I'm sleezing with my bimbos I don't usually lead with a line about motherhood. They get too clingy when I do that."

Jess half snorted into his shoulder. Don watched her for a moment, then looked down at the sonogram again and sighed. "I wish you told me sooner, Jess. I would'a had more time to process this. I would'a been at the doctor's appointment. I would'a... I dunno, I would'a been there for you when you found out. I mean, you know how I feel about parents sticking around for their kids."

Jess met Don's eye, feeling guilty. "Don, I'm sorry. I didn't even... God, I didn't even think of that."

"Look, let's not get into a big discussion on it. My mother walked out on me, your mother's dead. We haven't exactly got much maternal inspiration to work with," He replied resentfully.

Jess pulled back, looking hurt. "What, are you saying I won't know how to do this because my mom died when I was a kid?"

Flack blinked in response, shame creeping up on him. "I didn't mean that, at all. I'm sorry, that came out totally wrong."

"I may not be a girly-girl that played Mommies and Daddies with dolls as a kid; but Jesus, I'm gonna do everything for this child. I know I can be maternal, even if you don't see it," Jess snapped, rubbing tears of frustration from her eyes.

Flack faced her directly, shaking his head agitatedly. "Christ, I just said five seconds ago that you're already being a good parent." He paused, forcing the irritation from his voice. "Jess, I wouldn't pick any other woman on the planet to be the mother of my child. You think I didn't notice you being more healthy this past month? Nap breaks instead of coffee runs; fruit instead of bagels; popping vitamins at lunch."

Jess wiped her eyes again. "You noticed that?"

"Yeah, I mean it was mostly because you weren't getting me coffee or bagels anymore," he replied, smiling. "I figured it was just some health boost fad you had taken to though, hoped it would wear off. Now I find out I have to get my own snacks for the next six months- ," Flack stopped for a moment, running a hand through his hair. "In six months we'll have a baby."

Jess rolled her eyes. "Yes Don, pregnancy does usually result in a child. Surely you gathered that."

"This is scary, Jess," Flack admitted.

Jess leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss. "Let's go to sleep. You look like shit."

Don laughed, shaking his head. "Our kid is gonna be such a wise ass," he said, sliding under the covers.

Jess slid down beside him, curling into his chest. "And sarcastic," she mumbled.

"And incredibly good looking if he takes after me."

"Or she."

"Or she," Don agreed quietly, his breathing evening out into sleep.