Chapter Seven

Both the couple—and Claudia, didn't plan to tell the couple's circle of friends about the pregnancy till she was four months along.

The first step, routine blood tests for both Claudia and Rick came back within a day, everything was clean. But the test results for genetic disorders and diseases was going to take about two weeks, more had been added to the list clinics required since the last time Drew's sister had been a surrogate. When those tests came back clear, an appointment for insemination was set for the following day. Drew wanted to tell Krista about the day's events but was trying to hold out just in case the process didn't take but by the end of his shift he couldn't.

This was likely because a woman was rushed into the ER in full-blown labor. Her baby's head was already crowning on the stretcher and it was Drew who delivered the baby, a ten pound boy, right there in the emergency room. He was glad that baby's parents had already a name picked out and it was not Andrew. After the baby's birth when the family was settled in upstairs, the parents sent word to the ER that they wanted the doctor actually delivered their son to come up and have a picture taken holding the newborn for the baby book.

Drew obliged.

"So, you haven't delivered a baby since your training. How'd it feel?" Krista asked, closing her locker.

"Pretty good," Drew smiled. "I'll stick with ER medicine though."

"Did holding the baby make you think 'I want one'?"

His friend was half-teasing and his answer surprised her.

"Well, I might be gettin' one," he grinned.

Drew went on to explain to his friend about the afternoon's events.

"We won't know anything for four a month or so, but fingers crossed," he made the gesture, "that it worked."

The timing, if Claudia was pregnant would be great.

By the time the baby was born, Rick would finished training the current SWAT group and the next police academy wouldn't be starting for six months. They would probably start interviewing for a part-time nanny immediately, only because they were going to be so selective. The nanny wouldn't be needed for a few months.

"Since I already blabbed," Drew said, "I have to tell you, they now have a counsellor talk to you about what gender you're hoping for. There's been a lot of parents who didn't get the 'child they wanted.' She seemed surprised that Rick and I found it so offensive. I guess 'cause we're men. I'm not sure she believed us when we insisted we just wanted a baby."

"There you are!" Topher said, entering the locker room. "Do you know my two little daughters have practically ignored me and have been asking for "Dew" and "Wick" since I had you two babysit?"

Drew smiled, tilting his head.

"I can't say we all didn't have a fun time. You won't have to talk me into doing it again."


"What in the world happened last night?"

Rick was surprised to see Drew so happy after a 12-hour shift. He usually just looked tired.

"Well," Drew said, walking over to kiss Rick at the kitchen counter. "First, I have to confess, I blabbed."

"Really," Rick asked.

"Yeah. But in my defence, there was a trigger."

He told Rick about delivering the baby boy and getting to hold him.

"I told Krista and you know she keeps her mouth shut. She told me she doesn't want to "jinx" our situation."

"Well, I suppose I can forgive ya. Besides the fact you're so cute, that would make me spill the beans, too," Rick grinned. The two ate breakfast together before Rick had to get ready for work and Drew went to bed. "You're off, tonight? I'll beat you at darts."

The two had the ultimate rec room with a 42 inch television, dart board on the wall, pool table, air hockey table and bar. They figured they could keep it around even after they started a family because four out of the five objects could used by children as well as adults.

"Is that a challenge?" Drew raised his eyebrows. "'Cause you're on."

Rick laughed as he rose from the table.

"Well, I gotta go," he said, kissing Drew again, gently touching his cheek. "I love you. Do me a favor, would ya? Go to bed. You're exhausted."

"I love you, too. See ya tonight. And yes, I'm going to bed," Drew smiled.

With the adrenaline rush wearing off fast, Drew took a quick shower and crawled into bed.

On the other side of the bed, Rick's, like he always did when his husband was at work.

Drew didn't know Rick did the same when he was gone. Both found it comforting to fall asleep and wake up to the other's scent.

He quickly fall asleep and didn't wake up till 3:00.