"I'm pregnant." Payton whispers as Lucas holds her tight. Slightly his grip loosens on her and she looks up into his eyes.
"Say that again," he whispers still holding onto her.
"We're going to have a baby." She smiles when she sees the flicker in his eyes. He's happy, he doesn't have to say it for her to know.
Lucas gives a small laugh then cups Payton's face and kisses her. "You're sure?" He asks against her lips. Payton nods yes, and he kisses her again.
"Get a room!" Brooke's voice interrupts them.
"Can we tell her?" Lucas whispers in Payton's ear.
"Not until we tell your Mom and them." Payton whispers back. Lucas nods in understanding.
"Didn't you hear me? Get a room!" Brooke is now standing with her hands on her hips.
Lucas laughs slightly, "Sorry, I'm just so madly in love with this woman." He says slipping behind Payton arms wrapped around her stomach.
"Urge!" Brooke groans. "Ya'll make me sick!" She smiles. "I'm glad you are so madly in love though."
"Yeah me to." Payton says.
"So P. Scott, can I get you a drink?" Brooke asks.
"NO!" Lucas couldn't stop himself. Payton lets out a giggle as Brooke looks on with a wonder in her eye.
"Okay…." She says. "You keeping a tight leash on her or is there something I should know?"
"He's being protective again." Payton moves out of Lucas's grip and gives him a kiss. "Go see Skills and them, I'm gonna go hang out with the girls. No drinking I promise." Lucas watches as Payton turns and heads off with Brooke. We're having a baby? The realization hits him.
Heather is laying across her bed listening to music when Jason comes in. He loves sneaking these glances at her. She's beautiful. Not showing much yet, but she's starting to round out. The morning sickness has slacked off since the scare. "You could go in" comes a voice behind him.
"I don't want to interrupt her. She looks so peaceful." He says turning slightly to look at Karen.
"She's going to be okay. You both are." Karen says. "Got time for coffee?"
Jason steals one more glance at Heather before following Karen into the kitchen. "We didn't intend this, but the more time I spend with her, the more time I want." He says as she pours two coffees.
"Ya know, a baby is a big deal Jason. It's another life, one that can't protect itself. I want to be there for my daughter, but I have to know that you are too." Karen sets down and places a coffee in front of Jason.
"I won't say I'm ready, because the truth is I'm scared to death. But I've never walked away from responsibility, and I don't intend to know. Heather is an awesome person, and I know that's because she has an awesome family. She won't have to go through this alone. And I'm not saying I know what I'm doing because I sure as hell don't. I'm clueless. But I would do anything for her. I don't have much of a family myself, so if I screw up I'm sorry. You just got to tell me what to do." Jason looks down into her coffee.
"Jason, all you have to do is be here. When she needs you just be here. And so far you have. It's normal to be scared. I would be surprised if you weren't." Karen touches his arm lightly. "You're doing good so far."
"Mom," Heather comes out of her bedroom, "my stomach..." She stops when she sees Jason. "Jason, I didn't realize you were here."
"I was just talking to your Mom. What's wrong with your stomach?" Jason gets up and puts his arm around her.
"Nothing, it just feels like I got butterflies." Heather smiles at him.
"Sounds like the baby's moving." Karen sips her coffee. Heather and Jason both look at Karen.
"Isn't it a little early? I mean it doesn't feel like…" Heather doesn't really know how to describe it.
"You're nearly five months, it's about time. It feels like a light fluttering at first." Karen smiles at her daughter.
A slow smile crosses Heather's face as her hand covers the slight bulge in her stomach. "That's exactly how it feels."
Jason wraps her arms around Heather and pulls her close. "I can't wait to feel it myself." He whispers.
"Want to take a walk?" Heather pulls back slightly.
"I would love to." Jason touches her face gently…
Heather grabs her jacket and they head out the door. "It's a beautiful day." Heather feels the crisp wind blow her face.
"It's beautiful alright" Jason's voice is so soft it causes Heather to look over at him. His eyes are on her.
"Jason…" She says as she puts her arm around his waste and leans her head against his chest. Heather breaths in his scent. "Want to stop by Haley's?" She asks against his chest.
"Sure" He says turning to head toward the other Scott house. "I'm sure the kids will be glad to see you."
"Yeah they will." She smiles at the thought of the kids. They walk in silence until finally they are in front of the house. "Looks like Deb in here." She nods to the car.
"Still want to go in?" Jason asks.
"Yeah, I like Deb." Heather smiles at him.
"Okay." Jason smiles at her as they make their way onto the porch of the big house.
Heather rings the doorbell and hears tiny feet running toward it, then hears "I can't do it daddy!" come from Taylor's small voice.
"I'm coming baby girl." Nathan's voice answers. It isn't long before Nathan pulls the door open. "Hey Sis!"
"Hey Nate, hey Taylor" Heather and Jason step inside. "Hope this isn't bad timing." Heather looks into the living room where Haley and Deb are talking.
"No, never bad timing for my little sister. Everything okay though?" Nathan hugs Heather then holds her at arms length.
"Yeah, everything fine Bubs. Oh, this is Jason." Heather motions to Jason standing at her side.
"We're met." Nathan holds his hand out to Jason.
"You have?" Heather looks from one to the other.
"The night of the scare, Nathan came by Lucas's." Jason puts his hand on Heather's lower back.
"Oh, okay." Heather can feel a slight tension between the two men and frowns. "Are you sure this isn't bad timing?"
"It's never bad timing for family." Deb says from the door way. "How are you?"
"Deb!" Heather gives the woman a hug. "You looks amazing!"
"Oh, you know, nothing a trip the Bahamas isn't responsible for." Deb smiles. "Oh and I brought you something, I was going to stop by and see you later but since you're here."
"What?" Heather says suddenly curious to know what Deb has brought her.
"It's in the car." Deb says, "I'll go get it."
"I'll go" Jason says, "That way you girls can catch up."
"Oh thank you, it's in the back seat, and I think the car is unlocked." Deb smiles as she leads Heather into the living room.
"Hey Tommy," Heather sets next to the seven year old and pulls four year old Taylor onto her lap. "Ya'll have grown."
"I'm a big boy, and I do big boy chores!" Tommy announces. "And my teacher says I'm a good student."
"But my teacher says I'm good to!" Taylor whines.
"You're both good," Heather says with a laugh.
"Haley say you were exspecting." Deb looks at Heather.
"I'm nearly five months, I know you can tell Deb." Heather shakes her head.
"You aren't showing much" Nathan sets down in a chair beside Haley.
Heather laughs, "Really cause it feels like I'm the size of a house."
"You aren't!" Tommy looks up horrified at Heather.
"Are you going to get big as a house?" Taylor looks up at Heather with big eyes.
"God I hope not." Heather says with a laugh.
"Well even if you do get big as a house, you'll still be beautiful." Everybody turns to Jason.
"Well that may be a good thing" Heather smiles at him. Deb takes a package from him and hands it to Heather. "You gonna help me kids?" Heather lets the kids pull the paper out, and she pulls out the package within. She hands Taylor to Jason, and unwraps it. Inside she finds a white blanket "Oh Deb…."
"It was yours when I use to keep you. I kept it because I wanted you to be able to pass it down." Deb smiles down at Heather.
"Oh God, I new you would make me cry!" Heather lets out a small laugh as tears fall, "I don't know what to say" she gets up and hugs Deb.
"Well, I'm pretty sure nobody else has said this to you," Deb pulls back and puts both hands on Heather's face in a motherly way, "Congratulations Heather. You are going to be a great mother, because you learned from the best. I may have screwed up with Nathan in the past, but Karen done good with hers."
"Well, Nathan turned out okay. And you had a hand or to in raising me." Heather hugs Deb.
"Ya know, I can't believe my mother is the first to congratulate you. I feel horrible." Nathan shakes his head and stands up. "A baby is a big deal, but it is a good thing too." He hugs Heather then holds his hand out to Jason, "You hurt my sister and you might want to leave town."
"Nathan!" Heather and Haley say together.
"What?" Nathan turns to look them, "Just being honest with the guy."
"Actually it's okay." Jason says. "Let me be the first to tell you, incase you missed it, that I am falling madly in love with your sister. There's nothing I wouldn't do for her, and I hope you understand that." Jason stands to look Nathan in the eye.
"Haley, please call your husband." Heather puts her arm around Haley.
"He's your brother!" Haley laughs.
"Oh yeah." Heather laughs. "Come on seriously guys, you're gonna have to get along." Jason pulls Heather in for a hug.
"I'm sorry." He says into her ear. "I just want them to understand, I'm staying." He says more loudly.
"That's good to hear" Deb says as she smiles at them.
"We should actually get going though, I want to get you home before Lucas comes over." Jason kisses her forehead.
"Yeah, if you think I'm bad…" Nathan looks slightly pleased.
"Nathan Scott you are trouble in your own respect." Heather smiles at him. She picks up the blanket, hugs the kids, Haley, Nathan and ounce again hugs Deb. "Thank you" She says into Deb's ear.
"You're a very smart young woman, and I just know you're going to be fine." Deb whispers back.
Jason leads Heather out of the house before speaking, "He's protective of you."
"They all are, I'm the baby." Heather smiles at him.
"Really?" Jason glances over.
"Yeah, it's Lucas, Nathan, Lily, and then me. Although technically he's not my biological brother. But honestly I don't think you want me to get into that. He's my brother, that's all that matters. And Deb is his mother. Of course you know Haley." Heather holds Jason's hand and leans against him slightly.
"Sounds complicated." Jason laughs slightly. "I'm an only child."
"You're house must have be quiet." Heather feels contentment wash over her.
"Well, when my parents weren't fighting then sure." Jason puts his arm around Heather and pulls her closer.
"I'm sorry Jason." Heather looks up at him.
"No, don't be. I shouldn't have brought it up." There's a pause before Jason contently says, "What do you want? Have you thought about boy or girl?"
"Honestly no. You?" Heather asks.
"I want a healthy baby of course." Jason begins. "But I wouldn't mind having a girl."
"I thought for sure you would say boy" Heather smiles up at him.
"Oh I would love a boy, but I think the world could do with another girl like you." Jason smiles down at her.
"Aww." Heather feels tears in her eyes. "You treat me like a princess."
"He should." Lucas's voice comes from the porch. "Where were you?"
"I was at my other brother's." Heather steps up on the porch and hugs Lucas. "I take Payton told you she's pregnant."
"You new?!" Lucas says in outrage.
"I met her at the doctor bubba, sorry." Heather giggles. "Congratulations."
"How long have you known?" Lucas hugs his sister.
"Um, right after my scare?" Heather pulls back. "Okay don't tell Payton I told you that?"
"Don't worry, it doesn't matter." Payton says from the door. "How are you?"
"Good, how are you?" Heather hugs her. "Maybe he's still in shock." Heather looks at Lucas and laughs.
"I'm not shocked that my wife and I are expecting…" Lucas rolls his eyes.
"Luke," Heather turns in the door way blocking his way, "don't go there today? Please. I want you to let this go, I know I screwed up, and I'm paying the price. But this baby doesn't have to. And I don't want you hating this baby because of this."
"Heather" Lucas pulls her back onto the porch, "how could you ever think that I would hate your baby?"
"Because you hate me Luke, and it kills me." Heather feels tears in her eyes.
"Oh God," Lucas pulls Heather into his arms, "Sissy, I could never never never hate you. I thought you new that?" Lucas's voice cracks, "I'm just worried about you. I'm scared."
"And I'm not Luke?" Heather looks up at him. "I actually felt it move a little this morning. And I got even more scared. It proves there's something in there, and as much as it scares me it excites me to. And that's something I want so bad to share with my big brother, but both of them are so out to get Jason that I can't! Nathan basically attacked him. And do you who finally congratulated me? Deb! My own brother's can't even bring themselves to say it!" Heather leans her head into Lucas's chest and cries.
Lucas holds his sister until her sobs soften, "Heather, I'm sorry. I've been a jackass. I just worry about my baby sister."
"Ya know someday I'm gonna have to graduate to youngest sister instead of baby." Heather looks up at him, and his wipes tears off her cheek.
"Never. You'll always be the baby. But I am proud of the woman you are becoming." Lucas kisses his sisters forehead, "I'm so sorry if I hurt you."
"I'm sorry I disappointed you. Can we just move past this? Can we just be happy?" Heather's eyes search her brother's.
"Of course we can." Lucas hugs Heather close again, then leads her into the house.
"You okay?" Payton asks as soon as they come in.
Heather hugs her and says, "Yeah, I am know."
Lucas makes his way to the kitchen and finds Jason standing talking to Andy. "Andy," Lucas claps his stepfather on the back, "Good to see you're home. Jason," Lucas holds his hand out to Jason "thought you might like to play a game of basketball this weekend."
"You work things out with Heather?" Jason takes Lucas's hand.
"Yeah." Lucas watches him.
"I tried to tell her you didn't hate her, but man you didn't make it easy. If you have to hate anybody hate me." Jason sees Lucas's eyes soften just a little.
"I don't hate anybody. I'm not happy about this, but I promised to let bygones be bygones, give you a break. If Heather thinks you're a good guy, then you are." Lucas says. "So you think about that game."
"Yeah, totally man." Jason looks to the door when Heather enters. "How ya feeling?"
"I'm fine! I just had a meltdown!" Heather laughs. "I got a feeling ya'll are in for that…."
"I'll take the meltdowns, as long as I can see that smile." Jason pulls Heather close to him and kisses her nose.
"Yeah well perhaps I could spare a couple extra." Heather kisses Jason.
Andy clears his throat. "I think my Dad is uncomfortable." Heather laughs.
"He gets hugs and kisses before I do?" Andy smiles at his daughter.
Heather moves over and Andy, "When do you leave again?"
"In the morning." Andy sighs deeply, "I wish I didn't have to go on these business trips."
"But you do Dad, and it's okay." Heather kisses him on the cheek and smiles at him. She was use to him leaving, in some ways it was easier.
Andy looked his daughter over. "You've developed quiet a bulge." He said putting his hand lightly on the place where his grandchild is growing.
Heather looks down and the bulge and groans, "You're telling me."
"Hey, it's not bad." Andy smiles at her, "I'm glad you're healthy."
"Heather, Becca called. She wants to know if you're coming to game tomorrow night." Karen sets down a plate of food.
Heather reaches for a bite before saying, "I'll call her later."
"Hands out of the food." Karen smacks at her hand.
"You're grandchild is hungry" Heather laughs.
"And it's mother is a food thief, go in the living room wile I get this ready." Karen laughs. "Oh did I tell you about the doctor's appointment in the morning?"
Heather turns from the door and frowns, "But I just went a couple weeks ago."
"He wants to keep an eye on you, get use to it. Besides, he's going to do an ultrasound, probably tell you the sex." Karen smiles at her daughter.
"So soon?" Heather looks down at the bulge again. A slow smile crosses her face, "Mom?"
"Yeah?" Karen turns to her daughter.
"You think maybe I could take Jason this time?" Heather turns her head slightly.
"If he wants to go," Karen says, "then I think it would be great."
Heather sets down next to Jason and snuggles in, "You want to go to the doctor with me in the morning?" She turns to looks up at him.
"I would love to." Jason kisses her. "I thought you might never ask honestly." He smiles.
"I think they are going to do an ultrasound." Heather turns and snuggles back in close……….
Jason is at Heather's at seven a.m. the next morning. He hadn't slept all night thinking about this doctor's appointment. "Am I to early?" He asks when Karen answers the door.
"No, Heather's in the shower. You had breakfast?" She smiles warmly at him as she ushers him into the kitchen.
"Um, no I haven't…." Jason walks into the warm kitchen.
"Would you like some?" Karen starts fixing a plate even before Jason nods.
"I would love breakfast." Heather comes into the kitchen.
"You are always hungry," Karen laughs.
"I'm pregnant!" Heather protest as she fixes herself a plate. "Morning Jason."
"You have always been pregnant then." Karen smiles at her.
"Morning." Jason smiles at her. Heather kisses him before setting down with her breakfast. Jason takes the plate Karen offers him, "Thank you."
"Did you sleep last night Heather?" Karen sets down with coffee and looks over at her daughter.
"Yeah, a little." Heather shrugs.
"You're having trouble sleeping?" Jason asks.
"Not really, I just tire out easier." Heather looks over at him, "It's fine! I'm fine! Everything is fine!" she shakes her head.
"Okay, okay!" Jason holds his hands as if Heather is about to attack him. "I'm just worried about you and my child." He puts his arm on the back of her chair and turns to face her. "I'm really glad you invited me."
Heather sets her fork down and turns to looks at him, "I'm glad too." She kisses him.
"Okay now I'm beginning to understand how she got pregnant." Karen says over her coffee.
"I would think after three kids you new that one Mom." Heather looks sideways at her mother.
"We should get going." Jason stands up and pulls Heather up with him.
"You in a hurry to watch the doctor stick his hand up my" Heather stops when her mother clears her throat. "Um, well, lets get going."
"Yeah." Jason laughs, and leads her out of the house. The opens the car door for her, then gets in him self. "What exactly do they do at these appointments?" Jason steals a glance at Heather.
"Well nothing much actually." Heather smiles over at him, "They listen to the baby's heartbeat, they will probably do an ultrasound. Maybe tell us the sex…"
"What?!" Jason takes his eyes off the road for a second. "You mean we can find out what we're having today?"
"I'm not sure, but there's a change." Heather leans back against the head rest.
"You okay?" Jason asks concerned.
"Yeah, just nervous, I always am…." Heather looks down at her bulge. Jason takes her hand and squeezes it. Nobody says anything until finally they pull up in front of the doctors. "Here we are. Sure you're ready for this?"
"Yeah, I'm sure." Jason gets out and opens her door. He puts his arm around her as they make their way inside. "I'll sign in, you set down." She says before walking up to the receptionist desk and signing in. Heather then makes her way over to where Jason is setting. They wait in silence. Finally Heather is called back.
"Just an ultrasound today?" the nurse looks up from her chart.
"I guess…" Heather says.
"Okay, lets get a weight." The nurse ushers her to the scale. "Lets see, another 7 pounds." She smiles at Heather.
"Great…" Heather rolls her eyes.
"Follow me." The nurse leads her into the exam room, followed closely by Jason. "Lets get a blood pressure, and temp." The nurse puts the blood pressure cup on her and takes it then, puts the thermonitor into her ear. "okay the doctor will be right in." the nurse says before leaving.
"Can you believe another seven pounds?!" Heather looks at Jason in astonishment.
"But you're supposed to be gaining weight Heather." Jason stands in front of her and puts his arms around her.
"I know…" Heather leans her head into his chest.
"So, do we want to know the sex?" Jason asks looking down at her.
"I think so." Heather pulls back and looks at him.
"Me too." Jason strokes her face gently.
"Well, looks like we brought Daddy to be today." Says Doctor Andrews from the door.
"yeah, this is Jason." Heather looks at the doctor.
"Hello Jason, it's nice to meet you." Dr. Andrews holds his hand out to Jason, who takes it. "How are we feeling?" He looks at Heather.
"Other then fat?" Heather says with a laugh.
"You aren't fat, actually" Dr. Andrews takes a deep breath before setting down and facing the young couple, "I would like to see you gain more weight."
"More?" Heather looks horrified.
"Yes, you should be gaining at lest a pound a week. And you are averaging about half that. If you don't gain the weight the baby will be small, and even though it's tempting, small babies have more health problems. You're already at risk Heather. I just don't want your baby to be put at more risk." Dr. Andrew's explains.
"But she eats everything in sight!" Jason says.
"It's not about how much she's eating, it's about what she's eating. You need the extra sugars and startches. Carbohidrates are your friends." Dr. Andrew smiles.
"Okay, more carbs then" Heather sighs. "but so far the baby is okay?"
"So far the baby is fine. Would you like to get a looks at it?" Dr. Andrews smiles at them.
"Yeah!" Heather smiles.
"We would love to." Jason squeezes her hand.
"Then lets get a look." Dr. Andrews stands up. "Why don't you stand on the other side?"
Jason moves around the table as Heather leans back and pulls her shirt up slightly. "You ready for this?" She asks Jason.
"Ready as I'll ever be." He leans down and kisses her on the lips.
"Okay this will be cold," Dr. Andrews puts jell on her stomach and starts with the prob. It takes a minute before the sound of the baby's heart beat fills the room, "Nice strong heart beat. See," he points to the screen. "there's the head, and the heart beating, it's sucking it's thumb, there's to legs. Want to know the sex?" He looks at Heather and Jason.
"We do." Jason says not taking his eyes off the screen, Heather nods.
"Then it's a baby…..girl." Dr. Andrews smiles at them.
"A girl?" Heather asks looking from the doctor to the screen.
"We're having a daughter…." Jason beams down at Heather.
"She's okay?" Heather asks again.
"It's a perfectly healthy 18 week fetus. In other words, she's perfect according to this." Dr. Andrews assures them.
