Disclaimer: Plot and original characters are mine, but that's all.
A/N: Please review!
Kate Watson Lestrade groaned as she managed to maneuver her eight months pregnant self into the chair at her desk. Her best friend shot her a sympathetic glance.
"You okay, Kate?"
"My feet are killing me. Is it December 15th yet?"
"Nope," Emma smiled. "Still a few weeks left. Why don't you go ahead and quit working; get an early start on your leave?"
Kate shrugged. "It's tempting. Once the Evans trial is over, I might, but I want to finish covering it first."
"Can't say I blame you."
"Don't wait too long, Kate," Todd Neilson warned as he walked by on the way to his desk. "We wouldn't want you going into labor here in the news room."
She smiled. "But Todd, think what a great story it would make! 'Reporter Gives Birth Mid-Article,' or something along those lines."
He laughed. "Good point."
By the time she got home that evening, Kate was exhausted. All she wanted to do was have a cup of tea (decaf, due to her condition), change clothes and curl up on the couch for a nice, long cuddle with her husband. But since Gabriel wasn't home yet, she decided comfortable sweats and tea would have to be enough for the time being.
A half hour later, just as she drank the last of her tea, she heard footsteps on the stairs. Gabriel gave her a warm grin as he entered.
"How was your day, love?"
"It wasn't bad, but I am tired."
"I'm not surprised. Have you eaten yet?"
"No."
He smiled. "How do soup and a sandwich sound?"
"Good idea."
A bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich later, Kate relaxed into Gabriel's embrace with a sigh.
"That was good; thank you. I always hoped I'd end up marrying a man who was a better cook than me."
He laughed and kissed her cheek. "You're welcome."
They lay in silence for a while. Kate shifted slightly, trying to get more comfortable. Gabriel had a hunch that he knew what was bothering her, and let one hand slide down to gently rub at her lower back.
Kate let out a wordless murmur of content in response to the backrub. She snuggled further against Gabriel's chest, enjoying the sound and feel of his heartbeat beneath her cheek.
Ten minutes later, Gabriel looked down to find his wife half dozing. He sat up slowly, intending to carry her up to bed. But Kate woke up enough to realize what he planned to do, and held up a hand to stop him.
"It's okay, Gabe. I can make it upstairs on my own."
"You've never protested before."
"I wasn't eight months pregnant then. Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
He chuckled. "It's not like you've gained that much weight, darling!"
Kate acquiesced, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head against his shoulder.
"All right then, have it your way. But don't blame me if you throw your back out."
He gave her a smug look when he placed her on the bed. "See, I'm fine. You're not really heavy."
"Just unwieldy," she chuckled.
"I know you're ready for it to be over. Not much longer."
"No, less than a month. I'm torn between excitement and nervousness."
"Oh, I know; I feel the same way."
As she drifted off to sleep, Kate wondered which of them their daughter would take after. They'd need to come up with a name soon. She made a mental note to start yet another discussion on the topic the next day.
