A/N: This one is short, but I think it makes a clear point.

"Say something," her voice cracked.

Chris LaSalle felt like he was in the Twilight Zone, a black and white version of it in fact. His brother had suddenly been taken from him and due to his own stupidity his childhood sweetheart had just been crushed beyond measure and now his partner was announcing that she pregnant with his child.

Brody was pregnant? His mind questioned as if he hadn't processed the thought clearly enough the first time.

What was he supposed to say that? Especially after the way Brody had just let Savannah have it. There were just no words that could follow that presentation.

He had a practiced response left over from a scare with another woman years ago: I'll support whatever you want to do, stand by your decision. He debated about asking her if she was certain but something told him not to go there. He also knew not to inquire about James or Sam. Brody would have already ruled them out as possible suspects before letting the entire French Quarter know that she was expecting.

"If it's a boy, I'd like to call him Cade," he said finally watching her face fill with relief.

Brody smiled at him as she looked into his eyes. "I don't have problem with that."

"There is one thing though. We definitely need to work on your communication skills." He paused for a moment watching her try to suppress a laugh. "You didn't think a phone a call would have done the trick?"

Not that he was going to blame Brody, but a phone call or some type of communication a day earlier would have saved him from giving into Savannah's advances. As it was he going to have to earn back Brody's trust. It wasn't as if they could just pick up where they'd left off with that standing between them.

"I thought this would be a little more personal."

"You definitely made it personal, that's for sure. You being so private and all."

Brody felt the creep of embarrassment start to crawl up her neck. "You're never going to let me live this down are you?"

Chris shoved his hands into his pockets. Where his insufferable teasing was concerned, Brody had just given him a storyline that would transcend a lifetime. "It's gunna take a while at fer sure."

"How long is a while?" she teased.

"I don't know," he shrugged trying to remain resigned. "Probably about as long as it takes you to forgive me for sleepin' with Savannah."

Brody's face changed. Suddenly that feeling of dread was back. She knew she wouldn't treat him like a scorned girlfriend, but that didn't mean that it still didn't hurt. She thought for a moment forcing herself to push the last 6 weeks into the back of her mind and retreat back to happy place she and Chris had been in before he'd left for Alabama.

"Who?" She watched as a huge grin spread across his face. "You know, people will only let you use your grief over Cade for so long." She added before pressing to her tip-toes and delicately brushing over his rugged mouth with her soft lips.

"I know," he grinned anchoring his hands on her soon to be swollen hips as she kissed him again this time taking his mouth in full.

"Let's go to your place," she breathed afraid just might try to go down on him right here on the picnic table. Chris had been gone for 6 long weeks and although, she was currently suffering from a horrific bout of morning sickness, her healthy libido had not let her stop thinking about what it was like to be with him.

Less than ten minutes later, they were standing in his bedroom, slinging articles of clothing in all sorts of directions. Merri knew she should make him at least attempt to win back her trust as they tumbled onto the bed, but all she wanted right now, was to feel him plunging deep inside her.

"Are ya sure about this?" Chris asked for the 3rd time as he buried his face into her neck. His mind was whirling with all kinds of thoughts. Had she really forgiven him that easily? Would they hurt the baby? Would he hurt her?

"There is one thing," Brody said taking in a sharp breath as his hand slipped down between them.

"What's that?" he breathed feeling her body tense with pleasure against his touch.

Her back arched as she emitted a small groan, "Condom."

Chris began to chuckle softly, nuzzling at her ear. "It's a little late for that. Don't ya think?"

"I'm serious," she deadpanned almost killing the moment. She suddenly found the fact that he'd been with another woman almost terrifying. She knew the chances of him actually having contracted something from Savannah were probably slim, but she didn't want to take the chance. Not now when she carrying the seed that would one day heal them both of them from their grief.

Chris let out a sigh as he rolled off her and pulled open the drawer to his nightstand. If this was price he had to pay to be with her then so be it. In reality it was very small to what it could have been. He wouldn't tell her until much later that he'd been smart when he'd been with Savannah. What it ever it took no matter how silly it seemed, he was bound and determined to win her back.

Now where were they? Chris took his time making love to her, kissing every inch of her body from her toes to her forehead. He especially spent a good amount of time, running his lips over her taut stomach. The thought that it would soon be swollen with child absolutely had him in awe.

"What do think of the name, Emily?" She asked afterwards, as they lay together wrapped in a sheet of perfect bliss.

"After your sister. I like that." Chris squeezed her tightly, planting a drowsy kiss into her hair.

"Emily Cadence," Brody breathed as she settled into his arms, sleepily.

A/N II: Fin for now? I can't decide, but I didn't want to leave y'all waiting while I debate. Sequel or continuation of this one? Either way, I leave with you with a thought of happiness and the knowledge of Emily Cadence's existence. Yes, the baby is a girl. Feedback, suggestions welcome.