Part 10
Dragging his heavy legs through the cabin, Picard is silent as he crosses the room to the replicator to order a glass of water. Tired, he had just finished his night watch on the Bridge, and he doesn't want to wake Beverly or the children in the early hour. As he passes the counter, he spots an errant PADD lying on the counter by the replicator. He picks it up to take it to its proper place. Discovering a hand-written paper note on top of the PADD, Picard reads it aloud. "To: Papa. Happy Father's Day. Watch this!"
Smiling in curiosity, Picard turns on the PADD, and watches a video of an in-depth tricorder scan. Eyes dilating, Jean-Luc stares in disbelief at the image of a tiny embryo. Inferring the meaning behind the video and the the message, Jean-Luc drops the PADD on the counter and nearly runs to the bedroom.
Cast in still darkness, Jean-Luc finds Beverly in a deep slumber beneath the bedsheets. Jean-Luc toes out of his boots and nearly trips over his feet fumbling for the bed.
"Beverly!" crawling over the bed, Jean-Luc reaches for her arms.
Gradually rousing, Beverly groans into her pillow.
Gently shaking her shoulder, Jean-Luc kisses her hair. "Cherie. Cherie, the scan on the PADD you left for me. Beverly, is it true?"
Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Beverly shifts up, smiling as she realizes that Jean-Luc discovered the present she left in the kitchen for him to find when he returned from his night shift. Bobbing her head, Beverly can't contain a giggle. "Happy Father's Day!"
On his knees , Jean-Luc pulls her to him,kissing her desperately.
Straightening, Beverly grins wildly, pleased that Jean-Luc appears to like his gift so much.
"Are you okay?" Weaving a hand through her hair, tousled from sleep, Jean-Luc peers into her eyes in concern. "The baby?"
"We're fine," Beverly assures him, smiling warmly. "I'm ten weeks along. I found out a month ago, but I was hoping to surprise you."
Chuckling, Jean-Luc toys with her hair, planting a kiss to her nose. "I'm surprised."
Apprehensive, Beverly touches his cheek. "But, you're happy?"
"Delighted," beams Jean-Luc, cradling the side of her face in his palm. "I couldn't be more thrilled."
Lips curling into a massive grin, Beverly relaxes, thoroughly relieved. Eyes welling with tears, she is speechless.
Smile dissipating, Jean-Luc stares worried into Beverly's watery eyes, grazing his thumb over her cheek. "What the matter, dear?"
Smiling sombrely, Beverly shakes her head. "Nothing. I'm just happy. I couldn't wait to tell you about the baby. I just…I remember when I was pregnant with Wesley and Audra. Jack and I hadn't planned to have kids. I was so young with Wesley. I was terrified to tell Jack that I was pregnant, I figured he'd be upset. Well, he was upset. He was scared. He didn't want a family. But, I guess he thought we had a duty to work it out. He hated it. He didn't really want to be committed. He didn't like being a father. And, he grew to resent me and Wesley."
Unable to fathom her words, Jean-Luc takes her hand, his face a mask of sympathy.
Sighing, Beverly bows her head. "And, many years later, I became pregnant with Audra. I was terrified to tell Jack. He didn't even spend any time with Wesley. To him, the boy was a nuisance. I figured this was the end."
"Beverly…" breathes Jean-Luc, incredulous.
"He wanted me to get an abortion, kicked and screamed. I was adamant that I was keeping the baby. I told Jack he could leave, I didn't care, but this was my child and he couldn't take it away from me." Tears streaming down her cheeks, Beverly averts her eyes, unable to look into Jean-Luc's eyes. "But, he didn't go, not officially. We never really saw him after that. I just…I just had Audra and tried to carry on."
Pulling her to his chest, Jean-Luc envelopes her in his arms.
Resting her head on his shoulder, Beverly chokes back a sob. "For the first time, I wasn't afraid. This is…the first pregnancy where I've been excited, happy. Because, I knew, I just knew, you'd want this baby. And, for once, I don't have to go it alone."
Lips on her cheek, Jean-Luc's own eyes sting with tears as he whispers against her damp skin. "Beverly, I wish I could change those fifteen years for you. But, I can't. But, you are right. I will love this child with every fibre of being, as I do Wesley and Audra. And you are not alone."
Grasping his shoulders, Beverly closes her eyes, her chin on his shoulder. "I'm so happy."
"I can't wait to go through this with you." Jean-Luc eases her back onto her back to lie on the bed. Straddling her waist, he gently, slowly peppers her neck and shoulders in hot, wet kisses, his hands skimming over her satin nightgown. "A baby."
Slipping her hands around his neck, Beverly relaxes into the mattress, grinning as he begins to slide her nightgown up over her body. "Yes."
Bestowing a soft kiss to her stomach, Jean-Luc tosses her nightgown to the floor, caressing her abdomen. "I love you, cherie."
Reaching for his head, Beverly sighs in contentment. "I love you, too."
As Jean-Luc, shifts up, he covers one of her exposed breasts wth his hand, kneading it in his palm. Dropping her hands, Beverly glides them down his chest to the waistband of his uniform pants, her fingers brushing over his growing erection. "You're over dressed, Captain."
Grunting in agreement, Jean-Luc fumbles with his uniform jacket as Beverly unzips his pants and begins stroking him rhythmically. He tugs his jacket free and pulls it up and overs head, throwing it to the ground. Beverly rolls his his trousers down his legs before discarding them over the side of the bed. As he reaches for her, Beverly takes the opportunity to slide her body on top of his, straddling his legs.
Jean-Luc grips her waist , settling into the mattress as Beverly peppers his lips in short kisses. Returning the kisses, Jean-Luc cups both of her breasts , gently pinching her nipples.
Trailing her hands down his chest, Beverly's fingers dips under the waistband of his briefs, her heated gaze locked with his. Jean-Luc's erection swells further as Beverly ever so slowly rolls his briefs down and off of his legs. Lowering her head, Beverly blows out a hot breath over his turgid penis. With a long sigh, Jean-Luc stares down at Beverly with heady desire, his dark hazel eyes dark with raw need.
Fully aroused, Jean-Luc draws her up to kiss her roughly, one hand kneading her breast, the other locating her panties and slipping them down her long legs. Shifting her legs, Beverly flicks her panties to the floor. Astride Jean-Luc's lap, Beverly gasps as she feels the tip of Jean-Luc's throbbing penis poised at her center.
Cupping one breast, Jean-Luc sucks a hard nipple into his hot mouth. Her head lolled back, Beverly, mewls, grinding herself against him, wetting his penis in the process. Letting her nipple slide between his teeth, Jean-Luc takes her face in his hands, kissing her deeply. Raising herself up, Beverly takes his hard cock in one hand, slowly lowering her body on his rigid length.
Gasping at the high of penetration, they both briefly still, each wanting to prolong the sensation. Jean-Luc traces her bottom lip with his tongue, gazing longingly into her eyes. "I love you."
Laying her forehead against his, Beverly feathers a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you, too."
Digging his fingertips into her hips, Jean-Luc urges her to move. Beverly raises herself slowly, letting him slide through her heat , feeling his contours, his turgid
length. Beverly makes him groan as she repeats the action, lowering herself just as slowly. Sweat glistening down their bodies, their breathing becomes ragged as their hearts beat profusely against their chests.
Gripping her waist painfully, Jean-Luc pulls her down forcefully, arching his hips to meet hers. Crying out, Beverly digs her nails into his shoulders as he
repeats the action, plunging into her with singular intent. Her head tossed back, Beverly moans shamelessly as Jean-Luc plunders her, taking them ever closer to their mutual release
Feeling Beverly's internal muscles begin to contract, Jean-Luc moves a hand to her core, massaging her clitoris, sending her into a shuddering orgasm, her rhythmic clenching drawing him into his own release. Arching up from the bed, Jean-Luc holds her tightly to him as he cries out her name.
As the waves of her climax reverberate and her heart stills, Beverly kisses Jean-Luc's scalp, regaining her breath.
Jean-Luc kisses her chest, shifting to balance his weight on an elbow, half on top and half beside her on top of the bed sheets. "That was a wonderful celebration."
Grinning, Beverly chuckles, slipping her arms around his shoulders. "Oh, the day has just started, my love. Come have a nice nap. The kids are looking forward to spending Father's Day with you later."
Beverly extricates herself from his hold and Jean-Luc watches as she re-arranges the bedsheets, effectively tucking the blankets over his chest. She bends down, pressing her lips to his, her hand on his chest.
"I love you," murmurs Jean-Luc drowsily, his eyes heavy, reaching a hand to tangle in her hair.
"I love you, too," whispers Beverly against his lips. "Have a good sleep. We'll see you in a few hours."
PAGE BREAK
"Did you have a good Father's Day, Papa?" Four year-old Audra sits curled up in Jean-Luc's lap on the sofa, tired from a long, fun-filled day.
They had spent the afternoon in a hiking program in the holodeck (Beverly had insisted it be something leisurely that Audra could enjoy). When they returned to the cabin, Beverly had prepared beef bourguignon for dinner ( a favourite of Jean-Luc's) and the kids had given Jean-Luc some gifts they had made. Wesley had constructed an old French naval vessel for Picard to hang in his office. Audra had painted a picture of horses. Now, enjoying his evening tea with the family, Picard feels as if he couldn't be more lucky to have this family.
"I had a wonderful Father's Day, cherie," proclaims Jean-Luc. "May we tell them the good news?" Turning to Beverly on the sofa beside him, Jean-Luc beams, eager to share their exciting news with everyone.
Eyes wide, Beverly is surprised. "Jean-Luc!"
"What news?" Wesley, sitting on the armchair, leans forward in curiosity.
Rolling her eyes, Beverly shrugs. "Well, go on then."
Grinning, Jean-Luc squeezes Audra's tiny shoulders. "You're going to have a new baby brother or sister."
Smiling lightly, Wesley looks at his mother in surprise. "Really? You're pregnant?"
Smiling, Beverly nods. "Yes, honey. I'm just ten weeks along. But, everything looks good so far."
"Isn't that fantastic?" Jean-Luc looks down at Audra snuggled in his lap and grins broadly.
Face falling, Audra shakes her head. "No."
Taken aback, Jean-Luc peers down at his daughter in disbelief. "Well, of course it is, my love. A baby!"
Fat tears pooling in her eyes, Audra shakes her head of strawberry locks. "No. I don't want a baby brother or sister."
Exhaling deeply, Beverly lays a hand on Audra's shoulder. "Why not, sweetheart?"
Pouting, Audra glances between Jean-Luc and her mother. "I don't wanna share. We just got Papa. I don't wanna share him with a brother or sister."
Heart aching, Beverly's lips purse, rubbing Audra's shoulder. "Audra…."
Shaking his head, Jean-Luc takes Audra's hand. "Audra, it's okay. It won't change when we have a baby around. I'll still love you the same. I love you, and Wesley and this new baby all the same, and equally."
Sniffling, Audra looks at Jean-Luc hesitantly.
Wrapping his arms around the small child, Jean-Luc drops a kiss to her hair. "I promise, cherie. I will always love you. I'm always here for you."
Inhaling sharply, Beverly puts her hand on Audra's back, sharing an uneasy look with Jean-Luc.
"Hey, Audra," calls Wesley softly from his spot on the arm chair. "Don't be worried. I was scared when Mom had you. But, it turns out you kinda grew on me. And, I decided I wanted to keep you around after all."
Chuckling, Beverly smiles gratefully at Wesley, relieved when her daughter begins to laugh at her big brother's jesting.
"You want another sister or brother?" Audra asks Wesley timidly.
"Sure," shrugs Wesley. "I think they'll fit right into our family, and make Mom and Papa really happy. You know, you have to think that we don't have a limit to how much we can love. Mom and Papa can love all of us. If they have a new baby and love that child, it doesn't take away from them loving you or me. A new family member will only bring us more love and joy."
Reflecting on her brother's words, Audra bobs her head. "Okay."
Sighing, Beverly is grateful for her son's maturity and positive outlook. "Come on, Audra. I'll help you get washed up for bed. It's late."
Beverly draws Audra into her arms, thoroughly exhausted after an extremely long and eventful day.
"Papa, you're gonna read my bedtime story?" Audra glances anxiously to Jean-Luc as Beverly guides her off of the sofa.
Nodding, Jean-Luc smiles. "Of course, cherie. Go with your mother and clean up. I'll be there in a minute."
Still apprehensive, Audra follows Beverly to the bathroom.
"Thank you," says Jean-Luc graciously to Wesley, straightening in his spot on the sofa. "I appreciate you trying to put Audra at ease. I didn't expect that the news about the baby would upset her."
Leaning back in his chair, Wesley ponders the new situation. "Well, she's expressing her feelings. She's just scared. She didn't have a father for over three years. Now you're her father, and she's scared she's going to lose you to the new baby."
"That won't happen," Picard assures the teenager.
"I know." Wesley stands out of the chair. "She'll be fine. She just needs to get used to the idea."
"Are you alright? I know it's a surprise." Picard studies the boy carefully, trying to read Wesley's expression and body language. Perhaps he should have waited, asked Beverly how they wanted to deliver the news to the children. However, he had been so ecstatic, buzzing all day. Jean-Luc simply couldn't contain his excitement and had wanted to tell the kids as soon as possible.
"I'm fine," laughs Wesley shortly. "Look, we've been through a lot of crap. I think this is something good. If you're happy, if Mom's happy, then all is good."
Nodding, Jean-Luc's folds his hands in his lap. "Good. Well, you know we're here if you need anything."
"I know," Wesley responds, turning on his heels. "I've got to go check on the Feerely mice."
Jean-Luc watches Wesley meander over to his bedroom to examine his latest homework assignment.
PAGE BREAK
Slipping her hands around his backside, Beverly peppers Jean-Luc's shoulder in short kisses.
Groaning, Jean-Luc lays spent, half on top and half beside Beverly atop the bedsheets. Lazily kissing her shoulder, Jean-Luc is exhausted and relaxed.
"You hungry, baby? You want something to eat or drink?" whispers Beverly against the sweaty, warm skin of his neck.
Smiling against her cheek, Jean-Luc sighs in contentment, his hand aimlessly running the length of her side. "No, thank you, my dear."
Pecking his nose, Beverly trails her hands up his back "Did you have a good day?"
"It couldn't have been better. Thank you, cherie." Capturing her lips in a sweet kiss, Jean-Luc caresses her abdomen.
As their tongues dance, Beverly slowly rolls him onto his back, reversing their positions. She disengages their embrace to lay beside him, pulling the bedsheets over top of them both. Beverly curls into Jean-Luc's side, snuggling up against his chest.
"I love you," rumbles Jean-Luc into her ear, enveloping his arm around Beverly's waist. Eyes heavy, Jean-Luc fights exhaustion, entirely content, warm and relaxed with Beverly cuddled up into him.
"I love you, too." Beverly feathers a kiss to his lips, stroking his chest. "Happy Father's Day, Jean-Luc. Sweet dreams, my love."
Looking up, Beverly smiles to herself when she sees Jean-Luc's eyes closed, having already succumbed to slumber. Laying her head against his shoulder, Beverly closes her own eyes, overall pleased with how the day had turned out.