"Hello Duke Baird," Kel said quietly, slipping onto one of the hospital cots.
Her feet brushed the floor as she swung them back and forth.
"Kel, hello, are you sick?" Duke Baird asked as he entered the room.
"No, no, nothing like that. I noticed it was a slow day so I figured now would be a good time to talk," Kel said nervously.
Duke Baird sat down across from her patiently.
"I assume Neal told you he proposed?" she asked.
Duke Baird said, "He mentioned that he was planning to. I hope it wasn't too bad of a proposal."
Kel shook her head and wore a silly smile that she rarely wore. "Nothing like that, it was romantic and thoughtful."
"So you said yes?"
"Of course I said yes, we've been together for nearly five years," Kel said.
"So what was it you wanted to talk about if it wasn't Neal's proposal?" Duke Baird asked.
"Well… You see… I think Neal's going to be a father," she whispered.
Duke Baird's face split in a grin before it faded slightly and confusion came over his face.
"Does Neal know?" he asked.
Kel shook her head. "If he isn't, I didn't want to get his hopes up just to dash them again if it wasn't true."
Duke Baird stood and grasped the bottom of her shirt, "Do you mind?" she shook her head and he gently placed his cool hands on her stomach.
His green gift sparkled over his hands and over her stomach. He stood up and did a little happy dance.
"I'm gonna be a grandfather! I'm gonna be a grandfather! I'm gonna be a grandfather!" he chanted.
Kel waited for him to get his energy out before she said, "Don't tell Neal."
"Why not? He'd be overjoyed," Duke Baird said.
"I want to tell him myself, my way."
"Well, any way you tell him, I'm sure you two will make wonderful parents."
"Thank you Duke Baird, that means a lot coming from you," Kel said softly.
As she turned to leave she felt his hand on her shoulder.
"You should probably be calling me father now," he said.
"Alright father," Kel whispered, leaning up to give him a peck on the cheek.