Derek and Casey slowly made their way into the doctor's office and were shown into the room where the sonogram would take place. The nurse informed them that the doctor would be with them shortly, then turned and walked out the door.

Casey turned and smiled at Derek, "Did you ever think this day would finally get here?"

"Honestly, no," he admitted. "I know you mean it seems like the last eight weeks have been in slow motion, but Case, when we were still at home, you don't know how many times I would lay awake in bed at night thinking about a life with you, a family with you. I was already so crazy about you even back then, but I used to think it was only a pipe dream. Then, the night before you left for New York and I left for the Junior Team, we had that conversation, and suddenly, I knew that it wasn't a pipe dream. It was what I wanted more than anything in the world. Casey, for you to be carrying our child, it's literally a dream come true."

Casey wiped away the tears that were slowly running down her cheeks, and moved to kiss him gently on the lips. "You've got to stop messing with my emotions. Don't you realize how hormonal I am?"

Derek grinned and ran his fingers through his hair. "How could I not realize it? Let's see, my not putting the toilet seat down almost caused World War III, I thought you were going to cry yourself sick while you watched the re-run of One Tree Hill when Nathan and Haley had their baby, and of course, who can forget, your favorite snack, Rocky Road ice cream with Tabasco popcorn on the side. Should I continue?"

"No, I think you've proven the point. But hey, all those things will be over soon and just think about what we'll have to look forward too!"

"I know," he said smiling. "D.J. will be here and then the real fun begins!"

Suddenly Casey looked very solemn and Derek became worried. "Hey, what's wrong? Are you having pains, do you feel bad?"

"No, I'm fine. Really."

"That isn't the face of someone who's fine. Come on, what wrong?"

"If I ask you something, do you promise to give me an honest answer?"

"Of course, Case. I'll always be honest with you. What is it?"

"If our baby is a girl, are you going to be really disappointed? I know…"

Before she could finish her sentence, the doctor came in smiling at the couple. "Well, today's the big day, huh? Do we want to find out the sex of the baby?"

Casey and Derek looked at one another and Derek said without hesitation, "Yes, we can't wait!"

"Okay. Casey, lie back on the table and lift up your top. Now, remember, this is really cold." The doctor squeezed the gel onto Casey's stomach and was soon rolling the device around. "See there, that's your baby's face, and look, it appears to be sucking its thumb." He continued to move around, showing them two arms and legs, ten fingers and toes and one heart, which was beating strongly. Casey finally pulled her eyes away from the screen to look at Derek. She smiled at the sight she saw. There sat Derek, enthralled by what he saw on the screen. He had a look of awe on his face, as tears unashamedly ran down his cheeks. She wondered to herself how anything in the world could get better than this.

Soon, she was brought out of her thoughts as the doctor continued on, "You're baby is progressing nicely. She's a little over six inches long and weighs about ten ounces. I'd say she's perfect." Wiping the remaining gel off of her stomach, he continued on, "I want to see you in four weeks so make an appointment on you way out."

Finally, Derek spoke up. "Excuse me, but did you say she?"

"Why yes, Mr. Venturi. You're having a daughter."

"I thought that's what you said, but I just wanted to make sure."

"Take care of yourself, Casey and I'll see you in four weeks." The doctor head for the door and turned and said, "Good day," before leaving.

Casey immediately burst into tears. "Derek, I'm so sorry. I know how badly you wanted a son."

Derek looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Case, calm down, please! Could you at least let me answer your question before you jump to conclusions and make yourself sick?" Casey nodded and Derek went on. "Casey, I know I've pushed the boy thing, but I never really meant it. I guess I always thought that if we had a son he would be like me and that if we had a daughter, well, she'd be like you."

"And you don't want a daughter, if she's like me?" Casey asked quietly, the hurt evident on her face.

"Oh no, Baby, it's not that at all. Did you hear what the doctor said? His exact words were, 'I'd say she's perfect'. Case, that's what you are to me, perfect. And she will be too and I don't want to mess that up. A son, well, you know the saying, 'boys will be boys', but a little girl, Case, it's an awesome responsibility. But I don't want you to think for one minute that I'm disappointed. I love her more than anything in this world, well, except for you. Did you look at that screen? She's absolutely beautiful. I'm going to have to invest in those locks for her room early!" he said as he grinned.

She smiled a little and wiped the tears from her face.

"Now, that's better," he said helping her up. He took both her hands in his and made her look in his eyes. "Casey, I meant every word I said. There is not one fiber in my being that is disappointed about our daughter. I'll just have to remember to find a really good make-up remover to use after we play dress up."

With that, Casey broke into a real grin.

"I'm starving," she admitted as they left the hospital.

"Well, what do my two favorite girls' want?"

"How about crunchy Cheetos and Oreo cookies?"

"Sure Case, nothing like a nutritious supper," he said as he looked adorningly at her.

And the crunchy Cheetos and Oreo cookies, well that's what I craved with my daughter!