Chapter Twenty

Lois stood next to Clark in front of the fireplace, his arm wrapped around her waist in a protective gesture as they watched Chloe's mouth work with no sound coming out. It was really quite funny to see.

"You're…pregnant? How did that happen?" She said eventually, when she had gotten her voice to work.

"Chloe," Lois took a step forward, laughing as she said. "If you need me to tell you that, then Jimmy's going to bitterly disappointed."

Chloe fixed her with an even stare. "You know what I meant Lois, I just can't believe this. I mean I suspected it when I saw you rush off to the bathroom earlier but…I never actually thought it could be true."

"I know, it does take a little while to sink in. But get used to the idea because in about four or six months, depending on whether this little one takes after his mom or his dad, there's going to be a baby screaming his lungs out for attention. And I'm gonna need all the help I can get. I haven't the first clue where to even start with something like this."

"I uh…well…" Chloe sank down on to the sofa, her legs giving out.

Jimmy chuckled and rubbed her back comfortingly. "It's okay honey, things like this do sometimes happen for married couples."

"Yes but they don't just happen to Clark!" She blurted out without thinking, then grimaced as she glanced up at the hurt frown on his face. "That didn't come out right. I'm sorry, it's just a little bit of a shock."

"Can't you just be happy for us Chlo?" Lois asked, suddenly nervous that this wasn't going as well as she had first thought. Chloe turned her eyes to Lois, studying her for a moment as if seeing her for the first time. Then all of a sudden, her expression changed into one of horror.

"Oh I'm sorry, I'm being a…of course I'm happy for you guys." She said, getting up and pulling both of them into a hug. "I just never thought of the two of you creating a little one. It never even entered my mind. But I am happy for you Lois, and you Clark. I know this is something you've always dreamed of and…" She trailed off, kissing both of them on the cheek.

"Oh my God! I'm going to have a little nephew!" She exclaimed excitedly.

Lois felt a little relieved as she hugged Chloe back and looked at the rest of the people currently occupying her living room. Kara was sitting on Oliver's lap in the chair next to the fireplace and Jimmy sat, with a wide grin on his face, on the sofa in front of them.

"Well, it might be a niece Chloe." Clark put in, and Lois felt her heart swell as she saw the proud grin on his face. He was finally starting to think about things long term, instead of the now. Just knowing that he was thinking about what sex the baby would be, told her a lot about how he truly felt about things now.

"Nope, I just have a feeling, it's going to be a boy. Don't ask me how I know, I just…have a feeling."

Lois and Clark laughed in unison as they shared a glance and then Lois turned her suspicious gaze to Kara.

"So Oliver already knew, but you Kara, considering you're Kryptonian and probably had the same thoughts Clark did, you don't seem all that shocked." Kara looked at her with a beaming smile.

"You told her?" Lois demanded, looking at a squirming Oliver. He held his hands up and shook his head.

"No, I promised you I wouldn't…"

"Then how?" Kara smirked as she tapped her ear and Lois understood. She had almost forgotten that Kara had super hearing too. "Oh, well, that's okay then."

"I am so pleased for both of you, it gives me hope that maybe one day, Ollie and I could…" Kara trailed off, a slight blush colouring her cheeks.

"It'll happen Kara. I know it." Lois replied confidently.

Jimmy abruptly stood and shook Clark's hand and then turned to Lois, unsure of how exactly to proceed as he hugged her gently, but quickly as if he were hugging a tame lion.

"Congratulations guys." He shook his head with a chuckle. "Lois Lane as a mom, now that I would love to see." Lois flinched but maintained her smile, after all, how was he to know that he had struck a nerve? But it still remained the one thing that Lois was worried about.

"So how is this going to work?" Chloe asked interrupting the silence that seemed to have befallen them all. "I mean, Lois is going to need doctors and things like that, and she can't just go to a regular hospital."

"I took care of that Chloe." Oliver said and Lois didn't miss the sceptical glance Clark shot him.

"Oh, well that's good. Things seem to be taken care of. So who is the doctor?"

Clark let out a huge breath as he wrapped his arm around Lois' waist again. "You're not gonna like it Chloe."

Later that evening, as Lois was in the shower, a million thoughts ran through her mind. First was Chloe's reaction to the news of her doctor, she had been as furious as Clark at first, but after a lot of explaining and coercing from her and Oliver, she had eventually backed down a little. But she still wasn't happy about it. She thought they were making a big mistake and after they had all left, Clark had sat Lois down and explained everything that had happened in the past.

She had to admit, it was a shock, but the woman she had met earlier, seemed nothing like the one Clark had described. She didn't know why, but she felt safe with Helen, she trusted her, though she knew she probably shouldn't. But the fact remained that Helen was probably one of the best people in the world to help them right now.

And it wasn't as if she was going to be alone with her, there was going to be another doctor with them and all files and samples were going to be kept in Oliver's safe. Both Clark and Oliver would be keeping a close eye on things, so she was as safe as she could be. It would be the same with anyone, she imagined. With something this big, who could they really trust? Sometimes, it was a simple case of better the devil you know.

She turned off the water and stepped out onto the mat, taking a moment to study her body in the full length mirror opposite. Turning sideways, she ran her hands over her belly, noticing the ever so slight bulge. It looked more like she was bloated, but as she placed both hands over her stomach, she felt a warmth surge through her chest. Her baby was in there. It was a little surreal.

"Hey there baby, I'm uh…" She paused, glancing around, feeling a little silly speaking to an empty room. It wasn't even as if the baby could hear her yet. Or could it? She had no idea, she should really get some books.

"I'm… your mommy. Listen, I know I'm not much, but I promise that I'll try to be the best I can. I may screw up from time to time, but I'm going to make sure, every day, that you know how much I love you. And your daddy, well he's just the best. He's had a little trouble adjusting to your presence, but I think we're through the worst of it now. He loves you already, so do I. He's just a little scared right now, but I know that once you're here, he'll be a different person. He will do anything to keep you safe, he'll love you and he'll…"

She sighed contentedly. "He'll be the best father anyone could ask for. So please baby, please make it through this. I know you can."

She had never pictured herself as a mother. She had no idea whether she would be any good or not. But she wouldn't allow herself to start thinking about that now, just as she wouldn't allow herself to think of what could go wrong. She would deal with it if or when the time came.

Making her way into the bedroom, she quickly slipped on her/Clark's shirt, and a pair of grey shorts, brushed her wet hair into a ponytail and made her way downstairs. When she had gone upstairs, Clark had been heading out to the barn to check the animals were all set for the night but she hoped that he was back inside. She just really wanted to cuddle up next to him and watch a movie or something. She needed to start relaxing, her blood pressure was still way too high, and she had to do something about it for her baby's sake.

Her breath caught in her throat as she reached the bottom step and saw Clark sitting in the living room. He was totally unaware of her presence, sitting there holding something in his hands, his attention was firmly rooted to it. She moved a little closer, silently, and recognised what it was. Her sonogram picture. He was studying it with the most intense look she had ever seen. She leaned over the back of the sofa and wrapped her arms around his chest, leaning her cheek against his.

"You okay?" He asked softly, turning his head to look at her.

"Never better Smallville."

He got up and she frowned as he walked over to the CD player, pressed a button and walked back over to her. Without a word spoken, he took her into his arms, and started swaying her gently, as the music began. As she realised what he'd put on, she realised, she had never been more in love with him then right now. He had put their wedding song on, the sappy one.

Wrapping one arm tightly around her waist, he pulled her body close to his so that there was barely an inch between them. He pressed her other hand to his chest and dropped his head to lean his forehead against hers.

"I love you." He whispered against her lips before closing his over hers. With her free hand, she reached up and let her fingers tangle in the hairs at the base of his head.

"I love you too." She replied, when he pulled back. "But what's with the sudden burst of romance?" She asked, not that she didn't secretly love it. He stared down at her with narrowed eyes, and swallowed hard.

"I heard what you said…upstairs…" He said, looking a little guilty.

"Oh, you were listening?" She asked, not angry but a little embarrassed.

"No I…well…yeah. But I didn't mean to…"

"Clark it's okay." She said, loving the way he got all flustered when he didn't know what to say. But she could see that this was clearly bothering him.

"Lois, you don't honestly think that you're going to be a bad mom do you?" He asked seriously. She blew out a breath and stayed silent for a few moments, letting him sway her gently.

"I don't know. My mom died when I was very young Smallville, I don't recall what it's like to actually have a mom. I have no idea what I'm doing right now, let alone when this little one arrives and actually needs taking care of. What if I screw this up?"

"You won't." He replied, his tone allowing no room for disagreement.

"Lois, it would be easy for me to say that I think you're going to make one heck of a mom but I know that you have your doubts. Let's face it, neither of us thought this could happen and because of that, we're unprepared. But forget about the diaper changing or sleeping habits or whatever else you're worried about, all that stuff we can learn over time. The reason I knowyou'll make a fantastic mom is this…" He lifted a hand to place it on her chest, over her heart.

"You have such a big heart Lois, with so much love to give, and that's all that should matter. I see the way you are with the people you care about, one hint of them being in danger or hurting about something and you're instinctively going into protective mode. It's one of the many things I love most about you. So trust me when I say, this baby is going to be so lucky to have you as a mom."

Lois couldn't stop the tears, whether from the softness of his tone and his words, or just her hormones, she didn't know. She allowed them to flow freely, letting him wipe them away with his thumbs as he cupped her face.

"I know that I haven't exactly been supportive over the last week, but I never for one minute wanted you to think that I wasn't happy about this. Because I am, I always dreamed of something like this happening. A family of my own."

"You weren't unsupportive Clark, you were just a little…distant, and I couldn't quite figure out why after you were so happy in the hospital."

"I'm so sorry Lois, I didn't mean to put you through that." The pain in his voice had her putting a finger to his lips, she couldn't bear to hear him talk like that.

"Sshh, it's okay. It doesn't matter now. Let's just start with a clean slate huh?" He nodded, tears glistening in his eyes too, and leaned his head down to capture her lips in a loving kiss.

"Besides, I think you telling my father tomorrow night will be all the payback I need."

She laughed as Clark's face fell. He'd clearly forgotten about that. She wondered why he was so nervous about it, after all they were married, it was only natural for them to take the next step and she knew that, even if he didn't show it, her father would be happy for them.

"But let's not think about that tonight. I just want spend the evening with my gorgeous husband, and forget the outside world for the night." He smiled as she nuzzled his neck.

"Now that, Mrs Kent, that I can do."

"So where's my daughter?" General Lane huffed as he and Clark sat in the restaurant the following night.

Clark shifted nervously in his seat as he checked his watch. Lois had told him to go ahead because she still had a few last minute things to do at work and she didn't want both of them standing her father up. Clark had reluctantly agreed, but sitting across from him now, his posture intimidating even to someone as powerful as Clark, he wished he hadn't.

"She said she'd be here soon. She's just finishing up at work."

Sam Lane let out a snort. "That girl just can't walk away from the place can she?"

"Well, you know Lois," Clark chuckled. Sam then surprised Clark by grimacing.

"Not as much as I should."

Clark didn't have time to ask about that statement as he noticed Lois walking towards them with a very displeased look on her face.

"Hey." She said shortly, plonking herself down in the seat next to Clark, opposite her father.

"That's all we get?" Sam questioned.

"Sorry," She stood up and kissed her father on the cheek. "Hi daddy, how are you?"

She sat back down, leaning over to kiss Clark, his eyes studied hers, searching for whatever was wrong with her. She had been fine when he'd left the Planet earlier.

"Doing good kid. But what's wrong with you?"

"Oh nothing. It can wait." She said, turning her attention to her menu.

"Lois Lane you tell me what's…"

She abruptly cut him off. "Kent, daddy! Lois Lane-Kent! Why does everyone keep forgetting that part?" She huffed out, angrily. Clark placed his hand over hers in a calming gesture, a warmth flooding his chest at her insistence to everyone to call her by her married name.

"Sorry," She mumbled after a moment of silence. "So Lucy didn't come with you I see?"

"No, she said to give you her apologies but she's in France and can't get away."

"Pfft, I'll bet Pierreis keeping her nice and busy." Lois said sarcastically, earning her a glare from her father.

"Lois, there's no need for that."

"Well, I'm sorry daddy but I wanted her to be here too."

"So…" Her father said, changing the subject. Clark knew that he wasn't going to get anything out of her anytime soon, so he just sat back and waited. "What's with the sudden dinner invitation? Not that I don't love seeing you, it's just you never ask me to come down."

"Well, uh…" She began but then looked over at Clark. She smiled knowingly at him as she said. "Clark and I have something to tell you daddy."

Sam Lane turned his sharp gaze to Clark. "Well, spit it out Kent."

Clark sat up straight. "Well, the thing is…sir…is," He paused for a second, feeling Lois squeeze his hand reassuringly. "Lois and I are…going to have a…baby."

Clark wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, but as the General narrowed his eyes and studied both of them for a good few minutes, he was pleasantly surprised when his face lit up into a smile.

"Well, that's wonderful news. So I'm going to be a grandfather eh? A little early in my calculations but I'll take it. You two deserve a little happiness after all you've been through. Congratulations." Judging from the shock on Lois' face, she hadn't been expecting that either.

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my father?" She demanded.

Sam Lane simply leaned back in his chair and chuckled. "What did you expect Lo, me to beat Clark to a pulp? To lock you away in a dungeon? I'm really not that bad am I?"

Lois didn't reply but she did huff out a large scoffing noise, which the General ignored.

"Ah, my little Lo is going to be a mother. I'm proud of you. You've accomplished so much with your life. It may not be the path I had set out for you, but I know now that being in the military would never have made you happy. You belong here Lois, and I know that Clark takes good care of you. I must say that it's a relief not to have to worry about what trouble you're getting yourself into."

"Is it just me, or is old age starting to set in with you?"

"Lois!" Clark hissed.

"What? I'm just saying." Clark was happy with the way things were going this evening, why was she so determined to rock the boat?

"Look Lois, I know that I haven't exactly been the best father in the past, but I told you the truth in the hospital and on your wedding day, I want to make up for that. I know it may be too little too late, but I have to at least try. But this is the best news I have heard since I found out your mother was carrying you. She would be so proud of you Lo…She had such high hopes for you and Lucy when you were born."

"Daddy, stop it!" Lois said, quickly swiping away a tear, and Clark heard her mutter under her breath about her stupid hormones. He rubbed her back as she leaned against him. "But thank you, it really means a lot to me, well to both of us."

"You weren't worried about telling me were you?" Sam asked with a frown.

"Clark was." She chuckled and Clark felt as if the spotlight had been turned on him.

"I wasn't worried, I was just a little…well…" Sam chuckled as Clark struggled to get his words out.

"I like you Kent. You're a good lad, you love my daughter and you make her happy, that's all any father needs to know. Now…" He rubbed his hands together and perused his menu.

"Let's order shall we? I'm starving." Clark looked over at Lois, who was wearing the same expression he guessed must be evident on his face. What had just happened?

"So are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Clark asked as he flew high above the Metropolis skyline, heading for Smallville with Lois tucked safely in his arms.

The rest of the evening had flown by and after the nervousness had died down, Clark actually found himself having a good time. Who would've thought that was possible with General Sam Lane? He thought, with a chuckle.

"Nothing's wrong. I'm just still a little shell shocked at my father's reaction. I was fully expecting to have to go in, all guns blazing. But that just threw me for a loop. He's getting soft in his old age." She laughed as she snuggled closer to the warmth of Clark's broad chest. He tightened his protective hold on her.

"Lois, you know what I mean. What was wrong when you came storming in?"

"Oh that, well it is nothing really, but it got to me. Perry called me into his office after you left saying he had another job for me. I have to train a rookie, take him out on assignments with us and show him the ropes."

"And that made you angry?"

"No, well…yes. I like working with you on my own. We're a good team, and I don't want anyone messing with that."

Clark pressed a kiss to her forehead as he concentrated on flying. "Did you meet him?"

"Yeah, he's okay I guess. He reminds me of you in a way. Twenty years old, completely fresh to the news game, and a little bit of a geek in my opinion. But he's quite sweet, I suppose." She said icily.

"That's a bad thing?" Clark asked, deliberately ignoring the barb about him being a geek. He knew better than to start a fight with her when flying.

"Yes, because now I feel like I want to take him under my wing and help him. The news game can be brutal Clark, you know that. Ugh, you know, sometimes I could swing for Perry White."

"Don't sweat it Lo…it'll be fine. Once he learns Lois' rules of reporting, he'll be on his way and he won't need you anymore." Lois glanced up at him, a smile on her face as she kissed his jaw.

"I know I was overreacting, but why can't Perry choose someone else to do his bidding?"

Clark laughed and soared higher into the night sky. "Because, Lois, you're the best there is."

To Be Continued...