Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters. This is strictly for my own amusement.

Author's Notes: In this next chapter, a Lane-Kent family dinner, part two, Lois and Clark practice their wedding dance, Bruce takes a tour of Metropolis, then makes a stunning, but no less desirable announcement, and later, Erica and her family travel to Smallville for a wedding. Read on! :D:D

~o~o~

Chapter 21: Hold My Heart

Upstate New York, nearly three months later:

Lois and Clark's beautiful wedding invitation had arrived for Erica and her family about a month ago. Smallville, Kansas would be the setting for their wedding. With Lena as the flower girl, Erica was pleased to be invited, and with Lena involved, it was going to be a beautiful day for her family. Erica's pregnancy was now entering the second trimester. She was going to have a baby boy in six-months.

Erica and Henri were in the study of their New York home speaking with their realtor. They finally received multiple offers for the house but only after dropping the price almost twenty-thousand dollars. They needed that money, but the deal was now struck and they were now scheduled to move out in a month.

Her brother Paul was another issue that needed to be resolved. With Bruce's suggestion and with Clark's help, a few doctors at STAR Labs, they were able to reverse Paul's violent tendencies with the removal of mind control drugs from his system. He was now actively searching for a job in western Florida, which would be the location of their new home. He was actually in Florida searching for a house. He forwarded photos, and videos of several homes and an agreement was now in place, and with any luck, the house would be theirs in due time.

After the realtor had gone, Erica went out on the back patio. After a few minutes, Lena came to meet her. "Hi, Mommy." Erica did not answer her. Lena sat down in a lawn chair next to her Mother. "Are you alright Mommy? Is it the baby?" She had taken the news about the baby with joy and immense pleasure. She would have a sibling, a baby brother.

"I'm fine, sweetie," she finally replied. She glanced at her beautiful daughter. "Did you like the dress Ms. Lois found for you?"

"Oh, yes, Mommy, I saw the picture of it and it's pretty. I love the color, yellow and white. I can't wait for the wedding."

"Me too, sweetie," Erica replied, but then she became despondent and withdrawn again.

Lena watched her Mother closely. "Mommy, why are you sad?"

Erica had tears in her eyes. She blinked rapidly to clear her vision. "I'm alright." She wiped a stray tear from the corner of her eye.

Lena was worried. Her hopes and dreams were coming true. Her family was back together and happy, but something was not right. She stood up and went to her Mother and touched her shoulder. "I won't leave you, Mommy. I promise."

"Come here," Erica whispered and pulled her into her lap. Lena was getting way too tall for this, but she did not seem to mind, her head under her Mother's chin, holding her close. Erica stroked her hair, rocked her and hummed a little ditty that Lena had never heard before.

She then realized that her Mother had a beautiful voice. Closing her eyes, Lena knew this particular hug was for her Mother, not her. After the song had ended, Lena whispered, "Another one, please?"

Erica sighed and sang another song from her childhood. Thinking of her Mother all those years ago, and the songs she would sing to her and her brother, tears blinded, but she pulled herself together. Lena was so happy now, and Erica was determined that it would stay that way.

But thoughts of Lex invaded her mind. It was inevitable that she would think of him and what could have been.

~o~o~

Upstate New York, a maximum security prison:

Lex Luthor was now in jail with charges stemming from his botched attempt to discredit and even eliminate the Man of Steel. What he had not counted on was Superman's friends showing up out of the blue and ruining his plans. Lex was convinced his plan had been foolproof, and it would have worked, if not for them.

Superman's demise still outweighed his thoughts about Erica and his children. His children should be uppermost in his mind.

It had taken days for the tears to stop, but they had eventually stopped. He promised himself that would be the one and only time that tears would emerge from his eyes. It was a promise he would not be able to keep.

Glancing at the article on his bed, he walked over to it and picked it up again. Lois and Clark's engagement was front page news. The wedding would take place in Smallville, Kansas, Clark's hometown. He shook his head. He still did not understand what she saw in that hick from Smallville. He just did not get it. He then turned the article over and there was Superman in all his red and blue with another article written by Lois Lane herself.

He flipped it back to the engagement photo and then back to Superman. He did that for a few minutes. Something was there in his mind, but he could not comprehend it. He then thought back to their meeting at his lab and Lois had been the one doing all the talking. Clark had just stood there appearing unmoved by the images.

Lois was the one, mad and upset, holding Clark's arm and speaking for him. He also thought back to the bus accident. He hadn't thought about that in so long, but it now loomed large in his mind and he couldn't ignore it anymore.

So that's it. He slowly grinned with this new knowledge and wondered what to do with it, if anything.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, in Smallville, Kansas, the Kent farm:

It's now a week before the wedding and everything had gone wrong up until this point. Lois had actually taken Clark's advice and hired a wedding planner several months ago. It plainly relieved some of the stress. The planner would take over the plans and questions, then Lois would answer them and that was that.

It worked OK for a while but then Clark began to wonder if he knew his fiancé. She had turned into a raving madwoman. All Lois could say was that 'this would be her one and only wedding' and it had to be perfect, nothing can go wrong.

Every time the planner would bring up a question or a recommendation, it was outright rejected with no compromises. It was either her style or not at all. Nothing was coming together at all.

Clark had to do something. Then he decided that a family dinner was in order to take her mind off the wedding. They were in the living room discussing the last minute changes to the wedding. It was time to step back for a while, but then the subject of Lucy came up.

"You're joking." Lois was shocked.

"Everything will be fine. Your Father knows so what's the problem?"

"Lucy, Lucy is the problem. You don't know my sister. She cannot keep a secret," Lois replied.

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"So we won't tell her, at least not right away," Clark suggested.

"When will we tell her?" Lois did not want to keep this secret from her forever.

"I was thinking we would tell her after the wedding."

Lois frowned. "I suppose so." She watched him closely. "What are you thinking?"

"Well, I know you two aren't that close and …" He hesitated.

"No, we aren't, but I do want that to change. Telling her the truth, well, maybe it will bring us closer and once she realizes how important it is to all of us, well she may surprise us," Lois thoughtfully said. She wanted that to be true.

"She may just do that." Clark was hopeful. He touched her cheek. She looked so worried. "Everything will be fine," he said it again.

"I hope so." She hesitated. "Clark, I want to apologize for being such a bitch these past few months." She paused as she stared at him. "I've dreamed of marrying a man like you who could accept me for whom I am, with all my flaws and who understands me. You are that person."

"And you're the woman I've always wanted. Please don't apologize for wanting the wedding to be perfect because I want that for you too. This is your wedding. I'm just a guy who'll show up and try not to step on your feet when we dance."

"You'll do OK, although we haven't had time for lessons. How about we practice a few steps right now?"

"Now, but …" Clark wasn't so sure about this.

"Come on, just one song." She hurried over to the stereo equipment, found a suitable CD and started it up. Switching a few songs, she found one. "This one will do."

"I don't know, Lois." He wanted to do this, but he had two left feet.

"Just take it slow." Lois instructed. Clark took her hand in his and pulled her close. Amazingly, he picked up the tempo and started to dance.

Lois followed him without any trouble at all. "Wow, you are a fast learner." She was totally surprised.

"I have a confession to make," he whispered. "My Mom taught me when I was ten."

"What?" She smacked his arm. Smiling at her stunned expression, he dipped her over his arm and pulled her close and kissed her. The dance was over.

He pulled her tight against him. After a few soft kisses, he stared into her eyes. "The wedding will be perfect, you'll be the most beautiful bride and …" He hesitated.

"And what …?" She asked with hope in her eyes. Lois melted just by the look on his face. "Clark, don't look at me like that. Your Mother is in the kitchen, and Lucy and my Father are on their way."

He leaned down and kissed her again. His kisses were so appreciated. It calmed her head and made her heart soar with her love for him. She managed to speak between kisses. "What were you … going to say?"

His lips on her throat, his mind in a fog, but he managed to answer her. "I cannot wait … "

She grinned, knowing the answer. "Wait for what …?"

He pulled away. "What do you think?"

Pulling him closer, she whispered, "Me too." She leaned up and kissed him.

Someone cleared their throat. It was Martha. "Sam and Lucy are here. Let's eat!"

~o~o~

Lucy finally got to meet Clark Kent. He was extremely tall, even tempered, and he couldn't pull his eyes away her sister. He made a few valiant efforts, but he failed miserably. Grinning at the lovebirds, she couldn't help but think of the upcoming wedding. As the maid of honor, she was thrilled to be included. She loved her sister dearly. Lois was the beauty of the family, but that did not stop her from loving her and wanting her to be happy and Clark made her happy.

Thinking back to their ruined family dinner months ago, she continued to watch the happy couple, and it was obvious that they adored each other. Now Lucy was totally confused. She had a problem and it would not go away.

The introductions had been made, dinner was on the table. Martha had outdone herself as usual with a pot roast, red potatoes, string beans, salad, and chocolate cake for dessert.

"Everything looks delicious, Martha. Thank you for having us," Sam said as everyone took a seat.

"Thank you, Sam." Martha paused as she stared at him. "I'm glad we can all sit down and have this dinner together because we're going to be family, and we should get to know each other."

Lois and Clark glanced at each other. "Yes, I agree." Clark passed the green beans to Lois.

Everyone was looking at each other, and Lucy suddenly felt left out for some reason. "Ok, what's going on? Is it the wedding?"

"No, Lucy, everything is great," Lois replied. It came out a bit strained.

Lucy did not believe her. "Lois, I know you've been stressed out with the wedding, and …"

"Lois is fine, right honey?" Clark asked.

"Yes, Clark, I'm fine," she replied. Lois took several deep breaths to relax.

Martha changed the subject. "So, Sam, how are you? Any more problems with … you know with what happened in Metropolis?" Martha asked, changing the subject.

"I'm doing alright. The city is relatively quiet now. I should be pulling my troops out in the next few days, and thanks to Superman and his superhero friends, everything worked out Ok," Sam replied.

"I'm happy to hear it Sam. Everyone eat up while it's hot!"

A few minutes of eating as well as a few conversations about the clone war, Superman's involvement, and of course Lois's articles about it, Lucy had questions.

"Oh, I wish I could meet him. Can I please meet him, Lois, please?" Lucy asked with a begging tone in her voice.

Lois was confused. "Meet who?"

"Superman of course. Don't look so surprised. He's on everyone's lips, at school, and everywhere I go. Superman this and Superman that," Lucy replied.

"Oh, him," Lois said and glanced at Clark. "Well, Ummm, sure, honey, one day soon." Lois hoped that would be the end of it.

No such luck. Lucy frowned. "But you see him every day, don't you?" No answer. "Why can't I meet him? Are you keeping him all to yourself? Everyone knows he doesn't talk to anyone but you." She was pouting now.

Lois sighed. "Lucy, I will introduce you, but he's a very busy man." Lois was exasperated. Clark wasn't sure what to say. Martha and Sam chewed their food and waited for the subject to be changed.

Sam was done with this. "Alright Lucy, that's enough. Lois will introduce you when the time is right."

Lucy frowned not understanding. "What do you mean when the time is right?"

Lois inwardly sighed. "Lucy, like I said, he's a very busy man, and when he's ready, you can meet him." She emphasized each word.

Lucy was determined. "I think you like keeping him all to yourself, don't you?" She turned to her Father. "You've met him several times, haven't you Daddy?" She would not let it go.

"That was business, Lucy. Now, can we please talk about something else?"

"Why am I the last to meet him? It's not fair." Lucy whined.

"Lucy!" Her Father was stern.

"Fine," Lucy said, totally depressed about it.

"So, Clark, will Mr. Wayne be your best man?" Martha asked.

"Yes, he will," Clark replied.

"Do you mean 'The Bruce Wayne!?" Lucy exclaimed. "Oh, I want to meet him too. Can I please, please .…?"

"Lucy calm down. He'll be at the rehearsal dinner in a few days," Lois told her sister.

"Ohhh, that's awesome news," she said and chewed her food. After a few minutes of silence and more awkward stares, instead of asking more questions, Lucy then decided to eat her dinner before they kicked her out.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, back in Metropolis:

Bruce Wayne, along with the Mayor of Metropolis, the Governor and most of City Council, surveyed the damage to the city. With Lex Luthor now in jail and no money coming into the city for reconstruction, the Mayor was getting desperate. The government had been no help at all. The tour took nearly an hour then they were nearly finished.

"As you can see, Mr. Wayne, most of the damaged buildings, vehicles and debris have been removed. It took weeks but everything has been cleared away. The money went pretty quickly after that." The Mayor stated the obvious. Bruce had been quiet during most of the tour. "Well, Mr. Wayne?" Mayor Davis asked. He tried to be upbeat, but this was Bruce Wayne for goodness sakes.

"Thank you, gentlemen and ladies, for taking the time to give me this tour. As you know, real estate is in my blood." He walked further along, but he had made a decision. "I see no reason not to invest in Metropolis. I also believe it will benefit Gotham in the long run, as well. Do you agree?"

Everyone breathed an enormous sigh of relief. The Governor spoke up. "Of course, we agree. Thank you, Mr. Wayne."

"I only ask one thing," Bruce said as he turned to them.

"And what's that?" Mayor Davis asked, getting worried. Everyone glanced at each other.

"There's a building not far from here on Spencer Avenue that I've been hoping to purchase, but the owner cannot be found. I'm currently renting through a realtor, but there are vital renovations to be made, and the realtor cannot seem to locate him."

Mayor Davis glanced at everyone. "Well, if the owner cannot be found, I don't see how …"

"Surely there are ways to locate missing persons. Find him or her, and the money is yours," Bruce stated his meaning clear.

"We'll find him," the Governor stated with the utmost confidence.

Bruce was pleased. "Good, now, what can you tell me about this Superman?" Bruce asked the stunned individuals.

"Superman?" Mayor Davis was not expecting that question. "But, what about him?"

"Well, I would like to meet him and talk to him. Can that be arranged?"

"I'm afraid we have no way of contacting him." Mayor Davis replied. "He shows up when we need him."

"Why is Superman being discussed? This tour is about reconstruction of Metropolis," the Governor stated and wondered where he was going with questions about Superman.

Bruce watched them closely. "You seem unusually protective of Superman considering he was the cause of all of this. The city was nearly destroyed because of him," Bruce said and waited for a reaction. It was prompt and to the point.

"None of this was his fault. It was the Kryptonians who destroyed our city. He saved the entire planet. The world owes him a tremendous debt." Mayor Davis meant every word. Everyone murmured in total agreement.

"I see." Bruce was pleased with that answer, very pleased. "Shall we continue with our tour?" Bruce grinned and turned from them and continued on his way.

Confused and preoccupied, the group followed him close behind, answering any and all questions and listening to his every word.

~o~o~

Smallville, Kansas, a day before the wedding:

Erica, Henri, Paul, and Lena had just landed at the airport in Wichita. Smallville was an hour away. They rented a car and proceeded to a hotel in the heart of town.

Even though Lex was behind bars, Erica was cautious and concerned. Once arriving in Smallville, Henri and Paul pulled their bags from the car then they caught Erica's worried expression.

"Erica, please relax. Lois and Clark will be available soon. We'll have dinner, and talk about the wedding," Henri said.

"The rehearsal dinner is tonight?" Erica asked, distracted by her thoughts.

"Yes, it's tonight," Henri replied.

After checking in, Erica needed to rest for a while, so Henri, Paul, and Lena took a walk through town and did a bit of shopping before lunch. Cleanup was still taking place, but it wasn't nearly as distressing as Metropolis.

~o~o~

Back at the hotel, Erica fell asleep, then she was awakened by a voice.

It was Lex standing over her, but they weren't in Smallville. They were back in Metropolis in his bedroom. She screamed, but nothing came out. It was a dream.

He sat down next to her. "Don't be afraid, Erica."

Erica tried to talk, but again nothing came out, not at first. "What do you want from me?"

"This is your dream Erica," Lex replied. He looked her over. She was under the covers naked.

"No, that's not true. I hate you." She pulled the covers up to the chin.

He shook his head at her. "No, you don't." His arms reached for her.

Erica screamed, but her voice was quiet again.

~o~o~

Lena shook her awake. "Mommy, Mommy, wake up!"

Erica awoke with a start. She recognized Lena, but she did not know where she was. "Lena, where … where am I?"

Henri and Paul also heard the cry. Both worried, they stood by her bedside. "We're in Smallville for the Clark and Lois's wedding," Henri replied. He was definitely worried. This was not the first time she had dreamed about Lex. He did not know what to do.

"Of course, I'm sorry. I guess I was just tired." Erica was worried too. Not another dream about him. She wiped her tired eyes and tried to be upbeat. "I'm hungry."

"Let's go eat. It is lunchtime." Paul spoke up. He was also worried about Erica. He knew what she was feeling. With help from physicians at STAR Labs, his dreams and thoughts of hurting his family were now gone. He cared deeply for them. Lex had ruined their lives in so many ways that if he ever came near them again, he would protect them with is life.

After changing, they went out for a bite to eat. Paul pulled his Father aside and told him there may be the reason why Erica was dreaming of Lex.

"No, no, he didn't do that to her." Henri was so worried about her and the baby.

"We don't know what he did. When I saw her at the warehouse, she was lethargic, and he may have given her something. It may be affecting her brain. She needs blood tests right away. Has she seen a doctor since finding out she was pregnant?"

"No, she hasn't. Maybe Mr. Kent can recommend someone here in town. I'll call him." He immediately called Clark and he told him that he would get back to him.

"Let's head back inside," Henri said. His daughter wanted to move on, but now that may not be possible at all.

After lunch, they headed back to the hotel. Later that evening, it was time for dinner with the Lanes and the Kents.

~o~o~

The hotel had a particularly charming room set up for the rehearsal dinner. Martha wanted to prepare an enormous meal, but Clark had forbidden it. It was time to for her to relax. The wedding was tomorrow. Martha reluctantly agreed.

Clark made the introductions. Bruce, Lucy, Martha, and Sam immediately fell in love with Lena. She was friendly and personable, and she accepted by the Lanes and the Kents, as well.

Before dinner, Clark had told Lois about Erica, with her having problems with moving on, her dreams about Lex, and what they could expect. Lois had spoken to Martha, and she recommended a doctor she had been seeing since moving to Smallville years ago. It was settled, Erica would see a doctor early tomorrow morning before the wedding.

Dinner was pleasant and extremely enjoyable. Paul and Lucy hit it off immediately. Bruce Wayne and Superman were no longer topics of discussion. Paul was hugely attractive. Lucy flirted with him and she was outgoing. Lois and Clark glanced at each other, but a decision had to be made about Paul and what to tell her. She had to know the truth. It seemed that would not be an issue. Paul told her the truth.

"You're a clone, but …?" Lucy was shocked and intrigued.

"Yes, Lucy, I'm a clone. Are you repulsed?" Paul asked the stunned young woman.

"No, not at all." She smiled at him. "Is everything working?"

"Lucy!?" That was Lois.

"It's alright, Ms. Lane," Paul said. "Everything works," he told Lucy and smiled. "You speak your mind. I like that."

Lucy smiled in return then she ducked her head.

Sam sighed then Lois had to smile at her sister. Bruce and Martha shook their heads. Clark actually liked his future sister-in-law.

Dinner proceeded with conversations about the reception, the music, and how much time they would have at the reception.

All their questions were answered by Lois and Clark, and then it was time to leave.

"Well, we should head over to the church now. A few run-throughs and we'll be done in about an hour," Clark said.

~o~o~

Early morning, the day of the ceremony:

The next morning, Erica's meeting with Dr. Martin was scheduled for ten a.m. The wedding was at six that evening, just before sunset.

Paul stayed with Lena while Henri accompanied Erica for her visit with the doctor. He drew blood, took her blood pressure, and checked the baby's heartbeat and development with a sonogram.

"Ms. del Portenza." He doctor came into the examination room. "I see no problems with the baby. He's healthy. Your blood tests will take a few days, but I see no biological reason why these dreams are happening. They may go away at some point. Most dreams do."

"But …" Erica wasn't so sure about that.

"Doctor, this person is the child's father. He's cruel and totally insane. He may have done something to her. We need to be sure that if he did, that the child will be alright."

"I know that Sir, but as I said, I see nothing wrong. His heartbeat is strong, his lungs, bones, everything appears normal. Without the results of the blood tests, there's nothing I can do until those come back. I'm sorry."

"The baby is healthy, honey. That's the most important thing," Henri tried to be upbeat.

"Yes, yes, I agree," Erica said and tried to smile.

They headed back to the hotel. Hoping to get her mind off of Lex and prepare for a beautiful wedding, she and her daughter went to the hairdresser and Lois, and Lucy was there.

"Ladies, come in, come in!" Lois was hopeful, a little too confident.

"Lois, I was not expecting to see you so early. I thought you wouldn't be available until the afternoon," Erica said as she and Lena sat down in their chairs.

"I couldn't sleep, and I can't help but think that something is going to go wrong," Lois said and sighed.

Lucy was still thinking about Paul. Closing her eyes as the stylist began to wash her hair.

"Well, no more thoughts about that," Erica said and smiled.

"I'll try." She paused as she watched her for a moment. "How are you Erica? How did your meeting go this morning?"

"Everything is fine, but the blood tests won't be back for a few days," Erica replied. She touched her belly and prayed everything would be alright.

"That's terrific news. The baby is healthy," Lois said.

"Yes, his heartbeat is strong, and he seems fine," Erica said.

"Mommy, have you picked out a name for the baby?" Lena asked.

"No, honey, I haven't," Erica replied then she glanced at her daughter. "Do you have one in mind?"

"Well, I was thinking about it," Lena began.

"And, what did you come up with?"

"How about Anthony, you know Tony for short?" Lena suggested.

Lois liked it and so did Erica. "I like it honey," Erica said.

"You do?" Lena was thrilled.

"Yeah, but we still need a middle name," Erica said.

"Oh, I forgot about that," Lena was thoughtful. "I'll think of one."

Lois and Erica both laughed, delighted by her enthusiasm.

Lucy spoke up while toweling her hair. "How about the name 'Paul'?"

Erica and Lena both smiled. "I like it," Erica replied.

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: Hold My Heart, Sara Bareilles.

A/N(s): This chapter was a lot of fun especially the wedding plans, family dinners, and Clark and Lois practice dance to prepare for the wedding. Erica's dreams and what they could expect took an odd turn. Oh, and we have a Clois wedding coming up, as well.

Off topic for a moment, head over to my FFN profile page. I've added several links. One is for pictures/banners of the wedding party, including Erica and her family. Another is a Tumblr meme to promote DC Marriage Week during the week of Oct. 14-20. During that time, visit Tumblr and search for that tag. You'll find stories, videos, fan-art, etc., posted for our favorite OTP, as well as other DC universe couples.

During that week, this story will be posted with a link to the next chapter. I also have a few other Clois weddings/babies that I've written that will be added to the tag. Look for those too! Ok, then, thanks for reading everyone! Reviews would be so nice! :D