Part 37

September 2002- Baltimore, Maryland

Tad rolled over in bed, his hand running over the empty space beside him. He opened his eyes, pushing himself up. "Dix?" Tad said, softly at first, looking around. "Dixie?" He said a little louder this time. He received no response as he swung his feet over the edge of the bed and stood, searching aimlessly for a pair of pants. Finding a pair, he slipped them on. "Dix?" He made his way over to the bathroom and knocked before entering. Nothing. Tad rested his hand on the back of his neck and thought for a moment. He stepped out of the bathroom and headed for the door, swinging it open and stepping out quickly, not seeing Dixie as he turned.

Before she knew it, Dixie found herself on the floor. Tad crouched down in front of her. "My God, Dixie, I'm sorry," Tad stammered. "Are you OK? Are you alright?"

"I'm OK," Dixie said, catching her breath. "I just got the wind knocked out of my is all."

"Are you sure? I'll go get a doctor."

"Tad."

"I hit you pretty hard, Dix. The baby."

"Tad." Dixie reached out, taking his hands. "Tad. Calm down. I'm fine. We had more turbulence on the flight here. I'm fine."

"But Dix..."

"Listen to me. I could take a header out a window and the baby would be fine. A little bump isn't going to do anything."

"You're sure?"

"Positive. Don't go getting all paranoid on me, please. Tad." Tad nodded slowly. he got to his feet, helping Dixie up. Dixie looked up at him. "This baby is a miracle, Tad. The most precious... special little miracle. And for us to get another chance at this... there's a reason for it and... we're gonna be fine. I can just feel it in my heart. This was meant to be." Dixie put her arms around him, resting her head against his chest.

Tad lifted his hand to the back of Dixie's head, running his fingers through her hair. "I just want this whole thing to be OK," he said.

"There's no reason it wouldn't be." Dixie paused. "I know that you're worried about my heart. I know that the whole idea of this scares you to death. I know that, Tad. But I'm fine. I feel perfectly fine...I mean aside from the morning sickness." She looked up at him. "If something was wrong, I would tell you. You'd be the first to know, I swear. You promised to back me with this... and I promise to be honest with you."

Tad nodded. "You're sure you're OK."

Better than OK," Dixie lightly tapped her belly. "Both of us are still intact. A little hungry, but still in tact."

"I think I might be able to help you in that department."

"Mmm, what's the plan? Last night's french fries?"

"You're kidding," Tad laughed. "Those are long gone."

"Well?"

"I know you're not up to hospital food."

"Eww," Dixie curled her lip and then giggles.

"I take that as a no'." Tad smiled. "So we can stop at that pancake place on the way to John's Hopkins."

"Pancakes, huh? We can do pancakes. Pancakes sound good. I just want to take a shower first."

"Ah, the ritual cleansing," Tad grinned.

"You're not going to start that again, are you, Tad?"

"You know what they say, cleanliness is next to Godliness. And sweetheart, you are heavenly."

Dixie laughed. "And you are so bad." she said, walking back towards the room. "You're bad." Tad followed after her. "What next?" Dixie laughed. "I lost my number, can I have yours?' No need for the cheesy pickup lines, Martin." Dixie stood on her toes, kissing Tad sweetly. "You've already got me."