Part 52

September 2002- Pine Valley Hospital

Dixie watched the door as she stood by the nurses' station on the lower floor of the hospital. She checked her watch, knowing that Jake and Joe were probably already waiting in the office. A moment later, Tad stepped inside.

"Sorry," Tad said as he approached Dixie. He kissed her forehead.

"You showered?" she said, handing him Katie. "Boy, Adam must really have you running around over there."

"You have no idea," Tad said. "We'll talk about it later, OK?"

Dixie looked at him, unsure. "Everything OK?"

"Fine," Tad said. "We'll talk about it later." Dixie nodded slowly as she and Tad boarded the elevator. "How are you feeling?" Tad asked as he gently bounced Katie.

"OK," Dixie said. "I even got a chance to take Katie out for a walk in the park this morning." She paused. "I ran into Jackson."

"What did he have to say?"

Dixie shook her head. "Not munch," she said. "Just out for some air."

The elevator came to a stop and Tad and Dixie stepped off, heading towards the office. They paused outside the door, knocking before entering.

"Hey, Pop," Tad said. "Jake."

Jake perched himself on the edge of the desk. "What's this news you couldn't wait for us to hear?" he asked.

Tad let Dixie take the chair in front of the desk, handing her Katie. "Well we wanted to tell all of you, but with Mom out of town visiting Kelsey..." Dixie smacked Tad in the arm. "I'm getting to it," he said to her.

"Well don't keep us in suspense," Jake said. "Let's have it."

"You want to tell them?" Tad asked Dixie.

"Go ahead," Dixie smiled.

"Well," Tad began. "We were in Palo Alto that first time that Dixie got sick. And we thought it was just the heat... and her medication. Well when it didn't get any better, we went to the doctor and..."

"I'm pregnant," Dixie blurted out. Joe opened his mouth to speak. "Before you say anything," Dixie continued. "I know the risks. And I can handle them."

"Have you stopped your medication?" Joe asked. Dixie nodded. "The dangers of overexertion..."

"I'm not overexerting," Dixie said. "I promise. I'm not even working. Tad's taking care of that." Tad's shoulders fell and eyes shut, only noticed by Jake. "All I'm doing is staying home with Katie. I am being careful."

"Then what can I say?" Joe said. "Congratulations." Dixie stood and embraced first Joe then Jake.

"Congratulations," Jake said to them. He leaned in to Tad. "We need to talk," he said softly.

Tad looked at him. "Sure," he said. "Uh, Dix..." Dixie and Joe were in conversation. "I'll be right back, OK?" Dixie nodded and Tad and Jake left the office. They moved down the hall a bit before Jake led him into an empty room.

"What's up?" Tad asked.

"I don't want to prod," Jake said. "But I saw your expression in there." tad shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. "When Dixie said that you were taking care of the employment end of things." Tad's mouth gaped slightly. "What happened?"

"Nothing happened," Tad said. "Why do you think something happened?" Jake raised his eyebrows and folded his arms across his chest. Tad took a deep breath. "I am no longer employed at Chandler Enterprises. I have been terminated... effective immediately." He paused. "So that Tad's got everything under control' bit... Dixie has no idea."

"You're going to tell her?" Jake said.

"As we sit over the grocery bills tonight I'll bring it up," Tad said sarcastically.

"What about Pop? He can help."

"No," Tad said. "I can't ask Pop for money."

"Then let me help you," Tad shook his head. "You've got a new baby, Tad. You've got another on the way. Let me give you the money."

"No, Jake," he said. "I appreciate it. I do. But I can't take your money."

"Until you find another job." Jake said. "Katie's going to need diapers. You guys will need to eat." He paused. "You would do the same thing for me, Tad. Let me help you."