Author's note: This chapter is a bit longer than the other ones, sorry. You'll see why when you read it.
At the final dress fitting, Emma stood on the pedestal in the middle of the shop while Manny looked at her, smiling.
"Emma, you look so pretty."
Emma looked in the mirror and stared at her belly.
"Hello, earth to Emma."
Emma turned to Manny, "Hmmm? Oh, sorry."
"Are you okay?"
She looked at Manny and knew she couldn't keep the secret from her. "I'm fine. I'm just pregnant."
"What!?"
Emma nodded, "I still need to go to the doctor to make sure, but we took the test this morning, and it looks like I'm having a baby."
Manny started crying, "Oh my God, I'm so happy for you," She walked over and hugged Emma, "How do you feel?"
"Aside from the almost constant nausea?"
"Yes."
"I think Sean is happier about this than I am."
"Why aren't you happy about it?"
"I am happy I just—" She looked at Manny, "I haven't had enough time with him, alone. You know, getting to know him again and just being with him. And I know that's selfish of me to think or even to say out loud, but I can't help it. It took so long for us to find our way back together, and now we're having a baby."
"Well, you're not having the baby right away, so you'll still have time alone with him."
Emma smiled, "I know."
"So, he was excited?"
"Manny, he is over the moon."
"That's adorable."
"I wouldn't be surprised if I came home, and he already made the second bedroom in our apartment a nursery."
Sean was lounging on the couch, watching basketball when Emma came home.
"Hi, babe."
"Hi," He stood up to greet her, "How did it go?"
She took off her coat and placed it on one of the stools at the kitchen island. "It went well. The dress is ready."
"And how are you feeling?"
"Better." She put her bag on the island, and he wrapped his arms around her waist, "Are you sure?"
She nodded.
He raised an eyebrow. "Are you really sure?"
Emma laughed, "Yes." She leaned her forehead against his, "I'm all good."
"Okay," He kissed her on the nose, "Wanna watch basketball with me?"
"Sure, I'm just going to change into something more comfortable, take the second test, and I'll be right out."
"Sounds good." Sean sat back down on the couch and put his feet up on the ottoman. "Oh, my dress uniform is fine. The tailor just needed to fix the hem on the pants."
Emma shouted from the bedroom, "Oh, good!"
"Yeah. We're all set, it seems."
After a few minutes, Emma came back out and sat next to him, "Can you believe we're going to be married this time next week?"
"No, I can't." He held her left hand, "But I'm really happy about it."
"Well, that's good."
"I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't want to marry you, Em."
She leaned her head on his shoulder, "I love you."
"I love you." He looked toward the bedroom door, "So if this test is positive?"
"If this test is also positive, then we're probably having a baby."
Sean smiled, "I'm sorry, but I'm thrilled. I really am."
Emma smiled.
They sat there in silence until her phone alarm went off.
"Be right back."
After a few moments, Sean called out to her, "So? What's this one say?"
She walked out and showed him.
"The second line is even darker on this one, Em."
"Yep. We're having a baby."
Sean stared at his computer screen.
"Bossman?" Joe knocked.
"Yeah, come on in."
Joe opened the door and smiled, "Are you ready?"
"For what?"
"For what? Aren't you getting married in like four days?"
"Oh right, that." Sean looked at him, "And it's three days."
"Nervous?"
"A little bit, but I think it's just normal pre-wedding jitters." Sean asked, "Guys get that too, right?"
Joe laughed and said, "Look, I've seen how miserable you've been since you opened this place. You put on a brave face, but I could tell you were unhappy. The change I've seen in you these past few months has been incredible. She's perfect for you."
"I know."
"So stop being nervous. You guys are meant to be."
"I just want to make sure that my vows are good enough for her."
"I'm sure they will be." Joe stood up, "Just think about how much she's meant to you throughout the years and how thinking about her kept you alive in Afghanistan."
Sean smiled, "Thanks, man."
Sean went to the florist during his lunch hour, and the florist smiled when she saw him.
"Hello."
"Welcome back."
"Thank you," He added, "You know, my fiancé called you a few weeks ago about our wedding on Thursday."
"Thursday?" The florist gasped, "Hold on, you're the dreamy guy," She looked in her log, "Emma Nelson couldn't stop gushing about?"
Sean laughed, "The one and only."
"You know what? I'm taking 20% off the price for you."
Sean was shocked, "What? No. You don't have to do that."
"Think of it as a wedding present. You're one of my best customers."
Sean smiled.
"So would you like to see what I came up with for the centerpieces?"
"Sure."
"Okay, be right back."
Sean looked around the shop as he waited for the florist to return. When she walked out of the backroom, his eyes lit up. "Wow."
She asked, "Do you think Emma will like this?"
He nodded, "I think she will. It's beautiful."
"Good."
Sean looked at the centerpiece and at the florist, "I'm going to be married in three days."
"Yes, you are. Are you excited?"
"Honestly, I'm thrilled. I've wanted to marry Emma since we were kids."
"That's really sweet."
"Can we put something together right now that I can take home to her later?"
"Of course."
"Perfect, thanks."
"Babe? Is that you?"
Sean laughed, "Yes, it's me." He asked, "Were you expecting someone else? Is there something you want to tell me?"
Emma walked out of the bedroom and smiled, "Oh my God, those are beautiful."
Sean handed them to her.
"What are these for?"
"Just because."
She kissed him and went into the kitchen to grab a vase.
"Oh, and the florist is knocking off 20% the price of the flowers for the wedding."
Emma turned around, "Wait, are you serious?"
"Yep, she realized who you were, and she gave us a discount because I'm one of her most loyal customers. She said to consider it a wedding present."
"Wow, that's generous of her."
"And she gave me a sneak peek of the centerpieces."
"What? That's so unfair. I want to see them."
She pouted, and he smiled. "You'll love them."
Emma asked, "So how was your last day of work as a single man?"
"Busy, which is why I'm so late."
"Want me to make anything?"
"Nope. I can just grab something out of the fridge. We still have leftovers from the other night at your mom's, right?"
"Yep."
He walked over to her and held her hips. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm good."
"Any nausea?"
"Feels like it's 24/7 these days."
"I'm sorry."
"It comes with the territory, I guess."
"Yeah," He opened the fridge and grabbed the leftovers, "Can you have some?"
She sat at the island, "Sure."
"This is turning into quite a week."
"It sure is."
He looked at her, "Are you okay? You seem sad."
"I'm not sad."
"Well, you don't exactly seem like a woman who's excited to get married in three days. Are you having second thoughts?"
"Oh my God, of course not! I cannot wait to be married to you."
"Then what is it?"
Emma shrugged, "I don't know."
Sean didn't want to ask the next question because he was afraid of Emma's answer, but he asked it anyway, "Are you not happy about the baby?"
Emma didn't say anything.
Emma's silence made Sean feel a pain in his chest, and he asked, "So you don't want the baby?"
"Of course, I do." Emma looked at him, "Just not right now."
Sean felt sick to his stomach, "Well, it's not happening right now. We have months before he or she arrives."
"I know. I'm just being selfish because I want to be with you alone as much as possible before we start a family."
He was relieved, "Em, we'll still get to be alone."
"But, I'll be fat and have cankles."
He laughed, "You'll be carrying my baby, which will make you the most beautiful woman in the world to me."
"I don't deserve you."
"I'm pretty sure that should be the other way around." Sean walked over to Emma and kissed her head. "I don't deserve you."
"I'm sorry. I'm all out of sorts. It's probably just pre-wedding jitters." She looked at him, "I just want everything to be perfect for you."
Sean scoffed, "For me? Why for me?"
"Because…"
"Em, we've talked about this. It's fine that this is your second marriage. Shit happens. What's important is that this is your last marriage."
Emma smiled at him, "It will be."
Sean and Emma were getting ready to leave for the Simpson house for Christmas Eve when Sean asked, "You have everything?"
Emma nodded.
"Here, give me that."
Emma handed a tote bag full of gifts, "Thanks."
"Are you going to tell your mom?"
"Probably. I'll slip at some point." She put on her coat, "I think it's okay if we tell a few people."
Sean nodded. "Did you tell Manny?"
"Yeah, she's thrilled for us."
Sean took a long around the apartment, "Where's the cat?"
"He's under the bed."
"Oh, okay, I hadn't seen him in a while and was afraid he might have escaped."
Emma laughed, "I think he likes it here. He wouldn't want to escape."
Christine opened the front door and said, "Merry Christmas!"
Emma and Sean walked into the Simpson residence. Everyone hugged, and Christine took their coats.
"Mom, the tree looks great!"
"Thank you." She hung up their coats and said, "I figure we'll eat first, then do presents."
"Sounds good."
Sean walked over to Snake.
"Want a beer?"
"Sure."
Snake looked at Sean, "Everything okay? You're not getting second thoughts about Thursday, are you?"
"Of course not. I couldn't be happier."
"Good, I'm glad."
Emma looked at Snake and Christine then at Sean, "Um, we have something to tell you."
Sean walked over to Emma and put his arm around her waist.
Christine said, "Good news, I hope?"
Sean said, "We think it's good news."
Snake looked at them both, "Well, spit it out already."
Emma took a breath and then said, "I'm pregnant."
Christine shrieked in excitement, which startled both Sean and Snake. "Oh my God, come here!" Emma walked over to her mother, and Christine hugged her, "I'm so happy for you both!"
Snake smiled at Sean and said, "I'm having a strange sense of deja vu here." They shook hands, "Congratulations."
Christine said, "What a week for you two, huh?"
Emma nodded.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm nauseated pretty much all day."
"Ugh, that's awful, but it usually only lasts for the first trimester. Then after that, you have new symptoms to worry about like back pain, swollen everything, flatulence..." Emma looked horrified, "Sorry."
Sean laughed. "Good thing, we have two bedrooms in the apartment." Emma smacked his arm. "Ow."
Emma asked, "Where's Jack?"
"He's at Dean's for Christmas Eve. He'll be here tomorrow."
Emma smiled and said, "That's sweet."
Christine asked, "So are you guys ready for Thursday?"
Sean and Emma answered in unison, "Yep."
"Well, it seems like you are."
Snake asked, "So what's the plan? You can't see each other before the ceremony."
"I'm coming here to sleepover tomorrow night and get ready Thursday afternoon while Sean is staying at our place."
"Good plan," Snake took a sip of his beer and asked, "Are you wearing your dress uniform?"
"Yep. Got it tailored, and I'm all set."
Christine smiled, "I'm sure you will look very handsome in it."
"I hope so."
After spending Christmas Eve at Archie and Christine's, Sean and Emma were sitting on their couch looking at their Christmas tree, "This is our last night together as single people."
Emma smiled.
"Is there anything you'd like to do?"
"Maybe."
"Are you going to tell me?"
"I'd like to take a bath with you."
Sean raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah?"
Emma nodded, "And then maybe we can make love a couple of times."
"We can do that, right?"
"Yes, it's perfectly fine to make love during pregnancy. Apparently, I'm going to get horny in the third trimester, which seems especially cruel, considering I'll be the size of a whale."
Sean laughed, "You will not be the size of the whale, and it doesn't matter how much weight you gain, you'll be the most beautiful pregnant woman ever. You already are."
"Forget the bath." Emma grabbed him and kissed him. She pulled his shirt up and over his head and kissed his chest, "Let's make love first."
"I love it when you're aggressive."
She leaned her forehead on his, "You drive me crazy. I can't help myself."
"The feeling," He licked her bottom lip, "is mutual."
"Let's move this to the bedroom."
Sean shook his head and smiled, "Later."
"If you insist…"
"We never made it to the bedroom."
Sean and Emma were on the floor of their living room. Sean was leaning against the couch, and Emma was leaning up against his chest, between his legs. They had a blanket wrapped around them, and Sean had his arms wrapped around Emma.
Sean kissed Emma's hair, "I like it out here with just the tree lights on."
"Yeah, it's pretty."
"You're pretty."
Emma turned her head and kissed him.
"I really can't believe we're getting married the day after tomorrow."
"Me either, but I'm glad we are."
"Me too."
"Got your vows written yet?"
He said, "Still working on them. I want to make sure they're just right."
"Sean, if your vows are anything like your proposal, you'll be fine."
"And how are yours coming along?"
"They're coming along."
He put his chin on her shoulder, "You're not having trouble, are you?"
"Nope, well, yes, but only because I have so many things I want to say."
"Oh?"
"Yes." She turned her head and kissed him again, "Let's take that bath."
When Emma woke up Christmas morning, she smelled breakfast and heard Christmas music coming from the living room.
She walked out, and Sean was cooking and singing. She waited a few moments before alerting him to her presence.
"Why didn't you ever start a band in high school?"
Sean laughed, "Merry Christmas, beautiful."
"Merry Christmas." She walked over and kissed him, "Seriously, you have a nice voice."
He shrugged, "I don't know. Never wanted to, I guess."
"Well, if you ever want to serenade me, feel free."
He laughed, "I'll keep that in mind."
"So, what are the plans for today?"
"The plans are to spend Christmas alone together before you go over to your parents' place, and I stay here alone, and then we're gonna get married tomorrow."
"Oh my God, we're getting married tomorrow."
"Yep."
"I cannot wait to call you, my husband."
"Well, I cannot wait to call you, my wife." He kissed her and served breakfast for the two of them.
"When are we going to exchange presents?"
"After breakfast," He pointed at Emma's plate, "You're eating for two now, so eat up."
"True."
"Is it present time yet?"
Sean laughed, "Yes," I got you a couple of little things, one big thing and one big thing that isn't actually a big thing."
"Oooh, I'm intrigued."
Sean took a few boxes out from under the tree. "Now, the huge thing isn't physically a big thing…."
"Okay," Emma took the box from Sean and opened it, "Oh my God, Sean!"
"Yes?"
"The Ritz-Carlton!?"
"Well, we're not going on a honeymoon right away, but I wanted at least to have a special wedding night in a nice suite."
"The Ritz-Carlton!?"
"You said that already."
Emma kissed him and pulled away, "You are amazing."
"Thank you. The rest of the presents aren't as spectacular."
"Sean, you didn't even have to get me anything else."
"Yes, I did." He smiled, "Now open them."
"Okay, okay." She opened another box, "Ooh, this is beautiful."
"You like it?"
"I do." She held up a pearl necklace Sean had gotten her, "This could be my something new for tomorrow!" It was simple yet elegant.
"That was kind of the idea." He handed her another box, "There's more."
She smiled at him. "You're so good to me."
"I'm making up for lost time."
Emma opened the next box, and it was a matching bracelet. "Sean! Oh my God, you're spoiling me."
"So, you like them?"
"Yes! Are you kidding me? They're gorgeous."
"Okay, two more."
Emma looked at the first of the two boxes, "Sean, are these earrings?"
"Maybe?"
She opened the box and gasped, "Sean!"
"I couldn't get you the bracelet and necklace and not get you the earrings."
"How did you do this? They go perfectly with my dress. You haven't seen it yet, have you?"
"No! Your mom helped me pick these out. I went to the same jeweler who sold me your engagement ring and our wedding bands."
She held up the earrings and took a close look at them, "They're gorgeous." She kissed him, "You shouldn't be spending this much money on me."
"You deserve it."
Emma opened the next present, which was pretty big. When she tore the paper off, she saw the picture of her saying yes to Sean's proposal. It was a black and white print in a sleek black frame blown up to 20''x20''. "Oh my God, I love it."
"Good." Sean looked at it, "I thought it would look nice in black and white."
"It's wonderful. Thank you." She kissed him again and smiled. "Now, I feel bad because I didn't spend nearly as much money as you."
"Em, I don't care about that."
She nodded and handed him a bunch of little presents. Sean opened the first one, and it was a leather-bound journal.
"This is beautiful, Em."
"I found a guy who handcrafts them."
"Wow," Sean looked at it and kissed her. "This is great."
He opened his second present, a fountain pen. "To use in your new fancy journal."
Sean nodded, "I love the color." It was a dark red pen with gold hardware. He kissed her again, "This is very thoughtful."
"I figured your pen should match your shop." She handed him another box, "This is just something silly that I got you in light of our news."
Sean unwrapped the box, opened it, and smiled, "Emma..." He held up a t-shirt that said, "DAD AF" across the front.
"See? It's silly."
He laughed, "I love it."
"And one more…" Emma handed him another present. This time in a gift bag.
Sean took out the tissue paper and smiled.
"Because you're so into cooking now."
"This is awesome." Sean held up a vegetarian cookbook Emma had bought for him.
"I still feel bad that you spent so much money on me."
"Emma, I love everything you got me." He kissed her, "Thank you."
"Hey! I've got an idea."
"What's that?"
"Let's make some cookies."
Sean asked, "Do we have the ingredients for cookies?"
"We do! I bought some the other day." Emma stood up, "What do you say?"
"Well, how can I say no to that?"
Sean played Christmas tunes while they baked the cookies, and Emma stopped and stared at him.
"Yes?"
"I really do love you."
"Well, I hope so." He walked up to her and kissed her nose, "Because you're marrying me tomorrow."
She smiled, "I mean it. I love everything about you."
"Em, where is this coming from?"
"I don't know. I just wanted you to know."
"I do know. And you know how much I love you too, right? I mean, I never stopped, ever."
She smiled at him. "Our vows are going to be so good. We'll have everyone crying."
Sean laughed, "Even Jay?"
Emma nodded, "Even Jay…"
After the cookies were done, Sean and Emma sat on the couch together.
"I hate that I have to leave you tonight."
"Well, it's just for the night, and the next time we see each other, we'll be minutes away from getting married."
"I know. I'm so excited for you to see me in my dress."
"I hope I don't start crying."
"I hope you do."
Sean looked at her, "I probably will."
Emma smiled.
"So, what time are you heading over there?"
"As late as possible without disturbing them."
"Bring the cookies with you."
Emma asked, "Why?"
"Because I want to fit in my suit tomorrow, that's why."
Emma laughed and said, "Okay."
"And isn't Jack there tonight?"
"Oh, my God!" She sat up, "I forgot about my brother."
Sean laughed, "Want me to drop you off?"
"Yes."
When they pulled in front of the Simpson residence, Emma looked straight ahead and said, "By this time tomorrow, we'll be husband and wife."
Sean smiled, "Yep."
She turned to him and squealed.
Sean cowered, "Wow, that is a high decibel, Em."
"Sorry." She leaned forward and kissed him.
Sean pulled away and then leaned forward and kissed her again. They ended up making out in the car until they heard knocking on the window.
They were startled by the noise and blushed when they saw Archie looking into the window.
Sean opened the window, "Hello, sir."
"Hello. I was just wondering why your car was idling in front of my house. I wanted to make sure everything was okay. I see that it is." He looked at Emma, "Do you need me to bring anything inside?"
"Um," She grabbed her bag from the floor, "This? I'll be in a few minutes."
"Okay." He looked at Sean, "See you at Degrassi tomorrow. Try and be there by 3:30."
Sean nodded.
Archie walked away, and Emma and Sean giggled.
Sean put up the window, "You better get inside."
"I feel like I'm going to be grounded."
Sean smiled, "The next time I see you, you'll be walking down the aisle. Or walking across the stage? Shit, we didn't rehearse anything."
Emma laughed, "All you have to do is stand on the stage and wait for me with the Minister and Jay."
"Okay."
"I love you."
"I love you."
She kissed him and pulled away, "See you tomorrow."
He nodded, "Okay."
"One more kiss." Emma leaned forward, and they kissed again. For another five minutes.
Sean pulled away, out of breath, and said, "Okay, you need to get inside before we end up having sex in this car because I don't know what Archie would do if he saw that."
Emma raised an eyebrow.
"No, we can't. You need to leave."
She pouted, "Fine."
"We can have lots of sex tomorrow night in our suite."
"I like the way you think, Mr. Cameron."
He smiled and said, "Now go."
"Okay," She opened the door and got out. "I love you."
"I love you."
"Bye." She closed the door, and Sean watched her go into the house. He took a deep breath and drove away.
When Sean got back to the apartment, he looked around and said, "Yeah, I hate this already."
Henry came out of the bedroom and jumped onto the couch. He walked over to the far end and plopped down.
The sight of the cat falling over made Sean laugh. He walked over and sat next to him, "I guess you'll have to do for company tonight." He turned on the TV and pet the cat's head. Henry started purring.
"Em?"
"Yeah, mom?"
Christine walked into the guest bedroom, "How are you feeling?"
"Good."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course!" Emma smiled at her mom. "By the way, the jewelry is gorgeous."
"That was mostly Sean. He has pretty good taste."
"He said you helped."
"I did a little, but it was all him."
Emma sighed, "He surprises me every day."
Christine smiled, "That's good!"
"Yeah, it is."
"I wonder how he's doing at home, all alone."
"He's not alone. He has Henry with him."
"Oh, right! I forgot about the cat." She cocked her head to the side, "Who's taking care of the cat while you guys are at the suite?"
"All Sean has to do is leave him with extra food and water. Cats are pretty independent."
"That's true."
"Would it be cheesy for me to text him good night?"
"Of course not."
Sean was watching "It's A Wonderful Life" when his phone buzzed. He looked at it and smiled.
It was a text saying, "Goodnight, my gorgeous soon to be husband and father of my child."
Sean decided to put on the DAD AF t-shirt and take a picture of himself in it for Emma. It took him five or six tries to get the picture right, but when he did, he typed, "Goodnight, Em. I love you."
When Emma got his text, she started laughing. "Mom, look."
Christine walked over and giggled, "That shirt is adorable."
"It was one of my presents for him."
"That's sweet. I'm so happy for you two. This was all meant to be."
Emma smiled.