Chapter 51

As usual, Jessie woke up early the next morning with a heavy need to use the bathroom. Only, this morning she also felt sick. She didn't want to climb out of bed, no matter how much she needed to, but eventually she did. And since Sam already seemed to be up and about, she really had no reason to stay in bed—especially on Christmas morning.

After managing to make it to the bathroom, she decided to shower. She was disappointed when Sam didn't show up to join her, but after she took some time to think about it, she realized it was probably better that he hadn't. She really didn't feel up to anything at the moment.

Once her hair was dry and she was fully clothed, she headed downstairs. Her nose was assaulted by a strange smell before she even made it all the way down the stairs, making her stomach lurch. She had to stop for a moment, her hand over her mouth to make sure she wasn't going to vomit. It took a few moments but her stomach finally settled down enough to continue her way downstairs.

The first thing she noticed when she walked into the kitchen was Dean standing at the stove wearing an apron. She wasn't sure which was more surprising, the fact he was cooking, or the fact he was wearing an apron. She might have snickered if she still wasn't on the verge of getting sick. Instead, she headed to the cupboard, completely ignoring everyone in the room, snatched a box of plain crackers from the cupboard and stuffed one in her mouth.

"Are you okay?" Sam asked with concern as he jumped up from the table and came up behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder supportively.

She turned around to face him, chewing on another cracker. She smiled weakly as she finished chewing.

"My stomach is unsettled this morning."

He glanced in his brother's direction for a moment. "It must be Dean's cooking," he teased, hoping to lighten her mood.

She smiled slightly. "I think you're right. About the cooking part, not about Dean being a terrible cook."

He snorted. "You must be feeling lousy if you're sticking up for Dean."

"Well, you probably shouldn't stand too close. Ya know, just in case," she said with the slightest hint of a smile, although she wasn't teasing.

He smiled supportively, placing his hand on her belly gently. "You should know living with a Winchester isn't easy."

"Yeah, I've noticed," she replied with a smile. "I think I'm gonna take a quick walk outside. Maybe the fresh air will help."

"Do you want me to join you?"

She smiled. "It's okay. No sense in you getting cold, too. I won't be long."

He was going to insist, but he knew how she was. It was the reason he'd asked her in the first place instead of just following her. And other than she liked some time to herself. He assumed she wanted to be alone in case she actually did get sick. She was always embarrassed about it, not that it mattered to him. He'd seen enough gross things in his lifetime.

She kissed Sam on the cheek before getting into her winter coat and heading outside for a walk. She winced the moment she walked outside into the bright sun, the glare off of the snow was making it hard for her to see, as well as making her stomach lurch. However, she knew her way to her destination, even blindfolded, so a little sun wasn't about to stop her.

When she made it to the shed, she looked inside but found herself disappointed. She stood by it for a few moments before she began to pace back and forth with frustration. Each second that passed frustrated her more than the last, especially when her head began to ache. It began as a dull ache, but the more frustrated she became, the more it began to hurt. As her pacing became a bit more manic, she began cursing Crowley under her breath. Not more than a minute later she was about to yell out his name in anger, when she turned around jumping back in surprise when she noticed him standing there.

"Crowley!"

"Were you looking for me, my dear?" he asked sarcastically.

She glared at him furiously. "You damn well know that I was."

"My, my, a bit touchy this morning, aren't we?"

"Cut it out, Crowley! I'm not in the mood!"

"I can see that," he said with a smirk. "I suppose you want me to do something about that?"

She rolled her eyes heavily. "Fine! I'm done with your help then, Crowley."

He watched her storm away for a moment before calling her name, smiling with amusement as she turned around almost instantly. "Don't be so dramatic, my dear."

"I don't have time for this, Crowley. Someone's gonna come looking for me if I take too long to get back."

He nodded his head in understanding, reaching into his jacket. "You know you really shouldn't be out here alone. Not after what happened yesterday."

"I have my hex bag with me, Crowley. Don't tell me you didn't notice?"

"That may be, but she could have someone skulking about. I'd be more careful if I were you," he replied, handing her a key.

"What the hell is this?" she asked as she snatched it from his hand.

"A key, you dimwit."

"I know it's a key!" she snapped. "What the hell is it for?"

He sighed exaggeratedly. "There's a box in the shed and that's the only key in the world that can open it, besides mine. Got it?"

She nodded her head in understanding as she stared at the key. Glancing up from her hand, she noticed he had disappeared. Muttering his name under her breath, she walked into the shed, finding the box easily. After she opened it, she slipped the key into a hidden inner pocket in her jacket and removed the contents of the box.

She was almost near the entrance of the house when she saw Sam pop outside. He glanced in her direction with a look of concern that quickly changed to a look of relief. His smile made her heart skip a beat as she smiled brightly in return.

"I was beginning to think you ran away," he teased as she approached him.

"From all of this?" she replied jokingly.

"You must be feeling better," he said as he pulled her into an embrace.

"Much better," she replied with a smile.

"Good," he replied, leaning in to kiss her for a moment. "Then you better get your behind inside. Dean's becoming a little, uh, impatient."

She smiled as she broke free of his grasp, slipping into the house ahead of him. She had her coat off and hung up by the time he caught up to her, turning to smile at him mirthlessly.

"You're slow this morning," she teased.

He looked at her with surprise and confusion for a moment. "How come you're so happy all of a sudden?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "It's Christmas and I feel better. What's not to be happy about?"

He couldn't argue with that, but the complete turn around in her attitude made him slightly suspicious. It wasn't the first time, and he had an inkling it wouldn't be the last. If he knew more about pregnancy he might be comfortable just shrugging it off. However, he didn't know much about pregnancy, but he knew enough about other things that he couldn't just let it go. As much as he hated himself for it, he vowed to keep a closer eye on her.

After wishing everyone a 'Merry Christmas', Jessie sat down at the table with a cup of coffee, until Dean placed a plate of french toast in front of her. She looked at him strangely for a moment before thanking him, then began scarfing down her breakfast. She hadn't realized that was what he was cooking when she'd come into the kitchen earlier, since she felt too sick from the smell to be concerned, but it definitely tasted much better than she would've imagined.

When she was finished eating, she informed them she needed to get the turkey into the oven before they did anything else. Dean seemed disappointed, which made her chuckle, but it didn't bother anyone else. So once the turkey was in, she decided it was time for them to open presents.

When she walked into the livingroom, the three men turned suddenly to stare at her as if she'd interrupted something that wasn't meant for her ears. She did her best to curb her paranoia, but she couldn't help feel the sting of her guilt. She knew she was hiding something, and she knew she was still skating on thin ice with Dean, but after everything that had happened in the past few days, she had hoped that had changed.

"Who's ready for presents?" she asked, trying her best to be cheery.

Dean's eyes opened widely as he shifted around in his seat, almost unable to contain his excitement. She chuckled lightly, directing him to open his presents first.

He grabbed the closest box, which was wrapped in blue paper with silver ribbon, and began unwrapping, but not before commenting on how heavy the box was. Once he was finished grappling with the ribbon, he tore into the paper with a youthful exuberance, his eyes lighting up as he glimpsed the large box of expensive tools.

"These are awesome!" he said as he glanced in her direction. "Thank you!"

She smiled happily. "Just open the rest."

He grinned as he tore into his other presents, all of which were things he needed for his car, except for a few exotic weapons she was sure he'd enjoy. He hadn't been sure what to expect, but he was pleasantly surprised.

Sam opened his presents next. He wasn't as enthusiastic as his brother, but he was just as surprised. She'd bought him several electronic gadgets, including an ipad and a new iphone, as well as a five terrabyte external hard drive so he could store monster lore on it. She had also bought a few new shirts, since she was tired of seeing him wear the same ones over and over again.

When Sam was finished, Dean looked at her with confusion, inquiring why there weren't any presents under the tree for Bobby. She wasn't going to answer him, but she knew he would just bug her until she gave in.

"I have something for Bobby, but it's private," she replied as she stood up from the couch and left the room. When she returned, she handed Bobby a large brown envelope. "This is for your eyes only, unless you want to share what's in there."

He narrowed his eyes with suspicion and curiosity as he took the envelope from her hands, quickly glancing at the boys who looked just as surprised as he was. He hesitated before opening the envelope, slowly pulling out the papers as if he was afraid of what he was about to read. He only glanced over it quickly before folding it up hurriedly and stuffing it back into the envelope, a look of anxiety on his face.

"We need to speak in the kitchen privately, Jess," he demanded, getting up from his seat and sweeping from the room.

The boys glanced at her questioningly but she only shrugged her shoulders before following him. She knew how this conversation was going to go, but it didn't matter to her. He was going to accept his present if she had to torture him to agree.

He was glaring furiously at her as she walked into the kitchen, his arms crossed in front of him. He waited until she closed the door before speaking, his arms suddenly flying to his side.

"What the hell did you think you were doing, Jess?" his hands emphasizing his agitation.

She sighed. "I was helping you."

"Who asked you to?"

"No one did, Bobby. But that's what family does, right?" she grinned at him smugly, using his own words against him for once.

"How did you even know?" he asked with exasperation.

"Who do you think you're talking to, old man? You know exactly how I found out."

"It was none of your business."

"It doesn't matter now anyway, it's done. Now swallow your pride and take your present like a man."

He stared at her stoically for a moment before breaking down, hugging her tightly. After a few moments, he pulled away, eyeing her with adoration.

"How can I ever thank you enough for this?"

She snorted. "Are you serious? After all you've ever done for me, this is nothing. If anything, I'm the one that still owes you."

"You don't owe me a damn thing, kid," he replied, blinking back a tear. "Just take care of yourself and we'll call it even."

"I will, Bobby."

He was quiet for a moment before suddenly looking serious. "Actually, there is something you can do for me." She raised her eyebrow in curiosity. "Don't mention this to the boys. Please."

She fought back the urge to say, 'only if you tell me what you've been hiding', but she couldn't. Her present had nothing to do with anything but wanting to take care of him. Everything else could wait for at least one more day. She was just happy to see his face light up for the first time in months. Most of his recent worrying was all about her, but she'd soon found out there was more to it. And since there was no way to get rid of her demon problem so easily, she took care of his other worry—losing his house. He'd taken another mortgage out on it and he was having problems paying. She wished he had just told her, she could've saved him a lot of worry. But she knew he would never have asked her for help, even though she would have been more than glad to, and she was more than able to. In fact, he owed less than the amount of money she'd given to Dean in Las Vegas. It wasn't a big deal.

"Of course I won't, Bobby," she replied with a smile.

She waited around for a few moments to see if he was going to say anything else, but when he didn't, she headed back into the livingroom and sat on the couch beside Sam, ignoring his—and Dean's—questioning look. She figured the best way to make them forget about Bobby was to change the subject.

"So, where's my presents?"

The brothers passed a knowing look between themselves but neither of them answered her. She decided to wait patiently for a short time, attempting not to look curious, or worried. She wasn't even sure if they'd had time to get her anything. Not that it mattered. Agreeing to celebrate Christmas with her was more than enough.

It was quiet for the next few minutes. Dean spent the time fidgeting with some ribbon from one of his presents, while Jessie cuddled up with Sam while he absentmindedly stroked her stomach. She knew something was up, but she wasn't in the mood to be impatient. She was rather enjoying just relaxing with her man.

When Bobby finally walked back into the livingroom, he shot the boys a knowing glance before directing everyone to head upstairs. She was curious, but she didn't enquire any further. For once she decided to behave herself. It was, after all, Christmas for them as well.

Sam took her hand when they reached the second floor landing. He was trying to supress his excitement, but he couldn't hide his smile from her. Dean was also grinning, but Bobby was standing in front of the spare room door as stoic as usual. She figured her present must be in the room, which really made her curious as to what it was. It also explained why Bobby had been sneaking around upstairs the other day.

"Merry Christmas, kid," Bobby said as he opened the door to the spare room.

She was hesitant to get close, wondering what could possibly be in there. In the past, it was usually crowded with musty old books and boxes that she had no idea what was in them, she only knew to stay away from them. But as the door swung open far enough, she immediately noticed how much brighter it seemed to be, and no boxes or books as far as she could see.

With some gentle prodding from Sam, she walked into the room, her mouth agape with shock. The whole room was empty and it had been repainted a light blue color with a wallpaper border with images of rubber ducks. It was a nursery, almost a normal nursery, the only difference between this one and everyone else's was the sigil's and warding symbols painted on the duck border.

"Do you like it?" Bobby asked.

She turned to face him, smiling brightly. "Like it? I love it!" she replied, sweeping over to him and hugging him tightly.

When she pulled away she noticed his wide smile, and possibly a tear of happiness. She helped him cover it up by hugging Dean in thanks, catching him off guard. It was enough of a distraction that Bobby was able to wipe his tear away and save face.

Of course she saved the last hug for Sam, hugging him tightly as she laid her head against his chest, her eyes closed tightly to fight against the overwhelming feeling to cry. They would be tears of joy, but she didn't want them to fall. However, no matter how hard she tried she didn't have a choice in the matter. The tears forced themselves to fall through her tightly closed eyes. She tried to hide them but Sam noticed. He squeezed her a little more tightly, kissing her lightly on the top of her head.

"I'm glad you like it," he whispered.

By the time she regained her composure, looking up into Sam's eyes, both Dean and Bobby had left the room to give them some privacy.

"Who's idea was this?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly.

"It was Bobby's idea to clean out the spare room for the baby, but the decor was Dean's idea."

"Really?" she asked, grinning in surprise.

"Yeah," he replied with a chuckle.

"This is so surreal," she said as she pulled herself from his embrace, turning around to glance around the room. "I don't know what's more strange though, the fact I'm having a child or that Bobby has a nursery in his house."

He chuckled. "All of this is strange, Jess. I never thought I would marry someone let alone have a child."

She turned around to face him with a smile. "Me either, Sam. But despite everything, I'm happy."

"Me too," he said with a smile as he pulled her into an embrace. "Despite everything."

The way he said, 'despite everything', made Jessie curious, and suspicious. It sounded a bit ominous, despite his smile. She couldn't help but become a little paranoid. She might have been able to just ignore it, but since she was hiding something it made that almost impossible.

It wasn't long before they made their way back downstairs. As she would have expected, Dean was already into the trays of food. She tried to keep him out of the dessert tray, but she gave up after a few minutes, it wasn't worth her time to argue, she had other things to do.

After kicking the boys out of the kitchen, she began to make the side dishes to go along with the meal. She wanted to have it all ready so she could just warm it up when the turkey was ready. She didn't think it would take her too long, but it took much longer because Dean kept coming into the kitchen to see what she was up to. After the third time kicking him out, she gave up and just began ignoring him completely.

She was in the kitchen for almost two hours before she finally had time to sit down with Sam and Dean on the couch. They were watching old Christmas movies on TV, while Bobby was in his study. However, she wasn't going to let him get away with researching on Christmas, so she made him sit in the livingroom with everyone else. He wasn't exactly happy about it, but he didn't protest too much. He had promised her one day after all, and she didn't let him forget it.

It was nearing the end of the movie they were watching when Dean disappeared into the kitchen. Jessie wanted to follow him but Sam had made her promise to relax. However, a few minutes later there was a loud bang which made her run to investigate, Sam close behind her.

"What the hell are you doing?" she asked as she flew into the kitchen.

Dean turned around looking guilty. "Sorry. I just dropped something. No biggie."

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion, eyeing a large glass bowl that was sitting on the counter. "What's that?"

"It's my special egg nog," he replied with a grin. "Want some? I haven't added any alcohol yet."

She shook her head in refusal. "As much as I appreciate your offer, I can't."

"Why?"

She smiled in amusement. "Raw eggs can have salmonella, Dean. Do you think I'm gonna risk making the baby sick?"

He glanced at her apologetically. "Sorry. I didn't know."

She grinned. "It's okay. Besides, egg nog is disgusting. I'll let you guys drink that stuff."

"Good, more for me," he replied with a smile.

After Dean was out of her way, she checked on the turkey before returning to the livingroom to watch another Christmas movie with the boys. She couldn't keep her mind on the movie so much, instead she was thinking about how happy she was at this moment, sitting with all her boys—her family—watching a movie on Christmas like some normal people. Her hand absentmindedly moved from her side to her belly as she thought about her other boy. She grinned about the thought of being surrounded by boys.

Sam placed his hand over the hand that was on her belly, smiling widely. He too had been thinking about the baby and was happy to see she was doing the same. After she returned his smile, he entwined his fingers with hers and continued to watch TV. No words needed to be spoken.

Jessie checked on the turkey a few times during the movie, finally deciding it was almost ready just after the movie was over. She began heating up the side dishes while she removed the turkey from the oven and began making gravy. She had to yell at Dean a few times to stay out of the food before Sam and Bobby finally removed him from the kitchen—forcefully. Even after all the food he'd eaten throughout the day he was still hungry. All she could do was shake her head in wonder. She had no idea how he kept in such good shape eating the way he did.

Once everything was ready, she called the boys in to eat, allowing them to help themselves. She'd spread the various dishes on the kitchen counter so there would be room to eat at the table. She waited until everyone had their plate before she made her own and joined them at the table in her usual spot, sitting beside Sam.

Dean had already begun eating before she sat down, despite the scowl from Bobby and his brother. She only shrugged at them with a smile, it didn't matter to her that he'd begun without her. She didn't expect anything else from him.

"Before we eat," Bobby began, shooting a dirty look at Dean once again, "I want to thank you for doing all of this, Jess. It looks delicious."

She smiled humbly for a moment before smirking. "Don't thank me yet. You boys get to do all of the dishes."

"What?!" Dean sputtered, his mouth full of food.

"It's the least we can do," Sam replied sweetly.

"Speak for youself, Sammy!"

"Quit 'ur whining, Dean," Bobby said imperiously. "You're gonna do them and that's that."

He snorted. "Fine. But I don't have to like it."

Jessie laughed with amusement while Sam and Bobby only rolled their eyes.

Everyone enjoyed the dinner, especially Dean who ended up having three helpings of everything. And even after all of that, he was ready for pie. But Jessie wouldn't let him have his way. Everyone else was still full, so he had to wait until everyone was ready for dessert. He mumbled something about torture, which only made her laugh.

Everyone moved into the livingroom after dinner to watch TV and have a drink. Jessie made a pot of coffee, but she was drinking hot chocolate instead, she was trying to avoid too much caffeine. They watched TV and talked about nothing of importance, trying to act like a normal family on Christmas day. And when it came time to have pie, Dean was right there before anyone else.

"I know I'm gonna kick myself for saying this, Jessie," Dean said with a mouthful of pie. "But you were right about this sweet potato pie."

She was going to say, 'I told you so', but after a meaningful look from Sam, she decided to take the high road.

"I'm glad you think so, Dean," she replied with a smile.

He grinned as he continued to enjoy his pie.

After they'd left Dean in the kitchen with his pie, Sam pulled her aside, wrapping his arms around her.

"I know I originally had reservations about all of this," he began, "but I wanted you to know this is the best Christmas I've ever had."

She smiled at him warmly. "I feel exactly the same way."

He leaned in close, kissing her lips lightly. They kissed lightly for several moments, until Bobby walked into the room loudly, clearing his throat.

"Time for you and your brother to get to those dishes."

Sam glanced at her apologetically, kissing her once lightly on the cheek before leaving for the kitchen.

"As for you young lady," Bobby said sternly, "you need to sit down and relax."

Her smile grew slowly, assuming he was about to tell her something entirely different.

"Gladly," she replied with a smile before making her way to the couch and sitting down.

He made his way over to the couch slowly, almost hesitantly, before choosing to sit down next to her. Gazing at her seriously, he rested his hand on hers, squeezing it gently.

"I don't want to get sappy, but, I want to thank you again, kiddo."

"Bobby, please don't," she replied. "Just promise me one thing?"

He seemed to scrutinize her for a moment before asking her what she wanted him to promise.

"Don't take out another mortgage on your house, ever!" she replied sternly. "If you get desperate for money just ask me, please?"

It took him a moment but he finally nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly.

"Good. Now we never have to speak about it again," she said with a grin.

He grinned lightly for a moment before taking on a more serious look once again.

"I have something else to talk to you about, Jess. Something that I've been keeping a secret from you. But after all the thinking I've done, I don't think we should be keeping secrets from each other," he said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "How can I expect you to be completely honest with me, when I haven't been completely honest with you."

"Bobby, it's okay," she replied, feeling guilty.

"No. No, it's not, Jess. You've been completely honest with us. It's not right."

She felt herself squirm inside, the guilt making her feel sick to her stomach. She already hated keeping secrets from Bobby. His unintentional guilt trip only made her feel a hundred times worse.

"The truth is, we've been keeping an eye on demonic omens, especially in this area. We know they're either looking for you, or waiting until you come out of hiding," he began explaining. "The trip that I went on was to clean up a demon problem a few hours from here."

"I'm not really surprised by all of this, Bobby," she replied dismissively.

"There's more," he said, his forehead creasing with worry. "The demons have been attracting hunters. And if there's anything I've learned over the years is that demons will talk."

"What're you saying, Bobby?" she asked with concern.

He squeezed her hand firmly, a look of deep concern in his eyes. "Hunters went after Sam numerous times because of demons talking about the demon blood. I'm afraid the same thing is gonna happen to you if we don't take out all the demons we can."

She glanced away for a moment, swallowing hard. When she gazed back in his direction, she tried her best not to look as worried as she felt.

"Do you really think hunters would try and kill me and my son?"

He sighed, shaking his head. "You tell me, Jess. Would you in their position?"

She desperately wanted to say she wouldn't, but she knew that was a lie. And in her heart of hearts, she knew if it wasn't a Winchester baby, both Sam and Dean would want it dead as well.

"Sam and Dean know about this?" she asked.

He shifted his gaze for a moment. "Dean knows. Sam doesn't."

"What?!" she said with utter dismay. "Why would you keep it from Sam? If he's gonna protect me, don't you think he needs to know these things?"

"Yes, I do," he replied calmly. "But I wanted to tell you first."

"Oh."

"I'll tell him. You don't have to worry about that. I had, uh, just been hoping not to ruin Christmas for you."

She narrowed her eyes in scrutiny. "What changed your mind?"

He averted his gaze, shifting in his seat once again. "You know who called a few days ago."

She narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment before it dawned on her.

"Brandon?" she spat. "What the hell did he want?"

"Causing trouble as usual," he replied, pausing for a moment. "He called to tell me he heard some rumors about you."

She gazed at him furiously. "I told that sonofabitch I'd kill him the next time I saw him!"

"Calm down, kid," he said, squeezing her hand supportively. "I've had him neutralized." He raised his hand to silence her when it seemed she was about to ask for details. "He's not dead, just in jail. But he can still talk, and that's my concern."

"You got him arrested?" she asked with a malicious grin.

He smiled in amusement. "Yes, and no. But he's been asking for it for a very long time. There aren't too many hunters that will have anything to do with him nowadays. Hopefully this will keep him out of our hair."

"You mean, what little hair you have left?" she teased.

He sighed. "Always a joke with you."

"What can I say? I'm fun," she replied with a chuckle.

"You're incorrigible," he said with a roll of his eyes.

She chuckled again before placing her other hand on top of his, squeezing it gently. "I'll be careful, Bobby."

He nodded his head lightly, his eyes speaking what his mouth could not. He was worried, perhaps more than he had been initially.

She patted his hand gently. "Can you tell Sam I went to bed. I'm really tired."

His eyes widened in concern for a quick moment before nodding his head in agreement.

She smiled supportively before slipping her hands from his. She didn't want to let him know how much she was concerned about his news, although she figured he would suspect exactly that because of her hasty departure. But that wasn't the entire reason she was heading to bed so soon. She was tired. More tired than she'd been letting on. All she wanted to do was climb into bed, snuggle under the covers and drift off into a peaceful, dream-free slumber.

A/N: Wasn't a completely peaceful Christmas, but what can you expect with the Winchesters, right? lol. I should be able to update more often in the coming weeks, mojo notwithstanding lol. After this coming week, I won't be working as many hours as I am now. Got some good stuff coming so keep an eye out.

Thanks for reading!