Adalind had plenty of money saved up. Between inheriting everything from her mother's estate, and getting bonuses from her law firm, since she won so many cases for them, money was the one thing she didn't have to worry about.
Something she did worry about was Sean's regulars popping out of the woodwork and targeting her since she was carrying his child.
But it seemed that with Nick hanging around her so much, and Sean practically non existent in her life, that concern was unwarranted.
Adalind had been so grateful to Nick for being there for her and doing everything in his power to provide comfort and emotional support; she had no idea she would come to be grateful for the physical protection he provided.
Everyone assumed that Nick was the father of her baby. Rumors were flying around the various precincts and law firms that Nick and Adalind had sought comfort in one another after being dumped by their significant others.
Adalind was consulting on a case with Joanna, a divorce lawyer with the firm. The case was getting messy due to both sides accusing the other of already moving on. Joanna was representing the wife, who wanted the lawyer to find a way to get possession of her soon to be ex's prized classic car.
"He did buy it during their marriage. And he purchased it without her knowledge, with money they were saving for an exotic vacation. That might work in her favor." Adalind advised.
"She said he spent more time with that car than with her. She thinks he might have used it to get the attention of other women. That's why she felt justified in sleeping with his best friend. She thinks her new man deserves the car more than her ex does."
"Taking away something he values most is a great way of getting revenge. Being with someone new is a great way of showing your ex you don't need them."
"You certainly did well in that department." Joanna grinned. "Nick is gorgeous. After finding out your boyfriend had been sleeping with your mother, no one can blame you for using him to get over Sean. It's a shame that you got pregnant, but at least Nick is being a stand up guy. That's pretty rare."
Adalind wondered for a moment if she should correct her colleagues' assumption, but didn't see a reason to do it.
Why not let everyone think Nick was the father of her baby? He had certainly been acting like one. He was always there for her. Whatever she needed, whenever she needed it, Nick would always provide it to her.
That was more than could be said for a lot of soon to be dads.
Nick experienced a similar situation, and had a similar response.
A young officer was talking about his pregnant girlfriend, and how she was experiencing some strange craving.
"She put nacho cheese on an apple pie! What kind of psycho puts nacho cheese on apple pie?!"
"Obviously a pregnant one." A senior officer laughed.
The younger officer turned to Nick, "Hey detective Burkhardt, has your girl started getting weird cravings yet?"
"She put sweet and sour sauce on her popcorn last night." Nick replied automatically, without considering or correcting the title used to describe Adalind.
There really didn't seem the point to change the officer's assumption. What difference would it make? Nick was still going to be going home to Adalind when he was done with work, just as he had done for over three months.
He could see Hank give him a questioning look for a second, but his partner didn't say anything.
Nick was sure Hank would bring it up later when they were on their way to talk to a witness. But he didn't.
It seemed that even those who knew the truth were willing to accept what was being perceived.
Neither Nick or Adalind mentioned to the other the assumptions and rumors made by their coworkers.
Adalind didn't want to take the chance of Nick rethinking being around so much. Nick didn't want to make things awkward between himself and Adalind.
They both felt something brewing between them, and neither one wanted to do anything that would cause the other to distance themselves.
What was happening was still in its early stages, and they had been hurt too badly, too recently, to fully trust their hearts.
Nick still had open business with Juliette. Adalind feared that at any moment, Nick's ex would come back into his life, and Adalind would never see him again.
Nick feared that at any moment, Sean Renard could decide that he wanted Adalind and the baby, and then Nick would be pushed out. And be all alone once again.
It hurt to know that there was always a chance that they could lose the other. But that never stopped them from trying to show the other how good life could be.
Nick held Adalind every night, stroking her hair, promising that he would be there for her through anything.
Adalind often told him how much safer she felt with him there. That in his arms, she felt more cared for and protected than she had in her entire life.
Their daily life often saw a typical domestic scene; with the exception of the occasional search through Grimm journals or creating a potion in order to deal with a dangerous wesen.
By helping Nick with his grimm duties, Adalind hoped that Nick would see how valuable she was to have around.
By making it a point to include Adalind as much as possible to help in his duties as a grimm, Nick hoped that she would see how great of a team they were together.
All of their friends could see how close they were becoming. The special bond they had was impossible to miss by anyone who was paying the slightest bit of attention.
Hank and Monroe were already starting to wager on who was going to be Nick's best man.