DISCLAIMER - I always forget about this. Anyway, just for the record, none of these characters (except Sophie and Grace) are mine.
Chapter 7 - REFLECTION

Knowing she was causing a lot a people needless worry by her disappearance, Alex felt a small measure of guilt. It wasn't like her to put off facing whatever happened to land at her feet. But then again, she'd never had a baby land at her feet before either. And with Ty suddenly watching her every move, she had to leave for a few days.

After checking herself out of the hospital, Alex had phoned Lou requesting time off which he'd promptly granted without question. She had packed a bag, loaded the car and got out of town. She had no idea where she was going; she just needed to leave town for a while. She remembered Sophie telling her about a small inn about two hours away and she found herself headed in that direction, hoping she didn't need reservations.

She found the inn - an old Victorian mansion situated on the outskirts of a small town - and was shown to a room. The innkeepers, a retired couple, Kathryn and Sean James, welcomed her, informing her she was the only guest for the next couple of days and she had only to ask if she needed anything.

After unpacking her bag, she strolled through the downstairs, and saw why Sophie liked coming here. The entire inn was decorated in the country Victorian style, welcoming all who stayed, encouraging you to never want to leave.

She wandered back out to the wraparound porch and found her hostess on the porch swing staring into the distance. Not wanting to disturb the woman, Alex started to retreat.

"Can I get you something to eat?"

Alex turned to Kathryn. Did it look like she was starving to death? "No, thank you."

"You sure? We can't have you and your little one going hungry." She took a sip of the lemonade she was holding while setting the swing in motion.

"How - ?" Alex stammered. Seemed she was doing a lot of stammering these days too.

The older woman grinned. Why was it these young people thought you lost your mind when you got on in years? "I've got eyes, Ms. Taylor." Gesturing to one of the many porch chairs, she continued. "Please, sit down."

Still in a bit of a daze, Alex sat in one of the rocking chairs. "So, when are you due?" Kathryn asked.

"Uh-November," she said, coming out of her stupor enough to answer and then adding, "How did you know?"

"That you were expecting?"

Alex nodded, watching the woman's face.

"You have the look of an expectant mother; that 'glow' as I believe it's referred to," Kathryn met Alex's gaze before continuing. "Only your eyes show a hint of concern. Care to talk about it? Might help you see more clearly."

Before she realized what she was doing, Alex had told her everything and to her embarrassment, was literally crying on the woman's shoulder.

Regaining her composure somewhat, Alex took the offered tissue and tried to apologize for unloading on her. That was something she never did before either.

"Nonsense dear," Kathryn said, waiving her hand. "I'm sure you needed someone to hear you."

That was true, Alex thought. It felt like Ty had already made up his mind not to listen to her, thinking he knew what was best for her.

"Just remember that children are blessings from above," Kathryn interrupted her thoughts. "no matter what happens. You are blessed."

A smile broke across Alex's face. It sounded like something Sophie might say and she said as much to Kathryn.

"Sophie Boscorelli?" Katheryn asked, surprised. "Maurice is her husband?"

Alex nodded. Surely there weren't two Sophie and Maurice Boscorellis in New York City.

"They have a little girl? Gracie?"

Another nod of confirmation. It had been Sophie who had told her about the inn to begin with.

"My, a nice family," Kathryn exclaimed. "Why the way Maurice treats Sophie and Grace, when they bring her, why it just makes a woman green with envy. Not that my Sean isn't the romantic at times. Of course, I'm sure you get your fair share of romancin' by your young man, Ms. Taylor."

Alex bit her lip. Her be romanced? Now that was a laugh. She was one of the guys. She didn't need candy and flowers. Supposedly. Although every blue moon or so, it wouldn't hurt to be romanced.

"How are they?" Kathryn asked, referring to Sophie, Grace and Bosco.

"Getting ready for the new baby; she's due around September," Alex supplied before the older woman could ask.

"A Fall baby!" Kathryn exclaimed, adding, "And a winter baby for you!"

Alex was in a bit of awe at the woman's excitement over the impending births of total strangers and could only sputter, "Yeah."

"Just wait," Kathryn continued, hearing the hesitation in Alex's voice. "You'll see what I mean. Now, if you'll excuse me I need to get Sean's dinner started, which you're welcome to join. You just sit here and enjoy the day. Don't worry so much; there'll be plenty of time for you to worry after that baby gets here."

Great, Alex thought. Something else for Ty to protect her from. Chapter 8 - REVELATION

Alex spent the following days doing her fair share of soul searching. And sleeping. And after her first taste of Kathryn's cooking - eating. It seemed just getting out of the city caused her to slow down and reflect more on her predicament.

And sitting on that porch left her a lot of time to reflect. She remembered the baby from that accident on the bridge - when she'd been hit. He'd been so helpless. And then when she'd given him his pacifier and he looked up at her - she had felt such pleasure at being able to comfort him.

And then during her recovery, she'd had a lot of time to think. About her dad, her life, Ty, her work. She missed him - her dad. She supposed she was more like him than she thought, not just in being a firefighter but in doing well in whatever she took on. She wondered what he would say about Ty, if he saw how she loved him. She remembered he had been proud of his little girl for braking the boundaries of FDNY, or she'd been told. He never told her and ultimately would have denied it if he'd been asked what he thought. As a little girl, she boasted to her friends that her Daddy could do anything. He was a fireman.

How she had looked up to him. And how she'd enjoyed showing him that firemen weren't always men.

Maybe one day her children would look back and boast "Grandpa Angus was a fireman and Mom - she followed right behind."

With a start, Alex straightened in the rocking chair she'd taken a liking to. She wanted this baby!

It was a startling revelation - one she'd not completely faced - but after wrestling with herself, Alex allowed herself to think of her life with a child. It would be hard, she knew. She wasn't going to ask Ty for any commitment. She couldn't bring herself to force him into doing anything, not after knowing about his dad and the 'other family'and Ty's outlook on that aspect of his life. She had no doubt her family would help if necessary. And she liked what she saw - as unconventional as it may be.

She smiled. She was going to have a baby.

She was excited.

And absolutely terrified.
Chapter 9 - RETURNING

"Alex!" Sophie opened the door wider to invite the young woman inside. "Where have you been? Ty's been worried sick about you!"

Alex kept her silence on that as she looked about the apartment. She had never been here but wasn't surprised at the warmth that radiated from it. Look at what she'd done to Bosco; he was a different person. She moved closer to one wall completely covered with photos. Countless pictures of Grace, alone and with one or both of her parents, hung framed alongside photos of relatives and friends. Upon closer inspection, Alex recognized several that had been taken at the firehouse and precinct. One in particular caught her eye: Gracie was wearing a dress, as usual, and gazing up at Alex, who had just plopped her fire hat on Gracie's dark curls. Gracie, using both hands to hold up the monstrosity on her head, was peering up at a laughing Alex from under the brim, completely baffled as to who had turned out the lights. Alex didn't even know the picture had been taken.

"I hope you don't mind," Sophie was saying, having noticed Alex focused on the picture.

"No, I don't mind. It was just a surprise, that's all. I've been getting a lot of those lately." Alex took the seat Sophie offered before continuing. "I suppose everyone knows by now, huh?"

Sophie shook her head. "Not that I know of. Everyone's worried, concerned. I certainly haven't said anything. That's not my place."

For that, Alex was thankful. Although she was certain Ty had already spread the news. The man never could keep a secret. "I went out of town for a while. I had to - well - get used to the idea."

"And you're used to it?"

Alex shrugged. "I don't really have a choice."

Sophie took that as a sign that she was not considering terminating the pregnancy and felt a small measure of relief from that.

"Ma Ma?"

Alex recognized the familiar name. Gracie was the only child she knew who used that particular characteristic: the accent on the second syllable so that it sounded almost French. Sophie couldn't figure out where it came from and simply stated it suited Gracie and let it be. Turning to the sound, Alex saw Gracie stood at the edge of the hall, dressed in a voluminous nightgown and a cloth doll clutched in her hand. She looked like a child transported through time from the past.

Sophie held out her arms prompting Gracie to scurry across the room. "What are you doing up, Precious?" Gracie spied Alex as she climbed into her mother's lap. "Hi, Alex."

Alex smiled at the little girl and remained silent.

"Grace," Sophie prompted and again asked, "What are you doing awake?"

"Can I have another drink, please?"

Sophie brushed the curls away from her daughter's face. Grace was never one to stall going to sleep. "One more then back to bed."

"Will you sing again?"

Sophie frowned at her.

"Please?"

She gave in. "One more."

Alex watched the exchange and couldn't help the twinge of jealousy and insecurity she felt. Would she respond the same when her own child wanted something?

Sophie returned with the small glass of water which Gracie gulped down and scooted off the couch bidding Alex good night before trotting down the hall to her room.

Sophie was watching Alex watch Grace. "Will you stay? Please? This should only take a minute."

She agreed and listened as Sophie sung quietly about Someone bigger than her making the mountains and seas. That was something she'd have to work on. She couldn't carry a tune worth anything. Maybe her child would be content with the radio. Or just reading bedtime stories.

Sophie rejoined her apologizing, "She doesn't do that often. Usually it's only when Bosco doesn't make a stop to check on her before bed.

"I wasn't sure what time she went to bed. I should have called." She started to rise.

The sound of the front door opening cut off whatever Sophie was going to say as Bosco filled the door; Ty close behind.

Sophie quickly ushered Bosco down the hall to their bedroom before either Ty or Alex could stop them.

Alex couldn't seem to meet Ty's gaze for long. It had been stupid for her to take off like she done but she had panicked.

"You okay?" Ty asked, fidgeting with his hat.

She crossed her arms then realizing how obstinate she appeared, let them fall to her side before answering. "We're fine."

"We?" He repeated. "You're still pregnant?"

A frown in her brow appeared. "Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, I don't know but let's review the facts. You disappear from a hospital then leave town for two weeks. No one knew where you were. Why wouldn't I ask about our child's welfare?" he finished.

If Ty was wanting to make her feel guilty, Alex thought, it was working. "Ty -"

Having vented his worry and frustration, Ty didn't feel any better. He had wanted to make her feel bad and he had. And now he felt worse. He started to apologize. "Al, I was worried. Not just about the baby but you."

Before she could answer, Bosco interrupted. "Davis, we gotta go."

"I'll come by when I get off?" Ty didn't want her feeling threatened again. He hated leaving things like this but he was still on duty and it couldn't be helped.

She nodded, watching him leave before falling to the sofa.

"Alex?" Sophie asked hesitantly. She'd heard Bosco and Ty leave but didn't want to invade on Alex's privacy.

"They've left." Alex stared at her hands.

Quietly, Sophie lowered herself to the rocking chair. She was there to listen.

Alex looked at Sophie. "He was worried.

Sophie laced her hands over her stomach. "Yes. We all were. But I understand."

For that Alex was thankful. Sophie was so different from anyone she'd met. There was something about the woman - a quite strength in her tiny frame - that compelled Alex's admiration. And trust.

"I decided to have the baby," Alex stated quietly. It was the first time she'd given voice to her decision. Sophie kept her silence.

Alex continued, "Am I insane?"

Sophie smiled. "No. You're strong. And you're blessed."
CHAPTER 10

Carlos stormed in the small kitchen. He had had enough. Ty was gonna have to do something about Alex. She was always using his razor to shave her legs. He was sick of getting nicked every time he shaved. The woman was probably doing it on purpose; trying to get away with killing him. She never did like him. And now, she was trying off him so she could move in when the baby was born.

That had been a kicker three months ago when Alex had dropped that bomb. After requesting to be put on light duty as a paramedic, everyone in the firehouse had descended upon her demanding to know what was going on. Alex didn't request to be taken off of fire. She'd taken a deep breath and simply said her doctor didn't feel that carry around sixty pounds of gear and chancing smoke inhalation would be good for the baby. That had started a new round of questioning after the astonishment wore off.

Having heard the news, Carlos confronted his roommate of four years. Ty had simply confirmed that Alex was pregnant and the rest was between him and Al. Carlos knew better than to push the matter further.

Alex had discouraged getting married just because she was pregnant and Ty had grudgingly let the subject lay. For the time being. He hadn't forgotten his talk with Sophie when Alex disappeared. And even though it was unexpected, Ty, having gotten over the shock, was anxiously awaiting the birth.

"Davis, will you tell your girlfriend to quit using my razor to shave her legs?" He whined, pouring coffee before sitting at the small table where Ty sat reading the morning paper. "I think she's trying to kill me."

Alex appeared just then. Pregnancy now apparent on her tiny frame, she was dressed in shorts and one of Ty's t-shirts, her blond curls still wet from her shower, looking much younger than her thirty-one years.

Keeping his attention on the newspaper, Ty intercepted her when she raised his coffee mug to her lips, smoothly replacing it with a small glass of orange juice, saying, "You need your vitamins."

She shot him a nasty look. What did he know about what she needed? When was the last time he was pregnant?

Carlos watched them, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "Ty, did you hear me?"

Turning the page in the newspaper he was engrossed in, he nodded. "I heard you."

"And?" Carlos prompted. "You gonna do anything about it?"

"No."

"No?" Carlos repeated. "Why not?"

"Cause she didn't do anything," He turned the newspaper over.

"Except try to slit my throat," Carlos added. "Why does she have to use my razor?"

"She didn't," Ty answered, eyes focused on the paper.

"Your girlfriend didn't use my razor to shave her legs?"

"Nope," he said, adding. "I used your razor to shave my girlfriend's legs."

Carlos' expression could only be described as disbelieving shock. This was just the thing he didn't need to know about Ty and Alex. Even after four years, he still found it strange that these two ended up together. An now this baby thing was just making it worse.

Alex was enjoying the exchange. She had learned long ago that the best way to annoy Carlos was to downplay whatever was annoying him. Ty was better at it than she which, she supposed, was why he'd managed to share an apartment with him for so long. Alex thought she'd have either killed Carlos or gone insane if she'd had to live with him.

"You?" Carlos sputtered. "Why would you do that?"

"Have you not noticed Al needs a little help every now and then lately?" Ty remarked, leaning over to hold steady the chair Alex was lowering herself into. Pregnancy had made her awkward.

"She needs help shaving her legs?" Carlos knew they were doing it just to annoy him. Sitting there acting as if they had done nothing. He saw Alex start to say something and interrupted. "Ya know, I don't want to know. Just get your own razor."

Their amusement was contained until they heard the front door close. Carlos was loved and hated like a younger brother; he just didn't know that all the remarks, annoyances and general 'pick-on-me' approach were signs of affection. Which only made it more fun to get him going. The guy really needed to loosen up a little.

Nibbling at the grapefruit before her, Alex hesitantly approached the subject they were discussing the night before. "You still coming over this weekend?"

She had casually mentioned turning the small spare room in her apartment into a nursery. Ty had appointed himself as decorator and planned to paint the room and put together the crib they had purchased.

"Planned on it. Why? Shouldn't I?" he asked taking his coffee mug and cereal bowl to the sink.

"No, I just don't want you feeling like you have to," she explained, pushing the half eaten fruit away and leaning back in the chair.

Ty reclaimed his seat and took her hands. "Al, that baby has to have somewhere to sleep. You're not using a blanket lined drawer. Besides, I want to."

Alex listened to his reassurance. She believed him. She just wished she'd stop feeling like she was forcing him into doing 'the right thing'. She knew Ty well enough that his by-the-book attitude sometimes ruled his morals which in turn ruled his actions.

"Meet you after the shift?" Ty asked rising, helping her up.

"You know where to find me," Alex said, raising her face for his kiss. CHAPTER 11 - VOLUNTEER

"So do we just cancel the reservations?" Sophie asked, keeping an eye on Grace, who at the moment was begging Jimmy and D.K. to play with her.

Bosco felt terrible. Sophie had been looking forward to getting away with him for months now. Why did Faith's kids have to pick this weekend to get sick? "You know anyone who could take her on short notice?"

Sophie was prevented from answering by Grace's squeal as Jimmy and D.K played toss with her. Literally. Tossing the little girl between them. "We leave in the morning, Bosco, that's not much notice. Look, we can do this later. I need to rescue Jimmy and D.K."

Bosco watched his wife collect their daughter. Although she wouldn't admit it, she was disappointed. He was disgusted himself; he'd promised Sophie time for them; he had had to back out last time because of work and she'd understood. He hated to be unable to keep his promise.

"Someone do something?"

Alex's voice broke into his mental tirade. "Yeah. Faith's kids are sick and she can't keep Grace this weekend."

The confused stare prompted him to explain further. "Sophie and I were supposed to go away this weekend."

"What'd you do? Miss an anniversary?" Alex asked.

"No. We do this sometimes - no kids, no friends, no family - just us. We had to cancel last time; I had to work." Bosco watched Sophie with Grace and then glanced back at Alex. An idea formed. Why not? It could give her some experience. "I don't suppose you're free this weekend?"

Alex's breath caught. Was Bosco hinting that she keep Gracie?

Before she could answer, they were joined by Ty, who having overheard Bosco, answered for her. "Al's free; I'm painting the nursery. Why?"

Bosco figured he might as well go ahead and ask. The worst thing that could happen is he'd get a no and he'd be no worse off. "We need someone to keep Grace for the weekend."

"Where you goin'?"

Bosco rolled his eyes.

"I'm tryin' to keep a promise to my wife. Now, interested or not? It might be good practice," he added for incentive.

Alex glanced at Ty. They had the weekend basically free. "Sure, we can keep her."

"Great," He almost hugged the couple. "Let me talk to Soph-"

"Talk to Soph about what?" Sophie's voice sounded from behind him.

"This weekend. Alex and Ty are gonna keep Grace," he explained.

Sophie looked at the couple for confirmation, asking, "Are you sure?"

"Soph," Bosco began. "C'mon, Grace'll be fine."

"It's not really Grace I'm worried about," she addressed Ty and Alex. "Are you sure? I don't expect Grace to be trouble, it's just that -"

"Sophie," Ty interrupted, getting her attention. "It's fine; we'll keep her."

Glancing at Alex for confirmation, Sophie conceded and summoned Grace, explaining that since Emily and Charlie were sick she couldn't stay at Faith's like they'd talked about. Instead would it be alright to stay at Alex's?

The little girl was silent for a moment absorbing her mother's question before lifting a shoulder. "Okay, if you say so."

Sophie looked to Ty and Alex. "I guess it's settled. We'll bring her by in the morning."

As they left, Ty and Alex exchanged glances. What were they in for? CHAPTER 12 - TRIAL RUN

The next morning arrived all to soon in Alex's opinion. To her, this was harder than what she faced at work. Not that she didn't love Gracie; it was just she was responsible for the little girl. In a sense, this was her test for moving on to actual motherhood.

Leaving last minute instructions and phone numbers with Ty and Alex, Sophie joined Bosco and Grace on the sofa for a last good-bye.

"Gracie precious," Sophie said, holding the little girls' hands. "You be good. It's the same rules that you have when you go to Faith's."

The tiny duplicate of her mother nodded solemnly.

"And remember what we talked about last night,: Sophie continued.

Another serious nod. She wasn't to ask Alex for too much cause she was gettin' a baby just like Mommy and needed to rest for that, like Mommy.

Sophie kissed her, enfolding her in her arms. "I love you."

"Love you, too, Gracie responded before turning to Bosco.

"Love you, Gracie-girl," Bosco said picking up .

"Love you, too."

One final hug and kiss from Sophie and Grace was left with Ty and Alex.

Over the next few days, Alex and Ty discovered what life was like with a child twenty-four hours a day. And not just any child but Gracie Boscorelli. While Ty painted and constructed, Alex kept Gracie entertained. Or rather Gracie kept Alex entertained. Gracie tutored Alex on her favorite songs, stories, how to fix her hair in the morning and what she 'knew' Alex's baby was going to like and dislike - cause that what she liked. By the end of the weekend, Alex determined that Gracie was the ultimate girly-girl. Based on Alex's observation, Ty predicted Gracie would be able to wrap any man around her finger when she grew up. Alex was inclined to agree.

And when Bosco and Sophie picked up Grace Sunday afternoon, Alex felt she'd barely passed the trial motherhood test.

She only had about three months to brush up for the real test.