Weeks had managed to pass by, without any further friction from the Sutherland clan.  Since Kirsty was somewhat detached from her family, her father's betrayal had seemed much less, and she took it that no further news was good news.  They had much more important things to worry about; they'd get to see their baby for the first time today.  Kane had taken the whole day off work especially.

"Are you sure you want to take the whole day off?" asked Kirsty.  "We do need the money."

"Not that much, I can work an extra shift next week, " said Kane.  "Plus, I need to check you're not making this baby up!"

"I am not making it up!  Feel this! " Kirsty rested Kane's hand on her stomach.  "Hmmm, but you have been eating a lot, you know, it has to go somewhere!"

"Oh thanks!"

Kirsty stretched back onto the sofa.  There was only three more hours until their appointment.  She'd probably have to finalise other details, about where she'd have her baby and procedures.  Kane had laughed at the prospect of a water birth, and even more at the thought of joining Kirsty in the pool.  Sometimes she wished she had a female to discuss this with.  Rose was slightly more forthcoming, but since she had no children of her own she was clueless.  Max wasn't particularly interested in giving birth, and Jade hadn't bothered to speak to her for a while.  Only her mother would understand.  Kirsty sighed as they eventually got into the car and started to drive.

"We'll have to start looking for flats soon, near that school. Do you think we have enough saved up?"

"Yeah, we should be able to rent.  Doubt we'll have any furniture though."

"I could always ask my parents, though they were saving for a college fund."

"You could still go to college after you get your HSC, " said Kane as he turned the corner.

"It won't be for ages, plus I'll have to spend time with the baby."  Kirsty gulped some more water. She was supposed to have a full bladder for the ultrasound.  "Maybe when he or she goes to school, I can start college.  That'll be strange."

"Yeah, " smiled Kane.  "He." 

They eventually reached the clinic, and entered arm-in-arm, Kirsty slightly jumpy and nervous and Kane wondering if he had a son.  Maybe he could start again; go against all the experiences he'd have and try to create something positive.

"Kirsty Philips?" called out a midwife.  "We'll see you now."

"Phillips?" said Kane as they went towards the radiographer's suite.  "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I just felt like changing my name, " hinted Kirsty.

In the suite, Dr Hamlyn, who had a friendly air about her, greeted them.   She spoke for ages, asking Kirsty questions to her annoyance, since she was desperate for the toilet.  After some more tests, Kirsty finally lay down on the couch.

"Ok Kirsty, I'm just rubbing a special gel on your stomach to help us see the baby clearer.  If you look at the screen that's where your baby will be in a few moments."

"Cool, " said Kane.

"I'm going to pass this scanner over your stomach, " said the doctor.  After a few moments a strange black shape was seen on the screen; Kane couldn't make head nor tail of it. 

"Is that it?"

"Yes it is, " said Dr Hamlyn. 

"He does look a little strange."

"How can you tell it's a he?" exclaimed Kirsty.  "It's not is it?"

"Well, I don't like to say at first."  Kane smiled, while Kirsty scowled.  "If you look here, you can see the head moving and an arm."

The more Kane stared at the blob, the more he saw it.   This black blob was his baby; he created it.

"Wow, " said Kirsty.  "I can see it now, that's great."

"I can't wait to see it for real, " said Kane, tightly holding Kirsty's hand. 

***

That afternoon, the happy couple were glowing.  Kirsty kept looking at the photo, as if to remind herself that a baby was inside of her.  Kane wanted to look inside the envelope, containing the sex of their baby.  To sweeten Kirsty up, he decided to take her out for lunch.

"The diner?" exclaimed Kirsty as they pulled up.  "What if…?"

"We have every right to eat here, besides we're celebrating.  I might just let you order desert."

"How gentlemanly of you Kane Phillips!"

Kane opened the door for Kirsty, and gave her some money.

"Order whatever for me, I'm just going to the bathroom."

Kirsty smiled, and went to queue up.  There was no one she knew here, and someone unknown was serving her.  It was like they were eating somewhere else.  She ordered the daily special of spaghetti and meatballs and sat down, and to her surprise saw Max.

"Hiya, I haven't seen you in…"

"Can't stop, I'm meant to be somewhere else.  I saw Kane's car.  We're having a family meeting tomorrow.  It's important.  From six thirty onwards."

"I'll be there, " said Kirsty.  Max left, as Kane came back.

"Someone was in a hurry."

"He invited me for a family meeting.  Tomorrow."

"I take it I'm not invited?"

"He didn't say.  You could be."

"I doubt I am, they still hate me."

 "We come as a package now, I think you should go.  Considering we caused most of the problems, I think it's fair that we should all be there to talk about it."

Kane sighed.  "I'll come then."