Last bit folks! It's been a pleasure to write this, and a pleasure to read your comments! Thank you, one and all.
"Karyn," Clark tried to keep his words steady, "Who is at the house? What visitor?"
Karyn shrugged, glancing at Chloe as she finally realized something was gravely wrong. "The lady who was here before, when you were sick..."
This time it was Clark's heart that skipped a beat. "Doctor Bryce?" I always thought she was alive, but why here, now? It's too much of a coincidence...too good to be true...
"I think that was her name. She was the one who made you better..." Karyn frowned. She had seen lots of animals on the farm have their babies, but suddenly she was getting scared for Chloe, because Clarkie was all worked up, and that never happened. "Should I still go and try to get Mom?"
Clark's mind reeled. Chloe and the baby needed help, but could he trust a woman who had once almost killed him? She saved me in the end though, and she did have her reasons...What would I give now to know my own kid would be born safely? He grimaced, because in the end, this was not just his decision to make.
Even through her torture, Chloe had somehow followed the bizarre conversation. "Please...she saved you...the baby..." Her words trailed, signaling she was already getting tired, and she looked to Clark beseechingly.
He clutched her hand in return, and then almost shouted to Karyn. "Get Mom, and the doctor if she'll come..!"
Karyn disappeared as if she had her brother's speed, but as she crossed the yard she was afraid too, because when she had left, Martha and Bryce had been quarreling. What if she won't help? She scooted into the kitchen to find her dad had joined in the fray. It wasn't so much an argument, as a heated discussion, but Karyn hated butting in all the same.
"Why come here on Christmas eve? There were plenty of police stations, and sheriffs' offices on the way when the weather turned..." Jonathan quizzed.
Bryce looked apologetic, but determined. She was still obviously shaken and disheveled from the crash into the fence, and a tiny cut to her forehead was dribbling blood, without her even noticing. "I planned on being here earlier, but the storm closed in so unexpectedly...I wanted to explain things to Clark before I gave myself up..."
Karyn looked at the doctor worriedly. She appeared so drawn and tired from her own ordeal of getting here. Unsure if she was doing the right thing, Karyn finally tugged on Martha's sleeve. "Mom, Clark says for you to come quick...and the doctor too, if she'll help..."
Instantly Martha's stomach churned with dread. Karyn never calls him Clark unless something is wrong, it's always Clarkie, and why does he need Bryce for heaven's sake...
The quarrel abruptly ceased, and Bryce glanced at the family expectantly. Whatever Clark wanted, she could easily refuse, but she wouldn't. She leaned towards Karyn, her injured head throbbing with the movement. "What's wrong?" She asked softly.
Karyn gazed at her parents for approval, and then back to Helen. "Chloe's having the baby, but there's something wrong..." Suddenly everyone looked to Bryce, and she readily accepted the challenge, heading automatically for the Kent's stairs. "They're in the barn..." Karyn corrected, with a tiny sparkle in her eye.
If Bryce had wondered why the barn, she didn't show it. Instead she looked to Martha, and then rubbed her temple. "Right, well we'll need blankets, towels, water...Can you get those things?" She turned to Jonathan next, "There's a first aid kit in my trunk, I might want some things out of that too..."
The anxious farmer nodded that he would retrieve it, and both he and Bryce headed back out into the blustery snow...
Clark looked up as Helen finally made it to the loft. It had seemed like she would never arrive, and at one point, he had begun to question the validity of his sister's story. Now, as the weary doctor approached, he began to worry further. A long time had passed since their last meeting, but tonight Bryce looked far from the woman she had once been. Perhaps it was her fatigued appearance, and the sight of blood on her head; Clark wasn't really sure, all he knew was that he was scared.
Helen ignored his panicked gaze, and went straight to Chloe's side. It was then that Clark at last decided to speak. "I told her not to push...the baby isn't where it should be..." Bryce nodded she understood, but pinched the top of her nose, as dizziness overtook her for a second. Clark noticed her pause. "Are you sure you are capable..."
Pushing aside her own problems, the doctor deftly tugged Clark away from his wife, and resumed the no nonsense attitude she was famed for. "Listen, I know you don't trust me, and you have every right not too, but don't undermine me in front of Chloe. She needs your help and support right now, and she needs my help too." Bryce looked deep into Kent's soul, searching to see he understood, and then tersely continued. "I need you to get a grip, and tell me just what you saw. You're eyes are better than any scan or monitor at a hospital, so use them to help me! Now what did you notice to get so alarmed?" She didn't want to be insensitive, but Clark needed to snap out of it and fast.
"The head and shoulders aren't in the right position...the baby's stuck..."
"Alright..." She turned back to Chloe, who had once again latched onto Clark, "I need you to guide me Clark, tell me everything that's going on..."
Chloe peered pleadingly at Helen, Sweat dripping from her brow already. "Please say not breech..." She was scared. Scared to lose a child, and scared perhaps, of who was going to try and deliver it.
Bryce smiled gently, knowing all too well what Chloe must be going through. "No, not breech. It sounds like the baby has entered the birth canal at an odd angle, and I'm going to have to turn it back before the little tyke can come out...I'm not going to delude you, we have no painkillers, so this is going to hurt like hell, but everything's going to be fine...I promise..." The doctor looked back to Clark, "I need you to steer me in the right direction. It will be quicker that way..."
Clark inhaled, and held Chloe's hand in both of his, while he let x-ray mode switch back in. "Just breath Chlo, like we practiced..."
Guiding Helen was the weirdest and most frightening thing he had ever been asked to do, but if it saved the life of his unborn kid, then it would be worth it. I just hope Bryce is capable. I don't know who looks more likely to pass out, Chloe, or Helen from her head wound...Shaking away the terrifying dilemma, he focused back to the task at hand.
He felt Chloe's body spasm with pain at every move Bryce made, as she tried to correct the position of their child, and wished that he could somehow end her agony. After almost ten anxious minutes, the doctor nodded to Clark. "I think that's it..." She turned to Chloe, "You should be able to push now..."
Chloe didn't know if she even had the strength left, she felt so drained and exhausted, but then Clark renewed the urgency, with yet another revelation from his super-sight. "The baby's heartbeat is slowing!"
Helen fought the urge to scold the father-to-be again, but then realized just how bad he must be feeling, and that her own injury might be clouding her judgment of him. "It's not uncommon after something like this. We need Chloe to do her bit now, and everything should be fine..." Just as long as it doesn't take too much time, and the heart rate doesn't drop too low...
Chloe grimaced, crazy thoughts whipping through her tortured mind, as finally she tried to bring her child into the world. This is one time a Kent can't afford to be late...
Lex yanked open the door, just as another wave of instability hit the Learjet. His body rocked for a second, but he caught his balance, and then exhaled, as he saw Jerry the regular pilot at the controls. Berman isn't deceiving me...something else is wrong though...
As Lex entered the cabin, Jerry turned to glance at him. "I'm sorry Mr. Luthor, but we flew straight into one almighty weather front. It came from nowhere..." He swiveled back to the instruments, desperately holding the yoke so tight his knuckles were white. "I tried to veer to port and duck below the storm Sir, but it's no good. I'm turning back to Smallville..."
Lex heard the urgency in his pilot's voice, but didn't comment on it. He had a flying license of his own, and already knew the seriousness of the situation, perhaps even more so than Jerry. "Is the anti-ice system functioning correctly? I saw ice on the wings back there..."
The pilot frowned, and then shook his head. "The warning light came on about fifteen minutes ago..." He looked apologetically at his superior. "To be honest Sir, I'm struggling to keep us on course even..."
Lex didn't need telling twice. Swiftly, he jumped behind the empty co-pilot's seat, and began checking the visual readouts. Several sections of the electrical systems had malfunctioned, but only the anti-ice system had failed to divert to backup. It didn't look good.
Another huge jolt buffeted the airframe, followed by more red lights and an alarm claxon sounding. As the millionaire checked his display, the plane began to peel to port all on its own, and he and Jerry struggled to correct the yaw. Their seats shook beneath them, but somehow they managed to level off without further deviation from their route.
"We just lost number one engine to a flameout..." The pilot winced, knowing that usually the second turbine would follow suit, sooner or later.
"Can we try a restart?" Lex looked grim too, but he wasn't giving in just yet.
Jerry shook his head again. "There's too much ice ingestion, the ice is flaking off the wings straight into the engines...If we lose number two as well, we'll have to glide her in, and in this weather..."
Lex knew the scenario well. The build up of ice on a plane could easily cause it to flip over, or veer badly, especially when trying to land. One option was to add extra power as you came down to help compensate, but if they had no engines, well he didn't want to think about that choice. "I have no intention of trying to take this bird in dead stick Jerry, so what say we get her down before we lose the engine?"
Jerry checked the altimeter, and direction readings, quickly working things in his head. "I think we're about fifteen minutes from the runway Sir, but when I radioed it still hadn't been cleared. It's only a small airstrip after all, but there's nowhere closer..."
Lex bit into his lip, and then heard the cockpit door slam as Berman finally resurfaced. She looked terrified, and totally unsure of just what was happening. "What the hell is going on? You looked worse than a seasick mermaid back there, I went to find something to make you feel a lil better, and the next moment I'm flung halfway down the back of the plane!" She gazed at the jet's screen, noting the outrageous squall outside. "Holy...This is the last time I get on a plane with you Lex Luthor, you're jinxed!" Berman tried to make light of their predicament, not fully understanding how bad things had gotten so quickly.
The plane shook again, and Lex feared the other engine would give out before they reached safe harbor. "Listen, we've lost some of the instruments...and one of the engines. I know you probably think this is a crazy time to ask, but if I'm to die tonight, there's something I want to know first?"
The doctor suddenly grew more solemn, buckling herself into a spare seat behind Jerry, and then frowning. "We're not going to die Lex...have faith. It's Christmas Eve, God isn't that cruel." His expression told her he had long since given up on faith. "What do you want to know?" She finally asked.
"I've always known you as Angela Berman, and yet when you were in Smallville Medical Center, they said you were Jacqueline on there records...Why?"
Berman shrugged, it was such a simple, innocent answer, that she couldn't understand the significance. "My father died before I was born, and I was left with just my overbearing mother to rule my life. I think deep down she hated me, because as I grew up I wanted a career, and she just wanted to marry me off to some rich boy and have kids. Basically, she treated me like I was some piece of meat to be sold to the highest bidder. Naturally I rebelled, and when I went to med school I even changed my name. You see Jacqueline was mother's idea, it was her middle name, and it made me think of her all too often..."
Lex fought with the yoke, and let what he had been told sink in. All of what she had explained to him could have been a fabricated lie, but somehow he knew it wasn't. The doctor had fought the same family curse as he had. A parent who didn't want a child, but rather a subject, to control and manipulate at will. In a way it made Berman the perfect soul mate and wife. He smiled wryly at the word wife, and then realized they had to live first, marry later.
"We're going to lose number two engine!" Jerry couldn't hide his fear as the turbine began to falter.
Lex ignored the warning, and taking the throttles increased power, hoping to at least give them the extra speed they might need before the second flameout. From the corner of his eye, he saw Berman lower her head and begin to pray. He had never considered himself a religious man, but tonight her actions somehow comforted him. I think Daryl was right...she really is the one...
"You really are going to try taking her in dead stick!" Jerry was incredulous at his apparently insane boss's actions, but then what alternative was there?
Lex smirked. "When I was younger, I used to think I had a guardian angel Jerry...Well I can tell you this much, I know he isn't here tonight. So what say you and I try a restart, and if that doesn't work, then yes, we're going to land this baby dead stick..."
The pilot nodded, unsure whether it was better to be in the hands of a madman, or a cynic...
"Nearly there Chloe, come on one more push..." Helen Bryce gave out her instructions clear and precise, somehow making her patient think she dare not disobey. It was a good strategy, and one that had worked very well over the last heart stopping minutes. "One more...the head is here..."
Clark looked on mesmerized, and still totally petrified. The baby hadn't deteriorated any further, but he couldn't help the feelings running through him. He guessed it was only natural, and what every father, and indeed mother went through. And most kids don't end up being born in a barn...
Chloe pushed again, and this time Helen found she had a tiny baby in her hands. "Hey, you have a son!" Quickly the doctor made sure his mouth and nose were clear, and then under Clark's watchful gaze laid the little boy on Chloe. He gurgled, and then let out a touching cry that made his dad's knees want to buckle with relief, love, and parental pride.
Chloe lay back slightly, exhausted, but wanting so much to hold her newborn too. You better not get to hold him first Clark...She beamed at her own amusing thought, all the pain abruptly being worth it. Then the baby cried again, and Chloe was reminded that no one could take a hold just yet.
Bryce suddenly realized it too. They needed something to cut the cord, and she hadn't exactly come equipped to deliver a kid. Feeling a little woozy again, she grabbed onto a nearby beam, and then having an idea, looked to Clark. "Can you sever the cord?"
He didn't comprehend what she was asking to begin with, and then once he did, fear hit him, and he backed off. "You want me to...? With my heat vision...?" Clark cringed and looked horrified, but then it was Chloe's turn to encourage him.
"Clark Kent don't be such a wuss! Will you hurry up and just do it!" I want to cuddle my kid!
The baby cooed its approval, his gorgeous blue eyes twinkling in the dull light, as he wriggled helplessly on his mom's tummy.
"Clark?" Bryce urged him on, "We need to get him clean and in a blanket..."
Succumbing mostly to his desire to cradle the tot, Clark steadied his shaky nerves, and focused every bit of his willpower on doing the job correctly. In seconds the task was complete, and baby Kent was non-the-wiser. Feeling that after his nerve-wracking mission, he deserved the first cuddle, Clark scooped up a blanket and caringly wrapped his son in it. The baby cried a little, and then settled snuggly into his welcoming arms, as he gazed dreamily down upon it.
"CLARK!" Chloe was worn-out, but she was not falling asleep till she got hold of her kid, "Let me see him!"
Finally giving in, Clark ambled to her side and kneeled, allowing the newborn to slip gently into her arms. Chloe took him without saying a word, because words alone couldn't describe how she felt right now.
She took her son's minuscule hand for a second, and then allowed him to instinctively clutch back when she moved away. He cried again, sensing his mother, and needing her delicate touch. "He looks like you!" Chloe finally admitted, "And his timekeeping isn't much better!"
Clark grinned, and then lightly pulled the edge of the blanket away, wanting another peek at his baby. The little boy looked so small and rosy, and yet his eyes already danced with his father's veracity. "As long as he isn't as nosy as his mom..." He laughed.
Chloe pulled a face, and then somehow found the energy to whack her husband with her free arm. "Oy!" She giggled, glancing at the wall clock. "You do realize what time it is?"
Clark silently followed her gaze, as did Bryce. In their panic, they had never noticed the passage of time. Fatigued and hurting, Helen still answered first, because Clark had suddenly been struck dumb with surprise yet again. "It's Christmas day..!"
Clark sat in the family rocker, swaying back and forth, and cradling his baby with adoration. It was still early, but there was no way he could sleep now. Once the snow had abated he had sped Chloe over, and she was now sleeping comfortably upstairs. He had no doubt when she awakened, that she would demand their son back, and would not relinquish her hold a second time. He smiled at the thought. We'll be fighting who gets diaper duty next...He shuddered. Okay, so maybe Chlo can have that honor...
A groan from the couch made him pause his relentless rocking, and he looked over, concerned. "How do you feel?"
Helen Bryce squinted, and then grimaced as daylight hit her eyes. "I was in the barn...I delivered the baby..."
Clark nodded. "You took a bump to your head when you crashed into the fence. You passed out just after the baby was born, and I carried you back here..." Bryce sat up, knowing her head would pound, and it did. She rubbed the side of her temple, where an angry purple-yellow bruise had circled the cut she had received. "You should lie back down. You have a pretty nasty concussion..."
Helen ignored the advice, and scowled. "I thought I was the doctor...?"
"You told me to use my vision on Chloe, and it works just as well on you! I took a peek at your head when you collapsed. We were worried..." Clark looked to the tot in his arms for the hundredth time, and then back to his guest. "So, just why did you almost get yourself killed to come back here? You knew what the outcome would be?"
"Yes, I knew I would be arrested, and I don't care. I deserve what's coming to me, but I wanted you, of all people to understand why I did what I did. I never wanted to hurt anyone; I just wanted my son..." Bryce looked to the floor, not daring to look upon the infant in Clarks' arms, because it brought back painful memories. "I faked my death at Crater Lake to go and search for him, and it took me a long time, but in the end I found Michael. I can rest in peace now. Do with me what you will..."
Clark watched as the doctor before him gave into her future. How can I arrest a woman who's life, and that of her son were threatened? I can't condone what she did, but I can't condemn it either. She almost died once when Hayden stabbed her, who would risk that again by defying a gang-lord? And if Lucas isn't dead and she goes to prison, he'll make sure she dies in there...
The dilemma was an intense one, because the life of his own child had been saved by Bryce, but he wouldn't let that fact alone sway his decision. She had come here of her own volition, having no way to know Chloe would go into labor. Her choice to give herself up had been totally voluntary, and Clark respected that. I doubt even a court of law would convict her on any serious charges, she was under duress... "What happened to Michael?" He eventually queried, wanting to know everything before making a judgment.
"I found him in Arizona of all places...with a loving couple who put my parental skills to shame. He had never known anything about Metropolis, Edge, or the Luthors..." Bryce looked down again. "I couldn't bring myself to approach him and tell him who I was. It would have ruined his life..."
Clark looked puzzled. "So how did he get there?"
"From what I can tell Paul arranged it ...I guess he must have felt some remorse for what he did after all. Maybe I'll never know for sure. Not now that Paul is long dead..." Helen glanced at her watch. "I don't think it's too early to call the sheriff now to take me in. You should have your Christmas in peace, especially with the little one."
Clark inhaled, and then looked down into his son's sleeping face. "I'm not going to make that call. The Helen Bryce I knew died at Crater Lake. Just make sure it stays that way, or I will find you..." He smiled as the doctor looked at him incredulously. "I think you deserve a second chance..."
"But...?"
"No buts! You can't go anywhere today, you've bust your car's radiator, not to mention your head. Mom's made you a room up until the snow clears, and you're feeling better. Just go then and make a new life, and stay out of trouble!"
Bryce was clearly moved. She hadn't wanted special treatment, but then she hadn't counted on Clark's idea of justice. In a world of mayhem, he was probably the only person who would still not resort to violence, even if the end justified the means. He would always find an alternative, a way to make a situation better, not worse. "You're truly a remarkable person..."
Clark shook his head, and then winked. "No, today I'm just a very proud dad! Thanks to you."
Helen stood up silently, about to take a glimpse of the snoozing tot, when someone rapped on the kitchen door. Clark whirled instinctively. "We aren't expecting anyone..."
Quietly the pair waited, as Martha wiped her hands on her apron and met their unexpected guests. Helen's head began to pound again, as she heard the greeting.
"Lex! We weren't expecting you! Come on in." Martha ushered the millionaire and his partner in from the cold.
"I can't face Lex, not now or ever..." Bryce pleaded, "I'd rather go to jail..." I ruined his life once. I can't do it again by letting him know I'm alive...
Clark understood and sympathized, not wanting Lex to have to go through old, and very bad memories. Hastily he directed Helen upstairs, and she nodded. "I want to check on Chloe anyway..."
Once the doctor was safely hidden, Clark reappeared to welcome his long-time friend. "Lex, you made it just in time to meet my son! Although you missed all the excitement last night..."
Lex smiled, and then glanced at Berman, squeezing her hand knowingly. "Well we had a little adventure of our own to deal with, but when I heard about baby Kent nothing was going to stop me getting here...not even a very risky landing."
"Or even colossal snow drifts!" Berman laughed, "You don't know how many people he bribed to get this section of road cleared so fast..."
Clark could imagine, but he didn't ask. Instead, he handed his newborn over into Lex's outstretched arms, letting his friend feel the joy a child could bring. "So how exactly did you find out?" He watched Lex like some hawk watching its prey, but surprisingly the Senator knew just how handle the tot.
"Well Pete was trying to contact me...I'd just landed when I got the message..." Lex smirked, and then found the little one had dribbled up milk all over his expensive shirt. It was only a small mark, but he had to smile. Money can't buy everything, how many shirts would I give for a kid like this? His eyes narrowed mischievously. I'd give everything I own...
Martha swatted Clark with a towel, and then looked to her guests. "Actually, I think half of Kansas knows by now. After everyone had calmed down, Clark rang everyone he could think of till Chloe's cell phone battery died!"
"It's on charge now," Clark admitted, taking his son back from Lex, "But to be honest I think I killed it!"
"I probably would have done the same, or worse." Lex conceded with another impish grin. "Now, let me introduce you to Angela..."
Clark nodded, knowing Dr Berman by name, but never having actually met her before. It was strange really, seeing as Lex had been dating her for several months now. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Ah, but there's something you don't know..." Lex took on an air of mystery, which made everyone in the kitchen pause. "Remember when I said I would find someone to help you have kids, and you need never meet them? Well Angela is the one...She's the best geneticist I know..."
Clark gulped. It was really weird how things were turning out, scary even. My kid's born in a barn, and then gets three very special visitors...Oh Boy! Lex who convinced me to try for a baby against all odds, Berman who made it all work, and Helen who saved him...
"Everything alright Clark?" Martha had noted her son's peculiar expression, and wondered just what he was thinking.
He grinned back. "Everything is just fine now..." Although if I tell even half this story at work, they'll think I'm nuts!
"Well then, how about you all come on in and see what's under the tree, while the turkey cooks?" Jonathan appeared in the doorway, obviously the proudest grandpa in the state, "I hate to say it though, but Daryl and Karyn have beaten you all to opening the presents!"
No one minded, because the greatest gift of all lay in Clark's arms, blissfully unaware of how precious he was. While Jonathan poured them all a drink, Karyn and Daryl decided it was their turn to investigate the baby. "He sure is quiet..." She observed, screwing her face up as the tot yawned.
"Nothing like his Aunt then!" Jonathan laughed, "You were such a noisy kid!"
Karyn scowled. "Was not!"
Daryl's head cocked to one side, considering the information as he scrutinized baby Kent. "I think Mr. Kent is right, you'd be much noisier than...?" Both Daryl's eyebrows dropped in deliberation. "Does he have a name yet?"
Lex sipped his egg nog and smirked at Clark's reaction, as did everyone else in the room.
"Err...well Chloe wouldn't let me tell her the sex of the baby, and then when he came kinda early..." The doting dad winced.
Daryl nodded perceptively, letting the now awake baby toy with his fingers. "Ugh huh, just as we thought. You need a name!" The tot burbled his agreeance, and then wrinkled his nose cheerily.
"Well its not just up to me, I'll need to talk with Chlo..." Somehow Clark had the feeling his baby's name would be chosen right here and now, if he didn't act swiftly. Luckily for him, yet more knocking on the door signaled another arrival. It was becoming quite a day for unexpected visitors.
Pete bustled into the living room, snow still dropping from his hair. "Aww man, how dare you have a kid when Uncle Pete wasn't here?" He beamed, and then nodded his greetings to the others. "I take it you had the road cleared?" Pete looked at Lex with a sparkle in his eyes.
"Who else?" Jonathan forced a drink on the Metropolis Mayor, and then shot Lex a genuine smile, that came straight from the heart. "So, I think we need a toast?" How did I start to like this guy so suddenly?
Lex nodded, raising his glass. "To the luckiest baby in the world, and to the future, wherever it may take us!"
Everyone sipped, and then Pete suddenly remembered the news he had been so eager to bring them all. Slipping a gift wrapped package from his pocket, he handed it to Clark with a grin. "I think you'll like this gift..."
Curious, Clark gently handed his tot to Jonathan, who gladly took his new grandson. About time I got to hold him...
Inquisitively, Clark carefully opened the small packet, to reveal a metal container. Sliding it open, realization finally dawned on him. "It's the key to my ship! How did you find it?"
Pete winked. "I acquired it from a friend in the F.B.I. who owed me, and there's more good news too. It was found on Lucas Luthor after he was arrested in Thailand..." He patted Clark on the back, "I guess you and Lex have finally won the fight huh?"
Clark shrugged. Lucas might be behind bars, but there would always be a fight. Good against evil would always be a battle with no end, but while he lived he would fight it with honor, and integrity. Today though, was a day of joy, and celebration. A day for forgiveness, love, and peace...
"CLARK!" Chloe's shout echoed down the stairs, "Don't you dare name the baby without me!"
Daryl giggled, and then looked apologetically at the group. "I think Karyn sneaked up and kind of made some suggestions to Chloe..."
Clark groaned and swiftly retrieved his son, super speeding up the stairs, while everybody else couldn't stifle their laughter. Chloe sat up in bed, expectantly waiting his arrival with her usual playful stare. "I hear you've been choosing names!"
"I haven't, honest!" Clark handed the baby over to his mom, and hoped it would placate her. Sheesh, naming is tougher than I thought too...
Chloe adjusted the blanket around the tot's head, and he made a tiny squeal of appreciation. "I've been having ideas, while you were downstairs having fun..."
"Oh?" Clark suddenly had no desire to ask what those ideas were. Chloe might be teasing, or she might be serious. Either way, he would have to be diplomatic if he didn't approve of her choice.
"Yeah, I've been thinking people around here don't seem to have much imagination...I mean the Luthors all have names with LL, Lois does, and even Lana did until she married Byron! You and I have the same initials too. Let's break the monotony and give him an original name!"
Clark frowned, hoping Chloe wasn't going to say something like Aloysius. I really want to keep this simple... "Err...you have something in mind?"
Chloe nodded her head earnestly, while gazing thoughtfully at her son. "Please don't be mad, but I wanted to name him after someone who meant a lot to us both; and after your real dad too, because without his forethought, you wouldn't be in any of our lives..." She licked her lips. "I wanted Ryan Joseph Kent..."
"Joseph because it's close to Jor-El, and because he used the name Joe, when he paid earth a visit huh?" Clark wanted to smile, but he kept his face serious, just to string Chloe out awhile. "Why not Kyle, it's close to my other name...Kal-El..."
The ruse worked, and Chloe sighed. "I so thought you'd like Ryan at least. He meant so much to us all, and it's a nice way of remembering him..."
Clark leaned over, and without saying anything, softly kissed Chloe on the lips. When he pulled away, she gave him her best bemused scowl, and Clark beamed back. "I think it's a great name! Ryan Joseph Kent it is! I'll go tell the others...." A sudden thought hit him and he grimaced. "On second thoughts, can't you tell them?"
Chloe rolled her eyes, as little Ryan decided it was time to make his presence known with a tiny cry. "Now what Clark?"
"We have a living room full of guests, who I suspect, will all secretly want this kid named after them!"
Chloe's mouth fell open in unison with her unsuspecting son's, as he peered around inquisitively. After several seconds, she realized she could offer no words of comfort to her husband, and instead grinned. "Hey, after saving the world so many times, this mission should be a peace of cake for you! Go tell them! And if not..." She leaned forward and whispered playfully. "You could always stay up here with me and Ryan awhile..."
Clark's famous grin was nothing compared to the smile he now wore. "You know what? I like your second option so much better..." He gently kissed her again, and then sat on the edge of the bed, not wanting to ever let Chloe, or baby Ryan out of his sight. Sometimes the world can be a surprising and wonderful place, and I'm so glad to be part of it...
People's differences should never matter, even his own alien origins shouldn't, and today Clark had finally accepted that fact. He was just a very happy father, no matter who he was, or where he had come from. Looking from the window, at the pure white snow, he smiled one last time. Merry Christmas, whoever, and wherever you are...