A/N: Thank you to itsnotrightbutitsokay for reviewing the last chappy!
A/N #2: Please keep in mind that I have no training as a medical doctor.
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Nineteen
Unexpected News
Katherine walked into the penthouse, brushing snow off of her shoulders. "Hola Rosario, como esta mi hermana?" she asked the maid.
"No se," Rosario said, shrugging her shoulders.
With a sigh, Katherine nodded and said, "Traiga el almuerzo a la recamara en diez minutos por favor." She then hurried up the stairs to her sister's room. "Hey Kare, I'm back," she said.
"Thanks for going Kath," Karen said quietly from the bed where she was sitting on the edge.
"Are you all right?" Katherine asked, taking a white paper bag out of her purse and handing it to Karen. "You look really pale."
Karen stood up and said, "I'll be fine Kath." She looked down at the bag and said, "I'm going to wait in there."
"Go ahead Kare," Katherine said, sitting at the window seat.
Smiling at her sister, Karen turned and walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Twenty minutes later, Karen came out of the bathroom, wearing a skirt and blouse.
"Everything all right?" Katherine asked softly.
"I don't know," Karen said truthfully.
"Would you like me to go?" Katherine asked.
"No honey," Karen said smiling. "Stay and keep me company until Jackie comes back from rehearsal."
A maid came into the room at that point and left lunch for the sisters.
They ate at the window seat in silence and Katherine noticed that Karen wasn't eating much, just picking at her meal.
~~~
"Okay everyone, that's enough for today," Zach Bunting, the director of Jack's play, called out at seven. "Remember we won't be rehearsing tomorrow, so make sure you try and practice your lines at some point before we come back on Friday."
Jack picked up his script from the edge of the stage and walked toward the stairs so he could leave.
"Hey Jack," Zach said. "Think I could talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure thing," Jack said, turning around.
"I was just wondering if you wanted to come with me for a few drinks," Zach said.
"I can't Bunting," Jack said. "My wife-"
"You're married?" Zach asked, surprised.
"Um, hello," Jack said, lifting his left hand, showing the director his silver wedding band. "Anyway, my wife was sick this morning, and I really want to see how she's doing."
"Yeah, well have fun," Zach said brusquely, turning and walking off stage.
Jack shook his head and then quickly left the theater.
When he entered the penthouse, Jack was met by Rosario. "Hey Rosie," he said as he took off his jacket. "How's Karen?"
"I don't know," Rosario answered. "She's been in her room all day with Miss Katherine."
"Hey Jack," Katherine said, coming down the stairs. "Before you ask, Kare's feeling better, but she's anxious to talk to you."
"Oh, well I guess I better go," Jack said. "Thanks for staying today Kat."
"No problem," Katherine said, smiling at him. She pulled on her jacket and then left the penthouse quickly.
Jack went up the stairs, and when he opened the door to the bedroom, he was surprised that Karen wasn't in bed.
"I'm here Jackie," Karen said from the window seat.
"So you are feeling better," Jack said, walking inside and closing the door behind him. "Oh, these are for you."
Karen took the half dozen crimson roses from him and smelled one of the blossoms. "Thank you poodle, they're beautiful," she said, smiling. She stood up, setting the flowers on the seat. "I need to talk to you about something Jack," she said.
"Kat mentioned you wanted to talk," Jack said, studying his wife. "What is it?"
Karen took a deep breath before reaching out to him and taking his hands in hers. "This morning wasn't the first time I've felt sick," she said. "And I've been really tired for a couple of weeks now."
"So what does that mean?" Jack asked, already feeling like he knew the answer.
"Well, I took a pregnancy test earlier. and I'm pregnant," Karen said nervously. "I'm pregnant Jack."
It took a lot of willpower for Jack to not faint at this news and he remained silent for such a long time that Karen started to speak again.
"Jack, if you don't want this baby, then I could get an ab-" Karen began.
"Oh Kare, no," Jack said, quickly, realized she thought his silence had meant he didn't want the baby. He put his arms around her and said, "I was just surprised for a minute."
"So.you want me to have the baby?" Karen asked.
"Yes Kare, yes," Jack said happily. He laughed with joy and spun Karen around for a moment.
"Jack, stop or else I'll be sick again!" Karen cried.
"Sorry Kare, I'm just really excited," Jack said, stopping immediately.
Karen sighed with relief and leaned against his chest. "I was worried about what I would tell you and if you'd want the baby," she said. "We never talked about having children, so I didn't know."
"I don't mind having a kid.as long as it's with you," Jack said, kissing her forehead. "We should celebrate. Anything you want to do?"
Karen closed her eyes for a moment, and then she said, "Let's just stay here for tonight."
"Okay, why don't we eat dinner out on the balcony?" Jack asked.
"Good idea poodle," Karen said. "Go and tell Rosario to bring the meal up here."
"Think you can drink some wine?" Jack asked before he left the room.
"A little bit," Karen said, smiling.
"My god Karen," Jack whispered, staring at her from the doorway.
"What, what is it?" Karen asked, worried.
Jack smiled softly and told her, "You're glowing."
Karen giggled and blushed slightly. "Get out of here Jackie," she said admonishingly.
~~~
Out on the balcony, Jack kept asking Karen if she was warm enough during the meal.
When he asked her this again towards the end of the meal, she said exasperatingly, "Jackie, I am warm enough! And please stop asking me that."
"Sorry Kare," Jack said. "I just want to make sure everything's okay."
"Everything's fine poodle," Karen said reassuringly, leaning over and kissing his cheek. She took a very small sip of her drink, which was about one quarter wine and the rest Sprite, and sighed, "I have to go to the doctor's tomorrow."
"For the baby?" Jack asked.
Karen nodded. "I was thinking we should tell Will, Grace and Katherine about it after I'm done," she said.
"Oh boy, telling Will's going to be great fun," Jack said, making a face.
Karen laughed and then said, "I'll have to ask Kath about how to take care of a baby."
"Hey, don't forget I'll need help too!" Jack said.
"We'll both ask her tomorrow," Karen said, smiling at him.
Jack smiled back at her and then got out of his seat. He kneeled in front of her and placed his head on her stomach.
"I don't think there's much there yet Jackie," Karen said laughingly, stroking his hair.
"I'm going to be a father," Jack whispered in amazement. "It's really hard to take in." He looked up Karen and asked, "Do you think I'll be a good dad?"
"Oh honey, of course you will! You're so sweet and caring," Karen said sweetly. "You'll be a wonderful dad."
"Thanks Karebear," Jack said. He stood up and helped her out of her chair. "Let's go inside where it's warm."
Karen smiled and let him lead her back into their room. She went over to the bed and took off her shoes before lying out on the bed.
"You're so beautiful Kare, you know that," Jack said, sitting on the bed next to her.
"Thank you Jackie," Karen said, smiling. She reached up and ran her thumb over his lips.
Jack took her hand and kissed the fingertips and palm. He then leaned down and kissed Karen deeply.
As he started to kiss her neck, Karen sighed with longing and anticipation. She was surprised when Jack stopped kissing her abruptly and sat up. "What's wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"I want to make love to you Kare," Jack answered, putting his hand on her stomach. "But, the baby."
"Oh Jackie, I'm sure it's okay for us to make love now," Karen said. "We did make love a couple of nights ago and I was pregnant then."
Smiling, Jack leaned back down and kissed her passionately as he undressed her.
Karen was surprised when Jack made love to her tenderly. Ever since their honeymoon, their lovemaking was always passionate. She guessed he was being gentle because of the baby-and she didn't really mind it. Gasping and moaning Jack's name, Karen reached her edge, and buried her face in his neck.
Jack kissed the top of Karen's head as he reached his edge and whispered into her ear, "I love you so much Kare." He moved over and lay on his own pillow, bringing her closer to him
"I love you Jackie," Karen said as she snuggled on his chest.
He smiled and pulled the covers over himself and Karen before falling asleep, his hand on her stomach.
~~~
The next afternoon, Jack was sitting in the waiting room of Karen's doctor's office, trying to read a magazine. He was a little nervous about Karen and hoped that everything would be okay.
As Karen's doctor wrote out a prescription for some vitamins she would need, she asked, "At what point should my husband and I stop being intimate?"
The doctor responded without stopping writing the prescription. "There's no specific month or week," he said. "But you and your husband might want to abstain during the last month and a half or so." He ripped off the prescription paper and handed it to Karen.
"Okay, I'll be back in a month," Karen said, turning to leave the office.
"Hold on a second Mrs. McFarland," the doctor said. When she turned back to him, he said, "I do hope that for your baby's sake, you're going to stop taking the medicine I read you've been prescribed in your medical file."
"Of course I will honey," Karen said, smiling. "I'm not stupid." She turned and went out in the waiting room.
When Jack saw her, he jumped up from his chair and said, "What'd the doctor say?"
"Everything's fine so far," Karen said, looping her arm through his as they walked out of the office. "I have to come back in a month."
"Good," Jack said, looking relieved. "So, are we going to tell the others now?"
"Sure thing poodle," Karen said, squeezing his arm. "Are you ready?"
"I always am," Jack said, making Karen laugh.
~~~
Jack and Karen were lucky that afternoon; Will had brought lunch for Katherine and Karen. The three of them were eating in Grace's office when Jack and Karen walked in.
"Karen," Grace said surprised. "What are you doing here? I thought you were sick still?"
"You believed her when she said she was sick today?" Will said, grinning. "She's just playing hooky today so she and Jack can go out shopping."
"Then why are they here?" Grace asked.
"Oh for crying out loud," Will said. "I was joking Gracie."
"Why is it the both of you are here?" Katherine asked, studying her sister.
Jack and Karen glanced at each other for a moment before Jack nodded for Karen to tell them.
"Well, Jackie and I have some great news," Karen said happily. "We're going to have a baby!"
There were two loud thuds as Grace knocked over a pile of pattern books and Will fell out of his chair.
"You're what!" Grace cried.
"I'm pregnant," Karen said simply as Jack helped Will off the floor.
"Are you joking?" Will asked, brushing off his pants. When he saw Jack and Karen's expressions he said, "Okay, you're not joking."
Katherine, who remained quiet, walked over to her sister and hugged her tightly. "Congratulations," she whispered. "I already had a feeling yesterday what the result of that pregnancy test was."
Karen laughed and then whispered back, "We're going to need your help."
As she stepped back from her sister, Katherine nodded.
"Karen, I'm so happy for you!" Grace exclaimed going over and hugging her.
"Thanks honey," Karen said, patting Grace's back.
"How are you feeling?" Will asked Jack.
"I'm excited," Jack said.
Will sighed and said, "Well, I just hope you guys are happy."
"We are," Karen and Jack said in unison.
"How far along are you?" Grace asked.
"A month," Karen answered. "It'll be born either late in August or early September."
"Ooo, this is so great," Grace squealed. "Are you going to have someone decorate the nursery?"
"We haven't talked about it yet," Karen said. "But probably."
"Why don't we get together later for dinner and celebrate?" Katherine suggested.
"Sure, we'll meet you guys at Pierre's at seven," Jack said, putting his arm around Karen's waist. "Right now we're going shopping."
"See you guys later," Grace said.
"Bye," Karen and Jack called as they left.
~~~
When they got back to the penthouse, Jack was surprised to hear Rosario giving orders in the kitchen. As Karen went up to their room to change, he went to the kitchen to see what was going on.
"Hello Mister Jack," Rosario said as he walked in.
"Uh, does Karen know you're doing this?" Jack asked, looking around in surprise.
The servants were disposing of large bottles of liquor, putting them in boxes to take away.
"She called this afternoon and yelled at me to get rid of all her alcohol and pills that are in the house," Rosario said. "Did Miss Karen find God or something?"
Jack grinned and shook his head. He then turned and left the kitchen quickly, he and Karen had not discussed when she wanted to tell the help about her pregnancy.
"Is Rosie getting rid of my liquor?" Karen asked as Jack came into the room.
"Yeah, when did you call them?" Jack asked, walking towards his closet.
"After the doctor's," Karen said simply, putting on some diamond and pearl earrings.
"I hope you don't forget the pills that are in your desk at Grace's office," Jack said when he came back into the room, clothes changed.
"I won't poodle," Karen said. "Don't worry. Ready to go?"
"Yep," Jack said, taking her hand.
"You know, I have a hard time seeing you changing a baby's diapers," Will said as dinner was winding down.
"I'll bet Wilma," Karen said, sipping her ginger ale.
"And you too Jack," Will said quickly.
"Leave them alone Yorker," Katherine said, coming to the defense of her sister and brother-in-law. "They'll do whatever needs to be done for their bairn."
"I hope so," Will said, finishing his wine.
After dinner, and before the six of them split up to go home, Karen pulled Grace and Will to the side.
"Jack and I were talking earlier," Karen said. "And we want you two to be the baby's godparents."
"Really?" Will asked, surprised.
Karen nodded, smiling.
"Oh thanks so much Karen, Jack," Grace exclaimed happily.
"And I want Kath to design the nursery," Karen said.
"That's okay! As long as I get to be godmother!" Grace said hurriedly.
"Thanks for the job Kare," Katherine said, hugging her sister as everyone got ready to go. "When do you want me to design the room?"
"Wait a couple of months," Karen answered.
"And when do I talk to you and-" Katherine began to ask.
"Couple of months," Karen said quickly.
"Alright then," Katherine said smiling. "I'll see you later Kare, Jack."
Grace, Will, Katherine and Amber left to catch the subway home, while Karen and Jack got into the limo.
Karen stretched out on the seat, her head on Jack's lap as the car started to move.
"Tired?" Jack asked, running his fingers through her hair.
"Mmm," Karen replied. She opened her eyes and said, "I just want to get home and take a long, long bath."
"Can I join you?" Jack asked immediately.
Laughing, Karen sat up and kissed him on the cheek. "If you want to poodle, then go ahead," she said.
Jack grinned and put his arm around Karen's waist, unconsciously resting his hand on her stomach.
A/N #2: Please keep in mind that I have no training as a medical doctor.
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Nineteen
Unexpected News
Katherine walked into the penthouse, brushing snow off of her shoulders. "Hola Rosario, como esta mi hermana?" she asked the maid.
"No se," Rosario said, shrugging her shoulders.
With a sigh, Katherine nodded and said, "Traiga el almuerzo a la recamara en diez minutos por favor." She then hurried up the stairs to her sister's room. "Hey Kare, I'm back," she said.
"Thanks for going Kath," Karen said quietly from the bed where she was sitting on the edge.
"Are you all right?" Katherine asked, taking a white paper bag out of her purse and handing it to Karen. "You look really pale."
Karen stood up and said, "I'll be fine Kath." She looked down at the bag and said, "I'm going to wait in there."
"Go ahead Kare," Katherine said, sitting at the window seat.
Smiling at her sister, Karen turned and walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Twenty minutes later, Karen came out of the bathroom, wearing a skirt and blouse.
"Everything all right?" Katherine asked softly.
"I don't know," Karen said truthfully.
"Would you like me to go?" Katherine asked.
"No honey," Karen said smiling. "Stay and keep me company until Jackie comes back from rehearsal."
A maid came into the room at that point and left lunch for the sisters.
They ate at the window seat in silence and Katherine noticed that Karen wasn't eating much, just picking at her meal.
~~~
"Okay everyone, that's enough for today," Zach Bunting, the director of Jack's play, called out at seven. "Remember we won't be rehearsing tomorrow, so make sure you try and practice your lines at some point before we come back on Friday."
Jack picked up his script from the edge of the stage and walked toward the stairs so he could leave.
"Hey Jack," Zach said. "Think I could talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure thing," Jack said, turning around.
"I was just wondering if you wanted to come with me for a few drinks," Zach said.
"I can't Bunting," Jack said. "My wife-"
"You're married?" Zach asked, surprised.
"Um, hello," Jack said, lifting his left hand, showing the director his silver wedding band. "Anyway, my wife was sick this morning, and I really want to see how she's doing."
"Yeah, well have fun," Zach said brusquely, turning and walking off stage.
Jack shook his head and then quickly left the theater.
When he entered the penthouse, Jack was met by Rosario. "Hey Rosie," he said as he took off his jacket. "How's Karen?"
"I don't know," Rosario answered. "She's been in her room all day with Miss Katherine."
"Hey Jack," Katherine said, coming down the stairs. "Before you ask, Kare's feeling better, but she's anxious to talk to you."
"Oh, well I guess I better go," Jack said. "Thanks for staying today Kat."
"No problem," Katherine said, smiling at him. She pulled on her jacket and then left the penthouse quickly.
Jack went up the stairs, and when he opened the door to the bedroom, he was surprised that Karen wasn't in bed.
"I'm here Jackie," Karen said from the window seat.
"So you are feeling better," Jack said, walking inside and closing the door behind him. "Oh, these are for you."
Karen took the half dozen crimson roses from him and smelled one of the blossoms. "Thank you poodle, they're beautiful," she said, smiling. She stood up, setting the flowers on the seat. "I need to talk to you about something Jack," she said.
"Kat mentioned you wanted to talk," Jack said, studying his wife. "What is it?"
Karen took a deep breath before reaching out to him and taking his hands in hers. "This morning wasn't the first time I've felt sick," she said. "And I've been really tired for a couple of weeks now."
"So what does that mean?" Jack asked, already feeling like he knew the answer.
"Well, I took a pregnancy test earlier. and I'm pregnant," Karen said nervously. "I'm pregnant Jack."
It took a lot of willpower for Jack to not faint at this news and he remained silent for such a long time that Karen started to speak again.
"Jack, if you don't want this baby, then I could get an ab-" Karen began.
"Oh Kare, no," Jack said, quickly, realized she thought his silence had meant he didn't want the baby. He put his arms around her and said, "I was just surprised for a minute."
"So.you want me to have the baby?" Karen asked.
"Yes Kare, yes," Jack said happily. He laughed with joy and spun Karen around for a moment.
"Jack, stop or else I'll be sick again!" Karen cried.
"Sorry Kare, I'm just really excited," Jack said, stopping immediately.
Karen sighed with relief and leaned against his chest. "I was worried about what I would tell you and if you'd want the baby," she said. "We never talked about having children, so I didn't know."
"I don't mind having a kid.as long as it's with you," Jack said, kissing her forehead. "We should celebrate. Anything you want to do?"
Karen closed her eyes for a moment, and then she said, "Let's just stay here for tonight."
"Okay, why don't we eat dinner out on the balcony?" Jack asked.
"Good idea poodle," Karen said. "Go and tell Rosario to bring the meal up here."
"Think you can drink some wine?" Jack asked before he left the room.
"A little bit," Karen said, smiling.
"My god Karen," Jack whispered, staring at her from the doorway.
"What, what is it?" Karen asked, worried.
Jack smiled softly and told her, "You're glowing."
Karen giggled and blushed slightly. "Get out of here Jackie," she said admonishingly.
~~~
Out on the balcony, Jack kept asking Karen if she was warm enough during the meal.
When he asked her this again towards the end of the meal, she said exasperatingly, "Jackie, I am warm enough! And please stop asking me that."
"Sorry Kare," Jack said. "I just want to make sure everything's okay."
"Everything's fine poodle," Karen said reassuringly, leaning over and kissing his cheek. She took a very small sip of her drink, which was about one quarter wine and the rest Sprite, and sighed, "I have to go to the doctor's tomorrow."
"For the baby?" Jack asked.
Karen nodded. "I was thinking we should tell Will, Grace and Katherine about it after I'm done," she said.
"Oh boy, telling Will's going to be great fun," Jack said, making a face.
Karen laughed and then said, "I'll have to ask Kath about how to take care of a baby."
"Hey, don't forget I'll need help too!" Jack said.
"We'll both ask her tomorrow," Karen said, smiling at him.
Jack smiled back at her and then got out of his seat. He kneeled in front of her and placed his head on her stomach.
"I don't think there's much there yet Jackie," Karen said laughingly, stroking his hair.
"I'm going to be a father," Jack whispered in amazement. "It's really hard to take in." He looked up Karen and asked, "Do you think I'll be a good dad?"
"Oh honey, of course you will! You're so sweet and caring," Karen said sweetly. "You'll be a wonderful dad."
"Thanks Karebear," Jack said. He stood up and helped her out of her chair. "Let's go inside where it's warm."
Karen smiled and let him lead her back into their room. She went over to the bed and took off her shoes before lying out on the bed.
"You're so beautiful Kare, you know that," Jack said, sitting on the bed next to her.
"Thank you Jackie," Karen said, smiling. She reached up and ran her thumb over his lips.
Jack took her hand and kissed the fingertips and palm. He then leaned down and kissed Karen deeply.
As he started to kiss her neck, Karen sighed with longing and anticipation. She was surprised when Jack stopped kissing her abruptly and sat up. "What's wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"I want to make love to you Kare," Jack answered, putting his hand on her stomach. "But, the baby."
"Oh Jackie, I'm sure it's okay for us to make love now," Karen said. "We did make love a couple of nights ago and I was pregnant then."
Smiling, Jack leaned back down and kissed her passionately as he undressed her.
Karen was surprised when Jack made love to her tenderly. Ever since their honeymoon, their lovemaking was always passionate. She guessed he was being gentle because of the baby-and she didn't really mind it. Gasping and moaning Jack's name, Karen reached her edge, and buried her face in his neck.
Jack kissed the top of Karen's head as he reached his edge and whispered into her ear, "I love you so much Kare." He moved over and lay on his own pillow, bringing her closer to him
"I love you Jackie," Karen said as she snuggled on his chest.
He smiled and pulled the covers over himself and Karen before falling asleep, his hand on her stomach.
~~~
The next afternoon, Jack was sitting in the waiting room of Karen's doctor's office, trying to read a magazine. He was a little nervous about Karen and hoped that everything would be okay.
As Karen's doctor wrote out a prescription for some vitamins she would need, she asked, "At what point should my husband and I stop being intimate?"
The doctor responded without stopping writing the prescription. "There's no specific month or week," he said. "But you and your husband might want to abstain during the last month and a half or so." He ripped off the prescription paper and handed it to Karen.
"Okay, I'll be back in a month," Karen said, turning to leave the office.
"Hold on a second Mrs. McFarland," the doctor said. When she turned back to him, he said, "I do hope that for your baby's sake, you're going to stop taking the medicine I read you've been prescribed in your medical file."
"Of course I will honey," Karen said, smiling. "I'm not stupid." She turned and went out in the waiting room.
When Jack saw her, he jumped up from his chair and said, "What'd the doctor say?"
"Everything's fine so far," Karen said, looping her arm through his as they walked out of the office. "I have to come back in a month."
"Good," Jack said, looking relieved. "So, are we going to tell the others now?"
"Sure thing poodle," Karen said, squeezing his arm. "Are you ready?"
"I always am," Jack said, making Karen laugh.
~~~
Jack and Karen were lucky that afternoon; Will had brought lunch for Katherine and Karen. The three of them were eating in Grace's office when Jack and Karen walked in.
"Karen," Grace said surprised. "What are you doing here? I thought you were sick still?"
"You believed her when she said she was sick today?" Will said, grinning. "She's just playing hooky today so she and Jack can go out shopping."
"Then why are they here?" Grace asked.
"Oh for crying out loud," Will said. "I was joking Gracie."
"Why is it the both of you are here?" Katherine asked, studying her sister.
Jack and Karen glanced at each other for a moment before Jack nodded for Karen to tell them.
"Well, Jackie and I have some great news," Karen said happily. "We're going to have a baby!"
There were two loud thuds as Grace knocked over a pile of pattern books and Will fell out of his chair.
"You're what!" Grace cried.
"I'm pregnant," Karen said simply as Jack helped Will off the floor.
"Are you joking?" Will asked, brushing off his pants. When he saw Jack and Karen's expressions he said, "Okay, you're not joking."
Katherine, who remained quiet, walked over to her sister and hugged her tightly. "Congratulations," she whispered. "I already had a feeling yesterday what the result of that pregnancy test was."
Karen laughed and then whispered back, "We're going to need your help."
As she stepped back from her sister, Katherine nodded.
"Karen, I'm so happy for you!" Grace exclaimed going over and hugging her.
"Thanks honey," Karen said, patting Grace's back.
"How are you feeling?" Will asked Jack.
"I'm excited," Jack said.
Will sighed and said, "Well, I just hope you guys are happy."
"We are," Karen and Jack said in unison.
"How far along are you?" Grace asked.
"A month," Karen answered. "It'll be born either late in August or early September."
"Ooo, this is so great," Grace squealed. "Are you going to have someone decorate the nursery?"
"We haven't talked about it yet," Karen said. "But probably."
"Why don't we get together later for dinner and celebrate?" Katherine suggested.
"Sure, we'll meet you guys at Pierre's at seven," Jack said, putting his arm around Karen's waist. "Right now we're going shopping."
"See you guys later," Grace said.
"Bye," Karen and Jack called as they left.
~~~
When they got back to the penthouse, Jack was surprised to hear Rosario giving orders in the kitchen. As Karen went up to their room to change, he went to the kitchen to see what was going on.
"Hello Mister Jack," Rosario said as he walked in.
"Uh, does Karen know you're doing this?" Jack asked, looking around in surprise.
The servants were disposing of large bottles of liquor, putting them in boxes to take away.
"She called this afternoon and yelled at me to get rid of all her alcohol and pills that are in the house," Rosario said. "Did Miss Karen find God or something?"
Jack grinned and shook his head. He then turned and left the kitchen quickly, he and Karen had not discussed when she wanted to tell the help about her pregnancy.
"Is Rosie getting rid of my liquor?" Karen asked as Jack came into the room.
"Yeah, when did you call them?" Jack asked, walking towards his closet.
"After the doctor's," Karen said simply, putting on some diamond and pearl earrings.
"I hope you don't forget the pills that are in your desk at Grace's office," Jack said when he came back into the room, clothes changed.
"I won't poodle," Karen said. "Don't worry. Ready to go?"
"Yep," Jack said, taking her hand.
"You know, I have a hard time seeing you changing a baby's diapers," Will said as dinner was winding down.
"I'll bet Wilma," Karen said, sipping her ginger ale.
"And you too Jack," Will said quickly.
"Leave them alone Yorker," Katherine said, coming to the defense of her sister and brother-in-law. "They'll do whatever needs to be done for their bairn."
"I hope so," Will said, finishing his wine.
After dinner, and before the six of them split up to go home, Karen pulled Grace and Will to the side.
"Jack and I were talking earlier," Karen said. "And we want you two to be the baby's godparents."
"Really?" Will asked, surprised.
Karen nodded, smiling.
"Oh thanks so much Karen, Jack," Grace exclaimed happily.
"And I want Kath to design the nursery," Karen said.
"That's okay! As long as I get to be godmother!" Grace said hurriedly.
"Thanks for the job Kare," Katherine said, hugging her sister as everyone got ready to go. "When do you want me to design the room?"
"Wait a couple of months," Karen answered.
"And when do I talk to you and-" Katherine began to ask.
"Couple of months," Karen said quickly.
"Alright then," Katherine said smiling. "I'll see you later Kare, Jack."
Grace, Will, Katherine and Amber left to catch the subway home, while Karen and Jack got into the limo.
Karen stretched out on the seat, her head on Jack's lap as the car started to move.
"Tired?" Jack asked, running his fingers through her hair.
"Mmm," Karen replied. She opened her eyes and said, "I just want to get home and take a long, long bath."
"Can I join you?" Jack asked immediately.
Laughing, Karen sat up and kissed him on the cheek. "If you want to poodle, then go ahead," she said.
Jack grinned and put his arm around Karen's waist, unconsciously resting his hand on her stomach.