A/N: Big thanks to itsnotrightbutitsokay for reviewing!
A/N #2: Like I mentioned before, I am not a medical doctor. So the medical stuff in this chapter I either made up or learned from TV or reading.
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Twenty-Three
May Romance
One morning at the end of May, Karen woke up with a weird feeling in her stomach. She placed her hand on the top of her swelling abdomen and was surprised when she felt a sharp tap where her palm was. Smiling, she reached over and shook Jack's arm to wake him up.
Snorting slightly, Jack opened his eyes and looked at Karen. "Wha?" he asked sleepily.
"Put your hand here," Karen said, taking his hand and putting it on her stomach.
"What am I waiting-" Jack started to say when he felt a kick to his palm. "Oh my god!" he exclaimed in surprise.
"It's got a good kick," Karen said, smiling.
"Yeah, it'll be a soccer player I bet," Jack said grinning. He felt another kick under his hand and said, "That feels so weird."
"No kidding," Karen said wryly.
Jack grinned and kissed her deeply for a few minutes. When he pulled away from her he pulled her close and they went back to sleep for a few hours.
~~~
Katherine ran out of the subway station and crossed the street before going into a building. She took the elevator to the fifteenth floor and waved to Jack and Karen who were sitting in the waiting room of Dr. Tucker's office already. "Sorry I'm so late," she said breathlessly.
"Did you come from work?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, I forgot to keep an eye on the clock," Katherine answered. "Your doctor hasn't called you in yet has he?"
"No, not yet," Karen answered.
Just then, a nurse came out and called Karen's name and the three of them got up and went back to an examination room.
While Karen got herself ready for the ultrasound, Katherine asked, "Why did you want me to come here today?"
"You're going to be this baby's aunt," Karen said. "I thought you would want to see it."
"Are we going to find out the sex of the baby?" Jack asked.
"I want to know," Karen said. "That way we'll know if we need to buy girl or boy clothes."
Jack nodded and sat down next to the table where Karen was laying and he took her hand in his.
A few minutes later, Dr. Tucker came into the room and said, "Hello, it's good to see you both again."
"Hello doctor," Karen said. "I hope its okay; I had my sister Katherine come in with us today."
"That's just fine," Dr. Tucker said, nodding at Katherine. "Alright, before we get the ultrasound done, are you having any problems with the baby?"
"No, I'm okay," Karen said, placing her hand on her stomach which was uncovered for the ultrasound.
"Okay, any questions at all from either of you?" Dr. Tucker said. When Jack and Karen shook their heads, he went over to the machine and put the jelly on Karen's stomach before starting the ultrasound. When he stopped moving the instrument, he pointed to the screen and said, "Okay, everything looks good again."
When he heard that, Jack leaned over and gave Karen a kiss.
"Did you want me to let you know what the sex of the baby is?" Dr. Tucker asked after he had finished his examination of the baby.
"Yeah, we want to know," Karen said, smiling and squeezing Jack's hand.
Nodding, Dr. Tucker turned back to the screen and looked for a few minutes while Karen and Jack waited anxiously to hear. After a while he turned to them and said, "Well, it looks like you'll be having a baby girl in about four and a half months."
Karen cried out lightly with happiness and clutched Jack's hand tightly again.
Smiling, Dr. Tucker wiped the jelly off of Karen's stomach before saying, "I'll have the pictures at the front desk for you whenever you're ready to go. And make an appointment to come back for a checkup in about three weeks."
"Thanks Dr. Tucker," Jack said, smiling broadly.
When the doctor had left, Katherine hugged her sister tightly and said, "I've got to get back to work. But I'm really happy for you two."
"Come over for diner tonight," Karen said quickly.
"I don't think I'll be able to," Katherine said while she gave Jack a quick hug. "But if you want I can send Amber over."
"I'll have Driver go over to your place to pick her up," Karen said as she pulled down her blouse. "Oh, and Kath, you can start designing the baby's room now."
"I'll try and get started tonight," Katherine said. "I'll see you both later." With that she left the room.
"You know what we need to do now Kare," Jack said as he helped her off the table.
"Shop?" Karen asked hopefully.
Jack nodded and pulled Karen into a tight hug. "A little girl," Jack said.
"I know, we need to start thinking of names," Karen said before they kissed deeply for a moment.
~~~
Later that night, Jack was on his and Karen's bed, lying on his stomach. He was looking through a baby name book when Karen came into the room.
"Have you found any names yet?" she asked as she walked over to the bed.
"Yeah, but I don't really know if they're any good for our baby," Jack said. He closed the book as Karen got on top of the bed, kneeling next to him. "I was thinking..." he started to say as Karen began to massage his shoulders. "Maybe we could call her-"
"No way Jackie," Karen said quickly, interrupting him. "I'm not calling our baby girl Cher."
Looking back at Karen over his shoulder, he said, "How did you know I was going to suggest that?"
"We knew each other very well poodle, remember?" Karen answered.
"Alright so we won't name her that," Jack said, looking back down at the book. He thought for a moment and then said, "Why don't we just wait until the baby's born to name it? That would probably be easier."
"That's true," Karen said. "Turn over Jackie."
"What?" Jack asked, confused.
"Just turn over," Karen said.
Jack did as she said, and Karen immediately kissed him deeply. He snaked his tongue out into her mouth and he was satisfied when he heard her moan slightly.
Breaking apart from him, Karen started to unbutton Jack's shirt and kissed his chest once it was opened.
After a few moments, Jack buried his fingers in Karen's bun and pulled her head up to his for a long kiss. While they were kissing, he sat up, forcing Karen to sit up as well, and then lay her down on the pillows. Working quickly, he then unbuttoned her blouse and pulled it off along with her bra. He kissed and sucked on her breasts for a long time before he took off the rest of her clothes and then his own.
Karen looked up at Jack s he started to make love to her and she pulled his face to hers and kissed his lips very gently.
When Jack hit his edge several minutes later, he groaned and held Karen more tightly.
And at the same time, Karen dug her fingers into his back and cried out Jack's name as she reached her edge.
A few minutes later, Jack moved to the other side of Karen and kissed her lightly. "I love you," he whispered, taking her hair out of its bun. When all the hairpins were out, he fanned her hair out on the pillow with his fingers.
"I love you too my sweet Jack, so much," Karen said as he lay down next to her. She snuggled up on his chest and she put her hand on her stomach as Jack covered the both of them with the bed sheets.
"Good night Kare," Jack said, putting his arm around her and placing his hand on top of her hand that was on her stomach.
"'Night my big strong man," Karen said, closing her eyes and falling asleep soon after.
~~~
On the other side of Manhattan, Katherine was sitting at her work table she had placed on the balcony. She was trying to design the bedroom for her future niece. After working on design after design and throwing each one away, she left the balcony to get a drink.
Katherine's cell phone rang suddenly, and she ran over to where it was resting on the kitchen table. She answered it saying, "Katherine Riley, how can I help you?"
"Um, hello Katherine," a male voice at the other end said. "This is Edward O' Neill."
"Ah yes, you're back from Europe I gather?" Katherine said, walking back out to the balcony.
"I am," Edward answered. "And I was wondering when you'd like to go out for that dinner and movie."
"Tomorrow night I'm free," Katherine said, looking up at the sky.
"I'm free as well," Edward said in a cheerful voice. "What time would you like me to get you?"
As she and Edward worked out the details for their date the next night, Katherine suddenly realized how she wanted to design the baby's room.
"I'm sorry Mr. O'Neill," Katherine said as he started to talk about his trip to Europe. "But I have some urgent work I need to do. I'll see you tomorrow night."
"Oh, well goodnight Katherine," Edward said, sounding a little hurt.
Katherine hung up the phone and quickly sat at her desk and started sketching her design for the room.
~~~
The next evening, which happened to be Saturday night, Karen and Jack were at Katherine's apartment, helping her get ready for her date with Edward O' Neill.
"God Kath, it's like looking at a nun's closet," Karen said, looking at the clothes in her sister's closet.
"I don't think nuns have closets Kare," Katherine said, watching her sister go through her clothes.
"Honey, how are you going to impress Eddie if you're dressed in what you're wearing now?" Karen said, turning to Katherine.
Katherine looked down at her outfit. She had put on a business suit with a long jacket and dark blue blouse. "I don't want to impress this guy Kare," she said flatly.
"Come on Kat," Jack said from where he was looking through her jewelry. "Just dress up for fun tonight even if you don't end up liking him."
"He's right Kath," Karen said, pulling out a blouse. "I mean, when was the last time you slept with a man?"
The room was dead silent for a long time, and Karen looked back at her sister. "You're still a vir-"
"I am," Katherine said quickly.
Karen and Jack looked at each other. "Put this on honey," Karen said quietly, giving Katherine a light blue blouse and a green and blue plaid skirt.
~~~
At seven o'clock, Edward O'Neill knocked on the door of Katherine's apartment. When the door opened, he smiled and said, "Hi Karen"
"Come on in Eddie," Karen said, waving him inside. "Katherine's just helping her daughter get ready to leave."
"She has a daughter?" Edward asked, surprised.
"Yeah," Karen said.
"Auntie Karen, Mummy-" Amber said, running into the room. She paused when she saw Edward and she hid behind Karen.
"Amber, this is Eddie, he's taking your mom out for dinner," Karen said, trying to bring her niece out in front of her.
"Hello Mr. O'Neill," Katherine said. She handed a backpack to her daughter and said, "As soon as I say good night to my daughter I'll be ready to leave."
Edward, who was staring at her, could only nod.
Katherine smiled and knelt down in front of her daughter and said, "You take care not to bother your Auntie Karen too much alright?"
"Don't worry Kath," Karen said, taking Amber's hand.
"Okay, love," Katherine said. She kissed her daughter's forehead and then stood up. "I'll pick her up tomorrow afternoon Kare." She hugged her sister and kissed her cheek.
"Have fun you two," Karen said.
"Especially you Kat," Jack said as he followed his wife and niece out of the apartment.
When they had gone, Katherine turned to Edward, who was still staring at her, and said, "Shall we go then Mr. O' Neill?"
"Sure, and please, call me Edward," he answered.
Katherine nodded and they left the apartment.
~~~
After they left the theater, Edward and Katherine walked back to her apartment where they had coffee on the balcony.
"So...have you been married before?" Edward asked.
"No, Amber is my adopted daughter," Katherine answered.
"Oh," Edward said awkwardly. They were quiet for a long time until Edward said, "I had a nice time tonight, and I hope you did as well."
Katherine thought back on that evening, and she nodded to agree. She had had a nice time too, but she had been uncomfortable whenever Edward had tried to take her hand at dinner and in the theater. She was startled out of her reverie when she felt a hand brushing her hair.
"You're an extremely beautiful woman Katherine," Edward said softly, placing his hand on her cheek. He put his other hand on the small of her back and drew her closer.
"Edward...wait," Katherine whispered helplessly. When his lips were inches away from hers, she pulled back and cried, "NO!"
His hands falling down at his sides, Edward looked at Katherine with a hurt and confused look on his face. "Katherine...I-I'm sorry," he said feebly.
"No, it's just..." Katherine said, trying her hardest not to cry. "I don't really want to be in a relationship right now."
"Oh, I see," Edward said, sounding disappointed.
"You are a wonderful man Edward," Katherine said. "I would be happy if we could just be friends."
Edward smiled and said, "Sure that would be nice."
Walking up to him, Katherine kissed his cheek and said, "I'm a bit tired, so if you don't mind I'd like to go to bed."
"Oh, alright," Edward said, walking with her into the apartment. "Do you mind if I call you tomorrow?"
Katherine walked over to the kitchen and wrote something own on a piece of paper. She handed it to Edward and said, "That's my home number. I'll talk to you later."
"Alright, good night Katherine," Edward said, kissing her cheek softly. He then left the apartment, feeling as if his heart was broken into tiny pieces.
~~~
The next afternoon, Katherine went over to the penthouse to pick up her daughter. She was led into the dinning room by Rosario and was surprised to see Edward sitting at the table, eating with her sister, brother-in-law and daughter.
"Hi Kath," Karen said. She got up from the table and walked to her sister, taking her arm and leading her into the living room. "Just so you know, he lives in a penthouse in this building," she said before Katherine could ask. "Jack saw him when he and Amber walked Essex this morning and invited him for lunch. What happened last night?"
"Nothing," Katherine said. She looked at her sister, and seeing the doubting look there, sighed and said, "He tried to kiss me but I stopped him and we agreed to be friends."
"Oh, so that means he just went along with you," Karen said, frowning at her sister. "Kath, you need to find someone to l-" She stopped suddenly and put a hand to her stomach.
"Kare?" Katherine said, instantly worried.
"It's okay, I'm fine," Karen said, reassuring her sister. "She's been giving me some good kicks lately."
"You didn't tell me she was moving," Katherine said, smiling. She thanked her niece mentally for distracting Karen from the subject of Edward.
"Yeah, here," Karen said, taking Katherine's hand and putting it on the side of her stomach.
After waiting a few seconds, Katherine cried out in surprise when she felt a strong tap underneath her hand. "Kare...that was so incredible," she said happily, hugging her sister.
"I know," Karen said as she and her sister walked back to the dinning room. "I've been telling Jackie that it's getting annoying, but," she smiled serenely and placed a hand on her abdomen, "It's the most amazing thing."
"Of course it is," Katherine said. "Oh, and I've got the baby's room designed. I've brought the sketches with me; we can look at them after lunch."
~~~
After lunch had been eating and Edward had left, Katherine brought out the sketches and showed them to Karen and Jack.
"Wow, these are fabulous Kat," Jack said, standing behind Karen's chair, looking over her shoulder.
"What do you think Kare?" Katherine asked anxiously.
"It's perfect," Karen answered, taking Katherine's hand and squeezing it. "You can start on the room as soon as you want to."
Katherine smiled and hugged her sister tightly before hugging Jack. "Thank you for letting me do this guys."
"Auntie Karen," Amber said. "Can I feel the baby kick now?"
"Sure thing honey," Karen said.
Amber put her hand on her aunt's stomach and giggled after waiting a few moments. "The baby's kicking Mummy," she said.
"I know love," Katherine said, ruffling her daughter's hair. "Your cousin's likely to be a great football player."
"You mean soccer," Jack said quickly.
"They're the same thing in England, Brother Jack," Katherine said laughingly.
"Can I play with the baby once it's born?" Amber asked.
"This is your cousin honey," Karen said. "Of course you're going to play with her." With that she hugged her niece and kissed the top of her head while Jack and Katherine looked on.
A/N #2: Like I mentioned before, I am not a medical doctor. So the medical stuff in this chapter I either made up or learned from TV or reading.
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Twenty-Three
May Romance
One morning at the end of May, Karen woke up with a weird feeling in her stomach. She placed her hand on the top of her swelling abdomen and was surprised when she felt a sharp tap where her palm was. Smiling, she reached over and shook Jack's arm to wake him up.
Snorting slightly, Jack opened his eyes and looked at Karen. "Wha?" he asked sleepily.
"Put your hand here," Karen said, taking his hand and putting it on her stomach.
"What am I waiting-" Jack started to say when he felt a kick to his palm. "Oh my god!" he exclaimed in surprise.
"It's got a good kick," Karen said, smiling.
"Yeah, it'll be a soccer player I bet," Jack said grinning. He felt another kick under his hand and said, "That feels so weird."
"No kidding," Karen said wryly.
Jack grinned and kissed her deeply for a few minutes. When he pulled away from her he pulled her close and they went back to sleep for a few hours.
~~~
Katherine ran out of the subway station and crossed the street before going into a building. She took the elevator to the fifteenth floor and waved to Jack and Karen who were sitting in the waiting room of Dr. Tucker's office already. "Sorry I'm so late," she said breathlessly.
"Did you come from work?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, I forgot to keep an eye on the clock," Katherine answered. "Your doctor hasn't called you in yet has he?"
"No, not yet," Karen answered.
Just then, a nurse came out and called Karen's name and the three of them got up and went back to an examination room.
While Karen got herself ready for the ultrasound, Katherine asked, "Why did you want me to come here today?"
"You're going to be this baby's aunt," Karen said. "I thought you would want to see it."
"Are we going to find out the sex of the baby?" Jack asked.
"I want to know," Karen said. "That way we'll know if we need to buy girl or boy clothes."
Jack nodded and sat down next to the table where Karen was laying and he took her hand in his.
A few minutes later, Dr. Tucker came into the room and said, "Hello, it's good to see you both again."
"Hello doctor," Karen said. "I hope its okay; I had my sister Katherine come in with us today."
"That's just fine," Dr. Tucker said, nodding at Katherine. "Alright, before we get the ultrasound done, are you having any problems with the baby?"
"No, I'm okay," Karen said, placing her hand on her stomach which was uncovered for the ultrasound.
"Okay, any questions at all from either of you?" Dr. Tucker said. When Jack and Karen shook their heads, he went over to the machine and put the jelly on Karen's stomach before starting the ultrasound. When he stopped moving the instrument, he pointed to the screen and said, "Okay, everything looks good again."
When he heard that, Jack leaned over and gave Karen a kiss.
"Did you want me to let you know what the sex of the baby is?" Dr. Tucker asked after he had finished his examination of the baby.
"Yeah, we want to know," Karen said, smiling and squeezing Jack's hand.
Nodding, Dr. Tucker turned back to the screen and looked for a few minutes while Karen and Jack waited anxiously to hear. After a while he turned to them and said, "Well, it looks like you'll be having a baby girl in about four and a half months."
Karen cried out lightly with happiness and clutched Jack's hand tightly again.
Smiling, Dr. Tucker wiped the jelly off of Karen's stomach before saying, "I'll have the pictures at the front desk for you whenever you're ready to go. And make an appointment to come back for a checkup in about three weeks."
"Thanks Dr. Tucker," Jack said, smiling broadly.
When the doctor had left, Katherine hugged her sister tightly and said, "I've got to get back to work. But I'm really happy for you two."
"Come over for diner tonight," Karen said quickly.
"I don't think I'll be able to," Katherine said while she gave Jack a quick hug. "But if you want I can send Amber over."
"I'll have Driver go over to your place to pick her up," Karen said as she pulled down her blouse. "Oh, and Kath, you can start designing the baby's room now."
"I'll try and get started tonight," Katherine said. "I'll see you both later." With that she left the room.
"You know what we need to do now Kare," Jack said as he helped her off the table.
"Shop?" Karen asked hopefully.
Jack nodded and pulled Karen into a tight hug. "A little girl," Jack said.
"I know, we need to start thinking of names," Karen said before they kissed deeply for a moment.
~~~
Later that night, Jack was on his and Karen's bed, lying on his stomach. He was looking through a baby name book when Karen came into the room.
"Have you found any names yet?" she asked as she walked over to the bed.
"Yeah, but I don't really know if they're any good for our baby," Jack said. He closed the book as Karen got on top of the bed, kneeling next to him. "I was thinking..." he started to say as Karen began to massage his shoulders. "Maybe we could call her-"
"No way Jackie," Karen said quickly, interrupting him. "I'm not calling our baby girl Cher."
Looking back at Karen over his shoulder, he said, "How did you know I was going to suggest that?"
"We knew each other very well poodle, remember?" Karen answered.
"Alright so we won't name her that," Jack said, looking back down at the book. He thought for a moment and then said, "Why don't we just wait until the baby's born to name it? That would probably be easier."
"That's true," Karen said. "Turn over Jackie."
"What?" Jack asked, confused.
"Just turn over," Karen said.
Jack did as she said, and Karen immediately kissed him deeply. He snaked his tongue out into her mouth and he was satisfied when he heard her moan slightly.
Breaking apart from him, Karen started to unbutton Jack's shirt and kissed his chest once it was opened.
After a few moments, Jack buried his fingers in Karen's bun and pulled her head up to his for a long kiss. While they were kissing, he sat up, forcing Karen to sit up as well, and then lay her down on the pillows. Working quickly, he then unbuttoned her blouse and pulled it off along with her bra. He kissed and sucked on her breasts for a long time before he took off the rest of her clothes and then his own.
Karen looked up at Jack s he started to make love to her and she pulled his face to hers and kissed his lips very gently.
When Jack hit his edge several minutes later, he groaned and held Karen more tightly.
And at the same time, Karen dug her fingers into his back and cried out Jack's name as she reached her edge.
A few minutes later, Jack moved to the other side of Karen and kissed her lightly. "I love you," he whispered, taking her hair out of its bun. When all the hairpins were out, he fanned her hair out on the pillow with his fingers.
"I love you too my sweet Jack, so much," Karen said as he lay down next to her. She snuggled up on his chest and she put her hand on her stomach as Jack covered the both of them with the bed sheets.
"Good night Kare," Jack said, putting his arm around her and placing his hand on top of her hand that was on her stomach.
"'Night my big strong man," Karen said, closing her eyes and falling asleep soon after.
~~~
On the other side of Manhattan, Katherine was sitting at her work table she had placed on the balcony. She was trying to design the bedroom for her future niece. After working on design after design and throwing each one away, she left the balcony to get a drink.
Katherine's cell phone rang suddenly, and she ran over to where it was resting on the kitchen table. She answered it saying, "Katherine Riley, how can I help you?"
"Um, hello Katherine," a male voice at the other end said. "This is Edward O' Neill."
"Ah yes, you're back from Europe I gather?" Katherine said, walking back out to the balcony.
"I am," Edward answered. "And I was wondering when you'd like to go out for that dinner and movie."
"Tomorrow night I'm free," Katherine said, looking up at the sky.
"I'm free as well," Edward said in a cheerful voice. "What time would you like me to get you?"
As she and Edward worked out the details for their date the next night, Katherine suddenly realized how she wanted to design the baby's room.
"I'm sorry Mr. O'Neill," Katherine said as he started to talk about his trip to Europe. "But I have some urgent work I need to do. I'll see you tomorrow night."
"Oh, well goodnight Katherine," Edward said, sounding a little hurt.
Katherine hung up the phone and quickly sat at her desk and started sketching her design for the room.
~~~
The next evening, which happened to be Saturday night, Karen and Jack were at Katherine's apartment, helping her get ready for her date with Edward O' Neill.
"God Kath, it's like looking at a nun's closet," Karen said, looking at the clothes in her sister's closet.
"I don't think nuns have closets Kare," Katherine said, watching her sister go through her clothes.
"Honey, how are you going to impress Eddie if you're dressed in what you're wearing now?" Karen said, turning to Katherine.
Katherine looked down at her outfit. She had put on a business suit with a long jacket and dark blue blouse. "I don't want to impress this guy Kare," she said flatly.
"Come on Kat," Jack said from where he was looking through her jewelry. "Just dress up for fun tonight even if you don't end up liking him."
"He's right Kath," Karen said, pulling out a blouse. "I mean, when was the last time you slept with a man?"
The room was dead silent for a long time, and Karen looked back at her sister. "You're still a vir-"
"I am," Katherine said quickly.
Karen and Jack looked at each other. "Put this on honey," Karen said quietly, giving Katherine a light blue blouse and a green and blue plaid skirt.
~~~
At seven o'clock, Edward O'Neill knocked on the door of Katherine's apartment. When the door opened, he smiled and said, "Hi Karen"
"Come on in Eddie," Karen said, waving him inside. "Katherine's just helping her daughter get ready to leave."
"She has a daughter?" Edward asked, surprised.
"Yeah," Karen said.
"Auntie Karen, Mummy-" Amber said, running into the room. She paused when she saw Edward and she hid behind Karen.
"Amber, this is Eddie, he's taking your mom out for dinner," Karen said, trying to bring her niece out in front of her.
"Hello Mr. O'Neill," Katherine said. She handed a backpack to her daughter and said, "As soon as I say good night to my daughter I'll be ready to leave."
Edward, who was staring at her, could only nod.
Katherine smiled and knelt down in front of her daughter and said, "You take care not to bother your Auntie Karen too much alright?"
"Don't worry Kath," Karen said, taking Amber's hand.
"Okay, love," Katherine said. She kissed her daughter's forehead and then stood up. "I'll pick her up tomorrow afternoon Kare." She hugged her sister and kissed her cheek.
"Have fun you two," Karen said.
"Especially you Kat," Jack said as he followed his wife and niece out of the apartment.
When they had gone, Katherine turned to Edward, who was still staring at her, and said, "Shall we go then Mr. O' Neill?"
"Sure, and please, call me Edward," he answered.
Katherine nodded and they left the apartment.
~~~
After they left the theater, Edward and Katherine walked back to her apartment where they had coffee on the balcony.
"So...have you been married before?" Edward asked.
"No, Amber is my adopted daughter," Katherine answered.
"Oh," Edward said awkwardly. They were quiet for a long time until Edward said, "I had a nice time tonight, and I hope you did as well."
Katherine thought back on that evening, and she nodded to agree. She had had a nice time too, but she had been uncomfortable whenever Edward had tried to take her hand at dinner and in the theater. She was startled out of her reverie when she felt a hand brushing her hair.
"You're an extremely beautiful woman Katherine," Edward said softly, placing his hand on her cheek. He put his other hand on the small of her back and drew her closer.
"Edward...wait," Katherine whispered helplessly. When his lips were inches away from hers, she pulled back and cried, "NO!"
His hands falling down at his sides, Edward looked at Katherine with a hurt and confused look on his face. "Katherine...I-I'm sorry," he said feebly.
"No, it's just..." Katherine said, trying her hardest not to cry. "I don't really want to be in a relationship right now."
"Oh, I see," Edward said, sounding disappointed.
"You are a wonderful man Edward," Katherine said. "I would be happy if we could just be friends."
Edward smiled and said, "Sure that would be nice."
Walking up to him, Katherine kissed his cheek and said, "I'm a bit tired, so if you don't mind I'd like to go to bed."
"Oh, alright," Edward said, walking with her into the apartment. "Do you mind if I call you tomorrow?"
Katherine walked over to the kitchen and wrote something own on a piece of paper. She handed it to Edward and said, "That's my home number. I'll talk to you later."
"Alright, good night Katherine," Edward said, kissing her cheek softly. He then left the apartment, feeling as if his heart was broken into tiny pieces.
~~~
The next afternoon, Katherine went over to the penthouse to pick up her daughter. She was led into the dinning room by Rosario and was surprised to see Edward sitting at the table, eating with her sister, brother-in-law and daughter.
"Hi Kath," Karen said. She got up from the table and walked to her sister, taking her arm and leading her into the living room. "Just so you know, he lives in a penthouse in this building," she said before Katherine could ask. "Jack saw him when he and Amber walked Essex this morning and invited him for lunch. What happened last night?"
"Nothing," Katherine said. She looked at her sister, and seeing the doubting look there, sighed and said, "He tried to kiss me but I stopped him and we agreed to be friends."
"Oh, so that means he just went along with you," Karen said, frowning at her sister. "Kath, you need to find someone to l-" She stopped suddenly and put a hand to her stomach.
"Kare?" Katherine said, instantly worried.
"It's okay, I'm fine," Karen said, reassuring her sister. "She's been giving me some good kicks lately."
"You didn't tell me she was moving," Katherine said, smiling. She thanked her niece mentally for distracting Karen from the subject of Edward.
"Yeah, here," Karen said, taking Katherine's hand and putting it on the side of her stomach.
After waiting a few seconds, Katherine cried out in surprise when she felt a strong tap underneath her hand. "Kare...that was so incredible," she said happily, hugging her sister.
"I know," Karen said as she and her sister walked back to the dinning room. "I've been telling Jackie that it's getting annoying, but," she smiled serenely and placed a hand on her abdomen, "It's the most amazing thing."
"Of course it is," Katherine said. "Oh, and I've got the baby's room designed. I've brought the sketches with me; we can look at them after lunch."
~~~
After lunch had been eating and Edward had left, Katherine brought out the sketches and showed them to Karen and Jack.
"Wow, these are fabulous Kat," Jack said, standing behind Karen's chair, looking over her shoulder.
"What do you think Kare?" Katherine asked anxiously.
"It's perfect," Karen answered, taking Katherine's hand and squeezing it. "You can start on the room as soon as you want to."
Katherine smiled and hugged her sister tightly before hugging Jack. "Thank you for letting me do this guys."
"Auntie Karen," Amber said. "Can I feel the baby kick now?"
"Sure thing honey," Karen said.
Amber put her hand on her aunt's stomach and giggled after waiting a few moments. "The baby's kicking Mummy," she said.
"I know love," Katherine said, ruffling her daughter's hair. "Your cousin's likely to be a great football player."
"You mean soccer," Jack said quickly.
"They're the same thing in England, Brother Jack," Katherine said laughingly.
"Can I play with the baby once it's born?" Amber asked.
"This is your cousin honey," Karen said. "Of course you're going to play with her." With that she hugged her niece and kissed the top of her head while Jack and Katherine looked on.