Kathryn felt good about her decision regarding Danny even though she knew he wasn't happy with it. He was never the type to settle for anything less than what he wants. And, Kathryn knew that his passionate nature would make it very difficult for him to cultivate only a friendship with her. But she knew in her heart, this was the only way they could build the type of relationship they would need to be successful parents. And she truly didn't doubt that Danny would be a great father.
Since Kathryn agreed to give Danny the time to recover, she didn't call him to let him know that her ultrasound appointment was just a few days after he returned from rehab. Instead she sent him a copy of her pre-natal calendar. It detailed all the important dates of the pregnancy. She marked the day of the ultrasound in bright read ink, and put the address and time with a note that said, "I really want you here for this."
On the day of the ultrasound, Kathryn was worried because she still hadn't heard from him. He didn't leave her a message saying he would go with her or even that he would meet her there. She waited nervously in the doctor's office. Everytime the door opened, she looked up hoping it was Danny. When the nurse called her name, she walked sadly back to the exam room. Her doctor entered the room cheerfully after Kathryn had put on a gown. "Good morning, Kathryn. How are we feeling?"
"Not bad."
"How about the morning sickness?"
"It's pretty much gone. I'm pretty much hungry all the time now."
"Your weight and measurements look good. Let's take a look, OK?"
Kathryn nodded as the doctor started the exam. After Dr. Waters finished, she asked, "OK, are you ready to take a look at the little one?" As Dr. Waters started to pull the ultrasound machine toward her, Kathryn looked down sadly. "Hey, this is supposed to be an exciting moment. Why the sad face?"
"It's nothing...I just asked Danny to be here, and he's not...here," Kathryn said quietly.
"Do you want to call him, or maybe give him a few more minutes?"
"No, he knows...if he's not here...it's because he doesn't want to be."
"OK," Dr. Waters replied hesitantly. "Let's get started." She rubbed some gel on Kathryn's now slighly protruding stomach. Just as she was about the start the ultrasound, there was a knock at the door. "Come in."
"Dr. Waters," the nurse said. "There's a Danny Taylor out here. He says he's here for Ms. Kelly's appointment."
Dr. Waters looked at Kathryn to seek approval. Kathryn nodded to let Danny come in. When he entered the room, he immediately said, "I'm sorry that I'm late. I...uh...had to go to the office this morning...and got held up there...I'm really sorry."
Kathryn noticed how agitated Danny seemed, so she didn't want to make a big deal about his tardiness. "It's OK. You're here now. This is Dr. Waters."
"Nice to finally meet you, Danny. We were just getting started. Why don't you take a seat next to Kathryn?"
"Nice to meet you too, doctor," Danny responded as he sat next to Kathryn and smiled at her slightly.
Then the doctor started to roll the scanner across Kathryn's stomach. At first, they heard a fast, beating noise. Kathryn smiled widely, "That's the heartbeat, right?"
"Yes. It's very strong," Dr. Waters replied.
"Wow..." Danny said as he looked at the screen, and then looked at Kathryn as his eyes finally lit up in a appreciative smile.
Dr. Waters continued, "OK, here we go. There's the head, and see the little arm hiding the eyes. This one is playing peek-a-boo."
As Danny and Kathryn watched the image on the screen, Danny took hold of Kathryn's hand and intertwine their fingers. "That is unbelievable," he said in amazement.
"Have you two decided if you want to know the sex?"
Kathryn shook her head, "We haven't had a chance to talk about it. What do you think?" she asked as she looked at Danny.
"You know me. I hate surprises, and it will drive me crazy not knowing. But, I'll do whatever you want, babe."
Kathryn laughed a littled, and then said, "We should probably find out. Danny will probably launch some covert operation to find out on his own if we don't find out now."
Dr. Waters smiled, "Well as I said, here's the head, the torso, the legs, and if you look right there..."
Danny laughed, "Huh...it's a boy right? Gotta be boy. If it's a girl, we have a problem."
"Very observant, Agent Taylor," the doctor commended. "It's a boy."
Kathryn and Danny had full-blown smiles. They were giddy with happiness. Danny looked down at her, and kissed her on the lips. "We're having a little boy," he whispered.
Kathryn looked in Danny's eyes, and realized it was much easier to follow the "just friends" rules while he was in rehab.
As they left the doctor's office, Danny couldn't take his eyes off the ultrasound pictures. "I just can't believe it. This is really happening. A boy..."
"Danny, I think that's the fiftieth time you've said that. I take it your happy with the outcome."
"Oh...I would have been happy either way. But I'll admit this, having a little girl as beautiful as you would have driven me crazy in about fifteen years."
"I'm glad it's a boy, too. Now, we'll just pray everything keeps going well, and he is healthy."
"Amen to that."
They walked back to her apartment, and then Danny said, "I have to get back to work. I wish I could stay...we could celebrate."
"That's kind of fast, isn't it? I thought Jack would want you to take it slow."
"Oh don't worry...he is taking it slow. I'll be chained to my desk until junior goes to high school if Jack has anything to do with it."
Kathryn laughed, then asked, "Is that why you seemed so irritated this morning?"
"It's just hard...no one knows what to say to me. Jack is only talking to me through Viv, and Martin and Samantha are treating me like the plague. I just wonder if I should be there at all."
"Just give it time. It will get back to normal."
"You know what, after this morning...I don't even care. All I care about is you and this baby...everything else pales in comparison," Danny said as he embraced Kathryn.
As much as Kathryn wanted to return the embrace, she had to set boundaries. So she quickly pulled away from him. "Danny..."
"I know...I know...we're just friends. It's just hard to get used to. I'll try harder to not want to touch you or kiss you everytime I see you. I actually talked about this in rehab, and my counselor agreed with you."
"Really? Agreed with me?" asked Kathryn.
"Yeah...I shouldn't jump into any relationship for at least a year. My counselor conceded that having a baby with someone would make it kind of hard, but hell...all of this is hard. So, I just need to get used to it."
"So you're not mad at me, anymore."
"I wasn't mad...just a little hurt. My ego...which as you always remind me is the size of Texas...was bruised a bit. But don't worry...I'm on board the whole friendship train. I'm ready to be whatever you need to get you through this."
"Thank you. You don't know what that means to me."
And Danny stayed true to his word. He was supportive and there for Kathryn at every turn, but restrained himself from getting physical. It was strange for Kathryn as well. She was so used to tactile Danny...part of her missed it. And even though Danny adhered to the friendship rules, he still joked about their platonic relationship every chance he got.
As the months of her pregancy passed, she and Danny became great friends. They got to a know each other on a level neither of them knew existed. And even though, they started out in a far more intimate relationship, they were never as close as they were now. Danny helped her get the nursery ready. They went to Lamaze class together. They stayed up talking nights when she was too uncomfortable too sleep. He finally opened up to her about much of his past. He filled in the blanks that she didn't find out herself. And even though Danny didn't move in with her, he found himself sleeping on her couch more often than not.
In her eighth month of pregancy, Kathryn found herself very uncomfortable, but incredibly happy. She was smiling as she walked carefully down the hall of the courthouse. As she turned the corner towards her office, she walked right into Martin Fitzgerald. As she collided with him, he grabbed her arms to brace her. She smiled apologetically, "I'm so sorry, Martin. It seems no one can stay out of my way these days. I'm kind of hard to miss."
Martin smiled, "Wow...I didn't realize you were so far along. You look great."
"Yeah, right. Actually, I still have a full month to go but I don't know how much more I can grow."
Martin asked, "You want to sit for a minute? You look a little out of breath." Kathryn nodded and then Martin helped her sit down on the bench.
"You know you'll have to sit with me. I won't be able to get myself back up if you leave," Kathryn stated seriously as Martin took the seat next to her.
"So, how are you feeling? You do look great, honestly."
"Thank you. I'm feeling really good."
"Are you going to work up to your delivery?" Martin asked skeptically.
"I'm going to try. I think that's the only way we can afford for me to take a full six months off. Now I know why people get married...it's much cheaper."
"Sad, but true. I have to tell you...I've never seen Danny happier. Even before...the problems...he was never this happy."
"Yeah...we are really having fun with it. I can only hope the fun continues after we meet the little guy."
"I'm sure it will."
"Can I ask you a question?" asked Kathryn.
"Sure." replied Martin.
"How is he doing...at work? I mean...how are things with Jack? He doesn't want me to worry about his work stuff."
"Uh...well...it took some time, but Jack and Danny are pretty much back to normal. Danny's back in the field...thank God...and things are pretty much the way they used to be."
"Hmmm...pretty much, huh? I think it's the percentage of error that worries Danny. It's that slight thought in the back of everyone's mind that he will fall a part again. If it's any consolation...I think he is much healthier now than he ever was before."
"I would tend to agree. I think we all trust him again. It just took some time."
"Good. That's really good to hear. He needs that trust."
"I honestly couldn't believe it when Samantha told me about you. I had no idea. Danny doesn't exactly broadcast his personal life, but it would have nice to know he was going to be a father."
"Well...he is getting better at that if you can believe it. I think having a child will help him even more."
"So, will it be Danny, Jr?" asked Martin playfully.
"No...that is the one name he vetoed right away. We are kind of in a name war now. He insists on what he calls a 'tough' name. Whatever that means...but it definitely doesn't mean Oliver or Simon. It's like he thinks we are going to raise the kid on the 'Mean Streets.' We may never agree."
Martin rose as he replied, "You'll have to eventually. It was nice to talk to you, but I have to testify downstairs in ten minutes."
"You, too...Martin. Um...you know I was serious when I said I would need your help to get back up," Kathryn said sheepishly as Martin took her hand and helped her to her feet. "Thanks. Bye, Martin."
"Bye."
Kathryn felt a little better about Danny's work situation after she talked to Martin. When he talked about transferring, she was terrified that would mean transferring out of the city. She didn't know what she would do if she had to go through all of this on her own. Danny was truly a godsend. That wasn't more evident several weeks later when Kathryn found herself two weeks late. She finally stopped working, and Dr. Waters told her if she didn't start labor naturally by the end of the week, they would have to induce. Danny had temporarily moved in to her apartment since she was due to deliver anyday. She was laying on the couch, miserabley uncomfortable, as Danny was trying to massage her aching feet.
"I don't think I can do this anymore. Every part of me hurts. I can't get comfortable...," whined Kathryn.
"It's a little late for that now, baby...I think you are in it for the long haul," Danny responded as he was reading one of her expectant mother books.
Kathryn frowned, "I think God is punishing me...he's punishing me for having a child out of wedlock. You know I was talking to my mother today, and she intimated the same thing."
Danny gave her a sidelong glance and smirked, "You are not being punished. The kid just likes it in there. Who wouldn't? It's safe and warm. He gets to hear me tell him funny jokes, and sing him little songs..."
"Yeah...I'm sure that's what is keeping him in there....your jokes and songs. Actually, you may have a point...he may be afraid to come out knowing he's in for a life filled with the jokes and songs."
Danny said, "Ha-Ha...you know maybe it's not happening because he doesn't have a name. This book says that sometimes mothers don't go into labor until all major decisions are made. The only thing we haven't decided is the name."
"Don't say that, Danny. I can't think about the name anymore. If we have one more argument about it, I think I may have to kill you."
"I know...why do you think I've started to lock up my gun?" Danny joked. "But for the record, you can't beat a name like Deke...no one will mess with a kid named Deke. Trust me."
"We're not naming him Deke..."
"Here we go...Here we go...I got it...I have the answer. You will love this," Danny said excitely as he read the book.
"What...what is it?"
"Another good way to naturally induce labor...sex."
"Danny..." Kathryn said in exasperation.
"What? I'm serious. This is like the third book I've read that says having sex induces labor. I wouldn't have mentioned it unless I researched it thoroughly," Danny responded with innocent look.
"You don't want to have sex with me, Danny. It would like having a sex with a whale."
"No, not me...we're just friends, right? I was going call Mr. Hilliard down the hall. He seems up for the task."
"Ughh..." Kathryn gasped as she softly kicked Danny.
"Jokes...just jokes. I'm here all week," Danny laughed. "Seriously, if you want to...I'm up for it. No strings."
Kathryn looked at him as he was giving her one of his charming smiles. Part of her wanted to say yes...not just to induce labor, but to just feel him again. But she ended up just laughing it off, "I appreciate the offer. I know it would be a hardship for you, but I'll figure something else out."
"OK...but it's a standing offer...anytime," he added sincerely.
It turned out they didn't need to induce at all. Kathryn's water broke that night. She called out to Danny in a panic. Danny took control. He helped her get dressed, got her bag, and got them in a cab within ten minutes. Once in the cab, he started to keep track of her contractions. She would grab hold of him tightly every time a contraction would occur. By the time they got to the hospital, she was crying because of the pain. When they got her to the room, Danny said, "Look you have to give her something for the pain."
"Her chart says she wants to try natural childbirth," the nurse replied.
"I know...but this isn't natural," Danny said as he watched Kathryn curl up in a fetal position.
"Sir, the contractions take some getting used to. Let's give her a few more minutes. Then if she wants an epidural we will give her one once the doctor arrives."
After nurse left, Danny sat next to Kathryn and stroked her hair. "Are you sure you don't want something for the pain, baby?"
Kathryn shook her head, "They say it is healthier....oh....God...here's another one. Oh...Danny...it hurts...." Kathryn grabbed Danny's hand and squeezed as they both tried to breath through the pain.
"It's going to be OK. I'm right here," Danny said soothingly. After the contraction was over, Danny asked, "Do you want me to call your parents or Shelly?"
"No, I just want this to be us...no one else. We'll call them after, OK?"
"Yeah...that's fine," Danny replied with pride as he saw how much trust she had in him.
They spent the next five hours breathing through contractions, and taking walks in the hall. Danny read to her, and they had a few more fights about the name. And then finally, the doctor said she could start pushing. Danny never lost eye contact with her as she squeezed his hand. Then she pushed once more, and the doctor said, "It's a healthy boy."
Danny and Kathryn both were laughing and crying at the same time as they watched Dr. Waters put the baby on Kathryn's stomach. Then Dr. Waters handed Danny a pair of scissors to cut the cord. They held the baby for a few minutes, tears streaming down both their faces, until the nurse took him to clean him up. Danny finally looked at Kathryn and said, "You are amazing." And then he kissed her.
"I love you, Danny."
"I love you, too, baby."
They both knew they were caught up in the moment, but didn't care. A few minutes later, the nurse brought the baby back, and put him in Danny's arms. "Hi, I'm your father. And I will always be here for you no matter what. We are going to have so much fun together."
Kathryn watched as Danny marvelled at his son. And then he placed the baby in Kathryn's arms. Dr. Waters called out, "Well, mom...everything looks good. You just need to get some rest. Have you two decided on a name yet?"
Danny shook his head, but Kathryn said, "I think we have."
"When did we decide?" asked Danny.
"I'm making an executive decision. I don't think you can argue with me after what I just did."
Danny nodded, "You are absolutely right. So, what is it?"
"Michael...Michael Kelly Taylor."
Danny smiled hearing his last name. He wasn't sure Kathryn would go for that since they weren't married. And honestly, he never had any real connection to his last name from his foster parents. But hearing it now...made him very happy. "I love it. It's perfect."
"Tough enough for you?"
"It'll do...don't worry...he and I will work on the touch part together," Danny said as he looked at the baby.
Dr. Waters intervened again, "We're going to take him to the nursery for a few minutes. And then, we will bring him back. Kathryn, you need to get some sleep."
As they started to wheel the baby out, Danny started to follow. Kathryn asked, "Where are you going?"
"Well...I can't leave him alone. Do you know how many times last year babies were taken from a nursery..."
"Danny..."
"What? It happened eight times last year in Manhattan alone...usually by a staff member," he whispered. "I'm not taking any chances. You get some sleep. I'll call your parents, and then I'll come back with Michael...OK?"
"OK...Mr. Overprotective."
Danny walked out, and Kathryn smiled as she started to fall asleep.
Note: TBC. I'm not done with these two, now three, yet. Thanks for all the helpful reviews.