The doctor confirmed what Sarah had already told them because as Danny sat with Sandra in the doctor's office and held her hand, it was then that they found out that they were indeed going to become parents.

The doctor told them that she wasn't too far along, about six weeks and from his examination she and the baby were both fine. "You don't seem to be too surprised." He commented.

Danny looked at Sandra and smiled. "We've suspected it since Christmas, but we didn't want to get our hopes up."

"That's always a wise idea." He said before he looked at Sandra. "I'll have my nurse schedule an appointment for you in another month and we'll see how you and the little one are doing."

"What about her mornin' sickness?" Danny asked. He was concerned because it seemed to get worse every time it happened and Sandra had told him she mentioned it to the doctor during the examination.

"I'm not going to worry about that right now Captain. Being a nurse, Sandra knows that it's a natural part of the process however," and he looked at Sandra. "I want you to start keeping a log of when it happens and how frequently. That way it will help give me a better picture of what's happening and if it goes on for too long, I can make a better decision to help you."

"Ain't there anythin' you can do about it now?"

"Your wife is going through a lot of changes right now and her body is responding to those changes by becoming ill. That's why I want her to keep track for me how long it goes on because it's not good for the baby as it develops."

"What the hell does that mean?" Danny could feel the panic start to rise and Sandra took his hand.

"What he means is that the baby will be depending on me for everything and if I can't keep anything down then that could cause problems."

He'd never gone from being so happy to being so scared in such a short amount of time. The doctor seemed to sense his anxiety and leaned forward. "I don't mean to unduly worry you Captain Walker, but it's always been my policy to be as honest with my expectant mothers as possible. By my doing that, we can work together to make sure they both come through the experience as healthy as possible."

"How can I help?" He wanted to know.

"What every good husband should do when his wife is expecting, help her as much as you can." He looked at Sandra again. "And that young lady means no heavy lifting or strenuous activity."

Danny and Sandra glanced at each other and tried not to smile.

"As to that, you may continue if you choose but only as long as it's comfortable for you Sandra." The doctor's comment got their attention and he too tried not to smile. "I never try to discourage it because there will come a point where it just isn't possible anymore and it will be at least three months after the baby arrives before you would be able to resume any marital activity."

"Three months?" Danny asked.

"At least. It depends on how well the birth goes and how well Sandra recovers from the experience. If she comes through it without any complications and she recovers sufficiently, it might be sooner. It's very much a case by case basis." He sat quietly for a moment. "Do either of you have any other questions?"

They looked at each other and Danny could see that Sandra was satisfied. "I think you answered everythin' for us, thank you."

"Very good." And he stood up. "I'll go ahead and set up the appointment and give you some time to yourselves. Congratulations to you both."

Danny stood up and took the hand the doctor put out to him and shook. "Thanks for everything."

The doctor smiled at him. "I haven't done anything Captain. You and your lovely wife did and it's my job to make sure that they come through this with flying colors." And he left them alone.

Sandra stood up and tucked her arm through his. "Now you know why I wanted him as my obstetrician."

"I like him too honey; he gets right to the point." He agreed and he kissed her cheek. "Sandra?"

"What is it?"

"How long do you think it might be?" He could feel his face flush.

Sandra seemed to understand what he meant because she put her head on his shoulder for a moment. "It could be six months."

He sighed.

She laughed and that got him to smile. "I'm sorry honey; I didn't mean it the way it sounded."

"I know. But if it makes you feel any better, it will be as long for me too." And she kissed his cheek in return. "Come on Dad, we have some grandparents to call."

He grinned. "Say that again Mama."

Sandra put her arms around his neck and he pulled her to him. "I'm so glad Sarah was right." She sighed.

"So am I Sandra." And he kissed her.

When he let her go she smiled at him. "We should invite Red over so we can tell him after we've told our parents. And then we need to tell the girls."

"And I need to call Gooz. I was on the telephone with him the other night and he was askin' if we'd heard anythin' yet."

That got her to laugh. "Maybe we should just make a checklist of everyone we need to call and then we'll be sure not to miss anyone."

He laughed with her. "That ain't a bad idea." And he let her go.

When they got home, Danny called Red at his quarters and asked him to come over. He wouldn't tell his friend why and Red said he'd be over as soon as he could.

The next call was to Sandra's parents and they were overjoyed at the news. They talked to Danny and told him how pleased they were.

Rafe, Evelyn and his parents were the next people they called.

"How'd you like to be an uncle?" Danny asked with a grin because he knew what the answer would be.

"It's all official?" He heard Rafe on the other end of the line.

"We found out for sure about an hour ago."

"Well where in the hell have you been then?" Danny heard the amusement in his voice. "Mama's been on pins and needles to see if her feelin's were right."

"We had to celebrate Rafe. And we had to call Sandra's parents to tell them."

"I'm goin' to be an uncle." Rafe repeated and started to laugh.

Evelyn's voice was the next he heard. "Is she all right?"

"She's fine Evelyn and the baby is fine too." He smiled.

Tom and Sarah seemed to have decided to share the telephone because both of their voices came on next. "How's she doin' son?" "I don't need to ask if you're helping do I?" "That son of mine is just beside himself." "You're mama would have been so pleased."

The last comment of Sarah's made Danny sigh. His mama would never get to meet her grandchild but he or she would know who the McCawley's were and they would be grandparents to his and Sandra's children as much as they were to Rafe's.

"Danny, I know I don't need to tell you this because you've always a thoughtful and caring young man. But you'll have to be patient with Sandra as time goes along because things will be happening that she doesn't have any say over." Sarah dispensed her advice from Tennessee. "When Tom and I were expecting Rafe, we didn't get a lot of help because it wasn't something anyone talked about. But he and I have always been frank with each other and we had to learn the hard way how it would be. I just wanted to save you and your bride the trouble."

"I appreciate that Sarah, I really do but Sandra's a nurse."

"But she's never had a baby before honey. It's one thing to be clinical about something because you were trained for it, but when you go through it yourself it's a whole different ball of wax."

"I'll take good care of them both."

"I know you will. Now put the mother to be on the telephone so I can talk to her." Sarah requested and Danny handed the receiver over to her.

"Sarah would like to talk to you." And she took it.

"Hello Sarah."

As Sandra talked to Sarah, Danny heard a knock at the front door and Red stood on the front porch when he opened the door.

"So what's so important?" Red asked as Danny let him in.

"As soon as Sandra gets off the telephone, we'll tell you." He promised and they waited for Sandra to finish her conversation.