Hey there!!! Okay, this update is fairly short and fairly insignificant...but it's just...I don't know. Something light and pleasant to tide you over...because it may be awhile before I can make another update. We're having major work done at my house so there are going to be random men in tank tops wandering around here for the next couple of weeks, and our entire first floor is basically going to be off-limits. I can probably work from my laptop, but just in case I can't, you have been forewarned.

A couple of shout-outs:

Dulcey: I feel very proud that you like my story so much, because I absolutely adore yours. ;) Also, I appreciate your tolerance of the unfortunate bowtie. I am not so accepting of those challenged in the appearance department. By that I mean I fired my last therapist because she looked like Dorothy from "The Golden Girls". I have a feeling that probably doesn't say anything good about my character. But whatever. She was stupid, anyways. (Did I also discuss how very mature I am? And kind, too?) Okay. Aside from my rude judgment of basically the entire population, I thank you for your lengthy review. I really appreciate that you take the time to let me know your thoughts. You're awesome! ;)

Princess Oats 435: It's very okay that you crossed over onto the dark and scary side. I believe I made that jump after reading about ten words of your first story I ever read. The dark and scary side is surprisingly enjoyable. And Perfection? Are you fucking kidding me? I was absolutely in love with that game. My Sad Perfection Story is that I never had anyone to play with, and I was afraid of the whole board-exploding thing...so I used to play by myself without the timer on. Meaning I defeated all conventional purposes of that game. I still had a blast, though, and I suppose that's really the point. Kind of. Anyways, another spectacular review—you're awesome! Ramble all you want, I looove it. ;)

Brenda Osler: Unbelievable. I got ANOTHER "cheers"? I feel incredibly lucky. It's like Christmas. Cheers right back atcha once again. ;)

Rachel: My condolences to your friend who got dumped. That sucks. ;( Also, I agree with your suggestion of more Summer—keep an eye out for her in...probably the next chapter. Thanks for your thoughts! ;)

And Liz, Ally, Julie, and Christina? You guys are awesome, too! Thanks so much for taking the time to review! ;)

Okay. What else is there to say? Um...well, my personal feeling is that my writing in this chapter got a little out-of-character...but I can't help but ramble and insert strange not-so-popular cultural banter sometimes. I just sort of had fun with it. And, wow. I've been talking for about six hours. Wrapping up...this chapter title belongs to the Jayhawks, who are awesome. Please leave me some more reviews! I love them like crazy! I'll try my best to update soon, and I'll tell you that there is going to be some controversy in future chapters. Why? Because controversy is raw, of course! Okay! I'm done! Please review!

xoxo

Chapter 16: A Break in the Clouds

She was lying awake in bed, staring up the ceiling when he got home.

"Hey, honey," he said in a whisper, sliding out of his jacket. "Dinner with a new associate. Sorry I'm late." She smiled as she watched him unbutton his shirt. "This new guy—I swear to god he looked fifteen. I mean, I had a hard time buying that he was out of high school. Twenty-nine, though. Unbelievable. He made me feel old."

"Wow," she said vaguely.

"Two hours of small talk and I am exhausted!" He pulled on a t-shirt.

"Hey, Sandy?"

"Yeah, hon?" He climbed into bed next to her and pulled her closer to him.

"I have to tell you something." She pulled herself into a sitting position and he warily followed suit, looking concerned.

"What's going on?"

"I...I'm not quite sure how to say this." She took a deep breath. "It's...big."

"Please tell me that this has nothing to do with Jimmy Cooper." She smiled weakly.

"This has nothing to do with Jimmy Cooper."

"Oh, thank god. Because...man, I'm trying to like the guy, but it's kind of hard to be nice to someone who keeps putting the—"

"I'm pregnant." He looked at her.

"Are you doing that thing where you think I'm rambling so you say something shocking to get me to be quiet but it's really just some lie you made up to get me to—"

"Sandy," she said firmly, looking him in the eye. She took his hand and put it on her stomach. "I'm pregnant." He looked from his hand up to her face, a smile slowly forming. She laughed nervously. "Are you happy?"

"I'm...delighted," he said, taking her head in his hands and kissing her. "I'm giddy. I don't know that I've ever been giddy before, but I am. I'm giddy. God, sweetheart, 'happy' doesn't even begin to...wow. Wow. How far along are you?"

"Around twelve weeks."

"Wow."

"You're doing a lot of wowing," she commented.

"No other words seem quite right," he replied, grinning.

"We're kind of old," she said doubtfully.

"But we're young at heart! And we're not that old..."

"Sandy?"

"Yeah?"

"Doesn't it seem sort of...like we shouldn't be this excited?" She looked away, ashamed, and he put a hand on her back.

"It does," he agreed. "But..." She glanced at him expectantly and he laughed. "But this is fantastic, honey! And it's another child who needs our love and support. It's our responsibility to be excited. It wouldn't be fair to deprive Sanford Jr. the anticipation he deserves!"

"We are not naming it after you."

"Why not? It's a good name! Strong! And original. Except for the whole...it-being-my-name part."

"Juniors always turn out creepy. There's a weird...junior complex or something. Have you ever met a normal junior?"

He considered it and she watched as his face wrinkled with disgust.

"Larry Billings Jr. He's in the office next to me. He smells like Jell-O."

"My point exactly."

"Hey! Wait! No! What about...Robert Downey Jr.?"

"He did some time, I believe. And that Elton John video."

"Harry Connick Jr.? He's got a nice set of pipes."

"No, he doesn't."

"Cuba Gooding Jr."

"Need I remind you of 'Snow Dogs'?"

"You're quick. I have to hand it to you. Despite the whole hormones thing...you're a fast one."

"Watch it or we're naming it after my father."

"Thank you for putting a delightful image of an infant with Caleb's head in my mind." She smiled, leaning over to kiss him.

"My pleasure."