Chapter 8:

Monday morning came abruptly after a short and warm early October weekend. Everyone had already arrived at work, except Jack and Sue who we're running late, as Sue was still victim to morning sickness.

"Well, so far I'm winning the bet!" D announced. "Donna and I got it right on. She's one smart lady!" He said with a smirk.

"Not so fast mate. We only betted when the baby would be born. That's just the due date; he could be early or late. Since we don't know whether the little bloke is going to be a gal or boy, and no wedding bells have rung yet, we're still all even. And all losing." Bobby said, as D just shook his head, unwilling to let Bobby get him down.

"Do you think we should tell them eventually?" Tara asked.

"Well…" said Lucy, "How about the loser or losers pay for everyone and for Jack and Sue when we take them out to celebrate the new baby, then we can tell them then." Everyone muttered in agreement. Jack and Sue walked in the room. D immediately went over to a pale Sue.

"Are you okay?" He asked, as Jack brought her to her seat.

"Stupid morning sickness! I look at a piece of food and I want to be sick. I hate being pregnant." Jack looked at her sympathetically.

"I tried to convince her to stay home but she wouldn't…" He put his hand on her shoulder, as Bobby went to get her a glass of water.

"Never argue with a pregnant woman." D muttered so Sue couldn't see, "I can't tell you how many times Donna made me sleep on the couch because I said or did something wrong." Jack just smiled and shrugged. Eventually they all filtered back to their desks. Jack watched Sue closely the whole day, noticing how pale she was. From the book he had been reading, the mood swings and sickness was completely normal. Sue's bad mood continued on for the rest of the day. Everyone learned quickly to stay clear of her if they had any food around and not to ruffle any feathers or push any buttons. Even Myles kept his sarcasm down, just as to not witness the wrath of Sue.

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The rest of the week passed by. Sue's mood improved, even though her morning sickness had not. However, once she had her usual morning stomach problems, they seemed to go away for the rest of the day. She definitely felt the mood swings but was having a bit of an easier time controlling them. The one thing that would set her off was coffee. She knew she had to stay away from it anyways, but would now glare at anyone within a 10-mile radius who was drinking any. For Sue's sake, Jack was trying to give up caffeine. It went well the first few days, but by Thursday he found himself gulping some down whenever she left the bullpen for something, then popping in a piece of gum before she came back.

Friday arrived, and Sue was starting to feel excited about her date with Jack. She left work early with Lucy to get ready. Earlier that day, Ted had asked Jack to come to his office.

"Jack, I need you to go to the Baltimore office for a few days to help them with a case. They need your expertise and since you went to law school, I figured you would be the best candidate. You leave next Thursday and will be gone a week. I just wanted to make sure that it was okay with you, and give you warning in case there were any appointments that would need to be rescheduled."

"No, I think it's fine. Sue's next appointment isn't for another 3 weeks."

"Good. I know you don't like to leave, but we still have a job to do." Jack nodded and smiled, "Thank Sue for the card too. The ultrasound looks good – reminds me of when my kids were born. I heard her due date is in June?"

"June 14th. So far." Jack smiled at the thought of a baby in less than 8 months.

"At least she won't be pregnant in the hot summer. Have you guys figured out the living arrangements for when the baby comes?" Jack shook his head but before he could answer, Ted continued. "Actually Jack, I hope you don't think I'm being to forward but a friend of mine is a realtor and I saw that he has a house for sale. You know how hard it is to find a good place in DC. It's close by here, very cute. Would be perfect for a young couple with a baby. I got a copy, and the realtors number is on the page if you're interested." Jack looked at the picture of the house. It looked perfect. Sunny yellow with white trim, a big veranda and backyard and plenty of square footage. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms including a full ensuite from the master bedroom. It looked like just the house Sue would want.

"Thanks Ted, I'll think about it. Actually, Sue and I are going out this evening so maybe I'll bring it up then. We've got lots to talk about." Ted just smiled.

"I'm sure you do. I'll have your flight information on Monday. Tell the team that they can leave a bit early if they want." Jack thanked Ted and went back to the bullpen, the picture of the house folded neatly in his pocket. Since Sue had left early with Lucy, the rest of the team started thinking about presents they could get her for the baby. Just as Jack was about to leave, Bobby came up to him, the rest of the bullpen now empty.

"So, ready for your big evening?" Jack smiled.

"Yup."

"You know I almost died this week not telling Tara." Bobby said with a grin.

"I know buddy, but you shouldn't even know yet. Somehow you find out all the information before anyone else." Jack couldn't help but smile. Deep down inside he was happy Bobby knew.

"Well don't be so stupid as to leave the box in your pocket where everyone can see. You're lucky I told you before Sue noticed. You're doing the right thing Jack."

"Thanks crash. I'll see you Monday?"

"You bet – have a great evening!" Jack walked to his car and drove home to get ready. He showered and changed into one of his nicest suits. He looked in the mirror to make sure he looked okay before he went to go pick up Sue. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little velvet black box. He opened it up and looked at the beautiful ring inside. We're going to be a family, he thought as he closed the box again and put it back into his pocket and headed out the door.