Disclaimer:

I do not own the characters in the story. DC Comics owns them. I am making no money on this. Enjoy!

Chapter 14

Bruce remained true to his word. Although it was killing him emotionally, he refused to be the first to contact Barbara. He wanted to give her the time and space she needed. After a very long week had gone by, Bruce's sit ups were interrupted by Alfred's voice.

"Master Bruce, Madame Barbara is on the line for you."

Bruce shot to his feet so fast he nearly knocked Alfred down. Pausing before he began to speak, Bruce found himself at a loss for words.

"Hello?" was all he could muster.

"Bruce?" God it felt like thousand years since he had heard her voice.

"I decided to give you a call since you hadn't gotten to me first…"she started sounding annoyed.

Bruce interrupted, "I was just giving you some time alone with the baby until you felt better."

Bruce heard Barbara snort, "Is that the excuse you are using now?"

Bruce was beginning to become very confused. He had honestly thought he was doing the right thing.

"Anyway," Barbara said interrupting Bruce's train of thought, "I wanted tot invite you to a gathering at dad's old station. It is a fundraiser. They hadn't gotten to you yet, have they?"

Bruce shook his head and then realized she obviously couldn't see him.

"Hello, Bruce are you there?"

"Yeah, he said, I'm here."

"Anyway, it will be this Saturday at 7pm sharp. I also have to tell you something so you will be prepared." She paused.

"I am seeing someone. "

Bruce pretended to act surprised, "Oh?"

Barbara continued sounding flustered, "Yes, his name is Dick "

Bruce responded with a smirk on his face, "He's a dick?"

Barbara answered, "Don't try to be a smartass, Bruce, it is not becoming of you. His name is Dick Grayson. He is a lieutenant for the Police 5th District in Bludhaven."

Bruce grew serious, "You're living in Bludhaven? Isn't that a dangerous city?"

Barbara laughed bitterly, "Oh that's right I forgot how safe Gotham was."

"Touché." Bruce jested.

Then ever so softly, Bruce could here a baby crying, his little girl. His heart beat faster.

"So anyway, how is everything…?" He felt like a blubbering fool today.

"Martha is perfect Bruce. "

Bruce smiled a small smile and spoke quite steadily for the first time that evening.

"You called her Martha after my mom?"

"Look I have to go. "Barbara was so quiet.

"Ok, "Bruce agreed.

"And Barbara? Thank you."

"See you, Bruce" was the reply.

Bruce looked wistfully at the phone resting in its cradle. Alfred entered the room.

He had a chipper look on his face.

"So, sir, did everything go well?"

After a look on Bruce's face he couldn't quite tell.

"I'm not sure Alfred." Bruce was lost in thought. "She called the baby Martha."

"It's a beautiful name sir." Alfred answered.

"I just couldn't stop sounding like a fool on the phone. It felt like I had lost the ability to speak. " Bruce muttered under his breath, "I am a fool."

Alfred patted his shoulder, "No sir, it means you are a father."

Jared sat in his office mulling over that mornings meeting. There was so much to do and so little time. The Joker hadn't been out to play in a few weeks. He was getting restless. He sat in his plush maroon chair rocking it back and forth playing with a pen in the process. He seemed a million miles away when his secretary came in.

"You have received three calls. I took the messages down for you." Jared didn't even look up.

The secretary's blue eyes seemed sad.

"Are you OK?"

Jared looked up at her sharply.

"What does it look like to you, stupid Bitch? "

He softened after he saw her expression.

"Sorry," he muttered.

She smiled, "It's Ok. I 'm here if you need anything Mr. J."

Jared glared at her jester like grin.

"I hate it when you call me that."