Ferb sat stunned for a moment, "This is a good thing."

"What?" Gretchen croaked.

"It means that we aren't incapable," Ferb replied with a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"But four years and not a thing to prevent it?" Gretchen said, giving him a look.

"It doesn't matter now," Ferb replied.

"So you are willing to put up with me and my-" Gretchen was cut off by Ferb leaning over and kissing her. She pulled back then hugged him awkwardly. She sobbed into his arm.

Ferb tried and failed to get comfortable, "I love you Gretchen. I'm happy for you, for us."

Gretchen sniffed and looked up at him, "Really?"

"Of course sweetheart," Ferb replied.

"I'm going to have to schedule another appointment with Dr. Manson," Gretchen stated.

"Would you like me to come with you?" Ferb inquired.

He got a nod in answer.

Ferb smiled slightly, "Guess what?"

"What?" Gretchen asked, her brow scrunched up in slight confusion.

"Best Valentine's Day gift ever," Ferb answered.

"Can you take me home? I'm tired," Gretchen said, as a slight wave of weariness came over her.

"Of course dear," Ferb replied, pulled back onto the road and drove the rest of the way home.

Once they arrived home, Gretchen stumbled up the stairs and into their bedroom. Ferb waited at the bottom of the steps. He mentally counted down until she found the surprise he had planned out for her.

"Ferb? What is this?" She called out as if on cue.

Ferb went upstairs, "Just a little something I put together for you."

Gretchen gave a sob, "I didn't get you anything."

Ferb went over to her, kissed her and placed a hand on her abdomen, "Yes, you did."

"But it's part-" Gretchen tried protesting.

"You telling me, was the best gift you could have gotten me. So you did get pregnant over our retreat," Ferb interrupted her, and when she nodded in reply he pulled her close to him, "That's even better."

"What's with the candles?" Gretchen inquired.

"I was going to set up a romantic dinner for two downstairs. Then you could take a relaxing bath before I tuck you into your extra fluffy bed," Ferb answered.

"What about you?" Gretchen asked, laying her head back onto his chest to look at him.

Ferb averted his gaze and looked at his feet, "I was going to sleep in the den again."

Gretchen turned around and hugged him, "Don't."

Ferb looked at her.

"You don't have to sleep in the den," She said then added quietly, "I miss sleeping with your arms around me."

"Every time I tried to, you would push me away," Ferb pointed out.

"I'm sorry. I was feeling sore, tired and a whole lot of other things I just can't articulate right now. I miss you Ferb. I really miss you," Gretchen stood on her tip toes and kissed him.

Ferb kissed her back, "I missed you too," then kissed behind her ear and down her neck.

"I missed that the most," Gretchen murmured.

"You get changed and I'll get dinner started," Ferb remarked.

"Okay," Gretchen said, blinking slightly.

"Allow me," Ferb said before going into bathroom and drawing the bath for her, complete with candles and a book, then he walked out with a Champaign bottle, and said with a shy smile, "I guess you can't have any of this."

"Ferb," Gretchen sighed, and shook her head.

"I'll put this away for later," he rested a hand on her abdomen, "This will be something to celebrate."

"I'll be down in a little while," she replied.

"Promise me that you'll eat some dinner tonight," Ferb commented.

"I promise," Gretchen said with a slight smile.

"Are you feeling better?" Ferb asked.

"Better as in?" Gretchen returned.

"Never mind. We'll find out," Ferb replied.

Gretchen raised an eyebrow.

"Would you like-" Ferb started.

Gretchen smirked, "Now you'll just hold your horses."

It was now Ferb's turn to raise an eyebrow.

Gretchen continued shyly, "I realize that I've been difficult these past few weeks."

Ferb showed no expression.

"I want to say I'm sorry," She said then went up to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Ferb wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Ferb? You haven't said anything," Gretchen said.

"I was worried about you," Ferb said softly.

"I'm sorry," Gretchen apologized.

"Will you be okay?" Ferb asked.

"I think so," Gretchen answered.

Ferb leaned over and passionately kissed her. Gretchen kissed him back. Ferb gave indication that he had to finish preparing dinner. He left, leaving her to undress and soak in the tub. Ferb returned a half-hour later, just as Gretchen was getting dressed in a red sweater and a pair of light pink sweat pants. He smirked and gave her another passionate kiss. Ferb then took her by the hand, lead her downstairs and seated her at the dining room table.

Gretchen giggled, "Ferb, when did you find the time to make this?"

Ferb smirked slightly, "This morning, after you left for work, and before I left for work."

"Oh really?" Gretchen inquired.

"A few things planned beforehand though." Ferb answered.

"Dinner does look wonderful," Gretchen said.

"Enjoy," Ferb replied with a smile.

After dinner, the young couple sat for a minute in silence. With Gretchen now expecting, Ferb knew he had to keep Gretchen's stress levels down. If she stressed out, they might lose their unborn child.

"I don't think there's anything that could make this day any more perfect," Gretchen remarked.

"I also got you a little something," Ferb said.

"You didn't have to do that," Gretchen said as she started crying.

Ferb went wide eyed, "Did I say something wrong?"

"You didn't have to do that," Gretchen sniffed.

"It's because I love you and nothing else," Ferb replied, then thought to himself, 'Okay, the word hormones or anything related to it is off limits for who know how long.'

Gretchen dabbed her eyes and shredded the serviettes.

"I want you to take this and put it away," Ferb said as he handed over small bag with a lacy little number inside.

Gretchen looked inside and reddened with the thought: 'Maybe a little show for later perhaps? Ferb always enjoys those.'

"Two of your co-workers pulled the confidentiality card," Ferb remarked.

Gretchen looked up at him, "What?"

"Shane and Jennifer, they were very professional about it," Ferb clarified.

Gretchen nodded, "Shane figured it out."

"You didn't tell anyone?" Ferb asked.

"I thought it would only be fair to tell you first," Gretchen replied.

Ferb gave a nod.

Gretchen gave slight laugh, "You know how we were having difficulties."

Ferb nodded. He knew all too well. The numerous nights that Gretchen had cried herself to sleep. Those very nights he felt as if his heart had been crushed. The nights that no matter what he said, he could not comfort his wife.

"Dr. Mason asked me if I knew who the father was," Gretchen commented, snapping Ferb out of his thoughts.

Ferb raised an eyebrow.

"I got upset with him," She admitted.

Ferb's eyebrow shot higher.

"I told him it was you, since you are the only man that I've-" Gretchen paused and blushed.

"Maybe he thought you," Ferb used air quotes, "searched other avenues."

Gretchen blushed harder before softly replying, "There are no other avenues I'd rather travel."

Ferb gave her a soft smile, "I'm glad."

Gretchen pulled the dark blue lace nighty out of bag, "Should I put this on?"

Ferb's eyebrow shot up.

Gretchen pulled an innocent look and asked innocently, "What?"

Ferb smirked, "You're a little minx, you know that?"

"So you've told me," Gretchen replied.

Gretchen headed upstairs while Ferb cleared table. Ferb went about the task rather quickly. He smiled slightly at the memory of some of his wife's previous 'modeling' of the pieces. He chuckled to himself as the memory of finding out about his wife's little numbers flitted across his mind. He walked into the room and admired what he saw; the nighty hugged her body in all the right places.

"You. Look. Beautiful," He remarked as he walked towards her.

Gretchen turned around and smiled at him.

"I could just look at you forever," Ferb said.

"I might get cold," she returned.

"I might have to warm you up." Ferb said, as he moved in closer to her.

"I might like that."

Ferb smirked, "And you are my little snuggle bunny."

Gretchen reddened, "And you are being a flirt again."

"You give me a reason to," was Ferb's reply.

Gretchen reached up and untied his tie, "You don't need this."

"Oh, really?" Ferb asked.

Gretchen purred, "Really."

Ferb raised an eyebrow, "You're awfully-"

Gretchen smirked at him, "Awfully what?"

Ferb thought over his choice of word very carefully, "...Playful, tonight."

Gretchen pulled a fake pout, "Is that so bad?"

Ferb grabbed her hand, spun her around and pulled her close, "Not at all," then he looked into her eyes a moment before kissing her.

Gretchen pulled him on to the bed, which caused Ferb to remark, "You're stronger than you look."

The next morning as the couple ate breakfast, the two chatted.

"Do you want me to call in sick today?" Ferb asked.

"No. I'll be fine. I ran into Adyson the other day in the ER, I'll give her a call," Gretchen replied.

Ferb raised eyebrow, "I'll try to get home early."

"If you need to work on something important, then work on it," Gretchen replied.

Ferb was hesitant to leave his wife alone, especially after yesterday's events, "Are you going to be-"

Gretchen cut him off with a slight smile and a, "I'll be fine."

"No more of the-" Ferb was once again cut off.

"Ferb, I'm not incapable of doing things."

"All right," Ferb replied before kissing her cheek and leaving for work.

After a couple of hours Gretchen got on the phone, "Adyson? Hi, it's Gretchen," she paused to listen, "I've got a couple of days off if you want to get together," Another listening pause, "Long story."

Gretchen got dressed for lunch out with Adyson and left for the restaurant. She was greeted by the taller brunette just inside of the restaurant.

"Adyson, it's good to see you again," Gretchen greeted with a genuine smile.

"It's only been a few days," Adyson pointed out.

"You have to admit that this is a better place to catch up," Gretchen returned.

"That is true. Oh and I should mention something," Adyson admitted.

"What?"

"I invited Katie."

"Why?"

"Because you two need to talk things out."

"O-Okay."

"We used to be such great friends," Adyson commented.

"I think most of us still are," Gretchen replied.

Katie walked in, "Adyson!" she squealed, "It's so good to see you again!"

"It's only been a week, Katie," Adyson returned.

Gretchen gave Adyson a raised eyebrow while rubbing her right ear.

"Uh Katie-" Adyson began gently but stopped when Katie realized Gretchen was standing there.

"Uh... Hi Gretchen," Katie greeted with a high degree of awkwardness.

Gretchen returned the greeting a little stiffly, "Hello Katie."

Katie took in Gretchen's appearance, "I thought you'd be at work."

Gretchen gave a stiff smile, "I got a couple of days off."

"How did that happen?" Adyson inquired.

"I... had an incident at work," Gretchen confessed.

Adyson's eyes went wide, "Are you okay?"

Gretchen waved her hand, "Of course. It's nothing really."

"What happened?" Adyson asked.

Gretchen gave a sheepish smile, "Forget I said anything."

Katie uneasily sat next to Adyson.

"Did you get hurt?" Adyson inquired.

"Are you keeping those stitches dry?" Gretchen asked in return.

"Yes mother, I'm keeping the stitches dry. Do you know how much of a pain it is to wash one's hair in the sink with only one hand?" Adyson replied.

"You could've picked up a shower glove. They're sold at most pharmacies," Gretchen remarked.

"You never said anything about that!" Adyson stated.

"The doctor who signed you out was supposed to tell you," Gretchen said while Katie laughed.

"He didn't say anything," Adyson said.

Gretchen sighed, "I'll be having a word with him later."

"Ah...You avoided the question," Adyson pointed out upon realizing what her shorter friend did.

Gretchen raised an eyebrow, "I simply changed the subject."

"You always were good at that," Katie commented.

Gretchen looked at the blonde, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you evaded talking about things that made you uncomfortable," Katie explained.

Gretchen started to shred a serviette.

Adyson noticed this and remarked, "Don't worry about it, we all do that."

"Not to the same degree as Gretchen. She never liked answering personal questions," Katie pointed out.

"No one likes answering personal questions," Gretchen defended.

"I'm not afraid of them," Katie stated.

Deciding this was the best time to test this, Gretchen asked her quietly, "You and Holly were the only two who didn't come to Ferb and my wedding. Why?"

Katie was taken aback, "I-I-I'm not sure what-"

"Yeah, why weren't you there? I was there, as was Isabella, and Ginger," Adyson asked, cutting Katie off.

"Why aren't you-" Katie tried asking.

"I know why Holly didn't come," Gretchen said, with a slight scowl.

"What about Milly? Was she there?" Katie asked.

"Milly couldn't be there because she had a family crisis," Gretchen answered.

"That was her grandmother who died wasn't it?" Adyson inquired.

"Great-grandmother," Gretchen corrected.

"Oh..." Katie murmured.

Adyson nodded slightly.

"I talked to her after she got back..." Gretchen laughed lightly, "Well after we got back from our honeymoon."

"She's having marriage troubles now," Adyson remarked.

"Anyways, why weren't you there? I know you got the invite," Gretchen pressed Katie.

"I don't like Ferb, okay?" Katie replied.

"You don't like Ferb? What's not to like?" Adyson inquired.

"We all know you had a crush on him Adyson," Katie said.

"It was more than a crush," Adyson admitted.

"What's wrong with Ferb?" Gretchen asked.

"He took you away," was Katie's answer.

"Took me away?" Gretchen repeated, her brow crinkled, "What on Earth do you mean by that?"

Adyson looked confused, "I'm lost here myself. What is that supposed to mean?"

"He took you away..." Katie repeated.

"Katie, you said that already. What do you mean by it?" Adyson asked.

"Gretchen changed when she started dating him. She became... I don't know, different," Katie answered.

"I didn't realize," Gretchen said softly.

"You didn't change at all Gretchen," Adyson reassured her, recognizing the tone in Gretchen's voice.

"She was never around when we needed her," Katie stated.

"Yes she was," Adyson retorted.

"She became more emotional," Katie said then turned to Gretchen, "you were always crying."

Gretchen's gaze dropped, and Adyson felt the need to defend the smaller woman. Adyson wasn't quite sure but she was getting the feeling that Gretchen was readying to put up her emotional walls. It happened when they were teenagers, leave it to Katie to re-open an old wound.

"You implied that her and Ferb were-" Adyson began.

"I crossed the line, I realize that," Katie interrupted.

"You have no idea what that did to her, Katie," Adyson shot at the blonde.

"What do you-" Katie began.

Adyson looked at Gretchen, "Well..."

Gretchen quietly said, "Go ahead."

"She became a wreck after you made that comment," Adyson stated.

"She was a wreck before," Katie remarked.

"That's not fair Katie. You didn't see her," Adyson protested.

Katie turned to Gretchen, "You wouldn't do anything without checking with Ferb first."

"He had a heart attack!" Gretchen snapped, her irritation flashing across her face.