A few days passed, and Gretchen was finally released with iron supplements, she hadn't had a blackout episode. Ferb had been released two days previously. As he drove home. he glanced over at his wife.

"Something wrong Love?" Ferb inquired.

"I'm sorry about all this," Gretchen said.

"Sorry about what?" Ferb asked.

"Both of our most recent stays at hospital," Gretchen mumbled.

"How were you supposed to know that you have anemia?" Ferb asked.

"You should have never been put on the Psych Ward or have gone Code Blue," Gretchen snapped.

"It's over and done with. Besides it'll all be worth it when the baby gets here," Ferb tried soothing his wife while internally trying not to mention 'hormones.'

_

Two weeks had passed when Ferb's boss summoned him into his office, regarding rumors that had been going around the office. The older gentleman had noticed a change in Ferb's behavior dating back nearly three weeks previously. He knew Ferb was the hardest worker in his department, and he was also aware that Ferb was married to the daughter of one of the men in the Legal Department.

"Have a seat Fletcher," The man, Mr. Rivers, said.

"What's this about, sir?" Ferb inquired.

"There's a rumor going around the office," Mr. Rivers said.

"I'm not cheating on my wife, sir," Ferb said, sounding a little more than frustrated with the rumor.

"Then would you care explaining why you're so distracted lately?" Mr. Rivers inquired.

"In all honesty sir, I'd really rather not. It's just a family thing," Ferb responded.

"All right then Fletcher," Mr. Rivers said.

"I've got some work to finish. May I go, sir?" Ferb asked.

Mr. Rivers dismissed him with a "Yes."

A couple hours later during Ferb's coffee break with his co-workers, they decided to make comments.

"You sly dog. You've got a hot little number at home and another on the side," Derrick said with a smirk.

Ferb glared at the man. But Derrick and Matthew weren't finished. Anthony was trying to avoid the whole situation.

"What are you doing in the break room? We never see you. You always take your breaks at your desk," Matthew added smugly.

Ferb glared at Matthew.

"Tell me, do you know any other women who might be interested..." was as far as Derrick got.

"Shut up!" Ferb snarled.

"What's gotten into you?" Matthew inquired.

"Thanks to you guys, the department supervisor called me into his office for a meeting," Ferb snapped.

"Well, your performance has slipped in the past couple of weeks," Derrick replied then laughed, "Or has it?"

Ferb gave him a death glare.

"Maybe we should ask his wife about his performance," Matthew joked.

Ferb left the break room and knocked on the supervisor's door. He offered his phone with the recent conversation recorded.
_

The following week Ferb took Gretchen to a prearranged Doctor's appointment. Ferb sat back in his chair while Dr. Manson looked over the file.

"Well for the most part you're healthy and active, but I want to make a few minor suggestions," Dr. Manson began.

"Like?" Gretchen prompted.
"No caffeine, a weak green tea is all right for now and then but water, juice or milk," Dr. Manson responded instantly.

Ferb raised an eyebrow.

"That includes coffee," Dr. Manson pointed out.

"That's fine," Gretchen responded.

Ferb on the other hand had a horrified look on his face, "I'll put green tea on the shopping list."

"What about..." Gretchen paused, embarrassed, and she glanced at Ferb, "...relations?"

"As long as you feel fine, there's nothing to worry about," Dr. Manson replied.

"Are you sure?" Ferb inquired.

"As long as Gretchen's comfortable, there's no cause for concern. I can recommend some books for you, if you wish," Dr. Manson said.

Ferb simply nodded.

"How long will I be able to work?" Gretchen asked.

"You should be able to carry on as you are for now. When you reach the six-month mark, I'll recommend that you be put on the day shift. You should be able to work the entire duration of your pregnancy, however if you feel it's necessary I can put you on light duties or medical leave near the end," Dr. Manson answered.

Gretchen gave a nod, "Maybe we could talk about that when we get to that point?"

"That sounds doable," Dr. Manson replied.

"Anything else we should know?" Ferb inquired.

"I recommend that she avoid stressful situations," Dr. Manson stated.

Gretchen nodded again, "All right."

"That's going to be difficult," Ferb muttered.

Gretchen turned on him, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I love you sweetheart, but you do tend to stress over the smallest of things," Ferb told her gently.

"I do not," Gretchen responded indignantly.

"I've seen you at work," Dr. Manson remarked.

"I'm a professional," Gretchen stated.

"I realize that, that's why you're one of the best," Dr. Manson said placidly.

"Gretchen, love, please... relax," Ferb said.

"I am relaxed," Gretchen replied.

Ferb raised an eyebrow.

"What?" Gretchen inquired.

Ferb placed a hand on her back, "You're tense."

Dr Manson remarked to Ferb, "Keep her as calm as possible. No stressful activities, no hosting parties, avoid conversations and situations that she finds stressful."

Ferb nodded, "Can we tell family and friends?"

"Not for a few months yet. You'll just have to keep this a secret," Dr. Manson stated.

"I can do that," Gretchen replied.

"Well I think that about covers it.." Dr. Manson said looking over his notes, "Oh, and I think we need to schedule an appointment for a sonogram."

Ferb looked at Gretchen, "Well I have a day off next week."

"Can we schedule it during my lunch hour on-" She began.

"Next Thursday," Ferb finished.

"Talk to my nurse about that, and don't forget to book your next appointment," Dr. Mason stated.

"Thank you," The couple said in unison.

_
"How can we keep this from our parents?" Gretchen inquired on the car ride home.

"We just won't bring it up and if they ask... we'll keep changing the subject, just like we've been doing," Ferb responded, while referencing what they've been doing the past few years when the couple was asked when were they going to have a child.

"That should be pretty easy since we visit your parents once a month, and we visit my parents once a month as well," Gretchen remarked.

"That should keep it nice and simple, unless Mum changes up plans on us," Ferb said.

Gretchen gave a nod, "It'll be hard once I start showing."

"Until then we won't mention it. You don't need the extra stress," Ferb remarked.

The day before ultrasound, Ferb got up when the alarm went off to make breakfast. To assure that his wife got more sleep he shut off the alarm. About an hour after the alarm went off Gretchen's eyes flew open.

"FERB!" She screamed.

Ferb opened the bedroom door, "Morning."

"I'm going to be late! Why did the alarm not go off?" Gretchen inquired, agitation evident in her voice.

"It did, I woke up and made you breakfast," Ferb replied as he handed bowl of hot cereal over.

Gretchen took the bowl then remarked, "I need to get dressed! I need to get ready! If you were up, why didn't you wake me up?"

"I was just about to, the doctor said you needed rest remember?" Ferb replied soothingly.

Gretchen got dressed for work while eating.

"You're stressing," Ferb stated.

Gretchen shot him an unamused look, "I had the alarm set at that time for a reason Ferb."

"You need to relax," Ferb replied.

"Don't start," Gretchen warned.

Ferb picked up her ID badge and handed it to her, "Just be careful okay?"

Gretchen kissed him lightly, "As much as I would love to stay and chat, I really have to go."

"Remember, no coffee," Ferb said lightly.

He received a glare in reply.

"I'll see you this evening. Call my cell if you need anything," Ferb said.

Gretchen gave a nod, "Later."

Ferb kept checking his phone throughout the day. That evening, Gretchen arrived home first.

"Ferb, I'm home," She called out then paused, "Ferb?" She looked around for him, "Ferb?" then she started to panic.

Ferb arrived home almost three hours later, and was greeted by a distressed Gretchen,

"You're late! Where were you!" Gretchen practically shouted.

"I finished work at four, just like always," Ferb replied passively.

"It's..." Gretchen paused to look at the clock, "Six Thirty!"

"Gretchen, love please calm down," Ferb said trying to pacify his wife, while inwardly he was in a panic.

"You're two hours late coming home from work and I'm supposed to be calm?!" Gretchen puffed up.

"I must have lost track of time or my watch is running slow again," he tried.

"For all I knew, you could have been hurt," Gretchen said, looking as though she was about to cry.

Ferb wrapped his arms around her, "I'm sorry. Please calm down."

Gretchen melted into his arms and started to sob, "I had the worst day."

Ferb escorted her to couch and started massaging her legs and feet.

"There was," a sob escaped, "this one patient," another sob, "...she was only a child," Gretchen started explaining.

"Gretchen..." Ferb breathed.

"She hit her head on the playground…..Her mother didn't care…She said that it was the girl's fault for getting injured," Gretchen managed between sobs.

"Sweetheart, calm down," Ferb said.

"How could a mother act that way toward their own child?" Gretchen inquired then broke down crying.

"I have no idea, love," Ferb replied as he pulled her into his lap and held her.

Gretchen was still crying, "Mothers are supposed to protect their children, not treat them like they're a waste of space."

"Well there's some people who don't deserve children," Ferb replied gently.

Gretchen suddenly became angry, "What about me!? I've wanted children for as long as I can remember!"

Ferb kissed her to make her stop, "You are pregnant."

"I should have been pregnant years ago," Gretchen instantly responded without thinking.

Ferb continued to hold her, and felt bad.

"I'm sorry," Gretchen apologized quietly, knowing that she crossed the line.

Ferb looked at her, "Why?"

"That was a low blow. I shouldn't have said that," she answered.

"It doesn't matter, what matters now is that you are pregnant," Ferb said.

"What are you hoping for?" Gretchen asked him.

"I don't mind if it is a boy or a girl, just as long as it's healthy," Ferb replied, as he was just hoping that the anemia caused blackouts didn't harm the unborn child.

"You know most soon to be fathers want a boy," Gretchen told him.

Ferb shrugged, "Like I just said, I don't mind if it's a boy or a girl. Besides it's gender is predetermined at conception. So hoping for one and getting the other does no good."

"What if there is something congenital?" Gretchen inquired.

"Are you referring to my heart condition?" Ferb responded with an inquiry of his own.

Gretchen's eyes went wide, "I'm sorry... I forgot all about that."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Ferb replied matter-of-factly.

"If you say so," Gretchen responded.

"Everything will be fine," Ferb told her soothingly.

"Should we discuss names?"

"We could each put together a list of names to choose from, or we can see if we can get a detailed ultrasound done; find out the gender first."

"I won't be able to get one of those done for months!" Gretchen nearly shouted.

Ferb placed a kiss on her forehead, oblivious to the shadow that just stepped away from the window.

"I know, I know... relax," Gretchen mumbled.

"Once we do find out what it is we could save the list for the other gender," Ferb suggested.

"I think between the two of us we can come up with a good name," Gretchen said.

"I think so too," Ferb said.

"When should we start on-" Gretchen muttered"

"I just want to hold you for a little bit, if that's all right," Ferb interrupted her.

"Why?" Gretchen asked.

"I love you Gretchen. You're my wife," Ferb replied, then played with her wedding ring, "You're carrying our child," he said as he placed his hand on her abdomen.

"It's too soon for me to show," Gretchen chided softly.

"Soon. Soon we'll be able to feel the baby kicking," Ferb replied before kissing her hard.

Despite being just the two of them, Gretchen turned a bright red.

"We'll be fine, I'm sure of it," Ferb said.

"My parents won't be home next week and want to re-schedule for this week," Gretchen stated, letting Ferb know that the plans have changed.

"That's fine. Is your brother-" Ferb returned, knowing the reason why the plans changed.

"No, he's got some issues of his own at home," Gretchen cut him off.

"I hope things work out for him," Ferb remarked.

"I'm sure they will," Gretchen said hesitantly.

"I'd better go pick up dinner or it'll be cold," Ferb said.

"I asked them to deliver," Gretchen returned.

Ferb raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

Gretchen nodded, "Yeah."

"Any of those weird cravings yet?" Ferb inquired.

Gretchen countered with another question, "What do you mean by weird?"

"Where you want chocolate sauce on everything?" Ferb asked.

Gretchen seemed to turn a little green, "Actually the thought of chocolate sauce is kinda nauseating right now."

"Is that normal?" Ferb inquired.

Gretchen simply shrugged.

"Is there anything else you don't want to eat?" Ferb asked, while keeping mental notes to ask the Doctor later.

"I haven't really thought about that," Gretchen replied.

"Really?" Ferb pressed gently.

"Yeah," Gretchen answered.

"How would you know if something would make you feel nauseous?" Ferb asked.

"I don't know, but I think it would make itself known," Gretchen replied.

"Over-indulging in something might make you nauseous as well. I remember Candace doing that when she was expecting Amanda, now Candace doesn't eat it as often and Amanda can't stand it," Ferb remarked.

"What was it?" Gretchen asked.

Ferb shrugged, "They went to a restaurant the day before we got back one summer."

Gretchen murmured a simple 'oh,' as the door bell rang. Ferb answered the door. He paid for the delivery and brought the bags back to the table.

"Isn't this a bit more than what we normally order?" Ferb inquired, looking through the bags and pulling out the carry out cartons.

"I'm hungry," Gretchen snapped.

"Just curious," Ferb said defensively, making yet another mental note.

"Let's see what we've got," Gretchen said.

Ferb opened one of the cartons and raised an eyebrow, "No weird craving huh?"

"What?" Gretchen responded.

Ferb showed her the contents of the carton and Gretchen turned red.

"I'll try anything once," Ferb said with a smirk.

"You're willing to try sweet & sour curried chicken?" Gretchen asked.

Ferb put some on his plate, and took a bite, "It's different."

"Let's see what else we've got," Gretchen said.

Ferb went through the cartons, "Let's see... What I usually get...What you usually get... And umm...Not quite sure what this is."

Gretchen looked at it, "Sesame sweet and sour pork."

Ferb raised an eyebrow.

Gretchen gave a slight shrug.

Ferb took a bite, "Different...not too bad."

Gretchen took a bite of the pork, and instantly spat it back out, "This is raw!"

Ferb tried another bite, "No it's not."

"I can't eat this," she looked at the other boxes and sighed, "I'll stick to rice."

"Are you sure? I thought you said you were hungry," Ferb remarked.

"Suddenly, I'm not," Gretchen said, taking on a pale green color.

"I'm sorry," Ferb apologized.

Gretchen sighed, "Looks like I found my aversion."

"I'll have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow," Ferb said gently.

Gretchen looked in fridge and pulled out salad to go with the rice, "I'll have a bit of this, I guess."

"Let me make you something, what would you like?" Ferb offered.

"I was expecting eccentric and unorthodox cravings," Gretchen admitted.

"Maybe you should ask your physician about that," Ferb suggested.

"I'll talk with him tomorrow," Gretchen said.

Ferb muttered, "That's right, he's your co-worker as well."

Gretchen shrugged then said teasingly, "One of the hazards of the job."

"Do you ever not think about work?" Ferb inquired.

"There are times I don't think about it quite as much," Gretchen admitted.

Ferb raised an eyebrow.

"Well, there are times I have to take care of you," Gretchen said with a smirk.

"Oh really?" Ferb asked with his own smirk.

"Oh yes really," Gretchen replied, in a teasing tone.

"Well pretty soon you're going to have another thing to take your mind off things," Ferb remarked.

"Well right now you're enough to keep me distracted," Gretchen said as she reddened slightly.

"Really?" Ferb smirked then grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close.

"I've always found you distracting," Gretchen whispered seductively.

"I've always found you enchanting," Ferb responded.

She laughed lightly, "You are such a flirt."

Ferb smirked, "Well you give me reason to."

"I think I might change into that little green and white piece you gave me a few months ago," Gretchen said softly.

"I think I might enjoy that," Ferb said with a grin.

The following day was the day of the ultrasound. The couple spoke as they got ready for their respective jobs.

"You promise that you'll be there with me today?" Gretchen inquired as she brushed her hair out.

"I promise," Ferb said, pulling on a white button up shirt, today was a desk day and he had a meeting in the afternoon.

"My lunch hour is one thirty to two thirty," Gretchen said as she gathered her hair and pulled it into a pony tail.

"I'll be there right when you go on break," Ferb replied, pulling the ends of his tie in place.

"I'm sorry about the Chinese food last night," Gretchen apologized for the fourth time.

"It's all right, now we know," Ferb said, handing Gretchen her crisp scrub top, which in the winter months Gretchen wore over a long sleeved shirt.

"I've not been plagued by morning sickness," she said as she pulled it on.

Ferb glanced over at her in the pale lavender scrubs, "Consider yourself lucky, Candace had a horrendous time."

"I wish I could talk to her about this," Gretchen sighed.

Ferb became hesitant, "If you want to talk to her, we'll have to tell everyone."

"You don't think she could keep a secret?" Gretchen asked as she picked up her ID and clipped it to the pocket on her scrub top.

"I don't know," Ferb admitted.

"Maybe we could pose a hypothetical situation," Gretchen suggested.

Ferb raised an eyebrow, "Remember the last time that happened?"

Gretchen blushed at the memory, "Right... that didn't go over very well."

Ferb took her hand in his, and kissed it, "When you're ready, we'll tell everyone."
_

Ferb arrived five minutes before Gretchen was scheduled for break. She found him waiting outside the Radiology department. He stood up and took her hand. Together the young couple walked through the doors and Gretchen turned towards the desk just inside.

Gretchen nodded to her co-worker, "I'm here for my ultrasound."

"All right," the young woman said.

"You are going to keep this confidential, correct?"Ferb inquired.

"You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Fletcher. For now you are like any other couple," the nurse replied.

Gretchen offered a smile, "Thank you."

After the ultrasound, Gretchen was in tears. Ferb had an arm around her shoulders, trying to ease her.

"Everything will turn out fine, the technician said that this is normal," Ferb said soothingly.

"But what if it's not?" Gretchen sniffed.

"Were you not told to schedule a second scan six weeks from now?" Ferb returned.

Gretchen nodded, and spoke with the nurse at radiology desk, "I guess I need to book a follow-up for six weeks."

"Of course," The nurse responded gently and she entered the date into the computer.