The following few days, every morning Ferb got up and let Gretchen sleep, as she had indeed hit a burnout. When he would leave for work in the morning, he would run a loving hand through her auburn hair, kiss her forehead, and place a hand on her abdomen to feel for their son, and would generally get a kick in response. Ferb was half way through his 'desk day' when Mr. Mason, the lawyer, called.

"Hello," Ferb paused to listen, "Speaking," a listening pause, "Yes. Yes," another pause, "That can be arranged," Ferb listened, "Thank you," he said before he hung up.

A nosy coworker overheard, "Making plans with your other half?"

Ferb focused on his work, "You could say that."

"Care to share?" the man inquired.

Ferb replied while still working, "No."

The other man smirked, he knew exactly how to get Ferb's goat, "So what is it with your hot little-"

Ferb seized the man by the collar and had him pinned to the wall within two seconds, "You say that one more time and I'll-"

Luckily for Ferb's co-worker, Will walked in, "Ferb, my boy, is everything all right?"

Ferb instantly dropped his co-worker at the sudden appearance of his father-in-law, "Everything is okay."

"What are you doing here Weiss?" Ferb's co-worker demanded.

"That is above your pay grade, Maxwell," Will retorted, using the man's last name.

Ferb scowled at the co-worker, then growled, "Get out of my space, Simon."

Simon Maxwell looked between the two men and made a hasty escape.

"You look exhausted my boy," Will noted.

Ferb shrugged, "Nothing I can't handle."

Will eyed him hard, and sat on corner of Ferb's desk, "How's my Gretchen doing?"

Ferb looked up at Will, and saw the same firmness in Will's eyes that he frequently saw in Gretchen's, then he took a breath and exhaled, "She's stressed."

Will's brow puckered, "Greta told me that she was put on a Temporary Leave of Absence."

"She is," Ferb confirmed.

"Then why is she stressed?" Will asked.

Ferb looked around, dropped his voice and switched to the older man's native language: German, "This isn't the best venue to discuss such matters."

Will replied in German, "Grab your jacket, we're going out for lunch."

Ferb nodded and didn't argue.

Will selected a small, well-priced diner not too far from the office building. Will refrained from 'interrogating,' as his daughter put it, his son-in-law until after the orders were taken. Ferb had ordered a coffee with his meal while Will went with a simple soda.

"English or German for this conversation?" Will inquired in English.

"German would be best, we don't need eavesdroppers," Ferb replied.

Will slipped back to German, albeit near accentless, "So why is she stressed?"

Ferb replied in German, his accent omnipresent, "As you know, my brother's getting married in a few months. His fiancée and Gretchen did a get to know each other better thing a few days ago."

"That has her stressed?" Will inquired.

"No...She had a run in with..," Ferb paused, hesitant to reveal the information.

"With whom?" Will pressed.

Ferb inhaled, then held the breath. He braced himself then exhaled, "Jason."

Will's green-blue eyes narrowed dangerously, "The same Jason who gave you problems?"

Ferb nodded, "The very same."

"What happened?" Will asked.

"It would seem she is being stalked," Ferb said, his tone indicating he didn't like the fact.

"Did he harm her?" Will pressed.

Ferb closed his eyes and sadly nodded.

"And your unborn child?" Will asked of his yet to be born, and third, grandchild.

"Fine," Ferb said and sighed, knowing the Germanic man wasn't going to like what he said next, "She has some mild bruising though."

"You are pressing charges correct?" Will inquired, his voice surprisingly steady.

"Yes. You're being rather-" Ferb replied, evidently surprised.

"Don't get my demeanor wrong Ferb. I would like nothing more than to snap the neck of this scum who has harmed my daughter. I'm just keeping it in check, because if I don't, well when I got angry at you when I thought you had gotten her pregnant at fifteen, that doesn't even come close to what I'm suppressing," Will said, and Ferb could easily see a rage similar to his own simmering underneath his father-in-law's seemingly clam exterior.

"I'm sorry," Ferb apologized quietly.

"For what?" Will asked.

"Not holding to my promise of keeping her safe," Ferb replied meeting the older man's eyes.

"You were at work. There was nothing you could do about it," Will said.

"I should have known she was being stalked," Ferb said, obviously on a self-punishment tangent.

"Was it obvious? Were there any strange phone calls? Any strange letters, e-mails, texts?" Will inquired.

"Not that I'm aware of," Ferb admitted.

"I want you to call me the minute you finish talking with your lawyer," Will said.

"He came over the night she was assaulted," Ferb replied.

Will gave him a tight smile, "Good. I want you to take Gretchen to the hospital this afternoon, I'll cover for you."

"Candace took her that night. I was in no fit state to drive," Ferb said.

"Oh really?" Will remarked.

"I insisted that she go that night. It was worrisome," Ferb replied.

"How long did it take for her to get checked out?" Will inquired.

"Three hours..I broke about three glasses because I gripped them so hard...I'm surprised that I didn't slice my hand open," Ferb answered.

"Is she home alone?" Will asked, slightly alarmed.

Ferb shook his head, "No, Shane is keeping an eye on her today."

"The one she treats no differently than she treats her brother?" Will inquired, surprised, but placing the name with ease.

"He thinks of her as a little sister," Ferb said with a slight shrug.

"How are you taking this?" Will asked.

Ferb shook his head again, "Not very well."

"Are you going to end up back in hospital?" Will inquired, peering at his son-in-law.

"There were a few moments the other night I thought I might," Ferb admitted then covered his face with his hands, "I'm worried about her."

"I'd be concerned if you weren't," Will replied.

"I'm worried about her safety," Ferb said.

"You need to keep calm not only for your sake but hers as well. I know all about the being worried about one's wife," Will said.

Ferb looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"What I'm about to tell you is between you and me. This information might be useful, I hope not, but you should file this away," Will said.

Ferb nodded.

"One day I came home from work and received the worst scare of my life," Will said.

Ferb raised an eyebrow.

"Trudy was just a couple of weeks away from giving birth to Gretchen. I found her sprawled, unconscious, on the kitchen floor," Will continued, the image still seared into his memory.

Ferb's eyes went wide, "What happened?"

"To this day Trudy won't tell me what she was doing when she passed out. We don't know her triggers," Will sighed.

Ferb nodded slightly, the situation sounding familiar.

Will sighed again, "You do know what an iron deficiency is?"

Ferb nodded again.

"I'm glad Gretchen doesn't have that. We sent her for blood work when she was young," Will remarked, looking relieved.

Ferb became worried, and paused before speaking, "Actually, she does."

Will's eyes went wide and he sat in a stunned silence for a moment, "My Gretchen? Does she have any triggers?"

Ferb nodded, "Stress is one. Anxiety is another. She's been on iron supplements and an iron rich diet for the duration of her pregnancy. She will have to continue taking the supplements indefinitely."

"Has she ever blacked out?" Will inquired.

"Yes," Ferb admitted.

"When?" Will demanded.

"The first I know of is when I was hospitalized for my leg though she just barely admitted it a few months ago...And more recently, Valentine's day and a couple of days afterward," Ferb replied.

Will slammed his drink down on the table, a fair quantity splashed out on the table. His German became more angular and harsh, a clear indicator that he was angry, "You never said anything."

Ferb fought to keep his emotions in check, "We didn't want to give anyone cause for concern."

Will glared at him, "She's my daughter."

Ferb narrowed his eyes and defended, "Gretchen is my wife!"

"Are we going to have another-" Will began.

"I assume that your father-in-law isn't aware of your wife's anemia," Ferb cut him off.

"No he is not. It has never come up nor will it ever," Will replied tightly.

"And why haven't you mentioned it?" Ferb inquired, keeping his voice even.

"There was no need to cause him worry," Will replied.

Ferb sat back in his chair, and crossed his arms over his chest, his point made.

"You hit below the belt," Will noted.

Ferb's lips twitched slightly.

"But I see your point," Will continued.

Ferb nodded.

"But the blood work never showed it when she was a child," Will said.

"Gretchen said they asked her what she had the night before for dinner. So it may have been an accidental sabotage, She subconsciously did that herself when they did the prenatal work for her," Ferb replied.

"Everything else is going well with the pregnancy?" Will inquired.

Ferb nodded again, "We've not been told about any other concerns."

"I'm glad to hear that," Will said.

Ferb switched back to English, "I understand that you lost your oldest dog last year."

Will responded in English, "Rueger? He was pretty old, We got him when Greta was five."

"She was pretty upset to learn that he had passed," Ferb said.

"The two we have left are pretty old as well. Would you ever consider getting a dog?" Will asked.

"I can't," Ferb replied then noting the look on Will's face, explained, "I'm allergic and I'm well aware of Gretchen's allergy to cats."

"I didn't know you were allergic to dogs," Will said surprised.

Ferb shrugged, "I manage."

"How have Greta's allergies been this year?" Will inquired, knowing that this was one of the times of year when his daughter's allergies acted up.

"Actually, she's not been bothered by them. Must be a side effect of her pregnancy," Ferb answered.

"Possibly," Will said.

"Even with those rumors, did you notice any changes in Gretchen before we told you?" Ferb asked.

"Trudy noted it before I did," Will admitted.

"My family didn't really notice until something was said," Ferb said.

"We did raise her you know," Will pointed out.

Ferb nodded, "I suggested that we keep everything under wraps; to lessen her stress levels."

"Did it work?" Will asked.

"For the most part, yes," Ferb replied.

"Then what?" Will inquired.

"A chain reaction of unfortunate events," Ferb said with a sigh.

"What kind of chain?" Will asked.

"Normally my brother isn't all that observant...He made a pudgy comment, Gretchen overheard, I calmed her down then played interference anytime he was gonna try to talk to her," Ferb said.

Will gave a slight nod.

"He made another comment, I decked him, he asked me what my problem was and the ensuing irritation with him caused my back to spasm," Ferb continued.

"That's not good," Will noted.

Ferb continued, "Phineas got his daughter, Lillian, to go get Gretchen...She forced me to adjust my back and I told her that she wanted to be careful."

"That's when it became apparent that she was pregnant?" Will inquired.

Ferb nodded, "Exactly. When she was bending forward to help me hyper extend my back, it must have been obvious."

"That's not the best way to announce a pregnancy," Will remarked.

"I'm glad she was just upset and didn't pass out. I don't think I could have explained that," Ferb said.

"So you plan to keep the anemia under wraps?" Will inquired.

"The only way anyone will find out is if she passes out in front of family, and she is very adamant on the fact. She's very stubborn at times," Ferb replied.

"Strong-willed is more like it," Will said with a slight chuckle.

"She's called me 'mule-headed,'" Ferb said.

"You're a strong-willed individual as well. I've often wondered how the two of you settle your arguments," Will admitted.

Ferb raised an eyebrow, "We look at the issue logically and come to an agreeable solution."

"That's good," Will noted.

"There have been a few arguments where I've spent the night in the den," Ferb admitted.

"You would spend the night?" Will asked, surprised.

"We may have argued but I still love her," Ferb replied.

"Rule number one of marriage, don't go to bed angry," Will advised.

"I can assure you that neither of us get much sleep. However, in the morning, we're willing to listen to the other's point of view," Ferb said.

"Marriage is a partnership, you're not supposed to keep score," Will said.

"There is no 'right or wrong'. It's just 'pizza topping' arguments," Ferb said in agreement.

"I've never heard that term," Will remarked.

"With a clear head, one can see how silly the argument was in the first place and a simple compromise can be made," Ferb explained.

Will nodded, "Understandable."

"I have learned that when it gets around 'that time,' it's best to drop the subject. There's a saying I've heard and I think it can apply to Gretchen," Ferb said.

"And that would be?" Will inquired.

"'The Sweetest kittens have the SHARPEST claws,'" Ferb answered.

"First time I've heard that," Will replied.

"A friend of mine at school used to say it," Ferb said with a shrug.

"Are you planning on having another child?" Will asked.

"Gretchen's not opposed to the idea, however, she said she should wait a few months to a year after this one," Ferb replied.

"Are you going to keep that one a secret?" Will inquired.

"Time will tell," Ferb replied.

"She might show earlier next time," Will pointed out.

"Time will tell," Ferb repeated.

"You might want to put an age gap between them though," Will suggested.

"Our concern is that it took four years for this one," Ferb said.

"You think it might be that long again?" Will asked.

"It's hard to tell. There are many factors that come into play," Ferb answered.

"I know you care for and respect her, just don't pressure her into something neither of you are ready for," Will said.

"I won't. That is something you'll never have to worry about," Ferb replied.

"Good. Good," Will said.

"Gretchen didn't want me to tell you about the other day," Ferb admitted.

"Why?" Will inquired, confused.

"She's your daughter. She knows more about what will anger you and what won't. Although the past few days have caused her to just burnout. She was still asleep when I left," Ferb replied.

"And the baby?" Will asked.

"Fine, he kicked my hand when I felt for him," Ferb replied.

Will and Ferb finished their lunch and returned to work. The rest of Ferb's work day was uneventful. When Ferb pulled in, not only was Gretchen's Jetta in the garage but Shane's dark blue Ford Focus was in the driveway as well. Ferb pulled his BMW into the garage and he came inside.

"Gretchen?" Ferb called out.

"In the living room," was the reply.

Shane smiled as Ferb entered the living room, "Ferb, it's good to see you again. You remember Percy?"

Percy Grace waved, "Hello."

Ferb nodded at Percy, a slender man with jet black hair and steel green eyes, "Shane, Percy. It's good to see you as well."

"How was work?" Gretchen asked.

Ferb didn't exactly meet her eyes, "The usual."

Gretchen sighed, "What happened?"

"Nothing happened, I spoke with the lawyer, had lunch with your father, absolutely nothing," Ferb said quickly.

"Ferb? Is there-" Gretchen began.

Ferb gave a fleeting smile, "Who wants a drink?"

Shane indicated table with drinks and food, "We've got some, thank you."

Gretchen got up, "Let me get you something dear."

Ferb waved her off, "Just relax, I'll be right back."

Gretchen sat back down and Ferb went into the kitchen.

"I know that look, Starshine, your mind is going a mile a minute," Shane said noticing the expression that came over her face.

"Why do I get the feeling that she's planning something?" Percy asked.

"More than likely she already has two or three plans formulated," Shane corrected.

Ferb was in the kitchen making a pot of tea, he took his medication and made himself a quick sandwich and cookie.

Gretchen lowered her voice, "I'm worried about him."

Shane glanced toward kitchen, "You don't think anything's going to happen to him do you?"

Gretchen pursed her lips, "I'm not sure," then the baby moved making her uncomfortable, and she was unable to contain a groan.

"What's happening?" Percy asked nervously.

"Gretchen?" Shane called, then stood up, and crossed over to her, "Gretchen!"

"I'm fine Shane, he just decided to move a little," Gretchen managed to say finally.

"No sharp pain?" Shane asked.

"I'd think you would know, Ducky," Gretchen replied.

Shane laughed lightly, "Okay if you're calling me that."

"Ducky?" Percy asked.

"He wore yellow Ducky scrubs to work and one of the kids called out 'Ducky!' upon seeing his scrubs," Gretchen explained.

Ferb had come into living room with the commotion, "You're sure there's nothing wrong?"

Gretchen gave him a soft smile, "Yes dear, I'm fine. I think someone's starting to run out of room, that's all."

"It's not time yet," Ferb noted.

"You're right, it's not time yet. He's just getting bigger, that's normal," Gretchen replied.

"I understand that you're a little on edge, but the increase in movement is encouraging," Shane said.

"How often did your niece move before she arrived?" Ferb inquired.

"Everyday until the day before," Shane laughed, "My sister would swear her daughter would do that just to spite her."

Gretchen stifled a laugh, "So far he's been a good lad."

"He's more than likely already on your current sleep schedule," Percy suggested.

"Good thing you're not a night owl, Starshine," Shane noted.

"I'm not very good in the mornings right now either," Gretchen admitted.

"That's to be expected," Shane said.

"Have you any suggestions I can use to make everything easier?" Ferb inquired of the two men, both of whom had nieces and nephews.

"You're doing a wonderful job, keep doing what you're doing," Percy suggested.

Shane nodded in agreement, "Some husbands aren't exactly sympathetic to their wives. My brother-in-law for example."

"Shane, I thought you let that go," Gretchen remarked.

"She broke his hand, so a bit of payback," Shane said.

"Shane..." both Gretchen and Percy warned.

"You're with her at every turn, and that's a good thing, Ferb," Shane said.

"There's got to be something more I can do," Ferb said.

"You're doing more than enough," Gretchen replied.

"Not many women will say that," Shane pointed out.

"I agree," Percy said with a nod.

"But-" Ferb tried saying.

"Ferb, you're doing more than enough. You don't go into a tizzy every time the baby makes me uncomfortable," Gretchen cut him off.

Ferb snorted, remembering Sienna's pregnancy with Lillian, and how Phineas reacted, "Are you referring to-"

"Yup. He freaks over every little thing," Gretchen interjected.

"Candace never said she was uncomfortable. Neither did Sienna," Ferb said.

Gretchen pointed out something gently, "Both of whom are much taller than I am."

"Ferb, you have to think of a baby like a seed. It starts small and expands until it cracks it's shell and breaks out," Shane said.

Ferb looked worried at the analogy, clearly that wasn't the best analogy to make.

"Instead of cracking a shell, the baby will cause it's mother to go into labor," Percy tried amending.

Ferb still looked a little worried.

"It's fine. Nothing like that will happen," Gretchen assured her husband.

"I'm aware of the concept of pregnancy. I've never been directly involved," Ferb remarked.

"Maybe you should talk to your brother," Shane suggested.

"Ferb's brother was working long hours during most of his girlfriend's pregnancy, he's not the best person to ask," Gretchen said.

"I could ask Jeremy. He wasn't working long hours when Candace had the boys," Ferb said after a moment's thought.

"There you go," Percy said.

"Jeremy would probably be easier to talk to as well," Gretchen noted.

"Why's that?" Shane asked.

"He won't laugh," Ferb said.

"That's important. There's nothing worse than being ridiculed," Percy remarked.

"I'm sure if you called you can arrange a time to talk to him," Gretchen suggested.

Ferb nodded.

"How frequently does your brother-in-law work?" Shane asked.

"Depends on his work schedule," Ferb replied.

"Jeremy's in management," Gretchen explained.

"So, he's usually home in the evenings?" Shane inquired.

Ferb nodded, "I'm going to start dinner, any requests?"

"I don't want to impose," Percy said.

"If you want a little help, I'd love some of your lasagna," Shane said.

"All right," Ferb said with a slight smile, after all, it had been a while since he made some.

"I'll give you a hand then," Shane said.

Gretchen stood up.

"You don't have to-" Ferb began.

Gretchen gave him a look, "Your son is putting a tad bit of pressure on my bladder."

"Sorry, love," Ferb apologized, embarrassed that he had jumped to a conclusion.

"Every little twitch," Gretchen remarked to Percy.

Percy smiled, "You lucked out darling."

Gretchen smiled then headed for the bathroom.