"Anyone home," Jamie checked the study first, surprised to find it empty. He continued through the hall towards the lit up kitchen. His dad and grandpa both looked up smiling at him but couldn't get past the worried expressions. "Thanks for letting me come over."

The former detectives quietly watched Jamie take a seat across the table from them, fold his hands in front of him and take a breath. They could tell that whatever brought Jamie here for a talk was huge. Frank spoke first, "Anytime you need Jamie. You are always welcome here. What's going on son? "

Another breath and Jamie looked from his father's blue eyes to his grandpa's. In front of him were the two men responsible for who he was today and he only hoped to be that strong of a father to his child. "I need to tell you something and it's pretty big," Jamie said slowly, realizing it was now or never.

Neither Frank nor Henry spoke a word so Jamie could get his thoughts together. The kitchen fell silent while he did for several long minutes. Finally Jamie spoke again, "I've been training on the beach in Long Island and I met a woman there. We've been seeing each other for the past few months. Her name is Eddie Janko, she lives in the country club houses with her parents."

The older men only nodded quietly waiting for the hit. As far as they were concerned dating a girl from the country club wasn't huge news. "She's smart, beautiful, funny and we just have a real connection. We've been together for about seven and a half months and today she came to my apartment upset. " Jamie's heart raced faster, "She told me she's pregnant. We're going to the doctor to confirm but it's mine."

Again the kitchen fell silent while Frank and Henry digested the news. Henry only muttered oh my under his breath but Frank was more outspoken, "Jamie, you've been with this girl who you only knew a few months and now she's pregnant with your baby? Is this what I'm hearing." He never expected to hear this from Jamie, their golden boy who followed all the rules.

"Yeah dad."

Frank blew out the breath he held, hoping he was wrong. "Jamie, this isn't like you at all. You don't go sleeping around with girls you barely know. We didn't raise you like that. We raised you to get married first. So even if it was her idea you should have known better, protected yourself."

"No dad, it was both of us. We are both responsible for our actions. I don't just sleep with anyone but Eddie is special," Jamie replied. "I only want to be with her."

Shaking his head Frank gave his temples a small massage from the incoming headache that started pounded. "You don't get it Jamie. What you both did was irresponsible and I am very disappointed. But now it's done so you are going to step up and help her raise this child. Any ideas on how to do that Jamie? You're still a rookie beat cop. How are you going to support a girlfriend and your baby. If it is yours."

"It is dad! Eddie and I are together all the time. We love each other and I know it's my child. We can get an apartment together so the baby has a room. I'll take an extra shift so I can. Eddie is still in school so I want her to finish," Jamie answered.

"Eddie is in school still? How old is this girl?" Frank wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer but it came anyway.

Jamie shifted in the chair, "She's twenty in her second year so it'll be best for her to finish. With a college degree there's more opportunities and I'd rather not put more stress on her while she's pregnant unless we really need the money. Once she has the baby it'll be different."

"Different how Jamie? She's twenty years old, pregnant and still in college. She's twenty years old Jamie! She's so very young and now life as you both know it will change in a drastic way," Frank sighed. "Does her parents know?"

"Yeah, Eddie told them. They disowned her for embarrassing the family. She only has me now and our baby," Jamie paused. "And I hope the family. I know it's a big change but I see this as God gifted us with a baby. I am going to step up for them."

Frank's shoulders hunched over his large frame as his head shook again. "It is a gift but also a responsibility you both are now responsible for and not ready for yet. You will see that," he stood without giving his father or son a second glance and disappeared upstairs.

"Just give him time to absorb the news Jamie. I will tell Erin and Danny the news tomorrow. Your responsibility is that girl and your baby," Henry told him gently and firmly. "I get where he's coming from Jamie. You just gave him huge news and while I don't agree with the circumstances they are family now. And there's nothing more important then family. Anything you need just let me know."

His grandfather's reassurance brought a smile on Jamie after the lecture from his father. "Thank you Pop. I really appreciate it. We're going to need support at least in the beginning," he sighed. "Once Eddie is ready I'll invite you over to meet her. She's amazing Pop."

Henry saw the loving twinkle in his grandson's eyes which reminded him of how he looked at his Betty all those years. "I can't wait to meet her."

The two sat making small talk for a couple of more minutes before Jamie said goodbye to have dinner with Eddie. Freshly baked lasagna hit him soon as he walked into the apartment. Eddie stood in the kitchen over a still steaming pan but looked up hearing the door. "Hey, just in time," she smiled, walking around his counter to kiss him. "How'd it go."

One look as he circled his arms around her told her how it went. "Pop is on board to help us. He's going to tell my sister and Danny but dad wasn't to happy about the news. Pop said give him time so I have a feeling he's going to talk to him."

Eddie's eyes moved up to meet his, "I'm sorry Jamie. Do you think your dad will change his mind? What will your brother and sister say?"

Quietly cupping her hand while leading them to the table Jamie only shrugged. "Dad can be very set in his ways so I don't know really. Erin will be thrilled and Danny is going to tease me endlessly but he'll be happy I think."

"But that's fine. We'll make it work. We can start looking for a bigger apartment and did you call the doctor yet," Jamie asked.

"Yeah, I remember you saying you have off on Wednesday or a late job so I made it for early Wednesday at ten."

With that settled they sat back and enjoyed the lasagna Eddie made with a side of corn, spinach and buttered biscuits. The conversation turned to planning for the future that would come quickly. After dinner Jamie helped clean up then took her hand. "I want to show you something nearby," he whispered.

Their hands intertwined as Jamie led her past several blocks of houses and apartments to the promenade that overlooked Manhattan. The sun was only beginning to fade slowly, painting splashes of red and orange against the darkening blue sky. Below them the water twinkled like white diamonds, still other then when a ferry or cruise boat disturbed the otherwise calm water

"Wow, this is beautiful," Eddie breathed out while she leaned forward on the rail smiling.

Jamie never took his gaze off her, "Yeah it is." He moved an arm around Eddie and turned to watch the sunset with her. Not ready to head back home they walked around the avenue, into a small ice cream shop.

The owners, a couple who grew up in that neighborhood themselves happily served them a banana float to share in one of the booths beside a window. While they ate the couple held hands, occasionally looking out the window at people passing by. Eddie ate most of the treat but that was fine with Jamie. He was content with just watching her.

Even after the ice cream finished they sat in the booth in no hurry to leave. Jamie moved to sit beside Eddie, putting an arm around her slowly. She contently laid her head on his shoulder just enjoying being with him.

It wasn't until the shop closed at ten did they start back to the apartment at a slow pace. Eddie turned just inside the doorway after Jamie closed the door, resting both hands on his waist. "Tonight was great," she rocked up onto her toes to give him a kiss.

Jamie circled his arms around her waist smiling as he tipped his head to return the kiss gently. "I love you Eddie. "

They leaned in closer for another kiss that eventually led them into the bedroom. Jamie carefully held Eddie close to him for a deeper connection. "Jamie," Eddie's fingers rubbed against his shoulders leaving marks as their rhythm matched. Whether it was the hormones or just depth Eddie felt her body shaking, unable to hold back from calling his name loudly.

He watched her intently from beginning until she finished ten minutes after he did. Eddie met his eyes unable to speak at first but smiled up at him while she caught her breath. "I love you too," she finally managed.

That night Eddie rested on his chest happily cuddling against his warm body. Her eyes closed but she was awake thinking this is what their life would be like. Coming home to each other, waking up by each other's side. She smiled easing into a deep sleep unaware of how the pregnancy would affect them.