It had been three months since Howard left for astronaut training and his space exploration. Today was the day he was finally come home. Bernadette waited patiently at the gate for her husband to walk through the tunnel. She could hardly contain the excitement she felt, imagining the look on Howard's face when she finally told him the good news of her pregnancy. Bernadette was four months along now and it was becoming difficult to hide the news as well as her growing bump from her friends. She had been so carful at work these past few months, telling her boss the news, and accepting a temporary desk position as she did not want to expose the fetus to viruses and chemicals. This time it would happen, it had to happen.

Howard Wolowitz could hardly wait to wrap his arms around his loving wife. He had missed her so much during this exploration. However, he also couldn't wait to get her back into bed with him, space was a lonely place! These past three months, without his Bernie, were torture in more ways than one. Howard tapped his foot impatiently, as he stood to exit the plane and step foot in the airport. As soon as the line moved, he and his fellow astronauts were greeted by fans and large cameras from the news crews. Through all of the commotion of the crowd, he peered behind them to search for his little wife. Howard spotted her towards the back, crooning her neck in search of him. He pushed through the ocean of people, running towards her, screaming, "Bernie, Bernie," flailing his arms like a maniac. She saw him, smiled and blushed, unrolling the sign in her hands. Displayed in blue and pink were letters that read 'Welcome Home Daddy', with the ultrasound picture placed perfectly in view. Howard's steps slowed as he approached his wife. He cupped her face in his hands and with tears welling in his eyes asked her…

"Bernie, is it true?"

"Yes, Howie, yes it's true," she whispered with the largest smile on her face.

Crocodile tears rolled down Howard's cheeks as he passionately kissed his wife. He then knelt before her, gently grabbed her hips to pull her towards him, and through her dress, he kissed his sweet baby.

The couple arrived home and began the transition back into normal life. After a very long talk with a reluctant Howard that it would not hurt the baby, the two made love. As Howard Wolowitz laid in bed, he pondered the excellent news he had just received. He looked towards his sleeping wife who now seemed to radiate a glow from the life inside of her. Howard slowly lifted up her shirt to expose a very small, but very noticeable bump under his wife's skin. 'How did she hide this?' he mused as he rubbed his hand across it in a circular motion.

"Hi baby," he began as he laid his head just above his wife's hip, "I'm…your daddy! I know you haven't heard much from me, but don't worry, I have a really cool excuse, I was in space. Isn't that awesome baby, your daddy has been to space! But don't worry baby, I promise that will be the longest time I will ever be away from you for the rest of your life." Howard began to tear up, remembering the lack of a father he had growing up, "I don't know if I'll be an amazing daddy, but I will try my best and I will never abandon you, I can promise you that. I mean I barely know you and I already love you…more than anything." He choked.

Hearing her husband's soft sobs caused Bernadette to wake up. She listened as he spoke with so much admiration for his unborn baby. Bernadette began to tear up herself. She ruffled Howard's dark hair and coaxed his head up to her level.

"Howie, you are going to be the best daddy in the whole world," she cooed, "you my dear, have nothing to worry about."

"Bernie," He began with the most intense stare, "I promise you, that I will never, ever, be like my old man. I love you and this baby more than anything in the entire universe, and I would know I've seen the universe! Please, never forget that!"

With a smile on her face, Bernadette replied, "I never have, Howard Wolowitz, and I never will."

Howard breathed a sigh of relief as he snuggled back up to his Bernie, placing a tender kiss upon her forehead. Bernadette soon fell asleep, but Howard remained awake, rubbing her belly, soaking in the joy of this moment he was able to bond with his own baby.