Donna sat in the little office, fanning herself with a booklet she had found on the table. The Doctor was in the next room, trying to rescue the trade negotiations that had broken down shortly after they had arrived. The talks had been going on nonstop since morning, and she had excused herself because the room had suddenly felt far too warm. The Doctor had looked concerned when she left, but she had reassured him she was fine.
She lifted her hair from her neck, trying to cool off. So far this was the most interesting symptom of her pregnancy. No morning sickness yet, but the increased body temperature was inconvenient. Of course, she still needed to tell the Doctor that they had finally been successful in their babymaking project, but she hadn't found the proper moment yet. She had tried yesterday, but the biscuit aisle in the supermarket hadn't seemed to have the appropriate atmosphere. And this morning, he had been bouncing around, so eager to get to this little planet, and then of course the diplomatic emergency had consumed their time here. She really should be the one to carry the psychic paper - somehow this time it had told the locals that he was some sort of negotiator.
She turned when the door opened, and smiled when the Doctor appeared and threw himself into one of the other chairs. "They really are being difficult! Especially the union president," he said, removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes.
Donna made a sympathetic noise, but continued fanning herself. He looked at her. "Are you feeling alright?" he asked, concern causing his forehead to crinkle.
She nodded, "I'm fine. It'll pass." She took a breath. Now was as good a time as any. "I need to tell you something."
He looked alarmed. "What is it?"
She smiled. "Well, I was trying to think of a cute way to tell you, but our life being what it is," she gestured toward the other room. "I'd better just say it."
"Yes, please, just say it!"
"I'm pregnant."
He looked astonished, pleased, and terrified, all at once. "Oh, my, really? You mean..."
"Yes, really. I took three tests to be sure. Well, four. We're having a baby."
He jumped from his chair. "Are you sure you're feeling alright? Do you need some water? Are you too cold? Here, take my coat," and he had his coat off, draping it over her shoulders, then snatched it away again. "No, you said you were too warm. Maybe some ice water? Should we go outside so you can get some air? No, you should be sitting down. Ah, you are sitting down."
Donna took his hand, pulling him around to her side. She stifled her laughter. "Shhh, everything's fine. We should probably go see Martha whenever we're finished here, of course, but right now, I'm fine. Just hot!" she fanned herself again. "It's an interesting side effect. Maybe some ice water would be nice."
"Water, right!" He was out of the room like a shot, returning quickly with a pitcher of water and a glass. He handed her the water, then crouched down next to her, his hand on her arm. "Donna," he said.
When he didn't say anything else, she put her hand over his. "Yes? Not having second thoughts, are you?" she asked, her tone light.
"Bit late for that, don't you think?" he said with a grin. "I'm just...so happy." She leaned down to kiss him.
Donna's cheeks ached from smiling. She had begun to think it wouldn't happen, they had been trying for so long. But he had remained so upbeat, so supportive the whole time.
He walked over to sit on the sofa, and patted the space beside him invitingly. She sat next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head affectionately. "So, we should probably get started on the wedding planning, then."
"I suppose we should," she agreed.
"You aren't very enthusiastic about it. You might act like you want to marry me."
"It's just...I don't need a wedding to know what we mean to each other."
"Nor do I. But I think the point is to show the universe what we mean to each other. To make it public."
"Hmmm," she said. "The first day we met, you put a ring on my finger."
"So I did. And promised to keep you safe." His arm tightened around her shoulders.
"So a wedding now would really just be renewing our vows."
He laughed, "That's one way to look at it."
"Well, alright then. But I mean it - just a ceremony with us."
"Your mum will never forgive me if she's not there. Or your granddad."
Donna groaned. "Oh, no. Mum. Can we tell her about the baby after the wedding?"
" 'Course we can."
She patted his leg, "Now, you should get back in there and get them to agree so we can get out of here."
"Right you are." He stood, then leaned down to kiss her again. "Do you want to wait here?"
"For now," she said. She hoped the two sides could reach agreement soon. Suddenly she had a thought. "Doctor!" she called out, just as he reached the door.
He turned quickly, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, just... I mean, we aren't even parents yet, and I would do anything for the baby, just as you would. Do you think the president has kids?"
"Donna, you are brilliant! That just might be the tactic that breaks the stalemate! Think of the children!" And he was off.
Donna sat on the examination table, looking at a blurry ultrasound picture that Martha assured her was a picture of the baby. She reached out blindly for the Doctor's hand, and he was there, next to her, holding her hand, his other arm around her. "Can you see it?" she asked. When he didn't answer, she looked at him, surprised to find his eyes shining with tears. She squeezed his hand and said, "I'm the one who's supposed to get all emotional, silly man."
"I can see it," he said, finally. "Him. Or Her. So tiny!"
"I thought you've done all this before," she said, gently. "You've been a dad before."
"Yes, but not like this. I didn't think I'd ever be able to do this again. To start over."
Donna felt tears in her own eyes. "I know."
"You were right. You did make it better." He pressed his lips to her forehead.
Martha returned to the room. "I'll print out a picture for you to show around," she said, smiling at Donna. "I'm so happy for you. For you both."
"And how's Tom these days?" Donna asked.
"Wonderful. We'll have to have you two over for dinner sometime. Or is that too domestic?" she asked, raising her eyebrow at the Doctor.
He shook his head, "No, that would be nice."
"Well then, we'll just get you on a schedule of regular exams and get you some vitamins to take. Call me if you need anything, alright?"
Donna nodded, "Alright. Thank you."
They stood on a beach, at sunset, holding hands as the celebrant spoke the ritual words and they made their promises to each other. Sylvia and Wilf stood behind them, Sylvia dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. Donna felt his hands shake as they exchanged rings, and gave them a reassuring squeeze. When he kissed her at the end of the ceremony, his hand moved to cover her still-flat stomach in a protective gesture that melted her heart.
Her mother hugged her afterward, but said, "You might at least have let me throw a proper wedding with all of our friends."
"Mum, stop it. This was perfect. Just what we wanted. And I'm glad you are here."
Her granddad hugged her, too. "You look beautiful, sweetheart."
"Thanks, granddad."
The Doctor put his arm around her. "Well, we'll just be dropping you two off at home, and we'll be off!"
Sylvia protested, but Donna assured her they would be around to visit soon. She was glad she would soon be able to avoid any nagging about grandchildren, but she wasn't ready to tell her quite yet.
Donna stood in the kitchen, making tea. The Doctor appeared in the doorway. "So, now we begin our wedded bliss?" he asked.
She smiled, "I think we are required to. Tea's almost ready."
He took the mugs from the cupboard and brought them to her. "Where do you want to go for a honeymoon?"
"Somewhere quiet. Somewhere cool - maybe the mountains somewhere?"
"I know just the place," he said. "We can be there tomorrow."
She put her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Can I get you anythiing?" he asked, rubbing her back gently.
"No, I've got everything I need."
"Funny, so do I," he said, pulling her closer.