(AN: Thank you for all the reviews, you guys are awesome. Here is Ch9. I hope you guys enjoy it. ~Krista Hardy)

Chapter 9

"Hello?" Stephanie answered her phone.

"Stephanie, it's Doctor Willard. I have your lab results in front of me." the doctor stated.

"Ok. What are they?" Stephanie asked nervously.

"You are slightly anemic and you are 9 weeks pregnant. I want you start taking iron pills and prenatal vitamins. Congratulations." Dr. Willard stated.

"Thank you doctor." Stephanie responded.

"What did the doctor say?" Matt asked.

"I'm 9 weeks pregnant. And I'm slightly anemic." Stephanie answered as she took in the news.

"Pregnant? Really? That's great! Brendon will have a baby brother or sister!" Matt exclaimed.

"That he will. Why don't we go inside. Everyone is waiting for us." Stephanie responded with a smile.

Once Matt and Stephanie were in the house, Beth could tell that something was going on, but no one said a word. Matt and Stephanie decided to wait for a better night to announce the pregnancy. After spending some time at Jeff and Beth's house, Matt, Stephanie and Brendon headed home.

When they pulled up to their house, Amy was standing outside their front door. Matt and Stephanie exchanged looks before Matt put the car in park. Stephanie didn't want Amy anywhere near her family, and Matt felt the same way.

"Stay here with Brendon. I will deal with her." Matt stated as he got out of the car and walked up to the front door. "Amy, why are you here? I thought I told you not to come around here anymore."

"I have something I need to tell you and I think that Stephanie should hear it too." Amy told him.

"I don't think so. There is nothing that you could possibly have to say to us. And if you go anywhere near my girlfriend and my son, I will press charges against you." Matt responded.

Amy finally gave up and stormed off. Once she was gone, Matt helped get Stephanie and Brendon out of the car and into the house. Matt immediately called his lawyer to find out what he could do to protect Stephanie and Brendon. His lawyer advised him that unless they were married, Stephanie could not be added to a policy, only Brendon could.

Over the next few days Matt spent a lot of time thinking about his life and his family. Early one Saturday morning, Matt called his best friend and his brother to meet him at Millers in town. Both Jeff and Shane were confused as to why Matt wanted to meet with them alone and so early.

"Matt, why the early call?" Shane asked as they joined Matt at a table.

"I need both of your help. Jeff, I want you to come with me to the mall, Shane I want you to help me set up the most romantic setting possible. Tonight is the night." Matt answered.

After breakfast, Matt and Jeff headed to the mall so that Matt could pick out the perfect ring. Meanwhile, Shane reserved a private section in the most romantic restaurant in Cameron. Matt couldn't wait to make Stephanie his wife.

Meanwhile, back at the house, Stephanie was playing with Brendon on the living room floor, when her phone chimed. She looked at her phone and saw it was a message from Matt. He asked her to find a babysitter for tonight. Stephanie then dialed Beth's number.

"Hey Beth. It's Steph. I was wondering if you and Jeff would be willing to watch Brendon tonight for while?" Stephanie asked.

"Sure. We would love to." Beth responded already knowing the plans for that night.

Later that night, Matt and Stephanie got ready to go and dropped Brendon off with Jeff and Beth. Stephanie was kinda curious as to what Matt had planned for that night. Once they were in the car and on the road, Stephanie looked over at Matt and tried to think of what was going through his head.

"Matt, where are you taking me?" Stephanie asked.

"It's a surprise. I'm sure you'll like it." Matt answered.

Once they arrived at the restaurant, they were escorted to the reserved area. There were red roses on the table and candles lit all around the tables. Stephanie was in awe at the sight before her. Once Stephanie and Matt were seated, the waiter brought over sparkling apple cider and then left again.

"Steph, you have been by my side for three years and we have had our share of ups and downs. You've given me a son and I am very thankful for that. There is only one thing that could make me even happier. I love you with all my heart. Stephanie, will you marry me?" Matt proposed.

"I love you too! And yes I will marry you!" Stephanie responded.

Matt slipped the ring on her finger and sealed their engagement with a kiss. After their dinner, Matt and Stephanie headed back to Jeff and Beth's house. When they pulled up they noticed Gilbert's truck parked out front as well.

"Well, we might as well tell them all since your dad is here." Stephanie stated.

"Sounds good. When do you want to tell them about the pregnancy?" Matt asked.

"Let's tell them everything tonight. After all we're almost 12 weeks along and I'll start showing soon." Stephanie answered.

"Ok." Matt responded as they headed into the house. "Since everyone is here, Stephanie and I have two announcements."

"What is it?" Beth asked.

"First, Stephanie has agreed to become my wife." Matt answered.

"Second, we are going to have another baby. We're 11 weeks as of two days ago." Stephanie answered.

"Congratulations to both of you on both events." Beth responded as she hugged Matt and Stephanie.

Once Matt and Stephanie got Brendon home and in bed, they headed to bed. Stephanie couldn't help but admire her engagement ring. Matt picked out the perfect ring and she couldn't wait to become Mrs. Matthew Moore Hardy. Once Matt finally came to bed, they curled up and fell asleep in each others arms.