Chapter Nine:

ONE YEAR LATER

One year on, and life couldn't be any better for the Nelsons. After Tony and Jeannie had finally had that long needed talk, they were able to mourn the loss of their baby together.

Jeannie suggested a great way to remember their little one was to create a plaque in memory of them. Tony thought this was a fabulous idea, and was glad to see that, instead of falling deeper and deeper into depression, Jeannie was really trying to fight it, finding new ways to help her grieve, and he couldn't be more proud of her.

Things had changed quite a bit since the accident. Tony and Jeannie were now closer than ever and Tony had received a promotion at work. They also now had a pet dog (the non-magical kind – though Djinn Djinn did pop in for visits more than Tony cared for). Tony had suggested this to Jeannie while she was still struggling, as he thought it would help, and he was right. Jeannie needed something to care for, and if they weren't able to have a baby at the present time, a dog was the next best thing.

Jeannie smothered the dog with so much love, but Tony didn't think the dog minded one bit, either did he for that matter. If the way she took care of the dog was any indication, he could almost imagine what she would someday be like to their children. She would be a terrific mother. He loved watching her fuss over the dog; he thought it was just adorable.

This was not all that was different though. The biggest (and best) change was that Tony and Jeannie were now expecting their first child! Jeannie was now 7 months pregnant, and both expectant parents couldn't be happier. Tony was able to experience all the things he didn't get to with Jeannie's first pregnancy: doctor's appointments, first kick, painting the nursery, Jeannie's weird cravings, morning sickness and mood swings, buying all the necessities, and Tony's favourite, seeing the pregnancy glow that surrounded Jeannie. She looked absolutely beautiful, pregnancy definitely suited her.

Her maternal instincts were already present, she would sing, read, and talk to her baby bump.

They had even picked out the baby's name. They weren't sure what sex it would be yet, but if it was a girl, her name would be Abigail Elizabeth Nelson, and if it was a boy, Michael Anthony Nelson. Neither Tony nor Jeannie cared what sex the baby was, as long as he or she was happy and healthy.

He had also suggested to Jeannie she read a book to help her prepare for the baby: "What to expect when you're expecting", and also "Baby's first year". He wasn't sure how different having a baby as a mere mortal was compared to having a genie (or in their case, a possible half genie), but he was sure she wasn't totally clued into what she would have to go through.

They weren't even sure if this child, or any other child they may have, would have any magical powers. Tony could say with certainty that he would love their children to be the spitting image of their mother, but the one thing he didn't want them inheriting were her powers.

She was much better now, but when he had first met her, she hadn't had much practice as she had been trapped in her bottle for two thousand years. However, if their children did end up being half genies, he would deal with it, and would not love them any less.

Tony and Jeannie were huddled up on the couch together in each others arms, Tony watching TV, and Jeannie reading her book.

They had many nights like this, relaxing in each others arms. Once upon a time, Tony would be spending all his spare time outside of work hours conducting experiments, catching up with work, or heading out for the night with Roger. He still did all those things (with the occasional boy's poker night), but just not as often.

'Anthony?' Jeannie said.

'Mm?'

'Do you think I'll make a good mother?'

'Of course I do. Where's this coming from, darling?'

'Oh, it's nothing. It's just that as the date for the baby to be born gets closer, I'm just getting..' She paused, trying to think of the word.

'Scared?' Tony guessed.

'Yes.'

'Darling, that's a perfectly normal feeling for any expectant mother, especially if this is her first. You're going to make a fantastic mother. You want to know how come I know?'

'How?'

'Because you are the sweetest, gentlest, and most compassionate woman I know. You already take such good care of me and the dog. You were born to become a mother, and you're going to do great. But you know what? I'm scared too. Neither of us have done this before, but as long as we have each other, I know we can handle anything that comes to us.'

'But what if the baby doesn't like me?'

'There's no way the baby couldn't like you, Jeannie. As soon as they place the baby in your arms for the first time, and he or she looks up at you with their big, beautiful eyes, you're going to be the happiest person in the world, and then you'll forget that you were ever scared. You won't be able to take your eyes off the baby and you won't even be able to think of why you were scared in the first place.' He assured her.

Tony's answer seemed to satisfy Jeannie, as she visibly relaxed in his arms, and she gave him the most beautiful smile he had ever seen.

'I love you, Anthony.'

'I love you too, Jeannie.' He said; as he leaned down to kiss her.

Their lives may have taken them on a downward spiral for a while, but with the support and love for each other, they were able to move on and pick up the pieces, though they would never forget. They were now stronger than ever, and they intended to stay that way.

A/N: So I hope the ending wasn't too sappy for you! I'm so glad I've finally finished this story! Thank you all so much for sticking with me on this, and leaving your reviews, suggestions and comments. It really did help give me a push to finish this story. Thank you! xxx