Chapter 3: The Big Reveal

A/N: First off, thanks to so many folks reading, following and favoriting the story, it is kind of unexpected and greatly appreciated. What originally started out as an experiment as a 1-2 chapter story has sort of taken on a life of its own. I have intentionally started at their first anniversary for a reason. So many stories already cover the dating aspect so let's give that a rest, ok?

It was not long after lunchtime when Nick and Judy pulled to a stop in front of her parent's home. Bonnie had been sitting on a bench in the shade in front of the burrow apparently waiting for them, obviously expecting them to be on time for lunch. Relief showed in the elder bunnies' eyes when they came into view.

"Well, it's about time you two showed up" Bonnie declared with mock seriousness. "How was your trip, and...where did you get that ...THING?"

Judy giggled and said "Well, the motorcycle was an anniversary gift to us from Nick, and the trip was...eventful to say the least. I'll...well, we'll ...tell you about it when dad gets home. Where is he by the way?"

"Your father got tired of waiting, you know how he is, and went to check on the blueberry bushes. I guess to make sure we had enough to keep Nick well fed! In the mean time, (casting a sideways glance at the bike) how about something cool to drink, you look like you could use it after your drive...ride...trip, whatever..."

"Bonnie, you always did know the way to my heart, it's a good thing you are already taken, or Fluff here might have some serious competition... OWWW!" as Judy punched Nick on the arm, a little harder that the last time and gave him a 'shut the hell up or else' look.

"And just what, pray tell, did you get for Nick?" Bonnie asked Judy.

Before Judy could answer Nick quickly spoke up with a sly grin on his muzzle, "That will all be made clear once Stu gets home. It was a bit of a surprise to say the least.!, OWWW...will...you ...stop... that?"

"As the three sat on the bench in front of the burrow, Stu finally made his appearance. Well, I see you finally made it, how is my second favorite married couple?"

"Second favorite dad, really?" Judy asked with a slightly playful frown. "And who would be the first?"

"Why, me and your mom of course", Stu grinned and winked at Bonnie who gave a slight blush, while Judy just rolled her eyes and Nick grinned.

"He got ya there Carrots" said Nick.

"NOT helping Slick" replied a scowling Judy.

After the laughter subsided, Bonnie looked at Judy and asked "So, now that Stu is finally here, tell us Judy, what did you get Nick for your anniversary?"

"All in due time, first let us tell you about the trip, THEN we will tell you about the 'gift', I want to save the best for last."

First, Judy related the run in with the gang members, Stu and Bonnie gasped and exchanged worried glances, then Nick interjected with how the vets group showed up in the nick of time and saved the day. That's when Judy told them about Mr. Silver presenting her with Ronald's ID tag. The entire group got teary eyed and Judy asked her parents what they thought should be done with it. Stu looked at Bonnie and told Judy "You keep it, the gentle mammal gave it to you and you were so close to Ronnie, it should stay with you." A very teary bunny hugged her parents.

Then it was Nick's turn, he related his tale of a sister that he never got to know, to play with and to tease as all siblings do, "I guess that's one reason I'm always teasing Carrots like I do." More tears were shed and hugs shared, and finally Judy decided the time was right for the big announcement...

With a steady shade of pink rising from her muzzle reaching all the way to the tips of her ears, Judy said "OK, here goes...it's a kit, mom I'm PREGNANT."

With a slightly shocked look on her muzzle, Bonnie asked "How in the world did that happen?"

Judy shot a quick desperate look at Nick, saw the smirk and quickly said "Nick... no... please."

With the best deadpan look he could muster Nick replied "Why Bonnie, I thought with over 300 kits, you would have figured that out by now!" "OWWWW...really...again?"

Stu and Bonnie looked at each other with slightly startled looks, then all four burst out laughing, which continued until they were just too tired to laugh any more.

Judy looked at her parents and asked "Mom, dad, if our kit is a boy, we thought about naming him Ronald, if that's ok with you."

Bonnie and Stu both tearfully agreed that Ronald would be a perfect name for the kit.

"On another serious note" Judy remarked, "I think my doctor tried to explain a few things to me, but I was so shocked I didn't really hear a thing she was saying after the 'you're pregnant' part. I'm going to call on Monday to set up an appointment to get the particulars. And Nick, you are going with me. Don't give me that look, you got me into this mess, you're going and that's final" giving him a look that let him know that he had absolutely NO choice in the matter.

Totally defeated, all Nick could say was "Yes dear." which of course got everyone laughing again.

Before Bonnie could ask any more questions concerning Judy's 'condition', a fairly new Furrd station wagon pulled up the drive. It was Darlene, one of Judy's younger sisters and her 4 kits.

Upon seeing Nick and Judy, the kits launched themselves at the slightly startled fox, yelling "Uncle Nick, Uncle Nick" at the top of their lungs. Darlene's husband had been killed in a farming accident just over a year ago, and oddly enough the kits had adopted Nick as surrogate father figure. After several minutes of seeing a bunny covered fox rolling around on the ground, Darlene told the kits that enough was enough for now and please let uncle Nick catch his breath. This was greeted by a half-hearted "AWWWW" from the kits, who none the less complied.

"Well" Darlene asked "how are my favorite sister from the big city and her gorgeous husband doing?"

Judy's muzzle lit up with a huge smile and without further ado told her sister "I'm pregnant, Nick and I are going to have a kit!"

Darlene gaped for a few seconds and asked "How in the world did that happen?"

All eyes flew to Nick, who IMMEDIATELY replied "Well you see, when two mammals love each other, they..."

"NICK" shouted Judy, Bonnie and Stu all at once, "SHUT IT!" then all four burst out laughing, again, belatedly joined by a slightly aghast Darlene, which of course Nick noticed.

As the women gathered to work out female things concerning the upcoming event, a crib, clothes and such, Nick nudged Stu and suggested that they go visit Gideon Gray's bake shop, which was just a short ways down the road, anything to get away from the fuss and bother.

"So" Nick asked, "what has Darlene been doing for an income with Alan gone?"

"Well, believe it or not, she has been working with Gideon Grey at his bake shop. She knew the insurance money would only go so far, so..."

"Really? Smart girl, and it seems to be working out fairly well then? How long has she been working there?"

"Hmmmm, probably around 6 or 7 months now. Works out well for everyone I guess. When Darlene goes to the shop she takes the produce with her and saves me the time and expense of delivering it. Plus, having another steady volume of sales for the farm and for Gideon's store doesn't hurt either."

Nick thought for a minute and asked "Stu, I don't mean to pry, but have you noticed a change in Darlene since she started working at Gideon's?"

"What on earth do you mean?"

"Well, of course she was devastated when Alan was killed, and now she seems quite happy. Right up until she found out that Judy is pregnant."

"You know, I really never paid it no never mind until you mentioned it, but I guess you are right. What are you getting at Nick?"

"I don't know just yet, but I'll let you know when I get it figured out, OK?"

And with that they entered Gideon's store. "Hey Gid, how ya doin'?"

"Well, hey there you two. Mr. H, I-I got's them pies all finished for you like you asked. I-I'll deliver them this evening after I close the shop. How's things in the big city Nick?"

"Doin' great Gid, getting better all the time. I hear you have Darlene working for ya. Guess business is really booming huh?""

"Yup, shore is, thanks fer noticin'."

With a bit of a sly grin Nick commented, "Just so ya know Gid, you might want to visit with Judy at the burrow when you drop off Stu's pies, were celebrating something special tonight."

"Oh, really, what would that be if ya don't mind my askin'."

"Well, we just found out that Judy is pregnant, and yes it's mine."

"Really? H-how in the world did that happen?"

Stu face pawed and mumbled "Oh no, not again."

"Well, you see, when two mammals love each other..."

"N-never mind Nick, I-I know how that works."

"Well, anyway, we'll be seeing you later this evening then..."

With an expression that almost mirrored Darlene's Gideon remarked "Uuuh, yea, ok, thanks fer stoppin' by."

As the pair walked back towards the burrow, Nick asked "Stu, did you notice how nervous Gid got when I mentioned that Judy is pregnant?"

Stu stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Nick "Nick, are you suggesting what I think you are?"

"There's no way to know without asking each of them and observing their reactions, and believe it or not, I am NOT going to do that. I remember how difficult it was dealing with everything when Judy and I were trying to sort things out. Let's just keep an eye out and see how things go. And in my opinion, if they are seeing each other, I hope things work out, they make a nice pair, especially now that Gideon has gotten his life straightened out."

Just as dinner was ending, Gideon stopped by the Hopps home to deliver the pies that Stu had ordered and was greeted warmly by everyone.

As everyone sat outside watching the sunset, with a bit of a sly grin, Nick asked Stu "Stu, do you remember the first time Judy brought me to Bunnyburrow?" This brought differing looks from each of the rest of the group, varying from shock from Bonnie, Stu and Judy to questioning from Darlene and Gideon,

With a slightly uncomfortable look, Stu replied "Uhhhh yes, I do now that you mention it. Kind of odd that you would bring that up at a happy time like this isn't it?"

"Yes, I guess it is, but would you mind very much if I enlightened those who don't know the story? It is just to illustrate how far we've all come in the last several years."

"Well, I guess its ok, if it's ok with everyone else."

Bonnie and Judy exchanged questioning looks, but nodded, Darlene and Gideon looked a bit uncomfortable but nodded as well.

A/N: Yea, a bit of drama ahead. Like real life, things never go as planned, but you learn to deal with it.