As it happened, Burger had business with Mason the following Monday regarding the current case due for preliminary hearing that Tuesday. Mason didn't enjoy prying into the personal lives of others unless it was necessary for a case he was working on. At times though, concern could prompt him to gently nudge someone to talk.

"One more thing before you go, Hamilton," Mason said as the district attorney rose from his chair. He leaned forward slightly, fingers laced together on the desktop. "I don't mean to pry, but is everything alright between you and Alexandra? Della and I saw the both of you at Marchand's on Friday night and things looked a little tense from where we were sitting. Anything you want to talk about?"

Burger dropped back down into the chair as if all the energy had been sucked out of him. So the inimitable Perry Mason had spotted them the other night; and while Mason was no private detective, Burger had lost enough courtroom battles to the man to know better than to try to bullshit him. Digging around in his coat pocket for his pack of cigarettes, Burger borrowed Mason's lighter and fired one up. The first drag was slow and deliberate as Burger pondered how he wanted to respond to that.

"She's pregnant, Perry," he said finally. "Unexpectedly, I might add. She told me over dinner Friday night."

Mason blinked in surprise. The raven haired lawyer hadn't been sure what he was expecting, but for some reason it certainly hadn't been that. While Burger had never won a case against him thus far, Mason knew that he had an admirable track record against others over the course of his career. He was a very diligent and prepared prosecutor. Mason had to admit he found this somewhat surprising, but then life got away from everyone at some point in their lives.

Burger tapped off the ashes from his cigarette into the ash tray and stood up. He moved to the window and looked out.

"It's fine. I want the baby and I'm thrilled to become a father finally, but…," the older man trailed off as he studied the scene below on the street. It was nearing lunch time and people were making their way into the various restaurants nearby.

"But… it changes things," Mason finished.

"You know how society is, Perry. Children out of wedlock is still frowned upon so this pregnancy puts marriage on the map a little sooner than I was planning on. I love Alexandra, but now instead of popping the question properly, it's "Wow, I'm sorry I did this to you, baby, but how about I make it up to you at the courthouse down the street?" It just sucked all the romance right out of it."

Mason regarded the other man thoughtfully. "Looks like you'll need to get creative then, Hamilton. I'm sure you can figure something better out before the baby gets here."

Burger chuckled ruefully. "I suppose you're right, Perry. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me this time. Thanks. Well, I should be getting back to the office. I'll see you in court tomorrow."

"Wouldn't miss it," Mason replied with a smirk. "And congratulations."

"Thanks, Perry."

W^^^W^^^W

With Burger working late that night, Alexandra decided to spend some time with her best friend and colleague, Ruby Avery. They stopped for a quick dinner out and then made their way over to the theater for a movie. On their way in, a young man stopped Ruby for a moment to say hello.

"Oh, hello, Bobby!" The dark brown haired, brown eyed Ruby greeted the young man with a warm smile and introduced him to her best friend. "Alex, this is one of my clients, Bobby Mackey."

The sandy blonde haired Bobby inclined his head politely at Alexandra Mullen.

"A pleasure to meet you, Bobby. I hope Ruby here has been helpful to you," Alexandra said pleasantly.

Bobby smiled enthusiastically, his green eyes lighting up as he fidgeted impatiently. "Oh yes, ma'am!"

"Well good," she replied, then turned back to Ruby. "We should probably get seated."

"Well, I'll see you around, Ms. Avery," Bobby said before scurrying off across the parking lot to join a couple of friends who were waiting for him at their car.

Alexandra couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something seemed off about the young man. He seemed a little too excitable and fidgety. She forcibly reminded herself that she was drawing conclusions without justifiable cause. Ruby obviously thought he was safe enough to introduce her to him and she was his counselor. Gut feelings were important to listen to, but sometimes one could be overly paranoid too. She hung back a moment, lost in her thoughts, and shook her head to clear it when Ruby called her name from a few feet ahead.

"Of course," Alexandra said softly and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. I guess I got lost in my thoughts again."

"Does Hamilton ever get on your case for thinking too much?" Ruby teased as they wandered to the back of the theater where they could sit higher. They slid into the two seats closest to the aisle for an easy exit.

"No. And given our current situation, he'd be liable to tell you that lack of action isn't something I could be accused of," the young blonde chuckled ruefully.

"Touche."

W^^^W^^^W

After the movie, the two friends parted company and Alexandra made a quick trip home before heading over to Burger's place. He had asked her to join him after he'd finally gotten off of work.

Burger greeted Alexandra at his door and pulled her into a close embrace as she entered. They stood there for a moments, just enjoying the physical closeness and the silent support of each other. Finally, the district attorney reached out to push the door closed as he released his love.

"Long day at work?" She asked.

"You could say that," Burger replied, not going into details. He brushed his fingers against her middle lightly, curious about their unborn baby. "How are you feeling?"

She took a deep breath. "A little tired and nauseous, but otherwise fine. Just don't light up a cigarette in here and I should be alright."

Burger wandered into the kitchen in search of some non alcoholic beverages for the both of them and returned with a few sodas. He handed one to her and gestured for her to sit with him. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and was rewarded with her head against his shoulder. They remained silent for what seemed like an eternity until finally Alexandra couldn't stand the silence any longer.

"So what next, Hamilton?"

"Next is you should probably move in and then we plan for marriage soon."

She chuckled. "Just like you to cut straight to the heart of the matter."

"I always attempt it in my line of work, but it doesn't always work out that way," he said with amusement and a fair bit of smugness. "Perhaps I'll have more success here."

"Perhaps," she agreed with a smirk of her own. "Alright. I'll start moving my stuff over during the weekend."

Neither one could imagine how much more complicated their lives were going to become before the weekend even arrived.