AN: I apologize for the lack of updates. Life has been busy. I plan on getting back on track this week. I feel like this story is nearing an end. Let me know what you all think.

Chapter 16

One month later…

Karen rolled over in the bed with a groan. She hadn't been sleeping well since Shannon left for his independent dates last week. Hell, she hadn't been sleeping well for the past few months. Punching the pillow she tried to force herself back to sleep.

"What did that pillow ever do to you?"

Karen popped up in the bed and looked toward the end of the bed. Standing there with a sly smile, was her fiancé.

"Shannon!"

Shannon chuckled as a hand reached up and pulled him down onto the bed.

"I take it you missed me," he asked as she planted kisses all over his face. He laughed as he held her off him and looked at her face. He reached a hand up and traced his thumb under the faint circles under her eyes. "Someone hasn't been sleeping."

Karen sighed and laid her head on his chest listening to his steady heart beat. "What can I say? I am too used to you lying next to me." She smiled as she lifted her head. "Next time you can only be gone for two days at the most. No more five day trips."

"This never bothered you before."

"Shan, you've been home forever. I am too used to you now."

Shannon chuckled at her childishness. "I missed you too baby." He leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss. Karen gladly opened to him as his tongue entered her mouth. With a moan, he rolled her over on her back, supporting his weight on his arms. "I missed you a lot," he whispered as he moved his lips to her neck. Karen groaned as his hands found her breasts.

She arched her back, pushing her breasts into his palms. Shannon let out a breath as she ground her body into his. "Slow down Kar."

"Fuck me," she gasped as his fingers found his way beneath her night shirt.

"Some one was waiting for me," Shannon said as he found her naked below the waist.

"Shannon," Karen looked up into his eyes. "Shut up and do me."

Shannon chuckled as he slowly slid himself into her already wet chamber. With a moan he began thrusting into her as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"Shaannnooonnn," Karen moaned out as she felt her climax washing over her.

"I love you," Shannon huffed out as he joined her in release.

Hours later…

Karen smiled as she made some sandwiches for her and Shannon. She smiled wider as she felt arms wrap around her.

"Miss me," the shy voice asked behind her.

"Yes I did," Karen smirked as she heard Shannon walk into the kitchen. "But you have to leave. He's home and we can't let him catch us."

Matt looked down at Karen and caught her wink. "But baby, knowing you like I do, you wore his ass out. How 'bout a quickie?"

"What the fuck is going on here," Shannon roared as he pulled Karen out of his friends arms.

Karen and Matt looked at each other and started laughing.

"Dude, we were just playing," Matt said as he caught his breath.

Karen kissed Shannon on the cheek as he reached over her to slap Matt on the head.

"That wasn't funny Hardy," Shannon said wrapping his arms around Karen. She leaned back against his chest and let out a contented sigh.

"Someone's happy he's home," Matt said as he sat at the table. "But just because he's home means you can forget about feeding me. Where's my lunch woman?"

Karen laughed as she pulled herself away from Shannon causing him to grunt in protest.

"Just sit down Shan," Karen said grabbing the two sandwiches she already made. "Here you go boys." She ruffled Matt's hair making him smirk at Shannon who grumbled more.

"I can't help it that your girl feeds me well," Matt choked out in between bites of his sandwich.

"Shut up," Shannon said after swallowing. He winked at Karen as she joined them at them at the table.

"This is my fault Shan," Karen said stealing a bite of Shannon's sandwich. "I forgot that I told Mattie to come over for lunch and go with me into town."

"How about I take you instead," Shannon asked turning to her with big puppy dog eyes.

"How 'bout you stay home and get some rest," Karen said rubbing his cheek causing Matt to gag at their sweetness.

"Guys I'm trying to eat here," Matt said putting his food down in disgust. "Shannon stay home. Karen is mine today. You can have her when we get back."

Shannon pouted as Karen stood and kissed him on the cheek. She leaned into his ear and whispered, "you will need the rest for later." She giggled as a big smile appeared on his handsome features as she and Matt left the house.

Later…

Karen crept upstairs knowing Shannon was probably passed out surrounded by the dogs. She patted Oz on the head as she crawled into bed with him and snuggled close behind Shannon.

"Did you have fun with Matt?"

"We each had our own things to do. It was more of saving on gas."

Shannon turned and pulled her across his chest. "So what did you do in town?"

"I went to Doc Smith's." Karen looked up at Shannon. He knew she hadn't been feeling herself recently and had been begging her to go to the doctor but she kept blowing him off or changing the subject.

"Interesting," Shannon said stroking her hair. "What did Doc Smith have to say?"

"Not much," Karen said rubbing her cheek into his chest. "He asked a bunch a questions and ran a few tests. He did have an answer to why I've felt so icky."

Shannon sat up knocking her off him. "I told you something was wrong. Why don't you ever listen to me?"

Karen giggled as Shannon ranted. "Boy, calm down! It's nothing bad or at least I can't see you thinking of it as bad."

"Well, what's wrong with you?"

"How might you feel to adding another person to our home?"

"You need a nurse," Shannon asked not understanding. "Are you that sick?"

"Shannon, you know I love you, right," Karen asked taking his face into her hands. "But you are an idiot." Shannon looked at her still confused. "Let me try to make this simple for you. You and I are adding to this home."

"How are we adding…" Shannon drifted silent as if a light went off over his head. "Are you…do you mean…oh my God!"

"Ding, ding, ding we have a winner," Karen said grabbing his hand and placing it on her middle.

Shannon rubbed along feeling her roundness. How did I miss this last night? "How far gone?"

"Almost four months," Karen said loving the feel of his hand. "I just didn't pay attention to my body with how busy we've been."

Shannon swooped in and pulled her lips into a kiss. "I love you Kar."

"I love you too Shan-bear."