The two spent two weeks happily together, eating quiet meals and enjoying each other's company. They could have passed for a happily married couple were it not for heir jobs complicating things. Halt would work during the day, doing his patrols and filing reports and Pauline would read contently or knit she was surprised to find herself not missing her job as much as she thought she would. She sat on the couch and knitted quietly casting gentle glances at Halt who was staring quite intently at a report his brow frowed in concentration. "What's wrong dear?" She asked finally. Her voice broke Halt out of his thoughts "what was that sorry?" She set down her knitting and slid closer to him caressing his cheek softly "you have been staring at that same report for a good 10 minutes now." "Is it any consolation if I still don't know what it says" he said rubbing his eyes flopping the report on the coffee table and leaning back holding her hand softly. "What's wrong? It's obvious there is something on your mind," she asked softly leaning against him then winced. "What's wrong?" Halt asked softly seek her wince. "Your little one has quite the kick" she said running her stomach. "Gets it from her mother" he said snidely. She kicked him lightly and he shrugged. She took his hand "here" she said placing his hand on her stomach gently smiling at him. Halt could feel the movement beneath his hand and smiled it was the first time he had felt their child move. Pauline could see the happiness on his face as whatever had been troubling him faded away. Halt kissed her softly "thank you love" he said gently. She smiled at him tenderly "I still want to know what is bothering you?" She asked. He frowned slightly he was quiet for a moment then softly began to speak "Pauline I know we have only lain together one time but it brought us this beautiful little life it tied us together more than we ever were before it changed things... When I got home you said you would stay for now until our baby was born... I guess I wonder what will happen after the child is born?..." She frowned and sighed softly "I guess I do warrant you a response to that... You are right that one night did change everything... As much as I wish things would keep going as they are I will not be permitted to keep the child and hold my office... I will have to give up one or the other." Halt's breath caught in his chest at that "and what did you decide?" Pauline stroked his cheek tenderly "I chose our child... This baby has become my everything over these past few months. I love you and I love this child more than anything and no matter what shame befalls me I will choose this baby over that."

Halt let out the breath and he smile softly at her. She reached up and caressed his face drawing him close to her giving her a tender kiss he wrapped his arms around her resting his hands on her stomach under his hands their baby soothed and quit it's wiggling about much to its mothers relief. "Hmm she knows you already" Pauline said softly. Halt nuzzled her then her words registered "she? You think it'll be a girl?" Pauline smiled "I am quite certain" she said softly "the healer told me and she is usually right... Are you upset? Did you want a boy?" Halt shook his head "no... I wished for a girl" he admitted. She looked at him surprised "you wanted a girl?" Halt nodded softly "I imagine she will be just as lovely and beautiful as her mother" he said tenderly. Pauline's cheeks blushed slightly and she hugged him close, how has she ever managed to get this amazing man in her life. One night had changed everything for them but it had tied them together for a journey for life she just didn't know that yet.