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Chapter 18

Carlos' POV

I made my way up to seven looking forward to wrapping my babe in my arms and telling her that I know about our big surprise that will be arriving in a few short months, but decided the fun would be in the big reveal. I know Steph would come up with something exciting, as usual.

I walked through the front door and took off my shoes listening for any signs of Stephanie in the apartment. Hearing the shower turn on I knew she had just gotten in and took the opportunity to join her, striping off my clothes as I made my way down the hall.

I opened the shower door and was greeted to a high pitched squeal. "I know, I know, be more aware!" she yelled out before I got a word in.

Being in a tight space with my babe did things to me. Taking this moment of surprise I scanned Steph's body from the tips of her pink painted toes to the beautiful blue eyes that had me hooked from day one. Along the way I realized her breasts were a tad bigger.

"Batman, you're staring." Steph said as she wrapped her arms around my neck. "It makes me self-conscience."

"Never feel that way when it comes to me." I couldn't help but wonder how her self-image will change as her body does for our baby. "I'd love you either way."

"I hope he keeps that in mind over the next few months." I was pretty sure that was meant to be said in her head and I ignored it. Now I know she definitely knows about our little surprise.

Smiling I rested my forehead against hers and kissed her, slow at first then fierce.

We didn't head to bed until we were prune.

Stephanie POV

Waking up in the morning to warm kisses was the best wakeup call ever. Carlos and I spent a wonderful night together. I would need to take another shower this morning after the activities we participated well into the night. While watching my fiancé's hot ass walk into the bathroom to take care of his business before me I thought of what happened after my physical.

I read my entire on the up to seven. Why would I be given a pink slip? Walking onto the elevator I fobbed my way up so the car would not stop on any other floor. Reading the smallest details what I read didn't sink in until I had reached my foyer.

I am pregnant?

I am pregnant!

I'm having the Bat baby we tried so hard to conceive!

Folding the papers back into my file I dropped them in Carlos' inbox in his office before heading to our bedroom. I flopped on my back on the bed, in my thinking position.

The first thought that crossed my mind was how was I going to handle desk work and system set ups without any action?

Easy, by thinking of the life growing inside of you versus the possibility of losing it.

My subconscious was being pretty logical for a change. Where was this logic when you let me jump off the garage roof?

Maternal instincts weren't included in your subconscious then.

Touché.

My second concern was how to tell the love of my life I am pregnant? I rolled over to my bedside table and grabbed my laptop. There had to be a cute way to tell Carlos without having to say it myself. I just hope he doesn't receive my pink slip before I get to tell him! I guess I knew the results of his test too. His swimmers sure as hell were in perfect working order!

Smiling at my own thoughts I typed in baby reveal into none other than google and was given thousands of ideas. Some were very cute but two in particular stood out to me.

Looking at the clock I knew I had plenty of time to go and pick up supplies for my plan if I skipped the trip to the bonds office. Telling the love of my life about his unborn child was more important than listening to stupid burg gossip any day.

I cleared my browser history, incase Carlos comes home and wants to be nosy, and made my way to the garage by foot, not wanting to come across anyone on the way down. I borrowed the company vehicle I told Carlos I was taking and drove to Babies R Us. What would happen if someone from the burg saw me here?

I sat in my car thinking of a plan and thought of only one solution. I called my oldest best friend, Mary Lou. I was in luck because the boys were at a Boy Scout retreat for the week and she was able to come to my rescue, I just didn't tell her the reason for coming to this particular store.

I jumped when there was a knocking on my driver's side door and got out greeting my friend with a pounding heart.

"Girl what on earth are we doing at a Babies R Us? I would have known if your sister were pregnant again through the gossip mill. There is only one explanation." After her rambling she grabbed my boobs in her hands and I winced when she squeezed them. "Oh my God! You're pregnant with Ranger's baby and getting married all in a short time span!"

If she didn't whisper that news I would have been so angry at her, but she understands my need for freedom from the burg more than anyone. "Yes, as it turns out I just got the news today that we are finally getting the baby we were trying for."

Mary Lou grabbed my arm and we marched right into the store. I couldn't help but drop my jaw at all the stuff a baby needed and all the small cute outfits. I started to cry right in the middle of the clothing section. Man, I hate public displays of emotion but I couldn't help it! The black crochet booties with little bat symbols had me. Those along with a onesie and blanket set were all I told myself I needed right now.

Mary Lou laughed at me when I discovered something new, until we came across the she bitch Joyce Barnyard.

"What on earth would Stephanie Plum be doing in a baby store? Did Morelli finally lock that ring on your finger and put a bun in your oven? That means Ranger would be looking for a new girl and I would gladly take the spot you vacated." Dum bitch just didn't know when to quit.

Before I could say anything Mary Lou started. "No, dumb ass. Did you have your head buried in a sheep's fuzzy ass? If you were full functional you would have heard through the town gossip mill that Morelli is AWOL and Stephanie is engaged to Ranger." I enjoyed watching Joyce's jaw drop. "She happens to be here looking for a present for Ranger's niece or nephew."

Nice save ML! If she had said for herself or for my sister the gossip would have gotten out of control.

"If you would excuse us we came here for a better purpose than to be talking to you." I was being towed in the opposite direction by Mary Lou and I knew it was the best idea to bring her.

Picking up a few other objects we made our way to the register and on our separate ways with promises to keep in touch. She definitely wanted to know about Carlos' reaction to our news. I had enough time to sneak around the building, hiding gifts, before deciding to wash the days grime away

Coming out of my thoughts I felt my stomach roll. As Carlos came out of the bathroom I collided with him and pushed past him just in time to make it to the toilet. I felt my hair being held in a caring hand and a cool, damp, wash cloth on my neck. I heaved until there was nothing left and was carried out of the bathroom.

"Babe, why don't you skip your work out today and rest until its time to go down to five." All I could do was nod Carlos kissed my forehead. "I'll come back and wake you up for breakfast."

I snuggled into the covers and fell back to sleep.

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