Author: Raven Shadowrose

Rating: T

Pairing: ?/?

Summary: Sequel to Epiphany, Jeff and Dixie are trying to have a baby, what happens when it is likely to be more difficult than they first thought?

Disclaimer: I do not know or own any of the characters from Casualty, any original characters and the story are my property and I do not give permission for either of them to be used.

A/N: This is a direct sequel to Epiphany, please read that first to understand this story :) Reviews are welcome :)

Thank you to BeethovenRIP, chan. nelson4444 and Carlykinz for your support, I hope you enjoy this chapter :) xx

Chapter Six.

Dixie was feeling fed up, it had been five days since her operation, the pain was less now and she could dress herself again but she was still sitting on the couch and resting because too much activity still caused her a bit of pain when she moved about too quickly. Jeff had been a big help so far, she had really needed him to be with her when she'd had a shower, she'd found it hard to stand up for long periods so having Jeff with her and supporting her had made taking the shower easier. She felt safe with him holding her, she knew that he wouldn't let her fall. It had been quite nice sharing the shower, maybe it was something they should try when she wasn't in pain and could enjoy it more. Dixie had just about managed to persuade Jeff that she could manage on her own while he went out and walked Little Abs. Jeff really meant well but sometimes she needed time to herself, she tried not to snap at him but she had found it hard at times and those were the times that she told Jeff to take Little Abs for a walk.

Dixie just wanted to be back at work now, Tamzin had helped with the feelings of missing work and doing her job, she had visited several times and told her all of the gossip and some of the shouts that she'd been on. She was pleased that Tamzin seemed to be growing in confidence and was handling the running of the station. Tamzin had also filled her in on her relationship with Tom, they were definitely official, whenever Tamzin and Tom were free they were spending that free time together. She was happy for Tamzin, Tom made her happy, maybe at some point she would be attending their wedding. It was a lovely feeling to know that her friend was in a settled relationship, it warmed her heart to think that she had helped them get together.

Jeff had sensed Dixie's need to be alone for a little while, he was getting better at it, he hadn't wanted to leave Dixie alone much when she had first come out of hospital but her wounds were healing well and she was feeling less pain now. Dixie was herself again, he knew that she was missing work and was getting very restless now that she was feeling better. He was worried about her rushing into getting back to normal, it was why he had suggested that she take up knitting again. Knitting calmed Dixie down and helped her relax, she had a one track mind and when she focused on knitting she wasn't focused on rushing around and doing things. He didn't think that she had noticed his cunning plan, he was just glad that it was working.

Jeff had noticed the abundance of baby booties and little cardigans and jumpers that had been appearing in their house. He let her knit them as he knew that once they started trying again that Dixie would get pregnant at some point in the future. Knitting was helping Dixie cope with her recovery time and if it meant that the house was overfilled with baby clothes then so be it. Jeff opened the door and let Little Abs back in the house, he took off his boots in the kitchen and walked through the house in his socks. 'Dixie?'

'In here Jeff.' She sounded calm again, he could tell that she had been getting agitated before so he had taken the opportunity to walk the dog. He went into the lounge to find Dixie knitting again, it looked like it was going to be a jumper.

'Hello grandma.' Jeff watched Dixie look at him and raise her eyebrow. 'You look so cute all wrapped up in your little blanket.'

'Grandma? I am younger than you Jeffrey and don't you forget it.'

'Only by a year, you could definitely pass for a grandma with all the knitting that you're doing.'

'You are going to get one of these needles put in a very uncomfortable place Jeffrey if you don't stop speaking.' Jeff chuckled and sat by Dixie on the sofa.

'You don't mean that, do you?'

'Maybe, maybe not.'

'At least you're enjoying doing something.'

'I am, I'd forgotten how much I like to knit and sew.'

'At least our baby won't be short of clothing because of his or her clever mummy.'

'We can buy things for them too, I'd like to do all the things that other parents to be do as well.'

'Of course we can.'

'Good.' Jeff wanted to make Dixie happy and if it meant buying baby clothes and toys then that is what they would do.

Dixie looked at Jeff, she could imagine him playing with their child, he was a very big kid himself and secretly he would be playing with the toys for his own enjoyment. She loved him the way he was, even if there were times when he was completely inappropriate and opened his mouth when he really should have kept it closed but he would make a wonderful father. She had seen him with Sophia and John and she knew that he would look after their child and protect him or her with his life if he had to. She was looking forward to Sophia and John coming to visit them, Jeff had wanted to put it off but Dixie had told him not to. She didn't want to give Lucy any reason to tell Jeff that he couldn't have the kids and if they cancelled then she might say that she's changed her mind about the kids coming to stay. 'Jeff, are the kids still coming?'

'Yes, I know you don't want to cancel Dixie.'

'Good, I just don't want you to lose the contact you're having with them now, it is only fair that you see them. They need their dad and I would hate for Lucy to change her mind because we had to cancel.'

'Don't worry princess, I'm not going to let that happen.'

'Okay, good. Can I have a hug?'

'Of course you can.' Dixie made room for Jeff on the sofa and she snuggled up to his chest, she just felt the need to cuddle him. 'Is anything wrong princess?'

'No, I just want to cuddle and use you as a pillow.'

'Your wish is my command.' Dixie smiled and snuggled herself closer to Jeff, she had wanted some alone time before but now all she wanted was to cuddle up with the man she loved.

Jeff knew that Dixie needed him at this moment in time, she had begged him not to cancel the kids coming to stay with them. It was still under a week after Dixie's operation and Sophia and John could sometimes be a bit noisy and boisterous. Jeff played with the ends of Dixie's hair as he held her in his arms, it was still growing and she hadn't had it cut yet. Jeff liked her hair like this, he had helped Dixie to wash her hair in the shower the other day when she was still finding it hard to lift her arms and bend. It had been something he could do for her to help her feel better, he'd held her and supported her and helped her to wash. There wasn't anything sexual about it, it had just been about supporting Dixie and giving her something that she needed.

Dixie found herself relaxing even more, Jeff was playing with her hair, she liked it when he played with her hair, it relaxed her and made her feel less tense. She liked how he knew exactly what to do to help her calm down. 'Jeff, how long do you think it will be before we have a baby?'

'I don't know princess, when the time is right.'

'You're right.'

'We can't rush these things, you have a fighting chance now Dixie.'

'I know, I'm so grateful, it could have just as easily ended up that they couldn't unblock my tubes and I wouldn't have any chance at all.'

'It didn't end that way, everything is all right.'

'I know, I can't wait until we can try again.'

'There's only another week to go, you can wait until then, I know you can.'

'I know, I will, I don't want anything to mess up our chances.' Dixie snuggled back up to Jeff, he was keeping her calm and she didn't want to move away from him just yet.

Jeff just held Dixie close, he knew that they would have to move soon as he had to pick Sophia and John up. 'Princess?'

'Yes.'

'I do have to go and get John and Sophia soon.'

'I know, don't worry about me, I'll be fine.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes, I can't wait to see them.'

'I'll pick up a takeaway on the way home and we can just relax.'

'Sounds good to me. Indian?'

'Always, I'll get your favourite.'

'Thank you.'

'You're welcome princess.' Jeff smiled, Dixie asking for Indian food meant she was well on her way to recovery, she had only been on soup and sandwiches for the past couple of days. Jeff kissed Dixie on the head and stood up. 'I'll be back soon princess.'

'I know you will, see you soon love.' Jeff closed the door behind him and went to meet Lucy to get the kids.

Dixie picked up her knitting needles once Jeff had gone and began to finish the sleeve of the jumper that she was working on. She was looking forward to seeing Sophia and John again, Sophia was so sweet and loving and Dixie liked having her around. Dixie hoped that if she had a daughter then she would be like Sophia, part of her wanted a little girl but the other part her wanted a boy and all of her wanted a baby that was healthy. She knew the risks of trying to get pregnant at her age but she also knew that she was healthy and active and that had to count for something.

Dixie was still thinking about having a healthy baby when she heard the door open and Sophia's voice. 'Dixie?'

'Hello lovely.' Dixie saw Sophia look at the cushions and blanket on the sofa and at her.

'What's wrong?'

'I just had to have an operation so I could have a baby.' Sophia climbed onto the sofa and hugged Dixie, she was being careful, as if she sensed that she might hurt her.

'Does that mean you can have a baby with my daddy now?'

'Yes, once my tummy heals I will be able to have a baby.'

'Oh good.' Dixie looked at Jeff when he came in with John.

'Hello John.'

'Hi Dixie, I'm going to help my dad with the food, he says we have to look after you.' Dixie smiled.

'Come on son, we'll leave the two ladies alone.'

'I'll see you in a few minutes.' Dixie nodded at Jeff and he escorted John from the room, Dixie could smell the food that Jeff had brought in with him and her stomach rumbled, she was glad that she was feeling hungry again.

'Dixie?'

'Yes.'

'Do all women have to have an operation so they can have a baby?'

'No, I just had to have one to help me because I had a problem with my tummy.'

'Poor Dixie, do you feel better now?'

'A little bit, I still have to rest for a little while.' Jeff came back in and Dixie smiled at him.

'Daddy, I hope you're looking after Dixie while her tummy heals.'

'I am.'

'Is he?' Sophia turned to look at Dixie. 'I can tell him off if he isn't looking after you properly.' Dixie tried to hide her smile, Sophia was really cute, she cared about people.

'I promise you, your daddy has been very good to me while I've been poorly. Come on sweet pea, I think it is time for something to eat.' Dixie let Sophia hold her hand as they walked into the kitchen, she noticed that Sophia was walking slower than she usually would, it made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. She really wanted this with her own child one day, right now she was happy taking care of Sophia and John with Jeff. They were a part of Jeff and she wanted to be a part of their lives.