"Come on in," Christine invited Reid as she turned and started walking back towards the front door. "Come on – I won't bite you," she called encouragingly over her shoulder when she saw the uncertain look on his face.
After they walked through the front door and into the foyer, Reid came to a complete stop and stood staring at her. "You're pregnant!" he blurted out. "I mean, I know you are pregnant, but – " He trailed off.
Christine gently placed a hand on her slight bulge and smiled ruefully. "I know what you mean," she assured him. "This kind of makes it 'Real', doesn't it?"
"You are okay?" he asked, concerned. "I mean, I know what the doctor says and everything but, you are okay with this, right?"
"Spencer, if I wasn't okay with this, I could have ended it before now," she reminded him.
"I believe everything happens for a reason," Christine continued. "And, I believe that this is my second chance. I really messed things up the first time, but now, without the threat of death constantly hanging over me, I'm sure I can avoid making the same mistakes again. And, hopefully, I'll even have a chance to enjoy this pregnancy."
"I see," Reid wasn't really sure he did.
"And, maybe, this is a second chance for you, too," she continued. "You'll have a chance to experience everything you missed when David and Diana were born. Why don't you think about it? In the meantime, let me show you to your room so you can get cleaned up for dinner."
Reid dutifully followed her as she led the way up the stairs. "Something does smell awfully good," he commented.
"Sonia has been cooking just for you," Christine smiled at him as she opened the door and led him into the guest bedroom. "She thinks you are too skinny."
"So does my mother," Reid volunteered as he looked around. "This looks – nice?"
"The bathroom is next door," Christine explained. "I hope you don't mind sharing with me. I cleared off some space on the counter and emptied one shelf for you. There are clean towels on the racks and, if you need anything else, let me know."
Reid turned and looked at her. "Why are you doing this?" he asked.
"Dave's right. There are some things we need to get cleared up," she replied. "I don't know if you are going to be a father with these twins, but you are already David and Diana's father. We need to discuss them and their future, and make some joint decisions. Now, why don't you get washed and changed and whatever, and then come downstairs to the kitchen?"
Reid quickly unpacked his bag and then changed his clothes before heading back downstairs. When he walked into the kitchen, Christine was busy taking something out of the oven.
"That was quick," she commented as she placed the pan on the counter. "Sonia said this has to sit for at least 10 minutes before I cut into it. Would you like to start on our salads while we wait?"
Reid looked around the kitchen. "I smell coffee," he commented.
"Oh, yes. I started it earlier," Christine explained. "I know you still drink it all the time. The sugar and cream are sitting on the counter next to the coffee maker."
"Are you drinking coffee?" Reid quizzed her. "Because, caffeine definitely is not good for the babies."
"Relax, Spencer," Christine reassured him. "The coffee is for you. I have been drinking herbal teas or hot chocolate or ginger ale. I got rather addicted to the herbal tea when I was living at The Yoga Center."
"Okay." Reid began suspiciously eyeing the hot dish. "What is this?" he asked.
"A pasta dish Sonia made just for you," Christine replied. "What is it with you tonight? You sound like you've joined the food police!"
"I'm concerned. I want to make sure you have two healthy babies," Reid explained, as he looked closer at the food in question.
"And, if you are eating like this, it doesn't look like you are getting enough protein," he concluded. "This is primarily pasta, which doesn't contain any of the nutrients you require."
"Spencer!" Christine exploded. "I would like to point out that pregnant Italian women have been eating like this for centuries and, as far as I know, there has never been an epidemic of Italian babies with birth problems!"
"That doesn't mean that it can't happen," Reid protested. "All I am saying is that I am concerned about you and the babies."
"And, I would also like to remind you that during most my last pregnancy I was being kept in a state of semi-starvation by a murdering monster!" Christine had lost her calm demeanor and was yelling. "And, I would also like to point out that the result of that pregnancy is the two perfectly fine, healthy children you are now in possession of! And, you have them and I don't!" She was shouting and crying simultaneously.
"I'm – m - m - ", Reid stuttered in amazement.
"Just leave me alone – Just go away – !" Christine pushed past him as she rushed out of the kitchen and up the stairs.