Chapter 13

Kathryn entered the code to open the doors to her quarters hurriedly. She zipped inside as the door slid open. "Have a seat, Chakotay. I'll be right back," she said as she dashed into the bathroom.

Chakotay sat down and smiled as he heard her grumbling about the "idiots" at Star Fleet who thought women should wear one piece jumpsuits. While he waited, he picked up the PADD with the pregnancy information on it and began reading.

"What would you like to eat?" asked Kathryn as she came back into the main room.

Chakotay looked up and saw Kathryn standing at the replicator. He could not hide his amusement at her attire. "I'll take some mushroom soup and a Caesar salad," he answered. "Cute pajamas," he said with a teasing grin.

"If you say one word about my footy pajamas, I'll, I'll, I'll…" she sputtered.

"I won't tell a soul, Kathryn. They are cute, though."

"They are like a pair my mom gave me when I went to the academy. My feet were always so cold. I replicated these last night. My uniform is starting to feel snug in the waist, these are loose and comfortable. I think I may have to replicate a maternity uniform sooner than I expected."

"Should your clothes be getting tight this soon?" asked Chakotay in a concerned voice.

"In the material the Doctor gave me, it says women who are very slender may experience expansion of their waistline early on," explained Kathryn.

She placed several dishes on a tray and carried it over to the couch. "Soup, salad and tea for you, and grilled chicken, peas, carrots, spinach, milk, and coffee for me," she said as she sat the tray on the table by the couch. "Let's eat, then we can look at the material from the Doctor. I'm starving."

He picked up his soup bowl. "At least you're eating now," he said in a slightly teasing voice. "You tend to skip way too many meals, you know."

"Guilty as charged. Somehow, as hungry as I seem to be at meal time and snack time, I don't see many meals being skipped," she said with a grin as she sat eating her supper.

Kathryn picked up her cup of coffee and took a long sip. "Ah, that hits the spot," she sighed.

"Just make sure you stay well hydrated, or the Doctor will cut off your coffee again," cautioned Chakotay.

"I will, it's hard enough being limited to just 3 cups a day," she grumbled as she speared a piece of chicken with her fork.

Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, Chakotay decided to change the subject. "Wasn't her heartbeat one of the most amazing things you've ever heard?"

Her face lit up as she replied, "Yes, it was. She seems more real to me now that I've actually heard her heartbeat. In about seven months, she'll be here." She patted her stomach protectively.

Chakotay grinned, "I can't wait. I know that Samantha is enjoying motherhood. I'm eager to experience being a father, and I know you'll make a wonderful mother."

"As much as you love children, you'll be a great father too, Chakotay," she said.

Before long, they finished their meals and began to study the PADD together.

Chakotay pointed to a line of text. "They recommend that grab bars be installed if you use a tub. Maybe you should place a request with B'Elanna since you love taking baths."

"Good idea," she said as she made some notes on another PADD. I really don't want to be beamed into sickbay minus my clothes after a fall in the tub."

"The Doctor would have a field day over that one," said Chakotay.

"Yeah, and with my luck, Tom Paris would be on duty in sickbay then too," groaned Kathryn.

"Very good reasons to get those grab bars installed, but the most important reason is so you and the baby won't get hurt."

"That too," she replied as she gently patted her stomach.

Chakotay chuckled warmly.

"What's so funny?" demanded Kathryn.

"I don't even think you're aware of it, but you've been patting your stomach a lot," he answered with a smile.

"I think it's one of those 'mom things,'" she said with a sheepish grin.

"Once you really start showing, a lot of folks are going to want to pat your stomach. I wonder how many will try." His smile widened to an outright grin. "The question is, will you allow it, or will you give them that 'Janeway Death Glare?'"

She swatted him playfully on the arm. "I'm not that bad. I know the crew is really excited about this. Our daughter will have lots of 'aunts' and 'uncles' just like Naomi does."

His heart warmed at her use of "our daughter." Maybe things were working out. His father's wisdom of actions speaking louder than words rang in his ears again. "I think I'd like another cup of tea. Can I bring you anything?"

"Some water would be nice. I'm thirsty. Have to stay well hydrated, you know."

He walked over to the replicator and got their drinks. As he was walking back, he noticed her wince in pain. He hurried to her side.

"What's wrong, Kathryn? You winced like you were in pain."

"My breasts are just sore tonight…another one of those pesky little symptoms pregnant women get."

Chakotay picked up a PADD and did a quick search. "It says here warm compresses can help. Before I go tonight, I can prepare some for you if you like."

"I'd appreciate that, Chakotay."

"Let's look at the third and fourth months of pregnancy," suggested Chakotay.

She leaned into him. "Look, it says here that by the fourth month I may begin feeling the baby's movements. They even list what women have said it felt like to them." She looked up at Chakotay. "I can't wait. If hearing her heartbeat makes her so real, feeling her move inside me will be even better."

Chakotay smiled down at her. It seemed perfectly natural to put his arm around her shoulders so he did. "It will take a while longer before I can feel her move by touching your stomach, so I'll just have to wait."

Kathryn enjoyed the feel of his arm around her and moved a bit closer enjoying the feelings of safety and security she felt.

They both began to silently read, each not wanting to break the magic of the moment. A few minutes later, Chakotay heard a soft snore and looked down. Kathryn's head was pillowed against chest and she was sleeping peacefully. He carefully eased her head to the back of the couch, then went and turned her bed down.

He walked back into the sitting area as quietly as possible and lifted her in his arms. He carried her to the bed and laid her down.

She stirred and opened her eyes as he pulled the covers over her. "Sorry I fell asleep," she murmured.

"No apology needed, Kathryn. You haven't had your snack yet. Would you like me to bring you something? You could either eat it now, or it'll be ready and waiting if you wake up in the night and want it. I can also bring those warm compresses I promised you."

"Hmmm," she said sleepily. "I think I'd like a blueberry muffin and some milk." She sat up and moved to lean against the headboard.

"Coming right up," he answered as he went back to replicator.

Kathryn smiled, remembering the days back on New Earth when he would bring her coffee to her in bed. He was so caring and loving.

He walked back into the sleeping area carrying a tray with her muffin on a small plate, a glass of milk and some warm compresses for her sore breasts.. "Milk and a blueberry muffin, just what the lady ordered," he said with a smile.

"Thanks, Chakotay," she said. She took a bite of the muffin. "Mmmm, you got me a warm one." She sighed in contentment.

He reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I should go so you can go to sleep. Do you need anything else before I go?"

She resisted the temptation to say the only other thing she needed was him, and shook her head. "I'll be fine, how about breakfast in the mess hall at 0700?"

"Sounds great, shall I stop by your quarters for you?"

"Works for me," she quipped. "Good night, Chakotay."

"Good night, Kathryn," he answered.

She watched him as he walked out. The evening had been wonderful. Soon, she thought, very soon.

Chakotay stripped down to his briefs and got into his bed. The fact that Kathryn felt safe enough with him to let her guard down with him was encouraging. He felt that in the near future they would be a couple once more. Soon, he thought, very soon.