"Expecting, with child, in a family way?"
Those were the first words Marshall said when Mary told him she was pregnant. For so many years, his best friend and partner was adamant about not having children. Her news had definitely caught him by surprise. There was one thing that he definitely knew, he would be there for her no matter what.
Mary was 32 weeks pregnant, and beyond ready to "protect and relocate." Even though she was chained to a desk, she found a way to sneak in field work whenever she could.
"Good morning, mother", Marshall sarcastically said to his partner as she was at her desk eating breakfast.
"It is way too early for that smug smile of yours."
"Anyways, how's our soon to be witness doing this morning?"
"IT. IT is using my bladder as a punching bag. Is it wrong to want it out early?"
"Perfectly natural."
Marshall sat at his desk and glanced at his partner. She was as beautiful as she had ever been. Marshall had been fidgeting with his pen, trying to figure out the best way to ask his partner. "Have you thought about a birth plan?"
Mary almost lost her breakfast. "A what?" "What on earth are you talking about?"
"A plan for your labor. I know you don't really want your family involved, let alone Mark." Marshall sat there in a sharp silence. Maybe this wasn't a door he should have opened.
Mary sat there, taken aback by her partner's question. She had never put a lot of thought into a birth plan. She was so focused on the adoption. The thought of labor and delivery hadn't really been a thought. Without a second thought, Mary knew who she wanted.
Mary fidgeted with her pen, trying to figure out a way to ask her partner. "Would you be there?"
Marshall walked over to Mary's desk, and sat in the chair he had sat in so many times before. "There's no place I'd rather be." He lightly squeezed her hand.
Mary gave her partner a loving glance.