Chapter 25

Being seven months pregnant is absolutely crazy. It still feels like a miracle to Betty and Daniel. They can't believe that in two months, they could have a baby boy. Though they can see the evidence very clear, cause Daniel was right from the beginning. This baby is definitely a Meade. He's very well developed. And Dr. Lester keeps telling them that they should expect him earlier. And being awfully cautious, he already put Betty on leave from work. Said something about just making sure. Not wanting her to overdo it and taking actions before it's to late.

And all of this due to the fact, that her body isn't a perfect fit for a baby of this size. Which she couldn't really understand. How can she be too small for her own baby? That's ridiculous. But her blood pressure and blood tests indicate something else. He said she's lucky he's not putting her on bed rest for the remainder of this pregnancy. And that he wants to check on her weekly from now on. So she did shut up and took the free time as a gift. She can spend all her time preparing for their little baby boy. That will be nice.

That was at least her first thought. But after spending the first week at home. Alone. Cause Daniel was still working. Of course, he's not pregnant. He's free to do whatever he wants to do. And work was one huge part of it. And that gorgeous jerk refuses to leave some of his redlining home for her. So yeah, she already feels cooped up and has no idea what to do with all her free time. Though this is her first baby. She doesn't think that preparing does take 24/7 for two freaking months. Hello, she does have some experience. She was there when Justin was born. Her sister may never admit it, but they did raise him together as a family. A little bit. Like a teeny tiny bit. She changed diapers, bottle fed him, put him down for naps, spend time with him playing, babysitted every time her sister had an appointment or date. Hell, she disciplined him when he misbehaved and taught him how to speak.

So thinking about what she could do without straining herself. She came up with the most wonderful idea.

'Hey Sarah, how's Daniel?', walking or rather swaddling up to Sarah's desk at MODE, Betty already feels out of breath. What a huge pain in the ass. She thought this would be relaxing and keep her occupied and entertained.

'Woah, Betty, you look like you could burst any second. How far along are you? I thought Daniel said you still have two months left?', Sarah's eyes get huge. Almost bug out of her face. Yeah, ok, maybe Dr. Lester weren't so wrong about the whole leave-thing.

'Yeah, I still do. He's just really big. He definitely takes after Daniel'

'Oh wow, I don't think I was ever this big. And I had three children. My boys were all pretty much on the smaller side. So was our daughter. And Daniel's good and free for lunch, if that's what you wanted to know. And by the look of the picnic basket in your hand, I think that's exactly what it was', her mischievous little smirk is cute. Betty likes Sarah so much. She's just perfect.

'Yeah, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with all this free time, so I thought I come here and surprise Daniel. At least that's how I can be productive and not just sit around on my inflated ass'

'You're ass is fine. Believe me. And have fun. Can you tell him that I'm going out for lunch?'

'Yes I can', and making her way over to Daniel's office, she's again reminiscing the old times. How much fun they had working together. Letting out a deep breath, she softly knocks on his door and walks straight in.

'Yes?', Daniel keeps working, examines the negatives of the photoshoot for the cover. She never understood how he can do that. Everyone else uses the light table. Only he uses his office desk and a lense. Seeing details no one else even notices. It's a gift for sure. One she's in awe off. He is so good at his job. It's not baffling her, but every time she sees him like this, she's still surprised no one else ever saw his raw talent for this.

'Have I told you how great you look behind that desk? So professional. It's a huge turn on. At least for me'

'Hey, what are you doing here? I didn't think I would see or hear from you before I come home this evening', he immediately puts everything down and comes over to her. Huge smile in place.

'I know, but I missed you and I was so bored at home. So I thought I would get myself a lunch buddy. You're free?', pushing up on tiptoes she waits for his respond.

'Yeah, definitely free', he bends down and closes the last remaining inch between them. The kiss short but passionate.

'Good, now please tell me your hungry. Cause I'm starving', putting the basket down on one of his chairs she gets a blanket out of it. Swiftly lays it down on the ground. 'Oh and Sarah's out for lunch'

'What are you doing?', his curious smile is light and infectious. He's enjoying this. Just as much as she is.

'We're having an indoors picnic, hence the basket and blanket', putting the basket down on the blanket, she holds out her hands. 'Come on, help your pregnant wife down on the ground'

Taking her hands, he slowly helps her down on the ground. Plops down next to her. And admires her beautiful face. The way her hair flows around her jawline. How her scent is softly travelling through the air and hitting his nose. She smells so sweet, almost like a fruity candy. And when she throws her hair over her shoulder and bends over the basket, another wave of her scent hits him in the face. He sees her lips moving. Doesn't hear what she says. He's so lost in watching her.

'Hey, do you listen to me? I made sandwiches and a salad. It's edible. I swear. I tried it before at home', she waves her hand before his face, sees him slowly snapping back to life.

'Sorry, you just look so beautiful today. I zoned out for a second', he softly brushes her hair behind her ear. Admires the light rosé blush creeping up her neck and cheeks.

'Oh, in this old thing?', her eyes and small shy smile downcast, she fiddles with the handles to the basket.

'God, you're incredible. How come that makes you blush, but when we have sex you're so...', she claps her hand over his mouth. Her eyes huge and looking around for any kind of intruders.

'Sssssh, whatever you wanted to say, keep it to yourself. We're still at MODE', he nods fast and mock-serious. Has to fight for control over his very spontaneous snort. But he manages in the last minute possible.

'Alright, can I have a sandwich? I'm really hungry and you said it's edible'

'It is, I promise. I learned from the best'

'Oh thank you'

'I meant Papi', smile huge, mischievous glint in her eyes, she snickers under her breath.

'Shut up and give me a sandwich'

'Sure', still snickering, she grabs a sandwich for herself and enjoys his company a lot. She felt so alone this whole week. Being at home and not knowing what to do. She's not used to that. Normally she busts around and does all sorts of things. Beside work, of course. But having lunch with Daniel gave her a new outlook on this limited period of free time. She knows exactly what she's going to do next.

Packing up she examines Daniel. He's already back at his desk, looking over the negatives again.

'How do you do it?'

'Huh?', he slowly looks up at her, takes in her concentrated face. The scrunched up nose and wrinkled forehead. 'What do you mean?'

'How can you see more details on the negatives than anybody else, using only the small lense and absolutely no light'

'Oh, that..., I don't know. I feel like the light is distracting me in a way. Like my eyes get blinded by it. And I guess I'm kind of old school when it comes to that'

'Old school?'

'Yeah, and I just taught my eyes where to look at and what to take in. What details are important. I know what I have to notice. Good and bad. It's a learning progress. I spend so much time staring at negatives', he softly shakes his head. Is deep in his own thoughts.

'Yet you claim I'm responsible for your success. You have no idea how good you are at this. You don't need anyone. And I'm so proud of you, you know?'

'I know, but I learned how to be good at me job with you. And don't say anything. It's true. Though I do know, that I have a certain amount of talent when it comes to this. I guess it does run in the family'

'Alright, I'll shut up, just one more thing'

'What is it?'

'Help me up, por favor?', Betty asks sweet and stretches her hands up in his direction. Sees the small smile on his face lighten up his features.

'Oh I don't know, I like you here in my office. You could keep me company', getting up, he thrusts his hands in his pockets and slowly walks around his desk. His lopsided grin in place.

'I know that you have a meeting in half an hour and I actually have my own thing going on. And it's getting uncomfortable. So, pleeeeeeease?', she thrusts her hands in the air again.

'Where are you going?', he takes her hands in his and easily helps her up. Picking up the blanket, he folds it together and puts it back into the basket.

'Papis', she adjusts her yoga pants and knit dress and swiftly puts on her coat.

'Let me guess, you're craving his salsa?', he takes her coat lapels in his hands and adjusts them. Makes sure she's warm enough.

'Yeah, he promised to make a badge for me. I should get his recipe. Maybe I can try it myself', she slings her arms around his neck and pushes up on tip toes. Kissing him one deep, passionate time. 'Mmmh, I wish I could stay'

'Yeah, me too. But then I wouldn't get any work done and you wouldn't get your salsa. So, go. Get your salsa and I see you later at home', he kisses her again. Deepens the kiss for a little while. 'And say 'Hello' to your dad for me'

'I will and I love you', she stays for a few seconds in his embrace. Takes in his calming scent, before entangling herself and picking up the picnic basket.

'I love you too, babe', and watching her leave his office he sees her turn around one last time and throwing a glorious smile in his direction. Chuckling amused he gets back to work and can't wait til he is home again.

'Hey babe, how was your afternoon with your dad?', Daniel walks into their house and hears a soft squeaking sound. That's probably Betty bouncing up and down on her gymnastics ball. She signed up for a pregnancy gymnastics class. Said that she could do it to prepare for the birth. And the big ball actually helped with the back pain.

Walking around the corner and through the kitchen, leaving his briefcase on the island, he sees her in the living room. Bouncing continuously up and down. Rubbing over her big belly and doing breath exercises.

'I didn't go', she sighs deep, is on the verge off crying.

'What happened?', he's at her side in seconds. Takes her hands in his and helps her up and over to the couch. Sitting down he pulls her into his side, slings his arm all the way around her shoulders.

'I don't feel too well. I don't know what's going on. It's all too much. And I have these weird contractions. And...'

'Hold on, you have contractions?', his huge eyes scream full fledged panic mode.

'Don't overreact', she throws her legs over his and scoots further into his side. Lays her head on his shoulder and buries her nose in his neck. 'These are fake contractions. Their absolutely normal. Weird, painful and totally unnecessary, if you ask me, but normal'

'How do you know that?'

'Because I called Dr. Lester and he wanted me to come in. So I did. He checked on me, said that everything is fine. And that he grew a little more and that my body is slowly preparing for the birth. These are some kind of preparatory contractions. Though he does want for me to lay low. They could turn into real ones anytime. Said if they don't disappear, he considers putting me on bedrest. Just to make sure'

'That sounds serious, babe', he gently cups her cheek and moves her face. The better to look her in the eyes. 'Why didn't you call me?'

'Yeah, it does. And I would've only freaked you out. And I was already panicking enough for the both of us. But after the appointment, I was to discouraged to go to Queens, so I called Papi and told him what's going on and that I would go straight home', she's smiling small and worried up to him. 'He said that he's coming over. Today or tomorrow. He wasn't sure when'

'What can I do?'

'I don't know. Nothing, really. I feel like I'm doing so little, babe. But it's still not enough. Do you think I'm failing our kid?', her eyes are extremely wet and her quivering chin makes his heart break a little for her.

'Don't you ever think that. You could never fail our kid. He is as safe as possible and perfectly fine. If anyone is at fault, it's me and my big Meade genes'

'I don't know, your mom did amazingly well with both, you and Alexis. And she's even tinier then I am', a small tear glides down her cheek. A short sniffle escaping her, while he catches the tear with the pad of his thumb and brushes it away.

'My mom is thin, true. But she's more then a head taller then you. That alone makes a huge difference. And don't beat yourself up. It is what it is. We take it one day at a time. And if you have to be on bedrest, then we will manage that as well. The only important thing is, that you and our son are safe. And you are, aren't you?'

'For now. At least Dr. Lester said so. He said if I manage to do as little as humanly possible, the contractions should subside in two to three days. If not, well..., you know the drill. I have to call him, go in for another check up and probably be on bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy'

'Ok, then we know the possibilities. And it doesn't sound so bad. In both scenarios you and Ben are safe. I'll take that'

'Yeah, me too. I just wish I could do anything about it. Well, other then doing nothing'

'Oh, come on. Be glad. You're always the busy bee. Now you get to relax and have as much rest you can get. Believe me, once Ben is born, rest will be the last thing we will get'

'Probably. Hmm, I know you're right, I just can't see the bright side yet. But ok, when you're home I'm only moving when I need to go pee or when we're going to sleep. And when I'm alone. I'll try to make as few trips throughout the house as possible. I'll make lists. See what I need and bring everything at once. That way I won't need to get up as often'

'You'll see? That sounds like a good plan. And you know, when I'm home there's always the possibility of me carrying you around, if you want too', the flirty smile and hot kiss against her cheek brightens up her mood in an instant. But then she remembers another thing.

'Oh, and by the way no sex for now'

'What?'

'Dr. Lester said that it could cause the fake contractions to deepen and turn into real ones. So...', her disappointment is written all over her face. Which is cute. Beyond cute, really.

'What exactly does he mean by sex?'

'I'm not supposed to have an orgasm, Daniel. Cause think about it for a second?', and he does. She can see the slow process in his eyes. And it really takes him a minute to fully understand why. But when the moment of realization hits him hard, his eyes widen und his mouth hangs open for a second. 'Wow, for someone with your experience, you really needed to think about it, huh?'

'Hey', he softly bumps his shoulder into hers. 'But ok, so no sex for you'

'Ay...', she mock-glares at him. Sees his bright eyes, glinting with pleasure about her little fiery outburst.

'There's my Betty. But ok, so no sex for us. For now. That's doable. I'm not a caveman. We can do other stuff. We could play some games instead'

'Yeah? What kind of games do you want to play?', she doubts that he can come up with one game. Usually he's the one who suggests sex in the first place, whenever she's only remotely thinking about playing a card- or board-game. He always says he doesn't feel like loosing to her all the time.

'There's Strip-Poker...'

'Daniel'

'Alright, then Strip-Monopoly...'

'Oh my god, stop'

'Uuuh, what about your favourite, Strip-Scrabble?'

'You are incorrigible', she's finally chuckling again. That's all he wanted.

'You love that about me, remember?'

'Do I? Do I really?', her smile is small but happy. And she is. With Daniel being home, it doesn't seem as dark and impossible as before.

'Yes, you do. And now stop being such a party pooper and tell me what you want for dinner'

Betty does exactly what she told Daniel. She makes only very few trips when she's alone. Grabs everything she could possibly need and plops down on the couch or their bed. And after three days the fake contractions finally subsided. Thank god. And Daniel? He does everything he can. And so much more. When he's home, she doesn't have to move a single finger. Which is endearing and maybe a teeny tiny bit annoying. Because she's pregnant not sick. But he says it's the only thing he can do for her and to support her. So, she shuts up and lets him be. And who is she to complain about her husband wanting to help her out? That would be ridiculous.

But she's getting closer and closer to her official due date. Which makes her incredible nervous. Dr. Lester keeps saying that she won't be able to carry him all the way. That she will give birth prematurely. And ever since yesterday evening she feels like she has real contractions. Soft ones at first. But they are getting stronger. So maybe this will be it. Maybe in one or two days, they could have they're baby boy with them. The thought alone is heavenly. She couldn't be more happy. And it's not just about the fact, that she would finally go back to normal.

Being able to see her own feet, bending down to pick something up or her hormones are being back to normal? Though she kind of does fear that maybe her hormones won't ever be normal again, after being pregnant. But who cares? Because god, they are currently skyrocketing through her body. Messing her up. And it can't possibly stay like that forever. But the best part of it all? Her body could finally go back to the proportions it had before. That would be absolutely glorious.

Don't get her wrong, she loves Daniel and their baby. And she wouldn't want to trade the pregnancy. For nothing in the world. It's an experience that you can't describe. Having a human being in your body? Feeling it grow and move around? Kicking and hitting you? Getting stronger with each passing day? And all that because Daniel and her provided two parts that made a whole. To let this wonder happen. It's incredible and she looks forward to do it again. But she's also very tired and her body is overwhelmed by it all. And she just wants to hold their little baby boy in her arms.

'Tell me again, why Alexis bought a small townhouse here in Manhattan? And why the hell does she has the housewarming party now?', an annoyed Betty calls from the bathroom.

'Because she thought it makes sense to have a home here. Because they are here more often now, and she doesn't like to stay at hotels. And it is a great investment', Daniel slips into his sweatshirt. Takes one last look in the mirror and walks over to his bedside.

'It makes sense. But why exactly now? Don't get me wrong, I like her and I'm happy for her, really. But her timing couldn't be worse. I feel like a huge barrel. Maybe instead of waddling over there, I should just let you roll me', she must be in the closet now. And he gets why she's in so much distress. They are expecting their son any day now. Dr. Lester keeps saying that they should be prepared. So they are. Very well prepared. Her hospital bag is in the car and every night they go to sleep they have their clothes laying by the bedside so they can jump right into them. Just in case. But so far nothing.

She still has those fake contractions. Those are the worst. She keeps complaining about them. And Daniel more then once wondered, if they would know when she's having real ones.

But because Betty is uncomfortable most of the times and Alexis still wanted to do it, she agreed to have a little party with only their families. The Suarez's will be there and his mom and brother with Amanda. Nothing fancy and especially nothing where Betty would have to make a smiley face when she feels horrible. Though he has to admit, that maybe Alexis' timing isn't the best. She could've waited another two months. But here they are.

'I'm sorry, babe, I told her to do it in two or three months. But she wasn't having any of it'

'It's not your fault. And don't think I haven't noticed that you didn't correct my barrel comment, buster', her muffled voice sounds faint and strained. And maybe a little angry.

'Because you always say I'm lying. Whenever I try to tell you how beautiful you look, you keep telling me, that I'm just saying that because I'm your husband. So I thought I wouldn't bother', putting on his watch, he doesn't see the annoyed look she's throwing at him.

'I know that I'm saying that, but it's still nice to hear your weak compliments', she stands in the doorway to their closet, hands on her hips, pout on her face.

'They're only weak, because you're hormonal. And you look amazing. I've never seen a more beautiful 39 weeks pregnant woman in my entire life, pinkie swear', he embraces her in his arms, looks lovingly down at her.

'Thank you, though I can't help but doubt that anyone could find this attractive', her deep sigh shows how frustrated she really feels. She knows that she's being ridiculous. Daniel never gave her any doubt. She knows that he loves her, even or maybe especially now? He keeps saying that he was never more attracted to her than right now. He doesn't see the weight she's put on, or the huge belly. He sees the woman he loves, carrying their baby. Says he's constantly turned on by the visible signs of her pregnancy. The more she showed, the more he's turned on by her.

She just wishes that this would come to an end. She's in pain and discomfort all of the time. She can't see her feet or bend down. Enough is just simply bloody enough.

'Babe, stop it. You know how I feel about you. And you don't look like a barrel. You look so hot. Turn around for me', she grants him this favour and turns around. 'See? From behind no one would even think that you're pregnant. They would just admire your gorgeous butt and pray that your not already taken'

'You're being silly', she turns back around to him with a small smile on her lips and tugs one of her curly strands behind her ear.

'That's my Betty', he embraces her and kisses her one deep, passionate second. 'Come on, let's go. The faster we're done with that, we can come back home and you can curl up on the bed. Big tub of cookie dough ice cream in tow. And I promise to give you a foot massage later. How does that sound?'

'Amazing', her smile is absolutely glorious now. Just how he wanted it to be. And with that he softly manoeuvres her over to the stairs and marvels once again, how he got so lucky.

They arrived late at Alexis' new house. But Betty couldn't care less. The way she sees it, she has a right to be late. And anyone who says differently is welcome to walk a mile in her shoes. Well, worn out sneakers. Everyone is downstairs in the dining room, already chewing on the tasty hors d'oeuvres Alexis ordered for today.

Betty is waddling around the upstairs area and takes it all in. The very cold white walls and too dark almost black looking floorboards. It's modern and cold and looks almost sterile with the minimalistic way it's decorated. And in a way, it's very Alexis.

'It's beautiful, Alexis. And it's great to know, that you have a home here', Betty whispers hoarsely. The meaning behind her words is hitting her hormone driven heart and the tears are threatening to spill.

'Thank you. I'm glad too. With everything that's happening I feel so much better knowing I have a real home to stay at. And not just a hotel room or Moms, you know?', Alexis is going to be the godmother to their little baby boy. When they asked her on her birthday she was very touched and said immediately 'Yes'. And she plans on being there for that little guy. Maybe not 24/7, but more often then just once a few months.

Slowly climbing downstairs again, Betty clutches the railing for a second, stops in her tracks and let the soft contraction subside before walking into the dining room.

'Betty, you look radiant', Claire says, a well manicured hand softly stroking her cheek.

'Thanks, but it's probably just the sweat from climbing up the stairs earlier'

'Oh, come on, it can't be that bad', Alexis lightly states, before shoving an hors d'oeuvres into her mouth. Bettys raised eyebrow and sideways glance absolutely hitting the right annoyed tone.

'Do you have any idea what is happening to my body right now? Daniel was right, you Meades are big and heavy babies. So right now, I have a big eight pound baby in my body. Said baby is pressing all my organs in different and weird directions. I'm constantly queasy, because he's pushing my stomach up and backwards, I'm short of breath, because my lungs doesn't have enough space. I could go pee every ten to fifteen minutes because he's not only laying on my bladder pushing it further down my pelvis. No, he's using it as a soccer ball 24/7 as well. I have heart burn, I'm sometimes dizzy, cause he's pushing in a weird way on my abdominal artery and I gained at least 25 pounds. It all wears heavy on my back. I can't bend down or pick something up, I feel like a huge barrel and to top it off I'm extremely hormonal', Betty explains fiery with a little look in Daniel's direction, who simply chuckles.

'Oh stop it, mami. You look amazing and..., what? What is it? Why are you looking like that?', a five months pregnant Hilda says confused. The fiery expression on Betty's face changed to confusion at first, then realization, which then transforms into a shocked and slightly painful expression.

'Oh damn it, I thought we had more time', Betty mutters under her breath. Clutches the back of the chair in front of her. Her strong grip colours her knuckles white. Her eyes clenched together.

'What was that?', Alexis asks confused.

'I'm so sorry, Alexis. Uuuuh..., if I would've known..., huuu, huuu, huuu...', taking in a few laboured and controlled breaths, Betty tries to breath through the low ripping pain and the new contraction. '...that my water would break right now? I promise you..., huuu, huuu, huuu...', another softer contraction is hitting her. '...we wouldn't have come'

'I'm getting rid of that rug', a disgusted Alexis mutters to herself, her face paling to a slightly greenish colour.

'What?', Daniel's eyes get huge, rakes his hand through his hair, while walking over to her.

'Yeah, I had contractions all morning..., huuu, huuu, huuu..., but I thought we would have more time..., huuu, huuu, huuu...'

'You have contractions all morning? When did you plan to tell me?'

'Like I said, I thought that we would have more time..., huuu, huuu, huuu..., but the walking is..., uuuuuuuh...', a strong contraction is hitting her, makes her weak in the knees and Daniel manages to catch her before her knees give out beneath her. '...making it worse by the minute'

'You are impossible, why didn't you say anything?', Daniel holds onto her, helps her to walk over to the front door, everyone following them. Getting his phone out of his pant pocket, he's already searching for Dr. Lester's telephone number.

'Because as uncomfortable as I was, I wanted to see our family', she smiles up at him lovingly. The contraction subsided. 'And I wanted to wait til the contractions are a little bit closer together. The intervals last night and this morning were too far apart. If we went to the hospital, they would've just send us away anyway'

'No reason why you couldn't have told me', walking down the little pathway in the front yard, Daniel shakes his head at her, while his phone is trying to connect the call.

'Maybe', another contraction hits her at the car. She clutches the door handle, tries to breath through it. Just the way she learned. But it doesn't do anything for her.

'Yeah, we're heading to the hospital now. - Since yesterday evening apparently. - Betty, how's the interval?'

'The contractions are only four to five minutes apart and getting stronger', she huffs out.

'What? - I'm not going to do that. We're standing in the front yard of my sisters house. - But that's just... - Really? But her water just broke and shouldn't she feel that? - Oh for gods sake, you won't stop til I take a look, won't you? - This is so weird', Daniel mutters the last part under his breath, before kneeling down beside Betty.

'What are you doing?', Betty's little yelp when he looks under her dress between her legs is sharp and high and makes her jump a little. 'Daniel, our family...'

'Knows how it got in there. - Sorry, yeah, I'm still here and nope, nothing. Are we safe to go now? - We'll see you in a bit then', Daniel puts his phone away and opens the car door. Helping her inside the car, Claire and Ignacio walk up to them.

'Which hospital are you driving to?'

'St. Vincent, it was an easy choice, after everything I've been through', Betty smiles strained but happy.

'I'm so proud of you. We will follow you and wait for any News on you and the Baby, ok?', Ignacio gently cups a cheek of each, Betty and Daniel. Wet eyes shining with happiness and so much pride.

'We will be occupying the waiting area. And if you need anything, tell us. We will get it for you', Claire cups Betty's cheek and kisses Daniel's.

'Thank you, see you in a bit', Betty smiles.