Jonathan woke up before his wife did. He hadn't gotten much sleep at all that night, wanting to keep a watchful eye on Jennifer.
All he could do was just stare at her in awe. In awe of her beauty, and in awe of her strength, and in awe of the new life growing away inside her.
It made his heart swell for even more love than he had for Jennifer. He already was madly, and deeply in love with her.
She was sleeping peacefully beside him in his arms. Jonathan exhales as he pulls her over, close to him.
He couldn't believe the last 24 hours. They had been a whirlwind. He was angry at the fact that someone had deliberately tried to end her life and ended the lives of two important people that they knew.
Jonathan was a problem solver and a man that liked to fix things and he wanted to find the people that did this to Jennifer, Carolyn and his unborn child.
The thought of someone harming Jennifer and their unborn child made him even more infuriated. He rubs his face gently with his hand, keeping a protective one around her.
Jennifer's nightgown was clinging gently around her middle that was ever so slightly rounded. This was such a wonderful surprise and he was so curious how Jennifer truly felt about becoming a mother.
They were older and it was such a surprise to them. He couldn't imagine how shocked she must've been and must still be.
He was elated by the thought and couldn't wait to have a son or daughter. He didn't want to disturb her sleep but he couldn't help but gently lay his hand on her midsection.
" Morning darling." Jennifer says, tilting her head up, meeting Jonathan's gaze.
" Morning sweetheart." Jonathan plants a gentle kiss on her lips, tucking a loose strand of auburn hair behind her ear.
" How are you feeling this morning?" he asks.
As Jennifer stretches out a little bit, she moans slightly. " My ankle is still a bit sore but it's nothing I can't handle."
" Noon already?" Jennifer is shocked as she spots the time on their alarm clock.
" Relax darling. You needed your sleep." Jonathan pulls her back to him, holding her close.
Jennifer sighs and agrees. " For once I have to agree with you."
She examines her arms and notices a few bruises that hadn't been there the night before beginning to emerge. Her knees were a bit sore as well.
Her gaze travels downwards to her middle, where through her nightgown, a small bump was peaking through that hadn't been there the day before.
She still couldn't believe it. It almost didn't feel real. Even when the doctor confirmed it to her, she had tried to put it out of her mind.
Her thin hand gently grazes over her stomach and she leaves it there, finding it to be almost comforting.
The timing wasn't right. Not now. How could this happen of all times? Wasn't menopause supposed to be knocking on her door?
" You're thinking awful loudly." Jonathan says knowingly as he places his hand on top of hers, as his chin comes to rest on top of her head.
" I think this has all been a bit much. Never at my age did I expect…this! " Jennifer exclaims as she motions with her other hand towards her stomach.
Jonathan can't help but chuckle. " Life has a funny way of surprising us, darling."
Jennifer nods slightly, as her lips curl into a small smile, as she meets her husband's knowing gaze.
"I never thought that now would be the right time. I mean, after all these years, we've never been shy in the bedroom and when it came to protection it wasn't as if we were careful." Jennifer wasn't sure how to articulate how she was feeling.
" I think with all that's gone on, the past 24 hours, it's been a shock to your system. At our ages darling, I think we are more than capable of handling this." Jonathan replies in a gentle, but reassuring tone.
Jennifer takes a breath. " You're right. I am being a bit cynical about this. I'm surprised this little one survived through the whole ordeal yesterday."
Jonathan rubs his thumb lightly over her fingers. " I'm not surprised one bit. Our little one is strong like her mother."
Jonathan catches her off guard by calling their unborn baby a girl. Her eyes flick up to his.
" You think it's a girl?" Jennifer asks.
" I know our little one is a girl. I have a gut feeling about this." Jonathan says, smiling.
" You don't want a son?" Jennifer questions.
Jonathan shakes his head, before leaning down close to her ear. " I don't care either way what we have as long as the two of you are healthy, but I'd like a daughter with you."
When he whispers softly in her ears it gives her butterflies.
He places a few kisses along her neck and it makes her shiver.
Jennifer moans lightly when Jonathan works his way down to her collar bone.
" How about I go and whip up some lunch for us?" Jonathan asks.
" Please." Jennifer nods, sitting up now.
Jonathan puts a few pillows behind her back and kisses her head before leaving to go make lunch and feed Freeway.
Alone, Jennifer can't help but feel her mind swirling. She gently clasps her hands over her middle.
" I must admit this is all new to me. I'm not sure how to be a mother. I think we can figure this out together. The only experience I have is with Freeway, he's not a baby but he's our furry baby. Your father is already ready to meet you, and I've never seen him more excited to meet someone in my life. I am too." Jennifer feels herself becoming emotional.
She wipes a stray tear, not realizing Jonathan has been standing in the doorway listening.
It made his heart swell. He was truly thrilled and couldn't wait to be a father. He had never pushed Jennifer on the subject. It had been casual conversation a few times throughout their marriage and as they had gotten older, he could see Jennifer softening to the idea.
" Lunch for my beautiful wife." Jonathan waltzes into the room.
Jennifer smiles warmly at her husband. " Good. I'm starving."
Jonathan gently sets the tray on her lap and takes a seat on the bed.
" Do you still feel up to going to that event tonight? I don't think it would be such a good idea." Jonathan says.
" Why not?" Jennifer asks, as she puts down her mug of tea.
" Think about it, darling. If Senator Johnston had anything to do with this, he's expecting you to be dead. Not alive and well. If we saw him tonight, I cannot guarantee that he would be upright and talking after I'm done with him." Jonathan felt his anger rising.
" I didn't think about it that way. Should we call Carolyn?" Jennifer asks, worried.
" Yes. We need to speak to Detective Monroe. He should be able to help us. I'll give him a call." Jonathan replies.
He grabs the phone off his nightstand and makes the call.
Jennifer enjoys her food, waiting for her husband to finish up on the phone.
" …we will. Of course. Bye." Jonathan hangs up.
" Well?" Jennifer asks.
" He'll be over later this afternoon. He said he would get in touch with Carolyn as well." Jonathan replies.
" I think we need to call Dr. Kendall for an appointment today." Jennifer says.
Jonathan gets worried, wondering if his wife was alright.
When she sees his brow furrow, she grabs his arm gently.
" I'm fine, darling. Nothing's wrong. Before you get worried, we do need to look in on the baby and make sure everything is alright." Jennifer calmly replies.
Jennifer grabs the phone and rings up 's office. Jonathan waits quietly sipping his coffee, waiting to hear what Jennifer would say.
The conversation didn't last long before Jennifer hung up.
" She said she'd like to see us in an hour. Nobody will be in the office then."
Jonathan nods in agreement. " That's perfect."
Jonathan can tell his wife seems on edge. He kisses her temple lightly.
" Need any help getting to the shower?" he asks as a cheeky smile grows on his face.
" I'll take you up on that offer." Jennifer replies, smiling up at her husband.
Jonathan steps over to her side of the bed and helps her up, mindful as he grabs her arms, cautious of her sprained ankle.
Jennifer nurses her ankle as she steps on it for the first time, aware of the pain, but as she puts more pressure on it, surprised that the little pain she is feeling is manageable.
" That's not too bad but I know these cuts won't feel great." Jennifer makes a face, knowing the soap and water, although it will do her some good, will sting a bit.
Jonathan extends his arm out, letting Jennifer lean on him for a bit of support.
He knows she doesn't like anyone fawning all over her, and he can tell she's trying her best to push past it and feel normal.
Jennifer's free hand rests on her stomach for support and strangely, it felt comforting.
Once they reach the bathroom, Jonathan cuts on the water and gets it nice and warm.
Jennifer gets undressed and showers. It surprisingly felt good. Her arms stung a bit but after a while, she let the water run down her body.
Jonathan sat in their bedroom just in case Jennifer needed his help. Freeway starts barking to go outside so Jonathan decides to take him out quickly.
Jennifer finishes her shower and grabs a towel, drying off. She finds a pair of comfortable slacks and a loose button down top.
She was just buttoning up her blouse when Jonathan walked in with Freeway by his side.
" Darling, I'm sorry. I was taking Freeway outside. Do you need any help?" Jonathan feels bad he wasn't there.
" No, I'm fine. Are you ready to go? I may need a little help down the stairs, just until my ankle is better." Jennifer replies.
" I can certainly help with that." Jonathan once again offers her his arm and the two slowly make their way down the stairs to the car.
The ride to Dr. Kendall's office was silent and full of anticipation.
When they arrived, the palace was empty except for Dr. Kendall. It was the weekend after all and the nurses usually left early.
" Jonathan, Jennifer, it's so good to see you both. Although, I must say Jennifer, I've seen you look better. What on earth happened to you?" The physician is worried when she sees Jennifer hobbling into her office.
" We'll explain when we get inside." Jonathan replies, scanning his surroundings as he guides his wife inside the office.
The two get settled in a room and they fill Jennifer's doctor in the past 24 hours. She's in absolute shock to say the least.
" To top it all off…to find out Jonathan and I are expecting wasn't something I ever thought I'd hear. We just want to make sure everything is alright, considering we didn't know."
Dr. Kendall gets Jennifer on the table and lays her back. It was evident as she lifts Jennifer's blouse and lays the sheet down, she has a slight swell to her abdomen.
Normally a slender woman, Susan Kendall noted this wasn't old age and not menopause like Jennifer suspected.
Jonathan grips Jennifer's hand as Dr. Kendall is setting up the ultrasound machine.
He can tell Jennifer's mind is a thousand miles away at the moment. A gentle squeeze to her hand and she turns her gaze to meet his. Jonathan smiles warmly at her and suddenly her anxiety begins to melt away.
A loud thumping sound fills the quiet room after a few moments. " Well, I think there is someone you two need to meet."
Dr. Kendall turns the monitor towards the Harts and they both turn their eyes to the screen where the outline of a baby is clearly visible.
Jennifer feels her breath catch in her throat and immediately feels overwhelmed with emotion.
" Jonathan, look." Jennifer points a slender finger towards the screen, tracing the outline of the figure.
" Incredible. Just incredible." he is also at a loss for words. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes at the site.
" Jennifer, things look great. 10 fingers. 10 toes. A strong heartbeat. The baby looks right on track. A little small but you and Jonathan aren't spring chickens." her doctor says.
"Incredible." Jonathan whispers in awe of the fuzzy photo on the screen.
" Jennifer, it looks as if you're 11 weeks on the dot today judging by the measurements. You are moving right along, close to your second trimester." Dr. Kendall says, looking at the shell shocked couple before continuing, " It would be in your best interest to start taking some prenatal vitamins to support the baby's growth and make sure you're getting rest and 3 good meals a day."
She knew the information was quite a lot to absorb and figures that their quiet demeanor meant they were both taking it all in.
" I'd like to refer you to a colleague of mine that is a specialist in what we would call pregnancy of advanced maternal age. His name is Dr. Mark Hill and before you get too upset, we refer to any mother over the age of 35 to him. It's out of caution for both mother and baby. With an advanced age pregnancy such as your own, some mothers need additional medical care. Jennifer you're the picture of perfect health. I'm not too concerned, but it would be best to pay him a visit." Susan says.
Susan could see Jennifer's eyes widen.
" What are her risks?" Jonathan asks, gripping Jennifer's hand a little tighter.
" Sometimes mothers can experience high blood pressure which is something that we will have to keep an eye on or else they can develop something called preeclampsia which would result in an emergent delivery. The only other concern is delivering early. But again, as I've said before, I know Dr. Hill would agree, Jennifer has no significant medical history. She should make it close to full term." Dr. Kendall says.
Jennifer silently nods. Dr. Kendall can see the wheels turning in her head.
" Jennifer, I promise. As your physician, everything will be just and Jonathan will be wonderful parents and I have no doubt you'll handle these next few months with grace. Also I know you and Jonathan aren't shy, sex should be limited as should your caffeine intake starting today."
Jennifer looks towards her husband, blushing.
Jonathan's face drops before he murmurs something in Jennifer's ear.
" There are other ways I can pleasure you."
" Jonathan!" Jennifer playfully smacks his arm.
Susan helps Jennifer to sit up and wipes off her abdomen with a cloth.
" I'll be right back with those vitamins."
She leaves the room, leaving them quietly soaking it in. She comes back with the vitamins and leads them on their way out.
Jonathan and Jennifer leave the office hand in hand. Jonathan pulls his wife close. They get in the car and sit for a moment, soaking it all in.
The topic they'd danced around so many times before had finally come to the surface.
Jennifer looks at Jonathan with unshed tears in her eyes. He looks at her so lovingly. He kisses her tenderly.
They study the little black and white photograph Susan had given them in awe.
" How do you feel about all of this?" Jonathan asks.
Jennifer ponders on it a while before responding. " Nervous, Shocked, and a strange sense of wonder. I just can't believe it. This- this changes everything." she says, her voice soft with surprise.
She studies Jonathan's eyes. They are soft and warm and full of love. " I'm feeling all of the same things," he grabs her hands in his before continuing. "We've had many wonderful adventures in our life and I think this is going to be the best adventure yet. Maybe not in a time we planned for, but I can't wait to see our child and watch our child grow. And you are going to make the most incredible mother, Jennifer." Jonathan whispers, his voice full of emotion.
Jennifer cups his cheek in her hand as he lovingly talks to her. " There is nobody I would want to be on this journey with more than you, Jonathan Charles. You're going to be an amazing father." she whispers back to him.
Their lips meet once more. Their kiss deepend before they found themselves interrupted by Jennifer's ringing phone.
She doesn't want to break away from such a tender moment, but her phone doesn't stop ringing.
" Hello?" she asks, finally picking it up. Jonathan holds her hand in his, watching her speak, her face full of emotion. She listens on the phone for a few moments before pulling the phone away from her mouth. " It's Carolyn. Detective Monroe is at her house."
" Why don't we head over?" Jonathan suggests.
Jennifer agrees. " Carolyn, Jonathan and I will be right over."
" What is the detective doing over there?" Jonathan asks as he puts the car in drive.
Jennifer shrugs. " I'm not sure. She didn't say."
Before letting his foot off the gas he stares over at his wife. He smiles warmly at her, grateful she's alive and well and that their littlest Heart is growing away.
" What?" Jennifer asks.
" Nothing." Jonathan replies, with a smile growing at the corner of his lips as he keeps his eyes on the road.
TBC…