Happy Thursday….and welcome to Chapter 26 – A New Path Forward. I hope you enjoy it.
With the murderous plots and assassins in the rear view mirror, Chuck took some time to reassess his future and decided on a new path with Sarah at its core. He's made some big decisions, and now needs to take Sarah to a warm and sunny place where he can share what he has in his heart…and where Sarah can share what is in hers.
My thanks to klipdoctor and CliffM for their great help with Chapter 26. Thank you gents, you are both terrific partners.
Finally, and as usual, I don't own Chuck or profit in any way from writing this completely AU story.
Valkyrie's Invisible Shield
Chapter 26 – A New Path Forward
Date: Sunday, 26 February 2023
Time: 15:30 CST (16:30 EST)
Location: Shaka Caye Private Island Resort, Belize – Bartowski Villa
Sarah entered the luxuriously appointed villa, dropped her bag on the floor, and walked onto the private deck overlooking the pristine beach and crystal-clear water. As she surveyed her surroundings, Chuck wrapped her up in a hug from behind and gently kissed her neck.
"Chuck, this place is amazing….and the water….it's so clear."
"First class is just good enough for the woman I love." Chuck gently nibbled on Sarah's earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine. It had been a long day of travel for the couple, starting with the flight from JFK through Miami, then onto Belize International Airport, followed by a taxi and a nine-mile boat ride to the island. "So, while we're here, all our meals are going to be delivered to our villa, and we can eat inside, out here on the deck, or even have a table set up on the beach. The dress code is bathing suits, shorts, and t-shirts, with shoes optional. We have full use of the kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and anything else they offer. And we can jump on the boat anytime to go back to Belize City if we want to go out to dinner or dancing at a club or whatever."
Sarah spun around to face Chuck and gave him a long, wet kiss. "Thank you, Chuck. Last week in New York was a lot of fun, especially spending the weekend with Carina and Morgan, but this….this is really special."
Chuck kissed the tip of Sarah's nose. "It's been a long day of travel, so why don't we shower and put on some comfortable beach clothes. I've arranged a bottle of Champagne and some light snacks on the beach at 4:30, and dinner will be served here on our deck at 7:45. Is that okay?"
"It's perfect." Sarah pulled back from Chuck and went into the villa to check out the bathroom. Satisfied that the shower was amply large for extra-curricular activities, Sarah promptly shed all her clothes, turned on the water, went to the bathroom door, and leaned in the doorway suggestively. "Mr. Bartowski, get your naked ass in this shower right this minute and service your woman."
Chuck looked up from his suitcase and almost fell over as he tried to strip off his shirt, pants, and shoes while stumbling towards Sarah, who laughed uncontrollably.
Thirty minutes later, immediate demands fully satisfied, the freshly cleaned, dressed, and invigorated couple emerged from their villa. Hand in hand, they stepped down from their deck towards a canopied terry cloth-covered double lounge draped in a semi-transparent gauze-like fabric. As they sat and leaned back into the luxurious cushions, two waiters appeared, one bringing a silver tray with assorted cheeses, crackers, and grapes and the other carrying an ice bucket with a bottle of Dom Perignon and a pair of crystal flutes.
The tray and ice bucket were placed on a small table next to the lounge, the bottle was popped open, and the two flutes were carefully filled and set on the table before the two waiters quietly slipped away.
Chuck and Sarah sat quietly in their private cocoon, enjoying the light show as the February sun drifted steadily toward the horizon, turning the sky and the sea into a palette of blues, grays, and purples. It was beautifully serene.
As Chuck turned to face Sarah, all he could see in her eyes was a calm joy. He reached over to take her hand gently, and kiss it as she turned her attention to him, a soft, warm smile complementing the sparkle in her eyes. They stared at each other quietly for a moment, feeling the bond they had so quickly yet deeply developed until Chuck broke the spell.
His voice was soft, and he spoke slowly but clearly and confidently. "Sarah, we have a lot of things to talk about and maybe some decisions to make over the course of the week, but if you don't mind, I'd really like to start with something I think is perhaps the most important thing to me." He smiled warmly.
"Sarah, I love you more than anything, and simply put, I can't see my future without you by my side. I so very desperately want to make you my wife….if you will have me." He paused. "Will you marry me, Sarah?" Chuck reached into the pocket of his shorts and produced the engagement ring he had shown to Jack and Emma.
Somehow, Sarah's eyes turned an even more brilliant shade of blue as she leaned forward to make sure her forehead and the tip of her nose were touching Chuck's. Her free hand caressed his cheek and whispered, "Yes, Chuck." She stroked his cheek once more. "Nothing in this world could make me happier than to be your wife." Sarah then tilted her head slightly and gently placed her lips to his, giving him the most tenderly intimate kiss imaginable. "I love you, Chuck."
As their lips parted, Chuck slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her hand again. "Thank you, Sarah. It will be my life's mission to be worthy of your love every day for as long as my heart beats." His smile grew, and his nose crinkled as he reached for the two flutes of Champagne. "Shall we toast before we call everyone and tell them?"
Instead of answering, Sarah assaulted him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him with every ounce of passion she had. As she moved to climb on top of him, Chuck was doing his best to avoid spilling both flutes of Champagne all over them and their lounge. Sarah suddenly broke off her assault to take a glass out of his hand, gave him an utterly lecherous look, and downed the glass before assaulting him again.
Panting and disheveled, Sarah grabbed Chuck by the hand and pulled him toward their villa.
"Sarah, the Champagne….and what about mom and dad, Ellie…."
"Later, Chuck. Right now, we're going to make love. It's my first time as your fiancée, and I'm not waiting another minute."
"Yes, dear." Chuck whimpered when Sarah slapped his ass as he climbed the steps.
"Good boy!"
-O-
Eventually, Chuck and Sarah had the Champagne and cheese brought to the villa and canceled dinner. They lay naked in bed, feeding each other cheese on crackers while nibbling grapes and sipping Champagne. By nine o'clock, after their third or fourth round of completely uninhibited lovemaking, they both crashed, falling asleep in a tangled mess of sweaty arms and legs. The empty bottle of Champagne sat on the floor next to one of the flutes and the tipped over ice bucket. The decimated cheese tray had been devoured, save for a few errant grapes, and was precariously placed on the edge of the nightstand with Chuck's underwear hanging off it. Sarah's clothes were scattered in a trail that started from the deck through the living room and into the bedroom.
-O-
Date: Monday, 27 February 2023
Time: 09:20 CST (10:20 EST)
Location: Shaka Caye Private Island Resort, Belize – Bartowski Villa
Sarah was the first to stir as the morning light mercilessly invaded their bedroom. She was snuggled into Chuck's side. Her head rested comfortably on his shoulder with his arm wrapped around her, her left hand placed flat against his chest, and her left leg thrown over his. She cracked her eyes open, and the very first thing she noticed was the brilliant sparkle coming off her engagement ring. In yesterday evening's explosion of passion, she'd failed to take a moment to really study her ring, and only this morning, under the bright morning light, could she really appreciate how magnificent the ring was. Blindingly beautiful, a perfect symbol of their love.
She looked for the alarm clock, but it wasn't where it was supposed to be. Instead, she lifted her head and saw it on the floor, partially covered by her bra. As she laid her head back down, she paused to savor the moment. Her senses were awakening now, and she could feel the soft warmth of Chuck's skin, the sound of his steady heartbeat and breathing, and the smell of their bodies covered in sweat and sex. It was magical, and she was desperate to imprint all of it into her memory.
"Good morning, angel!" A deep and gravelly sound vibrated from Chuck's chest into her ear. "We didn't burn the place down last night, did we?" He stretched with a groan. "Water. I need water. You almost killed me last night, woman."
Sarah laughed and smacked his chest. "Oh my God, a woman rocks your world by giving you everything she has, and you want to whine? I may have accepted a proposal from the wrong man yesterday."
Chuck barked out a laugh as he rolled over and pinned Sarah under him and kissed that particular spot she had on her collarbone, eliciting a deep moan. "You take my breath away, Sarah."
Sarah wrapped her legs around him and pulled him to her. "You take my breath away, Chuck."
They stayed in an intimate embrace for a minute before Sarah spoke again. "Chuck, I think we both need some food, or they'll find our naked bodies in this amazing bed, dead and depleted. How about we clean up, shower, get breakfast, and then call our families?"
-O-
They had ordered a full breakfast and took the time to clean up the villa, take showers, brush their teeth, and get dressed while it was being prepared. They then ate breakfast on their private deck while stealing smiles at each other. After breakfast, they sauntered down to the beach, taking pictures together, placing Sarah's engagement ring-adorned hand front and center. Then, together, they prepared short notes for friends and family but would hold off on those until they made the most important calls.
"Hello?" Ellie's voice was still groggy. It was almost nine in the morning Pacific time, but she had worked a late shift at the hospital and was still asleep when her phone rang.
"Ellie, we are so sorry if we woke you up, but we wanted you to be our first call."
"Chuck?" Ellie snapped awake. "You're with Sarah, and you asked her?"
"He sure did….sis," Sarah replied.
"Oh my God….Oh my God! Sarah….Oh, Sarah, I'm so happy. Chuck….congratulations! I'm so proud of you. You guys will be so great together! Unfortunately, Devon is out running, but I can't wait to tell him. We're so excited for you both."
"Thanks, Ellie. We love you, too. Listen, we need to call Sarah's folks as well, so we'll let you go back to sleep…." Chuck was trying to wind down the call.
"Sleep? I can't go back to sleep. We have a wedding to plan, Chuck. I'm so excited…." Ellie was out of bed and rambling.
"Ellie. Take a deep breath. We have plenty of time to do all those things, but we really need to go now. We'll call you later, okay?
"Okay, Chuck. Love you guys….congratulations!"
The subsequent calls with Jack and Emma, then Morgan and Carina, then Casey, and a few other close friends went as expected, and by early afternoon all the calls had been made, and all the pictures emailed.
Over the next few days, Sarah and Chuck divided their waking hours into four distinct areas of absolute focus. Top of the list was lovemaking, followed by meals, followed by discussion and decisions on the next steps to take as a couple, and finally, recreation. Their time on the little private island was blessed by glorious weather, and the days and nights flew by. Before they knew it, they were back in New York, with Chuck declining the use of the studio the Secret Service had rented at the start of "Operation Invisible Shield," and deciding to move in with Sarah and Carina instead. As Sarah returned to work, Chuck checked into the New York Field Office, where his semi-celebrity status made his arrival exceptionally smooth.
-O-
Date: Wednesday, 4 May 2023
Time: 13:05 EST
Location: 80 Spring Street, New York – Balthazar Brasserie
Sarah's eyes brightened as Chuck arrived and was led to their table. He leaned over her and kissed her on the lips.
"Sorry I'm a little late, but the meeting ran long, and getting a cab….well…. it's New York, so…." Chuck smiled apologetically. "So, what was so urgent that it couldn't wait until later?" Chuck asked while raising an eyebrow. "God, you are so beautiful. You're radiant….and you're drinking water." Chuck stuttered for a minute. "Oh my God, Sarah," he lowered his voice and leaned in. "Are you pregnant?"
Sarah gave Chuck a flat look for a moment, then started laughing. "Uhm, no, Chuck. Not pregnant." She smiled as Chuck's expression flashed disappointment for an instant before he caught himself.
"Oh. Okay. Good, I guess." He smiled.
"God, I love you, Chuck. You're really ready to have a baby, aren't you? I mean, we're not even married yet….not that that's an issue, but you deflated when I said I wasn't." Sarah looked at him lovingly.
"I guess….I don't know, Sarah. The thought of you and I having a child is so utterly and deeply joyful. I mean….I'm not in a rush or anything. We're still young and we have plenty of time, but I can just see what our little girl or boy would look like, and I can see you being an impossibly gentle and caring mother, so it's definitely something I want, but only when you're ready.
"Chuck, if you know what's good for you, you will not utter another word about our little girl or boy, or I will take you right here right now in front of everyone." Sarah's voice was almost a growl, and her eyes blazed with a sexual intensity that reminded Chuck of their short-lived champagne toast when he proposed. He gulped.
"Uhm…..How about them Yankees?" Chuck stuttered.
"Good save, Chuck."
They both took big gulps of their water, allowing their hunger to abate for a moment before Sarah spoke again in a hushed tone. "Chuck, what do you want to do about Monte Carlo?" she asked discretely.
Chuck looked at Sarah with a confused expression. "What do you mean? Invade, go on vacation, race Formula One cars, statistical progression, or play Baccarat?"
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Chuck, do you remember what we did a few months back? The Trust….ringing any bells?"
"Monte…..Oh. Oh my God. I'm such an idiot. How could I forget? Monte Carlo…."Chuck steepled his fingers and pressed them to the bridge of his nose. "So when you say 'what do you want to do,'" Chuck made air quotes with his fingers, "you're talking about…." Chuck leaned forward and whispered. "The money?"
"Yes, Chuck….I'm talking about the money." Sarah was amused by Chuck's seeming inability to grasp the issue. She leaned forward. "We have over twenty-seven million dollars in that untraceable trust account. It's very easy for me to set up a not-for-profit foundation somewhere and move the money there where we could more easily access it. Those funds could be used for lots of things, like….I don't know….expand your company, buy a vacation home…..on a private island, buy a private island….you know, whatever we want."
Chuck looked at Sarah apprehensively, "I don't know, Sarah. What we did was illegal, and the money we made came from the accounts of others. I understand the mitigating circumstances here, but I'm just not sure." Chuck's downcast eyes revealed his inner conflict.
Sarah smiled. "You're a good man, Chuck Bartowski, and I love you, but….you know that virtually all of the Vostock Oil & Gas stock was controlled by investment funds owned by Russian oligarchs, including Volkoff and Roark. So I don't feel bad at all. I mean, Roark and Volkoff were trying to kidnap and probably kill me, and then targeted my father? And the rest of the oligarchs? Their wealth was created by raping Russia's largest and most valuable state-owned companies through corrupt privatizations worth hundreds and hundreds of billions….nope! I won't mention that you have a nice little scar from when you were almost killed….so, no, no problem getting compensated for all that."
Chuck thought for a moment. "Yeah. You're right. But perhaps we can take some of the money and do something good with it, you know?
"I do. I've already started looking into several humanitarian charities which support Ukranian and Russian families who have lost their main breadwinner in the war." Sarah smiled. "What do you think, Chuck?"
"I think I love you, Sarah. Let's carve out a meaningful number." Chuck paused to consider the math for a moment.
"Ten million…." Chuck and Sarah laughed as they blurted the number simultaneously.
Chuck reached across the table, taking Sarah's hands in his. "I love that we always seem to be on the same page."
Sarah sat back and smiled. "Me too. Let's do that. I also want to talk about our wedding….How would you feel about a small wedding at the resort in Belize? I mean, we can afford it, and I can't think of a more magical place for us. What do you think?"
"I like it, Sarah. All we need to do now is pick a date and ensure your Mom and Dad are free to attend." Chuck then grinned silently for a moment before clapping his hands like an excited child. "Oh….and I found an awesome place for us. A huge loft on Thompson near Spring Street. The loft has two floors, and the elevator opens directly into the apartment on both floors. The lower floor has an open kitchen, two full bathrooms, and a staircase to the second floor. The rest of the space is open and can be configured how we like. The upstairs floor has two more full bathrooms, and the rest is open space, though it has the plumbing set up for a second kitchen. We can make part of the second-floor workspace for ADIE Tech and build two guest rooms. I told the broker we could stop by to see it at 3:30 if you like the idea."
Sarah's eyes sparkled. "Great. Let's order our lunch, then head over."
"Perfect!" Chuck exclaimed in a somewhat subdued voice. "I love you."
-O-
Date: Saturday, 23 September 2023
Time: 11:00 CST (12:00 EST)
Location: Shaka Caye Private Island Resort, Belize
The water sparkled, reflecting a million sun rays as the guests took their seats under a pavilion of wooden beams covered by palm fronds. A central aisle was covered by a pastel pink runner, and the chairs lined the aisle were festooned with white and pink orchids. A gentle and refreshing breeze blew across the island, comforting the guests as the music played. At the front of the pavilion stood Chuck, along with John Casey, his best man, and Devon Woodcomb. Across the aisle was Carina, the maid of honor, and Chuck's sister, Ellie. Presiding over the ceremony was a Justice of the Peace who had come in on the ferry boat that morning from Belize City, carrying all the required documents to legally register the marriage.
Sitting in the front row on Sarah's side was Emma Walker, along with an empty seat for her husband, Jack, who would walk Sarah down the aisle. Sitting on the same side as the Walker family were cousins, friends, and associates, including Douglass Bradley and several colleagues from Sarah's law firm. On Chuck's side were some of his former Secret Service colleagues and his new business associates.
The small quartet momentarily stopped playing before starting again to signify that the bride was ready for her entrance, causing all heads to turn toward the pavilion's rear. A moment later, Sarah entered the pavilion. She held a bouquet of tropical flowers in her right hand while her left hand was looped through her father's arm. Sarah beamed brighter than the sun as she seemed to glide rather than walk along the pink runner before her. At the end of the aisle stood the man who literally took a bullet for her. A man whose love rocked the foundations of all she held most dear and gave her a different perspective on what it meant to live and love.
Chuck felt a pang in his heart. He never imagined that he would find a woman so beautiful, loving, brilliant, and strong to be his counterpoint in life. Their eyes locked, and suddenly, there was no music or people. There was only Chuck and Sarah, the cool breeze causing her simple slip dress to flutter as she strode toward him. The two barely registered Jack Walker, the President of the United States, shaking Chuck's hand as he gave his daughter away and moved back to sit with his wife before the Justice of the Peace began speaking.
Chuck and Sarah weren't formal people, so their ceremony was brief, with Chuck and Sarah preferring to say "I do" rather than publicly proclaim their mutual love for all to hear. Everyone already knew the level of absolute adoration each held for the other. For both Chuck and Sarah, the experience felt surreal, with most of it being a blur until the Justice of the Peace pronounced them Husband and Wife and permitted Chuck to kiss his bride….which he did with gusto.
The casual atmosphere of the island, which both Chuck and Sarah wanted for their special day, was reflected in the casual clothes the guests wore, many of them were in linen shorts or pants with Hawaiian-type shirts. Before lunch was served, the usual number of speeches delivered a wonderful mix of stories about Chuck and Sarah, their lives growing up, and how they met. The speeches ranged from comedic to embarrassing to emotionally poignant, with the highlight coming from a surprisingly emotional speech by John Casey as Best Man that caused many eyes to water, followed by a hilariously bawdy speech from Carina that caused most of the congregation to blush.
After the speeches and toasts, lunch was served buffet style on a long table, while the guests were encouraged to mingle and make new friends by settling into the beautifully decorated picnic benches with no seating assignments. The affair was remarkably light, fun, and casual despite many attendees sitting in positions of incredible prestige and power. After the lunch service, a band started playing and blanketed the entire resort with a happy island beat everyone enjoyed. The stories, laughing, dancing, and drinking continued until about one in the morning, by which time almost all the guests had left the island, leaving behind only Chuck and Sarah, Morgan and Carina, and Ellie and Devon. After the final goodbyes, the three couples settled on the beach by a fire pit, drinking beer and relaxing until Sarah announced that Mr. Bartowski needed to take care of his contractually mandated husbandly duties. She stood and pulled the blushing man behind her. Following Sarah's lead, the other two couples dusted off their clothes and turned in for the evening.
As the freshly minted Mrs. Bartowski demanded, Chuck dutifully fulfilled his obligations to ensure his wife was appropriately satisfied after an absolutely magical day.
-O-
Date: Sunday, 01 January 2023
Time: 10:00 EST
Location: 111 Thomson Street, New York City – Bartowski Residence
Sarah woke feeling cold. She reached across the bed to find Chuck, but he was obviously out of bed and probably taking care of breakfast. She pulled his pillow to her chest and hugged it tightly, breathing in Chuck's scent. She smiled as the door to their bedroom swung open, revealing Chuck with a breakfast tray.
He placed the tray on the bed and gently sat beside Sarah, giving her a chaste kiss. "Good morning, beautiful. You feeling okay?"
"I feel fine, Chuck. Last night with Morgan and Carina was a lot of fun, but I think I would have preferred a quiet night at home with you." Sarah reached for a freshly baked Pillsbury croissant and her coffee. "Mmmm. Delicious coffee, but the croissant tastes a little funny. You sure the package wasn't spoiled or expired?"
Chuck took a bite of his croissant. "Delicious…." He reached over and took a bite of Sarah's. "Also delicious. Nothing wrong with these, baby. Why don't you rest up while I get everything organized in the kitchen." They had planned to have Carina and Morgan join them in their loft for a day of college football, and Chuck made sure they were amply stocked up on food, beer, and, of course, wine for the ladies. "We have roughly two hours before Carina and Morgan arrive."
By six pm, the two couples were following the third or fourth game on television when Chuck came from the open kitchen carrying a pizza and a large bowl of buffalo wings with blue cheese dipping sauce. To Chuck's delight, Morgan practically dove into the wings while Carina grabbed two slices, folded them together, and lowered the slices into her mouth while tilting her head back. As the oil from the slices dripped onto her extended tongue, Morgan dropped his chicken wings on the coffee table and stared wide-eyed at his girlfriend while Chuck laughed. No one noticed Sarah excusing herself and slipping away to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, with Sarah snuggled into his side, Chuck noticed that Sarah wasn't eating. "Sarah, aren't you hungry? I haven't seen you eat anything besides a piece of crust from my slices."
"I feel great, Chuck. Couldn't be happier. I'm just not hungry now. I'm sure I'll eat something later." Sarah burrowed deeper into his side.
-O-
Date: Monday, 02 January 2023
Time: 10:00 EST
Location: Nine West 57th – Offices of Dunmore, Bradley, and Caine
Sarah had woken up with her stomach in knots. She hadn't eaten much yesterday, and everything she ate, other than Chuck's pizza crust, tasted a little off to her. As a holdover from his Secret Service days, Chuck was an early riser on working days, so he left their bed's warmth to head upstairs to his office before Sarah had awakened. Now, in her office, Sarah felt the unmistakable feeling that she was going to vomit. She stood and went to the lady's room as briskly as possible before throwing up. Once she thought she had finished, she moved to the sink to rinse her mouth and check herself in the mirror. Then it hit her.
Sarah returned to her office, checked her schedule to ensure she had the next thirty minutes free, grabbed her purse, and left the office. Twenty minutes later, she returned, went straight to the restroom, took out three separate and different pregnancy tests, and proceeded to test herself. Ten minutes later, she checked the results.
-O-
"Ms. Walker….Sorry. Mrs. Bartowski, good to see you again. The Doctor will see you in just a minute." The young receptionist welcomed Sarah. Less than five minutes later, a bespectacled gentleman wearing a white coat entered the waiting room and moved toward her.
"Sarah, so nice to see you. Come on back." He smiled with genuine affection. "How are you?"
"Hi, Doctor Rutledge. It's good to see you too." Sarah sat in the Doctor's private office as he closed the door.
"So, what can I do for you, Sarah. The appointment notes said you wanted a consult."
"Well, Doctor, I think I'm pregnant. I took three store-bought tests, and all came out positive. Obviously, I wanted to have a proper test and examination done, but I didn't want to mention that to the people taking the appointments. I hope you understand."
"Of course, Sarah. With all you have been through in the last year, I don't blame you." The kind doctor smiled with understanding and then picked up the phone. "Janet, please prepare exam room one." He hung up the phone and stood. "Come on, Sarah. Let's have a look at what's going on."
-O-
Date: Monday, 02 January 2023
Time: 19:30 EST
Location: 111 Thomson Street, New York City – Bartowski Residence
As usual, Chuck prepared dinner and kept it warm in the oven while waiting for Sarah to arrive at her regular time. Like clockwork, the elevator doors soundlessly slid open, and Sarah stepped out with a wide smile. "Hey, you!" She had a giggle in her voice.
"Hey you back, gorgeous!" Chuck moved toward her and pulled her into a hug while kissing her neck. "Dinner is ready. I made a baked chicken and pasta casserole, and it smells awesome. Why don't you put on your sweats while I plate the food? To accompany this evening's main course, the chef would suggest a saucy young Primitivo from Italy's Puglia region." He bent at the waist and waved his hand towards the table with a flourish.
"Oh my God, I married such a dork." Sarah barked out a wet laugh and bounced down the hallway to change while shouting over her shoulder, "Sounds delicious, Chuck, but no wine for me, thanks. I'll take one of those lemon-lime seltzer waters, please. Love you!" And she disappeared.
-O-
"Okay, Sarah, what's up. You've been grinning like the Cheshire cat all dinner, and while you did an artful job of moving food around your plate, you've hardly eaten anything." Chuck paused to consider his wife carefully. "I thought the casserole was delicious. Did you not like it? Was it the mushrooms?"
Sarah stood, walked around the table, sat on Chuck's lap, and kissed him soundly. She pulled back slightly, and while running one hand through the hair on the back of his head, she leaned her forehead to his and whispered. "Chuck, you and me….we….we are going to have a baby."
Chuck closed his eyes, and a wide smile that reached his ears and crinkled his nose appeared. "A baby? We're having a baby? Really….?" A tear escaped one of his closed eyes.
"Really. I took some tests this morning, saw Dr. Rutledge at lunchtime, and he called me back with the results at four. I'm about seven weeks pregnant, and our due date is 31 August."
"Oh, Sarah….I am so indescribably filled with joy right now!" He squeezed her tightly. "You're going to be the most amazing mother." He opened his eyes and grinned. "This is going to be so much fun. I'm so incredibly excited!" He peppered her face with kisses, then his expression became more serious. "What do I need to do to help you? The food….I'm guessing this is the issue. Is there any special diet I can follow for you…..wait….we need a nursery. I need to call the contractors and buy a crib….to put up walls for a nursery. Or maybe we turn the guest room into the nursery and build a guest room…."
"Chuck, you're spiraling!" Sarah put her index finger to his lips. "And I love how adorable you are when you spiral, but you need to take a step back. We have plenty of time for all that ….. okay?"
"Okay, Sarah, okay….but are you fine? I mean, did the Doctor say anything else?" Chuck's breathing calmed, and his speech slowed a little.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Barfed my guts out this morning but I've felt okay otherwise. Just not hungry. The Doctor said that's normal and should go away soon, after which I'll probably eat everything in sight." Sarah chuckled sweetly. "Otherwise, the rest of the check-up showed me to be in perfect health, so while all is good, the Doctor recommended waiting till we hit twelve weeks before saying anything to anyone. In the meantime, I need to start taking a bunch of prenatal vitamins, and together, we will have a monthly check-up with Doctor Rutledge for the duration of the Pregnancy."
Chuck held her close. "God….I love you so much it hurts."
"Me too, baby." Sarah kissed the tip of his nose.
"Wait…" A frown appeared on Chuck's lips. "So I'm guessing no bikinis for you this summer?" he pouted.
Sarah giggled. "Who knows, maybe….I'll never be ashamed of my body, especially if I'm pregnant. Besides, this whole pregnancy thing comes with a huge upside."
"Upside? Really?" Chuck looked puzzled as Sarah's gaze suddenly turned predatory.
"Yep…." Sarah popped the p. "Upside…..the pregnancy hormones will make my boobs bigger and spike my sexual appetite." Sarah growled as she sucked in Chuck's earlobe and gave it a gentle nibble.
"Woman, are you trying to kill me? You're already insat…." Before Chuck could finish the word, Sarah stood, grabbed him by the hand, and pulled him towards the stairs to their bedroom.
"Quit whining, and man up, Chuck. I have needs….and besides, you did this to me, so let's go."
"Whosyourmama….!"