Chapter 19

When she woke up Monday morning she was feeling so sick to her stomach that she nearly didn't make it to the toilet. Daniel was hanging over her, holding her hair back like a pro, soothingly stroking her back. She had to call in sick. And when she lays on the couch later that day and felt again like she's been run over by a truck. She realizes that she is really full fledged sick. She's never sick. Like ever. She never had to call in sick at MODE. Her whole family has an amazing immune system. Maybe it's a Mexican thing. But here she is. Headache, earache, her throat is sore and swollen, and her whole body feels like it's trying to give out on her. The intense nausea is just the icing on the cake. When she feels herself slipping from freezing to death into overheating and back into freezing to death, she knows that she can add fever to her endless list of symptoms. She needs Daniel to run a few errands. That's for sure.

'Hey baby, how are you feeling?', his concerned voice rings over the phone.

'Worse than this morning', she coughs out. Her nose starting to run away from her.

'Oh my god, babe what happened. I'm only gone for a few hours. You sound like hell'

'Great, that's how I feel like. I'm so sorry, but I need you to run some errands for me'

'Sure whatever you need'

'Okay, do you have a pencil and paper?', she coughs again. This is getting worse by the minute. How weird.

'Yes, shoot'

'Okay I need some painkillers, a syrup for my cough, nasal spray, some pastilles for my throat and something against the fever I'm running. Oh, and can you look for something against the nausea?'

'Wait, your running a fever? How bad is it, Babe?'

'Don't worry, it's not that bad. This is a normal cold. Just bring those things with you when you come home later. Until then I'm trying to sleep'

Coughing herself through the last bit of conversation she tries to sleep after that. Tries to ignore how her whole body aches. And when she is finally able to, she falls into a restless sleep full of weird dreams.

'Hey, babe, how are you feeling?', Daniel soothingly strokes Betty's hair out of her face. Softly lays the back of his hand against her forehead. The worried look on his face confirms to her what she already thought. The fever didn't magically disappeared.

'Like crap', her voice rough and raspy, speaking let's another fit of coughing bubble up. And this is the worst part. Her head hurts so much, that she holds it with both her hands. Her ears by far the worst. They hurt constantly.

'Are you sure you shouldn't see a doctor?', he's so worried. Betty can see that. And who can blame him, really.

'Hey, this is just a cold. It sucks but it's normal to have a little fever. You don't have to worry. But if it's too much..., I could go into Queens. Stay at Papis...'

'Huh? No way. Your not going anywhere. I'm worried, yes, of course. But not that worried. Don't be ridiculous', his voice soft, fingers gently grazing her pale skin. 'Come on, try to sit up. You take some of the medicine I bought. I brought chicken-soup and ice cream as well. I wasn't sure what you would want'

'You're the best', Betty sits up, as best as she could. Swallows the medicine and went straight back to sleep.

The cold really knocked her out. The next two days she was feverish, coughing like crazy and thought at one point that her head for sure wants to explode. The two days that follow after that she finally feels an improvement. The fever is gone, her throat feels nearly normal and the coughing was getting better as well. The nausea was still bugging sometimes. But it wasn't so bad any more. And the best part, it's Friday. Daniel came home early afternoon. Starting their weekend earlier than usual. Said he wants to take care of her. He's so cute and caring. The guy from four years ago would've spend his time in a hotel and told her to give him a call when it's safe to come back home. Well, he wouldn't be in a long-lasting relationship in the first place. Her Daniel came so far.

'You sure it's still just a cold? Shouldn't you already feel way better than you do. This feels really long'

'I'm sure. Sometimes a cold can knock you down for more than just a few days. A week even. I just don't get it. I'm never sick. Like ever. My whole family, really. We never get a cold or something like that', she looks so cute. The way she sits in their bed, piles of comforters and blankets around her. Her hair in a messy bun up on her head. Sipping the chicken-soup Daniel brought home from the deli near MEADE. He sits on the bedside. Made some room for himself. She does look a lot better. Her cheeks are adorably flushed and her eyes look more alive.

'Everyone gets a cold sometimes'

'But that's just it, we don't. Never. All those years I thought it must be something about our immune system. Or that it was a mexican thing. Maybe it's the garlic. I don't know', his chuckle is a lovely different tune to her ears. She is so cooped up in their bedroom. Doesn't feel like watching TV, reading a good book or listening to anything.

'I don't think it works like that'

'Yeah, Hilda got sick eventually'

'Aaah, see, so no weird superpower mexican immune system or garlic'

'Well, it doesn't really count, cause she was pregnant with Justin when she got sick. The only time she got sick at least four to five times', she says it so nonchalant. Wasn't really thinking anything by saying it. Just keeps sipping on her chicken soup. But doesn't that kind of has a little catch?

Daniel was confused. They never get sick? Only Hilda when she was pregnant. Betty was never sick in her life before. But now, she's violently sick. She threw up a few times and the cold really knocked her out. And when he's really thinking about it. When was the last time she had her period? She wasn't really holding out on him. On the contrary.

'What? Why do you look so funny?'

'Do you think you could be pregnant?', her snort was spontaneous. Her chuckle stands between them in the air. Stoic. But when she sees his serious face it dies in her throat.

'Daniel, You're not serious. Why should I be pregnant?'

'Oh, well, I don't know. Maybe because we already had more sex then I had in my whole life. And we are sometimes in a bit of a haze. Or maybe it's the fact that you just told me that Hilda is the only one who was sick in your family. Like ever. When she was pregnant with Justin. And now you're violently sick, Babe. And maybe I'm a little confused because I can't remember when you're last cycle was. Your not really holding out on me', Daniel rattles that down. Makes her speechless. He is so aware of her. She keeps forgetting that.

'Ok, first of all, I take it as a compliment. So, thank you. And second, it could all be a big misunderstanding. Maybe I'm just sick. Just like you said. Everyone gets a cold sometimes. I take my pill religiously. So even if we are in a haze, we're still protected. And my last cycle was...', when was it? She knows this. But somehow she's stuck on that. Can't put it in the right timeframe. She's so bad at this. That's why she puts it in her calendar, so she wouldn't forget it and get a lovely little surprise one day. Getting her phone out and looking through her calendar she gets even more confused. She must've forgotten to make a note. Which is not like her at all. But according to this her last cycle was two month ago.

'Betty, what is it?', he's nervous and tense. Fidgets with his hands. Gives them something to do, because the anticipation is slowly killing him.

'Ok, don't read too much into it, but I must've forgotten to set a note. It only shows me my period from two month ago as my last cycle. But that can't be true. I know for a fact that I had my period. I swear..., I had my period last month, Daniel. Really...', Betty begins to panic. She can't remember. Not for sure. Counting off the days and narrowing down on a reasonable timeline doesn't help either. She just can't remember ever getting her period last month. And with all the stress of her still settling in at NYRB, them just moving in together and the lasicsurgery. It must've slipped her mind.

That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Or maybe the whole stress finally got to her and her period just didn't occur.

'Betty...', a tentative hand softly lays on her knee. Reassuring her that no matter what, everything's okay. He's searching her eyes. And Betty knows what he's looking for. The doubt behind her weak explanation. That this is more than just a cold. What are the odds that she would be pregnant? Now? 'Do you think you should take a test? Just to rule it out?'

Betty tries to concentrate on the facts she knows for sure. Thinks really hard about what they can mean. And has to admit to herself, that maybe, maybe he's right. Maybe she should just take a test to rule it out. And even if it's just to clear both their heads. She tries to climb out of their bed. Gets tangled up in the many blankets. She got them over the last two days. Betty was just freezing so bad. Especially when he wasn't there to keep her warm and company.

When she was finally free, Betty stumbles over to the bathroom, rummages around in the cabinet. Her cold long forgotten. In the far back must be at least two tests. Ever since the pregnancy scare with Matt, she tends to have at least one or two around. Just in case. Peeing on the stick feels surreal. She didn't think it would be like this. She thought it would be different with Daniel. That they would have a plan. Maybe get married first, have children then. But then again is it really important how they do it? In which order? No. This is what they want. They talked about spending their life together. That entails children, grand children, sticking around til you're old and frail. He more then just hinted to her, that he wants to get married to her. But he also said that he wants for them to take their time. What if he doesn't want this now? What if it's to early? She just started her job at NYRB and they're together for how long? Six and a half months?

Looking down on the stick she remembers her still very vivid memory of her imaginary life with Daniel. They seemed so happy with their two kids. The way Daniel played with their son, the gentle look on his face when he watched their daughter? She wants that, so bad. A life with Daniel and their imaginary kids. The tears are slipping down her cheeks before she even noticed that they were behind her eyes. It's indescribable how much just wanting something can hurt.

'You think really loud, Betty', he turns her around and folds her into his arms. Places soft kisses on her hair and soothingly rubs her back. He probably thinks that she's feeling panicked. That she thinks it's too soon. And if she wouldn't break down she would tell him how wrong he is. But the sobs keep coming out of her and the stream of tears seems endless.

'I know, this is the last thing you would want right now. Especially with your new job and everything. If you're pregnant, we can find a way. I don't want you to feel trapped or anything?'

'Trapped?', she rubs over her face, looks incredulously at Daniel. 'I should've told you about it sooner'

Daniel's confused look could be comical, if the situation wasn't so sad and significant. Taking his hand and the stick from the sink, she walks them over to the ottoman. Better to sit down for this kind of conversation.

'Do you remember the family weekend at your mothers? When I was zoned out for a bit? You wanted to know what I was thinking about', she takes his hand in hers, fidgets with his fingers.

'Of course, you said it was nothing and I didn't believe you'

'Yeah, you know me too well. It was quite something. I don't know, seeing you with DJ that weekend. How you teased each other, played around and messed with each other? It just hit me. What a great father you would be. How much I want that not only for you, but with you. So much, I had this little, I guess you could call it a fantasy? Seeing you, us, with our two kids out on a Picknick. Ever since, I can't get it out of my mind. How happy we looked. How much I love the idea of having exactly that. Being married to you, having your babies. It's nothing I ever thought about before. Not because I don't want it. I just never thought it would be in my lucky stars. But with you it just seems so right. More like a desperate need than a simple want, you know?', and he understands so well. Because he feels exactly the same. He just wasn't sure if she would be ready for that. That's why he hasn't proposed yet. He doesn't want to scare her away by moving to fast. But she's just as excited and desperate for their future to begin as he is. So no matter how this will turn out, they will definitely take the next step.

'Yeah, I know', he takes her head in his hands and kisses her softly, deepening the kiss for a few seconds, before engulfing her in another hug. 'Is it just me, or are these the longest three minutes, ever?', he chuckles softly.

'Yeah', Betty sighs into his chest, when her timer finally gets off. She takes a deep breath and looks down on the stick. And can't believe it. She really thought they're worries were unfounded. That she had just a cold, nothing more, nothing less. Well, it is still just a cold, but it's so much more as well.

'What? What does it say?', Daniel asks nervous. She holds out the stick to him. Looks at him in disbelief. 'If there isn't a display that spells it out for me, Betty, I'm not going to know how to read this thing'

'I'm pregnant'

'What?', his head whips around. Looks at her in awe. And after that heartfelt moment they just had she is sure that they both want this. But for a fleeting seconds she can see the panic and uncertainty in his eyes. Not because he doesn't want this. Because even though she said otherwise, he is still afraid of being a bad father. Oh, he could never, but that is something they can work on over the next nine month.

'I'm pregnant, Daniel', Betty chuckles, happy tears slipping down her cheeks.

'You're pregnant', he says mechanically. Has this far away look. And then he's on her. Crushes her into his body. 'Oh my god, you're pregnant'

Her hands get buried in his hair, kisses him feverishly. Can't get enough of him. The thought that a little bit of Betty and hopefully a whole lot of Daniel is growing inside of her? Indescribable.

'You're amazing', he kisses her all over her face. Makes them fall backwards onto the bed. She's giggling uncontrollably. The pure joy filling her to the brim. When Betty looks up at him, she sees his own happiness and the wonder behind his wet eyes. His hand moves softly over her stomach. 'We have a baby in here?'

The tears still spill and she can only nod. Lays her hand over his. This moment is so perfect in its simplicity. Yeah, so she looks like crap, wears his old sweatpants and Harvard-Shirt and her hair is a mess. It doesn't matter. All that matters is them, and the little life they have created.

Waking up the next morning was a glorious. Sure, she was still a bit sick and now, unfortunately couldn't take any medicine. But she feels like a million bucks. She's pregnant. With Daniel's baby. Betty squeals for a few seconds. Tries to calm her racing heart down.

'Good morning to you too', a still sleeping Daniel rasps out. His arm is still draped across her waist. Holding her protectively.

'Isn't it? A wonderful morning? Look at the sun. Everything looks so beautiful', she squeals.

'Yes, you do', he kisses her cheek and draws her closer into his body.

Betty turns around on her side, props up on her elbow. Looks down at him. He's still sleepy. And so beautiful. She could watch him all day. She lets her finger softly ghost over his eyelids. Draws a little figure over his forehead and cheeks, before tracing the contours of his face. How she got so lucky, is still blowing her mind. But he wants to be with her. And most importantly, they will have a baby together. The thought alone so overwhelming. Her smile is the most brilliant it ever was.

'You're thinking is still too loud', his raspy voice chokes out. Sending shivers up and down her spine.

'Sorry, I can't help it. I'm too happy', she's still tracing his contours when his hand tugs on her elbow, makes her fall back onto the bed and into his arm.

'Me too. I can't believe that we're really going to have a baby', his nose bumps against her cheek, while his other hand lays hot over her stomach.

'You better believe it, daddy', she gushes, her hands wandering around his waist, pulling him closer to her.

'Wow, that's true. I'm going to be a dad', ah, and there are his baby blue's. She would give anything to have a baby with his blue eyes. 'What if I suck? My dad was horrible. But it's the only thing I know. What if I...', she claps her hand over his mouth.

'What the hell are you doing? Don't ruin the mood with your unfounded doubts. You will be an amazing dad. I see you with Justin and DJ and you are so great with them. They love you so much. I told you, all I can do lately, is to think about what a wonderful father you will be and how much I want to have your baby. This wasn't planned. I didn't just stop taking my pill. I swear. I would've at least talked with you about it. But that I do have your baby? Well, what a great coincidence', her hands stroke through his hair. Soothing his doubts.

'I still can't believe that you already thought about it. Back then? Tell me, what happened to my over-analyzing, list-checking and constantly contemplating Betty?', his delight in this, ravels the one of a little boy that's been told to rummage around a candy store and can get whatever he wants. As much as he wants.

'Yeah, that was interesting. We weren't even together like that and I already imagined having your baby. Believe me, I was just as shocked as you are now'

'Wow, and I thought all the time that i would scare you away, if we move to fast. But your just as involved and eager as I am', he traces the soft blush on her cheek.

'Apparently, though I don't know why you would ever think that. Didn't I tell you months ago that I would be ready for a more permanent commitment, if it's what you want? That I don't really care about how or when? That I only care about those things, because I know it's important to you?', she explains exasperated. Didn't he get the message? She was so ready to commit to him.

'Yeah, but I thought you were just saying that because of the phenomenal sex we just had. And I was freaking out that I said something wrong. So I thought you just wanted to calm my nerves', his fingers toy with her hair. The softest caress imaginable.

'No, I was ready back then. I didn't say it to calm your nerves. I said it because I was genuinely ready to fully commit to you. But I thought, maybe you need a little more time. With Molly and everything. It must be hard to take that step again'

'Huh? No, I'm so ready. If I could marry you today I would. Happily'

'Oooh, are we being crappy in our communication again?'

'Looks like it', he chuckles, placing a few kisses along her hairline.

'You know there's a simple solution to this problem?', she looks up at him through her lashes.

'Don't. I said it before, and I say it again. It should at least be thoughtful. It's the least you deserve. This is not what you want to tell our kids or grandkids, right? That I proposed to you while we were in bed? Not really the romantic story you want to tell anyone. And I already know how. I was just not sure about when. But I guess it just depends on you. We're getting engaged no matter what. And even though I don't care what anyone thinks about us, I don't want them to think, that I just knocked you up, without ever wanting to make a full commitment to you. Cause it couldn't be further from the truth. I guess, it just depends on what you want. Want me to make an honest woman out of you before you have our baby, Ms. Suarez?', her smile is radiant. He's never seen her smile like that before. She takes his breath away. Betty is so gorgeous. The most beautiful woman he's ever seen.

'Wow, talking about our baby and a possible wedding. That all sounds beyond sweet. Sick or not, I'm really turned on right now. You say it so matter-of-factly. A little as if we're already engaged. Though I'm afraid you missed one important part of proposing. Asking. But god, you're so hot right now, baby. And when I think about it, and you really giving me a choice. Then I want to get married first. And have our baby then. With our joined forces we could plan something in no time. Maybe even before I'm showing. I'm sure Christina can work her magic. Now, it all depends on when your going to propose', her hands are wandering all over his body, slowly driving him crazy.

'God, you're so hot, babe. But ok, I can work with that', he stumbles over his words. Is in a haste to get them out. He needs to have her right now. No more delays.

'You know, I always wondered if we would come back here one day'

'It's not five o'clock in the morning, but I think it still counts', he leans forward onto the railing.

They are back at the Brooklyn Bridge. And like he said, it may not be 5 o'clock, but it's the sentiment behind the gesture. They had their first appointment at the gynaecologist three days ago, and he confirmed that Betty is in fact pregnant. Not that they doubted it, not after the second test came up with the same result. But weirder things have happened. He's beyond happy. He wants this so bad. A life with her of course, but a family as well. To have their own child. Hopefully children. But the way Betty talks about it, he has nothing to be worried about. But they wanted to celebrate. Get out and hit the town. Which is perfect. Like he said, he can work with that. He knew a good opportunity when he sees one.

Three days ago, when he said he's making a reservation for them. She knew it's not going to be extremely fancy. It will be fancy, but not too fancy to make her feel uncomfortable. And she knew exactly that he will plan something else. They talked about getting married, before their baby pops out of her. And preferably before she starts to show. Which is durable, when he asks her soon. So she made sure to look her best. Hair just the way he likes it, curly and pinned up, with a few strands around her face. The short midnight blue sparkling dress she wears, she bought on a shopping spree with Alexis and Hilda. They convinced her to try it on and to buy it. But she wasn't yet bold enough to wear it. It's shorter then her usual dresses, ends mid-thigh, and leaves very little to the imagination with how tight it was. But she thought today is definitely going to be the day. Her make up still natural, with a little twist. She's sporting a vibrant red lipstick. Another thing Hilda talked her into. And the way Daniel looked at her when he first got to see her? Yeah, well he really likes what he sees. That's for sure. His eyes screamed very much randy Daniel. She doubts that she's wearing it for very long.

'Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?', he stands sideways now, looks her up and down. Checks her out shamelessly.

'Why yes you have. But thank you very much', she takes a step closer to him. Wraps her arms around his waist.

'God, you melt my brain, babe. I've got this so well planned. Had every word thought through. I didn't think about you, and that you could look absolutely stunning and have my brain in a juggle', his hands softly run up and down her arms.

'Thank you, so I take it you like the dress', her smile brilliant.

'I love the dress. It makes me want to take it off of you. It would look so much better on the floor of our bedroom. And your hair..., babe, I love it like this. It suits your personality so much better. And don't get me started on your sinfully red lips. Makes me want to have those lips tattooed all over my body', he's really struggling to compose himself right now. He needs to do this, before he looses all rational thoughts and control. The rest of the night and weekend they can celebrate. He takes a deep breath. Opens his eyes and pushes his arousal and lust for her down. Taking a small step back he takes her hands in his, hears her little gasp. She knows what's coming. He knew that she knew it before they even gone out. That's why she looks like this tonight. And he's not complaining. She looks absolutely stunning. He would've just preferred to be able to keep a straight thought.

'Betty, I love you. So much. It's hard for me to find the right words. When I planned this, I tried. I took dictionary after dictionary. But there are no words with enough meaning to explain to you what you mean to me. How important you are to me. If someone would've told me four and a half years ago that the quirky, colourful and peppy assistant crashing into the glass door would become my life. I would've whacked them along the head. But surely, after a few weeks you wiggled your way into every aspect of my life. And it's never been the same. I feel so lucky, knowing your my best friend. I feel blessed, knowing that in some wonderful twisted fate, that you love me back. I told you before, I don't want to spent my life without you. Not ever. I wouldn't be able too', he takes another small step back and gets down on one knee, her silent tears spilling along her cheeks. 'Betty, please make me the luckiest guy on earth and become my wife'

She nods, grabs his neck and bends down to him. The kiss wet and eager. 'God, a million times yes', she calls out and throws her arms around his neck. When he stands up, he takes her into his arms. Crushes her to him. Buries his nose in her hair. When they finally part he gets the little box out of his pocket. Opens it up to the most beautiful ring Betty has ever seen. The ring is in the most stunning vintage design. The centre diamond being a soft peach coloured oval morganite, bordered with over a dozen small clear diamonds. The rosé gold band embroidered with at least another dozen diamonds. It's so unique and quirky in the most beautiful way. It's perfect.

When he put the ring on her, she can't help but let out a deep comical sigh. She melts against his body, looks at her hand. And basks in the feeling of how amazingly right this feels.

'I love you so much, Betty', he's still so serious. Looking up to him, she cups his face in her hands.

'No one ever loved me the way you do. And no one will ever love you the way I do', she grabs his neck and kisses him passionately. She's finally home.