AN:As I've said before, I'm not necessarily writing toward romantic reunion DE. But if I'm honest, the way these two were either each other and how they would be in this situation, something would likely happen at some point.

So I'm doing *something* and opening some doors that have been closed a long time. But NOTHING happens.

If you pay close attention to this chapter and the last, you'd know that their first real talk is coming and you probably know what it will be about.

I'm not going to deconstruct them in order though, it's all going to be situation based.


Chapter 11 I Part I

"I didn't realize how hungry I was," Erica mused as she unlocked the door to her hotel room. "Thank you for dinner."

They stopped just in front of the door, neither ready to end the night, but to exhausted to push any further.

He wondered if she remembered. If she knew how being here, in this hotel one floor up from where he'd had her room quarantined, in a desperate albeit romantic attempt to confess his feelings for her, made him feel.

He loved her even. Maybe he always had?

"It's strange being back here together," She broke the silence eyes flicking up to meet his.

The last time they were here their lives had been so different. They were just beginning to explore their feelings for one another and what they wanted from the future.

Now they were trying to be better versions of themselves for the child they hoped to have.

Nine years was a long time and so much had happened, that she wondered, fleetingly, if they really could be all their child needed.

"All of this is strange when you consider our history."

She nodded eyes locked with his. "It feels right, though."

It did feel right. Him. Her. The child they both prayed was growing inside her.

"When you think about. About all the pieces that had to line up just right to get to this moment, this child almost has to be born. If this isn't meant to be, I don't know what is."

She looked down at her stomach, and the little life she hoped was nine months from meeting."Greg Madden couldn't have see us coming."

He laughed lightly and nodded. Greg couldn't have seen any of this coming and he was probably turning in his grave.

"Greg never saw you coming, Erica." He corrected. "This is all you. And I completely believe that this child will be born and you will be his or her biggest champion."

She sucked in a hard breath and closed her eyes, willing her tears not to fall. "Thank you, David."

Her voice was soft and her smiley watery. "You don't know how much that means to me."

He reached out to hold her hand. "It's getting late and it's a long drive back to Pine Valley. Are you going to be okay for the night?"

"Alright? It's the Plaza. Unless someone decides to quarantine the place again, I think I'll be just fine."

He laughed at that, his smile bright. "Get some rest alright? And promise you'll have a proper breakfast before your flight? Dr. Anderson said to let your body do what it's made to do, but you still need to take care of yourself."

She let out a playful sigh. "Yes doctor."

"I'm serious, Erica. You have to look after yourself. I'll see you tomorrow?" He would call regardless, but he really did hope to see her.

She nodded slowly, but reached out to grab his forearm before he could turn away. "Stay."

It was part question, part request and they instantly understood the gravity of the situation.

"You said you don't have any surgeries scheduled for tomorrow and you aren't seeing patients until afternoon."

"I don't have anywhere to stay. I can go downstairs and see..."

"Here with me." She knew what she was saying, what she was implying and she didn't care.

He shook his head. "It's not a good idea. And I have nothing to sleep in."

She nodded and raised a curious eyebrow at him. "You never used to need anything to sleep in."

He choked out a laugh and looked down at her, eyes wide. "If we did that, I think we'd be in trouble."

She shrugged, her smile wide and knowing. "What's the worst that can happen? It's not like you can get me anymore pregnant."

He laughed. Hard. Deep. She was incredible and if there wasn't so much at stake, he would take her up on the offer. "We can't."

Her smile faded and she stared up at him with wide eyes. "I don't want to be alone," She confessed softly. "I think it's all hitting me. The reality of what we've done. What were doing. It's so..."

"Overwhelming," He finished for her and she nodded. He sighed and shook his head, in mock defeat. "We need you to stay relaxed and calm. Give me an hour to find something to sleep in and get some snacks. Pick out a movie and we'll do our best to relax for the night."

"Okay," She smiled, happily.

How was it that after everything that had happened between them, this still made sense?

TBC