Shit

That is the only word running through Natalia's mind as she remains frozen in her spot. Keith's hand tightened around her own making her scared to look at him.

"What" his voice low and held a tone of anger in it.

The doctor looks between the pair before realization dawns on him. His eyes widening, "You didn't know."

"Give us a minute Doctor."

Hearing Keith's deep voice. She doesn't dare move as the man scurries out of the room. Both remain silent as Keith releases her hand going to stand at the foot of her bed gripping the foot board tightly. His eyes ablaze as he looks directly at her.

"Explain."

How the hell was she supposed to explain?? She didn't even know when it happened. Her mouth continued to open and close like a fish out of water not sure what to say. Her hand subconsciously going to her flat stomach. Keith's eyes following the movement and softening for a millisecond before her returned to his glare.

"You're pregnant Natalia."

"I can hear just fine Keith." She said getting annoyed now.

This explained a lot. The reason behind her haywire emotions. Her clinginess to Jackson. The way her body would become tired much quicker than normal. Her gaze left Keith looking down at her lap trying to remember when they didn't use protection. Yes, they were like bunnies but they always remembered to use pro- SHIT! Just like that, she remembers when it happened. The night after the interview, they had all went back to Jackson's condo. After they split, Jackson carried her into the shower and they did more than just wash up.

Keith watched his sister with mixed emotions. Lying here holding her stomach as her mind seem to be miles away, he could see his mother. She resembled her so much but more so in this moment as she continued holding her stomach in a protective stance. He felt rage for the city slicker putting her in this situation. He should be putting a ring on her finger before a babe comes along. Trying to calm himself, he takes a deep breath and rocks on his feet before looking back up at her.

"How do feel about this?" He asked gently wanting to know where her heart is.

She didn't say anything for a moment before she looked down at her hand on her stomach and smiled gently. Her thumb moving back and forth as if already picturing the new addition. Cursing silently in his head, he tried to relax his body as he walked over and sat down near her legs facing her. He waited for her to talk as he could tell she was trying to put her thoughts into words.

"I... I'm happy, I guess."

She didn't know how to feel but she wasn't upset. She never expected this but it was a blessing all the same. She was happy... her only worry was how Jaxon would react. At that, her eyes began to well up. Her hand going to her mouth looking to her brother for support. He understood and instantly engulfed her into his arms as she sobbed holding his shirt. He continued holding her rocking her gently until she calmed down. He didn't move from her but wanted to know what caused the tears.

"What is it sis?" His words soft and gentle unlike the previous tone.

"Wh-What will Jaxon think?"

At this Keith's muscles become rigid before he pulls back looking directly into her eyes. His eyes hard and his answer was deadly.

"He will be happy or he will be buried."

Natalia smacked his chest pulling him back in again whisper 'stupid brother' under her breath just enough for him to hear. He chuckled lowly as he hugged his baby sister back. The comfort Keith gave her going a long way. The doctor knocked after some time with a machine to his side. Keith knew what it was and stood up holding her hand.

"Since you were unaware of the baby, I though it would be good to check on the little bean."

She nodded her head as he pulled the machine to the opposite side of the bed. he instructed her to lift her shirt to below her rib cage and push down the hem of her pants slightly. She followed his instructions and watched as he put gel on her stomach. The temperature a cool contrast to her making her jump slightly. He brought over something that was connected to the machine before rubbing it through gel and around her stomach. A picture showed up on the screen and she watched as he moved the machine around on her stomach before pausing. He pushed a button on the screen and it froze before he reached to point.

"See right there"

He pointed to what looked like a bean on the screen. "Congratulations Ms. Thornton, based off the size, you are currently about 9 weeks pregnant."

Keith sat down looking at the screen as his head was silently trying to do the math. It would have been around the time they were in California. He reached out holding his sister's hand who squeezed his back in return. Natalia felt her eyes water up again before he turned a knob and a sound came out.

Natalia gasped hearing the sound of a heartbeat wafting from the computer. Her hand going to her mouth while her brother leaned over kissing the top of her head. The doctor pushed a few more buttons before removing the scanner from her stomach followed by handing her a paper towel to wipe up the gel. He pushed the machine back before printing a few of the shots and also popped out a disc. He handed them over to the nurse who then created a label and put it on a case for the disc. After she was done, she handed over the photos and the disc. Keith took them from the nurse and gave a small thank you since Natalia was still in shock looking down at her flat stomach. 

"I recommend a follow up with your physician within the next few weeks or you can return here and I will inspect you both. Congratulations Ms. Thornton."

She looked up with a small smile to him before he nodded and exited followed by his nurse. Keith held the photos looking down at his soon to be niece or nephew while hearing shuffling behind him. Natalia came to stand beside him before reaching out for the photos. She took them and looked at them as well. Keith slung his arm around her shoulder and guided her out. 

Keith called Julio who said he was already on his way. They got outside to find him pulling up with Naomi following behind them in Keith's truck. Both of them quickly jumping out and rushing to Natalia. 

"Are you okay Talia?" She nodded her head with a tight smile at Julio. He turned his eyes to Keith who glanced at his sister. It was clear she didn't want to say anything yet. 

"She has a minor concussion but will be alright thankfully."

"Thank God" Naomi says coming forward giving her a gentle hug. 

Natalia reciprocates holding her friend for a little longer. Naomi gets the hint and continues holding her. Julio looks onto the pair before looking back to Keith but his friend doesn't give anything away. 

"Thank you for getting my truck."

Naomi pulled back with a grin. "That's not all we got."

Keith and Natalia both glance at each other but a neigh captures their attention. They both move quickly to the trailer to find both Outlaw and Storm in it. Julio and Naomi follow behind with a smirk on their lips. Keith turns with a raised brow. "How-"

"Naomi was very vocal on how she felt and they had come to the conclusion that these beauts would be gifted to you for the inconvenience."

Naomi stands proud with her shoulders back as both Keith and Natalia look at her with amused smiles. "You threatened him, didn't you?"

She shrugs, "Like Julio said, he was persuaded."

Julio leans forward around his wife and whispers loudly, "Remind me not to piss her off."

Natalia giggled while Keith chuckled at the pair. Naomi just shoulder bumped his side making him wince and wrap his arm around her. Natalia was happy watching them picturing herself and Jax. That thought made her think about him and when she would tell him. Keith glanced at Natalia and seemed to find her off in another world again. He threw his arm around her again bringing her in for a kiss to the temple. 

"Thank you again guys. We're going to head back and get Natalia laid down."

Naomi and Julio nod in understanding before Naomi steps forward to hug Natalia again while Julio gives a bro hug to Keith. They waved before getting into Julio's truck and leaving. Keith opened the door for his sister and then walked around to climb in. Starting up the engine, and they were off. 

"Sis, when do you plan to tell him?"

"... I'm not sure yet." She really wasn't sure. She knew she needed to as soon as possible but wanted to have this discussion in person. She turned to Keith looking at him. His body was rigid but not as bad as early. She reached over to rub his shoulder willing him to relax some. He released a breath as they both remained silent on the way home. Once they pulled into the ranch, she had made up her mind. "I'm going to tell him the day they get back."

Keith nodded his head wondering when he could ring the guy's neck. "I will be ther-"

"Absolutely not" Talia was quick to shut her brother down. "I know what you are feeling right now but this is as much my responsibility as it is his and you will not threaten him."

"Talia, he-"

"HE is someone important to me and until he proves to be otherwise, you still need to respect him."

Keith grumbled sauntering out of the truck followed by Talia. They both went to the trailer and slowly opened it. The horses appear to have no problem with the transport. They seem a bit unnerved but that is to be natural in a new environment. Natalia felt a huff on her shoulder and turned to find her black stud already behind her. She turned fully cupping his face in her palms. 

"You knew didn't you boy" She says leaning forward pressing her forehead to his. He huffs in reply before she turns finding Keith stepping out first with Outlaw. 

She walks up the steps to Storm who is pressed to the back of the trailer. She raises her hands in a surrender gesture so the horse can see. She whips her head both ways but seems to calm after hearing a neigh from outside the trailer. Natalia recognizes her boy's voice and slowly proceeds forward after feeling the beauty has calmed down some. Her soft whispers of praise to the horse as she grabs the reigns and gently leads the horse out. Her eyes drifting around but more importantly, Shadow continues to walk on the opposite side of Natalia as a comfort companion. The ranch hands moving back seeing the newcomer as their mistress leads it into the stall beside Shadows. Storm goes in with no further issues and allows her to close it behind her. Natalia stands their for a moment admiring the horse before turning and walking towards her office, Shadow on her tail. 

Her boy doesn't leave her until she is safely in the confines of the room where she slumps in the chair touching her forehead. A soft hiss escaping from the pain of the cut. Her phones rings and she reaches for it. She smiles checking to see who it is before answering. 

"Didn't your brother tell you to call me?"

"Hello to you too Cass"

"Are you okay? You didn't answer." Nat smiles hearing the concern in her voice. Her hand once again going to her stomach. 

"Yea sorry, something happened but everything's fine now..."

"What happened?! Do I need to come home?"

"Cass breathe" She hears her friend take a deep breath in before exhaling. "Like I said, everything is FINE and I will tell you when you come home."

It goes quiet for a moment before Cass answers in a soft voice, "home, I like that."

Nat grins before a giggle escapes. "I'm sure my brother will delighted to hear that."

"Oh shush you. I'm sure you miss Jackson just as much."

Looking down at her hand on her stomach, "you have no idea..."