T/W:

***

Steve

When Lex tells me what took place between her and Eric Delko, I'm tempted to tell her that I don't want him around here when I'm out. But I don't want to cause any issues.

If I flat out refuse to allow Eric near Lex, she'll most likely rebel and go against whatever I say. However something unexpected comes it.

I don't know if it's because of Lex's hormones or if she just felt affectionate towards me, but Lex holds me close.  I smile, resting my chin on top of her head.

"You know what I realized after Eric left?" Lex says.

"No, what?"

"It makes me realize that I know I made the right decision in marrying you." I feel a burst of satisfaction at Lex's words.

I know she really struggled with the idea of marrying me instead of Tim. I also know Lex, obviously wouldn't have picked me over Tim, if he was still alive.

But to know without a doubt that Lex wants me instead of Eric Delko, speaks volumes.

"You don't regret not having a chance with him?" I ask 

"Not one. You're the one I want, Steve. Not Eric." Lex moves, looking up into my face and smiles.

"We're just a better fit." I grin.

"You really know what to say to boost a guy's ego," I joke. Lex laughs, hugging me again.

"And I'll continue to do so for you, Mr. Speedle."

"I know you will, baby. Thank you."

***

We end up finishing up with the video game I was working on a whole week earlier. I'm relieved, since now hopefully, I won't be away from Lex as much now.

I thought if Lex was feeling up to it, maybe we could go out to eat at a restaurant. We haven't done that in a very long time. I'd like to surprise Lex, but more than likely, she'd end up surprising me.

"Do you think you're up for a nice dinner?" I ask. Lex nods. She has been doing somewhat better lately.

"That sounds lovely," Lex tells me. I lean over, giving her a quick kiss. Lex smiles, placing her hand on my cheek. She's been awfully touchy-feely lately and I can't help but wonder if it's pregnancy hormones.

I've heard stories, about how some women don't want to be touched by their partner once they become pregnant. Obviously that wasn't the case with Lex. She's been the polar opposite, having her hands on me as much as possible. Of course, some of that, might have to do with the accident as well.

"Great," I say. "I'll make the reservation for say, seven thirty?" Lex nods.

"That works."

***
Lex

Dinner is amazing. Steve and I have a wonderful time. I can't remember the last time we went out. It'd been months. This was long overdue. Luckily, too, Baby Speedle decides to behave themselves and lets my food stay down. I smile to myself, thinking about our baby.

"What are you smiling about?" Steve asks me.

"The baby. I can't wait to meet him or her." Steve's expression softens.

"Me too."

"As much as it stresses me out," I admit. "I'm still looking forward to having our baby."

"You'll do great," Steve assures me.

"I hope so." I touch his cheek. "You're gonna be such an amazing father."

"You're setting the standards awfully high," Steve jokes and I laugh.

"I'm just saying what I already know," I murmur as Steve covers my fingers with his. "You're kind, patient and sweet. All of those qualities will serve you well as a dad." Steve smiles as he moves his hand.

"I can't wait to see you with our baby," he says softly.  "You're so tender, I know you'll be a good mom." I laugh.

"I'll certainly do my best."

"I know you will, Lexie."

***

Weeks pass and I'm getting bigger. It's surreal, looking and feeling so unused to how I normally am. The first time I felt the baby move, it felt so...weird.

I remember grabbing Steve's hand and placing it on my ever growing stomach. He smiled when he felt the baby move.

"That's incredible," Steve comments.

"Isn't it?" I slide closer to his body, snuggling close.

"Seems like Baby Speedle is very active," Steve says.

"They are." I draw my fingers across Steve's tattoos.

"Do you a girl more?" Steve asks suddenly.

"I just want a healthy baby," I reply.

"Or does that mean you want a Timmy?" Steve asks seriously.

"Why are you wondering?"

"Just curious." Steve places his hand on my stomach, just feeling the baby kick.

"If the baby is a boy," I say softly. "They aren't...Speed, obviously."

"Would you want him to be like his Uncle Tim?" Steve asks. I shrug.

"If he is, great. But he doesn't have to be." Steve kisses my cheek and I smile. "Our baby can have their own unique personality or be like one of us."

"It'll probably be a little of both," Steve says. I touch his lips and beard.

"Exactly. And we'll love him or her, regardless," I say.

"Yes," Steve agrees. "We will."

***
Steve

I'm putting some finishing touches on a website for a client when I hear Lex scream. I nearly fall off of the couch in fright. I jump up, rushing into the kitchen, where Lex is standing, holding the empty ice cream bucket. I have a feeling I'm in big trouble.

"What?" I cry. "What's wrong? Is it the baby?"

"No! My ice cream is all gone?" I frown.

"And?"

"Did you eat it all?" Lex is glaring at me. Oh shit. I am in trouble.

"What?" I chuckle nervously. "Noo...you must have eaten it and forgot." Lex continues glaring at me.

"I'm pregnant, not stupid." I sigh.

"All right, all right! I'll go buy some more ice cream!"

"You do that," Lex growls. "And don't bother coming back unless you have ice cream!" I dig my keys out of my pocket.

"Do you want pickles, too?" I can't resist asking in a sarcastic tone.

"Gross! I hate pickles!" Lex pauses. "Some strawberries might be good, though." I shake my head as I head outside into the scorching heat.

"So it begins," I mutter.

***

Ummm...so I go buy the ice cream, Rocky Road, in case you're curious and some strawberries. Except when I return home with those, Lex decides she needs donuts. Glazed and jelly filled. Oh and chocolate milk.

I went back to the store three more times.

"Why don't we just move into the grocery store?" I grumble. "It'd save on gas."

"Oooh," Lex says, nodding. "Then I could live in the frozen foods section and be permanently cool!"

"Do you want to turn our baby into a popsicle?" I frown at Lex, but she's too busy stuffing her face to notice. I toss my car keys on the coffee table and plop down on the couch, putting my feet up and grabbing my laptop.

I don't know why I feel so irritable all of a sudden. Probably because I was just sent to the store four times in the last forty minutes. Lex seems to finally notice that I'm not in a great mood.

"Steve, thanks for going to get my snacks. I really do appreciate it." I soften somewhat. It's difficult to stay mad at Lex, especially when she's using that radiant smile of hers. (I'm a sucker for that smile.)

"I was...happy to do it." Lex rolls her eyes.

"I know you didn't like it," she says. "You don't have to lie."

"You're right," I admit. "I didn't like it. But hey, when I married you, I knew we'd have days like this." Lex leans in, giving me a quick kiss. I give her a tiny smile. Lex offers me a donut, which I happily accept.

"I love you for doing this," Lex murmurs.

"It's all part of the package, right?" I say.  Lex nods.

"Once the baby arrives, it'll only get more crazy."

"I can't wait," I joke and Lex laughs, touching my beard.

"It'll be wonderful," Lex murmurs. I tug Lex closer to me and she happily settles in beside me.

"It will be," I whisper against her hair. "It really will be."