NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Rita's Fanfic

The Gifts of Life

 

 

This is PG-13. Some sexual scenes (actually only one.)

Sorry fellow A&C’ers but I promise to try harder for my next fanfic!


This story takes place months down the road. Andy and Connie are married and their pregnancy is progressing smoothly.

 

 

                     It’s    Early Monday morning in the Sipowicz home. Andy is sitting up in bed looking down at Connie as she sleeps admiring her beauty. He slowly pulls the covers back and gently rubs his hand over her rounded belly still finding it hard to believe their baby, conceived against amazing odds was growing inside her. As Andy continues rubbing her stomach lost in his thoughts, Connie awakens.

 

Connie: Hey, what time is it?

 

Andy: (Startled out of his thoughts) It’s still early. I didn’t mean to wake you. (He starts pulling his hand away)

 

Connie: (Covering his hand with hers and keeping it on her belly, she caresses his face with her free hand) Don’t stop. It feels nice.

 

Andy: I couldn’t resist.

 

Connie: (Teasingly) I don’t ever want you to resist any urges you have to touch me. Feel free to touch me anytime.

 

Andy: (Teasing back) Yeah my lack of resistance is what got us in this jackpot.

 

Connie: I accept full responsibility for my part in this situation and I love that you can’t resist me. (Pushing Andy onto his back while kissing his neck and running her hand down between his legs) You’re pretty irresistible too you know.

 

Andy: (Groaning as her hand reaches its goal finding him semi-erect) Connie we have to get the kids up and get ready for work. We don’t have time for this.

 

Connie: (Pushing his boxers down) We will if you shut-up and help me.

 

Andy: (Rolling Connie over onto her back) You’re a pushy pregnant lady.

 

Connie: Because I know what I want. Could you please stop talking and make love to me now!

 

Andy takes her mouth and kisses her breathless, then he gently pulls away and starts kissing his way along her chin and jaw. He pulls her pajama top up and over her head then kisses his way along her collarbone and neck. Connie grabs hold of his head directing him to her breast and cries out as his mouth closes over her nipple. Just when she thinks she can’t stand any more he kisses his way across her skin and lavishes her other breast. In no time at all the kissing and fondling aren’t enough. She pulls his head up “damn it Andy you’re driving me crazy.

 

“Good.” Smiling as he pushes her pajama bottoms down her legs and off he then positions himself between her thighs. As he takes her mouth in another breathtaking kiss he reaches down and slides two fingers into her moist heat. Connie gasps “Andy I need you now.” With her hand guiding him he easily slides deep inside her. Her muscles tense around him as he begins thrusting in a deep back and forth motion. She is lost as her hips begin matching his movement thrust for thrust. Her muscles begin to spasm around him as she cries out her release seconds before he explodes inside her.

 

Andy: (After a few silent moments he smiles down at her) I just lose control around you.

 

Connie: I totally understand. I have the same problem when I’m with you. I love you Andy.

 

Andy: I love you too, very much. (Rolling onto his back and hugging her tightly to his chest) As much as I’d like to lay here with you all day Mrs. Sipowicz we’ve got kids to tend and jobs to get to.

 

Connie: (Groaning into his neck) All right. Why don’t you go shower first and I’ll start getting the kids up.

 

Andy: Okay. (He pulls her head up and kisses her forehead)

 

 

Later the same morning at the 15th precinct Connie is making calls and doing groundwork for cases the other detectives are working. Jr., Rita and Andy picked up a homicide off night watch and Greg and Baldwin are working a rape case.

 

Greg and Baldwin walk into the squad room with an elderly lady.

 

Greg: (Pointing to the catching bench) Have a seat here Mrs. Garcia. We’re going to talk to our boss and we’ll be right back to get your statement.

 

Mrs. Garcia: All right detective.

 

Baldwin: Connie could you come with us while we fill in the boss? We could use your help with this.

 

Connie: Sure.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: (Looking up as the detectives enter his office) What’s going on with your case?

 

Greg: That lady out there is Mrs. Garcia, a possible witness. She’s real hinkey right now but she agreed to look at some photos. Connie, would you help us out with her? She doesn’t seem to be real comfortable with us.

 

Connie: Anything I can do. You want me to try and get a statement from her?

 

Baldwin: If you can, that would be great. (Passing Connie his notebook) There’s some of the info we got off canvas. Greg and I are on our way to Bellevue to interview the victim, the uniformed cop who escorted her to the hospital called that she’s ready to talk. We’ll head out, if you need us or get anything from Mrs. Garcia we’ll be on the air. Thanks.

 

Connie: No problem. I don’t think the paperwork I was doing is going anywhere.

 

Greg and Baldwin leave and Connie introduces herself to the witness then escorts her to the coffee room.

 

Connie: Coffee mam?

 

Mrs. Garcia: No thank you. I’ve never been in a police station before. I would just like to get this over with so I can go home.

 

Connie: First, I would like you to tell me what happened this morning? Start from the beginning and tell me everything you remember. Take your time. Okay?

 

Mrs. Garcia: I’ll try. This morning I woke up at 6:00. I know it was 6 because that lady on New York 1 always starts her traffic report at 6 every weekday. After going to the bathroom I went straight to the kitchen to make coffee and that’s when I heard someone screaming. I was scared so right away I went and called 911. As soon as I hung up the screaming stopped. I wanted to see what was going on so I opened my front door, just a little because the door chain was still on, and that’s when I saw a man run out of the apartment across from mine.

 

Connie: (Patting Mrs. Garcia’s hand) You’re doing fine. Are you all right? Would you like a cup of water?

 

Mrs. Garcia: Yes please. I’m really very scared. What if that man finds out I told the police what he looks like? He might come back and hurt me.

 

Connie: (Placing the cup in front of Mrs. Garcia and rubbing her shoulders) Mam, please calm down. I promise you that once we find the man that did this to your neighbor we will make sure he pays for his crime. We’ll do everything we can to keep you safe too.

 

Mrs. Garcia: (Smiling nervously) Thank you. I don’t think he saw me because when he came out of the apartment he seemed very agitated and he ran right down the stairs but I can’t be sure. I know I should have gone and checked on the girl after he ran but I was too scared and it wasn’t too long before the police came. Is the girl going to be all right?

 

Connie: She’s awake and the other two detectives were on their way to the hospital to talk to her. Mrs. Garcia do you think you could describe the man to our police sketch artist? If you don’t think you can we’ll go ahead and have you start looking at some pictures and hope we find him. (Holding her hand) I think you’re a very brave woman and I believe we’ll get this guy because of your help.

 

Mrs. Garcia: (Giving Connie’s hand a firm squeeze) I’ll do whatever I can to help you. I’ll talk to the artist. Okay?

 

Connie: (Smiling) Okay. Wait here and I’ll get everything started. If you need anything I’ll be right out there. (Pointing towards the squad room)

 

Mrs. Garcia: I’ll be fine. You’ve been very nice. Thank you.

 

While Connie is making calls at her desk Rita walks in as Andy and Jr. take their perp to the pokey room. Minutes later Andy and Jr. walk into the squad room and join Rita at her desk.

 

Andy: Did you get anything back from BCI on this guy?

 

Rita: (Handing Andy a sheet of paper) Nothing major. A couple of collars for shoplifting and one for DUI, as far as his history goes murder would be a big step up.

 

Jr.: Yeah well all great criminals had to start somewhere.

 

Andy: (To Rita) You got a place to look for his buddy Jerome?

 

Rita: I was just going to make a couple of calls. Once I get the address we’ll head out.

 

Andy: Good. We’ll wait on interviewing Marvin ‘til we pick up Jerome. (Walking back to his desk)

 

Jr.: I’m going to the can.

 

Rita: (Sarcastically) I’ll alert the press.

 

Jr.: (Laughing) Do that.

 

As Andy sits down at his desk Connie ends her call.

 

Andy: How you doing?

 

Connie: Fine. Fighting crime from my desk is fun.

 

Andy: Yeah, huh?

 

Connie: Actually, I’m working with a witness on Baldwin and Greg’s rape case. She’s a nice lady. How’s it going with your case?

 

Andy: We’ve got one suspect in the pokey and we’re waiting on an address for his running buddy so we can pick him up. The DOA was a 70 year old man who tried to break up a fight and got shot. This is a lousy one. I can just see this day getting worse from here.

 

Connie: (Leaning towards him and whispering) I think it started out pretty great.

 

Andy: (Smiling and looking around before whispering) Yeah you’re right.

 

Jr.: (Catching the looks between Andy and Connie as he comes out of the locker room) Hey now you two cut that out. You guys are acting like newlyweds or something. (Winking at Connie) Aren’t you in enough trouble?

 

Connie: (Laughing as she gets up to return to the coffee room) Well John I figure I can’t get more pregnant.

 

Rita lets Andy and Jr. know that she has the address and they head out to pick up their suspect. Baldwin and Greg call in to let PAA John know they’re on their way back from the hospital.

 

Connie: (Entering the coffee room) Everything’s all set. The artist is on his way he should be here in a few minutes. How are you holding up?

 

Mrs. Garcia: Fine. Could you sit with me until he gets here?

 

Connie: Sure. Are you hungry? Do you need anything?

 

Mrs. Garcia: (Shaking her head no and pointing to Connie’s belly) I didn’t think they would allow you to work while you’re pregnant at a job like this. Do you mind me asking how far along you are?

 

Connie: Not at all, I’m in my fifth month. I can still work through my pregnancy but I’m limited to what we call ‘desk duty.’

 

Mrs. Garcia: I see. Is this your first child?

 

Connie: Our third.

 

Mrs. Garcia: (Laughing) Oh my goodness. Do you want a big family?

 

Connie: (Smiling) Actually this pregnancy was a complete and total surprise.

 

Mrs. Garcia: You are very lucky. My husband and I never had any children. Funny, I never felt it ‘til he passed on. Now it’s kind of lonely, just me by myself. You and your husband are very blessed.

 

Connie: (Touched) Thank you. I believe we are.

 

PAA John knocks and enters the room with the sketch artist and Connie leaves after assuring Mrs. Garcia she’ll be near by. Greg and Baldwin return and fill Connie in on their interview with the victim.

 

Greg: (To Connie) How’d it go with Mrs. Garcia?

 

Connie: She’s in with the police artist now. She saw the perp as he left the victim’s apartment. She’s scared but she’s cooperating. What you get from the victim?

 

Baldwin: Carlene Banks says the guy came in through the fire escape. She was asleep and the sound of breaking glass woke her. Says the guy was on her before she had a chance to call for help and he kept asking her where he was. She lives alone and has no idea who he was talking about.

 

Connie: No boyfriend? No other male friends? How long has she lived there?

 

Greg: No boyfriend or other guys in the mix and she’s lived in that apartment for the past year. We’re looking into who the previous tenant was and see where we go from there. She also said that after he raped her he told her to tell him he’d be back for him. Whoever the hell this him is.

 

Connie: Great. I hope we get something off the sketch that leads us to this bastard.

 

After Mrs. Garcia and the police artist are finished Connie arranges for a uniformed cop to take her home and keep an eye on her building. She also promises to check in and keep her updated on the progress of the case. Baldwin starts circulating the sketch of the suspect and continues with his follow-up calls.

 

Early afternoon finds Andy, Jr. and Rita returning with their second suspect Jerome Paxon. As they head to interview room 2 with their suspect Connie stops Rita.

 

Connie: Here’s the sheet on Paxon. Career criminal. Marvin Harris is in a cell downstairs.

 

Rita: Thanks. Hey how’re you doing?

 

Connie: Good. Trying to keep busy. How are those two treating you?

 

Rita: All right but I miss you partner. (Patting Connie’s belly) This baby is the only reason I’m willing to forgive you for leaving me to the likes of those two and Greg and Baldwin.

 

Connie: (Laughing) Don’t let them get you down. Be tough.

 

Rita: I will!

 

 

Rita joins Andy and Jr. in room 2 with Jerome Paxon.

 

Jr.: Jerome our witnesses saw you and Marvin beating on another guy. Mr. Murray came in and tried to get you to stop so you and Marvin turned and beat on him.

 

Jerome: (Sarcastically) You guys know the story. No matter what I say you’re gonna try to pin it all on me anyway. I’ve got nothing to tell you.

 

Rita: What’s your story Jerome? Are the witnesses wrong? Tell us your side of it. Maybe we can help you out.

 

Jerome: (Sneering) I don’t gotta to tell you cops nothing. I’ve been screwed before by cops who just wanted to help me. You all can kiss my ass.

 

Andy: (Leaning across the table) You miss prison Paxon?  Is some special guy waiting there for you?  ‘Cuz this lack of cooperation is only going to get you a bus ride back to Attica. If you don’t want our help that’s fine, it’s your ass on the line.

 

Jerome: (Angrily) That’s right it’s my ass on the line! I’m done with you man get me a lawyer!

 

Andy: Sure Jerome we’ll get you a lawyer, but remember this. Marvin is helping us out so he gets the deal and he gets the break, the same break that could have helped you if you weren’t so busy being a prick.

 

Jr.: You sit tight while we find you a cell to sit in downstairs ‘til your lawyer gets here.

 

After the three exit the room they pause a moment and look at each other.

 

Rita: You think Marvin’s going to be any help?

 

Jr.: (Frustrated) I sure as hell hope so. They killed an old man for nothing and I want to make sure someone pays.

 

Andy: Marvin didn’t seem to have the same stick up his butt this Jerome has. Let’s hope the threat of real prison time is enough to get him to flip on his buddy here.

 

Half an hour later Rita, Andy and Jr. are sitting in the pokey room with Marvin Harris. Marvin is seated in front of the cage while the three detectives are sitting across the table just looking at him. Several minutes pass without anyone saying a word. Marvin looks at the face of each detective and gets more nervous as the silence stretches on.

 

Marvin: (Terrified and unable to stand the silence any longer) Can I tell you all what happened?  I’ll tell you the truth I swear. Whatever Jerome told you is a lie! Would you all just hear me out? (Looking at each one waiting for some one to say something) Could one of you please say something? Ya’ll are scaring the shit out of me!

 

Rita: (Staring straight at Marvin) Let’s hear what you have to say.

 

Marvin: Okay, okay. Jerome and me were hurting real bad. We needed a fix and Dray, the guy we were beating on he had some coke but he wouldn’t give it up. We just wanted the coke that’s all. We weren’t going to kill him but this old guy he came up and started hitting our backs yelling and shit, so we just tried to push him off. Jerome he kinda went crazy ‘cuz he kept hitting the guy then when he fell he started kicking him and while that was happening Dray pulled out a gun. I didn’t think. I just grabbed for Dray to push the gun away and while we were fighting it went off. I swear it was an accident. Next thing we know the old guy stopped fighting and there was all this blood. We freaked! First I saw Dray run then Jerome took off and I sure wasn’t going to stick around so I ran too. I was praying that old guy would be okay the whole time, honest! (He starts crying)

 

Andy: (Calmly) Marvin, stop crying. Stop and listen to me.

 

Marvin: (Looking up and sobbing quietly) I’m telling the truth. I swear!

 

Andy: We believe you. You need to give us Dray’s full name and where we can find him. Once you calm down some you’re going to have to write everything you just told us. Okay?

 

Marvin: Yeah, sure.

 

Rita: Take a minute.

 

After getting Dray’s information Jr. leaves the room to go run him through BCI. Baldwin, Greg and Connie are in the Lt.’s office and Jr. sticks his head in to quickly update him on their case.

 

Jr.: (Knocking) Sorry to interrupt. Boss we’ve got another perp to look at in our case and we’re going to head out and pick him up.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: One of your guys gave it up?

 

Jr.: Harris did. Paxon is waiting in a cell for his lawyer. We’re going out to get a Dray Wallace.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: Keep me informed. (Looking at Greg) I’m sorry. You were saying?

 

Greg: Our suspect was picked up for breaking and entering over in the 13th precinct. A uniform recognized him off the sketch we circulated. He’s pretty doped up so if it’s all right with you boss we’ll have him sleep it off tonight then transfer him over here first thing tomorrow for questioning.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: Work it out with the 1-3 and do what you need to do. Connie be sure you check-in with our witness and let her know we have someone in custody. Hopefully that will give her some comfort.

 

Connie: Got it boss. I’ve also talked with the desk sergeant and he’s going to make sure the uniforms patrolling that area check-up on Mrs. Garcia tonight.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: Good job.

 

Several hours later Andy, Rita and Jr. have found out that Dray Wallace left suddenly to visit his girlfriend in Atlantic City. After returning to the station house and putting the alert out on their suspect with the proper precincts the three head home.

 

Andy arrives home and finds Connie and the kids sitting in the living room watching T.V. Both kids look all ready for bed and he pauses to admire his family. Connie looks up and catches his thoughtful stare.

 

Connie: Everything okay?

 

Theo: (Getting up from his spot on the couch and grabbing Andy around his waist) Hi Dad. Why are you home so late? You missed dinner.

 

Andy: (Rubbing Theo’s head and leaning down to give him a kiss) Sorry buddy, I had some work to finish up at the office. (As he leans down to kiss Connie, Michelle reaches up from her lap and grabs Andy’s tie pulling him towards her causing him to laugh) Hey there princess, did you miss me? (He picks her up and rubs noses with Michelle making her giggle then he sits down next to Connie)

 

Theo: (Settling on Andy’s lap next to Michelle) Dad Joey is having a slumber party Friday night. Can I go? Please. Mom said it’s okay with her if it’s okay with you. Please.

 

Connie is quietly watching Andy and the kids. His love for them and theirs for him is so obvious. He listens intently as Theo talks about his day and is making funny faces for Michelle who is tugging on his tie. Connie reaches over and slowly rubs his neck feeling the tension slowly flow out of him. He looks over, winks at her then turns his attention back to the kids.

 

Connie: You hungry? I can heat something up for you.

 

Andy: No. We grabbed a late lunch.

 

After a while Connie notices Michelle rubbing her eyes tiredly and Theo’s enthusiasm is starting to wane. “I think it’s bedtime,” she announces as she reaches for Michelle. Michelle clings to Andy’s neck not wanting to go with Connie and after a few tries Andy tells her to tuck Theo in while he tends to Michelle. He hugs Theo and gives him a kiss then gets up to get Michelle her bottle as Connie leads Theo to his room.

 

Andy: (After getting her bottle they settle back on the couch and he watches her as she’s drinking) I hope you keep being a good girl for your mom and me princess, especially when the new baby comes. (Michelle pulls her bottle out of her mouth and gurgles in response) So what do you think? Are you going to have a brother or a sister? Between you and me, I hope it’s another brother ‘cuz I’m going to need help keeping all the boys away from you. You’re going to be just as beautiful as your mom one day. (Cuddling her close to his heart and placing light kisses on her head) I love you very much Michelle and I’m always going to keep you safe. You’ll always be daddy’s princess.

 

After Michelle finally falls asleep Andy tucks her in her crib, kisses Theo goodnight and goes to take a shower. When Connie makes her way into their bedroom she hears the shower going off. She walks into the bathroom as Andy pushes back the shower curtain and reaches for his towel.

 

Connie: You all right?

 

Andy: Yeah. I didn’t realize how wound up I was ‘til I got home. (Rubbing himself dry then stepping out of the tub)

 

Connie: (Walking to him and kissing him lightly on the lips) Come to bed.

 

Andy: You go ahead I’ll be right in.

 

Andy puts on boxers and a t-shirt, shaves and brushes his teeth before going out to make sure the apartment is secure for the night. He then returns to their room and finds Connie in bed reading. He climbs into bed next to her, without saying a word, and just lies on his back looking up at the ceiling. Connie puts her book away, turns, places her arm around him and lays her head on his chest. He holds her tightly to him, one hand cupping her head and the other stroking her back. Connie feels the beat of his heart under her cheek and is overcome with a sense of love and security. He kisses the top of her head and reaches over to shut off the bedside lamp then falls asleep breathing in the scent of his woman.

 

 

 

Early Tuesday starts out pretty well for the detectives of the 15th precinct. Colin Ratner, the suspect in Greg and Baldwin’s case has been brought in from the 13th precinct. Andy and Jr. are off to Atlantic City to pick-up Dray Wallace after he was picked up there for a traffic violation. Rita is doing some of the paperwork on their case and Connie is on the phone with someone from crime scene regarding information on Greg and Baldwin’s case.

 

Connie: (Hanging up the phone she walks over to Greg’s desk and signals Baldwin over) I just got off with crime scene. They found Ratner’s prints on the inner part of the window ledge by the fire escape and a partial that’s his on the front door knob. He’s got a sheet that shows he served time for sexual assault and the blood type from the rape kit matches his. B-.

 

Baldwin: (Teasing) That it? No confession?

 

Connie: (Smiling) I figured you two could handle that part on your own. But if you aren’t up to it…

 

Greg: (Laughing) Just like a woman to leave all the heavy lifting to us men huh partner.

 

Connie: (Laughing she punches Greg’s arm) Get out of here. Remember guys I’m kicking ass for two now.

 

Baldwin: (As he walks away laughing) All I can say is Andy better watch his butt.

 

In interview room 2 Greg and Baldwin find Ratner pacing and mumbling to himself. He looks up as the detectives enter.

 

Ratner: What am I doing here? Why can’t I go home?

 

Greg: Have a seat Colin and we’ll tell you.

 

Ratner: (Very agitated) Hell no! Tell me now or tell my lawyer!

 

Baldwin: Well my man it seems you’re a suspect in a rape that occurred early yesterday morning on 3rd street.

 

Ratner: (With a crazed look) No way! She wanted it! Women like her want it rough then cry rape. She’s a lying bitch.

 

Greg: You need to calm down Colin.

 

Baldwin: We’ve got witnesses who heard her screaming and saw you running out of her apartment. The victim claims you broke in looking for some guy and when he wasn’t there you attacked and raped her.

 

Greg: Now think real hard here Colin. You still want to stick to your story or you want to try the truth?

 

Ratner: (Looking trapped) Okay, look I only wanted to talk to Earl. That’s Earl’s apartment. I wasn’t expecting no girl to be there.

 

Baldwin: Earl who?

 

Ratner: Earl Crayton. He would always hook me up you know, even if I was short he’d take care of me. (Getting agitated again) I just needed a little something and she wouldn’t tell me where Earl was. She wouldn’t help me out. Kept saying she don’t know Earl. I just kinda went a little crazy and next thing I knew… It was an accident.

 

Baldwin: (Grabbing the neck of Ratner’s shirt) Bullshit. You don’t break into someone’s home and accidentally do anything. You went there for drugs and you never intended to leave empty handed. You must have had the wrong apartment or something but you were too stupid to realize it. I don’t know and I don’t care, what I do know is you hurt an innocent woman and for that you’ll pay. (Pushing him into a chair and throwing a notepad and pen in front of him) Now you’re going to shut your mouth and write.

 

An hour later Greg and Baldwin have finished getting Ratner’s statement and have him secured in a cell. Greg and Baldwin head out to let their rape victim know they’ve caught her attacker as Connie calls Mrs. Garcia.

 

Late that afternoon Andy and Jr. arrive with their suspect Dray Wallace. After setting him up in an interview room they update Rita and Lt. Rodriguez in the boss’ office.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: So what’s the story with this Wallace?

 

Jr.: His story matches Marvin’s story exactly. How they were beating up on him for drugs and Mr. Murray tried to help him. While they were distracted he pulled out his piece. Marvin and him struggled and the gun went off.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: What’s up with Paxon?

 

Rita: He and his lawyer are trying to make some sort of deal with the DA. With Marvin and Dray’s statements the DA should be able to put Paxon in his place.

 

Andy: Yeah, these two mutts gave it up pretty easy and they are really shook up that the guy died. We’ll talk to the DA and see what kind of break they can get for their cooperation.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: They ran Andy. I don’t care how sorry they are when you get right down to it they left the old man for dead.

 

Andy: (Rubbing his forehead) I know boss.

 

Jr.: We’re not saying they shouldn’t pay boss, all we’re saying is we’d like to let the DA know they cooperated. That’s all.

 

Lt. Rodriguez: (Looking at Andy, Jr. then Rita he throws up his arms) It’s your call, but Paxon gets the book thrown at him for being a prick. Clear?

 

Andy: Yep.

 

Jr.: Crystal.

 

Rita: No arguments here.

 

 

As they leave the Lt.’s office Andy notices Connie isn’t around.

 

Andy: (To Rita) Where’s Connie?

 

Rita: She was on her way to let the witness on Greg and Baldwin’s case know that the case had cleared before she headed home. I think she left about half an hour ago.

 

Andy: Thanks.

 

Jr.: Hey partner if you want to head home I’ll take care of the fives. Go ahead and take off.

 

Andy: You sure? I would like to get home early today to make up for last night. I’ll get the next one.

 

Jr.: No problem. Tell Connie I said hi.

 

Andy: Sure good night.

 

Andy calls Connie’s cell to find out where she is and after finding her still visiting with Mrs. Garcia he heads home to relieve Andrea and make dinner.

 

Theo: (Setting the table) Joey’s mom said she’s going to rent some videos for the slumber party dad, and we can stay up and watch as late as we want. That’s so cool! I hope she gets action movies I love those and so does Joey.

 

Andy: (Sitting down at the table and watching Theo) Hey buddy, come here a minute. (Patting his lap) How are you doing?

 

Theo: (Hugging Andy) I’m good dad. Why?

 

Andy: Just checking. A lot of things have happened pretty fast around here and I don’t want you to feel left out. You know, me and your mom getting married, and the new baby and all. I’m just wondering if you’re worried about anything. You know you can talk to me or your mom about anything. Right?

 

Theo: Yeah, I know. (Hearing the front door open and seeing Connie) Mom’s home, let’s eat!

 

Connie: (Surprised to see the table set and Andy home) Hey, this is a surprise.

 

Andy: (Kissing her cheek) Yeah, thought I’d make up for last night. You hungry? I made spaghetti and everything’s ready.

 

Connie: (Hugging him) I’m starving.

 

Dinner turned out to be a very noisy and messy event. Michelle decided she liked her dinner on the floor instead of in her belly and Theo, so happy to have both his parents attention was giving a detailed explanation of his entire day. Andy just loved the times like this when they were all together. Truth be told he didn’t always pay attention like he should but the sounds of their voices and the smiles on their faces was all he really needed.

 

Theo: Can I dad? Please.

 

Andy: (Clearing his head) Huh? Sorry buddy, I didn’t hear you. What did you say?

 

Theo: (Sighing) Can I try out for baseball when the season starts? I get to go up a level ‘cuz I’m older now. Okay?

 

Andy: Sure you can. (Smiling as Theo dives into his dinner again)

 

Connie: (Reaching over to stroke his arm) Where were you a minute ago? You seemed a million miles away? Is something wrong?

 

Andy: (Covering her hand with his own) Everything’s fine. I was just thinking how lucky I am and how much I love all of you.

 

Connie: We love you too.

 

After dinner Andy and Theo clean up while Connie gives Michelle a bath and prepares her for bed. When the kitchen is clean Andy sends Theo in to get ready for bed and they all decide to watch T.V. for a while before putting the kids down for the night. Connie sits with Michelle in her lap and her feet propped up on Andy’s lap. Theo climbs in between them and starts massaging her calves with his dad.

 

Connie: (Sighing with pleasure) That feels so good you guys. Thank you.

 

Andy: We gotta take good care of you right Theo.

 

Theo: Right dad. (Theo looks at Connie’s belly and after a moment he starts rubbing it) Mom how does the baby move in there? It doesn’t look like there’s much room.

 

Connie: The baby’s not really that big yet sweetheart, so there’s enough room. Every day the baby gets bigger so soon you’ll be able to feel when it moves.

 

Theo: (With a slight frown) Do you feel it now? Does it hurt?

 

Connie: I feel little movements now and then but it doesn’t hurt, it kind of tickles. Kind of like butterflies in your belly. Big butterflies.

 

Theo: What do you want the baby to be Mom, a girl or a boy?

 

Connie: (Stroking Theo’s cheek) Well I already have a wonderful son and daughter so I will be happy no matter what. You’re okay with this right sweetie? You know how much I love you, right?

 

Theo: (Smiling and leaning over to give her a hug) Yeah, I’m okay. I love you too.

 

Michelle slides off of Connie’s lap onto the floor and crawls over to Andy pulling herself up his legs. Andy helps her up and she grabs him and gives him a wet sloppy kiss on his cheek as she hugs his neck.

 

Andy: Are you feeling left out princess? You want hugs and kisses too?

(He starts blowing into her neck making her laugh)

 

At the end of the evening everyone has settled down and all are tucked into their beds. Andy is lying on his side with Connie pulled tightly into him. Her hand is covering his as he gently rubs her belly.

 

Connie: What are you thinking?

 

Andy: Nothing much. I still can’t believe we made a baby together. I don’t think it’s going to really settle in until he or she is actually here.

 

Connie: (Turning onto her back and looking into his eyes) Andy, thank you.

 

Andy: (Confused) For what?

 

Connie: For this baby, our family, your love, for everything. You make me feel things and you love me like no man ever has before. I know now what true love is because I have that with you.

 

Andy: (Kissing away a tear from her eyes) You do the same for me. I love you Connie and I think we’re going to have one pretty terrific kid. As long as he or she has your looks we can’t lose.