Trust

by

Sara
(sara@woontin.nl)

"Niles? Niles?" Maxwell walked into the kitchen where Niles sat reading the evening paper. "Niles, I know it’s after eight, and you have your time off now. But... My plane to London is leaving soon, and I have to leave."

Niles looked up from his paper. Maxwell looked kind of stressful. "What is it sir?"

"CC. She... My guess is she drank too much and passed out. She is on the couch in the living room. Could you take her home?" Maxwell seemed uneasy asking him.

"Sure. No problem. That woman is a burden even when she is passed out. You go ahead sir; otherwise you’ll miss your plane."

"Thanks Niles. Oh, I asked Fran and the children to join me, so you’ll have the house to yourself the next week."

Niles smiled and Maxwell left. Fran must have been waiting in the limousine, because soon he heard them drive away. He put down the paper, and went to the living room. When he turned on the lights he saw CC lying on the couch, bottle in one hand, glass in the other. The bottle was half empty. Niles gently got the bottle and glass out of her hands, and put them away. Then he picked her up in his arms and carried her upstairs to the guest room.

There was nobody home, so nobody would care if CC staid here. And this way he could keep an eye on her.

Niles put her down gently on the small couch in the guestroom. He quickly made the bed, and took of her jacket and shoes. Then he carried her in the bed, and tucked her in. He closed the door softly behind her, when he remembered something. He went to the bathroom, and got a glass of water. He put it on the nightstand next to the bed, and left softly.

<****{O}****>

The next morning Niles woke at his usual time of 7am. He dressed in casual clothes, since it was Saturday, and there was no one there to serve anyway. Just CC, who would put him down no matter what he wore. He put on some jeans and a T-shirt. He decided to make himself a light breakfast, before starting to clean the house. When he walked by the guestroom he decided to check on CC. He opened the door, and because of the sunlight shining through the drapes he could see she had been dreaming a lot. She had thrown the sheets of, and was lying partly above the sheets. Niles went over to the bed, and quietly put the sheets back over her. Then he closed the door again, letting her sleep.

After his breakfast he realized CC might like some clean clothes. He got the spare key she gave them once, and went over to the apartment.

He knew she would be mad at him for going through her stuff, but then again, she would also be mad if he didn’t do it. He went to her bedroom, where he stood in the door way for a minute, just looking.

There was a big bed in the middle of the room. On the other side of the wall was the walk-in closet on the right. On the left was the door to the bathroom. Against the other wall, directly opposite of the bed was a chest of drawers, a big screen TV was on top of it. Next to the TV stood a stereo. In the chest were books, as least that’s what he saw in one of the open drawers. Chester sat on the bed, watching him with a wagging tail. Niles walked across the room to the closet, where he found a bag. He held it, while going through her clothes. Most of them he knew. There were the business suits, they were boring. Then there were the evening gowns. They were stunning, but not really what she needed right now. Ah ha, casual clothes. Niles didn’t remember ever seeing her in them, but it would be a nice change. He grabbed several pairs of jeans, a sweat shirt, some T-shirts, and some blouses. He had no idea how long she would be staying over, and what she would like to wear.

Now came the hard part. Underwear. He had to go through her underwear, which would start him to think things he didn’t really want to think. He went to the chest of drawers in the walk in closet. He opened the first drawer which contained socks and nylons. He got out a few and threw them in the bag. He opened the second drawer. There was her underwear, sorted neatly by sets. He took out a few and quickly closed the drawer again. Then he picked out shoes. He got her some sporting shoes; high heels were not for under jeans.

He closed the closet door behind him, and looked into the bathroom. No doubt she would want some make-up and stuff like that too. He saw her beauty case standing next to the sink. He opened it, and saw it was filled. He just closed it again and went back into the bedroom again. There still sat Chester on the bed. "I suppose I have to take you with me too." Niles found his leach on the table next to the couch, and put it on Chester. He gave the apartment one last look, and closed the door behind him.

He decided to walk back to the mansion, Chester needed the walk. Besides, it wasn’t that far, and it was a beautiful day.

When Niles was back at the mansion again he took the leach off Chester, who ran away immediately. Niles walked upstairs with the bag and beauty case, to the guestroom. He softly knocked, but there came no reply. He opened the door carefully, and saw CC was still asleep, but she had turned on her side. He put the bags down next to the bed, and turned around to leave. Then he heard her softly crying. He turned around to her again. Hadn’t she heard that he was there? "Miss Babcock?" Niles said softly, not wanting to scare her.

<****{O}****>

CC hadn’t really slept much the last night. When she figured out she had fallen asleep on the couch, and that someone, probably Niles, had put her in the guest room, she had calmed down, but still, she had not slept.

Maxwell had obviously left for London with Nanny Fine instead of her. He had casually mentioned it to her only an hour before they were supposed to leave. She hadn’t said a word, just left the office. She had gone to the living room, and had taken a bottle of Jack Daniels out of her purse. She got a glass, but didn’t pour the drink. She just didn’t want to anymore. She was so tired, physically and mentally. She laid her head back on the couch, and before she knew it she was asleep.

She woke up when Niles carried her to the bed. She had felt someone taking of her shoes and jacket, but didn’t really feel the need to wake up. When he tucked her she had briefly opened her eyes. The look of tenderness on his face surprised and frightened her. He hadn’t seen her looking at him, and she was glad for it. Just after he left he was back again. He placed something on the nightstand. When he left again she looked what it was. A glass of water. Something so simple, and yet it was all she needed to get her to cry.

She had been crying most of the night. Turning around in her bed, throwing the sheets off. When Niles came to her room the next morning she pretended to sleep. He tucked her in again, covering her with the sheets so she wouldn’t get cold. Of course CC cried again. Then she heard him leave the house. She laid in the bed, just staring at the ceiling. She had never felt more alone in her entire life.

When he returned she heard him coming up the stairs and walking to her room. She turned on her side, with her back to the door. He knocked, but she didn’t reply. He came in, and put something next to her bed. He had gotten her something else. This was enough to cry again, even though she thought she had no more tears left. She tried to keep silent, but he had heard.

He called out her name. "Miss Babcock?" So softly, and so tender.

"Go away Niles. Leave me alone." She tried to sound strong and sure of herself. But the words came out like she said ‘Please help me Niles. Don’t leave me all alone.’

"Are you ok Miss Babcock?" He asked. He sat down on the bed, looking at her. He still couldn’t see her face.

"I’m fine Niles. I don’t need you." CC heard him swallow hard. She guessed her last answer had hurt him, especially after all he did last night and this morning.

Niles put a hand on her shoulder. "Oh but I think you do CC."

His last actions had scared her. What was he doing? To her? Why did he sit down on the bed? Why did he touch her? Why did he call her CC? "Wh… What?" She turned on her back, and looked at him. Again that tender look in his eyes.

Niles was a bit surprised. Her eyes were all red and puffy. It looked like she had been crying all night. "I think you do need me CC. Or anyone else for that matter. You need someone you can trust. Someone you can confide in. A best friend so to speak."

"And why then should I need you? I can’t trust you, nor would I ever confide in you. Just leave me alone Niles."

The last remark really hurt him. After all he tried, the old barrier, the memory of previous things they had done to each other, kept them apart. "I got you some clothes and other stuff. Here they are." He pointed next to the bed, and then left, without looking at her again.

CC sighed when she got up. She didn’t mean to sound so harsh, but in the end it was the best. Suppose they did share things. Why she was crying for instance. It would make everything too complicated, and it would only hurt them more.

She looked besides the bed, and saw a bag and her beauty case. She picked up the bag, and opened it. In it were her ‘home’ clothes, the ones she wore when she was home alone, and no one could see her. When she was herself, and didn’t need to keep up an image. She took out her jeans and a T-shirt and quickly dressed.

CC quietly went downstairs. She had no idea where Niles was, and how he would act. She didn’t see him, so she went to the office. She got out some contracts Maxwell wanted her to look over, and did the work. An hour later she was finished. She put away the contracts, when she felt her stomach growling. She looked on her watch, and saw it was already in the afternoon. Had she been in bed that long?

CC walked to the kitchen, still cautious for Niles. In the kitchen was also no sign of Niles. She walked over to the counter where there laid a note on the counter.

CC put the note in her pocket, and opened the refrigerator. Just like Niles had said, there was a plate with two club sandwiches. She got out the plate, and sat down at the kitchen table. She was eating her second sandwich when Niles came through the back door with groceries.

Niles saw her sitting at the table, eating the sandwiches he made for her. He opened the door with his free hand, and put the groceries on the counter. "Do you like the sandwiches?"

CC looked up when he asked her. Again that tender look, even though she had hurt him this morning. "Uhm… Yeah, they’re very good. Thank you."

"You’re welcome. I just figured you’d be hungry. And I know how much you like these sandwiches." Niles began unpacking the groceries, all the while watching CC eat her sandwich.

CC was staring at an imaginary point on the wall. She felt his eyes on her, and it made her terribly uncomfortable. "Stop it Niles."

Niles stopped putting away the groceries. Had she caught him staring? "What?"

"Stop watching me. It annoys me." She turned around to face him, and just as she had expected, he was still watching her.

‘Sorry. I... I just wondered… Oh never mind." He started putting away groceries again.

"You wondered what, Niles?"

Niles looked at her again, directly in her eyes. "I wondered if you were feeling better, and if I could do anything to help you."

CC sighed. When would he leave her alone? Didn’t he know that if you kept your problems to yourself thing would be much easier for everybody else?

"I know. Just leave it; you don’t want to tell me. I’m not the right person anyway."

CC sighed again. He seemed so venerable right now. Funny, she never associated that with him. He always was the strong one, the one with the upper hand. Now it seemed she could crush him with one hand. And yet, with such and easy victory within reach, she didn’t even want it.

"Niles, it’s not that I don’t need anybody, it’s just that… I never shared anything with anybody. And why should I? Sharing problems doesn’t help anybody." She lowered her head.

Niles walked over to the table, and sat opposite of her. He reached for her hand, and softly put is over it. "But it does Miss Babcock. And I don’t mind, if it helps you."

"What are you saying Niles? That if I want I can share my problems with you?" She looked up at him. "I don’t think so Niles. You and I are enemies, and no matter what, that’s not going to change. If I want to spill my soul, I’ll just go see my shrink. I don’t need a friend, and I don’t need you." She almost spit out the last words. Then she rose and quickly ran out of the kitchen.

Niles felt devastated after her last words. What had he done wrong? He tried so hard to be nice for her, and give her a chance. And all she did was throw it back into his face.

Yet he was positive that if she would share her problems with somebody, even him, things would be better. Why was she so stubborn? He knew he had some effect on her. Why else would she know he was watching her?

<****{O}****>

CC sat in the office, crying. Why did he keep on hurting her? Why didn’t he just leave her alone? Do like they did before? This being nice, helping her was only confusing her, and reminding her of things she thought she forgot.

But he did have some effect on her. Why else was she still here? She could have just gone home. It was a Saturday after all. Then she saw Chester coming running in from the patio, and jumping on her lap. He started licking her face.

"Eew Chester, stop it." She pushed the dog away, and he jumped of her lap.

Then he started jumping up and down.

"What now? What do you want?"

Chester started running away, and then back to her. He did this several times, and then CC understood he wanted her to follow him. She stood and walked after Chester on the patio. They walked to the garden.

The house had a big garden, but nobody ever came there, because it was a wilderness. But now it looked nothing like that old garden. The lawn was mowed, and in the beds there were beautiful colorful flowers. CC could hear the birds singing in the big oak tree in the middle of the garden. Then Chester ran from her. He ran to the edge of the garden. When CC looked more closely she could see Niles working in the garden. He was with his back to her, so she could observe him very well. He was bent over, with a shovel in his hands. It looked like he was digging. Sweat spots had formed in his T-shirt. He looked very good.

CC walked slowly towards him. She had no idea what she would tell him. She was standing 5 feet from him, and still he hadn’t noticed her. That’s when she heard him cry. No outrages sobs, no, just some sniffs, and wipe from his hand. She moved closer, and put a hand on his shoulder.

Niles looked up, surprised at the touch of her hand. "What’s wrong?"

CC bent down, and sat next to him. "When did you do this with the garden? Last time I saw it, it was a wilderness."

Niles smiled. "I know. But when spring came I wanted to make it beautiful, like the gardens we had back in England. So I asked Mr. Sheffield if I could, and he said it would be ok. So I started working on it in my free time, and here you see the result." Niles pointed to the garden, proud to show her.

"It’s gorgeous Niles. It really is." CC looked at all the flowers and paths in the garden. There even was a small pond with a fountain.

"But why are you here? I thought you had left?" Niles looked at CC again, who was watching the garden.

"I didn’t. I was in the office, when Chester took me here." CC looked up at Niles, and for the first time, she saw the tears in his eyes. She lifted her hand, and softly wiped them away.

"Miss... CC? What are you doing?" Niles put his hand on hers, and gently took it away.

"I don’t know. I… Why were you crying?" She asked, even though she knew the answer.

"Because of you CC. Because of what you said in the guestroom, and in the kitchen. Those remarks really hurt me." He still held her hand, and softly caressed it.

"I’m…. sorry Niles. But you just were so right with everything you said. No one has ever known things like that about me. You scared me."

"I’m sorry CC. I just hate seeing you unhappy. It hurts me to see you like that. And today I thought I could help. You looked like you just needed someone to be there for you, and I am here for you."

"But Niles, even though you are completely right, can’t you see that it’s hard, nearly impossible what you are asking me?" CC lowered her head.

"Why would it be impossible CC? Can’t you see that things have changed somehow?"

"Changed? How?" CC looked in his eyes. She knew they had changed, no matter how much she hated it.

"You know. Since the engagement nothing has been the same."

"I know. But that doesn’t mean I understand."

"Me neither, but we can find out ourselves. But that means both of us. Something is up with you, I know it is. And you need to tell someone, because it’s eating you up inside."

Tears started appear in CC’s eyes. "It is. But I don’t even know the whole story myself." She whispered softly.

Niles wiped the tears away. "We’ll find out together." He stood, and helped her up. "Let me make some coffee, then we’ll talk ok?"

"OK."

They walked to the terrace. Niles went to the kitchen to make them some coffee, and CC sat down at the table. A while later Niles came back. He wore a clean shirt, and had a tray with coffee and cookies in his hand. He put the tray down on the table and poured in the coffee.

"Here you go." Niles handed CC the cup. He poured one for himself, and offered CC the cookies. She took one. Then he took one himself, and sat down. "Where do you want to start?" He asked.

"I don’t know Niles. Maybe that’s my whole problem. I don’t know anymore."

"Why not? What has changed?"

"Niles, please, don’t tell this to anybody. Please."

"I won’t CC. You have my word, you can trust me."

CC looked down again. Things would be easier to explain if she didn’t have to look at his reaction. "Niles… I’m pregnant."

Niles sat straight up in his chair. Pregnant? CC Babcock? A mother? "Pregnant!? How, what? CC?"

She looked at him. He looked something between angry, happy, confused and frightened, just like she had felt when the doctor told her the news.

"I don’t know Niles. All I know is that the night of the wedding reception I was so drunk. I don’t remember anything. I know a man went home with me, but I can’t remember who, what he looked like. I haven’t been with anybody else before and after the reception, so he must be the father. But I don’t know who." CC cried again.

Niles rushed over to her. His heart was beating a million times a minute. "Shh CC. We’ll find away out of this. Is this why you were crying this morning?"

"No. I was crying because of you." CC looked straight at him.

"Me? What did I do wrong?" Niles was surprised.

"Nothing, you were just so nice to me. You are the only person who is ever nice to me Niles. You put me to bed, you got me my clothes. You even made me breakfast even though I had been mean to you. You made me feel so alone Niles. I can’t help thinking that if I remembered the father of my baby, maybe he would do things like that for me."

Niles put an arm around her shoulder. "You deserve someone who is nice to you, especially now."

CC lowered her head to Niles’ shoulder. "Why are you doing this Niles? I mean, why were you so nice to me? You have never done it before."

"I know. But I am tired of always fighting with you, especially the last few months. It all seems so pointless."

"Mhh, indeed."

"CC? Did you drink last night?"

"I was tempted. But I would never do that, it’s bad for the baby."

"Good." Niles smiled. They just sat there, close to each other, enjoying the sun, and the beautiful garden.

"Niles?" CC said a while later.

"Yeah?"

"Why did you ask if I drank? You were worried right?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because… I… You would make a great mother. I hope you won’t remove the baby, or give it up for adoption after it’s born."

CC sat up, and looked at him. Niles was cautious for her reaction. Had he stepped out of his boundaries now?

"You think I am a great mother?"

Niles smiled, and nodded.

CC smiled. "Thanks, but back to your question. I can’t remove it. The baby is 3 and a half months old. And "it" is a he. The gynecologist told me last week. And I won’t give him up. I am his mother, and no matter how I feel now, it’s my responsibility to take care of him. I won’t be like my mother."

"Good." Niles stood. "Can I take you out to dinner tonight?"

"Sure, formal, or informal?"

"Your call."

"Informal. I am hungry as a horse, and those formal dinners are so stiff. I want to have fun."

Niles laughed, not used to this side of her. "Informal it is. Let me find a restaurant, and you go and get ready. We’ll leave in an hour."

"Ok." CC walked inside. In the doorstep she turned around and blew him a kiss.

He pretended to catch it, and put it in his pocket.

When she was out of sight he sat down in the chair. Pregnant. She was pregnant. And she didn’t remember the night they had shared after the reception. She didn’t know he was the father of her unborn son. Their son. How could he tell her?

<****{O}****>

Three months had passed. Niles and CC had actually become close friends, to Max and Frans surprise. CC had told them about the pregnancy right after they had come back from their trip, but she had just said she didn’t want to tell who the father was.

Niles and Fran were sitting in the kitchen, talking about the latest gossip.

"Talking about a new couple, when are you going to take Miss Babcock out?" Fran asked Niles.

"What are you talking about; we went out to dinner yesterday."

"Yeah, to KFC’s. Come on Niles, you know what I mean, a fancy dinner, rainbow room or something romantic like that."

"Romantic? Fran, CC and I are friends. No matter how I feel, I won’t ruin our friendship. If she doesn’t feel the same it will be ruined forever. And she needs someone right now, with the baby and all."

"She won’t feel the same? Are you that blind? She has fallen for you just as hard as you have fallen for her. You have nothing to loose Niles."

Niles looked at Fran surprised. CC loved him too? "Are you serious?"

"Yes! Oh Niles, are you that blind?"

"I don’t know. All I know is that I love CC more than anything, and I do want to be with her. You really think she would go out with me romantically?"

"YES! Ask her! You’ll see. She is in the theatre now, but she’ll be back in about an hour. You’ll have enough time to prepare."

"Ok. I will do it." Niles stood and went upstairs. He wanted to change his clothes before he was going to ask her, he was so nervous.

On the other side of the kitchen door stood a shocked CC. She had come to the office early, because of pains in her back. She would work on a normal desk, it would be better. When she wanted to get some coffee she heard Niles and Fran talking. Then she heard him say that he loved her. Niles loved her. She was overwhelmed. It seemed things were really working out.

Over the last couple of months Niles had joined her to her gynecologist, and to Lamaze class. They had been to movies, and out to dinner. But all as friends, no matter how much she pretended otherwise. And now she heard him declare his love for her. Her dreams could be coming true.

She quickly went back to the office, in fear of being caught. But she couldn’t do much work, she was too excited.

Meanwhile, Niles was nervously pacing in his room. CC and he and gotten very comfortable with each other the last few months, but now he was as nervous as before. Finally the hour had passed. He went downstairs, and checked the hallway closet for her coat. It was there, but Maxwell’s coat was still gone. Even better, she would be alone in the office. He walked to the office and knocked on the door.

CC sat up when she heard the knock on the door. "Come in."

Niles entered the office, and stood before her. She was sitting in Maxwell’s chair, behind the desk. This made it even harder. "Uhm CC. I… I was wondering if… if you would go out with me tonight."

"Sure Niles. Why do you ask, we always go out."

"Uhm.. no CC, I mean officially, like a date."

"A date…? A formal dinner?"

"Yes." Niles nervously looked everywhere but to her.

CC got out of the chair. She walked over to him, and took his hands in hers. "I would love to Niles."

Niles looked up into her smiling face. He smiled too. "Good. I’ll pick you up at your place at 7 ok? Please wear that dress we bought last week." Niles winked and left.

CC sat down on the couch, and sighed. Last week they had gone shopping for pregnancy clothes, because CC needed a dress for the opening of their show. They had found a great boutique with very beautiful pregnancy clothes. CC had fitted a few gowns, and they all looked stunning on her. So she had gotten them all.

CC quickly packed her bag, and wrote a note for Maxwell. There was no point in staying here; she was too excited to get any work done. She would go home, and get ready for the date with Niles.

<****{O}****>

It was 6:30, and Niles had just finished getting ready. He wore a tuxedo, and looked stunning. He walked to the office, where Maxwell was still working.

"Uhm sir?" Niles coughed to get his attention.

Maxwell looked up. "Yes Niles?"

"Do you need anything else? Otherwise I’ll get going."

"No Niles, you go ahead. Enjoy the evening."

"Thank you sir." Niles turned around.

"Oh Niles?"

Niles turned to Maxwell again. "Yes sir?"

Maxwell opened the drawer and threw him the keys to the Mercedes. "Tell CC I said hi."

"Thank you sir." Niles walked out again. He put on his coat and got the Mercedes. He drove to CC’s apartment, where to his surprise she was waiting outside. She looked gorgeous, even though she was wearing a wrap around her shoulders, and it was dark. He parked the car next to curb, and got out.

"CC. You look stunning. But why are you waiting outside? It’s cold." Niles had offered her his arm, and walked her to the car. He opened the door for her and she got in. Niles quickly walked around to the other side and got behind the steering wheel.

"Thank you Niles. I was waiting outside because I couldn’t wait." She blushed a little.

Niles was surprised. Never had he seen her blushing. He smiled too.

He drove them to a little restaurant, with a live stage. It wasn’t expensive, or well known, but it was very romantic, and perfect for the occasion. All the tables were filled, but luckily Niles had reserved a spot near the stage. It was in the "no smokers" zone, which was good, because the smokers’ zone was filled with smoke.

The maitre d’ sat them down, and they ordered some drinks. They got the menus, and ordered. While they were waiting for the food a singer came on stage. She started to sing. The songs were all covers, old and new ones. She had a beautiful voice, and the music was nice. Several couples started dancing.

The food was served, and they ate in silence. After all these months of sharing things, they didn’t know what to say now. CC couldn’t take it anymore, and decided to act towards him like she had done the past months.

"Niles? My OBGYN called today. She wants me to reschedule our appointment to Monday morning instead of Tuesday afternoon. Is that ok with you?"

"Uhm. On Monday I have to go to the doctor for my usual check up. But if you want you can go alone."

"Check up?" CC wondered. He hadn’t mentioned this before.

"Yes, for my heart. They still need to see if things all go as they should."

"Oh I see. I don’t want to go alone to the OBGYN. So it will have to be another time."

"Sure. Wednesday morning?"

"No problem. I’ll call her tomorrow. Uhm Niles?"

"Yes CC?"

Suddenly CC lost her nerve. "Nevermind."

Niles wondered what was up. "Come on CC. What is it?"

"I was just wondering. Can I come with you to the doctor? Monday? I… Oh never mind, it’s just stupid."

"It isn’t. Why do you want to come?" Niles gently moved his hand across the table and put his hand over hers.

"Because… I… I want to make sure you are ok. And I don’t want to wait at home until you come back." CC looked down, blushing again.

Niles smiled, and lifted her head by putting his hand under her chin. "Of course you can come with me CC. Maybe we can make a day of it? I mean we can go to the park in the afternoon, or just go out for lunch?"

CC smiled relieved. "I would love it."

They finished their dinner talking some usual small talk. After dinner they drank a cup of coffee, listening to the music. They watched the various couples dance on the slow songs the singer sang. When the song had ended Niles stood, and walked over to CC. He took her hand.

"May I have this dance of you?" He asked her.

"Of course." CC stood, and they walked to the dance floor.

The band started another slow song, and a male singer came on stage. The singers started a duet, and Niles and CC started dancing.

Him: I finally found someone, that knocks me off my feet
I finally found the one, that makes me feel complete
Her: We started over coffee, we started out as friends
It's funny how from simple things, the best things begin
Him: This time it's different,
Him: It's all because of you,
Him: It's better than it's ever been
Both: 'Cause we can talk it through
Her: Oohh, my favorite line was "Can I call you sometime?"
It's all you had to say
Both: To take my breath away
This is it, oh, I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one, to be with every night
Her: 'Cause whatever I do,
Him: It's just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone,
Her: Ooh, someone
Him: I finally found someone,
Him: Did I keep you waiting,
Her: I didn't mind
Him: I apologize,
Her: Baby, that's fine
Him: I would wait forever
Both: Just to know you were mine
Him: You know I love your hair,
Her: Are you sure it looks right?
Him: I love what you wear,
Her: Isn't it the time?
Him: You're exceptional,

Both: I can't wait for the rest of my life . . .
This is it, oh, I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one, to be with every night
Her: 'Cause whatever I do,
Him: It's just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone,
Her: Whatever I do,
Him: It's just got to be you
Both: My life has just begun
I finally found someone

During the song CC had put her head on his shoulder. She had been listening to the lyrics, and realized how true they were for her. Niles was the one. She lifted her head, and looked in his eyes. He looked so beautiful, and caring. And he loved her; she had heard him say it. She softly bent her head to him, and kissed him tenderly.

Niles had seen her thinking and reacting to the song. Things were moving the right way. And when she kissed him he held her close, and kissed her back full of love. Things were definitely moving the right way.

When CC broke the kiss by moving a little back she looked in his eyes. He was smiling.

"Want to go home?" He asked her.

"Home?"

"Your apartment."

"Sure" CC smiled, and Niles led them back outside. The parking man got their car, and Niles drove them to CC’s apartment.

When they were inside they sat on the couch.

"Do you want something to drink?" Niles asked her.

"Nope. I just want to sit here next to you." CC put her hand on his leg.

"Good. I want the same." Niles sunk back into the cushions of her couch.

Suddenly CC felt the baby kick. "Niles, give me your hand."

Niles looked up, and gave CC his hand, not knowing what she was up to. CC put his hand on her belly, exactly where the baby was kicking. Niles was stunned. He had never felt the baby kick before. He was never around. CC had told him the baby got restless when CC was tired, and at those times she was always at home.

Suddenly he put his head on her belly, so he felt the baby kick, and he could hear it too. CC was a bit surprised, but also very happy. She caressed his head with her hands. Then the baby stopped kicking. Niles slowly lifted his head up, and looked directly in CC’s eyes. He moved closer and kissed her passionately this time.

CC reacted with equal passion. She didn’t think she ever loved anyone more than she loved Niles. And she didn’t want to be apart ever again. A little while later Niles pulled back for air.

"Niles?" CC said while Niles put his arm around her, and she lowered her head on his shoulder like she had done the day in the garden.

"Yes CC?" Niles was softly running circles up and down her arm.

"I love you."

Niles stopped his movements. He sat stunned on the couch.

Misreading his reaction, CC looked up, partly scared. But she shouldn’t worry. Niles looked lovingly in her eyes, and caressed her face.

"I love you too CC." He moved closer for another kiss.

When they broke apart CC spoke again. "Niles? Will you stay here tonight?"

Niles smiled. "Of course. If you want me to I’ll stay. I can sleep on the couch." Of course that wasn’t what Niles really wanted, but he didn’t want to push her. Especially not now that she was pregnant.

"No. Will you please join me in my bed?" CC looked in his eyes, not sure if he would want it.

Niles smiled again, happy. "Sure."

CC suddenly looked down. "But we can’t… uhm… You know... Have. Make love. I don’t want to, not like this." She pointed to her belly.

Niles put his hand on her belly. "No problem. You tell me when you’re ready, and I will be waiting for you."

"Niles? You are terrific, you know that?" CC smiled, and kissed him again.

"I know. Now, let’s get ready for bed. I know you are tired, today was a long day."

"Alright. Let me get ready first, then you ok?." CC got up with some effort, and walked into the bedroom. 15 minutes later she came back, in a nightgown. "Your turn."

Niles quickly undressed and freshened up in the bathroom. When he came back in the bedroom she was already lying under the covers. He would never tell her, but she looked very big like this, but also very beautiful.

He got under the covers next to her. They both turned on their sides so they looked at each other.

Niles put a strand of her hair behind her ear. "CC, you look so gorgeous. I love you so much."

"Oh, you are just saying that. I know I am as fat as a whale."

"You’re not. You are pregnant, of a gorgeous little baby boy, who I will love as much as I love you."

"Do you mean that Niles? Even though this boy isn’t yours, you will love him as if he was your son?"

Niles swallowed. He wanted to tell her, but he knew she would be angry at him. Now was not a good time. "Yes CC."

"You’re so great. What did I ever do to deserve you?" CC caressed his cheek and leaned in closer to kiss him.

After the kiss Niles put out the light. "Sweet dreams CC."

"Sweet dreams Niles."

Niles spooned up to her, holding her close. It felt so good to hold her. If only he could tell her the truth. But he didn’t dare. He was afraid it would ruin everything. She would think of him and his intentions all wrong. She would think he only wanted to be with her to get close to the baby, even steel it away from her. He sighed one last time before falling asleep.

<****{O}****>

The next morning when Niles awoke CC was looking at him. She was on his side facing him. One of his hands was on her belly, the other one was under his head. He quickly removed the hand on her belly, but she caught it and put it back.

"I don’t mind Niles. Now you can feel what this boy does to me every morning. I swear, when he grows up he is going to walk the marathon of New York." CC smiled.

Niles smiled too, feeling at ease again. And sure, he felt the boy kicking a few minutes later. Indeed it felt like he was running on a treadmill.

"He has been at it since 6 this morning. I woke up a few minutes later. I can’t sleep when he does this. But then you put your hand on my belly, and he stopped. You seem to calm him down, though I have no idea how you do it. I tried everything." CC put her hand over his. They felt how the boy calmed down again. CC caressed his hand.

"Niles?" CC looked at him, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Yes?"

"Uhm… Do you think we will last?" She tried to keep looking at him.

"What do you mean? If we will stay together?"

"Yes."

"I hope so. And I think so too. I want to be with you CC. Forever. With you, and this little boy here. I love you. Why do you ask?"

"Because I want to have a relationship when my baby is born. I want him to have a father. One that will be his father and that will be there for us forever. I want you Niles."

"I will be a wonderful father CC. The best I can be. And of course I will always be there for you two. No matter what CC." He pulled her closer, and kissed her. "I love you CC. Never forget that."

"I won’t Niles. I love you too."

<****{O}****>

It was now three months later again. Niles and CC were deeply in love, and Niles had moved into her apartment. They had made the room ready for the baby boy together. Niles still hadn’t told CC. Because of this, he hadn’t proposed to her either, because he felt she had the right to know everything before they got married.

It was one week before CC was scheduled to give birth to her son. She had to have a cesarean, because the baby was lying wrong, and CC was considered an old mother.

CC had asked Niles to be present at the birth, because as far as she was concerned he was the father. And besides, she wasn’t sure she could do it alone.

CC was sitting on the couch at her apartment, looking trough a magazine from her real estate agent. Niles and she were looking for a new home. Soon her apartment would be too small, and besides, they both wanted something more outside of the city; a house with a big garden.

Niles came in. He saw her sitting on the couch going through a magazine. He kissed her before he sat next to her. He looked over, to see what she was reading.

"Ah houses. Any nice ones?"

"Yes, this one." CC pointed to a white house, surrounded by trees. It wasn’t a house, it was a mansion.

"How much is it?" He asked when he had read the description. It was 30 minutes driving for New York.

"4.5" CC had no idea how he would feel if she bought the mansion for them.

"Hunderd-thousand? I don’t know CC."

"Million, Niles. 4.5 Million."

"Oh my God CC. I never even saw that kind of money printed somewhere on a bank account. That’s an awful lot."

"But not for me Niles. Look, I have about 20 million directly available, plus another 20 tied up in investments, and buildings. And I have another 20 forthcoming from various inheritances. Money is not something we need to worry about."

"But CC. I… I’m an old fashioned guy. This goes against everything I planned." He looked at CC. "Look, it’s not I don’t want to. It’s just, I feel like taking advantage of you like this."

CC smiled softly. She caressed his cheek. "Don’t worry Niles. I won’t. And I am happy to buy us a home where we can start a family."

"Start a family. Sounds good to me." Niles kissed her softly.

"Hey, it seems he agrees too." CC looked down. She took Niles’ hand and put it on her belly.

He felt the boy kicking. Niles smiled. "Call your agent first thing tomorrow morning. I want that house."

During that week they fixed everything, they had bought the house, and because it had just been vacated they could move in right away. Niles arranged most of it, because CC needed to rest for her cesarean. Then the day had come the baby would be born. It would happen at 2pm, but needed to be at the hospital at 10am. They were both very nervous, and even a bit scared. All the morning was filled with further instructions and tests. The doctors took CC to a room where they prepared her. It was 1pm.

After 30 minutes Niles could see her again. She was crying in the bed. He quickly went over to her.

"What’s wrong CC?" He wiped the tears away, and she hugged him.

"I don’t know Niles. I think…. I want things to be different. I want you to be to father of my child."

"But I am."

"No, I mean for real. I know you’ll be like the kids father, but I wish you were really the father. Now I still think about another unknown man on the back of my mind."

Niles pulled away from the embrace. Now was not the right time either, but he wondered what would be. "But I am CC."

"Niles? You? Are… No, this can’t be true, you are just saying that." CC was all confused now.

"Shh CC. I’m not just saying it. I am the true father of your child. I didn’t tell you because I was afraid and ashamed. I feel like I took advantage of you that night. And I know you feel like I lied to you the last 6 months." Niles looked at her, fearing her reaction.

"You didn’t. I don’t remember that night, but I know that someone had been nice to me. I never felt so good after a night with a man, not even when I remembered it. And the past 6 months have been great, I want nobody else for a father of my…. our child than you. I love you Niles. Thanks for telling me." CC pulled him close for a kiss. "Now, let’s get this baby out of here."

Just as she said that the doctor entered. "Are you ready Miss Babcock?"

"Ready as I’ll ever be." She grabbed Niles’ hand as the nurses wheeled her to the operating theatre. They had give her time related drugs, and she was getting numb now, and a bit drowsy. When they reached the operating theatre her belly was painless. She didn’t feel anything. A cloth was put up so she wouldn’t see what they were doing. She was very nervous, and now scared that no matter what the doctors said, she was scared she would feel the pain. She held Niles hand tight, but he had to let go, he had to get ready. He came back as quickly as he could.

When the surgeon started the operation, Niles looked away. This felt so unnatural. That man was cutting his love, and it was not right, yet he let it happen. He looked at CC, who was frightened looking up at the ceiling, and then directly at him. "Niles. I am scared. What if something is wrong?"

Niles wiped the hairs from her face. "Shh honey. Nothing is wrong. The baby will be fine, and so will you."

"Niles? I knew." She only looked at him now, trying to ignore what was going on.

"What?"

"I knew you were the father. It had to be you."

"Why? How? Why didn’t you say something?"

"Because I never really knew, I only know now. Because everything felt so right. It could only be you."

"Miss Babcock? Your son." The nurse handed the crying baby boy to Niles, who was looking at him very proud. He showed him to CC, who was crying now. She couldn’t believe she was now a mother. And with Niles. Who would have thought? The nurses helped Niles cutting the baby-boys umbilical cord. Then they took the boy away to be washed and check out, while the doctor closed up CC. They cleaned CC too, and took away the cloth.

A few moments later CC was lying in a hospital bed. Niles was sitting next to her, holding her hand. CC was still scared. Now she was scared something was wrong with the baby, and that she wouldn’t be a good mother.

Then the nurse came in with the little baby boy. He was sleeping peacefully. Niles and CC sat there, just watching him. He was so gorgeous. He had a head full of hair, which was light blonde. His hands were so tiny, with tiny little fingers.

"He’s perfect." Niles whispered. He leaned over, and kissed CC. "I love you CC."

"I love you too." She smiled, and looked at the boy again. "I know we never discussed a name, but I have thought of one. But I never talked it over with you. If you want something else…?"

"I’m sure I’ll love it CC."

"I thought I… we would call him Michael Andrew."

"Michael… Andrew? CC? Do you know my name?" Niles looked at CC who was watching him.

"Yes. Niles Andrew Card. I have known for quite some time now. I thought of this name when I just heard I was pregnant. Before you and I became friends, and way before we had a relationship. And Niles?"

"Yes CC?"

"I want to name him Michael Andrew Card. I know we are not married, but he’s your son."

"What would you have called the baby if it was a girl?" Niles wondered.

"Marie Claire."

"Marie? My mother is named Marie."

"I know. And Claire is my middle name." CC looked at him.

"CC? What is your full name? What does the first C stand for?"

"Promise me don’t you won’t laugh at me."

"I would never laugh at you CC."

"It stands for Chastity. I hate it. But I love Claire. Back when I was 15 I demanded everybody would call me Claire, but CC sounds more professional."

"Chastity? Sounds like a name for an angel. It’s perfect for you." Niles leaned over and kissed her passionately. "Thank you CC. For everything. For you, for Michael, for his name. You are great." He turned over and got something from the overnight bag he had prepared for CC. He turned to CC again. "I swear that I’ll always be there. I’d give anything and everything. And I will always care, through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow. For better for worse. I will love you with every beat of my heart. Will you marry me Chastity Claire Babcock?" He opened the little blue box, which showed a beautiful golden band set with several diamonds.

CC looked at him with tears in her eyes. Things were finally perfect. He loved her. They had a baby boy. They were getting married, and moving into a place of their own. She pulled him close and kissed him. "Of course. Finally things are perfect for me."

Niles placed the ring around her finger. He kissed it before he kissed her.

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