The Fighter Pilot’s Baby

*****

The next morning, Bianca was awakened by a kiss to her lips, a sweet peck that made her feel like a princess in a fairy tale. Alex was back and it was Christmas. Her eyes flew opened when she remembered the gift she got him two days ago that sat wrapped and waiting under her Christmas tree. Sitting up quickly she turned to Alex.

“Merry Christmas! I have a gift for you downstairs.” Bianca said cheerfully, hopping up from the bed.

“Really?” Alex asked, stretching his long limbs out on the bed lazily.

“Yes!” She exclaimed pulling his hand as if to make him get up. “What do you think I was doing that night I was out so late?”

Alex cocked an eyebrow at her and grinned sheepishly. “Well now I feel like an ass,” he said a look of chagrin passing over his face.

Bianca waved his statement off. “It was a misunderstanding that blew up. I’m over it if you are?” She asked hopefully.

Alex nodded, kissing her hand. He sat up and pulled on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and Bianca did the same. They walked down the steps hand in hand and stopped at the tree. Bianca stooped, picking up a small box wrapped in Christmas paper and handed it to Alex.

“Here you go. Hurry and open it!” She said excitedly.

*****

Alex smirked at her excitement and began to unwrap the paper slowly, knowing it was killing her. Inside the paper was a small white non descript box. Now curious, Alex ripped it open. What lay inside made his heart stop. A tiny sterling silver rattle was nestled on a bed of white tissue paper.

“What’s this?” He asked with confusion.

“Just read the inscription,” Bianca urged, angling her head towards the rattle.

Merry Christmas, Daddy.

Alex’s head snapped up so fast he almost got whiplash. Daddy? Did that mean…

“I’m pregnant, Alex!” Bianca exclaimed, jumping into his arms.

Shock kept Alex from responding even as he held her tightly.

“Aren’t you happy?” She asked, pulling away from him with a frown.

What was he doing? “Of course I am. I was just shocked that’s all. When did you find out? How far along are you?” He asked, the idea finally sinking in.

They were going to have a baby. They were finally going to have a baby!

“That afternoon,” Bianca said and she didn’t have to elaborate.

He felt like the biggest asshole on the planet. Here he thought she was cheating on him and she was at the doctor’s and getting him gifts.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have gone with you.” Alex said, taking her hand in his and pressing a kiss to her palm.

“I wanted to be sure, after last time…” And suddenly he understood.

*****

Bianca waited patiently for his reaction, besides the immediate shock. Alex stood and knelt before her, wrapping his arms around her and bringing her in for a sweet kiss.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I feel like such an asshole. Here I am accusing you of cheating and you were at the doctor and buying me Christmas gifts to surprise me. And you were probably so nervous. I wish you had told me.” He said, resting his hand on her lower abdomen.

Bianca sighed, the feeling of contentment washing over her like nothing else she’d ever felt before. “I wanted to. I almost did several times, but I had to make sure that the baby was okay first. You understand, right?”

Alex nodded. “ I have a gift for you too,” he said, standing and reaching into the pocket of his sweats.

He pulled out a tiny box and Bianca’s heart stopped. Was that what she thought it was?

Alex knelt back down and Bianca’s heart began to pound. “Bianca, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were special, someone that I shouldn’t let go. Being the idiot I am I almost did. But I’m not doing that again. I love you, and I want to spend every waking moment I have left with you and only you. Will you marry me?” He opened the box and the light from the Christmas tree caught the diamond, making it shine like it was lit itself.

Bianca nodded vigorously, too choked up on the lump in her throat to speak.

“Is that a yes?” Alex asked with a bit of anxiety in his voice.

Bianca nodded again, “Yes, Alex. I’ll marry you.” She said, tears welling in her eyes.

Alex stood, a wide smile spreading across his face. He slipped the ring on her finger and gathered her in his arms. He kissed her passionately and held her close. After several minutes he let go and just stood back and looked at her.

“When did you get this?” Bianca asked, staring down at the ring with awe. It was beautiful.

“I’ve had it for about a month but I wanted to make sure you were ready. I had planned on proposing on Christmas Eve but after our fight everything got turned around. I’m glad I was able to do it today though, after what you just told me I couldn’t think of a better time.”

Bianca smiled broadly, “Me too. I love you, Alex.”

“I love you too, Bianca,” he answered, pulling her in for another kiss. “I also got a new job,” he added with a smirk

“What? When?” Bianca asked with surprise.

“Several weeks ago, I just finished my training to become the pilot for helicopters and planes that were sent out with paramedics, similar to Flight for Life.”

“That’s so awesome, babe!” Bianca exclaimed, hugging him again. Everything was falling into place.

They spent the rest of the day at home, just being with each other and making plans for the future. Bianca couldn’t remember a time when she felt more comfortable or peaceful. That night as she went to sleep she placed a hand on her stomach and laid her head on Alex’s chest. Finally she had everything she wanted and she was never going to let it go.