James' heart lurched. He wanted to be doctor and father in the same moment. He wanted to tell Nikita to stay awake and to eat. He wanted too, but this was his daughter.

And holding her felt so right.

~~

Michael trudged up the stairs, feeling like he had been through a war, although he had never left Section One. The mission was scrubbed, but thing after thing occurred.

As if Madeline was postponing his departure.

Michael shivered as he thought about that. He wanted to circle the house and looked around, but it was dark and he didn't want to worry Nikita about the noise. Nikita hadn't called, so Michael wasn't sure if she was feeling better, if she went in to the doctor's, or if she had gotten worse.

There was only the living room light on. Michael assumed that Nikita was probably waiting for him. He knew that it was not uncommon for Nikita to sleep very lightly, waiting for his arrival.

Hence, he was surprised when he closed the door and Nikita didn't appear.

Michael turned the corner and met the eyes of a man he was sure he would never see again in the flesh and bone. James dropped his head and stroked at Nikita's hair.

"I know," James stated, although such a statement was not needed. By now, Michael had figured it out, seeing the elaborate steps that Madeline had him jump through in order to get Nikita some time with her father.

"Good," Michael sighed as he rubbed his hands through his hair. He looked down at Nikita and then knelt down. She looked exhausted.

"There is other good news," James stated and Michael tilted his head up. He didn't see any other good news around the room. Nikita looked like she had gone several rounds with a heavyweight boxing champion and Michael swallowed.

"Good? Are you sure about that?" Michael questioned and James nodded his head. Nikita had talked briefly about how Michael and her had once dreamt of another child.

Maralah had even asked Nikita and Michael for one.

"It will explain a lot of things...." James stated and Michael was afraid. Maybe it was good, but he wasn't sure if he should wait.

"Mmmm..." Nikita moaned as she heard Michael's voice. She tilted her head to the side and fluttered her eyes. Michael touched her face and Nikita's eyes opened up steady and focused. " Michael... what about the mission?"

"It was a set-up... I see your father knows about you," Michael stated and Nikita nodded her head as a satisfied smile crossed her face once more. Nikita looked to James and took Michael's hand.

"Michael... I'm not sick..." Nikita stated. Michael lifted an eyebrow. It sure looked like Nikita was sick.

"If you aren't sick... then what is going on? It isn't emotionally..." Michael stated and Nikita smiled. She liked seeing Michael think like this. It almost turned her on, if she had more energy. Nikita looked at her stomach, but noticed that Michael hadn't watched her eyes.

"I'm pregnant," Nikita whispered and Michael's mouth opened. That wasn't something that Michael had expected to hear. Michael kissed Nikita as Nikita's head continued to stay on James' lap.

"Your family is getting big... still got room for me?" Michael questioned and Nikita smiled.

"You are my life.... everything else is just the accessories," Nikita commented as she lifted her head once more, finally lifting her body off of James' body and into her lover's arms.

*

Michael slipped onto the porch and smiled at Nikita as her right leg softly pushed her body back and forth in the wicker swing. Michael closed the front door and moved towards Nikita, noting her smile as he sat down and opened his arms.

"You feel so relaxed right now," Michael commented as he stroked his hands up and down Nikita's arms. Nikita leaned her head back with a sigh, but there wasn't an ounce of depression in her tone.

"It's been a busy three days," Nikita stated and Michael smiled. It had been, but he wouldn't change anything in the world.

James had spent the first night, getting to know the other things about Nikita that had nothing to do with the abuse. He also became an expert on Maralah's birth. He was concerned about Nikita's severe morning sickness, but by the time the next morning had rolled on, Nikita's symptoms had started to dissipate.

Then Matthew arrived, totting along his wife and children arrived for a stay. Nikita was thriving in the happiness of being allowed to know this part of her family. Not once during the stay did Nikita even think about Roberta and what had occurred to her.

Now, they were alone. Michael and Nikita. They hadn't had much time to talk about things. There was the family all about, showing pictures. And there was Nikita wishing that Maralah was there with her, but decided that it was best not to do that too quickly.

"About the baby..." Nikita started as she turned and looked at Michael. Michael grinned. He couldn't help himself. He couldn't wait to make it through this pregnancy with Nikita, being with her from the beginning to the end. Michael was positive that things would be very different this time.

"Is your father going to be your doctor, or is that too weird?" Michael questioned and Nikita shook her head back and forth.

"He lives in another country, Michael," Nikita stated as she rubbed her hands together. She had asked her father to keep it under wraps, although Matthew knew. Nikita was sure that if Madeline had told him about her and her life, then Madeline would be seeing him again, to see how things went.

"Then we should get you in..." Michael stated and Nikita took Michael's hands. She was starting to get nervous. Nikita looked to her hands as they held Michael's and smirked.

"We still aren't married," Nikita stated carefully, sounding like she was trying to laugh and not feel the ironic nature of her statement. Michael shrugged his shoulders. He honestly didn't care. He had Nikita and that was what mattered.

"We can change that," Michael informed, although he wasn't going to run out and do it. His heart was married to Nikita a long time ago; it just took him a long time to admit it. He stroked Nikita's hair out of her face and then licked his lips. "What is it, Nikita?"

"Is it right?" Nikita questioned and Michael lifted an eyebrow. He felt that this was a blessing, something destined to happen.

Now Nikita was questioning this?

Michael turned his head off to the side, unsure why Nikita was asking this. He worried that Nikita didn't want to have the baby. That would change their lifes drastically.

"You want the baby, right, Nikita?" Michael questioned. He felt his stomach flip, sick that he even had to ask the question. There was time that they had dreamt about this, but Michael dropped his head now. He couldn't believe that he questioned.

"Of course," Nikita hissed out, quickly. Her eyes materialized the tears as she reached out for Michael's chin. She waited for his green eyes to look up at her. Nikita sniffled and swallowed. "Things are odd... I didn't expect this... I was expecting something bad..."

"Oh, Nikita..." Michael soothed as he reached out and swathed Nikita in his arms. She felt perfect there and Michael heaved a sigh, feeling guilty for making Nikita cry again.

They should be celebrating. Not crying.

"I need to get off the roller coaster, Michael.... step back and try to see who I am again... and now we got a baby coming into the world... I don't know..." Nikita admitted as she rubbed her hands together and then pressed them into her legs. Michael swallowed, knowing exactly how Nikita was feeling.

The roller coaster had to end, but Michael was unsure that it was going to be able to happen.

"Nikita... I will make it happen..." Michael tried to promise, but Nikita knew that it was an empty promise. At any moment, Nikita could be in the house alone, because Madeline called Michael back on a mission. They still had strings attached to them, able to pull them back into the world of Section One.

She loved people there, but she didn't like the feeling of no control. And all that had been happening to Nikita showed that she had no control.

Madeline had given Nikita her father. Not Nikita. But Madeline.

"Michael... what happens when they need you for a mission?" Nikita posed as she tilted her head to the side, knowing that Michael already thought of her argument in her head.

"We tell Madeline that you are pregnant," Michael stated and Nikita shook her head as her hands move to her concaved stomach that soon would round with evidence of her pregnancy.

"I don't want her to know yet," Nikita issued out verbally to match her head movement. Michael stopped and stared at Nikita.

"Why?"

"Because.... I just don't want her to know yet... Don't tell her Michael..." Nikita pled with Michael. Michael shook his head. He couldn't agree with this. He knew how much problems there were with Nikita's pregnancy with Maralah. If Michael tried to get the actual files from the Section One medical files, Madeline would know. And any doctor would need to know the specifics.

"Nikita... we need to get you the best care...." Michael tried to argue with Nikita. Nikita looked at Michael and stood up from the swing and walked across the porch, dismayed that Michael wasn't listening to her words and her pled. When Nikita needed Michael to just do what she wanted him to do, he was quarrelling with her decision.

Michael allowed the swing to sway back and forth, as he watched Nikita assiduously at the edge of the porch. The guilt started to grow once more, knowing that strength was needed here, and nothing more.

"Nikita..." Michael softly whispered as he moved towards Nikita. She turned and allowed Michael to distinguish the tears rolling down her face. He reached out and touched them and then stepped back, not wanting to hurt her more. "I'm just trying to figure out what is best for you... and what is going on..."

"I don't know what is going on, Michael. I didn't think I was this emotional during my first pregnancy," Nikita admitted as she pushed at her hair. Michael nodded his head, but a smile started to creep over his face.

"And I wasn't there," Michael commented. He didn't know how to handle this. He was only there for Nikita during the bad moments and when she needed medical help. Nikita nodded her head, again, dropping her hands to her stomach.

Michael's hands joined hers, touching her stomach.

"But I'm going to be here, Nikita... I'm going to be here through all of this morning sickness... the doctor's appointments... telling people... watching and feeling you round with our child..." Michael asserted as he rubbed his fingers over the slight material covered the skin of Nikita's stomach. Nikita nodded her head and then leaned into Michael, feeling an additional round of tears trickle out her eyes.

"Come on.... you need to rest... And we'll go see a doctor tomorrow..." Michael stated as he solidly placed his hands around Nikita's neck. Nikita nodded her head and inched closer towards the door. Michael smiled and knew that it was going to be a long nine months, but that with his love that this was going to be a great beginning of their lifes together.

~~

Nikita swung her legs back and forth as she sat on the table. She looked towards Michael and started to chew her lip.

She didn't want to be here.

The dreams began last night. Nikita didn't know why, but she knew where the images were coming from.

Her abuse. Her mission. Men who touched her and rubbed her. Nikita looked at Michael and swallowed.

"What if it is Bruno's?" Nikita questioned and Michael shook his head. That was months ago and Nikita knew that. Her mind was allowing her to worry. Michael took Nikita's hands and rubbed them.

"Nikita... they checked you then.... It is mine... Unless you have been with someone else during the past two months..." Michael wryly stated, trying to keep his words light and happy. To sound too heavy would only give Nikita more reasons to be tense.

"Why couldn't we go to Dr. Kindles?" Nikita questioned and Michael brushed his hands across Nikita's face.

"She isn't around here, Michael. But we got your files from her. That should ease your worries," Michael stated and Nikita shook her head.

"What if they give me a male doctor, Michael?"

"They won't. I know what I asked for."

"But... that doesn't mean I will get that!" Nikita whined out and Michael swallowed. He had checked when they registered at the desk that she was going to get a female, knowing that it would make Nikita feel much better. Her concerns were getting larger and there was nothing that Michael was able to do at the moment to make Nikita feel better about this.

"Nikita... I know that you are scared..." Michael stared and Nikita turned and glared at Michael. She held the stare for a good few minutes, but then backed away as she rubbed her hands together.

"I shouldn't be," Nikita stated, belittling herself for no reason. Michael rolled over in the chair and took Nikita's moving hands into his.

"It's ok, Nikita.... it's natural..." Michael stated and then winced as Nikita pulled her hands away. For Nikita, her life was unlike anyone else's. Michael had made it sound like Nikita's life was normal, while all he was trying to do was to calm down Nikita.

Just as Nikita was about to speak, about to give into Michael's touch, the door opened, breaking Nikita from the drawing attraction to believe in what Michael was speaking about.

"Hi. I'm Dr. Lynstadt," the blonde doctor happily stated as she extended her hand. Nikita looked to her hands and then to Michael. There was happiness in Dr. Lynstadt that was perhaps, too overstated for Nikita's tastes.

Although Michael was sure that Nikita wouldn't accept anyone who walked into the room.

"I have read over your chart.... That this is your second pregnancy," Dr. Lynstadt dug into the meat of the material when Nikita didn't offer her own name. Michael looked up at Nikita and saw that Nikita was deciding not to talk. Michael frowned and nodded his head.

"Yes... Second one," Michael informed the doctor. She nodded her head and smiled as she moved towards Nikita, but Nikita flinched. The doctor was taken back by Nikita's reaction and swallowed.

"Is there something wrong here?" Dr. Lynstadt questioned and Michael scrutinized Nikita's face. She was apprehensive and Michael knew that she was about to lash out.

"I don't like her, Michael," Nikita announced as she stared at Michael. She didn't want to look at Dr. Lynstadt any longer.

"Nikita... please... you haven't even talked to her... I'm sure that she will understand," Michael beckoned Nikita to try again. Nikita shook her head back and forth as the tears started once again. Her eyes opened up almost clear as she looked down at Michael.

"I want Dr. Kindles, Michael. I don't care if we have to travel half way around the world," Nikita droned on as she flatly stared at Michael. Michael was at a lost for words.

"Dr. Kindles? I studied under her... and I worked in her practice for a couple years," Dr. Lynstadt replied. She smiled at Nikita as Nikita turned to stare at her.

"Why did you leave? Not good enough?" Nikita snapped and Michael sighed. Nikita was being difficult.

"You will have to excuse her," Michael commented and Dr. Lynstadt shook her head. She understood clearly Nikita's attitude, but she also made a note to read the detailed notes that Dr. Kindles would have on Nikita.

"I understand... I left the practice because I had a caseload of women who were all in high-risk pregnancies... and I had my own child... I needed to have a general practice, with some high risk and some low risk," Dr. Lynstadt offered as her explanation. Nikita looked towards the doctor, almost ready to melt.

Until she looked at Michael.

"She could be lying about that," Nikita dryly commented. Michael was losing his patience and bitterly shook his head back and forth.

"Nikita... She is a doctor!" Michael hissed out and Nikita turned and narrowed her eyes. Dr. Lynstadt was almost too perfect.

"Then you should know the nurse there...." Nikita stated and Dr. Lynstadt looked down for a second.

"Mary was working there...."

"WRONG!" Nikita yelled as she turned towards Michael. "Let's go.... I can't do this..."

"Wait.... Mary was there when I was there... and she was a replacement for Jake... Is it Jake that helped you with you?" Dr. Lynstadt questioned as she placed a hand on Nikita's knee. Nikita turned and nodded her head. Nikita dropped her head and started to cry. "What is going on here?"

"It's too long of a story... but this could be difficult to examine her..." Michael commented as he laced his fingers through Nikita's blonde hair. Dr. Lynstadt nodded her head. She had a feeling that something must have happened to Nikita to cause this.

"Nikita... I'm going to take my time... But we need to do this for the baby... and for you..." Dr. Lynstadt softly whispered as she rubbed at Nikita's arms. Nikita looked up and shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm going to have a baby... It used to be a natural thing to do... Why is it such a medical concern now?" Nikita questioned and Dr. Lynstadt smiled gently. She was sure that abuse somewhere was involved here, probably something that had happened some time ago on top of what appeared to be a very difficult pregnancy and delivery of her other daughter. Dr. Lynstadt was in awe of what Nikita had been through with the first child.

But most often, the second child was easier, although it was not something that Dr. Lynstadt could promise.

"I'm concerned about your noted pain in the back... It could mean something... I just want to check that out... Can I do that?" Dr. Lynstadt offered and Nikita dropped her head and continued to cry. Dr. Lynstadt moved forward and started to probe Nikita's back.

It was just tiredness and strain, but Dr. Lynstadt had to start somewhere and giving Nikita the good news was a way to build a relationship for further examination.

~~

Nikita was silent in the car. Michael drove on. He wanted Nikita to speak. Nothing was wrong. Nothing that they hadn't dealt with before.

Nikita was anemic. Again.

That didn't surprise Michael. What surprised Michael at this point, that Nikita wasn't diabetic again. She had such a bad go of it, that Michael was sure that it would come back first.

And her blood pressure was normal.

Michael was sure that he wasn't the only one shocked by that. Dr. Lynstadt looked positively stunned by the reading.

"Do you still want me to keep this a secret?" Michael questioned as he turned onto the back road. Nikita turned her head and nodded it up and down.

"I want us to have time... where we are the only ones that know... that it is something that we can share..." Nikita informed Michael and Michael smiled.

He understood. Now that everything was fine, Michael more than understood. He would love to share Nikita only with himself for several months.

~~

James smiled as he walked into the little Café as he spotted Madeline. She was sipping some tea and looked directly at him. He moved smoothly through the tables to take the seat that was opposite of Madeline.

"Thank you," James stated as he settled into the seat and looked around. Madeline was barely smiling, but she appeared to be happy. The waitress came and took James' order and then Madeline folded her hands on the table.

"So was Nikita ok?" Madeline questioned and James smiled. He knew something that Nikita didn't want Madeline to know. He surely wasn't going to break that promise. It was something that James was going to hold onto and smile about every night.

'I think she is swimming through emotions..." James stated and Madeline nodded her head. She was sure that it was more than swimming. Madeline knew how close Nikita had been to drowning in the emotions, especially of late.

"I just wanted to get together with you to go over some things," Madeline informed James and he lifted an eyebrow.

"And here I thought it was because you liked me," James joked, but it brought a huge smile from Madeline. James stopped and looked at Madeline. He reached out and took Madeline's hand. "Maybe there is more than just knowing Nikita that is common between us?"

"We have to talk about Nikita first. It is the only way I can do this," Madeline stated and James' smile sparkled.

He couldn't remember when his heart fluttered like this. His wife was a great woman, but he never felt his mouth dry out like it was now.

But Roberta had caused this reaction inside of James. Several times Roberta had taken his breath away and made him feel like the world had stopped.

Madeline, right now, was having the same effect on him. And it was something that James had to explore.

"Then we talk about my daughter.... Who has a great husband..." James stated and Madeline smirked.

"You know... they aren't married yet.... Although they have loved each other for a long long time, perhaps from the moment that we brought Nikita in," Madeline lightly smirked as she thought about it.

James tried not to react too much. He knew that too much of a reaction would reveal that he knew something more about Nikita than what Madeline was allowed to know. He wouldn't allow that secret to come out.

But Madeline didn't notice it.

"It will come in time... and now Nikita has someone to walk her down the aisle..." Madeline commented peacefully. James smiled and nodded his head.

Yes, Nikita did.

*

Michael stopped at the front door with the bags in his hands. The smells coming from the house made his mouth water.

That didn't happen often with Nikita's cooking.

"Nikita?" Michael called out as he entered and started to move towards the kitchen. It was getting warm in the house and Michael was concerned that Nikita would overheat. Although there hadn't been any severe morning sickness episodes in the past week, Michael constantly worried about Nikita.

"Did you get everything?" Nikita questioned as she turned away from the stove, the sweat collecting on her forehead. Michael shook his head. This didn't look right to him. He moved forward and immediately collected a glass of water as Nikita started to sort through the bags.

"Here," Michael commented as he pushed the glass of water towards Nikita. She touched it and looked at Michael, waiting for the answer of her question. "I got everything. Although I do wish to know what you are making."

"I'm not making it," Nikita stated as she sipped at the water and went back to the stove. Michael's eyes followed Nikita as he pulled out additional items from the bags. He was confused, but remained quiet. "Mick told me what he needed and that was the list that I gave you."

"Mick?" Michael questioned as he turned and stared at Nikita. She nodded her head and Michael sighed. "Doesn't he have his own restaurant?"

"Yes... He does..." Nikita commented and Michael watched as Nikita stirred something in the pot. Michael raised an eyebrow, wanting to bring Nikita away from the stove. Michael could feel the heat in the kitchen building and he didn't like it.

"What are you making? It is so hot in here!" Michael questioned as he looked over Nikita's shoulder. Nikita pulled the spoon out and kissed Michael's lips.

"Mick had me start the soup and some homemade bread... and there are going to be so many people here... that it's a lot of bread," Nikita wryly stated with a smile crossing her face. Michael shook his head and took Nikita's hand, tugging it slightly. "What?"

"I want you to just cool off some..." Michael stated and Nikita shook her head. She couldn't let the bread burn. It was the one thing that Mick insisted that Nikita complete herself.

"Michael.. the bread is almost done..."

"You don't look well, Nikita," Michael commented and Nikita shook her head back and forth. She felt fine. In fact, she felt great and knew that Michael just had to stop worrying. With all the worrying he was doing now, it was going to be a long pregnancy.

"I'm fine, Michael... Really," Nikita stated as she turned and smiled at Michael> She reached out for Michael and lifted her eyes up to Michael, allowing the grin to glow out to him, making him groan with desire.

But company was coming soon. Michael leaned his head back and looked at the stack of dishes that Nikita had already arranged in piles to set out. "How many are going to be here?"

"A lot..." Nikita commented with a laugh. But Michael continued to stare. He wanted a number and Nikita sighed. She couldn't remember the number, but she could remember who, "Dad, Matthew, Jiles, Jacob, Walter, Calantha, Madeline, Birkoff, Alsena, Maralah, Mick... and Matthew's wife... I can't remember her name...."

"I think it was Audra," Michael commented and Nikita snapped her fingers. Michael was correct. "That is 12 plus us."

"I think that's right," Nikita laughed out and Michael shook his head. It was a normal conversation, but looking at Nikita, he thought that there was a lot more going on in her mind. The dinner was something that Michael thought was important, since it was Nikita's idea. She wanted to bring the two facets of her life together to meet. Madeline already knew James, but Walter and others didn't know him.

Michael was hoping that it was more.

"Are we going to announce something?" Michael questioned as he wrapped his arms around Nikita. Nikita turned her head and shook it back and forth. Her face was stern.

This was something happy. Michael didn't know why it was turning into such an ordeal. He stroked Nikita's face and wished that he could get Nikita to change her mind by sheer motivation and desire.

"Michael... please... I don't want anyone to know yet," Nikita stressed out, although she knew that Michael understood what she meant when she shook her head back and forth. Nikita leaned her head back and when Michael stared at her.

Not agreeing with her.

"Why? You haven't told me yet," Michael questioned, challenging Nikita again. He had asked this question many times, never getting the real answer. Nikita stared at Michael and dropped her head. She scratched her palm and thought about giving Michael the truth, but Nikita found it difficult to form words to describe why she didn't want anyone to know yet.

"Michael... we share so little time together... that is good... and I was just hoping..." Nikita started to explain, but then suddenly stopped as she was sure that she was making no sense. She moved towards the sink and filled her glass with more water.

"Hoping for what?" Michael questioned as Nikita lifted her head up and sipped at the water. He realized that he had scared Nikita with the question, as she almost dropped her glass.

"For something that we can share... together without everyone else being involved... You know once we tell Madeline... that the phone will ring more than everyday to make sure that everything is fine... and I want to cherish this time that we have now..." Nikita elucidated as she gawped out the window, knowing that her voice trembled with worry that Michael wouldn't believe in the same goals or feelings.

"Juste parmi la famille," Michael susurrated as his green eyes twinkled with the understanding of what Nikita desired. And his heart, once Nikita explained her feelings, sang out to hers, wanting the same thing.

"Yes, Michael... our family... you and me..." Nikita confirmed as her head jumped up and down, pleased that he did understand. She grabbed his hand and pressed it to her stomach.

"I want you to know when I start to show... I want you to notice the changes... I want you to make the connection now... It is so important!" Nikita exhorted Michael to deem her wishes as correct and to trust in her decision. If something was wrong, then she would tell everyone, but she was fine.

Michael blinked his eyes as the smile started to cross his face. This was something that he never had with Maralah. He didn't have this connection, his hand on Nikita's flat stomach, knowing that some new life, created by them, was growing because of their love for each other.

"I feel it, Nikita.." Michael whispered as he lifted his eyes. He would give into Nikita's wishes. He knew that he couldn't give Maralah the attention that she never got from him, when she was inside of Nikita, but Michael could do it now. He understood Nikita's need.

"Please... Michael..." Nikita whispered as she stared into Michael's eyes, hoping to see nothing but devotion in his eyes. Michael nodded his head and waggled his fingers against the length of Nikita's stomach, letting her know that he fully understood.

Michael brushed Nikita's hair off of her forehead by sweeping his chin across the errant hair. and then bent down and grazed his lips softly to Nikita's forehead. Nikita grinned underneath his caress and tilted her head back to find Michael looking into her eyes. She felt his fingers still touching her stomach, allowing her to know that they were forever combined, no matter what would happen from this point on, Michael understood her and accepted her.

" This is going to be good, Michael. It has to be," Nikita softly aired out, allowing Michael to know that she was also wondering when the next shoe was going to fall, when the next bad thing was going to happen.

"Everything will be fine. We love each other. We will make it," Michael declared as he inched his head down towards Nikita's lips. He felt her breath against his cheek before he connected with her.

And the door slammed.

"Popsicle! That smells like a piece of sweet soup heaven! You must have listened to all of my directions!" Mick's voice broke through the silence, heading towards the kitchen, where Michael and Nikita stared at each other, not quite ready to break from their embrace.

But Nikita did pull away. Mick had a good sense about her, and she didn't want Mick to be questioning her all night long.

"And you shopped!" Mick gushed as he placed a bag of cooking utensils on the table, showing that he didn't believe that Nikita would have the correct items. Nikita smiled and dropped her head slightly.

"I shopped," Michael dryly informed Mick. Mick nodded his head and smiled happily.

"That means you bought the door stuff... Nikita is too much of a bargain hunter..." Mick declared, poking fun at Nikita. Nikita dropped her head and moved back to the soup, knowing that she had forgotten about it while talking to Michael.

"I'll go wait for your father," Michael stated and Nikita nodded her head as she stared down into the liquid. Mick raised an eyebrow, but remained silent as Michael left. He moved towards the stove and took a look at Nikita.

"This is no good... You aren't meant to be in a hot kitchen like this... OUT!" Mick announced as he pointed towards the door with one hand and the other hand grabbed the spoon. Nikita blinked her eyes and stared at Mick. She couldn't believe him and Nikita was about to protest, when Mick placed a hand on his hips and stared at the door. "Aren't you going to go?"

"Ok, Mick.. but call me if you need anything..." Nikita stated as she gave into Mick's orders. Mick rolled his eyes.

"Most nights I cook for a hundred or two hundred people, doll face... What is ten or twenty?" Mick questioned as he swung the spoon in the air for effect. Nikita smiled and trotted away from the kitchen, knowing that dinner was in good hands.

~~

Nikita twisted at her hair as she saw Walter walking up to the house. This was the meeting that she was worried about. Walter had been like her father. She didn't want to lose that relationship because she now knew her father. Walter meant too much to Nikita, and she didn't know what she would do if she had to make a choice, but her heart had already decided. Walter was more important.

"Hey, sugar... You look good... And what smells so good? Michael cooking?" Walter questioned with a smile that crossed his face from ear to ear. Nikita smiled and allowed Walter to pull her into a large bear hug. It felt so good to be in Walter's arms and Nikita grinned.

"It's Mick... I called in a favor or two..." Nikita admitted with a wink of her eye. Walter bellowed out a laugh. He could only imagine what kind of jams Nikita used to get Mick out of in order to still be getting favors after her pretend engagement to the man.

"Has he ever forgiven you about Montreal?" Walter questioned and Nikita laughed.

"He met a French masseuse, named Monique... and he soon forgot about all that I did," Nikita revealed the truth. Walter howled again, knowing that Mick was a good guy, but he was also a simple guy.

"So... who is all here... Got lots of cars out there," Walter questioned as he tried to look past Nikita's arms. Nikita smiled and took Walter's hand and started to take him into the house. He was in fact the last one to arrive.

"Well.. Madeline and Birkoff arrived a while ago... And I want you to meet someone..." Nikita stated as she entered the living room. She looked towards the end of the couch, were James was talking to Madeline. James saw Nikita and stood up.

"Walter... This is my father, James," Nikita nervously introduced Walter to her father. Nikita looked between the men and allowed Walter to drop her hand in order to shake her father's.

"I have to thank you for being there for Nikita... That is all I have to say to all of you... who cared for her..." James gushed as he held onto Walter's hand. Walter smiled and then grinned.

"Come here!" Walter declared as he dropped James' hand and then hugged James. Nikita smiled and felt the tears on the edge of her eyes. She wiped at them before they fell and looked to her father as he was finally out of Walter's hug.

"You have done so much for her... Madeline and Michael can't stop talking about how much you looked out for Nikita's well being. Thank you," James continued and Walter felt his own tears filling his eyes.

"I love her.. She is my sugar... I hope that explains it," Walter stated and James nodded his head.

"Did I miss anything while I was parking the car?" Calantha questioned as she entered the living room and everyone laughed. Nikita knew that Calantha had just given her space to introduce her father to Walter. Soon, the introductions continued. The room's volume quickly rising.

"EXCUSE ME!" Mick hollered as he stood at the doorway. Everyone turned and looked at the man. Mick smiled and looked towards the dinning room. "We wouldn't want dinner to burn or get cold!"

~~

"Your work must have drained you," Madeline stated as she leaned over her plate, forgetting about her tea that was sitting in front of her. The rest of the table was still eating desert, everyone pleased with Mick's delicious work on the lamb and potatoes, and the soup that Nikita had completed. The quaint little pastries didn't appeal to Madeline.

But something else did.

James.

"It was actually awarding. Each time I thought that I couldn't continue... I would get a case that kept me going... It has given me a great deal of knowledge," James conversed, not realizing that the majority of his conversation had been with Madeline, while he had the intent on getting to know the other people in Nikita's life much better.

"Does it help to understand what happened to Nikita?" Madeline questioned, forgetting about the rest of the table there. James nodded his head and took Madeline's hand.

"Yes... but it also taught me that sometimes, it is best to talk about other things..." James whispered and hinted. Madeline raised an eyebrow and looked towards James' fingers.

"Oh? Like what?" Madeline questioned, baiting James into revealing more about himself before opening herself to the man.

"I enjoy a good music... I travel to London to see a great amount of them... The last one I saw was about two years ago... I was wondering if that was something that we could share together?" James questioned and Madeline blinked her eyes. His question was quite bold.

"We haven't even gone on a date and you are inviting me for a weekend?" Madeline questioned and James smiled.

"We would have separate rooms... and it isn't like it is for this weekend," James joked back and Madeline smiled, glad to see that James had a good sense of humor. Her heart needed that.

"What a shame! I had some free time this weekend..." Madeline stated and smiled at James.

Meanwhile, Michael was holding Nikita's hand, watching the friends and family around the table. He wished he could tell them about the baby, but knew that he couldn't. Not yet. Not until Nikita was ready. He looked towards Nikita and saw her almost drawn face. "Are you ok?"

"Yes... Michael," Nikita spoke and Michael knew that it was the truth. Michael smiled and took his glass and clicked his spoon to the side of it.

"Everyone... Can I have your attention?" Michael called out and Nikita paled. She was ready to run out of the room. After all that she had been through with Michael, she was sure that he was going to tell even though she didn't want him too yet.

"Michael? A production?" Walter questioned and Maralah smiled at her father. Nikita looked up at Michael and saw him begging for her to understand. Nikita opened her mouth, but couldn't form the words. Instead, Nikita tugged at Michael's shirt.

Michael bent down and kissed Nikita's cheek. "Our secret will remain a secret..."

Michael pulled away from Nikita and settled the glass on the table, seeing everyone focused on him. Michael turned towards Nikita and took her hands, knowing how often they had been held of late. He kissed each one and smiled into her eyes, knowing that this was the right thing for now.

"I'm glad that you all are here... to share in this night..." Michael spoke as his voice started to quiver with emotions. He was never one for speeches, especially when the emotions that he had about this were so potent and strong.

"I have known Nikita for what feels like my entire life... or at least the part of my life that matters... We have been through thick and thin... and all of you have played a part in that life in some way or form... That's why it was only fitting that you all share in this..." Michael stated. He stood up and pushed the chair to the side. Nikita stared to cry, watching Michael drop to his knee.

He didn't need to do this. They had been married to each other's heart a long time before Maralah was born. But still, Nikita cried.

"You make my life right, Nikita.... And I don't want a doubt between us any longer... Nikita... my love, my only love, will you marry me?" Michael questioned as he produced a box with a ring that sparkled like Nikita's smile. Nikita nodded her head as she dropped her head down to Michael, to kiss his lips. The tears continued as she felt Michael slip the ring on, knowing that it was a perfect fit.

"Oh baby..." James whispered as he wiped at his own tears. To be here, to be accepted by the people that had become Nikita's family was important. To see the love that she was able to have, knowing how much she had overcome was incredible.

"About time!" Walter hooted out and the laughter shook the table. Walter leaned over towards Mick and slapped the man in the back. "Now that is a proposal if I have ever seen one!"

"Sure, sure, sure... But Michael knew well before this... He had time to prepare... Nikita gave me an hour!" Mick defended himself, but it only caused more laughter to fill the table.

~~ Night had fallen hours ago. Maralah was upstairs, asleep, staying the night now. Nikita hugged that thought to herself. Her family was going to be inside the house, together.

But now the others were leaving. Mick had left a good bit ago, claiming that there was a problem down at the one club. Nikita didn't buy it, but gave Mick a great big hug before he left, knowing how difficult it had to be for him, but also to allow him to know that Nikita did keep him inside the inner circle that had become her family.

"Nikita.. maybe you can tell me the right answer... When was the first time that you and Michael pretended to be husband and wife? I think it was when you two were in that plush house... and I had to feed you the psychic thoughts," Birkoff gushed out, apparently, happy about the soon to happen wedding. Nikita smiled and Birkoff and giggled.

"You are wrong, Birkoff!" Walter's voice called out as he rounded the corner, holding Calantha around the waist.

"He is right, Birkoff," Michael revealed and Birkoff frowned.

"It would be the Peter and Sage mission...." Nikita stated and then Birkoff snapped his fingers.

"That is right... I keep on forgetting that you were married on that one... I just remember it as the Perform for Me mission!" Birkoff joked out, but both Michael and Nikita narrowed their eyes. Birkoff lifted his hands and jogged down the stairs, joining Alsena at the bottom of them.

"Nikita... I'm so happy for you," Calantha gushed as she hugged Nikita. Calantha wished that she had more time to talk to James, but Madeline had him tied up all evening. Calantha pulled away as Walter nudged her.

"And I think Michael just wanted to get married before I tie this one down..." Walter gruffly stated as he picked Nikita up in his arms. Nikita sighed and rejoiced in the feeling of being in Walter's arms. "Now you don't be a stranger."

"How can I be that?" Nikita questioned and Walter continued to wag the finger, just as a reminder not to cross him.

Soon, it was just James and Madeline left. Matthew and his family had left a good bit back, wanting to get on the road so they didn't get home too late. Nikita looked down the hallway as James fussed with Madeline's jacket. "Who are they fooling?"

"What did you say?" Michael questioned, not quite catching all of what Nikita had said. Nikita looked down the hallway, so Michael could follow her gaze. She felt Michael's hand tightly wrap around her arm, telling her not to do anything rash.

"I think it is kind of cute... but odd," Nikita admitted and Michael grinned.

"Madeline.... Don't you have to report in?" Michael called out when James and Madeline where frozen in their movements. Madeline nodded her head and turned towards James one more time. Nikita and Michael waited, almost shocked when Madeline turned away without kissing him. There was definitely something going on between the two of them.

"I'll call you if something comes up," Madeline informed Michael as she squeezed Nikita's arm. She was out the door, as if Michael and Nikita had caught her doing something wrong.

But it wasn't like it had gone unnoticed. Everyone at the table noticed Madeline and James, getting closer and closer as they ate and desert, they had retreated into their own little world.

It was probably love at first sight.

"Nikita... are you doing ok?" James questioned as he finally reached his daughter. He was surprised that the news hadn't been shared and spread, but he didn't pass judgment. He knew that Nikita's life was difficult and that it should be between Michael and Nikita when they told others.

"I'm fine. Just a little anemic... but I'm eating and take my vitamins," Nikita informed James, so he wouldn't worry. He nodded his head and squeezed Nikita's hand once more.

"If you need anything... You know you can call me anytime..." James stated and Nikita smiled. She knew that.

"Unless you're with Madeline," Nikita pointed out with a giggle. James turned slightly red and sighed.

"Anytime. You are first before Madeline," James stated as he eased himself out of the door. Nikita nodded her head, liking to hold onto that fact, that she was first.

James walked down the stairs and into the darkness. Nikita leaned back into Michael's firm arms and smiled softly. She loved this night. She loved this house.

She loved her life.

She had her family and everything else that she could possibly want.

"Let's go to bed..." Nikita stated as the car headlights disappeared into the darkness and Nikita closed the door and locked it. Michael laced his arms into Nikita's and started to walk up the stairs, turning the lights off as they went.

Her family was home and together.

*

Nikita rolled her head to the side, feeling the stress building from her neck. It wasn't a bad stress. It was a tired stress. Maralah had been there for a few days, but now it was stretching into the third week. It was great having her around, but Nikita craved to have Michael all to herself.

They had their stolen moments and late at night, but nothing like before.

Michael walked up to her and rubbed at her neck slightly, knowing what Nikita was feeling. He was feeling it too. He should be glad with what he was about to have, another child and more to add into the joy and love of his life. But he ached to be greedy, to hold onto Nikita and nestle her into his body for long months at a time.

Slowly, Michael dropped his hands, slipping them down the lengths of her arms and to her hips. From that spot, Michael rolled his hands forward. Michael smiled as he touched the stomach and grinned.

Their baby was in there.

Nikita was barely three months pregnant. She wasn't even showing yet, but Michael was sure that he could feel the baby in there, a light and warmth glowing from that region. It always beckoned Michael's hands and Nikita often joked that although no one knew about her pregnancy, that they could guess by watching Michael's protective hands alone.

"I can't wait for you to start showing... then we have to tell people..." Michael whispered into Nikita's ear. Nikita smiled and turned towards Michael. She realized the time was coming soon, but she didn't want to jump the gun. She would feel much better after her next visit with the doctor, to make sure that everything was fine.

"Soon, Michael... Soon..." Nikita caved in. Michael grinned and leaned over to kiss Nikita's lips, finding her taste growing larger each day. Michael was positive that it was her pregnancy. Michael kissed her again, finding one kiss was not enough.

"DAD!" Maralah called up from downstairs. Michael sighed into Nikita's shoulder as she slightly chuckled. This was par for the course. Whenever they were ready to spend sometime together, not even to make love, Maralah always needed one of them.

It was one of the drawbacks of being so far into the country. There were no other children for Maralah to play with.

"I'll be right down!" Michael called back to Maralah, knowing that he better start moving. Maralah was showing the impatient tendency that Nikita had. Michael touched Nikita's chin as he started to move away. "You should get some rest."

"That's all I do. I don't remember being this tired before," Nikita complained and Michael shrugged his shoulders. He was also sure that the last time, Nikita was out on the field for months before her pregnancy. She was running about. Nikita, although fully qualified as an operative, hadn't done missions in some time, and there were all those other things that had occurred before the pregnancy. Things that were better not mentioned now.

"We'll ask Dr. Lynstadt," Michael pacified Nikita as he looked down the hallway. He knew that if he didn't go, that Maralah would call out for him again. Nikita waved her hand and Michael, to indicate for him to go to their daughter. Michael smiled and walked towards the stairs.

Michael sighed as he looked at the bottom of the stairs. Maralah had started to act like the stairs were a toy shelf of some sorts. It wasn't a good thing. Someone could get hurt.

"Maralah!" Michael called out as he stopped before the maze of toys on the stairs. He settled down on the hard wood stairs and waited for his daughter to trot out to the hallway. She smiled at her father, as if there was nothing blocking him from walking down the stairs.

"Yes, dad?" Maralah questioned and Michael blinked his eyes. She was usually a very bright girl, which told Michael that Maralah knew exactly what she was doing. If she pretended that she didn't notice the toys, that her father might not notice it.

"Did you forget the rules?" Michael questioned. He knew that the rules weren't always followed, but this one was one of the rules that Nikita did like to be followed, to make it easier to clean the house.

"What rules?" Maralah questioned, trying to act as innocent as she could. If Michael didn't know better, he would have fallen for this. But Maralah didn't know that at times, her eyes gave away exactly what she was thinking. Just like her mother and father.

"About cleaning up your toys when you are done playing with them?" Michael questioned as he pointed a hand down to the toys. Maralah looked up at Michael and played with a piece of her dark hair.

"They are cleaned up, dad. They are in order, by size," Maralah pointed out with a smile on her face. It sounded smart to Michael and he narrowed his eyes into slits. He didn't like playing games. Especially with his daughter.

"They have a toy box. Not the stairs," Michael dryly stated as he counted to ten. He knew that it was the time of age for his daughter to be challenging him, but he had an entire family to look after.

"But dad.... You don't see them when they are in the toy box!" Maralah whined, turning back into the child that Michael knew and loved. Michael blinked his eyes and slipped own a few stairs, pushing away two of the dolls with his feet. Maralah grabbed them and pressed them to her chest.

"Maralah... What if I hadn't seen them? I could have gotten hurt," Michael stated and Maralah shook her head from side to side. Her dad was some sort of super hero. Everyone told Maralah how Michael could live through almost anything and he had done that. They said that Michael had probably a hundred lives, because he almost always came out of bad situations clean. He jumped off of buildings. He walked through fire. He got shot with bullets.

"Dad! You don't get hurt!" Maralah stated and Michael took a deep breath. Maralah was just being difficult right now.

Like her mother.

"What if it was your mother?" Michael questioned and then he shivered. He didn't like the thought of Nikita falling on the stairs. Their future was inside of Nikita.

"Da-ad! Mom wouldn't fall," Maralah sang out, almost mocking Michael. Michael stood up and looked to the stairs.

This was going to take drastic measures. "Maralah... you have five minutes to take all of these toys off of the stairs and placed into the toy box.... if you don't do that... you get no television after dinner tonight..."

"That's not fair!" Maralah stomped her foot. Michael looked to his watch and then looked to his daughter.

"You now have only four minutes and fifty-five seconds. Your decisions. Toys or television," Michael dryly stated. He knew how he sounded, but he wouldn't take any options on this decision. Toys on the stairs were dangerous.

Maralah stomped out of the room and Michael walked down the stairs. Four stairs were covered with toys. Michael sighed and walked back to the kitchen, glancing at his watch periodically, until the five minutes were up. He even gave Maralah the benefit of the doubt by giving her an extra two minutes. Michael went back and looked over the stairs and frowned.

"Maralah... you missed one!" Michael called out as he turned and opened the front door. He listened to Maralah run out and then he listened to her run back to the den and slammed the door to her toy box.

Michael didn't look as he walked into the living room. He just assumed that she had picked the toy up.

"Dad... can we play a game?" Maralah questioned as she tugged at Michael's hand. Michael nodded his head and Maralah smiled.

"We'll play the game I play with Mick..." Maralah stated and Michael swallowed. He didn't know if he wanted to know this.

"And what game is that?" Michael questioned and Maralah smiled.

"Poker," Maralah stated as she pulled out her cards and started to give Michael his cards.

~~

Nikita woke up quickly from the nap. There was laughter downstairs and she didn't want to miss being a part of that. She felt that she slept way too much these days.

"Michael? Did you start dinner?" Nikita called out as she reached the top of the stairs. It was getting late and Nikita didn't really want to have to cook right now.

"Sorry... I just lost in poker to our daughter... I have to buy pizza," Michael called out to Nikita and Nikita shook her head. She started down the stairs, trying to figure out who taught Maralah how to play poker.

It was either Mick or Walter.

Nikita didn't notice the small doll that was on the third step. By the time she knew it was there, it was way too late to do anything.

"MICHAEL!" Nikita screamed as she feel, twisting her ankle and tumbling down the stairs hard. Nikita felt her head bounce off the hard wood stairs and then she felt the pain in her ankle. The tears started to roll down her face.

"Nikita!" Michael shouted as he saw Nikita on the floor. He had heard Nikita fall, but didn't want to believe that it was so. He dashed towards her and saw the toy. He picked it up and looked at the bottom of the hallway, where Maralah was cowering.

"I thought you put this away!" Michael screamed and he tossed the doll into the living room. It was one toy that Maralah wasn't going to get back. He knew that he scared his daughter, but he was worried about Nikita.

"Michael... I hurt..." Nikita stated as she rubbed at her head as she couldn't rub at her ankle at the same time. Michael looked her up and down. At least there was no blood.

"Nikita... the baby..." Michael hissed out softly. Maralah didn't know about it yet and he didn't want her to find out about it this way.

But Michael's words, although whispered in a panic, brought Nikita into the panic, to share with Michael.

"Oh my god... what if something happened to it?" Nikita questioned as her mind started to race. She knew that a lot had happened to Nikita when she was pregnant with Maralah, but this was different. She wasn't as healthy as she was then. Nikita didn't feel any pain from her stomach, but it could have been because the pain from her ankle and head were so great.

"Maralah... go get the cell phone..." Michael directed his daughter as he moved to Nikita's foot and saw the swelling. He stroked at Nikita's face.

"Michael... what do we do?" Nikita questioned and Michael looked at Nikita. He had to make a decision and there were a lot of options right now.

"Let's try your father... maybe he can guide us..." Michael stammered out, finding it difficult to control his own emotions. He was blaming himself for not looking at the stairs, for assuming that Maralah had done what he had asked her to do. And he felt guilty for throwing the doll into the living room, knowing that he had scared Maralah.

"I just hurt," Nikita stated as she dropped her head. Michael paled.

"Your stomach? Your back?" Michael prodded, needing to know the answers immediately. "Nikita! Answer me!"

"No... My head and ankle... I'm sore..." Nikita stated and Michael nodded his head. He knew that Nikita couldn't be comfortable on the hard floor. Michael reached down and started to move towards the living room, carefully placing Nikita down on the couch. Michael turned as Maralah dashed into the living room with the cell phone and tears rolling down her face.

"Maralah... I want you to go get me a bag of ice. Can you do that?" Michael looked at his daughter. The slight nod from Maralah was barely noticed as the fat tears that were on her face.

"Don't worry, Maralah... Just do as your father asks," Nikita stated, trying to ease the pain that was on her daughter's face. Maralah nodded her head and dashed back down the hallway, sliding into the kitchen.

"Do you want me to call?" Michael questioned as he looked down at Nikita. Nikita reached out for the phone, trying to calm herself.

Nikita opened the phone and dialed the number. Nikita looked at Michael and her tears multiplied. She tried to hug herself and Nikita closed her eyes.

"Hello?" James answered the phone and then he heard the sobs on the other end of the line.

"Dad.... I need your help..." Nikita gasped out as Maralah walked back into the room. Michael grabbed the bag of ice and moved down towards Nikita's leg. He picked up Nikita's leg and then placed it on his lap and gently eased the ice onto the swelling ankle.

"Maralah... go up to your room.... I'll come get you in a little bit," Michael spoke as he looked at Maralah. Maralah dropped her head guiltily and moved away. Michael didn't like turning his daughter away like this, because Michael was truly blaming himself for this, but Maralah didn't know about the baby and Nikita would need to speak to James about it.

"What is it Nikita? What's wrong?" James rushed out, his heart pounding as he heard the stress on Nikita's voice.

"I fell down the stairs... and I hurt... and I have to worry about the baby..." Nikita continued to rush out between her sobs. James blinked his eyes and felt his mind race. He was being forced to harness his feelings as a father and play doctor right now.

"How many stairs?" James questioned.

"Four," Nikita replied. Nikita looked at Michael as his fingers grazed against her ankle, trying to assess the damage there. It looked to be a sprain, but Nikita pulled her leg away when he touched again.

"Ok... are you having any cramping or spotting?" James questioned. Nikita swallowed and shook her head from side to side.

"No... I'm just sore from falling... I hurt my ankle and hit my head... Dad is the baby alright?" Nikita questioned as the tears continued to roll out of her eyes.

"Nikita... you need to calm down..." James pointed out as he rubbed his hands together. He wasn't there. It was hard to judge over the phone what was going on and how badly hurt Nikita truly was.

"DAD! THE BABY!" Nikita screamed and James swallowed. The father in him wanted to tell Nikita to get to the hospital and do it quick. The doctor in him wanted to wait and not jump the gun.

"Nikita... the mother's body protects the baby... at all costs.... I don't want you to rush to the hospital yet..." James carefully stated, hoping that Nikita would listen to his every word.

"Ok.... if you say so..." Nikita stated in gasping words, as if she was forcing herself to slow down. James heaved air through his system, finding it difficult to stay in the house. He wanted to be with Nikita right this moment.

"You have to be the judge here, Nikita... If you start to cramp... or spot... I want you to call Dr. Lynstadt..." James instructed Nikita. He waited to listen for his daughter's response.

"Ok.... if I don't do that... does that mean that the baby is fine?" Nikita questioned, showing that she was uncertain with the decision.

"Yes, Nikita.... Do you have any other questions?" James questioned.

"No."

"Ok... what are you doing for those other injuries?" James inquired. He wanted to know if any of those were serious. He had a feeling from Madeline that Nikita had the tendency not to pay attention to her own injuries. If Nikita was entirely concerned about the baby, Nikita might push away the thoughts of her ankle, which might actually be broken and not sprained.

"Michael has me iced up, dad...." Nikita spoke with a small smile crossing her face. She rolled her head to the side, knowing that the headache would be pounding soon. It was getting worse and not better.

"Well... I know that the pain is a lot... but I don't want you to take anything.... If you need something for the pain... call Dr. Lynstadt," James instructed Nikita.

"Of course," Nikita commented as she looked at Michael. The words from her father had eased her worries quickly and that was in turn, helping Michael to slow down and worry less.

"I want you to rest... have Michael take you upstairs... to bed," James ordered, but he knew that Nikita was smiling across the telephone line. It was good to know that he was able to ease her worries.

"He's getting ready to do that now... I'll call you tomorrow..." Nikita stated as she pulled the phone away and shut it slightly.

James settled the phone down and closed his eyes. He hoped that he didn't hear from Nikita until tomorrow. She needed something right to happen.

Not something wrong.

~~

Nikita struggled on the edge of the bed. Michael was downstairs, making a late dinner, although Nikita didn't feel like eating. She had to go to the bathroom something fierce, but the throbbing ankle stopped her at the edge of the bed.

"Michael!" Nikita called out again. Her bladder wasn't going to be able to hold much longer. She needed relief and soon. Nikita pushed her arms up and tried to bare weight on the ankle, but the pain won, knocking Nikita back down onto the bed.

"Nikita? You called?" Michael gasped as he reached the top of the stairs. Nikita nodded her head and looked up at Michael with her huge blue eyes.

"I need to go to the bathroom," Nikita stated and Michael smiled. This was something that he could do. He could only put ice on her head and ankle to help with the pain, but Michael could take her to the bathroom.

"I'm going to settle you in and then run downstairs and take the meat off of the burner... before I get smoke all through the house," Michael commented as he moved down the hallway with Nikita's arms hugging tightly around his neck. She didn't need to do that, Michael more than able to carry Nikita the distance, but it felt good.

"Don't be too long," Nikita stated as she settled on the toilet. She waited for Michael to leave and close the door before she shifted from side to side to ease down her panties. The urge was so great that Nikita was just thankful to get the material out of the way.

Nikita picked up a magazine from next to the toilet, leafing through it, knowing that although Michael was an operative, he wasn't going to dash downstairs to come back up for her. Nikita looked at the pictures and winced slightly as she had growing pain from her back.

Dropping the magazine in front of her, Nikita glanced down at her underwear, spotting the splatter of some blood. Nikita felt her entire heart stop as she stared at the blood.

Quickly, her hand pumped at the toilet paper, pulling out long pieces that she wadded and wiped herself with. To come back dirty with tinged blood. Nikita held the paper in her hand and started to cry.

"MICHAEL!" Nikita shrilled out in horror. Now all of the pain intensified. It was as if her back was on fire as she stared at her hands. After all this, something bad was going to happen.

"MICHAEL! MICHAEL!" Nikita continued to shrill, feeling her cheeks ache with her loud and fierce screams, hoping that it would make Michael run up the stairs quickly. She couldn't be alone now and the thoughts of being alone at the end of something so beautiful, almost made Nikita dropped down to the ground in more tears.

But Nikita steadied herself and braced herself for another scream, this one rattling the walls around her. The door flew open, Michael's eyes crazed. He knew what the scream meant in his heart before his mind had evidence. Michael saw the toilet paper that Nikita held towards him and briefly closed his eyes. He pulled out the cell phone and handed it to Nikita.

She needed to call her father.

Michael exited quickly to the bedroom to make the phone call to Dr. Lynstadt.

Nikita barely could push the buttons on the phone. Her mind was racing, hoping to get in touch with her father quickly and to have Michael by her side again. She couldn't go through this without Michael. Nikita listened to the rings on the other end and swallowed in worry. "Michael! Hurry!"

"Hello?" Matthew answered.

"Mat- Mat- Matthew.... I need... to ta-talk to dad," Nikita stuttered out, barely able to pull in enough air to talk. Her throat was raw from the screaming for Michael now. But Matthew got the message. He could hear the distress on Nikita's voice and retrieved their father quickly.

"Nikita?" James questioned as he pulled up the kitchen phone. The stare from Matthew didn't look good, but it was when James heard Nikita crying on the other end, he knew that things were going wrong.

"I'm spotting," Nikita cried out and James felt his heart stop. He dropped his head and cursed himself for telling Nikita to stay home, even though that was what the doctor would have told her to do. He had been medically correct in his decision, but now he felt wrong. Terribly wrong.

"Have you called your doctor?" James questioned, going through the checklist in his mind.

"Michael is... Dad... I need you," Nikita sobbed out and James felt his heart catch in his throat again. He wanted to be there for Nikita. Madeline had made sure that he had ways of getting to her. He was going to run to her. He needed to be there for Nikita just as much as Nikita needed him.

"Nikita... we are to go to the hospital....." Michael stated as he dashed in front of the bathroom door. He looked at Nikita as she clutched to the phone, holding it as a lifeline. Michael swallowed. He was worried about his own pain, but as he looked at Nikita now, he had to worry about what this would do to Nikita.

"I'm going to the hospital..." Nikita cried out as she hunched forward. Michael stepped forward and stopped Nikita from falling form the toilet. Michael pressed his lips together. He didn't know what he was going to do with Maralah and no one else knew.

"That's a good thing, Nikita... This is probably nothing," James reinforced, but the tears were rolling down his eyes. He could almost hear Nikita's heart shattering in her every noise.

"Nikita... we got to get going... the sooner the better..." Michael urged Nikita as he looked at her. She was a wreck now. Michael started to tug on the underwear, pulling them up her body.

"What is going to happen?" Nikita questioned as she leaned her head back and against Michael. Michael stopped and hugged her, hoping that James could say something or do something to make Nikita feel better and more comfortable about this.

"Nikita... what do you want?" James questioned.

"My baby to be fine! Dad.. please make it be fine!" Nikita sobbed out as Michael picked her tenderly up, easing her above his shoulder and flushing the toilet. There weren't any large clots, which Dr. Lynstadt had stated was good.

"Nikita... you be good... you listen to Michael..." James stated out as he turned and moved away from Matthew, who was still staring.

"I hurt!" Nikita sobbed out loudly as Michael started down the stairs.

"Nikita... I'm going to come to you... I'll meet you in the hospital..." James suddenly declared. He knew that he needed to be there. If James didn't know, he would sit in the house and wonder for every second about what was going on and blame himself.

Nikita needed him. Perhaps more now than when he had first met her.

"I'm so scared...." Nikita admitted as Michael pulled a slight jacket over Nikita and motioned for Maralah to hurry out the car. He had nowhere to take Maralah; she had to come with them.

"What's wrong with Mom?" Maralah questioned as she turned back and watched Michael walked out of the house, holding Nikita in his arms. He slammed the door and trotted down the pathway, soon reaching out to nudge Maralah down towards the car.

"She needs to see a doctor..." Michael told his daughter. Maralah nodded her head. She was afraid.

"It's ok to be scared. You should be... but don't let it win, Nikita... You be strong... Strong like you always are," James encouraged Nikita, realizing that a positive attitude could make a big difference in the outcome.

"Come on, Nikita... I need you to lean back... Dr. Lynstadt said to recline you..." Michael stated as he struggled with Nikita. Nikita winced as Michael slammed her ankle against the door, but she held onto the phone.

Michael didn't want to do it, but he had too. He took the phone and lifted it to his ear.

"We are going to the Community General ER. You can meet us there James. Please look for Maralah out in the waiting room," Michael stated and then he closed the phone. He glanced down, seeing Nikita's crushed face, but time was important now. Michael rushed to the driver's side and hurried down the road.

James stared at the phone and silently slipped into the kitchen chair. He wished that he didn't have to go by himself. He wished that Nikita had told Madeline, but Nikita's wishes had to be maintained.

Matthew touched his father's shoulder and squeezed it. "I can drive you. Audra just got home," Matthew offered. James nodded his head.

He only had one question on his mind.

Was Nikita going to lose the baby?

*

James rushed through the automatic doors, looking from side to side, in a rush to find Nikita. He needed to know what was going on. The torture of not knowing was eating him apart. He had made the first decision for Nikita to stay at home. James spent the entire trip, regretting that decision.

"JAMES!" Maralah called out. James turned and saw the small girl. She was crying and James wanted to go to her. But he was concerned about his daughter. He turned and motioned for Matthew to go to Maralah. James continued on to the desk.

"I'm here about my daughter," James stated firmly to the receptionist.

"You are going to have to wait out here," the woman said in return. James shook his head. He wasn't going to take that answer. He pulled out his wallet and waved his identification.

"I'm a doctor. And she may be losing her baby after a very emotional period of her life.... She needs me back there," James commanded the woman, knowing that he couldn't be denied entry. He required that he see his daughter.

"Oh... poor girl... I know who you are talking about..." the receptionist stated as she hung her head. Now, James heart stopped.

Did that mean that Nikita lost the baby?

"Nikita.... Samuelle... I need to be by her," James declared as the tears started to inch out of his eyes. The receptionist looked towards the door and swallowed.

"I called for her husband. He is the one that can make the decision. If he comes out for you, then you may go back," the receptionist diplomatically stated. Her own opinion was that the husband wasn't going to stop being by the woman's side. This was a difficult thing to go through, and it was best if the father wasn't brought back.

The receptionist turned her head towards the next patient and barely saw James walk away from her desk. She started the paperwork for the next patient when the door slammed open.

And then her mouth dropped.

"Hurry, James. I don't want to leave her alone for long," Michael stated as he rubbed at his face. The receptionist couldn't believe her eyes. He was going to take the father back, for whatever reason it was. It wasn't because he was a doctor either. The woman's doctor had just arrived.

James dashed towards the door and looked at Michael as he started to stride down the hallway, a long way back.

"What's going on?" James questioned and Michael shrugged his shoulders.

"The nurses have been taking care of us... trying to put more worry on the ankle and head than the baby.... they put us in the back because Nikita just won't calm down," Michael informed James as he turned the corner and continued to talk. It was like they had found the darkest corner to put Nikita it. It wasn't a good sign. James remembered back to his time in the ER. It was best to put the mother's that were losing their child as far away from all other people.

"Has there been any further bleeding?" James questioned and Michael shook his head no.

"Not since we arrived," Michael informed James. James sighed a small sigh of relief. That was a good sign.

"Has Dr. Lynstadt been in to see you yet? She'll run some tests..." James rushed out and Michael shook his head. In fact, he had been hoping to see the doctor before James.

"She just arrived... but she hasn't been in the room to see us..." Michael stated as he turned one more corner and pushed the door open.

"Michael!" Nikita cried out and then she reached for her father. James moved towards the bed and noted the IV running and Nikita's pale face. But she didn't seem to be in too much physical pain.

That was a good sign.

"Matthew is in the waiting room with Maralah..." James informed the parents, not wanting them to worry about Maralah during this. Nikita pulled her father closer and hugged him.

"They won't look, dad. Why haven't they looked yet?" Nikita questioned and James shook his head. He looked around the room, knowing that Nikita needed some sort of an answer. To be quiet, to be silent now, would only serve to continue Nikita in her panicked staged.

"They are probably hoping that you would calm down.... You really need to calm down...." James whispered softly, trying to model for Nikita the way that she needed to be. Nikita swiped at her tears as she turned her head and stared at Michael.

"I'm sorry..." Nikita moaned out and James stared at Michael. Michael moved towards took as he swallowed hard, trying to form words.

"There is nothing to be sorry about... the baby is going to be fine..." Michael soothed Nikita, although Michael's eyes gave away the worry that shook his body from head to toe. He couldn't even think of what would happen to them if they lost the baby.

"Maybe I should be the judge of that?" Dr. Lynstadt questioned as she pushed the door opened and looked at the trio. She looked at James and smirked. "I didn't expect to see you doctor."

"I'm not here as a doctor... I'm her father," James stated as he glanced at Dr. Lynstadt for a moment and then turned back to Nikita. If Michael and Nikita were focused enough they would have known that James knew Dr. Lynstadt, but at the moment, their minds were focused on the baby.

"You haven't bled since you arrived, Nikita," Dr. Lynstadt commented as she lifted the sheet and checked.

"But I was!" Nikita hollered and Dr. Lynstadt sighed. The hormones of pregnancy sure did things to normally very nice people.

"I saw it, doctor," Michael confirmed and Dr. Lynstadt smiled.

"I'm saying this because it is good... I'm going to have them run a few tests... and I'll be back to do an internal," Dr. Lynstadt commented as she moved away from Nikita. Nikita looked to Michael and nodded her head.