Bad Seed

She nodded. “He will,” she said.

“Charlotte said she can take care of him while I'm away – ”

Kara shook her head quickly. “No,” she said. “Jack will stay with me. I'll care for him.”

Hearing the resolve in her voice moved me. She really did care about him – and I knew she really did care about me. I was excited for our future

together – it was just going to have to wait a little bit.

“If you accept this deal,” the lawyer said, “with good behavior, you're likely going to get out in three or four months.”

I nodded. “I can do that standing on my head.”

Kara smirked. “Yeah, well, don't,” she said. “Don't do anything that will draw attention to yourself in there. Just keep your head down and your eye on the calendar. And then get your ass back to me.”

“I'll do that,” I say.

We stared into each other's eyes for a long moment, so much emotion passing between us without either of us having to say a single word. It was nice being so comfortable with somebody. Being so open and free with them. It's not like anything I've ever had before, but it was something I was rapidly growing addicted to.

I lived my life never knowing what tomorrow was going to bring. I was the ultimate, “live in the moment,” kind of guy. But, when I looked into Kara's eyes, although I still wanted to live in the moment, I also wanted to plan for a future. One that included Kara and Jack.

“You had better be on your absolute best behavior. I want you home in three months. I want you home in time to see... ”

Her voice trailed off and a look of fear passed through her eyes. When she looked at me again, her expression was uncertain. She was afraid of something, but what?

“What is it, Kara?” I asked.

She let out a long breath. “I want you home in time to see the birth of your second child.”

I looked at her wide-eyed, utterly dumbfounded. Had I just heard her correctly? Was this some sort of a joke?

“Second child?” I asked.

She nodded, but it was hesitant. Scared. “Yes,” she said softly. “I'm pregnant.”

My mind and heart were caught up in a swirling torrent of conflicting emotions. Fear. Terror. Joy. Elation.

“Are you serious?” I asked softly.

She nodded. “Yeah,” she said. “I found out literally an hour before Rory showed up and took me.”

I ran a hand through my hair and blew out a long breath, trying to get ahold of my thoughts and emotions – and wasn't having much luck. I was scared about the idea of having a second child, knowing I didn't even know how I was going to take care of the first. At the same time though, the idea of having a child with Kara thrilled me more than I could even express in that moment.

“Well, I guess congratulations are in order,” the lawyer said. “As awkward as it might be right now.”

I turned to him. “It's not awkward,” I said. “I made a choice and I'm happy to see this through. Plus, it just gives me all the more incentive to keep my nose clean inside, and better my life once I get out. I've got a good woman and now, two kids, to look after.”

“So, can I tell the DA you'll take the deal?” he asked.

I nod. “Yeah,” I said. “You can.”

“Great,” he said.

He walked out of the room, no doubt, happy to have a case off his pile. Kara and I sat there, staring into each other's eyes. Though she looked happy, I could still see the hesitance.

“I was afraid to tell you,” she admitted. “I wasn't sure how you were going to react. I mean, we both said it wasn't a good time to – ”

“And I meant it at the time,” I replied. “But, we're past that situation now. Killian and Rory are headed to prison for a long time. Your dad is going to do a little time, but he's come back to you as well. Once I get out, we are going to have a fresh start. A whole new chapter of our lives to spend. Together. The idea of spending my life with you and raising a family – I can't think of anything better than that.”