If Anyone Falls

Falling Into Place

"Lindsey? Did you hear me?"
"Huh?" Lindsey said as if he were in a trance, still staring at the ultrasound photo.
"Linds?"
"You're pregnant?" He said looking up at Stevie then back down at the photo on his hand.
Stevie couldn't help but laugh at his reaction.
"Yes! I am."
"Who's the father?" Lindsey said then thought to himself. "Fuck, why did I say that!?!"
Stevie was hurt by that, tears formed in her eyes.
"I'm sorry I said that. I'm just shocked and said the first thing that crossed my mind. Which was idiotic. I guess, the old Lindsey is still in there somewhere. Steph, please forgive me." He said placing the photo down next to her on the table and reached out to hold her hand.
She almost smacked his hand away but needed to feel his touch.
He smiled at her and said. "So, I'm going to be a father again. Stella won't be the baby in the family anymore. Oh Steph, I'm so happy right now."
He stood up and made her stand to embrace her in a hug. He brought her chin up and kissed her lips.
He pulled away and said. "You're not going to throw up on me are you?"
Stevie laughed and playfully smacked him on his shoulder then continuing their kiss.
"Steph?" He said after a moment.
"Yes?"
"Why didn't you tell me? How long have you known? I mean, you must be about...what 4 months?"
"I've known since I got back seven weeks ago. I wanted to tell as soon as I found out but...I was scared that...." She didn't finish her sentence burying her face in his chest.
He held her tighter knowing too well why she didn't come to him sooner.
"It's okay Steph. All that matters is we have each other now and we are expecting the most precious gift. I love you Stephanie."
"I love you too Lindsey. With all my heart."
"Steph? Can I feel?" He asked.
"Of course!" Stevie smiled, took his hands and placed them on her bump.
"Oh my god. That's incredible." He got down on his knees picked up her blouse to expose her baby bump and kissed it.
Stevie couldn't help but cry tears of joy.
Lindsey stood up and kissed her lips once more.
"Do you want to come with me to pick up Will and Leelee from school?"
"Yes, I've missed them so much! I hope they aren't angry with me for leaving without saying goodbye."
"Their not angry. They'll be very happy to see you."

Lindsey parked a few feet away from his children's school.
He walked to pick up his kids while Stevie stayed in the car with Stella who was sitting in her car seat and playing with her teddy bear.
Walking back to the car, Lindsey held onto each child by their hands and Will was asking. "Dad, why did you park all the way over here?"
"Will, Leelee, I have a surprise for you."
Both of their faces lit up at hearing that.
Stevie stepped out of the car seeing them walk closer.
"Auntie Stevie!" Leelee cried excitedly and ran into Stevie's arms.
"Hey sweet girl! I've missed you."
"I've missed you too."
"Hi auntie Stevie! I'm so glad you're back!" Will said hugging Stevie; Will noticed a difference as he felt he bump when he hugged her. But didn't he didn't say anything because being seven years old his mind just thought she had gained a bit of weight.
"Come on kids, let's get in the car and head home. Stevie and I have something to tell you."

Finally home, Lindsey got the kids a snack and he and Stevie sat down at the kitchen table with them. Stevie was feeling extremely nervous again wondering what the children's reaction was going to be.
Lindsey gave Stevie's hand a squeeze, she nodded her head.
Lindsey began to speak. "Kids, Stevie told me some news today; she's having a baby. We are having a baby."
Will was about to take a bite of his snack but now he sat with his mouth hanging open and Leelee's eyes were wide.
"So...I'm getting a new baby sister or brother?" Will asked.
"Yes. Are you both okay with that?" Lindsey asked wanting to know what his children's feelings were.
"Well, it's okay I guess. I hope it's a boy!" Will said.
"Daddy?" Asked Leelee.
"Yes pumpkin."
"Is...Stevie, going to be the new baby's mommy?"
"Of course Lee." Lindsey replied.
Leelee looked down sadly; tears falling from her eyes.
"Sweet girl, what's wrong?" Stevie asked worriedly.
"It's just, you'll be the baby's mommy and I don't have a mommy anymore. I wish wish you were my mommy!" Leelee cried.
Stevie had tears in her eyes and looked at Lindsey.
"Kids, it's not going to happen over night, but I want to marry Stevie so we can all be a family. If she feels comfortable enough for you all to call her mommy, and ONLY if you want to, you can." Said Lindsey.
"You all can call me mommy! That would be wonderful! But like your daddy said, only if you want to. I'm not trying to replace your mommy. She will always be your mommy even though she isn't here with you. She will always be remembered by us and when Stella is old enough we all can tell her about your mommy."
Leelee sniffled and rubbed the tears away. She stood up from her chair and went over to Stevie and climbed on her lap and snuggled up to her.
"Does that mean you are moving in with us? Mommy?" Leelee asked Stevie.
Stevie heart swelled at being called mommy. She was about to speak to respond, but Lindsey answered. "Stevie and I have to sit down and talk about that. Let's take things one step at a time."

Stevie stayed for dinner, helped Lindsey tuck the kids into bed and then called Karen to pick her up to go home.
Lindsey told Stevie that they would talk about their living situation in the afternoon the next day.
Should they live together? Or should they wait?

Once at home Stevie took a nice long bath and began to think of what has been going on these past few months. She began to have thoughts of doubt and fear.

What would others say once they found out? Everything was happening so fast.
Kristen had just passed and most people would find it disrespectful that her and Lindsey becoming a couple in a short amount of time. She was especially fearful of their relationship because she was afraid that they would fail yet again. There was always something or someone that would come between them forcing them apart.

Even though Stevie hadn't planned her life to take this unexpected turn, she knew for a fact that she loved Lindsey and couldn't go on without him now that he was back in her life; especially now that they were having a child together.
Her hand drew gentle circles on her growing baby bump. She smiled and relaxed; all worries ceasing to exist.
She realized now that she didn't care what others thought; she was having a baby, Lindsey's baby.
A baby was something that she had began to lose hope on and now she wouldn't change that for anything in the world.
She loved this baby with all her heart.

The next afternoon, Lindsey stopped by bringing over lunch.
After they ate, they made their way to the living room and sat on the sofa while Stella took a nap.
"Steph, I know that I said for us to take things slow but I think it's too late for that." He said laughing rubbing her belly.
She smiled and placed her hand on his.
"So, what should we do?" asked Stevie.
"Well, I was thinking, I want a fresh start. I'm always going to remember Kristen and I'll never forget her. Will and Leelee will remember her and Stella will get to know of her. But, I want to move out of that house and sell it. And if it's okay with you...can we move in with you?"
Stevie's head began to spin. Whoa, things were really on the fast track for them.
She breath in and out. "I think that will be wonderful. Now that I have you in my life again, I'm not letting you go Linds. I love you so much." She finished with tears falling down her cheeks.
"Don't cry Steph." Lindsey said bringing her close to hug her.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it! I've been really emotional lately." She sobbed into his chest.
"Awe baby. Those pregnancy hormones surely kicked in, didn't they?"
Stevie sat up and wiped her eyes. "Yes, they did. God, if I'm an emotional wreck right now,
I can't imagine what a nightmare I'll be farther along in this pregnancy."
Lindsey handed her a tissue and gave her a kiss.
"Linds, there's one thing though. Before I went to stay with you, I was in the middle of buying a new house. It's in Malibu, I wanted to move closer to the ocean. I bought mansion with a ocean view. You know how much I love the ocean. I was going to start moving in when I got back from my get away but then I found out I was pregnant."
Lindsey stayed quiet for a moment then said. "I wouldn't mind an ocean view and I don't think the kids will either. I'll talk to the kids tonight. Let me take care of everything! I'm sure Karen and I can have us moved in no time!"
"Oh Linds! That's sound great! Thank you!" She said leaning closer for a kiss.
Just then the phone rang.
Stevie pulled away and went to answer the phone.
After a few minutes, Stevie walked back into the living room.
"Everything okay?" Lindsey asked.
Stevie smiled and said. "Yes, that was Christine! She's coming for a visit tomorrow. I can't wait! I've missed our girls nights! Although, this time we can't have our usual fun. I can't wait to tell her about us and of our little miracle."
Lindsey stood up and placed his hands on her hips and said. "Oh Steph. I'm so happy this is finally happening for us. I love you Stephanie."
"I love you too." She said.
They went to check on Stella before disappearing into Stevie's bedroom.