A/N– This chapter isn't quite as long as I would like, but it does end in such a way that it could be complete or I could continue, should I choose to do so. Really, this was meant as a distraction between stories. Every now and then I add more until I have enough for a chapter. So, in other words, don't hold your breath for the next chapter. Thanks! (and DAMNIT the format is screwed. Still readable, however, I'm just pissed.)

Chapter 2

The air smelled of sterilizers and potpourri, Fox noted as he followed Fara into the doctor's office waiting room. The fox wasn't overly fond of hospitals and had to be cajoled into his yearly physical. He couldn't even guess why Fara had wanted him to come with her to the 'Women's Doctor', but he had reluctantly agreed after he detected the serious gleam in his wife's eyes.

She wou ldn't tell him what it was, so he had decided not to worry until he was given something to worry about.

"Have a seat here, Fox," Fara said as she continued to the counter.

Fox watched the fennec converse quietly with the receptionist, and then she returned to sit next to him. There was a palpable silence between them.

"Will you tell me why I'm here," Fox finally asked.

Fara pointedly looked away, "No. Not yet."

Sighing, Fox laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back, "Can I meet back up with you here in a few minutes? Slippy wanted me to pick up a tool from the hardware store conveniently placed next door."

The vixen looked at him as if he had grown a second head.

"Fara McCloud, Dr. Cara will see you now," the peppy receptionist called.

She looked at the bright-eyed hare and back at Fox with equal glares, "I had better not have to come look for you," turning back to the receptionist, she said, "It's Fara Phoenix-McCloud."

Fox was left to rethink his escape plan as he watched Fara's back disappear behind the hallway door. Who knew how long these 'women's' appointments could last?

In the end, Fox decided they could stop at the hardware store after the appointment. It was the least the fennec could do for dragging him along on this pointless trip. He shook his head at the thought. Fara wouldn't have taken him along if she wasn't truly worried about something. She didn't play sick, ever.

What if something really was wrong?

His promise to himself flew out the window sitting next to him, which was auspiciously open. Fox looked out on the street and began to ponder all the things that could be wrong with Fara.

'Cancer... unless it's advanced she should be alright...,' silence ensued, 'I have no idea about female problems.'

"Mr. McCloud," the chipper hare called after a while, "Follow me."

Rising, Fox followed the fur down the hall to a room. Fara sat in a chair, her chin resting on her paw.

"Well," Fox asked, "Are you going to tell me now?"

The apprehension was tangible as the couple locked eyes.

Fara rose and took Fox's paws in hers, "I'm sorry, I couldn't tell you unless I was sure."

"Sure?"

The fennec nodded solemnly, "I'm pregnant."

Fox's throat constricted for a moment as he was rendered speechless. His mind went into hyper speed as he replayed the last few months. He remembered her mentioning her missing a period from running more, she wasn't worried so he hadn't worried either. It was a natural reaction to increased physical activity. Then the tiredness, and the vomiting episode yesterday, and earlier that morning...

It all fit together like a puzzle.

"How did I miss it," he finally murmured.

"I'm left to wonder too," Dr. Cara said softly.

Fox suddenly realized the grey wolf was even present, "How did it happen? The birth control... the shot..."

"Birth control isn't one hundred percent effective," she answered, "The only sure method is abstinence. Which is nearly impossible for young married couples."

"Fox," Fara's voice trembled, "Please, tell me you aren't angry. I didn't mean for this to happen. Tell me, please."

The normally stoic Fara, or sometimes erupting volcano Fara, was much more preferable to the weeping, begging Fara, Fox noted. He pushed the thought aside, unable to imagine the immense emotional strain she had been under recently .

'Well, I guess there isn't anything else I can do but be supportive,' he thought, 'Oh my... I'm going to be a father...'

"Fox, please," tears dropped down her furry cheeks.

He pulled the vixen close and attempted to cheer her up in the normal fashion. Humor. "Stop crying, Fara, you're scaring me."

Fox was taken aback as she burst into full on sobbing, tears wetting his shirt, repeating, "Thank you, oh thank you, Fox."

'Stars above,' Fox thought, 'Don't tell me I have to deal with a sobbing vixen for nine more months...'

Fara calmed down after a few minutes and the two sat in the comfortable love seat in the room. Dr. Cara handed them a couple disks, labeled with titles like "You're Pregnant!" and "You and Your Baby". Fox merely stared at them in shock as Fara fingered the small squares.

"They offer a lot of good information on what to expect during the next few months," she paused for a moment, judging how to put the next phrase, "Since this is such an unexpected event for the two of you, I suggest you both give the whole idea of being parents a good amount of thought. Then, pick a time to talk it over privately. Once you have decided this is what you want, set an appointment for a prenatal screening. If you decide this isn't for you, we can discuss alternatives."

Fox looked at the wolf curiously as Fara stared at her shoes. The doctor was referring to either adoption or abortion. He knew abortion was accepted among Cornerians, but he also knew that he did not accept it.

The fox snorted, "This baby is ours. We'll survive, right Fara?"

Fara's expression revealed her happiness, "We will."