Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please. Thanks to Eisencookie for help developing ideas for this story.

The next couple of weeks passed quickly. Trynia continued the bulk of the wedding plans, moving into the realm of redecorating once things were better laid out. Mingled about this were the discussions of the interior decorating. Strange headaches plagued Trynia often, and she dismissed them as tension or stress induced. It was difficult to resist the temptation of staying away from the Internet, but she did so for her own mental health. Ever since Paul made his statement on KOL, she had seen a bit of a drop in some of the stupid posts at KOL, offset by a rise in acrid ones at Asylum.

Bruises healed up slowly, and Trynia soon noticed the blue and black fading to a dull red. They were still sore to the touch, but after the first week were quite easy to bear. It would only be a matter of time before they healed and the events of that night could fade into memory. Still the trauma would haunt her, but a few sessions at a therapist did help ease matters some, at Paul's insistence.

Paul and Gene had stepped up the pace with KISS related material. Paul's physical therapy continued to strengthen his new hip, his excellent physical help curtailing the usual caution. Still he used the cane most of the time, but it wasn't too much longer before he would go for short periods without it.

On a Thursday, roughly two weeks after Paul's official statement on KOL, she had delved more seriously into the issue of redecorating. Terri often stopped over for moral support or suggestions or to get out of her own home or a change of scenery.

Today Terri and Trynia had lunch in her home, waiting for Gene and Paul to get back from a business meeting with Doc for discussing future KISS appearances. They had been there all morning, since at least seven thirty.

Terri Mason crossed her legs, shifting her weight as she lay him down across the sofa. He fussed lightly, his little hands repeatedly making fists and opening tiny fingers to grasp the air. Terri cooed in his face and made a raspberry on his tummy, speaking in the strange language of mothereese. It was a good distraction while Trynia handed her the disposable diaper, and Terri slipped it under him on her lap. Quickly she fitted the tabs, while Trynia disposed of the offending used diaper. The high pitched diatribe that Terri delivered to Jacob was two octaves above her normal voice, and Trynia grinned at how she relaxed so easily into being a mom.

"There we go... there we go little guy! Now you can't wait to hose DADDY when he has this task after lunch," Terri giggled wickedly.

"You are evil, you know that?" Trynia laughed back. While Terri manipulated her baby into his onesies once more, Trynia flipped through the planning book again.

"I know, gotta keep in shape," Terri giggled. "So... you've picked a china pattern you like?"

"Well be GLAD you're not dealing with this," Trynia almost pouted. "You have life EASY! Ever since Paul lay this redecorating thing on me..."

"Didn't you pick an interior designer?" Terri asked. "It's their job to help you pick what you want!"

"I am a wreck Terri..." Trynia groaned, wringing her hands.

"A wreck.... Why? About what?" Terri asked, settling Jacob into the curve of her arm as she unbuttoned her blouse, and moved her bra aside. Hazel eyes peered up at Terri as he began to nurse.

"Oh god this WEDDING..." Trynia put her head in her hand. "I mean I have the guest list finally set, and then Paul suddenly thought of more people to invite!"

'Paul being a pain in the ass again?" Terri teased.

"Well..." Trynia admitted. "I mean it's all under control. Just a few last minute changes here and there are fine..."

"I thought you were going to let your mother handle a lot of it, or is that the problem?" Terri asked, realizing Trynia really was nervous.

"Paul's busy thank god... and my mom's been working to plan the reception and the space..." Trynia sighed, pulling off her glasses and rubbing her eyes with one hand. "It's definitely going to be in Philly."

"You have to figure the weather's better out here, but your heart is still out there. I can tell," Terri nodded. She continued to stroke his cheek while he nursed quietly.

"Well I want my family to see it, and it will be more private there..." Trynia said, putting on her glasses once more. "I love LA... but I'm a East Coast girl."

"I can see that. So it sounds like that is settled. You KNOW we'll do whatever works best for you," said Terri. "I know Gene's wanting to throw some PARTY in your honor..."

"Terri I wanted to ask you..." Trynia started, then hesitated.

"To control Gene's party? Yeah, good LUCK." Terri laughed.

"I mean normally I would ask my sister... but she's been so wrapped up with her own life with her boyfriend..." Trynia continued. "Would you... consider..."

Anticipating her question, Terri smiled and reached out to take Trynia's hand, "Are you asking me..."

"I mean I don't think it would totally offend my sister if she isn't... I mean she's still going to be a bridesmaid... And Mel and Sharmane will be bridesmaids. But I can't think of anyone I'd rather have... Being my Maid of honor."

Tears formed in Terri's eyes, gleaming behind her own glasses, and she squeezed Trynia's hand tightly. "Trynia, I'd LOVE to. That is, if you don't mind a maid of honor still carrying 15 pounds of post-pregnancy body weight."

At this she took her hand back and slapped her hip playfully. Both burst into laughter, wiping away their happy tears.

"You're like a sister to me," Trynia sniffed. "I mean HELL I have a sister... but you and me... we click like... a sister I never had. And well... its NOT just cause Gene is the best man."

"I'd absolutely be honored. Whatever you need me to do, I'm there. You know that," Terri nodded.

"Thank you," Trynia says with a smile, and tears in her own eyes.

"Just tell me what dress to wear and I'll take it from there. Heck, I can even coordinate the fitting with the bridesmaids, if you want. One less thing you'll have to do."

"Well we have a dressmaker in Philly..." Trynia assured her, knowing full well how Terri loved to take charge. "I gave the reception and priest thing over to Mom. She's planning the reception and the rehearsal dinner."

"Perfect. I'm sure he or she will do a great job," Terri nodded. She released Jacob from nursing, and put him on her shoulder to burp him. He fussed a bit till she repositioned him at her bosom once more.

"But the fitting of the bridesmaids, you would do great," Trynia assured her.

"I tell you what. You just give me the names and let me take it from there. I'll coordinate everything."

"Okay... there is Melanie, my sister Catharine," Trynia said, picking up her list. "My cousin Molly... Sharmane... Erica... Paul's niece..."

"But now...the good stuff. TELL me why you are so stressed and WHY Paul is being such an ass. I know he is, you know," Terri said, taking her shoulder. "I can see the look in your eyes."

"Well, it's this stupid rumor thing..." Trynia sighed, scribbling on her notepad. "On the Internet... I mean Paul did make a statement... but it's still I'm trying to get used to the celebrity thing."

"Hmmm, I heard about the Asylum thing. One of the errand runners Gene uses follows that board avidly and he was telling me about it."

"Oh so you KNOW?" Trynia asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, I heard..." she reached over and touched her shoulder in support. "Terri am I being stupid or anal? I know I shouldn't give a ... a rat's tail..." Trynia threw up a hand, avoiding the use of bad language because of the new ears that might be listening.

"First off, I thought Paul's statement on the board was very sweet and unexpected. His usual comment to things like that is, "Stay OUT of my life." I'm proud that he actually acknowledged you on the site."

"Yes... I love him for that," Trynia nodded. "But Paul's just... well he's so caught up in his work lately... He's not being an ass per se..."

"Secondly, of COURSE, they are all talking about you. Hell, you're marrying one of the most gorgeous eligible bachelors in the entire rock world. Do you know how many women would KILL to be with Paul?"

"Yeah. They all hate my guts," Trynia sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Something's stressing you out. I can tell. And it's not just what some asswipe on Asylum has to say either."

"Some of them hate us. Some are probably also just really intrigued. I mean, we live the life they are dying for, really. Or else the life they THINK they are dying for, if that makes any sense," Terri continued to explain.

"Yeah. Like I thought when I first met you."

"There are people on Asylum who probably think that Gene just sticks his tongue out all day and has sex 24/7," Terri chuckled.

"YIKES!" Trynia giggled.

"They don't realize that it can be difficult being with him. He's away a lot, and when he's not away, he still has Kiss on the brain."

"Oh good lord!" Trynia continued to chortle, her tension momentarily evaporating. "Does he routinely come up with new products in the middle of sex?"

"I wouldn't trade what we have for anything, but it can be difficult."

"Well... I heard about the groupie stuff... hell I was an encore," Trynia recounted.

"Gene thinks of Kiss and Kiss related things ALL the time. He's already conceived of at least 5 or 10 new Kiss baby items that Jacob needs."

"Oh good lord," Trynia groaned.

"He tells me he knew you were a Paul girl all the way."

"REALLY?"

At this Terri smiled warmly, "Yes. He eventually told me about you. I started teasing him about how I thought I might lose him to another chemist, he told me that no, he could tell that THIS one was a Paulie girl."

"I didn't even WANT Gene..." Trynia shrugged. "It just sort of... happened..."

"Looks like he was right."

"Yes, Terri. I mean when he TRIED to do me as an encore a few days later... I turned him down," Trynia remembered wistfully. "Did he tell you about the shower sex... where Paul almost got caught?"

Terri peered at her carefully; noticing how pale Trynia suddenly looked. Shifting Jacob out of her arms, she put him carefully into his carrier. Narrowing her eyes in concern she put herself back together and turned to her friend to look her directly in the eye. "You know, Tryn, you're my best friend, and I hope this doesn't sound too rude, but you're looking a little...under the weather."

"Really?" Trynia asked. "I don't feel very well..."

Terri reached over for a baby cloth to wipe Jacob's face, and reposition him into the carrier so he could sit up partly and see them both.

"I have been sort of sickly a lot..." Trynia sighed. "But I guess I'm just getting stressed about this stupid list, and the wedding..."

"Mmm hmm. Heard about the shower scene. I figured that was you. Gene didn't really specify, but he laughed for days about Mr. High and Mighty Paul Stanley taking a quickie in the shower."

"Well what happened BEFORE it was the interesting thing," Trynia said reluctantly.

"I guess Paul's beaten on him a FEW times about taking women into the band COMMUNITY bathroom," Terri giggled.

"Gene took me off to the dressing room... and well... TRIED to come onto me."

"Uh, no. I did not hear about that," Terri nodded slowly.

"Uh... well..." Trynia began, clearing her throat and retelling the encounter with Gene that fizzled into a sobfest.

"So instead of Gene playing bang-bang you, he actually saw you start crying?" Terri asked a few minutes later when Trynia was done with her story.

"I was embarrassed, and he actually asked me to tell him what was wrong!!!"

"Gene's a sucker for tears." she smiled. "I guess that's sort of how we ended up together. In my anger over Paul, I struck the Demon's sensitive side."

"I realized Gene was human at that point." Trynia chuckled. "And he told me to tell Paul how I felt. And he took me right to see him... and well... Paul and I talked..."

"Exasperatingly human, I might add," Terri smiled.

"Yes."

"It's funny, though. You and I. Gene and I just seemed to click, while Paul drove me absolutely mad. You're just the opposite."

"Very true," Trynia agreed.

"But then again, Paul's changed a whole bunch. He doesn't chase women like he used to."

"Gene made me annoyed! I mean his attitude on the damn bus the next morning..."

"Gene's an acquired taste, you know. I think Shannon, Cher and I are the only women who've ever really appreciated that acquired taste." she laughs.

"It's an AFTERTASTE!" Trynia quipped. "Like TAB, or that horrible FRESCA!"

"You know, when you said "aftertaste", I just got a mental image of you and Gene.....well, never mind. Sensitive ears" she covers Jacob's ears and laughed.

"Oh boy. I just don't even wanna go there," she laughed.

"What a fantasy, though. Gene and Paul at the same time. Damn girl!"

"It was," Trynia sighed wistfully. "But then the next morning... I forgot ALL about what happened the night before."

"Well, you KNOW that Gene and Paul fought over asking you along on the bus."

"Really?" Trynia asked, a bit surprised. "Gene probably wanted to dump my ass."

"Gene doesn't believe in mixing women and business."

"I KNEW that was going to happen," Trynia groaned. "I told him I was ready for it."

"They're FINE, doll, as long as they stay...back...in....the hotel...." she mimicked Gene.

"Yep, that's about right. And as long as people, especially the ladies... know Paul's three day rule," drawled Trynia, imitating Paul. "Everything will be AAAHL RAIGHT! Three days and I'm sorry sweetheart but you gotta go move on!"

Both of them burst into a fit of laughter, hugging their sides. It took five minutes before they could steady their breathing and not burst into further fits of giggling by simply exchanging an odd look.

"Yep, Tryn, I guess you and I must have some kind of magic, because BOTH of us outlasted the three days.... even though I didn't do it by MUCH."

"Terri... just how long were you with Paul? I know it was 2 years ago."

"He was trying to get back with Linda... even after being separated from her for 5 years," said Terri quietly.

"He said... that it was just about a week..." Trynia confirmed with a slow nod.

"Well, Linda's the one that caused all the problems. Little did I know that he was going back and seeing her."

"Well Paul said that she had an accident," Trynia said. "And she was asking for him back... And she wanted him to be in Aaron's life again."

"So as I'm sitting here thinking I may be falling in love with this man, he's on the other side of the country, sleeping with his ex-wife."

"Yikes!" Trynia sighed, and then closed her eyes for a moment. Face blanched, she held her stomach.

"I'm glad it turned out like it did, though. He found you and you're perfect for him, and of course, I managed to find Gene. It was still a stupid mistake on his part. Linda dumped him again not long after that."

"Poor... Paul..." Trynia nodded, gritting her teeth and breathing hard, in and out.

"Tryn? You OK? Hon?" Terri asked, suddenly leaning forward.

"I'm sorry... oh man..." Trynia groaned.

"Look, why don't you relax? Maybe I can get you something to drink?"

"Oh god I feel sick! What the hell..." Trynia cried, and then leapt up from the sofa.

"Here, come here!" Terri said quickly, taking her arm and leading her to the bathroom. "Just breathe in nice and slow."

Positioned next to the commode, Trynia breathed deeply, chest heaving in and out. On her knees she pulled off her glasses and squeezed shut her eyes.

"Big deep breaths, and see if that does any good," Terri urged. Trynia hugged her stomach, the muscles within loosing the battle. Contents rose to the surface and expelled the cause of her nausea. Holding Trynia's hair aside, Terri glanced anxiously toward the sofa.

"Hold on... just relax... I'll be right back..." Terri said quickly, and rushed out to check on Jacob. In his carrier by the sofa, he lay fast asleep to Terri's relief.

"Oh god," Trynia groaned, half-whimpering at how awful she felt. A hand rested on her back, as Terri stroked her shoulders and held her hair back again.

"Here, easy Hon," Terri soothed, wetting a washcloth and wringing it out. Taking a squeeze bottle of water, Terri squirted it over Trynia's face and urged her to rinse out her mouth. Still she leaned over the commode, gasping with the swimming feelings from inside.

"Did you eat something strange for lunch?"

"No.... I had chicken soup... It's just some smells make me sick..." Trynia muttered.

"How long have you been feeling this way?"

"Oh all of last week," Trynia recounted. At this, Terri smiled faintly.

"Now if that doesn't sound familiar...." Terri muttered. "Do you feel like you're going to be sick again?"

"No... I'm ok..." Trynia breathed, letting Terri help wipe her face with the cold cloth. It refreshed her flushed face with its soothing coolness.

"Let me ask you something Tryn....."

"Sure... what?" Trynia said.

Terri waited a moment, and rested a hand on her shoulder. Still stroking, she asked, "Any chance you're pregnant?"

Her question registered after a moment of pure shock. Like a wave it crashed into Trynia, leaving her stunned in its suddenness. Choking, she cried, "WHAT?"

"It's just that I've been there," Terri said, sympathy in her brown eyes, a shade or so lighter then Trynia's. The other woman's dark eyes were wide with fear of the unknown element.

"Throwing up out of the blue....strange smells triggering it.....flushed skin..." said Terri, watching as Trynia got up and flushed away her mess. She paced, moving quickly out of the bathroom with Terri behind her.

"Damn... I know Paul and I were talking about kids... Hell I even went off BC... But I didn't think it would happen THIS Soon..." said Trynia. "It can't be that!"

"OK, but the question is 'Did you just TALK about it' or 'have unprotected sex'?" she chuckled.

"Uh well we stopped the birth control and raincoats if you mean that... And well I figured it would take 2 or 3 months..." Trynia shook her head, moving quickly into the living room, still shaking her head in disbelief. "But now? It's still 2 months till the wedding!"

"Because BELIEVE me, there's a sweet little bundle of Simmons out there who is testimony to the fact that one night...one TIME...is all it takes."

"Uh... how and when did you..." Trynia asked, whirling on her friend.

"Picture this....Gene all hot and bothered.... nice hotel room... steamy shower... two people conveniently forgetting birth control..." Terri answered. "And voila. Jacob."

"That's so unlike Gene..." Trynia answered, disbelief on her face. "Being so careless!"

"Something like that," she laughed. "It is, but I still think that we made the decision to do it like that, conscious or unconscious."

"But well... I still think it's not possible... I mean me... pregnant?"

"You need to get yourself a pregnancy test" Terri said, hands on hips. "Being scientists, we both appreciate proof."

"It could just be stress..." Trynia waved her away dismissively. "And I'm too nervous to pee into a cup!"

"Nonsense. They are simple," Terri answered. "And then, either way, you wouldn't have to worry any more. You'd just have the worry of telling Paul."

"Oh man," Trynia groaned. "That's the WORST part!"

"Unless, of course, you two WANTED it this way," Terri asked.

"Well he really was gung ho. I guess I figured it would be LATER rather then sooner..." Trynia sighed.

Terri smiled reassuringly, hoping to break the tension with a bit of humor, "Paul's a romantic. I could see him falling in love with the idea of being a new daddy again."

Trynia sank to the sofa, feeling new tears starting to form. She wiped them away, hoping to remain brave. It was still preliminary. Terri rested a sympathetic hand on her friend's shoulder. She knelt before her friend, tipping her chin to face her as she said softly, "Look, I tell you what. I bought a kit with two tests in it. I only had to use one. If you want, the other one is yours. If you watch Jacob, I'll go run and get it."

"Okay... Go for it,' Trynia throws up a hand.

"It's best to KNOW, Hon," Terri grinned, hugging Tryn. Stopping only to lean over, she kissed Jacob. Trynia leapt up and gave Trynia a quick hug before she exited.

"Thank you," she mouthed. Terri smiled and exited the front door. For a few minutes Trynia glanced at the slumbering Jacob, tiny face puckered into a perfect cherubic countenance. The reality of a possible few months later lay there. Fear arose in Trynia's already unsettled stomach, twisting it into further knots. She wrung her hands, twisting the engagement on her finger.

Suddenly the jarring jangle of the electronic ring shattered her wait, and she leapt up to answer it, heart pounding.

"Hello..." she said tentatively."Hey, beautiful!" crooned Paul on the other end."Hi... Paul... how much longer are you going to be sweetie?"

"Uh, not much longer" he paused, and she guessed he must be looking at his watch. "Doc, Gene and I just about have the whole tour mapped out. We're going to sign so damn many boxed sets, we'll all have carpal tunnel."

"Oh brother," she laughed. "just like peter."

"And get this...Gene has offered to buy us LUNCH. Can you believe that? Doc and I about fell over. So we're going to stop by Martin's really quick and get a bite, if that's OK, love."

"Oh ok..." Trynia said slowly. "sure. Terri's here..."

"Yeah, he wants to talk to Jacob for a bit. Can you put Terri on, sweetheart?" Paul asked.

"Uh... she's not here..." Trynia said, hearing Gene's characteristic laugh. She hears talking and laughter in the background, as the meeting has just broken off. "She just stopped off to get something she forgot..."

"Where did she go, or is that a wedding secret I can't know about?"

"Uh... well... yeah..." Trynia said, incredibly nervous at that moment.

"It's not... definitive yet."

"Let me guess" he chuckles, "You ladies are conspiring to buy the PERFECT little wedding night baby doll pajamas."

"Oh lord," she groaned, choking off her next sentence at the lump in her throat that had arisen.

"MMMMMMmmmmmm, make sure you get stars on that, honey," he drawled.

"With lots and lots of snaps for to open at my leisure..."

Trynia choked again, tears burning her eyes at the snickering of Paul and Gene in the background. Both were clueless blast them!

"I... have to go now.." Trynia stammered, chin wobbling. "I'm watching Jacob and he needs... his bottle."

"What's that, Hon?"

"I'll talk to you later okay sweetie?" Trynia said hastily.

"Oh, OK.....sure....we'll be home probably in about an hour, unless Martin's is slow as usual, then you'll have to make that TWO hours."

"Okay..." Trynia nodded. Again, she heard Gene laugh, and a muffled statement from Paul in the background about wedding night sex wear.

"I love you."

"Love you too..." she said. "Gotta go... have fun... ok?"

She hears Gene mock, "I love you TOOO!"

"SHADDUP GENE!" Trynia growled into the phone. "Tell him to go screw himself."

"Did you HEAR that? My future wife just told you to shut up. God, I love this woman."

Trynia sobbed, and barely suppressed the next set of tears. All three were laughing now, and it seemed as if she were the target.

"You say something, love?" Paul asked.

"Never mind. Later ok?" she said, and hung up quickly. She silently prayed Paul wouldn't be too angry with her for suddenly hanging up on him. Yet what she had to say might be in the heat of the moment, and any hurt feelings she could not afford.

Relief mingled with fresh fear when Terri returned holding a plastic bag in her hand. She noticed Trynia sitting there, with the cordless phone to her left, and her head in her hands.

Quickly Terri rushed over and asked, "Is he OK? He didn't wake up, did he?"

"He's fine. He's still asleep..." Trynia whispered, looking anxiously up at her friend.

"I'm glad to see that. When he wakes up, he wants to nurse immediately. I didn't want to have to burden you with a temper tantrum."

"Yeah..." Trynia nodded. Terri handed her the bag, looking at her intently. With a sigh, Trynia took it from her and bit her lip.

"Good luck....whatever that means to you," Terri said. "And don't worry. If you're not now, then maybe next month?"

"Thank you... I think." she muttered and walked to the bathroom.

"The directions are still in there" Terri yelled outside of the door. "If you need any help....."

Trynia closed the door carefully, leaving Terri alone with her thoughts and her own baby. Cursing to herself, she realized she knew what her friend was going through.

"Look, Trynia.....you know that Paul loves you. That's not an issue," she said through the door. "Either way, you guys will be great parents. I know it's not exactly how you planned things to turn out, but everything will be alright. Believe me."

"I know..." Trynia said, voice muffled through the door. There is a sudden silence.

"And who knows? Maybe you're not, and you just have a cook who can't make chicken soup worth a damn."

"Well? You ARE going to tell me how it turns out, right?"

"Uh... what does a fuzzy line mean?" Trynia asked, emerging with the EPT in hand. "It seems... inconclusive."

"Give it a few minutes," Terri interrupted, grabbing the box and unfolding the scrap of folded paper that constituted the directions. "It says here that any type of line should be construed as a positive test".

"Are you sure?" Trynia asked, tucking a tendril of hair behind one ear.

Terri looked at Trynia and mutters, "Sorry. Maybe we just didn't see it well enough. Maybe we're wrong."

"I've missed two periods," Trynia muttered, her stomach twisting again.

"Tryn, this looks like a plus sign to me. I mean, look. This line here.....it's definitely there."

"I'm usually on cycle... but this... I don't think..." stammered Trynia, knees shaking. Terri glanced to her friend, shock spreading over her again.

"Oh man..." she says, and tossed the test onto the sink. She brushed past Terri, into the living room. Tearing her glasses off, she threw them onto the coffee table. Flopping down onto the sofa, she buried her head in her hands. Quickly Terri followed her to the couch, sitting next to her and grabbing Trynia's hand. Crying, Trynia buried her head in Terri's shoulder as her friend gave her a close supporting hug.

"Sometimes....SOMETIMES these are wrong."

"So much for planning, huh?" Trynia sniffed. "Paul Junior makes an early appearance..."

"Well, he and his new best friend Jacob at least have that in common," Terri laughed, patting her back. "Look, now for the hard question. How are you going to tell Paul?"

"Well, why am I crying Terri?" Trynia asked, wiping away tears. "This is what I wanted right? so why am I so scared?"

"Part of it is probably that your hormones are going haywire. The other part is probably that you just got overwhelming news. You haven't even had time to decide if you are happy or sad," Terri said, holding her friend out at arm's length. "And EVERY new mom is scared."

"I bet you were terrified. Oh god..."

"But look at how much your baby has.....a loving home....a mom and dad whom will give the moons and stars for him.....plenty of money.....the best in housekeepers."

"Yes Terri I know... I just... But how in HELL will I tell Paul?"

"Tryn, you will be a GOOD MOM! Look at me..."

Trynia turned a tear stained face to her, and listened to her friend intently. "This isn't you breaking an expensive vase and having to tell daddy like a bad girl....."

"I know... but my parents..." she sniffed, wiping away a tear with a tissue Terri handed her.

"This is a baby that you and Paul conceived together. That man had every opportunity to put on a condom and he didn't," Terri said. "And Paul's no fool, which leads me to believe that he WANTS this baby."

"I know. Why am I so damn worried about my parents? I mean hell we're getting MARRIED!" Trynia groaned.

"Yes....yes you are."

"What does it MATTER when it's born?" Trynia asked.

"That's a tough one," she sighs, "because I know how your mom and dad are."

"Well, there's nothing I can do now. I can't send it back." she laughed through tears.

"And most likely Mr. Stanley has noticed your lack of a period. He's probably been dying to ask you about it, but he's probably afraid too."

"Yes..." she nodded.

"No, and you either don't tell anyone, and announce it after the honeymoon, or you just tell mom and dad and remind them you are a WOMAN and can make your own decisions. And just hope your dad doesn't take an axe to Paul's head" Terri chuckled knowingly.

"And well... I guess the Eisens will be thrilled to know they have a grandkid coming," Trynia nodded, trying to look on the bright side.

"Yes, they will, only there goes Mrs. Eisen's theory that Paul is a virgin," she laughed back, glad to see Trynia cheering up. Even though Trynia laughed, she still cried a bit. Hugging tightly to Terri, she accepted the warm supportive embrace and firm pats on the back.

"It's going to be OK, Trynia. You know it is."

"Yes.. but will you stay with me, when I tell him?" Trynia asked.

Before Terri could answer, both heard the sound of a car pulling up, its engine turning off. Over Trynia's shoulder, Terri glanced out the window. She left Trynia there, leaping up from the sofa and rushing to get a better look.

"Shit, it's THEM! I thought they were eating lunch out?" Terri snapped.

Wide eyed, Trynia trembled in terror and gasped, "Oh my god!"

"Let me see. Hang on," Terri said, walking to the front door. She answered it, admitted Paul. Trynia's heart pounded her blood rushing quickly out of her face.

"Hey, new momma! It's good to see you out and about" he smiled at Terri, kissing her cheek.

"I thought you boys were going to lunch?" Terri commented.

"Hey there, love of my life," Gene laughed, taking Terri into his arms and kissing her right on the lips. He was second to walk in, long leather coat sheathing his tall form. "You keeping Jacob out of trouble?"

"Well...uhhhhh.... Martin's had a 45 minute way to get a table, and uhhh...so we decided to come back here," Paul explained, closing the door behind them. He eyed Trynia. Unknown to her and Terri, the real reason he came back was because he sensed she was upset on the phone.

"I figured it wouldn't hurt... to come see if you were behaving yourselves," Gene laughed, his arm around Terri's waist as they walked into the living room after Paul.

"Trynia, hey there," Paul said, walking over to her.

"Hey Tryn, you ok?" Gene asked, noticing how nervous she suddenly looked. "Why so shy? You're man's home!"

She smiled slowly and let Paul kiss her softly on the cheek. Slowly she backed away, and said, "I need to get something from the kitchen. I put some tea on..."

"Great honey..." Paul smiled and watched her walking away. Gene and he exchanged a glance, and the former turned his attention to where Terri fussed over Jacob in his carrier. He blinked up at them, staring in confusion.

"He's been a perfect angel here with us ladies all the time. Didn't cause a single problem. Takes after his dad in that regard." she winked and kissed Gene back.

"Yeah, little guy, you been behaving for the lovely ladies, huh?" Gene asked, reaching over to pick up Jacob and quiet the fussing baby.

Trynia returned with a tray of tea, almost dropping it as she set it down on the coffee table. Jittery, she set about pouring tea for herself and Paul, and fresh hot coffee for Gene and Terri.

Paul glanced over at Terri, as if to ask if he's in the dog house.

"Tryn, you weren't planning something we crashed were you?" Gene teased as she handed him a cup. "Some hot surprise for Paulie here..."

"Hey, look, guys, just make yourselves at home here. Thanks Tryn love. Pour me a cup will you? Just let me use the bathroom here real quick."

Trynia wrung her hands, and could not speak as she poured him a cup of tea. As Paul walked toward the bathroom, she noticed Terri's sudden look of horror.

"The pregnancy test!" she mouthed to Trynia.

"Love I..." Trynia suddenly stammered out, pushing before Paul. He stopped and carefully examined her, noticing how she breathed heavily.

"OK, it's something I can't see and it's in the bathroom. This DEFINITELY has me infinitely curious," he winked.

"Oh god... I... how can I say this..." she breathed.

"Gene, what can two women do in the course of 2 hours that is so evil that I can't use the bathroom?" he winked toward Gene, who held Jacob on his knee, a cup of coffee in his other hand. He glanced at Trynia's shaking knees.

"Are you all right?" Paul asked Trynia, who had suddenly blanched pale. She looked down, and moved away for a second.

Terri piped in, "It's just that Trynia's been a bit sick, and maybe you don't want to use that bathroom.... I mean, not right now."

"Okay," Gene laughed.

Paul looked at Trynia and raised an eyebrow. "It's obviously something we interrupted."

"Oh lord..." she stammered, wringing her hands.

"You need to sit down, sweetie? You don't look good at all," Paul asked, hand on her shoulder in concern.

"I... oh man..." she gasped, hand before her chest.

Terri seized Gene's hand, and looked pleadingly toward Trynia, "Yes, I definitely think you're right. Maybe we should go?"

"Now what is going on here?" Gene asked, frowning.

"Trynia, I want to know... why are you so nervous... jeez, you are scaring me here... if we interrupted something important..." said Paul.

Trynia's eyes rolled in the back of her head, and she pitched forward, feeling faint. Paul catches her as she falls, a look of shock on her face.

"Uh oh..." Gene gasped, "What the hell..."

"Holy shit! Terri, what is going on here? If she's this sick, we need to get her to the emergency room." Paul cried, grabbing his fiancée and steadying her. Terri looked shocked and ran over to her.

"No, Paul, not right now. Let's just put her on the couch and give her a minute. I think.... She just needs some space..." she babbled, trying to help grab Trynia and walk her over to the sofa.

"Damn... what did you do?" Gene demanded, passing Jacob to Terri and helping Paul to pick up Trynia and lay her down on the sofa. Once she was safely stretched out, Paul whirled on Terri, "Space, my ASS! Something is going on here and I want to know what it is."

"Terri, spill it!" Gene demanded. "What the hell is this about?"

"Have you guys been EXPERIMENTING with something? I'll not have DRUGS in my house!" Paul shouted, his eyes flashed at Terri.

"Paul, would you SHUT UP?" Gene shouted at him as Jacob began to cry. Terri handed Jacob to him, and whirled around on Paul, eyes flashing with anger.

"Oh, YES, Paul" Terri snapped. "I loaded her up with Quaaludes and spun her around really fast 50 times. Its kind of a sick thrill do that to ALL my friends!"

The two continued to glare at each other, as Jacob howled in Gene's arms. Paul knew that Gene was helping with Trynia, and for the moment turned his anger toward Terri. Gene struggled to quiet the upset baby in the midst of the argument, to no avail.

"Paul, would you just calm the hell down?" Gene bellowed at him. "You're NOT helping my kid, or Trynia!"

"I...think we need to call 911!" he wildly ran his hands through his hair. "I've NEVER known Trynia to pass out."

"Wait... she's coming round," Gene said, leaning over.

"Well, SHIT, maybe you should have thought about that before..." Terri started, but immediately silenced herself.

Trynia blinked and looked up at Gene, puzzled, "What happened?"

With a wet cloth Terri rushed over and handed it to Gene. He wiped her face off, with Paul leaning anxiously over Trynia on her other side. Carefully he set Jacob into his carrier, relieved that the baby had quieted down. Thank god for the simple pacifier, he inwardly reflected.

"You fainted doll... and scared the shit out of Paul," Gene said. He patted her hand and rubbed her forehead.

"It's nothing, honey. The guys just came home and you must have been feeling a little dizzy. You passed out, right in Paul's arms," Terri assured her.

"Oh god... I fainted?" Trynia asked groggily.

"Honey? Oh, God. Are you OK?" Paul asked, taking her hands.

"Do you need an ambulance?"

"No. I..." she sighed deeply, and looked at all of them. Paul rubbed his hands up and down her arms to calm her.

"Do you want us to leave?" Terri asked her. "Gene and I.... We can go."

Paul looked at her with confusion in his eyes, still rubbing Trynia's hands. He felt a stab of fear shoot through him seeing her in such a state. What on earth had he stumbled in to?

"I suppose..." Trynia sighed. "It's best that way."

"We should. Some things are meant to be shared by two. Come on, Gene," Terri said, nudging him to stand up.

"Whatever, but I want to know what is going on here," he snaps at her. He picked up Jacob's baby bag and carrier.

Paul looked to Trynia, his eyes narrowing. She sensed he was beginning to piece it together. Together Gene and Terri moved to the entryway, placing Jacob in his carrier. Gene opened his mouth to protest, but she silenced him, "We'll hear about it, love. Just give them space."

Paul watched them exit, and said nothing, continuing to rub Trynia's arms and thighs. She wrung her hands, unable to look him in the eyes. He closed his eyes very tightly. Only the slam of the door and the sound of a car engine starting interrupted the sudden silence. Paul kept his eyes tightly shut.

"You know, it's funny..." he started.

"I can't even tell you something without being overly dramatic," she sighed. "I faint like some damn heroine in a romance novel..."

He smiled at this, but still didn't open his eyes. Softly he said, "Do you know what I am doing right now?"

"No." she choked, feeling his hands close around hers as he knelt there before her.

"I am praying to God that you will tell me what I want to hear." he replied softly.

"Paul... I threw up today... I just hardly ever... but this last week..."

He looked at her with wide eyes, waiting anxiously for her final declaration. "And then I've missed a few periods... And now me fainting..."

"I have to hear you say It." he whispered.

"Paul, go into the bathroom. There's something you have to see," she said. He stood up and slowly walked to the bathroom.

"And then Terri asked me... how long I felt like this... and she said she had an extra one at home... I thought she was nuts... And then it all came together.'

The door was ajar, Paul glancing around in the small bathroom to search for whatever it was. His eyes fell upon the plastic rectangle with the small round circle of cloth, with a distinct plus sign visible. Eyes set upon it his heart pounded quickly. Reverently he picked it up, carrying it into the room with him.

"Is this what you wanted me to find?" he asked softly.

"Paul... I think I'm going to have a baby," she finally stammered out.

"I didn't want to say anything till I knew for certain..."

He said nothing, glancing down at the small scrap of evidence in his hands, stroking it slowly. Trynia asked, "Paul... I am so scared... why am I scared?"

Very serious, Paul handed her the pregnancy test. Releasing her hand, he stood up and walked toward the kitchen. Separated by space, both their hearts pounded for the same and diverse reasons. Trynia greatly feared his next reaction, wondering if she had done something wrong. Hugging her knees she drew them up on the sofa and huddled there like a small child.

She heard a popping sound in the kitchen, followed by a loud scream. Her ears perked up; fear prickling her skin and pulsing adrenaline through her already stressed body. A loud laugh split the air, and she whispered, "What the..."

Emerging from the kitchen, Paul smiled widely. In his hand, he carried a bottle of champagne, brimming over with foam on the floor. AT sight of this Trynia laughed, tears releasing the tension she had held for so long inside.

"I take it this means..."

"I got this.... This...this.... Bottle of champagne from Doc on the night we sold out Tiger Stadium in 40-some minutes..." he said, giddy with happiness.

"You... are kidding me!" she gasped.

"I've been keeping the damn thing for all this time. For the right occasion. The right woman. The right time..."

"Aww damn it Paul... you really never cease to amaze me!" she laughed, as he sat down next to her, and plunked a champagne flute before him and poured a glass.

"I am soooo.... Damn.... happy!" he sputtered, taking her hand. "This baby.... you will never regret it. Not for one single second."

"I guess Paul Jr. couldn't wait for the wedding night..." she chuckled, wiping away tears.

"No, I guess not," he laughs giddily, "Is this going to mess up our story when we try to tell him his mom was a virgin on her wedding night?"

"This is silly, but I knew those prenatals were good for something... damn... I think it blows your rep to hell!" she laughed.

"Yeah, my mom's going to have a question or two about MY supposed virginity, huh?"

"Oh man... my parents..." she groaned.

"If Aaron didn't get her to doubt, this one SURELY will." Paul laughs so hard, he was in tears.

"Not to rain on the parade..."

"Look, sweetheart, we'll handle it. We'll just talk to them, and tell them that we couldn't wait. I refuse to refer to the baby....our baby (he puts his hand on her stomach) as a "mistake". He just came sooner than we thought. An overachiever already."

"Yeah... overambitious," she laughed. "And no child is a mistake. Just a surprise. An early wedding present."

"I love surprises.....and I love you" he snuggled up to her, smelling of champagne in his hair. She laughed and leaned over to kiss him.

"So do I..."

He took the bottle and drizzled some champagne lightly in he hair. She squawked, "Hey! ACK! I took a shower this morning!"

"Here. You can't drink it, of course, but I want you to party with me." his eyes twinkled at her.

"Aww CRAP!" she groaned. "I can't drink ANYTHING FUN ANYMORE!!!!"

"Nope," he said. "And you NEED to watch your caffeine intake too."

"Aww shit..." she groaned. "Decaff coffee ok?"

"Hmmm, maybe one cup every other day," he smiled, sipping some champagne.

"Argh... something tells me I'm not gonna like some parts of this..."

"But look at it THIS way. You get to buy a whole new wardrobe."

"Or borrow it from Terri," Trynia said practically.

"I LOVE maternity clothes," he purred. "I think they are wildly erotic."

"Paul, not to sound dumb, but how long can we continue sex till..."

"Oh, all the way through. Until you don't want to do it any more."

"GOOD!" she said with relief.

"But in the last trimester, we'll have to get creative. It will be like Paul's Hip, take 2."

"Oh god how much weight am I gonna gain," she chuckled. "So you are going to drink all the damn wine for both of us then?"

"Yes, my love. I only have your BEST welfare at heart. As much as the baby needs, so just don't worry your pretty head over that. "

"Thanks..."

"You don't have to worry that I won't want you anymore," he teased. "I remember how big Terri got."

"Thank you. My mom gained at least 25 or 30..."

"And really, there might not be an reason to lose it afterward, because we might want to get pregnant right away again."

"Oh what if I have twins, funnyman?" she asked, nudging his knee. "My parents will LOVE you."

"I'm not worried. I can afford them" he tickled her. "The more grandkids the better..."

"Then they can spoil them ROTTEN!" Trynia chuckled.

"They have to get past ME first, because I'm going to be the King of Spoils, if you know what I mean.:

"OH do I! And think... this kid will have your TOTAL attention."

"I think we need a little boy first, then I think we need two little girls" he laughed, nibbling on her ear.

"What if I have all girls or all boys?" she asked. "Or will u make me keep trying till I get both sexes represented?"

"Well, I think it would be great to have a boy for Aaron to play with, but on the other hand, I'd love to have a little daddy's girl to cling on my leg too."

"A little bitty girl who actually WELCOMES my lectures of wisdom," he teased.

"Yes... You have LOTS of practice with that..."

"And when I tell her how it's going to be, she'll look at me all doe-eyed and say, "Oh, daddy, whatever you think I should do."

"But oh man... I can't imagine what it will be like..." Trynia chuckled.

"And she won't date until she's 29, and she'll never go to rock concerts and pick up old rock stars and have sex with them. Not MY pretty angel" he roared, sipping champagne again.

"Oh listen to you mister 180!" she tickled him.

"Hey, now that's OK for your DAD's daughter. As a matter of fact, I LOVE that your dad's daughter did that. I just don't want MINE to." he winked. Softly he draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him to kiss her. She braced her hand against his chest, smoothing it as she returned his kiss.

"Thank you" he whispered. "I know that I sort of had to talk you into this. I know you didn't really....want it now, maybe....."

"But I am so damn happy right now and I don't care what anyone thinks or says."

"I wanted it too, Paul..." she whispered, kissing his cheek. "So badly..."

"But I feel kind of badly, putting you in a position where you might feel shame in front of your parents. I'm sorry for that. Not for this (he touches her stomach again lightly), but for that.

"Well, we ARE getting married."

"Of course. The sooner the better."

"And it's not like this is the FIRST time this happened in my family," Trynia admitted. "Uh, my oldest brother... was born six months after my parents married."

"Aha, I see. So we're not the only ones."

"Yes... So they have NOTHING on us."

"It's the women in your family. They're just so hot, we can't stay away" he teased.

"Aww," she laughed and blushed.

"And I only have one request....that we name him Stanley Harvey Eisen II." At this, he looked at her seriously, but she sees the twinkle in his eyes.

"Really?" she asked. He burst out laughing. "How about Stan?"

"No! I wouldn't do the Stanley Harvey bit on the poor kid. God knows I had to deal with it long enough."

"Well what if it was Stanley Michael... Or a very NICE middle name?"

"Now, see, that's not bad, unless we are planning on calling him Stanley Stanley," he teased as he poured more champagne.

"Well I like the name Eisen. It is a nice last name."

"Really?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Yes... it is."

"Linda would never even consider that."

"I don't want it... to stop," she added.

"Sooooo....you going to take it too? You'd have to be prepared for people to stop calling you a good little Irish girl, and start calling you a good little Jewish girl," he teased.

"Trynia Eisen!" she piped in. "That will sound REALLY good on the wedding announcements, won't it?"

"I like it," he smiled, sipping more champagne.

"Yes... And it's less of a target for some dumb assed fans. Of which I am."

"I agree!" Paul nodded. "But not with you being a dumb assed fan. So stop putting yourself down or i'll have to drag you into the bedroom and show you some manners. And you've just gone up about a thousand notches with my mom. I'm the last male in the Eisen line, and blah blah blah. You know the rest."

"Well you won't be the last anymore. But if I have girls... will you make me keep trying for a son?" she half teased.

"It's up to you, honey. I honestly don't care as long as they are healthy and look like you....and sing like me" he teased, nibbling her ear.

"How about singing like ME?" she rested a hand on her hip.

"And sleep well for us on Sex night, which is, consequently, every night."

"Oh yes. I have to admit, I miss you when you're not in my bed," she purred.

"Ok,....OK!" he roars with laughter, "Let me correct that. He'll play GUITAR like me. You can't argue with that one. I've SEEN you play."

"Ack no fair!' she cried again.

He held the bottle of champagne as it was a guitar. It splashed more champagne on the hard wood floor. "Now, WHERE is that chord again?" he mimicked her. "For some dumb assed fans. Of which I am."

"Shut up you!" she scolded, leaning up and ticking him. He laughed very hard as he tried to get away and still mock play his bottle of champagne.

"You know what, though? My song's all messed up!" he pouted. "How am I going to sing I Will Be There? I swear to only one? What am I going to sing? 'I swear to only five?'

"What?" she asked. "What was THAT?"

"Stop the presses!" he giggled. "I have to write a new song."

"Oh boohoo. You can do it... in your sleep!" Trynia pursed her lips.

"Yeah, but only if I'm properly babied. It's not easy being me," he said, giving her the mock pout again.

"Well boohoo, You're gonna have to join the human race."

He grinned widely at her, "You know what? I'll bet it was that music room and my tie-down tactic. I think that's when I got you pregnant."

"Really? Do you think so, Paul?"

"I mean, I hate to boast, but I was HOT that night" he said, rising up to slap his ass.

"You were, Mister Sexy pants!"

"So HAHTTTTT....we're going to have to call out....... The Baby Maker!" he yelled.

"THE FIREHOUSE!" she shouted.

"Yeah, that too!" he laughed, tears in his eyes. Trynia hugged him, taking the glass and champagne from him and setting them down. He pulled her along with him to lay across the sofa horizontally. Eagerly he kissed her back, tasting of champagne.

"Mmm," she laughed, slipping her tongue into his mouth. The sweetness of the champagne he had consumed shared between them, her body warm and inviting in his arms. He pulled back suddenly.

"What?" she asked, afraid something was wrong.

"Hey, look at me getting all hot and bothered, and there you are, about ready to pass out."

"Paul... honey it was nothing!" she groaned. "I'm fine now!"

"Do you feel like something to eat, Hon? Or drink?" Paul asked, sitting up and gently moving her off his lap. "Or maybe you just want to rest. I mean, I want you just as badly as I always do, but we have to think of you first. And the baby."

"Oh lord you're getting into that Jewish father mode," she groaned half-joking.

"Well, he's got half of those genes in there with him, you know, so get ready for TWO of us to nag you some day."

"ACK!" she groaned. "Irish/Italian Jew. That's going to be one heck of a legacy."

"But look, why don't you spread out on the couch for just a bit. We'll find something on TV and I'll make you a light snack."

"All right if you insist," she relented. "I'll let you take care of me... once in a while."

"I'll even be a stand-up guy and clean up my own champagne mess. Not ANOTHER word then" he said, imitating his mother. "You NEED to eat, dear. You're wasting away."

"Oh good lord, I can hear my gramma Merino... Are you going on a fast? Put some MEAT on those bones girl!" she says in an Italian accent. "Mange! Mange!"

He laughed, "You're eating for TWO now, you know."

"I've heard THAT before!"

"See, little guy, you just sit riggggggghhhtttt here on daddy's new couch and make yourself comfy. Daddy's going to get momma a nice glass of water and some crackers!" He talked in baby voice to her belly.

"OY!" she groaned.

"Seeeeeee, now is daddy's little guitar player NICCCEEEEE and comfy?" he teased.

"Oh brother."

"You need to rest up because tomorrow's lesson includes how to replace a broken string, and you don't want to miss THAT one, do you, little pumpkin?" he cooed, enjoying her laugh.

"Well don't leave ME out!" she pouted.

"Shh..." he teased. "We're bonding. Now, listen up, my pet. Repeat after me. Daddy's way is the best way. Daddy is the Law. I will MIND my daddy."

"Oh knock it off!" she groaned. He grinned mischievously at Trynia.