Chapter 27: EPILOGUE

^ONE YEAR LATER^

Steven’s first birthday was in full swing, with family and friends gathered to celebrate. As Kurt entered, he found Kat in the kitchen, arranging candles on the cake to be taken outside.

“Kat, thanks for lending a hand.”

She smiled at him. “Of course. Isn’t it crazy how time just zips by? Feels like Steven was born just yesterday.”

He nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. “I know. And before we know it, he’ll be off to school, getting hitched, and having kids of his own.”

Kat laughed. “Hold your horses, Daddy. We’ve got a while before that happens.”

Kurt looked at Kat, concern etching his features. “You’re looking a bit pale, Kat. You okay?”

She waved him off. “Yeah, I’m good.”

He wasn’t convinced. “No, something’s up. I’m your brother, Kat. I can tell when you’re not being straight with me. What’s going on?”

She sighed. “All right, I’ve been feeling a bit worn out lately, but it’s nothing serious.”

He took the candles from her, setting them on the counter. “I have a feeling you’re keeping something from me. Are you pregnant?”

Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. “How did you…?”

He grinned. “So you are?”

She quickly hushed him. “Keep it down, Kurt! Someone might overhear. Yes, I’m pregnant, but Xander doesn’t know yet.”

He looked surprised. “Why not? He’s been hoping for this.”

She shrugged. “I only found out this morning. If I told him, he’d announce it to everyone the moment we walked in.”

He frowned. “And what’s wrong with that?”

She sighed. “This is Steven’s day. I didn’t want to steal his thunder by having everyone fuss over us instead.”

Kurt placed his hands on her shoulders. “Always thinking of others first, aren’t you? I’m really happy for you, Kat. And telling Xander now won’t take anything away from Steven. You should tell him. Today.”

Just then, Xander’s voice echoed from the doorway. “Tell me what?”

They both turned to see him standing there. Kurt picked up the cake, shooting Kat a reassuring smile. “I’ll take this out. You stay here and tell him.”

As Xander approached her, Kat lowered her gaze. He gently lifted her chin. “Kat, what’s Kurt talking about? Should I be worried? Don’t keep me in suspense. What’s going on?”

She shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong, Xander. It’s not bad news. I just wanted to wait until after the party to tell you. I took a test this morning.”

He looked confused. “A test for what?”

She laughed. “Oh, Xander. You’re a smart man. What do you think I mean when I say I took a test? Figure it out,” she said, a wide grin spreading across her face.

Realization dawned on him, and his gaze dropped to her stomach. A wave of joy washed over him. “You’re pregnant.”

She laughed. “Took you long enough. Yes, we’re having a baby. You’re going to be a daddy.”

He scooped her up, spinning her around before setting her down and pulling her into a deep kiss. “I’ve been waiting to hear those words. I thought you’d decided against having a baby.”

She shook her head. “I made up my mind that night in the car after Steven was born. I just wanted to wait until I was pregnant to tell you. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

He grinned. “This is the best surprise you could ever give me. So, you’ve been trying since that night and didn’t tell me?”

She looked worried. “Are you mad at me?”

He shook his head. “I could never be mad at you. Let’s go tell everyone.”

She held him back. “Not now, after the party.”

Just then, Clara popped her head in the doorway. “Hey, you two, we’re about to sing Happy Birthday to Steven and help him blow out the candles.”

They waited until the party was over and Steven was tucked into bed. Then, as the adults started their own celebration with drinks, Xander shared the good news. Everyone was overjoyed and showered the couple with congratulations.

The men teased Xander about the impending end of his sex life and warned him about pregnancy hormones. Xander didn’t care. He was looking forward to every moment of it, except maybe the lack of sex. But he knew that wouldn’t change—Kat loved it as much as he did.

As the weeks flew by, he began to understand what the guys meant about those damn hormones. Some days, Kat was sweet as pie. Other days, she was grumpy, and everything he said seemed to set her off.

One night, he brought her a glass of milk in bed and suggested she drink it. She snapped at him. “Ever since I got pregnant, you’ve been dictating what I eat and drink. You bring me milk every night and tell me to rest all the time.”

He tried to explain. “Sweetheart, the book I bought says these things are important for you and the baby.”

She rolled her eyes, got out of bed, and stood before him. “Where is this book? I want to see it.”

He retrieved the book from his bedside table and handed it to her. He was glad she wanted to read it, but he was in for a surprise.

She took the book from him, walked over to the window, and threw it out. He rushed over and looked out to see it lying in the rain. The book would be ruined.

“Why did you do that?” he asked, bewildered.

She crossed her arms. “I’m tired of you making me follow everything it says. I want to enjoy my pregnancy. I know my body and what it needs. We don’t have to follow everything it says.”

He started to speak, but she cut him off. “You just wanted to control me, to prove you’re the boss. Well, let me tell you something, mister: You’re not my boss, so back off.”

He was taken aback. He’d never seen her this angry before. He wasn’t sure what to do—should he apologize or just keep quiet and get into bed? He was still contemplating when she spoke again.

“Xander, take off your pants and get into bed. Mama needs some love.”

A smile spread across his face. The change in her tone and the look in her eyes told him she wasn’t mad anymore. He quickly undressed and climbed into bed, more than happy to give her what she wanted.

After that night, he stopped monitoring her every move and what she ate. He let her enjoy her pregnancy. But he still insisted she have her glass of milk every night at bedtime.

Six months into her pregnancy, she was in bed, flipping through a magazine of baby furniture. “Which one of these cribs do you like best?” she asked, pointing to the two she had picked out.

He studied the two options before him, his gaze flicking between them. After a moment of contemplation, he pointed to one.

“I’m partial to this one.”

“But I prefer the other one,” she countered.

“Honey, this one is more practical. It’s the perfect height for picking up the baby, and it’s sturdier,” he reasoned.

“But it’s so plain. The other one is brighter, more cheerful. It’ll make our baby happy,” she insisted.

“And how do you know it’ll make the baby happier?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I just do. We’re getting the one I chose. Now, let’s move on to the dressers. Which one do you like?” she asked, already moving on to the next item.

He rubbed his forehead, a small smile playing on his lips. Why did she ask for his opinion if she had already made up her mind?

He couldn’t win. No matter what he chose, she would choose the opposite. Even when he agreed with her choice just to make her happy, she would change her mind. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was doing it on purpose.

“All right, we’ve made all our choices. We can place the order tomorrow. I’m so glad you helped me pick out everything we need for the baby,” she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

He rolled his eyes, making sure she didn’t catch him in the act. As if he had a choice. “Glad to help,” he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.

As the weeks passed, the baby’s room was painted and furnished. She loved the way he would touch her growing belly, the way he would talk to their unborn child. They could have found out the baby’s sex, but she wanted it to be a surprise.

Xander and Kurt were in his home office, signing some papers.

“You must be excited about the baby’s arrival,” Kurt said, looking up from the papers.

“I can’t wait,” Xander replied, his eyes shining with anticipation.

“My sister has been giving you a hard time these past few months, hasn’t she?” Kurt asked, a knowing smile on his face.

“When you warned me about the hormones, I didn’t believe you. She’s gotten better, but sometimes she drives me crazy,” Xander admitted.

“What did she do this time?” Kurt asked, his curiosity piqued.

“The other night, she wanted me to make love to her. I refused because she’s so far along, and she accused me of being gay,” Xander said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Kurt choked on his coffee, laughter bubbling out of him. “You’re kidding!”

“I wish I was. But that’s not all. When I tried to make love to her, she pushed me away and asked me what I thought I was doing. Her exact words were, ‘What do you think you’re doing? God, I’m nine months pregnant. How dare you try to have sex with me now.’”

Kurt laughed even harder. “That’s hilarious.”

“It is, and I wouldn’t change a thing. My parents are coming soon to help when the baby arrives. They’re excited to meet their grandchild,” Xander said, his voice filled with warmth.

***

The next day, when his parents arrived, Kat was overjoyed. She loved how Jean fussed over her, always agreeing when she was told to rest and eat properly.

Xander couldn’t help but chuckle at how compliant Kat was with his mother’s orders. Whenever he tried to tell her to rest, she would get mad and accuse him of being bossy and controlling.

A couple of days before her due date, Xander came home from a business meeting to find the house empty.

“Mom, where’s Kat?” he asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

“She went for a walk,” Jean replied, her voice calm.

“You let her go alone?” he asked, his worry evident in his voice.

“Honey, she said she needed some fresh air. She’s a grown woman, don’t worry so much,” Jean reassured him.

“I’ll go check on her,” he said, already heading for the door.

When he stepped outside, he didn’t see her. He started walking further, calling out her name. When he couldn’t find her, his worry turned into panic. He kept calling for her until he heard her voice. It was coming from the woods.

He started running, ready to scold her for wandering so far from the house. When he found her, she was on the ground, leaning against a tree.

“Xander, over here,” she called out.

“Kat, are you okay? Why are you out here?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

“I saw a stray kitten and wanted to rescue it. It was so small and helpless. I think the baby is coming now,” she said, her voice shaky.

He scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to the house. He told his parents he was taking her to the hospital and asked his mother to bring Kat’s overnight bag to the car.

“Here, son. Your father and I will follow you as soon as I turn off the oven,” Jean said, handing him the bag.

He held her hand as they drove to the hospital. Her contractions were only seven minutes apart, which meant she was close to giving birth. He just hoped they would make it in time.

“Hold on, we’re almost there,” he reassured her.

“Hurry, I don’t want to give birth on the side of the road. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to your mom and stay inside,” she apologized.

“It’s okay, don’t worry,” he said, squeezing her hand.

When they arrived at the hospital, she was taken in immediately. Her contractions were closer than when they had left the house.

If they thought Kurt and Clare's baby came fast, it was nothing compared to their baby being born twenty minutes later. They had made it just in time.

“He’s so beautiful,” she whispered when they placed the baby in her arms.

“He’s amazing, just like his mother. Everyone is here, so I should let them know. I’ll see you when they move you to your room,” he said, kissing her forehead.

“It’s a boy!” he announced when he saw his family.

They hugged and congratulated him, eager to know when they could see Kat and the baby.

They were overjoyed when they met the newest addition to their family, Shawn Frederick West.

Clara was so happy that she started crying, declaring that their sons would grow up to be best friends.

***

Kurt and Clara would go on to have two more sons. Three years later, Kat and Xander had a baby girl named Kathleen Jean West - the middle name was in honor of the grandparents. Mark came and visited several times throughout the years.

The End