> Alex was fussing over Julia, claiming all kinds of things about how she
> would look and take being a mother in stride. She even broached the
subject
> of shopping to which Nick spoke up and interrupted them with a dry
comment.
>
> "Now we're in trouble. Alex has a shopping spree planned."
>
> Alex half whapped his arm with a mock indignant expression "Hey!"
>
> Julia couldn't help but chuckle at their banter, at the same time using
the
> hand she was holding the glass in to brush Alex's hands away good
naturedly
> "You have months to fuss, pace yourself before you wear me out."
>
> At Alex's idea to do a little shopping Julia rolled her eyes but agreed
> "Okay, but not today. I have to get going to go help Reese at her Aunt's
> house.. after I pick a little something I'll be needing."
>
> She added the last part with a sideways glance at Derek, squeezing his
hand
> which she was holding.
>
Derek:
Derek was a bit taken aback by Nick's reaction action to all this. He
returned the younger man's hug. It meant a lot ot him that Nick seemed so
genuinely happy for them. He had been really worried about Nick's reaction
to their relationship before, the pregnancy only concerned him more on this
count. Nick was like a son to him and he was afraid of loosing that
relationship with him. Even though Nick and Alex were together now, Nick
had felt something for Julia at sometime. That was one of the many reasons,
he'd kept his feelings for her completely to himself. After all, Nick was
much closer to her own age and they had a lot more in common. "Thank you
Nick," Derek replied a small flicker of pride coming into his eyes. Pride
for this son that wasn't really his and pride for the baby that was on it's
way.
He held Julia's hand tightly, tending ot agree with Nick regarding Alex's
shopping spree. Derek smiled at Julia's refusal to go shopping that day.
"We have a date," he told the pair. "Which means you two will need ot baby
sit if Kat ends up back here tonight."
