Special Thanks: To Mary and Laura for their wonderful help, advice and lovely contributions to the creation of this update. As always, thanks to Stoley for her friendship and for faithfully putting up the updates. To my love, Monica for her support and understanding with my writing passion!

Comments are happily accepted at Cruise1313@aol.com.

Part XV

The morning sickness was just as bad. When Rayne was home she tried to be as loving and caring as possible and it worried her to see Lark so sick. Of course, if you asked Lark she would say it's because she was overreacting from reading her numerous pregnancy and baby books she had purchased. Lark knew she had to have purchased the entire pregnancy and childcare section of 'Barnes and Nobles' bookstore from the looks of her home office. She thought it was adorable the way Rayne was throwing herself into the research for her pregnancy and for the baby, but she was driving her nuts by worrying about every little thing. No matter how much she tried to convince Rayne that the bouts of morning sickness were normal, Rayne was adamant that they double check with the doctor. They did and just as Lark had told her, the doctor said it was normal. She did indicate to ease the morning sickness she could eat many small meals during the day. She explained that Lark's body requires all the nutrients to sustain her and for the development of the fetus, that's why she feels so hungry when she wakes up, making her feel very nauseous.

Rayne advised Marcia to prepare small, healthy meals for Lark to eat throughout the day despite Lark's pleas for junk food. She knew she could sneak some here and there when Rayne was gone and hoped Marcia wouldn't squeal like a pig each time Rayne came home. So far so good. When Rayne was home she made sure Lark had plenty of fruit and crackers next to the bed so Lark could snack during the night. Rayne had thought about pretending like she was asleep so she wouldn't have to make a trip to the kitchen for something more substantial every hour, something her buddy Mary advised to do when she called for some advice. She didn't take it; instead, she decided that she wanted to share as many of the same pregnancy experiences as Lark. She wondered how Lark got by when she was gone quite frequently on her trips. She imagined Lark had the house staff bring in the small refrigerator that they kept sodas in by the pool and stocked it full of food sitting it next to the bed. She knew how sneaky Lark could be and wouldn't have put it past her to come up with that scheme.

She could have done without the nausea part she shared with Lark. No, it wasn't sympathy nausea; it was from watching Lark eat some seriously disgusting food's she had cravings for! Tuna on vanilla ice cream was hideously disgusting for her and yes, Lark devoured it. It wasn't a pretty sight and Rayne wondered if she'd ever be able to eat vanilla ice cream after that sight! She was thankful it wasn't mint chocolate chip, her favorite.

Rayne constantly had to travel for work and made a point of flying home as much as possible to be with Lark even if it meant coming home only for a few hours. Her frequent flyer miles were adding up that's for sure! Rayne and Tom had taken on a cat and mouse game with a criminal they were trying to nail for his computer crimes, but the little pocket protector wearing computer geek was somehow able to get away from them just when they thought they had caught their man. Problem was, he had many allies to help him, which made him very elusive. As much as she wanted to be switched to a different team, she also wanted to nail the bastard who amongst many of his crimes had sexually exploited children. She thought of how one of those children could be her own and it drove her to see this one out. She explained the situation to Lark and she was in full agreement that Rayne stay with her assignment and nail the sick bastard for what he had done to so many children. The crimes she shared with Lark that he committed were terrible, but she didn't tell her everything he had done to them. She had seen many horrific crimes through her work that didn't faze her, but what this man had done sickened her to no end and she wanted to get him in the worst way.

She felt guilty that she had to spend so much time away from Lark and the baby, so she instructed Marcia to place a white rose on their 'Aphrodite' statue every morning for Lark. Her mother had always told her that in trying times a couple should place a white flower which is a representation of their love and purity of intention, in a very special place in their home to remind them that love always has the final word. Their special place was the statue of 'Aphrodite'. It represented Rayne's love and intention to share her life into eternity with Lark. Lark's response to finding Rayne's note and rose was an emotional one as you could imagine. She broke down and cried, for hours. Of course, her hormones were raging and she was unable to control her tears, but it was so romantic, loving and special that Lark couldn't react any other way.

Lark watched Rayne pace back and forth beside the table she lay upon and smiled at her lover's nervousness. She wondered what was going through Rayne's head as she scratched her chin with one hand in deep concentration looking down at the floor and held the other hand on her hip. Pacing…back and forth, back and forth…completely oblivious to everything around her. "Rayne." Lark drawled trying to get her attention. "RAYNE!" She quickly retorted as Rayne's head shot up looking at her.

"Hmmm…?" She asked questioningly. "Sorry." She shyly grinned and moved closer to Lark. "Are you okay?" She asked worriedly, slipping her hand into Lark's and gently pushed her stray strands of blonde hair off her forehead as she lovingly looked down at her.

"I'm fine. It's you I'm worried about." Lark replied smiling and rocked her hand within Rayne's back and forth.

"Aah…why? I'm fine." Rayne asked, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly.

"Because you're pacing back and forth nervously, you're about to rub the skin off your chin and you just agreed to take me on an all day shopping spree." Lark replied and chuckled when Rayne's eyes widened surprised at her last comment.

"I did?" She asked astonished that she would agree to such a thing and smiled bashfully when she saw Lark was unable to contain her laughter, realizing she had been duped. "Very funny." She snickered embarrassed and looked around the room before returning her attention to Lark.

"I had to do something to see that sexy smile of yours and figured that was the best way to snap you back to reality." Lark smiled, slipping her palm up on Rayne's cheek and lightly stroked her tan skin with her thumb. She moved her hand to the back of Rayne's neck and pulled her down for a kiss. She broke the kiss, staring deeply into the blues that were only inches from her and whispered, "Stop worrying, the baby will be fine."

Rayne laughed and was surprised that Lark knew what she was thinking. "How'd you know?" Rayne asked smiling.

"I know you all to well my dear." Lark confidently and teasingly replied with a wink. "Besides, when you're worried you scrunch up the skin between your sexy eyebrows." Lark revealed with a chuckle and lightly smoothed out the said skin with her thumb.

"You caught me." Rayne laughingly admitted and kissed Lark.

"Isn't that right doctor?" Lark asked with a smile as she heard the doctor enter the room, referring to her confidence that the baby was fine.

"I'm sure of it, but let's take a look any way." She smiled confidently and sat on a stool next to Lark as the technician began the ultrasound test. Rayne intently stared at the screen trying to figure out what the camera was showing as Lark clutched Rayne's hand tightly and did the same. Her heart pounded nervously as this scan would determine whether the baby would have any congenital malformations. They were desperately worried about that as any parent would be. It would also tell them if there are multiple pregnancies and to verify dates and the growth of the baby. It would also give them a clearer picture of the baby unlike the first ultrasound that only showed a blob on the screen.

They were at the eighteenth week of the pregnancy and had wanted to tell the family at the end of the first trimester, but couldn't manage to get everyone's conflicting schedules to merge together. They decided to tell the family on the only possible date that they could all be together, June 16th, Rayne's father's birthday. What a birthday present he was going to get!

The pair anxiously peered at the screen along with the doctor and technician. Rayne felt her eyes instantly water when she caught sight of their baby. "There's the baby!" She excitedly replied with a proud smile pointing at the screen and looked at Lark who's own tears of joy streaked her face. Her heart pounded uncontrollably at the sight of their baby.

"Yep, there's your little bundle of joy tucked safely inside of mommy." Dr. Garzon smiled, looking at the pair and back to the screen.

"Wow! I can't believe how clear the picture is of our baby." Lark tearfully replied gazing at the screen in astonishment.

Rayne gently squeezed Lark's hand and leaned down kissing her. "Our baby is beautiful." She lovingly whispered and watched Lark's small smile grow in intensity. She stood back up and looked at the technician. "Could I get some pictures of the baby?"

"Absolutely." She smiled and moved the sound head to a different location over Lark's abdomen.

Lark smiled adoringly as she watched Rayne's enthusiasm and excitement who intently watched their child within her move about on the screen. She had never seen so much joy in Rayne's eyes as she did at that moment. Her heart fluttered from the happiness and love she saw in her lover's blue eyes when she looked back at her. Their gaze met and locked on one another, their eyes said everything they felt and meant to each other.

Their gaze was interrupted when they heard the technician reply, "Doctor," in a low tone alerting her to what was on the screen.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Lark worriedly asked, looking at the doctor whose gaze was fixed on the screen.

"Is there something wrong with our baby?" Rayne anxiously asked and felt Lark's hand clench hers in fear. She broke out in a fiery sweat and felt her heart beat faster.

"No, actually your baby is perfectly fine. She was pointing out the sex of the baby. Would you like to know it?" She asked, smiling at the relieved pair.

"Aah…no, right?" Rayne answered, expelling the subconscious breath she held and looked at Lark for agreement.

"We would like to be surprised." Lark grinned and focused on the baby. She chuckled when she saw Rayne squint for a better look. She knew what she was thinking, 'just how can they tell anyway? It looks too confusing.' Lark thought looking at the screen and remembered that all of Holly's ultrasound pictures looked unidentifiable. In fact, they were wrong with Matthew as he was supposed to be a girl! She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Rayne's voice.

"So, our baby is fine doctor?" She asked with trepidation, trying to reconfirm her previous comment that the baby was perfect. She wasn't sure how she would handle the news if she said there was something wrong with the baby.

"Yes, there is nothing present that either of us can see that would indicate anything other than a perfectly healthy baby. The baby is of normal length and position for this time of the pregnancy. Everything looks great!" She confidently replied with a reassuring smile.

"That's great…wonderful, awesome!" Rayne happily stammered and felt the butterflies in her stomach stop their dive-bombing activities. She was so nervous she felt sick to her stomach and was relieved to hear the wonderful news, not to mention, Lark released the death grip on her hand. She wondered how long it would take for the blood to come back into her hand, if it would at all!

"Oh, that is such great news doctor!" Lark tearfully replied and couldn't control her emotions, breaking down and crying harder.

"Oh, baby." Rayne softly replied and pulled Lark into her arms. She held her emotional lover tightly and comfortingly rubbed her back. She was unable to keep her tears in check as they slipped down her cheeks. She nervously glanced over at the doctor and technician feeling very subconscious about displaying her emotions in front of them. She had a hard time showing her emotions in front of Lark much less in front of strangers. She chuckled when she saw they were wiping their own tears.

"I'm sorry…I'm just so happy." Lark tearfully apologized as she pulled back from Rayne staring at her.

"There's no need to apologize honey. You're happy, I'm happy…show it. I am!" Rayne laughed, her embarrassment of crying in front of strangers completely vanishing. She lovingly smiled and gently wiped Lark's tears away. "I love you so much sweets." She whispered, closing her eyes and delicately kissing the love of her life.

She felt Lark gasp and break the kiss, tightly wrapping her arms around Rayne's neck. "I love and adore you Rayne." She whispered in her ear and put a huge smile on Rayne's face. She loved to hear Lark tell her that. After a brief moment they broke the hug and watched as the technician cleaned Lark's stomach off.

The doctor comfortingly placed her hand on Lark's shoulder and smiled, "We'll do another ultrasound three weeks before you're due to check the positioning of the baby before delivery…Okay? Enjoy your second trimester, it gets a little easier now." She smiled with a wink and patted Lark's shoulder before walking towards the door.

"Thank you doctor." Rayne smiled and watched as she waved back with a smile exiting the room.

"Here are a bunch of pictures of your baby. You can go ahead and get dressed now, you're all set." The technician cheerily informed them, handing the pictures to Rayne who eagerly checked them over.

"Thanks." Rayne replied with a grateful smile as the technician exited the room. "Here let me help you." Rayne lovingly offered, eagerly assisting Lark up from her supine position.

"You're so sweet." Lark answered smiling and fixed her mussed hair as Rayne held up her shirt for her. Lark pulled the hospital gown off and handed it to Rayne who put it on the bed. Lark looked down, "Damn my breasts are huge!" She exclaimed with a chuckle and looked up at Rayne who had a mischievous grin on her face.

"I know…I love them." She replied, unable to hide her enjoyment and wiggled her eyebrows.

"No funny ideas. Those are for the baby!" Lark teasingly warned, pointing at Rayne to emphasize her point as she slipped on her shirt.

"I know, but it doesn't hurt anything if I thoroughly enjoy them does it?" She grinned wickedly.

"You are so bad." Lark grinned puckering her lips with a snicker and squeezed Rayne's cheeks together, pulling her closer for a kiss. She broke the kiss and released Rayne's cheek, "Take your princess and baby home woman."

"As you wish my sweet and precious baby." Rayne grinned and lovingly rubbed Lark's tummy. Rayne offered her hand to Lark as assistance to get off the table.

"Ooh, chivalry is not dead!" Lark teased with a laugh.

"Not with me around it's not." Rayne cockily grinned and grabbed Lark's pocketbook and hand exiting the room.

The women arrived home to find Jayce's car in the driveway. "Rayne, we should talk to him before everyone gets here." Lark reminded her, thinking he might feel uncomfortable finding out she's pregnant at the same time the family does. They were happy they had good news to announce later that evening, as it would have been a long and painful evening if they had received bad news from the doctor regarding the baby.

"Yeah, I planned to do so." Rayne answered and held the door open for Lark who exited the car. She slipped her arm around Lark's waist as the pair headed towards the front door.

They entered the house to find Jayce exiting the kitchen with a drink and chips. "Hey, ladies!" He grinned and sat at the dining room table.

"Feel free to make yourself at home." Rayne sarcastically replied closing the door behind her.

"Oh, Rayne. You're going to embarrass him." Lark snickered and lightly slapped Rayne's arm that chuckled. "Do you want to talk to him by yourself or with me?" Lark whispered, turning her back to Jayce and faced Rayne.

"Hmmm…what do you think?" She asked unsure, glancing over Lark's head towards her brother who sat devouring the chips, oblivious to what they were discussing, then turned her gaze back to Lark.

"I think you should talk to him first, he may feel uncomfortable in front of me." Lark advised and lightly rubbed her finger over Rayne's chest.

"Okay, I'll talk to him and if…aah, he has any questions, then I'll give you a shout." She answered nervously, hoping she could talk everything out with him without bumbling it. She wasn't very good with the heart to heart chats, that was Lark's job, but she knew she had to do it seeing as it was her brother.

"Sounds good to me." Lark answered and stopped Rayne who attempted to pass by her. "Try not to take too long, I'm very horny and I want you so bad." Lark seductively whispered in Rayne's ear who jumped astonished by Lark's flirtatiousness and looked at her.

"Aah…Lark…aah." Rayne stammered looking at the wanton look Lark had on her face.

"Hurry my love." She sensually whispered and headed down the hall with a snicker, unheard by Rayne. She loved to make her blush and boy did she ever with what she just told her. Oh, sure…she meant it…she was hot for Rayne in a serious way, but she loved to tease her and make her blush.

Rayne peeked her head down the hall, still in amazement of what Lark had told her and swallowed the lump in her throat. She suddenly felt a flush of warmth spread throughout her at the thought of making love to Lark. She wiped her brow and focused her attention on her brother. She casually strolled over and sat next to him. "Hey, aah…I need to talk to you about something." She nervously replied, trying to figure out what to say.

"I know…I owe you some money. I promise, I'll get it to you as soon as I get paid." He nervously offered and stuffed a hand full of chips in his mouth looking at his sister with a hopeful grin she would go easy on him.

"That's not what I wanted to talk to you about, but thanks for reminding me of that fact." Rayne chuckled and saw the surprised look on her brother's face.

"Damn cats out of the bag!" He laughed, as did Rayne. "So, what's up?" He asked looking at his sister.

"Well, we wanted you to know first. Lark is pregnant." She blurted out and felt relief that it was over. There was no easier way than just saying it flat out.

He sat silently and leaned back in his chair, absorbing everything Rayne just said to him. He was trying to sort out his feelings as well. After all, he was the donor. "Wow…that's great. I'm so excited for you both." He answered smiling and somewhat stunned.

Rayne placed her hand on his and looked at him. "Are you sure you're okay with all of this?" She worriedly asked from the look on his face.

"It's a little late to ask that now, isn't it Rayne?" He chuckled, as did Rayne at the question.

"I guess so, but you…" She attempted to explain, but was interrupted by him.

"I understand what you mean Rayne. It's really weird knowing that I donated my sperm to the baby and that I would be the father in any other case, but I have tried to prepare myself for this day since we did all of this and I'm completely cool with everything. I'm glad I could help you both out." He reassuringly smiled.

"I'm so glad to hear that, you're sure…right? I understand it has to be weird for you little brother."

"It is weird. I can't guarantee that I won't spoil the baby more than I already do with the boys, but I plan on being the best uncle the baby could ever have and I promise you that if anything ever happens to you that I will always be there to take care of Lark and the baby. You have my solemn word on that Rayne." He wholeheartedly assured her looking deeply into her eyes.

"I knew you would feel that way and I appreciate that so much. As much as I always hated to admit it as I never wanted to be a softie to you…I aah, I think you're a great brother and you've always been my favorite." She shyly replied and sniffed back her tears as she squeezed his hand. She smiled when she saw his astonished look and hugged him. "Thanks." She whispered and held him close.

"I knew you loved me." He jokingly replied with a huge smile. It meant so much to him to have heard that from Rayne as he absolutely adored his sister and had always wanted her to feel that way about him. He knew she loved him, but it was very special for him for her to admit it to him.

"Of course, I do, but if you tell Shay anything I told you, I'll deny everything." She chuckled and broke the hug.

He smiled and winked, "Your secret is safe with me sis."

"It better be." She teasingly demanded and looked behind her when she felt Lark's hand slip onto the back of her neck. She smiled and looked up at Lark, sliding her arm around Lark's waist.

"Is everything alright?" She asked worriedly and twirled Rayne's dark hair in her fingers.

"Oh, Rayne was trying to get all mushy on me and I had to set her straight." He cockily teased with a chuckle shoving a chip in his mouth.

Rayne laughed and shook her head in disbelief of her brother and moved the chair back, guiding Lark down on her lap. Lark's arm moved around Rayne's neck and rested on her shoulder. Rayne put her arm around Lark's waist and her opposite hand on her slightly expanded abdomen. She lovingly smiled at Lark who kissed her forehead. "Jayce, we wanted to ask you to be the baby's godfather. Would you be willing to accept?" Lark asked, as they looked at Jayce for his answer.

"Wow! I would love that…thanks!" He exuberantly answered and felt his eyes water as his own emotions were overwhelming him.

"Great!" Rayne smiled and pulled Lark closer to her.

"You're okay with us telling the family everything about you being the donor right?" Lark asked, hesitant that he might have a problem with it.

"Perfectly fine. I would have been upset if you both would have gone elsewhere for a donor. The baby should be a Morgan-Donovan baby and if you want more children, you know where to find me." He honestly answered with a proud smile.

"I think I felt the baby move Lark!" Rayne excitedly exclaimed as Lark looked down at her hand.

"I felt it too!" She enthusiastically answered and put her hand on her stomach. "There it is again!" She laughed and looked at Rayne.

"It's very subtle, but it's there. This is so awesome! My books said that the baby begins to get more active about now." Rayne proudly informed everyone.

"Can I feel the baby?" Jayce asked, looking at Lark for her approval.

"Of course." She smiled as he leaned over and placed his hand on her stomach. "I don't feel anything."

"Move your hand to here." Rayne replied and guided his hand where she just had hers. "Feel it?" She asked holding her hand on his.

"No, nothing." He disappointedly answered. "Hey…it's your uncle Jayce. Can you squirm around for me?" He asked in a soft tone. "Still nothing." He answered and moved his hand sitting back in the chair.

"Let me see." Rayne replied and put her hand on Lark's tummy. "Don't you want to say hello to your uncle Jayce and move around for him sweetie?" Rayne asked in a sweet voice. "There's our baby." She grinned proudly and felt the baby move again.

Jayce put his hand there and felt nothing. "I'm bummed, the baby doesn't like me." He mockingly pouted sitting back in his chair.

Lark put her hand where Rayne's was and didn't feel anything either. "I don't feel the baby moving under my hand, try it again Rayne."

Rayne put her hand where Lark's was and felt the baby move again. "The baby is moving honey." Rayne smiled and intertwined her fingers with Lark's over the area.

"I think the baby is responding to your touch." Lark grinned and felt the baby move under their hands. "This is so incredible!" Lark excitedly smiled and kissed Rayne.

"It's wonderful honey." Rayne whispered deepening her kiss, her heart aflutter, feeling their child move for the first time.

Lark broke the kiss and hugged Rayne. "I'm still waiting for you to take me to bed and make love to me." She whispered in Rayne's ear sending a flush of blood straight to her sex.

"Isn't it time for your nap honey?" Rayne asked, looking up at Lark holding her watch out for her to look at with an arched brow, hoping she would play along with the ruse.

"Oh, yes it is. Care to join me?" She asked with a sly grin.

"Sure, I'll lay down with you for a little while before our guests get here." She lovingly smiled as they both stood up. "We'll see you in a couple of hours bro."

"Sure thing, I'm going to catch up on some of the basketball games I've missed lately. Have a nice nap." He smiled and rose from his chair following the women down the hallway. He entered the 'sports room' as the women entered their bedroom suite.

No sooner did Rayne get the door closed than she was attacked by Lark with kisses. "I am so hot for you Rayne I can barely stand it." She replied breathless, her hands roaming Rayne's body and her kiss desperately seeking Rayne's.

"Oh, you are so sexy baby." Rayne whispered and passionately kissed her, grasping Lark's firm backside.

"Do you still find me sexy, now that my breasts are huge and my tummy is getting bigger?" She insecurely asked looking up at Rayne for her answer.

"You are beautiful and there is nothing sexier than making love to a pregnant woman, especially when she's you." Rayne sexily replied and smiled. She lifted Lark up in her arms and kissed her deeply, carrying her to the bed.

"I want you so much Rayne. I need to feel you touching me, kissing me and loving me. I have this burning desire for you like I've never had before." Lark breathlessly professed, staring into Rayne's eyes as she gently lowered her to the bed.

"That is a wonderful desire that I don't mind satisfying at all baby or at anytime." Rayne seductively whispered, lowering herself onto Lark and passionately kissed her. She had heard that pregnant women have an insatiable sex drive and planned to fully fill that desire she knew Lark would possess. She was going to relish it. Not that they didn't already have a very healthy sex drive, as always, she wanted more and she couldn't get enough of it. This was her chance to have it at anytime and as much as she wanted to her heart's content. 'Man…am I going to love this portion of the pregnancy.' Rayne inwardly thought, as her tongue traveled down Lark's curvaceous body seeking to satisfy Lark's desire.

To Be Continued…

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