Two months later,

Dean and Sam had been gone for over a month. Dean insisted it was there Iowa tour. He phoned Ari every couple of days to tell her he missed her desperately. Ari felt bad that she had a secret from him. So far only her new diary/journal knew.

Dear Journal,

I have not had my period since Dean left town. I am overdue by at least three weeks. I do not know if a baby would be welcomed in our life right now. But I do know I could never abort Dean's child. What am I going to do? I have considered packing up my things to move on, but I love Dean so much. Besides, I cannot move Amber again. She loves her animals and longs for Sammy to come home, just like I anxiously await Dean's return. This was so not how I planned it. I can only guess our one night of repeated lovemaking somehow counter acted my pills. Now I really need to get to a doctor and make sure if there is a baby that it is healthy and safe. What have I done?

Ari tried extremely hard to appear as though all was well with her, she did not want Amber to worry that her mom was sick. She had very little morning sickness so she felt her secret was safe. It was good that they had the half bath in her and Dean's room. Jo as well as Chet had gone on the hunt with them so she had the house to herself until Missouri arrived one day for a visit.

Missouri had a smile on her face as she faced Ari from the other side of the screen door.

"Hey," Ari said she knew who the woman was from the description Sam had given her.

Despite the fact that she was fairly certain it was Miss Moseley she asked her a question she hoped few knew. Once that was answered she smiled before she opened the door.

"I do not mind a bit of a test, you need to be careful these days. You do not look well," Missouri said as she followed Ari up the stairs. She did not want to concern her hostess but anyone who could change into another person or possess them would know the correct response to how old Sam was when his mother died. She would discuss that with her later.

"Oh, I'm fine," Ari said not quite certain about the ladies abilities.

Missouri sat her bags down in the kitchen as she had a look around. She seemed impressed just by her expression as she took in the tidy house, as Ari watched her.

"You can have Sam's room if you like," Ari suggested after a few moments of not knowing what to say.

"That's fine, I'm sorry I didn't call ahead I thought you might be lonesome with the boys away and Jo," the older lady said as she sat her bag down again in the room.

"Oh it's good you came I could use some company. Not many hunters through here the last couple of weeks. Ellen has been good about passing the word but I have had only one that was not announced and I had to use my training to make sure they were Kosher," she rambled.

"Looks like you are doing a fine job," Missouri said as she followed Ari to the kitchen.

"I hope so."

"So does Dean know about the baby?" Missouri asked.

Ari nearly dropped the teapot she had been about to fill. She swallowed, the woman had not even touched her. Maybe because she was the only one in the house it was easier to read her.

"Um, well no. I really do not know what I am going to do," Ari confessed.

"Why Honey, you are going to have a little Winchester. You don't need to be afraid to tell Dean. I know how he is but a baby is a gift…, " the older lady said with a smile.

"Oh, I do not think he would like this news."

"That boy loves you, you need to keep that in mind. He will be happy maybe not right away I guess. You know Dean is an enigma, but he is a good man just like his father and Sam."

"So I shouldn't worry?"

Missouri shook her head.

"Worry is bad for the baby, he will understand, I guarantee you that. Now where is your little Amber?"

"Oh, the man that sold us the horses took her out for a bit to ride. He is a nice guy."

"You trust him alone with her?"

"Oh absolutely," Ari smiled.

There was a noise outside then the back door opened and closed. Footsteps sounded on the stairs as Milton and Amber came in with grins.

"Hey you two," Ari said.

"Hi Mommy. Who is the lady?" Amber asked as she stood in front of Missouri.

Missouri thought the little girl was the spitting image of her mother, a beautiful child. She certainly hoped that the horseman was not a pervert. She touched the little girl's curls and was relieved to find no anxious energies present. She also seemed happy and well behaved.

"Oh, this is Missouri, Sam and Dean's friend who helped to raise them. She is staying a while."

"Nice to meet you," Amber said with a grin as she reached to touch Missouri's braids.

The older lady beamed at the little girl. Milton smiled as he said hello. Missouri did not like him at all, but she was quiet and only nodded. Ari prepared tea for the adults and chocolate milk for Amber. They sat at the table for a while as they discussed the weather and pets. It seemed Missouri hadn't had a pet since she was a little girl and could not wait to go out with Amber to see the puppy.

Milton got up to leave as soon as the older lady and Amber left the kitchen.

"Thanks for taking her out," Ari said as Milton put his cup in the sink.

He was a bit close to her so she moved away to clean off the table.

"It wasn't a problem. Hey my niece is coming down next week maybe Amber can ride with her, she is the same age."

Ari bit her lip as she hesitated. She really needed to stay away from Milton though Amber needed friends desperately since it was summer and she would not start preschool for a month.

"I really don't know, usually I ride with her, how about I let you know, I just wasn't feeling well today," she said so that he would leave.

"I know well, see you later then," he said with a smile as he left.

She knew Dean would not be happy that he was hanging around even though it was not with her so much as the horses. She looked at the window to see Missouri as she sat on the bench in the shade and watched Amber and Sammy Doo. Ari washed her hands to go out to join them before the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Ari, Baby, how are you?" Dean asked.

"I'm fine, the question is how are you? You are the one out there fighting evil. "

"I'm great. Hey my geeky brother had a vision last night."

"Really?" she said as she bit her lip.

"Yeah, it was a vision about us having a baby. I told him that had to be a prophecy, something way in the future," he said with a smile in his voice.

"Um, yeah that would be something for later after we finally say our I do's," she said as she stalled.

"Exactly, but in this vision you had twins. I told him it was the pizza," Dean added.

"Pizza will do that," Ari said unconvincingly, though she added a little laugh.

I know I need to tell him, why can't I just do it?

Dean asked her how things were going at the house, since they had not spoken in a couple of days. She let him know Missouri was there to stay a bit.

"She never liked me much but I am sure she will like you."

"She said good things about you, Honey, I think she is all bark and no bite if you think she does not like you."

"Maybe."

"I love you," Ari said a bit hesitant.

How can I say that when I am with important information from him? And a baby no less, she took a deep breath.. She had no idea that Dean could hear the fear in her voice. He did not let on. He would give her time to get whatever it was figured out. If he were home it would be easier but he was hundreds of miles away and maybe her secret was better off kept until he could hold her again.

"I love you too. I will let you go for now, tell Amber and Missouri I said hello too."

"I will, talk to you soon, and stay safe, okay."

"Of course," he said as he handed the phone to the nurse.

Ari wasn't the only one with a secret. Dean had been laid up with a broken leg for almost two weeks. He had fractured it as he fell from a rooftop. He was blessed to not have broken his back though he still had a brace on it. The doctor insisted the way he had fallen had saved his life. Sam walked in the room with Jo and Chet.

"Did you phone Ari?"

"Yes," Dean said as he reached for the book on Iowa urban legends.

"I don't suppose you told her about you accident."

"Nope."

"Stubborn ass," Sam said as he took a seat and reached for the remote.

"Jerk," Dean said as Jo rolled her eyes.

She had considered phoning Ari but Dean had threatened her within an inch of her life when she looked as though she had the idea to call. She still wanted to stay on his good side so she had resisted the temptation.

Three days later, Ari went to her doctor's appointment. She had insisted to Amber that she would bring her back a surprise if she would stay with Missouri and be a good little girl. Amber agreed with a big smile a she waved at her mother as she backed out of the drive in her Mustang. Ari arrived at the doctor's office with two minutes to spare she went in right away to see the doctor. He was a tall Caucasian man with white hair and a kind smile. She liked him right away.

It was a basic exam and it was confirmed that just like the little stick had told her two days before, she was definitely pregnant. She could not stop the tears as the came while she put her clothes back on. Well, I will need to get used to that all over again, she thought as she sighed. The doctor came back in to give her some iron pills, a pep talk and another appointment date then she was on her way. She stopped at Wal-mart to grab a couple of treats for Amber and while she was there she roamed the infants department. She daydreamed about having a baby boy for Dean, and wondered how he would look. She was lost in thought when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

She turned to find Milton stood behind her with a grin on his face.

"I thought that was you," he said.

"Yep, just getting a couple things for Amber," she said as she showed him the paint set she had picked.

"Oh, okay. You know someone who is having a baby?" he asked.

"No, I was just looking at all the small outfits they are so tiny," she said as she led him away from the area.

"Yes, I hear babies start out small," he teased as they headed toward the register together.

She had noticed he held a pair of flip-flops and some deodorant. She did not have much to say to him, mostly because she did not want to break down and cry in front of the man who had made known to her that he still had interest in her despite her engagement. Her plan was to break all contact with him unfortunately she had not known how to explain to her daughter why they couldn't see him, yet. He wasn't a bad guy but it felt wrong for him to be around when Dean was gone. She knew Dean did not like Milton because of his attitude or his desire to have her. She couldn't blame him though she looked over the fact that Jo, who had proclaimed to love Dean was still around.

She sighed when she was in the car again. She took a deep breath as she took out her cell phone. I need to tell him, it's only right. She phoned four times and no one picked up. She put the phone back in her purse as she wondered where he could be, though he could easily be out hunting, since that was why he was away. She waited a few minutes with the hope that he might call back. She wasn't a fan of driving and talking at the same time.

Dean heard the phone but since he was flat on his back and unable to reach it he had to wait for Sam to come back up from the cafeteria.

"Any time will be good Sammy."

"Damn it, Dean give me a sec," he said as tried to balance the phone, his plate of food plus a drink.

"Sorry, Francis I forgot your big hands were clumsy."

"Jerk."

"Bitch, Just give me the phone," he said with a smile as he took the cell from his brother.

Ari had just given up waiting to start the car when the phone rang. She shifted back to park before she grabbed it.

"Hey."

"Hey Sweetie, you called?"

"Yeah I need to tell you something," she said as the tears came again.

"Go ahead."

He could hear the nervousness again. This was the reason she had been fearful before.

"I'm pregnant Dean, I just found out for sure…."

"Pregnant? What the hell, Ari?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't plan this, I promise…."

Sam looked as his brother. Why was he angry?

"Wait Ari…"

Dean felt as though he couldn't breath he wanted badly to get up from the bed and hit something. Damn it. Deep breath. She isn't the only one responsible.

"I know you aren't happy but I want to keep it, if I have to leave then I will…"

"Ari, I…"

"Please don't be mad at me."

"Ari, listen okay," he said with a sigh.

He wasn't good with change and lately changes had come rapidly. But a baby?

Sam mouthed, "She's pregnant?"

Dean pointed to the door, so Sam would leave the room. Sam rolled his eyes as he picked up his snack to go outside the room.

"Stop talking," Dean snapped.

Ari was silent. She knew he wouldn't be happy about her announcement but she had not been ready for him to be angry. But he had that right, they had tried to be careful most of the time.

"Ari, I need to think okay, can you give me some time?" he asked with less anger in his voice.

Breathe, I love this woman. But, good Lord why now? I need to think. Breathe.

"Sure," she said simply as fear gripped her heart.

"Okay," he said before he hung up.

Ari sat in the car with the cell in her hand. She couldn't move. He thinks I did this on purpose, Oh God. Milton saw her in the car and came over.

"Hey I thought you were gone, are you okay?"

"Um, yeah I'm fine. I have to go," she said as she tried to smile as she started the car while he stood stunned outside.

She backed up and drove away as he watched.

Dean had his eyes closed when Sam came back in the room.

"Dean I know you aren't asleep. What did Ari say?"

"Nosy, that would be my business."

Sam scrunched his face up.

"You didn't tell her you are in the hospital, again."

"Yeah well Francis I have other things on my mind now."

"I heard you say she was pregnant."

"Mr. Eavesdropper, I didn't say she was pregnant, she did," he said as he frowned up at his brother whose mouth dropped open.

"Just like in my vision?"

For a moment Dean had forgotten the vision, so much of it he had yet to reveal to Ari, of course at the time he didn't know it was an actual possibility.

TBC

Ari was ready for bed before Dean called her back. She lie on the covers reading a book as she tried very hard not to think about hearing from him. She knew he would call when he was ready. When the phone rang, she sighed before she picked up.

"Katarina," he said with a smile in his voice.

"Don't," she said with anger as a vein throbbed in her forehead.

"Don't what?"

"Try to sweet talk me."

"What?"

"Don't play dumb, you call me that because you know it turns me on and earlier you were….angry like it's not your baby too."

"I was surprised.. I needed to think."

Maybe she was right it was pass time to turn her on. Sam looked in the window to see Dean roll his eyes.

"About what? It's our baby, I am having it here or somewhere else," she said as she leaned back on the bed with her arms over her stomach.

"Ari, please, you had to know I would be surprised."

"Yeah , I figured that but, it wasn't all my fault I got pregnant. I felt like you had to decide if I could have this baby, that isn't right."

"I agree," he said as he tried to appease her anger, he added "I am partially to blame, it's our baby like you said. I want you there at home pregnant, not anywhere else."

"Are you sure? I mean I will love this child either way, can you say that?"

"Yes."

Both were quiet for long moments. He had not considered that she might be upset by his response. It had not been the most loving. He knew she was stubborn sometimes but he hadn't meant to hurt her feelings.

"Ari, you know I am not good with this emotional stuff, I will probably make a horrible father."

"No, you are a gentle person when you want to be, you will be fine."

"I hope so."

He closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry I was angry, I just wished you were here then you …"

"It's okay. I do need to tell you something."

"What?"

"I am in the hospital."

"What?" she asked as she leaned up on the bed.

"I was in an accident a couple of weeks ago."

---

He told her about the fall off a rooftop. He explained how he had broken his leg and pulled a few muscles in his back, though there was more to that part that he did not share. He emphasized how lucky he had been to make it out alive. His heart had taken the fall well and there were no problems in that area.

"All this time you have been calling me from a hospital bed?"

"I didn't want you to worry. And now that I know you are expecting I am glad I didn't mention it."

"Okay, so you are doing well?"

"Yeah they are letting me out at the end of the week."

"Good, then I can beat you to a pulp for keeping things from me, once you are better," she teased.

Dean laughed, spitfire woman.

"So now that you're preggers, can we still make love?"

Ari laughed as she leaned back to close her eyes.

"Oh absolutely."

"Good to know," he said with a smile.

----

Missouri was glad to see a smile on Ari's face the next morning.

"So you talked to Dean?"

Ari nodded as she had a seat at the table where Missouri had placed the meal.

"Oh, you didn't have to go through this trouble if I get up late we just have cereal."

"No problem its fun to cook, I love it," Missouri said as she rubbed her round stomach.

Ari smiled her thanks.

"Where is Amber?"

"She went to get the pictures she painted this morning, she asked to put them on the refrigerator and I assumed it was okay."

Amber came in the room with two watercolor drawings. One of Missouri and one of her and Ari.

"Those are nice," Ari said.

They were very detailed for a four year old. Ari raised an eyebrow as she watched Missouri as she reviewed the pictures.

"Very nice," she said to the little girl as she used the magnets on the door to hang them.

"Okay, Munchkin, sit down before the breakfast gets cold."

"Okay, Mommy," she said with a smile at the two woman as she took a seat.

---

Later that evening after Amber was in bed Missouri spoke in low tones to Ari in the living room.

"I think your daughter has a gift. I mean besides being extremely smart for her age her drawings were more than good."

"I saw that." Ari said.

"Is there any history of genius' in your family?"

"None that I know, except my grandfather was unusually adapt in the stock market."

They both looked at one another when there was a knock on the door.

"Expecting anyone?" Missouri asked.

"No, I'm not."

A minute later, there was more knocking this time harder and more persistent. Ari grabbed the shotgun out of the pantry. Missouri smiled. They both went downstairs to the door. Missouri in front Ari behind with the gun.

They laughed when they saw it was Dean. He used his crutches to bam on the door. He looked irritated.

"Dean, what are you doing here you said you were not getting out until the end of the week."

"Glad to see your old man, huh?" he said as he grimaced from the pain in his back.

Ari gave Missouri the shotgun so she could help Dean to the downstairs. There was no way he was ready to climb stairs.

"I will let you two talk," Missouri said as she headed up stairs.

"Good to see you," Dean said to her retreating back.

"You flew?" Ari asked with a smile.

"Yes, it was horrible. I would have been terrified if it had not been for the nice flight attendants helping me."

"Oh really?" Ari said with a raised eyebrow.

She helped him prop his leg up on the sofa.

"None of them were a beautiful as you but I had to pretend to get the first class treatment," he said with a dimpled grin.

"Whatever works," she said as she pretended to be jealous.

--

Dean explained how the last couple of days he had been up and around in the wheelchair and practicing on the crutches. The doctor said that he could stay and convalesce a few more days or leave. He wanted to get out so bad he let Sam and the others have the Impala to continue the hunt.

"Sam could not stop laughing as I tried not to get sick at the thought of getting on the damn plane. What a jerk," he said with a smile.

Ari smiled. She plumped a pillow to put behind his head, though he needed two to support his back. It was a good thing the sofa was oversized and comfortable. He watched her with no desire to stop. She caught him staring but didn't mind. She missed the sight of him too. She knelt beside the sofa so she could lean in to kiss him. She lay her hand lightly on his stomach as she pressed her lips against his. This was why she was pregnant, she couldn't resist him. It was no accident, she believed it was fate.

Dean's cell rang before they were done but he figured he should answer it to tell his brother he was on the ground safely. Ari grabbed the phone for Dean from his jacket.

A piece of paper fell to the floor as she gave it to him.

"Hey Sammy."

Ari picked up the paper to see it had a phone number on it.

"Yeah I'm fine. Ari is taking care of me now I am good hands."

Ari looked at him but he had leaned back to close his eyes so he did not see the sad expression on her face. She put the paper in her pocket. I cannot believe he would do this. I should ask, I don't want to be upset. I need to trust him, there may be a reason, it could be for hunting.

"Take care of my other baby, no hanky panky with Jo in my car," Dean teased his brother.

--

Ari bit her lip as she went to the kitchen to make a sandwich for her fiancé. She felt bad about keeping the number. She did trust him, but he was only human. She sighed as she leaned on the counter. I will ask, I would rather know. She took the sandwich in to the living room with a couple of drinks. He sat up when he saw her.

"Hey you okay? You're not feeling sick are you?"

"No, I'm fine. I .. um.."

"What?" he asked as he looked questioningly at her.

"Dean this fell from your pocket when I got the phone," she said as she handed him the number.

He looked at it but it was unfamiliar to him. He shrugged.

"Ari I don't know whose number this is."

"Maybe a friendly flight attendant."

"I didn't get any numbers, I am engaged," he said as he looked sincerely into her eyes.

"No?"

"Of course not, hey let's dial it to find out. Then we will both know."

The phone on the other end rang while he stroked her face with his fingers. He needed her to believe him and hoped like crazy it was not the number a flight attendant.

"Hello?"

"Who is this?" Dean asked.

"You called, who is this?" the man said.

"Gabe?"

"Yeah who is this?"

"Oh man, its Dean. You helped us on some research in Des Moines a couple weeks ago. I'm sorry I found your number and could not remember who it belonged to."

"Oh yeah, how did that turn out?"

"Good we got everything taken care of."

"Glad to hear that."

"Yeah, sorry to bother you."

"No problem, take care."

Ari felt silly, it didn't help her emotions were in a jumble. Dean was relieved but he had known he was innocent, this time.

"I'm sorry," she said as she opened the can for him.

"Don't be, I know I have a reputation with the ladies."

"I trust you, I really do."

"I guess my goofing around earlier didn't help."

"Let's forge it."

They split the sandwich since Dean had eaten on the plane, but they ate in silence. After ward, Dean told Ari about Sam's vision. She was floored and more than a bit sad.

"Knowing that your child will die in a battle with evil, is surreal. However, maybe there is a way we can avoid this from happening. I mean we have like twelve years."

"That's true. So I may be having twin boys?"

"Looks like it."

"Double trouble?"

He laughed, " Two more stubborn Winchesters."

"What have I gotten myself into?" she laughed.

---

When they finished the snack, Dean made room for Ari on the sofa after she cut out the lights.

"I need to tell you something," she said as she leaned on his shoulder.

He touched her stomach though they had not discussed the baby, somehow just having his hand there made it all more real to him.

"More news?"

"Well, Milton has been around lately."

"What?"

"Just with the horses and he took Amber riding a couple of mornings when I felt sick."

"Oh?"

"It meant nothing to me, but it was nice for Amber."

"I don't want him coming around here," Dean insisted with anger in his voice.

"I know, but his niece is coming next week and she is Amber's age. I thought…"
"Ari I don't like him if Amber needs riding friends we should take her to a riding school where she can meet girls her age to ride with."

"You're right. I will let him know."

"No, I will let him know," he said as he put his arm around her and kissed her forehead.

Ari bit her lip, she knew he was right. Though she had no desire for Milton she had a feeling his coming around was just a way of him getting into her life.

"Okay, that's fine."

"You aren't disappointed you won't see him again are you?"

He tilted his head as he looked at her. He still had to get used to being in love, he certainly needed her to be in it wholeheartedly. No rivals, no men friends hanging around.

"No, not at all. I only need one man in my life."

"Good," he said as he reached to pull her close for another kiss.

---

Sam, Jo and Chet went straight to the motel for the night after they made certain Dean was on the plane.

"He is such a sissy," Jo said as she threw her bag on the bed.

Sam stood at the door.

"Funny you were crazy about that sissy," he said a bit bitter.

"Well that is all over. So your brother is going to be a father, which will be interesting."

"That I agree with. But, Dean has parenting skills, though they may be a bit dormant, he raised me and I turned out fine."

"That is true," she said as she stood in front of Sam with her arms crossed.

"Don't start Jo."

"Oh are you scared of me now?"

Sam turned to leave, he didn't want to play games with her.

"I like you but I think we jumped ahead of ourselves."

"So you didn't enjoy it?"

"I didn't say that, I just think we should know each other better before we go that route again, that's all."

"Maybe I shouldn't tell you this but might help, though no one else knows, sit down," Jo said as she blocked the door to the room.

explained to him about how she began down the slippery slope to sleeping around.

It happened at the roadhouse when her mother had gone to visit her sister. One of the hunters had gotten himself hurt and Jo had volunteered to clean him up in the backroom. After she bandaged him up, he thanked her by raping her. She was sixteen years old, but never told her mother because she thought she could deal with it on her own. Over the years, she said the time just never seemed right to bring it up. The more time passed the more she didn't want anyone to know she had been so stupid. She could attest to all the horrible victim stories she ever read. She never felt worth much, always liked the wrong men, felt for some reason like sex could make her feel better though it was always the opposite.

"Sam you were the only man that I have been with that gives a damn."

Sam couldn't help but to hold her in his strong arms as she cried.

When Ari came back downstairs after she put Amber to bed, Dean smiled at her. He had moved from the sofa in the living room to the empty bedroom all on his own.

"Looks like you don't need my help," she teased as she dropped the heavy robe she had worn just in case she ran into Chet in her attempt to get back to Dean.

"Boy that was scary I thought you had on Missouri's clothes for a second," Dean teased as he lay on the covers in only his boxers.

"Oh you wanted Missouri to come down?" she teased as she modeled her royal blue silk robe before him; it was all she had on under the heavy robe she had worn.

"No, you will do just fine, now stop teasing me and get over here," he said as she straddled his legs to lean over him.

"I will do fine?" she laughed, "I could go get Missouri for you," she added, before Dean rolled his eyes with a smirk.

(Patti)

Thinkin' back in time

When love was only in my mind

I realize

Ain't no second chance

You've got to hold on to romance

Don't let it slide

There's a special kind of magic in the air

When you find another heart that needs to share

-
She knelt down to kiss him as he caressed her body, his hands roamed to and fro over the silk that emphasized her curves. Her heart rate rose from his nearness and his touch. Her tongue teased his lips as it slid lightly across them evoking moans from him. She teased him slowly before he opened his mouth to let her tongue invade the moist lush cavern. He pulled her closer as the kiss deepened while their tongues engaged in a silent war, the only sounds were the beat of their hearts.

(Both)

Baby, come to me

Let me put my arms around you

This was meant to be

And I'm oh so glad I found you

Need you ev'ry day

Gotta have your love around me

Baby, always stay

'Cause I can't go back to livin' without you

Ari moved her hands from his shoulders to his face as she balanced herself over him. He couldn't get enough of her warmth as they continued to kiss more fervently. There body heat rose with the contact. Dean did not want her to move from her spot, she tasted sweet, even the fear that gripped his heart about the baby she carried did not deter him. When they finally released one another from the kiss their eyes locked, both full of passion, desire, longing, and love. Ari hesitantly broke the eye contact as she peppered kisses over his neck before she found a favored soft spot to suckle. Dean closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling, as she licked and bit, alternately.

(James)

Spendin' ev'ry dime

To keep you talkin' on the line

That's how it was

And all those walks together

Out in any kind of weather

Just because

There's a brand-new way

Of looking at your life

When you know that love

Is standing by your side

He smiled as she moved down to his Adam's apple to kiss it before she roamed further south. His nipples were hard from all the stimulation to his body but she kissed them too, her hands touched his muscled chest in appreciation of its satiny smoothness despite the scars he bore. She stopped her exploration then looked up to see his hazel eyes full of love for her. She was touched, though she may have insisted it was hormones she felt a tear fall to her cheek. To hide it she knelt down again to push her tongue inside his navel, a glorious inny, Dean had never met someone so fascinated with that part of his anatomy. His erection ached as she inched closer to it, his mind was muddy with the thought that he really needed her to get to the main event, but he fought the urge to complain. He adored her hands on his body too much to ruin the mood. Her hands that awakened every part of him inside and out, his poor heart was in over drive. He swallowed, then told himself to breathe, it was a turning point for him. Love had truly come to Dean Winchester.

(Both)

Baby, come to me

Let me put my arms around you

This was meant to be

And I'm oh so glad I found you

Need you ev'ry day

Gotta have your love around me

Baby, always stay

'Cause I can't go back to livin' without you

His hands were in her hair as he massaged her scalp absentmindedly before she pulled off his boxers. After they fell to the floor, she smiled at the sight before her. His erection was stiff and at the ready though the size might frighten a shy girl, Ari was used to him. She touched it lovingly, little Dean, then bit her lip as he closed his eyes again. Once she saw he wasn't looking she tried something new, as she licked up one side then down the other before she put the tip of her tongue inside the slit. She moved it gently back and forth before Dean's eyes shot open. What was that? Whoa, it felt damn good. Ari didn't realize he had begun to watch her as she got into it with her eyes closed. His breath began to come faster than before because of the stimulation that took him so close to the edge. When she pulled up again she impaled herself on his erection, immediately. Looks like it did something for her too, he thought.

(James)

The nights can be cold

There's a chill to ev'ry evenin'

When you're all alone

(Patti)

Don't talk anymore

'Cause you know that I'll be here

To keep you warm

(Oh, darling keep me warm)

She rode him slowly to start but picked up a few minutes later when she leaned up again to kiss him. He raised his uninjured leg to help her as well as add a new angle. She was agile and Dean's hands caressed her from top to bottom before she finally discarded the silk robe. The sight of her soft full breasts pleased him. He reached up to touch and stroke them as she continued to kiss his lips again. Slow and easy make it last. She was slippery wet and tight, the combination that he enjoyed most. Two months without sex, without Ari, had been torture. No solitary solution could make up for that. He reached up to place his finger on her soft spot, gently, just a tickle at first enough to help her reach her climax then he began persistent motion that rocked her insides. She trembled when she came just before he exploded inside her. He was satisfied as he sighed while she lay for a moment contented and exhausted on his chest. Welcome home.

One week later,

Sam came in the door with his bags in hand as Amber ran to meet him after seeing him out her window.

"Sammy," she said as she ran to him before he dropped his bag on the floor.

He picked her up for a big hug.

"Hey Munchkin, did you miss me?"

"Yes, Sammy, I missed you so much," she said as she hugged him tight. Sam put her down after a minute with a smile, just before Ari walked in the kitchen with her purse in hand.

It felt good to be home and welcomed even if by a little girl who seemed to adore him.

"Hey Sam, you look a bit tired."

"Good to see you too, you look good," he grinned.

"Blame that on your brother," she laughed.

"Well whatever he is doing its working," he replied.

Ari laughed, "Well we have to go to the store in a sec, I'm going to run down to see if Dean needs anything can you watch Amber for a minute."

Sam nodded.

"By the way, welcome back," Ari said as she disappeared down the stairs.

She said hi to Jo and Chet as she ran into them on the way down, Jo smiled as she dragged her bags, though the older man looked tired. Ari's focus was on her quick errand.

(Both)

Baby, come to me

Let me put my arms around you

This was meant to be

And I'm oh so glad I found you

Need you ev'ry day

Gotta have your love around me

Baby, always stay

'Cause I can't go back to livin' without you

Dean was on the sofa again with his broken leg propped up on the pillow and the remote in hand. He had been moving around quite well though he still could not get up the stairs independently. He had chosen to reside in the downstairs until he received his walking cast the following week. He smiled up at Ari when she walked in the room. She wore low cut jeans and a hunter green t-shirt that didn't quite meet up with her jeans, just a bit of tummy peeked through. Dean licked his lips as she took a seat beside him before he leaned up to kiss her alluring mouth. She sat the beer she had brought to him on the table near the sofa.

"Thanks," he said after the kiss.

"You're welcome, hey I'm going to the store, do you need anything," she as she leaned down again to brush her lips over his.

"I need you to stay here," he whispered against her mouth.

"You are making it hard to leave you," she groaned as he held her against him.

"It's my job to want you," he said before he nibbled on her ear.

She sighed loudly, the word Dean came out like a prayer.

"I'll be back," she grinned before she slowly got up.

"You know you look awfully sexy to be pregnant," he commented.

"You think? You know a lot of men are attracted to pregnant women and it only gets better from here," she said as she walked out the door with an obvious sway of her hips.

Count me in that number, how did I get so lucky, he said to himself as he licked his lips.

After they left for the store, Sam and Jo went down to talk to Dean.

"So travelers how did it go?" he asked with a dimpled grin.

"Hey are you or Ari pregnant, Dude, you are glowing," Sam teased.

"Don't be jealous she is taking good care of me," Dean replied with a smirk.

Jo laughed, "I bet she is," she said under her breath.

Dean glared playfully at Jo.

"I just meant I knew she would take good care of you," Jo corrected herself as she recalled the promise she made to herself to play nice with Ari.

"So, Sammy, you two get everything figured out between you?" Dean asked with a raised eyebrow as he looked from one to the other.

"We are good, don't worry yourself," Sam said with a slight grin.

"You mean don't worry my pretty head?" Dean asked.

Then it was time for Jo to roll her eyes. Sam chuckled, same old Dean.

At the store Ari was in a daze, she had let Amber shop with Missouri while she checked out the produce department. She wandered aimlessly for a few minutes as she sighed. It had been a week since Dean had returned home and they had yet to talk about the baby. They had spoken of the vision but not the actually baby that she carried. Inside her head, she had hoped he would catch the excitement so they could talk about her pregnancy openly. Instead, she was still waiting for him to bring up. I should have known he wasn't the type to talk babies. She knew she couldn't afford to stress over the situation the fact that he was back at home was a reason to be happy with or without baby talk. Dean is safe, that should be my focus. Deep breath, I know he will get in the spirit of things soon. At least I hope so.

The other two walked up behind Ari as she was lost in thought.

"Honey you okay?"

"Yeah," Ari said with an unconvincing look on her face.

Missouri knew what was wrong, as she lightly touched Ari's hand. Amber looked up at her mother from beside the cart.

"Tell me you aren't fretting over Dean. That boy loves you like crazy. I've seen the look in his eyes. He would do anything for you. He may never be able to explain it but I know it's true."

"I know, I really do," Ari conceded with another sigh.

Amber smiled up at her mother as Ari put her hand on the little girls head.

"I like Dean, Mommy."

"Me too Munchkin, me too," she said as she they went toward the register.

"Dean is lucky to have two such beautiful ladies in his life," Missouri said as she grinned

at the others.

That night they all went out for dinner, except for Chet who had a cold. Jo and Sam had been concerned about getting sick themselves but so far had avoided it. Chet insisted all he needed was rest as he waved to them as they left the yard. He went back inside to warm himself a bowl of soup. He ate in front of the television where he fell asleep an hour later.

TBC

Two months later, they both sat in the car in shock. Neither spoke as Ari leaned back in the seat though her hands were on the steering wheel. Dean sighed again.

"So there are two of them in there?" he said still reeling from seeing the twins on the sonogram.

"Looks like it," she said as she bit her lip.

"Okay, we can do this, right?"

"Um, yes, I guess, I still had hopes that this wasn't you know twins, that somehow that version of our life was farther down the road."

Dean took her hand in his.

"I was hoping that too, but oh well at least we know what we are working with."

"What do you mean?"

"We are having two handsome little boys," he grinned.

Ari ran her fingers over his jaw.

"Proud Papa now huh?"

"Yes and don't you forget it," he said as she leaned in for a quick kiss.

She wouldn't forget, just that satisfied look on his face was something she would always cherish. Him, finally acknowledging his babies touched her heart.

"You know seeing them, hearing the heart beats made so much difference. I guess I am still a need the proof person," he said as she stared in her eyes.

"Not that you didn't believe me and just think I was getting fat?"

"Of course I believed you, and you are not fat," he smiled.

"Just joking I know," she grinned as she started the car.

"Would you mind if we named one after my dad?" Dean asked as they backed out of the parking space.

"No of course not, I was going to suggest that."

"Thanks."

"No need, I know he was important to you just like mine was to me."

They discussed how they were going to explain to Amber about the babies and them not being married.

"You already told her a person needs to be married to have kids?"

"Yeah, a while back before this even, she always asked really grown up questions. I never thought I would need to explain myself."

Dean sighed as she kept her eyes on the road.

"Maybe we should get married."

"No, not just so Amber can make sense of us, absolutely not," she said a bit too fast for Dean's taste.

Dean crooked his head to the side. He often wondered what Ari had against marriage or even engagements. It wasn't as though he was in a rush to head to the altar but he did love her. What was he missing? Was she divorced after having endured a bad marriage? Maybe an abusive marriage she didn't want to discuss at all? He kept quiet as he watched several expressions cross her face in profile. She seemed agitated, angry, uncomfortable, not herself at all, basically.

"Ari pull over."

"What?"

"Pull over please?"

She did as he asked which was not a real big deal since they were on a back road not too far from home.

"Is there anything you need to tell me?"

Ari avoided his gaze as she sighed.

"Ari?"

Her tears flowed freely down her cheeks to land on the front of her shirt, as Dean watched not certain of what he could do. He should have known her avoidance of the engagement had to mean something. She was a woman in love why else would she have been so against it? He had never been in a relationship so why did he think he could do this at all? Did he have the capacity to make her feel loved the way she did for him? He moved over to pull her into his arms as she laid her head on his shoulders. All he could do was take a shot at listening for the moment. She took deep breaths as she tried to relax after a couple of minutes.

"I'm sorry, Dean. I didn't know how to tell you. It hasn't been that long since we have been together and I love you so much. I was afraid of what you would think of me after a while …."

"Just tell me okay," he said into her hair.

She looked at him with fear in her eyes.

"I'm married Dean.."

"What…? Who?" he moved back from her.

"The guy that wants me dead, that pimp.. we are legally married though I didn't actually agree to it."

Dean ran his hands through his hair, as she looked in his eyes. He was hurt she could feel it in her chest. He was appalled she could see it on his face. She had to convince her body to relax, de stress, breathe. When she told him about the pimp before, she should have told him the whole story. Why had she let her fear come between them? Why was she an idiot? It would be her fault if he left her like Amber's dad had. She should have known nothing good would last in her life. Something whispered, "It's okay," Ari looked around but so only sad faced Dean.

"We should go we can't sit here much longer," he said as he moved her away from him so she could start the car again."

Ari was distracted, was she hearing things? The sound came again, "It's okay," it was like a breeze except it was a woman's voice. Dean didn't seem to hear it he seemed lost in his thoughts.

They were both quiet as they rode the few miles back home. Once in the drive way Dean finally turned to her. He reached for her hand to stroke it. He still seemed sad though she so a glimpse of hope in the fact that he touched her.

"I love you, so if you could please get your story together, all of it, I would like to hear it later, okay," he said simply before he got out of the car.

"Okay," she said with a frown as he closed the door.

She couldn't move for long moments as she thought about the sordid tale she would need to relay to him. She was glad he was willing to listen. She felt blessed to have someone with an open mind in her life. Someone who was willing to give her a chance to make things right. God I do not want to lose him but I do not want him to stay only because of our babies. Help me, oh God, please help.

Sam came down to check on her before she finally emerged from the car.

"Hey, did you two get in a fight? Why are you still outside?"

Ari smiled. Sam was always the peacemaker, or busy body she wasn't sure which at times. She did know he had a good heart, just like his brother.

"No, I'm good. The twins are good," she said with a smile.

"Oh my gosh they are twins," he said as he hugged her.

"Yeah looks like you were right."

"Well we have some time then to find that damn demon so the vision doesn't come true," he said as they walked toward the back door.

Dean watched them from the kitchen window. He wasn't angry with Ari, he was concerned that she was married. Good grief. Though he knew it wasn't a situation she was proud to be in, or the way it sounded one she had consented to. Her past, that he had given little thought about, was coming back to haunt her. He had never wanted to press her because he knew she didn't want to think of it. He determined that he would reserve judgment on the situation until after he heard the story. He also didn't want her nervous and upset in her condition. He decided that she was priority because he wasn't going to give her or his babies up without a fight. Amber came up behind him to touch him on the leg.

"Can you go out with me to walk Sammy Doo?" she said as she looked up innocently at him.

He smiled at her, she looked so much like her mother, and she wasn't a child to be fooled. He had known from the start that the little girl would be able to see through him if he wasn't good to her mother. He was glad that Amber was finally getting use to him despite having taken to Sam so quickly.

"Sure Munchkin, get your shoes," he said as he ruffled her hair.

He and Amber were headed out as Sam and Ari came in. He smiled and touched her arm.

"We will be back shortly," he said to Ari.

Ari blushed at Dean's smile. He really wanted to things to work she could tell he was trying very hard to push her declaration to the back of his mind. Sam knew something was up but he kept quiet as he pulled Amber's hair as she grinned back at him as she left with Dean.

There was excitement at the dinner table as everyone talked of the twins. Amber was happy to know she was going to have siblings. Sam wanted to start on making a couple of cribs that Dean had mentioned. Jo ate without saying much while Chet enjoyed his meal with grunts of appreciation thrown in.

"So you are helping?" Dean asked.

"Oh absolutely, I mean when we aren't hunting," Sam said as he looked from Dean to Ari.

"What?" Ari asked.

"Dean can still go hunting right?"

Dean almost choked on his fish.

"Of course I am still hunting, why are you asking her, Sammy?"

"I just thought she might want you close to home in case something goes wrong."

"No, Sam, I am pregnant not sick. I will be fine," Ari grinned.

"I will stay around when she is farther along like nine months," Dean said as he smiled at Ari.

Missouri smiled, she had decided she should go back home for a while in a few days but return after the babies were born.

"Ari will be fine, besides she has done this before and the midwife is in town. You boys just focus on getting that damn Demon," Missouri said as she took them all by surprise by cursing.

Dean smirked, women constantly surprised him.

That night after everyone was in bed, they met in the study to talk. It was agreed that the bedroom wasn't the place to hash out things that might be unpleasant to speak of, at least according to Ari. Dean sat on one end of the sofa and Ari on the other end. He tilted his head to the side as he motioned for her to come closer. She sighed, hesitated but gave in to his look of concern.

"Ari, I just want to know what happened so we can figure out how to get you out of it."

"Dean if I divorce him he will know where I live, I mean he has found me once before. It was horrible when he showed up at my job, I thought I would die. I was suicidal, you have no idea how much strength it took to pack up my baby and disappear again, " she said as she tried not to cry again.

He moved her head to his shoulder, before he sighed.

"Shhh, its okay we can get this figured out together, I promise."

She sighed before she began to relax against him.

"Okay, this is what happened, " she began.

"Take your time," he encouraged her.

"When he found out from one of the girls that I planned to leave he drugged me….he abused me, sexually, then threatened to kill me if I left. Somewhere after the drugging part, it seems I must have signed a marriage license. I was devastated but he did it as a back up plan because he figured if I did get out alive he could always find me when I filed for divorce."

"So all this time you didn't bother, and you felt safer that way?"

Ari nodded.

Dean racked his hands through his hair in frustration.

"How do you know that the license was real?"

"I found it online, it still says we are married, he knows to get divorced he needs to consent."

"All because of his damn ego? Because you wanted out?"

She nodded again as he held her close to him. She hated to get him involved in her mess.

"Ari is there anything else? I mean maybe Sam and your money guy could find a way to get rid of the marriage license without a real divorce."

"Yeah? I don't know Dean. Please believe me when I say this wasn't something I was hiding, I just felt stupid and used. I hated that guy I still do, the whole marriage thing was a way for him to blackmail me emotionally. He wanted to steal my future, to have me in fear that he would show up at any time, fear of being happy …I'm glad that you understand. I am so sorry it came out like it did."

He kissed her forehead as she held on to him.

"Please say you forgive me for not saying anything before. Now that you see I am damaged, how can you still want me?" she mumbled into his chest.

"I don't think there is anything to forgive, just know you can tell me anything. And you are not damaged, what you are is stuck with me. You don't have to worry about this any more, okay I will fix it."

He looked into her eyes and realized that his hatred for the bastard that caused her so much pain could be the first human he ever killed.

"If you weren't married, would you marry me?" he asked to lighten the mood.

"In a heartbeat," she said as she leaned up to kiss him.

Once they were finally in bed that night she told him about the voice she had heard earlier in the car. He explained his belief that at times their Mother was around to watch over them. To him it sounded as though it could be her.

"Really?"

"That's my guess, I mean you were upset and she is a comforting presence."

"You do not think I imagined it?"

"Nope, but I didn't hear it only you know for sure," he said as he held her in his arms.

Mary Winchester liked Ari she felt she was Dean's match and she was glad he had found her. She walked from the room out into the hall as she heard the sound of Jo crying. She walked through the wall to see the young lady in the fetal position sound asleep but tears streamed down her face. Mary leaned over her and touched her face. Jo opened her eyes to look around. She sighed as she sat up. She had no idea why she had awakened and no recollection of the sobs that had wracked her body a moment before. Mary left the room the same as she had come in but with a smile on her face.

Her last stop was Sam's room. She watched over Sam more often than the others since he was her baby. Dean had no idea how often she had helped him to protect Sam. She watched as he slept soundly as he lay on his back with his mouth open and the sheet halfway across his naked body. He had no dreams tonight he was at ease and free of fear. She liked when Sam was at peace, she kissed his forehead before she faded away.

TBC