The Baker, Part 2: Sous Chef

Chapter 4

Cassie and Ben sat in uncomfortable chairs, in a very white office, with their hands laced tight and eyes glued to the wall ahead of them. This was probably the most nerve-wracking moment of their lives. 

They were in a doctor's office, both being tested to see if they were capable to have children. Cassie has had the test before, but decided to do it again just to be sure. She's been asked questions about her past and the pills she used to try to harm herself.

It got very emotional at a few points, but Ben was there and stroked her hand or gave her encouraging squeezes to let her know he was with her. The doctor checked up on the drugs and told them it wasn't a type of drug that could harm her reproductive system. That was one wave of relief. 

The next wave came when they were told Ben was able to have children. They both knew he could, but the assurance was still a relief. When Cassie's results came back, it was the same news. 

"Alright," Ben chuckled, as he squeezed her hand. "So, what seems to be the problem?" The doctor shrugged and told them, "Sometimes this happens. It can take a while to conceive and I strongly believe that's exactly the situation here. Just keep trying and I'm sure there will be a result soon. If not, then come back and we'll start some hormonal therapy. But I doubt it will have to come to that."

Cassie and Ben both nodded and let out a deep breath. They each shook the doctor's hand and walked out of the office feeling much better since they walked in. Their hands never unlaced as they walked outside, even into the blinding lights. 

There was a horde of paps waiting for them outside the hospital. They were shouting things at them that the couple could hardly make out. Either way, they ignored them, put their heads down, and Ben pulled Cassie close as he shoved his way through them with her at his side. 

They maneuvered their way through the crowd, then quickly got to the car and got in. "Wow," Cassie breathed. "They just keep getting worse." Ben put his arm on her leg and said, "I know. I'm sorry, I don't know how they caught wind of us being here."

She put her hand on his and gave it a small squeeze. "It's fine," she told him. " We're fine." He smiled at her and let out a deep breath. "Yes," he told her. "Yes, we are."

**

A little while later, Ben and Cassie were sitting on a restaurant patio, taking in the incoming Summer sun, while idly sipping on wine and enjoying each other's company. "Really, though, it's a relief that nothing is wrong with us," Cassie told him with a slight laugh. "I was so worried that it was going to be my past."

Ben scooted his chair closer to hers and slung his arm around her shoulder. He smacked a kiss to her cheek, then said, "I love you." She looked at him curiously. "I love you, too...?" She said. He quirked an eyebrow and chuckled, "Was that a question?"

"No," she giggled, "I just...I'm just glad we're okay. I've missed us." He brought her in for a kiss. "I've missed us, too, baby," he told her. "But this is a fresh start, okay? We'll try and if nothing happens...we'll explore other options. If that's what you want, of course." 

She took her hand and gently ran it down the side of his face, until she was cupping his jaw. "Of course, that's what I want," she told him. "I want all of this with you, Ben. Just as long as you want it, too." 

"My darling, of course I do," he told her. "Look, I'm home all summer besides the occasional interview every now and then. I'm not going anywhere, not until I need to start filming the Imitation Game in November. Five months. We have plenty of time to figure this all out."

He took her hand off his face and held it in both of his hands. "So, again, I say that I love you." Cassie smiled and bit her bottom lip. "I love you, too. Really and truly, not a question." Ben brought her hands up to his lips and breathed a kiss to them.