Stephew Oneshots.

Stephanie's Reveal

Stephanie clutches the pregnancy test in her hand as if it is a lifeline. It keeps her tied to the earth, as her mind struggles to wrap itself around the truth. She is pregnant. There is a life growing inside her, a being brought into the world because of her and Matthew's devotion towards one another. Sure, they'd talked about starting a family before, but it never seemed real, merely a hope, a fantasy, not something that could come true.

Her hands drop to her stomach, a new instinct awakening within her. Despite having gotten good grades in biology, Stephanie thought she could feel something – as if her unborn child was trying to communicate with her. Even though she knew it was biologically impossible as the child wouldn't be more than a clump of cells at this point, it brought a warm feeling that flowed through her body.

She was going to be a mother. Stephanie Patrick. A mom. A little boy or girl would look up at her and smile, their love focused solely on her and their dad. They'd learn about the world through them, about love and happiness, about pain and confusion. If they had nightmares, they would cry for Stephanie, seeing her as their defense against the darkness.

Matthew.

He was going to be a dad. The goofy, loving, intelligent man that she loved with all her being. It'd been over ten years that he'd been by her side, supporting her no matter what. She knew he wouldn't flinch, that he'd be with her every step of the way. But would he be happy? He wanted kids, she knew that but now? Was it the right time?

Breathing deeply, Stephanie managed to grasp a hold on the rising tide of emotions within her. They threatened to overwhelm her. Yet she didn't let them. Her sole focus was that her husband, her Matthew deserved to know as soon as she could tell him. An idea popped into her head. It was the perfect way to tell him the news.

*** Later that evening ***

Matthew stared at the jigsaw puzzle in front of them, his eyes straining to spot the relevant pieces. They'd picked a harder one to do this evening, to try and challenge them but it was proving more of a handful than they had expected. Glancing up at his wife, a soft smile spread across his face as he looked at her. It was as if she got more beautiful every time he saw her. God, he was such a lucky man. Her nose was wrinkled in concentration, the cup of tea by her side forgotten for the moment.

"Can you pass me the picture from inside the box? I'm struggling to remember how this corner is supposed to look."

Pulling open the jigsaw box, Matthew grabbed the picture – his eyes drawn to the small post-it note on the side that read:

"A little surprise for you, love Stephanie."

He smiled and turned over the photo, not sure what to expect. On the back of the photo, taped to the center was a pregnancy test. It was a positive reading. He froze in place, staring endlessly at what was in front of him. Normally, he'd be quick-witted and come up with some clever response, but he had nothing. Stephanie had rendered Matthew Robert Patrick speechless.

Her hand slid into his and grasped it, squeezing gently. He turned to look at her, his mouth agape, his eyes filled with questions. Hope and joy were evident on his face as he waited for his wife to speak.

"We're having a baby Matthew. You're going to be a daddy."

The shocked silence he had been stunned into was shattered by those words and he pulled Stephanie into his arms, kissing her fiercely – trying to pour every inch of his joy and devotion to her into that one action. When they pulled apart, he gently placed his hands on her stomach, marveling at the thought.

"I love you so much. I love you both, so much. No matter what, I will be there for both of you."

Was he going to be a dad? Nothing in the world could have prepared him for that moment but he knew he'd give the child the best life he could provide. Through it all, he'd have Stephanie by his side – bringing her light and laughter with her. The puzzle was forgotten, he pulled his beautiful wife into his chest and just lived in the moment.

The Patrick's were going to be parents.

A/N

I know its short but I think it needs to be. Whether they ever tell us how it was revealed, its an incredibly private moment for the Patricks. 

The fact they decided to tell us means a lot.

I know I said I'd stop writing fan fiction but sometimes, it just calls you.

Thanks to those on Twitter who asked for this <3

- Caitlin