Only You - Part 6

Only You

By Athena

Rating: R
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Enterprise is the property of Paramount
Summary: As Pon Farr approaches for T’Pol she has to make some choices regarding her relationship with Trip. Of course nothing goes as expected and Trip and T’Pol must decide how to proceed with their relationship.
Spoilers: all the way through the end of "Daedalus" and AU after that.

Authors Note: First off, a great big thanks to Boushh and Jenna for all their help with this story. Also be warned, although the beginning of the story contains some angst, the majority of the story is pure sap and fluff. If you not like sappiness you may not want to read the entire story. 

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Part 6 (Chapter 9)

Chapter 9

T’Pol was feeling anxious. She still needed to tell Trip about the bond. After they had left Sickbay and returned to Engineering there had been no time for private conversation. They had made somewhat of a spectacle before rushing off and the Engineering crew had watched them closely once they had returned to work. Her heightened sense of hearing had allowed her to pick up several conversations between crewmembers and it had become clear that some of the crew believed that Trip had asked her to marry him. They believed that his burst of elation had been his reaction to her answering in the affirmative. Despite the fact that it was inappropriate for the crew to gossip about the personal lives of the senior staff and the fact that their speculation was in error, T’Pol found it pleasing that none of the crew seemed to object to the match. In fact, those whose comments she could overhear seemed pleased with the idea.

She realized that she was pleased with the idea as well. She had never fully embraced the possibility of a future without Trip, not once her marriage had been dissolved anyway. She had wanted time to learn about her true heritage and to regain her self control. But she had always planned to re-connect with Trip once she found her center again. She only hoped Trip would still feel the same way once she told him about the bond.

She could sense him even now. He was happy for the first time since their mating. She had known her behavior after the mating had hurt him and her unexplained presence on the Kovar had only fueled the pain. Now she needed to set things right. He had returned to his quarters to clean up but he would be coming here soon to talk, to be with her. She needed to find the courage to tell him they were now bonded and offer him the choice to terminate the connection.

The door chime set her heart racing. He was here! She rose from her meditation pillow and allowed him entry.

“Hey,” he said awkwardly as he entered the room.

“You should sit. There is much we need to discuss.” She motioned for him to sit on the bed.

“Yeah, um, okay.” He perched himself on the edge of the bed and fidgeted with his hands nervously. “I guess I should start by tellin’ ya that the entire Engineering crew thinks we’re engaged.” He blushed slightly.

T’Pol sat down next to him on the bed. “I am aware of this.”

He gave her a puzzled look. “How? I mean, Anne told me while we were discussing the repair status.”

“I have excellent hearing.”

He gave her that half-annoyed and half-amused look. “Okay. Well I guess that’ll teach me not ta swing ya around like that when we’re on duty. It just that… I was so happy that you were okay, and going to have a baby, my baby.” He paused and T’Pol regarded him with amusement. “So, um, what are we gonna tell people if they start asking?”

Trip was very nervous, she could sense it. It occurred to her that Trip might actually be asking her what she thought about the possibility of marring him. Now was the time to inform him of the bond. Trip was still fidgeting with his hands so T’Pol reached over and took his right hand in her left. Then she met his eyes. “There is a matter I must inform you of. You must decide upon this matter before we can discuss future plans.”

Trip paled and T’Pol could sense his fear. She decided to be succinct. “We are bonded,” she said simply.

Trip seemed confused and shook his head. “I thought you said that mating thing didn’t happen.”

T’Pol took a moment to steady herself. “I told you that nothing had changed between us after the mating. That was true. The bond occurred some time before I entered Pon Farr.” She paused and looked down. “I was simply not aware of the bond until I left with the away team.” She looked back up at Trip, concerned how he would react.

He still looked confused. “I don’t understand. How come you didn’t know we were bonded before? Are you sure yer not wrong?”

“The bond was very weak before and it may have been hindered by a medical condition that was alleviated on my last visit to Vulcan. I became aware of the bond only after we were separated during the early stages of Pon Farr. I felt your presence vanish from my mind and my reaction was typical for a Vulcan in Pon Farr being separated from her bond-mate.”

A rather goofy smile spread across Trip’s face when she said ‘bond-mate’. “How did it happen? I mean I thought you said it could only happen during Pon Farr.”

“I said bonding could only happen during mating if the individuals involved already shared a romantic connection.”

Trip’s grin turned into a self-satisfied smirk. “So now yer saying that night wasn’t just an experiment.”

“I believe the existence of the bond is evidence of that.”

Trip’s expression became more serious as he asked, “So I thought you said the bond would allow us to feel each others emotions. I don’t feel anything from you.”

“Your own emotions are quite tumultuous at present and you were not aware of our connection. You will learn to identify my presence in your mind if we choose not to sever the bond.”

Trip blinked. “We can sever the bond?”

T’Pol fought to control her own anxiety. “If you wish to do so. We did not choose this course of our own volition. Vulcan physiology has forged the bond between us.”

Trip was frowning at her. “So are you saying you want to sever the bond?”

T’Pol could feel her heart rate increasing despite her efforts to control her reactions. “Given present circumstances it seems reasonable to allow the bond to continue.”

Trip closed his eyes and she was uncertain exactly what she was sensing from him. He remained silent for several minutes. Finally he looked back at her intensely. “I think we should sever the bond.”

She was shocked. Why would he want to sever the bond now that they were expecting a child? “I don’t understand.” She could hear the trembling in her voice.

Trip stood up. “Ya only want ta keep the bond because of the baby. That’s not what I want. I want you to want to be with me.” His back was to her and he had taken a few steps away. His fists were clenched and he trembled slightly.

She quickly rose and put a hand on his right shoulder. “Trip, the child is a good way to rationalize keeping the bond between us. However, I have never desired another mate. Only you. It is the timing of events that is unsolicited, not the outcome. Once I was free of my marriage, it was always my intent to seek a bonding with you.” She could feel the tension easing from him.

He turned to face her and she saw that there were tears in his eyes. “T’Pol…” She cut him off by capturing his mouth in a kiss. He was still trembling but he was responding passionately. Their kiss deepened and he pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her. She lifted herself up on her toes to bring herself even closer. One arm found its way under his shirt as she massaged the muscles in his back. He moaned and ground against her. She could feel his growing arousal. Then, suddenly, he pulled away from her.

“Um, I think we’ve still got a lot to talk about. Plus, um, I’m not sure this is such a good idea with the baby and all.” He looked a bit embarrassed.

She nodded and returned to the bed. “Of course, you are correct.”

Trip smiled. “Can I get that for the record? You hardly ever tell me I’m right.”

T’Pol scowled. “I have asserted you are correct on a number of occasions. The calibration of the intake juncture circuits for example.”

Trip chuckled at her. “No I don’t mean work related stuff. I mean stuff about us.” Then he looked down. “You’re running the show here. You always have been. I’ve been fightin’ like crazy just ta keep you from pushing me out of yer life completely.”

“It was never my intention to push you out of my life,” T’Pol said softly. “I merely wished to control my emotions rather than to lose that control to you. It is a very frightening thing for a Vulcan.” She looked up into Trip’s eyes hoping to find understanding.

He gave her a sad smile and joined her on the bunk. Taking her hands in his, he met her eyes and asked, “Tell me the honest truth, if it weren’t for the baby, would you still want to be bonded?” She could feel his pulse racing through their contact.

She considered his question earnestly. She was free of the Pon Farr and she still desired him, but more than that she relished his presence in her life. He was her bond-mate and she cherished him. Although he wreaked havoc on her emotions, she trusted him never to harm her. He made her feel content and complete and she saw no reason why she should deny herself this contentment. “Yes,” she said as last. “I would choose to be bonded regardless of present circumstances. It is possible that the bond would never have been forged if I had ever truly felt otherwise.” It was a very sentimental statement for a Vulcan but he was her bond-mate, her human bond-mate.

Trip smiled and placed a hand on the side of her face, caressing her cheek. “Okay, now that that’s settled we still have to deal with those pesky rumors. I didn’t exactly confirm or deny the rumors when I talked to Anne. I just told her thanks for lettin’ me know about ‘em.”

“You realize that Lt. Hess will interpret your failure to deny the rumor outright as validation of its legitimacy.”

Trip was gazing at her intently. He slid off the bed and knelt on the floor before her. He still held one of her hands in his. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “T’Pol, will you do me the honor of consenting ta be my wife?” He smiled up at her. “I think you know I’m not asking this because of the baby. I love you T’Pol, I didn’t realize it until you told me you were going to marry Koss, but I’ve loved you for a long time. Just do me one favor, don’t say yes unless you feel the same.”

T’Pol could feel his anxiety. She wondered if he had intended to ask her to be his wife even before she told him about the bond. Probably so, he seemed to have thought through what he would say when he asked her. He had found a way to ask her if she truly loved him, which must have taken a great deal of courage given her past treatment of him. At least now she could begin to make it up to him. “Yes. Being your wife would be agreeable.”

She was rewarded with a grin that melted her heart followed by a deep kiss. When they finally broke the kiss Trip said, “I guess this makes that rumor a reality. Also saves me from getting my ass kicked by my dad when I tell him about the baby.”

She raised an eyebrow and regarded him with confusion.

Trip laughed at her. “I was brought up ta treat women with respect and getting a girl pregnant without intending to marry her wouldn’t sit too well with my folks.”

T’Pol nodded her understanding. “When do you plan to inform them of the pregnancy?”

Trip stood up, pulling her to her feet with him. He brought her close in a gentle embrace. “As soon as I can get in touch with them. I’m gonna ask Hoshi to try to contact them tomorrow.” He smiled and looked down at her. “You should get some rest.”

She wasn’t ready for him to leave her. He was her bond-mate, her betrothed, and the father of the child she was carrying. Was there any reason he should not stay here with her tonight? Every night? “You could stay here.”

He kissed the top of her forehead. “I think I’ll take you up on that but first I wanna go talk ta Jon. I think the Cap’n should hear the news from us before he catches wind of the rumors.”

“I could accompany you.”

Trip was shaking his head. “No, I think I need ta talk to him kinda man to man. Otherwise he might feel left outta the loop. Usually a guy tells his best friends before he proposes to the girl. Plus you’ve had a long day and you need to meditate and get some rest.” He smiled wider as he stepped away from her. “I could get used to this tellin’ ya what ta do.”

She gave him a reproaching glare. “Only where my personal health is concerned.”

“Yep, yer still the first officer. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He still held one of her hands in his and he gave it a squeeze before releasing it. “I’ll be back later. Don’t wait up though.”

When he had gone, T’Pol knelt back down on her meditation pillow. She felt completely at peace, apart from the concern for the child she was carrying. That concern would be with her for the better part of a year but the rest of her world was serene. The peace she had sought through Surak had been achieved by embracing a human partner instead. She idly wondered would Surak would have thought of that.

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Trip returned to his quarters and threw a few things into a bag to take back to T’Pol’s quarters. He laughed softly to himself as he contemplated his situation. Was it really just this morning that he was miserable and considering transferring to the Columbia? What a difference a day could make. He realized he couldn’t stop grinning. He’d have to come down off the high eventually or the crew would start speculating on what he and T’Pol were up to that was making him so happy.

He slung the bag over his shoulder and pressed the comm. “Tucker to Cap’n Archer.”

“Archer here. What is it Trip?”

“Um, ya got a minute Cap’n?”

“I’m just heading back to my quarters. Can you meet me there in about 10 minutes?”

“Sure thing. Thanks Cap’n.”

A few minutes later Trip was entering the Captain’s quarters. Archer took note of the bag over his shoulder.

“Don’t tell me you’re packing for Columbia already?”

Trip grinned and glanced around the room nervously. “Ah, no Cap’n I’m officially withdrawing my transfer request.”

Archer tilted his head and shot him a smug grin. “I had a feeling you’d be staying with us. Are you going to tell me what changed your mind?”

Trip couldn’t seem to stand still. He hadn’t expected to be this nervous and informing the Captain about the proposal. He knew Jon wouldn’t try to keep him and T’Pol apart but he was worried the Captain would be disappointed Trip hadn’t talked to him about it first. It wasn’t like he had meant to bypass the best friends discussion. Things had simply happened too fast. In the morning he’d found out T’Pol was pregnant and then by noon rumors of their engagement had already begun to circulate. He had merely seized the opportunity when it came along.

“Trip?” Archer looked amused.

“Sorry Cap’n. I, uh, well. I asked T’Pol to marry me.”

Trip wasn’t sure if he’d ever seen his friend look more stunned.

“You, um, asked her to marry you.” Archer was slowly repeating his words as if it would help him process the information better. He paused for a moment then looked back at Trip. “I take it she said ‘yes’ since you’re withdrawing the transfer request.”

Trip nodded. He was sure he was grinning like an idiot.

Archer slowly shook off the disbelieving look and walked over to Trip. “Congratulations, Trip,” he said and gripped Trip’s shoulders. “I don’t know why I’m so surprised by this. Down on Keldar T’Pol started referring to you as her chosen mate.”

Now it was Trip’s turn to be surprised. “Really? When? Did everyone hear her?” He was wondering if Malcolm had heard that and had been holding out on him.

“Once we left Enterprise T’Pol got a lot worse. When Phlox suggested to her she take another mate she became violent and exclaimed that she would only allow her chosen mate to touch her.” Archer chuckled as he recalled the incident.

Trip decided to satisfy his curiosity on that particular matter. “So I take it you were the mate she rejected.” His tone was teasing and he chuckled softly as Archer’s face reddened. It wasn’t every day he was able to taunt his captain.

“Phlox didn’t tell me about her condition until a few hours before we got the shield down. I think that incident rates as one of the most awkward moments I’ve encountered to date.” Archer was laughing softly.

“Sorry I didn’t talk to ya first about proposing to T’Pol but it just kinda came up.”

Archer was smiling at him and Trip couldn’t detect any sign that he was annoyed at not being informed first. “I think that’s a story worth hearing.” He motioned for Trip to have a seat.

Trip wasn’t sure where to start. He’d promised T’Pol not to mention the pregnancy. “Well, we were working in Engineering and she told me she was gonna be fine. We took the discussion into my office so we wouldn’t be overheard and that’s where she told me she hadn’t been over on the Kovar having sex with Sev. I guess I was so happy that she was okay and she hadn’t been with anyone else I got a little carried away and started swinging her around.”

Archer was trying, and failing, to hold back fits of laughter. He opened a drawer and pulled out a bottle of bourbon and two glasses.

As Archer poured the drinks Trip continued, “Anyway, this happened about an hour into the work shift and by noon Lt. Hess was tellin’ me that the entire team had thought I’d proposed to T’Pol.” He rubbed the back of his neck and blushed slightly.

“So you thought it would be easier to just propose to T’Pol rather than to try to put a stop to the rumor,” Archer teased as he handed Trip a glass.

“Well, when I told T’Pol about the rumor she didn’t seem all that upset. Then she told me we were bonded.”

“Bonded?” Archer cut in.

“Yeah, don’t ask me to explain it all. I guess Vulcans can form bonds with someone they are romantically involved with.” Trip felt his blush deepen.

Archer was ginning like the Cheshire Cat. “So did this romantic involvement occur before the Pon Farr?” Trip could tell he was enjoying this and he was regretting having put Jon on the spot about being the mate T’Pol had rejected.

“Yeah, we became pretty close when we were in the Expanse. That’s probably when it happened.” He was trying not to blush more than he already was.

Archer grinned mischievously. “Would that be emotionally close or physically close?”

Trip scowled at his friend. “Well mostly emotional since we were both going through a rough spot but I guess you also know about the neuropressure.” He was looking down to avoid eye contact with his captain.

Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. “I know I wasn’t there for you in the Expanse like a friend should be. We all had our demons chasing us but that’s no excuse. I’m glad you and T’Pol were there for each other.”

Trip looked up to see a sad but sincere smile on Archer’s face. “’It’s okay Cap’n you had about the toughest assignment anyone’s ever been given. Plus, I’m glad it brought T’Pol and me together. I’m crazy about her.”

“I noticed,” Archer said in a teasing voice. “So when can I make the ship-wide announcement? Hoshi will want to throw a party.”

Trip paled at the thought. Things were going to be rough on T’Pol, and him too, until they were more certain about the baby. He didn’t want to add any additional stress on her. “Um, let me talk to T’Pol first. I’m not sure we’re ready for everyone to know just yet.”

Archer smirked at him. “Trip, the entire ship already knows about you two. I think you and T’Pol were the last ones to figure it out. No one is going to be shocked to hear you two are engaged.”

Trip felt flustered. Were the rumors really that extensive? “Just let me talk to T’Pol and I’d like to tell my folks first. Okay Cap’n?”

Archer gave his shoulder a pat. “Whatever you and T’Pol want, Trip.” Then he raised his glass. “Here’s to you and T’Pol and new beginnings.”

“Here, here!” Trip added a silent prayer for his unborn child.

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When Trip entered T’Pol’s room it was dark. He stood still for a moment to let his eyes adjust and then made his way to the bed. T’Pol appeared to be sleeping, so he stripped down to his underwear and crawled in between her and the wall. T’Pol adjusted her position to make room for him to lie down next to her. He lay down with his back to the wall and draped his left arm over her, pulling her close against his chest. His hand rested over the monitoring device.

“I thought you were asleep.”

“I heard you enter the room.” She put her hand over his and gently caressed it.

“Sorry. Since yer up and all, the Captain asked me when we wanted to announce the engagement. Any thoughts?”

T’Pol put his arm more tightly around her. “I would prefer to wait. A few weeks at least. We may know more at that time.”

Trip felt the fear and apprehension return. He nuzzled the back of her neck and silently wished he could do more for their child. “Okay, like I said, it’s your call.” He removed his hand from hers and began running his fingers lightly up and down her arm. He smiled as he felt her shudder. “I’m gonna ask Hoshi ta contact my folks tomorrow. It’ll probably take some time to get communications set up but I wanna tell ‘em as soon as possible.” He paused, unsure of how she would take his next assertion. “Um, I’d also like ta tell Malcolm, about the engagement that is. He’s been a good friend and he did advise me not ta transfer ta Columbia without talking to you first.”

T’Pol shifted in the bed so that she was facing him. “You were planning to transfer to Columbia?” She sounded concerned.

“Well, I just thought it’d be for the best. I mean you could study Surak and the Kir’Shara in peace and I wouldn’t have ta see ya every day and think about how much I wanted ta be with ya but couldn’t.”

T’Pol raised a hand and touched his face gently. “I am gratified that you will be staying on Enterprise. Your presence brings me the peace I have sought through Surak’s teachings. Perhaps we can learn about the true heritage of my people together.”

Trip could somehow sense apprehension from T’Pol. It was like he just knew what she was feeling. Maybe there really was a bond between them. He had been skeptical before. He put her mind at ease. “It would be an honor to learn about yer culture.”

She leaned in and kissed him, gently at first, then with increasing intensity. Trip’s body reacted to the sensation and he was about to pull her flush against him when she pulled away. “Perhaps we should talk to Dr. Phlox before engaging in sexual intimacy.”

It was concern for the baby that allowed Trip’s body to obey his command to cease and desist. He nodded to her. “That’ll be a fun conversation to have.” He ignored her scowl. “So, about Malcolm?”

She contemplated the question for a moment before responding. “I suppose it would be acceptable to inform Lt. Reed of the betrothal.”

He smiled and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. “Thanks darlin’.”

She gave him a curious look.

Chuckling he responded, “Hey, I’ve been wantin’ ta call you that for a while now.”

T’Pol nodded and then turned back around to go to sleep.

Trip lay awake for some time as he happily thought about the events of the day.

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Malcolm was standing in the turbolift and the door was just about to close when Hoshi rushed in.

“Hey, I didn’t see you leave the Bridge.” She seemed a bit winded and Malcolm wondered if she’d run to catch up to him.

“I’m just heading to lunch.” He tried not to blush as he wondered why the beautiful Ensign would run after him.

“Great! I’ll join you.”

“Er, normally I’d love to take you up on the offer but I already promised Commander Tucker I would join him for lunch.” Although he was seriously considering a change in plans. He rather enjoyed Hoshi’s company, perhaps a bit too much.

“Just you boys?” she asked as she cocked her head. He knew she was fishing for an invite. What is she up to?

“Yes, as a matter of fact. But I currently have no plans for dinner.” He hoped he didn’t sound too desperate. Plus his curiosity was piqued.

“So did Commander Tucker request this private lunch date?” He could tell by the tone of her voice that Hoshi knew something and was fishing for information. He was disappointed that she had ignored his dinner offer.

“Yes. Now are you going to tell me what this is all about?” Malcolm hoped the exasperation in his voice would cover his nervousness.

Hoshi smiled. “I think you’re going to have that answer before I will. I’m guessing that Commander Tucker asked you to lunch to tell you something personal.”

Malcolm gave her a stern look but the turbolift had stopped and he hesitated to exit. Hoshi solved his dilemma by exiting herself so he followed her. “I take it you still think Trip has proposed to T’Pol.”

Hoshi stepped close and her voice took on a conspiring tone. “I’m almost certain. He contacted me early this morning before the duty shift started and asked me to arrange a personal communication with his parents.” She grinned wickedly. “He must have something to tell them.”

Malcolm was trying hard not to think about how close she was standing. “I still think you’re jumping to conclusions.”

“Well, you can fill me in on what you learn over dinner then.” She smiled at him again and then left him standing in the corridor.

He shook his head and made his way to Tucker’s quarters. He was beginning to think Hoshi might be correct. Trip had also contacted him early this morning to arrange the lunch and he had wanted to meet in private. Malcolm had thought he wanted to discuss his idea about transferring to the Columbia or how to broach the topic with T’Pol, but now he wasn’t so sure.

He arrived at his destination and pressed the door chime. There was no answer. He was about to search out a comm.. unit when Tucker called out to him.

“Malcolm! Hey, sorry I’m late. Engineering’s a mess and…never mind. I brought lunch.” He held up two covered trays and smiled.

Judging be his mood, Malcolm suspected Hoshi might just be right. He followed the Commander into his quarters.

Trip was busy setting up his desk so Malcolm could sit and eat. He possessed that certain excited energy that had been missing almost since his sister had died. Malcolm was glad to see his friend seem happy again.

“Yer all set,” Trip said as he gestured to the desk and tray.

Malcolm tried to refrain from grinning as he asked “Was there something in particular you wished to discuss?” He knew there was a hint of amusement in his casual tone.

Trip scowled at him. “So I’m guessing you’ve already heard the rumors then.”

Malcolm kept up his casual façade. “Are they true?”

Trip hung his head and laughed softly. “Yeah, Malcolm they’re true.”

Malcolm let his excitement show as he jumped up and pounded Trip on the back, smiling. “Congratulations you lucky Bastard!”

“Ow, thanks Malcolm,” Trip said between thumps.

“I take it our first officer believed that marrying you was the most logical way to keep you on Enterprise?”

Trip shook his head still laughing. “Let’s just say we realized it made more sense to be together than to be apart.”

Malcolm suddenly frowned. “Once word gets around I wonder what the crew will do for entertainment. Speculating about the two of you has become the most popular pastime on the ship.”

“Very funny Malcolm but, now that you mention it, keep this to yerself until T’Pol decides it’s time to make the announcement.”

Malcolm glanced down. “Actually, I was hoping that maybe you could include Hoshi in this. She already suspects the truth.”

Trip thought for a moment. “If ya do tell her just don’t let T’Pol find out she knows. I don’t want ta be in the dog house before we’re even married.”

That caused Malcolm to grin. “When will the ceremony take place?”

Trip threw up his hands. “I have no idea. We just got engaged yesterday. There’s a lot to discuss and a lot of issues that we still need to address.” He looked down at his tray of food. “Okay, now that ya know, can we eat already?”

“Yes Sir,” Malcolm said as he pondered how best to make use of his insider information at dinner tonight.

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Trip pulled T’Pol close when he heard the morning alarm telling them it was time to wake up. He’d spend three of the last four nights sleeping in T’Pol’s quarters. He gently rubbed her still flat belly. She rolled onto her back and he bent down and placed a kiss just above the fetal monitor. “Morning little one.”

T’Pol reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair back from his eyes. “The baby is only one millimeter in size and has not yet formed ears.” Although she sounded serious Trip could sense that she was gently teasing him.

“Well it can’t hurt to get an early start on that father-child bonding.” He smiled at T’Pol who merely raised an eyebrow in response. “I guess I should get down to Engineering and get a jump on the day seein’ as how I’m gonna take some time off later to talk ta my folks.” Hoshi had managed to arrange an interstellar transmission between Enterprise and his parents for 1100 hours today.

“Would you like me to be present when you announce the pregnancy and engagement?”

“Nah, not this time. I wanna give them time to adjust to all this first. I think Mom will take it in stride once she finds out there will be a wedding. Not too sure about Dad. I don’t want to tell them about Pon Farr and all that so he might give me a lecture. The trick will be to convince them that we aren’t just getting married because of the baby.” He was also worried about how his parents would react to T’Pol being Vulcan but he didn’t voice that concern. It wasn’t that he was worried they wouldn’t accept a Vulcan as part of the family. His parents were good people and were above that kind of thinking. What he was worried about was that they wouldn’t believe T’Pol really loved him and wasn’t just marrying him because she had gotten pregnant.

“Perhaps if you were to inform them of the lengths we went to to achieve this pregnancy you could avoid a… lecture.”

Trip learned forward and kissed her forehead. “I’m sure that’ll do the trick.” Then he climbed over her and headed for the shower.

Kathryn Tucker waited anxiously for the call that would be connecting the Tucker household to Enterprise and her son. Starfleet had informed them that Trip had requested live communication with them a few days ago and the call had been scheduled for today, a few minutes from now.

She glanced over at her husband, who was chatting with their other son, James. Charles had tried to relieve her worries by reminding her that if anything bad had happened to Trip Starfleet or Jonathan Archer himself would have informed them. She knew her husband was right but he didn’t know how bad off Trip had been after his trip to Vulcan. Charles hadn’t seemed to pick up on how attached their oldest son had become to Enterprise’s Vulcan science officer. She had been able to read between the lines and deduced the truth. Trip had sent them quite a few letters during his time on Enterprise and his mentions of T’Pol had increased in frequency to the point that he talked about her more than anyone else aboard the ship.

Kathryn sighed. Once Trip had returned from Vulcan earlier than expected she had met him for lunch and he hadn’t needed to say a word for her to see her son was heartbroken. Trip had told her how T’Pol had married her former fiancé to help her mother. He had even said he was proud of her for doing it, but Kathryn knew he was bitter as well. She had no idea if T’Pol returned Trip’s feelings but she couldn’t imagine how a Vulcan, any Vulcan, really could. She had hoped Trip would be able to move on but, if his letters were any indication, T’Pol was still very much on his mind. Still she foolishly hoped that Trip was calling to inform them he’d be bring a new girlfriend home the next time he came to visit.

The communications viewer chimed, indicating an incoming call. Charles and James joined her as she answered the call. Trip appeared on the screen.

“Hey Mom, Dad.” Her son sounded both excited but nervous.

“Hey Trip,” Charles answered. “Jamie’s here too.”

Trip flushed a little and Kathryn wondered if maybe she should ask her younger son to leave. Before she could say anything James cut in.

“Hey, I can leave if it’s something private. No big deal.”

Trip smiled and chuckled softly. “Nah, you’ll need to know too so ya might as well hear it now.”

Kathryn was dying to know why her son was calling. “Well then Trip, tell us what we need to know.” She smiled at him with affection but she knew her anxiety had been evident in her voice.

Trip chuckled some more. “Okay Mom. First off I’m fine so ya don’t need ta worry about that.” He paused and ran his tongue around his mouth. Kathryn knew that meant he wasn’t sure how to say whatever he was going to say. It had to be something big. She felt the anxiety returning. “Well, I’d tell you all ya might want ta sit down but I know ya won’t so here goes.”

He paused again and she prompted him to continue. “Trip?”

“T’Pol’s pregnant,” he said finally looking down.

Kathryn was stunned. Trip wouldn’t have made an interstellar call to tell them that his Vulcan ex-girlfriend was pregnant by her own husband, so Trip must be the father. She just couldn’t believe that Trip would commit adultery, no matter how much he loved this woman.

“You got the Vulcan first officer of Enterprise pregnant?” She heard Jamie exclaim.

“Yeah well it’s a long story and that’s not all of it.” Trip was blushing.

Charles looked over at her. “She’s married right?” Kathryn simply nodded, unable to find her voice. He looked back at Trip. “How the hell did ya get a married woman pregnant!” She knew Charles was angry now.

Trip was shaking his head and gesticulating wildly. “No Dad, she’s not married. Not anymore. Guess I forgot to tell you she got an annulment after her mom died.” Trip looked flustered. “T’Pol only got married ta help her mom out and she got the marriage dissolved after T’Les died. Then we got back together and, well, now she’s pregnant.”

No one said anything for a few moments. Finally, Trip spoke again. “Well, don’t everyone get all gushy or anything.” He was clearly irritated at their response.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were involved with your commanding officer, also an alien. You’da thought you might have mentioned that,” Jamie responded first.

“Trip, are you… happy about the pregnancy?” she asked her son tentatively.

“I didn’t want ta advertise things between me ‘n T’Pol because they’ve always been, well, complicated,” he said to Jamie. Then he looked at her and replied. “Yes, Mom, we’re happy about the pregnancy. T’Pol had to go though a lot just ta get pregnant.” He looked away again. “Ya see humans and Vulcans don’t exactly mix well when it comes ta makin’ babies.” He paused and played with his hands, still avoiding eye contact. “Our doc told us that she may not be able ta stay pregnant.”

Kathryn saw how anguished her son was at the thought and her heart instantly ached for him. She knew too well the pain of loosing a child.

Charles ran his hand through his hair and shook his head slightly. “Trip, son, I’m sorry I snapped at ya. I didn’t know T’Pol wasn’t married anymore. Hell, I didn’t know you two were datin’.” He glanced over at his wife. “Did you know Kathy?”

A slight smile crept across her face. “Well, a mother always knows these things.” Then the smile faded as she asked, “Is there something wrong with the baby? How far along is she?”

Trip returned her smile with a faint one of his own. “Right now the baby is fine but she’s only been pregnant for just over a week so there really isn’t much of a baby right now. The thing is there’s never been a Human and Vulcan child before, well not one in this life anyway, so the docs are just doin’ whatever they can ta keep her pregnant. T’Pol said the baby’ll need at least one corrective procedure to survive.” His head dropped slightly and he looked down, away from them.

Charles cleared his throat and shook his head again. “Trip, why the hell did the two of you decide ta try ta have a baby right now anyway? Why didn’t ya wait until you were, well, married at least if not living somewhere planetside?”

Trip shrugged. “She found out during a medical exam that she was carrying a fertilized egg and she just decided to try ta get pregnant.” Trip looked up with a whimsical expression. “I guess she just didn’t consider not trying an option.”

“So are you two planning on getting married at some point?” Charles pressed.

Trip blushed again and chuckled. “Yeah, Dad we’re officially engaged.” Then he looked both her and Charles directly in the eye and said forcefully, “Now before you start thinking we’re just getting married because T’Pol’s pregnant, I’m telling you that the only thing affected by it is the timing. We were always going to end up getting married, well after she got rid of Koss that is, so I don’t want you to think otherwise.” Then he paused and continued more quietly, “No matter what happens T’Pol and I are getting married.”

Kathryn was relieved to hear Trip’s words but she still felt compelled to ask one question. “Trip, honey, I’m just asking this because I love you; are you sure T’Pol can love you?”

She was afraid her question would make her son angry but he started to laugh instead. “Yeah, Mom if there is one thing in all this that I am sure of it’s that. Vulcans suppress their emotions but they do have ‘em.” He was staring off into space now. “You have no idea how much emotion Vulcans are capable of.”

“Then I guess congratulations are in order for both the engagement and the pregnancy,” James interjected.

His brother’s words seemed to jar Trip back to reality. “Yeah, well, um thanks but the reason I wanted ta tell you about the pregnancy right away was so that you could keep us in your thoughts. I’m not sure when we’ll be able to say for sure that we are definitely having a baby but, until then I’d appreciate it if you’d remember us in yer prayers and all.”

The request warmed Kathryn’s heart and she smiled and nodded. “Of course Honey, you didn’t even need to ask.” She hoped with every fiber in her being that the pregnancy turned out okay. Trip was going to make a wonderful father.

“Send us a picture of the two of you and we’ll put it on the mantle,” Charles said.

“Sure Dad. Thanks for being so supportive. It really means a lot ta me.”

“Keep us updated on the pregnancy and let us know when you two set a date,” Charles said before turning to his wife. “Did ya ever think Trip would be announcing an engagement and a baby on the way from hundreds of light years away and at the same time?” He was chuckling.

She smiled and shook her head as she looked over at Trip. “No but Trip’s always been full of surprises.” She blew him a kiss. “I’m glad things worked out with T’Pol. I feel I already know her through your letters but I can’t wait to meet her in person.”

Trip grinned at that “I’ll tell her that. It’ll make her day. Bye Mom. Bye Dad. Take care of ‘em Jamie.”

“Aw, you know I will.”

“Bye son.”

“Bye Honey, take care.” And then he was gone and she tuned to her younger son and her husband, who were both shaking their heads and chuckling.

“Doesn’t surprise me at all that Trip could get a Vulcan ta fall in love with him,” Charles was saying.

“I’m not completely convinced he’s not a bit delusional,” James said as if he was only half joking.

Kathryn rode to the couple’s defense. “A woman doesn’t leave her husband for an alien man and then go to great lengths to conceive a child with him if she doesn’t feel something for him.”

Her husband pursed his lips and gave her a mini-scowl. “Yer the one that asked if he was sure she loved him!”

“I just needed to hear him say it. Trip’s always been shy around girls. If he believes she loves him then she must have hit him over the head with it.”

James broke into a wicked grin. “I wonder how Vulcans express all that suppressed passion. That could explain the pregnancy.” Both men started to laugh.

“James Ryan Tucker! You were raised better than that!” and with that she left her boys and returned to the kitchen pondering what a half Vulcan baby would look like in her arms.

Part 7 (Chapters 10 & 11)

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

I'm so excited. I can't wait to see Kathryn holding that half-Vulcan baby, either! :)

This is great! Keep these chapters a-comin'!

Now it's sweet!! :D All that angst is over know... Happy Trip is back! Hurray!

Now, I can't wait for more syruppy sweetness. :-)

I'm so glad you're clearing up miscommunications so quickly! This couple has had more than enough of that... *happy dance* Keep it coming!

great, wow, I love happy Trip, Thank you. !

great wow keep them coming

More, more, more! I love this story, can't wait for update! :)

sweet chappie...please keep 'em coming :)

Fluffy and cute! I love it! Please give us more soon!

What a great story. Can't wait for more!!

Thank God they finally talked without misunderstanding every other word. I really liked this story, but then I've been a hopeless romantic all my life. My wife says this is a GOOD thing.

WOW so this will be the Fluff fest 2005 TnT story Im guessin.;) I woder what Phlox will tell them about physical activaties. Cant wait for the next chapie, and all the fluffy ups and downs that go with it.

I absolutely adore this fanfic!! I love fics that show a normal life for the characters. And getting rid of the angst and the miscommunication between them, priceless. LOL.

SSSSShhhhhhhhhhwwwwwwwwiiiiiiiinnnnnnggggggggg!

how can Trip commit adultery if he isn't the one that's married?? It was T'Pol who was married, remember?? All in all a very sweet fic.

Great fanfic! More please!! :)

I love how you portray the Tucker family! This story keeps getting better and better. ^_^

i love this fic! i'm checking for updates every 10 minutes, SO DON'T KEEP ME WAITING!

I just found this story and I read all of it up-to-date. It's wonderful! I love the way you portray all the characters. I can't wait to read more! :)

Really good. I like how you resolved all the problems they were facing. I'm looking forward to the next chapter and when T'Pol meets the parents in person.

Update soon please.

please update soon cant wait for the next chapter

Great! Thanks for all the needed talks!!

arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!! won't you send the next chapter already!!!!! PLEASE! ( and now to my first statement)arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have got to say I really love Trip's mum, and am so glad that Trip and T'Pol are getting together - and not just for the baby's sake. Ali D :~)

Please update soon. I think we all need to read something pleasant after the horrible news of the (foul, filthy-insert words here) finale.

We're waiting????? where izzit?

Nice....My ulcer is finally starting to ease up. Very good piece, keep it up....T