Life had been crazy in every sense of the word but time had flown past. A month had gone by and they had stood by each other like they had agreed to. Ned and Alexis both knew that all that had caused them to be apart was still looming in the air but everything that seemed so important to hide or to bicker about was just ignored. Yes Ned was more over protective than ever but he tried to apologize for it and she started to understand why and she appreciated it now remembering how it felt that day siting on the bench in the park feeling so alone.

She could feel the baby inside her now she was at 3 months, which made it all more real. Though she did still have her doubts about everything, she had come to love the idea that she was going to have a baby. Everyday it seemed her Armani suits were getting harder and harder for her to button. Ned had fallen in love more than he had ever been and he loved to watch her in all of her frustrations. He would tell her that she was going to have to get use to it. He wanted to be with her every moment that he could. He wasnt going miss out on this baby. The baby made him feel younger, made him feel renewed and more in love with his soul mate everyday.

I dont have anything to wear to lunch. Everything is too tight and I cant blame it on the ice cream this time.

Well you know this cant be a secret too much longer or people or are going to ask what Ive been feeding you and I dont think they will believe its all ice cream! Ned said teasing her.

Alexis gave him a dirty look and then sighing as she plopped down on the bed.

They had been careful about their relationship in the past month. They now had at least a persons life ahead of them so both of them were almost afraid to go too far because this wasnt about what their relationship seemed to be based on the first time.

This time it was about love. Love though, that included how much they wanted and how much they really did need each other.
So they treated their relationship like a new love but they didnt rush. They had touched and kissed. Kissed like they were forbidden to go any farther. And touched each other in the most thoughtful and affectionate ways. They had brought back the playfulness that had made them so at ease with each other in the first place.

Ned! Help! frustrated and laughing at herself at the same time trying to get her pants zipped.

Ned looked at her and smiled and leaned down to her rounding stomach and kissed it softly. The kiss sent chills down Alexis spine. She never could forget what his kisses on her body did to her.

With each kiss he had given her it had driven her wild but they both tried to do everything in their power to keep focus on what their relationship was about this time.

This time though he couldnt help it, he wanted to go too far with her. He loved her; he loved her body and how it was changing more and more everyday. She wanted him. He was driving her wild how flirtatious and how committed he had been to doing things right.

Ned started to kiss her again and then again. Alexis found herself rubbing her fingers through his hair as he gently kissed her again but now further down.

Ned! trying one last time to keep control

Her body fluttered from his breath on her skin. He looked up at her to assure pleasure and then he began kissing her between her thighs. Ned always brought her to so many emotions when they made love. When they made love it was all or nothing. He then kissed her neck as he whispered into her ear thank you for loving me.

Ned showed Alexis how gracious he was. Gracious for making his life whole again, gracious for allowing him to make love to her and pleasure her like she wanted him to do.

Ned watched her lie there taking deep breaths after they had made love. Her skin was glowing and he couldnt help but tell her how beautiful she was over and over. God, how did he walk away from her? Why did he let her go so easily? Ned decided to let her rest for a little while they werent suppose to meet Kristina and Jax until 12:30 for lunch.


45 minutes later

Ned walked in the room to lie down beside Alexis when she opened her eyes, smiling

Hey there

Ned smiling back at her

What time is it?

Almost 11:30

We have to meet Kristina and Jax for lunch

We could cancel, He said grinning.

Yeah and Im sure both of them will come running over here to see whats wrong with us

Without a doubt those two are far more worse than me in protecting you

Ha! Alexis made it clear they didnt come close and that she could quite possible be the most over protected woman in the world.

Not to change the subject so fast but ARE we going to tell people?

Do we have to? Alexis scrunched her face at the thought of messing up their bliss or even the fact of how people would react to Alexis Davis being pregnant.

I would like to tell Grandmother. I mean honey we cant keep this a secret for too much longer and she would be so overjoyed you know she has always loved you

Well between you, Jax and Kristina I was sure everyone from here to China would have known by now. Believe me Im surprised. She said grinning

Ned smiling back at her knowing it was true but out of respect for Alexis and her anxiety he, Jax and Kristina understood what it meant by having to take this slow. Well as slow as you could during nine months.

Do you want to tell Lila this afternoon?

Thank you that would be great, he said as he kissed her.

Ned I do want everyone to know. I want everyone to know Im having your baby but we have to be careful Alexis said suddenly seeming very serious.

Ned knew exactly what she meant or who she meant

Alexis she will find out but please dont live in fear of her. If I have to get you a bodyguard I will. What about one of Sonnys henchmen, they all love you!

Thats really not funny at all Ned Ashton

He smiled at her trying to make light of it

Hey, day by day remember?

Yes but why are the days coming so fast, she said jumping up to finish getting ready.

Less than an hour later they were sitting at the Port Charles Grill. It was at least a weekly thing for Alexis to do lunch with Kristina not to mention maybe a dinner and a couple of bowls of popcorn a week. Jax had decided to come along today just to catch up and to see Alexis. He truly loved her and he was so happy for her. Yes even that it was Ashtons baby. He knew that he and Alexis belonged together and besides he would not be the fuel to the fire with them trying to make up with each other because it seemed strange to say but he was as good for her as she was for him.

Are you ok? Kristina said questioning Alexis

Im fine, Neds been taking good care of me as she looked over at him

You better be taking care of her, Jax said kidding but still very serious.

Kristina snickered that Jaxs underlying jealousy kicked in.

What? Jax looking at Kristina defensively.

Youre just adorable, she said glancing at Alexis for approval

They had a nice lunch and mainly talked quietly about the baby. All four of them had a vested interest. They all loved Alexis and wanted to her to be happy. The subject did come up about people starting to find out and Jax asked when he could tell everyone he knew! They told he and Kristina that they were going to tell Lila and that before it was too late they would tell everyone who needed to know.

Ned and Alexis both however kind of liked that it was between them. It made it more special knowing what they shared together.

********************
Lila was absolutely thrilled and Ned was over come by how much he knew his grandmother was and also that how much she loved Alexis and that she never gave up on either of them. Ned and Alexis both agreed it was nice not to hear an I told you so.

After they left the Quartermanes they agreed they would see each other that evening. They both had to get work done that they had both started neglecting. Even Sonny had mentioned that Ned seemed to be keeping her from her work and Sonny of all people was the one she had to beg to let her take all of his cases. Sonny had remained very loyal to her as a friend and had kept his word about not standing in Ashtons way.

Lately by the end of the day Alexis had been so tired. Today she was in good spirits though. Meeting with Lila and getting to see Kristina and Jax made her feel great. When she got to the penthouse there was a note from Ned telling her that he would be late and did she mind if they stayed at the gatehouse tonight. They had become infamous for traveling back and forth from one place to another but she didnt mind. That was the one thing they compromised on well and they wanted to be together and she knew Ned really did want to be there for every step with this baby.

So Alexis packed up a few things and headed to the gatehouse.

Alexis stepped out of his penthouse to see Johnny standing there rushing to take the bag from her hand.

Johnny its not necessary its light she said trying to reassure him.

I wanna help you

Youre kind of ridiculous but youre very sweet, she said smiling.

I would like to drive you where you are going

Its not necessary

Just to know you get there safe, Johnny said trying anything to persuade her to let him.

Even if Sonny knows youre taking me to Neds

Anywhere you need to go

Ok fine she said giving in as Johnny grinned in satisfaction.

Ned had asked Reginald to light a few candles and make sure that the flowers he ordered for her were there. Reginald unlike his usual snarls at the requests of some of the Quartermanes he agreed to do so mainly because he liked Ms. Davis and he thought Ned needed a woman like her to set him straight.

Alexis finally arrived at the gatehouse around seven. She walked in to find Reginald standing there as if the butler was right on cue. Ms. Davis these are for you as he handed her the flowers. Her smile made him blush. Alexis Davis was a hard-nosed attorney but she was also one hell of a woman.

Ned, requested that you have a bath waiting on you. He knew you would be tired

As he walked past her for the door

Reginald! Alexis was still somewhat stunned at what he had done for her. Thank you so much!

He smiled back at her and left for the main house.

Alexis went up stairs to the main bath and saw that Reginald had lit candles around the tub for her and he had already dimmed the lights for her.

She looks good, Johnny said standing in front of Sonny

Good?

She looked happy sir Johnny said hesitantly

Sonny shook his head and then dismissed Johnny. He wanted to be alone. He had wanted to be alone since the day he found out she was pregnant. He even admitted how pathetic he was as he waited for Johnny or Max to see her and for them to tell him how she was. Not only had he fallen in love with this brilliant, beautiful woman but he couldnt help to imagine how beautiful she was becoming everyday that she was pregnant.

She still was soaking in the tub when Ned came home and walked in on her.

Oh I see the bath was a good choice.

Uh hum

Ned knelt down beside the tub

Thanks for the roses, theyre beautiful!

You re very welcome thats the least I can do for the woman who is having my baby

You know - youre right giving him her devilish grin

Alexis stood up to get out of the tub and he stared at her. She felt self-conscious about the shape that her body was taking and Ned realized that he was starring. He only smiled at her and went and got his bathrobe to wrap her in. He then apologized for starring and explained he couldnt help but stare. She relinquished her caution and opened Neds robe facing him so he could look at her all he wanted. She didnt understand how he could get off just by looking at her but then again it was never enough. She pressed against him and she could feel how much he wanted her. She then walked towards the bed and set down looking at him seductively and that was all it took from her for him to make love to her. Passionately they kissed and touched. She was making him beg for what he wanted from her, but she gave it to him and it was worth his every pled. They thought they had perfected making love but each day she was pregnant they seem to want each other more and more.

After making love Alexis lay there feeling the baby turn inside her and watched Ned sleep. She wondered what life would have been like had she not ran out on him at the alter, that what if she was Mrs. Ashton.

Ned woke up to see her staring at him the dimples alone on that man made her crazy for him.

He leaned up and made a glance into her eyes

What? Alexis was puzzled by his sudden move.

Alexis?

Yes?

Ned turned over to reach into his side table drawer. He looked at Alexis and opened the palm of his hand. It was her ring.

Alexis obviously nervous at what she was staring at and also cursing herself for not being able to just blurt out she wanted so much to have it back on her finger.

I want you to hear me out, he said

I know we have a little problem with marriage especially to each other, but when I first gave you this ring it was to symbolize how much I loved you and it still symbolizes the same, but it also symbolizes that we are connected. Not because someone says we are by some certificate but because you are in my heart and in my thoughts every minute of my life.

Alexis said nothing to him as tears ran down her face.

Instead of Alexis usual fumbling she held out her hand

Ned slid the ring on her finger and then sealed it with a kiss. She then took his hand and held it to her stomach so he could feel the baby moving inside of her. That was the best way to let him know that whatever it was that they would face she knew it was true they would always be connected, connected by what was growing inside her, connected by the heart.