eleven years ago

In his entire life, he had been in countless fights, battles, conflicts and wars. And through all of those hard-fought battles, there has never been an opponent that could best him or knock him off his feet.

Until now.

Only this is no battle. There is nothing to be won, no violence involved at all.

He very nearly falls to the floor and is saved only by the overstuffed chair behind him as his mind registers what she's just said to him, his eyes wide with disbelief and confusion.

"Ye...ah...wait. I'm nae sure I heard ye c'rrectly, love. What did ye jus' say?"

The look on her face is one of apprehension and fear, but touched by hope and happiness, lit from underneath by a glow of life that he's seeing for the first time with new eyes.

Her hands twist together, the fingers interlacing almost painfully tight as she stares at him, not looking away for even an instant. Her voice is soft - so soft it's barely above a whisper as she speaks. "It's true, Finn. I checked twice and then went to the doctor."

The first question that comes - irrationally - to his lips is instinctive, and he's already opened his mouth before he manages to stop himself. She'd just said she was sure. The next question pops out on its own.

"H..how did this happ'n...?"

That actually gets a little giggle from her as she looks at him, a smile tugging at her lips. "Well, Finnegan, about three weeks ago you and I..."

He looks at her with a look like she'd just slapped him for a moment, then suddenly he's laughing, on his feet, scooping her up in his arms and whirling her around, and she's laughing with him.

Looking up into her eyes, he can't help it...he has to ask. "I...I'm going to be a father...?"

With a nibble at her lower lip, she nods, still smiling.

And suddenly there is nothing else anymore as their lips touch.