For the first time in months, Todd walks back into his office at the Sun. He carries a small bag, and sets it down near his desk.
"Briggs!" he yells. Almost immediately, Briggs come through the door.
"Yes, boss?"
"Lemme see the headline for tomorrow," Todd says, in his usual gruff manner. He takes it from Briggs. "No...no...no....can I get a REAL headline? How about....."The Sun sets on the Bukes"...yeah...yeah...now THAT is a headline....damn Big daddy nearly destroyed my paper...turning it into another Buke suck up rag...well no more..you hear me Briggs?" Todd yells.
"Yes sir," Briggs says quickly, walking towards the door, hiding a small smile. He'd never admit it to his face, but he was glad to have Todd back.
Todd grins as Briggs leaves. He had missed this. He sits down at his desk and begins to empty the bag he had brought with him. First, he takes out the picture of Téa, and places it on his desk. It was his favorite one, she had her hair up like he liked it and was wearing a pretty flowered dress. Next, he takes out his picture of Starr, smiling at his precious daughter. He looks around his office, a nervous feeling beginning to surface. It was a familiar feeling...one that he got when things started going too good. He finally had his paper back, Starr was healthy, he and Téa were happy and the pregnancy was going well, and he had been able to start making peace about Angela. He looked at the picture of Téa, and reached out to gently run his fingers over it.
"This is good, Delgado....I just hope it lasts," he says softly.
He is interrupted by Kelly Cramer walking into his office. Before he could say anything, she begins to speak.
"Okay, Todd..look. I know that I'm only supposed to be here to "transition" the paper...but...I'd really like to stay on. I really like working here...it means a lot to me. I think I've learned a lot...and I think I can be very valuable to the Sun," she finishes, taking a deep breath.
Todd grins wryly. "I don't know Kelly...I've had trouble with Cramer women in the past."
"Todd...I'm not Dorian and I'm not Blair....look...I'm not trying to put one over on you...I just want to work here...really."
Todd looks at her, judging her sincerity. He really had no reason to doubt her except for the fact that she was a Cramer.
"And what will boyfriend Joey think about you working for the competition?"
"He'll deal...he knows I believe in this."
Todd nods slowly. "Okay, Kelly....I'll give you a shot...but I'm gonna warn you...I'm a lot harder to work for than Big Daddy Asa."
Kelly smiles. "Thanks Todd."
"Whatever."
Téa walks into the office at the end of this exchange. "Hey Todd, Kelly...what's going on?"
"Hey Téa...you look great....nothing...Todd and I were just setting things straight. Now if you'll excuse me..I have some work to do," Kelly smiles at them both and leaves.
Téa looks confused. "What was that about?"
"Kelly wants to stay on here...working for me. What do you think?"
"I think it's a good idea....Kelly seems to like it...although she hasn't worked for you yet," Téa says wryly.
She walks over and sits down on the sofa.
"Funny. Well...I'm gonna give her a shot...see what happens."
"Good."
"So, you feel okay?"
Téa sighs. "Tired, achy, but generally okay."
"You're not working too hard, are you?"
"No...I just finished up some paper work and I'm going home next."
"Good...don't forget Shorty's spending the night."
Téa smiles. "Yeah..I can't wait to see her face when we tell her she's gonna have a little sister. Did you talk to Blair?"
"Yeah...she said she was gonna stick with the Banner for now...can't imagine why."
"Maybe she likes it, Todd."
"I guess...it's probably for the best...I can just hear her and Kelly screeching at each other...talk about Cramer Hell."
Téa giggles, and Todd walks over to sit down next to her.
"Things are finally working out, huh?" she says, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah," he says softly, gently caressing her protruding stomach, "Finally." He closes his eyes, cherishing her closeness, trying to push away the nagging fear in his heart.

**********************************************************************************

Manning House, Later that evening

Téa is munching on pickles as Starr and Todd play on the floor.
"Tee, how come you're eating so many pickles?"
Téa laughs. "I think the baby likes them Starr," she replies. Seemingly satisfied, Starr turns back to her toys.
"Hey Shorty...so you know the baby is coming soon right?"
"Uh huh."
Todd reaches over and pulls Starr onto his lap. "You excited?"
"Yeah," Starr replies, smiling.
"Well, you know, Tee and I ...we have a secret for you." "You do?"
"You wanna hear?"
Starr nods, and Téa moves down to the floor so she is sitting next to Todd.
"The baby...is gonna be a little girl...you're gonna have a sister."
Starr's face lights up. "Just like me?"
Todd laughs, "Yeah, a girl like you. Sound good to you?"
"Yeah...can I teach her how to play tea party with my dolls?"
Téa smiles and reaches over to touch the little girl's hair. "Of course you can sweetie...you know..you are gonna be a great big sister."
Starr smiles. "Can I touch the baby, Tee?"
"Of course you can," Téa says, and takes Starr's hand and places it on her stomach.
"It feels funny," Starr giggles.
Todd watches, wishing he could freeze this moment...here with his family.

To be continued....