SUMMARY: An epilogue to the story Lethe's Embrace.

CODES: SQ, B/W

RATING: PG

DISCLAIMER: Amblin owns it all

NOTES: none

"A Second Chance"
by Liz VanZandt

Kristin Westphalen looked up anxiously as Wendy Smith entered the room. "Well?"

"Well," Wendy said, "the test came back positive. You were right."

Kristin sighed heavily. "Thank you, Wendy. I guess Nathan and I have a decision to make now."

"Good luck."

* * *

Nathan Bridger whistled as he strolled down the halls of seaQuest headed to his cabin. Since the problems with Rubin Zellar three months earlier had ended, Nathan's life had definitely been on the upswing. His crew had been in a good mood, and he knew it was a reflection of his own good mood. And that good mood was due to a certain woman, now back in his life.

Nathan thought of the surprise he had waiting for Kristin in his - no their - cabin. That thought soon turned to the woman he loved. Intelligent, beautiful, fiery, fiercely opinionated, passionate, and a scientist to the last, there weren't sufficient adjectives in the English language to describe Kristin.

He turned the corner and pushed open the door to his cabin. He was startled to see Kristin curled up in a chair by the small window. "I thought you were on duty for another hour."

"I could say the same for you," she replied.

"Touché," he smiled. "So what are you doing here than?"

"I took the afternoon off."

"There's nothing wrong is there? You're not sick?" concern was evident both in his voice and on his face.

"No," she chuckled, "I'm fine. But we have to talk."

"I don't like conversations that begin like that," he said cautiously.

"Yeah, well I didn't think I'd ever be having this conversation again."

Nathan frowned. "Now you really have me worried."

"Nathan," she sighed, trying to summon up enough courage to tell him, "I'm pregnant."

"Come again."

"I'm three months pregnant. The medical half of me knows that this child is a big risk, especially at my age. There are lots of problems and complications that come with pregnancy at my age, but the other half of me wants to jump for joy. This baby is a second chance for both of us. I mean -"

"Kristin." She stopped and looked at him, unable to read his expression. "You're rambling."

"I'm sorry," she looked down at her hands, wringing them in her lap. "It's just that I've been thinking about this for a couple weeks now, and I can't decide one way or another. This needs to be a mutual decision."

"I agree." He smiled mischievously, "You're sure this is my decision though?"

Anger flew to her face, "Nathan Bridger! What do you think I am?"

"Just checking," he smiled. "You do realize that I'll be in my eighties when the baby enters the Academy."

"The Academy?" Kristin stood to face him, nose to nose. "I don't think so. This little one's headed to medical school."

"How 'bout a compromise - clown school?" he leaned forward and placed his lips next to hers. Nathan felt her smile against his lips.

As they parted, he stepped back and crossed the room to the dresser. Opening the top drawer, he rifled around and pulled out a small black box. "I was going to ask tonight anyway, so don't think this is just because of the baby."

"Nathan, are you going to do what I think you're going to do?"

"Mmmhmm." He crossed back over to her side and knelt down on one knee, taking her hand in his. "Kristin, I love you more than I ever thought possible, and it would make me very happy if you would be my wife."

Kristin blinked back the tears as she nodded. He opened the box and took out a simple diamond ring, placing it on her finger. Standing up, he swept her up into his arms and kissed her long and hard.

"I have just one question, though," she said when they finally parted again.

"Hmm?"

"What took you so long to ask?"

"Well, I had to think of some way for you to stay aboard once we're married."

"You mean since technically I wouldn't be allowed to serve under you?"

"You got it."

"And what did you figure out?"

"Nothing yet, but I'm sure I can talk Bill into something in the next few weeks."

"You'd better, or my wedding dress will be coming from a maternity shop."

"Just one quick question, though."

"Hmm?"

"Three months would put it right around that thing with Zellar, right?"

"Interesting timing, wouldn't you say?"

"Yeah, well, that was an interesting time to say the least."

"You can say that again."

Another mischievous grin lit up his face. "What do you say we reenact that night in the VIP quarters?"

The End

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