Complete fantasy mpreg bonus chapter three. Totally beyond the realm of my experience, and no science this chapter. Yep Phillip's still knocked up and there are still no werewolves.

The next few months ticked along smoothly, sort of. There were a pile of appointments and school was back in session, but Gareth's parents, so completely wonderful when he'd met them only a little while earlier, were more than amazing now. They sold their house and moved to be close by so that not only could they help with the children, but they could also allow Gareth the time to travel with Phillip to the myriad of medical appointments that he now had. Although the couple hadn't told the rest of the family what the issue was, both men assured everyone that Phillip wasn't ill. The grandparents also babysat on a regular basis, often taking the kids after school when Phillip or Gareth couldn't be home in time.

The idea of a baby growing in Phillip was still something completely foreign to him. Sure he'd seen the scans and suffered through countless tests, he'd been ravenously hungry and horrifically nauseated, but he endured because he had to. It still seemed like a horribly exhausting, never ending joke, but it wasn't, and there was a baby involved. Phillip spent countless hours ruminating over this fact. His emotions were all over the place; he was withdrawn and upset one minute and teary and needy the next, yet Gareth remained steadfast by his side and Phillip tried his hardest to put on a brave face around the kids.

By mid November the pregnancy was progressing well, the fetal development was normal from week to week, and they even had a booklet of ultrasound photos of the baby although they didn't yet know the gender. As they drove down the highway towards yet another appointment, Gareth reached across to Phillip taking ahold of his hand.

"How are you doing, Phil, really?"

"I'm okay. Better when I'm with you." And Phillip was feeling a little better, too. He was almost past the first trimester, and he was hoping that entering the next three months would end the morning sickness that plagued him morning, noon, and night. In fact, with all the vomiting, despite the fact a growing baby was inside his womb, his abs had never been tighter. He'd taken to drinking meal replacement shakes to help get more nutrients and adding iron drops at the doctors' suggestion because the prenatal vitamins were too hard on his uber sensitive stomach.

Phillip absently played a little with Gareth's long fingers, just enjoying some quiet time together, even if it was in the car. Things had been hectic the past few weeks with events at the children's school, Gareth's meet the teacher night, and the elder Lewises being over often. "I need you, Gareth."

Gareth smiled warmly at Phillip. As much as he was sure there were some hormones responsible for some of Phillip's touchiness, he couldn't deny that he loved the attention. There were hugs and caresses, kisses and nips, and Gareth loved it all. "I need you too, Phillip. I love you." Turned back to the road and continued driving.

.................................................

"What's up Phillip?" Bill asked. 

Mel and Phillip were working on the living wall in Bill's law office, having started to install the grid for the watering and plants, and Phillip had said he wanted to ask Bill something, 'in his professional opinion.' It was funny. For all Bill had heard that Phillip was ill all the time, today he looked great, almost glowing.

"I want to marry Gareth," Phillip said, after the door was shut, leaving Mel out working by the front desk.

"Are you asking me for permission? Because I'm pretty sure his parents live in town now, don't they?" Bill joked. "Abby said she met them at the school open house."

"Yes, they do, and they're great, but I'm asking because I need to know how to do it legally," Phillip clarified. "I'm not one to mince words. I need to marry Gareth."

"Well, he needs to be separated from Leeann for a whole year. As he filed for divorce in May, that's technically when he'll be able to marry," Bill explained. He was certain that Phillip already knew this.

"But is there any way we could do it sooner?" Phillip pressed. "May could be too late." Bill noticed the anxiety in Phillip's voice, like this wasn't a want, but a necessity.

"Too late? Are you dying or something? Gareth didn't lie to Abby about your health did he?" Bill questioned. He knew there was something fishy about Phillip's supposed 'normal' intestinal troubles as Gareth had put it. Abby thought the whole thing was a cover-up. There was no way Phillip was having so many appointments for something routine.

"No, I'm not dying, but I could. Gareth didn't lie exactly. There is something wrong with my--" Phillip gestured to his abdomen, then he huffed in exasperation. "Oh, fuck it. Fine. I'm pregnant. I have a uterus, there's a baby in it, it's Gareth's and I want to marry him. I want to marry him because I love him, and I want to marry him before the baby's here incase there's a complication when I have to have the surgery to deliver him or her." Phillip's face crumpled uncharacteristically and he tried not to sob. The fucking hormones strike again!

"Whoa, whoa. Hang on there big guy." Bill tried calming Phillip by giving him a pat on the knee, but there was no way he was disputing what Phillip was telling him. Phillip wasn't a liar, so it had to be true. He handed Phillip a linen pocket square while he thought. "Now, Gareth and the kids moved in with you in February, correct?"

"Yes," Phillip sniffled.

"Is there any documentation to that effect? He got his name off the lease and utilities of his old place at that time, didn't he?" Bill asked for clarification.

Phillip thought back to Gareth's list that first night, the one when Gareth had the bruising on his face and had completely undone Phillip. "Uh, yes, I believe so. Oh, and he signed a lease with me."

"Perfect. I can prepare the proper documents to have the separation date moved back to mid February, so you could probably have the marriage by March. Would that be okay?"

"Oh Bill, that would be stupendous!" Phillip got to his feet, and promptly sat back down, dizzy. He tried to hold back the nausea, and took a few bracing breaths. "Sorry."

"No, don't be." Bill raised his hand up trying to prevent Phillip from rising too quickly. "Do I need to get you a garbage can?"

"No...I'm okay." Phillip closed his eyes for a second, then stood again, slowly this time. "Bill, thank you for everything. And thank you for not interrogating me about this. You have no idea how many questions I have to answer all the time."

"No worries, I know you're being honest, and besides that's what friends are for, Phillip." Bill chuckled to himself. "I guess you guys didn't see this one coming."

"No. Is it common to be told you have some lady parts and are pregnant? It's a bit unnerving."

"That is the understatement of the day, my friend." Bill guffawed this time and clapped Phillip across the back as he opened the office door.

Mel gave the two men a funny look, but continued working.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>

It was the start of December, and Phillip couldn't take it anymore. He loved Gareth, and Gareth loved him. Steps had to be taken. The stores in the mall were adorned with garlands and fake snow, and the Christmas music was playing softly in the background. Phillip stared into the glass case, looking at the rings on display, trying to find one that said 'Gareth' to him. As he was wont to do lately, he felt a bit of discomfort in his lower abdomen, so he gently rubbed his palm back and forth across his growing belly although there really wasn't even a bump.

"Do you see anything that interests you, sir?" the saleslady asked. She'd been very patient at his lollygagging. "I can bring out a selection for you to look at, if you'd like."

Something special; he needed something that summed up Gareth. "He has long fingers, but not dainty or anything, and he's taller than me. He's got hair that's darker than mine, but..." Phillip's eyes widened in horror when he realized he'd been rambling on. This had been happening more and more lately. For heaven's sake, he'd even cried in Bill's office a few weeks ago, but thankfully Bill had been fantastic about it. Just thinking about how nice Bill was to him made his eyes misty again...

"Sir?" the salesgirl gave him a strange look.

Oh, shit! What the hell was wrong with him?

"Sorry, just a bit distracted." Phillip shook his head and refocused on the task at hand. Gareth's hand. Ha! That was a bit funny. Phillip giggled to himself a little. What was he doing again? "OH God!" His cheeks went fully red and he pointed down to the case. "I'd like to see those ones. The silvery ones."

"Those are actually tungsten or titanium, depending on the ring. A very classy choice."

"And that one? The one with the six stones?"

"Black diamonds set in a matte tungsten band with a bevelled edge and comfort fit," she explained.

"It's beautiful." Phillip held the ring in his hand, the weight of it, the feel of it, the magnitude and significance of it. One stone for each of them and the one to come. "It's perfect." His eyes were starting to water. Phillip wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "I'll take it."

"Excellent choice. Do you know his size? Would you like it engraved?"

"Yes."

Leaving the store with a receipt in hand, Phillip couldn't help but feel he'd really accomplished something important, and he couldn't wait until he could actually give Gareth the ring. It wouldn't be ready for a few days, though, and he did actually want to ask Jack and Beverly for Gareth's hand like Bill had suggested. It just seemed right. Fortunately, for Phillip, he still had a few hours before he needed to be home for the kids. Their adult condominium complex was a close drive from the mall.

Phillip carefully extricated himself from the vehicle, making sure not to stand too quickly. Apparently the dizziness was normal, but like every other pregnancy symptom, it seemed like he got it twice as hard as everyone else. Apparently his blood supply was busy helping build a baby rather than keeping him upright and mobile. Stupid hormones messing with his system!

"Phillip! To what do we owe this pleasure?" Beverly smiled across the table at him as they sat for a cup of tea. She and Jack were just about to have their mid-afternoon sit down when Phillip had shown up at their door.

"Uh, well." He hesitated and took a sip of his tea, hoping to find some courage. This was certainly an odd situation, although he was pretty sure that it was merely a formality. Certainly they wouldn't say no, would they? "I was hoping to ask for your approval."

Jack's brow crinkled in confusion, a small smile playing on his lips. "Why Phillip, whatever could you mean?" Phillip's heart plummeted.

Beverly, on the other hand, had her mouth fixed in a surprised o, that was, until she realized what her husband said, then she smacked Jack on the arm with the back of her hand before beaming at Phillip. "Of course dear, we've never seen Gareth so happy, and the children just love you."

"I love them, too. All of them, and I want to make sure that Gareth and I can do whatever we can to make a stable and loving home for them." His eyes started welling with tears, and he willed himself to keep it together. It would be so embarrassing for them to see him cry.

"Now wait just a second, here!" Jack put up his hand in protest. "Let's face it, Beverly. Our son has terrible issues when it comes to relationships. First he got roped into being with Leeann, who just used him terribly, and now we're just supposed to believe that Phillip's different? Heck, are you knocked up, too?" Jack said shaking his head in mock disgust.

Phillip went as white as a sheet and nearly vomited. What the hell was Jack playing at, and how did he know? His heart was pounding through his chest.

"Oh, Jack, stop being an ornery jerk." This time she smacked him a little harder, and he flinched. "Don't worry, Phillip, he's just pulling your leg. He thinks he's being funny."

"No, Bev. I know I'm funny." He rolled his eyes at his wife in an exaggerated manner. "Of course it's fine, Phillip, it's obvious that you care deeply for each other. I just want Gareth and the kids to be happy, and it seems like you do that for them. Oh, that, and you're actually a decent person."

The last sentence fell on deaf ears, Phillip was still in shock from Jack's earlier jibe. "Uh, I think I need to go. Thank you for the tea, Beverly. Jack." Phillip nodded at the couple and nearly dashed from the house, stopping once outside to vomit in their euonymus. Fortunately it was the evergreen variety, so his little mishap was covered by the small hardy leaves and wouldn't cause any damage.

"Jack, I think you scared that poor boy away. I'd best call Gareth to smoothing things over, and if they have problems from this, you're sleeping on the couch tonight," Beverly called to the other room as she watched Phillip pull out of the driveway and nearly hit their mailbox.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>

Gareth was prepared for the phone call when it came.

"Yes, mom. I know what happened. Phillip told me," he cut in before she could go through the whole conversation.

Gareth had come home from work earlier to find Phillip splayed across the duvet crying in their bedroom. Franny and Gabe were in the basement playing lego while Daisy was preparing Phillip a cup of tea. Apparently when they'd gotten home a few minutes earlier, Phillip was okay. He'd given them all hugs, then gone to lay down. The younger two thought nothing of it, but Daisy heard him crying through the door.

Gareth took the tea from Daisy after giving her a big hug and made his way to the bedroom. Phillip was sobbing and his words weren't easy to discern, but Gareth gathered his father's rather inappropriate sense of humour was maybe a bit more harsh than usual. That, and Phillip was really hormonal. Gareth didn't know exactly what happened because Phillip wasn't making a lot of sense, but the upshot of it was that Phillip wanted to tell Gareth's parents about the baby because the dishonesty was making him ill, or something like that. Gareth also determined there was a plant involved in there somewhere, but he wasn't sure if it was very important.

Phillip calmed down considerably after several hugs and 'I love you's' and he sipped his tea. He was feeling much better so he took up his book from the nightstand and went to curl up in the living room with Daisy to read while Gareth spoke to his mother.

"I just feel bad, poor Phillip dashed off like he'd been bitten," Beverly tut-tutted.

"He feels badly about that, but his father never joked about anything, so it's hard for him to decipher dad's wit, I think," Gareth explained.

"He's such a kind and sensitive soul. You tell Phillip that Jack is in my bad books, don't you worry!"

"Well that might upset him further, to think that he caused you two to fight. Actually we were hoping that you and Dad could come for dinner next week," Gareth told her. "We've got something to tell you guys."

"Oh, honey! I bet I can guess what it is," Beverly sing-songed in excited relief. Thank heavens Jack hadn't scared Gareth off. She was already planning her mother of the groom outfit.

"Mom, I'm pretty sure you've got no idea, but I take it that you'll come on Monday around 5?"

"Sure thing, sweetheart!"

.......................................

"So, uh, mom, dad, you know how you were joking about one of us coming home pregnant from Abby and Bill's wedding?" Gareth began, once he'd gotten his parents sitting on the couch.

It was the first day of Christmas break from school and as good a time as any to come clean about Phillip's condition. So far they'd just said it was a genetic issue, which wasn't fully a lie. The children were occupied watching a movie on the second television they'd purchased and placed in the rec room so the adults were going to seize the opportunity to explain everything to the elder Lewises.

The pot roast, potatoes, and veggies were bubbling away in the slow cooker, and Phillip had bought some great multi-grain buns from a local bakery to go alongside. He was pleased that the aroma of the meal made the house welcoming, and that it didn't make him nauseous, even if the task at hand did. Hopefully they'd all be able to eat and have a good meal together like a proper family once everything was explained and no one would be angry.

Phillip was sitting on the loveseat looking down at his slightly obscured lap, picking at a non-existent thread. While Gareth claimed there wasn't much more than a slightly rounded bump, Phillip was feeling the tightness in the waist of his pants and was sure everyone could tell that there was something off about his midsection. Over the past week or so, he'd taken to wearing loose hoodies and jogging pants instead of his usual jeans or khakis. He was so worried that Gareth's parents, as nice and accepting as Beverly was--the jury was still out on Jack, would find him to be some sort of freak.

"Yes, dear." Beverly responded, giving her son a puzzled look while Jack just quietly observed.

"Well, you're going to be grandparents, again." Gareth handed over the grainy photo from their last ultrasound. There was very definitely a 16 week old fetus in the picture, complete with discernible limbs and features. Beverly gasped in shock.

Jack jumped in. "Now Gareth, this is no time to joke. You didn't cheat on Phillip, did you?" Jack was ready to be outraged.

"God, Dad! Of course not!" Gareth defended. "Phillip's pregnant!"

"What the hell, do you have super sperm or something? Last time I looked Phillip was a man!" This time around it was Jack's face that went white.

"No, well, yes, I am, but I have a genetic condition where I have a uterus, too," Phillip was mortified. He looked down at his hands again, unwilling to see the looks of disapproval on Beverly and Jack's faces. "I didn't know about it until it was discovered following Bill and Abby's wedding. The pregnancy is why I've been so ill."

"Oh, well..." Beverly began, she could see Phillip's unease and wanted to say just the right thing to make her future son-in-law comfortable. "This is wonderful news! A new baby is always a blessing! And this time we're right here to help."

She poked at Jack, who was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that his gay son had gotten someone pregnant, again. At least Phillip was a far better person than the last one his son knocked up. And he felt like complete crap because he realized why Phillip had reacted so poorly to his jibe a week ago. "Congratulations, both of you. Anything you need, we're here for you," Jack stated firmly. "And I am so sorry for joking about it before. I had no idea."

Phillip took a calming breath and looked up. This wasn't the reaction he'd been expecting, and he was so very relieved. Catching Beverly's eye, she asked, "So when are you due?"

"We aren't due until May, although they'll probably do a cesarean at the end of April, depending on the baby's development. They don't want to take the chance of me going into labour," Phillip explained calmly.

"Ahhh, so the wedding is before then?" Jack asked Gareth.

Gareth's face scrunched in confusion. "Wedding?" He turned to look at Phillip whose face was back to being buried in his hands. "What wedding?"

"JACK!" Beverly admonished her husband with a smack on his arm, who seemed to have messed things up again. "Don't you think Gareth would have told us once Phillip proposed? You've ruined Phillip's surprise."

Phillip looked up at Gareth. "I'm sorry. I asked your parents for permission, but I didn't want to actually do it until they knew about the baby. It just didn't seem right." He took a deep breath and reached into the pocket of his hoodie, pulling out the emerald green box he'd been carrying for a week. "Uh, anyway, I love you, Gareth, will you marry me?" Phillip's eyes filled with tears, as did Gareth's and Beverly's. Jack just swallowed hard a few times and blinked a little--for sure there was something in his eye, dust perhaps.

"Oh, GOD! Yes! But hang on one second," Gareth said as he dashed from the room. Phillip tried really hard not to freak out. Really hard. He hadn't even opened the box yet.

Gareth came back in the room a few seconds (or years as far as Phillip was concerned) later, clutching a box of his own. "Of course the answer's yes, but I was going to ask! Will you marry me, Phillip?"

"Of course." Phillip was so completely relieved he would have given his first born...well, that was actually already coming.

They exchanged boxes, and Phillip opened the one that Gareth had thrust into his hands while Gareth oohed and aahed over the ring Phillip had selected. In the deep blue box that Phillip was given, he found an unusual looking ring. It was a wedding band, that much certain, but it was a colour that he wasn't familiar with, almost copper. The band itself was engraved all the way around in an ivy pattern and the ivy leaves themselves were a deeper colour.

"It's beautiful, Phillip!" Gareth exclaimed as he examined his ring inscribed 'my always,' the matte tungsten ring and black diamonds suiting his hand wonderfully. It was understated and classic as well as everything he could ever have wanted. He then held out his hand allowing his parents to look at it. Beverly making the proper appreciative remarks.

Phillip slipped his ring from the box,  inscribed with 'forever,' and put it on his finger. The gold and dark leaves set off nicely against his skin tone, and he loved that Gareth had taken the time to find one that suited him so well.

"Did you know ivy symbolizes eternity and fidelity?" Phillip told Gareth, as he showed his fiance the ring on his finger. He smiled broadly and Gareth could tell Phillip loved it.

"I did!" Gareth said proudly. Beverly cooed at Phillip's ring, too.

"When are you going to tell the kids?" Jack cut in.

"I think we're going to have to soon. I think they're already noticing Phillip's bump."

"No, I meant about the engagement," Jack clarified.

"Oh...right now, I think," Gareth said, as he could hear at least one of the kids coming up the stairs.

A/N: Sorry about the delay. Thanks to @Snape75 for nagging me! ;)  This is why me having something written ahead of time is better than me writing as I go along.  Hopefully this is okay...  :) More still to come as I get more writing done. Also, below is a cover made by @Jennola who is lovely and the cover is absolutely fantastic!!! I totally love it! :)

Thanks for bearing with me! Read, comment, vote!

<3 JJ