A/N: This is set before A Child with No Name from Season 9. Jenny isn't in the story because I couldn't find a way to use her character well in this story.

Disclaimer: I own nothing and all rights go to NBC and Laura Ingalls Wilder. :)

Baby Wilder

Chapter One

Laura woke up one morning with a pounding headache and a queasy stomach. She knew that she had to teach school today, but she felt so sickly that all she wanted to do was lie in bed and rest.

Her hand roamed the space beside her on the bed, searching for Almanzo's hand to hold. All she felt were the rumpled, cool sheets.

Suddenly Almanzo walked in the room, his suspenders hanging from his pants. He was drinking a glass of milk and he walked over to her. "Beth," He said, giving her a kiss on the forehead, "You'd better get up or you're going to be late for work."

"Mmm, what time it it?" Laura asked. "Almost seven thirty I think." Laura sat up abruptly. Seven thirty! Why, she only had a half hour to get ready and do all the chores around the house that needed to get done before going to school!

As soon as she sat up, she knew it was a mistake. "Ohh…" She groaned. Hopping out of bed, she knew that if she didn't get to the outhouse fast she would lose last nights' supper all over the clean bedsheets.

When she came back into the house, Almanzo was standing by the stove, holding Rose with one arm and stirring a pot on the stove with the other hand. "Are you alright?" He asked worriedly.

"I must have picked up a stomach virus from somewhere." Laura said, trying to smile so as to ease his concern. "You'd better stay home from school today." He said. He placed Rose in her highchair and walked over to his wife of two and a half years, placing a hand on the small of her back.

"I guess." She sighed. "Could you drive into town and see if Mrs. Oleson can teach please?" Normally, Laura would have asked her mother to teach. Caroline had a natural way with children and was a kind teacher. However, she was working in the restaurant now.

"Sure. I'll take Rose with me so you can get some rest. Are you sure you're alright?" Laura slid into bed and closed her eyes, trying to quell the uneasiness in her stomach.

She nodded. "I'll be fine. Thanks, Manly."

The sickness lasted for more than a day, however, and two days later, when Laura was still feeling sick to her stomach, Almanzo slid into bed next to her.

It was nighttime and the crickets were chirping loudly outside. She smiled weakly up at him. "I'm sorry I haven't been much help lately," She said. "I know it's been hard to juggle the farmwork, Rose, and the cooking."

"It's fine, darlin'. I just want you to get better." He tucked a strand of hair that was falling into Laura's face behind her ear. A look of concern on his face, he said, "You've been feeling sick for three days now. Don't you think you should go see Doctor Baker?"

Laura sighed. She didn't want to spend the extra money to see the doctor, as money had been a little tight lately. They had just had to pay for a new plow and seeds and all. But she knew it was the best thing to do-she needed to get back to teaching. "I'll go see him first thing tomorrow." They kissed briefly before falling asleep.

Dr. Baker closed the curtain behind young Laura Wilder as she dressed herself. Smiling to himself, he put away his stethoscope and pondered momentarily how he was going to tell her the news.

He had the joy of breaking this sort of news to women and couples since his humble career began years ago, but it was always an exciting and happy thing for him. He couldn't think of a more rewarding aspect of his job.

Laura came briskly out of the examining room, smoothing down her shirtwaist. "Well, Doctor?" She asked. "Is it a virus? Did I eat something that disagreed with me?"

Dr. Baker leaned against his desk, smiling. "None of those things." He said. "Well what is it then?" Laura's voice gave away her confusion. "I need to get back to work and tending to Rose."

"You will be able to-soon, I hope. As soon as the morning sickness passes, which should be in a few weeks…" Laura was staring at Doctor Baker, shock upon her face.

"…Morning sickness?" She asked. "I'm pregnant?!" Doctor Baker smiled broadly, nodding. "Congratulations, Laura. Your baby should arrive in, ah, I'd say about seven months."

Laura smiled, still not completely believing it was so. Happily she pulled her bonnet on. "Oh, thank you Doctor Baker!" She exclaimed. "Thank you so much!"

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