A\N: Here is the first chapter of my new story I've been promising. This story is a (not including for this chapter a week-by-week guide of Shane's pregnancy. It is a prequel to "The O'Toole Family". However I do not think you will find this story that confusing if you haven't read it yet. For this story I did a lot of research as I wanted to ensure things were as accurate as possible. I have never been pregnant before so I asked a friend to help me out a bit and she approved my story outline. However any mistakes you may see are mine. If you see anything that should be corrected please let me know. I am trying to ensure my characters are more in-character but as we've never seen them in this situation before I had to use my imagination.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Spoilers: None

Warnings: None

Chapter 1

Weeks 3-6 (February)

For the past two mornings Shane had been feeling nauseous in the morning and more tired than usual throughout the day. When she and Oliver arrived home from work, she had to take a nap before dinner. She knew what the most likely cause was she just couldn't believe it had happened so fast. They had only been trying for a month. Now, as she sat on the edge of the bed with Oliver waiting for the tests seemed like forever. When her cell phone dinged, signalling the time had come up she took a deep breath and walked into the washroom to look at the test. When she saw the test was positive her hands covered her mouth and she began to cry.

"Shane…" Oliver stood up and walked towards the washroom "Shane if-"

"These are happy tears Oliver. The test was positive. I'm pregnant," Shane interrupted him.

Oliver hugged her and then kissed her gently on the lips. When their lips broke apart, he placed a hand over her stomach, "How are you feeling? I think it is wise if you stay home today instead of accompanying me to my father's. I do not think you are in any state to go on a hike in the winter.

"Oh no Oliver," Shane shook her head, "We're going on that hike with your father. You are not going to use our baby to get out of it. Getting outside will be good for you. Plus, I've been waiting for a month to see you go on a winter hike," She chuckled.

"Shane, I do not want you to fall and I do not feel comfortable leaving you here by yourself."

"I'm going and so are you," Shane told him. When she saw he was about to respond again she looked up at him and kissed his cheek "I know you're worried and I love you for that, but I can't stop living my life just because I'm pregnant. All I can do is be extra careful. I'll wear extra layers and be extra careful to avoid ice on the hike. In the meantime, if it makes you feel better you can have a rest with me before we have to leave." Shane smiled as she walked to their bed and laud down, "I may fall asleep because I'm tired, but you can just hold me."

"I would be delighted too," Oliver joined her on their bed and wrapped her gently in his arms. He held her, with one hand on her stomach as she slept.

Two hours later Shane and Oliver arrived at Joe's house for their planned winter hike. They had discussed about telling Joe the news but had decided to wait until they had an ultrasound to show him. At this point they still weren't one hundred percent sure Shane was pregnant.

Shane kept her promise and while on the hike she tried to me as careful as possible and avoided as much of the ice as she could. Although as she was talking to Joe she stepped on a patch of ice and fell down hitting her head on the ice.

"Oh, my goodness Shane!" Oliver ran to her aide and helped her up, "This is why I did not want you to come? What if you have a concussion? What if something happened to the-" Oliver stopped as Shane glared at him.

"I'm fine Oliver," Shane assured him, "I don't even have a bump on my head."

"I am glad, but it is not just your head I am worried about," Oliver helped her to her feet, "I think we should make our way back to my father's house now."

Joe had been observing the couple and had a pretty good idea of what was going on. "I think Oliver might be right Shane. It is getting colder out, and you should really rest and watch your head for signs of a concussion."

"Fine," Shane gave in, "As long as I can have some hot chocolate I'll rest for a bit."

"Good," Oliver took her hand and helped her walk back to his father's house.

That night Shane had trouble sleeping and at five o'clock in the morning she woke up and just barely made it to the washroom before she threw up. Once she was finally finished, she stood up but stumbled as she felt nauseous.

"Shane," Oliver reached out to catch her before she fell, he handed her a glass of water and het toothbrush as she was drinking the water he said "I suggest you take the day off of work today. I believe you have many days saved up now and it would be wise to start to use them now and then later in your pregnancy. Plus, if you are home it will make it easier for you to make a doctor's appointment. I believe it is imperative you have a pre-natal; check-up as soon as possible, Especially if you are feeling this sick.:"

Shane quickly brushed her teeth and then collapsed into Oliver's arms, "I'm too tired to argue with you. I think I will stay home."

Oliver helped her into bed and looked at her. It worried him how sick and tired she looked. He did not like the idea of her being at home all day by herself. He knew though that she'd probably be asleep for most of the morning and leaving just Norman and Rita in the office all day would not be right. "I am going to take the afternoon off. I will be home in time to nake you something for lunch," Oliver kissed her forehead.

"Thank you," Shane mumbles sleepily as her eyes drifted closed.

When Oliver arrived home at promptly twelve o'clock, he observed Shane had gotten out of bed and. As heard the TV on he deduced she was in the family room. He walked into the room and saw the TV on and Shane lying on the couch on her mobile phone. Oliver never did understand how she could pay attention to two electronical devices at once, but Shane had always maintained that she could.

"Good afternoon," Oliver spoke, "How are you feeling?"

Shane turned off the TV and slowly sat up to allow Oliver room to sit on the couch, "A little better. I'm still tired but now I'm definitely starting o get hungry. I was able to make a doctor's appointment for next week."

"I will make you whatever you want for lunch."

"Whatever I want?" Shane teased, "Be careful Oliver I may not have any weird pregnancy cravings yet but in a few weeks I will."

Oliver sat beside her on the couch and gently pulled her into his arms, "I love you Shane. You are growing a gift from God inside of you. I will do everything possible to make these next month's easier on you."

Shane placed her head on Oliver's shoulder, "I love you too. I know things won't be easy and we're both nervous, but I think we can do this together. How about you make us some sandwiches while I set up the DVD player with one of your favourite classic movies?"

"Before we watch a movie with that device, I think we should read some Scripture," Oliver told her, "As we are starting on a new journey together and I think it would be a good idea.

"That sounds lovely," Shane replied.

Over the next few days Shane continued to have morning sickness as well as nausea and fatigue throughout the day. Well at work she found herself running to the washroom multiple times a day. Oliver and Shane told Norman and Rita the news on Monday and they both congratulated the couple. Rita offering some advice to Shane on what had worked to help her morning sickness.

On the afternoon of Shane's appointment Oliver and Shane arrived at the doctor's office early. Shane filled in some paperwork and handed it back to the nurse at the front desk before taking a seat again. She observed woman who were much farther along in their pregnancy then she was and tried to imagine herself like that. She wasn't usually one to feel discomfort at the thought of her body changing but she didn't like picturing herself eight or nine months pregnant.

Oliver, sensing her tense up took her hand and he gently squeezed it, "I love you

Shane took a deep breath and smiled "I love you too. I hope we can see the doctor soon I drank so much water," She complained.

"Unfortunately, they appear to be running behind schedule," Oliver sighed, "I do hope they are able to see you soon. I do not want you to have to wait too long. They should try to stay more on schedule."

"Oh Oliver," Shane looked at him, "Doctor's office's run late, People come late for appointments late or have lots of questions for a doctor. I have a list of questions to ask the doctor about. I typed them in my phone so I wouldn't forget."

"I will see you have time to ask all off your questions," Oliver promised her.

After waiting a while Shane and Oliver were directed into an examination room. Oliver read some of the posters on what to expect during a pregnancy as Shane nervously waited on a chair. Soon there was a knock on the door and a middle-aged female with brown hair entered, "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. O'Toole. My name is Dr. Cain's," She smiled as she closed the door

"Hi," Shane shook her hand, "I'm Shane and this is my husband Oliver," Shane introduced as Oliver stopped looking at the posters around the room and sat down beside Shane.

"Hello," Oliver shook the doctor's hand, "It is very nice to meet you."

"It is very nice to meet both of you as well," Dr. Cain's walked over to her computer desk and sat down. She scanned over the notes her nurse had made and then looked at Shane, "I see this is your first pregnancy. Congratulations."

"Thank you," Shane responded with a smile.

"I also see you've been having pretty bad morning sickness and fatigue throughout the day. I can give you some tips on how to manage those symptoms. First however I would like to perform an ultrasound. Did you drink the required amount of water?"

"Yes," Shane nodded her head, "As uncomfortable as it is."

Dr. Cain's nodded her head, "That is why I find doing the ultrasound first is a good idea. After that you can go to the washroom and then we can talk about any questions or concerns you and your husband might have. For the ultrasound I'd like you to please lay down on the examination table and lift up your shirt just a little. I'm going to apply some gel that may be cold," Dr. Cain's explained. Once the gel was over Shane's abdomen Dr. Cain's moved the wand around until she was able to get a clear picture on her screen. Once she had she studied the monitor in front of her and she saw something unexpected. "I'm seeing two babies on this image. You're having twins."

"Twins?" Shane gasped, "As in I'll get twice as big and have to deliver two babies at once? Are you sure?"

"I know it is a shock, but I am quite certain," Dr. Cain's turned the monitor around so Shane and Oliver could see it. She pointed out the two images of their very tiny babies. "They'll grown and look more like actual babies before your next appointment," Dr. Cain explained, "Would you like any pictures?"

"Three please," Shane told her.

Dr. Cain's pushed a button in the ultrasound machine and then whipped the gel off Shane's stomach. "I'll go and get your pictures and be back in a few minutes. She could tell the couple needed to have a few moments alone. "Feel free to use the washroom if you need it, it's just down the hallway." She said as she left the examination room and closed the door.

"Oliver," Shane pulled her shirt down and sat up. She observed her husband's very stunned expression, "Oliver please say something."

"Twins, that is very unexpected," He spoke, "I do not know a lot about the pre-natal development of twins. Are there any possible complications?"

"I don't think so buy you can ask Dr. Cain's. This makes sense actually. Some woman carrying twins experience symptoms like I've had. Twins just never even entered my mind. I didn't even think…" She started to cry, "Two babies? Oliver I'm going to be-"

Oliver silenced her with a gentle kiss as he pressed one hand over her abdomen," Shane, you are carrying two amazing blessings. I love you and I will always love you. Please do not think of yourself like that."

"I'll try," Shane took Oliver's hand as he helped her off the examination table, "I'm going to go to the washroom. Hopefully I'll be back before Dr. Cain's comes back." She said as she left the room.

While Oliver was alone, he contemplated what Shane having twins meant and prayed They and Shane would all stay healthy,

One day later Shane entered the kitchen after having talked to her mother on the phone for almost an hour. Her mother was beyond happy for Shane and couldn't wait to get her ultrasound imagine and card in the mail. She'd given Shane as much advice as could and promised she come and visit as many times as should could over the coming months.

"Dinner smells delicious." Shane told Oliver as she approached the stove, "You've done so much. Is there anything I can do? Your Dad should be here soon.

"You can go out onto the porch swing and rest until my father arrives. You have had a rough day today and I want you to rest as much as possible," Oliver told her. "I can prepare everything for dinner."

Shane frowned slightly but decided this wasn't a battle worth fighting. She appreciated Oliver's overprotectiveness of her, even if it did get annoying and frustrating at time. She suspected in the upcoming months there would be other things she would want to continue doing even after Oliver strongly suggested she stopped. She was saving those times to start a discussion with Oliver about what she could and couldn't do.

Shane bundled herself up in a winter coat and hat and a blanket and went a sat on the front porch with her phone. She began reading about twin pregnancy's and only looked up when she heard a car pull into the driveway about fifteen minutes later. She smiled at the thought of her and Oliver telling Joe about the babies. He was going to be ecstatic, although Shane wondered if he already had his suspicions after her fall during their hike earlier in the week.

"So…" Joe walked up the steps to the house and greeted his daughter in-law, "I hear you and Ollie have something to tell me."

Shane smiled, "We do. I think it would be okay if we told you before dinner." She made her way towards the front door and walked into the house, "Oliver, your Dad's here!" Once she saw Oliver she smiled and couldn't contain her excitement as she saw Joe's card in Oliver's hand.

"Dad," Oliver looked at Shane who nodded her head giving him permission to continue, "Shane is pregnant with twins. We got you an ultrasound picture," Oliver handed his father the card.

"Twins" Joe laughed with happiness, "I suspected she was pregnant but…" He couldn't find the right words to say he just hugged Shane and then hugged Oliver. "Congratulations you guys. I'm here to support anything you need.

"I may need your assistance in getting the nursery ser up, but that will not be for another few months," Oliver told him. "For now, I suggest we eat, Shane needs to get as much sleep as possible and it is already six thirty."

"Yes, I may not be as spirted as I usually am tonight, I'm already quite tired," Shane told Joe.

"That is perfectly understandable Shane," Joe responded as he follows her and Oliver towards the dining room.

TBC

A\N: I hope you liked it. Please review. :)