Chapter Text
Welp. Apparently, Bradley just has to sneeze on her because it appears his super soldiers impregnated her faster than both were anticipating. Looking down at the three sticks, a blue smiley face, double pink lines, and the words “pregnant” confirm it. Nat takes a deep breath. Reality is suddenly heavy. Chock-full of impending responsibility. Change.
Talking about having kids and actually having them are two very different things she’s now learned with shaking hands.
Her career, body, and whole life is about to transform. Nat’s a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and excitement.
Holy shit. A little piece of her husband is growing inside her. The thought slams into her. A love like she’s never felt starts to unfurl and steals the breath from her. She gently places her hand on her flat stomach in wonder.
Leaning back against the bathroom counter, Nat tries to steady herself. It all makes sense, she thinks. She’s been exhausted, extra moody (especially with Bob - poor Bob), hungry like she’s never been before (yet kind of queasy - go figure), and the dead giveaway, her boobs are painful like she’s hit puberty all over again. Plus, they are packing some serious heft, with how tight her bras have suddenly felt. She’s never been a chesty woman, but this new revelation? Damn. Her cycle has always been irregular too, so she didn’t place much stock in that, but knew deep down this time was different. She was extra late.
Nat was at work when it dawned on her that she hadn’t gotten her period in a while. She nearly tripped over her own feet when she put all the pieces together, and knew she needed to confirm her suspicions.
Stopping off at a pharmacy on the way home, she grabbed one of each box on the shelf. Honestly, she just shot her arm out and took one of each, without pause. She might’ve blacked out a bit?
“Nat? You okay in there honey,” she hears. Sweet Penny. She forgot they had plans, and detoured at the last second to the Hard Deck. Nat said a quick hello and rushed to the back. She’s barricaded herself inside Penny’s private bathroom and realizes she’s been gone for a while. Shit.
Bradley and Maverick are supposed to meet them here later. They are both at flight school helping with a special training. It’s quite comical thinking of the two of them teaching together. Personalities and flying philosophies aside, if she were in class, she’d surely be distracted by her instructors, she smirks.
Quickly stuffing the tests into her purse and disposing of the evidence by burying it at the bottom of the trash, she readies herself to face reality. Or fake it until she can’t take it, she amends.
Nat opens the door to Penny and with just one look, Penny smirks.
“Congratulations,” Penny says with a twinkle in her eye.
“I…I…how the hell?” Nat stumbles.
“Oh honey. A woman always knows. And a mother,” she winks.
“Besides, I’ve had a hunch for a little while. But seeing your face just now? It’s only the face a newly minted mother can make,” she says with a laugh. “The face of a woman who knows everything is about to change.”
Nat looks down and feels the sting of tears. Christ. Why the hell is she emotional?
“Oh, sweetie. Come here,” Penny says and envelopes Nat in a warm hug. “This is good news, no?”
“It is. I’m just shocked. And overwhelmed, I guess. It’s all suddenly so real. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“It’s a big moment in life. You’re also hormonal. Trust me, your body and mind are about to change and behave in ways that are going to test your limits. It’s okay to be all over the map. In fact, it’s expected,” she says while rubbing circles on her back. Such a mother indeed.
Seeing the look of fear on Nat’s face, Penny diverts course. Maybe she realizes honesty isn’t warranted at the moment.
“In all seriousness, this is a beautiful time in your life. In both of your lives. I take it you haven’t told Rooster?”
“No. I just found out myself,” Nat panics. “Shit, Penny. How do I tell him? Am I supposed to do something cute? We both know I don’t do cute,” she grumbles with a huff.
“Just tell him. The news itself will be wonderful enough. Trust me. Rooster adores you and this, this will be incredible to watch. His reaction will be priceless, guaranteed.”
Nat smiles at that. She knows he’s going to be thrilled. Bradley’s been talking about it a lot lately, and his excitement has been contagious. Plus his enthusiasm over the baby making process has been pretty great too, she blushes at the thought.
“Listen. I’m here for anything you need, okay? Although it’s an exciting time, I know it can be a road filled with questions and uncertainty too. Any questions or ways I can help make it easier, I’m here for you.”
“Thank you, Penny,” she says, giving her a hug. “I hope I’m half the mom you are.”
“Aw, sweetie. Thank you. But you already are,” Penny says with a wink. “Don’t ever doubt yourself, Nat. You’re an incredible role model to so many, and that sweet baby of yours will grow up knowing what a hero their mom is. I’ve seen the way you risk, commit, and love. Trust in yourself. You got this.”
Nat squeezes Penny’s hand. She’s so thankful that their paths crossed, despite the harrowing circumstances. Nat’s not really had the opportunity to make female friends since her academy days, and truly values their connection.
“Come on. Let’s get back out there,” Penny says.
Nat enters the bar area and the rush of sounds and smells suddenly assaults her senses. She realizes that’s been happening a lot more frequently and groans, wondering if she’s going to be in for it with morning sickness soon like she witnessed with her sister-in-law.
Thank god, the bar is relatively empty today. She doesn’t think she could handle a full house.
Snapping out of her daze, Nat’s eyes immediately fixate on the familiar form standing at the bar. She takes a moment to appreciate his broad shoulders and tanned arms in his black t-shirt. She approaches her sexy husband and wraps her arms around his middle, laying her face into his back, inhaling his scent.
Why is suddenly hugging him feel so foreign and scary? Is it because he’s suddenly a father? Is it the secret she’s carrying? It’s a daunting discovery.
“I hope that’s my wife, or else there’s about to be a bar fight,” she hears rumbled. His fun loving side thankfully grounding her turbulent thoughts.
“I’m not afraid of her,” Nat teases back.
“You should be. She’s batshit crazy,” he says with a chuckle, reaching behind to pull her to his side.
He studies her for a second, and she sees a small uptick of his mouth. She leans up and kisses that mouth.
Settling onto a bar stool, she asks, “How was your day?”
Such a mundane question to ask but she can’t just shout out she’s pregnant. Or can she? Fuck. She’s already terrible at this.
“It was good. Fundamentally different being on the other side of things for this one, but I appreciate the experience,” he says with a shrug.
Nat can’t tell if he’s liking this change of pace or pissed he’s not out serving a bigger purpose right now. She’s been secretly happy for the downtime.
Penny drops a drink in front of her, which looks like a vodka tonic, sans vodka. Penny sends her a wink.
Bradley frowns between the two and looks down at her drink. “Since when do you like vodka tonics?” he asks.
“I mentioned to Penny I wanted something a little lighter today. Not feeling the heavy beer for some reason,” she offers with a shrug and a prayer for the little white lie she just told.
Bradley nods and turns his head. She swears he was just attempting to hide a smile. Weird. Come to think of it, he’s been hiding a smile a lot lately. What’s up with him, she wonders?
“Hey Kiddo,” she hears beside her as Maverick takes a seat.
“How are you feeling?” he asks warmly.
“Um, fine?” Nat responds quizzically. Why the hell is he asking her that?! Did Penny already spill the beans to him? No. There’s no way she’d say something to him before Nat tells Bradley.
She sees Bradley shoot Maverick a look over her head and wonders what the two of them are arguing about.
“Sorry,” Maverick rushes out. “I thought I remembered Bradley saying you were under the weather, but must’ve confused my conversations. It was Warlock talking about his wife. Whoops. Old age, eh?” he says sheepishly.
“Right,” Nat says, not completely buying the lie. She gives her husband the side eye, and he looks away silently laughing, smothering his smile with his hand. It’s not really that funny, she thinks. Why the hell is he acting so odd?
Jumping up, Bradley announces, “I feel a song coming on,” while thumping the bar top.
Nat jumps a little in her seat, “What, now?”
“Yup. I’m going to go mess around, come on over when you feel like it,” he says. He sends Maverick another indecipherable look.
“Okay,” she watches him leave, curious what caused him to run away so fast. He’s usually not hitting the keys until a few more drinks.
“Is he acting weird to you?” Nat asks Maverick.
“Bradley? No. Not at all,” Maverick says while taking a big gulp of his drink.
Nat narrows her eyes at him. He knows something.
She sees Maverick’s eyes widen. He does!
Nat leans in close and harshly whispers, “Did Penny tell you?!”
“What?! Penny?” Maverick looks genuinely confused.
Huh? Oh, crap…
Realizing that they might be talking about two different things, Nat tries to backpedal.
“What does Penny have to do with this?” Maverick shoots back.
“What do I have to with what?” Penny asks, coming over.
Shit.
Penny looks at Nat, who looks at Maverick, who looks between the both of them bewildered.
“Ok. Someone want to tell me what I know but obviously don’t,” he says.
“Nope,” Penny says and saunters away.
“Customers,” she shouts over her shoulder.
Maverick just shakes his head at his wife, and turns his attention to Nat with a look. It’s the look.
“Don’t give me that look,” Nat warns.
“It’s the only one I got,” he says back with a smirk.
Just then, she hears Bradley’s voice cut through the noise. The bar quiets down, the regulars knowing they are in for a show.
She turns in his direction, already mesmerized by his deep tone. It takes her a minute to register the song…
People smile and tell me I'm the lucky one,
And we've only just begun.
Think I'm gonna have a son.
He will be like she and me, as free as a dove,
Conceived in love.
Sun is gonna shine above.
And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Oh. My. God.
He knows.
Nat whips her head around to look at Maverick and just sees him smiling, completely aware and unfazed at what’s happening. He simply nods his head in the direction of the piano.
Tears start to blur her vision.
She looks over at Penny and sees her covering her mouth with shaking hands too. Penny looks back at Nat and they both let out tear filled laughs.
“Go to him,” Penny loudly whispers.
Right. But she’s not sure she can walk.
Seems as though, a month ago, I was Beta-Chi,
Never got high.
Oh, I was a sorry guy.
And now, I smile and face the girl that shares my name.
Now I'm through with the game.
This boy will never be the same.
And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Nat manages to make her way over to the piano on shaking legs. Bradley smiles tenderly at her as he sings, emotion clearly evident in his tone. That smile and his soulful eyes sending warmth straight to her middle, surrounding their little miracle with Daddy’s love already.
It almost completely unhinges her.
Pisces, Virgo rising is a very good sign,
Strong and kind,
And the little boy is mine.
Now I see a family where the once was none.
Now we've just begun.
Yeah, we're gonna fly to the sun.
And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Nat moves to stand behind him while he plays and loosely wraps her arms around his neck. She lays her head next to his and closes her eyes as tears stream down. Damn hormones.
Her mind races. How does he know? And these words he’s singing with so much emotion. Words filled with the reassurance she needs. They are the words she didn’t know she needed, but of course, he did.
Typical Bradley. Always one step ahead and she loves it. Nat was supposed to tell him. Not the other way around. She silently laughs at the irony of her panicking to come up with a cute way to tell him, and he goes and does this.
The universe is a funny place. Especially when you’ve found your soulmate. As cheesy as it sounds, Nat can’t think of a better way to describe it. She blames the hormones. Clearly she’s been kidnapped by them.
Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup.
Drink it up.
Love her and she'll bring you luck.
And if you find she helps your mind, better take her home.
Don't you live alone.
Try to earn what lovers own.
And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Nat’s heart squeezes at the last line.
The bar applauds, none louder than Penny and Maverick. She swears she hears Maverick shout, “I’m going to be a Grandpa!”
Bradley turns and pulls Nat into his lap.
She grabs his face in his hands, “You knew. How?”
He laughs. “I know you. You’ve been extra tired, moody,” he says with a raised brow, “hungry like a teenage boy has moved in, and…not that I’m complaining, but honey, your boobs are impressive,” he laughs.
“Plus, Bob’s been saying how queasy you’ve been as of late and has mentioned a few mood swings”.
She’s going to kill her back-seater.
“All that aside, you didn’t think I’d catch on when you came out of the back with Penny looking sheet white mixed with a tinge of green? And that drink? Suspicions confirmed,” he says tenderly placing a warm palm flat on her stomach.
“But your back was to me when I saw you?”
“You stood there in shock for a good while,” he laughs. “I turned around, so you wouldn’t know I caught your look of panic.”
Nat laughs and shakes her head. First Penny, then Maverick, apparently Bob, and now Bradley. Evidently, she was the last to know. So unlike her. Again, blames the hormones. Pesky little fuckers, aren’t they?
“I was just waiting for you to catch up,” he says with a sheepish shrug.
“So?” He asks, as if waiting for official confirmation.
Here goes. Shit is about to get real.
Nat closes her eyes and silently shakes her head yes.
Bradley captures her lips in a sweet kiss. “Everything is going to be okay,” he whispers against them.
Pulling back and looking into his excited eyes, she can’t help but smile back with shared excitement.
It is.
Later that night, Bradley watches his exhausted wife sleep in his arms.
He smiles down at her, too keyed up to sleep. How is he ever expected to sleep again? He’s got two things who mean the most to him in this world to love, worry about, and protect.
Galloping gremlins! He laughs at his use of his mom’s old swear word, trying it on for size. It always made him laugh when she attempted to use it, but would ultimately fall back on the old-fashioned cuss words with resignation. She would always close her eyes and huff, saying, “Shit. Don’t repeat that, Bradley.” God, he misses her.
Bradley still can’t believe he’s going to be a father. He had his suspicions, but wasn’t completely sure until he saw his wife’s face today. The confirmation he saw unknowingly written on her face had almost knocked him over. He told Nat he turned around to save her the embarrassment of her shocked face, but he really turned around because he needed a moment to compose himself, too.
He softly places his free hand on Nat’s stomach. He can’t believe there’s something in there. She’s so tiny, and the thought of her growing bigger with his child does something primitive to him.
Bradley wonders if his dad had these thoughts. Granted his parents were much younger and in a different place in their lives, and with that, its own set of obstacles, but he can’t help but think of how he must’ve felt. It’s such an overwhelming rollercoaster of emotions. Going from feeling ready to scared out of your mind with the idea of being responsible for another human. Especially in their line of work. Gah. He wishes his parents were here for this.
Yet, Bradley knows they have the best village surrounding them. He shared his suspicions with Maverick earlier today, and just about launched an olive or lemon slice at Maverick’s head when he almost blew it when they got to the Hard Deck. Seriously, Mav.
He gets it, though. Bradley laughs, thinking back to how excited Maverick seemed at the prospect. He hadn’t seen Maverick smile that wide since his wedding day, and his excitement was palpable. In fact, he thought Maverick was going to drive off the road with his distracted zeal. Imagine that? Legendary Maverick lands in a ditch over baby news.
Bradley knows undoubtedly that Maverick and Penny will be the very best grandparents. Seriously, how lucky will this baby be? The people who will love and surround them is humbling to think about. Everyone from Bob to Hangman, to Payback, Fanboy, and Coyote. It’s mind-boggling thinking of the unit they’ve all become and how the news of a little baby birdie joining the Bradshaw nest will set them off. He can’t wait.
Most of all, what gets his heart racing the most, is the thought of seeing Nat as a mother. Bradley knows she’s scared and unsure if she’s cut out to be the nurturing type. How her career will be effected. But she doesn’t see what he does. How tough and determined she is. How she mothers them all in her own way. How she’s the peacekeeper and undisputed leader. How she fiercely protects those she loves because she loves like no one else. Hell, he’s got firsthand experience and can vouch more than anyone what’s is like to be her person. She’s going to be the most incredible mom, and the visions he has are works of art. Forever etched into his soul.
He finally drifts off to sleep with dreams of a little boy with his mom’s eyes and smirky smile. A little girl with his golden hair and the Bradshaw penchant for singing and performing.
What a dream.
No, scratch that.
What a life.