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Kathryn pulled her jacket tighter around her as she approached the large wood and metal structure in the middle of the park. A smile pulled at her lips at the sight of her husband. He looked so out of place on the structure so obviously meant for kids, but the sight of him following their three-year-old daughter was endearing.
Spotting her mother, Lizzie slid down a slide and ran over to her. Kathryn hoisted her into her arms so Chakotay wisely opted for a ladder over the slide.
"You made it!" he observed. He slipped an arm around her and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Sorry I was so late. The meeting ran longer than anticipated."
"Well, that's what happens when you're a big, important admiral."
Lizzie giggled at the teasing lilt of her father's voice.
"We're just happy you're here now," he finished.
Their daughter started squirming so Kathryn set her down and watched her run back towards the play structure. She glanced at her husband, "Phoebe couldn't make it?"
He shook his head. "Eddie had a tummy ache."
"Oh, that's a shame. I was really hoping Lizzie would get to spend some time with her cousins."
They linked arms and followed their daughter's progress along the narrow walkways, staying close at hand in case she fell.
"I think Lizzie was looking forward to it. She was disappointed when I told her they weren't coming. Sometimes I think she gets lonely."
Kathryn glanced up at him, her heart fluttering apprehensively at the thought of what she was about to say. "Well, maybe it's time we gave Lizzie a little sister or brother."
Chakotay cocked an eyebrow at her, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "We're still getting used to raising her." He pointed to their rambunctious daughter. "Do you really think we're ready for another one?"
"Well, whether we're ready or not doesn't matter because in about eight months, Lizzie is going to be a big sister."
That stopped Chakotay in his tracks. He spun to face her, his face a mix of barely contained hope and joy. "Wait, really?"
Kathryn nodded, her face breaking into a massive grin.
His eyes raked down her midsection. "Wha— How long have you …"
She laughed at his inability to articulate his thoughts. "I found out this morning."
"Spirits, Kathryn!" He caught her head in his hands and kissed her before remembering where they were. Letting go of her head, he caught her hands instead. "Are you sure?"
"I had my physical this morning."
He laughed. "I can't believe it! I'm going to be a father!"
"You already are," she giggled. "But, uh— I thought we weren't ready?"
"Did I say that? I don't know what I was thinking." He gave her hands a squeeze. "Spirits, Kathryn, I love you."