And so we come to another conclusion of Christmas in July. It definitely had its up and downs (and a promise of a full-blown fic related to amnesiac Jim who Spock finds friendless and alone in the hospital) but all things must pass. Here you go.

Jim wiped his mouth as he threw up for the fourth time. He looked pale and miserable.

“Daddy’s sick,” Amanda whispered to Spock. In each hand she clutched her stuffed reindeers she’d received earlier in the year, Martin and Cornelius.

“Yes,” Spock replied. He had his suspicions.

Spock had just hung the family stockings over the hearth. Christmas Eve was tomorrow and naturally, according to Amanda, their stockings needed to be ready for Santa when he came.

Jim came fully out of the bathroom where Spock and Amanda hovered anxiously. He smiled weakly.

“I sure hope that’s it.”

“Why don’t you sit on the couch, Jim, while Amanda and I continue getting the house ready for Santa tomorrow.”

Jim nodded. “Good idea.” He walked stiffly into the living room and lowered himself down to the couch. “That is better. Sorry about that. I don’t know what’s wrong. Must have been something I ate.”

Amanda went over to sit next to him. “Not the cookies I helped Father make.”

“No, of course not those. They were delicious.”

“Amanda, will you put your reindeers in their pen for now as we will be doing more baking soon,” Spock told her. “Wash your hands too.”

“Okay!” She scrambled up and ran toward her room.

Spock took the seat directly next to Jim and reached for his hand.

“I’m fine, Spock. Like I said, probably just—”

“Jim, I suspect you might be expecting another child,” Spock said quickly.

Jim closed his mouth. “What? No.”

Spock arched a brow.

“No,” Jim insisted.”

“It is quite possible. Still. As you are aware.”

“I know but…” Jim huffed.

“I suggest it is time to book an appointment with the doctor.”

Jim made a face. “It’s Christmas.”

Spock’s lips curved. “I mean after of course. Would having a brother or sister for Amanda be so bad?”

“You’re not the guy who’s pregnant,” Jim said, as he had the first time. “If I am.”

“If. You may sit there and rest while we bake the Christmas cake.”

Jim leaned back and closed his eyes. “I might take a nap.” “Probably for the best.” He leaned over, kissed Jim’s cheek, and rose to get the kitchen ready for his daughter.