SURPRISES OF LIFE

By Mrs. Starsk Blondie

 

 

 

The guys were in Starsky’s house in the living room. Starsky was sitting on the couch and Hutch was standing in front of him.

 

“Starsk, I’m leaving…”

 

“What do you mean, leaving…?” Starsky was surprised by his friend’s words.

 

“Just that. I asked Dobey a sick leave and after a little complaining he agreed. I told him the truth, just like I’m trying to tell you. I need time to think about my life and what I really want.”

 

“And you have to run away for that? Last time you had doubts about what to do, we dealt with it together. We can do it again.”

 

“It’s not the same, Starsk…We’re not the same. Now you have Chris and a baby’s coming. It’s not just me & thee, buddy…Not that I’m complaining, you know I’m happy for you both and I’m waiting for you to keep your promise of making me the godfather of that child” he patted Starsky’s shoulder.

 

“What about Lynn? You love her and she loves you.”

 

“That’s the point. She didn’t say anything, but I know she expects I give her the same.”

 

“So what?”

 

“Don’t you understand, Gordo? I don’t feel ready for a commitment.”

 

“You haven’t been with another woman since you started dating Lynn. That’s a commitment, sort of.”

 

“You said it, sort of. Not what she deserves…Lynn deserves a man who can make her happy, who would marry her and who can give her children. And I’m not that man…I want to set her free so she can find the right one for her.”

 

“D’you love her that much?”

 

“I love her that much, Starsk. She’ll meet someone and she’ll forget me and the hurt she’ll feel at the beginning…Besides, I know you and Chris won’t leave her alone and will help her.”

 

“Hi, guys” Lynn surprised them entering in that moment.

 

“Hi, honey” Hutch greeted her smiling tenderly at her.

 

“Where’s Chris?” asked Starsky.

 

“She’s waiting for you in the car. She has something to show you…it’s for the baby, don’t get mad at her.”

 

“Oh God, how much this time?” Starsky teased standing up and lifting his hands in surrender.

 

“Just go and see for yourself,” she pushed him out. But before leaving, Starsky gave Hutch a quizzical look and received an almost imperceptible nod from him.

 

Lynn caught his attention by surrounding his neck and kissing him passionately. He kissed her back like trying to keep her through that kiss inside of him, thinking maybe this was the last kiss they’d shared.

 

She was a very intelligent woman, not just a great body, so through that passion, she could still feel his tension.

 

“What’s wrong, Ken?” she asked frowning backing a little not letting go of him.

 

“I have something important to tell you” Hutch answered, his hands resting on her hips.

 

“That serious?”

 

He just nodded and guided her to the couch. They sat face-to-face holding hands. “I don’t know how to start” he sighed.

 

“Seems I won’t like it, so just say it…”

 

“Honey, you know I-I love you, don’t you?” he asked and she nodded, her eyes fixed on him. “But I realized my love isn’t what you really need…”

 

“What??? Are you insinuating I cheated on you???” Lynn freed her hands in disgust and tried to stand, but Hutch stopped her.

 

“That’s not what I mean. I know you wouldn’t cheat on me as I wouldn’t cheat on you…What I’m saying is that you deserve more than what I can give you.”

 

“You love me, you respect me, you don’t cheat on me…What d’you think I must need that you aren’t giving me” Lynn felt confused.

 

“A true commitment for life. You deserve a family like Chris and Starsky have…And I can’t give you that. As silly or crazy as it may sound, I’m not ready for that.”

 

Lynn’s eyes were wet now with tears that were fighting to get free. She sobbed and dried them with the back of her hand. “I’m not asking for anything else than what we already have, Ken…I’m happy just being with you, and sharing what you want to share with me.”

 

“I feel I’m being selfish with you keeping you from having what any woman wants. This isn’t easy, I’d like to give you all…but I’m not ready…So I rather leave you than keep you tied up with me.”

 

“And you say you love me…”

 

“I do love you, Lynn” he assured her holding her tight. “And though now you think this isn’t true, I can tell you that I never loved any one like I love you.” He said in her ear, while caressing her hair.

 

“Not enough to make a commitment.” She now was clinging to him, not wanting to let him free.

 

Hutch backed enough to look into her eyes. “With time you’ll understand me. And when you finally find the right one for you and have everything I can’t give you, you’ll be grateful with life for this new opportunity to be happy.”

 

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to love anybody else.” She caressed his cheek, his hair with such tenderness that made Hutch doubt about his decision. But he had to be strong for the sake of both of them.

 

“Shhh, don’t say anything else. Leave time do its job.” He then kissed her once more, savoring her for the last time. When they separated, she started crying, not fighting her anguish any more.

 

 

In that moment Chris entered the house with Starsky in tow, who was trying in vain to stop her. “I see I’m late…” she said acknowledging the situation.

 

Lynn straightened up trying to compose herself for the sake of her friend. “It’s alright, Chris. I’m fine.”

 

“You’re not fine. And this isn’t right at all.”  Chris was frustrated after Starsky told her what was going on between their friends. He could barely stop her from entering before, convincing her that they needed some time to work things out. “What’s the matter with you, Ken? Why are you finishing what you both have?” Chris was now standing right in front of Hutch.

 

“Chris, please…” Hutch said in a soothing tone, not wanting to upset her any more in her condition.

 

“Honey,” Starsky tried once more to stop her. “I’ve already told you we don’t have to interfere. It’s not our business.”

 

“And I’ve already told you it is. They’re our friends and we can’t let them make the biggest mistake in their lives.”

 

Lynn took her arm and turned her around. “Chris, as much as I don’t want this to happen, I can’t force Ken to continue with this relationship if he doesn’t want to. He says he loves me and that’s the reason why he’s finishing this up. I don’t understand it right now, but I love him too and I have to accept his decision.”

 

“I really don’t get it. What happened, Ken?” Chris insisted though she was a little calmer now.

 

“Chris, you know me and you know I wouldn’t hurt anybody on purpose. I love Lynn and this hurts me as much as it’s hurting her and you two…But it wouldn’t be fair for Lynn nor me to go on like this not giving her the opportunity of having a family like you and Starsky have.”

 

The hurt in Hutch’s words and his sad expression made Chris forget all the anger she’d felt before and she hugged him tight. “I love you, Ken. Forgive me for my outburst, but…”

 

“It’s ok, you acted like you felt was right. But you don’t have to get that upset, you have to take care of yourself and my godchild.”

 

“What are you gonna do now, buddy?” Starsky asked.

 

Hutch sighed defeated for the situation and all the pain he was causing in the ones he most cared about. “I’m leaving as soon as I get some things in order…Well, I think I must be going now.” He looked from Starsky to Chris, then his gaze fixed on Lynn. No more words were said and Hutch just left.

 

**************

 

Two weeks had passed. Hutch had phoned Starsky at the station to let him know how he was doing, but not telling where he was. Starsky didn’t want to intrude in his friend’s life, so he didn’t insist and he just accepted his decision. At least they kept in touch often. Hutch in every phone call had asked about Lynn and how she was getting along.

 

“She’s doing her best to go on, Hutch. She really misses you. Haven’t you changed your mind yet?”

 

“I miss her too, but this is the best for her. Please, take care of her, Starsk. I’ll be in touch.”

 

This was the kind of conversation they had almost every time they talked. Some other questions about Chris’s pregnancy and things like that. No change in Hutch’s plans, no date to come back.

 

**************

 

Another week went by and one night that Lynn was having dinner with Starsky and Chris at their house.

 

“How was your appointment with the doctor, Lynn?” Chris asked their friend.

 

“Doctor? I didn’t know you weren’t feeling well,” Starsky said surprised.

 

“Don’t worry, Dave. It’s nothing bad. I’m…pregnant.” She said and looked from one to the other waiting for their reaction.

 

“Oh God…” was the only thing that came from Chris’s mouth.

 

“Is it Hutch’s baby?” was the question that escaped Starsky’s mouth.

 

“Of course, it’s Ken’s baby!” Lynn was annoyed by his friend’s doubts.

 

“I’m sorry, Lynn. I didn’t mean…” he apologized.

 

“It’s ok.  And before you ask, no, I didn’t know about it when Ken left.”

 

“What are you gonna do now, Lynn?” Chris interrupted.

 

“Next time he calls me, I’m gonna tell him.” Starsky said very convincing.

 

“No, you’re not. I’m gonna have this baby, but I’m not gonna force Ken to come back because of this.”

 

“That’s selfish on your part, Lynn. He should know he’s gonna be a father” Starsky insisted.

 

“I know it sounds selfish, Dave. But I think it wouldn’t be fair either if I gave him this news. He could even think I’m doing it on purpose.”

 

“He knows you, honey. He’d never think something like that.”

 

“Dave, please. Promise me you won’t tell him about the baby. At least not now. He left not very long ago, though it seems years for me. But he didn’t mention anything about coming back in a short time. So…” Lynn asked Starsky this with such a pleading expression that he couldn’t resist her.

 

“OK. I won’t tell him anything right now. But you promise me, you’ll do it yourself as soon as possible.”

 

“I’ll do it when I feel confident with the effect that can cause on him.” Lynn stated flatly.

 

**************

 

Time went by and things didn’t change. Hutch continued with his telephone calls to Starsky, but they weren’t as frequent as at the beginning.

 

Starsky was concerned about his friend, but couldn’t do anything to make him change his mind. He even tried to mention Lynn in the conversations, but Hutch just listened without any comment. He acted like he’d forgotten her, but Starsky was sure the thing was he wasn’t sure she’d be waiting for him and didn’t want to keep any hopes alive. Nothing could be done to change things.

 

By the time Chris delivered the baby, Hutch wasn’t in the States. That would’ve been an opportunity to bring him back, but he’d told Starsky he’d be visiting Britain, France and some other countries in Europe. So he didn’t even know his godchild was born.

 

“I don’t know what else I can do to get Lynn and Hutch together, honey.” Starsky was at home with Chris and their first son, Kenny. They’d come from the hospital two days before and were adjusting to the new member of the family and his feeding and sleeping time. “I thought I could get to him when Kenny arrived, but dates got mixed and he was already in Europe. I don’t know when he’ll be back.”

 

“Didn’t you tell him about his baby?”

 

“I don’t know how I could resist the temptation. I almost told him a few times, but then I remembered what I promised Lynn and I just dropped it. Besides I don’t know what’s inside that stubborn head of his. He barely talks about her, and when I mention something related with Lynn, he just changes the topic.”

 

“Maybe he really stopped loving her, Dave. Maybe things are better this way.”

 

“I still believe he has the right to know he’s gonna be a father. I didn’t expect Lynn to be that selfish. She says she still loves him, but doesn’t allow him to know something that important…Now that we have our baby, I know how happy Hutch would be with such news.”

 

“Dave, honey, Lynn do loves Ken. The problem is he hurt her leaving the way he did. I still can’t understand why he did it. But I respect Lynn’s decision. That baby is the only thing that Ken left her. And she’s keeping it as a secret, her treasure that she doesn’t want anybody to take it away from her.”

 

“Hutch wouldn’t take her anything, Chris. Seems you forgot what kind of man he is.”

 

“Hey, I’m not fighting with you. You don’t have to protect that partner of yours. I love Ken too. It’s just that being a woman, I can imagine more or less what Lynn might think. I wouldn’t like you took Kenny away from me either.”

 

“You don’t have to worry about that, honey. I’d get crazy trying to satisfy his needs. I don’t know how you do it.” He leaned forward and kissed her lovingly.

 

“I see, you’re stick with me as long as Kenny needs me…great love you have for me.” Chris teased him.

 

“Not just the baby’s needs, honey…You surely know how to satisfy my needs too.” He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously and kissed her deeply.

 

“Hmmm, that sounds better. You think you’ll survive this period?”

 

“We’ll deal together with it, honey.”

 

**************

 

On the other side of the world, Hutch continued with his journey trying to convince himself what he’d done was the best for everybody. He wasn’t having much success. He wasn’t feeling happy, he felt the sadness in Starsky’s voice on their phone talks. Nothing was working as he’d thought. He’d been with some occasional female company trying in vain to forget Lynn and what he felt for her. Some of the women he’d been with were nice people, not just a body, but the way he’d felt with them was one of emptiness. Just a body to share some good sex –not in all the cases- and nothing else. He couldn’t get rid of Lynn’s memories. He longed for all the things they shared since the day they met. The chemistry between them had been always there. He was feeling like a fool for leaving her behind.

 

Starsky had mentioned her in their talks, but he didn’t dare to ask if she was with anybody else, if she’d found that special man that could give her what he thought he’d never be able to. Maybe there’d be still some hope in getting together again. <<Come on, Hutchinson, be honest with yourself. Why would she wait for you? She’s young and she deserves better>> But his heart ached for her, so he made up his mind and decided to go back. He’d use the birth of Starsky’s baby as an excuse to go back and then he’d see for himself what was happening in Lynn’s life. And if he was fortunate enough, he’d take the chance of asking her to forgive him.

 

**************

 

Hutch finally called Starsky again after a while of silence. He knew the date the baby was supposed to be born, so he called around that date.

 

“Hi, partner.” Hutch was afraid Starsky’d be mad at him for the long silence.

 

“Hutch!” Starsky exclaimed full of joy when he heard his friend’s voice. “You can’t imagine how much I missed you, buddy. How are you? Why you didn’t call me for so long?”

 

“I’m sorry, Starsk. I-I don’t know what gave to me…But tell me, how are things going with Chris’s pregnancy?”

 

“She’d already had the baby. It’s a boy, Hutch. Kenny. You have to see him, he’s…I don’t know…he’s just great!”

 

“He was in a hurry. But everything went alright, didn’t it?”

 

“Yeah, sure. Everything’s fine and both Chris and the baby are at home and we’re getting accustomed to the new life…You have to come and meet your godchild, Hutch. What are you planning to do at the moment? Where are you?”

 

“In fact I was thinking about going back so I could be with you when the baby was born. But he had different plans…Well, I’m in Florida right now and in few days I could be there.”

 

“Great! Listen, why don’t you come this weekend? It’s Father’s Day and I’d be glad to have you here to celebrate.”

 

“I’ll see what I can do.”

 

“Oh come on, Hutch. What do you have to do in Florida? Didn’t you have enough time-off? Or there’s somebody there that’s taking your time.”

 

“No, buddy. Actually there’s nobody special in my life. I met some great women and enjoyed great moments, but nothing else.” <<Aren’t you going to say anything about Lynn as always? Why didn’t you mention her this time? Think she’s with somebody else, so you don’t want to break the news.>>

 

“Well then we’ll see you next weekend.”

 

“OK, I’ll make the flight arrangements. Bye.” They hang up.  “Well, you’ll see for yourself that the woman you abandoned is at last with the right guy. You’ll get what you deserve, dummy.” He said to himself out loud.

 

**************

 

Starsky was anxious with the news from his friend. “Chris, Hutch just called.” He went directly to the bedroom where she was feeding Kenny.

 

“Shhh, don’t make so much noise. He’s finally asleep.”

 

“Sorry, honey…But I can’t wait till next weekend. I convinced him to come to celebrate Father’s Day together.”

 

“David Starsky, you didn’t…” she admonished.

 

“No, I didn’t tell him anything. It was very difficult, but life is wonderful, and we’ll celebrate together being fathers. Don’t you think this is great?” Starsky was full of joy and his face was lit with happiness.

 

“It sure is, honey.” Chris was happy for her husband too and for her friends. Finally Ken and Lynn would get together again and things would take the right road. She was sure of that.

 

**************

 

The days seemed an eternity, but the weekend arrived at last. It’d been very difficult for Starsky to hide his happiness from Lynn, but he thought it’d be better if they just met by surprise. Hutch had insisted on coming alone to Starsky’s house. He promised he wouldn’t miss the party, but he had some things to do before going to the house.

 

Starsky had gathered their closest friends. Huggy, Cap. Dobey and his family, Chris’s parents and his brother Jeremy, Lynn and a few friends from the precinct. It was really a very special day. He was making a barbecue in the yard behind the house, and everybody was having fun talking, playing with the baby, and eating what each one of the guests had brought.

 

Besides her pregnancy, Lynn was feeling fine. The sickness of the first months had finished and now she was getting used to the changes in her body. She longed for Hutch and many times she dreamed of being together again and having this baby. After those dreams she felt tempted to look for him and give him the news. But then again she decided it was better this way. She didn’t want to force him to come back to her just for the baby. There’d be time to tell him in the future.

 

During the months after Hutch left, Jeremy took advantage of Lynn’s weakness and tried to get near to her. He really cared for her and had gotten very mad at Hutch for abandoning her. Actually, when he found out she was pregnant, he himself wanted to go after Hutch to tell him how stupid he’d been leaving such a wonderful woman alone. But then he thought it’d be useless and that he’d take care of her and the baby. He’d give them a family.

 

Lynn and Jeremy had been dating for some time now. She wasn’t as sad as at the beginning, though she didn’t love Jeremy. And he knew it, but he had hope he’d gain her love in the future and they’d be very happy at last. Lynn was a great woman and she deserved everything to be happy and thus the baby she was carrying in her.

 

 

The doorbell rang and Chris went to answer it. Nobody else besides her and Starsky knew about Hutch’s coming home. They’d been very nervous about what could happen, but they decided there was no way they could change things and they thought surprise would be the best. And it sure would be a big surprise for everybody.

 

“Hi, Chris.” Hutch was standing at the door and greeted her shyly. He was carrying some paper bags with gifts he’d bought, most of them for Kenny, of course.

 

“Oh, Ken!” Chris was glad to see him and she immediately hugged him. He let the bags fall to the floor and hugged her back. “I’m so glad you’re home at last. We missed you so much.”

 

“Thanks, honey. I was afraid you’d be mad at me because I wasn’t here to hold Starsky when you delivered my godchild.”

 

“You know I love you too much and I can’t be mad at you that long. Besides, if I were mad yet, that’d cause me too many problems with my stubborn husband. He kept defending you no matter what.”

 

“He’s really something.” Hutch grinned lovingly.

 

“Yeah, in fact you two are really something, and I’m the one who has to suffer you both…And as this wasn’t enough, now I have another Starsky to deal with.” She was laughing now. “But, come in, Ken. You won’t spend the whole day in the doorstep.”

 

Hutch took the bags again and entered the house. He looked around the familiar place and realized he’d missed all this that was so much his world as well as his partner’s. He sighed and after leaving the packages on the couch, he followed Chris to the back of the house.

 

“Excuse me everybody.” Chris announced. “Dave and I have a surprise for all of you.” She stepped aside and pulled Hutch’s arm to bring him out.

 

Starsky was the first one to go greet his friend. They joined in a huge embrace clinging to each other. “At last I have my partner back. And this time, I won’t let you go again, buddy.”

 

“Now I realize how much I missed you all and everything that’s here. This is my world and I promise you I won’t leave again.”

 

Each one went to welcome Hutch, and he was glad to see everybody and to feel they’d missed him too. He was feeling so comfortable again among them, it seemed he’d never left.

 

“And now, buddy, let me introduce you to the new Starsky in this family. Ken Hutchinson, this is your godchild, Ken Starsky.” Starsky proudly introduced his son to his friend, who was caught in awe watching the beautiful baby in his friend’s arms.

 

“May I?” he asked him to hold Kenny. Starsky gladly gave him the baby. “You really had much help from Chris, buddy, you two gave birth to the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.” Hutch was in bliss holding Kenny in his arms. “Nice to meet you, little Starsky…And thanks, buddy for keeping your word about the baby’s name.”

 

“You’ll do the same when the time comes, Blondie.” He said and smiled mischievously. Hutch just frowned.

 

Lynn was in the bathroom when Chris announced about Hutch’s arrival. Jeremy, however, was in the kitchen and heard his sister. He couldn’t believe Hutch was back. Just when he was feeling confident of being closer to Lynn’s heart.

 

Chris entered the kitchen looking for her brother and Lynn. She was anxious to see the encounter of the couple. And of course Ken’s reaction when he knew he was gonna be a father. “Where’s Lynn, Jerry?” She asked.

 

“In the bathroom.” Jeremy answered coldly, looking at her with angst in his eyes. “You knew he was coming back, didn’t you? You and Dave arranged this encounter.”

 

“Jerry, Ken called to know about the baby and after telling him the news, Dave thought this was a great opportunity to bring him home.”

 

“Didn’t you two think about Lynn? You were very selfish. You only thought about you two and Ken. It didn’t matter what could happen around your world.”

 

“Don’t talk to me like that, Jerry. You know that’s not true. The problem here is that you still have hopes with Lynn. You don’t want to accept she still loves Ken, and that she’s expecting his baby. At least they need an opportunity to talk.”

 

“I’ll have the chance to tell him all I wanted for a long time for leaving Lynn alone. And he dared to say he loved her. How can someone leave the woman he loves saying that’s precisely the reason of his actions. That’s crazy.”

 

“Stop it, Jerry. That’s enough. And you don’t have the right to interfere.”

 

“And you do.” He said ironically.

 

“Hey, what’s the matter, guys?” Lynn entered the kitchen and was surprised for the discussion between them.

 

“My sister and his husband have a big surprise for you, honey. They brought Hutch home.” Jerry was very angry.

 

“Wh-What?” Lynn couldn’t believe her ears. Chris told her friend how things had been since the phone call. “I wanna go home. Jerry, would you take me, please?” Lynn headed for the living room.

 

“You can’t leave, Lynn. You and Ken have to talk.” Chris tried to stop her.

 

“I can’t do it right now. I need time to process this.”

 

“There’s nothing to think about, Lynn. In fact you’ve had too much time thinking. Now it’s time you two face the future. That baby needs a father.”

 

“That’s not a problem, Chris. You know I’ll take care of Lynn and the baby.” Jerry stated, holding Lynn’s arm.

 

“Lynn, please, don’t do this to yourself. You know you’re trying to escape, and that’s one of the things you objected the most of Ken’s attitude.”

 

“Why you don’t leave her alone, Chris?”

 

“She’s right, Jerry. I have to face him. If he’s in town again, I won’t be avoiding all the places I could meet him. For once I have to see him and put an end to this. He has the right to know this baby is his, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be together again.”

 

“Hope so. I won’t let him hurt you again.”

 

Lynn started toward the back door, then she stopped and turned around. “One more thing. I’ll tell Ken everything, but not today. This isn’t the place nor the moment to do so.”

 

“OK.” Chris agreed. At least they’d have that talk.

 

 

In the back yard, after the greetings and the first emotions, things got quiet again. The partners were by the barbecue drinking a beer while talking.

 

“I was afraid to come back thinking how you all were gonna receive me.” Hutch said.

 

“I was angry with you at the beginning, but you know I can’t be mad at you for long. The only thing I thought all this time, was how to make you come back. And well, at least Kenny got to you and you made up your mind.”

 

“Thanks, buddy. I really missed you. And this celebration of Father’s Day was a great idea to make me return. You gathered everybody…Ehhh, what happened to Lynn? Is she sick or something and she didn’t come? And I didn’t see Jeremy either.”

 

“Oh, no, no. Lynn’s here, she must be inside for something. I think Chris went looking for her. And Jeremy…Oh, there they are.” Starsky finally said, watching them coming out. Lynn’s expression was that of a scared child, while Jeremy was like a lion ready to protect his family. Unfortunately, his brother-in-law was after the wrong woman, ‘cause Starsky was sure that relationship wouldn’t work. And in front of them his wife with a concerned expression about what would happen next.

 

Hutch’s face lit when he saw Lynn’s face, but then he saddened when he noticed the prominent pregnancy and Jeremy with his arm over her shoulder. The last straw of hope he’d kept inside, now was vanishing. It was clear that they now were a couple and they were going to have a baby. <<Well, Hutchinson, that’s what you caused. You told her she deserved someone who’d care and love her without any limitation. And Jeremy was in the right place in the right time as you can see. At least I hope he can really make her happy. Now change your expression and get ready to congratulate the couple.>>

 

When they were closer, the tension was evident and everybody fell silent.

 

“Hi, Ken. I’m glad you could make it. Today’s a very special day for Dave.” Lynn ventured to say.

 

Starsky searched his wife’s eyes wanting to know what was behind Lynn’s attitude. Chris just nodded in a gesture to make him wait.

 

“I’m glad I came…Ehhh…You look great! Pregnancy makes you…shine.” Hutch smiled shyly, and leaned toward her to kiss her cheek. “Nice to see you too, Jeremy. I see you took good care of Lynn during these months.”

 

“I sure did, Ken. Lynn’s a very special woman and thus the baby she’s carrying.” Jeremy said looking intently at Hutch.

 

There was a heavy atmosphere around them, so Huggy tried to lighten it asking for the food. Starsky caught his intention and hurried to fill the plates. This way everybody started moving and things calmed down again.

 

Jeremy didn’t leave Lynn for any reason and helped her to get comfortable at a table and gave her everything she could need. Chris tried in vain to take him away and even Huggy tried to distract him. But there was nothing that could keep Jerry apart from Lynn.

 

Starsky on the other hand, tried to catch Hutch’s attention. Hutch couldn’t take his eyes off of Lynn and his face showed he was regretting all he’d done to her. It was evident he still loved her. Maybe some of the people there couldn’t notice it, but he couldn’t lie to Starsky.

 

“Hutch, please change your expression.”

 

“You really kept the news, buddy.” Hutch told him disgusted. “At least you could’ve warned me about this big surprise. I imagined her with somebody, as you didn’t mention her last time we talked on the phone. But her pregnancy…I surely wasn’t expecting that much during my absence.”

 

“Sorry, buddy. I had special reasons to hide this from you.” Starsky excused himself. <<If you only knew, Blondie>> he thought, tempted to break the great news. But he had to be patient and let Lynn to manage that.

 

Things eased during the afternoon. Everybody started saying their goodbyes before leaving. At last only Lynn, Jerry and Hutch stayed. They were helping Starsky and Chris to get everything in order.

 

At one moment, Hutch and Lynn happened to be alone in the living room, and he ventured a conversation with her.

 

“Ehhh, Lynn…I want you to know I’m really happy for you. Surely it took me off guard when I saw you pregnant. Starsky didn’t mention anything about it. But…”

 

“I asked him not to tell you.”

 

“Why? I told you I wanted you to find the right one for you. I see Jeremy got the place.” He smiled sadly.

 

“There’s nothing between Jerry and me. We’re just friends.”

 

“I thought…”

 

“He’s been good to me. He kept me company and tried to cheer me up when I was sad. Just that kind of things, nothing else.”

 

Hutch was surprised and his eyes unconsciously went directly to her belly. “I don’t understand. Then, the baby…”

 

“What are you thinking? ‘Oh, poor Lynn, she was raped and the bastard got her pregnant’. Or maybe ‘She was so desperate when I left that she ran to the first man that came her way and she was so stupid that she didn’t care and got pregnant’.” She shook her head incredulously. “You really lost your skills, Det. Hutchinson. You really don’t know whom this baby is? I’m disappointed, Ken. I thought you knew me better.”

 

Suddenly things sunk into place in Hutch’s mind. “You mean…this baby…?”

 

“For God’s sake, Hutchinson. Wake up!” Jeremy said out loud entering the living room in that precise moment. “She’s expecting your baby, unfortunately. I did my best to get to her heart, and when I thought I had some hope, because she was feeling more comfortable with me, you show up and ruin everything.”

 

“Jeremy, I wouldn’t interfere. In fact I wanted to congratulate her thinking you two were together and the baby was yours.” Hutch tried to explain.

 

“But now that you know the truth about the baby, things changed.”

 

“Not exactly. What may change things is that Lynn told me you’re only friends.”

 

“What are you planning to do then? You’ll go on hurting her?” Jerry was furious now.

 

“I intend to make up for all the hurt I caused her. I’ll give her and the child support. And I’m not talking of money. I’ll give them all they need and won’t ask anything in return.”

 

“How loyal, Ken. Acting like the White Knight again?”

 

“Could you two stop it?” Lynn interrupted them. She was feeling like an object, a prize they were fighting over. Both men fell silent.

 

**************

 

In the kitchen, Starsky and Chris heard the discussion and Chris wanted to interfere. She was angry with her brother’s attitude, she thought he was completely out of place in Lynn’s life. She loved her brother, but she also knew her friend was still in love with Ken and it’d be impossible that things changed. That was one of the reasons she wanted so hard Ken would come back.

 

Starsky wanted to join them, but he thought better of it and convinced Chris it was better to stay out of the discussion. They would only make things worse. Chris sighed and accepted her husband’s words and they both sat there waiting.

 

**************

 

Lynn went on. “I think I have the right to say something here. I’m not just something you decide who’s gonna have it at the end.”

 

“Forgive me Lynn. Seems I can’t stop hurting you.” Hutch apologized.

 

“At least you’re aware of that, Ken.” Jerry said ironically.

 

Lynn watched them intently and they again fell silent. “First of all, Jerry, I know we had good times together, and for that I’m grateful. But I’ve been very clear about my feelings and I’m sorry if I gave you false expectations with some attitude. I didn’t want you to think anything that wasn’t true.”

 

“It wasn’t you, Lynn. You were completely sincere with me. It’s just that I’ve never given up the hope of someday conquer your heart…Something I see it won’t be possible ever.”

 

“I’m sorry. You’re a great guy…And now I think the conversation between Ken and me didn’t end yet, so if you excuse us…” she let the words get to Jerry. He nodded his agreement, kissed her on the cheek and left them alone.

 

Hutch felt like a fool in front of Lynn. He really didn’t know what to do or say. If he followed his instincts he’d hug her and kiss her deeply to show her how happy he was with the news about the baby and that there was nothing between her and Jerry. But on the other hand, he was afraid of her reaction. He wasn’t sure if she’d forgiven him for leaving or if she ever would. He stood there just absorbing all the beauty emanating from that woman.

 

“Well, Hutchinson, now it’s just you and me again.” Lynn said with a light grin in her face. She sat on the sofa and the baby just decided to kick her abdomen. “OK, the baby says present, too.” She patted her belly and smiled now more openly.

 

Hutch grinned too feeling more at ease now. The way she started talking was like the old times when she used to call him by his last name to tease him. He sat beside her on the coach. “Is he or she?”, he asked.

 

“I didn’t ask yet. Though I bet it’s he because of its bad temper.” She said caressing the baby through her clothes.

 

“Am I that difficult to get along with?”

 

“So, so,” she answered smiling. “Ouch!” she exclaimed with another kick of the baby. “See? He even dares to reprimand me.” She frowned again. At the same time she noticed Hutch was holding back not daring to touch her, so she extended her hand and took his and put it over her belly. Right then the baby moved again, this time seemed to be like getting more comfortable and not just one arm or leg.

 

“Oh God…wh-what…?” he was in awe. A warm wave of tenderness filled him and he lifted his gaze to Lynn’s face. He ventured a soft and short kiss on her lips. Then he backed off expecting a slap on his face, but he saw so much love in those beautiful eyes that he leaned forward again and this time he kissed her more passionately, holding her tight against his body.

 

Lynn eagerly drowned in that kiss surrounding his neck with her arms and letting his tongue enter her mouth deepening the kiss. When they separated, he backed just enough to see her face and found her eyes wet with tears. He kissed them dry with a last soft kiss on the tip of her nose.

 

“Does this mean I still have the chance to gain your forgiveness? Do I have an opportunity to make up for all the pain I caused you and take care of you and the baby?”

 

“I think you’ve done pretty good up to now. But of course you still have to work hard in order we both forgive you.” She said mischievously, holding his face with her hands. “I dreamed so many times of this moment. And then when I woke up, I thought it’d never really happen.”

 

“I never stopped loving you, Lynn. And I dreamed many times too about coming back and asking you to give me another chance. But then I decided it’d never happen, because I’d hurt you and I didn’t deserve your love any more.”

 

“I told you I was sure I would never love anybody like I loved you.”

 

“I know, and that was what made me keep that hope inside…Then, when I arrived and saw you with Jerry, and pregnant…I felt lost and wanted to run from this, but this time forever.”

 

“Forget that nightmare. There are better things to think about.” Lynn said and kissed his lips.

 

“May I ask you one more question?” She nodded. “Why did you keep the secret till now?”

 

“When you left, I didn’t know for sure I was pregnant. Then when I found out, I thought that if I called you to tell you the news, that would force you to return. And I didn’t want it that way. Now it’s different. You’re back and you said all I needed to hear to be sure you want to stay and thus, this baby will have his real father.”

 

“I’ve already told Starsky and Chris that I wouldn’t leave again. Now that I know you still love me and that we’re gonna have a baby, there’s no way I’d go farther than a block from you.”

 

“What about your job?”

 

“OK, a little farther then, but not enough that I could lose you. Deal?”

 

“Deal.” She replied and they hugged and kissed again.

 

When they separated. “Ehhh, I think there’s still another question,” said Hutch looking at her.

 

“What?”

 

“Lynn, would you marry me and help me build the second happiest family in this city?”

 

She gasped and couldn’t say a word. Just her eyes bright with tears of emotion again and she could only nod. Hutch hold her tight against his body, his eyes filling with tears too.

 

 

Starsky, with Kenny in his arms, and Chris finally entered the living room. “I really liked what you said, Blondie about the second happiest family in Bay City.” Starsky said. They almost jumped in their seats as their friends entered.

 

“Well, seems it’s time to settle down and build a family, buddy. Your example is something tempting to try to imitate.” Hutch stood up taking Lynn’s hand in his.

 

The guys hugged tight, being careful with the baby. “Congratulations, buddy. You made the right decision” said Starsky.

 

Chris and Lynn hugged too. “I was sure this was gonna have a happy ending.” Chris told her friend.

 

“Thanks to both of you for not letting me give up on Ken.” Lynn added taking Starsky and Chris’s hand.

 

“I’ve been partner with this stubborn man so many years, that I knew he’d come around” said Starsky grinning.

 

“I’m not the only stubborn Hutchinson here, buddy” said Hutch patting Lynn’s abdomen. “Seems here’s another one…and according to Chris’s words, there are still two more in this room.”

 

“OK, ok, let’s drop it” said Starsky still smiling. He gave Kenny to his wife and went to the kitchen.

 

When he came back, he was carrying a tray with four flutes and a bottle of champagne. After opening the bottle, and pouring the beverage, each one took one of the glasses.

 

“I think we have very important reasons to celebrate, so I want to propose a toast. First, welcome home, buddy. And second, congratulations for the next wedding. We’re gonna be a true family at last.” They clinked their glasses and took a sip.

 

“You forgot something, honey,” said Chris. “Why we made this reunion today.” Starsky nodded and his face lit with joy, taking Kenny in his arms again and kissing his forehead.

 

“Happy Father’s Day, Starsk” said Hutch raising his glass toward his friend.

 

“Happy Father’s Day to you too, Blondie.” Starsky did the same.

 

They made the new toast and each man kissed the woman that had made this possible in their lives.

 

 

THE END