Mrs. Phyllis Molesley cringed as she held her belly tight. The pains were few and far between now as she tightened her hold on a nearby chair, waiting for the agony to pass. She motioned towards the living room where Joseph was immersed in the latest goings on in the days newspaper. She tapped him on the shoulder.

"Dear, I had another pain again, this time much worse."

Joe shocked, not sure what to do at this moment, flattened the paper onto the coach and stood up to be closer to his suffering wife.

"Are you thinking the baby is coming?" I can go fetch the doctor if its time." He holding her steady with love and admiration.

Phyllis looked up.

"Yes, I think it is time to get the doctor, better sooner than latttterr...Owwww."

Joe quickly put on his coat and shoes, dashing through the door like a rabbit. Phyllis looked on begging god to please bring the doctor as soon as he could.

She made way to the biggest chair in their living room and waited til help arrived, counting down the minutes and continuing to have more severe pains. When her loving Joe arrived back with Dr. Clarkson and Mrs. Crawley, her relief to see them was both glorious and worrisome. Mrs. Crawley wasted no time in escorting Phyllis upstairs to their bedroom, Joe watching nervously as his dear, sweet wife was clinging to life. Dr. Clarkson, assured him, this was perfectly normal in this woman's condition, and advised him to stay put, while him and Mrs. Crawley did their duty. By now, Phyllis was gripping onto a bed railing in the middle of the room, with Mrs. Crawley giving her support and proceedings for giving birth to this baby in the next few hours. Dr. Clarkson emptying his bag bringing out all the supplies they would need in this delivery. He reminisced about the time Phyllis came into his office complaining about being so tired and weak all the time. He examined her and was shocked to find out that a 42 year old woman was pregnant. He couldn't believe it, he had never had a patient be in this predicament before in his whole life being in practice. He smiled at her in appreciation.

"I don't know how to tell you this Mrs. Molesley, I don't know how this is even possible, but you are pregnant."

Phyllis looked back at him in shock of her own.

"I'm...how is that possible, I am way over the age of when all of at least most woman would be able to have a baby, how can a woman of my age be...pregnant? I don't understand."

"Neither can I, but you really are". I can't explain it either I'm afraid, you'll just have to take my word on this one."

Phyllis put her hand on her tiny belly. Rolling it around, back and forth until a smile came over her face.

"I am going to be a mother? Joe will be so shocked, I think he will fall over on his feet." I don't know how or when I should tell him?" What do you think I should do doctor?"

Dr. Clarkson put a hand on her shoulder.

"Just tell him when you are ready and over the shock yourself Mrs. Molesley. But when you do tell him, I'm sure he will be over the moon, and so delighted. A lost for words yes, but delighted none the less."

Phyllis motioned towards her coat and hat. She was ecstatic now and was lost for words herself.

"Thankyou so much Doctor, I can't believe what a wonderful surprise this will be for Joe and I. Please don't say anything to her ladyship or the rest of the household until I've told my husband."

"Of course not Mrs. Molesley, my lips are sealed until then."

He watched her leave his office as soon as she came in a few moments before.

Now after 9 months without complications, it was time to deliver this miracle in front of his eyes. Mrs. Crawley helped Phyllis into bed and signalled for Dr. Clarkson to start the labour process. She gave him the instruments he needed and gave Phyllis clean face towels and support to push. Joe listened intently as the voices of pain and anguish echoed through their little cottage. He paced back and forth with anticipation and worry for his wife and baby. He decided to get some fresh air, away from the nervousness he was feeling. The air was cold and brisk with the wind clutching to his hands and face. He didn't know what to do at this moment except look at the stars and the moon, praying for Phyllis's safe delivery and health to the baby inside her. As he was praying his mind suddenly went back to the time Phyllis told him the news.

"Joe, can I talk to you for a moment, in private?" Phyllis noticing Thomas close to him in the hallway.

They entered the bootroom and Joe closed the door behind him. He looked at her curiously.

"What is it my love, is everything alright?"

Phyllis walked closer to her husband, not sure how to tell him. Her legs buckling under the pressure, she swallowed hard.

"I'm not sure how to tell you this. Here goes". Her hands moving back and forth together.

Joe took her hands in concern. "What is it, my love"?

"Well, you remember that appointment I had with Dr. Clarkson last week, about seeing him for my continuous tiredness?"

Joe looking questionable now. "Yes."

"She took another deep breath. "Well, he did the exam, and it turned out to be something I wasn't expecting."

Joe was worried now

"Oh no Phyllis, tell me you're not sick?"

"Not exactly. But you might say I am sick in another form. Like a certain vomiting in the mornings, and not having that much energy."

Joe contemplated her words for a moment, then realized what she was trying to say.

"You're preg...?"

"Yes, I am. I couldn't believe it either. Me of all people, at this age, thinking I was over being ever able to have a child. But it has happened, to me, to us."

Phyllis noticed Joe having to hold on to the table, seeing his face turn white like a ghost, in such shock.

"Joe? My love? Are you alright? Did you want me to get you some water or something?"

Joe could hardly open his month to say even the simplest thing. But managed to bring out "No, don't, wait."

He lowered his head to stop him from fainting, and reached out his hand for Phyllis to take it.

"I'll be alright, I'm just getting over the shock. After a few moments of getting back his composure, he finally looked up at her with the most loving look he has ever bestowed on her face, understanding this news. "Is this really true? Am I really going to be a dad?"I can't believe it. You wife are just full of surprises."

Phyllis smiled. "And don't you forget it my dear husband, the next time I surprise you like this again."

He stood and wiped his hand on his pants confused.

"But, how? You are 42 years old, I thought you...I mean, we were way over that kind of thing."

"I thought so too, I didn't understand it either, I asked Dr. Clarkson if he could explain, but he couldn't. I guess life is full of surprises that we don't know about."

Joe popped his eyes. "That's certainly an understatement"

Phyllis took Joe's hands not sure what to do next.

"Now what, my love?" How do I tell her ladyship or the whole house for that matter?"

"Leave it to me, I'll think of something to tell the Grantham's and Violet. I'm sure she'll have a field day with this one."

"Don't be silly, I'm sure she will be thrilled just like the rest of them."

Joe gave her a warning look.

"With old lady Violet, don't be too sure."

Phyllis kissed him lovingly.

"Oh you poor man".