A distraught Amy June Duncan paced through the room, waiting anxiously by the door for test results. She'd just taken an at-home pregnancy test, because she felt sick for the past two weeks. With the other five, that was always the cue. She'd feel sick for two weeks and then find herself staring at a pink line. Although she wasn't exactly planning to have another, and they'd thought Toby was going to be it, maybe six wouldn't be so bad. With all of the older kids around to help, they could maybe pull it off. She silently prayed, "Oh, dear God, please give us only what you see fit," and entered the bathroom. She stared at the test. Her mouth opened wide and she screamed.

It was true, the line was pink. Under that it said "7 weeks estimated." Forty-two year old Amy Duncan

was expecting her sixth child. Flashbacks of all the other children's births ran through her mind, and she was hit with a wave of emotion. Was she willing to deal with that again? Bob, her husband, would freak out as soon as he knew. What would the other kids say? A million thoughts ran through her mind. In some respects, though, she was excited. Another child. One more to snuggle and love, kiss and comfort. That was her favorite thing ever. She couldn't dwell for too much longer, though, because as she always said, "The duty of dinner calls." Amy exited the bathroom quickly and headed into the kitchen.

Teddy was setting the table when Amy entered. "Thank you dear! I needed the help tonight." She looked at Teddy and smiled. Her beautiful first daughter, who was blossoming into a woman, was the most kindhearted person Amy knew. She was always willing to help. Amy loved that about her. All of her children had special, admirable qualities, but Teddy's kindness showed the most. Soon, Teddy would be going to college, getting married, and giving Amy grand-babies. It was all happening too fast.

The family enjoyed a quiet, home-cooked meal together, all gathered around the large dining table, but there was an eerie quietness about. Only small chatter was made, about school, jobs, and weekend plans. Amy was not sure when to tell them the news, or even if she wanted to. All she knew is that the needed to know, so right then and there, she tapped her glass. "Kids and Bob, I have big, big news." She looked up from her dinner. "Mama, what is it?" Four year old Charlie asked, curious. "Well, sweetie, Mommy's got another baby in her belly." Amy sighed, happy that it was over. Bob stood up and yelled, "What? You're pregnant? Amy, how can this be?" He stormed out of the room. Amy told Teddy to clean up and ran after him. She knew this was how he was going to react. This was what he had said with the past three pregnancies, all unplanned. Amy didn't know what to tell him. She didn't even know if she'd be forgiven.