"I know that I've just told you a lot, so if you want me to stop I will."

"No. Keep going."

"Are you sure?"

"Is there a possibility that your baby belongs to me? Does Connor know?"

"No. He doesn't know."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"No. Why would I? How would I?"

"You love him," he reminds her.

"I don't know that I love him anymore," she admits.

He looks at her. "Of course you do," he answers.

"I'm not so sure anymore Daniel. Everything is falling apart at the seams."

"I'm here for you. If you want to take time off, all you have to do is say the word. You can take as much time as you need."

"Daniel I had a DNA test done."

"On?"

"The baby."

"I didn't know that you could do that."

"The doctor collected enough genetic material to do one when he performed the amniocentesis."

"So when do you get the results?"

"I got them earlier today. I'd like to personally apologize."

"For what?"

"Marc may have stolen a couple of things from you."

"That's where my toothbrush went?"

"I needed your DNA."

"Why didn't you just ask?"

"Because I didn't know how to."

"So how did the test come out?"

"In your favor," she answers.

"What does that mean?"

"You're the father."

"I am? You're having my baby?"

She nods.

"I'm going to have a baby? With you?"

"Before you go any further, I want you to know that I have no expectations. I expect absolutely nothing from you. I plan to do this on my own. I'm sorry to involve you."

"If you had told me that at twenty five I would have been relieved. But not now. I'll be there for my child, no matter what our relationship is. No matter how you feel about me I plan on being a part of this baby's life, whether you like it, or not. It's not negotiable. I won't take no for an answer."

"I know that everyone thinks that I am a cruel, heartless, bitch, but I would never keep you from your child."

"So are you planning on making a public announcement soon?"

"No. I don't plan on making one at all. I'd like to keep this as discreet as possible."

"This isn't really something that you can hide."

"People are to afraid to ask questions like that, to me."

"So you're not going to tell anyone?"

"When the time is right."

"You should keep your distance from my mother,"Daniel suggests.

"We should probably tell her."

"Do you think that's a smart decision?"

"It keeps her from killing me."

"How do you figure? She's going to be furious."

"She's willing to hurt me, I'd even say that she's willing to hurt an unborn child,"

"But?"

"She would never hurt her child. She could never hurt your child."

"Are you sure that you want to tell her? She'll accuse you of who knows what, and..."

"I can handle Claire."

"If you're certain."

The following day Daniel takes Claire to lunch.

"How many?" the matron asks.

"Three," Daniel answers.

Once they are seated Claire can't help but ask, "Is someone joining us?"

"Yes," he answers.

"Who?"

"She should be here any minute."

Claire's eyes bug out when she sees Wilhelmina enter, and wave at her.

"What is she doing here?" Claire quizzes as Wilhelmina moves towards the table.

"She's joining us for lunch."

"Why?"

"Mother don't make a scene."

"I will make a scene if I feel like it," she tells him.

"Just chill out."

Daniel gets out of his seat and pulls Wilhelmina's chair out for her. She sits down next to him. Without thinking her hand lands on his leg. He touches his hand with his own. He squeezes it, and she holds on tightly as she prepares to tell Claire.

"I've already dealt with one hostile take over this year. What are you up to now?" Claire stares Wilhelmina in the eye.

"She's not up to anything."

"What are the two of you planning?" Claire interrogates.

"Nothing," Daniel replies.

"So then why is she joining us for lunch?"

The waiter comes up.

"Can I get you started with something to drink? Wine maybe?" he suggests.

"Water's fine," Daniel answers.

"I'll have a tea," Claire adds.

"Water please," Wilhelmina smiles, revealing her fangs.

Claire looks at her questioningly.

"Mom we need to talk to you," Daniel opens.

"I got that much. What do you need to talk to me about? Are you conspiring with Wilhelmina again?"

"I'm not conspiring with her," he answers.

"So what then? Why do the two of you need to talk to me?"

"We have some news," he admits.

"She's leaving?" Claire turns to Wilhelmina, "You're leaving? Quitting? Resigning? Moving to outer Mongolia?"

"No," Willie answers sharply.

"So what is your news?" Claire asks as the waiter brings their drinks. Claire takes a sip.

"I'm pregnant," Wilhelmina answers.

Claire spits her tea on Daniel. "I'm sorry, what was that? I think that I misunderstood you."

"No, you didn't."

"Maybe I misheard you," Claire prays.

"You didn't. I'm pregnant."

"You're serious?" Claire interrogates.

"Yes," Wilhelmina nods.

"I thought that all of your eggs had dried up along with your soul, long ago."

"Mother," Daniel warns.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude," she grits her teeth, "Congratulations. I knew that you'd eventually get the bid to carry Satan's spawn. After all, you are a natural fit."

Wilhelmina squeezes Daniel's hand. "Please be nice," Daniel begs her.

"Connor must be thrilled. After all the combination of your genes should produce a perfectly despicable, evil, well groomed devil child."

"The baby isn't Connor's," Wilhelmina reveals.

"Oh. So who is the father? The devil himself?"

"Mom, that's enough."

"It's not like she actually has feelings Daniel."

"She does, and you're being very rude."

"Since when are you her protector?" Claire inquires.

"Since I found out that she's having my baby," he answers.

"Excuse me? Wilhelmina is having your baby?"

"Yes," Daniel reveals.

"How the hell did that happen? You two despise each other."