Phyllis jumped a little as the cool gel hit her bare skin.

"Sorry," Dr. Pittard, whispered, " all this technology and they still haven't figured out how to manufacture a gel that isn't cold as ice." He smiled as Phyllis tried to force a smile in return.

He wasn't accustomed to the happy, carefree patient. By the time patients got to him, they'd usually been through their fair share of heartache. His hope was always to spare them any more.

He moved the transducer slowly across her stomach as silence filled the room.

Phyllis gripped Billy's hand tightly as she lay back on the table. She was trying to be calm, to believe that everything would be fine, but what if it wasn't...what if something went wrong...what if...

Her chest tightened as she forced herself to breathe.

Billy leaned closer to her, his lips touching her temple, kissing her softly. He said nothing-he simply looked at her, his eyes fixed on hers the connection between them more palpable than any words he could have said.

The room suddenly filled with sound. Phyllis sat up, her face brightening, "Is that?"

The doctor smiled. "Thought that might get your attention," he said softly. "That's a very strong heartbeat."

Phylis breathed, allowing her muscles to relax. She felt Billy's finger softly stroking her hand and she turned, her eyes meeting his. This wasn't a first for either of them, but you'd never know it by the way it felt. This was like a whole new beginning.

"And I'll give this to you," the Dr. said as he handed the black and white sonogram photo to Billy.

"Thank you," Billy whispered, nodding at the doctor as he took the photo. He looked at the image on the paper, holding Phyllis' hand in his. He smiled at her.

She wanted to be happy, to stare at the picture of their baby, to talk with Billy about their dreams for the future, but she couldn't allow herself that luxury. There was a reason they were back in this office and it wasn't for small talk.

"Why are we back here?" The words burst from her lips, her tone harsh. She faltered. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude...I just...".

The doctor smiled-an understanding smile-a smile that made her feel coddled, managed-the things she hated.

"Please don't sugarcoat things. I want to know the truth...the facts. I can handle it. I deserve it."

Billy looked at her, his eyes full of concern. "Phyllis, I don't think..."

The doctor interrupted. "Mr, Abbott, if you'll excuse me..". He walked around his desk, sitting on the desk directly in front of her. "You're exactly right-you do deserve the truth and I'll give it to you. I just need you to make me a promise first-I need both of you to promise me one thing."

Phyllis glanced over at Billy and nodded, grateful he still held her hand in his.

"I've been in this business for a long time. It's not always happy endings, but I take every case seriously. I know every single patient wants their baby to be my top priority and I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make sure you and this baby come through this happy and healthy. What I'm gonna need you two to do is trust me-can you do that?"

Phyllis nodded-smiling at Billy as she saw him nod as well.

"That's good," he continued. "Now you asked me why I brought you in here. I wanted to discuss some of the potential issues you could face with this pregnancy. I've found many times patients worry most about things they don't understand, so I like to be very upfront, tell you exactly what the risks are-what we'll do to prevent them, and what we can do to treat you if you do experience problems."

Billy could see the relief on her face as the doctor spoke. He couldn't have chosen a more perfect specialist for her. Phyllis needed this-the unfiltered truth, to be treated with respect, to be acknowledged as someone who was competent and capable. This doctor was giving her the information she wanted-the information she craved...he hoped it would also give her the peace she deserved.

Billy closed the door behind him as he followed her to the couch. He smiled as he sat down and put his arm around her. "So," he paused, kissing her shoulder while glancing up at her. "What do you wanna do?"

Phyllis turned, looking up at him, her eyebrows slightly raised.

"I didn't mean that," he laughed softly. "I was thinking we could order in, watch a movie..."

"That's very...wholesome," she smiled.

He leaned back feigning offense, "Phyllis Abbott, are you insinuating I cannot be wholesome?"

"It's just your motives are generally a little more..." She looked up at him, the smile spreading across her face as she saw the mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"Having trouble finding your words?" He grinned.

He leaned in closer to her, his fingertips toying with the collar of her shirt.

She drew in a quick breath. "Risqué," she whispered, running her hands up and across his chest. "I think risqué is a good word."

"I'm hurt," he teased, making quick work of the first few buttons before brushing his lips against the exposed skin of her neck. "I wasn't thinking anything of the sort."

"That's funny," she whispered, "you might want to tell your hands..". She closed her eyes as his lips continued their journey to her shoulder... "and your lips...".

Billy stopped, pulling away suddenly.

"Wait," she said quickly, her heart still racing. "I was kidding. I was just kidding."

"I know," he said softly. "I just didn't know...um...Is this...I mean..".

She studied his face, suddenly understanding his question. "Yeah, it's fine I mean the doctor didn't say anything about...". She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling...mischievous thoughts now dancing through her brain, "but the movie and takeout did sound good to me..."

"Oh, ok, well, let me grab the menus," He moved to stand and felt her pull him back down on the couch.

"Very impressive," she smirked.

"What?"

"You almost managed that without the look of total disappointment."

"I'm not disappointed." He wrapped his arms around her. "I don't have a one track mind you know. We can do other things together. Watching a movie and eating Chinese is a perfectly wonderful way to spend an evening." He paused, smiling at her, leaning in close-his face hovering close to hers. "Perhaps, you're the one that needs to reconsider her motives."

He smiled broadly as he leaned in to him. He felt her warm breath on her face-her lips hovering just above his. He pulled away for a second, teasing her.

"You trying to make me crazy?" She whispered.

"Crazy happy," he smiled.