The next morning Ed woke, showered and was out of the house before Maureen ever opened her eyes. She had slept in the guest room, Ed thought it was because she was still angry at him. Little did she know she didn't want the opportunity to make up with him.

She went into work and into her work space. She now had a three sided wall with a door between her desk and the outer office. The front was windows. She entered and put her purse in the drawer before turning on the phones. The door to Vanessa's office was open.

"Maureen, if that's you, and it better be, come on in and talk to me" Vanessa called.

Dutifully Maureen grabbed her pad and pen and entered. "Good morning, how was your weekend? Did I miss anything pressing the last two days?"

Vanessa laid her file folder and pen on the desk and proceeded to move to the more relaxed sitting area in her office. "Come sit with me" Vanessa beckoned.

Maureen sat on the opposite end of the lounge but didn't speak.

"Well, how was the weekend away? Isn't Cliff House just beautiful? "

Maureen's head shot up. "You know Cliff House?"

"Of course I do. You didn't?"

"Uhm, no, I did not"

"Hmm, I thought ever woman of voting age knew about it. Why, most of the women at the country club beg for their husbands to take them there. Of course they never do. Instead they take their mistresses" Vanessa chuckled, Maureen did not.

"So tell me, did you like Ed's gift?"

"Gift?" Maureen asked, her mind wandering to Holly. Of course she'd have known about Cliff House if Vanessa did.

Vanessa leaned in and lowered her voice. "Your negligee."

"Oh that, yes, it was lovely. The perfect fit." Her eyebrows tensed. "I have to admit I'm a bit surprised that Ed would know my size, much less buy something like that."

Vanessa's cheeks pinked. "You're going to hate me. I have a confession to make."

"What?"

"Ed wasn't alone when bought that for you and I've known about your trip for about a week now."

"You?" Maureen questioned.

"Yes, me. Ed said you had been acting distant. He thought you were working too much, and wanted to surprise you. He asked if I'd heard of the Cliff House, which obviously I had. He said Holly had mentioned it to him some time ago, he asked if I had the number, which I didn't so he called her for it. Once the reservation was made he called me back and asked for my help in getting you out of here on time and for an elongated weekend."

"Oh Vanessa, so it was you, not Holly who convinced him that the Cliff House was perfect for us?"

Vanessa shrugged. "Guilty, I guess, but there is more. Ed acted like a virginal bridegroom if there is such a thing when he went to buy your negligee. He couldn't have been more out of his element than Billy would be at an opera. So I met him at the department store, I knew your size, and well, I think I know you well enough to know what you'd like to wear to impress your husband. I'm sorry if you feel I overstepped."

Maureen put a hand up. "No, not at all, I just wish I had known this yesterday." Her voice trailed off as the thoughts swirled around in her head. "I should get back to my desk."

Vanessa stood. "Speaking of your desk, what do you think? Soon you're going to need your own secretary."

Maureen just smiled before going to her desk. She reached out and picked up the silver framed photo of her and Ed. It had been taken two years before. Not only did they look younger, but they looked happy. They could be happy now if she'd just let them. She replaced the frame and decided that she got home, she'd confess her transgression and beg forgiveness. That was the only way they could get past any of this.

When Maureen did get home she once again entered an empty house. Michelle was at camp, so her absence was expected, but Ed generally was home before she was. She wasn't hungry, so she didn't even bother to start dinner. If Ed was hungry when he got home she'd make him a sandwich. She went upstairs and changed out of her work clothes into a casual summer ensemble. When she got back to the kitchen she listened to the messages, none were from Ed. Not sure when he'd be home she debated having a glass of wine or not. She decided to go for it. She was living on cracked egg shells as it was.

With her glass of wine in one hand, she pulled out an old family photo album and cuddled up on the couch. She sipped as she looked. Pap Bauer, whom she'd never met was one of the first images to stare back at her. She smiled when she was Bert with Ed and his brother Mike, and of course there was the one photo of her holding Michelle when she was an infant. Bert had been visiting Meta when Michelle was born. Ed took her to Arizona for a visit where she passed shortly after they arrived. Everyone assumed that she'd take on the matriarchal role, and for awhile she had, but lately she was failing in every way that Bert succeeded without trying. She traced the image with her finger.

Lost in her own thoughts she hadn't heard Ed come in through the kitchen. When he bent over the back of the couch to kiss her she spilled her wine all over the front of his shirt.

"Oh Ed, I am so sorry!" She dropped the photo album but steadied the glass which took from her. He shook the remnants of the wine from his hand.

"Take it easy, I didn't drink it, I'm just wearing it." He assured her. "At least it's white, it won't stain."

'I seem to be making a mess of everything these days." She sighed.

Ed walked to the front of the couch. He sat down, pulling her legs on top of his lap, ignoring his wet shirt and tie. "You're not making a mess of anything. Stop being so hard on yourself."

"How was work? Are you hungry?" She asked.

His eyes lit up and his lips formed a broad smile. "Well, that's a big part of the reason I am so late. Listen to this" He was animated. "I delivered a baby in the ER this evening. Mom was convinced that they would have enough time to make it to Cedars, so she had her husband take a shower and get something to eat. By the time they left, rush hour traffic was in full swing. Had they been ten minutes later Dad would have delivered the baby on the side of the highway"

Ed laughed.

"Instead, I did. The baby was crowning as Mom was coming in. It didn't even take two minutes for the baby's head and shoulders to come. I don't know who was more shocked, the parents or me. Oh Maureen, it was so amazing to hold that new life in my hands. A little boy, seven pounds, seven ounces. He had a mo-hawk of blond hair. I stayed and monitored Mom until Margaret could come down. It was a rare, but good day. How about you?"

Maureen chewed on her bottom lip. He was too high to bring down now. Her confession would wait.

"Just your typical day at Spaulding. What did they name the baby?" She asked, changing the subject back to him.

"I have no idea. Once Margaret came down I couldn't wait to get home to you." He looked at her from the side of his eye. His hands moved from her thigh to her abdomen. "How is our baby project coming along? I don't know why, but I have a good feeling about it. I think our weekend at the Cliffhouse may have done it."

Maureen inhaled deeply. She lay a hand on top of his. "Ed, about that. I owe you an apology." She paused. "I talked to Vanessa today. She told me that you only called Holly for the phone number. I'm sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Can you ever forgive me?"

Ed smiled. "Of course I can. Now, about our baby. What do you say we go upstairs and make it a reality?"

Maureen pulled herself up to sitting. She lowered her eyes and composed herself. "Ed, I love you and I love Michelle, but I don't think right now is a good time to have another baby."

Ed shot up off the couch. It had been Maureen who pushed for a surgery that would allow the potential to succeed. The first month they failed, she was beside herself. The second and third weren't much better. Now, nearly six months in she wasn't sure she wanted to pursue the idea. He was livid.

"What the hell Maureen? You need to explain yourself."

"Calm down and I will," She said, becoming agitated.

Ed sat on the coffee table, arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed.

"It's just that I've been thinking. We are both already spread so thin. You are called to Cedars at all hours of the night. I'm older, so there is a chance I'd have to be monitored more closely than a typical patient, and then there is the actual birth." She shuddered "After that there is colic, and diapers for two years, late night feedings, and even less time for ourselves than there is now."

Ed remained silent.

"Michelle is getting to the point where she is becoming self-sufficient. She knows how to make basic meals, and is able to let herself in the house while we're at work for a few hours. If we add a new baby to that, we're back to being bound to their whims and needs. Can you honestly say that you want to do that again?"

Ed scratched his chin. "Maureen." His tone was tempered. "Those were the exact arguments I gave you when you approached me about having a baby. I didn't want to. I was perfectly content with Rick and Michelle as my children. I only agreed to having a child because you were so adamant, and eventually I came around to the idea, though not as enthusiastically as you did."

She started to rebut, though he put his hand up to stop her.

"While I would love to share the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth and the ultimate raising of a child with your eyes, and the cleft in your chin, I can respect your desire not to. In fact, if I'm honest, I was becoming relieved when you hadn't brought it up lately."

Maureen leaned forward and picked up his hands. "I don't think I changed my mind forever, but just for now, let's not think about it, let's not worry about it, and let's just let nature take whatever course it's going to take" She hugged Ed and asked "Are you hungry? I'll make you a sandwich."

The following week was the fourth of July. As they did every year the bantered the idea of not having it.

"Let the Spaulding's host this year" Ed complained as he dragged the grill from the garage.

"Too late, I already bought the hamburger." Maureen mused. "Now, you do the patties and I will do the salads"

"Yes, ma'am" Ed crooned, pulling her into him first. "What would I do without you?" He asked before spontaneously kissing her.

"I don't know, Dr. Bauer, but if you don't let me go the guests will be eating nothing but potato salad, and whatever kind of fruit Holly brings this year."

Ed let her go and started towards the grill. "You invited Holly then?" His voice was low.

Maureen put her hands on her hips. "Of course I did Ed. She is your friend, and Blake's mother. Why wouldn't I?"

"Alright then" He ran a hand through his hair. "I better check the pool, make sure it doesn't need anything."

Maureen shook her head as she watched him make a clean get away.

Late in the day when the prep work was done the guests started arriving. "Happy Fourth" Maureen called out to everyone from the kitchen door.

Ed pushed past her, "I need more hamburger meat. The crowds are growing restless." He grabbed the bowl from the fridge, but stopped. "Are you feeling alright?" He put a hand against her forehead. "You look a little flushed to me. Maybe you should take a break"

"I'll take a break tomorrow, right now, the Citizens for Springfield are hankering for a Bauer Burger"

Ed grabbed the bowl and disappeared to the back yard to massive cheers. Maureen poured some iced tea and sat in a chair at the kitchen table. Truth be told, she didn't feel well. She was tired, and the heat was intolerable to her. Even in the air conditioned house she felt close and hot.

"He's right. You don't look well."

Maureen looked to the space between the kitchen and the living room. "Roger. I didn't think you'd be here."

Roger closed the space between them in two strides. "Easy there. Should I get Ed?" He asked with concern.

Maureen blinked and took a deep breath. Her senses returned. "No, I think I just need to eat. I haven't eaten all day now that I think about it." She shook her head "Roger, why are you even here?"

"I'm afraid that's my fault." Holly announced from the doorway. "I was hoping that our prodigal daughter may show up today. I figured if I brought reinforcements that she wouldn't be able to escape so easily."

"Holly, hello" Maureen was relieved to see her. Roger backed off when she appeared, standing a respectful distance from his hostess.

"I brought watermelon. Would you like it in the fridge, or should I put it outside?" Holly asked

"Outside is fine, would you like me to show you where?" Maureen asked.

"No, I'm sure I'll find a spot. By the way, have you seen Blake at all?" Holly asked, tartly.

"I haven't, but then I have spent much of my time in the kitchen."

"I'll go see Ed, ask him. Roger, are you ready?" Holly asked moving to the back door. When she opened it the mass of voices littered the room.

"In a moment, I'm going to get some tea." Roger said with a half smile. Holly nodded and soon the kitchen was quiet again once she shut the door.

Roger pulled the chair across from Maureen from under the table and sat in it. "How have you been, really?" He asked with genuine concern.

"Doing much better than when we last spoke" She answered. "Just so you're aware, Holly and Ed haven't rekindled their affair. I was wrong. She is a free woman."

"Well, that's good news for you. I assume that you and Dr. Feelgood are on better terms then?"

Maureen reached out and laid a hand on top of Rogers. "It was never my intent to hurt you, and if I did, I am so sorry."

His words said "It was just a fling, but like all good things even a fling must come to an end" His eyes however told a different story. She was special to him, and if the timing were different he'd show her how much.

The door opened again, Maureen pulled her hand away from Rogers.

"What are you doing here?" Ed asked Roger "and why are you bothering my wife?"

Maureen stood, and went to Ed, wrapping her arm around his. "Roger is here with Holly."

Like Rogers, Ed's eyes told his true feelings, while his words said something else. "She told me. I had hoped he left when I didn't see him outside."

Roger extended a hand which Ed rebuffed. Roger pulled it back

"Always a pleasure, Ed. Maureen, take care. I promise I won't over stay my welcome" Roger headed for the back door which he exited through while whistling.

The week following the party found Ed and Maureen falling back into old habits. They tried to have breakfast together before one of them rushed Michelle to whatever summer activity was on the calendar before heading to the office themselves. On one such morning when Ed pecked Maureen and noted that she felt warm to him.

"Are you feeling well? You haven't seemed yourself since the barbecue" He asked as an aside, grabbing his bag before heading for the door.

"I'm a little tired to be honest. It will be an easy day though. We have a Spaulding luncheon at the club. I shouldn't be late getting home for dinner." She smiled, but wasn't feeling it.

"Alright, well I'm off. I will see you later" Ed pecked her cheek again and disappeared.

By the time Maureen arrived at Spaulding she was feeling better. She blamed her lethargy and general malaise on the heat. It was the second week of July after all. As she did every day she threw her purse in the bottom drawer of her desk and checked in with Vanessa who was already on the phone. Vanessa raised a hand, opening and closing her fingers, indicating that Maureen should approach, not leave. When Vanessa completed her call she laid her hands on her desk.

"Is everything set up for the luncheon today?" Vanessa asked, skipping small talk all together.

"Yes. I called the club yesterday to confirm. We are expected at 11:45, with a noon sitting. We have a salad course, main course, and dessert if anyone wants it" Maureen confirmed.

"Excellent. I hope that this show of unity spills over on to Alan Michael and Nick. I just don't understand the rivalry between those two" Vanessa tsk'd. "Lets hope that Alex and or Alan don't have any more surprise children waiting in the wings. I can't handle all of this uncertainty."

Suddenly Maureen felt dizzy, as though she may faint. Her face flushed, her legs felt week. She stumbled backwards to the couch.

"Maureen? My goodness, what's wrong?" Vanessa asked, coming to her aid.

"I think it's the heat," Maureen said, fanning herself. "I'm hot all the time, which makes me not want to eat. Then I get light headed because my blood sugar is low. I'm ready for the fall.."

"Call maintenance, ask them to check the thermostat. I can't have you melting on me today" Vanessa smiled. "Oh and before I forget, do you want to take my car to the club? There is no sense in both of us driving."

Maureen nodded before excusing herself to her desk.

By lunch Maureen was starving. As of late, food had little appeal to her, so she had become used to pushing it around her plate making it look like she ate. She had even lost a small amount of weight, not that anyone noticed. Today however, she ate every bit of every course that was served to her.

After lunch, but before everyone else left the table both Vanessa and Maureen excused themselves to the powder room. Maureen touched up her lipstick in the mirror as Vanessa chatted away from the stall. "I do hope that Alexandra doesn't have any more secret children stashed away somewhere."

"Or Alan" Maureen added, blotting.

'Oh shoot, Maureen, I need your help here. I started, and don't have anything. Darn it, I am usually so well prepared."

Maureen froze. It was at that moment that she realized she herself was late. "Uhm, let me check," She said casually. It was then that she found the desired object, under a month's worth of receipts, an old granola bar, and a post it note reminding her to pick up the dry cleaning, three weeks ago. "Here you go," She said, handing a tampon over the door to Vanessa.

"Thank you." Vanessa said. "You'd think that at our age we'd be better prepared. I feel like I'm in high school again."

"Me too," Maureen whispered. She leaned heavily on the sink edge and counted the days and then weeks in her calendar. She was late alright, six weeks late to be exact. Suddenly her stomach was a hard knot. She ran into the stall across from her, landing on her knees. She barely had time to pull her shoulder length hair back before she vomited several times.

Vanessa, having completed her task, stood in the open stall door. "Oh my goodness, Maureen. This is not just the heat. You're sick." She stated the obvious.

Convinced she had nothing left to purge Maureen stood and went back to the sink, shoving her calendar book into it before rinsing her mouth out. Vanessa handed her a cool wash rag which she wiped her mouth with.

"I'm going to take you home. I'll go get my purse. I'm going to tell Alexandra that she needs to find someone to fill in for you tomorrow. I want you stay home until you're over whatever this bug is." Vanessa disappeared, leaving Maureen staring in the mirror. When Vanessa returned Maureen was convinced she knew exactly what was wrong with her.

"Are you all set? You didn't leave anything at the table did you? Vanessa asked.

"No, I didn't, but Vanessa, if it's ok with you I'd like to go pick up my car. I'm not sure what Ed's schedule looks like, and if Michelle needs me I need to be able to get her."

Vanessa frowned. "Maureen, you're sick. Ed should be able to pick up some of the domestic slack" Her annoyance was obvious, but she waved it off. "Alright, fine, but promise me that you will call me the second you get home. I want to know you're feeling alright."

Maureen agreed with a wan smile.

When Vanessa dropped her at her car, Maureen gave a light wave before climbing into the drivers seat. She drove in the complete opposite direction of home, arriving at a small out of the way pharmacy on the outskirts of town. She felt foolish, she was after all a married woman. Would it have mattered if she stopped at the pharmacy on Fifth Street? What was the worst that could happen, she'd run into Holly? Or worse, Roger. She swallowed and went in.

The family planning isle was at the back of the store. She stared intently at the display of pregnancy tests. She had only been pregnant once before, and then had only gone to the doctors to confirm it. This was new territory for her. Each one was different. Some showed blue lines, some pink. Others were digital, and there was even one that showed a smiley face for positive and a sad face for negative. That one made her furrow her brow. What if the negative result was what would make her smile?

"Might I help you, Miss?" An older woman who looked as if she was well past the needs of this aisle appeared.

"Perhaps." Maureen smiled. "Do you by chance know which of these tests is the best?"

"Well dear, I don't know about the best, but this one seems to be the most popular with you young ladies." The clerk pulled a box from the shelf. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Maureen took the box in her hands and shook her head no. "I hope you get the result you're hoping for. Have a nice day."

Once cashed out Maureen shoved the box into her purse and proceeded to drive slowly home. When she arrived she saw that Ed's car was parked in the garage. "Damn it" She swore softly. He wasn't in the kitchen when she opened the door. She closed the door behind her and laid her purse on the table.

"Maureen, is that you?" Ed called from the living room.

She sighed. "Yes, it's me."

He appeared in front of her. "Where have you been?" He asked, and laid a hand on her forehead. "Vanessa called, she said you got sick after lunch. She said she sent you home for the rest of the day and was surprised you weren't home yet."

"I hit some construction so I had to take a ridiculous detour" She lied.

"Well, she isn't wrong. You don't look so hot. Why don't you go upstairs and lie down" He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead.

"That sounds good" She grabbed her purse and went upstairs to their bedroom. She closed the door, and went directly to their bathroom.

She studied the directions on the tests box as if she were studying for a different kind of test. It was fairly straightforward, but she didn't want to take any chances. With trembling hands she unwrapped the plastic wrapper and did as the instructions told her. The results, it stated, would appear in three minutes, hers appeared immediately. The first blue line appeared followed rapidly by the second, a control line indicating that the test had been performed properly. She jumped when Ed knocked on the door.

"Mo, honey, are you alright? You're not sick again are you?" He asked from the other side.

"No, I'm not, I just had to use the bathroom" She quickly shoved the test in the box, and the box back in the bag before she shoved all of it into the trash basket. She washed her hands and opened the door to a concerned Ed. He looked over her shoulder, but saw nothing amiss.

"I think I'm going to lie down" She said to him.

"That's probably a good idea. Does someone need to pick up Michelle later?"

"No, she's spending the night at Ben's. Fletcher is taking them to the amusement park in Clayton tomorrow so they are leaving early in the morning." Maureen kicked off her shoes, but didn't bother changing out of her work attire. She lay on top of the comforter and closed her eyes. Ed grabbed a blanket from the box at the end of the bed and covered her with it.