Six weeks later, Helen stepped out of the shower and began to dry herself. Things had been busy lately. In addition to work and all of the usual stress involved with that Helen was still trying to get used to being pregnant. She paused in drying and turned so she could look sideways at herself in the mirror. She ran a hand experimentally over her stomach which was definitely sticking out. It was so strange to her and she felt so awkward in her new body. She wasn't wearing maternity clothes yet, mostly because she refused to believe that she was showing so soon. In general Helen wouldn't even look in the mirror at herself, but now she let herself take stock of her new figure. Much to her horror, her thighs were thicker and her hips were wider, in addition to her stomach having a rather noticeable bump. Her chest was also larger which would have been a benefit except for all of the other changes. Mike hadn't seen yet for himself what was happening to his formerly skinny girlfriend. Not that he didn't want to, but Helen wouldn't let him. As soon as she started to notice the changes herself, Helen couldn't handle Mike touching her in anyplace she felt was unattractive. Which pretty much limited his contact to her arms, back, and face. She sighed sadly. Though she was looking forward to the baby, she mourned her lost figure. Helen grabbed her towel and finished getting ready to meet Lindsay for lunch at The Chinese Garden, their favorite restaurant.

Mike watched her sail out the door with only a brief kiss on the lips and then began to get ready for his own lunch meeting. He was confused about what was going on with Helen. One day, she'd been fine with his touching her, then the next, she'd suddenly pulled away. Mike guessed that the sudden change had something to do with her pregnancy, but he had no idea what had caused it or why. So he'd made lunch plans with the one person he hoped could help him.

Helen walked into The Chinese Garden and immediately saw Lindsay sitting at one of the tables in the far corner. Helen sighed enviously as she slid into her seat. It wasn't fair. Lindsay looked perfectly happy and pleased that she was getting bigger.

Lindsay raised an eyebrow at Helen. "What's wrong?"

Helen glanced up from the menu and shrugged. "Nothing. Have you ordered yet?"

Lindsay rolled her eyes. "I got us crab rangoon and egg rolls. I figured we could order entrees when you got here."

Helen nodded, distractedly. She'd suddenly noticed Lindsay gently stroking her stomach as she spoke. Helen doubted her friend was even aware of the movement, but that just made all of Helen's insecurities rise to the surface again. Lindsay looked so content and happy when she was pregnant. Helen doubted that she'd ever had moments of doubt about her appearance. She was jerked back to reality when Lindsay kicked her sharply in the ankle. "Ow! What was that for," Helen grumbled as she reached under the table to rub the offended body part.

"What's wrong with you," Lindsay demanded back. "You just got here and you're off in another world!"

Helen sighed. "Look, I'll tell you, but can we talk about it later? Please?"

Lindsay sighed. "Fine."

Helen smiled in relief as the waiter put their crab rangoon and egg rolls on the table. Despite her frustration at her body, Helen's stomach growled and she put one of each on her plate. She smiled at Lindsay, hoping to change the topic of conversation. "How's everything coming for the big move?"

Lindsay rolled her eyes and laughed as she dipped an egg roll in teriyaki sauce. "Bobby's driving me nuts. Now that we've actually gotten the house, it's like he's running scared. I finally picked out all the new furniture for Robby's room and the nursery and the living room, but whenever I bring up the topic of choosing our own, he suddenly has to go do something."

Helen tilted her head to the side and took a bite of crab rangoon. After she swallowed, she asked, "Could it be because he's just not interested?"

"I don't think so. I mentioned something about starting to pack up the stuff that we're not using so we're not trying to do everything at once, but he looked like I'd just threatened to throw away his Bond movie collection."

Helen laughed. "He's Bobby. It takes him time to get used to changes, I mean look how long it took him to let you in, and he was head over heels in love with you."

Lindsay sighed and nodded. "I just feel like I'm forcing him into something with this move, something that he's not ready for. I don't want to do that but we really don't have another choice. The babies will be here in three and a half months and there's just not room in the apartment for two babies."

Helen nodded. "I know. He'll get excited about it and he'll start helping, if for no other reason than it's important to you."

Lindsay nodded as the waiter came back. Both women ordered their entrees and continued talking.

"So, what are you doing with the kids' rooms," Helen asked.

Lindsay grinned, she was so excited about her designs. "Well, I found this great artist who's going to do murals on the walls of both rooms."

"Who," Helen interrupted, curious. She'd begun thinking about decorating her own nursery and had thought of a mural also.

"Actually, it's Lucy," Lindsay answered with a smile. "I saw her doodling a few weeks ago and she was really good! So we're paying her $400 plus supplies to do both rooms. Robby's room is going to look like a baseball stadium. He hasn't stopped talking about baseball and the Red Sox since Bobby took him to that game last April! And I got a bed that has baseball bats for the posts and baseballs on top of them. It's so cute! The bedding is Red Sox and Lucy's also going to paint his closet doors like the doors going into the locker room."

Helen grinned. "Lindsay that sounds so cute! Robby'll love it."

"I hope so. He's not so sure about leaving the apartment. It's the only home he's ever known."

"He'll adjust," Helen assured her. "He'll love having the park down the street and a back yard. What about the nursery?"

Lindsay beamed. "This is my favorite room. Since we're having twins, I decided on a Noah's Ark theme. Lucy's painting the room to look like the beach with the ocean and the ark and all the animals lined up. But they're going to look like stuffed animals."

"Aw, Linds," Helen gushed with a smile. "That's perfect! But you and Bobby still don't know the sex of the babies, right?"

"Right. But, we went to the doctor yesterday..."

"And?"

"They're identical." Lindsay grinned. "Now Bobby's trying to buy matching everything."

Helen laughed. "I bet."

Lindsay nodded, then waited while the waiter delivered their lunch. Once he'd left, she turned to her friend. "Now, what's bothering you? Come on, Helen. You know you can tell me anything."

Helen sighed and poked at her sweet and sour chicken. "I know. It's just...it's hard to say without sounding selfish or shallow."

"Then say it sounding selfish and shallow, I know you won't mean it that way."

Helen took a bite of chicken and swallowed. When she spoke, it was cautiously. "You...you look happy Linds."

Lindsay looked up in surprise. "I am."

"No, I mean, with yourself. Being pregnant."

Lindsay raised an eyebrow. "I am. I'm really excited about the babies. Why?"

Helen let out an impatient sigh. This was harder than she'd thought. "Not about the babies, but...I guess...you look like you like your body."

Lindsay stared at Helen, partially in shock, partially in confusion. "Is there a reason I shouldn't?"

"Even when you were pregnant with Robby, you seemed so comfortable with it, like you always knew that you looked beautiful."

Lindsay forced herself to close her mouth, which had dropped open. In all of the years she'd known Helen, she'd never known her to worry about her appearance. Helen knew that she looked good, it was part of who she was. This new uncertain Helen was a little hard to deal with. "Helen? Maybe it's just me, but I'm not getting you."

Helen sighed. She didn't want to spell it out like this, she knew how it would sound. "I hate how I look right now. I hate that I'm losing my figure, and I hate that Mike's going to look at me someday soon, realize how fat and ugly I am, and leave me!"

Lindsay stared at her best friend, shocked. "Helen, you're not fat! And you're not even close to ugly! What would make you think that?!" Lindsay mentally added that if Mike had said anything to Helen to make her feel this way, she'd hurt him badly.

Helen rolled her bright blue eyes. "Linds, look at me! I look like a swallowed a basketball! My thighs are HUGE and my hips are much wider!"

Lindsay shook her head. "Helen," she said gently. "Those are all normal changes that happen when you're pregnant! And you don't look like you swallowed a basketball unless it's one of those really small ones, your thighs are NOT that big, and neither are your hips! Trust me, you're still really skinny. Look at me, for God's sake! I'm much bigger than you are."

Helen tilted her head to the side. "You're having twins though. And you always seem like you're so happy with your body..."

Lindsay closed her eyes briefly. "Helen, trust me, what you're feeling is perfectly normal. I felt the same way when I was pregnant with Robby. I was terrified that the second Bobby realized that I wasn't the same woman he'd married, he'd turn around and run as far away from me as he could get. But when I finally let him see me, he didn't run. He was so excited to see how my body was changing because he loves ME, not just my body but all of me. And he knew that the changes were because of our baby that we made because we love each other. Mike loves you the same way, I know he does." When Helen didn't say anything, Lindsay sighed. "But you need to be comfortable with yourself first, you have to want to let Mike touch you."

"What if I drive him away," Helen asked softly.

Lindsay shook her head. "You won't," she insisted. "Trust me babe, you wouldn't be able to drive him away if you tried."

Helen nodded softly. "I'll try to let him in."

Lindsay smiled gently. "I'm not just trying to help Mike, Helen. First and foremost I want you to be happy. And I know that you'll be happier with Mike than without."

Helen smiled slightly, thankful for Lindsay's advice. It wasn't something she felt she could talk about with Ellenor since Ellenor had been alone during her pregnancy and Lindsay knew her better than anyone. She was about to say something when she noticed Lindsay pause with a strange look on her face and cup a hand over her stomach. "Babe? Are you okay," she asked worriedly.

Lindsay waited a moment before answering. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."

Helen's eyes narrowed. Something hadn't sounded right about her friend's voice. "What's wrong?"

Lindsay shook her head slightly. "Just a cramp..."

"Should we go to the doctor," Helen asked, already looking around to signal the waiter. This was reminding her a little too much of when she'd started bleeding. "Or would the hospital be better?"

Lindsay shook her head slowly. "No. No, I don't need a doctor. I've been getting these a few times a day, it's nothing major."

"Lindsay, if you're having cramps you should see a doctor NOW. I can't believe I'm having to tell you this!"

"Trust me," Lindsay insisted. "It's only a few times a day and they're not sharp or anything, they don't even really hurt. They're just...not comfortable."

"How long have you been getting them?"

"For a couple of days now."

"And Bobby hasn't dragged you in to see a doctor?!"

"I haven't told him," Lindsay answered quietly. "And I don't want you to either."

"Lindsay, if something's wrong..."

"Nothing is," she insisted. "And I don't want to worry him. I swear, I'm fine. I think the babies just want more room than I can give them."

Helen didn't look convinced though. "If it gets worse, you'll go to the doctor, right?"

"Of course," Lindsay answered. "I just really don't think it's anything to get worried about."

Helen reluctantly agreed not to tell Bobby, even though she still thought he should know. Lindsay paid the bill, since they alternated, and stood up from the bench with a little effort. Helen followed and they walked outside, thankful for the warm summer air.

Lindsay glanced lazily at the shop windows, enjoying her rare free day. Not that she didn't love her family, she did. But sometimes she missed having girl time with Helen. Lindsay noticed a shop across the street and grabbed Helen's arm. "Look! There's that new maternity shop I was telling you about. Wanna go in," she asked hopefully.

Helen was torn. Lindsay obviously wanted to check out the shop and Helen knew deep down that she needed to buy some maternity clothes, but she wasn't really ready to admit that to herself yet. Finally though she nodded. "Sure. Why not?"

Lindsay dragged her across the street and into the store with a smile on her face. She loved shopping and she'd heard that in addition to very nice maternity clothes, this store had plenty of cute baby outfits. She wasn't disappointed either. There were little frilly dresses and sleepers and what seemed like hundreds of other adorable clothing items for babies. Lindsay reluctantly tore herself away and began looking at the collection of evening gowns they had. Helen came up behind her with a puzzled look on her face.

"Planning on going dancing?"

Lindsay smiled ruefully. "Actually, yeah. Bobby's church is having its 100 year anniversary and they're having a fancy dinner party at the Cotillion to celebrate. It's in a few weeks and I've been putting off buying a dress."

Helen smiled. "That sounds fun."

Lindsay rolled her blue eyes towards the ceiling. "Very," she replied sarcastically. "I get to get dressed up, wear heels, and go to what will probably be a boring night with people I don't really know all while feeling like a beached whale. It'll be a great evening."

"If you're really not looking forward to it, why are you going," Helen asked.

Lindsay sighed. "Because it means a lot to Bobby and Stephen. And I am getting Bobby to move into a house, so this is how I'm repaying him. And I'll get to dance with my husband and all the women there will see how lucky I am."

Helen made a gagging noise behind her hand. "I know, I know. You're so happy."

Lindsay smiled as she chose a teal dress from the rack. "Yeah. I am."

Helen browsed the store while Lindsay tried on the dress, returned to give her opinion that the rose one would complement her better, and chose a black suit to try on. She also found two pairs of capri pants, one in denim and one in black, and a couple of tops. Lindsay laughed as she saw her friend bring her purchases to the counter. "Feeling better about how we look?"

Helen shrugged. "I can't live in denial and stretchy pants forever. As much as I might want to."

Lindsay laughed again. "I'm craving ice cream. I'll treat if you want some too."

Helen thought about it for a second, then nodded. "Sure. Chocolate fudge brownie, please."

Lindsay headed for ice cream while Helen saw a children's book on the shelf and picked it up, flipped through it, and placed it on top of her pile. She'd give it to Robby when they moved into the new house. She gathered her bags and met Lindsay outside, taking her ice cream as they continued their stroll down the block.

Across town, Mike walked into a park and looked towards the playground. He smiled when the blond boy jumped off the swing and raced towards him at full speed.

"Uncle Mike," Robby yelled, jumping up.

Mike caught the boy and tossed him up in the air before settling him on his hip. "Hey, buddy," he said with a smile. "How's my favorite deputy?"

Robby beamed. "I'm great! Daddy said we get hot dogs for lunch!"

Mike nodded. "Yep." He smiled as Bobby followed his son. "Hey, Bobby. Thanks for agreeing to meet me."

"No problem." They walked over to a street vendor and Bobby bought a hot dog for Robby and a sausage for himself, along with a soda for them to share. Mike bought a sausage and a soda as well. They sat down on a bench and Robby quickly finished his lunch, then ran off to play on the playground some more. Bobby kept an eye on him while turning his attention to Mike. "What's up?"

Mike sighed. "I wish I knew."

Bobby's brow furrowed with worry. "Something wrong with Helen?"

Mike shrugged. "I think so. But she won't tell me what. It's just...for the past few weeks, she hasn't let me touch her." Bobby raised an eyebrow and Mike continued. "It just kind of happened out of the blue. One day we were fine, the next, I was only allowed to touch her face, arms, and back. I have no idea what happened."

Bobby looked thoughtful. "Have you tried to touch her?"

"Yeah. But she won't even let me spend the night anymore, unless we fall asleep watching a movie or something. But even in her sleep, if my hand gets anywhere near her stomach, she moves it."

Bobby's eyes lit up and he nodded. "Oh. I get it."

"What?"

"She's probably feeling self conscious about getting bigger."

"But she's happy about the baby," Mike objected.

"That doesn't matter," Bobby insisted. "Lindsay was happy about Robby, but when she was pregnant, she somehow got it into her head that I wouldn't think she was pretty once she started showing. And because she was afraid to tell me, she started pushing me away."

"But she got over it..."

"After a while."

"On her own?"

Bobby shook his head. "No. I had to prove to her that I still found her beautiful. It took a little while, but she eventually believed me."

Mike rubbed a hand over his face. "I can't believe that Helen would doubt that I think she's beautiful! What should I do?"

Bobby shrugged. "A lot of it depends on Helen and how much she's willing to take. But don't underestimate the little stuff. Telling her that she's beautiful, back massages. Take advantage of what she'll let you do, and move on from there."

Mike nodded. "Thanks."

"No problem. How's everything coming?"

"I think it's going well. She whines about missing her coffee, but I bought her coffee ice cream the other day and she was happy."

"Has the baby started to move yet?"

"I don't think so," Mike answered slowly. "She hasn't mentioned it to me. She would though, right? I mean, even if she didn't want me touching her stomach, she'd tell me if she felt the baby move..."

"Of course she would," Bobby answered. "She's not being vindictive or malicious, she's scared." Mike nodded and the men sat in silence for awhile before Bobby turned back to his friend. "Hey, would you mind giving us a hand with the move in a few weeks? I asked Eugene and Jimmy to help out and I think the rest of the firm is coming too, but we could use another set of hands."

"When are you moving," Mike asked.

"Three weeks. Lindsay's getting anxious to be in before the babies come, and I don't blame her."

Mike nodded. "That sounds good. I don't think we have any plans. I don't want Helen doing any lifting."

"Of course. She and Lindsay can supervise and direct. They should be great at it."

Mike laughed and agreed. He looked up and saw Helen and Lindsay enter the park. They were talking though and hadn't seen either of them yet. Mike smiled and nudged Bobby. "Here come our women."

Bobby looked up and smiled. Both men stood to head over to them when Robby let out a shriek of "Mama!" and raced over to his mother.

Lindsay grinned as she bent to hug her son. "Hi honey. Can you say hi to Auntie Helen?"

Robby wrapped his arms around Helen's legs. He adored her and the feeling was definitely mutual. Helen was his favorite babysitter after Lucy. "Hi, Tee," he said with a smile.

Helen grinned and squatted down to hug him. He'd called her "Tee" for as long as he could talk as a shortened version of "Auntie." She lifted him in her arms, balancing the little boy with her packages. "Hi, sweetie. How are you?"

Robby's smile faded. "I'm getting a new house," he said sadly.

"Don't you want to move to a new house," Helen asked.

Robby shrugged. "I like this house."

Helen hugged him gently. "I know you do. But won't you like having a pool and a park really close?"

Robby shrugged non-committedly and Helen and Lindsay exchanged worried looks. Lindsay took her son from Helen and placed him on the ground, knowing that carrying Robby around wasn't good for either of them. "Robby, who're you here with," she asked. The park wasn't far from their apartment so she wasn't that worried, but Bobby hadn't mentioned anything about going out.

"Daddy and Uncle Mike," Robby answered as the men arrived.

Mike smiled at Helen and kissed her gently. "Hi, beautiful," he whispered.

Helen blushed. "Hey. What are you three doing here?"

Mike took her bags in one hand and draped the other arm around her shoulder. "Manly stuff," he answered.

Helen laughed and rolled her eyes as she wrapped an arm around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. "You're not going to tell me?"

"Nope. What did you get?"

Helen blushed again. Despite what Lindsay had told her, she wasn't quite ready to admit to Mike that she was getting bigger. "Clothes," she answered. "I also bought a present for Robby."

"That was nice of you." Mike nuzzled her neck as Bobby and Lindsay watched Robby show them how high he could swing.

Helen was distracted watching her friends. They seemed so perfect together, so comfortable. She'd seen how Bobby had greeted Lindsay, kissing her, stroking her stomach as if to greet their children, then taking her bags. They looked so perfect, Bobby with his arm around Lindsay, her leaning into him as they watched Robby with smiles on their faces. She sometimes wondered if she and Mike would ever look that perfect together. Helen realized that Mike had asked her a question and responded with, "Huh?"

Mike repeated himself. "I asked what you wanted to do tonight?"

Helen shrugged. "Ellenor and Matt are going out again."

Mike's brow furrowed. "Isn't this like the third time this week?"

"Fourth," Helen answered.

"And she leaves you in charge of Zoe."

"I don't mind," Helen responded. "I love Zoe."

"I know you do honey, but she's Ellenor's responsibility and it's not fair for her to keep making you take care of her daughter."

Helen shook her head. "Really, it's okay."

Mike just nodded. "So you want to stay in then?"

Helen nodded. "I was going to make pasta, since Zoe likes it so much. Nothing big."

"Wanna rent a movie," Mike asked.

"What one? I don't want to watch some stupid movie where people get blown up all the time."

"I don't care. You pick."

Helen paused, thinking. "How about 'Armageddon'? There's action for you and romance for me."

"Don't you always cry at that movie?"

"Only sometimes," Helen defended.

"That sounds good," Mike agreed. He glanced up at the sky. "Hey, we better get going, it's getting pretty cloudy."

Helen followed his gaze to the black clouds that were rolling in. "Okay. Let me say good bye to Bobby and Lindsay?"

"Sure." Mike followed her over to where their friends were gathering up Robby's toys.

Helen hugged Lindsay good bye. "Thanks for...you know."

Lindsay nodded. "Anytime."

"And let me know if the," Helen paused, leaving a blank for the word 'cramps' "get any worse."

Lindsay nodded. "I will."

Mike glanced at Helen, then turned to Bobby. "Thanks for the advice."

"No problem. See you in a few weeks?"

"If not sooner," Mike agreed. He said good bye to Lindsay then and Robby before leading Helen out of the park and into a taxi to take them back to her apartment.

When Bobby and Lindsay finally got back to their apartment, Robby was tired from a long afternoon of playing with his father. They turned "Monsters, Inc." on for him and before Boo had even entered Monstropolis, the little boy was sound asleep on the couch. Lindsay was hanging up her dress when Bobby walked up behind her and slid his arms around her waist, or what had been her waist.

"Do I get a fashion show," he murmured in her ear.

Lindsay laughed softly. "No," she teased. "You can see me the night of the party."

Bobby sighed dejectedly. "But that's six weeks away, Lindsay."

"I know. It'll be good for you to work on your patience."

Bobby smiled and turned Lindsay in his arms so he was facing her. When he looked into her eyes, he was surprised to see uncertainty reflected in her blue eyes. "Lindsay? What's wrong?"

Lindsay sighed and shook her head. Hearing Helen talk about her doubts with Mike had raised Lindsay's doubts about Bobby. Part of her knew it was stupid to doubt him when time after time he'd told and shown her how much he loved her and that she was beautiful, but another part of her asked what if he'd been lying? She wasn't stupid, she knew that Bobby was very attractive and that women at the courthouse, actually everywhere they went, still looked at him and wanted him, despite the fact that he was married.

Bobby saw something flash in Lindsay's eyes but couldn't figure out what it was. He gently cupped her chin and raised it so her eyes met his. "Baby, something's bothering you."

Lindsay shook her head again. "It's nothing."

Bobby let out a frustrated sigh and Lindsay moved to straighten the bed. "Lindsay, don't lie to me. I thought we were past that."

The hurt in his voice made Lindsay turn around in surprise. "I'm not lying, Bobby!"

"Yes you are. God, Linds. I've tried so hard to let you in and to tell you what I'm feeling. Why can't you do the same thing?"

Lindsay recoiled. Several months ago, she had been tired of Bobby shutting both she and Robby out and had nearly left him. In a last ditch effort, Bobby had promised to let her in but pointed out that she kept things inside too. They had both made a concerted effort in the past six months to open up to each other and the insinuation that she hadn't stung more than Lindsay had imagined it could.

"Fine," she snapped. "You really want to know what's wrong with me? Really?"

"Yes," Bobby exclaimed.

"Fine! I'm afraid that you don't think I'm pretty enough or sexy enough or whatever anymore!"

Bobby stared at Lindsay in shock. "What? Why would you think that? Lindsay you're so beautiful and so sexy...how could you ever doubt that I know that?"

"Fine, right, make it all my fault," Lindsay spat out. "I see other women looking at you and I know what I look like now, I'm fat! I'm not exactly the woman you married..."

"Linds, you are," Bobby insisted. "And if other women look at me, I don't notice because YOU'RE the only woman that I'm looking at!" Lindsay looked at the ground, wanting to believe him, but not sure that she could. Bobby walked over and wrapped his arms around her, one hand resting on her stomach. "I love you Lindsay. And you ARE the woman I married. You're still the same smart, sexy, outgoing, wonderful woman that I fell in love with. Believe it or not, I didn't just marry you for your body. I love your body, I can't imagine waking up and not holding it in my arms. Of course it's changed recently, but we're going to have two babies. Your body will go back to how it was before, and even if it doesn't, if you spend the rest of our life together pregnant, I'll still love you and think that you are the most beautiful sexy woman in the world."

Lindsay looked up at him, almost afraid to hope that he was telling the truth. She didn't think she could bear it if he was lying to her. "Really," she asked softly.

"Really," Bobby assured her. He kissed her gently, first on the lips, then on the nose. "I love every part of your body. I love your freckles..." Lindsay blushed. She hated the dusting of freckles across her nose. Bobby continued his journey, kissing her shoulders then moving slowly down her arm, telling her that he loved each part that he kissed. When he reached her elbow, Lindsay moaned in pleasure and they both sank to the bed. Bobby worked his way back up the other arm, then began to unbutton her blouse, following his fingers with his lips. When he got to her bra, Lindsay arched her back and his fingers reached behind, expertly unfastening it and drawing it down. He then moved his lips to her breasts, knowing just how she liked to be kissed there. When he heard her hiss out a breath, Bobby just smiled and continued trailing his lips down her body to her stomach. His hands stroked reverently over the home of their children and he looked up at Lindsay, smiling softly. The look of love and amazement in her husband's eyes told Lindsay all she needed to know and she wondered how she could have ever doubted his love for her. Bobby bent and placed two kisses on her stomach. Before he could go any further though, they were interrupted by a knock on the door and the voice of their son.

"Mama? Daddy? Why's the door locked?"

Bobby jumped up as Linds quickly refastened her bra and buttoned her shirt as Bobby opened the door. Robby looked at both of his parents, confused. "Whatcha doing?"

"Uh," Lindsay answered. She wasn't sure what excuse to give for the door being locked.

Bobby picked up his son and carried him to the bed where Lindsay still sat, one hand stroking her stomach in what was a nervous habit when she was pregnant. "Mama and I were taking a little nap. We saw how you fell asleep and we thought it would be a good idea if we took a nap too."

Robby nodded. "Can we go swimming?"

Bobby looked at Lindsay who nodded. "Sure, honey. We can go for a quick swim before dinner."

Robby climbed off of Bobby's lap and ran to his room to put his swimming suit on. Bobby turned to his wife who had begun digging around in a drawer. "Are you sure it's okay for him to swim? It looks like it's going to storm."

Lindsay rolled her eyes as she withdrew her swimming suit from the drawer. "Bobby, it's an indoor pool. We'll be fine."

Bobby watched his wife get dressed, then sighed. Lindsay turned to him, confused. "What?"

"You're wearing that?"

Lindsay looked down at the bright blue maternity suit that she'd put on. "Yeah. Why?"

Bobby walked around her to the dresser and began digging himself. In a few moments, he pulled out a black bikini that Lindsay had worn on their honeymoon. "I was thinking that I kind of missed this one."

Lindsay laughed and swatted his arm lightly. "In my condition, not on your life!" But then she smiled teasingly. "Maybe in a few months though..."

Bobby swooped in, wrapping one arm around her back and pulling her towards him for a deep kiss. When they pulled back, he smiled at her. "Never doubt me," he whispered.

Lindsay smiled. "I know. Sometimes, I don't think with my heart."

"Helen got to you didn't she," Bobby asked.

Lindsay blinked in surprise. "Why would you say that?"

"Well," Bobby tucked a strand of hair behind Lindsay's ear before continuing. "Mike mentioned something about Helen not being comfortable with being pregnant. You had lunch with Helen, then asked me that. It's a logical progression."

Lindsay sighed. "Yeah, I guess she did a little. I didn't mean for her to..."

"I know."

Lindsay leaned up and kissed Bobby gently. "I love you."

"Love you too." They went in search of Robby then, both feeling more secure than they had before.

Across town, Helen added pasta to the water that was boiling and sprinkled in a bit of salt before stirring it. Mike sat at the kitchen table with Zoe who was coloring. The little girl had informed him that he could help her, but so far "helping" meant handing her the colors that she wanted. As Mike watched the scene in front of him, he couldn't help but hope that this would be his future, sitting with his daughter and playing while Helen cooked dinner. Thinking of that though he laughed to himself. The only reason that Helen was cooking was that she was making macaroni and cheese. Otherwise Mike knew he'd be the chef in the house. But it was so simple, so nice to be there.

Zoe looked up at him and smiled. "Wanna pway Barbies?"

"Uh," Mike looked at Helen who smiled encouragingly at him. "Sure." Zoe grabbed his hand and led him to the living room where her Barbies were spread out on the floor. She took one with blonde hair and handed Mike one with red hair. Mike sat awkwardly on the ground and looked at the doll in his hand. "Now what do I do?"

"You hafta get her dwessed."

"Right." Mike looked at the pile of clothes and wondered what he'd gotten himself into.

Helen slid the rolls into the oven and glanced into the living room. The scene in front of her made her smile warmly. Mike was trying to put an outfit on one of Zoe's Barbie dolls, but was thus far unsuccessful. Seeing how great Mike was with Zoe, Helen couldn't help but let her thoughts drift to their own baby. She'd been a little nervous, not sure how Mike would react to being a father. But seeing him playing dolls assuaged all of her fears. She walked into the living room and smiled down at them. "Are we having a little problem here," she asked with a laugh.

Mike scooted over and patted the ground next to him. Helen carefully lowered herself and he handed her the Barbie. "I can't seem to get her clothes on."

Helen leaned over and whispered in his ear, "But you're great at getting them off."

Mike nearly groaned and Helen laughed as she dressed the Barbie and handed her back to Mike who turned to her. "Now what?"

Helen sighed. "Haven't you ever played Barbies before?"

"No," Mike responded emphatically. "Never. I played G.I. Joes."

Helen rolled her eyes and took the doll from Mike. "Watch." She made the doll walk over to Zoe's and said, "Hi, Barbie. What are we going to do today?"

"We're gonna go to the zoo," Zoe made her Barbie exclaim.

Mike leaned back and watched the scene unfold in front of him, enjoying watching Helen and Zoe interact. After awhile, he stood up and went to check on their dinner. The macaroni was almost ready so he made salads for himself and Helen and cut up an apple for Zoe. He drained the pasta, added the cheese, milk, and butter, then pulled the rolls out of the oven and served everyone before calling into the living room, "Ladies, dinner's ready."

Zoe raced to the table, but Helen sent her a look. "Come on Zoe, we need to wash your hands." The little girl sighed but followed Helen out of the room. They were back in a few minutes and sat down for dinner.

They ate in silence for awhile before Zoe looked up at Mike curiously. "Are you and Hewen gonna get married?"

Mike stopped and lowered the piece of roll that he'd been about to eat. "Maybe. I hope so, because I love Helen very much."

"What about the baby," Zoe asked. "Are you the baby's daddy?"

Mike and Helen exchanged confused looks, both wondering where this was coming from. "I sure am," Mike answered. "And I love the baby very much, too."

Zoe glanced from one to the other. "Will you live wif us then?"

"Well, we haven't really discussed it," Mike stammered, wondering why he was so nervous about being put on the spot by a three-year-old.

"Zoe, eat your apple honey," Helen reminded her. Mike shot Helen a grateful look and they returned to their meal.

As Mike cleaned up the kitchen and living room, Helen gave Zoe a bath and got her ready for bed. He'd just finished when Zoe raced out of her bedroom wearing a Jessie the Cowgirl nightgown and jumped on the couch.

"Can we have popcorn an' a movie," she asked as Helen followed her into the room at a more sedate pace.

Helen glanced at the clock and, seeing that it was only 7:00 nodded. "Sure. What do you want to watch?"

"Toy Story 2!" Zoe yelled.

Helen laughed. "Why am I not surprised?" 'Toy Story 2' was currently Zoe's favorite movie. Jessie the Cowgirl was her hero, at least that week.

"Can I have a soda," Zoe asked hopefully.

"Uh...you can have Sprite," Helen said. The last thing that Zoe needed was caffeine. Mike threw a bag of popcorn into the microwave while Helen poured half of a Sprite into a sippy cup for Zoe. They sat down on either side of Zoe. By the time Buzz and the gang had burst into Al's office to save Woody, Zoe was sound asleep in Helen's lap. Mike carefully laid the popcorn on the ground and took Zoe from Helen. He carried her into her room and laid her on her bed. Helen tucked her in and kissed her goodnight. She straightened and Mike laid his arm around her shoulders.

"I can't believe in a few months, we're going to have one of those," he whispered.

Helen smiled, her hand resting on her stomach. "I know. It doesn't seem real, does it?"

"I can't wait though," Mike said and Helen smiled in agreement as they slipped out of the room, leaving the door cracked open and the nightlight on. After cleaning up from the movie, Mike and Helen went to her room to watch a movie. But half way through 'Armageddon', both Helen and Mike were sound asleep.

Helen woke up with a start, unaware of what had woken her. She waited and a boom of thunder echoed throughout the apartment, followed by a sob. Helen jumped out of bed and rushed down the hall, wearing only Mike's old dress shirt that she'd stolen. She found Zoe standing in Ellenor's room, sobbing and clutching her stuffed bunny. Helen immediately crouched next to the little girl, wrapping her arms around her. "Zoe, honey what's wrong?"

"It tundered," Zoe answered through her sobs. "I want Mommy."

Helen stood, still holding Zoe in her arms. "I know you do honey," she soothed as she walked back to Zoe's room and sat with her in the rocking chair. "It's okay, the thunder can't hurt you. It's just really loud."

"It's scary," Zoe sniffed.

"I know it is," Helen murmured.

"Where's Mommy," Zoe whimpered, still clinging to Helen. Every clap of thunder, the little girl jumped and clung tighter.

"Mommy's out with Uncle Matt, remember? But Mike and I are here," Helen said. Mentally she was cursing Ellenor for not being there. Not that Helen minded taking care of Zoe or losing sleep, but Zoe really wanted her mommy right then, not Helen.

Mike woke up and, wondering where Helen was, wandered into the hall. He followed the sound of Helen's voice and found her sitting in Zoe's room in the rocking chair with Zoe on her lap. "Hey. What's going on," he whispered.

Helen looked up and smiled. "The thunder woke her up."

"It's scary," Zoe said again.

Mike crouched next to them and stroked a hand over Zoe's hair. "You know what thunder is, Zoe?"

Zoe shook her head and Helen held her breath, hoping that Mike wouldn't give some long scientific answer.

"When it thunders," he said softly. "It means that the angels are bowling in Heaven."

Zoe stared at him with big eyes. "Really?"

"Uh-huh."

"They're noisy."

Mike and Helen laughed. "Well have you ever been to a bowling alley," he asked. Zoe shook her head. "It's pretty loud. Maybe Helen and I will take you sometime." Zoe nodded and yawned, cuddling close to Helen.

"Are you ready to go back to sleep, Miss Zoe," Helen asked.

Zoe looked up at her with huge brown eyes. "Can I sleep with you? Mommy lets me when I'm scared."

Helen sighed. "Sure."

Mike bent to carry Zoe but she refused to let go of Helen. Helen shrugged and carried Zoe into her room and laid her down in the middle of the bed before sliding in next to her.

"Do you have Mr. Bunny," Helen asked. Zoe nodded and curled up next to Helen who smiled and drew her close.

"Night Hewen," Zoe whispered as Mike climbed in the other side of the bed.

"Night, sweetie," Helen answered. She scooted over slightly and reached out for Mike's hand. Mike linked his fingers with Helen's and brought them to his lips.

"Good night, beautiful. I love you," he whispered.

Helen smiled. "Love you, too."

The next morning Helen and Mike made breakfast and waited for Ellenor to get home. She finally came through the door at 9:00. Helen glanced up from the puzzle they were working on and glared at her roommate. Zoe looked up too and jumped up from the table, running full speed at Ellenor who picked her up and hugged her tightly.

"I missed you, Mommy! There was tunder an' wightning. It was scary."

"I'm sorry baby," Ellenor said. "I didn't mean to be gone so long."

Mike stood up and took Zoe from Ellenor. "Why don't we go feed the ducks in the park, Zoe?"

"I wanna stay wif Mommy," Zoe objected.

Ellenor looked at Mike, clearly wondering what he was doing. "She can stay here."

"Zoe, I think that Helen and your mommy need to have a grown up talk."

Ellenor looked at her roommate who still didn't look happy. "Zoe, honey go with Mike to feed the ducks, then we can call one of your friends and see if they want to come over, okay?"

Zoe nodded and ran to get bread. She loved feeding the ducks. She raced back into the living room and took Mike's hand. "Bye, Mommy! Bye, Hewen!"

"Bye Zoe," both women called.

As soon as the door closed, Ellenor turned to Helen. "What?"

Helen stared a her incredulously. "What do you mean what? It was storming last night. *Your daughter* is terrified of storms. She woke up in the middle of the night, terrified, and she wanted her mother. But YOU weren't here!"

"I'm sorry she was such an inconvenience," Ellenor huffed. "I'm sure YOUR child will never wake you up at night. If you're going to be that selfish, I don't even want to think about what kind of mother you'll make!"

Helen recoiled, stung. "At least I'll remember I have a child and not go off screwing some guy, leaving her upbringing to other people!"

"Can't I have a personal life? Aren't I entitled to that even," Ellenor screamed back. "I finally meet a guy who loves not only me, but my daughter, and you don't want me to spend any time with him!"

"Ellenor I'm thrilled that you found Matt. I think you deserve someone like him. But last night was the fourth time this week that you left Zoe here so you could be with him. She doesn't understand why you're not around as much anymore, and it scares her. I know you're happy with Matt, but would it kill you to spend a night here?"

"Look, if you're tired of watching her or it's too big of a problem, I'm sorry. I'll see if Bobby and Lindsay can watch her. I thought you loved Zoe..."

"I do," Helen interrupted. "And don't you DARE try to turn this into something that's my fault! I don't mind watching Zoe occasionally, I love spending time with her. But she needs you, Ellenor!"

"If I'm not with Matt, he'll find somebody better," Ellenor screamed, then realized what she'd said.

Helen stared at her, open mouthed. "Did he tell you that?"

"Of course not," Ellenor snapped.

"Then why on Earth would you think it? He gets along great with Zoe."

"You don't understand what it's like Helen. You can get a guy just by looking at him. I can't. And now, I've found a good one. I'm afraid that if I'm not with him for a night, he'll find someone younger and prettier."

"Ellenor," Helen's voice had softened considerably. "Matt loves you, that's not going to go away if you don't see him for one night. Or have him come here, I'll stay in my room. But you can't keep abandoning Zoe. There are times, like last night, that no matter how much she loves me, she needs you."

Ellenor sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't think it was going to storm. I'll try to spend more nights here, okay?"

Helen nodded. "Okay. I'm just...I'm worried about Zoe."

"I know you are." Ellenor paused awkwardly. "What I said before, about not wanting to see what kind of mother you'll be, I'm sorry. I was angry. You'll be a great mom. You've always been wonderful with Zoe and Robby."

Helen nodded. "No problem," she said softly. "I'm going to go lay down until Mike gets back."

Ellenor nodded, knowing that she'd hurt Helen with the accusation that she'd be a bad mother. She just didn't know how to fix it.

Helen laid down on her bed, thinking about what Ellenor had said. She knew that her roommate had yelled in anger, but Ellenor had struck pretty close to a very vulnerable nerve. Helen knew that she tended to be selfish but she hoped that she'd be able to put that aside for her child's sake. Helen rolled onto her side and rested a hand on her stomach. "Hey in there," she whispered to her child. "Look, I know that I may not be the world's best mother, but it won't be because I'm not trying or because I don't love you. I do love you, more than I ever thought was possible, especially since you're not even born yet. And I'm going to do the best that I can." Helen sighed sadly. "I just hope it's good enough."

Helen didn't see Mike standing outside the door. "It is, honey," he whispered. He wasn't stupid, he knew that Helen saw his attempts to reassure her as simply humoring her, but Mike knew that, despite her doubts, she'd be a good mother. "You'll do great."