Baby laid in bed wide awake. She couldn't sleep. Tomorrow she was going to drive down and see Johnny. By the end of the day he would know that she was pregnant and just how much she loves him. She knew that Johnny would be so thrilled he was going to be a father again. She was not going to hurt him like she did with Josie. He deserved so much more than that.

She wished more than anything she could change how she felt toward the situations back then. Johnny would have been right by her side. She knew that now. Josie could have known her father.

Baby had to admit to herself how stupid she was for pushing Johnny away. She really needed him by her side when Josie died.


"Johnny what are you doin'?"

"Don't worry about Max I tell him your grandmother died or somethin'."

"How many times have I told you not to get mixed up with em'?"

"I know what I'm doin Penny."

"Look, Johnny you gotta stop and you got to stop it now."

Johnny's mind wandered as he laid wide awake too. He couldn't help but think was Baby coming down to tell him she loved him? Why does she want to see him?

He knew what his intentions were. He wanted to be with Baby so bad he couldn't stand it. He knew no other woman could ever compare to her. His life and his world was where ever she was. He wasn't going to let her go now with out a fight.

He wanted to kick himself for not calling Baby when they left Kellerman's. It was a stupid, stupid move. If he had Baby would have told him about Josie and he wouldn't have wasted five years. He figured both of them had some guilt in this situation.

"So I will finally meet this infamous Baby I have heard so much about." Johnny's mother said over supper.

"Yeah, she will be here sometime tomorrow." Johnny said picking at his food.

"You nervous?" She noticed Johnny's motions.

"Mamma, I know how I feel I just don't know how she feels. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring." Johnny pulled a picture out of his wallet of Josie. "I wish you could have known you granddaughter."

"I do too son. I just don't see how Baby felt it was best not to tell you." She poured Johnny some more tea as she reached for the picture he was holding. "People make mistakes."

"I can imagine how scared she was when she found out. Hell, I probably would have freaked if she had come to me in the first place." Johnny sat back in his chair. "I wasn't ready to be a father then but I would have managed."

"Johnny, I have never seen love in your eyes like I see it now." She placed her hand on Johnny's. "Just remember what has happened in our lives has happened for a reason. I just have to keep telling myself that about your father."

"I know mom." Johnny sighed back.

"Thank you Johnny." She smiled sweetly at him. "I don't know what I would do with out you."

"You don't have to thank me mom. I am here because I love you." Johnny returned.

"Well, I know how much dancing means to you so I will make sure you are back in Philadelphia in no time." She gathered some empty plates together. "Those students need you."

"I will stay here as long as you need me." Johnny said getting up to hug his mother.

"Johnny?"

"Yes." Johnny said turning back to her.

"Do you really love this girl?" She looked into her son's eyes.

Johnny leaned up against the wall and crossed his arms. "You know, I used to be rambler. I didn't want to be tied down. I didn't care much back then did I?"

Johnny's mother smiled as she shook her head no as Johnny continued. "I mean I loved working at Kellerman's when Max wasn't on my case. I got to dance all the time and that was content with me. But, when Baby showed up my life changed. It's silly I know."

"It's not silly, son." She said walking closer to Johnny.

"I truly believe Baby is what made me who I am today." Johnny smiled as he mentioned her name. "I mean I believe I have done great for myself with my teaching job and all. I mean I could be at Kellerman's making ends meet or busting my chops in the labor union. That woman has changed my life. I am so thankful I had an opportunity to know her. So, I guess the answer to you question is yes, yes I love her very much."

"I have never heard you speak of anyone like that before." She saw his love for her shine through his eyes.

"She is a very selfless person. I admire her for that." Johnny said looking at the table. "I guess we better get this cleaned up."

"Now you go rest. I will clean this up. You have a big day tomorrow." She said rising to clear the table.

"I cant' lose her again Mamma." Johnny told her. "I will not let it happen."


Baby had been driving for about five hours and was beginning to feel little tired when Berkeley Springs, West Virginia welcome sign came into view. Immediately her emotions began to build back up and her sense heightened as she began to feel anxious. In less than fifteen minutes she would finally be face to face with Johnny again. She couldn't wait to tell him everything that was weighting on her mind.

Baby took her last turn and stopped her car on the curb and looked at the white house that stood before her. It was a small house with flowers all around the front porch and a dirt drive. Baby noticed a woman walking around the side of the house. She knew it must be Johnny's mother. She was wearing a flowery apron and looked as if she was pruning in her garden.

Baby closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she exited her car. She slowly walked toward the woman and couldn't help but look around for any sign of Johnny.

"Mrs. Castle?" Baby said as she stood before the woman.

The lady turned to face Baby. "You must be Baby."

"Yes mam." Baby said smiling.

"I am Joyce Castle. It is finally nice to meet you." Johnny's mother returned reaching her out hand to shake Baby's.

"Same here. I am sorry to hear about Mr. Castle." Baby said extending her condolences. "I know it has been rough."

"It has. I know you have been through a hard time too. So has Johnny." Mrs. Castle through her glove down. "Let's go in for some tea."

"Is Johnny here?" Baby said as he went up the front steps.

"He should be here shortly." Joyce said opening the door for Baby. "He said he would try and leave early since you were coming in."

Baby walked in and could smell the faint smell of Johnny's cologne. It was an all too familiar smell that Baby could never forget. "I can't wait to see him."

"He is eager to see you also." She said motioned for Baby to have a seat on the couch.

"Hard to believe after I treated him the way I did. I made a mistake by pushing him away." Baby said fidgeting with her earring. "Your son is very forgiving."

"I agree with that." Joyce joined Baby on the couch. "Do you have any pictures of Josie with you?"

Baby opened her purse. "As a matter of fact I do. I have more in the car."

"Mamma?" Baby heard Johnny's voice coming for the back of the house. "I'm home."

"In here Johnny!" She yelled as she smiled at Baby. "Just be truthful with him. That's all I ask."

Baby felt her heart jump in her throat as she waited for Johnny to walk into the living room. She was growing more and more nervous.