Oblivious to the situation, AJ smiled and began to speak amiably, ignoring the awkward silence his presence had brought. "So, what are you guys talking about?"

Neither Gracie nor Michael answered, for they both knew that Michael wasn't supposed to be there. Not only did Gracie have this on her conscience, but there was also another soul not meant to be in that room and only she was aware of it.

"Actually," began Gracie carefully, "Michael was just leaving."

"Oh." A disappointed look crossed AJ's face, but then he brightened. "Maybe you could come over another time, Michael. I'm sure Gracie would enjoy it, and so would I."

Abruptly, Michael stood up and shot a quick cold glance at Gracie.

"I guess I'd better go," he said, moving towards the door.

AJ cut Michael off and shook his hand. "Nice meeting you," AJ said, and Michael turned to Gracie.

"'Bye Gracie." His comment was almost too quiet to hear.

Gracie walked Michael into the other room and to the door.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to tell you," she said.

"Then just tell me now!" Michael looked hard at Gracie, his blue eyes piercing into her worried gaze. He always looked rugged and serious like now, but sometimes he could be gentle. Not now.

Gracie gave him a solemn look and replied. "Telling you now would not be smart."

"I don't care, Grace. Tell me!"

"Fine." She looked down, wringing her hands awkwardly, then glanced back up at Michael.

"Michael, I'm pregnant, and--"

"And I'm going to be a daddy!" AJ chimed in as he walked over.

"Oh, um, well, congratulations," muttered Michael, scratching the back of his neck uncomfortably.

AJ bounded out of the room and hollered back at them, "One second! I have to show you something!"

Gracie looked at Michael and a silent tear ran down her face.

"Grace, what's wrong?" he asked, looking a bit alarmed.

"Michael," she stuttered, "Michael, the baby is yours."

His eyes became wide as saucers as he stood there, not making a sound. AJ came back into the room holding up a tiny baby blue tee shirt that read, "I Love My Daddy!"

"I got blue because I know it's going to be a boy." AJ was rambling. "We can name him AJ after me or--" He noticed something was wrong and his smile faded. "Is everything okay?"

"No." Michael turned around and walked away.

Gracie shut the door and leaned back against it.

"Babe," AJ embraced the mother-to-be tightly, "Tell me what's wrong."

She shook her head and ran towards the stairs.