Maureen tossed and turned from the time she went to bed until the sun came up the next morning. In the fleeting moments when she did sleep her mind was awash with images of Roger. In one such moment she was holding the baby, when he burst in with a lawyer in tow demanding immediate custody of the child. Roger yanked the babe from her arms and disappeared into the ether of her mind. She woke in a cold sweat. Her only relief was that Ed was beside her. When she fell asleep again she dreamed of Ed, and Michelle. They were in a field of wildflowers. It was summer based on the position of the sun. They were laughing, they were happy. Their baby, dressed in a white romper, was toddling along the side of the meadow. Ed got up and swooped the toddler into his arms before tossing him gently over his head. She smiled and reached out for him, but he too evaporated into the ether..

At dawn she climbed out of bed. One happy dream didn't make for a restful night. She pulled her robe on and went quietly to the kitchen. She started a pot of coffee, ecstatic that she was allowed even that small indulgence and then she went to the counter where her purse rested. She pulled her date book out of it. She always circled her cycle days in red, an irony from her mother she recalled. Bea, more concerned that Nola would come home pregnant and unmarried had warranted it. Therefore the calendar in the kitchen at the boarding house had three separate colors circling different dates on the calendar. Anyone studying it long enough could crack the code, but no one ever did.

With her finger on each number she counted from one to fourteen. She did this not once but three times, coming up with the same date each time. She remembered little of her high school biology classes, but clearly remembered that conception generally takes place mid cycle. She closed the calendar book sharply, throwing it back into her purse. She laid a hand on her still undefined, soft abdomen "Ok, here's how this is going to work. You are going to be born a Bauer and that is going to be the end of that, but I have one more request. Could you not be born on your due date? Could you arrive a little later for me? If you do that for Mommy she will buy you a pony"

"Maureen" Ed's voice broke her reverie.

"Ed, good morning," She said, brushing stray hair out of her eyes. "Would you like some coffee?"

Ed saddled up to a stool at the breakfast bar. "Sure, thanks." He studied her as she filled his mug and added just the right amount of cream to it. "How are you feeling this morning? You had a restless night and were up early."

"I'm sorry, did I keep you awake? I can sleep in the guest room tonight if that will help." She slid the mug across the granite countertop.

"You didn't'. I was pretty restless myself." He admitted.

Maureen dried her hands on a kitchen towel. "Ed, I'm sorry about last night. If I made it seem like I am not happy about this baby then I really owe you an apology."

"No, it's me who is sorry. Call me a neanderthal, but when the image of motherhood pops into my head you're carrying an apple pie and a diaper bag, not a cell phone and a briefcase. I just assumed that when our baby was born that you'd want to stay home like you did with Michelle." He lowered his gaze "and I'm sorry for comparing you to Mom. That was a low blow. I know you two didn't get alone when we first got married."

"We got along just fine Ed, she just didn't nor need the newest Mrs. Bauer to change anything in her kitchen" Maureen grinned. "We were just fine after I broke one of her china cups if you recall."

Ed chuckled "I never did find out if you threw it, or it was an accident that it fell."

"It was an accident." She said, going to him. "But this, this is just a surprise, and I can't wait for him to be born."

"Him, huh? Don't let Michelle hear you say that."

"I won't, and I'm thinking we should find out the gender, that way if she isn't a she, Michelle can adjust before the baby comes home."

"About that, you said Margaret gave you a due date of mid March? That's a little early don't you think?"

Maureen swallowed hard. "That's what she said." Maureen shrugged. "Why? Does the due date matter that much to you? March, April, whenever baby Bauer arrives I'm fine with it, as long as it's healthy" Maureen covered.

"I guess you're right." He got up and kissed her on the cheek. "As long as he or she is healthy that's all that matters. Thanks for the coffee" He disappeared into the darkness of the house. Maureen leaned heavily on the counter. She felt she had dodged a bullet. While she had figured out the week of conception, he hadn't, but she couldn't dwell, she had to get breakfast ready.

Having not slept well, Maureen decided she needed another day off of work. She never called in sick, and rarely used a personal day so she knew that Vanessa would understand. Purposefully she didn't say anything to Ed, she didn't want him to decide to take the day off as well. She was never from the phone as she assumed Dr. Sedjwick's office would call, and right after lunch they did. Michelle was still sitting at the counter finishing her sandwich when Maureen picked up the phone.

"Bauer residence" She said with a smile.

"Hello Maureen, this is Margaret Sedjwick."

She inhaled deeply and looked over at where Michelle was sitting. "Hello." Maureen said casually.

"I"m calling with your blood work results, if you have a few minutes."

"I do," She said, trying to sound as benign as possible.

"Very good. Your blood work confirms the two urine tests, you are indeed pregnant. Congratulations. Based on the hormone levels and your last cycle date you are eight weeks and four days along. Everything else is boring, but normal in your hormonal panel. Now, I'd like to perform an ultrasound, but from the looks of it I will be away during your twelfth week, I could have another physician perform the test if you'd like"

"No, I'd like you to oversee my care, unless you think there is a problem and we need to have it done sooner.."

"Oh no, no problem. I am just sure that you and Ed are anxious to see your baby. Ok, how about I schedule you for exactly five weeks from today, how does 8:30 sound? We can get you in early."

"That sounds great Margaret. Thank you."

"Excellent. I feel like I rushed you out yesterday. Do you have any other questions for me?"

Again, Maureen looked in the direction of Michelle. "Just one. Are you able to determine when I conceived? The exact date I mean?"

"Until the ultrasound no, and even then the measurements of the fetus can be off by up to 3 days, but I can certainly give you a good approximation then if you'd like."

"I see, well thank you, and yes I would."

She hung up the phone and wrote the date and time on a post it note that she put on the refrigerator.

As the weeks passed, Maureen fell into a comfortable routine. She never did have full blown morning sickness, but found that she tired more easily, and suddenly couldn't stand the smell of the perfume that Alexandra Spaulding insisted on wearing. Fortunately for her, Alexandra came to Vanessa's office sparingly. During meetings however, when Maureen was forced to take notes she found herself either breathing shallowly or avoiding her all together.. On one such afternoon when she was doing the latter she caught Vanessa staring at her intently.

At the end of the meeting as everyone else rushed out Vanessa asked Maureen to stay behind.

"What's going on with you? Vanessa asked pointedly as she packed her briefcase.

Maureen avoided looking at her. "What do you mean?"

"Are you happy here?" Vanessa asked.

"Yes, why? Have I done something wrong?"

Vanessa snapped her bag shut. "No, you haven't, but every time Alexandra comes into my office you make every effort to avoid her. Has she upset you, or you her in some way?"

"Not that I'm aware of. Has she said something?" Maureen asked.

"No, but then she only notices what is pointed out to her." Vanessa sighed. "But you're sure, nothing has happened between you and Alexandra, right? If it has you'd tell me so I can be a buffer between you two?"

"Nothing has happened, I promise.." She decided to change the subject. "Are you still able to come to our anniversary party on Saturday evening?"

Vanessa broke out into a wide smile. "Of course. It's been on my calendar for the last two weeks. Don't forget I'm taking Michelle home with me afterwards. She and Billy can have a sleepover. Give you and Ed some time alone" She looked at her watch. "I have to go. Alexandra is having a cocktail party and I must attend." She stuck her tongue out "Would you mind getting the light when you leave.

Maureen was grateful she was gone. She dodged yet another of many bullets she had been presented with as of late, but feared that one would hit her soon if she wasn't careful.

By Saturday she found herself busy with party planning when Ed came up beside her and wrapped her in his arms. She turned her cheek slightly allowing him to kiss it. "How are you doing?" He asked.

"I'm good." She answered honestly. "So long as no one wears enough perfume to drown an elephant, or asks me to stay up past 8:30 the night should go off without a hitch" She teased.

"I've been thinking," Ed crooned. "What if we told everyone about our news tonight?"

Maureen turned her head to look him in the eye. "Tonight? You don't want to wait until the ultrasound appointment?"

"Honey, you're eleven weeks along. I know we're supposed to wait, but these are our best friends"

"Let me think about it" She compromised.

"Alright, fine You are the mommy" He teased. "I am now going outside and making sure that the party people hang the lights on the patio for me."

Later, as Maureen was putting the finishing touches on the finger foods Ed came into the kitchen. "I wish you would have let me hire a caterer"

She gave him a look "and I wish you would stop treating me like I am made of glass!"

He put his hands up in the air. "Fine, but take a rest at least. You've been on the go since you woke up this morning. Come on. Let someone else do that for you. I bet Lillian wouldn't mind."

"Lillian is a guest, in fact, everyone whose name isn't Bauer is a guest. I will not ask them to plate food that we are serving. Now, Ed, I love you but you are rapidly stretching my last nerve. Now go greet our guests. I will bring these two plates out soon"

"At the very least you could ask someone to carry them out for you, couldn't you?"

"Ed, they are serving platters, I'm not moving furniture you know!" Her volume and tone had increased.

"Happy anniversary you two!" Holly said from the doorway. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I picked up some macaroons from that French bakery on the eight street. They are to die for, but they need to be kept cool. Do you mind?" She asked, pointing to the refrigerator.

"Not at all. Thanks Holly" Maureen said, but stared at Ed.

"Fine, I give up, but make sure you rest. I don't want you on your feet all night. Holly, thank you for coming."

Holly waved and waited for him to be out of ear shot. "What's with him? The last time I saw him behave like that was when I was pregnant with Blake." She shut the refrigerator door and leaned on it. "You know, that is when my aversion to everything domestic started. If it weren't for Bert he'd have kept me barefoot by the fire until Chrissy arrived"

Maureen's cheeks flushed as Holly spoke.

"Maureen?" Holly was giving her the side eye, as if she noticed something in her face. Her hands went to her mouth. "You're not by chance pregnant are you?"

Maureen pouted then grinned. "Yes, but please don't say anything. Ed wants to make the announcement tonight, but I'm not sure."

"Announce what?"

Maureen froze, Roger was standing in the doorway studying the two women. Holly moved to him and wrapped her arm around his. "Maureen, I hope you don't mind. I didn't have a plus one, and he was so well behaved on the fourth of July."

"Of course not," Maureen stammered. "Welcome, Roger."

"Thanks. So what did I miss? What's the announcement?"

Holly shot Maureen a look. "I think you misunderstood.. Come on, let's go mingle. Maureen, would you like Roger to carry one of those outside?" She winked

"Yes, thank you. Roger, there will be a table of food waiting. If you don't mind" Maureen picked up the platter and handed it to him. Their fingers accidentally touched during the transfer, sending electric shock waves through her when they did.

"It will be my pleasure." Roger flirted subtly.

"I'll be there in a minute" Holly said as she watched Roger exit the kitchen. "I am so sorry, I didn't know he was there."

"No worries. I don't think he heard anything"

Holly picked up the second platter. "I better go before Ed spies him and turns your anniversary party into who done it."

Holly laughed, but Maureen did not. All the worry and guilt she had managed to swallow and file away came flooding back. She had to sit for a moment to compose herself before she could go outside and enjoy the party that was in their honor.

After dinner was served Ed stood at the head of a large table that was surrounded by many friends. He clinked his water glass with the side of his knife. The voices around him went from a dull roar to whispers to silence in a matter of seconds.

Ed smiled presiding over the group. "It wasn't that long ago that you all graced us with your company as we celebrated our nation's birthday, and now you've done us the honor of returning to celebrate our anniversary. To say that we are grateful and blessed to have you all here is an understatement." He tipped his glass to the crowd.

"Both Maureen and I count those sitting around this table as our closest friends, family almost if you will, well most of you anyway." He looked in Roger's direction.

Maureen subtly laid a hand on him.

"I'm sorry, tonight is about celebration, and as we celebrate the day that this beautiful woman took this old sawbones on as her husband,my heart just can't help but swell with pride. More than celebrating our wedding, we have another reason to celebrate, you see, my beautiful bride and I have an announcement to make. Honey, would you like to do the honors?" Ed asked with a smile.

"No, I think you are doing fine all by yourself there Doc." She looked up at him lovingly.

"All right, if you insist"

From a few seats down Fletcher Reade piped up "I insist you get on with this speech, some of us have children to put to bed."

"You're free to go at any time, Fletch" Ed replied with a grin.

"Nah, I haven't had my dessert yet, besides it's not a school night."

"Gentleman" Maureen called out "call a moratorium please."

Ed nodded. "Alright, if you can indulge me for one more minute, as I said my beautiful wife, my partner, my everything and I have an announcement to make. We, well no, I hate that phrase. My work is done, and as a result, she, Maureen is pregnant. We're having a baby!"

The crowd, with the exception of Roger erupted in spontaneous cheer.

Fletcher popped out of his chair first and rushed to shake Ed's hand. "Congratulations man, that's great." He then went to hug Maureen. "I'm happy for you, but remember friendship ends at diaper duty. The last diaper I changed was Ben's."

Vanessa was next. Maureen stood and embraced her friend. "Maureen, this is wonderful. Just wonderful. I am so happy for you! How long have you known?"

Bashfully Maureen answered "A couple of weeks."

"A couple of weeks!? Maureen Bauer, you and I are best friends. How dare you keep something so important from me.." She teased before hugging her friend again.

The impromptu receiving line continued for several minutes as everyone came to congratulate the couple. The last being Holly.

"Congratulations Ed." She said hugging him. "This is a blessing for sure, isn't it Roger?" She turned expecting him to be right behind her. "Now where did he get off to?" Holly questioned.

"Does it matter?" Ed asked tartly. "Tell me, are you two an item or what?"

Maureen reached out and laid a hand on his arm. "Ed, now isn't the time" She said quietly, her eyes searching for Roger who was nowhere to be seen.

"It's not, but I want to know. This is the second time you've brought him to my home for a celebration. I want to know if you two are together."

Holly twisted her lips and leaned back, studying Ed. "Not that it's any of your business, but no. We have been seeing more of each other lately as we have been trying to locate Blake, but we aren't involved in any other capacity." Her eyebrows rose and fell. "Satisfied? I'm glad to see that your marriage has so improved Ed, congratulations on the baby. Maureen, I'm sorry but I think it's time I go"

Maureen wasn't sure why, but she was relieved when Holly admitted that her relationship with Roger was platonic, but she didn't have time to entertain it as Lillian and Vanessa appeared.

"We're going to clear the table and get dessert served for you" They informed Maureen.

"No, you're not. You are our guests. I will clear the table" She argued but it was fruitless.

Later that evening at Holly's, long after she had stripped out of her dress, and wiped off her makeup she sat on her green striped couch and turned on the television. Mindlessly she sipped on a glass of wine and pressed the channel button repeatedly as she searched for something to capture her attention to no avail. The knock on the door startled her. She powered off the television, and dropped both the remote control and her wine glass on the coffee table. With one finger she pulled the dropped blind away from the glass panes to observe the unannounced stranger on the other side of the door.

She dropped the blind and turned the dead bolt. The door gave way before she had a chance to turn the knob.

"Roger, how dare you!" She screamed.

He raised a finger to her, causing her to recoil. It had been years since he hit her, but even one finger caused her concern. He pushed past her and began pacing her living room floor. He didn't speak, but his eyes were stormy.

"Roger, did something happen ? Did you hear something about Blake?"

While she was still angry at her daughter, having walked in on her and Ross Marler in bed together, she still wouldn't wish harm to come to her.

"No, this has nothing to do with Chrissy, well, not directly anyway."

"Alright, then who does it have to deal with then?" Holly moved slowly to where her telephone was sitting. She wanted to be able to dial 9-1-1 if needed. Roger's eyes moved to where her hand was perched.

"Oh come on, do you think I'm going to hurt you? Come on Holly, I'm not going to touch you."

She swallowed hard, her hip bumping the corner of the table with enough force to bring tears to her eyes. Roger brushed a hand through his hair.

"I'm not even sure why I came here." Roger said, but he continued to pace.

"Why don't you tell me why you're here and maybe that will help."

Roger locked eyes with her. "You can't help. You're the one who started this." He growled.

Holly moved slowly to a chair that was pushed under the kitchen table. She pulled it out and sank into it. If nothing else there was a pair of brass candlesticks within arms reach. If Roger tried anything she could smash him in the head, giving her enough time to get out of the house and to call for help.

"Started what? Roger, it's late, I'm tired. Can you please not talk to me in riddles."

"You did it with Chrissy. You took Chrissy away from me!" He yelled. "What is it about me that makes you women think that I make a great lover, but that I wouldn't make a good father?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" Holly asked, tracing a wood grain line on the surface of the table.

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want you to!"

Her head shot up, and she looked him the eye. "Roger, you can be sweet when you want to be. You say all the right things. You ply women with all the right gifts which get larger and larger depending on your sins, but at the end of the day you are a misogynist whose contempt for women is only surpassed by your immense ego."

Roger tensed. "I'm a good father damn it!"

Where he tensed, Holly softened. She stood, going to him, placing her hands on his chest. She could feel as much as hear that his breathing was ragged. "Roger, you are a good father to Blake, now, but when she was younger, when we were younger it just didn't work. Now I'm sorry that I took her from you, and I think that I know where this is coming from."

He grabbed her wrists. "You do? How?"

"Because I was there. Ed's announcement that he and Maureen are having a baby while our baby has left town without so much as a goodbye had to have hurt as much as it would have if Ed had hit you"

Roger formed his mouth into a sneer. "Ed Bauer isn't going to be a father again. Not if I have anything to say about it."

Roger released Holly with a shove before heading to the door disappearing into the night. Holly, bracing herself on the door, called for him in the darkness. "Roger, come back, please. Roger!"

She was met with silence. She didn't even see headlights. The only noise she heard came from the crickets on the river bank, the only light was the pint points the fireflies created in the darkness.