The more Judy learned about him, the better he presented himself to be the perfect candidate for their plan. With Kerry never intending to release photos of her child to the press anyway; he'd be the perfect temporary ghost father. So, after agreeing to wash his back, if he washed hers. By being the presumed father of her child, and she agreeing to help him get started in his acting career. The relationship was put front and center.
With the press taking the bait of the photos of them seen together in public; suddenly, the pressure was off of the idea of Tony being her child's father. So when her belly made it's debut months later; she was free to be openly pregnant. And when asked if Nnamdi was the father, she simply advised she didn't talk about her personal life.
In adapting this mantra as the key response to personal questions, it annoyed some people. But, they had to respect it. Because in the end; her pregnancy isn't anyone else's business but hers. This response helped change the narrative, and reduced an otherwise stressful situation tremendously.
Despite nobody, including herself, really being a fan of the cloak and dagger type tactic, everyone had to admit it was a clever plan. And, it was working to their advantage.
As the months rolled by, and the fan fair continued about the show and the curiosity of her pregnancy remained steady. Kerry and Tony made the best of it, making private memories together concerning the start of their family. And, their friends and family with their supportive behavior helped greatly.
Tony, being the dear that he is when it comes to his love. Agreed to assist the family in a surprise they all knew Kerry wouldn't see coming. It was a moment put together out of love for Kerry, and a welcoming bridge between their families.
The surprise being Anna, Tess, Liz, and her mother, throwing a surprise baby shower. Kerry was floored by the surprise and couldn't stop crying tears of joy. The love they were receiving from both sides of their family couldn't have been more perfect. The gifts, the laughs, the food, the fun, and the love felt that day; has given her and Tony a memory that they will never forget. It brings her immense joy thinking about it in this moment.
As she strokes her belly and their baby tumbles around; she grins as she says, "Your daddy is so amazing little girl, and I can't wait for you to meet him." The baby continues to move and Kerry continues to smile and stroke her belly, as if she's comforting her.
Her, she settles on the idea that they're having a girl. Something they found out for certain a few days ago. Yet another magical milestone in the start of their family. She giggles thinking about the ultrasound session. She was terribly nervous, and concerned she wouldn't make it through. She'd drank enough water prior to the procedure to float a mini boat.
When they arrived at the hospital, the technician was waiting for them. Which was good; because the entire ride to the hospital she kept thinking she was going to pee all over herself with her engorged bladder.
Once in the exam room and ready to go; Tony's holding her hand and she's beaming, but nervous. He's comforting her and she appreciates it. And when they get the image of their baby, it's absolutely heartwarming. The image is so clear and lifelike, that she remembers crying immediately. The only thing she hears is Tony saying, my God, she looks just like you Ker.
She's stroking her belly even more now, as tears fill her eyes as she recalls the moment she saw their daughter's face for the first time. She was flawless, and so beautiful. In that instance Tony squeezed her hand, and kissed her sweetly as she cried and he consoled her. She was overwhelmed with the love she felt for their child in that moment.
They were both unbelievably happy and consumed by their reality; so much had happened to get them to this point. And, in those few minutes it was all incredibly worth it. That day was one of great highs and realizations.
After calling their families and advising of their baby's gender. Everyone was overjoyed, and she immediately sent them all copies of the sonogram. Her mother balled with joy and Kerry did the same. Again, Tony held her and comforted her.
After calling all of their friends and family and settling in together, relaxing in each other's company. They talked as they always did, but this time, by happenstance. They talked about the one moment they've shared together that was probably the most uncertain of their relationship.
She never will understand how he knows her so well, but he does. As she laid back on the chaise, and he laid down next to her as he rubbed her belly, and talked to their baby, his favorite past time. She stroked his curls, loving the way they feel between her fingers.
The joy and love in his voice as he stroked her tummy lovingly, and spoke to their little one was so precious. She was so caught up in the moment; she didn't hear what he was saying, because she was focusing on how unbelievably happy he looked, staring at her stomach and chatting away, as if their daughter could hear him.
However, at some point she came out of her head and checked back into the moment as she heard him say, "From the very beginning little lady, you were loved. And when you arrive you will be the most loved little girl in the world. Because your mommy and daddy, and the rest of your family can't wait to meet you."
Despite the sweetness of his statement, it paused her mind and snapped her out of the place of love and peace she was in. After kissing her belly, he looked up at her, and she must have been wearing her feelings on her face. Because, as she thought about the moment she found out she was pregnant. Her eyes filled with tears as she said, "I wish that were true."
Seeing sadness come over her face, and overshadowing the love he saw in her eyes a moment ago. He said, "Hey, it is true. You loved her from the start babe. You just didn't know it yet." She smiled weakly at him, and she dried her tears, he always did what he could to make her feel better. And she appreciated it. But, they both knew that she didn't have the best reaction to finding out she was pregnant.