Nineteen minutes-that's how long it had been since he last creeped up the stairs and peered into the darkened bedroom. He could see her fluffing the pillow, folding the covers, changing positions and he knew she wasn't asleep. Still he'd forced his feet back down the stairs to start the clock again.

This time he stood outside the door as he listened to the sound of soft sobs. He could, and probably should, respect her privacy, but seeing her there-watching her shake with the weight of the world on her shoulders nearly broke him. He wanted nothing more than to go to her, take her in his arms, and make it all go away.

"Phyllis?" he said quietly, slowly pushing the door open and hesitantly stepping into the room.

She jumped, furiously wiping at her eyes. "Billy-what are you doing up here?"

He walked over to the bed, the light from the window casting just enough light on her face for him to see the tears. "I just wanted to check on you." He sat down, reaching out and tucking the hair behind her ear. "You want to tell me what's wrong?"

She sniffed, "it's nothing."

He laid back, pulling her closer to him. He felt her relax as her head found its familiar resting place on his chest. Sighing, he ran his fingers through her hair. "It's not nothing. Why were you crying?"

His fingertips lifted her chin slightly, his eyes staring into hers. "Talk to me," he implored.

She lay quiet for a moment before allowing the air to escape her lungs in a long sigh. Somehow, in his arms, life seemed a little more manageable.

"I don't really know," she admitted. The timid sound of her voice wasn't something she recognized in herself. "I think everything just kind of hit me."

Billy nodded, his hands stroking her back softly. Tonight had been one he wouldn't soon forget. "I know. I know it's a lot to take in and I know you're worried about Jack and.."

"It's not just Jack. What about Victoria? How do you think she's gonna feel about this and what about your kids? How's this gonna impact your relationship with them?"

"Shhhh...stop...you can't control that and neither can I. That's not something you need to be worrying about right now." He kissed her forehead, allowing his lips to stay there for a moment before pulling away.

"Listen-I don't have all the answers but I promise that you won't have to deal with this alone. Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together."

He felt her nod against his chest and he brought her hand to her lips for a kiss before moving to swing his legs off the side of the bed. "You need to get some sleep," he whispered.

"Wait," Phyllis reached for his hand, pulling him back towards her. "Do you think you could stay here?" She immediately caught the look in his eye and looked away. "Forget it...never mind. It's too weird."

"No...No..if you want me to stay, I'll stay."

She smiled, looking up at him, meeting his gaze. "I do," she said quietly. "It's just...when you tell me everything is going to be ok and then you hold me," she paused, moving close to him again as he settled down beside her, "I believe you."

Billy smiled, wrapping his arms around her as she curled up against his chest.

Jack squeezed the back of his neck, trying in vain to relieve some of the tension that had settled there. From the moment he'd ended the phone call with the pharmacist, his thoughts had been a jumbled mess of questions, concerns, and regrets. He couldn't understand why Phyllis hadn't told him. Why she had let him leave on business without knowing such important news-unless of course, she hadn't known herself. And why was she visiting the doctor? Was she ill? Had something happened? If she'd needed him and he hadn't been there, he'd never forgive himself. Why didn't he ask her to come with him? Why didn't he just stay home? Why had he let things get so bad? Could he fix them?

"Sir? Sir!" the driver's voice echoed in the car.

Jack blinked hard. "Sorry...I'm sorry. I was just thinking. I wasn't paying attention." He grabbed his bag and handed the driver the money. "Thank you," he muttered, and climbed from the car.

His driveway had never seemed longer than it did tonight.

Jack stopped short behind the car that sat in the driveway. "Billy." He allowed the name to fall from his lips and he stood in place for a moment. Perhaps Jill and Colin were back in town and Billy didn't want to share quarters he thought, continuing his walk towards the door.

He opened the door, the darkened room proving little welcome. It was late, he reasoned. She should be in bed, especially now...since. Jack smiled, allowing himself to imagine the reality for the first time. He and Phyllis had almost had this dream before. Years ago this had been something they'd hoped for. Maybe now, this was the answered prayer they needed. Maybe this baby would bring the two of them together again.

Jack climbed the stairs quicker now, the hope of the moment propelling him forward. He stood outside the bedroom door and slowly pushed it open. "Red," he whispered, the door opening wide enough for him to see end.

Billy's eyes opened quickly and he felt Phyllis jerk away from him. He stood, his eyes staring into those of his brothers.

"Jack," Phyllis whispered, "What are you doing home?"

Billy stood, smoothing his shirt. He glanced over at Phyllis who sat on the side of the bed, her face taut with worry. "Phyllis said you had business this week."

Jack nodded. "I did. I cancelled." He walked over, taking a seat beside her, his eyes never leaving hers. "I got a phone call." His voice was calm and not at all angry.

Billy watched him, waiting to determine his next move. If he knew anything, he was handling it far better than anyone ever would have expected.

"A phone call?" Her voice shook as she gripped the bed, afraid he'd notice her trembling hands if she neglected to keep them occupied.

Jack nodded. "I know, Phyllis." He touched her face. "I know everything."