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Continued...

It has been less than twenty-four hours since Ashley told Joe about the pregnancy. She certainly hasn't lost count of how many times he has called or sent text messages since the revelation- it had to be about every hour or so. While his initial reaction wasn't too positive, it seems as though he has truly come to terms with the pregnancy- in Ashley's eyes at least.

Now Ashley finds herself surrounded at the table by two quite important women in her life. On her left lies the woman who raised her, Helen . Although a rift was created when Ashley learned Helen lied about Diane most of her life, the two always had a special bond. Thank Heavens Ashley was eventually able to put such an ordeal behind her.

On her right, Diane sips a glass of wine before returning a smile. This dinner was so important to Ashley's birth mother as the two had recently grown closer. While Ashley could see the angst written all over Diane's face in recent days, she knew there was a sound reason. After all, Jason had still disappeared out of sight and neither knew his present condition. Although only Ashley knew the pure horror that Jason had faced this past week.

"You look relaxed now," Ashley turns to Diane and smiles.

"I am, Indeed. I guess an overpriced glass of wine can do that."

"It certainly never hurts," Helen agrees as she ushers for their waiter to join them. "Sir, I think we're ready."

As the women each order their main courses, a sudden feeling of nervousness strikes Ashley. She knows deep within that they will both be supportive of the news, but she fears that they will disapprove of her decision not to marry Joe prior. Everything has spiraled out of control so quickly; she fears that she won't be able to stand on her two feet much longer.

Of course, she realizes that saying it aloud to her mother and grandmother will only help put some of her fears aside. "So, there is something I need to talk to you both about..."

"Yes, Ashley? Is it something important?" Diane speaks out.

"It is. Something quite important and hopefully news you'll find very exciting." Ashley clears her throat.

"You're getting married to that nice lawyer! Oh, Joe proposed to you!" Helen blurts out, causing Diane to look at Ashley with wide-eyes.

Meanwhile, Ashley bites her lip and does her best to continue. "No, Grandma. I can't say that the news has me getting marriedHowever, it does have us expecting a new member in the Davison family."

Diane takes another sip of her wine and digests Ashley's words before it all comes together. "Oh Ashley, you're pregnant! I knew there was something you weren't telling usthis is amazing news."

"Yes it is! To another life which will make this family even crazier!" Helen jokes as she raises her glass.

"Perhaps it will bring some stability to your life. There's no greater change in a woman's life than when she bears her first child." Diane smiles.

Ashley takes a moment and sighs to herself. She wonders if Diane sees the irony in her own statement. "I'm sure good things will come about. I have to trust that this baby will be healthy and a blessing in all of our lives."

"Amen!" Helen takes another sip, obviously getting a bit tipsy. "So no marriage to the father though? What the hell is wrong with his ass? Does he not want to own up and be a good father to this child?"

"Quite the opposite," Ashley reveals. "At first I think he was a bit shocked, but you should see my phone messages now. He seems pretty excited."

"Well, he can be excited as all hell, but he needs to take responsibility as well." Helen once again chimes in.

"Mother, please stop. I'm sure Ashley and Joe know what they're doing and will work things out the best they can." Diane shoots a reassuring smile in Ashley's direction.

Ashley nods her head and quickly replies under her breath. "I sure hope so"

______________________________________________________________


Scene: The Sawyer Estate, Northern Heights District.

Joe sighs deeply as he takes off his coat upon entering the estate. His mother, Callie , is sitting on the sofa reading a magazine when he enters the living room. If only she can imagine the knots that persist in Joe's stomach today. On one side, he was relieved that Ashley finally revealed to him the nature of why she was being so distant. On the other side, he wasn't sure if the news was something he was truly ready for. At any rate, he decides to take it as a blessing and plans on giving Ashley all the support that an expecting mother can receive.

"What a pleasant surprise," Callie greets him and smiles as she rises to her feet.

"No need to get up, Mother," Joe ushers for her to sit back down and walks over to embrace her with a hug.

"Nonsense. So how was your day?"

"The last day has been interesting, to say the least," Joe answers.

"How so?" Callie raises a brow.

"Well, I got a bit of news from Ashley yesterday that was a bit surprising, shall we say."

"It doesn't surprise me. That woman just thinks she can dangle you around all these months and is now trying to cut the cord, isn't she? God, I knew she was bad news"

"Mother, stop," Joe sighs. "It's nothing bad...In fact, I think you're going to be quite thrilled..."

"Oh?"

Joe wrestles with the swirling thoughts in his head before continuing, "Ashley is pregnant, Mother."

Callie's eyes grow wide with astonishment as she takes a moment to digest what her son has just revealed. All of these years she has harped on him to give her a grandchild- but now? Was Ashley truly the right woman? Callie certainly seems torn by such questions.

"Oh, honey," Callie rises once again to give Joe a warm hug. "I'm so happy...this is, wow...I mean, wow."

"A bit of a shocker, eh?"

"You're telling me. I certainly didn't see this coming. So how far along is she?"

"Says she's over four months," Joe responds. "She hides it well I suppose."

"Four months? How long as she known?" Callie demands answers.

"Apparently a short while. She was torn whether I would react negatively or not."

"Well, did you?"

"I was surprised- and I'm sure she saw that written all over my face. I don't think I reacted negatively though."

"Well, when she decides to tell you after so much time has lapsedthat really just doesn't sit well with me." Callie shakes her head.

"Well, I hope you can get over any hang-ups you have about Ash now. Whether you like it or not, she is carrying your grandchild. And, for the new baby, he or she will get all the support and love in the world I hope."

"That the child will," Callie nods her head in agreement before muttering to herself, "I'm just not sure that Ashley will..."

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