Part 1
One year had gone by since Mac amd Billy had said their wedding vows, in front of family and friends and now Mac was visibly pregnant, they still lived in New York but in Billy's sky rise apartment, that Jabot paid for. Billy worked long hours at the office and was not home as much as Mac had hoped. She still had her job at Crimson Lights, but was able to work from home, only making periodic trips to the coffee house. For the past month her life had only existed in the apartment and nowhere else. She hadn't seen her feet in weeks and too much movement exhausted her quite quickly. So she spent most of her time on the living room couch, where she could work comfortably. She sighed deeply and set aside a set of projections she had been looking at for the last hour. Business was booming and the Newmans were considering opening another coffee house in the nearby area, only six blocks from the one Mac managed now. They had asked her to manage that one and she had accepted the position without a second thought. They hadn't finalized the plans yet, but the paperwork kept pouring in. She glanced around the room and sighed looking around the mess. Papers were everywhere and she could hardly see the floor.
"What a mess!" she said aloud, as she reached for her ice water on the table. As she lifted the glass she realized it was empty. "Oh great!" she sighed, now that she had to get up and walk to the kitchen. It wasn't the walking that bothered her, it was the getting off the couch. She let out a grunt as she lifted herself upright and then waddled up the three steps out of the sunken living room. She walked across the living room with her hands on the small of her back and then into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator, pulling out the pitcher of ice water and as she closed the door, she glanced at the calender. She let out a gasp when she saw that tomorrow was her and Billy's one year anniversary. "I almost forgot." she said aloud to herself. She sat the pitcher on the counter and then reached for a new glass in the cupboard. 'What am I going to do?' she wondered pouring herself a glass of water and then replacing the pitcher in the refrigerator, closing it behind her. She thought carefully and then re-opened the refrigerator. She rummaged around inside and then pulled out a pen and paper from a nearby drawer. She jotted a few things down and then closed the refrigerator door again. "Now where is that cordless phone?" she asked herself thoughtfully. She walked back into the living room and spotted it under the edge of the couch. She waddled over to it and tried to pick it up. "This isn't going to work!" she remarked, trying to get around her stomach. Finally she managed to squat down and scoop up the phone, but as she tried to stand up she lost her balance and fell on her butt. "Ow!" she cried, as she hit the floor. She picked up the phone which had landed beside her and dialed the number of the apartment lobby. "Hi Vic!" she smiled greeting the doorman. "Could I talk you into doing me a huge favor? Well....I need you to run my groceries up here when they arrive. I'd get them myself, but well....Yeah I'm as big as a house....Oh you are so sweet....Thank you, I'll see you when you get up here.....Bye!" She hung up the phone and dialed another number. She ordered the groceries she needed and then hung up the phone again. Now came the hard part, she had to get up off the floor. She tried to hoist herself up as she heard the front door open.
"Mac?" Billy called. "Are you here?"
"In the living room!" she called. Her back was to the doorway, but she heard him approach.
"What in the...." he laughed. "Honey why are you on the floor?"
"Just help me up." she frowned. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her chest. He lifted her to her feet and then wrapped his arms around her waist.
"How was your day?" he questioned, nuzzling her hair.
"Fine, I guess." she replied, turning to face him. She smiled up at him and then wrapped her arms around his neck. "How was your day?" she asked lovingly.
"Same as always," he replied as he looked down at her. "Are you feeling alright today?"
"I'm fine sweetie." she said. "You worry too much!" She kissed him lightly and then walked around the room, scooping up her piles of paper.
"You look like you've been busy." he remarked.
"The paperwork for the new branch just keeps on pouring in." she sighed. "I don't know what to do with it all!"
"Put it in the den." he replied, picking up some of the other piles.
"Your papers fill up the room enough all ready!" Mac smiled. They finished picking up the papers and then Billy carried them into the den down the hall. "You're home early today." Mac remarked as she started making dinner. "How come?"
"We had an early meeting, so afterwards I decided to come home." he replied walking into the kitchen. "What's for dinner?"
"Pork chops." she answered.
"Oooo one of my favorites." he grinned.
"Are you laughing at my cooking?" she asked just as the elevator chimed.
"Ooo someone's here!" he laughed.
"You're not getting out of this that easy!" she called after him as he greeted Vic at the door and accepted the groceries he handed him.
"Thanks for looking after my wife," Billy said with a smile. "I appreciate it!"
"It's not a problem Billy," Vic smiled. "I don't mind at all, it's my pleasure!"
He smiled and then laughed when Mac called, "Don't look in those bags Billy Abbott!" Vic tipped his hat and then disappeared as the elevator doors closed.
"What's in here?" Billy asked as he sat the bags on the counter and waited for her to answer.
"It's for tomorrow night's dinner." she replied as she put dinner in the oven.
"Well then why can't I look if that's all it is, is food?"
"It's a surprise." she smiled.
"What's so special about tomorrow?" he asked over his shoulder as he walked into the living room to turn on the stereo. Mac stopped dead in her tracks and dropped the bowl that was in her hands. She stared at him for a long moment and then stared at him intently.
"You're kidding me right?" She questioned him.
"I am?" he asked playfully.
"I don't know, you tell me." Mac asked near tears.
"Am I missing something?" he asked sensing a change in her mood.
"You really don't know?" Mac asked.
"Ah I guess not....." he stammered.
"I can't believe this." she whispered.
"What?" he asked in confusion.
"You actually forgot!" she cried.
"Forgot what?" he asked.
"I don't know Billy, why don't you look at the calender and tell me what you forgot." She said with tears in her eyes. She then stormed out of the room and down to the bedroom slamming the door behind her.
"The calender?" he said with curiosity as he walked over to it. "Tomorrow is the 12th.....Oh no! I did forget!" He ran his hands through his hair and hurried down to the bedroom. "Mac!" he called, as he jiggled the door knob. "Please let me in....I am so sorry! I don't know how it slipped my mind, I swear!" He heard her crying on the other side of the door and he knew she was leaning against it for support. "Come on honey....please let me in!" he begged. "Can we talk about this?" He stood there for what seemed like forever and waited for her to answer. Billy leaned against the door with a heavy sigh and wondered what to do next. He'd messed up big time, but what could you expect? Business was consuming most of his life these days, and he had little time for anything else. Jack was always sending documents his way for signatures and they were right in the middle of the summer campaign. It was going to be bigger and better than all the years before. There was always some meeting or some conference call to be available for. He often spent long nights at the office doing the work that wasn't getting done during the day because he was busy working on the campaign. He knew he should be spending more time at home with Mac, but work was work. It paid the bills. He'd noticed her distance from him lately and he'd been trying to think of a way to fix it, but so far nothing had come to mind. She was almost seven months pregnant and he knew she needed him now more than ever. But what could he do? Well he had three months to find a solution because when his child came, his schedule was definitely going to change! He was going to be the type of father his father had been to him. Family came first no matter what! Suddenly he was broken from his thoughts by the sound of Mac pushing herself away from the door. She must have thought he'd left. Slowly he reached for the knob and turned it as quietly as he could. He opened the door slightly and peered inside. Mac was lying on the bed with her back to him and he could still hear her crying. He opened the door the rest of the way and then slipped inside, closing it behind him. He walked over to the bed and sat down beside her.
"Just leave me alone," she whispered. "I don't want to talk to you right now."
"But honey," he said touching her shoulder. "I am so sorry, but you know work has been busy."
"It's always busy Billy!" she snapped wiping tears from her eyes. "That's always your excuse and I am not buying it anymore!" Billy looked down at her tear stained face and he could see a glow about her. This baby was the most important thing to her and he knew she thought that it wasn't to him. But it was! He slid his hand down her arm and it rested on her stomach. "Billy don't!" she cried. "You can't make me...."
"Shhh..." he said softly. "Mac please just listen." She lay there quietly and made no move to look at him. "You mean the world to me even though I don't always show you," he started. "And you and the baby are my number one priority. I am going to find a way to be home more if it's the last thing I do. I am tired of being away from you so much and I miss being with you. You are so beautiful and without you my life is nothing." He stared down at her and finally she sat up and looked at him.
"Do you mean it?" she asked. "You're going to be home more?"
"I am going to do my best to find a solution." he answered with a smile as he touched her face. She smiled slightly at him and leaned into him.
"I just miss you." she sighed.
"I know you do," he said as he stroked her hair. "I miss you too." he sighed. Mac looked at him and he pressed his lips to hers. She leaned into him more and finally they broke apart. "When's dinner?" he teased with a grin.
"I should let you starve!" she laughed crawling off the bed.
"Here." he said helping her up. She smiled at him then walked out to the kitchen. Just then the timer went off and she hurried to remove the pork chops from the oven. She set the table quickly and then they settled into have dinner, hoping that the strain between them would soon be gone.
Several days later Mac was in the den working when she heard Billy arrive home early for the third straight day in a row.
"Honey?" he called excitedly.
"I am in the den!" she called back. She listened to him hurry down the hall and when he walked into the room she spun around to face him. "What are you in sich a hurry about?" she asked standing up.
"I have great news, I finally found a solution to our problems, and I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner!" he explained.
"Well are you going to tell me or not?" she questioned when he didn't continue.
"Well..." he started. "You know we're always working on the website and the promotions. And the website operations group is located here in New York?"
"Yeah, so what's that have to do with solving your work schedule?" Mac asked.
"They decided to send the Genoa City webmaster up here!" he grinned waiting for her to respond. Mac stood there for a moment and then smiled.
"Wait isn't....."
"Yep." he answered.
"Then that means Raul is moving up here!" Mac cried. "And Rianna too!"
"Isn't that great?" he asked. "The group together again."
"Oh gosh, I haven't seen Rianna since Christmas!" Mac remarked.
"When they came to visit, dad decided to transfer him up here in the next week or so and I offered to let them stay here until they find a place to stay." Billy said.
"Have you spoken to Raul yet?" Mac asked as they walked into the living room.
"Not yet, dad and Jack were going to earlier today."
"Well it wouldn't surprise me if Rianna calls tonight...." Mac started. Just then the phone rang and Mac smiled hurrying toward it. "Hello?" she answered. "Rianna....Yes we were just talking about that....Oh it's no problem at all. You know we'd love to have you stay with us for awhile. We have plenty of room....Yes it will be geat to be together again....Yes we've missed you too... This weekend?...Isn't that short notice to be moving?...Well no it's not too soon for us! We'll be waiting for you.....Four o'clock? That sounds fine. We'll be expecting you. Do you remember where the apartment is?.... Are you sure?...Well call if you need directions...Okay ah huh...We'll see you then...Give Raul our love...Okay bye!" Mac hung up the phone and turned to Billy who was watching her with amusement. "They're coming on Friday." Mac explained.
"Are you serious? Isn't that a bit early? What about their apaartment?" Billy asked.
"Jabot will sell it for them and they're paying for their new apartment." Mac explained. "So it's Wednesday now...that gives me two and a half days to fix up the guest room and clean the house."
"Don't overdue!" Billy warned.
"I won't," Mac reassured him. "Now come on, go change we have work to do!"
"What do you mean we?" he asked. "And what kind of work?" Mac shot him a look and he quickly headed to change out of his suit.
"That's what I thought!" Mac called after him as she climbed up the stairs to the left where the spare bedrooms were. Their apartment was huge and often seemed too big for just the two of them. It had a living room, dining room, kitchen, den, master bedroom, and bathroom downstairs. Upstairs there was a family room/game room, three bedrooms, and a bathroom.Way more room than they needed, but soon it would be fuller than ever. Mac's due date was growing closer and closer with everyday and now that Raul and Rianna were coming to stay too. Plus Rianna was also expecting. She had four months left, so it would be nice to go through the end of their first pregnancies together. Mac smiled at the thought. She'd missed Rianna and even though they talked regularly on the phone, it wasn't the same as being in the same city. She could hardly wait.
That next Friday around four o'clock the elevator chimed and Mac hurried to greet them. "Billy!" she called. "They're here!" The elevator door slid open and Rianna squealed with excitment.
"I've missed you so much!" she said hugging Mac. They laughed when their stomachs bumped and the guys could only stand back and smile with pride.
"Come on Billy," said helping with the bags. "We'll take these upstairs and then go down and get some rest."
Raul nodded, "I think they need some time." They both laughed and then disappeared.
"Can I get you anything?" Mac asked as they walked into the kitchen.
"Ah, just a glass of water." Rianna replied as she sat down on one of the kitchen stools.
"Are you sure?" Mac asked. "We have plenty of food!"
"Well do you have any chocolate chip cookies?" she asked.
"Of course, my favorite!" Mac grabbed a bag of cookies out of the cupboard and sat down next to Rianna. "So has Jobot found you a place to stay?" Mac asked.
"Trying to get rid of me already?" Rianna teased.
"Never," Mac laughed. "I love having you here! "
"Well actually, we're trying to find a place in this building." Rianna explained. "It's owned by Jabot and Mr. Abbott thinks there might be someone moving out of the appartment below this one!"
"Oh yeah," Mac agreed. "The Redmills are moving to Los Angeles in the next week or two, depending on when they find a place to live out there."
"Oh that would be so nice to live close to you and Billy." Rianna sighed, taking a bite of her cookie. "Having you this close makes me feel better with the baby coming."
"What do you mean?" Mac asked.
"Well Raul has been working so much lately that he hasn't been home very much." Rianna replied. "It scares me because what would happen when I go into labor?"
"Don't worry, we'll help each other." Mac smiled before she bit into a cookie. "Besides with the guys sharing the work load, they'll be home alot earlier."
"I hope so." Rianna replied.
"Me too!" Mac laughed.
Rianna looked around the room and asked, "Have you redecorated since Christmas?"
"Actually it's just not decorated for Christmas, but for our anniversary Billy is letting me redecorate." Mac explained. "Plus I still have the baby room to do."
"Oh that will be so fun!" Rianna smiled.
"Of course," Mac replied. "Especially with you around to help me!"
"Do you mean it?" Rianna asked.
"You bet, we'll be a great team." Mac grinned. "Then when you find a place we'll decorate your apartment. Decorating will be our pregnancies projects!" Mac reached for the phone and then the phone book. "In fact I need to call the decorator and set up an appointment." Mac said. She dialed the number and waited for an answer. "Hi." she greeted. "This is Mackenzie Abbott and I need to make an appointment to talk with Mr. Andrews....You have an opening for tomorrow? Oh that's wonderful!....Ten o-clock? Yes that's fine....142 Heatherwood Lane Apt. 32....Yes the Jabot building...Yes, the penthouse suite. Okay we'll see you then. Bye." Mac hung up the phone and smiled, "We'll all set." Just then the guys walked down the stairs. "Guess what!" Mac exclaimed, getting up from the stool.
"I don't know....what?" Billy asked.
"The decorator is coming tomorrow! I just made the appointment." Mac grinned.
"Oh great." Billy agreed. "That'll give you and Rianna something to do while Raul and I are at the office." Mac stop smiling and frowned sadly.
"What do you mean at the office? Tomorrow's Sunday!" Mac remarked.
"Yes dear I know, but I need to show Raul around and we have some papers to sign." he explained. "I'm sorry sweetie."
"But Billy!" she cried.
"Mac I'm sorry," Billy insisted. "We won't be gone all day!"
"Fine!" Mac said angrily as she walked away.
"Mac don't be this way!" he sighed. "We've been through this!"
"Sure!" Mac sighed. "You do what you need to do!"
"Great...." Billy whispered. "Come Raul," Billy said. "Let's go into the den and watch the game." Raul nodded and then followed Billy down the hall after he kissed Rianna's cheek. Rianna stood and went in search of Mac. She found her in the living room sitting on the couch.
"Mac, what's going on?" she asked.
"I thought this was over!" Mac cried with tears in her eyes.
"You thought what was over?" Rianna questioned as she sat down next to her.
"The long nights at the office. The running into the office for a couple of hours on the weekend and being gone all day. The emergency meetings during dinner on the days he makes it home early. And being gone every morning before I even have a chance to say good-bye!" Mac cried. "That's what my life is like. He works so much and I want him to be around. I need him Rianna....He's supposed to be here during this part of our life! And I wonder if it's going to get any better after the baby is born!"
"Mac!" Rianna sighed, pulling her into a hug. "I know it's hard, but I know how you feel. I go through the same thing with Raul. He's always got something on his mind from work, so that when he is home it's like he isn't. No matter what, he's always at work in one way or another."
"I hate it!" Mac cried.
"But just think at least now we have each other." Rianna reminded her.
"I'm so glad you're here." Mac said.
"Me too." Rianna agreed, as they hugged again. At that moment they both wondered if this so called solution would even fix a single thing.
Billy walked into the den and Raul followed.
"You okay?" Raul asked.
"Not really." Billy replied.
"What happened in there?" Raul asked.
"What did it look like happened in there?" Billy asked back.
"It looks to me like Mac's upset and you just walked away instead of dealing with it." Raul answered.
"How can I?" Billy asked. "You saw how upset she was!"
"Does she have a reason to be upset?" Raul asked, as he sat down in one of the chairs.
"No....maybe....I guess." Billy answered, as he sat down across from Raul in the other chair. "She's just so upset about me working so much. She thought you moving here was going to allow me to be home."
"And will it?" Raul asked.
"You know it will," Billy sighed. "But she has to give it a little time! We have to get things settled first."
"Does she know that?" Raul questioned.
"What's with all the questions?" Billy asked defensively.
"Just answer the question." Raul insisted.
"She never wants to talk about it." Billy answered. "And when we do she gets all upset and clams up."
"Well then maybe you need to push her to talk about it." Raul remarked.
"She just doesn't see that I do all of this for her," Billy explained. "She loves her life! The cars, the penthouse, the redecorating, the trips, and most of all the money!"
"Did you ever stop to think that she loves her life because you're there right beside her?" Raul asked. "You could work in a low paying job and she'd still love you the same, if not more!"
"I guess." Billy replied.
"No, I'm right." Raul smiled.
"I guess." Billy repeated.
"Just talk to her and explain that it's going to take a little longer to settle things." Raul said. "I had the same talk with Ri and she understands. Believe me we've had the same fights."
"Really?" Billy asked.
"Plenty of them." Raul reassured him. "With the babies coming the girls need us more than ever and when we work alot they think we're not around to support them even though we feel like we're doing the best that we can."
"I just..." Billy started.
"You just need to talk to her and reassure her instead of walking away to avoid conflict." Raul said with a slight smile. Billy sighed and then stood up.
"Do you want to watch the game or..." he began.
"I want to talk to the girls." Raul finished for him. Billy grinned and then they walked out into the living room to find the girls talking. Mac looked up at him and she smiled slightly. He could see that she'd been crying and her cheeks were stained with tears.
Both her and Rianna stood to meet their gazes and then Billy asked, "Can we talk?" Mac nodded and then they disappeared into the bedroom.
"Did you play Mr. Fix It?" Rianna giggled as Raul wrapped his arms around her.
"I couldn't let them stay mad." Raul replied. He smiled down at her and then kissed her deeply.
"I'm glad we never fight like that!" Rianna teased. Raul laughed and then they kissed again, hoping Billy and Mac would work things out.
"Billy!" she called. "I think the decorators are here!" She smiled as she heard him groan and then he emerged from the den. "Oh, don't whine!" she teased as they walked to the elevator. "You're leaving soon anyway!" He smiled at that and then they greeted the decorator as he stepped off the elevator.
"It's pleasure to meet you Mr. Andrews." Billy smiled as they shook hands.
"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Abbott." Mr. Andrews beamed as he noticed Mac standing behind Billy. "And this must be the beautiful Mrs. Abbott."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Andrews." Mac greeted as he kissed her hand. "But please call me Mac."
"Of course, then you must call me Jonathan." he smiled as he started to walk into the living room. "Shall we get started?"
"Actually," Billy said reluctantly. "My colleague and I must head into the office for the afternoon, but I'm going to leave you in the hands of my very capable wife and her good friend." Jonathan smiled at Mac again, which didn't go unnoticed by Billy, just as Raul and Rianna walked into the room.
"Jonathan..." Mac started. "These are our good friends Rianna and Raul Guderraiz." Raul shook hands with Jonathan and then kissed Rianna good-bye.
"We'll be back...later." Billy explained, shooting Jonathan a look, before he kissed Mac. The girls waved and then watched them disappear.
"Well ladies," Jonathan exclaimed. "Where would you like to start?"
"I'm not sure," Mac replied. "How about I give you a tour and you tell me what you think?"
"Then let's get started." he agreed. They showed him through the apartment and an hour later they returned to the living room. "You have a beautiful home," he praised smoothly. "Why would you want to change it?"
"Well we don't want to change everything," Mac replied. "But as you know we need one of the spare rooms converted into the baby's room and I'd like the guest rooms redone. Plus the kitchen, dining room, and living room need new carpet and paint."
"Well that gives us a place to start." Jonathan said. "How far along are you?"
"I have about four months left." Mac smiled, touching her stomach.
"So then we should get started on the baby's room as soon as possible." he explained.
"I'd like to get as much done as possible before the baby arrives." Mac replied.
"Well then let's put our heads together and get down to business." he smiled.
Several hours later Mac and Rianna said good-bye to Jonathan and he headed back to his office to begin the plans for starting the job the next day.
"That was fun." Rianna said after he'd left.
"Yes, this is going to be great!" Mac agreed. "I can't wait to tell Billy all about it when he gets home!"
"Should we start dinner?" Rianna asked.
"I don't see why not." Mac agreed as they headed into the kitchen to start making the stew. Just then the elevator chimed and Raul and Billy walked through the elevator doors.
"We're home!" Billy called as they walked into the kitchen. "How was your day?"
"Wonderful!" Mac cooed. "I can't wait to get started tomorrow!"
"I don't know Mac..." Billy sighed. "I don't like him!"
"Why not, he's perfectly charming." Mac replied.
"That's just the point," Billy explained. "He was hitting on you right in front of me!"
"Oh don't be silly!" Mac laughed. "He was just trying to make a good impression!"
"On who?" Billy asked. "Certainly not me and I'm the one paying for this venture!"
"Now you're being jealous!" Mac snapped. "Don't worry, you know you're the one I love!"
"I just hope he knows that." Billy frowned. They turned and found Raul and Rianna had disappeared.
"Where did they go?" Mac asked.
"Downstairs probably." Billy replied.
"Why?" Mac asked.
"Raul was told they could move into their apartment whenever they wanted to." Billy answered.
"Oh how wonderful!" Mac grinned. "Rianna must be excited!"
"I'll just be happy to have my house back and some time alone with my gorgeous wife." Billy said slyly. He reached for her and pulled her into his arms.
"Mr. Abbott," she joked. "Are you feeling neglected?"
"A little." he said with a fake sadness.
"Well let me see if I can fix that." she giggled before kissing him.
"Um...can I have some more convincing tonight?" he asked.
"If you're a good boy and eat all your supper!" she grinned. As she went back to making dinner Billy watched her and sighed, knowing things were back to the way they should be!
Several night later Billy and Mac were lying in bed when Billy asked, "How's the remodeling coming along?"
"Really well," she replied sleepily. "Jonathan is so nice!"
"I'm sure he is." Billy said sarcastically as he pulled Mac closer into his arms, resting his hands on her stomach.
"Are you jealous?" Mac laughed.
"No..." he lied. "I just don't like him."
"Why, he's perfectly nice!"
"That's what you keep saying." Billy grumbled.
"Billy," Mac sighed, twisting around to face him. "Don't start this again!"
"I just don't like the way he acts around you." Billy explained.
"You're being ridiculous." Mac sighed.
"Am I?" Billy asked.
"Yes you are." Mac insisted with a yawn.
"I don't really think so Mac," he insisited. "I don't like it when another man hits on my pregnant wife!"
"Billy you're being silly!" she remarked.
"No I'm not, I've seen him do it right in front of me." he replied.
"Well what do you want me to do about it?" Mac asked. "He's doing a wonderful job and he's the best deal in town!"
"I don't know, but I'm going to be watching him!" Billy glared. Mac shook her head and snuggled closer to him, drifting off to sleep. Billy lay there for quite awhile staring at Mac. There wasn't a man alive that he'd let come between him and Mac, no man! He'd worked too hard to get her back after all those years and he wasn't going to lose her now!
The next afternoon he rushed into the penthouse with news he knew was going to hit Mac hard. He found her in the back office deep in though over some figures for the new coffee house.
"Mac." he said from behind her.
She let out a gasp and said, "I didn't hear you come in, why are you home so early?"
"I have some interesting news for you." he replied, sittind down in a chair.
"Okay," she said curiously. "What's up?"
"Well as you know we've been trying to promote the new campaign...." he started.
"Yeah...." she said.
"Well my mother hired someone to be a special guest for the summer house project..." he continued.
"Well who is it, or do I want to know?" she questioned.
"It's....Brittany." he answered.
"What?" she gasped.
"I didn't know until today!" he answered. "She just hit me with it over the phone. I was as shocked as you were, but it'll be good for the campaign."
"Billy this is crazy, why does she have to come into our lives again?" Mac asked.
"It just happened." Billy explained. "She's a huge star now and we can use the publicity!"
"I know but..." Mac sighed. "When does she arrive?"
"Tomorrow." Billy said.
"Great!" Mac cried. "I hate that woman, more than anything else in the world! I hate her!"
"Just settle down," Billy soothed. "Think about the baby!"
Mac looked down at her stomach and then sighed, "You're right!"
"We'll just steer clear of her." he assured her.
"What does that sound so simple and yet so hard?" she asked as the phone rang. Mac answered it and then turned to the paperwork she had been looking at. "Yeah Steve...." she said. "I have them right here." Billy smiled and then disappeared out into the living room to check on the decorators.
"Mr. Abbott!" Jonathan called across the room.
'Now's my chance!' Billy thought as he walked over to him.
Mr. Andrews walked across the room and greeted Billy.
"Things are coming along smoothly." Jonathan beamed. "Don't you think?"
"It all looks great." Billy agreed. "But there is something else I wish to discuss with you!"
"Oh and what's that?" Mac asked from behind them.
"Mac," Jonathan grinned. "I thought you was working?"
"I was, but I needed a drink from the kitchen." she answered, eyeing Billy with suspicion. "What did you want to talk to Jonathan about?" Mac asked.
"Ah...well..." he started to say, just as his cell phone rang. "I have to take this!" Mac smirked at him and then turned to Jonathan.
"How is the baby's room coming?" she asked.
"Wonderfully!" he exclaimed. "Would you like to see it?"
"Sure." she smiled, glancing back at Billy as they headed up the stairs. Billy watched them leave the room and he frowned.
"Oh yes Jack...I'm listening." he said. "Ah huh...okay I'll call them and check it out tomorrow. And thanks for the phone call you saved me big time...I'll explain tomorrow! Okay bye!" Billy hung up his phone and then sighed. 'What am I going to do?' he wondered, heading back to the office.
The next evening Billy and Mac were sitting at the dinner table when the elevator door chimed.
"Who could that be?" Mac asked.
"I'll go see." Billy said, standing up. He disappeared around the corner and Mac heard the door open. She heard him gasp and then ask, "What are you doing here?"
"Billy, who is it?" Mac called, standing up and walking over to see for herself. She walked around the corner and stopped in her tracks when she saw who it was. Brittany Hodges stood with her arms wrapped around Billy's neck, but when she saw Mac she stepped back with a frown.
"Mackenzie," she cooed walking up to her. "I didn't know you two were..."
"For almost a year now." Mac cut in.
"And you're pregnant!" Brittany pointed out.
"Yes I am!" Mac glared.
"How far along are you?" she asked forcefully.
"I have four months left." Mac replied coldly.
"Oh that soon, well you do work fast don't you Billy." she smiled.
"Ah...Brittany what are you doing here?" he asked, walking over to stand next to Mac.
"I thought we were meeting for dinner tonight at Gina's," she explained. "But when you didn't show up I got your address from Jabot and came over."
"Oh I totally forgot," he exclaimed. "But you should have called first."
"You're right, but I couldn't wait to see you," she said. "It's been forever and I thought we could...catch up!"
"Well as you can see we're having dinner, so I'll have to talk to you tomorrow at work." he informed her.
"Well if you insist," she shrugged. "It was nice to see you though...you too Mackenzie." Mac smiled a fake smile and watched her leave.
"What was that about?" she asked when the elevator door had closed. "She wanted to catch up? I can't believe her!"
"What are you talking about?" Billy asked.
"You didn't see the look in her eyes?" Mac asked. "She wanted to catch up in more ways than one!"
"Yeah right!" he laughed as they walked back to the dinner table. "Now who's being silly and jealous?"
"This is different," she pointed out. "I don't have a past with Jonathan!"
"Where's the difference there?" he asked. "Things with Brittany were over along time ago, besides I have no desire to....catch up with her!"
"Sure," Mac teased. "Would you say that if we weren't married?"
"Of course," he insisted. "Besides we are married and you are the only woman I want!"
"Just like you're the only guy I want!" she smirked. "So if you'll stop being jealous, so will I!" Billy shook his head and just stared at her. 'What was he going to do now?' he wondered.
The next month and a half flew by and no matter how hard Billy tried to ignore Jonathan he couldn't find a way to trust him. There was just something there that kept him from letting his guard down. He knew he'd never trust him, no matter what! He had to admit however that the house was starting to look fabulous! Mac was excited and everyday when he arrived home she had something new to show him. It was all coming together nicely. The baby wasn't due for almost another 2 and a half months, but they were ready and waiting. Mac was so excited and he knew she'd make a great mother!
One evening Mac was sitting on the sofa when she felt a pain in her stomach.
"Honey!" she called down the den hall.
"Just a second!" he called back. Mac sat there and felt two more sharp pains.
"Billy!" she cried. "Something's wrong!"
"What?" he called back. "What do you mean?"
"I'm having sharp pains in my stomach." she said as he came down the hall.
"But you're not due for another..." he started.
"I know!" she cut in with tears in her eyes. "But something's wrong! Call Ri and then have them to meet us at the hospital!" Billy helped her up and used his cell phone to call the hospital and then Rianna and Raul. They left quickly for the hospital and all the way there Mac cried out in pain, holding her stomach. They reached the hospital in record time and when he steered her into the emergency lobby they were waiting for her. She gasped for Billy's hand as they wheeled her to an examining room, but they told him to wait in the lobby. He heard her cry all the way down the hall and it tore him apart inside. Just then Rianna and Raul arrived.
"What's wrong?" Raul asked.
"They just took her away, so I don't know." Billy replied, walking over to sit down. "But if we lose the baby..."
"Don't say that!" Rianna snapped. "She's going to be fine."
"It would kill her," Billy continued without even hearing Rianna. "I just don't think she could handle it!"
"She'll be fine." Raul assured him.
They waited in the waiting room for hours and there was still no word on Mac.
"What's taking so long?" Billy sighed angrily. "I want to see my wife!"
"They're doing all they can," Raul said. "Just be patient!"
"Would you be patient if it was Ri in there?" Billy snapped.
"No, I guess not." Raul replied sadly. "But what can you do?"
"Look man, I'm sorry." Billy sighed again. "I'm just unnerved by this whole thing. I mean she has been fine all day!"
"These things happen." Rianna informed him. "You can't predict it!"
"I know, but I wish I could be there with her." Billy whispered. "She must be terrified!"
"They'll tell you something as soon as they know it." Raul smiled. "So just pray for now!" Billy leaned back in his chair and stared down the hall. Suddenly he saw the doctor walk towards them and he stood to meet his empty gaze, wondering what he had to say!
Billy stared at the doctor until he walked up to him and then he shook his hand as he introduced himself.
"Mr. Abbott, I'm Dr. Nelson." he said. "I've come to update you on your wife."
"Is she okay, is the baby okay?" Billy asked excitedly. "Are they going to be okay?"
"At this moment...yes they are both fine." he started. "But there have been some complications and if things don't go our way your wife may lose your child."
"What? How?" Billy questioned. "Can you save it?"
"We're doing our best Mr. Abbott," the doctor said. "But to be truthful at the moment things don't look good. We're running more tests and when we know something so will you. I'm sorry I can't tell you anymore." The doctor smiled slightly and then walked away, leaving Billy with so many unanswered questions. He wiped tears from his eyes and then turned to face Raul and Rianna.
"I..." he started to cry, but he dropped to his knees and sobbed hysterically. "I can't lose her!" he cried as he felt Raul and Rianna knell next to him. "She's everything to me!"
"Billy," Rianna started. "Mac is strong and she'll get through this, I know she will!"
"Do you?" he asked harshly. "Can you promise me she will?"
"Well no...but you have to stay positive," Rianna said softly. "She needs our support!"
"I just can't lose her, I can't lose either of them!" he cried, still on the floor. "They're my world, my life, my reason for living. Without them I have no reason to be here at all!"
"Don't say that," Raul frowned. "We're all going to get through this!" Billy allowed Raul to help him to his feet and then he let him steer him towards a chair. Billy sank into his seat and held his head in his hands.
"Why can't they tell me more, don't they know what's wrong with her?" he asked. "I mean they had her in there forever! They must know something!"
"The doctor said the minute they know something, they'll tell us." Rianna reminded him.
"Well I can't stand this waiting anymore," he said. "I have to find a doctor and then I'm going to find Mac, she needs me!"
"Billy you need to stay here, out of their way."
"No!" Billy yelled. "I have to be with her, she needs me!" Billy leapt to his feet and hurried over to the door they had taken Mac through, but Raul and Rianna grabbed him. "Let me go!" he cired. "She needs me, I need her!"
"I know you do." Raul agreed as Billy turned and cried on his shoulder. "She knows you're here Billy, but we have to wait until everything is okay!" They walked Billy over to the chair again and sat him down. Then they sat on both sides of him and waited until the doctor had more news, hoping it would be something they wanted to hear.
Early the next morning someone shaking him softly awakened Billy.
"Mr. Abbott," a nurse called. "Your wife is awake, would you like to see her?" Billy eyes blinked open, but he looked questioningly at the nurse.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"I asked you if you'd like to see your wife." she smiled. Billy jumped up almost knocking the nurse over and followed her down the hall to Mac's room. She opened the door for him and then walked back down the hall. Billy stood in the doorway and watched Mac lay there with her eyes closed. He couldn't remember anything ever looking so good to him and he smiled. He walked into the room and stood at the side of the bed for a moment and then picked up her hand. When he did so, Mac's eyes fluttered open and she smiled sleepily.
"Hey...." he said leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I was worried about you!" Mac smiled and grasped his hand.
"What happen?" she asked. "Is the baby okay?"
"I don't know," Billy answered. "But after awhile I'll go find a doctor and find out what's wrong."
"I don't know what went wrong," she sighed with tears in her eyes. "What did I do?" Billy stared down at her in disbelief.
"You didn't do anything sweetheart. These things just happen."
"But why do they always happen to me?" she sobbed. "Why can't we just be happy?"
"We are happy," he smiled. "I thank God you are okay, you really scared me last night!"
"I scared myself," she replied. "I didn't know what was wrong and I want to know now!"
"Okay," he said. "Just settle down and I'll go find a doctor." Billy squeezed her hand tightly and kissed her forehead before walking out of the room. He walked down the hall and back to the lobby and approached a nurse.
"Can I speak to Dr. Nelson please?"
"Let me see if I can page him." she answered. A second later Billy heard the page go over the intercom and then the nurse said, "He'll be here when he can." Billy nodded and settled in to wait for the doctor. But he didn't have to wait long because the doctor quickly walked down the hall. Billy smiled and walked up to him.
"I was just on my way to find you," the doctor said. "I want to talk to you about your wife."
"How is she doctor?" Billy asked. "How is our child?"
"I don't want to talk here," Dr. Nelson said. "Please follow me." Billy looked worried but followed the doctor, wondering what he would have to say.