Nothing Can My Love Erase

For the Day I Take Your Hand

19 June 1977

"Billie, do you need any help getting ready?" Brian's voice called through the house.

Billie was in the bedroom upstairs, looking at herself in the mirror. "I don't know," she replied, not quite as loudly. She took a deep breath, placing her hands on her stomach. Approaching the end of her first trimester, the slight change in her figure was slowly becoming apparent to those who looked closely and Billie got more and more self conscious about that, about how she dressed and how she moved.

Brian was aware of that, it was hard to miss for him. He had known for less than two weeks but he had been able to observe a change in her behaviour and also her appearance, but he was trying to make her as comfortable as possible. That was why he came upstairs after he heard her quiet reply, knocking on the open bedroom door before he came inside. "Anything I can help with?"

Billie shrugged. "I don't know... can you see anything with this dress?"

"I can see my gorgeous wife looking wonderful all dressed up," he told her, stepping up behind her and kissing her cheek.

Billie sighed. "Thanks, but you know that's not what I mean... can you see I'm pregnant?"

"No, not really. I mean, I can, because I know, but to anyone else you look like a healthy, gorgeous young woman. The only thing missing is your beautiful smile," Brian said, gently rubbing her shoulders. "We don't have to tell them today, if you don't want to. I won't say anything until you bring it up, I promise."

"Thanks... I appreciate that. But I think we should tell them. I'm sure they'd be happy and I think I can use a few more very excited people to keep my mood somewhat positive," she said, looking at him in the mirror.

Brian nodded and kissed her cheek again. "That's what we're here for. We're excited for you until you're ready for that."

"I appreciate it... I hope your parents think the same," Billie sighed. "I'm scared they'll judge me," she mumbled.

"They won't," Brian told her, trying to reassure her as much as he could. "I'll talk to them if you want me to. I really don't mind. You're the one who's pregnant and they have to accept the way you handle it. You're doing so well, you know? I'm very proud of you, and if they have a problem with how you're doing this then they can come talk to me. I support you 100%, remember that."

"Okay," Billie said quietly.

"You look gorgeous, Billie. Stop worrying so much, okay?" Brian softly kissed her cheek, placing his hands on her sides. "You're not alone in this."

"I know," she sighed, leaning against him. "Thanks... let's do this before I change my mind."

"If you do, that's okay too. I promise," he told her again and reached for her hand. "Do you have everything? Did you pack that ultrasound photo you have?" He asked, unable to keep a smile off his face.

"It should be in my handbag but I'll check again downstairs. Thanks for being so happy and cute. I really appreciate the help."

"Of course, that's what I'm here for," he told her, smiling widely before he kissed her softly. "Let's go."

They went downstairs and Billie made sure she had everything before they were off on their way to Brian's parents house. During the drive, Brian tried to keep Billie's mind occupied, to keep her happy. It was quite a task, but somehow he managed that she kept a small smile on her face, looking forward to seeing his parents again.

When Brian knocked, Billie took a deep breath and reached for his hand again, suddenly overwhelmed by her nerves again. "Oh I'm feeling sick," she mumbled, closing her eyes.