All eyes were on Amara as she stood, exposing her baby bump to everyone. Even Gabby was at a loss for words. Joshua's face flashed in anger, and Nicole just looked surprised before giving Amara a warning glare.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't mean to interrupt," Amara started, "but these two can't get married. Because I'm pregnant with the groom's children!"

A murmur erupted throughout the room. Gabby stood up and whispered to Amara, "What are you doing?"

"I wouldn't have even come, but he won't acknowledge his own children!" Amara continued. "What else am I supposed to do? I just want him to be a part of his kids' lives!"

"You just want my money!" Joshua fired, almost leaving the altar. 

Nicole put her hand on his arm, stopping him, and whispered something to him. Then she turned to Amara.

"I'm sorry, but--how far along are you?" she asked.

Amara was confused, but answered, "33 weeks. Seven and a half months."

"That takes us back to--" Nicole paused to think, "--February. That would have been when you conceived. Which is interesting. Because Joshua and I were away on business for the entire month of February. Which means he couldn't possibly be the father."

Amara stood in shock.

"Hold on a second," Gabby interjected. "That's not true!"

"I have proof that we were gone," Nicole said smugly.

"But you weren't!" Gabby said.

Amara couldn't come up with a comeback. She just stood there in shock. All confidence that had once been radiating was replaced with horror that her worst nightmare was coming true. Joshua didn't care about her or his kids.

"Security!" Joshua called.

Two guards were on Amara and Gabby in an instant. They grabbed both by their arms and escorted them out of the pew. Amara could only move with them. Tears filled her eyes and she could feel Gabby struggling to keep her cool.

"Miss Grey!" Joshua called.

Amara turned and looked at him through the blur of tears.

"In case you hadn't figured it out, you're fired," Joshua said. He still looked angry, but smug as he turned back to Nicole.

Amara diverted her eyes downward as they left the venue. She didn't know what she had expected. Of course Joshua wouldn't care. Why would he?

---

Later that night, Gabby wandered upstairs to the twins' nearly finished room. Amara was sitting on the floor in between the two cribs. She had been up there since they had gotten home a few hours ago. Tears stained her red face.

"I don't know what I was expecting," Amara said quietly.

Without a word, Gabby wandered across the room and sat down next to her friend. She only spoke after a minute.

"I wish you would have told me what you were going to do beforehand."

Amara looked at her in confusion. "I thought you would have wanted me to stand up to him."

"Oh, I did," Gabby said. "I just wish you had talked to me first. We could have come up with a better speech or comeback."

"Seriously?" Amara asked. For the first time all day, she actually smiled.

"Yeah," Gabby smiled back, happy that Amara was cheering up a bit. "Dude, I so wanted you to take them down. And I was totally ready for them to crumble before me."

Amara's smile faded. "I guess I didn't have the right things to say."

"You couldn't have known that Nicole was going to up and lie right there," Gabby said. She slumped back against the wall. "I so don't want to go back to work on Monday."

"Well," Amara sighed. "I don't have to worry about that part anymore."

"Consider yourself lucky," Gabby said. "At least now you can focus on the babies." I think I may start sending out resumes."

Amara looked at her quickly. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. I can't quit, because we have to make rent, but I'm not working for the people who are basically sabotaging your life." She rolled her eyes. "I really wanted to slap them today. Both of them."

"I love you." Amara wrapped her arms around Gabby. "I knew there was a reason we're best friends."

"As long as we stay friends, and nothing more," Gabby giggled. "Now come on. Ethan's making brownies."

She got up but Amara didn't follow. Gabby looked at her again. "Amara?"

"I can't," Amara said simply.

"Why not?" Gabby asked, confused.

"Because I'm too big to get up by myself anymore."

---

On Monday, Amara was clearing her stuff from her locker and her desk. She was just thanking the Lord that Joshua and Nicole were now away on their honeymoon, when Chantelle approached her. 

"I saw your little show on Saturday," she said. Great.

"Oh?" Amara said, stifling a groan. She tried to keep her cool, but she really didn't feel like reliving the moment.

"I just wanted to say," Chantelle continued, "I don't think they have any right treating you like that."

"What?" Amara's head popped up to look at Chantelle. The word had left her mouth in shock. Was she being legit?

"Yeah. When Nicole straight up lied like that--" Chantelle sighed. "It wasn't right. And--there's something else."

Amara crossed her arms and waited. She still wasn't sure what to think, especially when Chantelle handed her a wad of money.

"This is some of the 'bonuses' they gave me--for vandalizing your locker. And stealing your lunch. And leaving that note."

Amara didn't know what to say. "That was you?" she forced out. "They actually paid you to harass me?"

Chantelle nodded. "I don't feel right about keeping all of this."

"But why?" Amara asked. "You used to antagonize me for fun."

Chantelle took a breath before explaining. "My sister has a baby, and her guy didn't step up either. When they told us you thought Mr. Leonard was the father, I started suspecting a similar trend. I didn't say anything, but the way they treated you at the wedding was horrible. And the way my sister struggled--I can see the same things are happening here. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

Amara studied her. Chantelle had been so mean to her before, could she trust her? Chantelle's dark eyes didn't hold that same condescending spark as they had before. They actually looked sorry.

"Thank you," Amara said finally. She hesitantly took the money. "I didn't realize you actually cared that much."

"I know we really didn't get along before, but I've honestly been feeling guilty this whole weekend," Chantelle admitted. "I didn't realize that maybe you were telling the truth about the father until I put all of the pieces together. Why would Mr. Leonard and Nicole get so defensive about a lie?"

Amara shrugged. "I don't know what they thought I was going to do. It's not like I have as much power as them."

"Mr. Leonard always talks about how no one can ruin his reputation," Chantelle pointed out. "But he was terrified over what you had to say on Saturday. And people were talking."

After a minute of silence, Amara spoke again. "I should probably get out of here. But, thank you. You have no idea how much your apology--and the money--" she held up the handful of cash, "--means to me."

"Yeah, well, I couldn't keep it," Chantelle admitted. "You'll probably need it more anyway."

With that, Chantelle walked away, presumably getting back to work. Amara shook her head in surprise. That was so out of character for Chantelle. Did that really just happen?