Some weeks pass and Jessica had just entered her eighth month of pregnancy. Danny and Jessica kept their blooming relationship a secret. For now, it was enough for them.

Things in the Anderson household were pretty much the same, however, a new development concerning Karen happened.

Karen's memory had deteriorated so rapidly that Phillip had no choice but to put her in a home.

It had been tough on both Sarah and Shannon to take care of Karen. Karen had even started a fire in the kitchen because forgot how to turn off the stove. Thank goodness that Shannon was close by and she was able to stop the fire from spreading. Sarah and Shannon tried their best to continue to care for Karen but in the end, they both spoke to Phillip about their concerns and he gave in after some convincing.

Phillip's mood toward Jessica had become unbearable to her. He blamed Jessica for his mother's situation making him become verbally abusive. He blamed her for having to put his mother into a nursing home.

Jessica was at her wits end and she knew she had to make a change very soon.

Sarah walked into Jessica's room and found Jessica silently crying. Sarah walked over and sat beside her.

"Jess, what's wrong honey?" Sarah asked with concern.
Jessica dabbed under her eyes with a tissue and said. "I just realized...that...I'm having a baby really soon and...and..." Jessica began sobbing now. "...and I don't have anything ready for them! I don't have any clothes, diapers, a crib, a nursery! What am I going to do Sarah!?! Phillip hasn't done anything! He hasn't bought anything for his child! If I could I would have everything they could ever need! But, but I can't go shopping. I can't get the nursery ready. I can't...I can't do anything. I'm stuck in this bed! This baby is going to be born with nothing!"
"Aw Jess." Sarah said as she hugged Jessica tightly. Jessica leaned in and sobbed into Sarah's chest.

Sarah rocked Jessica back and forth as if she were a small child and rubbed her back, trying to give Jessica some comfort.

"Jessica...please, don't worry about anything." Sarah said. "Everything will work out. Please don't stress. How about I go into town and I'll buy the baby a few things?"
"Oh Sarah. That would be a big help!" Jessica said sadly.

Sarah knew her friend was in pain; her husband was horrible to her, he hasn't been no help with this pregnancy and her friend couldn't be with the man she loves.

Sarah pulled Jessica away and said boldly. "Jessica...you should be Danny."
"What? Sarah, what are you talking about?" Jessica asked, not wanting to tell her secret just yet.
"Jess, it's okay." Sarah said with a smile. "I know about you and Danny. I saw you both kissing a few weeks ago but, I didn't want to say anything. I knew you would tell me when you were ready. But, I think you need some encouragement right now."
Jessica looked down for second then she looked up at Sarah and said. "I love him Sarah. You know, I thought I was in love with Phillip but, now I know that I was just young and naive. He was the first guy who charmed his way into my life and well...we know how that has turned out." Jessica stopped, sighed then continued. "I don't regret my children. They are my life and even though Abigail hates me because of Karen, I still love her and my boys with all my heart. Now this new baby...I'm going to love them just as much. I just...I just wish Phillip hadn't played with my heart."

Sarah held Jessica's hands and waited for Jessica to continue.

"But, Danny came into my life and...and he is the most amazing man I have ever met. He stole my heart and this love I have for him is so much stronger than what I felt with Phillip." Jessica said with a smile. "I think he's my soulmate. Sarah....I'm in love with him."
Sarah smiled wide and said. "I can tell. I can see it in both of your eyes that y'all love each other. Jessica, you need to leave Phillip. I know it's easier said than done, but you need to put yourself first. Be with the man you love and I'm sure he won't mind raising this baby with you. Danny's a great man. If you feel that moving in with him is too soon, then move in with Evan and I. We have an extra room and it's big enough for you and the baby."
"Thank you so much for the offer Sarah." Jessica said. "I'll think about it. I know I have to do a lot of thinking and I have to make a decision really soon before the baby is born."
"Just remember, you're not alone." Sarah said as she gave Jessica a hug.

Jessica's mind eased a bit; she knew she had so many options now. She loved Sarah like a sister to her and she was grateful for her support.

That night, Jessica laid awake in bed and thought long and hard about what she wanted to do.

Before falling asleep that night, Jessica had made her decision. She would leave Phillip and move in with Danny. She no longer cared what her family thought. Sarah was right, she needed to put herself first and that is exactly what she was going to do.