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The next morning, Terry knocked on their front door and reminded Jake that he had to get started on the food for the baby shower. It was Labor Day-- a fact that wasn't lost on Abby. This was obviously one of Terry's jokes, but it also meant that most everyone had the day off, so people could attend the baby shower in the middle of the day without missing work. Not willing that Jake should face her family by himself, Abby followed after the two and soon found herself in her parents' living room where John was helping to put up streamers with brightly colored balloons. The room looked very much like it did when she had her sixth birthday party, but Abby kept this observation to herself. Terry was trying to make this a special occasion, and she didn't want to make fun of his efforts.

"Hey, Mom," smiled Abby, coming into her parents' bedroom. "How's everything going?"

"I was just about to ask you the same thing," replied Izumi, with a motherly hug. "The hearing is tomorrow."

"I know, Mom," Abby patiently answered.

"Terry said that you're going to let him testify," continued Izumi.

"That's right," Abby replied with a small sigh.

Just then, John entered with some balloons for the bedroom. Abby used this interruption to escape her mother, but knew she couldn't put it off forever. When she joined Terry in the living room, he looked as though he wanted to talk as well, so the young woman quickly ducked into the kitchen where she soon got underfoot-- Jake's foot, that is.

"Ouch!" she cried, rubbing her small toe. "That hurt!"

"I told you to stay out of my way," smiled Jake, knowing that she was overplaying the pain so she could stay in the kitchen longer.

"Why can't I help?" she insisted once more.

"Because," reasoned Jake, "this party is for you."

"Out there," she said, gesturing to the living room, "it feels more like the commission before the commission. I think we're going to get some resistance from my family," she added in a hushed voice.

"I'm sorry I'm ruining the baby shower for you," apologized Jake.

"That's the most unnecessary apology I've ever received," Abby smiled warmly.

Before long, Abby heard the front door opening and Terry greeting someone. She peeked through the doorway and saw that it was Dr. Jacoby. Tucked beneath his arm was a present tied with soft yellow ribbon. Before Abby had a chance to tell Jake, Sheriff Peterson and Richard Doyle arrived with their wives.

Dick introduced his wife, Sara, to John and Terry, and then looked around for Jake.

"He's in the kitchen with Abby," answered John, knowingly.

Seeing the couple approaching the kitchen, Abby ran to the stove and tried to look busy. Just as Jake was about to ask her what she was doing, the Doyles appeared in the doorway.

"Jake!" exclaimed Dick, eagerly. "Congratulations on the baby!"

"Thank you, Sir," smiled Jake, wiping his hand on the apron he was wearing before shaking Dick's outstretched hand.

"I must say, I was surprised to hear the news," admitted Dick.

"Not as surprised as Jake was," said Abby, with a grin.

"Sara, this is the young lady I've been telling you about," said Dick, introducing his wife.

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