~~ If you shall find my lover, what shall you say to him? Tell him I am sick with love. ~~ Old Testament - Song of Songs

"You should be nice and comfy here," Lucky said quickly. Reaching down into an ice chest and removing a bottle of water for Rick. He untwisted the cap and sat it right next to him on the table. "Just um use your teeth I guess," he advised, gesturing towards his captive’s tied up position. "But do make sure and keep yourself hydrated and uh...as far as food goes…I suppose I’ll come back and feed you from time to time. The pantry’s full stocked…but I don’t trust you…Besides, you could get yourself locked in there – and what then…I mean I know a guy who did that once."

Rick glared menacingly at the man who was keeping him prisoner in some broken down shack in the middle of nowhere. He was actually AMUSED by this! There was no phone, no television, just a bunch of animal traps all over the place. Serving as the friggin décor!

"You can’t possibly be leaving me here," Rick groaned.

"Oh but I can...and…I am," Lucky smiled. Reaching for his jacket on the back of the door. "I have a HUGE day today…and you know, I spent enough time here once...You have fun, ok? Oh, and before you try and escape, make sure you’ve got a good set of lungs because the traps that are on these walls? There are more set up outside. You’ll be screamin’ like a little girl before anybody finds you…I guess maybe a forest ranger or…" Lucky shrugged and his voice trailed away. Too preoccupied with his own plans for the day to continue the sentence.

"There’s no way I’m going to just STAY here until you see fit to let me go!" Rick shouted. Straining against the ropes that bound him to a chair.

Slowly, Lucky let his hands drop from the doorknob, and walked over to where Rick sat. "I don’t think you really grasp the gravity of this situation Ricky...so I’m gonna try and make it perfectly clear to you – one last time. You will stay here as long as I SAY you’re gonna stay here, and if you try and leave, that little graze on your arm is gonna feel like a paper cut...do you understand what I’m telling you?

"This isn’t a joke. I’m not the same kid you fucked around with a couple of years ago."

A silent glare was Rick’s only response. He grit his teeth after a moment. "Why don’t you just....TAPE my testimony, huh?"

"Are you really that stupid or just hopeful?" Lucky chuckled. "It’s not admissible in court...but you knew that already." Lucky slowly walked back over to the front door. "I was actually going to untie you and let you get a little exercise in here, but I think I’ve changed my mind...I didn’t want to have to come back here and feed you like a pet hamster…but…oh well. I hope I don’t forget………See ya Rick."

When the door slammed behind him, a string of courses spewed from Rick’s mouth. His wrists jerking violently against the ropes to get free. What the Hell was he going to do? If he testified he could go to jail, if he didn’t...well even if Spencer didn’t kill him, Rick knew that Hart was out there lurking around. Just waiting to stifle the evidence – permanently.

And the guy wasn’t even fully aware of all the evidence Rick had. As far as Alexander Hart knew, Rick had evidence that he and Helena had planned an elaborate scheme to break Lucky financially. That was it.

But Rick knew that there was more. So much more.

From time to time he still had chilling nightmares about her screams. The horrible wails and moans from inside the apartment that he’d broken into several times before.

That fateful afternoon he’d been casing the place once again. Yet, this time of his own volition. Just waiting for the perfect moment to get inside. Desperate to remove the hidden video cameras that he knew would be his downfall. Mrs. Cassidine had told him not to worry, but he couldn’t help it. It was his ass on the line if they were caught right? Not hers. So he’d gone to Greenwich Village anyway, in hopes of getting in and getting out before the girl got home.

But unfortunately she’d already arrived home for the day. In the middle of the afternoon when she should have been at work...she’d been inside. Inside and screaming. Screaming bloody murder at the top of her lungs.

He could still feel the vibrations of it ripple through his own body.

A part of him had wanted to go in. A part of him, having actually felt the need to save the girl that his job description had caused him to threaten and stalk for months. There was no logic to it, and thankfully the instinct to go in had been stifled before it got a chance to grow any stronger.

Seeing Alex lurking around the corner for the first time, enough to turn the most hardened criminal’s skin cold.

He just stood there down the hall. Waiting for God knew what! But he waited. He waited and listened as she wailed continuously from inside the apartment. Waiting as if told to wait for a sign!

Rick could still remember seeing Alex lift the sleeve of his expensive sport coat to check his watch. He remembered trying to quiet his own breathing so that the man who was paying him wouldn’t discover that he was just around the next corner.

A moment later EVERYTHING went quiet. It was as if the world stopped, when the screams ceased. And that was when Alex sprang into action. Bustling up the hall as if he’d just run a mile. Huffing and puffing as if out of breath when he’d been standing still for nearly 2 minutes.

Rick retreated even deeper behind his corner as Alex passed. Listening as he busted down the door. Watching then in shock and horror as he carried a lifeless Elizabeth Webber outside of her apartment.

All of his life, Rick would never forget that moment. How he’d wondered if she were dead. If all the work they’d done to rid Spencer from her life had been for nothing. If he’d caused the death of an innocent girl.

Rick closed his eyes now to the images that played before him. They’d never figured out that he was there that day. Helena or Alex.

And God willing...Alex never would.

Leopold pulled to a stop in the distance. Lifting his binoculars to his tired face as the boy stalked through the clearing and towards his old Mercury. A beauty it was.

He watched the boy slide behind the wheel with a confidence he hadn’t had just a couple of weeks prior. Maybe he was healing. Maybe love had sunk even further into his bones. Maybe time was already beginning to work its particular brand of magic.

A pity time had never really done the same for him. Though he was certain he didn’t deserve even time’s mercies. No, the pain of losing his own child would never leave his soul. It was so deeply rooted that living with it became second nature. Something he didn’t have to contemplate. Something similar to breathing.

But Lucky Spencer was going to be alright. If he never let the anger catch up with him. If he kept moving, he’d be alright. They both would.

In spite of all Helena, Alex, and....and himself, had done to wreck their lives – they were going to be fine. Better than fine. The two of them together created the opportunity for glorious happiness.

The least Leopold could do was insure that it happened.

He would be stationing himself here for a time, making certain that all went as planned. At least until the boy returned. At least until he was sure that Helena’s old ‘go-to guy’ wouldn’t be trying to escape.

That was the least he could do.

She couldn’t stop. Couldn’t stop shooting. Couldn’t stop her self from enjoying the sounds of his grunts. The sounds of the bullets whizzing from the gun and into his chest. Over and over again.

Each time the gun was empty she reloaded. She had to. He wouldn’t die. Bullet after bullet, shot after shot…he lived.

There was blood everywhere and Elizabeth screamed at the top of her lungs, telling him to leave her alone. To get out of her life. Telling him that he would never again have a chance to hurt her, or Lucky, or her unborn child.

But she suddenly felt so empty. So lonely, and when she placed her hand to her abdomen, looking to feel her baby - it wasn’t there. The swell of her growing tummy was not there to comfort her and Alex stared at her from his own pool of blood, laughing. Chuckling at the horror that crossed over her face.

So she shot again. Shot and shot and shot. Completely oblivious to the weight and ache the gun caused in her hands. It didn’t matter. She had to make him hurt. Had to make him pay…but God, he wasn’t paying! Why wasn’t he dying? Why did his moans sound forced, almost pretend, as if he were mocking her?

She would show him. She would. She searched her pockets frantically for more ammunition. More bullets to finish the job, but there were none. Her pockets were empty…and where was her purse? Gone? Where…where had she left it?

Looking down suddenly she realized that her purse was not the only thing missing. So were her clothes. She was naked. Standing there before him, completely bare…and he was laughing.

"Stop laughing!!!" She screamed. "Stop laughing!!!"

Luke set down his sandwich and glanced up from his seat at the dining room table. Nearly biting his jaw at the surprise of seeing Elizabeth shoot up from where she napped on the couch. Quickly he stood up and neared her.

Sighing when he got within a few feet of her. The girl’s entire body was trembling. He approached timidly. "Musta…musta been some dream there Darlin’."

Elizabeth glanced around the room slowly, taking in her surroundings. She was still at Luke and Laura’s house. She’d fallen asleep on the couch. There was no Alex. No Alex anywhere. She was safe.

"I…yeah," she murmured. Trying to find her voice inside her parched throat. She ran her fingers through the front of her hair. Realizing she was sweating. "I’m sorry…did I…was I making noises or –

"Screaming bloody murder," Luke commented flippantly.

Elizabeth stilled. Her eyes fixed on a spot on the couch. That’s what it had been actually…murder. She’d dreamt of it before, but never that clearly. Never that vividly.

"Hey," Luke said softly. "You want me to get you something to drink, Elizabeth? Some water?"

Nodding slowly, she let her hand travel over her stomach, closing her eyes at the feel of it’s swelled state. She was pregnant. She was. Her baby was still there and he hadn’t taken her family away from her. She’d never ever lose her family again.

"Yes…maybe some – some milk. A glass of milk?"

Luke nodded and rose from his seat and patted her foot. "Alright…I’ll be right back."

She nodded and watched him walk into the kitchen. Hugging her legs to her chest a moment later for safety. God, all she really needed right now was Lucky. That’s all that she wanted…

He was going to come home today though right? He was…

Lucky clicked the print icon and sighed as he closed his eyes. The office was empty at this hour, but thankfully Arnie had given him a key so that he could work on this ‘outside project.’

The very first hard copy of what he could only hope would be a viable substitution for what he should have been giving her today – began to eke its way out of the machine.

He wondered briefly if someone was conspiring against him. Keeping him from buying her the one thing he’d always wanted to be able to afford. The one thing, that even now – without the gambling – and with a decent paying job, he wasn’t able to swing.

Sure he could wait a while. Wait until he saved up enough. Until the timing was exactly right, but he didn’t want to. He wanted to do it now. He needed to do it now. He wanted to start the rest of their lives together...now.

Enough time had been wasted. He wasn’t going to do that anymore.

His hand rose to scratch the back of his head as the printer loudly spat out his design. Suddenly not so sure about window placement, as he turned his head to examine it more closely. Where would she need the sunlight, where would she not want it? His own personal favorite was the large window seat, but if she didn’t want it there – or didn’t want it at all - he could take it out. Anything she wanted...anything at all.

‘Anything at all?’ His mind asked. ‘You try going from a 20-room mansion, to a virtual shack drawn on paper and try and say which YOU prefer....Stop that,’ Lucky’s other inner voice countered. ‘She doesn’t want some huge mansion. She doesn’t want to be reminded of all that. She wants the same things that you want. Just a small house where the two of you can be happy.’

A small house. The words lingered in his mind, as he thought about what could have been. How many rooms they may have needed once upon a time. He quickly shoved the thoughts away. Today was not a day for unhappiness. For the rest of the day he was going to concentrate on only the good things.

And today was the anniversary of all things good. The very first time he allowed himself to show her the affection that he’d wanted to for so very long.

The hope of what that meant lingered as he slipped his design into a folder and then under his arm. There were exactly two hours left till sundown and he had plans – big plans.

~~~~~~~

Leopold stood outside of the cabin. Carefully maneuvering to peak inside. The absolute racket coming from inside having woken him from a nap inside his car.

The Neanderthal was inside, thrashing around in his chair. Lying on his side and kicking various articles of furniture that got in his way. One thump led to another and then another. He seemed to be growling like an animal.

There wasn’t a residence or a business for miles, but Leopold didn’t want to take the chance of someone walking past on some kind of nature walk and hearing the commotion. With one elbow he cracked through the window as quietly as he could. Causing a man he’d never before had a conversation with, to look up at him with startled bewilderment. Like a deer caught in the headlights.

Leopold climbed slowly through the window, using his coat to sweep away the various shards of glass. "How are you Rick...hungry by now, si?"

Rick stared at the old man in complete confusion. Wondering where he’d come from. Was he his fairy godfather or something? Come to rescue him from Hell?

"Aw please, don’t look at me so hopefully, son...I’ve only come to shut you up," Leopold said quickly. Browsing around the cabin for any sign of food. "A pantry...what would you like...there’s some sort of noodle thing in a cup....but no water I think..."

Squinting, Rick tried to sit up from his position on the floor. "Who the Hell are you?"

"Oh," Leopold said quickly. Shaking his head with a grin. "I forget myself. My name is Leopold Torbelli...Si, is what you think – yes," he finished. Coming over to right the chair in which Rick sat on.

Rick groaned in agony as the pressure from the floor left his injured arm.

"Oh, that’s a nasty cut there," Leopold said. Trying to hold back a grin as he pointed to the piece of white gauze that seemed nearly soaked through with a bright red blood. "Would you like me to take a look at –

"Are you a doctor?!" Rick spat. His eyes wild with questions.

"Who me?...Oh no. Maybe you did not hear me the first time – my name is Leopold Torbelli -

"I heard you the first time! Is that supposed to mean somethin’ to me?" Rick shouted. Completely losing it.

Leopold shrugged quietly. "Non molto…you don’t know me at all...but I – Mr. Rick – know you...I know all about you," he smiled. Pulling up a chair in front of him.

Rick went silent when Leopold stared into his eyes. Unflinchingly beginning to spout a litany of different offenses. "And how does it feel now that Helena is no longer with us? Are you lonely without a benefactor for all your criminal exploits? Or is my son now helping to finance your dubious...career?"

With a shake of his head, Rick’s eyes widened. "I don’t understand this. I thought Alex’s father was some American painter that knocked Mrs. Cassidine up when she –

Leopold held up one hand to silence the ignorant tirade. "Si, es all true. But I am Alessandro’s real father. The father that taught him all that he knows. The father that has advised him to put a gun to your head if you tell a single soul what you know about his involvement with Helena Cassidine."

Rick shook his head. What was happening here? "But I thought – I mean you’re here – You must be on Spencer’s side!"

Time and practice had made lying easy for Leopold. He did it effortlessly. "Spencer is simply a pawn. We used him to get your here...this is all."

"Why?...Why would you need me here? After all these years, why now?"

"Because, the ungrateful little girl that my son married wants a divorce, si? It doesn’t take a...how do you call - ROCKET SCIENTIST to figure out that when my son contested that divorce, she and her lover started to look for things to use against him...you – being one of them."

Rick swallowed hard. "So he did...so he did kill Tim – Tim Durts?"

"That’s none of your concern is it? I advice you to concern yourself only with what I tell you...if you do this, everything will be fine," Leopold grinned.

"I’ll get out of here?" Rick asked. Failing to keep the desperation out of his voice. "You’ll let me go? I won’t have to testify?"

"A new identity, a new life – it’s all set up for you."

Inhaling through his nose, Rick rested his weary arms. Letting them go slack against the back of the roped chair. He was tired of struggling. An if the old man had a way out, he would listen. He’d give him everything he wanted.

It was better than being stuck in this hellhole waiting for Spencer to come back and finish him off, with his crazy ass.

"What do I have to do?"

"It’s SIMPLE," Leopold shrugged. "Tell me all that you remember, all that you know about my son’s involvement with Helena…I will figure it out from there."

"But I already told Spencer. And wouldn’t you already know everything if you’re as close to Hart as you say you ar –

When the old man rose to place him in a chokehold, Rick’s voice sputtered away. He tried to reach up, realizing when the rope cut into his already bloodied skin that it was no use.

"Ok...ok..." he choked. "I’m sorry!"

Leopold straightened his shirt as he pushed the thug away. Returning to his seat slowly and nodding for him to begin.

"I don’t know what you want to hear," Rick panted hoarsely. "Where you want me to start."

"Start at the beginning...and leave nothing out."

Elizabeth clamped a hand over her mouth. Trying not to scream. Could a day that had started out so strangely turn into something so beautifully wonderful?

"So...so there’s no...I mean there’s no mistake...I’m –

"You are definitely, 100%, PREGNANT. No doubt," Dr. Allan smiled. For someone who had been so adamant about never having another child, she could swear she detected unadulterated joy riding just beneath the surface of her patient’s carefully controlled tone.

"And she – I mean...I mean am I – healthy enough to...I mean what if –

"Ok, hold on," Dr. Allan interrupted gently. "What I’m going to have you do is come in for a complete exam – ultrasound – the whole bit, in a few days. That way we can be sure that everything is going well, and according to schedule. I’ll give you another exam and we’ll get a clearer picture of what we’re dealing with."

"But you don’t know...I mean you couldn’t tell whether...I mean I know that’s a stupid question right, I mean all you did was take a blood teeeeest," Elizabeth’s words were drawn out as the realization dawned on her. The blood test the doctor had taken had not been simply to test her blood for the aftereffects of the medication. It’d been a pregnancy test.

The doctor sighed on the other end of the receiver. "I’m sorry that I misled you…but you just had such a glow about you...I mean I’ve only been an OB for a few years now...but I am NEVER wrong about these things. I know a pregnant woman when I see her.

"As for your other questions," she continued. "They’re not stupid at all. You have every right to be concerned...however, Mrs. Hart –

"Webber," Elizabeth corrected suddenly. "If you could call me Ms. Webber please...or even just ELIZABETH I’d prefer that...thank you."

Terrie Allan nodded. "Good enough, Elizabeth....and what’s also good is that I truly don’t foresee much difficulty with this pregnancy. I won’t lie to you and say medical technology can cure every possible problem – you’ve had evidence enough of the contrary.

"BUT, I will say this: you are a healthy young woman. You’re in good shape...and now that you know you are carrying a child I’m SURE that you’ll be eating better?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said quickly. "Definitely."

"Well good then...I’ll expect to see you in my office in 3 days."

Elizabeth took a deep breath. Lucky would be home by then right? He’d called last night and said he’d be coming home today, but it was already close to sun down. She was beginning to lose hope that today would be the day.

"Ok," Elizabeth sighed. Slowly letting her hand drift over her abdomen. "Three days...I’ll be there."

"Ok, then," Dr. Allan smiled. "Oh and Elizabeth...Congratulations."

When the line went dead, Elizabeth let head fall back on the couch. Smiling slowly when Luke walked in. "Hey..."

"Hey yourself," Luke grinned. Taking a seat next to her. "How ya doin?…You look like you’re feelin’ better…I’da thought you’d be ready to chop my son’s head off by now."

Her grin got a bit wider. "Right now I’d just settle for seeing that head - perfectly attached to his body.…..I wish he wasn’t bringing that guy here…he could have been home by now."

Luke inhaled through his nose. Seeing the worry lines crease Elizabeth’s young face. He remembered watching the same lines appear on his own wife’s brow years ago. If anything could speed up the evidence of time, it was worry. And he had been a prime culprit of increasing the effects of time.

"Lucky needs this Elizabeth," Luke began slowly. "I know you may not understand it...Hell, he probably doesn’t even understand it...but he wasn’t – he wasn’t there for you when you needed him most –

"Luke –

"Hold on...let me finish," Luke said, taking the floor again. "I’m not blaming him, and I know that you’ve cut him more slack than he thinks he deserves...but that’s just it. Nobody can blame Lucky like LUCKY can blame Lucky...therefore, he’s gotta do whatever he can at this point to make things right. Even if that means bringing some low-life thug to town in order to do it……you just have to trust that he knows what he’s doing."

Elizabeth inhaled deeply and nodded. "I know that...I just, I miss him. That’s all."

Luke nodded. "Well you two spent enough time apart. It’s no wonder a coupla days drives you batty…Hell, I still wanna pull my hair out – don’t even LOOK at my head if you wanna stay in my good graces – when Laura decides to visit her mother for a few days."

The young woman who’d captured his son’s heart so long ago laughed out loud, and it was a glorious sound. Luke smiled slowly.

"And look at you...all lit up like a Christmas tree these days, the Cowboy’s gonna feel like he won the lottery when he gets back here...he’ll be sorry he ever left."

Elizabeth bit her lip. "I think...I think things are looking up Luke. You know? With my grandmother and.……..and everything else," she whispered. Touching her stomach.

It was the second time she’d made that same gesture and it didn’t go unnoticed by Luke. So THAT was the little secret his wife had been carrying around. Luke took a deep, cleansing breath. It seemed his son was in for a shock when he got home. One that he desperately needed.

"Yeah...and everything else..." Luke sighed.

"I’m gonna go call the club from the kitchen," he continued. "See if Claude has burned the place down yet.

When she smiled once more, Luke did as well. And felt the sudden need to bend down and kiss the top of her head before turning for the kitchen. "I’m glad you’re back in our lives Elizabeth... Very glad."

Before she had a chance to start crying, Elizabeth nodded quietly and watched him walk away. Wondering if her child would give people gifts like that some day. The kind of gifts that Lucky and his family always gave people. Soft, gentle compliments. Lingering, tender kisses on the head, and hugs when you least expected them.

Gifts from the heart.

Elizabeth sighed and closed her eyes, thankful that this baby would be surrounded by this - an environment so much different than the one she’d grown up in. An environment where she knew she wouldn’t be the only one to love her child. An environment so rich love that it filled her heart.

"What do you mean you haven’t found him?…Isn’t that what I’m paying you for? To find people?" Alex asked calmly. Trying to keep his temper in check. His doctor had told him he needed to keep his stress level down.

Two prescriptions, one for high blood pressure and the other for lack of sleep staring at him from atop his desk at that very moment. He wouldn’t be taking either of the damn medical poisons until he knew for sure that things were taken care of. He had too much on his mind to be drugged out.

Yet the incompetent private investigator he was working with wasn’t helping matters any. He couldn’t even manage to find a low-life professional gambler, and a washed up old man.

"Ah, no disrespect Mr. Hart but you’re asking me to find a grifter and another guy who’s been an expert at evading the law for years…it’s not as easy as you might think."

Alex poured himself a glass of vodka and pushed down on the cap of his blood pressure medication. The damn child safe top, causing his hand to shake. His nerves were shot. Everything had gone to Hell since she’d left.

"I don’t remember asking you if it was easy or not."

"Mr –

"Listen to me, do you think I care if your job is easy – do you? Do you think I want to hear you whine and complain about how hard it is? NO. All I want from you is to FIND them and quit wasting my time. I will NOT pay you one red cent over the amount that I’ve already quoted you, do you understand that? Once the money is gone – it’s gone. After that you won’t have to worry about how HARD it is to find anyone, because you won’t be able to find your way out of the continuous stream of dribble that comes out of your mouth. Do you understand me, you inept, incompetent ass? I will make your life a living Hell."

There was silence for a long moment. The guy was already making his life a living hell. What he really needed was for somebody to jag something nice and sharp right between his eyes. "Yes…I – yes, I understand Mr. Hart. They’ll be found."

Alex downed one pill and washed it towards his gut with a gulp of the clear alcohol. "Good……and how is that other matter coming along. Do I have to baby-sit you on that too?"

The voice on the other end sighed long and hard. "Mr. Hart she’s only an old lady, and I’m not…I’m a private investigator sir. I never signed on to –

"YOU WILL DO WHAT I’M PAYING YOU TO DO!" Alex shouted. Standing to his feet quickly, and pounding the side of his fist against the dark wooden desk.

Just outside the office door, Frank took a deep steadying breath. Just about to inform his boss that he was leaving for the night, when he quickly decided against it. Instead, he’d just go. There was no sense in talking to him when he was in one of his moods.

But Frank was used to his boss’ tirades by now. The way he sometimes flew off the handle in a wild fit of rage, yet lately – lately it had gotten worse. Far worse than it even had been when Mrs. Hart had still been living there.

He was thankful that the Mrs. had gotten out when she had. He’d always hated the way Mr. Hart had treated her. But now she was ok. Living with her boyfriend again, and happy. She had the most beautiful smile when she was happy.

When Alex started screaming at whomever he was talking to again, Frank flinched and slid his arms into his jacket. Yes, he’d just be leaving for the night…and trying to find a new job as soon as possible.

Elizabeth stood up and paced past the phone once more. Restless and eager to hear his voice. Where was he damnit! Was he having to stay in the city another day?

"Have you tried checking your messages?"

A grin spread over Elizabeth’s face and she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. ‘Out of the mouths of babes.’

"Has anyone ever told you that you’re brilliant Miss Leslie?"

"Only every day," Lu replied with a grin. Returning to her homework at the dining room table. "It gets really bothersome being a genius sometimes."

Elizabeth nodded at the comment under Lu’s breath. "I know…It’s a hard life for your brother too..…..Ok, so you think I should call the phone at the apartment huh?...Why wouldn’t he just call my cell though, if he wanted to talk to me privately?"

Lulu sighed and put her pencil down. This stuff was more fascinating than when she snuck and programmed the VCR for All My Children. "Probably because if people already think you’re out of town...the first thing they’d bug – if they were looking to keep tabs on you – would be your cell phone.

"Whereas," she continued. "They’d be less apt to check the phone at your apartment since both you and Lucky are ‘gone’....BUT, since that’s still a possibility I’m sure Lucky shut everything up real tight, and put a bug detector on the phone."

Elizabeth simply stared for a moment. "A bug detector?…What are you studying over there? Long Division or the Ins & Outs of the CIA?"

Lulu only raised her eyebrows and turned back to the books. Elizabeth laughed and said thank you.

"Anytime," Lulu smiled slyly. Sometimes you just had to lead grownups in the right direction.

Elizabeth continued to smile to herself as the phone rang at their apartment. Punching in the code to collect messages left after their service answered. It seemed Lulu had been right. There was only one message and it was from Lucky.

The smile on her face widened and Elizabeth bit down on her bottom lip to keep from bursting. She pressed the phone to ear as if maybe she’d be able to feel his breath against her skin if she used just the right amount of pressure.

"If I’m guessing right," Lucky began with a smile in his voice. "It’s nightfall and you’ve just about had it with waiting for me, so you’re checking the messages on our machine…or at least I hope you are," his heavenly voice sighed. "If you didn’t think of it on your own…I’m sure Lu offered some unsolicited advice."

Elizabeth closed her eyes at the sound of his voice and nodded to herself. Her man knew everything.

"Good thing I’m back in Port Charles though or I’d really be in trouble with you right now, huh?"

Giddiness shot through her body and she hopped up and down in excitement. Grinning from ear to ear when Lu turned around in her seat. The little girl shook her head and shrugged at Foster. Her brother must’ve been home. Elizabeth only got that fitfully happy when Lucky was in the room, or on the phone.

"You don’t have to answer that," Lucky continued on. "I guess you can just um…give me my…punishment when you see me tonight," he said suggestively.

"Meet me at the boxcar at 8 o’clock…wear something…well – it doesn’t matter what you wear. You’d be gorgeous in a layer of bubble wrap………hey," he said after a split second pause. "That just might be an idea…No, no…seriously," he laughed. "It’s sort of a special occasion…so you might wanna wear something – you know…goddess-like……you’re usual.

"I love you Elizabeth," he said pausing. "You’re the best…the best there is."

The deliberate way, in which he’d said the words, rang in her ears even after the message service beeped to let her know that it was finished. Elizabeth slowly hung up the phone. Glancing towards Lu, when a second passed by.

Her face glowed more than it had just a few moments before. "Lu," she asked slowly. "What’s today’s date?"

The girl turned around with an unhurried pace. Was this woman ever going to let her get her homework done? "September 15^th, why?"

Elizabeth’s hands rose to cup her own cheeks. "Oh gosh…I can’t believe…with all that’s been happening. It’s been so long that we’ve actually been together on this date that…oh gosh," she rambled.

Lulu tried to make sense of the conversation and who ‘we’ was. "What’d you forget?…His birthday already passed."

"No, Lu…it’s – it’s OUR birthday. I mean kinda…I mean…"

Oh gosh, why was she trying to explain this when all she really needed to be doing was getting ready. She had a little over an hour and not a damn thing to wear. These days none of her nice clothes actually fit right.

Lulu cut her off with a wave of her hand. "You need to get ready right?"

"Right."

"Should I call Emily?"

Elizabeth smiled and kissed the girl on her forehead. "You’re brilliant."

"See, now it’s up to twice a day," Lulu grinned as Elizabeth jogged up the stairs.

Lucky closed his eyes for a moment and thought back to a simpler time. A time when things had seemed so hopeless, yet they’d been full of hope. The hope that day-glow purple could cheer up metal walls and ceilings. The hope that false heaters could really keep them warm, and the hope that laughter within the confines of a barren train would bring them happiness.

And it had.

Yet it all seemed so long ago, as he stood here now. Touching the remains of his childhood. Sure the paint was fading, but the images were still clear enough to be magical. And magic was exactly what he needed tonight. Exactly what THEY needed.

With a spring in his step, Lucky spun around and sat his guitar in the corner behind him, and quickly started to light the small candles around the floor. Light bounced off the walls in rippling shadows. Perhaps, he thought. She'd always been drawn to the light because she was the light. It made sense, and he cherished every moment he’d ever been able to see that beautiful face illuminated in by candles.

When he turned around again, he searched through his backpack for plates. Setting the china on the crate that served as a table. The night hadn’t gone exactly like this. They’d eaten at Kelly’s that night. Sharing a plate of fries with Emily. But tonight he wanted to be completely alone with her. No friends, no family – no reenactments of fights with between he and Nikolas about Lulu - just THEM.

Sinking down atop of a crate, the sensation of her lips touching his for the first time slid over his body. Overcoming his senses as he closed his eyes. He could still feel her presence, could still feel how her skin had felt against his, that very first time.

"You didn’t fly anywhere…you can’t possibly have jet lag."

Before he even opened his eyes he was grinning. Excitement coursing through him at the sound of her voice. He looked up rose from his seat immediately. Her beauty nearly causing his knees to buckle.

Lucky jumped down out of the boxcar. He could only stare for a moment. Realizing once more that she was far more beautiful than any star that shown in the sky. His eyes continued to take in every inch of her before he gave into the desire to kiss her.

Elizabeth allowed her anxiousness to melt away as he kissed her. His hands, gently caressing the sides of her face as his lips slid against hers. Softly and slowly, with a hint of something more mature than it had been years ago – but just as sweet.

The sensations lingered against her lips as he pulled away, and she opened her eyes slowly. "Happy Anniversary," they both whispered at once.

"I can’t believe you remembered," Elizabeth said softly. Reaching up to brush a hair out of Lucky’s forehead. He wore a silverfish-gray colored shirt that shown in the moonlight, making his eyes look bluer than ever. She had to catch her breath. "With everything that’s happened in the last few days…to be honest with you –

"You didn’t remember?" Lucky asked with a grin. Letting his fingers travel over her cheeks. Pushing a few curly strands behind her ears. She’d left it to dry the way it did when she didn’t have time to blow-dry it, all wispy and wild. "That’s ok," he continued. "With your grandmother and everything…you’ve had even more going on for the past coupla days."

'Even more than you know,' Elizabeth thought to herself. Her heart racing once again. Between the nearness of him and the anticipation of telling him the news about the baby, her heart was close to jumping right out of her chest.

"I know, but…that’s still no excuse," she panted.

Lucky placed a finger against her lips. Letting his eyes drift over her once more. She was so damn beautiful tonight it hurt to even look at her. Wearing one of those dresses where the waistline came up just under her breasts, and spaghetti straps lay daintily against her skin. Wearing one of those dresses that he wanted to take off as soon as she put it on.

"You wanna know why I had no trouble remembering this date?" He asked softly. Trying to clear his head of lustful thoughts. They had all night for that.

Elizabeth nodded slowly.

"Because every year that I spent without you," he began. Allowing his index finger to slide slowly along her bottom lip. "I would think about that first time I felt these lips."

She watched his eyes move as he spoke in the softest, most beautiful voice imaginable. Suddenly saddened by the thought of him being alone. Of them both missing out on being together on this day, but she knew that he hadn't said it to make her sad. He only said it because he was grateful for the time they had together now. "Thank you so much for coming back to me," he finished.

Rising slowly on her tip-toes, Elizabeth kissed the tip of Lucky’s nose and then his mouth. "I love you."

He grinned and then smiled completely. "That’s an entirely different anniversary."

And when she thought about how this Christmas might be for them, she could only gaze at him. Silently designing different scenarios for what life would be like once December rolled around. For the last few years she'd dreaded what was once her favorite holiday. This year she'd welcome it with open arms.

Lucky turned to hoist himself up into the boxcar and then reached for her hand. Helping her to step inside as well. Her mouth dropped open at the vision that the boxcar presented. Every corner lit. Pillows and soft quilt draped in another. She giggled when she saw their air mattress, and when silent when her eyes landed on the plate of piping hot French fries on a crate.

She smiled at him with tears in her eyes. "You think of everything…this is perfect."

Holding out his hand again, he gestured for her to sit. "I thought about getting a meal that was a little fancier than French fries, but I thought in keeping with the theme –

"It’s perfect," she repeated. Lacing her fingers through his as they sat across from each other. Unable to keep her hands very far away from him. "I missed you so much."

Lucky leaned in and kissed her once again. Breathing in deeply when he finally pulled back. "I missed you too."

Elizabeth licked her lips and suddenly held up a fry. Extending it towards his mouth. Lucky took a bite. "So how did everything go?"

He nodded his head, unable to speak around his food at first. "Nope," he mumbled. "We’re not talking about that tonight. No Rick, no Alex, no Helena…nothing – no badguy talk tonight…this is just about us."

She closed her eyes and nodded. It was a good policy. Especially knowing that the last time they’d been in this boxcar together, all they had talked about was Alex. Discussing how he ruined everything. Plotting against him. They’d marred this sacred place, and like everything else in their lives – it was time to take it back.

After the dream she’d had about Alex this morning, she wanted nothing more than to think only of herself and Lucky…and…

"Lucky…I have. I have something I need to tell you."

He held out a fry and she took it in her mouth. Chewing awkwardly. How was she going to do this? She hadn't even thought of a really nifty way to say it? ‘Oh just come out with it…this is exactly what you did the last time and then he wound up…’

"What a coincidence," he said nervously. "So do I…or – actually…rather – ask you…but um – yeah…you can go first…shoot."

Elizabeth quickly shook her head. Nervousness caused her to push at her hair. "No you…go."

Lucky eyes riveted themselves to hers and then he glanced away. "Man, I really wanted to be smooth about this…but I can’t necessarily do this the way I’m supp….I mean I don’t even have a…

At her absolute silence, and bewildered stare, Lucky got another idea. "Um…hey, you wanna hear a song? I mean in honor of this anniversary I think it's only right."

"What?" Elizabeth asked. A little taken aback by the sharp turn. "Of course…Yes! You know I always wanna hear you sing…did you bring your…" Her voice trailed away when he hopped up and retrieved his guitar from behind a few crates. "I should have known."

Lucky licked his suddenly dry lips and strummed the first few chords of the first song he’d ever played for her. The first song he’d ever played for anyone. First, seemed appropriate for tonight.

And as he began to sing, it felt like the first time - all over again.

There were tears in her eyes when he stopped. And he reached out and brushed at the corner of one. She sniffled and smiled softly as she lay her face against his palm. "It gets more beautiful every time I hear it," she whispered.

"It’s just following the course of its namesake."

She could only sigh. Still unable to always respond to his lovely words. How could you respond?

"But you know," he sighed suddenly. Sticking his hand beneath the guitar strings, and maneuvering inside the hallow space. Her brow knit together in confusion when he withdrew a rolled up piece of paper from inside the instrument. It looked like a scroll fastened with tiny bits of colored strips of fabric. "I think…I think I lied."

Her expression of absolute puzzlement, prompted him forward. "I said that all I wanted from you was to watch you sleep, and to watch you breathe…but what I forgot to mention was wanting to watch you grow old, wanting to sit on a porch swing with you and feed the sparrows when the fat pigeons keep getting in their way," he laughed as tears began to well in his eyes. "What I forgot to mention was wanting to spend every waking moment with you…doing absolutely nothing…and everything we can possibly imagine - together."

When he started to unroll what looked to be the plans for the most beautiful home she’d ever seen, she held her breath. What was he…what was he doing…was he doing what she thought he was doing…

"It’s not a ring," he explained, completely unrolling the piece of paper and setting two crystal paperweights on either side. He took her trembling hands in his. "But it’s a window, a snapshot of our future and what it’s going to be like…it’s not perfect yet," he said suddenly. Pointing towards the living room. "I wasn't positive if you'd want a window like this in the living room or in the studio…"

"The studio?" She asked. Her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open. Was this really happening?

Lucky licked his lips and finally looked up into her eyes. "It can be anything you want it to be Elizabeth…because this is just a rough draft. Our first house. Together…It can be whatever we want it to be…that is, IF you want it to be…I've set things up with Arnie…and well - we've got a little deal going. I promise to take care of all his computer needs till the end of time - he builds us a house."

Elizabeth laughed out loud and then covered her mouth because it was trembling so badly.

"See," he continued. Getting down on one knee in front of her. Elizabeth tried not to gasp. "What I’m asking you, in a very round about way is…Will you marry me? Will you make this house," he gestured towards the blueprint. "A home…with me?"

How long had she waited to hear those words out of his mouth? How many nights had she dreamt of what it’d be like to be Mrs. Lucas Lorenzo Spencer, Jr.? Since the very first time she'd drawn Lucky and Lizzie in that heart on her notepad, she'd dreamt of this.

He re-laced their fingers, and shook her hands. Trying to bring her out of her trance.

Her head would only move at first. No words would come. And soon Lucky’s head was moving right along with hers. Nodding in accordance. "Is that…is that a yes?" He asked timidly. Staring into her eyes. About to burst inside for need of a verbal response.

Her head shook more vigorously, and she smiled wide. "Ye – yes. YES! YES!" She screamed. Standing up quickly. Lucky rose from the floor and hugged her so tightly that she lifted right off the ground. Her arms wound tightly around his neck. "Oh my God!"

Lucky laughed in the crook of her neck, and sniffled back tears. "Oh man, you really had me sweatin it out there for a minute Webber."

She pulled back far enough to kiss him hard on the mouth. Smothering every thought in his head. His arms tightened their hold around her and he spun them both around. "God, I love you," he mumbled around her lips. Turning again and again. "I love you, I love you, I love you," he repeated. His kisses serving as commas between the declarations.

"Oh Gosh!" he said suddenly. Letting her go. "I forgot something…ok…wait, let's do this again."

Elizabeth laughed as he got down on his knees once more. "Lucky stop, your pants are getting all dirty."

"Are you kidding me?" He laughed through tears. "I've waited too long for this…I'm doin' it the right way."

She held her face because it was so hot and flushed. Even her skin reacting to the joy of what was happening to her. She gave him her hand when he reached for it. "This isn’t your conventional, diamond engagement ring," he began. Lifting the multi-colored pieces of fabric that had held the blueprints together. "Although you WILL – I promise you – you will have one of th –

Elizabeth leaned down from the waist and kissed him. Holding his face steady as she did so. It didn’t matter to her. Diamonds, gold, silver. None of it mattered. The most precious gem in the world was staring right at her. And he was priceless.

"Would you just be quiet and give me my ring?" She smiled. Staring at the vibrant braid of material. It was beautiful.

He nodded. Having gotten lost in her kiss for a moment. Once he collected himself, he tried to explain the significance. "Their fabric samples…just another symbol of our future together. You can pick whichever you like, or pick all of them or…heck, all of our homes together have been pretty damn colorful – so, whichever you like."

She laughed out loud again and he continued with a wide grin. "So, because I like hearing the word…I’ll ask you again…Elizabeth Imogene Webber will you be my wife, for the rest of our lives?

"Speak!" He demanded through a smile. Shaking her hands when she could only nod again.

"Yes! YES!" She squealed. Hopping up and down a bit when he slipped the circle of material onto her ring finger. Lucky stood and kissed her once more.

When he pulled away, she mumbled against his lips. "And the day after that if possible."

Lucky lay his forehead against hers. Just holding the sides of her face as he breathed her in. When she spoke again he listened as if it were the most important thing she would ever say to him.

"There’s only one problem," she whispered. Pointing down at the floor plans for their future home. THEIR home.

He pulled back. Letting his hands drop away as panic broke out behind his eyes. "What? What is it?"

Elizabeth bent down and picked up the plans. Scrutinizing them slowly.

"Something’s wrong with the house?" Lucky asked. "Like I said Elizabeth, we can change anything you want. If you want this room, here instead of there…I mean I thought the studio should go here, just because I know you like to paint in the morning and the sun comes up right about -

She smiled and placed a finger to his lips. "No, it’s not that…that's perfect. You're perfect…We’re just gonna need another room."

Lucky’s brow knit together and then realization dawned. Or at least he thought it had. "Oh yeah…I’m sorry. We can totally add a guest room for as long as your grandmother needs to stay with us. That’s not a problem at all…we can put it right here," he gestured.

Elizabeth bit her lip and nodded. "Yeah…I guess we’re gonna need TWO extra rooms then."

He shook his head and grinned. "I don’t get it…you want a gym or somethin’?"

"A nursery."

Because the first thought that ran through his mind was ludicrous and impossible, he skipped to the next logical one. "Those go outside Elizabeth. We can build like a solarium right next to the –

She narrowed her eyes and took his hands in hers. Grinning wickedly at him. "Not THAT kind of nursery…the FIRST one that you thought of."

It was Lucky’s turn at speechlessness. His breath caught in his throat when she placed his trembling hands on her abdomen.

She watched his face try and take it all in but it couldn't. He couldn't even seem to process it. Much like she'd been just a few nights ago.

"Lucky," she whispered. One hand atop of his on her belly. The other on his face. "Baby…we're having a baby."