Together Again 
by Desi

---

Chapter Six

“Your son? But Chris there is no way that you and I could’ve....” Eve trailed off lost in a moment’s contemplation, “I mean I know we’d talked about it, but we hadn’t actually...” 

“Eve, obviously we did,” Chris nodded towards the papers, “or else the tests wouldn’t have confirmed it.” 

“But we would’ve remembered it, wouldn’t we?” she asked her voice shaky as she gazed over the page. 

“I wish we had, but Eve,” he hesitated as he reached out to brush his fingertip over her cheek softly, “we can’t worry about that now. What we have to think about is that little boy in there, our little boy.” 

“Chris this is just all so sudden,” Eve blinked back, “I mean after all this time, all these months....” 

“Eve, I wasn’t expecting it, but somehow...” 

“Julie knew. Julie knew what was happening between us before we did and she found a way to get her hands on the truth,” Eve blinked back at him, “She found a way to try to pull us together again, to tell us what we should’ve been fully aware of so long ago...” 

“Eve, I know it sounds crazy, but now everything she said makes sense. The way she told me to start again, to love again,” Chris began at a loss as he looked to her, “Julie knew....” 

“And she said nothing,” Eve reminded him, “She didn’t bother to tell either one of us what she found out.” 

“Eve, she probably assumed we knew,” Chris explained with a sigh, “Julie was gone for quite some time. She didn’t know what had happened to me, what had become of my life....” 

“...except she knew we made love,” Eve shook her head as it sunk in, “We made love and had a child together.” 

“That’s right we did,” Chris watched as she began to pace around, “and I’m telling you know I’ll do everything and anything in my power to see to it that our son is well protected.” 

“Our son,” Eve let the words sink in as she reached out to embrace him, “Chris, we can’t lose him.” 

“We won’t,” Chris squeezed her closer to him, “I’m sure of that.” 

“I hope you’re right,” Eve closed her eyes wishing and hoping that she would be able to pull together the strength to believe in Daniel’s full recovery. 

“I’m worried,” Jack began rising from the sofa as he paced around the lighthouse, “this isn’t like Chris to just keep from calling us.” 

“Jack, you and Chris spent years alienated from one another,” Livvie reminded him as she watched the concern behind his eyes. 

“I’m sure he would’ve called if there was any change in Daniel,” Alison offered up in support as she squeezed Rafe’s hand, “he has a lot of angels looking over him.” 

“I wish I was as convinced,” Jack sighed, “but there was just something about the way Chris talked to me. I can’t just sit here like this. Something is wrong with my brother and I need to find out what’s going on.” 

“Jack, I don’t know if you leaving now is a good idea when we promised Chris that we’d look after Angel,” Livvie started once again, “while she’s with Christina now we shouldn’t keep her out too late.” 

“Livvie, I just can’t help feeling that something more is bothering Chris. There was just something behind his voice, something I haven’t heard since the day he lost Julie,” Jack hesitated, “I hope you don’t mind if I step out on you to check on him.” 

“It’s really important to you, isn’t it?” Livvie reached out to him. 

“Livvie, he’s my brother,” Jack reminded her, “I have to be there for him.” 

“Then go on,” she nodded finally, “I’ll stay here with Angel and make sure she’s taken care of. When you get word on Chris you can come back and pick the two of us up.” 

“Thank you for understanding,” Jack kissed her briefly, “I love you.” 

“I love you too,” Livvie squeezed his hand gently, “now go before you wear a hole in the carpet.” 

“I’ll be back when I can,” Jack promised leaving the lighthouse eager to meet up with his brother once again. 

“Things have really come full circle for him and Chris, haven’t they?” Rafe questioned breaking his long silence. 

“Indeed they have,” Livvie nodded, “after that little truth spell you put on Chris, well, they’ve kind of been like Jack has always hoped they’d be. They’re so close and I know it never would’ve happened without your help Rafe.” 

“I didn’t do anything, but help steer Chris in the right direction. He did it all on his own,” Rafe shrugged bashfully. 

“No, you did so much more than that,” Livvie noted the happiness over her friend’s features as Alison held his hand, “you’ve changed all of our lives in ways that we can’t even begin to thank you for, but most of all you’ve given us all a second chance at life, something that we didn’t believe was possible a year ago.” 

“I thought you’d be out of here by now,” Paige stepped in beside Kevin placing her hand on his shoulder, “I’d seen that Lucy left quite a while ago.” 

“She did,” Kevin turned around to face her, “but I didn’t imagine you’d be sticking around here.” 

“Well, you know I do happen to spend some of my time making the most in this place and I feel that being here in this hospital is good for me. It gives me humility.” 

“I can’t argue with you there,” Kevin nodded, “this place has been a great learning experience for me and in a round about way it helped bring me closer to Lucy.” 

“How so?” Paige raised a curious brow. 

“It’s not worth getting into,” Kevin offered a half smile, “but I’ll tell you this, it’s one hell of a story.” 

“I’d be curious to hear it,” Paige smiled at him, “judging by the expression on your face it would seem that it’s by far an incredible tale.” 

“Indeed it is,” Kevin nodded, “in fact, you wouldn’t believe the half of it if I’d told it to you.” 

“You might have to try me sometime,” Paige urged, “I might not be as unyielding as you believe me to be.” 

“Maybe I will take you up on it,” Kevin glanced back over towards the doors Eve had gone into. 

“I can see you care very deeply about your friend as well,” Paige noted, “she’s lucky to have you.” 

“I’m the lucky one. I’ve been blessed with some wonderful people in my life,” Kevin nodded with a half smile, “Eve is an incredible woman.” 

“So I’ve heard,” Paige noted, “tell me something though, what are your ties to young Daniel?” 

“He’s a very special little boy,” Kevin explained, “we all went through some pretty unbelievable experiences with one another over the last year or so.” 

“I see, and that’s where the attachment comes in,” Paige nodded, “of course I always pictured you to be a wonderful father and while Livvie and Christina would probably agree with me on that, I often wondered why you hadn’t started a family sooner.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Well, you have this lovely wife at home who just seems to adore children and while you too have a fondness for children, you’re here instead of home with Lucy.” 

“What are you getting at Paige?” 

“I’m just saying that while your loyalty to your friend Eve is very honorable, perhaps your wife would rather have you home with her during a time like this when your family is missing you.” 

“Paige, are you trying to imply that I’m a bad father?” 

“No, not at all. I was just merely saying that during times like these when tragedy strikes, often you find the best place to be is at home with those who love you. Those who mean the most to you.” 

“Is this your not so subtle way of trying to tell me to get lost?” 

“Not exactly,” Paige took his hand as she lead him down the hallway before nodding to Chris and Eve up ahead of them in one another’s arms, “but I think Eve is well taken care of. You might want to go check in on your wife.” 

“Perhaps you’re right,” Kevin thought it over, “since when did you get so focused?” 

“Call it the wisdom of age,” Paige offered with a light smile, “while your dear Lucy doesn’t believe that I am capable of that, my mind has grown far more than my skin has aged.” 

“So it has,” Kevin reached out to embrace her, “thank you.” 

“For what?” 

“For reminding me what was important,” Kevin smiled as he released her, “I think there’s someone I need to speak with.” 

“Good night Kevin,” Paige smiled in response watching him walk towards the elevators as she turned her eyes back to Chris and Eve. She looked to her watch as a frown washed over her features, “this isn’t good,” she glanced at Chris and Eve one last time before taking off to her meeting as she was already late...not a good way to start. 

Ian sat in the interrogation room, his head buried in his hands as he was overcome with guilt. Feeling his heart sink, he let out a heavy sigh as the door opened and he noted footsteps before him. Not bothering to look up, he kept his eyes closed as he spoke out in a pained tone, “You don’t have to tell me. I already know the consequences of what I’ve done...” 

“Ian, I think you’re carrying far too much of a burden on your shoulders,” Amy’s voice spoke out gently as he looked up to see his dear friend before him, “I know that in your heart you would never do anything to harm Daniel in any way.” 

“Amy, what are you doing here?” 

“I came over as soon as I heard what happened,” she moved over to the chair across from him seating herself before reaching out to take his hand, “how are you?” 

“I’ve hurt my little boy,” Ian replied his voice somber as his head dropped slightly, “I never should’ve gotten behind the wheel after those drinks.” 

“Ian, I was with you at the Recovery Room,” Amy reminded him, “you didn’t drink that much.” 

“Still, it was far too much for me to put my son’s life on the line.” 

“Ian, listen to me. I know you believe you were wrong, but this isn’t your fault. I know that in my heart and there has to be some other explanation for this.” 

“Amy, they tested my alcohol level at the hospital and it was off the charts,” Ian slumped further, “and now my son could die because of my foolishness.” 

“Ian, I can’t believe that you would willingly put Daniel in harm’s way, nor do I believe that what happened to him was your doing,” Amy insisted, “this isn’t your fault and this is some kind of misunderstanding.” 

“Amy, you weren’t there...” 

“Even so,” she started as Mac entered the room. 

“Ian,” Mac’s voice was firm as he took in a breath. 

“I’m ready for you to take me away,” Ian answered painfully, “I’m ready to suffer the consequences of my actions.” 

“As much as I’d like to see to it that happened, in this particular instance,” Mac took in a breath, “the accident, well despite what the tests confirmed about you at the hospital, the truck driver’s blood alcohol was twice that of yours, not to mention he was driving a machine with faulty brakes.” 

“What?” Ian’s eyes widened in surprise. 

“It seems there was a mix-up at the hospital,” Mac let out a breath, “your results weren’t the ones you were given at the time of your treatment, but rather they were those of the man who’d run into you and Daniel.” 

“You mean you’re not going to charge me?” 

“No,” Mac shook his head, “I’m not. The truck driver confessed to being under the influence and knowing of the problems with his vehicle. It seems you’re off the hook. Granted we have a few things we need to take care of, a few technicalities to work with, but if all goes as I assume it will, you’ll be free to go.” 

“Free,” Ian repeated as he turned to Amy, “did you hear that?” 

“You weren’t responsible for what happened to Daniel,” Amy smiled in response as he reached out to embrace her. 

“I didn’t hurt my son,” Ian’s voice let out a breath of relief as he hugged her, “I didn’t hurt him.” 

“No you didn’t,” Amy smiled inwardly as his strong arms wrapped around her, “you weren’t responsible for this in the slightest way. Just like I’d told you that you weren’t.” 

“I wanted so much to believe that, but then when I’d gotten my blood alcohol level,” Ian trailed off. 

“It was a mistake, nothing more than a simple misunderstanding and when you’re finished here, well, we’ll set the record clean once and for all,” she promised him with a hug smiling inwardly as she knew that she’d done the right thing in seeing to it that Ian would have the charges dropped against him. While he wasn’t aware of just how much she’d cared about him, soon he’d see just how far she’d do to see to it that he was happy. After all he’d done for her, he deserved that much in his life and she would be sure to give him that in her short time left. That much she was certain of. 

“So what do we do now?” Eve questioned taking the time to compose herself once more as she looked up to Chris. 

“We do all we can for Daniel,” Chris promised her bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it tenderly, “and believe me when I tell you that I’ll stop at nothing to ensure our son will be alright.” 

“I believe you,” Eve reached out to embrace him once again as Jack came upon them. 

Jack looked to his brother noting the way he was holding Eve as Chris realized they were no longer alone. Eve opened her mouth to question Chris’ swift response, but as she saw Jack she wiped at her face and stood taller. 

“How’s Daniel?” Jack questioned with obvious concern. 

“He’s stable,” Eve answered, “Speaking of which I should probably get back in there with him.” 

“I’ll be there soon,” Chris squeezed her hand once again as she left him with his brother. 

“Chris, what’s going on,” Jack questioned with a frown, “I could tell on the phone that something wasn’t right. Is something more going on with Daniel?” 

“Daniel’s going to be okay,” Chris took in a breath, “at least I hope so. God, do I hope so.” 

“Chris, I’m sure he will be, but....” Jack stopped, “what is going on? You sounded so distant on the phone.” 

“Jack, I don’t know how to say this,” Chris hesitated, “come to think of it, what are you doing here? Where’s Angel?” 

“She’s with Livvie at the lighthouse.” 

“The lighthouse? What the hell is my daughter doing there?” Chris raised his voice a bit, “why on earth would you leave her there?” 

“Christina was having a nightmare and she asked to see her,” Jack explained, “Angel wanted to see her sister as well, so Livvie and I thought it would be best to take her over there.” 

“Is Christina alright,” Chris’s voice shifted with concern, “did something happen?” 

“Just a bad dream, but as soon as she saw Angel, the two were both so happy,” Jack informed him, “in fact last I saw them, Christina was reading Angel a story.” 

“Christina’s so good with her,” Chris couldn’t help but smile, “Julie would be so proud of the both of them if she was still here to see them together.” 

“She has amazing little girls,” Jack agreed, “the both of them.” 

“I’m very proud of my children,” Chris added, “while I know Christina isn’t my daughter, I always felt a special bond with her and she means a lot to me.” 

“Much like you and Daniel,” Jack noted as Chris turned away, “there’s that look again.” 

“Jack, there’s a lot I need to tell you, things I can’t even quite get a firm grasp on yet myself, but I’m sure you’re going to hear this sooner or later, so here it goes,” he breathed, “Daniel is my son.” 

“What?” 

“Jack, not too long ago, well okay it was a while ago, but there was a time....remember when Ian was married to Arianna?” 

“Eve was so miserable,” Jack noted, “they went through a rough patch for a while.” 

“Well that rough patch brought Eve and I together,” Chris answered keeping his voice level, “one thing lead to another and our togetherness, well it’s the reason Daniel is here.” 

“You mean you and Eve,” Jack blinked back, “you’re kidding right?” 

“Not in the least,” Chris shook his head, “Daniel is my son.” 

“But what about Ian? All this time Ian and Eve thought....” Jack trailed off, “are you sure?” 

“Jack, Julie ran some tests before she died and Karen confirmed it tonight,” Chris explained, “Daniel Thornhart is my son.” 

“And Ian, does he know?” 

“Eve and I just discovered it earlier,” Chris paused, “although if Ian had gotten his hands on the results before we had,” Chris tapered off a hint of anger in his tone. 

“Chris, you don’t think Ian would hurt him on purpose because he knew that you were Daniel’s father?” 

“I wouldn’t put it past the bastard. He was always trying to keep me away from Eve and if he knew that I was Daniel’s father, well I wouldn’t put it past him to try to hurt me.” 

“Chris, Daniel was his son. I don’t think he’d try to kill Daniel because there was the remote chance that you and Eve....” Jack started in Ian’s defense. 

“I can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner,” Chris huffed, “after all this time, all these months, Ian must’ve known. He must’ve found out about Eve and I, but to keep us apart....” 

“That doesn’t sound like something Ian would do,” Jack reminded him. 

“Jack, people go to some out there lengths for love and Ian was determined to keep Eve with him even if it meant leaving me out in the dark,” Chris shook his head, “I have to hand it to him. I almost handed over my son and Eve to him, but now that I know the truth, I’m never letting them go.” 

“Chris, think about what you’re saying.” 

“I am thinking about it,” Chris finished determined, “Ian isn’t setting foot near Eve or Daniel as long as I’m here. I won’t let him hurt either one of them again.” 

“Ian is Eve’s husband,” Jack pointed out. 

“Not for much longer,” Chris shook his head, “Eve was in the process of divorcing him and I’ll see to it that the proceedings go over smoothly.” 

“Chris, don’t you think you’re jumping the gun just a bit?” 

“No, Jack I don’t. Julie made sure I learned the truth for a reason and now that I know, I’m not letting go of my son. He deserves to know his father and I’ll see to it that he has that chance.” 

“And what about Eve? What about her feelings on this,” Jack paused, “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Chris if you and Eve did well, if you did sleep together, then why didn’t it occur for her to see if maybe just maybe Daniel was your son? I mean if Julie was able to run a test and she hadn’t been around for that long and Daniel’s parentage occurred to her, then why didn’t Eve think to see for herself?” 

“I don’t know,” Chris frowned. 

“Well, don’t you think you should consider that before you leap forward to be Eve’s knight in shining armor? She had no intentions of telling you that Daniel was your son, but now that things are on the brink of complete disaster between her and Ian, suddenly this news falls into your hands. Don’t you find that a little too easy?” 

“Which one of us is the cynic now,” Chris raised a brow. 

“Chris, I’m just saying I know that you’ve had feelings for Eve. Hell, all of us know that, but if you’re using the truth about Daniel to make your way back into her life again, well, maybe you should start thinking about what kind of woman she is. I mean what kind of woman willingly keeps a man from their child while passing him off as another man’s son?” 

“She didn’t know.” 

“How can you be so sure? Chris, really, how do you know that Eve didn’t plan this from the start? For all you know had this accident never happened, and Julie had those results sent to you, well you may never have known that Daniel was your son and Eve could’ve kept you in the dark forever.” 

“Jack, Eve wouldn’t do that to me,” Chris shook his head, “not Eve.” 

“Chris, I wish you’d at least see this one without blinders,” Jack watched his brother pace around, “I mean if Eve would’ve done anything to keep Ian back when he was with Arianna, then what would it have been for her to lie about Daniel’s paternity in order to keep him with her? You said it yourself when you proposed, she turned you away without a second thought, telling you that she wasn’t ready for marriage, but then when she returns to Port Charles, she and Ian are the picture perfect portrait of wedded bliss. Something doesn’t add up.” 

“Look Jack,” Chris glared at him, “Eve’s not Livvie. Unlike the woman you so blindly chose to fall in love with, I know Eve and I know her heart. While she may have wanted to be with Ian, she would never deny me a place in my son’s life. That much I’m sure of and now that I know Daniel is my son, there is nothing anyone can do to keep me from him. He and Angel are my life and I refuse to let anyone take that from me ever.” 

“That’s not fair and you know it,” Jack snapped back at him, “for you to attack me like that when I was just trying to be your brother. Chris, you have to face the possibility about Eve. She could’ve kept this from you on purpose.” 

“And then again, she may not have,” Chris insisted, “you can’t think that just because the women in your life have betrayed you, that all of those in mine do the same.” 

“Chris, this isn’t about me or my life,” Jack snapped back at him. 

“Eve is my friend Jack and above all else, I know that she wouldn’t betray me in such a way.” 

“I wish I could be as convinced as you are, but Chris, think about it for a moment. Eve had her romantic fantasy with Ian and how many times have they been at the point of near ending before they had some magical way of winding up together again?” 

“Jack, this isn’t about Ian and Eve anymore. It’s about my son and what’s best for him.” 

“Chris, I realize that but....” Jack stopped as Eve stepped out into the hallway. 

“Chris, is everything okay,” Eve questioned looking between the two of them. 

“Everything is fine,” Chris replied, “I was just wishing Jack farewell and then I was on my way in to see Daniel.” 

“Chris, just think about what I said,” Jack frowned, “please.” 

“I know what’s happening Jack,” Chris answered before turning away from him and going into Daniel‘s room. 

“What was that about?” Eve questioned concerned as she looked to Jack. 

“Don’t toy with him, Eve,” Jack warned, “because if I find out that’s what you’re doing, you’ll be very sorry you even considered it to begin with.” 

“What?” Eve blinked back at him, “Jack, what’s gotten in to you?” 

“I’m on to your game, Eve,” Jack cut back sharply, “and if I find out you’re playing my brother for a fool, well, know that you’ll have hell to pay and you’ll have to answer to me.” 

“Jack, I don’t know where this came from, but I’m not going to stand here and listen to it when my son is in there fighting for his life,” Eve cut back, “and you of all people should understand what I’m going through here.” 

“What I understand is that you’re an unhappy woman in an unhappy marriage and you see my brother as a way out of it, but I swear if you hurt him...” 

“Contrary to what you’re trying to get at with me, your brother means a great deal to me and I would never willingly hurt him,” Eve cut back sharply, “he’s very important to me.” 

“So important you failed to let him know he had a kid?” Jack questioned skeptically, “and here you were claiming Ian was the monster. Maybe you’d better rethink your priorities Eve as they seem to be in the wrong place,” he finished up turning to leave as Eve watched him in confusion. She looked back to Daniel’s room seeing Chris inside looking into Daniel’s incubator. Slowly making her way into the room, she stepped up to Chris and reached out to him touching his arm gently. 

“Chris,” Eve started her voice softer than usual as she thought of Jack’s words. 

“He’s going to get better,” Chris began focusing on Daniel as he felt her touch over him. 

“Chris, what just went on with Jack? Did you tell him that I kept the truth from you? That I kept you from knowing that you were Daniel’s father?” she questioned painfully. 

“Eve, I don’t want to talk about it,” he answered touching the incubator, “now is about Daniel.” 

“Chris, I didn't know,” Eve reached out to him once again, “I honestly didn’t know.” 

“Eve, it doesn't matter right now.” 

“No it does,” she turned him to face her, “I can feel your doubt already. You think I kept this from you, just like Jack does, don’t you?” 

“Eve, it’s just that well, Jack had a good point,” Chris blurted out honestly, “Julie figured it out in her short time here, but never once did you question it. Never once did you think that maybe just maybe Daniel could be my son.” 

“Chris, I was drunk the night we made love,” Eve reminded him, “you were drunk. Together we both had some hazy afterthoughts at best. You were just as surprised as I was tonight.” 

“But didn’t you see it? I mean, couldn’t you see part of me in him, or were you two wrapped up in Ian to even think about me? About us?” 

“Chris, it wasn’t about that. It wasn’t about us.” 

“Then what has this all been about?” 

“It’s about Daniel,” Eve explained firmly, “I never would’ve kept that from you had I known.” 

“Eve, it’s just all so complicated,” Chris confessed reaching out to touch her cheek. 

“I know it is, but you have to believe me when I swear to you I would never, ever keep your son from you, not when I know how much you love him and how much he loves you. Chris, had I know you were Daniel’s father, then I swear to you I would’ve had you been a part of his life from day one.” 

“Day one,” Chris nodded, “come to think of it, I was there on day one wasn’t I?” 

“That’s right. You were. You knew about him before I did and when we saw him for the first time, when we’d learned about his being inside me,” Eve couldn’t help but smile, “you were there to share that with me. You were there to share that moment of joy with me when I found out that I was going to have a happy, healthy child.” 

“And now?” 

“Now I hope you’ll be around to share the rest of his life with him,” Eve began, “you and Angel.” 

“I want nothing more than to be a good father to them.” 

“I know you will be Chris. I know that...” Eve stopped as she looked over to Daniel seeing his eyes opening, “Chris look.” 

Chris turned his eyes over towards the small boy as a warmth washed over his heart. Eve lead him over towards Daniel’s incubator and she urged him to reach out to him. 

“He knows you’re here,” Eve began as she watched Chris kneel beside Daniel. 

“Hey you,” Chris smiled proudly, “your daddy’s here now and I promise you that I’m never leaving you again,” Chris finished reaching out to his son as he promised himself that he would be the kind of father his children deserved from this moment on. 

Kevin opened the door to his bedroom and stepped inside to find two little sleeping figures curled up next to Lucy as she lay in the middle of the bed. Slowly making his way out of his jacket and setting in on the chair near the door, he tried to see if she was awake as he approached her and a smile washed over her features. 

“You look a bit busy, mom,” he teased in a whisper as she grinned up at him. 

“Aren’t they adorable,” Lucy whispered back easing her way from the two little ones as she moved over to greet her husband. Bringing her arm around him, she looked back to Christina cuddling up with her younger sister, “They’re like two perfect little angels in one another’s arms.” 

“Indeed they are,” Kevin agreed giving his wife a quick kiss. 

“You’re home earlier than I’d anticipated. How’s Daniel?” Lucy questioned quietly. 

“He’s stable,” Kevin glanced back over at the sleeping duo, “what do you say we go downstairs to talk for a little while?” 

“That sounds like a good idea,” Lucy agreed following her husband out of the bedroom before giving Christina and Angel one last look before closing the door behind her. 

“It looks like you had a busy evening,” Kevin finally began as he and Lucy were in the living room, “I didn’t realize we’d be babysitting tonight.” 

“Well, we weren’t, but when I got here Jack and Livvie brought Angel over and I saw her with Christina and Doc, oh Doc, aren’t they just so precious with one another?” 

“Indeed,” he nodded. 

“You know it makes me wonder why I didn’t take Christina over to see Angel sooner or more so why I didn’t have Angel over,” Lucy started thinking about her night with the girls, “at first Angel was shy, but then the more time I spent with her, oh Doc, she asked me if I would be her other mommy too just like Christina has me as her mommy.” 

“I see that she took to you rather quickly then,” Kevin reached out to her, “you must be getting quite good at this maternal role of yours, not that I ever had any doubts because well I knew you’d be an amazing mother.” 

“I’ve never seen Christina as happy as she was with her sister tonight,” Lucy hugged him in response, “they are just so comfortable with one another and in a way, they make each other so happy. Doc, you have no idea how amazing it was to hold the both of them in my arms, seeing their tiny, smiling faces as they wanted me to read them their bedtime story. It was like I’d gone to heaven in holding these precious little girls in my arms. All I’d needed was Serena up there and the moment would’ve been complete.” 

“It sounds like it,” Kevin smiled in response, “hopefully they’ll get to spend more time with one another in the future. Perhaps you should take the time to talk to Chris like I’d suggested...” 

“Chris,” Lucy wrinkled her nose, “Doc, you can’t be serious about wanting that man to spend time over here.” 

“I’m not big on the idea of spending any time with Chris, but given the impact you claim that Angel has on Christina, maybe it would do the both of them wonders if perhaps we put our feelings aside and let them be together for some play time.” 

“I’m all for some playtime for them, but Chris,” Lucy shook her head, “come to think of it, I still can’t believe that Julie just left her precious little baby with him. He’s clearly incapable of taking care of her. I mean think of how he was after Julie’s funeral. He wouldn’t even stop by to see Angel when he’d pawned her off to Jack and Livvie. Surely a father wouldn’t just pass off his child like that until the mood suited him to have her back.” 

“Chris was going through a difficult situation.” 

“Even so Angel needed a father and he was no where near being one. Come to think of it. Tonight is a perfect example. Where was he when his daughter was upset? He was off with Evie dealing with her problems, her son when he should’ve been putting his daughter first.” 

“Lucy, Eve is a close friend of Chris’s and he is just trying to be there for her in time of need like we were,” Kevin pointed out with a frown, “but enough about Chris and Eve. Where’s Livvie?” 

“What?” 

“You’d said that Livvie brought Angel over here. Where is she?” 

“Oh I sent her home. She said that Jack had gone over to the hospital and she was getting tired, so I told her we’d just keep Angel for the night. She’d left some things for her, so I didn’t think it would be a problem,” Lucy hesitated, “it’s not a problem, is it?” 

“Of course not,” Kevin shook his head, “It’s not a problem in the least, but I was rather hoping to spend the night with you in my arms.” 

“Well we can just relocate,” Lucy suggested with a smile, “seeing as I do have you home now.” 

“Thanks to Paige,” Kevin reached out to kiss her. 

“Paige?” Lucy frowned drawing back, “what does Paige have to do with anything?” 

“I ran into her at the hospital and she and I had a talk. She reminded me of what was important in my life and well I got to thinking, that she was right.” 

“About?” 

“About how much I wanted nothing more than to be with those I love the most,” Kevin confessed leading her over to the sofa and pulling her into his arms, “about how much my family meant to me and how I wanted nothing more than to spend the night with my wife in my arms counting my blessings.” 

“Oh Doc,” Lucy snuggled into him, “we truly are blessed aren’t we?” 

“We have everything we’ve ever wanted,” Kevin smiled happily, “and nothing is ever going to take that away from us.” 

“I am so happy,” Lucy smiled, “you have no idea how amazing it is knowing that each and every morning for the rest of my life I can call myself Mrs. Dr. Kevin Collins.” 

“You have no idea just how much I love calling you that,” he kissed the tip of her nose, “but rest assured that I am going to make each and every day of your life the best you’ve ever known. Our time together will be magical.” 

“It already is,” Lucy hugged her husband as she thought of how fate had truly blessed her with the happiness that had evaded her for so many years. 

Gabby stepped up to her apartment building unable to shake the feeling that had overcome her. She felt the winds pick up around her as the night had taken on a bit of a silence. As she reached for her keys to her apartment, she heard a distant sound in the alley catching her attention. Remembering a time not too long ago when she’d had an unfortunate mishap with Caleb that had changed her life in a dark alley, her fear got the best of her as she entered the complex making her way towards the elevators. Reaching out to the button, she pushed for her floor hoping that her mind was just on overload as the elevator doors opened and she stepped inside. 

“You need to relax Gabby,” she instructed herself as she waited for the elevator doors to close. Reaching out to press the button to her floor as the doors began to close, she let out a sigh of relief promising herself that she would stay away from horror films from this moment on once she was safe in home. As she expelled her relieved breath, she closed her eyes for a moment thinking of how her time at the hospital had taken it’s toll on her when she heard a strange clanging sound. As she opened her eyes she noted that the elevator doors hadn’t shut as there was a foot blocking the pathway and as she followed the dark leg before her, her eyes fell upon those of someone she’d never imagined seeing again.