Together Again 
by Desi

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Chapter Seven

Gabriella’s eyes widened as a gasp rose from deep within her. She reached forward unable to contain herself as she touched the face of her visitor, “Joe?” 

“Gabby,” he couldn’t help but smile as he looked into her dark eyes. 

“Wh-what are you going here?” she blinked back in confusion, “how?” 

“I needed to see you,” Joe explained with a half smile, “I know that I should’ve called first, but...” 

“No, no,” Gabby embraced him tightly, “I mean I’m just so surprised that you’re here, but Joe,” she looked at him once more, “seeing you again, this is just so, so incredible. I mean I never imagined...” she stopped herself, “I was just up on my way up to my apartment and...would you like to come up with me?” 

“Sure,” Joe responded with a smile stepping into the elevator as he looked her over, “god, you look great.” 

“You’re not so bad yourself, Scanlon,” Gabby couldn’t help but admit as her eyes traveled over him. He’d had a bit of a faint shadow of a beard washed over his features, but beyond that he was still handsome as ever taking her breath away as she looked at him, “So what brings you back in town?” 

“My mother called and told me about Julie and Christina,” Joe explained as the two exited the elevator and made their way towards Gabriella’s apartment, “and well I thought Frank might need my support right now.” 

“Oh I see,” Gabriella opened the door to her apartment allowing him inside as he followed, “well I’m sure Frank is happy that you’re home.” 

“He’s not aware that I’m back in town yet,” Joe confessed watching her. 

“No?” she looked back at him. 

“No, because, well I thought I’d make a stop here first,” Joe motioned towards the sofa, “would you mind if we had a seat?” 

“Of course not,” she followed wondering what was on his mind as she took her place beside him. 

“Gabby, I have to be honest with you,” Joe started with a sigh, “when I left town before there were a lot of things bothering me about how things went down with us...” 

“I know,” she interrupted, “and Joe there were so many things about that time that I’d like to....” 

“You don’t have to,” Joe blurted out, “Frank explained about Caleb and what he’d done. While I must confess it sounds like something out of a nightmare sci-fi novel, I realize that what happened between us wasn’t entirely our doing. What that monster did to you....” 

“Joe, I let him do it to me and if I’d been stronger,” Gabby started again, her pulse racing in her chest as she saw the concern and guilt behind his eyes. 

“No, Gabby, you couldn’t have fought that kind of force, but I know that you tried,” Joe hesitated, “and the worst part is that you had to do it on your own. I should’ve been here with you, fighting to make you stronger, to rid you of Caleb’s evil, but instead I ran. I left with my own broken heart and never listened to the silent cries you’d been making for me...” 

“Joe, this isn’t your fault. Everything that happened....” she began again as he pressed a finger over her lips to silence her. 

“Could’ve been avoided had I stuck around to fight for your love. When I left town, I wasn’t thinking about us or our future. I was just thinking about doing the right thing, but I wound up doing something so very wrong for us. When I left, Gabby, I blew so many chances we’d had for happiness, but I don’t want to travel down that road again. When I was coming back home, I promised myself that somehow, someway I would find it in my heart to do the things that I didn’t do the last time I was around....” 

“I see,” she nodded unable to find the right words as her heart longed for him once again stronger than ever. 

“Gabby, I came back to Port Charles not only for Frank, but to try to make things work for us once again,” he reached for her hand, “I know we have problems that we have to overcome, but I’d like to work through them. I’d like for us to find a way to achieve that happily ever after that we’d always dreamed about. I’d like more than anything to have a second chance,” he paused, “that is if it isn’t too late for us.” 

“Oh Joe,” Gabriella’s eyes misted over with tears as she threw her arms around him in an embrace, “no, no it’s not too late. It’s never too late for us,” she squeezed him tighter, “I’m just so glad you’re back and I promise that this time around we’ll find a way to make it work. I love you so much.” 

“I love you too,” Joe confessed holding her tighter, “I never stopped and I promise you that I never will. I know in my heart if you and I keep trying to make this work, well, together we can overcome anything. I believe it can happen for us.” 

Alison followed Rafe into Lucy’s house as she noted the silence that had overtaken him. While he’d made pleasant conversation at the lighthouse with Livvie, it seemed that something was weighing on his mind. Slipping out of her jacket, she watched him cross the room moving in to light the fireplace. 

“Rafe honey,” Alison began after a moment’s hesitation, “is something wrong?” 

“Huh?” he looked up from the flame he’d ignited. 

“You’ve just been so quiet,” Alison confessed with a sigh, “you seem, well distracted.” 

“I’m sorry,” he confessed with a sigh, “I just keep thinking.” 

“About?” 

“Daniel,” Rafe frowned as he moved to his feet once again, “he’s just a small child and I’m worried about him.” 

“I know you are,” Alison confessed, “I think we all are.” 

“It’s just so unfair,” Rafe sighed, “he’s just a small child and for him to face so much. I just don’t understand.” 

“Neither do I, but we both know how strong he is,” Alison reminded him. 

“I realize that, but at the same time, I also realize that he shouldn’t be in the hospital to begin with,” Rafe continued his thoughts lingering. 

“He’s getting the best care possible.” 

“I know, but maybe there’s something more that we can do,” Rafe suggested thinking it over. 

“What do you mean?” Alison questioned curiously as she noted the look behind his sad eyes. 

“Daniel has always held a special place in my heart and he’s a very special child,” Rafe began, “back when I’d had my powers he’d been able to see me as I was.” 

“I remember,” Alison smiled at the memory, “that was one of the things I loved about you when I saw you with Daniel.” 

“Well, maybe there’s still some magic left in me,” Rafe thought it over, “I know I gave up on the whole immortal thing, but there are a few people out there who owe me,” Rafe decided reaching for his jacket as he gave Alison a quick kiss, “perhaps it’s time to collect.” 

“Rafe, where are you going?” 

“To speak with someone who might be able to help,” Rafe explained to her, “but I promise I won’t be long.” 

“You should really try to get some rest, Eve,” Karen stated once again as she watched her best friend standing beside Danny’s incubator, “it’s not going to do you or Chris any good to tire yourselves out here.” 

“We’re not leaving him,” Eve explained as she fought the yawn threatening to overtake her “we’re not going to walk away from our son.” 

“No one said you had to walk away from your son, but Eve I know what you’ve been going through,” Karen started again. 

“After what Ian did to our son, I don’t ever want to leave him alone again,” Eve confessed fighting tears, “when I think of the danger he put Danny in earlier...” 

“Eve,” Karen reached out to her. 

“How could I fail my son like this,” Eve questioned painfully, “after everything I’d done to keep him safe how could something like this happen?” 

“Eve, it was an accident,” Karen reminded her, “and you heard what Dr. Lucas said. Danny’s doing so much better now than earlier...” 

“But Karen that’s not enough. He never should’ve been in this situation to begin with,” Eve reminded her, “when I think of Ian hurting him....” 

“Eve, right now you need to focus on Danny and keeping him safe,” Karen reminded her. 

“I have been thinking about that,” Eve nodded, “and Scott assured me that Ian won’t be able to get near Danny again.” 

“Eve, you know Ian’s not going to take that lying down.” 

“He’s going to have to because Danny is my son, not his,” Eve snapped back at her. 

“He doesn’t know that,” Karen reminded her, “he’s not aware that you and Chris,” Karen hesitated momentarily, “speaking of Chris....” 

“What about him?” Eve looked over at her. 

“What are you two going to do?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Eve, you just found out that he’s Danny’s father and I know that’s not something to be taken lightly especially when Ian gets word of it...” 

“Ian lost all of his rights to Danny when he tried to hurt him,” Eve answered coldly, “I’ll never let him near my son again and you can mark my words on that. He won’t touch Danny again.” 

“Ian, I don’t know if being here is such a good idea,” Amy started with a frown as they stepped off the elevator at GH. 

“I’m not going to be kept away from my son,” Ian informed her with a snarl as he turned towards Danny’s room, “I have every right to be with him. I did nothing wrong.” 

“I know that Ian, but given how upset you said Eve was earlier....” 

“I’m not turning my back on my son,” Ian explained firmly, “Lambert can do what she wants, but she can’t keep me from my own flesh and blood.” 

“Ian,” Amy reached out to him once more as he took her arm leading her towards the nurse’s station. 

“We’re seeing Daniel,” Ian explained firmly as Chris stepped out of the lounge seeing Ian before him. 

“What the hell are you doing here?” Chris snapped back at him, “I thought they’d put you in jail where you belonged.” 

“I’m here to see my son,” Ian tried to push past Chris. 

“You’re not going anywhere near Daniel,” Chris shoved him back, “you aren’t going to set foot in his room.” 

“You can’t keep me from my son, Ramsey,” Ian snapped back at him, “I have every right to see him.” 

“You tried to kill him, and there is no way I’ll ever let you get the chance to hurt him again,” Chris insisted bitterly. 

“That’s not how it was Chris,” Amy spoke up. 

“Butt out Amy,” Chris warned her, “you can’t stick up for your boyfriend here when the truth speaks for itself.” 

“You wouldn’t know the truth if it bit you in the a...” Amy was cut off by Ian holding his hand up in the air. 

“Ramsey can blow as much hot air as he want, but he doesn’t have a say in any of this,” Ian reminded her, “I’m going to see my son and there is nothing he can do to stop me.” 

“Like hell I can’t,” Chris replied giving Ian a firm shove, “you aren’t going anywhere near him.” 

“You don’t tell me what to do,” Ian pushed Chris back as an anger ignited through Chris and he lunged at him once more. 

“You aren’t going to go near Danny or Eve.....” Chris explained again as the battle grew heated between them. 

Hearing the commotion, Frank rushed over to break it up as he reached for Ian pulling his friend back, “What do you think you’re doing?” Frank questioned realizing the two men had grown out of control. 

“I’m going to see my son and this idiot thinks he can prevent that from happening,” Ian explained with a huff. 

“The law should’ve prevented you from getting near him, but since the idiots at the PCPD can’t do their jobs right, maybe this will give you a clue,” Chris reached into his pocket withdrawing a paper and handing it out towards Ian, “go on. Take it.” 

“What is this?” Ian questioned as Frank reached for the paper tentatively releasing Ian before handing it to him. 

“It’s a restraining order and if you so much as come near fifty feet of Eve or Daniel, then you’ll be thrown back in jail faster than you can blink.” 

“You can’t do that,” Amy snapped at Chris, “Ian has rights as a father.” 

“Not anymore,” Chris answered snidely, “not with my son.” 

“Your son?” Ian remarked with a bitter laugh, “Ramsey, now I know you’ve lost your mind. You might try to keep my wife from me, but there is no way in hell that I‘m going to let you take my son. He‘s my flesh and blood and I won‘t let you and Eve take him from me.” 

“No Ian, I’m afraid not,” Chris blurted out his anger rushed through him, “Daniel was never yours. He’s my son, my flesh and blood and as his father I won’t allow you to go near him or Eve again.” 

“This is ridiculous,” Ian replied shaking his head in disbelief, “is this what you and Eve cooked up now to try to take my son from me because I’ve got to tell you it’s not going to work.” 

“We didn’t have to cook it up,” Chris reached into his pocket for the lab report before tossing it at him, “the truth speaks for itself, so I strongly suggest you back off because unlike Eve,” Chris’ eyes narrowed as he stood taller, “I’m not afraid of you and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe. You can mark my words on that,” Chris turned back down the hall as Ian scanned the page. 

“He’s bluffing, right?” Amy questioned noting the silence that had washed over Ian. 

“This can’t be possible,” Ian shook his head reading over the report, “this isn’t right.” 

“Ian,” Frank started seeing the confusion behind his friend’s eyes. 

“Where’s Karen?” Ian questioned his voice tight with anger. 

“She’s in with Eve,” Frank explained. 

“Well you’d better get her now because I want to know what the meaning of this nonsense is,” Ian growled at him, “I'm not going to let her or anyone else keep me from my son and I want the truth about this.” 

“Ian, if Karen ran the report, you can rest assured that she isn’t going to side with Ramsey on something....” 

“Karen’s Eve’s best friend which means she can’t be trusted...” 

“Ian, Karen has been nothing but nice to you...” 

“She’s not going to get away with this,” Ian looked to the restraining order, “and if they want to pull out the big guns, well then they’ll have to be ready for a counterattack because NOTHING will keep me from my son. That‘s a promise.” 

Kevin awakened to discover himself alone on the sofa as the moonlight gently flooded in through the living room. Sitting up, he looked around for Lucy remembering oh too well what it was like to have her in his arms as his eyes scanned the room. Making his way up from the sofa, he scanned the room realizing she must’ve drifted off to check on the girls once more. Opting to go check in on her, he made his way up the stairs to the bedroom and as he stood outside the room, he saw Lucy snuggled in the middle of their bed with the two little girls tucked away in her arms. 

A smile washed over Kevin’s features as he noted the great ease Angel and Christina had in Lucy’s warm embrace. She’d always wanted motherhood to bless her and now as she held the two sisters, a smile washed over his features as he saw just how happy Christina coming back into her life again had made her. Closing the door gently, Kevin turned back towards the stairs making his way into the living room once again as he noticed Livvie standing near the hall. 

“Hey honey,” he spoke up with a half smile, “I didn’t realize you were still awake.” 

“Well, I’d tried sleeping, but the wallpaper in Serena’s old room had me distracted,” Livvie offered with a smile, “don’t get me wrong, I’m one for animal prints there, but well, given the kind of night we had, I don’t think it was enough to get me tired.” 

“So I guess it’s just you and me up huh?” 

“Yeah,” Livvie nodded with a half smile, “I was kind of hoping Jack would come back, but he must be tied up at the hospital with Chris.” 

“I’m sure he wants to be there for Chris and Eve,” Kevin replied with a nod as he motioned towards the kitchen, “up for some hot chocolate?” 

“Sure,” Livvie smiled at him, “that sounds great.” 

“It does,” Kevin agreed with a nod opening the door for her as they went to get their drinks ready, “it’s been a while since we’ve had a moment like this.” 

“Yeah it has, but it’s kind of nice,” Livvie smiled making her way over to the pantry to pull out some marshmallows, “though I wish things weren’t as tense as they are with Danny right now.” 

“He’ll be alright,” Kevin assured her. 

“You sound so convinced,” Livvie looked to him, “I wish I had your confidence.” 

“Call it faith,” Kevin offered up with a shrug, “I’m holding to the hope that some good will come out of this.” 

“Me too, but given the year we’ve had around here, I don’t know what I believe in anymore,” Livvie sighed, “I mean even thinking back to my time with Caleb, well, he’d wanted nothing more than to have Danny as our son and while I know how sick and twisted that is, I really got close to him during that time.” 

“I know you did,” Kevin replied with a nod, “and I’m sure that’s something he will keep with him.” 

“Even so, I hate to see him hurting,” Livvie sighed, “we all worked so hard to find happiness and now that it’s so close, I’d hate for it to slip away.” 

“We’ll be okay,” Kevin carried the mugs over to the table, “I mean look at how our family is coming around.” 

“We really are a family now, aren’t we?” Livvie smiled at him. 

“Yes, we are. It seems like a soon as Lucy and I were married, well everything fell into place.” 

“Including the return of Christina,” Livvie smiled, “she makes Lucy so happy.” 

“I know she does,” Kevin agreed, “and seeing her tonight with Christina and Angel, well I think that this is good for her. She’s always wanted to be a mother and having Christina back in her life, it’ll do her some good. Plus while things are like they are, it also gives Christina and Angel some time to bond with one another.” 

“They’ve really missed out on that with one another, haven’t they?” Livvie questioned. 

“They’ve had a tough year behind them in losing Julie,” Kevin nodded, “but they are both such happy, healthy children.” 

“Still, I can’t imagine Julie wanting them to be apart,” Livvie added, “they’re family and to have them separated like they are...” 

“I talked to Lucy about having them spend more time with one another and she seems to think it’s a good idea as well,” Kevin explained sipping his hot chocolate. 

“So she’ll have Chris coming around?” Livvie raised a curious brow, “can she handle that one?” 

“I think for Christina’s well being, Lucy would be willing to give it a try.” 

“That would be nice, wouldn’t it?” Livvie smile again, “then we’d all kind of be a real family, huh?” 

“I think we already are,” Kevin reminded her reaching for her hand and giving it a squeeze. 

“So we are,” Livvie nodded, “I guess it looks like everything is falling into place after all for us all. It seems the nightmare is really starting to end at last.” 

“So it is,” Kevin agreed thinking of how far they’d come in such a short time as a family and knowing that their love would strengthen as time went on. 

Rafe stood on the bridge looking up to the heavens as he rubbed his hands together. “I know you’re out there. I can feel you right now,” he started in a soft voice knowing that his whisper of words could be heard, “just quit with the games and show yourself.” 

“You never were a patient one, were you kiddo?” Ed’s voice interrupted as Rafe turned around to find his once time heavenly boss standing before him, “so what’s troubling you?” 

“Like you don’t know,” Rafe sighed, “I know you must be aware of what’s going on.” 

“I thought life again with Alison was what you’d hoped for it to be,” Ed frowned slightly, “last I’d checked you’d seemed happier than ever.” 

“I am...we are, but...” 

“But what kid?” 

“Ed, you know what,” Rafe gave him a pointed look, “what is this business about Daniel?” 

“Kid, that’s not your concern,” Ed started abruptly turning away. 

“Why not?” Rafe challenged. 

“You asked for a time to return to this earth to be with Alison, not to continue what you’d started...” 

“Daniel is just a child, a young one at that and when you had me working to repair the damage that Caleb had done, you’d wanted me to look after him...” 

“I know kiddo, but that in itself is something that his parents have to deal with,” Ed began again. 

“His real parents as in Chris and Eve,” Rafe watched Ed closely, “you knew that all along, but you’d said nothing, hadn’t given me a clue that we were working too hard to repair the wrong relationship.” 

“Kid, there was nothing we could do, just like now....” Ed began as a flash of lightening captured both of their attention. 

“Now you know that isn’t true,” a voice interrupted as Rafe turned to see a beautiful, dark haired woman approaching from behind him. 

“Julie,” Ed replied with a soft smile, “I hadn’t anticipated your arrival.” 

“No?” she gave him a curious look, “well surprise I’m here,” she turned to Rafe, “and if he won’t offer the help you need, I’ll give it to you.” 

“Julie, that isn’t your call to make,” Ed pointed out once again. 

“Even so, Chris doesn’t deserve to have his son hurting and as for Eve, well, she’s done her best to keep my daughter safe,” Julie reminded him, “and besides, you told me that I was given the chance to appoint a guardian angel for my children...” 

“Your children yes, but...” Ed started once more. 

“Then I choose Rafe,” Julie explained to him. 

“Rafe is no longer one of us,” Ed informed her. 

“Even so, I know that my little girls are safe in his hands as is Daniel,” Julie smiled at him reaching for his hand, “I know you have enough heart to see to it that my children and Chris’ children are safe from harm’s way.” 

“I’d like to help but....” Rafe started as Julie offered up a warm smile. 

“Just by being here you’ve already taken a step forward. I know you’ll know what’s right for them, what’s best....” her voice faded off as Rafe was left alone in the night wind with his prayers for Daniel. 

“Rafe,” Alison’s voice interrupted his thoughts as he turned to see her standing behind him, “there you are. I was worried about you.” 

“I’m sorry, but I had some business to take care of,” Rafe explained extending his arms out towards her. 

“You mean with,” she nodded upwards, “the man upstairs?” 

“The one and only,” Rafe answered her. 

“Oh Rafe, don’t tell me that he’s changed his mind, that now you have to go back up there when you and I were just....” a panic filled her voice as he hugged her closer. 

“No it wasn’t that. This wasn’t about me,” he explained holding her, “I promise you that I’m not going anywhere.” 

“You don’t have any idea how relieved I am to say that,” she let out a breath, “but still that doesn’t explain what you were doing here.” 

“Well, I think I can explain that one to you on our way over to the hospital,” Rafe reached for her hand, “in the mood for a ride?” 

“I’d go anywhere with you,” she smiled in response letting him lead the way to their latest adventure. 

“This can’t be happening to me. It just can’t be happening,” Ian paced the living room to his apartment as his voice filled with anger, “how could Lambert do this to me? How could she allow Ramsey to fill her head with such vile thoughts?” 

“Ian, you said it yourself that Eve wasn’t aware what a man like Chris was clearly capable of,” Amy frowned, “you know what the rat tried to pull on you so many times....” 

“Yes, but I never thought that Lambert would be blind enough to fall for it,” He paused a silence filling the room as he looked to Amy holding her cane, “Amy, what I meant was....” 

“Ian, you’re angry and upset and who could blame you,” Amy shook her head as she rose from the sofa, “the way I see it, Eve has been playing you for quite some time now and in her quest to join forces with Ramsey, they’ve decided to stop at nothing to destroy you.” 

“I won’t let them do it,” Ian remarked firmly, “I’m not going to let them take my son away from me.” 

“Clearly that in itself would be a mistake,” Amy approached him following the sound of his voice, “Ian, there’s only one thing left for you to do about this situation.” 

“You’re right,” he nodded as he looked to her, “you’re absolutely right Amy. I can’t let them take my son.” 

“No, you can’t and knowing Eve she’s going to fight you on this every step of the way especially with that weasel Ramsey at her side, which means you’ll need someone strong and supportive by your side,” she hesitated, “not that you can’t handle it on your own and all, but I’m sure you’d want to have someone you can clearly trust going through this with you.” 

“Indeed,” Ian nodded lost in his own contemplations as Amy reached out to touch his shoulder. 

“You’ll need a friend, one who can support and understand you in your time of need,” she continued giving his shoulder a quick squeeze. 

“You’re right about that,” Ian agreed again, “I need someone I know won’t let me down.” 

“Exactly which is why I don’t think you should hesitate on this. You should proceed full force and start aligning the tables in your corner starting now.” 

“You’re right Amy,” he agreed reaching out to embrace her, “you’re so right.” 

“I’m just trying to help,” she smiled as his arms wrapped around her drawing her into the warmth of his arms, “you know I only want what’s best for you, Ian.” 

“I know that Amy,” Ian squeezed her once more, “which is why I’m glad we became such good friends.” 

“So am I,” she sighed, “and Ian, now that things have finally fallen apart for you and Eve, well I think that it’s time that you and I had a talk with one another....” 

“You know Amy,” Ian stepped back, “I know that we do have a few things to discuss, but right now I need to start working on getting my son back into my arms again.” 

“Of course you do Ian and if you need any help what so ever...” 

“I know exactly where to do,” Ian reached for his jacket, “Amy I hate to cut this short, but I need to take you back to the hotel. I have a few things I need to attend to.” 

“But Ian I thought that....” Amy began puzzled. 

“You made me realize that I can’t do this alone and I know exactly who to turn to,” Ian explained walking out the door into the hallway as a slight frown washed over Amy’s features, “are you coming?” 

“Ian, I think I’ll just catch a cab over to the hotel,” she explained waving at him. 

“Amy really,” Ian gave her a look before sighing, “actually if you’d like seeing as it’s so late, you can just stay here.” 

“Ian, are you sure?” Amy questioned hearing the hesitance in his voice, “because I wouldn’t want to impose if....” 

“Eve’s not coming back to this place...at least not tonight,” Ian replied, “just stay and make yourself comfortable.” 

“Alright,” she nodded. 

“I’ll try to be back soon,” Ian explained, “and I have a key so you don’t have to let anyone else in.” 

“I’ll be here,” Amy heard him close the door behind him as a darkness washed over her features, “and when you return Ian you’ll see that I’m the only help you need in this situation. Someday you’ll realize just how much you need me and when that time comes, I’ll be ready for you Ian Thornhart, but for now,” a smile pressed over her features as she moved over to the chair across the room taking a seat as she reached for a pillow and took in Ian’s scent, “I’ll just make myself at home and wait for you to come back to me with open arms, which I know sooner or later you will.” 

“Rafe, do you want to explain what exactly is it we’re doing here again at the hospital?” Alison questioned in a soft voice as he lead her down the hallway. 

“Doing a favor for an old friend,” Rafe explained as he noted Chris Ramsey up ahead, “okay this way.” 

“Rafe, where are we going exactly now that....” Alison was cut off as Jack stepped out in front of them. 

“Well what do we have here?” Jack questioned with a curious look, “what brings you two here at this hour? Is it Livvie?” 

“No, no it’s not Livvie,” Alison shook her head, “she’s still at the lighthouse waiting for you.” 

“Oh well I was going to head on over there, but well with Chris being worried about Daniel and all....” Jack sighed, “I just couldn’t leave.” 

“Of course you couldn’t,” Alison reached out to him, “I mean I can see how upset and concerned you’d be about your nephew...” 

“You know?” Jack’s eyes widened, “but how? I mean I haven’t even told Livvie yet, so how did you two....” 

“Well Rafe was just saying.....” Alison gave Rafe a look. 

“Call it intuition,” Rafe explained briefly. 

“Intuition?” Jack eyed him skeptically, “no way. I don’t buy it. How did you come across this information so soon? What was it? Ian Thornhart?” 

“Ian knows?” Alison’s eyes widened, “uh oh, that can’t be good.” 

“No it can’t be,” Jack shook his head, “in fact from what I gathered happened earlier between my brother and Ian, it sounds like things are going to get from bad to worse especially now that Daniel’s paternity is out in the open.” 

“You aren’t kidding,” Rafe remarked under his breath. 

“What?” Alison looked over at him. 

“You know I’ll be right back,” Rafe urged giving her a quick kiss, “you keep Jack company.” 

“Well alright, but....” Alison watched as Rafe took off leaving her alone with Jack. 

“You know I must confess,” Jack began, “no offense, but sometimes I just don’t get him.” 

“Well, that’s Rafe,” Alison offered with a smile, “he’s a bit of a mystery to figure out every now and then.” 

“So I’ve been told,” Jack nodded eyeing her closely, “are you sure there isn’t more to this story that you’d like to share with your good old pal Jack?” 

“Nothing that you don’t already know,” Alison offered up with a smile as he gave her another look, “what?” 

“Nothing,” he shrugged, “nothing at all.” 

“Good, then let’s keep it that way,” Alison decided as she looked across the way seeing Rafe over in Chris’ direction, “so really Jack, how are you holding up?” 

“I’m doing okay,” Jack confessed, “although I think I upset Chris earlier.” 

“How so?” 

“Well, I questioned Eve’s motivation in keeping Daniel’s paternity from him and he wasn’t too happy with that.” 

“You don’t really think she did it on purpose....I mean keeping him from Daniel, do you?” Alison questioned in surprise. 

“I don’t know, but clearly stranger things have happened around her. Further more Eve had no intention of letting Chris into her life until she was through with Ian, so if she knew that Daniel was my brother’s child and that it could destroy her marriage, then I’m pretty positive she’d keep her mouth shut on that issue so that she didn’t chance things,” Jack concluded with a frown, “I wouldn’t put it past her.” 

“Well I would,” Alison spoke up, “you know Jack, I realize that perhaps Livvie hasn’t always had the best image of Eve or you either for that matter, but she’s not as bad as people make her out to be. I mean when Jamal and I were having that trouble over Sedric’s murder, well she and Kevin were right there willing to help me out in any way possible. She and Kevin pulled me through some rough times and they both went the extra effort to protect me, so you have to give her a little slack.” 

“Look I’m not saying that she’s the devil, but she could’ve had her own reasoning for not clueing Chris into the truth,” Jack shook his head, “even you can’t argue that.” 

“Of course I can,” Alison added, “because that’s me and because I know how much your brother loves her. Jack, Chris was so miserable for so long when Julie left him the first time. I know because I was here. I saw what it did to him and we all watched him slip into darkness, yet somehow him and Eve remained with this kind of connection in a way. Then when Julie returned, we all know what that did for him, not to mention what it did for everyone and then when she died, well Jack you know how badly Chris took it and if Eve wasn’t around....” 

“I know, I know,” Jack cut her off, “it’s just that I’ve never seen my brother that way with someone before. I know how much he loved Julie and losing her damn near destroyed him, so what happens if Eve changes her mind and decides that she, too, would like to have a life far from him?” 

“That’s a chance we all take in love,” Alison informed him, “but I think it’s a chance that both Chris and Eve believe is well worth taking.” 

“Even so, I’d hate to see him hurting,” Jack sighed. 

“I think that’s what this is really about,” Alison noted, “while you and Chris haven’t always gotten along, the fact is that you love your brother and you’d go out of your way to protect him from pain even if it means keeping Eve away.” 

“I’m not trying to keep her away. I just don’t.....” 

“...want to see Chris with a broken heart again,” she finished, “and Jack that doesn’t make you anything but a good brother. While you might be a bit misguided at the moment, you’re heart is in the right place and I know Chris is going to love you all the more for it,” Alison reached out to hug him as a tiny laugh bubbled within her, “you’re a good guy even if you are a bit hot headed, Jack Ramsey.” 

“You’re not so bad yourself even if you are a bit prone to put your nose in other people’s business without so much as an invitation, Alison Barrington,” Jack teased back before giving her a light kiss on the forehead, “but that is one of the things I do love about you.” 

“You’d better because you know not everyone is worthy of being my best pal there,” she hugged him again. 

“Oh well in that case, I’d better make the most of this while your lover man is away,” Jack teased further, “hugs are in shortage around this place.” 

“Not with us they aren’t,” Alison reminded him, “I’ll always be there for you Jack just like you’ve always been there for me.” 

“And here I knew there was a catch,” Jack teased again, “but for what it’s worth Alison, I’m glad you were here to talk some sense into me before I put my foot in my mouth again. I’m sure that’s the last thing Chris needed right now.” 

“I know,” she nodded, “but you could make it up to him.” 

“Could I now?” Jack eyed her intently. 

“Of course you can,” Alison explained, “you can march your little butt over there to Daniel’s room and make up.” 

“Just like that?” 

“Just like that,” she nodded, “besides what do you have to lose at this point? The way I see it, it‘s a win/win situation.” 

“So it is,” Jack replied looking down the hall as Chris reached for the door to Daniel‘s room, “although I think my window might’ve passed there seeing as Chris looks a bit preoccupied.” 

“It’s never too late,” Alison encouraged knowing that a major milestone had passed between Jack and Chris and she hoped that somehow their bond would only strengthen as time went on. 

Chris entered Daniel’s room at the hospital and he found Eve seated in a chair beside his incubator. Holding out the Styrofoam cup of coffee he’d brought into the room with him, he nudged her gently before speaking in a whisper, “Karen told me you might need something like this since you were so dead set against sleeping.” 

“Chris, you didn’t have to,” Eve looked over her shoulder at him, “really I’m fine.” 

“No you aren’t,” Chris knelt beside her, “and who could blame you seeing as our son is like this?” 

“Our son,” Eve repeated, “it’s still just so hard to let it all sink in.” 

“I know,” Chris confessed, “here I was six months ago the loneliest man in the world, but then suddenly the two most incredible women I’ve ever known have both found a way to give me the greatest gifts a man could ever have...” 

“Julie gave you both gifts,” Eve replied her eyes misted over with tears, “she gave you your children. She did so much to make that happen....” 

“She did,” Chris nodded as a soft smile washed over his features, “and while I know she played a big hand in this miracle before us, it was our feelings for one another that lead us to this particular miracle, to the existence of our son....” 

“Our son,” Eve felt the words roll from her tongue as she looked onto Daniel again, “oh Chris after all this time I still can’t believe that I didn’t question it, that I didn’t think that maybe just maybe....” 

“Eve, you and I were both ready to move on to the life we’d thought was dealt to us. You were so convinced that you and Ian were this solid force....” Chris answered painfully. 

“But we weren’t. We weren’t even close to solid Chris and I realized that as time went on,” Eve confessed, “in fact the moment that it truly hit me on how wrong we were together, the moment I was ready to realize it was the moment I went to see Julie that last time. Chris, in seeing her like that, in speaking with her, hearing her words about her hopes for you and for Angel and Christina, well I learned something. I mean all my life I’d been searching for someone to love me, to really care for me, and here Julie was, a woman who’d hated me so desperately at one time, inviting me to share in the kind of love she’d found. She was no longer bitter with me, no longer ready to squabble about our differences, but instead she was offering me a chance at life. While it was all being taken away from her, she asked me to find a way to ease you through the times that were ahead for you, but all the while she was really setting things up for you and me. She was trying to find a way to show us that we too could have that kind of miracle in our lives as you two had with one another.” 

“Eve,” Chris watched as a tear slipped past her cheek and he reached out to wipe the dampness from her smooth skin. 

“Chris, she loved you so much and she was giving me a chance to share in that love, to keep that part of your heart alive, to let me finally see that side of you that I’d kept running from,” Eve continued, “it was in that fear that I was keeping myself from true happiness, from really seeing what it was that I was meant for in this lifetime, but now as I’ve been able to spend this time with you, Angel and Danny it’s like for the first time in my life I’m alive. I’m truly alive and in being here with you, it’s as though I’ve begun again and I have Julie to thank for that, for her opening up my eyes and showing me the truth I’d been trying so desperately to run away from.” 

“I was so afraid to tell you, to show you what I was feeling, but Eve we don’t have to run anymore,” Chris whispered his eyes fixed upon hers as he reached for her hand, “we don’t have to pretend that what we have isn’t real, that it isn’t here because it is and Daniel is proof of that. Over these past few weeks you’ve brought me to life again and you’ve reminded me what was important with my children and now, well now, I can’t imagine myself any other place in the world than with you and the children. It’s like I’m home at last and this is where we finally belong,” he squeezed her hand, “together.” 

“Together,” Eve repeated as she heard a soft tapping from before her. Turning her eyes towards the direction of the sound, she noted Daniel touching the side of his incubator a smile on his tiny face as he called out to her. 

“Mamamamamamama,” he repeated kicking his legs within the incubator as he made it loud and clear he was in no means ready to retire to his surroundings. 

“Chris,” Eve looked to him in astonishment as she rose up to move in closer to Daniel, “I don’t believe it. Come look at him.” 

“Eve what is.....” Chris stopped as he looked down at Daniel realizing there wasn’t a scratch on him despite the condition he’d been in less than a half an hour ago, “Eve, there is no way that....” 

“He wants out,” Eve explained opening up the incubator and pulling Daniel out from within. 

“Eve, are you sure that he....” Chris stopped in astonishment as Daniel curled into Eve looking happier and healthier than ever in her arms. 

“Look at him,” Eve turned towards Chris as Daniel seemed alert and aware of his surroundings more than ever. 

“I don’t know how, but Eve, this is a miracle,” Chris reached out to take Daniel’s tiny hand as it curled over Chris’ finger. 

“Indeed it is,” Eve explained as Karen entered the room seeing the three in an embrace. 

“Chris, Eve, what’s going on?” she questioned as Eve turned around to show her the amazement of Daniel’s speedy recovery. 

“He’s fine now, Karen,” Eve explained with a soft smile. 

“But how? When? His injuries were just so.....” Karen was at a loss as Daniel leaned over towards Chris cooing a bit as he stretched his arms out for a hug. 

“He’s fine now, aren’t you pal,” Chris pulled Daniel into his arms as Daniel offered up a sloppy kiss to him. 

“Home,” Daniel insisted giving Chris a very serious look. 

“I know buddy,” Chris gave Karen a look, “I think he’s telling us what he wants.” 

“Chris, I can’t believe that he’s just so...so.....this is impossible,” Karen inspected him closer, “I mean earlier we were sitting here and....” she looked to Eve, “I’ll have to run some tests before you can take him home.” 

“Of course,” Eve nodded in agreement, “but we can take him home, right?” 

“As long as everything checks out,” Karen agreed with a nod, “I’ll just go get things started...” 

“Chris, do you have any idea what this means,” Eve asked as they were along again. 

“That maybe just maybe someone up there was listening to us after all,” Chris smiled lightly. 

“So they were,” Eve reached out to hug him lost in the joy of the family she’d found as she and Chris shared an embrace unaware of the eyes upon them from the window on the door. 

“Hey you,” Alison touched Rafe’s shoulder as she noted him standing outside Daniel’s room, “everything okay?” 

“Our work is done here,” Rafe smiled brightly, “all is well tonight.” 

“You’re not going to tell me what kind of miracle you just pulled off are you?” Alison asked taking a glance at Chris and Eve in the room with Daniel. 

“Nope, afraid not, however, I can tell you about the miracles we still have ahead of us,” Rafe offered with a smile. 

“You mean there’s more?” Alison’s eyes widened. 

“Much more and I promise you that it’s going to be an incredible journey,” he finished with a pleased smile. 

“There you are Doc,” Lucy’s tired voice came from the top of the lighthouse stairs, “I was worried that you’d snuck out on me.” 

“On the contrary,” Kevin set down the book he’d been reading, “you’d been the one doing the sneaking out.” 

“I’ve done no such thing,” she smiled at him making her way across the room to seat herself comfortably in his lap, “I was just spending a little time with two very precious little girls who were in need of a bedtime story.” 

“That would be how many tonight? A dozen?” Kevin teased lightly. 

“It was three and they enjoyed it,” Lucy pointed out, “Christina and Angel just seem so happy together right now and I love seeing them together.” 

“I’ve noticed,” Kevin smiled in response, “it’s amazing to see how much those two are really alike.” 

“They’re such incredible little girls,” Lucy agreed, “and when I think of how much fun they have together, well I know that we’re going to have to see to it that they’re still able to have that kind of fun with one another as time goes on.” 

“Speaking of fun with one another,” Kevin dropped feathery, light kisses across her skin, “I was hoping that we’d be able to well, um get into a few bedtime stories of our own....” 

“Did you have something in mind, Doc?” Lucy raised a curious brow as a soft sigh escaped her lips. 

“Actually,” he offered with a smile as the dark flecks of desire rose in his deep, brown eyes, “I did.” 

“Hmm...well, you know I’m more than willing to hear any story you’d like to tell me,” she shifted in his lap, “tell me something, is it a romance?” 

“Perhaps,” he kissed her lips tenderly, “with a bit of an adventure swept up in it as well.” 

“An adventure you say,” she purred against his kiss, her fingers running over the lapels on his robe as a smile washed over her features, “well now, I do happen to enjoy adventures especially when they involve you....” 

“In that case,” his arms slipped around her slender waist, “I’m all yours.” 

“Just the way I like it,” she kissed him hungrily as they continued on this adventure of theirs. 

“Lucy,” he breathed her name as her fingers worked over the tie on his robe. 

“Doc, it’s been so long since we’ve had a moment,” Lucy paused for a moment before a grin washed over her features, “okay maybe not that long, but hey every moment counts when I have my handsome husband here in my arms.” 

“Indeed I feel the same thing when I have my wife with me,” Kevin confessed kissing her once more as there was a tapping at the front door. Their lips parted and a frown washed over Kevin’s features, “who in the world is that?” 

“I don’t know,” Lucy frowned looking to the clock, “it’s nearly three am, who could be at our front door?” 

“I don’t know, but whomever it is, I’m getting rid of them,” Kevin decided firmly. 

“No Doc,” she pushed her hand into the center of his chest before kissing him seductively, “don’t bother because I’LL get rid of them,” she promised giving him one last kiss before climbing off of his lap, “now you stay here. Just right here....” she instructed making her way over to the door as she looked out at the arrival. Recognizing their guest, she tied her robe around her tighter before opening the door to see him standing on the porch looking rather upset, “Ian?” she questioned as his eyes met hers. 

“Lucy, I know this isn’t a good time, but I need to talk,” Ian pushed his way past her into the foyer, “Lucy, look I realize it’s late, but this couldn’t wait,” he sighed running his fingers through his hair as she watched him bewildered, “the truth is I need your help.” 

“My help?” Lucy questioned as Kevin rose from his chair. 

“Ian, do you have any idea what time it is?” Kevin frowned. “Come to think of it what are you even doing here? 

“It’s a long story and I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” he looked over at Kevin before shaking his head, “truly sorry, but right now, well right now what I need is to talk to Lucy and it can’t wait.”