Once You Love Somebody

Marisa stepped out of her office and into the hallway with Lucy's release forms in hand thinking of the love that filled the air between Kevin and Lucy during the ultrasound earlier, and wondered if someday, she'd ever find that kind of caring, compassionate relationship with someone. She let out a sigh realizing that right now the last thing she would need in her life was another heartache considering that she no longer had time for romantic endeavors with all her newly added responsibilities throughout the last couple of years.

Closing her eyes, she thought of her brief encounter with Scott Baldwin the previous evening and wondered why fate could pull such a cruel twist on her like that. When she had left Canada, she'd never anticipated coming face to face with that dazzling smile or those brilliant blue eyes. She'd never envisioned that the laughter that once filled the air she breathed would come onto that lonely balcony on one of her moments of solitude.

She'd thought that everything from that time in her life back in Canada had been nothing more than a mere illusion with only the fading memories entering her mind every now and then.

"Marisa, quit walking around with your head in the clouds. You have a job to do." she warned herself trying to blow off the chance encounter as nothing more than a coincidence as she moved down the hallway reminding herself of the task at hand until she turned the corner and came face to face with the man who'd been nothing more than a recurring dream from time to time for her.

"Scott," Marisa called out breathlessly upon impact with him.

"Are you all right?" Scott questioned gazing at her with that penetrating stare that had won over her heart so long ago.

"I'm fine." she replied pulling herself together as she took a step back as a few papers slipped out of her grasp. "I was just on my way to see a patient of mine. What are you still doing here?"

"I was just visiting with a friend of mine." Scott explained bending down to help her pick up the scattered papers as their fingers brushed one another and their eyes locked for a moment.

"Thank you." Marisa responded quickly retrieving the papers out of his hand as she stood up once again. "Well, I guess that I'll be seeing you."

"Yeah, I'd better get going home now." Scott agreed remaining frozen in place as the tension filled the air.

"Well, it was nice to see you again Scott." she managed to say as she turned to walk down the hall.

"Marisa, wait a second." Scott called out chasing after her.

"What is it?" she questioned coming face to face with those eyes.

"About last night." Scott began not knowing where to start considering that so much had happened to him in the past twenty four hours between running into her and his heart to heart with Lucy.

"What about last night?" Marisa questioned thinking of their brief encounter on the balcony.

"I just wanted to say that I was surprised that I ran into you of all people last night." Scott began uneasily as he noticed the tiny green flecks in her wide blue eyes.

"Yeah, well I was surprised to see you too Scott." Marisa admitted feeling her heart flutter as she broke away from his gaze. "Is that all?"

"Well, I just wanted you to know that it was a pleasant surprise." Scott added clearing his throat. "You know, maybe if you're ever around Port Charles, then perhaps we could go out to dinner or something........you know, for old times sake. I just know that Serena would love to see you again."

"Scott, I don't think that's a good idea." Marisa replied quickly as she ignored the voice in her heart. "I mean, so much time has gone by and I'm so busy with work right now between deadlines and patients that it just wouldn't be a good idea."

"Come on Marisa, what happened to that wild side of yours? You can't tell me that work dictates your social life now. If that's the case, then I think that dinner is just what the doctor ordered. You know I can make a mean apple pie if I'm motivated enough." Scott added with a wink. "I must say that Serena's becoming quite a little chef herself."

"Serena was always a talented little girl." Marisa smiled thinking of Serena's sweet face.

"Is she still dancing?"

"Every chance she gets." Scott added brightly. "In fact, she's learned a few moves since the last time you saw her."

"I'll bet she has." Marisa replied thinking back to Serena's first dance recital.

"She's quite good in fact." Scott continued enjoying the moment as he added confidently.

"I've even taught her a move or two."

"Oh yeah right Scott." Marisa laughed in amusement as she gazed at his goofy grin. "I don't think that your dancing abilities could have improved that much since the last time I saw you. In fact, you were pretty pathetic if I recall correctly....."

"Hush," he began raising his hand over her mouth as she spoke while looking around the deserted hallway, "you don't want my secret to get out, do you? It might ruin my image you know."

"You haven't changed one bit have you?" Marisa questioned teasingly as he removed his hand. "Same old Scott, huh?"

"If you mean charming in every way, then nope, I haven't changed at all." Scott added with a hint of laughter as he noticed the sparkle in her eyes. "You haven't changed much either you know, except your even more beautiful now then I remembered."

"Scott," Marisa began snapping back into reality as a few people walked past them.

"Marisa, look I know that things didn't exactly end up the way that we had planned back then because of circumstances, but we always had a lot of fun when we were together didn't we?" Scott added nudging her slightly. "Hey, remember the last fishing trip that we went on with Serena when the two of you ganged up on me and I fell into that icy water? The looks on both of your faces when I came to surface again was priceless, but of course you weren't laughing any more when I pulled you down into the water with me."

"Scott, look it's just not a good idea." Marisa interrupted quickly as her pager went off.

"It was nice seeing you, but if we tried to get together sometime, it would just be like deja vu all over again and I don't think that either one of us should go down that road again."

"Look Marisa, I know that a lot of time has gone by, but I'd really like to see you again. I promise you that I won't push you either. It's just dinner." Scott insisted not wanting another chance to pass him by as he held onto her arm. "What do you say? Dinner can't hurt anything, right?"

"Scott, as much as I'd love for us to get together again, it's just not going to happen."

Marisa explained unable to accept his offer as her pager went off. "Scott, it's just too much for me right now with work and everything. Things have changed for me Scott."

"Wait!" Scott called out to her as she moved down the hallway.

"I'm sorry Scott." she replied turning the corner.

"Yeah, me too." Scott whispered as she disappeared out of sight.

"Knock, knock." A voice called out as Lucy peered up from the shoe catalog that she was reading only to discover Victor standing before her with a stack of magazines in hand.

"Victor, come on in." Lucy smiled brightly eager to see him as he set the magazines down on the table next to her bed.

"In case you get bored. I know that you're supposed to get out of here soon, but I'm also aware at how slow hospitals can be when it comes to letting you leave." Victor explained taking a seat next to her.

"Marisa promised that I'd be out of here by one, so I'm holding her to that." Lucy informed him quickly. "You know, I can honestly say that I can't wait to get back to the real world."

"Speaking of the real world, we're going to have to start planning right away for the twins." Victor began excitedly as he thought it over. "I was talking to Monk earlier this morning and I told him my ideas for a nursery. I was thinking something maybe in primary colors with many stuffed animals..........of course we'll have to introduce them to the wonderful world of technology along the way, maybe start with one of those talking storybooks and move up to those stuffed animals with those built in computer chips in them...you know the ones that talk at the touch of a button and teach basic mathematics....not that they'll need that since genetically they'll be inclined towards intelligence........."

"Woah, hold your horses Victor." Lucy interrupted with a laugh as she rubbed her abdomen lightly. "I think that the first thing we need to concentrate is making sure that these two make it into the world safely."

"Oh of course they will Lucy. Why in some countries, having twins is a sign of good luck and prosperity. In fact when Monk and Ryan were born, I remember feeling as if I was on top of the world seeing their sweet faces............." Victor assured her as his smile slowly faded and his expression grew dark.

"Victor?" Lucy questioned realizing that he was unresponsive as she touched his arm.

"Victor?"

"I'm sorry." he said slipping back into reality as he looked at her. "It's just...."

"You're thinking about Ryan aren't you?" Lucy questioned realizing that she needn't ask as the sadness radiated through his features.

"It's just that I never imagined that the day would come when I'd have to face one of my children under those circumstances. As a parent, you're supposed to be able to endure anything that life throws at you and learn from it, but how is it that God took my son and transformed him into a monster without allowing me to save him?"

"Victor, it wasn't your fault about Ryan." Lucy insisted not knowing what to say about a man that she despised so much. "You did what you had to do."

"I never should've left him all those years ago." Victor continued with tears in his eyes. "I should have stood up to her and taken them both. I shouldn't have walked away from him."

"Victor, you did what you felt was right at the time." Lucy added sensing that he was slipping into a dark place that she had seen Kevin escape to not so long ago. "You saved Kevin."

"I should've saved them both." Victor insisted shaking his head in shame. "If only I'd had more time with Ryan, then maybe I could've helped him to change his evil ways."

"Victor, Kevin tried that with Ryan once before, and like yourself, Kevin felt responsible for Ryan's well being, but Ryan only took advantage of that fact and tried to destroy Kevin." Lucy explained reliving the horrors that Ryan had inflicted upon Kevin. "I know that you don't want to hear this, but you should be grateful that Ryan wasn't around long enough to sink his hooks into you Victor. In a sense it's better this way that you never got a chance to experience the pain Ryan was capable of first hand."

"Ah, but there you're wrong Lucy." Victor added in a somber tone as he was lost in a daze. "I feel the pain every waking moment of the day. Now that my son is gone, deep inside a part of me has died."

Eve Lambert re-entered the grim hospital room from outside with a tote bag tossed across her shoulder. She noticed the darkness seemed to have hung heavier in the air as she stepped over to open the blinds allowing the light from the crisp autumn afternoon to flood into the room surrounding Chris, who remained still on the small hospital bed. After opening the blinds, she moved to Chris's side reaching inside of her tote bag.

"I brought you something to lighten up the mood around here. I remembered that I had these in the trunk of the car. I know that I borrowed these last week without asking, so I hope you won't hold it against me and not wake up." Eve explained pulling out a portable CD player and setting the speakers up on top of the small table next to his bed before pulling out a few of Chris's favorite jazz CDs and inserting one into the CD player. "I thought that you might need some motivation to get on your feet again, so I went out to get these since I know how much you love this stuff. Hey, you know if you wake up right now, I'll even dance with you without complaining, now how's that for a proposition?"

"Hello." A voice called out as Eve glanced up to see Marisa entering the room carrying her charts on Chris. "I see you've brought some mood music."

"I thought Chris might need a little pick me up to get him up and on his feet again." Eve added lowering the volume a bit on the CD player as Marisa moved in towards Chris. "I hope you don't mind me bringing this in. I just thought that it might be therapeutic."

"Hey, I'm all for some good jazz tunes." Marisa smiled as she began examining Chris.

"Besides, even though Chris is one of our more quiet patients, I'd rather see him up and moving and if this does the trick, then by all means I say keep it coming."

"You and me both." Eve agreed sadly as she gazed over Chris's features.

"Don't worry Eve. These things take time." Marisa reminded her with a sigh. "From what you've told me about Chris, he's a fighter and won't give up on life this easily."

"I hope not." Eve replied reaching out to stroke Chris's soft hair as she spoke. "You know, the funny thing about it is that you'd think that after being in situations where I've had to tell people that they'd lost someone that they love, that this wouldn't be so hard for me. I mean, I'm supposed to be objective when it comes to these type of situations, but it's a whole different story when your best friend is lying here fighting for his life. After all these years of medical training, you'd think that I'd be able to help him out of this.......that if I just willed him to, he'd wake up."

"Eve, you're doing the best that you can in this situation." Marisa added seriously as she took note of Eve's sadness. "From the moment Chris was brought into this room, you've been here by his side doing all that you can and that's all you can do."

"It just doesn't feel like enough." Eve explained looking up at her with tears in her eyes. "I just wish that there was some way of getting through to him."

"Eve, you and I both know that your presence is doing wonders for him." Marisa added reviewing the charts. "He's shown some signs of improvement since you've been staying with him."

"Yes, but those are still insignificant in the road to recovery." Eve insisted shaking her head.

"Just remember no matter however insignificant it may seem, every little bit helps." Marisa reminded her.

Scott Baldwin entered the firehouse hoping that seeing Serena again would ease the pain that he was feeling in his heart as he set his jacket down on the back of the couch. He entered the kitchen only to discover a note from his mother saying that she had taken Serena over to her place for a while.

Pouring himself a drink, Scott thought of seeing Lucy leaving with Kevin, so eager to start her new life with him again as Scott stood in the shadows unable to keep from letting her go. Carrying his drink back into the living room, he noticed Lucy's robe draped over the chair from the last morning they had spent together at the firehouse with Serena. He picked it up and smelled her sweet fragrance for a moment as the memories came flooding back to him.

"Quit torturing yourself Scott. Lucy's moved on with her life and in your heart you know it's for the best." Scott whispered to himself as moved across the room towards his desk and digging out a photograph from the bottom drawer. He touched the glass remembering how simpler life had been in Canada before he'd returned to Port Charles.

"If only things hadn't ended like they did, then maybe I wouldn't be in this position right now. I never would've allowed myself to be like this." He thought to himself as he gazed at those eyes in the photograph that had managed to bring him through his despair after losing Dominique. He'd pushed the memory aside for so long denying that it had ever happened. For the longest time, he couldn't bring himself to believe that he had allowed another woman to reach him when his love for Dominique had consumed his heart and soul even after death, but like a dream, she was there on that hospital balcony when he needed her. Without realizing it a smile crossed lips as he took another sip of his drink closing his eyes and escaping to another place and time.

"I say waffles." Scott began stealing the pancake turner from Marisa as he plugged in the waffle maker.

"No way Scott!" Marisa protested reaching for the pancake turner once more. "I'm making pancakes and that's final."

"The heck you are." Scott argued snatching the pancake turner again. "If I say waffles, then we're having waffles and that's final."

"What are you going to drag me into the living room by my hair too if I don't follow your orders?" Marisa questioned rolling her eyes.

"Don't tempt me." Scott warned throwing a menacing glare in her direction.

"Oh you don't scare me one bit Baldwin." Marisa replied placing her hands on her hips.

"You may think that you can act like a big meanie and intimidate me, but I'll have you know that you're nothing but a big teddy bear on the inside. I know that you'd never harm me in any way."

"Oh, is that so?" Scott asked raising an eyebrow as he snatched up the batter from the counter top.

"Scott, what are you doing with that?" Marisa questioned backing away from him as he dipped his finger into the batter.

"You want pancakes huh?" Scott continued scooping up a handful of batter as he approached her.

"Don't you do anything foolish Pal." Marisa warned searching for some type of ammunition against him as she found a can of whipped cream on the counter seizing it immediately. "I'm warning you that I'm armed and dangerous now."

"So you wouldn't like it if I did this." Scott began flicking batter onto her shirt as he reached for another handful. "Or this."

"You're dead now buster!" Marisa exclaimed opening the can of whipped cream and spraying it in his face as he toppled over. She noticed that he started groaning in agony as she moved towards him. "Scott, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you in the eyes like that.

Are you alright?"

"Gotcha!" Scott laughed dumping the batter over her head as she squealed.

"You're in for it now Baldwin." she replied chasing him around the kitchen spraying whipped cream as he ran away from her.

"You're the one that's in for it." Scott decided halting and seizing her into his arms. "What are you going to do now?"

"It looks like I'm your prisoner now." Marisa explained with a smile.

"Oh is that so?" Scott questioned holding her tighter. "And how are you going to deal with that?"

"The best way I know how I suppose." she replied gazing up at him with wide eyes as she stood up onto her tiptoes in order to kiss him.

"Now that's more like it." Scott smiled pleased by her response as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Oh yeah, well, how about this?" she laughed spraying him once again as the two toppled over in laughter.

"Those were the times, weren't they?" Scott questioned reopening his eyes as he stared at the photograph in his hands. "I just wish that things could've been different."

"Port Charles." Marisa sighed tossing the lecture invitation aside on her desk as she gazed over the boxes filling her office. She closed her eyes as Scott's offer replayed in her head.

"Would it be worth it to travel down that road again?"

She leaned back in her chair thinking of her time spent in the office over the past couple years realizing that something was still missing from her life. She realized that as time went on, there wasn't much that she was going to miss about the hospital except for the few patients she had grown attached to in her time on staff, but she assured herself that wherever she went, she'd be able to help those in need without that feeling of emptiness that had followed over the last few months up until the past week.

Closing her eyes, Marisa thought of Lucy who had proved to be one of her most interesting patients. She was amazed that through everything Lucy had been through, she still had her spunk about her and that was something Marisa had found to be very honorable. She thought of the looks of happiness on both Kevin and Lucy's faces as they left the hospital together eager to begin their lives together in Port Charles. She looked at the business card on her desk that Lucy had given her and thought of Lucy's offer to get together some time.

"Perhaps, this lecture wouldn't be so bad after all." Marisa decided standing up and packing the last of her things.

"Alright Doc, can I open my eyes yet?" Lucy questioned as he led her through the lighthouse with his hands around her waist.

"Not yet." Kevin replied in a whisper as Lucy felt his lips close to her ear as his beard tickled the side of her face.

"Why are you being so secretive Doc?" Lucy questioned pausing for a moment as Kevin placed his hands over her eyes. "Hey, what did you do that for?"

"No peeking remember?" Kevin teased as they stood in the entrance together.

"Doc, this has something to do with your disappearance when I was finishing up my release papers, doesn't it? You never did say why Victor hurried off like he did." Lucy announced realizing that Kevin had been stalling on the way home by taking her out shopping at her favorite store for a new outfit which he loathed doing most of the time.

"Victor had a dinner date with Mary." Kevin explained closing the door behind them. "He didn't want her to think that he forgot about her."

"You know I'm really worried about Victor, now that you mention it Doc....." Lucy began feeling Kevin take her hand in his before pressing something velvety against the palm of her hand before removing it. "Doc, you bought me a present."

"There's more." Kevin explained brightly as he led Lucy to the end of the hallway.

"More?" she questioned eagerly wanting to open her eyes as she held the tiny package once more.

"You'll see." Kevin replied as they stepped into his office. "Ready?"

"Of course I'm ready........" Lucy began as Kevin removed his hands from her face to reveal a small table set up in the middle of the now empty office. "What in the........? Doc, where is your furniture?"

"Victor and I thought that perhaps it was time to do some redecorating." Kevin explained as Lucy gazed over the room in awe noticing the walls had been stripped bare. "It's still far from being finished, but I was thinking that it was time for a change....."

"Oh Kevin, but what about your desk and your bookshelves?" Lucy questioned taking note of the emptiness of the room.

"You know Lucy, I was thinking about getting rid of that desk anyways." Kevin continued with a smile as she turned to him.

"But Doc, you loved your office in here." Lucy began in confusion as she noticed the cans of paint on the floor across the room. "Why would you change it when it was the one place where you felt most at ease?"

"I thought that a change was in order." Kevin continued picking up a roll of wallpaper trimming. "In fact, I was thinking that this would make a nice nursery."

"A nursery?" Lucy repeated noticing the tiny ducks in raincoats holding umbrellas on the paper Kevin was holding up.

"I figured that since Dr. Dupuie said you have to take it easy for a while, that we'd have to find some way to occupy your time." Kevin explained raising the paper in the air. "I know that this isn't the most sophisticated print on the market, but Victor insisted that he had to buy it. If you don't like it and want to change it, you can always do so, but I didn't have the heart to break it to Victor that it might not be up to your liking since he picked it out as soon as he found out about you being pregnant...."

"No Doc, I don't want to change a thing. I love it." Lucy begin moving towards him for a hug.

"Aren't you going to open your present?" Kevin questioned realizing that it was unlike Lucy not to tear open a gift.

"I almost forgot." she replied excitedly as she tore into the package and discovered a diamond angel pendent inside. "Oh Doc, I love it."

"It's for luck." Kevin explained as he helped pin it on her sweater. "I thought that it might be a good idea to stack the cards in our favor in that department."

"Doc, everything is so wonderful in here." Lucy continued as her face lit up. "In fact, I can see the cribs over on that wall, and the giant swan in the center of the room to go with the paper."

"Giant swan?" Kevin questioned as Lucy moved about the room.

"Well of course, and we can't forget to set up a little something for Sigmund in here so that he doesn't feel left out." Lucy insisted with a pause as a frown crossed her lips. "You know, I hope that Sigmund won't be jealous once the babies arrive. I wouldn't want him to think that we don't love him anymore just because......."

"Lucy, I think that Sigmund will be able to understand." Kevin laughed as he thought of her concern for her pet.

"I sure hope so because I wouldn't want him to think that just because he isn't our little baby anymore that he's not our baby. You know what I mean?" Lucy continued in a frenzy. "In fact, I think that you and I should dedicate our time during this pregnancy helping Sigmund adjust to the changes around here. He's going to need lots of love and support."

"I don't think that there will be any shortage of that. In fact, he might enjoy having a family around here." Kevin interrupted drawing Lucy nearer to him.

"A family." Lucy sighed snuggling against Kevin's chest as she listened to the sound of his heart beating. "I like the sound of that."

"Oh me too." Kevin agreed pulling her into a kiss.

"Well Ramsey, this CD doesn't seem to be doing the trick with you, so maybe I'll try this one." Eve began pulling another one out of her bag and placing it into the CD player as the sounds of Celine Dion filled the air. She held up the CD case realizing that it wasn't the one that she was expecting.

"I guess I must've misplaced your CD." Eve started reaching to change the CDs when she paused a moment to listen to the song. She closed her eyes for a moment listening to the words as she leaned back in her chair as the music continued to play.

".......The winds of the heart can blow me down, But I get right up and I stand my ground I've tasted fear, my share of pain The wasted tears of love in vain I've held you tight, pushed you away Now with all my might I beg you to stay. I'm sure I could face the bitter cold But life without you, I don't know......"

"Chris, I can't lose you." she spoke up holding back tears as the song played on. She leaned in closer to his bed and kissed his cheek before whispering in his ear. "Come back to me."

Eve ran her fingers through his soft hair as the tears fell from her eyes. She tried to hold back her feelings as the song played, but looking at Chris in his weakened condition only brought them to surface. As each tear drop fell from her eye, she silently pleaded for him to come back to her. Unable to contain her emotions, she lowered her head onto Chris's chest listening to his heart beating as she cried.

"I need you so much right now Chris. Please don't leave me like this." Eve whispered choking on her tears unaware of Chris's eyelids fluttering open. "Chris, you are my best friend in the whole world and if I'm forced to live without you, I don't know what I would do."

"E.....E......Eve," Chris began in a low whisper as his eyes adjusted to the room around him. He turned his head to the side and felt Eve laying upon him as he placed his fingers in her soft hair. "Eve..........it's.............it's all right......"

"Chris," Eve continued as she felt something brush lightly against the side of her face.

"You okay? Eve?" Chris spoke again struggling to bring his voice above a whisper as she gazed up at him with teary eyes. "Why are you crying?"

"Chris!" she gasped reaching out to hold him. "You're back."

"Back?" Chris questioned in confusion as she held him tightly. "Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital." Eve explained with a sniffle as she gazed into his tired eyes.

"Hospital?" Chris repeated in a daze. "But why?"

"Ryan Chamberlain shot you." Eve reminded him as she stroked the side of his face.

"I was protecting you." Chris replied in a whisper feeling a sharp pain in his abdomen.

"That's right Chris. You saved my life." Eve continued with tears of joy in her eyes.

"I wanted you to get out of there." Chris added with a cough.

"I did." Eve replied reaching to get him a glass of water.

"What about Lucy?" Chris questioned in between sips as she held the cup for him.

"She's fine. Scott and Kevin found her." Eve explained placing down the cup as she noticing that he was still disoriented.

"And Ryan?" Chris asked with a cough.

"He's dead. It's all over." Eve explained as he went into a coughing fit. "Chris, I'm going to go get someone and let them know that you're awake."

"No," he insisted reaching out to her in a panic. "Stay with me."

"Chris......." Eve began looking into his pleading eyes.

"Please........" he urged feeling a shooting pain as he released her.

"Alright," she agreed taking his hand in hers as she spoke. "I'm not going anywhere."

Chapter 26

"Ugh, this stuff looks terrible." Chris muttered in disgust as the orderly brought him his breakfast. "You may as well take this back with you."

"Excuse me?" the tiny dark haired man replied looking up from his stack of breakfast trays. "Is there a problem here sir?"

"Well, now that you mention it," Chris began tossing his napkin down on the top of the barely touched tray, "there is a problem which of course stems from this whole healthcare reform."

"Pardon?" the man questioned in confusion as Chris rose his voice.

"You know, you'd think that because of the skyrocketing costs for me to spend time in this place, that I'd be served prime rib for breakfast, but no, instead I'm left here with this unidentifiable poison which is probably laced with something to keep me here longer which of course is part of the major plan to charge my insurance for my extended stay.

You aren't grasping a word I'm saying, are you?" Chris continued to rant as his crankiness took over and he held up a forkful of an orange rubbery substance. "Look at this. What in the world are these supposed to be?"

"Eggs." the orderly replied moving in closer for inspection.

"Well, if these are eggs, then I'd hate to see the chicken that they came from." Chris muttered in disgust as he tossed them aside and picked up his orange juice which was frozen solid. "And just what am I supposed to do with this? Spoon it out or maybe lick it until my tongue grows frostbitten, which of course would be another thing to treat me for in itself, wouldn't it?"

"I can get you another orange juice and if breakfast is not up to your liking......." the man began apologetically.

"Not up to my liking? Oh you can say that again." Chris insisted shoving the tray at the orderly. "In fact, you can just take this garbage with you."

"Look, I'm sorry that you don't like it, but it's what you ordered." the orderly shot back unable to contain his annoyance a moment longer.

"I ordered this? Ha, I don't think so." Chris continued poking at a half cooked piece of sausage with his fork. "Even if I was starving, I wouldn't touch this let alone eat this. I can assure you that I did not order this."

"I'm sorry that you feel that way sir, but it says right here that you ordered this." the man explained holding out the menu for Chris. "It's right here in black and white."

"Well, you can take your black and white and stick it for all I care because I refuse to eat any of this." Chris snapped back at him.

"Fine, then I'll take this away and bring you something else to eat." the orderly replied quickly scooping up the tray and tossing it into a trash can as Chris began waving his hands in the air angrily.

"Don't bother." Chris muttered raising his voice as he spoke. "The last thing I want right now is to eat that junk that you consider to be food in this place. In fact, the more I think about it, the less I'm enjoying this whole little scenario, and I'm going to see to it that someone answers for this little........"

"Please keep the noise down." the orderly insisted in a whisper realizing that they were attracting an audience in the hallway. "There are other patients trying to rest."

"Well, I'd be doing that too if you hadn't brought me this........this.........poor excuse for a meal."

"Is there a problem here?" Marisa called out interrupting Chris midstentence.

"You can say that again." Chris replied with a fire in his eyes as he spoke still glaring at the orderly.

"He refused his breakfast." the orderly explained in frustration as Marisa signaled for him to leave the room as she approached Chris, who was sitting up straighter with a pleased smile on his face.

"Just what in the world do you think you're doing?" Marisa snapped at him in anger.

"Excuse me?" Chris questioned taken aback by her tone of voice as he looked at her.

"This is the fourth time this morning that you've had a problem with one of the staff members Dr. Ramsey." she continued in anger as she took off her glasses for a moment.

"I realize that as the saying goes, doctors often make the worst patients, but you are putting a whole new spin on the meaning. I'm warning you now that if you can't find a way to contain yourself, I'll find a way to do so and I guarantee that you won't like the outcome. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal." Chris muttered crossing his arms over his chest defiantly as she glared at him.

"All I was trying to say is......."

"Ah," she began shooting a warning look in his direction.

"But....." Chris began to explain as she hovered over him with her hands on her hips glaring down at him. "You see........."

"Ah, I don't want to hear another word." she snapped at him once again as he finally grew silent. "Now that's more like it."

Lucy looked around the room realizing that she was running out of paint as she moved to apply the next coat on the walls when she heard the sound of the front door clicking open.

She put down her paintbrush and wiped her hands on the piece of torn cloth that Kevin had supplied her with before leaving in search of more paint. As she made her way down the hallway, she spoke out to him with a hint of laughter in her voice.

"Doc, it's a good thing that you arrived when you did because I was just down to my last ounce of paint." she called out to him as she noticed Scott standing in the center of the living room with a couple of suitcases in hand. "Scott, what are you doing here?"

"I still had my key from before," Scott began to explain noticing her paint covered overalls as she stared at him in confusion, "and I rang the bell before, but no one answered, so I just thought that I'd slip inside and drop these off for you."

"My things." Lucy replied recognizing the suitcases. "Thank you Scott. I've been meaning to come by and pick them up, but I've been kind of busy in between....."

"I kind of figured that so I thought that I'd just bring them over and save you the trip."

Scott continued uneasily as she wiped her hair out of her face. "I didn't mean to interrupt you in the middle of whatever it was you were doing........."

"Painting." Lucy answered taking note of his fidgeting motions as he stood before her.

"Painting huh?" Scott repeated nervously shifting on his feet as he let out a soft laugh. "I never thought I'd see the day when you'd resort to housework........especially painting."

"Yeah, well Doc and I are turning his office into a nursery." Lucy explained with a sigh realizing that he was still hurting no matter how hard he tried to hide it. "In fact, I could show it to you if you'd like."

"No, I don't think that would be a good idea." Scott replied shaking his head as he avoided her stare. "I left Serena with Karen and I promised that I wouldn't be too long."

"Serena. My little Pumpkin head." Lucy repeated thinking about the beautiful child.

"How is she?"

"She misses you." Scott informed her digging into his pocket as he remembered his promise to Serena. "In fact, she made you something."

"She did?" Lucy questioned with a smile moving towards Scott as he handed her a piece of paper with a drawing on it. "Oh it's beautiful Scott."

"It's a picture of her family. She drew it last night before bed." Scott explained pointing to the various figures on the page. "There's Karen and Joe with Neil next to Lee and Gail."

"Look, she has you right there with a bushel of apples next to you. Gee, does she know you or what? And oh look, over here she is.......holding Sigmund!" Lucy laughed looking up at him for a moment before returning her gaze to the drawing. "Oh, and look there's Victor, Kevin, and me. And oh look here, what is that?"

"It's an angel. She said it was Dominique looking over all of us making sure that we would be safe from harm." Scott explained forcing a grin as he pointed at the picture once more. "Serena was over joyed when she found out that you were pregnant. She said it was the next best thing to having a little brother or sister of her own."

"Oh Scott, this picture means so much to me." Lucy began holding it to her heart as she looked at him. "Serena is so special to me and I love her with all my heart."

"I know you do Lucy and Serena feels the same way about you." Scott added as tears filled in his eyes. "She's happy for you and so am I."

"Pal, that means so much to me." Lucy replied tearfully as she wrapped her arms around him for a hug. "You and Serena are a special part of my life and I don't want you to ever think otherwise. Do you hear me?"

Victor Collins entered the dark room trying to escape the past as he remembered the last time he had been on Jasmine Island. He reached for the light switch, and paused before finally deciding to leave the room filled with darkness to compliment his somber mood.

He made his way over to the old couch clenching the frailed photograph in hand as he sat down. Closing his eyes Victor slipped back into another place in time as his mind was consumed with the past.

"Dad, dad. Look what we found." the laughing voices filled the air as Victor opened his eyes to find two handsome mirror images standing before him.

"Kevin found him in the bushes. Can we keep him?" the first set of big brown eyes questioned holding a dirty green frog in hand.

"Can we dad?" the second boy urged tugging on Victor's pant leg. "Please.......?"

"I don't know boys. You know how your mother feels about amphibians and domestication." Victor began glancing at the bug eyed frog as it tried to squirm out of his son's grasp.

"Come on dad. Please." Kevin insisted getting down on his knees and pleading. "Ryan and I promise to take care of it. We won't even let her know that we found him. Please."

"Yeah please dad." Ryan urged flashing his father a smile. "We'll take good care of it."

"Well, all right." Victor finally gave in as the two boys cheered happily as the two children crawled up into his lap. "How can I refuse?"

Victor enjoyed the feel of his small boys in his arms for a moment longer until they faded away leaving him alone once more. He reopened his eyes touching the small photograph in hand as the tears filled in his eyes. He realized how sweet and innocent they were in that moment standing before him with their newfound friend.

"I never could've imagined what you would've become Ryan." Victor whispered choked up with emotion as another image filled his mind.

"It's my frog Kevin!" the voice shouted breaking through the silence as Victor entered the kitchen ready to intervene as the two boys shoved each other around the room.

"What's going on here?" Victor questioned tearing the small children apart as he noticed tears in Kevin's eyes.

"You killed him!" Kevin screamed charging at Ryan as Victor held onto his shirt collar.

"You murderer!"

"It's all your fault Kevin!" Ryan shot back at Kevin in anger. "You made me do it."

"Boys, boys, what's going on here?" Victor questioned in astonishment struggling to keep the small children from tearing each other apart.

"He killed him." Kevin explained pointing across the room as the tears streamed from his eyes. "He's dead and it's all Ryan's fault."

"What are you talking about Kevin?" Victor questioned in confusion following Kevin's stare across the room to find a pool of blood on the floor. "Oh my God."

"He made me do it." Ryan shouted out as Victor released the children and approached the decapitated frog across the room.

"Ryan, why would you do such a thing?" Victor questioned in disbelief picking up the stake knife on the ground.

"He turned Freddie against me. It's your fault Kevin." Ryan continued in anger as he shoved Kevin once more. "You made him turn against me and now you're going to pay for that Kevin."

"Ryan, that's enough." Victor shouted pulling Ryan off of Kevin as he held him tightly.

"He killed Freddie!" Kevin shouted now on the verge of tears as Victor drew Kevin nearer to him.

"Now you two listen here." Victor began holding both children in each arm as Ryan threw a punch at Kevin. "Stop it Ryan. From now on you're not going to be fighting like this.

What happened to Freddie was a misfortunate loss, but we're not going to let this be a reason for you two to tear each other apart limb by limb."

"Yes sir." Kevin agreed with a nod fighting back tears.

"Ryan?" Victor questioned as the small boy grew silent. "Do you hear me?"

"You always take his side!" the boy shouted in anger struggling to break free from Victor.

"I hate you!"

"Ryan, stop it." Victor snapped squeezing him tighter. "This isn't about sides."

"You always believe him over me." Ryan insisted in a whimper. "Why don't you just believe me for once?"

"Ryan, what happened was an accident. There's no need for you to run away." Victor replied calmly looking into his son's angry eyes. "All I'm saying is that we should concentrate on burying Freddie and putting this aside. Afterall, we're a family and families see things through together to the end no matter what happens. Do you hear me?"

"Honey, I'm home." Eve called out jokingly as she found a flock of giggling nurses surrounding Chris's bedside chatting away.

"So did I tell you the one about the doctor, the lawyer, and the bus driver?" Chris began with a wink as one of the girls giggled in amusement.

"Gee, it looks like I arrived just in time to catch the main attraction." Eve muttered shaking her head as she watched the women hanging on Chris's every word until he noticed her standing in the corner of the room observing him.

"That's enough of the show for this morning ladies and I must say you all have been quite a lovely audience." Chris smiled kissing each woman's hand as he said his good-byes.

"See you later Chris." one of the girls called out with a wave as she turned to leave.

"Why thank you ladies for keeping me company while my lovely roommate was gone, and if I need anything else, I'll be sure to ring for you." Chris called out waving to the nurses who were exiting his hospital room as Eve stepped inside carrying two brown paper bags.

"Gee Chris, I've seen you sink to some pretty low levels in your many attempts to bait women, but honestly, using your injury to attract them. Have you no shame?" Eve questioned rolling her eyes as she approached him.

"Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it I always say." Chris explained winking at her as he cast a glance at the bags in her hand. "So what'd you bring for me?"

"Hey," Eve protested as he snatched one of the bags from her hand before she could respond.

"Let's see." Chris began digging into the bag before wrinkling his nose in disgust. "Garlic bagels? How thoughtful of you."

"I was about to tell you that those are mine before you stole them from me." Eve explained grabbing the bag from his hands and tossing the other one at him. "These are for you."

"Now this is more like it." Chris smiled reaching for a cheese bagel and tearing into it.

"You have no idea what a man has to go through to get some good food around here. I swear the organic waste they try to pass off as food around here is absolutely shameful. In fact, if you could've seen those eggs they tried serving me this morning. They looked like something out of one of those low budget sci-fi films where the aliens are trying to take over the world by poisoning all the Earthlings."

"What? You're not enjoying the perks of being a patient?" Eve questioned taking a seat next to his bed as she nodded in the direction of the nurses admiring him from out in the hall. "You looked pretty content a few minutes ago."

"I never said that the staff was all that bad...just the food." Chris confessed with a grin as he watched her take a bite of her bagel. "Ugh, I can't believe that you're going to eat that thing."

"I like these." Eve replied taking another bite as Chris eyed her in disgust. "What?"

"Eve, your breath is going to stink for a week after your finished with that." Chris informed her seriously watching her finish half of her bagel. "And don't even bother to think about kissing anyone because the results would be disastrous."

"Well, in that case," Eve shrugged finishing off her bagel with a grin, "I don't have a thing to worry about by eating this seeing as my date card isn't too full lately."

"Oh no, what is this I hear?" Chris began in mock astonishment watching Eve devour her food. "Has Eve Lambert reduced to eating garlic bagels to pass the time while she's in between love interests? Eve, for all you know Mr. Right could walk through the door at any moment and here you are scarfing down on one of the most God awful foods known to man. Aren't you the least bit concerned on the impact it'll have on your love life once 'he' gets a whiff of that bagel?"

"I'll take my chances Ramsey." Eve muttered sarcastically rolling her eyes. "Besides, I think that I'm going to take a breather from romantic interludes for a while."

"What is this?" Chris asked in astonishment eyeing her closely. "I don't believe that I'm hearing this. Don't tell me that Baldwin did this to you."

"It has nothing to do with Scott." Eve explained seriously as he stared at her. "I'm just realizing that love is too much of a hassle right now."

"My mind must be playing tricks on me because it seems as if I'm hearing words of despair coming out of that beautiful mouth of yours. It's not like you to throw in the towel like this on things.......especially dating." Chris insisted taking note of her seriousness. "You can't be giving up on love. I don't believe you."

"I'm being a realist Chris." Eve continued shaking her head as she reached for another bagel. "Over the past few days I've had some time to think and I've come to the realization that it's time for me to focus on my career."

"You know what they say about all work and no play Eve." Chris added realizing how much he was enjoying her company as he focused on something other than the pain in his abdomen.

"Spare me Chris." Eve muttered rolling her eyes. "Besides, right now we need to concentrate on getting you back on your feet again."

"Oh please, don't use me as your excuse to pull yourself off the market........" Chris began with a twinkle in his eyes, ".....unless of course you're finally willing to admit to yourself that you can no longer fight that primal urge building up inside of you to be with me that you've been suppressing for oh so long. In fact, now that you mentioned trying to help me regain my strength, why don't you hop on up here with me for a while, and if we put our heads together maybe we can find some creative ways to forget all our worries for a little while."

"Spare me Ramsey." Eve muttered rolling her eyes as he tapped on the bed throwing her one of his best looks of seduction. "Why do you think that I brought the garlic bagels?"

"Hey, that was a low blow." Chris replied giving her puppy dog eyes as he pulled her in closer towards him. "Come on Eve."

"You know, you might be injured Ramsey, but don't think that it won't stop me from smacking you out of that deluded fantasy of yours if you touch me." Eve warned him in a menacing tone.

"Hey, it was worth a try." Chris shrugged quickly releasing her. "Forget that I even bother to take your mind off of moping."

"I'm sorry Chris." Eve apologized realizing that he was only trying to cheer her up.

"It's okay. I'm getting used to your painful rejections." Chris sighed leaning back in his bed as he glanced her over. "Who knows maybe someday I'll even get over this overbearing need that I have to do everything in the best of my abilities that I can to pull you out of your slums."

"Oh come on Chris, you know that I love ya." Eve replied with a grin as he pouted.

"No, no you don't. You're just saying that because you feel guilty for ultimately thinking the worst about me." Chris insisted turning his head in the other direction and waiting for a response.

"Chris, really, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I really appreciate everything that you've done for me lately." Eve began realizing that she had approached the situation wrong as she reached out to him. "You have no idea how much you mean to me and when I thought that I was going to lose you........"

"Gotcha." he replied abruptly turning his head and forcing her down next to him as he pulled her into a deep embrace feverishly planting his lips upon hers.

Stunned by Chris's sudden burst of energy as Eve placed her arms out to protest feeling his mouth against hers, but she was so caught off guard that she gave in to his advances and responded to his kiss accepting each movement he made as his lips burned against hers until she heard a yelp and Chris pulled away.

"What was that for?" Eve questioned breathlessly unable to comprehend what had just taken place as she stared into Chris's eyes as he clenched his side.

"That was just my way of saying thanks for everything that you've done for me lately Eve." Chris explained with a grin as the pain in his side gradually faded. His eyes cast over Eve's flushed face as he extended his arm out alongside of her slipping his hand into her bag of bagels sitting on the table before pulling one out. Eve silently watched in confusion as he took a bite of the bagel and shook his head. "You know on second thought, garlic isn't so bad afterall."

"Look Lucy, I should probably get going since it's starting to get late." Scott began pulling back from their hug as he checked the time. "Serena is probably wondering where I am right about now seeing as I said that I was just going to drop your things off."

"Scott, I really wish that you'd reconsider staying for a while." Lucy insisted with a smile.

"Kevin and I could use the help in the nursery considering that decorating has never been one of Doc's finer qualities."

"Lucy, I just don't think.........." Scott began to protest as she flashed him a brilliant smile.

"You know what?" Lucy began getting an idea. "What if you go pick up Serena from Karen's and we can make a day of it? Victor should be home soon and maybe we can all have dinner together and work in the nursery for a bit."

"I just don't think.........." Scott began as the front door opened and Kevin stepped inside.

"Lucy, you wouldn't believe how many stores I had to go to just to find eggshell." Kevin explained with a laugh carrying two cans of paint in hand as he noticed Scott standing in the center of the room and his smile faded. "Scott,"

"Kevin," Scott replied with a nod as Lucy stepped forward.

"Scott just brought my things over from the firehouse." Lucy explained quickly taking note of Kevin's grim expression. "He was just about to leave, but I suggested that he stay for a while and see the work we're doing in the nursery."

"Really Lucy, it's not necessary." Scott interrupted clearing his throat as he moved towards the door to leave. "I should get going now, so that you and Kevin can finish up your painting. I don't want to intrude any more than I already have upon your afternoon.

Oh, and if I forgot to bring anything over, just call me and let me know. Okay?"

Lucy stood in the center of the room not knowing what to do as her gaze shifted from Kevin to Scott and the tension grew in the room. She so desperately wanted Scott to stay and visit for a while, but judging by the look on Kevin's face, she didn't think that Scott would bother sticking around any longer than he had to.

"Good-bye Lucy." Scott said with a nod as he glanced at Kevin. "Kevin."

"Scott, wait." Kevin called out as Scott stood in the doorway. After a moment Scott turned around to face Kevin as he spoke up once more. "You know, we could always use an extra set of hands around here and from what Lucy's told me, you've a great deal of experience in the painting department. Care to stick around?"

"Gee.........I don't know." Scott began scratching his head as he thought it over. "I was supposed to spend the afternoon with Serena........"

"Why don't you bring her on over too?" Lucy piped in eagerly moving in alongside of Kevin. "Afterall, the more the merrier, right Doc?"

"That's how the saying goes." Kevin agreed with a smile. "What do you say Scott?"

"All right," Scott agreed with a nod, "Serena and I will be back over here in about an hour."

"Perfect. That'll give Doc and I just enough time to cover up the mess we've made of things in there already." Lucy added cheerfully walking over to the door. "See you soon Pal."

"Okay," Scott replied with a wave as he disappeared down the walkway into his car.

"Oh Doc," Lucy began closing the door behind her as she turned to Kevin who was carrying the cans of paint into the nursery. She chased after him throwing her arms around his neck catching him off guard and planting a big sloppy kiss on him.

"What was that for?" Kevin questioned in bewilderment as he noticed the sparkle in her eyes.

"What you did back there was one of the most selfless, caring, wonderful things that you could've done Doc." Lucy explained admiring the man that she'd grown to love so much.

"I know how hard that was for you to invite Scott to spend the afternoon with us."

"Hardly." Kevin disagreed shaking his head as he glanced around the room. "I was merely thinking about decreasing the work load for us."

"Come on Doc, you know that wasn't the only reason you did that." Lucy insisted jabbing him in the ribs. "There was more to it then that."

"Okay, I confess." Kevin replied throwing his hands in the air in defeat. "You caught me Lucy."

"I knew it." Lucy beamed placing a kiss on his cheek. "You are the most wonderful, caring, loving man. Did I ever tell you that Doctor Collins?"

"Maybe once or twice." Kevin shrugged as she toyed around with the buttons on his shirt.

"Only once or twice?" she questioned in astonishment plucking open the top button with her fingernail. "Oh Doc, I didn't realize that you felt so unappreciated. I so thought that I'd shown you over and over again how much I loved you, but if I didn't convince you, then there's only one solution to this problem."

"And what might that be?" Kevin questioned raising an eyebrow as she popped open another button on his shirt and started placing soft kisses along his neckline. "Lucy, what are you doing?"

"Showing you how much I love you." she replied in a whisper gently nibbling on his ear.

"Lucy, I don't think that we should........" Kevin began in a moan feeling his skin heat up as he felt her warm breath upon him. "It's just too risky for us to be doing this with you being pregnant and all......."

"Dr. Dupie assured me that I could function normally during this pregnancy," Lucy explained in a low raspy tone as she trailed her finger along Kevin's neck line, "but don't worry, what I've got planned for you isn't going to put our children in any danger."

"Oh really?" Kevin questioned in interest as she whispered her ideas into his ear. "Why Lucy, I didn't know you had it in you."

"Doc, I'm always full of surprises. "Lucy laughed in amusement as her eyes twinkled in delight. "You should know that by now."

Chapter 26

"Oh my God, Ellen, it's huge!" Lucy gasped seizing her friend's hand as she examined the diamond on her finger. "I must admit that Matt has exquisite taste."

"Tell me about it." Ellen bragged as Lucy moved in closer to inspect the ring. "I was just about as shocked as you were when he popped the question."

"Details. I want details!" Lucy insisted pulling Ellen down next to her excitedly.

"Well........" Ellen began as a grin flashed across her face.

"Come on Ellen. Spill it!" Lucy shouted at her tossing a pillow in her direction.

"All right I'll tell you." Ellen laughed in amusement afraid of what Lucy would throw next if she remained silent a moment longer. "Well, yesterday I was stuck at the hospital longer than usual trying up some loose ends while Matt was at his apartment. We'd been planning a special dinner for a couple of weeks now since it feels as if we hardly see one another in between our fluctuating schedules, so when I discovered that I wouldn't be able to make dinner, I called him with a heavy heart promising that we'd reschedule as soon as possible. He said that he understood and then I got back to work."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get to the good part." Lucy insisted brightly taking note of the joy Ellen was receiving from drawing out the conversation as much as possible.

"Okay, okay." Ellen agreed waving her hands in the air excitedly before she took another sip of her drink and held the pillow close to her heart.

"So there I was ready to go home and crash into bed after a long day at work, when I get this message on my pager telling me to pick up some paper work that I'd left in the lounge."

"Matt was there, wasn't he?" Lucy interrupted sitting up straighter.

"I'm getting there!" Ellen snapped as Lucy leaned forward. "As I was saying......I was on my way to the lounge when I noticed that it was awfully dark inside. At first I was a bit paranoid because it's just so unusual to find the lounge dark like that, but something told me to go inside anyways and boy was I ever glad that I did. When I entered the room, the air was filled with the scent of jasmine, and there Matt was dressed in a tuxedo next to an intimate candle lit dinner for two."

"How romantic." Lucy sighed picturing the scene as she took note of her friend's happiness.

"Lucy, it was wonderful." Ellen began leaning back on the couch and closing her eyes in the memory as she squeezed the pillow tighter. "It was a dream come true. Everything was perfect and when Matt popped the question, I didn't even give it a second thought before accepting."

"Ellen, I'm so happy for you." Lucy smiled giving her friend a hug.

"You are going to make the most beautiful bride Ellen and Matt is the luckiest guy in the world."

"Oh Lucy, that means so much to me." Ellen responded squeezing her hand as she spoke. "In fact, that's part of the reason I came over here this afternoon. Lucy, I know that you and I didn't start off as the best of pals, but over the past few months you and I have endured just about everything together and after the well incident at the cabin......well, there's no one else that I'd rather have as my maid of honor at my wedding. That is if you're interested of course."

"Oh Ellen, you know that I would love to." Lucy replied without a moment's hesitation as thoughts circulated through her mind. "Of course now with this added responsibilities, I'll have to start planning your wild bachelorette party."

"Bachelorette party? Whatever happened to a traditional bridal shower?" Ellen questioned in amusement as Lucy moved about the room frantically searching for a pen and paper. "Don't you think that you should take it easy Lucy? I thought that you were tired."

"Well, I was, but there is so much to do now with your wedding and the party planning for the night with the girls." Lucy insisted retrieving a note pad from Kevin's desk drawer. "We'll have to think of the guest list, entertainment..........which of course will be nothing but the best and......"

"Lucy, hold on a second." Ellen insisted standing up and shaking her head. "Matt and I haven't even set a date yet, so there's no need for you to get this worked up."

"Ellen, one of my best friends is getting married, so there is plenty of reason to get worked up. Why when Doc and I were planning for the wedding there was so much to do that......" Lucy trailed off growing unusually quiet as she remembered her wedding plans with Kevin.

"Lucy, what is it?" Ellen questioned in concern approaching her. "Are you feeling all right?"

"I was just thinking about my wedding Ellen." Lucy confessed with tears in her eyes. "It was supposed to be so perfect for Doc and I."

"Lucy, that's all in the past." Ellen insisted pulling her over to the couch once more as the sadness filled Lucy's face. "You and Kevin are together again and you're having a family."

"I know." Lucy sniffled as a couple tears escaped from her eyes. "It's just that everything was supposed to fall into place with Doc and I once we were to exchange vows. I was supposed to be Mrs. Kevin Collins, but it just fell apart that day when Eve showed up with those photos....."

"Lucy, Kevin loves you very much." Ellen added with a smile. "Heck, he even turned his office into a nursery and coming from a guy like Kevin, that's something."

"I know. Doc is wonderful...........he really is." Lucy insisted gazing at her friend as she rubbed her abdomen for a moment thinking about her unborn children. "I'm so happy that he and I are together again. In fact, being here with him again is everything that I've ever wanted Ellen, but............"

"But you'd rather be married to him." Ellen finished as Lucy nodded sadly. "Have you told him how you felt about marriage Lucy?"

"How can I Ellen?" Lucy cried out sadly. "Kevin didn't want to marry me before and who's to say that he's changed his mind now that we're back together again."

"Lucy, you're having his children." Ellen added reaching across the back of the couch to retrieve a tissue for Lucy. "He loves you very much and if he knew that you were unhappy about this......."

"Ellen, I'm not unhappy. I love Doc completely and I know that he loves me, but I don't want this pregnancy to be the reason that Kevin marries me."

"Lucy, you told me before that Kevin stayed by your side and wanted a future with you before he knew about the pregnancy." Ellen added hating to see Lucy upset. "I'm sure if you mentioned your thoughts about marriage to him, then you'd probably find out that Kevin feels the same way."

"Maybe...it's just that........oh I don't know." Lucy began in frustration forcing a smile. "Maybe this is just my hormones out of whack with this whole pregnancy thing. Sometimes I just get so emotional and the next thing you know I'm sitting here with tears running down my face like Niagara Falls."

"Tell him how you feel Lucy." Ellen insisted as Lucy blew her nose.

"It's the only way you're going to feel better about any of this."

"Gail, do you have a second?" Kevin questioned knocking on Gail Baldwin's door as she looked up from her paperwork.

"Of course Kevin. Come on in." she smiled directing him to a seat. "I didn't expect to be seeing you for a couple of weeks after I heard about your good news from Serena after her painting adventure at the lighthouse the other day. You and Lucy must be busy planning away for the newest edition."

"It's never a dull moment at the lighthouse." Kevin agreed with a smile thinking of Lucy and Victor's latest decorating plans for the nursery.

"Between wallpapering, cravings, and Victor's zany input on what the twins will need once they've arrived, things can get pretty hectic."

"Speaking of Victor, Serena was telling me about the robotic math tutor that he was putting together for her. You know your father is one talented man Kevin. In fact......" Gail began realizing that Kevin had slipped into a world of his own. "Kevin, what is it?"

"Well, I'd been trying to push this aside for a while now, but I realized that this couldn't wait for our next session Gail." Kevin began hesitantly as he sat down placing his hands in his lap.

"Kevin, what is it?" Gail questioned taking note of the dismay upon his face.

"Gee, where to begin......." Kevin laughed nervously as he gazed up at her. "You'd think that everything would be going smoothly since Lucy is home again and with the news of the pregnancy, I suppose that I just thought that everything would fall into place....."

"But.......?" Gail asked leaning back in her chair.

"I've been having those dreams again." Kevin started closing his eyes for a moment as the images took control once more. "They're nightmares in fact, and even though I try to dismiss them as demons of my psyche, I just can't shake the reality of them. It's almost as if he's trying to tell me something."

"He? You mean Ryan?" Gail interrupted as Kevin abruptly opened his eyes to reveal the thick darkness behind them.

"We're back at that place again on Jasmine Island that I've dreamt about many times before, only this time I'm the one holding a gun on Ryan." Kevin continued in a monotone voice as the sounds flashed before him. "He's pleading with me not to shoot him saying that if he dies I'll never know the truth I've been seeking all this time.......that without him a vital part of me will be gone. He keeps pleading, but I refuse to listen and as time passes my rage takes control and all I can do is I think of his evil and the pain he's inflicted upon everyone and as time goes on.....the more he talks, the less I listen, until finally I can't stand to hear the sound of his voice anymore so I pull the trigger."

"What happens next?" Gail questioned with concern in her voice.

"I wake up." Kevin replied snapping back into reality as the picture fades.

"And Ryan is dead?" Gail spoke up again.

"I don't know." Kevin shrugged letting out a frustrated sigh feeling his stomach tighten. "I feel the gun go off, but I never see him go down."

"Perhaps, this is brought on by your need for closure." Gail suggested hoping to offer some type of answer for Kevin. "You never had a chance to talk to Ryan about what took place, and in your mind this isn't over yet."

"I've thought of that Gail, but there's more." Kevin admitted cracking his fingers as he spoke. "Ryan was so inherently evil and for so long I've attributed it to my mother's abuse, but as time goes on I'm realizing that it was deeper than that. From my earliest memories, I see Ryan's true nature coming out and along with my mother's history I can't stop but think............"

"Go on." Gail urged as Kevin grew into a deep silence. "Kevin?"

"Gail, when I awaken I think about Lucy and the twins and quite honestly, I'm frightened." Kevin confessed with tears in his eyes.

"Images of my childhood often play through my mind and then as I reflect upon my life up to this point, I begin to wonder what kind of father will I be. How can I bring innocent children into this world knowing of the evil that exists in my family? No child should ever have to endure the kind of horror I've lived through. They should never have to feel the pain that comes along with being part of a family like mine. My mother and Ryan were frightening when it comes down to their core existence and how can I be sure that won't effect the lives of my children? How can I ensure my children....both very much a part of me, can exist in this world without having to relive the horrors?"

"Kevin, both you're mother and brother had problems independent of you." Gail reminded him quickly. "You can't burden yourself with worries about them."

"Gail, there is no proof that insanity isn't genetic and considering my family's history, who's to say that my children won't be cursed with this disease.....this madness?" Kevin blurted out feeling his hands shake at the thought. "At this rate, who's to say I won't slip back into that dark place again?"

"Kevin, you're far from that point." Gail insisted trying to alleviate his fears.

"Am I?" Kevin questioned seeking some type of resolution to his inner turmoil. "Gail, I felt myself slowly slipping away during the murders.

For a while I was troubled with thoughts that I was behind those deaths and it revealed a part of me that I wasn't ready to face. I felt as if I was losing my strength to move forward and when it came down to that moment in time when Ryan and I were face to face attacking one another, I lost all self control. Who's to say that I would've had the strength to keep from going over the edge and destroying him if Victor hadn't intervened? Who's to say that I'm not capable of that kind of evil?"

Chris stepped out onto the cold floor tiles in the bathroom feeling the water droplets evaporating on his soaked body as he reached for a towel to dry himself off with. Brushing the steam away from the mirror before him, he stared at the healing wound on his abdomen. Feeling a bit bold, Chris moved his fingers towards the red mark blemishing his otherwise perfect torso, when he heard the doorbell ringing.

"Great!" Chris muttered remembering that Eve had been called into work in the early morning as he rushed out of the bathroom clad only in his navy blue bath towel. Spying through the peephole, he noticed a delivery boy standing before him knocking on the door.

"Can I help you with something?" Chris questioned in slight irritation abruptly pulling open the door and catching the delivery boy off guard.

"I have a delivery for Eve Lambert." the boy explained quickly averting his eyes away from Chris as he reached for his clipboard.

"She's not here at the moment, but I'll sign for it." Chris replied shaking his head a bit as water beads flew into the air. After signing the paper and handing the clipboard back to the boy, Chris accepted the long, white box and closed the door behind him.

"Gee, I wonder what these could be." Chris shrugged taking a whiff of the floral fragrance filling the air and rolling his eyes as he set the box on the table top moving in for closer inspection as he noticed the card on the corner of the box. He held the card in his hand, and thought about reading it, before placing it back on the top of the box again.

"It's none of my business." Chris decided turning away from the table ready to put some clothes on. Upon reaching the bathroom door curiosity got the best of him and he returned to the living room still soaking wet when his eyes cast on the package once more.

"Well, one peek can't hurt anything." Chris decided swiping the card off of the box and carefully opening it. The tiny card slipped out of it's envelope as Chris held it before him reading outloud. "Eve, I'm sorry about what happened between us the other night on the way to the hospital. I didn't mean for things to turn out like they did and I really think that the two of us should get together to have that long overdue talk. Love, Scott."

"Fat chance Baldwin." Chris muttered crumpling up the envelope and tossing it into the trash can across the room as he reached for the box opening it up to take a glance at the red roses inside.

"How sweet. Some nerve he has trying to butter Eve up." Chris muttered sarcastically scooping up the flowers ready to toss them into the trash compactor when he heard the clicking of the front door and turned to find Eve standing before him stunned.

"Chris you wouldn't believe the day that I had. You wouldn't think that so many people would be coming into emergency on a Tuesday afternoon. It was almost as if they didn't have anything better to......"

Eve began at a loss of words as she noticed her roommate's "wardrobe". Without realizing it, she cast her eyes appreciatively along his muscular torso until she noticed the roses in his arms. "Why Ramsey.....you shouldn't have."

"I didn't." Chris confessed with a sigh realizing that he'd better fess up before he ended up telling Eve some ridiculous story. "They're from Baldwin."

"Scott?" Eve questioned in bewilderment eyeing the roses. "Scott sent those here? For me?"

"Yeah, but don't worry. I was about to pitch them." Chris explained turning towards the trash compactor once again.

"Wait!" Eve called out chasing after him and touching his shoulder to prevent him from destroying the delicate flowers.

"What?" Chris questioned turning around to face her as water splashed onto her face. "Sorry."

"It's okay." Eve replied wiping her cheek as she quickly snatched the roses out of Chris's arms. "You know, we can keep these around for a while. After all, they are beautiful."

"But they're from Baldwin. I thought it was time to turn over a new leaf now that he and Lucy are starting a family together." Chris added watching Eve smell the deep red rose petals before searching for a vase to put them in. Taking note of that growing look of adoration on her face that he had seen so many times in the past when Scott so much as looked at her the right angle, he threw his hands in the air and shrugged. "Never mind....I give up."

"Chris, I just don't see the point in wasting perfectly good roses." Eve explained placing them into a vase and carrying it out onto the coffee table. "See, they've brightened up the room already."

"Yeah, whatever." Chris mumbled rolling his eyes as he turned towards the bathroom.

"Hey, was there a card?" Eve questioned thinking back to the last time she'd seen Scott at the hospital when she'd been crying over Chris.

"Yeah it's over there in the trash can." Chris answered realizing that he'd had just about enough of Scott's memory that he could take for the afternoon. "I think that I'm going to leave now before you get all emotional about Baldwin and start ranting about what a wonderful love you two shared...even though he dumped you on your butt without giving it a second thought. I don't think that I'm ready for another crying session if you don't mind."

"Chris," Eve replied lowering herself to smell the sweet floral fragrance for a moment before gazing at Chris once again sensing his irritation.

"Chris, wait a second."

"What now?" He questioned with a snap feeling a chill come over him as he stood around shooting the breeze with Eve in his wet towel.

"Look, just because Scott sent me these doesn't mean that I'm going to go running back to him with open arms." Eve explained sensing that something needed to be said.

"Eve, I just don't want to see you get hurt." Chris sighed facing her stepping in closer to her as he continued. "I know how you feel about that man, but Eve it's time to face the reality of the situation that he's never coming back to you. Lucy's pregnant and if you haven't noticed both Scott and Kevin seem to be falling over her."

"I know that Scott cares for Lucy, and he has every right to considering their history and the present situation. And as for Kevin, he still loves Lucy very much Chris." Eve insisted thinking of the last time she had briefly seen Kevin at the hospital. "They were going to get back together before he discovered that she was pregnant. You should have seen how heartbroken he was when she was on that stretcher begging him to give her another chance."

"So that's why Baldwin is around again." Chris laughed in amusement thinking it over. "What nerve......he can't be with the woman he loves, so he goes for his second choice. What a guy."

"Gee thanks for putting it so bluntly Chris." Eve shot back at him in irritation. "Leave it to you to find a way to brighten my already wonderful day."

"Hey, if you don't want me to put my two cents in, then I won't. After all, what you do with your time is none of my business." Chris replied trying to bite his tongue as he thought of a few choice words he could throw at her about Scott Baldwin. He opened his mouth to say something about the situation, but decided that he didn't want to hurt her feelings as he changed the subject. "Now if you excuse me, I have to get ready for my date tonight."

"Date?" Eve repeated caught off guard by his statement. "You're going out on a date tonight?"

"Yeah, that's what single men do from time to time." Chris nodded taking note of the surprised look upon her face. "What does it shock you to hear that I have a social life?"

"No........I mean it's just been a while since you........." Eve trailed off suddenly feeling foolish as she shook her head. "I just kind of thought we'd kick back and watch a couple rounds of the boxing match going on tonight. You know, the cure for the common heartache is a good night watching grown men duke it out."

"I'd love to Eve, but I already made these plans and if I don't get dressed soon..........." Chris started hesitantly suddenly aware of his nakedness as he stood before her. "I'm going to go get dressed."

"Oh yeah, sure." Eve replied with a nod as Chris turned away. "Wait Chris....."

"Yes?" he questioned spinning around once again.

"How's your side doing this morning?" Eve questioned clearing her throat as she moved in to inspect him.

"It's fine." Chris began with a shrug as she moved in placing her hand upon his damp skin to inspect the wound slightly above the towel he'd tied around his waist. "Really Eve I should just get back in there and finish........"

"Just let me look. Does it hurt?" Eve insisted touching him softly as she felt him stiffen against her touch. She glided her fingers along his abdomen trying to see how tender the wound still was when she felt his large hand capture hers. Glancing up at Chris, Eve noticed a look she'd never seen before flicker in his eyes as they locked gazes.

"Only when I focus on the pain." Chris explained still holding onto her hand as their eyes locked.

"Chris........" Eve started leaning inward feeling Chris's breath upon hers as they stood in the center of their living room together overcome with silence.

"I should get dressed." Chris spoke up breaking the thick air between them as he stepped back.

"Good idea." Eve agreed as she pointed in the direction of the couch.

"I'm just going to turn on the television for a while and kick back with some ice cream."

"Yeah, ice cream's good." Chris nodded making a quick exit before he revealed too much about what he was thinking in that moment alone with Eve. "You should do that."

Standing before the firehouse Marisa felt her legs deaden, as she remained frozen in place. She tried to assure herself that she could pull together the courage to just ring the bell. She'd passed by the place at least half a dozen times during her short stay in Port Charles, but each time she'd found a reason to turn around and prevent herself from taking the first step. Now feeling her heart beating in her chest, and the lump growing in her throat, she decided it was now or never. Drawing in a deep breath, she approached the front door.

"This is silly." she thought to herself as she carelessly ran her fingers through her long blonde hair while fighting the urge to run away. After a second ring, she turned away towards her car parked in the drive.

"Hello," a voice called out as Marisa turned around to find a beautiful young woman standing before her. "May I help you?"

"Oh, um, is Scott around?" Marisa questioned taking note of the beautiful diamond engagement ring on the woman's finger.

"He's in the shower right now, but if you'd like to wait......" the woman explained with a smile as she opened the door a bit further.

"Actually, if this is a bad time........" Marisa began feeling like a fool as she stood before the beautiful young woman.

"No really, please come in." the woman insisted with a nod.

"Actually, I'll come back." Marisa replied rushing off hurriedly as fast as her feet could take her. Finally reaching her car, she opened the door and sat inside burying her head in her hands feeling like an idiot.

"What was I thinking?"

Karen stood in the firehouse doorway confused by the woman's quick exit as she heard footsteps behind her. She shook her head and closed the door turning to face her father who had just finished his shower.

"Thanks for keeping an eye on Serena while I was upstairs." Scott smiled giving his daughter a hug. "Is something wrong?"

"A woman was just here." Karen replied glancing back towards the front window. "She looked a bit distressed."

"That seems to be the story of my life lately." Scott sighed thinking it over as he crossed the room.

"Speaking of women in your life, I know it's none of my business, but the flower shop called to confirm that your delivery was received by Eve Lambert." Karen added waiting for her father to respond as she wondered if Scott was going to travel down that road again.

"I felt like I owed her something after the last time we were together."

Scott explained taking note of the disapproving look on Karen's face though she tried to suppress it. "I'm just trying to make amends with the world around me, but it seems like no matter what I do, it never works out."

"Scott I know that you're still upset about this thing with Lucy, but I don't think that it's reason enough for you to go rushing back to Eve."

Karen added knowing that she was out of line, but voicing her opinion none the less. "Neither one of you deserves that right now."

"I was just looking for some type of closure Karen." Scott responded quickly not wanting to get into the topic of Eve with his daughter. "As for Lucy, well that's another story."

"You miss her, don't you?" Karen questioned sensing her father's pain as he held Serena's baby bonnet in his hand and took a seat.

"I'm happy for her. I really am. She brought Serena into this world and I'll be eternally grateful for that." Scott insisted glancing up at his daughter with tears in his eyes as he thought of Lucy. "It's just that watching her and Kevin together it makes me think about what it could've been like if........"

"........if you were the father of her children." Karen finished sensing her father's pain as she moved in towards him. "Scott, it's only natural for you to feel this way after all the two of you have shared together over the years."

"Yeah, but it goes beyond that Karen." Scott continued sinking with each passing moment. "It seems that in my life all I've ever done is collected a string of failed romances and lost loves. After all this time you'd think that I'd be able to have something to show for it. I just didn't think that I'd end up alone at this point in my life."

"Scott you have Serena and she's the most important thing in your life."

Karen added wishing that she could alleviate her father's pain as she knelt before him. "She loves you more than life itself and you can see in her eyes how much she adores you."

"I don't know what I'd do without her smiling face each morning."

Scott replied staring at his daughter as he took note of the sadness in her eyes. "Karen, you know that you mean the world to me as well."

"Scott, you don't have to explain." Karen insisted shaking her head.

"No, I need to get this out." Scott continued taking her hand in his as he spoke. "I missed out on so many important years of your life, and I know that there's no way I can make up for that."

"I never expected you to." Karen interrupted with tears in her eyes.

"Karen, I know that I haven't been the best father in the world. Heck, I've made an awful lot of mistakes in my time, but from this day forward, I'm going to do all that I can to repair some of that damage that I've caused in the past." Scott explained solemnly as his eyes clouded over. "Have I ever told you how proud of you I am?"

"Scott....." Karen began not knowing what to say.

"Just look at you." Scott added with a wink as he playfully swatted at her chin. "You're my beautiful young daughter, the doctor. You've gone through college and you're on your way to a successful future.

Hey, and before you know it I'm going to be a grandpa."

"Not too soon I hope." Karen laughed thinking of her upcoming wedding to Joe as a tear escaped her eyes. "I'd like to make it to the altar first."

"You're going to be the most beautiful bride there is." Scott smiled pulling her into an embrace. "I love you Karen."

"I love you too...." Karen began tearfully realizing how long she'd waited to spend a quality moment like this with her father. ".....dad."

Kevin opened the front door to the lighthouse only to be greeted by darkness when he entered the room. Struck with an eerie feeling, Kevin set his briefcase down and stepped further inside. Smelling the faint scent of vanilla candles burning in the distance, he crossed over towards the couch.

"Lucy? Victor? Anyone home?" Kevin questioned hearing a clanging sound from inside of the kitchen as he stepped forward. "Lucy, is that you?"

"Doc, you're early." Lucy replied stepping out of the kitchen in a soft blue dress and apron. "I wasn't expecting you for at least another fifteen minutes."

"Lucy?" Kevin repeated in bewilderment taking note of the outfit as she planted a soft kiss upon his cheek. "What's going on here?"

"I'm making dinner." she explained smiling brightly as she urged him to sit down. "Why don't you let me help you out of that tie?"

"Are you feeling all right?" Kevin questioned closing his eyes as she began to massage his shoulders kneading out every knot with each heavenly movement her hands made. "Oh Lucy....."

"There's more where that came from Doc." Lucy whispered blowing into his ear a moment before resting her chin upon his shoulder.

"Tonight, I promise all we're going to bring all of your fantasies to life."

"I thought that we covered that once this week already." Kevin replied opening his eyes with sudden interest as he leaned his head against the back of the couch to look up at her. "What did I do to deserve this?"

"Doc, tonight you and I are going to take our time and indulge in each and every one of your desires." Lucy informed him pressing her mouth to his feeling a growing passion build up inside before hesitantly pulling away. "I have to check on dinner. Don't you move."

"I'll wait patiently for your return." Kevin agreed reaching out to her once again.

"Don't you move a muscle." she instructed pleaded with the way things were going in phase one of her evening with Kevin.

Chris checked his appearance in the mirror once again thinking of the evening ahead of him as he reached into his top drawer pulling out the file he'd been working on. He felt a tiny twinge of guilt for having alluded to Eve that he'd been going out on a date, but he didn't have the heart to tell her that he was meeting with an accountant to go over his finances after his father's latest need for a cash advance. Thinking back to the look on her face when he'd mentioned the word date, Chris had to admit that she looked almost jealous.

"Keep dreaming." he thought to himself as he heard the front bell ring.

"Chris, could you get that?" Eve questioned from the kitchen as Chris stepped into the living room.

"No problem." Chris replied crossing the room as he noticed Eve scooping herself a bowl of ice cream. "Hey, maybe it's another gift from Scott Baldwin waiting for you outside this door."

Chris opened the front door half expecting to see a delivery boy standing before him, but was greeted with a very grim looking police detective. Fighting the urge to slam the door, Chris gritted his teeth and spoke up.

"Garcia, what can I do for you? Is it time for us to make a donation to the PCPD education fund.....or better yet, have you come over here to accuse Eve and I for the rise in organized crime here in Port Charles?"

Chris questioned sarcastically rolling his eyes.

"Actually, I'm here to talk to Dr. Lambert." Garcia explained standing up straighter as he ignored Chris's sarcasm. "Is she around?"

"Nope. Sorry I can't help you......good-bye." Chris replied moving to close the door as Eve popped out from behind him.

"Chris, who is it?" Eve questioned carrying two bowls of ice cream into the living room and Detective Garcia pushed his way past Chris into the apartment. "Gee, Detective Garcia, what a pleasant surprise?"

"Dr. Lambert I need to talk to you." Garcia explained taking note of her sarcasm as he continued.

"What about this time?" Eve asked remembering the last time she'd seen him. "Are you here to accuse me of another string of murders going around in Port Charles now that the General Homicide case is over?"

"Actually I'm here to talk to you about the General Homicide case."

Garcia continued as Chris moved along side of Eve. "Dr. Lambert I still have a few questions regarding your whereabouts at the carnival after you left Lucy Coe alone in the building."

"I told you Detective. I went to look for help once I realized that Lucy was trapped underneath that pillar." Eve replied wondering why Garcia would be questioning again her after all this time. "I thought that we already covered this."

"Well, there are a few unanswered questions I have to deal with like why there seems to be a few loose ends in this case." Garcia explained jotting down a couple of notes. "So tell me Dr. Lambert, just how long were you out searching for help?"

"What's this all about Garcia? Ryan Chamberlain was behind the murders...case closed." Chris snapped standing protectively in front of Eve. "Why do you constantly feel the need to harass my roommate?"

"Your roommate was unaccounted for during the time when Scott Baldwin was attacked." Garcia explained sharply glaring at Chris.

"Just what are you trying to say Garcia? That I'm the one who hit Scott?" Eve questioned irritated by his implication.

"Ryan Chamberlain has an alibi for the time that Scott was hit and all the other evidence surrounding Lucy Coe's disappearance implicated your involvement...." Garcia started pulling out a piece of paper and handing it to Eve. "Also this was found by the coroner when Ryan Chamberlain was brought in for examination."

"What is it?" Chris questioned watching the color drain from Eve's face as she glanced at the paper she was holding. "Eve?"

"It's a letter for me." Eve explained in confusion looking up at Chris.

"It's from Ryan."

"Dinner, was incredible Lucy." Kevin sighed leaning back in his chair as he gazed her over in astonishment. "I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but how in the world did you come up with a meal of such extravagance?"

"Actually I have a confession to make." Lucy replied tipping her head to the side a bit as a smile crossed her lips. "Ellen was here this afternoon and she helped me throw everything together."

"You two did a wonderful job Lucy and just the fact that you went all out for me like this means so much to me." Kevin explained with heartfelt emotion as he pulled her out of her chair and into his lap.

Wrapping his arms around her, he placed a soft kiss on her lips tasting the faint sweetness of strawberries upon them. "I love you."

"I love you too Doc." Lucy replied stroking the side of his face for a moment before running her hand along the top of his partially opened button down shirt. "Kevin Collins, you are the most wonderful man in the world and every moment we spend together is like a dream come true for me. When I look at you I see everything that I've ever wanted to be. Doc, you have changed my life in so many ways and it's because of you I was able to see the brighter things that life had to offer, and you've blessed me with the biggest miracle anyone could hope for."

"Lucy, having you in my life is the miracle." Kevin interrupted bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it. "Before I found you, I lived a life of emptiness and every moment that we were apart this past year, I was miserable. I know that we've agreed that it's in the past, but I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for making things complicated for us on so many occasions."

"Complication is a way of life for us Doc." Lucy insisted with a laugh thinking about all they'd endured to get to this moment in time. "If it wasn't one thing, it was another, but the important thing is that we're here together in this moment sharing our lives with one another. Doc, I have a confession to make."

"Uh-oh, should I be frightened?" Kevin began teasingly as he placed his hand over Lucy's partially swelled abdomen still holding onto her close to him.

"Stop it Kevin. I'm trying to be serious here." Lucy insisted overcome with nervousness as she gazed into the eyes of the man she loved.

"I'm sorry. I'll be quiet." Kevin apologized urging her to go on. "The floor is all yours."

"I know that I promised not to keep things from you Doc, so I have to come clean." Lucy began drawing in a deep breath as she moved off of Kevin's lap. "Doc, there's something I need to tell you, but I don't know how to say it."

"Lucy, whatever you have to say, you don't have a thing to fear." Kevin interrupted stepping in behind her as she crossed the room. "Lucy, what is it?"

"Doc, I know that I promised you that tonight would be a time for us to indulge in your fantasies, but the truth is that I had an ulterior motive in all of this.......from the dinner to the candles. It was all a part of my fantasy." Lucy explained choked up with emotion as Kevin placed his strong hands upon her shoulder turning her to face him. "It was all part of the master plan in my selfish attempt to manipulate your emotions and set a mood."

"Lucy," Kevin began touching her face as he took note of her hesitance, "I love everything you've done for me no matter what the motivation."

"Kevin, I wanted this to be perfect." Lucy continued in a whisper as she snuggled against his chest. "I was hoping that after dinner we could spend some time holding one another like we usually do, and then you'd be ready for what I had to say."

"Lay it on my Lucy." Kevin urged gazing into her eyes as she drew in a deep breath.

"Kevin Collins, I love you more than life itself and I guess what I'm trying to say is that I can't imagine spending another minute of my life without you in it. You are my world and I was wondering if maybe you'd consider taking a risk and going to the next step with me now that were together again." Lucy began feeling a lump in her throat as she gazed into the eyes of the man who held her heart completely, "Doc, will you marry me?"

Chapter 27

"The door was open." Scott explained quickly before turning his attention back to Garcia. "So why in that warped mind of yours would you even attempt to put Eve and Ryan together in your flimsy little theory of the murders?"

"Garcia seems to think he's found his wonder evidence because Chamberlain had a letter to Eve in his pocket when the coroner examined him." Chris informed Scott with a laugh. "It seems the fine detective here now believes that Eve is somehow linked to the murders because of it."

"I see." Scott nodded listening to what Chris had to say before muttering sarcastically. "Detective, you and I both know that you're going to need more than that to go on to make your theory stick."

"I was merely questioning Dr. Lambert about her relationship with the deceased." Garcia explained defensively realizing that he was the odd man out as they all turned on him.

"Merely questioning?" Scott repeated turning to Eve and Chris. "When I came in here a moment ago, it sounded like harassment to me."

"I assure you I was not harassing Dr. Lambert." Garcia insisted still holding the letter in hand.

"Well, that's not what it sounded like to me." Scott continued turning to Chris. "What about you Ramsey? What did it sound like to you?"

"Oh I would definitely call it harassment." Chris agreed with a nod.

"Well, unless you've got something substantial to go on, you have no business bothering Eve like this." Scott added standing taller as Eve noticed Garica squirm a bit.

"This letter implicates that the two had some type of relationship with one another before he was gunned down." Garcia insisted still sticking to his guns.

"So let me get this straight," Scott started taking a step forward. "If Ryan Chamberlain wrote a letter to you, then it would be safe to assume that you and Ryan were linked together in the murders."

"Of course not." Garcia replied.

"Or better yet, if Ryan wrote a letter to the president, then you'd have to hound the president on his involvement." Chris added realizing where Scott was going with this conversation. "Perhaps you should phone Washington D.C. with your General Homicide conspiracy theory."

"Don't be ridiculous." Garcia sighed shaking his head. "I was merely questioning Eve seeing as she was one of the last people to see Ryan alive."

"Yeah, well, I think you're going to need more than that to work with."

Scott replied shaking his head in disapproval. "Is there anything else?"

"No......" Garcia began giving up for the evening.

"Good, then I'll show you to the door Garcia." Chris piped in opening the door a bit wider as Garcia placed the letter into his pocket and shook his head in defeat. "Don't let it hit you on your way out."

"I'm sorry that I couldn't give you any more information, but that's all I know." Eve added as Garcia walked out the front door and Chris slammed it shut.

"Oh darn, I was just getting used to his company." Chris muttered turning around to find Eve giving Scott a hug.

"Thank you so much for your help Scott." Eve said hugging him tightly as Chris approached the two of them.

"Oh it was nothing." Scott shrugged hearing Chris clear his throat before releasing her only to be met with a glare from Chris.

"So what are you doing here Baldwin?" Chris questioned crossing his arms over his chest.

"I stopped by to see if Eve liked the flowers I sent over." Scott answered quickly noticing the vase on the coffee table.

"They're beautiful Scott. Thank you." Eve replied with a smile realizing that she was happy to see him.

"I'm glad you enjoyed them." Scott said noticing the looks he was receiving from Chris as he noticed the two bowls of melting ice cream on the table. "I didn't mean to intrude if you two were busy........."

"Oh no, you're not intruding at all Scott. In fact," Eve began turning to Chris, "weren't you supposed to meet your date soon?"

"Oh, well, I can call and cancel." Chris suggested unwilling to leave Eve alone with Scott. "After all, who knows what Garcia could try to pull next? Knowing him he might try to come back for more. I'll just make a quick call...."

"Oh Chris, I couldn't have you do that." Eve insisted reaching out to touch his arm. "You've already had to endure so much with me tonight. Plus, I'd feel horrible if you had to cancel your date just because of what happened here."

"Really it's no big deal." Chris replied with a shrug. "I can just make a phone call and......"

"No, I insist." Eve continued turning to Scott. "Besides, Scott you wouldn't mind staying for a while, would you?"

"Of course not. In fact, I was going to see if you'd be interested in going out to dinner with me." Scott suggested remembering his purpose for stopping by.

"I'd love to." Eve answered brightly. "Just give me a minute to grab my jacket."

"Okay," Scott agreed watching her rush off leaving him alone with Chris.

"What the hell do you think you're trying to pull Baldwin?" Chris questioned as soon as Eve was out of ear shot. "You think you can come around here, throw a couple of words at Garcia, then have Eve eating out of the palm of your hand? Well, she may have fallen into your little heroic act for the moment, but I know what you're up to Baldwin and I'm not going to let you hurt her."

"What are you talking about Ramsey?" Scott questioned in confusion.

"Look, I know all about Lucy Coe, and this little game you're playing with Eve." Chris added bitterly. "I know all about how you bounce from Lucy to Eve when you feel that you aren't getting enough attention from the woman you're hoping to be with."

"You don't know what you're talking about Ramsey." Scott snapped back at him. "I came over here tonight to take Eve out to dinner and that's just what I intend upon doing."

"Why? Lucy couldn't find the time to fit you in tonight?" Chris questioned in anger. "Did she finally come to her senses and kick your butt to the curb?"

"You know Ramsey, I ought to......" Scott began as Eve reentered the room.

"Okay, I'm ready." Eve announced taking note of the tension in the air between the two men. "Did I miss something here?"

"No, Scott and I were just discussing Lucy." Chris replied still glaring at Scott. "Weren't we?"

"Oh," Eve nodded turning to Scott.

"Are you ready for dinner?" Scott questioned eager to remove himself from the situation before he slugged Chris.

"Of course." Eve smiled turning to Chris and giving him a quick hug.

"Good luck on your date tonight, and I promise not to wait up."

"Goodbye Eve." Chris replied holding onto her a moment longer before throwing out on last look in Scott's direction.

"So now that we've decided not to get married tonight, I guess that leaves the night open, huh?" Lucy questioned snuggling in next to Kevin on the couch as the fire blazed in front of them. "I guess that we'll just have to settle for the second best thing."

"And what might that be?" Kevin questioned raising an eyebrow as Lucy crawled into his lap.

"Why starting the honeymoon early of course." Lucy answered matter of fact lowering herself to kiss him.

"Mmm........now that sounds like an idea." Kevin agreed kissing her neck as the telephone rang. "Ugh, I don't hear anything."

"Me neither." Lucy added wrapping her arms tighter around Kevin's neck as the doorbell started to ring. "I don't hear that either."

"Hear what?" Kevin questioned moving in towards her once again as the noise continued.

"Doc, they aren't going away." Lucy sighed in frustration pulling back.

"It's a conspiracy I tell you." Kevin sighed reaching across the back of the couch to answer the phone as Lucy moved towards the door. Lucy paused for a moment and watched as Kevin stood up moving towards the kitchen. "Hello, oh Detective Garcia."

"Wonderful." Lucy muttered sarcastically under her breath wondering what Garcia wanted as she opened the door to discover Marisa standing before her. "Marisa, why hello."

"Lucy, I hope this isn't a bad time." Marisa began apologetically taking note of the darkness in the room behind Lucy. "You see, I was in the neighborhood, and I just thought that I'd drop by to say hello, but if the timing's bad, then..."

"No, no of course not. Come on in." Lucy insisted hearing Kevin in the kitchen still on the phone talking to Garcia. "Actually, I tried calling you the other day at the hospital, but no one answered your extension."

"Oh well I left the hospital." Marisa explained as Lucy turned on a light and the two entered the lighthouse. "Wow, this place is incredible. I have to admit that when you mentioned the fact that you lived in a lighthouse, I was rather puzzled, but this place looks great."

"Well, Doc and I have tried our best to make this place as cozy as possible. In fact, you should see the nursery that we've been working on." Lucy started brightly leading Marisa towards the hall. "In fact, it's right this way if....."

"Lucy, I hate to do this, but..." Kevin started walking out of the kitchen and discovering the two women before him. "Oh hello, I didn't realize we had company."

"Dr. Dupuie came over for a visit." Lucy explained with a nod taking note of the look on Kevin's face. "Doc, what is it?"

"Garcia, wants me to come down to the station to talk about a few things he needs to wrap up in the General Homicide case." Kevin informed her quickly.

"Would you like me to go with you?" Lucy questioned as he reached for his jacket.

"No, that's not necessary. He just has a couple of Ryan's things that he'd like me to sort though." Kevin explained slipping into his jacket as he glanced over at Marisa. "It's nice to see you again Dr. Dupuie."

"Nice seeing you too Kevin." Marisa smiled watching him give Lucy a quick kiss before rushing out the door.

"Bye Doc." Lucy waved watching him take off before closing the door behind him. "So now where were we?"

"You know I meant to call first, but I misplaced your number." Marisa explained thinking of her visit to Scott's earlier in the afternoon and how she'd been disoriented ever since.

"Oh don't worry about it." Lucy shrugged waving her hand in the air.

"I'm always one for spontaneous visits. Doc on the other hand has this obsessive thing about calling first, but it doesn't really matter what he says seeing as he's gone anyways and as I always say, spontaneity makes the world go round."

"That's always a fun way to look at things." Marisa agreed suddenly feeling a light tapping on her toes as she looked down to find a goose at her feet.

"Oh I'm terribly sorry. Siggy, I told you to behave yourself when we have visitors." Lucy began scooping up Sigmund and scolding him.

"Now you be a good boy or else I'm going to have to tell daddy that you aren't behaving yourself. I'm sorry about him. He's been terribly moody since we've broken the news to him about the pregnancy. I think he's a little jealous. Doc says that he'll outgrow it, but I'm not sure."

"I see." Marisa nodded watching Lucy cradle her goose in her arms.

"So how long have you had him?"

"Oh well, Doc and I have had him for quite some time." Lucy replied with a smile before shaking her head. "Gosh, you must think I'm terribly rude. I haven't properly introduced the two of you. Marisa, this is our baby Sigmund. Sigmund, this is the wonderful doctor that saved mommy's life not too long ago."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Sigmund." Marisa smiled reaching out to pet the goose as he squawked approvingly.

"Oh I think he likes you." Lucy laughed watching Sigmund warm up to Marisa. "Listen, what do you say I show you the nursery?"

"Sure, I'd like that." Marisa agreed following Lucy down the hallway towards the nursery.

"You know, on second thought, knowing our infamous police detective, Kevin is probably going to be stuck at the police station for a while. What do you say after I show you the nursery, you and I go out on the town and I'll show you some of the sights that Port Charles has to offer?" Lucy suggested thinking of how long it's been since she'd had a girl's night out.

"Are you sure you're up to it Lucy?" Marisa questioned remembering the last time she'd seen Lucy in the hospital. "I wouldn't want to intrude more than I already have......"

"Of course I'm up to it." Lucy replied grinning brightly. "You know, one thing you're going to learn about me as the night rolls on is that Lucy Coe is always the life of the party."

"Okay well here's the check and tell him that after this there's no more."

Chris explained ripping the final check out of his check book and handing it to his accountant. "Tell me something Cheryl. What has he gotten himself into this time?"

"You don't want to know Chris." She replied folding the check and tucking inside of her purse pocket.

"I'm getting a little tired of this." Chris insisted thinking of how his father had been sucking him dry financially.

"You can quit whenever you want to Chris. No one would blame you for letting him loose." Cheryl added with a grim expression taking the last sip of her drink. "Just say the word and I'll break the news to him."

"I know.....I know. It's just hard to turn my back on him even if he is such a slime ball." Chris sighed finishing off his beer before changing the subject. "Cheryl, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure Chris, what's up?" she questioned setting her briefcase aside.

"When you look at me, what do you see?" Chris asked thinking of Eve's departure with Scott earlier in the evening. "I mean, do you think I'm attractive?"

"Chris, you're my brother. I don't think that I'm the person you should be asking about this." Cheryl pointed out giving him a look. "This is about a woman, isn't it?"

"No, why would you think something like that?" Chris shrugged signaling for the bartender to bring him another beer. "I was just curious to see what you thought."

"Since when does your sister's opinion count?" Cheryl asked skeptically as she reached for her briefcase. "This has to do with that beautiful roommate of yours, doesn't it? I knew that there was some reason that you've been trying to hide her from the rest of the family. She must be pretty special."

"Hardly." Chris muttered nudging her slightly.

"Yeah right. I almost believe you. You know Chris, I know you won't take this to heart, but the best way for you to get a woman to notice you is to tell her how you feel." she shot back at him. "Tell her you have feelings for her."

"I don't have feelings for her Cheryl." Chris protested watching the doubtful expression on his sister's face. "I was just wondering if you still thought I had my irresistible charm left."

"Yeah sure." she nodded getting up from her barstool. "Well, look, I'd love to stay and chat, but I need to get back to Danny and the kids."

"Well, I'd like to say it's been fun, but well.........." Chris trailed off looking up at her.

"I know Chris." Cheryl nodded wishing that they could've been meeting under better circumstances. "Call me sometime."

"I'll try." Chris replied watching her leave before redirecting his attention to the froth in his beer.

"Hi, I'm here to pick up a carry out." a familiar voice called out from behind Chris as he turned to find Karen Wexler standing behind him.

"Karen, I thought that was you." Chris smiled happy to see a familiar face around the pub.

"Chris," she nodded clenching her teeth a bit wondering why she had been unfortunate enough to run into Chris of all people.

"Your order is going to be up in a few minutes Ms. Wexler." the man behind the bar explained to her.

"Take a seat." Chris urged pulling out the bar stool his sister was just sitting in.

"I'd rather not." Karen replied shortly checking the time.

"Fine. Have it your way." Chris shrugged turning back around towards the bar. "Don't say I didn't try to be nice."

"Look Chris, I didn't mean to be rude." Karen apologized reluctantly taking a seat on the stool next to him. "I'm just having one of those nights if you know what I mean."

"Oh I know what you mean. I think I'm having one of those years."

Chris replied thinking of the large amount of cash that had just slipped out of his hands before taking another sip of his beer. "So tell me something Karen. Do you share your father's disposition most of the time?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Karen questioned caught off guard by his comment.

"Well, like yourself, he seemed to be anything but happy to see me earlier this evening when he picked Eve up for dinner." Chris explained thinking of how much he didn't like Scott.

"He's out to dinner with Eve?" Karen questioned wide eyed eager to hear more as she leaned in towards Chris.

"So now I've got your attention." Chris replied in amusement realizing she was hanging on his every word. "If I would've known that was all it would take, I would've done this long ago."

"Cut the games Ramsey." Karen urged in annoyance. "Where did he take her?"

"I don't know." Chris shrugged feeling a slight buzz as he spoke again.

"He just showed up in the nick of time to come to Eve's rescue once again."

"Damn it. When is he ever going to learn?" Karen cursed remembering her talk with her father. "Just this afternoon I told him to stay away from Eve. I wish he would've listened."

"Yeah, well I told Eve to stay away from an egotistical, self-centered, user like him, but do you think she'd listen to me?" Chris blurted out irritably.

"Egotistical, self-centered user? Chris, are you trying to imply something about my father because to me it sounds like you're talking about yourself?" Karen questioned in bewilderment. "I'd be worried about my father going out with an irresponsible, self centered, little gold digger like Eve."

"Ah so the truth does come out." Chris began in astonishment glancing her over. "Karen Wexler does have a slight imperfection inside of that otherwise seemingly perfect package."

"Oh please." Karen muttered rolling her eyes as she stood up from the stool. "Well, as usual it's been interesting Chris, but I'm going to find some other less agonizing way to spend my time waiting for my order to come up."

"Karen, wait!" Chris urged getting up after her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

"Yeah, well you could've fooled me." Karen shot back in anger.

"Look, I didn't mean to start throwing stones at you." Chris explained realizing that he'd upset her. "In fact, I was just trying to make conversation with you, but obviously bringing up the topic of my roommate and your father was a bad opener. Maybe I should've started talking about Joe and see if he invested in any new power tools lately."

"You would've probably received the same cool reception out of me."

Karen replied drawing in a breath noticing how Chris was trying to lighten the mood.

"Look, I'm sorry. Why don't you sit down, and I'll buy you a drink while you're waiting for your order to come up?" Chris suggested flashing her one of his best smiles.

"This is against my better judgement, but okay." Karen agreed moving back over to the barstool.

"A truce?" Chris questioned handing her a beer.

"A truce." she agreed accepting the drink with a smile.

"This had better be good Garcia because I was spending a nice, quiet evening with Lucy." Kevin explained walking into the half empty police station.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience Kevin, but I thought you might want to take a look at these things before I tagged them." Garcia explained nodding at the various objects on his desk.

"Tagged them? What for?" Kevin questioned in confusion.

"Just in case I need them again in the future." Garcia replied remembering his trip to Eve's apartment earlier in the evening as he handed Kevin the letter.

"What's this?" Kevin questioned opening up the envelope.

"Your brother's final goodbye to Eve Lambert." Garcia explained watching Kevin skim over the letter. "What's your take on it?"

"I don't know." Kevin replied reading a few lines before glancing up at Garcia. "I didn't even know Ryan was aware of who Eve was up until he got his hands on my book."

"Yeah well according to Eve, she never had any contact with him until that night at the carnival." Garcia explained watching Kevin's face carefully.

"That doesn't surprise me Alex." Kevin replied with a shrug. "My brother was a serial murderer afterall obsessed with beautiful women.

Eve doesn't really fit into the profile of the typical woman that Ryan would become fixated with, but I suppose anything is possible especially after the way he pushed himself to follow my book down to the last detail."

"What do you mean Kevin?" Garcia questioned in confusion.

"My character had an affair with Eve's character in the book." Kevin explained remembering that small detail of the book. "Ryan believed that I was writing the book as a way to draw him out in the open once more. Perhaps he believed that he and Eve were bonded together because of the book. Anything is possible where Ryan is concerned."

"Perhaps." Garcia shrugged reaching deep into his pocket once again.

"That letter's not the only reason I called you here tonight. The coroner found this as well."

"What is it?" Kevin questioned accepting the envelope.

"It's for you from your brother." Garcia explained watching Kevin tear into the envelope.