"I decided to ask him." Callie announced nonchalantly as she reached for her glass.

"It's a bad idea. You can do so much better!" Abby hadn't meant to raise her voice to that level. They waited a few seconds for the nosibodies sitting at the nearby tables to return their focus on their meals and not the conversation.

"He's really not that bad. Plus I thought he was your friend Abby."

"Hardly. I mean I suppose but still…" Callie laughed shaking her head.

"You make him sound like some horrible vicious monster. We both know that's not the case. Sure he's a bit rough around the edges. Comes across as self righteous time to time.' Abby made an nose along with an eyeroll. 'But really deep down he's kind, passionate intelligent so why not him? It's not like I gotta lot to choose from." Callie's voice turned soft with a distant smile. Abby reached over and patted her hand.

"Are you sure?" Callie nodded.

"You know I've always wanted to be a mother. I think I'm good with them?"

"With kids? Amazing. You have time you don't have to rus…"

"Abby no. I'm almost forty. Almost every guy my age; because cute as some of those younger ones might be I have no interest in that; either have their child or well just no!" They both laughed without saying anything imagining a few unworthy selections.

"Will you two marry?"

"I think getting him to agree to father my child will be hard enough I won't want to push it."

"And your sure you want Marcus Kane?"

"Yeah I'm sure. Really he's not that bad!" Abby laughed again.

"Again if you say so. If this what you really want I'll support you."

"Thank you Abby."

"Abby? Earth to Abby?" Marcus calls from desk as he watches her from the bed with a far off look on her face.

"Uh what?" He chuckles at her reaction.

"Just wondering where you went. Everything alright?" Abby nods.

"Yeah just thinking about…people…." He waits for more but receives nothing. The distant look remains though.

"About Jake?" Marcus knew that was a topic she feared bringing up despite him telling her it didn't bother him. She shakes her head.

"No. Not Jake. May I ask you something?' He nods. 'Why did you turn her down? She never told me."

"Abby honey I need a bit more to go on."

"Callie. She picked you to father her child but you tur…and judging by your face you have no idea what I'm talking about."

"No. I mean I suspected she was interested but no." Marcus walks over and sits next to her.

"Oh. I hope it wasn't what I had said."

"What did you say?' Abby looks away. 'It's ok you can tell me."

"Basically that she could a hell lot of better and she was a fool for even to consider you." She blurts out. He gives a deep laugh.

"I'd have to agree. Back than I was…well you know. I didn't deserve Callie let alone a child with her."

"For the record you deserve that now. Marcus Kane never forget your past does not define you. I may have hated you before but I now I…' She pauses giving a few deep breaths. 'I love you more than I thought was possible."

"I love you too."