A/N: This chapter and the next are D&E light, as I have to set some of the ground work.

Also, having seen EVERY D&E scene from 1998 until 2011, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that there is NO WAY that David had that cabin while D&E were together. NONE. So I won't be writing the cabin, as it simply does not exist. Oh and I don't care what AMC wanted us to think, David DID NOT have feelings for Dixie at any point during D&E. Nope. Sorry. So that's not happening either, because it simply does not factor into things.

Chapter 2

"How did they find out?" Bianca asked, eyes wide as she took in the sight of the press crowding The Valley Inn's lobby.

"I imagine someone saw us yesterday." They had been well in sight of prying eyes when David had proposed, so it was no surprise that the press was already swarming like vultures to get the story.

David had an early surgery and had missed the circus she had Bianca had just walked into.

"When is the wedding…" "Are you going to wear white…" "Are you pregnant…" "Let us see your ring…"

Erica offered them a placating smile, holding out her hand. "Dr. Hayward and I will be making a formal announcement in the coming days…" She started, having learned in all her years dealing with the press that giving them even the smallest morsel would be enough to hold them for a few days, "and we will treat you all to the inside scoop and full photoshoot when we do."

For the most part they seemed satisfied only snapping a few more photos and rattling off a few last questions, before finally backing away.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Erica started through a frustrated sigh. The last thing she wanted was to have Bianca's time with her start off with a media circus.

Jack had invited them to breakfast, wanting a chance to welcome Bianca home. She had a full day planned for the two of them, and didn't want anyone taking away from their time together. But Jackson was Bianca's Uncle, and she wouldn't keep them apart.

"Does David know you're going to give the press a full photoshoot?" Bianca wondered, laughing lightly as Erica shook her head.

"I think he owes us for missing this," She teased, heading for the dining room.

"I think if he had his choice, he would have rather been here for this," Bianca mused, "I don't think he's going to enjoy having to show off to the press."

Erica shrugged, a knowing smile playing on her lips as they approached Jack's table.

"I was beginning to think you stood me up," Jack smiled, on his feet quickly so he could hug Bianca. "Welcome home, sweetheart."

Bianca hugged him tight, "Hi Uncle Jack."

Erica stood away, letting them have their moment. She and Jackson might have their ups and downs, but he would always be there for Bianca.

"How was your flight?" Jack asked as they sat down, "I would have come to see you last night, but I couldn't get a hold of anyone."

"That's probably because we weren't home. David took us out for ice cream."

Jack nodded, and raised an eyebrow in Erica's direction. "David took you out? I would have thought he would have let you have some time alone with your Mom."

"Oh well, David was there when I got home, and really it seemed like the best way to finish celebrating."

Jack cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at Erica. "Celebrating, what?"

Erica pushed a hard breath, as Bianca's eyes darted between them. Somehow he had managed to miss the press circus in the lobby. "David and I are engaged," Erica finally answered, holding out her hand. "He took Bianca and I out so we could all celebrate and start getting to know each other again."

Jack nodded, eyes drifting from Erica's ring to Bianca, and then back to Erica. "You're marrying David Hayward?" He asked, though they all heard the accusation in his voice.

Bianca studied their faces. The way her Uncle Jack's entire body seemed to tense. The way her mother's own posture had stiffened and her smile had faded. She knew what was coming, and braced herself for what was about to unfold.

"Yes I am," Erica finally admonished, watching Jack's face fill with anger.

"Isn't that convenient. He proposes to you the same time your daughter is set to come home. The guy can't even let you have time with your daughter."

"David didn't know I was coming," Bianca offered, hoping maybe her being there would temper the storm she could see brewing.

"Oh, engaged and still keeping secrets from each other," Jack nodded through an accusing smile.

"How dare you. You don't have any say on how I choose to live my life and whom I choose to spend it with, Jackson." Her voice was hard and pointed, words laced with anger and spite.

"No, but I have in say in those things when they effect Bianca."

"What is that supposed to mean?" She asked, the words falling from tongue with fiery venom.

"It means that I wonder what Travis would think of all of this."

"Are you threatening me?"

Bianca dropped her menu. "I'm going to go to…" She was on her feet now, "anywhere else." She was away from the table before they could even react. She couldn't sit and listen to this. She couldn't.

"You okay?" A voice offered from behind her, after she'd finally stopped in the lobby. She could still see them from where she stood, but she couldn't hear them. Though, she didn't need to hear them to know what they were saying. She nodded, her back still to the man.

"You sure? Doesn't look like it."

"I'm fine, I just needed to get out of there. I can't stand it when they fight."

The man nodded and craned his head to the left, just enough to see into the dining room, "What are they fighting about?"

"David," She offered simply.

The man nodded, "My brother seems to inspire people."

"Your brother," She asked, as she spun around to face him. "David's your brother. Oh, you must be Leo."

He nodded, and bowed jokingly. "Leo du Pres at your service."

Bianca smiled.

"And that makes you Bianca," He concluded, and she nodded. "What a welcome home."

She shrugged. "It's always like this."

"So you were running away?"

"I just needed some air," She confessed. "It's hard being Erica Kane's daughter sometimes."

He nodded, "David being in the mix can't help."

She shook her head. "No actually, it's great having him around. He makes my Mom really happy. I'm excited to help her plan the wedding."

"Wedding?" He pushed out on a hard breath, "David and Erica are tying the knot?"

Bianca nodded, but didn't have a chance to finish, before Erica interrupted. "Come on sweetheart, we're leaving."

Leo smiled at Erica, as she started to lead Bianca out. "Good to see you too, Erica," He teased, "And nice to meet you Bianca."

She tossed him a smile over her shoulder, grateful for the reprieve. They were almost at the door now, and Erica was lamenting on all the terrible things her Uncle Jack had said. She was trying to pay attention, trying to care. Mostly, she just wanted to move on, try to enjoy the rest of the day. She had a feeling the reality of being Erica Kane's daughter meant that her whole trip would be like this, and that nothing that about this visit was going to be a holiday.

To be continued