"How is my favourite sister in the whole world?" Lucas asked the brunette eight-year-old he was hugging. Her name was Aimee, and she was the daughter of Karen and Keith.

"I'm good. Did you bring the baby?" Aimee asked excitedly once she was released from her brother's grip.

"You mean to tell me that you'd rather see some baby instead of me?" Lucas gasped in mock disappointment.

"Well, yeah, actually," Aimee admitted, batting her long eyelashes over her dark eyes.

"Glad to know you're so honest. Sorry A, but Peyton and Haley took the baby on a little road trip."

"He's only, like, a month old!"

"I guess that means he's meant to travel the world. But don't worry, I'll make sure that he pays for you to go wherever you want once he gets millions of dollars playing basketball."

"How do you know I won't make the millions? I've been practicing," Aimee boasted as their mother, Karen, entered the room.

"She has. Keith will have a lot to live up to. Aimee, can you go pick up those toys in your room please?" Karen asked. Aimee hugged her brother quickly, told him not to go anywhere, then scampered off to her room.

"Sit down, Luke," Karen instructed, motioning to the kitchen chairs.

"Something wrong, Mom?" Lucas asked, concerned.

"Well, not for me. Your father's coming to town."

"That man is not my father," Lucas said through clenched teeth.

"I know how you feel about Dan, but the truth is, he's the closet thing to a father Aimee has. And I'm sure he wants to see his grandchildren. Including your Keith."

"He's not getting anywhere near me son. Or my sister."

"Lucas, stop! The only reason I sent him away seven years ago was because you wanted me to. I've tried to keep his other visits a secret from you, but I'm not going to hid it anymore. You're an adult now, with a wife and a son, and you're just going to have to accept that Dan is in my life, in Aimee's life, whether you like it or not."

"He's been here before?" Lucas said, his fists clenched, anger coursing through him.

"Yes. He has," Karen admitted, slightly afraid of her son.

"All done Mommy!" Aimee exclaimed, running into the kitchen. Karen let out a sigh of relief. Her daughter's timing couldn't be more perfect.

"Thank you sweetheart. How about you ask Luke if he'll practice shooting with you? Maybe at the Rivercourt?" Karen suggested.

"I have to go," Lucas said, forcing himself to keep calm. He got up and left the house without another word.

"He didn't even say goodbye," Aimee sulked.

"He's just little mad at me. You didn't do anything wrong," Karen reassured her child as she pulled her into a hug. "I do have good news, though. Daddy's coming to visit!"