Chapter Ten

Lucy walked over to the nurses station to chat a bit with Colleen. It was just like old times - everything finally seemed so normal. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around with a grin, expecting to see Ian. She was surprised to find out who was there but equally as happy to see him.

"Cousin hi!" She said as she pulled him to her for a quick hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Alison has an appointment."

Lucy looked worried, remembering the last time she saw Rafe here in the waiting room. "She's OK isn't she?"

"She's perfect." Rafe replied with a huge grin. "Just a routine appointment." He sighed as he added. "Plus - we've got to sign up for classes." His voice was tinged with a bit of worry.

"Classes huh? Wow. I didn't realize how far along she was." Lucy replied, feeling a bit guilty.


"It did happen pretty fast - huh? Don't worry, it really just hit me recently too. It's been so crazy around here lately."

"I have been wrapped up in my own little world - with Ian and…Kevin actually…" Lucy trailed off.

"Kevin. He's back to his old self, huh?" Rafe looked at her, concerned.

"Yeah." She said with a sigh. "Actually - it's true for both of them. It's so confusing. I love them both - I do - in different ways. I guess I have a lot of thinking to do." She shook her head and grabbed Rafe's hand - pulling him over to the couch. "Enough about me - Rafe. I'm so glad I ran into you. We haven't had a real conversation since all this happened. Is it true? Caleb's gone?"

"He's mortal if that's what you mean. Gone? I don't think we're that lucky. I do know for a fact that he's no where nearby. I checked it out the other day. His loft - the villa - abandoned." Rafe scratched his head as he continued. "I don't know where he went - but trust me - he isn't here."

"I can't believe it." Lucy's voice was filled with awe.

"Me neither. It's amazing." He grinned.

"Here's another thing that's going to be amazing. I'm having a party to celebrate the end of the bloodsuckers. It's going to be a huge, fancy schmancy deal. Black tie - evening gowns - the works. Next Friday. You, Alison, Abby, Cameron - you all need to be there."

Rafe rolled his eyes. "Black tie - Luce?"

She took his face in her hand, her eyes squinting in amusement. "Yes, my dear cousin. Black tie. Sorry. But you look so elegant when you wear one."

Rafe sighed as if to protest but said with a smile. "OK. We'll be there."

"Good. And now moving on - there's another thing." Lucy looked around quickly before she continued. "Alison's baby shower."

"Her what?" Rafe looked totally confused.

"Her baby shower, Rafe. You know - a bunch of women sitting around - oohing and ahing over little teensy weensy outfits and other cute little baby stuff. I'm planning one and you have an important job to do."

He eyed her suspiciously. "What's that?"

"Get her over to my house so we can surprise her. I'll let you know when."

"Done." Rafe chuckled. "Any other secret missions you have for me?"

"No." Lucy smiled widely. "I'm just so happy to see you so happy."

Just then, she watched his face as the impossible happened. He looked even happier. She turned her head and saw Alison approaching. Rafe stood from the couch and met her halfway.

"Done so soon?" He asked, placing a hand gently on her stomach.

"Yep." Alison beamed, covering his hand with her own. "She's doing great."

Lucy couldn't help but overhear. Her voice was filled with excitement. "She?! It's a girl??"

Though they spoke together - they each gave a different answer.

"Yes." Alison said with a huge grin.

"No." Rafe replied, shaking his head at her.

Lucy laughed. "OK. Which one is it?"

Alison gave Rafe a look and answered. "It's a girl - Lucy - your stubborn cousin won't admit I'm right."

Rafe's arm curled around Alison and pulled her close, placing a kiss on her hair. "She's nuts - Lucy. She might even be right, but she doesn't know that for sure."

"Well - why don't you just ask the doctor and find out - for sure?"

"We want to be surprised." Alison said, matter-of -factly.

"Oh. OK." Lucy grinned at them. "It was so good to see you two - but I really have to run. Rafe - fill Alison in OK?" She leaned in and kissed Rafe on the cheek. "Next Friday - get yourself a tux - handsome." She pulled Alison close for a quick hug. "I'll see you both there."

Alison watched the whirlwind that was Lucy walk away. Never did she see someone with so much energy. "Where are we going next Friday?"

Rafe looked down at her and sighed. "Lucy's having a party. Black tie." He muttered.

"Ooo! Black tie." Alison inched closer to him, her fingers toying with the collar of his shirt. Her voice lowered huskily as she continued. "I love how you look in black tie."


"Really?" He asked, staring into her eyes.

"Really." She said, her eyes getting a bit dreamy at the very thought. "Makes you look especially sexy."

"Hmm. Is that so?" He pulled her closer and whispered. "Want to go watch me try on tuxes?"

"That depends." Alison replied, leaning in to kiss him. "Can we do that at home?"

"Sure." He said with a huge smile, already leading her to the elevator.