I hope y'all haven't given up on me. I apologize for the short chapter and the time it took to get this up. It was partially life but also just I hit a wall with how to move the timeline and story along. I finally got some inspiration and am excited to share what I have. Comment and let me know what you think!

Logan had been radio silent with Rory and she was going mad in wonder. She sent her promised updates and worried what he was up to. Logan's track record for doing crazy and stupid things when he was upset had her concerned for his safety. She knew the boys would be right by his side doing whatever stupid thing that Logan was doing. This left her one option that seemed viable. She picked up the phone and dialed.

"James! I swear to God if you don't knock it off I'm taking your iPad!" she heard followed by "Hello?"

"Um, Honor, hey. It's…"

"Rory! Why are you calling? I mean you should call; you're carrying my niece or nephew. I'm actually pretty peeved at you for waiting this long and also for what you've done to Logan's heart…"

"Yeah, that's why I'm calling actually," Rory interjected over her. "I was wondering if you've heard from Logan. He's usually responsive but I haven't heard from him in 3 weeks and I was just a bit worried."

"Oh, he's taking it like a true Huntzberger- deny your feelings, drink at night, sleep with strange people, go to work hungover, repeat," she informed. "I mean ever since Odette kicked him out, he's been really torn about what to do. He really loved you, ya know? And you had your chance Rory. I've always liked you but I have to have solidarity with my brother here and all this mess you two created, it's been hell on him. He's trying to do the right thing, but who the hell knows what that even is? It's a shitty situation."

Rory was really feeling like crap. She hadn't even considered Honor's feelings. It was easier to lump all of the Huntzbergers into one bubble of judgmental assholes. But truth be told, Honor always treated her kindly and supported the pair of them. Now she'd hurt her. "Honor, I'm… I'm so sorry," she said sincerely.

"Damn it James! Go to your room. I told you to knock that off. I'm not trying to lose another maid or nanny to your antics!" She cried. "Sorry, Damn kids. I swear they're 10 times the hell I ever gave. Where were we? Oh right, you were apologizing. No need to apologize Rory, just fix it. I'm sure you're going to stay pregnant, but just make sure you don't jerk Logan around in all of this. He's lost his way but he's still a really good man, more backbone and support than my husband."

"Thanks Honor, I will do my best. I know it's a lot to ask, but if you hear from him, could you please let me know he's alright?"

Honor sighed, "I will do my best," she said pointedly.

"Well that bridge seems like it's been set on fire by Hades himself," she mused aloud to herself as she absently rubbed her now slightly visible bump.

oOo

Logan was a mess, he didn't know how to make amends with Odette and he couldn't face Rory, hell even respond to her messages knowing he was an absolute failure and had nothing better to offer her. Little did he know, Odette was busy fixing things for herself.

As he racked his brain and tried to forget and solve his problems at the exact same time, he threw himself into work and was quickly becoming the star that Mitchum always knew he'd be if he just applied himself. Still, his father hated that it was this situation that brought him to it. In his elder age, he really did want his son to at least find some semblance of happiness. He also knew it wasn't his place to intervene in this and so long as Logan did his job, he kept his lips shut. He even forced Shira to keep her lips sealed both to Logan and her high society friends.

He decided a few days prior that he would send Odette her favorite flower every day by courier with a note. She'd never been there to accept them and she hadn't replied to any of them, but he had to let her know that he cared about her, about this baby too. Even though Odette wasn't the love of his life, he never for a moment doubted that he loved his own child.

oOo

Odette was now firmly connected to the art community through her new acquaintance. Marcus kept up his flirtation but he was more friendly and harmless than he first appeared. He'd introduced her to his best friends Joshua and Gregory who were dating each other. Josh owned an art gallery in Manhattan and Gregory taught classes at NYU in the Studio Art program. Their fun nights often consisted of drinking and painting.

Marcus convinced her to pick up a brush (which she hadn't done since undergrad) and paint with them while they sipped terrible cheap wine. They said the fancy wines, the ones she was used to were no greater self-infliction of pain than two buck chuck. Of course, they had generic store brand sparkling cider for her as well- Welch's would defeat the purpose. They were all amazed at what came off her easel that very first night. It had an air of sadness and hope. It was a pair of eyes crying and inside the eyes was a woman with something unknown in her hands. Up close, it would seem like blotches, but from a distance, much like the famous Water Lilies painting, it was clear and moving.

Despite her great works, it took two weeks for them to convince her to believe she had talent and potential. She'd never believed in herself that way because it wasn't part of the plan. This particular evening, Marcus had convinced her to walk the cool streets of London with him.

"I'm glad your exhibit got extended. It's been great getting to know you all. I will be sad when you leave on Sunday," she pouted.

"You should come, you'll have to meet my sister Freya. She's a kickass sculptor and she'd love you."

"I'd love to come out for a visit some time. I'm not sure when my pregnancy will permit."

"No, I mean you should come, stay, discover art in Manhattan. You're talented and Greg says with the small portfolio you've created with us he's sure he can get you in."

"Oh… I don't know." Odette blushed.

"Think about it. You don't have to leave Sunday. The invitation is open," Marcus said turning in front of her, causing her to stop in her tracks. He picked her hands up and laced their fingers then gave her a kiss on the cheek. She'd wished he'd moved just a few inches towards the center, but she was still married. Despite Logan obviously not giving a damn, she did.

"I need to talk to Logan. I'll think about it. My mother and father might need convincing as well."

"Thinking is all I ask. I really want to get to know you better, Odette." The way he said her name= without shortening it, and with so much reverence- sent chills up her spine. Logan rarely called her anything but O.

She'd indeed need to talk to Logan.

"Can I ask you a favor? I know it's odd, but I just… I just want to go with someone I consider a friend and you're the first friend I think I've ever truly had."

"Anything," Marcus replied with no hesitation.

"Tomorrow's Friday and I have my first scan. I was wondering if you'd come along for support."

Marcus smiled. "I'd love to come along. Just text me the details."

"Thank you," she said moving her hands from his and wrapping them tightly around his neck. They then continued their walk for a short time more before going back to their friends to paint.