Tapestry

by Andra Marie Mueller

Secrets from the past will affect the people Bruce cares for the most. (a/u - part of "Reparation" series)

"TAPESTRY"

By

Andra Marie Mueller

AUTHOR'S NOTE: "Tapestry" is very much an alternative universe story and is a sequel to my story "Reparation", which you will need to read (or have read) to follow this one. All things Batman and Superman are the legal property of DC Comics and Warner Bros.

"Happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." - Anonymous

PROLOGUE: ASHTON INDUSTRIES, LONDON, ENGLAND

Inside his private office, Nicholas Ryan Ashton – 16th Duke of Wynmore and CEO of Ashton Industries – was reviewing his correspondence with his friend and valet, Robert Billings. It was a tedious task, but a necessary one to keep Ashton organized and up to date on all matters personal and professional.

"Where do we stand on the merger talks with Wayne Enterprises?" Ashton inquired.

"The CFO of the London office is still awaiting a reply from their CEO Lucius Fox," Billings answered. "It is my understanding that Fox has been waiting to present the proposal to Bruce Wayne before replying."

"Do we know why he hasn't already?" Ashton asked.

"Apparently Mister Wayne has been out of Gotham City for several days on private business," Billings explained. "However, he's expected to return home in the next couple of days so hopefully we should have an answer from Fox by the end of the week."

Ashton sighed. A handsome widower of sixty-five, his fair skin and graying hair accentuated his dark blue eyes. He had inherited the family business in his 40's and established himself as a fair but powerful businessman throughout the United Kingdom.

"Patience was never my strong suit, Billings," Ashton replied. "I've got some personal business to attend to in America so I might as well pay a visit to Mister Fox myself while I'm there."

"Personal business, your grace?" Billings prompted.

"With my father's passing I am now the last of the Wynmore line," Ashton pointed out, as a bout with cancer early in their marriage had left his wife sterile before a resurgence of the deadly disease took her life a decade later. "According to statutes of the duchy, I must name an heir within a year or the Ashton family holdings will be delegated to various outside entities upon my death."

"I'm aware of that stipulation, your grace, but I am missing the connection to the United States."

"Do you recall the letter that Hutchins gave to me last week after the reading of my father's will?" Ashton asked, referring to his father's solicitor.

Billings nodded. "Of course."

"It was my father's posthumous revelation that Elizabeth had a child," Ashton told him.

Billings was unable to conceal his surprise. Elizabeth was Ashton's fraternal twin sister who had died several years ago and the knowledge that she had apparently given birth to an illegitimate child was something of a shock.

"When this happen?" he inquired.

"It was the autumn of 1985 whilst I was away in the military and Elizabeth was teaching at Oxford. Apparently, she was engaged in a relationship with a young man she knew my parents would not approve of and they pressured them into ending the affair. Shortly thereafter she discovered she was pregnant and was forced to tell our parents."

"I can only imagine how the Duke and Duchess reacted to that," Billings mused. "How did the baby's father react to the news?

"From what I gather, Elizabeth never told him," Ashton answered. "In any event, to avoid the scandal that would surely have followed once Elizabeth's condition became public, Hutchins assisted my parents in reaching a confidential financial agreement with a couple in America for a private adoption. The husband was an attorney and worked with Hutchins to draw up the necessary paperwork. My sister was to stay with them until the baby was born, and then they would adopt the infant. Sadly, Hutchins received word six months later that Elizabeth had died in childbirth."

"Why didn't His Grace and your mother claim their grandchild once they learned of Elizabeth's death?"

"According to my father's letter, the couple that was expected to adopt her child disappeared along with their settlement when Elizabeth died. I have no idea what became of the infant. I don't even know if the child survived."

"Assuming it did, Lady Ashton's child is now an adult with possibly no knowledge of his or her origins," Billings added.

"A situation I intend to rectify," Ashton responded. "To expedite the process, I am going to have my genetic information submitted to a small selection of online DNA registries to see if any matches outside the immediate family are found in America. If they are, it may enable us to solve the mystery of Elizabeth's missing child."

GOTHAM CITY

Seated at the dining room table, Bruce took a final sip of his coffee as he read the last few pages of the newspaper, while Alfred cleared the breakfast dishes from the table. Noticeably absent was Jordan, who had risen early to go for a run before eating her own breakfast and preparing for work. She was currently serving as the pro tem director of the Gotham Zoological Gardens, overseeing the care of the animals that had been temporarily relocated while their habitats were undergoing reconstruction.

"Shall I bring your car around, Master Bruce?" Alfred inquired. "Or will you and Miss Jordan be working at home today?"

"I'll be home, but Jordan will be working at the zoo today," Bruce told him. "She'll take her own car."

"One can only hope she'll be taking that beast she calls a dog with her," Alfred replied.

Bruce smiled at his friend's remark. At just under eighteen months old, Jordan's dog Hero was an extra-large, coal black Great Dane that had been an engagement gift from Bruce as a puppy and now weighed in at 200 pounds. Although Jordan had trained him well and Hero was a model of obedience, some of his puppyhood antics had wreaked havoc on Alfred's ability to maintain order in the Wayne household and the older man still held a grudge.

"You're welcome to suggest it to her," Bruce said. "Although I don't think she's entirely forgotten your request that he be relocated to the Gotham City Riding Club to live with the horses."

"With all due respect, sir, the horses did not go through a half dozen Persian carpets, an equal number of your shoes, two custom made sofas and one unfortunate frozen turkey," Alfred countered.

Jordan chose that moment to make her appearance, dressed in khaki clothes and shadowed by the dog under discussion.

"Are you maligning Hero again, Alfred?" she asked rhetorically, exchanging a brief kiss with Bruce before settling herself into a chair beside him.

"I have nothing but the highest regard for such a fine creature, Miss Jordan," Alfred answered with mock seriousness.

"That's good, Alfred. I almost believed you that time."

"Would you care for some breakfast?" Alfred asked.

"Just some tea would be fine, thank you."

Alfred retreated into the kitchen to get the tea as Bruce addressed his wife.

"So what's on your agenda today, Dr. Wayne?"

"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my," Jordan responded wryly.

"Very funny."

"I'm serious. I've got Tara the lioness due to give birth any minute, Samara the tigress is due sometime in the next couple of weeks and we have to relocate a pair of grizzlies so the construction crew can start revamping their enclosure."

"Sounds more like an episode of 'Wild Kingdom' than a day at the office," Bruce remarked.

Alfred rejoined them then and began pouring Jordan's tea as she continued her conversation with Bruce.

"So while I'm playing Sheena over at the zoo, what kind of exciting corporate mogul type things are you going to be doing?" she asked.

"Lucius has asked me to review some paperwork from our London office," Bruce answered. "There's a proposal from the U.K.'s largest import-export company to merge with our shipping division to expand their reach into the international market. The company's called Ashton Industries and is run by a man named Nicholas Ashton who also happens to be a Duke."

Upon hearing the name of the company's CEO, Alfred froze on his way back into the kitchen and turned to face Bruce and Jordan.

"Did you say Nicholas Ashton, sir?" he queried.

"Yes. Do you know him?"

"I knew his family many years ago before I came to the States," Alfred said.

"Small world," Jordan remarked.

"Indeed."

Alfred excused himself and beat a hasty retreat from the room. Once he was gone, Jordan and Bruce exchanged curious looks.

"What was that all about?" Jordan wondered aloud.

"I have no idea," Bruce replied, "but there's definitely more to the connection between Alfred and the Ashton family than he's letting on."

"Maybe you should ask him about it," Jordan suggested. "Or at least get some more information on the Ashtons."

"Just drink your tea, Sheena, and leave the sleuthing to me."

"If you can tear yourself away from the newspaper, I have a riddle for you."

Bruce obediently placed the paper on the table. "I'm listening."

"What do you get when you cross a pretty little farm girl from Kansas who has a temper that can draw blood, with an intelligent, handsome billionaire who has a slightly milder temper of his own?" Jordan inquired.

"A rich farmer with a high IQ who is prone to temper tantrums and looks good in a dress?" Bruce prompted drolly.

"No. There are actually two possible answers: a boy, or a girl."

Jordan's tone was deceptively nonchalant so it took a moment for her remark to register. As soon as it did, Bruce's eyes widened in surprise.

"You're pregnant?" he asked in a near whisper.

Jordan nodded. "About ten weeks."

Bruce shifted his gaze downward and ever so slowly extended one of his hands to place it on her still flat stomach. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything is perfect," Jordan assured him. "I saw Dr. Talbot yesterday and he says so long as I avoid stress and lighten my workload, we should have our new addition in time for Thanksgiving."

"We're really going to be parents," Bruce said in wonderment.

Jordan gently placed her palm against his cheek. "Yes, we are."

WAYNE TOWER

Two days later, Bruce was in his office reviewing a file on Nicholas Ashton. Alfred's odd behavior at the mention of the other man's name had prompted Bruce to uncover what information he could about the Duke. As he scanned the file before him, he could not find anything out of the ordinary that would explain Alfred's reaction, nor was there any obvious connection between the two aside from what his friend had already told him.

ASHTON, NICHOLAS RYAN

Duke of Wynmore, Earl of Yardley, Viscount Bale, Viscount Hargrove, Baron Reese

DOB: March 2, 1964

The only son of William Edward Ashton, 15th Duke of Wynmore and his wife Lady Katherine Anne Ashton

One sister, Elizabeth Anne, deceased.

Widowed; no children.

Holds a B.A. (Honors) in Economics and Management from Oxford University.

Currently serves as CEO of Ashton Industries.

Finishing his read through of Ashton's personal file, Bruce began to scan the file on Ashton Industries, which under its current CEO had increased its yearly profit by an average of two to five percent per year over the last ten years.

"Obviously he knows what he's doing with his company," he mused aloud.

His thoughts were interrupted when the door opened to admit Jordan, dressed in a business suit in lieu of the casual clothes she usually wore to the zoo and looking every inch the responsible businesswoman.

"Hi, Cowboy," she greeted cheerfully. "Are you ready for lunch?"

Bruce glanced at his watch. "Is it that time all ready?" he asked rhetorically. "I've been in and out of meetings all morning and obviously lost track of the time."

Jordan glanced at the file on his desk and noticed the name on the front. "I see you've started your sleuthing," she remarked. "Uncover anything interesting?"

"By all accounts Nicholas Ashton is a well-respected businessman throughout England," Bruce told her. "Nothing I've read so far would explain why the mention of his name rattled Alfred's cage."

"Why don't you just ask Alfred?"

"When Alfred is ready to talk to me, he will," Bruce responded. "Speaking of being ready to talk, when do want to tell the family about your pregnancy?"

"Well, Lois and Clark are going to see Mom this weekend for a final visit before the big day," Jordan said, referring to the impending arrival sometime in the next week of her brother and sister-in-law's first child, a boy they had named Justin. "So I thought we could call them once they're all together. We'll tell Alfred tonight before you go out."

"Sounds good."

The couple exited Bruce's office and were heading for the elevator when they crossed paths with Lucius Fox and a man they did not recognize, who promptly did a double take at the sight of Jordan.

Good Lord she is a stunning woman, he observed.

Jordan was the first to acknowledge them, gracing the stranger with a friendly smile before shifting her attention to Lucius.

"Hello, Lucius."

"Dr. Wayne," Fox returned. "I hope you're stealing your husband away from here so he'll actually take lunch for a change."

"That is my plan."

"I don't believe we've met your associate," Bruce said pointedly to Fox.

Fox quickly made the introductions. "Mister Wayne, Dr. Wayne, this is Robert Billings, Nicholas Ashton's personal assistant. Mr. Billings, this is the owner of Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne, and his wife Dr. Jordan Wayne."

"Good to meet you, Mr. Billings," Bruce said as they exchanged a handshake. "Ashton Industries has a sterling reputation, as does Nicholas Ashton."

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne," Billings responded. "His Grace will be pleased to hear you say so."

"Is he here with you?"

"No, the Duke is at his hotel attending to some personal business," Billings replied. "However, as long as I've run into you, perhaps we could arrange a meeting at your mutual convenience."

"That would be fine," Bruce agreed. "My wife and I are on our way out, but my assistant Michelle will be able to help you schedule that meeting."

"Of course." He glanced at Jordan. "Forgive me if this sounds forward, Dr. Wayne, but have I seen you somewhere before? You look vaguely familiar."

"I'm in the news from time to time due to my conservation work," Jordan allowed.

"That must be it then," Billings demurred.

Bidding the men farewell, Jordan and Bruce made their way to the elevator. Once they were gone, Billings addressed Fox.

"Quite a striking couple," he remarked.

"Yes, they are," Fox concurred. "Come with me, Mr. Billings, and I will introduce you to Mr. Wayne's assistant so you can schedule the meeting with him and Lord Ashton."

"Of course."

Lucius headed down the hall and after a final, thoughtful glance toward the elevator Billings followed after him.

GOTHAM HYATT HOTEL

Inside his hotel suite, Ashton was reviewing the most recent correspondence from his father's former majordomo Winston Francis. He had enlisted the older man's assistance in trying to track down the contact information for the family in America that had agreed to adopt Elizabeth's child.

Your Grace –

I must admit I was surprised to receive your missive inquiring about any information your father may have retained regarding the fate of your late sister Elizabeth's unknown child.

I have no way of knowing what became of the child, but the surname of the couple that was to have adopted the infant was Barrett and they lived in the state of Nebraska in the mid-western United States. According to His Grace's correspondence, the baby's father was never made aware of the child's existence.

Unfortunately, I have no other information beyond that.

If I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. In the meantime, I hope this finds you well.

Most Sincerely Yours,

Winston Francis

Finishing the letter, Ashton set it on the table in front of him as he spoke aloud to the empty room.

"Now I at least have a name to go with," he said.

A knock at the door interrupted his musings and at his invitation to enter, Billings walked into the suite.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace," he greeted.

"Good afternoon, Robert," Ashton echoed. "How did your meeting go with Mr. Fox?"

"Very well. He was quite receptive to what I had to say."

"What about the man himself, Bruce Wayne?"

"I did manage to meet him, albeit by accident," Billings revealed. "Mr. Fox and I crossed paths with Mr. Wayne and his wife when they were leaving for lunch."

"What did you think?"

"Well Mr. Wayne was cordial enough, but it's Dr. Wayne who should come with a warning label."

"That bad?" Ashton prompted.

"On the contrary, she is a remarkably beautiful woman."

"Having seen her briefly from afar when she was in London a few years back I have to agree," Ashton replied. "And given her reputation through her conservation work, she apparently has the brains to match."

"She seemed vaguely familiar, but I can't put my finger on who it is she reminds me of," Billings said. "Anyway, I managed to set up a meeting for you with Mr. Wayne for Friday afternoon."

"Thank you, Robert."

"How did you do, your grace?" Billings asked. "Any luck with Mr. Francis?"

"A bit," Ashton allowed. "He was able to provide me with the contact information for the adoptive family, or at least what there was of it."

Ashton handed him the letter from Winston and Billings quickly read it before addressing the Duke.

"Well, this gives us a starting point," he replied. "I'll begin making inquiries immediately."

Their conversation was interrupted when a slight ping signaling an incoming email sounded from Ashton's laptop and he walked over to glance at the screen. "I just received a message from one of the genetic registries," he said. "They found a possible match."

Ashton opened up the message as Billings walked over to stand beside him and they both quickly scanned the information inside.

89.07% probability match to sample submitted by Unknown Female Subject in Smallville, Kansas, April 2004. (Exact identification unavailable as records were sealed per submitter's request.) Ratio of genetic match indicates a familial connection once removed, such as cousin or niece.

"Thank goodness for modern technology," Ashton declared. "It appears that Elizabeth's child did survive and was a girl. Based on the year that she submitted her genetic information, she was 18 years old."

"If memory serves, that is the legal age of adulthood here in America," Billings said. "Perhaps she was seeking information as to her origins herself."

"Presumably so," Ashton allowed. "But given the limits of DNA tracing almost 20 years ago and the fact that none of my family would have even been in such a database, especially in America, it's logical to conclude that she was unable to find any matches."

"I'll make arrangements to travel to Kansas and see what I can uncover there," Billings replied.

That evening, Jordan and Bruce were enjoying dinner out on the deck overlooking the lake, while Hero dozed beside them. Elsewhere in the house, Alfred was taking care of some 'Batman business', unaware he was the topic of discussion between the Waynes.

"How do you want to tell Alfred about the baby?" Jordan asked.

"I'm happy to let you do the honors," Bruce answered. "If it comes from me, he's liable to think it's a joke."

"You do seem to enjoy rattling his cage. Maybe it would behoove you to ease up on him now that you're going to experience some of what you put him through first hand."

"I have no doubt that under your guidance our son or daughter will be the epitome of good behavior," Bruce countered lightly.

Jordan snorted. "Between my temper and your stubborn streak, don't count on it."

Bruce smiled. "Good point."

"As long as you're in such an agreeable mood, I have a proposition for you."

"That sounds promising."

"Once the baby arrives, how would you feel about relocating to the Manor for our personal residence?" Jordan questioned. "As beautiful as this house is, it's not exactly designed for family living. And once our little one is not so little, having him or her running around with access to all of your equipment and accessories in the Southeast wing could present a safety hazard."

"The equipment and accessories you are referring to are part of what I need to keep you safe," Bruce responded. "The extra time needed to get here from the Manor in an emergency – even if only a matter of minutes – could mean the difference between life or death."

Jordan pondered that for a moment before suggesting, "What about adding on to this house, then? Maybe the unused utility room next to the kitchen can be converted into a small bedroom for the baby."

"That could work," Bruce replied. "I'll talk it over with Alfred and once we come up with some preliminary plans, he can reach out to the company that's doing the work on the Manor to have them handle it."

As if on cue, Alfred chose that moment to make his appearance and gave them a warm smile as he approached.

"I trust everything was satisfactory with dinner?" he inquired.

"It was excellent as always, Alfred," Jordan assured him.

"Thank you, Miss Jordan."

"Jordan and I were just discussing having some renovations done to the house," Bruce revealed. "We were thinking that the Northwest portion of the kitchen could be converted into a small bedroom. Now that the family is expanding, we need more space."

"Surely you are not going to give Miss Jordan's canine his own room?" Alfred asked skeptically.

Bruce exchanged an amused smile with Jordan at that before she answered, "The room's not for Hero, Alfred. It's for our new addition that will be making his or her appearance in approximately six and a half months."

Alfred frowned at them in confusion for a moment before Jordan's remark suddenly registered.

"Are you pregnant, Miss Jordan?" he prompted.

"I am."

"The first member of the next generation of Waynes is due to arrive around Thanksgiving," Bruce added.

Alfred gave them an elated smile. "That is absolutely delightful news, Master Bruce, Miss Jordan," he declared. "I am beyond thrilled for you both."

"Thank you."

"I've already told Bruce that he should look forward to some of the same shenanigans with our child as you had to deal with raising him," Jordan said. "Feel free to say 'I told you so' to him whenever the need arises."

"I certainly will, Miss Jordan. Thank you."

SMALLVILLE-TWO DAYS LATER

Martha was outside tending to her vegetable garden while Clark and a heavily pregnant Lois finished lunch, when the telephone rang.

"I'll get it," Lois offered, and she crossed over to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hi, Lois. It's Jordan."

"Hi, Jordan; how are you?"

"I'm good, thanks. How is everybody over there?"

"Everyone here is fine," Lois said. "Clark and I are finishing lunch, and your mom is outside gardening and keeping an eye on the critters."

"Critters?" Jordan echoed. "Did Mom get a friend for Dusty?"

"No; Clark got a friend for Justin. The Millers came by with a litter of kittens up for adoption and after I mentioned how nice it would be for the baby to have friend when he gets here, Clark caved."

"He's such a sap," Jordan replied fondly.

"I'll let you tell him that," Lois responded. "Give my best to Bruce."

"Will do."

There was a pause as Jordan heard Lois call to Clark and a moment later his voice came over the line.

"Hey, little sister."

"Hey yourself. Lois tells me that she suckered you into getting a kitten."

"Some of us prefer manageable smaller creatures as pets as opposed to one large enough to ride in a Christmas parade," Clark countered lightly.

"You sound like Alfred," Jordan said. "He keeps hoping Hero will somehow shrink in the wash the next time I bathe him."

"So how was Fiji?" Clark asked, knowing Jordan and Bruce had recently returned from a five-day trip to Fiji to celebrate Jordan's birthday.

"Fiji was fantastic," Jordan told him. "It was really good to spend time with Bruce away from all of the everyday distractions."

"Yeah. I think Lois and I are overdue for some quality time alone ourselves."

"Well if you two need to take a vacation after the baby is born, Bruce and I will be happy to watch Justin," Jordan offered. "We'll need the practice."

"Practice?" Clark echoed. "What do you…oh my gosh…are you pregnant?"

"I am," Jordan confirmed, and in the background, she heard Lois let out an excited yell.

"That's great news, Jordan," Clark declared, joy for his sister evident in his tone. "I'm so happy for you and Bruce."

"Thank you."

"Do you want me to get Mom so you can tell her?"

"Tell me what?" Martha asked from behind him.

In the house, Clark glanced over his shoulder and saw his mom standing behind him.

"It's Jordan," he said. "She has news."

Clark handed the phone to Martha, who gave him a concerned look before taking the receiver.

"Hi, honey; is everything okay?"

"Everything's great, Mom," Jordan assured her. "I was just calling to tell you that you're going to be a Grandmother again."

"Oh, Jordan, that's wonderful!" Martha exclaimed. "I am delighted for you and Bruce."

"Thanks, Mom."

"If you need anything, please make sure you call me. I will help you in any way I can."

"I appreciate that."

"Take care of yourself, honey. I love you, and please give my love to Bruce."

"We love you too, Mom. Bye."

"Bye, Jordan."

Martha hung up the phone and turned to face Lois and Clark. "Well, it looks like Justin is going to have a cousin," she said happily. "My baby is having a baby. Wow."

"I am so excited for them," Lois replied. "Jordan is going to make a great mother."

"Yes, she will," Clark agreed, "but adding fluctuating hormone levels to an already formidable temper does not bode well for Bruce's life expectancy over the next several months."

Martha shot him an admonishing glance. "You be nice, Clark, or you won't get any fresh pie for dessert."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Inside the County Sheriff headquarters on the outskirts of town, Sheriff George Taylor was at the front desk chatting with one of his deputies, Frank Barnes, when a man they did not recognize walked into the station, dressed in a business suit and looking very solemn.

"May I help you?" Taylor asked.

"I hope so," the other man responded, his accent identifying him as British, and withdrew a business card that he handed to Taylor. "My name is Robert Billings and I am here of behalf of my employer Nicholas Ashton."

Taylor glanced at the card before returning his attention to Billings. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Billings. What brings you to Smallville?"

"Lord Ashton is attempting to track down an infant that was the child of his late sister, Elizabeth Ashton," Billings said. "We have reason to believe that the child was abandoned somewhere in this area shortly after birth."

"We haven't had any Baby Doe cases in this town for quite some time," Taylor told him. "How long ago did this happen?"

"It was the Spring of 1986," Billings replied. "Lady Ashton was living with a couple named James and Margaret Barrett, who were going to adopt the infant. Unfortunately, Elizabeth died in childbirth and the Barretts disappeared along with the child. Lord Ashton only recently learned of this and is now trying to track down the child."

"Is that all the information you have?" Barnes prompted.

"Actually, we have been able to determine that the infant was a girl and that she attempted to do a DNA search on herself 18 years ago," Billings told him. "However, there was no information in the records beyond the notation that she submitted her genetic sample at a clinic here in Smallville. Unfortunately, the records also stated that the clinic is no longer in existence."

"What's so important that you need to find this woman after all this time?" Taylor questioned.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss the details of this matter, Sheriff," Billings evaded. "However, I can assure you that it would be extremely beneficial to the woman in question for you to assist me with locating her."

Taylor snorted. "I'm sure," came the sarcastic reply. "Well, I'm afraid you're out of luck, Mr. Billings. I've lived in Smallville all my life and there has never been anyone named Barrett in this town. Obviously, the baby in question is now an adult so if she wants to find out where she's from I'm sure she'll find a way."

"Of course," Billings allowed. "If per chance you are able to uncover anything that would enable us to find her, please contact me immediately."

"I've got your number," Taylor responded.

Billings bade the sheriff farewell and exited the building. Once he was gone, Barnes said, "I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts that the baby he's looking for is that pretty little gal the Kents adopted."

"Sure sounds like it," Taylor agreed.

"Should we tell Martha?" Barnes asked.

"I don't want to bother her with this without knowing exactly why these gentlemen are looking for her daughter," Taylor replied. "I've got Clark's number; I'll give him a ring and let him know what's going on."

Meantime outside, Billings had retreated back to his rental car and settled into the driver's seat. Once inside, he retrieved his cell phone and called Ashton.

"Ashton."

"Your Grace, it's Robert."

"Robert…where are you?" Ashton asked.

"I am in Smallville, outside the sheriff's office," Billings told him. "Unfortunately they were unable to provide me with any information regarding Elizabeth's daughter. They also stated that there has never been anyone with the surname of Barrett residing in this town."

"What about the clinic where she submitted her DNA sample?"

"It closed down few years ago."

"Bloody marvelous," Ashton muttered. "Well do what you can to try and find out if those records were sent to any of the other medical facilities in the area. Maybe she submitted a more recent sample at another clinic."

"I'll get right on it," Billings replied. "Have you had your meeting with Mr. Wayne yet?"

"I'm en route to his office as we speak," Ashton answered. "Keep me posted on your progress, Robert."

"Of course, your grace."

WAYNE ENTERPRISES

In his office, Bruce was taking a final look at the merger proposal from Ashton Industries as he awaited the arrival of Nicholas Ashton. With him was Lucius Fox, who had already read the proposal and given Bruce his approval.

"Will the addition of Ashton Industries to our UK division result in any loss of employment for the existing employees of either company?" Bruce asked.

"No, sir," Fox answered. "It will actually create an opportunity to increase the workforce by about ten percent and the additional shipping venues within the division should increase the yearly profit by fifteen to twenty percent."

"Sounds like a win-win situation for all parties," Bruce remarked. "You've spoken with Ashton on the phone and have spent a good deal of time with his assistant, that Billings fellow. What do you make of them?"

Fox shrugged. "Ashton was rather cool on the phone," he said. "Although British royalty isn't the jolliest group of people to begin with. As for Billings, he's just a glorified hired hand. I don't think he has any inclination to get involved in the actual business end of Ashton's corporation. He just gets the doors opened for the Duke and lets the man himself do the real work."

"Not everyone can have someone as efficient and hardworking as you to run their companies for them, Lucius," Bruce teased.

"I serve at your pleasure and discretion, Mister Wayne," Fox demurred.

"Speaking of our friend Mr. Billings was it my overly possessive imagination or was he more than casually interested in my wife?"

"He did seem convinced that he'd seen her before," Fox allowed. "Despite Dr. Wayne's assumption that he has seen her in the news, I got the feeling it was something else."

"So did I. I'll have to look into that once I finish my official business with the good Duke."

As if on cue, Bruce's assistant Michelle buzzed him on the intercom to announce that Ashton had arrived.

"Excuse me, Mr. Wayne, but Nicholas Ashton is here," she told him.

"Thank you, Michelle. Please show him in."

"Yes, sir."

The men rose to their feet as Michelle escorted Ashton into Bruce's office.

"May I get any of you gentlemen some water or a cup of coffee?" Michelle inquired.

They all declined and Michelle excused herself to return to her desk. Focusing his attention on Bruce, Ashton smiled in greeting as he extended his hand.

"Mr. Wayne, it's good to finally meet you," he said as they exchanged a handshake. "My assistant was most impressed with Mr. Fox and your company."

Not as impressed as he was with my wife, Bruce thought drolly. Aloud he replied, "Thank you, your grace. I was impressed with your company's reputation as well as your own."

"Thank you."

"This is my CEO, Lucius Fox."

"Yes, we've spoken on the phone," Ashton recalled and exchanged a handshake with Fox. "I appreciate the courtesy you've extended to my assistant. He says you've been very helpful."

"All part of the service," Fox replied, and the men settled themselves in their respective chairs before getting down to business.

"I've reviewed the merger proposal you submitted to my London division and after discussing it with Mr. Fox, I have decided to accept it."

Ashton's eyes widened in surprise. "Just like that?" he prompted.

"We're both busy men, your grace. I see no reason to drag this out any longer than necessary if the proposed action would be mutually beneficial. From what I have read, that appears to be the case."

Just then Michelle buzzed Bruce again. "I apologize for interrupting again, Mr. Wayne, but Mr. Pennyworth is on the line and he says its urgent," she said.

Surprise flickered across Ashton's face at the mention of Alfred's surname but he quickly covered it as Bruce offered a brief "Excuse me" before picking up the phone.

"Alfred, what's wrong?"

"It's Miss Jordan, sir. There's been an accident at the zoo and she was taken to Gotham Memorial Hospital."

A trickle of fear rippled down Bruce's spine like ice water. "I'll meet you there."

Hanging up the phone, he started for the door as he spoke to Ashton.

"We'll have to continue this later, your grace. My wife's been hurt and I have to get to the hospital."

"Of course. I hope she's all right."

"Thank you."

Bruce bolted out the door, leaving Ashton alone in his office.

"Pennyworth," Ashton said aloud to the empty room. "That can't be a coincidence."

Releasing a sigh, Ashton exited Bruce's office.

GOTHAM MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Arriving at the emergency room, Bruce immediately approached the admittance desk.

"My name is Bruce Wayne," he told the duty nurse. "My wife Jordan was brought in by ambulance a short while ago."

"Mister Wayne…" a voice prompted from behind him.

Bruce turned around to see a man about his own age dressed in surgical scrubs and standing a few feet away.

"I'm Doctor Casey, the ER's attending physician."

"How's Jordan?"

"Right now your wife is resting comfortably in one of the exam rooms," Casey said.

"She's ten weeks pregnant…"

"The babies are fine," Casey assured him. "We've done an ultrasound and both fetuses are in excellent condition."

Bruce's eyes widened in surprise. "Babies?" he repeated. "Jordan's carrying twins?"

"Yes."

Bruce said a silent prayer of gratitude at Casey's revelation. I owe You one for keeping Jordan and the twins safe. Aloud he asked, "What happened to Jordan?"

"I don't know the exact details, but apparently Dr. Wayne had a run in with one of the bears at the zoo," Casey revealed. "Luckily there were no serious injuries and no bones were broken. There were a few gashes that required sutures and she'll be sore for a few days, but your wife should be as good as new in a week or so."

Casey retrieved a small bottle from his pocket. "Here are some antibiotics for your wife," he said. "She'll need to take two pills once a day for a week to ensure the gashes on her back don't become infected."

"How soon can I take her home?" Bruce inquired.

"I gave her a mild sedative to ease the pain so you can take her home any time," Casey replied. "We had to dispose of her clothing so I'll have one of the nurses bring you some scrubs she can wear home."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Bruce nodded in acknowledgement and made his way to Jordan's room just as a nurse entered and placed a set of scrubs on the chair by the door. Bruce took a seat by Jordan's bedside, gently brushing a stray hair from her forehead and they exchanged a smile.

"Hi, Cowboy," she greeted, weariness evident in her tone.

"Hi, yourself. How are you feeling?"

"A little woozy from my oatmeal pills, but otherwise I'm okay."

He smiled at that. "I'm glad to hear it."

"Doctor Casey said we're having twins and that the babies are okay."

"They're both fine," he assured her. "You gave me quite a scare, Princess. Keep this up and my hair will turn as gray as Alfred's."

"So when do you get to spring me from this place?"

"As soon as you're dressed, we'll head home."

"Sounds good to me."

METROPOLIS

Clark was seated at his computer working on a story when he heard his cell phone ring. Reaching down into his briefcase, he pulled out the phone.

"Clark Kent."

"Hello, Clark," a male voice greeted. "This is Sheriff Taylor here in Smallville."

"What can I do for you, Sheriff?"

"I wanted to give you a heads up that some English fellow was nosing around town the other day fishing for information about your sister."

Clark frowned. "Did he give his name?"

"Yeah…he gave me some fancy business card…hang on."

Clark waited in patient silence as Taylor searched for the card and a moment later the older man came back on the line.

"Here we go," he said. "The fellow's name was Robert J. Billings, 'Personal and Professional Attaché to Nicholas Ryan Ashton, the Duke of Wynmore'."

Clark instantly recognized Ashton's name, having seen the press coverage of his business dealings with Bruce.

"What kind of information about Jordan was Mr. Billings asking for?" he queried.

"He wasn't asking about her specifically," Taylor clarified. "It was more general questions about whether or not anybody knew about a baby that may have been abandoned in this area about 37 years ago."

That would be Jordan, Clark mused silently. Aloud he asked, "Do you know if anyone told him anything?"

"Of course not, Clark," the sheriff chided. "We watch out for our own here. That's why I wanted to let you know what's going on."

"I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in, Sheriff," Clark responded.

"Glad to help. What do you suppose these English fellows want with your sister, anyway?"

"That's what I intend to find out. Good-bye, Sheriff."

Clark ended the call and replaced the phone in his briefcase just as Lois appeared beside him.

"Hi, Clark," she greeted. "Feel like taking a lunch break?"

"Actually, I need a favor," Clark countered and rose to his feet. "Could you please finish our story on the teacher's union meeting? I need to go see Bruce and Jordan."

"What's going on?" Lois asked.

"I'll explain it to you when I get back."

Pressing a quick kiss to her cheek, Clark headed out of the office to change.

GOTHAM CITY

Jordan was seated on one of the back terraces, sipping at a glass of lemonade as she watched Hero chase the birds and squirrels she was trying to feed bread crumbs to.

"You're not helping, Hero," she admonished.

"Maybe you should follow Alfred's suggestion and put him in the city stables," Bruce replied wryly from behind her.

Jordan gave Bruce an admonishing glance as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head before settling into a chair beside her. "Don't you start," she said.

"Princess, even you have to admit that Hero would be easier to handle if he were smaller than a compact car."

"Sorry, Cowboy, but size does matter when it comes to dogs," Jordan returned.

"How are you feeling?" Bruce asked.

"I'm fine," she answered. "The gashes on my back aren't bothering me anymore and the muscle soreness has lessened as well."

Just then Alfred came outside. "Excuse the interruption, but the two of you have a visitor," he announced. "Master Kent is here to speak with you."

Jordan and Bruce exchanged a curious look, wondering what could have prompted Clark's visit.

"Whatever he's here to tell us can't be good if he felt it necessary to say it in person," Jordan remarked.

"There's only one way to find out."

Bruce stood up and helped to Jordan to her feet and the couple made their way inside, shadowed by Hero. They found Clark waiting in the foyer and he flashed them a smile of greeting.

"Hi, Guys."

"This is a nice surprise," Jordan said, and they exchanged a hug.

"How are you feeling?" Clark asked, and gestured at her stomach. "Is my little niece or nephew behaving in there?"

She smiled. "Both babies are doing quite well, thank you."

His eyes widened in surprise at her answer. "You're having twins?"

"Yes, we're having twins," Bruce confirmed. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you about Nicholas Ashton," Clark replied. "How much do you know about him?"

"I researched his personal history when I received his business proposition," Bruce answered, "but I didn't find anything unusual. Why?"

"I received a phone call earlier today from the Sheriff in Smallville," Clark said. "Apparently Ashton's attaché was in Smallville asking if anyone had information about a baby that may have been abandoned there 37 years ago."

Jordan's eyes widened in surprise. "That can't be a coincidence," she said. "But I haven't even met Ashton."

"You have, however, met his attaché," Bruce replied. "Billings indicated that he thought he had seen you somewhere before almost immediately after meeting you."

"Whether Billings was genuinely convinced that he knew me doesn't matter," Jordan responded. "I want to know why this Duke he works for is snooping around in my past."

"I'd like to know that myself," Bruce remarked.

"It's safe to assume that his interest in Jordan is somehow connected to your business dealings," Clark said, "but I haven't any idea what he's looking for or why."

"Maybe we should pay him a visit," Jordan suggested.

"Maybe we won't have to," Bruce countered. "Excuse me a minute."

He headed back toward the kitchen and once he was gone, Clark addressed his sister.

"Where's he going?" he asked.

Jordan shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine," she said.

Clark glanced at Hero. "I think that dog gets bigger every time I see him."

Jordan glanced down at her dog. "Hero, say hello to Clark."

Hero obediently let out a curt bark and Clark smiled. "Hello yourself, Hero," he said and reached over to give him a friendly pat on the head.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Bruce had found Alfred and approached his friend. "Alfred, I need to speak with you for a moment please," he requested.

"Certainly, sir."

"I haven't addressed this before because I was hoping you would come to me first, but it now involves Jordan and I need to know what – or rather whom – I'm dealing with. What is your connection to Nicholas Ashton?"

Alfred paused for the briefest of moments before answering. "Nicholas Ashton's sister and I were involved many years ago before I came to the States to work for your parents," he revealed. "Our relationship didn't end well."

"Care to elaborate?" Bruce pressed.

"Their father did not approve of me and once he discovered we were involved, he forced Elizabeth and I to terminate our relationship."

"I assume you cared for her."

"Of course; I was in love with her, and she with me."

"Then why did you agree to end things?"

"I had nothing to offer her," Alfred replied. "I was a former intelligence agent and military operative who had barely ten shillings to my name. The Duke of Wynmore was wealthy, powerful and popular. He threatened to disinherit Elizabeth if she married me."

"Is that when you came to live with my family?"

"Yes. I certainly did not want to stay in London and watch Elizabeth from afar when I was forbidden to have any contact with her. When I received my father's message requesting that I come to America, I saw it as the proverbial silver lining in a dark cloud. It was my hope that I could atone for my own inability to build a family with Elizabeth by assisting your father in caring for you."

Bruce gave the older man a warm smile. "Something you have done admirably," he declared.

"Thank you, sir. If I may ask, what does all of this have to do with Miss Jordan?"

"That's what I need to find out," Bruce responded. "Clark has learned that Ashton's right hand man Billings has been in Smallville trying to uncover information about Jordan."

"Perhaps he intends to get to you through her."

"That seems to be the general consensus," Bruce replied. "What I have to find out is what he's after and why he needs Jordan's personal history to get it."

"I will, of course, assist you in any way you need, Master Bruce," Alfred declared. "If for whatever reason Nicholas' intentions toward either of you prove less than honorable, he will live to regret it."

Bruce covered a smile. "That sounded suspiciously like a threat, Alfred," he remarked casually.

"It was a promise, Mister Wayne."

Now Bruce did smile. "Thank you, Alfred. I'll let you know what I find out."

Alfred returned to his duties as Bruce made his way back into the foyer to rejoin Clark and Jordan.

"Where did you disappear to?" Clark asked.

"I spoke with Alfred about Ashton," Bruce answered. "Apparently Nicholas Ashton is the brother of a woman Alfred wanted to marry several years ago, but her parents forced them to break things off."

"Really…well, that explains why he reacted so oddly to his name the first time you mentioned it," Jordan said.

"I don't suppose he offered any insight as to why Ashton might be interested in Jordan's past?" Clark prompted.

"No, but I intend to find that out for myself," Bruce responded. "Ashton is staying over at the Hyatt. I'm going to head over there and have a little chat with him."

"I'm going with you," Jordan replied.

"No, you're not," Bruce countered.

"Bruce…."

"This isn't open for discussion, Jordan. Royalty or not, for all we know he could be connected to the terrorists that tried to kill you before we were married. Until I know what Ashton is after, I won't put you at risk."

Jordan was clearly not happy with her husband's pronouncement. "Clark, would you excuse us for a moment please?" she requested tightly.

"Um, sure…I'll just go out back and throw a ball for Hero. Come on, boy."

Clark made a hasty retreat with Hero in tow and Jordan shifted her attention to Bruce, crossing her arms in front of her as she spoke.

"I don't appreciate being told to stay at home like a small child," she said angrily.

"I'm sorry that I upset you, Jordan, but I repeat: this isn't open for discussion."

Bruce paused a moment to see if she would interrupt, but when Jordan remained silent, he continued.

"It has nothing to do with my faith in your ability to protect yourself or your ability to avoid dangerous situations in the first place. But I've made powerful enemies as both Bruce Wayne and Batman and I will not expose you to them if it can be avoided. Especially when you're pregnant."

Bruce finished his declaration and waited in patient silence for her to respond. Jordan held his gaze for almost a full minute before replying.

"You're going to owe me another dog for this," she said at last. "A big, slobbery one."

Bruce smiled. "You have a deal," he told her and leaned over to kiss her. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Say good-bye to Clark for me."

"I will."

Bruce headed out of the house as Jordan made her way outside to join Clark. He was standing at the edge of the lake playing fetch with Hero and glanced over his shoulder expectantly when he heard Jordan approach.

"I assume you heard all of that," she said.

"I did," Clark confirmed.

"I also assume that you agree with Bruce."

"Yes, I do, but if it's any consolation Lois and I usually have similar disagreements at least once a week."

"Clark you and I used to have similar disagreements at least once a day while I was growing up," Jordan reminded him dryly. "If you and Lois have whittled it down to only once a week, consider yourself lucky."

Clark smiled at his sister's comment before growing serious. "How are you doing?" he asked. "Is everything okay with the twins?

"I hope so. My doctor says that he has every confidence that I'll have a successful pregnancy, but I'm worried that my unknown genetic history from my birth parents might be a factor. And despite Bruce's assurances that he would have no problem adopting, I know in his heart he wants a child of his own blood."

Clark sighed. "I'm not trying to patronize you, Jordan, but are you sure? Look at us. Mom and Dad loved us as much as they could have loved children that were theirs biologically, and you and I are as close - if not closer - than any blood siblings."

Jordan managed a small smile. "Daddy used to tell us that 'blood may be thicker than water, but it can't hold water when it comes to love'," she recalled. "I hope Bruce and I can do half the job as parents that Mom and Daddy did for you and me."

"Are you kidding?" Clark prompted. "Our kids will respectively have Superman and Batman as their father and uncle, not to mention you and Lois as their mother and aunt. The next generation will never know what hit them."

Jordan laughed. "Big Brother, I don't know if you just insulted us all or flattered us, but I do like the way you think."

GOTHAM HYATT

Inside his suite, Ashton was reviewing some reports from his London office with Billings when a knock at the door signaled the arrival of an unexpected visitor.

"Did you order room service?" Ashton inquired.

"No, your grace," Billings said.

He stood up and crossed over to the door. Glancing through the peephole, he recognized Bruce instantly and cast a surprised look at Ashton.

"It's Bruce Wayne."

"By all means, let him in."

Billings opened the door and Bruce walked inside. Ignoring Billings for the moment, he strode across the room to position himself in front of Ashton, who had risen to his feet upon Bruce's entry.

"I'd like an explanation as to why you're prying into my wife's personal history," he declared without preamble, controlled anger evident in his expression. "If you're trying to get to me through her, it will be a costly mistake."

"Mister Wayne, I have no idea what you are talking about," Ashton responded, his confusion genuine. "I assure you that I am not trying to 'get to you', via your wife or otherwise."

"The fact that you had Billings poking around in her hometown of Smallville trying to uncover information about her past would seem to contradict that," Bruce countered.

"Billings' presence in Smallville had nothing to do with your wife," Ashton replied. "I am attempting to resolve some unfinished personal business from several years ago."

Bruce stifled a frustrated sigh and glanced at Billings. "Were you or were you not inquiring about the whereabouts of a baby that was abandoned in Smallville 37 years ago?" he prompted.

Billings nodded. "Yes, but…"

Bruce cut him off. "That baby was my wife," he revealed and shifted his attention back to the Duke. "If you're telling the truth about not looking into her history for leverage against me, then how did you know where Jordan was from and that she had been abandoned as an infant?"

Realization hit Ashton then and he inhaled sharply. "Good Lord…" he muttered. "Your wife Jordan must be Elizabeth's child."

"That would explain why she seemed familiar to me, your grace," Billings added. "She has the family eyes."

"Would one of you please explain to me what the hell you're talking about?" Bruce requested.

Ashton sighed. "My apologies, Mister Wayne," he demurred. "I will be happy to explain all of this, but you may want to sit down for what I have to tell you."

"I prefer to stand."

"Very well." Ashton sighed again and ran a hand across the back of his neck before continuing. "Thirty-eight years ago, my sister Elizabeth had a brief relationship with a young man our parents did not approve of. After my parents threatened to disinherit Elizabeth if she remained with her paramour, the young man in question did the noble thing and terminated their relationship. He left Britain shortly thereafter and three months later, Elizabeth discovered she was pregnant."

"Elizabeth was an adult," Bruce interjected. "Why would she bow to parental pressure to give up her child?"

"Our parents were very much products of old aristocracy," Ashton replied. "My father especially. He was very adamant about what was and was not acceptable behavior for the Wynmore heirs and Elizabeth bearing an illegitimate child definitely fell into the latter category."

"Then why not force her to marry the baby's father to make the child legitimate?"

"My father's concern was for the Wynmore duchy, and as I was technically the eldest child it was assumed that at some point I would marry and produce an heir. Therefore, in his mind there was no need to bring a 'commoner' into the family."

"Yet another reason to dislike British royalty," Bruce replied sardonically.

"In any event, my parents made an arrangement with an American couple to allow Elizabeth to live with them until the baby was born and then they would adopt the infant. Sadly, my sister died in childbirth and the couple vanished with the child and my parents' money."

"Why the attack of conscience now?" Bruce inquired.

"My father died two weeks ago and there was a stipulation in his will that I was to name an heir within a year or the Ashton family holdings would be delegated to outside parties upon my death. I lost my wife to cancer a dozen years into our marriage and unfortunately, we never had children. So when I discovered my father's stipulation, I realized that I had to try and track down the child Elizabeth had borne all those years before."

Bruce could see where this tale was leading. "You think Jordan is that child," he surmised.

"Yes," Ashton confirmed.

"Assuming for the moment Jordan is your niece, what do you want from her?"

"If genetic tests confirm that Jordan is indeed Elizabeth's biological daughter than I will make the arrangements to have her named my legal heir back in England," Ashton explained. "All of the various titles and financial holdings that reside with the Ashton family will be bequeathed to her upon my death."

"Am I correct in assuming that neither Elizabeth nor your parents ever told the baby's father about her pregnancy?"

"Unfortunately, not. Again, based upon his own inherent prejudices, my father was convinced the gentleman in question had merely been toying with Elizabeth's affections in order to gain access to her inheritance."

"Do you recall his name?"

Ashton and Billings exchanged a look, which was not missed by Bruce.

"What aren't you telling me?" Bruce pressed.

"The name of Elizabeth's paramour was Alfred Pennyworth," Ashton told him.

Bruce was unable to conceal his surprise. I didn't see that coming, he thought to himself. Aloud he prompted, "Alfred was the father of your sister's child?"

"Yes; however, I was not aware you were acquainted with him until he called while I was at your office the day of your wife's accident," Ashton replied. "Once I was able to obtain more information as to the identity of he and Elizabeth's child, I intended to relay that information to him through you."

Bruce fell silent for a moment as he absorbed everything Ashton had told him. Oh what tangled web we weave, he mused. To Ashton he said, "I'll tell Jordan what you've told me, but the decision about what - if anything – to do about it will be hers. If she chooses not to acknowledge you and accept what you have to offer, you are to leave her alone."

"I have no desire to force myself into her life, Mister Wayne, but at the very least she should submit to a blood test so we can determine for certain if she is Elizabeth's daughter."

Bruce's expression did not change but his tone was ice cold and the aura of danger he exuded was almost tangible. "Jordan won't 'submit' to anything if she chooses not to acknowledge you," he stated firmly. "If you try to press the issue, I promise you will regret it."

Something in the younger man's tone warned Ashton that Bruce was deadly serious and he wisely offered no further comment or protest.

"If Jordan decides she wants to meet you, then I'll be in touch," Bruce said. "Otherwise, any further contact between us will be business related and you can deal with Lucius Fox."

Without waiting for a response, Bruce turned on his heel and left the suite. Once he was gone, Billings released a nervous sigh.

"Well that was fun," he said sarcastically. "For a few moments there I was worried Wayne was going to take a swing at you."

"He's simply protecting what he values most, Robert," Ashton countered. "I respect him for loving his wife so deeply."

"What will you do if Dr. Wayne does decide she wants nothing to do with you?"

"I don't know."

It was dusk by the time Bruce returned home and he entered the house just as Jordan came out of their bedroom, dressed to the nines in a floor length, sleeveless dark purple velvet gown with a pair of diamond earrings dangling from her ears and the ever-present Sun pendant Bruce had given her for their first Christmas together adorning her neck.

"You look gorgeous," Bruce replied. "Are we dressing for dinner now?"

"We have the Green Ribbon Ball tonight, remember?" Jordan prompted. "It was scheduled to tie-in with the one-year anniversary of PEACE's transformation into GAIA."

The Green Ribbon Ball was an annual black tie event Jordan and the original founders of PEACE had created in order to raise funds for various conservation organizations. Along with PEACE, past recipients of the donations included Environmental Defense Fund, Panthera, International Fund for Animal Welfare and the African Wildlife Foundation. Tonight's festivities would be held in the main ballroom of the Gotham Ritz-Carlton Hotel and over 100 guests were expected.

Bruce sighed. "I totally forgot that was tonight."

"We're due at the hotel in half an hour so you'd better put on your tuxedo," Jordan told him.

"I need to talk with you about Ashton before we go anywhere," Bruce replied. "Alfred should hear it as well."

"All right. I think he's in the kitchen."

Bruce placed his hand on the small of Jordan's back and escorted her into the dining room just as Alfred exited the kitchen.

"I thought I heard your voice, Master Bruce," he said. "Shall I bring the car around or will you be driving yourselves tonight?"

"I'll be driving my car tonight," Bruce responded. "But first I need to tell you and Jordan what I found out from Ashton."

Alfred glanced questioningly at Jordan, who merely shrugged and they settled themselves at the dining room table as they glanced expectantly at Bruce.

"Because we're pressed for time to get to the ball, I'll give you the full story after we get home," Bruce began. "But apparently Elizabeth Ashton is Jordan's biological mother, and you are her biological father. The information Ashton gave me regarding how Jordan was conceived and why she was abandoned after birth seems to match what we know of her origins."

It was difficult to say who was more surprised at the revelation – Alfred or Jordan. Both had similar expressions of astonishment on their faces and after a moment Jordan was the first to find her voice.

"Can we prove it?" she asked.

"If you're both willing to take a DNA test, yes," Bruce answered.

"Are you saying that you believe him, sir?" Alfred prompted.

"I'm saying that so far I don't have a reason not to," Bruce demurred.

"What of Elizabeth?" Alfred inquired.

Bruce hesitated ever so briefly. "Elizabeth died in childbirth," he revealed evenly.

Jordan shook her head as she covered her face with her hands. "This is unbelievable," she replied.

Alfred shifted his gaze to Bruce. "If I may say so, Master Bruce, you seem to be taking all of this rather well," he remarked.

"It's a win-win situation for me, Alfred," Bruce responded. "The symmetry of my life would come full circle if the abandoned baby girl who grew into the exceptional woman I married, is revealed to be the daughter of the man I consider my surrogate father."

"Thank you, sir."

"I guess that means we need to set up that DNA test," Jordan said. "Right now, however, you need to go change into your formal wear. I'm going to make a quick call to Clark and let him know what you found out."

"What about Martha?" Bruce asked.

"There's no way I am going to lay this on my mom over the telephone," Jordan responded. "I need to plan a trip to Smallville and discuss everything with her in person."

"It will take a few days to verify the information Ashton gave us and arrange the DNA test," Bruce replied. "Why don't you call Martha and invite her for a visit? I can arrange for the jet to pick her up tomorrow and have her here in time for dinner."

Jordan flashed him a grateful smile. "Have I mentioned lately that I love you?"

"Of course you do."

GOTHAM RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL

Inside the ballroom of his hotel, Bruce was making a valiant attempt not to look as bored as he felt, while Jordan was across the room speaking with a small group of reporters who were covering the ball.

Better her than me, he mused as he sipped at a glass of champagne. She's easier on the eyes.

"Hello, Stranger," a familiar voice greeted from behind him.

Bruce turned to see his longtime friend and former protégé, NYPD Detective Dick Grayson, aka Nightwing, standing a few feet away. Although a few inches shorter than Bruce's own height of 6'3", Dick's black hair and rugged features bore some similarity to Bruce's and he exuded an aura of self-confidence that also resembled his former mentor's.

"Hello, yourself," he responded. "Aren't you supposed to be in the Big Apple?"

"I'm in Gotham to speak with Jim about a case NYPD is working on in conjunction with his department," Dick explained.

"Are you here by yourself?" Bruce asked.

"Yes; Barbara is busy with a case back in New York and couldn't come. Her parents were actually supposed to be at this event, but her mother came down with the stomach flu at the last minute so they gave their ticket to me."

"So as long as you were in the neighborhood you decided to check up on me?" Bruce prompted lightly.

"Actually I was hoping to meet your wife," Dick answered honestly. "After everything I've heard about her, I'm more than a little curious to meet the woman who tamed Bruce Wayne."

"I don't know if I should be insulted or Jordan should be flattered," Bruce responded wryly.

"Care to explain how Gotham's most infamous playboy wound up married to the sister of 'the world's greatest hero'?" Dick inquired.

"We met fifteen months ago shortly before the terrorist attack on the Gotham Convention Center. Clark introduced us and we were 'involved' less than 24 hours later."

"Ah…so it was love at first sight?" Dick prompted.

"More or less."

"I can only imagine how Kent reacted when he found out, especially after what went down between you two in Metropolis."

"Surprisingly Clark let the chips fall where they may when it came to Jordan and me," the older man replied. "However, both he and Jordan were concerned that my notorious reputation would not result in a positive outcome for our relationship."

"Obviously they were wrong."

Bruce smiled, affection for his wife evident in his expression. "Thankfully Jordan went against public opinion and trusted me enough to open her heart," he said.

"What about you?" Dick prompted. "What made you so sure that Jordan was the real deal and not just another pretty face who was only interested in you for your money?"

Coming from someone else, the question would have elicited a less than cordial response from Bruce. But with the history between them, Bruce knew that Dick asked it without malice, only genuine curiosity.

"Worried that the press may have hit the nail on the head when they referred to her as my 'trophy wife'?" he prompted drolly.

"I know you better than that," Dick assured him. "Obviously Jordan is an exceptionally beautiful woman, but it would have taken a hell of a lot more than that for you to fall in love with her."

"That was just the icing on the cake," Bruce quipped. "At the risk of sounding like a character from a bad romance novel, I knew within sixty seconds of meeting her that Jordan would change my life, which she has. And she has spunk."

"Spunk?" Dick echoed incredulously. "You have an IQ that hovers near 200 and the best you can come up with to explain why you love your wife is 'she has spunk'?"

"Would you like me to consult a thesaurus for a description that meets with your vocabulary standards?"

"All I'm saying is that anything would be better than 'spunk'."

"Fine. I love Jordan because she is the most genuine person I've ever met, in every sense of the word. She's intelligent, and compassionate, and when push comes to shove, she can kick ass with the best of them."

Bruce finished his description and fell silent, awaiting Dick's response. After a long silence he finally said, "Definitely better than spunky."

"I'm glad you approve."

"I'm happy for you, Bruce. I know how much finding the right woman can enrich your life."

"Jordan certainly has."

Dick glanced across the room. "Shall we get a little closer and see what kind of inane questions the press is tossing at your wife?" he queried.

"I should probably retrieve Jordan before she shreds the reporters," Bruce agreed. "With the exception of her brother and sister-in-law, she holds little fondness for them."

Setting his glass on a nearby table, Bruce motioned for Dick to precede him and they made their way over to where Jordan was talking with the reporters.

"I'm sure we all want to enjoy the rest of this lovely party so I will only be taking a couple more questions," Jordan declared.

"Dr. Wayne, Lisa Gaines from the Times," a female reporter said. "How did you get those battle scars you're sporting on your upper back tonight?"

"Occupational hazard," Jordan replied. "I crossed paths with a mother grizzly who didn't appreciate me literally coming between her and her cubs."

"Speaking of mothers, is there any truth to the rumor that you're about to become one?"

"My private life is just that," Jordan evaded. "Last question."

"Dr. Wayne, how do you respond to the critics who are suggesting that the funds your company uses for saving animals would be better used for helping humans?" a male reporter from the Herald interjected.

"There are two commonly held trains of thought when it comes to life on this planet," Jordan responded. "For those who believe in Creationism, God created life on the 5th and 6th days, starting with birds and fish before moving onto land animals and the like until finishing most notably with Man in His own image. For those who believe in Darwinism, Humans and animals evolved via natural selection from a common ancestor over millions of years. But the bottom line is, whichever way you look at it, animals were here first. And humanity is not on the endangered species list."

Without bothering to excuse herself, Jordan made her way through the reporters and over to rejoin Bruce.

"I think that your last response may be the most eloquent version of 'Up Yours' I have ever heard, Princess," Bruce remarked drolly.

"May I quote you on that?"

"Absolutely." He gestured at Dick. "Jordan, this is my old friend, Dick Grayson. Dick, this is my wife, Jordan."

Jordan extended her hand. "A pleasure to meet you Mr. Grayson," she said. "I always enjoy crossing paths with people who have told my husband he's a control freak and lived to talk about it."

"Likewise, Dr. Wayne," Dick returned as they shook hands. "But please call me Dick."

"Only if you call me Jordan."

"Fair enough, Jordan," Dick said, and they exchanged a handshake. "I followed your testimony at the exotic animal trafficking trial in San Diego a few years ago. I think the defense attorney is still licking his wounds after you tore into him while you were on the stand."

"I'm certain that the prosecution got exactly what they hoped for when they called me to testify," Jordan deflected.

Dick glanced at Bruce. "I've been hearing rumors that Wayne Enterprises is going through with the merger of its London division to Ashton Industries," he said.

"The final details are still being worked out," Bruce demurred.

"So it's true, then."

"Yes."

"Nicholas Ashton has a reputation for being quite a formidable businessman," Dick replied. "Aren't you worried that his people and yours will butt heads?"

"That's for Ashton's people and my London CFO to resolve," Bruce answered. "I have enough to do dealing with issues on this side of the Atlantic."

"That's the understatement of the year," Jordan muttered.

"Maybe you should enlist Jordan's help with that," Dick suggested. "Any woman who can tangle with a grizzly bear and live to talk about it would make a formidable opponent."

"Wild animals I can handle," Jordan replied. "It's Humans that tend to take me out of commission for a week or two at a time. Thankfully Bruce and Clark are usually there to do damage control."

Dick nodded. "So the Big Blue Boy Scout really is your brother," he mused. "You don't have any um…special abilities…like Clark's, do you?"

Jordan smiled as she linked her arm through Bruce's. "The only special ability I have is making my husband love me," she answered with obvious affection.

"Well, I hate to be a party pooper," Dick replied, "but I need to get going. It's a long drive back to New York and I'm due at the precinct fairly early for a meeting."

"Drive safely, Dick," Jordan said. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

"Thanks; it was a pleasure to meet you as well. Maybe you and Bruce can come to New York and you can meet Barbara."

"I'd like that."

Dick glanced at Bruce. "It was good to see you again, Bruce. I'm glad you're doing so well."

"Likewise, Dick."

"Be careful out there, my friend."

"You do the same," Bruce returned as they exchanged a final handshake. "And please give my best to Barbara."

"I will. Say hello to Alfred for me."

The group exchanged farewells and Dick headed for the exit. Once they were out of earshot, Jordan addressed Bruce.

"He seems like a nice guy," she remarked. "Alfred does a good job keeping wayward young men on the straight and narrow path."

"He does," Bruce agreed. "Nice deflection on the pregnancy question by the way."

"I'm trying to limit the number of people that know until it becomes obvious," Jordan replied. "As soon as the press finds out for sure, it will be a free for all to get the first photos of the next generation of Waynes."

"Any regrets that you didn't marry one of your fellow biologists and been spared a life in the public eye?"

"Are you kidding? If I weren't Mrs. Bruce Wayne, I'd be sitting in a mosquito invested jungle somewhere berating the pygmies for eating tiger meat."

Bruce laughed. "In that case the pygmies of the world owe me a debt of gratitude for saving them from you," he said wryly.

"And I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving me from myself," Jordan added solemnly.

"I think that should be my line."

"Shall we blow this joint and head home so we can express our mutual appreciation in a private setting?"

"That's the best offer I've had all night, Princess."

The couple exchanged a kiss before starting out of the ballroom.

Two days later, Martha was sharing breakfast with Jordan and Bruce on one of the outside terraces while Hero and Dusty played dog tag on the lawn. True to his word, Bruce had arranged for his private jet to ferry Martha from Kansas to Gotham – along with Dusty - and they had arrived the evening before. As they all shared a chuckle over a private joke, Alfred approached them.

"May I offer anyone more coffee, or tea for you, Miss Jordan?"

"I'm fine, Alfred," Jordan responded.

"So am I," Martha echoed

"Master Bruce?"

"I'll follow the ladies lead and decline another cup as well, Alfred."

"Very good, sir."

"So do you want to continue making small talk, or does one of you want to tell me why Bruce brought me here from Smallville on 24 hours' notice?" Martha asked of her daughter and son-in-law.

Jordan shook her head. "I don't know why I bother trying to keep anything from you," she muttered.

"Neither do I. What's wrong, sweetheart?"

The younger woman took a deep breath and got straight to the point. "There is a man here from England who is in the midst of a business deal with Bruce and he claims his sister is my biological mother."

Shock registered on Martha's face. "How on Earth could he possibly know that?" she asked.

Jordan quickly gave her mother an overview of the information Bruce had obtained from Ashton. "We won't know for certain until Lucius verifies his story and the results come back from the DNA test I took yesterday," she said, "but Bruce feels that Ashton is telling the truth."

Martha sighed. "I can only imagine how overwhelming this must be for all of you," she remarked. "First the pregnancy and now this Duke whose sister may be your mother…"

"My biological mother," Jordan interjected quickly. "Even if the story turns out to be true, any connection we have is strictly genetic."

Martha gave her daughter a knowing look. "Are you worried that if you acknowledge your connection to Elizabeth Ashton through her brother, it will somehow threaten our relationship?" she prompted.

Jordan did not respond but the expression on her face made it obvious that Martha had hit the proverbial nail on the head.

"Honey, I appreciate your loyalty, but I certainly won't feel slighted or threatened if you decide to acknowledge Mr. Ashton. Frankly I'm sorry I won't get the chance to meet his parents."

Jordan was clearly surprised by her mother's comment. "For what?"

"To thank them for being foolish enough to set in motion a chain of events that literally brought you to my doorstep all those years ago," Martha clarified.

Jordan managed a small smile. "Well, if Nicholas Ashton does turn out to be my uncle maybe we'll have a little family reunion right here at the house," she quipped. "I can introduce my uncle to my father."

Martha frowned. "Your father?"

"According to what Ashton told us, Alfred is Jordan's biological father," Bruce interjected.

"Alfred is your father?"

"I guess I forgot to mention that," Jordan said sheepishly.

"I guess you did."

Bruce swiftly explained the story of Alfred's short-lived affair with Elizabeth Ashton. When he finished, Martha sighed again and shook her head.

"There is entirely too much drama happening in this house," she declared. "It's no wonder you go out every night to track down criminals, Bruce. It probably keeps you sane."

Jordan and Bruce laughed and the former gave her mother a fierce hug. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you, too."

WAYNE TOWER

The following afternoon, Jordan was in her office signing off on some paperwork as she waited for the results from the DNA test she and Alfred had taken. Bruce was in his own office one floor above her, while Martha was at the house with Clark and Lois, who had come from Metropolis to visit.

A knock on her door signaled the arrival of an unexpected visitor and she glanced up as Elliott Webster, CFO of Wayne Conservation International, stepped into her office.

"Hi, Jordan; do you have a minute?" he asked.

"Sure, Elliott. Come on in."

Webster walked over to stand in front of her desk. "I saw the story in the Herald yesterday about the Green Ribbon Ball," he said. "Apparently your comment that 'Humanity is not on the endangered species list' caused quite a stir."

"It wasn't the first time I've said something that pissed people off," Jordan allowed.

"On the contrary, it seems to have become the call to action for the animal lovers of our fair city," Webster responded. "I just got a call from Jeff Franklin down in accounting, and aside from a record tally for the donations from the ball of just under two million dollars, we set a record yesterday for single day donations somewhere in the neighborhood of $75,000.00."

"Well, that should keep us employed for a little while longer," Jordan quipped. "Seriously, though, that is great news. Thanks for letting me know."

"My pleasure. I'm on my way to a meeting with Lucius so I'm going to give him the good news. I'm assuming you'll want to tell Mr. Wayne yourself."

"I appreciate your deference to my marriage, Elliott, but I'm not really one to toot my own horn. I'm sure Lucius will pass the information along if he feels it's appropriate."

"Suit yourself," Webster replied. "I know you're going to be at the zoo for the next few days, so if anything comes up that I need your approval on I'll send it to you there."

"Thanks."

Webster exited her office just as her computer chimed to announce the arrival of an email. Jordan opened her mail folder and discovered a message from the doctor's office with the DNA test results attached. Jordan quickly printed it out and after reading enough of it to determine the results, got to her feet and headed to Bruce's office. Approaching his personal secretary, Jordan flashed her a small smile.

"Hi, Michelle. Is Bruce in his office?"

"Yes Ma'am," Michelle said. "He's in there with Mr. Fox."

"Thanks."

Jordan wandered down the hall to Bruce's office and as the door was ajar, she walked directly inside.

"Sorry to interrupt, Gentlemen, but I just received an email with the results of the DNA test," she announced as she approached them.

"That is perfect timing," Bruce replied. "Lucius was just updating me on what he found out as well."

"Did the Duke's story check out?" Jordan asked.

"Yes, it did," Fox told her. "It took some digging, but I was able to verify everything that Nicholas Ashton told Mr. Wayne."

Jordan sighed. "Well, I can't say that I'm surprised," she responded and handed the email printout to Bruce. "The blood test confirmed that I am Alfred's biological daughter."

"I don't know that it would be appropriate to offer my congratulations," Fox remarked, "but I will say that I am glad the emotional roller coaster you must have been on wasn't for naught."

"Thank you, Lucius."

"Now that you know the truth, what do you want to do about it?" Bruce questioned.

"No sense is postponing the inevitable," Jordan answered. "I think it's time I met the Duke."

"Should I invite Ashton and Billings to the house for dinner?"

Jordan gave him a knowing smile. "Be serious, Bruce," she chided. "Ashton isn't going to meet with the lion in his own den."

Lucius permitted himself his own smile as he glanced at Bruce. "She has a point, Mr. Wayne."

Bruce gave them a look of feigned ignorance. "Am I really that intimidating?" he asked innocently.

"Yes," Fox and Jordan answered in unison.

Bruce merely smiled.

GOTHAM HYATT

After calling the hotel to verify that Ashton was in his suite, Bruce had taken Jordan over there to meet him. As they approached the door of the Duke's suite, Bruce could sense his wife's growing anxiety and he cast her a quick glance.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he pressed.

"I have to," Jordan replied.

Bruce squeezed her arm in silent support before knocking on the door and a moment later it opened to reveal Billings.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Wayne, Dr. Wayne," he greeted. "Please come in."

He stepped aside to allow them entry and they wandered into the main area of the suite. Ignoring Bruce for the moment, Ashton focused on Jordan and she stood in patient silence as he looked her over.

She looks like Elizabeth, he mused silently, feeling a pang of regret that his twin would never know her daughter. I wish Lizzie were here to meet her.

Unsure of how Jordan felt about their connection, Ashton was the first to break the awkward silence.

"I'm sure you must have a lot of questions for me, about my family," he began.

"I learned all I need to know about your family when I was told they pressured Alfred into ending his relationship with your sister and never bothered to tell him Elizabeth was carrying his child," Jordan responded tautly.

"They made a mistake," Ashton replied. "As I explained to your husband, my father was very adamant about what was and was not acceptable behavior for members of the aristocracy. He was irrationally concerned about the scandal he thought would ensue if it became public knowledge that Elizabeth was unwed and pregnant."

"Frankly, Your Grace, your father sounds like he was a royal ass."

"Jordan…" Bruce admonished.

Ashton raised a hand to silence him. "It's quite all right, Mr. Wayne," he assured him. "I'm well aware of your wife's legendary temper and under the circumstances she has every right to direct it at me."

"How considerate of you to give me leave to be angry at you," Jordan replied tersely. "Your parents threatened to disinherit your sister because she had the audacity to fall in love with someone who didn't meet their standards; and worse yet, became pregnant with his child. Because of that, Elizabeth was forced to abandon her life in England and shipped off to America to live with strangers before eventually dying while giving birth to a child they couldn't bother to acknowledge. And Alfred spent most of his life unaware he was a father."

She finished her tirade and fell silent, taking a moment to reign herself in as she wiped away tears of anger flowing down her face. Ashton took advantage of the pause to respond to her allegations.

"I can't turn back the clock and change what happened all those years ago, Jordan. I can only do what I can now to accept the responsibility for my parents' actions and atone for them by recognizing your place in our family."

"Making me your heir changes nothing," Jordan replied, her anger still evident but now more controlled. "I came here today because my mother – the woman who raised me after the Barretts left me on her front porch like yesterday's newspaper – thought that I should acknowledge you. She even said that she wanted to thank your parents for denying me, because it brought me to her and my father."

"I'm sure they are exceptional people to have raised such a strong daughter," Ashton said.

"My parents didn't have much money or an illustrious royal title to fall back on, but they had enough heart to open their home to a baby nobody else wanted and are the two finest human beings I have ever known. I don't need anything you have to offer, Your Grace, including the Ashton family."

"What of your future children, Jordan?" Ashton inquired. "Would you deny them their rightful heritage because of your hatred of my family?"

Jordan's anger seemed to diffuse at his mention of children and she exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Bruce before returning her attention to Ashton.

"I don't hate them, Your Grace," she responded softly. "Obviously I am angry and rightfully so, but hate is a word I reserve for very few people."

"That's something, I suppose," Ashton said.

"I would like to suggest a compromise, if I may," Bruce interjected evenly.

"Please do," Ashton replied.

"Jordan's personal feelings notwithstanding, obviously she has no need of your money," Bruce pointed out. "However, I do agree that our children should be allowed the option of exploring and/or accepting their legacy as Ashtons. So perhaps you can arrange for them to inherit the title of the Wynmore duchy and all of the privileges that entails, while distributing the financial assets to a charitable organization of your choice."

Ashton glanced at Billings, who nodded his approval, and glanced back at Bruce. "That is a very sound suggestion, Mr. Wayne," he replied.

"Thank you."

"May I ask you a personal question?" Ashton requested.

"You're welcome to ask," Bruce said, "but I don't guarantee I'll answer."

Ashton smiled. "Fair enough. What is your connection to Alfred Pennyworth?"

"If you're fishing for information about Alfred, Your Grace, I suggest you contact him directly," Bruce responded. "He can be reached at my home."

"Just be certain that what you do with the information doesn't cause Alfred any further emotional distress," Jordan added by way of warning.

Bruce hid a smile at the threat implied in his wife's remark. Seems I'm not the only one who is overprotective, he mused silently.

"I assure you that my intentions are honorable, Jordan," Ashton replied.

"Time will tell," came her reply.

"Of course," Ashton allowed. "I thank you both for taking the time to meet with me, especially you, Jordan. I know it wasn't easy, but I hope that time will perhaps take the edge off of your anger."

Jordan acknowledged her uncle's remark with a curt nod but said nothing, and Bruce wordlessly led her from the suite. Once they were alone, Jordan released a heavy sigh.

"That was interesting," she said. "I didn't expect to be so angry at him."

"You're never shy about losing your temper," Bruce remarked. "However, I don't think it's the Duke you're mad at; he's just the only available target because his parents are dead."

"I suppose so."

Inside the suite, Billings and Ashton were engaged in a similar discussion.

"What do you think Jordan will do, Robert?" Ashton asked of his aide.

"I wish I could answer that for you, Your Grace," Billings responded. "I can tell you that I would not care to be on the receiving end of that temper of hers. I was beginning to worry she would draw blood."

The Duke smiled. "I imagine she keeps her husband on his toes 24/7," he said wryly. "Of course, from what I know of Bruce Wayne I don't think he would have it any other way."

"From what I learned after you asked me to research him when you came up with the merger proposal, she is just as passionately devoted to him," Billings remarked.

"They make a good match," Ashton stated. "I envy them what they have found in each other."

"I imagine they will eventually produce splendid children and ensure the continuation of the Ashton lineage."

"One can only hope, Robert. One can only hope."

Jordan and Bruce returned home following their meeting with Ashton and discovered Martha in the backyard, reading a book while the dogs slept nearby.

"Hi, Mom," Jordan greeted.

Martha caught sight of her daughter's weary expression, gave her a small smile. "Hard day at the office, sweetheart?" she prompted.

"Hard day of my life," Jordan responded. "The DNA test confirmed that I am Alfred and Elizabeth Ashton's daughter so Bruce and I went over to the Hyatt so I could meet the Duke."

"How did that go?" Martha asked.

"I think I'll survive the encounter without any permanent damage," Jordan deadpanned.

"I hope you had your temper under control when you talked with him," Martha replied and at the guilty expression that flickered across Jordan's elegant features she added, "Well in that case I hope the Duke will survive the encounter without any permanent damage."

"Very funny," Jordan said lightly. "Where did everybody go?"

"Clark was needed back in Metropolis so he and Lois left a little while ago," Martha told her.

Jordan glanced at Bruce. "If you don't mind, I'm going to track down Alfred and let him know that he's officially a father," she said.

"Go ahead. I'll keep your mother company until you get back."

Excusing herself, Jordan retreated back into the house as Bruce settled himself in a chair across from Martha.

"You look as worn out as Jordan does," Martha observed. "This must have been a hard week for you as well."

"I've had worse," Bruce demurred.

"Maybe, but it can't have been easy for either of you to deal with the discovery that Alfred is her father. Or Alfred, for that matter."

Bruce sighed and met Martha's gaze. "I feel so helpless not being able to do anything to make this easier for them," he confessed. "They're angry and hurt and confused, and all I can do is just sit back and watch them try to deal with all of it."

Martha reached over to squeeze his arm in a silent gesture of comfort. "Sometimes that's all you can do," she responded gently. "Jordan and Alfred know you love them and that will give them the strength to get through this."

Inside the house, Jordan located Alfred in the study and he turned to greet her when he heard her enter.

"Hello, Miss Jordan," he said. "You're home early."

"Bruce and I just came from the Hyatt," Jordan replied. "The DNA results confirmed Ashton's story so Bruce took me to meet him."

"I see," Alfred responded. "May I ask how that went?"

"About as well as you might expect given my notorious temper," Jordan admitted. "I'm going to need a few days to figure out what, if anything, I intend to do about Ashton. But I wanted to tell you myself that you're officially my father."

Alfred flashed her a warm smile. "That is good news indeed," he declared.

"So I guess this means you can drop the 'Miss' and just call me Jordan," she said, "and if you have no objections, I'll call you Dad."

"I would be honored, Jordan," Alfred told her and they exchanged a hug.

Late the following morning, Alfred was in a discussion with the telephone repairman about a wiring issue when the doorbell rang. Curious as to who it could be, as Bruce had not told him to expect any visitors or deliveries, Alfred made his way through the foyer to the front door and pulled it open. An attractive man about his age whom he did not recognize stood on the stoop, dressed in an expensive suit and looking slightly nervous.

"May I help you?" Alfred inquired.

"I hope so," the man responded with a British accent. "I'm looking for Alfred Pennyworth."

"Then you're looking for me."

Surprise flickered across the younger man's face and he paused briefly before replying. "Mr. Pennyworth…Alfred…I'm Nicholas Ashton."

Alfred froze as he met the gaze of a man he had not seen in almost 40 years. Jordan does indeed have the 'Ashton eyes', he observed in silence.

"Alfred?" Ashton prompted.

The older man shook himself out of his reverie and addressed Ashton. "My apologies, Your Grace. I am just surprised to find on the doorstep."

"I understand," Ashton allowed. "I tried to call ahead and verify with Mr. Wayne that it was all right if I came here, but there seems to be some trouble with the line."

"Mr. Wayne already informed me that he had given his blessing for you to seek me out," Alfred told him. "Why don't you come inside?"

Alfred stepped aside to allow him entry and Ashton wandered into the foyer, taking a cursory glance around the house before returning his attention Alfred.

"I assume that Mr. Wayne and Jordan have filled you in on our family ties," Ashton began.

"Yes," Alfred confirmed.

"I told Jordan that I was attempting to atone for what my father did to you."

"With all due respect, Your Grace, I came to terms with my issues with Lord Ashton and losing Elizabeth a long time ago," Alfred responded. "Reopening those wounds now would serve no purpose."

"I disagree," Ashton countered. "And please call me Nicholas. Despite the circumstances, we are connected through Jordan and having you refer to me as 'Your Grace' is an unnecessary formality."

"As you wish, Nicholas."

"I know that my father used his wealth and influence to pressure you into breaking things off with Elizabeth and forcing her into relinquishing your child. I'm sorry that his actions cost you a life with Lizzie and your child. As Jordan so succinctly put it, he was a 'royal ass'," Ashton finished with a smile.

The revelation wrung a matching smile from Alfred. "That sounds like something Jordan would say," he said. "She is never shy about speaking her mind."

"Having experienced that first hand, I wholeheartedly agree."

"You're not to blame for your parents' actions, Nicholas," Alfred responded. "I don't know what would have become of Miss Jordan if Elizabeth and I had been able to raise her. Given how things turned out, perhaps it is best that she was adopted into a loving family and I was able to concentrate my paternal instincts on caring for Master Bruce."

"Well he turned out quite well so you must have been pretty good at being a father," Ashton replied.

Alfred's smile returned. "I appreciate you saying so."

Just then Hero came trotting through the house en route to the master bedroom and Nicholas looked at Alfred with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

"Was that a dog or small pony?" he asked.

"That was Hero," Alfred clarified. "He belongs to Jordan."

"I take it she likes big dogs."

"Jordan is inordinately fond of all animals great and small," Alfred confirmed with affectionate exasperation.

"She must have inherited that from Elizabeth," Ashton surmised. "I remember that Lizzie was always trying to befriend any creature she came across, whether it had scales, feathers or fur."

"That would certainly explain why Jordan chose to become an evolutionary biologist," Alfred agreed.

Ashton nodded. "Well, I'm sure you have things to do and I need to get back to the hotel," he said. "But it occurred to me that if I want Jordan to acknowledge the Ashtons as her family, I need to acknowledge the harm they caused you."

"Thank you, Nicholas."

The men exchanged a handshake before Ashton headed to his car, and Alfred watched him drive away before retreating back inside.

************************************************************************************************************************GOTHAM ZOOOLOGICAL GARDENS

Late in the afternoon of the following day, Jordan was back to work at the Gotham Zoo and finishing her rounds among the animals. As she passed by the Grizzly habitat, she caught sight of the mother out in the yard wading in the small artificial pond as the cubs wrestled nearby. Walking over to the guard rail, she watched them frolic for a few moments, glad to see the family was adjusting well to their temporary home.

"How are you doing, Denali?" she asked the mother bear. "I hope you're teaching those little ones proper Grizzly manners."

"Their first lesson should be not to bite the hand that feeds them," a familiar voice replied dryly from behind her.

Jordan turned around to see Bruce standing a couple of feet behind her, having obviously come from the office due to the tailored suit he was wearing. She gave him a warm smile as he came over to stand beside her and she linked her arm through his.

"Hi Cowboy," she greeted. "To what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

Bruce shrugged. "It was a slow day at the office, so I left everything in Lucius' capable hands and came over here to visit my favorite biologist," he said.

"More likely you wanted to make sure I wasn't off somewhere terrorizing more long-lost relatives," Jordan countered lightly.

"That too," Bruce allowed with a smile and gestured at the bears. "Is this the one you tangled with last week?"

"Yes. Her name is Denali and her little ones are McKinley and Summer."

"The cubs are cute enough, but Mama Denali looks like she could eat Hero for lunch," Bruce remarked.

"Actually, Hero wouldn't be very appetizing for her because he's solid muscle," Jordan clarified, purposely ignoring the slight against her dog. "Bears prefer prey with a bit more meat on them."

"I stand corrected."

They watched the bears in companionable silence for a few minutes before Jordan spoke again.

"So did you really come over here just to say hello or is there some new drama cropping up that we have to deal with?" she prompted.

"I really came over here just to say hello," Bruce assured her. "The last week has been such an emotional whirlwind that I decided we deserve to spend some time away from all of the distractions."

"An intriguing proposition. What did you have in mind?"

"I thought we could have a quiet dinner at Suzette's."

"That sounds wonderful, but I'm not exactly dressed for it," Jordan pointed out, gesturing at her khaki zoo uniform.

"A problem that is easily rectified," Bruce replied. "Come with me."

Taking his wife's hand, Bruce started back through the zoo and eventually entered one of the gift shops with Jordan in tow. Approaching the young girl behind the counter, he flashed her a friendly smile.

"Hi, Jenny," he greeted. "May I please have the packages I left with you a few minutes ago?"

Jenny reached under the counter and retrieved a shopping bag containing two boxes, which she handed to Bruce. "Here you go, Mr. Wayne."

"Thank you." Bruce handed the bag to Jordan. "Why don't you go try these on?"

Jordan gave him a suspicious look as she accepted the bag. "If there's a t-shirt in here that says 'Property of Bruce Wayne' you're toast," she warned.

"I'll take my chances," Bruce responded lightly.

Jordan disappeared inside one of the small dressing rooms just as Bruce's cell phone rang and he retrieved it from his suit pocket. "Bruce Wayne."

'I've secured the gift you acquired for Jordan in the car, sir," Alfred said. "I'll be waiting at the zoo gate when you're ready to depart."

"Thank you, Alfred. We should be there in a few minutes."

"Very good, sir."

Bruce replaced his phone and waited expectantly for Jordan to change clothes. She emerged from the dressing room a moment later wearing a dark purple silk dress and a pair of matching high heeled shoes. Bruce smiled in approval of her appearance as Jenny let out an appreciative whistle.

"Wow…you look awesome, Dr. Wayne," she remarked.

"Thank you, Jenny."

"I trust the dress meets with your approval?" Bruce prompted.

"It's beautiful," Jordan confirmed. "I'm curious as to how you managed to procure this dress when I know you've been at work since early this morning."

"I'm a very resourceful man, Princess," Bruce replied. "A few phone calls to the right people at the right store and the outfit was delivered to my office this afternoon."

"This was very sweet of you," Jordan said with a smile and gave him a quick kiss.

"Shall we go?"

"Lead the way."

Bruce extended his arm and Jordan linked hers through it, then they bid farewell to Jenny and exited the gift shop. As they made their way to the exit, Jordan released a small sigh.

"I've been thinking…" she began.

"That's always dangerous," Bruce interrupted wryly.

Jordan ignored the jibe. "I'm going to pay a visit to Nicholas Ashton tomorrow and call a truce," she revealed, earning her a surprised look from her husband.

"Really…what brought this on?" he questioned curiously.

"After my initial shock and anger over the discovery about his sister and Alfred being my birth parents wore off, I realized that it must have been even more difficult for him to track down a stranger and admit what his parents had done all those years ago."

"You're the one who had to live with the not knowing for 37 years, Jordan," Bruce reminded her gently. "I'm not unsympathetic to Nicholas' side of the story, but the Ashtons made the choice to live most of their lives without acknowledging you. Alfred may not have been their ideal choice for a son-in-law, but at least he should have been given the chance to be a father to his own child."

"I don't want to rehash the same issues, Bruce, and I can't stay angry at Nicholas for the rest of my life simply because his parents aren't available to accept the blame themselves. If he was man enough to admit his parents' mistakes, the least I can do is accept his apology."

"If that is truly what you want, then I will stand by you 100%," Bruce told her.

Jordan graced him with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

They at last reached the zoo exit and found Alfred standing beside the town car, waiting patiently for their arrival.

"Good afternoon, Jordan," Alfred greeted. "You look lovely."

"Thank you," Jordan responded with an affectionate smile

Alfred glanced at Bruce, who discreetly nodded, and the older man stepped to the back of the car and opened the door. Before Jordan could get in, a large bundle of black and white fur launched itself out of the car.

"What in the world?" Jordan muttered and knelt down to pick up the puppy. "Oh, you are a big fellow, aren't you?"

"You did say that I owed you a 'big, slobbery dog'," Bruce reminded her. "This particular ball of fur is one of those new designer dogs that are apparently the new fad. He's a cross between a St. Bernard and Newfoundland, which are both large and slobbery."

Jordan gave him a loving smile. "I adore you," she declared. "I can't believe you really remembered to get me another dog."

"Neither can I," Alfred muttered to himself wearily.

"Don't worry about this guy, Dad," Jordan said. "Hero and I will have him whipped into shape in no time."

"I look forward to that with the greatest of anticipation," Alfred declared solemnly.

Bruce smiled as they all climbed into the car.

GOTHAM HYATT

The following morning, a nervous Jordan arrived at Ashton's hotel suite, belatedly wondering if she was making a mistake.

After I raked him over the coals the other day, he may have decided that trying to reconcile with me isn't worth the effort, she mused.

Steeling herself against the Duke's possible negative reaction, Jordan knocked on the door and a moment later Billings swung it open, glancing away from her as he spoke.

"It's about time…" he muttered impatiently.

"Excuse me?" Jordan prompted.

Billings swung his head to face her. "Dr. Wayne…my apologies," he replied. "I thought you were the bellhop."

"Is the Duke available?"

"Of course. Please come in."

Billings gestured for her to enter and Jordan walked past him into the main room of the suite just as Ashton exited the bedroom.

"Robert, please tell me that was the…bellhop…"

The Duke's voice trailed off as he saw Jordan and he gave her a small smile.

"Good morning, Jordan," he greeted. "This is a surprise."

"A pleasant one, I hope," Jordan returned.

"Of course. Is your husband with you?"

"No; Bruce is working today," Jordan told him.

"I'm glad he let you off your leash," Billings mumbled under his breath.

"Robert!" Ashton admonished irritably. "Show some respect."

Jordan permitted herself an amused smile. "That's quite all right, Your Grace," she assured him. "Bruce would be the first person to admit he is overprotective."

"What brings you here this morning, Jordan?" Ashton inquired.

"I'm here to apologize for the way I tore into you the other day," Jordan answered and gave him a sheepish glance. "I have a rather notorious temper and sometimes I get a little out of control before I remember to rein it in."

"That must be your Scottish blood rearing its mercurial head," Ashton remarked. "My maternal grandmother was from Scotland and was known for her fiery temper."

Jordan smiled. "So that means I have your side of the family to thank for my short fuse as well as my blue eyes," she remarked.

Ashton smiled back. "I'm afraid so," he allowed.

"I am truly sorry for being so harsh with you when we met," Jordan said sincerely. "While I was understandably angry, that doesn't compare to the guilt you have to carry for what your parents did, or rather didn't do, so long ago, and the indirect part that played in Elizabeth's death. However, the Barretts' decision to abandon me on the front porch of the Kent farm set the course of my life in motion, so at least one good thing came out of that tragedy."

"Are you happy, Jordan?" Ashton asked suddenly. "I know I have no real right to ask, but I would like to know."

His niece gave him the first full-fledged smile he had seen from her. "I am happy beyond words," she responded. "I love my work and I am married to a man who is truly my soulmate. Bruce is a little rough around the edges, but underneath he has the gentlest heart I've ever known."

"He seems like a good man," Ashton agreed. "Alfred did a fine job."

"It's very good of you to say so, Your Grace."

Ashton smiled. "Under the circumstances do you think you could drop the formality?" he prompted. "Please call me Nicholas."

"All right, Nicholas."

"I hate to interrupt, Your Grace," Billings interjected, "but we really must get to the airport."

As if on cue, there was another knock at the door and Jordan glanced at Ashton. "That must be your MIA bellhop," she said.

"Thank you for coming here this morning, Jordan," Ashton replied with a warm smile. "I'm glad we had a chance to make amends."

"So am I," Jordan responded. "Have a safe trip back to England, Your…Nicholas."

"You and your husband are welcome to visit anytime," Ashton offered. "Be well, Jordan."

"You too, Nicholas."

The two exchanged a handshake before Jordan bid farewell to Billings and exited the room. Once she was gone, Billings glanced at Ashton.

"Well color me surprised," he quipped. "It would seem a leopard can change her spots."

"I'm sure Jordan would appreciate your choice of analogy, Robert."

"Are you certain you don't have any illegitimate daughters running around in the world, Your Grace?" Billings pressed. "If any of them are like Dr. Wayne, I'll marry her out of hand and give you enough grandchildren to make you blush."

Ashton laughed. "I understand the sentiment, old friend, but unless you want your life to come to a premature end, I suggest you refrain from those kinds of comments in the presence of Bruce Wayne."

"I quite agree."

EPILOGUE

Six and a half months later the following announcement appeared in the Gotham Herald:

"First time parenthood is twice as nice for billionaire industrialist Bruce Wayne and his wife, renowned conservationist Dr. Jordan Wayne; the couple welcomed their first children early Friday morning, appropriately the day after Thanksgiving. Fraternal twins Jonathan Alfred and Kaya Martha entered the world about two and half minutes apart, weighing in at 5 lbs. 2 oz. and 4 lbs. 8 oz. respectively, following a relatively easy labor for their mother. No word yet on whether or not Dr. Wayne's beloved, oversized family dogs Hero and Trouble, will be recruited for babysitting duties."

Finis.