My Mother's Photo Album

by gigirat1

Imagine if Lila really had adopted Luke and Bobbie as children when their mother died of appendicitis. Can the Quartermaine's and Spencers survive each other? Bonds and alliances are formed, lives changed forever. This is an AU story using General Hospitals original storyline of how Luke and Bobbies's mom died and not the whole Fluke fiasco.

7. A Mother's Intuition

Chapter 7

***Quartermaine Mansion***

**Monday Morning**

"Lila looked at Edward skeptically she knew her husband meant well, in fact if she had to guess she would say he was simply trying to position his family… no their family into a place that would leave all of their children in a position to make the same decision Alan made, to walk away if they so desired.. And she loved him for it even admired him for it.. But something deep inside of her screamed that this was not the way, the people he choose to go into this particular deal with could cost them dearly! And maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow or next week or even next year but she couldn't help but fear someday one of them would pay a price. Edward had always had the perfect eye for the perfect deal and ELQ was his legacy or used to be but something in him had started to change his focus was more about what his children wanted for themselves not what he demanded of them. Maybe it was Alan choosing to go into medicine, maybe it was him wanting something different for Tracy, maybe it was seeing first hand how lucky they truly were, bringing Luke and Bobbie home had shown them all that, shown them how much they had… Maybe it was seeing and hearing first hand the chaos and destruction their father caused, maybe.. maybe.. maybe! Oh it could have been so many things but it definitely centered around their children. Why couldn't she make him see they had enough, they had more than enough. At his grumble she was pulled from her thoughts "All I am saying is you could have given me and the staff a little more notice" Lila spoke to Edwards retreating back

"I apologize for not giving you more notice dear, but do not bring the staff into this" he turned around and started waving his hands dramatically "I cannot help it if these people decided to come last minute. But this is a very important and lucrative deal I am trying to put together it will make us financially rich beyond your wildest dreams for generations, besides when have you ever been able to turn anyone away?" Edward questioned giving her his sweetest smile

"Oh now don't even try it, I will not be taken in by your shenanigans besides we are already financially rich! Generations worth I might add" she said not giving into Edwards nonsense .

"Ah-ha" he said triumphantly "You forgot the beyond your wildest dreams part! Would you rather I told them that we don't have the room here for them? Should I tell them it would be best if they stayed at the hotel? Even the little ones?" He changed tactics

"Of course not, I just said a little notice would be nice especially for the staff they are not only going to be preparing for the guest to stay but for this big party you want to have." Lila said standing her ground "It's called respect my dear, you know I try very hard to instill it in our children and your lack of it, makes that task very difficult at times."

"Now Lila you do a fabulous job instilling it in them and I for one have the utmost respect for you and our staff, but they get paid very good money and for days just like this…. All year long they get paid top wages and for what? So if we occasionally have to put in extra work" he grumbled shaking his finger "Than so be it. Besides it's not like we are asking anyone to work overtime… Although"

"No!" Lila cut him off "We are not asking anyone to work longer than their shifts "We have plenty of staff. I will speak to Winters and make sure everything is set-up. But I am warning you Edward everything about this deal better be on the up and up. We have to much to risk right now for you to be playing at anything that is not above board"

"My dear, whatever do you mean?" He said with the look of a wounded child, but Lila just shook her head before turning and walking out of the room. Her gut told her these people were NOT to be trusted and neither was this deal.

*The Family Room*

"But I don't want to do my studies, I want to go with you! Pllleeeaasse" Bobbie begged of Darlinton

Darlinton looked at her feeling completely guilty at the lack of time he has been able to spend with her the last couple of days. He prided himself in being able to juggle life with ease but every once in a while the universe threw a wrench in his schedule and this time that wrench came in the form of a very lucrative deal Mr. Quartermaine was putting together, an eccentric family who believed the world revolved around them, which meant his plans would have to be pushed back a few days, and just when he was ready to spring his gift on the family he thought with irritation. But this deal was important not just to Edward but to him and many others who have been looking for a way in, and he could not risk anything going south."You know very well that is not even my decision to make. Your tutor comes every morning for three hours at the request of Mr and Mrs Quartermaine. We go through this every morning and every morning you say to me you do not want to go to your lessons and everyday when your lessons are through you are full of excitement about what you have learned or what special project you got to do. Besides I have a very busy day ahead with your fath… with Mr. Edwards guests scheduled to arrive later today. I'm afraid there will not be much time for fun."

"I don't think that's true!" Bobbie pressed stomping her foot and placing her hands in fist at her waist "I heard you on the phone with Aunt Ruby you are going for tea! I want to go too. You promised to tell me more about France and about your maman. You said you would teach me how to be a better spy than Scotty he always gets to be James Bond and I always have to be Miss Moneypenny because I'm a girl! It's NOT fair! Why don't you want me around anymore? It's because Aunt Ruby doesn't want me she only wants Luke, and now since you love her you don't want me either" she said with tears falling from her eyes.

Darlinton rushed over to her lifting her into his arms easily and taking a seat on the sofa "Oh Copper-top nothing could be further from the truth, you are my favorite person in the whole world and you always will be. I promise as soon as Edwards guest leave I will teach you everything you need to know about being a spy, for now just remember what I said about keeping your eyes and ears open, and you tell young Scott that some of the best spy's ever were women because nobody suspects them of being a spy." He cradled her softly smiling "And stories of France and my maman will keep a day or two." Turning her chin toward him so their eyes met he continued "I know it appears as if we have not had much time to spend together the last couple of days, but I promise the things I am busy doing are for your protection. So I just need you to to be patient and trust me… Just for a few days. Okay?"

She reached up and touched his cheek softly a few last tears escaping her eyes "Okay"

"And I know it's so hard to understand why people make the decisions they make but I need you to hear me and know right here in your heart" he paused and pointed to her heart "Your Aunt Ruby loves you every bit as much as she loves your brother and wants to keep you, but she loves you so much she is willing to let you stay with Lila… Even if it makes her sad. Do you know what a precious gift that is? That someone loves you so much they are willing to be sad to make you happy."

"Bobbie looked at him thoughtfully "I guess so" she sat in thought for a moment before saying "Darling, why can't there be a way that we can all be happy and no one has to be sad?"

"I'm working on it Copper-top, I'm working on it" He gave her a final hug before setting her to her feet "Now run along, you don't want to be late for your lessons" he smiled as she headed for the door, and when she turned back he said "I will be here later to hear what you learned today." She smiled and waved leaving him deep in thought

Luke and Tracy sat at the top of the stairs watching with amusement as the staff rushed about preparing the house "So who are these people anyway? Everybody seems so stressed out making everything perfect?" Luke asked

"I don't know, never heard of them before. But I heard Daddy tell Darlinton to double security while they were here.. Like they were royalty or something" Tracy said clearly irritated "Than I heard mama say they have a son who is around our age and another who is six as well as a niece who is four. I hope they don't expect us to entertain them" she shook her head. "That would be our luck we have two half days of school left and than get to come home and chaperonage a bunch of kids"

"Hmmm well that is NOT happening, that's for sure" Luke agreed "So what's with Darlinton anyway?" Luke questioned "I mean it's obvious he has way more responsibilities than some butler or house manager?"

Tracy smiled "I wondered for weeks if you'd ever ask! Rumor has it he used to work for the WSB, but retired after getting shot for the gazillionth time. I don't know for sure but he does keep a close eye on things and on all of us." She leaned closer as if to convey in confidence "Rumor also has it, he has been spotted courting your Aunt Ruby the last couple weeks" Tracy raised her eyebrow waiting for confirmation.

"Yeah, I'll tell you that Bobbie sure has a big mouth, but I wouldn't put much stock in anything she says. I think they are just friends."Luke said dismissively if anyone could spin a story it was his sister not that he would mind if Ruby found someone to care for her. "Well I guess I better get to my lessons and you should get going too before we're both late" as they walked down the stairs Luke said "The WSB huh?"

*Kelly's Courtyard*

Ruby sipped her coffee staring at the 'FOR SALE' sign displayed in the window of the diner. She was happy for the Kelly's they just purchased a large building uptown and were moving their little café there to turn it into a much larger establishment they were such kind people and she wished success and blessings on them. She knew Darlinton was running late but decided to come down early anyway, lately meeting with him to talk had become her favorite time of the day. There was something so calming and safe about their friendship he always seemed to know what to say and what should be left unsaid, saved for another conversation another day. She chuckled to herself at how contradictory her new friend was, how he could make her feel so safe yet when she looked deep into his eyes she saw something in him that told her he could also be a very dangerous man if provoked. She saw him with her niece so loving and tender but also witnessed him talking to others with such authority. Who was he really? She wondered.

Deep in thought and with a soft smile was how he found her. Clearing his throat he gestured to the chair asking for permission to sit. At her nod he did so "Good morning, I apologize for being late"

"It's okay, it actually worked out for the best, two waitresses called in today and I helped the Kelly's out with the breakfast rush. How are you this fine morning?" She asked

"I am doing much better now, It was a busy morning, Mr. Quartermaine is expecting company and there were a lot of last minute preparations to make." He shook his head with a grin "And Bobbie was insistent on skipping lessons and joining us"

Ruby laughed "Again?" At his nod she continued "You are so good with her, have you ever thought about having children of your own?"

"Only recently" he admitted "I suppose before now it had never been in the stars for me. For so many years my life revolved my career until now I was never in any one place long enough to think about a long term relationship much less a family"

Ruby raised an eyebrow "You mean your career as a butler?" She laughed and held up her hand stopping him from responding "No, you will tell me when you are ready. Please go on, I am interested in your thoughts" she urged hoping her teasing wouldn't shut him down

"Soon, I promise" his own laugh joining with hers "To be completely honest I suppose even if I did have the opportunity to settle down I never really thought myself the fatherly type… not until I met Copper-top. She makes me wonder about having children of my own. It's incredible how one small girl can change your prospective on everything you believe. What about you Ruby Anderson? Have you ever wanted children of your own?"

"ME?" She said sorrowfully "When I was growing up I wanted to be a mother very much. I played dolls and house" She laughed "I remember telling my grandmother that I was going to have a dozen children, so I could cook them each an egg for breakfast… But life happened and it doesn't appear to be in the stars for me either"

"You are still young, maybe you should keep looking to the night sky… Perhaps not a dozen, but than maybe you can make them each two eggs every morning." They both laughed when he suddenly saw her look over his shoulder woefully "Tell me what you are thinking about?"

She quickly looked back at him "Oh dreams I suppose, dreams we have as youths" She stood up and walked over to the sign in the window running her finger over it "Sometimes I wonder…" She stopped as if lost in thought

Darlinton walked over to her looking at the sign "What? What do you wonder?"

"Has there ever been a time in your life when all your dreams were just out of reach? Like if you could stretch just a little bit further you could grab tight onto them?" She shook her head "Never mind that's silly, I don't even know where that came from" she said as she looked back at him

"Kelly's?" He questioned

She nodded "When my grandparents, my mothers parents were young they owned a bakery, right down here on the waterfront. It was my favorite place to be growing up, I would spend the days with them preparing the donuts, helping the customers even cleaning. I used to tell my grandmother that when she got older I would take over her role and she could come help me when she felt up to it."

"What happened?"

"They were in a car accident when I was ten years old, we lost them, they left the business to my mother and my father sold it from under her. But it didn't sop me from thinking someday I could still run my own waterfront bakery or café.

"Than what did" Darlinton asked "What stopped you?"

"Ruby let out a small snort "We already talked about him! Remember?"

"Your ex-husband?" She nodded "Ruby come sit back down with me" he said and took her hand leading her back to the table. With a serious look he began "I want to ask you something important and I don't need an answer right away, but I want you to give it some serious thought okay" at her nod he continued "If I could promise to make it safe for you to stay in Port Charles to dream again, maybe even have a piece of a waterfront diner someday would you take that? Would you take that leap of faith?"

"Would I be indebted to the Quartermaines?"

"No! Absolutely not" he assured

"Are you going to kill him" she asked seriously

"I could" he paused letting his omission sink in "but if that is not an option you could live with there are other avenues" he answered

"What I really want Jean-Luc is to make it possible myself…. I just don't know how yet" she spoke quietly as if in confidence

"I do not understand" he said

"Last week when I met with Gail and again yesterday we talked about the cycle of generational abuse how it would take someone strong someone bold someone willing to say enough is enough to make it stop. I think we agreed it is unfair to place that burden on Luke or Bobbie, so that leaves me. Gail thinks I am that person, but in order to do that I have to stop running" She looked down wrapping her hands around the coffee hoping it would warm the frightened chill she felt in her soul. After a moment she looked up at Darlinton who was listening intently "In her office with her believing in me so strongly its easy to feel that I have the strength to do it, and for Luke and Bobbie I have to try, but late at night when its dark and quiet I don't feel that courageous"

"Do not underestimate yourself Ruby Anderson" he reached over squeezing her hand "You have an amazing power in you a strength I have never seen in another woman. I know we have only known each-other a short while, but from what I have heard and seen you have endured a lot both in your past and even now, trying to do right by your nephew and niece. Your smart enough to know you cannot take Copper-top back to the situation in Florida and strong enough to break your own heart by letting her go. You are willing to fight a very wealthy and powerful man to keep Luke.. That's courage Ruby so when that little voice creeps into your head at night remember these things."

"I'll try" she said as she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding "Thank You"

"All I did was listen" he smiled

"Sometimes listening is the best thing a person can do" she relaxed at his smile "Soooo I guess I have to figure out where I go from here"

"Where we go from here" he corrected "A friend would not let another friend do this alone" they sat quiet a moment before he smiled and added "I suppose this means killing him is out!"

Ruby's shocked expression followed by her genuine laugh had Darlinton laughing along side her "At least for now" she said and they laughed even harder

After a moment Darlinton contemplated aloud "Perhaps Mrs. Quartermaines chance meeting with those children that first day in the park wasn't just a chance at a better life for them, maybe it was a chance for you as well. Maybe it was a chance for all of us."

As Ruby was about to respond Darlinton shook his head to stop her, looking over alerting her that company was heading toward them. "Alan, Monica he said as he rose to greet them.

"Hey, hope we are not interrupting" Alan said flashing his usual brilliant flirty smile

"No not at all. How are the two of you?" Ruby asked

"Good" they said in unison "And you?" Alan added

"Just fine, thank you" Ruby smiled

"Well don't mind us we are just going to go have a quick bite before going to check on the chaos at home" Alan chuckled and waved

""Chaos?" Ruby questioned Darlinton

"Mr. Quartermaine's house guest, I mentioned earlier a business deal he is working on they will be staying at the house for a few day. Which reminds me I better get back but I want you to think about what we discussed and how I can help. I'd also like you to think about accompanying me to a dinner party tomorrow evening"

Ruby laughed "I take it you won't be on duty?"

"Well.. I will be on business associate/Partner duty…" he grinned "Soon, I will fill you in soon"

"Okay what time should I be ready? And what should I wear?"

"Seven o'clock, Leave the attire to me" at her shocked look he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek "I must go I will pick you up tomorrow" Ruby nodded hoping her cheeks weren't as red as they felt warm.

"You missed it!" Monica said excitedly

"What?" Alan asked looking around

"Darlinton just kissed her"

"WHAT?" He repeated looking toward the window

"Yes on the cheek but it was a slow kiss" Monica explained with a blush on her face

Alan smiled guiltily as if invading their privacy "Remind me not to dismiss Bobbie so easily from now on" he whispered.

At a pay phone around the corner from Kelly's Darlinton waited impatiently for his call to be answered "There has been a change of plans a couple to be precise. Continue to have Spencer followed….no nothing has changed except the timing… just a few more days. And Keep a close eye on Mr. Anderson he is to go NOWHERE near Ruby.. EVER! I also would like someone to watch her at a distance… No I do not need a report on her activities she is not under surveillance I just want her protected…. Yes, yes, and be discreet."

**Later That Evening**

Lila sat with Gail in the rose garden, Edward was with his company and Lee had been brought in on his magnificent deal which made her feel somewhat better as Lee was always more level headed and cautious. She knew he would never be involved in anything that was not one hundred percent above the law. She smiled as she watched Bobbie and Scotty playing with the two youngest of their house guest. She had to laugh at the irony of how shy and quiet the two children were considering how loud, energetic and boisterous the father and uncles acted. The beautiful little girl although a year younger than Bobbie was exactly the same size both of them were small slim and petite, both had delicate features that made them look like precious delicate dolls. But that is where the similarities ended, Her Bobbie was curious, always asking questions, always moving, always so full of life and energy but the little girl was quiet, shy, reserved and very still, as if she so much as breathed wrong the world would crash in around her. Throughout the afternoon the little one had barley spoke but a few words, just 'Thank you ma'am' or 'Yes Please' and she always held onto her cousin as if her life depended on it. The little boy, well he hardly acted like a little boy at all, more like a young man, oh he looked like a little boy at six years old he was just a bit taller than Scotty with very light brown hair and beautiful blue eyes and his demeanor was certainly that of the nobility his father so proudly bragged about. The child spoke and acted years above his age and with such seriousness, the complete contrast of his older brother who was at this moment walking the grounds with Luke and Tracy. At fifteen that young man was bold, brazen and entitled he was certainly handsome enough with his jet black hair and big brown eyes, but he also had an arrogance that he wore like a crown. Lila was pulled from her thoughts at the delightful squeal of the little girl and the laughter of Scott and Bobbie, whatever just happened had entertained and smashed open the ice that sat between the four children. The three youngsters were laughing hysterically and the little boy sat with a cautious but bright smile and a raised brow. "That's more like it" she looked at Gail who was smiling brightly herself.

"So now that we have a moment, what can you tell me about this deal?" Gail asked sounding as unsure as Lila herself felt

"I cannot tell you much, something about buying large companies and dismantling and selling pieces for profit. Edward never goes into to much detail, but he is certainly excited"

"But your not so sure?" Gail guessed

Looking back at the children Lila shook her head "No, but it's not about the deal specifically, I know the deal is a good one sound and from what I can tell it will be very lucrative to us all. And I know neither Darlinton nor Lee would be involved in it if it weren't above board." Lila leaned in speaking softly to be sure the children could not hear "It's the family that has the hair on the back of my neck standing up… Oh, I cant really explain it. I suppose it's just a feeling. Perhaps I am just being silly"

"I believe that is called a mother's intuition, never underestimate it" Gail advised

The ladies were interrupted when the children came running up to them "Me and Scotty want to show them my room and my toys and our spy equipment" Bobbie told Lila

She looked at the four youngsters staring back at her each wearing the smile of the Cheshire Cat "It's Scotty and I.. and that is fine, would you like us to accompany you?"

"No, that's okay, we are big enough" Bobbie said with a somewhat guilty look on her face

"Okay, but stay out of the foyer, Edward is having a very important meeting" she said

The ladies watched the four children scurry off "So what do you think that was really about" Gail questioned

"What else? SPY stuff" Both Gail and Lila laughed "Ever since Alan and Monica took those two to see "From Russia with Love EVERYTHING is about spy stuff"

"Oh don't I know it! I did tell Monica I wasn't sure it was an appropriate movie for children their age, and she promised to check with me next time her and Alan take them to another movie like it" Gail shook her head

"Yes I had the same conversation with Alan" both mother's giggled

*The Grounds*

Luke and Tracy listened with fascination to the tales their new friend told of growing up on an island in paradise, his travels to exotic places around the world and the strange and often curious people he'd met along the way. Luke smiled this guys enthusiasm was definitely contagious. Sure he was a bit stuck on himself, but they were only going to be together for a few days so he wouldn't let that one flaw get to him. Tracy on the other hand although impressed with his stories was completely turned off by his arrogance from the moment they met, but once Luke pulled her aside and told her to be cool for their father's sake she decided she would just go with the flow."It must be fascinating growing up on an island your family owns! Man talk about born lucky!" Luke said

"It's okay I suppose, but it can get lonely at times. We are not really allowed to associate with children of the staff, and my brother and cousin, well there just babies, even if my brother thinks otherwise." He admitted a small bit of sorrow coming through

"Why can't you associate with the others?" Tracy asked confused

"My mother…" he paused trying to figure out how to explain her "She is not like your mother, she is…. She is not as kind and accepting. She believes associating with them is beneath our station." At Lukes raised eyebrow and Tracy's watchful gaze he continued "My father he's okay I suppose, I don't think he would care really, I believe he just does not want to fight that particular battle with her. Although they battle about everything else so I do not see why."

"The three teenagers were quiet for a moment each contemplating their parents, when suddenly Tracy smiled and said excitedly "I have a great idea!" Both boys looked at her expectantly "Tomorrow is our last day of school and it's only a half day so all our friends are going to the lake for a celebration! You can come with us, it'll be a blast, we swim and hang out on the beach all day and than when it gets dark we build a nice big fire sit around telling stories. Maybe have a couple beers, laugh a little and just chill. What do you say?"

"What about the party your father is throwing? Aren't we expected to be there?" He asked

"Nah! They won't want us hanging around" she assured

"Well count me in" Luke said remembering how much fun they all had the last time they were at the lake

"Me as well"

"Perfect, now all we have to do is get our stories straight" Tracy said as she dragged both boys to a spot under the tree to sit and conspire with.

*Bobbie's Room*

"Wow! These are so pretty" the little girl said quietly climbing up on the window seat to gently touch the round glass balls hanging from the window

"Bobbie smiled proudly climbing up next to her "Oh yes they are, mama hung those up for me and in the morning when the sun shines on them they make rainbows all over my room. It's called faction!"

"Refraction" the young boy corrected

"Refraction" Bobbie repeated smiling at her new friend

"What's that mean" the little girl asked her cousin curiously

"He looked at her knowing she really would not understand "when we see sunlight we only see white because all the colors are mixed together, This" he said reaching for the glass ball "Is a prism, it separates the colors"

"That sounds about right" Bobbie said pretending she knew what he meant

"I would like to see the rainbows when the sun comes out" the little girl smiled

"Than you can sleep with me tonight because when I wake up they are there" Bobbie told her than jumping down she grabbed Scottys hand dragging him across the room "Come on I will show you guys my secret spot" she grabbed four small flashlights out of her nightstand

"It's a closet" Scotty said as she pulled open the door

"It's a magic closet" she said as she pushed them all in turning on her flashlight "Sit down and turn your lights on shine them toward the walls" she ordered

"Wow" the other three said "It looks like the sky at night" Scotty said

"It's glitter! Me and mama made this place"

"Your mother is so nice to you" the little girl said "Maybe we can do this at home?" She asked her cousin hopefully

"Maybe, but it will have to be a secret" he told her

"So are we gonna do this or what?" Scotty asked about the plan that the four had talked about in the rose garden. They all nodded and climbed out of the closet "Okay, let's go!" He said leading them out the door and toward the stairs "The hardest part is going to be getting in the room without them seeing us"

"No that's easy, we will just use the door" The young boy said "See it's open "The hard part is going to be where to hide, so they won't see us!" He whispered peeking in. This spy stuff was fun! His father and uncles always had so many secrets, it would be nice to know what they were. Had his mother been with them on this trip he never would take a chance like this, but his father was much kinder, if he got mad he wouldn't stay mad. He stepped back "Get down and follow me. We can all fit under the sofa, it's plenty large enough. The four children crawled across the room on all fours and dove under the couch.

None of the men saw the movement at the opposite side of the room except Darlinton who tapped Edwards shoulder than brought a finger to his lips to shush everyone, he motioned to the men who were happily celebrating as the details of the deal had been finalized. Pointing out the small group assembled underneath the sofa he decided to humor the four little spy's "So gentlemen" He smiled brightly, trying to suppress a chuckle "I think as long as we do not let the world know that you are Spider-Man, you are the Hulk, you are Thor and I am Iron-Man, than we will have time to put our plan in motion and be able to stop the super villains before they take over your Island"

Darlinton wasn't sure if it was the excitement of the business deal or the port they drank celebrating, but he was grateful that all the men decided to play along, they each told a part of a make believe plan that not only ended with them saving the world but making each sound like a super hero. It wasn't until Lila and Gail walked in the room asking about the children that the men stopped. "No ma'am, we have not seen them, perhaps we should look for them" Darlinton suggested while pointing to their location. the men escorted the ladies out of the room giving the four spy's a chance to escape unnoticed.

**The Next Day**

Alan woke up to two excited little girls still in their pajamas jumping up on his bed insisting that they had life changing news "Alan guess what? Alan! Alan! Alan are you listening?" Bobbie asked as she bounced around him

He rubbed his face blinking several times "What time is it?" He asked

"I don't know I can't tell time. Can you?" She asked her friend who shook her head no. "We don't know how to read the clock" She told him

"Okay! Okay I'm up so what's so exciting?" He sat up expecting to hear the latest gossip! He had to cover his face several times to hide his smile as the little girls told him about what they overheard the night before.

"Can you believe it? They are superhero's and they are going to save the whole world" Bobbie told him eagerly.

"You know, I always suspected it." He played along not wanting to steal their joy "I never said anything because I just couldn't prove it" and than he suddenly got serious "But we better keep this secret to ourselves because if anyone else ever found out they might try to destroy their plans."

"Oh your right" the little girl whispered "I'll tell my cousin too" and Bobbie nodded agreeing with them

"Why don't you two go find him and tell him and I will get up. After we are dressed for the day we can go have breakfast" he said. So much for sleeping he thought as he yawned

"**Later that Day**

*The Lake*

"Tracy sat on her beach towel soaking up the sun a smile plastered across her face she was finished with Junior High! Next year she would start high school but not before an amazing fun filled summer. Life didn't get any better than this. "What's with the goofy grin" Luke questioned

"I'm just happy. Is that a crime?' She teased

"No, just unusual" he teased back and when she stuck her tongue out at him he laughed. "So what do you think of them? He nodded in the direction of their new friend

"The whole lot of them?" She asked sitting up and turning a bit more serious at his nod she continued "It's like I said last night on the roof, he seems cool enough.. the little ones too, but his father and uncles…well their a bit too cuckoo for my taste. What about you?"

"Same… they are definitely a strange bunch that's for sure. But Bobbies having the time of her life." He frowned

"Did she tell you that?"

"No. I've just been watching her. She really hasn't said a whole lot to me since the funeral. Just some casual stuff here and there" he worried

"I think you scared her. You really need to fix that" she suggested

"Yeah, I know and I will when they leave tomorrow"

"That's right! TOMORROW! She shouted jumping up grabbing his arm leading him over to their friends

"*That Evening*

Lila looked around the room this certainly was a good party Edward had put together. Their were dignitaries, judges, the hospital board, all of their closest and of course Amanda Barrington smack dab in the center. She had to chuckle at that. Suddenly she saw Darlinton walk in with Ruby on his arm and smiled. Rushing over to them she kissed Darlinton on the cheek and hugged Ruby "Oh my don't you look absolutely stunning" she said to Ruby, and she did. Wearing a beautiful black low back cocktail dress with rows of shimmy fringe and a flat bow at the jewelry neckline she was breathtaking.

"Thank you" Ruby said blushing "And so do you. Although you ALWAYS look so beautiful" she complimented "Are the children here?" She asked looking around

"Only Alan" Lila pointed over to him. Ruby looked over and saw him lean in and whisper something in Monica's ear causing her to chuckle

"They really are a handsome couple" Ruby suggested but at Lilas smile she added "I know, I know they aren't a couple….. Yet!" And both ladies giggled

Just than Edward came rushing over with Lee and three gentlemen Ruby had never seen before "You made it he told Darlinton shaking his hand as did the others "And this beautiful lady is Ruby Anderson Edward told the three strangers "Ruby I would like you to meet some business associates of mine, This is Mikkos Cassadine, Victor Cassadine, and Anthony Cassadine,"

"It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Anderson" Mikkos said as he kissed Ruby's hand followed by Victor and Tony. Ruby smiled acknowledging each of them.

"Mikkos walked to the center of the room clicking his glass to get everyone's attention "I would like to propose a toast" he started and waited for everyone to grab a glass. When he saw they had he raised his "To our wonderful hosts Mr and Mrs Quartermaine you have been kind and very generous welcoming in such a large brigade as mine. And to our new adventure The Pegasus Group, may it prosper for generations and finally to all of you who have been so welcoming" he smiled as everyone clinked glasses.

"*Later that Evening*

"Edward looked around happy to see everyone enjoying themselves, Alan and Monica were Dancing as were Ruby and Darlinton. Lee and Gail were talking to the Cassadine's and Lila was with Amanda, Leslie and Audrey. He walked over to Lee and joined in the conversation when suddenly he heard several "Oh's and awes" looking over he saw Bobbie with a frightened look on her face and tears in her eyes carrying a book and her stuffed monkey in one arm and holding hands with Alexis both little girls wearing soft pink and white footed pajamas, when he called out to her they rushed in his direction he lifted her into his arms "What ever is the matter" he asked rubbing her back trying to sooth his visibly upset child

"I..I..I..I'm tired Daddy" she said trying to control her sobs, but they started to increase. "I..I.. I..came down t.. find you and Mommy an.. an..and I couldn't" she cried wrapping her trembling arms around him.

Edward squeezed her tight as a single tear escaped his own eye, she called him Daddy! She called him Daddy and Lila Mommy… "Oh there there sweetheart there is nothing to be afraid of I'm here I'm right here and so is Mommy" he said reassuringly as he reached over to Lila who went to them as soon as she heard him call out to Bobbie. Unlike the single tear that Edward let escape her tears flowed freely as she leaned in to comfort her little girl.

The nanny rushed in suddenly "I am so sorry Mrs Quartermaine, she refused to go to sleep without you. She said you had to read her bedtime story and tuck her in"

"No need to apologize" Lila smiled and wiped at her tears "She is correct. I do" She took Bobbie from Edwards arm and held her tight. Edward leaned over picking up Alexis handing her off to Mikkos who she reached for, as the three parents took their children upstairs their closest friends smiled knowing exactly what they just witnessed.

"*The Patio*

"Are you okay" Darlinton whispered softly as he placed his hand on the back of Ruby's shoulder. She was quietly looking up at the night sky

"Yes" she whispered back

"I know that could not have been easy. I am sorry… For you, for your pain" he tried to console

"She turned to face him, her own tears falling "Don't be sorry. They have given a little girl… a little girl I love deeply a little girl whose whole world was broken, shattered… They've given her a home, a family, Love and a chance. Don't ever be sorry" she said as fresh tears fell "I know Lena sees her. I know this is what she would want for her"

Darlinton pulled her into his arms hugging her close to him "It doesn't mean that it is easy for you."