*~Chapter 22~*

***Alexis' Penthouse***

(Alexis is in what has now become Matthew's nursery, standing next to the crib watching him sleep when Ned enters.)

Ned: I thought I'd find you in here.

Alexis: I can't help it. I can't describe it, but just standing here watching him it makes it seem like...

Ned: I know, it has the same affect on me. Let's go downstairs and let him sleep. I have something I want to give you.

Alexis: Oh yeah and what's that?

Ned: Patience my dear.

Alexis: You love doing this to me don't you.

Ned: As a matter of fact I do.

Alexis; Just tell me!

Ned: Nope not yet.

Alexis: I can make it worth your while. (smiles suggestively)

Ned: Well when you put it that way.

Alexis: Really? Your going to tell me, your going to really cave in this early?

Ned: Well, this time, but only because I really want your reaction on this. Don't expect it to happen in the future the future Mrs. Ashton.

Alexis: That's Davis-Ashton to you and don't you forget it.

Ned: I still have plenty of time to change your mind.

Alexis: Ok enough of this what do you want to give me?

Ned: Well I've been thinking its getting kind of crowded here with me and you and Matthew and if Brooke ever came over to stay... well anyways (he takes a key ring out of his pocket and hands it to her.)

Alexis: Is this a house key?

Ned: Yes it is. (gauging her reaction)

Alexis: You bought us a house?

Ned: Now just here me out Alexis. I know you love it here, but like I said before it is getting kind of crowded and I really want to have a place that is just us, where we can start our new life together, just us, no ghosts at the gatehouse, no

Alexis: Sonny across the hall.

Ned: Yes that is exactly it. I don't want to share you with Sonny.

Alexis: You aren't sharing me with Sonny Ned. He is just a client, you are the love of my life and nobody can change that, especially not Sonny.

Ned: Then why don't you want to move.

Alexis: I never said no. In fact I think it's a wonderful idea.

Ned: You do?

Alexis: Yes I do. Now when are you going to take me to see this place?

Ned: You amaze me you know that?

Alexis: What did I do now?

Ned: Just when I think I have you all figured out you go and do the complete opposite.

Alexis: Oh, well I try.

Ned: I love you.

Alexis: I love you too, now when are you taking me to see this place.

Ned: We can go later tonight if you want.

Alexis: Definitely.

Ned: Now I think you said something earlier. (smiles suggestively)

Alexis: When your right your right. (they kiss and things start to escalate until they are interrupted when they hear Matthew over the baby monitor.)

Ned: You know I love our son to death, but he has the worst timing. (Alexis laughs)

Alexis: I wouldn't take it personally. Besides now we can go and see that house!

***The Castle*** (Thanks Adina for the name!)

(Ned's car pulls into the driveway and the look on Alexis' face is priceless. The outside of the house resembles a castle. There is tons of land surrounding the house adn the landscaping is spectacular. Ned and Alexis get out of the car and Ned gets Matthew out of his baby seat.)

Alexis: I thought you said you bought a samll place.

Ned: Well it is small when you compare it to the Quatermaine Mansion or Wyndemere.

Alexis: Ha ha. (to Matthew) Your daddy thinks he's funny. (he laughs)

Ned: (feighing hurt) Fine then, if you don't like it we can leave.

Alexis: Aww, I'm sorry. I love it so far, let's go inside.

Ned: I thought you would.

(They go inside and the inside of the house is beautiful, with high ceilings and lots of light. Think of what your dream house looks like and that's it)

Alexis: Oh my God Ned, this place is perfect. I love this!

Ned: I thought so too.

Alexis: I wish we could stay.

Ned: We can.

Alexis: Ned, honey I hate to break this to you but we don't ahve any furniture.

Ned: That's where your wrong. (she gives him a puzzled look) When we were at dinner I had them bring over our bedroom stuff and Matthews crib. I had a feeling you would want to stay.

Alexis: I can't believe you did that.

Ned: I wanted to surprise you, did it work?

Alexis: Oh it worked alright and now I think I'm just going to have to return the favor. I wonder how I'm going to do that?

Ned: I can think of a few ways. (raises his eyebrows)

Alexis: Well I only had one in mind. (smiles seductively)

Ned: I like the way you think.

**Author's Note**

I AM going to have this finished by tomorrow night. So thank you for your patience I know it's taken me awhile to update again. I will start the second part of the three on Tuesday. Please Read and Review!