Chapter Three
Chris hung up with Alan and sighed. He ran his fingers through his hair wearily. Alan had heard rumblings of a possible nurse's strike, and was calling to warn Chris about it. Chris knew why the rumbling was happening. He was so far behind on paperwork he hadn't approved raises or vacation and day off requests in awhile. The thing Chris hated the most about being Chief of Staff was the paperwork it required.
"Alison!" Chris called, knowing he was going to have to do some major rescheduling in order to find the time to go through all the papers on his desk. Waiting less than a minute for her to appear, Chris buzzed the phone on her desk.
"I'm coming!" Alison cried, walking into the room. Behind her, Chris could hear the loud buzzing emanating from her phone.
"Sorry," Chris blushed. "I didn't realize that was so loud."
"Or annoying," Alison added. She softened her face with a smile. "What did you need?"
"Can you take these," Chris nodded at the huge stack of papers, "and sort through them? Categorize them for me so when I'm going through them it's easier."
Alison sighed as she approached the papers. "Finally." She hoisted a stack into her arms and carried it out to her desk. She plopped them down and then went back in for the rest of the papers. "What made you decide to get moving on these?"
"Alan," Chris admitted. He pressed the tips of his fingers together and laid them on his desk. "He warned me that a nurse's strike would be coming if I didn't get this paperwork done."
Alison grinned and lifted the last papers into her arms. "Good man, that Dr. Quartermaine." She walked to the door. "I'll bring these back in when I'm done sorting."
"Thanks!" Chris called. He watched her shut the door behind her and turned back to his computer. Seconds later, the door opened again and his wife walked in.
"You summoned me?" Elizabeth asked lightly, her face in a slight frown.
Chris stood up and walked over to her. He kissed her cheek and led her to a chair. "Thanks for coming," he smiled at her. "Sorry for the impersonal way I asked you here. But I needed to talk to you. It was important, and I couldn't leave here."
Elizabeth felt her heart soften as she sat in the chair. "I was hoping it was because you were busy and not because our marriage is turning into communicating only through our secretaries."
Chris chuckled. "It is, I promise."
"What's up?" Elizabeth asked.
"I had a surprise visitor today," Chris said slowly, trying to decide the best way to break this to her. Chris knew that Elizabeth was still slightly touchy where the subject of Livvie was concerned. She knew of his deep love for her, and had always been unsure that he'd ever gotten over her.
"Apparently, I have a daughter that I didn't know about," he blurted out. "A daughter that Livvie kept from me."
Elizabeth's face went white. "Excuse me?" she whispered, barely audible. "Come again?"
"She came to me today to introduce herself to me. Livvie died four years ago. Livvie left Heaven a letter telling her all about me. She lied to Heaven all her life, telling her I was dead. That's her name. My daughter, I mean. Her name is Heaven." Chris realized he was babbling and promptly
shut his mouth. His palms were sweaty, his mouth dry. He licked his lips, waiting for Elizabeth to digest this information.
"How ... how old is this said child?" Elizabeth asked quietly.
"Heaven is 21 years old," Chris replied.
Elizabeth nodded, still stunned. "Why did Heaven choose to come back now?" she asked. "What does she want?"
"She wants to get to know me," Chris replied, frowning. "What else would she want?"
"It just sounds funny that her mother dies four years ago and suddenly this girl arrives saying she's your daughter. Why didn't she come earlier?"
"Because Livvie had the letter kept from her until recently. Her guardians gave it to her, and she started searching for me," Chris answered. He frowned at her. "Why are you so suspicious?"
"It just seems weird to me, that's all," Elizabeth said. "I'd hire a PI to verify her story, if it was me. But you do whatever you feel is best, Chris. She's your daughter."
"And she's your stepdaughter, Elizabeth," Chris reminded her. "And I've invited her to dinner this evening. I want Heaven to feel welcome in our family. We're all she has left now."
Elizabeth's eyes met his. Chris was surprised to see they looked hard. "I will welcome her to my family after I have proof that she is who she says she is."
Chris was aghast. "You're asking me to have my own daughter investigated?"
"Yeah, I guess I am," Elizabeth shrugged. She looked totally unapologetic.
Chris clenched his fists. "Fine. But in the meantime, be nice to her and make her feel welcome."
"Is that an order?" Elizabeth asked, raising her eyebrows.
Chris let out an exasperated sigh. "What is wrong with you today, Elizabeth? Since when are you so untrusting?" Then it dawned on him. "Oh, I get it. Because she's also Livvie's child. When are you going to get over that, Elizabeth? I haven't been with Livvie since long before you. Why are
you still so jealous of her?"
"Because you still love her!" Elizabeth spat out. "I see it in your eyes every time you mention her name. Livvie's name is sacred to you, Chris, and don't deny it."
"I won't deny my feelings for her weren't strong, Elizabeth," Chris allowed. In truth, what she was saying was true, but he'd never admit that to her in a million years. "But that was a long time ago. I love you, I'm married to you. Livvie is in the past, and I wish you'd just leave her there."
Elizabeth softened slightly. "I will be nice to her and make her feel welcome. If you promise to have a PI confirm what she's told you. Okay?"
Chris nodded grudgingly. "Fine. Thank you."
Elizabeth stood up. "I'd better get home and start making dinner. Oh!" She put a hand on her face. "I almost forgot to tell you. Emily is staying with us for a few days."
Chris contorted his face. "What happened?"
"She discovered Jack had an affair," Elizabeth said. "I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I don't," Chris said. "She can't help it if my brother is an idiot."
Elizabeth smiled and hugged Chris. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Elizabeth pulled back and picked up her purse. "See you tonight!" With a friendly wave, she left, shutting his door behind her.
"See you tonight," Chris echoed. He glanced down at his watch and picked up the phone. It was time to see exactly what his brother Jack was up to.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Heaven entered the bottom floor of General Hospital three hours after her initial meeting with Chris. Her hair was brushed and hanging down her back, pulled back at the sides with barrettes. She'd changed into a pretty white skirt and a pink shirt. She was slightly nervous as she entered the elevator and rode to Chris' floor. When she stepped out, she was deep in her own thoughts, and didn't hear the "Hi there!" right away.
"Heaven? Hello?"
Finally, the voice sank in and Heaven looked up, her eyes clearing as she stared at the person in front of her. "Oh, hi, Zach!" Heaven blushed. "Sorry, I was deep in la la land."
Zach laughed. "So I could see. Fancy meeting you here again. Did you find who you were looking for earlier?"
Heaven nodded. "You could say that. The person I was looking for was Chris Ramsey. He's my father."
Zach's eyes widened. "Your father?"
"Yes." Heaven smiled at him. "Your mother works for him, I discovered. Small world, huh?"
Zach's eyes widened further. "You work fast," he teased. "I take it Chris didn't know about you before now?"
"No, he didn't," Heaven answered quietly. "My mother never told him about me, or vice versa. Until I got the letter she left me for my 21st birthday, I hadn't had a clue. But I'm really glad I came here to meet him."
Zach took her arm and steered her to a nearby bench. "Feel like sitting for a minute?"
"Sure." Heaven sat, amazed at how comfortable she was around Zach. "Your mom seems nice. I have to admit, I was a little surprised that she's ...."
"White?" Zack supplied with a smile. "Yeah, a lot of people are. My younger sister has much lighter skin than me. I have my father's skin."
"She seems like a great person, nonetheless," Heaven said, hoping she didn't sound ignorant. "How old is your sister?"
"Sarah's 15. She has a major crush on your half-brother," Zach replied.
"Jackson," Heaven filled in.
"Have you met him or Elizabeth yet?" Zach asked.
"I will in a little bit."
"You're nervous," Zach guessed.
"How could you tell?" Heaven asked. "Am I that transparent?"
"Not totally," Zach teased. "Your wide eyes and being in your own world didn't tip me off in the slightest."
Heaven made a face. "I can't help it. These are people my father loves. I want to make a good impression."
"You will," Zach assured her. "How could you not?"
Heaven flashed him a smile. "Thanks for the confidence." She looked up and saw her father step out of his office. She stood up, smoothing her skirt. "Wish me luck!"
"Good luck." Zach stood up too and quickly kissed her cheek. Seeing her surprised look, he quickly stepped away from her. "See you tomorrow at 4?"
"Of course. In the lobby of my hotel." Heaven smiled at him. "Thanks, Zach." She waved at him and walked towards her father, touching her cheek lightly, feeling a warm heat tinge her cheeks.
Zach sat back down, grinning and totally pleased with himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chris had seen Heaven and Zach talking and smiled to himself as he stopped in front of Alison's desk. "I think it's going to take a cart to get all this downstairs," he joked. "Thanks for sorting this, Alison."
Alison finished organizing her bag and turned off her computer. "You're welcome. And I'll help you carry everything down to your car, if you want."
"No, let me help."
They both turned and smiled as they saw Heaven standing in front of them. She had a wide smile on her face, and was blushing. "Are you okay?" Alison asked her.
"I'm just fine," Heaven assured her. "I can help carry some of those papers
down."
Chris smiled at her. "It's okay, I can handle it."
"What about letting me help?"
This time, all three turned around. Alison blanched as she saw Chris' brother Jack Ramsey standing there.
"What was that face for?" Jack growled at Alison.
"No reason," Alison replied. She looked at Heaven. "Why don't we take these papers down and then wait down there for Chris."
Heaven nodded immediately, sensing some tension. "Sounds like a plan." She lifted a stack into her arms and followed Alison to the door.
"Wait!" Chris' voice stopped them. "I want to introduce Jack to Heaven."
"Make it quick," Alison sighed, shooting a smile at Chris.
"Heaven, this is my brother, Jack Ramsey. Jack, this is my daughter, Heaven," Chris introduced them.
"Nice to meet you," Heaven said politely.
Jack's mouth dropped open. "You're Livvie's daughter, aren't you?"
"Yes," Heaven answered softly. "Did you know her?"
"I dated her at one point, a long, long time ago," Jack said. "What do you mean, know her?" He looked confused.
"I'll explain," Chris jumped in. "See you downstairs in a minute." He handed Heaven the keys.
Heaven nodded. "See you around," she said to Jack. She followed Alison out.
"Livvie died four years ago," Chris explained to Jack, leading him back into his office. "She told Heaven I'd died. Heaven didn't learn the truth until she got a letter on her 21st birthday, and came looking for me. I'm glad she did."
Jack looked impressed and sad at the same time. "I'm glad there's still a part of Livvie left," he said softly. "She was one hell of a terrific woman."
Chris nodded. "You don't have to tell me that. Now," he frowned at his brother. "Start talking."
Jack sighed and hung his head. "It was stupid. I'm stupid," he said. "I got drunk one night and fell into bed with this woman I'd met at the bar. The next morning, I regretted it and told her I was married and it was a mistake. But this woman, she wouldn't let it drop! She's been calling ever
since, and dropping by. That's how Emily found out."
Chris expelled a breath. "Whew, man. You're right, that was stupid. How did this woman find out your address?"
"That would be when I was drunk," Jack replied. "Apparently I have a loose mouth when I am drunk. And she didn't care that I was married. Nor did she stop me, of course."
Chris shook his head and sighed. "I don't know what to tell you."
"Will you talk to Emily for me?" Jack begged. "I know she's at your place."
"I don't want to get involved," Chris answered. "This is between you and Emily. It has nothing to do with me."
"She won't even talk to me!" Jack cries.
"She will," Chris said. "After awhile. Just give her some time."
"And if she still won't talk to me?" Jack asked.
"Then I'll help," Chris said. "But I won't until you give her a bit of time. I can't say I blame her right now for being upset."
"Me either." Jack sighed, depressed. Then he looked at Chris and stood up. "You'd better go. You have to take your daughter home to meet her new family."
Chris hugged his brother quickly. "I'll call you sometime next week."
"Okay." Jack hugged him back and then punched his shoulder lightly, smiling. "Congratulations on your daughter."
"Thanks." Chris grinned and walked out with Jack. "Take care of yourself."
"Will do." Jack saluted him and then walked away.
Chris shook his head, picked up the last stack of papers, and followed Alison and his daughter down the stairs.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What's with all this paperwork?" Heaven asked Alison as they put the papers in Chris' trunk.
"Your father hates paperwork," Alison told her. "He delays it and delays it. But he got a warning today that a nurses strike might happen if some of the requests here don't go through, so Chris decided it was time to stop delaying and get cracking."
Heaven laughed. "Sounds like me. I do that too, especially when it comes to major essays and the like."
Alison pretended to roll her eyes. "Slacker."
"So what's with my uncle?" Heaven asked carefully. "I sense he isn't well liked?"
"It's not that," Alison sighed. "Jack's wife, Emily, is your stepmother's best friend. And when Elizabeth was here earlier, I overheard her tell Chris that Jack had an affair. Emily's staying with them at their place during the next little while. I guess.... " Alison sighed again. "Jack used to be a really good friend of mine. After your mother broke up with him to date Chris, and then left town, something in him changed. The old Jack would never cheat on the woman he loves. And I know he loves Emily so much. It just makes me angry, I guess."
Heaven nodded with sympathy. "It'd make me upset too."
Alison smiled and lightly touched her shoulder. "Good luck tonight. And don't be nervous, they'll all love you."
"Thanks." Heaven had momentarily forgotten her nervousness, but now it was back full force. "I guess I'll see you again sometime soon."
"Hey!" Alison just remembered. "I invited your father and family to a BBQ my husband and I are having this weekend. Please come along, we'd love to have you!"
"I'd like that, thanks." Heaven's heart sped up at the idea of seeing Zach again. She smiled at Alison. "I appreciate the invitation. Can I bring anything?"
"Just yourself!" Alison waved once more and walked away. "Bye!"
Heaven waved and watched her leave. Then she got into the car to wait for her father.
Chris hung up with Alan and sighed. He ran his fingers through his hair wearily. Alan had heard rumblings of a possible nurse's strike, and was calling to warn Chris about it. Chris knew why the rumbling was happening. He was so far behind on paperwork he hadn't approved raises or vacation and day off requests in awhile. The thing Chris hated the most about being Chief of Staff was the paperwork it required.
"Alison!" Chris called, knowing he was going to have to do some major rescheduling in order to find the time to go through all the papers on his desk. Waiting less than a minute for her to appear, Chris buzzed the phone on her desk.
"I'm coming!" Alison cried, walking into the room. Behind her, Chris could hear the loud buzzing emanating from her phone.
"Sorry," Chris blushed. "I didn't realize that was so loud."
"Or annoying," Alison added. She softened her face with a smile. "What did you need?"
"Can you take these," Chris nodded at the huge stack of papers, "and sort through them? Categorize them for me so when I'm going through them it's easier."
Alison sighed as she approached the papers. "Finally." She hoisted a stack into her arms and carried it out to her desk. She plopped them down and then went back in for the rest of the papers. "What made you decide to get moving on these?"
"Alan," Chris admitted. He pressed the tips of his fingers together and laid them on his desk. "He warned me that a nurse's strike would be coming if I didn't get this paperwork done."
Alison grinned and lifted the last papers into her arms. "Good man, that Dr. Quartermaine." She walked to the door. "I'll bring these back in when I'm done sorting."
"Thanks!" Chris called. He watched her shut the door behind her and turned back to his computer. Seconds later, the door opened again and his wife walked in.
"You summoned me?" Elizabeth asked lightly, her face in a slight frown.
Chris stood up and walked over to her. He kissed her cheek and led her to a chair. "Thanks for coming," he smiled at her. "Sorry for the impersonal way I asked you here. But I needed to talk to you. It was important, and I couldn't leave here."
Elizabeth felt her heart soften as she sat in the chair. "I was hoping it was because you were busy and not because our marriage is turning into communicating only through our secretaries."
Chris chuckled. "It is, I promise."
"What's up?" Elizabeth asked.
"I had a surprise visitor today," Chris said slowly, trying to decide the best way to break this to her. Chris knew that Elizabeth was still slightly touchy where the subject of Livvie was concerned. She knew of his deep love for her, and had always been unsure that he'd ever gotten over her.
"Apparently, I have a daughter that I didn't know about," he blurted out. "A daughter that Livvie kept from me."
Elizabeth's face went white. "Excuse me?" she whispered, barely audible. "Come again?"
"She came to me today to introduce herself to me. Livvie died four years ago. Livvie left Heaven a letter telling her all about me. She lied to Heaven all her life, telling her I was dead. That's her name. My daughter, I mean. Her name is Heaven." Chris realized he was babbling and promptly
shut his mouth. His palms were sweaty, his mouth dry. He licked his lips, waiting for Elizabeth to digest this information.
"How ... how old is this said child?" Elizabeth asked quietly.
"Heaven is 21 years old," Chris replied.
Elizabeth nodded, still stunned. "Why did Heaven choose to come back now?" she asked. "What does she want?"
"She wants to get to know me," Chris replied, frowning. "What else would she want?"
"It just sounds funny that her mother dies four years ago and suddenly this girl arrives saying she's your daughter. Why didn't she come earlier?"
"Because Livvie had the letter kept from her until recently. Her guardians gave it to her, and she started searching for me," Chris answered. He frowned at her. "Why are you so suspicious?"
"It just seems weird to me, that's all," Elizabeth said. "I'd hire a PI to verify her story, if it was me. But you do whatever you feel is best, Chris. She's your daughter."
"And she's your stepdaughter, Elizabeth," Chris reminded her. "And I've invited her to dinner this evening. I want Heaven to feel welcome in our family. We're all she has left now."
Elizabeth's eyes met his. Chris was surprised to see they looked hard. "I will welcome her to my family after I have proof that she is who she says she is."
Chris was aghast. "You're asking me to have my own daughter investigated?"
"Yeah, I guess I am," Elizabeth shrugged. She looked totally unapologetic.
Chris clenched his fists. "Fine. But in the meantime, be nice to her and make her feel welcome."
"Is that an order?" Elizabeth asked, raising her eyebrows.
Chris let out an exasperated sigh. "What is wrong with you today, Elizabeth? Since when are you so untrusting?" Then it dawned on him. "Oh, I get it. Because she's also Livvie's child. When are you going to get over that, Elizabeth? I haven't been with Livvie since long before you. Why are
you still so jealous of her?"
"Because you still love her!" Elizabeth spat out. "I see it in your eyes every time you mention her name. Livvie's name is sacred to you, Chris, and don't deny it."
"I won't deny my feelings for her weren't strong, Elizabeth," Chris allowed. In truth, what she was saying was true, but he'd never admit that to her in a million years. "But that was a long time ago. I love you, I'm married to you. Livvie is in the past, and I wish you'd just leave her there."
Elizabeth softened slightly. "I will be nice to her and make her feel welcome. If you promise to have a PI confirm what she's told you. Okay?"
Chris nodded grudgingly. "Fine. Thank you."
Elizabeth stood up. "I'd better get home and start making dinner. Oh!" She put a hand on her face. "I almost forgot to tell you. Emily is staying with us for a few days."
Chris contorted his face. "What happened?"
"She discovered Jack had an affair," Elizabeth said. "I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I don't," Chris said. "She can't help it if my brother is an idiot."
Elizabeth smiled and hugged Chris. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Elizabeth pulled back and picked up her purse. "See you tonight!" With a friendly wave, she left, shutting his door behind her.
"See you tonight," Chris echoed. He glanced down at his watch and picked up the phone. It was time to see exactly what his brother Jack was up to.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Heaven entered the bottom floor of General Hospital three hours after her initial meeting with Chris. Her hair was brushed and hanging down her back, pulled back at the sides with barrettes. She'd changed into a pretty white skirt and a pink shirt. She was slightly nervous as she entered the elevator and rode to Chris' floor. When she stepped out, she was deep in her own thoughts, and didn't hear the "Hi there!" right away.
"Heaven? Hello?"
Finally, the voice sank in and Heaven looked up, her eyes clearing as she stared at the person in front of her. "Oh, hi, Zach!" Heaven blushed. "Sorry, I was deep in la la land."
Zach laughed. "So I could see. Fancy meeting you here again. Did you find who you were looking for earlier?"
Heaven nodded. "You could say that. The person I was looking for was Chris Ramsey. He's my father."
Zach's eyes widened. "Your father?"
"Yes." Heaven smiled at him. "Your mother works for him, I discovered. Small world, huh?"
Zach's eyes widened further. "You work fast," he teased. "I take it Chris didn't know about you before now?"
"No, he didn't," Heaven answered quietly. "My mother never told him about me, or vice versa. Until I got the letter she left me for my 21st birthday, I hadn't had a clue. But I'm really glad I came here to meet him."
Zach took her arm and steered her to a nearby bench. "Feel like sitting for a minute?"
"Sure." Heaven sat, amazed at how comfortable she was around Zach. "Your mom seems nice. I have to admit, I was a little surprised that she's ...."
"White?" Zack supplied with a smile. "Yeah, a lot of people are. My younger sister has much lighter skin than me. I have my father's skin."
"She seems like a great person, nonetheless," Heaven said, hoping she didn't sound ignorant. "How old is your sister?"
"Sarah's 15. She has a major crush on your half-brother," Zach replied.
"Jackson," Heaven filled in.
"Have you met him or Elizabeth yet?" Zach asked.
"I will in a little bit."
"You're nervous," Zach guessed.
"How could you tell?" Heaven asked. "Am I that transparent?"
"Not totally," Zach teased. "Your wide eyes and being in your own world didn't tip me off in the slightest."
Heaven made a face. "I can't help it. These are people my father loves. I want to make a good impression."
"You will," Zach assured her. "How could you not?"
Heaven flashed him a smile. "Thanks for the confidence." She looked up and saw her father step out of his office. She stood up, smoothing her skirt. "Wish me luck!"
"Good luck." Zach stood up too and quickly kissed her cheek. Seeing her surprised look, he quickly stepped away from her. "See you tomorrow at 4?"
"Of course. In the lobby of my hotel." Heaven smiled at him. "Thanks, Zach." She waved at him and walked towards her father, touching her cheek lightly, feeling a warm heat tinge her cheeks.
Zach sat back down, grinning and totally pleased with himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chris had seen Heaven and Zach talking and smiled to himself as he stopped in front of Alison's desk. "I think it's going to take a cart to get all this downstairs," he joked. "Thanks for sorting this, Alison."
Alison finished organizing her bag and turned off her computer. "You're welcome. And I'll help you carry everything down to your car, if you want."
"No, let me help."
They both turned and smiled as they saw Heaven standing in front of them. She had a wide smile on her face, and was blushing. "Are you okay?" Alison asked her.
"I'm just fine," Heaven assured her. "I can help carry some of those papers
down."
Chris smiled at her. "It's okay, I can handle it."
"What about letting me help?"
This time, all three turned around. Alison blanched as she saw Chris' brother Jack Ramsey standing there.
"What was that face for?" Jack growled at Alison.
"No reason," Alison replied. She looked at Heaven. "Why don't we take these papers down and then wait down there for Chris."
Heaven nodded immediately, sensing some tension. "Sounds like a plan." She lifted a stack into her arms and followed Alison to the door.
"Wait!" Chris' voice stopped them. "I want to introduce Jack to Heaven."
"Make it quick," Alison sighed, shooting a smile at Chris.
"Heaven, this is my brother, Jack Ramsey. Jack, this is my daughter, Heaven," Chris introduced them.
"Nice to meet you," Heaven said politely.
Jack's mouth dropped open. "You're Livvie's daughter, aren't you?"
"Yes," Heaven answered softly. "Did you know her?"
"I dated her at one point, a long, long time ago," Jack said. "What do you mean, know her?" He looked confused.
"I'll explain," Chris jumped in. "See you downstairs in a minute." He handed Heaven the keys.
Heaven nodded. "See you around," she said to Jack. She followed Alison out.
"Livvie died four years ago," Chris explained to Jack, leading him back into his office. "She told Heaven I'd died. Heaven didn't learn the truth until she got a letter on her 21st birthday, and came looking for me. I'm glad she did."
Jack looked impressed and sad at the same time. "I'm glad there's still a part of Livvie left," he said softly. "She was one hell of a terrific woman."
Chris nodded. "You don't have to tell me that. Now," he frowned at his brother. "Start talking."
Jack sighed and hung his head. "It was stupid. I'm stupid," he said. "I got drunk one night and fell into bed with this woman I'd met at the bar. The next morning, I regretted it and told her I was married and it was a mistake. But this woman, she wouldn't let it drop! She's been calling ever
since, and dropping by. That's how Emily found out."
Chris expelled a breath. "Whew, man. You're right, that was stupid. How did this woman find out your address?"
"That would be when I was drunk," Jack replied. "Apparently I have a loose mouth when I am drunk. And she didn't care that I was married. Nor did she stop me, of course."
Chris shook his head and sighed. "I don't know what to tell you."
"Will you talk to Emily for me?" Jack begged. "I know she's at your place."
"I don't want to get involved," Chris answered. "This is between you and Emily. It has nothing to do with me."
"She won't even talk to me!" Jack cries.
"She will," Chris said. "After awhile. Just give her some time."
"And if she still won't talk to me?" Jack asked.
"Then I'll help," Chris said. "But I won't until you give her a bit of time. I can't say I blame her right now for being upset."
"Me either." Jack sighed, depressed. Then he looked at Chris and stood up. "You'd better go. You have to take your daughter home to meet her new family."
Chris hugged his brother quickly. "I'll call you sometime next week."
"Okay." Jack hugged him back and then punched his shoulder lightly, smiling. "Congratulations on your daughter."
"Thanks." Chris grinned and walked out with Jack. "Take care of yourself."
"Will do." Jack saluted him and then walked away.
Chris shook his head, picked up the last stack of papers, and followed Alison and his daughter down the stairs.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What's with all this paperwork?" Heaven asked Alison as they put the papers in Chris' trunk.
"Your father hates paperwork," Alison told her. "He delays it and delays it. But he got a warning today that a nurses strike might happen if some of the requests here don't go through, so Chris decided it was time to stop delaying and get cracking."
Heaven laughed. "Sounds like me. I do that too, especially when it comes to major essays and the like."
Alison pretended to roll her eyes. "Slacker."
"So what's with my uncle?" Heaven asked carefully. "I sense he isn't well liked?"
"It's not that," Alison sighed. "Jack's wife, Emily, is your stepmother's best friend. And when Elizabeth was here earlier, I overheard her tell Chris that Jack had an affair. Emily's staying with them at their place during the next little while. I guess.... " Alison sighed again. "Jack used to be a really good friend of mine. After your mother broke up with him to date Chris, and then left town, something in him changed. The old Jack would never cheat on the woman he loves. And I know he loves Emily so much. It just makes me angry, I guess."
Heaven nodded with sympathy. "It'd make me upset too."
Alison smiled and lightly touched her shoulder. "Good luck tonight. And don't be nervous, they'll all love you."
"Thanks." Heaven had momentarily forgotten her nervousness, but now it was back full force. "I guess I'll see you again sometime soon."
"Hey!" Alison just remembered. "I invited your father and family to a BBQ my husband and I are having this weekend. Please come along, we'd love to have you!"
"I'd like that, thanks." Heaven's heart sped up at the idea of seeing Zach again. She smiled at Alison. "I appreciate the invitation. Can I bring anything?"
"Just yourself!" Alison waved once more and walked away. "Bye!"
Heaven waved and watched her leave. Then she got into the car to wait for her father.
