A/N: HELLO, LOVELY PEOPLE! THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS AGAIN. HERE'S CHAPTER FOURTEEN BUT BEFORE YOU READ, I NEED TO MAKE A FEW NOTES.

THIS CHAPTER CONTINUES FROM WHERE KAY AND FOX LEFT OFF, WHICH IS THEIR ARGUMENT. IT'S THE SAME DAY, DIFFERENT LOCATION. I HOPE IT MAKES SENSE.

ALSO, THREE ORIGINAL CHARACTERS ARE INTRODUCED IN THIS CHAPTER. NOW, DESPITE THEIR RATHER ECCENTRIC AND/OR UNYIELDING BEHAVIOR, PLEASE DON'T HATE THEM. THEY MEAN WELL, ESPECIALLY FOR KAY.

ANYWAY, THIS CHAPTER IS QUITE LONG SO THERE IS NO NEED FOR ME TO MAKE IT EVEN LONGER.

SO, ENJOY.

~*~

Callaway Mansion

Kay sat silently on the window seat, her head pressed against the warm glass as she stared down at the rolling green acres of the Callaway's well manicured backyard. She brought her knees to her chest with a heavy sigh before hugging them tightly.

As much as she loved coming home to Callaway Mansion, she did not want to be here. Not under these circumstances.

Her lips curled into a frown as Kay recalled her earlier argument with Fox. Not knowing where else to go, she stopped by the drugstore to buy a pregnancy kit.

The box was still lying safely in her purse and Kay had no intention of using it just yet.

After her uncomfortable experience with purchasing the rather significant box, Kay called for one of the Callaway chauffeurs to come and fetch her.

On the way home, she had considered asking the chauffeur to turn back and bring her to the hotel but after realizing that she was not in any mood to face Fox, Kay remained silent.

A soft knock on her door disrupted her thoughts and Kay heaved a sigh. "Come in." She called and Miranda Angeline Callaway stepped into the room. The twenty three year old wore an anxious expression on her face as she hugged her friend tightly.

"So spill." Miranda stated blatantly as she settled on the space next to Kay, her red hair spilling over her shoulders.

Kay beamed at her long time friend. "Who says I have anything to spill?" She asked, sounding slightly amused although the sheepish smile on her face gave it all away.

"When the youngest Callaway comes home unexpectedly that means something has occurred and as a woman with great instincts, I would have to deduce that it has everything to do with a man." Miranda declared with a knowing smile. She had always considered Kay as a younger sister and often referred to her as the 'baby' or the 'youngest Callaway'.

And no one in the family saw the need for corrections.

Kay sighed as she brooded. The other girl arched her eyebrow with interest. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Read me like a book." Kay stated grudgingly. "It's unnerving."

Miranda shrugged her shoulders, her lips stretching into a smile. "I've known you for years, Kay. I know you better than I know myself." She conveyed, sounding remarkably British due to spending years of her childhood there.

Kay twitched her lips. "That doesn't sound very comforting." She joked. Miranda feigned a hurt look.

"So, come on, what brings you home so abruptly?" Miranda inquired, shifting to the earlier subject. Kay hesitated. "You know that Mother is going to grill you anyway. You might as well clue me in."

Kay groaned. "You're not going to like it."

Miranda watched the younger girl warily. "What's his name?"

Kay bit her lip before casting her gaze down. "Fox Crane."

There was a moment of silence and Kay was expecting Miranda to be in utter shock and outrage. The Cranes were not exactly the Callaway's favorite people. She looked up to find the redhead grinning at her madly. "He's deliciously handsome." Miranda stated dreamily.

Kay chuckled with relief. "I know." She couldn't help but feel proud despite her hurt from Fox's accusation. "But he's a jerk."

"What did he do?" The other woman continued with unconcealed curiosity. "Is he playing his usual games again? I heard he's a womanizer." She shot Kay a worried look.

"He thinks I cheated on him with John which is ridiculous because in order for me to cheat on Fox, there has to be a relationship. I mean really? Is he that stupid?"

"That's ridiculous!" Miranda exclaimed defensively. She knew all too well that Kay would do never cheat on anyone. The other girl was already sensitive enough about the subject of relationships. "Who's John?"

"My non-brother. Don't ask. It's a long story. Fox was wrong of course and I made him see that." Kay replied softly, wishing that there was some comfort food around, preferably some ice cream. She was in need of some right now. "He tried to apologize but I left."

Miranda sighed. "A lover's quarrel. How romantic."

"Miranda, snap out of it." Kay exclaimed, snapping her friend out of her reverie although she was somewhat amused.

"Sorry." She mumbled. "It was a little disagreement. I'm sure you guys will make up."

"That's beside the point." Kay insisted stubbornly as she rose from her seat and paced. "He had the audacity to accuse me of cheating on him when all I did was tried to be a nice person to a man who I've hurt unintentionally. I mean if Fox was suspicious, he could have at least asked me rather than go on yelling allegations!"

"I think it's because he loves you that he accused you of cheating." Miranda suggested, looking solemn.

"Now, that's just priceless." Kay spat sarcastically, flailing her arms in the air. "Really, Miranda, where did you get such an outlandish idea?"

Miranda furrowed her brow. "It's not ridiculous. If you thought about it, it makes perfect sense. Fox Crane is a womanizer who uses women like money."

"Are you trying to make me feel worse?"

Miranda shot her a look. "Be patient and don't interrupt." She scolded as she ushered Kay to sit on the bed. The other girl did so reluctantly. "Look, Fox can have any woman. I mean with his terrific looks and wealth, any girl would throw themselves at his feet. But then enter the lovely Kay Callaway."

"I don't see where you're going with this." Kay grumbled impatiently.

"Well, of course you don't because you're in denial but we'll get to that point later on. As I was saying, Fox can have whoever he wants so why does the notion of you being with another man infuriate him? Because he's madly in love with you!" Miranda managed to squeal the last few words.

"Now I'm more convinced that you've definitely lost it."

"Kay, stop looking for the worst in everything!" Miranda reprimanded. "If Fox didn't love you, he'd have easily gotten rid of you. If you were just a conquest like the others, then he would have dumped you the minute he had you and if you weren't worth it, he wouldn't have tried to apologize."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that you're incredibly lucky to have a good man. He loves you!"

Kay shook her head. She wasn't thoroughly convinced. "You only think that. We don't know for sure."

"Then prove me wrong. Let me meet him." Miranda replied. "I'm a good judge of character. I'll see if he's any good."

"No!" Kay protested, looking alarmed. "Fox will think that I'm serious about this. Meeting my family would make him think that I'm hoping for something more. And I'm still not speaking to him."

"And you don't want to scare him away." Miranda pointed out and Kay sighed.

"No." She whispered, looking down at her hands. What have I gotten myself into? She inwardly asked.

Miranda gave her an understanding smile. "I think you love him just as much and it scares you." She offered and the look on Kay's face gave it all away.

"I don't love him."

"Then why don't I believe you?"

Kay frowned slightly. "Because you're overly optimistic and you think everything will work out perfectly."

Miranda beamed. "And they always do." She decided to change tactics. If Kay was to admit her feelings, she wouldn't do it by being forced. "Where is he anyway?"

"I left him at the hotel." Kay replied.

"Kay, I know that he hurt you-"

"He didn't trust me." She retorted, her anger returning. "He didn't trust me enough to know that I would never do something like that to him. He didn't even have the decency to ask me."

"But Fox loved you enough to be hurt by the thought of you not being his and his alone." Miranda pointed sensibly. She wrapped a supporting arm around Kay's shoulder and drew the younger girl into a tight hug. "Call him and invite him over. He's probably worried about you."

"I can't."

"Yes you can. He won't think anything of meeting the family. He's probably too worried about you to notice that I'm grilling him for information because I'm trying to find out something. He'll probably assume that it's because he hurt you." Miranda insisted softly.

"I don't want to talk to him." Kay argued.

"Of course you do. The man is probably calling the F.B.I by now." Miranda stated and she managed to rouse a chuckle from Kay. "Let him apologize. Make him grovel but you have to see him."

"I'll do it later." Kay relented.

"Good. You're going to do it after you see Mother and Father." Miranda declared excitedly. "It'll be enough time for Fox to get here for dinner and for Mom to simmer down."

Kay frowned slightly. "She's not going to be very happy with me, is she?" She asked as the two women rose and headed for the first floor.

Miranda gave Kay a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "She'll be more disappointed but Father won't mind as much. Ever since you walked into our lives, I think Mother has been dreaming of wedding bells and cakes for you and Jason."

Kay only chuckled.

************************************************************************

Fox paced in the hotel suite that he shared with Kay. He glanced at his scotch and muttered curses under his breath.

Kay had been gone for three hours now and he was worried.

He deliberated on calling the police but the press would have a field day and he could not do that to Kay. She was angry enough already. He had gone down to John's apartment to see if Kay was there but to no avail.

John wasn't in his room as well.

Someone hastily knocked on the door and Fox heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank God." He muttered as he set his glass on the nearby table and went to open the door. His expression dropped when it wasn't Kay. "You." He stated unemotionally.

John shot him a curious look. "I need to talk to Kay." He declared as he looked over Fox's shoulder.

Fox scowled at John regardless of his increasing trepidation. "I thought you knew where she was."

"Why would I? I was halfway across town." John replied. He frowned when the realization that something bad happened came to him. "She's missing, isn't she?"

"She's not missing. She just left." Fox argued as John pushed past him.

"How long?"

Fox creased his forehead into a deeper frown. "A few hours ago."

"Are you kidding me? She's...she's-" John abruptly stopped himself before he blabbed the truth. "It's dark out there and Kay is all alone. Did you call her cell phone?"

Fox nodded grimly. "She turned it off."

"What did you do?" John asked; his voice filled with foreboding. He had a horrible feeling that what he was about to hear was not pleasant.

Fox gritted his teeth, reluctant to share his problems with Kay to the same man who he thought was the reason for it. "We had an argument." He replied vaguely as he down his last dropped of scotch.

John scoffed as he folded his arms. "I figured. What was it about?" He continued stubbornly. Fox looked uneasy which seemed out character because to everyone who saw him, he was always poised.

"I accused her of sleeping with you." He declared flatly.

John gasped and then clenched his fists. "Bloody wonderful." He hissed. "Are you really that idiotic?"

"Excuse me but you two were acting suspicious!" Fox retorted angrily.

"It still doesn't justify the fact that you accused her of cheating!" John maintained irately. Both men were now sending each other death glares. "I may not know Kay that well but I know that she loves you and she would never do anything like that." Fox opened his mouth to protest but John raised his hand to silence him. His gaze softened as he sighed. "She looks at you like you're the only one there. She's happy whenever you're around and she doesn't care that you're a Crane."

Fox furrowed his brow. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"It has to do with everything. The Cranes and Bennetts have a long unresolved history together. Ethan was a Bennett passed up as a Crane. That tore your family apart, as well as Kay's. Your mother who was once married to a Crane broke her parents up. But Kay doesn't care about that. Nor does she care about the fact that you've been with a lot of women long before she came along. Even with your track record, she doesn't even question the possibility that it might be 'you' who's cheating on her."

Fox flinched at the last claim. "I would not do that to her." He argued.

"But one can never be sure, isn't that right?" John retorted coolly as he eyed the man with slight indignation. He had never questioned Kay's attraction to Fox and he never once doubted the reasons for the couple being together but now, John had to wonder. Kay was good people and she deserved someone who trusted in her. "Why can't you have the same faith that she has in you?"

Fox was about to reply when the shrill ringing of the phone interrupted him. He sighed and picked it up.

"Hello." He replied; his voice tense.

"What have you done now, Nicholas Foxworth?" Alistair's stern voice pierced his ears and Fox almost growled. He was not in any mood to hear another lecture.

"Grandfather, I wasn't expecting you to call." Fox replied smoothly.

"Cut the crap, Fox. Kay Callaway has been missing for three hours and you haven't called me for assistance." Alistair declared sternly.

"We were having an argument, Grandfather. She wasn't kidnapped, therefore there is no need to call for a search party." Fox retorted sarcastically as he tightened his grip on the phone, making his knuckles turn white. "And I can handle my personal affairs without your intervention."

"The hell you can. Sometimes, you are too much like your incompetent father and that makes me want to reconsider my decision concerning you." Alistair retorted harshly as he smoked his usual cigar. Fox's frown deepened.

"If you're calling to chastise me, please do it another time. But if you have something to tell me, then do so." He retorted just as angrily.

Alistair scoffed. "You are fortunate that I like Kay Callaway, Fox, because if this was another tramp that you picked up out of nowhere, I would let you run around New York looking for her." He declared icily and Fox refrained himself from reciprocating with something spiteful.

He sighed sharply. "I get the point. Now, where is she?" He said curtly.

"She's with the Callaways and why you haven't figured that out is beyond me." Alistair declared, followed by a sharp click of the receiver.

Fox set the phone back down as a wave of relief settled in his stomach. He shot John a pleased look. "She's with the Callaways."

"Of course." John declared quietly. It was the one place that Kay was safe.

************************************************************************

Callaway Mansion

Helena Huntington-Callaway looked like she was about to faint. Her unusually large grey eyes which was mirrored by her daughter's, bore into Kay who was sitting next to a beaming Miranda.

"You invited who?" She asked in astonishment, her voice rising. Helena looked distressed despite the well coiffed strawberry blonde hair, impeccable light make up and designer clothes.

Miranda beamed even wider while Kay remained silent. "Nicholas Foxworth Crane, Mother. I think you know who he is." She declared cheerfully, winking at Kay.

Helena nodded. Of course she knew who Fox Crane was. He was the fear of every mother who had daughters that might be possible prey. When Jason befriended Fox in boarding school, Helena made sure to send Miranda far enough so that they would never have to meet.

After all Helena's valiant efforts, Fox Crane still managed to get to one of her girls. Kay.

Why didn't I see this? Helena asked herself as she was consumed with dread.

"Is this serious?" She asked Kay who seemed reluctant to answer.

"It's just dinner." Miranda replied offhandedly although she hoped that it really was serious. It was about damn time that Kay got into a relationship. "Shouldn't you be calling him right now to see if he's on his way?" She turned to Kay pointedly.

And as if on cue, the doorbell rang. Both girls shared a look. A few seconds later, the butler, Henry, entered the parlor.

"There are two gentlemen who wish to see Miss Kay. Should I allow them in?" Henry asked.

Helena looked hesitant

Miranda was beaming and Kay just nodded and followed Henry to the front door. She steeled her demeanor as she braced herself to face Fox.

Henry pulled the door open, allowing John and Fox inside. Fox immediately strolled towards Kay. "We have to talk.' He declared but she stepped back.

"Not now." She replied calmly, casting a quick glance at John who was admiring his surroundings. "How did you find me? Never mind."

"We came to take you home." Fox continued and Kay shot him an annoyed glare.

"Later. Now behave yourselves." She whispered as she led them to the parlor where the Helena and Miranda waited.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet, Fox Crane and John Hastings." Kay announced loudly. "This is my aunt, Helena and my cousin Miranda Callaway."

"Aunt? Cousin?" John arched an eyebrow as he whispered curiously.

"I'll explain later." Kay hissed, returning her attention the two other women.

Miranda was looking at John and Fox admiringly. She beamed at Kay while Helena regarded both men with caution.

They didn't look dangerous enough but Fox was known heartbreaker.

"Dinner is ready." A maid announced.

"Set it for two more, please." Helena said automatically and made nodded obediently before leaving to do so. "So tell me about yourselves." She said as she ushered both men to the dining room.

Miranda pulled Kay aside so that they would be walking behind them. "That's the non-brother?" She whispered eyeing John, followed by a giggle. "Kay, you forgot to mention that he's also very handsome."

Kay shot her an amused looked. "Miranda, stop undressing John with your eyes. Your mother will be appalled." She whispered, trying to suppress her smile.

Miranda beamed as she squeezed Kay's arm excitedly. "I can already tell that Fox is gaga over you. John is so dreamy. No wonder your lover boy is jealous."

Kay snickered and then rolled her eyes. Helena looked back at them suspiciously but then resumed talking to John and Fox. "John isn't my type and why are you talking like a sixteen year old?" Kay declared quietly.

"I can't help it."

"Restrain yourself." Kay whispered amusedly. "You don't need to look like you're going to jump him."

"But I am going to jumped him." Miranda declared blatantly with a wicked smile.

Kay looked shocked. "Miranda!"

"Girls, what's going on?" Helena asked suspiciously as they reached the dining room and took their seats. The Callaway matriarch knew all too well that when Kay and Miranda team up, something chaotic was bound to happen. It always did and the best example of it was last year's incident in the Dominican Republic. A hut had burned down and the girls got into a fight with two other local females.

It was all in good fun, they said.

"Nothing, Mother." Miranda replied as innocently as possible. Kay just smiled.

The girls took their seats across the John and Fox while Helena took hers at the end of the table.

"Where's Uncle Arthur?" Kay asked and Arthur Callaway strolled in just in time to hear his named mentioned.

Arthur Conrad Callaway was a giant compared to his petite wife. He was in his mid sixties, his dark hair now a mixture of silver and light brown tresses. His deep cerulean blue eyes still had the same sparkle from his younger days. Jason had inherited Arthur's looks while Miranda got his affable, carefree nature.

"Hello, girls." Arthur greeted cheerfully.

Kay rose from her seat, beaming as she walked over to her 'uncle'. "Hi, Uncle Arthur." She said.

"Kay, I wasn't expecting you home so soon." He said as he planted a kiss on her cheek, obviously surprised to see her. Everyone in the room could see how much Kay adored Arthur.

"I wasn't planning on it either. Don't worry, I haven't abandoned my work." She replied as she returned to her seat. Kay quickly glanced at Fox.

"Oh, forgive my manners, gentlemen. I wasn't informed that we have guests." Arthur declared with a soft chuckle as he shook Fox and John's hands. "Arthur Callaway." He introduced himself.

"Fox Crane."

"John Hastings."

"Fox and John are friends of mine, Uncle." Kay declared, feeling quite awkward. Across from her, Fox looked slightly hurt which was not missed by either Kay or Miranda.

"Crane, you say?" Arthur echoed with a slight frown. Kay swallowed. Miranda continued to beam at John who suddenly felt like he was wearing nothing at all.

"Yes, Mr. Callaway."

"Call me Arthur. Weren't you and Jason friends back in boarding school?"

Fox smiled as memories of his younger, wilder days filled his head. He nodded. "Yes we were until I was transferred. After that, we parted ways."

"Quite unfortunate." Arthur said with a smile and Helena shot her husband a pointed look. "You and Jason were quite a rowdy bunch. He almost got expelled."

Despite the humor in Arthur's voice, Fox felt the need to apologize. "I sincerely apologize for any damage that I've caused on Jason's reputation."

"Nonsense, nonsense! You were young." He insisted with a dismissive wave. "And you, John, how do you know Kay?"

John cleared his throat as he gave Kay an I-can't-believe-this-is-what-you- got-me-into look. "Our parents have a history together." He replied vaguely.

"It's quite long; Uncle and I don't think any of us would really care to hear it." Kay piped up, hoping that the subject would be dropped.

"Oh, I do!" Miranda declared ever so joyfully and Kay elbowed her on the side. Miranda yelped in pain.

"Are you alright?" Helena asked.

"Just an itch." She managed to gasp. "Dammit, you have a pointy elbow!" She silently hissed at Kay who was tempted to stick her tongue at the redhead.

"Fox and John made my stay in Harmony quite pleasant." Kay declared as the servants began serving the first course.

"That's good to heard, dear but it would be better if you came back home. We miss you terribly." Helena stated softly as she gave her husband a look. It was Arthur's idea to send Kay to Harmony, despite her protests.

Fox frowned at that. He didn't like the idea of Kay going home at all. Kay hesitated to make any promises.

"Kay has a job to do, darling. Let her finish it." Was all that Arthur said and Fox decided he liked the older man.

"When you come back, we'll take another vacation." Miranda declared, turning to Kay who nodded. "Oh, John, what do you do?"

"I'm Kay's personal assistant." He replied proudly and Kay sent him a grateful smile. An enchanting idea popped in Miranda's head but she decided to tell Kay later.

"And you, Fox?"

"I work for Crane Industries." He replied.

"Are you planning on getting married?" Helena Callaway asked unashamedly and Kay almost choked on her veal. She shot Fox an apologetic look.

Miranda shot her mother a grave look. "Mother, there is no need to scare our guests." She said coolly although she intended to ask it herself.

"It was just a question." Helena justified.

Fox remained unruffled. "That's quite alright and to answer your question, yes, I do intend on getting married." He declared smoothly as he glanced at Kay's direction.

She made a point to stare at her food.

All hope is lost. Helena decided austerely.

Miranda was ready to do a victory dance on Kay's behalf. He looked at you when he said it! She wanted to yell but instead settled on grinning madly. John smiled at her and she almost melted in her seat.

The rest of the meal was filled with more questions which the two young men answered composedly and efficiently. When desert came, Kay was ready to forgive Fox for his accusation earlier. She felt incredibly horrible for him. Everyone was asking rather delicate questions, especially Helena. Even Miranda joined in the scrutiny finding it necessary to look after her younger 'cousin's' best interest.

Poor John, Kay though. Caught in the crossfire again.

"Gentlemen, I'd like to show you my collection." Arthur declared as he rose from his seat. It had become tradition to Arthur to show every man who stepped into his house with the intention of romantic involvement with the girls his gun collection. It had all began with Miranda.

"Oh boy." Miranda whispered.

Arthur led Fox and John to the study. They stood in front a large glass case withholding Arthur's lifetime worth of gun collection. He smiled when John swallowed.

He saw how Miranda was practically drooling over the young man and although Arthur liked him enough, it was still fun to see their reactions.

"That one has been in the family since the Civil War. It's an heirloom." Arthur pointed at one of the well maintained antique pistols.

"Quite an impressive collection." Fox declared.

Arthur nodded. "Yes and I can still use them to shoot someone."

Meanwhile the women had retreated to the parlor. "Is this serious? I mean are you two very serious?" Helena demanded when she knew that they were out of earshot.

Kay looked uncertain. "Yes they are." Miranda replied immediately when Kay didn't answer.

"Let her answer." Helena scolded. Kay sighed, feeling suddenly exhausted.

"Mother please, stop this nonsense right now!" Miranda exclaimed and Kay sat down. This was going to be long.

The oldest Callaway woman narrowed her eyes at her daughter. "I am not doing anything." She retorted.

"You're being incredibly selfish by being unhappy about this situation." Miranda declared firmly.

Helena scoffed. "I am not being selfish. I'm being cautious." She insisted. "Fox Crane has a tainted reputation."

"Oh screw tainted!" Miranda exclaimed mulishly. "No one is perfect and if you just gave Fox half a chance back there you would have noticed that he cares for Kay very much. His family may be our rivals but he lo-"

"Stop!" Kay interrupted.

"No, Kay. Mother has to hear this." Miranda insisted.

The other girl shook her head in dismay. "No, this has to stop. I don't want this and I don't like how the two of you are yelling over me. Aunt Helena, I'm sorry for bringing trouble. I never meant this. I shouldn't have come. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some air. Alone."

Kay departed before anyone could object while Miranda glared at her mother. Kay took a few quick turns until she reached the back of the house. They cool air hit her with a sudden surprise and she shivered.

Finally alone, she thought with a sigh of relief.

A jacket slipped over her shoulders and she jerked, slightly startled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Fox said sheepishly as he stood beside her, slipping his hands into his pockets. Silence fell between them and Kay tried to ignore the dryness in her mouth. Better yet, she wanted to run. "Let's go for a walk." Fox suggested hopefully.

Kay shook her head with a heavy sigh. "I'd rather not, Fox. I'd like to be alone."

"We need to talk." He insisted softly, his eyes pleading with her.

Kay gritted her teeth, Miranda's advice ringing in her head. "Fine." Kay relented grudgingly. And they started to walk. "How did you and John find me?"

"Alistair called. He wasn't thrilled." Fox replied and Kay nodded.

She creased her forehead into a frown. She would have called Fox but the fact that someone was keeping an eye on her irritated Kay. "Surveillance. I should have known."

"I'm glad my grandfather is keeping tabs on us. I wouldn't have found you." Fox declared frankly.

Kay sneered acrimoniously. "I didn't want to be found." She declared icily as she sent him a glare.

He sighed. "I know you're angry-"

"You're damn right I'm angry." She hissed as she tightened the jacket around her, the smell of his expensive cologne lingering in her nose.

Fox placed his hands on her arms to stop her from walking any further. "I'm sorry, Kay. I really am. I shouldn't have said what I said."

She gritted her teeth. "But you did."

"I hurt you and I apologize." Fox whispered tenderly as he pulled her close and planted a kiss on her forehead. Kay shut her eyes, hoping that she wouldn't feel anything.

But the soft kiss made her want to be in his arms.

"You're only sorry because you were wrong." Kay harshly whispered as she pulled away from him. Fox looked genuinely shocked.

He frowned. "Why would you say that? I'd be sorrier if I was right."

Kay shook her head as she fought the onslaught of tears. "No, you wouldn't. You'd just dump my sorry ass and move on to the next one. You didn't have to accuse me of anything to break this 'arrangement'."

Fox glared at her. "What the hell are you talking about?" He demanded angrily.

"I've done my work, Fox. Just as I promised your father and your grandfather! I've ruined everyone just as we agreed. There is no need for us to be together. You're free!" She yelled as she started to walk away from him.

"So this is what this is all about? You think that I wanted to get rid of you so I made up some absurd accusation?" Fox exclaimed as vehemence consumed him. He grabbed Kay's arm and yank her back so she would face him. "How dare you! First of all, I am no coward. If I wanted you out of my life, I would have said it in your face instead of making up some reason and I wouldn't have done it nicely. Secondly, I am nobody's puppet. My grandfather or my father did not put me up to this. I was with you because I wanted to, because I chose to be. Now, I am here because I'm trying to fix my mistake. I want us to work and because I love you dammit!"

Fox's words hung in the air and when he was through he released his grip on Kay's arm. She swallowed back the lump in her throat and the tears that she fought hard to withhold were now spilled on her cheeks. Kay looked up at him; her expression a mixture of shock, happiness and uncertainty.

"Fox-"

"I mean it, Kay. I do love you, more than I care to admit." His voice was gentle and understanding. Kay searched his eyes for truthfulness and when she found it, she cried even harder. "And you don't have to say it back."

"No." Kay insisted, followed by a sniffle. "I do. I want to."

He smiled as he took her hands and held it softly. "You don't have to. I'm not asking you to do it."

"You're not but don't you want to know how I feel"? She whispered as she looked up at him. Her eyes were filled with tears, her cheeks streaked by them but Fox still found her irresistibly beautiful.

"Okay."

Kay sighed. Here goes everything, she thought. "I think...no, I know that I love you too. I loved you long before I even realized it. Everyone knew that I did but I failed to see it. And I'm glad that I didn't see it because I would have ran. I didn't plan on loving you and I sure as hell didn't expect you to feel the same way. I guess that's what's scares me. But I'm glad that things haven't turned out as I expected."

"And all it took us was to doubt each other to realize how we feel." Fox chuckled as he pondered on the irony of it all. Kay nodded.

Fox pulled Kay into a tight hug, softly kissing her hair. "Don't you ever run off on me again." He whispered as he leaned in to kiss her. Fox hadn't realized how worried he was until he saw her.

"And next time, don't assume anything without asking me." She responded as she returned his kisses.

"Deal."

************************************************************************

Two Days Later

As she approached her apartment, Kay decided that this was by far, the longest week yet. Unpleasant things were said, mistakes were made, apologies were heard, lost loved ones were found and feelings were finally let out in the open.

She stopped in front of the door and turned back to look at Fox and John who were conversing sociably with each other. After the all the confusion was finally settled, the two men had gotten along quite well.

They stayed another day with the Callaways due to Miranda's insistence. Helena and Arthur agreed of course, wanting to keep an eye on the men who seemed to have woven themselves into their girls' lives.

Helena Callaway wasn't fully thrilled with the idea of Fox being too involved with Kay but after some coercing and death glares from Miranda, who designated herself as Kay's spokeswoman, she finally agreed to give the Crane heir a chance.

"This is the first time that Kay has shown any interest in a man in years. Let her have some happiness." Miranda had declared persistently.

The matriarch had always hoped that Jason and Kay end up together. Then Kay would truly be her daughter. It seemed only right. But not all wishes were made true.

John spoke to Claire again who was now in Hong Kong. They promised to keep in touch and meet once she was back in the country.

Miranda somehow managed to convince John to take her to the Crane Harvest Ball. Kay helped of course. Miranda was due to come to Harmony a day or so before the event. John promised to show her around.

And as for the pregnancy test that Kay bought, it was still safely tucked in her purse. She couldn't bring herself to take it just yet. Everything had just settled down and there was no need for more surprises. Kay was grateful that John was too distracted to insist that she was definitely pregnant although the possibility still made her uneasy.

Now that her feelings for Fox were resolved, Kay didn't know how a baby would into the equation.

I'll cross that bridge when I get there, she thought hoping that the allegorical bridge was nowhere near.

Kay shook her thoughts off and unlocked her door, becoming alarmed the minute she saw her apartment.

Her furniture were ripped into shreds while broken vases and dishes were thrown across the room. Her television was smashed to the point that wires were sticking out.

And on her white walls, blood was smeared. In dried blood that had dripped to the floor, a message was left.

Two can play this game.

~*~

A/N: A FEW COMMENTS ON THE CHARACTERS THAT YOU HAVE JUST BEEN INTRODUCED TO. NOW, I KNOW HELENA SEEMS NARROW MINDED BUT SHE'S STUBBORN AND SHE LOVES KAY VERY MUCH. ARTHUR IS MORE RELENTING AND LAID BACK. THEY'RE GOOD PEOPLE.

MIRANDA IS NOTHING LIKE CHARITY. SHE MAY BE BUBBLY AND VERY HAPPY BUT SHE CAN BE A TOTAL BITCH.

AS FOR THE PART WHERE THEY REFER TO EACH OTHER AS AUNT, UNCLE, COUSIN AND ALL THAT, DON'T TAKE IT LITERALLY. THE CALLAWAYS CONSIDER KAY AS FAMILY, SO THEY CALL HER THAT JUST FOR INTRODUCTIONS SAKE.

I KNOW THAT I DIDN'T INCLUDE A SCENE WITH JOHN AND HIS MOTHER TALKING. TO ME, IT'S JUST NOT AS SIGNIFICANT. IT'LL BE MENTIONED AGAIN. IF YOU'RE DISAPPOINTED WITH THAT, I APOLOGIZE.

ALSO, I'M STALLING WITH THE PREGNANCY DEBACLE. IT DIDN'T SEEM LIKE THE RIGHT TIME BRING IT UP.

AS I ALWAYS SAY, ONE PROBLEM AT A TIME, NOT THAT I WOULD CONSIDER THE PREGNANCY A PROBLEM.

'IF' KAY IS PREGNANT, WHICH IM SURE THAT MANY OF ARE CERTAIN OF, PLEASE KNOW THAT THE CHILD WOULD BE FOX'S. I MEAN, REALLY, WHO ELSE WOULD SHE SLEEP WITH?

JASON, WHO SHE LOVES LIKE A BROTHER, IS IN SAN FRANCISCO. FOX IS THE ONLY MALE SHE'S BEEN WITH.

SHE SURE AS HELL WONT SLEEP WITH THE LOPEZ-FITZGERALD MEN. AND DEFINITELY NOT JOHN EITHER.

BUT WE'LL WORRY ABOUT THIS WHEN THE TRUTH IS REVEALED.

I APOLOGIZE IF I MISLED ANYONE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR REVIEWS AGAIN AND I HOPE SOMEONE ACTUALLY READS THIS OVERLY LONG AUTHOR'S NOTE.

YOUR OPINIONS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED AND NEEDED. IT'S WHAT KEEPS ME GOING SO PLEASE DON'T DEPRIVE ME OF THAT.

THANKS.