A/N: This is not – I repeat – NOT the last chapter. It looks like the last chapter – it sounds like the last chapter – but it's not the last chapter. :) The last chapter is Chapter 92. I have to say this one's a real long one.

I'm going to write another A/N for the actual last chapter ;) so that's all I'll say for now.

The beginning of this chapter is dedicated to anyone who's read ABM3. :) You'll know exactly what I mean in a second.

Until THE (actual) END (my goodness!) :'( Enjoy! xox-G

Chapter Ninety-one

(Three months later...)

It was hard having Kate gone. For months now the house seemed so quiet. But Rafe was almost thankful she wasn't there, because having to see her so sad was breaking his heart.

The worst was he knew that Colin had been turned back. At least he suspected. He felt a shift and knew that for the time being – Caleb was mortal again. If he was, Rafe was willing to bet his son was too.

Rafe kept it to himself, because he had been sure that if Colin was mortal he'd come back to Katie. But months had passed and – nothing. It didn't matter right now. Today – all that mattered was that she'd be coming home. He'd looked forward to this for the last month and a half. Soon he'd have his whole family right where they belonged. Nothing made him happier.

He was suddenly startled out his thoughts. His younger daughter was desperately trying to get his attention.

"DADDY! Hurry up! Come here! Quick!" Becky's cried at the top of her lungs. Rafe came rushing down the stairs – frantic.

"Becks? Honey? What's the matter?" Rafe took her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes.

"It's Mommy." Becky said. "You better go stop her."

Panic coursed through his veins. "Sweetheart? What's going on?" Rafe looked around the room and didn't quite understand. "Where is she?"

"She's in the kitchen and she's about to eat the pie. I told her she had to wait – but she told me to get lost." Becky started to laugh. "She's really cranky today, Daddy."

Rafe kissed the top of Becky's head and laughed. "OK. Becky. Honey. Listen to me sweetheart. You can't go around yelling stuff like that – especially while we're still waiting for the baby to come. You keep doing that and you're going to give me a heart attack."

"OK. I'm sorry, I won't do it again." Becky said with a smile as she as began to walk away. "But you still better hurry."

Rafe moved into the kitchen, grinning widely at the sight of Alison sitting on a stool at the counter, a half eaten pumpkin pie in front of her. She noticed him come in, her fork pausing halfway to her mouth. "Don't even think about it Rafe Kovich." She warned him right before she took another bite.

"I didn't say a word." He protested.

"You don't have to." She glared at him. "I made two of them, for your information."

"I still didn't say anything." Rafe chuckled at her.

"And I said – you didn't have to. I can see that look on your face. You think you're cute – don't you?" She grumbled and took another bite.

"No – actually, you think I'm cute ordinarily." Rafe fought to keep his laughter under control. "Alison. If you want to eat a whole pie – I'm not going to try and stop you. I know better."

Alison scraped the bottom of the pie tin and licked the back of her fork before throwing it down.

Rafe braced himself. He knew what was coming next. 1...2...3 He counted in his mind.

On cue, he heard her sob quietly. "Rafe..." She whispered.

"Yes Angel?" He replied innocently.

"I can't believe it." She said, tears falling from her eyes.

"What's that?" He said as he moved towards her and helped her down from the stool.

"I ate that whole pie. How could you let me do that?" She asked him, her voice full of shock.

"Alison. Please. I had no choice. If I came near you you'd have stabbed me with your fork." He laughed as he pulled her close.

"I would not have." She sniffled.

"OK. You wouldn't have. I'm sorry. You're right. It's all my fault." Rafe said as he kissed the top of her head.

Hearing his words lifted her mood instantly. Alison smiled and turned her face up to his. "I love how you do that."

He kissed her quickly and then asked. "Do what?"

"Take the blame for something just to make me feel better." She smiled wider. "You do that all the time. I love that about you."

"I love you too, but I also love your pumpkin pie. Please tell me you really did make two of them." He asked her then.

"I did." She replied sheepishly, moving to kiss him again. "But the bad news is I lied. I actually ate them both."

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"Hi Ethan." Lynnie said as she pulled her jacket closer. As she looked out into the yard the wind picked up, blowing leaves through the air in such a way they seemed to swirl around her. "I don't have a lot of time. I have to go in soon. My family starting to think I'm going a bit crazy."

She sighed and stood. "It's Thanksgiving. Do you have Thanksgiving up there? Do you and your friends sit around a big table?" Lynnie laughed at herself for the thoughts that ran through her mind. "Do you even eat up there? You know I had a million questions for you and I never had enough time to ask them. Both my dad and Uncle Rafe don't talk about it much – other than to complain about Ed." She said smiling. "I know they both love him though – so I don't think he's at all as bad as they pretend."

"I wanted to tell you that I almost bought you a present the other day." She paced a bit and continued to smile, despite the ache in her heart. "I was in the bookshop and was unpacking a new shipment and we got this book in. It's this big, coffee table book all about antique reproductions of furniture and I took one look at it and thought – 'Ethan would love that.'"

Lynnie blinked back tears, determined not to cry. If she did her family would really start to worry about her and she didn't feel like explaining herself. "I think stuff like that all the time. I know I only knew you for about a week but I don't care if it sounds odd. I really, really miss you, Ethan. I keep thinking that as time goes on it'll get easier but I miss you more now than I did when I first had to leave you. I don't want to think about that today, though. Today, I just wanted to say how thankful I am that I got the chance to meet you. I am. Because I know how special it was – I know how special you are. I know that I'll remember you always."

Despite her efforts to the contrary, a tear escaped and ran down her cheek. She shoved her glasses to the top of her head and dragged her hand across her face. Composing herself a bit, she tilted her chin to the sky and prayed he could hear her. "I know you told me you were all alone in the world when you had to leave here the first time. But I wanted you to know..." Lynnie took a deep breath and whispered. "Someone down here misses you, Ethan. Someone down here loves you."

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She boarded the bus, her heart aching. Danny had come to pick up Lia earlier in the day but Kate claimed she had a paper to hand in. The truth was that leaving Port Charles did little to take her mind off Colin.

She knew it was crazy – but she didn't care. After months without him she just wanted to remember. She wanted to take a few hours today and remember the way it was the day they met.

She stared out the window of the bus, completely lost in her thoughts. She barely realized they were already at the first stop.

He got on, dragging his bag and his guitar up behind him. It felt good getting back to what he loved. As he did, Colin was nervous. It'd be the first time he'd step foot back in Port Charles since he'd left. Doc was picking him up at the station. He swore he would take him straight to the lighthouse. Colin knew he and Lucy would be heading over to Katrina's and he didn't want to disrupt the holiday for everyone. He'd see them when they got back later that night.

Suddenly he remembered the last time he was on this bus. It was the day he met Katrina.

Sighing, he moved down the aisle towards an empty seat near the back. He blinked, not quite believing his eyes.

The bus had already begun moving. There was no place else to go. He'd imagined what it would be like finally seeing her again. He never expected this. Colin took a deep breath and smiled. Somehow it seemed fitting that this would be how it'd happen. It was like they were starting all over again.

As the bus pulled away from its latest stop, Kate rested her head against the window and shut her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep so she could dream.

"Mind if I sit here?" She could have sworn she heard him say, just as he did all those months ago.

"It's a free country." She whispered to herself, moving to wipe a tear off her cheek.

She didn't even realize someone had actually sat down in the seat beside her until she felt his hand run through her hair. She knew for certain she must have fallen asleep and begun to dream, because she knew that the person touching her could only be Colin.

Knowing it wasn't real, she turned to face him, and was shocked at what she found. She shook her head vehemently. "You're not really here." She said softly.

"Are you sure?" Colin asked with a grin.

"It's a dream." Kate said still shaking her head. "You can't be. I know he had you turned. I felt it."

"mmm, hmm." He whispered as he inched closer to her. "It really wasn't my thing though. I decided to switch back."

She reached out and touched the side of his face. It certainly felt like he was right there with her. "It can't be real..."

He couldn't stand it anymore. He silenced her with a kiss, pouring his whole heart into it. It felt so real, so amazing that she was completely overwhelmed. Kate sighed as she clung to him, knowing that if even if it was a dream it didn't matter.

Slowly he pulled away and stared into her eyes. Tears were shining in his own as he framed her face in his hands. He kissed her again and whispered. "I'm here, Katrina. It's really me and I'm back – if you'll have me."

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Lynnie shivered, though she wasn't really cold. An odd sense of peace came over her. She realized that she knew that feeling. She never thought she'd ever feel it again. It was the way she felt when Ethan was near her – the way she instantly calmed down knowing he was beside her. "I know it's so much to ask but it's just not fair..." She whispered, wishing with all her heart this feeling would last.

"Don't be too harsh on them..." She heard a voice say. "They might change their minds."

Stunned she turned around, her face falling at the image in front of her. "Well that's just great." She sighed and looked up at the clouds. "I've officially lost my mind."

"Are you sure?" Ethan replied with a smile, not fully believing it himself quite yet. He straightened his glasses and gazed at her, love shining in his eyes. "If you have I have too."

"Ethan..." She breathed taking a step toward him. She reached out with a trembling hand and touched him, softly at first and then clutching at the fabric of his jacket. She turned to face him and kept patting him to convince herself he was really there. Finally she gave him a pinch on the arm.

"Ow. Easy..." He said with a chuckle. Gazing at her, his voice got soft and serious. He gently ran a hand down the side of her face. "I'm here, Lynnie."

"Ethan?" She whispered as she moved closer, running her hands up his chest and winding her arms around his neck.

"Yes?" He smiled down at her. Her eyes were wide with shock, her heart beating wildly as she felt his arms close around her.

"ETHAN!" She called out, almost squealing as she jumped up into his arms. "Oh my God!!"

He laughed at the sound of her voice. Lynnie was usually so calm and cool and collected. To hear her all giddy was unexpected and awe inspiring. To think she sounded that way in reaction to him was more than he'd ever dreamed of.

Unable to stand it any longer, he eased back and stared into her eyes. "Lynnie." Though it was still completely unbelievable to him he needed to add. "I don't know exactly how it happened but I know I'm here and apparently - I'm back for good. All I know is - someone up there thought you might need me." He whispered as he bent his head to touch his lips to hers. "Even if it isn't true I know for a fact that if I'm back down here I'm going to need you."

The minute he did she kissed him back, and he knew in that instant this was where he had always been meant to be. He couldn't believe his luck. In this very instant he was happier than he ever was his whole life on earth. Just gazing down at her, he knew from this point forward he would only become more content. His pulse quickened and his arms tightened around her. He was the luckiest guy on earth. Lynnie loved him. He couldn't believe it, but he'd just heard her say so.

She planned on making sure he knew it for the rest of their lives. "You're here." She repeated as she edged away briefly and ran a hand over his face. "I do need you, Ethan -more than anything else in the world." She pulled his face back to hers, pressing her lips to his softly she sighed as she promised. "And if they decide they want you back it's just tough – because I'm never going to let you leave me again."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Wait..." Kate pulled away and sighed.

Colin's heart broke. He couldn't believe he'd read this wrong. Maybe she still was angry enough that she'd want to make good on her promise – even though he was no longer the very thing she hated most in this world. "I'm sorry." He said, his voice broken as he began to get up and move away. I just saw you and I thought...."

She grabbed his sleeve and dragged him back down, throwing her arms around him and pulling him close. "No. Colin. No. I'm sorry. I said such awful, hateful things to you. You had to know I didn't mean them." She pulled back, and looked at him, sobbing quietly. "I told you I would kill you..."

Colin stared into her eyes and laughed. "If I know you – you meant it at the time."

"You're laughing?" Kate said, her voice full of disbelief. "How can you be laughing?"

"I'm laughing, Katrina..." Colin said as he leaned close to kiss her. "...because I finally have something to be happy about. I'm finally free. I'm still dragging my guitar around because I want to – not because I'm running away." His voice lowered as he reached out to run his hand through her hair, happy that it was late enough that the bus was relatively empty. "Right now – all I care about is that I'm here – on this bus – on the way to see my family – sitting next to the most beautiful girl on the face of the earth."

Kate's heart beat faster as she heard his words. "You're here?" She asked again, running her hands over his shoulders and down his arms, still not sure that this was real.

"I'm here." He assured her, though he did not quite believe it himself. "I've been back to normal for months but I honestly never thought we'd get this chance. I thought my life was over. But now – I'm here and you're here and there is no way I can walk away now. There's no way I'm letting you go." He took her face in his hands and gently wiped her tears away. "Do you think we can try Katrina? Right here, back on this bus where it all began. This time though I know who you are and you know who I am and..." He kissed her and began to laugh again. "as long as you promise me you won't try to stake my parents I think we really could make it this time."

She finally laughed with him, knowing now that it would all be alright. "I promise." She said as she pulled him to her, all the love in heart clearly evident in her kiss.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"It's perfect." Alison said with a sigh, adjusting a glass on the table. It was going to be a bit crowded but the one thing she insisted on was that everyone sits together for Thanksgiving dinner.

"You're perfect." Rafe said with a smile as he stood in the doorway and watched her. "Why don't you go and rest a bit before everyone comes?"

She smiled back at him, knowing he made a good point. "I don't think I can. I'm so excited to have Katie and all the kids here. It always makes me happy."

"And that's the way I always want you to be." He said as he made his way over to her. She was so cute, with her apron tied over her round belly and a smudge of flour on her cheek. Rafe lifted his hand to her face rub it away, pulling her as close to him as he could get her. "But I also want you to take care of yourself. Alison please?" He whispered as he bent his head to kiss her. "Grant went to pick Kate up. They'll be here in a half hour. Go ahead. Take a little nap. Becky and I can handle things here."

"Uh huh. That's comforting." She laughed as he pulled away. "I can see it now. Becky will dump a whole bag of marshmallows in the sweet potatoes and you'll take the turkey out too early."

"I promise – we won't even go in the kitchen." He laughed back at her. He was just about to kiss her again when the doorbell rang.

"Who could that be? It's way too early!" Alison began to panic. Together they walked into the living room. Rafe peeked through the peephole and sighed. "Are you sure you want me to open the door?" He said as he gave her a look.

"Who?" Alison asked and then she suddenly knew. "Yes – Rafe. Stop it. Please let my mother in."

"Sweetheart!" An ebullient Elizabeth came waltzing in, with – surprisingly – Chris in tow.

"Hi Mom." Alison looked at her completely confused. Seems a lot had gone on since they last spoke. "Hi Chris." It was nice to see they had found their way together again but they both looked – well – a bit odd. Elizabeth had an orchid pinned in her hair and Chris – strangely was wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

"What's going on?" Alison asked, completely curious.

"We're here for the luau." Chris said with a grin.

Alison looked at Rafe with a stunned expression. He shrugged at her. Nothing Elizabeth did ever surprised him.

Elizabeth and Chris gave each other a knowing glance before she turned to her daughter and smiled. "I'm sorry I haven't called. It's been so crazy. Remember that time a few months ago – when you told me to go and see Chris?"

Alison nodded, remembering the conversation well. She hadn't heard from her mother since - not that that was surprising at all.

"Well – it wasn't easy but he finally let me in and we talked and we..." Elizabeth giggled. "Well – to tell you the truth at one point we stopped talking completely."

"OK. Spare me the details, Mother." Alison held her hand up and rolled her eyes. "I'm just happy you're happy."

"I'm more than happy." Elizabeth said as she reached for Chris' hand. "I'm Mrs. Dr. Chris Ramsey."

"WHAT?!?" Both Alison and Rafe said at once.

Elizabeth nodded as Chris' arm curled around her waist. There was no denying that Elizabeth tried his patience and got on his last nerve, she was maddening and completely irritating ant times, but she was never boring and he had had enough of his mundane existence. It was about time he got to have some fun. As wacky and crazy as Elizabeth was he found her completely lovable. And she wanted to be with him, which was more than enough for him.

Elizabeth gave Chris a hug and nearly bounced up and down. "It was really spur of the moment - but my was it fun. We went to Las Vegas two weeks ago and then we flew to Maui for a honeymoon. It was just perfect. I'm telling you next summer's line is going to be full of floral fabric - I found such great stuff there."

"You – and – and – and - Chris?!" Alison stammered, her eyes wide.

"Well. Congratulations. I guess." Rafe said as he held his hand out to Chris.

Alison gave Rafe a playful shove. "Rafe. Stop." She rushed to hug her mother tight. "Mom. Chris. That's great. I'm speechless – but so happy for you."

"I know you weren't expecting us. We're sorry to barge in." Chris said as Alison gave him a hug too. "I just knew my little brother was coming here and we just wanted to tell everyone the news together..."

Alison smiled thinking of Jack's reaction. "Of course you are more than welcome. I just have to add a few places to the table. Her mind spun trying to figure it out.

Just then, Abby, Cam, Lia and Quinn came walking in. "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Cam took note of Chris and Elizabeth and leaned close to Rafe to whisper, "This Thanksgiving has a tropical theme? I didn't get the memo."

"Long story." Rafe laughed as he whispered back. "Meet the newlyweds."

Another round of shocked congratulations followed. As things died down, Alison suddenly realized that someone was missing. "Abs? Where's Lynnie?"

Abby beamed widely and tears filled her eyes. "She'll be along in a bit. I know it's a lot to ask but could you find another spot at the table?"

All at once Alison knew what she was saying, "ETHAN?!" She cried.

Abby nodded and they both began to jump up and down. "YES! And honestly Alison, in her whole life I don't think I've ever seen my Gwendolyn that happy – ever. It's amazing to see."

"Of course there's room. Oh gosh! I can't believe it." She started to cry. "He came back for her. I knew he would..."

"I know..." Abby replied, crying herself. "I knew it too. He had to..."

Cam and Rafe looked at each other and shook their heads. At least they both had someone to sympathsize. Both their wives cried at the drop of a hat these days - when they weren't incredibly angry at them - that is. It seemed like it'd been that way forever.

"God. How much longer?" Cam asked with a sigh.

"Two for you – three for me." Rafe chuckled. "Just hold on - it's almost over."

"Oh yeah - and then there's the delivery. That's always fun..." Cam laughed back at him.

Just then, Grant and Chloe walked inside with huge grins on their faces. "Katie's home." He called out, just as Kevin, Lucy, Melissa and Jack came in right behind them.

Alison moved to wipe her eyes. "Where is she?" She asked her eyes searching the room.

"She'll be along in a minute. She's plastered to Colin at the moment. OW!" Grant said with a grin, wincing when Chloe smacked his arm.

"COLIN?!?" Everyone said at once.

Kevin's face was full of happiness as he explained. "It's true. He's back and the better news is - he's fine. He and Katie rode the same bus back here today if you can believe it."

Alison continued to cry, so happy she could hardly stand it. Everyone would get a happy ending it seemed. Even, unbelievably – her mother. "Rafe..." She whispered completely overwhelmed.

He smiled and moved to hold her close, knowing she'd need a few minutes to recover from all the good news. "Well. It looks like a happy Thanksgiving doesn't it?" He called out over her shoulder. "Everyone come on in and get comfortable. The more the merrier."

Their friends and family bustled around, pulling off their coats and settling in. Soon the house was full of activity.

Alison pulled back and looked at Rafe, her voice frantic. "Rafe. How am I going to fit everyone at the table?"

"We'll figure something out." He chuckled as he stood with her in the hallway, bending down to whisper in her ear. "Bet you're regretting eating that second pie now aren't you?"

Ordinarily a comment like that would make her angry but nothing could shatter her mood at the moment. She laughed back at him and hugged him closer. "It's perfect though – isn't it? So it's crowded and loud and we might run out of food. It doesn't matter at all. Everyone we love is happy."

She was happy and that's all he could see at the moment. "Yes." He agreed as his arms tightened around her. "It's just perfect."