"Okay, Lucy. You ready?" Mary's voice was upbeat and cheerful, considering she'd been up all night making arrangements and constantly checking on Lucy while she slept.

"I can't believe you did all this for me." Lucy stared at her. "I mean you hardly know me."

"I know Victor loves you very much. I know you're going to have his grandchildren, and, quite frankly, I'm perfectly happy to have what my sons would call 'another victim'." She laughed. "They tend to get cranky when I try to mother them."

Lucy shrugged. "It takes some getting used to, but I kind of like it."

Mary stared at her for a moment, then sat next to her. "Do you mean to tell me that when you were a kid, and you were sick, or hurt, that your mother didn't take care of you?"

Staring at Mary for a moment, Lucy finally bit her lip and shrugged again. "My mother took off when I was a baby."

"Oh, honey, I'm sorry. I had no idea." Mary felt terrible, and it showed on her face.

"Don't. You had no way to know. Besides, she left me with my aunt. Charlene was good to me. At least she tried. I've never been the easiest person to love."

"Oh, nonsense. I haven't known you that long, and I already love you. Like I said, Victor absolutely adores you. I could tell how much Luke cares about you. And," Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I know, for a fact, that Kevin still cares a lot about you."

It was the wrong thing to say to her. Tears came to her eyes, and she nodded. "He cares."

It hit Mary like a slap across the face. "Oh, Lucy. You really love him, don't you." It wasn't a question.

"I always have. But I blew it." Wiping her eyes, Lucy took a deep breath. "I know it. He loved me. And I hurt him. So now, he's going to raise my babies, and Eve will probably be their stepmother, and I have to deal with it, because it's the best thing for them." She put her hands over the babies growing inside her. "So I have to deal with it."

She didn't fool Mary for a moment. Gently, Mary reached out to her, and pulled her into an embrace.

"I don't know why I keep doing this, Mary. I can't seem to stop crying every time I even think about him. It's stupid, I know."

"It's not stupid. Right now, your hormones are going crazy, and anything could hurt your feelings. Much less the fact that you're very much in love with a man that doesn't feel the same way. That hurts, and it would make any woman cry, let alone one who is very pregnant. Not to mention what you've been through. So don't feel stupid for how you feel. There's nothing wrong with it." Smiling, Mary pulled away from her and pushed her hair off her face. "Now, let's not think about Kevin. Let's concentrate on you. Dr. Newman has said it's okay to take you home, Victor is already there, and everything should be done by the time we get there. Okay?"

Lucy smiled and nodded.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

"Are you sure everything's ready?" Kevin asked Victor for the tenth time.

"I'm sure. The refrigerator is full, all her prescriptions are filled, and Mary's bringing her. She's fine, Monk. The doctor said so. We just need to keep her calm, and make sure she's safe." Victor stared at him. "In order to keep her calm, we need to stay calm."

"I know. That's why I've gone along with Luke's plan. Because I think his friends will make sure she's safe. I know Lucy has faith in him."

The way he said it almost made Victor smile. With each day, Victor was becoming more certain that Kevin's feelings for Lucy were getting more confusing for him.

Any reply Victor was going to make was interrupted by Kevin's cell ringing.

"Hello?" Kevin smiled. "I know, I'm on my way. Bye." Hanging up, Kevin looked at Victor. "I have to go. I promised Eve I'd have lunch with her before she went on duty. I'll be back later, and if she needs anything, call me."

"Oh, if she needs anything, we'll take care of it. Now go, don't worry about Lucy." Victor hustled him out the door. He knew Kevin would call to check on her. He couldn't help himself.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

"Victor?!" Mary's voice rang through the house when she opened the door. By the time Lucy had followed her inside and sat on the sofa, Victor and Luke had appeared.

Sitting next to her, Luke smiled. "How you feeling, babe?"

"Tired. I just want to sit here. But I'm dying to know what's going on. Mary wouldn't tell me. She just kept saying that she'd worked everything out with Dr. Newman and I was coming home."

Victor sat across from her and grinned. "It's a great plan, actually. And we didn't even need a yarn chart. The only thing that Dr. Newman was worried about was that you wouldn't stay down and calm. So, we decided to take turns. The object was to make sure you weren't left alone long enough to get in trouble."

"My first suggestion was to tie you down, but that would just excite you." Luke shrugged. "You know, leave you a bowl of water and food, I saw some of those fur lined handcuffs, and I immediately thought of you. It would-"

"I get the picture. Gee, thanks." She slapped his arm. "Nice to know you'd go to such.... strange lengths to help me." She looked around the room for a moment.

Victor, Mary, and Luke looked at each other. They all knew she was wondering where Kevin was, and that she didn't want to ask.

Standing, Luke patted her head. "You, calm down and stay put. I have several things I actually have to do that have nothing to do with you. Victor will show you how to use the security system we put in, and there are a couple of friends outside, just to be sure. They were courtesy of Sonny, by the way. You might want to give him a call. He wants to know how you are. I'll give you a call later, see if you need anything." With a quick goodbye to Victor and Mary, he was gone.

Before anyone could say a word, the phone rang and Lucy answered it. "Hello?"

"Hi. Just wanted to know how you are."

The sound of Kevin's voice made Lucy smile. "Better. Victor and Mary have thought of everything. Including a huge stack of catalogs with lots of things for me to buy. What are you up to?"

"At the moment, I'm having lunch with Eve."

A small stab went through Lucy, but she wouldn't let anyone see it. "Good. If we're going to make this work, you need to make sure she knows you love her."

Victor and Mary looked at each other. Kevin didn't see it, but they did. Her feelings for Kevin were taking their toll on her.

"I'll call you later, and I'll try to get by. I'm glad you're home. Call me if you need anything."

"I'm fine. Bye." She hung up, and took a deep breath. "I would love something to drink, do you mind?"

"Not at all." Victor headed for the kitchen.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Ryan hung up the phone and smiled. He'd seen Kevin and Eve leave the lighthouse together, and knew the last thing on Kevin's mind at the time was Lucy. The only thing he had to do was continue to remind Lucy of that fact.

He still wondered if there was something more going on than what he'd seen. Why had Kevin run to Lucy's rescue, only to turn around and run back to Eve, leaving Lucy to raise his children? Ryan was sure there was another piece to this. Lucy had barely lasted two days with him while she thought he was still with Eve. Demanding that he throw Eve out of the lighthouse. This had been going on for months, and Lucy still seemed okay with the little bit of attention she'd managed to get out of his brother. As did Eve.

It wasn't exactly working for Kevin. Eve had been downright furious with him on more than one occasion while Ryan had been watching. Apparently she didn't share as well as Lucy did. But Eve was still in the lighthouse, Lucy was still living alone, and Kevin went back and forth at will.

The only thing Ryan was sure of was that he had to find out what was going on behind this arrangement Kevin had with the two of them. Something just wasn't right.

Finally Kevin and Eve returned to the lighthouse, and went inside. Ryan wished he could hear what was going on between them. They weren't exactly smiling, but they weren't fighting, either. Strained was the word that popped into Ryan's mind. He knew he had to get to Eve or Lucy to find out. And with the amount of security that Lucy had around her, Eve was going to be his best bet. He decided to watch the two of them until he had his chance to have a talk with her.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

The phone rang, and Lucy picked it up.

"Hi! How are you?"

"Still fine." Lucy wondered what was really going on in Kevin's mind.

"I'm on my way over. Do you need anything?"

Lucy sighed. "No. Victor and Mary are still here, and I've pretty much got everything I need. You're welcome to come over, if you want, but I'm fine. How was lunch?"

Kevin hesitated for a moment. Victor must have told her. "Fine. I told Victor I'd come by later to see how you were."

"Well, like I told you before, I'm fine. I go back to the doctor in two days, and if she says it's okay, I go back to Lamaze until they're born."

She was shutting him out again. This time he was going to tell her what was on his mind. "I'll be over in a little while." Hanging up the phone, he turned to Eve. "I'm going to Lucy's for a while."

"I knew that." Eve sighed. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I knew you wanted to go check on her. But I've also told you a few times to not expect me to be happy about it. I'm leaving for the hospital in an hour. So I guess I'll see you later." Without another word, she went upstairs and shut the bedroom door.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Mary let Kevin in and made it a point to tell both of them that she was going to help Victor in the kitchen.

Sitting in the chair, Kevin stared at her. "You look tired."

"I am. I feel like I could sleep for a week." She finally met his gaze. "You don't look so wide awake yourself."

"I could probably use some sleep. But I'm worried about you."

"Kevin," Lucy sighed. "I've told you I'm fine. I was scared. But everything's fine right now. Mary and Victor are going to spend the night here, Luke's coming back in the morning, Sonny loaned me a couple of his guys-"

"I met them. Big. Not too patient waiting for I.D., and, I'm assuming, big guns."

Smiling, Lucy nodded. "That's them. Sorry about that. I'm afraid manners and civil rights aren't very high on their priorities."

"But keeping you safe is, and that's all that matters." His eyes met hers. "I'm glad they're here."

The silence that followed was uncomfortable.

"So, how is Eve with all this? Is she better now?"

"Yes. I'm not going to say she's thrilled, but she understands." He leaned towards her. "We're going to make this work, Lucy. We have to."

"I know. I think we can."

Lucy looked like she was about to say something else, but Victor came into the room, carrying a tray. "Lucy, you need to eat. Part of the deal with Dr. Newman was that we made sure you ate. So here you go." He sat on the sofa and put the tray between them. Mary had loaded the tray with fruit.

Lucy smiled at Victor. "Thanks. I am hungry."

"You need to say something. Don't wait for us to read your mind." Victor spoke to Lucy, but his eyes met Kevin's.

"Lucy, look," Kevin stared at the ground for a moment. "I want to be part of this. I can't shake the feeling you're shutting me out. I wish you wouldn't. I don't know what you want me to do."

Fighting tears, Lucy shook her head. "Neither do I, Kevin. I'm trying to not make you feel like every move you make is wrong. I mean, when you called me today, I felt like it was to tell me that you were at lunch with Eve. I know that wasn't it, but it was how I felt. You have your life, Kevin. I need to have mine. We need to work out something for the babies, but it's about them, not you and me."

"I called you to TELL you I was with Eve?" Kevin was confused.

"I know, you didn't mean it that way. I just took it that way. I'm just more emotional than normal. Which should be enough to send everyone running for cover." She smiled. "I know it. I really do. I'm overreacting, getting hysterical, and basically not knowing what's going on in my own mind right now."

After thinking for a moment, Kevin stood. "I need a drink myself." As he walked behind Lucy, his eyes met Victor's and Victor knew something was wrong.

"What do you want to drink, Lucy?"

"Tea would be great, thanks." She started to eat the fruit on the tray.

Victor followed Kevin in the kitchen. "What's wrong?"

"I called Lucy this afternoon, but I didn't mention lunch. I called her from the lighthouse."

Silent, Victor stared at Kevin. "I was here. You called, asked her if she was okay, told her you were having lunch with Eve, and that you would call her again later. Then you called her a second time before you came....." Realization showed on Victor's face. "You didn't call her, did you."

"No." Their eyes met, and they both came to the same conclusion.

"Oh, good heavens. What do we do?"

Kevin turned away, and found Mary staring at both of them. "The one thing we DON'T do is tell her. She's under enough stress. I'll get caller ID for her phone." He shook his head. "But that won't help. If she knows he's calling her..... I need to find him, Victor. Ryan needs to be found and put away."

"Why would he be calling her?" Mary finally spoke. "It doesn't make sense. I mean, he's already done everything he set out to do to her. Unless he suspects something."

Both men stared at her.

"I know you both are thinking it. Somebody had to say it. Ryan probably suspects Kevin isn't the father of those babies."

Her words hung in the air, but neither man answered her. They knew she was probably right.

"I'm going back out to her. You two figure out what to do. The last thing either of us want is for her to suspect something's going on." Tossing the towel she'd been wiping the counter with on the sink, she left the kitchen.

After she was gone, Kevin looked at Victor. "I have no idea what to do. I keep hoping he'll make contact with me. I don't know why he's waited this long."

"My guess is that he knows that contacting her, not you, will hurt you more. What really doesn't make sense is the subtlety. From everything I've been told about him, this is not his usual style."

Turning to the window, Kevin stared out into the yard. "There's never been children that could be his involved. I'm beginning to wonder if he's waiting for her to have them to make his move. He knows he can't take her while she's pregnant. She'd never cooperate, and it would be too risky. If he wants the twins, it's not because he wants to hurt them, at least that wasn't the case with Georgie." Shaking his head, he looked at Victor. "I think he's keeping tabs on her. Waiting for the babies to be born. That's when he'll make his move. I'm sure of it. We need to find him before she gives birth. And, given her medical history, that could be almost any time now. A few more weeks, and Dr. Newman will let her deliver the next time she has a contraction."

Victor recognized the deadly calm look on Kevin's face. "How do we go about it?"

"Victor, this is between Ryan and me."

"I'm part of this, too. I know that. I'm not going to let him destroy you or hurt Lucy or those babies."

Knowing it was pointless to argue, Kevin shook his head. "It doesn't matter. We can't do anything until HE decides it's time for the games to begin."

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

What Kevin didn't know was that Ryan had already begun the final game. From a safe distance, he followed Eve to the hospital, and waited for her to go on her break. Hearing her announce she was going to the cafeteria, he ran down two floors of stairs and hit the down button.

When the doors opened, Ryan smiled at her and got on the elevator.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were going to spend the evening at Lucy's."

The way she said it told Ryan she didn't like it.

"I figured you and I needed to talk more than Lucy needed me to hover over her. She has a house full of people. Victor and Mary are there."

Smiling, Eve stepped closer to him. "I've told you I understand this, but, Kevin, it still bothers me. Ever since the first time she was admitted, people have been staring at me like I'm crazy. Everyone knows about you, Lucy, and the babies, and me. It's gotten to the point that I'm really starting to hate even coming here. The gossip is awful."

Taking her hand, Ryan nodded. "I know. Everyone wonders why you'd forgive me." It took everything in him to sound casual. "Why did you? I don't deserve it." He tried his best ashamed look, and was rewarded by Eve sighing and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Because I understand. I don't want anything to happen to the twins. I really don't. And you're right, gossip just annoys me, it doesn't physically hurt me." Leaning away from him, she shrugged. "I just have to keep reminding myself what's at stake here. You have no idea how hard it is to not tell everyone that you're not the cheating lover, and I'm not the total idiot they think we are. I just wish we could tell everyone the truth."

"You can't. You know what would happen." Ryan hoped Eve would at least tell him the truth, but he couldn't let on to her that he had no idea what she was talking about.

"I know. Believe me, I know what would happen if Ryan found out about the twins. I would never do that to Lucy. Or you. Or the babies. You have to be their father. I know that, Kevin. I just wish.... I don't know what I wish. I'm not blaming you. Or even Lucy, for that matter. It's Ryan's fault. I know that."

Ryan could barely breathe. Lucy was pregnant with twins. His twins. Kevin wasn't the father. Kevin was taking his babies, and making sure he never even knew. His head started to pound, and he knew he had to get away from Eve quickly, or Eve would figure out what was going on.

"Eve, I didn't come here to upset you. I came here to try to make you feel better. I know this is the last thing you need at work. Look, I'll see you when you get home, okay?"

"You mean you're actually coming home tonight?"

"Yes. I'm coming home. I'll see you there." The elevator doors opened, and Ryan got out. He couldn't get out of the hospital fast enough to suit him. A total rage took over, and he sat in the car for almost half an hour, screaming. His babies! Lucy was going to have his children, and she was going to give them to Kevin. Not if he took them first. A smile crept over his face, and he started the car.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kevin and Victor went back into the living room to find Mary moving the tray away from Lucy.

"She's exhausted."

Lucy had fallen asleep sitting up on the sofa.

"She's got too much going on. It's not good for her." Sitting next to her, Kevin spoke quietly. "I can't seem to do anything right. No matter what I do, I manage to hurt her feelings, or upset her, or make her angry."

Leaning down behind him, Victor spoke in his ear. "Have you tried telling her exactly how you feel? What's going on in your mind?"

"I was going to, until she told me about the phone call."

Lucy shifted in her sleep, and both men watched her for a moment, to make sure she was still asleep.

"Monk, are you sure about what's going on in your mind?" The way Kevin was staring at her convinced Victor he really wasn't.

Kevin turned to glance at Victor. "The only thing I can think about right now is keeping her safe. Ryan's done enough to her."

A knock on the door startled both men, and woke Lucy. Victor opened the door to find Scott and Serena standing outside.

"I know she just got home, but Serena's been making me crazy wanting to see her. Is she up to it?"

"Of course I am!" Lucy yelled at him. "Get over here, you!"

Running to her, Serena jumped on the sofa and hugged her. "Are you okay? Daddy said you were sick."

"I'm fine. I'm fine, the babies are fine, and now that you're here, everything's just perfect." Lucy held Serena to her.

Scott and Kevin stared at each other, both men showing the tension.

"How are you feeling?" Staring at her, Scott stood a few feet from her.

"I feel great. Thanks for bringing her over. This is exactly what I needed." She smiled at him.

When Lucy turned to talk to Serena, Scott looked at Victor and nodded toward the kitchen. Kevin followed both men and Scott turned to them, glaring briefly at Kevin. "So, any news of your wacko brother?"

"He... he called her. She doesn't know. She thinks it was me." Kevin spoke quietly.

"Great. So, what are you going to do about it?"

Victor sighed. "There isn't a whole lot we can do. We have no idea where he's hiding, or what he's planning."

"He's planning to torment her! Can't you see that Victor?" Scott's voice rose.

"SSSHHHHH! The last thing we want right now is for her to get any idea about this. I know subtlety isn't your strong suit, Scott, but with her, right now, you need to keep your voice down." Kevin glared at him.

"Well, all the two of you seem to be doing is waiting around to see what he's gonna do to her next."

"If you have anything constructive to offer, now's the time." Kevin's voice was low, but his anger was clear.

"Why is he hanging around? What's on his mind? Unless...." Scott stopped and stared at both men. The looks they gave him said it all.

"So now what? He's after them, right?"

Kevin nodded. "That's what we think. The trouble is, we have no idea what he's going to do." Turning from Scott, Kevin stared out the window. "I wish I knew what he was thinking. I really do. The point is, she's in danger, and we have to make sure she doesn't find out how bad it is. Can we at least agree on that?"

Scott and Victor nodded.

"Good. Now, before she realizes she's the topic of conversation....." Kevin headed toward the door.

When the three men reentered the living room, Mary and Serena were sitting on either side of Lucy. Serena had her hand on Lucy's tummy and her eyes were wide. "Wow! That's so cool! Did I kick you like that?"

"You sure did. You know, I used to bet your dad that you were going to be a soccer player, you kicked me so hard."

"Did I hurt you?" Serena was still in awe of the movement going on in Lucy's body.

Smiling, Lucy shook her head. "Nope. Not a bit. You were just letting me know you were in there. And you were healthy."

Lucy inhaled sharply, and Serena pulled her hand away.

"That was a big one."

Taking a deep breath, Lucy nodded. "Yep. It sure was."

Victor watched both men watch Lucy. It was painfully obvious how much Scott still loved Lucy, and Victor was positive the look on Kevin's face was not that of a man in love with another woman. This whole situation was hurting all of them, and Victor hoped they could resolve it before the children were born.

Turning, Lucy saw the three of them looking at her. Smiling, she motioned for Victor to come to her. "This is so incredible."

Scott headed for the door. "I have a few things I have to do. Is she okay here for a couple hours?"

Gripping Serena's hand, Lucy looked at him. "How about the whole night? Please?"

"Are you sure you're up to it?"

"Yes. I'm sure. I want her to stay with me."

The looks on Serena's and Lucy's faces were almost identical. A sharp pain went through Scott, and he knew he had to get out of there. "Fine. I'll pick you up in the morning. Come give me a kiss."

Serena ran over to Scott, and Victor took her place next to Lucy. "Are they still moving?"

Nodding, Lucy took his hand, moving it around her abdomen until she found it. "Wait, you'll feel it. I-"

Victor felt the baby kick. "Oh, Lucy!" Grinning, Victor looked at her. "That's so wonderful!"

Kevin, once again feeling very left out, watched his father, Mary, and Lucy on the sofa together. It was like he was watching a very close family that he wasn't a part of.

After Scott was gone, Serena ran back to them, jumping in Victor's lap, and completing the picture.

Glancing in his direction, Kevin's expression puzzled Lucy. He looked almost hurt. "Hey, Doc." Her voice was soft. "Come here."

When he approached her, Victor took Serena's hand and stood. "Let's go see what kinds of goodies we can find in the kitchen."

Mary, catching Victor's obvious hint, followed. Leaving Kevin and Lucy sitting together on the sofa.

Lucy took Kevin's hand, as she had Victor's, and she placed it where she'd last felt one of them kick. After a few moments, Kevin's face took on a look of absolute amazement when he felt the tiny movement.

Smiling, Kevin looked at her. "That's....." He was at a loss for words, and it amused Lucy.

There was another movement, sharper this time. Pulling his hand up a little, he shook his head. "That doesn't hurt?"

"No." Their eyes met, and they both stared at each other for a few seconds. Finally, Lucy looked away. "It actually feels wonderful." She stared at the ground, trying to keep her feelings hidden from him.

Suddenly, Kevin felt like he should take his hand off her, but he couldn't. It felt so right, feeling the babies kick inside her. His heart started to pound in his chest, and he couldn't pinpoint what was going on in his head. The urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her overwhelmed him. Shaking his head, he forced himself to pull away from her and stood.

"What's wrong?" Lucy stared at him, but not in his eyes.

"Nothing. I just.... It's so amazing." His mind was racing, and he suddenly realized he couldn't tell her what was on his mind. More because he wasn't entirely sure himself. Knowing he had to get out of there, he walked towards the door. "I need to get home. Victor and Mary are going to spend the night with you, and Luke is coming over in the morning. I'll be back tomorrow afternoon. You okay?"

Not looking at him, Lucy nodded. "I'm fine."

After he was gone, Lucy pulled a pillow up into her arms and held it to her, trying to keep from crying. The feel of his hand on her had reminded her how good it felt, and how much she wanted him to hold her. The thought that he was on his way home to hold Eve tore her heart out.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kevin drove home, the entire time, thinking about Lucy. Why was he feeling this way? He loved Eve. But if that was true, why was it that being with Lucy made his heart pound? The effect she had on him confused him.

When he reached the lighthouse, he knew Eve wouldn't be home, yet. Glad that he had a while to be alone and think made him feel better. He needed to get what was going through his mind straight before he dealt with either woman.

As he opened the door, he was surprised to be hit from behind. Someone shoved him into the lighthouse and shut the door behind them.

"I want some answers, Kevin. And I want them now."

Turning, Kevin was shocked to find Ryan standing by the door.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Victor and Mary sat on the sofa, watching TV. Lucy and Serena had been asleep for a while, and they were enjoying a little peace and quiet. Lucy really hadn't been up to Serena, and Victor and Mary had played with her after Lucy had fallen asleep. Not that they minded, but they were both exhausted.

"Kevin sure left in a hurry."

Victor smiled. "You might say he ran out of here a little too quickly."

"What do you mean? I know that look, Victor, what are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that Kevin's not so sure how he feels anymore."

Shaking her head, Mary stared at him. "Well, you'd better not say anything to Lucy. She's very sure how she feels."

"I know. And I also know that my son, whether he wants to admit it or not, still loves her. He's just so stubborn! Haven't you noticed that every time things get intense between him and Lucy, he practically trips over his own feet getting away from her?"

"But that doesn't exactly help Lucy. He gets close, he pulls away. Then he accuses her of shutting him out. Personally, I know he's your son, but what he's doing to that woman isn't fair. She wants him to be a big part of this. But he tells her he can't be, then gets angry at her for not including him."

"Exactly!" Victor nodded. "That's exactly what I'm talking about. I don't think he knows what he wants. He cares for Eve, he thinks he loves her. But then he sees Lucy, and he feels all those things he thought he was past where she was concerned. I can see it all over his face. As badly as he wants to be a part of this, I think Lucy actually scares him." He told Mary about the look on Kevin's face when he'd watched them on the sofa. "I know my son. And right now, he's confused. And he doesn't like it."

"You seem highly amused by it."

"In a way I am. I don't like the way it's affecting Lucy, but I have to admit it's almost fun to watch him squirm. He likes to be in control, and when he's anywhere near Lucy, control is not the word I'd use to describe his situation." Victor laughed. "The effect she has on him does amuse me. She gets to him, she's under his skin, and he can't do anything about it. No matter how hard he tries to convince himself otherwise."

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

"Okay, Ryan. What do you want me to answer?"

"Don't play shrink with me, Kev. I've had more than my full share. You tried to make sure of that, remember? I want to know who the hell you think you are, taking my children away from me!"

"Your children?" This was the moment Kevin had known was coming, and he hoped he was ready for it. "Lucy's children are not yours."

"I'm supposed to believe you, what? Knocked her up?" Ryan laughed. "Oh, yeah. A hot, steamy, one night stand. Then you ran back to Evie, and suddenly Lucy shows up at you door pregnant? Do I look that stupid to you?"

Kevin knew the correct answer was not 'yes'. "Maybe I did. Maybe after what you did to her, I tried to help her. I ended up making love to her, and she got pregnant."

"Okay, I can buy that." Ryan smiled. "It's not exactly hard to believe you could end up in bed with her. I mean, she really does love you, and she is a very hot number. Man would have to be an ice cube to turn that down." Ryan's smile faded and his eyes took on a deadly glare. "But even if you did, then, at best, there is a question as to which of us gets the Father's Day card." Finally, Ryan shook his head. "But, I don't believe you did. See, I know Lucy. A whole lot better than I did. She wouldn't let you anywhere near her twins if you'd slept with her, then broke down her door to get back to Evie. I saw what she thought of sharing. No." He leaned against the wall next to the door. "You thought the only way to keep me away from MY children was to take them yourself."

"They are not your children." Kevin tried to sound convincing. "Lucy and I did make love, and she did get pregnant. By me. I am their father."

"I'm not really believing you. You need to sound a little more convincing. Better yet, why don't you take lessons from Evie in being believable."

"Eve? What does she have to do with this?" Kevin's fear made Ryan smile.

"Relax, Kevin. I haven't done nearly as much with Eve as I have with Lucy. I just talked to her. Of course, she thinks you went to the hospital to make up with her. But she told me that she knows how important it is that 'the bad twin' never finds out about his children. MY CHILDREN, KEVIN!" Ryan screamed at him. "Those babies are mine, and you are NOT going to take them away from me."

"Why are you doing this? Why are you still trying to hurt her? Haven't you done enough to Lucy?" Kevin wanted to find out what he had in mind.

"What makes you think I want to hurt her? As I remember, you're the one that hurt her. I was the one that gave her the ring back, remember? You're the one that ripped her heart out and threw your new little toy down her throat." Ryan smiled again. "Still so protective of her. Running to her rescue, claiming her children to protect them, and look at you now. Almost territorial. Makes me wonder if you really love Eve as much as you claim to. Or if it just bothers you that much that I HAD your woman."

"You lied to her, used her, manipulated her, and now you're trying to kill her children."

"What?! Who in the hell do you think you are? Okay, so I told her a few big ones to get her in the sack. What man hasn't from time to time? I know for a fact that I'm NOT the first man to lie to her to get her clothes off." His eyes met Kevin's, and his voice grew quiet. "But I would never hurt my own children."

"What do you think is going to happen if you keep tormenting her? You say you know all about her. She's had three miscarriages, Ryan did you know that? You are the reason her pregnancy has already been compromised! She's already almost lost them."

Ryan looked uncertain.

"You know she's been admitted to GH twice. Why do you think that is? Because you've been calling her, going to her house," As he spoke, Kevin stepped closer to Ryan. "Keeping her upset and terrified. And stress can bring on a miscarriage. It almost has, and YOU'RE the one causing it! You've done enough to her! I would like to see you suffer for what you've done. But, I swear, Ryan, she loses those babies, and I'll kill you myself!" His whole body was shaking from the building anger in him.

Kevin's rage actually surprised Ryan. "That was good. Didn't know you had it in you. Feels pretty good, doesn't it. All that anger. The intense desire to rip my throat out." He smiled. "And all over Lucy. I bet she doesn't know you feel that way, huh. Maybe I'll call her and tell her."

"You stay the hell away from her!" Rushing Ryan, he grabbed him and bounced him off the wall. Both of them fell to the ground.

Using his legs against the wall, Ryan pushed himself away from Kevin. "Why's that? Because you... what? Care about her? Or is that because you want her for yourself? That's what she wants, you know. For some reason, after everything you've done to her, she still loves you." Standing, Ryan leaned on the bannister and the bottom of the staircase. "Why are women like that, Kevin? After everything you put her through, I could actually be a break for her. At least I admit I have a few... issues. I don't pretend to be the poster child for mental health." Now Ryan's rage started to take control of him. "Why is it? When she thought I was you, she adored me, she told me how much she loved me."

Kevin stood, waiting for the Ryan to lose control.

Ryan saw it, and his voice got quiet again, while he stared at Kevin. "You know what she's like. That look in her eyes when she looked at me. The hundred times she told me she loved me. The look on her face when I put her ring back on her finger. It was really nice, you know. For a few minutes there, I could actually believe she loved me. The things she did to me....." His eyes grew hard again. "Well, let's just say a lot of men pay big bucks for what she did to me because she loved me. But, see, it wasn't me. Every time I even started to forget, you know, get caught up in the role, I'd try to make it really good for her. It was, I'll tell you that. I know that because she screamed YOUR NAME at the top of her lungs."

Kevin stared at Ryan, stunned by what he was saying.

"You want to know what I want? That's what I want. I want the life I should have had. My children with a woman that loves me like that. Maybe a little quieter. Half the time I wondered how in the hell you walked away from that woman. The other half I wondered how you walked away from her without killing her." Ryan stepped towards Kevin, now almost whispering. "She gave up everything she had for you. I even think she'd give her life for you. And you don't have a clue, do you. You're either a real idiot, or you just don't give a damn. Either way, you don't deserve the way she loves you."

With no warning, Ryan punched Kevin, knocking him to the ground. Standing over him, Ryan whispered. "That's for everything you did to her. The only reason I'm not going to kill you is that it would hurt her. And, if you're telling the truth, hurt MY children. And don't think I'm going to let you have them. One way or another, I'm going to have MY children." And he was gone.

It took Kevin a few moments to get to his feet. By the time he reached the driveway, Ryan was gone. In a panic, he checked his watch. Eve was still on duty. Running back to lock the door, he jumped in his car and dialed Mac while he drove. It was late, so he dialed the home number.

"Hello?"

"Mac! It's Kevin. Ryan's finally making his move."

"Ryan contacted you?"

Nodding to the phone, Kevin was almost shouting. "He went to GH! He tricked Eve into telling him about Lucy."

The other end of the phone was silent, and Kevin heard Felicia in the background, saying. "No! He knows, doesn't he."

"Mac! Lucy doesn't know, yet. I'm afraid to tell her. She's had enough complications-"

"It's not good, either way, mate. Either you tell her, and risk the stress factor, or you don't tell her, and risk him showing up at her door." Mac's voice was quiet. "Look, I'll send a car to GH to keep an eye on Eve, but if he's already talked to her, I don't think he'll go back to her. I'll tell the car that's cruising Lucy's to be ready. What do you think he'll do?"

Stopping in traffic at a light, Kevin put his forehead on the steering wheel. "I don't think he'll do anything to Lucy until the babies are born. Now that he knows they're his, he wants them. But he wants them alive, and he knows she's already almost lost them. But I'm beginning to wonder if the twins are all he wants."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he punched me and told me that it was for Lucy. It's like he has these moments of fantasy about a family. I don't know how to explain it. One minute he..... First he asked me how I walked away from the way she loves me, and then he asked me how I walked away without killing her." The light turned green and Kevin hit the gas, passing the cars in front of him and continuing to speak to Mac. "He was back and forth. First it was how wonderful Lucy is, then how she irritated him. He went on and on about what I'd done to her, and that he'd be a break for her. He actually told me I didn't deserve her."

"Sounds like he's really out of control. That's bad."

"I know." They were both thinking the same thing. About when Ryan had a similar fixation on Felicia.

"I don't get it. Lucy doesn't fit his history. Except that she's close to you."

"I know that, too. Maybe..... I think it was how she treated him when she thought he was me." Kevin's voice got quiet. "Believe me, Lucy can make you feel like you can walk on water. You look in her eyes, and you feel like she's looking at your soul. Everything else in the world disappears, and all you can think about is her. The way she gave herself to me, no question, no hesitation, just opening herself up and giving me everything she had inside. I-" A horn honked, and Kevin realized the car was drifting into the next lane.

Mac listened to Kevin, stunned. The voice speaking to him sounded like the voice of a man that was still in love with Lucy.

"He's never had that. He's never had anyone love him like that." Kevin looked around. "Look, I'm at....." When he realized where he was, he shook his head. He'd intended to go to GH, and call Victor, but he hadn't been paying attention, and now he was sitting at the end of Lucy's street. "I'm at Lucy's. Make sure your guys know I'm here. I'm going to tell Luke's friends what's going on, and then I'm going to talk to Victor and Mary. We need to figure out what to do about Lucy. I'll get back to you."

The phone went dead, and Mac actually smiled. Turning to a curious and worried Felicia, he shook his head. "He still loves her, you know that? I don't think he knows it, but I'm telling you, Kevin Collins has a lot more feelings for Lucy Coe than he'll admit."

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Once again, Luke's friends were quick to get to Kevin, but as soon as he showed them his ID, they backed off. After telling them about Ryan, he went to the door. He continued to knock softly on Lucy's door until a bleary-eyed Victor opened it.

"Monk?"

"We need to talk." Brushing past him, Kevin turned on the living room light.

"What happened to your face?"

He'd forgotten all about it. Stepping to the mirror hanging on the wall, he took a look at the bruises Ryan had left on him. "It's not bad. But Ryan's the one that did it."

"Ryan?" Victor tried to keep his voice down. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine, Victor. But we have to tell her. He knows."

"We thought he did."

"No, we thought he suspected. He told me tonight. He caught Eve at the hospital. She thought he was me, and...."

"And he got it out of her." Victor finished for him. "How is Eve?"

"I need to call her. I was just afraid this would be his next stop. But then, I still don't think he will until after she delivers."

Staring at the stairs, Victor shook his head. "I don't know if we should tell her or not. She's already so upset. We don't want her to panic."

"I know that." He took out his cell and dialed Eve's pager. "I also know she can't be left alone here, waiting for him to make a move."

A noise on the stairs caught both men's attention. Lucy was standing at the bottom of the stairs, tears running down her face.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

"Eve!" Chris half jogged down the hallway to get to her. "Planet Earth to Eve!" Reaching her, he stepped in front of her. "Hey! Are you here?"

"Yes. Sort of."

"Do I have to guess what's on your mind? Dr. Stalker, perhaps?"

"Don't call him that!"

Chris feigned hurt. "Why not? You did!"

"Well, that was before I knew him." She remembered how embarrassed she'd been when he been standing right behind her. Wincing at the memory, she shrugged. "You don't understand. I mean, like today. We had lunch, it wasn't great, but it was nice. Then he came here to try to talk to me, and I got really-" Her pager vibrated against her hip. "That's me." Checking the number, she went to the phone without a word to Chris.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

"Lucy! We didn't hear you."

"Obviously, since you were discussing not telling me that MY children are in danger." Slowly, she approached them. "You're sure Ryan knows the truth? There's no chance he could still-"

"He knows he could be the father. Right now, he's not entirely convinced that I'm not a candidate. And, since requesting a paternity test is out of the question, given the current circumstances...." Kevin stopped.

"He's just going on the assumption that he's the father, right?" The color had drained from her face and she was starting to shake. "I will kill him myself before I let him anywhere near my babies." She stared at both men, and her voice was quiet.

Going to her, Kevin took her arms. "He's not going to get near you. I'm going to do everything I can, and you've got guys out there. Big guys, with no sense of humor. A squad car from the PCPD. He can't get anywhere near you." Gently, he led her to the sofa. Sitting with her, he pulled her into his arms. "I'm the reason he did this to you."

"Kevin, don't. You're not responsible for every evil move Ryan makes." She took a deep breath. "Or every stupid one I make." Before he could interrupt her, she shook her head. "It's done. What we need to do right now, is deal with it. Ryan's out there, and now he wants them." Still crying, she put her hands over the babies.

Putting his hands over hers, Kevin squeezed them gently. "He's not going to get them." His eyes met hers, and he became aware that her face was only a few inches from his. Just as the thought of kissing her began to overwhelm him, his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"You beeped?" Eve's voice was cheerful.

"I take it you haven't seen Mac's men, yet?"

"No. I mean, other than the one that's been periodically checking on me since this whole thing started. I.... Kevin, what's happened."

"I need you to not panic. But I need you to tell me exactly what you said to me this afternoon at the hospital."

"What do you mean what I said? Kevin you......"

Chris saw the blood drain from Eve's face. "Eve? What's wrong?" Taking her phone, Chris yelled into it. "What the hell did you say to her, Collins?"

"Chris?" Kevin sighed. "It wasn't me at the hospital. It was my brother."

"Your brother? The one that's dead?"

"That's the one. It's a long story, but the most important part is that Eve could be in danger."

"Not as long as I'm around."

"Good. But you need to get a good picture of what you're dealing with, Chris. He's a killer. I don't think we'll ever know how many people he's killed. Don't try to deal with him alone, I'm telling you, Chris. This has nothing to do with you, or what I think of you. This has to do with the fact that Ryan is deadly. PCPD is on the way, and they're going to watch her."

Reaching out to take Eve's hand, Chris shook his head. "If she's in that much danger, where the hell are you?"

"I.... I'm at Lucy's. Tell Eve to explain everything to you. I honestly believe this is where he'll eventually end up, but I don't want to risk Eve's life on a hunch."

"You know what, Collins? You go take care of your girlfriend and your babies. I'll take care of Eve."

The line went dead in Kevin's hand. "Eve's with Chris. And he knows what's going on. Eve will tell him the rest of it."

"How is she?" Lucy's voice was quiet.

"Fine. He didn't do anything to her except get the information he wanted."

Suddenly, Lucy felt uncomfortable this close to him. Pulling away, she stood. "I want to do something, but I'm not sure what. I mean, this sitting around, waiting for him to make his move will drive me crazy, but I know there isn't much else I can do."

Standing, Kevin followed her around the room. "It's not 'I', Lucy. You're not alone in this. I told you I would take care of them, and I will."

Lucy stared at Kevin for a moment, wanting desperately to go to him and have him hold her. But it wasn't real. Pretending it was would only hurt more in the end. Trying to ignore the feelings inside her, she walked to Victor.

As Victor pulled her into his arms, he looked at Kevin over her shoulder. Kevin turned and looked out the window, but not quickly enough. The look on his face almost broke Victor's heart, and he wondered how two people that loved each other so much could get so far apart.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

"You're kidding, right? This can't be real." Chris was shaking his head.

"It's real, alright. Kevin never cheated on me. Ryan went after Lucy to get to him."

"So, now that Ryan knows, what happens?"

"He'll probably wait until Lucy delivers, then try to kill her to get them. At least that's what Kevin always thought. That's why he was going to put his name on the birth certificate. Maybe now that Ryan knows, he'll let go of this, and be the uncle."

"You sound like that's more wishful thinking than fact."

Eve sighed. "I don't know, Chris. I mean, I do think this started out to be about Kevin feeling guilty, and about protecting the twins. Now, I don't know what he's going to do."

"You're afraid he's going to want to play Daddy now, regardless of what Ryan does or doesn't know, right?"

The look on Eve's face told Chris everything he needed to know. "Do you think Kevin would leave you for Lucy?"

"I know she wants him to. At first, she didn't even want to see him, but she's had so many complications, he feels like he has to help."

Chris shook his head. "I know you don't want to hear this, but you gotta feel for Lucy. I mean, I know she's done a lot of lousy stuff to you, but what he did to her, man, nobody deserves that. I mean, it's never been a secret that Kevin ended the relationship, and that Lucy still loved him. And for Ryan to use her like that....."

"I know, Chris. I really do. And I'm sorry it happened to her. But that doesn't mean that Kevin wants to go back to her, or that he and I don't love each other."

"But right now, it's Lucy he's protecting." It wasn't that Chris wanted to hurt Eve. He just wanted her to take a good look at what was going on. "And if he still wants to be the Daddy, what will that do to the two of you?"

Tears came to Eve's eyes, and she shrugged. "I'm afraid it will end us, Chris. I'm not prepared to take a back seat to Lucy. I was ready to help Kevin protect the babies, but if Ryan knows the truth, there's no reason anymore. So, if he still intends to go through with this....."

"You'll know exactly where you stand." The hurt flashed across her face, and Chris sighed. "I'm sorry, but someone needs to be the voice of reason, here. You can't pretend to not know there will always be some connection between them. Twins or not. So, now he's tied to her forever, whether he claims to be the father, or just plays Uncle Kevin. You know if they don't have a father, Kevin's going to be the doting uncle. He couldn't walk away from his fatherless nephews or nieces."

"I'm not asking him, to, Chris! Family is very important to him. I would never tell him he can't see them. I just hate the fact that Lucy Coe is part of the deal."

"Then walk."

"What?!"

"Eve, Lucy is part of the deal. You know that. If it's going to be like this for you for the rest of your life, it's time to cut your losses." Chris took her hands and looked into her eyes. "You don't deserve to be with someone with this kind of baggage. The kids are going to come before you or Lucy, and you'll always wonder if Lucy comes before you. So, at best, you spend the rest of your life 3rd or 4th in the food chain for Kevin's affection. And you deserve better."

Eve couldn't answer. She knew Chris was right, and if she were thinking with her head, she would run back to the lighthouse, pack her things, and get out. The problem was that her heart was in charge at the moment. And her heart refused to give up on Kevin.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Kevin waited at the door for Lucy, resisting the urge to remind her again that they were going to be late for her appointment if she didn't get in the car. Eve had actually gone right to bed the night before to avoid talking to him. Unsure of what he could say to her, he had left the lighthouse almost an hour early to avoid the tension between them. Lucy was taking a shower when he arrived, and he'd spent an hour waiting for her.

Finally, Lucy came downstairs and stared at him.

''What?''

''I'm waiting.'' She crossed her arms.

''For?''

''For 'come on, Lucy, we're going to be late', or the foot tapping, the glaring at your watch, then back at me.''

Her eyes told him she was kidding, so he played along. Tapping his foot on the ground loudly, he glared at his watch. ''Come on, Lucy, we're going to be late.''

Walking past him out the door, she smiled. ''Made you feel better, huh.''

They were almost halfway to the hospital before Kevin finally broke the silence. ''I know something's going around in your head. You're too quiet. I wish you'd tell me.''

''Other than the obvious, you mean.''

He looked at her.

Sighing, she looked out the window. ''Dr. Newman told me that the sonogram today should be able to tell the sex of the babies.''

''Is that a problem?''

''I don't know. Part of me thinks it would be great to be surprised when they're born, but a bigger part of me knows I'm to impatient to wait.'' She smiled. ''It's not a bad thing, I'm just thinking about it.''

''For what it's worth, I'd like to know.'' For a second, he turned to her and stared into her eyes.

After thinking for a moment, Lucy smiled. ''Then I guess we'll find out today.''

''Only if you're sure-''

''Kevin, that's the first time you've offered any opinion on anything concerning them. You actually told me what you were thinking. And if you feel strongly enough to actually share this information with me, I'm okay with it.'' Laughing, she leaned back and shifted her body.

''You okay?''

''Yeah, it's just the sitting still. I can't.'' Wincing, she moved the seat to a more reclined position. ''My back hurts. And there isn't a comfortable position.''

At his concerned stare, she shook her head. ''It's perfectly normal. I'm fine. They're just moving, and it puts pressure on my spine. We're almost there. I'll be fine.''

He thought about what she'd said. It had been the first time he'd voiced any opinion about the twins. They hadn't even discussed names, really. Lucy had mentioned a few, but he hadn't even told her what he thought of them. He was going to have to take a long look at what he really wanted from her.

When he parked the car, Lucy started to stand up and sighed.

''What?''

''My leg fell asleep. Normal, but a total pain.'' Pulling herself to her feet, she leaned on the door and stomped her foot.

Coming around to her side, he watched her with a grin on his face.

''Stop laughing at me!'' Laughing herself, she grabbed his arm. ''Tingles! Kevin! Stop laughing at me!'' Now she was laughing as hard as he was. ''I will get you for this, Doc.''

She smacked at his arm. When he saw her hand coming, he jumped out of her reach. All he succeeded in doing was almost letting her fall. Catching her, he took her wrists gently. ''What did I do?'' He was still laughing.

''You're having WAY too much fun at my expense!'' Dragging him with her, she limped to the doors.

They were still hanging on to each other when the entered the hospital. The sound of their laughter carried down the hall and people turned to see who was having so much fun. A few of them shook their heads. Eve was not going to like this.

In the elevator, Lucy finally let go of him and grabbed the rail. ''It's better now. At least I can stand on it.'' She was out of breath from laughing so hard while she tried to walk.

Kevin released her arm, but didn't step away from her. The smell of her distracted him. Her perfume, her shampoo, her. The sudden familiarity of it took his breath away.

The look on his face puzzled her. ''What?''

''Nothing.'' Shaking his head, he finally stepped away from her. Mentally, he asked himself why he couldn't think straight when he was close to her.

When they reached Dr. Newman's office, it wasn't long before Lucy was ready for the sonogram.

''So, are you sure you want to know the sex?'' Dr. Newman looked at both of them.

Meeting Kevin's eyes for a moment, Lucy nodded. ''Yes.'' Before she could stop herself, she reached out and took his hand.

Her hand in his felt warm and comfortable. Squeezing it gently, he leaned closer to her and looked at her. When her eyes met his again, his heart felt like it had skipped a beat. Before he could react, they heard the soft sound of the babies heartbeats.

''We're there.'' Dr. Newman's voice made them tear their eyes away from each other and look at the monitor.

''It looks like you're going to have two little girls, Lucy.'' Dr. Newman smiled at them. After a few more minutes she smiled. ''Everything looks perfect. They're starting to turn. That's why you've been so uncomfortable. Let me go get this copied for both of you.'' Taking the tape out of the machine, she left the room.

Tears came to Lucy's eyes, and she looked at Kevin to find that he was just as amazed.

''Little girls, Lucy. We're going to have two little girls.''

His voice was low, and gentle, but the impact they had on Lucy was deeper than if he'd shouted them. With her throat tightening, she could barely talk, so she whispered. ''We?''

When he looked at her, their eyes locked, and their faces were inches apart. ''We are going to have two little girls.'' Before he stopped to think, he leaned to her and kissed her. At first, Lucy reached for him to push him away. But, in the end, her heart won, and she pulled him closer to her, deepening their kiss. His lips on hers sent shivers up her spine, and she clenched her hand in his hair.

Taking her other hand in his, Kevin felt her responding to him, and he took her mouth with his own. The sudden intensity between them shocked them both, and just as Kevin pulled away to look at her, the door opened.

Dr. Newman entered the room, not quite sure what she'd interrupted. Kevin stood beside the bed and stared at the monitor. Lucy's eyes were closed, and she was breathing deeply, as if trying to relax.

Avoiding eye contact, Kevin and Lucy barely heard the rest of what Dr. Newman had to say. As soon as Lucy was ready, they left the office. Both of them felt the tension, and they avoided eye contact. While they waited for the elevator, they heard Eve's voice calling Kevin. Not looking at Lucy, he told her he'd be right back and went to talk to Eve.

When the elevator opened, Lucy stepped inside. With one more look at Kevin's back, she pushed the button to the 5th floor. Mary should be on duty.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

''Hi.'' Kevin stood a few feet from Eve, suddenly feeling guilty.

''Haven't seen you since last night. I guess I should have known you were busy.''

''Eve.'' Sighing, Kevin reached for her hand. ''Lucy had an early appointment this morning.''

''I know. And do you want to know how I know? Because the first thing I heard after my coffee was that the two of you came in here holding hands and laughing.'' Eve watched his reaction. She'd hoped the gossip had been exaggerated. But the way Kevin's eyes avoided hers, she knew it was the truth. ''I'm busy right now, so we'll have to talk about this later.''

He nodded. ''Let me take her home. I'll come back and we can go to lunch?''

''I probably won't have that much time. How about tonight?''

''Okay. Dinner?''

Eve was torn between telling him she had plans and telling him how much she loved him. So she simply nodded.

Without getting any closer to her, Kevin turned and walked to the elevator. Riding down, he kept thinking about the way he'd felt when he'd kissed Lucy. The way her hand felt in his. The way her eyes had stared into his. When he reached the lobby, he found himself almost afraid to face her. If he saw her, he wasn't sure he could convince himself that it had only been a moment of intense emotion, and nothing more.

When he reached the lobby, he searched for her. Not seeing her, he went to the car, thinking she had gone outside to wait for him.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

''I don't understand him. I feel like he's trying to confuse me. I mean, I know he's not, but that's how it feels. He tells me how much he loves Eve, then he kisses me like that? He's been telling me he wants to be the father. Then when I take him away from Eve, she's upset, so he takes it out on me. But if I don't take him away from her, and leave him to his own life, he's angry because he's left out and he takes it out on me. I feel like no matter what goes wrong, it's my fault. And I resent that he can make me feel that way. I hate the fact that he can still hurt me like that. If he doesn't love me, fine. I'll deal with it. But if he's going to keep doing this to me, I can't, you know? Part of me feels like telling him how much I still love him, and that I want to be with him. I want the four of us to be a real family.'' Lucy stared at Mary and wiped her face. ''And the rest of me wants to tell him I don't need his torture and to go to hell.''

Mary waited to be sure she was done. The second she'd seen Lucy, she'd known something was wrong. The last five minutes had been a running dialogue of the entire morning, up until Kevin kissing her after the sonogram. ''Lucy, you're right. You don't deserve this. And to be honest with you, I wish I had the answer. But, honey, I don't.'' Sitting next to her, she took Lucy's hand. ''Whatever is going on in Kevin's head, I'm not convinced he's sure right now. And it's not fair to you. I know you love him, and I think he knows it, too.''

''So what do I do? I want to be with him-''

''But not like this! Not while he's running back and forth between you and Eve.''

Shaking her head, Lucy started to answer.

''I know you don't see it that way. He probably doesn't, either. But are you going to deny that kiss changed everything?''

Tears came to Lucy's eyes again, and she sighed. ''I know it did. I guess I'm just hoping it changed for him as much as it did for me.''

Mary was trying to hide from Lucy how angry she was at Kevin. But it wasn't working. ''Victor's going to be here in about 15 minutes. What say you tell Kevin to take a flying leap, at least for this afternoon, and you have lunch with us?''

Nodding, Lucy started to stand. ''I have to go find him and tell him. If he's managed to tear himself away from Eve, he's probably looking for me.''

''You stay right here. I will tell Kevin that you have plans.''

The tone of Mary's voice scared Lucy. ''What else are you going to tell him?''

''You don't worry about it. I won't get you in trouble.'' She smiled sweetly, but it didn't fool Lucy for a moment.

''Mary,.....''

''Relax, honey. The whole point of this was to relieve your stress level. As soon as Victor gets here, we can leave.'' And she was gone, leaving Lucy to try to decide if she felt sorry for Kevin, or felt he was about to get exactly what he deserved from Mary.

Mary found Kevin back on Dr. Newman's floor, having headed back up after not finding Lucy in the lobby or the parking lot. ''Kevin, just the man I was looking for.''

''Mary, have you seen Lucy?''

''Yes. She's going to lunch with Victor and me. I just wanted to tell you that she has a ride home.'' Mary turned to walk away.

''Where is she?''

''You don't have to worry about her today. Victor and I will take good care of her.''

''I'd like to talk to her.'' Kevin wasn't entirely sure that was true. He wasn't sure what he was going to say to her.

''Kevin, to be honest with you, you've said enough to her today.''

''What do you...she's been talking to you.'' Kevin knew exactly what Mary was talking about. ''Mary, I would really like to talk to her. Where is she?''

''She's fine. And you don't have to worry about her the rest of the day. We'll make sure she eats and we'll take her home. You just go on about whatever you need to do today.''

Beginning to get angry, Kevin glared at Mary. ''I don't appreciate being spoken to like a child.''

It was the wrong thing to say to Mary. ''Well, Kevin, you stop acting like a child, I will stop treating you like one.''

Kevin's eyes flashed. ''Would you care to explain that comment?''

His temper didn't faze Mary in the least. ''Would you care to explain your actions this afternoon?''

''I think that's between Lucy and me. I'm not sure why she told you.''

''No, it's between Lucy, you, and Eve. That's exactly what I mean. You live with Eve, supposedly an adult relationship, then you show up at Lucy's door to play the family man, which is wonderful, I'm not telling you that helping those babies is wrong. But when you decide to stop being a friend to her and start acting like a hormonal teenager, all you do is confuse her and hurt her. You don't seem to know what you're doing to her. My question is, do you care?'' She'd kept her voice low, but Kevin could see how angry she was.

At first, his eyes flashed at her, but, after a moment, he sighed and looked away. ''Mary, I do care what's it's doing to her. I don't mean to hurt her.''

''You're just as confused, aren't you.''

His eyes, no longer angry, met hers and he sighed again.

''Kevin, I know this is a tricky situation, but you need to decide what you want. I don't know Eve that well, but I think she genuinely cares about you. I do know Lucy, and I know she loves you. The question is, what do you want?''

Kevin's first instinct was to tell Mary it was none of her business. Then he remembered how close she'd become to Lucy, and he realized that it was only how much Mary cared about Lucy that was making her attack him. And he couldn't be angry with Mary for caring about her. On more than one level, he deserved it. At least someone was looking out for Lucy. He sighed again. ''To be honest with you, I'm not sure. I thought I was past all this with Lucy. Eve and I have been planning our future together.''

''And then you're with Lucy....'' Mary knew where this was going.

''And I can't.... I can't explain it.''

''Let me take a guess. Your heart pounds, you can't think straight, and all of a sudden you're questioning the reasons you walked away from her?''

''No. I mean, I'm not questioning the reasons I walked away from her. She lied to me, and I can't trust her. I never questioned the fact that I loved her.''

Suddenly, Mary saw how much pain Kevin was in, and she shook her head. ''How did the two of you get here?''

''If I knew that, we probably wouldn't be here.'' Kevin smiled. ''We've both made a lot of mistakes along the way. We've done a lot of damage to each other.''

''Do you blame her for all of it?''

''No. I mean, I did for a long time. But not anymore.''

''Well, it seems to me that if every thing she says could be a lie, and you have to question whether to believe her or not every day, that-''

''It's not like that. I don't question everything she says. I just can't forget the fact that when things get bad, she could lie to me again.''

''Just like she has to remember that if things get bad, you could walk away again?'' Mary stared at him, waiting for his response.

At first he didn't answer her. His first thought was to defend himself, but, once again, he realized where she was coming from. ''Point taken. We're both walking a line, here, and-''

''That's just it, Kevin! There is no line. At least not for Lucy. It's not a line, it's a fence. You have Eve on one side, and Lucy on the other. And you keep jumping back and forth. I see what it's doing to Lucy, and I suspect it's having the same effect on Eve. You need to pick a side, and stay on it.''

Eve had been surprised to see Kevin still there. As she headed towards him, neither Mary nor Kevin saw her approaching.

Mary continued. ''I'm telling you, Kevin, I know I have no right to get in the middle of this, but I call them as I see them. If you want to stay with Eve, fine. Be honest with Lucy, tell her where she stands, and for Heaven's sake, stop kissing her!''

Her voice was low, but Eve was close enough to hear her. ''Kissing her?''

Both of them turned to her. Kevin stepped towards her. ''Eve...''

Shaking her head, Eve stepped back. ''No, Kevin. I don't want to hear it. I can't believe this. Just leave me alone.'' She turned and walked away.

Kevin turned to Mary, who sighed. ''Oh, Kevin, I'm sorry. I didn't know she was there.'' As angry as he obviously was, to her credit, Mary didn't back down. ''I've overstepped my boundaries here, I know it. Lucy has allowed her life to be my business, but that doesn't include your life. And I know that was a horrible way for Eve to hear this. I can't stop-''

''Mary, it's okay. I'm not going to say I'm happy about this. But I do know where you're coming from. You obviously really care about Lucy. And that's good. Lucy has never had many people really care about her. That's a big part of her problem. I know how much you and Victor care about her and what it means to her. It means a lot to me, too.''

''Victor and I care about both of you.''

''I know. I also know that, although Ryan created this whole mess, I've made it a complete disaster.'' He sighed. ''I wish I knew what to do about it. Right now, I have to find Eve and talk to her. I mean, be straight with her. Tell Lucy that I do want to talk to her later.'' With that, he started down the hallway after Eve.

It took Kevin almost 20 minutes to find Eve. She and Chris were in the On Call Room, sitting at the table. The moment Kevin saw her, he knew she'd been crying.

Chris stood, staring at Kevin.

''I need to talk to Eve.''

''You going to give her some excuse for kissing Lucy?'' Stepping in front of Eve, Chris glared at him.

''Why is it that everyone talks to everyone else about me, but no one talks TO me? Why is that, Eve? Why is Chris discussing our relationship?''

Nudging Chris out of the way, Eve stood. ''Maybe I'm tired of talking to you, Kevin. Maybe I'm tired of you telling me that I mean so much to you, then watching you act like a jealous lover every time Lucy's plans DON'T include you.'' Crossing the room, she stopped in front of him. ''You know, I thought Lucy would be a whiny, controlling, bitch through all this. I thought she would be picking up the phone every five minutes, begging you to come help her. She hasn't. It looked like she'd really gotten over you. You said that was what you wanted. So what happens? She doesn't pay enough attention to you, and you can't deal with it? I don't get it, Kevin. Why don't you explain it to me! Did she blow you off completely? Did she tell you now that Ryan knows she doesn't need you to be a Daddy? Is that why you kissed her? Are you willing to throw away what we have to come out on top of Ryan where she's concerned?''

''Ryan has nothing to do with this!'' Kevin finally, for the first time, really shouted at Eve. ''You don't know anything about me and Ryan. I've told you some, but you can't have any idea what really happened between us.''

''But Lucy does, right? I've heard so many times how she was there for you, how she pulled you through it. How she helped you deal with Ryan, and your mother, and-''

''Don't cross that line, Eve.'' Realization showed on his face. ''How much of that does Chris know? How many of the things I told you because I trusted you and loved you have you shared with Chris?'' Shaking his head, Kevin began to pace. ''I don't know what's worse, you know? Lucy lied to me, but she never said a word to anyone about anything I ever told her in confidence. You've always told me the truth, but you've also told everyone the truth about me.''

''That's not fair, Kevin. I haven't told Chris everything! I'm just tired of hearing how St. Lucy stood by you and saved you when everyone else deserted you! And how you owe her now, not just because of what she did for you, but now you owe her the rest of your life because of Ryan. At first it made sense, but now it looks to me like it was an excuse! An excuse to get close to her again. Ryan knows, Kevin. I didn't mean to be the one to tell him, and I'm sorry. But he knows! It's over. But it's not. Not where you're concerned. You have to win. You have to have the babies, and now maybe even Lucy. Is it worth it to you to lose me to beat Ryan?''

''THIS IS NOT ABOUT BEATING RYAN!''

Eve actually backed away from him. She'd never seen him this angry, and he was beginning to scare her.

''That's enough, Collins!'' Chris pulled Eve away from him. ''Whatever mess you've decided to make of your life, it's not Eve's fault!''

Seeing that he was really scaring Eve, Kevin took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. ''This is none of your business, Chris. This is something Eve and I need to work out.''

Shaking her head, Eve took Chris's hand and looked at Kevin. ''I don't think we can work this out, Kevin.'' She tried to fight it, but she began to cry. ''I can't spend my life wondering where I stand with you. I love you, but not enough to share you with Lucy.''

He started to speak, but she shook her head. ''Whatever it is you feel for her, it's every bit as strong as what you feel for me. And I can't live with it.''

Kevin stared at her and realized what she was saying. ''You're leaving me?''

''I'm going to the lighthouse when my shift is over, and I'll get my things. Kevin, if it was just about us, I think it would work out. But it's not. It's about two babies that need you, and the fact that you can't let go of their mother.''

''Eve...'' Kevin was still trying to process what she was saying.

''Look, even if you decide today that it's me, great. But what happens tomorrow? You may even believe that you'll choose me again, next year. But I'm not sure enough to wait and see. As long as Lucy is in your life, you'll never be over her. And I can't live with it.''

Kevin stepped towards her, but she tightened her grip on Chris's hand and stepped away from him. ''Eve, I don't know what to say.''

''Don't say anything, Kevin. Just say that you're sorry you wasted the last year of her life and walk out the door.'' Chris moved to Eve's side and glared at Kevin.

''Chris, I'm not going to say this again. Stay out of this!''

''Or what? You know, if you'd really been in love with Eve, I wouldn't be in this in the first place. It's not my fault you can't get over your obsession with Lucy Coe. That's what it is, you know. You didn't have her undivided attention, so you had to chase her and make sure you did.''

Eve jerked on Chris's arm. ''Don't.''

Looking at Eve, Kevin shook his head. ''Is that what you think this is? Make up your mind, Eve, is this about Ryan, or Lucy?''

''It doesn't matter, Kevin! Don't you understand that? You connection to Ryan started this, but whatever the effect Lucy has on you is going to keep it going for the rest of your life! I have to get out, Kevin.'' Eve shook her head. ''I have to get back on the floor. I would really prefer it if you weren't at the lighthouse when I go there tonight.''

''And I'll be with her, so don't think you're going to try to make excuses to get her to understand.'' Chris led her out the door, leaving Kevin to stare at the wall, wondering where things had started to go so completely bad.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

When Victor, Mary, and Lucy returned to Lucy's house, they were surprised to see Kevin sitting on the hood of his car in the driveway. The second Lucy looked at him, she knew something was wrong. Not really sure she wanted to hear it, she walked past him and opened the door.

At first, all Kevin did was pace around the living room. Mary, Victor, and Lucy exchanged confused looks and watched him. Finally, noticing how they were all looking at him, he sighed and sat down.

''Okay, Kevin. Spill it. What's happened?'' His eyes met Lucy's for a moment before dropping to the floor. Taking a deep breath, she stared at him. ''You're not coming back, are you.'' She tried to keep her voice even.

Victor and Mary looked at each other, wondering if they should leave them alone. Finally, Lucy nodded at Mary, and she led Victor into the kitchen.

''No! Nothing like that, Lucy. It's just that.....'' He sighed. ''I don't have the right to dump this on you.''

''Doc,'' Lucy sat on the end of the couch and reached for him. ''We're friends, right? What's wrong? If it's me, tell me-''

''It's not you. If you want the truth, it's me. I'm the one that made everything so confusing. I'm the one that couldn't keep my head on straight, and now-''

''Kevin! What is it?!''

Leaning back, Kevin sighed again. ''I'm here because I was not so politely requested to stay away from the lighthouse while Eve packed.''

Lucy was quiet for a second. ''Eve left you?''

''She and Chris are packing her things as we speak.''

Part of Lucy wanted to jump for joy, but she knew how much this was hurting him. ''This is my fault, Kevin. I'm sorry.''

''No. Lucy, none of this is your fault. I did this. I hurt you, I hurt Eve. I made a total mess of everything. I can't blame Eve for not wanting any part of this.''

''Look,'' It was tearing Lucy apart to say this, but she had to tell him. ''If you really love Eve, go to her. Ryan already knows about the babies. We'll find a way to stop him. I'm not shutting you out, so don't accuse me. I'm telling you that you're off the hook. You can be uncle Kevin, and I'm sure you can make Eve understand.''

''That's not what I want, Lucy. For the last 4 months, I've been their father. I've watched them grow, and felt them kick, and I want to be there when they're born. I love them. I don't think Eve will ever understand. Besides, I'm not sure I want her to.''

''What do you mean?''

''I mean that I feel like I should be..... I don't know, more upset that she's leaving? Be wanting to go there and convince her to stay? Lucy that's just it. I don't want her to stay enough to go fight her and Chris to talk to her. What does that say about me?''

Lucy knew exactly what she hoped it meant, but she wasn't about to volunteer the information.

''I've been trying to decide what I was going to do. I thought I loved her, but every time I got anywhere near you, I didn't understand what I was feeling. I've been confused, and I didn't know how to tell either of you. I know it wasn't fair, I hurt both of you. Mary called me a hormonal teenager this afternoon. At first I was completely offended, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized she was right. Lucy, I've spent the last few months playing both sides. Wanting to be the family man and Daddy with you, and pretending to be the happily married man with Eve. It wasn't that simple, but I get the feeling that's about what it boils down to.''

Lucy had listened to every word he said, trying to figure out where he was headed. This was, by far, the most open and honest he'd been with her since the day he'd left her standing at the altar. She had the impression he wanted her to say something, but suddenly she decided she wasn't going to make it easy for him.

''I guess the way I'm feeling right now is how I've felt all along, I just didn't want to admit it.''

Finally, she spoke. ''How are you feeling?''

''I'm.....'' He shook his head. ''I think I'm actually relieved she's leaving. I think she knew what I was thinking, even though I didn't want to admit it.''

''And...?''

''And..... somewhere along the line I stopped thinking of the babies as Ryan's. I started feeling like they were mine. And I started remembering how it felt when you were mine.'' His eyes finally met hers.

Lucy's heart began to pound in her chest. But she willed herself to appear calm and didn't answer him.

''I've been going through the motions with Eve. And you. The only thing that felt real to me was the way I feel about them.'' He nodded towards her and stared at the babies inside her.

''And now?''

''And now, I'm realizing that it's not just them. It's you. Us. Being a family, the family we both wanted so desperately.'' Standing, he paced around the living room again. ''What does it say about me that it took Ryan to make me realize what I've been doing?''

Lucy watched him intently.

Sitting next to her, he put his hand on the babies and stared at her. ''I kept telling myself that we were over. That we couldn't go back. Trying to convince myself, maybe. I don't know. But being here, with you, getting ready for the babies, has pretty much convinced everyone else what's going on. It just took me longer to figure it out.''

Leaning towards him, Lucy kissed him. She couldn't help herself. Reaching up, Kevin touched her face and inched towards her. For a few minutes, Lucy found herself lost in his touch, wanting him to hold her and tell her he wanted to be with her. But it wasn't right. Pushing gently on his chest, she pulled away from him, tears running down her face. ''Kevin, this isn't right.''

''Lucy-''

''Listen to me. You may have been feeling this way, but you didn't make up your mind. Eve did it for you. I love you, I always have. As far as I'm concerned, you are the father of my children. But I'm not the consolation prize. I won't take you by default. Eve's tired of it, tired of waiting for you to decide what you wanted. I wanted you to CHOOSE be with me, not have Eve tell you that's what you wanted.''

''That's not what this is about. Eve left because she knows I can't get over you. That this isn't about the babies. It's about you.''

''Now it is! I wish, for one minute, you would really consider, not think about, but really understand what you've been doing to me! Getting closer, running away. Back and forth. Tearing me apart, time after time! I know you think this is what you want, and maybe it is. But not right now. I love you, and I know this is what I want, but I've known for a long time. I can't open myself up to this right now. I want to know where YOU'RE coming from NOT EVE.''

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Eve took the last bag out to the car and stood in the doorway.

''You going to be okay, Eve.'' Chris's voice was soft.

''I know. I guess that's a big part of it, too. I mean, it hurts, it really hurts. But I'm glad he isn't here. I just don't want to deal with any of this anymore.'' Eve sighed.

Knowing it was the last thing she wanted to hear, but that she needed to, Chris put his hands on her shoulders. ''This should be all you need to figure this out. He doesn't care enough to try to stop you, and you're glad. Come on. He might be a dog, but I do think if he finds anything we missed, he'll send it to you.''

The last thing Eve did was put the key to the door on the dining room table. That was it, and the finality of it hit her.

Standing in the doorway, Chris watched her cry. He was glad she'd finally come to her senses concerning Collins, but it made him furious that she was in so much pain.

Barely able to take a last look around, Eve turned to Chris. ''Get me out of here.''

In two steps, Chris reached her and took her hand. ''Come on.'' Leading her outside, they were next to his car before she pulled away.

''I still can't believe my life has become this, Chris. I love him. How did I get here? What is it about me that I keep ending up with these men that hurt me so much?''

''Eve,'' She didn't look at him. Gently, he pulled her chin to face him. ''I don't like him. Never did. But I really don't think he had it in him to plan this. I really think he wanted to be over Lucy. Every bit as much as you wanted to be over Scott.''

''I know he didn't plan this. But I also know it happened. He'll never get over her. I should have known that the day he left her. Even after she lied to him, after he caught her in bed with Scott, after she broke his heart, he couldn't stop caring about her.'' She shook her head. ''He couldn't stop loving her. Chris, I would love to blame her for all of this. I would like to say that she chased him, that she used her babies to get him back.''

''Did she?'' Knowing the answer, he stared at her.

''No. For a few months, she didn't want to see him, she didn't want to talk to him, she wanted nothing to do with him. And it made him crazy. He kept asking Victor about her, kept trying to get her to talk to him.'' She shook her head and wiped her eyes. ''That should have told me everything, right?''

''Eve, sometimes people are just connected. No matter how hard they try not to be. They just keep ending up in each other's lives.''

Eve glared at him.

''This is not one of Lucy's wacko psychic ideas. I'm not talking about souls, or karma, or any of that stuff. I'm talking about two people who care about each other no matter what. They try to get away from each other, they act like they don't care about each other, they may not even see each other for months on end. Hell, they may even be with other people. But in the end, they always end up together.'' His eyes met hers as he spoke, wondering if she understood what he was really saying.

She did. ''Together drinking martinis?''

Her smile almost made Chris's heart melt. ''You got it, kid.'' Kissing her forehead softly, he reached for the door to open it for her. ''Come on. It's always happy hour at my house.''

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

''This is where I'm coming from, Lucy. I'm sitting here, admitting how I feel about you. Admitting how I feel about them.''

''What changed, Kevin? You're suddenly not confused anymore? Now that you don't have Eve run home to, I look good?''

He stared at her. ''You know me better than that, Lucy.''

''Do I?'' After a short struggle, and a little help from him, she stood. ''I thought I did. You showed me I didn't know you as well as I thought. Can you understand where I'm coming from?''

''Yes.'' He moved to stand in front of her. ''I do understand. But you know this is not about Eve. She left because I love you. She knew it. She's known that this wasn't just about the twins.''

''That's it!'' She backed away from him, her anger getting out of control. ''Everyone thought I would use my babies to get to you. No one, including me, for that matter, ever even considered the fact that YOU would use them to get to ME!'' Before he could reply, she began to scream. ''I told you that as far as I'm concerned, YOU are their father! That I was part of the deal. But I'll be damned it that meant that I WAS the deal! Go home, Kevin! I'm not saying I don't love you, or that I don't want you, but not like this. Not because you can't stand to go home to an empty house. I couldn't stand it, I hate to be alone, and you know it. But when YOU didn't want me, you didn't care that I was all by myself. Now that you're all by yourself, you want me back? I don't think so, Doc.'' She poked his chest. ''You go home to an empty house, you stare at the walls, you wonder what you could have done to change things!'' With that, she turned and went upstairs.

Having heard her screaming, Victor and Mary came out of the kitchen. Instantly, Mary glared at him. ''What did you do to her now?''

Kevin shrugged. ''I told her I loved her.''

Confused, Mary ran up the stairs after Lucy.

''Monk, what else did you say to her. I hardly think you telling her you feel the same way she does would invoke this kind of response.''

''Victor, how do I single handedly manage to screw up so badly?'' Sighing, Kevin sat down. ''Eve left me. Because I still love Lucy.''

''Let me get this straight. You told Lucy that Eve left you, and you want to be with her?''

''Eve left me BECAUSE I want to be with her.''

''That still wasn't the best way to say it to her, Monk. As much as she loves you, did you think she would be grateful to feel like second best?''

''She's not!'' Kevin stared at Victor. ''I always do or say the wrong thing to her, don't I.''

Sitting next to him, Victor shook his head. ''You know how she feels. You also know that she's pregnant. I'm not saying she's wrong in the way she reacted tonight. But an already high strung, emotional Lucy is twice as bad right now. And as sensitive as she is to anything you say or do, did you stop to think there was a better way to tell her this?''

Kevin stood. ''You're right. She's right. I need to get out of here. Tell her I went home to the empty house.'' With that, he left.

Kevin sat in his car in her driveway for a few minutes, thinking about everything he'd said and done to her since the day he'd found out she was pregnant. How many times he'd told her that he wanted to be involved, only to turn around and tell her how much he loved Eve. Why should she believe him now?

Here I am, playing with those memories again
And just when I thought time had set me free
Those thoughts of you keep taunting me

Holding you, A feeling I never outgrew
Though each and every part of me has tried
Only you can fill that space inside

Just when I thought I was over you.
And just when I thought I could stand on my own
Oh baby those memories come crashing through
And I just can't go on without you

Lucy lay on her bed, facing the wall away from Mary, crying. As much as she'd dreamt of Kevin saying exactly what he's said to her tonight, a part of her was too afraid to take the chance on him again. Part of her wondered if he would have said those things if Eve hadn't decided she'd had enough.

On my own I've tried to make the best of it alone
I've done everything I can to ease the pain
But only you can stop the rain

I just can't live without you
I miss everything about you

Finally driving home, Kevin thought about everything that had happened today. When he'd kissed her, it had brought back everything that he knew he's always felt inside. He knew, now, that he belonged with her, but how was he going to convince her that Eve had nothing to do with it?

Just when I thought I was over you
Just when I thought I could stand on my own
Oh baby those memories come crashing through
And I just can't go on without you

Song credit: Here I Am by Air Supply