A/N: A HUGE welcome back to my dear darling Nat. LOL! I love you sweetie – you are the absolute cutest!!!! In answer to your question/request - perhaps the Donovan boys will show up at Lia and Lynnie's wedding. We shall see. ;) Until 10! xox-G
Chapter Nine
Rafe came in the back door, hanging his head a bit. Alison turned toward the sound and smiled.
"I didn't expect you home." She said as she moved back to the batter she was stirring.
Rafe put a bag down on the counter and wound his arm around her waist. "Smells delicious." He said as he nuzzled her neck.
"It's apple cinnamon cake." She replied as she set the bowl and spoon aside.
"I meant you." He said with a chuckle, spinning her around to face him and kissing her slowly.
"Mmmmm." She moaned softly, her eyes still closed. "To what do I owe this wonderful surprise? I didn't expect you home for hours."
"I'm trying to bribe Becky." He said as he moved to kiss her again. "I bought her some candy."
Alison laughed loudly as he pulled away. "You'll have to try later. She won't be home until dinner."
"Really?" He whispered as his mouth grazed her cheek. "I guess I'll have to wait then." Rafe listened to the silence around them and wondered aloud. "Where's my Ella?"
"Cam and Abby took her to the movies." She replied, her hands moving up to run through his hair. She tugged at it gently and made him kiss her again.
It took him a minute to realize it. "Are you saying we're alone?" He asked with a devilish grin.
As her hands moved to toy with the buttons on his shirt she looked up at him and grinned back. "Yeah. I guess I am."
Giving her a look he eased down onto his knees and dragged her down to meet him. Her eyes flew wide as she laughed at him. "Rafe Kovich. We are not going to do this here!"
"Why not?" He ignored her protests and untied the stings of her apron quickly, gently lowering her onto her back. "I missed you." He whispered against her throat. His lips kissed a path up to her ear and he began to nibble. "I've been trying to get you all to myself all week."
"Rafe!" She giggled as his hands tickled her, pulling her shirt up and over her head and tossing it aside. His eyes roamed over her appreciatively before he stole her breath again. She sighed as she said between sweet, soft kisses. "Oh God. I missed you too."
Her own hands clawed at the buttons of Rafe's shirt, satisfied only when she finally felt his skin touching hers. She wound her arms around his neck and pressed herself closer to him - knowing that though all she could feel was him she was still not close enough.
Her breath was ragged as she felt his hands moving over her, the sensation of the cold floor against her back making her shiver.
His hands were moving to ease the straps of her bra down off her shoulders when he felt her tense up underneath him. "Rafe." She gasped. "I think I heard a car drive up."
"What?" He whispered, trying to capture her mouth again.
She shoved him frantically and moved to sit up. "Oh my God. It was! Rafe – someone just slammed a car door. Someone's here." Mortified, she reached for her shirt and tugged it back on quickly.
"What?" He said, still confused and fighting to catch his breath.
Suddenly, they both heard the front door open. "Mom?" Grant called out.
"OH MY GOD – Rafe!" She hissed at him. She threw his shirt at him and pushed him away. "We can't let him find us like this. Quick. Go hide!"
"Hide? What? Are you kidding me? Where do you want me to go?" He whispered back.
"The pantry. Go quick!" She said as she watched him crawl away. She sighed with relief as she saw the door close. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her hair quickly and began to stir the cake batter again.
"Hey." Grant said with a grin as he walked into the kitchen. "I forgot my wallet. I just came by to..." He trailed off and stopped in his tracks. Behind the counter, his mother looked – well – sort of - odd. Her hair was in disarray and her cheeks were flushed. "Mom? Are you alright?"
"What?" She asked, not quite meeting his eyes. "I'm fine sweetie."
Grant doubted it. He narrowed his eyes at her, noticing something else out of the ordinary. He couldn't believe it. She usually looked so put together but today? Her shirt was on inside out.
He took a step towards her and nearly tripped on something in the middle of the floor. He looked down and finally put two and two together. It was his father's shoe. Realization washed over him. Apparently he'd just interrupted....something.
Grant's mind spun. He didn't know whether to be horrified or impressed. Chuckling softly, he decided the best thing would be to just make a hasty exit. "Well. You look like you're...busy." He said with a grin. "And I have to get back to work."
Alison forced a smile and sighed with relief. That was a close call. "OK honey."
"Bye Mom." Grant said with a smile as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and made his way towards the back door. "See you later Dad." He called out, with a laugh, just before he closed it behind him.
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Despite the doctor's efforts to rush them, the tests would take longer than expected. Colin fought to keep his voice light as he and Kate made their way into the diner. "Are you sure you don't want to just go home? Katrina. I think you should lie down."
Kate shook her head. "No. Colin – please. I'm so tired of staying inside." She struggled to give him a smile. "Plus, I'm dying for a cheeseburger."
"Kit Kat! My - look at you!" Mike called out from behind the counter. "I remember when you were a baby – now you're going to have one yourself."
"Hi Mike." She said with a grin. Kate was glad she insisted they come here for lunch. It always could cheer her up. "Mike. You work so hard. When are you going to take it easy?"
He waved her off with a grin. "Ah! I'll take it easy when I'm dead. There's too much living to do now. So. What'll it be? The usual Kit Kat?"
"Yes." She replied with a laugh. Mike knew her so well. "Please."
"Colin?" Mike asked.
"The same. Thanks. Hold the pickles." He replied.
"No. Don't hold the pickles." Kate said with a laugh. "I'll eat his too."
"You got it." Mike flashed a huge smile. "I'll be right out with your milkshake."
"I didn't order a milkshake." Kate said confused.
"I know. I did. It's good for the baby." Mike gave her a wink and went to start on their order.
Colin reached across the table and took Kate's hand in his. Sighing he brought her hand to his lips, kissing it quickly. "I'm so glad we came here. You look more like yourself than you have in days."
Kate smiled at him, still willing herself to stay calm. "The doctor said not to worry until she says to right?"
"Right." Colin replied, doing all he could to make her feel better. "So we're not worried are we?"
"No." Kate forced a grin. "We're not."
Despite their words they both knew that they were lying to themselves. Until they found out for sure – being worried was an understatement.
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"Oh my God! Rafe. He knew!!!!" Alison face was full of horror.
"Angel." He laughed back at her. "You're making too much of this."
"But Rafe. He knows we were in the kitchen - in the middle of the day. Doing – well – YOU KNOW!!!" She was beyond humiliated. "I can't believe this. How will we ever be able to face him again?!?"
It was certainly an awkward situation - but Rafe was sure they'd be able to get over it.
"Relax" He said as he tried to take her in his arms. He laughed harder as he added. "I don't think it was too big a surprise. The kid knows how he got here."
"I'm glad you think this is funny!" She said as she twisted away her face still beet red. "Because I certainly don't!!!"
"Alison." He sighed as he watched her storm away. He was certainly in trouble in this house. Now not only was Becky not speaking to him - but it seemed he had to make up with his wife too.
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"Lynn? Where are you?!" Ethan's voice was frantic. He raced through the apartment and found her sitting on the ground in their bedroom, clutching tissues in her hand.
In an instant he was beside her, his arms pulling her close. "Ethan." She sobbed softly, her tears soaking the fabric of his shirt.
"Shh. It's OK. I'm here." Ethan looked down ran his hand over the sleeve of his shirt trying to sweep off the sawdust clinging to his clothes. He had left his workshop in such a hurry, dropping everything when he got her call.
"It's been so long. They've been so happy." Lynnie murmured as she sank into him.
Ethan didn't know who she was talking about, but he knew from the sound of her voice it wasn't good.
"Lynnie? What is it?" He asked, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, rocking her gently in his arms. "Sweetheart tell me. What did you see?"
"It's Katie, Ethan." She turned her face to his and cried harder. "Something is terribly wrong."
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Colin watched Kate finish the last of her fries. Her appetite seemed to be healthy – even if he was concerned about the rest of her. Kate picked up her milkshake and slurped it noisily.
"That's very attractive." Colin laughed at her, happy to see her acting more like herself.
She leaned back and ran a hand over her stomach, sighing when Colin covered her hand with his own. "The baby was hungry." She said grinning widely, finally able to push the worries from her mind for a while at least. She giggled as she added in a whisper, "Don't deny it. You love me." She leaned over and pressed her lips to his.
He kissed her slowly, his hand moving up to caress her cheek. "Yeah, I do." He replied as he eased away, brushing the hair away from her face and staring into her eyes. "I love you more than anything, Katrina." She smiled at him as he licked his lips and caught a taste of chocolate. "What do say – love of my life?" Colin took out his wallet and paid their check. He moved to take her hand in his. "Can we get out of here?"
"Sure." Kate nodded. She stood slowly, praying that she wouldn't feel lightheaded as she stood. Her head spun a bit but she didn't let it worry her. She smiled up at him as he led her towards the door. She knew no matter what, one thing was certain. Everything would be OK as long as she had Colin beside her.
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Dr. Oliver walked into the on call room, clutching Kate's chart in her hand. She took a deep breath and approached Chris - who was busy reprimanding one of the residents.
"God! You are just like your father. There are rules here Thornhart. Do you need me to go over them again?"
"Chris..." Danny sighed and rolled his eyes. In response, Chris gave him a glare that could shatter glass. "I'm sorry. Dr. Ramsey. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again." He said softly, hunching his shoulders and walking away.
As he did Chris realized there was someone else in the room.
"Hey, Michelle. I didn't see you there." Chris gave her a smile. "Residents." He said his voice full of disgust.
Most people got on his nerves but Michelle Oliver was a really good doctor. She was smart and compassionate and knew her stuff.
"I'm sorry to interrupt. I was wondering if I could get your opinion on something." She smiled nervously.
"Sure. What's the case?" He moved to take the chart from her hand.
She eased back sharply and held tight. "Before you do – I need to tell you who it is."
"Why? Do I know the patient?"
Michelle nodded. "Technically – she's your – umm – I guess you could say – granddaughter."
"Katie!?!" Chris' brow wrinkled with worry as he grabbed the chart anxiously and flipped it open.
Michelle's words came out quickly. "She's young and healthy. The baby's heartbeat is strong – but she's been experiencing unusual fatigue and dizziness. Plus, there's something incredibly odd showing up in her blood work."
She watched his face as he read over the results again. His mind spun and he could not believe his eyes.
"I've never seen anything like it before." Michelle said then.
Chris took a deep breath and flipped the chart closed. His voice was quiet as he replied. "Unfortunately. I have."
