Elmo was a godsend! Lillian had been acting up all day. Haley had never remembered a time when the child was so fussy. And of all times when her creative juices were starting to flow again. She grabbed a notebook and a pen and began jotting down random lyrics for a new song she might like to record. But her daughter wasn't having any of it. Nothing had seemed to calm the child until Sesame Street came on. Like magic, as soon as the little ears heard the familiar theme song, she ceased all tantrums and tears. Haley was relieved. Finally peace in the valley. That is, until a key turned in the front lock.

"Hey sis."

"Hey, Taylor…or maybe I should say Mrs. Keller. What do you prefer these days?"

Taylor grinned and shrugged.

"Oh that."

"You two still married?"

"Yeah", she said casually.

"And how long is this one going to last?"

"I don't know."

"Taylor!"

"What?"

"Listen, if you're going to get an annulment, you may as well hurry up and do it. No sense in prolonging the pain."

Taylor played with her hair.

"Oh yeah…about that…"

"Tay…"

"I don't know. I've been doing some thinking and Chris and I talked and…well, maybe an annulment isn't the best option right now."

"You mean divorce?"

Taylor made a face.

"No. Not that either."

"Then what?"

"We were thinking about leaving things like they are, you know, a trial run or whatever they call it."

Haley threw her hands up in the air.

"Taylor, are you nuts? You can't be married to Chris!"

"But I already am."

"Yeah because you two got piss drunk in Vegas. Gosh, what were you thinking?"

"We weren't."

"Exactly. That's what got you into this mess."

"And who says it's a mess?"

"It is. Taylor, this isn't a game. It's real life. It's your life. Marriage is beautiful and permanent and sacred. It's not something to be taken lightly."

Taylor just shook her head.

"Who are you preaching to, Haley bub? Me or yourself? Because it sounds like you should have thought about all that years ago."

Haley bit her lip and looked away. Bitter tears made her eyes sting.

"Yeah", she said softly. "Maybe you're right."

Taylor could see the wave of sadness wash over her baby sister's face. She instantly felt bad.

"Sorry. Look, I didn't mean it like that…"

"No, it's okay."

"It's not okay", Taylor sat down and took Haley's hand. "I was being a bitch and I'm sorry. What's new, right? Talk to me."

Haley wiped her eyes.

"I just want you to be okay. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did. I don't want to see you get hurt or make stupid decisions on a whim. I want you to be okay, Taylor. I want you to be happy."

"I am", she said in a carefree tone.

Haley rolled her eyes.

"That attitude right there is what makes me want to strangle you sometimes. Everything is so carefree and casual with you. But then again, look at my life. Look at my track record. Who am I to judge or lecture? Besides, when it counted with Lillian, you were there. You were pretty damned responsible when I couldn't be."

"I know you love me. I know you're just looking out for me. I love you, too, Hay, but I'm gonna be okay. Look at all the stuff I've gotten into over the years. Compared to some of my other stunts, waking up hungover and married to Chris Keller is cake, a walk in the park."

"Are you guys like in love?"

"I don't know", Taylor smiled. "He's cool. He's kind of grown on me. He makes me happy and we have fun and we have a lot in common."

"Maybe so but don't you think a few dates would have sufficed? Did you really have to go out and get married?"

"No and it was kind of an accident but it's done now. Hey, no use in crying over spilled milk now, right? He's my Greg and I guess I'm his Dharma. You remember that TV show?"

Haley smiled as she rolled her eyes.

"Yes, Taylor. I remember that show. So I take it you guys are gonna give it a go?"

"Yeah. Which leads me to why I'm here. I came to get some of my stuff. I'm sort of new to this whole hubby and wife deal but I take it we're supposed to actually live together."

"Yeah, that's usually the plan."

"So I guess I'm out of your hair for now. I guess this is it."

"I guess so."

"It's been fun", Taylor observed.

"It had its moments."

"You and Jamma gonna be okay without me?"

"You're just a few blocks away. We'll manage."

"Good", Taylor grinned, going to her old room to pack up a few things. "I was worried. Didn't want you to be too pissed off. I know as a tenant I'm supposed to give 30 days notice and stuff but…"

"Tay, tenants actually pay rent."

"Oh…well, I guess I'm off the hook then. That's a relief."

Haley just smiled and shook her head.

"I guess congratulations are in order."

"You mean that?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I do. I hope you guys make it. I hope it works out."

A satisfied Taylor skipped off to the back leaving Haley and Lillian to Sesame Street before a knock at the door. He didn't bother to be asked in.

"Hey, it was already open…"

"I know", Haley said.

"You really should lock your doors", Chris grinned. "Some incredibly skinny but handsome dude with a guitar on his back could just walk right in."

Haley nodded.

"Locked doors never stopped you before. Besides, as yucky as it sounds, we are family now."

"I never thought about that", he shrugged. "Can I call you sis?"

"Not if you expect me to answer", Haley laughed.

"It was worth a shot", Chris smiled. "Listen Haley, I know this is crazy and kind of sudden. Sorry for springing it on you but I get the feeling this just might work out with Taylor and me."

"I hope it does."

"Thanks", he said. "I'm just glad you're not mad."

"Oh I was furious at first but I got over it. It's not really my business, is it? Just try to work it out. Take care of each other. Split the bills, wash dishes together, you know, the normal stuff."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And buy her a ring for God's sake."

"Oh we're not going the traditional route. In fact, a buddy of mine is coming over tonight to tattoo our love on our fingers."

"What am I gonna do with you two? I shouldn't be worried. You two loons were made for each other."

Haley couldn't help but laugh as Chris reached out and pulled her in for a big hug. They had already been through so much together. This was just another step in their journey."

"I love you, Haley. Always remember that, girl. I love you."

The front door was halfway open and quietly Nathan stood watching the tail end of their interaction. He didn't care that Chris had married Taylor. All he knew was what he was seeing. Chris and Haley were in each other's arms…again.

"I love you too, Chris."