Blake let out a forced laugh. She was going through the motions but her mind was on her parents. Noticing this Ross wrapped her in his arms and pulled her to the couch. She allowed her head to rest on his chest. She could smell his aftershave, and listened to his heart beat as she calmed down.

Ross kissed the top of her head. "You know, I don't think your father is guilty of what Holly is accusing him of" He said softly.

Blake's head connected squarely with his chin as she raised it quickly.

"Ouch, that hurt" He said, checking his tongue for blood. Ross was relieved when he didn't find any.

"I'm sorry," Blake said humbly. "I just thought I heard you say that Daddy isn't guilty. I was surprised."

Ross moved his chin out of the way and nodded. "I did say that."

Blake narrowed her blue green eyes and studied him wearily. "Ross, I know you're trying your best to keep me calm, and happy, but you don't have to tell me you think my father isn't guilty of cheating on my mother. This is Roger we're talking about, not Ed."

"Well, that is true, but Blake, Ed's track record isn't exactly stellar either."

Blake rolled her eyes then and leaned her head heavily on his chest. She could hear him taking a deep breath that he let out in a controlled manner.

"Think about it Blake. There are only two things in this world that your father loves, you and your mother. It took him years to win Holly back. There is no way that he would throw Holly away for Alex."

"So what is your theory counselor?" Blake was now tracing the button line of Ross's shirt.

"My theory is that your father was either drunk, or he was set up. Those are the only two scenarios that make any sense."

From the corner Roger chuckled. "You know, I think I'm starting to like this ambulance chaser my daughter married."

"Shh," Bert warned.

Roger threw his hands up in the air. "Sorry" He whispered, turning his attention back to his daughter and son in law.

"I've only seen Daddy drunk once, and that was at the country club after he and Ed rescued Mom and Michelle at the Cliff House." Blake mused.

"and why?" Ross asked hypothetically "Because of Alexandra. So no, there is no way that he would give up the opportunity to marry the love of his life for a woman who humiliated him in public, and called his mistress a toothless whore. No, something doesn't smell right and I bet that by the time your mother calms down that she'll see that too. Mark my words, by New Years, this will all be a distant memory and we will be planning their wedding, and your mother will be planning your baby shower." Ross leaned in and kissed her forehead again.

Blake pondered what he had said, slowly lifting her head. "Well, this must be a Christmas miracle. Ross Marler defends Roger Thorpe, proving his innocence."

Ross grinned slyly. "Does that mean I will get a bonus gift tonight"

"Oh my God" Roger said under his breath.

Blake grinned. "Who says we have to wait until tonight? I believe you bill your clients upon completion of their case, and if you're right about Daddy I say you've earned your fee"

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Ross picked Blake up, carrying her like a baby doll, nearly dropping her when he tripped over the tip of the tree.

"Are you alright?" He asked cautiously, though no harm was done.

"I'm fine, but what about Charlie?"

"He'll be fine, I only need twenty minutes"

"Twenty? Oh honey, I'm counting on longer than that."

Ross reached out and tickled her, causing Blake to squeal with delight.

Roger felt Bert's hand on his. "Come on, we've seen enough." She said quietly.

"Ya think?" Roger asked, wrapping his fingers around her.

He expected to be taken back to the crash sight, but instead they arrived at the Bauer house.

Ed, and his newest conquest, Eve Guthrie were wrapped in each other's arms in the middle of their shared kitchen.

Roger scowled, he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Why are we here of all places?" He growled, knowing only Bert could hear him.

"I know you were friends with Maureen, but give Eve a chance," Bert suggested.

"I will not. That woman has no business in this kitchen. In fact, if it weren't for her Maureen would still be alive."

Bert cocked her head "How do you figure? It was an accident that claimed Maureen's life, not Eve."

"Eve was the doctor in the emergency room the night Maureen died. Why I bet she wanted Ed then, so she didn't do her due diligence and save Maureen."

Bert gently laid her hands on Roger's chest. "Roger, I know not many people meant anything to you. I wondered why they sent me instead of Maureen, but here I am,and here you are, and time is waning."

"What ever" Roger grumbled, but continued to watch as the scene in front of him unfolded.

"I'm so glad we decided not to entertain for the holiday" Ed said as he nibbled on Eve's ear.

"Are you sure? I almost feel like everyone is going to blame me for that. After all, the Bauer family Christmas party was epic, and I'd only heard about them."

Ed kissed the tip of Eve's nose. "No, no one will blame you, and if they do, well then we will just take them off the card list for next year." He grinned. "Besides, everyone knows you can't cook."

Eve playfully batted at him, stopping only when the phone rang.

"Answer that, I'm going to make dinner since we missed lunch."

Eve threw the hand towel she was holding at him and picked up the phone.

"Bauer residence, Eve Guthrie speaking"

Roger watched as the look on Eve's face changed from calm and relaxed to tense and concerned.

"How long ago?" Eve asked, checking her watch.

"Ok, what do the vitals look like?"

Her hand went to her forehead. "Alright, I'm on my way. Do your best until I arrive."

Eve hung up the phone. The look on her face was one of consternation. Ed put the food stuffs he pulled out of the refrigerator onto the counter and went to her.

"Eve? What's going on?" His brow was furrowed.

"I uhm, that was the hospital. I need to get dressed. I need to get to the ER. I should already be there."

"But you're not on call, I am." Ed sighed.

Eve rushed to the laundry room as Ed waited in the kitchen. "I know" She called out as she searched a laundry basket for clothes.

"Then why did they call you?" He asked curiously. Suddenly his face lost its coloring. "It's not Michelle is it? She's on that ski vacation with Vanessa and Bill." He paused and waited, but Eve didn't answer him. "Oh my God, it's Michelle. I'm coming with you" Ed said, joining her in the small laundry room off the kitchen.

Eve stopped dressing long enough to calm him down. She laid her hands on his chest. "Ed, it's not Michelle, but you still may want to come."

Ed's eyes searched hers and then closed. "Damn it"

"Who are they chattering about?" Roger asked impatiently. He would much rather get back to Blake and Ross's than be here.

"It's not for me to say Roger."

"I'm getting mighty tired of that answer, Bert." Roger complained. "I've done everything you have asked of me, no demanded of me tonight. Yet when I ask a simple question I'm told you can't say. That's crap and you know it."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Roger, but I don't make the rules." She suddenly sounded tired to him.

Roger instinctively reached out and touched her. "Are you alright?" He started to ask, but before he could finish he felt himself falling through the air, landing with a thud in the snow.

"Now why did you go and do that? You battleax."

Bert took his insult in stride, after all she had been married to a man who was sometimes kind, but often cruel. Still, her countenance continued to show a smile, and her demeanor remained cheerful.

"We have some time, Roger, but then our journey will end. Has anything you've seen tonight given you any pause?"

Roger, feeling defiant, shook his head. "No. I've lost Holly. That much remains evident. Chrissy is having a baby, I'd love to be there for that, but without Holly what would that relationship look like? I'd get every other holiday, and every fifth birthday? Better yet, when Holly lands her next bed mate maybe I'd be invited at the same time. Why Chrissy's new Daddy and I might even be friends. Please" He huffed.

Bert moved to the still snowless tree trunk and sat on it. "So you're giving up then? There is no point in going further? Suit yourself, she shrugged.