A woman of similar height to Ciara stood in front of Ben wearing a tan trench coat with large, dark shades, "Are you Ben Weston?" Ben tried to gauge if this woman was an undercover cop or something. Reluctantly, Ben nodded.

The woman took off her shades, "I have something for you." Panic began to rise through Ben and Ciara walked in a moment later. Ciara paused when she saw Ben was as white as a ghost. Ciara turned to the woman, "You didn't tell him who you were, did you?" The woman shook her head and smirked as she chuckled, "Where's the fun in that?" Ciara shoved the woman's shoulder lightly, "You're terrible, you know that?"

Ciara pointed to the door, "Let's go get the surprise." Ciara and the woman walked out the door. Ben just stared at the door so confused what was transpiring. The woman and Ciara walked back into the room with Ciara carrying a 6-month old baby girl.

Ciara bounced the baby, "Say 'Hi' to Daddy." Tears brimmed Ben's eyes and he opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. Ciara smiled as she took steps toward Ben until he was within an arm's grasp to his daughter. In a voice barely below a whisper, Ben said "Hi Olivia." Ciara smiled as she handed Olivia to Ben.

Ben carefully took his daughter in his arms and rubbed one hand up and down her back while cradling her head into his neck. Ben inhaled deeply, "Oh, my baby. My sweet Olivia Stefanie." Tears brimmed Ciara's eyes at the sight. She had wanted and prayed for this moment for so long but feared it would never come, especially after a judge blocked Ciara from bringing Olivia to Statesville.

Ciara watched Ben with their daughter for several moments before breaking the silence, "Ben, this is my sister Chelsea. Aka the best secret-keeper to ever come out of Salem." Ben smiled at the woman now identified as Chelsea. Ben took a step toward her. In a soft voice, Ben said, "Thank you. Not just what you've done for Ciara, but for my daughter."

Chelsea smiled, "Olivia's my niece and Ciara's my sister, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for them." Ben looked down at his daughter before looking back at Chelsea. Chelsea wiped her hands on her coat, "Well, I know you guys are in much need for some family bonding time, so I'll just get out of your hair."

Chelsea turned to leave and Ciara pulled on her sister's arm hard, "Oh, no. You're not going anywhere." Chelsea faced Ciara, "Ciara…" Ciara held her sister's forearm, "Chels, after all you've done, keeping my secret, helping me with the pregnancy, with Olivia, the least I can do is make a meal for you." Chelsea smiled after a moment and rolled her eyes, "FINE."

Ciara smiled, "Let's go see what we can come up with." Ciara headed for the kitchen and Chelsea followed. Chelsea turned back to face Ben, "Don't worry, I'll help her and make sure it's ACTUALLY edible." Ben chuckled slightly, "Good, cause as much as I love my Bobcat and she's got her talents, the kitchen ain't one of them." Ciara narrowed her eyes and put a hand on her hip, "I'll show you my kitchen skills." Ben chuckled, "Babe, you know I love you but just from making eggs, the kitchen looks like a damn hurricane hit."

Chelsea chuckled, "Hurricane Ciara, sounds about right. She's got her mom's cooking skills while luckily, I inherited our dad's." Ciara scoffed, "So now you two are double-teaming me?" Chelsea and Ben shared a look before both nodding.

Ciara and Chelsea headed into the kitchen while Ben lifted Olivia over his head, "My baby girl, my beautiful perfect baby girl." Ben lowered Olivia so they were eye-to-eye. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this day, to meet you. Since your mama told me she was pregnant." Olivia's big green eyes stared into Ben's. Ben almost felt like Oliva was understanding what he was saying.

Ben kissed Olivia's forehead, "I promise you baby, I am going to do whatever it takes to give you the best life possible, give you everything I never had." Ben's heart sunk, he was a wanted fugitive, hiding out from the law. He couldn't even take his daughter to the park or the zoo or anything. Was it fair to Olivia to have to live a life in these four walls? Ben heart sank further, he knew what he had to do.

Ciara and Chelsea walked around the kitchen getting everything they needed to make their Chili Queso. As Ciara placed the saucepan on the stove, she saw Chelsea creeping toward the door. "What are you doing?" Chelsea spun around, "C'mon, I'm curious. Aren't you?" Ciara shook her head, "Leave them alone. They have much time to make up for."

Chelsea ignored Ciara and opened the door ever so slightly. "Okay, Ciara, you GOTTA take a look." Ciara sighed and placed the can of chili on the counter and followed her sister. The Brady sisters peered out into the living room and mouthed 'aww' to each other at what they saw: Ben asleep on the couch with Olivia laying on his chest.

Chelsea carefully shut the door, careful not to wake Ben. Chelsea smirked at Ciara, "Okay, I just gotta say, I can see why you are willing to risk so much for him, he's HOT." Ciara shoved Chelsea's shoulder, "CHELS!" Chelsea chuckled and Ciara continued, "I do NOT love Ben because he's hot." Chelsea crossed her arms and gave Ciara an 'Oh really?' look.

Ciara sighed and rolled her eyes, "Okay yes, Ben is like crazy attractive, but that's not why I love him." Chelsea's look stayed. "It's true. Chels, no one has ever loved me like how Ben loves me. He has put up with so much because he loves me and-and I wasn't even sure I WANTED to be a mom before Ben."

Chelsea hopped up on the counter as Ciara alternated pouring chili and cheddar cheese into the saucepan. Chelsea's grin fell, "You didn't?" Ciara shook her head as she covered the pot, "No. Ben dropped a not-so-subtle hint that he wanted a family of his own and after that, I realized I wanted that too. We never discussed it, but when I found out I was pregnant last November, I just knew it was meant to be."

Chelsea helped herself to some cheese, "How so?" Ciara wiped her hands on a dishtowel and sighed, "I-like the way Ben took care of me when we thought I had some weird stomach bug that turned out to be morning sickness, the way Ben was checking my head and getting me tea, I knew he was going to be the most amazing doting father. And when I saw all the love that he had to give to his nephew and how he was with little David, I just hoped I could be half the parent I knew he could be."

Chelsea got down and put a hand on Ciara's shoulder, "You are. You are the best mama to that little girl." Ciara sighed and leaned against the stove, "Am I? Because is subjecting my daughter to a life on the run being 'the best mama'?" Ciara sighed heavily.

Chelsea narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, "What are you saying, Ciara?" Ciara looked down at her hands and sighed heavily before looking back up to face her older sister, "I have a favor to ask you, and it's like the BIGGEST favor ever." Chelsea sighed.

Chelsea and Ciara carefully walked carrying three bowls into the living room. The girls placed the bowls on the coffee table and Ciara walked over to Ben and picked Olivia up. Ben woke up and smiled as he sat up and wiped his eyes. Ciara bounced Olivia on her hip, "Being a daddy is exhausting, huh?" Ben smirked at Ciara, "Or something." Chelsea cleared her throat, "Should I, or rather your DAUGHTER be hearing this?" Ciara pressed her lips together and looked at Chelsea.

Ciara cleared her throat and looked back at Ben and gestured to the coffee table, "Dinner is served." Ben looked over to Chelsea, "This is safe?" Chelsea nodded and chuckled slightly under her breath. Ben took a bowl and took a bite, "Wow, this is good. You clearly taught Ciara and thing or two."

Ciara scoffed and Chelsea said, "Actually, Ciara made this." Ben's eyes widened and Chelsea nodded, "Yeah, this was Ciara's recipe and she did everything. I just snoopervised."

Ben snaked an arm around Ciara's waist. Chelsea continued, "Yeah, it turns out your baby mama is a better cook that you would think." Ben smirked slightly and looked up at Ciara, "Fiancée." Chelsea's eyes widened as she let out a shocked laugh, "What?" Ciara nodded, "Yeah, Ben kinda sorta proposed to me last night." Ben sighed, "Not exactly. Ciara said she would be my Mrs. Claus any day-because I showed up at Victor's in a Santa suit, and then I told Ciara how I had this whole plan formulated in my head about how I was going to propose." Ben snaked an arm around Ciara's waist, "Not exactly the way I had planned but yeah, we're engaged now. And when this is all over, I am going to make Ciara Mrs. Weston."

The newly engaged couple looked up at Chelsea who had a huge smile on her face, "Aww, I'm so happy for you." Chelsea walked over to Ciara and gave her little sister a huge hug and kissed Olivia on the head.

Ciara walked into her and Ben's bedroom and Ben sat up, "How is she?" Ciara sighed, "All settled in her pack and play." Ben pressed his lips together nervously, "And you're SURE it's safe?" Ciara chuckled as she got into bed, "Yes, babe."

Ciara rustled Ben's hair, "New dad nerves?" Ben sighed, "Yeah, I-I mean I know she's six months, but to me, it's like-" Ciara finished, "It's like she's a newborn?" Ben sighed and nodded.

Ciara took one of Ben's hands in her own, "Baby, I PROMISE you, the pack and play is safe. It's how Olivia slept when we stayed with Chels and Max." Ben sighed, "I still can't believe I'm a dad." Ciara kissed Ben's cheek and then his neck, "Well, believe it baby. That girl is 100% you. From the moment, she was placed into my arms, I was like 'Yep, that's daddy's little girl'."

Ciara cuddled into Ben's neck and Ben sighed heavily, "I still can't believe I missed my daughter being born. That is a moment I can NEVER get back." Ciara reached across and rubbed Ben's shoulder, "I know babe, and I know that if there had been a way, you would have been there. But Chels was a good birth partner and Olivia came into this world safe and sound. Isn't that what really matters?" Ben sighed, "Yeah."

Ben changed their position so they were face to face. "Ciara, there's something that we-" Ben was interrupted by Olivia's cries. Ben smiled, "Can I?" Ciara met Ben's smile, "Be my guest." Ben hopped out of bed and practically ran out of the room. Ciara chuckled at Ben's excitedness.

Ben walked into the spare bedroom and found Olivia's pacifier had fallen out of her mouth. Ben placed it back in and knelt so he could rest his chin on the top of the pack and play. "Hey, baby girl. We gotta talk about something. These past 12 hours of being able to be your daddy, they've been the greatest joy of my life. I never knew I could feel happiness like this. First, it was your mama's love and now… now seeing this life that our love created. But it's not fair to you. You should be able to be outside and exploring the world. Not trapped in here because Daddy's a fugitive and Mama is hiding out with Daddy."

Ben sighed heavily and looked at his daughter's sleeping face. "I have to make sure you and your mama have the best life possible, even if that means we're separated." Ben nodded as he stood up, "Good talk."

Ben leaned his head against the door, just watching Ciara stare off into space. Since her shower, her full natural curls had returned and she looked like one of those Greek Goddess sculptures that were in art museums. Ciara turned her head and saw Ben staring at her. Ciara blushed and chuckled, "Ho-how long have you been standing there?"

Ben slowly walked and got back into bed. "Just a few moments." Ben sat up and Ciara followed suit. Ben took one of Ciara's tiny hands in his and squeezed them, "You know that I love you more than anything right?" Ciara cocked her head to the side slightly and nodded, "Wha-what's going on, Ben?"

Ben sighed heavily, "This pains me-no this kills me to say, but this isn't right." Ciara narrowed her eyes in confusion, "W-wh-what are you talking about, Ben?" Ben took a deep breath, "Being here, with you and Olivia. It's not right or fair, not to you and not to her." Ciara sighed, "Yeah, I know. I-I've been thinking about that too."

Ben held Ciara's face with his hands, "I-it's not about us anymore, we have to do what's right for our daughter." Ciara's confused look stayed, "What are you saying, Ben?" Ben sighed, "You and Olivia need to go." Tears brimmed Ben's eyes, "Olivia deserves to have a life not confined to these four walls. She should be able to run and be free… well once she walks that is." Ben let out a nervous chuckle.

Ciara sighed and placed her hands over Ben's, "Yeah, I agree." Ben looked up at Ciara's eyes, "You do?" Ciara nodded, "Yeah, I've been thinking about it. And as amazing as it has been the three of us being able to be a family, it's not right." Ciara sighed heavily, "That's why… that's why I've asked Chelsea to take Olivia back to London with her, until this is all over."

Ben cocked his head to the side ever so slightly, "Ciara, no, that's-" Ciara interrupted Ben, "Being Olivia's mama is the greatest gift in the world, but what kind of mom can I be if I'm depressed all of the time because I can't be with her daddy and am constantly worried if he's okay, if he's ALIVE? This way… this way Olivia will have two people to love and care about her, while we can't. Being a parent, it's about putting your child's needs first, and that's what putting Olivia in Chelsea and Max's care would be."

Ben shook his head, "Ciara, no. Just because I can't be a dad to Olivia doesn't mean you can't be a mom to her." Ciara shook her head, "Ben, I didn't even know I wanted to be a mom until you, and I didn't think I had what it took."

Ciara moved Ben's hands down and grasped them tightly circling the outside of his hands with her thumbs as tears pooled her eyes, "I don't want a family that doesn't have you in it." Ben pressed his lips together, "Ciara…" Ciara shook her head, "Ben, I've made up my mind. Olivia is leaving with Chelsea tomorrow."

Ciara and Ben watched as Chelsea packed up the last of Olivia's items. Chelsea stopped in front of Ciara, "Are you sure about this?"

Ciara ran her hand up and down Olivia's arm, "Yes, I'm sure. It's for the best. And we'll all be together again." Chelsea swallowed hard and nodded, "I'll give you guys a moment alone to say goodbye while I pack the car."

Chelsea handed Olivia to Ciara and walked out the front door. Ciara forced a smile on her face through the tears, "Now, you listen to me, baby girl. Daddy and I love you, so so so much. And I know you are too young to understand this right now, but this is for the best. And I PROMISE you, we will be together again." Ciara held Olivia close and kissed her cheek and the side of her head inhaling her scent for a moment before handing Olivia to Ben.

"Hey, Baby Bobcat." Ciara let out a tearful chuckle as she wiped her eye. Ben continued, "Everything your mama said is true, I love you so much and being your daddy is the greatest gift in the world. And just like your mama said, we are going to find a way to be together again. I promise and all of this will be nothing more than a bad memory."

Chelsea slowly walked back in, "Are you ready?" Ciara sighed at looked up at Ben, "As ready as we'll ever be."

Ciara walked over to Ben and snaked an arm around his waist. Ben held Olivia close for a moment before reluctantly handing her to Chelsea. Chelsea held Ciara tight for a moment and Olivia tried to go to her mama. When Ciara pulled away, she carefully loosened Olivia's grip from her hair kissing her hand.

Tears brimmed Chelsea's eyes, "You say the word, you say it and I will have Olivia back here as soon as humanly possible." Ciara nodded and softly said, "I know. Thank you, Chels." Ciara walked back over to Ben and Chelsea looked at the couple for a moment before walking out without another word. Ciara and Ben collapsed into each other's arms.

FIVE MONTHS LATER

Ben stood in the living room watching TV when he saw a headline that caught his attention. He yelled out, "Ciara! Ciara, come down here!" Ciara came running down the stairs, "What, what?"

Ben silently pointed to the TV. Ciara read the headline out loud, "'Presumed Dead Jordan Ridgeway Found Alive'?!" Ciara turned to face Ben, "Wha-? Turn it up!"

The female reporter's voice poured through the room. "Now, at the top of hour: New breaking news. Jordan Ridgeway who was thought to be killed by her brother Ben Weston has been found alive. Weston was set to be executed on January 1st, broke out of the penitentiary last Christmas and has been on the run since. Today Illinois State Troopers found Ridgeway hiding out of her own accord." A video of Jordan being escorted into a police car flashed on the screen.

The reporter continued, "She has been thoroughly interrogated by Troopers who deemed her to be quote 'not of sound mind' according to a spokesman and was promptly placed on 72 hour hold pending further evaluation. In related news, the APBs for Oliver 'Benjamin' Weston and Ciara Brady have been cancelled due to these revelations. In other news…"

Ben muted the TV and turned to Ciara slack-jawed, "Does this mean…?" Ciara nodded slightly, "I think you're a free man, Ben. Th-this nightmare might just be over." Ciara walked over to the end table and pulled a burner phone out. "I-I'm gonna call Justin. He should know." Ciara sighed heavily and dialed Justin's number.

"Justin Kiriakis." Ciara froze for a moment, "Justin, i-it's Ciara." Justin shocked voice poured through the phone, "Ciara. I-I'm assuming wherever you and Ben are, you saw the news." Ciara nodded, not that Justin could see it, "S-so, is it true? Is Jordan really alive?" Justin sighed, "I haven't seen her myself but my office just got the release papers." "Meaning Ben is free?" Justin paused for a moment, "Yes, Ciara. You and Ben are free. Ben can't be executed or even serve life in prison if no murder was committed."

"So we can come home, free and clear?" Ciara felt her heart beating out of her chest with each second Justin waited to speak again. "Yes." Ciara sighed, relieved. "Thank you, Justin." Justin hung up without another word.

Ciara turned to face Ben and started jumping up and down while Ben just stood still, frozen. Ciara ran over to Ben and held his shoulders in her hands, "Ben, it's over!" Ben raised his head slightly, "It's over." Ciara nodded, "You are a free man and more importantly, we can go get Livvie."

Ben face curled up into a smile upon hearing his daughter's name. "We can?" Ciara nodded, "Ben, you are a free man. You can do whatever you want." Ben picked Ciara up and spun her around. Ben put Ciara down breathlessly, "Thank you." Ciara beamed at Ben, "For what?" "N-not just for never letting me give up hope but for giving me a family." Ciara chuckled, "Oh, that was all you, baby." poking Ben's shoulder playfully.

Ciara walked back over to the table, "I am going to call Chelsea and tell her she and Max can bring our baby girl home." Ben ran over to Ciara and grasped her wrist, "Wait."

Ciara looked at Ben confused, "Do you not want to get Olivia?" Ben shook his head venomously, "NO, I do, more than anything. But... I want US to go get Olivia ourselves, not have Chelsea bring her back. She's done more than enough for us." Ciara nodded, "Okay, I will have Chelsea meet us at the airport."

Ciara sighed, "We're getting our baby girl back." Ciara clapped her hands once and giggled before sighing a relieved sigh.

TBC