After insemination, Franklin took Kate back to his house. His wife was already there waiting for them and for the news on what happened at the doctor's. She made some food and Franklin and Kate came just in time. She was setting the table when they entered. She gave Kate a hug and sent Franklin to the guest room to take Kate's suitcase.

''I've missed you so much and I am sorry that we are seeing each other under these circumstances.''

''I know… Lucy and I were very happy to spend Christmas with you, but now I don't know even if she would be home for Christmas.''

''Are you having problems again?''

''No, she is undercover and I have no idea for how long.''

''You can't use any of the family connections to find out?''

''I don't want to call my father. I am sure he would not be happy to use his influence to learn things about Lucy. I will wait to see if I can hear something at work.''

''And that is an option too.''

They got into the dining room and started eating.

''So, how was the visit with the doctor? I've heard what your mother wants to do and by Franklin's face I realized it is something horrible.''

''She wanted to use Noah's sperm to have a grandchild. Mother would be a woman from the family whose wealth matches ours, but none of us ever liked and she was in love with Noah, who couldn't stand her. She wanted me to give it to here. She even mentioned taking legal actions.''

''What will you do?''

''Well, there is no sperm…Few years ago, Lucy and I created embryos with it and mom doesn't know. We used three that didn't take and today I implanted the last two… I hope one of them will take.''

Katie was shocked.

''You implanted the embryos without Lucy?''

''Well, she is in the middle of the ocean. And the other option was my mother using them and implanting them into a woman we all hate. So, I didn't have much time. I had to react.''

''So, in two weeks we will know the outcome?''

''Yes, I will spend two weeks with you and then we will see.''

''I hope that you have positive outcome, whatever that is.''

Kate thanked her brother and his wife and went to her room. She was ordered to be on bedrest until tomorrow. She tried to think of positive outcome. She wished for these babies to be born. She really wanted both embryos to take and to have two children by Lucy and Noah. A boy and a girl that would be perfect mix of her two favorite people. She could imagine her and Lucy with kids, just enjoying life. She could even imagine changing the job. She wouldn't mind less stressful job with normal working hours and afternoons with their kids.

Under the advice of her doctor, next few days she worked from bed. Her boss was not happy she was out of the office, but at least he got all the work done in time. When weekend came, she believed she would finally have a moment to sleep in, but as usual, it didn't happen. Her mind was all over the place. She was terrified of doing this alone and what her mother would do when she finds out. Franklin and Katie took good care of her and told her that she has their support, but it didn't help much. She had nightmares of something happening to Lucy, of losing the pregnancy, of pregnancy not happening, of Noah being angry at her that they wasted his sperm, of her father disapproving of what she was doing… All of Kate's biggest fears haunted her at night. After Lucy left DC and left her alone, Kate tried to get pregnant and it ended up with her losing the baby after almost ten weeks. That is something she didn't share with Lucy yet because it simply didn't feel right. They were working on the marriage and talking about getting pregnant behind Lucy's back and loss was not something she was ready to talk about. She was ashamed of her loss. All of her live, she was amazing at everything she did and she couldn't keep her pregnancy going. She didn't tell anyone about it and she gave her best to suppress those feelings and memories. Now, those chickens came to roost.

On Monday morning, Kate was working in her brother's office when her mother stormed in with Kassandra by her side. It was clear that they were both very angry.

''What did you do?''

''Good morning mother…Kassandra… What can I do for you?''

''We just came from the clinic. We were told that there is no sperm. What did you do with it? I told you I want it.''

''Well, there is no sperm… There has not been any for years, mother. There were embryos made with Lucy's eggs and Noah's sperm…But I am sure you are not interested in that.''

Her mother took a seat and looked pail as sheet.

''You used my only son's sperm to fertilize eggs of that person?''

''That person is my wife.''

''Who allowed you to do it?''

''Noah did. We signed the contract when we did it. Yes, we were kids in college, but I made sure that all of our bases were covered. Few years ago we harvested Lucy's eggs and embryos were made. So, to answer your question, there is no sperm.''

''So, my grandchildren would be related to that family.''

''Yes, mother. They would be related to you and to Tara family, since they would be Lucy's and Noah's babies.''

''I can't believe you would do something like that?''

''What? Want to start a family with my wife?''

''Your father and I had every right to know.''

''Really? Why? You never really cared about me and Lucy. You put up with us because you have to and you pretend very well that you are ok with me being gay and married to a woman like Lucy. Dad can't get over her background and who her family is. So, you only care when it's in your interest so showcase your gay daughter and say that I am good at my work. The rest of the time, I don't exist. I am less of a daughter because I don't fulfill your standards mother. I chose life you don't understand, even after being married to a man in service. You don't understand and support my choices. And honestly, I don't care anymore. I found people who care about me and see me for who I am. Who apriciate me.''

''Who? Your wife?''

''Yes, she is one of them.''

''She has funny way of showing the appreciation. When you were trying to solve your brother's case, she was fucking her way through people in the base. Seventeen women… That is how she appreciated you and respected you. You were working like a dog and she was spreading her legs to anyone who showed interest.''

Kate knew about the women, but had no idea how many of them there was. She knew her mother was not making it up. She knew that her family never shares information about something unless they are sure. So, her parents had Lucy investigated and they learned about her…affairs.

''How does it feel to be made a fool? She slept with some of the people you work with. Some of the DIA officers slept with your wife…And you refused a job here for her. For someone who thinks they are smart, you let some woman make a fool of you.''

She threw an envelope on the desk in front of Kate and got up from the chair.

''I hope it was worth mixing what was left of Noah with that woman.''

She left the house and Kate couldn't focus anymore. She looked at the envelope and didn't dare to open it. She feared it could me some court order for embryos or something related to that. Kate put the envelope aside and tried to focus on her job. She spent the rest of the day working and when Franklin and Katei came home, they made dinner together and she told them about what happened. Franklin was not that surprised and when it came to the envelope, he told Kate she should open it and see what is in it. Since there was no seal from court or any law firm, she was pretty sure it was something personal.

''I am not sure I am ready to see what is in there.''

''Do you want me to open it for you?''

''No, I have an idea what is it and I am not ready for it.''

''Something bad?''

Kate took some of her water and looked at her brother and sister in law.

''Well, you know Lucy was with other people when she went to Hawaii and I was here.''

They both nodded.

''Well, we never really spoke about it in details… Well, I am afraid that mom brought details… Like number of people she was with and who they are. If I open that envelope, those women are not faceless anymore. According to mom, some of them are women I work with…and I am not sure I am ready to see who they are. What if it is someone I developed a good working relationship with? What if it is someone who already doesn't like me?''

Katie and Franklin understood.

''But the question is if you want to know? I wouldn't want to know names and faces my husband was with. I wouldn't be able to put it behind me if they became real people to me.''

Franklin agreed with his wife.

''But I work with them… Shouldn't I know who they are? People know she is married and they never said anything to me about them and Lucy.''

''Kate, be rational. Who would come and tell you that they slept with your wife when you are some sort of boss or mentor to them?''

''No one.''

She put her head in her hands.

''This is eating me alive.''

''Well, you have two options. You can open the envelope or not. There is no third option.''

Franklin took her hand.

''How important is it to you to know?''

''I don't know.''

''Well, figure it out and then do what you think is the best solution for you and for Lucy. If you are working on your future, you have to put the past behind. If all that is in the envelope is true and is something that Lucy was before you got back together, then destroy it and start over.''

Kate wanted to do that, but there was also the need to know who those women were and why Lucy lied. If they worked together, there was no way she could have forgotten about them. And maybe that was the part that hurt the most. Lies. Lucy not being honest about who those women were. And very rational part of her understood why she would have kept it a secret. You can't start over knowing that those women are near, but she also wished clean slate. That was something she would have to address to dr. Shaw.

Two weeks in DC were her personal limbo. She was looking at the envelope, not daring to open it, she was working on her assignments and taking meetings with some people from the DC branch that was offering her positions again and she was waiting to find out if she was pregnant. White House offer came again and she politely said she was not at position to take it. It made many people unhappy again, but Kate had to go back to Hawaii and resolve her life. Going back to DC would be running away and this was not the place Lucy was happy at.

Katie accompanied her to the doctor's office. It was moment of truth. Now she will learn if she was pregnant or not and how to take care of this pregnancy. She used last two embryos and this was it. Nurse drew her blood and took it to be tested. They were told that they will get the call in an hour. If the results were positive, Kate was advised to come back to the clinic for further consultation with the doctor and referral to the doctor in Hawaii.

Katie and Kate took a walk and found a small place they could eat something. Kate was not hungry. She was nervous and her stomach was in knots. She wished Lucy was here with her and that they were together making decisions about their family. She knew it was impossible and she knew why she did what she did so, there was no going back now.

An hour later, there was a message on her voicemail. She was pregnant. Her cell count was high and it was possible that the both embryos implanted. She and Lucy were about to become mothers of twins.

At the doctor's office, it was confirmed to her that she was indeed pregnant with twins and she got long list of things she should do, one of the main requirements was for Kate to take it easy and reduce stress. She got a lot of supplements and instructions how to take them. She was also advised to go to her doctor as soon as she can when she gets back to the island and that was it. First scan would be possible in few weeks and until then, she could only hope that this time it would work out for them. After doctor's appointment, she asked Katie to take her to see Noah. They got flowers for his grave and Katie left her alone. It was Kate's moment with her brother and she didn't want to intrude. She took a seat on the small bench and smiled.

''It looks like you will be an uncle. Your little present is finally going to help me and Lucy extend our family. Two babies Noah! Can you believe it?! I wish you were here to see them when they come. I hope they will have best of you and Lucy and that I would have my two favorite people in those two faces… Lucy's eyes and your hair color…and height if one of them is a boy…or your arms… You've had the most beautiful arms… I really wish you were here. It's so hard doing this without you. You were supposed to be here and see these babies grow and spoil them with Franklin and Lucy's brothers.''

She wiped her eyes and grew serious.

''I am scared Noah… What if I lose it again? What if I never get to see these babies? Please Noah, take care of us and don't let it happen. Let me keep this little part of you. I need these babies to be well and for myself to make it as long as I can. I need to protect them from mom and dad too. I am so scared they would try to take them from me, even if they are Lucy's babies too. Please, watch over us and keep us safe Noah…''

When she was ready to leave Katie was waiting for her.

''Franklin called. I haven't told him anything. He is waiting to hear the news from you.''

Kate just smiled and took her phone.

''I guess it's time to call uncle Frankie.''

Katie smiled.

''We are going to be aunt and uncle…''

''Yes, you are.''

''Is there a way to tell Lucy?''

Kate grew serious.

''I don't know. I must see that when I get home. Maybe Jane has some connection.''

''I can't wait to see her reaction.''

''Me too…''

Part of Kate wondered if Lucy would be happy about it or if she would be surprised or angry Kate was with child.

Kate got on the first flight home to Hawaii and during her flight she kept looking at the envelope in her bag. He curiosity won. She opened it and went through it. She learned that Lucy was not really picky with these women. They were all colors and shapes and none of them fit any pattern. Some were from the base; some were random people she picked up in the bar that worked some nine to five normal jobs… But one name stood out to Kate. It was Lt. Helena James. She was the woman Lucy was on the boat with and in all honesty, Kate didn't feel very comfortable with it. She wondered if Lucy knew she would be there or if it would be surprise for her just as it was for Kate.