"Do you have the Simpson contract ready for my signature?" Kyle said, as he sat behind his desk at Jabot.
"It is almost ready, I just have some finishing touches to do," Mariah said.
"I need it as soon as possible," Kyle said.
"You will have it by the end of the day," Mariah said.
"I would like it sooner than that," Kyle said, "It is imperative this deal is ready to go first of the year."
"I understand," Mariah said, "I will make it priority."
"Priority would be on my desk right now," Kyle said.
"I will get right at it," Mariah said, "Before I go, I have some submissions for the valentine ad campaign that I would like to run by…"
"Can it wait?" Kyle said.
"I would like your input," Mariah said.
"Choose the top three and bring them to me," Kyle said.
"I only…" Mariah started, before Kyle cut her off again.
"Make a decision," Kyle demanded, "That's what you're here for."
"Is everything okay?" Mariah said.
"I am very busy," Kyle said, "And I would like to get all this done by the end of the day, so I can go home and spend some time with my wife, on our wedding anniversary."
"Oh, that's right," Mariah said, "New Year's Eve, it's your first anniversary. Congratulations."
"Is that wish for my happiness, or that I miraculously did not screw up as a husband," Kyle said.
"You have had quite a year," Mariah said, "But your love saw you through."
"That reminds me," Kyle said, "Could you keep an eye out for a special delivery. I'm expecting one by messenger today."
"Kyle, I…" Mariah started.
"And one more thing. I, in my inept ability as a spouse, forgot to make a reservation for tonight," Kyle said, "Could you see if you can find a place that has an opening for dinner."
"It's New Year's Eve," Mariah said, "Everywhere will be booked."
"There has to be something somewhere, to reserve for today," Kyle said, "Cost is not a factor."
"You know, I have my own work to finish and a team to oversee, that their work is completed," Mariah said.
"It's called multi-tasking," Kyle said.
"With all due respect," Mariah said, "I'm not your secretary."
"My assistant is out of the office today," Kyle said, "I'm asking you to lend a hand."
Mariah paused before she said, "I'll see what I can do." Hugging her tablet in her arms she smiled and said, "So, any extra special plans for tonight?"
"Mariah," Kyle said, "The contract?" His tone was harsher than he intended.
"I'm on it," Mariah said, losing her smile. She left the office frowning at Kyle, who was immersed in his laptop.
Once in the hallway, she encountered Rachel, heading toward Kyle's office. Mariah put her hand up and said, "I would advise against it, he's in a mood."
"Oh, he is?," Rachel said, "I'll see what I can do about putting him in a better one."
"This is lovely," Phyllis said as she sat with Nick at the Grand Phoenix lobby, "Our daughter wants to meet with us and she's nowhere to be found."
"Punctuality, has never been Summer's strongest quality," Nick said.
"You're fine with her making us wait?" Phyllis said.
"I'm too curious why she wants to see us," Nick said.
"Yes, I'm Intrigued about this too," Phyllis said. Spotting Summer walking in with Fen, she said, "Look who's here."
Phyllis and Nick stood up, as the younger couple approached them. "Hi," Summer said, "Have you been waiting long?"
"Actually…" Phyllis started.
"Not that long," Nick interjected, "Hello, Fen."
"Mr. Newman," Fen said, shaking his hand. Focusing on Phyllis, Fen stammered, "Mrs….Ms…uh…"
"Phyllis," Phyllis said, gesturing to herself.
"Right, of course," Fen said.
"I think it's okay, if you address my parents by their first names," Summer said.
"That's not true," Nick said.
"So, why did you want to see us?" Phyllis said, "To wish us a Happy New Year?"
"I do wish you that," Summer said, "There's something else I want to share with you."
Noticing Fen's uneasiness, Nick said, "Fen, is there a reason you're nervous?"
"Oh, you know, just excited about the coming year," Fen said.
Waiving her finger back and forth between them, Phyllis looked at Nick and said, "Do you get the feeling something is going on here?"
"I do," Nick said.
"Okay, enough of the build up," Phyllis said, "Out with it."
Putting his arm around Summer, Fen said, "We have an announcement."
Phyllis grabbed Nick's arm for support as, Summer said, "Fen and I…are getting married!" She displayed her engagement ring, with a big smile.
Phyllis and Nick stared at the couple. Leaning in to Phyllis, Nick said, "Did she say..?"
"Yes, she did," Phyllis said.
"On her finger, is that…?" Nick began.
"An engagement ring," Phyllis confirmed.
"Please say something," Summer said.
Phyllis approached her daughter with tears in her eyes. "Mom…" Summer said.
"My baby girl is getting married," Phyllis chirped, smiling through her tears, as she hugged Summer.
Moving to Fen, Phyllis stood shaking her head. Outstretching her arms she said, "Welcome to the family." Fen smiled at Summer, as Phyllis embraced him.
Walking to Summer, Nick said, "I don't know if I'm too comfortable with this growing up thing you keep doing." Summer smiled as Nick said, "Your happy?"
"Very," Summer said.
"Then so am I," Nick said, hugging her.
"Well, Fen," Nick said, "You take of her, or you know who you are going to answer to."
"Yes sir," Fen said, "Dad."
"Don't push it," Nick said.
Preparing drinks and ringing up customer bills, Austin busied himself, behind the bar at Society. Looking up to serve his next customer, a smile crossed Austin's face. "Lola," he said.
"Austin," Lola said, "Busy day I see."
"It's New Year's Eve," Austin said, "Everyone is in a celebratory mood."
"Does that include you?" Lola said.
"Yes, it does," Austin said. He paused before continuing, "In fact I…"
"Have you seen Abby?" Lola said, cutting him off.
"No, not today," Austin said.
"She asked me to meet her here," Lola said.
"Is this meeting about employment?" Austin said.
"I don't know why she wants to see me," Lola said, "And I don't want to get my hopes up."
"I'll cross my fingers for you, that it's good news," Austin said.
"I'm sorry, I cut you off," Lola said, "You were going tell me about your New Year's plans."
"I have a date with a beautiful girl," Austin said.
"I'm sure you do," Lola said.
"We're going to get something to eat and watch the fireworks in the park at midnight," Austin said.
"Sounds lovely," Lola said.
"Does that mean you will join me?" Austin said.
"Me?" Lola said.
"Obviously you are the beautiful girl in this scenario," Austin said.
"I don't know if we should keep seeing each other like this," Lola said.
"Like what?" Austin smiled, "Besides, after that amazing dinner we had at your place, the least I can do is take you out for New Year's." Lola continued to hesitate, prompting Austin to continue, "I'm alone, you're alone, what is the point of that? Let's not be alone, together."
Lola smiled with a soft laugh.
"So, what do you say?" Austin said.
"I'm sorry, I'm late," Abby said, her arrival interrupting the conversation, "I didn't mean to keep you waiting."
"Don't worry about it" Lola said, "I have to admit you've peaked my curiosity."
"Why don't we go over here, where we can talk more privately," Abby said, gesturing to the side tables.
Austin crossed his fingers with a smile at Lola, as she walked away.
"I don't want to hear excuses, just get it done," Kyle demanded, into his phone, which he then disconnected and put down with a sigh.
Responding to a light knock on his office door, he said "Whatever it is, just put it on my desk and I'll look at it later."
Kyle continued to focus on his work, until a ladies scarf, dropped onto his desk. "Are you sure you don't want to look at it now?" Rachel said.
Kyle smiled at her and said, "This is one thing, I don't mind giving my attention to now."
"So, should I leave the rest of my clothes on your desk too?" Rachel said, "We could lock the door and start celebrating the holiday early."
Standing up, Kyle said, "Very tempting. Unfortunately, I am going crazy, trying to get everything done."
"We are busy in the IT department too," Rachel said, "And I figured if I needed a break then you might too."
"I wish I could agree with you, but I…" Kyle started, when Rachel pulled him into a kiss.
"You were saying?" Rachel said.
"Can't remember," Kyle said.
"I am looking forward to tonight," Rachel said, "I'm sure you made plans to go somewhere special."
"I have it all taken care of," Kyle said.
"Then give me a hint of what we are doing," Rachel said.
"No hints," Kyle said, "Maybe, I want to surprise you."
"Did you make reservations at the GCAC?" Rachel prodded, "Top of the Tower, or the Grand Phoenix?"
Kyle raised his eyebrows and shrugged. "You just have to be there," Kyle said.
"As long as you are there too," Rachel said.
"That you can count on," Kyle said, pulling her close. He leaned in for a kiss, pulling back when someone appeared in the doorway of his office.
"Oh, sorry," Mariah said, "I can come back later."
"Mariah, what is it?" Kyle said.
"I have that contract you wanted," Mariah said, "It's all ready for your signature."
"Perfect, thanks," Kyle said, "Did you look into that other matter?"
"I have some information for you," Mariah said.
"That's my cue to get back to work," Rachel said. Pausing in the doorway, she said, "This is nice the three of us able to work together in the same building."
"Maybe we could find a job for Tessa in the IT department," Kyle said.
Mariah half laughed. "So, not the right job for her," she said, "However, if you need a roaming musician in the hallways, I can send her your way. Hey, that's not a bad idea."
"I don't think Jabot, is ready for that," Kyle said.
Handing a take out bag to a customer, Austin said, "Thank you for coming in." Looking to his side he saw Lola sitting on a barstool.
"Someone looks happy," Austin said.
"Try elated," Lola said.
"Your meeting with Abby went well?" Austin said.
Holding out her hand, Lola said, "Meet Society's head chef."
Smiling, Austin took her hand and said, "You got your job back, that's great!"
"It's on a trial basis for three months," Lola said, "But Abby said, she doesn't see any reason it won't be permanent after that."
"What made Abby change her mind?" Austin said.
"She talked to Devon and they came to an agreement," Lola said.
"I'm happy for you," Austin said.
"I'm happy for me too," Lola said, "Abby wants me to start right after the holiday, so, I have a lot to do now. I have to make up menus, order supplies and test cook some items."
"You sound like you will be busy," Austin said.
"I will," Lola said, "Of course all that will take place after my date with you tonight."
"You want to go?" Austin said.
"You made it sound like a great time," Lola said, "Plus, I have a new reason to be excited about the New Year."
"I'm looking forward to it too," Austin said.
"Mariah, do you see anything wrong with this contract?" Kyle said, frustration in his tone.
"It looks like a standard agreement to me," Mariah said.
"Check the second last paragraph," Kyle said.
Mariah read the text, until she spotted the error. "Shears," she said. Looking at Kyle, she said, "It says 'shears'."
"It does," Kyle said.
"It's supposed to be shares," Mariah said.
"I know," Kyle said.
"I can fix this, right now," Mariah said. Going into her tablet and accessing the document, Mariah made the change. "That should do it," she said, "And I've sent you a copy."
"Next time proofread your work before you bring it to me," Kyle said.
"Can I ask you a question and not as your employee?" Mariah said.
"What part of busy don't you understand?" Kyle said.
"See, that's what I'm concerned about," Mariah said, "Your attitude."
"Excuse me?" Kyle said.
"Did I to do something to personally upset you, or are you really that dissatisfied with my work," Mariah said, "I have been doing my best but nothing is good enough for you."
"I've been too critical with you," Kyle said.
"You've been a little harsh," Mariah said.
"You're right," Kyle said, "I apologize. Your work is great. I'm very impressed with your contributions to the company. I definitely made the right choice hiring you."
"Thank you," Mariah said, "But why are you crying outrage at my work?"
"I've been on edge lately," Kyle said, "I should not have taken it out on you. I will be more considerate in the future."
"Is everything okay?" Mariah said.
"I'm stressed," Kyle said, "I feel like I've been playing catch up ever since I got back."
"Sounds like the holiday is just what you need," Mariah said.
"Which reminds me, where did you make reservations for me and my wife?" Kyle said.
"Nowhere," Mariah said.
"Didn't you look into it?" Kyle said.
"I did," Mariah said, "Kyle, I checked everywhere, not one place has an opening on such short notice. It's New Year's Eve, places have been booked full for weeks."
"Great," Kyle sighed, "I've messed up first wedding anniversary. I promised her something special."
"Honestly, it doesn't matter where you are," Mariah said, "She just wants to be with you. A quiet night at home can be just as romantic as going out somewhere fancy."
"I wanted tonight to be perfect," Kyle said, dropping his chin, against his hand.
"You will find some way to celebrate," Mariah said, "Reminisce about that special day a year ago."
Kyle suddenly raised his hand and said, "You're right. I just thought of what we can do."
"Care to share?" Mariah said.
Kyle smiled, excitement returning to his tone, as he said, "I'm going to take her back to where it all started. I'm going to sweep her off her feet all over again."
Left on their own, to mull over their daughter's announcement, silence was between Nick and Phyllis.
"Interesting day," Nick said.
"Yeah," Phyllis said.
"So, our daughter is getting married," Nick said.
"Are you okay with it?" Phyllis said.
"Are you?" Nick said.
"I asked you first," Phyllis said.
"I don't have any reservations about her choice for a husband," Nick said, "Considering her history, it could have been a lot worse."
"It could have," Phyllis said, "She does look really happy and Fen is a good guy."
"Summer's happy, I'm happy," Nick said.
"Same here," Phyllis said, "What do you say we talk about something else?"
"Like what?" Nick said.
"Like, what we are going to do to celebrate the coming New Year," Phyllis said.
"Oh, yeah that's today," Nick said, "Ah, let's just skip it."
"Skip it?" Phyllis said.
"Let's just treat it like any other night," Nick said, "We will order take out, play some video games and turn in early."
Looking at him in horror, Phyllis said, "You're cancelling New Year's Eve? Can you do that?"
"We're adults, we can do whatever we want," Nick said.
"Yes but…" Phyllis tried to interject.
"Why go to all the fuss?" Nick said, "It's just another date on the calendar."
"Just another…" Phyllis repeated, trailing off, "It's out with this horrible year and welcoming the new one. You just want to chill out and pretend it's not happening? You must be joking."
"Yes, I am," Nick said, breaking into a smile.
Smirking at him, Phyllis said, "Your New Year's resolution should be not to drive me crazy."
"Oh, you love it," Nick said.
"Yeah, I do," Phyllis said, "So, tell me what you have up your sleeve for tonight."
"It involves my place," Nick began, "And many, many temptations that will be available for consideration."
"What kind of temptations?" Phyllis said.
"You will just have to show up and find out," Nick said.
"I need to know what to wear," Phyllis said.
"I'll give you a hint," Nick said, "Clothing is optional."
Smiling, Phyllis said, "I am so there."
Kyle pushed to door of the Abbott cabin open, pausing to lift Rachel off her feet. Carrying her inside, Kyle said, "Happy Anniversary, Mrs. Abbott."
They both paused in surprise, when they encountered Tessa, standing on a ladder, holding the end of a banner. "Hi," Tessa said, "You're early."
Setting Rachel down, Kyle said, "What are you doing here?"
Affixing the end of a 'Happy Anniversary' banner to the wall, Tessa said, "Marah told me you both were coming here to celebrate." She descended the ladder continuing, "We thought it would be a nice surprise if it was all decorated when you got here."
"Thanks," Kyle said, "It's really thoughtful."
"Don't worry, I am on my way," Tessa said, "I won't intrude on your night anymore. Enjoy the roses and we sprung for some champagne too." She gestured to the bottle, nestled in the ice bucket, on the table.
"You started the fireplace too," Kyle said.
"That's really nice of you both," Rachel said.
"Happy Anniversary," Tessa said, pulling her coat on, "Enjoy your night."
"Thanks again," Kyle said, "We really appreciate this. Drive carefully, there's a winter storm coming this way."
"I will," Tessa smiled, "You two, have fun."
"This is a wonderful idea," Rachel said, "To celebrate our anniversary here."
"It's where we spent our wedding night," Kyle said, "I figured what better place to spend our first anniversary."
"That was such an amazing night," Rachel said, snuggling into Kyle's arms, "Now, to back here a year later, it feels like our wedding night all over again."
"I can live with that," Kyle said, pulling her into a kiss.
Draped in Kyle's shirt, Rachel lay in her husband's arms. "Thank you," she said.
"For?" Kyle said.
"For creating the perfect night," Rachel said.
"I was thinking of taking you out for a special dinner," Kyle said.
"This is better," Rachel said, "Just the two of us, without all the fuss of getting dressed up."
"Soon, it will be the three of us," Kyle said, reaching around to caress Rachel's middle.
"It will," Rachel said.
"It's hard to believe I'm going to be a father," Kyle said, "At the same time, I can't wait."
"Yeah, not long now," Rachel said.
Detecting apprehension, in her voice, Kyle said, "Are you not excited? It's a little late for second thoughts."
"I'm looking forward to a new baby," Rachel said, "I'm not looking forward to how she gets here."
"You mean the actual day she comes," Kyle said.
"It was so much harder giving birth with Susie, than I could have imagined," Rachel said, "I'm nervous about going through that again."
"I know there's pain involved," Kyle said, "But think about what we will have on the other side of that. Besides, I will be there, right by your side, the entire way."
"I wouldn't want to do this without you," Rachel said, "Be prepared to have your hand squeezed so hard, you will think I'm crushing it."
"I can handle it," Kyle said.
"You say that now," Rachel said, "Just no passing out in the delivery room, please."
"I'll do my best," Kyle laughed. Noticing the clock on the mantelpiece, Kyle said, "It's getting close to midnight."
"I hope the new year is better than this one," Rachel said.
"I have a feeling it will be a year we will never forget," Kyle said, adding, "Filled with amazing moments like this one."
"Do you know how lucky I feel to be with you?" Rachel said.
"I have some idea," Kyle said, "I feel just as lucky to be with you."
They fell silent, until Rachel said, "What are you thinking about?"
"The baby," Kyle said, "Don't you think we should give her a name?"
"It's crossed my mind," Rachel said, "Any ideas?"
"I heard a name over Christmas that I thought was pretty," Kyle said, "Ivy."
"Ivy?" Rachel said, "Next you will be saying her middle name is Holly."
Kyle laughed and said, "We don't need to name her after a Christmas song. It was just a thought."
"Ivy is nice," Rachel said, "I had another name in mind. What do you think of Diana? That way we can name her after your mother and Dina."
A smile crept across Kyle's face as he looked at Rachel. "What?" she said.
"I love you," Kyle smiled.
"Does that mean you like the name?" Rachel said.
"It's perfect," Kyle said, "I love it. I wish I had thought of it myself."
"Then we agree?" Rachel said, "Diana?"
"Abbott,: Kyle said, 'I wish they were both here for the baby."
"I know," Rachel said, "But I have a feeling your mother and grandmother are smiling down on us."
"They will be watching over little Diana too," Kyle said.
Lola shivered in the cold night air. "Are you too cold?" Austin said, walking with Lola in the park.
"I'm a little chilly," Lola said, "I'm not used to spending New Year's Eve out in this weather."
"Do you want to go somewhere else?" Austin said.
"No," Lola said, "This is amazing. There's so many people and everyone looks so happy and festive."
"The fireworks will start soon," Austin said, "We don't want to miss that."
Spotting a hot drink stand, Lola said, "Oh look. We have to get some hot chocolate."
"Coming right up," Austin said, leading her over. He asked for two drinks and handed Lola hers.
"Thank you," Lola said. Taking a sip, she said, "Oh, it's delicious."
"And nice and hot," Austin said.
"How did you know, I needed a night like this?" Lola said.
"It's nice to see you smile again," Austin said.
"I feel wonderful," Lola said, "It's like all the bad stuff is behind me and my life is coming together again. I'm also glad that you are a part of it."
"Well, I'm glad that you're a part of mine," Austin said. He put his arm around Lola's shoulders, which she was content to let it stay there.
Looking at each other, their eyes met as they shared a smile. Sudden shouts of, "15…14…!" pulled them back to reality, as they gleefully joined in the countdown to midnight.
"3…2…1!" The clock struck midnight as fireworks lit up the night sky.
"Happy New Year, Lola," Austin said.
"Happy New Year," Lola smiled.
Austin was hesitant to kiss her, until Lola pulled him into an embrace.
"What have we got here?" Kyle said, rummaging through a bag of tissue paper. Locating the object inside, he pulled out and said, "A book." He laughed as he read the title on the front cover aloud. "All about Kyle?"
"It's a book of poems, pictures and personal messages, stating all of the reasons I love you," Rachel said.
"Aw, that's sweet," Kyle said, "It's going to be fun going through this. Thank you."
"Look inside the front cover," Rachel said.
Kyle opened the book and read, "To Kyle, the love of my life, my husband and my everything. All my love forever, Rachel."
"You're my everything too," Kyle said, "Forever."
"And ever," Rachel said, as he kissed her.
"Now it's your turn," Kyle said, handing a box to Rachel, "Bear in mind first anniversary is paper."
"I know, hence your gift," Rachel said, "I'm sure I will love whatever this is." She pulled a book out of the bag, pausing when she read the front cover.
"You bought a book about…Greece?" she said.
"Yes, it was on our list of honeymoon spots, before we decided on Hawaii, so I thought this would be the next best thing," Kyle said.
"Oh," Rachel said, "That's nice."
Kyle could see the disappointment in Rachel's eyes, biting his lip, not to let on that there was more. "Read the inside cover," he said.
"To Rachel…I love you…Kyle," she read.
"And…" Kyle said, prompting her to read P.S. message.
"P.S. Turn to back of the book," she read, before looking at Kyle.
"I would do what it says, look in the back," Kyle said.
Rachel flipped to the end of the book and found paper objects tucked in the flap. Pulling them out she said, "Tickets? Where are we going?"
"I'll give you one guess," Kyle said.
Rachel thought for a moment and then excitement rose in her voice. "Are we going to Greece?"
"First class all the way," Kyle smiled.
"Oh, Kyle!" Rachel said hugging him, "This is the best present."
"I thought you might feel that way," Kyle said.
"And you are the best husband," Rachel said, "But I can't go."
"What do you mean?" Kyle said.
"I'm pregnant," Rachel said, "I'm having a baby in a few months."
"That's why I made the trip for two years from now," Kyle said, "I know it's a while away, but by then…"
"The baby will be old enough to take with us," Rachel said.
"Or little Diana will be old enough for someone else to look after her and we can have a mommy and daddy trip just the two of us," Kyle said, "I have a feeling we are going to need it by then. Also, I couldn't book anything sooner to get the private resort, with the private beach. Pure sand and blue water, right outside our suite."
"It sounds wonderful," Rachel smiled.
"Hey, look at this," Kyle said, checking his watch, "5…4…3..2..1. Happy New Year." Kyle kissed Rachel, leaning her back on the couch. The sudden sound of the front door startled them, as a giggling couple tumbled into the cabin. They all stared when the couples saw each other, Kyle speaking first.
"Summer?" he said.
"Kyle?" Summer said.
Seeing she was accompanied by Fen, Rachel said, "What are you doing here?"
"We were going to use the cabin for the night," Fen said.
"Here?" Kyle said.
"Jack said I could use the cabin whenever I wanted," Summer said.
"As you can see we are staying here," Kyle said, "So you are going to have to make arrangements somewhere else."
"We would," Fen said, "But there's a snowstorm out there. The roads are really bad."
"We were worried about making it here," Summer said, "Oh, thank goodness a fire," she said walking over to it, "I'm freezing."
"It looks like we're stuck together all night," Fen said, "Happy New Year."
Rachel dropped her head to Kyle's shoulder as he momentarily closed his eyes in frustration.