"Do you have a busy day ahead?" Traci said, following Jack from the dining room, to the living room.
"Yes," Jack said, "Jabot is ramping up campaigns for Mother's Day and then we have to start planning for Father's Day. I was thinking of stopping by Crimson Lights, on my way in."
"You just had a coffee," Traci said, "You know what they say about too much caffeine."
"It's not just the coffee," Jack said.
"Oh?" Traci said.
"Okay, last time I was there I met a woman," Jack said.
"Is this a potential summer romance?" Traci said.
"I don't know if I'd go that far," Jack said.
"Sorry, it's the writer in me coming out," Traci said.
"The thing is," Jack started, "This woman…" Jack was cut off by the sound of the front door opening and Kyle stepping inside.
"Kyle," Jack said, "We missed you a breakfast."
"I'm sure Mrs. Martinez could fix you and your wife something," Traci said, "Where is Rachel?"
"She will be along," Kyle said, unable to hide his smile.
"Kyle, sweetie, you look very tired," Traci said, "Didn't you sleep last night?"
"Not much," Kyle said.
"Are you coming down with something?" Traci said.
"No, I'm perfectly fine," Kyle said, "I feel like I'm on top of the world."
"I'm glad to hear that," Jack said, "Is there something going on?"
"I would like you both to meet someone," Kyle said.
Kyle stepped outside the door, as Traci and Jack exchanged glances. Kyle reappeared seconds later, a baby carrier in one hand, with a tiny infant nestled inside. Kyle's other arm was around Rachel, as he led her inside.
"Oh," Traci happily sighed, as Jack stared in amazement.
"Dad, Aunt Traci," Kyle said, "We would like you to meet our daughter, Diana, born last evening."
Traci walked closer to them with a big smile. "You had your baby," she gushed, peering closer at the infant, "She's just darling."
"She was a bit early," Rachel said, "Which seems to be the way it is with me. Not that we mind."
"Not at all," Kyle said. He walked towards Jack, and setting the baby carrier on the couch, he lifted the baby out.
Turning to his father, he said, "Dad, I want to introduce you to your granddaughter."
Jack smiled, with tears of joy forming, as Kyle placed the baby in Jack's arms. "I can't believe it," Jack said.
"Neither could we," Rachel said, with Kyle holding her hand, as she sat down.
"How are you?" Traci said.
"I'm fine," Rachel said, "I had a little fainting spell and an overnight stay in the hospital."
"Are you alright?" Jack said.
"I recovered," Rachel said, "They only kept me as a precaution."
Focusing back on the baby, Jack said, "Look at you. You are the most beautiful thing, I have ever seen. I'm your grandpa. Diana Jacqueline, welcome to the Abbott family."
"The first one of her generation," Kyle said.
"That's right," Jack said, "The first of many?"
"One at a time," Rachel said, as Kyle kissed her on the cheek.
Walking towards the front desk, of the Grand Phoenix, Phyllis smiled when she saw Summer, sitting in the lobby. Approaching her, Phyllis said, "This is a nice surprise."
"Hi Mom, good morning," Summer said.
"Good morning," Phyllis said, "Are you meeting Fen?"
"No, I was waiting for you," Summer said.
"I wish I had known you were here," Phyllis said, "I would have come down sooner."
"I haven't been waiting long," Summer said.
Sitting across from her, Phyllis said, "I assume you have a reason for wanting to see me."
"I do," Summer said, "I wanted to tell you that Fen and I have moved up the wedding date. We are now getting married in mid-June."
"June," Phyllis repeated, "As in two months from now? So soon? What's the rush?"
"Why wait?" Summer said, "We decided on a small gathering, family and close friends."
"Small?" Phyllis said, "Why not go bigger? This is your wedding day."
"It's not my first one," Summer said.
"I know, but this should be a lavish ceremony," Phyllis said, "A special day."
"Having you and Dad there, with those close to us, will make it special," Summer said.
"Alright, it's your day," Phyllis said, "Whatever you want. Is there um…another reason you are moving up the date?"
"No," Summer said.
"Are you sure?" Phyllis said, "You don't have some other news to share?"
"Actually, I do," Summer said.
"Oh?" Phyllis said, bracing herself.
"Kyle and Rachel had their baby last night," Summer said.
"Did they?" Phyllis said, "That's nice for them."
"It was so incredible witnessing all of it," Summer said.
"You were there?" Phyllis said.
"There was an accident, a road blockage, power outages and it turned out, Rachel delivered her baby in the middle of Society," Summer said.
"Sounds like quite the spectacle," Phyllis said.
"Would you believe Lola helped deliver the baby?" Summer said, "Still it was the most amazing thing. Watching Kyle's daughter come into the world. It was beautiful."
"Kyle and Rachel, you mean," Phyllis said.
"What?" Summer said, coming out her trance.
"It's not just Kyle's baby, it's the two of them together," Phyllis said.
"Of course, I know that," Summer said.
"I'm glad it was such a wonderful experience," Phyllis said.
"Yes, and it will be for me too," Summer said.
"What?" Phyllis said, "Are you…pregnant?"
Phyllis's astonishment had raised the volume of her voice, as Summer looked around embarrassed. "No, I'm not," Summer said.
"Oh, thank goodness," Phyllis sighed, in relief.
"However…" Summer stared.
"There's a however?" Phyllis said.
"Fen and I were talking and once we get married in June, we are going to try for a baby right away," Summer smiled, excitement in her voice. Phyllis stared at her, as Summer continued, "So in the next couple months, I could be pregnant."
Grabbing the arms of her chair, Phyllis said, "I need to sit down."
"Mom, you are sitting," Summer said.
"Then I need to lie down," Phyllis said, "When your father hears about this, he is going to need to lie down too."
Rachel retreated to feed and settle the baby, while Traci accompanied, with an offer to help.
"So, a father now," Jack said, "How does it feel?"
"Surreal," Kyle said, "But at same time, it's amazing."
"If you need any advice, you know who to ask," Jack said, "I have some experience."
"I guess you do," Kyle said. Adding with a little laugh, "Sorry about that."
"Sorry?" Jack said, "I was so happy when I found out I had a son."
"Yeah, but I didn't always make it easy for you," Kyle said.
"It's called being a parent," Jack said, "I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"I just hope I can be as good a father, as you," Kyle said.
"I have a feeling you will do just fine," Jack said.
"Do you mind if I take the next couple of days away from the office?" Kyle said, "I want to be there for Rachel and Diana. You know, help out when I can, make sure they both settle in okay."
"You can't bear to tear yourself away from her," Jack smiled.
"You can't blame me," Kyle said.
"So, how did it happen?" Jack said, "Did Rachel go into labor after work?"
"It's an interesting story," Kyle said, "We were at Society, when it started and there was a blockage on the route to the hospital. A bad accident and power outages."
"The lights were flickering here," Jack said.
"Anyway, there wasn't much time, so Rachel ended up having the baby, in the middle of Society," Kyle said.
"That couldn't have been easy," Jack said.
"It could have been worse," Kyle said, "Luckily, Lola was there and she knew what to do. She was a big help in delivery."
"That's unexpected," Jack said.
"Summer was there too," Kyle said, "She assisted. Along with Fen and Austin. The most unlikely people came together to help."
"You have a good story to tell Diana one day," Jack said.
"Yeah," Kyle said, "You know, I wish Mom had been here, so she could have known her granddaughter."
"It's interesting that you bring that up," Jack said.
"Why's that?" Kyle said.
"I met your mystery woman at Crimson Lights," Jack said, "You were right when you said she looks like your mother. I couldn't believe my eyes."
"Now, you see what I mean," Kyle said, "Did you talk to her?"
"Briefly," Jack said, "She seemed in a hurry. But I did find out her name, Evelyn Perkins."
"You didn't get any other information?" Kyle said, "There has to be a reason, she looks so much like Mom. Maybe she's a long lost relative. You never know, she could be my aunt."
"I think that's wishful thinking," Jack said, "I did get her phone number. I'd like to get together with her and have a chat."
"She gave you her number?" Kyle said.
"Yes and according to her card, she's a Cosmetician," Jack said.
"A make-up artist," Kyle said, "You already have a career in common."
"Don't get too excited," Jack said, "It's too early to see if this will develop into anything significant."
"You're right," Kyle said, "Well, I am going to see my little girl. Do you want to come along?"
"I would like that very much," Jack said.
Mariah was sitting on the patio of Crimson Lights, with her coffee, when she spotted Tessa walking in. When Tessa met Mariah's eyes, she turned, to walk the other way.
"Tessa wait!" Mariah said, standing up. Tessa paused in the doorway, but would not face Mariah.
"Would you please look at me, so we can talk?" Mariah said.
Turning around Tessa said, "I don't have anything more to say to you."
"At least I know you're alright," Mariah said, "Considering you didn't come home last night."
"I stayed at my brother's," Tessa said, "He was away for the night, so I got some peace and quiet."
"Are you that upset with me?" Mariah said.
"How can you ask me that?" Tessa said, "You deceived me."
"Don't you think you're being over dramatic," Mariah said.
"You gave away something very personal of mine, without my permission," Tessa said, "Tell me where you don't see the deceit in that."
"I thought if Devon liked the song it would make you happy," Mariah said.
"It wasn't yours, to bring to him," Tessa said.
"Okay, I should have been more forthcoming about it," Mariah said, "I apologize. But all the parties involved are excited about it. They wouldn't have this project without you. It's a good thing."
"I'm not upset about the recording," Tessa said, "I don't feel like I can trust you anymore."
"If you don't want Devon to use the song, then tell him no," Mariah said, "Tell him your permission was not granted to deliver the song to him. I will own up to it and tell him if you like."
"The deal is made, I'm not changing my decision," Tessa said, "I would like to think, I can trust you, but what happens next time I tell you something in confidence. Are you going to blab it to the next person you see?"
"You know I would never do that," Mariah said.
"Not anymore, I don't," Tessa said.
"Tessa, I love you," Mariah said, "You are my whole world and your happiness is very important to me. I didn't set out to hurt you, I thought I was helping you. Can you forgive me and come home?"
"I love you too," Tessa said, "That's why this hurts so much."
"I will never do anything like this again," Mariah said, "I regret so much, that I hurt you. I didn't do this to you, I did it for you. Please don't throw away what we have over an incredible song."
Tessa paused before she said, "I guess, I've done some dishonest things to you in the past, but you were amazing enough to forgive me. Having said that, I can forgive you now."
"I sincerely apologize," Mariah said.
"Apology accepted," Tessa said, as she pulled Mariah into a hug.
Wiping away a few tears, Mariah said, "I'm so relieved we got past this."
"I want to show you something," Tessa said, reaching into her purse. Pulling out her phone she located the desired screen and showed it to Mariah.
"What am I looking at?" Mariah said.
"That's how much Devon is paying me, for the rights to my song," Tessa said.
Mariah exhaled in surprise. "That's very generous," Mariah said.
"I know, I couldn't believe it," Tessa said.
"We should celebrate," Mariah said, "Just the two of us."
"Do you have something in mind?" Tessa said.
"You really don't know me at all," Mariah smiled.
Brittany sat her office desk, buried in open hardcover books and her laptop. Distracted by the beeping of her phone, she sighed. Picking it up and viewing her message, her expression changed as she smiled. "Baby's here," she said, "Very cute."
"Have you ever seen anything so sweet?" Tessa said, nestled in bed, as she and Mariah viewed the announcement and picture of Kyle and Rachel's baby. Texting a reply, Tessa messaged, "Congratulations, so adorable!"
"A-ha," Billy chuckled at his phone.
Sitting across from him in the office, Lily said, "Do you want to share what's got you so excited?"
"I'm a Great Uncle," Billy said.
"And what have you done that makes you great?" Lily said.
"No, I mean Rachel and Kyle had their baby," Billy said, "She's my new great niece." Billy showed Lily the picture on his phone.
"Aw," Lily said, "They must be so happy."
"Kevin!" Chloe called from the living room, "Come here quick!"
Kevin rushed into the room, to find Chloe and Susie on their feet, barely able to keep still. "What is it? What's wrong? Is it Myles?"
Chloe shook her head, with a big smile as Susie proclaimed, "Mom, had her baby!"
"Isn't that wonderful?" Chloe said.
"I thought at least somebody was in distress," Kevin sighed, "Yes, it's great news."
"Look," Chloe said, showing Kevin the picture.
"She looks like Susie when she was born," Kevin said.
"She does?" Chloe said.
"Not exactly of course," Kevin said.
"I think she's adorable," Chloe said, "I am going to throw her a shower. I can't believe I didn't think of that before."
"Can I help?" Susie said.
"Of course you can," Chloe said
Included in the announcement list were, Sharon, Devon, Fen, Jack, Adele, Ashley and Traci. All replied with various congratulatory messages.
Summer was entering the patio of Crimson Lights, when she received her message. Viewing it, she paused and then slowly sat down. She stared at the picture of the baby as tears came to her eyes. Kyle had his baby, which he always wanted, while Summer was disappointed she hadn't been the one to give it to him. "Kyle, that was supposed to be us," she whispered.
"Just the man I wanted to see," Devon said.
Sitting at a table in Society, Fen looked up from his phone. "Devon," he said, "I was going to call you."
"Now, I'm here," Devon said, "May I?" He gestured to a chair.
"Of course," Fen said.
"You say you were going to call," Devon said, "I assume this is about our project."
"Yes," Fen said, "I have something to tell you."
"I hope you're not backing out," Devon said.
"No, I'm still all in," Fen said, "However, Rachel is another story."
"I thought she got past her insecurities about this," Devon said.
"Oh, she did," Fen said, "But now she has a new baby."
"Come again?" Devon said.
"She gave birth yesterday," Fen said.
"That's wonderful," Devon said, "I will send her and Kyle my congratulations."
"It's not wonderful for our plans," Fen said.
"I told her we could work around her schedule due to the baby," Devon said, "You and I can work on it, lay down some vocals and then bring Rachel in when she's ready."
"Sounds good," Fen said, "Just let me know, when you need me."
"I was also thinking about a small promotional tour in a couple of months," Devon said, "Nothing like the scale you did before, just some personal appearances, maybe some performances here and there. Hopefully we can start to schedule events for June."
"June?" Fen said.
"Summer is the best time to do these types of appearances," Devon said. Noticing Fen's hesitation, Devon said, "Is that a problem?"
"We might have a scheduling conflict," Fen said.
"Why's that?" Devon said.
"Because I'm getting married in June," Fen said.
"I didn't even realize you were engaged," Devon said.
"Summer and I got engaged over the Christmas holiday," Fen said, "We've made plans, getting ready to send out invitations, then there's the honeymoon. I'm really excited about working with you, but if my being away is going to cause too much trouble, I'm going to have to pull out of this project."
"It's alright," Devon laughed, "I am not going to cancel the contract because you want to start your married life. We can hold off a couple of weeks."
"That would be great," Fen said, "Thank you."
"I am going to get going," Devon said, "Give my best to Summer and my congratulations."
"I will," Fen said.
Devon stood up to see Michael and Lauren walking towards them. "If it isn't the Baldwins," he said.
"Devon, so nice to see you again," Lauren said.
"The pleasure is mine," Devon said.
"We saw our son sitting here, so we thought we could join you," Michael said, "Unless we are interrupting something."
"Not at all," Devon said, "We are finished with our meeting. I have to be on my way."
"We will catch up another time," Lauren said.
"Absolutely," Devon said, before walking away.
"May we sit?" Lauren said.
"Of course," Fen said.
"Are you waiting for Summer?" Lauren said.
"She's working hard today," Fen said.
"So, you had a meeting with Devon," Michael said, "What was that about?"
"Big news," Fen said.
"Oh?" Lauren said,
"Devon offered me a contract," Fen said, "Now, before you get worried, it's just for one song, but it's amazing. Tessa wrote it and Rachel and I are going to record it as a duet. There will be some small promotional stuff with it, but it's a great opportunity."
"It sounds exciting," Lauren said.
"I can't wait to hear it," Michael said.
"I think it's going to turn out really great," Fen said.
"So, is there anything else going on?" Lauren said, "Like maybe a wedding date?"
"I'm glad you brought that up," Fen said, "Summer and I have decided to get married in June."
"That soon?" Lauren said.
"We've been engaged a few months now and living together," Fen said, "Why wait?"
"I'm sure you're anxious to make her your wife," Michael said, "At the same time you don't want to rush it."
"We don't feel like we are," Fen said, "This is something we both want."
"If you're sure," Lauren said, "Then we will be there and we support you."
"Thanks," Fen said, "I knew I could count on you both."
"Always," Michael said.
"Can I ask you something?" Fen said.
"Ah, already hitting us up for wedding favors," Michael said.
"No, it's not that," Fen said, "I just wanted to know, how you two would feel about becoming grandparents."
Lauren stared at Fen, as Michael said, "Excuse me?"
"A grandchild at last," Adele gushed, sitting across from Jack at Crimson Lights, "And she's perfectly adorable."
"I knew she would be," Jack said, "But you have another grandchild already. In fact you have two."
"If you are referring to Miranda, she has made it clear she wants nothing to do with the family," Adele scoffed.
"It's such shame," Jack said, "Are you sure about this?"
"She knows where I am if she wants to reach me," Adele said.
"I've often wondered where she is," Jack said.
"You never know," Adele said, "She could be closer than you think."
Jack frowned at her remark, when a voice said, "Well, hello there."
Adele noticed, Jack's expression change to a smile when he saw their visitor. "Di…" Jack started, before correcting himself, "Evelyn."
"Hello Jack," Evelyn said.
"Would you like to sit down?" Jack said.
"I don't want to intrude with you and your wife," Evelyn said.
Adele laughed, as Jack said, "She's not my wife. We're not married."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed," Evelyn said.
"Please join us," Jack said
"Only if I'm not intruding," Evelyn said.
"Not at all," Jack smiled. Adele looked at Jack, with insult.
"Jack, are you going to introduce me to your friend?" Adele said.
"Of course," Jack said, "Adele this is Evelyn Perkins. Evelyn meet Adele Brantford."
"Nice to meet you," Evelyn said.
"How do you do?" Adele said, rather dryly.
"Jack tells me I remind him of someone," Evelyn said, "I am curious who this person is."
"You do look a little familiar," Adele said, surveying Evelyn.
"You may not remember…" Jack said.
"Diane Jenkins!" Adele said, "Yes, I remember you. I never forget a face."
"I'm not this woman, Diane," Evelyn said.
"Perhaps not," Adele said, "Diane was…an interesting woman," Adele said, with distaste.
"She's also the mother of my son, would you please show her memory some respect," Jack said.
"I remind you of your son's mother?" Evelyn said.
"I'm sorry," Jack said, "There's a strong resemblance."
"And this woman has passed away?" Evelyn said.
"Yes, she has," Jack said.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize…" Evelyn stammered, "I'm bringing up a painful memory for you."
"No, please don't feel that way," Jack said, "My son and I know, you are your own person."
"Your son knows about me?" Evelyn said.
"Yes, Kyle, my son, was the first one to see you," Jack said.
"That must have been hard for him," Evelyn said, "Is he young?"
"Actually, he's grown. He and his wife just had a baby," Jack said.
"How nice," Evelyn said.
"Yes, Jack and I are now grandparents," Adele said, "Together."
Noticing Evelyn's questionable look, Jack clarified, "Adele's daughter, is my son's wife. They had the baby."
"Oh, I see," Evelyn said.
"Jack and I are still very close," Adele said, "I'm not sure how long I will be staying. I will have to see how things work out."
"Maybe, I will see more of you then," Evelyn said. Jack smirked.
"I am going to get a refill," Adele said, picking up her coffee cup, "Excuse me."
"By all means," Evelyn said. After Adele walked away, Evelyn said, "Well, Adele is a very…." She trailed off.
"Complicated woman," Jack finished, for her.
"I was going to say abrasive," Evelyn said, "But we can use your term."
Jack slightly laughed. "Adele is a good friend," he said, "I think she would like it to be more."
"Are you interested in the same thing?" Evelyn said.
"I would like to get to know you better," Jack said. They shared a smile.
At the front counter, Adele addressed the waitress saying, "I would like a refill please."
With her back to her, Andi said, "I'll be with you in a minute."
"I'm standing here waiting," Adele demanded attention.
Turning around, Andi said, "I told you…." Andi stopped at the sight of Adele, dropping her coffee pot, glass shattering on the floor.
"Hello, Miranda," Adele said, sternly.
"Grandma…" Andi stammered.
"Did you say…?" Michael said.
"Summer's having a baby?" Lauren gushed, "When is she due?"
"No, no," Fen said, "You misunderstand. Summer is not pregnant."
"There's someone else?" Michael said.
"No, of course not," Fen said, "I didn't approach this the right way."
"Maybe you should start over," Michael said.
"When Summer and I get married, we are going to start to try for a baby right away," Fen said, "We are not going to wait to start a family."
"Why not?" Michael said.
"Because we don't want to," Fen said.
"Most young couples wait a little while to start a family," Michael said, "For instance, your mother and I were married for a number of years, before you came along."
"And lots of couples have a baby before marriage," Fen said, "Just because we are young is no reason not to try."
"Where is this coming from?" Michael said, "Is this your idea?"
"I'll admit Summer brought it up, but we agree, this is what we want," Fen said.
"Are you sure Summer is ready to have a baby?" Lauren said, "She just made a big step in her career."
"I understand you two have your reservations," Fen said, "But getting married and starting a family is what we want. Summer and I are going to have an amazing life together."
Summer swung the apartment door shut behind her, setting her briefcase down, with a heavy sigh. Walking into the room, Summer pulled out her phone, as flopped onto the couch. She brought up the picture of Kyle's baby, mesmerized by the image. Her bottom lip began to quiver, as tears formed in her eyes.
Summer knew this day was coming, Kyle was having a baby with another woman. When she saw the child with her own eyes and gazed upon the photo, it hit Summer harder than she ever thought it would. For so many years she yearned to be the one to bear Kyle's first born. Summer couldn't fathom, that she let another woman take her place in Kyle's heart and give him that greatest gift.
Summer's old feelings for Kyle, came to the surface as her heartbreak spilled down her cheeks. Spotting a framed picture of herself and Fen, which was kept on a side table, Summer picked it up. The image of them, was clearly two people in love. Fen was a good man and he was her future now. She ran her hand lovingly over Fen's image, looking back at forth from the baby picture to Fen. She replaced the photo on the table, misjudging the intended spot, causing the picture to tumble to the floor. Transfixed by the baby on her phone, Summer curled up on the couch and cried.