Lola pushed the kitchen doors open, stopping in her tracks, when she encountered a crowd of applause from the employees. Austin was leading the accolades, grinning at her.
"What's all this?" Lola said.
"What do you mean?" Austin said, "You're a hero."
"I beg your pardon?" Lola said.
"You swooped in and helped a woman in distress, delivering her baby," Austin said.
"We don't need to make such a deal out of it," Lola said.
"Of course we do," Austin said, chanting, "Lola…Lola…"
"You can stop now," Lola said, "Thank you all, for your kindness."
The employees returned to their work duties, as Lola said, "I see you told everyone."
"I am so impressed by you," Austin said, "And proud of you."
Austin pulled her in closer, but Lola held back. "We're at work," she said.
"Are we supposed to be keeping this a secret?" Austin said, "I don't think there's anyone here, who doesn't know we're together."
"I guess you're right," Lola said, sharing a quick kiss with him.
"I have a fabulous idea," Austin said.
"We can't take the day off, to spend together," Lola said.
"Ooh, that's even better," Austin said. Lola shook her head. "Okay, how about this one. You and I go away for a weekend together. Get away from it all, we can go anywhere. What do you think?"
"I think that sometimes you are so inconsiderate," Lola said, "I can't go away with you."
Kyle was sitting behind his desk, rubbing one eye, while he attempted to focus on the work before him. Picking up his coffee mug, he sighed when he realized it was empty. Running his hand across his face, Kyle could feel the fatigue settling in. Resting his head in his hand, his eyes began to close. Kyle tried to fight it, but he soon dozed off.
Summer stepped into the office, smiling when she saw Kyle sleeping. "How cute," she quietly said. Walking closer to him, Summer said, "Kyle?" Not getting a response she increased the volume of her voice, "Kyle?"
Startled, Kyle jumped awake. "What…?" he stammered.
"Caught you," Summer said, in a singsong voice, "Sleeping on the job."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to be unprofessional," Kyle said, "But in my house, sleep has become a thing of the past."
"It comes with the territory of parenting a newborn," Summer said.
"She's a little insomniac," Kyle said, standing up.
"You'll get through it," Summer said.
"I need you to keep reminding me of that," Kyle said.
"I really am happy for you," Summer said, "I know how much you wanted this."
"Thanks," Kyle said, "Despite the 24/7 crying, the total lack of sleep, and don't even get me started on the diapers, it hasn't sunk in yet, that I'm a father."
"You will be a great one," Summer said, "Diana is lucky to have you."
"That's a sweet thing to say," Kyle said.
"It's true," Summer said. They shared a smile, before Summer continued, "You know, I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Of course," Kyle said, "What's up?"
"Kyle…is everything okay?" Summer said.
"Yes, everything is pretty great right now," Kyle said, "Shouldn't it be?"
"I just wondered," Summer said, "All is okay, on the home front?"
"Home life is wonderful," Kyle said, "What are you trying to get at?"
"It's been bothering me, what almost happened between us," Summer said.
"And what is that?" Kyle said.
"The day your wife went into labor," Summer said, "But before that, when we were in the office. We almost let something happen."
"You mean the almost kiss?" Kyle said.
"Yeah, what was that?" Summer said.
"A momentary lapse," Kyle shrugged.
"Oh," Summer said, she paused and continued, "No, it was more than that. You moved towards me, like you wanted to be close to me."
"Summer…" Kyle sad.
"I am just going to come right out and say it," Summer said, "Kyle, do you still have feelings for me?"
Kyle stared at Summer, his heart beating faster.
Andi stared at Adele, unsure of what to say. "Well, young lady," Adele said, "I see this is where you have been. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Grandma, I can explain," Andi said.
"Andi?" Sharon said, rushing in from the back office, upon hearing the breaking glass, "What happened?"
"I'm sorry, Sharon," Andi said, "I dropped the coffee pot. So clumsy, it just slipped out of my hands."
"It's okay, let's get this cleaned up," Sharon said.
"I'll get the broom," Andi said, rushing off.
Addressing Adele, Sharon said, "I'm sorry about this. Can I help you with something?"
"No, I have what I need," Adele said. She turned around, surprised to see Jack had left and Evelyn was also nowhere to be seen. "Typical," Adele said.
"I don't understand, why you're getting upset," Austin said, "Are you putting the brakes on this relationship already?"
"No, but think Austin," Lola said, "What's the reason I can't go away with you?"
"Your parole," Austin said.
"That's right," Lola said, "I have six months left."
"Sorry, I did overlook that," Austin said, "I only have six weeks left on mine, so I was thinking we could go somewhere and celebrate."
"I love the idea," Lola said, "I'm all for celebrating closer to home."
"Deal," Austin said.
"I have to get back to the kitchen," Lola said.
"I'll miss you," Austin said.
"You're too much," Lola laughed. She began to walk away when she heard someone call her name.
"Lola!" Fen was walking towards her, waiving his arm to get her attention.
"Fen?" Lola said.
"I'm glad I caught you," Fen said.
"Why's that?" Lola said.
"I have a favor to ask," Fen said, "More of a question."
"Go ahead," Lola said.
"Do you do weddings?" Fen said, "Or I should say, do you cater weddings?"
"I suppose I could," Lola said, "It would all depend on my schedule and the date for the reception."
"So, it's a possibility," Fen said.
"Perhaps," Lola said, "What's the venue?"
"We haven't exactly worked that out yet," Fen said.
"Choosing a place to host the event, is usually the first step before choosing a caterer," Lola said.
"I know, but time is of the essence," Fen said, "The wedding is in June."
"This year?" Lola confirmed.
"Yes, I know it's soon," Fen said, "Do you think you could fit us in?"
"I can try, but I need more details," Lola said, "Get back to me when you have your reception better planned out."
"Maybe you can suggest something?" Fen said.
"Here's a novel idea," Austin interjected, "If you want Lola to cater your reception, why don't you have it at Society?"
Fen looked from Austin to Lola and said, "Can I do that?"
"You can book the restaurant for a private party," Lola said.
"That's perfect," Fen said, "I'll have to talk to Summer, but I'm sure she will be happy with this arrangement."
"Send me the details and I will see what I can do," Lola said.
"Will do," Fen said.
As Lola retreated to the kitchen, Austin said, "So, you and Summer are getting married."
"My apologies, it that stings," Fen said.
"No, it's fine," Austin said, "I've resolved my feelings for Summer. I have a new woman in my life."
"I'll send her my condolences," Fen said.
"Feeling a little hostile today?" Austin said.
"You tend to bring that out in me," Fen said.
"I know you don't like me," Austin said, "Not sure why. Was it because Summer chose me, over you, the first time, or the fact that I married her?"
"It was because you plotted to kidnap her," Fen said, "Or maybe it was when you pulled a gun on her. Then there's the thing where you cheated on her and broke her heart."
"I'm making up for my mistakes," Austin said, "I never wanted to hurt her."
"Says you," Fen said.
"I know you will find this hard to believe, but I will always care about Summer," Austin said. "By the way, if Society is hosting your reception, I will be your bartender."
"Just make sure you don't drug any of those drinks," Fen said, "And we would appreciate it, if you would leave your firearms at home."
Austin scowled at Fen, as he walked away. "Poor Summer," he muttered to himself.
"Kyle did you hear me?" Summer said, "Don't you have anything to say?"
"I'm not sure what you expect me to say," Kyle said, "It's kind of a strange question."
"I don't think so," Summer said, "I've been picking up on some signals from you."
"Like what?" Kyle said.
"Like when you almost kissed me," Summer said, "Why are you avoiding the question?"
"Because I'm insulted," Kyle said, "That you would ask me something like that."
"Or maybe because you don't want to admit the truth," Summer said.
"You're making something out of nothing," Kyle protested.
"Do you have feelings for me?" Summer demanded.
"Yes!" Kyle said in exasperation.
Summer looked at Kyle in surprise. "You…you do?" she said.
Kyle put his hands up, saying, "Before you get the wrong idea, let me explain."
"Do you love me?" Summer said.
"Of course I love you," Kyle sighed, "We've been through so much together, how could I not?"
"Are you saying you want to be with me?" Summer said, "Because we can't do that, Kyle. You're married and have a new baby, not to mention my impending marriage to Fen."
"Summer, you're getting ahead of yourself," Kyle said, "When I said, I love you, I meant as a good friend. I care about you and want you to be happy. If you ever need a friend, know I'll always be here for you."
"A friend," Summer said, "Okay, now I'm embarrassed."
"Don't be," Kyle said, "I can see how our almost kiss, would make you question things. Now we know, it was just a slip."
"Right," Summer agreed, "I'm glad we cleared the air."
"Can we get back to work now?" Kyle said.
"We can," Summer said, "I'll be back later."
Kyle walked back to his desk, when Summer said, "Kyle?" He looked at her, as she continued, "I feel the same way about you. I want you to be happy."
"I know," Kyle smiled.
Summer left the office, stopping in the hallway, she sighed. She looked wistfully back at the office, wanting to go back in, longing to be in Kyle's arms. Shaking her head she muttered, "Summer, you're being ridiculous." She forced herself to walk away.
Kyle sat down, behind his desk, with a heavy sigh. His mind flashed back to his and Summer's almost kiss, wishing it had gone further than it had. "Ugh, Kyle stop it," he groaned to himself, "Your wife and your daughter, that's the future."
Kyle threw himself into his work, trying to force all romantic notions of Summer, out of his mind.
"I can see you're disappointed in me," Andi said, sitting across from Adele, at Crimson Lights.
"I am delighted to see you are alright," Adele said, "I am dismayed that you broke off all ties with your family. Now that you've come back, you did not reach out to us."
"I didn't think anyone would miss me," Andi said.
"Miranda…" Adele started.
"It's Andi now," she said, "I want to legally change it, when I'm 21."
"Why are you throwing away you identity?" Adele said.
"Because Miranda McNeil, was a sad little girl who lost her parents," Andi said, "Andi is a fresh start at a happier life."
"You forget I raised that little girl," Adele said, "I did my best to give you a good upbringing. I'm sorry to see I failed you."
"You didn't fail me," Andi said, "The people that took my parents away, failed me. They never even caught whoever hurt my mother."
"Dear, you've been carrying around this anguish, when your family could have helped you through it," Adele said, "Your mother, was my daughter, I grieved her too."
"Talking to my family, having them tell me how sorry they are, how bad they feel for me, does not bring my Mom and Dad back," Andi said.
"I'm sorry you feel so disconnected from us," Adele said, "I know your Aunt Rachel has been worried about you too."
"I'm sure she could care less about me," Andi scoffed.
"That's not true," Adele said, "Rachel wanted you to be at her wedding last year."
"Wedding?" Andi said, "I thought she was married to Kevin Fisher. They had a kid together."
"Thankfully, that horrible man is out of her life," Adele said, "Oh, she says they're friends, but I don't know how she can associate with him."
"Because they share a child," Andi said.
"Susie is your cousin," Adele said, "It would be nice for you to get to know her."
"I've seen her in here," Andi said, "Dressed in her rich clothes, hanging out with her rich friends. She is probably just a snobbish as the rest of them."
"Susie is a delightful young lady," Adele said, "A teenager by now."
"What about this husband of Rachel's," Andi said, "What's he like?"
"I admit I did not approve of her choice at first," Adele said, "But Kyle Abbott is a good man. He's hard working and they are a couple very much in love."
"Did you say Kyle Abbott?" Andi said, "That gorgeous hunk is her husband?"
"Yes, he is," Adele said, "And your right, he is a handsome young man. They have new baby too. Diana, she's adorable."
"I'm officially jealous," Andi said.
"I'm sure you will meet someone when the time is right," Adele said.
"I thought I already had," Andi said, "I was engaged a little while ago."
"Miranda, you are only nineteen years old," Adele scolded, "You are too young to be getting married."
"I'm not too young, but don't worry, my finance broke up with me," Andi said, "Just one more person who didn't want me."
"Your family wants you," Adele said, "They are going to be so happy to know you are back where you belong."
"No, Grandma, please don't tell anyone who I am," Andi pleaded.
"Why on earth not?" Adele said.
"I have my reasons, I don't want anyone to know," Andi said.
"I can't keep this a secret," Adele said, "I'm not good at that."
"It's just for a little while," Andi said, "I will let everyone know when the time is right. Please promise me you won't say anything."
"Very well," Adele said, "If you promise not to run off again."
"Deal," Andi said.
"I know Myles is not that old," Chloe said, "But I always forget how tiny newborns are." She was leaning into the baby carrier, Rachel had brought with her for a visit.
"Believe it or not she's gained weight since she was born," Rachel said.
"Absolutely adorable," Chloe gushed, "Congratulations Mom. Oh and to Kyle too."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "We can't seem to get enough of her. And Kyle is wonderful. He does what he can to help. I even taught him how to do a diaper change. It's so cute when he holds her and talks to her. I've even caught him singing to her. He loves her so much…" She trailed off.
"Why did you stop?" Chloe said.
"I just realized I'm gushing about my husband and daughter to you," Rachel said, "I'm sure you don't want to hear all that."
"On the contrary," Chloe said, "I'm delighted to hear your home life with your new little family is going so well."
"Kyle really is the best thing that's ever happened to me," Rachel said, "I love him so much. I can't get enough of him either." They both laughed, before Rachel said, "Okay, I'll stop now."
"So tell me about the delivery," Chloe said, "Did Kyle faint?"
"No, I did," Rachel said.
"Oh, no what happened?" Chloe said.
"I was trapped at Society, due to road closures and power outages, so of course that's where I went into labor," Rachel said, "And that's where I gave birth."
"Are you serious?" Chloe said.
"At the hands of Lola Rosales, no less," Rachel said.
"Your kidding," Chloe said.
"She delivered her," Rachel said, "And also another of Kyle's exes, Summer Newman was also there. Not to mention Fen Baldwin and Austin Travers."
"Sounds like quite the experience," Chloe said.
"It was. So, she was born and then I fainted," Rachel said, "Not to worry, the doctor said I would be okay and I am."
"Well, you win the award for most unusual delivery," Chloe said.
"Tell me, how are things with you?" Rachel said.
"Oh, Kevin's wonderful, the kids are wonderful," Chloe said, "Well, most of the time."
"We really are two lucky women, aren't we?" Rachel said.
"We sure are," Chloe said.
"I hope it stays that way," Rachel said.
"Uh-oh, don't tell me trouble is brewing," Chloe said.
"No, things between us are incredible," Rachel said, "I just don't want Kyle and I to settle into a routine and lose the romance in our lives."
"You want to keep those fires burning," Chloe said.
"I've almost lost him twice," Rachel said, "I couldn't bear to lose him again."
"You won't," Chloe said, "Here's what you do. You leave him love notes."
"Excuse me?" Rachel said.
"I know it may sound a little odd, but it works," Chloe said, "Little sticky notes that say 'I love you', 'I'm proud of you', even 'I cherish our life together'. Write down what an amazing man you think he is, how his smile makes you feel. You leave these notes where he will find them. Inside his laptop, in his briefcase, tucked into his tablet case. Then when he discovers them, it will make him smile and think of you."
"That will do it?" Rachel said.
"I do it for Kevin and he loves it," Chloe said, "This is just for starters. Plan a romantic evening as a surprise for him. Complete with candles and a fabulous meal, all his favorites, while you tell him how much you appreciate him. Set the mood and afterwards, entice him to the bedroom. I will let you decide what to do with him from there."
"It sounds wonderful," Rachel said, "But impossible with a baby to look after."
"That is when you ask your best friend, to add Diana, to the roster of children in her house, to look after for the night," Chloe said.
"I can't ask you to do that," Rachel said, "You would do that for me?"
"What are best friends for?" Chloe said.
"I'm getting excited just thinking about it," Rachel said.
"You are going to knock his socks off," Chloe said.
"For starters…then other things will come off," Rachel mused.
Rachel had a faraway look in her eye, so Chloe said, "Rachel? Earth to Rachel…"
Coming out of trance, Rachel said, "Sorry, I got distracted."
"Still madly in love with the guy?" Chloe said. Rachel nodded.
"There she is," Fen said, greeting Summer at the door, as she arrived home.
"Hi," Summer said, pausing to kiss his cheek.
"I've been waiting for you," Fen said.
"I'm not late, am I?" Summer said.
"No, I've just been anxious to talk to you," Fen said.
"Okay, about what?" Summer said.
"First come and sit down," Fen said, "You must be exhausted." He led her to the couch and handed her a glass of wine.
"What's going on?" Summer said.
"Nothing," Fen said, "I'm glad you're home."
"No, the pampering, the wine, something is up," Summer said, "What have you done? Are you preparing me for bad news?"
"Can I not appreciate my bride without the third degree?" Fen said.
"No," Summer said, "You're buttering me up for something."
"I've been making wedding plans," Fen said.
"Have you?" Summer said, "What have you come up with?"
"How would you feel, having our wedding reception at Society," Fen said, "We can rent the place out for a night. Lola said she would cater it. I thought it would be perfect for us."
"I like it," Summer nodded.
"You do?" Fen said, "That was easy."
"In fact, I like it so much, it gives me another idea," Summer said, "Why not have the wedding at Society too? We don't have much time to find another place, let's do the wedding and the reception in the same venue."
"Not a bad idea, but I thought we had decided on an outdoor wedding," Fen said.
"Yes, but you can never count on the weather," Summer said, "What would we do if was stormy out?"
"You make a good point," Fen said, "If you want to get married at Society then, consider it done."
"Good," Summer smiled, "This is really coming together."
"There is one more thing," Fen said.
"Is this the other shoe dropping?" Summer said.
"I've been thinking about our wedding party," Fen said.
"Oh, I'm just going to ask my Mom to be my maid of honor and I figured you would ask your Dad for best man duties," Summer said.
"We could do that," Fen said, "But it's out parents, we don't want to make them do any extra work. They will be stressed out enough that we are getting married."
"I'm sure they would be happy to stand up for us," Summer said, "But something tells me you have another option in mind."
"As a matter of fact," Fen said, "Now, please hear me out. What do you think of Kyle and Rachel?"
"For what?" Summer said.
"Maid of honor and best man," Fen said.
Summer stared at Fen for a few seconds. "Do you have a fever?" Summer said, feeling his forehead.
"Listen, you are friends with Kyle, right?" Fen said, "I know you two go way back."
"And…?" Summer said.
"I am friends with Rachel, so I thought it would be nice if she was maid of honor," Fen said. "It's true Kyle isn't my favorite person and Rachel isn't yours, but I thought this was a gesture we could make for each other."
"Let me get this straight," Summer said, "You want to ask Kyle to join us, for me. Then you expect me, to ask that woman, to stand up for me, because it's what you want."
"I can accept you and Kyle are friends, I was hoping you could accept Rachel and I are friends," Fen said.
"I can accept the friendship, but that doesn't mean I want her standing next to me on my wedding day!" Summer said.
"Unless there's some reason you don't want Kyle there, then we can scrap the whole idea," Fen said.
"Of course I want him there," Summer said, "But Rachel?"
"Look at it as sign of good faith, to start our marriage," Fen said, "Would you do it for me? You don't even have to look at her, you will be focused on me."
Summer slightly laughed. "I can tell this would mean a lot to you." Fen nodded. "Okay," Summer said, "I will ask her."
Late into the evening Kyle was situated in his living room, hard at work on his laptop. Rachel entered the room, smiling when she saw him. Walking over, she tucked one leg under her, as she sat next to him.
"What are you working on?" she said.
"We have huge promotion going on," Kyle said, "Summer came up with this amazing idea and it's going to be a game changer. It's really exciting."
"I'm sure you will make it the best," Rachel said.
Not looking up from his work, Kyle said, "How's Diana?"
"She's settled, for now," Rachel said.
"Good," Kyle said, continuing to work.
Rachel watched him for a few seconds, before sitting closer to him and hugging him, sideways across the shoulders. Kyle smiled, but continued to work, so Rachel began kissing his cheek and then moving to his neck.
"Baby?" Kyle said, with half a smile, "Is there something you need?"
"I need my husband," Rachel purred.
"Your husband would like nothing more, but..." Kyle was cut off when Rachel kissed him.
"I'm sorry," Rachel teased, "Am I distracting you?"
"Quite alright," Kyle smiled, making Rachel giggle, as he pulled her into another kiss. Amorous intentions taking over, Kyle lay Rachel back on the couch. He continued to caress her with kisses, when the baby began to cry.
They both gave a little sigh, as Kyle said, "She knows. She does this on purpose."
"I'm sure she doesn't," Rachel said, patting Kyle's shoulder, as they recovered themselves.
Taking Kyle's hand, she said, "To be continued." She walked away, outstretching her arm, to keep hold of his hand, until they were separated by the distance.
Kyle chuckled with a smile, as Rachel disappeared from view. Although he tried to focus back on his work, he had lost his concentration.
"Man, what is wrong with you?" Kyle said, to himself. He shut the laptop and proceeded to spend time with his wife and daughter.