A few hours after Catherine left Kerri, Elizabeth, and Mark are all watching TV. Elizabeth is sulking because Mark and Kerri out voted her and they are watching Dawson's Creek.

Mark and Kerri are freaking out like they've never seen this series 100 times before.

Elizabeth shakes her head, "One I can't believe you all have made me sit here and watch this, two you guys act like you have no idea what is going to happen. Why do I continue to talk to both of you?"

Kerri throws something at Elizabeth, "You'd be lost without me and you know it!"

Mark holds his hands up, "I am so not getting in the middle of this, but I am going to ask what are we going to do for dinner?"

Elizabeth thinks, "What's around here?"

Mark gets out his phone, "Great question. There's an Applebee's close by is that ok?"

Kerri says, "That's fine with me."

Elizabeth responds, "Ditto."

At Applebee's ...

Kerri is getting pissed, "I hate this stupid phone! Like every other piece of electronics that I touch!"

Mark laughs, "Calm down killer. Let me look at it, but you have to promise to not mess it up again for another 24 hours."

Kerri responds, "They just need to make electronics for people that electronics hate."

Mark laughs, "Sorry to break it to you but the one common factor in this is you not the so called "hating electronics"."

Elizabeth nods and laughs, "He has a point Boo."

Mark hands Kerri a cheese stick, "Here eat this it will make you feel better."

Elizabeth looks at Mark, "So I'm talking to Catherine and seeing if she can get someone to give me a tour of the department. I'm interested to see what it looks like and maybe keep it in mind as a potential job."

Mark nods, "That would be cool."

Kerri looks at Elizabeth, "When did you guys discuss this?"

Elizabeth responds, "We talked some about it when you went to the bathroom at IHOP."

Kerri looks at Mark, "By the way I really like Catherine. Oh and she doesn't know the whole story but she knows how we bonded over our off and on again relationships. Don't freak out it came out in casual conversation and you should know she didn't seem freaked out she seemed shocked that someone as awesome as you had that happen to them. She even stated the relationships woes couldn't have been your fault."

Mark looks a little mad, "How exactly did it come up in casual conversation?"

Kerri looks at Mark, "She was asking about our friendship and our history, no specifics came out."

Mark snaps, "Great now I'm going to have to field a million questions about it."

Elizabeth cuts in, "It will be fine. We both explained that it's not something that is openly shared. I told her I didn't even know the whole story as long as I've known you. She knows you will tell her when you want her to know. She didn't even bat an eye just acted shocked that some woman hasn't scooped you up and married you already. Not to sound too much like Kerri but I think it's time you let someone in and see where this thing goes. You can't be miserable for the rest of your life."

Mark sighs, "I know. The sleeping with her was quite a surprise but it just happened. Maybe the relationship will just happen. I'll try to control my inner demons for once but no guarantees. Now does that make you two happy?"

Elizabeth rubs his arm and her and Kerri both respond, "Yes!"

Marks looks at the two of them, "I'm not sure how I feel about her daughter. I've never dated anyone with kids. I mean we got along fine when I was playing computer games with her, but if Cath and I go for a while I assume I'm supposed to act as some kind of parental figure to Lindsey and I'm not sure about any of that."

Elizabeth chimes in, "You and I both feel the same about kids you know that. I still don't know how Kerri hasn't broken me down on the subject yet. Anyway if you really like Catherine you can't let the child thing intimidate you. I know you are unsure about a lot of things but you can't get out of something just because of a child. I think you will have some responsibility for the child as the relationship goes on, but I think you two can have a very special and interesting relationship since you will not be her actual parent."

Mark looks at her, "I told Catherine in bed this morning that I realized her and Lindsey were a package deal. Catherine really seemed to like that, but I'm scared shitless about this whole situation."

Kerri chuckled trying to lighten the moment, "You have to be careful about the promises you make in bed."

Mark looks at her, "The sad thing was nothing like that has happened since the first night we met so that didn't influence what I said. Come to think of it though I wasn't very awake when the words came out of my mouth."

Kerri looks at Mark, "I think you would be a great parent. I know it's not something you ever thought about, but I think it might be really good for you. Also, if someone with a kids wants to date you I think that says a lot about you personally."

Mark interjects, "What do you mean?"

Kerri continues, "Well I would hope someone with a child wouldn't go into relationships lightly or end them without thinking everything through. With the past relationships that have held you back I think this one would have more potential than the others. Because I would hope a parent wouldn't put their child on the line like that and risk hurting them."

Back at Mark's …

They walk in the door from dinner. Mark speaks up, "I'm beat guys I think I'm going to go lay down. You guys are welcome to do whatever. I'm going to find a hardware store before I go to work tomorrow and get you guys a key made so while I'm at work you all can come and go."

Kerri and Elizabeth say, "Goodnight."

After Mark disappears into his room Elizabeth turns to Kerri, "Are you worried about him?"

Kerri says, "I'm always worried about him, but somehow he might make it through this one, I just have a feeling about it."

Mark pulls out his phone and sends Catherine a text.

Mark: Hey Cath, how's work?

Cath: A little slow waiting on some results. How are you?

Mark: Good. I'm really tired though. I also really miss my cuddle buddy :)

Cath: Oh yeah, I really miss mine too. I might get off early want me to swing by?

Mark: Sure let me know. Call though in case I'm asleep.

Cath: Ok. I'll see what I can do. ;)

Mark wakes up at 2am to his phone going off, "Hello."

Catherine says, "Hey did I wake you?"

Mark says, "Yeah it's fine. Are you coming over?"

Catherine says, "Yeah I stopped by and got a few things and figured we could ride into work together tomorrow."

Mark says, "Sounds good. How long do you think before you are here?"

Catherine says, "I'm around the corner."

Mark says, "Ok I'll go open the door. Bye."

Catherine lightly knocks on the door so she doesn't wake Kerri and Elizabeth up.

Mark answers and takes the overnight bag Catherine has packed.

Catherine shuts the door and follows Mark into his bedroom. Mark sits Catherine's bag on the floor and turns around and kisses Catherine. The two break apart with smiles on their faces.

Catherine says, "I'm glad you texted."

Mark smiles, "Yeah me too. I laid down in bed and I realized there's only been one night since I've been in town that I've not spend with you, and half of them I've been cuddled up to you."

Catherine thinks back, "Wow we've spend a lot of time together since you've been here, granted some of it at work."

Mark grabs Catherine and enters into a long embrace.

Mark and Catherine lay down in bed. Mark is on his back with his arm underneath Catherine as she places her head on his shoulder. They eventually fall asleep like this in silence, but still saying so much to each other.