4. The Only Sure Thing About Luck

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"Pregnant?" Katie Peretti Frazier Frazier Coleman Kasnoff Snyder Snyder soon-to-be Hughes rolled her eyes, her voice sharpening a step in disbelief at the latest gossip. Squatting amid a dozen cardboard boxes in the middle of her new kitchen, she eyed her friend Janet, who was there ostensibly to help her unpack, not chitchat. "Are you kidding me? So...like...a month after Jack isn't a father again...he is? Ugh!" she scoffed. "You gotta give her credit, she sure knows how to yank Jack around."

"You don't think she did it deliberately?" Janet Ciccone Snyder back to Ciccone soon-to-be Donovan asked, shocked by the idea. "I know she's Carly," Janet proclaimed, equating the troublesome blonde's name with liar. "She couldn't have known Jack wasn't-how things would turn out," the red-head amended quickly, eager to gloss over her recent prickly paternity pickle. The sooner God forgot about that tiny indescretion, the better, as far as she was concerned.

"Oh, please. This is the same woman who got Jack to cheat on me two weeks into our marriage. Her ability to take advantage of him awes me."

"Jack looked happy."

"Of course he was. Jack loves kids." Frustrated trying to organize her new kitchen, Katie stood up, fastening her hands to her hips. "Obviously, marrying her wasn't enough, she got some extra insurance."

Janet tilted her head skeptically. She didn't doubt Carly was eager to mark her territory as the new Mrs. Snyder...but then Janet would have expected to have it rubbed in her face somehow. Instead, she'd seemed reluctant to share her good news.

And while maybe it wasn't her business anymore, she wondered why Carly would risk it. Jack had made it clear to her when they first married-no more kids. He had been reluctant when she brought up conceiving to save Libby. And then resigned, when she'd turned up pregnant. She hated to think his disappointment over Lorenzo had opened a door for Carly to play him.

"Trust me. Nothing happens to Carly by accident," Katie assured her friend. Throwing up her hands, she looked over the assortment of pots, pans, spices and kitchenware and snorted angrily. "How stupid was I deciding to move a week before Jacob's birthday? How did Margo fit anything in here?"

"Well, no offense, but your sister's never struck me as the domestic type."

"That's an understatement," Katie agreed, offering Janet a bottle of water from the fridge as she grabbed one for herself. "I thought it was such a good idea," she said between sips. "Now it feels like moving into your mom and dad's house." Shaking her head, she asked, "are you ever going to move out of the Lakeview?"

"We decided to remodel the kitchen. The cabinets are ordered, but it'll be another four weeks until they arrive. And you can't get countertops until those are installed. So that's another four weeks"

"So not before Christmas?"

"No. But it's fun furnishing the house from scratch. Neither of us has anything, really, so we need everything. Dusty hired the best decorator in Chicago. I point at what I like, he writes the check."

"That would work for me," Katie declared.

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"Dad, have you seen the spare camcorder battery?" Parker asked, poking through the kitchen junk drawer.

"That's a good idea, taping Sage's recital. It'll make your mom happy."

He intended to tie JJ down and make him watch it when he came home for Thanksgiving. But if looking like he took the initiative scored brownie points with his parents, bonus. "That would be a relief," Parker deadpanned. "She's been all over me today. Before I was even done pouring the o.j., she went ballistic on me for putting the bottle back in the fridge."

"Maybe she thought she was having a case of deja vu," Jack replied, smiling ironically. "It seems like it's always empty. And yet, always in the fridge." Straightening Parker's tie, he added, "give her a break. She's still dealing with morning sickness."

"Maybe she's just..well, y'know...crabby."

"I wouldn't let her hear you say that," Jack cautioned. There was no denying Carly had been irritable and short-tempered since last night. He hadn't even said "I'm home" before Carly was brushing past him, curtly telling him "out!" when he asked where she was going.

"Did you know Aunt Rosanna was in town? Sage said she came over, and she and Mom got into a fight or something."

"Your Mom didn't mention it." Though it would explain some things, Jack thought to himself. "You know Mom...she'll probably call Rosanna tomorrow, and it'll blow over like that."

"I hope so. But I'm not holding my breath."

"Let's GO!" Carly yelled from the living room.

Experienced with that tone of voice, Jack and Parker silently acknowledged the need to quick step out of the kitchen.

"Let's go..." Carly repeated, softening her voice a bit as two of the three most important men in her life appeared. They were a handsome pair; Parker in a crisp white shirt and green plaid skinny tie; Jack in his taupe suit with a subtle blue and white striped shirt, open at the throat. It complimented the muted blue-gray tone of her silk dress. Sleeveless in spite of the season, the crossover v-neck banded underneath her breasts, giving it a wrapped effect. It flowed from there, delicately ruffling over her waist. While there wasn't a true "baby bump" to hide yet, it would be comfortable for the next few months.

"Thank you for being on time," she noted, straightening the knot of Parker's tie as he shrugged on his coat.

"Sir, yes sir," Parker barked, mock saluting her.

Carly narrowed her eyes at his teasing, then smoothed his hair out of his eyes. "Try not to look too bored for your sister. She's nervous enough as it is."

"I'm going to capture every moment," he promised, flashing the camcorder as he walked out the door.

"Why do I get the feeling that wasn't about brotherly pride?" she asked, while Jack helped her on with her coat.

"Because he's never forgiven you for making that tape of his kindergarten play and then allowing JJ and Sage to see it?" Jack postulated. The video in question showed a pint-sized Parker spending most of his debut twirling around the stage, completely oblivious to his part in the show. Adding to his humiliation, when asked "on camera" afterward what he was doing, he answered perkily "it was so pretty, I wanted to dance." Which JJ and Sage always found so hilarious they collapsed in laughter.

"So even my good parenting comes back to bit me in the ass? Great." The self-criticism plastered a frown on her face again.

Jack sighed as Sage rushed down the stairs and they headed out the door together.

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Chris Hughes wondered the aisles of the Leaps and Bounds store-the premiere toy shop for building brainiac children in Oakdale. Why? he grumbled to himself. Because it's on the approved-by-Katie birthday gift for Jacob list.

And so, that's why he was in the middle of aisle three, perplexed about why a toddler needed to explore architectural principles...proportion, balance, structure and color...with a $50 set of colored blocks. Or why they would make him smarter than a simple set of Lincoln Logs.

Being a responsible, conscientious adult, he called his mother.

"My darling. Give Jacob whatever gift you want to give him." Across town, Kim was shaking her head. Personally, she found parents who registered for birthday presents for their children obnoxious, but she held her tongue. Somewhat. "Katie's a first time parent. Jacob will love anything he gets."

After promising his mother he a) wouldn't tire himself out and b) would stop by the house on his way home, he hung up and took his mother's advice. He ditched Leaps and Bounds for the nearest Foot Locker, figuring your first birthday was just as good a time as any to become a Chicago Bear fan.

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Having safely shuttled Sage behind stage, and seeing Parker off talking to friends, Jack drew Carly's arm through his. "Let's go outside for a breath of fresh air."

"We just came in from the fresh air," Carly maintained, even as Jack led her out of the Happy Feet studio. "What if Sage needs a last minute repair?"

"She'll send up the Bat signal," Jack teased. "Or use a miracle invention called the cell phone."

"Jack!" Carly groused.

"Carly!" Jack mimicked.

Pursing her lips, she fought the impulse to utter some scolding remark. Instead, she allowed him to lead her around the mall, windowshopping. The fresh, invigorating air, and easy pace calmed her nerves somewhat. No doubt that was her husband's plan, but she found herself wrapping her arm around his as they walked.

Stopping in front of the travel agency, Jack asked, "What would you think about taking a family vacation over Christmas break? A week down in Florida? Somewhere warm."

"I'd think about the two kids we've got heading to college next year, " Carly reminded him honestly. "And the fact I'd look horrible in a swimsuit."

"You could never look horrible in a bikini."

"You're an atrocious liar, Jack," she replied, smiling in spite of herself.

"Is that what's worrying you lately? Money being tight? Between college and a new baby?"

"No." Looking into his patiently waiting face, Carly was suddenly too tired to keep it in. "Rosanna showed up yesterday. And she's ruining her life with Craig. Again."

"She's not marrying him, I hope?"

"Oh, God," Carly moaned. "I hope not! It's bad enough just thinking...damn him! Damn that sonofabitch!"

The outburst caught him and a few passersby by surprise. Jack led her into an alcove, and put his arms around her waist. "I know Craig's Craig...but the last I knew, you thought they were good for each other. To the point of begging Rosanna to marry the jerk."

"That was before...before that low-life, vile, piranha stole from my son! Then nearly let Parker go to jail!" she finished with a crescendo. "I must have been insane to ever think Craig could change." Looking at the expression on Jack's face, she added..."and please do not tell me I told you so."

"OOoookay. How about I tell you Rosanna's an adult, who's going to live her life-"

"That shouldn't be her life! She should have a man-a wonderful, caring man! She should be married and have babies and sing them to sleep at night. She should-" Carly's throat constricted, and she threw her hands up in the air, unable to fully express her anguish.

"Are you feeling guilty because you're pregnant?"

Carly swallowed hard. "Maybe," she conceded. "Once upon a time, I ruined my sister's life. And-I didn't care. I didn't. That's just the way it was. The way I was." Shame crept into her voice. "I've changed. Or tried to. But Rosanna is stuck in the same place. She gets hung up on a guy, and keeps trying and trying to make it work, long after it's clear there's nothing left. And I wonder if-"

"You ruined her life?" Jack finished.

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Peeking out from behind the stage curtain, Sage anxiously surveyed the crowd. Parker was in the far corner, talking to his friends as Faith strolled up. Natalie's parents were in the aisle talking with a group of other parents. But she didn't see hers anywhere. Once again, she felt for the chain around her neck, only to be reminded she'd forgotten her favorite necklace.

"Hey, Sage." Miri, the newest, youngest instructor at Happy Feet, smiled at her. "Nervous? You shouldn't be. You'll do fine."

"I know." She tried to sound confident, but caught herself reaching for her necklace again. "I was just hoping to talk to my Mom," she explained, deliberately lowering her arm. "I don't see them. But they're here," she added quickly, seeing a slight frown come over the young woman's face. "Even if Dad got a call, Mom wouldn't leave. And see? My brother's in the corner," pointing out Parker's tall form.

"A call?"

"He's a police officer. A Detective on the Oakdale Police Force."

"Well, maybe I can help."

Sage shook her head. "It's not that important."

Miri noticed the young girl's hand reaching for her throat again, only to stop herself. "Did you lose a necklace?" she asked sympathetically. Giving another shake of her head, the girl turned back to scan the crowd. "I could get your brother," she offered.

"No!" Sage exclaimed quickly. "He'll just make fun of me."

"He's one of those kind of brothers?"

"Well, no," Sage confessed, sensing some disapproval of Parker in general. "He just thinks I'm a baby sometimes. Or chicken. I'm sure JJ thinks so too-he's just too polite to say it. Parker thinks I need to stop being childish."

"He sounds a little arrogant."

"Sometimes. But he's smart too. Almost as smart as he thinks he is."

"But I bet you keep him in line."

Sage smiled. "JJ does too, when he's not at school."

"So he's not in town?"

"No. He goes to Eastlake Academy."

"I can tell you miss him."

"Yeah, but Mom says it's more important that he's happy. And he really does like it there."

"Sounds like you have a very nice family."

"I think so. Most of the time," Sage added, flashing a smile. "There they are!" she said excitedly, seeing her parents enter and point to some seats near where Holden and Lily were sitting.

"Who?" Miri inquired.

"Right there," Sage pointed. "My dad's in the brown suit, with my mom in the gray dress with the ruffle."

"They look very nice tonight."

"Mom designed her own dress," Sage said proudly. "And my costume."

"So, she's talented?"

"You bet!" Stepping out from behind the curtain, she waved at her mother, beckoning her over.

"Okay, I'll let you talk to her." Miri tapped Sage on the shoulder. "But make it quick. Mrs. Lewis will want to see the everyone before the recital starts. Okay?"

"Uh-huh," Sage replied, more focused on Carly's approach than what her instructor was saying.

"Hey, sweetheart, what's up?"

Sage looked up anxiously at her mother. "Do you have my necklace?"

"No, baby, I'm sorry. It must be at home." Carly reached over and caressed her cheek. For her last birthday, Jack had given her a silver star necklace. She'd worn it every day since, and considered it her lucky charm. The only time she took it off was to clean it, and of course, she'd wanted it cleaned for the recital. It was probably still sitting in the cleaning solution on Carly's vanity. "I guess we forgot all about it."

"I wanted to wear it tonight."

"I know. But you don't need it-I know you'll do your best." Looking into a pair of unconvinced eyes, Carly identified with her daughter. She believed in luck, portents, karma. Whatever you wanted to call it. That was probably the best reason to nip this in the bud-too often she'd let coincidence overrule her common sense. "It's important to believe in yourself, Sage. Because of who you know you are, or the hard work you've done."

The strident voice of Mrs. Lewis cut through the low level buzz. "Girls!" she called out, clapping her hands as she bid for their attention.

"Go," Carly encouraged, accepting a kiss on the cheek before Sage ran off.

Parker threw himself into the seat beside Jack. "Is this ever going to start? Is it okay if Faith and I go out for pizza afterward?" he asked in the same breath, not waiting for an answer to the first before asking the second.

"Yes, and Maybe," Jack replied.

"Maybe what?" Carly asked, sitting down next to Jack.

"I want to take Faith out for pizza."

Carly scowled. "Tomorrow's school."

"I'm seventeen, not seven," Parker grumbled.

Jack squeezed Carly's hand. "Home by ten. One minute later..."

"Faith's curfew is nine. And since I don't want to tick Holden off and get Faith in deeper with her parents, you don't have to worry about me. Besides, there's nothing to do in Oakdale after dark anyway."

"I expect you to keep that promise, Parker Joe Munson Snyder," Carly interrupted, more than a little miffed she'd been overruled. Hearing Parker's cell phone spit out a lick from Blondie's Call Me, Carly glared at him. "Turn that off," she muttered as the lights dimmed.

Rolling his eyes, Parker held it up, and without looking at it, complied.

"Damn it." In his dorm room, JJ ended the call and sent his brother a text. Call me ASAP.