Chapter 4

In the aftermath of their conversation, Tracy was left with a great many things to think about. Her husband scared? Alone? Hiding? These were all terms one would use for a child running away not a grandfather who wouldn't face his responsibilities. She had no intention of being Luke's mother, and yet she couldn't deny that Bobbie's words had touched a part of her heart that had remained blind to the situation.

As she walked along the pier the next morning, Tracy tried to put her thoughts in order. Had she been too harsh to her husband and not opened her arms to him when she should have? If she went to him now might she be able to get through to him? "Freud would have a field day with all of us" she said to the wind.

"Who are you talking to?" a voice asked quietly from behind. The thick brogue didn't leave anything to the imagination and Tracy turned to the one daughter-in-law she actually liked.

"What brings you out this early in the morning? Tracy asked her. "Is everything okay with Lucky?"

Siobhan looked at Tracy for a few minutes trying to keep the tears from flowing.

"Let's sit" Tracy suggested as she gestured to the bench.

Nodding, Siobhan sat, clasping her hands in her lap. "You know, of all the wonderful things I have in my life now that I am a Spencer, I thing one of the nicest is having you as a mother."

"Why is everybody thinking I'm mother material now?" Tracy snapped in frustration, throwing her hands in the air.

"Excuse me? I'm sorry if I offended you" Siobhan whispered and got up to leave

"No" feeling foolish Tracy turned to the younger woman and put her hand gently on her arm. "No, you haven't. I'm just not handling all of this well this morning. I shouldn't have snapped. Actually, I'm flattered you feel that way. Most people think I'm the most horrible mother on the planet who's own sons don't want anything to do with her."

"Lulu doesn't feel that way, nor does Ethan or Lucky. And I know that Dillon always asks about you when he's talking to Lulu, at least that's what she tells me. I don't know about the other one."

"Ned" Tracy smiled inwardly at her words. "No, Ned is much older than the rest of them so I'm not surprised you haven't heard about him."

Nodding Siobhan took the information in but remained quiet. She really liked Tracy but she also knew it didn't take much to get her angry. Having already done that she didn't want to risk it again.

Tracy understood and mentally kicked herself. She should have kept her tongue and just accepted the compliment. She and Siobhan were in the same boat on this one and needed to support each other to keep the family together.

"So tell me, what is happening with Lucky?" Tracy coaxed.

Unsure Siobhan looked over at Tracy before beginning to speak.

"Well, good news actually, in a manner of speaking. You know young Aiden?"

"Liz's son with Nicholas?"

"Yes, well it turns out it's not her son with Nicholas after all but with Lucky. Apparently Helena Cassidine changed the paternity tests and when Elizabeth had another one done recently it gave them the truth."

"I see. How convenient, Liz just decides she doesn't want one person being the father of her children so she gives them to another, and it's always to Lucky. First Zander's son became Lucky's, then Jason's and now Nicholas'. Funny how that works. At least Zander had the good grace to be dead and Jason gave his away, but how did she get Nicholas to agree to this?" Tracy didn't bother to hide her disgust.

"No, no I saw the test results myself. I've known for a little while and have been trying to convince Elizabeth to tell Lucky the truth. Those were the papers she was distracted by the night Jake was killed. I thought it would help Lucky if he knew his other sons were alive. It is the truth."

"The truth? Elizabeth has always played fast and free with that concept, but I wouldn't put it past Helena to change the results. It is completely in keeping with her need to hurt Luke every way possible, and she isn't above using his children to do it. Lucky has been a favourite victim of hers."

As she was speaking something started to connect in the back of Tracy's mind between Helena and test results, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Shaking her head, she decided to put those thoughts aside and focus on what Siobhan was telling her.

"How is Lucky handling the news?"

"Much as you would expect. Feeling obligated now to another soul rather than focusing on himself. When I try to get him to talk to me, all he talks about is Cameron and Aiden needing a father, and how you and Lulu are having such a hard time with Luke being gone."

Tracy nodded her understanding. "He's too much like his father, and you are probably worried that the mother of his children will return and claim him again."

Now is was Siobhan's turn to nod as she lowered her head.

"Believe me, I know how that feels."