Authors Note (A/N): This does not follow the Current Track, none of the guys besides Ezra are in this story, Characters will be slightly OOC (out of Character)

I'm back my lovelies! Thanks for the Bday Gift Taz! A huge thank you to the one guest reviewer who reviewed the last Chapter! You made Taz's day...

Chapter 8: New Allies and Parental guidance

*Next Morning*

Spencer moved around her bedroom getting ready silently to not disturb the sleeping blonde in her bed.

Even though she knew that Hanna could sleep like the dead, Spencer made every effort possible to not disturb the sleeping girl. She spritzed on some perfume and put on some light makeup then stepped into a pair of black skinny jeans, a loose fitting navy shirt with a thick black leather belt cinching around her waist . Spencer checked her appearance in the mirror before quickly leaning over Hanna's form and kissed the sleeping girl on her forehead.

The act had stirred the sleeping beauty from her slumber and the blonde rubbed her bleary eyes as she woke.

Hanna: "Spence?Mmh...what time is it?"

Spencer: "It's almost eight thirty.."

Hanna: "God! It's Saturday. ..why are you up this early?"

Spencer: "I have some errands to run in Philly...I'll be back this afternoon.."

Hanna pouted adorably and began playing with the collar of Spencer's shirt.

Hanna: "You're going to be gone all day... I wanted to spend the day with you... in bed..."

Spencer chuckled lightly causing a warm arousal to stir in the blonde.

Spencer: "While I'd love to stay and worship your body all day baby...I really have to go..."

Hanna: "Hurry back okay? "

Spencer: "I will...Melissa is downstairs. ..she kept some breakfast aside for you...if you need anything she'll be around..."

Hanna rolled her eyes and sarcastically quipped

Hanna: "Yay...I get to spend the whole day with Melissa..."

Spencer: "She's not that bad..."

Hanna: "We have nothing to talk about!"

Spencer: "Well...you can find something...ask her about school, hockey...boys...it's like talking to an older version of me..."

Hanna: "Well...then I'm sure I can entertain myself..."

Spencer: "Excellent...see you later babe..."

Spencer placed a final kiss to the blonde's forehead before exiting her bedroom and making her way downstairs. The youngest Hastings nodded in greeting at her sister as she drove out of the Hastings Mansion, her short journey to train station underway.

Once purchasing a ticket and boarding the 9 am train Spencer reached the city faster than anticipated. Leaving the train station she headed to her destination, a little bistro not far from the tracks. As she rounded the corner she smiled as she caught sight of her day's companion waiving at her.

Mona: "Spencer!Hey! Glad you could make it!"

After ordering a coffee from a passing waitress Spencer took her seat opposite Mona and waited for the shorter girl to start. A beat passed and nothing happened.

Spencer: "Come on Mona...you called me here...so you better give me a good reason why I'm not spending the day with Hanna. .."

Mona shrugged and spoke hesitantly.

Mona: "Hanna is why I called you here..."

A chill ram through Spencer, worry for the pregnant blonde resting in her bedroom filled her completely.

Spencer: "Is she in danger? Do you know something? Mona if you know something and don't tell me I swear I'll..."

Mona: "Woah...hold your threats...it's nothing like that...it's just...what happened to Hanna got me thinking and she was lucky that you were there that night...I like to think that you'd be there to save me of the same thing happened..."

Spencer: "Mona...you know I will..."

Mona: "Yeah...I do...it's just I know you can't be everywhere...the other day I ran into Paige McCullers..."

Spencer: "That chick Ali can't stand?"

Mona: "Yeah...she told me that she thinks someone might try to harm you girls to get revenge on Ali..."

Spencer: "And we believe her because? "

Mona: "Well...I think so too.."

Spencer: "Mona...look...I know Ali has enemies..."

Mona: "Spence half this town hates her, the other half is afraid of her and Ali has it in for Hanna. .."

Spencer: "Hanna's her friend Mona...Ali wont to anything to physically harm her..."

Mona: "But what about psychologically? You and I both know that Ali was the one to encourage Hanna's purging..."

Spencer: "Well that's over Mona. ..so I don't see why we need Paige..."

Mona: "She cares about you guys and wants to see you safe..."

Spencer: "Translation. .. she cares about Emily and wants to save her from anyone that will try to harm us..."

Mona: "Spence she just wants to help...you've been your group's protector for soo long and now you have to worry about Hanna and the baby...so Paige is offering to help..."

Spencer: "I don't like this..."

Mona: "At least get to know her. .she's pretty awesome..."

Sighing in defeat the older girl pinched the bridge of her nose and bit out

Spencer: "Fine. ..I'll call her or something. .."

Mona: "No need...I invited her to join us...there she is now..."

Spencer gave the shorter girl a slight glare before putting on the signature Hastings smile and greeted the new arrival.

Spencer: "Hey Paige..."

Paige: "Hi..."

The three girls sat around the table sipping their drinks silently, eventually Spencer got annoyed with the silence and spoke

Spencer: "So...uh...Mona told me about your theory. .."

Paige: "Uuhm...yeah...it's just Ali..."

Spencer: "I know all about Ali and I'm sorry for what she did to you..."

Paige: "Thanks Spencer...I just don't want to see you guys get hurt...you know...because Ali pissed off the wrong person..."

Spencer: "I appreciate your concern Paige...and Thank you for caring about us...we were wrong to judge you based on Ali's word..."

Paige: "Well...Ali is pretty convincing. ..."

Spencer: "Still...I'm sorry...and for what it's worth...I think you and Em would look great together..."

Mona and Spencer chuckled at the other girl's startled expression.

Paige: "Em and I...umm...well I ...err..."

Spencer: "Relax Paige...but if you hurt Em in any way I will destroy you..."

Paige cringed at Spencer's fierce tone and knowing that the youngest Hastings will keep her word she nodded, terrified of what would happen.

Spencer extended her hand in a truce. Reluctantly Paige shook it signalling the start of their uneasy friendship as a smiling Mona looked on, thrilled that her plan was successful.

* Hastings Residence*

Hanna pranced downstairs, ready for the day and some sustenance. At the sight of the elder Hastings daughter reclining against the couch flipping through a magazine Hanna's movements stilled

' Okay...she's not soo scary...it's like talking to an older Spencer...I can do that...right?'

The blonde was about to turn on her heel and flee to the comfort of Spencer's bedroom but a loud growl emanating from her stomach alerted Melissa to her presence. The other girl looked up from her magazine and smiled warmly

Melissa: "Hey Hanna...what do you want for breakfast? There's some pancakes I can reheat or I can make you an omelette?"

Breathing deeply Hanna spoke, her voice uneasy.

Hanna: "Pancakes are fine...can I have some coffee?"

Melissa: "Okay...but it's gonna be decaf because Spencer will murder me if I gave you caffeine. .."

Hanna laughed nervously and said.

Hanna: "Yeah...she can get scary sometimes..."

Melissa: "she's just protective of the people she loves..."

Hanna thought of the tall brunette wistfully as a misty expression covered her features

Hanna: "Yeah...she is..."

She was pulled out of her serene moment by the sound of crockery scraping against the table and a plate of steaming hot pancakes were placed in front of her. The intoxicating smell was accompanied by Melissa's voice

Melissa: "So...looks like you and I are spending the day together..."

Hanna's eyes widened at this and the blonde nearly choked.

Hanna: "The whole day?"

Melissa almost laughed at the younger girl's expression but instead put on a face of 'mock hurt'.

Melissa: "Hey...I'm not that bad...am I?"

Hanna, thinking she had offended her companion, immediately began to backtrack.

Hanna:"No...I didn't mean...what I was trying to..."

Melissa: "It's okay Hanna. ..I was just teasing...I know I can be a little intense..."

Hanna: "Spencer is a little intense. .."

Melissa: "No...Spencer is just tense...I swear she takes on soo much I forget that she's not even eighteen yet . .."

Hanna: "Yeah...she can be a bit much at times..."

Melissa: "It's like she wants to prove to our parents that she can do this and failing is not an option for a Hastings..."

Hanna gulped nervously and asked

Hanna: "What happens when you fail?

Melissa: "Well...you move on to the next thing that will win mum and dad's approval..."

Hanna pondered Melissa's words and slowly began to panic

'Is Spencer going to abandon me? when she realises this is too much will she just move on to the next thing'

Hanna was soo wrapped up in her thoughts that she began to hyperventilate. In an instant Melissa was by her side and began coaching her through her panic attack.

Melissa: " Breathe...Hanna...in...out...in and out..."

Hanna followed the girls directions and slowly regained her composure.

Melissa: "What happened back there? "

Hanna immediately began sobbing and flung her arms around an unsuspecting Melissa

Hanna: "She's going to leave me! It's too much...she'll run...like my dad did..."

Melissa began rubbing soothing circles on the younger girl's back, calming the hysteric blonde.

Melissa: "Hanna...sweety...Spencer won't leave you...I know it in my heart. ..she's madly in love with you. ..she's so crazy about you that she's setting these conditions on herself because she knows that she can't fail you...suddenly. ..you became her entire world and if you leave her it will destroy her..."

Hanna's sobbing began to subside and the blue eyed blonde stared at the older Hastings girl.

Melissa: "I worry about her sometimes...she loves you with such an intensity that if she loses that love then we lose her..Hanna...you have all the control here...so please...please don't hurt my sister...I know that the two of us haven't always got along but I care about her... she's my baby sister for Christ's sake...I almost lost her once...so I'm begging you...please...don't break her heart..."

Melissa had began to tear up at her earnest plea to the blonde causing Hanna to face the taller girl before bringing her hand to Melissa's face wiping away the tears on the older girl's skin.

Hanna: "I promise...I love her too Melissa and I won't hurt her...I wouldn't dream of it...she's done soo much...given me soo much. ..I just...I can't be without her you know?"

Melissa smiled at Hanna's words and pulled the blonde in closet for a hug. After they broke their embrace Hanna wiped away the tears pooling in her eyes and said

Hanna: "That wasn't soo bad...I don't know what I was afraid of.."

Melissa laughed at Hanna's words and soon the two of them were clutching their stomachs, laughing like old friends.

The two girls were soon engrossed in conversation, Hanna had finished her breakfast and asked about Spencer as a child causing Melissa to break off into many a tale about 'Baby Spencer Hastings' that had Hanna in stitches.

Hanna: "You did Not do that!"

Melissa: "Well. ..She was much cuter than me and I was jealous!"

Hanna: "Melissa she was a baby! I can't believe you bit her cheek!"

Melissa: "Hey...I was a kid.. Besides she liked it...she giggled for hours..."

Hanna: "That's soo weird..."

Melissa: "Nope...that's just Spencer..."

Hanna and Melissa laughed again and almost missed the sound of the front door opening. The two girls diverted their attention to the new arrivals. Veronica Hastings and Ashley Marin were both dresses in pant suits, Ashley's grey complimenting the navy of Veronica. Both women were clearly returning from their respective offices. Ever since Hanna had fallen pregnant both women had worked their schedules around their daughters' both wanting to assist in this pregnancy in any way they could.

Melissa was touched by her mother's gesture, knowing that such sentimentality was unbecoming of a Hastings, the elder Hastings daughter watched as Veronica smiled warmly at the pregnant blonde.

'This baby is making us a family again. ..Hanna is slowly turning this place into a home and for that I'm grateful.'

Hanna waived at the women in greeting while Melissa helped both women settle in. When they had arrived, Ashley Marin wore a grim expression and Veronica seemed to be comforting the other women.

Veronica: "Ashley...we'll figure it out...he's in town...you can't avoid him..."

Ashley: "He doesn't know about Han...and he might just make it worse..."

Hanna watched the two, bewildered and asked

Hanna: "What's goin on?"

Ashley turned to Veronica for support, when the Hastings Matriarch held her hand in re assurance the red bead sighed and said.

Ashley: "Hanna...your dad's in town with Kate and Isobel...he wants to see you..."

Hanna: "WHAT? WHY?"

Ashley: "Hanna calm down..."

Hanna: "Did you call him? DID you TELL him? Of course you told him! This is soo typical He only cares when there's a chance to show Kate and Isobel what a screw up I am!"

Hanna immediately began sobbing hysterically, the pain of her absentee father refreshed by the news. Melissa Hastings was by her side in an instant and though Hanna appreciated the comforting words and soothing touch of the brunette she much preferred the embrace of the girl's younger sister.

'I need Spencer...She'd know what to do...'

Ashley watched as the oldest Hastings Child comforted her daughter and suppressed the small lump forming in her throat.

'They care about her...they care about my baby girl...Hanna is soo lucky...'

Quickly drying her unshed tears Ashley spoke to her daughter

Ashley: "Han...I haven't told your father...he just called me out of the blue this morning...I won't tell him unless you want me to..."

Veronica Hastings however had taken a more clinical approach

Veronica: "Ashley...he is her father he deserves to know..."

Ashley: "I know...but this isn't something you tell someone in an email or over the phone! I know he cares about Hanna...this will hurt him just as much as it's been hurting me..."

The older Marin began to openly sob and was immediately taken in for a hug by the Hastings Matriarch.

Melissa had pondered the situation for a moment before suggesting

Melissa: "Why don't we invite him over for dinner? That way we can control the situation and break the news to him gently without public scrutiny..."

Ashley: "That sounds like a plan..."

Veronica: "It gives us the upper hand..."

While the older women were debating their options, Hanna loudly protested

Hanna: "No! He can't see me like this! He'll hate me forever!"

Melissa: "Hanna..it'll be fine...we'll get a caterer and my family will be there to act as a buffer and to diffuse the situation if it gets out of hand...relax...you have two of the best attorneys in the state of Pennsylvania in your corner, not to mention their gorgeous and talented off spring...It'll go well...I promise..."

Hanna: "Are you sure?"

Ashley: "baby girl...he needs to know..."

Hanna: "And what if he hates me? What if he doesn't accept this?"

Veronica: "Then Hanna...that's his loss..."

Hanna: "I want Spencer beside me..."

Melissa: "Well...it'll be tough getting her away from you...you know you have all of us right?"

Hanna: "I know...it's just...Spencer's...special..."

Hanna blushed as she said this causing the rest of the women to coo adorably.

Veronica: "I'm glad my baby found you Hanna..."

Veronica smiled at the blonde Marin before loudly clapping her hands together

Veronica: "So! What are we having for dinner?"

Melissa: "Well...Hanna loved that lasagne Spencer made..."

Hanna: "She's in Philly and won't be back in time to make it..."

Veronica: "Well...we can order something from the Apple Rose Grille?"

Hanna: "...I'm cool with that..."

Veronica: "Excellent...I'll place the order..."

Melissa: "I'll call dad and Spencer and let them know we're having guests over..."

Ashley: "I'll call Tom and Isobel and invite them over..."

Hanna: "and I'll just sit here..Supervising.."

The other three women laughed as they pulled out their mobile phones and placed their relevant phone calls.

*Later that Night- Hastings Mansion*

Spencer and Peter had arrived around the same time, the Hastings Patriarch was just hanging up his coat when his youngest came through the door. While the two of them had retreated to their rooms to get ready for dinner, Melissa, Veronica and Ashley set the table and began heating up the food. Hanna, who was munching away on a carrot stick folded napkins and helped set the cutlery for the evening.

Peter Hastings wore a sharp black suit and pressed navy shirt he chose to forego the tie, the Hastings Patriarch feeling no need to assert his already present power in the situation and his wife complimented him, her hair in a pulled back in an elegant chignon bun and dressed a midnight blue floor length dress which she accessorised with a stunning diamond necklace and earring set that Hanna was sure was a family heirloom. Blue seemed to be the family colour for the evening because Melissa had on a royal blue knee length cocktail dress with light silver embroidery which she paired with a rather chunky diamond bracelet which clearly cost a small fortune.

'In comparison, mum and I look really under dressed...sure mum looks like a total knock out in her plum slim cut floor length dress and diamond earrings but the Hastings scream 'old money'...'

Soon the heady aromas of the spread Veronica ordered from the Grille began wafting through the house and as the scent permeated the air, Hanna became more nervous

'What if he asks me to get rid of it? What if he hates me? What if he wants nothing to do with my baby?'

Hanna was pulled out of her nervous fretting by soft kiss placed on her bare shoulder. The blonde had changed into a shoulder baring mauve halter style knee length dress with slight embellishment and minimal makeup. The girl was clearly trying to impress her absentee father with her attire and the gentle kiss placed on her exposed shoulder relaxed her immensely. Sighing in content, Hanna turned slightly and laughed when she saw what Spencer was wearing.

The older girl had on a pair of black skinny jeans, an un-tucked crisp navy blue dress shirt. She paired the outfit with her black converse sneakers and finished off the look with a loose tie and her black square rimmed glasses that Hanna hadn't seen in years, the youngest Hastings was deliberately underdressed to make Hanna feel less out of place and the pregnant blonde smiled at the girl's thoughtfulness.

Hanna: "Spence...you look like a dork..."

Spencer: "Why thank you Love..."

Hanna: "Seriously...go change..."

Spencer: "Can't...I'm meeting your dad tonight...so I plan on playing the role of 'entitled hipster that knocked up his little girl'"

Hanna chuckled at this and said

Hanna: "Spence...You do know you can't get me pregnant..."

Spencer: "Yeah...but that's my kid in there...so..."

Hanna: "You're a dork...but I love you..."

Spencer: "I love you too Han...tonight will be fine baby..."

The brunette pulled her pregnant blonde girl friend in for a hug. Hanna was soo lost in Spencer's embrace that she completely missed the sound of the doorbell. It seemed like she wasn't the only one because Melissa, Veronica, Peter and Spencer hadn't seemed to have noticed it either because none of them had moved to answer it.

Ashley: "Umm...so is no one going to get the door?"

The Hastings all stopped what they were doing and looked at each other.

Peter: "I completely forgot we had a door bell..."

Veronica: "No one's used that thing in years..."

The four of them shared a look before bursting into a bout of contagious laughter.

Hanna: "What's soo funny?"

Spencer: "There's this running joke in my family...goes back to my great grandfather's time...see old great grand pappy Hastings had a doorman..."

Melissa immediately chimed in

Melissa: "As is the norm on the Upper East side and the Hamptons...but grandpa couldn't take it..."

Peter: "My father thought it ridiculous that someone had to stand by the door all day so when he moved to Rosewood after marrying my mother he installed a doorbell just to piss off my grandfather..."

Veronica: "He only ever used the doorbell when Peter's grandfather came to visit, to prove that people were capable of answering their own doors, the rest of the year he disconnected the thing and told people to enter through the back entrance and thus the tradition of never using the front door was born..."

Spencer winked at Hanna

Spencer: "Told you I come from a 'traditional' family..."

Hanna: "You're a dork...So how come the door bell works Mrs Hastings?"

Veronica: "Well...Peter reconnected it two years ago before Spencer's grandfather passed and has maintained it ever since..."

Peter: "It reminds me of my dad...and the stubbornness of a Hastings..."

Melissa: "Well...Dad... You should tell Hanna the story about the family crest while Mrs Marin and I get the door..."

The two ladies had left the dining area and made their way to the entrance

Hanna: "So...you guys have a family crest?"

Veronica: "Yes... a golden griffin standing proud on a crossed shield of Azure and white with some vine detail around the twin swords beside it... its emblazoned on every piece of cutlery and crockery in here plus we all wear some form of jewellery emblazoned with it...There was a bronze plaque hanging above the fire place but when one of the swords got loose and nearly fell on Melissa when she was a baby we took it down and hung it in the dining room since we never eat in there..."

Hanna: "Swords? Plaque? How rich are you guys?"

Peter: "Oh yes... So it was in 1864... and a The Hastings had just moved to the USA from northern England...Leaving their title behind and arriving with almost nothing, slowly they built themselves up and eventually owned some of the milling companies and portions of the rail road's back then...but few of them had made their money during the oil and gold rush before moving into real estate and eventually law..."

Spencer: "Long story short...Han, our baby will be well taken care of..."

Hanna: "That explains the blue..."

Hanna studied the three Hastings before her and smiled when she caught sight of their family crest of their respective pieces of Jewellery, Peter wore a garish looking silver ring on the index finger of his right hand upon which Hanna could make out the azure of the lapis lazuli stone and the silver griffin emblazoned on it, Veronica had on a smaller more dainty version of the same ring and both husband and wife wore their pieces on the same finger. She had noticed that Melissa was wearing a simple gold chain with the pendant marked clearly by their family crest. Hanna stared at Spencer and tried to figure out on which piece of jewellery worn by the youngest Hastings the family crest was hid.

Spencer: "There's two... The Cartier watch I wear everyday...its engraved on the back with our family words"Làidire còmhla" which means 'stronger together' in Gaelic...the other..."

The girl held up her right hand and Hanna saw on the middle finger of the girl's right hand, a plain platinum band adorned simply with a small, deep blue sapphire

Spencer: "is engraved on the inside of this...it belonged to my great grandmother..."

Spencer placed a chaste kiss to Hanna's temple causing Peter and Veronica Hastings to smile at their youngest and her pregnant girlfriend. The tender moment was interrupted as Tom Marin entered the dining hall. The man had on a black three piece suit and charcoal grey shirt clearly he was dressed to assert his power during the dinner. His new wife and daughter complimented his 'power dressing' with Isobel wearing a strapless emerald green dress paired with minimal jewellery and make up while Kate favoured a deep pink collared dress with ruffles and feathers that made Hanna snicker.

Spencer looked at the other women in the room and muttered

Spencer: "only woman wearing pants...should've worn a dress..."

Hanna kissed the shell of Spencer's ear and whispered

Hanna: "feeling under dressed my love?"

Spencer: "Kinda...we're just having dinner at my house but everyone's dressed like we're meeting the queen..."

Hanna: "Well Kate acts like a spoilt princess so..."

Melissa walked over to them and joined in

Melissa: "I know that girl..."

Spencer: "maybe from the club?"

Melissa: "no...not the country club...I would've seen her often..."

Hanna: "That tacky pink dress makes her pretty memorable..."

Melissa laughed and quipped

Melissa: "it does...but that's not it Han..."

Soon dinner was served and everyone took their seats around the table. Hanna noticed how proper the Hastings were about these things but the smile on Veronica Hastings face clearly told her that their positions were strategically chosen to intimidate their guests. At the large rectangular dining table, Peter sat at the head and his wife took her traditional seat directly opposite him on the other end. Spencer, being the second heir sat to the left of her father besides Isobel Marin while Melissa, as the eldest daughter and first heir sat on his right. Hanna sat between Melissa and her mother who was seated on Veronica's left, while Tom Marin, as their chief guest sat on the hostesses' right leaving Kate and Isobel seated directly opposite Hanna and her mother. Hanna turned her head slightly and looked up at the wall behind her, and smirked when she saw the Hastings' family crest regally overlooking the dining table. The pregnant blonde smiled when she noticed that she and Ashley were seated directly underneath the bronze plaque, showing to their guests that they were now members of the Hastings Family.

'They sure know how to intimidate people...I wonder if those swords are still sharp...'

Melissa leaned in and spoke, indicating that the blond had spoken of the swords a little loudly

Melissa: "They're still sharp...they get sent for a cleaning every year...Spencer and I took fencing when we were younger and we used to practice with them...notice we placed Spencer away from any weapons..."

Hanna: "Because you're afraid Spencer might kill my dad if he upsets me?"

Melissa: "Yup...my parents may be amazing at their jobs but I don't think they'll be able to save her if she does kill your father..."

Hanna laughed as the hired wait-staff brought out the first course. Soon dinner had progressed with small conversation being made across the table.

Isobel: "When Tom had told me that we're having dinner with the Hastings I knew we had to dress to impress..."

Veronica: "Well you and Kate look stunning..."

Spencer: "Besides...you gave us an excuse to use the dining room..."

Hanna watched as the two of them charmed Isobel and Kate effortlessly, moulding them to their will.

Peter: "So...Tom...How's..err..."

He quickly looked at Ashley Marin who filled in for him

Ashley: "Tom is a CEO of a multi-national company..."

The Hastings Patriarch nodded at the women thanking her for her input. Hanna knew that Peter was aware of her father's profession but again it was all strategic, by pretending to be unaware of Tom Marin's position the Hastings created the impression that no matter how high the man climbed he was still insignificant to them.

Peter: "That's nice...so How's business?"

Tom Marin began talking about business, his tone clearly trying to impress the elder Hastings and their young heirs. Soon talk of business turned to talk of personal achievements and Tom boasted about Kate and Isobel to anyone that would lend him an ear.

Tom: "Isobel is launching her own line of crockery this fall...part of her 'lifestyle' collection..."

Isobel: "Oh you have to see it Veronica...although it probably pales in comparison to your fine china..."

Veronica Hastings sipped at her wine and added dryly

Veronica: "Yes...I'm sure it looks lovely, but all our crockery and cutlery is custom made..."

Isobel, Kate and Hanna looked down at their plates, forks and knives and Hanna couldn't help but giggle when she had seen the Hastings crest emblazoned on everything. She looked up and Veronica and smiled as the Hastings Matriarch winked at her playfully.

Kate: "Wow...when Dad told me your family was powerful I never believed it...you guys seem so simple..."

Spencer: "Trust me...we're anything but simple..."

Kate ignored Spencer's comment and continued

Kate: "...but I know how it must have been like growing up...Cotillion, horse back riding, dinners and tennis matches at the club..."

Spencer: "We have been known to play a mean game of polo..."

Melissa: "...though it has been a while since I played croquet..."

Ashley looked at Hanna and mouthed 'Are they Serious?'

Hanna merely shrugged in response, having no clue as to whether Spencer and Melissa were serious or were just messing with Kate.

'They're probably serious I mean look at all those medals and trophies in Spencer's room...'

Kate: "...what I mean is...I've had equestrian training..."

Tom: "Oh Yes...Kate is the best in her division, I've been to many of her showings...she rides beautifully..."

Melissa and Spencer had noticed Hanna's face fall at her father's words

'He could never make it to any of my recitals or school plays but he has time to watch Kate prance around on a pony...unbelievable!'

Melissa immediately pulled Hanna from her solemn state when she addressed Kate.

Melissa: "That's it! That's how I know you!"

Kate: "huh?"

Melissa: "Shikomoko Horse Ranch...Summer of 2006...I was a junior counsellor then...Kate here was in my bunk..."

Isobel: "Oh...how lovely..."

Isobel and Kate both wore strained expressions as they resumed their dinner quietly, sensing their discomfort Hanna heard her mother whisper to Veronica and nearly laughed at the response from the older Hastings

Ashley: "What happened in 2006?"

Veronica: "It's hilarious...I'll tell you later..."

Dinner continued quietly and Hanna was almost bursting by the time dessert rolled round.

A decadent dark chocolate ice cream with fresh raspberries and a warm berry sauce complimented their dinner nicely and once the remnants of their excellent dinner was cleared away, Peter Hasting cleared his throat.

Peter: "Right...now...on to tonight's business...Tom, Isobel, Kate...I hope you enjoyed dinner, but unfortunately that was merely a ruse to bring you over..."

Veronica: "We have some joyous news to share with you and would appreciate it if you join us in celebrating this happy occasion..."

Hanna could tell by their respective tones of voice that they were delicately giving her father an ultimatum 'Accept what's about to come or get out...'

Tom: "Well..I was wondering why I was having a family dinner with Hanna's friend and her family...but enlighten me...what are we celebrating?"

Hanna watched as her father tried and failed to regain control over the conversation and caught Peter Hastings' gaze from the top of the table. The older man nodded at Hanna, reassuring the young blonde that it was safe and that no matter what happened he would protect her.

Building up her courage, Hanna closed her eyes for a second to compose herself. When she opened her eyes she locked eyes with Spencer, blue met hazel and the brunette nodded at her reassuringly. Hanna felt her mother grip her hand and she gulped softly before speaking.

Hanna: "I'm...I'm pregnant..."

A beat passed and silence fell across the table. Ashley and Melissa stared at Kate and Isobel, intimidating them into silence while Peter and Hanna had kept their gaze on Tom. Hanna's father suddenly became red with anger and bellowed

Tom: "YOU'RE WHAT!"

Ashley: "Tom...calm down..."

Tom: "DON'T...DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!"

Isobel: "Honey...please..."

Ashley and Isobel may have hated each other but for once they put up a united front, Ashley out of concern for her baby girl while Isobel had done so out of fear of the Hastings's power.

Tom: "This stupid Slut goes and gets herself knocked up and you expect me TO BE CALM?"

Tom was talking to Isobel and Ashley and was gesturing towards Hanna in disgust. The pregnant blonde had tears falling freely down her face and was pulled into a soothing hug by Melissa.

A soft growl emanating from the youngest Hastings caused Tom Marin's anger to dissipate.

Spencer: "Get out..."

Tom stared at his daughter's friend, he had watched Spencer grow up and knew the girl to be polite and well mannered so her murderous tone surprised him.

Tom: "Excuse me?"

Spencer: "Get...out...if you can't respect the women I love...then get out..."

Tom : "The women you love? You can't honestly have feelings for that mistake?!"

Tom had scoffed out his reply but the murderous looks Peter and Veronica were sending him caused him to gulp in fear.

Spencer: "Leave now with your dignity, before I throw you out Tom..."

Tom: "How dare you talk to me like that!"

Spencer: "It's my house...I'll do as I please...you're just guests... now apologise to the mother of my child or get out of my house..."

Tom: "What the hell is going on here?!"

Peter: "You're going to be a grandfather Tom and currently you're upsetting the mother of my grandchild...now...apologise to Hanna and join us in our celebration or leave my family, leave Rosewood and never return..."

Tom: "your family? YOUR FAMILY?"

Peter: "Yes, Tom...Hanna and Ashley are now a part of MY family, so you will show them respect when you are under MY roof..."

Tom: "This is absurd! You can't condone this Peter!"

Peter: "Like Spencer said...it's MY house...I'll do as I please... now apologise to Hanna..."

Tom: "There's no way in HELL that I'm apologising to that piece of trash!"

Peter: "Good bye Tom...you know where the door is..."

Furious and completely humiliated, Tom Marin stormed out. Kate and Isobel had mumbled their goodbyes and Isobel had whispered a small 'congratulations' to Hanna before they left.

Everyone was still seated around the dinner table as the wait-staff brought out gleaming silver coffee and tea pots. A waiter had placed a hot chocolate in front of Hanna while what remained of the table served themselves their preferred hot beverage.

Peter Hastings had stood up and walked over to the sobbing blonde, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and spoke, his voice even and warm

Peter: " Hanna...I want you to know something...I know you're not mine by blood...but you're like a daughter to me...ever since Spencer embraced you as her life partner, you've brought laughter warmth and happiness into my home and for that I am grateful...you gave me my daughter back Hanna...I know I can't replace your father but...know that I'm here for you and your baby, you're my daughter Hanna and my grandchild will be so loved..."

Ashley, Veronica and Melissa began to tear up at his words and Hanna immediately leapt up from her seat and engulfed the Hastings Patriarch in a tight hug.

Spencer wiped her tears and spoke before walking over to join Hanna and her father in their embrace.

Spencer: "Thanks dad..."

Eventually the entire table had joined in on the hug and Hanna had never felt such warmth and love than she had surrounded by her family.