Rachel was busy setting up tables, getting things ready for the day, at Crimson Lights, when Tessa hurried through the door. "I'm sorry I'm late," Tessa said.
"Don't worry about it," Rachel said, "It's hard getting back into routine after the holidays."
"Speaking of, how were yours?" Tessa said.
"My Christmas," Rachel started, "Was wonderful."
"I imagine that has something to do with your boyfriend," Tessa said.
"Kyle's not my boyfriend anymore," Rachel said.
"What?" Tessa's face fell, "Why not? Are you two fighting again?"
"We are not fighting," Rachel said.
"Then why is he no longer your boyfriend?" Tessa said.
"Because, now he's my fiancé," Rachel smiled, showing Tessa the ring on her finger.
Tessa gasped at the sight before she said, "That's an engagement ring?"
Rachel nodded.
"You and Kyle are getting married?" Tessa said, the excitement rising in her voice.
"Yes, we are getting married," Rachel said, equally excited.
"That's amazing!" Tessa exclaimed, throwing her arms around her friend, in a congratulatory hug, "I'm so happy for you!" she said.
"I'm very happy too," Rachel said.
"So tell me all about it," Tessa said.
"Kyle sat me down on Christmas Eve and started telling me how much I meant to him and how much he loved me," Rachel started, "The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee and he produced this gorgeous ring and asked me to marry him."
"So romantic," Tessa gushed, "Then you said yes?"
"No," Rachel said, "I told him I needed to think about it and I gave him my answer Christmas morning. That's when I said, yes."
"You made the poor guy sweat it out until the next day?" Tessa said, "He must have been so relieved when you accepted."
"I still can hardly believe we are engaged," Rachel said, "It's true we haven't known each other that long, but I have never been truly in love like this before. We are a perfect fit, it feels so right to be with him."
"I agree," Tessa said, "I've seen the way Kyle looks at you. The boy is in love with you." Rachel smiled as Tessa continued, "Have you two set a date?"
"Not yet," Rachel said, "We are going to do that soon."
"Just let me know when and where," Tessa said, "I will definitely be there."
"I'm glad to hear you say that," Rachel said, "Because I need maid of honor."
Tessa stared at Rachel. "Me?" she said, "You're asking me?"
"You were my first friend when I came back here," Rachel said, "You are my best friend. I can't think of anyone else I would rather ask."
Tessa had tears in her eyes as she said, "You're my best friend too." She smiled and said, "Yes, I would be honored. Of course I accept."
Rachel and Tessa shared another hug. Afterwards, Tessa looked Rachel in the eyes and without hesitation, she kissed her on the lips.
Rachel immediately pulled away, taking a few steps backward she stared at Tessa in disbelief.
Tessa nervously looked at her friend, as Rachel said, "Tessa, what was that?"
"I'm sorry," Tessa quietly said, "I shouldn't have done that."
"No, you shouldn't have," Rachel said, "You do know, I don't have feelings that way, for women right?"
"I know," Tessa said.
"Then why did you do that?" Rachel said.
"I didn't mean to," Tessa stammered, "It's just…you were telling me about the wedding and then you asked me to be your maid of honor and I got so excited for you and I got caught up in the moment."
"There was no moment," Rachel said, "How could you do that to me?"
"Rachel, I'm sorry," Tessa said, "I didn't mean to upset you."
"Upset me?" Rachel said, "I don't know how you could…I thought we were friends."
"We are friends," Tessa said, "Aren't we?"
"I don't know," Rachel said, "I thought I could trust you, but now I just don't know."
"Please don't say that," Tessa said, "You can trust me."
"Clearly I can't," Rachel said.
Tears spilled down Tessa's face as she said, "Please don't be mad about this."
"I'm flabbergasted and yes, I'm a little angry," Rachel said. She paused and then said, "Tessa, do you have feelings for me?"
Tessa was quiet as she tried to find the words. Fidgeting with her fingers, Tessa said, "Yes, I did at first. Then I realized that you only wanted friendship. I knew nothing would ever happen between us. I thought I had a better handle on my feelings than this. If you can forgive me and still be my friend, I will be a good friend and I promise you this will never happen again."
Rachel shook her head as she said, "Regardless of your feelings, you know I am in love with someone. You are involved with someone. How can you just ignore that?"
"I wasn't thinking!" Tessa said, "Rachel, it was just a slip, a spur of the moment thing. It's not like I've been longing to kiss you or be romantic with you. It was an honest slip!"
"I don't know what to say," Rachel said.
"If you don't want to be friends anymore, then I understand," Tessa said, "I also don't think you want me to be your maid of honor anymore either."
"Under the circumstances I don't think it would be a good idea," Rachel said. Tessa nodded.
"Why don't you go and splash some water on your face," Rachel said, "We have to open up the coffeehouse."
Tessa hurried past Rachel and disappeared into the back office. Sighing Rachel closed her eyes, rubbing her forehead, before she headed to unlock the doors.
Tessa watched Rachel who was busy, cleaning up tables. Tessa had noticed Rachel was keeping her distance and they had barely spoken since their confrontation that morning.
Tessa was anxious to make things right and took a few steps towards Rachel, stopping when she saw Kyle enter from the patio. Spying Rachel, Kyle smiled and walked over to her. "Excuse me?" he said.
Rachel looked up as Kyle continued, "I'm wondering if you can help me. I'm looking for my fiancé. She's really beautiful, usually has her hair pulled back, with these sexy little strands dangling on the sides." He caressed her loose hair with his fingers, "I really need to see her."
"I think she's really busy," Rachel said, "What do you need her for?"
"It's really urgent," Kyle said.
"I don't' know…" Rachel teased.
"Maybe I should stop trying to explain and demonstrate," Kyle said. Leaning in closer to her, he said, "You see, what I really need is one of these." He drew her into a kiss.
Watching them from across the room Tessa felt a flinch of jealousy. She noticed how responsive Rachel was to Kyle's kiss and silently wished Rachel had been that receptive to her kiss. "Stop it!" she thought, snapping herself back to reality, "There is nothing between you and Rachel. Clearly she is in love with him."
Noticing Rachel was quiet, Kyle said, "Are you upset with me? Did I do something?"
"What?" Rachel said, "No, of course not."
"Well, normally when we do that, you're usually much more with me," Kyle said.
"I'm sorry," Rachel said, "It's not you, I just had an unsettling thing happen today. I can't seem to get it out of my mind."
"Somebody upset you?" Kyle said, concerned, "What happened?"
Rachel took Kyle's hand and led him a further distance away. Sitting in a booth across from each other, Kyle said, "I can tell your upset. Just tell me what it is."
"I can't believe I'm even saying this," Rachel said.
"You haven't said anything yet," Kyle said.
"This morning," Rachel started, "I told Tessa about our engagement and she got all excited and she was happy for us."
"Sounds like Tessa," Kyle smiled.
"Then I asked her to be my maid of honor," Rachel said, "She got more excited and after she accepted, she…she kissed me."
Kyle stared at her.
"On the lips," Rachel said.
Kyle gave her a stronger look of disbelief. "She did what?" he said.
"She caught me completely off guard," Rachel said, "I didn't know what to say. Anything I did say came out angry and shocked. I just can't believe she would do that to me."
"That makes two of us," Kyle said, "But you're not…"
"No, Kyle I am not romantically interested in women," Rachel said, "Which is why this upsets me. She never said anything, never gave me any indication she felt this way."
"She has feelings for you?" Kyle said.
"I don't know," Rachel said, "I don't think we're friends anymore. Everything is such mess."
"Maybe I should have a talk with her," Kyle said.
"No, it'll just make matters worse," Rachel said.
"I'm not going to let someone else kiss my fiancé and get away with it," Kyle said, "No matter who it is."
"Hi you two," a voice said beside them.
Kyle and Rachel looked up to see Mariah standing beside them. They were both quiet, until Mariah said, "Am I interrupting something? You both look like you're having a serious conversation."
"No, it's nothing that can't wait," Rachel said.
"I don't want to intrude," Mariah said, "We can catch up later."
Mariah took a few steps away, when Kyle said, "Wait. You can't go yet."
Turning back around, Mariah said, "Why's that?"
"Because," Kyle started, "We have not told you the good news."
"Okay," Mariah said, retreating her steps back, "I'm always up for good news."
Kyle reached across the table and took Rachel's hand to display her ring. Smiling he said, "Rachel and I are engaged."
"We're getting married," Rachel said, unable to hide her excitement.
Mariah stared from one to the other, then rubbing one ear, she said, "The acoustics in here are not good. It sounded like you said, you were getting married."
"We are," Kyle said.
A smile broke across Mariah's face. "For real?" she said, "This is incredible news! Congratulations!" Mariah hugged Kyle first and then Rachel. "I'm so happy for you both."
"Thank you," Kyle said, "We're really happy about it too."
"I'm so excited, I can hardly wait," Rachel said.
"Well, I could take the afternoon off and we could go find the justice of the peace," Kyle teased.
"No," Rachel said, "We are planning a wedding, remember?"
"I'm not likely to forget," Kyle said.
"Mariah, I actually need to talk to you about something," Rachel said.
"You know, I'm going to go get a coffee," Kyle said, "Let you two talk."
"Don't leave on my account," Mariah said.
"It's okay," Kyle said, standing up, "I should say hello to Tessa."
"Kyle…" Rachel said.
"I'll be back," Kyle said.
Taking Kyle's place, Mariah admired Rachel's ring and said, "It's beautiful. I can hardly believe this. When did this happen?"
"Kyle proposed on Christmas Eve," Rachel said, "I did not expect it and he sounded so romantic the way he got down on one knee and asked me."
"You must be so excited," Mariah said, "Have you set a date yet?"
"You know we keep meaning to do that," Rachel said, "We are thinking May or maybe June."
"A summer wedding," Mariah said, "Perfect"
"Everyone keeps telling us it's too soon," Rachel said, "That we rushed into this really quickly."
"I don't think so," Mariah said, "I can tell how much in love the two of you are. The heart wants, what the heart wants. When it's right, it's right and I can't believe I'm throwing clichés at you. All that matters is how you and Kyle feel about each other."
"I want to marry him more than anything," Rachel said.
"I can see that," Mariah said, "And I am here if you need any help with wedding planning."
"I'm glad you brought that up," Rachel said, "I do need some help."
"Just tell me what you need," Mariah said.
"I need a bridesmaid," Rachel said, looking hopefully at Mariah.
"You mean me?" Mariah said
"Of course you," Rachel said.
"You know I would love to," Mariah said, "But the last time I was in a wedding party it did not go as planned. It was a disaster."
"This will be better," Rachel said.
"You say that…" Mariah said.
"I'm marrying the love of my life, the man of my dreams," Rachel grandstanded, "Nothing would dare go wrong. You are a good friend of Kyle's and mine too. It would mean so much to us if you were a part of our wedding."
"How can I say no?" Mariah said, smiling, "I would love to be your bridesmaid."
"Hey Tessa," Kyle said, walking up to her.
"Hi," Tessa said.
"How are things?" Kyle said.
"Fine," Tessa said, "I have work to get back to."
"Got a minute?" Kyle said.
"Sure, I guess," Tessa said.
"Let me ask you something," Kyle said, "What made you think it was okay to make a move on my fiancé?"
"She told you about the kiss," Tessa said.
"Yes, she told me," Kyle said, "How could you take advantage of her like that?"
"I didn't take advantage," Tessa said, "Like I told her, it was by accident. I didn't mean to. I'm sorry that I upset you both, it won't happen again."
"I would appreciate it, if you would make sure that it doesn't'," Kyle said, before walking back towards Rachel and Mariah.
"I am very excited about this," Mariah said, "However, I have to get going."
"Me too," Kyle said, stopping by. He took Rachel's hand assisting her to her feet, as Sharon arrived.
"You all look very happy," Sharon said.
"I'm a bridesmaid," Mariah said.
"You're what?" Sharon said.
"Oh, I spoiled your news," Mariah said, looking at Rachel and Kyle, "I'll let them tell, you I've got to run." She hurried off.
"You've peaked my curiosity," Sharon said.
"Kyle and I," Rachel started, "Are getting married." She held her hand out, to show Sharon her ring.
Sharon paused before she said, "You're getting married?"
"We sure are," Kyle said.
"That's exciting news," Sharon said, "It's wonderful. Congratulations." She smiled.
"Thank you," Kyle said, "I really have to get back to work." He pulled Rachel closer and gave her a lingering kiss, causing Sharon to turn head, as not to intrude on their moment. Kyle gave Rachel a smile as he left.
"Well, you couldn't have said anything to surprise me more," Sharon said.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that," Rachel said.
"What makes you say that?" Sharon said.
"I have to give you my notice," Rachel said.
"Excuse me?" Sharon said.
"I'm leaving my job here at Crimson Lights," Rachel said.
"How can you do that?" Sharon said, "This job was a condition of your release."
"I know," Rachel said, "And I really appreciate everything you've done for me. I was offered another job, working in the IT department at Jabot and I accepted it. Billy said he would talk to the proper authorities and notify them of my progress just as you have been doing. He will need to go over some things with you to make the transition."
"I didn't know you and Billy were on speaking terms," Sharon said.
"We had a good talk and have decided to leave the past behind us," Rachel said, "To work at Jabot, this is just the type of job I've always wanted."
"I'll be sorry to see you go," Sharon said, "But I can tell how much this means to you. I am glad things are working out. I will do my part to make the changeover go smoothly."
"Thank you," Rachel said.
"You really do look happy," Sharon said.
"I can't remember the last time I had so many good things to look forward to," Rachel said, "I'm so excited about this wedding, I can't stop thinking about it."
"Treasure the moments leading up to your wedding," Sharon said, "Often the journey is just as meaningful as the destination."
"I plan on it," Rachel said, "Speaking of plans, I have one more thing I would like to ask of you."
"Which is?" Sharon said.
"The timing might not be the best, since I just gave you my notice," Rachel said, "However, I would like to ask you if you would be one of my bridesmaids?"
"Oh," Sharon said, surprised, "Are you sure you want to ask me?"
"You have done so much for me in past few months," Rachel said, "I appreciate your kindness and friendship. In the past, you were always such a good friend to my sister. It would mean a lot to me to have you in my wedding party."
Sharon smiled and said, "Thank you for thinking of me. Yes, I will be one of your bridesmaids."
Watching Sharon and Rachel share a hug, across the room, Tessa flinched.
Immersed in papers on his desk, Michael was startled by a knock on his open office door. Looking up he smiled and said, "This is a surprise."
"I hope I'm not interrupting," Rachel said.
"Not at all," Michael said, standing up and walking around the other side of his desk. "It's nice to see you again. It's been awhile."
"It has," Rachel agreed.
Shutting the office door, Michael said, "Tell me, how have you been?"
"I assume you knew about my stay at Fairview?" Rachel said.
"I was aware," Michael said, "I also know you were released last fall. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing wonderfully," Rachel said, "I have a new job that I'm starting soon and I also recently got engaged." She displayed her ring to him.
"Things are looking up," Michael said, "Is your husband-to-be anyone I know?"
"Not why I'm here," Rachel said, "I need some advice."
"This is a legal matter," Michael said.
"This is a custody matter," Rachel said.
"You're talking about Kevin," Michael sighed, "If this is some kind of argument you two may have had, I don't want to get stuck in the middle of it."
"It's more than that," Rachel said, "I'm surprised you don't know. Didn't he tell you about this?"
"I haven't spoken to Kevin in a good while," Michael said.
"You mean you didn't see him when he was in town on New Year's Day?" Rachel said.
"Kevin was here?" Michael said, "In Genoa City?"
"He brought Susie over to the Abbott house to see me," Rachel said, "It was a wonderful surprise. He didn't visit with you?"
"No," Michael said, "Lauren and I were home most of the day, with Fen."
"Your son is back in town?" Rachel said, "Did he graduate from school already?"
"That is a whole other story," Michael said, "Which brings us back to why you're here."
"When I saw Kevin he was very gracious, he let me visit with Susie, it was a nice gesture on his part," Rachel said, "By the end of the visit he turned into someone I didn't even know. After what he said to me, I am determined to do something about it."
"Thank you," Billy said, as he picked up his take out order, at the club. Turning around he almost ran into another patron.
"Sorry," Billy said, then he recognized her, "Esther," he smiled.
"Billy," Esther said, "It's good to see you."
"How are you?" Billy said.
"You know me," Esther said, "Always busy."
"You must have had a nice visit the other day," Billy said.
"What do you mean?" Esther said.
"With Bella," Billy said.
"I'm not sure what you're referring to," Esther said, "I haven't seen Bella in some time."
"She wasn't with you on New Year's Day?" Billy said.
"No, why would you think that?" Esther said.
"Kevin," Billy said, "He was at the house with Susie. He brought her to see her mother. He said Bella was with you. Are you telling me, she wasn't?"
"Why would he tell you that?" Esther said, "If Bella wasn't with him and she wasn't with me, then where was she? Who was looking after her?"
"There must be a good explanation," Billy said.
"Now, I'm worried," Esther said, "I hope she's alright."
"Esther, I'm sure she's fine," Billy said.
"Well, I'm going to call him right now," Esther said, retrieving her phone from her purse, "Kevin is going to tell me what is going on."
"What did Kevin say, that has you all upset?" Michael said.
"First, he took an instant dislike to Kyle and when he found out he was my fiancé, Kevin was rude and insulting to him."
"Is this Kyle Abbott, you're talking about?" Michael said.
"Yes, Kyle and I are getting married," Rachel said, "I just want to know what my rights are as a mother. Kevin said he would not bring Susie for anymore visits if I went through with my marriage. Surely he can't do that just because he doesn't like my choice of a husband."
"Normally, I would say no," Michael said, "Personal dislike for a person is no reason to withhold visitation with your child. If however Kevin felt, your fiancé's behaviour or demeanor would be detrimental to the child's safety and well being that is another matter."
"Kyle would never do anything to hurt my daughter," Rachel said, "He is good, decent person and would be an excellent step-father. Kevin just doesn't like him. Maybe Kevin is jealous that I'm moving on with someone while he has no one special."
"I can't speculate on what Kevin's motives are," Michael said, "And I'm going to have to refrain from any further legal advice for you."
"I only want to know, what my rights are," Rachel said, "I can sue him for custody right?"
"It's not that simple," Michael said.
"I will do whatever I have to," Rachel said.
"You were declared unfit and your residence of the last two years will be very hard to overcome in your bid to get your daughter back," Michael said, "Furthermore, if you are asking me to represent you, I have to decline."
"You won't help me," Rachel said.
"I can't," Michael said, "If you proceed with this Kevin will come to me for his legal battle. You're asking me to choose between my family and you. My family always comes first."
"I can understand that," Rachel said. Gathering up her coat to leave, she looked at Michael and said, "You might want to let Kevin know, I will get her back. Whatever it takes."
Michael watched as Rachel exited the office. Sitting down in his chair, he mused, "Kevin. Why do I get the feeling you're up to something?"
Billy sat at the bar, waiting for Esther to finish up her phone call. He had decided to order a drink, while he recalled Kevin's visit to the house. He had asked Kevin where Bella was and Kevin told him Bella was with Esther. So, why did Esther say she hadn't seen her?
"Thank you," Esther said, bringing Billy out of his thoughts, as she picked up her own take out bag.
"So, did you get a hold of Kevin?" Billy said.
"Yes," Esther said, "He explained everything. On the day he visited your house, Bella wasn't feeling well so he left her at home with the babysitter. He said he told you that."
"I must have misunderstood him," Billy said, "It was New Year's and there was a late party the night before. My cognitive abilities may not have been at their best."
Esther smiled. "I am just relieved my granddaughter is okay." Checking her watch she said, "I have to run. It was nice seeing you again."
"You as well," Billy smiled, watching her rush off. Sighing Billy rested his elbow on the bar. "Okay, Fisher, you lied," Billy pondered, "Why did you lie? What are you hiding?" Billy finished the last of his drink, "How do I find out?"