Rachel opened the front door of the Abbott house, to reveal Brittany on the other side. As Brittany stepped inside, Rachel said, "Thank you for coming to meet us here."
"We have a lot to talk about," Brittany said.
Walking in, from the dining area, Kyle approached Brittany. Holding out his hand he said, "Hi, I'm Kyle Abbott. You must be the amazing Brittany."
"Amazing?" Brittany said, accepting the handshake.
"Rachel has a lot of confidence in your ability to handle her case," Kyle said, "I'm hoping you will be able to do the same for mine."
"I will do my best," Brittany said, "It's also nice to finally meet the person your fiancé has been raving about." Kyle smiled.
"Do you want to talk to Kyle first?" Rachel said, "Should I leave you two alone?"
"As long as it is alright with Kyle, you can stay," Brittany said.
"It's fine with me," Kyle said.
Sitting across from them Brittany said, "I understand you were charged with assault and battery. Tell me what happened."
"There's this guy," Kyle started, "His name is Fen Baldwin. I've known him for years, although we have never, or ever will be friends. He was flaunting his new relationship in front of me, I said some not so nice things about it and then he proceeded to say some not so nice things about me and Rachel. I lost my cool and shoved him against a wall, threw some verbal insults at him and nearly pounded him a good one."
"Did you hit him?" Brittany said.
"No," Kyle said, "I was going to, but another friend stopped me before I could. Then it was over."
"That's all?" Brittany said, "That's what you were arrested for?"
"Not exactly," Kyle said, "I swear I did not realize I was doing it, but I had my hand around his neck. He says I applied pressure on it."
"You tried to choke him?" Brittany said.
"No, I didn't mean to," Kyle said, "I don't like the guy, but I never intended to try to choke him or kill him."
"The other side is going to argue, that you gripped him so tight he was choking," Brittany said, "Your defense of 'I did not mean to', is not going to going to sway a judge."
"Kyle was provoked," Rachel said.
"Were you there?" Brittany said.
"No," Rachel said, "I was getting released from the hospital, waiting for Kyle to come, to take me home."
"You were in the hospital?" Brittany said.
"Kyle and I had a car accident," Rachel said.
"Some creep ran us off the road," Kyle said, "Rachel was unconscious for awhile, and I got this accessory." Kyle gestured to his bruised face.
"I was going to ask about that," Brittany said, "I thought maybe the other guy did that to you."
"Fen?" Kyle nearly laughed, "He couldn't throw a decent punch if he tried."
"Do you know who hit your car?" Brittany said.
"No clue, but the police are looking into it," Kyle said, "So, about the fight, can we build a strong case?"
"We can argue that you were provoked, that you were upset over the accident and worried about your fiancé, but I would caution that may not be enough," Brittany said.
"Why not?" Rachel said.
"Kyle, it's not the fact that you fought, I can argue that," Brittany said, "It is who you fought with that is the problem. You attacked the son of the district attorney. Michael Baldwin is going to come at you with everything he can. He is going to go after both of you."
"Meaning he is going to drag this altercation into the custody case," Rachel said, "To make Kyle look like an unsuitable parent."
"I would never do anything to hurt Rachel's daughter," Kyle said.
"I am sure that's true," Brittany said, "Kyle, I will do my very best to get you out of this. Still you need to prepare for possible consequences. If things do not go our way, you could be looking at serving jail time."
"For how long?" Kyle said.
"It's hard to say for certain," Brittany said, "It could be anywhere from six to eight months."
"Eight months?" Kyle repeated, "Brittany, please don't let them do that. Rachel and I are getting married soon!"
"Like I said, I will do my best," Brittany said, "You may have to postpone your wedding plans. It's the judge we have to convince."
"How bad is this for my daughter's custody?" Rachel said.
"If Kyle is serving jail time when your case comes up," Brittany said, "It will be nearly impossible to convince a judge to give you custody."
"Thanks again," Kyle said, as he shut the door behind Brittany. Walking back into the living room he said, "Well, that wasn't very encouraging."
"Maybe if we talk to Fen," Rachel said, "We could get him to convince his Dad to drop the charges."
"You think he would listen to us?" Kyle said, "He lives to make my life miserable."
"You're being dramatic," Rachel said, "Why don't you like him?"
"We never got along," Kyle said, "He's got this bad attitude and he's conceited like you wouldn't believe."
"He can sing really well," Rachel said. Kyle looked at her questioningly, so Rachel said, "I like his music."
"Tell me you're kidding," Kyle said.
"Have you ever listened to it?" Rachel said.
"Unfortunately, I have," Kyle said, "It's hard to ignore, I hear it everywhere."
"And?" Rachel said.
"It sucks," Kyle said.
"You are just saying that because you don't like him," Rachel said.
Kyle sighed and said, "I guess it's okay."
"You know, if you really tried to let go of this animosity, you and Fen might be able to be friends," Rachel said.
"Are you trying to give me nightmares?" Kyle said, "I don't want to be his friend."
"Have you ever tried?" Rachel said, "To try being nice to him. You don't have to be his best friend, just civil. You might surprise yourself at how well you could get along."
"Why all this advocating for Baldwin?" Kyle said.
"I just thought, he might not be such a bad guy after all," Rachel said.
"You want me to get on his good side, so he gets the charges dropped," Kyle said.
"Not a bad idea," Rachel said.
"Can we please stop talking about him?" Kyle said
"Okay," Rachel said, "What do you want to talk about? The wedding?"
"I've been thinking a lot about that," Kyle said.
"Me too," Rachel said.
"The thing is," Kyle started, "Maybe we should call the whole thing off. I don't think we should get married."
Rachel stared at Kyle. "You don't…you're breaking up with me? Why? I thought you loved me."
Taking her hands, Kyle said, "I do love you. But I don't want to be the reason you don't get your daughter back. I don't want you to have to visit you new husband in jail. I don't want to be the cause of anything that is going to hurt you."
"Kyle stop," Rachel said, "I love you too. You have been nothing but wonderful to me. No one is to say that you are destined for jail, you may not have to serve at all. We will figure something out to get custody. I can't…I don't want to do it without you. I need you with me."
"All I'm doing is messing things up for you," Kyle said.
"We made a promise to deal with things together," Rachel said, "The thought of spending the rest of my life without you is heartbreaking. Unless…you really don't want to marry me. Maybe this a good excuse to break up with me."
"Are you serious?" Kyle said, "I want to be with you more than anything. But I also don't want to hurt you anymore. I wasn't a very good boyfriend in the beginning and now I'm not a good fiancé. I'd probably be a poor excuse for a husband too."
"You are the perfect fiancé and will be the best husband I could hope for," Rachel said, "Okay, so you have flaws and we have issues. It's part of relationships. The worst thing I can think of, it's not jail or custody. The worst thing would be not having you in my life. Kyle, I love you so very much. I want to marry you. For better for worse, right?"
Kyle reached up and wiped away the few tears that slipped down her cheeks. "I need you too," he said.
"I'm not going anywhere," Rachel said.
"What did I do to deserve you?" Kyle said, "Are you sure you still want me?"
"Still want you?" Rachel said, "Kyle, you are my everything."
"Marry me?" Kyle said.
"A thousand times yes," Rachel said, as Kyle took her in his arms and kissed her.
"I thought I heard voices in here," Traci said, entering the living room.
Pulling out of her kiss with Kyle, Rachel slightly laughed as she said, "Hi."
"We should probably get to work," Kyle said, standing up and assisting Rachel to her feet.
"Oh, no you don't," Traci said, "I want to talk to you."
"Okay," Kyle said, "Are you upset with me?"
"I am a little perturbed," Traci said.
"This sounds personal," Rachel said, "I'm going to wait for you outside."
"No, you don't have to…" Kyle said, watching Rachel exit by the front door, "Leave me alone with her." He muttered the last part of his sentence.
"I am sure you don't want to be alone with me," Traci said, "After what you pulled last night."
"Last night?" Kyle tried to feign innocence.
"Yes," Traci said, "You set me up on a blind date."
"Didn't you have a good time?" Kyle said.
"I had a lovely evening and a nice dinner," Traci said.
"So, then why don't you seem happy about it?" Kyle said.
"I am quite capable of finding my own dates, it I choose to," Traci said, "I don't appreciate being tricked into a date under false pretenses. You blindsided your colleague as well. We both felt uncomfortable."
"Aunt Traci, I'm sorry," Kyle said, "Abby and I thought it would be nice if we could introduce you to a few eligible bachelors. We hoped you might really like one of them."
"There are others?" Traci said, "No, don't you and Abby set me up on any more blind dates."
"We didn't mean any harm," Kyle said, "Just the opposite."
"I know your hearts were in the right place," Traci said, "But please no more."
"What about Dean?" Kyle said, "Are you going to see him again?"
"He was a very nice man," Traci said, "However, I won't be dating him."
"It's just, you said you had a nice time," Kyle prompted.
"I did," Traci said, "Until he informed me he is engaged to a lovely woman."
Kyle stared at Traci. "I did not know that," Kyle slowly said, "Now I really am sorry."
"Yes, he told me all about her," Traci said, "Then I wished him well. So, I mean it, do not set me up like that again."
"Promise," Kyle said, "Am I forgiven?"
"Of course," Traci said
Kyle leaned in and gave Traci a quick kiss on the cheek. "You know I only do these things because I love you."
"Don't you have work to get to?" Traci smiled.
"I'm going," Kyle said, returning her smile as he approached the door.
Lost in his thoughts, Billy walked swiftly through the halls of Jabot. Rounding a corner, he walked into another person.
"Sorry," Billy said, "I wasn't paying attention."
"That's okay," Rachel said, "It's not the first time we've been that close."
Billy gave her a look, so Rachel said, "Don't mind me, I'm in a wedding mood."
"Isn't that coming up in the not too distant future?" Billy said.
"Almost too fast," Rachel said, "Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited, but there is so much, still to do."
"I'm sure you will get to it all," Billy said, "I have a feeling once you see your groom, waiting in the aisle, it will be worth all the effort."
"I already get butterflies when I think about that," Rachel said.
"You will make a beautiful bride," Billy said, "Kyle's the one who should be nervous."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "Anyway, work awaits. I won't keep you."
Rachel started to walk away, but Billy called her back. "Rachel?" As she turned to face him, Billy said, "Do you have some time? There's something I want to talk to you about."
Following Billy into his office, Rachel said, "Technical problems?"
"What?" Billy said.
"Is that why you wanted to see me?" Rachel said.
"I found something interesting and I have been trying to decide if I should show you or not," Billy said, "Then I realized you have a right to know."
"Okay, what did you find?" Rachel said.
"Better if I show you," Billy said, walking to his desk and punching keys on his laptop.
Rachel watched as Billy brought up some video footage. "What are we looking at?" she said. Recognizing people on the screen, Rachel said, "Is that Susie and Kevin?"
"Yes," Billy said, "I put Kevin's property under surveillance."
"You did what?" Rachel said, "You've been spying on my daughter?"
"More like trying to prove if Kevin is up to something," Billy said, "I was doing it so we could protect Susie and Bella if Fisher is up to no good."
"I don't know if I like this," Rachel said, "It seems like you are invading the girls privacy."
"I found something," Billy said.
"I'm almost afraid to ask," Rachel said.
Offering Rachel his chair, Billy said, "You are going to want to take a look at this."
Billy punched at the keyboard and stepped back. Rachel watched the video as a figure came into view. It was clearly the features of a woman, walking out of Kevin's house. Something was familiar about the woman and as Rachel viewed further, she knew why. "It can't be…" she said, "Is that…?"
"Chloe," Billy said, leaning in, against the desk beside her.
"She's alive?" Rachel said, "This whole time she's been alive?"
"And Fisher has been covering it up," Billy said.
"That's why he moved away," Rachel said, "It's all making more sense now. He relocated to protect Chloe and he didn't want Susie to reveal what she knew. That's why he never brought her to see me."
"When you did see Susie, she never let on about Chloe, did she?" Billy said.
"Kevin must have told her to keep it a secret," Rachel said, "How lovely, he's teaching my daughter to lie."
"Just like he always does," Billy said.
"I knew Kevin was a bad influence," Rachel said, "He calls himself a father. Just wait until I get my hands on him. He's going to regret keeping this secret. I am going to reveal him to the police, get Brittany to have Susie declared legally mine."
"Rachel, hold on…" Billy started.
"You know, Kevin is lucky I am still on probation and not legally able to leave the state," Rachel said, "Otherwise I would go right over to that house and bring her home."
"That's not a good way to go about this," Billy said.
"I can't go down there, but you can," Rachel said, "Billy you can tell Kevin what we know and get Susie for me."
"You are getting ahead of yourself," Billy said, "You don't need to contact the police or your lawyer. You tell Kevin you need to have an in person chat with him. Then you blow him out of the water."
"Tell him I know about Chloe," Rachel said.
"Not only that but you want your daughter back," Billy said, "You give him a choice."
"An ultimatum?" Rachel said.
"He gives you full custody of Susie," Billy said, "Or if he refuses, you will reveal Chloe is alive and well and his cover up. Tell him you won't just contact the police, you will let the entire world know what he's been up to. He and Chloe will both go to jail. You will end up with your daughter either way."
"Blackmail him?" Rachel said.
"More like negotiating a deal," Billy said.
"Oh we're going to make a deal alright," Rachel said, "One he can't get out of." Standing up she said, "This is just the thing I needed to get her back. I can't thank you enough!" She threw her arms around Billy in a hug.
Billy reciprocated the hug. "I'll always be here for you," he said.
Snapping the lid back on his prescription bottle, after taking two tablets, Kyle tucked the container into his jacket pocket. Resting his forehead on his hand he stared at his laptop, wishing the work in front of him, would complete itself.
"There he is," Rachel's voice startled Kyle, as he quickly looked, to see her standing in doorway. Approaching him she continued, "There's the man I am going to marry."
"So we are still on?" Kyle teased, as he stood up.
"Yes, we are," Rachel said, "I'm not letting you back out on me."
"I know," Kyle smiled, "I can hardly wait either." He kissed her.
"Are you ready to go?" Rachel said.
Kyle paused. "Refresh my memory," Kyle said, "Where are we going?"
"To lunch," Rachel said, "We were going to firm up some of the wedding plans. Don't tell me you forgot."
Unable to recall the moment he agreed to this, Kyle said, "I did not forget. I just didn't realize what time it was. I'm working on something urgent for Billy."
"No lunch?" Rachel said.
"I've got some time if you want to talk here," Kyle said, closing his office door.
"Okay," Rachel said, "We need to start with…" Kyle cut her off with a kiss.
"We needed to start with that," he said.
Rachel smiled and said, "The thing is our wedding is coming up soon. We need to make decisions. Beginning with the wedding party."
"My Dad has agreed to be my best man," Kyle said, "And Billy is going to be groomsman. All set, done."
"Billy and your Dad," Rachel said, "That's it?"
"Did I miss something?" Kyle said.
"You missed tradition that you have the same number of groomsman as there are bridesmaids. I have a maid of honor to firm up. Mariah, Traci and Sharon have agreed to be bridesmaids. There's also a new development. Susie is going to be a junior bridesmaid."
"That sounds great," Kyle said.
"It's five people in the bridal party compared to your side of…" Rachel started.
"Two," Kyle finished for her.
"You need to find three more," Rachel said.
Sighing Kyle said, I'm not sure who to ask."
"How about the guy you introduced Traci to," Rachel said, "What was his name, Dean? Maybe he and Traci can reconnect."
"Not a good idea for me or Traci," Kyle said, "As it turns out I don't know him that well."
Rachel thought for a moment before exclaiming, "I know, why don't you ask Devon."
"Devon Hamilton?" Kyle said.
"Sure, you two are friends right?" Rachel said.
"I guess," Kyle said.
"I'm sure he would be happy to do this," Rachel said.
Kyle nodded. "I'll ask him."
"Can you think of anyone else?" Rachel said.
"I'll figure it out, don't worry," Kyle said.
"I also thought that Billy's kids, Johnny and Katie would make an adorable flower girl and ring bearer," Rachel said, "After all they are your cousins."
"So is Abby," Kyle said.
"Your point?" Rachel said.
"You are including my family in the wedding party," Kyle said, "I love that, except you excluded Abby."
"She was not very supportive of us getting married," Rachel said, "Have you forgotten how flat out mean she was to me about it?"
"She's coming around," Kyle said, "Abby is starting to realize how much you and I love each other. Honestly, I think she feels left out."
"Are you suggesting I ask her to be a bridesmaid?" Rachel said.
"You said you still had to firm up a maid of honor," Kyle said, "Why not Abby?"
"I have someone else in mind for that," Rachel said, "And it's not Abby."
"Okay, a bridesmaid then," Kyle said, "Abby and I have always been close, it would mean a lot to me if she was part of the wedding."
"That means yet another groomsman for you," Rachel said.
"I'll find one," Kyle said. He looked at her hopefully.
"Okay," Rachel sighed, "I will ask Abby."
"Good," Kyle smiled.
"I just thought of someone else you could ask," Rachel said.
"Who's that?" Kyle said.
"Ravi," Rachel said.
"From IT?" Kyle said.
"Hey, I'm from IT," Rachel said, "Ravi and I have been working together for a while now. He's a friend."
"I'll take it under consideration," Kyle said.
Leading him to sit with her on the office couch, Rachel said, "There is one more thing I wanted to talk to you about."
"All ears," Kyle said, putting his arm around her.
"You know, I love your family," Rachel said, "And I really like living at the house, but I've been thinking…."
"About a place of our own," Kyle said.
"After we are married, it would be wonderful to have a place we can call ours," Rachel said, "To raise a family in."
"I like it," Kyle said, "We can start looking for a new home."
"I might have a solution to that," Rachel said.
"You've been looking already?" Kyle said.
"I didn't have to look far," Rachel said, "I was thinking about the pool house."
"It's not really a typical family home," Kyle said.
"That's why I was thinking we could renovate it," Rachel said, "Make it everything we want it to be. Furnish, decorate, turn it into our very own home. We can even set up a room for Susie and whomever else might come along."
"Are you trying to tell me something?" Kyle said.
"I'm not pregnant if that's what you're worried about," Rachel said, "But someday, we will have our own kids right?"
"Someday, we will," Kyle smiled, "Plus, I like the idea of renovating. We should do it."
"I was hoping you would say that," Rachel said, "Do you think your Dad would go for it?"
"I don't see why not," Kyle said, "I love how you come up with the best ideas."
"In that case I have one more," Rachel said.
"Tell me," Kyle said.
"I'd rather show you," Rachel said, as he kissed him.
As she sat at the coffeehouse, Mariah scrolled through her phone, until she heard a voice beside her say, "Hi."
Mariah looked up. "Tessa," she said.
"Can we talk now?" Tessa said, "Or are you still upset with me."
Mariah gestured to the chair across from her.
"So, I'm getting the silent treatment?" Tessa said, "I am sorry, I kept my feelings for someone else a secret from you. I should have been honest and talked to you about everything."
"Yes, you should have," Mariah said, "But I get why you were afraid to tell me."
"You do?" Tessa said
"I realized it's because you love me and didn't want to hurt me," Mariah said, "I'm trying to say, I forgive you."
"Really?" Tessa said, "Does that mean you will come home? I miss you."
"I will come home," Mariah said, "If you have dealt with your feelings for Rachel."
"Her and I are friends, nothing more," Tessa said, "You are the one I want to be with."
Mariah nodded. "I feel the same way about you. I've missed you too."
Entering from the outside patio door, Rachel was busy checking her phone. As she sauntered into the coffeehouse, she walked into another patron.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, "I should watch where I'm going."
"No harm," the man she had walked into said, "It's not every day I run into a beautiful woman."
"Nice of you to say," Rachel said.
"By the way, I'm Theo," he said, offering her a handshake.
"Rachel," she said, accepting the offer.
"Would you like to join me for a coffee?" Theo said.
"I would except…" Rachel trailed off as Kyle approached them.
"Hi," Kyle said, giving Rachel a quick kiss. Looking at her and Theo, he said, "I see you two have met."
"You know each other?" Rachel said.
"Yes, I'm the friend who just made a total embarrassment out of myself," Theo said.
"I wouldn't say a total embarrassment," Rachel said.
"Did I miss something?" Kyle said.
"I met this lovely young lady and did not realize she is the one who stole your heart," Theo said, "I was thinking she might steal mine. However, she, of course, is all yours."
"Not to worry," Rachel said, "It's not everyday someone calls me a beautiful woman."
"I'll have to rectify that," Kyle said, "Because that is exactly what you are." He kissed her.
"My cue to leave," Theo said.
Ending their kiss, Kyle looked over at Theo and said, "Hold on, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"I'll see you inside," Rachel said, entering the coffeehouse.
"My apologies," Theo said, "I did not realize she was your fiancé."
"That's okay," Kyle laughed, "I get the attraction."
"You are a lucky one," Theo said, "You have a great girl there."
"She's the best," Kyle said, taking off his suit jacket and throwing onto the back of a chair.
"You wanted to talk about something?" Theo said.
"I have a question for you," Kyle said, "I was wondering if you would consider, being a groomsman at my wedding."
Theo smiled. "You want me in your wedding party?"
"Of course," Kyle said, "Will you do it?"
"It would be my pleasure," Theo said, "I may not be one for weddings, but the look on your faces when you saw each other today, that was something special. I think I saw actual sparks flying off you two."
Inside the coffeehouse, Tessa and Mariah were talking with Rachel as she gushed about Kyle and how excited she was, now that the date for the wedding was getting closer.
"I'm looking forward to it too," Mariah said, "Seeing you two crazy kids get married will be one of the best things ever."
"I can't wait to watch you walk down the aisle," Tessa said, "I'm sure you will be a lovely bride."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "There's just one problem."
"What problem?" Tessa said.
"I still don't have a maid of honor," Rachel said, looking at Tessa.
"You don't still want me," Tessa said, "Do you?"
Rachel smiled at her. "I don't have another best friend to ask. The spot is yours if you will accept."
Tessa smiled tears forming. "Here she goes," Mariah said, smiling.
"Of course," Tessa said, "I would be happy to accept." She and Rachel stood up sharing a hug.
"What did we miss?" Kyle said, walking in with Theo.
"Tessa is Rachel's maid of honor," Mariah said.
"That's great," Kyle said, giving Tessa a quick hug, "Now you're both in the wedding. My friend Theo here, just agreed to be one of my groomsmen."
"It's all coming together," Rachel said, as Kyle put his arm around her waist.
"Sure is," Kyle said.
"Well, we should…" Mariah started, stopping when Rachel and Kyle began to kiss, "We should go," Mariah continued, "That's what we should do."
"Yeah, I guess…" Theo started, "Catch you later." He smiled as he walked away.
Ending their kiss, Kyle said, "Why don't we continue this at home."
"I like the way you think," Rachel smiled. Gesturing to the patio she said, "Is that your suit jacket?"
"Yeah, I forgot it was out there," Kyle said.
"I'll get it," Rachel said.
Walking out to the patio, Rachel lifted the jacket off the chair, when she noticed something fall out of the pocket. Bending over to pick it up, Rachel inspected the bottle. Spying the prescription label and Kyle's name printed on it caused her to pause. She took off the lid, noticing the container was less than half full of tablets.
Rachel looked into the coffeehouse to see Kyle talking, happily with Mariah. Concerned as to why Kyle needed this medicine and why he kept it hidden from her, Rachel looked back at the prescription bottle and sighed, "Oh, Kyle."