"Are you sure you are okay to do this?" Rachel said, on Kyle's arm as they walked into Crimson Lights.
"I am fine," Kyle said, "I really needed a change of scenery." Walking in from the patio, he noticed no one was in sight. "Where is everyone? Are they closed?" he said.
All of a sudden, shouts of "Surprise!" were heard as people filled the room. It was then Kyle spotted the 'Congratulations Kyle' banner stretched along the front counter.
Smiling, he said, "What is all this?"
"It's your surprise party," Tessa said, sharing a smile with Rachel.
"I don't know that I deserve a congratulations for anything," Kyle said.
"Are you kidding?" Mariah said, "You dealt with this awful thing and came out the other side. You fought hard to overcome this and you succeeded."
"You deserve every accolade with can give you," Summer said, standing with Fen, who nodded in agreement.
Kyle slightly laughed as he observed, Abby, Nate, Chloe and Kevin were also there. Looking at Rachel, Kyle said, "Did you know about this?"
"Why do you think I suggested we come here?" Rachel said.
"This is unexpected," Kyle said, addressing his friends, "It's really nice of you all to do this for me."
"In case you haven't figured it out yet, we love you," Abby said, walking over to share a hug.
"Here you go," Tessa said, handing Rachel a drink, as Mariah handed one to Kyle.
"A toast!" Mariah said, holding her glass high, "For fighting hard, finding your way back, being so brave…" Kyle shook his head, as she continued, "…to cures and recovery and for looking so cute through it all. We love you, welcome home my friend. To Kyle…!"
Everyone echoed her last words, as drinks were raised in salute to Kyle.
"I know I already welcomed you home," Summer said, "But I am going to do it again." Summer shared a hug with Kyle.
"It's great that everything worked out for you," Fen said.
"Well, that is thanks to this man," Kyle said, gesturing to Nate, "He was a big part of my getting better. I think Dr. Hastings here, deserves a round of applause." Kyle began clapping as others followed suit.
"Stop," Nate smiled, "This party is for Kyle, not me. I only helped. Kyle put in the hard work."
"Still, I can never thank you enough," Kyle said, "I owe you big time."
"You don't owe me anything," Nate said, "Seeing you well again, is thanks enough."
"I am almost there," Kyle said.
"You must be so happy to have Kyle home again," Tessa said, standing close to Rachel.
"I am," Rachel said, "Kyle is glad to be out of that hospital. He's doing so well too."
"Well, it is all great news," Tessa said, taking the opportunity to give Rachel a hug.
"Once again, congratulations," Chloe said, giving Kyle a quick hug.
"Yes, from me too," Kevin said.
"Thanks," Kyle said, "Listen Kevin, Rachel told me about the offer of you being in my wedding party. I hope you understand if I decline."
"I get it," Kevin said, "The last thing you need on your wedding day is to see your bride's ex standing with you."
"It's not so much that" Kyle said, "I don't feel like I know you well enough. It's not that I don't like you or don't want you around."
"Understood," Kevin said, "We never were friends and got to know each other."
"That doesn't mean we can't be," Kyle said, "You and Rachel are always going to have that connection. No reason we can't get along."
"Agreed," Kevin said, offering Kyle and handshake which he accepted.
"That was so sweet," Chloe gushed.
"I am glad you are feeling better," Rachel said, walking over, "But should you be standing so much?"
"It's nice to be able to do it," Kyle said.
"He needs to practice standing for the wait at the other end of aisle, at the wedding," Kevin said.
"I was just explaining to Kevin, why I declined him as part of the ceremony," Kyle said.
"No worries," Kevin said.
A memory flashed through Kyle as he remembered Theo telling him the prowler at the hospital said 'no worries' as he left.
"Interesting you would say it that way," Kyle said.
"It's a common expression," Kevin said.
"You reminded me of something when you said that," Kyle said.
"Actually I am glad you are not in Kyle's wedding party," Rachel said.
"So not a nice thing to say," Chloe said.
"Why don't you tell me how you really feel," Kevin laughed.
"No, I only meant it works out for me," Rachel said.
"How's that?" Kyle said.
"I need to ask you a favor," Rachel said, addressing Kevin.
"Which is…?" Kevin prompted.
"I need someone to walk me down the aisle and give me away," Rachel said, "Kevin, I would like it to be you."
"Are you sure you want me to be the one?" Kevin said.
"Who else would I ask?" Rachel said, "We share so much history and a daughter. There is no one I would rather have do this. Will you?"
"It would be my pleasure," Kevin smiled.
"Thank you," Rachel said, hugging him.
"We both appreciate it," Kyle said.
"Since we are talking about the wedding," Chloe said, "I have big news. I found you a venue at the Grand Phoenix. It's a big reception hall, lots of room to make it everything we want. We can hold the ceremony there and easily transform it for the reception. You don't have to worry, I already booked it."
"You did what?" Kyle said, easing into a chair.
"You booked something we haven't even looked at?" Rachel said.
"New Year's Eve is fast approaching," Chloe said, "I had to book now, or someone else would have snatched it up."
"The thing is we were thinking of having the wedding at the house," Kyle said.
"The Abbott mansion?" Chloe said, her tone shocked, "I don't think it's big enough for all those people."
"All those people are family and friends," Kyle said, "We are not having a wedding for 200 guests."
"What happened to epic?" Chloe said.
"Considering everything we have gone through, epic has taken on a new meaning," Rachel said.
"I can imagine the room at the hotel, all decorated, how nice everyone will look and we could do so much more with it, than we could at the house," Chloe said.
"I'm hearing a lot of 'we'," Kevin said, "This is Kyle and Rachel's wedding. It's their choice what they want."
"Sorry, I'm only trying to make your wedding the best day of your lives," Chloe said, "You only get married to the love of your life once right?"
Kevin and Rachel shared a look, before shifting their eyes to Chloe. "You know what I mean. I am sure the two of you had something really special," Chloe said. Putting her hand on Kevin's shoulder she said, "But you are the love of my life and Rachel and Kyle are the true love of each other."
"I can't argue with that," Kyle said.
"Me neither," Rachel said, leaning in to share a kiss.
Noticing how involved the couple was as they continued kissing, Kevin and Chloe felt awkward. "We should go mingle," Kevin said, stepping away.
"Right," Chloe said, lingering by the table, "So…about the reception hall?"
Pausing their kissing, Rachel said, "I'm sorry did you say something?"
"The room…" Chloe said, "At the hotel?"
"We'll take it," Kyle said. Then looking at Rachel he said, "Right?"
"Whatever you say," Rachel smiled.
"So am I forgiven for getting ahead of myself?" Chloe said.
"We appreciate all you are doing for us," Rachel said.
Mariah smiled as she observed Kyle and Rachel sitting together, hands linked, her head on his shoulder. Standing with Tessa she said, "Would you look at them? They look so sweet together."
"There's definitely some cuteness going on over there," Tessa said.
Walking over, Mariah said, "Are you hogging our guest of honor?"
"I am," Rachel smiled, "And I don't intend to stop."
"I can't say, I mind," Kyle said.
"It's so great to see you both so in love," Mariah said, "Made for each other." Glancing at Tessa, she said, "Don't you think so?"
"Oh, of course," Tessa smiled. Taking a few steps away, Tessa lost her smile and muttered, "So great."
Parting from a hug with her cousin, Abby said, "I hate to say it, but I have to get going."
"Thanks for coming," Kyle said.
"Of course," Abby said, "You just be sure to keep up the good work."
"I'll do my best," Kyle said.
"I should get back to the hospital," Nate said, "Abby, can I give you a lift?"
"Thanks, but that's not…" Abby trailed off, as she was interrupted by a voice that boomed into the room.
"What's this a party?" Theo said, announcing his arrival.
"Oh no," Abby sighed.
"I guess once again, my invitation got lost in the mail," Theo said.
"This is a private party," Mariah said, "We lost your invitation on purpose."
"Not to worry, I am here now," Theo said, stumbling into the room. Pointing to the banner he said, "Kyle, this is a thing for you. Wow, you're out and about already."
"You're drunk," Nate said, "No one wants you here like this."
"I have only had…." Theo paused, "Apparently I've lost count. But it doesn't matter, I am sober enough to tell my friend here…" he put his hand on Kyle's shoulder, "…It is so good to see you out of bed."
Kyle paused before he said, "Thanks."
"It must be good to be out of those hospital gowns," Theo continued, "They are not comfortable and breezy, am I right?"
"Okay, that's enough," Abby said.
Spotting Summer, Theo smiled and said, "How are you beautiful?"
Fen shot Theo a glare, prompting Theo raise both hands and say, "Oh, I forgot she belongs to you. My bad."
"I don't belong…" Summer started.
"Just ignore him," Fen said.
"You can't ignore me, I am the life of the party," Theo said.
"As I said, this is private," Mariah said.
"You have overstayed you're welcome," Rachel said.
"It's time for you to go," Kyle said.
"Go?" Theo said, "I just got here."
"That's nice," Fen said, "The door is that way."
"Perhaps I can help you find it?" Kevin said.
"Oh come on," Theo said, "I was just kidding around. I am not drunk and I will be on my best behavior."
"You don't ever behave," Tessa said.
"Plus, yes, you are drunk," Mariah said.
"If I were drunk, could I do this," Theo said. He raised both hands to his sides and closed his eyes. He instantly took an unsteady step, knocking into a nearby table, as paper fell out of his pocket. "Okay, maybe I am just a little," he said.
"That is it," Summer said, "This is a party for Kyle and his friends, which you are not being right now. You come in here uninvited, drunk and intent to disrupt everyone. We don't need you making comments and dropping your things all over the place." She bent to pick up his paper.
"Can I have that back?" Theo said.
"Grocery list?" Summer said, unfolding the paper.
"Summer please…" Theo said.
Summer stared at the paper, looking to Theo and back again. "What are you doing with this?" she said.
"Never mind, I'd like to have…" Theo reached for it, but Summer stepped away.
Summer looked to Kyle, who said, "What is it? She walked over and handed Kyle the paper.
Reading over a copy of his and Rachel's accident report, Kyle said, "Would you like to explain why you have this?" Rachel leaned in to see what Kyle was looking at.
"It's not a big deal," Theo said.
Looking over the article, Rachel looked up at Theo and said, "It was you."
"Wait just a second…" Theo started.
Cutting him off Rachel said, "It was all you wasn't it? You caused the accident."
"Is that true?" Kyle said, "Was it you? Rachel was hurt in that accident and I would tear you apart, if you are responsible."
"Let me do it for you," Kevin said.
"You have got it all wrong," Theo said, "It was not me."
"Of course you would deny it," Rachel said.
"I did not and would not hurt you both like that," Theo said, "I did not cause this to happen."
"Then why are you holding on to an article?" Abby said, "Are you proud of yourself and you need a reminder to carry with you."
"I will say it one more time," Theo said, "The accident was not my doing."
"That doesn't justify why you had that in your pocket," Summer said.
"Yeah, I would like an explanation," Kyle said.
"If you calm down, I will tell you," Theo said, "It was when you were in the hospital. Remember that day, the guy was lurking outside your room?"
"What guy?" Rachel said.
"I went after him and when I caught up, he dropped that piece of paper, as he got on the elevator," Theo said, "I don't think he realized it fell on the floor. So, I picked it up and was as shocked as all of you when I saw the article."
"Why is it, the first I'm hearing of this?" Rachel said.
"I didn't want you to worry about something which I didn't think was a big deal," Kyle said.
"Some guy was prowling around outside your room!" Rachel fretted.
"Baby, I'm fine," Kyle said, rubbing her hand.
"Why would some random guy be carrying that around?" Fen said.
"Because I think it might be the same one who did cause the accident," Theo said.
"So, you just kept this to yourself?" Summer said, "Did you feel special keeping a secret that Kyle and Rachel, not mention the police, needed to know about."
"You were dealing with so much, I didn't want to lay this on you too," Theo said, "I thought maybe I could look into it, to see if I could come up with anything to help solve all this."
"Did your detective skills come up with anything?" Abby taunted.
"Not really," Theo said, "Except for one thing."
"Go on," Kyle said.
"I think the guy at the hospital, may have been the same one who was following Fen and Rachel in the park," Theo said.
"What?" Rachel said.
"I'm still not convinced that wasn't you," Fen said.
"It was dark and I did not get a good look at him," Theo said, "From what I did see, it looked like it could have been the same person."
"Great," Rachel sighed, "Someone is stalking us."
"No, one is stalking us," Kyle soothed, still holding her hand.
"It's quite a coincidence," Rachel said.
"And that's all it is," Kyle said, "There is nothing to worry about. I would never, ever, let anything bad happen to you."
"Like I said, it was dark," Theo said, "Maybe it was someone else. Could have been one of Fen's fans."
"I hardly think so," Fen said.
"You are something else," Mariah said, to Theo, "You need to tell the police everything you just told us."
"I will," Theo said, "First thing tomorrow, I promise."
"I hope for once you keep your word," Tessa said.
"I'm sorry, I kept this to myself, when you had a right to know," Theo said, "It was my misguided attempt to help."
"You can say that again," Summer said.
As the party came to a close, Kyle once again thanked everyone for being there for him and making his homecoming so memorable. Nate walked Abby out and couples retreated home together. Slumber came easy for most, while the mind's eye of one sleeper was restless.
Kyle and Rachel stood facing each other holding hands. Kyle dressed in his tux and Rachel in her wedding dress, flanked on either side by their respective wedding party. A crowd of friends and family had gathered to celebrate the bride and groom's big day.
As the minister presided over them, he inquired for objections and when nobody spoke he proceeded. He asked Rachel if she took Kyle as her husband, when someone shrieked.
"Stop!" Everyone looked to see Tessa, who had jumped out beside the couple. "Wait," she said, "This has to stop, it's not right."
"Tessa?" Rachel said.
"Please don't do this," Tessa said, "You don't have to go through with this."
"What's going on?" Kyle said.
"Tessa…" Mariah said, stepping closer.
"I know you think you are doing the right thing, but Kyle is not the one for you," Tessa said.
"What do you think you are doing?" Kyle said, "We are getting married, we love each other."
"You're not the only one," Tessa said.
"Tessa, what are you saying?" Mariah said, "Are you feeling alright?"
"Miss" the minister spoke, "The time for objections has passed."
"Sir, please," Tessa said, "This couple cannot be married."
"And why is that?" Kyle said.
"Because I am love with the bride," Tessa said, "And I know if she is honest with herself, she knows she loves me too."
"Tessa, you know that's not true," Rachel said.
"It is," Tessa said, stepping in front of her, blocking Kyle behind her, "I have loved you for so long. Okay, Kyle may love you, but not as much as I do."
"Tessa, no…" Mariah said.
"Okay, I'm not putting up with this any longer," Kyle said, "Either settle down or leave."
"I'm not leaving without Rachel," Tessa said.
"You can't do this," Rachel said.
"I can make you so much happier that he can," Tessa said, "I know you said you were not ready for this relationship, but if you give me a chance you will see how wonderful our lives will be together. Look in my eyes and tell me you don't love me."
"That's enough," Kyle said, stepping out, "Rachel, tell the truth and then we can get on with our lives."
Rachel paused glancing from Tessa to Kyle. "Rachel?" Kyle said.
"I can't," Rachel quietly said, "I can't say it. Tessa, I think I do love you too."
Tessa smiled. "I knew it," she said, "Now we can finally be together. You have made me so happy. Come with me and I will devote my life to making you happy too."
"Tell me this isn't happening," Kyle said.
Tessa took Rachel's hand to lead her away, but Rachel held back. "It's okay, come on," Tessa said.
Rachel shook her head. "I'm getting married," she said.
"But you just told me you loved me," Tessa said.
"I do love you, very much," Rachel said, "But I need to be with Kyle. I am still marrying him."
"How can you say that?" Tessa said.
"He loves me and he takes care of me," Rachel said.
"I love you and I can take care of you!" Tessa cried.
"Rachel told you her choice," Kyle said, taking Rachel in his arms, "Now you need to accept it."
The minister pronounced Kyle and Rachel husband and wife.
"No!" Tessa cried, "You can't do this me!"
"She loves me," Kyle said. Other members of the wedding parties, echoed Kyle's sentiment as Tessa heard the words "she loves him" over and over in her mind, until she screamed, "Stop!"
Tessa sat upright in bed, her breathing labored, tears on her face.
Hearing Tessa scream, jerked Mariah awake. "Tessa?" Mariah said, sitting up beside her, "What's wrong? Are you alright?"
Tessa could not answer, her mind racing as the memory of the dream washed over her. "Was is a bad dream?" Mariah said. Tessa nodded.
"Do you want to tell me about it?" Mariah said.
Not wanting to admit to Mariah the details of her dream, Tessa said, "I don't know what was happening. I was scared of something."
"It's over now," Mariah soothed, "You don't have to be scared. Not when I'm here."
"You do love me?" Tessa said.
"Of course I do," Mariah said, "Let's go back to sleep and I'm sure you will feel better in the morning."
"Will you hold me?" Tessa said.
Mariah obliged Tessa's request, as they snuggled up to each other. Mariah soon drifted back to sleep, but Tessa was unable to rest. As she lay in Mariah's arms, Tessa quietly cried herself to sleep.