"You can't be serious," Kyle said, standing in the living room, as he stared at his father, "Tell me this is a bad joke or I'm having a bad dream."
"It's all true," Jack said, "Theo is part of the family."
"Our family?" Kyle said, "Dina's grandson? That makes him my cousin."
"Yes, it does," Jack said, "He is my nephew and we need to make him feel welcome."
"Feel welcome?" Kyle said, "All he has done since he came to Genoa City is whatever he can to get under my skin. To needle me and try to undermine me. Now you want me to welcome him with open arms?"
"Perhaps this is a chance to repair your relationship," Jack said, "There was a time when you two were friends."
"I was young and in constant party mode. It was before I knew what he was really like. Then I grew up and he did not," Kyle said, "Dad, please trust me, he is not a good guy."
"Then why is he part of your wedding?" Jack said.
"Because I was naïve enough to give him another chance," Kyle said, "But that doesn't mean I trust him."
"I'm only asking you to try," Jack said.
"Does he know yet?" Kyle said.
"Yes, I have already talked to him earlier," Jack said, "He seemed genuinely touched, to learn he is part of a family, our family."
"He's touched alright," Kyle retorted.
"That is not trying," Jack said, as the doorbell rang. Kyle shook his head as Jack opened the door, "Theo," Jack smiled.
With his back to the door, Kyle closed his eyes and sighed.
"This is a pleasant surprise," Jack said, stepping aside so Theo could enter, "I did not expect to see you back here so soon."
"I hope this is not a bad time," Theo said, "I was looking for…" he trailed off as he spotted Kyle, "…him."
"Looking for me?" Kyle turned around.
"Yes, I took a chance you were here, or your dad knew where to find you," Theo said, "I tried to call, I guess you didn't get my messages."
"Haven't checked them yet," Kyle said.
"No problem," Theo said, "I'm glad I found you so we can talk in person."
Kyle nodded as a silence presented itself. Theo spoke first, "You know, don't you?"
"My dad told me the news," Kyle said.
"You and me cousins," Theo smiled, "Pretty wild, right?"
"That's one word for it," Kyle said.
"I'll leave you two alone to talk," Jack said, pulling on his coat.
"Please, don't feel you have to leave," Kyle said.
"Not on my account," Theo said.
"I have some things to take care of," Jack said. Kyle gave him an exasperated look as he left the house.
"You are not happy about this, are you?" Theo said.
"It was the last thing I ever expected," Kyle said, "It's going to take some getting used to."
"I would really like it if we could get along again," Theo said, "Where's your lovely bride to be. I thought you two were joined at the hip these days." He tried to offer a laugh.
"She's not here," Kyle said.
"Oh that's too bad," Theo said, "She's going to be my family soon too. I wanted to officially welcome her to it."
"She has already been made to feel more than welcome by this family," Kyle said.
"I know she does not like me," Theo said, "I was hoping to put her at ease, regarding her feelings."
"Rachel is out with the girls," Kyle said, "They took her for an engagement celebration drink."
"Sounds great," Theo said, "I would like to take you for one. We could go for a beer."
"I am not supposed to drink yet," Kyle said, "Doctor's orders."
"Right," Theo said, "You're still on the recovery list. You look like you are back to your old self to me."
"I feel pretty good these days," Kyle said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Theo said.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Kyle said.
"I got the details you sent me about the wedding," Theo said, "New Years Eve, pretty exciting night to get married."
"We are looking forward to it," Kyle said.
"Me too," Theo said, "I was wondering do I have to arrange for my tux or do you do that?"
"You go ahead," Kyle said, sitting down, "If you need any help, contact Chloe Mitchell. She's our wedding planner. She will set you up with everything you need."
"How did you find her?" Theo said, sitting across from Kyle.
"Chloe is an old friend of Rachel's," Kyle said, "She offered to help out."
"I would like to make the same offer," Theo said, "Is there anything I can do?"
"That's nice of you, but I think we have everything under control," Kyle said, "Just show up and please be on time."
"I plan to be there early," Theo said, "Tell me, are you getting nervous?"
"Not too much," Kyle said, "I feel fairly confident…okay, I'm getting more anxious by the day."
"It will be here before you know it," Theo said.
"Thanks, that puts me at ease," Kyle said. Theo laughed and Kyle couldn't resist a smile.
"I can't believe it," Theo said, "You are going to be a married man and an instant father. To a teenager no less."
"Susie is not teenager until the end of January," Kyle said, "Let's not rush it. Seriously, she and I get along really well. I know she has some challenging years ahead of her, but I'd like to think I can help her sort through it all."
"Then there will be new additions to the family," Theo said, "I assume you both want your own kids too."
"Someday," Kyle said, "We definitely want that."
"You've got the love of your life, building your own family and you got your health back. Sounds like you are going to have it all," Theo said.
"I feel very fortunate," Kyle said, "After what I've been through I am not taking any of it for granted."
"Good for you," Theo said, standing up, "I won't take up any more of your time. I'm glad we had this talk." Kyle nodded as he also stood up. "I will see myself out," Theo said.
Theo left the house, shutting the door behind him, with a smile and a wave. Kyle let out a heavy sigh as he closed his eyes in relief the visit was over. Several seconds later the sound of the doorbell could be heard. "No…" Kyle said, "What does he want now?"
Kyle opened the door to reveal Rachel, flanked by Mariah and Tessa on either side. "You're back," he smiled.
"Yes, thankfully we made it," Mariah said.
"Kyle!" Rachel said, throwing herself towards him, hugging tight.
"Rachel has had a bit too much," Tessa said.
"How much?" Kyle said.
"She's wasted," Mariah said.
"Okay," Kyle said, as Rachel walked her fingers up and down his arm. Swinging her arms wide she walked into the living room and said, "Ever notice how it's so bright and big indoors." Rachel plopped onto the couch and lay back with a giggle.
Kyle looked Tessa, who shrugged. "She's all yours," Mariah said.
"Good luck," Tessa said.
"Wait, you are just going to leave me alone with this?" Kyle said. Rachel's legs flew up from the couch with a squeal of delight, before disappearing again.
Leaning in close and touching Kyle's shoulder, Mariah said, "Be thankful you did not have to drive home with it."
"When she sobers up, tell her we will be in touch really soon," Tessa said.
"Have fun," Mariah said, before Kyle shut the door behind them.
Looking over, Kyle saw Rachel cycling her legs in the air, as she lay on the couch. He laughed to himself as he walked around to face her.
"Hi!" Rachel said.
"Hi," Kyle smiled.
Still cycling her legs, she said, "Do you know what they call this?"
"Yes, drunk," Kyle said. Sitting her up he said, "Why don't we get you to bed."
"You are so handsome," Rachel said, "I really like you."
"Thanks, I like you too," Kyle said.
"But don't tell Kyle okay?" Rachel said.
"Promise," Kyle laughed. Standing up he said, "First of all, I think you should have some water." He poured her some and turned around to find her passed out on the couch.
Kyle shook his head, before walking over and covering her with a blanket. "You are going to have a kicker of a hangover tomorrow," Kyle said, giving her a tender kiss on the forehead.
The next morning Rachel sat on the couch, resting her head in her hand with a groan. Kyle entered the house, the sound of the front door closing made her wince.
"You're up," Kyle said, smiling at her.
"Am I?" Rachel said.
"How are you feeling?" Kyle said.
"Like my head exploded and it's about to do it again," Rachel said, "Why did they let me drink so much last night?"
"I guess you ladies were having fun," Kyle said.
"I don't remember," Rachel said, "I hope I didn't do anything embarrassing. I don't even remember coming home."
"Mariah and Tessa brought you home," Kyle said, "You were extra happy and then passed out soon after that."
"Sorry," Rachel said.
"No need to apologize," Kyle said, "It was quite entertaining. A side of you, I had not seen before."
"Were you just out somewhere?" Rachel said.
"Yes, I had a follow up appointment at the hospital," Kyle said.
"I was going to go with you," Rachel said.
"Under the circumstances, I thought it was best to go alone," Kyle said.
"How did it go?" Rachel said.
"The doctor said I am healing very well," Kyle said, "In fact, I'm so much better he said I could go back to work."
"That's great," Rachel said.
"As long as I start slow and don't overdo it," Kyle said, "I was talking to my dad and we agreed to have me work half days for now. After the honeymoon, I will start back full time."
"I know how anxious you are to get back to your job," Rachel said, "It's nice to see you excited about work again."
"That's not all I'm happy about," Kyle said, "The doctor told me something else."
"What's that?" Rachel said.
Sitting closer to Rachel and looking intently at her, he said, "I was told I could resume my regular activities."
"You mean…all of them?" Rachel said. Kyle nodded. "Even the ones that we can do together?" Rachel said.
"Especially those," Kyle said.
"As tempting as that is, I can't participate right now," Rachel said.
"We have waited this long, I think I can wait until the pounding in your head subsides," Kyle said.
"Bless you," Rachel said. Resting her head on the back of the couch, she continued, "I think last night is coming back to me. Mariah told me she is throwing us a combined bachelor/bachelorette party a few days after Christmas."
"I know, she sent me some information about it this morning," Kyle said, "Should be a good time."
"I beg of you, don't let me drink too much," Rachel said.
"I'll keep you in check," Kyle said.
"I can't believe the wedding is so close," Rachel said.
"Me neither," Kyle said, "You and I will be husband and wife before we know it."
"Can't wait," Rachel said.
Kyle smiled as he leaned in to gently kiss her.
Billy was hard at work behind his desk when the opening of the office door, distracted him. Looking up, Billy half smiled, as he said, "What are you doing here?"
"Getting back to work," Kyle said.
"You're back?" Billy said, "It's nice to see."
"Thanks," Kyle said, "It's only part time to start."
"Smart," Billy said, "Ease back in. It's good to see you on your feet again."
"I was expecting to find my dad in here," Kyle said.
"He should be here soon," Billy said.
"That doesn't explain why you are using his office," Kyle said, "Don't you have your own?"
"I forget you've been out of the loop," Billy said, "I thought Jack would have told you. I am CEO of the company now."
"You're what?" Kyle said, "Since when?"
"About a month now," Billy said.
"I see," Kyle said.
"I'm sure you would have liked to have this position, and Jack did say he wished he could have included you in the changes, but you were out of commission," Billy said.
"What did he mean by include me?" Kyle said.
"You'll have to ask him," Billy said.
A voice drifted into the office saying, "Billy, I have those changes we…" Summer stopped in her tracks, "Kyle?" she said.
"Hi," Kyle said.
"What are you doing here?" Summer said.
Slightly laughing, Kyle said, "That seems to be the question of the day. I work here."
"You're back? Already?" Summer said, "Are you sure you don't need more time to recuperate?"
"The doctor gave me the green light to return to work," Kyle said, "Just half days for awhile."
"I'm happy to hear that," Summer said, "Welcome back."
"Thank you," Kyle said.
"Summer why don't you tell Kyle what you are working on and bring him back up to speed," Billy said.
"Right now?" Summer said, "I'm working on the new year reports you wanted."
"You can do both," Billy said, "It's called multi-tasking."
"Okay," Summer sighed, "I suppose I can stay late and have it to you in the morning."
"I need it by the end of the day," Billy said.
"Yeah, but I still have a lot of research to implement," Summer said.
"I'll help you," Kyle said, "That's what I'm here for."
"Fine," Summer said, "Let's go."
"Close the door behind you," Billy said.
Kyle paused, frowning as he watched Billy for a few seconds, before leaving the office and closing the door. Once in the hallway with Summer, he gestured to Billy's office and said, "How did that happen?"
"You mean Billy in charge?" Summer said, "It just sort of did. Come on, we have a lot of work to do."
Kyle looked back at the office door and sighed, before catching up to Summer.
"I'm so happy you had a good first day back at work," Rachel said, as she walked through the front door of the house, with Kyle in tow.
"Did I say that?" he smiled.
"You only talked non-stop about it, all the way home," Rachel said.
"I knew I was anxious to get back to work," Kyle said, "But I didn't realize, until I was back at Jabot, how much I missed it."
"I hope you didn't overdo it," Rachel said, "You look tired."
"Maybe, but I feel good," Kyle said, "Invigorated even." Kyle took Rachel's hands as he continued, "In fact, I would like to take you upstairs and show you how not tired I am." He pulled her closer and kissed her.
"Feeling recharged are we?" Rachel said.
"Come with me and you'll find out," Kyle said, intending to lead Rachel upstairs, but she held back.
"Nothing would please me more," Rachel said, "Except, I have to call Chloe."
"Right now?" Kyle said, "Can't you do that later?"
"She's expecting me to contact her," Rachel said, "Wedding talk. Once I have spoken to her I am all yours."
Kyle gave a fake sigh and said, "Alright. How about I meet you upstairs?"
"I have some material in the other room to go over with her, so I'll be there as quick as I can," Rachel said, blowing him a kiss.
Kyle raised and closed his hand catching her kiss, making her laugh as she left the room. Smiling to himself Kyle's foot was on the bottom step of the staircase, when the front doorbell rang.
Turning around and opening the door, Kyle was faced with a woman he did not recognize. "Can I help you?" Kyle said.
"Hello," the woman said, "I'm Adele, is Jack at home?"
"Is he expecting you?" Kyle said, "Because he's not here at the moment."
"Will he be home soon?" Adele said.
"It's hard to say," Kyle said, "I'll let him know you stopped by."
Forcing her way in, past Kyle, Adele said, "It's fine, I don't mind waiting."
Closing the door, Kyle said, "Excuse me, but I did not invite you in."
"Jack won't mind that I am here," Adele said.
"I mind," Kyle said, "I don't know who you are and I don't appreciate you barging into my house like this."
"Be a dear and get me a drink," Adele said.
Kyle stared at her, before saying, "You are not hearing me. I will pass along a message for you, but I would like you to leave. I will have my dad contact you at a later time."
"Jack is your father?" Adele said, "You're not Kyle Abbott, are you?"
"As a matter of fact..." Kyle trailed off when he saw Rachel enter the room, stopping in her tracks when she saw Adele.
Walking towards her, Rachel said, "Mother, what are you doing here?"
"Hello, darling," Adele said.
"I asked you a question," Rachel said, evident displeasure in her tone, "Why are you here?"
"I can see your manners need improving" Adele said, "As for the reason of my visit, my daughter is getting married."
"And…" Rachel said.
"I came for the wedding, of course," Adele said.
"I see," Rachel said, "How did you find out about that?
"Dear, you are marrying an Abbott," Adele said, "It's on social media and the news outlets run with a story like that."
"I'm afraid you wasted a trip," Rachel said.
"Are you saying it's not true?" Adele said, "That lovely ring on your finger tells me otherwise."
Noticing how Adele's presence was upsetting Rachel, Kyle tried to intervene by saying, "Perhaps, now is not a good time for a visit."
"I have to agree," Rachel said.
"I would very much like to meet your future husband," Adele said.
Putting a finger up to identify himself, and walking closer to Rachel, Kyle said, "You barged past him at the front door."
"Mom, this is Kyle," Rachel said, "My fiancé. There, now you've met him, so you can leave."
"You are marrying this man?" Adele said, "He's not the right age for you. What is he ten years younger than you?"
"Not even close," Rachel said, "There isn't more than a few years between us, besides I am not defending my relationship to you."
"Pardon me," Adele said, "I thought you would want to marry a grown up."
Kyle gave frustrated laugh as he said, "For your information, I love your daughter very much and I will be the best husband I can be for her. Rachel has asked you to leave, now I'm asking you."
"Very well," Adele said, "I would like to visit with my granddaughter."
"Susie is not here," Rachel said, "Not that you have ever made an effort to see her any other time."
"I do hope, she is not with that dreadful father of hers," Adele said.
"Kevin is not dreadful, he is a wonderful father to her," Rachel said, "And I am not going to stand here and have you continue to insult Kyle, just like you did to Kevin in the past. We are not going through that again. No matter who I am with, you would find fault with it."
"Now if you don't mind…" Kyle said, gesturing to the front door, only to have it open and Jack stepped inside.
Noticing their guest, Jack smiled and said, "Adele!"
Rushing to him, Adele smiled, "Jack, darling how good to see you." They gave each other a simultaneous kiss on the cheek. Rachel gave a frustrated look at Kyle, who put a reassuring arm around her shoulders.
"I see you are getting reacquainted with your daughter and have met your future son-in-law," Jack said. Rachel momentarily closed her eyes as Kyle forced a smile.
"Yes, I have," Adele said, "However, I have had a long trip and do believe I requested a drink."
"Allow me," Jack said.
Kyle put his hand up, saying, "I've got it."
Rachel followed Kyle, to the bar and said, "I can't believe she had the nerve to show up here."
"When you told me you did not get along with her, I wasn't aware it was this bad," Kyle said.
"I am so sorry she is treating you this way," Rachel said.
"Not to worry," Kyle said, "I am going to be so nice to her, by the time we get married she will love me."
"You are going to bribe my mother with kindness?" Rachel said, "It can't be done."
"Watch me," Kyle said.
Walking over to Adele, Kyle smiled and said, "Here you are Mrs. Brantford. I hope you enjoy this."
Kyle waited for Adele to tell him, to call her by her first name or even 'Mom', instead she took a sip of her drink and said, "It will do."
"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Kyle said. Adele waived her hand at him. Kyle looked back and shared an incredulous look with Rachel.
Picking up on the tension, Jack said, "How long are you planning to stay?"
"Through the wedding date," Adele said, "I would not miss my daughter's wedding to this young man."
"You mean a wealthy young man, don't you?" Rachel said, "Let's face it, that's why you are here. You don't care that I am marrying someone I deeply love and want to share that with me, you are only excited that I am marrying into money."
"You don't have to be crass," Adele said.
"Oh, but it's true!" Rachel said.
"Maybe, once Mrs. Brantford gets to know me better she will see how much we love each other and it is not about money," Kyle said.
"In think it is okay if you address her as Adele," Jack said, "Is that right?"
"Of course," Adele said.
"In the meantime," Jack said, "Have you set yourself up with a place to stay?"
"Here it comes," Rachel quietly said, turning into Kyle.
"I haven't found one yet," Adele said, "Perhaps you can recommend somewhere?"
"I can," Jack smiled.
"Oh no…" Kyle muttered.
"You can stay here," Jack said.
"What did he say?" Rachel said, grabbing onto Kyle's arm.
"We have plenty of room," Jack said, "And you can be close to your daughter."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Rachel said, her head buried in Kyle's shoulder.
"What a lovely offer," Adele said, "I would happy to accept."
"Then it's settled," Jack said, "Now you can get to know one another better. I am glad this worked out so well. Now you can share the holidays with us."
"Yeah," Kyle said, hugging Rachel around shoulders from behind. Trying to hide disappointment Rachel said, "So great."
Later in the night, Kyle hummed lightly to himself as he descended the stairs. Retrieving his phone off a side table, Kyle was startled, catching sight of Adele sitting in armchair by a lamp.
Noticing Kyle jump, Adele smiled and said, "Did I frighten you?"
Catching his breath, Kyle said, "I didn't know anyone was in here."
"I am a night owl," Adele said, "Always have been."
"So, that's where Rachel gets it from," Kyle said, "Well, thanks for the adrenaline rush, goodnight."
"Kyle, come sit for a moment," Adele said.
"I really need to…" Kyle said, knowing Rachel was waiting for him.
Adele moved to the couch and patted the cushion beside her. Kyle begrudgingly walked over and sat next to her.
"I am not going to sit here and grill you about your fitness as a husband," Adele said, "I was talking to your father and he told me about your recent health issue. That must have been hard for you to go through."
"It was incredibly difficult," Kyle said, "Thankfully, I recovered. I don't know how I would have handled it without the love and support of Rachel and my Dad. Don't get me wrong I had family and friends who were there for me too, but the love Rachel gave me through it all, meant everything."
"You do love her?" Adele said.
"Very much," Kyle said, "I've never been so in love with someone."
"Your father also told me, you are very successful in business," Adele said.
"I do my best," Kyle said, "I really enjoy the my work."
"I may have misjudged you," Adele said, "It seems my daughter has found a level-headed, hard working, loving man to share her life with."
"I intend to make Rachel as happy as I possibly can and share a good life with her," Kyle said, "I realize you and your daughter have an precarious relationship. Maybe this is a chance to fix that."
"I know, I came off rather abrasive when we first met," Adele said, "I apologize if I offended you. It's just…"
"You don't like me?" Kyle said.
"I like you fine," Adele said, "It seems you are so much younger than Rachel."
"I am a little bit younger," Kyle said, "It's a not as big an age difference as you think and it's not an issue for us. It certainly doesn't make me love her any less."
"I can see that," Adele said, "You may right about repairing the rift. Also, it's nice that my daughter has found herself such a dashing, handsome young man."
The longing in Adele's eyes was suddenly making Kyle uncomfortable. "I'm going up to bed," Kyle said, standing up.
"Kyle, just one more thing," Adele said. Kyle lingered, as she continued, "Is your father by chance single?"
"What?" Kyle said.
"Is he seeing anyone?" Adele said.
"I uh…" Kyle started, "Not that I know of."
Adele nodded with a smile. "Goodnight dear," she said.
"Goodnight," Kyle warily said, before heading upstairs.
Lying in bed, Rachel smiled when Kyle entered the bedroom. "There you are," she said, "I was about to send out a search party. Now come over here so we can continue what we started earlier."
Strolling around the room, Kyle said, "I don't think…"
"Kyle, are you okay?" Rachel said.
"I just had a conversation with your mother," Kyle said.
"What did she say this time?" Rachel sighed.
"She apologized," Kyle said, "She was sorry for the way she spoke to me."
"Are we talking about the same mother?" Rachel said.
"She said she misjudged me and I think she approves of our impending marriage," Kyle said.
"She has never apologized for anything in her life," Rachel said, "Maybe she actually likes you."
"I don't know if that's a good thing," Kyle said, climbing onto the bed, "She called me a dashing handsome young man. It was a little uncomfortable."
"Well, that's what you are," Rachel said, "She probably just wanted to see if she could make you squirm."
"Or make it with my dad," Kyle said, "She asked me if he was seeing anyone."
"Oh, no she's on the prowl," Rachel said, "Warn your dad."
"I am not going to mess in my dad's personal life," Kyle said.
"What about my personal life?" Rachel said.
"That one I can handle," Kyle said.
"Well, maybe I can get this dashing, handsome young man to pick up where we left off," Rachel said.
"Definitely an option," Kyle said, leaning in to kiss her.