Jack told himself the sight before him could not be real. He was looking into an all too familiar face, a likeness he thought he would never see again. He knew it wasn't possible this was his former love, yet here she was.

Even the tone of her voice, was recognizable as she spoke. "Sir, are you alright?"

"Di…." Jack began, "Is it…?"

"Excuse me?" she said.

"Diane," Jack said, more in confirmation, than question.

"I'm sorry, I think you have me confused with someone else," she said, "I don't believe we have met before."

"Forgive me," Jack said, "You look very much like someone I used to know."

"It's too bad, I'm not this old friend of yours," she said, "However, if you will excuse me." She walked past Jack.

"Wait a moment," Jack said, "I'm sorry about the confusion."

"It's forgotten," she said.

"Jack Abbott," he said, holding out his hand, with a smile.

Returning the smile and accepting the handshake, she said, "Evelyn Perkins."

"Can I buy you a coffee? " Jack said.

"No, thank you," Evelyn said.

"I'm sorry, I feel I've give you a bad impression of me," Jack said, "Maybe we could meet for coffee another time?"

Evelyn reached into her purse and handed Jack a card. "Call me and we will see," Evelyn smiled.

"I will," Jack said.

"It was nice to meet you Jack," Evelyn said, giving him a smile as she left the coffeehouse.

Looking over the card, Jack softly spoke the printed words, "Evelyn Perkins, Cosmetician."


"Labor?" Kyle anxiously said, "Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't make this up," Rachel said.

"We still have a couple of weeks," Kyle said.

"Did I tell you Susie was two weeks early?" Rachel said.

"Maybe it's false labor," Summer suggested, "I've heard that can happen."

"It was a little strong to be false," Rachel said.

"I should get you to the hospital," Kyle said, standing up.

Fen rushed over to help Kyle, assist Rachel out of her chair.

From the bar, Austin was watching, the scene unfold. Lola walked out of the kitchen, following Austin's gaze.

"What's going on?" Lola said,

"Something's up," Austin said.

Lola approached the others as she said, "Is something wrong over here?"

"Rachel's in labor," Kyle said, "I'm taking her to the hospital."

"No good," Austin announced, "You can't go."

"I don't think we have much of a choice," Kyle said.

"No, I mean you literally can't get there," Austin said, referencing his phone, "There's a been bad accident on route to the hospital. The road is blocked."

"Then we will find an alternate way," Kyle said.

"Kyle?" Rachel said.

"Another way will take you longer to get there," Summer said.

"Kyle?" Rachel tried again.

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Kyle said.

"Kyle!" Rachel said, in urgency.

"What is it?" Kyle said.

"My water just broke," Rachel said.

"What exactly does that mean?" Fen said.

"It means Rachel might not have a lot of time before this baby comes," Lola said, "Especially since it's not your first."

"Kyle, please do something," Rachel said.

"Are you sure the road is completely blocked?" Kyle said.

"It's a really bad scene," Austin said. "Hydro poles have been hit and it's causing…" Austin paused when Society went dark, "…power outages."

A few lights came back on, causing Lola to sigh, as she said, At least the backup generator is working."

Rachel was hit with another contraction, prompting Kyle to help her back into a chair. Grabbing Kyle's arm she said, "I am not having this baby in the middle of Society."

"You may not have a choice," Lola said, walking by. Addressing the remaining patrons, she said, "Excuse me folks, we are experiencing a power outage, the restaurant is closed. There will be no charge for your business today. I apologize for the inconvenience."

As Lola encouraged her guests to leave, Rachel cried out again.

"Those seem to be awfully close together," Summer said.

"I know, but what do we do?" Kyle panicked, "No one here knows how to deliver a baby."

"I do." Everyone looked at Lola. "Don't be so surprised, I come from a large family. I've been through this before," Lola said, "I can help if you will let me."

"Rachel?" Kyle said

"I don't care," Rachel said, "I just need to get her out!"

"Okay," Kyle said, to Lola, "Tell us what to do."


Kevin spied Susie sitting alone with her phone, as he entered the patio of the coffeehouse.

"Hey Dad," Susie said, when she saw him.

"What's happened to Faith?" Kevin said.

"She had to go," Susie said.

"Is your friendship better now?" Kevin said.

"We had fun," Susie said "We said we would hang out again later."

"Good," Kevin said. Looking into the coffeehouse, Susie sighed.

"What's wrong?" Kevin said.

"Well, that waitress in there keeps watching me, like she thinks I'm up to no good," Susie said, "She's creeping me out."

"I can go talk to her," Kevin said.

"No, don't," Susie said, "She's just strange."

"Okay, I'm going to pick up some pastries to take home," Kevin said.

"Sure," Susie said.

Kevin walked towards the front counter and ordered his selections. As the waitress served him, Kevin spotted her name tag. "Andi," he said.

"Do I know you?" Andi said.

"No, I just noticed your name, it's a little different, but nice," Kevin said, "Is it short for anything?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't talk to strange old men, who flirt with me," Andi said.

"Old men," Kevin laughed. Noticing she wasn't sharing his smile, he said, "You misunderstand, I am not flirting."

"Here's your order," Andi said, shoving the bag towards him.

"The thing is," Kevin started, "My daughter thinks you've been watching her. Do you have and issue with her?"

"I'm working," Andi said, "I see people, but I wasn't doing anything wrong. She was staring at me."

"I see," Kevin said, "Thanks."

Andi gave an uncomfortable sigh, as she watched Kevin walk away.


"I need those cushions over there and the pillows too," Lola said.

Heading to the couch, Summer pulled Fen along, saying, "Help me."

As Rachel sat by in a chair, with Kyle holding her hand and rubbing her back, Lola said, "Austin can you get some clean towels, as many as you can?"

"On it," Austin said, scurrying away.

"Is there anything I can do?" Kyle said.

"Keep your wife calm," Lola said, as Rachel cried through another wave.

"I can't…I don't want to do this," Rachel said.

"The baby is not giving us a choice," Kyle said.

"I'm supposed to be in the hospital," Rachel said, "With an epidural."

"I'm afraid you're going to have to do it the old fashioned way," Lola said, "Don't worry, I will coach you through it."

"You're going to be fine," Kyle said, "I am right here with you. I know you will get through this. Just lean on me."

Summer was touched by the gentleness of Kyle's tone and his supportive nature, as he took care of his wife.

With a few more instructions from Lola, Rachel was situated on the cushions, as she leaned back, supported by Kyle.

Observing Rachel, Summer went to her other side, taking her hand. Animosities forgotten, Summer said, "It's going to be alright. This isn't the first time right?"

"I was thirteen years younger before," Rachel said.

"You can count on my help too," Summer said. She looked across at Kyle, who mouthed the words "Thank you."

"Fen," Lola said, "Call the hospital, tell them we have a woman in active labor and to get here soon."

"Right away," Fen said, pulling out his phone. Caught up in the anxiousness, he said, "What's the number?"

"911!" Kyle and Rachel yelled together.


Following Lola's instructions of when to push and when to breathe, Rachel's labor progressed. Kyle kept encouraging Rachel with supportive words, "You're doing great," while Rachel squeezed his and Summer's hands.

Fen was watching the scene from a distance, when Austin approached him. "What are you doing way over here?" Austin said.

"I don't want to get in the way," Fen said.

"You don't want to see," Austin said.

"I'm content where I am," Fen said.

"Me too," Austin said.

Lola declared one more push, causing Rachel to struggle one last time. Everyone was drawn in by the cries of a newborn baby. Kyle smiled in wonder, at witnessing the arrival of his first born child. Tears of endearment came to Summer's eyes. She was moved by the experience of watching Kyle's daughter come into the world.

"Is that her?" Rachel said, "Is she okay?"

"Lola?" Kyle said.

Lola swathed the baby in a towel, soothing, "There now, it's okay."

"Lola?" Kyle said again.

"She's perfect," Lola smiled, adjusting the baby, so the couple could see.

"Oh Kyle, that's our baby," Rachel said.

"She's beautiful," Kyle said.

Noticing flashing lights outside, Fen announced, "The paramedics are here!"

"Perfect timing," Lola said.

"I want to…hold…." Rachel was stammering her words.

"Rachel?" Kyle said, concern in his voice.

Rachel heard a distant crying of the baby, as she began to feel woozy. Looking up, she said, "Kyle, I…"

The paramedics rushed in, as Rachel became unconscious, in her husband's arms.


Voices were close to Rachel, echoing in her mind.

"She's coming around."

"Rachel, can you hear me?"

Rachel opened her eyes to see Kyle and Dr. Hastings above her.

"Welcome back," Dr. Hastings smiled.

"I'm so glad you're awake," Kyle said.

"What's going on?" Rachel said. Her surroundings becoming clear she said, "Am I in the hospital?"

"You fainted after giving birth," Dr. Hastings said, "A combination of blood loss and low blood pressure caused you to pass out. It's rare, but it happens."

"So, she's okay now?" Kyle said.

"Rachel should be fine," Dr. Hastings said, "However, I am keeping you overnight, just as a precaution."

"Where's the baby?" Rachel said.

"The nurses are taking care of her" Dr. Hastings said, "I…"

"Why isn't she here? Is something wrong with her?" Rachel panicked.

"As I was saying," Dr. Hastings said, "I assessed her and she's a healthy 8lbs, 2ounces. I did not detect any health issues. The nurse is getting her settled before she brings her in."

"She weighs the same as Susie did," Rachel said, "I can't wait to see her." She tried to sit up, but fell back, against the bed.

"Easy, it may be best to wait a few minutes," Dr. Hastings said.

"I want my daughter," Rachel said, "I haven't seen her up close even."

On cue, the door opened as the nurse wheeled a newborn crib into the room.

"The only piece of information, I don't have is her name," Dr. Hastings said.

"Diana J. Abbott," Kyle proudly said.

Turning to the nurse, Dr. Hastings said, "Diana's mother is anxious to hold her."

The head of Rachel's bed was raised, while Kyle watched the nurse, for an example of the best way to lift the baby.

Noticing Kyle's constant smile, the nurse said, "Are you her father?"

"Yes, she's my daughter," Kyle said.

The nurse moved, to Kyle and said, "Here you go."

"Oh, but her mother…" Kyle started.

"It's okay, Kyle, take her," Rachel said.

"I'm not sure how to hold her," Kyle said, to the nurse, "This is my first time."

"You only need to support her in your arms," the nurse said, handing the newborn off to him.

Kyle looked at the bundle he was holding in wonder. She made a small sound, like she was going to cry, but she settled in place.

"Oh, it's okay," Kyle said.

"A natural," Dr. Hastings smiled, "I'll come and check on you later." Pausing in the doorway, Dr. Hastings said, "Now, this is a reason I like to see the two of you, at the hospital."

Kyle and Rachel smiled, with a little laugh, as Dr. Hastings, left the room.

"We have become regulars here," Rachel said.

Kyle nodded, unable to take his eyes off the baby. "Hi, I'm your daddy," Kyle said. Looking up at Rachel, he said, "That is going to take some getting used to." Focusing back on the baby, he continued, "Aren't you the most precious thing?"

The sight of Kyle cuddling their daughter in his arms melted Rachel's heart.

Noticing her gaze, Kyle said, "What's that look about?"

"You two are adorable together," Rachel said.

"I love her so much already," Kyle said.

"So do I," Rachel said, hinting she wanted to hold her, "I know she's hard to let go of, but could I see her?"

"Of course," Kyle smiled. "Let's go see mommy," he cooed.

Kyle placed the baby in Rachel's arms, as she looked adoringly at her daughter. "It's me, your mommy," Rachel said, "She's such a little miracle."

"All the fuss of her arrival was so worth it," Kyle said, "I was a little panicked earlier."

"You?" Rachel said, "You were the only thing keeping me sane. I was freaking out."

"You had every right," Kyle said, "You did amazing. I'll never be able to thank you enough for this little angel." They shared a kiss.

"So, how does it feel Dad?" Rachel said.

"I'm loving every second of this," Kyle said, "I can hardly believe she's here and she's ours. We're parents together now."

"I couldn't be happier to share this with you," Rachel said.

"She's the first born Abbott of her generation," Kyle said, "I can hardly wait for my Dad to meet her. Speaking of fatherhood, I can't wait for her first words, first steps, playing in the park, first day of school and training her to one day take over at Jabot."

"Can we get her out of diapers, before we start planning her career?" Rachel said.

Kyle laughed, "I know, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm just excited for the future."

"I'm going to remind you of that when she's a teenager," Rachel said.

Diana began to fuss, prompting Kyle to say, "What's she crying about?"

"I think someone's hungry," Rachel said.

"You know, I'd love to help," Kyle said, "But I think that's your department."

"Changing diapers will be yours," Rachel said.

"I have no experience with that," Kyle said.

"You'll learn," Rachel smiled, as Kyle nodded in submission.


"What a day," Fen said, shutting the apartment door, as he and Summer arrived home.

"Yeah, that was really something," Summer said.

"Never could I have imagined, I would be part of a birth today," Fen said.

"Me neither," Summer said, sitting on the couch a faraway look in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" Fen said, "You've been awfully quiet, since we left Society."

"It's just…" Summer started, "To see a new baby come into the world. To watch Kyle's daughter take her first breaths, it's affected me."

"What do you mean?" Fen said.

"She was so tiny and precious," Summer said, "Kyle and Rachel were so happy and overcome and I was too."

"It's a powerful thing, bringing a new life into the world," Fen said.

"It was amazing," Summer said, "Now they will have a wonderful life raising her. Watching her grow and all her firsts. Seeing her develop her personality and what the future holds for her."

"It's also a hard thing taking care of an infant," Fen said.

"I know, but the joy outweighs the hard times," Summer said, "How can anyone look into that little face and not love her?"

"What are you getting at?" Fen said.

"I don't want to wait," Summer said.

"Wait for what?" Fen said.

"I want us to have a baby," Summer said.

"You what…?" Fen said.

"A baby, you and me," Summer said, "Not in July or next year, but right away. We could even start trying tonight." Summer looked seductively at Fen.

"Hold on," Fen said, "Where is this coming from? I thought we were going to wait, at least a year after we get married, to think about kids."

"Why wait?" Summer said, "We could even move up the wedding date. Maybe like you said, in May."

"What's the rush?" Fen said, "Just because friends have a baby, does that mean we have to, as well? Is this a competition?"

"No, of course not," Summer said, "I didn't think I was ready before, but now, I really feel like I am. Just imagine it, a little Fenmore running around. He would be so cute."

"Or a little Summer," Fen said, "That would be adorable."

"Does that mean you like the idea?" Summer said.

"I'll give you a compromise," Fen said, "How about we get married in June and then we can start trying for a baby."

"I guess I could hold out that long," Summer said, "It gives me time to plan a wedding. Let's do June."

"In the meantime, we could get in some practice," Fen said.

"You see, this is why we are so good together, because I was thinking the same thing," Summer said, kissing him.


"Thanks for bringing me home," Lola said, standing in her apartment with Austin.

"Of course," Austin said, "That's what boy….that's what friends are for."

"Were you going to say boyfriend?" Lola said.

"Sorry, it was a slip," Austin said, "I know we haven't put those words out there."

"And why is that?" Lola said.

"Because we are taking things slow," Austin said.

"True, but I have told you I love you and you have said you love me," Lola stated, "We are building this relationship, as a couple."

"Are you saying you want to make it more official?" Austin said.

"Austin, will you be my boyfriend?" Lola said.

Austin smiled and said, "It would be my honor. Lola, will you be my girlfriend?"

"I would love to," Lola said. She kissed him.

"I'm glad we sorted that out," Austin said, "It's getting late, I should get going."

"Can you stay a bit," Lola said, "I need to unwind from this day, before thinking of sleeping."

"Of course," Austin said, "You were really something delivering that baby on the spot."

"I saw a woman in labor," Lola said, "I couldn't stand by and do nothing."

"I know they really appreciated, all you did," Austin said, "I can still hear that little newborn cry. Kyle and Rachel looked really happy."

"Yes, they did," Lola said, sadness coming into her eyes.

"Lola, did I say something wrong?" Austin said.

"That was supposed to be me," Lola softly said.

"What are you talking about?" Austin said.

"When Kyle and I were together, I thought one day, I would be having his baby," Lola said, "That's what I wanted." She quickly wiped away a few escaped tears.

"Hey," Austin said, putting his arm around her, "You are going to have kids one day. And you are going to be an amazing mother. Those kids will be lucky to have you."

"Thank you for saying that," Lola said.

"It's true," Austin said.

"I know, I shouldn't dwell on the past and what could have been," Lola said, "I should focus on my future, with you."

"I'm always here for you," Austin said.

"Would you stay tonight?" Lola said.

"When you say stay, you mean on the couch?" Austin said.

"Not the couch," Lola said, standing up. Taking his hand she led Austin to the bedroom.


Sitting on a chair, next to Rachel's beside, Kyle reached over stroking the baby's foot and then her hand.

"She's so small," Kyle said.

"Babies usually are," Rachel said, "Although, that will change quickly."

Rachel looked at Kyle and noticed his eyes were closing. With his head supported by his hand, he dozed off.

"Hey," Rachel gently said. Kyle opened his eyes, brushing off his sleepiness. "Kyle, why don't you go home and get some sleep?" Rachel said.

"I'm fine," Kyle said, "I don't want to leave you two."

"This is the last night we have a chance to get some sleep," Rachel said, "It's been an exhausting day for both of us. You will be back in the morning to take us home."

Kyle still hesitated, so Rachel said, "I'm probably just going to sleep myself."

"You sure?" Kyle said.

"Go," Rachel said, "And buy some diapers while you're at it."

"Okay," Kyle said, standing up. Leaning close to the baby, he said, "Mommy is kicking me out. I'll see you in the morning. You be good for everyone." Kyle gave the newborn a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Daddy loves you," he soothed.

Focusing on Rachel, he said, "I love you too."

"I love you back," Rachel said, sharing a kiss with him.