Kyle's offer to stay at Rachel's house, extended into a long night. Hearing Rachel unable to stop coughing, Kyle made her some herbal tea with honey and took it to her. She gratefully accepted and soon afterwards, Kyle noticed she was quiet. Checking on her, Kyle nodded to himself, when he saw she was finally asleep. With a check, on a slumbering Diana, Kyle returned to the living room, sitting down with a sigh. Kyle lay down on the couch and was starting to doze when Diana woke with a fuss.
Kyle gave a small groan as he pulled himself to his feet, going to tend to her. Diana was awake for the better part of an hour. She was not going back to sleep and not very interested in play. Kyle administered the required medication, despite Diana's resistance.
"I know it doesn't taste very good," Kyle soothed, "But it will make you feel better."
Kyle caught her attention with her stuffed bear, making it dance and nuzzle her, causing infant smiles of delight.
Setting her on his lap, Kyle softly read to her, until she dozed off once again. Kissing the top of her head, Kyle put her back to bed, making sure she was settled before leaving the room.
Kyle had heard Rachel moving around, he assumed Diana had woken her. Checking in, he could see she had managed to fall back to sleep.
Kyle sleepily walked back to the couch, only to have Diana wake him once again, a couple of hours later. He sat up with her for a shorter time, giving her a drink before sending her off to dreamland.
Finally able to sleep himself, it was a few hours later with Kyle woke to the sound of Diana, talking with her stuffed animals. Looking out the window, he noticed the early morning light was beginning to fill the sky.
Waking in the morning, Rachel rubbed her forehead, realizing she had finally slept well. Although she was still congested, the rest had helped her feel better. Suddenly thinking of Diana, Rachel got out of bed, intending to relieve Kyle of his duties.
She checked Diana's room, to find she wasn't there. Assuming Kyle had her downstairs, she grabbed a light robe before heading in that direction.
Approaching the downstairs, Rachel heard Kyle talking and laughing, with reciprocated chatter from Diana. Rachel found Diana in her high chair, with a bowl of oatmeal and her cup in front of her. Kyle was encouraging her to feed herself, although he helped out as well. Rachel smiled at the scene of the father-daughter time, before her.
Noticing her standing there, Kyle smiled and said, "Good morning. How are you feeling?"
"A bit better," Rachel said, "That sleep really helped. Thanks a million for being here."
"This is where I needed to be last night," Kyle said.
"It looks like our little one is feeling better too," Rachel said.
"She seems to be handling it okay," Kyle said.
"I have to thank you for that tea last night," Rachel said, "It really did the trick."
"My pleasure," Kyle said.
"I heard you both in the night, I hope she wasn't too much trouble," Rachel said.
"No trouble at all," Kyle said, "I was happy to be here when she needed me. Besides I did get some sleep. Diana only woke up once or twice, or maybe three times, I lost count."
"Sounds like we all had a rough night," Rachel said, "Let's hope the worst is behind us."
"I think you both will be on the mend from now on," Kyle said.
"Yes, just in time for her birthday party," Rachel said.
"That's right," Kyle said, "A whole year old." He added a small cough.
"How are you doing?" Rachel said.
"I'm fine," Kyle said. Rachel could hear the congestion setting in.
"You caught this from us, didn't you?" Rachel said.
"It was inevitable," Kyle said, "I can feel it in my throat."
Rachel grimaced sympathetically at him. "I'm sorry, I tried to spare you."
"I will survive," Kyle said.
"This time it is my turn, if you need anything," Rachel said.
Kyle smiled at her, before shifting the same to his daughter.
Mariah muttered in her sleep, the night spent with Kyle, impacting her subconscious. She saw herself and Kyle, laughing, as they tumbled into the hotel room. A vision of her, wearing Kyle's shirt, doing a full turn, modeling it for him, flashed through her mind.
The dialogue of the evening came through, as Mariah's dream continued.
A bare chested, Kyle approached her and said, "So…are we going to talk sweet nothings?"
Mariah shook her head. Smiling, she took Kyle's hand, and backed up towards the bed, saying, "Come here, you handsome thing."
Kyle chuckled, before Mariah wheeled around and pushed Kyle down on the mattress. Pouncing onto the bed, beside him, Mariah leaned over and kissed him.
"Wow, you don't waste any time," Kyle said. Mariah pushed herself away from him, as Kyle sat up and continued, "But first things first." He disrobed of his pants and climbed into the opposite side of the bed.
"Now, where were we?" Kyle said.
Mariah looked at him and said, "No, this is all wrong."
"It's fine," Kyle said, "That is the way people kiss."
"I mean, I can't," Mariah said, "I can't do this."
"Maybe, I can convince you," Kyle said, waving his fingers, beckoning her to come closer.
"Being with you, somehow it isn't right," Mariah said.
"You mean, you don't want to join me under the covers?" Kyle said, falling back against the pillows.
"Do you think we should try it out?" Mariah said. Getting no response, Mariah looked to her side and said, "Kyle?"
Noticing he was asleep, she said, "Well, there you go. It's decided for you."
Lying down next to him, Mariah watched him sleep. "You really are cute," she mumbled, as she lost her ability to stay awake.
"Mariah?" Tessa's voice echoed in Mariah's dream.
"Mariah," the voice became clearer as Mariah woke from her sleep, to see a familiar face.
"Tessa," Mariah said, "You came back."
"Yes," Tessa said, "I told you I would be back in the morning."
"Thanks for letting me know," Mariah said, "I'm sorry I did not give you the same courtesy."
"Why are you sleeping on the couch?" Tessa said.
"The bed, it seemed too empty without you," Mariah said.
"It looked like you were having a dream," Tessa said, "You were talking in your sleep."
"I was?" Mariah said.
"You kept saying, I can't," Tessa said, "Was it a bad dream?"
"No," Mariah said, "Actually, I think it was a good dream. Except it was more like a memory."
"What do you mean?" Tessa said.
"Tessa, I remember now," Mariah excitedly said, "Nothing happened between me and Kyle. When you heard me saying I can't, I was telling him, I couldn't go through with it. That was because of you, of us and our love."
"I didn't want to believe you would cheat on me," Tessa said.
"Never," Mariah said, "You are the only one, I want to be with."
"I'm going to miss this place," Lola said, standing in the middle of Society, with Austin.
"It sure hold some good memories," Austin said.
"At the same time, I can't wait to start our married life together," Lola said, "I just wish…"
"I know you will miss your brother today," Austin said, "But Rey gave us his blessing, so he will be watching over us, with approval."
"You're right," Lola said, "I wish my family was here for our wedding."
"Wishes can come true," a voice spoke, from the entranceway.
Austin and Lola looked to see a familiar face approaching them.
Breaking into a big smile, Lola exclaimed, "Mama!" The two women rushed to share a hug.
"What are you doing here?" Lola said, "I thought you could not come."
"I know," Celeste said, "But I could not let my girl's wedding happen without me."
"I'm so happy you're here," Lola said.
"What about me?" another person said, appearing in the restaurant
"Arturo!" Lola said. Hugging him she said, "This is a wonderful surprise. Did you bring Mia and my little nephew?"
"No, they couldn't make it," Arturo said, "But Mia sends her very best wishes."
"I can't wait to see them when my husband and I get to Miami," Lola said.
"You must be Austin," Celeste said, spying him.
Holding out his hand Austin said, "It's nice to meet you Mrs. Rosales."
"Oh no, this won't do," Celeste said.
"Mama…" Lola said, under her breath.
"Austin, in this family, we hug," Celeste said, approaching him with open arms.
Austin reciprocated her embrace, as Lola looked on with a big smile.
"Lola, look like she has a fine strong husband here," Celeste said.
"Thank you Mrs. Rosales," Austin said.
"Ah," Celeste said, "You are about to be my son-in-law. You can call me Mom."
"Of course," Austin said, "Mom."
"Speaking of which, I hope yours is coming to the wedding?" Celeste said.
"Oh, my mother passed away some time ago," Austin said.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Celeste said, "Is your father attending?"
"My father," Austin mused, "He has been unavoidably detained." Noticing the pause in the room, Austin continued, "He's in jail."
"Oh, I see," Celeste said.
"Trust me it's for the best," Austin said, "I feel like I'm not making the best first impression."
"Not to worry," Celeste said, "We all have things in our past we would rather forget. You look like an upstanding young man."
Approaching Austin, Arturo held out his hand, "So, you are my future brother-in-law."
Austin accepted the handshake and said, "It looks like we will be family."
"It occurs to me, we don't know much about you," Arturo said, "Just to follow up, what my mother said, you don't have any skeletons you your closet, do you?"
"Arturo don't tease him," Lola said.
"I think it's a fair question," Arturo said, "Ever been arrested Austin?"
Austin nodded before saying, "Yes, I have. I was charged with a misdemeanor."
"What did you do?" Arturo said.
"I held a man and a woman hostage at gunpoint," Austin said.
"Did you now?" Arturo said.
"It was a long time ago," Austin explained, "I was a different person. It was a misguided attempt to reclaim a former love."
"So, you held a gun on her?" Arturo said.
"As I said, I was not in a good place," Austin said, "No one got hurt. Then I met Lola and she made me a better man. She showed me what is was like to really love someone."
"Austin and I have both made mistakes," Lola said, walking over to stand by Austin, "We have been honest with each other about out past and are looking forward to our future. Just wait until you get to know him, you will see what a wonderful man his is."
"I can't wait," Arturo said.
"You will see," Lola said, "You will get along great. Austin has a great sense of humor."
"Oh, a sense of humor," Arturo sarcastically said, "I'm sold."
"He's the one for me," Lola said, "I know it."
"I'm just looking out for you," Arturo said.
"I know you're also doing double brother duty," Lola said, "But Rey knew Austin and he gave us his blessing before…"
"I wish he was here too," Arturo said.
Lola nodded, tears coming to her eyes as she hugged her brother.
"Well, this is not to be a somber occasion," Celeste said, "Rey is with us is spirit. We have a wedding to get ready for!"
"A wedding?" a voice started everyone from the back of the room. They watched as a man strolled in, continuing, "That sounds a like a great old time."
Losing his smile, Austin glared at the presence of his father.
Sitting in the Abbott living room, his head propped up by one hand on the arm of the couch, Kyle tried to concentrate on his tablet in front of him. Work needed to be done, but the cold virus was invading more and more by the hour, making it difficult to concentrate. Added to that was a lack of sleep the night before, causing Kyle's eyes to close.
"Kyle?" Jack's voice jolted him awake, as his tablet tumbled to the floor.
"Hey Dad," Kyle said, reaching for his tablet, wincing at the sinus pain caused by bending forward.
"Are you alright?" Jack said, "Are you sick?"
"Diana gave me her cold," Kyle said, "It just started a few hours ago. I feel it getting worse."
"She's sick too?" Jack said, "How is she doing?"
"She's much better this morning," Kyle said, "I spent the night to help take care of her because Rachel has the same thing. Hence, I caught it too."
"You look and sound like you should be in bed," Jack said.
"Maybe I should," Kyle said, "But the preparation for those big meetings coming up is important."
"I can do that," Jack said, "The most important thing is your well being. You need to rest."
"I guess you're right," Kyle said, "Maybe I'll take a warm shower first."
"I hope I'm not interrupting," Rachel said, appearing from the back entrance.
"Not at all," Jack said, "I hear you and my granddaughter were under the weather. I'm sorry about that."
"Thank you, but Diana and I are getting better now," Rachel said.
"Good," Jack smiled, "Unfortunately my son here, can't say the same."
"I figured you would be feeling worse by now," Rachel said.
"Right you are," Kyle said.
"I am heading to the office," Jack said, "And Kyle is heading to bed?"
"Yes Dad," Kyle said.
"Make sure he gets some rest," Jack said.
"I'll take care of him," Rachel said.
Noticing Rachel was clasping a small box in her hands, Kyle said, "What's that?"
"I knew you would be feeling lousy so, I brought something that might help," Rachel said.
"If that's a cure in a box, I'll take it," Kyle said, as Rachel handed it to him.
"It's not cure," Rachel said, "It's a care package of things that you could probably use to get you through this."
"Aww," Kyle said, "You didn't have to do that."
"After you took care of me and Diana, I the least I could do was return the favor," Rachel said.
Lifting the lid, Kyle sifted through the items. "Tissues," he said.
"Nice and soft ones," Rachel said.
"Cold medication," Kyle continued, "Does that really work?"
"It helps to take the edge off for a little while," Rachel said.
Finding another item, Kyle lifted it out and said, "Fuzzy socks?"
"It the chills haven't set in yet, they will," Rachel said.
"Great, something to look forward to," Kyle said. Peering into the box, Kyle said, "Are those comic books?"
"It could pass the time, try to take you mind off all of it," Rachel said.
Smiling at her Kyle said, "Thanks, this is really sweet of you."
"I'm happy to help," Rachel said, "Now, off to bed Mr. Abbott."
"Sounds good to me," Kyle said, sighing as he got to his feet.
"Do you need some help?" Rachel said.
"Thanks, I can manage," Kyle said.
"I'll bring some soup later," Rachel said.
"This is very nice of you, but not necessary," Kyle said.
"Of course it is," Rachel said, "You need to keep hydrated. Maybe later I'll bring you some of that tea, you made for me. It really works."
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Kyle said, "Rachel? Thank you so much for the concern. I really appreciate it."
"Always," Rachel smiled.
Kyle returned the smile, followed by a groan of discomfort as he began to climb the stairs.
"Tessa, I really hope we can get past this," Mariah said.
"I want to," Tessa said, "And I'm not angry. I am bothered by the fact that you felt you couldn't come to me and tried to mask your feelings with alcohol."
"That was very poor judgement on my part," Mariah said, "I guess I was afraid if I said my fears out loud to you, they would come between us. That thought, scared me even more."
"You have to know, you can talk to me about anything, good or bad," Tessa said, "No matter how you think I will react."
"I know," Mariah said, tears coming to her eyes, "I am just so afraid I am going to mess things up between us. That is the last thing I want."
Taking her hands, Tessa said, "As long as we are open and honest with each other, we can get through anything. I can promise you that, if you can do the same for me?"
"I promise you," Mariah said, "What happened with Kyle, was a wake up call for me, of the disaster that could happen when I run from my feelings. Even though he and I passed out in the same bed, nothing else went on between us. I hope you believe that."
"If you believe it and you tell me that's the truth, I believe it too," Tessa said.
"Does this mean you forgive me?" Mariah said.
"I love you," Tessa said, "I forgive you."
Mariah broke into tears, as Tessa embraced her. "I love you too," Mariah whimpered.
As they parted, Mariah said, "And I promise to be more forthcoming from now on. I don't ever want to go through this again. I hate when we are apart, especially because we are fighting."
"I don't like that either," Tessa said, "So, let's do our best not to fight. We will disagree form time to time, but we will work to not let it get out of hand."
"I am so looking forward to marrying you," Mariah said.
"Same," Tessa said, "This will such an incredible wedding."
They shared a smile, Tessa losing hers, as realization came into her eyes, she said, "Wedding!"
"Lola and Austin!" Mariah said, suddenly remembering.
"We have to get ready!" Tessa said, as they both rushed around the apartment.
Austin walked towards his father and said, "What are you doing here? Why are you out?"
"I heard the food here was incredible," his father said, "As for your other inquiry, I was granted parole."
"You are going turn around and walk out of here," Austin said, "And you are never to come near me again."
"I had hoped, as my kid, and everything I've done for you, I would get a little gratitude," his father said.
"I want you to leave," Austin said, "I will not let you spoil this day for us."
"Is this your wedding?" his father said.
"Austin, what's going on?" Lola said.
"Is this your bride?" his father said, "Well done, son."
"Son?" Lola said.
"Yes, this is my father," Austin said.
"How do you do, darling?" his father said, "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Simon Black. I am thrilled to know I am going to have such a lovely daughter in law.
"Back off," Austin said, "You are not welcome here. This is a private gathering."
"Is there a problem over here?" Arturo said.
"Not here to cause trouble," Simon said.
"You've been asked to leave," Arturo said.
"I would like to attend the nuptials," Simon said, "I'll sit in the back, you won't even know I'm here."
"Do you want me to help you throw him out?" Arturo said.
"No, you might as well let him stay," Austin said.
"Thank you," Simon said.
"If he causes any trouble, then you can help me throw him out," Austin said.
"Don't trouble yourself, I will behave," Simon said.
Spotting Celeste, Simon said, "I don't believe I've made your acquaintance."
"What a shame," Celeste dryly said.
"I am Simon Black, father of the groom," Simon said.
"Yes, I heard," Celeste said, "I also heard you were in prison."
"I am reformed and on parole," Simon said, "You must be the bride's sister?"
"I think you know very well I am her mother," Celeste said, "That smooth talking won't work with me."
"I'm so sorry, we're late!" Abby said, rushing in with Chance it tow.
"You're not late, I have to finish getting ready," Lola said.
"Well, come with me, I will help you," Celeste said, leading Lola away.
"How nice Lola's mother Celeste is here," Abby said.
Looking around the room, Abby paused and said, "Oh my gosh…Arturo!"
They shared a quick hug. "It's good to see you Abby," Arturo said, "You look lovely."
"Thank you," Abby said, "Have you met my husband Chance?"
The two men shook hands, Arturo saying, "You very lucky to have such a lovely woman as your wife."
"Don't I know it," Chance said.
"It's such a surprise to see you," Abby said.
"He's not the only one," Chance said, losing his smile and stepping away.
"Mr. Black," Chance said, "What the heck are you doing here?"
"Detective," Simon said, "Didn't you hear? I have been paroled."
"Have you?" Chance said, "Why don't you do all these nice people a favor and vacate the premises?"
"Austin said I could stay," Simon said.
"Chance thanks, but you might as well let him," Austin said.
"I only want to see my son get married," Simon said.
"I'll be keeping my eye on you," Chance said.
"By all means," Simon said.
"Austin, I am so sorry," Tessa said, rushing in with Mariah, "We lost track of time. I didn't forget I am here for you."
"It's okay, you didn't miss anything," Austin said.
"Where's Lola?" Tessa said.
"She's in the back getting ready with her mother," Austin said.
"I should go back there I told her I would stand up for her," Tessa said.
"Before you do, I should warn you about something," Austin said.
"Warn me?" Tessa said, "About what?"
"Hello Tess," Simon said, from behind her.
Tessa bristled at the sound of a familiar voice. She sharply turned around and began to quiver. "Austin….Austin!" Tessa stammered, reaching out for him.
Putting a hand around her back, Austin said, "I didn't know he would be here or I would have told you," Austin said.
"My you look beautiful," Simon smiled.
Tessa trembled with fear and anger as she was face to face with the bad memory of her father.