"Are you sure you feel well enough to take care of her?" Rachel said, as Diana toddled around the Abbott living room, holding onto the couch for support.
"I am much better, only a few remnants left," Kyle said.
"I am glad to hear that considering what tomorrow is," Rachel said.
Looking in Diana's direction, Kyle said, "It's your big day."
"When I think about everything that's happened in the past year," Rachel said, "It's hard to believe things are so different now."
"A child in your life certainly changes everything," Kyle said.
"Plus we are not married anymore," Rachel said. They both paused, before Rachel said, "Anyway, it's all good I am happy and you are happy. Right?"
"For the most part," Kyle said.
"What does that mean?" Rachel said, "Is something wrong?"
"I just found out some difficult news," Kyle said, "And no, it's not health related."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Rachel said.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't want to get into it with Diana around," Kyle said, "She might pick up on tension."
"Just know, I'm here if you want to talk," Rachel said.
"Thank you," Kyle said, "I will let you know what's going on."
The front door to the house opened, to reveal Jack arriving home.
"Dapa!" Diana excitedly exclaimed. Kyle and Rachel shared a soft chuckle at Diana's attempt to say 'Grandpa'.
"Hi there sweetheart," Jack smiled, "What a nice welcome home."
Diana crawled towards him as fast as she could, while Kyle said, "It's time for her to stay at the main house for awhile."
Picking her up, Jack said, "I can't think of anything I would enjoy more. You can stay here anytime."
"I know you want to spend time with her, but it's getting a bit late for her bedtime," Rachel said.
"Plus she has a big day coming up," Kyle said.
"I have been looking forward to that myself," Jack said. Focusing on Diana, Jack said, "We are all so happy you came into our lives."
Touching Kyle's arm, Rachel said, "She is the greatest gift."
Smiling Kyle said, "She certainly is."
Noticing Kyle and Rachel share a warm smile, Jack said, "You know what? Why don't you let me put Diana to bed. You both deserve a break."
"You just got home," Kyle said, "You don't have to do that."
"I want to," Jack said, "My granddaughter and I are overdue for a bedtime story."
"Okay, if you're sure," Kyle said.
"Positive," Jack said, "You two sit and relax."
"In that case, I will give you a kiss goodnight now," Kyle said, moving towards the child in Jack's arms.
"Kyle, please, not in front of Rachel," Jack joked.
"I meant Diana," Kyle chuckled. Leaning into his daughter, Kyle said, "Grandpa is being silly. Goodnight, I will see you in the morning. Say goodnight to mommy."
"Sleep tight," Rachel said, kissing her daughter.
Kyle and Rachel watched until Jack was out of sight. "I could use a break," Kyle said, sitting on the couch, rubbing the back of his neck, with a sigh.
"Okay, she's gone," Rachel said, "Do you want to tell me what's weighing on you?"
"You won't believe it," Kyle said, "Because I hardly do."
"You don't have to tell me, if you are not ready to," Rachel said.
"You are going to find out soon enough," Kyle said, "Everyone else will. So you might as well hear it from me." He gestured for Rachel to sit next to him.
"That sounds ominous," Rachel said.
"That's a good way to put it," Kyle said. He paused collecting his thoughts before continuing. "I just found out…it turns out…" Kyle struggled with his words, "I don't even know how to tell you this."
"Just say it," Rachel said.
"It's about my mother," Kyle said, "My Dad just informed me…that she's alive. For real."
"Kyle, that's not true," Rachel said, "We just went through this with Patty Williams. She's escaped and is fooling everyone again. That woman held a gun on me!"
"It's not Patty," Kyle said, "Believe me, we double checked. Patty is still incarcerated, and I've seen and talked to my mother. As unbelievable as it is, it's really her."
"Then why did everyone think she was dead?" Rachel said, "Where has she been all this time?"
"My mother says she faked her death," Kyle said.
"Why would she do that?" Rachel said.
"She wanted to get away from her past," Kyle said, "She says she needed to find herself."
"So she abandoned her son?" Rachel said, "Willingly? How could a mother do that?"
"I've been trying to wrap my head around that," Kyle said, "Finding all of this out, stings quite a bit."
"You must be in shock," Rachel said.
"Overwhelmed is more like it," Kyle said.
"Why has she resurfaced now?" Rachel said.
"Because of me," Kyle said, "She wants forgiveness, to rebuild our relationship."
"I hope you told her what she can do with her forgiveness," Rachel said.
"I was angry at first and I told her exactly how I felt," Kyle said, "I also listened to what she had to say."
"How do you feel now?" Rachel said.
"All my life, this is what I wanted," Kyle said, "To have my mother back. Now she is, and says she loves me and wants it all back. To know that she walked away of her own will, what am I supposed to do with that?"
Rubbing the back of his shoulder, Rachel said, "You must be in such turmoil."
"I try to focus on work and Diana, but this news about my mother, it just pushes to the front of my mind," Kyle said.
"I'm sorry you have to go through this," Rachel said, "I think it's very unfair of your mother to have put you in this position. How did you leave things with her?"
"I told her I have to think about things," Kyle said, "I don't know if I'm ready to have a relationship with her."
"You don't have to rush into a decision," Rachel said, "Take all the time you need and you can talk to me anytime you want to."
"Thank you," Kyle said, "It helps to talk this out with someone."
"We have a celebration tomorrow, to help you focus on something else," Rachel said.
"You are right," Kyle said, "Nothing is going to spoil this day for Diana."
"I know this is easier said than done, but try not to dwell on your mother too much," Rachel said.
"I will do my best," Kyle said, "Now that Diana is in bed, I was going to try watching a movie or two."
"Good idea," Rachel said. Standing up she said, "I will let you get to it then."
"Wait," Kyle said, "Why don't you stay and watch with me?"
"That's nice of you but…" Rachel trailed.
"Come on, when was the last time you and I had a movie night?" Kyle said, "I'll make popcorn."
"With butter?" Rachel said.
"Of course," Kyle said, "Who else am I going to make comments about the movie with?"
"How can I pass up that offer," Rachel smiled.
With drinks on either side of Kyle and Rachel, they shared some laughs while watching a comedy film. A half-eaten bowl of popcorn had been discarded to the coffee table, as they enjoyed spending time together.
Kyle commented on the improbability of the storyline, to which Rachel responded, "That's what makes it so funny."
Descending the stairs, Jack said, "I thought I heard laughter down here, now I can see why."
"You should watch this one," Kyle said, "It's really got some good laughs."
"It looks like a bit of an older one," Jack said, "I think I have seen it."
"There's popcorn if you want to join us," Rachel said.
"Thanks, but I'll pass…" Jack said, trailing off as the three were drawn in by the hijinks playing out on screen.
Chuckling at the final scene, Kyle said, "Did Diana get to sleep okay?"
"Off to dreamland as I was reading to her," Jack said.
"I should check on her, before I go," Rachel said, standing up.
"You're leaving?" Kyle said, jumping to his feet, "I thought we could watch another one." Jack hid his smile at the hope in Kyle's tone.
"Are you sure?" Rachel said.
"It's not that late," Kyle said.
"Alright, I will just check on Diana first," Rachel said.
Rachel descended the stairs, to find Kyle sitting on the couch. "How is our angel?" Kyle said.
"Sleeping like one," Rachel said, "Her teddy bear close by for company."
"She loves that bear," Kyle said.
"I used to have one," Rachel said, "His name was Ted."
"How original," Kyle chuckled.
"Didn't you have one?" Rachel said.
"Not a bear," Kyle said, "I seem to remember a stuffed dog, that I kept with me."
"Nothing wrong with that," Rachel smiled.
"I refilled your drink and tossed a few more seasonings on the popcorn," Kyle said, "Are you ready for the next movie?"
"Which one did you choose?" Rachel said.
Pressing the remote, Kyle highlighted a selection on the screen saying, "This one."
"Oh, no," Rachel said, "The Hills, that's a horror film."
"You like those types of movies," Kyle said, "At least you used to."
"I don't know about this one," Rachel said.
"It's supposed to be really good," Kyle said, "You're not watching it alone. I will not let the scary things on screen get you."
Rachel elbowed Kyle, for teasing her. "Fine," she said, "Press play, let's get this over with."
Throughout the film, Rachel instinctively moved closer to Kyle. He smiled to himself when he noticed Rachel clutching a pillow for security.
"Would you like me to get Diana's teddy bear for you to hold?" Kyle said.
"Forgive me, this is scary," Rachel said.
"It's not that bad," Kyle said.
"Yes it is," Rachel said.
"Do you want me to turn it off?" Kyle said
"No, I have to see how it turns out," Rachel said.
Rachel remained tense throughout the culmination of the story, both of them exclaiming at the revelation in the final scene.
"Whew!" Rachel said, tossing the pillow aside, "I'm glad that's over."
"Come on you enjoyed yourself," Kyle said.
"It was a good story, but they made it so frightening," Rachel said, "I nearly jumped out of my skin a few times, how could you be so calm?"
"I didn't find it that scary," Kyle said, "I did the first time I watched it."
"You mean to tell me, you made me sit through that, and you've seen it before?" Rachel said.
"I know you like a good scary movie," Kyle said, "I wanted to see your reaction to it."
Rachel tossed some popcorn at him. Kyle paused and said, "Oh, it's like that."
Grabbing a handful of popcorn he threw it in her direction, causing Rachel to retaliate again. Rachel attempted to prevent Kyle from getting to the snack bowel again, giggling as he tried to reach around her. Pretending to give up, Kyle sat back. As Rachel settled, Kyle quickly reached over and tickled her side.
"No!" Rachel squealed. Enjoying making her squirm Kyle continued to reach out towards Rachel, both laughing, as they ended up playfully wresting with each other.
Grabbing a snug hold of her, Kyle said, "Give up?"
"Never," Rachel said. Their eyes met, as they stared for several seconds. Kyle moved in to kiss her, their lips about to touch, when Rachel turned away.
"Kyle, no," she said.
"Sorry," Kyle said, "I shouldn't have assumed you wanted to."
"Kyle, what are we doing?" Rachel said.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Kyle said.
"I think you do," Rachel said, "You and I have been spending a lot of time together. You took care of me when I needed you and just now you were going to…"
"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Kyle said.
"You didn't," Rachel said, "Am I crazy? Is it just me or is there something between us, that wasn't there before."
"I'll admit I have felt a spark between us lately," Kyle said, "From everything you have said, you feel it too. That's why I was going to kiss you."
"I don't think we should do this or talk about taking this path," Rachel said.
"If we are having feelings for each other, we should talk about it," Kyle said.
"Who said I have feelings for you?" Rachel said.
She saw a flinch of pain as Kyle lowered his eyes, prompting her say, "I'm sorry I didn't mean that to sound so harsh. Of course I care a lot about you."
"I care about you," Kyle said, "But if you are not ready to be close again, then I won't push."
"I am content the way things are," Rachel said, "Good friends."
"The very best," Kyle said, "I'm glad we got this out in the open, now I know where we stand, and I am good with that."
"Me too," Rachel said, kicking herself for not letting him kiss her. Pushing her feelings away, she continued, "Well, I should help you clean up this mess."
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it," Kyle said, "It's late, I'm sure you want to turn in."
"I am a little tired," Rachel said, "Tomorrow is a busy day."
Starting to clean up, Kyle said, "Goodnight."
Rachel took a few steps away, when she decided to turn back. Kyle's back was to her as she walked over and touched his arm, causing him to turn to face her. She reached up and kissed Kyle on the cheek. "Goodnight," she smiled, cheerfully walking away.
Kyle stood transfixed by her affection, a smile creeping across his face. There was a sudden spring in his step, as he finished tidying the room.
"I'm telling you that's not good enough," Kyle said into his phone, as he stood in the Abbott living room. Diana was close by and Kyle was juggling parenting and a work crisis at the same time.
"You tell your team to step up and get the work done," Kyle said. Watching Diana cruise along the couch and take an interest in his tablet, he added, "Diana don't touch."
"I will take care of the paperwork, but I need your department to do your job," Kyle said, "Or I can delegate the work to someone who can."
"Good, I expect results," Kyle said, concluding his call.
Diana sent his tablet tumbling to the floor. "Diana…" Kyle sighed, "Daddy told you not to touch. This is not a toy."
As Kyle moved it away from her, she cried, "Ee!"
"It's not yours," Kyle said.
"Eee!" Diana began to wail.
Sitting down and taking her on his lap, Kyle said, "Is that anyway to behave on your first birthday? Do you know what's going on outside? Mommy is putting together a party just for you." Kyle tickled her stomach, making her giggle.
"Someone sounds happy this morning," Jack said, descending the stairs. Spying Diana he said, "Happy first birthday."
"She's raring to go today," Kyle said, setting her down. "By the way I spoke to the ad department and tried to light a fire under them."
"Thank you for taking care of that," Jack said, "But no more work today, it's celebration time."
Noticing a stain on the couch, Jack said, "What happened here?"
"Oh, that's an oil stain," Kyle said, with a sly smile, "Rachel and I had a popcorn fight last night. I tried to get it out myself, but Mrs. Martinez, she said she would take care of it."
"You've been spending a lot of time with Rachel lately," Jack said.
"We have been enjoying each other's company," Kyle said.
"By having a popcorn match?" Jack said.
"She started it," Kyle said.
"Maybe she's trying to tell you something," Jack said, "Is there some rekindling going on?"
"No, nothing like that," Kyle said, "Not for lack of trying."
"Well, that sounds intriguing," Jack said.
"I'll admit, there was a moment last night," Kyle said, "But Rachel made it clear she's not ready to get that close again."
"She threw popcorn at you," Jack said, "That's playful affection, trying to get your attention."
"I think more time is needed if her and I are going to happen again," Kyle said, "What's meant to be, will be."
"Taking the philosophical approach, is not very romantic," Jack said, "If I have learned anything in life, tell someone you love them while you still can. That's my two cents, take from it what you will."
A thud to the floor made both men turn in the direction of the sound. Diana was holding onto a chair and Kyle's tablet was on the floor again.
"What did I say?" Kyle said, picking it up off the floor. Grabbing a playful hold of Diana, he said, "Your just a little monkey today." Lifting her up, he held her high and continued, "Do you want to go see if your party is ready? Should I throw you in the pool?" Diana emitted, infant giggles of delight.
Bringing her back down to his level, Kyle smiled at the joy of his daughter's laughter.
"Grandpa, will you join us?" Kyle said.
"Love to," Jack said, following them outside.
"Wow, look at all the decorations out here," Kyle said, carrying Diana to the back patio.
"Ba, ba," Diana said, reaching out.
"That's right," Kyle said, "Balloons." He took her over for a closer look.
Susie was busy putting paper plates on the table, while Kyle said, "Look there's your sister."
Spying them Susie walked over. "Grandpa Jack," she said, "What do you think?"
"You and your Mom did a great job out here," Jack said.
"Hi Diana," Susie said, "Happy birthday."
"Ma, ma," Diana said.
"Not me," Susie said, "You have to learn to say Susie."
"Ee," Diana echoed.
"Close enough," Susie said.
"She's trying," Kyle said.
"Soon she will be talking up a storm," Jack said.
"Mom will be back out in a minute," Susie said, "This will be so much fun. Faith is coming and we can hang out and swim and there's burgers and hot dogs, birthday cake and presents later." She had spoken all in one breath.
"It will be something like that," Jack said.
"I prefer to keep Diana like this for now," Kyle said, "You know I think it's great that Susie still calls you Grandpa, even though her Mom and I aren't married anymore."
"I like it too," Jack said, "It's wonderful to have youngsters in the family again."
"I second that," Traci said, walking onto the patio. "There's the birthday girl," she continued.
Recognizing Traci, Diana reached out for her. "You want to come hang out with me?" Traci said, "I think we can manage that."
Kyle passed the infant off to Traci, who said, "You are going to get all the attention today."
"And she will love every minute of it," Kyle said.
"Ma, ma," Diana said.
"Oh, that's sweet," Traci said, "I'm actually your Auntie Traci."
"Ma, ma," Diana insisted.
"She doesn't get it yet," Kyle said, "She calls every woman that."
"She even said it to me," Susie said.
"I see we are getting underway," Rachel said, "There are already a pile of presents inside."
"There are a few from me," Traci said.
"And me," Jack smiled.
"Me too," Kyle said.
"Yes, and I get the feeling her daddy has spoiled her again," Rachel said.
"Her first birthday calls for a little spoiling," Kyle said.
"Ma, ma!" Diana called, reaching out for Rachel.
"Finally she got it right," Kyle said, as Rachel took her daughter into her arms.
Catching the moment to take Rachel aside, Kyle said, "Listen, I have been thinking and I need to apologize for last night. I shouldn't have tried to get close to you like that. I didn't meant to make you uncomfortable."
"Kyle, it's fine," Rachel smiled, "I had a really great time. I'm glad you asked me to join you."
"I had an amazing time too," Kyle smiled, "Maybe we could…"
"Stay just like that!" Traci said, not realizing she was cutting Kyle off, "I would like a picture of Diana with her parents, to commemorate the day."
Rachel held Diana, as Kyle put his arm around her shoulders, coaxing Diana to look at the camera.
"Okay," Traci said, "Everyone say ma, ma."
Diana looked like she got the humor, as she emulated the big smiles of her parents.
"It's been too long since I've seen you," Traci gushed as she hugged, Billy and Lily.
"It has," Billy said, 'I've been busy trying to stay out of trouble."
"I am here to keep him in line," Lily said.
"Just like she always does," Billy said.
"Someone has to," a voice said, from behind them.
Billy turned around and sighing he said, "Kevin."
"Billy," Kevin said, standing with Chloe, "Nice to see you Lily."
"And you," Lily said.
"I have to admit, I'm surprised you are on the guest list today," Billy said, "It was supposed to be family and close friends."
"Well, my daughter, is the sister, of the guest of honor," Kevin said.
"And her mother is my best friend," Chloe chimed in.
"So, we are more than friends, we're family," Kevin said.
"Shudder the thought," Billy said.
"Okay, let's go and mingle this way," Lily said, leading Billy away.
"Billy, thank goodness you're here," Rachel said, rushing to him, "Jack and Kyle are trying to use the barbecue and they have both nearly burned their eyebrows off."
"Not a good sign," Billy said, "I am to the rescue."
"Hi, I am glad you're both here," Rachel said, focusing her attention on Kevin and Chloe, giving them a hug each.
"We have something for Diana," Kevin said, holding up a gift bag.
"Thank you," Rachel said, "Gifts are piling up in the dining room."
"I'll take it in," Kevin said.
"Just follow the wrapping paper trail," Rachel said.
"Someone is getting spoiled," Chloe said.
"Tell me about it," Rachel said.
"Where is the birthday girl?" Chloe said.
"She is enjoying pool time with her daddy," Rachel said, gesturing to Kyle and Diana in the water. Kyle was encouraging the infant to splash her hands in the water, while gently propelling her around the pool.
"That's sweet," Chloe said.
"It constantly amazes me what a terrific father he is," Rachel said, "It's wonderful to see the way he devotes himself to her."
"I'm sure she loves him just as much," Chloe said.
"I know she does," Rachel said, "He makes it easy to love him."
Noticing Rachel watching the two and smiling, Chloe said, "Are we talking about Diana still, or her mother?"
"What?" Rachel said, coming out her trance and looking at Chloe.
"That look you just had on your face," Chloe said, "Is there something going on between you and Kyle?"
"I…I don't know why you would say that," Rachel said.
"There is," Chloe said.
"We have been spending a lot of time together," Rachel said.
"Oh, Rachel…" Chloe sighed.
"I like being with him," Rachel said, "We are just good friends."
"Which is code for things are starting to happen," Chloe said, "Tell me you are joking. Tell me you are not falling all over again, for the man who broke your heart."
"He has apologized for that and every bad thing that happened between us," Rachel said.
"Until the next time," Chloe said, "Then he apologizes again and you take him back and it becomes a vicious cycle."
"I wish you wouldn't talk about him like that," Rachel said, "Look at him with Diana, is that not adorable? He almost kissed me last night."
"So, it's already started," Chloe said.
"I didn't let him," Rachel said.
"Good for you," Chloe said, "Don't let it happen."
"I kind of regret that we didn't kiss," Rachel said.
"Don't fall for his charms again," Chloe said, "I'm only telling you this because I care about you. I don't want you to get hurt like before. Sure, it's all wonderful and exciting in the beginning, but after awhile, you will start to drift apart and his eyes and heart will wander."
"Why are we talking about this?" Rachel said, "Kyle and I are not contemplating getting back together."
"That doesn't mean you don't want to," Chloe said.
"Ladies," Kyle's voice made Rachel jump, when she realized he was beside her.
Kyle was holding Diana wrapped in a towel, when Rachel said, "Pool time over?"
"Yeah, I wanted to take her out of the water before she turned blue, because I was starting to," Kyle said, "Hey, Chloe."
"Kyle," Chloe said.
"It looked like you were having fun," Rachel said.
"You should have joined us," Kyle said.
"Maybe next time," Rachel said.
"I should get her dried off and changed," Kyle said, "Food is almost ready."
As Kyle walked away with his daughter, he was joking with her. "Do you want a hamburger, or jump straight to birthday cake?" he said.
"I see it in your eyes," Chloe said.
"There is nothing…" Rachel stopped in mid-sentence staring past Chloe, "Oh, no," she sighed.
"What?" Chloe said, turning to follow Rachel's gaze.
Kyle came out the house all smiles, with a spring in his step, stopping when he saw the sight before him. Kyle stared as Jack welcomed Fen, who had brought Summer with him.
Chloe noticed the crestfallen look in Rachel's eyes. Rachel bristled as she watched Summer and Kyle's eyes meet, sharing a long look.