"I am so glad you had some of these pastries," Rachel said, taking hold of a box, at the front counter of Crimson Lights, "It wouldn't be a Christmas party without them."
"I always make sure I have extra at this time of year," Sharon said, "Have a wonderful party and holiday time."
"Same to you," Rachel said, "Merry Christmas."
Turning to walk away, Rachel saw Chloe approaching her. The two met halfway across the coffeehouse, where Chloe said, "Hi Rachel."
"Hi," Rachel said.
"I'm glad everything worked out with Susie," Chloe said, "I was worried when she went missing."
"Thankfully, that's all over," Rachel said.
"Rachel…I owe you the biggest apology," Chloe said, "I know my behavior a few weeks ago at the reception was uncalled for. I don't know what came over me, I was feeling insecure."
"You know Kevin and I are just friends," Rachel said, "Of course he and I have a connection because of our past marriage and the child we share. Please rest assured I have no designs to get Kevin back. I am more than happy with Kyle. Besides I would never try to steal my best friend's husband."
"I know," Chloe said, "I hope we are still friends. I really am sorry."
"Apology accepted," Rachel said, "We are always friends."
Chloe held her arms out, Rachel responding as they shared a hug.
"I hope things are okay between you and your husband," Rachel said, "And that's not why you were feeling uneasy."
"Kevin and I are great," Chloe said, "And he is an incredible father. I just saw his eyes light up when you walked in and looked so beautiful."
"You looked just as beautiful too," Rachel said.
"Thank you," Chloe said, "Kevin reminded me of that when we got home. He's been extra attentive to me lately."
"It sounds like we both have amazing men in our lives," Rachel said.
"Meaning things are still good with Kyle?" Chloe said.
"Better than good," Rachel said, "Diana and I are transitioning to the main house. Kyle and I decided to take the next step and live together."
"Wow, that's exciting," Chloe said, "On the other hand, you're giving up your house on the property?"
"I'll admit, I will miss our own place, but it was time for a fresh start," Rachel said, "Besides, Diana loves seeing her grandpa and having all her family around her."
"Sounds like an ideal situation," Chloe said.
"I'm so excited about our future together," Rachel said, "You never responded to my party invitation. You and Kevin are coming tonight right?"
"I wasn't sure where you and I stood," Chloe said, "Now that we have moved past my inappropriate behavior, we would love to come. It sounds like is going to be a big celebration."
"It's Christmas Eve," Rachel said, "I've got a lot to celebrate and be grateful for this year."
Spying Susie on the patio, sipping a smoothie, Rachel said, "I see you brought her out."
"Once Kevin told her she was free from being grounded, the first thing she wanted to do was come here," Chloe said, "She has been oddly pleasant the past two weeks. Doing what she is told, finishing her homework and helping out at home."
"We will see how long that lasts," Rachel said, "I need to talk to her."
Chloe and Rachel approached Susie, who eyed them as they reached her.
"Hi Susie," Rachel smiled, "Nice to be out of the house again, isn't it?"
"You're telling me," Susie said, "I was going crazy stuck at home."
"So, it's all behind us?" Rachel said.
"I got the lecture from Dad," Susie said, "I won't do it again."
"I have your word?" Rachel said.
"Yes, I promise," Susie said.
"Alright then," Rachel said, reaching into her purse, she held Susie's phone out to her.
Susie eyes lit up, as she told back her phone, saying, "Thanks." She was immediately immersed in it as she checked her plethora of messages.
"I know you have a lot to catch up on with your friends, but I will see you at the party tonight," Rachel said.
"The what?" Susie said.
"I'm throwing a Christmas Eve party," Rachel said, "At the Abbott house.
"Your Dad and I are going," Chloe said, "Therefore you are going. Unless you want to stay home with the sitter and help take care of your siblings."
"Okay, I'll go," Susie said, "Are you allowed to use their house for a party?"
"Of course," Rachel said, "Besides, it's my house now too. Kyle asked me and Diana to move in with him."
"You're leaving the other house?" Susie said, "I liked my room there."
"You have a new room at the Abbott house, when you come to stay with me," Rachel said, "Everything has been moved from your old room, into the new one. You can rearrange if you would like to change anything. It's bigger than your old room. You can check it out tonight."
"So, can I have my own T.V. in my room?" Susie said, hopefully.
"Why is that?" Rachel said.
"I mean as a Christmas present," Susie said.
"I am not buying you a television," Rachel said, "And don't go asking Kyle either. There is more than one set in the house if you want to watch something."
"What about a new stereo?" Susie said.
"Did you ask Santa for a new stereo?" Rachel said.
"I would have, if he existed," Susie said.
"You must not say things like that on Christmas Eve," Chloe said, "Santa could put you on the naughty list for that."
"Why don't you just wait and see what he brings you," Rachel said, "And please don't say those things about Santa, around Diana."
"Is she excited about Christmas?" Susie said.
"I don't think she is old enough to anticipate a special day," Rachel said, "But she has picked up on something different going on around her. She seems happy about it."
"I love Christmas," Susie said. Her phone beeped and she was immediately texting away.
Gift bag in hand, Kyle hesitated before knocking on the hotel room door. It opened to reveal Diane, who smiled when she saw her son.
"Kyle," she beamed, "What a wonderful surprise."
"Hi," Kyle said, "Can I come in?"
"Of course," Diane said, stepping aside. As she shut the door, she continued, "I am so happy to see you, especially since it's Christmas Eve. I was hoping to spend time with you over the holidays."
Kyle nodded, as Diane carried on, "I have some gifts for you and Diana too. Now I can give them to you, so you can open them on Christmas Day."
"I appreciate that," Kyle said, "Thank you." Gesturing to the gift bag, in his hand, Kyle said, "I have something for you too."
"That is so sweet of you, thank you," Diane said, taking the bag from Kyle.
"You can open it now, if you like," Kyle said.
"Alright," Diane said, as Kyle took a seat across from her.
Diane rummaged through the tissue paper and pulled out a rectangular box. Lifting the lid she smiled at the set of soaps, lotions, bubble bath and perfumes before her.
"I wasn't sure what to get you," Kyle said, "I hope this is okay."
"Kyle, it's wonderful," Diane said, "I can hardly wait to use them. Lavender is my favorite scent."
"I'm glad you like it," Kyle said, "I've been thinking about what we discussed, spending more time together. I think we should definitely do that."
"I would like that very much," Diane said, "We could have lunch together or go for a walk in the park. It's a beautiful day outside. Perhaps I could get acquainted with my granddaughter and we could take her out."
"You're getting ahead of yourself," Kyle said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean today. I was thinking the day after Christmas?"
"Oh," Diane said, "The day after would be nice too."
"It's just Christmas Day is going to be busy and I have plans tonight too," Kyle said.
"Plans with Rachel," Diane said, "Are you taking her somewhere special?"
"No, we are spending the holiday at home," Kyle said.
"With your family," Diane said, "Where you should be."
"I would invite you…" Kyle started.
"I understand," Diane said, "But we will see each other in a couple of days."
"Yes, the 26th is all yours," Kyle said, "Plus, you can see Diana that day too."
"And perhaps Rachel will join us?" Diane said, "I would like a chance to change her mind about me."
"We will see," Kyle said.
"Would you like to open one of your gifts?" Diane said.
"Do you mind if I take it with me?" Kyle said, "I really should be going."
"Of course," Diane said, "Before you go, could I ask you for a hug? After all it is Christmas."
"I will agree to that," Kyle said, "And not just because it's Christmas."
Moving towards each other, Diane put her arms around her son, closing her eyes at the chance to hold him close.
Kyle hesitated to put his arms around his mother, but once he did, emotion washed over him, as he too, closed his eyes in contentment.
"I think everything is ready now," Rachel said.
"I'm looking forward to this evening," Traci said, "It will be fun."
"All I'm missing now is my boyfriend," Rachel said.
"Where is my nephew?" Traci said.
"He said something about last minute errands," Rachel said.
"Maybe he's out buying you something special," Traci said.
"He doesn't have to do that," Rachel said, "Being back together with him is present enough."
"It's wonderful to see you two back in love," Traci said.
"Merry Christmas Eve," Jack said, walking in from the dining room, his arms piled high with presents.
"Jack, what is all this?" Traci said.
"Just some gifts for my favorite people and someone's 2nd Christmas," Jack said.
"Someone who is going to get spoiled again," Rachel said.
"I'm doing my due diligence as grandpa," Jack said, arranging his gifts under the tree.
The front door suddenly opened and Kyle came walking in. "Merry, Merry!" he called.
"Ah, he remembered his address," Rachel said.
Taking his coat off and walking towards Rachel, Kyle said, "I'm sorry, I took so long. I had some last minute shopping to do."
"You bought my gift at the last minute?" Rachel said.
"I might have purchased one of them," Kyle said.
"Does that mean there's more than one?" Rachel said.
"You never know," Kyle said, "I guess you will have to wait and see."
"I'm glad you made it back, I was beginning to think you would miss the party," Rachel said.
Taking Rachel aside, Kyle said, "I wasn't just shopping. I went to see my mother."
"Diane?" Rachel said, "What for?"
"It's Christmas," Kyle said, "I couldn't let it go by without seeing her, especially this year. I took her a gift and she sent me back with some for us and Diana."
"I get that you want to see her," Rachel said, "But I just don't trust her."
"Can you try?" Kyle said, "I told her she could visit on the 26th. I also told her she could see Diana."
"You what?" Rachel said, "Without talking to me first? I don't want her around my child."
"I know," Kyle said, "But my mother is Diana's grandmother. I think it would be good for both of them to get to know each other. Completely supervised visits won't hurt. I wasn't planning to invite her, but while I was there it just kind of came out."
"I'm not comfortable with it," Rachel persisted.
"When I was at her hotel, she asked if she could hug me," Kyle said, "I agreed and once I was holding her close, it brought up all these feelings, the way I used to love her and how I have longed to be able to hug her again. It was such a good feeling."
"I can see how much that meant to you," Rachel said.
"Then can you try to get along with her," Kyle said, "That would mean a lot to me too."
"Alright," Rachel sighed, "I will do it for you and for Diana's sake."
"Thank you," Kyle said, giving her a quick kiss, "You're incredible."
"It's about time you noticed that," Rachel said.
"A-hem," Traci said, "Excuse me, there is a party about to start here."
"Right," Kyle said, "Put me to work, what can I do? Plates, napkins, appetizers?"
"It's all been taken care of," Rachel said.
The doorbell rang, prompting Jack to say, "You can answer the door."
Kyle sauntered to the front door, opening it to be greeted by Chloe and Kevin, with Susie trailing behind.
Chloe offered Kyle a hug, followed by a handshake between Kyle and Kevin.
Rachel hugged her friend and Kevin, while Jack greeted the guests as well.
"Hi Susie," Jack said.
"Hi Grandpa Jack," Susie said.
"Hi Grandpa Jack," Jack plainly repeated, "I seem to remember, when she would run up to see me, squealing with delight…"
"Okay, sorry," Susie said, offering a hug.
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart," Jack said.
"Merry Christmas," Susie said.
Rachel smiled at the sight, sharing a look with Kevin, Chloe flinching as she noticed.
"Billy," Jack said, greeting him at the front door.
"Jack," Billy said, stepping inside, followed by Johnny. "I come bearing gifts," Billy said, "And this young man."
"Johnny, it's great to see you again," Jack said, "We're glad you could make it."
"Hey, Uncle Jack," Johnny said, "Thanks for the invite."
"Our pleasure," Jack said, "Where is Lily?"
"Not here," Billy said, "And that's all I have to say on that topic."
"I hope you two won't be fighting the entire holiday," Jack said, "Christmas is a time to…"
"Jack, I meant what I said," Billy said, cutting him off, "I'm not discussing the situation. I came to celebrate the holiday with my family and because I promised Rachel, I would come to the party."
"Well, I am glad you are here," Jack said.
Stepping into the living room, Billy announced, "I'm here, the party can start now."
"Billy!" Ashley squealed, as she hugged him, "And my nephew," Ashley said, hugging Johnny too, "It's wonderful to see you."
"Nice to see you too," Johnny said.
Gesturing to the tree, Billy said, "Johnny, you can put the gifts under there."
"More presents?" Traci said.
Spying the arrangement already waiting to be opened, Billy said, "You shouldn't have. Are these all for me?"
"Not so fast," Traci said.
"There might be a few with your name on them," Ashley said.
"Billy," Rachel said, approaching him for a hug, "Merry Christmas."
"And to you," Billy said.
"Where's Lily?" Rachel said.
"She sends her regrets," Billy said.
"Oh, I was looking forward to seeing her," Rachel said.
Changing the subject, Billy said, "I brought some gifts for everyone and there are some for Diana too."
"Thank you, that's sweet," Rachel said.
"After all it's her first Christmas," Billy said.
"It's her second," Rachel said.
"Already?" Billy said, "How did that happen?"
"She's walking and talking," Rachel said.
"Before you know it, she will be running Jabot," Billy said.
"Slow down," Rachel said, "We are enjoying her infant years."
"You and Kyle," Billy said, "I guess it's nice that you can still get along to make it a nice Christmas for Diana."
"It's a wonderful time," Rachel said, "I am spending Christmas in my new house."
"You're moving?" Billy said.
"Let me correct myself," Rachel said, "My new address. Right here. Kyle and I have decided to live together."
"What happened to your house one the property?" Billy said.
"It's still there," Rachel said, "But Kyle and I decided to live here, for a fresh start…as a couple."
"No," Billy said, "Don't tell me you two are back together."
"Please don't start, it's Christmas," Rachel said.
"After everything he put you through, the way he broke your heart?" Billy said, "How could you take him back, because he will do it again."
"We have been back together for a while," Rachel said, "And things have been amazing."
"Until he changes his mind again," Billy said.
"We have talked about things a great deal," Rachel said, "But at the end of the day, I love him and I know he loves me. I'm happy, for the first time, in some time. I would really like you to be happy for me."
"Of course, I am glad to hear you found something special," Billy said, "But if he breaks your heart again, I will mess him up."
"Hey, it's time for good will remember?" Rachel said, "I know what I'm doing."
"Billy," Kyle said, approaching them, "Happy holidays."
"I hope so," Billy said.
"I just told Billy we are back together and living with each other," Rachel said.
"I'm sure you have your reservations," Kyle said, "Let me reassure you, I have every intention of making Rachel the happiest she can be and keep things that way."
"Yeah, I can't help remembering you and Summer were engaged just about six months ago," Billy said, "Now you've jumped back to Rachel."
"I am not explaining my past relationships to you," Kyle said, "I love Rachel very much and we are happy together."
"So, I keep hearing," Billy said.
"There's a party going on here," Jack said, "You all look far too serious."
"I'm all for celebrating," Billy said. Gesturing to Kyle and Rachel, Billy continued, "Just don't expect me to sing the praises for this new dynamic duo."
As Billy stepped away, Jack said, "I wouldn't take what Billy says to heart. I think he is dealing with his own relationship trouble."
"The only thing I'm focused on is making this the most incredible Christmas," Kyle said, putting his arm around Rachel.
"Come on in," Kyle said, answering the door as Fen and Summer arrived.
"Wow, the place looks amazing," Summer said, as Fen helped her take her coat off.
"Thanks, you look wonderful," Kyle said.
"Doesn't she though," Fen said.
"Summer, this is a nice surprise," Kyle said, "I didn't know you were coming."
"Fen was invited and he brought me as his date," Summer said.
"I think we will be attending a lot of events together from now on," Fen said.
"Why's that?" Kyle said.
"Summer and I are back together," Fen said, as Summer latched onto his arm.
"Is that so?" Kyle said.
"Hi, you two," Rachel said, walking over to greet them.
Fen gave Rachel a hug, afterwards, Rachel nodding her head to Summer. "Summer," she said.
"Rachel," Summer said.
"We brought gifts," Fen said.
Taking the gift bag, Rachel said, "You didn't have to do that."
"There's something for Diana too," Fen said.
"The little one is getting spoiled again," Rachel said.
"Where is Diana?" Summer said, "I'd love to say hi."
"She's napping," Kyle said, "Don't worry, she will make an appearance soon."
"She must be getting so big," Summer said.
"All the time," Kyle said, "She's walking and saying new words almost everyday."
"She's talking?" Summer said.
"Yes," Kyle said, "She says, no, me want, up, down and ball."
"We are still mama and dada," Rachel said, "But I think she's getting close to saying daddy."
"Hi, welcome Fen and Summer," Traci said.
"Hi Traci," Summer said.
"Thanks for having us," Fen said, "The place looks great."
"Help yourself to food," Rachel said.
"How about I get you some drinks?" Kyle said.
"Let me help you," Fen said, following Kyle.
"I heard you talking about Diana's new words," Traci said, "She tries to say my name but for some reason, it comes out as Dottie."
"That's cute," Summer said.
"She can call me whatever she wants," Traci said, "Aunt Dot it is." She laughed.
Johnny had spotted Susie and was getting up the nerve to talk to her, taking his chance when she was standing nearby.
"Hi," Johnny said, "It's Susie right?"
"Hi," Susie said.
"We've met before, I'm Johnny Abbott," he said.
"I remember," Susie said, "I see you at school sometimes. The last time we were at the same thing, was when my Mom married Kyle. You were the ring bearer."
"That was awhile ago, but I remember," Johnny said.
"Yeah, you were younger," Susie said.
"I grew up," Johnny said.
"I guess so," Susie said.
Searching his mind for conversation, Johnny said, "There sure are a lot of presents under the tree."
"I know," Susie said, "I'm kind of anxious to see what's in mine."
"Usually good stuff?" Johnny said.
"Pretty much," Susie said.
The words stalled between them, until Susie said, "How old are you now?"
"I'm twelve," Johnny said, "Well, almost. I can't wait to be a teenager like you."
"Yeah, it's great," Susie said, "I just got sprung from being grounded."
"What did you do?" Johnny said.
"I ran away in the middle of the night," Susie said, "Believe me, I know it was a mistake now. I don't recommend it."
Johnny laughed and said, "I'll keep that in mind. Do you want to go grab some food with me?"
"It all looks so good," Susie said, walking towards the selections.
Spying the youngsters talking and laughing together Rachel leaned into Billy and said, "Does that remind you of anything?"
"You and me," Billy said, "Like mother, like daughter."
"Like father, like son," Rachel said, "They look comfortable together. Should we be worried?"
"Absolutely," Billy replied, to which Rachel laughed.
"So, you and Baldwin?" Kyle said, standing next to Summer.
"Don't start," Summer said.
"Have you lost your sanity?" Kyle said.
"I could say the same to you about getting back with Rachel," Summer said.
"Touche," Kyle said, "But we are very happy together."
"Same," Summer said, "In fact Fen and I are moving in together."
"Funny you should say that," Kyle said, "Rachel and I have decided to do the same. She and Diana are moving in here at the house."
Summer softly laughed, prompting Kyle to say, "You think it's a bad idea."
"It's not that," Summer said, "I think, if it will make you happy to have Rachel live here, then you should do it. I was just remembering last year, when you and I were fighting over the holidays and you suggested that very thing about Rachel moving in, to make me jealous."
"Which I am sorry about," Kyle said, "I was just grandstanding then."
"Except now she's here because you want her to be," Summer said.
"Because I'm in love with her," Kyle said.
"I knew it all along," Summer said, "So when's the wedding?" She smirked.
"Nobody is talking about marriage," Kyle said, "We talked about taking things slow."
"Oh yes, and moving in together is taking it slow," Summer teased.
"Just between you and me, it has crossed my mind," Kyle said, "If I hadn't walked away in the first place we would still be married."
"There is one way to find out if she's thinking the same thing," Summer said, "Ask her."
"We are both very happy right now," Kyle said, "Maybe when the time is right, I will talk to her about it."
"Don't wait too long," Summer said, "I happen to know she's head over heels in love with you."
Kyle grinned at Summer, when he saw her smile looking past him. Amid a few soft exclamations of delight from others, Kyle turned to see Rachel, bringing Diana into the room.
Diana was holding onto Rachel's finger, as she took big steps into the room. When she was a few feet from Kyle, he crouched down and encouraged her to walk to him. Letting go of her mother's finger, Diana took solo steps toward Kyle, who then scooped her up saying, "That's my girl! You're getting really good at that."
"Yes, soon you will be running to catch her," Jack said.
"When Susie was small, all she did was run," Rachel said.
"Thanks Mom," Susie said.
"Now she sits and texts," Kevin quipped.
"I am in the room," Susie said.
"You know, Rachel this is a great party," Chloe said, "Just one thing seems to be missing."
"What's that?" Rachel said.
"Christmas music," Chloe said, "How are we supposed to dance without Christmas music?"
"Dance?" Kevin said, "Do we have to?"
"I second that," Kyle said, "I think we're fine without it."
"Chloe makes a good point," Rachel said, "We do need some music."
"I know just the thing," Traci said, heading to the stereo in the living room.
"Do you want to dance with daddy?" Kyle said, to Diana.
Once the music started, Kyle put Diana on her feet and crouching down, he took her hands and gently moved her arms back and forth.
"Oh, my gosh, that is the cutest thing," Summer said.
Kyle then picked her up and swayed her side to side, lightly turning her in circles, to which Diana began laughing.
Others were laughing and moving to the music, when a slow melody started. Couples moved together as Jack addressed the child in Kyle's arms.
"May I have this dance?" he said.
Kyle passed Diana off to Jack, mouthing, "Thank you."
Rachel moved close to Kyle, as he took her in his arms.
"Hey Susie," Johnny said, "Do you want to dance? You don't have to, if you don't want to."
"I've been grounded for two weeks," Susie said, "I am up for just about anything."
"Your daughter has made a new friend," Chloe said, as she danced close with Kevin.
"You know they would be cousins in law, if Kyle and Rachel remarry," Kevin said.
"Second cousins," Chloe said, "But it's a cute moment anyway."
"Maybe it's a good thing we didn't bring Bella," Kevin said, "Or we might have a full on love triangle."
"Perish the thought," Chloe said.
Dancing close with Kyle, Rachel noticed movement outside. "Is someone at the door?" she said.
Going to check, Kyle was surprised by the visitor. "Mom, what are you doing here?" he said.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were having a party," Diane said.
"I told you I would see you in a couple of days," Kyle said.
"I know, but you left your scarf at my hotel and I wanted to get it back to you," Diane said, "Since it's so cold out."
Realizing his mother was standing in the cold air, Kyle invited her step inside. "Thank you for bringing this, but I have other scarves, I would not have frozen," Kyle said.
"Of course not," Diane said, "I have to admit, I enjoyed our visit so much earlier and since it's Christmas Eve, I wanted to see you some more."
Marching over, Ashley said, "Really? What do you think you are doing? We are having a private party and you are not invited."
"Ashley, please keep your voice down, there are children here," Jack said.
"She has to leave," Ashley said, in a lower tone.
"I'm sorry, I am intruding," Diane said, "I should go."
"You came all this way," Kyle began, "Maybe you could stay."
"Or not," Ashley said.
"Come on, it's Christmas Eve," Kyle said, "Can't we let bygones be for a couple of hours?"
"Kyle, I'm going to go," Diane said, "I appreciate your kindness, but it's for the best."
"You don't have to leave," Kyle said.
"Yes, she does," Ashley said.
"Before I go, could I say Merry Christmas to my grand-daughter?" Diane said.
"You don't give up," Ashley said.
"You should that about me by now, Ashley," Diane said.
Kyle took his daughter from Jack and held her in front of Diane. Taking one of her hands, Diane said, "Hi sweetheart. It's almost Christmas and I wanted to wish you a merry one. You have gotten so big since I last saw you. Now, be good for daddy and mommy and I will see you soon." Diane leaned forward and kissed Diana on the forehead.
"Thank you, that was very nice," Kyle said.
"She's so precious," Diane said, "This made my Christmas. I can't wait for our holiday time together."
"I will call you tomorrow," Kyle said, "To wish a happy one."
"I would love that," Diane said, "See you soon."
Waiving at Diana, she said, "Bye honey."
As Diane left, Ashley walked across the room, saying "Thank goodness, that's over."
"Would it really have been so horrible to have spent an hour with the woman?" Kyle said.
"Yes," Ashley said, sitting in a chair with finality.
"Okay, let's continue our celebration," Traci said.
The doorbell rang and Ashley stood saying, "Allow me. I will get rid of her."
Ashley opened the door saying, "How many times do we have to…" Ashley trailed off when she recognized her visitor.
Smiling she said, "I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else. Adele, please come in."
Turning at the sound of her mother's name, Rachel smiled, while Kyle momentarily closed his eyes.
"Oh, no," Kevin sighed, to Chloe.
"Adele!" Jack cheerfully said, going to hug her.
"Hello Jack, darling," Adele said.
"Mom," Rachel said, hugging her mother, "What are you doing here?"
"Well, it's Christmas Eve," Adele said, "I came to spend it with my daughter." Spying the child in Kyle's arms Adele walked towards them continuing, "And my beautiful grand baby."
"She's not a baby anymore," Rachel said.
"Hello my precious," Adele said, "I'm your grandma." Adele added a dry, "Hello Kyle."
"Adele," Kyle said.
Her eyes scanning the room, Adele found Kevin, fixated on him with displeasure. He nodded at her with a forced smile. "Adele," Kevin said, "How nice to see you again. Merry Christmas."
"Yes," Adele muttered, turning away. Kevin looked across at Rachel and shook his head.
"Mom, you have another beautiful granddaughter here," Rachel said.
"Yes, Susie my dear," Adele gushed, "Come and give your grandmother a hug."
Susie looked at Rachel, who nodded. Johnny was amused as Susie lightly reciprocated Adele's embrace.
"How long are you staying?" Rachel said.
"I'm not sure," Adele said, "Through the rest of the holidays, I imagine," Adele said.
"We have plenty of room for you to stay with us," Jack said.
"I knew, I could count on you," Adele said.
Kyle leaned into Rachel saying, "Now aren't you glad you moved back in?" Rachel sighed laughter at him.