Chapter 47
(22 Apr 1997)
Lucy awoke to the sound of waves crashing against the shore,and the feel of sunlight sneaking through the half pulled curtains.She barely remembered arriving late in the night. For some reason theroom seemed familiar. She pulled on her a robe and walked out to thepatio. Seeing the view in the morning light, Lucy knew exactly whereshe was.
What she didn't know, was why.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in Port Charles, at the Spencer house. Lucky and Nikolassit on the back porch discussing the recent events. "So it was yourgrandmother, not Stefan?" Lucky asks.
"Yes, I don't know how he can forgive me," Nikolas saysmiserably.
"You didn't do it to hurt him. Helena used emotional blackmailon you."
Lucky puts his hand on Nikolas' shoulder. "It's not yourfault."
"Thank you." Nikolas studies his brother closely. "And youhave a new sister?" he asks.
"Yeah, her name's Raven," Lucky supplies. "She's older thanme, younger than you."
"Is it alright with you?" Nik asks quietly.
"I wish my parents would learn to use a condom," Lucky teases,"but yeah, it's ok."
"Lucky?" Comes Raven's voice. "I hope you don't mind, but Iborrowed a pair of socks from you." Raven comes onto the porchwearing a pair of baggy shorts, a T-shirt tied under her waist andher hair pulled back.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't know you had company."
"Him? He's not company. Raven Sutton-Scorpio-Spencer, I wantyou to meet my brother, Nikolas Cassadine. Nik, meet Raven." Hewatches as Raven flushes. "Hmm..." he thinks to himself, "maybe...."
Inside Holly and Luke sit at the table. "Luke, I am going togo back to London." She informs him. "I can't thank you enough forsaving my life."
"Hold on for a minute there, English!" Luke drawls. "If youthink I'm going to just forget that I have another child, and let youride into the sunset with her, you've mistaken me for a damnfool."
Luke stands up and closes the screen door. "You can't do thisto me. Raven needs me, she needs to know her brother and sister." Hisvoice lowers, "You can't take her from me again."
Holly reacts instinctively to the pain she hears in his voiceand sees in his eyes. She caresses his face. "Ok. We'll stay for awhile, I can't make any promises."
Chapter 48 ~*~*~*Revelation~*~*~*
(22 Apr 1997)
Kevin sits on in a chair on the patio. "Good morning," he saysneutrally.
"Why did you bring me here?" Lucy asks. "How could you haveknown about this place?"
Kevin rises and guides Lucy to a chair. "It's time I told youeverything, Lucy. But before I start, I want you to promise me youwon't interrupt, won't even say a word until I havefinished."
He looks at her. "Can I have your promise?" Alarmed by theseriousness of his tone, Lucy nods solemnly.
"I am not the man you think I am," Kevin begins. "I amStefan
Cassadine in appearance only." He kneels in front of Lucy andpierces her with his intent gaze. "I'm really Kevin."
"What kind of SICK joke are you trying to pull??" Lucyyells.
"You promised me, Lucy," Kevin warns gently.
"That was before you started playing some sick game with me!"Lucy stands up. "If you think I'm going to sit here and listen tothis crap, you've got another thing coming!" She starts to stalkaway.
"Bub," Kevin says.
Lucy whirls around. "What?"
"Every time you get furious with me you rant, and after yourant, you finish it by calling me Bub. I always hated that," Kevinexplains.
"How did you know that?" Lucy asks skeptically.
"I am Kevin. I did die in that fire, Lucy. I swear it. I'vebeen watching over you ever since. Then Stefan got shot in thewarehouse and I was allowed to come back." He reaches for her andwinces when she shies away. "Come on Lucy! You're the one thatconvinced me that there are some things even you can't explain. Askme anything!"
Lucy is stunned and silent for a moment. "What did you give meon our first Valentine's Day? And where were we?"
Kevin smiles. "The Outback, you gave me a book on dreaminterpretation from Freud to Jung. I gave you Sigmund, he had on thediamond necklace you're wearing."
"Everyone knows that!" Lucy cries.
"But does everyone know that when you gave me the book I satthere caressing the pages till you said you almost wish you hadn'tgiven it to me? Does everyone know what I said?"
"That you were sublimating," Lucy whispers softly. Then sheshakes her head. "I don't believe you!!"
"Who else knows about the night Luke and Mike ripped off thedrugs from Scully, you were up all night on the body slider? Thatwhen you got the phone call you raced out of the apartment at thespeed of sound? Who knows that the first several times we tried tomake love it was like the Titanic? Who knows about our little joyride in the back of Mac's car? Listening to Mac and Katherine'sopinions of us? Who knows where we were when Stone died? In your bed.You answered the phone and then took my hand. Who knows what you saidto me? I do. You said, 'Stone' and I said, 'When' you told me it hadbeen just a little while ago. I cried and you and I held onto eachother. Who knows that every year on Serena's birthday you get apicture or a video tape of her and cry yourself silly? Who knowsabout Jasmine Island? About the way you opened that door for me, mademe see that there were no demons left that we couldn't face together?Who knows that you tried to get Luke Spencer to break me out ofjail?" Kevin strides purposefully to her. "Luke Spencer. Who elsewould know that you made love to him in Cold Water? Would anyone knowyou were wishing it was me?"
He forces her to look at him. "My face is different, Lucy. Butmy heart is yours. It always was. It always has been and it alwayswill be. I love you. I've missed you and I've missed mysons."
His voice is husky with emotion, "Tell me you believe me. Tellme you still love me. I know you do, I can see it in youreyes."
Torn between hope, and astonishment, Lucy tears herself fromhis grasp and runs down the patio steps to the beach. She keepsrunning from the haunting look in his eyes, and the strings tuggingon her heart.
Chapter 49
Date: 23 Apr 1997 7:54:08 PDT
Lucy walks along the beach, oblivious to the waves crashingaround her ankles.
Moonlight on canvas, midnight and wine
Two shadows starting to softly combine
The picture they're painting
Is one of the heart
And to those who have seen it
It's a true work of art . . . .
She remembers the Valentine's Day at the Outback. Kevinstanding with Sigmund in one hand and a glass of champagne in theother. Their friends laughing as he made a toast to Sean andTiffany.
Oh, the red strokes,
Passions uncaged
Thundering moments of tenderness rage
Oh the red strokes
Tempered and strong
Burning the night like the dawn . . . .
Kevin stands alone on the patio watching her. He remembers thenight she was kidnapped by Joe Scully. Falling asleep terrified hewould never see her again. Being woken by her soft kiss. The loveovercoming all of his fear. Their lovemaking a fierce, loving promisefor all time.
Steam on the window, salt on the kiss
Two hearts have never pounded like this
Inspired by a vision
That they can't command
Erasing the borders
With each brush of a hand . . . .
Tears stream down Lucy's face as she remembers the night Kevingot drunk and came into her bathroom. Declaring how much he lovedher. That he loved even the bad parts of her. Something no one hadever done before. Loved her completely. Then how he got in the tubfully dressed.
Oh the red strokes
Passions uncaged
Thundering moments of tenderness rage
Oh the red strokes
Tempered and strong
Burning the night like the dawn . . . .
Kevin drops his head in his hands and can't get rid of thememory of Lucy in Damian Smith's hotel room in Buffalo, then throwingher over his shoulder.
Oh the blues will be blue, and the jealousies green
But when love picks its shade, It demands to be seen . . . .
Lucy thinks of how jealous and insecure she was about hisfriendship with Felicia. How when she called he dropped her off hislap. The things he told Felicia first and how those insecurities justfaded away when she knew he loved her more than anyone.
Oh the red strokes
Passions uncaged
Thundering moments of tenderness rage
Oh the red strokes
Tempered and strong
Burning the night like the dawn . . . .
Steam on the window, salt in a kiss
two hearts have never pounded like this . . . .
Kevin's funeral. The overwhelming sense of being alone.Wanting to crawl into the grave with him
Lucy and Luke making love. The frightening rage andjealousy.
Both are lost in their own private purgatory. Too far apart tobe heaven, but too close to be hell.
Chapter 50 ~*~*~Don't Know Much~*~*~
(23 Apr 1997)
In Port Charles. Holly sits in the rose garden lookingwistfully around thinking, ''Someday I'll have this. A realhome.''
Luke watches her from the upstairs window. Longing to reachout and pull her to him. Not just the passion they share, but adeeper connection he thought he'd severed. On his way down thestairs, he glances in a mirror.
Look at this face, I know the years are showing.
Look at this life, I still don't know where it's going.
I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know.
He thinks about the young man he was when they met. And how hehas turned bitter. He remembers finding her naked in the mountains.And how innocent she seemed.
Look at these eyes, they've never seen what matters.
Look at these dream, so beaten and so battered.
I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know.
Holly has forgotten nothing over the years. His soft smile andhis hard laugh. All the dreams she had for them when he disappearedin the avalanche. Marrying Robert, in hopes of holding on to somesmall part of Luke.
So many questions, still left unanswered,
So much I've never broken through
And when I feel you near me
Sometimes I see so clearly
The only truth I've ever known is me and you.
Holly thinks about her long hours of missing Luke. Crying andwondering what their life could have been. Could this home and thesechildren have been hers? She glances up when Luke sits next to herand takes her hand in his.
Look at this man, so blessed with inspiration,
Look at this soul, still searching for salvation
I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know.
Luke places her hand between his and squeezes, thinking aboutwhat he could have done, how he should have tried to find her. Aboutthe life he wanted with her once. Is it too late?
I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know
I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know
(Song by Garth Brooks)
Chapter 51 ~*~*~All Out Of Love~*~*~
(23 Apr 1997)
Laura walks around the back of the house and stops when shesees Luke and Holly holding hands on the wrought iron bench.
I am lying alone with my head on the phone,
Thinking of you till it hurts
I know you hurt too, but what else can we do?
Tormented and Torn apart
I wish I could carry your smile in my heart
For times when my life seems so low
It could make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesn't really know, doesn't really know
I'm all out of love
I'm so lost without you
I know you were right
Believing for so long
I'm all out of love
What am I without you
Can I be too late?
Just to say that I was so wrong.
She thinks of their wedding, how she felt they could surviveanything. The way he looked at her as if she floated on air. And howhe couldn't even look her in the eye anymore.
I want you to come back and carry me home
Away from these long lonely nights.
I'm reaching for you, are you feeling it too?
And what would you say if I called on you now?
Say that I can't hold on,
And there's no easy way, it gets harder each day
Please love me or I'll be gone, I'll be gone.
She remembers the long lonely nights in Switzerland, waitingfor Luke to come to her. Forgive her, and the hard realization shewas making that it would never happen. He could never forgive her fornot loving him more. That their marriage, and their lives togetherwere no longer.
I'm all out of love,
I know you were right
Believing for so long
I'm all out of love
What am I without you?
Can I be too late to say I was oh so wrong?
Tears form in her eyes. She turns form the garden and walksaway.
I'm all out of love,
I'm so lost without you
I know you were right
Believing for so long
I'm all out of love
Can I be too late to say that I was wrong?
(Song by Two Air Supply)
Chapter 52 *~Making Love Out Of Nothing *~
(23 Apr 1997)
I know just how to whisper, And I know just how to cry,
I know just where to find the answers, and I know just how to lie
I know just how to fake it, and I know just how to scheme
I know just when to face the truth, and then I know when to dream
Lucy walks toward the beach house. She knows what she has todo now. She has to believe, to have faith that somehow, for somemiraculous reason Kevin was returned to her. She couldn't let such amiracle go to waste by doubting it. She has to see with herheart
And I know just where to touch you, and I know just what to prove
I know when to pull you closer, and I know when to let you loose
I know the night is fading, and I know the time's gonna fly
And I know I'm never gonna tell you everything I've gotta tell you
But I know I've gotta give it a try.
Kevin looks worriedly out the window, knowing Lucy's been gonefor too long.
And I know the road to riches, and I know the ways to pain
I know all of the rules and I know how to break 'em
And I always know the name of the game
But I don't know how to leave you, and I'll never let you fall
And I don't know how you do it, making love out of nothing at all
Ned and Lois sit in front of a fireplace. Ned rubbing Lois'feet and talking to the baby inside her, while Lois cuddles asleepy Brooke.
Out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
Out of nothing at all
Every time I see you, well the rays of sun are all
And every star in the sky is taking aim at your eyes like a spotlight
The beating of my heart is a drum and it's lost
And it's looking for a rhythm like you
You can take the darkness from the deep of the night
And turn it into a beacon glowing endlessly bright
I gotta follow it cause everything I know
Well it's nothing till I give it to you
Kevin's eyes open wide as through the dusk he sees Lucywalking toward the beach house. The sky is ablaze with reds, andoranges, and yellow.
I can make you run or stumble
I can make the final call
And I can make every tackle at the sound of the whistle
And I can make all the stadiums rock
After tucking Brooke in, Ned returns to his wife and wraps hisarms around her. The love they share enough to drive away all the badmemories and allow them to focus on their new lives.
I can make the night forever, or I can make it disappear by the dawn
And I can make you every promise that has ever been made
And I can make all your demons be gone
Kevin races out to meet Lucy.
But I'm never gonna make it without you
Do you really want to see me crawl?
And I'm never gonna make it like you do,
Making love out of nothing at all.
He drops to his knees in the sand and (with his eyes, Stefan'seyes, it doesn't really matter anymore) he offers her hisheart.
Out of nothing at all
Ned and Lois lie on their bed together embracing, Ned kissingher so softly, and with so much tenderness, it brings tears to Lois'eyes.
Out of nothing at all
Luke and Holly watch the night creep in. Unmoving, it issimply enough to be together. For now . . .
Out of nothing at all
Lucy gives Kevin her hand and pulls him to his feet. Standingon tiptoe, she explores this new face, learning its lines and flaws.She brushes his hair away from his eyes and searches them for the manshe knew. Reflecting back at her is years of love, faith and hope forthe future. And something else. A terror of rejection. Putting hisfears at ease, Lucy's lips brush his, and her arms twine around hiswaist.
(Song by Two Air Supply)
Chapter 53
(24 Apr 1997)
Lucy and Kevin sit close together on a lounge chair. ''I can'tbelieve it's you.'' Lucy murmurs wonderingly, touching his face.''It's like the dreams I had after you were gone. You'd come back tome, I'd reach out my hand and you'd disappear. Doc, I don'tunderstand any of this.''
''Neither do I, Lucy, I have these things rolling around in myhead and I'm not clear as to how they got there. The memories ofbefore I came back are dim, it's like they're fading.'' He clutchesher hand tightly. ''One thing is clear, I have missed you beyondwords.''
Tears trickle down Lucy's face. ''Me too. Oh Doc, me too. Ididn't think I could survive without you. The boys made me though. Iknew that the best way to keep you with me, was to give all my loveto our sons.''
She shakes her head. ''I'm not going to question it anymore.You're back, I love you and you're where you're supposed to be. Butwhat are we going to do? I can't very well start calling you Kevincan I?''
Kevin thinks for a moment. ''Nooo, and if we try to explainthis, it might get us a one way ticket to the local loony bin. It'sprobably best that I remain Stefan Cassadine.'' He grimaces, ''ThoughI may have to do something about his wardrobe.''
''And I have got to do something with Wyndemere.'' Lucysays.
''Between Bobbie and Katherine's taste it looks like a tackybordello.''
''Lucy. . . '' Kevin warns.
She laughs. ''Doc! I have missed your nagging so much!'' Thenshe pauses.
''What about Nikolas? He thinks you're his uncle.''
''Nikolas and I have worked out a pretty goodrelationship.
Besides Tony told him that I might have some behavioralchanges.''
''Behavioral changes aside, I kind of miss your old face.''Lucy sighs wistfully. ''Not that I'm getting picky or anything, butit's strange seeing Stefan and talking to Kevin.''
''You're telling me?'' Kevin asks incredulously. ''I nearlyscare myself to death every time I look in the mirror!''
Lucy kisses him. ''Poor darling. You've been recycled intothis hideous monstrosity of a bod.''
''Very funny!'' Kevin huffs. ''When Stefan kissed you, youdidn't think it was such a turn on. In fact I think you mentionedsomething about dead fish?''
Lucy slaps his arm. ''Only because he wasn't you.''
Kevin lowers his head. ''And what about Luke?'' He shakes hishead. ''I'm sorry, I had no right to ask.''
''Yes, you do. Kevin, I hadn't made love to anyone since youdied. I never let any man get close to me. Luke and I were bothhurting, had been for a long time. We have always been friends. Butfor a short time we confused it with something else.''
''You don't have to justify yourself to me Lucy.''
''Damn right I don't.'' Lucy says. ''But I want to tell youhow it was and to tell you it's very much over. There's only room inmy life for one lover. One partner, one best friend and one truelove.'' She playfully pinches his butt. ''And you're it,sweetcheeks!!''
''Hey! That's sexual harassment!'' Kevin cries.
''Darn tootin', toots. Now get you're pretty little backsideinto that beach house and make me something to eat!'' Lucy growls.The two of them walk into the kitchen arguing over cooking. ''I neverasked you, about this house. It wasn't here last time.''
''I had it built for us.'' Kevin replies. ''Do you likeit?''
''I love it! I love this whole place.'' Lucy exclaims. ''Do weown the waterfront too? I've always wanted my own beach.''
''You own the whole thing, Lucy. It's all yours.''
''What do you mean?'' Lucy asks.
''Isla Patito is in your name.'' Kevin replies.
Lucy's eyes bug out of her head. ''YOU BOUGHT ME ANISLAND??!?!?!'' She shrieks.
''Don't you like it?''
Lucy flings herself across the room right into his waitingarms. ''I love it. I always have. Even during the storm!''
''Even when Katherine put a gecko on your purse?'' Kevin asksamused.
''Yup. Since I sewed a dead fish into the lining of hersuitcase.'' Lucy replies smugly. ''Took her three weeks to find it!''Her face falls. ''I guess those days are over. Do you think she andHelena will be tried by the time we get back?''
''I think so.'' Kevin replies kissing her. ''I love youLucy.''
''I love you Stefan,''
''Lucy. . . .''
''Mr. Stefan Collins?''
''Lucy. . . .''
''Kevin Cassadine the Ice Prince?''
''I am less than amused here.'' Kevin points out.
''I'm just trying them to find one I like.''
''LUCY! I Love You!''
''I love you too Doc.'' Lucy wraps her arms around his neckand kisses him into better humor.
Kevin kisses her back, knowing finally that he ishome.
Chapter 54
(24 Apr 1997)
''Honey, Can you get me a glass of lemonade?'' LoisCerullo-Maine-Ashton asked her hubby from the lounge chair on thedeck of their home.
Moments later Ned Ashton, A.K.A Eddie Maine walks out onto theporch barefoot, wearing low jeans and a white shirt. ''Here you gowife of mine.'' Ned croons in her ear.
''You treat me so good, Nedly.''
''Are you sure you want to go back?'' Ned asks his foreheadcrinkling in a frown.
''Lilah is sick, Ned. She needs us.'' Lois rubs her hand overher distended belly. ''Besides, Junior here is dyin' for some of Ma'shome cookin'''
''I am concerned about grandmother.'' Ned agrees.
''Besides, Brooke can meet the family. She's young enough tothink they're cute. You can go to board meetings.''
''Uh-uh.'' Ned grunts. ''I am going back for two reasons.Grandmother and you. No meetings, no fights, nothing.''
''Ned . . . you need to know what's going on in the family.''Lois says.
Ned glares at her like a stubborn child. His expressionmirroring Brooke's when faced with liver. ''Can't make me.'' Hewhines.
Lois gives up and laughs. ''Oh Nedly. I do love you.'' The twoembrace until a swift kick reminds Lois it's lunch time.
''Ok. Ok. Geez Junior! Take out a kidney or something!'' Nedjokes. ''How about some of the pasta salad I made last night?'' Heoffers
''Sounds fantastic!'' Lois enthuses. ''I still can't believeyou took cooking lessons!''
''I'm not too bad at it either.'' Ned remarks immodestly.''Except my soufflés never rise.''
Looking down at her stomach, Lois flashes a wicked grin.''Well, in some departments you always 'rise' to theoccasion.''
Ned kisses the tip of her nose. ''Very funny.'' he starts togo inside when he notices two figures coming up the path. ''Lucy!Stefan?'' Ned exclaims.
''Hi Ned! Lois! You guys look great Lucy enthuses. ''Stefanand I were actually in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop in andsee how you are.''
''Lucy!'' Lois struggles into a sitting position. With greatdifficulty she stands up and hugs the other woman.
Ned raises his eyebrow at Kevin. ''You were in theneighborhood?''
''Believe it or not, yes.'' Kevin replies.
''We've got a lot of hometown stuff to tell you, Lois!'' Lucyexclaims.
''Give me the scoop!'' Lois waves and arm. ''Sit down. Nedly?Can you get our guests something cool to drink? We were just going tohave lunch. Care to join us?''
Lucy hesitates. ''We wouldn't want to intrude.''
''There's plenty.'' Ned reassures her. ''Stefan? What can Iget you to drink?''
''Here, let me help.'' Kevin offers. the two men retire to thekitchen and the women sit on the porch gossiping untillunch.
Chapter 55
Date: 25 Apr 1997 2:22:36 PDT
Kevin and Lucy walk hand in hand down the beach after a longday spent with Ned and Lois. ''They look great don't they?''
''Who would have thought Ned Ashton would be a beach bum?''Kevin replies as they turn up the path to their own beach house. Onceinside, Kevin reaches for Lucy, but she side steps away.
''I need to go check on the boys.'' She hastily leaves theroom.
A few moments later Kevin is in the bedroom preparing to go tobed when Lucy comes in. ''Sound asleep. Both of them. You know, whenthey were tiny babies, it seems like they took turns sleeping. I wasawake all night.''
''Lucy?''
''Yes Doc?''
Kevin walks to her and pulls her tightly against his barechest. ''You're babbling.''
Lucy snuggles closer. ''I know.'' She sighs.
''Would it help if I told you I was nervous too?''
''Are you?'' Lucy asks hopefully.
Kevin considers it for a moment. ''Mmmm.... No. But I thoughtit might make you feel better if I said I was.''
''Ha. Ha. Ha.'' Lucy playfully punches him in the arm. ''I'mnot unsure about you, Doc. It's me. I love my boys more than anythingin the world, but they weren't exactly kind to my body.''
Kevin tilts her face to his. ''You are perfect. In fact I knowyou are more perfect now than ever before. Because I know that insidethis deceptively fragile looking body, you held, cradled andnourished our sons.'' He runs a hand up and down her spine. ''Add tothat the fact I love you, and add to that, the fact that you have thesexiest smile.''
''So you love me for my smile?'' Lucy kisses the underside ofhis jaw.
''Oh, Lucy. I love it when you do that.'' Kevin murmursappreciatively.
''What?'' She asks taking a small bite. ''This?''
Suddenly Kevin scoops her up in his arms and deposits her onthe bed.
''Why Kevin. . . you smooth talker.'' Lucy purrs.
''I aim to please.''
As he touches her and removes her clothing Lucy's laugh gets alittle more husky. ''I've always said you have superb aim.''
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
''Mom?''
Holly turns from the stove to find Raven standing next to her.''Hi honey! Want a cup of tea?'' She offers, sensing her daughter hassomething on her mind.
''Yeah. I was wondering. . . ''
''What Raven?''
''Are we going to stay here? I mean I kinda overheard you andDad fighting,''
''You mean you were eavesdropping.'' Holly reprimandsgently.
''No. You and Dad were just talking so loud Lucky and I couldhear you.''
''I want to stay mom. I like it here. I like Lucky, and Lu,and
Nikolas.'' Raven's eyes, so much like her father's beseechHolly.
Wrapping an arm around her, Holly looks into her daughter'seyes and sees Raven's fondest wish. A home of her own. A wish soclose to her own that Holly almost cries. ''Yes baby. We're going tostay here.'' Holly sighs, unable to deny her daughter orherself.
''Yes!'' Raven kisses her mother, and runs out. ''Luck! Guesswhat!? We're staying!''
''Good decision English.'' Luke says from thedoorway.
Holly sits in her chair and glares at him. ''Have I thankedyou for your contribution to Raven's gene pool?'' She asks. ''If notallow me to do so. She is the most single-minded, stubborn, unmovingchild that has ever lived. In other words, she is just likeyou.''
Luke winces at that last part.
''What did I say?'' Holly asks.
''Nothing English, it's just what Laura always says aboutLucky. And she didn't mean it as a compliment.''
Holly goes to him and sees the hurt in his eyes. ''I did. Itwas clumsily said though. What I meant to say was, thank youLuke.
Thank you for giving me the greatest joy I have ever known.Our child.'' She kisses his cheek on her way into the livingroom.
**~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
''We have to go back to Port Charles sometime.'' Kevin saysfrom under the covers.
''NO!'' Lucy cries in mock terror. ''Anything butthat!''
''Lucy, I'll even make and honest woman out of you.''
Lucy pulls the covers down from her face and looks at him.''Is that your idea of a proposal?''
Kevin gets out of bed. Pulls on his robe, and from the pocketremoves a black velvet box. Getting down on one knee he opens thebox. ''Lucy Coe, I love you with all my heart and both my lives. Willyou marry me?''
Her eyes a little misty, Lucy gets out of bed and throwsherself into his arms. ''What can I say? I'm an easy sell. I loveyou, Kevin. Both of you. All of you.'' She grins a watery grin. ''Iwould have said yes the first time.''
Kevin buries his face in her hair. ''Let's go home."