Chapter 4

Lynne was running late! She never dreamed that she could get THAT angry with someone. At this point she didn't even care if she saw Charlene again. She had to admit however that Charlene was good at deceiving.

Even with all her years of education and training on examining the human psyche, Lynne could not figure out what Charlene was up to. The only thing she DID know was that Charlene was hiding something from her and Lynne hated it when people did that.

Lynne was right outside her office when she heard a girl's voice, young and scared coming though the door. ''Oh boy.'' Lynne thought ''This one is going to be a potential handful.''

She opened the door and saw the most beautiful child sitting on the worn out faded blue couch and wondered if this was her appointment. ''No'' She thought, ''There must be some mistake.'' Outloud she said, ''you must be Danie Rose Hughes.''

The pretty girl said nothing, instead she looked towards the floor and did not acknowledge her mother's touch or Lynne's voice.

Knowing she would have better luck with the mother, Lynne tried again ''I take it your her mother?''

Dawn looked up and said, ''Yeah, I'm Dawn Hughes. This is Danie. She did not really want to come to see you, Dr. Chamberlain, I am really worried about her.''

''Call me Lynne, and I can see that you are worried. Danie, could you go wait outside for a bit, while me and your mom talk.''

Getting up to leave Danie took one look at Lynne and said, ''You're mean, I don't like you.'' and before Dawn could respond, Danie was out the door.

****~~~~****

''How's Lynne doing? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I understand if you want me to stay away from Lynne. Her mother certainly does.'' Ryan said.

Desi was beside herself with disbelief. She could not believe that Lucy and Ryan had an argument and that Ryan came out of it without a scratch. She looked at Kristen and Kristen nodded. Desi then looked back to Ryan and said, ''Lynne is fine.'' Then Desi did something that Ryan never expected. She smiled at him. This was a smile filled with understanding and hope.

''What was that for Desi? I mean after what I did to Lynne, you should--and I am surprised to say this--be furious with me and have the deepest desire to see me dead.'' Ryan said with a straight face.

Desi could not help it. She laughed. Obviously he did not know that she was in his and Lynne's corner the whole time. She wanted them back together, just as bad as Ryan did. ''You have the wrong sister. I NEVER said anything bad to you or hit you or anything. I went behind my sisters back and let you see your ex-wife when she lost Janelle.''

''You did WHAT?!?!'' Kristen interupted,''I gave you orders not to let that neanderthal within 50 feet of Lynne, because of her then emotional state! What in hell possessed you little sister? I want to know!''

Desi looked at Ryan and mouthed the words ''defend yourself''. Then she turned to Krissy and said, ''Girl, come on. You know that I was always in their corner. You KNEW that I would let Ryan in there whether you 'let me' or not! The truth is sister dear that if Ryan and Lynne were not together in that hospital room she might not have divorced Ryan or the neanderthal--as you call him--no offense Ryan--she never would have had the chance to evaluate her life.''

Ryan deciding that it was better for Kris to see his ''good'' side right now, hid his anger. Which was one of the only things he could thank his so called mother for teaching him how to do. So, with a plastered grin on his face he said,''Kevin told you that didn't he Des? And as for me being a neanderthal Kristen from you that is a compliment because I know you cannot stand me. But let me tell you something little girl, when--not if--WHEN me and Lynne get back together I am going to be around all the time. That is because she will want me to be and that is the ONLY thing that matters to me!''

****~~~~****

After Danie left the room, Lynne looked at Dawn, who had a look on her face that seemed sad and embarrased. ''Dr.--Lynne I hope you can help her. Me and Tony have tried everything we can think of but we have run out of options.''

Lynne sat next to Dawn and took her hands and told her in a soothing voice,'I will try everything in my power to help your daughter. But if I cannot help her, my brother in law who is also a psychiatrist here at GH might be able to help.''

Dawn grinned out of pure relief. Someone DID care about their daughter, just as much as she and Tony did. ''Please call me Dawn, when people call me Mrs. Hughes, it makes me feel older than I should. By any chance your brother in law the famous Kevin Collins?''

''Yes he is! He helped me when I was going through my divorce from his twin brother, Ryan Chamberlain, who happens to--'' Lynne started to say but Dawn cut her off.

''He is Danie's pediatrician! This is too weird. A husband and wife team helping my daughter. Who woulda thunk it?'' Dawn was just all aglow. She had heard about Lynne and Ryan's work. When she found out that they were moving to Port Charles, she knew exactly who she wanted to treat her daughter. Little did Dawn realize how those two choices about her daugher's care would change the life of Lynne and Ryan forever!

''Ex-husband. Maybe you didn't hear me the first time. Ryan and I are divorced. But enough about me and my social life, what do you want me to try to accomplish with Danie?''

''What I want is for you to bring my daughter out of her shell and be herself again.'' Dawn said as if it was obvious.

''That still is broad. What areas of herself would you like me to TRY to bring back? if she lets me in to her comfort zone that is. Don't worry about how she talks about me and how ''mean'' I might seem to her. It is a classic reaction that I have seen many times. It is normal for her age level. Is there anything you might have said that might have made her shut down emotionally from you and your husband?'' Noting Dawn's reaction she knew she had to explain why she was asking these questions. ''Dawn, I know you and I don't know each other that well and that I am asking personal questions but I have to figure out where to start with Danie!''

''She is adopted.''

''Pardon?''

''She was adopted right after birth by Tony and myself. We never told her about it. The other day me and Tony were discussing it and she must have over heard us.'' Dawn said.

''That is all I really need to hear. I know exactly how to approach her!'' Lynne grinned.

Kevin was still in shock about what Scott did to Lucy and how she was all right with it. He could not understand how quickly she seemed to ''forgive'' Scott Baldwin. But that was the last thing on his mind. He had a more important mission than worry about Lucy's relationship with a man that was, for all Kevin knew, half way around the world.

Picking up the phone he dialed a number and waited. He hoped Decker was at his suite at the PC hotel.

When Kevin told him his idea to surprise Lucy, Decker IMMEDIATELY jumped on board. In Decker's mind he thought he owed his cousin that much after what Charlene did to her.

''Hello?''

''Decker, it's Kevin. Are you alone?''

''Yeah, mother just went down to the PC Grille to talk to Lucy about somethings. She should not be back for a good half hour. What's up?''

''Do you think you can come over to the lighthouse and help me set up the little surprise I have in mind for Lucy? I want to give it to her tonight!'' Kevin said as he thought of the surprise he had planned.

''When is Lucy expected home? I am able to come over now if you want.'' Decker said.

''Whenever she and Charlene are done at the PC Grille. Did you get the non-alcoholic chardonnay? I hate to deprive my lover of her favorite drink but since she is pregnant she is going to have to settle for the fake stuff! I got the chocolate situation taken care of. I got dark, white, milk, light--''

''Kevin, shut up! You are starting to sound like Lucy! You must really be in love with her since you are beginning to sound just like her!'' Decker teased unable to resist the temptation.''Yes I got the chardonnay. I also got some bubble bath in the scent that I know she likes. She still likes vanilla and strawberry right?''

''Yeah, she does, but how did you--''

''How did I know? When she was pregnant with Lynne she used that scent all the time. I should know because I gave her the bubble bath and body wash as a gift when she found out she was carrying Danny's child.'' Decker said remembering the look on Lucy's face when he gave the gift to her. He can still see her reaction of surprise that someone actually cared about her and her unborn baby.

''Thank you for being so nice to Lucy during that time. From what she told me you were the only one in her corner during that.'' Kevin said.'' Now get over here and help me set up!''

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

''Thank you for meeting me Lucille.'' Charlene said testing the waters.''I know that you were mad at me for giving up Bethany-Lynne like that but honey it was for your own good. Child you were only 18 years old!''

''You STILL believe that I consented to have sex with Danny but the opposite is true. He forced himself on me and stole my innocence away from me. You should know that I would not make love unless I was ready! How dare you think that I would do something that at the time I didn't want to do?'' Lucy was livid.''And by the way I am NOT Lucille Monica any more, my name is Lucy. No one calls me Lucille any more!''

There was so much tension in the room that you could practically see the sparks flying between Lucy and her aunt. The one thing that was working to Lucy's advantage at keeping her temper was her unborn baby. She could NOT afford to loose control. Then it hit her she knew EXACTLY how to get Charlene back for what she went through thinking her oldest daughter was dead!

''You know there is something you need to know about me and Kevin.''

''What is it Lucil--Lucy?'' Charlene said.

''I am pregnant with his child and we are both happy. However, the only family that this baby will know is me, Kevin, Decker, Lynne and her sisters. But NEVER you! You do not deserve to be part of this child's life. Not after what you did to me and Lynne back in 1981. The only thing you will know about the baby is what Decker chooses to tell you. Understand?''

Charlene was dumbfounded. She did not believe her niece was acting so unreasonable. Curious, she called Lucy on it. ''What and why are you doing this? I don't understand why I deserve this.''

'Here we go!' Lucy thought,'Bring out the false innocence and get me to change my mind.' Lucy would be damned if she let her aunt con her in to changing her mind regarding letting Charlene get to know the baby growing inside her. No! She had to teach her aunt a lesson. Taking a deep breath Lucy calmly said,''Aunt Charlene, you took my baby away from me 21 years ago and you watch me grieve for a child I thought had died but you knew was very much alive. You did so much damage to me both emotionally and mentally that I cannot allow you back in my life right now. You may be a part of Lynne's life, but not mine. Maybe I will reconsider but it looks doubtful right now.''

Charlene looked like she had been slapped. Verbally she had been. Trying to control herself she looked right into Lucy's eyes and said,''Do you resent me that much? You do understand why I did what I did, right?''

Charlene had won! Lucy caved. Charlene then saw a look on Lucy's face she had never saw before. Defeat and exhaustion. She and Lucy both knew what really happened that night but Lucy was not ready to admit that it was the best for all involved. Then Charlene did something Lucy would never forget. She sat down on the sofa and sighing said,''Lucy if you REALLY want me to stay away from your unborn baby I will do it. But promise me you will think about changing your mind.''

Lucy started to cry. ''I cannot promise anything but I will think about it, alright? Don't get me wrong. I love you, but I don't want to be close to you right now. I am NOT saying that it will always be this way but for now it will have to be.'' The cell phone she was holding rang and she answered it.''Lucy Coe.''

''Hey beautiful lady whom I love.''

''Hi yourself sugar! What's up? Is something wrong?'' Lucy asked.

''Not much is up, but I miss you. I want you to come over to the lighthouse for dinner. You free?'' Kevin asked grinning for about the tenth time that day.

''Yes I am free. I will be over within the hour. And Doc?''

''Yeah''

''I love you.''

''I love you too! Hurry now!''

''Ta Doll.'' Lucy said and hung up. She turned to Charlene and told her she had to go but would think about what Charlene said.

~!~!~!~!~!~

While Dawn was getting Danie from the waiting room, Lynne decided to call up her adoption files that were given to her by Charlene the last time they met. She would try the ''I know where you are coming from'' routine with the seven year old and maybe get a tiny glimpse as to what was the problem.

Just then Danie slid in the room. Lynne could tell Danie was scared but did not let on that she knew. Instead she subtlely set down her file and waited to see Danie's reaction to it.

''What is that Dr. Chamberlain? Is that my file?'' Danie asked quite curious now as to what was in the file folder.

''No. I was just going through my adoption records. I just found my birth family and wanted to learn more about them.'' Lynne said watching Danie's face fall when she said the word 'adoption'.

''They didn't love me.'' Danie said in a small voice.

''Who didn't love you Danie Rose?'' Lynne asked knowing that Danie was thisclose to revealing what was bugging her. Lynne tried again.''Is the 'they' Dawn and Tony --your parents? Because from what I have seen they adore you Danie.''

''Not them.'' Danie said looking up and looking right at Lynne.''My real mommy and daddy did not love me so they gave me away.'' Danie was in tears and Lynne could not help it she went over to Danie and held her while she cried.

''I think that your parents loved you soo much that they wanted to give you something that they couldn't. A home and support. What are you are feeling is normal Danie. I was that way when I found out I was adopted. My mother was young when she had me and her aunt knew it and gave me up for adoption.''

!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!

Kevin opened the door and looked at Lucy. ''Right on time.'' Standing back when she entered, he went up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist as she surveyed the room. ''Doc.....'' The lights were off, and the room seemed to swim from the light of the numerous candles he had placed on the tables.

''Is that all?'' His voice whispered in her ear, and she could feel his lips against her neck.

Pulling his arms tighter around her, she shook her head slightly. ''It's beautiful.''

They stood there, holding each other for a moment. Finally, Kevin pulled away. ''I need to get dinner.''

Lucy went to the table, staring at the elaborate setting Kevin had laid out for her. When the kitchen door opened again, Kevin appeared, carrying their plates.

''Sit down.''

As he placed the plates on the table, she stared at him and shook her head. ''I get the feeling this is leading up to something.....''

''Me? Ulterior motives?'' He tried, but failed to look innocent.

Smiling, she went to him. He tried to avoid her, but she took his hands and looked in his eyes.

''Give it up, the 'nothing up my sleeve' act doesn't work.''

''Well, not with you.'' He sighed.

''That's part of why I love you so much. You can see right through me.''

He squeezed her hands gently for a moment before walking away from her. ''I was going to wait until after dinner, but I can't hide anything from you.''

''What?'' Now she was worried. ''Doc, what is it?''

He saw the look on her face. ''Nothing bad, at least I hope it isn't bad. I mean, I've been thinking about it, I know we haven't talked about it, but I was thinking about it, and I thought I should just come out and say it and see what happens, you know? I mean-''

''Kevin,'' She went to him, staring into his eyes. ''Talk to me. What is it?''

Taking her into his arms, he kissed her. She returned his kiss, tasting what had to be the sauce on the pasta on his lips. Smiling, she leaned back a little. ''You've been sampling in the kitchen.''

He laughed. ''Well, I had to make sure it was right.'' Kissing her again, he surrendered his mouth to her exploration.

After a moment, she sighed. ''It's delicious, but I like the way you taste better.''

Gently, she kissed his chest, just above the line of his shirt. Her lips trailed along his skin until she was nibbling on his neck.

''Lucy....'' He whispered into her hair as he pulled her to him. ''There's this matter of dinner......''

''I'm sure we can keep it warm.'' Smiling, she wrapped her arms around him. ''There's nothing wrong with starting with dessert.'' Her lips met his again and she let him know how badly she wanted him.

With a small sigh, he gave in to the effect she was having on him. Pushing him into a chair, she stood between his legs and leaned her body against him. The feel of her against him, her lips on his, her hands running through his hair almost made him forget what he wanted to say to her.

Finally, he leaned back from her, reaching for her face gently. ''Lucy, this can't wait. At least I can't. I need to know.... I wanted to......''

''I love you. You know that.'' She kissed him again.

''No, that's not it.'' He shook his head. ''Well, yes, I know that. I love you, too. That's part of it. Most of it, actually, I mean....'' He sighed. ''I've been trying to think of a way to do this, and I thought I had it all worked out, exactly what I was going to say, what I hoped you'd say-''

''Doc!'' She stared at him, beginning to worry again. ''Whatever it is, just say it. What's wrong?''

''Nothing's wrong. I just....'' Sighing, he placed his face against her.''I had a plan for tonight.''

''What?'' Touching him softly, she pulled his hair away from his face. ''Kevin, please..... what is it? Did I do something?''

''No.'' He almost laughed. ''Well, I hope you will.''

Shifting her so he could reach into his pocket, Kevin reached for her again. ''I had this whole speech prepared, you know. All planned down to the last detail. Now.... now I just want to say it.''

''WHAT?!'' She started to pull away, but he held her waist with one hand.

''I love you. I know you love me, but what I don't know is how ready you are to take the next step with me.''

''Next step?'' A brief look of almost fear crossed her face. ''What do you mean?''

''I mean, I want to take the next step, and I hope you feel the same way.''

''Doc, you have to tell me what you're talking about. I don't.......'' Her voice trailed off when she saw the ring in his hand.

''So much for speeches.'' He shrugged, staring into her eyes. ''Lucy, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Going to sleep with you in my arms, waking up with you against me. I want to marry you. The question I have is, do you want to marry me?''

Her jaw literally dropped and she stared at him. The look on her face scared him.

''If you're not ready, I understand. I mean, you're here, and that's enough for me right now, I can-''

Lucy cut his words off by grabbing him and kissing him. The force of her body hitting his tipped the chair back, and he had to grab the table to keep them from falling over. Finally, he pushed her slightly away from him. ''That means…..?''

She began to cry. ''It means yes. I love you. I just didn't think you were ready.''

Standing, he pulled her into his arms and crushed her against him. ''I wasn't sure you were. I've been thinking about this for a while now.''

Softly at first, she kissed hislips. ''I…I had no idea you were even considering it. Are you sure?''

Taking her hand, Kevin slid the ring on her finger. ''Positive.''

Tonight, I celebrate my love for you
It seems the natural thing to do
Tonight, no one's gonna find us
We'll leave the world behind us
When I make love to you

Reaching for him, Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. As his lips trailed down her neck, she looked over his shoulder at the ring on her finger and smiled. Running her fingers through his hair, she turned her head and met his lips with her own. Kevin opened his mouth to her and she gave him her tongue briefly before drawing his into her mouth.

Tonight, I celebrate my love for you And hope that deep inside you'll feel it too
Tonight our spirits will be climbing To a sky lit up with diamonds
When I make love to you, tonight

Pulling away from her for a moment, Kevin smiled. ''Last chance.... dinner?''
''Later.'' Lucy reached for him again. ''I want you first.'' Unbuttoning his shirt, she placed her hands against his chest and ran them over his bare skin.

He reached behind her, unzipping her dress to gain access to the soft silky material underneath. Sighing, Lucy moved away from him to allow her dress to fall to the floor around her feet while she finished undressing him. With only the lace on her body separating them, the held on to each other and ran their hands over each other's bodies.

Tonight, I celebrate my love for you And the midnight sun is gonna come shining through
Tonight, there will be no distance between us
What I want most to do is to get close to you
Tonight

Taking his hands, Lucy led him to the sofa. Lying beneath him, she ran her hands along his arms while they traveled the length of her body. Never breaking the contact between their lips, Kevin pulled at the stubborn material she was wearing.

Finally, he stood, pulling her with him. ''This isn't working.'' Smiling against her neck, he yanked the blanket off the back of the sofa and pulled her to the floor with him in front of the fireplace. Before she could lay next to him, he ripped the thin negligee from her body. The sight of her standing in front of him made his breath catch in his throat.

''What?'' She whispered.

''You.'' His voice was barely audible. He took her hands. ''You're beautiful.''

Smiling, she kneeled in front of him.

Tonight, I celebrate my love for you And soon this old world will seem brand new
Tonight we will both discover how friends turn into lovers
When I make love to you
Tonight

When she reached for him, he pulled against him, lying her down on the floor. His hands traveled over her, wanting to touch every inch of her. As his lips caressed her skin, Lucy looked at the fire in the fireplace and smiled. The fire paled in comparison to the heat she felt on her skin where he was touching her. ''Doc.....'' She reached for him, gently urging him to move on top of her.

Staring into her eyes, Kevin slid gently over her and took her hands as he began to make love to her. Lucy arched her back to him, moaning softly. Her hands squeezed his and she kissed him, nearly devouring him as every muscle tensed and she whispered against his lips. ''I love you. I love you.''

Tonight I celebrate my love to you
And the midnight sun is gonna come shining through
Tonight there'll be no distance between us
What I want most to do, is to get close to you

His breathing grew rapid as he answered her. ''I love you, Lucy, I love you so much.''

Unable to hold back any longer, he pressed his body harder against her and buried his face in her hair. Releasing her hands, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly while the tremors in his body subsided.

Her hands trailed across his shoulders, gently tracing the skin within her reach. ''I can't believe this... I mean, you really want to marry me?''

Kevin smiled as her eyes searched his for the answer. ''Yes, Lucy. I meant every word of it. I love you, and I want to marry you.''

Tears came to her eyes, and she reached for him again. ''I never thought I'd ever be this happy in my life, you know? I'd pretty much given up on anyone ever making me feel this way. Or feeling this way about me.''

''Stop it.'' His fingers traced her features, gently wiping the tears from her face. ''You make me feel more alive than I ever thought possible. How could I not love you with everything you showed me I have inside? You're the one that made me realize I was capable of feeling this way.''

She smiled, pulling him to her again. His mouth met hers and they moved together, eager to explore the intense passion between them.

Tonight, I celebrate my love for you
Tonight

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