OUTSIDE THE HARBOR CLUB--SAME DAY

DAVID is holding onto CINDY'S arm, as tears stream down her face. LORNA is facing them, her arms crossed over her chest.

CINDY
Lorna, I don't want you to think I'm making excuses--

LORNA
For Gabe's death? There IS no excuse. I don't want to hear what you have to say.

CINDY
I held him....(her voice is breaking as she cradles her arms, almost as though holding a baby)....I held him in my arms....he was so pale....white...and there was so much blood. So much--

LORNA
(fighting tears)
Cindy, I don't want to hear this!

CINDY
I have to tell you....I have to tell you that he loved you! That it wasn't my fault!

LORNA
(screaming at this point)
I KNEW that Gabe loved me, Cindy! You were the one who couldn't accept that! YOU were the one who tried to trick him and keep him away from me, and YOU are the one responsible for his death! Gabe would have loved his daughter, he would have ADORED her! Just like he adored Sam and Sarah!

CINDY
Don't bring my sister into this....

Lorna's gone past the point of being rational and she's speaking in a loud whisper.

LORNA
Were you there when they died, too? Were you holding them in your arms, holding them tightly? Were you listening to them cry your name in pain? Did you feel like someone had taken away your life without actually killing you? Do you wake up with nightmares, Cindy? Do you see his face in your dreams?

CINDY
Lorna, stop this--

LORNA
(continuing as if Cindy never spoke)
Does your heart beat faster when you think of the way he used to look at you? Does your pulse speed up, your hands get sweaty, your mind starts racing....does the guilt overtake you?

Lorna doesn't notice that CASS and LILA have walked up behind her, but Cindy stares at them, wide-eyed.

LORNA (cont'd)
Do you hear him speak your name? Do you hear him, Cindy? Do you hear him ask you why you did it? How you could leave a child fatherless? (her voice rises in pitch) How could you, Cindy? That's all I've wanted to ask you, these two years. How COULD YOU?

DAVID
(Takes Cindy's hands)
We're not staying here to listen to this. Come on, Cindy. (To Lorna) Miss, I hope you're satisfied.

LORNA
Far from it. Not even close.

As she turns around to watch David lead Cindy away from the restaurant, she sees Cass and Lila standing behind her. She shakes her head, running her hands across her cheeks to wipe the tears away.

CASS
I'd say welcome back to town, but it looks like you just had a rude welcome.

LORNA
I'm sorry you had to hear that. Hi, Cass.

She hugs him and he smiles at her.

CASS
I'm guessing we came in on the tail end of that.

LORNA
It had to happen at some point. I just wish I hadn't let myself get so emotional with her.

LILA
With Cindy Harrison? The girl screams instability. You can't help but be emotional with her.

CASS
Lorna, I'd like you to meet someone very special. This is Lila, my wife. Lila, this is Felicia's daughter, Lorna Devon.

LORNA
(Eyes widening in surprise)
Your wife? That's right! My mother told me about your wedding! I'm so sorry I missed it! (She and Lila shake hands) It's so nice to meet you.

LILA
(Aside to Cass, grinning) Are you sure she's FELICIA'S daughter and she doesn't think I'm the devil spawn?

CASS
I told you, Felicia loves you now.

LORNA
(laughing)
My mother said some wonderful things about you. I've been looking forward to meeting you.

LILA
(Teasingly)
You're my new best friend, honey. And actually, I'm STARVED. Can we go inside and continue this over lunch?

CASS
I think that's a wonderful idea. Shall we, ladies?

He holds out an arm to each of them, and they walk inside the Harbor Club

The HERALD, JAKE'S OFFICE-SAME DAY

JAKE is in his office at the Herald. He picks up his phone and begins to dial. Cut to VICKY at Brava. Her cell phone rings.

VICKY
Hello?

JAKE
Hi, honey.

VICKY
Oh, good. Just the voice I needed to hear.

JAKE
How's the first day on the job?

VICKY
I just had my first run in with Amanda.

JAKE
And?

VICKY
We're talking about Amanda. It was terrible.

Jake starts to laugh.

VICKY
What's so funny?

JAKE
I tried to tell you this was a bad move.

VICKY
Well, how are things going on your end, wise guy?

JAKE
Just fine, thank you. Lorna's perfect for the position, just like I thought she'd be. I was calling to remind you about Sharlene and John's party tonight at the farm. Do you still feel up to it?

VICKY
Definitely. I'll just meet you there.

JAKE
Okay. I love you.

VICKY
Love you, too.

They hang up and we:

FADE OUT

BAY CITY POLICE STATION--SAME DAY

GARY
You're telling me you would be okay with adopting a child?

JOSIE
Yes, of course. As long as we get to raise a child...that's all I want.

GARY
I really did love Rain.

JOSIE
We both did.

GARY
J, I just wish that we could have one of our own.

JOSIE
A child we adopt WILL be our own. There are plenty of children out there who need good, loving parents - and I can't think of a better father than you.

GARY
(Laughing).
Or a better mother than you.

They kiss.

JOSIE
So, it's settled then? I'll call Cass in the morning. Maybe he can recommend a good adoption attorney for us.

GARY
In the mean time...

JOSIE
Gary, we're in public.

GARY
So, lets go home.

JOSIE
We have that party to go to, remember?

GARY
Skip the party.

JOSIE
(Laughing).
Why don't you go home? I have a few more things to do, then I'll meet you. That should give us a good hour before we have to leave for Mama's.

GARY
I'll be waiting.

Gary kisses Josie and leaves as we:

FADE OUT