Episode 45
It's a cold morning in Breckenridge. The sky is gray and threatening, which is perfect weather for the reading of Joanna Harper's will. Paul and Tess are back home from their honeymoon to hear the reading. They are in the library of the Grimes mansion, along with Marcus and Ingrid and Presley Granger, Joanna's lawyer.
Presley: Is everyone ready for the reading?
Marcus: Yes, we are.
Presley: Alright then. (He opens up the will and begins to read).
I, Joanna Madeline Bennett Harper, being of sound mind and body at the time of the writing of this will, leave my home, my car, my bank accounts, and all of my assets to my son Paul William Harper. I have also provided a trust fund in the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars for Paul's future children, my grandchildren, to be given to them when they reach the age of 18. Finally, I leave my diamond rings, necklaces, watches, and all my other jewelry , worth seventy-five thousand dollas to Ingrid Grimes, as I know she will take good care of them.
(Presley looks up). That's it.
Paul: Everything goes to me? But what if I don't want the major parts of her estate?
Presley: Such as?
Paul: The house. You see, I plan to live with Tess at her house now that we're married. I have no need for the mansion.
Presley: You do have the option of selling it or raffling ot off.
Paul: Or giving it as a gift?
Tess: Paul, what are you thinking?
Paul: I have an idea.
Meanwhile, Lance and Eliza are at Doctor Hayes' office, looking at an ultrasound of their baby.
Dr. Hayes: Look. there's the head. And there's the arms, hands, fingers---
Eliza: It's beautiful, isn't it Lance?
Lance: Amazing.
Dr. Hayes: If you'd like, I can tell you what the sex of the baby is right now. Lance, Eliza, would you like to know?
Eliza: Absolutely. (To Lance) What do you think?
Lance: Sure, why not? It'll be easier for everyone to buy gifts.
Dr. Hayes: Okay. (Points to the monitor) See that area below the waist?
Eliza: Yes.
Dr. Hayes: What do you see.
Eliza: I don't see anything at all.
Dr. Hayes: Right. It's smooth down there, which means---
Eliza: I'm having a girl!
Dr. Hayes: Right again Eliza. A healthy baby girl.
Lance: Wow! A daughter.
Eliza: Deanna will be so happy to have a little sister.
Lance: She sure will. Listen Eliza, I'm going to get a cup of coffee. I'll be right back. (He leaves)
(Just as Lance walks out of the door, he comes face-to-face with Drennen Talbot).
Lance: Excuse me.
Drennen: Are you Lance?
Lance: I'm sorry, do I know you?
Drennen: I'm Drennen Talbot.
Lance: Drennen? Well, well, well. I've heard a lot about you.
Drennen: You have?
Lance: You're bad news Drennen. Stay away from Eliza and our baby.
Drennen: Why? Are you back together again?
Lance: No, but this isn't the time or place to discuss this. Anyway, my relationship with Eliza doesn't concern you.
Drennen: She talks about you all the time. And you keep blowing her off.
Lance: I already told you this doesn't concern you. Now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to get some coffee. When I come back, I expect you gone.
Drennen: Don't order me around. I've been taking a lot of crap from your family lately, and I'm sick of it. Your family has poisoned my wife and daughters' minds, thinking I'm some kind of lunatic. All I want is my family back!
Lance: Maybe you shouldn't have threatened you wife and turned her against you by trying to hurt Paul. So don't even blame my family for your jealousy. As for your daughters, they're old enough to think for themseleves, and it was their decision to go with their mother. Now it's time for this discussion to end. (He brushes past Drennen and stalks away).
Back at the Grimes mansion, Paul has called Kane, Valerie, Zoe, and Amaya into the library.
Paul: Thanks for coming.
Valerie: What did you want to talk to us about honey?
Paul: Joanna's will. More specifically her house. Since it's legally mine now, I get to do with it what I want. And I want to give it to you Mom, and Zoe and Amaya.
Valerie: Wait a minute. You want to give Joanna's house---your house---to me and the girls? To live in?
Paul: Yes. You deserve it. You can do whatever you want to it. Besides, I think it's fitting that you have her house. She had me, your child.
Kane: Paul, that's very generous of you to do that.
Paul: It's not a big deal. I'll be with Tess now.
Valerie (hugging her son): Paul, this is really very sweet! Are you sure you want to do this?
Paul: Of course. I don't want the house. It holds a lot of unpleasant memories for me. But you three can begin new and better memories.
Zoe: This means we can stay here with a home of our own.
Amaya: What about our old house?
Valerie: It wasn't our house to begin with. Everything was Drennen's. We can make arrangements to get our belongings, and we'll find jobs. You girls can to go college here.
Amaya: It's all so sudden, but I can't refuse it. Especially now that I have family here now. Thanks Paul! (She also hugs him, and Zoe gets him from behind).
Tess: My husband the hero.
Paul: I haven't forgot you Dad. Since I won't be at my condo anymore, I figured you could live there. Unless you want to stay right here.
Kane: That's incredibly kind, but I don't know---
Ingrid: Take the condo Kane. You need your own space. Think of this as an early Christmas gift.
Marcus: Do it. You've freeloaded long enough. (Grins mischeviously)
Kane: When you put it that way....I'll take your condo Paul. Thanks son. (He hugs him too).
Paul: Now that Santa Paul has delivered your presents, it's time for me and Tess to go to the diner. Loretta, Dorothy, and Larry are waiting to see us. See you all later.
Tess: Goodbye guys. (After goodbyes are exchanged, the two leave).
Marcus: Kane, Valerie, that's one fine man you two created.
Kane: I know. (Smiles at Valerie)
Valerie (Smiling back and thinking to herself): He is wondeful. Just like you Kane. Now that my daughters and I will be living here permanently, I can leave Drennen once and for all, and we can finally be together)....
End of Episode 45
Presley Granger was played by John McCormick and Dr. Hayes was played by Linda Dano.
Next on come nightfall....
Kane and Valerie share a kiss.
Wade asks Dorothy out.
A suprising alliance is formed.