It's another cold night in Breckenridge, and Fawn, Deanna, Tess, the Talbot Sisters, and Dorothy are at Cordelia's house, drinking soda and munching on veggies.

Tess: Cordelia it was a neat idea to have us sign up for this self-defense class. Ever since that nightmare with Quentin, Paul's been after me to do something like this.

Zoe: I like it because it's only one night a week.

Cordelia: Remember Zoe, it might save your life.

Deanna: Cordelia, when's Rosamond coming back?

Cordelia: She should be back tomorrow. She called before you all got here and she's been having the time of her life.

Dorothy: Yeah well if I was alone at a beachouse with a gorgeous hunk like Lance Grimes, I'd have the time of my life too! (Everyone laughs)

Amaya: Speaking of good times, I wonder how Mom and Kane are doing all alone.

Tess: I'm so happy for those two. I think it's wonderful finding love the second time around.

Kane and Valerie are sitting on the sofa in Valerie's living room snuggled up and drinking hot chocolate.

Kane: Now tell me again about this dinner party you want to have.

Valerie: I want the family over here for good food and good fun.

Kane: Need any help with the cooking?

Valerie: No, you just need to be here to eat.

Kane: You got it. (He kisses her).

Valerie: You know, when you came over here this afternoon and told me you were falling in love with me, I almost didn't believe it. It's my dream come true.

Kane: I was afraid to tell you because I thought if I took another chance at love something tragic would happen, like what happened with Gretchen.

Valerie: All we can do is not worry about it. Let's just enjoy what we have now okay honey?

Kane: Like I said before, you got it. So, when do you want to have this dinner?

Valerie: Oh, how about a few days after Valentine's Day?

Kane: That'll work.

Valerie: I love you.

Kane: I love you too. (He kisses her again).

At the Grimes mansion, Ingrid and Marcus are in the study. The radio is playing in the background. Ingrid holds up a baby romper, showing it to her husband.

Ingrid: Isn't this cute? I picked it up at Rhiannon's store. I like the little unicorn.

Marcus: I can't believe we're going to be grandparents, but I wish it were under better circumstances.

Ingrid: But this baby is going to bring a lot of love to our family, and she'll get it back three times as much.

Marcus: She'll be spoiled rotten Ingy. After all, she's a Grimes.

(Suddenly there's a loud crashing noise. Marcus stands up).

Ingrid: What was that?

Marcus: Maybe it's another cat that got in the house? (More banging sounds)

Ingrid: Cats wouldn't make noises that loud.....oh God! Marcus, what if it's that burglar we heard about on the radio?

Marcus: If it is, we'll be ready for him. (He goes to a drawer and pulls out a revolver). Call the police Ingy. I'm going to see what's going on.

Ingrid: Marcus be careful. (She picks up the phone and calls the police as Marcus goes out, gun in hand).

(Marcus slowly enters the living room. Moonlight is creeping in through the big bay widow, allowing him to see a dark figure overturning furniture. Marcus points his gun and turns on a light. The burglar freezes).

Marcus: Stay where you are or I'll shoot!

(The burglar stands still for a few seconds. Then Ingrid's voice cries out from the study. Marcus gets distracted, and the thief picks up a sofa pillow and hurls at Marcus. He falls, dropping the gun. The thief runs out through the back. Ingrid runs out to find her husband on the floor moaning).

Ingrid: Marcus! Marcus, are you all right? Please say something!

Next on come nightfall....

Eliza chooses her baby's godparents, and her substitute is named.

Lance and Rosamond return home only to learn about the break-in attempt.

Roark has an unpleasant encounter with Brody's dad, Victor Pearce.

THIS HAS BEEN COME NIGHTFALL

BY BREE PERRY

COPYRIGHT 2001