Eliza has just had her baby daughter and Lance and the Grimes family are gathered around the bed. Deanna is with them videotaping. Eliza is holding the baby.

Roark: Wow look at her! I can't believe I'm an uncle.

Marcus: Our first grandchild. It's so exciting.

Ingrid: Have you decided on a name yet?

Eliza: Yes. Lance and I have named her Melissa Claire.

Ingrid: Oh, that's a lovely name!

Lance: Her last name will be Grimes. That's how it's going to read on the birth certificate.

Eliza: Lance, I want you to call Rosamond and tell her Melissa is here.

Lance: Okay. I'll call her from the pay phone. (He leaves)

Eliza: Roark, would you take the video camera? I want Deanna to hold her new little sister. (Roark takes the camera and begins taping Eliza handing Melissa over to Deanna. Everybody watches as Deanna cradles the baby).

Deanna: Welcome to the world baby sister. We've been waiting for you.

Lance is on the pay phone in the hall of the maternity ward calling Cordelia and Everett's house. After a few rings, Cordelia answers.

Cordelia: Hello?

Lance: Cordelia, it's Lance.

Cordelia: Lance hi. Did Eliza have the baby?

Lance: Yes, about twenty minutes ago. Everyone is in the room.

Cordelia: Congratulations. Does she have a name?

Lance: It's Melissa. May I speak to Rosie?

Cordelia: All right, hold on. (A few moments later, Rosamond is on).

Rosamond: Hello Lance. Cordelia told me Eliza had the baby. I'll bet she's beautiful.

Lance: She is. Are you going to come down tonight to see her?

Rosamond: I don't think that's a good idea Lance.

Lance: Sweetheart, what's going on? You've been acting strange lately and I want to know what's wrong.

Rosamond: Now is not the time to talk about it.

Lance: Baby, tell me what's the matter. I love you and if you have a problem tell me. Please Rosie.

Rosamond (sighing): Lance, it's over between us. You need to be with Eliza and the baby, and don't try to talk me out of leaving you.

Meanwhile, Valerie Talbot is sitting at her kitchen table, going over a grocery list for her dinner party. Kane Garrett quietly approaches from behind and bends down to kiss her forehead. Valerie turns around and smiles.

Valerie: Hi honey. I was just going over my list of what I need for tomorrow.

Kane: Did you put earplugs on there?

Valerie: Earplugs? What for?

Kane: We are having live entertainment right?

Valerie: So?

Kane: If it gets a little too live, then we'll have protection.

Valerie: Why you---oooh! (She playfully slaps his leg) My daughters are very talented. I can't believe you said that!

Kane (laughing): I had you there for a second sweetie. (He grabs her chin and kisses her) It's going to be fun. Paul called me and he told me he and Tess are looking forward to tomorrow evening. And Eliza had her baby girl.

Valerie: That's fantastic. It's about time your family had a little happiness for a change.

Back to Lance at the hospital pay phone.

Lance: It's over? Rosie, please tell me what you said isn't true!

Rosamond: I mean it Lance, it's over. You have to be with Eliza and your daughter. I would just be in the way.

Lance: No you won't baby, because I've already told Eliza you will be a part of our daughter's life, and she's accepted that. Nothing will change honey.

Rosamond: I'm sorry Lance but I don't believe you. Things won't be the same anymore.

Lance: I'm coming over there right now.

Rosamond: Don't. You have a baby now, and she is your number one priority. We'll talk about this later, but don't expect me to change my mind.

Lance (beginning to cry): I love you! Oh God, oh God, please don't walk away from me! (Heavy sobs)

Rosamond: Lance, please don't cry. It's killing me to do this. You know how much I love you too. Just go back and celebrate your new little miracle. Give everybody my love. Goodbye Lance.

Lance (whispering): I love you Rosie. I'll love you forever. (Rosamond hangs up the phone. Lance hangs up his phone, then stares at it for a bit. He turns around, tears streaming down his face). Rosie! I'll get you back. Whatever it takes, I'll get you back.

Next on come nightfall:

Rosamond gives into a moment of weakness.

Russell and Wade find something interesting while investigating the break-ins.

THIS HAS BEEN COME NIGHTFALL

BY BREE PERRY

COPYRIGHT 2001