Chapter 1
June 2019

Lucky stood outside of Kelly's thinking that some things never change. But when he opened the door and saw the beautiful young girl before him he realized some things definitely do.
"Laina?" Liz called as she walked out of the back. "Laina, are you --" the words died on her lips as soon as she saw him.
"Hi Liz," he croaked out, smiling and wanting to hold her more than he'd wanted anything in his life.
"Lucky," she greeted him curtly. "C'mon, Laina, we have to go," she said, grabbing her hand and practically yanking her out the door.
As the name Lucky sank into her brain and she realized who this man was, Laina looked back at him. Her mind was whirling with the confusion and shock of seeing her real father for the first time in years. And realizing that she didn't feel a thing for him.

Lucky flopped in a chair as soon as they were gone. That was his daughter. She was so beautiful, so grown-up. She'd been so little when he last saw her. And she was so much like her mother. Liz. God, she was still so beautiful. It was impossible to tell she'd had two children; she was still in perfect shape and his body ached from wanting her so badly. He ran his fingers through his hair, wondering how he could ever get her back from the Quartermaine millions.

Liz sat in the car shaking, on the verge of tears.
"Mom -- was that --" Laina couldn't even get the words out.
"Yeah," Liz said in a trembling voice.
"Why'd he come back?" Laina asked quietly.
"I don't know and it doesn't matter," she said as she started the car and drove away.

"Well, well, Spencer long time no see," Carly said as she walked over and poured Lucky a cup of coffee before sitting down across from him.
"What made you come back?" She stared him dead in the eye as she asked her questions. "You here to turn their lives upside down again?"
Lucky was unable to meet her gaze.
"No, I just--" I just want to get them back. And I'll do anything to make that happen, he thought to himself. "I just wanted to see her -- Laina, I mean," he added quickly, not wanting to look like the fool that he was.
"Yeah right," Carly said with a sigh as Lucky stared off into space.
"So why now?" Carly asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
"Huh?" Lucky said as he was startled back to reality.
"Why now? Where'd the sudden urge to see your kid come from? I mean, you've only been gone since she was five. Why wait until she's almost eleven? Where've you been for the last five years?"
Lucky sighed heavily, staring into his coffee cup. "I don't know. I really don't. I mean, what can I say to her? 'Sorry I missed your childhood, I was too busy being drunk and depressed over your mother ditching me for Quartermaine'?"
"Well, I guess that's a start. And she wouldn't have ditched you for AJ if you hadn't acted like such a complete jerk."
"Oh and how was I supposed to act? She cheated on me, Carly. You know how important honesty and loyalty are to me!"
"Lucky --"
He held up a hand. "I don't want to talk about it. It happened a million years ago and I should've done things differently but it's too late. All I want to do now -- is start over."
She nodded. "And you do want her back, don't you?"
He nodded, looking thoroughly morose. "More than I've ever wanted anything. It obviously won't be easy though."
"Well -- good luck, I guess. You got a place to stay?"
"There's no one in the apartment over Luke's, is there?"
"No, no one's lived there for years. It's probly disgusting in there, you sure you don't wanna come to the penthouse?? Or maybe call your folks?"
"Nah, the place over Luke's was fine when I was 19, it'll be fine now."
"Okay, see ya later then."
He gulped down the rest of his coffee and then waved as he walked out the door and to his car.

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Chapter 2

Emily Quartermaine Stewart looked up from where she was playing on the floor with her son and nephew as Liz walked into the house, her face streaked with tears and a dazed look on her face. Laina was behind her, looking about the same, minus the tears.
"Liz! What happened? Did you have an accident?"
Liz shook her head, not trusting her voice. Steve jumped up and ran to his mother with all the four-year-old energy he possessed. He threw his arms around her legs, happily yelling, "Mommy, Mommy!"
She reached down and picked him up, hugging him close to her. Then she actually laughed as she saw the big kool-aid mustache on his face. He patted her face as she looked at him, looking at the blue eyes that were so much like his father's. He looked so much like her in every other way, but the eyes were all AJ. With a sigh, she kissed his head and put him back down and started walking towards her room.
"Liz?" Emily called after her. "Where are you going?"
"Oh, just to lie down....." Liz called back in a distracted tone.
Emily looked at Laina. "What happened?"
Laina shrugged, not wanting to talk about it. "I guess you'll have to talk to her."
"Well, I will then. Will you keep an eye on the boys?"
"Yeah, sure," Laina said, flopping on the couch.

Emily knocked softly on the partly opened bedroom door.
"Liz? Can I come in?"
Liz was lying down on her stomach on the bed, twisting the ring AJ had given her the day Steve was born around her finger. She lifted her head and looked back at the door.
"Sure, I guess so," she said as she sat up.
Emily sat down beside her. "What's wrong, Liz? You thinking about AJ again?"
Liz smiled ruefully. "I wish that was my only problem." Seeing Emily's confused look, she hastened to explain. "Not that I don't miss him, I do. So much. Every day and --" her eyes looked dreamy "-- every night. I can't believe he's been gone for a month already."
"I know. I miss him too, not the way you do, I know, but still --"
"It's just not fair!" Liz practically yelled as she finally broke down and started crying. She put her head in her hands and sobbed.
"I know. It's never fair when someone so young dies," Emily said, rubbing her back, trying to comfort Liz.
They sat silently for a minute lost in their own memories of the brother, father, friend, lover, "husband" who was gone. Then Emily broke the silence.
"But if it's not AJ, then what happened today to make you so upset?"
"Guess who decided to walk back into my life today?"
"I have no idea --" and then it hit her. "Oh my God," she whispered. "Lucky?"
"Give the lady a prize," Liz said sarcastically. "Not that I think he's here because of me, I mean this is his home too but --" Liz started babbling.
"Oh Liz. It's okay, I understand. But you know, most likely it does involve you. I just wonder why now?? He sure does have good timing huh?" Emily said half sarcastically.
Liz slapped Emily on the arm and tried not to laugh. "That's not funny. But I don't know why he's here either, and I really don't care."
"Yes you do. How did you feel when you saw him?"
"I don't even know. It was a split second and then I walked out of Kelly's. I couldn't even bear to look at him."
"So what are you going to do?"
"Nothing. This is his game. It's up to him now."

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Chapter 3

Liz clicked off the TV she'd barely been watching and walked down the hall to the bedrooms. She stopped in Steve's room first and, finding him asleep, kissed his forehead, adjusted his blanket and continued down the hall to Laina's room. She was still sitting up, reading.
"Bedtime, sweetie."
"But mom --"
"No buts. Go to bed."
"Okay, okay."
"Thank you." She walked over to the bed and Laina held her arms out for a hug. "I love you."
"I love you too mom." She looked troubled and then said in a rush, "I'm sorry about today."
"Oh, honey, it's not your fault. Your father has always been pretty unpredictable. It'll be okay."
"Okay," she said in a small voice.
Liz smiled reassuringly. "It will be, I promise."
She nodded sleepily.
"Good night, Laina."
"Night, mom."
Liz turned out the light and walked to her own bedroom. Oh God, she thought. How am I going to keep that promise?? What does Lucky have in mind for us? What does he WANT?? AJ, why'd you have to leave me?? It's not fair!!!
Tears filling her eyes, Liz went over to AJ's dresser, pulling out his favorite T-shirt. She held it close, inhaling the familiar scent. She undressed, pulled the T-shirt over her head and crawled into bed, hugging AJ's pillow, missing him terribly, aching for his arms around her, and remembering the last night they'd spent together.

*****One month earlier*****

Liz snuggled deeper into AJ's arms as he continued talking about the business trip he was leaving on in the morning.
"It'll only be a few days, I'll be home before you know it."
"I know, I know. It's just I hate it when you have to go away," she said as she rolled over to face him. "The kids hate it too. And I'll miss you."
He kissed her forehead. "Well, maybe you ought to give me a reason to hurry back," he said with a sly grin.
"I think I can manage that," she whispered against his lips before she kissed him.
AJ rolled on top of her, never breaking the kiss and gently entered her.

****************************
Liz came back to reality with a start. Her body ached from wanting to feel AJ next to her, inside of her, to taste him one more time. The memories were more than Liz could handle and she cried herself to sleep still holding onto AJ's pillow.
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Chapter 4
About a week later

Liz was relaxing on her couch, enjoying a rare moment to herself. It was her day off, Laina was with her cousin Anna and Steve was with Alan and Monica, his adoring grandparents who doted on him even more since his father's death. Then the doorbell rang, shattering her piece and quiet. With a sigh, she got up to answer the door. To her shock, Lucky was standing there.
"Hi," he said softly.
"What do you want?" she said tiredly.
"I just wanted to see you, talk to you." Hold you, kiss you, never let you go again, he thought, finishing the sentence in his head.
"So talk."
"Can I come in? Or is Quartermaine here?"
She sighed. "If you must. And no, AJ's not here."
He hesitated still. "He won't be coming back anytime soon, will he?"
"He's dead," she said, biting off the words that were still hard to say. "So don't worry, he's never coming back," she added, trying to mask the difficulty with sarcasm.
She avoided his shocked gaze but in the brief second that their eyes met he could plainly see all the hurt and pain and grief that haunted her. He longed to take her into his arms and comfort her, but he wisely suspected that she wouldn't like that very much. So he just muttered "I'm sorry" as he went to sit on the couch.
She sighed. "Thanks," she said in a half-sarcastic tone, as she sat down in an armchair. "What happened? When?"
"The ELQ jet crashed a month ago. He and the pilot were both killed instantly." She forced herself to hold back tears as she focused her eyes on Lila's ring, shining brightly on her left hand. Aside from Steven himself, she considered it her most tangible reminder of AJ. "Look, I really don't want to talk about it. Can you just say what you have to say and get out of here?"
He ran his hands through his hair. "Yeah, I guess that was pretty insensitive, huh?"
"Yeah, well, anyway." She stared at him. "So talk already."
He sat looking at his feet, his hands, anything but Liz. "I don't even know where to start," he said at last finally meeting her gaze.
"How about with where you've been for the last five years?? And why you abandoned Laina? She doesn't even remember you. She doesn't even consider you her father!" Liz yelled and the blow hit home. She could see the hurt in Lucky's eyes.
"You wanna know where I've been? I've been in hell, Liz. I've missed you and Laina more than you could possibly know or understand. And you didn't seem to miss me too much either. You seemed pretty damn happy with Quartermaine!"
"We did miss you. But you pushed US away, it wasn't the other way around! And don't you dare come in my house and yell at me!" Liz stood and Lucky saw she was shaking with rage. Then her voice softened a little. "You could've come home sooner, why didn't you?"
"I don't know!" he said sadly.
"Do you know anything?" she asked sarcastically.
"Yes, actually, I do. I know I love you. I know I want to get a chance to know our daughter. And I know I want to be able to make everything up to you, to both of you."
"That's a nice thought, Lucky, but it's not that simple. AJ is gone. I'm not over that. And Laina just lost the man she considers her father. That's a lot to handle at her age, especially when it's the second time it's happened to her." She looked at him pointedly.
"Look --" he sighed and stood up, beginning to pace. "I'm not asking for a lot. All I want is to know her, to know who she is. And I'd like for us to at least be friends." He stopped in front of her and looked her in the eye, he went to reach out for her, but his hand stopped in mid air.
"Lucky -- I don't know what to tell you. Whether Laina wants to see you is up to her. I won't force her into anything she doesn't want to do. And as for me -- Lucky, I'm sorry. You know I hate to hurt you, but right now I still love AJ."
He nodded slowly, forcing himself to hold back tears. "Okay. Okay. If that's how you feel, then I can respect that. But please -- ask her."
"I will."
"Okay. Call me, okay? I'm staying at the apartment over Luke's. You know the number."
She nodded as he walked towards the door, not looking back because he didn't want her to see him cry.
Liz flopped down on the couch and began to cry. Thousands of thoughts and feelings rushed through her mind. There were so many questions she just didn't know the answers to. She began to wonder if, maybe, just maybe, she could ever love Lucky again, but then quickly pushed the thought away out of respect for AJ.

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Chapter 5
the next afternoon

Lucky was lying on his couch, aimlessly flipping channels when there was a knock at the door. Grumbling, he got up to answer it. But a huge grin spread across his face at the sight of his little sister -- well, not so little anymore, considering she was almost 25 -- standing there and he swept her up into his arms, spinning her around.
"Lulu! What are you doing here?" he asked as he put her down.
"Well, I thought I'd come visit my long lost big brother since he didn't have the courtesy to come see me."
"Yeah, well, I had a lot of thinking to do. I've barely been back a week. And you haven't been in town anyway."
"So? We've been back for two full days now. You could've at least called."
"I guess. How'd you find out I was home anyway?"
"We had dinner with mom and dad last night."
"Oh. So how's married life treating you?"
"Fine. And how are you?"
"Been worse. But could be better."
"I bet. You seen Liz?"
"Yeah, yesterday."
"She's been a mess for the last month. But I guess you knew about AJ, right?"
"No, I had no idea. I'm still trying to decide if it makes things easier or harder."
"What?"
"Lu, I want her back. I have this whole time, I was just -- scared, I guess -- to come back. And now, well, Quartermaine may not be a physical presence anymore, but he's definitely a presence."
Lu nodded slowly in understanding.
Lucky laughed ironically. "I can't believe I'm competing with a ghost."
Lu smiled. "It'll work out, Luck. You and Liz were meant to be."
"I sure hope she knows that."

--at Kelly's, later that night--

Carly flipped the sign on the door to the "closed" side and turned around and just looked at Liz who was wiping down a table. After several minutes, Liz finally looked up.
"What? Do I have something on my face or something?"
"Yeah, a dazed look that's been there since the minute you walked in today. What's up?"
Liz looked back down at the table and began to scrub at it furiously. "Nothing."
"Whatever," Carly scoffed. "I know you better than that."
Liz sighed. "Look, I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine, okay?"
"No you're not. Something happened." When Liz didn't answer, Carly tried again. Softly she asked, "Is it Lucky?"
Liz still didn't answer. "I knew it," Carly said.
"Oh be quiet," Liz said half jokingly as she pretended to throw the sponge at Carly. "This isn't fair."
"But I'm right aren't I?"
"Of course you are!" Liz said in exasperation as she collapsed into a chair. "Of course it's Lucky. I gotta admit, he's got timing. I mean, here I was, just about to start putting my life back together and he waltzes into town and suddenly everything's upside down again. I don't know what to do."
"Have you even talked to him yet?"
"Yeah, he came by the house yesterday. And he's already made it clear, he wants things to be like they used to."
"Do you?"
"No! Carly, I'm still in love with AJ. Every time I even think about the possibility of reconciling with Lucky, I feel so guilty. And then there's the kids to think about. I mean, Laina doesn't even remember Lucky, she considered AJ her dad. And of course, he is Steve's father. I can't just spring a virtual stranger on them."
"Well, if anyone knows about paternity rights, it's me. And Lucky does have them. Has he asked about Laina?"
Liz nodded. "He wants to see her."
"And?"
"I told him it would be up to her."
"He okay with that?"
"He'll have to be. I won't force her to do something she doesn't want to do."
"Lucky can be awfully persistent though."
Liz laughed. "Trust me, I know."

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Chapter 6

Liz was at work a week later when Lucky came into the diner.
"Hey Liz."
She looked up, startled. "Oh! Hi."
They stood awkwardly for a few minutes and then Liz went into professional mode. "Can I getcha something?"
He muttered something that sounded like "not what I really want" but she wasn't sure and decided to just let it slide as he said, "Nah, I just wanted to ask if you'd talked to Laina yet. About me and what we talked about and all."
She looked away. "Uh, not yet, actually."
"Liz --"
"Lucky -- I just need time, okay? I need to absorb this for myself before I try to spring it on her." She took a deep breath. "And I was planning on talking to her this afternoon when I get off work."
"Oh. Okay."
At his downcast look she felt a sudden rush of sympathy.
"Do you want to come to the house with me and we can talk to her together?"
"Are you sure?"
She smiled, a little shakily, but nodded. "Yeah. I'm off in 20 minutes, can you wait that long?"
"Sure."

"Hey mom!" Laina cried happily as Liz walked in the door and then she caught sight of Lucky, standing behind her.
Her face turned to stone and the smile disappeared.
"What are YOU doing here?"
"Laina," Liz said hurriedly, "Your father came to ask about maybe setting up a visitation schedule with you."
Laina looked at her mother. "No. And don't you call him that. He's not my father." She looked at Lucky. "Did you hear me? You are not my father and I have zero interest in getting to know you."
Lucky's heart broke at her words but he managed a smile as he held out a hand to her. "Laina -- I just want to get to know you. I know this is sudden but --"
She pushed him away. "But what? Do you not speak English? I said I don't want to see you. You aren't my father."
He lost it then. "Yes, I am, damnit! Your mother and I conceived you in love and raised you in a loving marriage, unlike the brat you call your brother."
Liz made a move to break in, but Laina waved her away and Liz stepped back. She had always thought Laina had her father's infamous Spencer temper, but this was the first time she had truly seen it in action. And the honest truth was that she was too emotionally drained to argue anymore.
"Don't you DARE talk about my brother!" Laina was yelling at the top of her lungs by now. "You have no idea how much mom and dad loved each other. And where was that loving marriage when you decided to walk out on us? You didn't raise me, AJ Quartermaine, MY FATHER, raised me."
"Laina -- you can't possibly understand, you were too young, you're still too young. Just please listen --"
"No. So what if I'm only ten years old? I know my mom loved my dad. And I know mom made one lousy mistake and you took off. That hurt me and it hurt her more than you know and I hate you for it. Do you hear me??? I HATE YOU!!!!"
She began to cry as she ran from the room and a minute later they heard her bedroom door slam shut.
Lucky looked at Liz and tried to make light of the situation.
"Well, I guess I know where I stand."
She didn't look at him as she walked back to the door and opened it.
"I guess this was a bad idea," she said helplessly. "I guess you should just go."
He nodded and walked to the doorway. As he passed by her, he whispered, "I'm sorry."
"Me too," she said. "But it's a little late for that now."
She closed the door behind him and leaned against it as she fought back tears.
Sighing, she walked to Laina's room and knocked softly on the closed door.
"Laina?? Honey, can I come in?"
A sniffle and a muffled "Yeah" was her answer. She opened the door as Laina sat up.
"I meant it mom. I won't see him."
"It's okay. You don't have to."
"Good," she said firmly.
Liz let out a small laugh. "You'll hate me for saying this, but you're as stubborn as he is." She sat down beside her on the bed as Laina looked at her reproachfully.
"That's not funny mom."
"Yeah, yeah." Liz smiled at her as she rubbed her daughter's back.
Laina looked at her with wet, red eyes.
"Mom -- I really miss dad."
"I know honey. So do I," Liz said as Laina's eyes filled with tears again. "So do I," she whispered. Liz wrapped her arms around Laina as they lay down, mother and daughter clinging together, anchoring one another in the midst of the turmoil that their lives had become again.

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Chapter 7
August 27, 2019

Liz avoided Lucky as much as possible that summer, even as he called and found as many excuses as possible to see her. Even though they reached a point where they could have a civil conversation with one another and might even have been considered friends and Liz slowly began to recover from the shock and loss of AJ's death, a romantic rekindling between them was still out of the question. And before she knew it, the summer was over and it was Laina's birthday.

Liz and Carly surveyed the scene at Kelly's from behind the counter. The restaurant had been closed to the public for Laina's eleventh birthday party.
"I can't believe my baby's eleven years old," Liz said.
Carly grinned. "I can't believe mine's almost old enough to buy alcohol. And considering his father's history, that's a scary thought."
"Oh, don't say that, he was Steve's father too."
"I know. They're both good kids though, they'll be okay."
"That's true. And say what you will about AJ Quartermaine, he made a damn good father."
"And he wasn't too shabby in the child creation department either," Carly said with a knowing grin.
Liz laughed and then the laughter died as she caught sight of someone coming in the door. "What is it, Liz?" Carly asked, following her gaze.
"An uninvited guest," Liz said grimly as she walked out from behind the counter and over to Lucky.
"Why are you here? Laina's made it clear she wants nothing to do with you," she whispered at him as she pulled him to a back corner and tried to keep her voice low.
"I just want to see my daughter on her birthday."
"Good for you. I'd rather you not ruin it for her."
"Liz --"
"What Lucky?"
He started to speak and then stopped, as if he couldn't think of what to say. "Nothing."
"Are you leaving yet?"
He stared at his daughter, not even seeming to hear her. "God, eleven years. It seems like yesterday."
Liz's face softened. "Yeah, it does. She was such a good baby. Not like her brother. He fussed and cried and --"
Lucky turned and looked her. "I still remember everything about that night. How tiny she was, how happy we were."
"Yeah, me too."
He looked at her intently. "I remember the night she was conceived too. Do you?"
"Lucky, don't start."
"Oh come on Liz. Don't tell me you don't remember."
She looked down at the table, blushing a little. "Lucky --"
"It's a simple question, Liz. Do you remember?"
She looked at him then, the smallest hint of a grin playing at the corners of her mouth. With the coy look on her face, it was all he could do not to kiss her right then.
"Of course I remember that night. God, who could forget?" her voice trailed off and then she shook her head as if trying to clear her mind of the memories. "But it doesn't matter now. It was a long time ago. You can't live in the past, Lucky."
"And what are you doing?"
"That's different. Please, Lucky, just go. I'll talk to you later, okay?"
"Okay, fine." He got up and walked out without a backward glance, leaving her to sit and wonder why she suddenly wanted him to stay.
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Chapter 8
Four months later ~ December 19, 2019

Lucky lay on his bed, thinking of Liz, as usual. They were more or less friends now, but friendship was as far as she would let it go. He almost hated staying in this apartment. There were so many memories of her there. But there was also a part of him that liked having her memory around.
He stared at the ceiling. Man, nothing in this place had changed at all in close to seventeen years. Even the furniture was the same. Except that the bed that had seemed so cozily, charmingly small when Liz had shared it with him was big and lonely now. And as Lucky looked around the room, he caught sight of a calendar. He sat up, staring at it. It was turned to December -- but it was December 2002. He stood up and walked over to the wall to get a closer look at it. Yeah, there it was, on today's date. L loves L forever. Tears welled in his eyes. Forever. Yeah right. What naive kids they'd been. And yet they'd thought they were so grown up, thought they'd known everything about life and love.
Lucky sighed, a deep, heavy sigh and turned away from the wall. Flipping on the radio, he flopped back down on the bed and as he drifted off to sleep, he thought back to that long-ago night, seventeen years ago....

***December 19, 2002***

"Lucky, look!" Liz cried as she ran in the door of the apartment. "We're getting responses to the invitations already!" She waved the envelopes in front of his face. He laughed as he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close to him and began to kiss her.
"Lucky," she tried to protest, "don't you wanna see who they're from?"
He pulled back. "Honestly, no." At her crestfallen look, he grinned. "Alright, baby, if I look at them, then can I kiss you?"
She laughed. "Well, who can refuse a suave offer like that?"
"Hey, I try."
"Yeah, sure."
"Oh hush and give me those envelopes." She handed them to him and he laughed. "Two? You're this excited over two??"
"Yes. You only get married once, Lucky, let me have my fun. So who's coming?"
"Uh -- Kevin and Lucy Collins and Lee and Gail Baldwin."
"Cool."
He dropped the envelopes on the table and advanced slowly towards her. "So -- you gonna keep your end of the deal, Mrs. Soon-to-be Spencer?"
She smiled so widely she thought her face might break. "Mrs. Spencer. God, I love the sound of that."
"I just love you," he whispered against her lips before he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Liz closed her eyes as she lost herself totally in his kiss. She felt like she was floating on a cloud of sheer happiness. Finally they broke apart, breathless.
"Okay, we gotta go do wedding stuff."
Lucky groaned and she laughed as she walked towards the bedroom where all the papers and things were kept. "C'mon, you'll live."
"Sure, whatever you say," he joked as he followed her.
And they tried to work on wedding plans, they really did. But somehow, they always managed to end up on the bed making out. But until now, it was always just kissing. Liz still wasn't sure if she was ready for anything more. She wanted to be ready, but every time they went any further than that, she'd freak out. But tonight -- tonight she was determined things would be different. Liz had no idea how long they'd been lying there, when Lucky broke away, rolling over to lie on his back. She sat up and looked at him.
"Something wrong?"
He looked a little surprised. "No, just that this is usually about the time you tell me that it's about time to quit."
"Well -- what if I don't want to quit tonight?"
He sat up. "What do you mean?"
She smiled as she reached out a hand to gently touch his face. "I mean," she said softly, "that I want you to make love to me."
He took her hands into his. "Baby, are you sure?"
She nodded, smiling bravely despite the nervousness in her eyes. "I'm sure," she whispered. He took her face in his hands and kissed her slowly and tenderly. Then he pulled away and looked right into her eyes. "Liz, are you absolutely sure?"
"Yes! I'm a little nervous, a little scared but I'm also very much in love with you and I think we've waited long enough for this. I want to do this."
He smiled. "Okay. I'm just making sure."
"I know. And I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered as he kissed her again. "Don't be scared, baby. We're in this together."
She didn't answer, just kissed him again, with more passion this time as he pulled her back down to the bed and they lost all sense of reality.

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Lucky awoke with a start. He'd dreamt of that night so many times in the last few years. She had written on the calendar later that night. Said it would help them to always remember. Like he could ever forget. Suddenly, he wanted -- needed -- to see her. Hurriedly making himself look presentable, he ran out the door and to the diner.
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Chapter 9

Liz was finishing up last minute things before locking up the diner for the night when she heard the bell on the door. She turned around as she said, "Sorry, we're clo-- Oh. It's just you."
Lucky smiled tentatively. "Yeah, just me."
He walked towards her as she turned away and headed towards the office. "Do you need something?" she called back to him. "Cuz I really need to hurry and get home. My sitter canceled and Monica's with the kids and I hate to keep her for too long."
He followed her. "No, I was just -- thinking about what today is and felt like dropping by."
"Today?" she asked as she reached for her coat. "What's today?"
He shook his head. "Nothing, nevermind." He walked up behind her to help her with her coat. She stiffened slightly as he approached. Her heart was pounding at his nearness, so loud she was sure he could hear it. She turned around, smiled brightly, and with a coolness she didn't feel, said, "Oh. Well, it's good to see you, but I really need to get going."
He stepped back, smiling even as his heart sank. "Can I at least walk you to your car?"
"I guess so, just let me go lock the front door."
"I'll get it for you." He was gone before she could object. He came back a minute later and they walked out the back door and the few short steps to her car.
She fumbled in her purse for her keys as she talked, trying to cover the awkward moment.
"So here we are. Thanks. I -- uh -- I guess I'll see you later." She kept her head down, avoiding his eyes.
"Not a problem," he said. She flashed a nervous smile and put the key in the lock.
"Liz --" he said, reaching out a hand to her. She turned her head and just looked at him, not saying anything and suddenly he just couldn't stand it anymore. He pulled her to him and kissed her, with all the desire and passion that had been building in him for over five years. She struggled for just an instant and then she gave in. For a few precious seconds, she let herself melt into him, her hands slipping through his hair as he pushed her against the car. And then she broke away, twisting out of his embrace as she stared at him wild-eyed.
The guilt he felt was easy to see on his face.
"Oh God Liz, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean --"
She shook her head, not trusting her voice.
Then his voice took on a pleading note. "You wanted that just as much as I did, Liz. You can't deny that."
She didn't know what to say.
"Lucky -- I -- no -- I have to go."
She got in the car and was gone before he could say another word. He watched her go and then with a sigh, walked to his own car and drove away.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 10

At home, Liz managed to maintain a facade of normalcy as she greeted Monica, sent Laina to bed, and checked on Steve. Then she went to her bedroom, changed into pajamas, and walked to her closet. Going way into the back, she pulled out a box. Her secret box, as she jokingly thought of it. Even AJ hadn't known it was there.
She carried it to the bed and began to look through the items, the relics of her life with Lucky. Everything brought back a different memory. Movie ticket stubs from high school. Her dried out corsage from the senior prom. Lucky's plane ticket from when he visited her in North Carolina. The letters and e-mails he'd sent her while she was there. Laina's birth announcement from the PC Herald. Their engagement announcement. A framed copy of their wedding invitation.
"Jeffrey and Elaine Webber request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Elizabeth Audrey to Mr. Lucas Lorenzo Spencer, Junior, son of Lucas and Laura Spencer."
Liz laughed softly as she remembered how Lucky had groaned at the sight of his full name. They'd been so happy, so much in love. Where had it all gone wrong?
When she'd screwed up, Liz realized. Not that it was all her fault, she reasoned, but essentially she'd started the whole mess.
Liz's mind traveled back to the kiss earlier that night. Lucky'd been right of course, she'd wanted that kiss just as much as he had. She could admit it to herself. She just wasn't ready to say it to him. She sighed, remembering their conversation. Of course she knew what today was. She didn't think she'd ever forget.
She pulled a photo album out of the box. There it was, their whole life together. High school, college, engagement, wedding, anniversaries, Laina. Liz turned to the page of pictures that was her favorite, pictures when they'd been caught kissing and hadn't known the picture was even being taken. High school graduation, a party at the lake one summer in college, at their fifth anniversary party, dancing together at Emily's wedding, and her favorite, the one where Lucky had a one-month old Laina cradled in one arm and he'd pulled her to him with the other.
Tears filled her eyes at the memories and photos. She wanted to go back to that, back to him, but she felt like she couldn't. She still couldn't help feeling as though she was betraying AJ. She wasn't even really sure what she felt anymore. And there were her kids to think about. Steven would probably be okay with it. He was young enough that AJ was quickly becoming a dim memory. But Laina -- she was so angry at Lucky. Liz couldn't really blame her. Even if Lucky hadn't wanted to deal with her, he could've stuck around for his daughter's sake. But it was too late for that now.
Liz sighed again and turned on her radio as her tears began to fall in earnest. All she could do was give it time. A Faith Hill song was playing that seemed to describe what had happened that evening perfectly.

"I don't want another heartbreak
I don't need another turn to cry
I don't want to learn the hard way
Baby Hello, oh no, good-bye
But you got me like a rocket
Shooting straight across the sky...

It's the way you love me
It's a feeling like this--
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss.
It's that pivotal moment
It's Impossible
This Kiss, This Kiss
(Unstoppable)
This Kiss, This Kiss

Cinderella said to Snow White
How does love get so off course?
All I wanted was a white knight
With a good heart, soft touch, fast horse.
Ride me off into the sunset
Baby, I'm forever yours

It's the way you love me
It's a feeling like this--
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss.
It's that pivotal moment
It's Unthinkable
This Kiss, This Kiss
(Unsinkable)
This Kiss This Kiss

You can kiss me in the moonlight
On the rooftop under the sky
You can kiss me with the windows open
While the rain comes pouring inside
Kiss me in sweet slow motion
Let's let every thing slide
You got me floating, You got me flying

It's the way you love me
It's a feeling like this--
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss.
It's that pivotal moment
It's Subliminal
This Kiss, This Kiss
(It's Criminal)
This Kiss, This Kiss..."
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 11
December 26, 2019

Carly waved at Lucky as he walked into Kelly's.
"Hey, cuz," he said as he sat down at the counter.
"Hi. You here to see Liz?"
"Of course."
"Hang on, I'll get her. She's going crazy trying to get this place ready for Steve's birthday."
"Oh, yeah. This would be his birthday, wouldn't it?"
Carly nodded and disappeared. Lucky waited nervously for Liz's appearance. They hadn't had any contact since he'd kissed her a week earlier. The door opened and slowly she walked out. Even in a T-shirt and jeans, she looked great to him.
"Hey," he said softly.
"Hi," she replied, not looking at him.
"How are you?"
"Fine. Look, Lucky -- this really isn't a good time. I've got a million things to do --"
"It's okay. You don't have to make excuses. I can take a hint."
She sighed, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry. I just can't deal with this right now. This is a bad day for me."
"I understand. I'll see ya some other day."
She nodded and he gently squeezed her hand as he got up. "Bye, Liz."
"Bye," she echoed softly as she watched him go.

Emily ran into Lucky in the parking lot outside Kelly's as he was getting in his car. She grabbed his arm and he spun around, yelling, "Hey! Watch it!"
"Cool it, it's only me," Emily said hurriedly.
His face relaxed. "Do me a favor, Em, a little warning next time?"
She laughed. "Sure, no problem."
He grinned. "Thanks so much. So what's up?"
"Steve's birthday."
"Oh yeah. I forget he's your nephew."
"He's a good kid, Lucky, even," she added teasingly, "even if he is a Quartermaine."
"Don't remind me."
"Sorry. So what brings you by?"
His expression turned sullen. "What do you think?"
"She still won't talk to you, will she?" Emily asked, her expression sympathetic.
The sadness in his eyes was impossible to miss. "Not today. Which I guess I can understand. I just want -- so much more from her. And I'm almost certain she does too, but she just won't let herself admit it." He looked at her with a confused, still slightly guilty expression. "I kissed her last week, Em. I didn't mean to really, it just happened. But she kissed me back, I know she did. But now she's shoving me away again."
"Look, Lucky, I know you don't like it, but she did love AJ, I'm certain of that. But I honestly don't think she ever stopped loving you. It's just been buried for a long, long time."
"Did she tell you that?"
"Well, no. But I can tell. And if what she feels is coming back to the surface, I don't know if she realizes it yet or, if she does, then I guess she's not ready to admit it."
"But why?"
"For lots of reasons. The kids, AJ's memory. Or maybe she really doesn't realize how she feels yet."
"So what am I supposed to do?"
"Wait, I guess," Emily said with a shrug.
He groaned in exasperation. "I don't want to wait anymore. I mean, I've tried every way I can think of to make her fall back in love with me."
Emily looked thoughtful. "Maybe you should try appealing to a baser instinct?"
He looked at her quizzically. "What do you mean?"
Emily smiled. "Make her jealous. Ask another woman out and make sure she sees you two together."
"I don't know, how would I pull that off anyway? I mean, what woman am I gonna ask without totally insulting her?"
Emily thought for a minute and then smiled again. "Me. I'll get Carly to take Liz to the same place and then we can put on a show for her benefit. What do you say?"
Lucky had to smile at her plan. "As long as your husband doesn't go after me with a gun, it sounds good to me."
Emily laughed. "I'll explain it to him. Just meet me at Luke's at 7 and I'll handle the rest!"
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 12

Liz was sitting at the desk in the office, staring at her hands as they rested on the smooth surface, when Carly walked in.
"The party's going well."
"That's nice," Liz said absently.
"Whatcha doin?"
Liz smiled wistfully. "Remembering."
Carly smiled in understanding. "This is a tough day for you, isn't it?"
Liz sighed. "Yeah. I can't believe it's been almost eight months already." She looked at Carly, tears shining in her eyes. "You know, I'm afraid I'm starting to forget him. Every day, the memory gets a little fuzzier."
"That's normal though, Liz. You can't beat yourself up over that."
"Yeah. I know. But I still feel bad. And Lucky only complicates the whole matter."
"How?"
"Just by being Lucky, I guess," she said, half laughing. "I don't know. Sometimes, I think I might be able to fall for him again -- no, forget the might. I KNOW I'm falling for him again. But then I think of AJ and wonder how I can even think of something like that."
"Yeah, but AJ's gone. You're not, you're alive and maybe it's time to move on."
Liz nodded slowly. "Maybe." She twisted the diamond from AJ around her finger and started to pull it off. Then she stopped, still not quite ready to take that final step.
"Listen, let me take you to dinner tonight. You deserve a night out."
"Oh, Carly, no, you don't need to do that."
"I want to. C'mon, nice clothes, a night without kids. I'll arrange the sitter and everything."
"Well -- okay."
Carly grinned triumphantly as Liz went back to fussing with her ring and carrying on a mental debate in her head.

--later that night--

Liz looked at Carly as they got out of Carly's car. "I still don't know how you talked me into this."
Carly grinned. "I told you, twenty-one and five years ago, respectively, we were both in labor on this date. I think we deserve a night out."
"I know that part, I mean I can't believe we came here." She gestured to the sign above the door: Luke's.
"I haven't been here in years," she said, half to herself, lost in thought. This was the site of the beginning of the end, where they'd had the big fight that had led her to AJ.
"Liz?? Liz!!"
"Huh? What?"
"I've been trying to get your attention for like forever. C'mon let's go in."
Liz nodded and they walked in and sat down at a table. After ordering, Carly leaned back in her chair. Then suddenly she sat up, staring at something.
"What is it?" Liz asked.
"Oh, nothing."
"Yeah, right," Liz retorted as she twisted around to look. And then she saw it: Lucky, dancing slow, his arms wrapped around a tall, slender brunette.
Liz, shocked, turned back around and tried to cover her surprise with a smile. "Oh, that? So what?" But her shaking hands didn't escape Carly's eyes.
"Unhuh," Carly said and proceeded to pretend not to notice as Liz spent the rest of the meal sneaking glances at Lucky and his mystery woman.
And then, when they were almost through with their meal, she finally saw the woman's face. "Emily!" she hissed at Carly. "What is he doing with HER?"
"I thought it didn't matter?" Carly queried.
Liz shot her a "Look." "Oh shut up." She stared at her plate. "Of course it matters," she muttered. "Can we just get out of here please?" she said, struggling to control her voice.
"Sure." Carly quickly paid the bill and they left the club, Carly flashing a surreptitious thumbs-up sign at Emily as they hurried out the door.
They drove to the gatehouse in silence and when Carly pulled into her driveway, Liz said in a rush, "Thanks for dinner, I'll talk to ya later, bye" and quickly reached for the door.
Carly grabbed her arm. "Not so fast. We need to talk. Let's go inside."
Liz groaned but knew there was no stopping Carly when she was determined to do something. They went into the house where the sitter was waiting for them. Liz paid her for watching the kids and she went home and Liz and Carly flopped onto the couch.
"You still love him, don't you?" Carly asked.
Liz blinked in mild surprise. "Blunt as usual."
"Well, do you?"
Liz sighed, staring at the diamond on her left hand. Slowly, she slid it off of that hand and put it on her right. Then she looked at Carly. "Yeah. I guess I have for a while and just couldn't admit it until now."
"So go see him."
"No! He's got Emily, he won't want me."
"I bet he does."
"Carly --"
"Liz what does your heart tell you?"
She didn't say anything, didn't have to because the look on her face said it all.
"Go," Carly said, softly but firmly. "I'll stay with the kids."
Liz hesitated for a minute and then nodded and ran out the door.
**************************************************************************

Chapter 13

Lucky had said good-bye to Emily as soon as Liz and Carly left. He went upstairs to his apartment and changed clothes and collapsed on the couch to reflect on the evening and pray that it would work out the way he hoped. Suddenly, a knock at the door startled him from his thoughts.

Liz stood outside Lucky's door for several long minutes, taking deep breaths and trying to compose herself. Nervously, she smoothed out the front of her dress and then raised her hand to knock.

Lucky pulled open the door and looked surprised to see her. But he quickly smiled, that incredibly sexy grin of his and Liz felt her heart skip a beat for the first time in a long time.
"Hi," he said.
"Hey," she managed to reply. Just looking at him was making her feel weak. He was barefoot and wearing old jeans and a white T-shirt and to her, he'd never looked better.
"So what brings you here?" he asked in a forced casual tone as he drank in the sight of her.
Even in a simple black tank dress, she looked beautiful. The skirt was short and showed off her legs and it was all he could do not to pull her to the floor and make love to her right then and there.
"Oh, no reason," she replied, trying as hard as he was to sound casual. "Just felt like dropping by." She was amazed at how easily the lie rolled off her tongue.
"Well, come in." He knew that it wasn't that simple, but he would be patient.
She walked in, her eyes taking in everything and she noticed that he had Meredith Brooks playing on the CD player. "God, this place hasn't changed a bit."
He nodded. "I know. Kinda weird huh?"
"Yeah. But neat though too. Like a window to our past or something."
"Yeah. A lot of important stuff happened here." He looked at her, hoping that this time she would remember what he was thinking of.
The song "What Would Happen" began to play.

"Electricity
eye to eye
Hey do I know you?
I can't speak
Stripped my senses
on the spot
I've never been defenseless
I can't even make sense of this
You speak and I don't hear a word..."

She smiled nervously at him and then turned around to stare at a painting on the wall. "I remember," she said softly. This time she could admit that she knew exactly what he was talking about. This apartment was where they had made love for the first time. And after that first time, they'd spent many days and nights here, planning their wedding and their future. Wistfully, she added, "We had a lot of good times here, didn't we?" Then she sighed. "I miss those days sometimes. Everything was so simple. Life almost scares me now." She let out a short, nervous giggle. "Silly, isn't it?"
"No, not at all," he said as he walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Baby, please don't be scared. We can start over together."
She nodded as she turned around and as he unconsciously put his hands on her waist, he saw her eyes were shining with unshed tears.
"What is it?" he asked worriedly. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, feeling almost giddy at having him so close to her. "I'm fine. I just -- never thought I'd ever hear you call me baby again." She moved closer to him and put her arms around him as he did the same, grinning in relief.
"I'm glad that's all." He pulled her head to his chest as he gently stroked her hair. "I love you," he said softly. And then he teasingly added, "Baby." She laughed softly as she reveled in the feeling of his body next to hers.
They stood there for a long time, arms wrapped around one another as he continued to stroke her hair. And then finally, almost inaudibly, "I love you too," she whispered against his chest.
He leaned back a little so he could see her eyes but kept her still encircled in his arms. "Do you really mean that?"
She nodded slowly. "I don't think I could've said it if I didn't."

"...What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth
lust to lust
Spontaneously combust
Room is spinning
out of control..."

They looked at each other for a long minute, each seeking answers in the other's eyes. And then, slowly, as if they didn't even realize it was happening, they moved towards each other and their lips met in a sweet tender kiss.
It was like coming home, Liz thought as she twisted her fingers through his hair and their mouths rediscovered what had once been so familiar. It was a strange mix of old and new but she liked it and she loved him, she was sure of it now.

"...What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth
lust to lust
Spontaneously combust...
What would happen if we kissed?
Ah...
I struggle with myself again
Quickly the walls are crumblin'
Don't know if I can turn away
What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?....."

They stood kissing for a long time and eventually they made their way to the couch and lay there together. Finally, when he thought things were about to get beyond their control, Lucky pulled away and sat up. Liz wiggled out from underneath him and sat up too.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
He looked at her, almost seeming embarrassed. "We both know where this is headed, Liz. I don't want to force you into anything you might regret."
Liz smiled and slid over to sit in his lap. "Lucky," she said softly, kissing his face and neck and then trailing kisses down his bare chest, "I wouldn't still be here if I didn't want to do this."
He grinned in relief. "Well, in that case, we're gonna do this right."
"Huh?"
He laughed. "I thought we could at least make it to the bedroom."
"Ohh, okay." She grinned. "Well, then, lead the way."
"I'll do better than that even." He scooped her up into his arms as he stood up and she laughed happily as he kissed her and carried her to the bedroom.
Gently, he set her down on the floor and turned around to pull the blankets off the bed. Then he turned back to her.
"Now, where were we?"
She grinned wickedly. "I think we were just about -- here," she said as she reached for the zipper of his jeans.
He groaned at her touch and reached behind her to unzip her dress. "God, I've missed you, Liz Webber."
She grinned at him and as she pulled his head down to hers, she whispered, "Ditto. And by the way, it's Liz Spencer."
He grinned as their lips met and she moaned as his hands began to roam over her body. He muttered something incoherent as she fell back on the bed, pulling him with her and they lost themselves in their rediscovered passion.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 14
The next morning

Liz awoke slowly, not wanting to open her eyes. She sighed happily as she snuggled deeper into Lucky's arms. And then, as the previous night's events came rushing back to her, her eyes snapped open. Lucky was watching her, a tender expression on his face. He smiled.
"Mornin baby."
"Hi."
"You sleep okay?"
"Well, now that you mention it, I forgot how uncomfortable this bed can get." At his concerned look, she laughed. "I'm only kidding, I was fine. Best I've slept in months."
He laughed in relief. "Oh okay."
She sighed as she rolled away and stretched out her arms. "It feels so good to wake up with you again."
"I know. I don't think I fully realized how much I missed you until today."
"Yeah." She rolled back over, cuddling up close to him. He put his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. She reached for his hand, idly playing with his fingers. And then to her surprise, she felt the smooth coolness of a ring on his fourth finger. She looked at it and then up at him in surprise.
"You still wear your wedding ring?"
He shrugged sheepishly. "Yeah."
"But I thought -- I mean, you took it off that day --"
"I know. I put it back on as soon as you left. Haven't taken it off since."
"Oh Lucky." An enormous wave of guilt washed over her. "You mean, you were faithful to me the whole time?"
He nodded, as his eyes locked with hers. She looked at him, the guilt in her eyes blatantly obvious. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" She barely whispered it.
"You're just you. You didn't have to do anything, Lizzie."
"But how can you --" she stopped, as if she didn't know what to say.
"How can I what?" he prompted softly.
She struggled to get the words out. "I mean -- well, obviously I wasn't faithful to you, that's what started this whole mess. How can you just forgive me so easily?"
"It wasn't that easy. I was mad for a long time. But I love you. And that's more important than whatever happened in the past."
Her eyes searched his face. "Do you mean that?"
"Of course I do. Whatever happened with you and AJ, it doesn't matter now. All is forgiven."
"You don't know how much that means to me." She smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too." He kissed her gently. "Besides, we're adults. We should act like it, not like kids."
She nodded as she lay her head on his chest. A second later she sat up so fast it was as if she'd been shot from a cannon.
"What?? What is it?" Lucky asked frantically.
"Ohmigod, I can't believe I forgot!! The kids! Poor Carly's been sitting in my living room all night! I gotta get home!" As she spoke, she jumped up out of the bed, hurriedly throwing on her clothes and searching for her shoes. "Lucky, where are my shoes???"
He laughed gently. "In the living room."
She smiled sheepishly. "Oh yeah." She stopped running around and looked at him. "I'm so sorry, I hate to run out on you like this."
He waved her on. "It's okay. We've got all the time in the world now."
She smiled. "Yeah, we do. Call me later?"
"I'll go you one better. How about I take you out to dinner tonight?"
"Um -- not a good idea, actually." Seeing his bewildered expression she hastened to explain, "I don't want to get a sitter two nights in a row. How about if you just come over tonight?"
"You got it, baby. See you later."
"Okay." Smiling, she leaned over to kiss him good-bye and then with one last glance over her shoulder, she was gone.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 15

Liz entered the house as quietly as possible. Carly was sprawled on the couch reading a magazine.
"Hey," Liz whispered.
"Hey!" Carly said as she sat up. Taking in Liz's rumpled dress and the smile she just couldn't get off her face, she grinned. "Well, looks like you got lucky last night."
Liz grinned back. "In more ways than one."
"So you two back together?"
"Back on track, anyway."
"Good."
Then Liz froze as Laina appeared in the room, sleepily rubbing her eyes.
"Mom? Why are you still wearing the same clothes? And why's Aunt Carly still here?"
"Well, uh --"
Carly smoothly took over. "Great-grandfather Quartermaine wasn't feeling so well and your mom was up at the main house helping out. And I stayed here so you kids wouldn't be alone."
Laina seemed to accept this explanation and nodded. "Oh okay." She wandered off to the kitchen to find some breakfast.
Liz collapsed against Carly in giggles once she was gone. "Thanks so much! I wish I could think on my feet like that!"
"Sometimes lying comes in handy," Carly laughed. Then she looked at Liz seriously. "But if you and Lucky are back together, she'll find out eventually."
"I know. But I'd rather her not find out because I've been sneaking around to spend nights at his place."
They laughed and Carly agreed. "I guess you have a point. And this is your call anyway."
"Yep."
"Well, I'll get out of here. See ya later!"
"Bye, Carly. And thanks for staying. I'm sorry I was gone all night."
"Oh no problem! I understand totally," Carly said with a grin. "Bye!"
Liz walked her to the door and waved as she left. Then, hugging herself with joy, she walked to the couch and sat down, letting the memories of the night before wash over her as she fell asleep.

--later that day--

Laina started to get up off the couch when the doorbell rang to announce Lucky's arrival, but before she could move her mother flew into the room.
"I got it," she yelled as she paused in front of the mirror by the door to check her hair and make-up.
Laina stared at her strangely. "You okay, mom?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Liz assured her. "Just expecting someone." She smiled and turned around to open the door.
"Hi," she said softly.
"Hey, Liz," he said, almost sounding nervous.
She smiled at him. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I just kinda feel like a kid on my first date or something."
She laughed. "I think I understand. Come on in."
Laina looked up as he entered the house and her face immediately went cold. "Why is he here?"
"Because I asked him to be," her mother told her.
"Why?"
"Because I wanted to."
"Why would you want to have anything to do with him?"
"Laina -- this is not an issue to discuss right now."
"Yes it is. I don't want him here."
"That is not for you to decide! This is my house and I will have whoever I want to come here!"
"It's Dad's house," Laina snapped before she stalked down the hall to her room.
Lucky pulled Liz aside. "Listen," he said in a low tone, "maybe I should just go."
"No! Lucky, I want you here."
"Liz, you know I want to stay too. But I think you should talk to her before we try to shove this on her."
Liz nodded slowly. "I guess you're right. I'll walk you out though. And I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It's my fault, anyway."
"How?" she asked as they walked out the door.
"Cuz she obviously got the stubbornness from my side of the family."
Liz laughed. "Oh yeah, the Spencer fire."
They stopped walking as they reached the car and stood there together.
"Hey, you've got some fire of your own there, baby."
"Oh yeah?" she teased.
"Yeah," he breathed against her lips as he pulled her to him and kissed her. Reluctantly, he released her and she backed towards the house.
"I'll call you later, okay?"
He nodded as he got in the car. Waving, he drove off and she walked back to the house, taking a deep breath before she walked in to face her angry daughter.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 16

Sighing heavily, Liz walked down the hall to Laina's room. Knocking, she called out, "Laina?? Can I come in?"
There was no answer and Liz tried the doorknob. It was locked. "Laina, please let me in."
"No!"
"LAUREN ELAINE SPENCER, YOU OPEN THIS DOOR THIS INSTANT!!!"
That got her attention. Liz only invoked the use of her full name when she was in major trouble. Liz heard a click and then the door opened. Not looking at her mother, Laina went and sat on her bed. Liz walked in and sat in her desk chair.
"Would you like to tell me just what your problem is?"
"I hate him."
"Laina -- I know you're angry. But he is your father and he is still my husband. And maybe he made some mistakes, but I did too and they're not your concern anyway, they're between me and him."
"How can you say that? How can you just forget dad like that?"
"Laina, I haven't forgotten AJ. I never will. But your father and I have a history and a love that you can't understand, I'm not even sure if I understand it."
"Mom -- how can you do this? Didn't you love dad at all?"
"Of course I did. But he's gone and I can't do anything about it."
"Yes, you can!" Laina yelled. "You can stay away from HIM."
"Laina --"
"I don't want to hear it mom. You're a traitor."
"Fine. If that's how you feel I will leave you be until we can discuss this calmly."
Biting her lip and holding back tears, Liz got up and went to her room. Walking in she was immediately assaulted by AJ's presence. Suddenly, she felt so confused and guilty she didn't know what to do. The tears spilled over and she collapsed on the bed and cried herself to sleep.

She awoke a few hours later, knowing what she had to do. And she knew it would be the hardest thing she'd ever had to do. She reached for the phone.
"Hello?" came Lucky's voice.
"Hi."
"Hey, baby, how'd it go?"
"Not good. Lucky --" She hesitated, not sure how to say what she had to say.
"Liz, what's wrong?"
"I can't see you anymore," she blurted out in a rush.
"What do you mean?"
"Just that. It's too soon."
"But what about last night? Didn't that mean anything?"
Liz tried to keep from crying again. "Of course it did. But -- it's just too soon. I think it's best if we stay away from each other for now."
Lucky had to fight his own tears now. "Liz --"
"Lucky, please," she whispered.
"Okay, okay. I guess I'll talk to you whenever you're ready."
"Okay. Thank you Lucky. And I'm sorry."
"Yeah, me too. Bye."
"Good-bye," Liz whispered to the dial tone as she hung up the phone and began to cry again.
*****************************************************************************
Chapter 17
A few weeks later ~ January 2020

Carly stared at Lucky in shock as he walked into the diner.
"God, Spencer you look like hell."
"It's about what I feel like," he said as he sat down. "How bout some coffee?"
"You got it." She poured him a cup and then leaned against the counter, propping on her elbows. "So what's wrong?"
"Don't you already know?"
"Of course I do. Liz looks about as bad as you do."
"Well, it's nice to know I'm not suffering on my own." That was an understatement. He and Liz had both just lived through some of the longest weeks of their lives. Somehow, to him, the past few weeks had seemed longer than the last five years put together.
"You two are ridiculous, ya know. You're obviously both incredibly miserable without each other. Why are you letting a dead man and an eleven year old dictate how you live your life?"
He looked thoughtful. "I really don't know. It is pretty stupid, now that I think about it."
"No kidding. Go talk to her Lucky."
"I think I will. She's at home?"
"Yeah. Go. Good luck."
"Thanks." Tossing a dollar on the counter, he headed back out.

Starting the car, the radio automatically came on. He caught the first few words, and turned it up, letting them sink into his brain.

I remember days and nights were never cold
Had you in my life, I had you there to hold
And I remember love warm as a summer day
But I lost you
And I lost my way
Now I'm in the rain
Begging you please, please

Baby, won't you show me the way back to your heart
Let me see a sign to know if I'm close or far
Lead me back to the road
That leads back to your arms

Every night another lonely street
I walk down alone
Searching for a light
Your light to lead me home
Leave a candle in the window
And let it shine for me

Take my hand and take these tears away
I can't take the pain
I'm on my knees, begging you please
Baby, won't you show me the way back to your heart
Let me see a sign to know if I'm close or far
Lead me back to the road
That leads back to your arms

Take my hand
Take me in your arms
I'm in the dark
Down on my knees, begging you please
Show me the way back to your heart
Let me see a sign to know if I'm close or far
Lead me back to the road
That leads back to your arms

Show me the way back to your heart
Let me see a sign to know if I'm close or far
Lead me back to the road
That leads back to your arms

Back to your arms
Back to your arms

Lucky sighed heavily as he pulled into Liz's driveway. He vowed to himself, she wouldn't put him off this time. Whatever it took, he would get her back.

Lucky's knock on the door was answered by an adorable little boy. Lucky figured out immediately who he was. He looked so much like Liz it was obvious.
"Hi!" Steve said brightly.
"Hey, there. You're Steve, right?"
He nodded. "Unhuh. Who you?"
"I'm Lucky. I'm a really good friend of your mom's."
"Lucky," he said thoughtfully. "That's what mommy and Lainie yell about."
"They do, do they?"
"Yeah. Mommy says you're a nice man and then Lainie yells that you're not and that my dad was better."
"Oh."
"But my daddy's gone now. He went to be with the angels. At least mommy says that's where he is. Uncle Ned says he's somewhere else, but mommy laughs and tells him to hush."
"I see. Do you miss your daddy?"
He shrugged. "Not as much anymore. I kinda forgot what he looks like."
"I'm sorry. Do you think maybe you would wanna hang out with me sometimes? I could be like your pretend daddy?"
"Maybe. If mommy would let me."
"I bet she would."
"Yeah, but then Lainie would yell some more."
"That's okay. If your mom says its okay, then Laina has to deal with that."
"Oh. Okay."
"Well, I'll talk to her about it okay? Is she here?"
"Yeah. She's in her bathroom. She doesn't feel good."
"She's sick?" Lucky asked worriedly, his heart suddenly racing in fear.
"Yeah. She throws up a lot."
"I'm gonna go check on her, okay?"
"Okay." Steve wandered back to the TV as Lucky rushed down the hallway and quickly found the master bedroom. He strode across the room to the bathroom where Liz was crumpled on the floor in a heap.
"Liz?" he said hesitatingly as he paused in the doorway. "Are you okay?"
She looked up at the sound of his voice. "Lucky --" her voice was hoarse and weak.
"Shh, baby, don't try to talk." He knelt beside her and pulled her into his arms. As he rocked her back and forth, she began to cry against his chest. And then he saw it. The empty pregnancy test box that lay in the trash can.
"Oh, Liz," he said softly. "You're pregnant?" he asked in disbelief.
She nodded, crying harder. And then, hating himself totally, but having to know, he asked, as gently as possible, "It's mine, isn't it?"
She pulled away to stare at him reproachfully. "Of course it is! You were the first one -- the only one -- since --"
"I'm sorry, I just had to ask. But how could that happen? Didn't the doctors say it was impossible?"
She shook her head and sniffled. "They said it was almost impossible. I guess that means there was a one in a million chance and we got it."
He looked at her intently as a thought struck him. "Liz -- there's not any chance that Steve -"
She cut him off before he could finish the sentence. "No, he's definitely AJ's. We had the tests done when he was born just to make sure." She looked away as she whispered, "I'm sorry." Then she looked up at him with confusion in her eyes. "So what do we do now? And why are you here, anyway?"
He avoided her gaze for an instant and then looked her right in the eyes. "Because I love you and I'm miserable without you."
"I know. I am too, but Laina's so angry about this, I don't know what to do."
"Well -- we're still legally married so -- we move back in together, tell Laina to suck up and deal with it, and we have this baby."
"We can't stay here though. I mean, in the first place the Q's would pitch a fit and in the second place, there's just too many memories, for all of us."
"Well, do you think there's any way we can buy back our old house?"
She stared at him, realization dawning in her eyes. "Of course! I totally forgot. Lucky, I still own that house."
"You do?"
"Yeah. AJ helped me pay off the mortgage and we always figured we'd give it to Laina one day."
"So that's settled then."
"Yeah." She smiled and leaned back against him. They sat in a comfortable silence for a long time and finally Liz stirred slightly.
"Mmm," she murmured. "I'm gonna fall asleep here."
He chuckled softly. "That's good, you need to rest." Still holding her in his arms, he struggled to his feet and carried her to her bed. Pulling the covers back, he gently set her down.
Smiling sleepily, she pulled him down to sit next to her. "You're too good to me, you know that?"
"Hey, well, what can I say?"
She shook her head. "I dunno."
"You need anything?"
She smiled. "Yeah. I need you. Will you just -- hold me?"
"Gladly." Crawling over her, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and smiled as she snuggled deeper into his embrace. Idly, she laced her fingers with his.
"You're really okay with this? The baby thing, I mean?"
"Of course I am. It'll be great."
"Okay," she mumbled sleepily.
They lay there as he gently stroked her hair until she fell asleep.
Lucky listened as her breathing became slower and he could tell she was asleep. Carefully, he disentangled himself from her. As he walked past the dresser, a flash of light caught his eye. Feeling a little guilty for snooping, he peeked into her jewelry box and immediately recognized her wedding and engagement rings. Reaching into the box to pick them up, he smiled, a plan forming in his mind. Setting them back down on the dresser, he walked out to the living room.
*****************************************************************************
Chapter 18

Steve looked up from his game of Nintendo as Lucky walked back into the room.
"Is my mommy okay?"
Lucky smiled reassuringly at him. "Yeah, she's alright. She's sleeping now."
"Oh. I have to be quiet?"
"Yeah, that might be a good idea."
He nodded. "You wanna play Mario Kart with me?"
"Sure. Which one am I?"
"You can be Toad."
"Okay, cool."
Lucky sprawled out on the floor next to Steve and they proceeded to play for the next two hours. They were startled to hear a voice from the hall.
"My two little boys," Liz said fondly. Lucky looked up and grinned at her as Steve abandoned the game to go hug his mommy. "Hey there bud, you having fun with Lucky?" she asked as she picked him up.
"Yeah. He's really good at Mario."
"Lucky's always been pretty good at video games," Liz told him and he nodded in agreement.
"Are you all better now, mommy?"
"I feel a lot better right now. Thank you for asking."
He struggled to get down then and as she put him down, Lucky got up and walked over to her. He looked at her closely, the concern evident in his eyes. "Are you really okay?" he asked softly.
She smiled. "Yes, I'm really okay."
He grinned back as he took her hand and led her back to the bedroom.
"Lucky --" she sputtered in confusion. "What are you doing?"
"What I should've done already," he answered cryptically.
He sat her down on the bed and then turned around, bracing his hands on her dresser for an instant. Then he picked up her engagement ring and turned back around. As he knelt in front of her and took her hands in his, she suddenly understood and tears began to form in her eyes. "Baby, you know I love you more than anything. And nothing would make me happier than for you to tell me that you feel the same. Will you marry me, Lizzie?"
She was laughing through her tears at this point. "Of course I love you and of course I will marry you. Again!"
He laughed as he slid the ring on her left hand and she leaned down and kissed him. As they broke apart, he said, "You know, the timing really is perfect. We can renew our vows on our actual anniversary and no one will even be able to tell you're pregnant yet."
"Yeah." She smiled as she looped her arms loosely around his neck and pulled him to her. "I love you so much Lucky."
"Ditto baby," he whispered as their lips met. They lay back on the bed and then she pulled away.
"I'm sorry, Lucky, much as I like this, it's not right to do that here. And besides, with Steve so close by --"
He nodded. "It's okay, I understand." They got up and hand-in-hand they walked back to the living room.
Steve looked up as they entered the room.
"You gonna play again?"
"Sure," Lucky said as he sat down.
Just then the front door opened and Laina came in.
As usual, her face hardened at the sight of her father.
"Why is he here again?" she asked coldly.
"Laina --" Liz began and then Lucky stood up.
"I'll handle it this time, Liz." He looked at Laina. "Now you listen to me, young lady, and you listen good. Whether you like it or not, I am your father. And I love your mother very much, more than you will ever know or understand and we are not going to let our eleven-year-old daughter keep us apart. You are just going to have to deal with this."
"What if I don't want to?" she asked snippily.
"That is just too bad, Lauren. You are being childish and totally unfair to your mother."
Laina looked at her mother in disbelief. "You really believe this crap? You really think he's gonna hang around this time?"
"Yes, I do," Liz said, quietly but firmly.
Laina scoffed. "How do you know? How do you know he won't just take off again?"
Liz's eyes met Lucky's for an instant and then she looked her daughter in the eye. "Because this time I won't screw up what I've been blessed with."
"Oh okay. So it was all your fault he couldn't hang around town?"
"What happened between us is none of your business," Liz snapped.
"Whatever. I don't care. Just don't expect me to be happy for you," she said snidely as she stomped off to her room.
"Laina --" Liz called after her.
Lucky walked over to her and grabbed her hands. "Baby, just let her go. She'll come around and get used to it."
She looked at him, doubt clear in her eyes. "You think?"
"She has no other choice."
Liz nodded as he pulled her close in a tight hug. "I'm gonna go lay down again."
"Okay." He kissed her forehead and she walked to her room as he realized that Steve was tugging on his pant leg.
"May I help you young man?"
"Are you really Lainie's daddy?"
He nodded.
"But I thought my daddy was Lainie's daddy."
"Well," Lucky said, picking him up and sitting down on the couch, "you see, a long time ago, before your mom knew your dad, she and I were married. And we had Laina. And then your mom and I had a big fight and she met your dad and --" he almost choked as he said the next part, but managed to get the words out "-- she fell in love with him. And I was mad so I left town for a long time and Laina just started to think of your dad as her dad. Cuz she was kinda like you, she started to forget who I was."
"Oh. But you came back?"
"Yeah. I missed everyone here so I decided to come home."
"Are you and mommy gonna live together now?"
"Yeah. We're gonna get married again soon. Would you like to be in the wedding?"
He nodded. "That'd be cool."
Lucky laughed. "Well, alright then."
"Are you gonna be my daddy now? Cuz I don't have one no more?"
Lucky felt his heart go out to the little boy. He was so young to have lost someone so important. Even at 37, he couldn't imagine life without his dad. And no matter who the kid's father was, he was his Lizzie's son. He smiled. "I guess I can be, if you want me to."
Steve nodded. "Can I call you dad? Just so we don't forget?"
"I think that's a nice idea. And you can still learn about your real dad. I know your mom and your sister and all of your dad's family can tell you lots about him."
"Okay. I think I'm gonna go to bed now."
"Okay. Good night, Steve."
"Good night -- dad." And then he shocked Lucky by slipping his pudgy little arms around his neck in a hug. Lucky hesitated for an instant and then hugged him back. Then Steve slid out of his lap and ran off to his room.
Lucky watched him go and then stood up and walked to Liz's room. He walked in and sat down next to her sleeping form. She stirred slightly, almost as if she could sense his presence, and opened her eyes.
"I'm gonna go on home now," he whispered.
"Why?"
"I think it's better that way, I wouldn't feel right staying here."
She sighed. "I wish you could stay, but you're right, and I wouldn't feel good about it either. I'll miss you though. I mean, it's been almost a month since I've even seen you."
"Yeah, I know. I missed you too." He kissed her lingeringly then and as he pulled back, he added, "But I do want to go tell my parents."
"I understand. Hey, you busy tomorrow?"
"Not at all. Why?"
She smiled teasingly. "I have the day off....." she said, letting her voice trail off suggestively.
"I'll be home, you know you're welcome to 'just drop by'."
"I just might do that."
He grinned. "I'll see you tomorrow then. We do have a wedding to throw together in a month and a half."
She sat up. "Oh God you're right. I didn't realize it was that soon! There's a million things to do."
"Relax. You've got the Spencer women on your side, remember?"
She smiled as she lay back down. "Oh yeah. It'll all work out."
"Of course it will." He kissed her again, deeply and breathtakingly.
"Till tomorrow," he whispered as he backed out the door.
"Till tomorrow," she echoed as she watched him go and then lay back, happily watching her engagement ring catch the light.
Smiling, she drifted off to sleep.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 19

Lucky couldn't stop grinning the whole way to his parent's house. His life had turned so far around in the last few hours. Just that morning he'd been totally miserable and alone and now he and Liz were both committed to putting their marriage back together, and, almost like some kind of gift from heaven, they were going to have a baby. Finally life was back on the right track. He burst in the front door of his childhood home without even knocking and found his parents on the couch, making out like a couple of teenagers.
"Oh, God, you two, you're too old for that!" he said in mock disgust. They sprang apart in surprise.
"Lucky!" his mother cried.
"Speak for yourself, Cowboy, you're never too old to appreciate a beautiful woman," Luke retorted.
"You look happy, honey," Laura noted. "What's going on?"
"Well, for starters, you have a wedding to go to pretty soon," he said, grinning.
"That wife of yours finally came to her senses?" Luke asked.
He nodded as Laura jumped up to give him a hug.
"Lucky, that's wonderful. I knew it would all work out."
"Yeah. Of course, she's already freaking out about wedding plans and everything."
"Tell her she doesn't have to worry about a thing. I've got it all under control," Laura told him with certainty as he grinned and they sat down to discuss everything.

--back at Liz's house--

Liz was almost asleep when the phone rang. She considered not answering but then knew she had to. Besides, she thought with a grin, what if it was Lucky?
"H'lo?" she mumbled.
"Liz?" It was Carly.
"Hey."
"Hey! How are ya?"
"Fine, great, wonderful," Liz told her, her voice sounding dreamy even to her own ears.
"I take it Lucky came by?"
"Yes, and it's all worked out and God, you should see me, I've got the biggest grin on my face."
"That's great." Then she sounded worried. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"
Liz hurried to reassure her. "No, not at all. He's not here, not that I don't want him here, I just wouldn't feel right about sleeping with him in the same bed I shared with AJ, especially when this was AJ's house."
"Hey, I understand. So everything's cool and you'll be at work tomorrow?" She grinned.
"You better be teasing, cuz let me assure you, I have plans for tomorrow."
"Oh, I just bet you do. Seeing Lucky, I assume?"
"You are so smart."
"You'll be seeing quite a bit of Lucky tomorrow then, I bet," she said, laughing.
"Oh shut up!" Liz said, laughing too. "You're such a pervert."
"Am not, just honest."
"Yeah, well, so what if you're right? We're married, it's all good."
"That's true."
"We are gonna renew our vows though. And I need a matron-of-honor. You up for it?"
"You know it. Listen, you sound sleepy. I'll let you go, you need to rest up for tomorrow."
"Oh shut up! I'll talk to you later."
"Kay. G'night."
"Night, Carly."
They hung up their phones and still smiling, Liz snuggled down into her blankets and fell asleep.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 20

Liz awoke the next morning to three things: a ringing phone, her son sprawled on her bed playing with the remote, and an intense bout of nausea. As she got out of bed and ran for the bathroom, Steve called after her, "What buttons do I push for Nickelodeon?"
"The 2 and the 4," she yelled back. "And answer the phone!"
Punching the channel into the remote, Steve crawled to the head of the bed and picked up the cordless.
"Hello, Webber-Spencer-Quartermaine residence," he said carefully, like his mother had taught him.
Lucky had to laugh at that. "Hi," he said. "Is this Steve?"
"Yup," he said proudly. "Who this?"
Lucky hesitated for an instant and then decided to try out his new title. "It's -- uh, it's dad."
"Hi!" Steve said happily.
Lucky breathed a sigh of relief. "How are ya buddy?"
"Good. I watchin Nick Jr."
"That's cool. Is your mom around?"
"She's in the bathroom. I think she's sick again." He said it as if he were sharing a great secret. "Oh, here she comes."
Liz emerged from the bathroom, looking pale. "Who is it?" she asked weakly.
"It's dad," Steve said matter-of-factly as he handed her the phone.
Liz did a classic double take. Dad? His dad was dead. What was he talking about?
Sinking down to sit on the bed, she said hesitantly, "Hello?"
"You okay baby?" Lucky's familiar voice, full of warmth and concern, filled her ear and relief flowed through her.
"Oh, Lucky, it's you!"
"Yeah, who'd you think it was?"
"Steve said it was dad and I -- I got confused. All I could think was 'ghosts can't make phone calls.'"
He laughed. "That's right, I didn't tell you. Steve asked me last night if I would be his daddy now and if he could call me dad."
Tears came to her eyes. "He did? Oh Lucky. If only Laina would be that easy."
"Just give her time Liz. She'll get over it."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. Spencer trait and all that."
"You got it. Now, you never answered my question. Are you okay?"
"It's just morning sickness, I'm fine." She grinned. "This kid is definitely a Spencer!"
"Better be," he growled in mock seriousness.
"It is," she said softly.
"I know. Anyway, I just called to say good morning and --" he lowered his voice to a gruff whisper that sounded impossibly sexy to her ears "-- to tell you that I'm looking forward to seeing you today."
She involuntarily shivered in anticipation. "Me too. I'll see you soon."
"Okay, bye."
"Bye." She hung up the phone and hurried to get the kids ready for school. Laina was still mad at her but she was at least civil and for that Liz was grateful.
At last they were off on their respective buses and Liz quickly dressed and headed to Lucky's place.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 21

Liz had barely finished knocking on Lucky's door when it swung open and he pulled her into his arms, smothering her with kisses. Laughing, she pulled back but he wouldn't let her out of his arms.
"Hello to you too," she said happily.
He grinned sheepishly. "I missed you. And I'm just glad I finally have you alone."
She smiled in understanding and whispered, "I missed you too." She kissed him and then over his shoulder caught sight of a huge stack of papers and catalogs.
"What's all that?"
He grimaced. "Mom's gone to work already."
"She's got all that wedding stuff already?"
"She's making phone calls as we speak."
Liz shook her head. "Good Lord, she's organized. She amazes me."
"You wanna go through all of it?"
She looked at him askance. "Are you crazy? At this moment, I don't give a damn about wedding plans. I just want you."
He grinned as she moved closer to him.
"I think I can arrange that."
She grinned back as their lips met with a sense of urgency and desperate need. Her fingers fumbled at the snap of his jeans as he slid his hands under her shirt. She moaned as his fingers caressed her breasts and he let out an almost animalistic groan as she pulled his jeans down and reached into his shorts to teasingly massage him.
"Lizzie, baby, God," he breathed as she pulled his T-shirt off and he pushed her jeans and underwear down.
"It's been so long," she whispered as he pulled her to the floor.
"I know," he whispered back as he lay her down and rained kisses all over her body, until she didn't think she could stand it anymore. He stretched his body out on top of hers, as she grabbed his head with both hands and kissed him, hungrily and passionately.
"Lucky..." she gasped as she felt him slide inside of her and then she gave up trying to think as she surrendered to him and he to her and reality slipped away.

They lay still for a long time afterward, arms and legs intertwined and then Liz untangled herself and sat up.
"God, it's been a long time since we had sex like that. Not since before Laina was born," she said as she grinned down at him. He lay on his back on the floor, gazing up at her adoringly.
He laughed. "Maybe we got too old?"
"Speak for yourself," she shot back even as she laughed too. "Besides, I think you were keeping up pretty well."
He sat up and pulled her into his lap and she laid her head on his shoulder. "I made an effort," he said nonchalantly.
She smiled. "Geez, if that was just an effort, I'd like to see what you can do when you really try."
He pushed her hair back from her forehead and kissed it. "Maybe if you're really nice, I'll let you find out one day."
She grinned as she lifted her head to kiss the tip of his nose. "Sounds promising." She buried her face back into his neck as he tightened his arms around her and they sat in a comfortable silence.
After several minutes, as he realized she was about to fall asleep, he shifted his weight and whispered, "Baby, get up."
"Don't wanna," she muttered.
"C'mon, get up."
"Mmm," she mumbled. "I just wanna stay like this forever."
"I do too, but this floor is getting really cold and uncomfortable."
She giggled and got up and then reached a hand down to help him up. "I'm sorry, I forgot."
"It's okay," he assured her. "I just thought we could move somewhere a little more cozy."
"Sounds good to me," she smiled as she followed him to the bedroom and they crawled under the covers of his bed. She slid back into his arms and sighed happily. Then her expression became slightly downcast. "God, how are we gonna make it till we can live together again?"
"Well -- do we have to wait for the wedding to move back to the house?"
"I guess not."
He looked at her. "How soon can you be ready to move?"
"Saturday maybe?"
"Well, that's that. Saturday we go back home."
"But Laina's not --"
He put a finger over her lips. "Laina will deal with it."
"But --"
He brought his lips down on hers, cutting her off. "She'll deal with it," he said firmly.
She smiled a little uncertainly, but nodded as he kissed her again. She closed her eyes, letting herself float away on her little cloud of happiness.
"I love you, baby," she heard him whisper. She opened her eyes and looked back at the blue eyes that were watching her so intensely. She smiled.
"Love you too."
He made love to her again then, slowly and lingeringly this time. The day passed by quickly as they slept and talked and kissed and then finally reluctantly dragged themselves out of bed to take showers so they could be home when Laina's bus delivered her at 3:00. They were going to break the wedding and moving news together. Liz had wanted to do it by herself, but Lucky was determined that Laina would not be allowed to walk all over her mother anymore.
They drove back to the gatehouse and Liz paced back and forth in the living room, stopping every few minutes to stare out the window while Lucky watched her from the couch. She stopped pacing and looked at him.
"How can you be so calm? Aren't you nervous about this at all?"
He shrugged. "A little. But she has to deal with this, she has to know she can't stop it."
"I know. I guess maybe I've spoiled her too much."
Lucky stood up and walked over to her. "No, you didn't. She's just upset right now. But we'll get through it and don't forget we're in this together."
She hugged him fiercely and they walked back to sit on the couch together. Liz froze as they heard footsteps outside and then she stood up.
"Well, here we go!"
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 22

Laina bounced into the house, all smiles -- until she saw Lucky.
"Ugh," she groaned. "He's here again?"
"Yes, he is," Liz said quietly. "And he's going to be around quite a lot. We're getting remarried."
Laina's mouth dropped open. "You're doing what?"
"You heard what I said." She took a deep breath as Lucky stood up and walked over to her and squeezed her hand. She flashed him a grateful smile and continued. "We're also moving back to our old house, on Saturday."
She looked shocked. "No! I won't go!"
"You have no choice. I will not argue with you about this anymore," Liz said tiredly.
"But mom, it's not fair. You can't make me."
"We can and we will," Lucky informed her. "This is not the end of the world."
"Yes it is. I hate you both!" Laina cried and ran to her room.
Liz stared after her helplessly as Lucky hugged her, sensing her total desolation.
"That went -- not too bad."
Somehow she managed to laugh. "I guess it could've been worse." Then she grimaced. "Just wait till we have to tell her about the baby."
"Geez," Lucky groaned. "She sure as hell is my kid."
"Oh yeah. Stubborn as a rock." Liz smiled as they collapsed on the couch together.
Steve took the news much better and even wanted to go ahead and start getting ready to move. Liz left "her boys" working on packing up Steve's room and headed to the main house to break the news to her former "in-laws."

*****************************************************************************

Chapter 23

Reginald smiled as he opened the door.
"Ms. Webber! How are you?"
"I'm alright. Are Alan and Monica around?"
"Yes, they're in the living room with Mr. and Mrs. Ashton."
Liz nodded and then thought to ask, "How's Edward doing?"
Reginald grinned. "Still stuck in bed, but that mind and tongue of his are alive and kicking!"
"That's good. Thanks Reg."
"No problem."

Liz headed for the living room, where Alan, Monica, Ned, and Lois were actually managing to have a civil conversation. Lois caught sight of her first and jumped up to hug her.
"Liz, girl, you look so happy today! You're practically glowing!"
Liz smiled, a little uncomfortably. She had no idea how they were going to take this. "Thanks Lo. How are you?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Talked to Brooke Lynn last night, she's madly in love again."
Liz laughed. "How many times has she said that?"
"Oh, honey, I don't even listen to her anymore."
Monica smiled. "What brings you up here, Elizabeth?"
"Well, um, actually I have to tell you all something."
Monica patted the couch next to her. "Come sit down, dear. What is it?"
Liz sat on the edge of the couch, feeling like she might throw up. And considering that morning sickness had always struck her at odd times of the day, it was entirely possible. "Uh -- well, you know Lucky came back to town last summer."
Monica nodded slowly, suddenly seeming to realize where this was headed.
Liz hesitated another instant and then decided to just blurt it all out in a rush. "We've managed to reconcile our differences and we're going to renew our wedding vows in March."
"I see."
Liz started to babble, as was her tendency when she was nervous or upset. "Of course, we won't stay in the gatehouse, we're moving back to our old house, on Saturday in fact, and I don't want you to think that I didn't love AJ, I did so much, and a part of me still does, but --"
Monica held up a hand. "Liz, it's alright. We all know how much you loved my son. But he's gone and you're not, and you deserve a chance to be happy again."
Liz relaxed visibly and impulsively she threw her arms around Monica. "Oh thank you so much for understanding. And of course, you can still see Steve, whenever you both want to." She looked around the room at the rest of the family. "That goes for all of you, you're still his family and I won't let that be forgotten."
Alan looked at her. In his older age, he'd become cantankerous and cranky, much like his father. "You better mean that, young lady. Your son is a Quartermaine heir and I would rather die before I see my grandson forget his heritage."
With that, he turned and stalked out of the room. Monica shook her head and tried to reassure Liz.
"Don't worry about it, he's as bad as Edward these days."
Liz nodded. "Well, I better get back, I left Lucky in charge of packing up the house and God knows what could happen!"
Ned gave her a quick hug as she stood up. "I still don't understand what you saw in AJ, but I know there was something. I'm glad you can be happy again. Everyone deserves a second chance." He exchanged a private glance with Lois. "Trust me, I know."
"Thank you, Ned."
Lois took her arm. "C'mon, I'll walk you out."
They walked to the door, where Lois offered her congratulations again and Liz left to hurry home.
*****************************************************************************

Chapter 24
Sunday night, the day after moving day

Liz jumped a little in her chair as Lucky slipped silently into the living room and kissed the top of her head from behind.
"Geez, scare the heck out of me, why don't you?"
"Sorry, sorry."
She smiled. "It's okay. Steve in bed?"
"Yep. Loves his new room too."
"Great. What about our darling daughter?"
"Still locked in her bedroom refusing to speak to either of us."
"Lucky, what are we gonna do?"
"Let her sulk. She'll get over this eventually."
"She's sulked for almost a week now. It's getting old and I'm getting sick of it."
"We can't force her to like this."
Liz sighed. "I know, I know."
He pulled her out of the chair and into a hug. "It'll be okay. Just give it time."
"Yeah, I know."
He sat down on the couch and pulled her down on his lap. Lacing his fingers with hers, he said, "Baby -- I wanna talk to you about something."
She couldn't miss the serious note in his voice. "What is it?"
"What would you think about me adopting Steve?"
She stared at him. "You would really do that? I mean, you can really accept him as yours?"
He shifted uncomfortably. "Well -- if his father was alive, I'd never suggest it. And I'd probably have a harder time dealing with him. But it would make a lot of things simpler -- starting with the fact that then he wouldn't be the only non-Spencer in the house."
"Lucky -- you have no idea how much this means to me. You are absolutely incredible, do you know that?"
He shrugged. "I told you I was gonna make everything up to you. I figure this is a start."
"Well, if he's agreeable to it, then I think it's a fabulous idea. I mean, I don't want him to ever forget AJ or lose contact with his grandparents and aunts and uncles, but --"
"That's the other thing. Would the Q's oppose an adoption?"
"I don't think they can. With AJ gone, obviously I'm the only legal parent. That makes it my call, right? I mean, I don't think we'd even have to tell them until it was a done deal."
"Then let's do it. I'll talk to Justus as soon as I can."
She smiled as she kissed him softly. "I don't even know what to say. Except thank you."
"It's nothing."
She stared at him, marveling at her incredible luck. "I love you so much." Then she looked worried. "What if the Q's do oppose it?"
"Then we'll fight it out. Lizzie, I don't care who his father was. He's your son and I will never let them take him from you."
She couldn't speak, she was so overwhelmed by emotion. She just leaned against him as he held her tightly.
After awhile, he nudged her. "C'mon, sleepyhead, let's go up to bed."
She stretched her arms. "Kay," she said sleepily. "That sounds --" she was interrupted by a huge yawn "-- mmm, lovely."
He laughed softly and pulled her up the steps and she crawled into bed and was asleep before he even managed to undress. Smiling to himself, he slid under the covers and pulled her close to him. "Night baby," he whispered as he drifted off to sleep too.

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Chapter 25
about two weeks later

Liz flew out of bed as Lucky sat up in sleepy confusion. "Where's the fire?" he asked.
She didn't answer, just gestured wildly at the clock and ran down the hall, yelling, "Laina, get up right now! Your bus will be here in less than 15 minutes!"
Laina's door opened and she sauntered out. "Relax, Ma, I'm up. I guess you were just too busy fooling around with him to go to sleep last night."
Liz stared at her in shock and then slapped her right across the face. She had never hit either of her children before but Laina had pushed her too far. Laina stared at her with a look of total disdain, but before she could say a word, Liz began to yell.
"I have had it with you, absolutely HAD IT!! You have been behaving like a TOTAL brat for WEEKS now and I am SICK of it and I REFUSE to put up with it for another day!! I LOVE Lucky, more than almost anything, and you don't have to like it, but you will respect it and be pleasant. It doesn't mean I didn't love AJ, I did. But it was a different kind of love for a different time in my life. Lucky is the best damn thing that's ever happened to me, EVER, in my whole life and you are going to stop acting like a spoiled little girl and deal with it! The rudeness and hatefulness and the snippiness is going to stop, NOW."
Laina rolled her eyes. "Whatever. So he loves you, big deal. He doesn't care about me."
"YES HE DOES!" As Laina continued to just stare, Liz laughed suddenly, softly and sadly. "You really have no idea, do you? He loves you so much and he wants so much to make up for missing out on your life. From the second he knew about you, he loved you. The night I told him I was pregnant with you, he thought I was already asleep and he put his head on my stomach and talked to you and told you how much he already loved you. He was there when you were born, he held you before I even did. I know he made mistakes, but he is your FATHER and I KNOW he loves you. Can't you please give him a chance to prove it?"
Laina looked at her for a minute and then muttered, "I gotta go." She ran down the stairs and out the door.
Liz watched her as a feeling of total helplessness and despair washed over her. She sank to the floor as the tears began to fall.
Lucky walked out of the bedroom where he'd been watching from the doorway. Sitting down beside her, he put his arms around her as she leaned against him and cried.
Steve emerged from his room, sleepily rubbing his eyes. "I heard noises," he complained. Then he saw Liz. "What's wrong with mommy?" he asked in alarm.
"She and Laina had a little argument," Lucky told him.
"Oh, again?" he said worriedly. Liz lifted her head and as she wiped her eyes, she managed a weak smile. "Yeah, again," she sighed. "C'mere honey." She pulled him into her lap and kissed his dark brown mess of hair. "It'll be okay though, one day."
He nodded as Liz and Lucky shared a look over his head. Then Lucky spoke.
"Steve, we wanna ask you something."
"Okay," he said agreeably.
Liz took a deep breath and plunged in. "What would you say about making Lucky your legal dad?"
He looked confused. "What's that mean?"
"Well," Lucky said, "It means you could call me dad, like you already do, but it also means your last name would change. You'd be a Spencer, like your mom and Laina and me."
He thought for a minute and then nodded. "Okay."
Liz looked at him. "You wanna do it?"
"Yeah."
She smiled in relief at how simple it had been. "Well, okay then. It's settled." She stood up and took his hand. "Let's go get ready for school."
She got him dressed and on the bus and then practically fell into a chair at the kitchen table. Lucky smiled sympathetically from where he was sitting drinking coffee. "What a morning, huh?"
She grimaced. "You can say that again!" She groaned as she looked at the clock. "I gotta go get ready and get out of here."
He checked the clock then too and stood up, walking over to stand behind her. "Geez, me too." He leaned over her shoulder to whisper in her ear, "Race ya for the shower."
She grinned. "I got a better idea. Let's share."
He grinned back as he planted a kiss on her cheek. "Sounds like a plan to me."
She giggled. "Well, what are we waiting for then?" Grabbing his hand, she jumped up and ran for the stairs, pulling him behind her.

*****************************************************************************

Chapter 26
February 14, 2020

Lucky looked up as Liz walked into the house. She looked utterly exhausted.
"How was it today?" he asked softly.
She didn't answer, just rushed over to where he was sitting and threw herself into his arms. He held her, gently rubbing her back and waiting for her to speak.
"Awful," she finally said. "It's crazy, Luck. Twenty-two YEARS and I still get jumpy today. Any other day of the year, I'm fine, but I start thinking about it and --"
"I know, baby, I know."
She sighed as he kissed her gently. "It's okay," he told her. "You're doing fine."
She nodded as he said, "Get up!"
She groaned. "Why? I'm comfy."
"Cuz I gotta show you something upstairs."
Her curiosity piqued, she stood up. "You do? What?"
He just smiled mysteriously and pulled her towards the stairs. At their bedroom door, he paused. "Close your eyes." She did.
"No peeking," he warned.
"I'm not, I promise!" she said as a smile played on her lips.
He walked her into the room, stood her in front of the bed and said, "Okay, you can look now."
She opened her eyes and gasped. "Oh my God," she breathed. "Oh Lucky."
Before her, spread out on the bed, lay her wedding dress, looking exactly as it had when she'd put it away seventeen years earlier.
"I found it in the attic when I was storing boxes from the move. So I took it to be cleaned and stuff. I thought maybe you'd wanna wear it again." Suddenly he looked uncertain about what he'd done. "Is that okay?"
She spun around and threw her arms around him. "Of course it's okay! You are just -- I don't even know. I love you. I know I say that all the time lately but I can't help it." She kissed him quickly as he grinned in understanding and she turned back around to finger the soft satin of the dress. "I hope it still fits."
"It will."
"You're awfully confident about that."
He moved in behind her and slid his arms around her waist. "Hey, I've held you often enough. You feel about the same size to me."
Laughing, she put his hands on her stomach. "But don't forget, I'll be two and half months pregnant when I wear this dress."
"Oh yeah." Gently he rubbed her belly. "And how is baby Spencer today?"
"Far as I can tell, just fine." She twisted her head around and smiled at him. "We are so incredibly blessed."
"I know baby." He tightened his hold on her as she smiled and his voice dropped to a whisper. "I know."

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Chapter 26
First week of March

Liz was hunched over the kitchen table, going over a long checklist of last minute wedding things when Lucky got home.
"Hey, baby, how --"
She cut him off. "It's about time you got here! We've got like a zillion things to decide. And where have you been anyway?"
He sat down next to her. "I'm sorry, I ran into Justus. We're scheduled to appear before the judge on Wednesday."
"As in the day after tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I know it's short notice, but there was a cancellation and if we don't go then, then we have to wait till this summer at least."
"Oh. Okay, I'll work it out with Carly and Lu."
"It won't be a problem, will it?"
She shook her head. "I don't think so. And I'm sorry I snapped at you. It's just --"
He finished the sentence for her. "Wedding stress and hormones."
She grinned. "Exactly. I guess that excuse is wearing kinda thin, huh?"
"Nah, I understand."
She shook her head. "How can you possibly be a real person? How can you be so wonderful?"
He shrugged, looking embarrassed. Quickly she changed the subject, handing him her notepad. "This is everything we have to decide."
He took the list and whistled. "Talk about a LOT to do."
"I know. So let's get to work."

--a few hours later--

Lucky leaned back in his chair, running a hand over his face.
"Can I go beat my head against the wall now?" he asked half-seriously.
Liz laughed. "We're almost done."
"Thank God. Okay, what next?"
"We have to pick a song for our first dance."
He perked up. "Actually, I'd been thinking about that."
"I have too. What'd you pick?"
He shook his head. "I want it to be a surprise."
"But --"
"I know, we have to pick." He thought for a minute. "Okay, how about this? Your song be our first dance and mine can be the last dance."
"That works. I guess we'll each call the DJ separately then?"
"Yeah. Okay, we finished yet?"
"One more thing. The kids."
"What about them? Didn't we decide not to put them in the wedding?"
"Oh yeah, I know that. I don't think that's right, we already had our big wedding. No, I mean where are we going to leave them while we're in Hawaii?"
"I hadn't even thought of that." He looked thoughtful. "My parents?"
"I considered that, but Steve barely knows them yet. What about Robin and Nik?"
He just looked at her. "My kids at Count Vlad's place? I don't think so. Jason and Carly?"
She sighed. "I love them to death, but Carly's gonna be going crazy trying to cover things at Kelly's."
"Who else is there?"
"Duh! I can't believe we forgot. Em and Eric."
"Oh yeah. Why didn't we think of that before?"
"Because what's obvious is always hardest to see." She shot him a meaningful glance and then threw her pencil down. "Okay then! We are done!"
"Whoo-hoo!" he cheered as she burst out laughing.
"What you laughing at?" Steve asked as he wandered into the kitchen. Lucky leaned back in his chair and ruffled Steve's hair.
"Your mom thinks I'm funny."
"That's cuz daddy's silly," Liz teased as she gazed at them fondly.
"You're both silly!" Steve told them.
Liz looked at Lucky. "He thinks we're silly."
Lucky nodded gravely. "I heard. What should we do to him?"
"I think," Liz said slowly, "I think he needs a good -- tickling!!" They both jumped up and grabbed him as he squealed with laughter.
"Mommy, daddy, stop!" he protested even as he laughed and tried to tickle them back.
Laughing and trying to catch her breath, Liz sat Indian-style as Lucky sprawled on his back and she pulled Steve into her lap.
"You're still silly," he told her.
"But it's fun to be silly, don't you think?"
"Yeah."
Lucky rolled over on his stomach, propping his chin on his hands and looking for all the world like a little boy, Liz thought.
"Guess what, Steve?" he asked.
"What?"
"On Wednesday, we're gonna go see a judge and he's gonna change your name."
"Cool. So I'll be Steve Spencer?"
"Yup."
"Can I be Steve Q. Spencer?"
Liz hugged him. "Of course you can."
"Cool." He smiled widely. "I can't wait."

*****************************************************************************

Chapter 28
March 7, 2020

Liz stood in the bride's room, nervously smoothing out her dress. It was a little snug, but considering that she would be 38 soon and was in the midst of her third pregnancy, it fit pretty good.
Liz looked around the room. Carly was in the corner, trying to talk to Laina. Steve and his cousin Eddie were on the floor, while Emily checked the back of Liz's dress. Liz turned around. "Well?"
Carly looked up and smiled at her. "You look fabulous."
"Yes, you do," Laura said as she walked in and went over to give her a careful hug. "And you've made my baby so happy."
Liz smiled. "Not as happy as he's made me."
Laina rolled her eyes, but at least she kept her mouth shut.
Steve tugged on Laura's skirt. "Laura, guess what?"
She knelt down next to him. "What?"
"We went to visit a man in a big black dress and we wrote our names on a piece of paper and he said my last name is Spencer now, like mommy and daddy."
She smiled. "I know. I'm very happy about that, because I'm a Spencer too. And it means that I'm your grandma now."
"But what about Gramma Mon'ca?"
"She's still your grandma too. You're a very lucky little boy, cuz you get to have three grandmas and a great-grandma."
"Oh. Okay."
They looked up as a knock sounded on the door and Nik stuck his head in.
"We're ready to start, ladies."
Laura picked Steve up. "Come on, you can come sit with me and your new grandpa."
"Okay."
Emily looked at her sulking god-daughter in the corner. "Laina? You wanna sit with me and Eric?"
She didn't answer, just got up and followed Emily and Eddie out of the room.
Carly sighed and then looked at Liz, who seemed on the verge of tears. "Don't you dare! Don't you let her spoil this day for you. Besides, if you screw up the make-up that took me forever to get perfect, I will kill you."
Liz laughed and hugged her. "Thank you. I needed that."
"Anytime. C'mon, let's go."
Liz stood at the back of the church, watching Carly make her way to the front.
The familiar music started and Liz began to walk down the aisle, her eyes taking in all the smiling faces of their friends and family.
Luke and Laura and Audrey up front with Steve. Eric and Emily with Laina and Eddie. Robin with Anna. Will and Lu. Sarah, who'd flown in from Paris. Tommy and Maxie Hardy. Bobbie with Lucas. Mike Corbin. Alex and V Garcia. Jason with Michael. Ned and Lois, sitting with Sonny and Brenda Corinthos, who'd driven down from Canada. Carly and Nik standing at the front of the church. And there, looking a little nervous, but not enough that anyone but she would know, was Lucky. Her heart was so full of happiness and love as she kept her eyes on him, that she thought it might burst. Finally, she reached the front of the church and took Lucky's hand. Their eyes met and she knew this would work, that this time, it was really forever.
"Dearly beloved..."
"Do you, Lucas Lorenzo Spencer, Junior, take this woman..."
"I do."
"And do you, Elizabeth Audrey Webber, take this man..."
"I do."
"...I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
They stared at each other for an instant as he squeezed her hand. Then he quickly but lovingly kissed her and they walked back up the aisle as the congregation stood and applauded.

*****************************************************************************

Chapter 30
a week later

Liz sighed as she leaned her head on Lucky's shoulder as they flew home to Port Charles after an absolutely blissful week. They'd spent long, lazy days shopping, swimming, and sunbathing and even longer, not so lazy nights locked in their hotel room, taking advantage of the opportunity to rediscover anything they might have forgotten about each other's bodies.
Lucky picked up on the melancholy note in her sigh. "What's wrong?"
"I don't wanna go back! I mean, I miss the kids and home and even the diner, but, I dunno, there's just something very appealing about having you all to myself."
He laughed in understanding and picked up her hand, lacing their fingers together. She smiled at the sight of their wedding rings next to each other. Gently, he kissed her knuckles and then let their hands fall back to his lap. "I, for one, can second that thought," he said.
She grinned. "You mean you didn't get enough this week?" she teased.
He grinned back. "Never enough of you, baby."
Still grinning, she said softly, "Well, in that case..."
Suddenly his eyes widened as she began gently stroking him through his khakis.
"What are you DOING?" he hissed.
She smiled innocently. "Nothing," she said sweetly, never ceasing the motion of her hand. A groan involuntarily escaped his lips as she leaned over and began placing feather-light kisses on his ear and cheek and neck.
"Liz," he whispered hoarsely, "We're on a commercial airline flight! You can't do this!"
"Says who? We're in the back row, everyone's watching the movie --"
"Liz --"
Still smiling, she stood up. "I'm going to the bathroom." She leaned over and whispered in his ear, "I'll see you there."
He watched her leave and then with a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, he let a grin spread across his face as he got up and followed her to the bathroom.

--A little while later--

Lucky shook his head as Liz leaned against him, back in their seats.
"You're crazy, you know that?"
She smiled. "Crazy about you." She kissed him as he whispered, "You missed a button, baby."
She giggled as she fixed it. "Whoops, thanks."
"No problem."
"I've come a long way though."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean how for so long I was so weirded out about sex and intimacy and now -- well --"
He grinned. "Now you're insatiable."
"Oh hush. I haven't heard you complaining at all."
"Yeah, well."
She giggled again and then groaned slightly as the pilot made the final approach announcement.
"Real life, here we come!"

*****************************************************************************

Chapter 29

After dinner, Nik stood up and got everyone's attention.
"I've been informed I get to say something now so here goes. As most of you know, Lucky and I weren't too thrilled with each other when we first met." Lucky grinned sheepishly. "But we've managed to become friends and that's why I'm so honored that he asked me to be his best man on a day that I know is very important to him. And I'm so glad that he and Liz have finally found the happiness that I always knew they'd have again. So -- here's to my brother and his wife!" He raised his glass as the others did the same and Liz stood up to kiss his cheek and then watched with happy tears in her eyes, as Lucky embraced his brother.
The DJ took over then. "Alright ladies and gentlemen, it's time to party! The first dance is the bride and groom's of course, but after that it's wide-open and I will take requests. Just have a great time! Now, I understand the bride wants to say a few words before they dance. Mrs. Spencer?"
Liz grinned as she approached the mike.
"Hi everyone! I just want to thank you all for being here, especially --" her eyes found her sister and then Sonny and Brenda "-- those of you who came a really long way to be here tonight. It really means a lot. Lucky and I decided we were going to say the traditional vows in the actual ceremony and then we'd each pick a song to dance to and say a few words before it. And since Lucky is such a smart guy, I get to go first!" She paused to let the laughter die down and then she looked at him. "Seriously, Lucky, I don't even know what to say. You are just the most wonderful, incredible man I have ever known." She grinned impishly. "And you're kinda cute too. I love you so much and I am still convinced that I'm the one who's really lucky."
Everyone chuckled at that, even as a few people wiped away tears. She smiled as she stepped off the stage and walked to the middle of the dance floor where he stood waiting for her. Slipping into his arms easily, they began to dance, lost in their own private world.

"I don't know how you do it
I swear you act just like
There's nothing to it
And you do it so naturally

And I don't know
How you take it
Sometimes I'm not so sure
We're gonna make it
But you keep your faith in me

Oh there are nights
We lose the touch
And days that come
And go so fast
And times that it takes
All we got
To try and make
The feeling last

But you keep on lovin' me
You keep on lovin' me

And I know I've hurt you
Sometimes
Thoughtlessly I call you
Names and criticize
But you take it all in stride
Oh yeah, still you
Come around
Though I know there've
Been times I've let you down
But here you stand
By my side

Oh and there are nights
We lose the touch
And days that come
And go so fast
And times that it takes
All we got
To try and make
The feeling last

But you keep on lovin' me
You keep on lovin' me..."

Sonny walked outside to find Luke leaning against the building, smoking a cigar. He grinned at him.
"Knew I'd find ya out here."
Luke just smiled. "Hey, what can I say?"
Sonny shook his head. "Good to see you, man."
"You too. How's life treatin ya these days?"
"I can't complain. Beautiful wife, two great kids. You?"
"Funny, that's about my life too!" His voice softened slightly. "I'm just glad these two finally got their heads on straight."
Sonny laughed. "Yeah," he said reflectively.
Then the door opened and Brenda stuck her head out. "There you are! C'mon, the dancing's started." She looked at Luke then. "I think Laura's looking for a partner too."
Luke chuckled. "Tell her I'll be in in just a second."
"Kay. Sonny?"
"I never turn down the chance to dance with a beautiful woman." Offering his arm to his wife, they walked back inside.
Luke watched them, laughing softly to himself. There went another two people who'd taken awhile to get their heads on straight. He thought about his son and how happy he seemed. He just hoped it would last this time. Taking one last drag on the cigar, he put it out and went back inside to find his wife.

--later that night--

After a long, wonderful evening, the DJ finally said, "Alright folks, last dance. Lucky?"
Lucky hurried on-stage and grabbed the mike. "I just want to echo my beautiful wife and thank all of you again for being here today. It's what made it the perfect day." His voice softened as he looked at Liz. "Well, Lizzie, it's been a long, hard road to get here today, but we made it and I'm so glad we did. You make my life complete and I don't intend to lose you ever again. I love you, baby, forever. Always."
She smiled as he walked towards her, even as she wiped away tears. Pulling her close to him and marveling once again at how perfectly her body fit to his, they danced.

"This Romeo is bleeding
But you can't see his blood
It's nothing but some feelings
That this old dog kicked up

It's been raining since you left me
Now I'm drowning in the flood
You see I've always been a fighter
But without you I give up

Now I can't sing a love song
Like the way it's meant to be
Well, I guess I'm not that good anymore
But baby, that's just me

And I will love you, baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always
I'll be there till the stars don't shine
Till the heavens burst and
The words don't rhyme
And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind
And I'll love you - Always

Now your pictures that you left behind
Are just memories of a different life
Some that made us laugh, some that made us cry
One that made you have to say good-bye

What I'd give to run my fingers through your hair
To touch your lips, to hold you near
When you say your prayers try to understand
I've made mistakes, I'm just a man

When he holds you close, when he pulls you near
When he says the words you've been needing to hear
I'll wish I was him 'cause those words are mine
To say to you till the end of time

Yeah, I will love you baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always

If you told me to cry for you
I could
If you told me to die for you
I would
Take a look at my face
There's no price I won't pay
To say these words to you

Well, there ain't no luck
In these loaded dice
But baby if you give me just one more try
We can pack up our old dreams
And our old lives
We'll find a place where the sun still shines

And I will love you, baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always
I'll be there till the stars don't shine
Till the heavens burst and
The words don't rhyme
And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind
And I'll love you - Always..."

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Chapter 31

Liz stifled a yawn as Lucky pulled away from the airport. He glanced over at her.
"Tired, babe?"
"Yeah. And my stomach's still pretty jumpy."
He rubbed her shoulder gently. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It was all definitely worth it. Just remind me to never fly while I'm pregnant again!"
"Liz, if you manage to get pregnant again, I'm gonna have to start sleeping in another room."
"Oh shut up!" she cried, playfully hitting his arm. "Is it my fault you don't know how to say no to me?"
He laughed. "Well, you do make it awfully hard." He shot her a sly grin and she giggled as she caught the double entendre.
"You're disgusting," she said with a fond smile, not really meaning it.
"It's time to behave again though."
"Yeah," she said as they lapsed into a comfortable silence, wanting to hang onto the magical week just a little bit longer.
Emily was outside with the boys when they drove up. She waved as Steve ran for them, hollering, "Mommy! Daddy!"
Lucky picked him up and Liz leaned over to kiss his cheek.
"Did you have fun this week?" she asked.
"Yup! Did you and daddy have fun?"
"Oh yeah," Liz said as she and Lucky shared a secret look over his head. "We had a very good time. But we missed you."
"I missed you too. Lainie didn't miss you, but I'm glad you're home."
Emily walked over to give them both quick hugs. Liz sighed.
"I take it Laina's still mad at us?"
Emily nodded. "Yep."
Lucky groaned. "Okay if I go in and find her?"
"Sure, go ahead." She looked closely at Liz. "Okay, please don't think I'm being horribly rude, but have you gained weight?"
She grinned and whispered, "I'm pregnant, Em."
Emily gasped and hugged them both again. Leaving the two women talking excitedly, Lucky went inside.
"Laina?" he called. "Laina, where are you?"
He walked upstairs where he found Laina sitting by the window in the room she'd stayed in that week.
He walked in slowly. "Hi," he said softly.
Laina's head jerked around. "Oh. It's you."
"Yeah. You ready to go home?"
"I guess. Not like I have a choice anyway."
Lucky decided to just let the comment slide. "Can I help you with anything?"
"No. I don't need anything from you." She picked up her backpack and suitcase and headed out the door. With a sigh, Lucky followed her.

"Everybody in the living room!" Lucky announced when they reached their own home a little while later.
Laina groaned but threw herself in a chair while Liz sat down on the couch, Steve in her lap and Lucky next to her.
Liz smiled nervously. "We have to tell you something and I don't know how you're gonna feel about it, but it's something you're going to have to get used to. So --" she took a deep breath as Lucky put his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder. "Okay. Um -- we're having a baby."
Laina's mouth dropped open and she stared at them in shocked speechlessness.
Steve looked up at her. "A baby?" She nodded. "Like, a little brother?"
She laughed. "Yes. Or a little sister."
"Cool. Can I go play in my room now?"
They both laughed at that. "Sure." He scampered off as Laina recovered her powers of speech. "This is the most disgusting thing I've ever heard."
"Honey, it's not like we planned this."
"No kidding. How dumb are you two anyway? Even I know about birth control, they teach it in school."
"Laina, that's between your mother and me and is NONE of your business."
Laina laughed. "Whatever. It's already obvious to everyone that you can't keep your hands off of each other. This just proves it. But anyway, I really don't care. Have the stupid baby. Just let me tell you right now, I won't be baby-sitting."
She stomped out of the room as Liz shook her head. "Where did I go wrong with her?"
Lucky sighed and pulled her against him. "It's not your fault. She's upset."
"She's walking all over us, being a total brat and we're letting her get away with it."
"Yeah, but what can we do? How do you force someone to be pleasant?"
"I don't know," she said miserably.
"Besides," he said, stroking her cheek, "she does have a point."
"What's that?"
"I can't keep my hands off you." He grinned and kissed her.
She laughed softly. "We have been acting like lust-crazed teenagers, haven't we?"
"Something like that."
Liz sighed. "She'll come around eventually, right?"
"Yeah. It'll work out," he said smiling even as he added to himself 'I hope.'

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Chapter 32

Spring rushed by and before they knew, they came crashing into summer. After much deliberation, not to mention plenty of arguments, Laina's parents had agreed to let her stay at home alone on the days when Liz had to be at the diner, although they tried to arrange it that at least one parent was always home. The closer Liz got to her due date, the sooner she'd be quitting work for awhile anyway. Steve stayed at various places on the odd days that both Liz and Lucky were working.
One early July afternoon, Liz was at Kelly's when Laura came in with Steve.
"Hi mommy!" he yelled.
She smiled as he ran to her and she squatted down to hug him. She was so big she couldn't bend over to pick him up. She laughed as he patted her tummy and yelled hi to the baby too. Struggling back to her feet, she said, "Why don't you run in the back? I think Aunt Lu's got a treat for you back there."
Laura hugged her sympathetically. "How are you feeling?"
She grimaced and rubbed her back. "Hot. Tired. Fat. If I didn't know better, I'd swear there is no way I'm only seven and a half months along."
"Some babies are just big like that I guess. But I know how you feel. It's awful to be pregnant in the summer."
"If there was gonna be a next time, I'd remember that."
"What, you mean you don't wanna do this five or six more times?" Laura teased.
Liz smiled. "You know, I almost wouldn't mind, but I think three's enough. Besides, your son is already threatening me with separate bedrooms."
Laura laughed and seemed about to say something when Lucky himself burst in the door.
"Speak of the devil!" Liz said happily. "What are you doing here?"
He barely even seemed to notice his mother standing there, just grabbed her arm and said, "Come here, we have to talk."
"Lucky -- what's wrong?"
He didn't answer, just pulled her towards the office. Closing the door, he stared at it for a minute before turning around. She stared dumbfounded at his back.
"Lucky, what's gotten into you?"
Slowly, he turned and she got her first good look at his face since he'd walked in and what she saw scared her to her very core. He looked terrified. His eyes were wild, full of fear and guilt. Her voice fell to a whisper. "Lucky? Please, tell me --"
He walked towards her, achingly slow, and taking her hands, he whispered, "She's gone."
Confused, she sputtered, "What? What are you talking about?"
"Laina." One hand flew to her mouth as she began to shake violently, shaking her head at him. Then he realized she'd misunderstood. "No, no, baby, she's not dead. She ran away. She left a note, said obviously we're all happy without her and she ran away."
She began to cry. "Oh God, my baby. Where is she? Where would she go?"
"I don't know. I'm going down to the PCPD to talk to Mac and then I'm going to look for her on my own. I just had to tell you first."
"I'm going with you."
He shook his head firmly. "No. Liz --"
"Lucky, it's my little girl! I have to --"
"Honey, it might not be safe. You have to think of the baby."
She nodded miserably. "I know, it's just --"
He put his arms around her. "I know, baby. I'll find her. I promise."
"Be careful, Lucky," she whispered.
He kissed her. "I will."
He turned around and walked back out as she sank slowly into a chair and sobbed.

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Chapter 33

Liz was crying so hard she didn't even notice Steve standing by the door. He stared at her for a minute and then ran out front yelling, "Gramma! Aunt Lu!"
They came running to the back office when Steve said, "Mommy's crying. I think somethin bad happened."
Laura knelt by the chair. "Liz, honey, what's wrong? What did Lucky tell you?"
She sniffled and gratefully took the kleenex Lu offered her. "Laina --" she managed to choke out. Even more scared now, Laura said softly, "What about Laina?"
"She ran away, Lucky's out looking for her, she thinks we hate her --" as usual, Liz was babbling.
Both women were shocked, but managed to eventually calm Liz down and then Laura said, "Come on Liz, I'm gonna take you two home. Lu, you call the instant you hear from your brother, you hear me?"
"Yes, mom."
Laura grabbed Liz's purse and her own and then taking Steve's hand and guiding Liz towards the door with her free hand, she got them in the car and to their house. Once inside, Liz immediately collapsed on the couch while Steve ran upstairs to play in his room, oblivious to everything. Laura sat down next to Liz, who turned big, tearful eyes to her.
"This is all my fault."
"Oh, Liz, no it isn't."
"Yes, it is," she insisted. "If I hadn't been so wrapped up in Lucky and the baby and I'd paid more attention to how unhappy she was, this wouldn't have happened."
"You two have both done everything you could. She's just determined to be upset about this. And God knows, when it comes to stubbornness, no one beats the Spencer family."
Liz managed a weak smile. "Ain't that the truth. At least I know that Lucky won't give up till he finds her."
"And he will find her. That's the other thing Spencers can't be beat on, is the love and loyalty for their family."
Liz nodded, knowing this was true. She and Laura sat there for a long time, as night slowly slid over the world and the room got dark. Laura finally reached over to turn on a lamp as Liz jumped up.
"I hate this! I hate just sitting here not knowing what's going on!" She began to pace the room and as she turned around a funny look crossed her face. Laura stood up quickly as Liz's hands flew to her stomach.
"Liz? What is it?"
She looked scared and sounded confused. "I -- I don't know. It felt like a contraction but it's -- it's too soon for that. Isn't it?"
Laura, now a little scared herself, tried to speak in a reassuring tone. "Usually, but -- it has been a stressful day. That can bring on early labor sometimes."
Liz felt frantic as the sensation happened again. Almost hugging her stomach, she sank into a chair, mumbling, "Oh God."
"Come on," Laura said. "I'm taking you to GH."
Liz jumped up. "No! I can't, I have to wait for Lucky --" As she spoke, her water broke. She moaned and sat back down. "No!"
"Liz, you have to."
"But Steve --"
Laura grabbed the phone. "Carly?......Hi, it's Laura. Listen, Liz is in labor, can you come get her and take her to the hospital so I can stay at the house with Steve?.......Lucky's busy with another family emergency.......Okay thanks, see ya in a minute." She hung up the phone. "Carly's on her way. I'll stay here and she'll go with you okay?"
Liz nodded, feeling totally helpless and out of control. This was all happening too fast. Her baby girl was out God-knows-where and so was her husband, trying to find her and now their other baby had decided it was time to make his or her appearance. She winced and grabbed her mother-in-law's hand as another contraction ripped through her.
Carly arrived soon and got Liz in the car and they sped off to GH, where they were met by Dr. Klenz, who quickly put her in a delivery room.
But after hours of labor, the baby still wasn't born. Liz lay back on her pillow, drenched in sweat and so exhausted she could barely move. Carly gently pushed her hair back and tried to encourage her as the doctor and nurses consulted at the foot of the bed.
"You're doing great Liz, it can't be much longer now."
She managed to nod. "Lucky? Has he called?" she asked in a weak voice.
Carly shook her head. "Not yet."
Liz choked back a sob as the nurses and Dr. Klenz finished their quick conversation and the doctor walked up to the head of the bed.
"Liz, honey, we're gonna have to do a C-section. This kid's not going anywhere."
She nodded, almost too tired to care anymore and quickly Dr. Klenz prepared for the surgery.

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Chapter 34

Lucky slammed his fist against the steering wheel in total frustation. He'd been driving the streets of Port Charles for hours now and still no luck. He'd called all of Laina's friends and gone to every place that she might be. Now, he faced the inevitable: searching the alleys and down by the docks.
Parking his car at Luke's, he got out and began to walk, cursing himself the whole time. He should've tried harder to show her how much he cared. Instead he'd been totally absorbed with Liz. Where was she? He had to find her. He couldn't understand why she'd done this. He'd thought things were getting better. She'd at least been civil to them lately. The if onlys ran through his head unendingly. Then suddenly he heard screams coming from a nearby alleyway. Screams of a familiar voice. He began to run.
Rounding a corner, he saw it: her backpack, fallen carelessly to one side of the alley. And then, further down the street, was his daughter, tossed just as carelessly on her back, a skinny man with stringy hair kneeling over her, holding her down with one hand while he fumbled at his belt buckle with the other hand. She was screaming, struggling against him, but it wasn't doing much good.
Lucky froze and for just one instant his mind flew back to the night over twenty-two years ago when he'd found her mother in the park. And he remembered the words he'd said, so many times to her and to himself: If only I'd gotten there sooner.
And then he realized, he'd made it in time. With a rage that he didn't even know he was capable of feeling, he threw himself at the man, yelling, "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER!" Caught off guard, the man was taken easily. He struggled with Lucky for a few minutes, but a few well-placed punches were all he needed to take him out while Laina hurried to fix her clothes and then she curled up into a ball, trying to cover what her ripped shirt no longer did.
By this point, Mike, having heard the yelling from the club as he was about to go inside, had appeared.
"Lucky?" he asked in disbelief. "What the hell?"
"Go call the police, man. Please."
Mike saw Laina then and as he realized what must have almost happened, his face hardened. "Gladly."
Mike returned a moment later with Luke in tow. Lucky quickly explained the situation and then said, "Can you two watch this bozo for a minute?"
They both nodded and moved over to him. Lucky walked over to where Laina still lay, shaking. Without saying a word, she met his eyes and it seemed she finally understood all the love she saw there. Silently, Lucky knelt beside her and held out his arms and she crawled into them, the first time she'd touched him since he'd returned. The first time he'd held his baby girl since she was five years old. Unbidden, tears ran down his face as he held her tightly. And then, she said it. "Thank you daddy," she whispered into his neck, which was wet with her tears by that point.
He couldn't help it. He lost it and began to sob as he hugged her as hard as he possibly could. Finally he managed a laugh as he pulled away. "You're welcome. I love you, sweet girl."
She stared at him for a minute. "I remember! I remember you used to say that...." her voice trailed off as he hugged her again and she whispered, "I love you."

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Chapter 35

After their emotional reunion and a long talk, (and after the jerk had been "taken care of") Lucky decided to take Laina to GH just to get her looked over to make sure she was okay. She assured him the guy hadn't had a chance to do anything to her, but he still wanted her checked out.
They got to GH and she was sent to a doctor while Lucky went to call the diner. Lu picked up the phone that she'd been waiting anxiously to hear ring all day.
"Kelly's."
"It's me Lu."
"Oh thank God. Did you find her?"
"Yeah."
"Is she alright? Where was she?"
"She's fine. I really don't want to talk about it just yet though."
"Okay. Where are you?"
"At GH."
"Oh, well that's convienent."
"Why?"
"Congrats, dad."
"What have you been smoking Lu?"
"Not a thing, but I bet Dad'll be breaking out the cigars."
"Could you please tell me what you're talking about?"
"Liz went into labor today."
"Oh my God. I missed it all?"
"Fraid so."
"Listen, I gotta go find her. Talk to ya later Lu."
"Wait, Lucky, I have to tell --" she said, but he was already gone, tearing through the hospital. Racing into maternity, he ran right into Carly.
"Lucky!" she cried. "How did you know?"
"I just talked to Lu. How is she?"
Carly smiled reassuringly. "She's fine. She's sleeping right now."
"And the baby? I mean, this is awfully early."
She motioned him towards the window of the nursery. "See for yourself, there they are."
He blinked in confusion. "They?"
She stared for a second and then realization struck her. "Lu didn't tell you? Lucky, you got twins!"
He felt dizzy. "You have to be kidding."
She shook her head. "Nope. See, look." She pointed. "Baby boy Spencer and there's baby girl Spencer."
"But how did we not know?"
"Apparently the girl was hidden under her brother. They'll both have to stay here for a few days, Liz too, actually. They're a little worried about the girl, but she should be alright. She may have to stay here a little longer, though."
He nodded as he gazed through the window at his children. "She is awfully tiny. But they're both perfect."
Carly nodded. He turned to her and asked, "Do they have names yet?"
"No. Actually Liz doesn't even know yet that it's twins. They had to do a C-section and decided to knock her out totally."
"Where is she?"
"C'mon I'll take you to her room."
Carly led him to a door and then said, "I'll see you later." He nodded and then he remembered. "Carly! Do me a favor, go down to the ER and get Laina when she gets done."
She looked slightly confused, but agreed and left as he slipped through the door.
Liz was fast asleep, her hair a mess, but she was still beautiful, Lucky thought.
He sat down by her bed and picked up her hand as he leaned over to kiss her forehead. He'd been sitting there for about fifteen minutes or so when her eyelids began to flutter and then opened.
"Lucky?" she said sleepily.
He smiled. "Hey baby."
She smiled back and then looked slightly panicked. "The baby! Is the baby okay?"
He nodded. "The babies -- yes, plural -- are fine."
Her mouth fell open. "Twins?" she whispered in disbelief.
Lucky grinned at her. "Yup, you little baby-machine you."
She laughed at that. "Boys or girls?"
"Ya know what? You're so amazing you managed to do one of each."
"Would you stop making me laugh? It hurts!"
"I'm sorry, no more jokes." His face turned serious. "Baby, I am so sorry I wasn't here. "
"It's okay." And then she remembered. "Laina! Oh God, Lucky, please tell me you found her."
"Yeah," he said grimly.
"What? Where was she?"
"I'm not sure if this is the best time --"
"I have to know! We promised, no secrets this time."
He sighed. "I know. Honey -- she was in an alley near Luke's. She was planning to hide out there after closing, sneak in somehow. But when I found her, there was a guy and he was about --" he stopped and took a deep breath and then choked out the rest of it "-- he was going to rape her."
Liz's heart literally stopped for an instant. "Did he?" Her voice was terror-filled.
Lucky shook his head. "I got there in time. I made it this time."
Liz began to cry. "Oh thank God. Oh, Lucky, thank you. Thank you."
He began to cry too as he put his arms around her. "She called me daddy, Liz."
"She did?"
He nodded as he lay his head just above her breast and she stroked his hair. "Oh Lucky." She began to cry again. "This day has just been too much."
"I'll second that," he said as he sat up and then they both looked at the door as it opened and Laina slipped in.
"Hi," she said softly, almost timidly.
Liz sat up a little and looked at her. The mere thought that her baby had almost endured the same horror that she had was heartbreaking. She held out her arms and without a word, Laina walked into them. When she stepped back, Liz sighed. "You scared me. You absolutely scared the hell out of me. But I'm so glad you're safe. Just promise you won't do anything like this again. We love you, sweetie, so much, and I'm sorry we've been kinda out there."
"I promise." She hesitated for an instant and then said, "Dad and I talked about it already. Everything's okay."
"That's great," Liz said smiling. Then she looked at Lucky. "Do you spose you could find someone to let me hold my children?"
"I already took care of that," Carly said as she walked in with one baby and Bobbie followed her with the other.
Bobbie smiled. "And I found an anxious grandma and big brother too!"
Laura and Steve entered the room as Liz beamed. Carly and Bobbie handed her the babies and Liz felt like she was truly going to explode from sheer happiness.
"Lucky, look. He's got your eyes."
"But dark hair like yours."
"Just like me," Laina piped up.
Liz smiled. "Yup. Do you want to hold him?"
She nodded as Carly helped Liz hand the boy to Laina who was sitting in a chair by the bed.
"I wanna hold a baby!" Steve complained as the adults laughed.
"This was the way to go, baby," Lucky teased Liz. "A kid for each of them."
Liz grinned as Laura asked, "So, do they have names yet?"
Liz looked at Lucky, an unspoken question in her eyes. He nodded and she said, "Yes they do. This one --" she pointed to Laina "-- is Jonathan Dylan and that one --" she pointed to Steve "-- is Margaret Faith, and knowing us, they'll wind up going by Jon and Meg."
"Those are beautiful names," Laura said.
"How'd you pick them?" Bobbie asked.
"Margaret for my grandmother on my mother's side," Liz explained, "and Faith because of the faith we have in each other. Not to mention that Grandma Maggie is a huge fan of Faith Hill!" They laughed and Liz continued, "Jonathan because I just like the name and it means gift and Dylan because it means faith."
They all nodded and began talking and cooing over the babies as Lucky leaned over to kiss his wife. "I love ya Lizzie."
She smiled as her eyes took in their children, all happy for once, and then she looked into his eyes, the blue eyes that knew her so well and that she loved so much, and was so overwhelmed by emotion that she couldn't even speak. She shook her head as happy tears filled her eyes. He grinned. "I know. I understand."
You always do, she thought as she smiled and leaned back on the pillows.

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Chapter 36
May 2026 ~ Six years later

The doorbell rang at the Spencer house one Saturday night and little feet ran to answer it. Laina's prom date, a nice guy named Dave, smiled nervously. "Hi," he said. "You must be the little sister I hear about all the time."
Meg nodded. "Yup."
Lucky appeared behind her then. "Meg, you know you're sposed to ask who's there before you open the door."
She looked guilty. "Sorry daddy."
He picked her up and kissed her forehead. "It's okay." He stuck his hand out and Dave shook it. "Lucky Spencer, I'm Laina's dad."
"I, uh, I kinda figured. Is Laina ready yet?"
"Not quite, I don't think. Baby," he called up the steps, "Laina about ready?"
Liz hurried out of Laina's room to call back down, "Just a minute!"
She went back to her daughter's room where Laina was fussing in front of her mirror. "Why do you still let him call you baby? You're not a kid and it's insulting."
Liz smiled indulgently. "I think it's sweet. You'll understand one day."
Laina nodded absently, not paying attention. "Okay. I think I'm ready."
"You look beautiful."
Liz hugged her carefully and left the room and headed downstairs so they could take pictures. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she smiled at Dave. "Hi, I'm Laina's mom. You must be Dave."
He nodded and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you."
"You too." She turned to her husband. "Lucky, do you have the camera?"
"Right here," he said, holding it up as Meg struggled to get down. He set her down and she was about to run off when her sister appeared on the stairs. She stopped and just stared. Then she turned around to her mother. "Mommy! Laina's all dressed up!"
Liz laughed. "Yes, she is. Doesn't she look pretty?"
Meg nodded as Laina descended the steps.
They went through all the rituals of corsage and pictures and such and then Dave turned to walk out the door as Lucky quickly hugged his daughter. "Be careful. I love you."
She smiled. "Love you too, daddy."
They left as Liz put her arm around Lucky's waist and leaned against him as they watched them walk down the front path. "Our little girl, all grown up," she said wistfully.
"Not ALL grown-up, she's only a junior," he pointed out.
"And thankfully, she's a little more innocent then we were at that age."
He nodded and kissed the top of her head. She smiled and then groaned. "Those dirty dishes are calling me." She headed for the kitchen as Lucky chuckled and headed to the living room where the boys were playing Nintendo. He flopped on the couch and Meg scrambled up to snuggle up next to him.
"Did you and Mommy ever go to a big dance like Laina?" she asked.
He nodded. "We sure did. And your mom looked beautiful."
"Prettier than Laina?"
"Maybe."
"Wow."
"You want to see a picture?"
She nodded and he got up to pick up a photo album from the shelf across the room.
Sitting back down, he quickly turned to the pages that were from the junior prom. "There's your mom getting ready and there's your grandpa laughing at me in my tux."
"Why Grampa laugh?"
"Cuz he's got an interesting sense of humor."
By this point the boys had abandoned the game and were gathered around looking at the pictures too.
"Who's the blond lady with mommy?" Jon asked.
"That's your Aunt Sarah, mom's sister. She doesn't live here anymore."
"I remember her!" Steve said.
"That's right, she came to visit before Jon and Meg were born."
"Look, daddy," Meg said, "there's you and mommy."
"Yup, at her Grandma Audrey's house."
"Eww," Steve said as he saw a picture of Liz and Lucky in a liplock in the limo. "You're kissing!"
Lucky laughed. "Trust me son, one day, you'll like it."
"Girls are yucky," he insisted.
"Hey!" Meg cried indignantly.
"Well, not you," he amended hastily. "Hey is that Uncle Nik?"
"Yup. He went out with Aunt Sarah for a long time."
"Oh. Hey, there's you and mom dancing."
He nodded. "I don't know how that got mixed in with these though. That's from a masquerade ball the year before, the first time we ever slow danced."
Liz smiled from the doorway where she'd been watching for a few minutes. "I didn't know you remembered that."
He look up and grinned. "Course I do. Think I'd forget getting to hold you?"
She laughed. "Oh hush."
"Come sit with us mommy," Jon pleaded.
She willingly obliged and joined the group on the couch. Eventually, they took the kids up to bed and went back downstairs to wait for Laina.
She came in quietly and went in to talk to her parents. Liz smiled at her. "Hi sweetie. Did you have a good time?"
She nodded dreamily. "It was great. I'm going to bed. Night, mom, dad." She kissed them each and seemed to practically float upstairs.
Liz looked at her husband. "She's in love."
"She's seventeen! What does she know about love?"
Liz coughed. "Excuse me, how old were we when we fell in love?"
He grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, you're right." He glanced at the photo album on the couch, still open. "God, we were young though."
"I know. I still can't believe you remember that was the first time we slow danced."
"Baby, I could never forget how good it felt to have you in my arms, that close to me."
He turned to the stereo and popped in a CD. Tears came to her eyes as she recognized the song they had danced to on that long-ago night.
Wordlessly, she slipped into his arms and they danced around the living room.

"If I could win your heart
If you'd let me in your heart
I'd be so happy, baby
Just for these arms to be
Holding you close to me
There's nothing in this world I won't try
No limit to what I'd do
to make you mine, 'cause

I'd climb right up to the sky
I'd take down the stars
Just to be in your arms, baby
I'd go and capture the moon
That's what I would do
Just to hear you say that you love me
Just to hear you say that you love me

If I could taste your kiss
There'd be no sweeter gift
Heaven could offer, baby (oh, baby)
I want to be the one (I want to be the one)
Living to give you love
I'd walk across this world just to be
Close to you 'cause I want you
close to me, yeah

I'd climb right up to the sky
I'd take down the stars
Just to be in your arms, baby
I'd go and capture the moon
That's what I would do
Just to hear you say that you love me
Just to hear you say that you love me

For the rest of your life
(for the rest of your life)
Love me for the rest of all time
(oh baby, baby)
Just say the word
And I'll give you my world
There's nothing I won't do
Baby, just to be with you

I'd climb right up to the sky
I'd take down the stars
Just to be in your arms, baby
I'd go and capture the moon
That's what I would do
Just to hear you say that you love me
Just to hear you say that you love me, baby
Just to hear you say that you love me
Oh, I need to hear you say
that you love me, baby
Just to hear you say that you love me
Just say you love me
Just say you need me

Just to hear you say that you love me..."

Liz smiled and lifted her head from Lucky's shoulder as the song died away.
"Love you Spencer."
He grinned. "Love you too baby."
She reached for his hand. "C'mon, let's go to bed."
"I'm not sleepy."
She grinned wickedly at him. "Neither am I."
He grinned back and hand in hand they walked to their bedroom.

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