My thanks to Cheryl who edited quite a few of my unedited fics for your reading pleasure. (Seeing how I had quite a few unedited fics! Cheryl saved them!) Once again these characters don't belong to me!

What If?

by

Ceniana Aka CourtneyHawk
(Ceniana@gmail.com)

*What if Maxwell Sheffield had found that letter his wife wrote to him sooner? Would fate had played a different part? Would B.B. still be a thorn in everyone’s side? Would the Storm’s still have been murdered? Join me now…Back…Back…Back..*

Everyone stood transfixed at the television watching the movie of Sarah.

"She seemed to be really loving." Fran managed to at last break the silence of the Sheffield’s

"Mom was great. She could brighten anyone’s day. Miss Babcock was almost normal around her!" Brighton chimed in laughing.

"Brighton! Don’t be so rude. C.C., Sarah and D.D. used to get together every week for a girls night out." Maxwell sat for a moment. "The three would always go off somewhere and cause a bit of trouble."

"Oy, Miss Babcock having fun?" Fran smirked. "She does have her moments, I’ll give you that."

Niles let out a small laugh. "A few drunken moments perhaps."

Maxwell let out a long sigh looking at the tape one last time and taking it out of the VCR. "Okay children you have school tomorrow."

"Night Daddy!" All three kids hugged him and wandered off towards the bedroom.

"Good night, Sir." Niles moved towards his room and Fran looked towards Maxwell.

"What’s wrong Mister Sheffield?" Fran could tell he wanted to talk but wondered why she was getting the honors.

"Just thinking Miss Fine. Well, worried about something."

"Anything I can help with?" She touched his arm lightly in a friendly gesture. He had taken a big step tonight and maybe with a little help he was willing to take another.

"Nevermind… Goodnight Miss Fine." Max smiled at her and walked towards the stairs.

"Never put off, Mister Sheffield, what you can face today or you might come to regret it." Fran said quietly in his direction with a sigh, and Max stopped. Fran walked into the kitchen and headed towards the back stairs and her room.

Maxwell felt uneasy in his bed. Sarah’s face was on his mind but it wasn’t the loving caring face. He remembered before the car accident she had been working on some unknown project. C.C. had seemed at a loss to what it was. D.D. had no idea either. Then that night at the hospital he had been forced to say his final goodbyes.

"Don’t forget it…" Sarah mumbled in pain

If the children had been willing to face the past again, perhaps Miss Fine was right. He awoke the next morning determined to go to the bank. "Niles would you mind making sure the children get off to school today?" Maxwell started as Fran came down to the table.

"Sir?" Niles had been worried about him since the tape.

"I am going to be taking Miss Fine with me somewhere." Max sighed. He would have preferred to take Niles but the old boy would just worry. C.C. would tell him to try and push it out of his mind. Miss Fine on the other hand would have him face his fear…his pain.

"Oh! Where we going?" Fran came down in her normal cloth robe as the kids followed behind her.

"Why don’t you go head back up stairs and get dressed, Miss Fine. We are going to the bank." Maxwell smirked.

"Oh! How romantic!" Fran laughed and Niles smirked.

"He’s probably just going to show off his trust fund again." Niles whispered in Fran’s ear and she let out a nasal laugh.

"Hello, Hello." C.C. walked in taking her place at the breakfast table.

"Speaking of showing off." Niles snickered and again, Fran laughed.

"Hurry up, Lysol!" C.C. snickered towards Niles.

"Now, now. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the gin bottle today?" Niles smiled softly.

"Now Niles!" Max rolled his eyes and looked towards C.C. "You’ll have to handle that meeting on your own today C.C. I have some business down town."

"Maxwell can’t you put it off for a while? This meeting with the director is important!"

"I think I have put this off far too long." Max looked down at his eggs and sighed.

"Okay, I’ll go up and get dressed." Fran hopped up and left the room.

"She’s going?" C.C. snickered.

"Yes C.C., Let it go for once..." Maxwell didn’t know how to bring up Sarah around her. If their was another person in this world besides him who didn’t wish to get past Sarah’s death…It was C.C.

C.C. snarled, finished her coffee and left the room.

"Be careful sir, her fangs are out today, and they look sharp!" Niles picked up his plate and Max sighed.

"Niles…." Maxwell looked down at his coffee for a moment.

"Sir? Is everything alright?" Niles was a bit worried.

"No. It’s fine."

"Ready!" Fran walked in with a deep blue outfit that was almost normal looking.

"Miss Fine, the way you’re dressed!" Niles smiled.

"Something wrong?" Fran looked behind her and fixed her hair once more with her hands.

"You’re dressed!" Niles smiled joking, and Maxwell managed a small laugh.

"You never know, I might run into a single banker! You ready Mister Sheffield?" Fran looked down and Maxwell hopped up.

"It’s now or never."

Max was quiet during the ride to the bank, his mind searching. "So why we going to the bank Mister Sheffield?" Fran couldn’t hold back anymore.

"Oh well yes, you see I ... Well Sarah had a bank deposit box here. I have left it untouched for so long. I was hoping for ..." Maxwell blushed looking at Fran.

Fran touched his arm again and smiled. "Moral support?"

"Exactly" Max smiled back.

"So what do you think Sarah left in this box?" Fran had to keep him talking. Maxwell was turning pale.

"I don’t know. Miss Fine, after she died I found myself unable to touch many of her personal things."

"What gave you courage to do so now?"

"You" Maxwell smiled softly

"Awww, Mister Sheffield." Fran patted his arm again.

"Anyway, for a moment last night I was about to forget the idea again, but fate kept pulling at me… and what you said." Maxwell played with his hands looking outside of the limo. "We are here!"

He led her inside the bank. Maxwell was treated like royalty because most of the bankers had been to his shows. The President of the bank himself came out with Sarah’s box. "It’s an honor to have you here Mister Sheffield."

"Thanks." He smiled weakly handing over the paper work and Sarah’s key.

"I’m sorry about your wife sir. She was a lovely woman. In all honesty we expected you much sooner." The President blushed realizing now he had crossed the line. Fran eyed the man like a hawk waiting to dive bomb prey.

"Do you mind?" Fran waved the man away as Max started looking inside the box.

"Just her will. I had a copy of that years ago." Max mumbled then noticed an envelope with his name on it.

"Did Sarah leave ya a copy of that letter with her will?" Fran eyed him.

"No..." Maxwell felt the letter and noticed one other item in the box. "Who is this?" He lifted a picture up of a two year old, blue eyed girl with long blonde hair. Maxwell handed it over to Fran who looked it over.

"She’s really pretty. Reminds me of someone." Fran looked at the picture searching for answers as Maxwell opened the letter.

Maxwell read over the letter twice. "Dear god." He mumbled softly as Fran’s jaw was hanging open. Was this the project Sarah had been working on before she died? Maxwell took the picture out of Fran’s hands and looked at it closely.

"I wonder when that picture was taken." Fran said softly, still in shock. She could see it now. This was clearly C.C.’s child.

"She must be a year younger than Brighton now." Maxwell sighed. He started to remember something was deeply troubling Sarah. She wouldn’t tell him out of honor. "God, Sarah." Maxwell felt the tears start to form and Fran reached over to hug him tenderly. "What do I do now Fran?" Maxwell looked into his nanny’s eyes.

"We find a way to deal with it." Fran gave him a smile. "Surely a rich family can’t be that hard to find in Kansas." Maxwell nodded looking down again at the picture.

"Then after I find them?"

"Then show Niles Sarah’s letter. After Niles gets over the shock... Oy.. Then figure out how to tell C.C. But do it all quickly. They have a right to know, Mister Sheffield." Fran couldn’t help but smile. She had wondered what kind of father Niles would make. Now she might get her chance to see.

Niles turned around seeing Babcock again. "Now Caca, how many times do I have to tell you?! Down and Sit!" He moved his hand in a motion that made it look like he was teaching a dog.

"Blow it out your ear!" C.C. found her cup and poured more coffee.

"It’s no fun unless you play along!" Niles pouted. "There is a flow to these things." Niles noted C.C. bad mood.

"I’m sorry. Yesterday was a rotten day. I’m not up for battling with you today." C.C. took another long sip off the black coffee.

"The Babcock family clan meeting went poorly, I take it? Did someone miss a major ingredient in the spell you needed to cast?" Niles couldn’t help but push the teasing.

"Niles…don’t push me today..." C.C. gave him a look and Niles let out a long sigh.

"Want to talk about it?" Niles, in a moment of rare tenderness, took her hand and this time C.C. didn’t pull it away.

"Unless you can handle my mother, there is little anyone can do." C.C. smiled softly towards him. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Pretending to care." She teased.

"Anytime." He laughed and C.C. reached up to touch his cheek.

"I’d better go. Tell Maxwell the contracts are on his desk." She picked up her bag and walked out. It wasn’t ten seconds later that Maxwell and Fran walked in the back door.

"Hello, old boy. Can I see you in the office?" Maxwell looked shaken, his eyes red.

"Sir, is anything the matter?" Niles shifted looking at his employer, his friend for so many years.

"Come old boy. In the office. Miss Fine? Would you make that call for me?" Maxwell looked at her in a begging way. Fran nodded.

"Oy" She said softly, walking towards the phone.

"Niles, I’m not sure how to tell you this." Maxwell sat down looking up at his old friend. "You better sit down."

"Sir?" Niles shifted and Maxwell sighed, just handing over the letter to Niles.

Niles shifted and sat down on the green couch. "It’s not possible."

"Do you doubt Sarah?" Maxwell said softly.

"No sir." Niles’s right hand was shaking so badly. Could those dreams be really true? Could C.C. have come to my room one night? Niles had remembered C.C.’s return from that vacation. She had been wounded in her very soul. Sarah had told him a few days after C.C. had returned. No one was able to crack the armor that C.C. had placed around her soul from that moment onward. Niles shivered thinking about his wild dreams of her over the past few years.

"Niles?" Maxwell had come over and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Sir? I’m not sure what to do next." Niles handed him back the letter and let out the breath he had been holding in. Maxwell handed over the old photo of the blonde headed girl.

Niles’s eyes started to tear up looking at the picture. "She must be close to Brighton’s age now." Niles held the picture.

"Oy, Safe to come in now?" Fran opened the door slowly.

"Yes, Miss Fine, I think so." Max smiled patting Niles on the back.

"I’m going to pick up Gracie in a while. Bort will see for a moment or two about C.C. "Fran eyed Maxwell and he nodded.

"I will go with you Miss Fine." Niles stood up looking at her.

"You up for it?" Fran fixed Niles’ tie with a soft smile.

"Yes." Niles looked into her eyes.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Fran had waited outside with Gracie while Niles showed Bort Sarah’s letter. "My god." Bort mumbled softly rereading it again.

"Yes." there wasn’t much for Niles to say beyond that.

"Allow me to tell her?" Bort looked at Niles and he nodded. "I will make a copy of Sarah’s letter. C.C. is due in tomorrow morning." Niles shifted. The truth was going to come out soon and he wondered …feared how C.C. would handle this.

"Will she be alright?" Niles heard the doubt in his own voice.

"C.C. is stronger than anyone ever gave her credit for. She even doubts her own strength from time to time… She’ll be alright Niles." Bort smiled softly and touched his arm.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles sat in his room alone for the longest time until he heard a soft knock at his door. "Come in."

"You going to hide in here all day?" Fran smiled. Fran was carrying a few pieces of paper in her hand.

"I can’t look in her face yet, Miss Fine." Niles sighed.

"She’s looking for you, oddly enough. I think she misses you." Fran managed a soft smile.

"I remember when she came back. She was not her normal ice queen self. Miss Fine, it was like a cat missing its front claws. I wish I could get my hands on B.B. Babcock." Niles growled.

"I have something that might make you feel better." Fran smiled. She handed over a newspaper photo of Michael, Samantha , Eric and Ellen Storm. It was at least a year old, but it was something more than just the photo of a two year old baby girl.

"Where did you get this?" Niles blinked looking at the young girl who had her arms around her adoptive father.

"Took some work. I have this cousin..who has a friend..who has.." Fran smirked. "Never mind you get the idea though."

"I want to see her." Niles looked at Fran.

"I know you do, sweetie, but if B.B. has is still blackmailing them, do you think they will allow you in the front door?" Fran gave him a careful look.

"You have a point, Miss Fine." Niles let out another sad sigh.

"Well, don’t give up that easily." Fran’s eyes held that gleam of a plan forming.

"Yes?"

"You have skills, don’t you? They have a big …big ranch house of a mansion. Mister Sheffield can find a temporary replacement for the summer. What harm could it do if you do a little spying?" Fran smiled looking at Niles.

"That’s it!" Niles jumped up and stopped.

"What?"

"I can’t go as me ... Can I?" Niles blinked.

"Leave it to me!" Fran ran out of the room.

"Oy, this can’t be good." Niles groaned then looked at the clipping. "Maybe worth it"

C.C. felt like her old friend, her doctor had hit her over the head with a hammer. "You’re joking right?"

"Maxwell has the real letter if you wish to see it C.C." Bort carefully helped C.C. towards a seat.

"She wouldn’t…couldn’t…"

"We both know your mother has used you and your siblings in the past."

"yes."

"What is stopping her from using a grandchild?" Bort pulled C.C. into a sisterly hug as C.C. started to quietly sob. C.C. was sobbing out of untapped anger.

"I want to know if she’s okay."

"That’s normal, but the question is this, C.C. What are you going to do after that?"

"I’m not sure. I just want her to be okay."

"You need to start thinking of how you’re going to go about doing that, C.C. I also think we should try to figure out exactly what your mother had done to you."

"How could Sarah not tell me?!" C.C. felt a sharp pain in her chest.

"We both know why." Bort frowned. "I’m not saying I agree with what she did, but we both know Sarah’s view on keeping her word."

"Once given…it was kept." C.C. whimpered.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"I’m not sure about this, Niles."

"It’s perfect! I already have paper work for the two of them!" Fran handed Maxwell the I.D.s and fake resumes.

"I’m not even going to ask Miss Fine how you got a hold of these. " Maxwell looked towards Niles.

"It is perfect, Mister Sheffield. We don’t interfere with Ellen’s life and maybe we can figure out if B.B. Babcock is still harming the Storms."

"What is C.C. going to do exactly?" Maxwell was taping his fingers on his desktop.

"Well you always said she was good with horses." Fran started to work on her nails and Maxwell let out a laugh.

"A horse trainer Miss Fine?"

"Who do you think she goes home with most nights?" Niles couldn’t help it but comment.

"Well you had a daughter with her." Fran smirked back.

"I’m not sure I can do without C.C. or you, Niles, all summer." Maxwell groaned.

"Mister Sheffield, it’s perfect. The Storms are looking for help. They both can listen into servant gossip."

"Like that is really going to help them, Miss Fine." Maxwell rolled his eyes and Fran turned towards Niles.

"Word is that you saw a black headed woman last night during your dinner meeting. She turned you down twice for a date because she ….." Niles stopped and blushed.

"She’s gay." Fran said out loud.

"How the devil did you know that?" Maxwell blinked looking at the pair.

"Ha!" Fran and Niles chimed in at the same time.

"How are you going to even get C.C. to say yes to this?" Maxwell eyed her.

"Allow me." Fran smiled.

"You?" Max and Niles said at the same time.

"Me." Fran pointed at the pair. "He leaves tonight to meet my friend’s cousin Mark. "You, mister, are going to make yourself disappear." Fran pushed Max out of the door. "Go to the country club or something!"

"Miss Fine?" Niles stopped

"Yeah Niles?" Fran blinked.

"Thank you." Niles went to her and kissed her hand and walked out of the room to prepare.

"Double Oy." Fran opened up her small mirror wondering how she was going to deal with an unset and hurt C.C.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. didn’t even hear the knock on the door. "Come on Miss Babcock I know you’re in there. Open up!"

C.C. went to the door and sighed. "What do you want, Nanny Fine?" C.C. allowed Fran inside her penthouse.

"Wow, nice place here!" Fran looked around as Chester came running towards Fran. "Chester!"

"Nanny Fine…Today hasn’t been a good day so if you have a point to this visit?" C.C. took another drink from the bar.

"How many of those have you had already?" Fran stopped her from taking another sip.

"Not enough."

"..Miss Babcock... C.C., believe it or not I’m here to help you out."

"Help me out with what?" C.C. snarled. After finding out her mother had sold her baby to another she was in little mood for Fran Fine.

Fran took out the newspaper clipping and handed it over to C.C. who stared at it whimpering.

"Will you listen to me?" Fran took her hands. "Miss Babcock I know at times we are …foes, but in this case I want to help you." She led C.C. who was still looking at the photo to a seat.

"What..How do you know this? Does Niles?"

"Yes, C.C. I can get you inside the Storm family home."

"How …Why would you want to help me?"

"No one deserves this, Miss Babcock. Now if you allow me I can get you on the inside."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles was sent quickly to a plane. Maxwell Sheffield was still worried about this plan, but agreed that it might be the only way. "Boarding call for Kansas City flight 321."

"Here, Niles." Max sighed handing over a brand new cell phone.

"Sir!"

"Keep it. I am going to want to know when you are coming back. I’ll be highly curious how things turn out anyway. Remember, I want you back when the summer is over, old boy." Max took Niles’ hand and smiled. "Don’t do anything foolish, old friend."

"Course not sir." Niles smiled and headed towards his plane. The ride in coach was awful. He, at least, had taken the picture of Ellen when she was two. Niles tried to take a small nap but was haunted by a steamy vision of C.C. in his arms. He hadn’t even thought about her and what Miss Fine said to her. Niles let out a deep breath as the plane landed. Niles looked around unsure of what this Mark looked like.

"Oy! You must be Niles, darling!" A man in a pink shirt stood up and hugged Niles.

"Hello? Mark?" Niles wanted to laugh... Only Miss Fine would be connected to someone with such…..Character... And in the mid west, no doubt.

"You have all that you need, I trust? Darling, we must do something with your look!" Mark started to play with Niles’s blonde locks.

"Pardon?"

"You think it would be wise walking in there looking like that? No, no my dear! Your interview isn’t until tomorrow, but I must fix you up today!"

"How did you get me an interview so quickly?" Niles eyed him.

"Better you don’t ask, darling." Mark led him towards his coverable. "We are going to my hair shop! Wanda will fix you up nicely. What name did Frannie get you to use?"

"Thomas Huntington." Niles had to remember to be in character.

"I would suggest, darling, from this moment onward."

Niles was forced moments later into a small hairstyling shop that housed two older women.

"This is Thomas, ladies! He’s got a big day tomorrow. We need a new style for him! I would suggest hair weaves and maybe a different color of hair…" He was talking to someone named Wanda who was making notes. All Niles could do was groan.

"Just be still, darling. Don’t look so worried! It will all turn out fine!" Wanda smiled and went to work. Niles watched Wanda using hair weaves and a dark brown hair dye.

"Okay that’s it, Thomas!" Wanda took off his cover and allowed him to rise. Niles got up and wanted to laugh. He had a pony tail hair cut! His blonde hair was indeed replaced by a deep brown.

"Wow." Niles looked like a different person with this hair style.

"Ahhh wonderful, Wanda darling!" Mark came back in and handed Niles something.

"Contacts?"

"Yes, yes my darling! Green seems to be a good color for your new style! By the way!" Mark looked around and produced some cash. "Your boss sent me this! You need proper wardrobe!" Niles took a look at the contacts and sighed.

"I hope C.C. has a better time at this than I am." That is the one thing that had been troubling Niles. Fran and Max had moved so quickly they had little time to talk to C.C. In fact he had NO time. Niles had entered his hotel room placing down the bags of clothes on the floor. He dialed the cell phone that Mister Sheffield had given him.

"Miss Fine?"

"Oy! Hello Niles! Did Mark fix you up?"

"Yes Miss Fine... I was wondering about Miss Babcock? Is she alright?"

"She’s fine!" Fran said half way lying

"Miss Fine?" Niles snarled.

"Okay, she was a little shocked to say the least. You worry about doing well on your interview with Mister Storm tomorrow. I’ll worry about Miss Babcock." Fran hung up the phone and sighed.

…Niles looked again at the picture of the small girl. "Alright... Hopefully we will see if you’re truly loved..."

Niles was driven into the ranch by the head of the house, who went by the name ’Hammer’.

"Well, Thomas, you look like a bright young man! From England I see?" He had started to look over his resume. Niles secretly hoped that Fran hadn’t screwed anything up. "Well, you can cook too? Wonderful! Cookie is getting on in years and Mister Storm has been trying to get her to slow down for years! The woman is seventy years old and cooks for fifty people. You’ll find out that the Storms are good people! Not like most that you can work for. They really take ya under their wing. Ahh most nights after me and the boys are back from running cattle around Mister Eric will come with us to the local bar."

"Eric?" Niles was half way listening and worried.

"He be Mister Storm’s nephew. Ahh we are here. "He pulled up and Niles noticed that the Storm ranch was three large households. One the main household, and the other two housed servants.

Hammer walked outside the jeep while Niles hopped out of the car walking inside the main household. Samantha Storm, a red headed woman, was sitting in the main living room talking to a small boy.

"You have to go to school at some point, Nick." She eyed the boy carefully.

"Yes Miss Storm."

"Your dad is going to be upset if you skip school again. Hello Hammer." She smiled.

"We got Thomas here to interview for the household job, Mrs. Storm." Hammer smiled and stepped out touching Niles shoulder and handing his resume over to Mrs. Storm. Niles was questioned over his talents and skills and found that Miss Fine did not lie on what he could do. He knew that only a few things had changed about his past. He presented Mrs. Storm with the documents she wanted to see and she nodded accepting what he offered.

"Well, Thomas, it sounds like we would be fools not to welcome you into our household!" She stood up and gave him a bear like hug. "We will allow you to get settled for tonight. Come on this way. Allow me to show you the rat house, as the boys like to call it." she had a light laugh.

The rat house was for the single members of the household. The other house had been for the families who lived and worked on the ranch. Later, Hammer showed Niles his living space, which was larger than his room back home. "Wow..." Niles looked around. "Yeah, Thomas, you’ll find out just how good the Storms can be! Get all rested up. The crew will be in soon from the grazing. Everyone eats together, so it’s a large party!" He patted Niles on the back again. Niles had only an hour to pull out this many bags and have his ‘bike’ delivered to the house. He had always had a passion for motorcycles, but was shocked when Miss Fine had told Mark to have one ready for him. Niles went down for the dinner to find a cast of characters waiting for him.

"You must be Thomas!" A grandmotherly woman came up towards Niles and gave him welcoming hug. "Ya can call me cookie, and thank goodness you’re here young man! This crowd can be a handful to cook for by my self."

"She loves every moment of it!" A man came forward hugging the old woman from behind. "Don’t you my sweet thing!"

"NOW ERIC!" the woman jumped about fifty feet in the air hitting the man with a cooking spoon. A few people, who had noticed the display, started to laugh. "Don’t be scaring an old woman like that." She snarled.

"Hello there mate. I’m Eric, local …"

"Mess, that is what Eric is" A man who was clearly wearing a limo drivers uniform smiled taking Niles hand. "I’m Stephen. If you need anything, Thomas, just let me know!" Stephen appeared to be near his own age, Niles noted, while Eric was indeed Eric Storm.

Eric was wearing a greenish stripe in his hair and a tongue stud. He had to be at least in his 20s if its early 20s or late Niles wasn’t sure.

"IF you need anything dull, that is." Eric snickered and threatened to grab a roll off the serving table until Cookie had yet again hit him with a spoon.

"It’s bad enough every time you get together with Stephen my tables end up being a mess." Cookie waved her spoon again at Eric.

"Not every time!" Niles turned around to see the blonde headed girl. "Hello there! I’m Ellen." Ellen stood on a chair and took Niles hand. "Something wrong?"

God she does look like C.C. "Nothing. Pleasure to meet you, Miss Ellen." Niles leaned down to kiss the girl’s hand.

"A true English gentleman" Cookie nodded her head noticing the exchange. "Maybe it will teach these clowns some manners!" Cookie again waved Eric away from her table. "The boys are not even in yet and the main course isn’t on the table!"

"Eric…Listen to Cookie for once." Michael Storm walked in and helped his daughter off the table. He was followed by other members of the household staff. "Hello Thomas ..Hammer tells me we are lucky to have found you free. Welcome to Sky ranch. I hope we are not too wild for you."

"No Sir." Niles smiled looking over the man.

"Good, good..Maybe you’ll take a day off once in a while, Cookie?" Michael looked over at the aged woman.

"Ah! Not a chance, Mister Storm."

"Told ya she was too hard headed, Uncle Eric. She’ll out live most of us." Eric again grabbed for the hot rolls and was slapped away.

"Some of you are going to get it. Ahhh I heard the boy Mister Storm! I know it’s your first night, Thomas. Would ya care to help me?" Cookie lead Niles into the large kitchen were he was going to spend his summer. All kinds of home cooked smells filled the kitchen as both he and Cookie loaded up plates of chicken, ham, corn, green beans, black eyed peas, so much food Niles thought his head was going to explode. This woman does all this by herself? "Well Sharpie, ya know yer way around a kitchen that is for sure!"

"Sharpie?" He gave her his trademark roguish smile.

"Yup! Sharpie! You’re stuck with that name now." Cookie pulled out the cart to the delight of the people attending the dinner. Niles took his seat with the rest of the staff. No one here served anyone. It was a table of equals. Niles tried to keep his eyes off Ellen, but they would travel towards that end of the table. It reminded Niles of Maxwell’s old boarding schools and he shivered. Niles later helped Cookie with her tons of dishes.

"For a clown yer such a good boy." Cookie pinched Eric’s cheek as he helped with the dishes.

"Listen, you’ll ruin my rep with the new guy!" Eric whispered playfully in the woman’s ear. "Watch this one Thomas! She’s the only woman who can drink me under the table."

Cookie let out a loud laughter.

"It’s true!" Eric nodded towards Niles.

Ellen came in with more dishes. "Want help?" She gave out her toothy grin.

"Course, my darling, why don’t you go scrub with Thomas here." Niles felt his inner child cheer as the girl smiled at him and she started to scrub.

"Your from England?" She looked at him.

"Yes Miss Ellen."

"Does it really get that foggy?" Ellen looked like a child who could ask him a thousand questions. "Do they really play soccer there professionally?"

"Careful there, Thomas. Good old small fry here will talk and question you to death!" Eric tickled her playfully.

"Stop it hair cut!" she growled.

"Fuzzy!" Eric said playfully.

"Rockie!"

"Toothless!"

"HEY!" Ellen pouted at her cousin. "Don’t make fun of that."

"Kids! You would think that one of them was... I don’t know... An adult?" Cookie waved Eric out the door with a spray bottle while Ellen and Niles laughed.

"My cousin is alright. He’s just silly."

"Master Eric is really a big kid at heart. Like his poor father Robert may god rest his soul." Cookie sighed and Ellen nodded.

"Daddy said that Uncle Robert used to start food fights in the dining room."

"Don’t be telling that to Eric, young one." Cookie raised her spoon again in Ellen’s direction.

Niles worked on finishing his chore as Ellen talked about all the books she had read this past fall. Niles was shocked at the level she was at. Ellen was clearly a gifted child. Ellen also talked about the new horses her father was buying. "Arabians!" Ellen jumped up and down nearly falling down on the wet floor.

"Stop that, child, or you’ll not be around long enough to see them." Cookie grumbled. "Your father is being silly wanting to breed such a horse." Cookie sighed. "Robert would have never allowed him to invest in such a foolish venture."

"I think they are pretty horses, Cookie. They are supposed to be really smart!" Ellen turned to face the aging cook. "Daddy says I can have the one that is going to have a baby."

"It means more staff for training the beasts... More mouths to feed which means, my boy, more work for us." Cookie eyed Niles who smirked.

"We will manage." Niles was just getting the feel for these people, still quietly watching.

"See! You are indeed Sharp!" Cookie pointed towards Ellen. "Sharpie! Pass it on to the rest!"

"Okee!" Ellen hopped downward, taking that as a direct command, and Niles groaned.

"Face it, laddie! You’re under me now." She laughed playfully. "I could always call you... Niles..." She whispered in his ear.

Niles went pale…Nanny’s Fine contact was not Mark but this woman? "How the devil do you know?"

"Long story. Lets just say, Sharpie, you have an ally." She quickly quieted when Ellen walked back in the door.

"Cookie, I’m going out to ride with Eric! Thomas, you should come with us!"

"Go on, Sharpie! Eric will show you the land and give you your own horse to use." Cookie kicked him outside.

Eric showed Niles a few horses and was told that each of the staff was gifted a horse of his or her own. "Even if you leave us, Sharpie, you’ll get to keep it!" Eric smiled. "No one really wants to leave us when they join or staff, anyway. " Niles at last picked a white stallion named Lighting.

"Ooohh! That’s Thunder’s Father!" Ellen smiled at Niles who blushed.

Niles had picked out an aussie type hat for the long ride. The Storms did indeed own a huge ranch that covered miles. It was beyond breath taking. What more can a girl want but this? It made Niles feel small, but what had Sarah written about in her letter? The threats that the Storms suffered under B.B. ? How was C.C. going to enter onto the ranch? Niles went to bed that night haunted, yet again, by C.C.’s passionate kiss.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles had awoken at just before the crack of dawn. He would normally have gotten up a bit later at the Sheffield’s, but this place required more than just five mouths be feed. Cookie again was her normal entertaining self. The nickname she had given Niles last night had stuck. Much to his displeasure, he was now ‘Sharpie’ to anyone who saw him.

"HEY! Sharpie!" Eric tapped him on the back once he had found his seat next to Cookie. "Before lunch you should come out and see the new horses. My uncle is getting them today along with new help. HEY you hear that Cookie! More people to give nick names too!"

"Stop yer yelling, haircut!" Cookie was feeding one of the small babies who belonged to one of the ranch hands.

"Please, have better table manners Eric." Samantha looked at him sharply.

"What table manners?" Ellen hid behind Niles as Eric threatened her with a spoon full of cereal.

"ERIC." Both Samantha and Michael yelled at him.

Eric slowly put down his spoon and grumbled. "You would think she was the adult and you the child!" Samantha couldn’t help but laugh at his face.

"I don’t know, Mrs. Storm, sometimes it’s nice not to grow up." Niles smiled thinking about all the tricks he had played on Miss Babcock and Mister Sheffield.

"Careful Sharpie, don’t encourage him." Michael laughed. "Eric would have a good head for business if he would stop playing in that rock band."

"I like the band. " Eric mumbled eating like a humbled child. "HEY!" he blinked. As Niles could tell Ellen had kicked him under the table.

"ELLEN!" All the Storms yelled at Ellen who giggled.

"I couldn’t help it." She gave a smile that reminded Niles so much of C.C. that his heart started to beat faster. Where is she?

A bell rang and the ranchers all left the table only the Storms and the household staff remained. Michael got up to mumble some instructions to Hammer and then they both walked out.

"Remember, young lady, when the new horse trainer gets here you are to be on your best behavior." Samantha eyed Ellen who grumbled.

"Yes mom."

"That goes double for you too, young man!" She went to her adult nephew and pinched his cheeks.

"HEY, HEY.." Eric grumbled shifting in his seat. "Are you going to the hospital today?"

"A girl’s got to work sometime." She smiled kissing Ellen who giggled.

"I’ll see you later mommy."

"Darling?" Samantha looked towards Michael.

"I’m coming..." Michael leaned down to kiss Ellen too who eyed her parents carefully. "I’ll see you later tonight, kiddo. Make sure my new pets are in fine shape!" Michael teased her.

"Okee, Daddy!" Ellen giggled then looked directly towards Eric and Cookie.

They all remained quiet until Michael and Samantha had long gone. "They are off to face the dragon again aren’t they?" Eric muttered.

"Dragon?" Niles looked at the group.

"You know, green beast, has a long snarling fangs! Blows fire out of its mouth!" Eric proceeded to stick to straws up his noise as Ellen laughed madly.

"ERIC…" Cookie sighed. The two of you go see if James needs any help today in the stables would you?

"Why, don’t you want to kiss the dragon, sexy woman?" Eric turned towards Cookie still having the straws up his noise and Ellen who couldn’t breathe from the mad laughter.

"You two better get going before Cookie turns into one." Niles laughed.

Ellen and Eric made a hasty retreat while Niles and Cookie picked up the dishes from today’s breakfast.

"What dragon was Master Eric talking about?"

"A woman." Cookie sighed putting the last of the dishes in the sink.

"What woman?" Niles had to push onward.

"I think you know, Sharpie, or you didn’t earn the nickname I gave ya!" She hit him playfully on his rear with a smile.

So, B.B. Babcock was still causing trouble? "You can’t be clear with me, can you Cookie?" Niles smirked playfully.

"You know how it is, my boy. We all out our loyalties. I have one to the Storms you have one to yer people!" She smiled at him.

"Why don’t you turn me in?"

"Because you’re a fair man just like Miss Sarah said." She looked him over.

"Sarah….Sarah Sheffield?" He blinked. Sarah was here more than once?

"See, the man does have a brain!" Cookie started up the dishwasher load and laughed at Niles’s startled look. "How else did think I knew who ya was?"

"I thought … well…You see I have this..." Niles couldn’t spit it out.

"Ha! I managed to make an English man loose his tongue after all." She smiled. "It’s a pity yer not ten years younger and lusting after another... Because yer awfully cute when you make that face." Niles had to blush.

"SHARRRRRRRRRRRRPIE!" Ellen called out

"Go on go on. I’ll finish here. Go see the pretty ponies. Master Michael will get more toys in next week, I’m sure, but off with you…go see the newest thing!" She waved him away with her spoon. "Don’t forget to be back in an hour! Remember! We have to start getting ready for the light lunch."

Niles walked with a smiling Ellen towards the barn house. Niles noted a black haired woman talking with Hammer. "You don’t say? Well if you want some of the horse hands have living spaces near the barn I could arrange that quickly for ya." He turned to give the woman a bright smile. "Oh Flora Case, I would like you to meet Miss Ellen Storm and our new cook Sharpie."

Hammer smiled as Flora turned around to relieve a long black haired woman with soft brown eyes. Her curves highlighted by the tight riding pants she had worn for the day. Niles met her eyes and had to bite back his first reaction leaving to die on his tongue. Miss Babcock?

Flora took Ellen’s hand first smiling softly trying to look as normal as possible. "Ellen is such a pretty name." Niles noted that C.C. was using a heavy French accent and, thanks to her formal training, could pull it off completely.

"Thomas." Niles took her hand quickly and kissed it. Niles knew he would have never gotten away with such a thing at home, but while in Rome… He gave her a small smile. "What a beautiful name you have Flora." No one else could see the hidden war that was going on between Niles and C.C. but he was sure if he was found alone he would never hear the end about his hair.

"A true English gentleman such a rare and dying breed." C.C. wondered if Niles had noticed she empathized the word ‘dying’.

"We’re not all that rare, good lady, for those who care to notice." Niles smiled letting go of her hand while Ellen let out a small giggle.

"I’ll remember that… Sharpie." C.C. wanted to laugh... Blush... Poke fun, but this moment was more important than just the normal verbal dueling they would do.

"Sharpie, you going to come with us?" Ellen hopped up and down looking at him.

"If Flora and Hammer don’t mind?"

"Course we don’t!" Hammer chimed in before C.C. could answer.

C.C. went over her formal training in horse flesh with the group pointing out that normal care for show horses would have to go beyond anything they did for the horses that worked the ranch. She also went over other facts that Ellen was quick to pick up on and ask even more questions.

She must feel like me. So scared to be here. Niles wanted to reach out and touch C.C., protect her, wondering how she took the initial response to learning about Ellen. How did Miss Fine get her to show up here? So many questions that would have to wait until much later.

"I think ... I better see to arrangements, Flora. " Hammer smiled. "We will have you all fixed up within hours over the east barn and move the horses over there! Ellen you want to help me out?" Hammer smiled as Ellen skipped towards the elder man leaving Niles and C.C. time alone to look at one another.

"Sharpie..." C.C. hissed in a low playful tone.

"Witch." Niles took her hand again, this time C.C. seemed nervous. Niles let out a long sigh... Pity life wasn’t going to be that easy, but maybe in a house where they are equals in time... "Are you alright Miss Babcock?"

"What’s the matter, toilet breath? Afraid I was going to go all crazy? C.C. looked around wondering if anyone could hear. Niles frowned and C.C. gave into his pouting. "I’m fine Niles... She’s beautiful." C.C. looked off in the distance where Ellen had followed Hammer.

"Like her mother." Niles said so softly.

"What?" C.C. blinked.

"Never mind. Come on, I suspect Hammer wanted me to show you to the main house and I have to get lunch ready."

Niles had forgotten to prepare C.C. for Cookie but as soon as she saw C.C. the aged cook nodded towards the woman. "Ahhh Good, the players are all here! That’s good. How are you my dear? You can call me Cookie!" She took C.C. hand noticing the smooth skin.

"Flora Case" She was back to her accented French voice again.

"Ahhh! We gain an English gentleman and a noble French lady. Okay Flower, since they aren’t putting you to work today, I will." Cookie teased C.C. leading her into the kitchen. "Ya can get to cutting this tomato." She placed the tomato in front of C.C. and waited. C.C. looked at the knife for a moment then the tomato. Niles and Cookie stood waiting and watching.

"What?"

"Miss Babcock you are never going to make it here if you expect everything to be done for you!" Cookie picked up her famous spoon and waved it at C.C. She went over to C.C. showing her how to cut the tomato. "Ya do that for ever thing you cut, from veggies to meat! " Cookie showed her a twist of the wrist.

"How did you know who I am?" C.C. looked towards Niles worried.

"I’ll let Sharpie tell ya later. Now, little Flower, you will be spending all your time with four legged creatures, but if you need friendly ear you better come talk to me!"

"Flower?" Niles snickered at C.C.’s nick name

"Yes! She reminds me of the first flower in spring. You just need to be roughen up around the edges."

"You don’t know her very well." Niles grumbled and was hit with the spoon.

C.C. let out a laugh and Cookie slapped her with the spoon. "Enough you two! I want none of the verbal warfare while you’re on this ranch." Cookie waved her spoon towards the pair. "I’ll turn you into the Storms if you don’t behave towards one another."

"Miss Babcock behaving is like…" Niles didn’t get to finish his statement and received a thump on his head.

"Don’t mess with me boy! I have handled wilder animals than you two."

"Alright we will try and behave." C.C. muttered

"Good! It’s what she would have wanted." Cookie returned to her soup making. "Well I didn’t tell you to stop cutting. Get after it girl!" She waved C.C. onward

.

Niles laughed quietly and now he knew who really ran this ranch. It wasn’t the Storms, but Cookie the cook.

"Ahhh Flora! I was hoping Cookie was going to find you sooner or later." Hammer walked into the kitchen and managed to grab a carrot.

Cookie quickly raised her spoon and Hammer placed it back on the cutting board. "I swear you’re as bad as Eric."

"I had your things delivered and your place will be ready for you to sleep in tonight. Normally that room is used for hands to watch after sick horses. I had to get a few things replaced but Miss Ellen is putting the work men to work on that now."

"Thank you, Hammer." C.C. was back in character without missing a beat.

"Hey Sharpie will you be coming with the boys and I to Lakehouse?"

"A local bar." Cookie grumbled quietly to C.C.

"Hey it’s not all that bad."

"Every time you go there! Eric comes home drunk as a stuff pig."

"Yeah but the boy wins all kinds of money off the boys." Hammer snickered. "No one can out drink him."

"I could." C.C. answered turning to face Hammer.

Hammer laughed, then stopped when he notice how serious C.C. looked. "Your kidding right?"

"Well the French do drink from an early age." Cookie smiled looking at Hammer. "You think Eric is too chicken to take on a woman?"

"I …I…" Hammer stuttered

"I got a hundred on Little Flower here." Cookie took a foot stool and went to her cookie jar and handed Hammer a crisp hundred dollar bill.

"O…O…O.." Eric came inside watching money exchange hands. "We giving away money?"

"NO! you can earn that by out drinking my new friend here."

"Who? Sharpie! Come on Sharpie lets go!" Eric laughed playfully.

"Who is this?" C.C. turned to face the rock and roller with a playful grin.

"Flora Case this is Eric Storm." Hammer smiled. "She’s going to challenge you tonight."

Eric took one look at C.C. and smirked." You’re a beautiful lady but are you sure you want to test yourself against me." Eric kissed her hand much in the way Niles did earlier. Cookie slapped his hand away with the spoon.

"Until you both come home and someone is the winner you’re both foes!" Cookie teased.

"Now if you’re not going to help in the kitchen everyone else out!" Niles waved Hammer and Eric away.

"Ah Ha! Now he’s talking like a true ranch cook!"

C.C. finished her chore and was pushed outside by Cookie to wait with the staff for lunch to be ready.

"You really like her don’t ya?" Cookie eyed Niles carefully. "All this verbal combat you have engaged in during the years has been nothing but a fog."

Niles let out a small groan.

"Alright if you’re not going to be any help to me out you go." Cookie waved him out with the plates of cornbread to be set on the table.

"I swear the woman is hard headed." Samantha growled noting that Niles had been kicked out of the kitchen as well. Samantha was still wearing her scrubs from the hospital and turned to face C.C.

"Hello there, Flora! Ellen has already told me much about you." She nodded towards C.C. and smiled. "I hope we are not too wild bunch for you."

"Oh! She’s going to challenge Eric to the drinking contest tonight!" Hammer roared as the ranch hands came in stopping dead in their tracks.

"Who is, Hammer?" A ranch hand whose nick name was Skids looked towards his boss.

"The trainer for our new pretty horses." Hammer pointed over towards C.C. and the ‘boys’ started to laugh.

They have no idea what she can do. Niles smirked looking towards C.C. giving her a reinsuring nod that produced a small smile from her soft lips.

"Never judge a book by its cover, Skids." Samantha smiled at the ranch hand.

"You care to place money in our betting pool, Mrs. Storm?" Skids looked over towards his boss lady.

"Cookie did." Hammer added.

"Who she bet on?" Samantha was interested.

"Flower here!" Hammer looked over towards C.C. who blushed.

"I’ll put down a hundred."

"Aunt Sam!" Eric walked back in with Ellen tagging along.

"What? Cookie only bets on a sure thing." Samantha snickered while Ellen hugged her mother.

"The French are allowed to drink even when they are small children." Ellen smiled and waved towards C.C. and Niles. "Mommy can I put in my twenty?"

"Normally I would say no. Your father would kill me. Yes dear."

That caused the ranch hands who had gathered a great deal of laughter and Eric’s jaw hung wide open.

"Ellen….You wouldn’t!" Eric grumbled.

"Sure I would!" She giggled and Eric again threatened to start a food fight.

"ERIC." This time Cookie came in "Put my cornbread down! I swear boy you get to be more and more like your father each day."

"Thank you." Eric beamed.

"Can I go to the bar?" Ellen looked towards her cousin and mother.

"NO!" The whole room shouted out the answer.

"Eric you told me about…" Ellen was about to finish but Eric had covered up her mouth with his hand.

"Now is not the time to talk about my tall tales."

"Tall tales, right…" Stephen came in and sat at the table with a nod towards Niles.

"Hello there Flora!" Stephen nodded towards C.C. "I’m Stephen."

C.C. wasn’t sure but she had a sinking feeling meeting this man. Do I know him from somewhere? "Hello." She smiled back towards him.

"Well there is a lot of work to do before the weekend." Hammer grumbled sitting next to Samantha "Did you finish ordering around the workers little boss lady?" Hammer eyed Ellen.

"Yes sir!"

"Those horses seem to be unsettled, Flower..." Hammer sighed looking at C.C.

"Give them time they are highly intelligence creatures Hammer. It will take time for them to get used to a new home. I will see to them if you allow me, Ellen." She smiled looking towards the girl.

"Oooo! Yes I’ll help!"

"I’m sure that I could use Sharpie as well since he has time before the next meal." C.C. looked towards Niles who blushed. Ellen leaned over towards her mother whispering and both giggled.

"Yes Flower. If you care to help wash dishes after lunch." Niles got up to help place the dishes on the table.

C.C. found lunch to be a free for all affair, far different from what she was used too. Cookie eyed her carefully giving her helpful non-verbal hints so she wouldn’t look so out of place. C.C. hurried with the dishes as all three of them went out towards the horses. C.C. had to admit that Michael Storm knew how to pick the best and the brightest of creatures. Each animal was comforted with a few kind words...Brushing of coats...

"I think tomorrow we should see them out to the western pasture!" C.C. brushed down the white Arabian named ‘Blanco’.

"They like to roam like our normal horses?" Ellen was brushing down the other side, giggling.

"They are like all living creatures, Miss Ellen. They like to stretch their legs." C.C. offered a few sugar cubes to the horse who nuzzled C.C. with her nose softly.

"Are you going to stand there all day, Sharpie?" C.C. eyed him noting that Niles was off in a dream world.

"Hey? Are these horses going to mix with our normal ones?" Ellen received a lick from the horse and started to giggle.

"At some point. They are all old friends here so they are more comfortable around one another."

"I’m sure some wild stallion across the way has his eyes on our fair Blanco here." Niles softly touched the horse’s nose.

"Like Lighting!" Ellen smiled.

"Lighting?"

"Ooohh, I nearly forgot! We will have to help ya pick from the ranch horses, Flower! Everyone gets a use of one!" Ellen giggled. "Finish your story Sharpie!"

"Story?…Okay, our hero Lighting sees the beautiful Blanco here finding out that a fence is between himself and his love."

"A bloody tall fence" C.C. mumbled to herself allowing, for a moment, her French accent to drop.

"Pardon Flower?" Niles looked over towards C.C.

"Nothing Sharpie, finish your delightful story."

"Until one day out in the pasture he is able to touch his love…and then…"

"Then???" Ellen looked at Niles.

"We don’t know yet. The story isn’t finished!" Niles teased and Ellen pouted. "You’ll have to ask them, Miss Ellen, when they are able to meet on equal ground."

Ellen looked back towards C.C. who sighed. "Soon Miss Ellen."

"ELLLEEENNNN…" Eric called out.

"You better go see what Master Eric needs, child" C.C. watched as Ellen ran towards her cousin and eyed Niles.

"What?"

"Equal ground? Is that what we are now, hazel?"

"Well, we are both…Servants." Niles smile brighten.

"Have you heard anything about my mother yet?" C.C. was rubbing down the animal then stopping to look at her hands.

"She is still threatening them, C.C." Niles sighed.

C.C. sighed. "I didn’t know Niles. I still don’t remember that night"

"What did Bort say?" Niles kept up with her.

"It will take time. Don’t worry about me Niles."

"Would it matter to you if I do worry about you?" Before C.C. could answer, both heard the footsteps and the ooooooohhhhhhhhs and ahhhhhhhhs of Eric and Ellen looking at the rest of the horses.

"Wow! They are wonderful animals here." Eric came up to Niles and C.C. who kept on working on Blanco then finished, walking out of the stable. Again the mare snuggled up to C.C. "I think that mare likes you, Flower."

"She has good taste" Niles smiled and again Ellen giggled. "What are you giggling at Miss Ellen?"

"Nothing!"

"Well …I’m here to help you pick a horse to use... Since my uncle didn’t make a ruling yet on the Arabians." Eric smirked noting the horse was still cuddling up to C.C.

"Master Eric, do you know how expensive these horses are?!" C.C. blinked looking towards the young man.

"Yeah, but if my uncle doesn’t make the ruling… besides, I think that horse would have a fit." As if to answer Eric the horse nodded her great head and everyone let out a laugh. "She’s yours, Flower. Now and forever. But make sure you hurry up and breed the others proper!"

"ooohhhh! Almost like your story, Sharpie! You have Lighting and Flower has Blanco." Ellen giggled

"I better go help Cookie." Niles managed a smile as C.C. hid her blushing.

Dinner that night was a small meal of soup or chili. To Niles it seemed like on the weekends Cookie didn’t bother to cook heavy meals. "They are just going to go out to town, to that bar, or on dates!"

Indeed, half the ranch hands were missing. Everyone was making note of the way C.C. was acting. She was laughing at the end of the table with Cookie and Hammer who doubted his bet on Eric.

"I’ll drive you both over to the Lakehouse. Or you could follow me." Hammer leaned over looking at Niles. "Flower said ya was taking her."

"Coming Flower? Eric’s going to be waiting!" Niles couldn’t help but smirk as C.C. curled her arms around his back.

"Try to keep up, Sharpie!" Hammer laughed and started his car.

"A motorcycle? Please tell me you can handle this thing?"

‘Like I can handle a woman, Miss Babcock." He whispered softly towards her.

She felt his chest which caused Niles to groan. He was thankful for the sound of the road before them, or she would have known how her teasing was effecting him.

The Lakehouse was a small hole in the wall. C.C. noted that the biker bar that she, D.D. and Sarah would sneak away to every month had much more class than this place. Then again, that was in New York City, not out in the middle of the Kansas country side. The place was full of the ranch hands and other local folk.

"That lady is going to drink you under the table tonight?" the bartender pointed towards C.C. and Eric nodded.

"Alright Lady…." He nodded towards C.C. "And the rest of ya! Let the battle begin!"

C.C. was placed before Eric who smirked. Nine shot glasses were placed before each of them along with a bottle of some clear liquor. "The rules are, the first one to pass out looses! Gentlemen, the betting ends in two minutes."

"Last chance to back out, little flower." Eric smiled.

"I never back out of anything." She smiled then mumbled something in French.

"You step up?" Eric grinned "Yes, good Flower, I know French…. We will see who is under the table at the end of the night."

"Ah!" C.C. smiled. This was something she could do well.

"Betting is over!" The man rang the bell. "Time for your first eight shots!" Eric and C.C. both started to down the clear liquor. Niles watched C.C. carefully as chips and sandwiches were placed before them. Eric had started to take a bite, but noticed C.C. wasn’t touching anything placed before her.

"I’m ready to go again." She turned towards the bar keep and he laughed.

"Oh! This one has spirit in her, Eric!" He rang the bell again as someone poured them eight more shots.

"You’re not human…" Eric mumbled with a slur in his voice after the next eight shots.

C.C. wasn’t speaking much. She might have been fearful her accent would slip while drunk All she could do was coldly smile towards Eric. She nodded towards the bar keep again who laughed. Most of the bar was watching the contest now.

"They are going to make themselves sick with alcohol poisoning." Someone mumbled beside Niles.

"Who would have guessed a small little thing like her could pack away so much of the heavy stuff." Hammer saw his hundred dollars disappear.

C.C. picked up her last shot and swallowed it. She got up walking away from the table. "Is he going down yet?" C.C. whispered to Niles who noted that Eric was now under the table as the bartender laughed madly.

"The new champion… Miss Flora!" He laughed again handing Niles the money for both Samantha and Cookie. "Teaches me to bet against Cookie’s judgment! Give this to little Ellen. Of course, this is for you, Sharpie!"

Each of them made out like a bandit! Niles held onto C.C. carefully who was trying her best not to pass out. "I’ll show you her new room Sharpie… and maybe awaken Cookie to get her undressed."

Niles placed her on the bed lightly touching her cheek. "I do love you." He said it so softly as it echoed in the room.

"Ah Ha! She won! I knew the girl could best Eric!" Cookie walked in with her bed robes on. "I just saw the boys brining him in."

"Yes." Niles smiled at Cookie.

"Ermmm I think you got her for tonight, don’t ya?" Cookie gave him a wink.

"If you don’t mind?" Niles laughed.

"Go ahead my dear." Niles removed enough clothing to make C.C. comfortable, and smiled at Cookie. "I would suggest something, Sharpie….She cares for you too." Cookie smiled and walked out of the room.

"I hope so..." Niles covered her up touching her cheek again with a smile.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. felt like her head was going to explode. "Here" She heard his voice and was handed a bottle of water.

"What time is it?" She couldn’t open her eyes fully. The room was dark but any light caused a great deal of pain.

"It’s noon, silly woman. Cookie sent me here to look after you. Eric is in worse shape than you. That wasn’t fair of you, C.C." Nile wanted to laugh as she took the offered aspirin.

"Yes, but when is life been fair to me of late?"

"Point taken. On the other hand you made Cookie, Mrs. Storm and Ellen a lot of money last night. They seemed to be the only ones who placed a bet on you. I think Cookie put in more than just her hundred dollars. In fact, she was so pleased she offered to cook you a royal feast tonight when you’re able to move."

C.C. groaned. "I don’t think I could eat ever again." C.C. noted that her jeans had been taken off and her bra had placed on the side of her bed. "Niles? Who undressed me last night?"

"Who do you think undressed you?" Niles hadn’t been able to tease her in so long he was having withdraws.

"NILES…." C.C. turned towards him, grabbing his shirt and pulling him downward.

"Miss Babcock, we do have a daughter together." Niles coughed." Having problems breathing C.C.!"

"Who undressed me?!" She growled.

"I DID…Nothing happened! Dammit C.C., let go! Cookie was here the whole time."

C.C. released Niles who had been dragged towards the bed. Niles tried again to stand back up only to come face to face with her. Even with her contacts and the dyed hair… She was still his C.C. all spit fire and rage. "Niles…" Her lips so close to his that it caused them both to shiver.

"I should…mm..." Niles tried to look away, but his body was staying put under her gaze.

"You should what?" C.C. smiled playfully.

"Go?" Niles said one thing and did another, pulling her into the kiss with all his might. His kiss was at first tender giving her enough room to pull away from him, but when she didn’t, he strengthened it.

They looked at one another stunned and shocked. "There has always been something between us?" C.C. said softly looking into his eyes.

"Yes." Niles held her tightly. "Please don’t run away from it C.C." Cookie was right. Being on this ranch was more than just a chance to know his daughter, but C.C. as well.

"I’ll try." She touched his cheek and blushed at her lack of clothing. "I guess I should get dressed and head downstairs."

C.C. was slow to get up, but Niles pulled her back down to the bed and his waiting arms.

"Cookie’s orders… you are not allowed to leave this room until dinner time! I wouldn’t cross the lady if I were you. She is the one who really controls this ranch."

Niles held her so tight that C.C. could barely breathe. She shifted in his arms to face his smiling face. "You know, with that hair you look rather silly."

"I always knew you where a brunette yourself."

"NILES!"

"Shhh, you might be the only one up here, C.C., but whisper remember?" He couldn’t help but laugh feeling finally free to hold this woman he had desired for so long.

"So, whose name should I call out in the heat of passion? Sharpie? Thomas? Or Niles?" C.C. laughed nuzzling his neck.

"Woman! I am going to tell Cookie that you’re teasing me!"

"Who says I’m teasing?" C.C. gave him her best school girl looked that made Niles inwardly groan.

"Careful, C.C. I’m a full blooded male. Even I have my limits on teasing." Niles eyed her carefully.

"How does one reach that limit?" C.C. nibbled at his neck as Niles groaned. Niles wanted nothing more than to pounce on her but …

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Saved by the bell..." Niles whispered in her ear. Walking towards the door he opened it to see Samantha standing before him.

"Mrs. Storm." He allowed her to walk inside and noticed that C.C. was back to her sleeping position holding a pillow over her eyes.

"I came to check up on our heroine of the hour." Samantha sat down in the chair Niles had been sitting in moments ago.

"You know the French, Mrs. Storm. They have iron clad stomachs."

"I am fine, Mrs. Storm. I hope the boy is alright?" C.C. removed the pillow to look at Samantha’s eyes.

"He’ll live. His uncle wants to kill him for giving you that horse."

"I told the boy it was too much."

"It’s still yours, Flora. Never return a gift that the Storms offer you." Samantha smiled taking C.C.’s hand.

"I shouldn’t. She’s a priceless animal."

"Again, Eric was right. Michael had made no ruling on the Arabians. Blanco is yours now in name as well as title."

"Are you alright Mrs. Storm?" Niles had noticed her legs were shaking.

"Yes I just can’t wait until Michael returns with his business done and over with." Sam sighed.

"Mister Storm is a wise man. I am sure you have nothing to worry about." C.C. offered the woman a kind smile but she shook her head.

"Storms are anything but wise, my dear Flora. They often allow passion to over rule reason. That is why Robert ended up in an early grave." Samantha sighed.

"I’m sorry, good lady."

"So was I…So was Michael…So was Eric." Sam looked down at her hands.

"If there is anything we can do Mrs. Storm we will!" Niles looked towards C.C. who nodded back.

"You both are so kind and you have only been here three days between you." Samantha laughed. "It is odd. Where I come from in Boston we never treated our ….mmm…

"You can say it Mrs. Storm... Servants." C.C. smiled.

"Servants... I am glad we hired both of you. To be frank I had my doubts, but Cookie always had a good eye for people." She got up and headed towards the door. "Please both of you… people, most of the time, call me Sam... Feel free to call me that." She smiled walking out. Niles and C.C. listened to her walk down the steps.

"Something has been troubling me, Niles." C.C. whispered lightly. "How did honest people like the Storms meet my mother? Why did they buy our daughter?"

"And what exactly is B.B. Blackmailing them for? What does she have over them?"

Niles sighed. So many unanswered questions. "Let’s worry about this later tonight, Babcock. I think you need to rest." C.C. pulled his hand softly allowing him to join her in the bed…

"Then you can hold me for a while." C.C. was able to sleep an hour in his arms.

C.C. shifted to find her bed empty and a blue eyed girl smiling down at her.

"Hi!" Ellen giggled. "You’re alive! Great dinner is going to be served in an hour. Wow! Your eyes don’t look as bad as Eric’s!" She already had clothes for C.C. "The workmen finished your shower while you slept, I was shocked!"

"Where did Sharpie run off to?"

"He is helping Cookie with something special for you. You made me four hundred dollars last night! That is like two years of allowance!" Ellen was smiling broadly while C.C. stepped inside the new bathroom.

"Spend it wisely, child. I will be out in a moment." C.C. had never thought much of a cold shower but it felt so good to get the smell of the bar off her body she came out refreshed, and dressed once again in normal blue jeans and v cut shirt.

"Daddy wanted me to tell you the two grooms will be here tomorrow. Do you want them to room up here as well?"

"I will have to think about that. It might be a good idea." C.C. had pushed Michael into hiring people she trusted.

C.C. and Ellen headed downstairs to notice the humbled ranch hands doing her work today. "I thought the boys could help you out." Hammer tipped his hat towards C.C.

"Didn’t you bet against me, sir?" C.C. fluttered her eyes towards him.

"Ermm…well…you…see..."

"HA!" Someone called out.

"I better brush down Blanco." Hammered snickered.

"Don’t forget the stables need to be raked out!" Ellen called out as the pair walked towards the house.

"Ah ha! Sit right down, my lady!" Cookie held out a chair for C.C. who laughed.

"There is no need for this."

"Course there is no one in five years has put Eric back in his place since Martin had left for college. You earned this …so much that Sharpie said he would serve ya something special." C.C. couldn’t help but blush at Cookie’s words.

"Ahh Flora, you and Sharpie have been casing all kinds of trouble I hear." Michael walked in trying to hold up Eric.

"Someone kill me now." Eric mumbled.

"If we kill ya, How can we make fun of ya for losing to a girl!" Ellen grinned.

Eric groaned as Cookie managed a laugh. "The hands will be eating beans tonight out in the fields!"

"What are we eating?"

"I don’t know, I didn’t cook it tonight." Cookie smiled and everyone looked at the woman. "Well, the boy’s got to test his wings at some point."

"Roasted Chicken." Niles walked back in carrying the birds along with sides of pearl onions, carrots, spinach, hot rolls.

"Wow! What did you use for the chicken...?"

"A cook never gives up his secrets." he smiled down at Cookie who laughed.

"You’re learning boy!"

"Michael you’re not eating?" Sam looked at her husband.

"I’m sorry, the dragon can kill your taste buds." Michael sighed.

Michael got up from the table followed by Sam. The rest of the household frowned. "I’m going to check on them..." Ellen hopped down.

"Wait Ellen!" Stephen grumbled unable to stop her from running off. "The girl is always spying on her parents." Stephen sighed.

"How do you think she knows so much?" Eric snickered.

"Not all of it Eric…Not all." Stephen sighed. "Wonderful meal sharpie. Really, it is." He managed a smile towards Niles who nodded.

"You would not offend me, sir, if you run after your young charge."

"Thank you." Stephen got up leaving his limo driver’s hat at the table.

"Why is it that Babcock woman has to be such a bitch!" Eric growled.

"Eric! Table manners." Cookie eyed the young man.

"I’m sorry Cookie."

Here we go..Niles’s mind was sent racing as he felt C.C.’s soft hand grab for his.

"Uncle Michael should just face them. Tell them the truth of the matter and not dodge around the issue." Eric blushed remembering C.C. and Niles. "I’m sorry Sharpie…Flora it is rather a long story."

"This ranch seems to be full of such tales." C.C. smiled.

"I forget my place. I am sorry to the both of you. Please don’t say anything to Ellen. I know she suspects much."

"Suspects?" Niles was generally lost.

"She suspects things that a child shouldn’t know yet. Storms are always in a hurry to grow up and she questions everything." Cookie smiled towards C.C. and Niles.

"Ellen???? ELLEN???" Everyone heard the voices of Michael, Stephen and Sam.

"Did you see Ellen just now?" Michael’s face looked in a panic.

"No what’s wrong?"

"She heard!" Sam started to whimper and Cookie got up to hold a sobbing Sam.

"Eric, go! There are some of the hands attending the Arabians for Flower... Tell them Ellen’s run off."

"I bet she made a run for Thunder." Eric said leaving the room.

Sam quickly ran out towards the normal stable. "Go you too..." Cookie whispered… "Go help find that kid of yours." Niles and C.C. quickly made there way outside to notice a storm was brewing.

Hammer, Michael, Eric, Sam and a few other ranch hands stood around in a circle. "Thunder’s gone….dammit..." Eric growled.

"There is a hell of a storm picking up, Mike. The boys out in the pasture are going to be heading in..." Hammer looked around. "Maybe they will have seen her."

"I suggest we all ride out looking for her." C.C. turned towards the Arabian stable to get Blanco.

Everyone who could ride split up quickly in pairs. Niles could feel the rain threaten to come down. He rode with C.C. inside a forested area... One of the few areas of forest he had seen in the Kansas plains.

"The rain is going to come down hard and heavy any moment." Niles shifted Lighting around to look deeper in the woods. "I’m not sure, flower, we can stay out here much longer."

"We will stay as long as it takes, dammit." C.C. growled. "Wait a moment." She noticed, hanging off the tree bark, a piece of yellow cloth.

Ellen had been wearing a pair of yellow shorts to dinner that night. "Let’s go..." Niles pushed his stallion to keep up with C.C.’s mare. The horse grew uneasy under the storm clouds and distant thunder.

In the distance they noticed it…"There!" a small little play house, but before the play house a fearful sight was before them… Ellen had been knocked off Thunder. He was nuzzling her to get up.

"Ellen!" They both rushed off their given horses towards her to find the girl sobbing on the ground.

"Go away…!"

"Miss Ellen we have to get out of here… A storm is coming and your parents are worried."

"I don’t care…I DON’T CARE!" Ellen yelled out... "They bought and paid for me!"

Niles and C.C. both went fairly pale as the rain started to come down hard. "We should get inside the play house…The horses will be able to find their way back." C.C. forced Lighting, Thunder and Blanco.

"You’ll come with us, young lady, and explain yourself." C.C. yelled.

They found the play house was a sturdy structure. As the wind picked up Niles looked at C.C. who had carefully sat on the floor.

"Talk to us, Miss Ellen." C.C. found a few covers that were in truth no more than towels and handed one over to Niles.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"My parents paid for me!" Ellen managed to settle down. "My mother... Said the person who gave birth to me was so drugged up she didn’t even know I existed! That they doctors did it on purpose so her family could SELL ME."

Both Niles and C.C. just shared strange looks. "DO you understand?! They took me from some sick woman! That wasn’t right! It wasn’t fair of them to hand me over! What did they have to gain by giving me to the Storms?.. I want to know why! They must not have wanted me... My birth parents… to allow that to happen."

"Ellen, you don’t know that." Niles said softly.

"Explain it to me, Sharpie? Where was my birth father? Where is he now? Do you know where I was born? DO YOU?"

"No, child." Niles’s hid his eyes.

"A MENTAL HOSPTIAL."

"Ellen sat down. This isn’t helping anyone." C.C. forced the child down.

"Your mom must have wanted you, Flora…Mine sure didn’t"

"No, she didn’t... My mother used me as a pawn against my father." Both Niles and Ellen looked towards C.C. who continued "Talk with your parents Ellen. They love you."

"To tell me the truth?"

"Ask them, Ellen. Do not run away from the problem."

"They…They talked about how my adoption might not even be legal." Ellen’s eyes dropped to the floor and she whimpered.

Now they had it... What B.B. Babcock had over the Storms... The threat of taking away Ellen.

"No one is going to take you away from your home child." C.C. looked deeply into Ellen’s eyes.

"You promise?" Ellen, for all her knowledge, now acted like the girl she was.

"I promise…" C.C. hugged Ellen tightly and even Niles had tears in his eyes.

"I’ll be ..." Niles looked outside. "The horses are still outside." Niles noted the storm was lightening up. "Think we could make it back to the Ranch before it starts up again?"

"It’s worth a try. The Storms must be worried sick." C.C. smiled at Ellen who smiled back.

"Okay, I’ll go talk to them."

Niles and C.C. rode back as Michael and Sam both came running out of the house.

"Thank GOD! Don’t ever run away from us again! Do you know how worried we were?"

"Is it true?" She looked at her mother’s eyes.

"Come inside. We all better talk." Sam looked around and nodded towards C.C.

Cookie fixed everyone hot chocolate. Samantha came down providing towels for everyone who walked inside. The room later cleared out leaving Samantha, Eric, Hammer, Cookie, Ellen, Michael, C.C., Niles and Stephen. "You better allow Sharpie and Flora to stay, mama. I told them what I heard." Ellen noticed Sam’s uneasiness.

"I think it’s more than clear that Sharpie and Flower wouldn’t do anything to hurt Ellen." Cookie smiled sipping her coco.

"Alright… Here is what is happening. You all remembered when Sarah Sheffield came for a visit a few years before her death?" Michael looked at his older employees then stopped at Niles and C.C.

"It’s a long story ...Sharpie and Flora , but she was willing to help us with a woman… who was being more than a thorn in our side. B.B. Babcock had been blackmailing us from day one. I knew Mrs. Babcock from boarding school. She was on the head of governor’s board. " Sam sighed softly. "She was cold and heartless back then, only worrying about stepping ahead in the right social circles. I was so thankful when I moved away from that social world. I married Michael and suffered two miscarriages. I was later told I would be unable to carry any baby to term. Years later I ran into B.B. again who had a major problem. She saw it as a major problem."

"My foolish youngest daughter has gotten herself pregnant by some servant. I’m going to force her to get rid of the baby."

"So I used my money..my power, and aided B.B. Babcock, placing her daughter into a mental ward in upper New York." Michael looked towards his daughter. "She knew she was pregnant... C.C. Babcock wanted to keep her child, Ellen..."

"You…took me from her??" Ellen’s eyes went wide. C.C. was fighting a mental image that flashed in her mind. Her screaming enrage toward her mother… being dragged into a small room.

"Heart drugs sometimes can cause temporary memory loss when used in small amounts... Used in large amounts…"

"No one is sure if the effects could cause permanent memory loss or not. So far C.C. Babcock hasn’t acted, so one can hope that..."

"She remains unaware."

"We, at last, decided to try and find her. We damaged our own honor by dealing with the devil. I went to New York to try and right that wrong."

"That is when you ran into Sarah." Cookie smiled.

"Sarah. We earned that woman’s rage. I remember coming clean to Sarah Sheffield about what had happened, and she threatened to kill me where I stood. I asked her to help me deal with B.B... I pushed and pulled... And, at last, I had not only Sarah helping me but her parents made a push to control the dragon."

"Until we heard she past away." Sam looked at her husband who sighed.

"B.B. was back on our backs."

"What does she want, sir?" Stephen was shifting on one foot then the other.

"Our will changed now. She wants control of the company once we pass on. Funny thing is that we are younger than the dragon."

"Dragons have a habit of out living everyone." Eric snickered looking down.

"Call her on the threat…" Cookie yelled it... "Bring C.C. Babcock into this!"

Everyone even Niles and C.C. looked toward the cook. "You can’t be serious?" Hammer grumbled.

"I’m dead serious. Call her on it! Face your fear. That is what your brother would have done, Michael. If this woman was Sarah’s friend then she’ll listen to the facts. For better or worse, face up to the woman!"

C.C. felt ice in her veins looking towards Niles. "I agree with Cookie. If this B.B. Babcock has used her daughter once... And wants to use her again to threaten your rights with Ellen… Bring her into the mix."

"Maybe you can undo the damaged you both did to this woman." Cookie eyed Michael and Samantha like a parent who was upset with her child. "You both are well respected and dishonored yourselves. I think when you told Robert ya was willing to do anything to have a baby ..that is one reason he left."

"You have never let me forget it either, Cookie." Michael sighed.

"Well, Robert ended up being right? " Cookie took her spoon out of her apron.

"Yes.." Sam mumbled

"Anyway... You two did more damage than just to C.C. Babcock. What about Sarah? I talked with the lady for a good hour when she was trying to get out of here! How do you think she faced those people carrying around this secret! No, no… There will be no easy way out of this..."

"Can I go to my room?" Ellen asked quietly

"Yes…Ellen I’ll be up there in a moment." Sam watched Ellen go upstairs.

"I’m going to go up too." Eric ran up behind Ellen picking her up and running the rest of the way towards the bedrooms.

"Face up to it!" Cookie waved her spoon towards the Storms.

"Alright…Alright…anyone have any objections?"

"From what I know of this C.C. Babcock she’s called the bitch of Broadway." Stephen snarled and Cookie hit him with her spoon.

"I don’t care if she’s the harpy from hell! You face up to your mistakes."

"I agree with Cookie on this one." Hammer was rubbing his chin. "I know Ellen will always be your child Mike and Sam but…"

"I know…You don’t have to add your disappointment onto Cookie’s" Michael shifted.

"Flora ? Sharpie?" Sam looked at the pair who had remained quiet taking in all that was happening around them.

"Mrs. Storm...if the only way to stop this dragon is to introduce another.. Then do it." Niles looked towards C.C. wondering how she was handling all this.

"Find her."

"Alright...I’ll see about getting in touch with Maxwell Sheffield tomorrow. He is her business partner… Then I’ll call the dragon’s bluff."

Niles followed C.C. like a little lost puppy towards her apartment. Once C.C. had hit the safety of the stable her feet started to give way and Niles took her in his arms. "Niles." C.C. had been sobbing quietly.

"Shhh, It’s okay. " Niles whispered carrying her upstairs. He took her keys out of her hands opening the door. He placed C.C. on the bed expecting to leave but she wouldn’t let go. She pulled him down, wet clothes and all, on top of her body kissing him with the full force of her passion, despair, love...

"I ...Love You." It was the faintest of whispers but rang out in his ears like a trumpet to battle.

"I love you too." Niles whispered back. C.C. had started to unbutton his wet shirt pulling it forcefully off of his body. Niles groaned, his lips had traveled down from her mouth, sliding down her neck. If that first night they made love was a drunken lust, this night would be gentle and passionate.

C.C.’s lips already were burning his skin while he worked to remove her shirt. This was something not to be rushed. Niles knew the staff had Sunday’s off. Even Cookie didn’t cook, but Samantha Storm would set out sandwich fixings for lunch and dinner. No one was expected come breakfast time.

How he hated her, loved her…wanted her more than anything. Niles looked down into her eyes trying to see the deep blue past the contacts. C.C. was now bare chest before him expect her small black bra that barely covered those lovely breasts. "Are you sure?"

"Niles, shut up and kiss me." She flashed a playful smile pulling him back down as her hands started to undo his blue jeans. Slowly but surely each article of clothing made it to the floor finding them skin on skin. Niles entered her slowly, stroking himself inside her so gently that C.C. shook. He would not rush this! The power of their joining cause tears to enter C.C.’s eyes and she knew this was right. All that time wasted on teasing Maxwell. All that time trying to reawaken another man’s heart when she clearly wanted Niles.

"God...don’t stop." C.C. moaned, grabbing his rear and arching her back up towards him every time he would thrust into her. Niles and C.C. both shivered madly releasing their deepest desires.

Neither one of them said anything for the longest time enjoying the feel bodies striped away of any barriers between them. "I think we forgot something." Niles whispered remembering neither one of them had stopped to think about birth control.

"I normally have my partner wear a condom…with you I get so reckless." C.C. looked up into his eyes.

"As long as you only get reckless with me. I have no intention, after we leave here, to allow you to escape me again, C.C." Niles smiled.

"What do you think is going to happen?" C.C.’s hands lightly rubbed his bare chest holding him close.

"Miss Fine and Mister Sheffield will send them on a wild goose chase, but sooner or later... It will lead them..."

"To here... To us..." C.C. frowned.

"Yes...an interesting surprise for them, don’t you think?" Niles smiled kissing her lips.

"Well at least we have tomorrow off. I wonder what we shall do all day?" C.C. joked with a grin.

"I have a few ideas" Niles touched her bare chest and growled at her.

"Good idea." C.C. forced Niles on his back and smiled.

"Okay Babcock, give me your best shot." Niles teased laughing at the beautiful women who shared his bed.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Eric Storm remained awake in his room, unable to sleep. Eric pulled his pajama bottoms over his boxers and headed downstairs. "Hey Cookie...don’t you ever sleep, old woman?" Eric smiled pulling a t-shirt over his head.

"Guilt often keeps a person awake." Cookie smiled offering Eric a piece of cake.

"Think we were too hard on Uncle Mike and Aunt Sam?" Eric took the glass of milk that was offered.

"Let me ask you this. When you found out Catherine had that affair and the baby wasn’t yours… you forced her out of your life. Why?"

"Let’s not talk about my ex-wife please" Eric grumbled.

"You did it because the child needed to know the truth! I know it hurt like hell, Eric, but I was proud of you." Cookie held Eric’s hand.

"I felt like hell. I still feel like hell about it."

"You’re still doing the right thing… Thank you for that."

"I never thought Miss Babcock would be such a good actor, or Mister Butler." Eric smirked.

"You going to tell those two you know who they are?" Cookie smirked.

"Course not... I had forgotten I knew a Fran Fine until she called me." Eric smirked. "God that was so long ago, but I gave my word. I owed her a favor… besides, this allows them to get to know Ellen and know that she’s loved."

"You’re a good man, Eric. Your father would be so proud." Cookie smiled.

"My father would wonder when he was going to have some grandchildren." Eric muttered.

"Hello Miss Ellen!" Cookie saw Ellen climb downstairs.

"Cake?"

"Yeah, small fry, come join the late night crew." Eric smiled.

Ellen hopped up and pulled the piece of cake towards herself. "Eric, do you remember your mother?"

Eric blinked looking at Cookie. "Not much why?"

"Nothing..."

"Talk to us, child." Cookie patted Ellen’s hands softly

"I mean, can you miss something you never knew was there?" Ellen looked at Eric. "You never had your mom. Do you miss not having one?"

"I always had a mother. Cookie and Aunt Sam acted like my mother, small fry…I never had the chance to know my mom, and I wish I did. Ellen, just because you never knew the person doesn’t mean you don’t feel the loss."

"You think... C.C. feels lost without me?" Ellen looked up towards the pair.

"I think somewhere deep inside her soul something has been crying out. Ellen, just because everyone wants your mom and dad to do right by your blood parents..." Eric couldn’t finish.

"Doesn’t mean they are going to take me away…Flora and Sharpie said as much." Ellen mumbled... "I’m not feeling well. Sorry Cookie, I’m going back to bed." Ellen ran up the stairs.

Eric sighed. "Thank god. That kid doesn’t need another fight on her hands."

"You mean a custody fight that they would rightfully win." Cookie snarled.

"I know."

"Eric, let me tell you something. Sarah told me how C.C. and her siblings were put through hell by her parents fighting over custody. All kinds of nasty things went on. I’m telling you this, Eric, that C.C. doesn’t want to see Ellen loose her home or her parents."

"Then what do you think she’ll want in the long run."

"Let me ask you this, Eric. If you had a child taken from you, and that child was now nearly a teenager, what would you do?"

Eric shifted under Cookie’s wise eyes. "I see your point."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles felt the bright sunlight fill the room and shifted to find the other side of the bed empty. His hands went around a small bowl of fruit and some paper. Niles sat up and yawned taking note of the fruit bowl. Niles opened the paper up.

Sharpie,

He smiled hoping into the shower and dressing quickly. He pocketed a few of the apples and an orange. He ran downstairs to find his horse, Lighting in with the Arbians already. "Hello Flora!" He smiled noticing she was talking to the new grooms, both female.

"Ahhhh Sharpie is awake. This is Mary and Ann" both women smiled and took Niles’s hand.

"Thomas…"

"Nawww, call him Sharpie!" Ellen giggled, watching them and holding the reins of Thunder. "Flora, are you going to take them out to the Western pasture?"

"Yes, Hammer said that would be best."

"Ya! I’m coming." Ellen climbed carefully on the stallion’s back.

"Miss Flora, you are going to ride Blanco bare back?" Ann looked at her.

"Yes, there is a freedom. Besides she’ll want to spend time out in the pasture as well."

Niles managed to get close to C.C. and whisper. "I bet you’re sore as hell for other reasons." It was the softest of whispers but made C.C. blush all the same.

"Let us be off, shall we? Ellen you ready?"

"Ready!"

The ranch hands all watched the women handle the horses with approval. They guided the horses towards the open lady and the animals rejoiced.

"Wow look at them go!" Ellen giggled pulling up next to Niles.

"It is always nice to get out… even for horses." Niles smiled.

He noticed C.C. was off Blanco and walked among the animals. "How long are they going to stay out here, Miss Flora?" Mary turned her horse to face her.

"Hammer suggested the night. They have been in that stable for so long."

"Shall we keep our eyes on them?" Ann moved her horse to face Flora as well.

"That would be a good idea. We will take turns, of course. I am sorry to put you ladies to work so soon after arriving "

"It’s okay Miss Flora" Mary smiled.

"Flora… we are all on equal footing in this house." C.C. smiled.

Niles pulled out an apple handing the other one to Ellen who smiled. Ellen watched C.C. then Niles. "You going out with Flora?" Ellen giggled.

"Ermmm.. Why are you asking Miss Ellen?"

"I have a bet with Mom on it." Ellen smiled brightly. "Course that means I would have to talk with mom." Ellen let out a long sigh.

"Still not talking with your parents, Ellen?" Niles looked at her.

"I know I should… I just can’t face them yet."

"I understand."

"Do you? I know I’m just a kid... I have always known I was adopted… but.. Paid for?"

"Do you love them Ellen?"

"Yes."

"Then forgive them."

"Yes, but ... Could my blood parents forgive them?" Ellen stopped Thunder as Niles stopped Lighting in his tracks.

"What do you think?"

"No." Ellen moved past Niles with a sigh.

Niles rode up towards C.C. pulling her onto his horse. "Brute!" C.C. growled in her French accent.

"Have I told you, Miss Babcock, how sexy you sound with that accent?" Niles whispered in her ear, holding her in his arms while the grooms looked on shocked.

"Don’t mind him ladies... The kitchen help is always a bit crazy."

"Ah HA!" Ellen rode up pointing. "So you are dating!"

"You can say that, Miss Ellen."

"Mom owes me twenty bucks!" Ellen giggled pushing her horse forward.

"Ellen, would you do me a favor?" C.C. asked settling behind Niles after having set Blanco free. "Would you have Hammer send over some gentlemen ranchies to help out Ann and Mary?"

"Okee, I’ll have him send Dirk and Zane." Ellen headed off towards the main home.

"Cookie’s grandsons" Niles commented.

"Ahhh… Ladies I’ll be back in three hours... Then you can decide who will go on break."

"Okay Flora"

Niles had Lighting doing a light walk as C.C. managed to pull Niles’s cell phone loose. "How long has it been since you talk with Nanny Fine or Maxwell?"

"A while."

"Good." C.C. dialed the phone.

"Hello?" Maxwell’s voice sounded as clear and commanding as ever.

"Hello Maxwell how are things?" C.C. snuggled Niles’s back.

"Thank God, C.C. Your mother has been driving me crazy and Both D.D. and Noel have grown worried."

"They didn’t buy the fact I’m in Europe drumming up business?"

"Your mother is right now hunting all over Europe looking for you. Right now Miss Fine’s cousin is having a field day playing with her."

"Good... I’ll see to D.D. and Noel later." C.C. sighed. She had grown distant from her siblings since Sarah’s death. No doubt B.B. had gotten them worried.

"Good, I can’t wait to have you both back. The production is down in the 29 theater."

"I told you the show was going to close soon. Just take the rest of the summer off, Maxwell. Take Nanny Fine and your kids on some trip and disappear."

"Good idea C.C. I will have my cell phone on me so have Niles call, and C.C.?"

"Yes Maxwell?"

"Good Luck"

"Thanks…" C.C. giggled to herself… Not that I need luck anymore.

"That is something I thought I would never hear." Niles laughed to himself.

"What?"

"You telling Mister Sheffield to take Nanny Fine somewhere."

"Well, to each her stud." C.C. said playfully and Niles turned around with a smile.

"I’m your stud?"

"After last night... I would say yes... Oh, behave Niles. We have to be careful."

"I would rather be reckless around you." Niles kissed her small hand and she purred playfully in his ear.

"I don’t think I could go back to the way it was Niles..." C.C. looked into his eyes.

"You socialite? Me butler?"

"No... Us warring."

"Don’t you understand C.C. I love you… always have. I have desire you from the moment you and Sarah showed up for that blind date with Maxwell and his friend."

"Thank God my date didn’t work out… Edward..ewwwie."

"Thank god it didn’t. I would hate to have killed the man." Niles smiled. "Now behave Flora, we have company coming."

"Damm it is true!" Eric Storm rode up and again C.C. blushed. "Why is it every beautiful woman on this ranch is taken the first chance they get? Even your new grooms are married."

"I’m sorry, Eric. I am sure you’ll find the right someone when she comes along." Flora smiled and Eric blushed.

"Ahhh the rock star can blush." Niles teased.

"Well, yes. I have my moments like anyone else. Hey, you know tomorrow you have the day off again Sharpie?"

"Cookie told me. She wasn’t a happy camper that your uncle is hiring people to cook for your birthday."

"Well, how can she attended it if she’s working?"

"So true. Is there another matter you wish to speak about, Master Eric?"

"Well, Yes... I have a message for the two of you... I was suppose to deliver this when you both came to the ranch... Cookie reminded me last night."

"Yes?" C.C. looked at Niles worried.

"Because if they get married, Miss Fine will be your new mummy." Eric wanted to laugh looking at the jaw drop.

"You’re Nanny Fine’s contact?" Niles gasped.

"Yes… Have fun you two!" Eric laughed remembering what Fran told him about her date with Stuart Babcock.

"Oy… This can’t be good." Niles said softly while C.C. laughed lightly

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles pulled the naked body up closer to him. The two of them had retreated to his room last night. C.C. only had two more hours before she had to go attended the horses. "You better get some sleep C.C."

"I am still in shock that Nanny Fine knows Eric." C.C. had been near his belly button now was snuggling his shoulder.

"I told you, the woman knows people" Niles smiled at her.

"Okay, I’ll give you that." C.C. leaned up to look down at Niles. "I would still like to know why he’s helping us."

"I think it’s the same reason why Cookie is helping us. He wants to see the right thing win out in the end." He reached up to touch her cheek. "I want many things to happen."

"Such as?"

"Well now that I have you in my bed there are many dreams I have had about you through the years."

"Really?"

"Yes. Sorry to say, it will take more than just an hour to explore them fully." Niles smiled rubbing her soft back. "We should see about getting protection from town. We keep on being reckless C.C."

"I love riding bare backed with you." C.C. smiled in a teasing voice.

"C.C. I’m serious... Which... Leads me to another question. What does C.C. stand for?"

"C.C." She smiled.

"Come on."

"You tell me yours first."

"NO way!" Niles growled rolling her over on her back "You’re not leaving my bed until you tell me." Niles licked at her neck playfully as C.C. laughed softly trying not to yell.

"Niles… Niles..you…need to…stop!" C.C. was wiggling under him trying to fight her laughter...

"Tell me woman!" He growled in her ear and she shivered.

"Chastity….Claire…" C.C. managed to spit out panting from having to withhold her giggles.

"ooooohhhhhh…You’re anything but chaste now.." Niles whispered in her ear. "It is a lovely name..."

"Your... Turn..." C.C. groaned as Niles kept up his attentions, rubbing her body and exploring her curves.

"Butler"

C.C. just smiled. Niles was rather enjoying the end of the verbal combat for now. "Do you miss it?"

"Damm woman, can you read my mind?"

"I don’t know… do you miss the verbal fighting?"

"It adds to the spice of life… but yes, at times I miss it." Niles touched kissed her lips softly.

"Servant" C.C. smiled and Niles couldn’t help but laugh.

"Trollop" Niles ended this fight with a soft kiss. "We will get back into the swing of things soon C.C., let us enjoy this."

"I’m more than enjoying this time away. I plan to take full advantage." C.C. smiled quieting Niles with her own mouth.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. got up early taking some of the muffins offered at the breakfast table out on the pasture.

She rode Lighting out bare backed enjoying the freedom of movement the horse offered.

"Flora!" Mary smiled. Mary and Dirk had taken the early morning watch over the horses. C.C. knew it was silly keeping an eye on them, but was overly protective of such expensive show animals.

Dirk was a handsome young man in his late teens. He rode up and smiled. "They are all ready to go in, Flower, for a nice long nap." He pointed towards the small herd and smiled.

C.C. nodded at Dirk. "That is fine! Mary, tell Ann I want to get a late start tomorrow, but be ready to work, we have to get these beauties ready for the Las Vegas show! We want someone from the group to win." C.C. smiled and the girl nodded

"I agree. They are wonderful animals, surely someone will win."

C.C. past out the muffins to Mary and Dirk who were more than thankful. "There is Grandma…I swear she never rests..."

"Hallo!" Cookie came out as they led the Arabians back to the stable. "Let me help you folks out since they are ruining my kitchen!"

"We have it, Cookie!" Mary smiled and Cookie whipped out her spoon.

"Don’t start with me, girlie! I been taking care of horse flesh since I was six! Do you think I’m too old to handle these show horses?" Cookie had Mary backed away, horse and all.

Dirk and C.C. laughed lightly "Now Grandma! Don’t scare Mary... She was just thinking you had better things to do today."

"Listen you! Your not too old I can put you over my knee and spank you!" Cookie winked at her grandson who laughed.

"Yes Grandma…Come on Mary, let’s get started so we can make it to Eric’s party."

"Pbfffft Younglings!" Cookie snorted…"Well, how are you doing? I hear you been ‘dating’ Sharpie?" Cookie gave brightest smile that made C.C. blush.

"You can say that." C.C. led Lighting back towards the normal stable with Cookie following behind her.

"He’s a good man, Flower."

"I know. I’m just worried about what happens after…" C.C. let out a long sigh.

"After what?"

"When we get back to New York." C.C. whispered softly.

"What do you want to happen my dear?" Cookie placed her arm around C.C. in a motherly hug.

"A happy ending?"

"Why don’t you think that’s not going to happen?"

"My …I…." C.C. started to sob.

"Now, now… Child, it can’t be all that bad…" Cookie lead C.C. towards a small cabin that she hadn’t noticed before.

Cookie led a worn out C.C. inside. "Dirk is off helping you, Mary and Zane will not be back until after the party. We can sit and talk for a spell." Cookie found some mugs and poured some clear liquid inside the mug. "Here, drink this. It will warm your bones and lighten your soul!"

C.C. took one drink and her eyes went wide... "Is this moonshine?"

"Shhh girl don’t be telling everyone! I only have the one jug left and Eric would kill for some of my Moonshine." Cookie placed a warm loaf of bread on the table for them to munch on. "Now C.C., talk to me."

C.C. cleared her voice, able to let go of the French accent. "I have a habit of screwing things up."

"You know what I think? You’re just trying out another smokescreen." Cookie mumbled.

"Smokescreen?"

"Sarah told me about your verbal warfare with Niles… The put downs? That was a way for you two to hide your desires... People make up silly barriers to place between themselves."

"I’m just so scared that... When we get back...he will start to worry about .."

Cookie just laughed lightly. "Talk to him girl! Geeze... I had this same talk with Sharpie the other day in the kitchen."

"You did?"

"Yes…He worried that...He couldn’t give you the life you deserve. He doesn’t want to live off that trust fund of yours."

"Tell you the truth I haven’t taken any of the Babcock money since I was sixteen."

"Does Niles know that?"

"No."

"Then tell him girl! In his country, you know, being a butler is a job of honor..."

"Can I ask you about something?" C.C. looked into her aged eyes.

"Yes my dear but just this once." Cookie laughed.

"Tell me about Sarah." C.C. knew that Cookie had given her word to Sarah but was hopping for more information on her lost friend.

"C.C." She sighed putting down the mug. "I’ll say this about my long talk ... She loved you like a sister… She believed in you... Had faith that in the long run you would do the right thing… She said... ‘Under that ice queen is a truly golden heart.’"

"Sarah said that about me?" C.C. couldn’t believe it.

"She did."

"During the end of her life... She could barely look me in the eyes."

"Could you? If you knew a secret...and kept it from your dearest friend…My god…Michael and Sam have a lot to make up for."

"Are they really good people?"

"Yes, C.C. … but sometimes even good and noble people do the wrong thing."

"Why didn’t they just come out and tell me?"

"Fear..."

"That no excuse"

"I’m not saying it is...in fact, it’s a pretty poor one."

"Fear…Fear..."C.C. grumbled.

"Fear is a very basic element of human nature, C.C. Your fear of …getting involved with a servant kept you at arms length from Niles. The fear of losing a child kept Mike and Sam from coming to you directly."

"Let me guess, they heard the rumors of the bitch of Broadway?"

"Yes..."

"That gives me no comfort Cookie."

"I’m sorry C.C. You have had enough lies and fibs told to you. The truth is a good strong medicine that everyone can use around here."

"Everyone? You mean there is more?"

"I suspect much... Not sure..."

"Tell me?" C.C. wanted so much to be trusted by this woman.

"Now, now... Remember that rumors caused the Storms not to go to you directly. I will not allow an old woman’s doubts to cloud your mind."

"Cookie... Please... If my mother is involved"

"Does Stephen look ... Well... Have you seen him before?"

"Now that you mention it I felt like I have seen him before." C.C. sipped the moonshine.

"mrmm"

"Why? It could be nothing."

"I hope your right... Ellen loves that man."

"Ellen loves anyone." C.C. couldn’t help but smile thinking how the girl had a great affection for people.

"I better stop drinking this." Cookie laughed. "Eric will rip me a new one if he sees me drunk before the party!"

"I better go find Sharpie." C.C. smirked.

"I bet he’s still in his bedroom." Cookie giggled.

"No doubt..." C.C. winked hoping to grab a nap before the wild afternoon ahead.

"See ya at the party!"

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles was wearing a light blue t-shirt that fit him like a glove. C.C. couldn’t help but sneak into the room watching him. "You’re late!" Niles growled hoping up like a tiger.

"I’m sorry." C.C. was pulled downward on top of him.

"I have a present for Eric." Niles pushed back the black hair out of C.C.’s face. "I almost miss your blonde hair... At least I have something to remember your natural color by." Niles’s hand ran down to rub between her legs.

"Nillles..." C.C. groaned. "I have to take a shower at some point."

"Yes I’m sure you do!" Niles smiled. "Your sister called the cell back... She says the Las Vegas meeting is a go?" Niles looked lost. "You’re going to Vegas?"

"I have a wild idea" C.C. knew of one way life would not change once they had returned from New York. "I think the Storms would allow you to come with me."

"Why?" Niles was now kissing her neck.

"Marry me Niles..." C.C. said so softly Niles froze.

"Are you kidding?"

"No." C.C. looked deeply into his eyes. "I want you... The Butler...the royal pain in my ass, my foe... The only man I have ever loved."

Niles remained still.

"Well?" C.C. started to pull on his fake hair causing a sharp cry of pain to escape. "Say something dammit!"

"Yes..." He whimpered playfully.

"Yes What?" C.C. growled.

"Yes... I will marry you..." C.C. let Niles go who kissed her deeply.

"Niles…I still... Need a shower..." C.C. moaned as Niles lifted her shirt up.

"You’re going to get a shower alright!" Niles growled forcefully removing the shirt as C.C. let out a gasp of pleasure.

"You’re... So badddddddd..."

"And you love it." Niles smiled picking her up in his arms and walking towards his bathroom.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Eric hugged Martin Cross. "You made it man!" Martin was dressed in his Marine uniform. He was a tall yet handsome young man.

"Thank your, uncle, for my leave." Martin smirked putting his arm around Eric’s shoulder "What are you doing you pirate? Where is little Miss Underfoot?"

"Ellen? I’m sure she’ll turn up…" Eric looked at his watch and heard the girl call.

"Maaaaartin!" Ellen came running past the workers and into Martin’s chest hugging him.

"Hello small fry!" The man smiled looking down at her. "Where have you been keeping Uncle Stephen?"

"Oh! He’s driving mama around today. Is your mom coming? I miss her since she stopped working here." Ellen made a pouting face.

"She’s coming. The shop keeps her pretty busy but I managed to force her to take the day off."

"I wish your mom was still at the ranch." Eric grumbled as Ellen went off to order more of the workers around. "I could use her wisdom."

"What, Cookie not enough?"

"I heard that!" Cookie came up behind Martin giving him a strong hug. "You’ll be staying with us, at least for tonight?"

"Course! Then mom will want my attention before I head off again."

"Turkey again?" Cookie made a face.

"That is where I’m stationed. Silly woman!" Martin laughed.

"It’s not natural that you have to be overseas…Your mother and you belong here! You were born on this ranch! Hell your mother is the reason Stephen has his job here." Cookie grumbled.

"Something wrong Cookie?" Martin looked at the elder cook

"I need to talk with Catherine about that."

"What’s wrong old woman!" Martin teased. "You never seem so ….so sad..."

"A lot of wrongs should be made right, my dear boy, before dragons seek to go after weaknesses."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Hallo Flora!" Eric moved up behind C.C. who was walking out on the open field.

"Hello Eric" C.C. couldn’t help but smile at him. "I hear your uncle is having you follow us to Las Vegas?"

"Well someone has to keep you out of trouble." Eric laughed kissing her hand softly. "Besides I can’t wait to meet her."

"Who?"

"Your sister." Eric whispered in C.C.’s ear.

"How the devil do you know that?

"You could learn lessons from me!" Eric smiled

"Over my dead body." Niles walked up hugging C.C.

"Awww Sharpie, I was only joking around. You could let me borrow her as my birthday present?" Eric winked and Niles growled.

"ERIC! Stop teasing them!" Cookie yelled. "Dammit, boy! Why is it you must be all over every female in the ranch?"

"Because I can’t have you?" Eric grinned.

.

"He’s still doing that?" Martin made a face looking at Cookie.

"He’s the ranch’s teddy bear." Cookie laughed and Eric smiled.

"He’ll I’m the birthday boy! I want to partttttttttttty! Tonight!" Eric picked Cookie up in his arms dancing with her.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Where is she, Maxwell?" B.B. Babcock was beyond mad. The woman burst into Maxwell’s office without even knocking.

"B.B. I would expect you to have better manners." Maxwell grumbled not taking his eyes from the paperwork.

"Her father hasn’t heard one word…Noel…D.D. No one has heard anything from her expect you!"

"Hello Mrs. Babcock." Fran Fine walked in the door handing Maxwell a stack of papers.

"Why is this servant talking to me?" B.B. snarled.

"B.B. she was just being nice."

"You can leave now." She turned her cold glaze at Fran who shrugged and walked out of the room.

"B.B. I don’t have time for your games. C.C. is off on vacation. We are about to go on holiday ourselves."

"Have you spoken with her at all?"

"Yes and she’s doing fine. She was in Paris not just a few days ago."

"I have looked in Paris!"

"Well look again. I have no time for this! MISS FINE!" Maxwell yelled in the hallway.

"Yes Mister Sheffield?"

"Can you show B.B. out?" Maxwell growled.

"My pleasure..." Fran pushed and pulled the woman outside the door. "And don’t let the door hit ya where the dog should have bitten ya!"

"What a woman …Oy.." Fran walked back towards Max who held a letter from Niles in his hand. "She’s gone."

Maxwell handed over the picture of Ellen with Niles and C.C. "What did you do to them?" Max couldn’t help but laugh.

"I think they look good!"

"You would... What’s C.C. doing?"

"Smiling?" Fran laughed. "You better lock that up in the safe."

"Right...Maybe I should take it with us?"

"That would be a better idea...Oy, no telling what that woman wouldn’t try."

"Miss Fine, there is one thing I don’t understand." Maxwell started to rub his forehead.

"Okay?"

"How the devil do you know Eric Storm?"

"Long story." Fran smirked trying to leave.

"MISS FINE!" Maxwell hopped up pointing to the seat and then shutting the office door. "You will explain it... Either short or long version please… I would prefer the short one... My head is killing me."

"Well, he’s connected to my family." Fran again tried to sneak out...

"MISS FINE. Just give the best long short version you can." Maxwell rolled his eyes.

"You know Aunt Frieda right?"

"Your relative with so many husbands?" Maxwell groaned.

"Mmm Yeah…" Fran smirked. "What me to finish?"

"Let me guess, one of your Aunt’s husbands knew the Storms?"

"You could say that." Fran tried to escape again.

"Why do I have this feeling there is something more too it." Maxwell grumbled feeling just a bit jealous. "Okay, spill?!"

"Now Mister Sheffield, if I didn’t know better I would think you’re jealous." Fran smirked.

"Do I have reason to be?"

"Ah Ha!" Fran smirked and ran out of the room.

"Oy…." Maxwell sighed going after her.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. enjoyed dancing with his arms around her. "I could get used to this." She mumbled to Niles in her normal voice. Her hands traveling up and down his back as the slow dance kept on going.

"I hope it never gets old." Niles winked. "Even thou I might, brunette."

"You mean you’re not old now?" C.C. smirked and Niles started to tickle her off the dance floor.

"Come back here, brat!"

"Where you two going?" Ellen smiled. "Eric’s going to sing soon!"

"Don’t worry, Miss Ellen, we’ll be back!" Niles called out running down C.C. in the Arabian stables. "oooohhhhh I have always wanted to make love in the hay!" Niles purred holding her down while C.C. struggled.

"Behave Sharpie!" C.C. laughed trying to get back up.

"You’re not leaving, woman, until you give into me!"

"Haven’t I already given in?"

"Not completely." Niles teased.

"Mrmmm..? C.C. giggled madly as Niles’s hand brushed her breasts. "We better stop this, Sharpie, or we will be giving someone a show." C.C. spoke in her French accent causing Niles to sit up noting the looks of Samantha and Michael Storm.

"So the rumors are true" Sam laughed. Niles and C.C. blushed madly looking at their employers.

"You own Ellen twenty bucks." Michael smirked at his wife.

"Course... Funny thing is we came looking for you, Flora... We hope you don’t mind that Eric is tagging along?"

"No, course not!"

"He has …" Michael made a face "a meeting with some record company."

"It will be a pleasure to have Master Eric along." C.C. smiled brightly.

"You can also make use of two members of the staff. I know you have your two grooms to help you out."

"I think …I know one person she’s going to pick." Sam laughed and C.C. blushed.

Michael’s cell phone rang out... "Hold on a moment… Hello… Yes? What do you mean? Have you tried Maxwell Sheffield? Mmrmmm… Keep looking, see if you can track down her siblings then… If you find Mister Sheffield no doubt you’ll find Niles Butler as well."

"What’s wrong Mike?"

"They can’t find a trace of them?" Michael growled. "I don’t understand it."

"Sheffield/Babcock productions doesn’t have a Broadway show going at this time?"

"No they are closed down for the summer season." Michael grumbled. "I’ll find them and we will deal with B.B. then"

C.C. and Niles exchanged looks jumped back up. "We better go or we shall miss Eric’s song"

"Right you are... Right you are!" Sam smiled giggling with C.C.

They came to the open field outside of the three houses Eric stood on the stage with his fellow band mates who each hugged him in turn. The dance floor was filled with Christmas tree lights that just heightened the starlight above.

"EVERRRRRRRRRRRY body ready?" Eric called out taking his guitar off the stand. Some of the older ranch members flinched wanting to escape what ever song Eric was going to play. Everyone was shocked when a Bon Jovi type song started to be played from the instruments.

Can’t you hear Thunder?

Allow the storm to rumble!

Lighting burns let the storm come to cure

As the power grows allow me to become more sure.

That this love isn’t no normal detour

There isn’t no reason for you to wait for him to get you

Because he’s out chasing his own

Just remember to hear the thunder.

Allow the storm to rumble

C.C. was offered another glass of Cookie’s hidden moonshine. The place was full of neighbors, servants and family friends. This was so unlike C.C.’s world of the upper class. "Penny for your thoughts." Niles whispered taking her into his arms.

"Sometimes I feel like this is all a dream." C.C. gushed as Niles kissed her ear.

"You really want to get married in Vegas, C.C.?" He whispered softly and quietly in her ear.

"You don’t want a big affair with all the trimmings?"

"I just want you." C.C. mumbled back turning to face him. "I have always…..Niles…" C.C. blinked a rush of light. C.C. grabbed at him trying to hold on. A flash of something filled her mind as she held her head...

"You did what?" B.B. growled at C.C.

C.C. was now passed out in his arms. Niles was able to move her towards an open table. "Hey you two." Cookie came up and blinked. "Come to my cabin!" She led Niles onward. Niles, who looked around and noticed the crowd was more focused on Eric than them, picked C.C. up in his arms.

"What happened?" Cookie pointed at the couch.

"I’m not sure. One moment she was speaking, the next... It was like the lights went out." Niles took the cold cloth that Cookie had offered him.

"Should I get Samantha?"

"I’m not sure yet. " Niles felt hopeless. What the hell was this? "Come on C.C." Niles gently shook at her and C.C. started to mumble softly.

"No….no..."

"Come on C.C. wake up?" Niles placed the cloth back on her forehead.

"Niles?" C.C. blinked awake and looked from Cookie back towards Niles. The sounds of the Birthday party outside still filled the night.

"Hey there! Are you trying to scare us?" Niles smiled but C.C. looked pale.

"I think..."

"What dumpling?" Niles took the cloth, wiping her face again, forcing her to stay still a moment longer.

"I think I’m starting to remember." C.C. groaned softly turning away from Niles and Cookie for a moment. "I remembered yelling at my mother saying I was going to tell you."

Niles blinked for a moment. "You were?" He couldn’t help but smile.

"My head feels like it’s been hit by a hammer." C.C. sat up and looked towards Cookie.

"Here drink this" Cookie handed over a cup of coffee.

"Black?"

"Of course!" Cookie laughed. C.C. held her head and groaned.

"Maybe we should get you to a doctor?" Niles took her hands in his and smiled.

"No I’ll be alright."

"I’ll get Sam... We will not have to tell her all the details, C.C., but if there is something wrong she can find out fairly quickly." Cookie left before she could say no.

"Great. Just what I need, more people hovering over me." C.C. groaned trying to get up but Niles forced her back down on the couch.

"You’re staying put."

"But Sharpie!" C.C. groaned speaking in her French accent again teasing him.

"Stop that..." Niles growled playfully.

"I want to get up and have some fun." C.C. giggled.

"No young lady!" Niles growled and Cookie returned with Samantha. "Ahh, Mrs. Storm she passed out for a few minutes. Samantha leaned downward to look into C.C.’s eyes and listen to here heartbeat.

"How long have you been feeling like this?" Samantha took her pulse and C.C. sighed.

"I’m fine Mrs. Storm... I mean Sam. I just felt light headed from drinking the moonshine." C.C. smiled.

"Cookie! How many times do I have to tell you! That stuff isn’t legal for a reason." Samantha looked back towards Cookie who just laughed.

"What do you want from me? I’m an old woman who is set in her ways!"

"Your heart is beating a little fast..." Sam frowned listening to C.C.’s heartbeat. "Have you been under stress getting ready for the Vegas show?"

"No, Sam. I haven‘t been getting much sleep lately." C.C. couldn’t help but smirk at Niles.

"That and the moonshine could do it. I would like you to go for some tests when you get back from Las Vegas. I am halfway tempted to force you to come with me tomorrow."

C.C. groaned. I have to wonder, if you’re able to get me to a hospital how soon will it take you to put two and two together.

"If it happens again, Sam, I promise to come with you, but until them I’m fine." C.C. sat up. She would hear no more talk about tests or hospitals. Since Sarah’s death hospitals had given her the creeps.

"Alright, Flora…I’m going to hold you to your word." Sam eyed Niles and Cookie to make sure.

"We all will!" Niles snarled.

"So many mother hens." C.C. snickered getting up. C.C. had to admit it was nice to have people generally worried about her. She hadn’t had this feeling since her days of running around with Sarah and D.D.

"Come on everyone. Supper is being served." Sam smiled as Niles offered an arm to Sam and C.C.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Tables had been set up as servers placed piles and piles of Texas style BQQ on the tables. Eric stood up on top of the table to give a speech. "Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for coming to this lovely affair. Now let’s eat!" Eric jumped down and helped himself. C.C. laughed noticing Niles had pilled up her plate sky high.

"Now, now Sharpie I’m not going to eat that much." She eyed him.

"You’re going to eat what I tell you." Niles growled. "You will need strength for the up and coming days."

"What’s going to happen?"

Niles whispered in her ear. "A honeymoon." C.C. couldn’t help but giggle.

"I didn’t know Flora wore contacts?" Sam turned towards Cookie. The two women were at the main table. They could see C.C. and Niles directly behind them.

"Most people do now a days. Silly things really, putting pieces of glass in your eye."

"Next thing you’ll tell us, Cookie, you don’t understand birth control." Eric teased.

"Well..I don’t" The old woman pouted.

The crowds went away at last and the night gave way to the mess on the field. "We will have a big job tomorrow." Hammer grumbled as he followed C.C. and Niles towards the servant apartments.

"Everyone will do what they can to pitch in." C.C. couldn’t help but pull Hammer near her while still holding onto Niles.

Niles couldn’t help but smile. C.C. had truly become something other than the Ice queen while staying on the ranch. No... She was still the ice queen she had just softened in the right places.

"What are you smiling at?" C.C. growled.

They had already left Hammer to walk towards the main servant house. "I’m going to let you sleep tonight." He touched her cheek tenderly.

"I need your body next to me." She growled softly.

"C.C. You’re tired..." Niles sighed.

"Please?" Her eyes sparkled and he laughed.

"Alright, alright I’ll just hold you for tonight. But, no funny business." Niles couldn’t help but wish this would never end.

"You’re worried too… about what will happen when we go home?"

"I was." Niles grumbled

"I was too."

"What changed your mind?" Niles followed her up the stairs as C.C. put her finger to her lips and they went to the safety of her room

.

"You did." C.C. smiled.

"I did?" Niles tilted his head.

"You said yes." C.C. giggled removing some of her clothes and headed towards her bed.

"You better behave C.C.! " Niles growled jumping into the bed.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Did you have a good Birthday?" Ellen hugged her older cousin’s neck.

"I sure did. You know small fry; there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you." Eric smiled.

"I know…I know..." Ellen grumbled. "You will be there with Daddy fighting the boys off with a stick."

"Ellen you know... I’ll always be your cousin?"

"Why are you talking like this?" Ellen looked into Eric’s eyes.

"I think Uncle Mike and Aunt Sam are going to be upset with me sometime within the coming months….like they were with dad." Eric sighed.

"So fix it!"

"Not that simple..."

"Daddy says there is a right way and a wrong way."

"I’m going to tell you something my dad once said to me. Sometimes, Ellen, things aren’t always black and white. In order to do the right thing you have step on a few people’s toes…."

"Okay what did you do?" Ellen looked at her adult cousin.

"The best thing for you." Eric smiled brushing the hair out of her face. "You even might hate me at first, small fry, but I love you kiddo." Eric hugged Ellen who was totally lost.

"Okay, what you did must have been pretty bad." Ellen smirked. "Did you date my teacher from school again or something?"

Eric managed a laugh. "No I promise it’s not that bad. Now goodnight small fry."

"Night hair cut. Oh! By the way!"

"What?"

"Love you, silly." Ellen grinned as he closed her bedroom door.

"Cookie, don’t you ever sleep?" Eric grumbled.

"At my age young man! Every hour... Every moment means something! I can sleep when I die." Cookie smirked. "Sit down, I want to know something."

"Uh Oh… Listen; what ever it is I didn’t do it."

"Grr! Sit!" She took out her long wooden spoon and pointed towards the kitchen chair. Eric moved into the seat looking at her.

"Well? What do you want to know?"

"How in the hell do you know the Sheffield Nanny?"

"Fran?"

"Yes! I’m waiting young man."

Eric smirked. "Well I didn’t sleep with her."

"Dammit, Eric..I know your reputation... But I know you’re an honest gentleman."

"I ..well dad owed her a favor" Eric smirked rocking back on the chair. "It’s something I would have totally forgotten about until she managed to track me down."

"Robert? What did Robert do?"

"Remember the year we spent in New York?"

"Yes but I don’t see how that is any connection to the Sheffield Nanny."

"Dad nearly married some woman thinking he had gotten her pregnant. Turns out she wasn’t."

Cookie laughed. "Okay…but what does that have to do with your father?"

"A jewish girl hell bent on doing the right thing went to dad and told him the truth. Frankly, I had forgotten all about the event until Fran called me."

"A Storm always repays their debts." Cookie nodded.

"Yeah... I couldn’t have been more than… six or seven? When she told me about C.C... and what she knew..it matched with what I knew… so…"

"You decided to kill two birds with one stone?" Cookie hugged the young man with a smile. "You’re a good man Eric."

"If I remember correctly… there was a big fight afterward to figure out who told dad about the non baby…" Eric laughed quietly.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. didn’t expect a private jet to be picking them up. "Wow." She looked inside as Mary, Ann, Niles, Eric and Dirk all climbed in after her.

"Yeah, welcome to Storm 1. Now that the horses are safely on the road we can get to Vegas early and have a little fun!" Eric smiled and kissed the hand of the attendant who was onboard. "Hello there..." The girl giggled and closed the plane door. "Aunt Sam and Ellen will join us in a few days to see the show, but until then Uncle Mike asked me to pass these out to you."

Eric handed some spending money over to the group who looked back towards Eric. "We can’t accept this, Mister Storm."

"Course you can! The ranch hands all get bonuses when Uncle Mike makes a deal with the cattle. He knows one of those horses will come back a winner from the show." Eric sat down in a chair smiling at C.C.

"Your uncle is too kind."

"That he is ... Let us hope his kindness holds out."

"I’ve never been on a plane before!" Dirk looked outside the window. Eric passed him a sandwich

"Enjoy it good boy!" Eric reached over and tossed his hair.

They reached Vegas to find themselves staying at the MGM... Near where the show was going to be held. Eric, of course, had the best room while the others had to deal with normal run of the mill rooms. C.C. opened her door to find a surprise waiting for her.

"D.D.!" She reached out to hug her shocked sister.

"What did you do to yourself?" D.D. laughed hugging C.C. tight.

"You don’t like?" C.C. tossed around the long black hair while D.D. laughed.

"Playing servant to some other family. What would mother say?" D.D. teased

"She’ll kill me." C.C. smirked. "If I don’t kill her first!"

"Okay, little sister, what is going on?" D.D. sat down and listened to C.C.’s story. At first she didn’t say anything, but then C.C. produced the copy of Sarah’s letter and the picture of Ellen.

"You see?" C.C. smiled.

"Dear god… She went way to far this time... Now I understand why Sarah never returned my calls." D.D. grumbled. "What are you going to do about the Storms?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing???" D.D. eyed C.C. "You have got to be kidding me."

"D.D., you remembered the fight Mommy and Daddy got into it over us?"

"Yes... Thank god Charles isn’t pushing for custody of Diane." D.D. sighed. "Then again he offered to sign away his rights…. Another winner mother found for me."

"There is more D.D."

"Oh?" at that moment there was a knock at C.C.’s door. C.C. got up looked outside and allowed Niles to walk inside. "D.D., you remember Niles?"

"Well, well… Maxwell and Sarah’s butler.." D.D. got up taking Niles’ hand. "How does it feel to be a father?"

"How do you do again, Miss Babcock… and I’m overjoyed!" Niles laughed.

"Well …Sarah was right." D.D. eyed the pair.

"What?" C.C. looked towards her sister.

"Hate and love are close cousins." D.D. laughed as C.C. blushed. "Now, little sister, what are you planning to do?"

"Get married tonight" C.C. smiled. "What to come?"

"Sure! You do realize that it will create a paper trail for mother and the Storms to find you." D.D. laughed again as another knock at the door sounded out.

"What is this grand central station?" Niles laughed as C.C. opened the door to Eric Storm.

"Well….hello..." Eric’s eyes went to D.D. who blushed. Eric leaned down kissing D.D.’s hand.

"D.D. Babcock meet Eric Storm, our partner in crime."

"I can be your partner in so many things." Eric’s eyes still focused on D.D.

"Eric!" C.C. growled.

Eric said nothing causing D.D. to blush more as she looked at the younger man.

"Eric, can you take your eyes off of Miss Babcock for one moment?" Niles laughed softly.

"Oh…sorry Sharpie. I have a thing for true beauty." Eric once again took D.D.’s hand and kissed it.

"Good lord." C.C. mumbled. "Eric…Tonight?"

"Ahhh I have everything ready for your wedding... You know this will create paper work where all parties can find you?"

"SO?" C.C. and Niles said at the same time.

"Just a warning... In time it might lead them to the ranch."

"Let’s hope later rather than sooner." C.C. mumbled then eyed her sister. "D.D. I have a few things for you that should delay mother enough."

"Okay." D.D. smiled still blushing from Eric’s attention.

C.C. whispered "You know he’s younger than you?"

"What’s your point?" D.D. laughed.

"Just be careful." C.C. groaned.

Eric was a good man at his heart. C.C. knew this… but she was still over protective of D.D. Leaving the others to gamble and explore the night away D.D., Eric, Niles and C.C. found a chapel Eric told them about.

"I’m not even going to ask how you know about this place." C.C. teased Eric.

"Good! Don’t" Eric grinned.

"Are you two going to be witnesses?" The clerk looked towards D.D. and Eric.

"You don’t have too." Niles said softly knowing what kind of trouble the pair might get into with the respected families.

"Well I’ve gone this far! Might as well go all the way." Eric grabbed the paper and signed it.

D.D. put her signature next to Eric’s and smirked.

"You want to go next?" Eric teased looking at D.D. "Come on." Eric teased while following D.D. who laughed walking into her own hotel room.

"Hello Kendra, I have things in hand now." D.D. leaned down picking up the small girl who smiled back at Eric.

"Who dat?" Diane smiled towards Eric.

"He’s mommy’s new silly friend." D.D. laughed as Eric started to make silly faces at Diane who laughed. "We are going to watch your Aunt C.C. get married darling…" D.D. looked at the little girl who nodded.

"I’ll dress!" She climbed down out of D.D.’s arms and she turned to face Eric who smirked.

"Awww come on, marrying me now would be so evil." Eric teased.

"You’re a wild one aren’t you?" D.D. laughed. "I just got out of one marriage two weeks ago."

"I got out of one two years ago, what’s your point?" Eric walked over teasing her neck with his lips.

"Mister Storm if I didn’t know better I would think your trying to seduce me..." They hadn’t even kissed yet... Hell after only a few moments of their meeting he was asking to marry her.? And meaning every word!

"Is it working?" Eric laughed.

"We just met!"

"Yes, but I still believe in love at first sight." Eric smiled. "At least allow me to follow you back to New York."

"So are you going to become my stalker now, Mister Storm?" D.D. couldn’t help but feel a pull towards Eric.

"Well if I’m going to stalk my prey you might as well call me Eric."

"I’mmmm ready!" Diane, who seemed to be around two or three, came rumbling in.. she stopped in front of Eric and giggled. "Can we keep him mommy?"

"And what is your name cute one?" Eric leaned down to face Diane eye to eye.

"Diane..."

"Eric." He took her small hand and kissed it. Diane giggled as D.D. laughed. "Maybe ... After we leave your aunt and new uncle alone you both would come with me to McDonalds?"

"McDonalds???" Diane had heard other children talk about the place but had yet to go. "Mommy…Mommy can we??"

D.D. blinked looking at Eric who smiled. "I guess so. We…normally don‘t go to... McDonalds..."

Diane climbed into Eric’s arms and he winked back at D.D. "Maybe you can help me work on your mom’s Babcock armor?" He looked at the small girl he was holding.

"It’s thick!" Diane called out while D.D. watched.

"I’m hard headed." Eric winked towards D.D. who managed for the second time in her life to blush.

C.C. shifted nervously looking at herself in the white dress she had selected. "An Angel come to earth." Niles snuck inside the room with a quiet smile and held her tightly "Last chance, you sure you want to do this?

"Trying to back out on me Niles?" C.C. leaned back to look at him.

"Never…D.D. and Eric are waiting in the limo with little Diane..." Niles leaned forward to kiss her softly.

"Let’s go lover." C.C. took his hand and smiled. "You regret the fact Maxwell and Nanny Fine aren’t going to be able to come?"

"It will give Miss Fine something to talk about… and to make me feel guilty for... Mister Sheffield will forgive me..." Niles walked down and they both slid inside the limo.

"Hello you crazy kids!" Eric had been playing some kind of gaming system on the limo’s t.v. with Diane letting her win, of course. "ahhh lost again!"

"Yayay!"

"Pbffft." Eric grinned. He was looking….normal!

"Mister Storm..." Niles started in on Eric.

"How many times, Sharpie... ERIC..." he growled.

"The way your dressed?" he looked over his clothes...

"Nice, isn’t it? I always dress well to some weddings or to impress a lady." Eric leaned over to wink at D.D. who blushed again.

"Oy…" C.C. laughed

"Be careful master Eric, Babcock’s have been known to bite." Niles teased as for his answer young Diane clicked her teeth at Eric.

"I like things a little rough!" Eric laughed "I know of a classy chapel outside of town want to go there?"

"Define classy?" C.C. teases enjoying the mood.

"Something that isn’t all covered in Elvis motif?" Eric laughed.

"Awww, I was looking forward to being married by Elvis." Niles pouted while C.C. leaned forward to kiss his lips.

"I’ll make it up to you Lysol" C.C. purred

"You better." Niles growled.

"Hey, Hey!" Eric teased hiding Diane’s eyes." Small children alert." D.D. watched Eric and laughed.

"It will be twenty minutes folks before we get there." The driver rolled the limo’s screen listening to Eric’s instructions then rolled it back up.

"Why are you helping them?" D.D. knew Diane was enthralled with the game and would forget about this anyway.

"To repay a debt of honor and help regain honor for my family?" Eric smiled.

"I still would like to know how you know Miss Fine" Niles grumbled.

"We will go over that later." Eric smiled.

"You better." Niles grumbled and C.C. hit his shoulder.

"This is our wedding day... Be nice."

"Only to you." Niles winked kissing her hand.

They drove up to a small white chapel that only had a few couples waiting.

"You both realize… That this is going to …" D.D. started.

"Give mother a heart attack." C.C. smirked teasing D.D.

"Okay... Well just preparing you, little sister." D.D. laughed. "To bad Noel couldn’t make it to Vegas... He has no idea what he’s missing."

"Do me a favor… don’t tell him." C.C. smirked as Niles took her arm.

"You ready my love?"

"Yes…." C.C. smiled walking up towards the altar smiling.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

D.D. laughed watching the man she had just met run around the playground equipment. They had left Niles and C.C. to have there all too short honeymoon. "It’s too bad they will only have tonight." D.D. laughed as Eric hung upside down on the swing.

"That’s more than some people have." Eric smirked. "Lighten up, Babcock! Diane has told me she’s never been to Disney world."

"Nope!"

"See!" Eric pointed at the little girl. "You should allow me to take you both!"

"Babcocks... Don’t…." D.D. was about to give her mother’s speech... Until his lips lightly touched hers. The kiss sent shivers down her spine. D.D. could hear her mother’s disapproval growing.

"Live a little… Take a crazy chance." Eric smiled. This time D.D. pulled him into a deep kiss and Diane laughed.

"Ewwwie!"

"Ewwwie?" Eric hopped up looking at Diane…" Ewwiiiiee??? I’ll show you Ewwie young lady!" Diane laughed as Eric pretended to be a crazed monster. He had taken the straws putting ten of them in his mouth running around wildly to the delight of all the kids in the playground.

"Yes... Maybe… I will take a crazy... Chance..." D.D. smiled at Eric who growled after Diane.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles promised himself that once they returned to New York he would make sure C.C. had a bigger and grander honeymoon. He still couldn’t believe she was on his...and he now belonged to her..

Niles found his hand touching her naked flesh and groaned. Her lips sealed with his tightly and forcefully. C.C. wanted to give into every desire, every wish this night... A number of times they have made love gently but this time had been pure passion. The years of just playing games with one another had led them to this night.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Ellen ran out into Eric’s waiting arms. "Hi small fry!" Eric hugged her tightly. "Aunt Sam..." Keeping Ellen in his arms he hugged Samantha tightly.

"Uh Oh…" Ellen laughed still in his arms.

"What did you do?

"I meet a girl!" Eric still hugging the two pulled them into the limo. "I got news!"

"What kind of news? Are the horses already at the show?"

"Yes Aunt Sam, Flora has done a wonderful job of getting them ready."

"What’s the news?! Cookie has been dying to know what has been going on."

"Cookie hates not knowing about events..." Eric grinned at Sam. "Flora and Sharpie ran off and got married in Vegas."

"No way!" Sam and Ellen said at the same time.

"Way!" Eric laughed. "And you said I got married too quickly. Though I did try to get married myself... The girl said no..." Eric pouted as Sam pinched his ear pulling it downward.

"You allowed them to get married without the rest of us??? You also tried to marry some girl??"

"Aunt SAM…!"

"Get him mommy!" Ellen laughed softly.

"To think I told Flora to keep you out of trouble..." Sam let go of Eric’s ear and sighed. "Who is she?"

"She’s a wonderful lady... I have to head to New York tomorrow."

"Is this ’wonderful’ lady going to be around tonight?"

"Sorry to say... No..." Eric bit his tongue.

"She is going to be around!" Ellen saw past Eric’s lie.

"She is not..."

"Is too... You always bite your tongue like that when you lie." Ellen pointed it out to her mom as Sam grabbed at his ear again.

"Aunt Sam! I’m not a teenager anymore…" Eric groaned…"Ouch... Ouch…Ouch..."

C.C. walked up slowly laughing at the unfolding event. "What did he do this time?" She laughed.

"Did you get a ring?" Ellen pulled at C.C.’s fingers to look. C.C. and Niles had chosen normal wedding bands. She smiled at Ellen. Unknown to everyone else... Inscribed inside the bands a simple message... C.C.’s ring said ‘love you forever Caca’… Niles’ said... ‘Love you forever Butler Boy’

"Flora, you should have told us." Sam hugged C.C. tightly.

"We did it on the spur of the moment." C.C. blushed still feeling strange around Samantha.

"This one tells me he tried to marry a girl he had just met." Sam once again grabbed at Eric’s ear.

"SAM!" Eric howled.

‘He did make an attempt." C.C. laughed thinking about D.D.’s face.

"Are you feeling alright?" Sam looked at C.C.’s pale face.

"Fine fine... Up late." C.C. winked at Sam who laughed.

"Alright, I’ll let you off the hook for now."

"You, on the other hand." Sam pulled Eric’s ear again. "Tell me you’re not going to rush into anything."

"Sam!" Eric groaned.

"Promise me..." Sam growled.

"Alright... Alright... Promise..."

The limo stopped and Flora hopped out. "Alright, here are your tickets! I will see you after the show." She smiled and ran off.

"She seems happy mom." Ellen giggled. "Didn’t you get married to dad…?"

"Not now Ellen..." Sam eyed Ellen.

"You mean how Aunt Sam and Uncle Mike married within a week of meeting one another." Eric managed to wiggle out of Sam’s grasp.

"Sharpie!" Ellen ran towards Niles hugging him tightly. "Congrats!"

"Thank you Miss Ellen." Niles smiled.

Sam waved her hand at Niles now. "Cookie is going to have a fit over this!"

"I know we are both in trouble when we return." Niles laughed.

"Yes..." Sam smiled as they all sat down to watch the horses being presented. Each horse was shown off as the grooms handled the high breed horses with care. Ellen pointed out a few horses that Sam might buy while here.

"Mom, dad could add to his collection!" Ellen giggled softly.

"Your father better hope that at least one of the horses manages to place."

C.C. was proud, three of the horses came in winners at the show. She held onto Blanco tightly who nuzzled her as picture cameras flashed… C.C. fought dizziness.

"No…please..." C.C. groaned as the buzz remained over her head.

C.C. walked leaning heavily on Blanco. "Flora?" They all had been walking the horses out of the area towards the make shift stables. C.C. slid down holding tightly onto Blanco’s neck... The horse was nearly dragging C.C. along now.

Mary grabbed at C.C. and Ann rushed to her side. "Gods she’s gone white..."

"No..No..no.." C.C. mumbled softly. C.C., at last, passed out in their arms.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Don’t try to move." C.C. blinked awake looking at a nurse.

"Where am I?" C.C. picked up her French accent quickly wondering who had taken her to the hospital.

"The doctor will be with you in a moment, Mrs. Huntington." The nurse left it took a while for C.C. to remember that was Niles’ fake last name.

"Thank god." Niles walked inside taking her hand.

"Has the doctor come yet?" Sam walked beside her smiling. "You gave Ann and Mary a scare."

"I didn’t mean too, Sam." C.C. frowned thinking about how she must have looked to the young women.

"Well..." Sam smiled looking at her chart. "They are running some blood tests it seems."

"Doctor Storm." The doctor came in taking the chart from her hand.

"I’ll see you two in a bit." Sam smiled stepping outside.

"So? Am I dying?"

"No." The doctor smiled.

"Well?"

"It should go away in time."

C.C. groaned looking at Niles. "How much time?"

"It depends."

"Why can’t American doctors get to the point?" C.C. teased looking at the man.

"You’re pregnant" he smiled.

C.C. leaned her head back on the pillow and Niles felt himself almost passing out.

C.C. wasn’t that far along... Niles was a happy camper, C.C. and He had received another chance at happiness, and at being parents. He hugged C.C. tightly.

"I don’t believe it." She mumbled...

"See for yourself." The doctor handed over the tests with a smile. "Course when you get home I would suggest you see your normal doctor."

"Yes.." C.C. handed the chart back and looked towards Niles.

"You’ll be free to go soon." The doctor left smiling.

"Niles we can’t tell anyone yet."

"Why not?" Niles pouted.

"Until we can be honest with everyone... We can’t tell anyone yet." C.C. felt guilt rise up.

"Alright..." Niles looked at her softly taking her hand... "What is it?"

"I’m fighting waves... Of memory, Niles..." C.C. gulped wanting to cry.

"Memory?"

"When Ellen was born..." C.C. sat up. "I have to get in touch with Bort." She sighed and noticed Sam walking in the door.

"Everything alright?"

"Just a stomach virus, Sam. I am really sorry for scaring everyone."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"You want to do what?" Eric looked between the pair. Eric had been packing for his journey to New York.

"Come clean and soon." C.C. sighed.

"Well... That might be a good idea... Uncle Mike called and B.B. is going to force a court appearance out of them... She’s going to try to challenge the adoption in your name."

"Does Ellen know?" Niles looked towards Eric.

"No... Dammit, I wish I could put off this trip to New York but If I don’t make an appearance my manager will kill me." Eric sighed. "His words, I’ve goofed the whole summer away. D.D. can’t stall your mother?"

"We will have to see."

"I agree with C.C. it’s time to come clean and aid them." Niles shifted.

"Well... It’s up to you two." Eric was chewing on a straw smiling.

"I think we should." Niles nodded.

"Can I just give you some advice?" Eric shifted looking at the pair.

"Okay... What’s up?" C.C. grumbled

"Wait until you head back to the ranch and talk with Cookie." Eric waved his straw at the pair. "She’ll know the best course of action."

"Eric, about D.D." C.C. looked at the young man.

"I know... She’s older than me... She’s been hurt before... Don’t rush anything... If I hurt your sister you’ll kill me. Did I cover everything?" Eric smiled.

C.C. laughed "Just about."

"You folks have a good time back on the ranch." Eric grinned taking his bag. "Pardon me... I have to go get snapped at for being a goof off... Then I might see someone about a girl."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"You did what?" Cookie had hugged them both tightly … then Sam whispered the news in her ear.

"We got married." Niles smiled.

Cookie grabbed Niles’ ear and growled. "Without me!" She pulled it again and Sam, C.C. and the other ranch staff who had gathered laughed. "What are you people laughing at?! Get back to work!"

"It was Flora’s idea!" Niles groaned in pain.

"She’s French! I thought the English are supposed to have more common sense."

"Hey!" C.C. grumbled.

"You people are just as bad as Eric."

"Speaking of Eric, wait until he gets home. He tried to talk a girl he just met into marrying him." Sam snickered telling Cookie and her husband.

"That boy is getting to be more and more like Robert." Michael grumbled.

"Thank god for small favors." Cookie grumbled pulling on Niles’ ear again. "You two, inside my cabin NOW." She gave his ear one good twist and let go.

Cookie grumbled and followed behind C.C. and Niles eyeing the pair as C.C. shut the door. "Sit down." She waved them towards the small table.

"Sorry Cookie." C.C. sat down.

"How far along are ya?" Cookie smirked.

"How the devil do you know?" Niles blinked.

"Ah ha! You can’t put anything past me!"

"I guess not." C.C. smirked. "We want to come clean to Michael and Sam."

"Mmm...The truth is always good." Cookie poured them all some coffee. "Don’t worry, it’s decaf." She smiled.

"I can’t handle lying to them anymore...I am just as bad as my mother."

"Now…Now, you’re nothing like that woman. C.C., it isn’t often a person gets to look beyond their station in life. You have had a rare opportunity to see what… a servant’s life is like. You also got a chance to know your daughter some. You didn‘t push your rights... You came in trying to not upset Ellen"

"I don’t think I really understand." C.C. grumbled.

"You mother did real damage and did so out of malice"

"She’s going after Ellen to gain something..." Niles grumbled.

"Yes."

"Well... I would wait... Just a few more days." Cookie grumbled. "I would miss both of you too much."

"Now you’re just keeping us around for your own selfish reasons." Niles winked at her.

"Course! If you’re going to help the Storm... I would start figuring out exactly how, then come clean."

"I think everyone here knows what we must do…" C.C. felt her stomach tighten. "To be honest I really don’t want to do it."

"It makes me feel awful too." Niles sighed.

"Yes but how will it make Ellen feel?"

"Safe." Niles and C.C. answered at the same time.

"Cookie, you know of a lawyer we can use that isn’t on the Storm payroll?" C.C. couldn’t help but feel this was like tearing her heart out.

"I think I could find someone."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles held her tight. He had moved all his belongings to her room. "Tell me about the memory flashes you’ve been having?"

"Shock therapy" C.C. mumbled snuggling up to him. " I remembered having a fight with my mother. The doctor calling me by a different name…It’s all trying to come back. Bort told me not to force things."

"When we sign these papers ... You know what it means C.C." Niles kissed her hand softly.

"I know…Lets not think about it tonight." C.C. wiggled on top of him smiling.

Niles smiled snuggling her tightly. They would worry about tomorrow …Tomorrow…

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"She’s doing what?" Sam looked at Michael.

"Next week. Seems like she’s called the bluff."

"Any word on C.C. Babcock or Niles Butler?"

"Eric went to New York to try and find her siblings. So he promised." Michael sighed. "God…I hope..."

"I know... I’m worried too."

"What did Robert say about Karma?"

"Sooner or later we all get what we earned." Michael hugged Sam. "One way or another… no one is taking our daughter away from us."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

D.D. was face to face with a dozen white roses. "Hello?" Eric smiled bowing like some noble knight. He was wearing a cut off suit. "I suppose you lost the sleeves and the rest of your pants?" D.D. teased walking forward.

"Now, now…Uptown...No need to get the fangs out."

"I’m late for a date." D.D. looked at him.

"Yes with me!"

"You don’t give up do you?"

"Never." He winked leaning down taking her hand. "I can offer you something more than just McDonalds this time." he smiled. "Besides, haven’t you missed me this week?" He took her arm leading her towards a motorcycle.

"You expect me to get on that?" D.D. gasped.

"Come on, Uptown…Let me guess, Babcocks don’t do bikes? Think of it as a horse and me your knight in shining armor!" He teased laying down the challenge.

"Grrr." She hopped on behind him holding on tightly.

Eric smiled as he felt her hands grasp his waist. "I could get used to that, Uptown. Alright, let’s get going." They road down the path until they came upon a small private part of central park. Eric pulled up and she saw a small table awaiting them.

"You pull out all the stops, Rock Star." D.D. blushed.

"Yes... Maybe after business we can entertain some pleasure?" Eric purred looking at D.D.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"That’s good, Mary." C.C. smiled watching the practice. "We better be careful, the mare seems to be in a mood."

"Like everyone around the ranch of late."

"Dirk says it’s always this way when Eric leaves." Mary grumbled.

"Well... No mater. Remember what I told you." C.C. had been preparing Mary to take her place... And soon.

The dizziness came again as she held onto the fence. She had been avoiding horse back riding of late because of her dizziness.

"It hasn’t gone away has it?" Mary helped her friend.

"God…I have got to tell you..." C.C. couldn’t keep it from the two people she worked with the most. "I’m pregnant." She smiled.

The girl jumped up hugging C.C. tightly "Why are you keeping it a ..o…They wouldn’t let you ride anymore if they knew right?"

"Mmm Yeah..." C.C. nodded slowly.

"Alright, we can cover for you." Mary smiled. "Sooner or later you’re going to have to tell Mister and Mrs. Storm."

"Sooner or later. The story of my life…" C.C. blinked hearing her cell phone go off. "Pardon me, Mary, go ahead and take the horses in for cool down."

"Hello?"

"Hello C.C."

"Daddy?" C.C. blinked

"Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!"

"I’m sorry, daddy." C.C. blushed walking up the stairs whispering, finding the safety of her room.

"Kitten, what in the devil has been going on? D.D. will not answer any of my questions. Your mother has been driving me crazy trying to find you." *Well D.D. answered one of your questions daddy she gave you this number.*

"It’s a long drawn out tale, daddy. I really don’t have time to go into it now."

"That’s it I’m coming to you. Where are you?"

"Mmm, away?" C.C. teased.

"Chastity Claire if I have too I can still drag you back home!"

C.C. sighed... At least her father cared. "I’m in Kansas on business."

"What kind of business do you have there?"

"Personal! Daddy, I’ll call you in a few weeks and tell you all about it.. Or get D.D. to talk." C.C. hung up the phone quickly letting out a long drawn out sigh.

*Knock Knock*

"Come in."

"Hello, Flora? What’s up?!" Ellen sat down next to C.C.

"You’re missing Eric, aren’t you?" C.C. smiled. She had seen Ellen play with the other children often enough but it was always Eric she ran around with most.

"Yeah." Ellen looked down." I hate it when he goes away. I was so happy when he stayed home this summer from touring, now he’s in New York for a whole week cutting a record…"

*Cutting a record… trying to seduce my sister* C.C. couldn’t help but snicker playfully. "It will be alright sweetheart." C.C. gave the girl a loving hug. "What’s wrong?"

"Well Mom and Dad have been acting funny again." Ellen grumbled.

"They are throwing that big formal party next week here?" C.C. had heard Niles talk about it... It was Sam’s birthday…and the governor of the State was coming.

"I don’t like it... They aren’t letting the ranch hands attend this one." Ellen sighed. "I hate getting dressed up for formal stuff."

"You would look lovely in a dress, my dear. Don’t think of it as something bad... Do it for your mother?"

"I hope Eric makes it back in time for this..." Ellen sighed. "Your not going to be able to come, are you?"

"No, my dear" C.C. took her hand and smiled. "If you need to escape at some point my room will be open seeing how Sharpie will have to serve the guests!"

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. pulled Niles into her arms as soon as he walked in the door. "Did you not feel like eating, Love?" Niles held a basket of fruit in his hand.

"No" C.C. said softly holding at the papers for Niles to look at.

"This is it then?"

"Yes..."

Niles signed his name next to C.C.’s and handed the paper back. "I know it’s for the best but why do I feel like …."

"Crying?" C.C. held him tightly to her breast as Niles started to sob. C.C. had no tears left... All she felt was anger…Dammit it couldn’t end like this…! C.C. Babcock never backed down from a fight in her life... Until now. The Ice queen was melting...

"I’m ready to go home" C.C. smiled touching his chin.

"Soon, my love soon." Niles smiled. He reached up to wipe away her tears as she did the same for him.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"It’s shameful!" Cookie groaned to Michael.

"It can’t be helped Cookie. You know the hands are a wild bunch or we would have them."

"I know ...I know..." Cookie growled. "I don’t like it. Everyone here loves Sam… It’s no better than that damm business with B.B. Babcock."

"It’s different..."

"Is it? You and Robert started that business to help people... So what became of things? Robert ends up dead..."

"Here we go again." Michael groaned. "Cookie..."

"You’re a fair man when you want to be, Michael… But you also have a coldness…a cruel nature… When you want something…You would like to be a senator of this great state… Let me tell you this… Gaining Ellen cost you ... Your honor..."

"It was worth it!"

"Was it? Remember Sarah Sheffield’s face, Michael…" Cookie eyed him like an elder mother. "Remember when you asked her to keep her mouth shut, what did she tell you?"

"You have cost me my own soul..." Michael sighed.

"Remember C.C. Babcock! What do you think happened to her once they took Ellen out of her arms?!"

"Enough Cookie..."

"No Michael…I love Ellen like a granddaughter.. I loved you and Robert like my sons... But you must come face to face with ..."

"My mistakes?"

"Remember… That girl loves you... Ask yourself Michael, will you regret your actions ten years from now?"

"Enough Cookie… You and Sharpie get ready for the blasted party." Michael grumbled.

Cookie grumbled walking in the kitchen. "Bad enough... Eric isn’t coming back until tonight… At least he could talk some common sense into his uncle…What’s wrong Sharpie?"

Niles was smiling sadly. "The summer is nearly over, Cookie..."

"Yes and?…Oh…" Cookie frowned. "You’re leaving tonight aren’t you?"

Niles nodded. "C.C. and I have to get back to our life..."

"I shall miss you... You’ll write me, of course?" Cookie hugged Niles..."We still have tonight handled."

"Yes, tonight should be really interesting."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles looked around noticing that even in Kansas they can throw an upper class party. A few of the more behaved ranch hands had been asked to help serve. Everyone was from the political strong holds within Kansas. Ellen came downstairs pouting.

"You look lovely" Niles felt his heart stop looking at his child.

"I feel stupid…Mother tells me only a few more years before I start really enjoying this kind of stuff."

"If you’re anything like your mother." Niles mumbled under his breath.

"What did you and Flora get for mommy?" Ellen saw the wrapped box in Niles’ hand.

"Something she’ll need." Niles smiled. "Flora wants you to see her sometime tonight."

"Oh I will! It’s Eric!" There was the sound of a motorcycle. Ellen ran down the stairs

"Heya small fry..!" Eric walked in the door hugging Ellen ... Niles was shocked he had on normal party clothes.

"Eric! You look good! For a moment I was fearful …" Sam walked down in her red gown.

"That I would come in wearing black leather pants? Happy birthday Aunt Sam." He picked her up carefully hugging her.

"Mrs. Storm, everything is ready." Niles stepped out of the shadows smiling. "This is for you" he handed her the box with a smile. "From Flora and Me." he smiled knowing for a while it would be put to the side...

"Thank you..." Sam hugged Sharpie. "Have I told you again what a joy it has been having you on staff?"

"Thank you Sam..Ahhh the door... The guests are coming..."

Niles touched Eric’s shoulder "Don’t let her forget to open that gift..."

Everyone was in the proper mood to entertain a possible political dream. Niles watched the Storms work the room much in the way he had seen C.C. and Maxwell. Cookie let out a snort.

"This is a bad idea."

"What’s wrong?"

"You see that man." Cookie pointed out a European gentleman. "He often attends political events like this... You sell your soul when you... Deal with politics"

"That is just one point of view..."

"Yeah... Well Niles... Tell me the honest ones are few and far between... If Michael was willing to buy a child... What if he longs for something more?"

"You’re giving me real doubts that I don’t need to hear, Cookie."

"No... I’m giving you the truth...Michael is a good man... But his mistakes are glaring... He allows his desires to over take his common sense."

"What is going on with Eric…?" Cookie looked at a smiling young man.

"Happiness?" Niles laughed.

"This is boring… Even Eric is being tame." Ellen walked to Niles and Cookie.

"I think you can escape now." Cookie laughed as the girl ran off.

"I’m going to miss that one most of all." Niles groaned.

"You are doing the right thing Sharpie... Fate will repay your kindness."

"That reminds me..." He leaned over to whisper something in Cookie’s ear... She let out a whoop of joy.

"Not only will you have to write me but you’ll have to send me baby pictures!"

"Will do… Will do." Niles smiled going off to offer another tray of food to the guests.

Ellen turned around in her dress and giggled. "I think it’s silly."

"You look wonderful!" C.C. had Mary and Ann in her room watching some movies. "You want to stay?"

"What are we watching?" Ellen sat on the bed and helped herself to the popcorn that was offered.

"Woman of the Year."

"Isn’t that an old movie?" Ellen made a face at C.C.

"Not old... Classic! You must remember never to use that word young lady." C.C. winked "What does Cookie do when people call her hold."

At once everyone answered "Beat them with the spoon!"

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Michael came face to face with a private eye he had hired to find C.C. and Niles. "Why haven’t I heard from you Mitch?"

He moved into his private office. "It hasn’t been easy... She basically fell off the face of the earth... Then her partner joined her..." Mitch sighed.

"Well, any news?"

"One... A friend of mine found a Marriage License... With C.C. Babcock’s name on it."

"Finally! Where is she? Where was she?"

"Las Vegas..."

"How long ago?"

"We will know first thing tomorrow morning…you’ll have a copy in your hands."

"Good...I want to get B.B. Babcock off my back."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Eric came into the kitchen where Niles and Cookie had been hiding out. "LOVE!…Love ! I just want to Sing! … Sing about any old thing! Woooo!" Eric bellowed.

"Let me tell you, Sharpie... I have never been this happy."

"Who is she...?" Cookie hit him once on the head.

"D.D. Babcock." Niles answered laughing.

"Cookie... She’s….She’s…" Eric started to blush.

"He’s blushing! How old is this woman?"

"A few years older than C.C." Niles answered for a blushing Eric.

"I’ve seen you blush that way about C.C." Cookie pointed towards Niles.

"Okay let’s not start!" Niles grumbled.

"Tell him, Sharpie…" Cookie looked towards Niles.

"We are leaving tonight..." Niles looked at Eric.

"Tonight?? Why?"

"Because it’s not going to get any easier." Niles smiled. "If that sparkle in your eye means anything... I know we will see one another again."

"If I have my way we’ll be family..." Eric smiled.

"We already are." Niles hugged the young man and smiled.

"I’ll go see Flora now..."

"She’s having a girl’s movie night." Niles eyed Eric.

"Got ya..." Eric grumbled. "Give her my love?"

"You have hers, no doubt."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

The hour became late as Mary and Ann went to bed. "Hey sleepy head the party is breaking up across the way... Sharpie will be home soon... Don’t you think you should get going?" C.C. didn’t want her to go pushing the girl’s hair behind her ears.

"They are forcing me to go ... To court next week... What am I going to do?"

"Do you remember what I told you a while back?" C.C. smiled.

"How no one was going to take me away from Mom and Dad." Ellen looked into C.C.’s eyes.

"Just trust that I keep my promises… Now run off... Sharpie and Cookie will be waiting for you by the door..." C.C. watched as the girl ran towards the kitchen door.

Ellen ran up hugged Niles "Night Sharpie!"

"Goodnight…Ellen." Niles watched the door for a moment..."I hope to see you again." He whispered and Cookie came up behind him.

"If there is any justice in this world... You will Niles…" Cookie held him tight and smiled.

C.C. walked in the door now... She reached up to hug the older woman. "There are times, Cookie, you have been a real mother to me."

"You have been a daughter to me too…That means you write... And maybe... I’ll get on a blasted plane!"

"Yes!" C.C. hugged the woman.

"You two better make good your escape... Most of the staff is heading towards bed... And you’ll be lost within all the guests leaving."

"Love you..." C.C. whispered in the woman’s ear. "What is your real name, Cookie?"

"Emma." Cookie managed a small smile. "Go you two...before I keep you both."

C.C. smiled thinking how Emma would be a wonderful name for a little girl.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Oy." Fran smiled. She was drying her eyes, still getting over the story.

"That was some adventure the two of you went on, old man!" Maxwell smiled. "Where are you going to live now?"

"Did we mention we are expecting?" C.C. smirked looking at Max.

"I don’t see a problem with another child running around, C.C." Max laughed. "With Fran here things should be okay!"

"Fran??" Niles and C.C. both noted the first name.

"Oy!" Fran blinked.

"Seems like we were not the only ones to have an adventure this summer." Niles smiled. "I will want details later!"

"Are you two really okay?" Fran walked over touching C.C.’s arm.

"No but we will be..." C.C. smiled "Thank you Nanny Fine."

"Don’t thank me." Fran smiled.

"If you don’t mind… For tonight Sir… I think C.C. and I will return to her penthouse."

"It’s alright old boy you can start back to work in a few days... C.C., there is a play that will need looking over."

"Alright Maxwell. It’s nice to be back. Tell Fran I’ll take Chester off her hands tomorrow."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. walked in the door to her penthouse and groaned. Quickly Niles joined her noticing the reason for her distress "Mother… You have five seconds to GO AWAY!" C.C. growled.

"You ruined everything do you know that?"

"Niles…I swear... Get rid of her."

"Mrs. Babcock, you’re not welcome here." Niles picked her up placing her outside the door.

"C.C. you better listen to me! "B.B. roared and C.C. turned to face the woman.

"You TOOK... my child…You poisoned my MIND… you ….harlot!" C.C. growled. "Mother... Come near me again... I swear... I’ll shoot first and ask questions later." C.C. growled slamming the door.

Niles looked C.C. over "Are you alright?"

"Yes... That felt strangely good." C.C. laughed. Some of her pent up anger towards the Storms had been released on B.B.

"Maxwell has given us tomorrow off. Let’s take advantage of it." Niles picked her up in his arms and smiled.

"Lead on Bell boy... Lead on..."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. walked in the door smiling. It had been the first smile since returning to New York. "No morning sickness today, love?" Niles teased opening the back door.

"None today." C.C. laughed as they both walked inside the Sheffield kitchen.

"Oy!" Fran ran up. "You two better get in Maxwell’s office…He’s steamed!"

"What did we do now? Miss Fine, we haven’t been back long enough to cause trouble!" Niles grumbled.

"NILES!! C.C.!" Maxwell roared.

"Oy, this can’t be good." C.C. looked towards Niles

Niles opened the door to feel himself hugged by a blonde headed young girl. "Sharpie!"

"Ellen?" Niles and C.C. looked then noticed Samantha and Michael Storm in Maxwell’s office.

"Ellen... Why don’t we give them a few moments alone... And I’ll introduce you to my children." Maxwell held out his hand and Ellen smiled at C.C.

"I...I...I." C.C. stumbled. She had expected never to see the Storms again.

"You never said goodbye to us." Michael managed an odd smile. "I owe...I owe you so much."

"We both do..." Samantha added.

"Save your thank you’s... We didn’t do it for you." C.C. snarled. Now that she was back C.C. the bitch of Broadway had returned!

"Flor... C.C. I’m sorry... Believe me... If I could go back and change what I did."

"You wouldn’t change a thing." C.C. eyed Michael. "Remember Michael I lived in your home as a servant I heard you both... Say those words."

Both the Storms let loose a sigh. "Can we start again?" Sam looked at C.C.’s eyes.

"You have what you need, Sam." Niles grumbled. "We gave you Ellen legally... Why would we need to start again?"

Michael produced the same small box from his jacket handing it to C.C.

"Open it." He smiled.

C.C. opened it noting another legal document.

"I wouldn’t give her up for the world, Sharpie… Flora... But... Maybe we can take small steps towards trusting one another for her sake?" Michael smiled noting C.C.’s eyes. C.C. handed the paper to Niles.

"You’re giving us visitation?" C.C. blinked again. "You’re giving us..."

"The legal rights you should have had all along. You’ll notice my will changed too. That is a copy." Michael pointed out a few things.

Niles noticed that Michael had a black eye and smirked "Eric do that?"

"Yeah." Michael grumbled "He is more like his old man with each passing day."

"They practically tore up the front living room" Sam groaned.

"Since there are a few more days left in the summer, and you both have custody..." Michael took Sam’s arm. "Eric will be by to pick her up Friday."

"Wait?! She knows?" C.C. was still in shock.

"Yes...She knows."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles and C.C. tried their best to attend to work while Ellen played with both Gracie and Brighton.

"She’s a looker." Fran smiled "You okay?" She touched Niles’ shoulder.

"For a while both C.C. and I feared we would never see her again."

"Sometimes when you loose... You can also win."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. noted as Ellen walked up to her.. "You been awful quiet!" Ellen sat next to C.C.

"Shocked." She smiled.

"So that’s what you really sound like." Ellen laughed. "I’ll miss your accent!"

"Ellen... I’m sorry... I wasn’t honest with you." C.C. frowned.

"Yes you were…"

"I was?" C.C. blinked thinking about the deception.

"You kept your promise. I think it’s going to be fun spending summers here! You know Brighton has tons of video games... Gracie reads a lot of the books I do!"

"You’ll have other things to do next summer as well." C.C. teased.

"Really? You have horses here too!"

"Not exactly" C.C. laughed whispering in the child’s ear.

"Really?"

"Yes..."

"Woah!" She hugged C.C. tightly. "Maybe even Eric will manage to marry D.D."

"Knowing those two I wouldn’t bet against it." C.C. laughed.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles and Fran watch this tender scene and sighed "Well do you think I’ll get my happy ending?"

"I have no doubt about that, Miss Fine..." Niles hugged his friend and laughed.

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