3 comments/ 20422 views/ 6 favorites Finding a New Life By: AshiraDatya PROLOGUE "Momma?" a young girl looked around frantically, tears streaming down her face when she realized her mother was nowhere to be found. "Momma, where are you!" she screamed, pushing her dark, dingy hair out of her face, her green eyes shimmering with the tears she had yet to shed. "Momma, Eli's hungry!" The young girl crashed into something hard and tall. She looked up and gasped. "I'm sorry mister!" she apologized "Don't worry about it. Are you looking for your mother?" the man asked. She nodded. "Eli's hungry," she repeated. "Who's Eli?" "My brother," the girl answered. She backed away slightly as the man knelt down in front of her. "Take me to him," he murmured, reaching for her hand. Reluctantly, she took his hand and led him to the filthy apartment that she shared with her mother and brother. "Where the hell have you been?" an angry man snarled. "Looking for momma. Eli was crying, he's hungry," the girl answered, unable to hide her fear. "You know better than to leave this apartment," the man growled. "I needed to find momma," the girl said stubbornly. "Your mother isn't coming back," the man said harshly. "What do you mean Miguel?" "Lily!" a small boy launched himself at the girl; she wrapped her arms around the boy and held him close. "Your whore of a mother is dead Lily. She's never coming back!" Miguel said without a hint of remorse. Miguel looked back to the man that Lily had brought home. "Start earning your keep ... use him. Fifty bucks since she's a virgin," Miguel told the man. He looked at Miguel with a disgusted look on his face. "First of all, I don't rape little girls. Second, if Eve is dead, then Lily and Eli should come with me," the man said. "And you are?" Miguel asked. "Greg Billings," the man answered. Miguel's eyes widened and he smiled greedily. "Then you can afford to pay me two hundred dollars for this little delicate flower," Miguel said laughing. "Again, I don't rape little girls," Greg said, pulling out his cell phone out of his pocket. "Dave, it's Greg. I'm at 650 North Elm, apartment 225. I found Eve's kids, but Eve's boyfriend is saying Eve is dead. Her boyfriend is trying to sell Lily to me," Greg said into his phone. "Who are you?" Miguel asked, his eyes narrowing. "My name is Greg Billings. I went to school with Dave and Lily Evans," Greg answered. Miguel's eyes widened when he recognized the names and he tried to leave the apartment. "Don't even think about it," Greg snarled. CHAPTER ONE "Hello Lily, do you remember me?" Greg asked, walking into the hospital room. Lily turned to look at him and Greg was glad to see Lily's once awfully dirty hair was now a shinny blond. "Yes, you had Miguel arrested," Lily answered. Greg nodded. "He was not a nice person," Greg said gently. "I know. He used to hurt momma; I heard her crying and pleading with him," Lily said, looking away. Greg was angry and he had to fight not to show it. "Did you know momma?" Lily asked, looking up at Greg with curiosity. "I grew up with your mother and your uncle." Greg looked up as Dave walked into the room. "Lily, this is your uncle David," Greg said. David smiled kindly. "Hello Lily. You look so much like your mother," David murmured. "Where's Eli?" Lily wanted to know. "He's in his own room just a few doors down. You're both being released today. Would you like to come home with me?" David asked. Lily looked at her uncle hesitantly. "Momma said never to talk to strangers," Lily said slowly. "Take a look at this Lily," David said, pulling out his wallet and showing a picture to Lily. "This is the last time I saw your mother. Do you remember me?" David asked as Lily studied the photograph. Lily's mother Eve was standing holding Lily's hand, her abdomen gently rounded, evidence of her second pregnancy; David's arm protectively draped over Eve's shoulder. "This was taken almost six years ago years ago when you were four," David said. Lily looked up at David as memories flooded her brain. "I remember you," Lily said softly. David smiled. "That's good sweetheart," David said, tucking a strand of hair back behind Lily's ear. "Who's he?" Lily wanted to know. "Lily!" Eli shouted from the doorway. He ran into the room and jumped on his sister's bed, a nurse following close behind. "This is my friend Greg. He has a son and a daughter a few months older than you; they're twins. Their names are Tyler and Grace," David answered. "Mr. Evans, you can take Lily and Eli home now," the doctor said from the doorway. David grinned. "Greg, do you have the clothing I asked you to bring?" David asked his friend. Greg nodded and pulled out a simple blue dress and a pair of sandals for Lily and a pair of blue jean shorts and a green teeshirt for Eli. When Lily and Eli were dressed, they stood nervously in front of their uncle. "Let's go home," David said, leading them out the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lily, wake up, we're home," David said softly. Lily's eyes opened and she looked around. "It's big," Lily whispered. "No, not really. It's just a three bedroom ranch house," David answered. He stopped the SUV and helped his niece and nephew into their new home. "This is nice," Eli said, walking into his new room. "We've never had our own rooms before," Lily said with a sigh. "Well, now you will," David promised. "I'll go order a pizza for dinner, get settled and come downstairs," he added before leaving the room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Happy birthday Lily," David said with a smile as he set a wrapped box in front of Lily at the table. "Thanks Uncle David," Lily murmured, returning the smile. She opened the box eagerly and pulled out a pink leather bound journal. "I remember your mom used to keep a diary, and I thought you might like to as well," David said. Lily grinned and gave her uncle a hug. "I love it," she said, running her fingers down the spine. In the two months since Lily and Eli had come to the house, their lives had improved ten fold, and while Lily was having some issues making friends at school, she had become fast friends with Greg's daughter Grace. Tyler was friendly, but considered Lily just another annoying girl that would bother him until he wanted to throttle her. Tyler had taken Eli under his wing however, and now Eli had over ten good friends; the younger brothers of Tyler's friends. "I want to make your tenth birthday a happy one Lily," David said. Lily looked up and smiled. "Can I have a party?" she asked shyly. "What kind of party?" David asked. "Just a small one. Maybe Grace, Ty and Carrie," Lily said, naming off her few friends. David thought for a moment. "How about this, we'll have a private dinner out with Eli tonight and this weekend, we'll invite Grace, Ty and Carrie to go either to a movie or bowling with us and then they can come spend the night," David suggested. Lily's eyes lit up and she nodded enthusiastically. "Good. Now go finish getting ready for school, the bus will be here soon," David said. Lily nodded and ran up stairs to get dressed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hey Ty, wait up a sec!" Lily exclaimed as Tyler walked by her in the hall. Tyler and his friend Zack stopped and Tyler sighed. "What do you want Lily?" Tyler wanted to know. "Uncle David is letting me have a birthday party on Friday after school. We're going to go for dinner and then either go see a movie or go bowling," Lily began. "And?" Tyler asked impatiently. "Do you and Grace want to go?" Lily asked. "I'm sure Grace will love to, and I'll come too. It sounds like it might be fun," Tyler said. "Great. Uncle David will pick us all up after school," Lily said, before turning to walk away. "Lil?" Tyler asked. Lily turned around. "Happy birthday," he said. Lily smiled before turning back around and walking away. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ David and Greg sat talking while the kids were getting fitted for their bowling shoes. "How are they doing, adjusting?" Greg wanted to know. "Eli's having an easier time. Lily seems so shy and quiet around everyone but Eli, me or Grace," David answered. "I've noticed that. I thought I was looking at a very young Eve when I saw her in that ally," Greg said, taking a sip of his soda. He had wanted a beer, but he promised David that he'd join him in staying sober until all the kids were sent home. "How does Caroline feel about you rescuing your ex-girlfriend's children?" David asked softly. "She wasn't happy about it until I showed her the pictures of where they were living and then her maternal instincts took over," Greg answered, looking up as his wife walked over to them. "How's the party?" Caroline asked, sitting down next to them. "Dinner was loud, and they are still picking out their shoes and balls," David answered. "The first game is going to be boys against girls," Greg added with a grin. He leaned over and gave Caroline a kiss. "She looks so much like Eve," Caroline said softly. "Does that make you jealous?" David asked. "No! Greg loves me and married me," Caroline answered. Greg smiled. "Lily, you go first, it's your birthday!" Grace exclaimed. The adults looked over and found the kids at their lanes. "You can do it Lily!" David cheered. Lily looked back at her uncle, smiled and let the ball go. She watched it slide down the alley and grinned when it knocked down all but two pins. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -Five Years Later- "Lily, what are you doing?" Tyler asked, following her into a gas station. "I want a thing of milk, why?" Lily wanted to know, putting her hands on her hips. "I promised your uncle I'd get you straight home," Tyler answered. Lily sighed. "I'm a big girl Ty, I don't need a baby-sitter," Lily snapped. "Fine. Have it your way," Tyler said before walking away. Lily shook her head and walked into the gas station. She grabbed a bottle of chocolate milk, paid for it and headed out the door. Lily stopped on the sidewalk, opened the bottle and took a long sip. When she looked up, her eyes widened when she saw a very large truck barreling towards her at full speed. A scream caught in her throat as she was pushed out of the way. Lily fell hard against a wooden fence. Lily looked up at the person who had pushed her out of the way and was surprised to see that it was Tyler. "Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes wide with concern. "I think so," Lily managed to say. Tyler began checking her over for injuries. "I think you just have some bruises and scrapes," Tyler said, pulling Lily back into his arms. Lily blushed and pulled away. "I should go. Thanks Ty," Lily stammered, standing up and running home. Finding a New Life Ch. 02-03 CHAPTER TWO Lily waited nervously for someone to open the door. She had been in Spain visiting her friend Gabi that she had met through foreign student exchange program with her former high school for the last two weeks when Eli had called her to tell her that David was sick. "Hey Lil," Tyler said, opening the door. Lily couldn't help but smile at the way Tyler looked in his A shirt and jeans. "How's David?" Lily wanted to know as Ty moved aside to let her in. Wordlessly, Tyler led Lily into the living room where his parents and Eli waited for them. "Lily, I'm sorry sweetie," Caroline began. Lily's eyes widened. "Sorry?" she echoed. "David died late last night," Greg said gently. "What? How?" Lily felt numb as she listened to her uncle's oldest friends tell her about the Cancer that had suddenly sprung up on them all. "Lily, sit down," Caroline urged. When Lily shook her head, Tyler gently pushed her down onto the couch. "Maria, could we have some tea please?" Caroline asked the house keeper who had come out of the kitchen when Lily had rung the doorbell. Maria nodded and returned to the kitchen to put on the kettle to boil. "Why didn't he tell me he was sick?" Lily wanted to know, her voice so soft that Tyler had to strain to hear her. "He didn't want to worry you Lil," Eli said from his spot. Lily focused her eyes on her brother and if it hadn't been for his red rimmed eyes, she never would have known that he was upset by his uncle's death. "He should have told me!" Lily exclaimed, tears falling down her cheeks. Eli stood up, crossed the room and sat down next to his sister and moved to wipe the tears from her face. "Don't touch me!" Lily shouted. Lily stood up and ran from the house and didn't stop until she was at the house down the road; the house David had brought her to when her mother died. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lily?" Tyler called, opening the door to the house a few hours later. Tyler made his way upstairs where he knew Lily's room was. When he opened her bedroom door, Tyler found Lily asleep, her diary open beside her. The page was decorated with balloons and the words "HAPPY EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY!" were written at the top of the page. Tyler sighed and moved the book aside and brushed a stray strand of hair out of Lily's face. Lily shifted in the bed and her hand fell in Tyler's lap. Tyler closed his eyes and groaned silently. "Lily, wake up," Tyler said softly, shaking her gently. Lily's eyes fluttered open. "Ty?" she asked. Tyler nodded and gave her a small smile. "You okay?" Tyler wanted to know. "No." Lily's eyes filled with a new batch of tears. "What am I going to do Ty? My mother is dead, and now uncle David is dead too," Lily wailed. Tyler panicked, hating to deal with crying females. His chocolate brown eyes full of worry and he ran a hand through his chestnut brown hair. Without thinking, Tyler leaned over and pressed his lips to Lily's. Lily started to pull away but Tyler pulled her back into him and she moaned softly. "What are you doing?" Lily asked, her voice full when Tyler finally pulled away. "I have no idea," he admitted. Lily giggled and gasped as Tyler brushed his thumb over a pointed nipple. "Ty?" Lily asked, unsure of the sensations going through her. "Trust me," Tyler whispered. Lily moaned as his lips met hers while Tyler played with her breasts. Tyler slid his hands down Lily's body and past the waistband of her skirt. "Ty," Lily said again before gasping when he slid a finger up inside her. Tyler grinned when he felt how hot and wet Lily was. Lily groaned in disappointment when Tyler pulled away a few minutes later. "Take off your clothes," Tyler said hoarsely. Lily stood on shaking legs and pulled her skirt and panties down over her legs and let them fall on the floor, before unbuttoning her blouse and letting it drop on top of her discarded clothes. Tyler reached out and unclasped Lily's bra. "You're beautiful," Tyler murmured, raking his gaze over Lily's naked body. Lily started to cover her breasts with her arms, but Tyler reached up and pulled Lily's arms back down to her side. "Don't move," Tyler warned as he quickly stripped his own clothing off. Tyler pushed Lily back on to the bed and spread Lily's legs apart. "What are you doing?" Lily asked as Tyler studied Lily carefully. Tyler grinned and kissed Lily softly, before sucking on a nipple. Lily moaned loudly as Tyler teased her. Tyler turned his attention to the other nipple before trailing kisses down Lily's body. Lily gasped and her body jerked as Tyler pressed his lips to her pussy. "Ty!" Lily squeaked as Tyler's tongue danced in and out of her, brushing gently against her clit. "Relax," Tyler whispered before returning to his teasing, this time sliding a finger deep inside her. Lily moaned and spread her legs wider apart. Tyler continued to lick and finger her until Lily's voice was uneven and she was squirming. "Ty," Lily said weakly. Tyler looked up and smiled at the expression on Lily's face. Tyler pushed a second finger in and stroked her while watching her face, trying to get his body back under control. "Ty," Lily moaned. Tyler pulled his fingers out of her and gently pushed his cock into Lily's heat. Lily screamed as her hymen gave way. Tyler held himself still and waited for Lily to adjust for him. "Are you okay?" Tyler asked gently. After a moment, Lily nodded and Tyler began thrusting in and out of her gently. Lily gasped as the sensations began building in her again. After a moment, Lily began to move her hips in time with Tyler's. She gasped as Tyler bent his head down and began to suck on a nipple again. Lily cried out loudly as she came. Tyler came soon after, filling her with his seed. Tyler rolled off of Lily carefully and lay down next to her, pulling Lily close. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Tyler Douglas Billings and Lily Marie Evans, what on earth did you do!?" Caroline exclaimed from the doorway of the bedroom hours later. Lily's eyes popped open and Tyler looked up guiltily at his mother. "Hi mom," Tyler said, sitting up slowly. "Get dressed and come downstairs," Greg told his son before leading his wife away. -10 minutes later- "What the hell were you thinking?" Caroline hissed. "I wasn't," Tyler admitted. "I hope you were smart enough to use a condom," Greg said. Tyler flushed. "Not exactly," Tyler studied his shoes. "What if you got her pregnant Tyler?" Caroline's eyes were practically flashing with anger. "Are you trying to make her just like her mother? A little whore who sells her body for sex!" she snapped. "Caroline, that's enough!" Greg exclaimed. "My mother didn't sell her body for sex!" Lily yelled from the stairs. Lily's eyes were red and puffy from crying and her body felt like it had been hit with a ton of bricks. "Lily, I, I'm sorry," Tyler whispered as Greg pulled Caroline out to the balcony to talk to her about the situation. "Me too," Lily said, her eyes filling up with tears. "Did I hurt you too much?" Tyler asked. Lily shook her head and they both turned to look at Greg and Caroline. "We're disappointed with both of you," Greg began. "Lily, you can stay with us until after the funeral, but if we catch you and Ty having sex again, you will be asked to leave and not to come back. We will revisit the issue in a few months if need be," Caroline said, her voice ice cold. Lily's face flushed as she realized that Tyler hadn't used a condom. -2 days later- "How are you?" Grace asked Lily as they rode back from the cemetery to the house. "Numb," Lily answered. "Is it true that you and Ty had sex?" Grace whispered. She wasn't quiet enough because Tyler looked at Lily. "Yes," Lily said softly. "What were you guys thinking?" Grace asked. "We weren't," Tyler told his sister. "And stop being so nosy," he added. "I didn't even know you guys were seeing each other," Grace murmured. "Grace, please, I'm tired and I don't want to talk about it," Lily said, closing her eyes and leaning back against the seat. Grace and Tyler exchanged worried looks but before anything else could be said, the limo pulled into the driveway of the house where Greg and Caroline waited with Eli. "It's about time you kids got back," Caroline said, giving Lily a small smile. "Lily, I'm sorry for over reacting the other night," she murmured. "Can we just forget about it please?" Lily begged, rubbing her eyes and smearing her mascara and eye liner even more than it already was. Tyler frowned as Lily walked inside the house. "Lily, there is some last minute business to discuss," Greg said hesitantly. Lily turned around. "Your uncle's lawyer is in the study," he added. Lily nodded and made her way into the office. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So let me get this straight, my uncle listed Greg and Caro as Eli's guardian instead of me?" Lily wanted to know. "That's right. I know you're eighteen, and can petition to have yourself named as guardian, however, Eli is only fourteen and that might make things a little difficult. Now, Greg and Caroline have offered to let you live with them until Eli comes of age, or David left you both his house and you could live there once it is paid off. His life insurance should take care of that. David has also left you his business and as he was the President, you automatically step in. The board has the option of voting you out after a thirty day trial period," he added. Lily took a deep breath and smoothed out the wrinkle in her skirt before walking into her uncle's office. "Hi Lily!" "Hi Mrs. Martel," Lily gave her uncle's receptionist a bright smile and allowed the older woman to give her a hug. "Some of the board members are a little uneasy about this, but they are willing to give you thirty days to prove to them that you can handle this," Mrs. Martel said, leading Lily to David's office. David's business partner Justin was waiting for her. "Hey Justin," Lily said with a small smile, hoping he didn't notice the shiver that went down her spine at the sight of him. Something about Justin Long reminded Lily of Miguel, her step father and that scared her deeply. "Lily, I'm sorry about David. He was a good man," Justin said. Lily nodded. "Yes, he was," she agreed. "Here are the reports on our latest ventures for you to go over. I know you don't have much experience in the business world, so if you need any help, feel free to ask me anything. My office is just down the hall," Justin said, handing Lily a stack of files. Lily thanked him and watch Justin leave her new office. "Do you need anything?" Mrs. Martel asked. "No, thank you," Lily said softly. Mrs. Martel nodded and returned to her desk, closing the door behind her. "Greg, can you look at something for me?" Lily asked, knocking on the door to Greg's study. "Sure kid, what's up?" Greg gave Lily a smile as she walked into the room. "These are some files from David's office. Supposedly, they're new projects the company have taken on, however, I can't find some of these things in the computer system and Mrs. Martel has no idea what they are," Lily began. "I almost went to Justin Long, but I don't trust him," she added. Greg reached out for the file. "You were right to be suspicious," Greg said after a few minutes. "These long numbers here are routing numbers to off shore accounts, and these numbers here, are account numbers. The dollar amount must be transfers to these accounts," Greg added, pointing out the information on the sheets. "Who handed you these files?" Greg asked. "Justin did," Lily answered. "I'll stop by the office tomorrow with Grace under the guise of taking you both for lunch. Make me copies of all of the files, excluding any social security numbers and what have you. You can give them to me before lunch and I'll go over them as soon as you head back to the office," Greg added. Lily nodded and they both looked up at a knock on the door. "What is it Ty?" Greg asked, hiding a smile. "Just looking for Lily," Tyler answered. Lily avoided Tyler's gaze. "Would you like to go out for dinner and a movie?" Tyler asked. "You mean like a date?" Lily seemed surprised. "Yeah, just like a date," Tyler said with a grin. "That's the step you should have started with," Greg chuckled. Lily blushed and looked away. "I think I'm just going to grab a sandwich and go to bed. It's been a long day," Lily murmured before leaving the study quickly. "Lily, Greg Billings is here with his daughter Grace," Mrs. Martel said over the intercom. "Send them back," Lily replied, her heart racing. "Greg Billings, what a surprise!" Justin said as he left the employee break room. "Hello Justin. My daughter Grace is one of Lily's friends and we've come to take her to lunch," Greg said, shaking Justin's hand politely. Lily appeared in her doorway and gave Grace a tight hug. "You'd better talk to Ty soon, he's worried about you," Grace whispered. Lily sighed and shook her head. "Your mother would kill me for corrupting her perfect son," Lily retorted, keeping her voice low. She looked at Justin. "You're late for returning to work," she said, pointing at her watch. Justin nodded and returned to his office. "Greg, David left something here that I think he'd want you to have, why don't you come in and I'll get it to you," Lily added, noticing that Justin was hovering in his doorway. Greg smiled and followed Lily into the office. "Cool, a book on the Presidents of the United States, past and present," Greg said in surprise. Lily smiled and winked at Greg who nodded and slipped the large book into his briefcase. "C'mon guys, I'm starving over here!" Grace said dramatically. Lily laughed and followed her friend and Greg to the car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "We are here to discuss whether or not Lily should remain President of Evans and Long," Justin began. Lily took a deep breath before sipping from her bottle of sprite, hoping to calm her nerves. "I'd like to say Lily, for a person with no business experience, that you have done amazingly well, however, I looked over our profits and losses sheet and noticed that we've lost money and business since you've taken over," Justin added. "And I've found it," Lily said, pulling out large binders from her bag. She began passing them around. "On these pages are routing, account numbers and amounts that have been transfered out of various accounts owned by this company into several off shore accounts in Justin's name. He has been stealing money out of this company for the last five years, and I suspect that if David hadn't been fighting an illness that he would have discovered this sooner and thrown Justin out on his ass," Lily said. The board members began murmuring among themselves and after several minutes, Paul Davis, one of the more influential board members stood up. "Lily, it's amazing that you caught this and while I don't know how or care, it is in my opinion that you should remain right where you are and Justin, you are fired. Go home, your office will be cleaned out and your personal effects will be mailed to you," Paul said. Justin's eyes narrowed. "You little bitch!" he shouted, lunging across the table for Lily. Her eyes widened and she managed to get out of his way. "You'll pay for this!" Justin screamed before leaving the room. Lily waited for her pizza impatiently and when it was finally ready, paid for it and headed for her car. "I told you you'd pay," a low voice said from behind. Lily gasped and dropped the pizza as she was grabbed from behind and turned to face her attacker. "Justin, you won't do yourself any good if you do this," Lily said, seeing the gun pointed in her face. "You took my company away from me!" Justin screamed. "You took it away from yourself by stealing from it!" Lily countered. Justin growled and backhanded Lily with the butt of the gun sending Lily's head back against the car with a loud thud. Lily held her head as she tried to remain standing. "I told you that I'd make you pay, and I meant it," Justin growled, aiming the gun at Lily. Lily screamed as he pulled the trigger and she felt a searing pain in her chest as she slumped to the ground. CHAPTER THREE "Lily, can you hear me?" Lily opened her eyes and blinked slowly. Tyler's face was hovering over hers, his brown eyes filled with worry. "What happened?" she asked, her voice dry and hoarse. "You were shot," Tyler said gently, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. "Justin," Lily croaked. "Who's Justin, your boyfriend?" Tyler asked, trying to keep the hurt out of his voice. "He shot me," Lily closed her eyes, feeling exhaustion rush over her like a tidal wave crashing on the beach. "Let her get some rest son, I'll have a nurse let you know when you can come back to see her," the doctor advised. Tyler nodded and pressed a kiss to Lily's forehead before leaving. -Several hours later- Lily's head was swimming with the information given to her by the doctor and she looked up to find Tyler and Grace standing in the doorway. "Hey," Grace said softly as she allowed her brother to lead her into the room. "You just missed Eli, he came by while you were sleeping," she added. "How are you feeling?" Tyler asked gently. "A little better, thanks to the morphine," Lily answered. "Good," Tyler said with a smile. His smile turned into a frown when he realized that Lily was trying to ignore him. "Lily!" Caroline exclaimed. "Hi Caro," Lily murmured, wishing everyone would leave her alone so she could cry and decide if her life was over. "You poor thing," Caroline said, sitting down on the bed. Before another word could be spoken, Lily reached for a basin on the side of the bed and began to throw up. Caroline glanced at the bag on the IV stand. "Morphine can do that to you, let me see if I can get you something else," Caroline murmured. "No, Caro, I'm okay, just a little overwhelmed," Lily protested, laying her head back against the pillow. "We'll let you go so you can get some rest," Caroline said, giving her children a meaningful look. Tyler and Grace stood up and headed after their mother when Lily stopped them. "Ty, would you sit with me for a little while?" Lily asked. Tyler glanced at Caroline who nodded that it was okay. "What's wrong Lil?" Tyler asked, sitting down next to the bed. "Other than you were hit in the head with the butt of a gun and shot," he added. "I just want you to hold me," Lily murmured. Tyler nodded and slid into the bed and wrapped his arms around Lily, careful not to hit her IV. Tyler waited until Lily fell asleep again before whispering, "I love you." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Mrs. Martel, are there any messages?" Lily asked, walking into the office after a doctor's appointment. "Just about a hundred. All from a Ty Billings. He wants to know why you're avoiding him," Mrs. Martel answered. Lily sighed. "Is he the one?" she asked. Lily nodded. "If he calls again, just take another message and tell him that I've been really busy," Lily answered. "He doesn't know?" Mrs. Martel asked in surprise. "No. His mother didn't approve of us being together in any way other than as friends," Lily said, taking the messages from Mrs. Martel and heading into her office. -Weeks later- "Morning," Lily said, folding down the umbrella and shaking the few raindrops from her hair. Mrs. Martel tried to stall Lily, but she walked straight into her office. "Why the hell haven't you returned a single one of my calls?" an angry Tyler demanded to know. Lily stopped short and looked up, holding her umbrella in front of her like a shield. "Oh for crying out loud Lil, I might be mad as hell, but I'm not going to hurt you," Tyler said, rolling his eyes as he grabbed the umbrella from her. Tyler's eyes widened and he took a step back. "Why didn't you say anything?" Tyler wanted to know. Finding a New Life Ch. 02-03 "You know why," Lily said, finding her voice. "My mother?" Tyler asked. Lily nodded. "She certainly isn't going to accuse you of being after my trust fund now," he said sarcastically. Lily snapped her head back up to meet Tyler's gaze head on. "I don't need your help Ty, I'm doing just fine on my own," Lily snapped. "Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Tyler asked, his eyes narrowing. "You should have told me!" "So you could do what? Pretend I don't exist? Tell me good luck but no thanks?" Lily tried to keep her voice as quiet as possible, but was unable to keep the tears of frustration from welling in her eyes. "No you silly goose! So that I could be there and help you," Tyler answered, the look on his face softening. "I don't need help Ty," Lily repeated, sitting down in her chair, suddenly drained. Tyler frowned as he saw the exhaustion on Lily's face. "You need a day off," Tyler said. "I have a major project that I'm working on and I can't possibly take a day off until it's finished," Lily protested. "You're taking a day off," Tyler insisted. "Damn it Ty, I don't need a day off!" Lily shouted. Lily whirled around. "What!?" she shouted when someone knocked on the door. Tyler grinned. "I brought backup," he said as the door opened. Greg and Grace stood in the door way, the same look of surprise on both of their faces. While Lily wasn't overly large, she had a bulge that made it obvious that she was expecting a child. "I suspected something like this," Greg said, shaking his head with a sigh. "So this is why you haven't let me come visit," Grace said, her voice full of hurt. "Guys, I have a lot of work to do," Lily complained. "You need a day off, and you're going to take it," Tyler said. Lily growled. "You are not my boss Tyler Douglas Billings!" Lily snapped. Greg hid his grin behind his hand. The girl had spunk and she'd need it. "I know that, but will you stop and think about yourself and the baby for two minutes? You look like you haven't slept in weeks," Tyler managed to keep his voice calm. "Fine, I'll take the day off, and I'll go home," Lily said finally, tired of arguing. "Good, I'll go with you," Tyler said with a grin. "The hell you will!" Lily shouted. "Someone has to make sure you're taking it easy," Tyler pointed out. Grace rolled her eyes. "I'll go. You and dad can play substitute," Grace said, giving her brother a look that clearly said, "Don't mess with me." "Oh no you don't! You're just going to lecture me," Lily said. "No, I won't, at least not today," Grace promised. Reluctantly, Lily allowed Grace to escort her home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hello Caro," Lily said with a sigh, holding the door open for the older woman. "Greg told me you were pregnant," Caroline said, getting right to the point. "Something you can see for yourself," Lily pointed out. "What are you planning on doing about it?" Caroline wanted to know. "I haven't decided yet," Lily answered, popping the large pill she'd been holding into her mouth and chasing it down with a large drink of water. Caroline looked at Lily questioningly and Lily held up the bottle of prenatal vitamins. "Have you and Ty talked about this?" Caroline asked, surprisingly calm. Lily looked at Caroline in surprise. "You don't want Ty and I together, remember?" Lily reminded Caroline. "No, but I don't want my grandchild to live with a single mother either," Caroline pointed out. "So what do you want?" Lily wanted to know. "Help you decide what to do about the baby," Caroline answered. "I won't sell it or have an abortion," Lily said instantly. "I wasn't suggesting that! I said some things that day and I regret saying them. You're a smart, beautiful young woman, and I'm sorry," Caroline said in a rush. "But you still don't want me and Ty together," Lily murmured. "I'll admit, you aren't my first choice, but I've seen how Ty looks at you. He loves you. Promise that you'll talk to Ty before you decide what to do about the baby," Caroline told Lily gently. Lily sighed but nodded. Caroline studied Lily carefully. "You're what, six months?" she asked. "Almost," Lily answered. "Is it a boy or a girl?" Caroline wanted to know. "I don't know, the tech couldn't get a clear view," Lily said. Caroline chuckled. "Neither did Ty. I thought they were both going to be girls," Caroline said with a grin. Lily laughed a little. "Lily, I'm going to go home now. Expect a call from Ty. He won't believe me when I tell him that I haven't maimed, hurt or killed you," Caroline added. Lily grinned. "Tell him to come over, he can let himself in," Lily said after hesitating. She handed Caroline the spare key. Caroline nodded and offered Lily a smile before showing herself out. "Lily?" Tyler called as he opened the door. Lily appeared in the doorway between the dining room and the hallway. "Hey," Lily said shyly, pulling her hair back into a ponytail. "How are you?" Tyler asked, unsure of how he should act and what he should do. "I'm okay. Tired a lot," Lily murmured, looking down at her hands. Tyler took a few steps forward and took her hands in his. "You look great," Tyler said. Lily laughed a little. "I've gained fifteen pounds," she complained. Tyler grinned. "From what I understand, you're supposed to," he said, tilting Lily's face towards his. "I hear mom paid you a visit," Tyler added. "I'm fine Ty. Caroline just wanted to talk," Lily said, anticipating his next question. Tyler chuckled. "What do you want Ty?" Lily asked, pulling away from his grasp. "To talk for starters," Tyler answered. "To talk," Lily repeated, heading into the kitchen. "Yes to talk. You're carrying my child," Tyler said, following Lily. "Ty, we've never even gone out on a date," Lily murmured, rubbing her eyes. "That didn't stop us from having sex. Twice," Tyler pointed out with a wry grin. "Ty, your mother doesn't approve of me," Lily reminded Tyler. "So what? When have I ever cared about what my mother thinks?" Tyler snapped. "Bull shit!" Lily exclaimed. "When have I cared about what my mother thought?" Tyler asked. "You're going to Yale aren't you?" Lily asked. Tyler nodded. "Did you tell her you wanted to go to Stanford?" Lily wanted to know. Tyler shook his head. "That's just one example. Go to college Ty, enjoy your life," Lily said softly, turning away from him. "Damn it Lily, don't shut me out!" Tyler exclaimed. "I don't need your help Ty. And if I ask you to stay, you'll just resent me," Lily murmured. Tyler turned Lily around to face him. "Does this feel like resentment?" Tyler asked, lowering his lips to hers. Lily pushed him away. "Leave Ty," Lily pleaded. "I'm not leaving you to do this alone," Tyler murmured. "Why?" Lily wanted to know. "Because you're carrying my child and he or she will need a father," Tyler answered. "And you'll need someone too," he added. Lily bit her lip and looked away. "What's wrong?" Tyler wanted to know, tilting Lily's face up towards his. "Is there some reason you're trying to push me away? Was there someone else?" his questions came out in a rush and Lily made no attempt to confirm or deny Tyler's accusation. "There was someone else wasn't there!? Is the baby even mine?" Tyler asked, his eyes full of rage. Lily looked away again before turning away. "Unbelievable. My mother was right, you are just a whore," Tyler snapped before storming out of the house. Lily's body shook with the force of her sobs. Finding a New Life Ch. 04 "Ty, what happened?" Grace asked as her brother stormed into the house. "Lily's what happened." "What happened to Lily?" Greg asked, coming out of his study. "She's pregnant," Tyler snapped. "That we knew," Greg said impatiently. "It isn't mine," Tyler growled. "Did she say that?" Grace wanted to know. "No, but she didn't deny it," Tyler admitted. "I have a hard time believing Lily would sleep around," Greg said, looking up as Caroline joined them in the hall. "Mom said it herself, Lily's mother was a whore. It probably runs in the blood," Tyler said. "Tyler Douglas Billings!" Caroline exclaimed. "What?" Tyler snapped. "That's enough!" Greg agreed. "I'm so sick of doing everything everyone else wants for me!" Tyler shouted, before walking into the kitchen for a bottle of water. "Like what?" Caroline wanted to know. She and Greg had followed Tyler into the kitchen. "For starters, I don't want to go to Yale." "Then where do you want to go?" Greg asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Stanford. And Grace doesn't want Yale either, she wants NYU," Tyler said before running up to his room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What the hell did you do?" Lily looked up with a sigh when she saw Grace standing in the doorway of her office. "I did Ty a favor," Lily answered, rubbing her eyes. Grace frowned; it was obvious to her that Lily hadn't slept well. "By telling him you slept with another guy?" Grace demanded to know, putting her hands on her hips. "I never said that I did. There wasn't anyone else," Lily said softly. "Duh!" Grace rolled her eyes at her friend. "Why don't you want Ty's help?" Grace asked, her voice becoming more gentle. "First of all, Ty and I haven't even really been out on a date. He doesn't love me," Lily murmured. "Bull shit! Ty has been obsessed with you since you were fifteen!" Grace exclaimed. "Then why were the only two times he's touched me right after I found out David died and right after his funeral?" Lily wanted to know. "Because Ty doesn't realize he loves you," Grace said simply. It was Lily's turn to roll her eyes. "Ty doesn't even know what he wants. He wants to go to Stanford, yet he gave in to your mom's desire for him to go to Yale. You did too!" Lily was tired of arguing. Grace grinned. "Ty told mom and dad off last night. He left an hour ago for California," Grace said. Lily looked up sharply. "Ty and mom and dad talked for over three hours and when Ty showed them his acceptance into Stanford, dad and Ty flew out first thing to get him enrolled and find him an apartment," Grace added. Lily smiled softly. "Good for him," she murmured. "What about you?" Lily asked. "He spilled that I wanted NYU, but I think I'm going to hang around and help you out," Grace said. "You don't have to do that," Lily protested. "Lily Marie! I'm not leaving my best friend to have this baby on your own!" Grace exclaimed. "I won't be here Grace," Lily admitted. "What?" Grace looked surprised. "We're opening another office in Chicago. I won't even be here," Lily told her friend. "That's only a few hours away," Grace reminded her friend. "Grace, I know you want to help, but Ty hates me now, or at least he should, and your parents won't be too happy with me either. I don't think your mom would want you helping me," Lily said. "The hell with mom," Grace grumbled. Lily had to laugh at that. "Grace, go home, please? You can come over tonight after I get out of work, but for right now, I really need to try to get some work done," Lily pleaded. "You come over for dinner tonight. I'll work on Mom. Don't worry, Ty won't be there, he's staying in Cali," Grace said, leaving no room for argument. Grace sighed and nodded. "Six thirty Lil. Don't be late," Grace cautioned, standing up. Lily grinned. "I'm already late," she joked. Grace laughed. "Dork," she teased as she walked out the door. Lily looked up as the door open to reveal a very unhappy Greg. "Lily," he said politely, stepping aside to let her in. "Hi," she murmured. "I'm not thrilled with you being here for dinner," Caroline said from the doorway to the living room. "I can leave," Lily offered. Caroline looked ready to take Lily up on that offer but Greg shook his head. "We all need to talk," he said. Lily sighed but followed Greg and Caroline to the dining room where Grace already waited. "Now, tell me why you cheated on my son," Caroline said after they were all seated. "I can't cheat on someone that I'm not in a relationship with," Lily pointed out. "You had sex with my son, what do you call that?" Caroline asked, raising her eye brows. "Sex," Lily said simply. Caroline looked at Lily in disbelieve. She was well aware that Lily had been in love with Tyler for years and had tried to keep the two apart for as long as she could have. "But you love Ty," Grace blurted out. Lily glared at her friend. "That's the last time I tell you something I want kept secret," Lily grumbled. "It wasn't a secret to anyone except Tyler," Greg said. "My brother is a moron," Grace said with a grin. Lily laughed a little. "Not a moron, just clueless," Lily corrected. Caroline studied Lily carefully. "There never was anyone else was there?" Caroline asked. Lily shook her head with a sigh. "Then why tell him there was?" she wanted to know. "I didn't. Ty accused and I just stayed silent. Tyler has a lot of growing up to do, and he doesn't even know what he wants out of life. I don't want to tie him down with this," Lily said softly. "It will change your life quite a bit," Greg warned. "It already has," Lily said, picking at her salad. "So the baby is Tyler's," Caroline murmured. "Yes." Lily's voice was so quiet, Caroline had to strain to hear her. "He needs to know," Greg said gently. "Ty needs to live his own life," Lily argued. "And he deserves the chance to decide if he wants to be a part of his child's life," Greg countered. "That's enough," Caroline said softly. Lily looked up in surprise. "Whether Tyler knows the truth or not, you carry our grandchild and stressing you out will not do either you or the baby any good," Caroline added gently. "Eat," she encouraged. Lily and Grace glanced at each other before Lily shrugged and actually began to eat the food on her plate. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hello?" "Ty?" Lily asked hesitantly. "No, this is his roommate Jeff. Hang on," Jeff said, tossing the phone to Tyler. "This is Ty." "It's Lily. Do you have a minute?" Lily asked softly. "What do you want?" Tyler wanted to know. "To apologize about the other night. I know I didn't contradict anything you said, but there never was anyone else. I'm sorry for letting you think there was," Lily told him. "And how do I know you aren't lying?" Tyler asked. "You just have to trust me, or call your parents or Grace. I had a long talk with them last night over dinner," Lily murmured. "I don't know if I can trust you. I can't talk now Lily. Don't call me again, I'll try to call you in a few weeks," Tyler said before hanging up. -2 and a half years later- "Ty, you're back!" Grace exclaimed, giving her brother a big hug. She looked surprised to see a tall, thin red haired girl standing behind him. "Who's this?" Grace wanted to know, narrowing her eyes. "This is Jenni. She's the girl I told you about," Tyler answered. Grace studied her brother's girlfriend carefully. "I didn't know you were bringing her home with you," Grace said with a frown. "Grace, where are your manners?" Tyler scolded teasingly. Grace stuck her tongue out at her brother. "Sorry, I'm Grace, it's nice to meet you," Grace said hesitantly. Jenni smiled. "It's nice to meet you. Ty talks about you all the time," Jenni cooed. Jenni's voice reminded Grace of the bubble gum cheerleaders that she had gone to school with and made Grace want to vomit. Grace looked up when she heard her name being called and groaned silently. "Who's that?" Jenni wanted to know. "My friend Lily and her daughter," Grace answered, giving Tyler a look. Tyler swallowed hard as a little girl with blond hair came running up the sidewalk, her mother following close behind. "Ty," Lily gasped, coming to a dead stop, not seeing her daughter push past Jenni and leap into Grace's outstretched arms. "Hey," Tyler said, a forced smile on his face. "Lily, this is my wife Jenni, Jenni, this is Lily," Tyler introduced. Lily felt all color drain from her face and Grace's wide eyes met hers. "You never said you guys were married!" Grace exclaimed, frowning at the look on Lily's face. "C'mon Lil, let's go get Mia some cookies so Ty can explain to my mother why she wasn't invited to the wedding," Grace added, grabbing Lily by the arm and dragging her into the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lily, can we talk?" Tyler asked as she was getting ready to leave. "No," Lily said, stuffing toys back into the bag. "Two minutes Lily," Tyler insisted, grabbing Lily's arm. "What do you want Ty? Don't you have a new bride to fuck?" Lily asked harshly. "That wasn't necessary Lily," Tyler warned. "What do you want Ty?" Lily repeated. "Mia's beautiful," Tyler said softly. Lily smiled. "Yes, she is," she agreed. "Is she really mine?" Tyler wanted to know. "Would you believe me if I said yes?" Lily countered. "Maybe," Tyler admitted. Before Lily could say anything else, Grace, Jenni and Mia returned to the living room. "Someone's ready for her nap," Grace said with a small smile. "No nap!" Mia whined. Lily laughed as she put the last toy in the bag and zipped it shut. "I'll tell you what kiddo, lets both go home and take a nap. We need to get home before Carter does," Lily murmured. Grace frowned. "You're still with that loser?" Grace asked. "Don't do this Grace," Lily pleaded. "Who's Carter?" Tyler wanted to know. "My boyfriend," Lily answered. "He's a douche bag," Grace growled. "Grace, not in front of Mia," Lily scolded, taking Mia from her friend. "I'll call you later. It was good seeing you again Ty," she added before hurrying out the door. Tyler walked into the kitchen and watched Grace make herself a cup of hot cocoa. "Who's Carter?" Tyler asked. Grace jumped. "Holy hell Ty!" she gasped. "Who's Carter?" Tyler asked again. "Lily started dating him six months ago. Lily's been different since. He ignores Mia, and even if Lily doesn't feel like having sex, he makes her; I've seen marks on her wrists; apparently Carter is into restraints," Grace answered. "Has he hit her?" Tyler's voice was low and Grace could hear the anger just below the surface. "Lily hasn't said anything about that; but Carter isn't right, there's something about him that scares me. Mom and Dad too. Dad's even got someone following Lily for her own protection," Grace murmured. "Why hasn't she left him?" Tyler wanted to know. "I don't know," Grace admitted. "If he hurts her, I'll ..." "You'll do what? You're married remember?" Grace taunted, taking her mug of cocoa and leaving the kitchen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lily!" Lily looked up to see Tyler walking over to her. "What's up Ty?" Lily asked. "We need to talk, about Mia," Tyler answered. "Ty, please, I don't have time for this," Lily pleaded, her eyes darting down the street. "Excuse me, who the hell are you?" a tall man with dark red hair and dark green eyes asked, coming to a stop next to Lily. "Carter, this is Grace's brother Tyler," Lily introduced with a sigh. She could already feel the headache forming. "Hello," Tyler said, reaching out his hand. "What do you want with my girl?" Carter wanted to know. "Just to say hello. I haven't seen her much since I went off to Stanford," Tyler answered. "Well, you've said hello and now you can leave. C'mon Lily, we need to go get your little brat from day care," Carter said, pushing Lily towards his car. Tyler felt a wave of anger rush through him as he watched Lily be led away like a farmer leads his cattle. -6 months later- "This is Ty." "Ty, it's Lily." Tyler frowned at the frantic tone of her voice. "What's wrong Lil?" Tyler asked. "Mia's sick, she's in the hospital," Lily began. "And?" Tyler wanted to know. "I need your help. Please come," Lily pleaded. "I'll have to think about it," Tyler said before hanging up. "Who was that?" Jenni asked. "Lily. Mia's in the hospital," Tyler answered, glancing over at his wife and trying to hide his disappointment. After nearly two years of marriage, Jenni still wasn't pregnant. Tyler didn't know much about what he wanted, but he did know he wanted children. He had graduated college with honors several years early and was on his way to opening his own business, or maybe taking a job in his father's firm. "So?" Jenni asked, looking over her nails carefully to make sure she hadn't smudged them. "She's asking for my help," Tyler said. Jenni looked up, her eyes narrowing. "Why?" Jenni asked sharply. "There's a chance that Mia's my daughter," Tyler admitted. "You slept with that little whore?" Jenni growled. "What makes you think she's a whore?" Tyler wanted to know. "You said there is a chance, that means that she slept with someone else," Jenni pointed out. Tyler opened his mouth to defend Lily but nothing came out. "Go to her, find out if Mia is yours. Do nothing else until then," Jenni said, waving her hand at him as if she were dismissing him. -Hours later- "Lil?" Tyler asked gently, knocking on the door. Lily looked up, her eyes red from crying. "Thank God!" Lily gasped, standing up. "Where's Carter?" Tyler wanted to know. Lily made a noise that sounded like a cross between laughing and crying. "I threw him out a few months ago," Lily answered. Before Tyler could ask any more questions, Lily lifted the hem of her shirt to reveal a long jagged scar. "What happened?" Tyler wanted to know. "I got pregnant and he didn't want it," Lily said, looking away. Tyler tilted Lily's face so that her eyes would meet his. "You deserve better," Tyler murmured, his eyes flashed with anger and Lily flinched and pulled away. "What's wrong with Mia?" he wanted to know. Lily began to cry again and Tyler helped her back into her chair before she collapsed. "She has Leukemia," Grace said from the doorway. "She needs a bone marrow transplant. Lily doesn't completely match, and neither do dad, mom or I," Grace added. "Why would you match at all?" Tyler asked, playing stupid. Before Grace or Lily could say anything more, the doctor walked back into the room. "Have you reached Mia's father yet Lily?" he asked gently. "Yes," Lily murmured. "How do I know she's mine?" Tyler wanted to know. "Damn it Ty, do you think I would have called you away from your precious wife if there was any doubt in my mind?" Lily shouted. "You're Tyler Billings?" the doctor asked and Tyler nodded. "Come with me and we'll get you tested so we can rush the results. Even with the rush, it could still take at least twenty four hours," the doctor told Lily gently. Lily nodded and watched in silence as Tyler was led from the waiting room and to a procedure room. Grace sat down next to her friend and gave Lily a gentle squeeze. "Everything is going to be okay," Grace promised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lily?" Tyler asked, walking back into the room. "How are you feeling?" Lily wanted to know. "Sore," Tyler admitted, sitting in the chair across from Lily. "I was talking to my mom, and she mentioned something about you having twins," Tyler began. Lily's eyes filled with tears again but she nodded. "What happened?" he asked gently. "I went into labor not too long after you left for Stanford. They managed to stop it, but only for a couple of weeks. Mia and Sam were taken to the PICU but Sam's lungs never finished developing and he only lived a few days. Mia was stronger and despite coding twice, she made it," Lily said, closing her eyes against the onslaught of memories. Finally, Lily opened her eyes long enough to dig something out of her bag. She reached out to hand them to Tyler and he realized they were pictures. "Your mom said he looked just like you," Lily whispered, silent tears streaming down her face. "Why didn't you call me?" Tyler asked several minutes later. Before Lily could answer, the doctor walked into the room. "Doctor Anderson?" Lily asked, her voice shaky. "Mr. Billings, your bone marrow was a 100% match, both tissue and blood type. We'd like to get you prepped immediately," Doctor Anderson announced. "What does that mean?" Tyler wanted to know. "It's great news. It also concurs with the paternity test that you are Mia's father. We only have a short window for this," Doctor Anderson answered, holding out the consent form. Tyler glanced at Lily before reaching for the form and signing it quickly. Lily waited for Tyler to be led from the room before dialing Grace's number. "He matched," Lily said before hanging up the phone. She walked over and looked through the window at her daughter who was being prepped for the radiation treatment. Her once blond hair was now shorter then the hair on some new born babies. "Please God, don't take my baby," Lily whispered as she watched Mia crying in her bed, scared and alone. Finding a New Life Ch. 05 Lily awoke with a start when she felt someone shaking her. "Grace!" Lily gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "Are you okay?" Grace asked her friend. "I'm scared for her," Lily whispered. "Mia is going to be just fine," Grace murmured, giving her friend a hug. "How do you know?" Lily sniffled. "I just do," Grace said. "Don't you get it that this is Mia's last chance? If she rejects Ty's bone marrow, then that's it; we'll just be waiting for her to die!" Lily exclaimed. "You can't think that way! I know you're scared, and poor Mia is terrified, but Lily, you have to be strong for her. If you fall apart, Mia will be even more scared than she is now!" Grace said, giving her friend a gentle shake before pulling her in for another hug. "You're right. I'm sorry," Lily murmured. "It's okay to fall apart Lil, you've been doing this on your own for so long, but you can't give up," Grace said softly. "She's right," Tyler said from behind his sister. "What are you doing here?" Lily wanted to know. "Waiting for news on our daughter," Tyler answered calmly; his eyes showing no signs of pain. "How's your hip?" Grace asked. "Sore," Tyler admitted, walking over to the couch next to the chair that Lily had been sitting in. Grace looked from her brother to her friend. "I'm going to go call mom and dad and let them know they took Mia back for the transplant," she said softly before quickly leaving the waiting room. "How are you holding up?" Tyler asked. "By a thread," Lily admitted, not looking at him. "Lily, look at me," Tyler said. When Lily didn't comply, Tyler tilted her face towards his. "Lily, why did you let me think there had been someone else?" Tyler wanted to know. "Because you couldn't even stand up to your own mother about where you wanted to go to college, how could I expect you to be ready to be a father?" Lily murmured, rubbing her face. She'd been up for almost twenty four hours, not counting the cat naps she had tried to take on the uncomfortable couch. "But to not correct me?" Tyler asked. "You didn't really give me the chance. Thirty seconds isn't a lot of time," Lily reminded him. Tyler opened his mouth to speak, but his cell phone rang. "Hey Jenni," Tyler said, answering the call. Lily grabbed a magazine to try and give them a measure of privacy. "Why didn't you call me when you got there, and why haven't you answered any of my calls? I've called you twenty times at least!" Jenni demanded to know. "They tested me the minute I got to the hospital," Tyler answered. "And are you the little brat's father?" Jenni asked. "Her name is Mia, and the simple answer to that is yes," Tyler said, feeling a headache coming on. "I see. And did you match?" Jenni wanted to know. "Yes, and I've already donated my bone marrow. They've taken Mia back already," Tyler answered. "You should have consulted me first; after all, I am your wife," Jenni said with a sigh. "There wasn't time Jen, Mia is at death's door," Tyler said softly, glancing over at Lily. He could see the tears in her eyes and sighed loudly. "You still should have called me. The bitch lets you think that she slept with someone else and you still go rushing back to her side when she asks for help?" Jenni was growing angry. "What was I supposed to do Jenni, just let her die?" Tyler asked. "Yes!" Jenni's exclamation was so loud that Lily could hear it. "You don't owe the little brat anything," she added. "You're unbelievable Jenni. We're talking about a two and a half year old little girl. No matter what happened between Lily and I, Mia is innocent in all of this," Tyler said, trying to control his anger. "Maybe it's God's way of punishing Lily for being a little whore," Jenni suggested. "Lily has been through more than enough pain in her life, God wouldn't punish her by taking her child away," Tyler growled. "How much pain could one person really have? Lily's only what, twenty one?" Jenni asked. "Almost. She's been through a lot. Look, Jen, I need to know, can you accept Mia as being part of my life?" Tyler wanted to know. "I hate kids Ty, haven't you figured that out by now?" Jenni countered. "What?" Tyler asked. "I've been on birth control since I hit puberty. Why do you think we haven't gotten pregnant yet?" Jenni told him. Tyler closed his eyes and counted silently to ten. "Ty?" "I have to go Jen. I'll call you later," Tyler said, hanging up. "Is everything okay?" Lily asked. "No, not really," Tyler answered. "So how long is this going to take?" he wanted to know. "They're just killing her old bone marrow right now, the actual transplant won't be for a few days," Lily answered. "Did they give you anything for pain?" Lily wanted to know. "Yeah, but you know me, I hate medication," Tyler said with a grin. Lily smiled back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lily looked up to Tyler's wife Jenni walking into her office. "What do you want Jenni?" Lily asked with a sigh. Jenni looked perfect with her red hair swept into an elegant up-do, but her green eyes were flashing with anger. "To thank you for ruining my life," Jenni snarled. "I have no idea what you're talking about," Lily said with a sigh. It was her first day back to work since Mia's transplant and she was mentally and physically exhausted. "Ty has filled for a divorce and it's all your fault," Jenni snapped. "Jenni, I don't have time for this, I have a huge meeting soon," Lily said. "Make time, you husband stealing whore!" Jenni exclaimed. Lily looked at Jenni with disdain. "Jenni, you've know Ty for two, maybe two and a half years. He told me about the birth control, and I know for a fact he told you that he wanted children. You have no idea how bad he took it when he thought Mia wasn't his," Lily said. "So what? Why couldn't you just stay out of his life? Out of our lives?" Jenni snarled. "If it hadn't been for Mia nearly dying, I wouldn't have disrupted your life, now I need you to get out of my office," Lily said. "No. Not until you tell Ty to leave you and Mia alone," Jenni said, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm not going to kick Ty out of Mia's life. That's his choice," Lily replied. "Now get the fuck out of my office before I call security and have you removed," she added, standing up. Lily looked up to find Tyler standing behind Jenni, his eyes flashing with anger. "Hello Ty," Lily said with a small smile. "How dare you take out your anger on an innocent child!" Tyler seethed, as he walked over and turned Jenni to face him. "But she ..." "It is not Mia's fault that you are a cold hearted bitch. I just wish I had seen it sooner," Tyler said. "I believe Lily asked you to leave," he added. Jenni gave Lily one last look before storming out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So, how did you mange to graduate in two years?" Lily wanted to know. "Two and a half actually. Remember all of the AP and CP classes I took in high school?" Lily nodded. "I passed all of them. My lowest grade was a B. That knocked out the science, math, english and history classes I needed to take. All I really had to take were a few electives and the core classes for my major and minor," Tyler said. "But that only knocks out ten classes max," Lily murmured, taking a bite of her sweet and sour chicken. "Yeah, but I took 21 credits each semester. And I took spring and summer classes too," Tyler said with a grin. "You're crazy," Lily laughed. "Probably," Tyler agreed. "Lily, how have you been able to do all of what you're doing?" Tyler wanted to know. Lily sighed and took another bite of her sweet and sour chicken. "Your parents and Grace have done a lot. Your mom watches Mia during the day while I work and Grace moved in with us to help out after Mia got sick," Lily answered. "What made you date that douche?" Tyler asked suddenly and Lily choked on her sip of water. "Honestly, I don't know. He was nice at first, but after a few months, he changed. He never hurt Mia, but he wasn't the most caring towards her either," Lily said, shaking her head. "But he hurt you," Tyler murmured. "It's the past Ty," Lily told him. Ty reached over and pushed the bottom of Lily's shirt away to reveal the scar. Lily pushed his hand away and stood up. "What did he do to you?" Tyler wanted to know. "I don't want to talk about it," Lily said. "Lily, we're going to talk to this. What did he do?" Tyler asked. "Tyler, it's the past, it doesn't matter!" Lily exclaimed. "It does matter," Tyler argued. "Why?" Lily wanted to know. "Because you matter!" Tyler exclaimed. Lily looked surprised. "I've always cared about you Lily," he said more softly. "When I found out you were pregnant, I was terrified," Tyler began. "So was I," Lily admitted. "And when you didn't deny that there was someone else, I lost my mind. I was so angry with you, so hurt that you would do something like that," Tyler told Lily. "Then why didn't you come back when I called you to tell you that there wasn't anyone else?" Lily wanted to know. "I was still angry with you for not setting me straight," Tyler admitted. -Hours later- "Lily?" Grace called from the doorway. When Lily didn't answer, she walked deeper into the house and smiled when she found Tyler and Lily asleep on the over-sized love seat, Lily's head resting in Tyler's lap. Grace turned to leave when Lily woke up and sat up, rubbing her eyes groggily. "Grace, what are you doing here?" Lily asked. The sound of Lily's voice jarred Tyler awake and he blinked, trying to get his eyes to adjust to the sudden flood of light as Lily turned on the lamp. "Mom wanted me to come check on Mia," Grace answered. "Mia's still in the hospital, but doctor Anderson says she's doing a lot better," Lily told her friend. "Good. I was also supposed to tell you both to come for dinner, but I see you've already eaten," Grace said with a grin. "Chinese," Tyler told Grace. She rolled her eyes. "I'm not blind Ty," she teased him. "Anything else?" Tyler asked with a grin. "Yeah, Mom wants to see you both," Grace answered. Tyler and Lily exchanged looks before they followed Grace out the door. "Uh-oh, she must not want us to be able to storm out, she sent the car," Lily teased. "Probably," Tyler agreed, rubbing his eyes as he held the door open for Lily. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I'm glad you could both make it," Caroline said as Tyler and Lily walked into the study. Tyler and Lily exchanged worried glances when they noticed the grim expression on Greg's face. Greg pushed himself away from the book shelf he had been leaning against and poured himself a cup of coffee. "What's up dad?" Tyler asked. "Have a seat, both of you," Greg said. Lily and Tyler sat down and Greg finally smiled. "Ty, I heard from Grace that you filed for divorce," Greg began. Tyler nodded. "Good. From what I've seen of that girl, she isn't right for you," Caroline interjected. Tyler looked at his mother and shook his head slightly. "What is this about?" Lily asked. Greg sighed slightly. "Please tell me that nobody else is sick," Lily said. "We're fine Lily. We wanted to show you this," Greg answered, sliding a piece of paper towards her. "You're writing Mia into your will?" Lily asked in surprise. "She's our granddaughter, why shouldn't we?" Caroline asked. "I'm just surprised," Lily murmured. "I know I'm not your favorite person," Lily added. "How I feel about you has no effect on how I feel about my granddaughter," Caroline snapped. "Back to the matter at hand. Tyler, I need to speak with you alone," Greg said, leading his son from the study. "Lily, I want for you and Ty to try to get together. He loves you and you've always loved him," Caroline said. Lily looked stunned. "But you can't stand me," Lily whispered. "That isn't true. When I first met you Lily, you were just a little girl who had been through hell. When Ty became interested in you, I was worried, but only because I care about both of you," Caroline said. "Why were you worried? Did you think I was like my mother?" Lily wanted to know. "Your mother was a good woman Lily who made some mistakes. Greg and I went to school with David and Eve. In fact, Greg and Eve dated all through high school," Caroline said. "Were you worried that Greg was my father?" Lily asked softly. "For a little while, yes. But Greg said he hadn't seen your mother since ..." Caroline's voice trailed off as the door opened and Greg and Tyler walked back into the study. "Since what?" Lily wanted to know. "Since graduation," Greg said. "Caro, could you give us a few minutes?" Greg asked. Caroline nodded and left the study. "Dad, what was mom trying to tell Lily?" Tyler wanted to know. Greg sighed. "Eve was pregnant when we graduated," Greg said. Lily's eyes widened and she gasped. "By you?" she whispered. Greg nodded. "Lily and I share a sibling?" Tyler asked. "A brother," Greg confirmed. Finding a New Life Ch. 06 "I don't believe this," Lily said, standing up and turning away. "Where is he?" Ty wanted to know. "It's a long story," Greg told his son. "Well, you've made it impossible for us to go anywhere, so why don't you explain?" Lily snapped. "Did your mother ever take you or Eli to visit your grandmother?" Greg wanted to know. "No, she didn't. Mom always said her parents were dead," Eli said from the doorway. "What's going on?" Grace wanted to know. Greg sighed but ushered them both into the study. "Dad and Lily's mom were dating in high school. Lily's mom was pregnant with our brother when she graduated," Tyler told his sister. "Your grandparents sent your mother to a home for pregnant unmarried teens and the baby was put up for adoption. Your mom wasn't even allowed to hold him," Greg told Lily and Eli. "Why didn't mom tell us?" Eli wanted to know, putting his arm around his sister's shoulders. "I don't know. I tried to find him though," Greg said. "And?" Tyler asked, looking at Lily in concern. Before Greg could answer, Caroline walked back into the study with a file folder. "This just came," she said softly. Greg flipped through the folder and sighed. "He was killed in a drunk driving accident last year. He left behind a fiancée, no kids. His adoptive parents live in New Jersey," Greg said. Before anyone else could say anything, Lily's cell phone rang. "Hello?" Lily answered the phone and listened intently. When she hung up the phone, her eyes were wide and her face was pale. "What's wrong?" Tyler asked. "Mia's gone in for the transplant," Lily murmured. Tyler grabbed Lily's hand and pulled her to the garage where his father's mustang was parked. "What about keys?" she asked. Tyler grinned and walked over to the locked box on the wall. He entered the code and pulled the keys out of the box. "Let's go," Tyler said with a grin. "Doctor Anderson!" Lily shouted as she hurried up to her daughter's doctor. "I'm glad to see you finally went home and got some rest. The transplant took a little longer than I thought, but Mia came through like a champ. Barring rejection, Mia should be just fine. We'll begin some chemo just to make sure that all the Cancer cells are gone, but given how close the match was, there's very little chance of that," Doctor Anderson told them. Lily gave him a hug. "Thank you so much for everything," Lily murmured. "It was my pleasure," Doctor Anderson said before walking away. Tyler looked at Lily and they both heaved huge sighs of relief. "When will they let us see her?" Tyler wanted to know. Lily fished her notes out of her pocket and Tyler chuckled slightly. "In a few hours, once they have her settled in isolation," Lily answered, sticking her tongue out at him. "Geek," Tyler teased, grabbing the notes from Lily. "Nerd," Lily countered. "Okay you two, grow up," Eli said from behind them. "What's the news on Mia?" Grace wanted to know. "She did well," Tyler answered, glancing at Lily. Lily caught him staring and blushed. "Eli?" Everyone turned to look at the young woman in the doorway and Eli grinned. "Emma, this is my sister Lily, my friend Ty and his sister Grace. Guys, this is Emma," Eli introduced. Lily and Grace exchanged glances. "I didn't know you had a girlfriend Eli," Lily said with a small smile. "My life isn't an open book," Eli reminded his sister. "How long have you been dating?" Lily asked innocently. "Don't start Lil," Eli warned. "You're seventeen Eli, I'll start if I want," Lily said. "Is your niece okay?" Emma asked. "She's doing better, thank God," Eli told Emma. Grace ruffled Eli's hair. "Aww, Lil, look at little Eli, he's growing up soo fast," Grace squealed. Lily and Ty burst out laughing and Eli scowled. "Oh knock it off," Eli grumbled, leading Emma to the far side of the waiting room. Grace looked at Lily, her eyes full of concern. "Why don't you go home Lil, you look like death warmed over," Grace said gently. "I want to be here when Mia wakes up," Lily said stubbornly. Grace held up her car keys and swapped them for the keys to the mustang. "What are you doing?" Lily asked, seeing the swap. "I'm taking you some place where you can rest," Tyler answered, slipping a piece of paper into his sister's hand. "I want to stay here," Lily said stubbornly. "You won't do Mia any good if you stay here and wear yourself out to the point of exhaustion," Tyler pointed out. Lily opened her mouth to argue again but Tyler pulled her towards the exit. "Ty, you have no right ..." Lily swallowed her words when Tyler pushed her gently up against the wall and pressed his lips to hers. "Stop complaining, I'm taking you to rest," Tyler murmured, his voice thick with emotion. Lily allowed herself to be led to Grace's jeep and slid inside. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Where are we?" Lily wanted to know. "My hotel," Tyler answered. "It's beautiful," Lily murmured. "It belonged to my grandfather. It started out as just a small bed and breakfast, but when grandpa passed on, dad turned it into a four star resort," Tyler said with a grin. "Hold my calls Jo," he told the girl at the front desk before he led Lily into his suite. "Ty, why did you come rushing back when I called about Mia?" Lily asked suddenly. "Because she's my daughter. I may have denied it before the blood test, but I knew it from the minute I set eyes on her," Tyler answered. "But I was waiting for you to come to me," he added. "Why Jenni? She doesn't seem your type," Lily murmured. "She looked a little like you," Tyler admitted. Lily looked up, surprised by the comment. "I've always loved you Lily, but the only time I had the courage to admit it was after Justin shot you," he added. "I didn't hear you," Lily said softly. "You were asleep," Tyler admitted. "You looked so peaceful and beautiful. If you had known then that you were pregnant, I would have dropped everything to be with you if you'd let me." "I did know. The doctor told me right before you, Grace and Caroline came to visit. I almost did tell you, but I was scared that you wouldn't want anything to do with me ... and I was terrified of what your mother would say, so I kept it to myself for as long as I could," Lily said quietly. "Wow, did we make a mess of things," Tyler said. Lily nodded. "We could start over," Tyler suggested, reaching for Lily's hand. Lily ran her thumb over his knuckles and stopped when her thumb brushed over his wedding band. "You're married Ty," Lily reminded him. Tyler tugged off the ring. "Not for long," he said. "We aren't starting anything until your divorce is finalized," Lily told him firmly. "Just one kiss," Ty murmured, pressing his lips to hers. Lily closed her eyes and let the sensations rush over her. "Stop," she said weakly as she was pushed down onto the bed. "I can't," Tyler groaned, running his hands down her shoulders before cupping her breasts. "Ty," Lily moaned as he rolled his fingers lightly over her nipples. Lily tried to push him away but Ty kissed her again and Lily was lost. Lily stopped protesting and helped Ty pull her clothing off of her. Tyler stopped and stared in shock at the full length of the scar on Lily's abdomen. "What did he do?" Tyler whispered. Lily reached for her shirt but Tyler pushed it away. "You're still beautiful," he murmured. Lily shivered as Tyler pressed kisses down her body, spending a few agonizing moments kissing her scar while his fingers dipped inside her. Lily moaned as his fingers stroked her tenderly. He stood up long enough to roughly pull his own clothing off and let them drop in a pile on the floor. "Ty," Lily said weakly, bunching her fists in his hair as he pressed his lips to her clit and sucked gently. Lily's hips arched upwards and Ty grinned as he pressed her back down into the mattress. "I love you Lily," Tyler moaned as he pressed his cock against her folds. "I love you too," Lily admitted as he thrust into her. Lily met him thrust for thrust; their tongues melded together as pleasure rushed over them. Lily let out a choked scream as she came and bit down on Tyler's shoulder to muffle the sound. Tyler winced and chuckled; his chuckle turned into a hoarse yelp. Lily closed her eyes as she felt his seed pulse into her. Tyler collapsed over Lily for a moment before rolling off of her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You look better," Grace said the next morning when she slid into the booth across from Lily. "I feel better," Lily admitted. "Where's Ty?" Grace wanted to know. "Still sleeping," Lily answered. Grace studied Lily carefully and grinned. "You got laid last night," she accused. "What makes you say that?" Lily wanted to know, taking a hasty sip of her water. "It's all over your face beautiful," Tyler said. Lily looked up, her eyes wide. "Did you think I wouldn't know that you took off?" he asked, his eyes shining. Lily blushed but slid over to make room for Tyler. "Isn't this cozy." Tyler looked up, his eyes narrow. "What do you want Jen?" he asked. She tossed papers at him. "We're done, just like you wanted," Jenni told him before walking away. Tyler flipped through the papers and grinned. "I'm officially divorced," he announced. "How is that possible? You only filed a few days ago," Lily asked in surprise. "It helps when you give a large one time alimony payment," Tyler said. "How much?" Grace wanted to know. "Enough." Grace rolled her eyes as the waitress walked up to take their orders. It was Tyler's turn to look surprised when all Lily ordered was an english muffin and a bowl of cereal. "That's it?" Tyler asked. "That's all I need," Lily answered. Tyler shook his head. "I remember when you used to out eat me," he said with a grin. "I still can; I just don't keep it off as easily as I did in high school," Lily told him. "You look amazing," Tyler told Lily. She laughed. "Thanks to a diet and exercise regime," Lily countered. "Bull," Tyler said, taking a sip of his coffee. "I gained almost forty-five pounds when I was pregnant with Mia. It wasn't pretty," Lily said. "You were depressed," Grace reminded her friend. "All I did was eat, so when I had Mia, I decided to join a gym as soon as I was given the okay for strenuous activity. It took nearly a year for me to lose the weight, but I've decided not to let myself get that huge again," Lily added. "You're supposed to get huge when you're pregnant," Tyler said. Lily and Grace exchanged looks and Lily shook her head. "I could hardly move," she told Tyler. He grinned. "I bet you were cute." "As cute as a whale," Lily retorted. "Oh grow up," Grace said laughing as the waitress brought their breakfasts. Finding a New Life Ch. 07-08 CHAPTER SEVEN "Lily, I have to talk to you!" Grace exclaimed. Lily looked up from her book. "What's going on?" Lily wanted to know. "I met a guy and I need some advice," Grace said. Lily grinned. "It's about time. I think your parents had given up on you," she teased. "His name is Grant. He's from New York City and he's totally cute," Grace gushed. "What is he doing in Ann Arbor?" Lily wanted to know. "Going to the U of M. He wants to be come a doctor," Grace answered. Lily grinned. "Caroline will be impressed," Lily told her friend. "Is that him?" Lily wanted to know, pointing to a man staring in the window. Grace nodded. "Can he come in and say hello? He's really great with kids," Grace said. "I was actually just about to head to the office for a few hours before going home to rest," Lily said, standing up. "You and Tyler still doing the horizontal mambo?" Grace teased. "For heaven's sake Grace, you're twenty three, act like it," Lily said laughing. She pulled off the protective gear and dumped them in the bin and watched as Grace followed suit. "Lil, this is Grant. Grant, my best friend Lily," Grace introduced. "Nice to meet you," Lily said politely. Grant smiled and shook Lily's hand. "Grace has told me so much about you," Grant told Lily. "How is Mia doing?" he asked. Lily looked in the window at her sleeping daughter and smiled. "Much better. I can take her home next week," Lily answered. "Wonderful," Grant said, reaching for Grace's hand. "Lily, you're supposed to come to dinner tonight," Grace said as they walked towards the exit. "Is Ty planning on proposing again? Because if he is, the answer is still the same," Lily asked wearily. "The invitation is from my parents, not my brother," Grace promised. "Six thirty?" Lily asked. Grace nodded. "I'll see you then," Lily told Grace before going off towards her car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "How's Mia doing?" Caroline asked. "She's doing great," Lily answered before taking a bite of her salad. "So Grant, what are you going to school for?" Greg asked. "I'm in the pre-med program. Specializing in pediatrics," Grant answered. "That's great," Caroline said, giving her daughter a look that Lily recognized as Caroline's seal of approval. Everyone looked up when Tyler walked into the dining room. "Sorry I'm late," Tyler said, sitting down in the only available chair; across the table from Lily. "What are you doing here?" Lily blurted out, forgetting her manners. "I live here," Tyler reminded Lily, giving her an odd look. "What she means is, weren't you in a meeting?" Grace asked her brother. "It ended early," Tyler said, reaching for the bowl of salad. Lily shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "What's wrong? Is something wrong with Mia?" Tyler asked. "No, she's fine," Lily said softly. Tyler studied Lily's face. "I hate to ask this, but would anyone mind if I took off? It's been an emotional couple of months and I'm completely exhausted," Lily said softly. Caroline nodded. "Go ahead and get some rest, Mia will be home soon and demanding all of your attention," Caroline told Lily. Lily smiled. "It was nice meeting you," Lily told Grant before getting up and heading for the door. "Lily, wait!" Tyler shouted, following Lily out to the driveway. "What do you want Ty?" Lily asked wearily. "Are you okay?" Tyler wanted to know. "I'm just tired," Lily answered. "Are you sure you're just tired? There isn't anything more to it?" Tyler asked. "What are you asking Ty?" Lily asked, closing her eyes with a sigh. "Is there any chance you're pregnant?" Tyler murmured. Lily's eyes shot open. "No, there's no chance," Lily said. "How can you be sure?" Tyler wanted to know. "Because I can't be," Lily told him, before walking quickly to her car, climbing in and driving away. -2 days later- "That was some exit you made the other night," Grace said from the doorway of her office. "I can't be around Ty right now," Lily told her friend with a look of apology. "Why not?" Grace wanted to know. "He wants to marry me," Lily answered. "What's the big deal, you love him," Grace reminded her friend. "Yeah, and instead of calling me back to talk after I told him that Mia was his, he ignored me and married someone else," Lily said. "Everyone makes mistakes," Grace told her. "He's trying to move things too fast. I'm not ready for a relationship," Lily said. "You've already slept together. Recently in fact," Grace pointed out. Lily rolled her eyes. "And he's been pressuring me to marry him ever since," Lily said. "You both love each other," Grace murmured. "He needs to take things slower. We haven't even really been on a date. So we've had sex three times, so what if we share a child. I'm not marrying him just to appease his conscious," Lily told Grace. Grace nodded. "It makes sense, I guess," she agreed. "Have you told him that?" she wanted to know. "I've tried, he doesn't want to listen," Lily said. "Men," Grace said with a laughing grin. Lily grinned back. "On the plus side, I get to bring Mia home today instead of next week," Lily said. Grace's grin broadened. "That's awesome! I'm so glad," Grace told her friend. "I'm hopeful that this is the end of our nightmare," Lily said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Mommy!" Mia exclaimed as Lily walked into her room at the hospital. "Hey poppet, are you ready to go home?" Lily asked, picking her daughter up and giving her a tight, but gentle hug. "Home, home!" Mia gushed. Lily laughed. "Uncle Eli!" Mia yelled when she saw her uncle. "Hey Munchkin," Eli said, walking up next to his sister and ruffling his niece's wispy hair. "Remember, try to avoid exposure to public places for a few weeks," Doctor Anderson said, handing Lily the discharge papers. Lily signed the form and hugged her daughter close. "Thank you," Lily said softly. Doctor Anderson nodded and smiled. "Good luck," he told Lily as she and Eli left the room. -hours later- "I want to come over," Tyler said. "It's her first night home Ty and she's overwhelmed, and she doesn't even know you," Lily protested. "And who's fault is that?" Tyler wanted to know. "Yours," Lily said matter of factly. "Bull," Tyler spat. "I called you," Lily reminded him. Tyler growled but didn't say anything. "Look, Ty, just give it a few days so that Mia has some time to adjust to being back home," Lily pleaded. "I'll be by tomorrow afternoon," Tyler promised before hanging up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lily?" She looked up to find Tyler looking at her in concern. "Are you okay?" he wanted to know. "Is it Mia?" "Mia's fine, she's asleep," Lily said. "Then what's wrong?" Tyler wanted to know. "I'm just a little overwhelmed," Lily murmured. "I hear you. Why didn't you call me?" Tyler asked. "You have a life of your own," Lily reminded him. "She's my daughter Lily, I want to be a part of her life," Tyler said. "And yours," he added. "Ty, I need time," Lily told him. "Why can't you just marry me?" Tyler wanted to know. "We haven't even been on a date!" Lily protested. "So go on a date with me. Something simple, dinner and a movie perhaps," Tyler suggested. "I can't make any promises right now, not until I know how things are going with Mia," Lily told him. "Then we'll have our dinner and movie date here," Tyler said. "I don't know," Lily murmured. "It's just dinner and a movie," Tyler reminded her. "Please?" he gave her a puppy dog face and Lily couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, dinner and a movie," Lily agreed. "Great!" Tyler exclaimed, jumping up off the couch. "I'll be back in a half hour," Tyler promised, leaving the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'' "Hey, I have food from the Pizza House!" Tyler said, dropping bags of food onto the coffee table. "Great," Lily said, returning to the living room from the kitchen, carrying two glasses of red wine. "Please tell me there's manicotti in there," she pleaded. "And an Oreo milkshake with extra Oreos, just the way you like," Tyler confirmed. Lily kissed Tyler's cheek as she sat down next to him on the couch. "What movie?" Lily wanted to know. Tyler held up "The Princess Bride" and "Armageddon." "Armageddon," Lily decided. Tyler smiled and popped the dvd into the player. "Hmm, this is heaven," Lily purred, taking a bite of her manicotti. Tyler's smile widened and he took a bite of his lasagna. They ate quickly and Lily settled against Tyler and munched on popcorn while they watched the movie. "Lily?" Tyler murmured softly, glancing down at her. Lily's head rested on his chest, her eyes closed. Tyler slowly moved out from behind Lily and guided her head down to the couch. Tyler knew he should just cover her up and walk away, but he lowered a kiss to Lily's lips. When she moaned, Tyler slid his hands down over her body. "Ty," Lily moaned, arching her hips towards his fingers when he slid them inside her. "Oh hell," Tyler muttered, stroking her gently. Before he knew what was happening, Ty unbuttoned and unzipped his pants before pulling them off roughly with his free hand, his boxers not far behind. Ty pushed Lily's skirt up over her hips before he replaced his fingers with his cock. "Ty," Lily whimpered, wriggling against him. Ty pushed himself all the way inside her and began thrusting gently, his hands cupping her breasts. "Tyler, what are you doing?" Lily whispered, her eyes snapping open. "I'm sorry," Tyler groaned, lost in the sensations he was feeling. "We shouldn't be doing this," Lily moaned, her hips rocking against his, following his rhythm, matching it. "I love you," Tyler growled, as he thrust hard, fast, deep, his seed spewing from his cock and coating her. Tyler's orgasm triggered hers and Lily cried out into his shoulder, hoping it would be muffled enough not to wake Mia. "Damn it Ty, get off of me," Lily said, pushing up at him once she had caught her breath. "I couldn't help myself," Tyler apologized, pulling away from her. "Get out Ty," Lily told him. "Lily, we need to talk about this," Tyler said. "No, we don't. I thought I made this perfectly clear that I wanted to take things slowly. Having sex with me while I'm asleep doesn't coincide with taking things slowly," Lily retorted. "C'mon Lil, don't do this," Tyler pleaded, pulling his boxers and pants up. "Just go," Lily pleaded. "I'm sorry," Tyler said, pressing a kiss to Lily's cheek before walking away. CHAPTER EIGHT "Have you told Mia that Ty's her father?" Grace asked. "Yeah, she's over the moon to finally have a daddy. How are things with you and Grant?" Lily wanted to know. "Better then they are between you and Ty," Grace answered. "Ty really loves you Lil," she added. "Did he tell you that he started fucking me while I was sleeping?" Lily asked. "Are you serious?" Grace asked in surprise. Lily nodded. "I feel asleep watching Armageddon and when I woke up, he was inside me," Lily said softly. "I can't believe him," Grace said, her eyes wide. "Neither can I," Lily admitted. "But it was still amazing," she added with a small grin. "You're insane," Grace said with a grin of her own. "I don't know what to do Grace," Lily whispered, leaning against the wall in the center of Briarwood Mall, the spray of the waterfall hitting the back of Lily's shoulders. "Keep taking things slowly," Grace suggested. "I'm trying, Ty doesn't seem to agree," Lily sighed. "Let's go to CPK, have some lunch and then do some shopping," Grace said. Lily nodded and followed her friend to the restaurant. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Grace?" "I'm back here Grant!" Grace called back. Grant walked down the hall and into Grace's room. "How was your day?" Grace asked, laying on her side on the bed, her elbow propping up her head. Grant's eyes widened when he saw the sheerness of the night gown she wore. "Grace, what are you planning?" Grant stammered. "Do you really need me to spell it out?" Grace wanted to know, giving him a small smile. Grant smiled back. "No," Grant said, stretching out next to Grace on the bed. "You're gorgeous," he breathed, pulling the straps down her shoulders. Grace held her breath as Grant kissed her softly, his hands roaming over her. "Are you sure you want this?" Grant asked. Grace answered him by unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it down his arms. "I'm more sure of this then anything else I've ever done," Grace assured him, unsnapping his jeans. Grant helped her push the jeans down his legs and let them drop to the floor with his button down shirt. "So you're a boxer briefs man," Grace murmured. Grant grinned and closed his eyes with a moan when Grace started lowering his boxers down his legs using her teeth. When the boxers were with the rest of his clothes, Grant ripped the night gown from Grace's body and gently pushed her against the bed. Grace opened her mouth to protest, but Grant covered it with his as he thrust full and deep. Grace's moan of pain was muffled by Grant's mouth and tears streamed down her face and onto Grant's shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me?" Grant whispered, coming to a stop, holding as still as he could. "It doesn't matter," Grace murmured, blinking as she got used to the feeling of being filled. "Tell me if I'm too rough," he murmured as he began to thrust deeply inside her. Grant couldn't help the smile of satisfaction when Grace moaned and lifted her hips to meet his. "Harder, please," Grace moaned. Grant obliged happily and thrust hard, deep, fast; he guided Grace's hips with his hands and she cried out as the pleasure of her orgasm rushed over her. Grant followed close behind with a yell. Grant rolled over and lay next to Grace, his hand in hers while they waited for their breathing to return to normal. "Are you okay?" Grant asked. "I'm wonderful," Grace purred. Grant smiled. "Any regrets?" Grant asked. Grace shook her head. "You?" Grace wanted to know. "None," Grant assured her. "You look like the cat that ate the canary," Lily observed as Grace sat down across the table from her. "Grant and I had sex last night," Grace murmured with a smile. "Ahh. And I take it from the goofy look on your face that it was good," Lily said with a wry grin. "It was really good. Not that I have much experience," Grace answered. "So how is it you have time for lunch?" Grace wanted to know. "I've decided to take a leave from the company. Mia needs me more right now then I need a job," Lily answered. "Are you sure you can afford to take the time off?" Grace asked. "Yeah, I have plenty stored up in the bank," Lily said, taking a sip of her soda. "Good. That will give you and Ty more time to get to know each other," Grace said brightly. Lily sighed. "I don't know if Ty and I will ever get together; Lily admitted. "What? Why?" Grace asked, taking a bite of her burger. "He's being so pushy. He's always at the house, and I know he wants to see Mia, but he's always pressing me for a date or for sex," Lily answered, dragging a french fry through the ketchup before shoving it into her mouth. "He's a guy," Grace reminded Lily. "Yeah, but we're supposed to be taking this slow," Lily complained. "Have you talked to him about it?" Grace wanted to know. "I've tried, but he hasn't wanted to listen," Lily answered. "Make him understand," Grace told her friend. "He's being stubborn," Lily sighed. "Is he with Mia now?" Grace asked. Lily nodded. "He's amazing with her," she murmured. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lily walked into the house to a mountain of giggles and had to smile when she saw Tyler tickling Mia gently. "Mommy!" Mia exclaimed through her laughter when she saw Lily standing in the doorway. "You're home early," Tyler commented. "Yeah, I've decided to take some time off from work until Mia's a little stronger," Lily told Ty as Mia launched herself into her mother's arms. "That will give us plenty of time," Tyler said with a grin. Lily sighed. "Hey Mia, aunt Grace and uncle Eli are waiting to take you to grandma and grandpa's," Lily said, tickling her daughter, smiling when she giggled. "Let's go get you packed, you're spending the night," she added, carrying her daughter into her bedroom. -Ten minutes later- "Looks like we have the house to ourselves," Tyler observed as he watched his sister drive away with his daughter. "And we're going to talk," Lily told him in a voice that told him not to argue. "What's up?" leaning against the kitchen counter as he watched Lily pour herself a glass of iced water. "I know I mentioned wanting to take things slowly," Lily said, taking a sip of her water. "What's your point?" Tyler asked. "You aren't taking things slowly. Every time you get me alone, you're either asking me to marry you or you're pressing me for sex," Lily told him. "But we're great together. When we make love, fireworks go off," Tyler said, trying to be romantic. "Ty, that isn't the point. We've had sex more times then we've been on a date," Lily argued. "We've only had one date," Tyler pointed out. "Exactly," Lily said, crossing her arms over her chest. "C'mon Lil, live a little," Tyler said, reaching for her. "Ty, I want to actually go on a date. I don't want to jump anything," Lily murmured. "But I love you," Tyler pouted. Lily found herself melting as Tyler stared at her and she allowed him to pull her into her bedroom. She gasped as Tyler quickly pulled her dress up over her head and tossed it on the floor. "Ty, wait," Lily said, pushing against him as she began to regain her senses. Tyler pulled his jeans and boxers off quickly and tore his shirt over his head, letting his clothes fall next to hers. "No, Ty, stop!" Lily exclaimed. Tyler lowered his lips to hers and kissed Lily gently, lovingly. Lily pushed back on him forcefully. "I said stop!" "Lil, c'mon," Tyler murmured, dipping his fingers up inside her. "Tyler," Lily moaned, feeling her body conspire against her. "Let me love you," Tyler whispered in her ear, pulling her close to her. "No Ty, we shouldn't," Lily protested, but her protest was barely audible and Tyler pushed her up against the wall and thrust deep inside her causing Lily to cry out. "This isn't right," she said weakly. "How does it feel?" Tyler asked, thrusting hard and deep. "Wonder-ful!" Lily gasped. "Then just let go," he whispered in her ear before nibbling on the lobe. "I love you Lil and I want to marry you," he moaned, thrusting faster and harder and deeper. Lily's eyes widened and she moaned loudly as he hit her g-spot. Tyler thrust a few more times before coming to a stop. Lily squirmed against him, frustrated that the only thing she could feel were the occasional reactionary jerks of his cock as the blood continued to flow, making it harder. "Ty please!" Lily gasped. Ty thrust slowly but deeply once, and then again came to a stop. "Tyler!" Lily moaned. "Say you'll marry me," Tyler breathed in her ear. "We've only been on one date," Lily protested. Tyler grinned; he could hear the desperation in Lily's voice. "I love you, you love me, we have a beautiful daughter. Take a chance on love Lily. I've apologized for everything I've done, marry me," Tyler breathed. "Ty," Lily moaned, trying to push her hips against his. Tyler held her hips still and Lily groaned. "Marry me," Tyler repeated. Lily whimpered. "I love you," Tyler murmured, nibbling on her ear lobe. He thrust once making Lily moan; Tyler grinned, knowing she was close. "Marry me," he groaned, closing his eyes. "I ..." Lily couldn't get her brain to respond. "Do ..." Tyler thrust slightly. "You ..." he thrust a little deeper still. "Love ..." a little deeper. "Me?" Tyler asked, burying himself to the hilt. Finding a New Life Ch. 07-08 "Yes," Lily breathed. "I love you," she told him. "Then marry me. Give us a chance," he pleaded, staring in her eyes. "Lily please," he begged. Lily studied Tyler's face; she could see the hope and the longing in his face. "Lily," you're killing me," he groaned. "Give us a chance," he whispered. "Okay Ty, I'll marry you," Lily conceded. Tyler crushed his lips to hers and kissed her passionately as he thrust hard and fast, making Lily cry out in surprise. "Ty!" she moaned as he again reached her g-spot. Tyler dipped his finger between them and flicked her clit. Lily came with a shaky scream, Tyler came right behind her, his seed rushing into her. Tyler helped Lily over to the bed and lay her back against the covers before collapsing next to her. "Did you mean it?" Tyler asked after he regained his breath, rolling over to face her. "I meant it," Lily answered. Tyler grinned and ducked over the side of the bed, pulled something out of the pocket of his jeans before looking at Lily again. Lily gasped as Tyler held up a ring of opals and diamonds before he reached for her left hand and slid the ring over her ring finger. "Ty," Lily whispered. "I love you," Tyler murmured, his eyes shining with tears before he pressed a tender kiss to Lily's swollen lips. "I love you too," Lily said quietly. Finding a New Life Ch. 09-10 CHAPTER NINE "Lily, would you relax?" Grace asked with a grin. "I'm nervous as hell," Lily grumbled. "It's just dinner with my parents," Grace reasoned, as she unwound the curling iron from a strand of Lily's hair. "Yeah, and I get to tell your parents that Ty and I are engaged," Lily said, tapping her fingers on the arm of the chair. "No, Ty said he wants to tell them," Grace told her friend. "I don't know if I can do this," Lily groaned. "You'll be fine. What are you so afraid of? You've had dinners at my parents' house before," Grace wanted to know. "Your mom doesn't really like me," Lily reminded Grace. "Who cares? What matters is Ty likes you, and mom will get over it," Grace said, applying the curling iron to the last strand of straight hair. "I still don't know if I can do this," Lily whispered. "You'll be fine," Grace repeated, setting down the curling iron on the counter. "I think I'm going to be sick," Lily groaned, before getting out of the chair, rushing to the toilet and purging her system of her breakfast and lunch. ~~~~~~~~~~ "You're looking well," Caroline said to her son as she and Greg walked into the restaurant. "Thanks mom. I'm glad you and dad could come on such short notice," Tyler said with a smile. Grace and Grant were already seated next to Lily and Mia who were coloring on the back of a paper place mat. "This is an interesting place," Caroline murmured. "Mom, I know it's been awhile since you've been in some place so kid friendly, but you'll live," Grace said with a grin as her father pulled out the chair for her mother. "So what's going on?" Greg wanted to know after they had their orders taken. Tyler grinned and looked over at Lily who suddenly started fidgeting nervously with the straw in her soft drink. "We're celebrating," Tyler said with a grin. "Is Mia in remission?" Caroline asked, looking at her grand-daughter. "It's possible, but that appointment isn't until next week," Lily said. "Then what are we celebrating?" Caroline wanted to know. Tyler pulled Lily's hand up from under the table; the diamonds and opals glinted in the light. "You're getting married?" Caroline asked in surprise. "Yes," Ty beamed. "Lets order some wine!" Greg exclaimed, flagging down a waiter. "Do you have any champagne?" he asked the waiter. "No sir," the waiter said apologetically. "Do you have wine?" The waiter nodded. "Bring me your best bottle of wine," Greg said. The waiter nodded again and hurried away. "God that was torture," Lily groaned, dropping onto the couch after putting Mia to bed. Tyler laughed and sat down next to her. "Mom wasn't that bad," Tyler defended his mother with a grin. "Not that bad? She asked if I was pregnant again for God's sake!" Lily exclaimed. Tyler sighed. "Then she asked if you were going to have me sign a prenup!" she added. "Mom can go sit on a cactus for all I care," Tyler told Lily. "We're in Michigan," Lily said with a laugh. "So? They sell little cactus plants in gift shops," Tyler said with a grin. Lily cracked up and leaned back against him. "So, how about we really piss mom off and just have a small ceremony with Grace and Grant for witnesses," Tyler suggested. Lily sat up and stared at him in surprise. "Your mom will kill me," Lily said with wide eyes. "No she won't," Tyler promised. "I like the idea," Lily murmured. "Good. I'll let you and Grace set everything up and I'll consult my calendar and find out when I can take a few weeks off of work," Tyler said. "A few weeks?" Lily repeated. "We have to take a honeymoon," Tyler reminded her with a grin. "A couple of weeks?" Lily asked. Tyler nodded. "I have plans for you," he said, nibbling on her ear lobe. "Oh do you?" Lily murmured, craning her neck to look at him. "Hmm-hmm," Tyler slid his hand up Lily's skirt. "Momma!" Mia shouted from her room. Tyler sighed but pulled away from Lily who stood up and headed for her daughter's room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Are you sure you don't mind watching Mia?" Lily asked Grace. "I'm positive. You need a vacation, besides you and Ty just got married and I'm sure you could use some alone time," Grace said with a grin. Lily blushed. "What are you going to tell your parents?" Lily wanted to know. "I'll think of something," Grace promised, taking her niece from her long time friend and new sister. "Have fun," she told Lily. Grace looked at Mia. "Wave bye bye to mommy," Grace said softly. "Bye mommy! I wub you!" Mia exclaimed. Lily smiled. "I love you too sweetie," she cooed, giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek. Tyler and Grant came up to the door. "Bye kiddo," Tyler said, ruffling Mia's hair. "Bye daddy!" Mia said as she, Grace and Grant watched Tyler and Lily get in the car and drive away. "Where are Ty and Lily?" Caroline demanded to know. "They're on vacation," Grace answered. "They've been on a vacation for nearly two weeks!" Caroline exclaimed. "That's pretty normal when you're on a honeymoon," Grant said, coming up behind Grace and setting a hand on her shoulder. "Honeymoon!?" Caroline looked stunned. "Yes, honeymoon. Ty was worried you would do or say something to upset Lily so the eloped," Grace answered. "I wanted Lily and Ty to get back together; she's so much better than Jenni," Caroline said. "Regardless, mom, they're on their honeymoon, and I don't know where, Ty didn't tell Lily or me," Grace told her mother. "But you can come and visit with Mia," she added, holding the door open. "Are you having fun?" Tyler asked as he placed his napkin on his lap. "A blast," Lily said with a soft smile. "Good. Hungry?" he asked. Lily nodded and studied the menu. "What sounds good?" he wanted to know. "The chicken with the pineapple teryaki sauce," Lily murmured. "It does sound good," Tyler agreed. They ordered their meal and talked quietly while they waited for it to reach the table. When they returned to the bedroom, Lily had no sooner shut the door when Tyler started pulling her clothes off of her. "Ty, you're insatiable," Lily giggled. "Only for you," Tyler assured her. Lily moaned as his mouth circled a nipple and sucked gently. "Don't make me wait," Lily pleaded. With a grin, Tyler thrust deep inside her making Lily cry out from the force of it. "Oh God," she groaned as he pumped in and out of her more roughly than usual. They came hard and fast together; they lay together, arms and legs tangled, breathing hard. "I love you," Tyler whispered before falling asleep. CHAPTER TEN "Welcome home!" Grace greeted her friend with a hug. "You look so tanned! Where did you go?" she wanted to know. "Hawaii, but he'll have to take me back some day because we didn't get out of the hotel once; except to get to and from the airport," Lily said with a wry grin. "Nice," Grace said with a chuckle. "Mommy!" Mia yelled, running up to Lily, arms who lifted her eagerly. "Hey sweetie, were you a good girl?" Lily asked her daughter. "She was perfect," Grant said, walking up to them. Lily raised an eyebrow. "You're over here a lot, should Caroline be planning a wedding?" Lily observed. Grace laughed. "Not any time soon," Grace said. Lily noticed how unhappy Grant looked at the answer. Tyler honked the horn and Lily looked over towards the car. "Let's go home kiddo," Lily told Mia, taking the bags from Grace's feet. "Here, let me help," Grant offered, taking a bag from Lily and carrying it to the car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I don't know why you didn't plan a large ceremony so that the whole family could be there," Caroline complained when she spoke with Tyler on the phone later that morning. "Because neither of us wanted to make that big of a deal about it," Tyler said, watching Lily play with Mia on the floor. "It was your wedding Ty, a mother has the right to see her son get married," Caroline told him. "Mom, we got married, went to Hawaii and had lots of great sex," Tyler announced matter of factly. Lily blushed as Mia asked, "Mommy, what's sex?" Tyler looked at Lily and began to chuckle. "Mom, I'll call you and dad later to set up a dinner. Right now, I'm going to go make up for lost time," Tyler said before hanging up. -a year later- "Happy birthday Mia!" Caroline smiled at her granddaughter as Tyler, Lily and Mia walked into the house. "I can't believe she's four already," Lily said with a sigh. "I can't believe how much I missed," Tyler grumbled. "You're here now," Greg said. "Thank you for having her birthday dinner here," Lily said to Caroline. "It isn't a problem. I remember how big of a pain moving can be," Caroline said with a smile. Tyler sighed when his cell phone rang and held up one finger as he flipped it open. "That was the moving company. The van broke down and won't be able to move the furniture until tomorrow," Tyler announced, hanging up the cell phone and putting it in his pocket. "Wow Mia, look at that," Lily said with a smile as Mia opened up a big box that contained a bike with training wheels with Zoe from Sesame Street on it. "A bike!" Mia exclaimed. Lily smiled at her daughter. "I want to ride it!" she added. "How about we open the rest of your presents and go have dinner and cake first," Lily suggested. Mia pouted for a moment but nodded as Tyler slid another present in front of her. By the time all of the presents were opened and the wrapping paper was thrown away, Lily was exhausted and she had a cramp in her back that wouldn't go away. "You okay?" Tyler asked. Lily nodded. "I think I spent too much time getting the garden ready yesterday," Lily answered as the walked into the dining room. "Pizza, thanks grandma!" Mia said with a broad grin. "You ordered pizza?" Tyler asked in surprise. "Mia loves pizza," Caroline said with a shrug. Lily grinned. "Yes, she does," Lily agreed, wincing a little. "Are you sure you're alright?" Tyler asked. Caroline looked up sharply. "It's just a back ache," Lily told Tyler. "There's some Tylenol in the bathroom," Caroline said. Lily thanked her mother and went into the bathroom for the Tylenol. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Where are you going?" Tyler asked sleepily, glancing at the clock. "It's only two in the morning," he groaned. "I'm going to look for a heating pad," Lily answered, her voice thick with pain. She slid out of bed and took two steps before her legs gave out. Lily cried out as she sank to the floor with a thud. "That's it, we're going to the emergency room," Tyler said, climbing out of bed. He pulled his boxers and jeans on quickly and pulled a tee shirt over his head. "What about Mia?" Lily asked as Tyler scooped her up and headed out of the room. He paused outside of his parents' room and knocked on the door. "What's wrong?" Caroline asked, opening the door and look out at them. "I'm taking Lily to the hospital. Can you listen for Mia?" Tyler asked. Caroline nodded. "Call us when you know anything," she said as she watched Tyler carry Lily down the stairs. "Is there any chance you're pregnant?" the doctor asked Lily. "It's very unlikely," Lily said. She explained what had happened with Carter. "Well, let's draw some blood and get a urine sample and we'll go from there," the doctor said. Tyler slid his hand into Lily's and held it gently, growing more worried with every groan of pain. "Mrs. Billings, I have your lab work back," the doctor began. Lily looked at the doctor. "I had the lab run the blood work three times, and each time, the results have been the same. You're pregnant," the doctor told Lily. "What?!" Lily and Tyler asked together. Lily watched as a nurse brought in an ultrasound machine. "Let's see how far along, shall we?" the doctor said, lifting Lily's tee-shirt. When Lily looked over at the fuzzy picture, her heart nearly stopped and all blood drained from her face. "It appears that you're in labor," the doctor announced. Tyler's eyes widened. "What?" he asked. "Let's get her up to labor and delivery!" the doctor told the nurse. A bewildered Tyler followed Lily up to the labor and delivery unit. "Lily?" Tyler asked. Lily looked up and gave a small smile. "I'm okay," Lily told him, groaning a little. "The hell you are," Tyler grumbled. "Ty, trust me, compared to Mia, this is a walk in the park," Lily said. "Hey there Lily, I hear you're pregnant and didn't even know it," a middle aged man said, walking into the room. "Hello, I'm Doctor Franklin, I delivered Mia," he introduced himself to Tyler. He checked Lily and smiled. "You're ready to go Miss Lily. Let's get ready to push," Doctor Franklin said with a smile. "Ty, what was wrong with Lily?" Greg asked, answering the phone. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, why don't you, mom, Grace, Eli and Mia stop by when visiting hours begin. And please bring some donuts," Tyler said. "Is she okay?" Greg asked. "Lily's fine, just fine," Tyler answered. ~~~~~~~~ "What happened Ty?" Grace wanted to know. Tyler grinned and opened the door to Lily's hospital room. "See for yourself," he said, stepping aside. "You had a baby?" Caroline asked in surprise, seeing Lily sitting up in bed, a baby in her arms. "Yup," Tyler grinned. "How?" Grace's eyes were wide. "The doctor said sometimes it happens. The baby's full term, and despite no prenatal care and a few alcoholic beverages, in good health," Tyler answered. "A boy or a girl?" Greg wanted to know. "A boy," Lily said, her voice tired; but she sounded happy. "His name is David William," she added. Greg smiled and Eli gave his sister a tight hug. Lily's eyes zeroed in on the boxes in Grace's hands. "Are those donuts?" Lily asked. Grace nodded and pulled out a glazed donut. Tyler carefully took David from Lily's arms so that she could eat without getting crumbs on the baby. -2 weeks later- "Grace, what's going on?" Lily asked when she opened the door and let her sister into the room. "Grant asked me to marry him and I said yes!" Grace exclaimed. Finding a New Life Ch. 11-12 I apologize for how long it took to get these chapters out ... things have been busy lately due to illness and injuries. CHAPTER ELEVEN -2 weeks later- "So Grace, what are your wedding plans looking like?" Lily wanted to know. "Mom said she'd kill us both if we tried to elope, and she's decided to hire a wedding planner," Grace said, wrinkling her nose. "Who's wedding is it?" Tyler asked, snagging half of Grace's turkey sandwich. "Mine," Grace said, sticking out her tongue at her brother. "Then plan your dream wedding," Lily told Grace. "Mom has all these things she wants to do though," Grace protested. "Grace, it's your wedding. Mom got to plan her wedding, you plan yours. Have her help if you want, but don't let her plan something that only she wants," Tyler told his sister. "How many people does your mom want to invite?" Lily asked. "Like five hundred," Grace answered. Lily wrinkled her nose. "And how many do you want to invite?" Lily questioned. "No more than fifty," Grace admitted. "So tell your mother that! Don't be so agreeable! It's your big day, not hers," Lily encouraged her friend. "Mom, can I talk to you?" Grace asked, walking in the foyer of her mother's large home. "Of course Grace, but tell me, what do you think of this for a dress?" Caroline wanted to know, showing her daughter a dress in a magazine. "It's a little busy," Grace said, eying the dress warily. "What did you want to talk about?" Caroline asked, sitting down in a chair in the living room. "About the wedding, mom, I don't want it to be a big wedding, I just want it to be a nice, small wedding," Grace told her mother. "But Grace, we have so many family friends and business associates of your father's to invite!" Caroline protested. "Mom, dad may have a lot of business associates, but he isn't the President of the United States who has to invite every single person who's invested or donated money, time or resources! This is my wedding, and you have the guest list at four hundred and fifty people! I want to trim that down," Grace said, trying to keep her voice calm. "But Grace, we'll disappoint so many people!" Caroline protested again. "Caroline, let Grace plan her own wedding," Greg said, walking into the living room. "How many people did you want to trim from the invite list?" Caroline asked with a sigh. "Four hundred," Grace answered. Caroline shook her head. "We can't cut four hundred people!" Caroline said stubbornly. "Mom, you have two choices. You can help me plan the wedding that I want to plan, or Grant and I follow Ty and Lily's lead and go to Vegas," Grace told her mother before standing up and walking out of the house. ~~~~~~~~~ "Grace, seriously, slow down!" Lily exclaimed, struggling with the double stroller as she tried to keep up with her friend. "My mother makes me sooo mad sometimes!" Grace growled, coming to a stop in front of a bridal boutique. "What happened when you talked to your mom about the wedding?" Lily wanted to know. "She told me that she had a guest list of four hundred and fifty people, and when I told her that I wanted to cut four hundred off the people on that list, she about blew a gasket," Grace answered. Lily sighed. "Why do you think Ty and I eloped?" Lily said with a grin. "I told her that she has two choices. She can help me plan my wedding the way I want it done or Grant and I can go to Vegas," Grace told her friend. Lily grinned again. "That's the way to do it," she agreed. "Do you want to go find a dress that doesn't look like something Marie Antoinette would have worn?" Lily asked. Grace nodded and followed Lily into the store. -Hours later- "Do you think Grant will like it?" Grace asked as she, Lily and the kids returned to Lily's house. "Girl, Grant will take one look at you in that dress and he will begin salivating worse than Pavlov's dogs when the bell was chimed," Lily said with a grin. "Let me see," Tyler said quietly as he took a sleeping Mia out of her stroller. "Go put your kids down," Grace said with a laugh. Lily picked David up out of his car seat and followed Tyler to the kids' room. David woke up and trained a sleepy pair of brown eyes on his mother's face as she changed his diaper and refastened his onesie before placing him gently in the bassinet. Once the kids were down for a nap, Tyler and Lily returned to the living room where Grace was waiting. "C'mon, I'll help you get into your dress," Lily told Grace, leading her into her room. When Grace was zipped up, Lily and Grace returned to the living room. "Damn Grace, you look great!" Tyler told his sister. Grace smiled and looked up as Eli walked in with her parents. "You look beautiful," Greg said with a smile before kissing Grace's cheek. "Is that the dress you want to get married in?" Caroline asked her daughter. Grace nodded. "It's very simple," Caroline observed. "I think it looks elegant," Lily said in her friend's defense. "I still think the one in the magazine would suit Grace better," Caroline protested. "Nonsense. Grace looks absolutely stunning in her dress," Greg told Caroline. "Mom, I meant what I said this morning. This is my wedding, and I don't want more than fifty to seventy five people at the wedding; for both my side of the family and Grant's side. We want it to be a small wedding, not an overwhelmingly big wedding," Grace told her mother. "The wedding planner will have a fit!" Caroline declared. "What's the wedding planner's phone number?" Grace asked. Caroline handed Grace a piece of paper with the wedding planner's name and phone number on it. "Is this Margo Campbell?" Grace asked when a woman picked up the phone. Grace smiled when the woman confirmed her identity. "This is Grace Billings. I understand my mother has hired you to plan my wedding." Grace rolled her eyes when Margo began rambling ideas. "Look, Margo, I'm sure you know what you're doing, but I'm sorry, we do not need your services. I will be planning my own wedding with my fiancee. My mother will not be able to over ride this, it is my decision and that is final," Grace told Margo. She hung up before Margo could protest. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Oh my God," Grace groaned, looking in the mirror. Lily looked up at her friend with a small smile. "What's wrong?" Lily asked. "I look like shit," Grace whined. "You just look nervous. Come on, let's get you in your dress and then I'll fix your hair and makeup," Lily told Grace. She helped Grace into her dress and watched as Grace settled down onto the stool. Grace tried to not to fidget as Lily began pulling the rollers from her hair. Soft curls cascaded down over Grace's shoulders and Lily scooped some of Grace's hair and tied a pale pink satin ribbon around the hair before letting it fall back against her shoulder blades. Lily picked up the powder brush and brushed foundation over Grace's face before sweeping blush over Grace's cheeks and eye shadow over her lids. "I'll let you do your mascara and eye liner if you want it," Lily murmured after brushing some lip stick over Grace's lips. Grace took the wand to the mascara and applied some mascara lightly over her lashes. Both girls looked up to see Greg and Tyler walking into the bride's room. Mia held tightly to her grandfather's hand. "Look at you!" Grace said with a big smile. Mia wore a dress that matched Grace's, only it was a pale peach instead of an ivory. Greg handed Mia a little basket filled with flower petals. "Are you ready?" Greg asked his only daughter. Grace nodded and took her father's arm as they headed towards the sanctuary. "I'm sorry we couldn't go on a real honeymoon, but with Doctor Larson on maternity, the clinic was short staffed and could only give me a few days," Grant apologized. "It's okay. Anywhere is fine as long as we're together," Grace said with a smile as Grant opened the door to the honeymoon suite. "I love you," she murmured as Grant lifted her into his arms and carried her into the room. "Hey," Lily said, holding the door for Grace. "Hey," Grace said brightly. "You look like you've had fun," Lily observed with a grin. "Four days of uninterrupted bliss," Grace said with a laugh. "Aunt Grace!" Mia exclaimed, looking up as her mother and Grace walked into the living room. "Hey kiddo!" Grace said with a big smile. "I missed you!" Mia told Grace, climbing into her lap. "I missed you too kiddo," Grace gave Mia a tight hug. "And where is my nephew?" Grace wanted to know. "Sleeping," Lily answered. The look on Lily's face made Grace laugh. "A bit overwhelmed?" Grace observed. Lily nodded. "Let's just say it was easier to work and take care of Mia then it is to take care of two small children," Lily said with a small smile. "But I don't mind," she murmured. "Grant and I will take Mia to the zoo next weekend, he has Saturday off," Grace offered. "Do you want to go to the zoo Mia?" Lily asked her daughter. Mia's head bobbed up and down enthusiastically. "Saturday it is," Lily smiled at her daughter. "So how was your honeymoon?" Lily asked her sister. "Short," Grace admitted. Lily laughed. "But fun," she added. Lily grinned. "I bet. Ty can't wait to be an uncle," Lily told Grace. "He's going to have to wait awhile, Grant's schedule is super hectic right now," Grace said. "Birth control?" Lily asked. Grace nodded. "Too bad," Lily commented. "We want kids, but we also want to plan for them," Grace said. Lily nodded. "I understand completely," Lily said. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Monkeys!" Mia exclaimed. Grace laughed and paused in front of the monkey cage so Mia could watch them climb on the trees in the enclosure. "Having fun?" Grant asked Grace. "I love spending time with Mia. Are you having fun?" Grace murmured. "Sure. Mia's a joy, but I'd really love to spend the weekends with you alone," Grant said with a devilish grin. Grace laughed. "We have the rest of our lives for that," Grace told him. CHAPTER TWELVE "Mommy, I don't feel good," Mia said, trudging into Lily's room. "What's wrong sweetie?" "My head hurts," Mia whimpered, climbing onto her mother's bed. "And I'm hot," she added. Lily pressed her wrist against Mia's forehead. "What's wrong?" Tyler asked. "Mia has a fever," Lily murmured. Tyler read the panic in Lily's eyes. "Lil, it's just a fever," Tyler said. "This is how it started before," Lily said, her voice just barely above a whisper. Tyler squeezed Lily's hand. "Give her some Tylenol and calm her back down. You can call her doctor in the morning," Tyler said. Lily nodded and slid out of bed and walked to the bathroom. "Hello Lily, Mia," Doctor Harper said, walking into the exam room. "I hear you have a fever," he added. Mia nodded miserably. "Lets have a look," Doctor Harper put his stethoscope in his ear and began the examination. "Don't worry Lily, it looks like it's just an ear infection and a mild case of strep throat. I'll take some blood and run it just to be safe, but I think Mia's fine," Doctor Harper told Lily. Lily smiled with relief and took the prescriptions from him. "I'll have a nurse call you with the results," he added as he watched Lily and Mia leave the room. -3 days later- "Hello?" Lily asked, answering the phone. "This is Carla from doctor Harper's office with results for Mia's blood tests. He would like you to bring Mia back in for some additional tests as soon as possible. He's up at Mott's Children's Hospital at University hospital and has an opening at three thirty, can you make it?" Carla asked. "Yes, of course," Lily said before hanging up the phone, her mind and heart racing. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Doctor Harper, why do you need to run more tests?" Lily asked, fearing the worst. Tyler sat silently in his chair, holding Mia on his lap. "Her white blood cell count is a little high," Doctor Harper began. "Is her cancer back?" Lily asked, her eyes widening. "I don't know. Let me run a few tests. I'll put a rush on them and we should know by tomorrow afternoon," doctor Harper told Lily. Lily nodded as a nurse walked in and crouched down in front of Mia. The minute Mia's eyes fell on the needle in her hand, she started screaming. "No mommy! Don't let them hurt me mommy!" Lily closed her eyes as she tried to block out her daughter's screams. A second nurse came in and held Mia's legs down while Tyler managed to keep Mia's arms still while the blood was drawn. "I'm sorry baby," Lily murmured, taking Mia from Tyler. "They hurt me mommy," Mia whimpered into Lily's neck. "I know sweetie, I'm sorry," Lily whispered, rubbing her daughter's back. "Sit down Lily, pacing isn't going to make the phone ring," Tyler said from his seat on the couch. Lily sank onto the couch with a sigh as her mind raced with possibilities. "I'm sure everything is fine," Tyler added. "I don't know if I can do this again," Lily whispered. Tyler stood up with a sigh, walked over to Lily and crouched down in front of her. "You aren't alone Lily and Mia is going to be just fine," Tyler promised, taking her hands in his and squeezing them gently. They sat there like that until the phone rang, making Lily jump. "This is Ty Billings," Tyler said, answering the phone. "Mr. Billings, this is doctor Harper. I need for you and Lily to come to my office so we can discuss Mia's test results," doctor Harper said, his voice had a grim undertone to it. "When?" Tyler asked, looking at Lily. "Now," doctor Harper replied. By the time Tyler, Lily and Mia got to his office, Lily felt like she was going to be ill. "What's wrong with my daughter doctor?" Lily demanded to know as he ushered them inside. "I have the test results back. The Leukemia is back, but I think with some chemo, we can beat it," doctor Harper said. "When do we start?" Tyler asked, finding Lily's hand with his own. "Right now." Doctor Harper handed Tyler a packet of papers. "Take her down to Motts right now and get her admitted. I've already called them and told them you're coming," he told them. Lily and Tyler sat quietly as they drove from the doctor's office to the hospital. "I feel so numb. I can't believe this is happening again," Lily said softly as she and Tyler watched a nurse take Mia's vital signs. "We'll get through this and Mia will be just fine," Tyler murmured. "How do you know?" Lily asked as Mia returned from the scale. "I just do," Tyler answered, exchanging the paper work for his daughter. Finding a New Life Ch. 13-14 Sorry it's taken so long to post a new chapter, but I injured my foot 4 weeks ago and it was determined that I broke two bones in my right foot and after chasing the kids around all day, I've been in too much pain to even think about writing. Hope you enjoy the chapters! Ashira CHAPTER THIRTEEN Lily stared at her lap as Tyler told his family about Mia coming out of remission. Lily glanced at her mother and shivered, feeling Caroline's gaze of disappointment going her way. Lily stood up and walked into the kitchen, unable to take the tension. "Lil?" Lily looked up at her brother through red rimmed eyes. "How are you holding up?" Eli asked gently. "Not great," Lily said with a slight roll of her eyes. "She's been through so much already," Lily whispered. "Mia's a tough little girl. She'll be fine," Eli promised his sister. "I know she's tough, but how do you know she'll be fine?" Lily asked. "I just do," Eli said. Lily gave a small smile and laughed a little. "Ty said the same thing yesterday," Lily said and Eli grinned. "You know what they say about great minds," Eli told his sister. She laughed and nodded. Eli and Lily returned to the family room in time to hear David fussing in the play pen. Lily scooped him up out of the play pen and held him close. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I can not believe this!" Lily exclaimed. "What's up?" Tyler looked up from feeding David some rice cereal. "Your mother is petitioning for custody of the kids," Lily said, tossing a pile of papers on the counter next to Tyler. "On what grounds?" Tyler wanted to know. "Incompetence," Lily spat. They both looked up to see Grace and Grant leading Greg and Eli into the kitchen. "Did you know about this?" Tyler asked, referring to the papers. "Not until after. Your mother has no case; Cancer isn't from being incompetent," Greg said, rolling his eyes. "Why is she doing this?" Lily asked. "I have no idea. How's Mia feeling?" Greg wanted to know. "The Chemo isn't too bad this time, and her bone marrow still looks good," Lily said with a smile. "Doctor Harper said that she should rebound very well," Tyler added. "That's wonderful," Greg said with a wide grin. -2 weeks later- "Mrs. Billings, are you sure you want to go through with this?" her lawyer asked Caroline while they waited for the judge. Caroline hesitated as she saw the hurt on her son's face from across the aisle, but nodded when she remembered how close they had come to losing Mia when she faced Cancer the last time. "I'm sure," Caroline answered. Lily sat nervously as the bailiff announced the case. "Mrs. Billings, am I reading this correctly? You're suing your son and daughter for custody of their children Mia and David Billings?" the judge asked. "Yes your honor," Caroline said. "You believe your son and daughter are incompetent parents?" the judge asked. "Yes your honor," Caroline said. "In what way?" the judge wanted to know. "Mia had Cancer when she was two and now she's out of remission," Caroline answered. "Excuse me?" the judge asked incredulously. "You feel your son and daughter are incompetent because their daughter is out of remission?" the judge echoed. "Yes sir," Caroline said, glancing at Tyler and Lily. She didn't miss the fact that her husband and daughter were sitting behind Tyler and Lily. The judge turned to look at Tyler and Lily and she shifted nervously. "Did you at any time fail to treat your daughter's illness?" the judge asked Lily. "No your honor. In fact, when she needed a bone marrow transplant, Ty was the only match and he donated his marrow to save Mia," Lily answered, her voice shaking. The judge turned back to Caroline. "Mrs. Billings, your son and daughter have not failed to get their daughter the treatment needed to try and save her life. I feel that you have wasted this courts time. This case is dismissed," the judge said, banging the gavel on the stand before getting up and walking away. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I'm so glad that's over," Lily groaned as she, Tyler, Greg, Eli, Grace and Grant walked down the hall of the hospital. Lily was eager to get back to her daughter and talk to Doctor Harper about how treatment was going on. "It isn't over yet," Tyler said grimly. Lily looked up at him. "I still have to deal with my mother," he told her. Lily sighed and all conversation stopped as they walked into Mia's room. "Mommy, Daddy!" Mia exclaimed, her eyes widening with excitement. "I go home!" Lily looked up at Doctor Harper in confusion. "Mia is stable and she's done with her first round of Chemo. Bring her back next week and we'll go over her blood work again," doctor Harper said. Lily's face brightened as doctor Harper handed Tyler the discharge papers. "I'll see you next week," he said, walking out of the room. "What the hell were you thinking?!" Tyler shouted, storming into his parents house the next morning. Caroline looked up with red rimmed eyes. "I thought I was doing what was best for Mia," Caroline told her son. "By taking a scared, sick little girl away from her parents?" Tyler growled. "Lily couldn't prevent Mia from getting sick again," Caroline pointed out. "Are you stupid or just delusional?" Tyler asked. "I am not stupid and you will NOT speak to me like that again. I am your mother!" Caroline exclaimed. "Cancer is not something we could have prevented; it's genetic! The fact that you tried to take Mia and David away because Mia has Cancer is fucking ridiculous!" Tyler shouted, his anger at a new high. "Tyler, do not raise your voice to me again," Caroline warned. "Then unless Lily or I physically do something to hurt Mia or David, don't take us to court to get custody! We love those kids and we are not hurting them," Tyler said before storming out of the house. "Wow oh wow, things are tense between mom and dad," Grace said, walking into the kitchen of Tyler and Lily's house. "That isn't my problem," Tyler said tersely, pulling a can of soda out of the refrigerator. Grace nodded and slid onto a chair at the breakfast nook. "How's Mia doing?" Grace asked, stealing a sip of her brother's soft drink. "She's doing great. She had another follow up appointment the other day and doctor Harper seems to think that she's heading for remission again," Tyler said with a smile. Grace smiled back and slid the can of soda towards her brother. "That's great Ty!" Grace said. Tyler nodded and looked up as Grant walked into the kitchen, Lily and Mia not too far behind. "Daddy, can we get a puppy?" Mia asked, giving her father a pleading look. Tyler and Lily exchanged glances. "I don't know sweetie, a puppy is an awful lot of work," Tyler said carefully. "I can do it, I'm a big girl and David can help too!" Mia generously volunteered her brother for duty. Lily chuckled. "David is a little too young to help out with a puppy Mia. He can't even walk or talk yet," Lily told her daughter. "I want a puppy!" Mia whined, sounding more like a two year old then a four year old. "Mia, mommy and I will talk about it, but for now, why don't you go finish picking up your toys," Tyler said, suppressing a smile. ~~~~~~~ "Grace, what's up?" Lily asked her friend as she slipped inside the front door of her friend's house. "I need some advice," Grace said, taking a sip of water. "On what?" Lily wanted to know. "On how to tell Grant something." Lily resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Grace's desire to turn everything into a game of twenty questions. "What do you need to tell him?" Lily asked patiently. Grace set a fuzzy photograph down on top of the table, in front of her sister. Lily looked at the photograph carefully and grinned. "I'll help you make a nice dinner and you can put this on his plate so he'll see it when he sits down," Lily suggested. Grace gave a shaky smile. "What are you so nervous about?" Lily wanted to know. Grace shrugged. "So what about this menu?" Grace asked, changing the subject. "Let's go shopping," Lily suggested, grabbing her purse. When Grant got home that night, he sniffed the air with appreciation. "What's all this?" he asked. Grace just smiled. "Dinner will be done in about another minute, why don't you go get yourself something to drink and sit down at the table," Grace suggested. Grant nodded, grabbed a glass of soda and sat down at his usual spot at the table. He studied the envelope sitting between his plate and his salad bowl curiously before opening it carefully and letting the enclosed photograph drop to his plate before picking it up and studying it carefully. When Grace walked into the dining room with a platter of Rib eye steaks, Grant's eyes were almost as wide as they could get. "I take it you opened the envelope," Grace said with a nervous smile. Grant nodded and just stared at Grace. "Are you okay?" she asked. "I should be asking you that," Grant said with a wry smile. "I feel fine," Grace murmured, sliding a steak onto her plate and putting some salad into her bowl. "What?" Grace asked as Grant continued to stare at her. "I love you," Grant said with a smile. Grace smiled back. "I love you too," Grace murmured, drizzling a small amount of Italian dressing over her salad. Grant studied her for a minute more before digging into to his food. CHAPTER FOURTEEN "Hey Eli," Lily said as her brother walked into the house. Lily closed the door behind him and Eli released a deep breath. "What's up?" Lily wanted to know. "Greg just threatened to divorce Caroline," Eli told his sister. Lily's eyes widened. "Seriously?" Lily asked in awe. Eli nodded. "Ty's at work, do you think I should call him?" Lily asked. "Not yet. You guys have a lot on your plate to begin with, let's not add more," Eli suggested. Lily nodded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Emma?" Lily asked, after bumping into the girl in a bookstore. "Hey Lily, how's Mia? I heard from Eli that she was out of remission," Emma wanted to know. "She's doing better," Lily said with a small smile. "How are you doing? We haven't seen you around much lately," Lily added. "I've been around, but Eli and I are sort of taking a break. He met my cousin and sort of freaked out," Emma answered. "Hello Lily." Lily looked up and gasped, her eyes widened as she recognized the man that had walked up to them. "Lily, this is my cousin Carter," Emma introduced. "We've met," Lily said dryly. "How have you been?" Carter asked politely. "Busy," Lily said, suddenly tense. "Sorry I'm late," Tyler said, walking into the bookstore. "Hey Ty," Emma said with a wave. "Hey kid," Tyler answered, glancing at Carter. "Well well, if it isn't an old friend," Carter said with a nasty grin. "Emma, we'll see you later," Lily said, grabbing Tyler's hand and pulling him further into the store. "Lily!" Lily stopped walking and turned around to see Carter walking up to her. "What do you want Carter?" Lily asked with a sigh of frustration. "To talk," Carter said. "There's nothing left to say," Lily said, trying to walk around him. "Oh yes, there is," Carter growled, grabbing Lily by the arm. "Let me go!" Lily shouted, trying to draw attention. "Oh give it up," Carter said, pulling her to his truck and pushing her in the passenger side. "You need to let me go," Lily pleaded as Carter pulled into the driveway of a cabin deep in the woods. "No, I really don't. I never should have let you kick me out," Carter said, grabbing Lily by the hand and dragging her into the cabin. "I know you and Tyler Billings got married and had another baby," Carter added, examining the rings. "So?" Lily asked. "I thought you couldn't get pregnant after the miscarriage," Carter sneered, ripping the rings off of Lily's finger. "It was a miracle," Lily snapped. Carter grinned and pushed her into a small bedroom. "You won't be able to get out of here so don't bother trying," Carter told her. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Are you sure you haven't seen Lily?" Tyler asked nervously as he changed David's diaper. "Ty, if I'd seen Lily, don't you think I would have told you by now," Grace told her brother. "We ran into Carter a few days ago," Tyler said. Grace's eyes widened. "Call the police," Grace told Tyler "What? Why?" Tyler asked. "Just do it!" Grace exclaimed, grabbing her nephew from Tyler and leaving the room. "What did he do to Lily?" Tyler asked after the police had left. "You don't want to know," Grace said. "But I need to," Tyler murmured. flashback "What are you smiling about?" Chase asked as he walked into the house. "I got the test results back from my doctor's office," Lily said. "And?" Chase wanted to know. "I'm pregnant," Lily told him. "What?" Chase asked. "We're having a baby," Lily repeated. "A baby," Chase echoed. Lily nodded. Her smile faded as the look on Chase's face turned grim. "What's wrong?" Lily asked nervously. Chase walked up to her and grabbed her roughly around the arms and shook her roughly. "I told you I didn't want another brat in this house," he growled. "Get rid of it," Chase demanded. "Chase!" Lily protested, her eyes wide. "Get rid of it or I will," Chase threatened. Lily stepped out of the bathroom, pulling her towel around her tightly. Lily was nervous, Carter had been out of town on business and she hadn't seen him in a few months. The pregnancy hadn't been mentioned by either of them and Lily wasn't sure how Carter would take seeing her with a pregnant belly. Before Lily had a chance to finish drying off and put her clothing on, Carter walked into the house. "Lily?" he called. "I hope you're alone because it's been too long," he added. Lily froze in the doorway to her bedroom. "Where's Mia?" Carter asked. "With Grace," Lily said softly. "I didn't come home to look at your back side, although, your ass still looks great," Carter said, reaching for her. Lily turned around slowly and Carter's eyes narrowed. "I thought I told you to get rid of it," Carter growled. "I don't believe in abortion Carter, besides, I want this baby," Lily said, resting her hands on her abdomen. "And I told you I didn't," Carter growled, taking a step towards her. Lily took a step back. "Carter, what are you doing?" Lily asked nervously. She gasped as the back of Carter's hand smacked across her face. "Get an abortion Lily," he said, his voice low. "No," Lily told him. Carter pushed her down and pressed a foot onto her chest, holding her against the floor. "Either you go get an abortion performed by a licensed doctor or I'll do it myself," he threatened. "You're hurting me!" Lily gasped. Carter lifted up his foot and watched as Lily stood up. "What is it going to be?" Carter asked. "I'm not having an abortion," Lily said, folding her arms over her chest. Carter back handed Lily across the face. "Wrong answer," he said, his voice cold and his face hard. Lily's eyes widened as Carter began his assault. He balled his hands into fists and punched Lily in the head, chest, abdomen and kicked her. Lily finally managed to fight him off and she ran towards the kitchen. Carter reached her just as Lily's hand curled around the door knob. Lily screamed as Carter's hand touched her shoulder and spun her around. She tried to scream again as one of her kitchen knives was plunged in and out of her abdomen. end flashback "I found her the next morning when I brought Mia back. It was nearly too late," Grace told Tyler, her voice soft but shaking. Tyler was quiet but Grace could see the rage in her brother's eyes. "If he hurts her again," Tyler shook his head and met Grace's eyes with his own. "We'll get her back Ty," Grace promised. "If he hurts her, I'll kill him," Tyler's voice was calm, serious, deadly. Finding a New Life Ch. 15-16 CHAPTER FIFTEEN WARNING! There are some violent actions that take place in this chapter. I know it's a little out of my norm, but it's going to set the stage for something that will occur later in the story. I apologize if this chapter makes you guys cringe. * "Carter, why are you doing this?" Lily wanted to know, closing her eyes as Carter's hands roamed over her. "I made a mistake when I let you leave me," Carter said. "You tried to kill me Carter," Lily reminded him. "Not you, just the little brat you were carrying. Why'd you even want another kid anyway?" Carter retorted. "I love kids Carter, and I thought I loved you and that we were going to spend our lives together," Lily answered, her body jerking when Carter pinched her nipple roughly. "Too bad you'll never see them again," Carter sneered. "Go to hell Carter!" Lily spat in his face before turning and running towards the door. She had pulled the door open when Carter caught up with her, grabbed Lily by the hair and pulled her back inside. "If you try that again, I'll send you back to your kids in pieces," Carter threatened. "Daddy, where's mommy?" Mia wanted to know as she trudged into the bedroom. Tyler looked at his daughter and had to resist the urge to scream. "Mommy had to go away for a little while," Tyler said quietly. "But I miss mommy," Mia whined. Tyler sighed. "I do too," Tyler murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of his daughter's head before passing her off to Grace. "Dad, have you found anything yet?" Tyler asked his father as he walked into the office, Greg's secretary stood behind Tyler and apologized for the interruption. "No, I haven't found anything yet. You should be with Mia and David," Greg told his son. "They're with Grace and Grant at the zoo. I'm going crazy, I need to find my wife," Tyler paced the room. "We'll find Lily," Greg promised. "When?" Tyler demanded to know. "Soon," Greg said. "How the hell do you know?" Tyler asked. "Ty, you need to stay calm and think positively. We will find Lily and she'll be fine," Greg told his son, placing a comforting hand on Tyler's shoulder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lily, I'd like you to meet my fiancee," Carter said, leading Lily into a back room of the house. "If you're engaged, why did you kidnap me?" Lily wanted to know. "Revenge." Lily looked up, her eyes narrowing as she heard a new voice. "You didn't think I'd let you and Ty live happily ever after did you?" "You're such a bitch!" Lily exclaimed. "And your life is in my hands. Isn't that poetic?" "What do you want Jenni?" Lily asked, wearily. "Revenge," Jenni repeated with a sly grin. Lily's eyes widened when Jenni pulled out a paring knife. "I know you and Carter have a history and knives play a big part in it," Jenni said. "What are you going to do?" Lily asked, her voice sounded small and far away, even to her own ears. "I'm just going to see how much you can tolerate," Jenni said, an evil grin on her face as Carter pulled Lily's arms above her head and secured her with rope and handcuffs to a beam. Lily's screams filled the air as the tip of the paring knife slashed over naked flesh, blood pooled at Lily's feet. "Please, no more!" Lily gasped as Jenni plunged a knife through her shoulder. "Will you leave Ty forever if we stop?" Jenni asked, touching the point of another knife to her index finger. "No! I love Ty!" Lily managed to say as she became dizzy from blood loss. Jenni sliced across the top of Lily's breasts. Lily cried out in pain before it all became too much for her and she passed out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Now you've done it!" Carter hissed as he cut Lily down and lay her gently on a bed. "She deserves to die!" Jenni told Carter. "Not like this," Carter argued. "Don't tell me you have feelings for her!" "No, not feelings, but I wanted her to suffer, not be hurt all at once," Carter said. "Bull! What is it about this girl that makes men fall for her?" Jenni wanted to know. "I'm not in love with her," Carter insisted. "But as for what makes men fall for her, is probably the fact that she cares about just about everyone," he added. -Hours later- Lily's eyes fluttered open and focused on the face hoovering over hers. "Go away Carter," Lily groaned, trying to roll onto her side. "I can't do that Lil," Carter said, helping Lily to roll over before securing Lily's arms to the metal slats in the head of the bed with handcuffs. "Remember what I said Carter, you have to hurt her," Jenni said from the doorway. Carter nodded and lay down behind Lily and forced his way into her causing Lily to scream. "Don't fight me," Carter whispered. It was too late, Jenni had moved from her place in the doorway to just in front of Lily and pressed a serrated bread knife into her belly. Lily cried out in pain as the serrated edge bit into her already tender flesh. "Back the fuck off!" Everyone looked up in surprise when they saw Tyler standing in the doorway, a gun in his hands pointed at Carter. Carter pulled away and backed away from the bed, pulling his pants and boxers up as he moved. "Get away from her Jenni," Tyler growled. "And drop the knife," he added. Jenni straightened back up and set the knife on the nightstand. "Whose idea was this?" Tyler wanted to know. Carter and Jenni pointed to each other. "I don't care who's idea it was, but you'll both pay," he growled, pressing the gun into Carter's forehead. "Ty, don't," Lily pleaded from the bed. "Just take me home," she added. Tyler started to pull the gun away when he saw Jenni moving towards Lily out of the corner of his eye and he turned slightly and fired the gun at Jenni, hitting her in the chest. "I should kill you, Tyler growled. "You should," Carter agreed. "Ty," Lily pleaded from the bed. Tyler looked at Lily for a moment before turning back to Carter. "Take her home," Carter told Tyler. Tyler started to lower the gun. "In a body bag!" Carter added, grabbing a knife from the bedside table and flinging it at Tyler. Tyler turned back and shot Carter, the bullet landing right between Carter's eyes, killing him instantly. CHAPTER SIXTEEN "How are you feeling?" Tyler asked when the doctor finally let him in to see Lily. Lily gave him a small smile as Tyler eased himself down onto the bed. "I'm sore but I'm glad to see you," Lily answered. Tyler chuckled. "I should hope so," he said with a grin. Tyler raked his gaze over Lily and brushed his fingers lightly over the bandages that couldn't be covered by the hospital gown. "I never should have left you at the bookstore," Tyler said, his voice husky with emotion. "Ty, it's okay," Lily murmured. "No, it isn't. I'm supposed to protect you and the kids," Tyler protested. "You can't protect me from everything," Lily reminded him. "But I should have protected you from him," Tyler said softly. He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. Lily looked up and gave him a small smile. "I'll be okay," Lily murmured. "Mommy!" Lily looked up and grinned when she saw her daughter running towards her bed. Tyler smiled and lifted Mia off of the floor and placed her gently on the bed next to her mother. "I missed you mommy!" Mia exclaimed, giving Lily a tight hug. Lily winced but held Mia closely. "Not too tight sweetie," Tyler warned. "It's okay," Lily said softly, smiling as Grace placed a babbling David in her arms. "Excuse me, are you Tyler Billings?" a police officer asked from the door way. "Yes," Tyler answered, looking up with a frown. "I need for you to come with us sir and answer a few questions," the officer said. "Can it wait?" Tyler asked, looking at Lily. "No, I'm afraid it can't," the officer asked. "I am not leaving my wife," Tyler said defiantly. "Sir, it isn't up for debate, either come willingly or we'll have to put you in handcuffs," the officer threatened. "We'll stay with Lily and I'll call dad," Grace said softly. Tyler reluctantly gave Lily, Mia and David a gentle hug before following the officer out of the room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What do you mean you're charging him?" Greg demanded to know. "He killed two people sir," the officer reminded Greg. "He was defending his wife," Greg snapped. "That isn't our call," the officer said. "This is bull dad, I didn't want to kill anyone," Tyler told Greg. "I know," Greg said, furious at the knowledge his son was spending the night in jail. "It's just for the night," his lawyer told Tyler. "I didn't do anything wrong! I saved my wife from those two maniacs!" Tyler exclaimed. "Ty, it isn't my call," his lawyer said. "I can't believe this," Tyler bit out. Greg placed a comforting hand on Tyler's shoulder. "Everything will work out," Greg promised. "It'd better," Tyler grumbled as the officers escorted Tyler to a holding cell and Greg out of the lockup. "Where's Ty?" Lily wanted to know when Greg returned to the hospital room. "They're charging him with two counts of murder," Greg said gently. "What!" Lily winced as she sat up in the bed. "Lily, calm down," Greg murmured. "Calm down!? My husband is being charged with two counts of murder and you want me to calm down!" Lily shrieked. "Lily, you won't do yourself or Ty any good if you don't calm down!" Greg exclaimed. Lily took a deep breath. "What reason did they give to charge him with murder for?" Lily wanted to know. "That there are two dead bodies and Ty was holding the gun," Greg answered. "This is insane!" Lily shouted. "I agree. Don't worry, I'll have a team of lawyers working on this," Greg promised. "Don't worry!? I just spent two weeks in hell with my ex-boyfriend and your ex-daughter and now your son, my husband is in jail, charged with two counts of murder and you're telling me not to worry!?" Lily shouted. Greg looked up as Lily's doctor walked into the room with a frown. "Mrs. Billings, if you don't calm down, I'm afraid I'll have to sedate you," the doctor warned. "My husband saved me from my kidnappers and torturers and is now being charged with two counts of murder and people want me to calm down! This is fucking insane!" Lily shouted. The doctor motioned to the nurse who was lingering in the doorway and she walked into the room and injected a sedative into Lily's IV. Greg watched helplessly as Lily drifted off into a drug induced sleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hey beautiful," Tyler said with a bitter sweet smile as Lily was led to the table in the visiting room. "Hey," Lily murmured, flashing a small smile. She sat down and reached her hand across the table and Tyler slid his hand around hers. "How are you feeling?" Tyler asked. Lily sighed and shrugged a little. "I'm feeling better, but I really wish you were out of here," Lily answered. Tyler chuckled. "I do too," he agreed. It had been over several months since Tyler's arrest and the district attorney had decided not to drop the charges against Tyler and the judge had decreed that Tyler was a flight risk and decided to hold him without bail. "How are the kids?" Tyler asked. "Growing like weeds," Lily answered. "They miss you," she added, sliding some photos across the table. "These are from David's birthday party," Lily said. Tyler smiled when he saw the smiling faces of his children. "Have you talked to mom?" Tyler asked. Lily sighed and nodded. "She's blaming you for this isn't she?" Tyler wanted to know. Lily nodded again. "She said if I'd never met Chase that none of this would have ever happened," Lily murmured. Tyler sighed. "My mother is a menace," he grumbled. "She's your mother and she loves you," Lily reminded Tyler. "She has a very odd way of showing it," Tyler said. "How was Mia's doctors appointment?" he asked. "She's back in remission," Lily answered with a smile. Tyler grinned. "That's a relief," he said. They sat and talked until the guard walked over and told Lily that her time was up. "I'll see you tomorrow at the trial," Lily promised. Tyler's eyes clouded over with renewed anger. "I love you, no matter what," Lily promised. She gave Tyler a tight hug and brushed a kiss against his lips before being led out of the room. Finding a New Life Ch. 17 "Good morning Caroline," Lily said politely as she walked into the diner across from the court house with Greg. "Lily. How's Mia and David this morning?" Caroline asked. "They're doing well. They're with Grace and Grant. Eli stayed with them in case Grant needs to take Grace to the hospital," Lily answered. "I'm so excited for Grace," Caroline said. Lily nodded and smiled. "So am I. I just hope Ty gets to see his niece soon," Lily murmured. The waitress set cups of steaming coffee in front of them. Greg frowned when Lily ordered a bowl of fruit and a side of toast. "I don't think I could eat anything heavy," Lily said when Greg called her on it. "Oh God, I think I'm going to throw up," Lily groaned an hour later. Greg took hold of Lily's elbow, holding her firmly in place. "I know this is hard on you, but you need to stay strong for Ty and for the kids. You will sit here and you will stay calm and be here for your husband," Greg said gently but firmly. Lily nodded and took a deep breath as the judge told them to be seated. Lily listened to the opening arguments and wanted to yell at the district attorney when she said that Tyler had killed Carter and Jenni in cold blood. Greg's hand curled around Lily's and squeezed it gently, reassuringly. "Mrs. Billings, how did you know the victims?" the district attorney asked. Lily took a deep breath before answering. "I dated Carter for nearly a year and I didn't really know Jenni very well," Lily answered. The district attorney asked a few more questions before turning over the questioning to Tyler's attorney. "Mrs. Billings, why did you and Carter break up?" she wanted to know. "Because Carter nearly killed me," Lily answered. "Can you describe that event?" the lawyer wanted to know. "I got pregnant and Carter wanted me to have an abortion. He didn't give me a say. I didn't have the abortion, and when he returned from a business trip and saw that I hadn't had the abortion, he stabbed me repeatedly in the abdomen. Carter caused me to miscarry, and after the attack, I couldn't stay in the relationship any longer, I didn't feel it was safe," Lily answered. "And when did you meet Jenni?" the lawyer wanted to know. "When Ty came back to town after graduating from college. I ran into them at his parents house when I was visiting with his sister Grace," Lily said. "And you and Tyler weren't together at that time?" "No." "And yet, you had a daughter together," Tyler's lawyer said. "Yes, we do. Her name is Mia," Lily answered. "What happened there?" the lawyer asked. Lily met Tyler's eyes from across the room. "To be honest, I don't feel what happened before either Ty or myself had ever met Jenni has any bearing on this case," Lily said, rubbing her eyes. "Answer the question," the judge prodded gently. Lily sighed. "I had a hard time when my uncle died, and we got caught up in a tornado of emotions and slept together," Lily answered. "Lily, breathe," Greg encouraged after the judge had announced a break. "Why couldn't they just believe this was self defense?" Lily asked, on the verge of hyperventilating. "Because my daughter would NEVER do the things you're accusing her of," a woman said, her voice harsh and cold. Lily looked up and Caroline stood in front of Lily protectively; a move that surprised both Lily and Greg. "My daughter is not a liar, and my son is a good man, something you both should know," Caroline said. "I'm surprised you're defending this little whore," Jenni's mother said. Lily flushed. "Lily may have made a few mistakes, but she is far from a whore," Caroline said. Lily and Greg exchanged surprised glances. -Two weeks later- "Mrs. Billings, I know this request will be hard for you to fulfill, but would you be willing to show the jury what was done to you during the time that you were held hostage by your captors?" the judge asked. Tyler's eyes widened, his anger obvious. "Your honor, I must object to this!" the district attorney protested. "Mrs. Billings?" the judge asked, ignoring the district attorney. Tyler looked back at Lily as she stood up. "Lil, you don't have to do this," Tyler murmured. Lily squeezed his hand as she walked past him. "My daughter didn't do anything to this little bitch!" Jenni's mother shouted from the back of the court room. Lily spun around, her eyes flashing with pain, hurt and embarrassment as she tore her sweater over her head. Due to the slice on her breasts, Lily couldn't wear a bra, despite how long it had been since she'd been free of Jenni and Carter. The jury gasped and Tyler swallowed hard as Lily slipped her skirt down her legs. "I meant in private," the judge said, his voice just barely audible despite having the microphone at the bench in front of him. "Your daughter did the majority of these wounds. Carter restrained me, raped me, hit me and tried to smother me! Your daughter told me the only way she'd let me leave alive was if I left my husband forever! You may have loved your daughter, and as well you should, you're her parents, but she was no angel!" Lily shouted, on the verge of hysterics. Tyler stood up, walked around the table he sat at with his lawyer, despite the protests of his lawyer and the district attorney and pulled Lily gently into the judge's chambers, the bailiff closed the door behind them and stood in front of the door with his arms crossed over his chest. "Mr. Billings, you need to come out now," the bailiff said gently, opening the door. Tyler nodded and led Lily back to the court room. Greg took Lily's hand from Tyler and helped her sit down while Tyler rejoined his lawyer at the table. Lily checked on David before returning to her bedroom to fold some clothes. She hadn't been able to return to the court house, her nerves wouldn't let her, and as much as she wanted to be at there when the jury came back with a verdict, David had woken up with a fever and she couldn't leave him with a babysitter. A knock on the door had Lily looking up. "Has the jury come back already?" Lily asked seeing Caroline in the hallway. Caroline shook her head and walked into the bedroom. Caroline sighed and handed Lily a key. "What's this?" Lily asked. "Go to the hotel Lil and just get away from everything for a little while. I know David has the flu, I'll stay here and take care of the kids and call you if we need you to come back," Caroline suggested. Lily nodded and took the key from her mother. "Thanks Caro," Lily said, grabbing a few pieces of clothing and stuffing them into a duffel bag and leaving the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Grant, wake up," Grace said, her voice shaking. "What's wrong?" Grant asked, groggily. Despite the fact it was nearly two in the afternoon, Grant was still fast asleep. He had been at work until nearly nine that morning working on getting a patient's medication regulated. "I think my water broke," Grace answered. Grant sat up, instantly awake and his eyes met Grace's; her eyes were wide. "Have you been having contractions?" Grant asked. Grace nodded. "A few, but they've been sporadic and not too bad," Grace said. Grant swallowed but smiled gently. "Sporadic they may have been, but if your water broke ..." Grant trailed off as Grace's eyes widened even more and she gasped in pain. "Let's go love," he added after the pain ended and Grace's breathing eased. "I'm scared," Grace murmured as Grant helped her into the car. Grant smiled. "You'll do fine," Grant assured Grace as he closed the passenger side door and hurried to the driver's door. "What's up Caroline?" Greg asked, answering his cell phone in the hallway of the court house. "I just got a call from Grant. Grace went into labor a few hours ago, he would have called earlier, but there wasn't time. We have another granddaughter," Caroline said. Greg smiled. "That's wonderful. How's Lily?" Greg asked. "She's stressed. I sent her to the hotel. Has the jury come back with a verdict yet?" Caroline wanted to know. "Yes, but I don't want to talk about it over the phone. I'm on my way to the house now," Greg answered. Lily was shaken awake and she sat up with a gasp. Lily blinked a few times before focusing on the face of the person who had shaken her awake. "Ty?" Lily asked, her eyes wide, hopeful. "They found me not ..." Tyler's voice trailed off as Lily launched herself at him. "I love you so much," Tyler groaned as he and Lily pulled each others clothes off. "Ty wait," Lily gasped as Tyler reached for the buckle of her belt. "What's wrong?" Tyler asked. "I can't," Lily gasped. "What? Why?" Tyler wanted to know. Lily stepped back so that her body was bathed in the light the lamp provided. "Look at me Ty, I'm ugly," Lily whispered. "Lily, you could never be ugly to me," Tyler assured her. He reached for her again but Lily took another step back. "I want to, but I can't. Give me time Ty, please," Lily whispered. Tyler sighed but nodded. "Take all the time that you need," Tyler assured her, pulling his shirt and jeans back on. "You're not mad?" Lily asked. "I love you Lily, and after what you've been through, I can't be mad at you for needing some time," Tyler promised. He handed Lily her tee-shirt and watched as it was pulled over her head. "Oh, mom called Dad right after the verdict got passed down; Grace had her baby. She and Grant named her Hope Rose," Tyler added. Lily smiled broadly. "Finally, a baby for us to spoil and send home," she said. Tyler laughed. "Are you hungry?" Tyler asked. Lily nodded and he reached for the phone. "I'll order us up some dinner and we can catch up on the last few months," Tyler said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tyler opened his eyes and turned towards Lily to find her laying on her side, silent tears streaming down her face. "What's wrong Lil?" Tyler asked gently, brushing his thumbs over her cheeks. "Nothing," Lily said, her voice just above a whisper. "Lily, you're crying, something's wrong," Tyler said. "I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see Carter and Jenni," Lily said finally. "Lily, listen to me. What happened wasn't your fault, Tyler said. "I know," Lily whispered. "I love you," Tyler murmured, pressing a kiss to Lily's forehead. "Even looking like this?" Lily asked, pulling her night gown over her head. Tyler forced himself to look at the scars, healing, but still pink and angry. "No matter what happens, how you look or how old you are, I will always love you," Tyler promised. "I hate that this happened, but it doesn't change my feelings a bit," he added when Lily looked at him in disbelief. "How can it not?" Lily wanted to know. Tyler sighed and lit the candle that sat on his bed side table. "Lily, when I married you, I promised in sickness and in health and to death do us part. I meant it," Tyler murmured. "You promised that to Jenni too," Lily whispered. Tyler resisted the urge to growl and roll his eyes. "I made a mistake with Jenni Lil, but you, Mia and David, you aren't mistakes. I don't know what I would do if I lost you," Tyler said. Lily moaned as Tyler's lips covered hers and all resistance melted away as they made gentle, yet passionate love. Finding a New Life Ch. 18-19 CHAPTER EIGHTEEN "Daddy!" Mia screamed as Lily and Tyler walked into the house the next morning. "Hey princess," Tyler said with a big smile as he lifted Mia into his arms and gave her a tight hug. "Dadada!" David gurgled, trying to toddle over. "Hey little man," Tyler grinned as he watched his son walk on wobbly legs. "I've missed you guys," he added. Tyler straightened up and gave his mother a hug. "I'm glad that's over," Caroline said softly. Tyler nodded and glanced at Lily out of the corner of his eye. "Lily will be fine," Caroline told her son. "Dinner is at our house tonight if you're up to it. Grace won't be there because she's sill in the hospital obviously, but we'd love to have you, Lily and the kids over," Caroline added. "I take it dad dropped the divorce suit," Tyler observed. "We're working on it," Caroline said. Tyler smiled and looked back as Lily disappeared from the room, David in her arms. "I am sorry for the custody suit," Caroline added. Tyler ran a hand through his hair. "Let's just forget about it," he suggested. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "How are you feeling?" Grant asked, walking into the hospital room. Grace smiled and looked down at the tiny baby squirming in her arms. "I'm feeling good. Between having Hope and Ty being found not guilty, it's been a good week," Grace said, her eyes shining. Grant nodded and pressed his lips against Grace's before pressing a kiss on his daughter's tiny cheek. "I bet Lily's glad to have Ty home," Grant agreed. Grace nodded and ran a finger down Hope's cheek. "I can't believe she's here," Grace breathed. Grant smiled. "She's so beautiful," she added. "So are you," Grant said. Grace smiled and passed Hope over to Grant. "Hey sis," Tyler said a few days later as Grant and Grace walked into the living room of his mother's house. "It's good to see you," Grace murmured, giving Tyler a hug. "That orange just didn't suit you," she added. Tyler chuckled and turned to watch his brother unbuckle the straps of the infant car seat and pull a cranky Hope into his arms. "Let me see my niece," Tyler said, holding out his arms. Grant transferred the tiny infant into Tyler's arms and he smiled as he looked her over. "She's beautiful," Tyler told Grace, leaning over and giving his sister a kiss on the cheek. "How was your homecoming?" Grace asked her brother. Lily looked over from where she was helping Mia tie her shoe. "Not too bad. It was relaxing," Tyler answered. Grace looked at Tyler in surprise. "Not now Grace," he added when Lily walked over. Grace gave her friend and sister a big hug before Lily looked over at Hope. "God Grace, you're going to have to secure her in the basement to keep the boys away from her," Lily joked. Grace grinned and Grant chuckled. "I've already talked to Greg about building a tower," Grant said with a grin. "You guys are awful," Tyler said laughing. "And how will you feel about Mia dating?" Grace asked innocently. Tyler looked over at his daughter. "Let's not cross that bridge until we get there," Lily advised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Why can't I go?" Mia whined. "We've been over this Mia. Carly's parents won't be home, so you are not spending the night," Lily told her daughter. "But I've known Carly for years!" Mia protested. "I'm aware of that. You still aren't spending the night without her parents being there," Lily said. "It's not fair!" Mia cried. "Life isn't fair Mia. You can go to the party, but you will be home by nine thirty," Lily said firmly. Lily looked up as Tyler walked in and sighed as Mia ran over to her father. "I can spend the night at Carly's tonight, can't I daddy?" Mia asked. Lily resisted the urge to roll her eyes and met Tyler's gaze over their daughter's head. "I'm with your mother on this one Princess. I don't want you spending the night at Carly's without her parents home," Tyler said. "But Josh will be there," Mia said. Lily shook her head as the reasons for her daughters persistence finally made more sense. Mia had made no effort to hide the fact that she had a major crush on her best friend's older brother. Lily poured a glass of lemonade and slid it across the counter to Tyler before pouring herself a glass. Lily thought back to the last decade and couldn't believe her daughter was thirteen, almost fourteen already. "I heard from Jenni's mother," Tyler said softly. Lily looked up, her eyes narrowed. "What did she want?" Lily asked. Tyler handed Lily a letter and her eyes widened. "If this kid is yours, why didn't Jenni tell you when you filed for divorce?" Lily wanted to know. Tyler shook his head. "I don't know, but before I take this as gospel, I'm having a paternity test done," Tyler said. Lily nodded. "That sounds wise, but why did they wait until all this time to say anything about him?" Lily asked. "Jenni's dad passed away last year, and I guess her mom isn't doing very well these days and wants the the to be raised by family," Tyler said. "When's the paternity test being done?" Lily wanted to know. "Next week. Gail is flying in with Catie next Tuesday and the the test will be Wednesday morning," Tyler answered. "When will the results be in?" Lily murmured, taking a sip of her lemonade. "I'm having them rushed, but it'll still take a few days," Tyler said. ~~~~~~~~ "Hello Gail," Tyler said politely. Lily squeezed his hand gently. "Tyler." Gail pushed a young girl forward gently. "This is Catie," she introduced. Lily sighed as she studied the girl's face; there was no doubt in her mind that she was Tyler's daughter. "My God, she looks a lot like Mia," Lily breathed. "Catie, this is your father," Gail said gently. Catie pretended not to hear her grandmother and pushed her ear buds further into her ears. Gail shook her head with a sigh. "I'm sorry, this has been hard on her," Gail said. "I can imagine," Lily murmured. "Where are your kids?" Gail wanted to know. "School. We haven't told them about this yet," Lily answered. Gail nodded as she and Catie followed Tyler and Lily to the car. "So Catie, how old are you?" Lily asked while they waited for the waitress to bring their lunch. "I just turned eleven," Catie answered, taking a sip of her water. "How long did you wait for my parents to get divorced before you started banging my dad?" Catie wanted to know. Lily and Tyler glanced at each other. "That is inappropriate," Gail scolded. "It's true though! Lily's the reason that my parents weren't together before he killed mom!" Catie exclaimed. Tyler ducked down a little as people turned and stared. "Catie, that's enough," Gail said firmly. They ate the rest of their meal in silence. "I'll see you at the clinic tomorrow morning," Gail told Tyler softly. Tyler nodded and Gail started to follow her granddaughter out of the diner. "Gail," Tyler called. Gail turned around. "I'm sorry about all of this." Gail gave a small smile and nodded. "I'll see you in the morning," Gail said again before leaving the diner. "What'd the results show?" Lily asked a few days later even though she already knew the answer. "Jenni's birth control failed; I'm Catie's father," Tyler answered. "Why do I have to stay with them?" Catie wanted to know as she watched her grandmother unload her bags. "Because I can't take care of you the way you need to be taken care of and you have a brother and a sister," Gail told Catie. "I don't want to stay here!" Catie whined. "I know you don't sweetie, and I wish you didn't have to, but I can't. Look, I know you blame your father for everything, but he didn't even know your mother was pregnant. She never told him about you," Gail said. "He isn't my father, he's just a sperm donor," Catie grumbled. "Catie, that's the past. Now that he knows about you, he's more than willing to be a father to you," Gail told Catie. "Wonderful. An absent father to go with a dead, absent mother. Oh wait, he killed her, that's why she's dead," Catie reminded Gail. Gail sighed and shook her head, looking up as Lily walked out onto the front porch. "Catie, I know this is hard for you," she began. "You don't know anything you bitch! If it wasn't for you and your whoring ways, my mom and dad would be together!" Catie shouted. "Mom, who's this?" Mia asked as she and David got off of the bus and ran towards the house. Lily sighed. "Mia, David, this is Catie; she's your sister," Lily said. Mia and David and Catie all stared at each other, as if they were sizing each other up. "How old are you?" Catie asked Mia. "I'll be fourteen in two months," Mia answered. "So you slept with my father before he met my mother?" Catie asked, turning back towards Lily who nodded. "Now I know you're some kind of whore," Catie said. Lily sighed. "Mia, David, go inside the house and start your homework," Lily instructed. Mia and David waited a moment before turning back to Catie. Lily knelt down in front of her step-daughter. "Listen to me Catie. I know you've been through a lot and you feel lost and alone. I know, I've been there. I didn't know your mother very well, but I've known your father since I was ten years old. He's a good man," Lily said softly. "Then why did he kill my mother?" Catie fired. Lily sighed again. "He didn't want to, and when you're older, he'll explain it to you," Lily answered. "I won't stay with a murderer," Catie said firmly. "Catie Lynn, you don't have a choice. You will stay here and get to know your father because I can't take care of you any longer. You will mind your manners and do as you're told," Gail said, her voice just as firm as Catie's. Lily could see the tears of frustration welling up into Catie's eyes. "Catie, why don't you go inside and start unpacking. Your room is upstairs, third door on the left," Lily said gently. Catie gave Gail a tight hug before picking up one of her suit cases and walked into the house. Lily followed Catie with her eyes. "Get to your homework!" she called to Mia and David who scurried back to the dining room table. CHAPTER NINETEEN "So Catie, how are you liking your classes?" Tyler asked at dinner. "What's to like about them?" Catie wanted to know. "I like my history class," Mia piped up. "That's only because you have a crush on Evan," David said. Mia tossed a piece of her bread at her brother. "That's enough," Tyler warned. "What happened to Josh?" Lily teased. "Moom!" Mia whined. Lily grinned and Tyler rolled his eyes. "She's just mad because Josh has a girlfriend," David said with a grin. "If you even think about throwing that bread at your brother, you can kiss going to the dance good-bye," Lily warned. Mia pouted but put the ball of bread on her plate on her plate. "Is there something wrong with your dinner Catie?" Lily asked. "I'm allergic to tomato," Catie said. Tyler's eyes widened and he reached to lift the plate away. "No you aren't. Gail gave me a list of the things you're allergic to, what you like, don't like and she said that spaghetti is your favorite food," Lily told Catie. Tyler and Lily exchanged glances as Catie took a reluctant bite of her spaghetti. "This is better than grandma's," Catie admitted reluctantly. Lily smiled. "We'll let her think hers is better, we don't want to hurt her feelings," Lily said. Catie smiled back, a rare but genuine smile. "She hates me," Tyler groaned. "She thinks you deserted her," Lily reminded Tyler. "I didn't even know she existed," Tyler protested. "Give her time Ty," Lily suggested. Before Tyler could say anything else, the phone rang. Lily finished folding the clothes while she waited for Tyler to complete the call. "What's going on?" Lily asked. "I have to go back into the office. Someone's trying to hack in," he answered, brushing a kiss over Lily's cheek before leaving. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -2 months later- Lily stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel, but before she could cover herself completely, the door flew open and Catie ducked in. "Sorry!" Catie exclaimed. She tried to look away, but the scars on her step mother's body captivated her. "What happened?" she wanted to know. Lily sighed. "Let me dry off and get dressed and we'll talk in a few minutes," Lily suggested. "My mom really did that?" Catie asked, her voice small. "Yes, she did," Tyler said from the doorway. "That's why you killed her?" Catie wanted to know. Tyler nodded. "I didn't want to hurt your mom. If she hadn't been trying to kill Lily, I would have let her just go to jail," Tyler said. "That went easier then I expected," Lily murmured when they were in their room for the night. Tyler nodded, his eyes clouded with doubt. "Ty, it's okay," Lily said softly. Tyler shook his head. "I should have known that I had a daughter out there somewhere," Tyler murmured. "How? Did you have unprotected sex with anyone other than me or Jenni?" Lily asked dryly. "No, never," Tyler said, looking at Lily. He grinned when his brain finally processed what Lily was wearing; a silky bathrobe. His eyes widened and he smiled appreciatively when Lily untied the knot in the sash and let the robe fall to the floor. "I like you like this," he said, his eyes twinkling. Lily smiled as Tyler gently pushed her down on the bed. "You're so amazing," Tyler whispered as he knelt between Lily's legs; pushing a finger up inside her moist heat. Lily moaned and arched towards him as Tyler continued to torment her clit mercilessly. Lily was on the verge of cumming when Tyler thrust hard and deep inside her. "Oh God," Lily moaned. Tyler grinned. "I'm not that good," he teased, nibbling on her ear as he tweaked a nipple with his fingers. Lily met him thrust for thrust, each thrust faster and harder than the previous thrust. Tyler sucked gently on one of Lily's nipples making her cry out loudly. "Tyler!" Lily exclaimed as his cock brushed repeatedly over her g-spot. Lily moaned loudly as Tyler sped up his thrusts and slowed them down strategically. Lily fought to maintain his rhythm. "I ..." Tyler thrust once, hard and deep. "Love ..." he thrust harder still. "You," he managed, thrusting in as far as he could. His cock brushed by Lily's g-spot again as Tyler brushed his fingers over her clit causing Lily to come, hard, fast and violently, letting out a low pitched scream. They lay together, their bodies locked in an embrace, as if they were afraid to let go. "I love you too," Lily managed to say before drifting off into a dreamless sleep. Finding a New Life Ch. 20 "So what is it like to live with the man that murdered your mother?" Catie turned around and rolled her eyes. "Don't you have anything better to do than bug the new kid?" Catie wanted to know. "Nope. So what is it like to live with the man that murdered your mother?" the girl asked again. "Leave her alone Brittney," Mia said, walking over and crossing her arms. "And you're going to make me how?" Brittney asked. "I'm not scared of you," Mia told Brittney. "So? Your dad is a murderer!" Brittney sneered. "No he isn't!" Mia exclaimed. "That's enough," a teacher said. "Everyone, get to your buses," he added. Mia grabbed Catie's hand. "Let's go Catie," Mia said. -later that day- "Do you want to tell us what the fight at school was about?" Lily asked. "Britteny Mason called dad a murderer," Mia answered. "She wanted to know what is like living with the man that murdered my mother," Catie added. Lily and Tyler exchanged looks. "Catie, I know you still have some anger about your mother's death, but you know I didn't set out to kill her don't you?" Tyler asked gently. Catie nodded. "And I'm okay with it ... it isn't like she was really that great of a mother anyway. She took off after I was born and I only saw her at Christmas. If I got lucky, she'd send me a birthday card," Catie admitted. "I'm sorry you had to live like that. I swear, had I known that you existed, I would have tried getting custody of you," Tyler told Catie. Catie nodded. In the months that she had lived with her father and step mother, she had become easier to live with; there were still moments of hostility, but over all, she enjoyed living in her new home. "Anyone home?" Lily looked up and smiled when Eli walked into the room. "Uncle Eli!" Mia and David exclaimed. "Hey Eli, how was Africa?" Lily asked. "Great. We got a lot of wells dug," Eli answered. "Awesome," Lily said with a soft smile. "Have you talked to Emma lately?" Lily wanted to know. Eli nodded. "She went to Africa with me. Don't worry, she doesn't blame you about Chase," he answered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Have you told them?" Emma asked. Eli shook his head. "Not yet," he murmured, kissing her gently. "You should," Emma said with a moan. "Let's not talk about talking to my sister right now," Eli said with a wicked grin. Emma laughed; her laugh turned to a gasp as Eli thrust deep inside her. "I love you Em," he groaned as he came deep inside her. "So you and Emma got married while you were in Africa?" Lily asked, taking a bite of her hamburger. Eli nodded. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?" Lily wanted to know. "I wasn't sure how you'd feel about Emma being in my life after what Chase did to you," Eli answered. "I don't blame Emma for that, it isn't like she told Chase to make my life hell," Lily pointed out. Eli nodded. "It isn't that I thought you would, but I wanted to make sure first," Eli said. Lily shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat," she commented. -3 weeks later- "Lily, can I ask you a question?" Catie asked. Lily looked up from the pot of spaghetti sauce and nodded. "What's going on Catie?" Lily wanted to know. "I need some advice," Catie murmured. "What about?" Lily asked. "I got asked to the school dance," Catie said. Lily smiled. "You're only eleven," Lily reminded Catie. "I know, but I really want to go," Catie murmured. "I'll have to talk to your dad," Lily told Catie. "Why can't you just let me go to the dance?" Catie wanted to know. "You can go to the dance Catie, but I'm not sure about going with a boy," Lily answered. Catie pouted and ran to her room. "I don't want her going with a boy," Tyler said later that night. Lily laughed. "I think we should meet him first," Lily murmured. Tyler shook his head. "She's too young to date, and besides, I know what young boys are after," Tyler insisted. "So don't think about it in terms of a date. Think of it in terms of her making more friends," Lily suggested. "No way," Tyler said stubbornly. "You aren't being fair!" Catie exclaimed from the doorway. "You shouldn't eavesdrop," Tyler told his daughter. "I wasn't, I was walking in to get an apple. It isn't my fault that Lily likes to have the kitchen be where you guys talk about things," Catie snapped. "Hey, watch the tone," Tyler warned. "Or what?" Catie challenged. "You won't go to the dance," Tyler answered, crossing his arms over his chest. Catie's eyes widened and she turned to look at Lily. "Ty, maybe you should calm down," Lily murmured. "Why can't you just stay out of it Lily? She's my daughter, not yours," Tyler grumbled. Lily stared at Tyler in surprise, tears in eyes as she left the house. "Way to go dad," Catie said sarcastically before running up to her room. "I've been looking all over for you," Tyler said, walking into Lily's favorite diner. "What do you want Ty?" Lily asked. "To apologize. You're a wonderful mother. To Mia, to David and to Catie. I was out of line," Tyler answered. "Do you love me Ty?" Lily wanted to know. "You know I do," Tyler said. "Do you really love me?" Lily murmured. "Yes, why are you asking this?" Tyler asked, growing impatient. "Because if you did, you never would have made that crack about me not being Catie's mother," Lily said, tossing a ten on the table, getting up and walking away. "I really screwed up didn't I?" Tyler asked Grace. Grace nodded. "You think?" Grace snapped. "What do I do?" Tyler wanted to know. "Grovel," Grace suggested, glancing at her watch. "I have to go, I can't be late for work," she added, getting up and walking away. "Mom, when are you coming home?" Mia wanted to know. "When your father gets his head of his ass," Lily answered. "Mom, he's miserable, and worse, he can't cook," Mia complained. Lily sighed. "Mia, your father needs to realize a few things and he can't do that if I'm there," Lily said. "Like what? How to poison us all?" Mia retorted. "No, and it's hard to explain. He basically told me that I have no say in any decision that has to be made for Catie because I'm not her biological mother," Lily told her daughter. "So he's dumb? So what? All guys are dumb," Mia grumbled. "Mia, I'm not talking about this right now. I'll see you tonight," Lily said with a weary sigh before hanging up the phone. "Shouldn't you be at the office?" Lily asked, stopping short when she saw Tyler waiting in the entry way of the house. "I wanted to wait for you," Tyler answered. "Why?" Lily wanted to know. "I'm sorry Lil. I never should have said what I said about Catie not being your child. I love you and you've done so much to make Catie feel welcome here." Lily folded her arms over her chest. "It's going to take more than that," Lily told him. Tyler crossed the distance between them and crushed his lips to hers. Lily moaned as Tyler's hands slid up her legs, under her skirt and pulled her panties down, letting them fall around her ankles. "Ty, you're crazy," she cried weakly. Tyler pulled away long enough to pull his jeans and boxers down. "You're right about me being crazy, but I'm crazy for you," he groaned, thrusting into her, pushing Lily back against the wall. Lily moaned and arched against him, meeting his hips thrust for thrust. They were so caught up in their own pleasure that they didn't notice the front door open. Mia, Catie and David looked at each other, eyes wide. "Your mom is hot," David's friend Brad commented. David gave his friend a dirty look and pushed his friend back out onto the porch. "Mom, you're back!" Mia called, her words washing over Lily like a bucket of cold water, bringing her climax to a halt. "Oh God," Lily groaned, pushing Tyler away from her. "Okay, Dad, seriously, pull your pants up," David pleaded. Tyler pulled his boxers and jeans back up, his face red. Lily ducked into the living room and fixed her clothing. "Can I come back in now?" Brad called from outside. "No!" David shouted. Mia rolled her eyes and opened the door. "If you make one more remark about my mother, I'll personally kick your ass," she threatened. "So I guess you're moving back in huh?" Catie asked, her eyes twinkling. Lily glanced at Tyler before running up the stairs. "Do your homework," Tyler said before following Lily. "That was embarrassing," Lily groaned, sinking to the bed and dropping her face into her hands. "They'll live," Tyler growled, pushing Lily back against the bed and pushing her skirt up over her hips. "What, no panties?" Tyler asked with a wicked grin. He pulled his clothes off, tossed them on the floor and slid easily home. Lily gasped as Tyler pulled her blouse open, sending buttons scattering across the bed and onto the floor. "No bra either?" he observed, closing his mouth over one of her nipples. Lily cried out as the sensation of pleasure coursed through her. She bit into Tyler's shoulder to muffle her scream as he brushed against her g-spot. He let out a guttural groan as he spewed his seed deep within her. "I hope this means you've forgiven me," Tyler said with a groan. "If I hadn't, we wouldn't have just had sex," Lily reminded him. Tyler grinned. "And boy was it good," he said with a chuckle. Lily laughed. "Are you guys done yet?" Mia called up the stairs. Lily blushed again. "We'll be down in a few minutes," Tyler called back. "I love you," he murmured, nibbling on Lily's neck. "Ty, no more," Lily said with a laugh. "No?" Tyler asked with a mischievous grin. "No more," Lily repeated. "Are you sure?" Tyler wanted to know as he slid his finger up inside her. Lily moaned and arched upwards. He chuckled. "Not now Ty, we have to see what the kids need," Lily said weakly. "They can wait," Tyler murmured, nibbling on her ear. Lily moaned as he began playing with her clit. "Ty, stop," Lily said, her protest barely audible. "You don't want me to stop," Tyler said, stretching out next to her, his still hard cock pressed up against her leg. "You're right, I don't," Lily murmured, rolling over so she was on top of him. Tyler chuckled and groaned as Lily lowered herself over him. They came together hard and fast, their foreheads pressed together. "I love you," Tyler told Lily, pressing kisses to her cheek and lips. "I love you too," Lily murmured. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Catie and Mia were sitting in the living room munching on a bowl of popcorn and watching Top Gun. "I didn't know you guys liked this movie," Tyler said, walking into the house. Mia looked up. "Hey Dad, it's a great movie. Even if Tom Cruise is insane, it's a classic," Mia told her father. Tyler laughed. "No, a classic is Casablanca," he said with a grin. Catie rolled her eyes. "You're acting so old," Catie teased. Tyler laughed and looked up as Lily walked into the house, an odd look on her face. "Lil?" Tyler asked, following her upstairs. "Are you okay?" he wanted to know. Lily sat down on the bed, her face pale which worried Tyler. "Are you sick? Did the doctor find something at your physical? Talk to me!" Tyler exclaimed. "I'm not sick, but the doctor did find something during the physical," Lily said, her voice soft. "What did he find?" Tyler asked, growing more worried, which he tried to hide with an impatient tone. He crouched down in front of Lily and took her hands in his. "Lily, whatever it is, you can tell me," he said gently. Lily looked at Tyler and swallowed hard. "I'm pregnant," she announced. Finding a New Life Ch. 21-22 CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE "You're what?" Tyler asked. "Pregnant," Lily repeated. "You're sure?" Tyler wanted to know. "The doctor ran three blood tests and then there is this," Lily murmured, handing him a piece of paper. Tyler smiled when he saw the fuzzy ultrasound picture. "Is everything okay? Are you healthy?" Tyler wanted to know. Lily nodded. "They're going to watch things more closely since I'm over 30 now, but Doctor Franklin said everything looks good," Lily answered. Tyler pulled Lily into a tight, but gentle hug. "You aren't mad? I know after David, you said you didn't want any more," Lily wanted to know. "I love you Lily, and I'll love our baby, hell, if you got pregnant a dozen more times, I'd love every baby we have together," Tyler promised. Lily smiled and closed her eyes as Tyler leaned down and kissed her gently. "Why are you crying?" he asked, wiping the tears away. "I don't know," Lily admitted. Tyler laughed and kissed her again. "Let's go tell the kids," Tyler said after Lily had composed herself. "What's up?" David asked. "Thanks for setting the table," Lily said. "We finished making dinner," Mia told her mother. Lily smiled. "Are you okay Lily? You looked really pale when you came home," Catie commented. "I'm fine, I just had a surprise," Lily answered. She watched the kids as they put the food on the table before she sat down. "What's going on mom?" Mia wanted to know. Lily gave a small smile before glancing at Tyler. "I had a physical today," Lily began. "Are you sick?" Mia asked. "No sweetie, not sick. I'm pregnant," Lily said. She watched the different reactions on the kids' faces. "Please have a boy, I'm tired of being out numbered," David pleaded. "But you're so old!" Mia exclaimed. The only one who didn't say anything was Catie. "Thanks Mia," Lily said dryly. "And as for having a boy, that's up to your dad," Lily told David. "Catie, what do you think about this?" Tyler wanted to know. "May I be excused please?" Catie asked. "You haven't had anything to eat yet," Tyler protested. "I'm not hungry," Catie said. Tyler opened his mouth to protest again but Lily intervened. "I'll save you some," Lily promised. Catie stood up and practically ran out of the dining room and up to her room. -hours later- "Catie, are you okay?" Lily asked walking into Catie's bedroom and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Fine," Catie said. "What's wrong?" Lily wanted to know. "Are you going to send me back to my grandmother's now that you're pregnant again?" Catie asked. "What? No! Why would you think that?" Lily wanted to know. "My mother threatened to have a baby with Carter and to get rid of me," Catie admitted. "Catie, I'm not Jenni, and you live here now. I'm not going to just kick you out because your father and I are having another baby. All I'm going to ask for is some more help around the house," Lily told Catie. Catie nodded and smiled. "I can do that," she said. "Good. Now why don't you come downstairs and have some dinner," Lily said, standing up. "Eli, what's wrong?" Lily asked, sitting down across the table from her brother. "Emma left me," Eli answered, wrinkling his nose after taking a sip of his coffee. "What? Why?" Lily wanted to know. Eli waited for the waitress to come take Lily's order. "Her mother blames you for Carter and in order to keep from causing major family problems, she's requested a divorce," Eli answered. "What's with the milk?" he wanted to know. "Just don't want a coffee," Lily answered. "Bull," Eli said. He studied his sister. "What's really going on?" he wanted to know. "I'm pregnant," Lily said after a minute. Eli smiled and reached across the table to squeeze Lily's hand. "I'm happy for you," Eli said. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO -months later- "Happy Birthday Catie!" Lily said cheerfully. "Whoo-hoo, I'm twelve," Catie said bitterly. "What's wrong?" Lily asked. "There's a boy at school who's interested in me and Ty's already said that I can't date," Catie grumbled. Lily gave a laugh. "You'll be able to date soon. Invite him to the party," Lily suggested. "You're seriously having a party for me with as far along as you are?" Catie asked in surprise. "You only turn twelve once," Lily said with a shrug. She looked up as Tyler knocked on the door. "Is Gail here?" Lily asked. Tyler nodded and watched with a grin as his daughter quickly pulled on a robe and ran down the stairs "How are you feeling?" Tyler asked as Lily walked over to him. He ran his hands down Lily's back and she moaned in contentment. "I'm more than ready to have the baby," Lily answered, tensing as Tyler hit a knot. "You okay?" he asked. "Yeah, just a sore spot," she answered. "How much longer?" Tyler wanted to know. "Two weeks," Lily said, heading for the stairs. They walked in silence into the kitchen where Catie was eagerly opening the presents Gail had brought over. "Well look at you," Gail said with a laugh. "Tyler just never stops does he?" she teased. "Apparently not," Lily agreed. "Mom are you sure you don't need me to drive?" Mia asked. "I'm fine Mia," Lily said, wincing a little. "Is the baby coming?" Mia asked. "No, it's just a back ache," Lily answered as she climbed in the car. "Mom, I can drive, I have my permit," Mia reminded Lily. "I know, but it's just a few miles," Lily said. "Okay," Mia said, getting in the passenger seat of the car. "Mom, look out!" Mia exclaimed as a deer bounded into the road. Lily slammed on the breaks, everything she'd learned in driver's training flew out the window as the car began to slide on the icy road. "Mia, are you okay?" Lily asked when the car finally came to a stop. Mia nodded. "What about you and the baby?" Mia wanted to know. "I think I'm okay," Lily answered, ignoring the persistent back ache. Mia screamed as bright lights barreled towards them, an F-250 slammed into them. "Ty, it's Grant. There's been an accident. Mia and Lily, they're in the ER. It doesn't look good," Grant said. "What happened?" Tyler demanded to know. "We don't know exactly, but it looks like they hit a deer and then got hit by another vehicle," Greg said. "Are mom and Mia going to be okay?" David asked. "And what about the baby?" Catie chimed in. "The doctors don't know yet," Caroline said gently. Tyler looked like he had been hit by a Mack truck. "But I'm sure they'll be just fine. Mia survived Cancer twice and Lily survived Carter twice, they're both fighters," she added. Tyler looked up when Grace hurried into the emergency room, Hope and Hope's brother Hogan. "You guys need to stop growing," Tyler said with a small smile. Grace gave her brother a tight hug. "They'll be fine," Grace murmured, brushing his cheek with her thumb. "Ty, you can go see them now," Grant said from behind Tyler. "You go see Lily, we'll go see to Mia," Caroline told her son. Tyler gave his mother a look of thanks before following Grant into the trauma room that Lily was being worked on in. His eyes zeroed in on the fetal heart monitor. "His the baby's heart rate supposed to be that high?" he wanted to know. "150, yeah, that's good. It's if it drops below 120 or above 170 that we really need to worry," Grant said. Tyler looked relieved and sat down in the chair by the bed. "They're running tests, they'll come talk to you when they know more," Grant added. "Any change?" Grace asked. "No. Lil's still in a coma. They're talking about performing a c-section," Tyler answered. "What about Mia?" Grace murmured. "Still unconscious, but showing signs that she'll be waking up soon," Tyler told his sister. "That's good," Grace said with a smile. Tyler nodded. "How are David and Catie handling this?" Tyler asked. "They're doing okay. They've helped a lot," Grace said. "Good." They both looked up as an alarm on the fetal monitor sounded. Doctors rushed in and made Tyler and Grace leave the room. "Grant, what's going on?" Tyler wanted to know. "The baby's heart rate is falling, they need to take the baby by C-section now," Grant answered. Tyler and Grace stood in the hall helpless as Grant was paged back to his department. "Excuse me, Mr. Billings? Your daughter Mia, she's awake," a nurse said, walking up to Tyler. "I'll call mom, you see to Mia," Grace said softly. "Daddy?" Mia asked, her eyes wide as she looked around the room. "Hey baby," Tyler said, a small smile on his face. He forced himself to stay calm, he didn't want to alarm his daughter. "Do you remember what happened?" he asked gently. "A deer jumped out in front of us. I don't think we hit him, but a big pick up crashed into us about two minutes after. Is mom okay?" Mia wanted to know. "She'll be fine sweetie," Tyler promised, hoping that he wasn't lying. He sat with Mia until she fell back to sleep before he went in search of information about Lily's condition. "Hey mom, can I talk to Catie?" Tyler asked. "Hey dad, is Lily okay?" Catie asked. Tyler paused for a moment and smiled as he realized what Catie had just called him. "Mia's awake, but Lily's still in a coma, but they had to take the baby by C-section. It's a little girl, I know David will be disappointed, but the baby is healthy at least. Have grandma bring you guys up later this evening," Tyler said in a rush. "Oh Ty, she's beautiful," Caroline said with a small smile. "What have you named her?" Catie asked. "I was thinking Nasya Sheli," Tyler answered. "We aren't Jewish Ty," Caroline reminded her son. "It means miracle of mine," Tyler told his mother. Caroline smiled. "It's perfect," Caroline told her son. "I can't believe it's another girl," David groused. Tyler laughed. "When is mom gonna wake up?" he asked. "I don't know, but don't say anything to Mia about your mother being in a coma, it could set her recovery back," Tyler said. Everyone nodded in agreement. Tyler tossed and turned in the bedside chair and his eyes snapped open when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked over and saw Lily's eyes open, blinking slowly as she looked around the room in confusion. "Lil, thank God you're awake," Tyler breathed, pushing the call button. "Yes?" the nurse asked. "My wife's awake," Tyler answered. ~~~~~~~~~~ "How do you feel?" Tyler asked gently. "Tired." Lily looked up at him and blinked. "What's wrong?" Tyler murmured, reaching for her hand. She pulled back and asked, "Who are you?" Nasya is pronounced Na-see-a and Sheli is pronounced Shey-lee. Yes, both names are Hebrew. Nasya does mean Miracle and Sheli means mine. Comments are gladly accepted, but if you ask a question, please give me an email address so that I can email you with an answer. Thanks for reading! Ashira Finding a New Life Ch. 23 "What?" Tyler asked, unable to keep the look of shock out of his eyes. "Who are you?" Lily repeated. "What do you mean who am I?" Tyler asked, his eyes wide. "Just what I say, who are you?" Lily wanted to know. "I'm your husband," Tyler said slowly. "My husband?" Lily murmured. Tyler nodded. "How long have we been married?" Lily wanted to know. "Almost thirteen and a half years," Tyler answered, looking up as the doctor walked into the room. "It's good to see you awake Mrs. Billings," the doctor said. "She doesn't know who I am," Tyler said softly. The doctor frowned slightly and began to examine Lily carefully. "I'll have consult a neurosurgeon, but I don't believe that Lily's memory loss is permanent. Try to keep her as calm as possible, that will help," the doctor told him. Tyler nodded and watched as the doctor left the room. Tyler looked up as Mia walked into the living room and smiled at his daughter. It had been nearly two weeks since the accident and it was Mia's first day back home. "When's mom going to be able to come home?" Mia wanted to know. "I don't know sweetie. Your mom has amnesia, and we don't want to rush her recovery," Tyler answered. "You should be resting," he added. "I'm fine dad. Catie's with Nasya and David is studying for an exam," Mia said, sitting down on the couch next to him. "I can make dinner if you want," she offered. "No, it's okay, you should rest," Tyler said with a small smile. "But it was sweet of you to offer," he added. Mia sighed softly. "How are you feeling kiddo?" Tyler wanted to know. "Better. I'm still achy, but I can't wait to get back to school," Mia told her father. Tyler smiled and gave his daughter a tight but gentle hug. "The doc says you can go back next week if you don't over-do it," Tyler said. Lily looked around uncertainly as Tyler led her into the house. "How many kids do we have?" Lily asked softly. "There's Mia, Catie, David and Nasya. Mia just turned sixteen, Catie is fourteen, David is eleven and Nasya is a month old," Tyler answered. Lily's eyes widened. "We have four kids?" Lily asked. "Yes," Tyler answered. "Nasya was a complete surprise to both of us," Tyler added. "Mom!" Mia exclaimed from the living room. Lily turned and saw a young woman that could have been her clone hurrying towards her. "Careful Mia, we don't want to overwhelm your mom any more than she already is," Tyler warned. "It's okay," Lily said softly, allowing her daughter to give her a gentle squeeze; it felt right and she took comfort in that. Catie and Eli came into the hall way; Eli took the bag from his father and carried up the stairs to his parents room. "Dinner is almost done. Grandma picked up groceries to make mom's favorite dinner," Catie said. Tyler grinned when he heard Catie refer to Lily as mom. "What is my favorite dinner?" Lily asked. Mia started to answer but Tyler shook his head. "Lil, you can wait until dinner to find out," Tyler said, leading her past the foyer and into the dining room. A few minutes later, David, Mia and Catie carried in a platter of sliced brisket, a bowl of potatoes and carrots and a plate of french bread. "It smells amazing," Lily told them as Tyler loaded up her plate. "Where's Nasya?" Lily asked. "Sleeping," Mia answered. Lily nodded and took a small bite of brisket; she closed her eyes and gave a moan of contentment. "It tastes as amazing as it smells," Lily told Mia who beamed at the compliment. Lily ate quietly and listened to Tyler and the kids talk about how their day had gone. Lily looked up when tiny sobs came over the baby monitor; Tyler started to stand up but Lily shook her head. "If I am who you say I am, then let me help take care of her," Lily said softly. She turned to Mia. "Will you show me where to go?" she asked. Mia hesitated until Tyler nodded and led her mother up the stairs and into the nursery. "Dad's in the process of adding another bedroom since neither of you were planning on another baby. Temporarily, I'm bunking with Catie," Mia told Lily as she lifted Nasya out of her crib. Lily changed the baby's diaper with practiced hands, which surprised her while Mia prepared a bottle. "I'm not nursing?" Lily asked. "You've been in the hospital since before Nasya was born and we didn't know how long you'd be in your coma for," Mia reminded Lily who nodded and took the bottle from her eldest daughter and nudged it into the baby's bottle. "Go finish dinner Mia, I'll be back down in a little while," Lily said, settling back against the pillow. When Tyler came up nearly an hour later, he found Lily and Nasya asleep, a soft smile on Lily's face. Tyler lifted the baby carefully up off of the bed and carried her back to the crib. When he returned to the bedroom, Lily's eyes were open. "You startled me," Lily murmured. "Sorry love," Tyler said, sitting down on the bed. "Are you still hungry? You didn't eat very much," he murmured. "No, not really, go ahead and put it away," Lily answered. "We already have," Tyler said with a grin. "I hope the kids didn't overwhelm you too much," he added. I'm fine. It felt familiar to me," Lily assured him. Tyler smiled and kissed her cheek. "That's a start," he murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Lily found herself staring in Tyler's eyes, captivated by the look he was giving her. "Dad, Kyle's here. I'll be home by ten," Mia said from the doorway, jarring Lily out of her trance like state. "Be careful sweetie," Tyler told her. "And tell Kyle if you're more than five minutes late, I'll personally break his legs," he joked. "Daadd!" Mia groaned. "I'm joking. Have fun," Tyler said with a chuckle as his daughter walked out the door. -2 weeks later- Tyler walked into the bedroom to find Lily staring at her reflection in the mirror; her eyes filled with tears of confusion. "Lil, love, what's wrong?" Tyler asked, hurrying over to her and turning her to face him. "I don't know who I am!" Lily wailed, sniffling. Tyler sighed and brushed the tears off of her cheeks. "I love you, and you'll know soon enough," Tyler promised. "How do you know? How do you know that I'll regain my memory? There's always the chance that I won't and ..." Tyler covered her lips with his causing Lily's eyes to widen before she began to kiss him back. Before either of them knew what was happening, Tyler had their clothes off and in a pile on the floor. Lily closed her eyes and moaned as he thrust gently into her. Tyler held himself still and pressed a kiss to Lily's forehead. "Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "Yes," Lily breathed, lifting her hips to meet his. Tyler groaned and began to thrust hard and fast. Lily moaned and met him thrust for thrust; gasped as his mouth lowered over a nipple and swirled his tongue around it, making it harden. He brushed his thumb down her face and brushed a stray tear away. "I love you," Tyler groaned as he began thrusting harder, faster, hitting her g-spot. Lily's breathing quickened and became short pants, her nails dug into his shoulders as her climax approached. "What are you doing to me?" she gasped, her eyes widening as he flicked her clit gently with this thumb sending her over the edge with a raspy scream. Tyler gave a guttural groan as he spewed his seed deep inside her before he rolled off of her. Lily lay her head on his shoulder, her arm fell over his chest and she sighed contently. Lily sat up with a gasp and pulled away. "What's wrong?" Tyler asked, sitting up and looking at her in concern. "You didn't use a condom, what if I get pregnant again?" Lily asked, her eyes wide. Tyler grinned and shook his head. "You won't," he assured her. "How can you be sure?" Lily asked, beginning to panic. Tyler cupped her face in his hands and gave her a tender kiss. "You won't get pregnant Lil because you can't. I didn't want to say anything until you had your memory back, but when they performed the C-section, you started bleeding so much that they had to perform a hysterectomy," Tyler said gently. He searched her face for any signs of panic and had to refrain from sighing when he saw the look of relief. "Are you okay?" he asked. "I feel great," Lily said with a blush. Tyler grinned and pressed a kiss to her lips. "I love you," he murmured. Lily looked away. "What's wrong?" Tyler asked. "I know we just had sex, and it was great, but I, I'm not sure how I feel about you," Lily admitted. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Thanks for coming Grace. Where are the monsters?" Tyler asked as he let his sister into the house. "Grant took them to a play," Grace told her brother. "How's Lily?" Grace wanted to know. "She's doing better. She's getting ready for a date ... she met this guy in a bookstore last week and I guess it doesn't matter that we're married since she can't remember me or the kids or the wedding," Tyler said bitterly. Grace's eyes widened. "What do you want me to do?" she asked. "Talk her out of it. I don't care how you do it, just please try," Tyler answered. "I'll do my best," Grace promised before jogging up the stairs. "Lily?" she asked, walking into the bedroom. "How do I look?" Lily wanted to know. "You look nice, what's the occasion?" Grace said. "I have a date. I met him at the bookstore," Lily answered. "But you're married," Grace protested. "I don't remember being married," Lily reminded her friend. "Lily, I know you don't remember anything, but trust me, you and Ty love each other and have loved each other for a long time. Look at how much Ty has done for you since your accident; he's done that out of love, not duty. And you're going to repay him by going on a date with another man! That isn't right Lil," Grace said sternly but gently. "If you're going to lecture me then you can leave," Lily said tersely. "I'm not leaving, but you do need a lecture," Grace told her friend. Lily turned away from Grace and started walking into the bathroom when she stepped on a pacifier, slipped and fell, hitting her head hard on the floor. "Ty!" Grace shouted, rushing over to her friend's side. Tyler rushed upstairs, taking the steps two at a time until he reached the bedroom. "What happened?" he wanted to know. "She slipped on a pacifier," Grace said as Tyler knelt down beside Lily. "Lil, wake up love," Tyler said softly, shaking Lily gently. Lily's eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she focused on Tyler's face. "Is Mia okay?" Lily asked. "Mia's fine, she's out with friends," Tyler answered. "What do you mean she's out with friends! We were in an accident, she should be resting!" Lily's voice got unusually shrill as panic set in. Tyler helped her stand and kissed her gently. "Lily, it's been almost three months since the accident. You lost your memory for awhile," Tyler said gently. Lily's eyes widened as the memories for the last few months flooded back. Lily's eyes met Tyler's as the doorbell rang. "I'll go tell him you're not interested," Grace offered. "No, I should do it," Lily said, walking back down the stairs. Lily opened the door and sighed when she saw her date standing with a bouquet of daisies. "Todd, I'm sorry, but I can't go out on a date with you," Lily told him. "Why not?" Todd wanted to know. "I, I'm married," Lily stammered. "What!?" Todd asked, his eyes wide. "If you're married, then how come you accepted my offer for a date?" he wanted to know. "Because I had amnesia. I was in a bad car accident with my daughter," Lily told him. "Your daughter," Todd repeated. "I have three of them," Lily said. "Three kids?" Todd asked in shock. "Four actually, there's a boy between the second and third daughter," Lily answered. Todd looked up as Tyler walked down stairs with Nasya in his arms. Lily reached for her and hugged her daughter close. "Wow," Todd commented. "I'm sorry," Lily murmured. Todd nodded, turned and walked away. "Ty, I'm so sorry," Lily murmured. Tyler gave a small smile and pulled Lily and Nasya in for a gentle hug. "It's okay love, it's okay," Tyler assured her. "How about I keep the kids tonight, all of them so that you guys can catch up," Grace suggested. Lily smiled slightly. "It sounds good, but lets wait until after dinner, I want to be the one to tell the kids that I know who they are," Lily said. Grace nodded. "I'll go pick up some stuff for dinner, a little bit of everyone's favorites," Grace said, giving her friend a tight hug and walking away. "How are you feeling?" Tyler asked after the kids and Grace had left the house. "I'm feeling pretty good," Lily said softly. "Good. I have something to show you," Tyler said with a grin. He took Lily's hand and led her down to the basement. "I had this put in after your accident," he said, turning on a light and opening a door to reveal a personal hot tub. Lily's eyes widened and she threw her arms around his neck. "You said you wanted one so I thought I'd surprise you," Tyler added. Lily grinned and gave him a kiss. "Let's break in the hot tub," Lily suggested with a sly grin. Tyler grinned and chuckled. "I like the way you think," he said, wrapping his arms around Lily and pulling her towards him. "Wait until you see what I have on under this bath robe," Lily purred in his ear before taking a step back and tugging on the sash holding the robe in place. She let the robe fall to the floor and Tyler's grin widened with his appreciation for her body. "You are so beautiful," he breathed before pulling her in for a kiss. "I love you," Lily whispered while she fumbled with his zipper. Tyler smiled, tears in his eyes. "I love you too and you have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that," he murmured before capturing her lips with his. Lily moaned and nearly let out a cry of satisfaction as she finally managed to unsnap and unzip Tyler's jeans. She pushed them down his legs and let the drop to the floor. When all of his clothes were removed, Tyler lifted Lily into his arms and as she wrapped her legs around his waist, thrust deeply into her making her moan. She gasped as he walked over to the hot tub and climbed in carefully, never pulling out of her moist heat. Tyler pushed her against the wall of the hot tub and began thrusting hard and fast, almost savagely. Lily moaned and lifted her hips to meet his. "You just stay still," Tyler moaned, placing his hands over hips and holding her still. He stopped thrusting for a moment, hoping to regain some self control. Tyler reached behind Lily and pushed a button on the platform and bubbles drifted around them. Lily gasped and squirmed as bubbles tickled her clit. "Ty!" Lily wailed, trying to thrust towards him. Tyler chuckled and began to thrust hard and fast, moaning loudly as she clamped down on him and spewing his seed deep inside her. Lily cried out as she came and lay bonelessly in his arms. "Are you alright?" Tyler asked softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm wonderful," Lily breathed, closing her eyes and sighing contently. "Glad to hear it," his voice rumbled against her forehead. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Mom, I don't see what the big deal is, it's just a dress!" Mia complained. "The big deal is that this dress leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination," Lily told her daughter. "But it's a beautiful dress!" Mia protested. "You're sixteen Mia, you are not wearing this dress or any dress like it until you are over eighteen!" Lily exclaimed. "What's going on in here? Nasya is trying to sleep," Tyler wanted to know, walking into the room. He looked at Mia's reflection in the mirror. "Oh hell no!" he exclaimed. "Don't you want me to look pretty daddy?" Mia asked, pouting. "I think you are a beautiful young girl Mia, however, that dress makes you look like a hooker," Tyler said bluntly. Mia's eyes widened. "I agree with your mother, you aren't wearing that dress or anything like it until you are either eighteen or living on your own. Preferably on your own," Tyler added. "But dad!" Mia whined. "No buts. Your mother will take you shopping tomorrow to buy you a suitable dress and this is going back," Tyler told Mia before walking out of the room. "Mom, please, why can't you trust me?" Mia wanted to know. "I trust you Mia, but not the boys that will see you in this dress," Lily murmured before following her husband out of the room. Finding a New Life Ch. 24-25 I apologize that it took so long for this update to be posted and regret to inform you guys that it may take awhile for future updates; classes begin for me on Thursday and due to previous events, if I do not get straight B's this semester and next semester, I won't have a high enough GPA to graduate and believe me, in my opinion, I've given the University more money and time then I want to. I will try to get in updates as quickly as I can, but my school work and my family take priority over my stories. I thank you all for reading and your comments. I also ask that if anyone thinks something in the time line or chapter does not make sense to please include an email address so that I may get back to you on an individual basis. And feel free to IM me. Thanks! Ashira CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR "I can't believe you did that!" Mia shouted as she stomped into the house. "Just be glad your father isn't home!" Lily exclaimed. "I told you to be home by ten and it's one thirty in the morning!" she added. "Angie's parents were there," Mia reminded her mother. "Yes, and you were making out with some boy I've never even met; that's some parental supervision," Lily said sarcastically. "I'm sixteen mom," Mia snapped. "I'm aware you're sixteen Mia, I was there when you were born. Sixteen doesn't give you the right to lie about if boys would be at the party and it doesn't give you the right to break curfew to make out with a boy that I've never even heard of before!" Lily yelled. "I like him mom. His name is John, he's in my grade, he's an honor student and he likes me," Mia said, trying to calm the situation. "That's good that he's an honor student and that he likes you, but before you're allowed to see him again, your father and I will have to meet him. And, for breaking curfew, you're home bound for two weeks. No friends, no driving, no computer except for homework. Do I make myself clear?" Lily asked. "Crystal," Mia grumbled. "Now go to bed," Lily told her daughter. Mia trudged up the stairs, mumbling under her breath. "How were things?" Tyler asked two weeks later when he walked into the house, weary from his business trip. "Not too bad, except for Mia's attitude," Lily answered. "Oh?" Tyler asked. "Yeah, she went to Angie's birthday party and stayed past curfew," Lily said. "That's not that big of a deal," Tyler said, grabbing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. "When I went to get her at one thirty in the morning, I found her making out with a boy," Lily said. Tyler choked on his water. "She's likely to be extra sweet to you in hopes that you'll suspend her grounding," Lily added, looking up as the front door opened and three of her four children poured into the house. "Daddy!" Mia exclaimed, running to Tyler and giving him a hug. "How was your trip?" she asked, hoping she was coming off as being innocent. "I hear you made out with a boy while I was gone," Tyler said. "I'm sixteen dad, you had to know it was going to happen sooner or later," Mia replied, giving her mother a look of death. "Not if I can help it," he grumbled. Lily resisted the urge to laugh. "Dad, I'm not a baby anymore," Mia reminded Tyler. "I know, but if you want us to trust you then you need to follow the house rules." Tyler looked at Catie and David. "This goes for all of you," he announced. "Mom, it's been two weeks, is my grounding over with?" Mia wanted to know. "As of tomorrow morning, yes. And I expect for John to come over for dinner by week's end," Lily answered, turning around to stir the big pot of chili she had been working on. "Thanks mom," Mia said, running up stairs to begin her homework. "You will be nice," Lily told Tyler as they finished up dinner the following Sunday. "Do I have to? He's trying to date my daughter," Tyler reminded her. "Yes, but we can't keep Mia a baby forever," Lily said gently. "Why not?" Tyler grumbled. "Because I don't want to be changing diapers for the rest of my life," Lily retorted. "Mom, dad, this is John," Lily said, bringing him into the kitchen. "Be nice," Lily hissed as she turned around and offered a wide, welcoming smile. "It's nice to meet you John," Lily said politely. "It's nice to meet you too Mrs. Billings. Mr. Billings," John said, handing Lily a bouquet of carnations. "These are for you for having me over for dinner," he added. "That was very sweet of you," Lily said, grabbing a vase and putting water in it before setting the flowers into the water. "So, how long have you and my daughter been dating?" Tyler asked after chewing and swallowing a bite of rib-eye steak. "We haven't really been on a date by ourselves yet, we've only hung out with mutual friends, but if you consider that a date, then about a month and a half," John answered. "It's funny that Mia hasn't mentioned you before," Tyler said, giving his daughter a look. "With what was going on with mom after the accident, I didn't want to say anything to add more pressure or stress," Mia admitted. After dinner, Tyler and Lily allowed John to take Mia to a movie as long as she was home by 10:30. "He seems nice," Lily offered as she and Tyler washed dishes. "Yeah, but still, I don't know if I want Mia dating," Tyler commented. "Ty, she's sixteen. She's supposed to go out and date and experience life. Just because we want to keep her a baby forever doesn't mean we have that option," Lily murmured. "Why not?" Tyler grumbled. "Because we can't. I for one will be very glad when I don't have to change any more diapers," Lily said with a small laugh. Tyler grinned. "Yeah, that isn't the most fun," he agreed. The phone rang and Tyler dried off his hands to answer it. When he hung up the phone, Tyler had a grim look on his face. "What's wrong?" Lily asked. "Gail's had a stroke," Tyler began. "Is she okay?" Lily wanted to know. "No, she isn't." Tyler looked up as Catie walked into the kitchen for a glass of water. "Catie, sit down a minute hon," Tyler told his daughter. "What's wrong?" Catie wanted to know. "I just got a call from your grandmother's lawyer. Your grandmother suffered a massive stroke this afternoon. She can't breathe on her own; she's on a respirator," Tyler said gently. "Is she going to die?" Catie asked, sounding much younger than her fourteen years. "If she's taken off the respirator, yes sweetie, she will," Tyler said. Tears filled Catie's eyes and Lily gave her a tight hug. "I want to see her," Catie told Tyler who nodded. "I'll make the flight arrangements," he promised before Catie ran up the stairs to her room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tyler led Catie into the hospital and up to the patient information desk. They were given Gail's room number and they quietly made their way to the room. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" a young woman snapped from outside the door. She looked from Tyler to Catie and her gaze softened. "Catie, is that you?" she asked. "Hi Aunt Amanda," Catie said softly. "This is my dad," she added. Amanda looked at Tyler, her eyes frosting over. "The murderer," Amanda said. Tyler sighed and counted silently to ten. "I did not intend to kill your sister. When I followed her back to the cabin that she and Chase were at, she was carving into my wife while he raped her. What I did was to save her life. I gave her a chance to stop and back away and she refused," Tyler said, his voice even. "But this is not the time. I brought Catie here to see her grandmother," he added. Amanda's face softened a little and let Catie into the room. "How's Gail doing?" Tyler asked. "Not well. We were waiting for Catie to get here before we took her off the respirator. She hasn't regained consciousness and the doctors don't think she will," Amanda said softly. Tyler shook his head. "It's a shame, your mother is a good woman," Tyler told Amanda. "Yes, she is. Now that Catie is visiting with mom, I just want you to know that I don't believe you. I wasn't able to come to the trial because I was recovering from a c-section, but I want to know how you charmed my mother into believing that you did not murder my sister," Amanda said. Tyler sighed and reached into the back pack he had slung over his shoulder. "Watch this tape, your sister was dumb enough to record what they did to Lily," Tyler told her as Catie came out of the room. "Hi sweetie, are you okay?" Tyler asked gently. "Grandma isn't going to wake up is she?" Catie asked. "No, she isn't. I'm so sorry," Tyler told his daughter. He watched as Amanda nodded to the doctor to shut off the life support. Lily watched silently as Catie brushed past her and ran up the stairs. "Is she okay?" Lily asked Tyler. He shook his head. "She's taking this very hard. Especially since Amanda said some things about me killing her mother," Tyler said wearily rubbing his face. "Self defense doesn't make you a murderer," Lily said, rolling her eyes. "I gave Amanda the tape that Jenni and Carter made, I hope she realizes I didn't fake it," Tyler murmured, following Lily into the kitchen where she set a mug of coffee on the table in front of him. "That isn't going to go over well," Lily said. Tyler snorted. "Tell me about it," he grumbled. "I'm going out," Catie announced a few weeks later. "With who?" Lily wanted to know. "A friend," Catie said. "What's your friend's name?" Lily asked. "Do you need to know?" Catie asked. "Yes, I need to know where you're going and with who," Lily answered. "Why?" Catie tapped her fingers on the counter. "I'm your step mother Catie; I'm supposed to help keep you safe and I can't do that without knowing where you're going or with whom," Lily told her. "Key word there is step mom. You aren't my mother and I don't have to listen to a thing you tell me," Catie snapped. "Where in the world did you come up with that conclusion? And where is your sudden attitude coming from?" Lily wanted to know. "You aren't my mother, you aren't my guardian, I don't have to listen to you," Catie said, shrugging her shoulders. "Where did you get that idea from?" Lily asked again. "None of your business," Catie snapped. "You aren't leaving this house Catie, not with that attitude," Lily told her. "You can go fuck yourself," Catie grumbled, grabbing an apple, her jacket and house keys before leaving out the back door. "She still isn't back?" Tyler asked. Lily shook her head and sighed. "She's been really cold towards me since you guys got back from Gail's funeral," Lily said softly. "It's been a hard year for her," Tyler murmured. "That's no excuse Ty and you know it," Lily told him. "I know, I'm just saying," Tyler shook his head and looked up as Mia walked into the kitchen. "Is Catie still missing?" Mia asked. "She hasn't come home yet no," Lily told her daughter. Mia grabbed the pitcher of lemonade out of the refrigerator and poured some into a glass. "How are things with you and John?" Lily asked. Mia blushed a little. "Has he tried anything? What's with the blush?" Tyler asked, his eyes narrowing on his daughter. "No dad, he hasn't tried anything. He's kissed me a few times, but other than that, he hasn't tried anything," Mia answered. Tyler studied his daughter a little while longer, only stopping when Lily slapped the back of her hand against his chest. "Sorry kid, I just can't get over the fact that you're old enough to date," Tyler said sheepishly. "It's okay daddy," Mia said, rolling her eyes. "Just no sex. EVER!" Tyler added. "Daaadd!" Mia groaned, downing the rest of her lemonade before returning to her bedroom. "Real smooth Ty," Lily said with a grin. "What?" Tyler asked, trying to appear innocent. Lily burst out laughing. "You haven't been innocent since you were four years old," Lily teased. "What do you mean she's in California? No, I did not give her permission to visit her aunt," Tyler snapped. He talked with the officer on the phone before slamming the phone down in its base. "Ty?" Lily asked, bouncing Nasya in her arms. "Catie took the train to California; Amanda paid her way," Tyler seethed. It had been nearly a week since Catie had taken off and now that Tyler knew where Catie was, he was pissed and no longer worried. "At least she's safe," Lily murmured. "Yes, but that's not the point. She could have been hurt on that train and nobody would have known who to contact. On top of that, she didn't even get permission!" Tyler's voice was at a near yell. "I know you're frustrated Tyler, but don't you dare take it out on me," Lily warned. Tyler nodded and sighed. "What are you going to do about Catie?" she asked. "Go and drag her home," Tyler answered. "And if I have to, take Amanda to court and get a restraining order against her," he added before grabbing his jacket and leaving the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What do you want?" Amanda asked. "To take my daughter home," Tyler answered. "She doesn't want to stay with you anymore," Amanda told Tyler. "Catie is under age, she doesn't have that choice," Tyler reminded Amanda. "She doesn't want to live with a murderer and his whore any longer," Amanda snapped. "I did not murder Jenni and Lily is not a whore," Tyler seethed. Amanda smirked. "And you gave me the only evidence to prove that," Amanda said with a smile. "Have a good flight home," she added. "I'm not leaving without my daughter," Tyler said, his voice low, controlled, angry. "I'm not giving you a choice. Get the hell off of my property or I'll call the police," Amanda threatened. Tyler opened his mouth to say something but turned and walked away. "What do you mean you didn't get Catie?" Lily asked, juggling Nasya on her hip while she stirred the large pot of chili she was making. "Amanda wouldn't let me take Catie. She threatened to call the police if I didn't leave her property. It looks like I'll have to take her to court," Tyler said. "How long will that take?" Lily wanted to know. "I don't know," Tyler answered honestly. "Take as much time as you need. We'll be fine," Lily told him. "Thanks Lil. I love you," Tyler said. He smiled at Lily's hasty, "I love you too" as she swore under her breath and moved the pot to a different burner. Tyler hung up the phone, grabbed the phone book and began searching for a lawyer. CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE "How dare you take me to court!" Amanda seethed, walking past Tyler. "Catie is my daughter," Tyler reminded Amanda. "And she chose to live with me!" "Break it up!" Tyler's lawyer stepped forward. It had been over six months since Catie had disappeared and returned to her aunt. Amanda walked over to her table and sat down. "I hope you don't plan on using the it wasn't murder defense because I have that tape and I've destroyed it," Amanda smirked. Tyler said nothing, his attention snapped to the front of the room as the judge walked in and up to his podium. "What happened?" Lily asked when Tyler called her that evening. "I'm not sure what's going to happen, but we heard Amanda's side today," Tyler said, tired. "I'm sure everything will be fine," Lily murmured. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Mr. Billings, give me one good reason why I should send Catie home with you," the judge said. "For starters, I'm her father," Tyler answered. "And you had no part in her life until you murdered her mother," Amanda spat from across the aisle. Tyler closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "For the last time, I did not murder Jenni, it was self defense. Second, I didn't even know Catie existed until Gail told me after the trial ended," Tyler said. "Bull shit!" Amanda exclaimed. "Miss Reeve, I will ask you to remain quiet while Mr. Billings gives his testimony," the judge scolded. He turned to Tyler. "Do you have any evidence to support your claims?" he asked. "Aside from the fact the jury found me not guilty, yes, I do," Tyler answered. "I have a video tape," Tyler added. "What?" Amanda gasped. "I destroyed that!" Tyler turned to his former sister and gave a smug smile. "My father's a lawyer. He has three additional copies. Well, two now, since he brought one out to me for use in this trial." Tyler turned to the judge. "Your honor, I request that the video be shown in court, but I request that Catie not be allowed to see it. She isn't old enough yet, and I would prefer her to not realize the extent of her mother's illness," Tyler said. "Granted," the judge agreed. He waited for the bailiff to escort Catie out of the court room and then popped the tape into the VCR. Ten minutes into the tape, the judge stopped it. "Mr. Billings, how long is this tape?" the judge wanted to know. "Two hours. And it wasn't the only one. The police found four more at the house," Tyler answered, his hands curling into fists, the rage bubbling through his body. "I've seen enough. Catie Billings will return home with her father as soon as the flight arrangements can be made," the judge announced. "But your honor, she's my last link to my sister and I won't have her being corrupted by fabrications by this murderer!" Amanda protested. "Miss Reeve, this tape says property of the Michigan State Police on it; this tape is not a fabrication and Mr. Billings is not a murderer," the judge scolded. "Will I be allowed to see Catie?" Amanda wanted to know. "For now, given what I have heard from both you and Catie, I'm going to say, no," the judge answered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Welcome back," Lily said with a smile, juggling Nasya on her hip as she watched her husband usher Catie into the house. "Whatever," Catie mumbled before running up the stairs and into her room. Tyler and Lily's eyes met and Lily sighed. "What is she going to be like when she turns sixteen?" Lily asked. Tyler shook his head. "I don't want to think about it," he said before giving Lily a gentle kiss. "My God, she's gotten huge!" Tyler exclaimed. "Well, you have been in California for six months," Lily teased. Tyler shook his head. "I'm sorry, I know I should have come home until the custody trial," Tyler apologized. "Ty, you stayed where you were needed. We missed you, but we know why you were there, and if an emergency had come up, your dad would have called you," Lily said softly. Tyler nodded. "Dad told me about Eli when he came out with the tape. How is he doing?" Tyler asked, taking Nasya from Lily. "About as well as can be expected. Damn disease; it just has to be genetic," Lily swore, her eyes filling with tears. "I should have come home to help you through this," Tyler murmured, brushing away a tear with his thumb. "You couldn't have done anything and Catie needed you," Lily argued. "So did you," Tyler reminded her. "I have David," Lily said with a small grin. Tyler chuckled. "He's been great, even baby-sitting Nasya so I could be with Eli in the hospital," Lily murmured. Tyler grinned and followed Lily into the living room; he placed Nasya on the floor in front of a pile of toys. "Daddy!" Mia exclaimed as she and David walked in the door after school. Tyler hugged both of them tightly. "Did Catie come home with you?" Mia asked. "She's upstairs," Tyler confirmed. Mia turned and ran up the stairs and knocked on her sister's door. "What?" Catie asked, flinging the door open. "Oh, hi Mia," she said, letting the older girl into her room. "Are you crazy, running away like that? You had mom and dad worried sick!" Mia scolded, giving her sister a hug. "I missed my family out in California," Catie said. "You could have said something, they would have let you visit," Mia told her. "Yeah well, aunt Amanda had me convinced that dad was a murderer; I'm still not convinced that he isn't," Catie snapped. Finding a New Life Ch. 24-25 Mia rolled her eyes. "Has he ever given you cause that he would hurt anyone on purpose?" Mia asked. Catie reluctantly shook her head. "Then why would you believe any of it?" Mia wanted to know. "Aunt Amanda has never lied to me before," Catie answered. Mia shook her head. "Do you still believe her?" Mia wanted to know. "I don't know what to believe," Catie said with a sigh. "So what's new with you?" Catie wanted to know. Mia sat down on the bed with an excited squeal and stuck out her left hand. "You and John are getting married?" Catie asked, her eyes wide. "No, it's a promise ring; we aren't getting engaged until after we graduate next year," Mia answered. "I haven't told mom and dad yet," she added. "They won't be happy," Catie warned. "Maybe, but it isn't their life. Once I turn eighteen, they can't tell me what to do anymore," Mia answered. "Eighteen doesn't mean adult and you know Lily would personally kick your ass if you got knocked up at eighteen," Catie said. "I know, believe me. Dad's always going on about the importance of condoms," Mia said, rolling her eyes. "Which in my opinion is the pot calling the kettle black," she added. "You mean Lily was eighteen when she got pregnant?" Catie asked with wide eyes. "Yeah, either exactly on her birthday or a few days after," Mia confirmed. "Mom graduated from high school a few months before her eighteenth birthday and went to visit a girl in Spain who had stayed with her as part of the foreign exchange program and when she returned home on her eighteenth birthday, she found out her Uncle David had died of Cancer a few days before she got home. Mom didn't take it well and took off, dad went looking for her and well, emotions got the better of them. Neither of them even thought about a condom," Mia told Catie. "Wow," Catie commented. The girls were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't hear Lily knock and open the door. "Dinner's done," she murmured. Mia jumped. "God mom, you scared the crap out of me," Mia breathed. Lily chuckled. "Sorry girls. C'mon down for dinner then we're going to visit Uncle Eli," Lily told Mia. Mia nodded and she and Catie followed Lily down the stairs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Emma?" Lily asked from the doorway of Eli's hospital room. The girl turned around. "Hi Lily," Emma said softly. "What the hell are you doing here? You broke his heart you know," Lily murmured. "I heard he was sick and wanted to come and see him, and to apologize. I never should have let my family influence me like that," Emma said. Lily studied the girl carefully and nodded. "I'm glad you came around. Eli needs all the support he can get right now," Lily said. "How bad is it?" Emma wanted to know. "It's bad. From what Greg and Caroline tell me, Eli has almost the exact same Cancer that my Uncle David did," Lily answered. Emma paled at that, she knew from her previous relationship with Eli that David didn't recover from his bout with Cancer. "Emma, I'm sure Eli will be fine; he's a lot younger than David was and overall healthier," Lily murmured. Emma nodded and the two women sat by Eli's bed, watching, waiting, praying for a miracle. "What took you so long?" John asked as Mia met him just outside of the cafeteria. "I had to slip past mom. She thinks we're having sex," Mia answered. John rolled his eyes. "As much as I'd love to, you've made it perfectly clear that it isn't going to happen until we're married," John said. "Yeah well, mom said that too," Mia said with a laugh. "How's your Uncle?" John wanted to know. "Not that great. The doctors are hoping they can find the right dose of chemo to help pull him through," Mia answered. "I hope they manage to find it soon. I know how much Eli means to you," John murmured, giving Mia a hug. Mia nodded. "I'd like for Uncle Eli to be at our wedding," she agreed. John grinned and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Our wedding; I like the sound of that," he mumbled. Finding a New Life Ch. 26-27 I'm coming to the end of Lily's and Ty's story. I'm going to be following up with Eli's story, probably in the next few weeks. Thanks for reading! * CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX "Eli?" Emma asked quietly from the doorway. Eli looked up from his book and his eyes widened at the sight of his former girlfriend. "What are you doing here?" Eli wanted to know, taking a sip of the water by his bed to help hide his shock. "I heard you were sick, and I wanted to come see how you were doing," Emma answered. "Why?" Eli asked, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice. "I missed you. I was a fool to listen to my parents. I know that now. I love you Eli," Emma said softly. "Love me. That's a laugh. If you loved me, you never would have left me when Ty was forced to kill Carter," Eli scoffed. "I regretted leaving you every day," Emma said softly. She thought back to the conversation she had had with Lily before, while they watched Eli rest fitfully. "So where were you?" Eli wanted to know. "It's been a long time Emma," he added. "I know. I traveled around Europe and South East Asia," Emma answered. "I needed to think and I couldn't do it here," Emma told him softly. "What do you want Emma?" Eli asked finally after several minutes of silence. "A second chance," Emma answered. "You've got to be kidding me," Eli scoffed. "I'm not," Emma argued. "In case you haven't noticed Em, I'm dying. This isn't exactly the best time to try and rekindle our relationship," Eli said dryly. "Don't say that! You're not dying Eli! You can beat this!" Emma exclaimed. "Uncle David didn't," Eli said bitterly. "You aren't your uncle," Emma reminded Eli. "That may be, but I'll be alone, just like David," Eli retorted. "No you won't! You have Lily, Grace, Ty, the kids, and me," Emma protested. "I don't want you here Em, go away," Eli snapped. "You don't mean that," Emma said softly. "Yes I do Em, I want you to leave," Eli insisted. "But Eli ..." "Get the fuck out of here Emma, now!" Eli shouted. Emma stood up, her eyes wide and full of tears. "Just leave me alone," he pleaded, his voice quieter. Emma turned around wordlessly and fled from the room, missing the tears of anguish that streamed down his cheeks. ~~~~~~~~~~ "You're an idiot." Eli looked up to see Grace and Lily standing in the doorway, looking at him accusingly. "What are you talking about?" Eli asked grumpily. "Emma," Grace snapped. "What about her?" Eli asked sleepily. "You chased her away," Lily reminded her brother. "Now that's something I'd like to see," Eli said dryly. "Don't do that Eli. That girl fought her entire family to come back and see you," Lily told her brother. "Yeah, but too late," Eli said bitterly. "It's never too late for love," Lily snapped. "I'm dying Lil, or have you forgotten about that?" Eli asked. "No you aren't! Just because Uncle David did, doesn't mean you will too. Look at Mia! She survived Cancer twice!" Lily exclaimed. "I'm not as young as Mia," Eli protested. "And you aren't as old as David," Grace pointed out. "Still," Eli shook his head and took a sip of his water. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself and apologize to Emma. She loves you, and regrets walking away like she did," Lily told her brother. "But ..." Lily's hand gently connected with the side of Eli's head. "No buts Eli Joshua Evans!" Lily snapped. Eli suppressed a small grin. "Cut me some slack sis," Eli murmured. "You're sick Eli, but that doesn't give you permission to be a world class ass," Lily said softly, the look in her eyes softening. "Yeah, yeah, I know," Eli grumbled. "Not to be rude, but I'm really tired," he murmured. Lily and Grace both nodded and stood up. "I love you little brother," Lily whispered as she gave her brother a tight, but gentle hug. Eli smiled in return as the girls left the room. "Eli?" Emma asked softly, knocking on the door. Eli smiled at her and motioned for her to come in. "Hey Em, I'm sorry about yesterday. When I woke up in my room, I had just come back from my chemo," Eli said. Emma gave a small smile. "That's okay," she lied. "What'd you bring?" Eli wanted to know. Emma sat the bag down on the bed side table and he sniffed appreciatively as she pulled out Tupperware containers of food. "You're a goddess," Eli groaned as the smells of banana and blueberry pancakes filled the room. "I remembered you liked banana and blueberry pancakes. There's fresh orange juice and fruit too," Emma murmured. "It's good," Eli declared through a mouth of half chewed pancakes. Emma wrinkled her nose. "You should chew and swallow before you talk," she admonished with a laugh. Eli laughed too and took another large bite of pancake; neither noticed Lily walk into the room, Eli's doctor right behind her. "It's good to see you eating," Lily said quietly. Eli and Emma jumped. "This is food; the stuff the nurses serve, I don't even think a pig would eat," Eli lamented. Lily rolled her eyes. "Grow up would ya?" she asked. "How are thinks looking doc?" Eli asked. "Things are looking very good Eli. In fact, I think you can go home when you're finished eating your breakfast," the doctor answered. Eli's face brightened instantly. "Thanks doc," he said. Lily thanked the doctor and watched him leave. "Ready to hit the road?" Lily asked. "Almost, let me finish my pancakes first," Eli answered. Lily grinned. "I'll be with the car. Call me when you need me to pull up front," Lily told her brother. "Are you sure you want me to stay?" Emma asked softly, returning to the bedroom. "Yes, I'm sure. You were right, we need to talk about what happened between us," Eli answered. Emma sat down on the bed next to Eli, her hands in her lap, unsure of what to say. "What did your parents say to you to make you leave like that?" Eli wanted to know. Emma sighed and looked to be on the verge of tears. "They threatened to cut off the money they had set aside for college, and threatened to keep the money grandma left for me when she died," Emma answered. "You know they can't do that; if the trust is in your name, they have to give it to you when the terms dictate it," Eli said softly. Emma nodded. "I do now, yes. I was young and stupid. I've grown up since then. I know I made a mistake. I'm here to try and fix that," Emma murmured. Eli sighed a little and tried to hide a yawn. "You should get some rest," Emma said softly. Eli shook his head stubbornly. "We need to talk," he argued. "I won't go anywhere," Emma promised. "Sleep," she added. Emma sat there until Eli fell asleep then slipped from the room. CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN Eli wandered from the bedroom to the living room and smiled when he saw Emma asleep on the couch. Eli crouched next to the couch and brushed his thumb down the side of her face. Emma shifted, but didn't wake up; Eli couldn't resist, he pressed a kiss to her lips, his hands moved down her body. Emma moaned, her eyes fluttered open. "Eli, what are you doing?" she asked sleepily. "Making up for lost time," he murmured, crushing her lips against his again. "No Eli," Emma murmured, pushing against him. "What? Why?" Eli asked. "Not like this. You don't trust me and you don't love me," Emma answered. "Emma," Eli began. "If I let you do this, you'll eventually hate me even more than you already do," Emma murmured. "I don't hate you," Eli told her. "Eli, we aren't doing this now," Emma said firmly but gently. Eli nodded and backed away. "I just came for some water, I'll see you in the morning," Eli murmured, standing up and walking away. ~~~~~~~~~~ "How are things going?" Lily asked Emma several months later. "Not too bad, your brother is a stubborn ass though," Emma complained. "Oh?" Lily murmured, taking a sip of her soda. "He keeps trying to get me into bed," Emma said with a shake of her head. Lily laughed. "He never got over you," Lily reminded Emma. "But he won't talk to me about it. He just seems like he wants to forget!" Emma grumbled, tearing off a piece of muffin and nibbling on it. Lily rolled her eyes. "Just like a man. I have to get going though, I'm supposed to help Mia pick out a formal for prom," Lily said with a sigh. "Where did the years go? It seems like yesterday I was screaming for a fucking epidural," she lamented. Emma burst out laughing. "Can I come?" Emma asked. Lily nodded and Emma slid out of her chair and followed Lily from the cafe. "Mom, what about this one?" Mia asked, nearly two hours later. Lily and Emma were nearly worn out. Lily studied the dress carefully; it was baby blue, floor length with an empire waist and spaghetti straps. "Try it on," Lily answered. Mia hurried into the dressing room and pulled the dress on. Lily smiled when she saw her oldest daughter; she looked like a Greek Goddess. "It's perfect," Lily declared. "Go take it off and have the clerk put it in a dress bag," she added. Mia hurried off to do as her mother bid and before long, Lily and Mia were on their way home and Emma headed back to Eli. "Your niece is going to be absolutely beautiful for prom," Emma told Eli as she set plates of lasagna on the table. "I can't believe she's old enough to be a high school senior," Eli grumbled. "Neither can I. I remember the first time I saw her, through the window of her room in the ICU," Emma murmured. "That was a long time ago," Eli agreed. They ate in relative silence, only speaking to ask for things. "Em?" Eli asked, passing by the guest room later that night. Emma looked up and wiped the tears from her eyes. "What's wrong Em?" Eli wanted to know. "I miss the way it used to be, before I left," Emma sniffled. Eli walked in and sat on the bed next to her. "Don't cry Em," he murmured, kissing away a stray tear. He reached out and cupped her breast and gave a gentle squeeze; she moaned. "Eli," she whispered, half protesting, half pleading with him to stop. "I forgive you," Eli's voice rumbled in her ear. It was all Emma needed to hear and she stopped her fight, whimpering when his mouth found her; his tongue flickered inside her. He brushed the pad of his thumb against her clit and her hips lifted off of the mattress towards him. With his free hand, Eli gently pushed her back down. "Eli, don't make me wait," she pleaded, the desperation obvious. Eli chuckled and pushed his sweat pants down over his legs and let them drop on the floor before snaking his fingers over her legs, grabbed hold of the night gown and pushed it up over hips. He settled over her, the hardness of his cock pushed against her and Emma spread her legs wide, pleaded with her eyes as Eli's head lowered towards hers and he kissed her gently as he thrust deep inside her. Emma gasped and gave a half scream as he pushed past her hymen before coming to a rest deep inside her. "Shit Em, why didn't you say anything?" Eli asked, his voice hoarse. "Does it make a difference?" Emma asked, her eyes wide with pain and wonder. "I would have gone slower," Eli groaned, holding himself completely still. "How can you still be a virgin after all this ..." Emma kissed him, silencing his question as she lifted her hips to meet his making him groan. "Emma, are you sure?" Eli asked. "Love me," she whispered. Eli gripped her hips with his hands and held her still as he began to thrust into her carefully, gently; his eyes closed as his brain tried to process the feeling of being deep inside the one woman he wanted more than anything. Emma moaned at the sensations flowing through her. "Eli," she whimpered, bucking his hands off of her hips. As she met him thrust for thrust, her cries became louder until they came together, hard and fast; Eli's seed flooded deep within her. "Shit Em!" Eli's eyes flew open and he pulled away quickly, leaving her feeling empty and alone. "What's wrong?" Emma asked, sitting up as he left the bed. Eli turned and gave her a pointed look. Emma glanced down and blushed as she saw their combined fluids oozed out of her. "You need to leave Em, tonight," Eli said, pulling his sweat pants on. "What? Why?" Emma stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You need to leave, and you can't come back," Eli repeated. "Damn it Eli, not until you tell me why!" Emma exclaimed. "Because I've risked knocking you up enough for once in my life! I don't want to pass these cursed genes on to another generation!" Eli shouted. Emma rolled her eyes. "Cursed genes? You've got to be kidding me!" Eli looked at Emma in surprise. "You aren't the only person that has Cancer in the family, just about every family in this country does," Emma reminded Emma. "I don't want to risk it," Eli said stubbornly. "So I'll go on birth control, but please don't push me away," Emma pleaded. "I love you Eli," she murmured. Eli looked at her and nearly laughed when he saw the look of fire on her face. "I love you too you little minx," Eli said finally, pulling her in for a hug. "But no more of this until you get on the pill," he added. Emma grinned, flopped on the bed, and pulled something out of the bed side table. "What is that?" Eli asked, trying to see around her closed fingers. Emma grinned again and handed it to him. "You really are a little minx," he teased, taking the packet and sliding it on top of the night stand. "Sleep first," he told her, pushing her onto the bed. "Where are you going?" Emma asked as he headed for the door. "To take my medication and then I'll be back," Eli promised. When he returned to the bedroom nearly ten minutes later, Emma was asleep, curled up on her side and a small, contented smile on her face. Eli slid onto the bed beside her. "I love you," he whispered, brushing a kiss against her cheek before he lay next to her and fell asleep. Finding a New Life Ch. 28 "What do you want Lil?" Eli asked impatiently, hiding his body behind the partially open door. "To check and make sure you and Emma haven't killed each other," Lily said with a small smile. "Lily, we're adults," Eli said as patiently as possible. Lily grinned as she saw Emma come up behind Eli, her hair mussed, wearing one of Eli's button down shirts. "Doing adult things I see," Lily teased. "Good bye Lily," Eli said with a good natured smile before he closed the door in his sister's face. "That was rude," Emma commented with a sly smile. "She'll get over it," Eli assured her. "Don't you have a doctor's appointment?" Emma asked with a squeal as Eli lifted her into his arms and headed back towards the bedroom. "Not until one thirty," Eli muttered. "Eli, it's nearly noon," Emma told him. Eli looked surprised, it had been years since he had slept that long. "We can play later," Emma added. Eli pouted but walked into the bathroom to take a shower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Well?" Emma asked when Eli walked out of his doctor's office. Eli just smiled and walked towards the exit. "Eli!" Emma exclaimed. She followed him to the car and climbed in the passenger seat. "Eli, what the hell?" Emma asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Eli turned to face her, the expression on his face reminded her of a kid in a candy store with an unlimited amount of money to spend. "My blood work shows I'm in remission!" Eli exclaimed. Emma grinned and threw her arms around him. "That's great! We should call your sister," Emma said. "I will. Later," Eli promised, giving Emma a mischievous grin. Emma blushed as Eli started the car and headed for home. "Em?" Eli called a few weeks later as he walked through the door. Emma appeared in the doorway between the living room and the hallway. "What's wrong? You sounded pretty upset," Eli wanted to know. Emma sighed. "I couldn't get the prescription." Eli looked confused. "Prescription?" he asked. "The birth control," Emma murmured. "I couldn't get it." "What? Why?" Eli asked, confused. "Because it's too late for it," Emma answered. "Emma, stop talking in riddles and tell me what's the matter damn it," Eli snapped. Emma took a step back. "I can't be put on birth control because I'm already pregnant," Emma said softly. The look on Eli's face made her take a second step back. "Eli, I'm sorry," Emma murmured. "Damn it Emma! You knew I didn't want children!" Eli snapped. "That I didn't want to subject another generation to this horror and nightmare!" Eli was so angry he could hardly see straight. "I didn't plan this," Emma reminded him. "That's supposed to mean what to me right now?" Eli wanted to know. "Eli ..." Emma stepped forward, reached a hand towards him. "Stay away from me Emma, just stay the fuck away!" Eli shouted. "Eli, I'm sorry," Emma whispered. "Just leave me alone!" Eli yelled. Emma took another step towards him and Eli pushed her away. "I'm sorry," Emma said softly as she turned and walked out the door. "Eli, have you seen Emma lately?" Lily asked a few days later. "No," Eli said curtly. "No? I thought she was living with you," Lily murmured. "She was. Now she isn't," Eli answered. "What happened?" Lily wanted to know. "Nothing Lil, just drop it," Eli said, getting up from his sister's table and walking away. "Mom, mom, guess what!" Mia shouted, as she ran into the house. Lily looked up from changing Nasya's diaper. "What?" Lily asked. "I got in!" she exclaimed. "To which school?" Lily asked. "The Julliard School of Dance!" Mia shrieked. "That's wonderful! Have you told John yet?" Lily asked, giving her daughter a hug. "He was with me when I got the letter," Mia said. "There was a letter for you too, from Emma," Mia added. She held the envelope out to her mother. Lily handed Nasya off to her oldest daughter and tore the letter open. "Is Emma okay?" Mia wanted to know. "I'm going to strangle your uncle. Dinner's in the oven, if your dad gets home before I do, go ahead and eat," Lily said, grabbing her jacket and purse from the coat rack, walked out the door and slammed it behind her. ~~~~~~~~ "You fucking jackass!" Lily shouted, walking into her brother's office and slamming the door shut. "What's up your butt?" Eli asked. "This!" Lily slammed the letter on Eli's desk. "You threw Emma out because she was pregnant?" Lily asked, surprised that her brother could be that big of a douche bag. "She knew full well I didn't want kids and didn't see fit to tell me she wasn't on birth control!" Eli exclaimed. "And you apparently didn't see fit to ask her if she was. She was a fucking virgin Eli! Something I'm sure you know better than I!" Lily seethed. "That's besides the point," Eli said, rubbing his forehead, looking down at the letter without reading it. "Read the fucking letter Eli," Lily said, her voice low and angry. "Why? She's just bitching about things to you," Eli said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "She needs you Eli, and she needs you now. She didn't write to bitch. She wrote because she needs help." Lily sighed and forced her brother to look at her. "Do you love Emma?" Lily asked. "Yes," Eli admitted. "Then get the stick out of your ass and go be with the mother of your child," Lily advised. "I don't want to bring a child into this world, not when there is a very high chance that the child will have cancer," Eli protested. Lily sighed. "You may not have to," she told him. "What?" Eli looked up sharply. "Read the damn letter," Lily repeated before walking out of the office. "You missed dinner," Tyler said when Lily walked in the door. "I know, I'm sorry," Lily sighed, rubbing the back of her neck before placing her jacket and purse on the coat rack. "What happened?" Tyler wanted to know, he followed Lily into the kitchen and watched her pull left overs onto a plate and pop it in the microwave. "Emma almost had a miscarriage," Lily said with a sad sigh. "I didn't even know she's pregnant," Tyler said in surprise. "Neither did I. She sent me a letter, explaining why she left the way she did and to apologize to Eli for her. She's nearly four months now," Lily groaned. The timer on the microwave dinged and she pulled the plate of food out of the microwave. "Is she okay? What happened? And if she's pregnant, why isn't Eli stepping up to the plate?" Tyler asked. Lily shook her head as she sat down at the kitchen table.. "Eli is being an ass. He doesn't want to risk passing on the Cancer gene to anyone else, and while I understand that desire, it's insanity. He says he loves her, but if he does, he has one hell of a way of showing it. And as for what happened, she didn't go into detail; she just said something about a virus. She's still in the hospital, but she says she's okay," Lily said, taking a bite of pot roast. "Do you need me to go kick Eli's ass?" Tyler asked, sitting down across from her. "No. I gave him the letter and we'll wait and see," Lily answered. Finding a New Life Ch. 29-30 CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE "Ty, are you sure you can handle this?" Lily asked. Three days had past since Lily had received the letter from Emma and Tyler was loading a few duffel bags into the back of Lily's Jeep. "I can handle the kids and the house and working," Tyler promised. "Are you sure?" Lily asked again. "Mia's almost done with school and she and Catie are great with Nasya. Go and help Em for a few days," Tyler assured her. Lily smiled and gave Tyler a tight hug before he captured her lips with his. "You keep that up and I won't make it out of the driveway," she said with a grin. Tyler chuckled. "Go. Call me when you get there," Tyler said reluctantly. Lily smiled, kissed him once more, got in the car and drove away. "Ty." Tyler waited until he could no longer see the Jeep before turning to his brother. "You're a huge pain in the ass, you know that right?" Tyler asked. "Yes. Where's Lily going? Did you guys have a fight?" Eli wanted to know. "No, we didn't have a fight. She's going to do what you should be doing. She's going to take care of Emma until she's better," Tyler answered, walking away. "What does Emma have?" Eli asked. "Do you care?" Tyler retorted. "I don't want Emma to die," Eli said. "What about the baby?" Tyler inquired. "I'm not such a horrible person that I would want anything bad happen to a baby," Eli reminded his brother. "Then why the fuck are you sitting in my kitchen and my wife is driving to the hospital to make sure the mother of YOUR CHILD is okay?" Tyler growled. "Because my sister is a better person than I am. And she can't turn off mommy mode," Eli answered. Tyler stared at Eli for a moment before he burst out laughing. "You're right about both parts of that answer," Tyler said after he managed to quit laughing. "So what does Emma have?" Eli asked again. "Toxoplasmosis. She got it from cleaning out the damn cat litter box," Tyler answered. "How serious is it?" Eli wanted to know. "Go find out yourself for fucks sake!" Tyler exclaimed. "Dad, seriously, you're going to teach Nasya bad habits," Mia scolded. "Your sister is only a year old," Tyler said with a chuckle. "She's smart," Mia retorted. Tyler grinned. "Yes, she is. Have you decided what you're going to do about Julliard?" Tyler wanted to know. "I want to go. John got accepted into NYU so we'll still be able to see each other," Mia answered. "How close are you and John getting?" Eli asked. "That's none of your business. But I can say this without any doubt: if I were pregnant, John wouldn't have thrown me out," Mia retorted. "You'd so better not be pregnant," Tyler warned. Mia giggled. "I told him I'm waiting for a ring," Mia assured her father. "You'd better wait until I'm dead," Tyler said. Eli laughed. "She's her mother's daughter, there's no chance of that," Eli said. Tyler turned and gave Eli a dirty look. "I'm pissed enough at you right now Eli," Tyler told him. "You left Lily when she was pregnant with Mia," Eli reminded Tyler. "She told me that I wasn't the father, and yes, I should have known better, but I was only nineteen," Tyler answered. "Okay seriously, both of you need to grow up." Mia turned from her father to her uncle. "You're both acting like you're twelve. What dad did happened eighteen years ago, uncle Eli, what you're doing is happening now. You've survived Cancer and so have I. I want children and just because I run the risk of passing on Cancer to my future children doesn't mean that I'm not going to have them some day. Obviously not any time soon, I want to dance, but you, you have a choice and you need to make it now. You love Emma and you're having a baby with her. Now grow up, get the stick up your ass and go make amends or by God, I'll shove that stick so far up your ass that when I pull it out, your prostate and colon will come out with it!" Mia exclaimed, grabbed a bottle of Gatorade and ran out the back door. Tyler and Eli looked at each other, their faces mirror images, the shock plain to see. "That is most definitely Lily's daughter," Eli said. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Thanks for coming Lil," Emma said as Lily walked into the hospital room. "No problem. How are you feeling?" Lily murmured. "Okay, a lot better since they started me on the antibiotics," Emma answered. "Good. I told Eli about you being in the hospital, but I don't know what he's going to do," Lily murmured. "I'll make it easy on him. If he doesn't come to see me in the next few weeks, then we're done, and there's nothing he could say or do to change that," Emma said. Lily sighed and shook her head. "I swear my brother needs a hit upside the head," Lily grumbled. "He's worried about passing on the cancer gene, I can't blame him for that," Emma said softly. "Yeah, well, going about it this way is stupid," Lily groused. "I agree," Emma sighed. -2 months later- "Emma!" Eli called. Emma turned around, her eyes wide with surprise. "What do you want Eli?" Emma asked tiredly. "To talk," Eli said. Emma unlocked the door to her apartment and let Eli in. "Cute apartment. Is this where you lived before we got back together?" Eli asked. "Yes. Is there something I can do for you?" Emma wanted to know, sitting down on the couch. "We need to talk. I read your letter more times than I can remember, trying to figure out how to talk to you," Eli said. "So talk," Emma crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm an idiot," Eli began. "Yes," Emma agreed, pushing herself off the couch. "You okay?" Eli asked. "Do you care?" Emma countered, opening up the refrigerator and grabbing a bottle of water. "Yes. I know it doesn't seem like it, but yes, I do care about you and the baby," Eli said. "You have a funny way of showing it," Emma commented. "I know and I'm sorry," Eli said. Emma took a swig of water and as she went to recap the bottle, it tipped and water spilled all over her top. "Damn it," Emma growled, putting the bottle on the counter. "I'll be right back," she muttered, heading towards her bedroom. Eli stayed where he was sitting, but turned to follow her with his eyes. A loud thump had him standing up. "Em, you okay?" Eli asked, walking back towards the bedroom. "I'm fine. I just dropped something," Emma answered, pulling on a new tee shirt. "Eli, what are you staring at?" Emma wanted to know. "You look beautiful," Eli murmured, brushing his thumb over her cheek. He looked around. "Where's Piglet?" he asked, referring to Emma's calico. "I had to surrender him," Emma answered. "Because of the toxoplasmosis?" Eli asked. "Yes." Emma tried to push past him but he stood in her way. "Emma, I'm sorry," Eli murmured. "Then prove it, but we aren't rushing this," Emma said firmly. "How much time before the baby comes?" Eli asked. "Another three months to my due date, but it could be earlier or later than that," Emma answered. "Now move Eli," she added, trying to push past him again. "Where do I sleep?" Eli asked. Emma looked at him sharply. "Not here," Emma said. "You shouldn't be alone," Eli protested. "And you aren't moving in here Eli, all you'll do is stress me out," Emma said. Eli could tell from the look in her eyes that she was serious and that there was no changing her mind. "Can I stay tonight at least? It's kinda late and it's a long drive," Eli asked. Emma sighed but nodded. "I"ll make up the couch for you," she told him. ~~~~~~~~~ Eli woke up and sat up, listening. He stood up and headed towards Emma's room. "You okay?" he asked after knocking on the door. "I'm okay," Emma answered. Eli frowned, he could hear the tenseness in her voice. "What's wrong?" Eli asked. "I have a cramp in my leg," Emma answered, wincing as she stretched her leg out. Eli walked into the room, sat down and reached for her leg, massaging gently. Emma winced and tried to pull her leg away. "Em, relax," Eli said. Emma sighed and tried to relax. "Close your eyes and imagine you're sitting in your favorite vacation spot," Eli suggested. Emma began to relax and sighed with relief as the cramp faded away. "Better?" Eli asked. "Much," Emma murmured. Eli moved his hands from her leg but made no attempt to get off of the bed and they sat there in silence for several minutes. "Eli give me your hand," Emma said softly. Eli looked at her puzzled. "Trust me." Eli held his hand out to Emma who scooted closer to him and placed his hand on her abdomen. His eyes widened and met hers. "Wow," he breathed. They sat there, Eli's hand on her abdomen until Emma's eyes closed. Eli gently pushed her back among the pillows and covered her up with the comforter. He hesitantly placed a kiss to her lips before tiptoeing back to the living room. "John, where are we going?" Mia wanted to know, struggling to see past the blindfold that rested over her eyes. "You'll see," John promised with a grin. Mia pouted but allowed him to lead her away. When they finally came to a stop, John pulled off the blindfold. Mia gasped when she saw the waterfall in front of them. "We're at Tahquamenon Falls?" Mia breathed. "You said you wanted to come here and that you haven't been able to," John said with a smile. He took her hand and they took the ocean of steps down to the falls where John pulled out a homemade quilt and box of food from his backpack. "John, it's so beautiful here," Mia breathed. John smiled. "I see something more beautiful then the falls," John said. "What?" Mia asked, open a container of apple slices. "You," John whispered. He leaned across the blanket and covered her lips with his. Mia blushed as she kissed him back. "I love you Mia," he murmured, trailing kisses down her neck before nibbling on her collarbone. "I love you too," Mia said before pushing him away. John sighed but handed her a sandwich. "So why'd you bring me here?" Mia wanted to know. "I wanted to take you somewhere special," John answered. Mia smiled and took a bite of the sandwich. When they finished eating, they put the containers back in the bag and settled back, Mia in John's arms and watched the waterfall. "Mia?" he asked after a few minutes. "Hmm?" Mia sighed. John swallowed. "I need to ask you something. Please don't say anything until I ask it." He pulled away from Mia and sat a few inches away. Mia smiled at John and waited for him to ask his question. John cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "Mia, I love you, and I know we're both just barely eighteen, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Mia's eyes widened as John's hand fumbled around in the smaller pocket on his back pack and she gasped loudly when he pulled out a small velvet box. "Mia, will you marry me?" John finally asked, cracking open the box to reveal a dainty diamond and sapphire ring. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Eli, can you reach that bowl for me?" Emma asked after struggling for a few moments to grab a large mixing bowl from the top shelf. Eli nodded and reached up on his tip toes and pulled it down. "What did you do before I started coming every day?" Eli asked. ""Climbed up on the counter," Emma answered with a grin. Eli chuckled and handed her the bowl. "What are you making?" he wanted to know. "Cookies," Emma answered. "Yum," Eli said with a grin. Emma nodded. "How are you feeling?" he wanted to know. "Pretty good. I have a doctor's appointment later, would you like to come?" Emma murmured. "I would, but I can't. I have to get back to the office, big meeting," Eli said with a sigh. Emma kept her face neutral. "I'm sorry Em, I really want to go, but I can't," Eli added. "I understand," Emma said quietly. She turned to leave the kitchen and he grabbed her arm. "Em, look at me," Eli said. Emma turned her face towards his. "The board is having a meeting that's been on the books for almost six months. Let me know when your next appointment is and I'll put it on my calender and take the day off," Eli promised. Emma brightened. "Thanks," she whispered. "Want some help making the cookies before I leave?" Eli asked. Emma nodded and they went to work. CHAPTER THIRTY "Mia, what's going on?" Lily wanted to know as she walked back into the living room from putting Nasya down for the night. Catie and David sat on the floor playing a game of monopoly and both looked up curiously at their sister. "John asked me to marry him," Mia said, her stomach in knots. "Are you pregnant?" Tyler asked. "No! We haven't even had sex," Mia answered with a blush. "I'm glad to hear it," Tyler mumbled. "What'd you say?" Catie asked. "I told him yes," Mia said slowly. "You just turned eighteen, aren't you a little young to be getting married?" Tyler asked. "You knocked mom up when she was eighteen; wasn't that a little too young to get pregnant?" Mia asked sweetly. Lily had to hide her grin behind her hand. "That's beside the point young lady," Tyler said warningly. Lily couldn't contain it any longer and she began to laugh. "What's so funny?" Tyler asked, turning to look at his wife. Lily took a deep breath, hoping to get her laughter under control. "The fact that you're lecturing your daughter about getting engaged at eighteen when she's right, when I was her age, I was pregnant," Lily said. Tyler rolled his eyes. "You should be lucky she isn't, I've seen how John looks at Mia," David piped up. "You aren't helping little brother," Mia growled. "Besides, he's the love of her life, he's supposed to look at her like that," Catie chimed in. "I still think you're too young and besides, children usually follow marriage and you're too young for that," Tyler protested. Mia rolled her eyes and exchanged a look with her mother. "I'm not going to get pregnant dad, not for awhile at least," Mia said. "Unless you don't have sex until you're ready, you can't promise that," Tyler said. "I'm on the pill dad," Mia admitted. Tyler's eyes narrowed. "So you've thought about having sex with John," he said slowly. "I'm eighteen dad, and I love him, so yes, I've thought about having sex with John, but I haven't. Not because I haven't wanted to, but because I wasn't ready and I didn't want to risk having a baby before I've had a chance to have a dancing career," Mia told her father. "How long have you been on the pill?" Tyler wanted to know. "I had Mia's doctor put her on birth control about six months ago, when I saw how serious they were becoming," Lily piped up. The doorbell rang and Mia ran to answer it. "Good timing," Mia said, pulling John into the living room. "I hear you want to have sex with my sister," David said. "David!" Tyler and Lily scolded. "Umm ..." John stood there like a deer caught in headlights. "Do you?" Tyler asked, his voice dangerously low. "Will you kill me if I answered yes to that question?" John wanted to know. Tyler laughed. "No. I remember what it was like to be eighteen," Tyler said. "Then, yes, I'd like to, but she's made it perfectly clear that it isn't going to happen any time soon, and that's fine with me," John answered. Mia's face was bright pink and she gave her mother a pleading look. "That's enough boys. David, your sister is an adult, if she wants to have sex, that's her choice and Ty, she isn't a baby anymore, try to remember that," Lily intervened. She turned to her daughter. "Are you going out tonight?" she asked. "If that's okay," Mia answered. "That's fine, just don't be out too late, we have Emma's baby shower tomorrow morning," Lily answered. She gave Mia a hug. "Mia." She turned back around to face her mother. "If you guys do have sex, please use a condom," Lily said. Mia blushed again but nodded and hurried John out of the house. ~~~~~~~~ Eli sat in the chair of the office while Emma sat on the exam table in a gown, waiting for the doctor to come in. "You look nervous," Emma observed. "I haven't been to a prenatal appointment since Lil was pregnant with Mia and Grace was sick with pneumonia," Eli admitted. "And that was a different scenario, I was just the uncle, not the father to be," he added. "So, what's going to happen today?" he asked. Before Emma could answer, the doctor walked into the room. "Good afternoon Emma, how are you feeling today?" "Pretty good Doctor Maslow," Emma answered. "And who is this?" Doctor Maslow asked. "This is Eli," Emma said. "So you're dad," Doctor Maslow said, looking at Eli. He nodded slowly. "Nervous I see," she observed. Emma scooted down towards the end of the table and placed her feet in the stirrups. "I'm going to put you at about 35 weeks, things are looking good; your weight gain is where it should be," Doctor Maslow murmured. She pulled out the fetal doppler, placed a small amount of gel on Emma's abdomen and pressed the wand down; a soft woosh-woosh noise filled the room. "140 beats per minute, sounds great Em. I'll see you next week," Doctor Maslow said, handing Emma a piece of paper towel to wipe off her abdomen with. Emma sat up and looked at Eli nervously. "Eli?" she asked softly. Eli said nothing, he just looked at Emma, his eyes locked with hers. Finally, Eli smiled. Emma smiled back, words weren't needed, she knew what he was feeling. ~~~~~~~~~ "I can't believe your dad didn't put up more of a fight, especially when I admitted to wanting to have sex with you," John said as they pulled into the parking lot of the movie theater. Mia laughed. "He wanted to, believe me, but considering he and mom can still bring down the house, he has no room to talk," Mia answered. John groaned and covered his eyes before laughing. "I don't need that image," he said as they walked hand in hand into the building. "Damn it Eli, I'm not an invalid!" Emma exclaimed, slamming her hand down on the kitchen counter. "No, you aren't, but you shouldn't be working," Eli argued. "I can't go on maternity leave until the baby comes," Emma reminded him. "Which could be any day now!" Eli exclaimed. Emma took a deep breath. "Eli, I have to go into work, it's only for a few hours. I have to make sure that the paper work for the auction gets filed. I'll be here by three thirty at the latest. I'll be fine," Emma said, trying to keep her voice within normal decibels. "Em, you shouldn't push yourself so hard. Let someone else take over," Eli argued. "Eli, look, we both need some time to ourselves, you've been here every night for nearly the last three months. If we're going to make this work, you need to be more understanding and stop being such a controlling pain in the ass!" Emma snapped. "Fine," Eli snapped. "Go to work, I have stuff to do anyway," he growled. He pushed past her and headed for the door. "Wait, Eli, I'm sorry," Emma said. "Are you?" Eli asked, his hand on the door knob. "I don't want to fight, but I need to get this auction straightened out," Emma said, her voice softer. "Okay. I'll see you at four," Eli said. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Damn it Lil, pick up the phone," Emma said through clenched teeth. She groaned and clenched the steering wheel tightly before dialing a different number. "Eli? It's me, where are you right now?" Emma asked. "I'm just leaving the office, why? Are you okay?" Eli asked. "I think my water broke," Emma answered. Eli's eyes widened; she could practically see his panic over the phone. "Eli, please say something, I'm scared," Emma said, her voice shaky. She groaned as pain wafted through her. "Where are you Em?" Eli asked. "In the parking lot of the auction house," Emma gasped. "I'm across town, but I'll be there in twenty minutes," Eli promised. He made it in ten. Finding a New Life Ch. 31-32 CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE "Are you okay?" Eli asked. "I'm scared," she murmured. Eli swallowed hard. "Don't be, c'mon, lets get you to the hospital," Eli said, reaching for her hand. Emma took it and allowed him to lead her to his truck. "I tried to call Lily, but I couldn't get through," Emma told him. "It's okay, I'm glad you called," Eli told her. -Hours later- "Eli, it's Lily, I noticed Emma tried to call a half a dozen times, is she okay?" Lily asked. "She's okay Lil. Her water broke while she was at the auction house," Eli answered. "Oh my God! I promised to be her coach," Lily slapped her forehead with her hand. "It's okay sis, I was there," Eli said. She could hear how tired and conflicted he was. "Eli, are you okay? Do you need me to come down there?" Lily asked. "I'm okay. I think Emma would like to see you though," Eli answered. "I'll be there as soon as I can," Lily promised. Eli woke with a start when he felt something touch his shoulder. "Lil, it's you," he said, breathing a sigh of relief. "Who'd you think it was silly?" Lily asked with a small laugh. "I dunno, people have been in and out of here all night," Eli grumbled. "Emma's sleeping finally," he added. Lily looked across the room and smiled. "Let her sleep, this is not an easy thing to go through," she murmured. Eli nodded. "Yours looked worse though," he told Lily. "Mia fought it tooth and nail," Lily agreed. "Enough about me and my brood, is the baby a boy or a girl and is he or she okay?" Lily wanted to know. "A girl. Six pounds seven ounces," Eli answered. "She's so beautiful Lil," he added. Lily smiled and gave her brother a hug. "I don't know what I'm going to do; I want to be here, but what if I gave her cancer?" Eli whispered. Lily sighed and crouched in front of her brother. "Eli, listen to me. Things happen, and we can't always prevent them. That little girl is going to need a father and Emma's going to need help. If you walk away from them, they'll have me and Ty, but that won't be the same as if you were there for them. Do you know how many nights I went to bed crying? When Mia said her first word, or took her first steps, I wanted to share that with him so badly and I couldn't and it nearly killed me. Give love a chance Eli; you love Emma, now prove it and stay with her and stay with your daughter. Worry about protecting her from getting a broken heart, comfort her when she has a nightmare or falls off of her bike and skins her knee, but don't worry about what diseases are genetic or you'll go mad," Lily said. Eli gave his sister another hug. "What would I do without you?" he asked. "Be a recluse," Lily said simply. Eli grinned. "When can I see my niece?" she asked. Eli moved and Lily slipped further into the room. "You're right E, she is beautiful," Lily whispered. She glanced up and noticed Emma was awake. "How do you feel?" Lily asked, giving her friend a gentle hug. "Like I got ripped apart," Emma answered honestly. Lily giggled. "There wasn't time for the epidural," she added. Lily winced and gave a sympathetic smile. "How the hell did you go through that three times?" Emma wanted to know. "Mia was the hard one, I'll show you the tape sometime," Lily said, cracking up. Her eyes landed on the sleeping newborn. "Have you guys thought of a name?" she asked. "Not yet," Eli answered. Lily smiled as she watched her brother run a finger down his daughter's tiny arm. "I'm going to go and let you guys have some bonding time. Trust me, it's important. I'll bring you dinner after you get out of the hospital," Lily said. Eli nodded and engulfed Lily in a giant, back cracking bear hug. "Thanks E, now I don't have to go to the chiropractor," she joked. Emma laughed and gave her friend a hug. "So, what names were you thinking about?" Eli asked. "Evelyn after your mom," Emma murmured. Eli smiled and kissed the top of Emma's head. "I love you, do you know that?" Eli said softly. "I do now," Emma murmured. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Mia, what are you planning?" John asked. "You'll see, it's a surprise," Mia answered. "You're sure your parents aren't going to be coming home anytime soon?" John asked again. "I'm positive. Catie and David are at sleep overs with their friends, end of the year thing and Mom and Dad went to some kind of lover's retreat and won't be back until Sunday night," Mia answered. "Mia, what the hell are you doing in there? I've been standing outside of the door for nearly a half hour," John wanted to know. "Come on in," Mia said. John opened the door to find candles all over the room and Mia lounging on the bed. "Mia?" John asked, staring at her. "Come sit next to me," Mia murmured. John closed the door behind him and walked over to the bed. He closed his eyes with a groan when he realized she wasn't wearing anything. "I love you John," she whispered in his ear, swinging her legs so that she was straddling him. "I love you too, but are you sure you want to do this?" John asked. "I'm positive," Mia purred in his ear with a sultry smile. She could feel his excitement and wriggled making him groan. "Mia, I don't have a condom," he said softly. "It's okay. I'm on the pill and I have a diaphragm, that's what took so long," Mia murmured. John quickly dispensed with his clothing and rejoined Mia on the bed. "I don't want to hurt you," he said with a groan, slipping two fingers through her curls. "You won't. I've been ready for awhile," Mia answered, grinding against his fingers. John pulled his fingers way before pushing his cock into her. Mia's eyes widened and then closed and a small gasp of pain escaped her lips. "Sorry," he whispered, holding still. Mia smiled and nibbled on his neck before her strong, dancer's legs encircled his waist, pulling them closer together. "Don't be sorry, just don't stop," she gasped. John closed his eyes with a groan and began thrusting in and out of her. Mia lifted her hips to meet him thrust for thrust. The delicious friction became too much for either of them and they came together with cries of wonder. He slipped out of her and held her close. "I love you Mia," he whispered, closing his eyes. "I love you too," Mia murmured contently. The doorbell chimed and they both sat up. "Stay here," she said, standing up and pulling her robe on. Mia jogged down the stairs and opened the door. "Aunt Grace, what's wrong?" Mia wanted to know. "My dad was rushed to the hospital, they think he had a heart attack. I don't want to disturb your parents at their retreat, but I can't watch Nasya tonight," Grace said in a rush. Mia reached for her little sister. "That's okay, John and I were just going to watch some movies and eat popcorn," Mia said. Grace studied her niece closely. "Is your definition of watching movies the same as what your mother and father considered watching movies?" Grace asked. Mia blushed. "How'd you know?" Mia wanted to know. "Because teenagers have been using that excuse for decades," Grace said with a laugh. "You're an adult, so I don't think I need to tell your parents about this, but be careful. Your dad would kill John if you got pregnant," Grace warned, handing Mia Nasya's overnight bag. "We are," Mia assured her aunt before closing the door. "Is everything okay?" John asked when Mia walked back upstairs. "Not quite. Grandpa was rushed to the hospital so aunt Grace can't watch Nasya," Mia answered, pushing her door open with her toe. She carried Nasya over to the bed and set her down. "Wow. Do you want me to go?" John asked. "No. Grace isn't calling mom and dad back, but if you want to go, you can," Mia answered. Nasya waved at John and babbled making them both laugh. "Nah, I think I'll stay for a bit and help out," John said. His stomach rumbled making Mia laugh. "I can make something, but you'll have to watch Sya," Mia said. "Not a problem," John said. Mia walked into the bathroom to clean her self up before getting dressed and walking downstairs. Mia stood in the doorway of the living room and watched John playing with Nasya and smiled; he was being patient and calm. "You're going to make a great dad some day," Mia murmured, making her presence know. John smiled back at her. "As long as it isn't nine months from now," he said. Mia laughed. "It won't be," she promised. CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO "What are you so nervous about? It's just Eli and Emma," Tyler wanted to know as he watched Lily flutter about the kitchen. "It isn't just Eli and Emma anymore Ty," Lily said. "Lily, the baby is only eight weeks old, she isn't going to know or care if you made homemade biscuits or not," Tyler reminded her. "I know, but Eli said they had some big news and I want things to be perfect," Lily protested. Tyler grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. "Lily Marie Evans Billings will you stop for two seconds?" Lily sighed but allowed him to wrap his arms around her. "Dinner is perfect, you don't need to act like the President of the United States is coming for dinner any time your brother brings a girl over," Tyler said gently. "But he got this girl pregnant and ..." Tyler crushed his lips to hers. "Do you guys need a room?" a voice from the doorway asked. Lily pulled away from Tyler and blushed. "You're early," Tyler commented, an easy grin on his face. "Nope, your clock is off," Eli said. "Where's Em and the baby?" Lily wanted to know. "In the living room with Mia. Do we need to have that sex talk Uncle David never got around to having with you?" Eli teased. "Oh knock it off," Tyler said with a laugh. "Lily, dinner's fine and I can manage pulling it out of the oven when the timer dings, go visit," he added. Lily slipped into the living room while Tyler handed Eli a beer. "You look like you need to talk," Tyler observed. "I don't know where to go from here," Eli admitted. "You love Emma and I know you love that baby because we've hardly seen you since she was born," Tyler said with a grin. "I know, but what I'm going to do if I go out of remission," Eli said. "You deal with that when you get there. Right now, you have a beautiful daughter and you should cherish her and the time you have. Don't worry about what may be and worry about what is now. You have a choice: you can push them both away again or you can step up and be a father to your daughter," Tyler said. With that statement, Tyler pushed Eli into the living room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Here's my room mom," Mia said, checking the room number against the piece of paper in her hand. She opened the door and gave a shaky sigh. "Hi, I'm Zoe!" a young woman with bright red hair and emerald green eyes exclaimed, sticking her hand out. "I'm Mia, this is my mom Lily," Mia introduced. "Lil?" Tyler's voice echoed down the hall. "Down here Ty," Lily called back. She stepped out into the hall way where Tyler and John struggled to get through the narrow passage with Mia's bags. "This is my dad Ty and my fiancee John," Mia told Zoe. "Careful, they tend to get pissy if their dancers are involved," Zoe warned. "Tough," Mia said. John smiled and set a box on the chair. After the suitcases were unpacked and the bed was made, Tyler and Lily went back to the hotel, leaving John and Mia with Zoe. "When do you move in?" Mia asked John as they lounged on her bed. "Tomorrow. Your parents offered to help me too," John answered. "Dorm or apartment?" Mia asked sleepily. "Apartment." He handed Mia a key. "This is your key; you can come over any time you need to," John told her. Mia smiled. "You girls hungry?" he asked. Both Mia and Zoe confirmed that very vocally. "Let's go get some food, I'll buy," he said. -Later that night- "When can I see you again?" Mia wanted to know, resisting the urge to rub her eyes. "Next weekend. Classes start up the day after tomorrow and things will be busy for both of us," John answered. "I don't want to wait that long," Mia complained. John chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "When does your training start?" John asked. "Monday," Mia answered. "Here's the address to the apartment. Your parents are helping me move, come over around four," John said. Mia smiled and couldn't hold back a yawn; John chuckled. "Go to bed and I'll see you tomorrow afternoon," he murmured, kissing her gently. "I love you," Mia whispered. "I love you too." John watched her disappear into the dorm. "Oh for the love of all that's holy," Mia groaned as she sank onto her bed after a long day of training. "No wonder the class cuts in half," Zoe agreed. "I feel like my feet are falling off," Mia complained. "How are you going to make time for John?" Zoe asked. "I'll find a way," Mia said. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Eli? Are you here?" Emma called, knocking on the door to his house. "Right here," Eli said from behind her, making her jump. "Sorry, I had a doctor's appointment with Doctor Steven's," Eli said. "Are you okay?" she asked as Eli unlocked the door. "I'm great. There's still no sign of Cancer," Eli told her. Emma grinned. "That's wonderful! We should celebrate! Let me call Lily and see if she'll watch Evie," Emma exclaimed, starting to walk away. "Em, wait," Eli took hold of her arm and led her into the living room. "Let me take her," he murmured, pulling his daughter out of the sling. Eve babbled happily and squirmed to be let down so she could try to crawl. "You look tired," Eli murmured as they sat down on the couch. "I am. I think Evie's teething, she was up half the night," Emma answered, rubbing her eyes. "You should have come over," Eli said. "I didn't think you'd appreciate a three am visit," Emma muttered. Eli lifted her chin up so that her eyes met his. "Emma, you and Evie mean the world to me. If you need help, I don't care how early it is, come over or call me," Eli said gently. Emma smiled. "That means a lot to me," she murmured. "That brings me to why I wanted you to come inside, I have to ask you something," Eli began. "What's on your mind?" Emma wanted to know. Eli took a deep breath and offered a shaky smile. "I love you Emma, and I know things have been rocky between us in the last few months, but since you've been back in my life, and since Evie came into the world, you've both brought a new meaning of life for me. I was scared and because I was scared, I took it out on you. I'm sorry for that," Eli began. "I love you too," Emma murmured. "Emma, I can't imagine life without you or Evie now; will you marry me?" Eli asked. "JOHN!" Mia screeched when she saw him standing outside of Julliard. "How was your week?" John asked, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. "Long, but better now," she murmured. "Let's go grab some food," John suggested. "I'd rather grab something else," Mia said with a grin. "Food first," John said with a chuckle. "I haven't seen you in over a week, we're gonna need the strength," John added. Mia blushed and moaned as he planted a kiss on her lips that made her legs feel like rubber. "Mia, who's your friend?" Mia pulled away from John with a sigh. "Charlotte, this is my fiancee John. John, this is Charlotte Williams," Mia introduced. "He's cute Mia, how on Earth did you find someone this cute to date you?" Charlotte asked. The look on Mia's face had John wanting to laugh and kick Charlotte's ass. "Mia, we have a reservation and we'll be cutting it close," John said. "Oh where to?" Charlotte asked. "None of your business." John looked at Mia and sighed when he saw the tears of anger in her eyes. "Or we could just get take out and go back to my place," he suggested. "What did you have in mind?" Mia asked, her eyes taking a mischievous glint. "Hmm, anything you want," John answered, giving Mia a wink. "How about some Chinese?" Mia suggested. "As you wish," John replied with a grin, quoting one of Mia's favorite movies. "Oh, wait, I have something for you," he added before they could go anywhere. "What?" Mia asked. John pulled a box out of his back pack and handed it to her. "I saw these and thought of you right away. If you don't like it, I can take it back," John said. Mia opened the box to reveal a dainty pair of diamond and sapphire earrings and a necklace that matched her engagement ring. "I love them!" she exclaimed, closing the box with a loud snap and throwing her arms around his neck. "Let's go get that dinner so I can give you dessert," Mia said softly. "Yes ma'am," John said, grabbing her hand and leading her away. "You look amazing," Lily told Emma as she helped her with her hair. "I'm nervous," Emma said suddenly. "What's wrong?" Lily asked. "What if Eli has another issue where he goes ape shit again?" Emma whispered. "You just have to hope that doesn't happen. And if it does, you have Ty and me to kick his ass," Lily said. Emma laughed. "I mean it. Now stop crying, you'll smear your makeup," Lily added. Emma laughed again and they both looked up at a knock on the door. "Hi mom, hi aunt Emma," Mia said with a grin. "Hi sweetie!" Lily gave her daughter a hug. "You look great! How's school?" Lily asked. "Hard, I'm so glad for this break," Mia said with a groan. "I thought you were going to stay with John," Emma said. "I am. He came home for the wedding as my date," Mia answered. Tyler poked his head in the door. "Come on ladies; Eli is about to have a nervous breakdown," he told them. "We're heading out right now," Lily promised. "Hello Mrs. Evans," Eli said into Emma's ear. Emma smiled. "That sounds good," Emma murmured. "You feel good," Eli said, pulling Emma to him. Emma moaned as his fingers eased inside her. Emma took a step back, surprising Eli who grinned when she pulled her dress off quickly before reaching for the buttons of his shirt. "You're over dressed big boy," Emma purred. Eli chuckled and pushed his dress slacks down his legs before pulling his boxers down. Once he was undressed, Emma pushed Eli back on the bed, climbed on top of him and lowered herself over him. "Em, you're killing me," he groaned. Emma smiled before nibbling on his neck as she slid up and down him. "Em, move," Eli managed. "What? Why?" Emma asked, continuing to slide up and down him. "Em, seriously," Eli placed his hands on her hips and rolled her over, pulled out and sprayed his load all over her stomach and the bed. "Eli, what's wrong?" Emma asked. "Nothing," Eli said, sitting up and heading for the bathroom. "Damn it Eli, stop shutting me out or this is going to be one of the shortest marriages in history!" Emma exclaimed. Eli sat down on the bed with a sigh. "I don't want to risk getting you pregnant again," Eli admitted. "Ever or right now?" Emma wanted to know. "Right now. I love Evie, and I can't imagine life without her, but until I've been in remission long enough to be considered cured, I don't want to risk you getting pregnant," Eli answered. "Why?" Emma asked, her voice quiet. "I saw how hard it was for Lily raising Mia before Ty came back to give Mia the bone marrow transplant and I don't want things to be that difficult for you," Eli replied. Emma sighed, shook her head and kissed him. "You're delusional, but very sweet. I understand your reasoning, but next time, talk to me first. I love you Eli, and I know how you reacted when I got pregnant. I would love to have at least two more of your children, but not until you're ready for that too," Emma said softly. "So how do we keep that from happening?" Eli wanted to know. "I had my OB insert Mirena at my six week checkup," Emma answered. Eli gave a sigh of relief and gave Emma a hug. "I didn't say anything because we weren't back together then and I didn't want to think anything was going to happen that I didn't want to happen," she added. Finding a New Life Ch. 31-32 "I'm sorry for being such an ass," Eli said. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Excuse me, young man, may I help you?" a middle aged man stopped John in the hall. "I'm meeting Mia Billings, she said to wait for me outside the dance studio," John answered. "And you are?" the man looked John up and down curiously. "I'm John, her fiancee," he answered. "I've heard about you. I'm one of her teachers; my name is ..." before the man could finish his introduction, a blood curdling scream was heard from the dance studio. "Mr. Parks, there's been an accident, we need an ambulance!" Zoe called from the now open door. Mr. Parks hurried towards the studio. Zoe saw John standing anxiously against the door. "John, you come too, it's Mia," she called. John took off at a run, beating Mr. Parks into the studio. "Mia!" he shouted, coasting to a stop beside her limp body. "Don't move her! In fact, don't touch her!" Mr. Parks called from the back of studio. "What happened?" John wanted to know. "Charlotte rammed Parker while he and Mia were working on the lift for the show and Mia went flying," Zoe answered. John was on his feet and walking towards Charlotte like a bull after a Matador. "I know you're upset young man, but right now, the best thing you can do is stay here with Mia," Mr. Parks said, dialing 911 on his cell phone. "You've reached Tyler, Lily, Mia, Catie and David Billings, we can't come to the phone right now, leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks for calling! BEEP!" "Mrs. Billings, it's John, there's been an incident and Mia's in the hospital," John said, unable to keep the panic out of his voice. "It's bad, you and Mr. Billings should come out here as soon as you can," he added before hanging up the phone and turning his attention back to Mia. "You need to wake up baby, please," John whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before laying his head on the bed beside her. "Don't leave me." Finding a New Life Ch. 33-34 CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE "John, what happened!?" Lily demanded to know as she and Tyler rushed down the hall. "Apparently Mia had been given a big part and a girl in her class wanted it. When the instructors refused to change their minds, while they were rehearsing, she rammed the guy lifting Mia and Mia went flying," John answered, rubbing his eyes. "I'll kill her," Tyler growled. "How's Mia?" Lily asked, giving Tyler an angry look. "Unconscious. The doctor hasn't really given me a lot of details, claims fiancee is family enough," John said bitterly. "We'll fix that," Lily promised. "I'm still not thrilled with the fiancee title," Tyler grumbled. John laughed for the first time in nearly twenty-four hours. "Can we see her?" Tyler wanted to know. "I was in there for most of the night and the nurses kicked me out about three hours ago. We should be able to get in soon, but she's through there," John said, pointing to a window. Tyler and Lily converged around a window and Lily gasped when she saw her daughter hooked up to machines. "I never thought I'd have to see her hooked up to this many machines again," Lily whispered. Tyler reached for Lily's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Here comes her doctor. His name is Doctor Jacobs," John said, touching the back of Lily's shoulder gently. Tyler and Lily turned around. "Are you Mr. and Mrs. Billings?" "Yes. John told us your name is Doctor Jacobs, and that you're treating our daughter," Tyler answered, extending his right hand. Doctor Jacobs shook Tyler's hand. "Mia's condition is fairly serious. I'm fairly certain that she'll make it, however, I don't know if she'll be able to dance again," Doctor Jacobs said. "Why couldn't you tell me this last night?" John wanted to know. He knew that Mia wanted to dance more than anything in the world. "You aren't family," Doctor Jacobs answered. "John is Mia's fiancee. From now on, if my husband or I are not here, John can be given all information and if need be, make medical decisions about Mia's care," Lily said firmly. Doctor Jacobs made a notation on Mia's chart. John mouthed, "Thank you," to Lily before glancing into Mia's window and without saying anything, hurried into the room. Lily followed John with her eyes. "Mia's waking up," she said. Tyler, Lily and Doctor Jacobs hurried into the room. "Mia, my name is Doctor Jacobs. Don't try to talk. You had a bad fall and you're in the hospital. You have a tube down your throat to help you breath." He looked at the monitor. "I can take it out if you'd like," he added. Mia nodded and closed her eyes as pain flooded her senses. "Take a deep breath and blow it out as hard as you can," Doctor Jacobs instructed. When the tube was out, he patted Mia on the shoulder. "Try not to talk, your throat is going to feel a little raw," he warned. "I'll give you some time and I'll have a nurse bring in some ice chips," he added before leaving the room. "John," Mia whispered later that night. "What do you need babe?" John asked, reaching for her hand. "I'm thirsty," Mia answered. John poured water from the plastic pitcher into a plastic cup and positioned the straw so that Mia could slip it into her mouth. "How are you feeling?" John asked. He reached up to run his fingers through her hair and stopped just short, the tips just brushing the gauze that was wrapped around her head. "I'm having a hard time moving my legs, they feel numb," Mia admitted. John sighed and took her hand again. "Mia, your spine was bruised when you fell. "The bruising will go away in time and your legs will feel better," John assured her. "When can I go back to dancing?" Mia wanted to know. "I don't know hon, I really don't know. I wish I could tell you, but I have no idea and neither do the doctors," John answered. "I want to dance John. I don't know what I'll do if I can't dance again," she whispered. John kissed her gently and held her close. "No matter what happens Mia, you have me here with you and for you. I'm not going anywhere. I love you," John promised. He felt Mia's hot tears flow down her cheeks and land on his shoulder and he wanted to kill the bitch that did this to the woman he loved. "I love you too," she sniffled. When Lily and Tyler returned to Mia's hospital the next morning, they found Mia asleep in John's arms. "John," Lily murmured. John opened his eyes and gently pulled away from Mia. "Mia's pretty worn out. She asked me if she'd be able to dance again and I told her I didn't know," John told Lily who sighed and exchanged glances with Tyler. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Emma, have you heard anything from mom and dad?" David asked. "Yes, your mom called about a half hour ago while you and Catie were playing basketball. Mia woke up and she should be fine, but the doctors don't know if she'll be able to dance again," Emma answered, scooping up a small amount of sweet potatoes out of the bowl and into Eve's mouth. "Mia isn't going to take that well," David sighed. "But at least she's alive," Emma said sharply. "I agree, but you know my sister," David sighed. Emma said nothing but exchanged glances with Eli as he walked into the kitchen. "Mom, when are they going to let me try to dance?" Mia asked as she picked at the Chinese food her parents had brought for her. "As soon as you have more luck with standing and walking than you did today," Lily answered, referring to Mia's stubborn attempt to walk to the bathroom by herself. Mia had taken a step and a half before her legs buckled under her and only John standing there had prevented her from falling and hitting her head on the side of the bed on her way down. "This sucks," Mia grumbled, sticking her chopsticks into the box of rice with a pout. "Mia, you have to have a positive attitude," Lily reminded her daughter. Mia looked up when John and Tyler walked back into the room and Lily had to smile at how Mia's face lit up when her eyes fell upon John. "Hmm, smells great," John commented, plopping gently on the bed next to Mia. He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "You can have it, I'm not hungry," Mia said. John resisted the urge to sigh. In the week since Mia had woken up, the light in her eyes had faded and the dark circles under her eyes revealed how little she had actually slept. "Mia, you won't ever get the strength to walk let alone dance if you don't eat," John said, trying to keep from sounding harsh. "But I'm not hungry," Mia whined, sounding like a small child. "Just a little. I'll eat what you don't finish, but you do need to eat," John insisted. Lily and Tyler watched, amused as John convinced Mia to stop acting like a baby and eat without being confrontational. "We're going back to the hotel so that you kids can have some time to yourselves," Tyler began. He stopped talking as Doctor Jacobs walked into the room. "I hear you tried to walk earlier," he told Mia. "I had to use the bathroom," Mia answered. "You suffered quite the fall young lady. Your body needs time to heal before you start trying to walk. The longer you are being stubborn, the less chance of recovering enough to let you dance you will have," Doctor Jacobs said. Mia glanced at her parents and John before asking, "Will I be able to have children?" Tyler closed his eyes, wishing he didn't just hear his daughter talking about having children. "You aren't paralyzed Mia. Once the bruising goes down, you will be good to go." Tyler glared at Doctor Jacobs. "I would however, advise waiting a few years," the doctor added. "I plan on it," Mia said, giggling at the look on her father's face. John grinned despite his nervousness at Mia's question. The doctor waited for Tyler and Lily to slip out of Mia's room, pretending to fiddle with the IV. "Miss Billings, I need to ask, and I should have asked earlier, but is there any chance you are pregnant?" he asked. Mia and John exchanged a glance of near panic. "Why?" John asked. "We haven't run a test because usually, dancers have a harder time getting pregnant, but Mia's question reminds me that I haven't done my job properly," Doctor Jacobs answered. "We've had sex a few times, but I'm on the pill," Mia answered. "Which you haven't taken since being admitted," John told her. "Well, we haven't had sex since I've been admitted," Mia said, sticking her tongue out at him. "I'll draw some blood and have a test run. I doubt it will be positive, but better safe then sorry. When was the last time the two of you had sex?" Doctor Jacobs wanted to know. "The day before Mia was pushed; we celebrated her getting the role," John answered. "And the last time you took your pill?" the doctor asked. "The night before the accident," Mia answered. "It's very slim that you're pregnant, but we should find out for sure anyway," the doctor told her, drawing some blood carefully. Mia and John looked at each other, eyes wide as the doctor walked out of the room. John and Mia looked up when the doctor walked in, his expression guarded. "Please don't tell me I'm pregnant," Mia said, her eyes wide. John shot her what would have been a look of amusement had it not been for the fact that he was worried about Tyler kicking his ass. "I mean I want kids, but I, I'm only eighteen and I want to dance!" Mia stammered. John took her hand and squeezed. "The test was inconclusive. It was either too soon to tell or negative. We'll wait about three weeks and rerun the test then," Doctor Jacobs said. He saw the look on Mia's face. "You will be here in three weeks. It's going to take at least that long for your bruising to go down and I want to keep an eye on you," he added. Mia released the breath she was holding as Doctor Jacobs left the room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You're doing great Mia," John encouraged as he helped her walk the halls. "I don't feel well," Mia whispered, grabbing his arm. "What's wrong?" John asked, studying her face carefully. "My stomach's cramping really badly," Mia complained. John helped her back to her room and rang for the nurse. The nurse looked Mia over quickly and looked at her chart. "It says you're due for a pregnancy test tomorrow. I'll call the doctor and get the ultrasound machine," the nurse said. John held Mia's hand, hating the look of pain and fear on her face. "I'm scared," Mia murmured, her eyes wide as she held her abdomen in pain. Doctor Jacobs and the nurse hurried in with an ultrasound machine in time to hear Mia gasp and a flood of bloody discharge leave her. John paled and quickly turned his gaze from the foot of the bed to Mia's face. "Relax Mia," he said softly, stroking her hair. "I need for you to straighten out for me Mia," Doctor Jacobs said gently. He pushed the bloody gown aside and poured a small amount of gel onto her abdomen. "What's wrong with me?" Mia asked. John heard the fear in her voice that matched the fear he had inside him as they waited for Doctor Jacobs to give them an answer. "Mia, I need for you to relax for me. I know you're scared, and I don't blame you. I need for both of you to listen carefully," Doctor Jacobs said. John and Mia focused on the doctor's face. "You're having a miscarriage right now Mia. The gush of discharge was the fetus and part of the placenta. I can see the rest of the placenta detaching from your uterus here on the ultrasound. You're going to be fine," Doctor Jacobs told her gently. Mia's eyes widened more and she gasped in both shock and pain. John was floored and surprised by the sudden sadness that swept over him. The doctor made John leave the room despite Mia's protests so that the nurses could help Mia change and change the bedding on the bed. "What do we do now?" John asked. "You give her time. Even if the two of you didn't want a baby right now, this is a lot to handle, and it takes a huge toll on the body and the emotions of both people in the relationship. Mia is going to need you even more then she did before, I just hope you're up to it," Doctor Jacobs told John. John swallowed nervously as the nurses walked out of Mia's room; he could hear her crying quietly and he felt helpless. "Go on in there," the doctor added. John nodded and slipped back into the hospital room. "Mia?" John asked uncertainly. Mia looked up with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry," Mia murmured. John sat down gently on the bed next to her. "What are you sorry for? You didn't do anything wrong," John asked. "I, I, I should have been stronger," Mia stammered. "Mia listen to me. I love you and this wasn't your fault," John told her. He wrapped his arms around her and held her while she cried. CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR "How the hell could you let this happen?" Tyler shouted at John later that night in the hallway outside of Mia's room. "We didn't even know until earlier when it happened. I swear, aside from Mia being on the pill, I used condoms every single time, or Mia used a diaphragm. Doctor Jacobs told me that it was most likely not having taken the pill since she got here that did it," John answered. He felt so horrible and sick to his stomach about the whole thing that he couldn't even say the words pregnancy and miscarriage. "I should beat you into the middle of next month," Tyler threatened. "Enough Ty. What's done is done and we can't change it," Lily said softly. "Maybe she missed a day," Tyler grumbled. "She isn't old enough for this kind of thing to happen," he growled. "Tyler Douglas Billings, stop it right now!" Lily snapped. "All of you stop it!" They turned and saw Mia standing in the doorway, holding onto the frame of the door, her legs shaking. "Mia, you should be in bed," Lily said gently. "Not until the three of you stop arguing!" Mia exclaimed. "Honey, just because we're arguing doesn't mean that ..." "Stuff it dad. I heard what you were saying to John. No, I did not skip a day nor did I forget until I was admitted to the hospital. We were careful. I love John and someday, SOMEDAY want to have children with him, but not today," Mia's face was flushed from the exertion of energy used to walk to the doorway. John reached for her as her legs gave out. "Mia, sweetie, I didn't mean to upset you, but for you to get pregnant and then miscarry like this," Tyler shook his head, unable to finish his statement. "Daddy, I'm eighteen years old, you need to let me grow up," Mia said softly, laying her head on John's shoulder as he carried her back to the bed. "I know," Tyler sighed. "How are you feeling?" Lily asked her daughter. "I'm tired," Mia admitted. "Doctor Jacobs said that you would be tired until your blood supply built back up," John reminded her. Mia nodded. "Can I get you anything?" Lily asked. "Maybe some of Aunt Grace's chocolate cake," Mia said with a sly grin. Lily and Tyler laughed. "I'll do my best kiddo," Tyler told his daughter. "I'm not a kid anymore dad," Mia reminded her father. He gave her a hug and sighed. "I know Mia, boy do I know," Tyler said. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Mom, are you okay?" Mia asked, sitting down on the couch next to her mother. Lily paused the tape she was about to watch. "What's that?" Mia wanted to know. She looked up as John and Tyler walked into the room. "It's the tape of your birth," Lily answered. "Why are you bringing it out now?" Mia inquired. "Your father hasn't seen it yet, and I felt that it could be beneficial for you to see; not to scare you, but since you're planning your own future ..." Lily shook her head. "I don't know if I want to see it. I felt helpless enough last month," John commented. Mia's eyes dropped to the floor. "Sorry babe," he added softly. "It isn't your fault," Mia murmured. "Neither of us knew that I was pregnant," she added. Catie walked into the room. "Zoe's on the phone," she told Mia. Mia walked carefully and slowly to the phone in the hall way, grabbed the receiver and made her way up the stairs to her room. When she came down an hour later, her parents, John and Catie were watching the tape Grace had made of Mia's birth. "It's official, I'm never having kids!" Catie exclaimed, shuddering, her face pale. "There's only one way to ensure that," Tyler told his daughter. She looked at him. "Don't have sex," he added. Catie blushed and Mia grinned. "You okay John?" Mia asked. "That tape made what you went through with the miscarriage seem like a walk in a park," John told her, his eyes wide, his complexion greenish. "They make drugs to make it easier," Mia reminded him. Lily laughed. "Zoe says that Charlotte has not only been kicked out of Julliard, but the DA is filing attempted murder charge," Mia added. "She should be charged with murder," John growled. Mia sighed and placed her hand onto his shoulder. "I'm sorry Mia," John apologized. "Stop apologizing!" Mia exclaimed. "You couldn't have known she was going to do any of what she did," Mia said. Tyler, Lily and Catie left the living room; the argument was long overdue and it was time for them to hash it out. "Mia, I know you didn't want a baby, and at this exact moment, it's probably a good thing that you aren't pregnant still, but I should have known something was up with the way Charlotte treated you that one day and I didn't pick up on it," John said. "You're my fiancee John, not my body guard. I don't blame you for anything! I blame Charlotte!" Mia exclaimed. "You don't blame me for you being pregnant and miscarrying?" John asked. "John, I knew the risks. You didn't rape me, I was willing." John grinned at that and Mia blushed when she noticed the look on his face. "You weren't the one that pushed me off the stage and about half way across the orchestra pit, Charlotte was," Mia said, her voice becoming more gentle. "I just wish there was something I could have done to stop it. I know we weren't ready for a baby, but it was our baby," John whispered. "I know John. And if we were even two years older, I would have been thrilled beyond belief. I love you John, and I want to have your children some day, no matter what happens, I want to be with you and only you," Mia said, pulling John in for a hug. "I love you too," John murmured, holding her tight. "Someone should go break them up," Tyler growled, watching them from the dining room. "Leave them alone Ty. They need and love each other. You have to let her grow up," Lily said softly. "But this is what led her to getting knocked up in the first place," Tyler grumbled. "Tyler Douglas Billings, if you're going to lecture anyone, look in the mirror. You knocked me up the day I found out my uncle had died," Lily reminded him with a laugh. "Yeah well, she's my daughter," Tyler said, sticking his tongue out at Lily. "Oh grow up," Lily laughed, looking up towards the ceiling when Nasya started to cry. ~~~~~~~~~~ "So what's the news?" Lily asked Emma and Eli as everyone gathered around the table. It was Thanksgiving, and Mia and John were home for Thanksgiving break. "The doctor still can't find any trace of the Cancer. It's like I was never even sick," Eli said with a grin. Lily gave her brother a back breaking hug. "There's more," Emma said. Eli looked at her curiously. "I didn't want to say anything till I was sure, but I was offered a job," Emma announced. Eli looked relieved, as if he was worried that she was going to say she was pregnant again. "Where?" Tyler asked. "London," Emma answered. "They called me this morning," she added. "Are you going to take it?" Lily asked. "Probably," Emma answered. Lily didn't know how she felt at the prospect of her brother being half way around the world. "Just don't leave before the wedding," Mia pipped up. Everyone turned their attention towards Mia and John. "When?" Lily asked. Finding a New Life Ch. 33-34 "May twenty second," John answered. He caught Tyler staring at him. "No, Mia's not pregnant," he assured his soon to be father. "Not yet anyway," Mia added. "And not anytime soon," she said, catching the look on her father's face. "I don't want to be a grandfather for at least another five years," Tyler warned John. "How's dancing going?" Tyler asked Mia, changing the subject. "Difficult. The doctors and the instructors at Julliard have decided that I won't be able to dance professionally again, that there's been too much damage to my spine and legs," Mia answered. "I'm sorry sweetie," Lily murmured. "It's okay. I've been teaching some kids at the YMCA the basics to ballet and I think I'm going to go into teaching. NYU has a really good program," Mia answered, her eyes lighting up at the prospect. Lily and Tyler smiled and exchanged glances. It appeared to them that their daughter had found her calling. This is the end of Lily and Ty's story; I will be following up with Mia and John's story soon. I hope you enjoyed reading about Lily and Ty; Grace and Grant will be around a little in Mia and John's story. Thanks for reading! ~Ashira