Chapter One

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Katrina Miller looked up and smiled at her best friend of twenty-five years as he came through the door and plopped himself down on the couch next to her. She knew him inside and out, probably even better than he knew himself at times, and could easily read his moods. It was safe to say that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was not a happy camper at the current moment.

Where most people would wisely stay away from him at this point, Katrina was ready to face the upcoming storm.

�Bad day?� she asked with a knowing smile.

Dale cut his eyes at her and sighed heavily. �Day from hell.� He grumbled testily.

Katrina shook her head with a giggle. �Only you could find a way to be in a foul assed mood while on a luxury cruise, sailing around the Caribbean.�

And only she was privileged enough to be able to tease him when he was like he was and not get her head chewed off for it. It never ceased to amaze the people who knew them, the things that Dale allowed her to get away with, when no one else would ever come near.

They had known each other since Katrina, or Kat as Dale has always called her, moved in next door to Dale and his family after Kat�s parents got divorced and she lived with her mother, when she was three. She had been heart broken, leaving her father and older brother, Kevin behind. Dale and she had immediately formed a special bond between then, and he even took over the big brother roll that was vacated by the brother her parents wouldn�t allow her to see.

They became inseparable. Wherever Dale went, Kat was there as well, and vice versa. And when she was finally able to see her brother again, once he was old enough to move out of the house and move closer to her and her mother, it was then Dale, Kevin and Kat.

Even now, with being older and their lives taking each of them in separate directions, they were all as close as ever.

The NASCAR season was now over, with Dale finishing in fourth place overall. It had been an exciting season with lots of ups and downs; now though was vacation time. A much needed and much deserved vacation.

Unfortunately, Dale was not enjoying his vacation. It didn�t help that he and his girlfriend were supposed to be on this cruise together, but those plans had quickly changed after Dale walked in on her and one of the Bush series drivers in a very compromising position, that no one could talk their way out of.

Dale would have liked to skip the cruise altogether, but there were also meet and greets for fans who had put forth a lot of money to take a cruise with Dale Earnhardt Jr. No matter how depressed he was, he couldn�t and wouldn�t let his fans down.

He hadn�t wanted to go alone, so he had asked the only person he wanted to spend ten days with. Thank god she had said yes. She was the only one who really understood him, wouldn�t put up with his bullshit, and wouldn�t allow him to wallow in his own self-pity. Without her, he�d be lost.

While with his now ex-girlfriend, he hadn�t seen much of Kat, mainly because Charlene had been intensely jealous of her. She had detested how close Dale and Kat were and told him that it was either Kat or she. Dale had been torn up inside, knowing he really did have strong feelings for Charlene, possibly even a future, but could he really just walk away from the one person who kept him grounded, that he depended on more than anything?

He had done the only thing he knew to do. He talked to Kat about it. Kat had understood, although he knew she was hurt. She had told him that he needed to focus on he and Charlene�s relationship and not worry about her. She would always be there for him, no matter what.

So he�d done what she said. But by focusing on Charlene, he�d all but alienated his best friend, and although Charlene had been more than happy, he hadn�t. He�d started changing, becoming more and more distant and withdrawn. All because he missed his best friend so badly. Not long after was when he walked in on her and Kyle Bush. He�d been hurt and disappointed and angry, but even though he hadn�t even admitted it to himself, he�d been a little relieved.

He had immediately called Kat, telling her everything. She dropped what she was doing, caught the first flight, and came out to the racetrack to be with him. Through the heartache, it was wonderful having Kat back. He swore he�d never allow anyone to come in between them again. If someone wanted to be with him, they would have to accept Kat as well.

He was brought back to the present when she gently nudged him in his side with her elbow.

�Well? You gonna tell me what�s got ya so pissy?� she asked, smiling at him. He felt his own lips twitch as the first smile in hours made its way across his face. Damn but he had missed her and was finally realizing just how much.

He shook his head, his smile fading. �Just everyone asking me about Charlene. Even fans, complete strangers are coming up to me asking. Why can�t they all just leave my private life the fuck alone?�

�What fun is that?� she teased, and then turned serious. �Dale, don�t let it get to you. She�s the one who fucked up, big time. You gave her everything, yet it wasn�t enough. She�s not worth you getting depressed over. You deserve much better than her. She was lucky to have you the short time that she did.� She felt her own anger beginning to rise towards the woman who had caused Dale so much heartache. Ooooh, how she�d love to get her hands on her.

�I know, you�re right.� Dale sighed, jumping when Kat smacked him on the arm.

�You�re damned right, I�m right. Now come on, get your lazy ass up off this couch, we�re gonna go catch some rays.� She announced, jumping up off the couch, moving over to her suitcase, pulling out a bathing suit to change into.

Dale grinned and stood up, quickly snatching the suit away from her. �Hey!� she exclaimed, making a grab for it, but he was able to keep it out of reach.

�What have we here?� he asked, looking the two-piece over. �Awful skimpy, Kat. What would Kevin say?�

�I don�t know about Kevin, but I�m saying for you to kiss my ass.� She snapped. �Now give it here!�

Dale shook his head, looking at her sympathetically. �I don�t know Kitty Kat. I don�t think I can allow you to go out in public with only this on.�

�Allow?� she repeated, her hands going to her hips. �ALLOW?�

�Now now, calm down. I�m simply trying to protect your virtue.� He assured her.

�Oh screw my virtue.� She shot back, earning a laugh from him. �I want a good tan�and there are tons of hot guys on this boat. Think I wanna just be stuck with your scrawny ass this whole trip? Hell no!�

Dale looked shocked, putting his hand over his heart. �I�m crushed. You have crushed me deep. I thought I was the only one for you. Your soul mate.�

�Ha! If that were the case I�d become a nun!� she giggled, jumping at him, wrestling him for the suit. After a few minutes of tickling and rolling around, she emerged victorious. She grinned down at him, still straddling him, leaving him laughing and struggling for breath. She put her arms up in the air.

�Winner and still undisputed champion!� she proclaimed, and then got up off him. �You�re such a wimp Earnhardt.� She tossed over her shoulder as she headed to the bathroom.

�Yeah, but you love me anyway.� He shot back, knowing she couldn�t argue with him there. She smiled at him and nodded.

�True, so true.� Then closed the door behind her, effectively ending the conversation.

***

�Kevin is so gonna kick my ass.� Dale mumbled as he walked next to Kat on the deck. Some fans had come up to him, but for the most part they were keeping their distance, allowing him to just enjoy some free time.

�Why?� Kat asked, finding a good spot for the two of them to sit down by the pool.

�Because if he sees that suit, he�ll kill me for not stopping you.� He cried. He had to admit, she looked amazing in the suit�there were no hiding the curves he�d never really noticed before. He swallowed hard and looked away, mentally smacking himself.

�Oh please. If it makes you feel better you can tell him you tried. Besides, I�m a grown woman,� he couldn�t argue with her there. �I can make my own decision. Besides, you�d think from the way you�re carrying on I�m nearly naked. This suit is covering up a hell of a lot more than say, oh her over there.� She pointed discreetly. Dale followed her gaze and sure enough there was a woman with a suit that couldn�t even qualify as a bathing suit. It was all string. Literally.

It then struck him that the other woman didn�t look near as good as Kat did in hers. Dale quickly jumped to his feet. Kat looked up at him.

�Problem?� she asked, trying not to laugh at the look on his face.

�Uh, no. None at all. I�m gonna go grab a drink, want one?� he asked, feeling very flushed and nervous. What the hell was his problem? It was all the stress and tension he�d been under. That was it.

He couldn�t deny that Katrina Miller had grown up into an extraordinarily stunning woman. But it just wasn�t something he�d ever really focused on. To him, she was Kat, his best friend. Not Katrina, the woman men stared at, would be willing to fight over, drool over, and beg for her time and attention. But he�d seen plenty of men do just that. Normally he and Kevin ran them off, but they did try.

With her long dark wavy hair, striking blue eyes and perfect figure, she was every man�s dream. Just not his. Never his. And that couldn�t change.

�Sure, grab me a water, if you don�t mind.� She called to him as he began walking away. She giggled to herself as she watched him. �I will never completely understand you, Earnhardt. Never.�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Two

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Kat was leaning back in her chair almost asleep when Dale came rushing over. �Kat, wake up!� he said, jarring her from her peacefulness. She opened her eyes, shielding the sun with her hand.

�Yeah?� she asked grumpily, hating having her sleep disturbed.

�While I was getting the drinks, they had the TV on in the background.� He started saying, sitting down next to her, handing her the water.

�And? Does this have a point?� she asked, glaring at him. He gave her a look that clearly told her to �shut the hell up� without having to say the words. She made a face at him but kept quiet.

�I just heard Fuel broke up.� He announced, causing her to sit up straight, spilling her water all over her.

�Shit that�s cold.� She shrieked, then calmed down, only to go right back to frantic. �Broke up? Are you sure? When? Why? Oh god!� She had to call her brother.

For years, Kevin had been the drummer for Fuel. She had become pretty good friends with the entire band, going to many concerts. Dale as well. The news of them breaking up was shocking to say the least. What was Kevin going to do now? He hadn�t even hinted to anything of the sort when she last talked to him. He has said that the problems between himself and another band mate were beginning to escalate, but she hadn�t really thought much about it. She sincerely hoped that didn�t have anything to do with it.

�Have you talked to your brother recently?� Dale asked, wiping the water that had splashed on him off his arm.

�Just yesterday. The connection was horrible, so I have no idea if he was down or depressed�or if he even knew anything!� she cried.

�Calm down, drama queen.� Dale told her. �I�m sure there is a logical explanation, and I�m also sure Kevin is fine.�

�If this is true, he�s not going to be �fine�, Dale, and you know it.� She said. �And fuck you by the way.�

�Fuck me? Why?� he demanded.

�You called me a �drama queen�. So, fuck you.� She told him, leaning down to get the sun tan lotion.

�You�re so mature.� Dale rolled his eyes.

�Bite me.�

�You know, Kat, I�m beginning to think maybe you�re hiding some suppressed feelings for me. You tell me �fuck you�, and �bite me�. Are you trying to tell me about some hidden desires?� he leered at her. It was her turn to roll her eyes. Suddenly she stopped and swung her legs over the chair so she was facing him completely.

�You know Dale, you�re right.� She said softly, dropping her eyes, looking almost shy. He blinked and fidgeted nervously in his chair. He hadn�t expected this sudden change at all. He�d been joking and in the blink of an eye, she had turned it around on him.

�I have been hiding some secret desires. I just didn�t realize it until now.� She said seductively, leaning forward, running her hand up his arm. He watched her hand�s movement, unable to speak, move or breath.

�W-w-� he coughed, clearing his throat. �Um, what desires are those?� There was a part of him that knew what he wanted her to say, but then there was another part hoping and praying she wasn�t about to say what he thought.

She leaned even closer, and everything around them disappeared. All his attention was on her and how blue her eyes were. He was about to close the gap between them when she suddenly pulled back and dumped the rest of her water over the top of his head.

�The sudden desire to drown your ass!�

Dale calmly wiped the water that was now dripping down his face. �You do realize this means war, don�t you?� he asked.

Kat did a fake shudder. �Ooooh, I�m so scared!� she dramatized. She however did start backing up when he stood up.

�As you should be.� He lunged at her, catching her before she could retreat and picked her up effortlessly.

�Put me down!� she laughed.

�I will�in a minute.� He told her as he walked over to the side of the pool.

�Dale, no!� she cried, hanging on to him, unable to control the laughter.

�One�� he started as he kind of swung her out. �Two�three.� She shut her eyes expecting to be dropped, but opened them slowly when she wasn�t.

�That�s not funny.� She glared at him.

�You�re right. But this is.� He said, then dropped her, sending her under the water. She came up sputtering, having not anticipated that one. She shook her head as he stood above her laughing.

�And you call me immature.� She huffed, swimming over to the side, pulling herself out.

Dale finally caught his breath. �Whew, that was great! We have to do that more often. But for now, hurry up and get dried off. Then we can go down to the cabin and call Kevin and find out what�s up.�

She hurried over and grabbed her towel, along with the rest of their things. All the humor was gone as she thought about her brother and what he must be going through at that very moment.

Dale put his arm around her shoulders as they walked along the deck. �Don�t worry. You know your brother, and I�m sure he�s fine. He�ll bounce back from this, I promise.�

She nodded. �I know. I just hate the thought of not being there for him.�

�We can cut the trip short if you want. Next island we�ll catch a plane back to the States.� He promised her. She smiled at him.

�Let�s wait and decide after we talk to Kevin.� She suggested.

�Okay. Now, get off me, you�re getting me all wet!� he exclaimed as he pushed her out of his embrace, smiling when she laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Three

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Kat tapped her fingers impatiently as she waited for Kevin to answer his phone. She glanced over at Dale and shrugged when she saw the questioning look in his eyes. She was about to give up when the connection finally clicked and she heard a mumbled �Hello.�

�I heard the news on TV, Kevin. Are you doing okay?�

Kevin laughed humorlessly, making Kat�s heart ache. �Am I doing okay?� He questioned back, as he ran his hand over his face. �How do you think I�m doing after just being �dismissed� from the band that I�ve given seven years of my life, blood, sweat, and tears for?� He asked, his voice heavy with sarcasm.

�Shit, I�m sorry, Kat.� Kevin immediately apologized for the way he�d just spoken to her. He knew that she was only concerned.

�Dismissed?� Kat questioned, thinking she�d heard him wrong. Hadn�t Dale told her that the whole band had broken up?

Kevin sighed heavily. �Yeah, I got the phone call just this morning from Carl. I-� He was cut off before he could go any further.

�Phone call? He fired you over the phone?!� Kat nearly shouted. If she was understanding this correctly and he�d been let go over the phone�That was low.

�They said on the news that the whole band had split.� Kat told him before he could reply to her previous question.

�They got it wrong then.� Kevin said. He hadn�t turned on the TV or the radio yet so he didn�t know what was being said. All he knew what that he had a few things that he wanted to say�and he would, soon. �No, the band is still very much together�well, except for me.�

�Are you okay, Kevin? Seriously, are you alright?� Kat asked again, very concerned for her brother. She knew what being in Fuel meant to him�that he considered his fellow band mates as brothers. He�d gone above and beyond on more than one occasion for each one of them. She remembered him dropping hints a few months ago that this was going to happen, but she�d never taken it seriously. And after finding out how it had gone down, she was furious. �Dale and I can cut the trip short if you need us to come home.� She told him, feeling that she was going to go home whether he thought that he needed them there or not.

Kevin sighed again. �I�m okay. I knew that this was coming. I don�t want you and Dale to have to come home early on account of me. I�m fine.� He assured her although he wasn�t really sure himself.

Kat held the phone away from her ear for a moment when the connection turned to static. �Kevin, you still there. Kevin?� She asked, still hearing nothing but static. She napped her phone shut. �Damnit, I lost him.� She said mostly to herself. Then she turned and looked at Dale.

�The news got it wrong. The band hasn�t broken up. Kevin was let go.� She told him, seeing his eyes widen with surprise.

�Why?� Dale demanded, knowing that it couldn�t possibly be on Kevin�s part.

Kat shook her head. �I don�t know. I didn�t get a chance to ask him�I was so shocked at the news. You know, he kept saying that this was going to happen, but I really didn�t believe it.

�How�s he doing?� Dale asked, concern for his friend outweighing everything else at the moment.

Kat�s eyes clouded. �He says he�s doing alright, but I don�t know, Dale. I think we should go home.�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Four

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Kat sighed as she looked out the widow, once again tapping her fingers impatiently. She turned from the window to look at Dale when he grabbed her hand.

�You�re driving me insane, stop it.� He said holding her hand still. She sighed again and pulled her hand away.

�Sorry. I�m just anxious to get there.� She apologized.

�I know you are, but driving us both insane isn�t going to get us there any faster. We�re on our way, the plane should land in about twenty minutes, try to relax.� He told her.

�Relax? How on earth can I relax? You didn�t hear Kevin on the phone. He�s down and depressed and I don�t blame him. I swear if I ever see Carl again�� she trailed off, her hands clenching in a fist.

�You�ll stay away from him, and allow Kevin to handle it.� Dale finished for her. She shot him a look.

�Would you do that?� she questioned, already knowing the answer.

�But of course. Unlike you, I know how to keep myself under control.� He grinned, knowing he was pretty much lying through his teeth. She burst out laughing.

�Yeah right! And when did you learn this? In the past ten seconds?� she asked. He frowned at her.

�I�m not that bad.� He mumbled, sitting back huffily in his chair.

�Oh okay!� she rolled her eyes still giggling. �This coming from the guy who, just last week I believe, threw a major tantrum all because Michael Waltrip borrowed your hat. Not only did you tear DEI looking for him, but also when you found him, you nearly ripped his head off in your haste to get your hat back. Then, you cussed the man up one side and down the other. It only cost you taking him out to dinner at his favorite restaurant, the most expensive one in town, to apologize to him for you �controlled� behavior. Uh huh�you are the epitome of self control.� She teased.

�Hey, in my defense you know I don�t like people touching my hats!� he exclaimed.

�Dale, in this, you have no defense.�

***

�Looks like he�s here.� Dale stated when they pulled in Kevin�s driveway, seeing his vehicle there. The instant Dale brought the truck to a stop, Kat was out the door and inside the house before Dale had even opened his truck door. He walked in and found Kat giving her brother a big hug.

Kevin smiled sadly when he saw Dale. �I told her you two didn�t have to cut your trip short.� He said. Although he was sorry they left their vacation, they were exactly what he needed right now.

�I wasn�t having that great of a time anyway.� Dale shrugged. �I�d rather be here.�

Kevin gave him a strange look. �Yeah, cuz no one has that great of a time on a cruise right?� he asked sarcastically. Dale grinned.

�How ya doing man?� Dale asked, as they all sat down in the living room.

Kevin sighed and tipped his head back. �I�ve been better.�

�What happened?� Kat demanded. �Why would they do this?�

�I�ve told you Carl and I were having problems.� Kevin told her.

�Yeah but I thought you were overreacting.� She protested.

�Obviously he wasn�t.� Dale put in. She turned and glared at him.

�Gee, thanks Dale, I would never have figured that out if it weren�t for you.� She shot back. Dale started with a comeback but Kevin stopped him.

�Alright you two, I�ve got a big enough headache right now without adding your bitching on top of it.� Kevin complained.

�Sorry.� They both apologized. �Alright, Kevin.� Dale was the first to speak up. �What the hell is going on? And do I need to track Carl down and kick his ass?� He grinned over at Kat, knowing from the look she was throwing him she was thinking about the conversation they had on the plane.

�No.� Kevin mumbled. �Won�t do any good. What�s done is done. It�s time for me to move on, look to bigger and better things.�

�Hey, you can come work on my pit crew.� Dale offered, earning a grin from Kevin. �Come on, you know you�d look sexy in that fire suit! Just not quite as sexy as me. Right Kat?�

�I do not look at either of you as sexy.� She answered, earning hurt looks from both of them. She wrinkled her now. �Ewww�for me to say you two are sexy�that�s just, well, gross!�

Kevin burst out laughing and realized he felt better. He hadn�t really wanted them to cut their trip short, but damn he was glad to have them around, especially right now. They were helping him from sinking down into a deep depression.

He took a deep breath and told them all that Carl had told him on the phone, his reasons for firing him. When he was done, Dale looked shocked and angry, where Kat was downright pissed.

�That bastard! That fucking bastard!� she hissed, standing up, beginning to pace back and forth. �I swear I�d love to��

Kevin cut her off. �Do nothing. You stay the hell away from Fuel, do you hear me Kat? I know you�re friends with the guys, but having you hanging around with them I just couldn�t handle right now.�

�As if I�d want to �hang� out with them. I don�t want to see any of them ever again! And why do I have to sit back and do nothing?� she demanded, hands on her hips.

�Because, if anything were to be done, which it won�t,� he supplied pointedly looking at Dale. �Dale and I would take care of it.�

Dale grinned proudly as Kat huffed and plopped down in the chair. �You two suck.� She grumbled. �Just cuz I�m a girl�I can kick both your asses�at one time.�

Dale and Kevin rolled their eyes. �Ignore her.� Dale said, not paying attention to her when she flipped him off. �So seriously, what are you planning on doing?�

�I really don�t know. Music is my life, I can�t see myself stopping. I mean my career doesn�t start and stop with Fuel. There�s got to be something else out there�� he trailed off.

�Or,� Kat put in with a cheeky grin. �You could start thinking about settling down and getting married and having kids. You know that would make Mom happy.�

Kevin snorted. �Yeah, now there�s the whole reason I�d do it. Just to make Mom happy.�

�Oh come on!� Kat whined. �I want a little niece or nephew to spoil rotten!�

�If you want kids around that badly, have your own.� Kevin told her. She immediately shook her head.

�Oh hell no! Not married, not even seeing anyone at the moment. When I have kids, I�m gonna do it right!� she said. �Besides, I have plenty of time�you�re getting up there �old man�.� She teased.

�I�m not ready, nor even thinking about that. I�m not going to let this Fuel thing get me down. I�m going to find someone new to play with and be better than ever.� Kevin told her. �And fuck you, by the way.�

Dale burst out laughing. �Like brother, like sister.�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Five

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Dale stumbled to the door and opened it, grinning at the woman standing there. �Hey! I was just thinking about you, and poof here ya are! Come on in, bestest buddy of mine!� he slurred.

Kat eyed him then wrinkled her nose. �You�re drunk!� she accused.

He nodded, leading the way into the house, Kat having to rush forward to catch him when he nearly fell. She couldn�t help but giggle. �Why do you call me to come over when you�re like this? You know I hate �babysitting� you�re ass.� She scolded.

�Oh come off it, you love me any way you can get me.� He leered at her, wiggling his eyebrows at her suggestively. She shook her head and laughed, pushing him down on the couch.

�Damn I need a beer.� She mumbled, getting ready to walk to the kitchen but he stopped her.

�I got a cooler right here.� He said proudly producing a cold Budweiser from beside the couch. She laughed and sat down next to him, taking a nice long refreshing drink.

An hour later, Dale was still drunk, but no more so having slacked off some, watching Kat down them one after another. She was on her way to being just as drunk as Dale.

�So,� she asked, looking at him with blurry eyes. �What�s got you all wound up you needed to drown your sorrows?�

Dale lost a little of his drunken happiness when he thought of what caused him to start drinking in the first place. �Charlene called.� He said sadly. Kat jumped to her feet, swaying slightly before regaining her balance, but not her temper.

�What did that bitch want?� she yelled. �I swear to God Dale, if you even think of taking her shit, or letting her back in your life, I�m gonna slap you so damn hard you won�t be able to see straight for a month!�

Dale held up his hands in self-defense, thinking she really was going to smack him. �Hisss! Retract the claws there Kitty Kat. She�s not coming back, and no I didn�t buy her bullshit. After arguing with her for a half hour, I finally just hung up after telling her never to call me again or I�d sick you on her.�

She paused. �Really?� she grinned. He laughed and shook his head.

�No, but I did tell her not to call me again. Thinking of having my number changed just in case.� He sighed again.

She sat back down a little calmer. �That might not be a bad idea.� She agreed.

�Anyway, after hanging up, I realized just how alone I am. I know she wasn�t perfect, but we did have some great times together. I loved her, Kat. I thought my future would be with her. Only I get heartbreak and disappointment�again.� He muttered, sinking farther back into the couch, reaching for another beer.

�You�re not alone, Dale. You�ve got me.� She said cheerfully, but frowning when Dale groaned.

�God I need another case of Bud!� He ducked when she swung at him. �I�m kidding, I�m kidding!�

But he�d worked her into a fine rage�which was mostly alcohol induced. �You know what, Earnhardt, fuck you!� she snarled. �I�m a damn fine catch for any man. Someone will be lucky to have me!�

Dale was about to tease her about getting all-sentimental when he saw the real tears in her eyes. He blinked and did a double take. His Kat crying? She never cried!

He moved to put his arms around her, but she pushed him away, getting up from the couch. �Oh don�t you dare try the sweet shit on me now!� she told him, her eyes blazing.

�Kat�� he started but stopped when all the energy seemed to fade out of her and she sank down on the floor.

�Kevin hasn�t had any luck finding something.� She muttered. It took Dale a few seconds to catch up with the sudden change in direction of the conversation.

�Oh?� he asked. It had been three weeks since Kevin was �let go� from Fuel. He knew Kevin had been searching for something new, but really hadn�t had the opportunity to talk with him as much as he would have liked.

�No. He�s getting more and more depressed and there isn�t a damn thing I can do to help.� She sighed miserably; one tear slipping down her cheek before she hastily wiped it away. �I just hate seeing him like this.�

�I know you do, I do too. But he�ll bounce back.� Dale promised. She nodded and stayed silent for a few moments before her head snapped up and again she looked angry. Dale braced himself.

�Why am I so undesirable?� she demanded to know.

�Um, huh?� Dale questioned, once again lost on the change of direction. Keeping up with her sometimes was a full time job. He knew he should be used to it by now, but sometimes she just caught him off guard.

She looked at him impatiently as she repeated her question, this time slower. �Why�am�I�so�undesirable?�

�What the hell are you talking about?� Dale asked.

She put her head down, her bottom lip coming out in a pretty pout. Dale hated when women pouted�but with Kat, who hardly ever did it, broke his heart. �No one wants me.� She said softly. �I�ve been single for how long now? You and Kevin both have had at least half a dozen relationships in the time I�ve had none. What�s wrong with me?� she asked, looking back up at him, her eyes once again brimming with tears.

�Aww, honey.� He soothed as he slid off the couch and squatted unsteadily in front of her. �Believe me, you are not �undesirable�. And I don�t want to hear that coming out of your mouth again. Hell, don�t you see the way men look at you?�

She shook her head. �No. They don�t look at me any differently than you do. Like a little sister.�

�Not everyone looks at you like that. There are about a million guys I could name right off the top of my head who would love to be with you.� He told her, speaking the truth.

�Yeah right.� She mumbled, swatting his hand away when he reached out to wipe the tear off her cheek. �You�re just trying to make me feel better.�

�Is it working?� he asked.

�No.�

�Well, then how about this?� he asked. She looked at him confused when he didn�t say anything. She was about to ask him what he was up too when through her drunken haze she saw the way he was looking at her. There was heat and longing in his eyes�and wanting. Something she had never seen there before. She blinked, thinking she was seeing wrong, but sure enough it was still there.

He leaned forward but she stopped him right before their lips touched. �Dale,� she whispered. �I don�t think this is such a good idea.� She tried to regain some sort of control over the situation. But looking him in the eyes she found herself wanting him to kiss her more than anything. Where it came from, she wasn�t sure. There was a line in their �relationship� they had never crossed before, but it looked as if it were about to be crossed now.

Dale reached out and put his finger on her lips, halting her protest. �Don�t think, just feel.� He said huskily. In the back of his mind, his common sense was screaming at him to stop and think this through, but all he could focus on at the moment was how badly he wanted her.

They both moved at the same time, their lips coming together in a kiss that had them both moaning with pleasure. The kiss had been meant to help her feel better, but neither of them wanted to stop, both wanting more.

Allowing the moment to take over, throwing caution to the wind, Dale eased her back on the plush carpet, and right there in the middle of his living room floor, their friendship changed forever as they brought each other mind-blowing pleasure neither had experienced ever before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Six

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kat woke up the next morning, moaning softly at the pounding that she immediately felt in her head. She moved slightly and moaned again at the way every inch of her body ached. Damn, what the hell had she done last night? She remembered going to Dale�s and having a few beers, but after that, everything was blank.

Hey eyes flew open when she heard the deep groan beside her and she felt an arm that she hadn�t noticed before, tighten around her, pulling her closer. Kat slowly turned her head to the side, almost afraid to see who she knew was there, but needing to see all the same.

�Oh shit!� She exclaimed when her eyes touched on Dale and she realized that they were in bed and more importantly, they didn�t have a stitch of clothes on. Her eyes met Dale�s and she saw that he was just as shocked and in denial as she was. She immediately jumped out of the bed, taking one of the blankets with her to cover her body. Her eyes darted wildly around the room, looking for her clothes and she nearly had a heart attack when she couldn�t find them anywhere.

�Where are my clothes?� Kat demanded, her voice rising to the point of near hysteria. She didn�t need to question what happened between them. She knew full well. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath to calm herself, but she immediately opened them again when bits and pieces of the night that she and Dale had shared flooded her mind. Her breath caught as she recalled the passion and the pleasure that they had given each other.

Her eyes widened and she turned and darted out of the room when it hit her that they had not started out in the bed. She nearly stopped when she heard Dale calling her name, but she couldn�t face him right then. She needed to get out of there so she could think.

Kat sighed with relief when she found her clothes in the living room. She wasted no time in picking them up and rushing to the bathroom to get them on. Just as quickly she was out and was intending to leave, but she was stopped when she headed to the door, only to find Dale blocking her path.

�We need to talk about this, Kat.� Dale stated when she wouldn�t look at him and tried to get past him. He gently grabbed hold of her hands, halting her from getting any further. After a few moments she stopped trying to get past him and he let go of her hands. �We need to talk.� He stated once again.

Kat took a deep breath and raised her head to look at him. �You�re right.� She finally admitted as she looked down at the floor again, wishing that it would open up and swallow her.

�Let�s go sit down.� Dale said softly as he took hold of her arm and led her into the living room. After sitting down they were both silent for several minutes as they went over everything in their heads, trying to get a grip on what had happened between them and what it meant.

They both started speaking at the same time. �Go ahead.� Dale told Kat when she stopped and looked at him expectantly. He knew how he felt, but he wanted to see if her feelings were mutual.

She was quiet for a few more moments before she looked at him and started again. �Dale, I think that you and I can both agree that what happened last night shouldn�t have.� Kat began, trying to figure out how to put in words how she felt about this situation.

�We were both drunk and you�re my best friend, for Heaven�s sake! This shouldn�t have happened and it will not happen again.� She paused for a moment, a feeling of dread filling her.

�I sincerely hope that this won�t affect our friendship. You�re my best friend in every sense of the word and I�d be devastated to lose your friendship because of this little�mistake.� She looked at him, instantly feeling relieved when he smiled into her eyes.

�You�ve nothing to worry about. You�re my best friend too, Kat�always will be. Nothing will ever change that.� He told her, relieved that she had said everything that he�d wanted to tell her as well. He stood up when she did.

�I�ll�uh�see ya later.� Kat told him, still feeling a little awkward about the whole thing..

Dale nodded as he pulled her into a tight hug. Before their hugs were nothing unusual, but now he noticed that it felt�different. He wasn�t really sure how, but just different.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�What�s going on here guys?� Carsyn Kristoff called out when she walked into the studio. It was supposed to be their day off, instead she had received an early morning wake up call that she was to be at the studio as soon as possible.

She smiled at her fellow bandmates, all of them being more like family than friends. They had been together for nearly seven years, having only made it in the big time in the past three. She loved them all dearly and couldn�t imagine her life without them.

She was the lead singer of the new hit band �Wanderlust�. Their tour had been going perfectly, hell life was perfect, until their drummer suddenly quit, his wife falling gravely ill. He�d wanted to spend every moment he could with her, and although it brought their first tour to an abrupt halt, they had all understood and there were no hard feelings what so ever.

�We think we may have found a new drummer.� Steven, the keyboardist told her. Her eye brows went up in surprise. They�d been looking for over a month, but thus far they hadn�t found anyone who even sparked their interest.

�Really? Who?� she asked excitedly. She was more than ready to get back out on the road and continue touring.

�Kevin Miller.�

Carsyn�s eyes widened. �You mean Fuel�s drummer? No, there must be some mistake!�

Their manager, Rick Tyson, walked in and grinned. �Nope, no mistake. He�s on his way here to New York now to meet with us. Hopefully by the end of the day we will have a new drummer.�

�But what about Fuel?� Carsyn demanded, still in shock.

�They let him go. Their loss, hopefully our gain.� Steven grinned. Carsyn couldn�t believe it. She loved Fuel, but Kevin had always been her favorite. It was no wonder she hadn�t heard about him leaving Fuel. She and her band had spent every waking hour in the studio lately working on a new album. She played a little drums herself, but not enough to get the band through. She suddenly broke out into a broad grin.

�When is he due to arrive?�

***

�What�s up with you?� Kevin asked, staring intently at his little sister. She looked at him then looked away quickly.

�What are you talking about?� she asked.

Kevin gave her a look. �Okay, so tell me when any other time I�ve asked you to go somewhere with me, you dropped everything and came along. Normally you have to check in with your keeper.�

She squinted at him. �My keeper?� although she knew full well who he meant.

�Yeah, Dale, remember?� Kevin asked. Kat turned silent and didn�t say anymore, turning to look out the window. He was right. Under normal circumstances she would have never even thought about leaving North Carolina without at least telling Dale where she was going.

It had been two weeks since their �encounter� and since then she just couldn�t bring herself to act the same around him. In fact she avoided him as much as possible, and when they were around each other, they both went out of their way to make sure other people were there as well. They each had a very hard time looking each other in the eyes anymore.

No matter what they had said before, it was affecting their friendship, so Kat had decided two days away with her brother, no Dale, was exactly what she needed. She hoped and prayed when she got back she and Dale could to back to the way things used to be.

Only time would tell�

She jumped when Kevin nudged her. �Did you two have a fight or something?� he inquired.

�No, why would you ask that?� Kat shook her head.

�I don�t know. Just something is off with you two. Normally you and Dale are joined at the hip. But lately you�ve been spending a hell of a lot more time with me. Don�t get me wrong, I�m not complaining. I just want to make sure everything is alright with you two.� Kevin told her sincerely. In the very few times Dale and Kat had gotten into an argument, neither of them was the same until they made up. He hoped whatever was going on this time wouldn�t last long.

�Everything is fine, Kevin.� She smiled. At least they would be when she got back to North Carolina. She would make sure of it. She was stabbed with a feeling of guilt at not telling Dale she was leaving with her brother. She hoped he wasn�t looking for her, worried. She�d call him when they landed in New York.

***

�Where the fuck is she?� Dale yelled, slamming the phone down, causing his step-mother Teresa Earnhardt to jump, nearly falling out of her seat.

�Dale, calm down, and for the millionth time watch that language. She�s probably just out for the day or something. She�ll call you, she always does.� Teresa told him. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning. Sometimes she just wanted to smack both Dale and Kat over the heads and tell them to open their eyes and see what was in front of them.

Everyone agreed that Dale and Kat were perfect for each other. Everyone saw it�except for the two most important people. Every time one of them would complain about not finding the perfect partner, she just wanted to take them and shake them, pointing out that they already had and didn�t need to look any farther.

Kat was like another daughter to Teresa, and she loved her dearly, and couldn�t think of anyone more perfect for her step-son, whom she loved like her own. She knew sooner or later they were bound to figure out the depths of their feelings for one another�she just hoped it was sooner than later. And she was also getting to the point of dropping subtle hints to them, separately, but it didn�t seem to be working. Soon, drastic measures would have to be taken.

Dale slumped down in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face. �Something happened.� He muttered. He hadn�t told anyone about what occurred between him and Kat. Normally the only person he would talk to was the one who was currently missing. He knew they needed to sit down again and really talk about things, but first he had to track her down. Then again, he was a little confused. All he thought about anymore was that night�and he couldn�t say he regretted it. Not in the least.

He needed someone to talk to, and knew he could trust Teresa to give him the honest truth.

Teresa tilted her head. �What do you mean?� she asked.

Dale sighed. �Two weeks ago Kat came over. I�d been drinking pretty heavily, and she joined me.� He held up his hand to halt the words he knew was coming. �Don�t start, I�m thirty years old, if I wanna get drunk I can.�

Teresa frowned at him, but finally nodded her head, motioning for him to continue. �Anyway, we got talking, both upset about different things. And I don�t know if it was to comfort each other, but we�we�� he trailed off, not wanting to have to spell out into words to his step-mother what exactly had happened.

Teresa looked confused for a moment, then gasped as her eyes went wide, finally understanding what Dale was trying to say. �Oh my god! You and Kat?� she asked, unable to stop the smile that was spreading. It was about damn time! �That�s wonderful!�

Dale�s head snapped up. �Are you crazy? It�s not wonderful. I mean it was wonderful�damn was it wonderful.� He muttered, then went red when he realized again who he was talking too. �I-I mean, she�s my best friend and I�m hers. It shouldn�t have happened in the first place. Nothing like that has ever even come close to happening before. And now�we can barely stay in the same room with each other. We know we don�t want it to destroy our friendship, but that�s exactly what it�s done.�

Teresa shook her head sadly, seeing they weren�t just going to admit how they felt about each other. They were both peas in a pod. The two most stubborn, bull headed people she had ever met. Oh how they were beyond perfect for each other.

�Dale, you need to talk to you again, and soon. Don�t let this get in the way of your friendship, if that�s all you want. But, if either of you are starting to feel something more, then you need to talk about that as well.� Teresa told him wisely. �Either way, don�t let things go unsaid between you.�

Dale smiled and nodded as he stood up and gave her a hug. �Thanks, I appreciate this.� He told her, getting ready to head back to his house, but not before stopping by Kat�s first to see if she was there.

�Anytime, Dale. I love you.� She told him.

�Love you too, I�ll call you later.� He told her, heading out the door, but paused when she called his name.

�Did you use a condom?� she asked sternly, switching from friend to �mother� role. He went crimson.

�Teresa!� he scolded before closing the door behind him, shaking his head chuckling.

He was just starting his truck when it hit him like a thunderbolt. He hadn�t used any kind of protection. Any of the times that night. He and Kat had never discussed if she was on birth control, never had any kind of reason too. If she wasn�t�

He hurriedly put the truck in drive and tore out of the driveway, the urgency to talk to Kat even more prominent now.

***

�Kevin! We�re so glad you could make it on such short notice. I�m Rick Tyson, I spoke with you yesterday on the phone.� Rick shook Kevin�s hand. He smiled warmly, just knowing this was the new drummer for �Wanderlust�. He turned to the woman standing next to Kevin. �And who is this lovely lady?�

Kevin smiled. �It�s nice to meet you, and thank you for the call. I�ve been getting bored at home doing nothing. Oh, this is my little sister Katrina. She�s tagging along for moral support.�

�Nice to meet you.� Kat greeted, shaking the older man�s hand.

�Won�t you two come in, the rest of the band is waiting anxiously to meet you.� Rick led them into another room.

It didn�t take long for introductions to be made, and Kevin was feeling completely at ease and comfortable, at least until he came face to face with their lead singer. Suddenly he couldn�t breath, couldn�t think straight. Never had anyone affected him like this before.

She smiled at him. �It�s very nice to meet you Kevin.� She said a little breathlessly.

Kat watched the exchange, grinning broadly. Oh was Kevin going to get it later!

�Um, uh, hi.� He stumbled, mentally smacking himself. �Thank you for this opportunity.�

Carsyn shook her head. �No thank you!� she looked at her fellow band mates. �Why don�t we get started?� They all nodded and got up and moved into another room where all their equipment was set up.

Kevin hung back for just a second before following, and it was just the opportunity Kat needed.

�Wow, Kevin, never knew you were so eloquent with the ladies.� She giggled, laughing harder when he actually blushed.

�Fuck off Kat.� He mumbled before walking in the next room, his sister following behind still laughing.

She was about to go in the room when her cell phone rang. �Oh shit!� she said out loud, knowing full well who it was, and that she had forgotten to call him like she had promised herself when the plane landed.

�Hey Dale.� She greeted, bracing herself for the ass chewing she knew she was about to receive.

�Where the fuck are you?� he demanded hotly. �I�ve called and called, I�ve been over to your place. What the fuck is going on?�

�Geez, can you cuss at me any more?� she asked, then actually heard him growl. �Down boy!�

�Kat.� He said warningly, which she took to heart.

�I�m sorry I didn�t call you. I meant too as soon as we landed, but we had to hurry to get here and then things just got so hectic I forgot.� She said truthfully, leaving out why she hadn�t called him before leaving.

�And where is here?� he demanded to know.

�Oh, New York.� She replied, immediately holding the phone away from her ear when she heard him yelling.

�What the fuck are you doing in New York?�

�Thanks, I didn�t need that eardrum.� She muttered. �I�m here with Kevin. He�s got an interview with a new band, and he called and asked me if I wanted to come along. It was kind of a last minute thing, I didn�t have anything planned, and a trip to New York City was just what I needed. We�ll be back tomorrow night.�

She heard nothing but silence and knew he was trying to calm himself down before he spoke again. �And when you get back are you going to continue avoiding me?� he asked finally.

She sighed, feeling badly for the way she had allowed things to affect her. �No, and I�m sorry about that. I guess I just had a harder time coming to grips with things than I thought. You didn�t deserve that. When I get back, we�ll sit down and talk and get things back on track, okay?� she asked, holding her breath for his answer.

Dale closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He really couldn�t blame her for the way she�d been acting around him, hell he�d been distant to her himself.

�Alright,� he finally answered. �Before you leave call me and I�ll pick you up at the airport.�

�You don�t have to do that, Kevin�s truck is there, I can ride back with him.� She told him.

�I�ll pick you up at the airport.� He said more forcefully, and she gave up arguing. �Besides, there�s something else that we need to discuss.�

Her interest was peaked. �Oh? And what�s that?� she asked.

�I�m not getting into it over the phone. We�ll talk about it tomorrow night.� He said, although he really wasn�t sure how he was going to wait until then.

�Okay.� She said hesitantly, silently cursing him. She hated when he did this too her. Now it would be on her mind her entire trip.

�You two have fun in the big apple. I�ll talk to you tomorrow.� Dale told her.

�We will. Want a souvenir?� she asked, trying to get back to the way things used to be.

�Just you.� He answered before hanging up the phone, leaving her a little speechless, wondering what in the hell that meant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Eight

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�You guys ready for a break?� Carsyn asked after they�d been practicing about an hour and a half and every thing was going perfectly. Kevin had easily transitioned into all of their songs, playing as if he�d been there forever instead of just a little over an hour. She really, really hoped that he would agree to join the band.

�About time you give us a break, ya slave driver!� Joe, the bass player teased her.

Carsyn shot him a look. �You�re lucky you�re getting a break at all.� She joked back. �Be back here in an hour.� She called after them as Steven, Joe, and Kevin began heading towards the door. She smiled as she glanced up at the clock, seeing that her nanny would be there in about five minutes with her daughter.

Carsyn sighed as she took her headset off and set it down on the stool beside her. She loved her career, but she hated being away from her daughter, but she also knew that she had to make a living somehow and this was the only thing that she was good at. It wouldn�t be any different if she�d had any other kind of job. She was very lucky that she�d found a wonderful nanny who�d even agreed to travel with them when they went out on tour so that Teegan could be with her all the time. Leaving the sound room, she went out into the studio lobby, her eyes lighting up when she saw GiAnna, her nanny coming through the doors with her daughter.

�Hello, Ms. Kristoff.� GiAnna greeted as she handed the carrier with Teegan in it to Carsyn. �She�s been an absolute angel as usual.� She told her, knowing that Carsyn always liked to know how things were going when she wasn�t there.

Carsyn smiled down at her daughter as she set the car seat down on the floor and bent down. �Hey sweet girl.� She greeted softly and was rewarded with a smile as she unlocked the straps and picked her up, placing light kisses on her cheek.

�I need to run some errands. How soon do you need me back?� GiAnna asked, getting ready to leave so that Carsyn could have some time with her daughter.

�About an hour or so. We�ve found a drummer�well, hopefully. If he agrees to be in the band, we�re going to have to do some pretty intense practicing so that he�s ready to get out on the tour as soon as possible.� Carsyn explained, still unable to believe their incredible luck of possibly acquiring Kevin into the band.

�That�s wonderful!� GiAnna replied, knowing how stressed Carsyn was becoming with their inability to find a suitable drummer. �Okay, I�ll be back in about an hour. See you then.�

�Thanks GiAnna. See ya later.� Carsyn told her goodbye and then turned her attention back to her daughter. �Are you hungry, little girl?� She asked, noticing the way that Teegan was vigorously sucking on her fist. �Alright, lets go.� She said as she picked up the car seat and diaper bag in her free hand and then headed for the studio lounge.

*****

Kevin sighed, running his fingers through his hair as he came back out into the studio lobby, still not finding Kat anywhere. Where the hell had she gone? He�d tried her cell, but it kept going directly to voicemail. He was pretty certain that she�d probably gone back to the hotel, but still he wanted to be sure.

�Have you seen my sister?� Kevin asked as he turned around and saw Rick standing there going over some papers.

Rick smiled as he shook his head. �No, but there�s a lounge down at the end of the long hallway to your right. Maybe she went there to wait for you.�

�Oh, okay. Thanks!� Kevin said before turning and heading down the hallway. He stopped when he came to the door appropriately marked �lounge� and then pushed it open, ready to give Kat a good ass chewing if he found her in there. He�d just spent most of his break running around looking for her and he was starving, but really didn�t have enough time left to eat now. He stopped abruptly just inside the door, when his eyes touched on Carsyn, who was stretched out on one of the couches, her eyes closed. He quickly glanced around the room, but not seeing Kat anywhere. He looked back at Carsyn and was about to leave, not wanting to disturb her, but he stopped when he noticed for the first time the baby that she was holding, cradled closely against her. He tried to look away, the baby obviously nursing, but he couldn�t. He was fascinated and a little surprised by what he was seeing. He had no idea that she had a child!

�Hey.� Carsyn greeted him when she opened her eyes to look at the time and saw him standing there. She was a little surprised to see him. She hadn�t even heard the door open.

Kevin quickly snapped his eyes away. �Uh�sorry.� He mumbled, feeling his cheeks burning.

Carsyn waved off his unneeded apology. �It�s okay.� She told him, smiling warmly. �But if you�re going to be in the band, you�re going to have to get used to seeing this because where I go, she goes and she�s usually attached to one or the other of these.� She teased, gesturing to her chest. Her heart picked up pace when the red in his cheeks deepened further.

�So, is this your baby?� Kevin asked and then groaned inwardly at his stupid question. �Real smooth, Miller.� He told himself, wondering why he lost all ability to speak correctly and coherently around her. �She�s beautiful. You and your husband must be proud.� He stated, automatically assuming that she was married.

Kat smiled at his slip, knowing that he didn�t know any better. �Well, I am very proud, but I�m not married.� She told him, feeling the usual stab of pain in her heart as she said the last few words. She might have been married if her ex-boyfriend hadn�t bailed on her almost the instant that he found out that she was pregnant.

�Sorry.� Kevin immediately apologized again. He felt bad for automatically assuming that she as married. It was obviously a sore subject for her. �Um, have you seen my sister around by any chance?� He asked, changing the subject before he made an even bigger fool out of himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Nine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kat slid into the Jacuzzi tub and let out a long groan of pleasure. This was just what she needed. She hadn�t meant to just ditch her brother at the studio, but her whole reason for coming on this little trip was so she could sit back, relax and just have some downtime in a luxurious hotel suite. It was heavenly.

She laid her head back and closed her eyes, fully relaxed for the first time in weeks. Her eyes snapped open and narrowed when there was a knock on the door.

�Damnit.� She muttered, pulling herself out of her nice hot bath, grabbing a robe off the door and putting it on in haste. She belted the robe closed as she made her way across the suite to the door.

She yanked the door open, ready to let someone have it, but instead her mouth went slack with shock as she took in the person standing before her. �What the hell are you doing here?� she managed to choke out.

Dale grinned at her, then moved past her into the room. He turned back to face her. �I couldn�t wait until tomorrow to talk to you.� He stated. Damn he�d missed her. It just felt so good to be back around her again.

She put her hands on her hips, glaring at him. �You mean to tell me this couldn�t have waited a few more hours? Geez, no wonder people think we�re attached at the hip!� she exclaimed, walking back towards the bathroom, Dale hot on her heels. She turned back to face him.

�What do you think you�re doing?� she asked. He just shrugged.

�Following you, we need to talk.� She shook her head.

�Oh no you don�t Earnhardt. I�m taking a nice long hot bath, which you�ve managed to interrupt. You stay out here. You can talk to me through the door.� She told him flat out, turning once again for the bathroom, but his hand on her arm stopped her.

�Kat, this is serious. We really need to talk, now.� He said, his eyes telling her just how urgent this was. She frowned but nodded, leading him over to the living room area of the suite.

�What�s up?� she asked, curling in a chair, making sure the robe was staying closed and she was completely covered.

Dale leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. �It�s about that night.� He said softly, not wanting to throw them back into the tailspin they�d been in the past two weeks, since they were acting normal around each other at the moment. But what he needed to ask could not go unsaid.

Kat immediately dropped her eyes from his. �Oh?� she asked, picking at imaginary fuzz on the arm of the chair.

Dale breathed in deeply, trying to figure out how to ask what he needed too. �Um, are you�uh, were you�� he trailed off unable to figure out how to put it into words.

Kat gave him an impatient look. �Spit it out Dale.�

�Are you on birth control?� he asked in a rush. She looked shocked for a moment.

�Um, no, really haven�t had a reason to be other than that one night. Why?� she asked, it still not sinking in.

Dale slumped back in his chair, tipping his head back, closing his eyes. �We didn�t use protection.� He groaned. He heard her sharp intake of breath and opened his eyes to look at her. She looked stunned, shocked and in disbelief.

�W-what?� she managed, her heart pounding.

�You�re not really going to make me repeat it are you?� Dale groaned. Kat didn�t hear him though. Her mind was spinning. She quickly did some calculations in her head, and the results she came up with had her more than a little worried.

�Well,� she cleared her throat. �I�ve never been as regular as a lot of women.� She started, blushing at having to reveal such personal details to Dale. He may be her best friends, but there were just certain topics they stayed away from. �I don�t really think we have anything to worry about, but I can�t be absolutely certain.�

Dale nodded. �When will you know for sure?� he asked, feeling very uncomfortable at the moment. He hated discussing �girlie� things, even if it was with Kat.

Kat was still red in the face. �Uh�if my calculations are correct, I should know by the end of the week. It�s um, when I�m, uh, due.� She muttered.

�And you�ll let me know as soon as you know something, right?� Although he wasn�t really asking. She nodded.

�Of course, but like I said, I doubt we have anything to worry about.� She mumbled, totally embarrassed.

Dale leaned over, closer to her, causing her to look at him. He smiled gently at her. �I want you to know, no matter what I�ll be here. If something did happen, you won�t be in this alone. I swear it.�

She smiled back, although it was a little wobbly. �I know Dale.�

�So, are we okay?� he asked finally, although he felt like they were�regardless of what happened next. He felt like he had her back as his best friend. True, if she was pregnant it would open up another can of worms, but they would cross that bridge when they came to it�together.

And the idea of her having his child didn�t freak him out like he thought it would. He could easily picture her being a mother, and he longed to be a father. He could even almost imagine what their child would look like�

He shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. He would think about what all that meant later.

She smiled warmly at him, leaning over and giving him a hug. �Yes Dale, we�re fine. But, we won�t be if my bath water is cold!� she grumbled, although she grinned at him.

�You order some food, I�m gonna take a swim in the tub. You bother me at all, you die.� She got up smiling as she walked into the bathroom and closed the door, leaving him laughing behind her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Ten

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin walked in the door of the hotel and only paused slightly when he saw the two people sitting there. �I�m not even going to ask what you are doing here, cuz it�s obvious. You two can�t seem to stay away from each other for very long.� He grumbled, and then turned to his little sister. �Thanks so much for letting me know you were leaving. I looked everywhere for you!�

She looked apologetic. �I�m sorry, Kevin. I just needed to get out of there. Needed some �alone� time. I left you a note though, telling you I was coming back here.�

Kevin glared at her. �I didn�t get a note.�

�What�s that on your bag?� Dale asked pointing to the duffel in his hands. Kevin looked down and sure enough there was a note taped there, how he�d missed it he wasn�t sure.

�My note.� Kat supplied with a cheeky grin. �So, how did practice go? You all sounded wonderful while I was there. Did they say anything?�

Kevin shrugged off his jacket and joined them in the living room, reaching over to steal some of his sister�s fries she still had on her plate. �Hey!� she exclaimed, slapping at his hand.

�I�m starving. Spent my entire break looking for you.� He informed her. �But to answer your question, I�m going back in the morning for more practice, and the final decision will be made then. I�m pretty sure I�m in, I think right now it�s basically up to me.�

�And you�re going to go for it right?� Dale asked.

Kevin thought about it for a moment. He�d been asking himself the exact same thing the entire way to the hotel. He loved the songs, he got along well with everyone in the band�he was just cautious about allowing himself to open up and make friends and a new �family� and just get dumped again.

�I think I will.� He said hesitantly. Dale and Kat looked at each other, silently communicating in the way only they could. Kat got up and walked over to sit next to her brother.

�You can�t let what happened with Fuel affect your chances with Wanderlust. Everyone seemed great, believe me I was watching very closely.� She grinned, then nudged Kevin in the side. �Or does this sudden hesitation have more to do with Ms. Carsyn Kristoff?� Dale�s interest peaked when Kevin glared at Kat.

�What�s this? I�ve missed something, someone fill me in.� Dale protested. Kat began to speak but Kevin cut her off quickly.

�There�s nothing to tell.� Kevin said.

�Like hell!� Kevin groaned knowing he wouldn�t be able to keep her quiet. �You should have seen him Dale! He was stumbling all over himself when he met her. Then in practice, he wouldn�t look at her�at all!�

Dale grinned, a little surprised to see the redness in Kevin�s face. �Interesting. So, someone�s sparked your interest huh?�

�Did you have any more moments with her after I left?� Kat asked, and suddenly Kevin was very relieved his little sister wasn�t there for the lounge incident, she�d never let him live it down.

�I saw her while we took a break. She was feeding her little girl.� He replied, leaving out most of the details.

�Damn, she�s married?� Kat pouted. There goes any chance of her and Kevin. Damnit!

But her hopes went right back up when he shook his head. �No, single mother. Her little girl is gorgeous too.�

Again Dale and Kat looked at each other, both grinning at the look on Kevin�s face. �How old is she?� Dale asked.

Kevin shrugged. �I don�t know. Probably around Kat�s age.� He replied.

Dale rolled his eyes. �Not Carsyn! Her daughter, you dumbass.� He shook his head�damn Kevin really did have it bad!

�Oh! Shut the hell up.� He told his sister who was snickering. �I really don�t know. She was tiny. Not a newborn though. Maybe three or four months old.�

�Awww.� Kat sighed.

Kevin stood up, yawning loudly as he stretched. �I hate to be a party pooper, but I�m beat. Plus I have practice early in the morning, I�m going to bed. You two coming with me tomorrow?� he asked.

�Hell yeah. I gotta check this woman out!� Dale exclaimed as Kat giggled at the sudden dark look on Kevin�s face.

�Don�t worry, I�ll keep him under control, you have nothing to worry about. We won�t embarrass you.� She promised.

�That�ll be a first.�

***

Carsyn arrived at the studio bright and early, and completely frazzled as she walked into the room where everyone was waiting, setting down Teegan�s car seat. �Hey guys, sorry I�m late.� She said, out of breath.

�How�s my girl?� Steven asked, kneeling down to take Teegan out of her seat. The little girl had all the men wrapped around her little finger.

�Guys, I apologize for bringing her, but GiAnna is sick. I couldn�t leave Teegan with her, and I have no one else to watch her.� She cried. She had no idea how she was going to work this, but somehow she would. She turned to Rick.

�Can you watch her while we work?� she pleaded. Rick shook his head.

�You know normally I�d love too, but I�ve got a meeting in fifteen minutes.� He told her. She sighed and nodded. Now what?

At the moment Kevin, Kat and Dale walked in. �Good morning.� Kevin greeted them all, his features softening when he saw the baby in Steven�s arms.

�I see you found your sister.� Rick smiled.

Kat nodded. �Yeah, he just didn�t read his note I left him telling him where I was going.�

�Oh, everyone, this is Dale. Dale, this is everyone.� Kevin said absently as he proceeded to get himself ready.

The members of Wanderlust didn�t need any further introduction, they all knew full well whom Dale was. �Nice to meet you all.� Dale greeted, his grin growing a little wider when he saw Carsyn, who was looking like she was at the end of her rope.

Carsyn put her hand to her head, trying to stop the pounding that had already started. �What am I going to do?� she asked helplessly, looking at her friends.

�What�s wrong?� Kevin asked. Carsyn gave him a weak smile.

�My nanny is sick so I had to bring Teegan with me. She�s a good baby, but I don�t like her being in rehearsal, it�s just too damn loud. But I don�t have anyone else to watch her.� She explained, looking lovingly at her daughter.

�No problem, I�ll watch her.� Kat offered. Carsyn turned to look at her, relief flooding through her.

�Are you sure?� Carsyn asked. She didn�t know the woman very well, but she had an instant feeling she could trust her completely. �I don�t want to intrude on your plans for the day.�

Kat shook her head. �Don�t have any plans. Was just gonna sit back and pick on Dale. But this will be much more fun!� she grinned, moving when Dale took a playful swing at her. �It�s no problem really. We�ll just hang out in the lounge, that way whenever you take a break or she gets hungry, you can come see her.�

�Thank you so much!� Carsyn exclaimed. �I owe you big time for this. Here�s her diaper bag, she just ate so should be good for a couple hours. I�ll be in when it�s time to feed her, but if she gets fussy before then, there is a bottle in there, you can give it to her.� She continued giving instructions, and told Kat she could come interrupt the practice session at any time if she needed her.

Steven walked over and placed the baby in Kat�s arms. �See ya later angel.� He spoke softly to the baby, leaning down, placing a soft kiss on Teegan�s forehead. Kat looked down into her eyes, and her heart was gone. Never had she seen anything more perfect, more beautiful.

Dale moved closer peering down at the baby himself. He wasn�t a stranger to babies. When his sister had her little girl, he�d been there from the beginning as was still very involved. She was his pride and joy.

He reached out and tickled the little girl, the way his niece had always enjoyed, and he lost his own heart when she reached out and took a firm grip on his finger, holding on for dear life, not wanting to let go.

�She�s gorgeous.� Dale looked at Carsyn, who was smiling proudly. �Here, hand her over Kat. I wanna hold her.�

Kat shook her head. �No! Wait your turn.�

�She likes me more than you, now hand her over.� Dale protested.

Carsyn laughed at the two. �You two are going to make wonderful parents, automatically assuming they were a couple. She was also envious, wishing she and Teegan�s father had had the kind of connection that Dale and Kat obviously had.

Both Dale and Kat�s heads shot up. �What? Oh, no wait. We�re not together.� Dale protested, just as Kat was as well.

�Just friends.� She clarified. �Now, we�ll let you get to work. Have fun guys.� She smiled at them all before turning and walking toward the lounge, Dale following behind carrying the diaper bag and carrier, still complaining that Teegan would rather have him hold her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Eleven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Um, Kat?� Dale said as he stood up with Teegan in his arms and walked over to where Kat was sitting in one of the chairs. �I think that she needs to be changed.� He told her, wrinkling his nose against the foul smell as he tried to hand the baby over to Kat.

Kat laughed, refusing to take Teegan from him. She got up and picked up the diaper bag, bringing it over to Dale. �Oh, no.� She stated, shaking her head. �You wanted to hold her and that also means that you have to see to her needs.� She nearly laughed out loud at the look of horror on Dale�s face.

�But�� Dale tried to protest, but Kat quickly cut him off.

�No way, Dale. This ones yours. Now hurry up and change her. Babies have very sensitive skin and if you leave that diaper on her too much longer she�s going to get a rash and then she�s not going to be very happy. And I don�t think Carsyn will be either.�

�Okay.� Dale agreed finally. �But you�re at least going to help me.�

Kat rolled her eyes and laughed. �Yes, I�ll help you.�

Oh�My�Gawd!� Dale complained a few moments later after he began getting Teegan�s diaper off. �Oh, that is nasty!� He glared at Kat as she laughed at him. �How can such a tiny lil thing make such a mess!?� He wondered out loud, seeing that she�d had a major blow out�it was half way up her back. �Oh damn, the smell!� Dale was nearly gagging.

�Try breathing through your mouth.� Kat told him, still laughing as she carefully took off Teegan�s dirty outfit and dug through the diaper bag for a clean one. �You know, this is good practice for you. Someday you�ll have a child of your own and you�ll have to change tons of dirty diapers just like this one.� She commented when Dale kept on complaining. She let out an exasperated sigh when Dale gave her a look. �Don�t give me that look! I said someday!�

�I thought maybe you were trying to tell me something.� Dale said, his breath caught in his throat.

Kat shook her head. �No. Now hurry up and get her cleaned up and get a diaper on her before she does it again.� She said, handing him the baby wipes.

�Again!?� Dale exclaimed, his eyes wide. He quickly grabbed the wipes and had Teegan cleaned up in short order. He was pale and nearly sick by the time he was done.

�Um, that�s backwards.� Kat giggled, telling Dale as he attempted to put the clean diaper on Teegan. �The tabs go in the back.�

�Whatever.� Dale rolled his eyes as he turned the diaper around. �I knew that.�

�Hey, you�re the one that wanted my help.� She pointed out, grinning at him.

�Oh hush!� Dale grumbled as he finally got the diaper on properly. He was thankful when Kat took over and finished getting Teegan dressed. They looked up when the door opened and Kevin walked in. Dale was more than relieved that he hadn�t come in any sooner. It was bad enough that Kat was in there. She�d never let him live this down. He shot her a look, warning her to keep quiet.

Dale picked Teegan up and carried her over to Kevin, placing her in his arms. Kat smiled to herself as Kevin looked down at the baby in his arms. She could practically see him melting.

�The next one is yours.� Dale muttered, turning to glare at Kat when he heard her snicker behind him.

�Huh?� Kevin questioned, looking at Dale in confusion. �What the hell are you talking about?�

�Never mind.� Kat said, giving Dale a look to let him know that he would owe her big time for keeping his diaper changing adventure quiet. �Where�s Carsyn?� She asked Kevin as she stepped forward.

�She�ll be here in a minute. She had to talk to Rick.�

�Oh, Okay.� Kat paused for a moment, a plan forming in her mind. She grabbed Dale�s arm. �Come on, let�s go get a bite to eat while they�re on break. I�m starving!�

Dale glared at her. �You expect me to eat after that?� He still felt a little sick.

Kat glared back at Dale, and he finally got her silent message. �You know, maybe I am a little bit hungry after all.�

�How long is break?� Kat asked Kevin, anxious to get out of there so that he would be alone in there when Carsyn came in.

�Hour or so.� Kevin answered.

�Okay, we�ll be back.� She told him and she and Dale quickly left. Kevin watched them leave, shaking his head, and thinking that they were acting that they were both acting quite strange. He quickly forgot about them though as he turned his attention back to Teegan and walked over to one of the chairs and sat down. He smiled softly when he gently touched her cheek and she smiled up at him and wrapped her tiny fingers around his.

�Hey pretty baby.� He whispered as he intently studied her features. She looked like Carsyn, except where Carsyn was blond and had a fair complexion, Teegan had a head full of black hair and had a darker complexion. He couldn�t help but wonder what her father looked like. Had she gotten those features from him? He also wondered where the man was and why he didn�t seem to be in this gorgeous child�s life.

�Hey!� Carsyn greeted as she came through the door. �Where�d Dale and Kat go?� She asked Kevin as she looked around but didn�t see them.

Kevin looked up at Carsyn to answer her question, but much like the times before, his voice wouldn�t function properly when his eyes touched on her. He quickly gave himself a mental shake. �They went to get something to eat. They�ll be back in an hour or so though.� He told her, his heart jumping and then racing off when she smiled.

�Good, I was hoping they would.� Carsyn stepped forward and took Teegan from Kevin when she began to fuss when she heard the sound of her mom�s voice and didn�t get picked up right away. �I guess someone else is ready for lunch too.� She commented as she sat down and got Teegan settled.

�Um, I�m going to make a run to the sandwich shop next door. Want anything?� Kevin asked as he stood up, his stomach rumbling.

�Sure! Let me get you some money.� Carsyn reached for her purse, but Kevin stopped her.

�Don�t worry about it. I�ve got it.� He told her. �What do you want?�

Carsyn smiled, her cheeks burning a bit. �Thank you, Kevin.� She said sincerely. �Turkey on rye. No cheese, please.�

�Okay, I�ll be right back.�

�Mmm, that was good.� Carsyn said after she�d finished her sandwich. �I didn�t realize how hungry I was. I didn�t get a chance to have breakfast this morning. Thanks again, Kevin.� She looked down and saw that Teegan was beginning to doze off.

�You�re welcome.� Kevin replied after he�d finished the last bite of his second sandwich.

�So, what do you think, Kevin?� Carsyn asked the question that had been on her mind. �About joining the band.� She clarified when she saw the puzzlement in his eyes.

Kevin was silent for a moment as he contemplated every thing in his head. �Well, I really like the music and everyone is great�� He trailed off and Carsyn felt her heart drop. She was certain that he was going to decline. �I�d love to be a part of the band.�

Carsyn nearly screamed out loud with happiness, but stopped herself when she remembered that Teegan was sleeping. �Oh, that is wonderful! You have no idea how happy I am to hear that!" She told him, extremely excited about him being their new drummer.

�I�m really happy that I�ve been given this wonderful opportunity. Thank you.� Kevin said, the sincerity clear in his eyes and voice.

�Um,� Carsyn began, but stopped, trying to figure out how to phrase her next question. She knew that he�d done vocals with Fuel on their last album, but she didn�t want to mention them, knowing that it might be a sore subject. �I understand that you�ve done some vocals as well in the past.�

Kevin nodded. �Yes, that�s right.�

�Well, I wrote two new songs and I�d really like to be able to get them on the new album. I just need a guy that can sing them with me. And neither Joe or Steve have the best singing voices.� She laughed. �They�re slower, ballad type songs. Would you be interested?�

Kevin smiled, flattered that she was asking him. �Sure. I�d like that.�

�I don�t have the music here, but maybe after practice you can come over and we can go over them?� She asked, anxious to know if this would work out.

Kevin hesitated for a moment, but then shrugged it off. �I don�t have anything planned. Sounds good.�

�Cool! It�s a date then.� Carsyn stopped, realizing what she�d said. She blushed slightly. �Well, not really a date date, but a date as in�Oh hell, you know what I mean!� She gave up trying to explain because it was only proving to make her more flustered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Twelve

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�When are you coming home? I�m bored, and I�m lonely.� Dale complained and whined over the phone. In truth, he really was missing Kat. He hadn�t seen her in four days, and it was really starting to bother him. She was beginning to travel more and more with her brother, and although he understood, they were almost as close and he and Kat, he still didn�t like how it took her away from him.

�I�ll be home in two days.� Kat told him for the millionth time. �Geez, can�t you survive a week without me?� she teased, but the truth be told, she missed him just as much. They talked to each other on the phone no less than three to four times a day, most of the time more.

�So, anything interesting happening with Kevin and Carsyn?� Dale asked anxiously. At first he had been against Kat trying to fix the two up, but after seeing them together and really paying close attention, he was all for it.

Kat sighed loudly. �No, they are both stubborn as hell. There is definitely a huge attraction there, but neither one will act upon it. They are spending a lot of one on one time together though. They are working on some new songs, and Carsyn is amazing. She�s even interested in Kevin�s songs that he�s written. He�s getting along beautifully with everyone. I know when Fuel let him go it was horrible, but all in all, I think it was the best thing that could have happened.�

�Do you think Kevin would agree with you?� Dale asked. With the beginning of the new NASCAR season just a week away, things were hectic for him and he wasn�t able to travel near as much as he wanted too. Which was why he was currently stuck at home while Kat and Kevin were back in New York where Wanderlust was in the process of recording their new album with Kevin as drummer.

�Yes and no. I think if he were to answer without thinking he�d definitely say yes, but if he were to stop and think about it, he�d say no. He�s holding back, Dale. He�s not getting near as close with the band as he did with Fuel. I don�t mean to say he�s not friendly, and doesn�t do things with them, cuz he does. And with them not really knowing him, they probably don�t see any kind of �offness� about him. But I do. Yet at the same time I can understand too. He�s afraid to let them in and get too close, afraid what happened with Fuel will repeat itself.� She said sadly.

�I can understand it too, but he�s got to start to let it go.� Dale said wisely. Kat couldn�t agree more.

�So how are you enjoying the band?� Dale asked, knowing she was spending a lot of time with them as well.

�Oh I think they are all great! Carsyn and I are becoming really good friends. It�s nice having a female friend around, no offense.� She giggled at his outraged, fake gasp.

�Oh I see how it is, you�re replacing me with a female!� Dale said indignantly.

�Dale, no one could replace you�ever.� She said sincerely. �Hey, how are things at DEI?� she asked, wanting to keep up on the news and happenings back home. She really did miss everyone, but knew once the season started up, she�d be spending all her time with Dale and the crew either in North Carolina or on the road going from race to race. It was very seldom that she didn�t accompany Dale during the season.

�Going pretty well. We�re all ready and anxious for the 500.� He said, speaking of the Daytona 500, NASCAR�s biggest most popular race, which he was the favorite to win, again.

Kat looked up when Rick poked his head in the room. �Hey, Kat. I�m going to go grab some lunch, wanna join me?� he asked, smiling at her. She nodded.

�Sure, be right there.� She promised. �Dale, I gotta run. Rick�s taking me to lunch, and I�m starving!�

�Rick�s taking you?� Dale asked. This was interesting news. He just wasn�t sure if he liked it or not.

�Get those thoughts out of your head Earnhardt. Taking me to lunch means going to go grab a sandwich, which he pays for, then hurrying back here to the studio to scarf it down. There is nothing romantic about it in any way.� Why she was suddenly had the urge to assure him she had no idea.

�Alright, well have fun. I�ll call you later on tonight.� He promised, then after saying their good-byes they hung up.

Kat closed her phone and smiled, looking down at it. She was looking forward to going back home and spending some quality time with Dale.

Things were definitely back to normal between them. Almost to the day her monthly friend had arrived, relieving them both. There weren�t going to be any consequences to their one night together. And since finding out there was nothing to worry about, their friendship was stronger than ever.

***

�Ugh.� Kat groaned, causing Carsyn to look at her in alarm. They had just finished dinner together, and were just relaxing in Carsyn�s suite, watching Teegan play happily in her play pen.

�Are you alright?� Carsyn asked, watching as Kat clutched her stomach.

�I think I ate something that doesn�t quite agree with me. I think I�m gonna�� she cut herself off as she clamped her hand over her mouth and bolted to the bathroom.

Carsyn sat back shaking her head as she listened to her new friend emptying her stomach of the dinner she had just eaten. She got up and walked over to the door when everything was quiet, after the toilet flushing.

�Kat, are you alright? Can I get you anything?� she called.

�No, I�m okay.� Kat said miserably, leaning her head against the wall. The room was spinning and she was still feeling rather sick. �Can I just lie here and die?� she asked.

Carsyn opened the door and walked in, grabbing a washcloth, wetting it, and handing it to Kat. �Put it on the back of your neck, it really helps.� She assured the other woman.

After a few minutes of sitting completely still, Kat got up and walked back in the room. �I better get going, I don�t want to get you or Teegan sick.� She said. Carsyn grinned.

�I don�t think you have anything we can catch. Tell me Kat, how have you been feeling lately?� she asked.

Kat shrugged. She�d been too busy to really think about it. �I don�t know, fine I guess. Why?�

�Well, I�m just thinking, and I don�t mean to get too personal. But have you been feeling nauseous a lot lately?� Carsyn asked. She and Kat really didn�t know each other quite well enough yet for this conversation, but she had a feeling. A strong feeling. Same feeling she�d had herself not too long ago.

�Um, a little, but not bad. This is the first time I�ve thrown up.� Kat answered, wondering what Carsyn was getting at.

�And have you been hungry a lot lately? Tired? Dizziness?� she named off a few things.

Kat thought about it and nodded. �Yeah, but I just figured I was coming down with something. Flu bug.�

Carsyn grinned. �Kat, I don�t think it�s the flu. I had the exact same symptoms myself.�

Kat�s eyes lit up. �Really? What was it? How long did it last?�

�Oh, about eight months.� Carsyn replied.

�Eight months? Good god, what on earth did you have?� Kat demanded, it still not clicking.

�Teegan.�

Kat blinked, then blinked again. Her mouth fell open, and she tried to form some words, but nothing came. No it couldn�t be. She was out of the woods, wasn�t she?

Kat shook her head in denial. �No, that�s impossible!�

Carsyn gave her a look. �Is it really? I mean if you haven�t done anything to be pregnant, then I guess it is impossible.�

�No, that�s not what I mean!� Kat protested, her voice rising a little. �I mean I�ve had my period! I don�t have anything to worry about.�

�Honey, some women still get their periods and are pregnant.� Carsyn said gently.

�Holy shit!� Kat exclaimed. �No, this can�t be happening!� she put her hand to her head, trying to figure all this out. What Carsyn was saying did make sense�but she and Dale were in the clear. Or at least they had thought they were.

Carsyn moved over to where Kat was sitting, giving her the only comfort she could. �Is it a possibility?� she asked, although from the look on Kat�s face she knew it was.

Kat nodded. �Yes.� She said so low that Carsyn had to lean forward to hear her.

�And are you with the potential father?� Carsyn asked. Kat went three different shades of red. How to explain this? On one hand she didn�t want too, but on another she needed to talk to someone about it. She hadn�t told anyone what had happened between Dale and herself. She and Dale hadn�t even talked about it much since the morning after. It was driving her insane. And now this!

�Um, define �with�.� Kat mumbled.

�Are you seeing him, is he in your life, do you still talk, will he be there for you and the baby?� Carsyn asked, clarifying.

�Yes, but not in the way you think I see him, he�s most definitely in my life, we talk all the time, and I have no doubts he�d be there for me and the baby.� Kat answered honestly.

Carsyn was quiet for a few moments, thinking over Kat�s answers. �It�s Dale, isn�t it?� she asked.

Kat was a little shocked but nodded. �Yeah.�

Carsyn grinned. �I knew you two would make the perfect couple! All of us agree that we�ve never seen two people more suited for each other! And here Kevin kept insisting that you two are just friends and nothing more. Ooooh, you wait until I see him.�

�NO!� Kat shouted, causing Carsyn to jump. She took a deep breath. �Sorry.� She apologized. �It�s just, it�s complicated.�

�How so?� Carsyn asked.

Kat sighed. �Dale and I have been best friends forever. There is nothing we don�t know about each other. The bond he and I have is unique�special in a way most people don�t understand. What happened that night�I know this might be hard to believe, but it was a one-time thing, and it shouldn�t have happened then. Mix alcohol with a load of emotional stuff on both sides and there you go. We talked about it afterwards and knew it wouldn�t happen again, and that we wouldn�t let it affect out friendship. We�ve worked through it. We�re not �together� in the sense that a lot of people think we are.�

�And does he know there is the possibility of you being pregnant?� Carsyn asked.

Again Kat nodded. �Actually he was the one who came to me about it.� She opted not to go into detail about that conversation. �But when I got my period we were both relieved, and figured there wasn�t anything more to worry about.�

Carsyn nodded. �I understand. Well, maybe you still don�t have anything to worry about. But you need to find out one way or the other.� She said gently.

�I know. I�m just afraid too now.� Kat answered truthfully.

�Well, if you�d like I can go get you a test and be here with you while you take it.� Carsyn offered. She just wished she�d had the same kind of support when she found out she was pregnant. But she had done it all on her own. She knew without knowing that Dale would be there for Kat. Kat really didn�t know just how lucky she was.

Kat smiled at her, although it was a little shaky. �I appreciate it, I really do. But this is something Dale and I need to do together.� She answered. She wanted to go ahead and find out, without waiting, but she wouldn�t take this away from Dale. He deserved to know from the moment she did.

�Are you going to be able to wait two days?� Carsyn asked.

�No. I�m going to catch a flight home tonight. There is no sense in putting this off.� Kat replied.

�What are you going to tell Kevin?� She knew from the panicked look on Kat�s face she hadn�t thought about it.

�Nothing, yet. Not until I know if there is anything to tell or not. Please don�t say anything to him. If he asks, just tell him I missed Dale and went home. He won�t question it.� Kat pleaded, feeling horrible about asking Carsyn to lie, but she couldn�t face her brother right now.

�Don�t worry. I won�t say a word. But you�ll call me and let me know as soon as you know something, right?� Carsyn asked, her heart going out to the other woman.

�Of course, and thank you for everything.� Kat told her leaning over and giving the other woman a hug. Then she got up and gave Teegan a kiss before waving goodbye. It was time to go home and face the music.

***

�Hi, I�m sorry to bother you. But have you seen Kat?� Kevin asked, standing outside Carsyn�s suite door. He tried not to focus on how adorable she looked, ready for bed.

Carsyn smiled at him, opening the door a little wider, indicating for him to come in, which after a moment�s hesitation he did. He immediately went over to Teegan, who was fussing for him to pick her up. The little girl had taken to him unlike anyone else. Carsyn was almost jealous. Teegan seemed to want Kevin even over herself. She smiled at them both.

�She was here earlier, but left to go home to North Carolina. I think she was homesick.� Carsyn told him, not really lying. She knew the other woman missed her best friend. She was just leaving out one important detail, but it wasn�t her place to tell him.

Kevin rolled his eyes. �Homesick my ass. She was �Dale sick�. You know, I think this is the longest she�s been away from him. How those two function without each other is beyond me.�

�I think it�s wonderful.� Carsyn sighed. �I wish I had someone I was as close too as that.�

Kevin nodded. �Yeah, me too.�

She gave him a confused look. �Aren�t you close with them both as well?� she asked.

�Yeah I am, but what I have with them isn�t anything like what they have. No one, and I do mean no one can come in between Kat and Dale.� He explained.

�So they are soul mates?� She asked, sighing dreamily.

�Soul mates? Sure, I guess. Just not like everything assumes. They aren�t romantically involved or anything, and I can�t ever see them being.�

Carsyn bit the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning. �You never know, things could change.�

He gave her a strange look. �Not with Kat and Dale. What you see is what you get with them. They will be forever best friends, but mark my words, it will never be anything more than that.�

�Oh, Kevin, my friend. You don�t know how wrong you maybe.� She thought to herself. �Well, listen, I was just about to call down and get some food sent up here. Would you like to join me?� she asked, not anxious for him to leave. She really enjoyed spending time with him, and she knew her daughter would be more than happy to stay in his arms.

He smiled and nodded. �I�d like that.� He answered honestly, all thoughts of his sister and Dale leaving his head as he concentrated on the two females that had come to mean a hell of a lot to him.

***

�What the fuck!� Dale grumbled, throwing off his covers, struggling to get out of bed. He had just laid down, exhausted after a long day, more than ready for a good night�s sleep, when his doorbell rang. �Damnit, someone is going to get it.� He muttered as he made his way down the stairs.

�What the hell do you want?� he grumbled as he yanked open the door. He was more than shocked to find Kat standing there.

�Get out of the wrong side of the bed, Grumpy?� she asked, walking past him. �Nice jammies.� She commented, always teasing him about his Budweiser pajamas he wore on occasion, normally when he knew she wouldn�t be around.

�Bite me.� He threw back. �What are you doing here? Not that I�m not happy to see you, cuz I am, but I thought you wouldn�t be back for two days.� He grinned, pulling her into a tight hug. Damn but he hated being away from her, for any amount of time.

She hugged him back tightly, closing her eyes, trying to regain her self-control. She was scared to death, but just being with him made her feel a little better.

She pulled back and looked at him. �Um, we need to talk.� She told him.

�Sounds serious.� He commented, leading her over to the couch. �What�s up?�

She was quiet for a few moments trying to figure out how to say what she needed too. When she couldn�t think of anything, she finally just handed him the bag in her hand.

�Oooh, a present!� he said excitedly, opening the bag and pulling the box out. He went stiff as he read the box, then looked at her in confusion.

�Um, Kat, this is a�� he trailed off.

She put her head down. �Yeah I know.� She mumbled.

He set the box aside and turned fully towards her. �What�s going on?� he asked softly, his own heart racing. He didn�t know what to think, or how to feel.

�Well, I haven�t been feeling one hundred percent lately.� She answered finally. �Carsyn suggested I find out for sure.�

�Carsyn knows?� Dale asked.

�She suspects. She won�t say anything to anyone, but apparently the symptoms I�m currently having are the exact same she had when she was pregnant with Teegan.� Kat explained, her voice shaking a little.

�But, I don�t understand. I thought you had your�uh�� he trailed off at a loss for words.

�I did, but apparently that�s not foul proof. I found out that some women can have that�and still be pregnant.� She answered weakly.

Dale sat back quietly for a moment before reaching over and grabbing the box again. �Are you ready to find out?� he asked her, needing to know now.

She looked a little green, and his heart went out to her. No matter what the results, he would be there for her as he promised. �Yes and no.� she whispered before taking the box and heading for the bathroom. She paused before going in, giving Dale a funny look when she found he was directly behind her.

�What are you doing?� she asked.

�Coming with you.� He answered. She shook her head.

�Oh hell no. I�m perfectly capable of doing this part on my own, Earnhardt.� She told him. �It takes a couple minutes for the results, so as soon as I�m done I�ll be back out. I don�t need you holding my hand while peeing on a stick.� She commented dryly.

He made a face and backed up a few paces. �Guess you�re right, sorry. I�ll be right here.�

She nodded, then after one last look she took a deep breath and closed the door behind her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Thirteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Is it time?� Kat asked for the fifth time in about thirty seconds. Dale gave her a look.

�Have you heard the timer go off yet?� he asked. They had moved into the kitchen and set the microwave timer, just to make sure they were allowing enough time.

She sighed and got up from her chair and began pacing. �This has to be the longest damn five minutes of my life!� she exclaimed, nervously biting at her nails.

If she was pregnant, which they would find out one way or the other shortly, she had no idea what she was going to do. It wasn�t that she didn�t want kids, she did, but she always imagined herself married and ready. Was she really ready for this?

Dale got up, trying to catch her to do his best to calm her down, but when she saw him coming she changed the direction of her pacing.

�Look,� Dale sighed. �You�re just making this worse. Sid down, be still and try to relax.� How he was staying so calm, he really couldn�t say. Maybe it was the fact that now that he was thirty years old, he was ready to be a father. It was all he thought about at times, but was never really �with� anyone for it to be a possibility. He desperately wanted kids, always had. And it also had a lot to do with after thinking about things, there really wasn�t any other woman in the world he would want to have a child with other than Kat.

She stopped her pacing and stared at him. �Relax? REALX?� she shrieked. �Dale, in case you aren�t understanding, I could be pregnant! You and me�parents! Oh sure, I�ll just sit down and relax.�

Before he could answer the timer went off. He expected her to take off to the bathroom, where she had left the test, but instead she froze, completely immobile, staring at him with wide eyes.

He again walked over to her, taking her hands in his. �It�s going to be okay,� he promised. She blinked and swallowed hard, but otherwise didn�t move.

�Are you ready?� he asked, squeezing her hands gently when he felt her trembling.

She shook her head. �I-I can�t.� she whispered.

�Do you want me too�� he trailed off when she nodded. She watched him as he walked out of the kitchen, then sagged against the counter, allowing it to support her. She took a couple deep breaths, trying to prepare herself.

She looked up when he walked back in, but his features were unreadable and she couldn�t get anything off his expression.

�Well?� she demanded. Slowly, he smiled softly and she breathed a huge sigh of relief, her entire body relaxing. �Oh thank god.� She whispered.

�Kat,� Dale started, but had to stop to clear his throat. �We�re having a baby.�

Her relief was very short lived. Her head snapped up and she looked at him, her eyes narrowing. �That�s not funny, Dale.� She snapped, thinking he was playing a trick on her. Oh she was gonna kick his ass for this.

But then he held out the stick, which she stepped forward and took from him, staring down at the two lines in disbelief. He wasn�t joking! She really was pregnant.

�Oh my god.� She said softly, staring down at the result, then looked up at Dale feeling shocked, stunned, confused and so many more emotions she couldn�t decipher. �We�re having a baby?� she repeated, more of a question.

He nodded, then came forward and pulled her into a tight hug. She clung to him for dear life, not knowing what to do or say. Was she happy? Was she upset? She honestly didn�t know how to feel.

�W-what do we do?� she asked shakily, having no idea where to go from here.

Dale pulled back and looked down at her. �What do you mean?�

�I mean, what do we do?� she repeated more forcefully.

His own eyes narrowed as dread went through him. �You�re aren�t suggesting an abortion are you?� his tone cold. She took a couple steps back, glaring back at him.

�Dale Earnhardt, Jr. I can not believe you just asked me that!� she spat, outraged and hurt. �You mean to tell me by now you don�t know me well enough to know that is something I would never do?� she all but yelled at him.

�I�m sorry.� Dale quickly apologized. �It�s just your question threw me, and you don�t really seem too happy.�

She turned and walked into the living room, needing to sit down. �Happy? How am I supposed to be happy? I�m a little shell-shocked right now. I honestly don�t know how to feel. We�ve got so much to talk about, so much to figure out.�

Dale sat down next to her. He knew he should be reacting the exact same way she was, but he wasn�t. Hell, he was happy about this, and he wanted her to share in the happiness.

�Well, let�s start figuring things out.� He suggested. �First of all, I�d like you to move in here.�

She looked at him in disbelief. �What?�

Dale sighed, knowing she would most likely fight him on this. She was very independent and hadn�t lived with anyone since turning eighteen. �I want to be a part of this. I want to be there for every step of this pregnancy and my baby�s life. The best way to do that is for you to live here. If you need anything, I�m right here.�

She looked uncertain. �But I live right down the road. We can do the same thing with me not living here.� She protested. This was all too much. She hadn�t even had a second to come to grips of having a baby and what that meant, and now he wanted her to move in with him? She needed time to think. Alone.

�I know it�s a lot to take in right now. But just think about it okay. And we also need to decide what we are going to tell everyone.� He said softly.

She groaned and laid her head back on the couch closing her eyes. �Do we have to?� she asked pitifully.

He grinned. �Well, once you start showing I think people will start to suspect. Oh, and we need to make a doctor�s appointment. How do you want to tell everyone?� he was firing off so many questions, her head was spinning.

She got up, surprising him. �I�m sorry, I can�t do this right now. I need to think. I need some time. I�m not talking days or anything, but I just need to be alone for a little while.� He looked like he was about to protest so she added, �Please Dale? I really need this. I�ll come back tomorrow and we can discuss everything. Right now I can�t think about anything other than the fact that we�re having a baby. And I can�t even really wrap my mind around that. Please, just for tonight, I need to be alone.�

He didn�t like it, not one bit, but he understood. And hadn�t he told her he would support her? Yes, so if she needed a few hours, he would give them to her. He nodded and stood up.

�Alright. So I�ll see you tomorrow?� he asked, making sure.

She smiled, although it was strained. �I�ll be over around ten tomorrow morning, I promise.� She leaned forward and gave him a quick hug before turning and leaving.

***

Carsyn stirred when she heard her cell phone ringing. She tried to move, but found she was pinned in the position she was in. She opened her eyes and looked around, smiling softly when she found why she was pinned. She and Kevin had fallen asleep while watching a movie, and were now curled up on the couch together.

She quickly got up, not wanting the phone to wake him, but it was too late as he groaned deeply and stretched. The phone stopped ringing, going to voicemail, so she ignored it.

He sat up and looked a little disoriented as his eyes rested on her. She grinned sheepishly at him. �We fell asleep.�

He nodded and yawned. �I see that. I guess I should get going.� He said standing up, working the kinks out of his back.

She bit her lip, contemplating her next words. �Um, listen, it�s late�instead of catching a cab and going back to your hotel, why don�t you just stay here. I�d feel better if you did. I know you�re tired and I don�t want you to have to go out this time of night.�

Kevin paused, his eyes traveling to the one bed in the room. He really didn�t feel like going back to his hotel. He quickly made his decision. �If you don�t mind, I�ll just stay on the couch.� He inwardly winced, knowing he was going to be sore in the morning from their nap, so after staying the rest of the night on it�he didn�t want to think about it.

Carsyn looked at the couch and then at him. �Well, if you want, but the bed is a king. I don�t normally offer this kind of thing, but the couch really is too small for you. Why don�t we share the bed?�

�Are you sure?� Kevin asked hesitantly.

She nodded, smiling brightly at him. �Of course. The bed is more than big enough for the both of us, with plenty of room to spare. Come on, we�ve got an early session at the studio in a few hours, let�s get some more sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fourteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin groaned softly as he slowly woke up the next morning. He didn�t open his eyes and he was more than ready to go back to sleep when he suddenly realized the warm body lying next to his, his arms wrapped around it, a head resting gently on his chest. He hesitantly opened his eyes, not sure who he was going to find with him, but he smiled softly when he saw that it was Carsyn and he remembered staying there last night. And although they had started out on opposite sides of the bed, they'd moved together as they slept.

Lifting his head slightly, he glanced at the clock beside the bed. He knew that he should wake Carsyn up when he saw that they had to be at the studio in forty-five minutes, but he just couldn�t bring himself to do it yet. He laid his head back and looked down at Carsyn again. Gawd, what he wouldn�t give to wake up like this every morning. He knew that he couldn�t though.

His heart began to race as she began to stir and she moaned softly as she threw one of her legs over his and moved until she was laying nearly completely on top of him. After burying her face deeper into the crook between his neck and shoulder, she stilled gain, her breathing evening out. He shivered slightly, feeling her soft breath tickling his skin.

He again told himself that he should wake her, but instead he tightened his hold on her a bit more and closed his eyes. �Just a few more minutes of this heaven.� He told himself. �That�s all�just a few more minutes.� He was asleep again almost instantly.

They were awakened a short time later when Teegan let out a loud cry that made them both jump. Carsyn moaned softly as she began to stretch, but she stopped abruptly when she realized that she was not alone and that whoever it was, she was very comfortable with. She hadn�t slept so well in a long time. �And shirtless� She belatedly thought to herself as she felt the warm skin beneath her hands. Her head snapped up, but she smiled when her eyes met Kevin�s.

�Mmm�good morning.� She greeted as she finished stretching and then got up to fetch Teegan, who was really beginning to fuss with hunger. �Did you sleep well?� She asked him and then exclaimed, �Oh shit!� before he could answer when she saw the time. They were to be at the studio in fifteen minutes! �I think we�re going to be a little late this morning.� She laughed as she sat down on the bed, propped up against the headboard and got Teegan settled.

�I�m going to take a shower quick.� Kevin told her as he finally dragged himself out of the bed.

�Hey, can you hand me my cell phone before you go in?� Carsyn asked, remembering it ringing during the night and wanted to see who had called.

She thanked him when he handed it too her, then adjusted Teegan in her arms as she dialed into her voicemail.

�Carsyn, it�s Kat. I really need to talk to you, I�m sorry to call so late. When you get this can you please give me a call? It�s urgent!�

Carsyn bit her lip as she replayed the message. She felt bad for missing the call and not returning it sooner. She was more than positive what it was about, just by the urgency and near panic in Kat�s voice.

She paused in calling her back, waiting until she heard the shower running, making sure Kevin wouldn�t be able to overhear the conversation.

�Hello?� Kat picked up midway through the first ring. She sounded exhausted and strained.

�Hey, it�s Carsyn. I�m sorry for not calling you back sooner.� Carsyn immediately apologized.

�It�s alright, I understand. I�m just sorry I called so late.� Kat answered. She hadn�t gotten any sleep, going over everything in her mind. She wasn�t any closer to finding any kind of answers than when she left Dale�s house. Thankfully he had given her the time she needed, just calling her right after she got home to make sure she had gotten there safely. It was a short conversation, not that she had been ready to talk.

�Well? Did you find out?� Carsyn asked, keeping her voice low just in case.

�Yes, and yes.� Kat replied.

�Congratulations!� Carsyn exclaimed. Kat might not realize it now, but having a baby, regardless of her martial status, was truly a blessing.

�Thanks. I don�t know what to do�what to think, or what to feel!� Kat cried, at the end of her rope.

Carsyn was quiet for a moment. She had gone through all the same emotions herself. �How did Dale react?� she asked, automatically assuming he knew.

�He was great.� Kat answered still in disbelief. �He�s excited and even wants me to move in with him.�

Carsyn smiled. �That�s wonderful Kat, you don�t know just how lucky you are, believe me. I know you�re in shock right now, but it�s a wonderful thing. Nothing can compare to having a child�your own flesh and blood. You might not think you�re quite ready to be a mother, but take it from me, soon you won�t remember what it was like to not have a child�you�ll know your purpose for living.�

Kat blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears that were threatening. �Really?� she asked in a small voice, feeling like more of a child herself.

�Yes! And having Dale there with you will make all the difference in the world. I can�t tell you what to decide about moving in with him, just think about it. Weigh out all the pros and cons, then decide. Besides, you don�t have to make that decision right this minute, you�ve got time. Focus on the fact that you are going to be a mother. You�ve got a life growing inside of you.� Carsyn said gently, wishing like hell she�d had someone to tell her the same when she found out she was pregnant with Teegan.

Kat was silent as she gently placed her hand on her still flat abdomen. Slowly she smiled. Carsyn was right! She would focus on the positive, and the negative parts, like people�s reaction, mainly her brother, she and Dale would face and get through together.

�Thank you so much. I really needed this.� Kat said sincerely.

�Any time,� Carsyn promised, suddenly looking forward to sharing this connection with Kat. �And when you�re ready to do some serious baby shopping, I know all the best places.�

Kat laughed, feeling a thousand times better, and excited even. �I can�t wait. Alright, I better get off here. Need to get a shower, then back over to Dale�s. I�ll call you later, okay?�

�Okay. And remember if you need anything, anything at all, I�m just a phone call away.�

***

�Hey,� Dale greeted when Kat walked in the door. He�d been waiting for her, even had the door open for her before she had even put her car in park. She smiled as she walked past him into the house.

�You look terrible!� she exclaimed, taking a good look at him. �No sleep?� she teased, but knowing she probably didn�t look much better herself.

He shook his head. �Nope, not much at all. Might have gotten a little here and there, but not much to speak of. What about you?� he asked.

�Nope, didn�t even shut my eyes. Wait a second�is that breakfast I smell?� her stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly. She hadn�t thought she was hungry, but damn something smelled good.

He grinned. �Yup, I cooked you breakfast.� He said proudly. Her eyes went wide.

�You cooked? Never mind, I�ll pass.� She joked, earning a glare from him.

�Hey I cook better than you do! Besides, I slaved over a hot stove for hours, so you�re eating!� he declared, steering her towards the kitchen.

�Slaved over a hot stove? Damn, Earnhardt, you�ve turned into quite a woman.� She giggled.

�Shut the hell up.� He grumbled, although he was grinning. He could tell just by her demeanor that she was okay with things�or at least would be. He didn�t want to pressure her into anything, and wanted her to be the one to bring up what they really needed to talk about.

�Oh wow, that was great.� She exclaimed, setting her fork down after taking the last bite. �I was hungrier than I thought.�

�Told you.� He replied. She sat back in the chair and smiled at him, knowing it was time to really talk.

�Okay, guess I�ve put this off long enough, huh? I�m sorry for my lack of reaction last night. I was in shock�still am kinda, but I�m better. I don�t want you to think for one minute that I don�t want this baby. I do. It�s just taking some getting used too. But it�s going to be wonderful.� She started, thinking back on everything Carsyn had said to her.

�I know without a doubt this child will be truly loved, and blessed. We�re going to make wonderful parents�what I�m most worried about now is people�s, well no not �people�, more like one person�s reaction.� She said.

�Kevin�s.� Dale stated, it also weighing heavily on his own mind. He was relieved to hear what Kat had to say. It was what he�d been up all night hoping to hear. But he too was worried about Kevin.

She nodded. �Yeah. Don�t get me wrong, his reaction won�t change my feelings whatsoever towards our baby, but he is my brother, and I want him to be supportive�but there is a big chance he won�t be. And how long have we all been close? Feels like forever. I don�t want this to change the relationship between you and him.�

Dale shook his head. �Things might be strained for awhile, but we will all work through it. And Kevin and I will be fine, I promise.�

�What about Teresa? What do you think she�ll say?� Kat asked. She loved the woman like another mother, and deeply respected her. Having Teresa disappointed in her would be nearly as bad as her own brother. She wasn�t so worried about her own mother, since she really didn�t have a lot to do in her children�s lives as it was. Ever since moving next door to them, Kat had always looked more to Teresa as a mother.

�I don�t think it will be bad. She knows what happened between us.� He paused when Kat went scarlet.

�What!?� She shrieked. �You told Teresa? Oh my god how am I ever going to look her in the eyes again?� she groaned as she buried her face in her hands. She looked up and glared when Dale laughed. �I�m glad you find this amusing.�

�Well, think about it. She�d find out anyway when we tell her your pregnant.� He stated and she shrugged, knowing he was right. �Anyway, I think she�ll be�well, rather happy. She�s been wanting me to settle down and have kids for awhile now. And she�s always been pushing for you and me to�well�� he trailed off.

�That�s another thing. Everyone is automatically going to assume that this is going to change us. That we�re going to be �together�.� Kat pointed out. �I want everyone to know from the get go that nothing is changing between us aside from us having a child together. We�re not �together� in the sense they will want us to be, we�re not getting married�nothing.�

He held up his hands. �I know! We�ll make sure they all understand. Um, speaking of all that, have you thought anymore about moving in?�

She nodded. �Yes I have actually. I haven�t decided on that one way or the other just yet, but I�m leaning towards doing it.�

Dale�s eyes lit up. �Really?�

�Yes, and I�ll tell you why. I can�t be selfish in this, it�s not just my baby. This baby is just as much a part of you as it is me. Now, if I do move in here it won�t be forever. Just for the time being, or until we feel we need to make a change.� She told him.

He nodded in agreement, ready to say or do anything to get her to move in. He was ready to bounce off the walls in his excitement. �Of course, whatever you want.�

�So, when do we tell Kevin?� Dale asked after a moments silence. He wasn�t sure if he wanted to tell him right away, or wait.

Kat took a deep breath. �Well that�s something I wanted to talk to you about as well. I don�t want to wait to tell him. I don�t want to keep this from him. I mean he doesn�t even have any idea you and I�well�were in any position to have a baby together. I�m sure it�s never been a thought to cross his mind. I think the longer we wait to tell him, the harder he�s going to take it.� Dale agreed.

�So do we wait until he comes home to tell him?� he asked. She shook her head.

�No. I thought about waiting for him to come home, it�s only until tomorrow, but I don�t want to do that. I just�can�t. I was hoping we could fly to New York today and maybe have dinner with him or something and break it to him as gently as possible.� She looked pleading at him, hoping he�d understand.

�Are you alright to fly?� Dale asked.

�Yeah. I feel fine. And it�s not like we�re flying across country.� She told him. He nodded.

�Alright, I�ll call Teresa and tell her we need the DEI jet�won�t be a problem. How soon can you be ready?� he asked. She smiled in relief.

�I�m ready now. In hopes you�d say yes I already packed a bag.� She grinned, always prepared.

�Alright I�ll make the call, and we should be ready to go in an hour.� He said getting up heading to the phone.

She sat back while he went to make the phone call, going over in her head how she was going to tell her brother. She was leaning towards the idea of letting Dale tell him. It was chicken of her, she knew, but she really didn�t want to face her brother�s wrath.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Kat! You�re back!� Carsyn exclaimed, rushing forward to give the other woman a hug. She wasn�t surprised to see her, and half expected her to return. She gave Dale a warm smile. �Congratulations, you two.� She said softly, keeping her voice low, so not to be overheard.

Dale grinned. �Thanks.� His excitement was obvious and again Carsyn found herself being a little envious. Oh how she wished she has someone like Dale�to stand by her and her daughter, to love her daughter as much as she did.

�Um, is Kevin around?� Kat asked, having looked for her brother but not finding him.

�He�s in talking with Rick. Since we�ve acquired Kevin we�ve decided to start a new tour. Rick�s going over all the details with him now.� Carsyn explained.

�Oh good for you guys! How exciting!� Kat was excited. �I better get free tickets.� She grinned.

�Free tickets! Hell, you�ll be backstage with us.� Carsyn promised. �Oh, here�s Kevin now.�

Kat and Dale turned to see Kevin and Rick coming towards them. Kevin at first looked surprised to see them, then just grinned and shook his head. �It figures,� he greeted when he stepped up to them. �Where one goes the other is sure to follow. What�s up you two? You do realize I�d be back home tomorrow, right?� he asked.

Kat and Dale shared a look. �Yeah, I know, but um, we were hoping maybe we could have dinner with you tonight.� Kat started, struggling to keep her voice from shaking. Her nerves were getting the best of her.

Kevin was quiet for a moment, studying his sister and best friend closely. Something was up, he could sense it. �Sure, I�m finished here for the day, wanna go grab something now, I�m starved!�

Kat looked panicked, thinking she�d at least have a couple hours to get herself prepared. Dale could see she was about to either protest or pass out, so he took over.

�Now is fine.� He assured Kevin and Kat at the same time. �Um, Kat and I will meet you downstairs, okay?� Dale asked, taking a hold of Kat�s arm, knowing she needed a few minutes to get her thoughts and emotions under control.

�Sure, is everything okay?� Kevin asked, looking closely at his sister.

�She�s fine.� Dale promised. �See ya in a few.�

Kevin watched them walk away then turned to look at Carsyn. �Do they seem, I don�t know, strange to you?� he asked, trying to put his finger on it.

She quickly put on an innocent look. �I don�t know what you mean.� She answered hesitantly. Kevin shook his head.

�Must be my imagination.� He muttered. �Alright, well I guess I�ll see you tomorrow before I leave.� He said, almost reluctant to leave her presence. She made him feel calm and at ease, and that was without even trying.

She nodded and smiled. �Of course. Have a good night Kevin.� She told him.

He started walking away but paused and turned back. �Hey, give Teegan a kiss for me.� He called then disappeared around the corner.

***

�I can�t do this. I can�t do this!� Kat kept saying over and over, pacing back and forth in the ladies room of the restaurant. She had to excuse herself from the table, leaving Dale and Kevin as she hurried to the bathroom, feeling ill.

She leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. �I don�t want to do this.�

�But it has to be done.�

She yelped and jumped in surprised, spinning around to find Dale standing there. She looked around. �This is the ladies room Dale!� she shrieked, her nerves having had enough. �Last time I checked, you�re not a lady!�

He grinned and came forward. �No I�m not. But I had to come in and check to see if you�re alright.�

She groaned and covered her face with her hands. �He�s going to be so disappointed, and upset!� she cried. �And he�s in such a great mood right now�I don�t want to ruin that!�

Dale thought it over. �Well, do you want to hold off on telling him?�

She sighed and lowered her hands, shaking her head. �No, I came back to New York for a reason�I�m going to do this.�

�Okay, then let�s get out there.� But again she paused and gave him a pleading look.

�Dale?� she asked, sounding more like a child than the grown woman she was.

�What?� he asked.

�Will you tell him?�

***

�We�ll have to try to do this once in awhile while I�m on tour. Meet up and have dinner.� Kevin said once both Dale and Kat were back at the table. Kat sat there silent so Dale answered.

�Absolutely. Man, a new tour that�s exciting!� he exclaimed, truly happy for his friend.

Kevin nodded. �I can�t believe it�s all happening so quickly. I�m relieved though. I�m most happy when I�m playing.� He paused and looked at his sister who was still sitting there quietly, staring at her water glass. �Kat, are you sure everything is okay?�

She looked up and tried to find the words she was looking for. She�d gone over the speech in her head a million times, even practiced it with Dale on the plane. But now her mind was blank and she couldn�t think of anything.

�I�m pregnant!� she blurted out, then cringing realizing what she had just said and how she said it. This was not how she had meant to break the news gently.

Dale groaned softly as Kevin�s mouth fell open in shock and surprise. �Um, what? Is this some kind of a joke?� he finally managed to choke out.

Kat looked at Dale helplessly and he leaned forward. �It�s no joke Kevin.� He said gently.

�You�re pregnant? Are you sure?� Kevin asked, trying to process this information. She nodded and he leaned back in his chair. �But I didn�t even know you were seeing anyone!�

She bit her lip and again looked at Dale. �Um, I�m not.� She muttered.

Kevin glared at her. �Please tell me you didn�t have a one night stand or some shit like that. It�s not like you Kat, what the hell is going on?� he demanded, his anger beginning to surface. This was totally out of character for his little sister.

She put her head down, not answering, yet at the same time giving him the answer he need. �Christ, Katrina!�

She shook her head. �No, it�s not what you think!� she cried.

�Well then you better explain it to me.� He snapped.

Dale put his hand up. �Kevin, calm down.� He told him. Kevin turned and glared at him.

�If you don�t mind Dale, I�m talking to my sister.� He snarled before turning back to Kat. �As I said you better explain it, because right now it seems that you had a one night stand with some deadbeat looser, and now your knocked up!�

Dale�s eyes narrowed. �I�m no deadbeat.� He growled.

Kevin turned back to him, a look of confusion on his face. �I never said you were�� suddenly he trailed off as realization set in. His eyes widened as he looked from Kat to Dale then back.

�Oh my god.� He whispered. �You two?�

Dale nodded. �Yes.�

�When the hell did this happen? How? What does this mean?� Kevin shot off one question after another.

�A little while back, it was a one time thing, nothing like that has ever happened between us before.� Kat told him. �We talked about it and knew it would never happen again, and just move on from there. Then�well�� she too trailed off.

Kevin shook his head. �I don�t believe this. You two.� He was at a loss. A total and complete loss.

�What does this mean?� he finally asked after a few minutes of silence.

�We�re having the baby.� Dale stated firmly.

�But what the hell are you going to do? Be together? Not be together and raise a child? Think about it you two! If any child were going to be in the public eye, it will be this one, and the circumstances around it! How many times during interviews have you denied any kind of romantic involvement?� he asked Dale, then continuing before allowing him to answer.

�The press and public is going to have a field day with this!� he shook his head.

Dale gripped Kat�s hand under the table, knowing all that Kevin was saying was true, but for him it didn�t matter. �Personally, I don�t give a fuck what the press or public think.� He stated firmly. �This is my child, and no matter what this child will have a loving, happy and healthy environment.�

Kat gave him a small smile, knowing that it was true. That was one thing she didn�t worry about.

�So then you two are going to be together? Get married?� Kevin asked.

�No!� they both exclaimed at the same time. Kevin again shook his head.

�You two need to think this through. It�s not going to be as simple as you think. Sure you think you can raise a child together with no problem, but what happens when one of your or both of you meet someone who you want to spend the rest of your lives with? How is that other person going to feel? You�ve already had problems with significant others being jealous of your closeness�and now to put a child on top of that?� he asked.

Dale sighed. �Look, we don�t have all the details worked out, and a lot of it we�re going to have to figure out as we go.�

�No, you need to figure it out now. It�s not going to be all fun and rosy like you two think. Damn, I don�t even know what you�re thinking!� he stated standing up, needing to get the hell out of there. He looked at his sister and nearly stopped seeing she was miserable. He wanted to be there for her, support her, but even the thought of her and Dale being together like that�he shuddered. He needed to get away, think and then talk to them again when he was more level headed.

He took a deep breath. �I appreciate you two coming out here to tell me. I know this isn�t easy for either of you right now, and I wish I could be more understanding, but right now�I can�t. I�ll talk to you when I get back home.� He promised before giving his sister one last look then turning and walking out of the restaurant.

Dale turned and looked at Kat who was staring after her brother, looking completely devastated. �Hey,� he said softly, putting his hand on her shoulder. �We did it, we told him. The hard part is over. He�ll come around, and things will be fine, I promise.�

She blinked rapidly, fighting against the tears that were threatening. �Yeah, you�re right.� She finally answered, although she didn�t sound very convincing.

***

Carsyn looked up from the book in her hand when there was a knock on her door. She got up and walked over, not overly surprised to find Kevin standing there, but her smile immediately fell when she took in his haggard appearance. �Kevin! Are you okay? Come in.� she exclaimed, grabbing his arm, pulling him into the room.

�I�m sorry, I shouldn�t have come here.� He muttered, running his fingers through his hair.

�What are you talking about, you�re welcome here anytime. Now, what�s wrong?� she asked, although she had a good idea what it was.

�I need someone to talk too.� He pleaded, the helplessness in his eyes nearly breaking her heart. Again she took his arm and led him over to the couch.

�You can talk to me anytime.� She promised. �Now, what�s going on?�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carsyn�s heart went out to the man sitting next to her as he finished telling her what was going on with Kat and Dale. She did not let on in any way that she already knew. She could definitely understand Kevin�s feelings in all of this, but she needed to help him see the bright side of this�that it really wasn�t as bad as it seemed. She remained silent for a moment though, choosing her words carefully. She didn�t want to say anything that would make him feel as if his feelings weren�t justified because they most certainly were. She looked over at Kevin, his head snapping up when she placed her hand over his.

�I can understand your shock at the news. I�m a little shocked myself.� She began gently. �And I can more than understand what Kat is going through right now. I know that telling you this had to have been the hardest thing that she�s ever had to do in her life. She was terrified to tell you, afraid of your reaction and of disappointing you. It wasn�t so long ago that I went through the same thing myself.� She told him and saw him nod in silent acknowledgement.

�But it was different for you.� Kevin stated quietly and then continued when he saw the confusion in her eyes. �Because you were in love with Teegan�s father. Kat and Dale are not. They�re just best friends who had a one night stand�a fling.� He again shuddered, just saying the words.

Carsyn sighed heavily, not because of what he said, but because of the emotions that it stirred�the hurt and hatred at the mention of Teegan�s father. �Yes, I did love him, but his feelings weren�t the same. You really find out in short order the way things really are when something like this happens.� She laughed humorlessly and was about to continue but stopped when she felt Kevin�s other hand cover the one that she�d placed over his, his hand gripping hers tightly.

�Kat is lucky.� Carsyn continued after a moment.

�How�s that?� Kevin questioned, not understanding how there could be any truth in that statement.

�Because if this had to happen and it has, at least it happened with someone who is going to be there with her and who will be there for his child. Kat won�t be alone in this the way I was. I don�t know Dale real well, but I can tell that he is that kind of guy. He won�t abandon her like a lot of other guys would in that situation.� She told him, her voice wavering slightly. Kat was very lucky indeed to have Dale and she again found herself feeling jealous of their closeness. And while she was more than capable taking care of Teegan and herself, just once in a while she longed for someone to take care of them.

Kevin was quiet as he thought about all that Carsyn had said. �You�re right.� He finally admitted, but not only to appease her. She WAS right. He looked at Carsyn, easily sensing the sadness that had fallen about her. �Hey, you okay?� He asked as he reached out and tipped her head up until she met his eyes. He ran his thumb across her cheek, brushing away the tear there.

�Yeah.� Carsyn nodded. �Just dwelling on things that I can�t change.� She told him, leaning into his touch without realizing that she was doing so. But Kevin did and he pulled his hand away, knowing that he was getting too close and he couldn�t do that.

�Do you want to talk about it?� Although she�d never told him, he�d easily figured out the basics of what had happened between her and Teegan�s father.

Carsyn shook her head as she sat up straighter and took a deep breath to get all of her emotions back in order. �Nah, this isn�t about me. It�s about Kat and Dale.� She told him and quickly cut him off when she saw that he was about to protest.

�I know that right now this seems like the worst thing that could happen for Dale and Kat.� She began again, taking the subject of the conversation off of herself. She wasn�t ready to talk about Teegan�s father and she definitely wasn�t ready for the emotions that that conversation would evoke. She had those all nice and tucked away. And she hoped to keep it like that�it was easier to forget that way.

�But it�s really not as bad as it seems. Wait until the shock wears off and you realize that you�re going to have a little niece or nephew. Babies are really the most wonderful thing in the world.� Carsyn said as she looked lovingly over at her daughter who was sleeping peacefully in her playpen. Kevin followed her gaze, his eyes also resting on Teegan also. For the first time, he fully realized the love that filled his heart as he looked at the little girl.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Seventeen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Well, Kevin, I guess we�ll see you in a week.� Carsyn smiled at him as they all stood in the lobby, each going their separate ways until it was time for the tour to begin in seven days. She suddenly realized just how much she was going to miss him during their break. She hadn�t known him long, but they had made such a connection in their short time together, she had nearly forgotten what it was like not to have him around, and wasn�t looking forward to finding out.

He smiled warmly down at her. �I�ll miss you, and you too, pumpkin.� He said to the little girl in his arms, who smiled up at him. It was hard to tell who was more smitten with whom, Kevin or Teegan.

�Are you going to be okay?� Carsyn asked, knowing she didn�t have to elaborate. He nodded.

�Yes, thanks to you. I thought about it all last night, and have decided that this is Kat and Dale�s decision and I will stand by them both. Especially my sister. She�s always been there for me, no matter what, and I�ll do the same for her. Besides, now I�m actually looking forward to a baby. Thanks to Teegan here.� He said sincerely. �Listen, you have my number, if you need anything at all, please call me. Or if Teegan needs anything, I�m available.� He promised, hoping she would take him up on his offer.

She was a little stunned at his words, but they touched her heart unlike anything else had in a long time, aside from her daughter. �Thank you Kevin. Have a safe trip home. Give Kat and Dale my best.� She said, taking her daughter from the big man, shaking her head and laughing when Teegan began whimpering in protest. �I think she has a crush on you.� She teased.

Kevin grinned. �The feeling is mutual.� He leaned down and gave the little girl a kiss on her head. He paused then went ahead and gave Carsyn a soft kiss on her cheek, causing her breath to catch in her throat at the feel of his soft lips on her skin.

He pulled back and they both smiled at each other. �Bye Kevin.� She said softly, not wanting to leave him. By his hesitation, she knew he felt the same way.

�Kevin! You�re car is here!� Rick called out, breaking the spell that had fallen over the couple. He nodded.

�Good bye Carsyn.� He said, his voice a little rough before turning and walking out to his limo.

***

�Honey, don�t worry he will come around.� Teresa Earnhardt comforted Kat as she sat on her couch, tears streaming down her face. Teresa looked helplessly at her stepson, shrugging her shoulders.

Ever since their dinner with Kevin, Kat had been pretty much inconsolable. The disappointment she had seen in her brother�s eyes destroying her self control. He�d always been more like a father to her than a big brother, her protector, and to think that she had hurt him, even if it was unintentional, was breaking her heart. Dale had done all he could to comfort her, then finally decided to bring her over to Teresa�s, knowing the older woman would probably have more of an affect on Kat that he could at the moment.

Teresa, although she had her own concerns, was overjoyed about the news of the baby. She knew they would both make wonderful parents, and although they insisted it wouldn�t change their relationship any, she knew better. There was nothing like having a child together. Yes, Kat and Dale were closer than anyone she had ever known, but having a child together would form a new kind of bond�and she only hoped it would help them see how they were meant to be together. She had in illusions that it would be an easy road for them, but she just hoped and prayed the road ended with them being together.

Teresa brightened as she pushed some of Kat�s hair out of her face. �Hey, I have a great idea. Why don�t you and I go do some baby shopping! We can get a couple things, and once you see the little outfits, you�ll feel much better!� she promised.

Kat sniffled and wiped her eyes, smiling wobbly at the other woman. �That sounds good.� She said, her voice sounding small. She took a deep breath. �I�m sorry to be such a wreck. I don�t know what�s wrong with me!� she cried, a new fresh wave of tears starting.

Teresa smiled knowingly. �Honey, it�s your hormones. They are in overdrive right now. You�ll have many different mood swings in the next few months.�

�Oh great.� Dale muttered, causing both women to glare at him. �What?�

�And you will have to hold her hand through all these mood swings. When you�re thinking you want to strangle her, you just remember you�re just as much to cause for these mood swings as she is!� Teresa told him sternly. �And if she decides to swing at you, while you�re trying to hold her hand, you stand there and take it!�

Kat giggled at the look on Dale�s face. �Awww, Dale don�t worry, I promise not to swing�too hard.�

***

�Whew, I�m beat.� Kat complained as she sat down on Dale�s couch. She and Teresa had been shopping all afternoon and a good part of the evening. She was literally exhausted.

Dale sat down next to her, handing her a glass of water, which she accepted gratefully. �Do you want to watch a movie?� he asked.

She shook her head. �Nah, I�d probably fall asleep before the opening credits start!�

�Wanna get some sleep?� he offered. She nodded then suddenly sat up, her face brightening.

�But first I want to show you what Teresa and I bought! Oh Dale, you�re gonna love it!� she grinned as she leaned over and grabbed the bags, moving them around to in front of her. She couldn�t stop grinning as she started pulling out outfits, blankets, bottles, washcloths, tiny socks, diapers and many other essentials.

�Good lord! How much did you all buy?� Dale laughed as he too started rummaging around in the bags, laughing harder when she slapped his hands away. �Damn the slapping has started already.�

She giggled. �Shut up! Oh here�s what I wanted to show you.� She pulled out the tiniest little NASCAR jacket she had ever seen. �Isn�t it adorable?�

Dale smiled broadly, just imagining toting his child around the racetrack, showing him or her off. Suddenly he frowned. �Hey, why didn�t you get a #8 jacket?� he demanded. She rolled her eyes.

�Because they didn�t have one!� she told him. �But don�t worry Teresa�s already working on it. Geez, you�re gonna have this child decked out in Bud attire aren�t you? No one will have to wonder who Daddy is.� She laughed, then stopped at the look on his face. �What is it?�

�Daddy.� He repeated in awe. Her heart melted at the look in his eyes as he really thought about it. She shifted on the couch and snuggled close to him, sighing contently when he put his arm around her, tucking her in at his side. She closed her eyes as she laid her head on his chest, just enjoying the moment.

But that moment was ruined when doorbell rang, ending the peaceful moment they were sharing. Dale blinked and shook his head, glancing down at his watch. �Who the hell is that?� he muttered grumpily. He was enjoying quiet time with Kat, talking and dreaming about their child. He didn�t want any interruptions.

She grinned. �Well, sitting here wondering isn�t going to help you find out.� She pointed out.

He shrugged, more than willing to ignore whoever was at the door. �Fuck �em. Let�s pretend we�re not here and they�ll go away.� He suggested.

�Hey, that�s not nice.� She laughed.

�No what isn�t nice is them intruding on our �private� time.� He grumbled, groaning when the doorbell sounded, followed closely to knocking on the door. �Damn it!� he swore as he got up.

�Obviously whoever it is wasn�t aware of the Kat/Dale Private time.� She joked. He threw her a look over his shoulder.

�Well then we need to put out a memo and get people used to it.� He said as he opened the door. �Oh.� He said, then snapped out of his surprise. �Hey.�

Kevin nodded. �Hey. Is my sister here?� he asked, although he already knew the answer. Kat hadn�t been home, there really was only one other place she would be.

Dale glanced back over his shoulder at Kat, who was oblivious to who was at the door. She was busy going through her bags of baby stuff, a huge smile on her face. Dale made a decision then and there. He quickly moved so he nearly pushed Kevin out the door with his own body, closing the door behind him so Kat wouldn�t hear the conversation.

Kevin looked confused, but before he could say anything, Dale spoke. �Kevin, I don�t want you to take any offense to what I�m about to say. You�re like a brother to me, but Kat and this baby are my number one priority. Ever since seeing you last night she has been a complete wreck. It wasn�t until earlier she finally snapped out of it. I know you�re upset, hurt, disappointed or whatever, but the fact is you need to get over it. We are having this baby, and I�ll be damned if I�m going to stand by and watch her fall apart again. It�s not good for her and it�s not good for the baby.� Dale said sternly.

�So if you�re here to simply upset her again, you can just turn around and leave now.� Dale crossed his arms over his chest. He would do anything and everything he could to protect the two most important people in his life, Kat and the baby. Even if it meant protecting her from her own brother.

Kevin couldn�t help it, he had to smile. Any doubts he had about Dale being a father or being there for Kat, evaporated in seconds. It was obvious Dale was committed to his sister, and he wouldn�t stand in the way of that. In fact, he found himself grateful Kat did have Dale.

�I promise, I�m not here to upset her. I�m here to apologize, actually. To both of you.� Kevin said sincerely, feeling horrible at hearing how upset Kat had been and that he had been the cause of it. Dale stayed quiet for a moment, studying his long time friend before nodding and turning to let them both back in the house.

Kat looked up when Dale walked back in, sending him a teasing grin. �Don�t tell me you really ran the person off?� she laughed, but it was cut off when her brother walked in behind him, all the mirth fading from her face as she stood up to face her brother, her face going a little pale. �Kevin.� She whispered.

Dale�s first initial reaction was to get Kevin to leave immediately, seeing Kat�s reaction to her brother�s presence. But he held himself in check, knowing that sooner or later Kat and Kevin would have to talk and work things out. It might as well be now. But he would be close by and the minute Kevin said something to upset her, he was out of there!

Kevin gave his little sister the best reassuring smile he could, hating the way she was looking at him. Like she was almost frightened. �Hey.� He greeted. �I went by your place and when you weren�t there figured I�d try here.�

She nodded, but didn�t say anything. Kevin sighed heavily. Never in their entire lives had there ever been any kind of discomfort between them. �Kat, I need to apologize for my reaction. I�m so sorry. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you. Sure, I was shocked, but that doesn�t excuse the way I acted. You needed me and I wasn�t there for you, and I can�t apologize enough for that. But I�m here now, and I swear I�ll never turn my back on you again.�

Kat�s eyes filled with tears, but she fought them back, struggling to find her own voice. �I�m sorry Kevin.� She whispered, her lower lip trembling. He came forward and pulled her into a tight hug as her tears spilled over.

�Shhhh,� he soothed her. �You have nothing to be sorry for, Katrina, nothing! You are my sister, and I love you no matter what. And I will adore my niece or nephew.� He promised, knowing it was true. Hell, he already loved the child that wasn�t even born yet.

�I love you too, Kevin.� She said, her voice muffled from his chest. She pulled back and smiled up at him, wiping at her tears.

�Do you forgive me?� he asked. She nodded.

�Of course!� she exclaimed. He turned and looked at Dale. �What about you? Can you forgive me for the way I acted?�

Dale nodded and came forward slapping him on the back. �Of course. Besides, you know if you hadn�t come around soon I�d had to have tracked you down and beat your ass.� He grinned, which fell when both Kevin and Kat cracked up. �Oh you think I can�t beat him? I could take him!�

�I�d pay money to see that.� Kat giggled. �Hey, you�re back just in time to come with us to Daytona!� They were leaving the next morning to get ready for the Daytona 500. It was speed week, and there was lots to be done, and it was a time that neither Kat nor Kevin missed.

He nodded. �Yup, wouldn�t miss it for the world.� He said, feeling like a ton of bricks had been lifted from his shoulders. His eyes widened when he saw what was lying on the couch. �Someone�s been shopping.�

Kat nodded. �Teresa took me. We got tons of stuff for the baby.� She exclaimed, the excitement and joy in her eyes obvious.

�Well, let me see!� Kevin said, ushering her over to the couch, anxious to see all that had been purchased.

***

�I�ll be there in a minute!� Kat called to Dale when he yelled to her dinner was ready. After showing all the baby stuff, she had taken a few minutes to herself, going to �her� room for privacy. It was the room she used whenever she stayed over, well except for that one night. Dale insisted that no one else would ever be allowed to use that room.

She looked up when Dale walked in. �I said I�d be there in a minute.� She told him. He smiled and came forward, pulling her into a hug, just needing to hold her for a moment.

�I know, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.� He said, looking down into her eyes. He knew he�d find the truth there.

�I�m fine, honestly. Better than ever actually.� She smiled. �Um, I did have something I wanted to talk to you about though.�

�What?�

�Well, don�t get me wrong, I�m so grateful Kevin came around when he did, but I also think he had a little help.� She smiled warmly thinking of her new friend. �And I know she�s home with Teegan, so I was kinda hoping you could get some extra passes, and I could call and invite her and Teegan out to the track for the 500.� Her eyes all but pleaded with him, but there really was no need too.

�I think it�s a brilliant idea. Plus, that way you can continue to play matchmaker.� He grinned down at her. She giggled then went up on tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

�You�re wonderful, Earnhardt.� She told him sincerely. �I don�t know what I would do without you.�

�Well, luckily you�ll never have to find out.� He promised. �Okay, you call Carsyn and invite her, I�ll keep Kevin occupied, since I�m sure you want this to be a surprise for your brother.�

She grinned. �You know me too well.�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Eighteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Oh wow! That sounds wonderful!� Carsyn exclaimed after Kat had just asked her to come to Daytona for the 500. �I could really use this vacation and it�ll work out great because my sister lives just outside of Daytona so she can take care of Teegan while I�m at the race.�

Kat was nearly bursting when she heard this. This was absolutely perfect. Not that she didn�t want Teegan there, but if she weren�t, Kevin and Carsyn would get some nice one on one time. �That sounds great! Dale and I are leaving for Daytona tomorrow and we�ll be there all week so give me a yell on my cell when you get into town.�

�I�m thinking we may leave as soon as the day after tomorrow. It�s so cold here and warm, sunny Florida is sounding really nice right about now. I just need to call my sister and make sure that she�s going to be home and everything so we can stay with her.� Carsyn said and then paused for a moment before asking her next question. �Is Kevin going to be there too?� She asked, hoping that it sounded like nothing more than a casual question.

Kat grinned, easily hearing the hope in Carsyn�s voice even though she was trying to cover it. She momentarily felt bad for the little lie that she was about to tell, but she quickly got over it, knowing that it was worth it to see the looks on Kevin and Carsyn�s faces when they saw each other.

�No, unfortunately he had something else going on. He really wanted to be there, but just couldn�t.� Kat answered, holding her breath as she waited for Carsyn�s response.

�Oh.� Carsyn replied flatly, unable to hide the disappointment. She was still really looking forward to seeing Dale and Kat though. �Okay, I�m gonna let you go so I can make flight arrangements and everything.� She told Kat, really excited to see her new friend again. She also was curious to find out if things had gotten worked out between Kat and her brother, but she didn�t want to get into that over the phone.

�Alright, let me know when you�re flying out and arriving and all that stuff. I�ll most likely be able to meet you at the airport when you get in.�

�Okay, will do. I�ll talk to you later.� Carsyn said and then after saying their good-byes, they ended the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Nineteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�We�ve been coming here every year for ages, and you�d think it would start to feel the same, but it doesn�t. Every time feels like the first time.� Kevin exclaimed, looking around the track, the excitement of Daytona in the air.

Kat laughed. �You�re like a big kid!�

�Hey, it�s Daytona! What do you expect?� he asked, then his eyes brightened. �Hey, there�s Tony Stewart. I�m gonna go talk to him, be right back.� He then walked off, an obvious bounce in his step.

Kat shook her head as she watched him go. Her brother was in his glory. Aside from being on stage performing, there was nothing he loved more than being at the track with his friends. Unfortunately while with Fuel, he wasn�t able to make many races.

�Oh shit, Kevin�s found Tony already? Wonder what they have in store for me this year.� Dale sighed as he walked up to Kat. Each year Tony, Kevin, Michael Waltrip and Kevin Harvick got together and pulled some kind of prank on Dale, each year trying to out do the one before.

Kat turned to her best friend. �Oh I wouldn�t worry too much. In a few hours Kevin will be far to occupied to be working about this years joke.� She grinned, glancing down at her watch. She was anxious for the time to pass so she could get to the airport to pick up Carsyn.

�Are you going to be okay going to the airport by yourself? I can have someone go with you.� Dale offered. She smiled and shook her head.

�Nah, I�ll be fine, I promise. Besides, I�m taking your truck, so I�ll be more than safe.�

�Oh okay, good�wait a second. My truck?� he demanded. �Who said you were taking my truck?�

She grinned. �I just did.�

�Oh hell no! I�ve seen the way you drive, you�re not taking my baby!� he protested. She put her hands on her hips.

�What the hell do you want me to do? Walk?� she asked. He looked torn. It wasn�t that she�d never driven his truck before, but it was always with him in it.

He sighed and reluctantly dug in his jeans pocket and pulled out the keys. �Okay, fine, but I swear Kat, if there is one scratch on it when you get back, your ass is mine!�

She took the keys and gave him a triumphant look. �Ha, I could wreck and total the truck, and you couldn�t touch me for the next seven months!� she shot back.

He groaned and closed his eyes. �You�re really making me not want you to drive it.�

�Oh geez, grow up!� she laughed. �I�m not going to hurt the damn truck!�

***

�Carsyn!� Kat called, seeing the other woman walking off the plane, obviously looking around for her. Carsyn broke out into a smile when she saw her new friend and hurried over to her.

�How is everything with your brother?� she asked, they really hadn�t had a chance to talk about things before. She could tell by the smile on Kat�s face that everything was fine. �Wonderful, and I know I have you to thank for that. I�ll pay you back�one day.� Kat promised. Carsyn waved her off. �You don�t owe me a thing. So, how are you feeling?� she immediately asked, although Kat looked wonderful, having the nice new expectant mother glow.

�I feel wonderful.� Kat replied looking down at Teegan who was smiling and cooing at her. �Hello sweetheart. How was your flight?� she asked directing the last part at Carsyn.

�It was good. I�m glad to be here though. Anxious to get to the track and see what�s going on.� She exclaimed. �Do you mind if we stop by my sisters? I was gonna wait until later to drop Teegan off, but my sister is anxious to have her.�

�Sure not a problem. It�ll be fun, it�ll make Dale worry about his truck more.� Kat grinned evilly.

�What do you mean?�

�I�ll explain on the way, come on let�s get your bags and get going. There are so many people I want you to see at that track.� She grinned secretively. Really there was only one person in particular she was anxious for Carsyn to see. They were both going to be in for a huge surprise, and Kat couldn�t wait!

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Chapter Twenty

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Carsyn�s eyes were wide as she and Kat walked through the track infield. She looked every where, trying to take everything in at once. She�d been a casual fan of Nascar before, but she could easily see herself becoming hooked after this. She was totally in awe!

�There�s Dale. I better let him know that we�re back I�m sure he�s about ready to send out the Marines after his missing truck.� Kat joked, rolling her eyes.

Carsyn laughed as she and Kat walked up behind Dale. He laughter faded though when Dale moved slightly to the side and she saw whom he was talking to. �Kevin.� She whispered, stopping dead in her tracks.

Kat grinned as she watched Carsyn, knowing that she�d seen Kevin. He hadn�t seen her yet, but it wouldn�t be long before he did as Dale turned fully around and saw that she was back. She knew that she was in for it when she saw the look in his eye. She wasn�t the least bit worried though. She knew that Dale was all bark and no bite. Besides she knew well enough how to calm his ruffled feathers. And if he made her miss Kevin and Carsyn�s reactions, he was going to be on the receiving end of an ass chewing of his own.

Carsyn was oblivious of Dale walking by her towards Kat, all of her attention focused on Kevin. She squealed in surprise when she suddenly felt herself being picked up and whirled through the air. She looked up at Kevin in shock as he set her back on the ground. She�d been so dazed that he was there, that she hadn�t even realized that he�d moved.

�Oh my god, what are you doing here!?� They exclaimed in unison. They laughed as they looked at each other, both of them realizing that although it has only been two days since they�d last seen each other, they missed the other�a lot. Even though neither of them would readily admit it to anyone�not even themselves.

�It�s good to see you.� Carsyn told him, still unable to believe that he was actually there. �Kat told me that you weren�t able to make it.�

Kevin gave her a funny look. �She did?� He asked, confused as to why Kat would have told Carsyn that. He looked over at his sister, seeing her quickly glance away with a secretive smile. Understanding immediately dawned on him. He turned his attention back to Carsyn. �Well, here I am. And it�s good to see you too.� He paused for a moment as he looked her, realizing that something�or someone was missing.

�Where is that gorgeous daughter of yours?� He asked, immediately missing Teegan.

�I have a sister that lives down here so she�s taking care of Teegan. But don�t worry, we�re going to be here for a few days so you�ll be able to see her. I know she�ll be happy.� Carsyn answered, smiling as she thought about her daughter. She missed her though. This was the first time that she�d ever really been away from Teegan for anything but being in the studio.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Twenty One

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�Well, I think someone had a good time last night.� Kat teased when Carsyn walked in the next morning. Carsyn groaned softly, putting a hand to her head, which was currently throbbing. She�d never been a big drinker, but ever since getting pregnant, she hadn�t drank anything, so the little she had the night before had gone straight to her head.

�I think I did.� She replied with a sheepish grin. �I�m not much of a drinker if you couldn�t tell.�

�No? Really?� Kat joked. �Come on, we�ve got to get to the track. I�ve got some aspirin in the bathroom, help yourself. Take three, then down a large glass of water, then on the way we�ll stop and get some greasy food in you, and you�ll be better in no time, I promise.�

Carsyn made a face. �Ugh, don�t even mention food!�

Kat grinned. �Seriously, I�ve been through many of Dale�s hangovers, the best thing for you is greasy food. Sounds terrible right now I know, but you need to force it down, and then in no time you�ll feel like a new woman.�

Carsyn gave her a doubtful look. �Are you sure?�

�I�d bet my life on it.� Kat promised. Carsyn nodded, although somewhat reluctantly.

�Alright, at this point I�ll try just about anything.�

***

�I can�t believe how much better I feel!� Carsyn exclaimed happily as she and Kat walked through the crowded infield of the track. �You were right!�

Kat smiled. �When you�ve been through some of Dale�s hangovers, you learn the best way to cure them real quick!�

�Are we meeting Dale and Kevin?� Carsyn asked, unable to prevent a slight blush from touching her cheeks. She�d had the most amazing dream about Kevin the night before. In the dream they had been to the same club they had all gone too, but she and Kevin had shared a passionate kiss. She sighed softly thinking about how good it had felt in the dream.

Kat was looking around as she nodded. �That�s the plan.�

Carsyn shook her head. �How are we supposed to find anyone in this crowd of people?� she asked.

�Well, I just look for the largest cluster of fans, and ninety nine percent of the time, Dale�s stuck in the middle of it. Oh wait, there�s Kevin.� Kat said, she and Carsyn moving towards a small group of people, which consisted of Kevin, Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick.

Kevin saw them coming and smiled at his sister and Carsyn. Kat bit her lip to keep from smirking, noticing how his smile softened when his eyes touched on Carsyn. Ooooh, they were so perfect for each other! If they didn�t start realizing it soon, it would be time for her to take drastic measures.

�Good morning, Ladies.� Kevin greeted. �How are you feeling?� he asked Carsyn.

It took her a minute to find her voice. Looking at him, all she could think about was the kiss that was shared in her dream�then it struck her how �real� it seemed. It had only been a dream�hadn�t it?

�I�m fine. Actually great, Kat cured my hangover.� She smiled at her new friend, but keeping a close eye on Kevin.

He grinned. �She�s the best a curing hangovers, course she�s had a lot of practice.�

Carsyn nodded, but her mind was wandering. It had to have only been a dream. Kevin wasn�t acting any different, so there was no way the kiss had been real. She needed to just forget it and move on.

Kevin stepped closer to his sister. �Uh, Kat there�s something you need to know.� He said almost hesitantly. She gave him a funny look.

�What?�

�Promise me you�ll stay calm.� He said. She sucked in a deep breath. If he was already warning her, then she knew whatever it was he had to say, she was not going to like it.

It didn�t help when Kevin Harvick looked away, trying not to laugh, and Tony muttered, �That�s not likely.�

�I make no promises what so ever, so you just better spit it out.� She told him.

�Charlene is here.� Carsyn looked from brother to sister, not understanding what was going on. But from the look on Kat�s face, the way her eyes narrowed, and her cheeks went red, this Charlene person was obviously not a favorite of Kat�s.

�What?� she demanded through clenched teeth. �Where is she? Where�s Dale?�

Kevin bit his lip. �They are in his trailer.� Before he could say anything else, Kat took off in that direction, fire in her eyes. He looked apologetically at Carsyn.

�I�m sorry, but we need to follow her and make sure she doesn�t do any bodily harm to Charlene.� He told her as they hurried after Kat.

�Take pictures!� Kevin Harvick called out after them. �Who is this woman?� Carsyn asked, nearly running to keep up.

�She�s Dale�s ex-girlfriend. She�s a total bitch, and she and Kat can�t stand each other, obviously. She also broke Dale�s heart not too long ago, so you can only imagine how Kat feels about her.� Kevin explained.

�Oh.� Carsyn replied as they caught up to Kat who had just reached the trailer. She swung the door open and charged up the stairs, glaring at the two people sitting on the couch together.

�Well, isn�t this cozy.� She snarled, her eyes never leaving Charlene, whom went a little pale at Kat�s sudden presence. Dale stood up, knowing he was about to be in the middle of an all out war.

�Kat.� He said warningly. �Let�s talk outside.�

She slowly shifted her eyes to her best friend, and he nearly cringed at the look there. �I think I�ll stay right here, thank you.� She all but growled at him.

Charlene stood up and bravely put her hand on Dale�s arm, gaining his attention. �Maybe I should get going.� She offered, hoping like hell he would ask her to stay and for Kat to leave.

�That�s a good idea.� He told her before turning and walking over to his best friend, taking her arm and leading her to the back of the trailer. Charlene watched them go, her eyes narrowed.

She had made a mistake allowing Dale to slip through her fingers, and she�d be damned if she were going to just walk away again. She was back, Dale would be hers, and Kat would just be a memory in the past.

�You need to leave.� She jumped and turned, rolling her eyes when she saw Kevin standing there.

�Tell Dale I�ll see him later.� She said snottily as she walked past him to the door.

�Don�t count on it.� Kevin told her before slamming the door shut.

***

The instant they were in the bedroom of the motor coach, Kat turned on Dale. �What the fuck is going on? How could you let her in here?� she demanded.

Dale held up his hands, knowing that it would be near impossible to calm her down at the moment, but that didn�t mean he wouldn�t try. �Kat, it�s not what you think.� He started. �I didn�t let her in here. When I cam back from practice, she was waiting in here for me.�

Kat�s hands went to her hips, obviously not impressed by his answer. �And you didn�t just throw the bitch out on her ass because?�

Dale�s shoulder�s slumped. �She wanted to talk and begged me to listen. What was I supposed to do?�

�Tell her to get the fuck out!� she yelled. �And how in the hell did she get in here to begin with?�

Dale mumbled something but she couldn�t understand him. �What?� she asked.

�She has a key.� He muttered.

�YOU GAVE HER A KEY?� she shrieked, causing him to jump.

�It was while we were together, damn Kat, calm down.�

She turned up her glare. �Don�t you dare tell me to calm down, Dale! The woman who completely tore you apart, nearly destroyed our friendship, comes back and I�m what, supposed to encourage you to go for it? Sorry, Dale, not happening!�

He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. �I don�t know what to say.�

�Tell me you�re not thinking about getting back together with that woman, please.� She all but begged him. He looked at her, and she could see the confusion in his eyes.

�Oh god, you are!� she cried, turning her back on him, fighting against a sudden rush of tears that filled her eyes. What the hell was up with her emotions?

He walked up behind her and attempted to put his hands on her shoulders, but she jerked away from him as if he�d burnt her. �Kat, I can�t say we�re getting back together. But she said all the right things. I don�t know what to do!� He truly was torn. �She even said she was willing to get to know you, and will accept you as a part of my life.�

She took a deep calming breath that didn�t do much good and turned back to face him. �And did you tell her about the change in things?� she asked.

�What do you mean?� he asked, only sparking her temper even farther.

�Our baby Dale!� she yelled. �Or did you just suddenly forget that little aspect. How do you think she�s going to react when she finds out we�re having a baby together, and that I�m going to be more a part of your life than she could possibly imagine?�

Dale shook his head helplessly.

�How could you not tell her about the baby?� Kat asked, her voice suddenly small.

�I-I didn�t think about it.� He answered, then cringed knowing immediately that was the wrong answer.

�You didn�t think about it.� She repeated, then gave a humorless laugh that chilled him to the bone. �Well, you know what Dale, you don�t need to think about it anymore. This baby and I will be fine on our own!�

�Stop it, Kat, you�re talking crazy!� he shouted himself. �You know I�m going to be a part of my child�s life.�

�Then act like it!� she snapped back. �The first opportunity, you forget about the baby.�

She fell silent for a moment, trying to figure out how to word her next statement. �Dale, I understand that you were in love with Charlene, and still have very strong feelings for her. I get that. But I�m not going to stand by and watch her destroy you again. I can�t.�

�What do you mean?� he asked, dread filling him.

�I�ve never given you any kind of ultimatums where I�m concerned, and I hate doing it now. But I have more than just myself to think of. There is our baby. And I don�t want that woman in my child�s life in anyway shape or form.� She told him truthfully. �If you decide to get back together with her, stay away from me, Dale, I mean it. I won�t be a part of it. She and I will never get along, and you know it. I�m not putting myself through that stress.�

�Kat.� He started, his voice gruff, but she stopped him.

�I�m serious Dale. Take the time you need to think about it, but if she is who you choose, then I�m done.� She told him. She gave him one last long look before turning and walking out. She needed to get out of there�now!

She walked quickly past her brother and Carsyn. It wasn�t until she was almost to the garages that they caught up with her.

�Hey,� Kevin said softly, stopping her, pulling her into a hug. �Are you okay?�

She shook her head, struggling to find her voice and keep it from quivering. �I wanna get out of here.� She said.

Kevin bit his lip. He wanted to go with her, but at the same time he wanted to talk to Dale and give him a piece of his own mind. Carsyn could easily see the battle going on inside of him.

�Hey, why don�t you go ahead and talk to Dale, I�ll take Kat back to the hotel.� She offered. She knew her friend was going to need a shoulder to cry on and would have a much easier time doing it with only her around.

�Are you sure? I hate to make you miss the race.� He told her. Plus he hated the idea of being away from her. She smiled and nodded.

�Today is only the Bush race. I know Dale�s in it, but I�m looking forward to tomorrow�s race. I�ll be fine, and so will Kat.� She promised.

�Okay, thank you Carsyn.� He told her, then on impulse pulled her into a hug. He pulled back slightly and smiled gratefully down at her when an image flashed through his mind. He could see them in the same exact position, then himself leaning down and capturing her lips with his own. He nearly jumped back, releasing her.

�Uh, I better go find Dale. Thanks again, and Kat, if you need me, call me.� He told her. She wasn�t listening to him, already headed towards the exit. With a wave Carsyn turned and hurried after her. Kevin watched her leave, wondering where in the hell that image had come from.

It felt so right�so real�

Book Two
2004/2005 K&K Productions

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