Chapter 8 The Next morning Alexis is just getting out of the shower when she hears the phone ringing. She grabs a towel, throws it around her, and runs into the next room. �Hello.� �Do you have any idea how happy I�ll be after we get married.� Alexis laughed. �Good morning Ned and I missed you too.� �I hate waking up and not finding you next to me in bed.� Ned sadly stated. �I�m sorry I just had a lot of work to catch up on and with you around I know I�d never get it done.� �What are you going to do once we�re married and can�t throw me out anymore?� Ned asked jokingly. �Most likely lose a lot of clients.� She quickly joked back. �Do you think maybe we could meet later for lunch?� Ned asked. �The Grill around one?� Alexis looked at herself in the mirror and then down at her stomach. She placed her hand on it and sighed. �Sweetheart are you still there?� Ned asked. �Huh�.oh I�m sorry, lunch right?� �Yea you know the meal that you usually skip.� He joked. �I really don�t know what I have planned for today. I need to make some phone calls and get some meetings set up.� Alexis paused for a moment and rolled her eyes. �So can I call you later and let you know?� �Not to much later, okay.� �Okay, I love you.� �I love you too and I�ll be sitting her waiting for your call.� He replied as he hung up.� Alexis closed her eyes and brought the phone up to her face and thought for a few seconds before hanging it up. She looked back into the mirror and screamed. Somehow just letting out all the uncertainty and denial that she built up in her with just one scream made her feel slightly better. Okay so maybe she didn�t feel any better but at least it gave her a chance to breathe. She sat down on the edge of her bed and bite her bottom lip while ten thousand thoughts suddenly came rushing through her head. �This can�t be happening.� She said to herself. �I can�t be preg�I just can�t be. �She got up and removed the towel from her body and began getting dressed. �Oh god what if I am��what if I really am pre�.preg�.. oh� she screamed as she placed her hands over her face. �This is just a bad nightmare�Nikolas was preoccupied with something and he just changed the conversation we were having onto me.� She threw her hands up in the air as she tried to rationalize all the thoughts in her head. �I�ve only gotten sick once or twice���for a couple of days��.and just for a couple of weeks.� She walks over and picks up her daily journal. �Okay so I�m a few weeks late���..Okay so maybe I didn�t get it last month and I�m two weeks late this month��.it doesn�t necessarily mean that I�m preg�preg��pregnant.� She finally spit out as the word hit her like a ton of bricks. She closed her eyes and fell back onto her bed as the room started to spin and she began to cry. She opened her eyes and looked down at her hands through her uncontrollable tears and noticed her hands trembling, she started hyperventilating as she ran into the bathroom and got sick. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- �Mom, Dad I�m leaving now catch ya later.� Emily yelled as she ran down the stairs and out the door. �Emily wait.� Monica yelled just before the door fully closed. Emily couldn�t avoid her so she opened the door back up. �Mom can we do this later, I�m really late.� She replied as she rolled her eyes. Great choice of words� she thought to herself. �Actually no it can�t wait.� Monica stated as she grabbed her daughters arm and pulled her into the living room. �Young lady don�t you know that breakfast is the�� �Most important meal of the day.� Emily finished his statement. �Yes Grandfather I do but I�m not hungry and I�m late.� �This weekend is your grandparents wedding anniversary and all that Lila has asked is that the entire family join them for dinner Saturday night, so if you have plans Emily you need to cancel them.� Monica clearly stated. �No problem mom I�ll be there.� Emily said as she kissed her mother good bye and ran out of the room. Monica followed after her. �Emily is everything alright? You�ve been kind of quiet lately.� �I�m okay mom really.� Em plainly stated. �Is it okay if I invite Nikolas to have dinner with us?� �I think having someone you can lean on when this whole family gets together is a great idea. We just won�t tell Edward till it�s to late.� �Thanks mom, I love you, you�re the best.� �What did you say to that little girl to put her in such a good mood.� Edward demanded to know as he walked into the foyer as Emily left. �I hate to tell you this Edward but she isn�t a little girl anymore.� Monica said as her pager went off. �Well she�s way to young to be getting serious with that Juan boy.� �Edward, Juan and Emily broke up at least a month ago, you really need to get with it.� She laughed as she walked away. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly�s �So breakfast on you or what?� Lucky asked as he joined Nikolas at the table. �What do you think?� Nikolas asked Lucky as he pulled out a diamond ring. Lucky was taken back a little. �Please tell me that isn�t what I think it is!� Nikolas put the ring back in its box. �It�s exactly what you think it is.� �Aren�t you a little young to be thinking about getting��..isn�t Emily a little young.� Lucky yelled. �Keep your voice down I don�t want the whole world to know.� �I hate to tell you this Nikolas but you can spot that ring a mile a way. I think people might notice once you put it on Emily� finger.� Lucky clearly stated. �Does her family even know that the two of you are dating let alone thinking about marriage?� �The only people who know about us besides you and Liz are Ned and Alexis.� �Well clearly that�s about to change.� Nikolas sat back in his chair. �More then you know.� Lucky gave him a serious look. �Meaning.� �Lucky, Emily� pregnant.� �Didn�t your uncle teach anything?� Lucky asked. �Haven�t you ever heard of the word condom before.� �Awww my two boys taking about condoms in the middle of Kelly�s, it�s a mothers dream come true.� Laura joked as she stood behind her younger son. �Mom what are you doing here?� A nervous Nikolas asked. �Don�t worry I�m not staying.� Laura replied. �Just do me a favor guys and make sure you use them.� She added as she walked away. �What was that all about?� Bobbie asked as she handed Laura her to go order. �I�m not quit sure but I don�t like the sound of it.� Laura said. �Good morning ladies.� Alexis said as she walked up to the counter. �Good morning Alexis.� Bobbie cheerily said back. �What can I get for you?� �A few minutes of your time?� Alexis looked over at Laura and gave her a dirty look. �Privately.� �Well apparently I�m just not wanted anywhere this days.� Laura said bitterly as she picked up her order and left. �I guess something�s never change.� Bobbie said as she poured Alexis a cup of coffee. �Oh I don�t know the two of you are friends after how many years, plus somehow we managed to become friends again.� �True.� Bobbie said as she walked around the counter and sat on the stool next to her. �So what�s up, besides being completely nervous about this wedding of yours?� �So you got the invitation?� Alexis asked as she took a sip of her coffee. �Just the other day and I�ve already sent back my reply.� �Gee the months��. they fly by so quickly.� Alexis said as she played with her mother�s ring. �Before I know it I�ll be married��..� �Having kids.� Bobbie added cutting her off. �What�s it like?� Alexis seriously asked. �What�s what like?� �Having kids, being pregnant?� �Oh god I was so young when I got pregnant and I spent have the time trying to hide it from everyone that I ended up stressing myself out a lot and getting sick. It wasn�t until I finally found the courage to tell Luke and my Aunt Ruby the truth that my pregnancy become the most wonderful feeling I�ve ever felt.� �I take it your stress level dropped a lot.� �Along with my morning sickness.� Bobbie added �By keeping my pregnancy to myself I was literally making myself sick.� �How long does morning sickness usually last?� �It varies from person to person, pregnancy to pregnancy. Some people get sick right up to the day they have the baby, which mind ya is rare. Other people don�t get sick at all, but I�d say mostly it comes and goes throughout you�re pregnancy. The first trimester being the worst.� �Excuse me Bobbie.� Liz said. �I really hate to do this to ya but I�ve got to go. I have an eleven o�clock class and if I don�t leave now I�ll never make it.� Alexis looked down at her watch. �You know I should really be going as well. Maybe we could get together later this week for lunch?� �That would be great.� Bobbie replied. �Liz can I give you a ride, I�m going that way?� Alexis said. �That would be great thanks.� �Hey you two stay out of trouble.� Alexis said to Nikolas and Lucky as she walked by their table. �If she only knew.� Lucky said quietly as he lends across the table. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 9 L&B Studios Alexis walked into her office to find Ned sitting behind her desk talking on the phone. He motioned for her to come close to him and as she did he took her hand and pulled her onto his lap. �Yes grandfather I�ll be there���.I know it means a lot to grandmother����I said I�d be there didn�t I� he yelled as Alexis lends across his body and kisses him. �Of course I�m bringing her with me���..I beg to differ, we are getting married so that automatically makes her part of the family.� Ned looked up at Alexis and she could tell he was completely distraught. �Just tell grandmother we�ll be there.� He yelled as he hung up on him. �And just where is it that we intend to be?� Alexis asked. �It�s my grandparents anniversary and my grandmother wants everyone to attend a family dinner this Saturday.� Alexis gave him a look. �I don�t suppose this could fall under the technicality that technically we aren�t married so therefore technically we aren�t family�.� �Technically you�re going�.�end of discussion.� Ned stated as he cut her off and slapped the top of her leg. �And since when aren�t we family!� He yelled. Alexis looked at him and then changed the subject. �Didn�t you say something this morning about taking me to lunch?� �Didn�t you say you were going to call me when you figured out what you were doing?� He shot back. �I did, but I wanted to surprise you.� She stated as she kissed him. �So where are we going?� �Any place your little heart desires.� �How about that little caf� in Central Park.� Alexis jokes. �I�ll call the hanger and have the jet ready.� Ned stated as he picked up the phone. Alexis took the phone from him and hung it up. �Actually, how does ordering Chinese�s food and taking it back to the Gatehouse sound?� Ned pushed her off his lap. �If you�d like.� �I�d like.� �Then let�s go.� Ned replied �We can order it from the car.� -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Cottage Later on that evening �Sorry I�m late.� Emily said as Nikolas opened the front door. �I�m just glad you came at all.� Nikolas replied as he gave her a small kiss. Emily smiled as she walked over to the couch and sat down. �Nikolas I didn�t mean to avoid you I just needed time to myself.� �Can I get you something to drink?� �No thanks, I�m fine.� Nikolas sat down next to her and took her hand. �I�ve missed you Em.� �And I�ve missed you.� She states as she lends against him. �Have you made an appointment with a doctor yet?� �Yea I made an appointment with Dr Newman for first thing tomorrow morning.� �Can I come with you?� Nikolas asked. Emily sat up and looked him in the eyes. �You�d come with me?� Nikolas rubbed the side of her face. �Of course I would Em I love you and this baby you�re carrying is apart of both of us. Emily started to cry as he pulled her closer to him. �I love you too, so much.� �Do you think it�s to soon to find out weather it�s a girl or a boy?� Nik asked. �Do you really want to know?� �I don�t know�.sometimes I guess.� Nik replied. �Wouldn�t you like to know.� �I never really thought about it.� �Have you thought about weather you�d rather have a girl or a boy?� Emily looked at him sadly. �To tell the truth the only thing I�ve really thought much about is how on earth I�m going to tell my parents.� �I�ve come up with a way that�s going to make this whole thing easier.� Nikolas replied as he got up and ran into the other room. �Where are you going?� Emily yelled. �I�ll be right back don�t go anywhere.� He yelled from the other room. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gatehouse Ned and Alexis are sitting on the floor leaning against the couch. Ned has one hand wrapped around her as he holds a glass of scotch in the other hand. Alexis is completely comfortable and doesn�t have a care in the world. Her body is tightly up against his and her head is lying on his chest. She stares aimlessly into the fire as Ned looks down on her. He reaches behind him and places his drink on the table. He then takes his fingers and starts running them through her hair. �Can we stay like this forever?� Alexis finally asked. �We can stay here till morning, if you�d like.� He replies as he kisses the top of her head. �Ned have you ever thought about�us ��.you and me�..� �That would be us.� He laughed �Maybe someday�..I mean not necessarily now but someday��not that now would be a bad thing.� �Alexis sweetheart just spit it out.� He remarks while once again cutting her off. �I know I�m making no sense.� �I love it when you make no sense.� He said as he kissed the top of her head. �I love it when you make sense.� He added as he lifted her face to his and kissed the top of her forehead. �I love it when you ramble.� He kissed her cheek. �I love it when you say nothing at all.� He kissed her other cheek. �Let�s just face it I love you.� He said before kissing her lips lightly. �I love you.� Alexis added before deepening the kiss. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile back at the Cottage Nikolas rejoined Emily on the couch and was having a hard time expressing his feelings as well. �Emily you know I love you right?� Emily shook her head. �And you know I�d do anything for you and I�d never leave you.� Emily shook her head again as Nikolas got off the couch and placed one knee on the ground. �Plus you know that I love this baby right.� He took her left hand in his and held his other hand tight. �Nikolas what are you saying?� �I�m saying that I think that our child deserves to be raised by both of its parents and that the best way for us to do that is to be with him or her always.� He looks down at his hands and takes a deep breath before looking into her eyes. Emily�s eyes grow wider as his eyes make contact with hers. They both seem to be having a hard time breathing as Nikolas opens his one hand and careful places a ring on her finger. �Nikolas!� Emily states as a single tear runs down her cheek. �Will you mar��..Will you Emily Bowman Quatermaine.� He takes a deep breath and they stare at each other for a few moments in utter silence. �Marry me?� he finally blurts out. Emily�s eyes slowly fill with water as the tears escape her face and hit the ground. Her whole body goes into total shook mode, as she places her one hand over her mouth. She never expected nor dared to hope in her wildest dreams that the boy she had a major crush on a few years back would be the same man kneeling in front of her today asking her to become his wife. �Emily.� Nikolas quietly said as took her hand away from her mouth and brought it up to his own kissing it. �Will you marry me?� A smile came across Emily�s face and she began to breath heavily as his heart skipped a beat and she yelled. �YES!� He grabbed her and placed several tiny kisses all over her face as she continued yelling. �Yes Nikolas Cassidine I�ll marry you.� He pulled his face away from hers and looked deep into her eyes. A few seconds later he pulled her lips to his and over took her mouth. As their tongues crashed together they quickly ripped each others clothes off and made love to one another long into the night. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER 10 The Gatehouse Ned is once again sitting on the floor watching the flames from the fireplace slowly die out as the sun beings to break up over the horizon. Alexis is lying on the floor with her head on his lap as he gently massages the side of her face. He looks down at her just as she begins to open her eyes. �Sleep well?� He asked. �After making love to you all night, how could I not.� �I love watching you sleep.� �Why because it�s the only time I�m not rambling?� She joked. �Well there�s that.� He shot back. �And the fact that you look so peaceful and at ease with yourself.� �Ned do you plan on having us live here once we get married?� �I don�t know I never thought about it.� �The man who planned our honeymoon a year in advance never thought about where we�d live?� �It wasn�t a priority at the��� He trailed off and gave her a stern look. �How�d you know about the honeymoon?� Alexis just realized what she said as she began to get up. �Oh no I don�t think so.� Ned replied as he grabbed her. �You�re not going anywhere till you tell me what you know and how you know it.� �I don�t suppose I could plead the fifth?� �You could try, but it won�t work!� He simply remarked. �Now being rambling.� He added demandingly. Alexis knew she was caught and it was her own damn fault. �Well I just happen to come across some brochures you had lying around� �In my sock draw, way in the back, underneath a bunch of other papers?� he replied cutting her off. Alexis looked down. �Those would be the ones.� �Explain.� �I love the fact that you want to take me to Europe.� She said trying to talk her way out of the mess she just got herself into. Ned� eyes narrowed. �And what else did you notice among the papers?� �Two tickets on the barge I was telling you about.� She holds her finger up and waves it in front of his face. �Which might I add I can�t believe you even remembered. � �How can I forget. It�s the first time we really ever somewhat discussed getting married.� He pauses for a moment and thinks back �And you told me that you�d love to take a barge ride through Europe traveling only 5 miles an hour, weekly.� Alexis looks lovingly into his eyes. �I still can�t believe you remember that. I was so scared to tell you that I pictured you in my life past the twenty four hours that we were living in that I just rambled that off the top of my head.� �Does that mean you don�t want to do it, because I could always plan something else if you�d rather?� �No I love the idea.� She said somewhat excited before her facial expression drastically changed. �I just don�t know if I want to be out of the country and so far away from home, in December.� �What�s the difference if we go in December, next year or tomorrow?� Ned asked totally confused. �It�s just that it�s already the end of July and December��. well almost January since you plan on getting married the last week in December, isn�t for another 6 months����. and I don�t know if it will be safe to go then.� She said as she got up off the floor and sat down on the couch. �A lot can happen in six months Ned.� Ned threw his hands up in the air and turned around to look at her. �Okay you have been acting way to off lately and rambling more then ever, what�s going on.� Alexis bite the bottom of her lip and was about to say something when her cell phone rang. �Don�t even think about it, you are not answering that phone and avoiding this conversation.� Ned clearly stated. The phone kept ringing as Ned and Alexis argued about her answering it. �Ned I have to get it, it might be important.� �Not until you tell me what�s got you so rattled.� Alexis looked at him and then over to her purse which her phone was in. �Ned you know I can�t concentrate on anything when my phones ringing and I have no idea who it is.� Ned got up and walked over to the table and pulled Alexis� phone out of her purse. �No matter who it is or what they want you are not leaving this place until we finish talking about what�s bothering you.� �Fine I promise.� She said as she answered her phone. �Alexis Davis��.what��..when��are you sure��..well isn�t there anybody else who can take care of this for you����okay I�ll be there as soon as I can.� Ned placed his hands over his face and shook his head in disgust. �You�re leaving.� He yelled. �Ned I have to, it�s my job, it�s what I do.� She stated as she picked up her clothes off the floor and headed upstairs. �Please tell me it isn�t Corinthos.� He yelled as he followed her up the stairs. �No it�s not.� She answered as she walked into the bedroom and turned on the shower. �Ned sweetheart I want to go to Europe with you just not in December.� She added before kissing him quickly and getting into the shower. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- �Nikolas, Nikolas wake up I need to go home.� Emily frantically stated as she shook him. �Emily what�s the matter?� Nikolas asked as he rolled over. �It�s nine o�clock in the morning and I never went home last night.� Nikolas sat up straight. �You didn�t tell your parents you were coming to see me, did you?� �No but I didn�t tell them I�d be out all night either.� She replies �I need you to take me home, now.� �Why don�t you just call then and tell them you fell asleep at Liz� while watching a movie?� He replies as he lies back down. �That�s a good idea.� Emily said as she picked up the phone and dialed the house. �I�d called Liz first and make sure they didn�t call her or that she didn�t call this morning looking for you.� Nikolas said as Reginald answered the phone causing Emily to hang up on him. �Come on Liz answer the phone.� Emily kept repeating to herself, as she got no reply. �Maybe she�s at Kelly�s?� Emily began to panic again as she called Kelly�s and found out Liz wasn�t there. �Try L&B� Emily dialed the number and impatiently waited for an answer. �Come on somebody got to be there already.� �L&B Studio�s� Liz replied out of breathe. �Liz thank god I found you.� Em said. �You haven�t spoken to anyone in my family last night or this morning have you?� �No, why?� �If anybody asks I spent the night with you last night. We ate popcorn watched a movie and I fell a sleep.� Liz smiled �spent the night at Nikolas huh?� �Trust me I didn�t mean to.� Em stated �Now do you know what to say or not?� �I�ll cover for ya Em.� �Thanks Liz.� Em said as she hung up the phone. Nikolas sat up and grabbed her pulling her back into bed with him. �Now that that�s settled, why don�t we have a little fun while we�re still in bed?� �Nikolas we can�t I have an appointment this morning remember?� �Oh yea.� He said as he let her go. �Em do you really think it�s a good idea to see Dr. Newman after all she does work at GH?� �Not on Fridays she doesn�t.� Em replied as she got out of bed. �On Fridays she�s over at Mercy Hospital.� �I see you�ve done your homework.� �Please the last thing I need is my parents finding out by default.� -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two hours later ~ Mercy Hospital �Can I help you?� The nurse behind the desk asked. �Yes we were told Dr. Newman� office was on this floor.� Emily nervously replied. �It�s just down the hall on your left, room 508.� �Thank you.� Nikolas took Emily� hand as they silently waked down the hall. They stopped in front of the door and looked at each other still neither spoke a word as knocked oh her office door. �Come in.� Someone yelled from the outside. Emily grabbed a hold of Nikolas hand even tighter as they walked through the door. �You must be Emily Bowman?� �Yes� Emily stated as Nikolas gave her a funny look. �Why don�t you have a seat and fill out these papers. The doctor will be here shortly she�s running a little late.� The woman said as she handed Emily some papers and left the office. �Emily Bowman?� Nikolas questioned. �Well I wasn�t going to say Quatermaine or Cassidine that�s for sure.� �Sorry to keep you waiting.� Dr. Newman said as she walked in and sat down behind her desk. �I just had an emergency c section to perform.� �No problem we�re actually running behind as well.� Emily said as she handed the Doctor her paper work. Dr Newman looked over the papers. �So you�re three weeks late and you think you may be pregnant!� �We�.�.I mean she��.she took a home test and it came back pink.� �Positive it came back positive.� Emily corrected as she cut him off. �Okay there�s no reason for anyone to be nervous.� Dr Newman said. �I�d say this wasn�t something you planned?� �NO!� Em and Nik both said. �But that doesn�t mean we don�t want it or won�t take good care of our child.� Em quickly responded. �We intend on giving this baby as much love as we could possible give it.� Nikolas quickly adds. �Okay first off you both need to take a deep breath and calm down.� Dr. Newman said as she held Emily� hand. �I�m not here to judge you, I�m just here to make sure that if you are indeed pregnant, you and your baby are well taken care of during your pregnancy.� �Thank you.� Emily plain stated. �Now what do you say we run a couple of test and see what we find out.� Dr. Newman said as Emily got up. �You�ll be here when I get out, right?� Emily turned and asked Nikolas. �I�m not going anywhere.� -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER 11 Emily and Nikolas are walking along the shore holding hands. They just left Dr. Newman� office and are trying to take everything in. �So the baby�s due in February huh?� Nikolas asked. �That�s what she said.� Nikolas looked out at the water. �So I guess we should get married before then?� Emily sat down in the sand. �I guess so.� �The sooner the better probably.� Nikolas replied still looking out at the water. �Well Ned and Alexis are getting married in December and I guess we should get married before that.� �How�s September?� Nikolas asked as he sat down next to her. �I suppose.� Emily replied rather quietly. Nikolas looked over at her. �Emily we don�t have to get married if you don�t want to.� Emily looked him in the eyes. �I�m sorry Nikolas I do want to marry you more then anything.� �Then what�s the matter?� �I just don�t know how I�m going to tell my parents about the baby.� �We�ll tell them together.� �I don�t know if that�s such a good idea.� Em replied while burying her feet in the sand. Nikolas thought for a moment. �Do you think maybe we should announce our engagement first?� �Considering they don�t even know we�re dating they�ll probably jump to the conclusion that the only reason we�re getting married is because I�m pregnant.� �You do know that isn�t the only reason I asked you, don�t you?� �Of course I do Nikolas I just don�t think my families going to see it that way.� She replied as she started to cry. Nikolas put his arm around her and she placed her head against him. �We�ll think of something Emily.� He kissed the top of her head. �I promise you, will think of something.� -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few hours later Alexis returned to the Gatehouse surprise to find Ned� car gone. She went into the house and looked all over for him before heading upstairs to his room. She sat down on the edge of his bed and pulled out her cell phone. �Well I guess it�s either now or never� She said to herself as she dialed a number. �Yes my name is Alexis Davis and I�d like to set up an appointment with Dr. Newman.� �Would this be for a check up?� The receptionist asked �No actually I think I might be..�.� Alexis trailed off as she took a deep breath. �Pregnant.� �Have you seen Dr. Newman before?� �No I haven�t.� �The next available appointment I have is for Monday morning at 10:15.� �That will be fine.� Alexis replied as the receptionist took some more information over the phone. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly�s �Hey Ned what�s up?� Jax asked as he sat down. �Is it just me or does Alexis seem rather off lately.� �Off as in?� �I don�t know�..there something going on with her and she won�t tell me what.� �Alexis doesn�t seem to be acting any different to me.� Jax simple replied. �I�m worried about her Jax.� �Have you tried sitting her down and I don�t know, forcing the issue.� Ned gave Jax a strange look. �Jax if I thought it would help I would, for that matter I almost did this morning.� �So why the hell didn�t you, what happened?� �The phone rang and the next thing I know it she�s off and running.� �Hi Ned I was wondering if you had a minute.� Nikolas said as he walked up to the table. �I wouldn�t bother you if it wasn�t really important.� �Did something happen at L&B?� Ned asked. �No it�s actually personal.� Nikolas replied as he looked over at Jax. �But it is important.� �Listen Ned I�m sure whatever you think is bothering Alexis is most likely nothing more then wedding jitters.� Jax said as he got up. �Don�t read to much into it and everything will be fine. If she does have something else to tell you I�m sure she�ll tell you when she�s ready.� �Thanks Jax and you�re probably right. It�s probably nothing more then wedding jitters.� �I�m really sorry to be running you off like this Jax.� Nikolas said. �Ned and I were just about done anyway.� Jax replied �I�ll catch you later. Ned nodded his head at Jax and Nikolas sat down. �Are you and Alexis having problems?� �Alexis and I couldn�t be happier.� Ned replied with a smile. �So what is so important that you need my wise advice?� Nikolas laughed at Ned� sense of humor, making him feel a little more relaxed. �Well Emily and I have decided to�. Well I asked Emily if she�d��see the fact of the matter is that�.� Ned couldn�t help but laugh. �It really must run in the family.� �What�s that?� A confused Nikolas asked. Ned lends across the table. �Rambling.� �I�m sorry I just don�t know how you are going to react and I don�t know who else I can talk to�..I guess I could tell Alexis if you�d rather�..I just thought you being Emily� cousin and a guy would be better.� �Okay so tell me.� Ned said as he sat back against the chair. Nikolas took a deep breath and spit it out. �Emily and I are getting married, I asked her to be my wife.� Ned� eyes widen and a strange look overtook his face. �Nikolas it�s not that I disapprove of you and Emily�it�s just don�t you think she�s a little young to be getting married? For that matter don�t you think you�re a little young?� Nikolas was so nervous that he started tapping his fingers on the table. �Ned I love Emily so much and I promise I�m going to take really good care of her and you know that she will always be provided for�.� Ned placed his hand over Nikolas and cut him off. �Nikolas I�m not her father so you can save the but I love her speech for him. I do however think you guys are too young. Why not wait a few years?� �We could it�s just�..well we�d rather not because�.� Nikolas places his hands under the table and makes a fist as he feels like he�s about to jump out of a plane without a parachute. �Emily�s pregnant.� -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile back at the Gatehouse Alexis is lying on Ned� bed holding a picture of him and Brooke-Lynn. She runs her fingers across the photo before placing it against her chest. Tears slowly begin to escape her eyes as they fall down her checks and onto the pillow. She rolls over onto her side and begins talking to herself as she clings onto the photo for dear life. �Oh Ned, how is this going to effect you��.we�ve never even talked about weather or not we wanted to have kids��. The only thing I know about your thoughts on children is how you feel about your daughter��and how scared you are that she might not remember you the next time she sees you.� She holds the picture out in front of her. �As much as you love Brooke-Lynn I can see the sadness in your eyes every time you talk about her��all you want is to be a part of her life, and you can�t be��at least not the way you want to be���Ned sweetheart I don�t know what to do? I don�t know how to tell you�..I�ve tried so hard to tell you but for the life of me I just can�t seem to be able to get the words out.� Alexis sits up and wipes her tears away. She looks at the photo one last time before placing it on the nightstand. Her eyes travel down towards her stomach along with her hand that she gently places there. �I�m going to tell him tonight.� She sighs heavily. �You can do it Alexis�.after all you are a Cassidine.� -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emily is standing outside a children�s clothing shop looking through the window. A smile spreads across her face as a young mother walks out with a small child in a stroller. The woman and child stroll on by Emily and she turns around to watch them. �It looks so easy doesn�t it?� Lucky replied from behind her. Emily spun around. �Where�d you come from?� �Come on Em you know me, don�t I always materialize out of the blue?� Emily laughed. �I always thought you did.� Lucky looks at her and pulls her into a hug. �Nikolas told me.� Emily pulls out of his embrace. �About the baby or the marriage proposal?� �Basically both.� He replied. �He told me about the baby and I knew he was going to ask you if you�d marry him, I just didn�t know he did.� �Well he did.� Lucky looks down and notices the ring on her finger. �Have you told your parents yet?� �No not yet.� Em replied turning away from him and back through the window. �That�s some ring there, how do you plan on not letting anyone see it?� �Easy.� Em replied. �I�ll just turn it around.� She added as she took the diamond and placed it in the palm of her hand so it looked like she was wearing just a plain gold band. Lucky laughed. �Don�t you think they�ll already think you got married?� �Lucky with my family I could probably walk in the house and wave my ring in their faces and they wouldn�t even notice it.� Lucky placed his arm around Emily� shoulder and smiled. �No I guess they wouldn�t.�

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