After she finishes talking to V, Abby goes to hurry Tom along. "Come on, Channing's going to be waiting for us at the hotel. We should get going. Aren't you ready yet?"

Tom sighs. "Yes Dear."

"I figured we'd drive my car down so V and the kids can have the other two. Then you can drive Gwendolyn home."

Tom nods "Fine."

"Oh, now this is a historic day. You don't mind driving my car."

Tom laughs. "Only if you don't."

"If I can trust you with my heart, trusting you with my car should be a breeze."

Tom smiles. "Lets go."

Abby hurries upstairs for her suitcase and then back down. "I'm ready."

Tom takes her suitcase and his to the car.

Abby shakes her head at his male chauvinism but decides not to make an issue out of it.

Tom gets in the passenger seat.

Abby gets in the driver's seat, smiles at him, and pulls out of the driveway.

Later at home. "Where's Dad?" Nancy asks her family.

"I haven't seen him." Nicholas replies.

"Thanks Nicholas." Nancy goes to watch tv still unaware that Tom went on the trip after all.

A family member walks in.

"Hi." Tommy says.

"Hi, how are you doing?"

"Broke, you?"

~Why can't he speak in complete sentences? Wait what am I thinking?~  She shakes her head. "Then why don't you get a job."

"A job?" he says shocked.

"It beats having to always depend on others for money. Think of it  Tommy, when you want to borrow money how many times have you had to hear  the word no because no one else had it to give."

Tommy sighs. "Have you seen the paper."

"It's in the kitchen I think."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

Tommy looks through the ads.

V enters the kitchen. "Looking for a woman." She jokes.

"No, a job."

"A job, why?"

"I'm broke."

"Tommy my boy, your Auntie V is here you don't need a job but you do need to tell me how much you need."

Tommy smiles. "Really?"

"Yes really."

"I need a $50.00 for new strings for my guitar."

"I thought guitar strings were only 10?"

"Extra ones for later?"

"Sounds reasonable to me." She gives him the money.

"Thanks Auntie V."

"You're welcome."

Tommy throws the paper away.

V starts dinner.

"So what's for dinner?"

"Hawaiian Pizza."

"Hawaiian?"

"Yes Hawaiian."

Abby pulls in to the hotel parking lot, parking next to a roadster. "Oh, good, Channing's here."

"Oh good." he mocks quietly.

"Tom, be nice."

"I will, but if he starts something, all bets are off."

"Starts something? You're seeing things again, Tom."

"I meant his sarcastic remarks."

"What sarcastic remarks?"

He clues her in about the dinner the other night.

"You just took it the wrong way. He's really a very nice person."

"If you say so." Tom says not wanting to argue right now.

"You're cute when you're being oversensitive."

"Let's check in, OK?"

"You're right, we should."

Tom grabs the luggage while Abby checks in.

Channing approaches Tom. "Aren't you a lucky man," he says. "Able to take off time to bask in Abby's glory."

"Channing, I am not taking time off. I have a column to write. As for Abby, yes I am a lucky man."

"Well, I hope you'll give her a favorable review then. If there's anything I can do to help you..."

"Oh, you haven't heard. I am not reviewing the book. I am doing my column about the tour as an observer."

"But I'm sure you've put in a good word with the reviewer, right?"

"No Channing." Tom says. "That'll be up to him."

"Yes, well...um...I'd better make sure all the arrangements for the party are going smoothly." Channing makes a quick exit.

"You do that." Tom says and waits for Abby.

A minute later Abby comes back with keys in her hand.

"You just missed Channing."

"I'll catch up with him later. Ready to go upstairs?"

"Yes, he tried to have me influence the new reviewer into giving you a good review."

"Drumming up good reviews is part of his job, isn't it?"

Tom shakes his head. "If I had tried that, you would have said I was interfering."

Abby smiles at him. "That's because you love me, and loving me means letting me stand on my own. Channing's a whole different story."

"Oh he's different all right."

"I don't want to fight. I'm too nervous right now. Let's just go upstairs, OK?"

Tom nods. "Sorry."

They go upstairs and Abby begins to unpack and prepare for the launch party. She first takes out the dress she planned to wear, then changes her mind and lays out the low-cut dress she brought.

Tom eyes go big. "A bit revealing, don't you think?"

"I thought you liked this dress."

"I do, for a night on the town." Tom says. "But this is a business party isn't it?"

"It's a book launch. That's more show business than business suit, Channing said."

~Channing again.~ "OK."

"I was going to save it for a different city, but I wanted to wear it tonight for you."

"Really?"

"Really."

Tom sighs. "You'll be a knockout."

"Only to you."

Tom shakes his head. "I entirely doubt that."

Abby shakes her head. ~Men. Always need their egos stroked.~ "I'm going to go take a shower."

"OK." he says. "I'll call home."

"Send them my love." Abby heads to the bathroom.

Tom dials the house.

While he's dialing, there's a knock at the door.

Tom takes the phone with him and answers the door.

"Hello, Tom. May I speak with Abby?" Channing asks.

"She's in the shower."

"Oh, well," Channing has the good grace to appear flustered. "I just brought by a few copies of the book so she could see it before the party."

"Hello is anyone there?" Nancy says from the other side of the phone.

"Just a minute Nancy." Tom says.

"Ok."

"Would you like to wait in the living room?" Tom tries to be gracious to Channing.

"I really do have to get back downstairs. If I leave them with you, will you make sure she gets them?"

"Of course." he says.

Channing hands him a few books. "I'll see you later."

Tom nods. After shutting the door and dropping the books on the table. He returns to the phone. "Hi Nancy, Abby and I made it here OK."

"That's wonderful Dad, but why didn't anyone tell me that you were going after all I would have said goodbye this morning."

"I'm sorry Nancy, I thought Abby or your Aunt told you I was going."

"No, neither one of them did."

~Great~ "I'm sorry, how are things there?"

"Pretty good." She says deciding not to talk about her teacher.

"Good." he says. Then he gives her the name of the hotel and phone number. "If you need anything, call"

"We will."

"Keep an eye on Nicholas, OK?"

"I thought Auntie V was doing that."

"She is, but you can never be too careful." he jokes.

Nancy laughs. "Real cute Dad."

"I thought so. Oh before I go, Abby sends her love."

"Send her my love to."

"I will." Tom says. "I better go get my Tux on."

"Have fun dad."

~Oh right.~ "I will."

"I have to go now too, I'll talk to you later."

"Bye Honey."

"Yeah bye." She hangsup. ~What no I love you honey or anything?~ She shrugs it off and goes to get something to eat.

Abby comes out of the shower. "Did I hear you talking to someone?" she asks Tom.

"Nancy on the phone, and Channing at the door. He dropped the books by, there on the table."

"Oh, good. Have you looked at it yet?"

"I haven't had the chance." Tom says as he picks up one of the copies.

Abby waits nervously.

Tom opens the book and is speechless. "You dedicated this book to me and Frank?"

Abby nods. "You don't mind, do you?"

Tom eyes glisten. "You didn't have to do that, I wasn't exactly supportive." he says guiltily.

"You could have tried to stop me and you didn't."

Tom laughs. "Right, and the moon is made of green cheese." He kisses her. "Thank you."

"See, I figured--maybe seeing it in print would remind you that I do love you."

"Have I been that terrible?"

"Only when you're awake."

Tom sighs. "I'm sorry. I better get ready, I don't intend to ruin this evening for you."

Abby kisses him. "You won't. I know I wasn't very gracious about it, but I'm glad you're with me for tonight."

Tom smiles and heads for the bathroom.

Abby gets ready for the party.

A knock on the door is heard.

Abby throws on a robe and answers the door.

A man stands there with a dozen red roses. "Delivery for Mrs. Bradford from Mr. Bradford."

"Oh. Thank you." Abby takes the roses and turns back into the room to get her purse and a tip for the delivery man.

"It's been taken care of Ma'am." he then leaves.

Abby finds something to put the flowers in and then walks in on Tom as he's getting ready.

"Hello." he says as he finishes shaving.

Abby hugs him. "You are so corny, you know?"

"I am?"

Abby nods. "It's one of the things I love about you."

Tom smiles. "Only one?" he jokes.

"There are lots of other reasons, but if I started in on them, we'd be here all night."

Tom kisses her. "Then leave so I can finish."

"Spoilsport," Abby says as she leaves.

About fifteen minutes later Tom comes out in his Tux.

"Why are men in tuxes always so irresistible?"

"The same way women are when they are dressed like you."

"I'll remind you of that when the party's over."

"I'll be good." he states "Or at least until we get back here tonight."

"Is that a promise or a threat?"

"Hmmmmm....Both."

"Lucky me."

Tom extends his arm. "You ready?"

Abby takes a deep breath. "I think so."

"Don't worry, You'll be a hit."

"Oh--wait. I forgot something."

"What."

Abby goes back and gets Nicholas's football. "This."

Tom smiles. "He didn't."

"If you were he, wouldn't you have?"

"Definitely." he says.

"Besides, if he hadn't given me this, I would have gone out and gotten a football to get signed for him."

Tom smiles. "He's very lucky, I hope he knows that."

"Well, he has you to thank for it."

"No, actually he has Tommy to thank for that."

"Well, if we're going to get technical, I guess we all have Max to thank for it."

"Touch'e" he says. "Now are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. You?"

Tom nods.

They head downstairs.

At the house the phone rings. V answers it. "Nancy it's for you!!"

"I'll get it in Dad's study!!" She says and goes to answer the phone.

After she sure Nancy's picked up on the other end V hangs up. "What's  going on in this house. It's usually for Elizabeth."

Tommy laughs. "With Nancy? You never know."

"What's that supposed to mean." V asks remembering that Tom says the same about her at times.

Tommy shrugs. "She's a Bradford isn't she?"

"Yeah I guess."

Nancy walks in. "I won't be home for dinner I'm going to study."

"At the library?"

"No, my teacher is helping me." She says and leaves for Professor William's house before V can ask where she'll be.

"At this hour?" Tommy asks.

"Tommy I'll be right back." V says and goes after Nancy. "Nancy where
will you be?"

"At my professors house." She says.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Auntie V can we talk later I really have to go." She says and drives away.

V sighs and goes back inside.

"Good thing Dad's not home." Tommy states.

"Yeah that's for sure, but remember she is 19."

"Since when does that stop Dad?"

"Good point, and what he doesn't find out won't hurt me."

"Don't worry, I'll never tell."

"Good."

At the book launch party, Channing sends Abby off to talk to some reporters and pulls Tom aside. "So what did you think of your wife's book?"

Tom smiles. "I couldn't get past the dedication page."

"Somehow I didn't think you would."

"That was very thoughtful of her."

"You really should read the rest of the book, though. When you get the chance."

"I intend to." Tom replies. "Though I doubt I'll understand what's in it."

"Oh, right. Abby said geometry wasn't your strong point."

"Well we all have our own talents Channing." Tom says as he gets a glass of champagne from the buffet table."

"And speaking of talents, don't you have a story to cover here?"

Tom points to his head. "I am writing as we speak."

"Ah. That would explain things."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind. Excuse me, I have to go get things started."

"No problem." he says. ~I'll never like that guy.~

Channing heads off and soon the official part of the evening begins with speeches by representatives of the publishers, Abby, and an old-timer from the 49ers, who talks about how glad he is that the team could help "poor old Frank Abbott's girl" with her work.

Tom claps after the speeches.

After the speeches Abby circulates amongst the guests, talking and getting the football signed by players.

Tom lets Abby have her evening. He hangs in the background with the other press people.

As the evening winds down Abby seeks Tom out, trailing the man who spoke for the '49ers.

Tom waves at her.

Abby and the man come over and Abby makes the introductions. "Coach here says that anytime we're back in San Francisco, we should bring Nicholas to the park and he'll show him around."

"He'll love that, Thank you." Tom extends his hand.

Coach shakes his hand. "Anything for Frankie's kid."

Tom lets the remark pass. ~I'm going to be good.~

Abby smiles at him.

"Excuse me Coach, I have to get upstairs to write my column for the deadline."
 

"Sure. A guy's got to do his work."

He takes Abby aside. "See you later?"

"I'll probably be late."

"That's OK, I'll wait up for you."

"You don't have to."

"I know, but I want to." Tom says. "Besides if you aren't too tired I thought maybe we would watch the sun come up over the bay."

"I'd like that," Abby smiles. "Go on, go write your column so we can do that."

Tom nods, gives her a kiss and starts to walk off, but then he turns back. "Congratulations." he tells her.

"Thanks."

Tom goes back to the room and writes his column. ~Frankie's Kid. Wonder why Abby didn't correct him?~

He calls his column in to the night reporter at the Register and then turns on the TV for company.

Several hours later Abby gets back to the room, floating on success and champagne.

Tom awakes from the couch. "Hi."

"Hi. Sorry I'm late," she says, though she's obviously not.

Tom yawns. "You must be exhausted."

"Not at all. But you look tired. Did you get the column written?"

"Yep and it'll be in this morning's edition. Want to read it?"

"Do you always let your subjects read your column before it hits the streets?"

Tom nods. "Only because it's too late too change it."

"Well, gee, thanks."

"I don't think you'll be disappointed."

"I hope you didn't write something nice just to make me feel good."

"Me? Tom Bradford? I do have my reputation to uphold."

"That's why I'm asking," Abby jokes.

"I only report the truth."

"OK, OK, so are you going to let me see this truth of yours?"

"It's on the table."

Abby picks up the pages and starts reading.

"Well?" Tom asks. "Do you approve?"

"Does it matter? You said it can't be changed."

"Yes it matters."

"Why?"

"Because I care about what you think."

"Well, I'm not exactly objective."

"Honey, just read it."

"I have read it."

"And?"

"I love it. Did you think I wouldn't?"

Tom shrugs. "We have been at odds lately."

"Misunderstandings. Getting our priorities confused. But this," Abby points to the papers, "this is what it's all about."

Tom smiles. Then the phone rings. Tom picks it up.

"Oh Hi Donna." he says. "Huh? What? Well is he OK? Uh huh.....No, No I'll be there in a few hours. I'll talk to you soon. Bye Donna." he then hangs up.

"What? What's wrong? Who's hurt?"

"Elliott, I guess the strike was too much for him. He's in the hospital. He had a heart attack. He's fine, but guess who will be running the paper in his absence?"

"You'll do a great job. But don't let yourself get too stressed out."

Tom sighs. "I'll be pulling double duty, my column and administrative duties. I hate to say this but I wonder if V can stay until you get home?"

"She isn't going to drive you crazy?"

"I don't think I'll be home long enough to matter."

"Then I think you should ask her."

Tom nods. "I hate to leave you."

"It's just a day early."

"Still a day too soon for me."

"I'll be home soon. But I think we'd better cancel our plans for the rest of the night--you need your rest."

"I wonder if we'll ever get to spend time alone in this city." he jokes.

"Maybe when we retire."

Tom laughs. "Maybe."

"Come on, let's go to bed--to sleep, I mean."

Tom nods.

Abby gets ready for bed.

Tom crawls into bed and intends to wait for Abby, but he is soon asleep.

"So much for our big romantic evening," Abby whispers, kisses Tom, and is asleep almost before her head hits the pillow.

The next morning Tom wakes up and quietly gets out of bed to get ready for his drive back to Sacramento.

Abby turns over and almost wakes up.

Tom recovers her up and kisses her on the way to the shower

Abby settles back into the pillows and goes back to sleep.

Tom emerges from the bathroom and quietly orders Coffee, Juice and danish.

Shortly thereafter his order arrives. "Do I smell coffee?" Abby groans from the bed.

Tom nods. "Too much champagne he says?" as he brings her a cup.

"Too late a night," Abby corrects him. "How is it you look so chipper this morning?"

Tom shrugs. "Maybe its because I finally realized something."

"You did? What?" Abby says, sipping her coffee.

"As Sally Field said at the Oscars 'You love me, You really love me'." he jokes.

"Well, it certainly took you long enough, Tom Bradford," Abby says, and hurries out the bed and past him.

Tom stops her. "Please don't be mad."

Abby just shakes her head, hurries into the bathroom, and closes the door.

"I did it again." he says to himself. and waits until she emerges from the bathroom.

Soon there's the sound of running water, and then Abby emerges. "Sorry."

"No, I am sorry."

"Why? It's not your fault. Well, I guess in a way it is, at least half..."

"Huh? How could it be half of your fault, it's mine."

"Excuse me?" Abby says, totally confused.

"It's all my fault."

"This I've got to hear," Abby says.

"If I had just not been so jealous every time a guy paid attention to you and be truly happy for your success. I would have made your life a lot easier."

"And how would that help my morning sickness?"

"Huh? Are we on two different wave lengths?"

"I guess so. Why did you think I ran off like that?"

"Forget it, it doesn't matter." he laughs. "You OK? Can I get you anything?"

"You certainly can. Tell me what was so funny."

"Nothing, I just thought you were mad at me about the Sally Field remark."

"Tom, you're not the center of the universe."

"I'm not?" he says. "Aw shucks." he pouts jokingly.

"Sorry, honey. But look on the bright side--until Elliot's better, I'll bet you'll be the center of the Register universe."

"Now that hurt." he says as he closes his suitcase.

Abby kisses him. "Does that make it better?"

"Hmmm...a little, maybe I need another dose."

Abby laughs and leans in to kiss him again, but the quickly leans away and sneezes violently. "Oh, no..."

"What?" he asks.

"I must be coming down with a cold. Rotten timing."

"Drink some juice."

"When I finish my coffee."

"Want me to order you some tea?"

"That'd be a good idea. I can't afford to be sick now."

Tom orders the Tea. "I hate to leave you like this."

"It's just a cold. And you have a paper to run."

Tom nods. "Would I be a chauvinist if I said take care of yourself?"

"You'd be a husband."

"Is that good or bad?"

"You're *my* husband, so it's good."

"Good." he says. "I better be going."

"You'll call me now and then?"

"Every Day." he sighs.

"Good. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, but I do have a minor problem."

"What?"

"I need your keys to Gwendolyn."

Abby goes to get her keys. "Take good care of her."

"I will." he says. "Call me when you get to the next city?"

"I'll try to. I'm not sure what the schedule is."

Tom kisses her.

Abby tries to hold back another sneeze.

"Maybe you need to see a doctor."

"With what time? I'll be fine. I'll just guzzle juice and tea whenever I can."

A few days later, Nancy comes home late from studying at her professor's house and tries to hide the sad look on her face. She goes to the kitchen, gets something to drink and tries to make sense out of what had happened a mere thirty minutes ago. She mainly felt rejection but a part of her knew that he
wanted to kiss also but he had put a stop to it saying it wasn't right. Not with the student/ teacher relationship they had.

Soon a family member walks in.

"A little late aren't you?" Tom asks.

"Oh hi Dad." Nancy says.

"Hi." he says. "Do you know what time it is?"

"No."

"Late." he says. "Where've you been?"

"Studying."

"Library must have extended hours."

Nancy doesn't say anything.

"Is there something else going on?"

"Goodnight Dad." She gives him a kiss and goes upstairs to bed.

~Strange answer.~ he thinks and gets some milk.

Nancy only pretends to be asleep. She lies in bed with her eyes closed thinking of Professor Williams.

Elizabeth finally says something. "I know you aren't asleep."

"How in the world can you tell that?"

"You are not snoring."

"Oh," she says.

"I'm joking." Liz says. "What's going on?"

"Rejection in *more ways than one*." She tells her what happened.

"Nancy, he's your professor."

"I know, believe me I know."

"Then what are you going to do?"

"What can I do?"

"Stop seeing him."

"It's not that simple Elizabeth."

"It's going to cause you heartache Nancy."

"But If I don't get to at least see him I'll feel worse."

Elizabeth sighs ~I wish Abby was here.~

Nancy sighs too. "Hey kid get some sleep I'll be all right."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Nancy attempts a smile.

Elizabeth rolls over. "goodnight."

"Goodnight."

A little while later Elizabeth sneaks down the stairs and dials the hotel where Abby is staying. They ring her room.

Abby is sleeping, but the ringing phone wakes her. "Tom?" she says into the receiver.

"No, it's Elizabeth. I am sorry I woke you."

"No, no. It's OK. What's up?"

"She'd kill me if I told you, but I am worried about Nancy." she then explains what's been going on.

"But you say he rejected her?"

"Yes, but she still plans to try and see him."

"Doesn't she realize how much trouble she can get him into?"

"I tried to tell her, but......"

"Should I try talking to her?"

"It might not be such a bad idea, do you want me to get her?"

"Might as well. But if I'm not supposed to know because you weren't supposed to tell me, how do I know?"

Elizabeth resigns herself. "I'd rather have her mad at me for a few days if it'll help her.".

"OK, then, put her on the phone."

Elizabeth runs upstairs and nudges Nancy. "Nancy, wake up. Abby's on the phone."

"Tell her I love her." Nancy says not wanting to get out of bed.

"She wants to talk to you." She drags her out of bed.

"Ok, ok." Nancy starts to waken. "What about?"

"Well, ask her."

Nancy picks up the phone. "Hey Abby."

"Hi, Nancy."

"How's the tour going?"

"Pretty good. How are things going with school?"

"All right." She says a little evasively.

"Hey," Abby says, as if just remembering, "what ever happened with that professor? The one whose paper you didn't finish doing the surveying for?"

"He gave me a *D*, but he's been helping me with some of the school work. He's really a nice guy."

"Is he?"

"Of course he is, why do you ask?"

"Nothing--I just want details. I feel so left out, being away."

"Ok, but let me warn you he's also a little too much of a gentleman."  She tells her about last night. "I know he's right but try telling that to my heart."

"Nancy, do you care for him? Really, I mean?"

"Yes."

"Do you realize how much trouble he can get into if someone sees the two of you together and gets the same ideas you're having? He can get fired, and that's just the beginning."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Nancy, I guess you just don't realize how seriously this whole issue is now taken in the academic world. If he gets fired because someone thinks he was messing around with a student, no other college will hire him. His whole career will be finished. If you really care for him, then for his sake, drop it."

Nancy saddens even more. "You're right."

"I know it's tough giving up someone you like, but in this case, it's really the right thing to do."

Her eyes well with tears, "I know."

"I know it won't be easy--I've been there, remember? If you need to talk, your dad always knows where to find me."

"I know. Abby I have to go." She says not wanting to talk about yet just wanting to go cry in her pillow for awhile.

"OK. I love you, Nancy."

"I love you too Abby."

"OK. Is your dad around?"

"Yeah I'll get him for you." She tells her Dad that Abby wants to talk to him and then retreats to her bedroom.

Tom soon picks up the phone. Tom yawns. "Honey, you OK?"

"Other than missing you and this stupid cold, things are fine--here. It's home I'm worried about."

"Oh?" Tom asks not knowing what has been going on.

"What's going on with Nancy," Abby says.

Tom wakes up more. "What do you mean?"

"So you didn't know, either? She had a crush on that professor of hers. I think I made her see the light, but still..."

"What?" he says. "This is the first I've heard of it."

"Well, like I said, I think I've taken care of it, but keep an eye on her, OK?"

"Oh you can count on it."

"But be gentle. It's not easy giving up someone you like."

"I know, it's just how did I miss this?"

"I guess it's not the kind of thing girls discuss with their father."

Tom sighs. "I am glad they have you then."

"They didn't mean to leave you out. It's just awkward, you know?"

"I know." he says. "I have lost track of time, what city are you in?"

"Dallas, but we're flying to New York in the morning."

"Don't tell Joannie, she might hitch a ride." he jokes.

"Just what we'd need," Abby groans.

"I miss you."

"I miss you, too."

"So, how's the tour going?"

"Long. Exhausting. But it's a lot of fun, aside from this cold."

"Are you sure it's just a cold?"

"Oh come on, what else," Abby pauses to sneeze, "could it be? I don't have any allergies."

"I wish you would get it check out."

"With who? One of the team doctors? When I get home I'll go straight to Max."

"Speaking of which, when are you coming home?"

"Next Tuesday, as planned."

"Good, I am tired of sharing the bed with Nicholas."

"You let him sleep in my bed?"

"Well....I got lonely." he says quietly.

"So what do I get to sleep with, Nicholas's footballs?"

"Ok, Ok I get your point, I'll send him back to his bed tomorrow."

"A little loneliness is good for you. You'll appreciate me more when I get home."

"So that must mean you appreciate me alot." he jokes.

"I always have. And speaking about appreciation, how are things going with the paper?"

"Fine, Elliott is doing better but he still won't be able to return to work for a couple of months."

"I hope he's at least paying you well for pulling double duty."

"The board named me acting editor, so yes I am getting paid."

"Good. Let Elliot see what you're really worth."

"He's the one who suggested it." Tom starts to yawn again.

"You're tired. Go back to sleep."

"I rather talk to you, but you need your rest too."

"I'm so jet lagged by now that I just sleep when I get the chance."

"And the baby?"

"Makes its presence known every time I dare think of eating something."
 
Tom quietly laughs "Wait until the 2 am feeding."

"Well, since you won't be feeding her, I'll stay in bed and you can bring her to me."

"Her? How are you so sure?"

"This family runs to girls."

Tom laughs.

"Go to sleep, Tom. While you still can."

"You are right." he says. Goodnight sweetheart."

"Goodnight, my love."

Tom hangs up and lays awake for awhile.

Abby hangs up and falls back into an exhausted sleep.

Soon the alarm goes off. Tom groans. Later that morning, Nancy goes into the office intent on withdrawing from Professor Williams class only to find out that he's decided to leave and teach out of state. She considers going to talk to him but thinks better of it. ~The sooner he's out of my life the sooner I'll get over him.~ She soon leaves the school and goes driving around.

A couple of days later Williams moves.

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