Abby gets out of bed, puts Tom's robe on, and goes to knock on the boys' door.

"Come in," Tommy says, still reeling from his headache and black eye.

"That looks even worse in the morning," Abby says. "Maybe you should let Max take a look at it." She shakes Nicholas to wake him.

"It feels worse this morning," Tommy says.

"What?" Nicholas asks.

"Then you should definitely get it looked at. I'll call Max and see when he can see you," Abby tells Tommy. "It's past 7:30," she says to
Nicholas.

"Thanks," Tommy says.

"I thought we were staying home today?" Nicholas asks.

"I didn't get a chance to talk to your father about it, and somehow I think it might be best if you all clear out before he wakes up. It'll
save you the lecture I'm sure he's already rehearsed," Abby says.

"OK," Nicholas says and he gets out of bed and heads for the bathroom.

"Will you call me at school and let me know what time I see Dr. Max?" Tommy asks.

"Of course," Abby says, "unless I get to speak to him before you leave." Abby steps out of the room and knocks on Joannie and Susan's door.

Joannie opens the door, yawning, but not too tired to see what Abby's wearing. "Nice robe. Looks familiar."

Abby shrugs. ~I don't think I'll ever understand this girl.~ "It's a quarter to eight," she tells Joannie. "Could you wake up Susan?"

"She's still at David's. I'm sure he'll wake her up on time."

Abby goes down the hall to knock on Nancy and Elizabeth's door and then on Mary's.

"Come in," Mary says as she makes her bed.

"Just wanted to make sure you were awake," Abby says. "Looks like you were the only one of the family who did wake up on time."

"I have a pre-med class at 9 am," and says to Abby, "Sorry we ruined last night."

Abby smiles and plays with the lapels of her (well, Tom's) robe. "I wouldn't say you 'ruined' it. You might have rearranged some plans, but
you didn't ruin it."

Mary blushes and then says, "That robe looks nice on you."

Abby starts to defend herself, but thinks better of it. ~He's my husband and I won't spend my life pretending we have a platonic relationship.~
"It is nice, isn't it? Well, I'll leave you to get ready. I think the boys are already lined up outside the bathroom, so if you haven't gotten
to it yet, you might have a wait."

"We need another bathroom in this house," Mary grumbles.

"Good luck convincing your father about that," Abby says as she leaves the room.

Nancy comes out of her room to see a line formed already. She grumbles since she's still half asleep and gets in line.

As Abby passes through the hallway on the way back to her room, Nicholas steps out of the bathroom.

"How's your throat feeling?" she asks him. "Since I'm calling Dr. Max about Tommy, if you're still hurting, I guess we can take you, too."

"My throat's OK, but my ears still hurt a bit," Nicholas replies.

"Then I'll speak to Dr Max about you, too," Abby says and goes to her room.

"You shouldn't be going to school then," Nancy says and also checks Tommy's eye. "Neither should you." She tries to slip into the bathroom,
hoping she distracted Tommy enough.

"Hey," Tommy says. "After all I did last night for you, you treat me like this?" Tommy says to a closed door.

Nancy opens the door. "Ok, you can have the bathroom, but please don't take too long."

"That was too easy," Tommy says. "Are you OK? Maybe you should see Dr. Max."

"I'm ok, but guilt goes a long way." She leaves the bathroom and lets him have his turn.

"Nancy, I was joking we always fight over the bathroom."

She fakes a laugh. "Oh ok."

Tommy steps aside and lets Nancy back in the bathroom.

"No you go, you were first," Nancy offers him the bathroom.

"Thanks, I won't take long."

"No problem."

Elizabeth joins her in line. "I sure wish Dad would add another bathroom."

Abby goes to her room and shuts the door. Tom is still in bed, eyes closed, so she digs out the list of emergency phone numbers she's made
and dials Max's service.

Greg is soon paged and calls the Bradford house.

Mary is on her way out the door when she answers the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi Mary, who in your family paged me?"

"Hi Dr. Max, I don't know. Hold on a second." Mary goes to the stairs and yells upstairs, "Hey, anyone call Dr. Max?"

"I've got it," Abby yells down, and picks up the phone. "Good morning, Max."

"Good morning, Abby." He's about to ask how her wedding night was but thinks better of it. "Did you page me?"

"Yes. I was wondering if I could bring the boys in to see you today. Nicholas says his throat is better but his ears hurt and Tommy's got a
black eye for the record books."

"Sure. I'm free in an hour. Bring them on in after they have some breakfast," he says.

"Thanks," Abby says. "They'll be glad to get out of rushing off to school." She hangs up and looks at Tom. "Either you are the world's
soundest sleeper or you're letting me get an initiation by fire."

Tom awakens and gazes at Abby. "What did you say, dear?"

"You're alive," Abby laughs at her husband. "And here I was getting worried I'd have to tell your children, 'Sorry kids, a young wife was
just more than your poor old dad's heart could take'."

Tom laughs also. "Nope, this old heart can take last night and then some," he smiles at her.

"Well, that's reassuring," Abby says and bends down to kiss Tom.

He returns the kiss. "So who was on the phone?"

"Max," Abby answers. "And no, I wasn't calling him for instructions on how to revive you; I know how to do that. I'm going to take Tommy and
Nicholas in to see him this morning if that's all right with you."

"Of course I don't mind. I wanted him to look at Tommy's eye this morning, but what's wrong with Nicholas? Is his sore throat worse?" Tom
worries.

Abby gets out of the bed and begins organizing her clothing. "No, his ears now. It's probably just a reaction to the medicine, or maybe he
just wants the morning off from school, but as long as I was taking Tommy to Max... You want to shower first or shall I?"

"You go ahead. I'll wait," Tom says.

"Spoilsport," Abby teases, and then goes to get ready. "Can you go tell Tommy and Nicholas I'm taking them straight to Max and then I'll drop
them off at school?" she shouts from the bathroom.

"Sure," Tom puts on his robe and goes to find Tommy and Nicholas.

In the hallway, Joannie sees her father. "Abby let you reclaim your robe?" she teases.

Tom just grumbles and goes downstairs.

Tommy and Nicholas are in the kitchen when their dad enters. "Hi, Dad," Tommy says and Nicholas is just playing with his cereal, not hearing his
dad or Tommy.

"Hi guys." Tom tells them what Abby wanted him to tell them.

"We're ready now, aren't we, Nicholas?" Tommy says, getting no response from Nicholas.

"Huh?" Nicholas says and says, "Yeah."

Tom looks worriedly at his youngest. "Nicholas, what did Tommy just say?"

"What?" Nicholas asks. "My ears feel funny."

Tom looks Nicholas in the eye and speaks as clear as he can. "What do you mean funny?"

"Like I am underwater."

Tom's worries grow stronger and he decides both he and Abby are taking the boys to the doctor.

Abby walks into the kitchen. "Whenever you boys are ready, Dr. Max is waiting for us." She sees the worried look on Tom's face. "What's
wrong?"

Tom tells Abby what's going on with Nicholas's ears.

"But he seemed fine when I woke him up," Abby says, never having really dealt with a sick child before.

"Sometimes it takes awhile to get what's really wrong out of them."

"Sometimes I feel like I'm cramming for finals, trying to learn how to be a stepmother."

"Well it's not something that comes easily and I think you're doing great," Tom says.

"Well, it's been less than a day--give me at least until the weekend until you compliment me," Abby says. "Well, shall we get going?"

"Yes we shall." They take the boys to see Dr. Max.

"Hi fellas," Dr. Max says. "What seems to be the problem?"

Dr Max takes a look at Tommy and Nicholas and gives Tommy some cream to put on his eye and then takes a look at Nicholas's ears.

"Can you hear anything, Nicholas?"

"Yeah, but it's like I am underwater."

"OK," Dr. Max says. "Wait here. I'll be right back."

Nicholas nods and then Max motions Tom and Abby out in the other room.

"Greg, what's wrong with his ears?" Tom asks.

"It seems the infection has become worse," Greg replies.

"What do you mean?" Tom asks frantically.

"The antibiotics aren't working so he has fluid in his ears...hence the distortion in his hearing."

Tom frowns, "So what happens now?"

"Well, I am afraid we are going to have to put tubes in his ears to drain the fluid. But before we can do that I am going to prescribe a
stronger antibiotic and schedule surgery in two weeks," Greg says.

"What does the surgery involve?"

"It involves tubes inserted through the eardrums which will drain the fluid and hopefully he will have fewer infections."

"Will it affect his hearing?"

"If we don't get it taken care of soon then yes, it will," Greg replies. "But don't worry; we caught the problem in time and he'll be fine. I am
just sorry it had to happen so soon after your wedding."

"I'm sorry it happened at all. Poor little guy," Tom says.

"You can take the guys home," Greg says.

"Thanks Greg." Tom and Abby take the boys home.

When they get home Abby draws Tom into his study. "I've been thinking. With Nancy in trouble and Nicholas sick, well, Tom, don't get me wrong,
but I don't think we ought to be going off on a honeymoon right now," Abby says.

"Abby, I'll make sure Nancy has protection before we leave and that Nicholas gets the care he needs," he says.

"I don't know," Abby hesitates. "It just seems wrong, abandoning them like this just to go off. That we can do any time."

"But how long are we supposed to delay the honeymoon for? What if it takes a real long time for Alan to be put away."

"What if it does? There'll be time for us to be alone later, but Nancy needs you now."

"You're right she does but if we delay our honeymoon every time one of the kids needs us. We'll never get to go."

Abby laughs. "That's true. How about we delay it at least until we see the lawyer and know if Nancy will get police protection?"

"Ok," Tom agrees. "So when do we talk to the lawyer?"

"I'll call my father later on; he said he'd be getting into the office late. He'll probably be able to get us an appointment for tomorrow or
Monday."

"Good. In the meantime, are the girls out of the house yet for the day?" he asks with a twinkle in his eye.

"Having kids around didn't seem to bother you last night," Abby answers with a smile of her own.

"Yeah but it's morning they'll be more alert than they were last night."

"I can be discreet," Abby purrs. "Can you?"

"Yes," he grins and kisses her.

"Well, then, what are we doing standing around in your study?"

They retreat to their bedroom.

Later on, Abby calls her father. "Daddy, did you get a chance to find a lawyer for that student of mine?" she asks.

"Sandra Sue, you really have to stop getting so involved in your students' lives."

"Dad, I wouldn't be married if I didn't get involved in my students' lives."

"My point exactly," Harry says.

"The lawyer's name, Dad?" Abby asks again.

"One minute."

Abby motions to Tom to bring her paper and a pen, and then she writes down the information. "Thanks, Dad. I owe you one."

"Then how about coming home for Thanksgiving. You did promise to, you know."

"I'd love to, Dad, but Nicholas is due to have tubes put in his ears just about then. I don't think he could handle the travelling."

"I knew I should never have let you move away from Pasadena..."

They say their goodbyes and Abby hangs up. "He gave me a name--I'll have to call to find out when we can see him."

"Good, what's his name?"

Abby frowns. "Andrew Merriam."

"Do you know him?"  Tom asks.

"Not as well as he'd have liked me to," Abby says and tells him about her one highly unsuccessful date with Sacramento's most self-centered
lawyer.

"Hmm, maybe we should get a different lawyer I don't want you to have to see him again."

"If my father says he's the best for Nancy's situation, he's the one we'll go to," Abby insists.

Tom sighs, "and I'll be there with you, ok, but if he starts acting like a worm with you on the phone hand it to me, ok."

"My knight in shining armor," Abby jokes. "Maybe you shouldn't listen in on this conversation. There are better ways of raising your blood
pressure."

"Ok, I'll go and see what Joannie and Nancy are making for dinner,"  he kisses her.  "But if he starts acting like a worm tell him to hold on
and come and get me."

Abby kisses him and shoos him out of the room.

Tom goes into the kitchen. "What are you girls making?" he asks.

"Lobster and steak," Nancy says in a distinguished tone. "Naah, just tacos."

"You still live here?" Joannie asks. "I don't think I've seen you much the past 24 hours."

Tom just smiles. "Yes I still live here."

Joannie leans over to Nancy and stage whispers. "I guess this means they'll leave the bedroom long enough to eat, so set two more places."

Nancy stifles back a laugh and goes to set two more places.

Meanwhile, Abby calls Merriam's office. "Andrew Merriam, please."

"One minute," the receptionist says. "Whom shall I say is calling?"

"Abby Abbot."

There are a few clicks, some Muzak, and then Andrew comes on the line. "Abby. I was thinking about you, wondering when you'd call me."

"My father--Harry Mitchell from Pasadena--gave me your office number," Abby says.

"You didn't have to go that far. Lisa has my number. When shall I pick you up?"

"I'm calling about a legal matter. I wanted to make an appointment to see you," Abby explains.

"How about tonight?"

"That soon? That would be wonderful."

"About eight? There's a great new restaurant up the coast a bit..."

"I'd really rather do this in your office," Abby says, almost losing her patience.

"In my office? Well, OK, the walls are soundproofed."

"Don't you even want to know what the legal matter is?" Abby asks.

"Sure, explain it. But that's not what I'm interested in," Andrew answers.

Abby briefly outlines the problem, not saying that the client is her step-daughter. Andrew agrees to meet her the next day at 10 and they
hang up. ~Why didn't I tell him I'm married now?~ Abby wonders.

Abby comes downstairs. "Tomorrow at 10," she tells Tom. "And he was a perfect gentleman," she lies.

"Good, thank you Abby."  Tom kisses her.

"What's at 10?"  Nancy asks.

"You have an appointment at the lawyer's," Abby says. "He's very prestigious; he's pled some of the highest courts and is mentioned in
some textbooks. If anyone can talk the police into a deal, it's he," Abby says.

Nancy smiles and hugs Abby.  "Thank you."

"Don't thank me until we work out a deal," Abby says. "Tom, can I speak to you for a minute?"

"Sure,"  They leave the kitchen.  "What is it?"

"I didn't even realize it until after I hung up," Abby confesses. "I didn't mean anything by it, but still..."

"Abby what is it?"  Tom asks.

"I didn't tell Andrew that I'm married. He invited me to dinner and I didn't even think anything of it until after I'd hung up. It's not like
I was hiding it--it'll take me a while to get used to calling myself by a new name is all."

Tom smiles, "Of course it will, and um you turned him down right?"  He notices her expression.  "Abby, I'm kidding, I trust you."

"I didn't exactly turn him down, just asked to see him in his office." Abby decides not to report what Merriam's reaction to that was. "But if
I get a better offer for tonight..."

"Oh you have a better offer, trust me,"  Tom says as he kisses her.

"You're pretty sure of yourself," Abby laughs.

Elizabeth walks past them.  "Ew, mush," she kids.

"Get used to it, Elizabeth," Abby says. "I happen to like this man."

"Yeah I know." Elizabeth smiles and retreats to the kitchen.

"We're going to shock your children," Abby says to Tom.

"And I'll have fun doing that," Tom teases.

"For such a serious man, you certainly talk about fun a lot."

"It's hard not to talk about fun when I'm with you."

"All talk and no action, huh?"

"Hmm, how long do we have till dinner?"

Abby laughs. "You really are going to shock the children. And Nancy's already set the table, so dinner can't be that far off."

"Well then there's after dinner."

Abby kisses him. "There is definitely after dinner."

Joannie peeks out of the kitchen and sees her father and Abby kissing. "They're at it again," she sighs, telling Nancy.

Nancy laughs and then goes out there. "Hey, love birds, dinner is ready," she tells them.

Abby decides to fight fire with fire. "Just having some appetizer," she tells Nancy.

"Er um ok.  Just thought I'd let you know dinner is ready."  She makes a fast retreat back to the kitchen.

Tom laughs at his daughter's reaction.

"You did say it was OK to shock them," Abby says. "Come on, let's go into dinner."

"That I did. And you are very good at it."  They go to the dinner table and take their seats.

Abby goes to sit where she has every other time she ate dinner with the family. Tom stops her. "Abby, you're my wife now."  He motions to the
chair at the other end of the table. Abby watches the kids as she goes to sit in what she assumes used to be their mother's place.

Nancy is a little taken aback by this; so is Elizabeth, but they soon recover. Joannie stares at Abby for a while but then shrugs and gets on
with eating her dinner. Tommy and Nicholas just stare at each other from across the table. Susan stops eating for a moment and watches what's
taking place.

They eat dinner for the first time as a family and afterwards Tom and Abby retreat to their bedroom for the rest of the night while the kids
do what they usually do after dinner.

In their room, Abby tells Tom, "I think some of the kids were a little upset at where I sat tonight."

"They're not used to anyone else sitting there, but they'll get used to it.  They love you, Abby."

"Oh, I know that, but until now I was never a real threat to their mother's memory. This is a lot for them to accept all at once, you
know."

"Yeah I know," Tom also worries. "But how can we make it easier on them?"

Abby shrugs, uncertain. "They're your kids. You know them better than I do."

"Yeah but that won't make it any easier on making it easier on them."

"So what do you suggest we do? I don't want to keep having to second guess myself to make things easier for them, but I don't want to hurt
them unnecessarily, either."

"I don't know what to do, Abby,"  Tom confesses. "I wish I had all the answers."

"I'd settle for just a few," Abby tells him.

"Yeah," Tom smiles and wraps his arms around her.

Meanwhile Nancy retreats to her room, picks up the picture of her mom, holds it to her heart and cries silently.

Joannie knocks on Nancy's door.

"Come in," she says.

"Nance, could I borrow your..." Joannie starts, but then looks at her sister. "You've been crying."

"Sometimes I just miss her so much Joannie.  Especially with all that's been happening,"  Nancy confesses.

"Yeah, I know. I miss her, too. I wish Dad would stop pushing it; even Abby didn't want to sit in Mom's place tonight. It's like he's forgotten
all about Mom already."

"Yeah I know, and another thing--it's easier to talk to Abby about Mom than it is to talk to Dad about her lately."

"I don't know what he thinks he's doing. Male menopause? I'm happy he's happy, but he doesn't have to wipe out the past."

"Maybe he thinks he's making it easier for us that way, but he's not."

"I don't think he's thinking much at all," Joannie says, a little bitter. "At least not with his brain."

"Oh, that's disgusting," Nancy says, not wanting to think of her father that way.

"Tell that to Dad," Joannie says. "He could at least confine it to the bedroom or his study; we don't need to see him necking with Abby in the
hallways."

Nancy nods in agreement and gazes at their mother's picture.

Joannie looks at the picture, too. "They were really happy together, weren't they? I miss her. I miss the family the way it was when she was
here."

"So do I, why do things always have to change?  Why did Mom have to..." She starts crying again.

"Shh, Nancy, don't cry. It won't change anything," Joannie tries to comfort her.

"Don't get me wrong. I like Abby and I'm glad they got married, but sometimes."

"Sometimes?" Joannie prompts, a little glad that she's not the only with mixed feelings.

Nancy nods.  "I thought I was past it but I'm beginning to think I never will be."

"I don't know. Dad sure got over it."

"That he did and if he didn't he never seems to show it."

"And we can't even talk to him about it--if Abby's around, he's running off to his bedroom."

"Yeah I know, but maybe we can talk to Abby and she can talk to him."

"And tell her what?" Joannie sighs. "Oh, well, it's worth a shot. Anything's better than watching Dad run around like a love-sick puppy."

"I don't know. Maybe not tell her anything. Maybe we can wait and see if time makes everything better."

"While you cry your heart out. Forget that."

"Well it's not all about me, Joannie."

"Is, too. It's about all of us. Not like Dad thinks, just about him and Abby. Even Abby knows that, which is why she was OK about that whole
jailhouse scene."

"Then how do we approach her with this?"

"I don't know. Last time I approached her about something I messed it up," Joannie admits.

"And how can I do it? 'Abby, thank you for everything you've done, but'..." Nancy plays out the scene. "That will hurt her."

"If you were in her situation, would you want everyone tip-toeing around you, resenting the whole thing?"

"Yes." She thinks it over. "Wait, no, I wouldn't."

"I wouldn't either, but she already knows I'm a snoop and a gossip, so I guess that means you talk to her."

"Ok, but give me time to think of a way to approach her."

"Just don't take too long, OK? Because unless someone stops Dad he'll get worse before he gets better, and I don't blame Abby for indulging
him--after all, nine years is a long time to be alone."

"Ok, I won't take too long," Nancy says as she dries her eyes.

"Meanwhile, can I borrow your black pumps?" Joannie asks. "I have an audition tomorrow. Community theater."

Nancy smiles.  "Sure."

Friday, November 11:
 

Abby, Tom, and Nancy arrive at Andrew's office and wait to be seen.

After about ten minutes a receptionist comes out and leads them to Merriam's office. He stands to greet them. "Abby," he kisses her cheek,
"you look wonderful. After we finish here, how about I take you out to lunch?"

Abby hems and haws, not wanting to agree, but fearing that he won't give them the attention Nancy needs if he thinks she's been playing with him.

Nancy's about to tell the lawyer that Abby already has a lunch date when Tom interrupts her. "Hi. I'm Nancy's father."

"Nancy, why don't you explain the situation?" Abby suggests. "Andrew, what we want to know is what sort of deal can be worked out--what we'd
like is protection and immunity."

Nancy tells Andrew about Alan and about the mistakes she made.

"That wasn't very bright of you," Andrew says, "but I think we can work something out. Why don't you two sit in the waiting area while I make a
few phone calls? Abby, wait here--I want to talk to you, please."

"Actually, I have a few things I need to discuss, so I'll go out, too," Abby says.

"Later, then," Andrew says as he sees the three of them out.

"Do you want me to tell him that I'm your husband? That way you won't have to face his reaction alone," Tom whispers.

"Not until he's set things up with the police," Abby whispers back. "I can handle obnoxious men, but Nancy's the main concern right now. Do you
mind that I haven't set him straight yet? And you might want to explain things to her; she looks a little confused."

"Part of me minds, but the other part of me knows it's the right way to go about it right now," Tom says and then explains it to Nancy, who
laughs. "What's so funny?"

"I don't know. It's just the way you looked in there when Andrew asked Abby out to lunch. I'm just relieved to find out the reason she hasn't
told him. I was ready to challenge the guy to a duel if you didn't."

Abby joins the conversation, having heard Nancy's laugh. "Besides, he deserves being taken a little. Slime of the earth," Abby shudders. "But
I have a way to fix him and to tell him, all at the same time."

Nancy smiles. "Can't wait to see that."

Andrew calls them back into his office. "All right, I have things set up. You're lucky--the DA's son is a recovering drug addict, so he's very
interested in local dealers. I'll come with you to see him--he asked if we could stop in this afternoon. You're lucky--I managed to settle
today's case out of court, so I set an appointment for 1. Abby, why don't you join me for lunch and we'll meet your friends at the DA's
office."

Abby throws her husband and step-daughter a desperate look, asking for help.

"Dad," Nancy gives him a faked panic look.

"Sir, you don't understand," Tom says. "Nancy has been very scared lately and she needs Abby with her. She feels safer with her around."

"Having Abby around certainly can make a person feel good," Andrew leers. "All right. We'll all meet at the DA's at ten to one. Abby, if we
don't get a chance to make plans, I'll call you tonight."

"I won't be at my apartment," Abby says, glad to be able to say something honest finally. "But my machine will get it."

The three Bradfords leave the law firm. "Nancy, do not take that as any sort of lesson about dating or marriage, OK?" Abby pleads.

"Ok," Nancy agrees. "I bet you'll be relieved when you can finally tell him."

"I'll be relieved when I never have to see the likes of Andrew Merriam again," Abby shakes her head. "So what do we do for the next two hours?"

"Shopping." Nancy suggests.

Abby looks at Tom to see how far he's willing to indulge his daughter.

Tom sighs. "Ok, but only after we get something to eat."

Abby shrugs. "Men."

~How do I approach her with this. Should I even tell her? I mean I can wait till things calm down a little and might not have to bring it up to
her at all.~ "Abby can we talk later?" Nancy asks.

"Of course," Abby says. "Tom, maybe after lunch I take Nancy shopping and you meet us at the DA's."

"I don't know, Abby. I'd rather be with you two."

"No you wouldn't," Abby tells her husband, "not if we're going shopping. Last time Nancy and I shopped you and I fought, and I don't intend to
fight with you today."

Tom sighs. "Ok, but you two be careful," he says.

"Don't worry--the only thing that will be in danger is your bank balance," Abby says.

Tom gasps.

Later, after lunch, while Nancy and Abby are shopping: "I've been thinking of ways all day to bring this up and I can't come up with a
good one," Nancy begins.

"What's wrong?" Abby asks, worried.

"It's Dad, I…well a lot of us feel like there's things we can't talk to him about lately."

"I know he's been a little preoccupied lately, but I'm sure he's always ready to listen to you," Abby defends Tom. "He loves you all very much."

"I know. I love him too, but..."

"But?"

"He never wants to talk about our mom, when we bring it up these days he changes the subject very quickly. I understand that you two are trying
to build a life together and I'm happy for you both, it just seems that things are happening very fast."

"Give your father some time. It's sort of confusing, trying to put a new relationship together when you've got all your memories of the old one
around you--the house, you kids... So maybe your father has to close off part of himself, the part that was your mother's husband, for a little
while, at least until he feels settled into being my husband," Abby says.

"You're right, and ok I'll give him time," Nancy says.

"Is that all you really wanted to say?" Abby asks. "Because you seemed so hesitant and that wasn't too bad."

Nancy glances at her for a few minutes. ~No, don't say it. She's helped you out a lot. Do not say it.~

"Nancy, I'm not a mind reader," Abby says, "and if you don't tell me what's wrong, I can't help try to make it better."

"It's not easy to say Abby, and it might not be easy for you to hear."

Abby leads Nancy over to a bench and sits. "OK, let me hear it," she says. "Sounds like you have something big you need to talk about."

Nancy sits down also, takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Ok, it was a little tough to take when you sat in our mom's chair at dinner, but
we'll get over it. And some of us are a little uncomfortable with the way Dad is acting with you, but we'll get over that too. It's just
something we need to get used to and I don't know if we can get used to it if you and Dad don't know what's going on so all of us can discuss
it."

"'The way Dad is acting with you'?" Abby asks, not sure she understands what Nancy means.

~Dang it I should have made Joannie do this with me.~ Nancy explains in the most gentle terms what she means.

"I see," Abby says in a small voice. She thinks for a minute and when she next speaks her voice is stronger, having come to a decision. "This
isn't something we need to discuss with the whole family. I'll talk to your father, but it will be our decision."

"Ok, and Abby I'm sorry if I made you upset or anything, if I did that wasn't my intention."

"No, no, it's all right," Abby says, though her voice doesn't match her words. "I guess I'm just not used to having my private life the subject
of public debate. I'll get used to it."

Nancy's face clouds over. ~Nice going, you idiot,~ she mentally kicks herself.

Abby checks her watch. "Come on, we'd better get going. Your father's probably pacing in front of the DA's office already. I'm sorry your
shopping trip wasn't more successful."

"It's ok, we all have bad shopping days," Nancy jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

"True enough."

Outside the DA's office, as predicted, Tom is pacing. The lawyer approaches him. "The lovely ladies abandon you?"

"Shopping and girl talk," Tom explains.

Andrew nods, though he really doesn't care where his client is right now. "So, how well do you know Abby?" he asks.

"Very well," Tom grins. "She's a great lady."

"If you know her that well," Andrew says in a confidential boys-will-be-boys tone, "then I'm surprised you're using the term
'lady.' But she is pretty great, isn't she?"

It's all Tom can do not to punch Andrew's lights out. ~Calm down, keep it under control. Think of Nancy.~ "I would appreciate if you not talk
about Abby that way."

"Protective, huh? She must be better than I thought," Andrew says under his breath. "So what exactly is your relationship to Abby?" he asks,
suddenly realizing a possible reason why Abby has come along with this man and his daughter and why she's been avoiding his almost irresistible
advances.

"Hi Dad!!" Nancy calls out and walks over with Abby. "Sorry we're late."

"Hello, Andrew," Abby says. "Tom." She stands close to her husband and whispers, "We need to talk later."

"Ok," Tom nods as the four of them go inside to meet with the DA.

Andrew makes the introductions and the DA asks to hear Nancy's story.

"Well I made a pretty big mistake." She tells him about getting mixed up in drugs and alcohol again, about her realizing her mistake, and about
her quitting. "And now that I'm not buying from him again I'm afraid he'll come after me. He glares at me when he sees me; he hasn't had a
chance to make any threats but I think he would if he could." She continues to paint a scary picture of Alan.

"We've been trying to find a way in to the local seller's market," the DA admits. "Would you be willing to testify, maybe even something more?"

"What's the something more?"

"The police might want to set you up as a decoy. Put a wire on you and have you make a buy from him," the DA tells her.

"No way, absolutely not," Tom protests.

"We can't get an indictment based on your daughter's testimony alone," the DA says. "Of course, we could wait until an actual threat has been
made in front of witnesses before we take action, but until then, it's only your daughter's word."

"I'll do it." Nancy finally says.

"No!! Nancy, I absolutely forbid it. It's much too dangerous," Tom says.

"So is having drug dealers hanging out outside your home," Abby points out. "What kind of protection would Nancy get if she did this?"

"We'd have a van following her while she was wearing the wire," the DA says, "and after we put the man in jail, until the trial, we'll give her
an escort."

"Dad, it's the only way. If I don't do this it'll never end."

Tom thinks long and hard about it. "Ok, but know that I don't like this," he says to the DA, "and I want to be there."

"I can't promise that," the DA says, but when he sees the look on Tom's face adds, "but I'll talk to the police about letting you stay in the
van."

"What about the immunity?" Nancy asks.

"We're interested in the dealers, not in one time buyers. Immunity won't be a problem."

Tom and Nancy both sigh in relief.

"Well, then, that's it. The police will be in contact with you," the DA says. "Mr. Merriam, if you could stay few minutes, I'll work some of the
details out with you."

"Thank you," Nancy says and leaves the room. Tom also thanks him and leaves the room. But before he steps out: "Abby, are you coming?"

"Yes, of course."

"Wait," Andrew says. "Shall I call you with the details or them?" he asks Abby.

"It doesn't much matter," Abby says as she starts to pull the office door closed behind her. "I don't mind passing messages to my
step-daughter."

Abby is gone from the room before Andrew processes what she said. He buries his head in his hands.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Merriam?" the DA asks.

"No, nothing I didn't deserve."

"All right, let's go over this, then..."

Currently in the hallway: Tom laughs, hugs, and kisses Abby. "That was priceless."

Abby pulls away from Tom. "We'd better be going home," she says, her voice flat.

Tom looks at her in confusion while Nancy cringes.

Later at home in their bedroom: "Ok, Abby what's wrong?" he asks.

"Nancy had a long talk with me. The kids--they don't like that I sit in their mother's place at the table. They don't like that you don't talk
about Joan to them anymore. And they really don't like seeing you touch me or kiss me or treat me as anything but Tommy's old tutor," Abby says,
exaggerating because she's hurt.

Tom frowns and begins to fume. "I think I'll have a little talk with Nancy myself."

"Don't," Abby pleads. "It will just make things worse, like you're taking my side against them when there shouldn't be any sides at all."

"Well what am I supposed to do? I can't let this go. She had no right to talk to you like that."

At this point Nancy decides to quit her eavesdropping and goes downstairs. ~Hmm, maybe I should make a run for it and come back home in
a few hours. Dad should calm down by then.~

Starts to look for a sibling to go with her and finds Joannie in the kitchen. "Hey, Joannie, let's go to the park or something."

"Sure," Joannie says, not wanting Nancy to go anywhere alone. "You look upset--what's up?"

On the way there: "Dad is mad at me. I talked to Abby, and Joannie, I did the best I could to say it without hurting her and I hurt her
anyway."

"Dad has no right to be angry with you!" Joannie says. "You were speaking for us all. You saw how everyone looked when she sat down at
Mom's place."

"Yeah, well he is, but I think he'll cool down."

"Well, he has no right. No right at all. He got married, fine, but he doesn't have to take complete leave of his senses."

Nancy shrugs.

"Do you really want to be out of the house now, or are you just avoiding Dad?" Joannie asks.

"Just avoiding Dad and I wanted to tell you what happened with the DA before you hear it from the Bradford grapevine and only get half of the
truth."

"OK, so tell me. Then we'll go back and I'll give Dad a piece of my mind."

Nancy tells her about Andrew, the deal they made with the DA, and about the sting operation.

"So you're going to be the bait, like in the movies? And I'll bet Dad loved that, some guy coming on to Abby right in front of him. Why didn't
she stop him, I wonder?"

"Yes I am, and no he wasn't. I'm not either but it's the only way to end this. She didn't stop him because she wanted to make sure I had
protection before she did because she was afraid he'd back out if he knew the truth before then."

"Ew. How slimy. He was only going to help you if Abby was part of the deal? Then again, Abby's got more experience with lawyers than we have,
so I guess she knew what to expect."

"Yeah, I felt like punching the guys lights out."

"You ought to have," Joannie says, then stops dead in her tracks.

"What's wrong?"

"We're angry at Dad because he's romancing Abby. We're angry at this lawyer because he wanted to romance Abby. If we're not careful, Abby's
going to get the idea that all we're really against is her having a love life."

Nancy laughs. "Oh no, well if she does start thinking that we better set her straight. I'm not against anyone having a love life."

"And speaking about love lives--when David and I were looking for your stash, I searched your chest of drawers. Nancy, what are earth were you
thinking?"

"Geez is nothing sacred," Nancy's face turns red.

"Sacred's the last word I'd use about that stuff," Joannie says. "So?"

"So what? It's none of your business. There are some things that you don't share with anyone even your sisters."

"I just don't want you getting hurt, Nancy. And besides--if you don't want anyone to know about, don't keep them at home. What if Elizabeth
went in to take something from the drawer and saw them?"

"I won't get hurt I know what I'm doing and I'm very careful, but you're right I shouldn't keep them at home. I'll think of another place."

"I'd rather you didn't keep them at all, but if you promise to be careful..." Joannie says. "I guess we should get back. I want to have a
little talk with Daddy dearest."

"Yeah I guess so, and Joannie don't be too hard on him ok." Nancy says on the way back.

"Do I look like an ogre?" Joannie asks. "No--wait--don't answer that."

"Of course not but I know how protective you get." Nancy replies.

In the master bedroom: "Would you rather they didn't say anything and just resented me more and more every day? It's not just Nancy--all of
the kids were staring daggers at me last night, and even you said we were shocking your children."

"Well, what are we supposed to do? Pretend like we're not married and not show affection toward each other?"

"I don't know! They're your kids, not mine; you've told me that often enough."

"I know that and I also know that all of us are a family now. And when one of us is hurt by another member of the family it needs to be worked
out."

Abby shrugs. "Maybe we should just do what they want. We don't have to stop showing affection, but we can keep it private. And we could
postpone going away--that might be a good idea in any case, since we're waiting to hear from the police. Maybe if we just give them time they'll
eventually accept me." Abby laughs. "I haven't given back the keys to my apartment yet. You could still stash me away there and come visit me
when your kids let you free."

"Ok, I'll keep it private, although that will be a struggle, but no, you are not going back to your apartment. We are all staying together," he
protests.

"I'll just have to make sure you get enough affection here in private to satisfy you," Abby says.

Tom smiles and kisses her. "Lady, I love the idea."

"I thought you would," Abby says and kisses him. "So how about tonight?" She takes a look at him and realizes he has misunderstood her. "I mean
at the table--where do I sit?"

"Well, I'd like it better if you sat where you're supposed to sit. However, if you're sitting next to me that will be good, too."

"It's up to you. They're your kids, and I think it's you they're really upset with, though it's easier to tell it to me."

"You mean Nancy felt like she couldn't tell me all of this?"

"I think so," Abby tells him. "She did say that you've been difficult to talk to lately."

Tom frowns. "Then maybe I'm the one with a problem. I don't want my kids thinking they can't talk to me."

"Well, you could try talking to them," Abby suggests.

"I will after I calm down some more," he promises.

"Anything I can do to help you calm down?" Abby asks and snuggles up close to him.

"There sure is." He takes her in his arms and kisses her.

"I'm not sure how this is supposed to calm you down..."

"Trust me it will."

"I guess you'll just have to show me this relaxation technique of yours."

Tom grins and shows her the relaxation technique. Afterwards, "So what do you think?"

Abby stretches out next to him. "Very relaxing," she laughs. "Maybe we should try it again, just to make sure I've got the hang of it."

Tom is more than willing, so they try his relaxation technique again.

Afterwards, Abby asks if he's calm enough to face his family yet--since they didn't end up going away, she really ought to go downstairs and
take charge of preparing dinner--unless he thinks the kids will think that this, too, is usurping their mother's place.

"Yes I'm calm enough, and I think it'll be ok if you cook. If they protest then they have to make a huge meal."

"I don't know which possibility you'd like better," Abby jokes as she gets dressed.

Tom smiles and also gets dressed. Afterwards he goes looking for Nancy.

Abby heads down to the kitchen to see if anyone's started dinner yet.

Elizabeth is there; she hasn't started dinner yet though. "Hi Abby, how did it go today?"

"Pretty well. Nancy's going to help the police, and they'll give her immunity and protection." She goes to the refrigerator and begins
assembling the ingredients for dinner.

"Good," Elizabeth says in relief.

Meanwhile Tommy and Nicholas come into the kitchen. "What's for dinner?" Tommy asks.

Abby looks at what she's gathered on the table. "I'm open to suggestions."

Tommy looks at the stuff and says, "How about tacos?"

"How bout pizza?" Elizabeth says.

"I can cook, you know," Abby says a little defensively. "Especially if I don't leave the three of you and Nancy in charge of shutting the fires."

Elizabeth laughs at the memory.

Tommy and Nicholas don't know how to respond to her so Tommy says, "Sorry" and retreats to the sun porch.

Abby begins to prepare dinner, ignoring Elizabeth and taking her frustrations out on the vegetables.

Elizabeth is very confused. "Abby, are you ok?"

"It's late. I have to get dinner started," Abby says. "Or is that another one of the unwritten rules I'm breaking? I'm not supposed to
cook in this house either, is that it?"

"What?! Abby what has happened? Did someone say something to you? I think I'll help them pull their foot out of their mouth," she says,
becoming angry.

"Oh, come on, last night at dinner all of you looked at me like I had no right to be there."

"Abby, I admit it was kind of strange but I got over it real quick. I don't have anything against you sitting there or against you at all,"
Elizabeth says, wondering why she's getting it.

"Well, that makes one of you," Abby says.

Tommy and Nicholas overhear the conversation. "Me neither," they both say.

"Oh, they're going to get it," Elizabeth says. "Just give me the name of the person and I'll take care of it, Abby."

"Look, it doesn't matter, OK?" Abby says. "I don't want to be the cause for fights. Let's just drop it. Pass me the carrots, would you?"

"Sure," Elizabeth says in a gentle voice and passes them.

"Need any help?" Tommy asks.

"You any good with a potato peeler?" Abby asks.

"As long as I keep my fingers away from the blade," Tommy laughs.

"Sounds like you could use the practice," Abby says. "Get to work."

"So how many potatoes do I peel?" Tommy asks, never having made potatoes before.

Abby thinks about this--she's only cooked twice for this crowd. "Unless they're very big, let's make it an even dozen and a half. It's only a
side dish, right?"

"OK,"  Tommy says. He starts to peel the potatoes and the peeler slips and cuts the skin on Tommy's thumb. "Ow,"  he says. It starts to bleed.
"Do we have any bandaids down here?"

"I should have known," Abby says. "I have no idea if there are bandaids down here, but I'm sure there are upstairs. Next time, remind me not to
volunteer you to cook--or is that the whole idea?"

"Just don't ask me to peel potatoes." Tommy says as he flees the kitchen in search for a band aid.

"Why do I have the feeling that really means 'don't ask me help again'?"

Elizabeth shrugs.

Abby picks up the peeler and the potatoes, washes them, and takes over the job.

Meanwhile, Tom finds Nancy in Joannie and Susan's room.

"Nancy, we need to talk," he says.

"Now wait a minute, Dad," Joannie says. "You have no right to get angry with Nancy. She's just said what we all feel."

"Then I guess I need to talk to all of you then," he replies.

"What?" Joannie asks, "You're going to finally find the time to talk to us? I'm surprised you went to the lawyer with Nancy today; unless it's
mealtime, you've been locked in your bedroom since the wedding."

"Joannie I know things have been different around here but I don't mean to make you kids feel uncomfortable."

"But Dad you have," Nancy says. "And when I finally get up the nerve to speak my mind you get angry about it."

"You've been impossible to talk to lately," Joannie adds.

"I'm sorry honey." He says to both of them. "But I'm here and both Abby and I will make an effort to make things easier on all of you."

"You and Abby. You just don't get it, Dad, do you?"

"I don't get what?"

"All you can talk about lately is you and Abby. All you think about is you and Abby. We can't walk around this house without bumping into the
two of you together. You've put her at Mom's place at the table. We don't want you and Abby--well, not always. Once in a while we just want
our old dad back."

Tom thinks before addressing her. "Honey, I'm sorry. I know things are different now and I don't mean. Oh I don't know what I mean to do
lately, but I do know that I love you, your brothers, and sisters very much and the last thing I want to do is hurt you. I'm going to do my
best to be there for you but I don't know if things can ever be the way they used to be."

"Well, that's just wonderful. So where does that leave us?"

"What do you mean where does it leave you? Joannie, we are still a family. That will never change."

Mary walks in and says "What's going on?"

Nancy fills her in.

"Oh," Mary says and turns to leave the room.

"Mary Bradford, you come back here," Joannie says. "Dad, you can say all you want to that it will never change, but it has, and you're changing
it even more. We're glad you're happy, but you're really rubbing our noses in it."

"Why are you leaving Mary?" Nancy asks.

"Look Joannie; leave *me* out of this *we* business," Mary says emphatically.

"Yeah leave Mary out of everything because that's the way she wants it," Nancy says angrily.

"And what is that suppose to mean?" Mary asks.

"Guess," Nancy snaps.

"Nancy that's enough if you have something to discuss with Mary you two take it somewhere else," Tom says.

"Shall we?" Mary says directing Nancy out of the room into her own room. "So are you going to tell me what that little remark was all about?"

"Look Mary I didn't mean for it to come out that rough it just seems like you've been making yourself scarce lately."

"Not seems like but I have been making myself scarce lately," Mary says.

"Why?"

Mary shrugs "Just trying to get used to the new ways around here. It's not that I don't agree with you and Joannie. I just feel that it is my
problem not Dad and Abby's."

"And here I go practically tearing your head off. Mary I'm sorry. I guess it's because things have been so crazy with me lately, but that's
no excuse."

"I am sorry too. How did it go today anyway?"

Part 2