Cedars Hospital

"Chrissy." "Dad, how are you? How did you find out? I tried to call, but got your answering service." Roger and Blake hug.

"It's not important how I found out, just that I'm here. Who's working with Hart?" Roger glances at David who is standing across the hall talking to Bridgette and Dylan.

Blake notices this, but brushes it off as she answers, "Dr. Moore. Rick is at a party for Michelle. She..."

"Yes, I know everything," Roger replied cutting her off. "And don't ask how. I just know. Let's go find this Dr. Moore. I'd like to get a progress report on my son."

He looks at David again. David understands that it is okay for him to go back to his project. "Look Bridgette, I need to get going. I'll come by here tomorrow morning or do you want to meet at Company?"

"Let's meet at Company. Is that okay Dylan?"

"Sure. See you tomorrow." David shakes Dylan's hand and then kisses Bridgette on the cheek before leaving.

Towers

All the guests have left the party. Danny and Michelle have retired to their suite. Danny is sitting on the sofa with Michelle lying down, her head in his lap and his hand gently massaging her left temple.

"What a day."

"What a day indeed."

"Danny, I don't think your mother is every going to forgive me for Mick. Have you?"

"Yes, I have and I'm working on Drew."

"Danny please don't hurt her."

"Look, I won't make any promises. I'll let you know what I decide. And as for my mother, I'll handle her. Don't worry."

"But I do worry. You won't promise me that you won't hurt Drew, but you'll promise me that your mother won't hurt me. It doesn't make sense Danny. I just want all the craziness to be over."

"Okay. Okay. I get your point. But as long as your mother around, you're going to have some craziness."

"Yeah. My mother. Geez. I don't know what to do about her."

"Just concentrate on getting to know Sandy better. And if time permits, or you feel comfortable, include Claire from time to time. I know my mother can be difficult, but she is still my mother and I feel lucky to have one. You might find that mother figure in Claire after all."

"She told me she went to my mother's...Maureen's...grave. She wanted to thank Maureen for raising me. I'm going to need a lot of time to deal with Claire."

"I'm sure already understands that."

Kissing his hand that was just massaging her temple, Michelle asks, "Danny, do you mind if I sleep in the second bedroom?"

"Excuse me? Of course I mind. Why don't you want to sleep with me?"

"I don't think we'll get much sleep and I'm exhausted," she says still holding his hand in hers.

"You don't think I keep my hands off of you," he asks with a voice thick with lust.

And with the same tone she replies, "Actually, I don't think I can keep my hands off of you."

"Why don't we give it try."

"Okay. But I warned you."

They both get up and move to their bedroom. While Michelle begins to undress, Danny turns on the stereo. He finds a nice jazz station.

"Setting the mood or is this my lullaby?" With nothing on, Michelle seductively walks to her husband and slides her hands up his chest and around his neck.

"Well you sure aren't making it easy for me to keep my hands off of you."

"I warned you."

"Touché."

"Let's take a shower. I like that love pool."

"Good idea, but no funny stuff."

Danny quickly undresses and Michelle watches with desire filled eyes. They take a quick shower and get in bed together, cuddling, but keeping their pact to not make love.

"You know what Danny?"

"What sweetie?"

"I feel like I have a guardian angel watching over me."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because 24 hours ago, I was supposed to be far away from here and you. But something kept nagging at me. I couldn't get you out of mind. It's like someone or something made me keep rethinking my plan. And then once I made up my mind to come back-knowing there could be dire
consequences-that same entity made me feel everything would be okay."

Danny pulls her closer to him. "I'm glad you came back. I admit I was extremely upset earlier, but having you here, I mean really having you and you wanting to be here-well let's just say it would kill me to kill you now. I think we had a big day today and it's just the beginning of a wonderful life for us."

"Yeah. As long as you can keep your mother off my back."

"Don't worry about her. I told you I would talk to her. Besides, we're going to have our own house. Remember? You won't have to see her everyday."

"Danny, I don't think it's going to be that simple. She still wants revenge."

"You just leave Carmen to me."

"Okay. How did I ever get so lucky as to have this second chance with you, Danny? I feel awful about everything and will until the day I die."

"Michelle, please stop. I've forgiven you for everything. You were placed in a crazy predicament...hell, we both were. Let's just be the best people we can be for our children and family from here on out. We definitely don't want to let down your guardian angel."

"No, I guess not."



________________________________________

Towers

"Good morning Mama. Have you seen Danny?"

"Hi sweetie. I saw him last night. Breakfast?" Carmen gives her daughter a hug before sitting down to eat.

Pilar joins her. "Sure. I’m pretty hungry. So did you see Danny’s wife? I am anxious to meet her. Why she was kept a secret is something I’ll never understand."

"Look, I don’t want you worrying about anything but school. As a matter of fact, you will be returning in one week. You needn’t be here. When the new house is built, you can come home for a short visit."

"The love you have for me just comes across in every word you speak, Mama."

Carmen is about to speak, but is cut off.

"Danny!"

Danny and Michelle enter the suite. "Hey Pilar. This is my wife Michelle. Michelle, this is my sister."

Michelle and Pilar size each other up and then both laugh. Instant friends. Carmen is not pleased.

"Did I miss something?" Danny asks.

"I think your sister and I are going to get along just fine."

Shaking Michelle’s hand, Pilar agrees. "So, would you like some breakfast?"

"No, they wouldn’t. Right Michelle. Don’t you have to go visit with your mother or something?" Carmen does not like the scene unfolding in her suite. Why couldn’t Pilar and
Theresa ever get along is all she can think.

Danny comes over to his mother and kisses her cheek. "Mama, you really need to work on your manners when it comes to Michelle. But, it just so happens that we are going to the Bauer house for breakfast. Is it okay if Pilar comes, Michelle? Or would you rather stay here with mother?" he asks, first addressing his wife, then his sister.

"Bauer house," they both say in unison and laugh. Carmen rolls her eyes and spats, "Pilar, you will return to Spain in one week. I suggest you spend time with your family not strangers."

Pilar gets her bag and says, "Oh Mama, chill out. I’ll see you later. Maybe we can do lunch. Bye."

Michelle and Pilar hook arms and walk out the suite leaving Danny behind.

"I know you still want revenge, but you need to let it go. Michelle is with me now and I want her and have forgiven her for everything. Please don’t interfere. I love you, but I love her, too and she will come first. We’ll see you later."

Danny waits for a response, but gets none. So he sighs heavily and leaves, gently closing the door behind him. He catches Pilar and Michelle at the elevator getting acquainted. Silently, Danny thanks God that they hit it off so well.

Back in her suite, Carmen is furious. "Danny, I am sorry, but you cannot have Michelle. But I will allow you to have Theresa. I have a lot of work to do. What else has Michelle done? You said you forgave her for everything."

She makes a call. "Dietz. Make Abigail Bauer disappear. Tonight. That should shake things up in that marriage."