Part 8

Or I may simply be a single drop of rain,
But I will remain

- W. Nelson

Martin knocked on the door and waited in the hall until a woman he assumed was Bailey's mother answered the door.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, Mrs. Cameron. I'm Martin Satterfield," he said. "Mr. Watts informed me that Piper is staying with you, may I speak to her, please?"

"Come in," Doreen said and Martin entered the room. "She's awake, but won't get out of bed. Let me go tell her you're here."

"Alright," Martin said and waited patiently until she returned and waved him in.

He entered to see Piper sitting up in bed with huge dark circles under puffy eyes. He hoped that whatever Bailey had left her would cheer her up, although he suspected that it would have an effect that was completely opposite.

"Hi, Piper," he said . "I have something for you."

Piper turned wary eyes in his direction. "What?" she asked, her gaze dropping to the bag he held in his left hand.

"Bailey asked me to give you this when you got settled in here," Martin said, trying on a smile that didn't quite work.

Piper extended a hand and Martin gave her the bag. "Please, leave me," she said clutching the bag tightly to her chest.

"Alright," he said as Bailey's mother gently pulled him out of the room.

"What did you give her?" Doreen asked as soon as the door closed.

"I don't know," Martin said. "Bailey made it quite clear that I was to give it to her though."

"I hope…" Doreen started but stopped at the anguished wail that came from Piper's room and closed her eyes. "You'd better go."

"I'm sorry," Martin said.

Doreen sat on the sofa when he left, letting the tears run silently down her own face as she listened to Piper wail out her grief.

The week passed with no word and Doreen became extremely concerned with Piper. She only left her bedroom to go to the bathroom and barely touched any of the food that was brought into her. Either an indifferent silence or a crying jag met every attempt she had made to talk to her. Both Martin and Mr. Watts had made several attempts to visit her, but both were turned away, sometimes harshly.

Finally putting her foot down, she prepared a huge a breakfast and marched determinedly into Piper's bedroom, sitting down with her tray on the edge of the bed.

Piper watched her with distant eyes and scowled when she saw the tray in her hands.

"I'm not hungry."

"Wouldn't my daughter want you to take care of yourself?" Doreen asked.

"Bailey's dead."

"You don't know that," Doreen said ignoring her own pain at the statement.

"Yes, I do," Piper said, bringing a hand out from under the covers to lay a necklace on the bedspread. "She left me that," she choked, her eyes beginning to tear. "She never, ever took it off."

Doreen gasped as she recognized it and reverently picked it up, caressing the inscription on the back. "Her father gave her this for her fourteenth birthday."

Piper just nodded and wiped at her eyes.

"That doesn't mean she's gone, child."

"She transferred all of her money and holdings into my name," Piper sniffled. "She left me a note, but I don't have the courage to read it."

"You should."

"I can't," Piper said. "She told me once never to give up on her, you know?"

"She's quite capable, child. Don't give up on her."

"This is all my fault. If I had listened to her she would be okay."

Doreen reached across the bed and slapped Piper smartly on the cheek. "You listen to me," she said. "She may be your lover but she's my daughter and I won't let you give up on her, because I can't. That girl walked through hell to save you and she let herself die a slow death over the years for her brother and myself. If she's in God's hands right now, I won't have you sitting around and making her sacrifice a vain one. Do you understand me?"

Piper sat in shock, one hand cupping her stinging cheek and looking at Doreen with wide eyes.

"I said do you understand me?"

"Yes."

"My daughter loves you and if she's left this world, you're going to live the rest of your life honoring that. Bailey would want you to carry on and believe me, you can do it, and because you love her, you will do it," Doreen said with flashing eyes. "Now, I want you to eat everything I brought you and then I want to see you bathed and ready to walk with me outside in an hour. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Good," Doreen said with satisfaction, leaning forward to place Bailey's necklace over her head. "Bailey treasured her father as she obviously treasures you," she added rising from the bed and walking briskly from the room.

Piper watched her go and stared at the door for several moments, bringing a hand up to cup the crucifix around her neck. She caressed it lovingly and brought it up to her lips for a tender kiss. With a shuddering sigh, she picked up the tray and reluctantly began eating the breakfast Doreen had brought in.

James Hoake walked into the room and glared severely at the disheveled forms gathered around the table.

"Director," Bob said, standing from his seat.

"This operation is over as of right now and everyone is dismissed until after the first of the year."

"But…" Terry protested, rising from his chair.

"Sit down, Terry," James ordered. "It's over. How many do we have left?"

An uncomfortable silence encompassed the room.

"Don't make me repeat myself."

"Nine," Keith said finally. "Six of which are hospitalized."

"Holy God," James said. "Congratulations, Terry. You've managed to rather thoroughly destroy the Organization."

"We can rebuild, I'll make it a priority," Terry stammered. "But Cameron…"

"Shut up," James interrupted. "Bailey Ann Cameron died on the operating table at Bethesda Navy four days ago."

Terry gaped and fell into the back of his chair.

"She sustained several wounds when she all but annihilated all of our operatives. I received a visit from her at home and she made several demands. All of which I intend to honor," he explained. "Terry, I'll review your hand in this after the New Year, but right now, I want all of our remaining operatives to stand down and we'll continue this discussion when we reconvene in January."

"She's really dead?" Terry asked.

"Yes," James said. "And I'm sure we'll all soon regret it. She took several precautions to make sure we'd pay the price if she died. Bob, Keith, remain with me a minute. The rest of you are dismissed now."

"But…" Terry said.

"I said now," James interrupted and glared at him darkly until he very reluctantly and sheepishly made his way for the door.

"Get comfortable, gentlemen," James said as soon as they were alone in the room.

II

I am stretched on your grave, And will lie there forever.
If your hands were in mine, I'd be sure we'd not sever

- P. King, S. O'Connor

On the fourteenth day at the embassy, Piper dressed smartly and put on her best jewelry. She took great pains in applying her makeup and styling her hair before emerging from her room and taking up vigil with Bailey's family, Martin, and Major Watts.

They gathered in a large receiving area to patiently wait for word or the Major's cell phone to ring. She had struggled through the last week but Doreen had hovered above her constantly, always quick with a slap when she sank into despair or equally as adept in providing comfort, whichever she felt was appropriate at the time. She kept Bailey's note on her person at all times but still hadn't mustered up the courage to read it, much to Doreen's dismay.

The day dragged on painfully until almost one in the afternoon when the Major's phone rang and everyone turned anxious expressions on the man as he answered it stiffly.

"Watts," he said and his face fell.

Doreen grabbed Piper's hand tightly and waited worriedly until the Major hung up.

"Was it her?" Piper asked.

"No," Jeremy said. "But I was informed we should have a visitor in a few minutes."

"Really?" Piper asked, not daring to hope.

"That's what I was told."

"Who?" Doreen asked.

"I wasn't informed," Jeremy said, standing. "I'll wait outside if you don't mind and bring our visitor in when they arrive."

Piper chewed on her lip nervously and held Doreen's hand tightly until the Major reentered the room a quarter of an hour later carrying a long cardboard tube and leading an olive skinned man dressed in a gray business suit. The man held a briefcase in one hand and a small wooden box in the crook of his other arm. She went very still and followed the man with hooded eyes as he stopped, setting the briefcase on the floor at his feet and looking carefully at the gathered faces.

"I'm Keith DeSilva," he said. "I'm here to inform the Cameron family that you have been granted American citizenship and are free to do as you wish."

"I'm also here to inform Martin Satterfield that he has been exonerated of all charges and is free to live anyway he chooses, without worry for his life," Keith said, pausing to clear his throat uncomfortably.

"It's also my sad duty to inform you that Bailey Ann Cameron died almost two weeks ago in Bethesda."

"No!" Piper screamed, springing from her chair, ignoring Doreen's anguished cry and Martin's quiet curse. "Where's her body?" she asked, shaking uncontrollably.

Keith took the wooden box from under his arm and presented it to Piper. "She requested cremation. I'm very sorry."

"Oh, God no," Piper said, crumbling.

"Miss Cameron was in surgery for the better part of a day before she finally passed over," Keith said. "I'm very sorry."

"No!" Piper screamed, running from the room in tears.

Doreen stood up and took the box from Keith. "Did she say anything?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"My baby," Doreen said and Ryan embraced her tightly.

"Her sword was to be given to Miss Tate," Keith said, gesturing to the tube in Jeremy's hands.

"I'll see that she gets it," Jeremy said.

Keith picked up his briefcase and withdrew three envelopes, which he also handed to Jeremy who took them without comment.

"I'm very sorry," Keith said again to the people gathered who either didn't hear him or didn't care to respond. He looked at Jeremy who nodded and led him, unnoticed, out of the room.

"Damn it," Martin said, wiping at his eyes.

Piper ran hysterically back to her room and locked the door behind her. She raged destructively around the room, finally collapsing in a corner and bringing her knees up her chest, sobbing uncontrollably, her breath coming painfully. She wept until the light coming through the window was gone and Doreen finally had the Major come in and unlock the door.

Doreen entered alone, sadly taking in the shattered room and lowering herself to the floor to take a seat next to the sobbing Piper, putting an arm around her.

"Read me her note."

"I can't."

"Would you like me to read it to you?"

Piper sniffled and dug the note out of her pocket. "Please," she said, handing it to her.

Doreen took several deep breaths as she unfolded it and put on her glasses.

"It says..." she started.

Piper,

As a person who has spent the majority of her life not on speaking terms with God, I want you to know that each day I spent with you I thanked Him. And as you read this letter know that I've much to be thankful for. Because of you, I lived more in the time we spent together than I did in all my years prior; and because of you, a soul in danger of dying was given the gift of happiness.

My sins are of such magnitude that forgiveness could only be found in fantasy. A fantasy that became reality when I met you, for you're the best thing that ever happened to me. At some point in my life, I must have done something right because having you was the greatest gift I ever received.

I know I never said the words, mainly because I was afraid to. Afraid for reasons I can't explain, even to myself. Foolish, I know. But since meeting you I've found myself afraid of things I know are irrational. The idea of someone like me having been blessed with the love of someone like you, was something I dared not ever hope for or allow myself to even dream about. Having you, if only for a short time, made my whole life worth living. I wish I had the words to let you know how much you mean to me. To say I love you doesn't seem adequate enough to convey the depth of my feelings. But know that I do.

I love you. I love you beyond measure. You'll be with me always. You became my life and all that I was and all that I become belongs to you.

"…Yours now and forever, Bailey," Doreen finished in tears and enveloped a wailing Piper in her arms. "It's alright, child," she whispered. "It's alright..."

Piper approached Martin three days later with a determined look on her face. He saw her coming and experienced a quick moment of indecision as to whether or not he should run or hold his ground when he noted her expression.

"Martin," Piper said as she took a seat across from him.

"Yes?"

"What are your plans now?"

"I don't really know," he said with a shrug.

"I want you to come work for me."

"Huh?"

"I want you to come and work for C-Corp after the first of the year," Piper said. "Bailey left me the company, and I could use you."

Martin considered a moment. "I think…" he said slowly, "… I think I'd like that."

"Good, then it's settled," Piper said with a nod of satisfaction. "I want you to come home with me and the Cameron's for Christmas."

"Home?" Martin said. "You mean with your family?"

"Yes, we'll be leaving the day after tomorrow. I'm planning on calling my parents tonight."

"Alright," he said. "I'll call my mother too. I need to let her know that I'm alive."

"Great," Piper said, rising to her feet.

"Piper, are you okay?" he asked before she could walk away.

"No."

"You should be proud of her."

"I am," Piper said with a smile and a quick wipe at her eyes. "Very proud," she added as she walked off in search of the Major.

She found him smoking and talking to the mysterious Andrew in the courtyard, who he dismissed as he saw her approach.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Major," Piper said. "I'd like to talk to you for a bit, if that's alright?"

"Of course," Jeremy said. "Shall we walk?"

"Yes," Piper said, falling into pace beside him.

"What would you like to discuss?"

"I wanted to let you know we'll be leaving the day after tomorrow."

"I see."

"And I wanted to thank you for all you've done for us," Piper said. "And all that you did for her."

"No thanks necessary."

"She thought you were a good man," Piper said. "And I agree."

"I'm saddened beyond words to have lost her, as I know you are," Jeremy said. "I wanted very much to continue my friendship with her."

"I think she would've wanted that too," Piper said. "Where will you go now?"

"Home to my wife and boys."

"Doreen said Bailey left something for me?"

"She did indeed," Jeremy said and waved at Andrew who approached. "Would you retrieve Miss Tate's package from my room, please?"

"Of course," Andrew said and disappeared.

"Who is that guy?"

"Andrew?" Jeremy asked and Piper nodded. "A valued assistant and an extremely lethal bodyguard."

"Ahhh," Piper said with a little grin.

"There are many things I would like to know about Bailey," Jeremy said. "I know now isn't the time, but I hope that you would consider a correspondence."

"I'd like that," Piper said. "Did you know she was in a British prison when she was sixteen?"

"No, I didn't."

"She killed the officer that ordered his men to fire upon the crowd that contained her family."

"Really?"

"Yes, sixteen years old and she killed that man, despite the presence of several other soldiers," Piper said. "She killed a prison guard who attempted to rape her at that same age."

"My God."

"She was in prison for the better part of a year," Piper said. "They beat her constantly and I know they tortured her. But you know what?"

"What?"

"She never let them break her and she never pleaded," Piper said. "She won, just like she always has."

"I'm going to miss her."

"Me too," Piper said. "She was so much more than you could imagine, Major. She was kind and gentle, very loving, and naïve in so many ways. She was everything you wouldn't expect her to be if you knew the kind of life she led."

Jeremy nodded, considering her words as Andrew approached. He waved him forward and took the cardboard tube from his hands. "Thank you, Andrew."

"What is it?" Piper asked.

"Her sword," Jeremy said, presenting it to her.

"Oh my," Piper said, wiping at her eyes quickly before she took possession of it.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so," Piper said as she opened one end of the tube and withdrew the sword, finding it heavier than she imagined.

"That's a custom piece," Jeremy said in admiration. "There's a note."

"Huh?" Piper said as she noticed a piece of paper held around the pommel with one of Bailey's hair ties.

She carefully removed the note and quickly extended it to the Major. "Please read it for me."

"Are you sure?" Jeremy asked, taking the note from her hand when she nodded.

Piper closed her eyes and hugged the sword tightly to her chest as Jeremy unfolded it and cleared his throat.

"It says, To the Guardian of my soul."

"Oh Bailey," Piper said, her eyes beginning to tear. "If you'll excuse me."

"Of course," Jeremy said, handing her the note and walking away briskly.

Piper put the sword back in its container and carried it over to a nearby bench cradling it to her chest, where she sat and cried quietly.

Several hours later, Piper stared at the phone with trepidation. She had been sitting in front of it for almost an hour building up the courage to call her mother; a call that she was afraid that she couldn't complete without another breakdown. Finally, with a deep breath, she dialed the phone and waited through three rings for an answer.

"Hello," Corey said.

"Hi, Corey."

"Jesus Christ, where have you been?" Corey exclaimed. "Nancy's called here a dozen times and she's tried you several times at work. They said you took a leave of absence and Bailey's supposedly disappeared into thin air."

"It's a long story, Corey," Piper said. "Can I speak to mother, please?"

"Are you okay?" Corey asked, picking up on her tone.

"Yes," Piper said, her eyes tearing. "I'll explain later, please let me talk to mother."

"Alright," Corey said reluctantly and Liz got on the phone immediately.

"Piper, what's happened?"

"Mom, I need to come home," Piper said, wiping at her eyes. "I'd like to bring some guests, if that's okay?"

"Bailey?" Liz asked. "You know she's always welcome."

"Not Bailey," Piper said choking back a sob. "Her mother, her brother and his fiancé, also a friend from work.

"That's a housefull, I thought she was estranged from her family?"

"She was, it's a long story. Can I tell you when we get there?" Piper pleaded.

"Of course, we'll be glad to have them. When should we expect you?"

"Day after tomorrow," Piper said, biting on her hand to keep from crying.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"Bailey won't be coming," Piper said, giving up to the tears that wouldn't be denied.

"Why?" Liz said, growing alarmed. "Did you guys have a fight?"

"Mom, Bailey's dead," Piper sobbed.

"What?" Liz yelled into the phone. "Oh my God! What happened?

"Mom, please let me explain later," Piper said. "I can't do this now."

"My God, Piper."

"Please, Mom," Piper said. "I'll call when we land, I got to go."

"Wait, where are you?"

"I got to go, I'll explain later," Piper said, hanging up the phone and launching herself on to the bed in tears.

"This is my card," Jeremy said to Piper at the gate. "Please keep in touch."

"I will, Major," Piper said. "And thank you for everything."

"It was my pleasure," he said with a grin as she threw her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see that her sword is shipped immediately to your parent's address."

"Thanks," Piper said and stepped back for Doreen.

"Mr. Watts, I regret my early behavior towards you."

"I understand," Jeremy said. "Your belongings are in storage," he said, handing her a card. "Call that number and they'll be shipped to wherever you decide to settle."

"Thank you, Mr. Watts," she said, shaking his hand.

"Most welcome."

Martin hung behind and let everyone make their way through the gate to the airplane before he approached the Major, who looked at him curiously.

"I was told to give this to you, Major," Martin said, handing him a document bag.

"What's this?"

"It's The Wraith's original personnel file," he said with a wink. "It's for you alone," he added and Jeremy nodded.

"Did she ask you to give me this?"

"Yes," Martin said. "When it was all over."

"I see," Jeremy said, placing the bag under his arm and extending his left hand.

"Take care, Major," Martin said, gripping his hand firmly and turning to walk through the gate.

Jeremy stood and watched until the plane pulled away from the gate. Taking a deep breath, he turned and started making his way back through the airport, Andrew falling into pace with him as they neared the exit.

"What did he give you, sir?"

"It's personal, Andrew," Jeremy said. "A gift from a fallen friend."

III

And she said, "There look through the trees,
The sun always shines, Always on time."

- G. Huntley

Both of Piper's parents plus Corey and Jennifer came to the airport to meet them and Piper ran into her mother's arms when she saw her. She embraced her for a long moment before taking a deep breath and introducing her companions.

"Everyone this is Doreen and Ryan Cameron, Ryan's fiancé, Fiona, and Martin Satterfield," Piper said. "This my mother Elizabeth, my father Jack, my brother Corey and his wife Jennifer, and the little one Jennifer is holding is my niece, Devon."

Liz went into charm mode and happily buzzed from person to person. "It's a pleasure to have all of you," she beamed. "I understand there's a story to be told, but if it's alright we'll discuss it over dinner?"

"That would be fine, Mom," Piper said.

"Great, we brought two cars if you all want to pile in," Liz said. "Corey," she added with a slap to the back of his head, "Get their bags."

The cars left the airport and Liz kept up a constant stream of friendly chatter with Doreen during the entire trip back, casting an occasional worried stare at her daughter, who was unusually quiet and stared out the window sadly. When they arrived, she caught Jack's eye and nodded in the direction of their daughter, who was entering the house alone and he immediately trailed after her. Worried, but with guests to look after, she quickly went about getting them settled.

Finally alone in the kitchen preparing dinner, she found herself crying for the bashful, raven-haired girl who had sat at the table in this very room and fed her granddaughter over Thanksgiving. Afraid that she would suffer a breakdown, she got herself under control with several deep breaths and a long sigh as she turned closed eyes toward the ceiling. With dinner about ready, she was unable to stay away and she went in search of her daughter and husband.

After a quick round of the house where she informed all of her guests that dinner would soon be ready, she made tracks for Jack's study, knowing that was where she would find them. She entered quietly without knocking and found her daughter curled up in her husband's lap as he sat behind his desk.

Jack didn't bother to look up as the door opened and she crossed the room to stand next to them and lay a tender hand on her weeping daughter's shoulder.

"It hurts so bad," Piper sobbed.

"I know it does, sweetie," Liz said. "Can you tell us what happened?"

Piper took an audible breath and squirmed deeper into her father's embrace. "It's a story I think I'll only be able to tell once," she said with difficulty.

"Alright, honey," Liz said. "Dinner should be about ready, are you up to it?"

"Not really," Piper said, craning her neck up to place a kiss on her father's cheek and disentangling herself from his lap. "But it needs to be told," she added as she stood and wiped at her eyes. "You deserve to know her, she gave her life for me."

"Oh, Piper," Liz said with a sob, bringing her hand to her mouth. A sob that she quickly stifled when she saw the tears again spring into her daughter's eyes. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Piper said. "The sun'll rise tomorrow whether I want it to or not. I'm going to go clean up," she said as she turned and walked to the door where she visibly composed herself with a struggle before she opened it and walked out of the room.

When everyone was seated at the dinner table in a somewhat uncomfortable silence, all faces eventually turned to Piper with expectant looks.

Piper took an awkward breath. "This will take some time," she started. "And I'm not sure I can get through it without taking a break."

"Do your best, dear," Liz said and Piper nodded.

"I guess I should tell you who Bailey was first…" she began slowly and continued for the next two hours.

She explained everything, stopping occasionally for a small crying jag but continuing bravely on, watching her family's expressions turn from surprise and shock to anger and eventually to tears. Liz got up toward the end and ran into the kitchen for almost half an hour before she returned and let her finish the rest of the story. Corey completely crumbled at the end and even her father looked away from everyone for a few minutes.

A long silence encompassed the room in which the only noise were the sounds of Doreen crying into her son's shoulder and the sniffles that surrounded the table. It was Jack that finally broke the silence.

"I'm very, very sorry for her loss," he said sympathetically to the Cameron's. "I only spent a few days in her company, but she was special and I know my daughter adored her."

Liz got up again at his words and, with a quick mumbled apology, fled the room.

Jack watched her go sadly. "My wife was very fond of her as well."

"We all were," Corey said.

"I'd like you all to know that you're very welcome to stay with us for as long as you wish and that my family is happy to have you here," Jack said.

"Thank you," Doreen said.

"Yes, thank you," Martin added.

"If everyone will excuse me, I think I'll look in on mother." Piper said, wiping her eyes and standing from the table.

"Goodnight, dear," Doreen said and Piper grinned at her and tried on a smile for everyone else's benefit on her way out of the room.

Piper wandered through the house without success and as a last resort, entered her own bedroom, finally finding her mother crying softly on the end of her bed. Liz looked up when the door opened and spread her arms in invitation. Nothing needed to be said, she raced across the room to enter the embrace.

The days passed until Christmas Eve was upon them and Piper spent the entire night awake at the window in her bedroom, fondling the little box that she had hoped to present to Bailey on Christmas. She had given little thought to what she was going to do after the holidays and the time had passed in a haze of self-recriminations and grief. She blamed herself solely for Bailey's death and castigated herself harshly for throwing a kink into the plans that Bailey had obviously worked out to succeed. She knew in her heart that if she had stayed in the office that day, Bailey would be celebrating with everyone right now. She was jolted from her thoughts when her mother quietly entered the room as the sun was rising.

"Were you awake all night?" Liz asked, crossing the room and laying her hands on Piper's shoulders.

"I'm not sleepy," Piper said with a little sniffle.

"Honey, you need to take care of yourself."

"I know," Piper said. "It's all my fault."

"If Bailey were here would she agree with you?"

"Probably not."

"Then be quiet."

"But it is my fault."

"No, it isn't."

"She told me once that she'd die to keep me from living in her world," Piper said with a sob. "And that's exactly what she did."

"Oh, honey," Liz said. "She came and got you because she loved you. Don't dishonor that."

"I miss her."

"I know you do," Liz said. "What do you have there?"

"Her Christmas present," Piper said, starting to cry.

"May I see it?" Liz asked and Piper handed it to her.

Liz opened the little box to find a beautiful silver-gold ring with diamonds inlaid within Celtic engravings.

"It's gorgeous," Liz said. "She would have loved it."

"You think so?" Piper asked, wiping at her eyes.

"I know so," Liz said with a smile. "When did you get this for her?"

"Would you believe a week after I met her?"

"Yes, I would."

"I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Well, I think you should make sure her family is taken care of, you said she left all of her money to you?"

"Yes, millions."

"Jesus," Liz said, blowing out a puff of air. "Did she leave any instructions on how she wanted her family seen to?"

"No," Piper said. "But I know she would've wanted me to look after them. I'll ask them what they want to do after the holidays."

"What do you want to do?"

"I guess I'll go back and run the company."

"Is that what you want?"

"No, I just want Bailey back."

"Oh, sweetie," Liz said, kissing her on the top of her head. "I know you do, I do too. But you need to get cleaned up. Nancy called last night, she's coming over this morning," she said and felt the shoulders stiffen under her hands. "Don't worry, I'll take her aside and explain everything."

"Thanks."

"She was very concerned for you, she doesn't know Bailey's no longer with us."

Piper sighed deeply.

"Now go get in the shower, you know how Corey is on Christmas, he's already waiting downstairs to open presents," Liz said. "He's the biggest kid."

"Okay." Piper said with a tired smile and embraced her mother tightly before collecting her things and making her way out of the room.

Liz watched her go sadly and placed the ring carefully back in its box.

IV

The door swings open and it's cold outside,
Run and hide, Run and hide

- L. Davis, J. Destri

Two days after Christmas, Jeremy retreated to his den carrying a glass of brandy and took a seat behind his desk. Glad to be home, but sorely depressed over the way things had turned out, he had waited until this moment to look at her file. He pulled it from the bag it resided in and placed it front of him, frowning when the phone rang as he reached out to turn on the lamp that sat on his desk. He glared at the offensive device and waited, unmoving, through five rings in the hope that his wife would pick it up, sighing in relief when the sixth rang never came and the phone went silent. Making himself comfortable, he leaned back in his chair and sipped at his brandy, scowling in frustration when his wife poked her head through the door.

"Yes?" he asked with forced patience.

"You've got a call."

"Take a message."

"She won't leave one, insists on speaking to you."

"Who is it?"

"Wouldn't say, but she's obviously Irish."

"Irish?" he asked. "Alright, I'll take it."

His wife retreated and he reached for the phone, figuring there must be some problem with the Cameron's belongings.

"Watts."

He sprang to his feet, the brandy flying from the glass as both of his arms shot victoriously into the air.

Terry poured the last swallow of his Scotch into a glass and stared at it drunkenly for several minutes. His gaze eventually leaving the glass and slowly encircling his living room, his eyes noting the accumulated refuse that created the sty the room had recently degraded to. He hadn't showered in over a week and he was peripherally aware of how bad he smelled. He had spent every day since the Director had dismissed him, wallowing in self-pity, and racking his brain in an attempt to find the moment in time where he could have turned the tables. With no answers forthcoming, he had buried himself in the bottle and had remained there.

He rubbed a hand through his hair, irritated at how greasy it felt, but too drunk to care. He looked at it stupidly for a moment, finally wiping it across the front of his robe and grabbing his glass to knock back the last of the Scotch. With a little sigh, he closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.

He awoke with a start an uncertain amount of time later and squinted around fearfully in the dark, the uncomfortable sense that he wasn't alone gnawing at the back of his mind. Not moving from his chair and afraid to breathe, he let his gaze rake carefully over every inch of the living room. Finding nothing, he let out a relieved breath and his shoulders slumped, releasing the tension that he wasn't aware had taken control of his body.

"You lose, Terry," came an Irish purr from directly behind his chair.

His bladder let go as an arm snaked over his shoulder and a gloved hand from behind gripped his face, forcing his head up and into the back of his recliner. He screamed when he felt the puncture, but the scream morphed into staggered grunts of breathless agony as the blade slowly sliced through him in an upward motion. Eventually, as the blade's progress was finally halted by bone, he felt himself released.

His hands went immediately to his injury and his eyes dropped in horror to the bleeding gash that started just above his left hip and ran across the width of his abdomen to end at his ribcage. Surprisingly, the wound itself wasn't gushing blood, the bulging presence of his entrails protruding through the wound had reduced the external bleeding to a slow ebb. He was dimly aware of Bailey coming out from behind his chair, leaning heavily on a cane and bending to clean her knife off on the front of his robe. Straightening, she reached inside her jacket and withdrew her cell phone, punching a number into it and bringing it to her face.

"Fifteen minutes."

She flipped the phone closed and limped over to sit carefully on the end of his coffee table, eyeing him with interest.

"For the second time in my life, Terry, I've killed because I wanted to, and for the first time in my life, it feels good," she said conversationally. "The wound is fatal and, from what I understand, extremely painful. Care to confirm or deny?"

He could only grind his teeth against the pain and stare at her, his eyes glittering with hatred.

"I'll take your silence as a confirmation," she said. "We have some time to catch up, it'll take twenty minutes for you to die. Of course, you'll be unconscious in fifteen. So its your dime," she added with a shrug and looked at him expectantly.

She received nothing but his labored breathing in response so she continued.

"That little scratch I gave you is my last official act as an employee of the government," she said. "Director Hoake almost laughed when I asked for the privilege as part of my severance package. Needless to say, your services to the Organization are no longer required."

She cocked her head curiously. "No comment?"

With an effort, he managed to bare his teeth in a snarl.

"That's the spirit," she said. "Did you really think that I'd allow my lover to live with the guilt of having been the cause of my demise? She more than likely already thinks that this is all her fault, but I'll have the rest of my life to convince her otherwise. It'll be a long life too, Terry. Much longer than the few minutes you have remaining."

"D…D…Dyke," Terry ground out.

She chuckled. "That very well may be true," she said. "But I'm her dyke, and I hope to God I always am."

She raised an eyebrow in contemplation as his breath began to shorten. "It seems I was off by a few minutes. Must be the alcohol in your system. It thins the blood, you know?" she speculated. "More's the pity."

She stood from the table and leaned on her cane. "Try to land on your feet when you arrive in Hell," she said with a dark smile and turned to limp slowly towards the door, where she paused for a moment and waited for his head to fall lifelessly onto his chest.

"Goodbye, Terry," she whispered, opening the door and stepping out into the night.

She carefully negotiated the stairs with her cane and walked down the driveway to the street to open the passenger door of her GTO. With a slight grimace, she sat down in the seat and rested the cane between her legs.

"Where to now?" Josh said from behind the wheel.

"New Orleans."

Piper?" Nancy said as she hesitantly opened the door.

"Come on in, Nan," Piper said from the edge of her bed.

Nancy entered and threw a worried glance at Piper who was still wrapped in her towel and staring at the katana lying across her lap. "Pippy, you've been out of the shower for over an hour, are you going to come down for dinner?"

"Yeah, I guess I lost track of time."

"Honey, are you okay?"

"No," Piper said. "I don't know what I'm going to do without her," she said tears coming to her eyes.

"You're going to go on, just like she would've wanted you to."

"I don't know that I want to," Piper whispered.

"You have to."

"Why?"

"Because that's what she would've wanted, you know that," Nancy said. "She loved you very much."

"I know."

"Is that hers?" Nancy asked, nodding at the sword.

"Yeah," Piper said with the ghost of a smile. "You know I caught her working out with it once. She was amazing. So fast and so strong, she was unbeatable."

"I imagine she was."

"Why did I go home that day?" Piper asked. "Why?"

"Only God can answer that, Pippy," Nancy said. "It wasn't your fault."

"Yes, it was," Piper said. "Because of me, she died on some operating table, alone with no one to watch over her and no one except a bunch of strangers to look after her when she was gone."

"Piper," Nancy said. "She died knowing that she saved you and knowing that her family was going to be taken care of. How would she feel if she could see you now?"

Piper lifted her eyes to Nancy's.

"Be strong for her, Pippy," she said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "Now get dressed, your Mom is almost done with dinner."

Josh walked up the worn dirt road an hour before sunset enjoying the cold brisk weather. He rubbed his hands together happily as he approached the plantation home and climbed up the steps to knock firmly on the door, waiting patiently until a large man with graying red hair opened the door.

"Can I help you?" Jack asked

"Happy New Year. Is Piper here?" he asked."I'm Josh Anderson, a friend of hers from Atlanta."

The man stared at him for a moment, evaluating him with intelligent eyes. "We're eating dinner, would you like to come in?"

"Yes, please. I'm sorry to disturb you."

"Not at all. Come in," Jack said, stepping back and closing the door after him. "I hope you're not here to give her anymore bad news. She's had enough."

"Just here to say hello."

"Good to hear. Follow me," Jack said and led him into the dining room where he was surprised to find a room full of people.

"Josh," Piper said looking up in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you."

Piper got up from the table and gave him a hug. "I'm glad you came, have a seat," she said, leading him to a chair next to hers. "This is my friend, Josh Anderson," she said to everyone as she sat back down in her chair. "I'll let everyone introduce themselves," she added, waiting until the formalities had passed to speak.

"How did you know where to find me?"

"It wasn't that hard," Josh said as Liz gave him a plate.

"Thank you, ma'am," he said. "But you'll need to set out another, I have a friend a coming if you don't mind?"

"Who?" Piper asked.

Josh looked at his watch. "She should be here any minute." A grin twitching slyly at the corners of his mouth as he dug his cell phone from a pocket and dialed a number.

"Yeah, she's here," he said into the phone, turning a winning smile on Piper.

Piper paled and closed her eyes as words once spoken abruptly dominated her mind with a startling loudness, their meaning becoming suddenly clear. "I play to win and if it looks like I've lost, its only because its not over yet."

"Oh God," she cried, bolting from her seat and taking most of the tablecloth with her, scattering plates and spilling drinks as she knocked over her chair and ran from the room.

"You've got to be fucking kidding, Josh," Martin said, rising from his chair. "If you are, it's nowhere near funny."

"See for yourself," Josh said with a chuckle.

Martin smiled and ran after her, as did everyone else in the room. They emerged as a crowd on to the front porch, finding Piper jumping up and down with her hands over her mouth, staring with wide and tearfully overflowing eyes at the GTO coming up the drive. The car stopped and Bailey got out slowly, closing the door behind her and shooting a relieved smile in her direction.

Piper screamed joyously and flew down the steps at breakneck speed, hitting the bottom and racing the remaining distance to throw herself into Bailey's arms so hard it took both of them to the ground.

"No way," Martin said.

"Thank the Lord." Doreen said as Liz ran into her husband's arms crying happily.

"Who is that?" Fiona asked.

"It's my sister," Ryan said with a huge grin.

Piper straddled her on the cold ground, covering her face and lips with kisses, only distantly aware that she was crying.

"I love you so much," she cried. "Don't you ever leave me again."

"I love you, too."

"Say that again," Piper said, burying her face in Bailey's hair.

"I love you, Piper," Bailey whispered, bringing a hand up to stroke the head buried in her shoulder. "Help me up, love."

Piper raised her head and looked deeply into the black eyes inches from her own. "Are you hurt?"

"Still recovering I'm afraid."

She blinked back her tears and helped her shakily to her feet, noticing for the first time the cane she had been using to stand on, she knelt to pick it up for her.

"Better?" Piper asked as Bailey took the cane in her right hand and leaned on it.

"Yes," Bailey said with a lopsided smile.

"Good," Piper said and stingingly slapped her face. "That's for making me believe that I lost you."

Bailey gaped at her in stunned surprise, bringing her left hand up to cup her burning cheek.

"Good for her," Nancy said approvingly as she observed from the porch.

"Ouch," Jack said.

"I've a mind to do the same thing," Doreen said.

"Did that hurt?" Piper asked.

"Yes," Bailey said peevishly, rubbing her cheek.

"Good," Piper said with satisfaction, reaching up to take her hand and placing a kiss on the palm, wrapping her in a hug and placing another kiss on the injured cheek. "I love you, Bailey Ann," she added, bursting into happy tears.

"I love you," Bailey said and Piper started to cry harder.

"You have a lot of explaining to do," Piper cried into her chest. "I thought you were dead."

"I promised, didn't I?"

"Kiss me," Piper sniffled and raised her face to receive the incoming lips. "Now, come say hello to everyone who still thinks you're a ghost," she said, taking Bailey's hand and leading her slowly to the porch where smiling faces waited to greet her.

Bailey gingerly took the last step and smiled at her mother. "Hello, Mum," she said and was enveloped by a crying Doreen.

"It's very good to see you, Bailey," Martin said with a happy grin, patting her on the hand that was circling her mother's back.

"Hi, Martin," she said over Doreen's shoulder.

Doreen finally let go of her and was replaced instantly by Liz. "Thank God, Bailey."

The embraces went through everyone including Nancy and even the usually silent Fiona, who was obviously in awe of her. Piper never released Bailey's hand and let the tears fall from her eyes unchecked.

She was eventually led back into the house and taken to the dining room where Josh was found busily going about eating dinner, he looked up sheepishly as everyone came back into the room and Piper glared at him disapprovingly.

"What?" he said around a mouthful of food. "I tried to get her to stop," he said gesturing at Bailey. "But she was in a hurry to get here."

"Piper get her a chair," Liz said as they all began to take up their seats.

Piper let go of Bailey's hand tentatively and began to leave the room, throwing an uncertain glance over her shoulder with every step as if she wouldn't be there when she got back.

"Corey get Bailey a chair, please," Liz said rolling her eyes and Piper instantly closed the distance to retake possession of Bailey's hand.

When Bailey was seated, she reached over and patted her still crying mother's hand. "I'm sorry, Mum."

"They said you were dead, child."

"It was necessary, I'm sorry," Bailey said, squeezing Piper's hand tightly.

"Is it over?"

"Yes, it is," Bailey said with a nod.

"Are you okay?" Ryan asked.

"I'll need the cane to get around for awhile, but yes, I've never been better," she said with a brilliant smile and Piper's eyes grew moist again at the sight of it.

"A lot of people were hurting very badly over your loss, young lady," Jack said.

"I'm truly sorry," Bailey said. "It was unavoidable, not only for everyone's safety but for mine as well. I was out for over two weeks following surgery. They weren't sure whether or not I was going to make it and didn't want to take the chance of making me a target while I was defenseless. They decided to proceed as if I died and followed my instructions in that regard."

"We're just glad to have you back, Bailey," Corey said.

"Yes," Liz said in agreement, "very glad," she added with a smile nudging Piper's knee under the table.

Piper's face scrunched up confusedly and she turned a look on her mother, who smiled and nudged her again, forcing a little box into her hand.

"Thank you," Bailey said. "It means a lot to me knowing that I have friends and… uhm… family…" She paused, her voice cracking on the last word. "…Family that care for me."

"Don't ever doubt that, child," Doreen said and Bailey nodded.

Piper reluctantly took her eyes off Bailey and looked to see what her mother had given her, letting out a quiet gasp at what she found. Her eyes came up to meet Liz's and her mother nodded, grinning encouragingly at her.

Taking a deep breath Piper steadied herself. "Uhm…Bailey," she started and almost lost her nerve when Bailey turned an adoring glance in her direction.

"Yes?"

"I…I…" Piper stopped and cleared her throat and Liz chuckled, earning a quick, vicious glare from her daughter.

"What's the matter?" Bailey asked squeezing Piper's hand.

"Oh boy," Piper groaned. "I want to give you your Christmas present."

"You bought me a present?"

"It's more than that," Piper said, feeling the sweat break out on her body, her face growing hot. She slowly brought her hand up from under the table and presented the box to Bailey, shyly.

Bailey let go of Piper's hand, using both to cradle the box and open the lid, emitting a little gasp when the contents were revealed. Her eyes grew moist and quickly overfilled as Piper took the ring from the box, grabbing her left hand in the process.

"Last night, I went to bed not wanting to wake up," Piper said in barely more than a whisper. "Tonight, I'll fall asleep thanking God I have this chance. I don't ever want to face another day without you in it," she stopped for another deep breath and a sniffle. "I want to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life. I love you, I'll always love you. Please, be mine."

Bailey choked back a sob and forgot there was anyone else in the room at Piper's words. She opened her mouth to speak but to her dismay she found herself incapable of forming anything coherent.

"Just nod yes or no, goofy," Piper croaked.

Bailey vigorously nodded to the affirmative and Piper slipped the ring on her finger. "I love you."

"Way to go, Pippy!" Nancy said, instigating approving smiles and happy applause from the other occupants of the room.

Bailey stared through tearing eyes at the ring encircling her finger, only dimly aware of the noise surrounding her. She brought her eyes up to meet Piper's and promptly broke into tears, arms immediately enveloped her and she wept helplessly into the crimson hair.

Liz wiped at her own eyes. "Let's give them a moment shall we?" she said, standing from her chair. "Josh, would you get her things from the car and I'll find you a place to bunk down for the night?"

"Yes, ma'am," Josh said as he rose from the table.

Doreen got up from the table and lovingly stroked Bailey's hair as she passed. "I'm happy for you, child."

Piper held her tightly until she cried herself out; several minutes after everyone had left them alone in the room. Finally, she pulled back and looked at her with such open and honest emotion that she felt the breath leave her body.

"I love you, Piper."

"I know," Piper said. "Come to bed, you must be tired. We can talk in the morning."

Bailey nodded and accepted the offered hand that was extended to help her out of her chair. She reached for her cane upon standing and was led slowly through a suspiciously abandoned house and carefully up the stairs. Piper found Bailey's bag already sitting on the bed and quickly walked over to set it on the floor so she could sit down.

As soon as she was seated, she pulled the necklace from under her shirt and slipped it gently over Bailey's head. "This is yours," Piper said with a kiss on her lips. "It broke my heart to see it off of you."

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"I love you, Bailey," Piper said with another kiss taking a seat beside her on the bed.

"I love you, too."

Piper sat quietly, absorbing the emotion coming off of her with a smile.

"Would you help me with my shoes, please?" Bailey asked after a moment.

"Of course," Piper said as she knelt before her and undid the laces on her boots. "How did you get them on?"

"I had to have Josh help me," Bailey admitted with a scowl.

"Poor baby," Piper said, smiling at the image that produced as she pulled the shoes off.

"Want me to help you with your pants?"

"Turn the light off first."

"I've seen you naked before," Piper said with a puzzled look as Bailey cast her eyes down. "What's wrong?"

"I…I have scars."

"Oh baby, that doesn't mean anything to me."

"Please, just turn off the light."

"Alright, love," Piper said with a nod and got up to turn off the light. She returned in the dark and slowly helped her out of her clothes, noticing a quiet hiss of pain as she pulled the shirt over her head.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No."

"Liar," Piper said, taking off her own clothes and crawling into the opposite side of the bed. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Bailey said. "Let me hold you."

Piper quickly snuggled into the waiting arms and Bailey felt the tears on her chest.

"I'm so glad to have you back," Piper said in the dark. "I thought I was going to die it hurt so bad."

"I'm so sorry to have put you through that."

Piper just squeezed her as tightly as she dared.

V

It's been so long since I've been home,
I've been gone, I've been gone for way too long

- K. Rock

Piper opened her eyes in the morning with alarm, and upon feeling the soft skin held tightly in her arms, let out a long sigh of relief.

"Thank you, God," she whispered with a sniffle.

She spent over an hour thoughtfully playing with the mass of unruly ebony hair that was spread out over a full quarter of the bed before she slipped out from under the covers to shrug into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. Once dressed, she stood for a long time staring down at the sleeping form that had a hand curled between her breasts and an angry red area on her left shoulder the size of a baseball. She bent and placed a light kiss on the wounded shoulder and planted another gently on her forehead, tenderly sweeping the hair out of her face.

"I love you so much," she whispered and placed another kiss to her forehead on her way out the room.

She made short work out of her trip to a freezing bathroom and happily bounced down the stairs on her way to the kitchen, where she found her mother and Doreen gossiping.

"Good morning," Piper said, getting a chuckle out of both women.

"I see you found exactly what you needed," Liz said with a grin.

"Yeah."

"You made her very happy last night, dear," Doreen said. "Is she awake?"

"No, she's still sleeping," Piper said with a slight blush.

"What's the blush for?" Liz asked.

"I can't believe I did that in front of everyone."

"Don't be embarrassed, the look on her face was worth every minute."

"Yeah, it was," Piper said, grinning.

"I think I'm going to look in on her," Doreen said, rising from her chair.

"She'd like that," Piper said with a smile and getting a smile in return as Doreen made her way out of the kitchen.

"How is she?" Liz asked after a moment. "She leans pretty hard on that cane."

"She seems okay," Piper said. "She hasn't talked about it."

"Josh was in here earlier," Liz said. "He picked her up at the hospital and spoke to her doctor."

"Is something wrong?"

"She's okay now, sweetie," Liz said. "But she should still be in bed. She left the hospital over her doctor's objections. You should make sure she takes it really easy the next few weeks. According to Josh, she had a pretty rough time of it."

"What do you mean?"

"He said they had to revive her on the operating table three different times and she was in a coma for almost a week."

"My God," Piper said, starting to cry.

"She's fine now, honey," Liz said enveloping her in a hug. "She's one tough chick."

Piper snickered into her mother's shoulder. "Yeah, she is."

"Right now, she just needs people to care for her and to accept her."

"She wouldn't let me see her naked last night," Piper said with a little blush. "She says she has scars."

"I'm sure she does, Piper," Liz said. "When you see them, you just act like they're not there."

"I will," Piper said. "I'm just so glad to have her back."

"I know you are, dear," Liz said, releasing her embrace. "She fought very hard to come back to you."

Piper sniffled. "I know, I feel bad I ever doubted her."

"Hush," Liz chided. "I'm in a good mood, I'll fix you breakfast."

"Wow, thanks," Piper said. "But I'll wait for Bailey."

"Why don't I fix something and you can take it up to her when Doreen comes back?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Doreen entered the bedroom quietly and noticed her daughter lying on her side with her back to the door; her hair billowed out on the mattress behind her leaving her naked back exposed. She stepped lightly over to the bed and sat down gingerly, letting her eyes take in the beauty of her sleeping child. Her face turned to a sad scowl as she noticed the faint scars on the exposed back and the inflamed skin of the wound to her shoulder.

"Oh, baby," she whispered, reaching out and tenderly running a finger over the scars.

"Mum?"

"Yes, dear."

"I'm sorry."

"For what, child?"

"For everything."

"You've nothing to be sorry for."

"I'm sorry I didn't turn out to be a better daughter," Bailey whispered.

"Child, I don't have the words to tell you how proud I am of you."

"Do you mean that?"

"Of course I do," Doreen said. "I can't imagine how you've led the life you have without going mad or becoming a monster. I look at you and I see an exquisitely beautiful woman that is so sweet it makes my heart swell with pride," she felt the back under her hand hitch. "It's alright to cry, sweetheart. I get the feeling it's something you haven't let yourself do until very recently."

Bailey's hand came up to wipe at her eyes. "Do you love me?"

Doreen bit back a sob. "Always have, always will."

"I love you, too," Bailey managed before she broke.

Doreen gathered her wayward daughter in her arms, savoring the sensation of holding her child and marveling at the complexity of the woman in her embrace. As fragile as a house of cards yet capable of destruction on a grand scale, seemingly immune to physical pain yet terribly vulnerable to matters of the heart. Shaking her head, she held her gently and hummed comfortingly until the tears subsided.

"You've a lot of people here that care about you," Doreen whispered after a moment, stroking Bailey's hair. "Liz was beside herself when Piper told her what happened. She loves you like you were one of her own."

"Really?"

"Yes, honey," Doreen said, frowning at the insecurity her daughter exhibited. "You seem to be the only one who doesn't care for you."

"I know what I've done."

"There should be no guilt in surviving, child," Doreen chided. "There's a little redhead downstairs so happy to have you back, she's ready to wet herself. She doesn't give a rat's ass what you've done, she sees who you are and she loves you for it. As do I."

"I love her, too."

"I know you do," Doreen said with a smile. "She was devastated until you showed up yesterday. She had a very hard time. I don't think she would've ever gotten over it."

"I'm so sorry," Bailey said. "I didn't have a choice."

"I know, so does she," Doreen said her smile growing. "She was very difficult early on, I had to whack her a couple of times to get her on the straight and narrow."

Bailey chuckled. "Is that where she learned that?" she asked, bringing a hand up to rub her cheek.

"Probably," Doreen said with a chuckle of her own. "Can I see the ring she gave you yesterday?"

Bailey brought the sheet up to cover herself and rolled over on to her back, sitting up to present her mother with the ring.

"It's beautiful," Doreen said, holding Bailey's hand, not missing the gentle smile or the happy spark in her daughter's eyes. "Do you have one for her?"

"No. I wish I did."

"Maybe I can help you with that," Doreen said and grinning slyly she dug in the pocket of her sweater to produce a ring that she placed into Bailey's palm.

"Where did you get this?" Bailey said, her eyes widening.

"It was your grandmother's," Doreen said. "I think she would've wanted my daughter to have it."

"Really?"

"Your grandfather saved for over three years to buy that for her."

"It's lovely," Bailey said, examining the ring clustered with diamonds. "Are you sure, Mum?"

"Very," Doreen said. "I always wanted another daughter."

"Thanks," Bailey said shyly.

"My pleasure, child," Doreen said, leaning forward and placing a kiss on her forehead. "That Piper is a handful, you'd better keep her happy."

"I'll do my best."

"Why don't you get up and around, Piper was talking the other day about having to go back to Atlanta soon," Doreen said. "We need to make some plans."

"Okay," Bailey said. "We'll talk about it in a bit, if that's alright?"

"Of course it is," Doreen said, standing from the bed. "I'll see you shortly then," she added on her way to the door.

"Mum?" Bailey said before she left.

"Yes?" Doreen said turning in the doorway.

"Thanks," Bailey said quietly. "For everything," she added studying the sheet around her chest.

"I love you, Bailey."

Piper arrived with breakfast a few moments later and happily set the tray in Bailey's lap, who was still sitting up in bed.

"Hey there."

"Hey."

"How ya feeling?" Piper asked, handing her some silverware.

"Okay," Bailey said, digging into the omelet immediately.

"Don't take this personally," Piper said. "But you stink."

"Gee, thanks."

"You need a shower."

"I get the hint already," Bailey said with narrowed eyes. "Can I eat first?"

"If you must."

"I must."

"Bailey," Piper said suddenly serious. "What do you want to do now?"

"Whatever makes you happy."

"I mean about the business and your family."

"It's up to you," Bailey said. "I have everything I need in life sitting in this room."

"You're such a mushball."

"We can do whatever you want, Piper," Bailey said. "We can go back to Atlanta, we can sell the company, or we can hire a replacement for you. It's up to you."

"What about everyone else?"

"As far as my family is concerned, now that they can, they're free to do as they wish. As for me, I'll do anything or go anywhere you want."

"Would you want to live here?"

"I want what you want, Piper."

"Gosh, you're easy to get along with."

"I don't think anyone has ever accused me of that before."

"I asked Martin to come to work for C-Corp."

"Good choice."

"Can I think about this for a bit?"

"Sure."

"Would you like to live here and maybe buy or build a house with me?"

"I want to be with you forever, Piper," Bailey said, polishing off the last of her omelet.

"I want that, too," Piper said. "You must have been hungry, you gonna take that shower now?"

"Uhm…I can't stand in the shower without help or my cane. I'll need to take a bath I think."

"That's fine," Piper said. "Would you like help?"

Bailey studied the empty plate on her lap.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't want you to see me," Bailey said in a whisper.

"That's ridiculous," Piper chided. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?"

Bailey fidgeted with her fork. "That may have been true before."

"It's still true, love," Piper said, taking the tray off Bailey's lap. "Let me help you," she added, rising from the bed and digging a robe out of her closet for Bailey to wear.

"Here put this on," Piper said, collecting the tray and putting it on the dresser so she had a moment to cover herself. She turned in time to see her tie the sash around her waist.

"Let me go start some water for you, I'll be back in a minute," Piper said walking over to peck her on the cheek.

"Okay," Bailey said and waited worriedly until she returned a few minutes later.

"Ready?" Piper asked, entering the room and extending a hand to help her to her feet.

She grabbed her cane and let her lead her to the bathroom where upon entering, Piper went over to sit on the edge of the tub, testing the temperature of the water and swirling her hand around in the bubbles until it stopped filling.

"Piper…"

"Hush," Piper interrupted. "You're being silly. I would love you if you lost your arms and legs," she said, taking off her own clothes in an attempt to put Bailey more at ease.

"Ready?" Piper asked. "I'll help you get in."

"Piper…" Bailey started but Piper closed the distance between them and silenced her with a kiss.

"Come on, sweetie, you have nothing to worry about," she said and Bailey finally brought a hand up to undo the sash of her robe; shrugging her shoulders one at a time until the robe fell to the floor, happy that her hair covered her front.

"Could you…uhm…"

Piper giggled. "Did Josh help with that part too?"

"No!" Bailey said horrified and scowled when Piper started to laugh.

Piper chuckled again and knelt to help her out of her underpants, feeling her heart skip a beat upon sighting the livid red crease just above and to the side of her right knee.

"How did you get dressed then?"

"Very carefully," Bailey said, scowling at the humor still evident in Piper's voice. "I was so exhausted by the time I was finally done, I had to ask Josh to come in and help me with my shoes and socks."

"Ahhh," Piper said trying to hide her smile and taking Bailey's hand gingerly. "This old tub is huge, both of us can fit in here quite comfortably," she added, leading her over and taking her weight as she lifted a leg over the side and into the water. "Okay?" she asked as she stepped over the side herself, holding her upright.

"Yeah," Bailey said and grimaced a little as she bent to sit in the water between Piper's legs.

"Baby, how long were you told you'd have to use the cane?"

"A month or two, it depends."

"Depends on what?"

"Depends on when I can put it to use and since I can't strain my belly muscles for quite some time, it'll be a little while."

"I'm so sorry you got hurt."

"You were worth it," Bailey said. "I'd do it all over again if I had to."

"I love you," Piper whispered. "More than I can ever say."

"I love you, too," Bailey said swishing her new ring around in the bubbles in front of her with a smile.

"Here let me get your hair."

VI

I see your true colors,
And that's why I love you

- T. Kelly, B. Steinberg

"So what are ya gonna do now, Josh?" Martin asked as soon as Josh parked the GTO in the barn and got out.

"No idea," Josh said, putting the keys in his pocket and taking a seat on a hay bale next to Ryan and Corey.

"How long ago did you meet Bailey, Josh?" Corey asked.

"Six years, give or take," Josh said, shaking his head at the memory. "Only saw her for a second though, didn't meet up with her again until recently, when she called and pretty much blackmailed me," he chuckled. "I'm glad she did though."

"What do you mean you only saw her for a second?" Ryan asked.

"Uhm… she's really fast."

"You've seen her in action then?"

"Yes."

"Tell me about it," Ryan said.

"I don't think she would want me to."

"I'd like to know more about her."

"I've discovered there's much more to her than just violence, Ryan," Josh said. "I think the sister she would want you to know was the one at the dinner table last night."

"Indeed," Jack agreed. "I believe she'd like to put her past behind her. You should let her."

"I was just curious," Ryan said. "I've a hard time comparing the sister I knew all those years ago with the one capable of killing all those people."

"She's still that girl you knew, Ryan," Martin spoke up. "In more ways than you can imagine."

"If you want to hear a story, let me tell you how she made an ass out of the guys over Thanksgiving," Corey said and Jack chuckled.

"Do tell," Ryan said with a smile.

"Bailey?" Piper asked sitting behind her and running a comb through her hair.

"Hmmm?"

"What would you think about opening up like a restaurant nightclub here in town?"

"Sure," Bailey said, enjoying the feel of Piper's hands in her hair.

"Really?"

"Really," Bailey said. "Actually that sounds kind of fun."

"You wouldn't mind?"

"Nope."

"Could we ask Martin and Josh to come help us run the place?" Piper asked. "Maybe Ryan and Fiona would like to help as well."

"We can do anything you want."

"Would you really like to build a house here?"

"Piper, I'd live with you in a homeless shelter."

"Hush."

"Thanks for shaving my legs, they were disgusting," Bailey said with a scowl.

Piper giggled. "Well a month in bed will do that to you."

"It's not funny."

"I thought I was shaving under Corey's arms there for a minute."

Bailey threw a dark glare over her shoulder and received a snicker. "Your mean looks don't affect me, goofy. I know what a sweetheart you really are."

"Is that a fact?"

"Yep," Piper said, placing a kiss on her back.

"I'm pruning up and I need to talk to everyone, you ready to get out?"

"Yep," Piper said, standing in the tub and helping Bailey to her feet with an effort. "Gosh, for someone your size, you sure are heavy."

"It's the muscle."

"Are you okay to stand for a minute or do you want me to help you dry off?"

"I should be okay for a minute," Bailey said, starting to rub a towel through her hair.

Piper started to dry herself but paused as she observed the extent of Bailey's injuries. With her arms in the air her belly was exposed and Piper saw the large crescent shaped scar on her right, that ran from just below her ribcage, to end about two inches above her belly button. The flesh surrounding it was an inflamed red, the incision itself a crimson line that had not fully healed. Turning abruptly so Bailey wouldn't see her, she quickly ran the towel over her face to rub away the tears that had formed.

"It'll heal."

"I'm just so sorry you got hurt," Piper said. "It's all my fault."

"What?" Bailey asked, putting on her robe and taking up her cane.

"I shouldn't have gone home that day," Piper said. "You wouldn't have been hurt if I had stayed in the office."

"That's just stupid," Bailey said. "Nothing, absolutely nothing, was your fault. They had you targeted, Piper. If they hadn't got you at home they would've snatched you from the office. If anything, I should have known they would attempt to use you against me. You'd think after all those years of having my family held above my head that I would've seen it coming. You did nothing wrong, the only thing you were guilty of was loving me."

"I do love you, Bailey," Piper said, closing the distance between them and embracing her tightly.

"I love you, too," Bailey said. "I don't want to hear anymore talk about this, okay?"

"Okay," Piper said with a sniffle.

"Now come help me get dressed," Bailey said with a grin. "I'm sure Josh would probably fall over dead if I asked him to help me get my underwear on."

Piper giggled into Bailey's robe. "Probably."

Piper dressed Bailey in her favorite sweats, a baggy black T-shirt, and pair of white sneakers. She spent a few minutes helping her tie up her hair and repainted her nails, which in Piper's opinion looked awful after several weeks of not caring for them. When she was satisfied, and after some more discussion, she helped her gingerly down the stairs and into the kitchen to find Liz alone and puttering about.

"Hello, sweetie," she exclaimed when Piper led Bailey into the room. "How are you feeling today?"

"Much better, actually," Bailey said. "Thank you for taking my family in. That was very kind."

"Well, they're my family now too, aren't they?"

"Yeah, I guess they are," Bailey said with a little blush.

"What an adorable blush," Liz said with a chuckle.

"Mom," Piper chided as she led Bailey to a chair.

"Hush, Piper," Liz said, crossing the room to kiss Bailey on the forehead once she was seated. "I'm delighted to have you here, Bailey. It broke my heart to hear that we lost you."

Bailey nodded and studied the surface of the table as Liz ran a loving hand over the top of her head. "Would you like a snack?"

"Yeah, Mom," Piper said.

"Would you like a snack, Bailey?" Liz clarified and Piper let out a long sigh.

"Sure," Bailey said.

"I guess I'll go round everyone up, where are they, Mom?" Piper asked.

"The boys were hanging out in the barn, I assume they're still there. Doreen is upstairs with Jennifer and Fiona."

"Okay," Piper said, standing and kissing Bailey on the cheek. "I'll be back in a bit."

Liz fixed Bailey a sandwich and sat down in a chair across from her. "You okay?"

"I am now."

"Sweetheart, everyone here knows the hardships you've endured," Liz said. "And I want you to know that all of us think you're the bravest and the strongest person we've ever known. Piper has told me you feel guilt and even shame over your actions in the past, and you need to know that there's no room in this house for such nonsense. There is nothing but honor in walking the path you did for the lives of your family."

Bailey could only nod at the words and bring a hand up to wipe at her eyes.

"Eat your sandwich, dear," Liz said, reaching over to pat her hand. "Piper will be back in a minute and I don't want her to think I've upset you."

Bailey cleared her throat. "Thank you," she said, her eyes still on the tabletop.

"I meant it, honey," Liz said. "Everyone in this house feels that way. They elected me to talk to you, so you wouldn't have to hear it more than once."

"That means a lot to me."

"You mean a lot to us," Liz replied. "Eat."

Bailey mustered a smile and picked up her sandwich. She was a bite away from completion when Piper returned and snatched the last bit off her plate.

"Hey," Bailey said.

"Pretty good," Piper mumbled with her mouth full. "I wish my Mom would fix me something every once in a while," she added with a little scowl in Liz's direction.

"Did you find everybody?"

"Yeah, they're in the living room," Piper said. "You ready?"

"Yep," Bailey said, carefully lifting herself out of her chair.

"Here let me help you, goofy," Piper said, rushing to her side. "Don't strain yourself."

Piper made sure she had her cane and followed behind her vigilantly as they made their way through the house to the living room. A space had been left clear for them on the sofa and Bailey tried a smile for everyone as she seated herself.

"Are you alright, Bailey?" Ryan asked, concerned at how carefully she moved.

"Yeah," Bailey said. "Thanks," she added as Piper sat down beside her and took her hand.

"So what's the story?" Corey asked.

"I'd like to stay here and build a house close by. Bailey and I have talked about maybe starting a restaurant and nightclub sort of thing which we both think sounds fun," Piper said. "We would be thrilled to have any and all of you stay and help us run the place. Martin, I asked you to come work at C-Corp and you still can if you want, both Bailey and I agree that you would do an excellent job in my position."

"How long would it take to get this place running?" Ryan asked. "We don't want to impose on anyone very much longer and I need to start looking for a job."

"You can stay here as long as you wish," Liz said coming up and seating herself on the arm of the sofa. "In fact, Jack and I have talked about it, we have a great deal of land and we would be overjoyed if you wanted to build here."

"Really, Mom?"

"Yes," Liz said. "We'd love to have all of you, that is if you want to live out in the sticks with us."

Piper turned a hopeful look on Bailey. "Can we?"

"Whatever you want," Bailey said. "As for money, Ryan. That's not a concern. Josh, would you get me my bag, please?"

"Sure," Josh said, hopping to his feet.

"What do you mean, Bailey?" Ryan asked.

"Let's wait for Josh to get back and I'll explain," Bailey said, rubbing her thumb over the back of Piper's hand.

Josh reentered the room about a minute later with her bag and set it in her lap. She spent a few moments digging through it to produce four passbooks.

"I left all of my personal holdings in Piper's name, but I took the precaution of making sure everyone was looked after," Bailey said. "Ryan, this is for you and Fiona," she said handing him one of the books. "This is for you, Mum," she said handing another over. "And Martin, this is yours."

"I don't understand," Martin said walking over to take the offering.

"Without you, I wouldn't have found my family in time," Bailey explained. "That's to make sure you're looked after, regardless of what you decide to do."

"Thank you, Bailey," Martin said, stunned.

"No, thank you," Bailey said. "There's more than enough for all of you to settle anywhere you wish and not have to work, if you so desire."

"My God, Bailey," Ryan said, blinking at the amount. "Is this for real?"

"Yes," Bailey said with an effort and Piper glanced at her worriedly.

"Are you okay?"

"Could you get me an aspirin, please."

"I'll get that," Liz said, hopping up from the arm of the sofa.

"What's wrong?" Piper asked.

"It's alright," Bailey said squeezing her hand.

Liz returned and handed her a couple of aspirin and a glass of water. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, dear," Liz said looking at her in concern. "Can I get you anything else?"

"No, thank you."

"We'd love to have all of you help us run a place once we get started, that goes for you as well, Josh," Piper said.

"I'd love to hang out," Josh said. "It's always been a dream of mine to have a bar of my own, but I'd rather live a little closer to town."

"Great."

"I'd like to be in on that as well," Martin said.

"Us, too," Fiona spoke up.

"The more the merrier," Piper said.

"When are you looking to start up a place, Piper?" Ryan asked.

"Well, it'll be awhile, we're not in a hurry," Piper said. "At least until Bailey is back to a hundred percent."

"What are you going to do about the business?" Jack asked.

"I'll go back shortly and make sure everything is in order," Piper said. "And once we get settled here we'll look into hiring a replacement for me."

"What about me?" Doreen asked.

"All of the above apply to you, Mum," Bailey said. "You can have a place of your own, or you can come live with Piper and I."

Piper looked over at the sound of her voice but Bailey smiled at her with a dismissive nod.

"Or you can stay here with Jack and I," Liz optioned. "I would love the company."

Bailey nudged Piper and they engaged in a series of whispers for a few moments.

"Mom, Dad," Piper said finally. "We know that you'll have a problem accepting but we would like you to anyway," she added, extending the fourth passbook to Liz. "This is for you guys and Corey and Jennifer."

"Absolutely not," Liz said. "We won't take your money."

"Money means nothing," Bailey said. "Family is everything."

Liz looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before looking over at Jack, who nodded slightly to the affirmative.

"We would be honored," Liz said, taking the book from Piper's hand.

"Is there anything that I can answer for anyone?" Bailey asked.

"Baby, are you okay?" Piper asked becoming agitated, bringing a hand up to Bailey's forehead. "You're burning up."

"I think I need to lay down for a bit."

"Let me help you upstairs," Piper said, springing off the couch and helping her to her feet. As soon as she got her standing, she started to fall. "Oh God," she exclaimed, bringing everyone to their feet. "Bailey! Call a doctor," she shouted as she went limp in her arms and brought them both back down on the sofa.

Liz hurried from the room for a phone and Doreen rushed to Piper's side. "Christ, she's on fire."

Piper bit down on her lip so hard it started bleeding and glanced around at all the worried faces. She knew that Bailey wouldn't want to be tended to in public so she looked to her father. "Daddy, would you carry her up to my room, please?"

Jack came around to the front of the sofa without a word and lifted her into his arms, hurriedly carrying her out of the room with Piper and Doreen hot on his heels. They passed Liz on the way through and she paused to address everyone. "Let's let her have some privacy," she said before she rushed out of the room.

Liz ran into Piper's bedroom to see that Jack had already deposited her on the bed. "I called an EMT and Doctor Purcell from just down the road, he should be here any minute," she said. "Jack, would you make sure he finds his way here?"

"Yep," Jack said, leaving the room quickly as Doreen came in with a cool washcloth and applied it to Bailey's forehead.

Piper fretted nervously as she was relegated to sitting on the side of the bed holding Bailey's hand for the next ten minutes. "Please, let her be okay," she said quietly and Liz came over and put her hands on her shoulders.

"In there, Doctor," Jack's voice came from down the hallway and a fairly young man with spectacles rushed into the room a few seconds later, opening his bag.

"What happened?" Purcell asked.

"She passed out," Piper said. "She was recently operated on, Doctor."

"For what?"

"Gunshot wounds," Piper said. "The worst one is on her tummy."

Purcell reached into his bag and produced a pair of shears to cut away her shirt and both Liz and Doreen gasped when the wound on her abdomen was revealed.

"My baby," Doreen said, her hands coming to her mouth.

Martin watched anxiously as the EMT's arrived and rushed up the stairs. "How many times was she shot, Josh?"

"Three times," Josh said, rubbing his hands together nervously. "They operated on her off and on for over sixteen hours."

"God," Corey whispered.

"Let's just pray she's alright," Jennifer said, hugging Devon tightly.

"Yes," Ryan said putting an arm around a crying Fiona.

VII

Whatever we deny or embrace, For worse or for better

- D. Navarro, D.E. Lowen

"Thanks, fellas," Jack said, ushering the EMT's out the door. "Sorry to drag you out."

"No problem," one of the men waved as he made his way down the front steps.

Jack closed the door and made his way to all the people waiting anxiously in the living room, all of whom looked up expectantly when he walked in.

"She's okay," Jack said, smiling at the relief on everyone's faces. "She just wore herself out, shouldn't have been moving around like she was."

"Thank God," Ryan said, relieved.

"She's gonna have to pretty much stay in bed for a week or two," Jack said. "And the doctor prescribed some meds. Corey would you run out and fill her prescription?"

"Yeah, Dad," Corey said. "Let me go grab my keys."

"The rest of you go find something to do," Jack said.

"I wonder if she'd care if I took her car into town to look around?" Josh wondered aloud.

"Why don't you ask her? She's awake."

"Are you sure?"

"She was sitting up grumbling at the doctor last I saw," Jack said with a chuckle.

"Okay," Josh said with a shrug. "Martin, want to go with if she says yeah?"

"Sure," Martin said. "Good luck."

"Gee, thanks."

Josh approached the bedroom cautiously but paused outside the door when he heard Piper's voice.

"Bailey!" she said. "I can't believe you just said that."

"But…"

"Don't but me," Piper interrupted. "You will do exactly as Doctor Purcell says."

"Fine. Are there any other orders you'd like to issue to my Gunnery Sergeant before you go, Doctor?" Bailey asked nastily.

Josh stifled a chuckle.

"You're pissing me off," Piper said.

"Bailey, behave yourself," Doreen said.

"Doctor, I apologize for subjecting you to her for the last few minutes," Liz said. "I had no idea she could be so childishly cranky."

Bailey grunted.

"Anyway, we'll follow your instructions to the letter, thank you so much for rushing over here on such short notice," Liz said.

"My pleasure, Liz," Purcell said in amusement. "I'll check in on her in a few days."

"Bring me a new shirt, Doctor," Bailey muttered.

"Bailey Ann, you're just being plain awful," Piper said. "Please, don't pay attention to her, Doctor. I have no idea what's come over her."

Josh snickered out loud and realizing his slip with horror brought a hand up to slap over his mouth. He listened intently but the room had gone deathly quiet.

"You're busted, Josh," Bailey purred.

Deciding he could tool around town another day, he fled down the hall and took the stairs two at a time, still walking briskly when he entered the living room.

"What did she say, Josh?" Martin asked.

"Didn't have the balls to ask her. She was busy throwing a fit."

"A fit?" Martin said. "That doesn't sound like her."

An unknowing shrug was his only answer.

Bailey played with the hem of the bedspread trying not to look at a fuming Piper, who stood a few feet away glaring at her, arms crossed over her chest.

"Someone's in trouble," Liz said in a singsong voice as she and Doreen made their way out of the room.

Piper waited until the door closed behind them and took a deep calming breath before she spoke. "That was the most immature, childish, and all around ugly display I think I've ever seen," she said. "If I hadn't seen you do it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it."

Bailey opened her mouth to speak.

"Quiet," Piper said, holding up a hand. "That man rushed over here to help you and you were downright nasty to him. If he comes back in a few days, you will apologize to him and be on your best behavior."

"Okay."

"Would you care to explain?" Piper asked, trying not to melt at the hangdog expression.

Bailey sighed uncomfortably. "I was disorientated."

"I can sympathize with that, but that doesn't explain why you were so ugly."

"Piper, it just brought back some less than pleasant memories. I reacted badly."

"What are you talking about, love?" Piper said, giving up her stance and sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"When I was in prison, the doctors would come in all the time to make sure I could live through another…session," Bailey said in a whisper. "I'm afraid of doctors."

Piper closed her eyes in understanding. "I'm sorry," she said, lying down beside her and hugging her tightly. "I'm so sorry."

"I'll apologize to him," Bailey said. "I knew better, I just couldn't seem to stop myself."

"Is that why you left the hospital over the objections of your doctors?"

"How did you know that?" Bailey asked. "Did Josh tell you?"

"It doesn't matter how I know, is that why you left?"

"Yes."

"I'd take it all away if I could."

"I know."

"I love you."

"I love you, too," Bailey said. "I'm sorry if I scared you."

"Well, you're staying in this bed for the next two weeks," Piper said. "I want you healthy again."

"But…"

"Hush," Piper cut her off. "The only time your getting up is to go to the bathroom. I'll go buy you some books and things tomorrow."

Bailey sighed. "Alright."

"Good," Piper said. "I want you around for a long time, Bailey Ann."

"Me too, Esmeralda."

"Shut up."

VIII

My heart is like an open highway,
Like Frankie said, "I did it my way."

- J. Bon Jovi

Several days later, Piper poked her head into the bedroom and smiled at finding Bailey asleep. She snuck in as quietly as possible and set her little burden down on the mattress in front of Bailey's face, quickly sneaking off to the other side of the room to observe.

She watched as the kitten carefully sniffed and examined Bailey's face, finally letting out a pathetic little squeak and rubbing itself over her chin. Piper smiled in amusement as the dark head stirred and then moved back several inches in surprise.

"Why hello there," Bailey said. "Where did you come from?" she asked, bringing a hand out from under the covers to pet the kitten.

"Hmmm," Bailey whispered. "Aren't you precious?" she said as she wrestled with the little black kitten that was doing his best to seem ferocious as he chewed on her fingers.

"I suspect foul play here," Bailey said to the cat.

"What makes you say that?" Piper asked from across the room and Bailey chuckled.

"Do I get to keep him?"

"Of course, isn't he cute?" Piper said, coming over to sit behind her.

"Have I been that bad?"

"You've been trying, I know this isn't easy for you."

"Did you name him yet?"

"Nope, that's up to you," Piper said. "Any ideas? I kinda like Buford."

"Buford?" Bailey said with a sour look. "What a horribly undignified name for a cat."

Piper snickered.

"I like Frankie."

"Frankie it is then."

"Frankie okay with you?" Bailey asked the kitten who was busy lazily swatting at the finger that kept poking him in the belly.

"Bailey, I've been thinking."

"Thinking about what?" Bailey asked distantly, being totally enamored with her kitten.

"Are you okay with all of this?" Piper said. "I mean with staying here and things."

"My life is here now, Piper."

"You're a sweetie, but I want you to be happy too. Are you really sure you're okay with all of this?"

"More than okay," Bailey said, rearranging herself on the bed until she was sitting up facing Piper. She picked Frankie up and set him on her lap as she dug through the pocket of her sweats.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me your hand," Bailey said and Piper extended her right hand. "The other one," she said, rolling her eyes nervously.

"What are you up to?"

"I've spent a lot of time trying to work up a speech or something romantic to say, but I keep coming up empty," Bailey said, studying the kitten in her lap. "What I'm getting at is that I love you and I want you to be mine as well," she said, slipping the ring over Piper's finger. "I would die without you."

Piper sucked in a quick breath and her lower lip started to tremble when she felt the ring being placed on her finger. She risked a quick glance at Bailey who seemed to have stopped breathing and started to cry.

"Well?"

"I do. God, yes I do," Piper said, throwing herself into Bailey's arms. "You're engraved in my heart."

END