Written Sept 19th - Dec. 23rd 08 (Parts 35-40)

Part Thirty-Five!!

Mary looked at the closed doors to Mr. Chancellor's office. She shook slightly with trepidation. Had he read this mornings paper? Had he spoken to his mother? Or was she about to hand over the devastating news herself...

She gathered up his messages, many from reporters already asking for a comment and she picked up the morning paper that lay folded on her desk. Walking up to the double doors she took a deep breath and knocked before entering...

"Mr. Chancellor?"

Cane looked up from the files he had been going over. "Good morning Mary. Lots of messages today?"

"Um, yes sir quite a few actually." Mary hesitated for a moment before she asked, "did you have a chance to read this mornings paper?"

"No actually I was running a - er - a little late this morning and didn't have a chance." A blush heated Cane's cheek bones as thoughts of the delicious way his wife had awoken him this morning flooded his mind. "I actually wanted to read the financial pages this morning and I happen to have a few minutes now. Do you have it with you?"

"Yes." Mary all but squeaked. "You didn't happen to talk to your mother this morning did you?"

Cane looked at her wonderingly. "No, I haven't spoken to her for a few days." In fact he was beginning to wonder if she was avoiding him again when they had just started to bridge the gap. "Why, is there something wrong?"

"Ummm... well Mr. Chancellor it's just that there is an article in this mornings paper that concerns your family. I didn't think that I would be the one that would have to give you this kind of news..."

"Give me the paper, Mary." Cane said as he held out his hand.

She shoved it in his hand hastily and turned to go. Cane heard her mumble how sorry she was as she closed the door...

Cane opened the paper to the bold black and white heading on the front page...

Jill Abbott to Contest Katherine Chancellor's Will, Wants Body Exhumed...

Meanwhile...

Lily had just finished having a wonderful soak in the tub, waking Cane up that way gave her muscles a delicious tenderness that only a hot bath could relieve. Dressed and ready to start her day, Lily grabbed her morning tea and hot cereal and sat down at the table to flip through the paper while she ate. Her spoon stopped midway to her mouth as she read the shocking headline and article that followed. Her food forgotten and her concern only for her husband, Lily grabbed her jacket and her keys and headed out the door...

Meanwhile...

Marge sat at the counter in the diner. Her customers all but forgotten as she reread the article for the third time. She gazed at the photo that accompanied it, a family photo apparently and taken in happier times if this article gave any indication. Her face stared back at her, seated in the middle of a striking woman and a very handsome young man. Was this her family? Was this who she was?

"Marge! Get these orders out pronto!" Joe Jr. shouted from the kitchen.

Who was she kidding she was Marge, a waitress, an alcoholic but what if it were possible...

"Marge!"

"Coming, coming..."

Meanwhile....

Cane was staring out his office window lost in thought, the paper still held in his hands. When his door opened he didn't even turn until he heard her breathless voice calling his name. Slowly he turned around...

"Sweetheart?" Lily approached the desk. "As soon as I saw that article I rushed over here. So you've read it? Are you okay?"

Cane shook his head in disbelief. "Oh, yeah I've read it. I just - I just don't -"

"Hey. Come here." Lily coaxed him into her arms and wrapped them tightly around him.

Feeling wrapped in her warmth and her love Cane said, "I just don't understand why she didn't come and talk to me first. I don't care about the money - I've never been about that but for her to let me find out about this from a paper and not from her personally just cuts, you know?"

"I know. I'm sure she had her reasons." Lily lifted her head as a movement by the door caught her eye and she saw Jill standing there hesitantly. Stepping back and to Cane's side she said, "and maybe you can ask her what those are..."

Part Thirty-Six!!

Lily squeezed Cane's hand. She kissed the corner of his mouth and said, "I'll just give you two some time alone. I will be at home if you need me."

"Okay. Love you."

Lily touched his cheek. "Love you too. Hear her out okay?"

"I will try."

Lily stopped by Jill, who was still standing in the doorway. She put her hand on Jill's arm. "Don't shut him out, Jill. He needs you just as much as you need him." Then Lily left, shutting the door behind her.

"So?" Cane asked as he crossed his arms in front of him.

"I had my reasons for doing what I did." Jill said coming further into the room.

"And did any of those reasons concern me?"

"Of course they did. The last thing I wanted to do was to hurt you or Billy or anyone else for that matter. I had to do this for myself. I've been going out of my mind trying to figure out why this isn't adding up. I know she is my mother, I know she is. Every piece of evidence that I have leads me back to her all except the DNA test. Please understand Cane, I had to do this for my own sanity, for my own peace of mind."

Cane closed the rest of the distance between him and Jill. "Mum, what made you think that I wouldn't understand any of that? That I wouldn't support you?" He put his hand on her shoulder.

Jill caught her breath on a sob. "I don't know. It seems so foolish now as I stand here. I thought you would try to stop me. I thought if I told any of you that you would try and stop me from finding out what I think is the truth."

A flash of hurt crossed Cane's face. "I thought you would have known me better than that by now, Mum."

"Oh, sweetheart that's not what I meant. It's just that there has been so much going on. Everything, everything has been turned upside down since your grandmother died. I just don't know which way is up anymore."

"Then let me be here for you. Stop shutting me out. Stop shutting your family out. Grandma is gone, we need each other now more than ever. We need to grieve together. Please Mum, I'm hurting too."

"I know Cane. And please don't think that this has anything to do with the money or the running of this company, you are doing a fine job and if Katherine were here she would be so proud of you. This has to do with me and what I believe in the depths of my soul to be right."

Jill wrapped her arms around her son and she heard him sigh as he wrapped his arms around her in return. "I promise, I promise you I will never again shut you out of something so life changing again."

"Okay. I'm going to hold you to that Mum and you can start with telling me everything that you have found out so far..."

Meanwhile...

Billy stared out the window, a cup of coffee forgotten in his hand, today's paper spread out on the counter behind him. Stacey came down the stairs humming a soft tune, she stopped suddenly when she spied him across the room.

"Oh, hey. I thought you were already gone to work, I - a hope I didn't hurt your ears with that. C.J. seems to like it when I sing to him and that song was stuck in my head."

Billy turned and put his now cold cup of coffee on the counter next to the paper. "No, no. Actually you have a beautiful voice and it was a lovely sound to fill the silence."

"Ummm... thanks, I guess. Is there anymore of that coffee?" She asked as she approached the counter.

"Sure, let me just grab you a cup."

While Billy did that, Stacey scanned the headlines of the paper. "Oh, my." He didn't hear her silent approach but he certainly felt the small hand that touched his arm. "Billy, are you okay?"

Billy spun to face her and they were so close. Their gazes caught and held, their breath came in shallow gasps. They had been fighting their growing attraction for weeks and Billy was done fighting.

"I will be," he said as his mouth descended to hers...

Meanwhile...

Marge couldn't get that picture in the paper out of her mind, in fact she had torn it from the pages and stuffed it in her pocket where she would pull it from to stare at when no one was around. She had finished her shift at the diner in mostly a daze, she wasn't even sure if she gave everyone the right orders. Right now she didn't care...

"You're awfully quiet today Marge. Are you sure that you still want to come with me to that food drive that I told you about? Cause if you're to tired I can just go by myself."

"What? Oh, no, no, Murph. I'll go with you, for a little while anyways. I promised Pearl that I would work a couple of hours for her tonight while she has dinner with her daughter. Besides I want to help out. Charity work is something I feel like I've always liked to do."

Murphy grunted at that. "Did anyone ever tell you how good you are Margie?

"Not that I can remember." She said with a chuckle.

"Well get used to it cause ever since you've been off the booze you've become a good person, a different person."

"You're telling me Murph, you're telling me...."

Later...

After a very long but good and informative talk with his mother, Cane decided to clear his schedule for the rest of the day. He made a quick call to Lily to let her know he wouldn't be home for a while and he got in his SUV and hit the highway heading out of town to clear his head. A highway that would lead him to a little diner outside of town...

Part Thirty-Seven!!

"Wow, that was -"

"Yeah, that was..." Billy trailed off his thought as he gazed at Stacey. His head rested on one hand while his other played with the soft curls of her fiery red hair. Just then C.J. let out a cry to let them know that he was up from his nap and ready to be fed. Close to starting round two they broke apart with awkward chuckles. "Well, nothing like the little man's cry to alter a mood. Let me just go get him."

Stacey put her hand on Billy's arm, stopping him. "No, I'll get him and I will be back before you know it." She slipped from the sheets and turned to watch Billy watch her as she dawned his discarded shirt and did up a couple of buttons.

Billy stared at her with a hooded gaze. "You are so beautiful."

Stacey came back on to the bed and crawled across to him until she hovered above his face. She nipped at his lips. "Keep talking to me like that, Billy Abbott and I might think you care."

Billy cupped her cheek and said, "I do." Their eyes caught and held for a moment until C.J. let out another cry, letting them know he was losing patience. Billy laughed as he watched Stacey wiggle her delectable tush as she walked across the hall to get his son...

Meanwhile...

Cane found the winding road a salve to his churning thoughts. There wasn't much traffic so he found he could just drive and allow the road to take him where it pleased. After a couple of hours it was the growl of his empty stomach that had him taking the next exit and pulling into a little diner with a flashing neon sign...

Meanwhile...

"Thanks again Margie, for all your help this afternoon. I don't know what it is but you seem to have a real knack for getting people to give, especially in these tough economic times." Murphy said as he took Marge into the diner to cover for Pearl for the next couple of hours.

"Nonsense, Murphy. It was all you. You have quite a rapport with the local community. But thank you just the same." Marge said as she patted his arm affectionately.

"Well, lets just chalk it up to our great teamwork. What do you say we go out and celebrate tonight, just you and me?"

"Are you asking me out on a date, Murph?"

Murphy blushed and shuffled around on his feet. "Yeah, Margie. I am. So what do you say?"

"I would love to Murphy."

"Okay. Well I'll see you after your shift. Just call me when Pearl gets back." Smiling to himself, he watched her head to the back to put her purse away. When she was out of sight he turned to go and nearly collided with a well dressed young man that was coming through the door.

"Pardon me." They both said at the same time.

Murphy chuckled and said, "no worries. By the way, I recommend the apple pie, they make it homemade here."

Cane smiled at the man and said, "thanks. I'll definitely keep that in mind." He watched the man walk out the door then turned and found a booth near the back...

Cane slid into the cracked leather seat and grabbed one of the folded menus tucked in between the salt and pepper shakers. Looking it over, he quickly decided then looked around for an available server. It was a burly man with a stained apron that approached.

"Sorry 'bout the wait. Don't have the most reliable help 'round here. What'll yeah have?"

"That's okay. I just got here. I'll have your club on brown, a coffee and a slice of your apple pie."

"You got it." The man turned and walked away.

Cane looked around for something to occupy his time with until his food arrived. He spied a magazine on the next table that someone had left behind and he reached over and grabbed it to read. It was hard to concentrate on the article when all he heard was...

"Marge! Table twelve needs to be cleaned pronto."

"Marge! Get a move on. I'm not the waitress you are, so start acting like one and serve this food."

"Put a lid on it, Joe. I am going as fast as I can."

Cane froze. That voice, that tone... He shook his head. Good grief after that huge talk with his mother today about Katherine, he must really have her on the brain cause he would swear to God that he had just heard her voice. He looked around the restaurant just in time to catch a glimpse of the back of a woman as she carried a tray full of dishes into the kitchen. You know on second thought maybe he would just get his food to go and head home to his wife because now he was seeing things to because no one had hair like his grandmothers and he didn't feel like losing his mind tonight.

He got up and approached the kitchen window where he saw whom he assumed was Joe just plating his food. "Actually do you mind if I just get that to go. I need to be getting home to my wife."

"Sure what ever you want." Joe Jr. said as he took Cane's plate of food and dumped it into a 'to go' carton. "That'll be fifteen even." He said putting the containers into a paper bag.

Cane placed two twenty's on the counter. "Here you go. The extra is for the waitress." Cane said as he took the bag from Joe.

Joe Jr. sputtered. "What? Why? She couldn't even get her lazy butt out in time to serve you."

"Ahh... well perhaps if she didn't have to deal with a guy like you for a boss everyday, she would enjoy doing her job more. Have yourself a good day now." Cane turned and walked away leaving Joe with his mouth hanging open.

Marge had been listening to the exchange at the kitchen door. That voice and accent, they were so familiar. She caught a glimpse of his face when he turned to go - the man from the newspaper article. She charged out of the kitchen, rushing to catch him before he left...

Cane felt good about what he had just done. That guy needed to know that he couldn't treat people that way. He had just stepped through the door when someone gripped his arm, for a second he thought that Joe guy might want to start some trouble but when he looked down he caught sight of an emerald sparkling in the lights of the parking lot, an emerald that he saw everyday on his grandmother's hand. His gaze shot up to stare at a face he thought never to see again. His mouth opened but no words came out as she too stared at him in return. In fact she was the first to speak...

"Do I know you? Phillip?..."

Part Thirty-Eight!!

"No, no. Not Phillip but Phillip. This doesn't make any sense."

Cane watched her as she started to flail her hands about the way his grandmother would when she got animated about something and was really trying to make a point.

"You, you go by ummm... Cane." She snapped her fingers as she got it. "But your real name is Phillip, Phillip Chancellor the III. Oh, dear I think I did something terrible to you didn't I?"

Cane finally snapped out of it enough to find his voice. "What? Grandma, no." Tears filled his eyes, blurring his vision. He reached out and touched her shoulders and when he felt the warmth under his fingers, he gasped and clutched her to him in a hug so tight that if he could he would never let her go.

Still gripping her shoulders Cane moved back enough so that he could peer down at her again. "What? How? Am I dreaming? Your - your alive!"

Katherine put her fingertips to her temples. "So many thoughts, so many places, names and faces running through my mind." Katherine staggered a bit with the weight of it all.

"Oh, hey it's okay. I got you. Do you want to go back inside the diner?"

Katherine glanced back at the diner that she had been working at over the last couple of months and gave a slight shudder. "No, that is the last place that I want to go. I think, I think I want to go - home. To the - to the Estate. Can you take me there?"

Cane smiled for the first time and said, "I don't know what kind of miracle brought me here today - to you. But you have no idea how happy and over joyed I am to see you beautiful face again. I would like nothing more than to take you home." Cane put his arm around his grandmother for support and escorted her over to his waiting SUV. "Well we have a bit of a drive ahead of us so it will give us lots of time to try and put together what happened." Cane helped her in and went around the front to get in the drivers side. Starting the engine, he pulled out and got back on the highway heading to Genoa City...

Murphy was just pulling back into the parking lot of the diner when he saw the handsome young man helping Marge into his vehicle. "What the hell?" He brought his pick-up to an abrupt stop and jumped out as quickly as he could. But it was to late the man was already driving away with Marge. He shouted her name but it was to no avail, they were gone...

Cane kept glancing over at Katherine as he drove, still not quite believing she was really there. His eyes fell to the name tag on her sweater. "Marge? Who is Marge?"

Katherine looked down and fingered the tag on her sweater. "Marge..." Her mind flashed to a woman that looked just like her - but wasn't. A woman down on her luck, drinking herself into a stupor on a daily basis, begging for help. Katherine had offered it, a rehab centre that she would pay for. Her mind jumped ahead to driving in a terrible storm, the squeel of tires and the loss of control...

"Oh, my God! Marge, she - where is she? She needed my help, oh no -" Katherine put a hand over her mouth.

Cane glanced at his grandmother with intense concern. "What? What is it?"

Katherine's hand slid slowly from her mouth. "If - if I was living her life then she had mine and that means she's dead." Her eyes filled with tears. "That poor woman. All she ever wanted was my help." Katherine looked up towards the heavens and said softly, "I am so sorry Marge."

"I don't understand. How could she be you and you her? Unless that is you looked exactly alike."

"We did, there was a striking resemblance."

"I ummm... see. I don't want to overwelm you or upset you further but can you tell me everything that you remember?"

"I'll try and perhaps you can help me fill in the blanks."

They talked as Cane drove. His SUV eating up the miles back to the city. When they were about an hour outside of town Cane asked if it was okay to call the family and arrange for them to meet them at the mansion and at Katherine's nod he dialed his home number. He heard Lily's voice after the second ring. He thought it was best not to tell her over the phone who was sitting at his side but he asked her if she could arrange for herself, Jill, Billy and Esther to meet him at the Estate in forty-five minutes. She said she would do her best to make sure that everyone was there. Then she asked if he was okay and Cane was more than happy to tell her that everything was beyond good and that everyone should brace themselves for some very big news.

Cane hung up the phone and looked at his grandmother. "Are you ready?"

"To get my life back? You bet I am..."

Part Thirty-Nine!!

Cane had seen everyone's vehicles as he had pulled into the circular drive in front of the mansion, so he knew that Lily had been able to accomplish what he had asked. He went around the front of his SUV to help his grandmother from the vehicle. He watched her closely as she took in all the familiar surroundings.

"Oh, my favorite flowers have started to bloom. I feel like I have missed so much."

Cane tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow to escort her to the door. "You have but it goes both ways. We have missed your pressence so much this place has felt more like a tumb than the family home but all of that is going to change, starting today. Let's go, everyone is waiting."

Cane took Katherine up the front steps but stopped before opening the door. "Maybe I should go in first and explain, you know sort of ease them all into this. They are all going to be so shocked."

That decision was taken away when Jill opened the door. "Cane, I could hear you voice all the way in the living room. Who are you talking to and why did you need us all to meet - Mother?!" Jill had finally opened the door wide and when she spied Katherine standing on the front step, her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she started heading for the floor in a faint. Luckily for Cane's quick reflexes, he caught her before she did.

"Hey, Mum. I got you. It's okay."

"Huh? What?" Jill mumbled. "Did I really see what I think I saw?"

"Yes, Jill. It's me and it's so good to be home. Glad to see you still have a flare for the dramatic dear." Katherine said as she patted her daughter on the cheek and stepped past her into the entry way.

"Really, grandma? Do the two of you have to start things up already? Can't we all just rejoice in the fact that your still alive?"

"Oh, Cane. You dear sweet boy. It just wouldn't be home if we weren't."

By this time Jill had recovered although still pale and in shock she now managed to stand on her own. "So I'm not dreaming?"

"No Jill. You are not."

Jill now had tears streaming down her face. as she closed the distance between the two of them and joyfully wrapped her arms around Katherine. Katherine returned the hug with just as much love.

"Ohhh... woman! You have a lot of explaining to do."

"Yes and a few things to make right as well."

"All in good time mother, I'm just so glad that your alive. What happened? Cane, how did you find her?" So many questions needed to be asked and answered but they would have to wait because all the commotion had drawn the other three into the entry way.

"Grandma?"

"Mrs. C.?" Billy also possessed some quick reflexes because he had to catch Esther as she was over come with shock.

"Mrs. Chancellor?" Lily blanched and Cane rushed to her side.

"Sweetheart?"

"I'm okay, Cane. But next time when you say brace yourself for some big news, could I perhaps have a little more detail than that?"

"Sorry, Lily. I wanted to tell you, to tell all of you but I didn't want to say something like this over the phone. I thought it was better to do it in person but maybe I was wrong. I don't know it's all still a pretty big shock to me as well."

"That's okay, it's understandable when you put it like that." Lily put her hand to her rounded belly.

Cane's hand covered hers. "Is it the baby? Maybe you should sit down."

Lily smiled up at Cane. "She's okay. Just excited too, I think. There are some major summer saults going on in here. Perhaps we should all go in and sit down. Obviously there is much to discuss."

By now Esther had also regained her wits only to blubber all over Katherine in her excitement at her being alive.

They all sat down and began to discuss, recount and even argue a little about everything that had happened in the past few months. They shared another sad moment when Esther and Billy told Katherine about Chloe but the mood was lifted when Billy called Stacey to bring little C.J. over to meet his great-grandmother. Despite everything that was going on no one missed the long looks shared between them or the way they touched one another.

After such an emotional and trying day Katherine, now exhausted was the first to call it a night. They all decided to stay at the mansion so that they could continue their discussion the next day. Also, it would seem that everyone wanted to stay close by as if testing the waters that this indeed was real and not just a dream...

A few days later...

A new headline domintated the newspaper...

The Dutchess Returns...

It was that very headline that glued Murphy to his seat. He reread the article that went with that headline so many times that it was now memorized. And tears shone in his eyes as he stared at the photograph of the woman he had thought was his Marge. But deep down if he was to truly admit it to himself, he knew that the woman whom he had grown to care for so much over the past few months wasn't the woman he knew before that. Were their feelings real? Could this Katherine Chancellor still care for him? Or was it all just an illusion of her confusion about the whole situation. There was only one way to find out...

A week later...

The doorbell at the mansion rang. "Esther? Esther, are you going to get that?" Katherine shouted as she desended the stairs. "Glad to know some things still haven't changed," she muttered to herself and went to answer the door.

"Murphy!"

Murphy stood on her doorstep with his hat in his hand looking very unsure of himself. "Hello M- I mean Mrs. Chancellor. I saw the paper, so I know who you really are but I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Murphy, you old coot. Mrs. Chancellor, my ass. It's Katherine but from you I would prefer Kay."

"Alright, Kay." Murphy said as he tested the name on his lips. He looked her up and down, taking note of just how much was the same but maybe a little fancier. "It's quite the place you got here."

"It's four walls and a roof. I felt just as comfortable in your trailer as I do here."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Now are you going to stand out there all day or are you going to come in?"

"Oh, I don't know Kay. Really all I wanted to do was to see for myself that you were okay and maybe..." Murphy trailed off and he shifted from foot to foot.

"And maybe what? You know Murph a lot of things happened on that day just over a week ago. I got my memory back and I found my family again but I also recall that you asked me out on a date. And due to those crazy circumstances I stood you up. I would like to make it up to you."

"You would?" Murphy's heart warmed at the thought of spending some more time with this wonderful lady.

"Yes, I would. Now come on in..."

Part Forty!!

July, 2009...

"Wow, Can you believe Stacey and Billy eloped to Chicogo?" Lily asked as she and Cane entered their house. As Cane helped her remove her shawl she continued, "although I had to admit I thought something was up when they invited us over to the loft for a BBQ. I mean who has a backyard BBQ party at a loft. Only to show up and be told it's a surprise reception. Did you see your mother's face?"

Cane chuckled at Lily's continuous chatter and gave her large belly an affectionate rub. She was due in approximately two weeks but the doctor said it could be anytime. "Yes, her expression was hard to miss but she was only upset because she couldn't plan another lavish wedding. Thankfully she loves Stacey."

"Yes, Stacey has brought out the best in your brother, hasn't she?" Lily looked at Cane with a smug expression. "Your welcome, by the way. I think I would like to collect on that bet now, Mr. Chancellor."

"You would, would you?" Cane asked as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and linked his fingers with hers around her belly. They took a moment to bask in just being together as each reflected back over the past year and all that had happened. Cane kissed a path down Lily's neck and breathed in her scent that was hers and hers alone."

Lily giggled and turned around in his arms. She wrapped her arms around Cane's neck and delved her fingers into his hair. "Did you notice your grandmother and Murphy tonight? I swear they must have snuck away from the crowd at least three times only to reappear later all glowing and adjusting clothing items. Do you think we will be as frisky as they are at their age?"

Cane swooped down and plucked at her mouth with his. "Honey with you at my side, I'll be damned if I can ever keep my hands off you." Cane's mouth found hers again only this time he lingered to taste her and stroke her tongue with his. When they finally separated it was with short panting breaths and looks of longing. Cane wiggled his eyebrows at Lily and said, "now about that bet..."

Lying in bed together and Cane ever mindful of Lily's delicate condition had found new more gentler ways to make love to his wife while still having her come apart in his arms. He spooned her from behind and stroked his hands over her full breasts. They were so sensative now that he could make her moan with just the graze of his fingertips.

Lily raised her hands above and behind her head to grip and pull at Cane's hair as he worked his mouth down and over her oh, so sensatized skin. "Cane, I need you inside me. Now."

Just as eager to join with her, Cane slid his burgioning erection between her drenched folds to find her very core. He stroked her from within while his fingers found her hard clit and administered their own sweet torture. It wasn't long before Lily belly clenched and an orgasm shook her whole body. Cane quickly followed finding his own soul wrenching release.

"That was..."

"Yeah, that was."

"I love you, Lily." Cane whispered against her temple.

"I love you, too." Lily said kissing his fingertips. They settled down and wrapped in one anothers arms they slept...

In the middle of the night it was a different kind of wetness that woke Lily from her sleep. "Ummm... Cane?"

"Hmmm...?"

"Remember when the doctor told us that different things could help bring the baby on? Like spicy food, long walks and sex?"

Cane was wide awake now. "Lily?"

"My water just broke. She's on her way..."

Later...

They stared down at the precious bundle snuggled in Lily's arms. Cane kissed her temple and put his hand over Lily's as she held their daughter close. Cane's heart nearly escaped his chest with the love he felt for these two, his family.

"What shall we name her?"

"Well ummm... last time we had decided on the name Drucilla Jill and even though we never got to find out what that baby was, in my heart of hearts I believe it was a girl and that was her name. It's not this baby's name."

Cane squeezed her hand. "I agree. So do you have any ideas for this little one?"

"How about... Emma... Emma Kay Ashby-Chancellor?"

Cane looked down at his daughter and she peeked up at his with large chocolate brown eyes. "She looks like an Emma doesn't she? Welcome to the world Emma Chancellor, welcome to the world."

THE END

Well folks I hope you enjoyed my latest fanfic but it is time to wrap it up. Thank you everyone for all their wonderful comments and feedback. My next goal is that I would like to write a romance novel of my very own, with my own characters that I have created. I enjoy writing about Cane and Lily and their love affair so very much but it is time that I do something for myself. Call it a New Years Resolution if you will. But I won't stay away forever as I watch theses actors portray these wonderful characters as the soulmates that they are, and as they find there way back to one another I am sure something will spark for me again. Take care and thanks again.

Kate

Written Sept. 19th - Dec. 23rd 08 (Parts 30 - 34)

Part Thirty!! (Naughtiness Ahead..)

Billy rubbed a hand over his face in restless agitation. He eyed the appointment reminder for Chloe's latest check up and then eyed the assistant that kept swaying her hips past his open office door. Not surprised at how easy the decision was to make when he got up and headed out to turn on the charm...

Meanwhile...

"Is the father coming today?"

Chloe shifted uncomfortably on the exam table. Inside she seethed but outwardly she gave a brief but cool smile to the nurse and replied, "no sorry something came up and he had to stay at the office. You know how business men are. Work, work and more work."

"Well then lets get to checking your stats, weight and measurements." The nurse got to doing just that.

During the exam Chloe retreated into her mind. She wasn't a fool, she may have done a lot of stupid things but she knew what was what and she knew when she was being played. Chloe had overheard her mother gushing over Cane and Lily's ultrasound photo just this morning, she had also heard how proud and committed Cane was to this child - it infuriated Chloe to no end when she thought about how close she had been to having that. Now she wondered if Billy would even be around for any of it.

The nurse brought her back to the present. "All done. Everything appears to be normal. Please check with the nurse at the desk for your next appointment."

"I'll do that. Thank you..."

Meanwhile...

Cane stepped through the door of his and Lily's home. Emotionally drained all he wanted was his wife in his arms...

Lily caught his expression from across the room, she got up and met him halfway...

"Sweetheart?"

"Just you, just give me you. We'll talk later." Cane said as he wrapped her in his arms and his mouth covered hers in a demanding kiss that Lily willingly accepted.

She arched her body into his and slid her fingers into his hair pulling him even closer. "Cane," she gasped as his searching mouth caressed her jawline and down her sensitive throat.

"Lily, I need you so much." Cane rasped in the shell of her ear causing Lily to shiver with want and her core to melt.

Lily pushed him away to stare at him with a heated gaze. Cane watched as she pulled her fitted shirt over head and fling it to the side. She stole his breath when she turned and slowly lowered her pants to the floor giving him an eyeful of taught , round flesh in the briefest of panties. Turning back she pressed her now fuller breasts , nearly spilling over the cups of her bra against his chest and began to make quick work of the buttons at his throat.

Stripped to only his boxer-briefs, Cane slid his hands over her ass and cupped her fleshy mounds , lifting her until her legs wrapped around his waist. His mouth once again found hers, their tongues stroking, their teeth nipping, their lips never parting as he walked them to their room.

Once there Cane let Lily slid down his body until her feet touched the floor but Lily didn't stop there. In fact she kept right on going until her mouth was level with his hardness. She licked her lips in anticipation as Cane's eyes followed the path of her tongue.

Lily tugged at his underwear until they were at his feet and Cane kicked them aside. Lily wrapped her fingers around his length, stroking him from base to tip. Holding him still, Lily reached out with the very tip of her tongue to taste his essence that had pearled there. Swirling her tongue around the head of his cock she sucked and stroked until Cane thought he could take no more. But he did...

Lily teased and tormented while Cane caressed the back of her head, running his fingers through her hair unsure of whether he would endure this sweet torture much longer. Lily took that choice away with one last suck before she came back up to stand before him. She shed her bra and panties as quickly as she could and then gently pushed Cane back to lay on the bed.

Lily straddled his hips and Cane watched in awe as she captured her breasts in her hands and began to play. Not wanting to be left out Cane slid his own hands up over her waist to replace her hands with his. He plucked at her nipples and massaged her breast making Lily squirm against his hardness.

"You are so beautiful," he said before reaching up to take first one nipple and then the other into his mouth. Taking her with him as he rolled her gently beneath him, as his mouth continued to pleasure her breasts his hands slid down to delve between her folds.

His fingers, slick with her juices found the hard nub of her clit. He slid his fingers back and forth. He listened to the noises she made at the back of her throat, he felt her muscles begin to tense and he knew at any moment she was going to come apart in his arms and he wanted to be right there with her.

He filled her with his thick length and quickened his pace. Lily writhed beneath him and met him thrust for thrust. His mouth found hers and they swallowed their cries of passion and release as they went over the edge together...

Later...

Lily laid her head on Cane's chest, their hands caressing one another as she listened to the calming of his heart beat. She lifted her head and cupped his chin in her palm and directed his gaze towards her. "Are you okay?" She asked.

"I am now..."

A new day...

A knock at her door brought Jill out of her thoughts as she rushed to answer it. The private investigator that she had hired two weeks ago stood in the doorway, a large envelope in his hands.

"This is everything I could find out so far, it's not much but you read it over and give me a shout when you decide what you want to do next."

"Thank you," Jill said distracted by what was now in her hands. "I'll be in touch." She said and closed the door.

Immediately she tore into the envelope and hastily read the information inside. Her expression changed to one of confusion as she sat down in a chair and reread everything as if to see if it would say something different.

"This makes no sense. It all still leads back to Katherine but they did the DNA test three times and every time it said she wasn't my mother but everything here says she is. What the hell is going on here?" Something was just not adding up...

Part Thirty-One!!

After a night of no sleep and much thought Jill picked up the phone and dialed a number...

"Yes, this is Jill Abbott. I've made a decision about what I want you to do next... Yes... I want you to find Katherine Chancellor... No, I'm not out of my mind, I have never been more clear headed... Just do as I ask, you will be well compensated." Jill disconnected and immediately dialed another number...

"Put me through to Mitchell Sherman, now. This is Jill Abbott." Jill waited for the assistant to connect her. "Hello Mitchell, we need to talk..."

Meanwhile...

Chloe had barely slept a wink. The baby was tossing and turning, her back ached and to top it all off she had found newly formed stretch marks across her hips and waist - ugh!! Chloe had to wonder if this had all been really worth it. She rubbed her hand absently over her large protruding belly, the baby had finally stilled, had actually been strangely still for a couple of hours now. A thought popped into her head and she wondered if something could actually be wrong and then the first pain shot across her back...

Meanwhile...

Billy slipped from the bed as quietly as he could. What's her name - Donna or Deanna? Turned over but did not waken. He let out a soft breath as he gathered up his clothes. Last night had been a blast but he was so not a morning after kind of guy. He was seriously going to have to remember to stop dipping into the company uhhh... supply so to speak because he was going to have to spend the next couple of weeks playing avoid the girl. Closing the door to her apartment he turned his phone back on and saw that he had six messages all from Chloe. Knowing that they would be full of bitching him out for missing yesterdays appointment, he deleted them all without listening to them. He needed a hot shower and an even hotter cup of coffee before he dealt with that mess...

Meanwhile...

Marge had the early shift at the diner that day. She still mixed up her regulars names and an order or two but it was getting easier. Today was the day that she had to go through all of the papers left for the customers to read and throw out any of the old ones. She was sorting through the stack by the back door when she came across one with her picture on the front cover. Only it wasn't her name underneath. "The late Katherine Chancellor's will was read yesterday and left some colder than others..." Marge read aloud. Something foggy jarred in her memory and looking around her quickly to make sure no one else was near she took the stack of papers and stuffed them into her over sized purse to go through and read when she finished her shift. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart.

"Marge!" Joe Jr. bellowed. "These orders aren't going to serve themselves."

"Coming, coming." Marge stashed her bag in a safe place and went back to drop off the food at her tables. But all the while the name Katherine Chancellor kept echoing in her mind...

Later...

"Mitchell."

"Jill, come in. I know you were cryptic on the phone but what is it that I can do for you today?"

"I will just get right to the point."

"By all means, please do." Mitchell said, taking a seat behind his desk.

"Mitchell, I need to know what the other part of the will said. The part that you have, that was to be read when the DNA results cam back positive."

"I'm sorry Jill but I won't be able to do that." He replied looking very uncomfortable.

"And why is that Mitchell?" Jill asked with her hands on her hips.

"Well for one, I am not in possession of it anymore."

"Who is?"

"No one. At Katherine's request it was destroyed upon receiving the results. Just as the other part would have been if the results had come back the other way. It was Katherine's desire to have it that way."

"Of course it was. And I have no choice but to contest the will."

"On what grounds?"

"On the grounds that Katherine is indeed my mother..."

Meanwhile...

Chloe screamed again but no one came, the house was empty. She had left so many messages for Billy but he had yet to return her call. With shaking hands she called the last person who would want to hear from her...

Cane picked up his cell on the second ring. "Hello?"

"Cane? It's Chloe." She bit out through the pain. "Something is wrong with the baby, no one is home and I can't get a hold of Billy. I wouldn't have called you if I didn't - oooohhh..." Her words were cut off as another pain wracked her body.

"Chloe? Chloe, can you hear me?"

"Yeah."

"Just take some deep breaths. Have you called an ambulance?"

"No."

"Okay. I am going to call one for you. Just hang on and try to stay calm. And I'll make sure I get a hold of Billy to meet you at the hospital."

"Okay, I'll try. Please hurry."

"I'll do my best." Cane disconnected.

Chloe made her way to the top of the stairs when another pain hit her so suddenly that it caused her to miss a step, she screamed as she tumbled down the stairs to lay motionless at the bottom...

Part Thirty-Two!!

The paramedics banged on the door. No one answered.

"Are you sure this is the right address?"

"Positive. Try the handle, see if it's unlocked." It was and they rushed inside. "Ms. Mitchell?" They called out as they scanned the entry way. Spying her sprawled on the floor, one shouted, "over here." And rushed to her side.

"You got a pulse?"

"No. And her head is at such an odd angle, I think her neck is broken. And the baby?"

"I've got a faint detection of a heartbeat. Start manual ventilation on her right away. Let's call it in and see if we can save this kids life." They loaded Chloe's motionless body on to the gurney, all the while manually breathing for her trying to keep oxygen flowing to her unborn child...

Meanwhile...

Cane banged on Billy's door. "Billy!" He shouted through the wood. "Billy, I know you're home. I saw your car in the garage so open the damn door." Cane demanded, continuing to bang on it.

Billy had just gotten out of the shower when he heard the shouts and pounding coming from his front door. He wrapped a towel around his waste and descended the stairs. "Coming!" He shouted back. Jerking open the door he said, "this better be important."

"It's Chloe. She couldn't get a hold of you so she called me. Something is wrong with the baby and as we speak an ambulance is on it's way to take her to the hospital. For God's sake get dressed and let's go."

Billy, about to say something changed his mind and went back up stairs to to quickly throw some clothes on. His mind flashed back to earlier when he had deleted all of Chloe's messages. His gut twisted with guilt and he moved even quicker.

Cane waited for him at the bottom of the stairs, his phone hanging at an odd angle from his hand. He looked at his brother as if from very far away. "Billy..."

"What? Come on, lets go. I'll even let you drive." Billy stared at Cane as he remained motionless. "What is it?"

"That was the hospital. I guess Chloe never got around to changing who the father was on her file."

"Okay. We can fix that when we get there. So were they calling to say if she had it?"

"No, Billy." Cane swallowed hard, there was no easy way to say this. "They were calling because - because she died."

"What?"

"The paramedics found her at the house - at the bottom of the stairs. They think she fell just before they got there. They couldn't save her, she was already gone."

"And the baby - what about the baby?"

"They are working on trying to save him. The paramedics manually breathed for Chloe to keep oxygen flowing to him - they are in surgery right now. We have to go, he needs his father."

"This is all my fault."

At the hospital...

Jill was trying her best to comfort Esther as they waited for news on their grandchild. So much devastation and loss, how much could one family take...

Lily met Cane and Billy by the doors and she rushed into his open arms. "I got here as fast as I could. Your mother and Esther are over by the nurses station waiting for any word." Lily reached over and squeezed Billy's limp hand. "I am so sorry."

Cane cast a worried glance at Billy. He hadn't said a single word since his ridiculous claim that it was all his fault. Cane had tried to talk to him during the drive to the hospital but all Billy did was stare out the window lost in thought.

Just then a doctor approached. Jill saw and brought Esther over to hear the news. "Are you Ms. Mitchell's family?" At Cane's nod he continued, "well as you've been told Ms. Mitchell was DOA but thanks to the quick thinking and actions of the paramedics we were able to save her son."

Esther sobbed and Cane wrapped an arm around her other side.

"Even with Ms. Mitchell's apparent fall he has no fractures but we don't know how long he went without oxygen, any permanent damage will only be known in time. Right now he is going to need all of your love and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. Which one of you is the father?" He asked as he looked between Cane and Billy.

Cane opened his mouth but it was Billy who spoke first. "He is," Billy said as he shoved Cane forward. "I need some air and that boy needs you." Billy started walking briskly down the hall.

"If you would come this way, you can see your son." The doctor said, not yet catching on to the confusion amongst the family.

"Whoa, wait." Cane said finding his voice. "Billy!" Cane shouted after him. Cane felt torn in two. He didn't know which way to go and his mother and Esther were shocked and speechless, they didn't know what to think.

"Go after him, I'll see to things here." Lily, ever the voice of reason said as she squeezed his hand.

"Thank you," Cane said and took off at a run to catch up to his grieving brother.

Later...

Directed by the nurses, Cane found Lily in the neo-natal unit and after he dawned a protective smock he joined her in the room...

He was still to stunned at what had happened earlier to even fully comprehend it or absorb it. Lily sensed his presence behind her.

"Your Mom took Esther home with some medication so she could try and get some rest. I told them I would stay here."

Cane put his hands on her shoulders and his face in her hair. Breathing her in he whispered, "thank you."

"Billy wants us to raise him, doesn't he?"

Cane peered over her shoulder at the tiny baby and watched as he wrapped his little fingers around one of Lily's - he might as well have wrapped them around their hearts. "I tried to make him see reason. I tried to tell him that this was only his grief and shock talking but I could not sway him. So yes, Billy wants us to raise him as are own."

Lily looked away from the tiny form in front of her to meet her husband's gaze. "But what do you want to do?" ...

Part Thirty-Three!!

"What do I want to do? That is quite the loaded question, isn't it?" Cane took a deep breath and rubbed a hand over his tired features. Spying a couple of chairs in the the corner of the room he collapsed into one of them, Lily joined him in the other.

She grabbed his hand and held it tight and waited. After a couple of minutes she said, "why don't you start with what transpired between you and Billy, maybe that will help make things clearer."

"It's not that Lily, he made things perfectly clear. I'll do what's right for this kid because he is family but that boy needs his father - his real father." Cane's mind flashed back to when he found Billy near the back exit of the hospital...

"Billy! Billy stop!" Cane grabbed him by the arm and spun him around. "What the hell man? You can't just drop that kind of bomb and take off. That is your son in there fighting for his life, you can't just walk away from that." Cane looked at his brother incredulously.

"Because Cane. I am a complete and utter screw-up. I didn't want that baby - hell I wanted nothing to do with his crazy mother and now she's dead and it's all my fault."

"Your fault? How is her falling down a set of stairs by accident your fault?"

"Because if I had been man enough and stepped up to the plate instead of diddling my latest assistant, she might be alive right now. That baby doesn't deserve me for a father. I don't know how to be a father - and I don't think I want to be one either. I gotta get out of here. He'll be better off with you." Billy turned and started walking away.

"Billy! Don't do this! Do you think I know how to be a father? It's not something you know, it's something you learn..."

Billy paused for a moment, his hand on the door. He shook his head, almost like a shudder and kept right on walking...

Lily cupped Cane's face and stroked his cheek. "This is all such a shock to him. I'm sure he didn't mean all that, he just needs some time."

"I don't know Lily. It seemed pretty final to -"

The door to the room opened interupting Cane in mid sentance and Billy walked in. Cane and Lily held their breath as they watched Billy approach the tiny bundle in the incubator.

"He's so tiny," Billy whispered. He reached out a shaking hand and gently stroked a finger along his little arm. Billy's breath hitched in his throat. "God, he's so beautiful."

Cane and Lily had come to stand behind Billy. "Yes he is and he really needs his father." Lily said.

Billy glanced behind him at his older brother. "What you said earlier, do you really think I can learn to be a good father?"

Cane reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "Yes I do and your family, Lily and I especially will be here to help you along the way. I know your scared but you won't have to do this alone."

"Okay, I'll take the plunge. Besides it's about damn time that I grew up and took some responsibility...."

Two weeks later...

Carter John Abbott came home from the hospital with a clean bill of health. Billy looked at his son as he squirmed in the bassinett in front of him.

"Okay, C.J. we're going to do this together right? You and I are in this for the long haul and I promise I am going to do the best that I can to raise you right." The doorbell rang. "Don't go anywhere. I'm just going to answer that."

Billy got up and went over to the door he figured it was probably one of his family members stopping by to make sure that he and C.J. were okay as they had been doing for the past couple of days. So it was with mild surprise that he opened the door to find a petite firery red head with a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose and bright green eyes standing on his door step. "Yes?"

"Billy Abbott?" She asked sticking out her hand in greeting.

"Yes." He said as he enveloped her small hand in his.

"I'm Stacey Halloway, your new nanny..."

Part Thirty-Four!!

"She's doing what? ... Moving all your furniture around? ... Why? ... Oh, that I understand. Baby proofing is very important. ... What do you mean you can't even find you underwear anymore? ..." Lily choked back a laugh. "No I'm not laughing at you, honest." And then she snorted. "Billy? Billy? Huh." Lily said as she put down the phone. "I believe I was just hung up on." She said turning towards Cane.

"Gee, I wonder why?" Cane said eyeing her above the paper.

"Whatever do you mean?" Lily asked with fained inocense. "The thanks I get for finding someone qualified to help him out during this tough time."

Cane put his paper aside and walked over and wrapped his arms around his wife. Nuzzling her neck he said, "if I didn't know better Mrs. Chancellor, I'd say that you had ulterior motives choosing Ms. Halloway."

Lily moved her head, allowing him easier access to her sensative neck. "Nonsense. I knew as soon as I met her that she would be the one girl that wouldn't put up with his crap or fall all over herself the first time he turned on the charm."

"Ahhh... but what about the second or the third time that he does?" Cane asked as he nibbled a path to the shell of her ear and licked causing a shudder to run down Lily's spine.

"I don't care if it's the twenty-third time. I think Stacey is going to be the one to break that man." Lily turned and slid her hands up and into the nape of Cane's hair, tugging him down to her eager lips.

Breaking the kiss to stare into his wife's eyes. He smiled at her devilishly and asked, "care to bet on it?"

Lily giggled and said in a sultry voice, "what are you going to do to purswade me to take that wager?"

"Oh, I can think of a few different ways." And Cane took great pleasure in seducing his wife...

Meanwhile...

Jill opened the door of her suite at the GCAC to find Mitchell Sherman on the other side. "Mitchell, what are you doing here?"

"I came to see if you had changed your mind about contesting the will." He said stepping into her suite.

"No, I am going through with it."

"I don't get it Jill. I went down to the hospital myself and went over the results with the technician. He even ran it one more time and again it was the same conclusion. You're not Katherine's biological daughter."

"My private investigator says otherwise. Everything he has found leads back to Katherine Chancellor."

"Except Jill, the DNA still doesn't match."

"I know and that doesn't make any sense. I know I'm her daughter, I know I am. If I have to I will even exume her body because something is just not adding up."

"Is that what you really want to do, Jill? Hasn't your family and friends suffered enough?"

"One has nothing to do with the other." Jill said looking at anything in the room except Mitchell.

"Doesn't it Jill? The press is going to go crazy over this story. Are you sure there is nothing I can say to convince you to change your mind?"

"No Mitchell. No there isn't."

"Well then, are you going to tell your family or are you going to let the newspapers do your dirty work for you?"...

Meanwhile...

Marge had just got back to Murphy's after finishing another shift at the diner. Her back ached and her feet were killing her...

"Let me find you some epsin salts and you can soak your feet, Margie."

"Thanks Murph." She sat down at the kitchen table and scowered the latest paper for any tid bits about Katherine Chancellor or her family.

Murphy came out with a footbath and filled it with hot water. He added the salts as he watched Marge from the corner of his eye. "You know what's funny?"

"What's that?" She asked distractedly.

"Until a couple of weeks ago I don't think I ever saw you pick up a newspaper unless it was to throw it out at the diner or to use it for kindling to start a fire. I never saw you pick one up and read it from front to back."

"That's funny, I have memories of always reading the paper." She turned to look at him. "It's just so weird. I feel like a stranger in my own skin. I don't even remember you before a few weeks ago."

Murphy nelt down infront of her and placed her tired and aching feet into the soak. "Ever since you went on that major bender, I have to admit that I've found you different to but in a better way. Since you have laid off the booze I have liked getting to know you, the real you."

"I have these funny dreams sometimes but whenever I wake up I can't remember them, I just know they're about me. Maybe I should pawn this ring and move somewhere else that is more suitable for me."

Murphy grabbed her hand. "Ohhh... don't do that Margie. I think you're exactly where you should be. Right here with me..."

Written Sept. 19th - Dec. 23rd 08 (Parts 25 - 29)

Part Twenty-Five!!

The family gathered at the funeral home for a private viewing and a chance to say goodbye without the rest of Genoa City looking on. So many people were expected for the funeral on the following day. Katherine was loved by so many...

Jill, Cane, Billy, Brock and Esther gathered around the coffin as the funeral director lifted the lid and then excused himself. Lily had the unfortunate pleasure of waiting in the anterior room with Chloe while the family had a few moments alone with Katherine, they simply chose to ignore one another.

So many thoughts were running through Cane's mind out of all the different scenarios he thought of that he would meet his Uncle Brock under - he never considered this one...

They all gazed at Katherine's now lifeless body still not truly believing it was even her.

"She looks so different, like it's not even her." Jill choked back yet another sob.

Cane put his arm around her shoulders and his lips to her temple. "Ah, Mum. She was so vibrant and striking in life to see her so very still now... is just so wrong."

"I know what to expect with life. We are born, we live, we die but for some reason I thought my Mother would be around forever." Brock said as he reached out a shaking hand to touch Katherine's.

"No matter how many times I screwed up my life Grandmother was always there, always in my corner. What am I going to do without her?" Billy said, leaning on Jill's other side.

"What are we all going to do without her? Mrs. C. was such a big part of our lives. Everything seems so empty now."

The funeral director cleared his throat from behind them. "Mrs. Abbott? If you are ready, there are still a few more arrangements to be made."

Jill nodded. "Yes, of course. I will be right with you."

"Mum, is there anything we can do to help?"

"No, no. I want to do it myself, it will keep me busy."

"You're sure?" Asked Billy.

"Yes, you can all go ahead. I will see you at the estate later."

"I have some sandwiches and snacks ready if anyone is hungry. I'll just head back now to put everything out."

Brock squeezed her shoulder. "Esther, you don't have to cater to us. You are grieving just as much as we are."

"I want to. Come on Chloe, let's go."

Cane wrapped Lily in his arms. "Do you feel up to eating right now sweetheart? After all you need to keep your strength up for both you and the baby."

Chloe froze for just a moment as she was following her mother out the door. Baby! Cane and Lily are having a baby? Jeez could the day get any worse. And with those wonderfully sarcastic thoughts running around in her little head Chloe continued out the door.

"I could manage to eat something. How is your Mom holding up?"

"She's trying her best to keep it together for us but she is hurting so very much. I'm just going to check on her once more before we go. Billy, you'll be able to give Uncle Brock a ride?"

"Yeah, I'll see you both back at the estate."

"I wish it could have been better circumstances we met under, son. I am sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding. But I am so thankful that you are here for your Mother, she is going to need her family so much right now." Brock wrapped Cane in a warm hug before he followed Billy out the door.

"I'll wait for you here, sweetheart. I love you."

Cane kissed Lily tenderly and whispered, "I love you too. Thank you for being here for me."

"Always."

Cane turned and went back into the viewing room where he found his mother sobbing over Katherine and begging her for forgiveness...

"I am so sorry Mother. This is all my fault. If I was just paying more attention and saw the signs for what they really were instead of thinking it was something to do with memory loss, maybe you would still be here now. Can you ever forgive me? Because I don't think I will ever be able to forgive myself."

Cane's warm hands gripped her shoulders from behind. "Mum, please don't blame yourself, Grandmum doesn't. In my soul I know she doesn't. She loved you, so much."

Jill turned and wrapped her arms around Cane and said, "do you think so?"

Cane pulled back and looked at his mother. "I know so..."

The next day at the funeral...

As Cane looked around the packed church he thought to himself that everyone in the city had turned out for the great Katherine Chancellor's funeral and he would be right and then some as many former residents and longtime friends of Katherine's had made the trip as well.

Many tears were shed but also many smiles shared as so many people stood to speak so fondly of Katherine. Everyone had such wonderful stories to tell about her that it truly turned into a celebration of her life, which Cane thought would truly be what she wanted...

At the end of the service there was some commotion as everyone turned in surprise to see Victor and Ashley in the doorway but before he could even say goodbye to his long time friend the police had been notified of his presence and he was arrested. It became even more uncomfortable when he vowed revenge against Adam Wilson, his own son...

Later...

Many of the guests who attended the service returned to the Chancellor Estates for an informal gathering to continue the celebration of Katherine Chancellor's life.

Funny how things would be turned upside down even more in just a matter of days...

Part Twenty-Six!!

A week after the funeral. The will about to be read...

A letter from the office of Mr. Mitchell Sherman had gone out to the following individuals as their presence was required at the reading of Katherine Chancellor's will...

Jill Abbott, Cane Ashby-Chancellor, Lily Winters-Chancellor, Billy Abbott, Esther Valentine, Kate Valentine a.k.a Chloe Mitchell, Brock Reynolds, Mackenzie Reynolds, Phillip Chancellor IV and Amber Moore.

Jill took a deep breath as she paced the outer office of Katherine's lawyer. This was all just a formality. Of course the grandchildren would get their token amounts and of course Katherine's many charitable causes but Jill knew without a doubt that the bulk of the Chancellor fortune was coming to her...

The reading of the will (part one)...

Mitchell Sherman cleared his throat as he leaned against the edge of his desk for everyone to take their seats. Not everyone was going to like what he had to say...

"So we are still waiting on a Mackenzie Reynolds and Phillip Chancellor IV?"

"Actually Mackenzie couldn't be here so I, her father will be here on her behalf and mine."

"And I am here to represent my son Phillip, who is serving over in Iraq." Nina said as she was the last one to step into the room.

"That is fine and since everyone is now represented in one way or another we shall begin." Mr. Sherman opened a large file and pulled out several legal documents. "As I mentioned to you at the service, Mrs. Chancellor had made some recent changes to her will. As recently as a few weeks ago."

Jill shifted slightly in her seat but for the most part remained outwardly calm.

Mitchell Sherman began. "I Katherine Chancellor, being of sound mind and body do solemnly swear that this is my final will and testament..."

There were final gifts in large amounts left to each and every charitable organization that Katherine supported.

"To my first born son, Brock. I leave you the sum of five million dollars to do with as you please but if I know you like I do it will find it's way into the hands of so many in need."

Brock smiled softly, looked up and said, "I will try my very best Mother to live up to your expectations."

"To my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mackenzie, Billy and Phillip IV. Even though it may have occurred that not everyone is related by blood, you are still very much my family and the trusts that were made in your names at the time of your births are yours to do with as you wish."

Nina nodded in acceptance.

"To Esther Valentine. My dear Esther. You were never just my employee. You were my confident, my friend and my companion. You will never have to work a day in your life again - if that is your choice. My Estate will always take care of you for as long as you live and the Chancellor grounds will always be your home."

"Thank you Mrs. C." Esther said as a few tears slid unchecked down her cheeks.

Jill pursed her lips but managed not to say anything. Esther may drive her crazy but she would respect her mother's wishes on this.

"Kate Valentine a.k.a Chloe Mitchell. I made sure that you had the best education that money could by and because of your mother I will extend that same courtesy to your unborn child."

"To Ms. -"

"Wait, that's it!" Chloe exclaimed.

Several pairs of eyes turned and glared in her direction.

"I mean, thank you. How very generous of Mrs. Chancellor." Chloe bit out as she seethed inside.

"As I was saying. To Ms. Amber Moore. If it should come to pass that my time had come before my memoirs had been published, I leave all drafts and there rights to you. Please see that my story is told."

"I will Mrs. C." Amber whispered.

"You will do no such thing. I will contest that."

"Ummm... yes Mrs. Abbott. Mrs. Chancellor anticipated your reaction to that so she took extra precautions and went through thorough legal channels to make sure that you could not. She says and I quote, 'I want my story told and I have taken every measure to insure that it will.'"

"Well I will be going over those documents with a fine tooth comb and if there is a way to stop it, I will."

"By all means go right ahead but I can assure you, you won't find one." Replied Mr. Sherman.

"There is only one other matter to address today. A stipulation, if you will before I can read the rest of the contents of the will." Mr. Sherman fidgeted with the papers in front of him, becoming more uncomfortable with what he had to say next. "A DNA test."

"A DNA test? For whom?"

Mr. Sherman cleared his throat. "For you Mrs. Abbott. Mrs. Chancellor has stipulated that she wants you to submit to another DNA test before the rest of the will is read..."

Part Twenty-Seven!!

"WHAT!" Jill exclaimed, jumping up from her chair. "That is absolutely preposterous. It was established decades ago that I was her daughter."

Mr. Sherman shifted again. "She was very specific in her requests, Mrs. Abbott. I am not permitted to read the rest of the will until I have been given the results."

"Fine. What do I have to worry about anyway? I am Katherine Chancellor's daughter, of that I have no doubt. I will go over to the hospital after I leave here. The sooner I do this ridiculous request, the sooner all of this will be over and we can all try to move on with our lives." Jill said as she gathered up her purse and coat.

Cane cleared his throat before he said, "I am not sure I understand, Mr. Sherman. Why was I asked to be here if my grandmother didn't even mention me?"

Lily squeezed his hand in support.

"Oh, you are mentioned Mr. Chancellor. When your mother has completed your grandmother's request, you, your wife and Mrs. Abbott will return here to hear the remainder of the will. As for the rest of you, as Mrs. Katherine Chancellor has already bestowed upon you all that she will your presence won't be required for the second half. Good day." Mitchell Sherman returned to his desk dismissing them all.

Billy pulled his mother aside. "What do you think this all about Mom?"

Jill pursed her lips together before she said, "my guess is that eccentric old woman is trying to drive me crazy from the great beyond."

Cane took a deep breath and got up to leave with the Lily and the rest. This was all so strange he thought. He hadn't actually expected anything from his grandmother. Finding his family and accepting their love had been such a gift as it was. And having been promoted to Co-CEO of Chancellor Industries - well he wasn't hurting financially anyways but why would Katherine ask this of his mother? He really wish he had had the time to figure out their complex relationship better...

Two days later...

Mitchell Sherman sat at his desk thoroughly perplexed as he stared at the DNA results he had just received. When he had heard Katherine ask him to include this in her will, he had honestly thought it was one last dig at Jill - something to drive her crazy since he was well aware of their stormy and sometimes volatile relationship. But still these results were the last thing he expected. So as per Katherine's instructions he took the envelope marked #2 and put it with her file and the envelope marked #1 he set on fire and destroyed. He didn't know what exactly was written in the one he just destroyed but when he read the other one in an hour he thought he would have a pretty good idea....

Jill, Cane and Lily once again took a seat in Mr. Sherman's office. Jill had done the test right after she had left his office two days prior. The hospital expedited the results as quickly as they could since these results were given top priority and with samples taken from Mrs. Chancellor's body the test had been done three times to ensure complete accuracy. Now here they sat again and waited for the rest of her will to be read...

Mitchell cleared his throat and began. "To Cane Ashby-Chancellor. The child I traded away out of anger and spite, please forgive me for what I did. Your father was such a wonderful and extraordinary man and I am so sorry that I robbed you of time that you could have spent with him."

Cane blinked back tears and he held on to Lily's hand just a bit tighter.

"Since you are the last living heir of Phillip Chancellor II, I am giving you all that is rightfully yours. The entire Chancellor fortune."

"What? I don't understand. I am my mother's direct heir, aren't I?" Jill paled as it hit her. "No!"

"Mrs. Abbott, if you could just wait a moment all will be explained." Mitchell continued reading. "This includes all of the properties, holdings and money. My collection of jewels minus a few sentimental pieces for Jill will all go to you, may your beautiful bride Lily wear them with pride. Everything is yours Cane, everything except for Jabot. Jill when I requested that you take another DNA test I will admit it was to get under your skin one last time. I had my moments of doubt over all these years but I always came back to the same conclusion for better or worse you were mine. I only wrote this version as an after thought - a what if, if you will but if Mitchell is reading this now then it must be true. You are not my daughter - you never were. If I were there I must say that I might even regret having you do the test but it is far to late for regrets. So what's done is done and I leave you Jabot back in the hands of an Abbott where it belongs. I leave it up to you how much or little you want to involve the rest of the Abbotts. I am sorry Jill. Signed, Katherine Chancellor."

Cane reached out to Jill. "Mum?"

Jill wiped at the tears on her cheeks avoiding Cane's hand. "She really knows how to make a grand exit, doesn't she? I'm sorry but I need some air."

"Mum!" Jill once again moved away from Cane's grasp. "I'll talk to you later." Jill left the office quickly wiping at her eyes as she went...

Part Twenty-Eight!!

Cane and Lily had been quiet on the drive home. Shock and stunned doesn't even begin to describe how they were feeling especially Cane.

Closing the door to their home, Cane leaned back against it for a moment. "This is all so, so - heck I don't even know."

Lily turned to face her husband. "Surreal? Unbelievable? Crazy?"

"Ummm... yeah all of the above and more." Stepping away from the door he removed his trench coat and shrugged out of his suit jacket, he pulled his tie free and undid the first couple of buttons of his shirt. He walked up to Lily and wrapped his arms around her. Burying his face in her hair he said, "what about Mum? She wouldn't even let me touch her, comfort her. This must be all so confusing and overwhelming for her, much more than it is for me. Her whole identity - just like that gone."

Lily pulled back enough so that she could look up at Cane. "Your mother is such a strong and resilient woman and when she is ready I am sure that she will turn to you. She must have a lot of internal questions that she is wrestling with and both you and I can understand that from our own experiences. When she is ready, she will come to us. So what happens next?"

"Well Mr. Sherman said that he would be releasing a statement to the press, another request of Katherine's."

"I see. Wow, our lives seemed to be filled with lots of complications."

Cane kissed her temple. "I know sweetheart, I know. I just want to be with you and shut out the rest of our complicated world for a while."

Lily reached up and brought Cane's lips to hers in a heated kiss. "Lead the way Mr. Chancellor."

Cane swept Lily up into his arms and carried her to their bedroom. Just for a little while longer he wanted his world to just revolve around her...

Meanwhile...

Jill knelt at Katherine's grave. She wiped at the tears that still clung to her lashes with the pad of her thumb. "Well Katherine, I don't know what you expected to accomplish with this. Was it to lash out at me for pressing you to see that specialist? Were you drunk when you came up with this crazy idea? I was your daughter. I believed I was your daughter. Who am I?" She looked up at the sky and screamed it, "WHO AM I?"...

Meanwhile...

Murphy shuffled around his and Marge's small but functional apartment. He fixed Marge a cup of coffee just the way she liked it. She had been so lucky that he happened upon her almost two weeks ago. She had a pretty nasty bump on the head and a few other scratches and bruises but being the stubborn woman that she was she had refused to go to the hospital. So instead he had made it his job to nurse her back to health. Talking to her about her life and their life together, everything from her regulars at the diner to what the two of them liked to do most together. At first Margie had been pretty confused about things and that worried him but everyday she seemed to get a bit better and she seemed to like hearing him talk and well he surely liked to talk as well. Heck Marge even mentioned that she would like to go back to the diner pretty soon - she must be feeling like her old self...

Meanwhile...

After making tender love to his wife Cane wrapped his arms around her from behind and pulled her tightly to his warm body. "Thank you."

Lily turned slightly in his arms and touched her hand to his cheek. "Thank you? Thank you for what, sweetheart?"

"For just being you. I love you so much and everything that has happened recently just really puts into perspective just how precarious life is. I want to treasure every moment I have with you because you just never know."

"I couldn't agree more. I love you too, so very much."

Cane was silent for a few minutes as he gently caressed her body, his hand coming to rest of the slight mound of her belly where their child slept. "Why do you think Katherine did what she did? I mean knowing how many lives this would change, what was her motive?"

"I don't know Cane. Katherine was one of a kind with an agenda all her own. And as it stands now we probably will never know..."

Part Twenty-Nine!!

No matter what happens in life, time still keeps moving forward and everyone must move with it...

Now the second week of March, Katherine had been gone for almost a month now but the time had not lessoned anyones pain. Cane made his way to the mansion. He had been trying to catch his mother around the office but she was getting really good at avoiding him and frankly he was sick of it. What was done was done and they had to somehow move beyond it. He took a deep and calming breath before opening the door...

And he walked into to stacks of boxes and suitcases. "What the - ?" Confused he looked around and spied Esther sitting in the living room. "Esther what's going on here? Are you moving out?"

Esther sniffed and wiped at her eyes. "No, but your mother is."

"What? Why? This is her home. Where is she going to go?"

Jill walked up behind them. "It's not my home, it never was. It's yours Cane and I can no longer stay in it. The memories of what I thought were my life are just to much to - to continue to live here."

"Mum, that is crazy. Of course this is your home. I don't want you to leave here, that thought never even crossed my mind. Mum, please... when are you going to stop pulling away from me? I need you,our family needs you."

"Jill, Cane is right. Mrs. C. wouldn't want you to go either no matter what the will brought about. I'll just give you two some privacy to work this out." Esther said as she left the room.

"There is nothing to work out, my mind is made up." Jill said as she continued to gather up some things in the living room.

"Mum, please," pleaded Cane. "Where are you going to go?"

Keeping herself busy so as to avoid looking her son in the eye she replied, "the GCAC until I can find permanent accommodations."

"Mum, I just don't understand."

"Hum... and here I thought you would be the one person that would. You searched for years to find me, you needed that connection. Well I need to find out who I really am and I can't do it in this house."

Cane's old insecurities surfaced and he reached out and wrapped his arms around his mother.

Jill felt it, she felt his fear. She knew that feeling all to well, it all but consumed her these days. Her arms reached around Cane and held him equally as tight. "I'm not turning my back on you, son. I just need some time to figure some things out."

"And I'll be here for you Mum, whenever you need me." Cane pulled back and reached into his pocket. "Here," he said as he handed her a folded piece of paper.

"What's this?" Jill asked as she unfolded it and her breath caught. "Is this -?"

"Yes, Mum. Lily had her first ultrasound yesturday. We're having a daughter - your granddaughter."

Tears shone in Jill's eyes as she once again wrapped her arms around her son. "Congratulations. I am so happy for you both."

Cane squeezed her back. "Don't keep your distance for to long. She will be here before you know it."

Jill nodded and wiped at her eyes. She tried to hand Cane back the picture but he refused.

"No, Mum. That's your copy, the first of what I am sure is to be so many. Think of it as a reminder that even though you might not know where you come from anymore, you should know exactly where you are and that you are loved so very much."

Jill nodded again and with a sad smile made her excuses and went upstairs to finish packing.

Cane sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. Looking around the quiet room he said, "Katherine. If only you were here to make everything right again. We are all so lost without you..."

Meanwhile...

"Come on Marge. Quit your chatting and get a move on, these orders won't serve them selves. If you don't shape up, you're fired!"

"You will not speak to me in such a manner. I am doing the best that I can."

"Well law-dee-daw!! What are you the Queen of England? I swear I don't know what my old man saw in you all those years ago when he hired you but I am just not seeing it."

"Oh yeah. Give me two turkeys on white, hold the tomato on one and give me an apple pie with a hat on it - that means ice cream," Marge said as she slapped the order slip on the table. She turned and Murphy gave her a wink. Marge leaned over and told him, "if a waitress is what I am then I'm going to be the best damn one around..."

Written Sept. 19th - Dec. 23rd 08 (Parts 20 - 24)

Part Twenty!!

The car ride to Neil's was a relatively quiet one. Lily had called her father to let him know that she and Cane would like to join him for lunch today. While Neil had been thrilled at the prospect of having lunch with his daughter... Cane, well... not so much. But Lily was confident that her father would once again warm up to Cane after they explained everything to him. Thank God Karen and Aunt Liv would be their to, to help Neil see the light...

The heated discussion that they had had that morning had been a tough one to get through but they came through it with a new understanding of one another, a new appreciation...

In fact Lily felt so good about their current standing that she decided to broach another subject...

"Cane?"

"Yes sweetheart?"

"What are we going to do about Chloe?"

"What do mean, what are we going to do about her? She is out of our lives. She is not my problem and she is most certainly not your problem anymore."

"But that's just it. She is still our problem and she is going to be apart of the rest of our lives. Or don't you want to have anything to do with the niece or nephew that she is carrying?"

Cane shot Lily a sideways glance as he continued to drive along the highway. "Of course I will have something to do with that child. I am its uncle after all but I'll be damned if I am going to have anything to do with her after what she did to us. That child will know it's family loves him. We will figure out a way to do that without involving her."

"Okay. If you say so."

Cane came to a stop at a red light and turned in his seat to face Lily. Leaning towards her he cupped her cheek and stroked it with his thumb. "I refuse to let her inter fear with our lives anymore. She will never hurt us again." His lips sought hers in a warm kiss, his tongue slipping into her mouth to stroke hers...

It was the honk of a car horn from behind that broke them apart and Cane gave a sheepish look in the rear view mirror before proceeding through the now green light...

Later...

They stood outside of Neil's apartment door about to knock...

"Are you ready for this?"

Cane reached for Lily's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He kissed the corner of her mouth and said softly, "as long as you are by my side I can handle anything."

"Good because he is not going to be easy on you, he is my Dad after all."

"Well lucky for me I have a couple of secret weapons by the names of Karen and Olivia to help him see the light."

Lily elbowed him and whispered, "behave." And knocked on the door...

Karen opened the door and immediately wrapped Lily in a warm hug. "I am so glad that you are here." Smiling warmly at Cane over Lily's shoulder she said to him, "I am really glad you are here too, Cane. It has been to long since I have seen either one of you shinning with such happiness."

Cane leaned in for a quick hug of his own. "Believe me, Karen. Having you and Olivia in our corner is a Godsend. We need all the help we can get."

Karen tilted her head as she looked at him. "It will be fine. Just bulldoze past his over-baringness and you've got nothing to worry about."

Cane chuckled, "we'll see."

"I thought I heard voices." Neil said as he came into the room from the kitchen, Olivia coming in behind him. "Hey baby girl." He said as he gave Lily a big hug. Looking over her shoulder he said rather coolly, "Cane..." Neil's stank face was firmly in place as he glared at Cane.

"Neil," Cane replied with a steady stare.

Olivia decided to break the tension. "Why don't we all sit down at the table? Lunch is ready and I am sure these two have lots to tell us." Olivia said as she gestured towards the dining room.

"I'll just bet they do," Neil muttered as he continued to eye Cane.

Cane took it all in stride though even being so bold as to wrap a supportive arm around Lily after they had taken their seats at the table.

After everyone had filled their plates and took a couple of bites to fill the uncomfortable silence. Neil was the first to speak...

After putting down his napkin, Neil steepled his fingers in front of him and looked at each and every individual at the table. "All right, I smell a set up so who is going to start explaining to me what the hell is going on here?"

Lily opened her mouth to speak but Cane beat her to the punch. "I think that should be me, Neil. This all started because of me when I had one to many with a friend. I watched the love of my life walk away because of it. And now -" He placed a hand over Lily's in mutual support. "But now we have the most to gain if you will just hear me out. Will you Neil?"

Neil looked at everyone around the table, at Karen and Olivia's imploring gazes. He let out a big sigh and said, "I'm listening and this better be good..."

Cane and Lily told Neil everything from the beginning with Karen and Olivia interjecting some points here and there, their meals all but forgotten...

After everything was laid out on the table so to speak, Neil looked at Lily, Karen and Olivia and said, "Ladies would you mind giving Cane and I a few moments alone."

The women looked at one another, Olivia was the first to speak. "I think we could clear these plates and get started cleaning up the kitchen."

"Good idea," Karen replied as she and Lily gathered up their plates.

Lily looked at Cane and he gave her a nod in reassurance as she walked by him and into the kitchen. Cane waited...

"So, that was quite a story and it's all true?"

"Yes sir, every word of it."

"Why that conniving little tra-"

Cane cleared his throat to interrupt.

Neil clenched and unclenched his hands. "I just can't believe that she would do that to you both. To go so casually about messing up someones life so completely... And you never... slept with her?"

"No, sir. Thanks to that very enlightening conversation with your bartender, I found out I was so far gone that I was basically out cold by the time I was in the front seat. It would have taken a miracle for me to have been able to - well... let's just leave it at that."

"Well after everything that happened I never thought I would say this but I'm sorry Cane."

"That's unders- wait - WHAT?"

Neil let a little chuckle slip out. "Don't act so surprised. I do know how to say those words. I do know how to mean them as well." Neil said as he held out his hand for Cane to shake.

"Thank you Neil. At the very least from today I was hoping for cool acceptance, this goes so far beyond that. I swear to you that I will never place myself in such a vulnerable position again. I swore to Lily that day that I would never touch another drop of alcohol and I haven't - I never will. I love your daughter and I have every intention of finally doing right by her."

"I haven't seen Lily this happy in months, I won't stand in front of that. Just don't make me regret it."

"I won't..."

Meanwhile...

Olivia, Karen and Lily all had their ears pressed against the kitchen door...

"Do you hear anything breaking?" Karen whispered.

"No. And I don't hear any yelling either," Olivia replied.

"I have faith that everything is going to be okay," Lily added with a smile slowly spreading across her face...

Part Twenty-One!!

Two weeks had passed since that day at her father's and everyday got a little better, at home anyway. Things were rather stressful for Cane at work but he was managing...

Everyday that Lily and Cane shared together was another day they built a stronger relationship. They talked for hours about everything and anything. Sometimes they shared deep thoughts about one another while other conversations consisted of light hearted teasing...

And the nights... Oh, the nights were filled with such heat and passion that it caused a warm flush to spread through Lily's body just thinking about it...

Now on this day, a Tuesday in the middle of November. Lily found herself in the garage looking at the neatly stacked cans of paint that she and Cane had loving chosen to decorate their house. Here they sat covered in a thin film of dust. It was, Lily decided the perfect day to start this project. She was off from school for a few days and Cane was at work trying to juggle the internal family struggle going on there. So she thought what a perfect thing to surprise him with, if she only knew that through a burst of love bubbling to the surface that she had another surprise in store for them both...

Meanwhile...

Cane popped into Crimson Lights to grab an extra strong latte to give him an energy boost to tide him through the afternoon meetings he had with his Mum, Billy and Ashley. Thank God for Ashley, he thought - the voice of reason in all of this. Things were going relatively well in regards to running Chancellor and it's holdings with his mother but Jill after all was Jill and on occasion still had a hard time letting go. And Billy - well Billy was a whole hell of another story, with his little jabs and innuendos, it was enough to drive Cane crazy but he was managing somehow...

He was turning to go when the last person he ever wanted to see was standing directly in front of him. Cane was just going to keep on going when a hand on his arm brought him to a stop...

"Cane, wait. Please?"

"Chloe there is nothing in the world that would make me want to stop my day and spend a moment with you. So if you'll excuse me -"

"Not even if it's about your nephew?" She said placing a hand on her now very large stomach.

"My nephew?"

"That's right. I decided to find out what the little booger is. Couldn't stand the suspense any longer and I needed some sort of happy news to keep me going these days."

"I'll be sure to send a gift for him. Now I really must be going." Cane said trying to dislodge her hand that still clung to his arm.

"Fine! That's just great. Glad to know that I can't count on anyone but myself when it comes to raising this child."

Cane glared at Chloe before he responded. Pointing a finger at her he said, "and you have no one but yourself to blame for that. You tried to rob me of the one woman that I had searched my whole life for. Did you honestly for a split second think that I would ever grow to care for you - it was that child, it was never you. I will be a part of my nephew's life, he will know the love of his family and he can and will always be able to depend on me but you - you will never know any of that."

"Well isn't that just good to know." Chloe replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Cane shook his head in disgust. "You just don't get it, do you Chloe? If you had just been honest and upfront from the get go you would have had the love and support from so many different people. Instead your own mother can barely look you in the eye without showing her disappointment. That, dear Chloe is all on you." Cane turned and strode away leaving Chloe with her mouth hanging open...

Later...

Lily looked around the living room. The tarps that covered everything and the three out of four walls that she had already completed. It was going to look so beautiful when she was done, she couldn't wait for Cane to see...

Hoping to get the last wall finished before Cane got home, Lily got back to work. She was almost done when she heard the key turn in the lock...

Cane had thrown himself back into work after his not so pleasant confrontation with Chloe. He had even managed to pull Billy aside and told him to man up and step up to the responsibility that lay before him - who knows if that did any good. Now - now he was glad to be home. It was so wonderful to feel such joy at the thought of entering this house again, his and Lily's house...

"Hey sweeth-" His voice trailed off as he took in the sight of the freshly painted walls and the covered floors but it was the sight of the beautiful woman standing at the far wall, her clothes splattered with paint that took his breath away...

"Wow, you've been busy today." Cane said as he came up behind her and nuzzled her neck.

"Careful or you are going to get paint on your suit," Lily warned him playfully while she arched her neck to allow him better access.

"I'm not going to let a little paint keep me from showing you just how much I've missed you." He said between nibbles down the column of her throat. "Even covered in paint, I can't believe how beautiful you are. What made you decide to tackle this project today?"

"Well, when I found all the cans of paint sitting in the garage - I don't know, it just felt like the right thing to do." She turned towards him and placed her eager lips on his, they wrapped their arms around one another, her body arching into his as the kiss deepened...

When the two finally came up for air, Cane placed her closely in front of him and wrapped his arms around her from behind once again. Putting his head next to hers on her shoulder he said, "thank you. It does seem right, doesn't it? I'll help you with the other rooms this weekend." They both stared at the freshly painted wall, a blank canvas if you will. "It seems pretty blank now, doesn't it? We should hit an art gallery and pick out a few pieces. What do you think?"

Lily was silent for a moment as she thought about it. "We could do that but I was thinking, this would be a great wall to hang some family photos. You know like a feature wall? Pictures of your family and mine, pictures of us." Turning in her excitement Lily blurted out, "this would be the perfect spot for our wedding photo -" She clamped a hand over her mouth. "I mean - we aren't engaged or anything - we could be - if you want to?" Lily looked up at Cane from under her lashes and said softly, "do you want to?"

Cane took in her endearing look and started to laugh uncontrollably. He tried to respond but the laughter kept coming out instead.

Lily put her hands on her hips and said, "Cane Ashby! I understand after what we have been through if you don't want to rush into things with me and I am not even sure where those words came from - they just felt right coming out of my mouth but for you to laugh at me is just -
just -"

Cane coughed and cleared his throat. Waving his hands he said, "no Lily. It's not that, I wasn't laughing at you. I was laughing at the irony of it all, of you saying that."

"What is so ironic about me saying that?"

"This," Cane said dropping to one knee as he pulled out a velvet box from his pocket. Opening it, Lily gasped at the perfect pear shaped yellow diamond nestled inside. "Remember when I said I ran into your Dad last week and that it was a rather interesting conversation?"

Lily could only nod in response.

"Well we talked about a lot of things. He loves you so much and wants only the best for you and after pleading my case, that I only had your best interests at heart and how much I love you... well he grudgingly gave me his blessing once again for your hand in marriage. I didn't know when I was going to ask you, I guess I just wanted all my ducks in a row before I did. And when you basically asked me just now, I knew we were on the same page." Taking a deep breath Cane asked, "Lily Amanda Winters, once and for all will you marry me?"

"Tears spilled over and down her cheeks as she frantically nodded her head yes. Finding her voice she said, "yes! Yes I will marry you."

Cane slipped the ring on to her third finger of her left hand, he loved the way it sparkled on her hand as if it came to life at finding its rightful place. Standing, he cupped her face in his hands and brought his lips to hers, kissing her with all the love he possessed. "I love you," he whispered against her mouth.

"I love you too."

Cane pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes. "I don't want to just go and do this. This is the real deal and I want all the fan fair and hoopla that goes with it. So what do you say to going all out for this wedding of ours?"

Lily put her hands over his still holding her head and nodded. "This is the only one that counts and I want nothing more than to make it as amazing as possible."

Scooping her up in his arms, Cane spun Lily around the room as his mouth once again sought hers. Their need to celebrate apparent as he strode deftly towards their bedroom...

Part Twenty-Two!! (alright, alright all you Angel Hussies - this ones for you!! LOL!!)

Cane laid Lily down on the bed, he looked at her for a moment as he shed his suit coat, unbuckled his belt and pulled his shirt from the waist of his pants...

Lily lay sprawled on the bed, her gaze hooded, her breath coming in short pants. She spread her legs in a blatant invitation which Cane did not hesitate to accept...

Keeping his weight evenly distributed so as not to crush her, Cane nestled his hips between her open thighs. His rock hard erection pressed against her heated core leaving Lily no doubt about just how much he wanted her...

"Lily," he growled before his mouth captured hers. Cane's tongue slipped passed her lips to stroke hers and she met him eagerly stroke for tantalizing stroke...

Lily's foot was rubbing against Cane's thigh and he captured it in his warm hand and slowly followed the path up her calf, around her thigh and finally to capture her tight ass in his palm and need her taught flesh...

This made Lily moan in ecstasy...

They both felt the heat and restriction of the clothes they still dawned. So with great haste they each helped the other remove the clothing that still contained them...

Naked at last Cane entwined his fingers with Lily's and held them captured by her head. He stared into her eyes while his cock pressed against her slick entrance. Cane held himself in check, not yet he thought for he had every intention of thoroughly loving this woman...

He kissed each of her eyes closed, he placed his lips on every inch of her beautiful face and in between each kiss he whispered words of love and just what he intended to do to her...

Who knew the combination of soft lips and erotic words could send Lily to the brink of orgasm but that was where she was on the cusp and only this man could do that to her...

Cane kissed, licked and nipped his way along Lily's jawline to that oh, so sensitive spot at the shell of her ear. Cane moved her hands up above her head and clasped them together, with a command in his voice he told her to leave them there...

Down his hands slid along her arms to her sensitive sides and then he moved them up over her ribcage to her aching breasts. Lily arched off the bed as Cane's thumb and index finger tweaked her tips causing them to pebble even further. She made sounds, low in the back of her throat at the first touch of his hot mouth. His tongue licked, his teeth gently nipped before he drew as much of her breast into his mouth in a slow, long drawn out suck...

Lily didn't know how much more she could take. But Cane wasn't done with her yet as his hands continued to massage her breasts the rest of him slid tantilizingly slow down her body until his head was poised over the juncture of her thighs...

"Cane," gasped Lily. "Please..." She begged for release.

Cane was eager to oblidge. Dipping his head, he licked and sipped at her very nectare - her essance. Lapping at her folds, it was the first stroke of his tongue against her clit that nearly had Lily arching off the bed...

""Easy," Cane said. "I am going to make you cum so hard," he said right against her center. He slid his tongue back and forth across her clit. Her thighs tightened around his shoulders, she was close - so close...

With a final flick of his tongue, Cane sent Lily over the edge. She cried out his name as she came apart and Cane lapped it all up...

Slowly he moved up her body, kissing every inch of her along the way until he was poised above her.

""Look at me sweetheart."

Lily slowly opened her eyes to stare into his.

Sliding slowly into her tight sheath Cane said, "I have searched my whole life for you and I am going to spend the rest of my life showing you just how greatful I am. I love you Lily." Cane began to move more quickly, stroking her core with his thick cock.

Lily moved with him, meeting him thrust for thrust as her passion began to build again. She pulled his head down to hers and captured his mouth in a searing kiss, she tasted her love for him on her lips and eagerly kissed him even harder.

They moved together as one, their passion building and building until finally Lily tightened around him. She cried out his name. Cane followed as her spasms sent him over the edge and he filled her with his love, his life...

Later...

The two lovers lay curled up in one anothers arms basking in the after glow. Lily stroked Cane's cheek as she looked at him lovingly. "Is it always going to be like this?"

Cane returned her gaze and felt the love for this woman all the way to the very depths of his soul. "Only with you sweetheart, only with you..."

Part Twenty-Three!! (LOL!! Sorry for the delay...)

Four months later...

February 14th, 2009...

Valentines Day...

Cane and Lily's Wedding Day...

Once in awhile,
right in the middle
of an ordinary life,
love gives us a
fairy tale.

Together with their families

Lily Amanda Winters
&
Cane Ashby Chancellor

Request the honor of your presence at their wedding on Saturday February 14th, 2009...

"Is it just me or is this dress just a little tighter now than the last time we had it on you?" Amber asked as she peeked around from behind Lily and caught her gaze in the mirror.

Lily gazed at her reflection in the full length mirror. She took in the one of a kind creation that Amber had designed for her, since Amber had been such an integral part of the two of them finding their way back to one another, Lily couldn't think of a better way to thank her. She smoothed her hands over the ivory satin at her waist and said, "no Amber. It's absolutely perfect."


Amber's critical gaze swept over her back, taking in the deep V that went almost to her waist, the crystals that sparkled along the border of the V and throughout the rest of the gown. She looked at the train of the gown near her feet where she had designed two halves of a heart that entwined to make one in the same jewels. Amber's gaze met Lily's once again in the mirror, "Turn and face me please."


Lily did as she asked and wondered if Amber would figure out the truth.


It was a daring design. Bold, sexy and alluring. The bodice was simple yet low cut, emphacizing Lily's perfect and now slightly fuller breasts. Together they had decided against a vail, this dress spoke for itself. Instead Lily's hair was piled elegantly atop her head and adorned with two bejeweled combs that had belonged to her mother. Diamond studs adorned her ears and a simple yet very sentimental pendant hung at her neck.


"I don't know Lily. The bodice seems tighter. Are you sure it feels okay?"


"Amber, everything is perfect. You're probably just over annalizing things because it's your design."


"I guess you're right." She said as she reached out yet again to adjust something else.


Lily grabbed her hand. "Honestly Amber, I couldn't ask for a more perfect dress."


There was a knock at the door and Colleen entered the room. She eyed Amber coolly before giving Lily a warm smile. "Lily, you look absolutely stunning. Cane is going to be mesmerized."


"Thank you Colleen."


"Yes, thanks Colleen. I'll take that as a compliment too."


"Whatever, Amber." Colleen said coldly.


"Listen Colleen -"


"Seriously! You two are seriously going to do this now? Look, Amber has done her share of things... But Colleen you and I both know that it was never right between you and Daniel and you have to admit that you couldn't be happier now that Adrian is back in your life. So for me can you both just try and be civil to one another?"


"Fine," Colleen bit out grudgingly.


"Okay by me," Amber replied with pleasure tinging her voice.


There was another knock on the door and Neil stepped inside. "Sweetheart, we're ready if you are."


Colleen hugged Lily and said, "I'll just wait at the top of the stairs for you." Then she stepped outside.


Amber fussed over her dress one more time. Smiling she said, "perfect."


"Thank you Amber, for everything." Lily squeezed Amber's hand as she to left the room to join Daniel in the seats below.


Neil walked up to Lily and placed his hands on her shoulders. Gazing at her with fatherly pride he said, "your mother would have been so proud of you."


"I know Daddy. I feel like she is watching over me today and I believe she would approve."


"I know she would." Neil kissed her on the cheek. "Shall we?"


"I've never been more ready..."


Cane's breath caught in his throat at the sight of the most beautiful woman on the face of the earth. At this moment he couldn't be more blessed...


The vows...


"I Cane, take you Lily to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."


"I Lily, take you Cane to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."


The rings...


Cane took the ring that J.T. handed him and slid it on to Lily's finger. "I give you this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my wife this day and forevermore."


Lily smiled and placed the band Colleen handed to her on Cane's finger. "I give you this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my husband this day and forevermore."


It was time for the Minister to speak. "Cane and Lily stand before you. They have spoken their vows and pledged their love and fidelity to one another. Does anyone here object to this union? Speak now or forever hold your peace." They waited the customery time for anyone to object. Billy cleared his throat but said nothing. "Well by the powers vested in my and by the grace of God. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."


Cane slid his hand along Lily's jawline, cupping her face. Dipping down he placed a warm kiss upon her lips. So no one would notice and no one would hear, he said against her mouth, "I love you so much, you are so breathtakingly beautiful. But I have to ask what made you decide to wear that pendant?"


Lily smiled against his lips and moved back just enough to look into his eyes and said, "because I am a mother with child."


"You're pregnant?" In Cane's shock he didn't realize that he nearly shouted the question. And the silence that spread across the group gathered to celebrate their day enlightened him to it.


"I knew it!" Blurted Amber. "I mean... congradulations."


Lily's cheeks warmed as she gazed at everyones expectant looks. "I hadn't planned to announce it this way but yes Cane and I are expecting."


Cane wrapped her in his arms as everyone broke into applause. "Oh, baby! I am over the moon right now. I love you so much."


"I love you too."


Later...


Cane swept Lily up into his arms and carried her over the thresh hold of their home. They were heading out on their honeymoon tomorrow but tonight - tonight they wanted to celebrate their union in their own bed.


Cane didn't put her down until they reached their bedroom and then he let her slide entisingly down his body to stand before him. He was already incredibly aroused and so was she. It had been such an incredible day at it had every promise of being an unforgetable night.


"Mr. Chancellor?" Lily was still getting used to his official name change but it was his and it was perfect.


"Yes, Mrs. Chancellor?"


"Make love to me..."

Part Twenty-Four!! (Some more lovin' for all you starved Lane fans followed by some more drama... Hope you like where I am going with this...)

Cane cupped Lily's face in his large hands. He stroked his thumbs along the outer corner of her mouth as he stared into her eyes. "It would be my absolute pleasure to do nothing but please you."

A thoughtful look crossed Lily's beautiful features as she said, "on second thought, scratch that idea."

Cane looked confused. "What?"

She put her hands to his chest and pushed him gently towards and then on to the bed. As she crawled up and over his prone body she said in a seductive voice, "I have just decided that I am going to pleasure you."

That slow seductive smile that only Cane could do slowly spread across his face. "Oh you are, are you?" He asked as he pulled her lips down to his and he explored there softness with his tongue.

"Mmm...Hmmm." She pulled away from his seeking mouth and slid her lips along his jawline where she nipped with her teeth and soothed with her tongue.

Cane groaned... in ecstasy.

Lily pulled at the bow tie at his neck and slid it slowly from his collar, she tossed it aside and started making quick work of his shirt buttons. Lily urged him up and slightly off the bed so she could remove the shirt from his body and expose his hard chest. She ate him up with her eyes and explored him with her hands. Running her nails over his pecs she got a mischevious gleam in her eyes as her fingers grazed the opening of his pants and the tremendous buldge that was barely contained underneith.

Lily moved her legs to one side and said, "turn over."

"Turn over?"

"Yes," she said with a gentle push. "Turn - over."

Cane did as she asked, adjusting his erection to accomadate her request.

Lily once again stradled him, just over the backs of his thighs her beautiful dress gathered high upon her waist. She began rubbing her hands over his muscular back, giving him a thorough massage. Making him moan...

"You know if someone were to have asked me a year ago what parts of a man first grabbed my attention I would have had to have said their smile and honey you do have an incredible smile. But when you turned and walked away from me the first time I had to throw that theory right out the window because you have -" Lily cupped and clenched his delectable and mouthwatering ass for emphasis. "The hottest ass I have ever seen."

Cane's chest shook with his chuckle. "Is that so? Well I must say you've got a pretty damn fine one yourself."

Lily giggled. "Ahhh... well yours was meant to be worshipped." And she punctuated that statement by pulling his waistband lower and not so gently biting his exposed left cheek.

Cane could take no more of her torturous teasing and he gently rolled and took her with him until she lay beneath him. Searching her gaze he said, "what am I ever going to do with you? Little hussie!" He growled before kissing the tops of her breasts.

They disolved into fits of laughter which quickly faded when Cane pressed his throbbing hardness against her core...

Much later...

The phone woke Cane from a deeply satisfying. Glancing at Lily she mumbled but did not wake from her exhaustion. Cane quickly grabbed it so as not to disturb her and quietly removed himself from the bed and stepped into the hallway. No one ever called with good news this late at night...

"Hello?"

"Cane? It's Jill. I am so sorry to call you on your wedding night but - but -" Her words were lost as she choked out a sob.

"Mum? Mum what is it?" Cane had a really bad feeling.

Jill took a a breath so she could tell her son what had happened. "Cane, there was a car accident. Your grandmother has been acting so strange lately but I had no idea that she was drinking again - no one knew -"

"Mum...?"

"She's dead Cane. They found her down an embankment where her car had gone off the road, there was nothing anyone could do." Jill began crying uncontrolably again.

"Hang on Mum. We'll be there soon." The phone slipped from his ear to dangle forgotten in his fingers as tears slid down his face...

The phone might not have woken Lily but the heartwrenching sob coming from Cane certainly did. She sat up in bed clutching the sheet to her chest. "Cane?"

He opened the door and came in to sit beside her on the bed. She cupped his face in her hands and wiped the tears that fell with her thumbs.

"Cane, what is it? What's wrong?"

"It's Katherine, there was an accident and she didn't make it."

Lily wrapped her arms around Cane and he clung to her as they shed their tears together...