Inch by inch, Quint and AJ scoured the French Quarter attempting to find Quint’s nemesis Silas Crocker.

Meanwhile, Nola puttered around her brother's empty house. It was getting toward the time when Nora and Olivia would be home from school. She had always enjoyed her nieces, and she found Olivia especially charming. Her romanticism and idealism reminded Nola of herself when she was younger. Nola hoped very soon to get some of that back in her own life. Such a big part of that had left her when she lost Beatrice, but life must go on, and she had learned to believe that sometimes things happen for a reason, even if at the time one does not know what that is. Soon the front door rattled, as the girls happily prattled on as they came home. Nola followed their sounds into the family room.

"Hi girls!!"

"Aunt Nola, it’s so nice to come home from school with you here," Olivia chirped.

"I think that someone has some catching up to do with me," Nola looked toward her niece Nora.

Nola always found it sweet that Tony and Annabelle decided to name their eldest daughter Nora, which was not only the name that she was almost given herself, but also a name that had special meaning to both she and Quinton since their honeymoon in Ireland. Both the girls loved the tales about the star-crossed lovers Nora Reardon and John Ryan, and about the ringing of the church bell after 100 years upon Nola and Quinton reciting their wedding vows. Nora loved the story, but actually did not believe it was true. Olivia, on the other hand, was totally swept up by the story and absolutely believed in her heart that every bit of the story was true. But while Olivia seemed to have the heart and spirit of Nola, it was Nora who was in her physical image. Both girls had a very close relationship with their aunt. Nola's childlike spirit had a way of drawing in young people, and her nieces were no different.

"I'm a little nervous about leaving Mom, Dad and Livvie to go away to school," Nora admitted.

"It's a big step for you, but I think you’ll adjust more easily than you think. Both Stacey and AJ were nervous too."

"I can't see Stacey being worried. She always seemed so perfect to me," Nora remarked.

"Northwestern is a great school. I took a few courses there. And it is not too far away, so you can come home and visit as often as you wish. That is kind of why Stacey chose Stanford for undergrad."

1985/1986

One by one, the children were all growing up and having their own lives. Being in Tony and Annabelle's family room always brought her back to a bittersweet time many years earlier. The Chamberlains came back from Tanquir to stay with Tony and a first time expectant Annabelle, just as the final adoption papers were signed making Quint Stacey's legal father. Emotionally, he had already been her father for many years, but this was a final statement that meant so much to them as a family. Stacey would legally carry his name, and the past with Floyd would be all but wiped out. Nola would often go to her brother during this time for advice, since he had been a friend of Floyd’s, and she felt he could be more objective than either she or Quint ever possibly could. It had been such a huge shock when they got the telegram in Tanquir about Floyd going off to prison. The details of his crime seemed unbelievable, yet it was all true. Nola had wanted Quint to be Stacey's father since they first started to fall in love, but she never wanted the circumstances to be as they were. Quint was saddened by Floyd's fate, but thrilled and honored when Nola approached him about legally adopting their daughter. They had just settled into their new home in Tanquir, when Nola approached Quint one night while he was working in his study.

"I'm sorry to bother you when I know how busy you’ve been . . ." Nola politely interrupted.

"It's ok. I'm here for you whenever you need me. I know this is a difficult time for you." Quint got up from his desk and moved toward his visibly agitated wife.

"I have been speaking to Tony a lot about this, and he thinks it sounds fair, so I would like our attorney to draft a letter to Floyd's attorney asking Floyd to relinquish all his paternal rights for Stacey over to you."

"Nola, honey, I would be absolutely honored, but are you sure?"

Nola could barely hold back her emotions. "Yes, this is the right thing to do, Quinton. You know as well as anyone that I have privately wanted this in my heart for a very very long time, but mostly kept it quiet because I did not want to be unfair to Floyd. But now Floyd has made this choice in his life that I absolutely can't agree with, and I don't want this to hurt Stacey, and it is the right thing to do for everyone, if you will accept."

Quint gently reached out to take Nola's hands, "Of course I accept. I would be thrilled, and I too have wanted this for a long time, but felt much as you did. Do you think that Floyd will agree to it?"

"I think that he will. He sent me this really strange letter, and he more or less said that he was giving up Stacey. Want to see the letter?" Nola handed the letter to Quint who read it with interest.

9-7-85
To Nola Chamberlain, As you probably know by now, things are not going very well for me anymore. I'm sure though that you and Quinton are very happy now. Good for you. I don't know when I will be able to see Stacey again, although seeing her often was probably not in the cards once you decided to up and leave Springfield and move thousands of miles away with my daughter. I guess I never really had any say in what happened to her anyway. For a long time now, I have felt that you wanted to push me out of your life, and I'm just tired of fighting. Being where I am now would not make a fight seem very worthwhile. So I give up. You can tell Stacey or Kelly Louise (or whatever you’re calling her now-another thing I had no say in) that I died or whatever else you want. Have Stacey call your husband daddy, if she doesn’t already. That is what you both want anyway. I may be many things, but I'm not stupid. I know I have been an embarrassment to you now that you have your new fancy life and your new fancy husband that you loved to rub in my face. I hope you will be happy. Good bye and have a nice life. Floyd Parker"

"He sounds very angry. He had no business to write those things to you, Nola. He’s the one who made this bad choice for his life. You have always been fair to him and tried your best to make him feel welcome."

"I know. The big chip on his shoulder always made me feel so uncomfortable. I mean, it was only natural that I wanted the four of us to be a family, and it was more difficult with Floyd being around from time to time, but I never wanted to be unfair to him or to Stacey. I wanted her to know who her father was, but now I don't think his presence in her life is in her best interest."

"That makes sense," Quint said trying to stay neutral and not sway Nola's opinion.

"In my heart, I have wanted you to be her father for so long. You love her as much as I do, and you have done everything for us."

Nola heard back from Floyd via his attorney. He was freely giving up all rights to Stacey. Quint and Nola made plans to bring the family back to the States so that all the paperwork could be finalized. They looked forward to seeing Tony and Annabelle and staying with them at their lake house. They also planned on spending a lot of time with Henry who was, as expected, thrilled that Anastasia would become an official and legal Chamberlain. Again, he planned to increase the size of both Anastasia and Anthony James' trust funds in celebration. Vanessa, of course, was less than thrilled and saw it as another one of Nola's manipulations to worm her way into Henry's heart and fortune. Even though in turn, Henry had also increased the size of her son’s trust fund, Vanessa still saw it as inequitable.

Tony and Annabelle were so helpful and accommodating when the Chamberlains came to stay with them back in 1986. Just a few months earlier, Annabelle had discovered she was pregnant for the first time. Tony was absolutely thrilled and did not at all seem deterred to have a house full of his own children, even when he experienced how difficult AJ was at that age. Stacey, on the other hand, was an absolute angel and had no idea why the family had come to visit with Aunt Annabelle and Uncle Tony. She had been so young when the news first came out about Floyd's imprisonment, and even before that Stacey had naturally referred to Quint as Daddy. They never saw a reason to tell her not to call him that. After all, he was at least her step father and her godfather, they justified to themselves. While still living in Springfield, they were relieved that Stacey never called Quint “Daddy” in front of Floyd. As far as Stacey was concerned, Quint was her daddy and always had been. But it was a very big deal for both Quint and Nola. Nola felt so happy, but she did need her brother Tony to convince her not to feel guilty about taking the final steps to permanently remove Floyd from Stacey's life. Many conversations about this topic took place in Tony's cozy family room.

"I want this more than anything Tony, but I can't help but feel that maybe I’m doing something wrong? Like I'm kicking Floyd when he's down?"

"Nola, this is not about Floyd as much as it is about Stacey. Floyd is an adult, and he did what he did, and he should've been aware of the consequences. You know, Floyd and I were good buddies and I can't believe I'm saying these things, but really he only has himself to blame. That little girl upstairs deserves the very best, and Quint can give that to her. What is she going to do? Go visit her daddy in prison? She barely even remembers him at this point, and she already has decided for herself that Quint is her father."

"I guess I feel bad about this, because I have secretly, and then at times not always so secretly, wanted this for a very long time. Floyd used to accuse me of that and I denied it. But he was right, and I knew it, and so did he. Like maybe something I did in a small way led him to do what he did."

"Nol, that’s crazy. What you were feeling was only natural. Everyone has secret dreams about how they wish things could be, but we deal with how they are. And you were always more than fair with Floyd."

"But I did take Stacey thousands of miles away to Tanquir."

"You said it yourself that Floyd hardly ever came to see Stacey even when he was living just 20 minutes away. What was his excuse then? Honestly five miles or a few thousand really seemed to make no difference. He always liked the idea of being Stacey's father, but he never really was her father as much as he protested. Quint would move heaven and earth for you and that little girl and for that little terror upstairs too."

"They call that the terrible twos big brother. Get ready for it." Nola light heartedly joked as she started to feel less guilty about her decision.

"Seriously though, you did your best with Floyd. Yeah, you made a big mistake as far as the circumstances surrounding you getting pregnant, but since that time you’ve done all the right things and more than made up for it. Now, you give that little girl the father that she can respect and be proud of. And right now, just as it should be that man is upstairs taking care of his children."

"Tony, I love you so much." Nola hugged her brother.

The next day Nola and Quint drove to the prison while the children stayed with Tony and Annabelle. Nola really did not want to see Floyd and especially not at the prison, but there were no other secure options based on the seriousness of his crime. The facility was about an hour outside of Springfield and about an hour and a half from Tony's place. The drive seemed unbelievably long. Nola just wanted to get it over with. When they finally drove up to the prison, she couldn't believe that Floyd was living in such a place, but it further enforced in her mind that she was doing the right thing. Stacey should never see her father in a situation like this. If Floyd really loved Stacey, he never would have done anything that would warrant him being brought to such a horrible place. Quint noticed how negatively Nola was reacting as they pulled closer and closer to the prison and tenderly brushed her hair with his hand, as he drove the car. They met up, as agreed, with their attorney and went inside. It was surreal seeing Floyd sullenly sitting behind the heavy glass in his prison garb, his attorney at his side. There was also another woman present. Quint asked who the other woman was, and their attorney explained to them that she was the psychologist that he had requested be present. The Chamberlain’s lawyer had requested her in order to prevent Floyd from claiming, at a later date, that he was not of sound mind. Floyd barely made eye contact with Quint and Nola through the heavy glass. He only said a few words to his lawyer, and then she would confer back. They noticed Floyd looking at the various documents and pointing at some notations within them, but then he went ahead and signed everything. Nola had a knot in her stomach, fearing that at the last minute Floyd would change his mind and not sign. There was such a large part of Quint that was absolutely thrilled as he saw Floyd sign Stacey over to him, but also he could not help but feel sad for the terrible direction Floyd's life had taken. How could any man give up such a perfect and beautiful little girl as Anastasia and not feel that there was nothing left? When Floyd was done signing all the documents, he got up and walked away with his attorney. He did not even once acknowledge Quint or Nola. Floyd's life was in such stark contrast to their own. They were young and had a beautiful family and future ahead of them, but Floyd had absolutely nothing. They never heard from or saw Floyd Parker again after that day.

As they emerged from the prison walls and out in the bright sunshine of that cool spring day, they fell into each others arms. Nola cried a little not only because she was happy to have this part of her life finally behind her, but because she also felt terribly sad for Floyd and was fearful how she would ever be able to tell her beautiful daughter the truth about her biological father. She knew they had time before that would become an issue, but it still horrified her. Within the last hour Floyd had been diminished to nothing more than a biological father: a donor. He would have no more meaning to Stacey than that he provided her with genetic material. She looked deeply into Quint's honest blue eyes and finally smiled a bit. She was overwhelmed with what a good man he was, and how he could so whole-heartedly accept another man's child as his own. Stacey was now officially as much his as she was hers, and Nola felt so comforted and secure inside to know that. Quint gently brushed her lips with his own.

"Congratulations," the attorney finally interjected. "I'll be sending you all of the final adoption papers for Anastasia within the week." He shook hands with Quint and Nola as they thanked him, and then rushed off to his car. They continued to hold each other, sharing the profoundly deep meaning of the moment, not needing to say a word.

Nola's mind drifted back to the present time to her conversation with Tony's now very grown up girls. Annabelle and Tony had since come home from work. Nora told Nola about her new boyfriend and upcoming college plans. Olivia chattered on and on about her role in the current high school musical and her tap and ballet classes, when Nola's cell phone rang. It was Quint, and he explained to Nola how everything was fine with AJ. It seemed that Silas only wanted to pump him for information, and there really was nothing to be concerned about, for now. Quinton further told her that he would be spending the next couple of days with AJ, and that he hoped she would continue to stay with Tony and Annabelle until he had more information.

Earlier, Quint and AJ had gone back to the strip club where the night before AJ and Eric had encountered Silas. Quint felt embarrassed to go inside the club, not having been to such a place since his bachelor days.

"Dad, you need to loosen up. It's really no big deal. We'll go in and order some drinks and look to see if old Crocker is hanging around."

"I know, but if your mother knew . ."

"Yeah, if mom knew you came to a strip club, she would laugh her ass off. Don't worry, I’ll protect you from all the titties," AJ playfully remarked as he dragged his dad into the club.

The bar was very much as it was the evening before with the loud hair-band music blaring and the gyrating dancers, "AJ, these girls are not wearing any tops."

"Yeah dad, that's kind of the point. What did you expect?" AJ shook his head in disbelief.

“I did NOT expect to see this."

"Don't worry dad, you won't go blind just from looking."

"I guess, it's just not my style."

"Chill out, it'll be fun. I'll enjoy it enough for both of us." They scanned the bar to see if anyone looked like Silas, but he was nowhere to be found.

"AJ, I can't believe you like women that look like this. I hate to tell you that not one of them is real. I prefer a more natural look."

"Dad, you sound like you've been living under a rock. I bet Uncle Tony would know how to have a good time here."

"I’ve been with your mother for a very long time, and if that’s living under a rock, well then, I’m just fine with that."

"Dad, you really need to loosen up. Maybe a drink will help you." AJ ordered them both Glenlivet on the rocks, as AJ got into the music and the atmosphere, and Quint squirmed in discomfort.

Later that week, Annabelle planned a ladies’ night out for herself and Nola. She needed to relax and deserved to have some fun, and she wanted to see her sister-in-law get her mind off all the stresses. She thought it would be a good time for them to get caught up. Annabelle made a reservation at a trendy restaurant in Chicago and took the liberty of inviting a few surprise guests. Nola was excited about an evening out before she went back to Thornway Road to get seriously moving on the renovations. Annabelle explained to Nola that the restaurant was trendy casual, and Nola loved dressing for the occasion. Fortunately, she had brought a pair of her good Von Dutch jeans, a pair of Manolo heels, and borrowed a wine colored silk camisole and short fitted jacket from Nora's closet. Nora's clothing, more or less, fit her with a few little temporary alterations that she had learned from Stacey when they started sharing clothes. Olivia straightened her aunt's hair for the evening and did some special make up tricks on her. Annabelle looked cute and younger than her age in a denim skirt, boots and pink cashmere sweater.

"Mom, doesn't Aunt Nola look great? And I blew-out her hair all myself. Look how straight and smooth and silky it is." Olivia announced with pride.

"It looks as good as when I get it done in a salon," Nola praised Olivia as she ran her fingers through her red hair. "And Annabelle, you look like you're still in high school."

"Oh please, I would kill to fit in those jeans," Annabelle returned the complement.

"You guys are going to have so much fun in Chicago. I love going to Chicago and seeing the theater, but mom and dad keep promising me we will go to New York and see real theater. Someday, I want to dance on Broadway. I'm just so excited for you. I wish I could go . . ." Olivia was off on another one of her full blown reveries.

Annabelle had selected a popular Asian fusion restaurant for the gathering. The space was very large and dimly lit. There were two levels for dining with a big Buddha as the centerpiece of the restaurant surrounded by various other types of Asian art and symbols. Some of the pieces reminded Nola of things she had seen on her trip with the family to Hong Kong and Bangkok. The restaurant resonated with a pounding techno beat. The maitre'de led them through the already big crowd and seated Annabelle and Nola at a corner table in the upstairs dining area which was a little quieter for conversation. Annabelle immediately ordered brightly colored martinis.

"I wish you would tell me who else was coming. I’m just dying of curiosity."

"I had hoped you would be, which is why I did it. But I don't think you have to wonder anymore, because here they come," Annabelle gestured out into the crowd.

At that moment, Nola looked up as the maitre‘de guided Maureen and Vanessa toward their table. "Annabelle, this is wonderful." Nola got up to hug her sister and sister-in-law. Over the years, Nola and her sister-in-law, Vanessa had more or less made amends, especially after Nola lost Beatrice. Finally, they seemed to get past most of their differences when Henry passed away, and Vanessa realized how much Nola did truly care about her father. Vanessa also could not help but respect what a good mother and wife Nola was. As Stacey grew up, she became more and more fascinated with her Aunt Vanessa, and that mutual connection also brought Nola and Vanessa closer together. Vanessa rather enjoyed being admired so by Nola's young, impressive and intelligent young daughter. Nola and Vanessa, however, still maintained a somewhat bantering and competitive friendship. But all the bickering was now far more good natured. They loved to reminisce about their dueling Scarlett O'Hara days, and the way Nola ruined Vanessa's elegant Thanksgiving plans by inviting over a house full of vagrants. Those who did not know them better might not have realized how much they really did care for one another. After all the appropriate greetings, the four women sat down for dinner and drinks.

"Nola darling, it’s so wonderful to see you looking so well," Vanessa sincerely gushed as Maureen looked on, still surprised how the relationship between Nola and Vanessa had changed.

"It's certainly a surprise to see you Vanessa, and you look as beautiful as ever," Nola reciprocated.

"Now you know, I know all the most important people, and I hear all the most important gossip. So, I have heard something about you that is very interesting indeed."

"What's that?" Nola inquired, having no idea what Vanessa was getting at.

"I certainly do not want to say anything that I shouldn't, but it has something to do with a particular estate back in Springfield that I heard went off the market a few months ago."

Nola gave Vanessa a definitive look that she should not go on any further, "That is very interesting, but I don't know what that has to do with me. But maybe you had heard the stories about Silas Crocker?"

"Nola, Tony was telling me about that. I just can't believe it," Maureen added.

"Another crazy character from my little brother's past coming back from the dead, how apropos."

"I wasn’t around during all the excitement with Silas Crocker, but I do understand he is quite dangerous," Annabelle ventured.

"Dangerous is not the word. Nola went through a lot of terrible things at his hands," Maureen cringed as she remembered the terrible past deeds of Silas, and how he hurt her younger sister.

The subject was changed, and the brightly colored martinis flowed as the hip young waiters served up various plates of delicious Asian inspired food for sharing. The sound level in the restaurant seemed to increase with their festivities and their level of intoxication. Nola was thrilled to be reunited with so many important women in her life.

"Vanessa darling," Nola sweetly mocked as she started to get a bit tipsy, "I heard from my sources that you have been getting some "touch ups" from a young doctor that you've become quite friendly with?"

"Oh yes, he’s a wonderful man and surgeon. There’s more than one way to keep that youthful glow my dear."

"I can only imagine, Vanessa." Nola played along as she cheerfully continued to sip her blue martini.

"My dear, you do look well, but you know a visit or two to him couldn't hurt you either . .or you," she looked toward Maureen and then finally to Annabelle. "Or you, but you look especially good. Did you already do something?"

Annabelle shook her head with pride as she sipped her pink martini.

"Let's face it dears, it isn't the 80s anymore I'm afraid. See a lot of the people milling about here? They were BORN in the 80s. You all needn't check your calendars to face certain realities. I may be the oldest one here, but not by much, and it hardly matters as much now."

"Vanessa you're hysterical. What next? A conversation about hormone replacement after menopause?" Annabelle joked.

"That's no laughing matter, darling. That changed my life." They were all stunned to silence by Vanessa's candor. "It is nothing to be ashamed of ladies. It happens to us all, and for all present company sooner rather than later," she noted with a knowing chuckle. "But I still have young attractive men flirting with me and asking me on dates. My doctor friend is 20 years younger than me, worships the ground I walk on and we have fabulous sex."

"Vanessa really," Maureen gasped in embarrassment.

"Now, see that table over there with those extraordinarily attractive 30-something businessmen? Let's see if we can get them to look over here and notice us? Many young men are looking for their "Demi" . .trust me."

"Oh God, I miss sex with Quinton," Nola slipped, letting the blue martinis talk for her.

"Now, this is where this conversation needs to be going," Vanessa happily remarked. "My dear, I’m quite certain if you picked up your little cell phone right now and called my brother this very moment, he could fix that tedious situation for you," she laughed, relishing her own repartee.

"Tony and I still have sex at least once per week," Annabelle chimed in, also feeling the effects of the alcohol.

"Really, that's a lot after all these years of marriage," Maureen seemed envious.

"Please, all this talk about sex that I'm not getting will start to kill my buzz," Nola semi-joked.

"Darling, either you get over whatever little melodrama you have concocted in your head, or you’re going to have to find other means of satisfying yourself."

"Whatever are you suggesting, Vanessa?" Nola questioned in a tone daring Vanessa to be bolder.

"Dears, surely you have all had toys, and I am NOT referring to a Barbie doll. Although, I’m sure Barbie would've used one too. Another thing no woman should be ashamed about."

"Well maybe I do," Nola provocatively alluded.

Annabelle groggily chimed in on a bit of a time delay, "Nola, I have to agree on this one."

"Annabelle honey, what do you mean?" Nola patted her sister-in-law on the back, realizing that she was getting even a little more tipsy than the rest.

" . .About getting over little dramas. I just think you're crazy to have left Quinton. You have stayed over our house many many times over the years Nola, right? And there’s no one, and I mean NO ONE left in this family that does not know about you and Quinton."

"Annabelle, I ‘m not sure I know what you mean," Nola inquisitively asked.

"I know what she means," Maureen giggled as she too joined them in inebriation.

"So is anyone going to tell me what you’re all talking about?" Nola pleaded in frustration.

Annabelle started quietly feigning an orgasm by moaning and sighing.

"Good God, Annabelle, what the hell are you doing?" Nola looked about the restaurant, hoping they weren't making too much of a spectacle of themselves.

Annabelle stopped her impromptu reenactment, "Not everyplace has walls as thick as the old house on Thornway Road or the old English mansion you lived in with Henry."

"Trust me, the walls were not that thick in the English mansion either," Vanessa chimed in while vigilantly sipping the only real martini at the table.

"Oh my, are you saying?" Nola started to blush in realization.

"How you don't know is a mystery to me Nola. Do you get temporary deafness in the middle of one?" Annabelle teased. "I guess you just have a very loud voice anyway."

"But you said that everyone in the family knew about this. What do you mean by everyone?" Nola said red-faced.

"Well Ed and I for one," Maureen noted.

"And Tony and the girls and Bea" Annabelle added

"Daddy and me and Billy, when we were together," Vanessa popped her cocktail's olives into her mouth as she said each name.

"And of course Anastasia and AJ," Annabelle remembered in her drunkenness to include the obvious.

"Why didn't someone say something? I’m kind of tipsy, but I’m pretty sure this is totally embarrassing."

"What is one to say? We were all happy for you and, I guess, we were all just a little jealous too. I can't even remember the lame stories we used to tell the girls, until they finally knew what was going on," Annabelle recalled.

"Don't be embarrassed, Nola.” A very drunk Vanessa exclaimed, “Be proud!! But you would be an absolute fool to not get back with my little brother right away. And with how much you have tortured him so far, it would probably be nice of you to make a little visit to my doctor friend first for a few special treatments as a surprise for Quinton. He can work miracles you know. And I know these "special" exercises you can do, and I swear they make a difference. My lovers always notice."

"Now I know I'm wasted. You're starting to make some sense to me, Vanessa," Nola slurred and then broke out into uncontrollable giggles and snorts.

"Yeah Nola, orgasms like that do not grow on trees you know," Annabelle shook her finger at Nola and then indicated to the waiter to bring another round of drinks.

Vanessa handed Nola a business card. "Here is his card. Call him and tell him who you are. He will take excellent care of you. Everything he does looks very natural. You will just look refreshed. And everyone could use a little refreshing. Now let's get back to drawing the attentions of those cute young men over there."

The conversations continued with great energy as they did get a wave and then a little visit from a bolder member of the young all-men neighboring table. After that, Nola and then Vanessa excused themselves to the ladies room. They both made their way through the large, partying crowd. While Nola was touching up her make up, Vanessa privately approached her.

"Darling, is it true that you bought the old house on Thornway Road?"

"Yes, it is, but please don't say anything to Annabelle or Maureen. I don't want people to know just yet."

"Why ever not?"

"Because I don't want Quinton to know yet. So the fewer people that know the better."

"Playing some sort of game with him? Anyone knows what you buying that house means, and no one would know more than my little brother."

"He'll find out. Just not yet."

"Darling, I honestly don't know what you’re waiting for. Take this from someone who knows, you aren't getting any younger and wasting time is just sad. You know how happy Daddy would be if he knew you two were back together."

"I know."

"You know better than anyone that I was not at first a big fan of you and Quinton, but you do make my little brother happy, and you do make a perfect couple, contrary to my initial impressions. I always originally thought he would be better off with a woman like Helena or Trish Lewis, but I was wrong. I admit it."

"Thanks Vanessa, but please promise you won't say anything to Quinton about Thornway Road. I want it to be a surprise. It's too much to explain. Luckily no one out there caught on to what you were saying earlier."

Even after his death a few years earlier, Henry had been very instrumental in Nola’s deciding to buy back the house on Thornway Road. After he had passed away, Henry's attorney contacted Nola privately to let her know that there was a special codicil in his will specifically for her, and that he had also left her a private note to explain. The sum of money was quite large, and Henry had a particular reason for giving her this amount.

2000

Dearest Nola, I have loved you like my own daughter for quite some time. I always felt very badly that you lost your father the way you did at such a terribly young age. You were always one of the most charming and refreshing young people I have ever known. I couldn't have been happier for you to be my son's wife and the mother of two of my grandchildren. Thank you so much for the wonderful time you gave me with Anastasia and Anthony James, and I also give you almost all of the credit for being reunited with my only beloved son.

When you receive this letter, I will have moved on to a different place. You have done so much for me and made me so happy, and now I feel I must do something very significant for you. I do regret that I pressured you and Quinton, when you were newlyweds, to move in with me and give up your home on Thornway Road. I know you both really loved that house, as it was the place that you fell in love, and I know you denied your emotional connection to the house to convince Quinton to move in with me and make me happy. I never should have asked you to do that, but you can blame that on the foolishness of an old man. You no longer have to deny any of this to me; because I know what I write is true in my heart. You taught me, my dear, to trust in my heart. Now, I want to make it up to you, so I have left you this $2,000,000 to buy back that house, if you wish. This was always my secret stash, as they say, and now it should be yours. I was as saddened as you and Quinton when you lost little Beatrice, and I know you have had difficulties since, but I believe in my heart that there is still magic and love in that house. If you choose, you should use this money to buy the house and go back there. And if not, then I know you will do the right thing with it. I love you very much, my dear, and always will. Love always, Henry

Henry had been extremely comforting to Nola after the devastation of losing Beatrice. Later that night back at Tony’s, Nola thought about the generosity of Henry's gift as she got ready for bed, and she decided she would go back to Thornway Road the next day. A few days had passed since there was any word of Silas, and she felt comfortable enough to go back home. That night, however, Nola could not help thinking about little Beatrice and the short time she had her. Nola missed her so much, but she would always be in her heart and in her dreams.

1996/1997, Santa Barbara

Christmas had always been Nola's favorite holiday, and she thought the Christmas of '96 would be especially wonderful and memorable. She and Quint were expecting another perfect baby girl, and the family had finally settled into their dream house in a part of the country where Christmas weather was mild. While she loved the old movie "White Christmas," an actual white Christmas was a bit overrated, she thought. She looked forward to the balmier holiday season in Southern California. Maybe the family would even take a dip in the pool on Christmas Day!!

She planned an old fashioned Christmas and would deck the house out in the most beautiful classic trimmings. As soon as the shops started selling decorations, she was out at the stores with Stacey. While the children were over indulged during this time of year, the Chamberlains also thought it important that their children understand the real meaning of Christmas, and that they understand that all children were not as fortunate as they. It became a tradition every year on Christmas Day for AJ and Stacey to choose a few of their gifts to donate. Stacey and AJ were always surprised just how happy it made them to see the faces of these children when they were presented with their gifts. That happiness overrode any disappointment they may have initially had in having to give up some of their own Christmas presents.

One weekend while out shopping with Quint, Nola started to feel some cramping. Quint immediately rushed Nola in to see her doctor. At first the doctor was not overly concerned, assuming it was just Braxton-Hicks contractions, but then when it happened again, he considered it more seriously. When he examined her, he noted that she was starting to dilate. Nola was only 23 weeks into the pregnancy.

"Mrs. Chamberlain, with the current condition of your cervix and the risk factors related to your age, and because you have delivered prematurely in the past, while I will not at this time recommend complete bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy, you do need to cut down your physical activity to the bare minimum. I also will be prescribing you with some medication to stop the contractions."

"Is everything ok with the baby?" Nola nervously inquired.

"Yes, everything is fine with her, and as you know there were no problems whatsoever that showed up in your amniocentesis. But she is very small at this point, and I do have some concerns about a premature delivery. The less you can do the better."

"Don't worry, doctor, I will make sure she takes it easy, but you don't know my wife."

"I also want to see you every week from now until you deliver, so I can closely monitor your situation. And if things do worsen, I may need to prescribe complete bed rest until the baby is large enough to be safely delivered."

That was the beginning of the bad times. Nola did take the doctor's recommendation seriously and cut way back on any obvious physical activity, but she did continue with much of the light decorating and other activities that were not quite so obviously physical. One day when she was trimming the upstairs banisters in Christmas holly, she collapsed in pain. The children were at school and Quinton was at the university. Only one of the housekeepers was there to help her. The pain was excruciating, she knew she was in full labor, and that terrified her, as she was only at 24 weeks. Quinton arrived at the hospital a few minutes after the ambulance got her there. Everything that day seemed like a blur as the events happened so quickly and seemed so unreal. Within half an hour of arriving at the hospital, Nola delivered a baby girl weighing slightly more than one pound. Baby Beatrice Stephanie was immediately brought to the neonatal intensive care unit. The NICU would be their home for the next several days or weeks. Twenty-four weeks was considered by many to be the absolute earliest that a baby could even be considered viable, and Beatrice's condition was very serious. The professionals said she had approximately a 20% chance. Nola was hysterical when the baby was born, knowing the seriousness of the situation. She was even too small to hold. The doctors ultimately had to sedate Nola, so that she could rest to get back her strength. Quinton was beside himself and frantically called the family to let them know the news and seek help.

Bea flew out immediately to comfort and help her family, and to stay with Stacey and AJ while Quint and Nola were at the hospital almost night and day. Baby Beatrice fought for a little over a week. Nola and Quint would spend hours everyday visiting her in the NICU. The hospital had it set up so that the parents could gently touch their tiny babies through the ventilators. This was the only way they could touch their baby. It all just seemed so wrong. She was the tiniest thing and looked so helpless and uncomfortable with all the tubes and machines and monitors. There were some small bright spots over the week, but mostly her condition was not improving in any truly significant way. Her organs were so underdeveloped that she started to take a serious turn for the worse. Apnea, infection, levels, IV's, it all clouded and obsessed Quint and Nola’s mind. Ten days after little Beatrice was born, the doctors knew they were going to lose the baby and asked the Chamberlains if they wanted to finally hold her. They were afraid to hold her at first, since she was so small, but they both knew in their hearts that this might be their only chance. They held baby Beatrice for the first and last time an hour before she quietly passed away. Nola had managed to fall asleep in the hospital waiting room from exhaustion. Quint was by her side, as he flipped distractedly through some magazines, when the doctor came to tell them of the latest sad news. From the look in the doctor's eyes, Quint knew what he had come to tell him. The doctor explained some of the specifics, and then Quint gently nudged Nola to wake up. Nola jerked awake to see the doctor and Quint's quiet sadness. She knew at that instant in her heart what had happened. Her little girl was gone.

"She was just too small, honey. They tried everything, but . ."

Nola was inconsolable. Quinton held his wife as her body heaved. He wanted to be so strong for her, but her pain was his pain, and he broke down with her. Through her sobs she cried, "My baby . .my baby" and "It was my all my fault. I never should have been . . ."

"It's not your fault, honey. It just happened." Actually not even the medical professionals knew who or what was at fault, as the actual reasons for Nola's premature delivery were listed as uncertain. With all the medical knowledge available, how could that be, and how would that allow them to have closure?

Quinton numbly went through the steps of setting up the funeral. Prior to losing his own daughter, he did not even know that funerals were given for these little babies who left too soon. Bea helped out with some of the finer details of the funeral. The doctors assured the Chamberlains they could try again, but advised them that it might be a good idea to wait several months to give her body time to heal and get strong again both physically and emotionally after such an ordeal. However, he did warn that after two premature deliveries, Nola was very high risk for another one, and that more than likely any future pregnancy would involve several months of prescribed bed rest and constant monitoring.

The wake and funeral were absolutely devastating for the entire family. Stacey and Bea held Nola in the front row, as she wailed through most of the service. Quint helplessly looked on, not even knowing where to begin to make sense of the tragedy. His head seemed to buzz and spin as he stood at the back of the funeral parlor. The only sounds he could hear were the almost wild sobs of his grieving wife. He stood there stunned and helpless, until he felt a friendly hand on his shoulder. It was his brother-in-law Tony

"Hey Quint, let's go get some fresh air." Quint obliged as he followed Tony outside to the warm December night. "It looked like you needed a breather in there. I hope it’s all right?"

"Thanks Tony, I just can't believe this is happening. We were so happy just a few short weeks ago. And then . . ."

"I know, man. I wish there was something I could say."

"I wish there was something I could do for Nola. I have never seen her like this before. It scares me."

"She probably just needs some time to process this." Tony reassured Quint.

"Sometimes it seems when she sees me, she feels worse, and I’m just so incapable of being strong for her."

"Quint, you lost Beatrice too. It is completely understandable . . .," suddenly Tony stopped as he noticed AJ wandering around the parking lot. "You know there might be someone you can help now." He raised his voice so that AJ would hear him, "Hey namesake, get over here."

AJ moved quickly toward his dad and Uncle Tony. "Hey little man, what are you doing out here?"

"I couldn't listen to mom cry like that. It's just too weird."

"Well, that's okay. Maybe you can hang with your dad and me."

"Ok, cool. You all right, Dad?"

"Well AJ, I’m really really sad about the baby, but we’re all going to be ok. We just have to get over the shock."

"You still have Stace and me, and we'll help you take care of mom."

"AJ that is very grown up of you to say that," Quint embraced his son. "We'll all make it through this. I promise."

Being just a few days after the funeral, Christmas turned out to be the worst ever for the Chamberlains. Nola and Quint tried to hold it together for the children, but AJ and Stacey were old enough to partially understand and did their best to ease their parents' pain. While Nola was dealing with her grief and anger, Stacey stepped up and took over many of the roles that her mom would usually fill. She was always an exceptionally mature girl, but during this time she really shined. Together with her grandma Bea, they made all the remaining Christmas preparations, so the family could have some semblance of normalcy over the holiday season. Henry, Vanessa, Little Billy and even Gracie came to visit, which seemed to help diffuse the extremely emotional situation and distract Nola and Quint from their intense grieving. AJ, in the meantime, doted on his mother and did his best to make her smile and laugh. Nola never could resist AJ, so did actually find herself laughing in spite of all her pain. AJ was 12 at the time and in the seventh grade. He was a late bloomer and small for his age, but was so adorable that he was already a hit with the girls at school. Nola often had to field calls from young girls with crushes who would giggle and want to speak with AJ.

"Hey mom, I taught Ruby Foo a new trick."

Ruby Foo was the new shih tzu puppy that Stacey and AJ had bought for their parents as their anniversary gift. Nola had always wanted a dog, but thought it would be unfair to get one when they were traveling around so much. The children presented the puppy to them upon their arrival home from their Rome trip. AJ really enjoyed the puppy and spent lots of time trying to teach it tricks and secretly hoped he could get on David Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks. He had taught the puppy to give him high fives and even how to jump up and hit a ball back at him, which was especially commendable for a shih tzu.

"I taught her how to pull out those stupid bows in her hair that Stacey likes to put on her," AJ bragged.

"Oh, you did?"

"Yes, she’s a feminist puppy and will not be tied down to conventional ideals of beauty." With that AJ tapped her on the head and she frantically started pawing at the bow until it finally fell out.

"How did you teach her to do that?" Nola inquired with surprised amusement .

"Ancient Chinese secret," AJ joked imitating a bad Chinese accent. "Or maybe I should say ancient Tibetan secret, since that is where her ancestors are from. I'm not sure how a Tibetan accent would sound."

"We spent enough time there. You should," Nola lovingly scolded her son.

AJ picked up the puppy, and she licked his ear, "Mom, she just told me that she wants to sit on your lap and that she loves you."

Nola took the puppy and smiled, “I love her, and I love you."

"Mom, it's good to see you smile. You know you still have me, Stace and Dad. Oh, and you have Ruby too. "

Nola knew what her young son was doing, and she deeply appreciated it. She did have to sometimes step out of her disappointment and grief about losing Beatrice and acknowledge that she did have two absolutely wonderful children and a husband that she loved very much, even though, things had been a little rough with Quinton. She felt guilt that she had been hanging those Christmas decorations on that day when she went into labor. She knew that her sadness was his sadness, and knowing that made it harder for her to discuss it with him, out of fear that they would both break down again like they did in the hospital. Quinton had always been her rock, and when he was crashing too it was almost more than she could handle. She also felt guilty that she ever thought it, but she especially wanted this baby girl not just for herself, but for Quinton. She knew that Quint loved Stacey like his own, but she thought he would also like the experience of having a biological daughter, and that they should have more than one biological child together. A part of her knew Quint never considered it that way. Maybe he had these hidden feelings in his heart just as she did, but also felt too guilty to ever admit it. She felt disloyal to Stacey for ever thinking it, but she just couldn't stop.

Quint continued to feel lost. He tried to comfort himself and Nola, but felt so woefully inept and could not help but continue to think that he was somehow making things worse. All he wanted to do was protect his wife from that which hurt her.

Stacey did everything she could to make things easier for her parents over the next couple of months . One beautiful spring evening when Nola was not feeling well, she decided to surprise them both and make dinner all by herself. She set the table in the dining room and carefully prepared the meal, just as Nola and her Grandma Bea had taught her. Stacey was so proud when Quint and AJ came to the dining room to see all her hard work.

"Daddy, I made your favorites."

"Really, honey?"

"I made Reardon Irish stew, and for dessert we are going to have banana cream pie. I followed the recipes exactly as mom and Grandma taught me."

"I'm sure it will be delicious, princess."

"Isn't mom coming down?" Stacey optimistically questioned.

"Your mom promised she would make it down. She thought she might be feeling better, but that we should start"

"Dad, is mom ever going to be her old self again?" AJ wanted to know.

"I think we all just need to be patient. But I’m confident she will be feeling much better soon." Quint hoped that what he was telling the children was the truth.

"Why don't you both sit down and I’ll serve the dinner," Stacey coaxed.

The men sat at the finely set table, as Stacey scurried back to the kitchen and then out with a big pot of piping hot stew.

"Mmmmmm, sweetheart, it smells absolutely delicious."

Stacey scooped several ladles full of stew into Quint's bowl and then the same for herself and AJ. She placed the hot pot on the trivet waiting on the table and sat down to eat. Both Quint and AJ were impressed with how authentically Stacey had been able to replicate this favorite family recipe.

"Stace, I have to admit I had my doubts, but this is pretty good," AJ enthusiastically confessed.

"Thanks AJ. Whenever we have Irish stew it always reminds me of that time we all went to Ireland and compared it to the stew at different restaurants, but our recipe is always the best." Stacey boasted.

"I couldn't agree more,” Quint praised. “This is just delicious.”

"That trip was so much fun, and I loved seeing that church where Nora Reardon and John Ryan were married. What a romantic story. When we went there and heard the story and then heard the bells, I knew that you and mom would be together forever," Stacey rhapsodized.

"Ireland will always be a very special place for both your mother and me."

"Oh Daddy, I got this book out of the library about colleges."

AJ, finally taking a breath from eating, commented, "Stace, you're only a freshman. Isn't it too soon to start thinking about college?" AJ tried to play it off that he thought the conversation was premature, but actually he really hated the idea of thinking of his big sister ever leaving him. He idolized Stacey, but in typical sibling rivalry fashion he would never admit to it.

"No it isn't too soon, little brother. I'm almost a sophomore, and I have to start thinking about it. Next year I take PSATs and the year after that SATs . . .there’s a lot to decide and plan."

"Honey, I think it is wonderful that you’re thinking about it. Any thoughts as to where you might want to go?"

"Well in the US, I really like Stanford, Brown and Smith. I've been reading a lot, and an all women's college does provide a lot of advantages."

"Something about you going to an all women's college does appeal to me," Quint interjected with a smile.

"I wonder why?" AJ added suggestively, between big bites of stew.

Ignoring her brother's bad joke, Stacey continued, "And overseas, of course, I like the University of Edinburgh."

"As much as I would love you to go to my old alma mater, I might not be ready to let you go so far away quite yet. Maybe graduate school?"

"All the US schools are wonderful and have excellent programs in cultural anthropology."

"Cultural Anthropology?"

"Yes, is that okay, Daddy?"

"That's wonderful. I couldn't be prouder that you would choose that direction, and it certainly makes sense with your experiences. But now, I want to make sure you’re not just thinking that way to please me."

"No, I really love it, Daddy. I love learning about what people were like thousands of years ago and learning about their traditions. It's so interesting. Helps me to understand better who and how we are today"

"I think when I go to college, I’m going to major in lunch," AJ joked, as he inhaled his dinner and leaned over to serve himself more.

"You would, AJ. Or maybe you can major in girls . .your latest interest."

'Hey what can a guy do? The babes fall all over me. I guess I have a way with the ladies just like good ol' dad." Then it occurred to AJ, "You know, maybe someday I can live in a creepy old house with three beautiful women too."

"Thornway Road was not creepy, Aj, and only mom was beautiful," Stacey emphatically corrected.

"That's right, sweetheart," Quint readily agreed, but enjoyed his son's youthful cockiness nonetheless.

"I hate when you call me Aj, Stash,” AJ argued back.

“Enough,” Quint warned.

“I would not mind having a harem some day. There was mom-- and what was with her clothes back then? Then the crazy lady with the tumor that couldn't talk and then took a dive . .."

"Uh, Rebecca," Quinton reluctantly remembered, not wanting AJ to continue with that terrible memory.

"Right. Wasn't her name also Mona or something?"

"Please AJ, move on," Quint pleaded.

"And then the one with the feathers and turbans, she actually did look like she belonged in a harem."

"Yes, that was Helena Manzini. You met her that one time in Arizona," Quint reminded his son.

"Oh yeah, I remember. She wasn't all that bad looking, but mom is much better."

Stacey, having enough of her brother riling their dad, interrupted, "Anyway, another thing I was thinking, Daddy, is that maybe I will want to spend a semester abroad during my junior year. I hate the idea of leaving you and Mom and even AJ, but I would love to go to Italy for awhile and really work on my Italian. Being fluent in another language would really help me on my college applications and for my future career."

"Yes, now Italy, those are some big plans. Perhaps you shouldn’t mention that to your mother just yet?"

"Oh, I wouldn't, Daddy, but I wanted to know if you thought it was a good idea. I was thinking of Florence."

"It would be wonderful for you. And Florence is amazing and a great place for young scholars. I lived there myself for a period of time when I was young, before I met your mother. But it is a very big thing to do and still a few years off."

"I know. I just like to know where I'm going."

"Where are you going, Stacey?" Nola asked, as she finally made it down to the dinner table. For the first time in months, she had taken the time to fix her hair and face and dress in one of her prettier dressing gowns.

"Oh nowhere, Mom. Just talking about my future college plans." Stacey covered.

"My baby in college? Don't rush things now," Nola cheerfully requested.

"Are you feeling a little better?" Stacey asked hopefully.

"You know, I think I am. It smells delicious in here. Is it what I think it is?"

"It is. Our girl made it as good as I have ever tasted," Quint noted with unabashed pride. Even after all this time, it still made Nola feel so comforted to hear Quint refer to Stacey as "our girl" or "our daughter". It was always what she wanted almost from the time she first met him. Nola sat down at the table next to Quint, and Stacey jumped up to serve her a few heaping ladles full.

"Mom, are you really feeling better," Stacey asked again to be certain.

"I really am, sweetie. And maybe soon we can look forward to having another family member," Nola announced with a sparkle in her eye that her family had not seen for many months

"Do you mean it, Nola?" Quint lovingly queried as he took her hand

"Yes, I mean it." she said as she looked deeply into his eyes. "The doctor said we should wait a few months, and we have, so . . ."

"Trust me, Mom, we don't need all the gory details." AJ quickly interjected in embarrassment.

"Stacey, are you in the mood to drive down to LA tomorrow and do some serious shopping?" Nola asked her daughter.

"Are you kidding, Mom?" Stacey exuberantly responded. "Can we go to Matsuhisa for sushi . .please?"

Nola nodded.

"Oops Dad, Mom is taking out the plastic. Now I know she is really feeling better." AJ playfully chided.

"And that is all I ever wanted," Quint sincerely responded with a smile as he squeezed his wife's hand.

On that May day in 1997, Nola became determined to not focus in on what was lost, but on what could be in the future. She was determined to look at all that was good in her life, and all that she was grateful for. It seemed such a hopeful time, and another pregnancy was what she wanted more than anything. After a few months of trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child, Nola and Quint went to see a fertility specialist, as she became more and more driven toward this ever-elusive goal.

Nola started to drift off to sleep trying to think mostly of the nice evening she had spent with Annabelle, Maureen and Vanessa as opposed to the painful memories of failure from the past. The next day she would head back to Thornway Road. Hope was present in that old house, and she couldn't stay with Tony and Annabelle forever.

Quint was unpacking the last of his things after returning from the trip to see AJ. He was relieved that Silas did not seem to be in New Orleans anymore, but where was he?

Meanwhile, Silas continued to patiently stake out the Thornway Road house. He knew that Nola would come back eventually. He figured that the little note he left her probably spooked her a bit. He had spent some time at the Reardon boarding house to see if, perhaps, she had gone there, but there was no sign of her. He just had to be patient a little while longer.