That night, Kevin came into the bedroom and sat on the bed with them.
“So what's going on,” Karly said.
“Everyone wasn't thrilled with me being in charge since I'm not you or Hayley and I haven't been there for long,” Kevin said.
“Oh great and what did Hayley do?” Karly asked.
“She kept quiet,” Kevin said.
“She didn't stick up for you or anything,” Karly said.
“Nope,” Kevin said.
“Luke get your sister over here now,” Karly said. Luke called Hayley and asked her to come over. Twenty minutes later, Hayley came in with Eric.
“Hey sis,” Hayley said.
“Don't hey sis me, I get you are upset that I demoted you but that doesn't mean you have to be angry and let everyone run over Kevin and not stand up for him and make sure everyone listens to him,” Karly said.
“Karly,” Hayley said.
“I'm not finished, you need to understand why I gave the partner job to Kevin, you said you didn't like paperwork but you did it before without argument and you got it done but now you leave it for me to do, why the change of heart when it comes to part of the job,” Karly said.
“I told you that it confuses me,” Hayley said.
“It never did before why does it now,” Luke said.
“I don't know, I like being a wife more and I want to be home more and be there when Eric gets home,” Hayley said.
“Hayley,” Eric said.
“Hayley, do you like working at the agency?” Luke asked.
“Yes I do,” Hayley said.
“Then why did you not help Kevin today, hun,” Eric said.
“It should have been me in charge!” Hayley said.
“The agency is Karly's and she makes the decisions,” Luke said.
“She chose Kevin because she still loves him!” Hayley said.
“You serious right now?!” Karly said.
“Baby calm, I'll handle this,” Luke said. Karly nodded and sat back.
“Yes Hayley, they still love each other and I know that but she is my wife and she's in love with me, they are best friends and nothing more, she chose to make the change because she is tired of having to do all the damn paperwork herself because it confuses you, you are too damn lazy for it, she didn't want to be stuck there all night doing the paperwork because you leave it all for her, she's pregnant and was traveling and still exhausted and she came back to a mountain of paperwork, she made the change to someone who would help her get it done, now she's on bed rest for two months and can't go to work and no one wants to listen to Kevin and he looks to you for help and you keep your mouth shut, if you can't do your damn job, you know where the door is!” Luke said. Hayley looked at him with tears in her eyes and ran out the door. Eric looked at them.
“Sorry bro,” Karly said.
“It's not your fault,” Eric said. He came and kissed her forehead and went out the door.
“Baby, I'm going to the office tomorrow to have a chat with everyone, I'll see if Mom can hang while I'm gone,” Luke said.
“Okay,” Karly said.

CHAPTER 108

Barbara came over and sat with Karly while Luke and Kevin went to the agency. They walked into Karly's office while all the models were. Luke noticed Hayley wasn't there. He looked at his phone and saw she sent him a text saying she quit. Luke looked at Kevin and showed him the test. Kevin nodded.
“Thank you all for coming for this meeting, I know yesterday was strange having Kevin in charge, Karly is on bed rest for two months so she can't be here and she chose Kevin to be in charge because Hayley didn't want to do paperwork which is part of the job of partner and she just told me that she quit,” Luke said.
“I know I'm somewhat new to all this but I know how to do the paperwork, Karly chose me for that reason because she doesn't need the stress of all the paperwork that had to be done and Hayley didn't want to do it,” Kevin said.
“We had a talk with Hayley last night and I told her that if she didn't like the changes, she knows where the door is and she went through that door, if anyone can't accept the changes or accept Karly's decision, I will say the same thing, you know where the door is,” Luke said. Everyone looked at him and didn't move.
“So you accept Kevin in charge?” Luke asked. They all nodded.
“Matt and I can help with handling schedules with photoshoots and all that, we are sorry about yesterday,” Dana said.
“We will follow Kevin's lead and listen to him and help him any way we can,” Matt said.
“Thanks guys,” Kevin said.
“I will be checking in as well in place of my wife, but the majority of my time will be spent with her,” Luke said.
“How is she?” Matt asked.
“She had a scare with the pregnancy so that's why she's on bed rest,” Luke said.
“We will make her proud and tell your sister to get her desk cleaned out if she quit and me and Matt will take it and if Karly wants us to be assistants to Kevin, we will,” Dana said.
“I won't ask her because I will make it official, Matt, Dana, you are now assistants to Kevin in Karly's absence and when she comes back, you both will be hers as well,” Luke said.
“You all know what to do right,” Kevin said. Everyone nodded and went off to work. Kevin looked at Luke.
“Better go talk to your wife about this,” Kevin said.
“I know, call if you need anything,” Luke said. Luke went home and went up to the bedroom and sat on the bed. His mother hugged them and left.
“What happened?” Karly asked.
“Hayley quit,” Luke said.
“Oh great,” Karly said.
“Everyone knows to follow Kevin until you can go back and Matt and Dana are now assistants to you and Kevin,” Luke said.
“Who made that decision?” Karly asked.
“They offered, I approved it,” Luke said.
“Okay, they would have been my choices as well,” Karly said.
“Want to call Eric?” Luke asked.
“I sent him a text, he's going to come by on the way home,” Karly said.
“I don't know what is up with Hayley, but I hope it doesn't affect your relationship with your brother,” Luke said.
“Me too,” Karly said. A couple hours later, Karly woke up and saw Eric sitting on the bed.
“Hey bro,” Karly said.
“Hey sis,” Eric said.
“Do you hate me?” Karly asked.
“Why would I hate you?” Eric asked.
“Because of Hayley,” Karly said.
“Karly, she's my wife and I love her and I don't know what is going on but you are my sister, you had to make a choice and she should have dealt with it and moved on, I love you and always will and I could never hate you, no matter what,” Eric said.
“I'm seriously thinking of changing my choice of godmother to Abby if she keeps it up, I didn't want her to quit,” Karly said.
“I talked to Mom and she said she was going to talk to her,” Eric said. Luke came in and saw them.
“Eric, how long can you stay?” Luke asked.
“As long as needed, why?” Eric asked.
“I need to go to the club for a bit,” Luke said.
“Okay, I'll stay until you get back,” Eric said.
“Or until Kevin gets here,” Luke said.
“Kevin is staying here still?” Eric asked.
“Yes just in case something comes up and I have to leave like I am now,” Luke said. He kissed Karly and went out the door.

CHAPTER 109

Karly was sleeping and Eric was sitting next to her on his phone when Kevin came in.
“Hey,” Kevin said.
“Hey man,” Eric said.
“Where's Luke?” Kevin asked.
“He had to go to the club for a little while,” Eric said.
“Okay let me grab a quick shower and I'll come and let you head home,” Kevin said.
“Okay,” Eric said. Kevin went to shower and came back dressed in track pants and a t-shirt.
“How was work?” Eric asked.
“Better than yesterday thanks to Luke talking to everyone, is Hayley okay?” Kevin asked.
“I'm heading home to find out, take care of my sis,” Eric said.
“Of course man,” Kevin said. Eric left and Kevin settled on the bed next to her. Karly woke up and saw him.
“Hey Kev,” Karly said.
“Hey K, how are you feeling?” Kevin asked.
“I'm okay, how was the office?” Karly asked.
“It was okay, everyone did their jobs and followed my lead and it's all thanks to your hubby,” Kevin said.
“He has a way with people,” Karly said.
“Yeah he does,” Kevin said. His phone beeped. He looked at it.
“What is it?” Karly asked.
“Nothing, just a news alert,” Kevin said.
“About what?” Karly asked.
“A shooting across town, in Queens, suspect in custody,” Kevin said.
“Oh,” Karly said.
“Get some rest, okay, I'm going to go grab something to eat,” Kevin said. Kevin went downstairs and called Austin.
“I got the alert, did Karly see it?” Austin asked.
“No, I said it was a shooting in Queens and the suspect was in custody,” Kevin said.
“Well, you told the truth about the suspect in custody but it's good you didn't tell her the shooting was at the club and Luke could be hurt,” Austin said.
“Did you call him?” Kevin asked.
“Voicemail,” Austin said.
“Did you call Eric?” Kevin asked.
“Yeah, he's telling Hayley, Peter, and Barbara,” Austin said.
“We can't tell Karly,” Kevin said. He heard Karly cry out from upstairs.
“Crap, she knows, get over here!” Kevin said.
“I'll be right there!” Austin said. Kevin hung up and ran upstairs and saw Karly crying in bed. He sat on the bed.
“Karly,” Kevin said.
“It was the club!” Karly said crying.
“I know, I didn't want you getting upset like this,” Kevin said. She took deep breaths and looked at him.
“Where's Luke?” Karly asked.
“I don't know, Austin tried calling him, voicemail,” Kevin said.
“Oh god!” Karly said.
“He could be okay and dealing with the cops and cleanup and all that, I'm sure he's okay,” Kevin said.
“What if he's not!” Karly said.
“Karly, stay calm okay, please, I'm sure we will hear something soon,” Kevin said.
“Kevin, find out where my husband is, please!” Karly said.
“I will,” Kevin said. He went downstairs and called James.

CHAPTER 110

Karly fell asleep and Kevin was downstairs on the phone with James.
“So, he's okay?” Kevin asked.
“Yeah, it was just a graze, he's getting patched up now and he will head home,” James said.
“Good, Karly was scared and getting upset and that's not a good thing for her right now,” Kevin said.
“Boss said she's on bed rest, tell her he's okay,” James said.
“I will, thanks man and I'm glad you're okay too,” Kevin said.
“Thanks man, it was pretty scary, but boss took care of it,” James said.
“Okay man, I'll let you get back to things and send him home as soon as possible,” Kevin said.
“He is heading out the door now, so he is on his way,” James said. Kevin hung up and went upstairs and saw Karly crying.
“Hey, I got ahold of James, Luke's okay, he got shot but just a graze and he's headed home now,” Kevin said.
“Thank god!” Karly said.
“Do you need any water?” Kevin asked.
“I'm fine, I just need my hubby,” Karly said.
“He will be here soon,” Kevin said. Ten minutes later, Luke came in. Karly sat up and reached out for him. Kevin moved and Luke sat on the bed and took Karly in his arms.
“I'm okay baby,” Luke said.
“I was so scared, Kevin got an alert but said it was a shooting in Queens and I got curious and saw it was a shooting at the club,” Karly said.
“I didn't want her getting upset,” Kevin said.
“Thanks for trying to keep her from freaking out man,” Luke said.
“Goodnight you two,” Kevin said. He left the room and closed the door. Karly snuggled against Luke.
“I'm okay really,” Luke said.
“I just don't know what I would do without you,” Karly said.
“Oh baby,” Luke said. He held her close to him.
“What happened?” Karly asked.
“A guy got angry because he liked a girl and another guy liked her and they got into a fight and he stormed out and came back with a gun and was going to shoot the guy, James called for me and I came out with my gun and held it on him and he fired and I moved but not fast enough to avoid the bullet, just grazed but I fired back and hit him in the shoulder before Sam took him down,” Luke said.
“The cops didn't do anything to you?” Karly asked.
“No because he shot at me first and I own the club, so I was defending my business,” Luke said.
“I'm glad you're okay and that it wasn't worse,” Karly said. He pulled back and looked into her eyes and stroked her cheek.
“I love you baby, and I will always come home to you,” Luke said. He kissed her softly. The kiss deepened and he held her close.

CHAPTER 111

The next day Karly woke up and saw Luke awake watching her.
“Morning beautiful,” Luke said.
“Morning,” Karly said.
“I love you,” Luke said.
“I love you,” Karly said. Luke's phone beeped and he looked at it. He picked it up.
“Hey sis, what, he okay, yeah I'll be right there,” Luke said. He hung up and looked at her.
“What is it?” Karly asked.
“Dad had a heart attack, they are taking him to the hospital,” Luke said.
“I'll go with you,” Karly said.
“No baby, you are on bed rest and that means not moving from bed,” Luke said.
“So, I'm supposed to be here by myself,” Karly said.
“Not alone K,” Kevin said. He stood at the door.
“Fine but let me know how he is,” Karly said.
“I will, love you,” Luke said. He kissed her and changed and went out the door. Kevin came in and sat down on the bed.
“I hate this,” Karly said.
“I know you do, K,” Kevin said.
“Thanks for being here for me,” Karly said.
“I'll always be there for you, K, you are my best friend and I love ya,” Kevin said.
“You are my best friend and love ya too,” Karly said. Austin and Abby came in.
“What's going on?” Austin asked.
“I'm on bed rest and Luke had to go to the hospital without me because Dad had a heart attack,” Karly said.
“Karly, I heard you two say I love you,” Austin said.
“Okay and two best friends can't say that,” Karly said.
“Not when you are exes,” Austin said.
“Seriously Austin?!” Karly said.
“I don't think of us as exes anymore, more like best friends or brother/sister,” Kevin said.
“Who gave each other their virginity,” Austin said.
“Austin!” Abby said.
“Stop, Austin, Luke knows that we still love each other but he trusts both of us together, if he didn't, he wouldn't have asked Kevin to stay here, or leave us alone together because he knows that there is a boundary and we won't cross it,” Karly said.
“I respect their marriage, Austin, I'm not going to destroy it, why the sudden hostility,” Kevin said.
“Eric said that Hayley fears you two would start up an affair and break Luke's heart,” Austin said.
“I can't believe this,” Karly said.
“That's why Hayley quit the agency because you chose your ex over her,” Abby said.
“I didn't choose him over her, I chose him to do the job she didn’t want to do,” Karly said.
“Hayley knows that the paperwork is part of the job of partner, both partners of the agency have to do their share of the paperwork, Hayley didn't want to do paperwork because she said it confuses her when she had no problems before and the paperwork never really changes, right,” Kevin said.
“Right, it doesn't really change, it's the same paperwork just different days and she let it pile up for me to do when I came home from Italy,” Karly said.
“Maybe something is up with Hayley,” Austin said.
“I'll talk to her and you talk to Eric,” Abby said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Luke sat there in the hospital room with his mother and sister and Eric.
“Where's Karly?” Hayley asked.
“Home in bed where she has to be for two months,” Luke said.
“Honey, she's on bed rest remember?” Eric said.
“Is she alone?” Hayley said.
“No, Kevin is in the house with her,” Luke said.
“And probably Austin and Abby are there too, Austin said they were headed over,” Eric said.
“Text and see what Kevin and Karly were doing when they got there,” Hayley said.
“Why,” Eric said.
“Just text him,” Hayley said.
“Don't bother, Eric, I know what they were doing, nothing, Karly is probably asleep and Kevin is probably in his room or they are talking with Austin and Abby,” Luke said.
“You sure about that?” Hayley asked.
“Okay what is wrong with you,” Luke said.
“That's what I want to know,” Eric said.
“Karly and Kevin share a past, they used to be together, they gave each other their virginity, they still love each other,” Hayley said.
“But that's the past, Hayley, they are best friends and they aren't crossing any lines,” Luke said.
“You are too trusting,” Hayley said.
“And you are acting like a bitch,” Luke said.
“Enough you two,” Barbara said.
“Hayley, Karly is my sister, I know her better than you, she has been cheated on and she doesn't want anyone she loves to go through that and she loves your brother, she's having his baby, Kevin and Karly had their chance to be together and she chose Luke over Kevin, she loves Kevin but in a different way now,” Eric said. Hayley looked at him and held her head in her hands.
“I'm sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me,” Hayley said.
“Honey?” Eric asked.
“I think I need to see a doctor, I have been having headaches like Luke had and I want to make sure it's just a chronic migraine like he had,” Hayley said.
“Let's go,” Eric said. They left the room. Luke looked at his mother.

CHAPTER 112

Karly laid there in bed with Kevin sitting next to her and Austin and Abby sitting at the bed. There was a knock at the door and they looked and saw Anna.
“Anna?” Austin said.
“Austin hi,” Anna said.
“How have you been?” Austin said.
“Good I moved back a few weeks ago and your sister hired me as one of the housekeepers,” Anna said.
“Sorry Austin, forgot to mention that,” Karly said.
“It's fine sis, this is my wife Abby,” Austin said.
“Hello,” Abby said.
“Hello Abby,” Anna said.
“You doing okay, Anna?” Karly asked.
“Yeah I just came to tell you that Danielle and I switched days next week, I'm working Monday thru Wednesday for her and she's working Thursday thru Saturday for me and Willow is working Sunday, I'm going out of town with my boyfriend for the weekend,” Anna said.
“Okay thanks for letting me know and I'll tell Luke when he gets home,” Karly said.
“Okay, I better get home, it was nice meeting you, Abby, and it was good seeing you Austin, bye Kevin, goodnight all,” Anna said. She left. Abby looked at Austin.
“Who was that?” Abby asked.
“That was Anna, we dated in high school and broke up when she left for college,” Austin said.
“Karly, did you know they dated when you hired her?” Abby asked.
“Yes but she has a boyfriend and she said she really loves him so I know she's moved on,” Karly said.
“Karly, let her go,” Abby said.
“Abby, it's fine, I'm with you, I love you, it's been a long time since she and I were together and we both have moved on with our lives, I probably won't be over here when she's here and if it makes you feel better, Karly can text me their schedule so we can come when she's not here but there is nothing to worry about okay, she's moved on and so have I, we are having a baby and I love you Abby so much,” Austin said.
“I love you too, I'm sorry I shouldn't let it bother me,” Abby said.
“It's okay,” Austin said. Karly's phone rang. She saw it was Luke.
“Hey babe, how's Dad?” Karly asked.
“He's okay, they are keeping him overnight for observation and if everything checks out, he'll get to go home tomorrow,” Luke said.
“That's good,” Karly said.
“There's something else,” Luke said.
“What is it?” Karly asked.
“It's Hayley, she had a headache like I did so she thought it was a chronic migraine like me but it wasn't, she has a brain tumor,” Luke said.
“Oh no babe, what do you need?” Karly asked.
“I'm heading home, I need to be in your arms,” Luke said.
“Okay, Austin and Abby are still here, I'll tell them what's going on,” Karly said.
“Okay baby,” Luke said. She hung up and looked at Austin and Abby.
“What's wrong?” Abby asked.
“Hayley has a brain tumor,” Karly said.
“Oh no,” Abby said.
“What are they going to do about it?” Austin asked.
“I don't know, Luke is on the way home now,” Karly said.
“Maybe the brain tumor explains her behavior,” Kevin said.
“You're probably right,” Austin said.
“What happens with the will if Hayley doesn't make it,” Abby said.
“I'll have to talk to Jack,” Austin said.
“I'm going to the firm tomorrow, I can talk to him for you,” Kevin said.
“Thanks Kev,” Karly said. Luke appeared at the door. Kevin got up and Luke sank on the bed and Karly took him in her arms and held him close.

CHAPTER 113

“Hayley has an inoperable brain tumor, I mean they could try to remove it, but it might kill her,” Luke said.
“Oh babe,” Karly said.
“They want to try chemo and see if it shrinks,” Luke said.
“Maybe the tumor is the reason for her behavior as of late,” Kevin said.
“It's more than that, she thinks you two would have an affair behind my back,” Luke said. He went on to explain everything that happened at the hospital. Kevin looked at him and shook his head.
“That wouldn't happen, I would never destroy a marriage, I care about you guys, all of you, you guys feel like family to me,” Kevin said.
“Because you are family, man, I know you wouldn't cross the line, Hayley told me that I was too trusting but it's because I knew you wouldn't cross the boundary,” Luke said.
“Yeah, me and Eric always considered you a brother, ever since we first met you when we went to visit her, you made a great first impression,” Austin said.
“And I'm glad you didn't chase him off,” Karly said.
“I wish we chased Jason off,” Austin said.
“No kidding, why didn't you,” Karly said.
“He never gave us that bad feeling until the end,” Austin said.
“Well I wish you did run him off earlier, I never would have gotten beaten or cheated on,” Karly said.
“Yeah we should have, you have had two great guys in your life, besides me and Eric of course, your husband and Kevin,” Austin said.
“Yeah, I'm a lucky girl to have four great guys in my life,” Karly said. Luke smiled and hugged her close.
“Karly, we almost forgot, Luke, Anna came to talk to us before she left, she's going away with her boyfriend next weekend so she and Danielle switched days, Anna is working Monday thru Wednesday and Danielle is working Thursday thru Saturday and Willow is working Sunday,” Kevin said.
“Okay, as long as the days are covered it's fine, Laura can't work seven days so how are you at cooking?” Luke asked.
“He taught me, babe,” Karly said.
“Kevin, you are in charge of food on the weekends, we can take turns with the meals, I know how to cook too thanks to my mom,” Luke said.
“Okay,” Kevin said.
“I hate being on bed rest!” Karly said.
“We know sis but it's for the sake of the baby which I can't wait to be an uncle, I'm going to spoil that little one,” Austin said.
“I'm going to spoil yours first and see how you like it,” Karly said.
“Then I will spoil yours for revenge,” Austin said.
“We will double spoil yours then,” Luke said.
“Quadruple spoil your kid,” Kevin said.
“Quadruple?” Austin asked.
“Karly, me, Kevin, Eric,” Luke said.
“Okay, I won't spoil yours if you don't spoil mine,” Austin said.
“Fine we will leave it up to the grandparents,” Karly said.
“Before we forget, we want to ask you two if you both would like to be our baby's godparents,” Abby said. Luke and Karly looked at each other.
“We thought you would ask Eric and Hayley,” Karly said.
“We talked about it and we want you and Luke to be godparents to this baby and they can be for the next baby we have,” Abby said.
“And if something happens to Hayley....” Karly asked.
“She will beat this tumor,” Abby said.
“She has to, for the family,” Austin said.
“Okay, so we are honored to be the baby's godparents,” Luke said.
“Who did you guys decide?” Austin asked.
“Kevin as godfather and Hayley as godmother,” Karly said.
“But the next one will have you two as godparents,” Luke said.
“That's a deal!” Austin said. Luke's phone rang. He left the room to answer it. He came back and looked at them.

CHAPTER 114

“Babe, what is it?” Karly asked.
“That was Mom, she said Dad will get to come home tomorrow and Hayley has her first chemo tomorrow but there is a problem,” Luke said.
“What's wrong?” Austin asked.
“She's pregnant,” Luke said.
“Oh no,” Abby said.
“That means if she does chemo, it will cause her to miscarry,” Karly said.
“They want her to terminate the pregnancy so they can fight the tumor,” Luke said.
“And she doesn't want to,” Austin said.
“No, I'm going to head to the hospital,” Luke said.
“I love you,” Karly said.
“I love you too baby,” Luke said. He kissed her and went out the door.
“Austin, you guys go be there for Eric,” Karly said.
“Yeah man he might need you,” Kevin said.
“He needs his family and I can't be there for him, so he needs you,” Karly said.
“You will be okay?” Austin asked.
“Of course, I'm stuck in this bed and I've got this guy being my servant,” Karly said.
“Hey!” Kevin said.
“Pretty much are since I can't get up to do much,” Karly said.
“Yeah how do you go to the bathroom?” Austin asked.
“I get up and go,” Karly said.
“More like me or Luke carry her in there and leave to let her do her thing and carry her back to bed when she's done,” Kevin said.
“So, you don't see her undressed or anything,” Austin said.
“No, he doesn't, get to the hospital to be with our brother,” Karly said.
“I'm going, bye guys,” Austin said.
“Tell Eric I love him,” Karly said.
“We will,” Abby said. They left and Kevin sat next to her on the bed.
“I hate this, I want to be there for Eric, but I'm stuck here,” Karly said.
“He will understand,” Kevin said.
“I hope so,” Karly said.
“Do you want anything to drink or eat?” Kevin asked.
“Water and some crackers,” Karly said.
“Coming right up,” Kevin said. He went downstairs and got her water and crackers and brought them back up. She ate.
“Kev?” Karly asked.
“Yeah K,” Kevin said.
“I want to go to the hospital to be with Eric,” Karly said.
“Karly, you are supposed to be on bed rest,” Kevin said.
“I know but I will be at the hospital if anything should happen, but I want to be there for my brother, I hate being here and everyone else at the hospital,” Karly said.
“Karly, Luke will be pissed if I bring you to the hospital when you are supposed to be in bed,” Kevin said.
“I will deal with him,” Karly said.
“Karly, no I will not be a part of this,” Kevin said.
“I will take the blame,” Karly said.
“Karly no,” Kevin said.
“Kevin yes please,” Karly said.