And he said take my hand,
Live while you can
Don’t you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand
In the palm of your hand

August 1, 2006

Martha’s Vineyard: Vacation House

Robin looked up at the two-story Cape Cod home that stood before her. Situated just off the beach, it was an absolutely breathtaking view and she decided that there would be more weekends away in her future. They’d left the reception early to make the two hour drive to the Vineyard and would be staying until the following Sunday night. “You guys used to stay here?”

“Yeah…” Patrick set their bags on the porch and came back down the steps to join her on the walk. “Dad sold the house on Long Island where I grew up but Mom actually left this place to me.” He jingled the keys a little and looked at the house with a melancholy expression. “Her parents bought it for them as wedding gift.”

“And to think all my parents gave you was a copy of your official WSB background check,” Robin joked. She wrapped her arms around his forearm and leaned her head against his shoulder. “It’s beautiful, Patrick, I’m glad you decided to open it back up.”

“Well, I know it’s not Hawaii but I didn’t think you’d want to be too far from your doctors.” Patrick turned and surprised her by lifting her into his arms. “Might as well start this marriage off right.”

“Besides, in a few more months, you won’t be able to lift me at all,” Robin giggled, curling her arms around his neck. He carried her effortlessly up the stairs and through the open door.

Inside, the house looked much as it did the last time Patrick had been here on vacation with his parents shortly before his mother had been diagnosed with the tumor that had eventually taken her life.

Robin watched his eyes fill with sadness and she bit her lip. “We can go to a hotel,” she offered softly. “Maybe go to the city instead and see a show–”

“No…” Patrick shook his head and gently slid Robin down his body until her feet hit the floor. “No, I just haven’t been back since before my mom got sick. The last time we were here, we were still a family.”

“You’re a family now,” Robin reminded him. “You and Noah, you’re a family again and I’m sure that would have made her happy.”

“She would have hated how we spent the last decade,” Patrick admitted. “With my dad trashing his career and me…” He met her eyes. “What would have really made her happy is the fact that I’m married, that I found someone to spend my life with that she would have loved too.”

Robin blushed and looked away from his intense stare. The more he said things like that, the more he acted the way he had this afternoon with that board member, the more Robin began to believe that he might actually love her. That he wasn’t telling himself that he did so that he could believe it, but that it was true. She reached up and toyed with one of the buttons on his shirt. “So…this honeymoon…does it include food?” she asked, changing the subject.

“We stopped on the highway so you could eat, you can’t possibly be hungry again,” Patrick remarked. But he took her hand and led her towards the back of the house and the kitchen. “Actually….I had little late night snack planned before we…” he turned back and wrapped his arms around her waist, “began our vacation.”

“Mm-hmm…and when you say began,” Robin said with a grin, “just what did you have in mind, Dr. Drake?”

Patrick’s grin mirrored hers and his dimple winked at her in the moonlight that filtered through the windows. “Well, Mrs. Dr. Drake–”

“Scorpio-Drake,” Robin corrected good-naturedly.

“Mrs. Dr. Scorpio-Drake,” Patrick repeated with his face set in a serious expression, “I thought we could start here…” he pressed her mouth to the skin just underneath the curve of her jaw. “And see where we end up.”

Her eyes fluttered shut and her lips curved into a wicked smile. “Or we could just go upstairs.” She opened her eyes to see his somewhat surprised look. “Patrick, let me explain something to you about pregnancy.” She gripped the fabric of his shirt and pulled him closer. “There is a stage where all I’m going to want to do is tear off your clothes and have my way with you as often as possible.”

“I’ve heard of this stage,” he remarked soberly. “And let me just tell you that I will do whatever I can to support you in your time of need. When will this be occurring so I can circle it in red on my calendar?”

“Oh…” Robin undid the first few buttons on his shirt. “It started about a week ago.”

Vineyard House: Bedroom

Several hours later, Robin curled up into Patrick’s side. “I’m having the strongest craving,” she said conversationally as if seconds ago she hadn’t been panting and demanding that he move faster and harder.

Patrick blinked and looked at her oddly. “You have the capability for rational speech at a moment like this?”

“Mmm-hmmm…do we have peanut butter and chocolate downstairs?” Robin asked, her wide brown eyes looking up at him.

“I don’t think you’re asking out of academic curiosity.” Patrick leaned back against the pillow and closed his eyes. She couldn’t expect him to move right now could she? “I don’t remember if we do.”

“If you go check…” Robin’s fingertips traced a pattern on his bare stomach, “I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Well…” Patrick grinned into the darkness of the room. “The sacrifices a man makes for his kid.” He kissed her, and then untangled himself from her body before searching for his boxers.

“We might have left them on the steps,” Robin said with a grin. “Or I could have flung them over the banister. It’s a toss-up, really.”

“And I left our bags on the porch,” Patrick muttered. He finally settled for a towel that he wrapped around his waist and started downstairs.

He found his boxers underneath a plant in the hallway which was somewhat mystifying. Patrick didn’t even remember being in this area. Robin had some arm on her. He slipped them on and retrieved their forgotten luggage from the porch. He set it in the foyer and started to walk through the living to check on Robin’s peanut butter and chocolate.

A gift wrapped box on the coffee table distracted him and Patrick frowned, wondering where it had come from. The wedding presents were actually waiting for them back at Robin’s apartment.

He reached for the card and instead found a letter with his name scrawled across it in Noah’s familiar handwriting. Patrick shook the letter free.

Patrick,

When your mother found out that her tumor was inoperable, she was more devastated than she let on. Not because she was dying, but because she would leave you when you were just becoming a man and still finding your place in life. She was worried that you wouldn’t know what to do in certain situations and that you would suffer from the lack of a mother at certain points in your life.

She filmed all of these prior to the operation and it was my instruction to give these to you in the event she passed away. Just one more way that I failed her. I had forgotten them in the intervening years and came across them when I opened the house for you and Robin this week. I thought it would be a fitting wedding present for you.

I’m proud you, Patrick. A father couldn’t ask for a better son.

The letter was unsigned and Patrick set it aside. He withdrew the first video tape and smiled at the label. “For Patrick, on his graduation from college,” he murmured out loud. There were dozens of the tapes and Patrick wondered how she’d managed to keep the filming of them a secret.

They ranged from events like his graduation from medical school to inane moments such as his first day as an intern. His mother had thought of every occasion and every possibility. Which didn’t surprise him.

There were three videos grouped together with a rubber band and a post-it from Noah. I thought you’d want to watch these first since they’re the most relevant.

“For Patrick when he falls in love,” he murmured. “For Patrick on his wedding day.” His throat closed and he couldn’t even say the third out loud. For Patrick, when he finds out he’s going to be a father.

“Patrick?” Robin’s voice floated from the steps. “Did you…” she emerged from the shadows at the foot of the stairs, wearing Patrick’s shirt that she’d scrounged from the upstairs hallway. How she’d managed to get his boxers off before the shirt she wasn’t sure. She paused, seeing him seated on the couch a stack of tapes at his side. “What you’d find?”

He turned and held out a hand to her. She took it and curled up at his side, reaching for one of the discarded tapes. “For Patrick, when he takes the MCATS,” she read. Her dark eyes found his in the dark room, illuminated only by the soft lamp to Patrick’s right. “From your mother.”

“My father found them when he opened the house back up. All the stuff from our old house was stored here when he sold it and I guess these got lost in the shuffle.” He bit his lip. “He thought they’d be a good wedding gift.”

“Do you want to watch one?” she asked. He didn’t answer. Instead, he stood and crossed to the cabinet where the television and VCR were set up. He turned the TV on, slipped the tape in and retrieved the remote control. Patrick returned to the couch and put an arm around Robin before pressing play.

The screen flickered for a moment before a delicate blonde woman appeared on the screen, seated on a sofa in a sunny room. Her smile was bright and cheerful but her eyes were a little glossy, as though she’d been crying. She had a dimple in her right cheek and Robin could see Patrick in her face. “She’s beautiful,” she murmured. Patrick pressed pause and Mattie Drake’s image froze on the screen.

“I thought she was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen,” Patrick admitted. “I told her when I was six that I wanted to grow up and marry someone who looked just like her.”

“What’d she say to that?” Robin asked, thoroughly charmed.

He met her eyes. “She told me not to worry about the outside so much. It wasn’t really that important but she hoped someday I’d meet someone beautiful inside and out.” He looked away for a moment. “I didn’t really understand what that meant for a really long time but I get it now.”

Uncomfortable but pleased all at the same time, Robin reached across him and pressed play.

“Well, if you’re watching this, Patrick, then I assume you’re married,” Mattie Drake began. “And if your new wife is watching this with you…” she gave a little wave. “Hey, there, sweetheart. Welcome to the family. I wish…” Mattie seemed to struggle for a moment to find her composure. “I’m sorry that we’re not going to get a chance to meet, honey. I know my son, though and I know you must be wonderful. I wonder sometimes what kind of woman Patrick is going to marry. He tells me that there are too many girls to just be with one and if he ever settles down it won’t be until he’s too old to hit the singles bars.” Mattie laughed. “My boy thinks he’s charming.”

“Oh, I like her,” Robin smirked.

“But I know my Patrick and I know how much he’s like his father. And I want to tell you, my son’s wife, that when he gets that look on his face–and I’m sure you know which one I mean–that intractable, I’m right, you’re wrong, get over it smug look–” Mattie grinned. “The best way to distract him and make your point…” she paused. “Patrick, darling, leave the room for a moment so I can tell your wife all my secrets.”

“Yeah, she’s kidding,” Patrick remarked. He pressed pause for a moment. “Because there’s a bundle of tapes for you.”

“For…?” Robin hesitated. “Are you serious?”

He retrieved a few tapes he’d set aside. “For Patrick’s Wife, when she has her first child. For Patrick’s Wife, on her wedding day. And one you’re never going to watch…For Patrick’s Wife, all the embarrassing stories and highlights from your husband’s childhood.”

Robin giggled and took the trio of tapes. “I definitely like her now.” She tucked the tapes away. “Let’s watch the rest of yours.”

Patrick nodded and pressed play.

“I’m kidding,” Mattie said with a smile. “I’ve already made a new tape for my daughter to watch and I’d like to make more. She’s going to need a manual to handle you, my boy, and there’s no reason she should have to learn as she goes like I did.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “Marriage is wonderful, Patrick. It was the best decision I ever made and I just know that you’ve picked a wonderful girl. I expect no less from you, of course. She’s going to be strong enough to handle your innate arrogance and gentle enough to love you the way I hope she loves you.”

Mattie smiled again and there was a look of mischief in her eyes. “The first time I met your father, we were both on separate dates. We met at the bar and he hit on me seconds after spilling his drink on my new blouse.”

“I did not,” Noah’s voice came from behind the camera. “It was a full minute, Madelyn–”

“It was seconds–” Mattie corrected. “I was repulsed, naturally and went back to my date. Your father, never one for subtlety, sent a bottle of champagne to the table and when I gave it back, he told me that he always got what he wanted and he’d decided he wanted me.”

“Oh…it is so clear where you got your cheesy pick ups,” Robin laughed. She swatted Patrick’s shoulder. “Although I will say you were slightly better.”

“I refused him for two months straight,” Mattie continued.

“It was six weeks,” Noah said exasperated.

“But he won me over finally and I’ve never told him why I said yes. But I’ll tell him now because I want to tell you. Your father is one of the most gifted surgeons I’ve ever seen and I can say with some confidence because I was a nurse and I know my doctors. He was gifted but even the most gifted surgeons lose a patient and I saw your father’s face when he had to explain to a little girl that her father was never coming back.” Mattie hesitated and her eyes drifted higher, meeting Noah’s presumably. “It was that moment that I saw Noah Drake for who he was and I saw the man beneath the smug confidence. The next time he asked, I said yes and I’ve never regretted it for an instant.”

“I want you to live like that, Patrick and today is the first day of a wonderful journey but you have to be open to it. It takes two people to make a marriage work. So here is what I’ve learned in the years I’ve been married.” Mattie held up one finger. “One, never go to bed angry. Two, when your wife is pregnant, just smile and nod. She’s always right when she’s pregnant. Three, treat each other with love and respect and support each other even when you don’t agree. Four, don’t be afraid to say what you’re feeling. Express yourself and be honest with each other.”

“I wish you all the love and the joy in the world, Patrick and to you, too, my new daughter. I wish that I knew your name but…” Mattie shrugged. “Maybe I have a miracle and I’m sitting next to you and we’re laughing about my paranoia.” 

Robin felt Patrick’s muscles tense and she pressed her forehead into his shoulder but said nothing.

“But if not and you’re watching this after I’m gone…I love you, Patrick. There is nothing that could ever change that. I know that I will always be proud of you and all that you do. Be safe, be happy and above all else, love each other.” 

The tape flickered to static and Patrick pressed stop. He took a long, shaky breath. “So…out of curiosity…”

“Hmm?” Robin raised her eyes to meet his.

“When did you decide I wasn’t a useless idiot?” Patrick inquired.

“When you blackmailed me into our first date,” Robin replied. She laced their fingers together and stared at her new gold wedding band. “The way you spoke about your mother, and how your father handled it…it was the first time I thought I could understand you.” She bit her lip. “To tell you truth, when you spoke about her, I wanted to hug you. To do something to take away the pain I know you still feel.”

“I don’t think anything’s going to take away that pain,” Patrick said after a moment. “But I know more than ever that my mother would have liked you and it helps.” He brushed his lips over her forehead. “It helps that she would have been proud of me because I’m not sure that she would have been before I moved to Port Charles.”

Robin nodded and was silent for a moment. Finally…”I’ve been thinking about names for our daughter,” she said. “And I think the one that I like the most is Madelyn Devane Drake.”

“And what if we have a boy?” Patrick asked with a smile.

“In the unlikely event that I am wrong,” Robin remarked, “and if you remember what your mother said, that’s not a possibility, but if I am…I was thinking Malcolm. For my uncle.”

“Malcolm Scorpio Drake,” Patrick agreed. “I think it has a nice ring to it. We’ll have to keep it in mind in case Madelyn makes her appearance first.”

“Oh…you want to have more kids?” Robin teased.

“I’m undecided but I don’t think I want just one. It’s lonely being an only child, don’t you think?” Patrick asked pointedly.

“I suppose.” Robin leaned up and kissed him softly. “Do you want to watch another?”

“Actually…” Patrick slowly unbuttoned the top button on Robin’s shirt. “I think I’d like to get back to our previous activity.”

She grinned. “Well…if you insist…”

Just a dream, just an ordinary dream
As I wake in bed
And the boy, that ordinary boy
Or was it all in my head?
Did he ask if I would come along
It all seemed so real.
But as I looked to the door
I saw that boy standing there with a deal.

August 3, 2006

Martha’s Vineyard: Beach

“Something’s been bothering me.”

Robin glanced up from the sand castle she was carving and smirked. “The fact that I am whooping your ass at this contest?” she teased, digging out a trench for the moat.

“Very funny…” Patrick lobbed a pile of sand her way, careful not to aim for her face. It had taken almost an hour to convince Robin to come down to the waterfront that morning since she had tried on all the swimsuits she’d brought with her and realized that after four months, she was finally beginning to show. Just the slightest and, in his opinion, cutest bump but Robin wouldn’t hear of exiting the house in anything less than a full set of clothing.

He’d tossed her one of his t-shirts that hung down to her knees practically and hid her figure. After all that, she’d started to have fun and had suggested the sand castle contest. It was nice to see her grinning like a little kid and looking happy.

“No, I’ve been thinking about Elsie Horowitz. Something she said at the wedding struck me as odd–more than the rest of it.”

Robin sighed. “Can’t we just forget the whole awful thing? It’s the one thing that mars an otherwise perfect day.”

“Just answer me this one question and I promise, we’ll forget all about it,” Patrick pledged. He frowned at his sadly crumbling tower on his castle. Clearly, it had been too long since he’d attempted one of these.

“Fine,” Robin huffed.

“When she came up to me, I was standing with Elizabeth and Elsie insinuated that it was odd that Elizabeth was there and that it was vulgar that she’d accepted the offer to be a bridesmaid at all,” Patrick remarked. “I thought that was strange since everyone knows you and Liz are best friends.”

Robin’s lips thinned and she shook her head. “Nope, I’m not answering that.”

Patrick frowned. “Why would you not answer that? It can’t have–” he narrowed his eyes. “What does it have to do with you? The only reason you wouldn’t tell me is if you’d think I’d go do something you’d think was stupid and the only times that’s happened recently–”

“You are such a pain.” Robin tossed her shovel aside. “I guess it’s probably better if you know. There are some…things being said about the fact you’re letting Liz stay at the condo, rent-free.”

Patrick scowled. “I haven’t heard anything–”

“Well, after the way you threatened Kelly Lee, no one’s going to say anything within a hundred feet of you.” Robin dug her toes into the damp sand. “Look, if you want the truth, it goes back to when we broke up in the spring. The only other woman you were around was Liz and there was just the barest bit of gossip that there might be something going on there. And then when she left Lucky, the rumors were a little stronger. And now that it’s common knowledge that she was going to move into the condo after the wedding, a lot of the staff think…” she sighed impatiently. “They think you’re having an affair with her and you’re setting her up so it’ll continue after the wedding.”

“We work with some of the stupidest people in the universe,” Patrick muttered. “An affair with Liz–of all people. She’s like…a sister to me. I haven’t even hit on her since she whacked me upside the head with that chart after Christmas.”

“Well, I know that,” Robin rolled her eyes. “And everyone who’s actually friends with us knows that but it’s going to take people some time to accept the truth.”

“And what truth is that?” Patrick asked curiously. “That I understand the definition of fidelity?”

“Well, yes but what I meant was that the female employees seem to have trouble with the idea that sexy Dr. Patrick Drake would willingly commit himself to marriage, no matter who the woman.” Robin grinned impishly. “I think they’re a little angry with me for taking you off the market.”

Patrick scoffed. “If they only knew I almost had to wrestle you to the ground and shove the ring on your finger.” He abandoned his sad excuse for a castle and pulled Robin into his arms. “They’ll just have to get used to the idea that I’m no longer a single man.” He pursed his lips. “It may take some time and intensive therapy–”

Robin swatted him. “Patrick, honestly, the gossip doesn’t bother me. I trust Elizabeth and more importantly, I trust you. And Liz couldn’t give a damn about it either. So really, you don’t have to worry about me.”

“It’s now my job to worry about you,” Patrick said. “And in return, you have free reign to run my life.” He frowned. “Not that my lack of permission ever stopped you before.”

“Oh…I was merely giving you advice, not running your life.” Robin rolled her eyes, tilting her face up to kiss him lightly. “I really am having a wonderful time. The only thing that would make this better…”

“Why, Mrs. Dr. Scorpio-Drake,” Patrick teased, “you are insatiable.”

“Well, I wouldn’t mind that,” Robin that, “but I was referring to….pickles.”

“Pickles,” Patrick repeated. He wrinkled his nose. “This is another craving isn’t it?”

“And while you’re out,” Robin continued, ignoring her new husband’s amused tone, “you can pick up the chocolate and peanut butter that I was promised and did not receive.”

“I didn’t realize that I had volunteered to go,” Patrick replied. “Why can’t you go?”

Robin twisted around his lap and wounded her arms around his neck. “I’m feeling a little sleepy,” she almost purred. “I thought I’d wait for you…in bed.”

In other words, he would be rewarded for his sacrifices with more sex with his wife. Patrick quickly started gathering the various items they’d brought to beach. He didn’t need to be asked twice.

Martha’s Vineyard: Grocery Store

Fifteen minutes later, Patrick stood in front of row of pickle jars and contemplated which one suited Robin better. She hadn’t been specific and he hadn’t realized how many types and even if he could pick from the type, which cut did she want? He cast a look into the shopping cart where he had thirteen different types of peanut butter and eight different bags of chocolate.

With a sigh mixed with exasperation and amusement, he started to load his cart with all the different types of pickles.

“Is that Patrick Drake I spy?” a familiar voice called from behind him. He set a jar of dill sliced pickles in the cart and turned to see a pretty blonde standing behind him, with a wide grin that had earned her a Best Smile spot in their senior high school yearbook.

“Now I know that’s not Cecily Hawthorne,” Patrick shook his head. “You’re way too old to be Cecily.”

The woman took a magazine from her cart and whacked him over the head with it. “Jerk!”

Patrick clutched his head and feigned pain. “Well, not as bad as the calculus book you cracked over my head but…”

Cecily laughed and hugged him tightly. “I haven’t seen you here at the vineyard since…” she drew back and smiled awkwardly. “Well…it’s been a while.”

“Since my mom died,” Patrick confirmed. “I didn’t think anyone still came here–”

“Oh, well my parents gave me the house when I got married,” Cecily flashed her hand and he saw the glint of her wedding band. “They moved to Arizona.”

“You actually suckered someone into marrying you?” Patrick teased. “How drunk was he?”

She arched a brow and took his hand in hers, examining the gold band on his own finger. “No more drunk than your wife.” She grinned. “I married Parker, of course. Who else?” Cecily started digging in her purse. “I have pictures of the kids–”

“You and Park procreated?” Patrick winced. “God help us.”

Cecily scowled. “Your charm has clearly deserted you. How did you ever sucker a woman into marrying you? And while we’re on the subject…” She tapped her chin. “What did make the great Patrick Drake take the plunge? If I remember correctly, you told Park that it would have to take some kind of miracle or a gun to your head.”

“I was fifteen,” Patrick replied, defensively. He sobered. “I’m glad I ran into you, Cece. It’s been a while since I saw anyone that I actually gave a damn about.”

“Well, I’m glad to see you, too.” She squeezed his arm. “Now, tell me about Mrs. Drake.”

“That would be Mrs. Dr. Scorpio-Drake,” Patrick corrected, dryly. “And she’d be the first to tell you that. She’s a researcher at the hospital where I’m working in upstate New York.”

“Another doctor…” Cecily clucked her tongue. “Never would have imagined that. I was sure you’d go for the simpering housewife who fawns all over you. She must be some girl. How long have you been married?”

“Three days,” he admitted. “I should have invited you and Park, Cece–”

She waved that away. “I didn’t invite you to ours. Of course, the way you stormed out of the vineyard that last summer, no one thought we’d see you here again. Three days? Newlyweds?” she sighed dreamily. “That’s the best time, the happy time before the screaming kids.” Cecily smiled when she said that, and the love she had for her children was clearly written on her face. Patrick wondered if he’d look like that in a few years.

“Well, we’ll only have a few months,” Patrick remarked, “Robin’s due in January.”

Cecily’s eyes widened and she smacked him in the arm. “Get out! You’re not only married but you’re going to be a daddy?” She squealed again and hugged him more tightly this time. “I knew it! I knew you’d fall hard one day!” She drew back. “We have to go out for lunch, all four of us. It would be great to catch up and I know that Park will want to meet your Robin as much as I do.”

“I’ll check with Robin but I’m sure she’d jump at the chance to hear all the humiliating stories you and Park won’t be able to hold in,” he remarked wryly.

“Well, that’s our duty as your childhood best friends,” Cecily grinned. She glanced in the cart and laughed. “Pregnancy cravings. Park did the same thing when I was pregnant with Marian–she’s our oldest. I told him I wanted potato chips and he was at the store and panicked so he brought home forty different kinds.” She reached up and kissed his cheek, not even bothering to hide the glossy sheen of tears in her eyes. “I am so thrilled that you’re back, Pat. And that you look so happy and that you’re married and are going to be a daddy–I’m so relieved.” She sniffled.

“Cece…” Patrick shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry I didn’t keep in touch–”

“No, you were going through a rough time and it’s our fault as much as it is yours. But it’s not too late. Listen…” she grabbed his hand and took a pen from her purse, scrawling her phone number across his palm. “You talk to Robin and let me know when you want to get together. And if you don’t call in two days, I will just drop by,” she threatened. “Park is never going to believe this.”

And as he spoke, he spoke ordinary words
Although they did not feel
For I felt what I had not felt before
You’d swear those words could heal.
And as I looked up into those eyes
His vision borrows mine.
And I know he’s no stranger,
For I feel I’ve held him for all of time

August 3, 2006

Vacation House: Living Room

Patrick entered the house, two large brown paper bags in his arms and frowned when he saw Robin in the kitchen. “You’re supposed to be in bed,” he remarked, striding into the kitchen and placing his bags on the table.

Robin looked up from the pint of ice cream she was polishing off and flushed. “I was. But then I got hungry.” She licked the spoon. “Mmm…pistachio.” She eyed the bags. “What in the world did you get?”

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Patrick started to unpack the bags. He’d ended up with ten different kinds of pickles, eight bags of chocolate and thirteen jars of peanut butter. “You weren’t specific.”

“That is so adorable,” Robin remarked, amused. Her eyes caught something on his hand and she reached for it. Belatedly, Patrick remembered that Cece had scrawled her name on his palm and tried to yank it from Robin’s gasp.

“It’s not what you think,” he said, a little panicked. “I mean–yes, random women do still give me their numbers but that’s not what this is and–” he hesitated. “I would never call numbers like that–even when I was single–”

Robin rolled her eyes. “Patrick,” she interrupted. “Look at my face. Am I mad?”

He broke off his rambling explanation and eyed her carefully. “No, but you’re pretty good at hiding it actually.”

“Patrick. I was only asking what it was.” She studied the scrawl. “It is a woman though, the handwriting is too neat.”

“Yes but–” Patrick narrowed his eyes. “You’re really not mad. You don’t even think I picked a woman up at the grocery store.”

“The store you were at because I asked to you go and from which you came home from with a lifetime supply of pickles,” Robin said wryly.

He sat at the table and shook his head. “You went from not trusting me at all to having absolute faith in me,” he realized.

Robin pursed her lips. “I guess so. Once I realized that you had never given me a reason not to trust you and that it was only my own issues screwing that part up…it made it easier.” She reached for one of pickle jars and pried the top off. “So who did you run into at the store?”

“Ah…Cecily Hawthorne, a girl I grew up with back on Long Island. Her family has a house here and we all used to vacation here together, along with Parker Stewart’s family. We grew up on the same street together.”

“Oh, that’s nice. Did you have a chance to catch up?” Robin asked.

“Yeah, a little. She and Park got married, which isn’t entirely surprising since they never looked at anyone else but each other once we got to puberty and realized girls were different.” Patrick smirked. “Well, I already knew but it never occurred to me that Cece was a girl until Park got all moony over her.”

“You were ahead of your own time,” Robin said dryly. She changed her mind about the pickles and reached for one of the peanut butter jars.

“Anyway, she wants to meet you. So she gave me her number so that we could get together before we head back to Port Charles. Is that okay with you?”

“Sure,” Robin agreed. “A chance to meet someone who knew you before you were the charming idiot you are now?” She tapped her chin. “I wonder how many humiliating stories she’ll share.”

“Oh, she won’t be able to hold herself back,” Patrick replied, with an exaggerated sigh. “She’ll think it’s her duty as my friend to let you in all the most embarrassing moments of my first eighteen years.”

“Well, of course it is.” She dipped a piece of chocolate into the peanut butter and then tossed it in her mouth. “My luck is that the only people who could tell you about my embarrassing moments…” she hesitated. “Well, Stone and AJ are gone and Jason doesn’t remember them. Brenda has too much loyalty and Lois lives in New York. Also, Sonny doesn’t like you.” The slight melancholy after mentioning Stone passed and she reached for more chocolate.

“I’ll drag them out of Brenda,” Patrick decided. “Now…for my reward for being such a good husband…”

August 4, 2006

Vineyard: Parker and Cecily Stewart’s House

Robin tugged at her shirt. “I’m fat,” she mumbled. “I don’t think I’m in any position to be meeting new people.” She turned and started off the porch but Patrick grabbed her elbow and directed her back.

“Not so fast, Sunshine.”

Before Robin could make another attempt, the door swung open and a bubbly vivacious blonde flew out to wrap Patrick in a bear hug. “I couldn’t wait any longer for you to open the door.”

She drew back and fixed a bright smile on Robin. “I’m Cecily Stewart, but you can call me Cece.” She ignored Robin’s offered hand and hugged her. “I hope you don’t mind, but I figure any woman brave enough to take Pat here on is a friend of mine.”

Robin laughed and patted Cecily’s back before drawing back. “They’re thinking about erecting a statue of me in the locker room.”

Cecily eyed Robin’s ring and recognized it, throwing Patrick another grin. “Well, if that isn’t the most gorgeous rock–let me congratulate you because according to Pat, y’all are newlyweds.”

Robin opened her mouth to respond but Cecily barreled right over and took Robin’s hand. “Listen to me, where are my manners? Come in, come in!”

Once she had the duo in the foyer, Cecily gave Patrick a nudge toward the back of the house. “Park’s out in the backyard, fiddling with the grill. Why don’t you go pretend you know what you’re doing and let me hassle your new wife for a while?”

Patrick laughed and kissed Robin’s cheek before disappearing out onto the patio. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Robin trailed behind Cecily as the blonde moved towards the kitchen and resumed cutting up fruit that sat out on the counter. “I’m sorry if I seem a little–”

“No, it’s okay,” Robin cut in. “Now I know how Patrick felt when my best friend Brenda was planning the wedding.” She leaned against the counter and laughed at the memory. “She’s somewhat–” she paused, searching for the best term. “Detail oriented,” she settled for. “She had folders and folders of things she wanted him to make decisions about and he really could have cared less.”

Cecily snorted. “Sounds like our junior prom. I don’t know about your high school, but where I come from, you start planning in January. The dresses, the limo–we did practice runs and booked our rooms at the shore early. Patrick, of course, didn’t realize he’d have to secure a date in January in order to pay for the limo, so he just paid for it by himself. And then when he finally started to look for a date, all the most popular ones had given up on him and he kind of had to think outside the box.” Cecily smiled at the memory. “So he picked the shyest freshman girl he could find, gave her a dozen roses and asked her. It was really very sweet of him, even if it was because he was a slacker.”

“Well, he can certainly be sweet–when he wants to be,” Robin said dryly. She smiled. “It’s nice hearing stories from before–” she shrugged and looked away.

“Before Mattie died,” Cecily nodded. She turned and fixed a sad smile on the other woman. “You would have thought the sun rose and set by her the way Patrick idolized her. Some guys go through a phase where they can’t stand their parents, they want to be away from them but–” she shook her head. “Pat wasn’t like that. Mattie and Noah were fabulous and they were like second parents to Park and me, especially after mine divorced.” She shrugged. “He smiled a lot back then–I mean, he still smiles now I guess but that first summer, after she died…”

She cleared her throat. “Noah closed this house up that same summer–she died right before we graduated from high school and I guess we all thought they’d come up for the summer like always but instead, Noah came up early without Patrick, got roaring drunk and burned all the pictures of Mattie that were in the house.” Cecily sighed. “Patrick showed up about a week later to find the house trashed, Noah drunk out of his mind and all the pictures of his mother gone. They had an awful fight and Patrick stormed out. That was the last time anyone saw him until yesterday, in the grocery store.” She moved forward and caught Robin’s hands in hers. “Thank you for bringing him back to me, to my husband. And thank you for giving him that smile–the one where his eyes lit up when he told me you were due in January.”

Robin flushed and pressed a hand to her abdomen. “It’s been a bumpy road,” she admitted. “But I think we’re going some place really wonderful. He’s going to be a wonderful father, I just know it.”

“How are things with his dad?” Cecily asked softly. “Did they ever patch it up?”

Robin laughed, a little shakily. “Noah was part of the bumpy road. I met him first, actually. In a bar in New York. He was one of the only neurosurgeons that could have performed a procedure on a friend of mine. But when Noah couldn’t do it–he was still drinking then–he recommended Patrick.” She briefly filled Cecily in on the events of Noah’s illness and the transplant–to which Cecily rolled her eyes and muttered something about stubborn idiots under her breath.

The sliding door to the patio opened and Patrick poked his head in. “Park wants to know if you intend on bringing the rest of the food today or sometime before we pass out from starvation.”

“Here,” Cecily thrust a plate of food at Robin. “Come meet my other half.”

September 1, 2006

General Hospital: Locker Room

“Do you have a second?”

Robin stilled in her motion of buttoning her shirt and turned to look at an apprehensive Kelly Lee. She smiled faintly. “You waited until Patrick left for the day.”

“Yeah…” Kelly shifted. “I owe you an explanation, Robin,” she said softly. “And I’m counting on your generosity to let me give it to you. You don’t have to forgive me, you don’t have to let me off the hook but I feel like I have to explain myself.”

Robin sighed, and started to sit down–which was starting to be more difficult than it used to be. In the month since the wedding, her little bump had grown and suddenly Robin found many things just a little harder–sitting, standing, lying down. And the finish line was still a distant spot on the horizon.

Kelly held out a hand and Robin gripped it gratefully. “Four months to go and I feel like a house,” Robin sighed. “Why is that?”

“You have a very petite frame,” Kelly remarked. “Any extra weight is going to feel like a ton.” She cleared her throat. “I should start by telling you that my mother died of AIDs.”

Robin’s head snapped up and her eyes filled with sorrow. “Kelly…I am so sorry–”

“She’s been gone for ten years,” Kelly continued, looking away. “I’ve mostly–I’ve mostly come to terms with it. She received it through a blood transfusion before they knew to test the blood. She lived with it for a full decade and well…you actually remind me a lot of her. Courage, grace–not letting it rule your life.”

Robin nodded. “Thank you, I guess.”

Kelly sat down and stared at the ground. “About five years before she died, in 1991, she became pregnant. And despite the doctor’s advice to terminate the pregnancy, she went through with it. I thought–I was sure it would be okay because something like that–” her eyes filled with tears. “Something like that could never happen twice.”

“Kelly…” Robin murmured.

“My brother was born with AIDs,” Kelly continued in a hushed voice. “And for a while, we thought he might still live a full life, like my mother. He was a really sweet boy. Always smiling, always laughing.” She wiped her eyes. “But his body couldn’t fight it and he died when he was four. My mother was devastated and she just…” she sighed. “She lost the will to go on. She died a year later and by the time I was nineteen years old, I was completely alone in the world.”

“Kelly…” Robin reached out and took her hand. “I am so unbelievably sorry for your loss–”

“In the years I’ve been practicing, you were my first patient with HIV, so I panicked.” Kelly swallowed. “I didn’t think I could–I really value you and Patrick, as friends. And I didn’t think I could sit and watch history repeat itself. Even though I know the odds are your baby will be completely healthy, that research has come a long way in the last fifteen years. But I’m sorry and I hope you can forgive me–”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Robin said softly. “I wake up every morning terrified that I’m going to pass this disease on to my child. But with the advances that have been made, it would have been wrong not to take the risk, take the chance.” Her lips curved into a smile. “This baby was conceived against the odds–a one night occurrence with all the protection in the world. I have to believe that it happened for a reason.”

“I really appreciate you being so nice about this–” Kelly started but the door flew open and Patrick strode in.

“Robin, you’d better be ready go–” he stopped at the sight of Kelly sitting next to his wife and took in the tears in her eyes. “What did you say to her?” he demanded.

“Whoa–” Robin started the laborious process of standing and without thinking about it, Patrick held out his hand to pull her to her feet. “Patrick, Kelly and I were just clearing the air–”

“I thought I told you to stay away,” Patrick began but Robin pinched his arm. “Ow!” he yelped. “What was that for?”

“It’s very sweet that you want to protect me from everything but please believe me when I say that Kelly wasn’t bothering me.”

“Then what she doing here?” Patrick demanded. “What could she possibly have to say–”

“I should just go,” Kelly said awkwardly. “Thank you again, Robin, for accepting my apology. Please–feel free to tell Patrick what I said. Though I don’t blame him for disliking me.”

“You’re damn right!” Patrick called after her as she scurried from the room. “Robin–”

“Patrick, you cannot attack first and ask questions three months later,” Robin rolled her eyes. “You jumped all over those poor nurses last week–”

“They were talking about Liz again and then they said that thing about you–” Patrick shook his head. “I’m not going to let people talk about you like that. You should just accept it.”

“Mmm-hmm, but you have to accept that this is a hospital. It’s life, death and gossip and everything we do is grist for the rumor mill, okay?” Robin gripped the lapels of his jacket and tugged his face down so she could kiss, unable to make it to the tips of her toes anymore. “Now, I thought we agreed that I was still allowed to drive myself home for at least another six weeks. What are you doing back here?”

“Are you going to tell me what Kelly Lee said to you?” Patrick demanded.

“Yes,” Robin said, glaring at him. “What are you doing back here?” she repeated.

“I got a call from the realtor on my way home.” Patrick reached into her locker and retrieved her jacket and purse. “She took me to see a house.”

Robin arched her eyebrows. “I thought we were waiting until after Maddie was born to discuss moving. The realtor was just supposed to get our requirements and wait for us to contact her.”

“Yes, but she found a place that fits all of our requirements but it might go fast so she wanted to give us first dibs.” Patrick bounced on his heels. “So I took a look at it and it’s perfect.”

“We can’t move now,” Robin said, torn between being horrified at the idea of packing up her entire life to move and wanting to bring her daughter home for the first time to her own room in her own house.

“No, we can’t,” Patrick said, “because if you think you’d be doing any of the actual moving, you’re insane. But I can take care of it–”

“You have a busy surgical schedule,” Robin pointed out. “You’ve got one scheduled every week until the baby is born–”

“How hard is it to move from an apartment to a house?” Patrick asked. “We don’t have a lot of furniture and most of our stuff is still in boxes because you never unpacked and I never got my things from storage, so really–this makes sense.”

Robin sighed. He looked excited about it and they had been planning on starting a search after the baby was born anyway. How much harm could it be to at least humor him and go see the house? Chances were it wouldn’t have everything she wanted and she’d be able to talk him out of it.

Twenty-five minutes later, standing in front of the house located at 213 Gardena Court, she fell in love for the fourth time in her life. A two story brick home with flowers decorating the front lawn, ivy crawling up the outside walls, a two car garage and driveway-not to mention the large backyard that she could glimpse even from the front walk.

And a little white picket fence enclosed the front lawn.

“The inside can’t possibly be this perfect,” she murmured. She eyed Patrick suspiciously. “It is, isn’t?”

Patrick nodded and then gestured towards the left. “The elementary school is two blocks in that direction and the hospital six blocks in the opposite direction and, of course–”

“Uncle Mac’s house is three blocks over,” Robin murmured. “How many bedrooms?”

“Three,” Patrick answered. He took her elbow and dangled the key in front of her. “Wanna go see?”

She sighed reluctantly–every woman wanted to spend their final trimester moving, after all. But she agreed and followed him inside, where her suspicions were proved to be correct. The inside was just as perfect. Three bedrooms, two full baths. A large kitchen and adjoining dining room, a front living room and a back room that could be used for anything. And the sparkling water of the lake was visible from the back deck.

“I can see why the realtor thought this place would go quick,” Robin mused. She hesitated. “It is perfect but I’m not sure if we really want to move right now–”

“Look, all we’d really need set up is our bedroom, a table in the kitchen, a couch, a television and of course, the nursery. We can do that in a day,” Patrick insisted. “Well, not we, but I’m sure your uncle and your father would pitch in. And your cousin’s husband. And Liz can probably rope her brother into it, if we need him. And just think–we could bring Maddie home to her own room, instead of a bassinet in our room. I could probably convince Liz to paint fairies or whatever you want on the walls.”

Robin bit her lip. When he put it that way, it did seem like a good idea and she really did want to be settled when Maddie came. “I guess you’d better call the realtor and put a bid in,” she finally said.

Kelly’s: Courtyard

Later, after securing a promise from the house’s owners to have first dibs (they were an elderly couple who were moving to Arizona to be closer to their grandchildren and of course, were suckers for the newlywed pregnant couple who wanted their house), Robin had a craving for Ruby’s chili, so she talked Patrick into taking her to Kelly’s. Not that Patrick required much persuading these days. She only had to make a vague comment about something she might want and it would appear within hours or days of her saying so.

She’d wanted a jar of chunky peanut butter in the middle of the night last week, and instead of pointing out they had the smooth kind in the kitchen like any other sane man, Patrick had put on his shoes and gone to an all night convenience store for her chunky peanut butter.

So, all Robin had to do was merely mention that she was interested in chili and Patrick had made a u-turn and headed for the diner.

Elizabeth and her brother Steven were having dinner there with her toddler, Cameron. She waved them over when they entered the courtyard. “We didn’t order yet, come join us.”

Once, they were all seated and ordered, Elizabeth glanced at Patrick hesitantly before asking, “So, Kelly Lee was looking for you earlier. Did she find you?”

Patrick scowled. “You knew Kelly was looking for Robin and didn’t inform me? Listen, Webber, we’re going to need to discuss the ground rules again–”

“Oh, put a sock in it.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I refused until Kelly told me what she was going to say to you and that changed everything.”

“Oh, so you know.” Robin nodded. “She did find me, thanks. And we worked everything out.” She briefly filled them in on Kelly’s past. “So, I can’t really blame her for a knee-jerk reaction.”

“It’s unfortunate,” Steven sighed. “The advances that have been made are incredible, but every once in a while, you’re reminded of where we’re coming from. I can’t imagine would it be like to go through something like that.”

“But Robin and Patrick don’t have to worry about it, right?” Elizabeth asked, her eyes dark with concern. “Your tests are all still normal, right?”

“My last round of tests show that my viral load is still at pre-pregnancy level,” Robin nodded. “So barring any complications, it should be okay.” She took a deep breath. “But there are no guarantees, Liz.”

“And I refuse to make them any promises,” Steven told his sister. “But we’re doing everything we can.”

“Good.” Elizabeth nodded and grinned. “Hey, just think–Cameron and Maddie could end up together one day.”

Robin laughed. “Oh, that would be great. I’ve been thinking about that lately–all the kids that are going to be in her generation. Molly Lansing and Skye’s having a baby–she’s due soon actually. And of course, Jax’s son, John. But it would be fabulous if Cam and Maddie–”

“Whoa, whoa, I think it’s a little early to be marrying my kid off,” Patrick remarked. “In fact, Maddie’s not going to be thinking about marriage until she’s at least thirty-five. Or boys for that matter.”

“I hear you,” Steven said sympathetically. “I don’t have any daughters but I know that they’re not getting within five feet of the opposite sex. It’s going to be all girl Swiss boarding schools.”

“You got any pamphlets?” Patrick asked, half-serious. Robin whacked his arm. “I’m just looking out for our daughter’s best interests, Robin.”

“Idiot,” she rolled her eyes. She turned her attention back to Elizabeth. “So, Patrick and I just put in a bid on a house–he talked me into it, but it’s really incredible.” She gave them a brief description of the house and Elizabeth clapped her hands to together in excitement.

“You have to let me paint the nursery,” she said. “I haven’t painted much since Cam was born and I miss it so much. Please, please let me paint it.”

“Oh, Patrick already volunteered you,” Robin informed her friend. “But, of course. How could I turn that down?”

“Fabulous,” Elizabeth sat back, satisfied with the turn of events. “I just have to get my brother married off and my matchmaking work is done for the year.” She turned a speculative gaze on her resigned brother. “Brunettes or redheads?”

Steven frowned. “Whatever happened to blo–” He stopped talking abruptly when Patrick shook his head.

“We don’t acknowledge that hair color in her presence anymore,” Patrick informed the other man. “As far as we’re concerned, it doesn’t exist.”

“Right,” Steven drawled. “Redheads, then. But I make my own choices, Bit, don’t think you can mess with me on this.”

“Hey, I am excellent at this,” Elizabeth sniffed. “I managed to get them back together, didn’t I?” she waved a hand at Robin and Patrick. “I mean, sure they’ll say they did it on their own–”

“No, I’ll admit that you saved me from a lot of irritation by pointing out the stuff I was saying to Robin that, you know, sucked,” Patrick told her. “I don’t know if I’d give you all the credit–”

“Well, I would,” Elizabeth nodded firmly. “I also was instrumental in Nikolas and Emily getting back together this time. I’m very good at pairing up other people.” She frowned. “I’m just not having the same success with myself. But I’m working on that too.”

Steven and Patrick both frowned at this. “What are you talking about?” Patrick demanded and Steven said, “I thought we talked about you not hanging out with Jason Morgan. He threatened to kill me once.”

“Me, too,” Patrick nodded. “What’d you do?”

“Tried to date Carly. You?”

“Hit on his fiancee.”

“Repeatedly,” Robin muttered, glaring at him.

Patrick held up his hand in mock protest. “Hey, that was before you started to give me the time of day. I had to pass the time somehow.”

“Anyway, I thought we talked about how I’m not eight and you don’t pick my friends,” Elizabeth said, picking up the thread of the earlier conversation. “And we’re just friends. He’s still hung up on Sam McCall.”

“Damn right,” Steven nodded. “No little sister of mine is going to date that…that.”

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. “I’ll have you know that I have been there and done that.”

“Me, too,” Robin nodded. “Twice, in fact.”

Steven shook his head, slightly disgusted. “There’s just no accounting for taste.” He met Patrick’s eyes over the table “Be glad you’re an only child. Sisters are more trouble than they’re worth.”

“So are brothers,” Elizabeth replied, whacking him in the arm.

December 2, 2006

General Hospital: Nursery

He’d pictured this moment a thousand times in his head over the last few months. Every time he’d had an ultrasound with Robin and seen his daughter on that little screen, he’d picture watching her through the glass and he had been sure it would be the happiest moment of his life.

When Robin told him she was pregnant only six months ago, he’d approached the situation with thoughts of obligations and responsibilities. He didn’t really want to be a father, couldn’t really picture it in his head. But he’d been raised to do the right thing and he’d convinced Robin to marry him–though that had been as much for him as it had been for her.

As her stomach grew and he felt his child kick, something inside Patrick began to change and he started to wonder about being a father and what their child would be like. He wondered what it was about the experience that made Robin smile so often or radiate happiness. She was born to be a mother and he knew she’d be a good one. But he still couldn’t really visualize himself as a father, especially as the father of a daughter–a terrifying idea.

But that had changed after an ultrasound in September. It was the first ultrasound in which the baby was more than just a blob on a screen. They’d been able to confirm she was, in fact, a girl and she’d turned her tiny face towards the monitor and Patrick had been able to see his daughter for the first time. And in that moment, watching his baby, watching Robin coo and sniffle over their child, he wondered why he could have ever thought he’d be able to survive without a family.

He had helped Elizabeth paint a fairy tale in the nursery and he’d passed over a challenging surgery to move the furniture in. He’d even sat through the surprise baby shower Brenda, Maxie and Georgie threw for Robin. And Noah caught him more than once reading books about childcare in the lounge. He began to dream about her–what she’d look like, what her personality would be like.

She’d have Robin’s eyes, he’d decided. And Robin’s hair. He really wanted that. And her mother’s height. But maybe she’d have his mouth and his chin. She’d have his long fingers and Robin’s grace. Maybe she’d take dance lessons like her mother or maybe she’d play sports. He could coach a softball team, Patrick decided. His father had coached his Little League team and it had been a great experience for them.

And she’d grow up to be smart–he and Robin would always encourage her to do well in school and to do the best she could. He liked to think she’d carry on the family tradition and go into medicine but he’d love her even if she did something else. If she wanted to be a chef, or a teacher or even a lawyer. She would be gracious and she would have Robin’s dignity, her courage but he wanted her to have his confidence and his self-assurance.

She was never going to date, he’d decided that. Or not until she was thirty at least. She wouldn’t want to leave home after high school and they would have to practically push her to leave them. She’d love them so much she’d come home nearly every weekend and they’d never go ten years without speaking.

And maybe she’d want a sibling or two and Patrick could picture him and Robin having more children and of course, before he realized what he was doing, he’d dreamed of an entire family, each with their own quirks and personalities.

The more he pictured Madelyn Devane Drake, the more impatient he was for Robin’s scheduled cesarean section on January 29. Though her viral load had remained the same throughout the pregnancy and she could have risked a normal delivery, she was still nervous and opted for the safest method.

He had pictured the day of Maddy’s birth for months and it would always include him at Robin’s side, taking all the insults she could throw at him while holding her hand and helping her through the pain. He couldn’t wait for Steven to hand him his daughter so that he could give her to Robin. And he wanted to be able to stand the window of the nursery and point out to anyone who might walk by that that was his daughter there.

But it hadn’t unfolded that way. Instead, Robin had gone into premature labor. He’d rushed her to the hospital with Brenda and Elizabeth’s help. They’d been finishing up the nursery–adding stuffed animals and other things he couldn’t remember. Her contractions had been close together and there had barely been time to contact everyone much less prep her for surgery.

She’d made it into surgery and Patrick had been at her side, holding her hand as Steven had made the first incision. His daughter had been born but he couldn’t hold her as Steven hustled her over to the attending nurse who set Maddy into an incubator and wheeled her out of the room. Disappointed, Patrick had turned to Robin just as the monitors around her began beeping.

And everything had happened so fast after that. The monitors had begun beeping shrilly and Robin’s eyes had slid closed. There was suddenly blood and then Patrick had been all but shoved out of the room.

It had been a terrifying twenty minutes before Steven had emerged from the delivery room to tell Robin’s family and friends that the new mother had begun hemorrhaging during delivery and they had to take her up to surgery to repair the damage. She’d lost a lot of blood and was very weak. And then they’d wheeled the gurney past them, Robin lying so small and pale.

And then she was gone.

And now he stood in front of the NICU where his newborn daughter layin an incubator. She wasn’t in any danger and would be moved to a regular bed in a week or two. But she’d been born eight weeks early and it was better to be safer than sorry.

He felt someone step up to him and knew it was Elizabeth as everyone else was back in the waiting room, pacing and biting their nails. Patrick thought Robin would rather he stay with Maddy.

“I never told her I loved her,” Patrick said roughly.

“She knows,” Elizabeth murmured.

“How?” Patrick cleared his throat and dragged his hand through hair, keeping his eyes glued to his daughter. “I never told her, never even really hinted at it except that one time before the wedding. How could she know?”

“Because sometimes you don’t need the words,” she replied. “Do you think Robin loves you?”

He licked his lips. “I know she does,” he answered after a long moment. “But she still deserves the words.” He glanced at her. “You like to hear the words, don’t you?”

“They’re nice,” Elizabeth allowed. She touched the glass and smiled softly at the new Drake baby. “And yes, sometimes you need the words. If Jason had told me he loved me four years ago, things might have turned out differently. But he didn’t and we both suffered through unhappy marriages before we found each other again but it’s not like that for you and Robin. It’s nice to hear the words and I enjoy hearing them but as long as you know they’re true, you don’t always need to say them.” She touched his arm. “Patrick, if the worst happens, she knows you love her.”

“That’s not allowed to happen,” Patrick said firmly. “I’m not raising our daughter without her. So she’s going to be fine.” He only wished he felt as sure as he sounded.

“Then you can tell her every day for the rest of your lives that you love her,” Elizabeth told him. She tipped her head towards the glass. “She’s beautiful.”

“I didn’t get to hold her,” he said quietly. “For months, that’s all I pictured. Steven would hand her to me, and I would get to hold her. But instead, she’s in an incubator. And Robin hasn’t even seen her. How is that fair?”

“Give me one second,” Elizabeth said, holding up her index finger. She went to the doorway and called over the on duty nurse. After a brief discussion, during which Elizabeth went into the room, she reappeared with a set of protective yellow scrubs. “Put these on.”

In less than five minutes, the nurse had helped settle Maddy into his arms and directed him towards a nearby rocking chair. “You can have about ten minutes and then she has to be back,” the nurse cautioned him before giving him some privacy.

She was tinier than he’d pictured her but still as beautiful as he thought she’d be. She had a tiny thatch of dark hair that was close to his shade but he thought it might lighten to Robin’s hair. Her tiny hands were curled into fists and her eyes were closed. “So I’m your dad,” he said hesitantly.

Maddy didn’t show any signs of hearing him but he went on anyway. “Your mom and me, we’ve been waiting for you for a really long time. I’m sorry you haven’t met her yet, but you’re going to love her. Everyone does.”

“Ah,” he paused and cleared his throat, “I apologize in advance if I screw you up, okay? I don’t really have a lot of experience with this parenting thing and I spent about a decade being selfish and irresponsible. If your mom hadn’t come along, I might still be stuck in New York.” At this Maddy opened her tiny mouth in an ‘o’ shape and he grinned, feeling bolstered by the movement. “But your mom did crash into my life and she seems to know what she’s doing so I’m just going to follow her lead and hope for the best.”

“I don’t have a lot of deep thoughts,” Patrick continued. “I let your mom take care of that stuff. I don’t over analyze and I can be impulsive. It makes a good balance because your mother is one of the least spontaneous women I’ve ever met. And she likes to think something to death before she makes a decision. But she’s also the bravest woman I know. And the most gracious, compassionate and kind woman I know. You could do a lot worse for your family, Maddy. Your grandparents on her side are brave and smart and even a little clever but if you ever tell Grandpa Robert I said that, I’ll deny it. Your Grandpa Noah’s just as brave and he’s smart too. And he’s had lot of life experience. He’s made mistakes and he knows better than anyone how to pick the pieces back up and put them back together so if you ever have a problem you can’t go to me or your mother about, I’d recommend him.”

He blinked and took a deep breath. “There’s Uncle Mac and Aunt Felicia. They’ll always support you, no matter what you decide to do. And your uncle Mac is a cop, so he’ll be able to teach you how to protect yourself. Your cousins Georgie and Maxie know all about being a teenager and boys so I want you to stay far away from them. Your Aunt Brenda…” he hesitated. “She’s loyal. And she’ll always have your back. But she talks a lot, so I recommend bringing earplugs along. And there’s your Aunt Liz, she can teach you how to dream big but please don’t pick up on her taste in men, it’s atrocious and as far as I’m concerned, you’re going to a convent school.”

He brushed a knuckle down her cheek. “I can teach you how to hold a scalpel and how to repel really awful pick up lines and how to tell which guys aren’t good for you. But anything worth knowing is going to come from your mother, because she’ll teach you how to be strong, and how to keep going even when you don’t think you can win. And she’ll teach you how to love and how to care for other people. And about friendship and compassion. I know she’ll teach you because she taught me. And she gave me two of the most incredible gifts I’ve ever received in my life. Herself and you.” He leaned down and kissed Maddy’s forehead. “Welcome to the family, Madelyn. You were worth the wait.”

After he’d handed Maddy back to the nurse and saw her safely settled, he stepped out of the nursery and stripped off the yellow scrubs, balling them up and tossing them in a nearby trash bin.

“Thank you,” he told Elizabeth, hugging her. “That was better than performing my first surgery.”

“Nothing like holding your baby for the first time,” she remembered. She tipped her head in the direction of the waiting room. “Why don’t we head back and wait with the others?”

December 3, 2006

General Hospital: Robin’s Room

It was nearly three hours after Robin was out of surgery before her eyelids fluttered and she turned her head to the left. “Patrick?” she murmured.

Anna sat up and leaned forward to grasp her daughter’s hands. “He’s sitting in the nursery, darling.” She smiled when Robin opened her eyes completely and frowned at her mother. “He’s been alternating between your room and sitting with your daughter.”

“Maddy?” Robin whispered. She licked her lips. “She’s all right? It was so early and–”

“She’s fine, love. Absolutely perfect.” Anna sniffled. “She’s in an incubator for just a few weeks to be on the safe side but Steven says she’s healthy.”

“I want–” Robin cleared her throat. “I want to see her.”

“As soon as you can move around.” Anna pressed her lips to Robin’s forehead. “You gave us all a scare. They had to rush you to surgery.”

“What? Why?” Robin coughed and Anna stood to pour her a glass of water. After a long sip, she repeated her questions.

“You were bleeding and the doctors whisked you away so quickly we didn’t know if you would be all right.” Anna took a deep breath and smiled weakly. “But of course you are and now you have a beautiful daughter to show for it.” She patted Robin’s hand. “I’ll go fetch the doctor and see if I can’t drag Patrick away from the nursery.”

General Hospital: Nursery

Patrick handed Maddy back to the on duty nurse and exited, pulling off the protective scrubs. He dumped them in the trash and turned to find Anna waiting for him. “Hey–is Robin awake?”

“She is, and she was asking for you.” Anna peeked through the window and smiled. “I can hardly believe she’s finally here, after all these months.”

“The nurse said that she was going to probably be sleeping the rest of the night,” Patrick said a little regretfully. He flicked his eyes towards the hall that would take him to his wife. “Ah, if you don’t mind–”

“Sure,” Anna waved him on. “I’m sure Robin wants to hear every detail.” She caught his arm as he moved past her. “Patrick, I just want to tell you how very glad I am that you and Robin found each other. You’ve given her a very special gift in Madelyn.”

“We gave her to each other,” Patrick corrected with a tired smile before going to see his wife.

Steven was just exiting Robin’s room when Patrick rounded the corner. He grinned. “Hey, Dad. How’s the new addition doing?”

“She’s incredible. Not doing anymore more than waving her arms and opening her mouth,” Patrick admitted, “but it’s still pretty cool.” He glanced towards the door. “How’s Robin? Is she still awake?”

“She is.” Steven crossed his arms. “A little weak but she’ll feel better in a few days. Barring infection, she’ll make a complete recovery.” He patted Patrick’s shoulder. “If she falls asleep, don’t panic. She’ll be in and out for a few hours but by tomorrow night, that’ll pass.”

“Thanks,” Patrick said. He pushed open the door and sighed in relief when he saw Robin sitting up slightly in bed, smiling at him with tired eyes. “Decided to join the rest of us, huh?”

“Gossip says that you have held our daughter,” Robin replied. “And Steven says I can’t see her until tomorrow, I won’t be able to get into a wheel chair until then.” She grinned as he sat beside her. “And unlike other people in the room, I generally think doctors know what they’re talking about when they say stay in bed.”

“Mm…says the girl who refused to sit out Tony Jones’ memorial service because of a silly life threatening virus.” Patrick took her left hand in his and rubbed his finger over her wedding band. “She’s beautiful. There’s all this hair, I didn’t know babies could be born with so much hair. It’s dark, close to my color I guess. She hasn’t opened her eyes yet but she keeps opening and closing her mouth in this cute little o.” He grinned. “And the nurse says I’m insane but I swear she smiled at me.”

Robin brought her free hand up to trace his dimple. “I hope she has a pair of these.”

“I don’t, my mother always said I got away with murder because I would just smile at her and she couldn’t stay mad at me.” He brought her hand his to his lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles. “She’s incredible, Robin. I can’t wait for you to see her, to hold her. It’s the most–it’s just the best experience I’ve ever had.”

“I’m so jealous that you’ve seen her,” Robin murmured. “I want to hold her and I want to see her and pretend that she’s smiling at me.”

“You will,” Patrick promised. “I’ve been telling her about you all night, you know. How strong and beautiful you are and how lucky she is to have you for a mother. I’ve been telling her about the things you’ll teach her and how much…” he hesitated. “I’ve been telling her how lucky she is because she’s got a great family and two parents who love each other.”

Robin frowned at him but before she could speak, he continued. “I was standing outside the nursery just thinking about all the times I nearly said it and how much I wanted to say it. I don’t know why I never did because it’s true and it’s been true for months. And I know you know it’s true and I know you feel the same way. I guess…” he licked his lips. “It’s just a big thing to say and once it’s out there, you can’t ever take it back and I guess I was…worried,” he shifted. “Because sometimes it doesn’t last.”

“Patrick–” Robin pressed two fingers to his lips. “You don’t have to say it. I know it.”

“I know you do. But you deserve to hear the words. And don’t you dare say it first,” he warned when he saw her opening her mouth again. “We’ve done this entire thing ass backwards and I’ll be damned if you get to say it first.”

“Well, okay then.” Robin folded her hands primly and waited. When he said nothing, she arched an eyebrow. “I’m waiting over here.”

“I’m not saying it right now,” he told her. “You’re expecting it.”

“And you think I’m perverse.” Robin rolled her eyes and grinned at him. “She’s really here, isn’t she?” She leaned back against the pillows and sighed. “I can’t believe I’m finally a mom.” She looked at him. “And you’re a dad.”

“Which, somehow, terrifies me more now than it did before she was born.” Patrick laced their fingers together. “I told her she’s not dating. Ever.”

“Okay.” Robin patted his arm. “That’s what Uncle Mac tried to tell me and you can see that didn’t work out so well.”

“Hmph…well I guess we have a few years before we have to start worrying about it.” He leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead and then just closed his eyes, staying there for a long moment. “I was so scared, Robin. I was standing in front of the nursery, watching her and I just knew I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own.”

When he pulled back, Robin combed her fingers through his unruly hair and smiled. “Of course you would have. And you would have been incredible at it.” When he looked at her curiously, she arched an eyebrow. “Would you have done to Maddy what Noah did to you when your mother died? Abandoned her, let her deal with growing up on her own? Drowned your sorrows in alcohol?”

He exhaled slowly and felt a little of the weight lift from his shoulders. “No,” Patrick admitted quietly. “No, I would never have done that. But we make a much better team–I could never do it solo.”

“Well, I don’t intend for you to have to.” Robin hesitated. “Was she tested?” she asked softly. “I mean, I know it’s not recommended and she’ll probably only test positive because it’s so soon–”

“Steven didn’t test yet,” Patrick interrupted. “Because he didn’t want to get a false positive. You were on all the protocol, Maddy’s on protocol and they’ll test her when she’s eighteen months old because the antibodies will be gone by then. But Steven’s optimistic. He won’t admit it, but I know he is.”

“I know the odds are in our favor,” she said, “and I was able to keep positive while I was pregnant because I could take the drugs and do all the right things. But now she’s here and it’s out of my hands. I can’t control if she’s HIV-positive now, it’s already decided.”

“I know, but we’re not going to spend the next year and a half worrying about it,” Patrick told her. “We have our daughter and we’re going to have a great time staying up all night, dragging to work the next morning, teaching her to talk and to smile and to raise her head and all that other stuff. If she tests positive, we’ll deal with it then. But we’re not going to dwell on it.”

“No,” Robin promised with a smile. “We’ll concentrate on our miracle.”

General Hospital: NICU

Anna clucked her tongue as she wheeled Robin into the nursery and helped her adjust her protective scrubs. “Patrick wanted to be here when you met her, he’s not going to be happy that you didn’t wait for him.”

“He needed to sleep,” Robin said, “and I’m not waiting anymore. Steven finally gave me clearance.” Patrick had gone home two hours before when he’d passed out in a chair and she couldn’t wake him up by calling his name. She’d ordered him out of the room and Elizabeth had escorted him home with a solemn promise to keep him there until he’d had at least four hours of solid sleep.

But Steven had given her the green light to see Maddy fifteen minutes ago and while Robin felt a teensy guilty about not waiting for her husband, she’d been aching to hold her daughter since she’d woken up that morning.

The on duty nurse gently placed Maddy into her arms and suddenly, everything clicked in place for Robin. She could understand why Patrick was so upbeat and not worried about Maddy contracting HIV. This little girl, this little miracle, was capable of so many wonderful things.

“She’s so beautiful,” Robin said, glancing up at her mother. “Isn’t she perfect?”

“She is, darling.” Anna bent down and kissed her daughter’s head. “Absolutely breathtaking. I’ll be right outside, call when you’re ready to leave.”

“I’ve always wanted to be a mother,” Robin told her daughter. “I’ve dreamed of it for so long but I thought it would always be a dream, I never once thought it could happen. But here you are, in spite of everything. I have to believe that there’s a reason and that God wouldn’t give you to me and then give you the same disease. I have to believe there’s some justice in this world and that’s why I’m choosing to believe that you are safe and healthy.”

“I know your father has already told you so much about your new family so we won’t cover the same old ground — you’ll have the rest of your life to know them anyway. But they are a wonderful group of people and we’re both blessed to have them.”

“If someone had sat me down a year ago and said, Robin, you’ve just met the most incredibly obnoxious and arrogant man but in a year, he’s going to be your husband and he’s going to make your dream of being a wife and a mother come true, I would never have believed them. I could have never pictured the Patrick I knew then being the Patrick he is today. But I’ll tell you a secret–he might like to believe I’ve changed him or taught him things, but the man he is today was always there, hidden beneath the obnoxious exterior.”

“So he’s going to tell you that you’ll never date and that he’ll never let boys within fifty feet of you but I’ll work on him. My uncle Mac used to try that on me, but I fell in love with three wonderful men despite him. There was Stone, my first love and probably the purest. It was uncomplicated and it was sweet and I like to think it would have lasted but I guess we’ll never know. I’ll tell you about him more when you’re older because he was very special to me and he should be remembered.” She hesitated. “Jason kept me breathing, he taught me there was life after tragedy, after devastation and it’s hard to believe that I could be here today without those years with him, so I will always be grateful. And I’m secretly very happy he’s in love with your Aunt Liz, because she deserves some happiness.”

“And then there’s your father, my best love. The best happiness is that which is unexpected and he was definitely a surprise. He crashed into my life and he gave it color again. He gave me my dreams, he gave me laughter and love and he gave me you. So I’ll work on him with the no boys rule because I want you to have a Stone and a Patrick. I want you to have dreams and the drive to make them come true, which something your dad can teach you because he knows how to make something from nothing. He lost his mother and he lost his father for a while, but instead of letting go of his dreams, he worked that much harder to achieve them and now he’s the youngest neurosurgeon in the history of the hospital and the best of course, but if you tell him I said that, I’ll deny it,” Robin teased.

“I’m going to try very hard to be good at being a mother,” Robin promised, “and I promise to always love you, to support you and believe in you.” She leaned down despite the pain and kissed Maddy’s forehead. “Welcome to the world, Madelyn. You were worth the wait.”

There was a coughing from the doorway and Robin looked up and narrowed her eyes. “I better not find out you tied up Elizabeth to make your escape.”

Patrick grinned. “I recruited Jason. He came by with Cameron and distracted her long enough so I could get to the garage. Steven called the house.”

“Hmph, well you’re going right back home to sleep,” Robin told him but he ignored her and knelt in front her chair. “How much did you overhear?”

“I heard you telling our daughter that I was arrogant and obnoxious,” Patrick replied. He cleared his throat. “And telling her that I could teach her make her dreams come true. Thank for you for that, Robin.”

“It’s true,” she said softly. “Because you did it for me.”

“Well, it seemed only fair,” he said, leaning up to kiss her lips. “Because you taught me how to dream in the first place. I love you, Robin.”

Robin grinned — the declaration had been worth the wait as well. She knew it was true, she’d felt it for months and hearing it out loud was wonderful, but now that the words were out there, she realized that she hadn’t needed them after all. Words were nice, but sometimes it was what went unsaid that was more important.

“I love you, too,” she whispered. “I will always love you.”

May 8, 2008

Drake House: Living Room

Madelyn Devane Drake had been walking for nearly six months and each day, she tested her parents’ hearts as she climbed up on chairs, tables and on one memorable day, the kitchen counter.

She had said ‘Dada’ when she’d been thirteen months old and became even more Daddy’s Little Girl than before, which Robin hadn’t really thought possible. She loved both her parents, but she was captivated by her father. As soon as she’d been able to crawl, Maddy had started to seek out Patrick and he’d stop everything to pick her up. He was putty in her miniscule hands.

Robin had reluctantly returned to work when Maddy was six months old and they’d put her in day care where Elizabeth’s three-year-old son had promised to look out for her. He had been bugging his mother for a new brother for weeks and thought if he proved he could be a good big brother, she’d give him one.

But Robin and Patrick couldn’t rest long without going down to check on her and eventually, Maddy would only be in daycare if one of her parents couldn’t keep her with them in their offices. She started to crawl in Patrick’s office and she’d said her first word–the aforementioned ‘dada’–in the nurse’s station when a nurse had been cooing over Maddy in an attempt to flirt with Patrick. The word had fallen from Maddy’s lips and anyone else had been forgotten.

Her first steps had been in an operating room and the first word she had said other than dada had been a mangled form of hospital (so Patrick swore) though Robin had been a bit miffed it wasn’t Mama. That came a month later and she felt like she was dancing on air for weeks afterwards.

Maddy was everyone’s little angel. Mac and Felicia made up excuses to drop by the house just to see her, Brenda flew in from Italy on a whim when she saw a toy that her darling god daughter absolutely had to own. Steven loved to carry her around because babies were great at attracting women–he turned into an honorary uncle.

Anna and Robert had also returned to their respective jobs but were frequent visitors to Port Charles, just popping in every once in a while to see their beloved grand daughter and Noah had been very excited to receive a shirt that said Number One Grandpa on Maddy’s first Father’s Day. Robin had bought a matching one for Patrick, as well as a shirt that said ‘If you think I’m cute, you should see my daddy’ which made her husband grin and kiss her.

Georgie and Maxie argued over who could baby-sit her and often Robin couldn’t pick between the two of them, so on the rare nights she and Patrick consented to leave their daughter at home, Georgie and Maxie (usually joined by Dillon) sat at home with her.

Maddy had had her first birthday in December and Robin and Patrick had had to rent out a room at the Metro Court Hotel to accommodate the large crowd. Maddy had been introduced to Carly at that point, which Robin had reluctantly agreed to after being persuaded by Jax, who had recently tied the knot with her old enemy.

Carly had cooed over Maddy and like everyone else, fell in love with the little girl on sight. Motherhood seemed to bond Carly and Robin where nothing else could and the two had finally put the lingering animosity behind them.

When she was fifteen months old, she’d been the flower girl at Elizabeth’s wedding to Jason, though Robin had had to help her toddle down the aisle. And Elizabeth had selected Robin and Patrick to be her son’s godparents when he’d been born earlier that November (It had taken six months for Jason to convince Elizabeth to marry him and by then, she was heavily pregnant and refused to get married in a maternity gown).

And now, Maddy was eighteen months old, doing her best to climb her father’s leg as he stood in the living room, watching Robin as she spoke on the phone with Steven regarding some very important test results.

Her hair had darkened until it matched Patrick’s shade perfectly, but she’d inherited her uncle Mac’s curls (which was why Mac always wore his hair short, a fact that Patrick hadn’t known until Robin told him where the curls had come from). They were separated into two bouncy pig tails and tied with yellow ribbons that matched her spring dress.

She tugged her father’s pant leg. “Up!” she demanded, giving up on the climbing. Patrick automatically lifted her. She smacked a kiss to his cheek but was disappointed when she realized she didn’t have his complete attention.

“Thank you, Steven,” Robin said softly. She pressed the off button and set the phone on a nearby table before turning to Patrick. She strode forward and pressed a kiss to her daughter’s hair. “Guess what, princess?”

“What?” Maddy asked. She pursed her lips expectantly and Robin kissed her.

“We got the tests back and guess what they said?”

“Robin,” Patrick said, somewhat impatiently. Maddy turned back to her father as if sensing his tension and kissed the tip of his nose.

“They were negative,” Robin said softly. Her eyes filled with tears and she pressed her hands to her lips. “Steven wants to test her again in another six months but she’s negative.”

“Oh, thank God.” Patrick cupped the back of Robin’s neck and drew her in for a relieved kiss. “I mean, I was pretty sure but–”

“It’s still good to hear.” Robin returned his kiss. “I love you,” she whispered to him.

“I love you, too,” he replied.

“I love you!” Maddy parroted. She clapped her hands but then frowned. “What’s that?”

“It means that your mother means more to me than anyone else in the world, except for you,” Patrick told her, hoping she’d understand. “And that I want to spend every day making her smile.”

“Oh.” She turned to her mother. “I love you, Mommy.” And then she looked to her father. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I didn’t think it could ever mean more than it did the day I held her,” Robin said softly, “but I was wrong.” She lifted Maddy into her arms and hugged her tightly. “I love you, too, Maddy.” She closed her eyes. “I will always love you.”

 

THE END