"I am starting to feel awkward" she said, rubbing her stomach. She rested her hands on both sides of the big belly.

Skylar was 8 months pregnant now, and for the first time in her life, it felt convinient to be the resident in a hospital. She felt safe knowing - help was just one buzz away. For her sake and for her daugther's sake. It had been surprisingly easy, the pregnancy. She pretty much sailed right through, although now it was starting to feel heavier, carrying the extra weight around, and for some reason she felt hot all the time, she felt like it was difficult breathing, lying on her back, she would almost panic and turn onto her side immediately, to relieve the pressure. Maybe it was just in her mind? Or maybe this is what the final trimester felt like?

She was scheduled for a C section two weeks from now. The doctor's orders, in order to spare her the extertion of giving birth naturally.

"I can see why" Ryder said jokingly. He got up and stood behind her.

She smiled. He could always get her to smile. He just had that ability.

"2 weeks - and we are going to be parents, it feels so weird to me, honestly...what were we even thinking?" She started laughing.

"We are crazy, I guess" he said, putting his arms around her. Leaning against her.

The knock on the door, broke them up.

It was Charlie and his mom.

"Hey guys...are you in the mood for some company?" He looked like his usual charming self.

Ryder nodded, he got up to hug them both.

Lily brought a pink teddy bear, she handed it to Skylar before she went on to hug her gently.

She was so considerate. Of course she came bearing gifts, Lily wouldn't come empty-handed.

Ryder could tell that Lily took an instant liking to Skylar.

"It's so nice to finally meet you dear...You know, Ryder is like a son to me, we love him like he was our own" Lily smiled, as she told Skylar about Ryder and the memories they shared.

"I was wondering if I could speak to you outside for a moment?" Lily said, and looked at Ryder.

He nodded.

They went outside. They stood silently in the hallway for a couple of minutes, before Lily revealed the true reason for her visit.

"Ryder...I have been thinking about what happened with your mother. I hope you aren't angry with me for keeping the lines open...I know she loves you, I just don't think she knows how to show you. I know she is trying to turn her life around, but she still has a long way to go." Lily cleared her throat.

"I am not mad at you, you did the right thing. You are a mother too. I just can't have her in my life, regardless of her intentions. I just feel it in my gut...every fiber in my body is screaming to let her go" he moaned softly.

"I understand Ryder...I do. I think to some degree she does too. I wanted to run something by you. An idea I have...I am not sure what you will think of it, I am not trying to impose on you or Skylar...I was just thinking, raising a baby in a hospital room seems wrong? Skylar and the baby need to be somewhere cozy and homey...I was thinking...we want to offer you guys the guesthouse, if you want it, you can stay there all 3 of you, we'll give you your privacy of course and hire a nurse to take care of Skylar, if she needs it..." Lily stopped to catch her breath, she seemed nervous.

Ryder was speechless.

But only for a moment.

"Charlie told me about her mother...I know she has her father, but Charlie was under the impression that he wouldn't be able to take her in, you guys will need to be together as a family, and he does not have the space? We do - and we hope you will accept our offer Ryder?" She smiled cautiously.

No caution needed.

Ryder gave her a big hug, words just weren't going to be enough.

Lily had given them an offer they couldn't refuse. In the back of his mind he had gone through the possible scenarios...Skylar and the baby in his tiny appartement? Skylar and the baby at Dave's? Skylar and the baby in the hospital, what kind of life would that be for their child? Skylar wasn't hooked up to any machines, she was there for practical reasons, and the fact that once you are labelled with a life threatening disease, the hospital is just the obvious choice?

He didn't know exactly why Skylar spent most of her life in the hospital, maybe in the beginning it just played out that way?

Maybe they were all more at ease with her tucked away safely at the hospital?

But this was a far more appealing opportunity presenting itself. At least to him.

"Thank you so much Lily, you are my lifesaver. Every time my own mother failed me, you stepped in. Making an extra lunch for me when I was a kid...I remember how Charlie always brought two lunch bags. I know who made them...or the fact that my ticket was already paid for every time Charlie and I went to the movies...I remember everything" he said, and he did - just now - it dawned on him, who his real family was!

Lily started crying, he pulled her close once more.

"People like you are rare, I am so lucky to know Charlie and you guys...without you in my life, I would be lost" he was telling the truth. He wasn't trying to make up some lame speech, just to please her. He was being honest.

Life can be strange sometimes. When you least expect it, everything just comes together somehow. A year ago he was utterly lost, standing on the edge about to jump.

But.........

Somebody caught him.