Two Souls, One Heart - Greg & Brooke's Engagement Party (Open to All)

[Leanna Mazal]

[Brooke - Puzzles Staff Area]

After spending most of the afternoon, helping Lea and her staff set everything up for her & Greg's engagement party. Brooke had gone off to undergo a slight transformation, something she had wanted to do for a while, but now she was embarking on the start of her new life, with her handsome South African beau, she finally decided to go for it. Now all she had to do was wait for Greg's reaction, although that would come in time, especially with what had been planned.

Once she had finished at the salon and picked up her new dress, Brooke had returned to Puzzles, hanging it up in the private staff area, before going through a rehearsal with the band. Happy that she had the courage to actually do this, although the encouragement from Lea, the staff and Jem Sparkles, had gone a long way in helping with that. Now all she had to do was get ready, then wait for the signal to make her grand entrance, hoping that Greg wasn't missing her too much and knew it would be worth it, when he did get to see her.

********

[Leanna - Lea & Fells's Quarters]

Having returned from Puzzles, satisfied that everything was in place for Greg & Brooke's engagement party, Lea was looking forward to a nice warm shower, before getting ready. She was happy for the newly engaged couple and wanted to give them a night to remember, something she was confident in achieving after spending time with Brooke and the plans that had been made, with Jeffy. In fact there was one surprise that Brooke didn't know yet and it would be definitely be special, once it happened.

But for now, she could concentrate on getting ready, whilst also thinking of the pregnancy as she had gone for something a bit more loose fitting, so as to hide the small mound that was beginning to form, as she didn't want to share the news just yet. Although since the Shran had docked at the base, there was one person she did want to tell and couldn't wait to see her, as it had been far too long, apart from their weekly calls.

Emerging from her and Fells' bedroom, Lea looked towards her hunky Icelandic, Imzadi and smiled as she asked for his opinion.

"Babe, what do you think?".

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy & Max - Judy & Max's quarters]

"All right, final inspection," Judy told Max. "How do I look?"
She placed her hands by her sides and waited for Max's answer.
"Just perfect, as always," he answered. "And I?"
"You'll do," Judy replied back.
Max's hair was usually a little messy, and he often liked to close the top button of his shirt even when he wasn't wearing a tie, but that was part of his charm. Judy liked him this way, and it wasn't like she was by any means normal. That's what love was all about, and both elders were more than happy to celebrate the love of a young couple today - Brooke was a friend, Greg lunched often at Judy's office, and the Eastman-Williamses were happy for the two of them. It had been less than a year ago when the whole station celebrated in their joy as a new couple, and now it was time to pay that forward.

"Shall we go, Professor?" he asked.
"Lead the way," she replied, taking his hand as they both left.

[Puzzles]

The duo was among the earlier arrivals to the party, but they were happy that way. Judy did not believe in being fashionably late, not at this phase of her life. Having technically been without a pulse for six months now, she was going to be very late to the afterlife, and that was delay enough.

They walked around, looking at the party and the people in attendance.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[apartment]

As much as he had been trying to find an excuse not to go to that party, Lea was looking forward to it. She was beaming with excitement and had put on a dress, which made Fells want to throw her on the kitchen table and take it right off.
Yet he sat there in sweatpants and a black t-shirt, looking annoyed whilst pretending to read a report.
"Do I really have to go? I have two reports to write....the bad guys just don't give me a break."
Any excuse would do. He simply didn't like socializing, mingling and all the 'oh...I'm so happy for you two.
"Would you be terribly disappointed if I didn't go?"

[Leanna Mazal]

[apartment]

As much as he had been trying to find an excuse not to go to that party, Lea was looking forward to it. She was beaming with excitement and had put on a dress, which made Fells want to throw her on the kitchen table and take it right off.
Yet he sat there in sweatpants and a black t-shirt, looking annoyed whilst pretending to read a report.
"Do I really have to go? I have two reports to write....the bad guys just don't give me a break."
Any excuse would do. He simply didn't like socializing, mingling and all the 'oh...I'm so happy for you two.
"Would you be terribly disappointed if I didn't go?"

[Lea & Fells' Quarters]

His reaction to her dress, didn't need any words as he looked at her, before she felt the annoyance from him as he read one of the many reports, he seemed to have more of these days. It was to be expected given his promotion and yet, she had a feeling it was more than just the reports that were bothering him. This was proved when he then asked if she would be terribly disappointed if he didn't go to the party. Sometimes Lea wished he could be a bit more honest with her, but then again, she knew that he wasn't overly comfortable with social situations, a by product from his isolation and made a decision, as she moved to sit next to him.

" Of course I'll be a little disappointed as I would of loved for you to be there with me, but I also know, that you're not always keen on parties, so I'll make you a deal, you can stay here and then tomorrow, we go out for dinner just you and me, so what do you think?".

She hoped that it would take the pressure off him a little bit and besides, she was sure that he would make it up to her as he always did. Besides she wasn't the type of girlfriend to force him into anything he didn't want to do and at least he would be more comfortable where he was, than having to be sociable and her worrying about him. Plus it gave him the option to show up later or be keen to see her when she did get home.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[apartment]
Fells looked up at her because she had once again managed to surprise him with her relaxed attitude. Any other girl friend would have pouted, blackmailed, guilt tripped him into going but Lea simply let him off the hook. That threw him for a loop.
"Really?" He wrinkled his brow and took her hand to pull her into his lap.
"You have no idea how much I'd appreciate that. I hate parties with a lot of people. They make me feel totally out of place and....anxious."
He finally confessed.
"Thank you." He kissed her but then became concerned. "What are your friends going to think if I don't show up, though?"

[Felicity Ellis]

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

Felicity had managed to put all thought of the unusual meeting she'd had earlier that day out of her mind. She was back home, and she had a lot of people she couldn't wait to see. She was standing outside the door of one such person at that very moment. With a big smile, ready to greet her best friend in person for the first time in six months, she reached out and palmed the door chime.

***

[Gregory Ellis - Puzzles]

Gregory Ellis could count on one hand the times he was nervous. Waiting for his fiance to show up to their engagement party was making its way onto the list. He constantly had to remind himself that he was early, and that they'd agreed he'd be there to greet their guests while she got ready. She hadn't stood him up. She wouldn't. Brooke had put so much work into this party, and with Lea's help and the assistance of the Puzzles staff, the result was romantic, understated and classy. Much like the lady herself.

He took a deep breath and took a glass of champagne from one of the servers. He was tempted to down the whole thing, but champagne wasn't really a chugging kind of beverage. Too many bubbles, maybe. He wouldn't have said no to a shot of tequila. Or whiskey. Or paint stripper.

The last time he'd felt nerves like these he had been sixteen and had sneaked his girlfriend into his bedroom for the first time.

Get a hold of yourself, man.

And then, distraction presented itself in the form of one of the earliest guests. Greg smiled, made sure his suit jacket was properly presented, and then moved toward the pair to greet them. "Judy, Max! Welcome! So glad you could come." When he reached them he waved over someone with a tray full of refreshments and then said to the couple, his voice lowered so it wouldn't travel, "I'm going mad with impatience here."

[Leanna Mazal]

[apartment]
Fells looked up at her because she had once again managed to surprise him with her relaxed attitude. Any other girl friend would have pouted, blackmailed, guilt tripped him into going but Lea simply let him off the hook. That threw him for a loop.
"Really?" He wrinkled his brow and took her hand to pull her into his lap.
"You have no idea how much I'd appreciate that. I hate parties with a lot of people. They make me feel totally out of place and....anxious."
He finally confessed.
"Thank you." He kissed her but then became concerned. "What are your friends going to think if I don't show up, though?"

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

Felicity had managed to put all thought of the unusual meeting she'd had earlier that day out of her mind. She was back home, and she had a lot of people she couldn't wait to see. She was standing outside the door of one such person at that very moment. With a big smile, ready to greet her best friend in person for the first time in six months, she reached out and palmed the door chime.

[Leanna - Lea & Fells' Quarters]

" Yes really" she replied, happily as he then took hold of her hand and pulled her into his lap. As much as she would of loved him to attend with her, she understood, especially when he finally confessed, how he had really been feeling about it. " I know they do Babe and I'd rather you be comfortable and less anxious, so no need to thank me, it's another reason why we work so well".

Lea then accepted his kiss and held onto him as he asked about their friends and what they would think. " I wouldn't worry too much, my love, they'll understand, that you've been busy and that one of us had to stay with Ari, plus when I do get home, you get to take this off".

She was about to go for another kiss, when the door chimed and Lea smiled, when she sensed who it was.
" We have a visitor and if I'm right, its Flick, so we can finally tell her about the baby".

Getting up from his lap, Lea stole another kiss, before getting up to answer the door, beaming happily as the door slid back to reveal Flick. " Flick!!!!" she exclaimed as she hugged her best friend.

********

Lucas Reynolds - Puzzles]

Captain Reynolds aka Brooke's father entered the bar, happy at seeing how it had been transformed for the engagement party, as his daughter, always had a knack for this kind of thing. Although was glad that he had brought his ship in a few days prior so as to meet his soon to be son in law, before the hustle and bustle of such an event.

He wholeheartedly approved of Greg Ellis and already considered him part of the family. However as he moved in further and spotted him, he waved in acknowledgement, before heading to the bar, where he immediately began talking to Seamus.

[Brooke - Puzzles]

Unable to sit still any longer, despite the offer of more booze from Jem Sparkles, Brooke had taken to walking around, wondering if Greg was there yet and who had arrived so far. So being careful not to be spotted, sneaked to one of the access areas, that would allow her a view of the bar. Spotting him immediately, looking so handsome in that suit, her stomach feeling like butterflies and just had to wait a little longer to see him.

Still that didn't stop her from smiling as she retreated back to where she had come from and her confidence soared and was ready for anything.

[Judith Eastman]

[Gregory Ellis - Puzzles]

Gregory Ellis could count on one hand the times he was nervous. Waiting for his fiance to show up to their engagement party was making its way onto the list. He constantly had to remind himself that he was early, and that they'd agreed he'd be there to greet their guests while she got ready. She hadn't stood him up. She wouldn't. Brooke had put so much work into this party, and with Lea's help and the assistance of the Puzzles staff, the result was romantic, understated and classy. Much like the lady herself.

He took a deep breath and took a glass of champagne from one of the servers. He was tempted to down the whole thing, but champagne wasn't really a chugging kind of beverage. Too many bubbles, maybe. He wouldn't have said no to a shot of tequila. Or whiskey. Or paint stripper.

The last time he'd felt nerves like these he had been sixteen and had sneaked his girlfriend into his bedroom for the first time.

Get a hold of yourself, man.

And then, distraction presented itself in the form of one of the earliest guests. Greg smiled, made sure his suit jacket was properly presented, and then moved toward the pair to greet them. "Judy, Max! Welcome! So glad you could come." When he reached them he waved over someone with a tray full of refreshments and then said to the couple, his voice lowered so it wouldn't travel, "I'm going mad with impatience here."

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

Greg's nervousness was palpable, and understandable. With over a century of life experience between them, Judy and Max had been in situations of this kind. It was part of why they had entrusted a lot of the wedding arrangement duties to others, and made their entrances together. The fact that Greg was currently alone, gave them a sign of what could be the biggest stressor of all.

"We're happy to be here," Judy answered, in her more quiet, calming speaking voice. "Why don't you sit down for a minute, young man?"
As was his duty by convention, Max pulled out chairs, not just for Judy but for all of them. After spending a couple of weeks wheeling Judy around, this was small potatoes.
"We were in your position last year, Greg. We know how this feels. Why don't you tell us what's on your mind?"
Max nodded. They had been through oh-so-many headaches, but they pulled through. The worst that actually happened was Estelle's scandalous, loud inquiry at the reception.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[Apartment]
She left his lap empty but warm.
Fells knew how much Flick meant to Lea. Personally he wished the woman would open up a little more to him as he felt like he wasn't really good enough for her under the overprotective eyes of a best friend. Flick hadnct said so. No....perhaps it was hos own ideas.

He got up to go to the door, too, but was jumped by a little monster on the way, who proceeded to use him as a jungle gym.
So Fells carried Ari to the door.
"Look who's here....hi Flick." He said once the first big hug was over.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Leanna - Lea & Fells' Quarters]
[...]

Getting up from his lap, Lea stole another kiss, before getting up to answer the door, beaming happily as the door slid back to reveal Flick. " Flick!!!!" she exclaimed as she hugged her best friend.

[Apartment]
[...]

So Fells carried Ari to the door.
"Look who's here....hi Flick." He said once the first big hug was over.

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

"Lea!"

As soon as the doors opened, Felicity was enveloped in a big, warm hug by her best friend. "Ugh, it's so good to see you!" She breathed, and when she eventually pulled back to have a proper look at her, in much the same way she had with Aryn just earlier that morning, she commented, "You look great!"

Her smile only broadened when Fells appeared at the door with Ari in his arms. "My 'lil Ari!" She spared a quick smile for Fells, but her attention was almost completely on the little girl. She reached down and grabbed a small paper bag that was covered in purple sparkles. "I have presents," she whispered and passed the gift over. She could never show up empty handed, and she had six months of treats to make up for. "It's the new one." Her tone of voice was grave, as befitted discussion about the brand new My Little Targ.

It was then that her eyes moved away from the little girl's adorable face, and glanced up at Fells. She winked. "Things going well, I take it?"

***

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

Greg's nervousness was palpable, and understandable. With over a century of life experience between them, Judy and Max had been in situations of this kind. It was part of why they had entrusted a lot of the wedding arrangement duties to others, and made their entrances together. The fact that Greg was currently alone, gave them a sign of what could be the biggest stressor of all.

"We're happy to be here," Judy answered, in her more quiet, calming speaking voice. "Why don't you sit down for a minute, young man?"
As was his duty by convention, Max pulled out chairs, not just for Judy but for all of them. After spending a couple of weeks wheeling Judy around, this was small potatoes.
"We were in your position last year, Greg. We know how this feels. Why don't you tell us what's on your mind?"
Max nodded. They had been through oh-so-many headaches, but they pulled through. The worst that actually happened was Estelle's scandalous, loud inquiry at the reception.

[Gregory Ellis - Puzzles]

"Thanks, Max," Greg said with a nod when the man produced chairs for them. At Judy's suggestion, he sat down. It wasn't until then that he realised how tensed up his entire body was. He focused on his shoulders first, and tried to relax them a little. His muscles felt pulled tight with the nerves. When Judy prompted him to speak his mind, his chest expanded with the deep breath he was inhaling in preparation to answer.

"Well..." He paused for long enough to give his future father in law a wave as he passed. Thankfully, that one wasn't really adding to his nerves. Lucas Reynolds had been nothing but welcoming and charming to him since he'd arrived a few days previously. There were, however, other concerns.

"It was strange getting ready for this shindig without having Brooke with me. It almost felt as though we were getting married today, and I guess being here without her, just waiting, compounded that feeling." He offered the couple a small smile, knowing at that moment that he was worrying over nothing, but finding himself quite unable to stop. "And Flick isn't here yet. She was supposed to be here an hour ago."

From somewhere near the entrance of Puzzles came an instantly recognisable voice. Greg looked up, and all the colour drained from his face.

"Darling, hello! Surprise!"

~~~

[Dr. Antoinette Ellis - Puzzles]

Antoinette Ellis stood at the entrance of Puzzles, waiting there for the maximum amount of time it took for everyone to see her. Then, with her eldest and firstborn son in her sights, she swept in like she owned not just the bar, but the entire station.

[Judith Eastman]

[Gregory Ellis - Puzzles]

"Thanks, Max," Greg said with a nod when the man produced chairs for them. At Judy's suggestion, he sat down. It wasn't until then that he realised how tensed up his entire body was. He focused on his shoulders first, and tried to relax them a little. His muscles felt pulled tight with the nerves. When Judy prompted him to speak his mind, his chest expanded with the deep breath he was inhaling in preparation to answer.

"Well..." He paused for long enough to give his future father in law a wave as he passed. Thankfully, that one wasn't really adding to his nerves. Lucas Reynolds had been nothing but welcoming and charming to him since he'd arrived a few days previously. There were, however, other concerns.

"It was strange getting ready for this shindig without having Brooke with me. It almost felt as though we were getting married today, and I guess being here without her, just waiting, compounded that feeling." He offered the couple a small smile, knowing at that moment that he was worrying over nothing, but finding himself quite unable to stop. "And Flick isn't here yet. She was supposed to be here an hour ago."

From somewhere near the entrance of Puzzles came an instantly recognisable voice. Greg looked up, and all the colour drained from his face.

"Darling, hello! Surprise!"

~~~

[Dr. Antoinette Ellis - Puzzles]

Antoinette Ellis stood at the entrance of Puzzles, waiting there for the maximum amount of time it took for everyone to see her. Then, with her eldest and firstborn son in her sights, she swept in like she owned not just the bar, but the entire station.

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]


Judy and Max looked very sorrily at Greg as his mother swept in. There would now be no peace and quiet for an ad hoc therapy session, and there was indication that Greg didn't expect this "surprise".

"Since it seems we're out of time, just keep this in mind: when you tell this story to your grandchildren, you will be my age, and that means your memory will only be a shadow of what it is now. Any details you won't remember then, don't matter all that much," Judy said. "Which basically narrows it down to Brooke's entrance, who ends up having too much to drink, and whose bowels end up unhappy afterwards - I'm betting Mabel."

Poor Mabel never seemed to get a break, it seemed. Judy suspected this would not be an exception.

"We can walk with you to your mother," Max suggested. In some ways, Antoinette reminded him of Judy's mother.

[Peter Dannenberg]

PO2 Peter Dannenberg
[Starbase Columbus - Puzzles Bar]

Peter entered the bar, both hands casually tucked in his suit trousers pockets. He chose a dark grey suit to go with a black shirt, black belt and black leather shoes. He spared the neck tie today, but wore the shirt with the top button undone.

Lingering near the entrance he let his gaze wander over the people who were already gathered here. He knew practically no one. Well, that wasn't quite true. For example he spotted Dr. Eastman, whom he had met before on the Shran. Obviously Felicity would be here too, though he couldn't make her out yet. Apart from that, he was somewhat lost in the crowd. He didn't even know what the soon-to-be groom looked like. Though regarding the nervousness of the man standing with Judy and who Peter assumed to be the doctor's husband, he believed that the man was Felicity's brother.

Staying in the background, Peter helped himself to a glass of champagne and sipped it near the bar counter.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[Apartment]
Flicks attention was 48% on Lea, 48% on Ari and 4% on him.
The brief look he received wasn't dismissive but also 'not interested'. Usually girl friends of former girl friends had been much more flirtatious with him. Flick....not so much. At least not today.
"I'd say so...." He thought about all the double meanings of this question.
"Our Captain hasn't challenged me to any fights anymore.....and Lea will probably soon fill you in on everything else. She's got something to share." He placed Ari on the floor who was very excited about the present and hugged her legs.
Fells put his hand on Leas back and smiled to encourage her. He wanted to be present.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Apartment]
She left his lap empty but warm.
Fells knew how much Flick meant to Lea. Personally he wished the woman would open up a little more to him as he felt like he wasn't really good enough for her under the overprotective eyes of a best friend. Flick hadnct said so. No....perhaps it was hos own ideas.

He got up to go to the door, too, but was jumped by a little monster on the way, who proceeded to use him as a jungle gym.
So Fells carried Ari to the door.
"Look who's here....hi Flick." He said once the first big hug was over.

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

"Lea!"

As soon as the doors opened, Felicity was enveloped in a big, warm hug by her best friend. "Ugh, it's so good to see you!" She breathed, and when she eventually pulled back to have a proper look at her, in much the same way she had with Aryn just earlier that morning, she commented, "You look great!"

Her smile only broadened when Fells appeared at the door with Ari in his arms. "My 'lil Ari!" She spared a quick smile for Fells, but her attention was almost completely on the little girl. She reached down and grabbed a small paper bag that was covered in purple sparkles. "I have presents," she whispered and passed the gift over. She could never show up empty handed, and she had six months of treats to make up for. "It's the new one." Her tone of voice was grave, as befitted discussion about the brand new My Little Targ.

It was then that her eyes moved away from the little girl's adorable face, and glanced up at Fells. She winked. "Things going well, I take it?"

[Leanna & Ari- Lea & Fells' Quarters]

As Flick returned the greeting, Lea hugged her best friend, just that little bit longer, ecstatic over finally getting to see her in the flesh properly, as opposed to their much needed video calls. " It's so good to see you too" Lea replied, aware that they had now been joined by her beloved and Ari, as the two friends then broke the hug. Smiling warmly as her bestie then complimented her and knew it wouldn't be long, before she could share their news.

" Thank you and you're looking stunning as usual" she said as Flick then spoke with Ari and handed over the sparkly wrapped gift. The Betazoid loved how her friend spoiled Ari and how thoughtful she was with the treats, she brought her, especially when it involved a certain Klingon animal craze. So she watched as Ari took hold of it, once Fells had put her down,her eyes wide with excitement as she opened it.

Lea's heart melted at the sight, before wrapping her hand in Fells's as he answered Flick. After a couple of seconds, Ari rushed forward and hugged Flick's legs. " Thank youuuuu, Auntie Flick!!".

The little girl then let go and ran over to the sofa, where her new targ was placed with the others and she promptly began to play with them. Lea smiled as she turned back to the other two special people in her life as she felt Fells' hand on her back, knowing he wanted to be present, when she told Flick.

" I do and I'm pregnant".

********

[Lucas Reynolds - Puzzles]

Lucas acknowledged his son in law, with a smile, before taking a sip of his drink, quietly observing the room as he often did, no matter where he visited. It allowed him to absorb the hustle and bustle, seek out any potential contacts, whether for personal or business purposes and it was also a lot of fun. So when this gorgeous older brunette, appeared at the entrance, he immediately took notice of her. That was until he realised who she might be, not that it would put him off, but for now would bide his time, as more people began to show up.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Apartment]
Flicks attention was 48% on Lea, 48% on Ari and 4% on him.
The brief look he received wasn't dismissive but also 'not interested'. Usually girl friends of former girl friends had been much more flirtatious with him. Flick....not so much. At least not today.
"I'd say so...." He thought about all the double meanings of this question.
"Our Captain hasn't challenged me to any fights anymore.....and Lea will probably soon fill you in on everything else. She's got something to share." He placed Ari on the floor who was very excited about the present and hugged her legs.
Fells put his hand on Leas back and smiled to encourage her. He wanted to be present.

[Leanna & Ari- Lea & Fells' Quarters]

As Flick returned the greeting, Lea hugged her best friend, just that little bit longer, ecstatic over finally getting to see her in the flesh properly, as opposed to their much needed video calls. " It's so good to see you too" Lea replied, aware that they had now been joined by her beloved and Ari, as the two friends then broke the hug. Smiling warmly as her bestie then complimented her and knew it wouldn't be long, before she could share their news.

" Thank you and you're looking stunning as usual" she said as Flick then spoke with Ari and handed over the sparkly wrapped gift. The Betazoid loved how her friend spoiled Ari and how thoughtful she was with the treats, she brought her, especially when it involved a certain Klingon animal craze. So she watched as Ari took hold of it, once Fells had put her down,her eyes wide with excitement as she opened it.

Lea's heart melted at the sight, before wrapping her hand in Fells's as he answered Flick. After a couple of seconds, Ari rushed forward and hugged Flick's legs. " Thank youuuuu, Auntie Flick!!".

The little girl then let go and ran over to the sofa, where her new targ was placed with the others and she promptly began to play with them. Lea smiled as she turned back to the other two special people in her life as she felt Fells' hand on her back, knowing he wanted to be present, when she told Flick.

" I do and I'm pregnant".

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

"It feels like I've been gone for far too long," Felicity murmured when Leanna proclaimed it good to see her. But any melancholy was quickly forgotten in the face of Ari's excitement. Something strange tugged at her inside as she watched the scene, and Felicity knew she'd never tire of seeing any child quite so content.

When the girl wrapped her arms around her legs and thanked her, Felicity reached down and stroked her silky, tangled hair. "You're welcome, little oulike." She laughed aloud when Ari went straight to the sofa to rearrange her line of My Little Targs. Then she turned a lively stare back toward the happy couple as they updated her on what they'd been up to.

When Fells said that Lea had something to share, and placed a hand on her back, Felicity's mouth opened of its own accord. Was this going where she thought it was?

Was Lea...

Was she...

"Oh my god!" Felicity exclaimed when her friend confirmed it quickly. Felicity's hands shot up to her mouth and she stared at the two of them for a moment. "Congratulations!" She breathed when her mouth finally caught up with her racing thoughts. "That is... amazing, you two!" She stepped in to pull Leanna into another hug, but when she pulled back she couldn't help but ask, "It's not triplets, is it!?" She looked from Fells and back to Lea, and then she started laughing; a happy, delighted sound. "There's obviously something in the air here on Columbus."

***

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

Judy and Max looked very sorrily at Greg as his mother swept in. There would now be no peace and quiet for an ad hoc therapy session, and there was indication that Greg didn't expect this "surprise".

"Since it seems we're out of time, just keep this in mind: when you tell this story to your grandchildren, you will be my age, and that means your memory will only be a shadow of what it is now. Any details you won't remember then, don't matter all that much," Judy said. "Which basically narrows it down to Brooke's entrance, who ends up having too much to drink, and whose bowels end up unhappy afterwards - I'm betting Mabel."

Poor Mabel never seemed to get a break, it seemed. Judy suspected this would not be an exception.

"We can walk with you to your mother," Max suggested. In some ways, Antoinette reminded him of Judy's mother.

[Gregory Ellis & Dr. Antoinette Ellis - Puzzles]

Despite the vision of his impending mother, Greg could grasp the wisdom behind Judy's words. "Thank you," he said, graciously inclining his head, his face still very pale. "I will bear that in mind. Let's hope that this particular memory won't make it past the next decade." There were memories he shared with his sister that he could laugh over, but in fairness to the siblings, their mother was sometimes a difficult person to think upon with much fondness.

At Max's offer to accompany him, Greg nodded toward the elegantly-clad woman who was growing larger and larger in his line of sight as she approached. "Looks like she's coming to us." Then, in an aside to both of them, he added, "She said she wasn't coming. Too busy with her research facility on Casperia Prime."

"Gregory!"

"Antoinette." Greg had always called his mother by her first name. Theirs had originally been quite the professional, civil relationship when he was a teenager. And well into his twenties, too. He'd been the least rebellious of all the Ellis children. "You told me you weren't coming."

"Oh, nonsense!" The woman declared as she reached her son, and leaned in for a couple of air kisses. "I could not miss my only son's engagement party, now could I? Nor could I pass up the opportunity to meet this waitress of yours." She turned a pleasant smile on the Eastman-Williamses. "Max, Judith, how absolutely perfect to see you both again. And in this very same gastropub, no less."

Greg's eyes were narrowed. It was too early in the evening for murder, right?

"Married life seems to suit you both. Well done."