Fallon took in long shuttering breaths, trying to settle herself, but it wasn’t working. No wonder Levi was pissed — that was a whole bunch of money. Fallon knew it didn’t put a dent in Lucas’ finances but still, that was a big chunk of change and Audrey was right. They could move, she could open the cellar — the possibilities were endless.

“Why aren’t you talking? This is great, don’t you think?”

Fallon shook her head. Even though the possibilities were endless, she wouldn’t give Lucas or Levi the satisfaction of cashing that check. “I can’t cash it, AA.”

When Audrey didn’t say anything, Fallon turned to see her sister looking at her like she had grown 10 heads. “I have went seven years without his help, and I refuse to have it now. He shouldn’t have to pay for a child he didn’t know about.”

“But Fallon…”

“No. I will not use that money. I’ll talk to Lucas about it this weekend, and give it back to him. He can put it in a college fund for Aiden or whatever. The monthly payments are high and I will talk to him about that, too.”

“Fallon, you need this money.”

“No I don’t. As long as I have you, and Aiden, and my pride, I don’t need anything, especially from Lucas Brooks. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed.”

Fallon passed by a stunned Audrey and basically ran up the stairs before Audrey could see the tears that welled up in her eyes. Audrey was right, Fallon did need the money but she couldn’t do it. Cashing that check would basically be telling Lucas that she needed him, and by God, she didn’t need anyone. She had Aiden and Audrey, and she didn’t need anyone else.

Especially Lucas Brooks.

A couple of days later when Fallon glanced out at the party she had put together for Aiden, she was regretting not cashing that check. Of course, she went all out. The kids that joined Aiden for his party were basically transformed into the famous little kid hero from the popular kids’ show. As they ran around Centennial Park shooting green arrows at each other, Fallon stood with Elli and her best friend, Harper. Fallon had known Harper as long as she had known Elli, and loved her almost the same. Harper looked gorgeous with her brown hair in a messy bun and her one year old, Allison, on her hip. Even though the baby girl was a beauty, it still stung every time someone said her name. The name Allison would forever hold painful memories for Fallon.

Elli stood in a beautiful floor-length green cotton dress with her hair in curls down her back. Shelli sat on her hip with her leg above Elli’s cute little baby belly. Fallon found herself feeling a little inferior to Elli and Harper’s beauty. It had to be the newlywed vibes or maybe the new baby ones. Whatever it was, it agreed with both women. They were stunning.

“The party is great, Fallon,” Harper gushed as she looked out at the party.

“Thanks, Harper. Thank you for coming, too.”

“Of course, we love Aiden, don’t we Ally,” Harper gushed to her precious baby. Allison giggled happily before laying her head on Harper’s chest.

“When’s the guys supposed to get here?” Harper asked, then she looked over at Fallon. “Which reminds me, thanks for telling me Lucas was your baby daddy. I had to hear it from Jakob! My own best friend didn’t even tell me!”

Fallon and Elli laughed as they shared a look. It was a great feeling knowing that Elli hadn’t even told her best friend. Elli was a good person, and Fallon was lucky to have her in her life. Fallon shot Elli a grin before looking back at Harper. “I’m sorry, babe. I couldn’t tell anyone. I didn’t even tell him.”

“So I heard! Scandalous, I tell you! I didn’t think you had that in ya,” Harper gushed with a playful grin on her face.

“Neither did anyone else, but thankfully that’s all water under the bridge and now Aiden and Lucas are happy. That’s all that matters.”

“Your happiness matters too, Fallon,” Elli said from beside her. Fallon nodded as Aiden came running towards her.

“I am happy,” she said, but she knew no one believed her. Aiden wrapped his arms around her waist, grinning up at her, as his breathing was labored.

“Momma. Best. Party. Ever!”

Fallon giggled as Aiden hugged her tightly. “I’m glad you’re having a good time.”

“I am! But Momma, when is my dad getting here?”

Fallon was wondering the same thing too. He should have been there already, but he was nowhere to be seen, and he hadn’t called.

“Their plane got delayed in Vancouver, Aiden. That’s why Mr. Shea and Mr. Jakob aren’t here either, but guess what,” Elli gushed as she bent down to be at the level Aiden was.

Aiden’s face lit up as he came closer to her. “What?!”

“I think I see your daddy now,” she said, pointing to the other side of the park. Fallon followed the direction Elli was pointing, and there was Lucas.

Walking with Molly.

“Dad!”

Fallon watched as Aiden took off towards Lucas, the biggest grin imaginable on his face. The same size grin spread across Lucas’ face before he dropped the gift he held in his hands and replaced them with an excited seven year old. Molly stood by them with a large grin on her face and all Fallon could think was that she hadn’t changed a bit. Molly’s bone-straight brown hair was back in a barrette that Fallon knew James had gotten her before he died. Her eyes had laugh lines around them, and she had gained weight but she carried it well. It made her look homey, like she was made to hug someone. She was still as beautiful as ever and Fallon could only hope that in the future she looked as good as Molly Brooks did — without the help of Dr. Swartz.