It had been months since that burnt dinner Ciara made for Ben. A lot had happened. Ben and Ciara are living together at the gatehouse. Ben saved Julie's life, and Victor tried to kill Ben. Ciara was now working for her grandfather, which is why Ben didn't tell her what happened.
Ben ran into the gatehouse, panting after a run. He threw his keys on the desk and took some deep breaths.
Ciara walked in carrying two smoothies.
"Hey, you."
" Hey."
" Hey, you didn't hear me calling your name across the lawn?"
" No, no, sorry, I was probably distracted."
" Uh, smoothie?" Ciara said as she handed one to Ben.
" Thank you. That's awesome."
" Yeah."
Ben took a sip before saying, " You were gone when I woke up this morning."
" Yes, I was. I went to go visit my grandma."
" How is Julie?"
" Nothing's changed."
" I'm sorry."
" Thank you."
" So you said you were distracted. Is there something on your mind?"
" Actually, there is."
Ben's phone beeped, so he picked it up.
" What's going on?"
" It's nothing for you to worry about, babe."
" Okay, you see when you say that, it only makes me worry more, so..."
" Well, I'm sorry, Ciara, but it's fine. Really."
" Ben. Ben, whatever it is you're dealing with, you know you can tell me, right?"
" It's my nephew, David."
" Is something wrong?"
" No, no, but today's the official court date for Rafe to find out if he can become his legal guardian."
" Okay, well, I mean, that is great news then, right? Because once the judge approves it, Jordan won't be able to keep him away from you, and you'll be able to see your nephew all you want."
" That's the thing. I''m not sure if that's a good idea."
Ben sat on the couch and drank his smoothie. Ciara watched Ben for a minute before setting her purse down and sitting next to him.
" Ben, I don't understand. I thought you wanted to be a part of David's life?"
" You kept telling me how important he was to you."
" He is important. It's just, what if I'm not a good influence on the kid?"
" Ben."
" I'm serious. I mean, maybe Jordan's right. I do have Clyde Weston's DNA. Maybe David should be kept as far away from my family as possible."
" Ben, that's crazy."
" Exactly. We're all crazy."
" No, no, no, that's not what I meant. You know that."
"Hey, Ben, look at me," Ciara said as she placed her hand on his cheek so he would look at her.
" You are not your father. Okay? You have worked so hard to get better and put your past behind you."
