Grace had started to get more and more apprehensive about the Fosters fundraiser. She was upset enough to go to Eileen and beg her to find someone else to speak, but eventually the date for the fundraiser arrived and Grace prepared for the evening. She didn't have a decent evening dress, having never had the need for one before, so she decided to splurge and buy something new.

It was very simple burgundy with a strapless heart shaped ruched bodice that started just at the swell of her breasts. The waist was a belt of silver beads in a v that pointed up and hugged her midriff just under the bodice; the skirt fell from the ruched fabric of the bodice in clouds of delicate material and had a large v slit in the front that showed off her long legs. She had no clue that she looked regal as she piled her thick dark hair high on her head making her shoulders and neck seem extra delicate. She looked every inch the lady.

As she moved into the hallway to collect her coat she was unaware that Angie and Christine were struck dumb by her appearance. They both felt frumpy and plain as her serene beauty overwhelmed them. They told her she looked great, wished her luck, and told her to be careful, even though they had no clue where she was going.

Grace had asked for Eileen to tell her what time she was speaking and she planned to arrive in time to give her speech then leave again, hoping everyone would forget her afterwards.

Grace had turned on automatic pilot, turning off all feeling, and putting all of her defense mechanisms in place. Her face was a composed mask that she felt would break if she even attempted a smile.

When she arrived she was greeted by Eileen and Lizzy who were anxiously waiting for her in the lobby. She had had only limited contact with Lizzy since her trip to the theater, having only seen her and Trisha in the office once or twice while doing her best to keep the conversation polite and only about the fundraiser and what was expected from her.

"We were worried dear," Eileen greeted, looking at her, thinking that she seemed cool and composed, but she was still concerned that they had asked too much of her.

Lizzy was all business, unaware of any tension as she walked with Grace through the lobby and up the side of the banquet room. Many people turned to watch their progress across the room, but Grace was so tuned out of her surroundings that she was completely unaware of their glances.

All but one, she knew he was there, she could sense him, there was an energy in the room that only he brought. She tried to tell herself she was being ridiculous since the room was full of people, but once she was at the edge of the stage she let her eyes skim the crowd and she immediately found Bryce's piercing blue gaze. She returned his questioning look with a hollow one of her own, unable to do anything else.

"Good evening everyone. We hope you have enjoyed your evening so far, but now is the time when we ask you all to open your hearts and your wallets to College for Fosters. This program, as you know, helps children who grew up in foster care pay for their college education, and we can think of no one better to tell you all about it than Dr. Grace Winston, who is a Fosters alum. Grace has only recently moved to New York, but one of the first things she did after her arrival was to reconnect with Eileen and ask her how she could help. So without further ado, I give you Dr. Grace Winston." Trisha looked over her shoulder at Grace, clapping with the rest of the crowd. Grace had noted her emphasis on the title Dr.

It was easy to tell that Grace was not what they were expecting by the murmur that went through the crowd.

Grace took a deep breath, gathering every ounce of charm she had ever possessed, and approached the microphone with what appeared to be a warm and charming smile, but her knees and hands were shaking. "I'm not what you expected am I?" she asked softly, her southern accent stronger than usual but charming enough that the statement came across as lighthearted teasing and brought laughter from the crowd. Due to her nervousness she took her time adjusting the microphone and turned to Trisha giving her a smile. "Thank you, Trisha, for emphasizing the Dr. portion of my name the second time. I think some of them missed it the first time." This too came out as a lighthearted teasing.

Trisha beamed at her, giving her the thumbs up as if to say I've got your back girl.

"Yes, I'm a proud College for Fosters alum, and no I'm not referring to the beer Foster's either." A hardy laugh swept through the room at this last joke, corny though it was. Grace had no clue that it was her natural charm that was winning the crowd.

"This is the part where I am supposed to tell you my story of woe. About how at the age of eight both of my parents died, and with no other living relatives to take me in I became a ward of the state. It's true what they say about older children not having many chances of being adopted, and I passed through no fewer than twelve foster homes by the time I was seventeen but, abruptly at seventeen, before I was ready to be one, the state considered me an adult. The state had done its job, and I was given a pat on the back, told good luck, and sent out into the world alone and with absolutely no support." Grace reminded herself to breathe.

"Most kids don't know what to do and many end up on the street, not because they are lazy or damaged, but because they don't know what their options are, or how to find their way in a non state funded world. I was lucky to have a teacher who took an interest in me and knew about the College for Fosters program. She put me in touch with Eileen, and she and this organization helped me get into college. It's not just scholarships that this program gives, it is mentoring, giving advice, helping to find other funding opportunities, and even co-signing loans."

Grace cleared her throat and looked for Eileen in the crowed, careful to avoid Bryce's gaze. "It is true that one of the first things I did when I arrived in New York was to seek out Eileen and ask her how I could help. Well, if I'm honest, the first thing I did was have a piece of your famous New York style cheese cake."

There was a round of warm laughter, easing the tension.

"But then I called Eileen and asked how I could help. There is, however, an interesting twist to this story. My doctorate is in Pre European Archeology. Not the sexiest of subjects I know, but I like to think that it is a useful subject. This summer I had the chance to do an archeological dig on some land that was owned by a family in Kent, England. During my stay I was introduced to this family and we became friends."

Grace, having built up the nerve, shot a smile towards the table that held the Bryce, and noted that some of his family were with him.

"It turned out that this family is heavily involved with the College for Fosters program and I had no idea. I only learned about it when Lizzy, Trisha, and Eileen asked me to speak here tonight. I learned that this family believes in the College for Fosters program deeply and it is truly a family affair, and they all do what they can to help all of those foster kids, like me, get the education that they deserve." Grace trembled a little as she thought about what she was about to reveal.

"Now, here is where it all comes full circle." Grace cleared her throat. "A few weeks ago I was helping Eileen clear out some old files from her office, and I came across my file, I just had to see what had been said about me all those years ago, and it was all very positive but there was one surprise." Grace paused, remembering the moment and how her heart had stopped beating when she had learned the truth. "I had believed that Eileen had personally co-signed my loan for graduate school six years ago but I was wrong, it was actually one of the members of this family, a family whom I had never met."

Grace turned to look at Bryce, her eyes meeting his. "I bet you didn't know that, did you?"

He gave a small smile and shook his head while a murmur went through the crowd as people watched her and Bryce's exchange, recognizing him and his family.

"A complete stranger took a chance on me, a chance that I would succeeded in this world, and due to his generosity I did, and I had the chance to return the favor by digging up his backyard. Don't worry Bryce the gardener assures me the grass will grow back in a year or two."

There was a swell of laughter.

"As a College for Fosters alum, I cannot tell you how much all of your donations mean. If you can't give as much as you would like I know that Eileen always needs help on the administrative side and would love to have you all as volunteers. So, as Trisha said, open your hearts and your wallets and help a kid go to college. If anyone would like to ask me about the program, I'll be around for a few minutes to answer any questions you might have. Thank you for your time and support." There was a warm swell of applause and even some whistling that she guessed came from Rainer or Mason.

Grace took her place next to the stage and for the next hour she had so many people approach her that she was a bit overwhelmed. There were a few questions, but most wanted to tell her how well she had done or to give her their checks personally and she was blown away by some of the sums on the checks.

Eventually, the crowd around her thinned and Rainer was there asking her to dance.

She smiled, glad of the relief from talking to strangers that he offered, and she went into his arms willingly, thankful for his friendly face.

"That's quite a tale Grace," he said as he moved her around the dance floor, "I especially liked the surprise ending." He gave a soft laugh and she looked at him sharply.

"What do you mean, 'surprise ending'?" She was still raw and defensive and Rainer, bless him, sensed it.

"Just that Grace, relax, there's no need to go on the defensive, put your claws away, you're with a friend." He put his hand under her chin and smiled at her. It was so close to what Bryce had said to her all those months ago, and she couldn't help but turn to look at where he was sitting with his family.

"You sound like Bryce," she said without thinking.

"Do I?" Rainer looked shocked as he followed her gaze.

Bryce was leaning in to hear something that the beautiful blond next to him was saying and he looked up and caught Grace's gaze. Grace quickly looked away before he could figure out what she was thinking. Even though she was doing her best to appear as if she was holding it together, she really wasn't, and she didn't think she would last much longer.

Rainer who had always been so good at reading people hadn't missed the longing in her gaze. "I'm sorry Grace."

"What is there to be sorry for Rainer?" Grace bluffed, daring to look up and meet his eyes.

"Your broken heart. My stupid big brother. I shouldn't have pushed, I just thought that you two would be perfect together."

They had been for a day or two, but she couldn't tell that to Rainer. "Your being silly Rainer, Bryce and I are friends." And not with benefits she added silently. She looked back at the beautiful blond that had placed her hand on Bryce's arm. Did she have benefits? Would he be taking her home with him after the party because she understood the rules of the game and was willing to play by those rules?

"I should go say hello to your parents," Grace suggested, nodding to the table, knowing that the best way to reassure Rainer was to approach Bryce and not run away.

Rainer didn't fall for it though. "Atta girl, you're not one to run away from an uncomfortable situation." He put his hand in the small of her back and escorted her towards the table where everyone was sitting.

"Grace my dear, you look lovely." Douglas greeted her with a warm handshake and Elizabeth enveloped her in a warm hug.

"I'm so proud of you. You had them eating out of the palm of your hand." She turned Grace towards the table and introduced the youngest Stevens, Caleb, who had an open friendly smile and a warm handshake. Grace also met Bryce's date for the evening, a tall and gorgeous blond who's name she didn't even bother to hear.

She was invited to sit, and she joined in the conversation about anything and nothing, pretending that Bryce's presence was no different than everyone else's. He was so close she could reach out and touch him if she had been allowed to and, although she was only sneaking little glances in his direction, she didn't miss Bryce leaning in and saying something to Rainer who was sitting next to him. Rainer looked upset and said something back but Bryce stared his brother down until he got up and asked Bryce's date to dance with him.

"Grace, would you dance with me?" Bryce asked as he stood. Grace was tempted to turn him down just so she could see what he would do, but as she looked around the table and saw everyone's expectant looks she realized that it would be a dead giveaway if she said no.

Bryce led the way to the floor with neither one of them touching and when he turned to take her into his arms she bit back a little cry. It was like coming home and breaking into a million pieces all at the same time. She was aware of her hand in his, of his other hand which rested on her waist, of his legs as they brushed against hers.

Cassie was singing a slow song that was easy to dance to and they danced in silence for a while, Bryce must have sensed that she needed a few minutes to collect herself, but he had brought her on the dance floor for a reason, and that reason was to talk to her in private.

"You did well, Kitten," he whispered in her ear. "I was unaware that you would be speaking tonight."

Grace's stomach did a flip flop at the endearment, but she only shrugged as they made a turn, ignoring the feeling. There was no point in it. He had known how to get in contact with her and had had no interest in doing so, he didn't care as much as she wanted him to care.

"You shouldn't call me that Bryce, it implies that you have feelings for me and I might get the wrong idea." Grace looked over at his date who was dancing with Rainer. "Your date is lovely."

"Yes, she is, and so are you," he said softly into her ear.

A change of subject was in order for her survival. "Did you know that you co-signed a loan for me?"

"No, but I am glad."

"Do you co-sign many loans?" Grace looked up and met his piercing blue eyes, unable to read them.

"No, I've only done it a few times. It's understood that I'm willing to help exceptional cases and only for graduate school."

"Was I not supposed to say anything?" Grace asked, suddenly worrying that she shouldn't have even mentioned it. But when she had come across the paper work with his name on it, she had been floored. Even then, it seemed that she was destined to know him, to love him.

This time he shrugged. "I don't mind, I've never really felt the need to make a big deal about it."

She bit her lip.

"It's all right Grace, perhaps it will inspire others to give, although I wouldn't recommend co-signing a loan for a stranger." He smiled.

"You're always looking out for others, Bryce." She couldn't help the sarcasm that crept into her voice. That was the main reason he had given her for not being able to commit to a long-term relationship. He couldn't afford to take care of a relationship because he was too busy taking care of everything else.

Bryce remained silent as they continued to dance and Bryce's arms were strong as they held her close. She could feel his warmth and smell his aftershave. The rest of the crowd melted away as he moved her across the floor and just for these few minutes she could pretend that it was just the two of them again.

Cassie had launched into the old standard, 'All or Nothing at All", Grace just let the song wash over her, saying all that she wanted to say but couldn't. The song was much too short, and before she knew it the dance was finished.

She returned to the table in an exhausted daze, but no one seemed to be the wiser as she did her best to hold up her end of the conversation and dance a few more dances. She stayed for another hour before she rose and made her excuses.

"Grace, why don't you let one of the boys take you home?" Elizabeth suggested.

"No, thank you. There are taxi's lined up out front, and I can easily take one of them."

"Rainer will go with you to get the taxi," Elizabeth insisted.

Knowing that Elizabeth would continue to insist, she gave in as graciously as she could. "Thank you." Grace smiled at Rainer as they moved towards the door.

Rainer was silent as they collected her coat and moved towards the front doors of the hotel. "I'm sorry, Grace," he apologized again, having not bought the 'just friends excuse,' and if he hadn't it was highly likely that no one else in his family had bought it either.

Grace stiffened at the thought of all of their pity. She wasn't thinking about the great revelation about her childhood, no, it was all about her revelation of loving Bryce. How many times had they witnessed girls fall for him and watch as he cut them loose. She was probably just another in a long line of them.

"Don't worry about it, Rainer. It all ended up alright in the end." She remembered his and Bryce's exchange and the tension between the two brothers. She knew it was over her and she would hate it if she came between them in any way. She had no family so she knew how important it really was. "Just promise me you will make up with Bryce, and that you will value that relationship that you have with all of your siblings. You might feel alone sometimes, you all might," she nodded towards the hotel behind them, "but you're not and you never really will be."

"And you are," he said softly as all the puzzle pieces that he had tried to collect over the years about Grace finally fell into place.

Grace gave a sad smile and put her hand to his rough cheek. "When you're in it, I mean really in it, surrounded by the loneliness it becomes your normal and it doesn't hurt so much." It's only when you have the chance to experience a wonderful family and their closeness that you're reminded that the pain is still there. Grace added the last bit silently.

Rainer reached into his coat and pulled out a wrapped gift. "This is an early Christmas present. I was hoping..." He gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I will give you a call when I get back and we will have dinner."

"When you get back?"

"Yes, I am headed to Korea, lots to report there."

"Be careful." Grace gave him a hug.

He broke away and motioned for a taxi.

"See you soon my licentious raven haired beauty." Rainer kissed her cheek and put her in the car.

Grace smiled up at him as he closed the door and as the taxi pulled away she unwrapped the present. It was a small framed photo, the photo of the cowboy on horseback, the photo of Bryce.

She traced the image with her finger. Elizabeth must have mentioned it to Rainer which meant she knew of Grace's feelings towards her eldest son.

She could feel silent tears on her cheeks.

For all of Rainer's charm and devil may care attitude he was very thoughtful, just like his older brother. Grace didn't doubt for a minute that if he could wrap Bryce up and give him to her he would. The image of Bryce with a bow on his head made her laugh.

Life goes on, she thought.

That night she stopped sleeping with her light on, she welcomed the darkness, she was the one that was hiding in the shadows now.