Remember WENN and the crazies that inhabit that world belong solely to Rupert Holmes.

Thanks to Biz for editing the story, and for encouraging me to keep the story on it's course, even though I didn't like where it was heading. This is yet another alt ending for the cliffhangers.

By Dani Calderwood

Hilary tapped her foot impatiently. Mackie gave out a pent up sigh as he again checked the clock on the wall of Studio A. "Well Mistress Hilary can I get you anything until Master Geoffrey with a G arrives."

"No Sanders, I'll just wait here all by myself waiting for Master Geoffrey's execu...arrival."

Ever since Hilary had told Jeff about her marriage to Scott Sherwood, he had taken to carousing every night and romancing the towns most beautiful women. Hardly a day went by that Jeff's picture wasn't in the society column of the paper. And if he made it into the studio on time for Bedside Manor he never failed to bring up his evening's activities.

Hilary took his jabs about how young his companions were gracefully, she'd known she had destroyed part of his soul when she told him of the marriage. She had tried to think of a way around it but could find none and when he asked her so earnestly to be his wife again, she knew she could no longer lie to him or herself.

Scott watched his wife from the control room. Their one drunken night had cost them so much; they'd both lost the people they loved most in the world. But at least Betty hadn't sought revenge on him, though those awkward glances and stammered responses to questions did cut him. He had told Hilary to tell Jeff the real reason they had to stay married but she responded that it would be futile.

Jeff strolled casually through the doors of studio A. He wore a very rumpled tuxedo. Scott could see Hilary's face fall but had to admire the way she covered. "Well Geoffrey, how very nice of you to join us." Hilary said in a monotone voice.

"Oh good morning cousin Hilary. I am sorry I am late but well you know, more pressing matters called for my undivided attention," Jeff said smirkingly.

"Would you like anything Master Geoffrey? Some Ingrim's coffee, a danish?" Mackie asked. Than under his breath he whispered, "a swift kick in the pants."

Jeff picked up the script not paying attention to anyone.

Hilary however smiled appreciatively at Mackie. "Sanders, I'd love some more Ingrim's coffee, just the thing to start the day."

"Or end it." Jeff added. "I have to tell you about a party Melissa and I went to, we had the wildest time."

"I'm sure you had fun Master Geoffr..." Mackie started.

"We did, Melissa is an amazing woman. Beautiful, intelligent, youthful and still sweet. If I ever was fool enough to tie myself down to one woman again it would be someone just like her." Jeff looked at Hilary, "but I would never be that stupid again."

Hilary gave Jeff her best go to hell look and calmly left the studio.

"Oh look Sanders, Hilary is out for her morning walk. I guess at her age she needs to talk extra special care of herself." Jeff said, bitterness tinged his voice.

"You keep searching, maybe someday you'll find someone half as good as she is." Mackie said quietly. "If you do, don't throw it away on a whim."

"I didn't." Jeff let his guard drop momentarily. He looked at the control room and spotted Scott. "Maybe you should tell Hilary's new husband that. Hurry though she doesn't keep them for long."

Just then Eugenia played the theme music that queued the end of the show. C.J. gave them the all clear as Scott stormed from the control room to into the studio. "All right Singer, I have had just about enough of you and your treatment of Hilary." Scott said angrily.

"Scott." Hilary said softly from the door. "Don't."

"Oh isn't this sweet, husband and wife uniting in a single purpose." Jeff said as he stared straight at Hilary. "Too bad all of your marriages didn't have that commitment."

"Jeff, I have let you walk all over me since you learned the truth, but no more. You were the one who had to run back to England despite the dangers. You married Pavla and allowed her to come here. Never once did I come first in your decisions." Hilary calmly berated, "I moved on with my life and either you can accept it and let go of the past, or one of us will leave this station. But I will not allow you to bring down everyone's work just to get back at me."

"Fine -I- will leave. Melissa wants to get married and she certainly has enough money for both of us to live on." Jeff said with a smug smile.

"Fine Singer, finish out the week and you're gone." Scott said from behind the couple.

Jeff left the studio without another word.

Scott escorted Hilary to the greenroom. "Are you all right." Scott asked as he pulled out the chair for Hilary.

"Yes, thank you." she replied with a weak smile.

"Hildy, you should tell him everything." Scott said, as he sat across from her. "You two still have a chance."

"No, we used up all our chances." Hilary blinked as she tried unsuccessfully to stop the tears that formed in her eyes.

Jeff stood outside the greenroom doors stunned at what he heard. He had planned to follow the couple inside and continue their discussion but Scott's words stopped him in his tracks.

"Are you sure?" Scott asked as he took her hand in his. "We don't need to do this Hilary."

"I need to do it Scott, I made a promise to you and I will keep it." Hilary covered their hands with her free one. "You saved me from myself after Pavla came. I owe you more than I can repay, so not another word."

"Hil..."

"Not another word," Hilary told Scott, "ours may not be a marriage in any way but name but I am bound to you stronger then either of us care to deal with."

Jeff made a hasty retreat from the door and found himself in the writer's room. *Hilary wasn't really married to Scott. Not in the way she claimed to be.* Jeff sat in Betty's chair and thought over what he'd heard

"Oh Jeff," Betty said as she entered the room. "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing, I just needed a place to think."

Betty gave him a sympathetic smile. "I understand that all too well."

"Betty, what has Scott told you about his marriage to Hilary," he asked.

"Why should Scott Sherwood tell me anything? Especially about that marriage." Betty replied.

"Do you think they are in love?" He asked.

"Jeff, don't do this to yourself. Believe me it will just drive you crazy. What did I do, what didn't I do, is she more of a woman then I am..." She noticed Jeff's stare she shifted uncomfortably. "You should just put those questions out of your mind."

"Betty, I think that they might not be as married as everyone thinks." Jeff ventured.

"I think you should move on, Jeff, your vindictiveness against Hilary is just making you look bad," she said.

"I can't help it Betty, I love her." Jeff answered.

"Still?" she asked.

"Always!" He declared, "I need to know that I didn't blow my last chance with her. And I think you feel the same about Scott."

"I don't feel anyway about Mr. Sherwood," Betty said. "In fact Victor and I have a kind of understanding for when he returns from England."

"Be sure of what you do Betty. Hasty decisions make for miserable lives, believe me I am living proof."

"You did what you needed to do for Victor," Betty said with a smile.

"And I'd probably do it again," He said with regret, "but this time I'd make sure that I didn't lose Hilary in the process."

Hilary timidly knocked on the door of Jeff's hotel room. He opened the door and greeted her with a smile, "Hilary, I'm glad you could come."

"What do you want Jeff?" She asked.

"I wanted to try and straighten out some of the feelings between us, so we could move on with our lives."

"I've moved on," she replied.

"Then help me do it, please," He requested.

"What can I do?" She asked hesitantly.

"You could come in for starters," He suggested, as he held the door open. "Then we'll play it by ear."

Hilary walked into the small room. She smiled to herself at its condition; Jeffrey was never the neatest person, how could he find anything in this state of confusion?

"Would you like a drink?" He asked, as he interrupted her thoughts.

"No, no thank you," she said. "Jeff what do you want?"

"Do you really want to know?" He responded.

Hilary began to feel uncomfortable at the way he looked at her. "Jeffrey...." She turned abruptly, she didn't want him to see the tears that had threatened to come.

"Hilary." He said lovingly. He walked up behind her and buried his face in her hair. He breathed in her scent.

Hilary could feel his hot breath on her neck. She tried to move away but he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly against him.

"I've missed you." He finally said.

"Jeff, I'm, I'm married." She said weakly. She was very aware that his breathing had become labored and that hers had begun to match it.

"Do you love him...the way you loved me?" He asked.

"No." She replied. "But, I don't ever want to love someone as I love you."

Jeff laughed lightly and kissed her ear.

"You think it's funny, the pain I've felt because of you." She asked angrily as she tried to struggle out of his embrace. "I'm so glad I could amuse you. Now let go of me!"

"No, of course I don't find your pain amusing," Jeff said. He turned her around in his arms, "I could never begin to make up for hurting you. You will never know how much I regret that Hilary. I wasn't laughing at your pain I was happy because you still love me."

"I - I what? And where did you get that? Let go of me." She said. She tried to move away as she noted the effect he had on her.

"From you." Jeff bent slightly and gently kissed her mouth. "I love you too."

"Jeffrey Sing..." Jeff kissed her again this time more demanding. Without thought Hilary responded. She wrapped her arms around Jeff and pressed her body closer. Her tongue brushed against his lips.

"Oh Hilary I have missed you." He said as he picked her up and carried her to the bed. He laid her down and stretched out beside her. He kissed her again. His hands went to the buttons on her dress.

Hilary reveled in his touch. She sighed as she began to pull at his shirt. "Oh Jeffrey." She moaned as he kissed her neck. "Oh pumpkin."

"We can be remarried Hilary. This time we can make it work." Jeff said as he looked her in the in the eyes.

Hilary smiled at him as her hand caressed his face. "You just need to divorce Scott and then..."

"No." She said. She sat up quickly and moved away from Jeff.

"No? What do you mean no?" Jeff asked.

"I can't divorce Scott." She said as she stood and straightened her dress. "I have to go, I never should have come."

Jeff grabbed her arm and roughly pulled her back on the bed. "You don't love him Hilary, I know you don't. So why can't you divorce him? What is so important that you would risk our future?"

"I am not the one who risked our future, you did that all by yourself Pumpkin. I owe Scott and I will not desert him," she angrily said. "Now please let me go."

"Sorry that I can't do. I will never let you go again." He said as he lifted her face towards his. She pushed away before he could kiss her.

"I am Mrs. Scott Sherwood, I don't belong to you anymore." Hilary said as harshly as she could manage.

"You don't belong with him. What does he have on you Hilary; why are you doing this?" Jeff asked.

"I won't discuss our relationship with you." Hilary again got off the bed. She looked at him and smiled sadly. "Jeff, marry that Melissa of yours, she could make you happy if you'd let her."

"She can't," He said moving off the bed towards her. He walked to her until she was trapped between himself and the door, "She isn't you."

Hilary shut her eyes unable to look at the pain on his face. She heard him move closer. His hand stroked her face. Finally she looked into his eyes. She gathered the rest of her strength as she pushed him away and opened the door. "You have to go on with your life Jeff, you are too special to be alone."

She closed his hotel door behind her and took a deep breath as she walked down the hall. When she heard him open the door she ran to the waiting elevator.

"Lobby, and hurry please." She told the operator.

"Hilary please don't do this," he called out before the doors closed.

She relaxed against the wall of the elevator as she tried to fight the oncoming tears.

Hilary unlocked the front door of her house. She assumed Scott must have gone to bed since the lights were off. She set down her pocketbook and fumbled for the lights.

"Hello Hilary." Scott said, he glared at her from one of the armchairs.

"Scott!" She jumped as his form was illuminated by the light, "You startled me, what are you doing sitting in the dark?" She asked.

"Waiting for you. It wasn't dark when I first sat down." He replied. His gaze never left hers. "Where were you?"

"I was at Jeff's; he wanted to talk." She replied. "Care for a drink."

"No thank you. I think I've had my limit for tonight." He said as he pointed to the half-empty bottle of scotch on the table. "So what did he want to talk about?"

"Nothing really." Hilary tried to sound casual.

"Nothing huh, not even that he wants you back?" He questioned, "so did he succeed?"

"Scott I have had a rough night." Hilary said suddenly exhausted.

"Did he succeed?" He repeated his question more harshly. "Did he get you back in his bed."

"Scott! What the hell is the matter with you?" Hilary asked.

"Oh nothing, I've just been sitting here imagining my wife in another man's bed." He threw his glass across the room and it smashed into the mirror on the wall.

Hilary sat down in the chair opposite from him stunned by his reaction. "Scotty, you have been encouraging me to tell Jeff everything."

"So did you, did you tell him the reason you have stayed. Not because you love or even desire your husband, but that you feel obligated?" Scott asked drunkenly.

"No, I didn't tell him anything and I didn't sleep with him," she answered, confused by Scott's behavior.

"But he does want you back?" he asked.

"Yes. He said that he still loves me." Hilary smiled despite of herself.

"And you still love him, don't you?" Scott's voice sounded strange to her.

"You know I do." She said quietly, "You also know that I care for you."

Scott suddenly stood and walked over to her. He pulled her up from her chair and kissed her as hard as he could. "Then prove it." He said bluntly. Kissing her again he began to unbutton the front of her dress. He pushed dress and slip off her shoulders and onto the ground. "Prove it."

"Scott, what's the matter?" She asked pushing away from him.

"Nothing," he snapped. He walked away from her. "I'm sorry, Hildy." He said as he reached for another glass.

"Scotty?"

"Betty's married. Victor was able, somehow, to get back to Pittsburgh. They were married tonight. From what Mapes said they will have a fast honeymoon before he returns to England." Scott slammed the glass down. "I'm sorry, I just needed someone to talk to and you were the first person I thought of...but you weren't here."

"Scott." Hilary said softly. "I'm here now."

"But you don't want to be, you want to be with Jeff." Scott turned back towards her. "You should be with him."

Hilary reached around her back and undid her bra. She removed it and threw it on the chair. Next she kicked off her shoes, "I'm where I belong, at least for tonight."

Scott woke the next morning to the sound of knocking at the door. Carefully he moved away from Hilary and covered her with the afghan that hung on the back of the couch. Quickly he put on his boxers and undershirt.

He swung open the door. "Jeff!" He said startled, "what are you doing here?"

"I need to speak to Hilary." Jeff said as he pushed past him. "Is she up yet?"

Scott grabbed his arm and tried to stop him from entering the house. "No she's not. I will tell her you stopped by."

"I'll tell her Scott, right now." Jeff shrugged off the other man's hand and walked into the living room. His gaze immediately fell to Hilary sleeping on the couch. Looking around he noticed her clothes scattered on the ground, along with Scott's. He turned back towards Scott, the devastation showing in his eyes. "On second thought don't bother her telling her anything."

"Scotty, what time is it?" Hilary said sleepily from the couch. She looked over and saw Jeff staring at her with complete contempt. "Je- Jeffrey!"

"Good morning Mrs. Sherwood." He said coldly.

"Jeff let me explain--", Scott started from behind the taller man.

"You don't need to explain why you and your wife made love in your home." He said with a forced lightness.

"It isn't what it looks like."

"You and Hilary didn't have sex last night? She didn't leave my bed to run to yours?" Jeff asked bitterly.

"Jeff this isn't called for." Scott said as he touched Jeff's shoulder.

Jeff turned and with one punch knocked Scott off his feet.

"Scott!" Hilary cried as she got up from the couch. She rushed to his side as she wrapped the afghan around herself, "Are you all right?" She looked up at Jeff and asked, "are you proud of yourself?"

"No, I was stupid enough to want you again. It is a mistake I will never repeat."

Hilary paid no attention to Jeff as she tenderly rubbed Scott's jaw. "Does it hurt."

"Only when I breathe." Scott replied.

Jeff walked over the stretched out Scott towards the door. "Singer," Scott called out, "if you leave now it will be one of your biggest mistakes; and you have made plenty."

"Yeah I have, coming here topped the list." Jeff said as he slammed the door behind him.

"Let me get you some ice." Hilary said.

"Go after him, Hildy. There is still a chance." Scott said looking into her eyes.

"You need ice." Hilary leaned and kissed Scott gently on the cheek.

Hilary reached the kitchen and sank to her knees. Quietly she sobbed over what had happened. She didn't regret being with Scott, and she never would.

"Jeff, we need to talk." Scott said cornering Jeff in the greenroom.

"No we don't." Jeff said.

"Yes, yes we do." Scott responded, "What you saw this morning . . . what happened last night. They aren't what they seem. It's you she loves." Pulling out a chair Scott sat across from Jeff.

"I don't think so." Jeff said sadly.

"I do." Scott responded. "There are times I hope . . . but that doesn't matter. What matters is that we both care about Hilary and we both want what will make her the happiest."

Jeff stared at the cup of coffee in his hand.

"Why did she marry you?" Jeff asked.

"It's a long complicated story and some of it has to come from Hilary." Scott answered truthfully.

"Why did you marry her?" He asked rephrasing the question.

"A lark. We were both plastered out of our minds. The part I can tell you is why we stayed married. You've heard stories about my family?"

"Yeah." Jeff looked at him with confusion.

"Well I have a large trust that my grandfather set up. Grandfather was a daft old bird but he loved me and wanted to see me settled. The terms of the trust are that I get the money when I marry and if I stay married for at least 24 months. He figured with me being a Sherwood, I would marry the first dame I saw then dump her. But if I had to stay married maybe something would develop."

"So Hilary married you to get money?" Jeff asked.

"No. She married me because she had a fifth of vodka in her." Scott said with a half smile. "She's staying so I get the money though. I've told her that she doesn't have to but she's loyal."

"Yes she is. Not many people recognize that in her." Jeff looked at Scott and continued, "For the longest time I was the only one who truly saw the real Hilary. Then- then you came along and there is something between you two, she opens up to you in ways I've never see her do . . . not even with me."

"We are just friends Jeff, despite what you saw this morning."

"I don't want to . . ." Jeff blinked back the tears.

"Scott, are you ready. The Silhouetted Avenger is about to start." Hilary said as she entered the greenroom. She froze in her tracks as she saw the two men seated at the table. "Jeffrey, I didn't know you were here."

"I better get going. Mapes will skin me if I leave her hanging." Scott rose from his chair and walked over to Hilary. "I've told him why we have stayed married. Now fight for what you want."

Hilary stared after Scott feeling like her lifeline was deserting her.

"Hilary?" Jeff said breaking into her thoughts.

"Yes." She replied.

"Why did you do it?"

"Why did I marry him, I don't kno . . ."

"No not that, why did you sleep with him last night?"

"He needed me." She replied simply.

"And I don't." He said with a trace of anger in his voice.

"Not in the ways Scott does."

"You are in love with him." He stated.

"Honestly, I don't know," she said. "I know that he is always there when I need him. That he understands me."

"And me, do you still love me?" He asked looking at her for the first time.

"Yes, I think no matter what, I always will. You inspire me to be better than I am." she admitted.

"Who do you want to spend your life with?" He asked.

"Jeff, it's too early for these questions." Hilary replied.

"No, I think it may be too late." Jeff stood and walked to Hilary. "I think that I will always love you too." Taking her in his arms he kissed her mouth. "Good-bye."

"You are good at leaving aren't you?" Hilary said. "I am really getting tired of these good-bye scenes."

"I'd stay forever." He said.

"Until there was a chance to foolishly risk your life." Hilary countered.

"If I'm still here when there is no longer a duty to Scott, would that prove to you how much I love you." He asked hopefully.

"Jeff, we keeping going around and around." She said exhaustedly, "It's time to stop playing on this merry-go-round."

"But we've always had so much fun on them, remember?" He asked mischievously "That one in San Diego was very fun."

"The one you got us removed from?" She said with a laugh.

"Me? Excuse me miss it's dark they won't see." Jeff smiled at the memory.

"Well they wouldn't have if you hadn't made so much noise." She replied.

"You bit me." He said with mock outrage.

"Well, as I recall, you didn't complain at the time." She said.

"I didn't did I." Jeff responded. "No matter what, you always could make things fun."

"We had our rough times too," she reminded him. "Out of work, out of money and no prospects."

"But we always managed somehow." He replied proudly.

"Well we are two highly skilled actors." She returned smugly.

"You think I'm skilled?" He asked, surprise in his voice.

"Of course. Jeffrey you are one of the best actors I have ever had the privilege of working with." She told him honestly.

"That means more to me that you will ever know, Mittens."

Hilary smiled at the use of her old nickname.

"I love you." He said sincerely. He studied her face closely. "But our time is past, isn't it?"

Hilary closed her eyes trying to restrain her tears. Jeff kissed her gently on the cheek and wiped away a tear that had fallen.

"You just tell Sherwood that if ever does anything to hurt you, or if he is stupid enough to put anyone above you . . . tell him he will have me to answer to." Jeff walked out of the station. Once outside he leaned against the wall and allowed himself to break down.

"Hilary? Hilary are you home?" Scott called out not expecting a response.

"I'm in the study Scotty." She answered.

"Hey Hildy, what are you doing home?" Scott said as he plopped on the couch. "I expected you to be with Jeff."

"Do you want me with Jeff?" Hilary asked unexpectedly.

Scott looked at her sitting in her chair with the light from the lamp behind her framing her face and highlighting her hair. "Isn't that what you want?"

"Scott." She said in an exasperated tone.

"No." He replied simply in a hushed voice.

"No, no what?" She needed him to tell her how he felt.

"No, I don't want you with Jeff. I want you here with me." Scott held out his hand for her to join him on the couch. Smiling affectionately Hilary took her place beside him. "I didn't realize until last night how much you mean to me. When I heard Betty was married a part of me felt an acute pain and sorrow for what could have been. But a larger part of me felt grateful that I had you to come home to. That no matter how deep the pain you would be there to help ease it." Scott took Hilary's hands in his. "That's why I sat in the dark, not because of the loss of Betty, but because I thought I lost you."

"You hadn't lost me. I needed to put Jeff behind me before I could realize how much I care for you." Hilary said giving him a look that stirred his heart.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Scott asked. "After this I promise that I will be the over possessive husband."

"And I will be the overly jealous wife." Hilary said as she nuzzled into his embrace.

"Sounds like the perfect marriage to me." Scott said easing back against the couch. "What more could two con artists ask for."

"Scott Sherwood, I am an actress, not a con artist." Hilary argued.

"Hilary, trust me you are a natural born con." Scott said tilting her head towards his. Kissing her mouth he whispered against her lips. "Wait until my family gets a load of you, they won't know what hit them."

The End