On their return flight, they were once again met in Atlanta by hungry reporters who'd been camped out for days, clamoring for answers, photos, anything.

They had planned to take a cab home, but when they deplaned in L.A. they were delighted to find Calista's parents and Liam waiting for them. Liam immediately reached for Robert and Robert took him in his arms. Reporters who'd been waiting for a glimpse of the couple were now swarmed around them like bees. Smiling pleasantly, Robert carried Liam while he and Calista silently made their way through the media throng. Their pictures stared at them from the cover of every magazine on the stands. "Hey," Robert joked, "I think we're famous."

Headlines shouted, ‘Calista and Robert secretly married,' ‘Flockhart & Downey in Love Tryst,' ‘Calista Takes Pity on Troubled Actor,' ‘Downey Vows I Gave Up Drugs for Love,' ‘Downey/Flockhart Secret Honeymoon,' ‘Robert - The Real Father of Calista's Adopted Son,' ‘Are Downey and Ally Back Together?' etc., etc., etc.

"Can't wait for David's reaction," Calista said gloomily. "He's gonna skin us alive."

"Oh, come one, Calista, he's the biggest romantic there is," Robert replied, "how the hell can he be against love."

"You know what I mean," she said, waving her arms about, "all this .... without warning."

"Oh, yeah," he rolled his eyes, "like nobody's suspected a thing." He gave her a disbelieving look, "Do you really think we've been fooling anyone?"

"That's not what I'm talking about," she answered, "David wasn't planning to release any news of your return to the show for at least another month. Damn, he's gonna kill us."

They arrived back at the house around 3:00 and Calista's mouth fell open when she walked through the door and saw all the festive birthday decorations, a product of her mother's hard labor. Liam's cake was priceless. There was a sweet, working merry-go-round on top with horses that went up and down, and one blue candle poking through the top. "Oh, mom," Calista said, "it's absolutely perfect." She kissed her mother, "Thank you. It's beautiful."

They enjoyed a wonderful afternoon and evening. Liam was really wound up. Robert had found him hanging upside down from a kitchen chair with his legs wrapped around the supports and captured it on film, a picture that Calista instantly treasured. And, twice, they'd had to pull him back in the house when he'd tried to escape through the doggy door. Robert snapped a photo just as his little butt was about to make it to freedom. Finally, after a long day, Liam started rubbing his eyes and yawning and was ready for bed by 7:00. "Think we'll turn in, too," Calista told her mother. "What time's your flight tomorrow?"

"Not until 2:00. And, I'll get up with Liam, so don't worry about work. We'll drop Liam off at the studio on our way to the airport. You and Robert just get a good night's sleep."

"Thanks mom. Nite." She gave her dad a kiss, " Nite, dad."

"Goodnight, honey," he said returning her kiss.

In their bedroom, Robert checked both their answer machines for messages and sifted through about 50 of his own.

"Hey, my agent called," he said, joining her in the bathroom. He grabbed his toothbrush and continued talking while he brushed his teeth, but his words were indistinguishable.

"In English, please?" Calista said.

"I said," Robert rinsed his mouth and spit in the sink, "I'm due on the Attenborough set on January 15. They're gonna start in Maine. I'll have to clear some time with David," Robert said.

She looked at him dismayed.

"What?"

"I just got used to having you around again, and now you're leaving," she said, pouting.

He put his finger under her chin and lifted her face. Matching her pout, he told her, "I'm only going to Maine. I'll be back two or three days a week for Ally. Sir Richard knew going in that I'd have to have enough time to finish out the season. Uh .." he added, grinning, "Larry can't go to Detroit again, that'd be three times too many." He kissed her, "Cheer up, funny face, you're not getting rid of me that easy."

She closed her eyes and pouted. "It's just that I'll miss you, and I ... worry ... about ..."

"Honey, I'm only a phone call away - and a four hour plane ride." He looked at her questioningly, "Trust me, okay? I promise, I'll let you know if things get tough. Okay?"

"But what about rehab, your 12-step, and .. your probation?"

"Warren's already lined someone up for me. Plus, I'll have a guard dog watching me 24-7. I can report to probation in Maine and Boston just the same as I do here. And, they've got a 12-step on the location. There, does that make you feel better?"

Still looking doubtful, she shrugged and nodded.

Later, curled up in bed, Calista asked quietly, "Are you happy to be back doing films?"

"Well .. yeah," he acknowledged. "That's what I do, you know."

"I know, but ..." she stopped.

He kissed her forehead, "Sweetheart, it's gonna be okay. I promise. And, the film should be completed around the same time as Ally, and then we're off to London. How could it get any better?" His nose found its way into her hair and his lips caressed her temple. Against her skin he whispered, "But, right now, I really need to make love to you." He rolled on top of her and grinned, "Can I borrow your sweet body for about 30 minutes? I'll lend you mine."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled seductively, "Well ... I'll show you mine if you show me yours."

"Oooh, show and tell, I love it," he said, and proceeded to show her.

The next morning they brazenly drove to the lot and walked into the studio together. They were met with curious stares, a few whispers and a lot of looks of genuine disbelief. They smiled nonchalantly at everyone. Portia walked over looking concerned, "Calista, David wants to see you."

Calista and Robert exchanged an ‘uh oh' look and batting his eyes, he said grimacing, "See you in the woodshed," and headed off toward his dressing room.

"You wanted to see me David?" Calista asked opening the door.

He nodded and motioned for her to have a seat. "Calista, rumor has it that you and Robert went away together over the Christmas hiatus. Is there any truth to what the gossip mongers are saying?"

"Ah.. yes, David," she replied openly, "we went to Barbados." "It's none of my business, Calista, but with all of Robert's problems, him still being in rehab, and especially after what happened last season, do you think you're making a wise decision?"

She looked at him clear eyed. "You're right, David, it's none of your business. But, we might as well clear the air. I'm confident that there will not be a repeat of what happened last season. And, I'm the only one taking a risk, personally. If he goes down, I go down just as hard, maybe even harder. But, I don't know how to explain this feeling, but he's different ... it feels different this time ... and I trust him." She surveyed David thoughtfully, "I thought you had more faith in him than that."

"Calista, I called in every favor anyone's ever owed me to get the producers and network to agree to bring him back. His agent called me last Friday and in two weeks Robert's gonna be dividing his time between here and Maine, stretching himself to the limit between a new film and this. I don't have to tell you that stress and Robert don't mix."

"If you're concerned about me personally, David, then you've already gotten my answer. If you're questioning Robert's ability to perform and finish out the season, then you should be talking to him, not me, because, regardless of how much respect I have for you, I won't go behind his back.

David smiled, "You're right. Sorry for butting in where I don't belong. Your personal life is private and I had no right. In fact, you know how much I like Robert and how much respect I have for his talent." He grinned, "Guess you know your little escapade's gonna force me to let the cat out of the bag sooner than I planned."

"Sorry," she said, making an apologetic face, "but ... matters of the heart, you know. Maybe I'm finally beginning to trust it."

David laughed, "God, it's about time. I kept writing ‘em, but I thought my words were never gonna sink in!"

She chuckled, "And, don't think I didn't know what you were doing."

"Well," David said, "I hope Robert gets it right this time, for you, and especially for him. And, if it works out for the two of you, no one will be happier than me."

"Thanks David," she said, "that means a lot to me."

She turned back to him as she was leaving, "You know, I'd think that with Robert being subject to constant UA's through probation and rehab, plus still being monitored and supervised, he wouldn't pose much of a risk. But, David, I think you owe it to him to be honest about what you've told me."

"I will."

"Good. Thanks again."

On the set Robert asked, "Well?"

"Just concern, not anger," she said. "Don't worry, baby. He'll get to you next," she grinned. "Hey, I just thought of something. Guess we had a big fight about ‘whom's taking who to the Golden Globes' for nothin', huh? You won't even be here."

He shook his head, "Tsk..tsk. Oh, ye of such little faith! I'll be the one holding your hand on the red carpet, you can bet on it."

She gave him a sweet smile. "I don't gamble."

"No vices. That's just another thing I love about you," he said drolly, "don't have to worry about you cleaning out my nest egg."

She looked at him, astonished. "Nest Egg? Don't you mean Goose Egg?!"

"Cute," he said, "real cute." They lovingly sneered at each other.

On set they were due to film a bar scene to be used in the fourth Ally and Larry episode. Calista had been having a ball repeatedly sliding across the floor. (Actually, she was pulled with wires that were to be later visually removed by the art department.)

"Quiet on the set. Camera rolling, Scene "#26, Take #12, Action:"

ALLY: (Plays with her Martini olive, reflective). (Turns to see Clay talking to her, but can't hear him - his volume is turned off - she looks around fascinated - the volume on everybody in the bar is tuned down. She can only hear someone singing Maybe):

May-hay-be, if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And may-hay-be if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh-oh-oh, May-be

(Ally can't hear but guesses Clay has asked her to dance because he drags her out onto the dance floor.)

May-hay-be if I hold your hand
You will understand
And may-hay-be if I kiss your lips
I'll be at your command
Oh-oh-oh, May-be

(Ally continues to stare at Clay facsinated knowing he's talking but not hearing a word. Her focus shifts just in time to see Larry enter the bar with his client. Her body bolts as though she's been shot.)

CLAY: IS ANYTHING WRONG? (His volume suddenly cames on full blast and it's deafening!)

ALLY: (Clearly flustered): Ah...um...um...no. It's just ... opposing counsel .... is here with his MODEL ...uh...client!

CLAY: (Shrugs): Yeah, it's a small world, huh?

ALLY: TEENEY WEENEY!!

Maybe continues:
I prayed and prayed to the Lord
To send you back, my Love
But instead you came to me
Only in my dream

(Ally maneuvers Clay to have a bird's eye view of Larry and his model at their table. Sees Larry and his client smiling, looking very cozy.) (Ally Voice Over: You PIG!)

ALLY: Do you mind!! (She hisses through clenched teeth to a couple blocking her view.)

(Ally positions herself to see Larry but Clay keeps turning her around. She regains her original viewpoint and panics - Larry's disappeared. She spins Clay to search the bar. Her feet get tangled up with his. She falls and goes sprawling on her stomach across the dance floor. She looks up to find she's lying at Larry's feet.)

Maybe continues:
May-hay-be if I pray every night
You'll come back to me
And may-hay-be if I cry every day
You'll come back to stay
Oh-oh-oh, May-be
(Maybe Maybe Maybe)

LARRY: (Looks at her laying on the floor, amused): Tiring day in court?

"CUT," the director yelled. "That's one in the can," he grinned. One of the production assistants approached Robert, "Mr. Downey, Mr. Kelley would like to see you."

He gave Calista an "oh no" look, and headed in the direction of David's office.

Knocking, he said, "Hey, David, you wanted to see me."

"Yeah. Robert, I ... let's talk," he motioned for Robert to have a seat. "Uh .. I'm just gonna be straight with you. I pulled in a lot of markers to get you back on the show. And, don't get me wrong .. I'd do it any day of the week to have you. But, I'm also worried about you - the stress you're gonna be under soon," David said. "Are you gonna be able to handle filming your scenes here while shooting a movie at the same time?"

Robert thought a long time before answering, "That's the $64,000 question, isn't it? Honestly? I have to, David, because there's just too much ahead of me. The answer is ... well, I just have to, that's all."

David looked genuinely concerned, "You'll let someone know, right? This time, you won't try to take it on all by yourself?"

"That was nothing but shame, David. Not wanting anyone to see me like that, or having them think I was weak. And, not wanting them to think I was ... needy ... you know? I clearly bright enough to realize that everyone already knew. But, this time the alternative's a helluva lot worse. So, yeah, for sure I'll let someone know," he said earnestly.

David heaved a deep sigh of relief. "Good. Oh, by the way, we're all happy for you and Calista. Really. Great PR!" he laughed. "Viewers are gonna go nuts."

"Thanks," Robert smiled, "we'll try and give ‘em their money's worth."

"I don't doubt that for a minute," David replied. "Well, if I don't see you before you take off for Maine, good luck, and I'll see ya when you get back."

"You bet." Robert said, walking back toward the set.

By midmorning they completed another missing scene.

"Ready Scene #39, Take 2. Marker. Action."

SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY
begins to play in the background:

ALLY: (Leaves bar, walks home alone passing familiar places that remind her of Larry.)

I used to walk with you
along the avenue
Our hearts were carefree and gay
How could I know I'd lose you
Somewhere along the way.

The friends we used to know
Would always smile hello
No love like our love they'd say
But love slipped through our fingers
Somewhere along the way.

(Ally stops briefly at a coffee shop they used to frequent, buys a latte to warm her against the chilly night.)

You're gone and yet
There's still a feeling deep inside
That you will always be
Part of me

(Ally walks by the ice cream shop where she and Larry had their first date and where she later dumped ice cream on his head. Remembering Larry looking like an ice cream sundae brings a sad smile to her face.)

And now I look for you
along the avenue
and as I wander I pray ...
That someday soon I'll find you
somewhere ... along the way.

OFF ALLY WE GO TO:

LARRY: (Waiting for her on apartment steps).

OFF LARRY WE GO TO:

ALLY: (Gasps and stops herself from running to him): Where's your little Ms. Model? You don't think it's inappropriate to be dating your client?!

LARRY: Well, technically, she's Coretta's client. Um .. where's Play Dough?

ALLY: His name is Clay!

LARRY: (Nods): Oh, right, Clay.

ALLY: What are you doing here, Larry?

LARRY: Hoping we can stop playing games.

(They hold a look.)

LARRY: Take a walk with me?

ALLY: (Shyly): Why?

LARRY: (Grinning sexily): So I can feel you close to me for a little while ... and, so you can get me up to speed.

"CUT! Great ... that's a take!" Applause erupted around the set. Their time together passed too quickly and suddenly Calista was helping Robert pack. She was glum.

"Hey, funny face. I'm gonna be back next Tuesday for two days to do the ..." he put his hand up to his mouth like a bugle and made the sound of, ‘Dah da da te dah' before saying, "proposal scene," in a Gregory Peck voice. He smiled sweetly and kissed her. "Come on now .. don't do this to me. I'm gonna miss you bad enough as it is. I'm just a phone call away and I'll call ya every hour." He put his finger under her chin and lifted her lips to his. "Okay?"

"But that's eight whole days ... without you," she whined.

"One good thing is that we'll both be busy. And, I'll be back before you know it."

"Yeah. Right," she said dejectedly.

They finished packing in silence.

"What time's your flight in the morning?" she asked.

"7:00." He gave her a wicked grin, "But we have all night. And .. don't tell me you planned on doin' something stupid ... like ... sleeping."

It was only 4:00 in the morning when Calista opened her eyes. She turned and smiled at the adorable sweet face next to her. She started to crawl out of bed when his arm stopped her. "Hey, you. Where do you think you're going?" he asked with his eyes closed.

"Shopping, I wanna beat the crowds," she whispered.

"Uh uh. Nope, nope, you're not goin' anywhere." He moved close to her and rubbed himself back and forth against her butt. "I need you," he mumbled hoarsely. Then, crawling half way on top of her, he said sexily. "Something's come up ... there's a bone I need to pick with you."

She laughed softly, "Robert, you're so vulgar ... and incorrigible."

Chuckling, he said, "If you keep calling me that, I'm gonna have to look it up to see what it means." Then, laying back down, he pulled her on top of him. Smiling sweetly, he asked, "Care to dance? I'll let you lead."

An hour later, they were having coffee waiting for Robert's limo to the airport. She kept looking at him nervously and he was studying her intently. Neither said a word. Both knew it was going to be a long eight days.

The limo arrived about 5:30 and Robert stood and drew her to him. "I'm gonna really miss that funny face," he said with a lump in his throat. "We'll just have to meet in our dreams for a couple of days, huh? But, hey, you'll be busy, and I'll be close to New York, my dad and sister, and I'll see you next Tuesday, okay?" His eyes pleaded with her to smile.

"Okay," she said and kissed him. They embraced tightly. She whispered, "Robert, please don't get into any trouble ... please ..."

He bent his head and looked up into her eyes. "Don't worry." He ran his fingers gently through her hair, "I keep saying that, don't I? When, with my track record, how can I expect you do anything else?" He cupped her face in his hands for another kiss. "Guess we're gonna find out if I've got the balls to do this, huh? But, hey, I'm highly motivated, remember? My attorney said it, so it must be true," he joked, trying to make her laugh. "It is true, you know," he said solemnly, "I've been thinking of nothing but April and what I'd like more than anything for my birthday. So, think of me, miss me, and remember I love you, okay?"

She smiled sadly and nodded. "I already miss you and you're not even gone."