Chapter Sixty Anton pulled up to the warehouse parking lot and shut off the engine. He sat back in the seat and looked over to the passenger side, giving Bryn a smile. "Here we are, my dear." That evening when they got out of bed, there had been no discussion about the previous day. No references to what he had told her. Just Bryn's concern that he was feeling up to going into work, and him asking if she would like to come along. He was still feeling shaken from starting to face what had happened to him, and Bryn's presence was very comforting to him. She reached over and squeezed his hand, smiling in return. "It feels like I haven't been here in years. I'm going to have to check out the restorations and see if there's anything I want to take home." She grinned. "But I'm still determined to find out why you think you're such a hard boss to work for. You certainly never gave me that impression those few days I worked here." He grinned back at her. "I went easy on you, my dear." He squeezed his hand and opened the car door. Walking around to open her door, he picked up the conversation again when she could hear him clearly. "*I* don't think I'm that bad of a person to work for. I'm just repeating what Lindy's told me my employees say." She gasped in indignation, as she got to her feet. "One of your employees actually said you were a 'mean bastard'? I hope you fired him, because I certainly would have. In fact, I may still, if you haven't." "But I thought you liked my secretary." He put an arm around her shoulders as they walked to the entrance. "Actually, she only said that I was a little curt with her one day. Lindy was the one who translated it into 'mean bastard' and it became a running joke between us." "Well, it still wasn't very nice. Everyone has bad days." She paused just before they reached the stairs, navigating them slowly given that she could barely see her feet. "Has anyone said anything lately? I'll bet you five bucks that only good remarks have been said about you since April." "You should know me better than that, Bryn. I won't take a sucker's bet." They walked into the entrance, waving hello to the security guard. They bypassed the activity on the first floor for the moment, Anton needing to check on any waiting paperwork first. Instead they headed towards the elevator. "You sure you won't be bored watching me all night, Bryn?" "Yes, I'm sure. Besides, it's not as if I'm going to be hovering over you the whole time. There are plenty of things that could keep me busy. I might even go upstairs and see if I might've forgotten anything when we moved. And I could find out when some of the furniture from Europe is suppose to arrive. Or I could just stand outside and supervise while I get someone to load all of the good paintings into the car." She smiled again. "Don't worry, I won't annoy you. I just get bored sitting at home by myself." "I wasn't worried about you annoying me." He gently kissed her forehead. "And as for you being bored at home alone, that won't be going on for too much longer," he said with a significant look at her stomach. When the doors opened, they walked into the hallway towards Anton's office. They stopped at the cubicle to one side of the door, where Michelle was sitting. "Good evening, Michelle," Anton said. "What have you got for me tonight?" "Evening, boss," Michelle answered, reaching for a note pad. "There's a couple of shipments stuck in customs due to red tape. Two of our distributors have cancelled orders after we've shipped them. The furniture you requested from overseas has arrived. Chandra left a stack of time off requests and orders for your approval. Oh, and the payroll checks that need to be signed." He gave Bryn a lop sided smile. "You sure you won't be bored?" "Yes." She turned her gaze to Michelle, smiling. "Have you ever considered just calling him Anton? Boss just sounds so...bossy. And formal." Michelle arched her eyebrows, a bit confused by the question. "Um...I tried that for a while, but it just felt weird. And I couldn't break the habit." "And I'm fine with it, my dear." Anton had pulled out his keys and was unlocking the office door. "Anyone not here today, Michelle?" "Um, George called in sick, Lindy called to say she'd be back in the office tomorrow, and Sam's requested some last minute personal time." "Okay. I'll get the checks to you in about twenty minutes. Pull the shipping documents for those cancelled invoices." He opened the door. "Coming, Bryn?" She followed along, a little wrinkle forming between her eyebrows. After the door was shut, he walked to the other side of the desk and Bryn stood opposite him. "Why are you 'fine with it'? It makes you sound like a dictator. And, while I'm thinking of it, why is this room so bare? You need more pictures or...something." She turned in a slow circle. "A decorator wouldn't hurt, either." "I'm 'fine with it' because it took me six months to break her of calling me 'Mr. Rudenko' and another three to get her to stop calling me 'sir.'" He sat down and pulled a pen out of his desk. Grabbing the wire basket that held the checks waiting for his signatures, he glanced around the office. "You're right. It is a little empty looking in here. Would you like to take care of that, my dear?" She looked a bit surprised by that, but quickly recovered. "I guess I could do that." Realizing that she was hovering over him, she sat down in one of the chairs and tapped her fingers on the leather. She chewed on her lip while she watched him write. [He's probably been writing for well over a thousand years...damn, that would be carpal tunnel syndrome from hell...] Tap tap tap on the chair. "Okay, I'm bored." Anton bit back a grin at her announcement. "Give me five more minutes to finish this, and we can go check out the furniture that came in. They're some of the pieces you said you wanted from the houses in Europe." He continued to sign the checks, the pile of unsigned ones becoming smaller and smaller. She was now sitting up straight in her chair, wiggling back and forth like Petunia when she was happy to see someone. "I can't wait to see it! Especially the stuff from Rome. I would love to do our whole house with Italian furniture...maybe even some old statuary and marble tabletops. Nothing gaudy. Just some elegant accents." "That sounds beautiful, my dear. Do you want to go downstairs without me and see what's been brought in to get some ideas? We can pick and choose from the things here before they get shipped out. Or we can go looking, and if there's something you'd like, we can see if we can order it as well." "I like both ideas, but I'll wait for you to come downstairs with me." She tried to bend her legs beneath her, Indian-style, but it wasn't easy. "I worry that having nice furniture may be a little pointless, though. Between Petunia and Max, it may just turn into a demolition zone. Do you realize that this is my thirty- first week?" "You're that far along? We don't have much time left." He signed the last check and put down his pen. "Speaking of not much time left, we need to start getting ready for the Gathering. Packing, getting the flights, picking out the costumes. We probably should give you a transfusion just before we leave." "Yes, we should." She got a little grin on her face. "Are you ready to check out the shipments? On the way, you can tell me what you want to be for Halloween...and a vampire doesn't count." "You'd be surprised how many go as movie or TV vampires. You couldn't take five steps without tripping over a Dracula, Orlok, Lestat, or Spike last year. Or someone with just two red fang marks on their neck." He stood up and gathered up the checks. "What would you like to go as? Any ideas?" "Actually, I do have one...we could go as Romeo and Juliet. Get some really elaborate costumes." She stood up as well, smoothing down her polo shirt. "I've always wanted to see you in Medieval clothing. I may have to drag you into a closet somewhere and ravish you." "I can live with that." He opened the door and offered her his arm. Walking out of his office together, he put the checks down on Michelle's desk, which she wasn't at. "Michelle?" "By the file cabinets," she called back. "I'll have those shipping documents in five minutes." "Leave them on my desk. Bryn and I are going downstairs to check on the new arrivals. Will you be leaving soon?" "Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow night." Bryn and Anton both said good-bye to her before heading to the elevator. Once the gate was pulled down, Bryn reached for him again and wrapped her arms around his waist. She squeezed him tightly, pressing a kiss to his chest. "How are you doing, sugar? You okay?" "I'm okay, I think. Right now I feel...numb. But like a big weight has been lifted off of me." He kissed the top of her head. "I'm not sure if I want to go to counseling like you suggested though. It was hard enough telling you, let alone a complete stranger." She blinked a few times, biting her tongue to keep from getting emotional again. "That's okay. It was just an idea." She pulled in a deep breath. "If you need me, just say so, okay?" "I will, Bryn. I promise." He tightened his arms, and then loosened them when the elevator came to a stop. "I'm not sure what I'd do without you, Bryn. I love you so much." "I love you, too. And you don't even have to wonder." She reached for his hand, then lifted both gates to step out of the elevator. She let him lead her to the European shipments, pausing in surprise when she saw all of the beautiful pieces. "Wow. I'm not even sure we have enough room for all of it!" "Most of it can come with us. What can't can stay upstairs in storage in case we change our minds." He frowned, looking at one of the carved tables with the matching chairs. "Something wrong, sugar?" Anton picked up the tag attached to the table and read it. "There's supposed to be eight chairs with this table, and I only see six. I need to go talk to Carlos and see if he knows where the other ones are. Be back in a moment, my dear." "Okay." She watched him for a moment as he walked away, then turned back to the furniture. The table set was lovely. Very well-kept, with brocade fabric on the seats. She let her fingers slide over the glossy finish of the tabletop, walking behind the set to look at the chaise lounge. Smiling to herself, she sat down and stretched her legs out next to her. [This definitely goes in the bedroom.] Figuring out where everything might go, she stood up and stepped over to the armoire. It looked very familiar, but she wasn't sure what house it had been in. Opening the doors, both paneled with silk, she delightedly breathed in the strong scent. Rosewood. It looked as if this was the only unfinished surface of all of the antiques. And when she looked down at the floor of the piece, seemingly bare, she suddenly *knew* that the armoire wasn't empty. Kneeling down in front of it, her hands sliding over the solid surface, she tried to find any way to pry up the floor. She pushed her fingernails into the edge, pulling hard, but only succeeded in breaking a nail. [OW! Damn it. This stupid thing has to open somehow...] Glancing around her, she looked for a nail file, a crow bar, anything that might help. Glimpsing a tool on the nearby desk, she walked over and grabbed it. Ignoring the startled Michelle gave her on the way to her car. The first bang of the hammer on the wooden floor echoed loudly in the open room. "Bryn! What are you doing?" Having ascertained that the chairs were in the warehouse and had yet to be uncrated, Anton had returned to find Bryn trying to take apart the armoire. "If you don't like it, you don't have to pound it to bits." She barely glanced over her shoulder. "I'm not stupid, Anton. I'm trying to take the floor out." She swung the hammer again, harder this time, creating a large splintered crater in the wood. Moving quickly, he grabbed the hammer on the upswing. Disarming her. "This is an 19th century piece, Bryn." "And it has a false bottom on it. There's something under here, more valuable than this dresser itself." "Okay, then let's take the bottom out without damaging it any more." He didn't ask her how she knew there was something under there. He was more concerned about not causing any more harm to the armoire. He ran his fingernails along the inside flooring, searching for a seam. "Carlos," he called back over his shoulder. "Go find me a chisel or a flat head screwdriver. The finer, the better." It was a few minutes before Carlos returned, bearing a few screwdrivers of various lengths and blade thicknesses. Selecting two, Anton carefully worked one and then the other into the fine cracks he had found. With gentle pressure, he managed to lift the section with only minor splintering of the wood. There was definitely something under there. Delicate wood shavings lined the interior. Bryn nearly pushed him out of the way in her haste to get to what was inside. She used her fingers to rake the shavings away, then pulled out a small bundle of envelopes tied together with a ribbon. She felt slightly chagrinned as she looked at it, realizing she'd almost ripped apart an antique for a bunch of papers. Then she noticed Anton's handwriting on the top envelope and let out a small gasp. Just as she was about to untie the bundle, she noticed that Anton had pulled another treasure out of the space...something wrapped in a large piece of satin fabric. "What is it?" Carefully he began unwrapping the satin, trying to remember what Alexandra would have deemed so important to hide. The fabric fell away to reveal a Fabrege egg in pearlescent blue with delicate gold inlays. Large pearls decorated the base that held the egg. Keeping the cloth over his fingers, Anton turned the egg gently, looking carefully at the top. Carefully, he undid the catch at the top of the egg. "Amazing. It's still there after all this time." Bryn gasped as he tilted back to top of the egg to reveal its gold interior. Inside, on a small replicated pedestal of its own, was a matching ring. Delicate gold swirls were accented with blue enamel, with four small pearls embedded it the surface, as if marking the four corners of the world. "Oh my God...that's the real thing, isn't it? One of the originals, right? It's gorgeous!" She shook her head. "Shouldn't that be in a museum somewhere?" "I thought it was," Anton murmured. He turned the egg this way and that, inspecting the surface. "This was an anniversary present I gave to Alexandra. I think she thought it was too extravagant for her, because she rarely wore the ring. When she left me, I couldn't find it, so I assumed she took it with her." Bryn looked down at her hands, eyes welling, suddenly filled with overwhelming shame. "Didn't think I deserved it, Anton. Didn't deserve it, or you." He heard a quiet 'huh?' and realized that Carlos was standing behind them, looking at the egg as well. "Carlos, see that this is floorboard is fixed the best it can be. Bryn, let's go up to my office to discuss this more." Helping her to her feet, he guided her back towards the elevator. Once inside, and the doors firmly shut giving them their privacy, he turned towards Bryn. "What do you mean you didn't deserve it, my dear?" She leaned back against the wall of the elevator, tears rolling down her cheeks. "By the time you bought that, I'd already kissed him." She squeezed her eyes shut, her lower lip quivering. "I betrayed you, and it only got worse." "Bryn," he said softly, pulling her close. "You may be a reincarnation of her, but her sins are not yours. I don't want you to blame yourself now for what happened then." He kissed her forehead. "I love you, Bryn. Don't blame yourself for what happened between me and Alexandra." She continued to sob, clinging to him. It felt very fresh in her head and her heart, seeing the egg and his letters. She wasn't sure she could read them. It would break her heart. She could imagine how she, in any incarnation, could hurt such a beautiful and vulnerable person. "But it was me...deep down to the soul, and I h-hurt you so badly. I'm so sorry. I can't forgive myself for hurting you." "Shhhh..." he whispered, gently rocking her. When they reached the second floor, he opened the gate to the elevator and guided her back to his office. The second floor was deserted, but he still wanted to have the privacy of a closed door. Once inside, he walked over to his chair, sat down, and pulled her into his lap. "Bryn, it doesn't matter now. It was another lifetime. You shouldn't hold onto the pain anymore than I should." She sniffled, still shuddering, and lay her head on his shoulder. It took her several minutes to calm down, placidly staring at the envelopes in her hand. He'd placed the egg on the desk, and hand his arms wrapped around her. She couldn't even remember what Richard looked like, but the fact that she, as Alexandra, had an affair with him was awful enough. Sniffling again, she closed her eyes. "You had a valid reason to be suspicious of me when I got pregnant this time. All this time I'd been thinking of how much it hurt me. I never really thought about how much it must've hurt you." He gently stroked her hair, her shoulders, her arms, just trying to soothe her. "You gave me no reason to be suspicious, Bryn. I should have believed you the moment you told me." He gently kissed her temple again. "It doesn't matter what you did in a past life. What matters to me is what you do now." She sucked in a shuddering breath, resisting the urge to ask him why he was so nice to her. Remaining quiet for a few minutes, she rubbed her cheek against his shirt. Finally, she said, "Will you read one of these letters to me? Please?" "Of course, my dear." He looked down to the stack of notes she was clutching. "Which one?" She untied the silk ribbon holding them together and selected the top one. "This one." Anton took it and carefully eased it out of the envelope. Gently unfolding it, he began to read. "Alexandra, my sweetheart." "It has been three hours, and two minutes since I last held you. Since I last kissed you. And every minute we are apart is a burden to me. I long for the day I can spend in your arms. To fall asleep holding and being held by you." "Every time I am near you, my heart sings in joy. My love for you grows stronger with each passing day. And I eagerly anticipate the night that we express our love as husband and wife." A few more tears escaped as she looked up to meet his gaze. She reached up to hold the back of his neck, pulling him closer to kiss his mouth. Lingering against his lips, she pressed herself tightly against him. Quivering with emotion. "I love you so much, Anton. So much more than I ever have before." He kissed her again, gently tugging on her upper lip. "I love you too, Bryn." He gently caressed her cheek. "I have always loved you, and I will always love you." Gently, he placed a hand on her stomach, and rubbed it in circles. "You know, if you feel up to it, Lindy's office has a couch..." She let out a short laugh. "I think I can count the times I've not been up to it on one hand, and those were when I was in the hospital, Anton. Even then, you probably could've talked me into it." She smiled at him, then carefully got off of his lap, with his help, to reach for a tissue. After blotting her eyes and blowing her nose, she threw the Kleenex in the garbage. "Make love to me, Anton." He smiled, urging her to stand up. Keeping a hold of her hand, he grabbed the master key out of his desk and guided her out of the office. Walking down the hallway, he came to Lindy's office. Unlocking the door, he opened the door and ushered her in. Unlike his office, there were more personal touches in Lindy's office. A picture of her, Nathaniel and Liam on her desk, a potted standing tree in the corner, a print of a pack of wolves playing in the snow hanging on the wall. And beneath that picture was an overstuffed couch, a relic from their old break room. "That look comfortable enough, my dear?" She nodded, then returned her attention to the picture on the desk. "We have the appointment to get pictures taken just after we get back from Los Angeles," she said, turning to face him. She couldn't help but pull him close and squeeze him tightly, so amazed by his unwavering faith in her. "Do you realize how different it's going to be, once Max is born? We've been drawn to each other for over a thousand years...and now we're adding someone else to the picture. I keep wondering if maybe he's someone we already knew." She grabbed both of his hands and started walking backwards towards the couch. "I do know one thing...he's going to be just as handsome, loving, and generous as his daddy. And he's going to be the second love of my life." Anton smiled, stroking his hand down her cheek, following her to the couch. "He's going to have his mother's smile, my dear. The same sweetness of spirit, also." He lowered her to sit on the couch, settling beside her. His arm went around her shoulder and Anton pressed his lips to her temple. "Did you see him, Bryn?" he asked, thinking back to his time in the hospital chapel. "He looks so much like you." "I thought just the opposite...I thought he looked like you." She leaned closer to him, resting her forehead against his neck. Taking his hand in hers, she lifted it to her mouth and kissed it. "I love you so much, Anton." "I love you too, Sabryn." He gently turned his hand to brush his thumb across her lips. Laying down on the couch, he coaxed her down on his side beside him. Caressing her face, he whispered in her ear. "I don't care what you've done in your past. Any of your pasts. I know that you love me, and that's all that matters to me." She swallowed heavily, then turned her head to kiss him. She let out a soft whimper against his lips, tightly gripping his arms. Sliding her leg between his, she coaxed him to touch her. Moaning softly as his hand covered her breast. Anton gently rubbed his thumb back and forth, coaxing her nipple to perk up. His other hand came around to hold her face close, caressing the back of her head as he kissed her. He slipped one leg between hers, rubbing their thighs together. His tongue gently lapped at her lips, not seeking entrance yet. She arched her back, pressing herself more firmly against his hand. Lifting her hand to his shirt, she began slowly loosening the buttons. She could feel his erection rubbing against her belly and squirmed against him in excitement. Opening her mouth, she sucked his tongue inside, pulling on it, feeling him twitch in response. The hand at her head slowly began traveling down her back to rest on her ass. A gentle squeeze brought a gasp from her and a smile to his lips. The hand at her breast slipped down to slide under the polo shirt to trace around her bra.. "Bryn, is this one of my shirts?" She gave him a small smile. "Your shirts look better on me than maternity clothes. They fit better. You don't mind, do you? I can always buy you more shirts if you're running out." "That's no problem my dear." He started working the shirt up over her head. "As good as they look on you, I think I like them a little better off of you." He dropped it to the floor besides the couch. "But then I think that about your shirts too." He gently kissed the top of her cleavage. "Mmm...if you could walk around naked all the time, I wouldn't object. I'd just make every other person who saw you blind." She kissed his mouth again, opening the last button on the shirt he was wearing. She leaned forward and kissed his neck, his shoulder, nipping lightly at his collarbone. "You're so beautiful, Anton. I don't understand why you don't have women hitting on you all the time." "Who says I don't? I just ignore them, telling them I have an amazing woman waiting at home for me." He started easing the straps of her bra down over her shoulders. "Then I'm curious as to why I don't have to be constantly be scaring men away from you." Pulling the cup of the bra away, he began sucking on her pink nipple. She let out a soft gasp, clutching his hair between her fingers. "I'm not even sure I'd know if a man was interested in me, anyway. I don't pay any attention to them. I'm too busy thinking about you." She squealed softly as suckled at her, reaching down to start unfastening his pants. His hands were busy at her waist as well. Continuing to nip at her breast, he tangled his fingers in the waistband of her leggings and pulled downwards. Peeling them off of her, he slipped a hand between her knees and began slowly trailing it upwards. Panting, she opened her legs to give him better access. She pushed her hand into his slacks, teasing his erection through the silk of his boxers. She gave him a small smile as he thrust himself into her hand. Tugging his jeans down with her other hand, she kissed him again. Taking her time and caressing his tongue with hers. Anton kissed her back, rumbling as she cupped his groin. Thrusting lightly into her hand, he rolled onto his back pulling her on top of him. Both his hands slid up her body to cup her breasts, weighing them in his palms. She moaned softly, lifting her hips to drag down his boxers to his thighs. Gently stroking his cock in her fist, she watched in fascination as a small pearl of precum formed at the tip. She couldn't help squirming, rocking her hips as she continued to rub him. "God, I love your cock. I don't think I've ever seen anything more beautiful." "Are you sure about that, Bryn? Haven't you ever seen yourself in a mirror?" He gently squeezed her breasts, squirming under her grip. "Such pale skin offsetting pink nipples. Bright blue eyes and lustrous dark hair. Sensuous lips. You're as much a work of art as the paintings you create." She smiled softly, leaning forward to kiss him. Shimmying out of her panties, she used her grip on him to guide his cock to her opening. She cried out as he pushed inside of her, quickly sliding down the length of him and freezing in place. She squeezed him as he stretched her, rocking lightly against his hips. His hands went to her hips to guide her. He smiled up at her, lifting his hips slightly beneath her. Panting lightly, he kissed her, pulling her lower lip into his mouth to nibble on. One hand slid up and down her spine, pressing her more firmly against him. She whimpered, sucking on his lower lip, quivering every time he sank deep within her. She pulled at him with her inner muscles every time she lifted, unwilling to release him. He groaned beneath her. His hands went back to her waist, pulling her firmly down onto him with every thrust. He slipped one hand between her legs, searching by feel for her clit. Finding it, he pressed lightly against it, trying to slowly bring her to orgasm. She pushed up from his chest, watching his face as she moved more deliberately upon him. Her thumbs brushed back and forth across his nipples, and her toes curled at the moans she produced. She wanted to stay like this for days, to return to their home, their bed, and make love like the rest of the world didn't exist. She pushed up from his chest, watching his face as she moved more deliberately upon him. Her thumbs brushed back and forth across his nipples, and her toes curled at the moans she produced. She wanted to stay like this for days, to return to their home, their bed, and make love like the rest of the world didn't exist. He ran his free hand up and down her arm, then slid it to cup her breast. Rubbing his thumb against her nipple, he thrust harder into her wet heat. Rubbing her clit harder, he arched beneath her. "Cum for me, Bryn," he whispered. "I want to feel you quiver around me." Her head fell back on her shoulders, her hips moving faster upon him. She moaned almost continuously, squeezing his hips between her thighs. A few more seconds of his stimulation was all it took to dissolve her into a shuddering orgasm, her sex tightening around his cock, her scream echoing in the office. His head snapped back and he let out a hoarse grunt. He arched up once, pushing as far as he could into her. He spurt into her in rapid bursts. With a quiet moan, Anton pulled her back down on top of him, rubbing his hand over her back. "You are so wonderful, Bryn," he whispered into her ear. Panting, she pressed her face against his neck and gently kissed his skin. She settled herself firmly onto his groin, keeping him deep inside her. Closing her eyes, she swallowed heavily. "I need to tell you something...about Alexandra." Gently stroking her back. he rolled to his side, taking her with him. He placed her between himself and the edge of the couch. Making sure she was warm and comfortable, he looked in her eyes. "What do you need to tell me, Bryn?" She stared at his chest, unable to bear his gaze. It was strange how she remembered these details. She couldn't control it, didn't know just when it would happen or why. It just happened, like a sudden hail storm. "After you and she...you and I married, I thought everything would be perfect. I expected you to fill up every hole in my life with your love...but I realized there were just too many holes to fill. I wanted to be envied, to have my friends stare at me in wonder and jealousy. I wanted that kind of love, with a wonderful husband, a perfect house, luncheons with other wives, and our own children. I though I could do without some of those things, because I loved you so much. But I still felt so empty. "And then Richard found me crying, and he was so kind. He kissed me, and I slapped him...but the more I thought about it in the following days, the more I realized that I wasn't angry. I slapped him because I thought I was supposed to. He paid more and more attention to me, and he started to fill some of those holes. I thought I was falling in love with him. It wouldn't be until you found out about us that I realized I wasn't." He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to her forehead. He had always wondered how it began, if Richard had seduced Alexandra, or if she had reached out to him. It appeared now he had his answer. Opening his eyes, he looked down at her, frowning when he realized she wasn't looking at him. "It's okay. Go on, my dear. Tell me what you can." She could feel tears threatening and quickly continued, hoping to tell him everything before she broke down completely. "I was going to end the affair, because no matter how much I thought I loved him, I always loved you more. But I found out I was pregnant. And when I went to tell him, he was so happy, and he told me he loved me more than anything...that he would take care of me and the baby if I got a divorce and married him instead. I knew the chances were very slim you'd do the same, once you found out what I'd done. So I reluctantly agreed, and he made love to me again. That was when you found us. "You were so angry. I'd never been afraid of you before, but I was that night. I tried to explain, but I couldn't. There was no explanation for the mess I'd made. You told me to go, and there was nothing I could do to change your mind. So, I went with him. And I couldn't...I couldn't sleep in his bed. I wouldn't let him touch me. He thought it would be okay, that it was just a phase...but eventually he got really angry and he left me, too. He didn't know that I couldn't bear for him to touch me again, because it only made me think of you. I was still so in love with you that I ached with every bone in my body." He nuzzled her cheek, placing little kisses on her temple, her jaw, her nose, whatever he could reach. "I shouldn't have told you to go. I should have fought for you. I should have known that you still loved me, and that it was just a horrible mistake. I still loved you so much, and I let you get away." He kissed her forehead again. "I'm so sorry." Her next words were jumbled, heavy with emotion as her eyes filled. "If I thought there was a chance you'd forgive me, and take me back, I would've gotten on m knees and begged you. I would've done anything to make you love me again. But you were angry the last time I saw you, and I just knew that you hated me. That you would always hate me. So I took my daughter, and I moved away...and I told everyone that I was a widow. That was what I felt like, without you. "I never remarried, Anton. I loved you for the rest of my life..." He closed his eyes and shivered once. If she had come back to him, he would have forgiven her. "I am so sorry. By the time I found out that Richard had left you, you had already disappeared. I thought that if you wanted me again, you would have come back to me. So I left you alone. If I had known how you felt, I would have searched to the ends of the earth for you." He opened his eyes. "I'm sorry, my dear, my sweetheart. I forgive you. Can you forgive me?" "I already h-have." She hugged him tightly, unwilling to let go, her entire being suffused with joy that she was his sweetheart again. "I'm so sorry I hurt you. I should've told you, should've stopped it before it ever happened. I swear I'll never, ever hurt you again. I love you more than anything, and nothing is going to come between us. Nothing." He took her face in his hands, tracing his thumbs along her cheekbones. "I love you so much, Sabryn. And you're right. Nothing is going to come between us now or in the future." He kissed her lips lightly. "Now what do you say to us getting dressed and going home, and spending the rest of the night and day talking and making love?" She sniffled, nodding. "It sounds perfect." She kissed him again, lingering against his lips. Then, pulling back to meet his gaze, she gave him a shaky smile. "Can we take the letters and the egg home, too? I want you to put the ring back on my finger." "Of course," he said with a gentle smile. He stroked his fingers along her face before kissing her. He sat up, urging her to do the same. "Come on, my dear. Let's get dressed, and go home." Nate pulled the car to a stop inside the garage, smiling to himself as Lindy immediately got out of the car and waited impatiently for him to do the same. Turning off the engine and shoving the keys in his pocket, Nate hurried to follow her. He grabbed her hand, walking swiftly towards her parents' home. She trotted to keep up with his long strides. Eventually they were both running, laughing at each other and their own haste to see Liam again. The last 25 yards became an all out race. Lindy managed to dash up the steps just before Nate, and ring the doorbell. "Beat ya," she said with a giggle, waiting for someone to open the door. Breathing heavily, he bent over and braced his hands on his knees. "It's...only because...you have no qualms...about picking on...the elderly." He swallowed heavily, then stood up straight. "I would've beat you...if I wasn't a senior citizen." "Excuses...excuses." She lightly kissed him on his nose. "You seemed awfully young in bed last night." They both turned their attention to the opening door. Walter opened the door, holding Liam in his arms. "Glad to see you made it back. How was Napa?" Nate smirked at Lindy, knowing Walter had heard what she just said. She didn't seem to notice as she quickly reached for Liam. The baby let out a whimper, his eyes tearing up, reaching for her as well. He clung tightly to her, grabbing a fist full of her hair. Reaching out to stroke Liam's hair, Nate said, "It was nice. We brought you back some things, but I think that'll have to wait until tomorrow night. We were in too much of a hurry to get over here...we forgot everything in the trunk." "No hurry, Tomorrow night is fine. We figured you'd want some time to get settled in. Oh, and we were by and fed Montel tonight, so ignore him when he looks starved. He's been well fed." Lindy grinned and leaned forward to peck him on the cheek. "Thank you, Walter." "No problem. Do you want to come in for a few minutes?" "Sure," Nate said, knowing that Lindy would want to show off her new necklace. He plucked Liam out of her arms before she could follow Walter into the house, wanting his chance to say hello to his son. He kissed Liam soundly on the cheek, holding him close and giving him a squeeze. "Hey, Buddy! I missed you so much. I don't know what Mommy and I are going to do without you next week. We might go insane." Liam agreed with him, chattering nonstop as he walked inside. Everyone was settled in the living room. Alex was looking closely at the stone on Lindy's neck. Jess smiled at Nathaniel as he walked in the room. "I take it things went well?" "Yeah, it did," he said, taking a seat. "It's beautiful up there...made me wonder how much a place like that would cost. I don't think I have the dedication to run a vineyard, but having a little place next to one would be nice. At least for the weekends." He grinned at his son as he kept babbling. "How was Liam?" "He's been doing pretty well. A bit restless and upset that you weren't around. Had a great time chasing Petunia and Montel, which I think he's telling you all about." Jess yawned, stretching a bit. "You okay, Mom?" Lindy asked. "Just tired. Haven't been sleeping well the last few nights, and Max has been a bit restless." Jess leaned back in the chair and Walter came up behind her to rub her shoulders. "So tell me. Is that rock around your neck real, Lindy?" "It better be," Nate said, quietly, allowing Liam to crawl off of his lap and onto Lindy's. Lindy smirked at him. "Yes, it is. Isn't it pretty? It was one of the gifts Nate gave me this weekend." "One of?" Jess asked, arching an eyebrow. "Yes. He also bought me my very own racehorse," she said, grinning at him, "and a beautiful dress to wear to the Gathering. Plus, there's one more present that he hasn't told me about yet. Hopefully he will later tonight." Nate gave her a smug look. "We'll see." Alex also smirked. "I'm sure the two of you are tired after driving back, and want some time alone with Liam before he conks out. Why don't you two take him home and we'll talk to you tomorrow?" Nate nodded, climbing to his feet and helping Lindy to stand with Liam in her arms. "Thank you for taking care of him. Why don't you all come over for dinner tomorrow, and we'll give you your gifts then?" The three werewolves shared a look. "Sure," Jess said, getting out of the chair. "That sounds good. What time do you want us by?" "Say around seven?" "Okay, Nate." Everyone moved to the front door. Walter opened it for them. "Glad you had a good time." After saying their goodnights, Nate and Lindy headed over to their home, this time a lot slower than when the arrived. Lindy still had Liam, who was still jabbering away. "I think he's trying to tell us everything that happened starting the moment we left." Nate grinned, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Now we just need a Baby to English dictionary." He kissed her temple. "You know, there's something we haven't thought of...what's Liam going to be for Halloween, and are we going to let your parents take him trick-or-treating?" "Well, Halloween this year is a full moon. I don't think any of them will be going trick-or-treating. Although it would be the ultimate costume." Lindy put her free arm around Nate's waist. "And with us out of town, we couldn't take him. Maybe we could do something when we get back." "Hmm. I guess he's a little too young to really enjoy it, anyway. But we'll definitely do something big next year." He looked down, realizing that Liam had gone quiet. The boy was playing with Lindy's necklace, fascinated by the play of moonlight off the faceted surface. Nate gave a quiet sigh of contentment. "God, it's good to be home. All I want to do is crawl in bed with both of you and be lazy for the rest of the night." Lindy smiled as well, squeezing his waist. "Maybe before we turn in for the day, we should give Bryn and Anton a call to let them know we're back. But I'm all for being lazy for the rest of the night." They walked to the entrance of their house and let themselves in. Montel was immediately twining around their ankles with each step, meowing and purring. "Sounds like he's got a story to tell us too." "Yeah, and I'm suspicious as to what that is...I expected him to ignore us for leaving him. You don't suppose he got into the garbage?" Lindy smirked. "Maybe Walter just spoiled him. Seems like the more likely scenario to me." Noticing that Liam was squirming to get out of Lindy's arms, Nate said, "Why don't you check his diaper...if he hasn't gone lately, I'll take him outside and then let him back in to chase the cat to his heart's content." "Okay." Lindy carried Liam into his room and put him down on the changing table. She undid his diaper, making a slight face. "We have a winner Nate! No need to take him outside tonight!" She started to change the diaper. "Don't suppose I can convince you to run this," she gestured to the diaper pail she had just put the lid on, "out?" It was his turn to make a face. "Aww, man." Still, he didn't argue as he grabbed the diaper pail, holding it away from his body, and walked out of the room. Even as he walked away, he said, "Spray some air freshener in there!" Lindy grinned at him and finished diapering Liam. She grabbed the air freshener and sprayed two short bursts. Liam made a face and sneezed. "Oh, whassa matter, Liam?" Lindy cooed. "Does that bother your nose?" Liam sneezed again as Lindy picked him up. "Okay, let's get you out of here where you can breathe easier. She carried their son back to the bedroom, bouncing him along the way. "I missed you, Liam. Daddy and I missed you so much." Liam noticed Montel sitting on the bed and reached for the cat, practically lunging out of Lindy's arms. Grabbing for him, Lindy watched in amazement as he Changed in mid-air, without even the slightest whimper of pain. He landed on the bed, slipped right out of his diaper, and with a yap, chased Montel off the side of the bed. Tail wagging and tongue lolling, he turned back to Lindy looking for praise. Lindy wasn't quite sure what to do. Liam was obviously gifted as far as being able to Change. But she wasn't sure how to discourage him from doing it too often. Besides driving Montel to a nervous breakdown, she was worried that he'd Change in public. Scooping him up into her arms, she scratched behind his ears. Nate walked back into the bedroom, pausing when he saw Liam, with his tail wagging, licking Lindy's nose. "That didn't take long," he murmured, toeing off his shoes. He walked over at sat on the bed, then reclined against the pillows. "I was wondering why the cat came tearing out of here like his ass was on fire." "Yeah." Lindy leaned back as well, keeping Liam cradled on her chest. "I'm worried about this, Nate. I don't want to discourage him from being what he is, but I worry he's going to Change sometime in front of the wrong people. That would lead to a lot of questions that we don't necessarily want to answer." He bit his lip, staring thoughtfully at the werewolf pup. "Well, maybe we should discipline him when he does it unexpectedly. I know you don't want to discourage him, but if we discipline him once in a while, he'd be lifting his leg on the furniture, too. The only other option I see is keeping him at home until he learns not to do that in front of people...which doesn't sound very likely anytime soon." "You're right." She gently rubbed Liam's back. "But I think we're going to have to do it as he Changes. Or else he's not going to catch on why we're doing it." "That's a little like saying 'we should punish him while he blinks', Lind. He's so fast. It just makes me wonder...would he do the same thing if he were around strangers? Maybe he just feels safe with us, and thinks there's nothing wrong with it." "Maybe. I guess we can talk to Mom and Bryn and see if he's been doing it around them. That might give us a hint as to when he does it. I just feel sorry for poor Montel. Petunia can at least rough house with him." "You seem to be forgetting the time the cat scratched him and then chased him back into the kitchen. I think Montel can take care of himself." He nodded towards the doorway, where Lindy's cat sat, looking very indignant, indeed. "He's probably just looking for some sympathy. One of these days they'll have a major showdown to prove whose boss...how much you wanna bet Liam loses?" Lindy rolled her eyes, smiling. "So my cat's playing me for a sucker, huh?" Nate shrugged his shoulders. "Call him over here and pet him. He won't even flinch when Liam tries to chase him off." "Like that's going to work. Have you ever seen a cat that comes when called and food isn't involved?" Lindy grinned but looked over at Montel, and made little kissy noises. "Here, Montel, ki-ki-ki-ki." Nate snickered as Montel still sat there, looking at Lindy like she was nuts, and Liam hopped into her lap instead. Wagging his tail, he cocked his head to the side and watched her curiously. "Mommy's crazy, isn't she, Liam?" Lindy picked Liam up, pressing his forehead to hers. "Yes, Mommy's crazy about the two most important men in her life." She settled against Nate, letting Liam crawl over both of their laps. "So what did you want to do for the rest of the night?" "I thought I was already doing it," he said, looking down at her. "Lying in bed, with you and Liam. Maybe watch a movie, put on some sweats, and crawl beneath the covers. Oh, and I suppose you'll probably want your last present sooner or later?" "Yeah. But later is okay. It is nice to just sit here and relax together." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I didn't realize how much I really missed Liam until I saw Walter holding him." He nodded, putting his arm around her shoulders. "It's very hard to believe we've only known this little guy for just over three months. He certainly grows on you." He ruffled Liam's fur with his free hand, wondering when his son would change back to a little boy. "I can't say I care for the little 'presents' he likes to leave on the floor when he slips out of his diaper and into wolf form, but I guess that's a small price to pay. Although...if we could teach him to clean up after himself once he Changes back, everything would be perfect." "I never thought I'd have to both potty train and housebreak a kid. But you're right. It's a small price to pay." She turned her head to look up at Nate. "If anyone told me a year ago that I'd be a wife and a mother, I would have laughed at them. But here I am, happier than I've ever been in my life, thanks to you." She stretched up to kiss Nate's cheek. "And you." She also placed a kiss on Liam's fuzzy forehead. "I don't want to chance something going wrong, but I do have to agree. I never would've believed it a year ago, or even nine months ago...but here we are. Happy as pigs in mud." He tilted her head up, softly kissing her mouth. "Are you sure you don't want that present?" Lindy grinned. "Well, if you insist." She watched as he clambered off the bed and walked to the closet. She still felt like he was going to spoil her rotten, having given her the necklace, the horse, and the dress. She really didn't know what to expect when he returned with the shirt box tied up with a bright red bow. Not letting Liam chew on it, she eased the ribbon off and pulled off the lid. Inside she found a drawing. "You're giving me a drawing of my name?" she asked, clearly confused. "No," he said, smiling. "Turn it over." Still frowning slightly, she turned the piece of paper face down, revealing another drawing on the other side, this one a crudely drawn floor plan. She read the labels closely, noticing that there were a whole lot of tables with chairs, a kitchen, bar, storage areas, a large walk-in freezer... "Is this some sort of restaurant?" "Yes, it is. Well, it isn't yet, but it will be. Eventually. Right now it's just an idea. I figured that since I like cooking so much, I should probably do something with it. I thought it might be fun if we had our own restaurant, and I couldn't think of a better name for it than yours." She swallowed, tears coming to her eyes, although she wasn't sure why. The flipped the sheet back over so she could look at the logo done in pinks. "I...I don't know what to say, Nathaniel." "Well, then worry about that later. I still have to buy a place and fix it up, or have a place built. Plus there's permits, licenses, and whatever else." He took a deep breath. "Not to mention that you could either decide to continue working at the warehouse, or at the restaurant. I'm sure I could talk your family into doing some of it...maybe even Bryn. I'd just like it to be a nice family-run operation, something comfortable where we could all go to hang out whenever we want." "I think that sounds great, Nate. But I'm not sure you want to let Jess into the kitchen? She's okay with basic cooking, but there's a reason we always celebrated any holidays that involved meals at my uncle's house." She looked down at the picture, and then back up at him. "You've got this all planned out, don't you?" "Not entirely, but I've definitely thought about it. I'd like it to be open all night long, not only because we wouldn't be able to see it in the daytime, but also because there aren't that many places that stay open past eleven. I could see maybe staying open for Sunday brunch, as long as your parents are willing to take care of things...I could always prepare most of the food early that morning. Other than that, I'd say we're closed for breakfast and lunch. Haven't decided on a menu yet, but I'd rather not get stuck on a theme. I want to be able to be free to create." "It sounds like a wonderful idea, Nate." She carefully put the paper on the table where Liam couldn't get to it. Then she put her arm around her husband. "Have I ever told you that you are a constant source of surprise to me? Every time I begin to think I have you figured out, you do something amazing that totally blows me away. Like buying me a diamond the size of a cherry. Or a racehorse. Or an incredibly sexy dress Or naming a restaurant after me." He kissed her, lingering for a moment, before smiling enigmatically. "You think you're impressed now...just wait 'til Christmas." End Chapter Sixty <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->