2×20 “Snowflakes On Broken Hearts”

2×20 “Snowflakes on Broken Hearts”
Written by: Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring:  Don Johnson (Charles Hessington)
Warning:
Episode contains graphic language and sex
Theme song: The OJays “Christmas Just Aint Christmas Without The One You Love”

Jon looked in the mirror and loved Christmas. It was the one time of the year his entire family was all together. Robbie came down with his wife Julia and his nieces and nephews. Noah and Marisol were there with the twins and Miranda would be cooking this year. Something new but she insisted because KC was back and she wanted to give him a good Christmas with Quinn. As he adjusted his tie looking in the mirror Jon was proud of the man before him. He’d overcome every obstacle thrown at him. Except one he wasn’t a father everyone else had children but him and he was starting to feel like it wouldn’t happen. Cassie seemed like she just didn’t want children, and the notion of even talking about it seemed to give her the vapors. To be honest recently with Dani having her twins he was beginning to believe he made the wrong choice between Skye and Cassie. At least he knew Skye wanted a family because the way her aunt threw her away. She wanted children to love and he wanted that more than he let on. Devin told him to tell Cassie but how do you tell someone that if they aren’t ready to have children then you believe it’s time to move on? He walked to the bedroom and picked up his cellphone and scrolled through logs on the RICO case against Ronan. Thor had survived and David had been informed when Ronan picked Thor up that’s when they’d arrest them. They’d do a massive sweep with cell teams together to take him down. When he saw a message from Philip his eyes got wide.

Never trust a Montgomery…. Everyone knows but you it’s quite the secret Jon. You are a detective and you haven’t figured it out…. Such a shame you’ll go down in history as the fool…. Everyone knows but you…

He was sick of he secrets and now apparently Philip Montgomery knew whatever the fuck everyone was hiding from him. He texted him back and asked him what he was talking about. Jon heart skipped a beat. What was everyone hiding from him? He wanted to find that wheelchaired trickster and kick his ass. Licking his lips he looked at his phone reading the message again. Then repeating the words everyone knows what but me? Jon walked down the stairs seeing Cassie in the most beautiful dress he’d ever seen. She looked magical almost tonight but he didn’t have time to get caught up in her beauty. He had to know. He had to figure out what was going on. “You know ever since you got back from New York you haven’t been the same. I can see something has changed in your eyes. Or maybe it’s something I’m doing or I’m not around enough but I want to fix it. I have so much I need to talk to my woman about. You are so important to me so this conversation was going to be saved after the wedding but I need more. I can’t go without having what I want anymore because life is too short. Cassie I want children and I want to know what you’ve distanced yourself from me. Is it because of Miranda?” Jon asked, trying to put it all together as he rubbed his nose.

“Cassie, your brother just sent me a text and let me read it to you.” Jon proceeded to read the text to Cassie and looked at her. “What the fuck is going on? He’s goading me to figure out something? What don’t I know? In the station my sister won’t even fucking look me in the eye and I’ve seen you two whispering on Thanksgiving and when I took Quinn out. She got a call and we ordered take out that night Cass. I saw my sister’s number. Now this could all be a coincidence and I’m just imagining things but I don’t fucking believe in coincidences. So tell me what is Philip insinuating! What don’t I see that everyone else does?” Jon asked, pulling out his coat preparing to leave for his parents.

Cassie looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was going to ask Jon to move the date of their wedding up a few months just to cover her bases. Philip had let it be known that they were at war now with each other. It felt weird and she even had lied about selling the paper to Greer and going back to work at MontCorp to Jon to cover her own ass. The lies were quickly becoming a weave that she was getting a rush from hiding and scheming and she could tell that her father enjoyed it. When Jon came downstairs and started questioning her though about all of it she wanted to kill Philip for butting his nose into her business. Did he have to ruin her happiness too because he was miserable? Didn’t he have that Dru woman that was warming his bed? She almost rolled her eyes, he was jealous that she was happy with Jon and back at MontCorp. She tried to brush it all off again and it made her uncomfortable. Of course Miranda had texted her about her run in with Skye and she knew that the entire secret was on borrowed time and she looked at him.

“I’m not one of your witnesses to some sort of crime you have to solve Jon so you can stop treating me like one. Miranda wanted to talk to me about wedding plans, I thought you had been working too much with Ronan and with Dimitri getting shot that you didn’t want to be bothered by it. You’ve been different since you went to New York and didn’t tell me when you saw Tamara too so let’s talk about that shall we?” Cassie said looking at him realizing she was quickly giving herself away throwing it back on him and she knew that, Jon was a lot of things but he was not stupid. She ran a hand through her hair as he brought up the kids thing again like she had suddenly changed her mind about what she wanted out of life was laughable and it irritated her to no end thinking of Miles. “I’ve been pretty upfront about the fact that I have no desire to be a mother and I thought we agreed that you were okay with that when you proposed. Maybe this upcoming wedding will be a good test run for us to see how we handle drama or if it will cause any. Philip is playing with you like a toy because he is jealous that I sold the paper and went back to work for my father.” Cassie said looking at him stare at her like she had ripped the rug out from under him. “Did you really think I was going to stay at the paper for the rest of my life?”

Philip was playing him. That was nice to know but he didn’t believe that shit. He nodded his head as if it all clicked in place and nothing was clicking in place. His entire life he’d loved puzzles and riddles. It was one of the reasons other than he was a legacy he loved to figure things out. “So you and your brother are beefing. Shit you should have told me that.” He said as if he believed it. That’s when his phone buzzed again.

The Skye is falling… The Skye has fallen…. The Skye has taken something from you Jon and you will never get it back. 

He looked up from his phone and laughed wondering what this new cryptic message was referring to. What had Skye taken from him? Everyone knew? Here was Cassie just lying to him because he saw it. It was his job to see the little body ticks. Whenever Cassie was nervous she would fiddle with her hair. It was something that she did without even noticing she did it. So she sold the paper and was back in Forbes clutches. Either way he was beginning to not give a damn. “I think um you are right I said I was alright with not being a parent. But I lied just like right now I’m lying. I’m pretending that I don’t want something to stay with you. Except Cassie I’m questioning why am I doing this if you don’t want the same thing as me. I’m wondering if I’ve just fallen for another woman who is too fucking selfish to see me! To see that I want a family and I deserve a family of my own. That I deserve to be just as happy as you. Maybe you don’t see that but I have to go.” He said abruptly because if Cassie was going to continue to lie to him he wasn’t going to sit around and her. “It’s your choice you can go to Miranda’s without me since you two seem to be so friendly lately.” Jon slipped on his coat as he looked at Cassie’s shock.

“I proposed because I thought I could change your mind. I thought that you’d change but I need to see someone in my past. It’s Christmas but apparently fate seems to have me needing to see Skye.” Biting his lip he looked at her in the eyes and saw something change in her demeanor. She looked afraid when he mentioned Skye. “I know you aren’t still feeling something about Skye? I just need to speak with her alright? She is a potential witness to a lot of Ronan and Thor’s shit. So I want to tell her to leave one last time before she is implicated in this mess.” As he saw her blood raising just at the mere mention of Skye. “What’s the matter?”

“Proposing to change my mind? I don’t want children Jon I wouldn’t be a good mother you and I both know it. I thought you proposed because you wanted to marry me and loved me.” Cassie said looking at him and when he mentioned wanting to see Skye she rolled her eyes of course it always came back to precious Skye with him at first she thought it was Dani, but the way he always talked about Skye irritated her to no end. Skye that drug him into a mess and messed around with his head and she almost scoffed at him, little did he know she knew everything that he didn’t about her treachery and what she did to him. “Of course you need to run off and be her savior. During our little break you couldn’t wait to just jump back in her web again even then she was playing you. Did you know that Lowell paid her to come back to town to try and fuck Jackson again and she wanted too such an upstanding woman, only he didn’t bite so she resorted back to you when I thought we take some time to figure things out.” Cassie said her father’s private eye was good and she got a good satisfaction watching him squirm at the mention of Jackson or really any guy around Skye.

“You like to deny it Jon but you always chase after the damsels that need saving Skye, Dani and I think you had me confused with them. I didn’t need you to save me, I’ve never needed a man to save me. You’re so worried about her safety with Thor? She is the one who chose to be with him and his business.” Cassie said looking at him and deep down knowing that it was a lost cause he was going to dig until he found out the truth and if she had time she could warn Miranda. Hell if she played all the cards right it meant that he would never forgive Skye for what she had done and she could even make it her life’s mission to make sure that he never got Miles back her father and Charles went way back. “Personally I wish she’d just disappear again from our lives and not return better yet from Atlas Falls. Before she drags up trouble between us and everyone else at the wedding. Can we just drop this and head to your sisters already?” She finished looking at him.

“You can go over my sisters like I said I have to see Skye.” Jon could feel the daggers being shot at him as she stared at him. Then it dawned on him how Cassie knew about Lowell bringing Skye back into town. Not only that her insane jealousy showed something. It showed that Philip wasn’t lying and whatever cryptic message it was the truth. As he looked at her. “You know I think I need some air Cassie. It might be best if you don’t come over to Miranda’s home. I thought that I was good enough to show you that we could be good at being parents. I thought if I loved you so much you’d want to have my first born child. You don’t get how much family means to me and I don’t think you care. You don’t care at all because it’s all about what Cassie wants. It’s never going to be about me and I think that’s the biggest difference between Dani and Skye to you. They at least cared about me enough to take in consideration of my wants. You and I aren’t working and if this continues you don’t have to worry about Skye ruining anything because you are doing a fine job yourself.” Jon took off his engagement ring as he looked at her in her eyes.

“We have until New Year. If you are certain that you don’t want children then you don’t have to have them but you won’t have me either. Just say the words and I will oblige you with being miserable as your father. You can go back to MontCorp that’s fine but I won’t be waiting for you to see that my children and I are a catch. I’m everything you need and I want to give you everything you want. But I’ve changed for you, can you say the same?” With that Jon placed down his ring and walked outside to his car. When one last text from Philip arrived.

May I say that you have everything you could ever want…. My sister won’t give it to you because she’s scared she’ll lose you…  But I can tell you will leave her when the truth comes out…. 

**********

Bliss had finished wrapping the last of Fox’s gifts Jackie had stocked the tree with so much stuff for the twins and Fox it was almost unpleasant to look at. She kept creeping upstairs when Hunter wasn’t looking or Jackie was telling her stories about her siblings throughout the holidays. She couldn’t get enough of Chauncey throwing a fit when he didn’t get the correct teenage mutant ninja turtle. The image of Lowell having to trek through the snow wasn’t wasted due to a storm and going to get him the correct one. She had missed all this love and she never wanted Fox to feel like that. So she promised not to let him ever feel like he didn’t belong and she was in the nursery again. The twins would be here soon but Fox was napping and sound asleep just as he was twenty minutes ago. Dimitri was lethal and insane. This was when he was most dangerous because in her eyes he had nothing. He’d lost his crown and now was nothing to Isla De Cruces. She didn’t put it past him for him to send someone to kidnap her son or even come harm them all to get to Fox. He just was that type of man. She walked down the stairs and saw Hunter talking to Jackie.

When the doorbell rang she exhaled as she saw Max and Sebastian enter. She was glowing. It was something different about the way he made her feel. She could tell it was how Max moved and spoke. She was happy and everyone could see that she was stronger and more driven because of her happiness. Her sister didn’t need a man to accomplish what she was with the casino but having Sebastian was helping ground her. Her big sister looked amazing as always and he just balanced her. “So it was always a tradition for me and the girls in boarding school to give each other charms. So since we are sisters and stuff now I thought we should do the same. I even got that little bitch Belle one but we won’t give it to her until she is civil I hate her. I always hated her and to find out that she is my biological full blooded sister. It’s the worst thing ever. I mean ever in life Max, how did you handle me?” She laughed hugging her sister and pulling out a slender box. “Open and merry Christmas.” The diamond charm bracelet was a representation in her eyes on how far they’d come as sisters. It had Max’s birthstone, Bliss birthstone, and Belle’s. “I have something under the tree for you Sebastian but you might want to save Hunter from more cookies with Jackie while I steal my sister.”

“Mi amor I have to learn football because your football isn’t my football no. So Hunter please explain this game because you call it football but it’s not soccer and I’m sorry I have no use for it.” Sebastian teases as he walks to Jackie with his arms wide. “You look amazing may I say since you dropped some baggage you’ve never looked lighter no? Too much too soon?” He looked at Max and smiled widely with a toothy grin. “I’m sorry Christmas makes me like a child, I love it. The gifts and the kids are so happy it’s my favorite time of the year.” He kissed Jackie’s cheeks.

Bliss looked at Max and laughed, shaking her head. “How do you deal with him?”

Max and Sebastian had spent the morning together her going over some casino paperwork and him dealing with something at the vineyard back home. She was honestly a bit shocked that they had a routine like a normal couple did, she and Hunter had never really had one. Her affairs with other men were simply a way for her to let off steam and she wondered if that was healthy looking at what it was costing her father. Maybe it was time she settled down but part of her was still a bit reserved about it as well how was she going to balance it she couldn’t with Hunter or Philip. At the thought of Philip she almost felt guilty about the shooting and how callous she was with him but if she hadn’t been that way with him she would have never taken a summer trip to Spain. She never would have dropped her brother off at rehab or met Sebastian while she was there and they never would have become lovers and now something more. When she saw Bliss hand her a gift she opened it and the thought was nice but she had no intention of being nice to Belle after her little show at Yasmine’s party. Tess was still the enemy to her and as much as Sebastian sometimes told her to stay out of her parent’s divorce she was taking her mother’s side.

“Did you have to put hers on here? I do like that ours are there and in gold no less but Belle’s too? Would it be too soon if I removed just hers?” Max said half joking but half being serious too it wasn’t hard for her to be ungrateful to Belle she really didn’t like her. She didn’t like how she had come to town and stayed with Forbes Montgomery if she knew the truth about who her parents were. She looked over at Sebastian hugging her mother and smiled at her sister she did put up with him in ways she hadn’t with a man before. “I put up with him because I don’t know seeing Jackson and Dani happy. Seeing you happy with Hunter. Rory with Aspen and Chauncey coming around even though I don’t trust Natasha to save her, no offense to your friends I just thought maybe I should keep him around you know? He’s sweet and kind, he’s smart and charming and look at him with my mom he’s amazing with her too and he’s really been there for all of us in the craziness with dad. Speaking of which why didn’t you go to Tess’s today? I figured Belle would be there yet you’re here.”

‘Because I can’t stand our little sister either.” She said laughing. “However this is a peace treaty right now DGI doesn’t need any bad blood and if she thinks our sisterly bond is growing well she might be less of a demon brat.” Bliss said, looking upstairs at the nanny coming out with Fox who must have awakened from his nap. Walking to the stairs as the woman descended with her son she took him from her arms. “Hello Fox, say hi to auntie Maximilla.” She said as he reached for Max. It seemed like whenever he was around Max he flocked to her which was special to her. “I hope you know I was being sarcastic Max, he’s amazing and I see you two. You are all glowy and I’m not saying anything but if I have a niece or nephew coming in a couple of years I won’t complain. He’s absolutely charming and I think Sebastian is exactly what you deserve. After Philip you deserve a good guy and I did sort kinda steal Hunter from you but you didn’t want him until I wanted him. Plus I think he’s stunning to look at Max. That’s a stunning man.” She giggled at how far Max and she had come since almost two years ago. Biting her lip she looked at Fox and Max. “It’s a weapon Max, I’m going to see my sister and when I do I’m going to get her on my side. So I can find out exactly what your grandma is up too with your grandpa.” She pinched Fox’s cheek as she looked at her sister.

“So I’m going to recruit you to help me with this Max. My mother isn’t getting anything when it comes to DGI or what Jackie deserves. Look I love my mother in her own twisted way she has truly tried to love me and Belle but I know when she’s up to something. Whatever it is, it’s big and her finally getting daddy in her clutches isn’t helping. I hate to say it but I don’t know Kathleen but I do know my dad and I don’t care about it anymore. He’s dying Max and I just don’t trust my mother to be his caretaker or even have his best interest. Now we can be mad at something that happened years ago and miss the final days of his life. I just think figuring out my mom and removing her while kinda dealing with the truth might be for the best for everyone. Including Jackie and everyone else. But the first step is to find out what my mother is up to and Belle who loves her mummy. Well she knows me. She doesn’t trust me at the moment but I have some ideas on how to win her back. Not only that having Belle as our puppet and our in at that mansion is better than not knowing what’s going on.” Bliss said honestly looking at Max who she was unsure of her reaction to her plan. “Go on say it’s stupid. I know I’m not like you Rory, Chauncey, and Jackson with this stuff.”

Max had to smile when Bliss said she hated Belle too perhaps hated was a strong word but she could very well dislike her half-sister as much as she wanted. She could tolerate Bliss and what happened last year it was for the best but Belle’s magical turn to society was such a harder pill to swallow. She preferred to not publicly acknowledge Zerick and seemed to be the road her other siblings were on too other than Rory. Her mother had chosen to accept it and she admired her for that to be able to welcome your nephew, your husband’s rape child with your own sister she was pretty sure she couldn’t have done it. When the nanny came downstairs with Fox she did take her nephew in her arms as much as she loved the twins Fox was something else. He didn’t spit up on her designer clothes, she didn’t have to change his diapers and a list of other things. She hugged him smiling at him. This was good for her mother and them to be here with Fox and now the twins she of course was not having kids anytime soon. She had to also look at her sister when she started to launch into her plan, she was for sure part Devonshire they were always scheming of some sort.

“Everyone knows that Tess is up to something with father. I think we’ve all just been too how shall I put it complacent in letting it happen for our moms sake. With everything that happened with Zerick I think we all just want the best for her right now you know? She put up with so much from dad over the years you were hard for her, Zerick was devastating but Belle I think was the straw that broke her.” Max said looking at Bliss as Fox scurried down her body to the floor to want to run off and see the tree, she wondered how Bliss did it forgive their father for raping Katie and fathering Zerick she knew that Rory was trying to forgive him, Chauncey was on the fence, Jackson wasn’t speaking to him and she was torn. He was her father but she didn’t know how to reconcile that with what the DNA test said let alone what it meant that her father had either raped Katie or had an affair with her. “I don’t know how you did it. Bliss you forgave him every time I thought about doing it. I look at my mom and think about what he did to her with Katie. Think about my aunt and why she wasn’t around when I was growing up. I don’t think it is a bad idea but you need to be careful. I get it Tess is your mother but she’s manipulative and I don’t know I don’t want you getting sucked into her drama. I know we’ve had our differences but a scheme like this can really pull you in I should know. I had this entire plan with Philip sort of and look how that turned out. Plus I don’t know maybe it is me being a concerned older sister of a few months to you.”

“It’s almost a year and don’t worry about me.” She said honestly looking at her sister. “Max I forgave him because he’s dying. Can you live with yourself knowing dad is dying and you weren’t there. I can’t.” She said honestly looking at him. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear but one Christmas he showed up in Argentina. Don’t ask why we were spending Christmas in Argentina. Well dad was getting a oilrig out there and I can remember him coming in there smelling so good. He spent the entire day with me. He told me stories of you guys and of course Rory wasn’t around then. But I could remember him saying we’d all be together one day. Well here it is. I’m with my family and it feels really strange not to have him and now I’m questioning what our lives would be like without him. Now am I disgusted with him for hurting Katie? Yes I’m absolutely disgusted and hypocritical because Dimitri raped me. He raped Tamara and assaulted Selina. Am I supposed to just ignore those things in my father? I don’t know Max but I can’t let him die alone and I hope none of you do either. I’m trying to figure it all out you know he keeps saying he’s innocent but he’s Zerick’s father. DNA doesn’t lie and I am just afraid that I’m going to be called out. I feel sick about it but he’s my daddy and without him I wouldn’t have you or any of my siblings.” Bliss wiped her eyes as she turned away not wishing to let Fox see her upset.

“I just love him and I know it’s not right Max but he’s our father and i just wish none of this was happening. I need him you know right now? What Tamara said to me really fucked me up and I want to talk to him. I just don’t know how to broach I’m a rape victim and he’s a rapist.” Wiping her eyes again as she shook off the tears. “Don’t worry about my mother unfortunately I was raised with Tess Blisston. She is and always has been a screw up. My mother will slip and when she does I’ll be there. I’ll be there to finally call her out for all the shit she’s done to me. Belle might be a brat but I can understand her lashing out. Max you might not get it but when your entire life has been a lie. It does something to you and I really can’t stand her but she is a victim to Tess shenanigans that’s for certain because she guzzled all the Kool-Aid my mother fed to her.” Bliss picked up a champagne flute. “I’m scared Max, to be honest I know Dimitri almost too well. He’s angry and he’s going to attack or lash out. I just pray that Fox isn’t in the line of fire when he does act.”

Max listened to her talk about how she forgave their father and mulled over her words, her father was dying there was no denying that and maybe she was letting that time pass. She saw Hunter approach them and smiled at her ex she was happy for Bliss and Hunter they seemed made for each other, Hunter could be himself with Bliss and not some illusion she wanted with him. She wanted a trophy husband someone that would just go along with whatever she wanted and she felt that Hunter was never that. “Hunter you look dashing as always. Bliss and I were just chatting about the least year and how glad we are that we have all moved on. I am worried about Fox though do you need the company lawyers?” She said looking between them both.

Hunter had plans and big ones after they left Jackie’s and he had made meticulous plans to make sure it went off without a hitch. He was tired of waiting and he only hoped that Bliss didn’t freak out later, it was rushed but he wanted to have it done before Dimitri was released from the hospital. He saw her and Max talking and actually smiling at each other, he was wary of telling Max that he had proposed to Bliss he knew that she could be jealous and they had so much history over that. He sipped a glass of champagne that the staff were passing out and he knew that they also had to make an appearance at his mother’s later. Splitting the holidays was something that he and Max had done for years and this time it felt just as sad as the last year. His father was still dead and he had to wonder if he would be proud of him for taking care of Fox like he was going to and marrying Bliss over Max. His father was not ever fond of Max and thought he should sow his oats before settling down.

“No I’ve got it handled we hired Mason and Lex Hessington to handle the case but I know if we need more help you would be more than happy to have the company lawyers handle it. Speaking of Fox and you and Sebastian Bliss and I have something we want you to be the first to know about.” Hunter said looking at Max as he took Bliss’s hand in his bracing himself and hoping that Bliss could help soften the blow that if needed. He was happy with Bliss and he took Bliss’s clutch and saw the surprise on Max’s face. “We wanted to make sure that you were okay with us getting married. I asked Bliss and you’ve been so happy with Sebastian. We haven’t told anyone in your family yet and want your blessing before we do, isn’t that right Bliss?” Hunter said looking for Bliss to say what she wanted to his ex so they could move forward with it.

Bliss saw her sister’s unbothered expression and relief waved over her. “I know we are all past it but hearing you being okay with means so much to me. I know Hunter and I weren’t traditional and weren’t normal. But look at us all now, I watched you find love in Sebastian and I found a sister. I got you and I hope me finding love with Hunter doesn’t change where we are. We are in such a good place and not only does Fox need you but I do too. I like you’re the older sister so much older sister.” She giggled as she reached out Max’s hand. “I love you sis. I love Jackie. She’s been more of a mother to me than my own. I love all my brothers Chauncey was ready to fight Dimitri, Jackson was right there taking him down and Rory is and has always been welcoming. You all are my family and I just need you okay with this.”

Sebastian walked up and touched the small of Max back seeing they were all having an emotional moment. Chauncey had arrived with Natasha and Maddie. He had to promise her that he’ll give her a bottle of wine on her eighteenth birthday in Spain. Chauncey for some reason gave him a dirty look. “What kind of strife is happening here, Mi Amor? I see all of you looking so sad. It’s God’s birthday we celebrate together as family.” Seb slapped Hunter’s arm. “My brother and my sister.” He kissed Bliss cheek. “We are family and that bambino he’s special to me. My abuela would be casting all sorts of spells over her to protect him. I’m going to tell you if we have to we’ll get rid of him. You know? Back home how we’d handle this he’d already be gone you understand. My family were Catholics but my granny practiced brujeria. So I want you both to know I got your back. I’m not going to let Dimitri Kavanaugh touch you or your son no. So tonight is a celebration right Mi Amor?”

Max had seen the ring in the purse and quickly got the intention and the message that they were wanting from her, she was actually relieved at it which was odd. She was really happy for them but she had questions like were they at least going to wait till after Jackson’s wedding? One wedding was enough but she knew in some strange way her mother would be thrilled with second and a third with Bliss and Hunter and Chauncey and Natasha. It meant there would be less pressure on her and Sebastian to settle down which was fine with her they were happy where they were. She picked up her glass and smiled at Hunter and Bliss before wrapping Bliss in her arms with a hug wanting her to know she was more than okay with the news. When Sebastian joined them and started to joke she did miss the fact that normally her father would be there as well, welcoming no doubt as Hunter got to stay in the family and Bliss got some normalcy for her and Fox in marrying a good man this time. “Let’s celebrate quietly of course I’m mum until you two want to spill the beans.” Max said grabbing Bliss’s hand and looking as the staff brought over some caviar and she turned her nose up at it, feeling her stomach churn just a bit and waved them off. She was likely just catching a winter cold she was sure of it, it happened every year.

“You never turn down caviar.” She said looking at her sister. “Have you been feeling okay?” She said looking at her. “You know the flu is going around badly this year.” Bliss commented as she grabbed Hunter by the arm. “Let’s let Fox open up some more gifts. Max brought a thousand gifts for him and the twins. Sebastian I also saw the gifts I appreciate.”

“Hermana no problem.” Sebastian looked at Max wrapping his arms around her waist. “Your momma would like some pictures of us. Plus I need to see the bambino open the gifts Mi, Amor.”

“Of course she wants photos let’s indulge her.” Max said shrugging at Bliss and Hunter she did love caviar but she hadn’t been feeling well and chalked it up to the seasonal flu. She also didn’t want it to even think about the other option at least not just yet.

**********

Tess looked around the estate and she had everything that she could possibly want when it comes to Lowell Devonshire in the palm of her hand him eating out of it, leaning on her every word. Her daughter that she had been shamed into giving away was the missing piece to her puzzle with Lowell and she brought out a good bottle of Merlot to go with the turkey her one obstacle was Zerick. She had thought that Jackie would have thought more to her slip up the other night only she was more shocked when Lowell had been served coldly two days later with divorce papers and it had crushed him and like the dutiful lover she was she held his hand even though he still hadn’t signed them. He would eventually even if she had to force him too, this was hers and she deserved everything that he had promised her all those years she had stood by and bore his children as his mistress it was her time. The wedding was coming up and even though Jackie had insisted he not bring her well she was never one to play nice with that bitch and it would be no different she was going to make sure everyone remembered her arrival at Jackson’s wedding. She smiled over at Belle and Lowell taking a selfie together at least she had this for now and it was something she could use.

“I am so glad that we were able to do this. Give you a bit of home here in the states Belle Lowell even hunted down the best duck he could find from Tony for you and I made sure all the staff made your favorites. It’s such a shame that your sister couldn’t be here with Fox though.” Tess said sweetly looking between them begging for Belle to play nice and along, if she had her way Bliss and Fox would fall in line shortly, she was going to win back her daughter and grandson from Jackie’s clutches. It infuriated her to no end that Bliss had taken Jackie’s side in all of this that she allowed Jackie to be a mother to her after the way she treated her when she came to town. She knew just what to say to dig into Lowell make him see that none of his other brats were worth the headache make him see that hers were the only ones he needed to think about in the future. “It is such a shame that the rest of them declined the invitation wasn’t it Lowell? Your daughter’s first Christmas in the states and they couldn’t even be bothered to do it for her.”

“You two didn’t exactly make it a welcoming environment for anyone.” Lowell commented as he looked at his girlfriend and knowing Tess he wasn’t going to turn this into one big fight or argument. He was going to simply let her know that the fight between her and Jackie wouldn’t happen again. Jackie was to be respected because she handled his shit with class and elegance and to be honest he was dying. She deserved to be free from him. She didn’t need to take care of him and change his shitty diaper or pissy underwear. He couldn’t let Jackie see him as a invelent. Licking his lips he used the motorized chair to move around as he got to the head of the table he saw Tess eyes. “You think I’m pathetic don’t you? You think I’m less of a man and I know I am Tess but I am here. I am here to fix what I didn’t with Bliss and you Belle. I gave my other four a father and I wasn’t the best one at that. I was horrible to Jackson and made Chauncey rotten. I told him he was the best even when he wasn’t. I wasn’t a good person and i don’t think I should get to heaven but one thing I know is I’m not who they think I am.” Lowell said looking at Belle. “It’s everything to me that you believe in me.”

“Of course father and mummy I do know that I have a lot of work to do with my siblings. I didn’t exactly make a great first impression but daddy is sick and I think it’s best for us all to be more accommodating don’t you agree? Jackie’s children are my siblings and I don’t care for the woman but she should be respected in some form or way right? Or maybe it’s just the Christmas spirit rubbing off on me and I just don’t care about her or them right now. It’s so unfair for them to be the topic of conversation on my first Christmas with my father. That I didn’t know was my father.” She saw her mother shooting daggers at her and Belle rolled her eyes as she looked at her father. “You aren’t weak daddy, you are the strongest man I know. You are a titan in business and I refuse to let you mope about. Father if they can’t handle you at your worst then don’t deserve you at your best.”

Tess looked between them and then outsidse her head peaking out the window as she saw headlights on the road and brushed it off. Probably a lost car as Bliss had informed her that she and Hunter were not coming and bringing her grandson to see her.  The staff began to bring out the rest of the food and she moved from the window to turn and smile at Belle and Lowell. For now she was happy that Belle was playing nice she needed that and she looked down at her phone gripping the phone as she did who did he think he was? She knew she had to think fast and on her feet when it came to Lowell right now he was vulnerable which meant swaying him. “I’ll be accommodating to Jackie Davis when hell freezes over for the way she has treated both of you ever since all of this came out. She had the gall to come over here the other day and threaten me Belle and your father finally took a side and now well we can move forward together isn’t that right Lowell? I expected her brats to turn their back on your father with their vicious lies but your sister? Do you really think I would stay by his side if even for a second I believed those lies Zerick is spreading?” She said seeing Lowell almost drop his glass at her and she felt a bit of jealousy he was still not all the way hers that would change and she was sure of it.

“However now that we are all here maybe it is time that we all have a talk about the future particularly your future Belle at DGI. I know I know you say you like the work you do at the hospital but honestly you are the daughter of Lowell Devonshire if your sisters can be there, is there any reason why you can’t either?” Tess said picking up the glass of wine on the table as she swirled the glass around letting the aroma of strawberry, tobacco and plums fill her nostrils only the finer things for her from now on now that Lowell was living with her. She grabbed the napkin on the table as she saw Lowell and Belle do the same and took a sip from the glass ready to eat and move on with their party. “If we decide now you could announce it at the wedding Belle becoming a full part of your legacy at DGI. Belle have you decided on your gown yet I have a feeling you shouldn’t try to upstage the bride this time like the last event.”

When she heard her mother talking about her siblings her stomach dropped because she knew the truth. Zerick wasn’t Lowell’s child but her mother knew that also due to her overhearing Forbes and Tess at the mansion when she picked her up weeks ago. “Well I haven’t gotten a RSVP and I don’t think that it’s best to unleash a spectacle of me joining DGI at the wedding. I think Jackson can enjoy his honeymoon without freaking out that I’m going to destroy the company. Mummy can we please just enjoy the holiday without all the talk of all of that. I just want to spend my first holiday with you two without all the drama.” Belle for the first time saw what she was. Did she think Tess loved her, yes she did but did she see what she wanted. It was all about her or Bliss securing a place at DGI as the CEO making sure she was rich or whatever for the rest of her life. Picking up her wine glass she took a deep gulp as she heard the door. “I’ll get it. I think I don’t really have a appetite at all.” She picked up her napkin. Tears were in her eyes as she charged away.

Lowell noticed how unhappy Belle was with the mere mention of her joining DGI and he got frustrated with Tess. “Don’t push her into doing anything she doesn’t want to. If she doesn’t desire to work at DGI that’s fine darling. I don’t want her to feel forced into this I don’t want her to hate the business. So you don’t have to insist her into being apart of DGI considering her siblings will do that. Seeing them running the show she will want to know what’s going on with her legacy. Don’t push her because I did that with Jackson and Chauncey. I pushed them into being something they weren’t when I could develop their natural talents. So just let her find her way Tess please. I messed up with all my children so much and I just.”

Belle walked back in and she was smiling. “I hate to prove you incorrect mummy but Jackie’s brats are here. Well one of them.” She said looking at her mother with a disgusted expression. “My older brother Rory and his girlfriend Aspen are in the foyer. Would you like me to bring them to the table father? Oh mom they have a gift for you also maybe it’s your face because it’s on the floor right now.” She saw Lowell looking at her and she also knew she had to straighten up because Rory couldn’t see her angry at Tess. He’d report that to everyone. “Isn’t he the son you bedded mother?” Belle asked sarcastically as she turned to see Rory and Aspen approaching them. Walking to her seat she sat down and looked at Rory. “Please have a seat, I’m so glad you came now I can give your Christmas gift in person.”

Tess took the moment that Belle went to get the door to calm herself perhaps she was pushing too much but she wanted to plant the seeds in Lowell’s head to make sure he made either Belle or Bliss CEO when he died, even better if he fucked them all over to make her CEO. She nodded her head at Lowell for now she would play along with his game and when Belle returned to announce Rory was there with Aspen she wondered why he was here. She wondered if Jackie had put her up to it to come over here and spy on her and Belle make sure that Lowell was truly broken up about their divorce, she was going to make sure that everything was perfect while Jackie’s youngest brat was there. She walked to Lowell placing her hand in his and seeing the look of pure disgust on Rory’s face was worth it as she leaned down and kissed him for good measure. Wiping the lipstick off his face as she did and saw Aspen shooting her daggers too, she picked up her wine glass and took a gulp.

“I thought you weren’t interested in attending or I would have set a place for you.” Tess said looking at Rory and taking a gulp of her wine.

Rory had decided to come his mother’s party had already occurred on Christmas Eve and so he had decided to suck it up against most of his families wishes to at least check on their father. He had not forgiven him for Zerick but he knew first hand how manipulative Tess was in getting what she wanted. So instead he had convinced Aspen to be his plus one and not tell Tess about their arrival that way she had no time to scheme up another manipulation. He almost thew up when he saw Tess kiss his father but kept his cool. The divorce was something that threw him and all his siblings, they never thought it would come to this between there parents hell Zerick didn’t break that the only thing that did was his brat of a younger sister Belle and the bitch Tess Blisston. RePlay had saved DGI for now at least until the energy division was fully up and running and he was happy for that in truth he didn’t care about being CEO and had actually thought about opening up his own start up and letting his older siblings fight it out. Maybe that was the problem the company was the poison in a way now that he thought about everything that he knew. His father always put the company first above his marriage to his mother, pitted his brothers against each other, ignored him for that and adored Max too until Belle and Bliss came to life. He swindled from people that he was close too though none of them knew the true story about what happened back then.

“We did sleep together after she manipulated me while I was drunk Belle. Sorry to just barge in and disappoint you Tess can’t let you have my father all to yourself on Christmas now could I? Besides I’ll miss my Christmas scotch that we used to enjoy together by the fireplace didn’t we father. Mother would be braiding Max’s hair, Jackson and Chauncey with a glass to sometimes we’d play chess. I’m sorry did I say something wrong?” Rory said looking at Tess fuming as he relieved Christmas at the mansion with his entire family together. He could tell that the hold that she though she had on his father was something that still scared her, the memory of his mother was like a ghost between his father and Tess Blisston as it should be. “I figured I’d come over and offer an olive branch to you both father and Belle before the wedding. Jackson wanted me to give you these.” Rory finished deliberately excluding Tess as he handed Lowell and Belle invitations to the wedding, she was not getting a wedding invite.

Belle took the envelope as she looked at the wounded look on her mother’s face. Her heart swelled seeing the tears beginning to fall down her father’s face. She bit down on her lip unable to see him cry. She looked at her mother as if she was the scum of earth. Walking to Rory she smiled at him and Aspen. “I wanted to give you this.” She saw he was unmoved by her gesture and she continued to push through with a smile plastered on her face. “Open it please.” She knew the Rolex box would trick him however she was sure the gift inside. Tickets to his favorite band The Rox she knew a little about the band but she heard him talking when they were in the club at RePlay launch. Apparently they were Indie darlings or something and tickets were hard to get but last summer her friend Bianca McNeally dated the drummer so it was easy for her.  “I have gifts for everyone also well Bliss, Max, Chauncey, and Jackson. I also want to see Fox soon how I’ve missed him. He was quite adorable when he was first born. I don’t think I annoyed Bliss so much then. She rather liked me then but now I can barely get a return call and I understand but it almost seems like she’s jealous. It seemed like when she found out I was her sister she really jumped on the I hate Belle train. I know I’m a lot but none of you really gave me a chance either.” She looked at her father walking back to him and she kissed his cheek. “I told you I lost my appetite earlier so if you’ll excuse me. I don’t want to really open gifts right now.” Taking her invite she waved it at Rory and Aspen. “Tell them I will be there promptly.”

Aspen looked at Belle and she understood the outsider feeling and it wasn’t truly a good feeling. She cleared her throat. “You are leaving before I’ve offered you my gift, nothing physical but I think you might enjoy it. Twice a month my mother honors the Malatov ladies of distinction a elite group of women that focus on not just empowerment but we have distinguished members such as Jackie Devonshire, Brenda Kincaid, newly minted treasurer Lauren Fraiser and the leader my mother Blythe Malatov would love you to attend. Merry Christmas.”

Lowell smiled watching Aspen help Belle out she was clearly feeling isolated considering she packed up her life and moved here. Having one of his children around made it better, especially the one he knew least about. Bliss shocked him when she told him she had Fox and he didn’t even know. He missed his grandson’s birth and so much more. He didn’t protect his daughter and seeing how Dimitri beat her and abused her so violently she left her son. That disturbed him. “I remember our games and if you have some time I’d love to play with you son. Please tell Jackson and Dani I appreciate what they have done. Not only I will be there and I want to see my grandchildren. I miss the twins and I miss you all. Tell all of them, including Jackie. Wish her well for me son.”

Tess was silent as she watched the exchange with so much silent rage she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to contain it. She didn’t miss the jab at her or the fact that Lowell’s son didn’t extend an invitation to her at the wedding as she watched Lowell open it with so much joy. Belle too was lapping up the moment to be invited to the junkie turned businessman father’s wedding and she looked down at her phone again when it buzzed. She patted Lowell’s shoulder bored as she heard Aspen invite Belle to be a part of society a list that still excluded her. Forbes thought he was so smart when it came to everything that was going on with their scheme but she was thinking long term and this solidified this all for her. DGI would be hers and her children’s, there would be none of Jackie’s brats there when she was done and if she had to betray the man she was completely devoted to in order to get to the top she would. She quickly texted a message back on her phone before she rejoined the group. “My invite must of gotten lost, we’ll just have to attend together.”

“Maybe one day you we can get together and do a chess match. I’ll let them know. Belle I know we may of got off on the wrong foot but I was thinking if you don’t upstage the bride on her big day that would be a start to try and make it up to everyone.” Rory said looking at his father he didn’t have it in him to tell him in some ways Dani had strong armed his brother into the invite. Something that he and Chauncey were hoping to fix at the bachelor party getting his brother and father alone to talk some of this out and maybe ease some tensions. He didn’t know what to say to his father about his mother, she was spiraling while trying to hide it with the wedding and everything else and honestly he was still pissed about what she had told him had went down when he publicly chose Tess. “Could I talk to you alone for a moment dad?” He said seeing Tess come back and her statement he looked at her. “I can assure you it wasn’t lost you just weren’t worth including in the guest list.”

Aspen took Belle’s arm and looked at Tess. “Please show me your room, you have class yours couldn’t be this gaudy.” She turned to look at her. “Oh and Belle this year we’re honoring your grandmother’s charitable legacy you and Bliss just have to be there.”

“Of course, you can talk to father alone. Mother can you give them a private moment? Actually I was thinking you could call my other parents and invite them here. I miss them terribly and I think I may have said some awful things to them. So I think you broaching it might be for the best. My daddy has to meet my father.” Belle said looking at Tess fuming as she walked out knowing she had to leave. Belle closed the doors on her father and brother.

As the doors to the dining room closed Lowell looked up at his son. “I want you to know I’m going to fix a lot of this before I die Rory. I’m already on the path. I know it might not seem like it but I’ve hurt your mother so much. I lied, cheated, and betrayed so many people. But I am telling you I’ve done a lot but I’m not the monster someone has painted me to be. My friends have explained to me my words can’t mean anything right now. I can’t tell you when but my name will be cleared. I will be vindicated but son I made too many mistakes with your mother. She deserves not to have to take care of the man who broke her heart so many times. I messed up Rory and I know that the guilt is I live with it so whatever you are going to say.” He gritted his teeth forcing back his tears. “Yell, scream at me. I never showed you enough attention or saw your potential for that I am so sorry. DGI needs you and I have something to tell you all. I’m stepping down and I’ll be naming the CEO at the wedding with a catch also. I’m giving Jackie everything. Listen to me, I love her so I let her go.”

“Listen I think we’re all still trying to come to terms with everything between Belle and Zerick, I had a lot to think about the last few weeks and I can’t say I don’t think of you like a rapist. I’m sorry dad I can’t I saw the test I took it with Zerick we walked into that room together. That doesn’t mean that you’re not still my father though, which is why I wanted to come. I slept with Tess and it was the biggest mistake of my life. I lost Yasmine because of it but I’m trying to do better this time so I get it, but mom stuck by you and forgave you. You have no idea what you picking Tess did to mom and the way you callously did it. That’s what so hard about all of this we all love you, but we love mom too.” Rory said looking at his father the other reason he came was that he wanted to talk to him about DGI, he didn’t want to be CEO that was never his dream that was always his older brothers or Max’s. Part of launching RePlay had made him see that he wanted to create cool tech and run his own company he shuffled his feet. He was glad that his father was trying to make honest amends but it had to be genuine when it came to all of them. “I also wanted to talk to you about DGI I don’t want to be CEO not now so please don’t pick me. When I launched RePlay I realized I want to do what Jamal is doing run my own company make my own name for myself. CEO was always more Chauncey or Jackson’s dream or hell even Max somewhat. I never wanted it.”

“Rory you just saved the company.” Lowell said looking at his son. “I’ve never been more proud of one of my children. You have come out of nowhere and your brilliance is on display. This app is fun and revolutionizes the music industry. Jamal’s artist and your app was brilliant co-marketing you two are dangerous. He’ll get bored with the music thing eventually and you two do what Walter and I should which is take over the world. I’m sorry I’m just reminiscing but Rory. I did what I did with Tess because Jackie deserves to be free. I’m going to need someone to change my diapers soon, I already need assistance in the bathroom. I can’t shit or piss without my nurse there. I didn’t want my wife to see me like that. I didn’t want her to know me as that Lowell. I might have hurt her and it is vain and selfish but I can’t have Jackie remember me like this. I’m nothing right now. Deteriorating away and I feel my flesh dying Rory. I’m dying and I feel it. Every pain in the morning and when I stay up because of fear of me closing my eyes it will be that day. I did this to free her. She needs happiness away from me and me dying like this and her watching it. No, I don’t want that for Jackie and she wouldn’t leave unless I hurt her so badly. So Badly that she never looked back at me. I want her to scorch the earth I deserve to burn while I’m still here. I’m trying to rectify my mistakes son and if Tess is my last one so be it.” Lowell wiped his eyes as he looked up at Rory. “I don’t want to die.”

Rory looked at his father as he said that he didn’t want to die. He knew that none of his siblings wanted him to die either but it was what they were faced with. Medicine was not that advanced yet there was no cure. When he heard his dad talk about his mother though he bit his lip surely if he just told his mother how he felt they could work it out? “We don’t want you to either.” Rory said looking at the fireplace as he placed his hand on his father’s shoulder and for the first time he felt that maybe they were going to start to mend together he just needed to get the rest of his siblings on board.

“Rory, I don’t know if this is the beginning of us all repairing. I do know that I love you. I love you and your siblings so much. I know I’ve done some things wrong but before I die I will fix them. I will fix this.” Lowell said looking at his son rolling over to him and grabbing his hand. “I want to fix it all and I am. I don’t have much time but I have enough to have you all in my corner.”

**********

David did the same thing every year for all of his clients a gift basket to welcome in the holidays and despite what Lowell did he was still his primary care giver at the hospital, he was still his patient. Talia had opted to not come with him, they didn’t really talk about what she felt or thought about Lowell medically he was still his doctor though she had helped him put the basket together and he was going to met her at Miranda’s house afterwards. He was so glad that his brother was back it had taken him a few weeks to get used to the idea that KC was alive and that FBI had faked his death but he understood it was part of the job a job that his brother had signed up for. He just wished that Miranda got on board and stopped holding him at an arms length away. He wanted them to reunite for each other and his niece who had told him that her mommy and daddy weren’t the same and she missed that. He knocked on the door and asked for Lowell when the maid opened and he told him who he was. He listened to the staff talk Rory and Aspen had been over for dinner and that did surprise him in a good way, he heard the chair coming and turned around seeing Lowell making his way to him.

“Hi I wanted to come by and personally give you my token of your appreciation and belief in me as your doctor. I know the past few months have been hard on you and your family but you still continued to come to me for your care.” David said looking at him and handing him the basket he had always sort of respected Lowell and he was sad that had changed now. It was hard for him to accept that Lowell was a rapist but he had much like the rest of the town did but he was also a dying man and he saw Lowell sort of smile at the basket it had a lot of his favorites in it. “Talia helped me put it together. I was sorry to hear about you and Jackie that had to of been very hard for the both of you to come to that decision. But I wanted to at least wish you a Merry Christmas.” He said looking at Lowell and then he did a double take as the lovely Belle Archibald came down the stairs and he had to remind himself that he was in a happy and committed relationship with Talia the head of Public Relations for his company.

Lowell looked at the basket throughout the years he’d always respected David. As one of the youngest chiefs-of-staff St. Christopher ever he knew the guy was destined for greatness. “I do apologize David but I was going to make a few phone calls before I head to bed. I thank-you for the basket and I assure you Mr. Rhodes the hospital and you will be rewarded for the most exceptional care I have received. Pardon me, I have to invite a few people to Atlas Falls.” Lowell looked up at Belle who was standing at the staircase looking like a golden princess. He was fascinated with her. She was much more temperamental than Max, and seemed just as sensitive as Bliss if not more. What he saw in his middle child was Bliss hadn’t found her power but when she figured out how amazing she was Bliss was going to take over the world. “David you know my daughter Belle, Belle please show David to the door while I go make a few phone calls.”

Belle walked down the stairs after a bath and a lot of reflection on her closet she saw nothing that was worthy of the wedding of the decade. At least that’s what Perez Hilton was calling it. Hell TMZ had reportedly swarmed local hotels in hopes of seeing something which was making this quite the event. She was excited that Jackson and Dani wanted her there and she would actually be on her best behavior. Walking down the staircase she looked at David and smiled at the basket he was polite and distinguished which was so attractive. “I do believe that it’s Christmas, David and you have made a fatal flaw.” She said pointing above him at the mistletoe and she smiled devilishly. “Well my father told me to show you out but I think a nightcap is much more interesting. Do you have time, Doctor?” Belle asked as her train dragged against the floor she took his hand refusing to let him leave or refuse her. She heard that David was with some woman who worked for her father’s company. Either way she could care less and she wanted him so she would get what she wanted or else she’d throw an absolute fit.

Belle turned around swiftly and her golden talon nails ran across David’s face as she leaned up and kissed his lips. “You thought you got off that easy?” She said looking at him walking into the study and walking to the bar which was stocked with scotch and all of the finest drinks. She poured them two glasses of scotch and handed it to him. “So tell me I can tag along with you and get the hell out of this house? I have nothing better to do! Kidnap me doctor I would love to be taken by you.”

David looked at Lowell and nodded his head at him as he said that he was a good doctor and that he would be making another donation to the hospital that was something that he was happy about. One of the best things about the Devonshire’s over the years was their hospital donations if anything he was certain that part of Lowell’s legacy could overlook the darkness that had clouded it over the past few months. The women’s wing was one such act and Jackie was working with Lauren on something for the children’s wing with the art gallery and auction; it might not be enough to have former DGI investors make donations too. He saw Lowell start to head into the other room and turned to see Belle walk down the stairs in her gold dress hair done and he was pretty sure she smelled like vanilla too, that or maybe it was all the potpourri that Tess had around the foyer. She was very attractive there was no denying that when it came to Belle Archibald. When she kissed him for sure felt her lips on his and reminded himself he was Talia then he almost bolted for the door until she coyly told him to follow her for a night cap. He was a good man. He could do this and she was young, he could tell her he had a girlfriend. Also the longer he was away maybe it was for the best with his brother and Miranda plus if he knew Miranda right and he did she might not be the best cook and should have left it to his mother to attend the roast.

“Sure I have time for a drink or two. Your father would be right on the nightcap my father would say the same and it’s still a bit early in the evening so I’m willing to partake in a brief nightcap.” David looked at her as they walked from the foyer to the office where he saw the wet bar already stocked and watched as she poured their drinks. She as a lovely girl a bit young for him but lovely none the less people in town thought she was a bit of a brat and sure he had heard the rumors about her introduction to society he was not there he had rounds that night. “Unfortunately I am scheduled to meet Talia at my parents later it would be very rude to show up with with a lovely woman on my arm after holding up the festivities.” He said looking at Belle with a smile on his face and then looked over at the fireplace with a pictures of Belle and Bliss over the years it seemed she was just now fitting in with Tess. “I hope that your first Christmas here in Atlas Falls has been good? It must be hard to be away from England for you, you had a lot of memories there growing up. Have you buried the hatchet yet with your siblings?”

“They hate me.” Belle said sitting down not wanting to attend the Christmas party anyway. Honestly she wanted David and she’d do anything to have him. Sometimes she got like this. It was just like that with Atticus. She wanted him and she got him. David would be no different. Her siblings were another matter she might have come off a little brash but they all just sided with their mother. She understood that but could they not give her a fair shot. So she had a flare for the dramatics but she hadn’t met one Devonshire who didn’t. Hell if the fight for the CEO spot wasn’t some King Lear drama she didn’t know what was. Yet because of her mother she was shunned. Wasn’t Max a bad girl years ago? Didn’t Bliss literally get knocked up by a psycho prince? Rory boinked her mother! Chauncey almost took over the company with a shewolf. Jackson was a druggie and just getting his life together which is why he was being so celebrated. Yet she wanted to make a splash and they all united against her. Rolling her eyes she heard Rory’s words about upstaging the bride but she wouldn’t be looking basic either. Shopping was needed so she could import something like overnight from Paris in the next few days.

“I happen to think that they are very boring. I can dissect them or I can ask you a few questions.” She said standing up and walking to the small sectional he was sitting on. She curled up next to him using her eyes to tell him what she wanted. “Talia Rose? Really? She doesn’t seem like your type at all. The shoe fanatic who happens to not be over Zerick. Call me a cynic but I do have the time to wonder why you are so enamored with her? Is it convenient? Does she thrill you or is she just something easy to have? I mean I’m all about easy and normal when I’m fifty. Right now.” Belle placed her drink on the table. Leaning in she touched his chest and knew she had him. He didn’t move or run. “I want passion and I want someone to explore me who knows how to satisfy a woman. In ways these silly boys who are interested in me could never. I wanna go deep with you David.” Extending her leg showing her toned perfect unblemished thigh. She straddled him and leaned down and kissed his neck. “No she doesn’t make you feel like this does she? You haven’t felt alive with her, not like this.” Belle purred as she looked in his eyes. “David from the first moment I saw you, I wanted you.” Her lips were so close to his that they brushed against each other. “Let me be your ultimate gift. You can unwrap me anyway you want.”

“Hate is a strong word perhaps it is more strong dislike. Okay okay they hate you and the way you came to town. You did after all stay with Forbes and crash Yasmine’s party as your arrival announcement.” David said looking at her and he actually felt sorry for her she didn’t ask to be given away and adopted to parents and raised away from her siblings. He did feel that perhaps the Devonshire kids were being a little too harsh on her but had kept those thoughts to himself, Talia still worked at DGI but her attitude had changed ever since Belle’s coming out party and the Zerick revelation happened. “You do have a family now though here as much as you did in England. You know if you stay at the hospital they may even warm up to you more if they think you are happy there which you are. Patients have been very happy with the work you do for art therapy your father especially, his coordination has not deteriorated as much because of it.” David said he had no problem getting to know her a bit. She did work at the hospital and he really did want her to stay and continue to work there. What she was doing was important.

He was painfully aware that she was sitting next to him. He was male, she smelled nice and her legs were perfectly shaven and sitting right there. He and Talia were taking things slow. He wanted to respect her wishes but sometimes he had to wonder if she was really over Zerick. A few board members had said at Yasmine’s party Talia was there and she was seen with Zerick and Jackie, he had brushed it off. “Yes Talia works for your father she moved up from personal assistant to the head of public relations. I’m quite proud of her. Sometimes normalcy is what someone needs.” David said looking at her and trying his best to not get that uncomfortable with her right there next to his skin her bare leg on his his pants and he was certain that she saw the bulge forming in his slacks. He shifted a bit trying to make it go away and wondered why he was thinking about Lowell’s daughter like that to begin with. “After my last relationship I needed some normalcy.” David managed to whisper out he did mean that after his disastrous end with Tamara which he still felt guilty for with her drug binge he actually meant that. Not to mention with KC being back it was nice to just be in a steady relationship. “I um.” He mumbled a bit as her lips moved into his and he was reminded of her kissing him earlier his lips suddenly were on hers in a kiss.

Tilting her head ever gently Belle slipped her tongue into his mouth and when he welcomed it she began to feel him stiffen underneath her. His hands hand began to travel up her body but she felt him resisting and she knew why. Talia Rose and he was so proud of her but here he was kissing her. He was putty in her hands and she knew what she had to do. As she pulled back from the kiss she smirked getting off of him she stood and looked in the mirror. Running her hand over her slick ponytail. “I’m sorry David I couldn’t resist. I was just lonely and I can’t help but have a crush on you. You’re so distinguished and I don’t believe I just did that.” She said turning away from the mirror looking at him bashfully but playing coy was easy. Once she was told sexy wasn’t hard, either you wake up, go to sleep, and get up sexy or you don’t. “David you should go. I’m so embarrassed you are taken. But if you weren’t I’d do so many things to you.”

David had no idea what overcame him when she slipped her tongue in his mouth but he returned the favor just as eagerly his hands roaming up the sides of her thighs and up her body. His mind was far from Talia and their relationship and when Belle pulled back his breathing was ragged and reality hit him. He had done this once before with a very much so Ophelia Delacroix in his youth a terrible mistake that almost ended his career and hers at the hospital.  His mind was still spinning was she partially right when it came to what his relationship with Talia was, was it something that he had latched onto because he thought it was or could be simple with them less messy than Ophelia and Tamara. Was he craving adventure and danger which seemed to be something that Belle wanted? She was young and vibrant and actually reminded him a lot of himself when he was in undergraduate studies, the way she looked at the world as carefree almost like you could do anything without paying the price. He had almost learned that price when Tony put in word and almost had his license and lost his fellowship at the hospital. Thankfully he changed his mind on the condition the affair ended and he then focused on doing good.

“I shouldn’t have done that Belle I apologize. You’re very gorgeous and beautiful and any young man in Atlas Falls would be happy to be with you. Besides your picture the other night dancing with Connor Hessington proves there are a ton of respectable men in this town for you to date and see. I shouldn’t have disrespected Talia like that.” David said finishing his drink and standing up from the couch his erection and pleasure showing and he willed himself to think about anything other than that kiss. He placed the glass back down on the bar as he looked at Belle what if she told Talia? That would ruin everything for them and it was a simple kiss it didn’t mean anything and it was clearly a mistake on his part, he could tell that Belle wanted it to be more which was a dangerous thing when you were young and lashing out you hardly thought about the people in your wake. “I would appreciate if you could keep what happened just now just between us. It was a simple mistake on both of our part. No harm no foul Belle.” He said reassuring her with a smile.

“No problem. I won’t tell a soul, my lips are sealed.” She said wiping the side of her mouth. Leaning in touching his chest. “Talia is a lucky woman, trust me if she ever makes a mistake. I’ll be waiting.” She picked up her drink and took a sip. “Go enjoy your family and the holiday.” She took his arms and smiled as she walked him to the door. She saw her mummy leering down at her as she opened the door. “Goodnight David and I hope you get everything you want for Christmas.”

David let her lean in and touch his chest watched as she wiped her lip and took a few deep breaths he was going to be a better person than he was back with Ophelia. “Thank you I will and I hope you get the same. I shall see myself out.” David said looking at her before walking out the mansion wondering what in the hell he was doing thinking about a very young girl in that way.

**********

Brenda looked at the Christmas tree and her heart swelled. As she swirled her drink in her hand her side was hurting again but she was going to ignore it. Tonight was all about the Kincaid, Fraiser, and Hessington’s all coming together as one. As she walked closer to the tree she touched a picture of Steven, Anderson, and Hunter while they were out fishing. Sometimes she honestly missed her husband. The transformation he made from his youth to a man was remarkable. His hate for his father and what he taught him eventually lead to their doom. However she was happy to know that Steven found peace with himself and others. Hearing Anderson clearing his throat she turned around and saw Walter. Her heart swelled because honestly here he was. Finally after all these years they had a chance. Walking to Walter she touched his shoulder and smiled at him wondering if she was willing to throw their love away for another chance at being at the top. Hell that was the reason she lost Walter years ago to Lauren, being greedy. Walking up to approach Walter she touched his hand. “I put an extra dove up for Kendall.” She said softly looking at him. “I want to do something for her. I know that sounds strange but I would like to do a memorial for our daughter. Something to show the world she was here and she deserved much more.”

As she looked up she saw Charles and Connor laughing. She felt good that the Hessington’s were feeling welcomed at her home. She wanted that because in her eyes they were family. “Walter I wanted to talk to you. I have been thinking about us and I guess what I’m trying to say is how can we deny this. How can we deny what we’ve been denied for years. I have always loved you and if you love me then let’s let go of the past. I have no more secrets, Walter nothing can stop us.” Brenda exhaled feeling like a schoolgirl. “Our children are grown and we have nothing to hold us back. Let’s jump in the water and if you are ready then so am I.”

Walter wasn’t welcome at Lauren’s family gathering this year and it felt so weird for that to be the case he of course would be going to his family’s get together later in the evening but when Brenda had invited him he had agreed. He hadn’t told Dani yet that he planned to bring Brenda as his date he would do it in a few days when he visited her at the office for another reason. He decided the office would be neutral ground to do it on she wouldn’t throw a scene there. He had advised her to start back at work and let Jackie and Lauren start watching the twins for now or she could take them with her, he could tell she was getting restless with not working and helping at DGI. When he looked at the room he smiled at Charles who was there with all his children including Lex, it was a new business adventure Brenda and Charles he had nothing to worry about where that was concerned. Charles would never swoop in and take Brenda image wise it looked terrible and he had been around politics enough to know that Charles was still very loyal to his deceased wife. Ava’s death had been tragic and something that he was sure had changed his friend just like the death of Kendall had him.

“I’m really glad you invited me I’m not exactly welcome at the Cumming’s house at the moment and my parents aren’t throwing their party till a bit later today. I haven’t told Dani about you coming with me to the wedding yet, I want to do it in person and to try and smooth over the run in you had with her the other day at the boutique. We can go public at the wedding that we are seeing each other again after I’ve smoothed things over with Dani. I know you have been waiting but I think this way it shows her we are trying to respect both her and Braden by taking it slow.” Walter said looking at her with a smile this was his second chance with Brenda and he was going to to take advantage of it and repair the damage his past had caused his family at the same time. Lauren was moving on with her life with Randall wasn’t he allowed to do the same? The ornament for Kendall made him sentimental when he looked at her and nodded his head. “You are right we shouldn’t hide her from your family or mine they should know that we messed up with her and maybe we can honor her in some way. What did you have in mind for a memorial for Kendall?”

“I was thinking of joining in with that girl Yasmine Kohl. Her father might be a piece of shit but her cause isn’t and I think it’s important to show solidarity with the community of Scottswood wouldn’t be bad. I am thinking that we can have a wing or hall. We know she was a singer and maybe work with Jamal somehow with him donating his musical genius as I pay for the studio or something. Instruments and things of that such. Help with the construction and we also would help at risk girls.” Brenda said knowing exactly what she wanted to do. “As for a memorial I would like for her to get a tombstone. Bury her up here and give her the respect that she deserves.” She strolled through the living room as she sat on the couch and looked at Walter understanding exactly what he was saying. She wished that little disrespectful cunt Dani gave her the same respect but she wasn’t going to question it. “My mother used to say I’d have things to pay for because of all I did in my youth. I believe that God will see me one day and not like what he sees. I do like to think that we did good by her. She seemed very loved by everyone. I think she should be celebrated like Victoria was, those balloons a couple years ago was moving.”

“I think Lauren has moved on. It’s time for our children to stop being children and step into adults. I’m very irritated that you have to placate my place and they just accept Randall. It shows a blatant bias but whatever I’m the big bad monster when Lauren entertained Harvey for years. She loved him and yet we get all the blame it’s funny how the past writes who the hero and villain were in the story.” Brenda said honestly looking at him. “Either way I’m excited at our introduction to the world. We deserve a big splashy event and this one is very splashy. Who would have thought all those years ago that Jackson would be marrying your daughter and you are alright with it. Not only that you and Lowell seem chummy lately. It’s good to see him humbled after all that has happened you know. I hate it’s happening because he’s dying though.” Brenda said with a chill. “I should schedule a checkup with Ophelia. I mean this is scary, one of us is dying from life and illness you know.”

Walter almost spit out his drink when she said she wanted to work with Yasmine, though he got why Kendall had a rough upbringing from what he understood from the PI that they had hired. She grew up in a broken home and that was partly their fault and who better to relate to that than Yasmine Kohl. “You want to bury her here in Atlas Falls?” Walter asked wondering if she meant in his family plot or hers and how was he going to explain that to everyone? Victoria of course was buried there or at least her grave marker was it took a few years but he and Lauren had her legally declared dead when she was never found in the lake. A long theory was that she had drown and was sucked down the river and into the ocean something that he and Lauren had found solace in years later and he got a little stiff burying Kendall next to her would be disrespectful to his other dead daughter. “Well it would have to be your family plot if that is what you want. I can’t put my family through that in the Fraiser one I already have one dead daughter there to many and Kendall never had my name thanks to you giving her away.”

He was still angry about that, that she had went to Lowell of all people who shipped her off to have their child handed off to a nunnery and taken from him. There however was nothing that he could do about it now, Kendall was dead. “Lauren had moved on and I would like to think that is for the best for everyone involved most of all her. I promised my daughter that I would do better for her and my grandchildren Brenda I intend to honor it, I am going to talk to her before the wedding and come to an understanding that I am bringing you as my date to it and the rehearsal dinner.” Walter said he hoped that Dani and Brenda could call a truce, he didn’t want to choose between them and he hoped they wouldn’t make him. He took a drink of his scotch as he nodded his head at her. “I have been trying to get along better with Lowell the last few weeks after all as you said he is dying. Harvey LeClerq is gone from Atlas Falls and if he knew what was good for him he’d never return. I may have treated Lauren terribly while we were married but he played and toyed with her emotions. We were all different back then and I would like to think we can all do better now for the next generation. Speaking of weddings have Brooke and Atticus set a date, if you want my opinion way better than the mobster she was seeing.” Walter finished seeing Charles approach them he smiled. “Charles.”

Brenda had no intention of burying her daughter anywhere near the Fraiser’s. She knew Kendall wouldn’t be welcomed because of who she was. Her eyes narrowed as she thought about the fit Lauren would have if she had Kendall near her precious Victoria. The rumors had always been that the baby drifted away in the river and into the ocean they never even found a carseat. It was crushing to think about but her children were here. She didn’t have Kendall but she didn’t know that girl either. It hurt but it was a peace knowing she was gone and at peace. Seeing the horrible transitions that the Devonshire’s go through currently with Bliss first, then Zerick, and now Belle. Well that was enough for Brenda to almost feel relief because the integration of two families through a child sometimes tore things apart. “I think we can discuss this further at a later date Walter. I do think that Kendall wouldn’t be in my family plot either due to her not having my name either. I used an alias Lowell helped with that. So I think just honoring her is enough you know. We’ll talk.” She leaned over and kissed Walter’s cheek. “I have to check on Anderson and Wyatt. They have been clashing teenagers you both understand.” Brenda walked away.

“Walter.” Charles said sitting down as he looked at the man before him. “I plan on retiring soon and I think that’s something that everyone sees. I’m grooming Anderson to be my replacement but he’ll need a Lt. Governor and that’s where you come in Walter.” Baiting him was the first move and he had always played chess. His entire life was a chess game and so far his only loss was his queen. He lost his wife and that took him out of the game for a long time. It let Lex and Whitney run wild while Connor was left alone. His children suffered and it was one reason he still gave into any whim or want of them. He failed them as a father in many ways due to his very own grief however now he was in the game. He was back and it was only a matter of time before the Hessington’s would have to tangle with the Devonshire’s or worse the Montgomery’s. When that happened he might need certain political help to squash them and he wasn’t above using this job and his power to crush Walter to get what he wanted. “I want you as Anderson’s Lt. Governor and eventually we are going for the white house. That boy is the future and if you get on the wagon now could you see it VP possibly. A dynamic team of new school and old school. Now I do need something for me to see these characteristics in you. You are a man of the people. The people elected you Walter and don’t forget it. I need that power you have to squash something.”

Charles leaned back and looked at Brenda standing with Connor, Lex, Miles, Anderson, and Wyatt. “Walter I’m going to tell you a story. Miles isn’t my biological grandson and I couldn’t love him any different. My daughter Whitney met this girl who was a junkie named Skye Morgan. Stunning woman but deeply flawed and hesitant to be a mother. Whitney was told she wasn’t going to have children and it deeply destroyed her marriage. Ryan cheated, so she cheated and it was quite the mess. I was hurt because my daughter’s marriage was crumbling because of her barren womb. Then this girl showed up and didn’t want the baby. She said the father would never want the baby, and at first when Lowell showed up to my home last year demanding a DNA test I was shocked. Then I figured out who Skye Morgan was. I did some digging and I found out who Miles’ father was and there was no reason for a DNA test. You know him well and are dear friends with their family. I’m seeing by the look on your face you’ve guessed who the daddy is. How far are you willing to go? I know Skye and Jon Harrison are coming for my grandson. Jon Harrison will not be raising my grandchild and neither will that druggie Skye and you will make any judge in Atlas Falls agree won’t you.”

“I see surely someone like Whitney or Lex would be more qualified to run your family legacy than myself and Anderson? Not that I am questioning you judgement in the matter you have been in the political game far longer than I have. You took Dani under your wing when she graduated and then she helped a little to get me elected too. She would have stayed I think had it all of gone differently.” Walter said he seemed to be reminiscing a lot lately when it came to his past, how he had messed things up with his kids and with Lauren it was part of his self discovery as he niece wanted to say he needed someone to talk to about Kendall and his in training therapist niece seemed to be the best one to do it with. He also would have to consider the offer with Lowell’s condition he had no clue how his daughter and Jackson would handle it and he couldn’t be mayor, grandfather and run as governor all at the same time when that happened. “Perhaps you will let me think on the offer of Lt. Governor a bit? Run it by my team at city hall and see what noise we get. I can give you an answer in a month or two old friend.”

When he started to talk about the problems that Ryan and Whitney had faced after Whitney’s mother died he nodded his head he had given Charles the only advice he could on it, let them fuck it out and see if it was worth saving. He knew about the adoption and when he started to talk about Skye he almost felt gleeful for a moment if it was Jackson and pushed those thoughts down what about his grandchildren now? He wasn’t even sure something like that would derail the wedding and he let out a slight sigh of relief and then shock came when he started to put it together. “Jon saved Dani’s life last year surely you can understand that? I have known his parents for years Robert and I go way back our kids grew up down the same street from each other.” Walter said looking at Charles and realizing what he was asking him to do for his family and he wasn’t quite sure he was comfortable with that, Jon was a good man and a good person who last year had put his entire life on the line and career on the line for his daughter. “He’s Braden’s best friend and Dylan’s godfather. Are you sure that Lowell or Skye haven’t duped you I wouldn’t put it past Lowell to steal children from people after what he did to myself and Brenda.” He finished he wanted to make sure if he agreed it was for the right reasons.

“I didn’t need a DNA test Walter because I’ve already done one. I knew who Miles’ father was after my people came back with Skye’s background. I rather not deal with the Devonshire’s until need be so my idea was to find out if this was going to be the first battle with them. However it wasn’t and I’m sure that you know I don’t like to be wrong. I wouldn’t care if Jesus fucking Christ came down and told you that this wrong. You see I see trepidation in your eyes and that is just not acceptable. I am not putting the pressure on you, I’m telling you if Jon Harrison gets my grandson I’m going to destroy not only Atlas Falls but everything this town stands for. I’ll make Forbes look like the tooth fairy and I’m going to do it without all the scowling and grimacing. I came here because some secrets were bound to unravel sooner than later because Skye had returned here. It was honestly only a matter of time but now that the time is here I won’t be playing fair or nice. Good man or not I could give a damn about Jon. He’s not my concern and I have to tell you I’m disappointed that you don’t get it. If this was one of your children wouldn’t you do the same? No you wouldn’t you’ve always resented Danielle. Such a special child and you slighted her because you were hurt because you couldn’t have Brenda. It must have stung when Steven changed didn’t it?” Charles leaned back as he crossed his legs.

“You’ll do as I say or else I’ll destroy Braden, I’ll destroy Lauren, I’ll destroy Dylan hell I’ll destroy the case against Dimitri for Tamara. I’ll do whatever I want to you because I have everything to lose. Miles is as much my grandson as if my blood pumped through his body. That boy brought my family back together and I won’t see him ripped away. I know I might sound harsh but this girl’s actions might lead to us losing Miles. That isn’t an acceptable option so this is a warning when Jon comes for battle, make sure the Hessington’s win the war.” Picking up the spiked eggnog seeing Walter’s shocked face. “Oh stop it Walter, I’m moving my entire family here you didn’t think it was just for fun? My legacy is secure. My children don’t want the political spotlight and if Whitney does she’ll tell me. She’s the only one if she can keep her legs closed. She’s more like me than any of my other children. I’ve come to terms she’s better at this than Lex but Whitney has to fight for her place and right now she expects me to give it to her. So Anderson who would be here even if I didn’t put him on, the kid has it. That thing that people either have or don’t. So using him to secure me was the progressive Republican who has changed the game by using liberal Republican ideas well I’m okay with the evolution in history. So don’t worry about my legacy what do you want Walter?”

Walter looked at him in all their years of friendship he had never betrayed him like Lowell did they were business partners through and through he had helped with with the bar to keep it open. In turn it became its own business he was Dani’s godfather and when he spoke about his daughter his chest tightened. Family was important to him and by extension his daughter’s best friend was Whitney who was an exceptional mother from everything that he had seen. When Charles mentioned that he would quash Tamara’s case he thought pensively about it, he knew he could do it if push came to shove he had enough power and that thought alone was enough to make his stomach churn. Dimitri deserved to die for what he did plain and simple and he would be damned if Jon now stood in the way of that. “You have my word I can put in a call to a few judges when the time comes Charles. Whitney is Dani’s best friend and Miles is happy, blood is blood even when it is not. You love your children and your grandson I love mine. Make this entire thing with Dimitri land with him getting years in prison like Lex promised when Braden called. I’ll make sure that Jon Harrison and Skye Morgan are not problems for the judges here.” He said looking at him and nodding his head before walking away and towards the rest of the gathering in the other room.

*********

Skye didn’t have normal Christmas’s growing up mainly they consisted of half assed gifts and people who pretended to care Merci was with Devin and his family and she didn’t think it was wise that she came. Instead she had been hunkered down the last week with Thor in his room taking care of him the shooting had been a wake up call to her, he lived a very dangerous life and while it was fun and games that was a reality for her when his security had arrived at the playhouse to escort her to a safehouse and then the all clear that he was at the hospital. She and Ronan had barely spoke he tolerated her she knew that she and Thor shared a bed and her past with Jon and the drugs. Her confrontation with Miranda a week earlier came to mind Jon hadn’t marched down there yet to interrogate her and she had no idea what she was going to say when she did or if she was even going to tell him. Miranda had made her fucking point Jon was going to find out hell she’d be surprised if Dani didn’t blab it to him or Jackson to then blab it to Jon. But if he didn’t know he would at the wedding it was so obvious based on last time she looked at Miles when she had threw herself at the Hessington’s feet and over the years she had asked the adoption was iron clad from every lawyer she went to. Lex was a lot of things but he was not fucking stupid she was. Her eyes landed on Thor squirming as the pudding landed on his chest and she grabbed a napkin to clean it off.

“Sorry I have a lot of my mind here I am wandering off when you are sitting here with a few bullet holes in you recovering from a hit attempt. This is probably the least exciting Christmas that I’ve ever had though. Tell me what it was like for you, did you and Ronan have Christmas together? Was that awkward for you guys, have any fun traditions?” Skye said trying to shake it off, she was happy with Thor he knew about Miles but even she had to wonder about how far he would go to help her and if he could. From everything she had gathered Ronan was not going to make Charles Hessington his enemy and maybe she was barking up the wrong tree as noble as it was that Thor wanted to help her with her past. “So do you still think it was Gia? Ronan insisted it was someone on the outside she rubs me the wrong way. Don’t get me wrong she’s fucking your brother and all but she has this crazy ass look about her and it worries me.”

For the last week he’d been absolutely stir crazy wondering what they were going to do. Everyone had reached out to them the Russians, the triad, the mob, and the Irish in Florida. They all said it wasn’t them which meant his suspicions on Gia could be real. He was sure Ronan had to be thinking the same after all this. Nobody claiming that it was them could be a tactic but by this point any mobster who had balls would have revealed themselves. Meaning whomever it was either close to them or someone was playing a game. Skye had told him about her meeting with Miranda. Which meant their relationship was about to be tested. You see he’d been waiting on the day that the secret of Miles came roaring out. It was going to show if Skye was really over Jon Harrison. As he took a finger and licked off the rest of the pudding.

“Normally it was mom and me. I remember one Christmas dad brought Ronan to the house and my mother flipped. We didn’t spend a lot of time together. But mom used to make these chocolate peppermint waffles that were amazing. Every Christmas we’d eat them and it was like our special tradition. I really miss her a lot she was amazing and I know she’d like you. She wasn’t a fan of Cassie but she would have liked you.” He knew it because of Skye’s scrappy personality. “Look I was thinking about Miles. Do you want him back Skye? Do you really want a kid or is this guilt?”

Skye looked at him and put the pudding spoon down when he spoke about his childhood Christmas even that to her sounded broken she had been young when her parents died. She hadn’t really thought about them in years Lowell had paid her family a heavy severance after they had died and always welcomed her at the mansion. Until she started to fuck his son and do lines of coke, smoke crack and other things with him after that she was no longer welcome. It was one of the reasons that she had made sure that Miles went to a family that though was political and sometimes a bit crazy that he went to a family that would do right by him. She liked being with Thor and she did think that they were happy but she was always going to feel something for Jon Harrison he was the first guy that actually cared about her or at least she thought he did. Then she convinced him to start to pop pills and had wrecked havoc on her life and she thought she wanted Jackson too. Thought that Jackson would actually pick her over Esme when the truth came out about Esme sleeping with Chauncey instead Jackson beat the shit out of Jon and then skipped town. Her life was in shambles and she looked at Thor wondering if he was backing out now.

“I lied to you just now we used to decorate the tree on Christmas eve my mom would play a Frank Sinatra Christmas album my dad would help me hang the lights. We’d open one gift the night before and spend Christmas morning making pancakes before driving to see my grandmother. She gave me back to the state my grandmother when I was a teen, I was in her words to wild shipped me back to the orphanage where I met my sister Merci.” Skye said looking at him as the memories flooded her, they were painful ones and she bit the tears back she told Jon once about her parents. He had dried her tears, sometimes she liked to think that it meant something and she didn’t or hadn’t told Thor yet. “I think I might of made a mistake giving my son up is that so bad of me? I was strung out and trying to get clean and scared and I know his parents love him now but I miss him. You said you would help me get him.You told me that you would go to Ronan and try and help me get Miles back.” Skye said looking at him and wondering if he was going to pull back on his offer to her, she knew that Charles was in bed with Ronan nothing went by him in his state without his approval.

“Then we are going to fight for Miles. I mean I doubt Mr. Hessington wants the media or anyone to know that he has such deep connections to my brother. My dad funded his first election and he is supposed to help us turn a blind eye to the trouble that is coming our way. I don’t know this feels like an attack on us Skye. I just got the feeling we are in more danger than Ronan even knows. I actually am going to help Ronan get through this and I’m thinking of settling down in something else. I have a business degree and I can use it you know? Open a nice bed and breakfast but you wouldn’t be getting Miles legally in that story Skye. Are you getting what I’m saying? I’m saying we take Miles and go to Aruba. That means giving up Merci and me Ronan but that’s what I’ve been thinking. No way that blow hard Hessington is going to let you or Jon get his grandchild. I’m very sure of that and what other option do we have?” Thor said musing out loud as he cleared his throat the guards opened the door and Jon Harrison walked into the room. His eyes narrowed as he sat up in bed more using the control he raised the head of the bed up more so he was sitting all the way up.

“Jon I’ve told your sister all I can tell. I’m sorry I didn’t see my shooter and Skye and I are in the middle of a conversation. I would appreciate it if you come back later.” Thor said feeling emotional after all this was his baby now. She was his girl and now all of the sudden he could feel it. Something was off about Jon and his face was showing. His energy was off and Thor smoothly leaned back looking at Skye to tell him to go but before she could even speak Jon slammed his room door.

“I didn’t come here for you Thor.” Jon said, looking at Skye with a frustrated look on his face. Jon had no clue what was going on but he could act like he did and see what transpired. It was the oldest cop trick and Skye was already jumping out of her skin and Thor couldn’t stop this because he couldn’t move. Whatever was going on from Miranda who had avoided him, Cassie who had been particularly cruel. He knew she wasn’t ready for kids but how cold and uncaring of his feelings that shit was going to stop if he was going to marry her. Philip didn’t text him all those things for nothing and not informing Cassie of the texts after the initial one was smart. She would have tried to wiggle out whatever this is. He was suspicious of her from the moment she opened her mouth due the direct diverting trick she did. All of the sudden he was the bad guy and she was misunderstood? No she was selfish and he was sick of it. “Tell me Skye how long could you fucking lie to me huh? How long were you going to fucking not tell me the truth?”

Skye had been listening to Thor and the way he talked made it all seem so simple but if she got Miles back she did seriously doubt if she could run again from Atlas Falls. Her conversation with Miranda flashed in her head and she could feel Jon staring at her and it made her even more nervous. At one point she wanted Jon or at least she thought she did, hell she thought she loved Jon and had wondered about if she wasn’t high at that time if her life would have been different. Then she saw the lines on the test back then and reality set in had Miranda told him the truth had that bitch Dani to get back at her or Cassie maybe it was Cassie who in all her fake innocence told him. Instead she decided to play it coy for now, she wasn’t going to do this here in Thor’s room right after he got shot so then the entire town could gossip about it. One of the thing she had learned about Atlas Falls was people fed on the drama especially drama that they considered to be juicy and this was for sure going to get people talking if the truth came out. He looked so determined and if he did know about Miles it would be easy for her to find out and then decide how she was going to respond to him and how she was going to explain it to him. Either he was going to understand what she was going through or he was going to be pissed as hell at her.

“You know for the guy that had another turn with me when I returned back to town and tossed me aside for the great and wonderful Cassie Montgomery maybe you and Thor can compare notes on how much of a massive bitch she is. You made it very clear when Dani was kidnapped that you didn’t want to to see me anymore or be a part of my life.”  Skye said looking at him and then at Thor and she knew she had hit a chord with him too. Thor was with Cassie it wasn’t like they weren’t close in the past and she knew it was a distraction from what he was wanting to know but it was her motive to get defensive when it came to her she liked to throw up walls. She tapped her foot on the floor for a moment taking out her phone and seeing Jon glare at her as she was about to text Merci. “What in the world are you talking about?” When he didn’t answer she looked at him and felt her chest tighten maybe he did know and she caught herself in between the lie she had told and the truth, if she didn’t confess Jon would never forgive her and before she even thought more her mouth opened and she continued. “Who told you about it?”

“Miranda.” Jon said looking at her unsure of what was going on. When he said Miranda her face showed a clear outrage. “Why wouldn’t you fucking tell me?” Jon screamed at Skye his voice so loud and booming that the room seemed to echo. He knew that if he pushed hard enough she’d crack and seeing her right he was cracking and Thor shock was making it clear he knew whatever this secret was. Then it dawned on him. They moved his seat at the wedding, how Dani acted at the ice-cream parlor, and Whitney and Ryan Walker how they acted around him. When Ryan snatched that boy away from him like he had the plague. “Dani told me also and she is disgusted with you. Everyone knows Skye! How long were you going to lie to me! Huh? How long?”

Thor was shocked how bold Jon was coming in here. He didn’t have the strength to kick his ass let alone get him out of the room away from Skye. “Look calm down ranting and raving about this won’t get your son back. Skye signed the adoption papers and I’m already working on getting it reversed due to her mental state. Miles Hessington is safe and well taken care of right now. Now you are with that bitch Cassie and I think the best thing we can do is work together to get Miles back with you Jon.” He looked at Skye who was shaking like a leaf. He closed his eyes and saw Jon’s face lose all color. “What’s the matter?”

Jon before he knew it punched Thor with all his might. Then calmed himself hearing Skye shriek in shock. “Until this very moment I didn’t understand why everyone was treating me so differently.” Jon said looking at them both as he began to laugh. Taking a few moments to stop laughing and his breath became labored and dense. “Here I thought it was something small like Cassie and Thor were fucking again. Or Cassie had embroiled herself into some sort of mess with you Thor but Philip that sonofabitch knew.” Shaking his head. “Thank-you Thor because honestly your stupidity has now told me what Dani, Miranda, you, and hell possibly the entire town knew.  You had a child Skye? You had a child with me? We have a child and you gave him up you stupid bitch!” He screamed, flipping over the tray with the pudding and Thor’s meal. He stepped to Skye and looked at Thor who was trying to get up. “Boy if you don’t sit your ass down no guard or anyone will be able to save you.” He saw the door open and he looked at the men who were armed and standing before them. “We are fine.”

Jon grabbed Skye by her shoulder and looked her in his eyes. “I promise you that I will make you miserable and every day of your life will be in pain if I can’t have my child. I have a son and you took him from me. You took the one thing I wanted Skye and I can’t forgive that I won’t. I won’t forgive it and I promise you all that I’m to make you feel the emptiness I do right now. You will feel so much pain you won’t want to live every day I’ll be there until you take your last miserable breaths. You claimed to love me Skye? You claimed to want me and had this type of secret and you just sat there and judged me for choosing Cassie over you. I was right! I was right to choose her over you! You betrayed me the most but she wasn’t far behind. Hell everyone knows? Merci? She knows too doesn’t she? Oh my fucking God you are a piece of work. You better go behind whatever rock you crawled back from out of because I’m on your ass Skye. I could never love you anymore because you are heartless empty trash. You have always been trash and I promise you you’ll pay.” Tears were falling down Jon’s face. “You will pay you bitch. You took him from me? Why didn’t tell my fucking my family! You were a kid of the system why! Why!” He screamed at her. “Hessington or not you!” Jon punched the wall right by Skye’s head. “Ahhhh” He screamed at her in her face. Bawling up his fist he paced back and forth.

Thor touched his jaw and looked at Skye who was so far gone right now. “Look at me Skye! It’s alright baby breathe.” He called out to Skye.

Skye looked at Thor her mouth open in horror as he just let it slip out and she went numb and cold, her body shaking when she realized that Jon had no clue till that moment. She felt sick and glared at Thor it wasn’t his secret to tell and she looked at Jon who looked at her with so much hate she wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out of it. She’d been a week clean when she found out about the test Jackson was off in God knows fucking where and Jon was in the VA because they had partied and fucked the days before to the point Miranda found them both in piles of their own vomit, it wasn’t her proudest moment. She was alone and scared and called her grandmother after years of not speaking who and shipped her to Pittsburgh and the rehab center and she had decided she was going to give the baby away. It was just her and the child in her that she didn’t want and couldn’t provide for, sure she could have told Jon’s family but none of them would have welcomed her with open arms after their little tryst. She wasn’t that fucking stupid when it came to the Harrison family who looked their fucking noses down at her for years.

“Because I had no one and you didn’t even really want me you wanted fucking Dani Fraiser! I didn’t have you, I didn’t have Jackson it was just me and the child I didn’t want. You were in the VA detoxing from all the pills you were popping, Jackson just left town like he always did after his ego getting bruised and here I was the junkie that was knocked up and unsure of who the daddy was. Your family treated me like fucking trash for years and when we started to fuck or whatever it was that we were doing back then your sister berated and belittled me any chance she got and then of course you were so fucking star crossed using me to becasue Dani was with Lex to notice. So spare me that you were some honorable and good person back then that would stand by my side.” Skye screamed back at him seeing the guards leave the room and she shook her head at him. Neither of them was ready to bring a child into the world so she went and had to decide what she was going to do. She saw Thor getting up and looked at him so fucking angry at him. “He’s a fucking cop and you just played right into his hands. I didn’t want to tell him like this and this wasn’t a secret to just blurt out to him either.” She looked back at Jon tears streaming down her face and she shook her head at him.

“I fucked up okay? Neither of us was in the best place to have a baby and raise it so I thought I was doing the right thing for once in my life while I was sober. I was going to give that baby a loving home with two parents that loved each other and could provide for it.” She finished still shaking it was out now there was no sense in denying it anymore and the hows and why’s were minuscule to her at this point.

Jon nodded his head as he looked at her listening to her semi-valid points and felt like he wasn’t getting his point across. “Miles had someone you didn’t but he did. You choose to give him to a family that had a mother and father but it isn’t built on happiness. I know Ryan and Whitney and they always hurt each other. It’s an undeniable flame to them and you just gave him to me. Money you only saw money. Your validation is unbelievable but thank-you for saying you fucked up because you are nothing to me. But you will help me get my son back, are we clear?” He looked at Thor and his eyes. “I will never forgive you. I can tell you a thing Thor you will never be around my son. I will get my child back.” He stormed out of the room.

Thor bit down on his lip as he saw Skye looking at him shaking in rage. He began to feel sick because honestly it was his fault. “I thought he knew and I just was talking. I’m sorry I’m high on pain meds and just should have kept my mouth closed. I mean you really are blaming me when everyone was going to find out either way? Man this all started off with a stupid bet but I fallen in love with you. I’m so sorry Skye I didn’t mean to screw up like this.”

Skye looked at Thor and felt sick at his confession what in the hell was he talking about and then she put it together the way he had found her outside the police station that day made sense and then she realized who the bet was with. Cassie had egged her on with little jokes about Thor and she knew that was who it was with and then she wondered what kind of a bet. “You made a bet? I was a bet? Wow and here I thought this was an actual real thing. You are no better than Jon at this point when it comes to me.” Skye said seeing him reaching out for her she couldn’t’ take it anymore and shook her head fighting back more tears as she walked out the door not sure what she was going to do next.

**********

Dani leaned back letting JJ finish off. Donovan was already asleep thank God two more weeks her milk was almost dried up and they had begun to supplement a bit. She would miss nursing but not as much as she missed the freedom of her body back and according to Ophelia formula was just as good nowadays too. She watched her daughter nurse and waited patiently for her to close her eyes. She always slept around now and now that the twins were on a semi decent sleeping schedule she was not going to mess that up. Christmas was going to be different this year but still they had so much to celebrate with the twins and the wedding, their first Christmas as a real family. Not that they weren’t last year they still were and she smiled a bit. She got pregnant a few weeks before that in the stables and the memory made her fidget just a bit wondering where Jackson was. She saw JJ close her eyes finally and unlatched her before sitting her down in the crib next to her twin brother. They were asleep at the same time and she tucked a blanket up around them watching them sleep. She waited a few moments before stepping back and turning around seeing the door closed and locked, Jackson standing there and almost screamed only to laugh and cover her mouth instead to not wake them.

“Shh they’re finally asleep. Weren’t you downstairs anything good happening that I missed? Fist fights I didn’t hear any screaming. Give me a few minutes to get ready.” Dani said looking at him as she started to see him watching her and she looked at him he was giving her that look that made her a puddled mess most of the time. Was he seriously thinking about that in the nursery? She didn’t know why the thought turned her on but it did and she took advantage of the situation walking to him her dress down, exposed and stopped a little in front of him wondering what in heck was going through his mind at the moment. “So want to tell me how long you’ve been watching and what you really want at the moment?”

“You haven’t missed anything Sebastian is teaching everyone how to samba dance but other than that it’s chill.” He said leaning against the wall. As he saw her big pillowy breasts bouncing toward him. Licking his lips he could tell Dani was starting to get back into the swing of things sexually. They had made love but he felt like they hadn’t gotten their kink back all the way. Hell knowing his siblings and mother was downstairs turned him on. Sneaking turned him on and this was some fun shit that he was ready for. In many ways he saw how marriages crumble they lose the love they originally had and let age wither their relationships. Not them, that wasn’t going to happen. She’d always know how appreciated she was as a mother, how beloved she was as his wife. Pulling her close to him. “They are all having fun and I think we can be missing for a little longer. Considering we have come to stay here until the wedding I think us coming late wouldn’t be a problem.”

Jackson looked at her moving the hair from her face. “I’ve never been higher than I am right now. I’m high on life and it feels good to be clean and sober and have a family. I used to um watch you all the time. When you’d read to the twins, hell when you feed them, and sing those Irish songs that Lauren used to sing you. I just came to tell you we are missing Sebastian making my twin samba and she looks like she’s going to barf. It’s great Christmas entertainment but I can think of so many other things to entertain you. Please you and leave you begging for more. Do you want me to make you beg?” He whispered, sliding his hand underneath her dress and slipping two fingers inside of her. She wasn’t wearing panties he fucking loved it. “I missed our grown up time. I can’t baby shark anymore.”

“As much as I actually miss being back at our house it did make sense to come here just to make sure everything we want is done right for the wedding. Max is happy finally which honestly I’m surprised about and I am happy for her Sebastian seems like a really nice guy.” Dani said looking at him when he pulled her to him and she made sure she was quiet as he did it. She was not waking those kids up for anything, they were asleep at the same time and the rule was when the babies sleep you let them. It was rare and it had taken months to get them on a schedule when it came to a sleeping pattern. “My mother sings them so much better than I do but I at least try.” Dani said looking at him her best innocent face in place as he moved the hair out of her face. She traced her hand down her chest and over her breasts and she felt his hand slide under her dress and bit her lip when he placed his fingers in her.

“I would hate to disappoint your mother by showing up so late. She’s been planning this for a few weeks and we are her guests at the moment.” She said softly looking at him stroke her and she couldn’t help the pulsing that happened when he did. She wanted to push her luck with him just to see what type of a mood he was in and her fingers went to his shirt unbuttoning it slowly and saw it fall to the floor exposing his neck and his chest. She leaned in running her lips against his neck as she did so feeling him grow against his pants and felt his fingers slow and then speed up again, she kissed him moving down to his chest and back up pouting at him. “Should I give you a rendition of baby shark or are you wanting to be the shark at the moment? I can’t say I’d be opposed to either but I’d much rather you become the shark. Just don’t wake them while you do.” She whispered daring him even more when she cupped him through his slacks and seeing his eyes roll he was trying so badly to be good right now.

Biting his lip he knew better than to have sex in the nursery because they’d wake the babies up. He picked her up by her thighs walking into the adjacent room which most of the time the nannies stayed in while the kids napped. To be honest they’d discussed a nanny since the twins were born but Dani was a little awkward about it. It was a fair assessment when it came to her family Victoria died and Zach’s son was kidnapped from him. She was always checking on the twins especially after hearing all Bliss’s horror stories. He loved his middle sister and felt horrible for what she went through but he hated her telling Dani all her issues sometimes. It made his fiance paranoid. Slowly laying her on the couch he knew they didn’t have time to do what he wanted. He had some nipple clamps that her breasts were begging for. Getting on his knees, Jackson buried his head between her legs as he gripped her breasts. Squeezing, twisting, pinching her nipples until they were bright red as he slurped on her hot clit.

His tongue flicked inside and out of her rosebud. Her eyes were rolling behind her head and he stuck his tongue all the way inside of twirling it with passion. Lapping up her juices as if it was the first water he’d had in his life. Jackson lifted her ass up a little letting his tongue run to the crack of her ass eventually feasting on her booty. Going between her pulsating clit and ass his tongue and mouth was feasting on her sweet skin. Leaving love marks on her ass and inner thigh. Slipping down his silk pajama pants he began to jerk himself as he continued to eat her out. His tongue going more and more furious and her juices covering his glistening face.

Dani looked at him when he lifted her up and moved her out of the room to the nanny quarters in honesty she had fought him on it. She wanted to raise them herself and be a part of their every waking moment, it didn’t help talking to Bliss about Dimitri made her even more nervous. Then there was Kieran getting kidnapped by her cousins psycho ex and fleeing the country and finally her sister. Jackson wanted one though and she knew he had good intentions with it, he wanted them to be able to fuck when they wanted and he wanted to make sure they were both able to still have careers too. She bit her lip when he buried his head in between her legs though thoughts about nanny far from her mind letting the sensation of his mouth and his hands roll through her very core. She gripped the edge of the couch letting out a low moan at the action praying she didn’t wake the twins, she had told him to be the shark.

When he lifted her up off the couch she quivered and let out another stifled cry and before she knew it his tongue had traveled up her backside and she quivered again at the new sensations there. “Fuck Jackson.” She managed to whisper out he had never done that before but for some reason it was turning her on more and she threw her head back. He spent what felt like ages there and then moved back down and she saw him lower his pants and start to jerk off one of her free hands went to his hair pulling on it urging him on as she got closer. What she really wanted was him hard inside of her fucking her till she screamed and her hips thrust against his mouth. Before she knew it she was begging for that him buried deep and hard in her driving her over the edge. “Please fuck me. Jackson please I can’t.” She mumbled needing that from him the power he had in what he did to her in that way.

He was twelve when he first had sex. Fourteen when he first ate out a girl. Sixteen when he first ate ass. He however didn’t do it to everyone. Hell he’d never trusted anyone to show his dominating side. It was just sex but the things he got to explore with Dani made him come alive. He felt more himself with her. “No.” He said darkly ravishing her more and feeling her body melt into his. She was bucking and begging and he knew he had her exactly where he wanted. His tongue was moving like a snake slithering all over her clit and pulsating pussy. He could feel it’s heartbeat right on his tongue. When she started to get too loud he looked up at her and laughed. He couldn’t help it because if she woke up the twins then they’d not be able to finish but seeing her in such pleasure but trying to stifle it made him even hornier.

Jackson raised up and grabbing her silk dress he tied it around her wrists and placed her hands above her head. Placing his thumb inside of her mouth watching her suck it, he removed it as he licked her saliva off his  thumb. Then he slammed inside of her when she whelped in pleasure and pain he covered her mouth. Long dicking her from right where he was then he’d push further inside until he was buried deeply. Letting out a loud groan himself he saw Dani look at him like shut up. He laughed again and began to drill her perfect pink pussy. Men said that women didn’t feel the same that was true, it was as if Dani was tighter. He gulped taking deep breaths not wanting to come fast. “Oh shit Dani.”

Dani loved and hated him all at once when he told her no and looked at him frustrated and turned on at the same time. She tried to stifle her cries that left her mouth and bit her lip to suppress them when he looked up at her and laughed. He was the one making her make all the noise and she looked at him begging with her eyes and could tell he was straining as well. When he yanked up her dress though and tied her hands above her head she let her body go lax at the action, she trusted him completely. She took a breath looking up at him pinning her hands, her mouth parting for his finger her body shaking seeing him hovering above her and her legs squirmed at the anticipation. She spread her legs and her breath let out a hitch and a scream when he plunged in and his hand covered her mouth to suppress her cries.

She looked up at him arching her back to welcome him into her, her back rubbing against the fabric of the couch a stinging burning sensation forming. She looked at him while he moved seeing the pleasure etched on his own face and never wanted this moment to change with them, the way they made love. She couldn’t help it as she moaned and groaned against his hand something she was sure was turning him on more by the way he was plowing into her his own cries coming out. She felt his hand move slightly and she bit her lip to suppress another cry. “Jesus.” She mumbled feeling herself starting to come and saw him stop only to start again and she leaned her head to his kissing him to suppress another scream that seemed to rip through her. She didn’t know how long he stayed like that fucking her hard just like she had begged him and before she knew it she was shaking pleasure was washing over her while she jerked violently against his mouth and shaft biting him softly on the tongue as she pulled back. “Jackson.” She managed to get out as the orgasm continued to ripple over her.

Jackson kept thrusting in and out of her as her body began convulsing and he knew one thing he was close. When she called out his name he let out a loud growl and tried to stifle it but he couldn’t. A crescendo of moans and an expletive came out of his mouth as he planted his seed inside of her. Hopefully when the twins were about five they could have one more. Right now it wasn’t the time but he knew he wanted more children. As he felt himself shrinking inside of Dani he collapsed on top of her as he kissed her again releasing her hands. He felt a sting of fear what if he woke up the twins. He had kept her quiet and then he screamed and cried out. Snickering he grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around his waist. Opening the door he was shocked JJ and Donovan were snuggled together and still sleeping. They normally were on opposite sides of the crib because as far as he noticed his daughter was going to be a wild sleeper. Donovan stayed in place much like Dani and JJ was like him. He closed the door as he looked at Dani. “Come on we can take a quick shower and get downstairs.”

Taking Dani’s hand they snuck out of the nanny’s quarter and walked down the hall to their room. In about twenty minutes they were showered and it was very hard not to go for round two. But he focused on getting downstairs. He wore a casual suit and was trying to decide if he wanted to cut his hair off or keep it. “Hey I was thinking for the wedding I might cut my hair.” He said slipping on his jacket and helping Dani with the clasp on her necklace. Once they were dressed he extended his arm into a bow. So that she could take his arm. “I know you like my hair but maybe we need something new you know?” Jackson walked out the room and saw the dress his soon to be wife was wearing and he smirked. “You really are starting to be a fashionista so Bliss and Max got you wearing Balmain?”Jackson frowned seeing Zerick walking around his family home with some random girl. Then he saw him with that redhead that was staying with Lauren. “Who is she?” He whispered to Dani. He heard her apartment was totaled and she was staying with Lauren just a little bit until she got her new place.

Dani’s head was still spinning when he collapsed on her and she couldn’t help laugh along with him at all the noise he made. They were after all trying to be quiet and she was relieved when they had snuck out to see the twins were still asleep. After showering she had changed back into another dress, as much as she knew he wanted another round and so did she. They really did need to appear at the party if anything for his mom. “They like to take me shopping so I let them. As for your hair I like it have my hands in it when you let me. If you want to cut it cut it, I personally like it though.” Dani said looking at him and running her fingers through the blonde locks a bit before they headed out. She was still grinning so far it was a good Christmas and when they turned the corner to bump into Dru and Zerick she saw Jackson tense at the sight of Zerick. He had tried to extend an olive branch at Thanksgiving and it had went well, and she knew he was still torn up about Zerick’s paternity, the reality that it had set off for Jackson. In some ways she wondered if he was somewhat jealous of all the time Jackie was spending with her nephew and his half brother too. “Dru she works at the Pub.” She whispered before looking at Dru and Zerick. “Hi we didn’t expect to see anyone in this side of the wing.” She said at them both.

Zerick had invited Dru as he date to his aunt’s Christmas party and had insisted on showing her the entire mansion with it’s tunnels and wings. Laughter was filtering in from downstairs and he envied it; he had never gotten to have that as a child, it had been ripped away from him and his mother. He had begun to question things though the last week, Belle being a huge one what she had said the weeks before getting under his skin, what did she know that he didn’t? Not only that he and his aunt were growing closer and he was grateful for it and had begun to question why if Jackie was so good and kind had Forbes found it in him to tell and force him to stay away. For years he had hatred for her and Lowell and he still harbored that for the man that fathered him but for his aunt he no longer had that. They had decided to take a side detour towards the bedrooms and wings and he looked at Jackson and Dani as they approached, putting two and two together by the way Dani was glowing and they had heard whispers when the crazy samba music stopped and his aunt put on some classical. Honestly he envied that the normalcy that they had between them, the stability in a way and it annoyed him to no end too. His brother was what strung out for years on end, turned a new leaf and that was all it took apparently to woo a good woman to him? He reminded himself that he thought he could have that at one point with Talia but he had chosen to let her go.

“I was just giving Dru a tour. Jackie was asking where you both were we heard noises and decided to explore. We just left the library. Dru Pierce my half brother Jackson and his lovely fiance Dani Fraiser. I would be the what second bastard to come out? Belle third hopefully Lowell doesn’t have more at this rate.” Zerick said making the introduction as he saw Jackson glare at him when he said brother and he wanted to almost roll his eyes at him it was true they were whether or not Jackson or the others came to accept it. He saw Dani not let go of Jackson at his introduction and he could swear that the other man was jealous of him. “I honestly expected you to to be engulfed with the twins. I do hear kids are hopefully all the rage. If anything I would hope you won’t be prone to repeat Lowell’s performances in your upcoming nuptials either.”

“You are really something.” He said looking at his half-brother. Being real with himself he knew that he was jealous of his mother’s newfound relationship with Zerick. “I met you already Dru, I’m sorry it’s just the wedding is days away and it’s hard to remember anything at the moment.” This guy seemed to think he could replace him with his mother. Hell he knew that’s what he was trying to do. Everyone knew mom was about to clean up in this divorce hearing. Maybe he was trying to get an inheritance or something of that nature. It pissed him off that Chauncey was blamed endlessly for the takeover attempt last year and Zerick was just as involved. He wasn’t to be trusted and his eyes were on him. “I am nothing like my father but I see you picked up his habit of redheads.” He spat back at Zerick. “No offense Dru.” Biting down on his lip, he didn’t want to share his mother with this guy. He didn’t want her to be around him because of her guilt. It wasn’t her fault their father was a rapist. As his eyes narrowed looking at Zerick.

“Your family’s estate is truly breathtaking. Some of us could only dream you know? She touched the walls as she looked at Jackson and saw what her sister saw in him. The man didn’t look like any crack addict or meth head she knew. Hell she was raised in a trailer park all she knew was users. As she looked up at them both. “It’s no offense at all, Zerick is truly making me feel comfortable with all this? It’s overwhelming and planning what people are saying is the wedding of the year or century depending on who is writing it. Cassandra Montgomery is saying it’s the event in history that you just have to be at if you’re anybody in Atlas Falls. I’m just happy to be going with Zerick.” Dru looked over at Zerick seeing his shock at her telling him that she was going with him without him even asking. She fixed his tie as she looked up at Dani. “Tell me are you excited to be Mrs. Devonshire?” Seeing Zerick completely amused with her perfected nice girl act when in fact she was persona non grata. When one of those damn babies started to scream and holler she immediately cursed in her mind. She wanted more time to pry into their lives. Dru saw Dani’s attention slipping and she focused speaking fast.

“I know I’m here with Zerick but recently I moved in with your mom and brother.” Seeing the shock on her face and the thrown off expression on Jackson’s face was delicious. “Well Lauren was just saying how she wanted someone she knew to be your nanny and I have experience with children.” Well Dru did but Kendall absolutely hated babies and children alike. “I know you don’t know me but if I can soothe the twins maybe we can discuss something. Lauren has been so good to me and until I get my new place well. I have to repay her and this is something she wants. I think this could be the best gift for Christmas.” Zerick was playing the straight man perfectly. He was staring Jackson down acting aloof and she absolutely knew that he was blown at her attitude reversal and personality switch. It was good he was a conman already. “Well what do you think?”

Zerick looked at Jackson and could tell that he was jealous of the time that he was spending with his aunt and nearly laughed at him. He was so insecure it was actually quite amusing and maybe that was something he should play more on, it was clear his half brother hated their father and had no close relationship there, but he was now growing closer to his only parental figure. “I think you’re jealous and insecure just like our father was hence why he fucked all those women at their will or against it hopefully that trait doesn’t follow you around. Your mother would be so heartbroken if that was the case and it burns you up doesn’t it? That in all your father’s toxic that he spreads around that she’s latched on to me out of it.” Zerick said watching Jackson’s skin boil and he was amused by Dru’s good girl act. Something was clearly going on there and she was up to something he just couldn’t quite figure out what it was.

Dani looked at Dru honestly she hadn’t thought about it much her moving in with her mother, her mom was a good person and liked to help people out when she could. She didn’t really know Dru or anything like that and the nanny talk made her uncomfortable mainly because it was something she briefly mentioned to her parents. She didn’t let go of Jackson’s arm when Zerick tried to bait him mainly because she wasn’t sure Jackson wouldn’t fight him. “Seeing how you were raised with Forbes you really shouldn’t be giving out father figure advice Zerick. Yes I’m actually really excited for the wedding, we both are.” She said she was still trying to figure out how she was going to answer Dru and even felt Jackson was staring at her wanting to her to jump on the yes let’s hire the bartender stranger as the nanny train. “We haven’t decided on a nanny yet I think Jackson and my mom have a link somewhere to apply.” She finished slightly annoyed at it and hoping Jackson took her lead and walked away from Zerick.

“I think your mother is a loony bin and you have no one and you’re the jealous one. I don’t like you around my mother but that’s because you are a disappointment and you’ll disappoint her. I see it all over your and when you do, guess who will be right there. You’re right I don’t want you near her because you were the virus that almost stole our company right along with Greer. All is forgiven nor forgotten Zerick but can I ask for one favor? Stop saying our. We don’t have anything in common but DNA Lowell will never be your father or Jackie as your mother. Your mother threw you to Forbes and honestly I can see why, you’re just as sadistic as him. Now if you don’t mind our son is upset clearly and will wake up his sister if he keeps crying. Pardon us.” He looked up and down at Dru. “I’m sure your qualifications are fine but word of advice Ms. Price don’t waste your time with such a nothing ass person. He’s irrelevant and unfortunately he doesn’t know that. He seems to want a place in our family as badly as he seems to hate it. Sadly there isn’t anymore room for him.” Jackson squeezed Dani’s arm knowing she was proud he didn’t beat Zerick into a bloody pulp. “We will send you the link thank-you Dru.”

“No problem, see you at the wedding.” She said waving as her perky smile disappeared into a scowl as she saw them closing the nursery door. Her eyes darkened as she thought about Dani getting a happy ending. No she deserved to be just as miserable as her. No way was Walter’s children getting a happy life as long as she breathed. Not only that Brenda kids were about to get their first lick. She was going to hurt Brenda and Walter but first she wanted her overly privileged siblings to feel her wrath first. For a second she was so lost in her rage that her face turned red. She could tell Zerick was thinking about her. “What? The party isn’t over right? Let me tell you a story and maybe you’ll understand me a little more.” Taking his arm just like Dani had done Jackson to lead Zerick away. “It was snowing just like this when I was born, I was adopted to Zerick just like you. Not only that I understand you more than you know. I understand the hunger for revenge and the lust for pain. Considering I’m going to make so many people hurt.”

**********

David looked at his reflection in the rear view mirror and tapped his fingers against the steering wheel guilt eating at him. He never should have went over and put himself and Belle in that position and worse what would Talia do if she found out? He didn’t want to hurt her and he really did like her and enjoy her company, enjoyed spending time with her and what they were building and in a split second of weakness had turned into that person that the hated back when he was having an affair with Ophelia. He was so selfish back than and it was right after KC was dead or what they all thought was dead. What in the hell would his older brother say about it now? He hadn’t made a mistake like he had with Ophelia in years and now here he was attracted to Lowell’s very much so younger daughter who clearly wanted to take him to her bed. He saw KC waving to him to come in to the window and saw Talia laughing with Miranda and his parents by the tree, he shook his head trying to make the memory of the kiss go away. It happened he was sorry for it and there was nothing that he could do to change what did happen. He thought about telling Talia on his way up the stairs and then stopped as he saw KC open the door and smile at him pulling him inside.

“I hope you guys didn’t wait for all the festivities until I got here, traffic was a bitch and Lowell wanted to talk about his condition after I dropped off the gift. Has Talia scared mom off with her constant talk about fashion and shoes yet?” David said taking off his coat and only hoping that KC didn’t notice anything else about what happened lying was not something he was good at anymore. Thanks to Tony and the affair when he had been caught red handed it was embarrassing and even more so made him not as good of a liar as when he was a kid. His brother looked happy though looking at his parents here who had their son back in their lives, Quinn running around and Miranda by the tree they deserved it. “I know Miranda can be stubborn but word from Talia is something lit a fire under her ass at the station the other day something about some woman while you were undercover?” David said trying to lighten the mood and he saw his brother smile a bit. He was glad it was a smile the job was the job and he and Miranda both knew that which was why according to Talia it was something that go thunder Miranda’s skin. “You two ever want a night alone Talia and I would be happy to watch Quinn.”

KC had been walking on eggshells ever since it was revealed he and Ivanka had a relationship. Miranda hadn’t changed at all but he was still like women are crazy. If anything that reveal he had another relationship undercover with her somehow got them happier. She was much more flirty the last few days and the way she was kissing him lately he wasn’t sure but Miranda seemed like she was ready. Like this wasn’t a dream and he was really back. Things had changed but one thing that hadn’t was Miranda’s beauty. Everytime he stared into her eyes he fell back in love with her. He could remember seeing her when she came from college a grown woman. “Miranda and I are fine and I don’t want you to bring up that in front of pops or mom. They would have a heart attack. Plus I don’t know if she seems to be loosening up on me. The other day we fell asleep watching Netflix she is catching me up on shows I missed while dead. Please you mean Quinn will watch you? She’s so mature for a kid it’s almost creepy. Sometimes I know that kid is going to be the over the world.” KC said leaning against the wall.

“Are you sure about Talia? She’s delightful David I think she’s cool as hell but she’s nothing like your other girls. David you don’t have to settle to catch up to me and Miranda. Nobody is rushing you to have kids and all that. You’re my little brother and I don’t want you to fall in love with someone who could hurt you.” So he may have done some searches on Talia and found out about Zerick Westwood or Davis or whatever his name was. Either way he wasn’t sure that his brother deserved to be or played emotional bait until Zerick was ready to have Talia back. “I just want you to be happy especially after finding out what you went through. I’m sorry I wasn’t here David during that time with Ophelia. I really missed a lot.” He commented looking down and his read Converse sneakers.. “I’m here now though.” He pushed his brother’s shoulder.

David looked at KC. He was glad that he and Miranda were trying to work through stuff he wanted that for them to be happy again. If that meant that Miranda was beginning to fight for her marriage with his brother he was going to do anything he could to help them. “Yeah I think Talia and I are in a good place. I screwed up so much my first real relationship was with a married woman and it wasn’t your fault that was mine. I own it KC I knew what I was doing and I didn’t care and then I took it slow and dated Tamara and we all know how that turned out. Talia is stable, doesn’t have a ton of emotional baggage. I’m almost as old as you KC I should be getting married and settling down, sure I have a great job at the hospital. Instead I work and haven’t even thought about my future and wonder if I’m missing out on it all.” David said looking at his older brother and he meant it. He wanted what KC had a wife and a child that adored him and despite a kiss with Belle who was young he could maybe see that with someone like Talia.

“I’m not saying I want to put a ring on it or anything like that with Talia but I should be looking for that now at my age, I had my youth and it was great. As for my niece she is totally your child which automatically makes her the one to watch me and Talia not the other way around you and Miranda have done amazing for her. She can be anything that she wants to be when she grows up.” David said seeing Talia make their way to them and he smiled at her and then at his brother he wanted this to work. For his sanity that he could be a better person when it came to his feelings and his relationships, Belle had promised him there was no foul in the kiss and that she wouldn’t tell Talia and he pulled her close to him kissing her on the lips. “So has my mother asked to see the shoe collection? I honestly expected her to be in the kitchen with Miranda or unless Miranda kicked her out;. Sorry I’m late, Lowell wanted to talk about his treatment some more and I know you didn’t want to go there with me.” David said the lie slipping out just as easily as it did when he told KC the lie he was actually starting to actually believe.

Talia kissed David as she snuggled into his arms.“So what were you boys gossiping about? Ugh can we not discuss Lowell Devonshire. Let me catch you up KC, I just worked with him first hand and that just pisses me off that he was just as much of a monster as the rest of them. Oh shoes!” Talia said playfully as she walked to the shoebox wrapped in gold. She saw Miranda walking out smiling looking a mess. She had flour everywhere, what could be a burnt brussel sprout or a cranberry in her hair, and she looked like she just got in a fight with the hand mixer. “This is your mother and this is yours Miranda. Look, you wear those hideous boots so much that I thought you deserved these.” In Ms. Rhodes’ box was a pair of Manolo Blanik heels and Miranda had a pair of Louboutins. “Every woman deserves a pair of either shoes and I thought Miranda, your shoes are so hideous you deserve this. Plus I know you can wear a high heel. You were a stripper all last year.” She said covering her mouth so the sponge that was Quinn didn’t see her whispering the word stripper to Miranda. She turned around and giggle seeing Quinn with a face full of makeup from the kit she gave her. “Contour Quinn and blend honey blend.”

KC looked at Talia and was highly amused by her. It was rare when he found someone with a smaller attention span than his. Not only that she was genuinely a happy person which made him happy for David. He deserved some peace. As much as he says it wasn’t his fault that he got involved with Ophelia he blamed himself. If he was around he would have been able to slap David in the back of his head. The things he missed were major and it made him feel angrier that Ronan was out there enjoying his holiday dinner. Soon that motherfucker would be locked up and he’d have his revenge. He’d be locked away from everyone that loved him and he’d be in a cage for the rest of his life like the animal he was. “You gave my six year old makeup?” He said looking at Talia.

“It was Chanel pallet it isn’t my colors but I thought she’d look so cute in it.” Seeing Miranda and KC not happy then Miranda grabbed the brushes and began to help Quinn. “Yay she can keep it. I have so much more makeup I can give her she’s a beauty girl. Quinn is fab so fab.”

Miranda had stayed in the kitchen she wanted everything to be perfect for dinner for her and KC and Quinn and her guests. She was pretty sure the rolls were not rising like they should when she put them and she had cranberry sauce in her hair from a fight with the food mixer that she turned on to make the cranberry sauce her grandmother did. Instead she came out of the kitchen a hot mess as she looked at KC, Talia and David she was going to get him back. The entire thing with the Russian he was with had under set her ugliest feature sometimes mad jealousy and then she realized she had no right to be mad at him she pretended to be a stripper for a year and it wasn’t like he loved the bitch or anything. She normally was one to not allow makeup with Quinn she was still little and she had lost her shit with Merci over it but had agreed to allow it with KC as long as it was play. She wanted her baby to be her baby as long as she could kids grew up to fast now days and it killed her and she looked at the heels in the box.

“Talia didn’t mean anything malicious by it KC it’s not like we’re going to let her out of the house with it, as long as Talia is okay with it being for play it’s fine. I’m not quite sure how a pair of Louboutins is going to make my day on the force but I will attempt to wear them they actually could look really good with our bridesmaid dresses.” Miranda said taking KC’s hand in hers he had thought of a more romantic way for them to rekindle things but they had both been so busy with working the Ronan case and then waiting for them to act on an arrest it had kinda went to the back of her mind. It was the holidays though and Christmas her gift to KC was going to be her and all her and as soon as Quinn was in bed maybe they could act on that. She went o say something else when she heard the fire alarm going off and saw David rush into the kitchen to grab a hot pad and wave it around. “Shit.” She muttered realizing she obviously had fucked up the rolls as she watched KC and David grab the fire extinguishers and she looked inside the oven to see the charred rolls along with the charred turkey.

David was not a fire fighter or anything like that he had been about to tell KC the same and he really respected how Miranda had changed her mind about the makeup thing. Granted they only had been boys growing up but it was natural for little girls to want to be like their moms and other women or men in their life that liked makeup and fashion. Quinn was little but she was a well rounded kid and he almost laughed at the shoes that Talia had gifted both Miranda and his mother. His mother though took it in stride and so did Miranda and he heard the fire alarm going off and doctor skill kicked in as he made his way into the smoking kitchen. He saw KC scrambling to open the windows to let it out why he grabbed a pot holder opening up the oven to see a charred mess, he saw flames around the turkey likely a grease fire or something and held out his hand as KC handed him a fire extinguisher and saw KC grab the extra one to help too. It was out within seconds and he waved his hand back and forth in the smoke.

“Um Miranda the bird is not looking too good how high and long has it been in there? Also I am pretty sure your rolls or whatever that is supposed to be is gone too.” David said looking at his sister in law, his parents looked sad that everything was gone Talia looked amused or maybe it was pissed he wasn’t sure. Eventually the only thing he could think of was to laugh because well Miranda was not the best cook and everyone in the room knew it. “Listen we all know Miranda was not the person we should have left in charge of dinner, there is a reason they live on take out most of the time. Anybody got a plan two?”

Talia shook her head instantly. “Don’t look over here I nearly burned down Simon, Dani, and my apartment when were in college just boiling water. However I think I do have a idea.” She pulled out her phone. “Hey Merci, oh merci beaucoup! We are having a emergency girl Miranda burned everything. Oh really okay talk to you later enjoy flying home from California.” She hung up the phone. “She said she had no idea.”

KC burst out laughing he was trying not to and before he knew it David was laughing, so what his parents and eventually Miranda. “Baby it was a good try but how about we let mom in the kitchen to try to whip us up something and you get cleaned up because right now you look like you got in a fight with a pissed off baker.” He shrugged his shoulder.

“Mom, you suck at cooking.” Quinn said with so much highlighter on her cheeks she looked almost reflective.

“Blend sweetie, blend.” Talia said looking at everyone. “I can make a mean peanut butter and jelly.” She snickered as she saw Miranda laughing even harder. “Girl what about you toast? You look like a toast champ.”

“She can do toast Miranda go clean up a bit I’ll make a few calls see if we could salvage this.” David said looking at her before he took out his phone and started to look if they were lucky LaCallie was still open and doing delivery of dinner.

Miranda looked at David and knew he was right he was always right when it came to health and wellness and she made the way of the stairs of the townhouse to change and at lest wash some of the flour off. She went into the master bedroom and went to the closet peeling off the yellow shirt she was wearing and grabbing a fresh one when she heard the door shut and saw KC in the room too. Suddenly she felt like a high schooler all over again when he’d come over and they’d semi flirt when she was freshman and hew as senior before he went to the Army with her brother and then into the FBI it was years later when they got together but she’d knew back in high school she wanted him. He’d been really great since he had returned home there was no denying that and if she was being honest with herself in the words of her best friend, she was being kind of a bitch about it. When she had learned about Ivanka she had been so angry at him at first before Dani had told her she was throwing away what was left of her marriage over fear. She’d argued back and Dani pointed out if it was Jackson that would have died and rose again she would move heaven and earth for him.

“You didn’t have to follow me up here you know. I know you want to see your parents and spend more time with David but I’m glad you did.” Miranda said looking at him and going into the bathroom to check how really bad her hair was and did see what she assumed was brussel sprout in her hair upon further inspection and pulled it out. She could always shower later she wet a washcloth and then ran it over her arms getting off the flour and saw her husband watching her. “You want to help me or are you just going to stand there? Can you at least inspect the back before I put on the shirt and make sure I don’t have flour caked there damn mixer exploded it everywhere.” She said smiling at him it was time they were intimate again in her mind. She’d been putting it off because of fear that it was all going to go away again.

KC looked at her and shook his head. He knew she had a killer body but this was ridiculous that stripping had done something else to her. She was toned and her  “Take a shower it’s fine. Mom and dad sent me up here, they said that um you might be crying. I told them you weren’t but they insisted and mom is in the kitchen trying to fix the turkey and David is ordering food with Talia and Quinn. I in fact paid David to um go pickup the food with Talia and take Quinn. My parents happened to be trying to salvage Christmas and I um turned on the speakers. So if you’d like you can totally you know shower. Unless you don’t want to shower with me. I get it you know sometimes showering can be stressful. I guess what I’m trying to say is Merry Christmas? No that’s not what I’m saying.” He took the towel from her and ran it over the warm water. For a moment he felt like a kid and was nervous as hell to touch her. When KC wiped her back he gulped as he looked at their reflections in the mirror.

“I know it can’t be like how it was. I do, but I want us to be us again. I want shower with you all the time. I want shower right now. I would shower with you all the time. Shower is a really bad analogy for sex huh? It’s not about sex, I miss being intimate with you Miranda. Just holding you and I know Ivanka that was a mess you heard. But I’m here for us and I will do anything to make you happier. You and Quinn kept me alive and I did some stupid shit when um was dead like contacting Quinn. I needed you two and I know I messed up. The moment I could walk I should have ran to you. I can’t change my choices but I can show you Miranda. I can show you that I want so much more for our family. For us more than anything I want us again. I want to make you laugh with me being pumped to watch anime after a hard day. I want to watch Grey’s Anatomy with you and pretend not to know what’s going on. Even though I still want McDreamy back I can deal with a single Mer. I want us to play in makeup together with Quinn. I want us back and I know it’s hard but let me in. Let me love you because Miranda I can’t function without you. I can’t be without you.”

Miranda looked at him the speaker was on and she didn’t really want to shower, but she got what he was saying and looked at him in the mirror seeing him wipe it against her skin. She listened to him about everything he was saying and knew he was trying his best and she had been so stubborn about all of it. “I know and I’m sorry for how I’ve been the last few months. I was of course in shock you were back wondering if it was all going to fall apart suddenly. I couldn’t risk that again especially with Quinn so I’ve been keeping you almost in a yo yo and that wasn’t fair to you.” Miranda said turning around and looking at him she meant every word and now that she felt like she had got that off her chest with him she took the plunge leaning in and pressing her lips against his. She wanted to make love to her husband again and not worry about when it was all going to disappear for them again and she tugged at his t-shirt smiling at him and breaking apart from his mouth as it went up and over his head and tossed it to the floor and she pushed him backwards a bit to the bench in the bathroom.

“I’ve been dying to show you a few moves I picked up while I was undercover maybe we could then compare notes?“ Miranda said looking at his shocked face she wasn’t the same wife he had left and if being alone for a few years with a vibrator and Devin had taught her anything it was to be assertive in what she wanted. She moved her body in front of him stepping back and out of reach as she unzipped her pants and shimmied them off letting them pile on the floor she saw him looking at her full of lust and smiled. She swayed her hips to the beat of the music as her hand went to her bra clasp undoing it letting it fall to the floor too and slowly walked to him. Leaning down she let her breasts fall right at his lips before leaning down and kissing him deeply, feeling his hand grip her thigh she almost laughed not yet. She pulled back getting on her knees and undoing the buckle on his pants, then the button and the zipper. “You know what I’ve wanted to show you for a few weeks?” Miranda asked before she freed his cock from his underwear and opened her mouth encasing it in her warm mouth letting her mouth slide over it gently.

Awkwardly he removed his shirt as he watched her dancing and his eyes got bigger. Who was this woman? This wasn’t his shy Miranda who had been afraid to wear a two piece at one point on the beach. She was so stunning and her body was looking even more amazing. When she grabbed him his eyes bulged out his head. Oral was something they did but the aggressiveness was new. She wasn’t so bold before but he wasn’t going to back down. As he felt her engulf him with her mouth. No she wasn’t the same woman but he wasn’t the same man. Tilting his back back so that more of him could enter her mouth. She was amazing at giving head that hadn’t changed. He knew it was a long ass time for him and he didn’t want burst before he got inside of her. Pulling back so that he slid out of her mouth. He picked her up and tongue kissed her. Picking her up by the hips he pinned her against the wall. Unable to stop himself he immediately pushed inside and when she gasped began to drill inside of her deepness.

KC swung her around holding her in midair as she bounced on him. It was something primal about what was happening. Primal and romantic in his eyes. The way their bodies connected again was instantaneous as if they were more connected than ever. He finally got that Spice Girls song when two become one. He wasn’t sure where he started and she ended. It was as if they merged. Kissing her again not saying a word he swung her into another wall. He knew Miranda was a girl who liked it a little rough. Not as rough as Dani but rough enough. Hell who didn’t know Dani was a freak. Plus he used to hear Miranda and Dani talking. But Miranda liked the aggressiveness. “Fuck did you get better at this?” He laughed looking at his wife.

Miranda had never been so bold but what the hell she was tired of being so off with her husband and she let that word linger in her mind as her mouth moved over her husband. Meaning that Russian bitch had nothing on her, he was an undercover FBI agent she knew that when they got married, she had his child and there was nothing that she felt like could come between them. When he pulled back she wiped her mouth smirking at him as she did before he lifted her up and slammed into her. She suppressed a cry as he did so her back firmly hitting the wall in surprise and delight for them it had been too long in her mind. Her more of her friends were in stable well rounded healthy sexual relationships and she had been worrying for months on end with her own husband. She wasn’t going to take that for granted any longer though he was back in her arms with her and Quinn, safe and life was too short to put a stop to that in her mind. Looking down at him as he moved she let out a groan feeling her body react to his, he still did that amazing thing with his hips years later and she couldn’t help it as her fingers dug into his back.

She used her core to vice around him as he moved wanting to prolong his own orgasm with hers and wanting them to last as well. She let out a moan as he continued to move inside of her feeling him hitting all the right places and she let out gasp when he moved them off the wall into the air and she felt the shift in position crying out. “KC.” She managed to moan out hoping her cries were drowned out over the speakers people were eating downstairs not to mention Quinn being there too. Her hands gripped his neck as he continued to pound into her and she used her hips to move against his making sure to squeeze and release in his rhythm wanting this moment to last between them. “I missed you.” She said quietly into his ear not sure how else she was suppose to describe how she felt with him at the moment and them finally making love again.

KC ran his hands up her sides as he leaned his head down gobbling on her perky perfect breast. He couldn’t breathe because honestly he couldn’t believe they were here. It took so long and he wondered if they’d ever reconnect but this was beyond his dreams. Grabbing her by her hips he slammed her down and kept a rapid pace seeing her face start to contort he began to know she was close. Her body was shivering as he began to get more intense pounding her tight pussy. As he arched her back a little more in his arms he felt her sliding down on him all the way into his shaft. Exhaling he began to bounce her ass up and down.

“God.” He said releasing an exhale looking at her glowing face. Her moans were turning him on not to mention they were fucking in midair. He could feel his legs getting weaker because of her grip on his girth as she was moaning and sliding up and down. KC balls began to swell and tighten because he was about to explode the next thing he knew he felt her juices running down his legs as he bust inside of her. KC began to curse and cry out loudly as he looked at his wife. “Fuck!” he said falling on his ass and Miranda on top of him as he looked in her eyes and began to laugh. “That was amazing Miranda.”

Miranda leaned back giving him access to her body and felt herself shivering and let out a groan when his lips and his tongue found her breasts. She let the sensations of him buried deep inside of her pleasing her body consume her relinquishing to the moment with her cries. She arched her back and felt him hit her sweet spot int he back and his hip bone brushed against her clit and she couldn’t help it as she let out a moan and began to clench around him. Her body was shaking as her orgasm hit her in waves and she clung to him her nails raking her back at the sensations and she felt him explode inside of her. She was still on an IUD but even if she wasn’t she would have had another child with him. There was time for them to talk about that though and she heard him cry out and suddenly she was falling toward the ground with him as they landed. She sat there with him for a moment feeling him shrinking inside of her and couldn’t help but smile at him.

“Hmm much more than amazing. We should get back downstairs maybe I can burn dessert.” Miranda said looking at him and pressing her lips against his cupping it in her hands. Pulling back she stroked his face as her heart rate began to go down and her breathing started to return to normal. She eventually smiled at him and climbed off his lap strutting into the bathroom and cleaning herself before putting on a fresh set of clothes and watching him do the same. She looked down at her phone and saw a text from Cassie and then looked at her husband, she still wanted Jon to know but now that the secret was out she wasn’t sure he wasn’t going to unleash on her. “Before we go I have something I need to tell you about my brother and a woman named Skye Morgan though.”

**********

Natasha placed down her makeup brush and looked into her mirror and felt sick to her stomach. Her entire life she’d been waiting for this moment and now that it was here she knew it was a mistake. He wasn’t ready with Maddie and now she was sure he wasn’t ready now. This was however a move to get her company back and if he could do that then she’d do all she could to get away from DGI and the Devonshire’s. Recently she saw how unhappy she truly was but Chauncey had been trying recently. Maddie, Chauncey, and she went ice-skating and even did Christmas shopping together. She found Maddie enchanting but she was also not interested in getting another mother figure. So instead of playing mommy she befriended Maddie and let her know she saw her as a young woman. Something that Chauncey was refusing to see except when she came out in that bikini. He saw how much she was growing up then. When she saw him coming out the bathroom dressed she exhaled. “I think we should exchange our gifts now. While we are alone.”

Walking to the closet she opened a shoebox and pulled out a slender box. “My father is traveling in for the wedding. We don’t believe in Christmas but I do know that I can enjoy the holiday. Especially because it is such a big deal to your family. I’ve never seen the mansion so festive. It seems you all are in a good mood this must bring good memories to you.” She sat down on the bed. “I hope you aren’t expecting a lot. I’m sure that what’s in that box will change your life forever.” She said smiling at him. “Open it.” She leaned in touching his hand hoping this would be the moment things changed between them. An arrangement possibly could develop into more. “Come on you first. Plus you’re my first person I’ve given a Christmas gift too in a long time so this is fun for me.”

Chauncey had just finished showering and getting ready to head downstairs to his mother’s party and during getting dressed he decided to check out social media. He instantly regretted it seeing everyone’s post about Christmas and family when his was broken at the moment and then he saw Greer’s page and all her pictures with Brock Fraiser. He wanted to pretend that he was over her but in truth he didn’t expect her to just move on so fastly in the game they had been playing for over two years with each other. He had been cruel to her at the party and had thrown her under the bus to his family but she had to know why surely she had to know that it was for the company. It was also to save face with his father and his siblings, he did regret trying to take it over how he did but he didn’t think he was wrong for wanting to bring it into the new age with new ideas and leadership. At one point he had wanted that to be Greer by his side but knew with Natasha the board would easily possibly vote his way. When he walked out he saw Natasha with a box and he went to the bed to sit down and open it.

“I thank you so much for the respect that you are showing my mother tonight for the party despite you not believing in the holiday. Tell your father he is of course welcome to stay here and not at the hotel we will be family after all. I want to hire and talk to Merci about the arrangements as soon as my brother’s wedding to Dani is over that is the perfect time for us to make our mark with our future plan.” Chauncey said looking at her as he opened the box and looked at the test that was inside and he read over the word there a few times, pregnant. His chest tightened they had been fucking a lot he would like to say making love but they both had decided they wanted her to get pregnant put another notch up on his brother and the twins. Maddie was his only child and daughter and now that his father was sick he realized he did maybe want a few more kids one at least maybe even two, to give her a sibling and build up his own legacy. “Oh my god Natasha how far are you? You have no idea how happy this makes me with everything going on with my father and what not this is just the additional news my family needs. How are you feeling?” He asked his face in a huge grin as he pulled her to him and gently kissed her lips pulling back beaming at her.

“Well I’m only a few weeks along but I don’t want to tell anyone until I’m out of my first trimester.” She said looking at him touching his face. “This is my first child and I want her or him to choose their religion. I want him or her to learn how to be a Muslim and Christian. I want them to see both worlds you understand? That’s the only thing I don’t want. I don’t want either religion forced down our child’s neck.” She wished she was in love with the man that would be the father to her child. She wished she didn’t just have to sign her legacy over to help DGI. She’d never forgive Jackson or Dani for what they pulled. Not only that making sure Chauncey got DGI was the goal because she was going to get SandStar back. She was going to show her father and everyone in Egypt these American’s didn’t get the best of her. Either way she was in love with the idea of making it on her own without SandStar. Selling her legacy and eventually having her own that was the plan. However seeing the Devonshire’s fighting for what was their birthright made her empty.

“Oh what the hell let’s give Jackie a great gift by telling her we are having a baby?” She said looking at him in his eyes she wasn’t sure if he was excited or not for real. He seemed thrilled but something was bothering him. “I know what I’m getting hungry and I would love to try some of that food Jackie had catered. Plus I need to show off this dress before I can’t fit in it in a few months. I look too damn good to be trapped in this room with you.” Natasha teases flipping her hair. “Can you imagine a little Chauncey? CJ that could be a boy or girl name. Chione Jacqueline aka CJ or Chauncey Junior aka CJ.”

Chauncey beamed at her as she spoke she was Muslim but not like Muslims that most people thought about she was actually quite progressive given everything. He wondered at times if that was an Egypt muslim thing but hadn’t really researched more regardless she was pretty liberal and he was glad that he wasn’t overtly Christian. He could count the times on his hands that he had attended church mainly for christening events or weddings, he knew neither of his parents were religious either he would like to think they did think a higher power existed they just went about it differently. He wanted their child to be raised to be open to different forms and whatever that was he wanted them to decided he had done the same with Maddie. “I’m so happy we talked about this I just didn’t think it would happen so soon. If you are not comfortable we don’t have to tell anyone right now until you are ready, besides we tell my mother she is going to blab it to the entire family.” Chauncey said running his hand on her shoulders she had sacrificed a lot for his family.

“You have given my family so much this year in SandStar and now another heir I don’t think I have been that well at telling you how much that is appreciated. I know we didn’t use the best tactics to get what we wanted honestly I was a bit shocked that Dani would do it to you and Jackson would be on board with it, but it showed me we can’t under estimate them either.” Chauncey said looking at her he had wanted to get SandStar fairly and knew that after Jackson had closed the deal it made it worse for him to rise above that. It showed their father that Jackson was willing to be dirty to get what he wanted, willing to go to war for the company when before he had been weak and never cared. “If I get to be CEO I can reverse my brother’s contract I doubt he’d be breaking any of the clauses in it anytime soon. But once we are married and if my father names me CEO I will give you back SandStar as my wife and equal we can move DGI forward together. I did get you something as well. As for baby names we have time.” Chauncey said getting up from the bed and going to the box before handing it to her inside was a brilliant golden jubilee encrusted diamond bracelet something he had done and designed himself. “Please open it.”

Opening the box she smiled at the golden diamond bracelet and looked at him standing up finally feeling like this all could work out. She leaned in and kissed him. “I have no problem telling everyone that we are coming for them. Rory and Aspen are a threat, Jackson and Dani are a threat, Max and Sebastian are a threat and we know Bliss and Hunter are. That means we’ll have to show not only am I a better option than Greer. I’m the only option to stand as the first lady of DGI and you are the only option they can have. SandStar was stolen because I didn’t want to disrespect my father. The disrespect I received though far too much. I assure you your brother won’t be getting DGI as long as I am breathing and don’t have SandStar.” Picking up the wine glass that was at her vanity. “It’s fine for the baby one glass.” She said as if she had eyes in the back of her head. He was already being concerned and protective and that was attractive to her.

Extending her wrist she watched him fasten the bracelet around her wrist. “I hope it’s a boy.” She said honestly. She didn’t know how she’d react to a Devonshire and Hassan daughter. That child would be spoiled rotten. Her father never liked her taste in men but she was sure he’d approve over Chauncey. He was an elitist and now that he was doing better with his health she was happy. Grabbing his hand she looked at him. “I am going to make you proud of us. We are going to be a strong unit. I’m just afraid that Maddie might be pissed at me. She made me promise not to have a baby for a year until after we are married. I think it’s because she’ll be out of the house then. Are you ready for a young adult daughter?” She asked, looking at him as someone knocked on the door. “Come in.”

Bliss opened the door. “Hey your mom is looking for you. She said the photographer is leaving and she wants a few snaps of us all together the Devonshire’s and you Tasha. You look amazing tonight honey.” She looked at them. “I gotta go get Fox another tie because he spilled juice, Chauncey I would like to talk to you about an idea I have for DGI.”

Chauncey looked at Natasha with a smile he was happy that she liked her gift he had thought about what to get her she already had an engagement ring bigger than the one his brother gave to Dani. Almost as big as the one that his mother had and the one thing that he really couldn’t give her back at the moment was SandStar. He wanted to eventually and if he could make that happen they may be able to have more than just a business connection he wasn’t naive that Greer was galavanting around with Brock, maybe it was time that he did the same. He could do that or at least he thought he could in the bathroom not fifteen minutes ago and now he knew he was going to if he was going to have a baby with Natasha. He got a little stiff and nervous when she said Maddie was becoming a young woman he was not blind of course she would but he wanted her to remain a child in the back of his mind. If she didn’t want a baby around as an older sister she would have to adjust as it was going to happen regardless.  When the knock on the door came and he saw Bliss come in he moved to the door nodding his head at his sister.

“We’ll be right down just wrapping up here. I am sure my mother can accommodate us a few more moments. I am sure Fox looks adorable with his tie with juice on it.” Chauncey said looking at his sister and she turned from the door leaving him and Natasha back alone for a few moments. He saw her holding his phone and wanted to roll his eyes at her, clearly she had been looking through it and the look on her face had quickly changed the mood between them again she was angry with him again. Much like she was at the baby shower when she had accused him of chasing after Greer which he had done but was he not allowed any privacy in their relationship now. “Well you can spit it out Bliss is out of earshot and you clearly are upset again which obviously can’t be good or healthy for the baby. I don’t look through your phone should I start?”

“I don’t pine for men that aren’t in my life anymore. I’m trying, I know that you didn’t love me but I’m trying and all I’m asking is for you to do the fucking same.” She spat at him laughing. “Here I thought we had a moment. That I wasn’t just good Greer for you. She is a toxic person Chauncey and has been that way since we were kids. She works her way into your soul and then she snatches it. She has always been this way! Power hungry and I can’t stop you from loving her. I was trying to take a picture of you two. I notice you have pictures of all you other siblings but Bliss and now Zerick and Belle. But when I slide up I shouldn’t have to see her face! I’m sick of it! You want to be in control and you can’t even control your urges for this viper. She is poisonous and I don’t know how many times are you going to let her inject you with her poison? She’s with that Brock guy right now but eventually Greer will find her way back. She always does. I understand you know blonde, blue eyes, she’s incandescent the one who didn’t crawl back to Chauncey. Is that it? Is that what it is?” She laughed and shook her head.

Grabbing a tissue she wiped the corners of her eyes. “You want her and I understand because I want something too. My father’s fucking company back in my control. So when I have this baby and you become CEO and give me back my company. I will go back to Egypt and we’ll figure all the logistics out but you aren’t going to cheat on me. You aren’t going to embarrass me like your father did your mother. I won’t be second to anyone especially not that woman. I hated her since I was a child and I am demanding as the mother of your newest child. You will respect me and this is beyond disrespectful.” Standing up she looked at him. “It’s me or her and I won’t stay. I assure you I will not stay with you if you cheat on me with her. Not her. Not now, not ever and if I ever find out you have and I am left in the wind. I will lay waste to everything including my father’s company.” She grabbed her clutch standing up rubbing her baby. “No stress isn’t good for our child but I assure you Chauncey what isn’t good for you is trying me.”

Chauncey looked at her and knew she was speaking the truth she didn’t pine for Noah and she knew she was trying but the problem was like felt like he was etched into Greer in a way. Maybe it was the toxic nature of their relationship that he craved the wild and dangerous ride they liked to be on. Maybe it was that he saw himself in Greer and he was able to just be himself with her instead of what he was being forced to be now and in truth he didn’t know how to let Greer LeClerq go. “I don’t know what it is about Greer Natasha you want an answer and I honestly don’t know if I have an answer for you or not. You want a bit of honesty here it is had she not of exposed my plan to take over DGI to my entire family I would have taken her and married her, placed her at the head of DGI right next to me just to see my father hurt for choosing Jackson over me last year with the company and with the SandStar deal. To prove I fucking could despite it hurting my family to bring her in I would have done it because something draws me to her like that.”

He wanted to point out she didn’t have SandStar because Jackson and Dani had forced her out of it because she was so concerned with him and what he was going to do but didn’t. He’d do anything to make sure that DGI stayed in their family and she would have done the same for SandStar had she of been given the option too. “I’m not fucking her if that is what you are asking. I thought we both agreed that we can warm other beds or is that something you suddenly want to change about our relationship?” He asked curiously she had been so adamant that he not ask where she spent her night so who knew if that was even his child, he didn’t love her so it wasn’t like he was jealous of someone else fucking her and he looked at her realizing he knew he loved Greer. It almost made him sick because he didn’t want to have a lovely dovey type love like he saw with Bliss and Hunter or even Jackson and Dani. “I’m probably the most like my father compared to all my siblings you knew that when we started this. I want to help you with SandStar Natasha but I’m not sure I can ever love you the way you want me too.”

“That’s alright Chauncey.” She said touching his face. “I don’t think I’ll be able to love you like that either. I want your loyalty not love.” Natasha said fiercely as she grabbed her purse. “If you cheat with Greer, I assure you that the pain of last year will be nothing. I’ll expose our arranged marriage and I’ll expose my relationship to Noah to my father. I’ll do it and then you’ll all have nothing to hold me back from going to SEC for the blackmail your brother and his future wife did. Or maybe I’ll throw all my power into Jackson that might hurt you even more. Don’t play with me Chauncey.” Turning around she picked up his phone one last time and shook her head. “Brock truly looks happy with her and I hate to say it but what if she found someone who makes her not feel like the toxic trick she is. She looks happy but I can see it in your eyes you hate it. You hate she’s satisfied and now you want to ruin it. This is a good time for this.” Natasha walked to her briefcase. “Noah sent this over it’s a prenuptial agreement. Our partnership will end if you cheat on me with Greer. It’s in the prenup. Here.” She said slamming the paper on his chest. “Read it and learn the consequences of betrayal because I won’t allow it. Now pardon me I have to go announce I’m the latest Devonshire woman to be barefoot and pregnant.”

**********

This was the furthest thing from her Christmas with her beloved uncle Harvey and father. They were always on holiday and prized themselves on seeing the world. Just sitting around and enjoying each other’s company was so very American of them. Brock was so enthralled with how wonderful this holiday was, for American’s. They gathered, the women cooked, and men watched TV all day. That seemed so fun. She was however determined to play nice but she’d never cook. Domestic things like that were for the help, not her. She had bought him a Audemars Piguet gold watch and she was ready to see his face. This watch literally cost a car and she sure everyone in the house was going to die. She stepped out in her quarter-length black mink, red suede and leather vintage Dior dress, and dyed sharkskin ankle boots with a six heel. “Are you sure I didn’t over dress?” Greer grumbled actually nervous because Mason Delacroix, Zach Fraiser, Kelsey Fraiser, and all the other Fraiser’s were here. Not only that this was going to be the big meeting. How would she mingle with these people? Would they think she was charming or too much and hell half of them already hated her. Nobody admired that she almost took over DGI and how brilliant she must have been to do it.

“I just want to make a good impression. Do you think your mother got the baked goods I had delivered? The flowers? I also had the table set up for her by a wait staff. She’s actually texted me and said how thankful she is for them. Isn’t that good? I think that’s good? I’m not good with people Brock and I think it’s scary because all of them have these preconceived notions of me. But I just want to prove everyone wrong because I’m so in love with you.” She said as she covered her mouth as she looked up at him grinning ear to ear. “I didn’t just blurt that out did I? I have to say that I used to be much more in control over my emotions. What are you doing to me Mr. Fraiser.” Greer looked at him going to the back part of his pickup truck thingy. “You think they’ll like everything?”

Brock was actually okay with inviting her to his parents for Christmas this year Dani wasn’t coming which would be a much needed relief she had other commitments with the Devonshire’s. He wasn’t sure he could take another brawl he had heard about the party and was disappointed in his cousin and Greer and he and Dani had met for coffee to talk it over. He let her know that he was really into Greer and that he could handle himself and after some grumbling and relenting agreed to call a truce for him. With the wedding coming up he was glad that meant he and Greer could go as a couple without the drama and he could just be himself without worrying about a brawl breaking out. Christmas was his favorite holiday the food the stupid family tradtions of personal gifts was his favorite. One year his sister got him a new saw for the company and he questioned her atrocious wrapping skills. It was fun and just a time that they celebrated being a family together. His mom was a little disappointed when the twins weren’t coming but she could get her fill when Dylan came he still counted for years she had been begging for grandchildren and he paused on the walkway he wanted Greer to be aware of that. His mother was going to pressure her to take her mind off of everything that happened with Zach and Scarlett and the nephew that he had that was out there.

“You will and look at it this way you and Dani don’t even have to be at the same house this year. My mother got the pastries you delivered and was very appreciative of all the help you gave her to plan this. She was not surprised when I said that you couldn’t cook in a good way. Don’t tell Kelsey she can’t cook either just pretend to know more about it if it comes up.” Brock said looking at her and he was a bit shocked when she said it to him, he was falling for her but it was a little bit slower with him, in the words of his father sometimes he could be dense as hell when it came to expressing himself to women. Fraiser family trait that seemed to run from his dad, to his uncle, to his brother and his cousin a blessing and a curse all rolled into one. “Listen my mom might pester you abut kids and grandkids she does it every year and we were all hoping to catch a break but that fell through thanks to the Devonshire’s. I don’t know if you were around last year when Scarlett Nichols was in town Zach was in this big mess with her and Dante got caught in the crossfire. She left the country with Zach’s baby she sends creepy messages to fuck with him showing him pictures of my nephew. It really messed my mom up all of it. Don’t take it personally if she does.” He said quietly and then let out an exhale as he looked at her. “I’m falling for you too, just wasn’t quite sure how to tell you. We had wanted this to be simple it’s became a little more than that.”

She smiled when he said that he was falling in love with her. She needed to hear that. After all she was in love with him or at least the idea of them. This was peaceful and sometimes as a person who never had peace this was what she wanted and needed. When he spoke about Scarlett she felt so badly because honestly these people didn’t deserve it. The woman was sadistic and she heard enough about her. She knew Zerick knew and that was enough for her to want to stay the hell back. He always said stay back and she didn’t think Zerick was scared of anyone so if he told her that. Well that meant something to her. As she nodded her head she could amuse a old lady why not. “I mean children disgust me, no seriously the slobber, touching poop and urine, and let’s not to mention what they do to women’s bodies. I just can’t see myself having a child right now. I’m way too selfish and into Greer for that but for your mom sake if she brings up Brock Jr. I won’t disappoint. I’ll talk about the curly head baby we’d have and I’ll even tell her I’m off the pill.” She teased as she looked at him as he opened the door holding a huge bag of gifts as she walked in.

It was as if all the air sucked up out of the room. Greer saw Mason and Zach freezing and Brandon and Helen looking very surprised at Brock. Looking over she saw Kelsey rolling her eyes at her but then that girl. No fucking way was that Willow. She had the huge head still but she looked way more edgy was that a nice way to say it? Ok she was butch but either way she was absolutely her cousin. Harvey’s daughter that was absolutely a bitch to her uncle. Her uncle who raised her right along with Bode and Remy who turned out way better than she had. That little judgemental bitch would be getting a piece of her mind before the night was out. She treated her uncle like shit and she wasn’t standing for it. Then she had the nerve to have their family crest tattooed on her neck. Clearing her throat she removed her coat. “Merry Christmas.” She said as she eyed Willow. Turning to Brock she touched his suit jacket and smiled he was so handsome. “This is awkward. I know that girl who is with Chelsea.”

Zach bit down on a carrot. “Kelsey, our sister’s name is Kelsey. What’s awkward about it Greer? You a bigot and can’t deal with two healthy lesbians?” Mason came over and sat down on Zach’s lap.

“No that’s not what I meant at all. I mean that this bitch is my cousin and I can’t believe she’s in Atlas Falls.” Greer spat at Zach as she looked at Brandon and Helen’s concerned faces. “I mean hi cousin.” She looked at Brock. “I know your sister’s name is Kelsey, it was just I was so shocked with Willow being here. God I’m ruining this already.”

Brock almost had to do a double take when she mispronounced Kelsey’s name and then relaxed a bit when Zach munched on his carrot and spoke. Unlike his uncle who sometimes had opposing views on Zach or Kelsey’s sexuality his parents were fairly liberal. In his mother’s words it was to break the past with the bigotry and his cousins had done so too and he thought his uncle had finally come around too. “I’m sure Greer didn’t mean anything by it did you? Besides Kelsey hung with us when we were heading to when the twins were born. Kels is cool with it and she’s cool with Kels right?” Brock said looking at Greer and begging his sister to agree that she was cool with Greer it would be a good icebreaker and besides he knew how close Zach and Dani were. The last thing he wanted was Kelsey hating Greer due to what was really just a coincidence.

Kelsey looked at Willow and then at Greer she had no idea that they were related she and Val were back on a break and she hadn’t really warmed up to the idea of being in that type of a relationship with Val and Jamal. Sure Jamal felt onboard and their menegre was fun but it also made her question who she was and what she wanted when it came to relationships. She had worked on and off since then and after a few shifts had went to back to the club and meet Willow again and they started to fuck around again and she knew that she wanted women she was not bi like Val was. Sure Jamal got her off sexually and it was fun but deep down she wanted that type of a relationship and Willow didn’t play games with her. So when she found out that her tour had gotten extended and Jamal had offered her a gig at the club for a residency it meant they could explore what was going on. Val had her heart in some ways but the truth was that Val didn’t feel that way fully about her.

“Yeah we’re cool Brock. It’s a simple mistake.” Kelsey said looking at her brother and then looking at Zach she wanted Brock to be happy and had learned to just let it fall where it was going to with Greer. Either she would be good for her brother or her cousin would be right and Brock would have egg on his face, but that wasn’t her choice or Zach or Dani’s to make that was Brock’s and he had made it by bringing her to Christmas at the house. “I had no idea that Willow was your cousin like that’s not her last name so I didn’t realize.” Kelsey said looking at Willow for her to explain what was going on to her with Greer. She knew that Willow was from England and was raised there talked with an accent but she didn’t really know about a lot else when it came to her family there was her and her mother.

Willow knew it was only a matter of time before she and Greer came across each other in town she just didn’t expect it to be quite like this. She was always at home for Christmas with her mother her father rarely attended and she looked at Greer unfortunately she wasn’t as lucky as her cousin to have that male figure in her life and part of her really hated that Greer had that with her father. Harvey LeClerq was her father but he wasn’t an active part of her life no, he preferred his boys her half brother Bode and Remy and his precious niece Greer. He made all the time for her growing up but when it came to his own daughter he could never really be bothered. Granted she knew why it was something she had seen her mother fight with him about and it wasn’t her mother’s biggest or proudest moment but she really did think Harvey was the one. He was separated, he said, from his wife and did eventually leave Freya DuPont for her mother but they never married in some ways she felt sad for her mother. Of course once Greer told him that she needed him in her life full time or her uncle Pierre did, her mother got a check once a month and that was it.

“Bienvenue à la chienne de fête, dear cousin.” Willow said her tone was sour when she said it and she meant it honestly everything was all about Greer all the time for her father and her and well she wasn’t going to pretend just to pretend to like her. Sure Kelsey’s family could rest bitch face as much as they wanted with people they didn’t like that was their business. Her mother had raised her, her father was always off with his brothers and Greer and part of her resented her cousin for it and she leaned into Kelsey kissing her on the lips seeing Greer roll her eyes. “Oh my cousin suddenly the prude. I didn’t realize that Brock was still seeing you then again we don’t really speak a lot do we? Did you tell my father goodbye for me when he left town, I would say I’m disappointed he didn’t reach out but then again it’s him so.”

Greer rolled her eyes as Willow said her sob story about her uncle that was bullshit. Willow’s mother wanted more from her uncle and expected him to just leave Bode and Remy. She was a bitch and maybe Willow didn’t know the full story but she’d be happy to give it to her. Uncle Harvey was the most noble man she ever knew. Hell he hated what her father had got her to do but that wasn’t his choice. “Ta salope de mère est la raison pour laquelle mon oncle n’a pas eu de relation avec toi.” She said back with ease as she saw Kelsey shock. Willow was raised in Liverpool not in Paris like the rest of them. Harvey however paid for her piano lessons, he also paid for her pricey music school, and he tried to reach out. She could remember going shopping and Willow hated all the dresses Harvey bought them. She was always rough around the edges but seeing her here and fully herself made her smile. “I see you outgrew the frilly dresses and are dressing much more your style. I like it and the haircut fits you cousin. As for the prude thing I just didn’t know you were into girls but it fits. I mean you would fight with Bode and Remy like one of the boys so it isn’t a stretch.”

Zach grabbed Mason around his waist as he looked at Greer and Willow. So Greer had family he leaned in kissing his neck. That was interesting and what was even more interesting is Mason was fluent in French and was telling him what they were saying. “Mason and I are splitting time so can we do the gift exchange? We have to head to the Delacroix soon guys where is Braden and his crew?” Zach said as the doorbell rang. “Saved by the bell.” Walking to the door he saw Tamara who looked radiant. He was really worried about her after her rape but she was glowing and not only that the look on her face she wasn’t broken. He leaned in and hugged Tamara tightly. “It’s good to see you.” He whispered into her ear. Then he proceeded to do his and Dylan signature handshake which everyone laughed at. He approached Braden and hugged him. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas we exchanged gifts at home Dylan got a new guitar and Tamara I gave her a day to the spa as soon as she is up for it and plus she has other news she wants to tell everyone while we are together isn’t that right?” Braden said he was beaming he was going to be a father again and he wanted Tamara to be the one to break that news on her own time.

Kelsey saw that Willow made a sour face at Greer and was so relieved when the doorbell rang and she saw Tamara, Dylan and Braden come in. She went and gave Dylan a hug, embraced Tamara who was actually glowing and looking well considering everything and hugged Braden too. “Fine me first. I hope you love it.” Kelsey said walking to the tree and handing out her gifts and watching as Willow opened hers a vintage record player that she had searched high and low for. She was thrilled when Willow beamed back at her and she looked at Brock.

“I love it! I actually was eying this on EBAY the other night when we were talking about my album.” Willow said looking at Kelsey and beaming, it was so retro and hip not to mention so her. Looking at Greer and Brock she was actually glad that the rest of the Fraiser family had come to save them all from an argument. She saw things one way and she saw them the other way. “Your turn cousin.”

“Fine.” Greer said going to the bag that Brock had dragged in. Handing him a square box which held one of the most expensive gifts she’d ever bought a man. “I go pretty big for Christmas. It’s one of the holidays I can remember my grandparents on my mother’s side visiting me. Or me flying to America to spend the holiday with them. Well my grandfather always said a man should have time always at hand. So I got you a. Well open it you’ll see.” Then she pulled out gifts for Kelsey and Zach and Mason. “I would have had something for you if I knew you even knew Atlas Falls was one of our families home.” The watch was an Audemars Piguet in gold and had diamond accents. She’d gotten a silk kimono that had ancient Japanese signs for healer on it for Kelsey. She got Zach and Mason a weekend on Fire Island in a beautiful resort. Hell what gays didn’t like Fire Island? Looking at their shocked faces that she got them something. “Open them.” She commanded them all.

Tamara burst out laughing for the first time in a long time she had been smiling lately. Ever since she shot Dimitri and Zerick did whatever he did to cover up everything she’d been excited about the baby and life in general. When she tried to not think about the rape, she’d see him when she closed her eyes touching her skin. Feasting on her body and she always just laid there. She somehow dreamed that he was dead. However when the police came to the house she told them she was walking around Lauren’s cabin. They couldn’t find any proof that she was even there and it made her feel good. Somehow the good people didn’t get in trouble after someone had done something horrendous to them. Touching her belly she looked at everyone. “Open the girl’s gift or I’m sure she’ll kill you all. I just want to tell everyone the concerned calls and love was appreciated and I want to tell you all that I’m four months pregnant as of today.” Dylan grabbed her hand and Braden touched her back. “We are blessed, really blessed.”

Zach smiled as he heard Tamara was pregnant. “Yes! I told you Kelsey pay up.” He said looking at his sister and Brock. “Brock said next year so both of you are paying me.” He hugged Braden and Tamara again as Mason held the card Greer had given them. “Okay stop looking at us like we are crazy guys. We just take family bets who will have the next baby after the latest babies were born ie the twins. Where is Dani? She should be over here we have gifts for those meatballs.” He saw Mason eyes bulge as he looked at Greer’s gift. “All expenses paid weekend to Fire Island. Greer that’s amazing thank-you.”

Mason was speechless as he looked at Greer and then at Zach nodding his head at him in agreement it was very generous. He had money and had thrown it around for years but he knew the Fraiser’s were a bit more simple that was the best word for it. “No hey this is great Greer thank you. I’ve been telling hm we should get away after the wedding for a weekend trip thank you.”

“Dani is with the Devonshire’s she said she’d bring the twins by tomorrow. So unfortunately you can give those to them later.” Braden said looking at Zach and smiling and honestly he was glad she wasn’t there. Her and Greer didn’t get along and it was nice to be drama free for one night.

Brock watched the gift exchange and hugged Braden again as he got the money out to hand to Zach and watched as his sister grumbled and did the same as Greer looked at him weird they’d done it for years. She should have been around when they bet on Dani getting knocked up while she was dating Jackson she would have died, Zach won that one too. It was family tradition and they had a lot of those which he hoped didn’t piss off everyone when Greer opened hers he had gone to his grandmother and told her he was seeing someone special. She had taken him to the family jewelry box and helped him pick out the gift. It wasn’t like there weren’t other trinkets to go around. Dani had her Celtic knot emerald necklace and had given it to her for her eighteenth birthday. Kelsey had the matching earrings and Lucy had at one point had one of her Celtic knot rings. He had been reminded though that her wedding set was to go to Braden; it was the one thing that she had insisted on for him when he got married. Instead he had chosen a simple Celtic knot band with a shamrock in it and looking at his gold watch he knew his grandfather had not spent that much on it, maybe a few hundred if that.

“Wow thank you so much Greer it’s beautiful I really love it.” Brock said looking at the shock of the expensive gifts from his siblings and his cousin. He wanted to point out they were all being a little over the top and judgemental about it but bit his lip. “I got something for you too open it please.” He said smiling at her and holding out the small gold very wrapped box.

Greer ripped it open like an animal eating its prey. She opened the box and shook it to which everyone laughed. Looking up at Brock she smiled brightly at him. “What is it?” She unfastened the ribbon and saw the Celtic knot bracelet with a stunning emerald shamrock on it. Greer laughed as she stood up to kiss her boyfriend. “Thank-you, look.” She showed everyone the bracelet and when she got to Zach, Braden, and Kelsey their faces were shock and pure anger. “What it’s stunning right? It looks like it’s from a set maybe I can get earrings and stuff to match it.”

“It is from a set.” Zach said looking up at Brock and shook his head. “No offense to you Greer but how could you. How the fuck could you give this woman our granny’s jewelry. Now it’s one thing to date this horrible person because I was fucking Scarlett but you’re out of your damn mind if you are giving our nana’s jewelry to her! That’s all she and grandpa had when they came over to America. You are sick.”

Tamara had kept the broach that nana Grace and she demanded everyone call her Nana Grace. She was feisty and spirited and currently on a cruise with all her friends from the retirement community. “Stop it.” Tamara said in a stern and commanding voice. “Helen and Brandon are right in the other room. We’ve all had a trying year and I refuse to have our Christmas ruined by bickering. Now do you all see you’re doing to Greer what you all did to me. You all judged me and as much as Braden won’t admit your input influenced our relationship so please don’t do that to her.” She said, looking at Greer remembering what it felt like to be an outsider inside of the Fraiser clan. “After all I didn’t turn out that bad right?”

Braden glared at Brock with so much anger he didn’t know he had it in him and he was actually glad to see Kelsey and Zach look the same. It was one thing to date Greer it was entire other to give her family jewelry and the situations were entirely different when it came to Tamara and Greer. “You ever ask grandma for her wedding set to place on her finger I will never speak to you ever again, period. After all the shit she did to Dani over the last year you have a lot of nerve to give her something from our family.”  Braden said looking at Brock.

“I told you to date her and get her out of your system not disrespect Dani or any women in our family like this. You have a disease Tams it’s entirely different than going after one of our own over and over again because you get a rile out of it and rewarding that person with a family heirloom.” Kelsey said shaking her head at Brock she knew Braden wanted to say more it was always thought that Victoria would have gotten the bracelet.

Willow saw all the tension and she didn’t feel bad for Greer maybe she should have but Greer was still her family and instead changed the subject. “Ms. Wright I’m actually glad you came the police acted really quickly to get Dimitri and if you asked me whoever shot him should walk with a get of out jail free card.”

Tamara face got stark white as she looked at the girl almost as if she lost her mind. “I apologize if this comes off rude but please don’t talk about my personal life. I don’t know you and I don’t think it’s acceptable to speak on this today. Has anyone brought it up? No, they haven’t because today is about family and I don’t want to think about him when it’s all about my family. Who is this?” She said looking at Willow incredulously. “Furthermore just because you are fucking Kelsey that doesn’t mean you get to speak to me about what happened to me. It’s public knowledge yes, but have some tact.” Tamara got up and walked to the back of the house where the bathroom was. She needed to run some cold water over her face because she was livid. After returning to the room she could tell the silence and tension was thick. “Braden, can we go? I don’t want to be here anymore. Maybe see your mom and Dani.”

“She’s my cousin.” Greer said as she watched Tamara reemerge after reading the eyeballs off Willow. “You asked who she is? Willow LeClerq and I think she was being nice or trying to. I however have no filter when I say you’re a bitch and that was uncalled for. Brock I thank you for this, I really do.” She unfastened the bracelet and handed it back to him. “Your family seems to have a huge problem with this and I can’t seem to think straight right now in what I want to say. Look you all can hate me and I accept that. I did something horrid to Dani but she isn’t nevermind. You all are team Dani and I understand that’s what family does. I just wish and I mean it that you all could be happy for us. Or at least respect me enough to not speak about me like I’m nothing while I’m right here. Your pristine cousin and sister isn’t perfect but you all baby her because Walter fucking hates her. Brock enjoy dinner I think I should call my father and see if he has any plans. Merry Christmas.” Greer looked at Willow. “Nous sommes la famille Willow et j’espère que nous pouvons changer notre dynamique.” Greer grabbed her purse and mink storming out of the house.

Zach for the first time felt a little bad for what he did. He looked over at Brock crushed face and saw Braden and Kelsey looking just as shocked. Brock actually liked this girl which was rare. His brother was a hit and quit it guy. He could remember coming out to Brock and how caring he was with him. He told him he’d always support him he was his favorite little brother in fact his only little brother so he didn’t have a choice. Zach didn’t like Greer getting family heirlooms but he also didn’t like seeing his older brother look like how he was looking. He looked at Mason. “Has hell frozen over because I feel bad for Greer LeClerq? This is so awkward everyone is so quiet” Zach whispered to Mason. Looking over he saw the huge bag of gifts were still there. Biting his lip. “Do we get raid those gifts? She’s fucking rich.”

Greer stormed back into the house and tried to drag the bag out with all of her might. She wasn’t giving them anything if they all hated her. She was crying outside because honestly this was her most normal relationship. When she was a teen she was with a man old enough to be her father, the Zerick, and then Chauncey. She was always after something in a relationship and this one was no different. She wanted to make Chauncey jealous and at first that was all it was. But then she found Brock to be endearing and charming. Now that all his family hated her and it was out in the open more so now that ever. Well they didn’t stand a chance. She knew how much family meant to Brock and she wasn’t going to have him abandon that for her. Tears were in her eyes and she felt absolutely horrible. She really wanted this to go right but as of now it was an epic fail. “Willow, will you help me! I have to get this into Uber when it comes!”

Braden said what he said and he wasn’t sorry about it as he looked at Brock and the rest of his cousins. It would be a cold day in hell before he ever sided with Greer and if that was the choice his cousin wanted to make that was one he was going to have to live with. Dani was his sister and he always had her back just like she had his period he nodded his head at Tamara. “Yeah let’s head over to my mom’s. Besides if we get over there my other grandparents will still be there so we can spread some cheer.” Braden said placing his hand on her back as they made a detour to tell his aunt and uncle hello and goodbye before they headed out the door and he didn’t even bother to look at Greer on his way out.

Kelsey wrapped her arms over her chest when Zach scolded them all and knew she as wrong or maybe she wasn’t she wasn’t sure. Honestly the family had never really been this divided over someone before sure they all came to like and accept Jackson but it wasn’t like he went after one of their own too. Greer had and she loved Brock with all her heart he was her older brother, her real life hero when it came everything. “You could have just asked first.” She said before moving to join her parents in the kitchen.

Brock wasn’t quite expecting them to react the way they all did and he was pretty sure he and Braden had never been more at odds over this over anything before. There apparently was going to be a line in the family and he now knew where his cousin stood. Honestly he expected nothing less but the reaction from Kelsey and Zach had thrown him or maybe he was thinking about it too simply about it. It was a family heirloom and he hadn’t even thought about how everyone else was going to react to it. He knew that for now it was the best apology that he was going to get from his sister and Zach and saw Greer going to get the gifts. He walked to her and handed her back the bracelet he was not going to take no for an answer his siblings and his cousin could buck it up. He saw her looking at him and took her hand in his.

“We both said this wouldn’t be easy you know so we prove them wrong okay? I still want you to meet my parents, they would both be disappointed if you didn’t at least say hello after bringing those pastries over.” Brock said he knew she was trying to run away but he wasn’t going to let her. It might take time but if they all could welcome Tamara and Jackson after mistakes then they could welcome Greer down the road too. Before she could object more he saw her shock and pulled her away from the bag holding his head high as they walked to the kitchen so he could introduce her to his parents.

**********

Cassie knew exactly where Jon would have ran too after he left their condo and she took her sweet time getting there she had even watched as Skye fled the hospital in tears in the parking lot. Her phone didn’t ring though with Jon calling to yell at her or scream so perhaps for now she was in the clear with that she had time and she thought about texting Miranda but instead decided not too, because she had her own ass to worry about. It wasn’t like she and Miranda were close and well Miranda was her own person, she took a few breaths before getting out of the car and walking into the hospital.. It wasn’t the first time that she had been in the hospital, she didn’t like them still thanks to how her mother died. She checked in at the nurses station and then made her way to where Thor was. If she was going to miserable at least she was going to be miserable with him and the bed they made. He thought he was going to get off scott free out of love? She smiled at his guards who she knew and knew well as she went into the room seeing the tray on the floor and the whole in the wall and she looked at him clearly he didn’t get out of bed to make the hole.

“I didn’t expect there to be real tears you know Thor let me guess Jon came over here and Skye and you filled in the blanks and like she always does she chased after him. Left you here alone just like I told you she would when you told me that you were falling in love with her.” Cassie said looking at him sitting there in his bed pitiful at himself and his relationship with Skye Morgan she always remembered the man that he was though. The tough mobster he was had been replaced by this weepy one and it was time that she made him see that Skye was the one that was doing that to his life and what he was fighting for with his brother the power they both wanted and needed. “I remember a time not too long ago that you took a man to the throat for threatening me oh how far we have fallen. Instead you’re what trying to salvage a relationship that isn’t salvageable? I at least got a ring out of the entire thing but I knew I was on borrowed time and I told you that you were too. I didn’t come here to gloat though I can’t help it.” Cassie said looking at him and crossing her legs looking at the snow starting to fall outside. “I did come to see you too I heard about the shooting.”

“And to say what?” He said looking at her. “I messed up and told her about the bet. Hell my big mouth exposed everything.” Thor said looking at Cassie. “He didn’t know but he does now and I just feel stupid.” Thor just started to laugh out loud as he saw his ex-girlfriend looking flustered. “Yeah he knows and he played both of us and it just disgust me. I was high and just talking and blurted it out. Hell I couldn’t stop because I told her about the bet. I’m so fucked up right now.” Shaking his head he looked at Cassie. “You think I’m weaker and I’m thinking I’ve never been stronger. You are in danger Cass. You have more to lose than me. If I lose Skye then so be it. You though.” He laughed looking at Cassie. “You just want to judge me? When you’ve lost him. She’s going to get him back I saw it in his eyes and I saw it in hers. She is going to take him right from you and I’m going to laugh. I’m going to gloat because you’re going to be alone just like me. You think you can manipulate me into feeling badly or even feeling lower than I do now? No Cassie we aren’t here to commiserate together. I’m here to tell you to piss off. And leave me the hell alone. I’ve fallen? I’ve fallen no Cass that’s you. You kept this a secret from the most noble guy in town and you’re gloating that Skye left me? You have nothing and when everyone hears about what you did to Jon damn.” Shaking his head with a evil smile on his face.

“You’re dead. You’re going to be the most hated bitch behind Skye. She’s going to really catch hell by the people with the pitchforks and torches. Me however I will look so unintentional. I was sick of having this secret over my head and so it’s out and maybe it was the drugs or maybe it wasn’t. I do know that you won’t have the happy ending honey. You are headed straight for the shit house while I sit back and know that I fucked up too. I told her about the bet now everything is out Cassie and now when I get her back. Nothing you can do or anyone else to fuck it up. So whatever this is your weird way of saying we are cool again. Nah I’m okay Cassie you can go. You don’t care about me and never truly have. I was a way to piss off or please Forbes depending on the day. Now I’m a way to piss off Jon or whatever dude. I’m just good on you and have been for a while.”

“Say that I was right the entire time that Skye Morgan still loves Jon Harrison more than she ever will you. I had to face that when I found out about Miles, Jon is honorable will always try to do the right thing when he thinks he has to. Skye isn’t exactly honorable in that sense but did you really think you were going to ride off into the sunset with the Governor’s legal grandchild?” Cassie said looking at the man that she at one point thought she was going to actually marry he did propose to her and was the one who wanted to do the bet in the first place to prove to her that Jon was still in love with Skye and harbored feelings for her. “Charles is not ever going to let you ride off into the sunset with his grandchild and if you thought he was you are blind. Skye turned over her rights addict or not and legally so to speak Jon’s rights it’s going to be an uphill battle. No judge is going to give you Skye’s child while you are with her look at the lifestyle you led Thor getting shot up over drugs and whatever else shit your brother has you in. The saddest part you proposed to me last year seemed to move on awful quick.”

“I can deal with the town hating me they hate me anyway for my last name I’ve just decided to accept that I can’t change that. I actually have come to accept that I am more my father than I thought I was recently. I always thought because I was the girl I had to be held to some sort of higher nobility. I was wrong, you always tried to separate your life of crime from your mother’s but you never actually just accepted who you are.” Cassie said looking at him his words pierced her in a way in other way they just gave her more resolve that she was not going to let Thor get his happy ending either. If she had to lose Jon then she was going to make sure he lost Skye if she had to play dirty to do that then she was going to. “I’ll be miserable too but so will you, Skye will always be in Jon’s business and the other way around. Jon will never let his son around you, Skye knows this and if she was smart she’d walk away if she ever really cared for the little brat that she gave away. So I’ll pine for Jon and you’ll pine for Skye or we can rise above it. So you see I think we actually have more in common than you think we do.” Cassie finished opening her purse and reaching in for the wrapped scarf she had for him a tradition that they ddi every year.

Thor listened to her and it was as if she wanted them to be miserable together. Cassie rejected him for Jon and that sting was something he never got over. In many ways falling for Skye was a way to get revenge on Cassie. Did he truly love her or was he still pissed and punishing her? He reached out and touched her hand. “We make a hell of a pair right? Some Christmas? I’m shot up and you are here with me instead of with your fiance. Cassie I am not built for the mob. When whatever is going on with Ronan I’m going to let him buy me out of everything. I want kids you know? I want a life with my own family and every mobster I know has died. I don’t want that on me and sometimes you have to take the good with the bad I guess. But Cass I don’t want anymore of this lifestyle. I know you think that you wouldn’t be a good mother because of Audrey.” He said knowing he was piercing her. “You can be like Forbes all you want but you aren’t. You are better than him and I’m sure Jon never asked why you didn’t want to be a mother.”

He took the scarf and laughed at it. One Christmas when they first were dating and Carla didn’t quite like Cassie she gave her the ugliest scarf he’d ever seen. He was pretty sure his mom regifted it from someone else. It wasn’t until Carla saw Cassie wasn’t leaving did she start to respect her. He nodded to his bag and watched Cassie hand it to him. “I made sure the guards went back and got this for me. I knew you’d come today.” Unzipping his bag he pulled out a plaid gift box. “I may have told them to find me the ugliest box too.” He laughed looking at her. “Cass why did you turn down my proposal? We were good together right? Why didn’t you want to be with me?”

Cassie looked at him and for the first time in a few weeks laughed at the ugly scarf he had gotten for her a tradition they had started while his mother was alive. It was a stupid and silly tradition but in many ways when she and Thro began to date Carla became the mother she had always wanted growing up and after her own mother took her life Carla was actually there for her and caring. Her own father had taken off and she and Philip flowed through high school with staff and a full time au pair that their father had picked. Everything was so fucked up in her life at the moment she was happy with Jon or she thought she was now that the bet was out and Jon had chased after Skye though she had to wonder why. Why did she lie to Jon about Miles? Why did she lie to him about going back to MontCorp? The only answer she had was that she had been lying to herself about all of it too, she and Jon had started as a lie to get back at Skye for him choosing her after Braden’s wedding to Selina. She looked at him not sure what she was supposed to say to him.

“Worst Christmas in a while you’ve never been in the hospital before after almost dying from what I hear and I’ve never fucked up my own life like I have this year. At first with Jon it was to get back at him for choosing Skye over me and then I just lost myself in it all, I was unhappy at the paper. I said yes to Jon on a whim and then he wanted to talk about kids and a house and I am not ready for those things. He never did as why and yet calls me selfish about it. I don’t want to be her Thor I loved her very much but I don’t want to be a mirror of her.” Cassie said looking at him for the first time in a year being honest with herself and him. She really didn’t have girlfriends even now she had Thor that was all she knew for so long she could say that her and Miranda were on the same side for now but even then she knew it was fleeting. “Honestly because everything that happened with Kendrick threatening me scared the shit out of me. You were connected to him I knew about the business I was never naive to it but I knew that someone could hurt me to get to you. I didn’t want to be a part of that in your life or have you beat yourself up over it. So when we came up with this plan you and Skye and I and Jon I thought it would be just that a plan and then I lost myself in it the illusion of it all until my father discovered who Miles was.”

Thor laughed as he looked at her balling up his scarf and throwing it at her. “You aren’t shit.” He laughed. “You’ve known this entire year like me? We are crazy you know? We had this timebomb over our heads and we still fell in love with them. Knowing that they were going to eventually reunite. It was going to happen but we prolonged it as much as we could right?” He looked at her. “Kendrick is dead though and I can’t help but think where you could be if you would have accepted my proposal. Cass I was um telling Skye that I was going to leave, sell everything to Ronan and figure out what I want to do with my life. Carla kind of groomed me for this, you know I had a non traditional upbringing. She didn’t even like when I called her mom. Sometimes she smiled when I did but it was Carla most of the time.” He laughed thinking about her. “That’s all you had to say back then was you were scared of my lifestyle and I would have quit. I would have stopped going after Ronan because nevermind.”

Thor fiddled with the sheets in the bed. “I hate you didn’t get your happy ending. Look eventually I didn’t care if it was me or Jon. I just always wanted to see you happy. That’s why I even took up with Skye to make sure you are happy. But that was ignored.” He said shaking his head as he bit down on his lip. “You should go, it’s Christmas and you’re in a hospital with me. Plus I’m sure Jon and you have a lot to talk about.”

“Jon isn’t going to be calling me you and I both know that Thor I was on borrowed time. I just thought that Skye would move on or at least you would encourage her to, what changed was the Hessington’s arrival back into town, the moment they started house shopping.” Cassie said looking at Thor and understanding that they really were one in the same she wanted to be happy about what he was saying either him or Jon. But part of her knew that she could have said yes to Thor and they would have never been in the predicament that they were in fact it might of been more glorious to watch Skye wrap Jon back around her finger and then have her world explode that way with Miles. Not no she had wanted for once to follow her heart and maybe try and see if they could be something and if she could be happy. In truth no one knew her like Thor did which is why this game had worked as well as it did. “I think if you went to Ronan he would let you out he is your brother and I’d much rather you two work something out, let him deal with the mess your mother and his father made than trying to put bullets into each other.” Cassie said looking at him and meaning that when she said it.

“I hated to see you two at each other when it came to what happened to your honestly I’m still shocked it was Gideon that pulled the trigger and then tried to make a war between you and Ronan and you both almost let him. You loved Skye and I can’t say I’m jealous about that for so long I thought it would be only me that you’d ever feel that way about. Once I knew about Miles though I knew that she’d run and Jon would chase her, they share something that is real and tangible now in their son she gave away.” Cassie said and she knew Thor was hurting over it just like she was and she got up from the chair in the room she did want to at least see her father or Yasmine tonight it was Christmas. She gripped his hand in hers for a moment before releasing it wanting to give him one last bit of information. “At least you know Ronan has your back and wouldn’t’ sell you out Motngomery’s are a whole other ball game. Philip is the one that gave us up with Jon you have a right to know that. He convinced daddy’s PI to give him everything about Skye and Jon. He is mad that I’m going back to work at MontCorp to get what is due to me as my birthright so he thought destroying my life and yours would be how he wanted to play things. Merry Christmas and keep the scarf I expect to see if in that box with the rest.“ She finished before she cast one more glance at him before walking out the door.

**********

Brenda looked over at Wyatt, Brooke, and Atticus. She was nervous to be honest her son wasn’t happy with her. Hell Brooke wasn’t either but for some reason she said she understood the secrets. As she looked over at Walter who got out of his car. To be fair this had to be hard for him. She wasn’t going to flaunt over him nor was she going to show too much emotions if Dani or Hunter dejected her. It was hard to even knock on the door. As she looked at her family she reached out to Walter and smiled at him letting him know this is alright. He told her earlier in the night how he never connected with Dani in the same way as Braden. How he wanted to be a better grandfather because how bad he was at being Dani’s dad. That meant that he had to get off his ass and stop being scared to fight for his daughter. When Jackie opened the door she smiled warmly at the other woman. They sometimes tangoed over the years over who was the supreme true first lady of Atlas Falls. She rather admired how Jackie was taking this whole situation with Zerick and Belle. As she handed her a bottle of champagne. “I tried to get Anderson over but he’s enjoying time with his wife. I thought it would be cute if we got Braden, Chauncey, and Anderson together but ce la vie.” She said looking at her. “I know you seem to be the refugee for horrible parents. Bliss, Hunter, and Dani but if you let me I hope to mend a fence between my son and myself. Hunter and I have always had so much stress and I just want to show him love.”

When Jackie moved over Brenda watched her welcome everyone as she looked around and saw Hunter playing with Fox and a train. “Pardon me.” She said walking toward the door when she bumped into a striking redhead and immediately felt a shock. She jumped back and shook a little smiling at the young woman. As she looked at her she saw her staring at her almost burning a whole through her. It was a flash but Brenda saw it felt like anger because she was smiling now. Maybe she was startled by the shock as much she was. Brenda couldn’t shake the way the girl looked at her reminded her of her grandmother. Her stern granny had that same expression on her face. “Prue right?”

“No it’s Dru.” She said looking at her mother and saw Jackie welcoming Brooke and Atticus. Then she saw her father walk in with her mother. She had to fucking ruin that. No way were they getting a happy fucking ending. Not after he let her give him away and not after she gave him away. “I remember you, Merry Christmas.”  She said to the other woman with a resentment building inside of her that she hadn’t felt before. She was so mad and even more so because this was the first time ever hearing this bitch say Merry Christmas she called her Prue. No bitch it’s Kendall your daughter you left with fucking nuns and I was adopted into a fucking horrible family. The abuse she endured was enough to make her want to choke Brenda out. Sucking her teeth Dru walked to the bar not able to say much more.

Brenda watched the girl walk away and felt like she was angry but shook it off. Ignoring the vibe she got she walked to Hunter and Fox who were on the floor around the tree playing with the train. “I brought you something Fox.” She said looking at her son. Stooping down she handed him a small box. “Open it.” She said watching him go to town on the box.  When he saw the shiny gold watch of her grandfather on her family side. “I wanted you to have a stopwatch every Kincaid man has one and you are my grandchild so I refuse for you not to have one. Wyatt got one around your age but it was from Steven’s side of the family. What makes this so special this stop watch was from my family. My father was a very smart man and I think that he wouldn’t want anyone but you to have this.” She looked over at Bliss covering her mouth with tears streaming down her face. “And you are my future daughter-in-law. How Hunter got wrapped up in another Devonshire girl I have no clue but you have more respect than the other two.” She walked over and hugged Bliss. “Welcome sweetie to the most dysfunctional family.”

Brooke and Atticus walked over to Hunter, Bliss, Brenda, and Fox. “We also have some gifts for Fox and I actually miss my older brother so I came to see you.” She said running up and hugging him tightly. “You are really good at being with him. He’s special seriously this kid magic because I think I saw Max getting teary eyed when mom was spilling her spill. Plus Anderson is so annoying because mom thinks he’s so great because she doesn’t see him regularly.”

Hunter had wanted to remind his mother that it wasn’t her place to judge him or his relationship with Bliss he was still angry at her that he had to learn he had a half sibling from Brooke on a fucking phone call. He glared at Walter for all judgement that the Fraiser’s like to put off over the years the fact he was fucking his mother was jsut par for the course on their double standard. He was getting better with Fox he wasn’t a perfect father by any means but he also knew that Blissa nd Fox came as a package deal and that was something that he wasn’t going to just let walk away. He looked at his little sister when she approached with Atticus and protectively drew Fox just a bit closer he knew that Atticus was not his brother. “I’m honestly shocked that you’re speaking to her again after all that shit with her and Walter’s dead child looming. I’m going to be his father soon so I’d like to think I’m doing a good job of it like dad was.” Hunter said he knew Brooke was trying to be cordial but he wasn’t one to just forgive that bombshell as easily as it seemed his sister and Anderson had.

“I haven’t forgiven her.” Brooke leaned in and hugged her brother tightly. As she took him in with Fox her face held a warm smile. Watching her mother with Fox and Wyatt giving him his old toys that had been in the family for years. She remembered wanting a train on the set that Wyatt was giving him. But only the boys only got to place a train on the cart. Yet seeing Wyatt passing it onto Fox made her feel better. “However I can’t imagine what she went through to give up a child and dad knew. Did you know that? It wasn’t a secret to them just us which pisses me off and if he forgave her who am I to judge? Our dad wasn’t perfect but she is our mom with flaws and all. I’m not asking you to just forget her shit but love her. Don’t forget she is our mom and yeah you two have been at odds and have a strange relationship. So don’t hate her even more and make it even more strange. Hunter I don’t want you isolated from the family and I won’t be either.” She said looking at Atticus. “He tells me a lot about Bliss. I hear she’s so sweet and went through so much that is painful to know. Just how much he regrets with Fox and Bliss he is going to right a lot of wrongs with Dimitri I promise. My platform is actually inspired by Fox and Bliss. Changing the laws about domestic abuse and the archaic mindset of the men of Isla De Cruces. Getting women rights going fundamentally down there is my dream and you, Anderson, and dad taught me that. I’m going to help people.” She said looking at their connection. “We are going to fix Isla De Cruces, Hunter and Atticus’ plans on subpoenaing all culpable parties in Bliss exile. That’s what we will call it because she had to run for her life. He will legally have nothing to stand on when his most loyal turn their back on him.”

“Are you making excuses for not telling us? She let us find out from the press at a debate and then that our sister was dead from Dani Fraiser and didn’t have the nerve to tell us about it. You want to make excuses for that fine. I’m tired of her excuses I want her to own her shit but she never has.” Hunter said looking at Bliss look at Wyatt and Fox he didn’t want to fight with her over it, his mother was always going to be his mother but she blamed everyone for everything but herself. She never sought help for her need to cling to a bottle and even worse she was now trying to feign being in the dark about the child she gave away that died. He knew that Brooke was trying to help and she would change Isla Del Cruces it wasn’t like they were a completely barbaric society over there but it never hurt to expand on women’s rights and freedoms either. Women often were just tied to their husbands there and that was a big problem one he felt that Brooke and Atticus could both help change. “She had another child, gave it away and you’re alright with that. You’re ready to just let her off the hook I’m not.” Hunter finished before seeing Bliss across the room with Jackie and walking away wanting to enjoy the holiday and the rest of his plans for it without thinking about the hurt his mother had caused him and his siblings.

Brooke saw how angry Hunter was but Bliss left Fox in Ilsa De Cruces and forgave her, yet couldn’t at least try to understand their mother? Biting her lip she nodded also understanding that her mother and Hunter were always strained. She always hurt him and treated him differently compared to Anderson and her. Then to find out she had another child must have made him feel insane. Touching Hunter’s shoulder she looked into her brother’s eyes. “Take your time I think she’s willing to wait on you. But she’s also our mom and look at what Bliss is going through. One day we won’t have her excuses and all. They’re older and some healthy but look how dad was snatched away from us. You and dad were always so close and I know that this time of year is hard for us all. I want you to come over and see Anderson. We are family, Hunter and it sucks that our mom is a manipulative monster but she’s our mom and I’m not going to be here much longer. I mean we are in Isla De Cruces a lot now and modeling is going to be put on the wayside for a while.” She slowly fluffed her hair sad that her dreams were now on pause. She wanted to be a model all her life but it was over because this is what she wanted a relationship with Atticus to work. “I think you should give her a break just saying. Especially because it’s Christmas.”

Brenda walked up to Hunter and Brooke and handed him his Christmas gift. “It’s a watch but I had it inscribed Hunter. It says I have all the time to fix this.” Brenda looked at Fox and Bliss and saw Hunter was so far in love that nothing could separate them. “I’m going to get Walter, and we are going to head out but I love you Hunt.”

Dru sat back watching Hunter opening his gift as her eyes began to burn with rage and sadness. She didn’t tell Zerick the truth about who she was. She instead told him another yarn. In his mind she was the adopted sister of Kendall. Not Kendall herself. As she leaned against the wall she gulped down the champagne in her glass. Her hand was shaking his badly because of the rage she felt. As she squeezed the glass to steady her hand and she heard a crack and before she knew it all eyes were on her. As she stood with all these broken pieces in her hand. She heard Jackie gasp looking down and she saw blood dripping on the floor. “I’m sorry.” Zerick approached her with a towel wrapping her hand up.

**********

Yasmine placed a blanket over her mother in the guestroom of the mansion. It was the first year Forbes put Gina’s and her stocking up. She was invited to Khalil’s momma’s house which would have led to her eating even more. Now Dinah Watkins could burn in the kitchen and she made Khalil promise to get her a plate. As she placed on Rory’s old NYU sweatshirt and honestly was glad the most awkward Christmas was almost over. Forbes wasn’t exactly the person you thought of when you think of a person to have a wonderful Christmas dinner. Walking to the bar she was shocked to see Cassie sitting down wiping her tears. What was the matter with her? She didn’t know how to do this with this bougie white woman. Slowly fluffing her short cut she cleared her throat as she looked at Cassie wiping her eyes trying to fix herself. “Hey.” She said as she walked to the bar and poured herself a cocktail. “I’m tired and full. It’s leftovers momma cooked all that food but she’s upstairs now sleeping. I told our father don’t be trying to creep into her room. Has he always been a flirting horndog?” She said sitting down by Cassie.

“What’s up it’s Christmas, you got a man, and you’re getting back into our family’s company. Girl you should be decking the halls but you look like you are about to break some dishes. So I’m not who you’d normally vent to but Cassie we family and I want to help you. Whatever it is I’m here to listen plus maybe you could help me with some of my drama. So you want to do the sister thing? I mean if you don’t I understand girls. It’s strange for me too. Gina was always my go to she would have been pissed not to be the eldest. I think she’d be great at making this all work. I wish you could have met her. Although you two would be the same age. Do you remember her? Y’all were in the same grade.” Tucking her feet in she looked at Cassie sort of pulling it together. “What’s the matter?”

Cassie had left the hospital and stopped by the opera house and theater where she walked the halls wondering where she was going to go next. Things with her mother had never been perfect and she knew that her parents were toxic towards each other but a large part of her blamed Lowell for the destruction of their family too. Thor’s words had got to her and she been so foolish to not just say yes to him last year when he proposed and as she walked she stopped when she saw the latest casting decision and call for a play Skye Morgan’s name on the call sheet and anger surged at her ripping the paper off the billboard. She would make it her life’s mission to make sure that Skye didn’t get her happy cute little ending with either Thor or Jon the woman lied about a child and it seemed that it was just brushed away by Jon or maybe not and she had wrapped Thor around her finger too. She left the opera house as she returned to the mansion and enclosed herself in wallowing. She was allowed to wallow on her mind after everything, she had settled to come downstairs and get a drink when she had taken a seat on the couch and nursed her glass not even realizing she was crying when she heard Yasmine behind her.

“I don’t really do the sister thing if you want me to be honest with you I haven’t in quite some time. Our father decided it would be better to abandon Philip and I to nannies while we went on and started over down south with that woman he’s married to now and have Joaquin and Xiomara. But if you want to talk we can.” Cassie said looking at her she wasn’t going to sugar coat things with Yasmine she didn’t feel a siser connection to her of any sort, she had judged her mother when Forbes had sprung Yasmine’s paternity on them. But as far as a sisterly or sibling bond the person she was always closest too was Philip and that was why she got why he went and wrecked her relationship with Jon. “I did treat your mother unfairly so if you want to lash out at me you can. I likely deserve it at this rate. I don’t remember your sister from school we didn’t exactly hang in the same crowds. Where is dear father did he scuttle off earlier in the day?” Cassie said lifting the glass to her lips and taking a drink and then exhaling. “I have no man now the irony of that entire situation is not lost on me..”

No way would Gina and Cassie be in the same circle but they were so close to age she thought maybe. As she shuffled her feet in the awkward silence she chose to just go with it. Philip and Cassie wouldn’t get used to her until she placed her foot down and said this was her right along with them. One of the ways to do that was insert herself in their lives. “Jon’s a noble guy and to be honest he doesn’t seem like your type. Come on Cassie if you are honest with yourself and seeing what type of men you had before Jon. Well my mother wasn’t exactly mother of the year back then but I’m not expecting you to just understand me or us to be Marsha and Jan. We can however be cool you know? I think chatting or talking could be therapeutic to us both. Considering I’ve been kissing Rory and still with Khalil.” She lowered her head. “I know he has also possibly fathered a child with Aspen. So Cassie I get it I might not have a man at the end of this.” Her sister was no longer head of a newspaper so she felt safe telling her that.

“What’s going on, good guy Jon Harrison doesn’t just dump a girl. He doesn’t just give up on the woman who was right by his side through that trial. Cassie I saw you, you love him a lot and I am confused what happened?” She took a sip of her drink as she looked at Cassie. “Girl what did you do? Come on us Montgomery girls got a curse on us. You know Gina cheated on Kendrick? She was with this fine ass guy named Alfonso. We seem to always want what we can’t have but isn’t that life?” As she looked at Cassie whose face was flushed. “Girl did you cheat or did he cheat? It’s always the good ones.”

“I think when you’re in the moment with someone you get lost with them I was so focused on winning Jon that I gave into this narrative that he was the one. It’s petty and I take full responsibility for it but I also know that it was always going to be short lived, pasts have a way of creeping back up on people.” Cassie said looking at Yasmine she wouldn’t apologize for not hanging out with Gina back in the day that wasn’t her prerogative she knew now that they were sisters but barely cast a glance at the girl in the same grade around Kendrick back then. She was too embroiled in a romance with Hunter Kincaid at the time something that fizzled when Max seduced him to her bed and that was the end of it. “I’m not sure how to be Marsha and Jan with you, the only other woman i was ever close to decided to leave this world in a tub filled with bloody water. She was fighting with my father about something but growing up that wasn’t unusual or new they always fought. He would leave for one of his mistresses, your mother likely but always come back. She cared for me and Philip and then she was gone, girls weren’t exactly clamoring to be my besties in school.” Cassie said looking at Yasmine as she swirled the glass in her hand despite everything she did find talking to Yasmine easier than it should have been for her which was odd.

“Skye Morgan happened of course she used to be a good client of Kendrick’s just like Jackson was all those years ago. I found out earlier in the year that she had his child gave it away to the Hessington’s.” Cassie said matter of factly to Yasmine watching her face as she did so, she had no reason to hide the truth now it was out. Thor had confirmed that Jon knew that was all she needed to know that Jon wouldn’t be calling her back or reaching out to her. She had been made and she looked over at her sister as she spoke again. “I found out and went to his sister with the information we agreed that we would tell him when the time was right. Unfortunately the timeline was moved up when Jackson and Dani moved up their wedding and the weave came into view. Maid of Honor the child’s mother so it was only a matter of time before everything hit the fan. I opted to hide is the truth from Jon he knows that now he chased after Skye to confirm it and he’s with her now. As honorable as he is this is my fault Yasmine and I own that.” Cassie said eyeing her sister and then taking a drink. “As for your predicament it’s not the worst of both your worlds and you should embrace that side of you.”

Yasmine listened to her sister and gulped taking in what had to be a fucking nightmare she couldn’t imagine to have her mother ripped away like that. She did know what it was like to be the joke and laughing stock of the school. Everyone knowing her mother turned tricks and that she was cheap for a rock of crack wasn’t a good feeling. The uppity blackfolk in Cherry Hills, the prominent part of Scottswood where Devin’s family lived. Those kids all made fun of her momma. Turnaround Trisha because everytime you turned around she was there begging for money or asking to suck their dicks for a few dollars. Those memories didn’t leave even when you had a shit ton of money it didn’t matter. That haunted her. “I remember this girl named Asia was having a slumber party and invited all the pretty girls and my best friend Tamiyah and Veronica asked why I didn’t get an invite because they said I was the prettiest girl. Well Asia said that she heard her momma saying my momma probably has AIDS because she was out hooking so long. She didn’t want AIDS at her slumber party.” She looked at Cassie and nodded her head. “Girl I was suspended so long for beating her ass. So I understand when nobody wants to be your friend although I was still in the pretty girl gang. What I don’t understand is why you didn’t go to your man and go to his sister? What type shit is that? Jon has been lied to by Skye and you amplify it by not telling him the moment you found out?” Yasmine didn’t know why she was telling her this but she felt safe and they were being real. She was out of line.

“I mean I enjoy Khalil’s sex and Rory’s sex is bomb too. Girl it’s like when I’m around Khalil it’s comfortable it’s easy and it’s supposed to be like that. Then when I’m around Rory he’s challenging me at every turn and giving me this feeling that I can’t explain. That sets me on fire but Khalil can be so jealous and protective over me it’s sexy and I don’t know why can’t I have both? I mean I know I can’t have both but I know I’m not going let what happened to you Cassie happen to me no shade. And what’s with you white folks? If everybody broke up because it was a wedlock baby out there then it wouldn’t be one family in Scottswood. Shit it’s always a baby or two out in Scottswood okay? Girl so I mean you did do something foul but you didn’t give up this baby so it isn’t your shit to tell either so I understand. Cassie this didn’t have to be your bullshit you could have played this shit out so differently.” Yasmine commented as she looked at Cassie. “So I know you single and all but Thor is fine as hell. Girl I’m just saying that white boy smooth and I always like damn why she passes on Thor. He is way more chill than Ronan.”

Cassie looked at her and she wondered if their father had actually claimed Yasmine back in the day if they would have been able to have that sisterly bond. She understood of course why it didn’t he had an entire other family down south too but she and Philip needed stability and it sounded like Yasmine and Gina did too. “The only friend I really had growing up was Thor and even that was snatched away from me by Skye Morgan. He was there for me when she died, made sure people didn’t gossip about it in school even if he disagreed with some of my choices in men. Girls though I think didn’t want to be my friend simply because behind closed doors our mother’s weren’t so different Yasmine the only one being one tricked around with Lowell to piss of my dad and the other took money from my father because of who mine was sleeping with.” Cassie said hoping that the meaning of what she was trying to get across was loud and clear Yasmine started a game with Rory in the middle of her and Khalil it would likely only end in heartache and pain. “You can’t just sweep that under the rug Yasmine she killed herself over what Lowell and my father did to her, there is no forgiveness there in my heart or Philip or our father’s when it comes to Lowell or his family.”

“What I am saying is that enjoy it while it lasts Yasmine there is nothing wrong with a woman that goes between men when a man can do it why in fuck can’t we? You clearly care for both of them and maybe this is the way that you can decide which one you want more.” Cassie said taking a gulp from her glass and then reaching for a refill from the coffee table. She wasn’t sure if she was making any sense but when Yasmine mentioned about children and families not being together it stung and reminded her of so much of her childhood something that was probably a difference in how they grew up. “Yes I can see how that might be true in Scottswood in this neighborhood though it would be looked at as a stain on my last name. Skye knows this that is why she played this game with Jon and Thor and why I went along with it once I knew. I knew I was on borrowed time Yasmine. My advice to you would be to make sure Rory sees your worth over Aspen Sinclair’s because much like his father Rory is self indulgent, spoiled, aristocratic and noble. A combination of his parents and if you think Aspen Sinclair is not playing the long game with him then you even more naive than your street credit said you weren’t. You will end up alone just like me with men chasing after a woman that has what most men crave a family.” Cassie finished looking at her and finishing off her glass with a few gulps. “So dear sister what are you going to do? Become a Montgomery or Rory’s toy?”

When Cassie spelled it out to her that if Rory and Aspen were having a baby he’d go for Aspen off that. She bit her lip as she nodded her head thinking about it. Aspen basically said that she wasn’t going to abort the baby with Max and Max was basically loving Aspen. That had to be playing a factor in Rory’s mind. “I’m going to be a Montgomery, thank-you girl. You know why shouldn’t I have my fun if Rory is just going to leave me for Aspen? Why shouldn’t I use him for exactly what I want and move around when it’s time? Keeping the man that needs and loves me in my pocket. I mean you are right she got the prize and I’m not here for chasing after Rory and seeing what you are going through. It won’t be me.” She said as she looked at her sister. “You know you aren’t too bad at this Cassie. The sister thing that is. Men get to do it all the time and we are always forced to play nice. Nah not tonight I’m going to get it from Khalil and if I want it from Rory I’m going to get it from him.” She laughed looking at her sister. “You kinda gangster you know? You have a way different way of thinking of things than the elite of Atlas Falls. I got a basketball star and a trust fund brat after me. I’m living the dream of girls in the hood. So I should appreciate it.” Grabbing her drink she drank the remainder and stood up. “I gotta get ready, I’m going to see Khalil.” Sticking her tongue out Cassie. “Hey you ever think maybe you think your choices in men have been wrong because he’s been in your face the entire time. Don’t sleep on Mr. Luciano girl.” Smacking her lips as she walked away.

Cassie looked up at her little sister she just didn’t want either of them to be how would her father put it weak after a man and maybe she was projecting. But she saw the way Aspen looked at Rory at a few of the social functions she was actually looking to hook Rory long term either with a proposal or the other option trapping him. Yasmine was young and in her opinion free to do what she wanted and with whom and honestly she kinda liked Khalil for the most part he seemed like a decent guy even her father really liked him too. It felt weird to be bonding with her sister but at the same time it felt good too, she had a girlfriend to talk to in a way that she wasn’t in sexual competition with. She thought over Yasmine’s words about Thor and was so angry at herself for getting wrapped up in her own game with Jon and falling for him in it and Thor doing the same her hand was shaking and in rage she threw the glass into the raging burning fireplace watching it burst and grow in height. She had come to terms with Jon and she knew where he likely was but she still wasn’t sure if that meant she and Thor had an option or not now to maybe repair them.

**********

Skye had returned to the condo she shared with Merci who was out with Devin and did the only thing she knew started to pack her bags it was clear that Thor had been using her, Jon knew about Miles and that thought terrified her enough to want to start to run for her freedom. Freedom away from Atlas Falls and her past with Jon, maybe Miranda had been right especially since it seemed like Whitney and Ryan were moving there now. It made sense for her to get out of town and stay away surely Merci would understand what was going on. She went to the closet in the large second bedroom and began to pack her things. The clothes of course went first and then she moved to the bathroom as she got out a second suitcase. Her funds were mostly tied up at the bank and she could leave, her funds could go with her. She may not of had much but from the jobs she had done including the last one she had enough to get her buy for a bit. She almost laughed and to think she felt bad about spying on Jon for Lowell, how stupid had she been she knew what happened with Miles was fucked up. She knew that now but she had wanted to do right for their son and she got paid a lot of money to make that happen. When she heard the knock on the door she went to it looking through the hole and flung it open.

“What the hell do you want? Or didn’t you have enough at the hospital a few hours ago. You made it perfectly clear how you felt about everything and as you can see I don’t have time to waste at the moment.” Skye said seething at Jon as she looked at him, even more angry than she was at the hospital how dare he track her down like some suspect and expected her to what be nice to him, She thought about slamming the door in his face and instead didn’t care enough to as she went back to the back room and started packing again. Once she was out of town her head was clear then she could decide what to do about Thor, she was so mad at him. Mad about whatever bet he had going on with Cassie and how she felt about him. Another man that had played with her emotions and she let him. “I won’t repeat myself so what do you want Jon?”

Walking into the condo not even closing the door. Jon stared at her luggage and he felt an instant anger soaring through him. How could she just run after dropping a bomb into his lap? She was the mother of his child and he was cruel to her. He kind of got her perspective back then they were fucked up but just giving away their child without his consent. That was almost unforgivable as he stared at her still not saying anything Jon removed his jacket as he looked at Skye in her eyes. Snatching the suitcase off the bed he opened it and threw everything on the floor as he looked at her. Then picking up the suitcase he tossed it down the hall. Gulping as he looked at her shaking in a rage as he looked at her trying to be hard. Trying to hate him and for a moment he thought about screaming at her. For a moment he believed that maybe choking the life out of her would bring him satisfaction. Instead he went another route. Revenge was all on his mind and Jon knew that showing rage wouldn’t get him anywhere. For years he’d played nice with them all. Now he was sick of it and he wouldn’t be anyone’s punching bag any longer.

Jon’s chest heaved slightly as he looked at her. His tears fell freely and a sweeping emotion flew out of his mouth as he screamed at her. Unable to even speak he just wept thinking of what he lost with Miles. Looking up at her. “I want you to marry me.” He said with a dark look in his eyes. “I want you to be my wife while I get our son back from those elitist people you gave him to. I want you to clean up your trashy image and I want revenge. I want revenge on you, on the Hessington’s, on anyone who knew that my son was in the world and didn’t tell me. Your revenge is simple you are going to marry me and get what you always wanted Skye. You are going to be accepted into Atlas Falls. Yes everyone will finally welcome you without turning there nose down at your pathetic ass. You are going to help me hurt Cassie, Thor, Forbes and anyone else who stands in my fucking way. Your revenge is sweet and simple I’ll never fucking love you Skye but you are you to stand with me. You are going to be right here when I snatch my son from those people.” Jon snapped at her. “So you aren’t going anywhere.”

“Are you on something right now? I am not going to marry you for some sick game you want to play against Cassie Montgomery. I messed up back then I know it, but I wanted him to have a good life and look around you he has one. Ryan and Whitney aren’t perfect, but he is in a good home where he will never have to struggle for food or where he sleeps. That is what good parents do.” Skye said glaring at him as she shoved past him to pick up her suitcase again and start to throw the clothes back in she was not his punching bag, she knew what she did was fucked up but she thought it was truly in everyone’s best interests to do so. Over the last year she honestly wished Miles was Jackson’s at least he would have an ounce of understanding for what she did but Jon? Who was she kidding Jon was lashing out at her angry at what she did and he had every right too but he certainly didn’t understand what she battled everyday with drugs and wanting to use and that was something she refused to raise her child in. “Like I said I’m not going to marry you.”

“Not even Lowell was dumb enough to try and rope me into that over the years.” Skye said looking at Jon’s face and she felt like she had one over on him finally in truth she didn’t know who Miles father was until about a year and half ago. “Like I said I didn’t know who the father was for a long time I actually thought he was Jackson’s and told Whitney and Ryan that. Then Lowell tracked me down and paid me to come back to town I was supposed to lure Jackson back into my web at the time free up Dani for you to swoop in or whatever you thought was going to happen. It didn’t and Lowell let the truth slip to me he ran a test and if I had to guess the Hessington’s ran one too. I would have done it you know went back to him at least he would have a decorum of decency towards me and understand what I went through. You want to throw shit around let’s do it. You were a pill popping mess back then hung up on some girl that didn’t love you back, you used me all while claiming to be some amazing person. You’re a hypocrite going on and on about loyalty didn’t you like fuck Whitney?” Skye spat looking at him seeing the color drain from his face as she threw some clothes inside. “Loose lips talk at night Jon and I was lonely and desperately searching for a connection to our child. I realized in that moment that I was not his mother though and I was okay with it. What is your plan here run on over and hope the governor likes you?”

Jon looked at Skye and her face was serious and he knew that he had to change his tune. His past selfish acts were catching up to him. Years ago he threw away their relationship because in some twisted way he blamed Skye. As he walked to her and grabbed her shoulders. “I’m sorry okay that I left and hurt you but you gave away our child because you were hurt? You did this to hurt us and I can’t believe it. I’m hurt and I can’t shake that this feels vindictive Skye. I’m sorry I messed up but you didn’t give me a chance to fix it. To fix whatever we could have been. I would have changed for a child and you. I would have gotten it together I would have married you. It wouldn’t have been for love but I loved you at one point so I would have fallen in love with you. Don’t see what we could have had if you just were honest? I would have showered you with all the love in the world. I would have given you the family that you never had and I needed. I wanted this and you could have been gave it to me but for some reason you were fucking more afraid of what? I was doing drugs but I got it together Skye and you did too. You wouldn’t have done that for a chance at a happy life? Why? Why did you break apart so many lives and then you want to leave. No Skye I need you.” Jon said determined to get her to see that this wasn’t over and she couldn’t leave.

Stroking her face. “You gave him up but you had my child. I have a different love for you now Skye. I fucked up with you and used you. That was wrong but you’re killing me.” He said calmly as the tears fell down his face. “I have a son and I will never be able to get him. You gave him to the most powerful family in our state. You didn’t think of me or Jackson but I appreciate you doing amazing for Miles because out of us three we were all a mess. You did the best but I can’t live without him Skye. Listen to me I’ll die without him do you get that? My family has taken care of our own for years. I don’t want to be this man. I don’t want to be without him Skye. Why? Why didn’t you tell me and I know I have been an ass to you. I know it but Skye you’re literally killing me. You can’t run from this, not this time because I need you. I need to figure out how to get him and I know marrying you is extreme and it sounded insane. I’m sorry I’m lost right now Skye, I need someone. I need someone, please I need you.” He said begging a little as he got on his knees holding her legs. Jon knew begging was beneath him. But he also knew Skye’s heart would break eventually. He knew he could manipulate her right now because just as vulnerable as he was she was feeling just as open. “I want to know everything. I want to know about the birth and how you felt with him. What you wanted to eat and crave? Did they take care of you? Do they treat him good, Skye? I need you so please talk to me. I know I fucked up with us but please don’t treat me like I’m the bad guy because right now I just found out my dream. My perfect idea of having a son has been ripped away from me. Please I don’t hate you, please just talk to me. Don’t hate me, I’m sorry, I’m so so so sorry.”

Skye looked at him and the best thing or words she could come up with was he was broken and she had broken him back when she was on drugs she would have relished in that probably having him at her feet in that way. This though felt dirty and not the way she had ever envisioned Jon to be on her side or for him to be back and forth with how he felt about it. She was so young then and so incredibly messed up that she wasn’t able to make a good decision she knew that. So she did what she felt was right in that moment and gave their child the world that they could never really offer it. She could have went to Jon’s family and they would have taken him she knew that and she knew maybe the first part was living up to that with him. “I could have went to your parents but they would have tossed me out don’t you see I couldn’t have him and let your parents have him at the same time. They would have never allowed it after everything that happened and you would have let them. You would have let your family rip him away from me if you didn’t yourself.” Skye shot back at him he wanted an ugly truth from her he could face it she loved him back then it took her months later to realize that he was the one that she really wanted and loved and it was never reciprocated. “You don’t think it broke me to give him up?”

She drew herself back from him shaking her head at him as she sat down on the bed the suitcase and clothes spread about her. She got that he was angry at her he had every right to be but she had no choice in her mind back then and did want to do the right thing. “I loved you but you, it was all fun and just games to you. I knew that with Jackson he said it straight up but you, you told me over and over again it was more. You never once tried to find me after I left town never once tried to reach out. I was alone like I have been for most of my life beside Merci.” She said finally looking at him with so much hurt she didn’t even know she had that inside of her it was a truth that she faced when she got clean that she had given her hopes and dreams over to Jon only to have them be crushed later so maybe deep down she did it to hurt him but she did it for so many different reasons she could list but she knew they would probably fall on deaf ears. “I will not marry you to get him back, he is happy with a family that loves him and if you are planning to go against Charles Hessington you better make sure that people you cling to have your back because no one and I mean no one fucks with him and I’m not even that stupid of a fucking addict to know that. I’m sorry for what I did and I know I can never earn that back with you but I was trying to do what was right. Our son is happy I am alone that should make you so happy seeing how that is what you always really wanted when it came to us.” She finished looking up at him tears streaming down her face. She knew first had the horror that Charles’s power had first hand the day she signed those papers a day she swore to never talk about from Lex not even Whitney, Ryan or Connor knew but she did. It was a price she was more than willing to pay in the end.

“I didn’t come looking for you because I was ashamed.” Jon said looking at her in the eyes as he pulled her down. “What am I supposed to do with this? You won’t help me get him back but I can’t live without my son. Skye you were more important than you thought. I messed up and I was ashamed that I didn’t have control of myself. I wasn’t a junkie. I was lost and I think that I needed to be numb. Do you know how badly I felt when I woke up in the VA? I heard you were in rehab also and I just fueled your drug rage. Did I love Dani back then the answer to that is yes but I said I wanted love too. You gave it to me and I was intoxicated on you. She didn’t care about me even back then and it was a childhood pipe dream but I’m grown.” Grabbing her face so that she could see he was serious. “I would have given you a family. I would have cherished you and figured out our shit. Don’t you see that? I messed up but why? Why would you do this to us? As high as I was then I have the best memories of that time because you made me feel free. You didn’t judge me and didn’t want me perfect. You just wanted me and I needed that and you. We could have had it all.” He leaned in and kissed her neck. “We could have had everything.” Jon pulled off his shirt seeing Skye shivering at his touch. “I need you right now.”

Jon leaned in and kissed her grabbing the small of her back. They were both on their knees since he pulled her to him. He used his body weight and leaned on top of Skye. Slipping his hand inside of her jeans. As he slipped his tongue in her mouth. “I missed you.” He exhaled no longer caring about Cassie. It was over and when he saw her again she’d feel his wrath. However right now he needed to feel flesh and the fact that this woman had his child. The fact she was the mother of his first child made him want to ravish her. “Tell me you’ve missed me.” Jon ready to blow her back out already horny. It was revenge and passion all intertwined into a mess. But it was a mess he needed right now. Sex would focus him and to be honest it would relieve all the stress he was feeling. “Tell me you want me.” Fingering her just the way she liked back in the day. Removing his hand he licked all her juices from his fingers. He wiggled down her jeans because Skye’s face was lost in passion and shock. He placed his head between her legs twirling his tongue on her clit as he began to furiously eat her out.

Skye was so confused about everything that was going on in her mind, it was screaming no and then at the same time it was screaming yes. She would likely always care about Thor but Jon was the man that she loved that she dreamed about. It was why giving away Miles had hurt to so much when she did it she knew the price and she was so ashamed of it. When he leaned in and kissed her neck she closed her eyes and felt her body giving away the resolve of everything that she had told herself was not going to happen. She was not going to allow herself to think of a future with Jon when it came to them, on the other hand she wanted to cling to what she knew. Thor had used her too just as much as Jon had and she was too stupid to see it when it should have been obvious how he was right there outside the police station that day, how she fucked him on his couch to try and get back at Jon and then how he screamed out Cassie’s name. That was something that had stuck with her even when Jon fucked her back then he had never uttered another woman’s name before and it made her feel important. She had been with men who had and she felt her back hit the hardwood floor and before she knew it his hands where in her jeans slithering to her heat and she let out a moan. Her body giving her away even when she was tempted to shove him off and run.

She didn’t though and simply nodded her head at him that she didn’t want him to stop words she wasn’t sure what the answer would be if she opened her mouth at him. Instead she leaned back helping him shimmy off her jeans and before she could object further his mouth was on her and she sunk back into that lovestruck girl hat she was all those years ago. Maybe this meant that he saw her side and that they could move forward together that he wouldn’t parade her around as a joke to him that he really did love her back. “Jon I…” She wasn’t able to say anything else feeling his tongue swirling around her center and she threw her head back feeling his fingers digging into her hips. Her fingers tried to reach for some leverage on the floor only she didn’t find it and she felt them growing white digging in at the pleasure. She moved them off the floor feeling Jon stop and she looked at him pulling him up to her and snaking her hips around his locking her ankles and feeling him plunge into her not even remembering shoving his pants down before. “Yes.” She managed to get out feeling herself tighten at the action and seeing the pleasure on Jon’s face.

Jon somehow got his pants off and before he knew it he was inside of her again. She felt familiar and so new all at the same time. Jon held her hands down furious at what she did but so enthralled on her at this moment. She looked so vulnerable and some called it a hero complex but he had to save her. He had to save his son. He had to save Atlas Falls. It was all he knew how to do and maybe it was something that needed to be saved in him but he didn’t have the know it all to find out exactly what that was. Holding her arms down she began to run from the dick. No she was going to feel all of him because she was the only one who would understand the pleasure and pain of this moment. Jon wasn’t going to let her get away and seeing her eyes rolling in the back of her head he smiled and started to punish her tight pussy. She was the mother of his child and he knew that she’d be a part of his life forever. Skye had taken a piece of his very soul to give birth to a new soul. He planted the seed of life inside of her and the beauty was his son. Their child was alive and thriving. Jon was so lost the sex seemed to be a comfort because it was a emotion and pain he could control.

Aggressively pulling out of Skye and wrapping her legs around his neck he slammed into her. “Don’t you do this shit again! Do you hear me!” Jon screamed using one hand to slightly choke her sexually. Seeing the shock and lust in Skye’s eyes he wasn’t playing with her.  Jon began to drill her pussy mercilessly thrusting in and out slamming inside of her then drawing back vigorously pushing inside. Leaning his head down he began to tongue kiss her with all the fury as he pulled up biting her lip. “Don’t you fucking lie to me again!” He growled still going to town thrusting with a rhythm of fury and lust. “God.” He cried out as he began to kiss her again. “I missed you.”

Skye looked at him as he slammed into her and tried to not cry out in all that familiar pain that came but couldn’t. Sex with Jon had always been more intense for her he always attended to her needs which was something other than him and Jackson she often had to service the men first she wasn’t proud of it but she did shit for a line or two back in the day. She saw him pin her arms and fought him. She wasn’t a submissive; it was one of the many reasons she knew that she couldn’t be with Jackson and Jon liked that fight in her and didn’t try and quell it. He encouraged her to fight back and so she tried to scoot away from him and seeing that gleam in his eye when instead he held her in place and she moaned. She used her core to give it back to him with her hips and almost smirked at him when he pulled out and put her legs up in the air challenging him. He was then back inside of her and even if she wanted to she wasn’t sure she could be quiet as moans and screams left her mouth. When his hand wrapped around her neck and hers were free she let him have his power moment in a way he needed it.

“Don’t you use me again or leave then.” She said back shoving his hand off her neck and arching her back off the ground seeing his eyes roll in the back of his head. The angle had changed for her and him and she kept repeating the action raising and slamming her hips up and down letting him hit the very back as her tongue swirled with his violently. She saw his hands move over her breasts and lower and then shoved them away going to her own clit and began to stroke herself with him in rhythm watching his eyes as she did so. Her breathing was heavy and she cried out seeing herself come around his cock and her juices covered her own hand reaching up and letting him taste them, leaning her head back she cried out. “Jon.” It left the back of her throat in a strangled cry feeling him keep shoving into her and she wasn’t sure if she had another orgasm in her if he continued to plow her. She was shaking and almost in tears wanting so badly to please him to show him she was sorry for everything that she still really did love and care for him.

As he saw her began to squirt around his thick cock he wasn’t ready to cum yet and he wasn’t going to let her off the hook that easy. It was almost time but he wanted her to feel him and understand that he was pissed and this wasn’t over. This wasn’t over by a long shot between them and them getting Miles back. As her sweet juices covered him it began to get gushier inside of Skye and he knew that he was close. Seeing her squirm under the pressure of him and her shivering in his arms. As she called out to him he began to drill her again and then she began to shake feverishly and he began to bust. The first explosion was massive he saw some spilling out and as he tried to pull out she gripped him tightly with her pussy. Jon gasped as he slapped the ground falling on top of her controlling his body so he didn’t press to hard. He felt himself shooting now he began to buck wildly inside of Skye. He rolled off her and began to pant breathing deeply and lost in his breath.

Jon sat up grabbing someone’s bottle of water and chugging it. Throwing it across the room. “Pack your shit. You’re moving out of here and I’ll pay for some movers to get whatever you have at Thor’s.” He looked at her and she was naked and looking perfect as if she’d never given birth. “Look we don’t have to get married but I messed up too. I fucked up and somehow I made you think that I wouldn’t have given you the world. I know that a child isn’t a reason to love someone but Skye we had something too. Back then you comforted me and even though I was stupid over Dani. I was in love with you and I didn’t know it. I’ve been scared to say it but since we are laying it all on the table. Skye I indulged your drug use and I wasn’t a good person and I have to fix that but that wasn’t you. That was me. I know you think we can’t get him back but I think that isn’t true. So I need you to be by my side because I’m about to get dressed and go to the Kincaid mansion. I wanna see my son and they are going to let me.”

**********

The wind was blowing on the balcony as she looked out at the snow that was covering the city. A blanket of ice covered the city and her heart was feeling icy as ever. All she wanted was her children to get what was their birthright and so much more. As she gripped the guardrail she felt the wind was intoxicating because she was honestly feeling smothered. Smothered by a secret that was so dark that it broke Katie. She knew Lowell hadn’t raped Katie and Linus was the culprit but letting Katie believe her last memory was with Lowell. So she assumed it was Lowell and Zerick did look like the Devonshire’s so it made it easier. Forbes and she manipulated this situation for years and she was grateful that Steven wasn’t alive. If he was then he could be the clutch to their scheme falling apart. It wasn’t until she met Pierre LeClerq as a friend did she understand if Forbes ever betrayed her she could lose it all. After the aides took Lowell to bed, she got a message to meet Pierre at Greer’s penthouse. Changing her clothes into a Versace beige cape with floral print on the inside, she had a floral knee length pencil dress on, and her pink Badgley Mishcha shoes were perfect. Swirling the wine in her glass she saw Pierre descending the staircase in an embroidered smokers robe and silk pajama pants. He looked relaxed and as much as she wasn’t trying to notice his chest was broad.

“Rumor around town was that Harvey was here.” She said looking at him. “I don’t think that’s a good move to have him in town. Lowell’s guard will go up and Forbes will be alarmed. He has always had worries when it comes to Harvey. Look I’m not here to tell you what to do. You summoned me away from my first Christmas with my family.” Tess took a drink of wine removing her cape showing her perfect figure as she crossed her legs. “I know what you are thinking. I’m moving carefully not to piss off Forbes but not to alarm Lowell either. It’s a tightrope game but I’m walking it fine.” Tess said, tapping her nail against the glass. “So what is this meeting for.” Picking up a piece of cheese and crackers. “I don’t have the time to play games Pierre. I just thought with you helping me with so much as getting from underneath Forbes’ thumb.”

Pierre had stayed in town for a few extra days after his brother had left watching and waiting and that was when he knew the time was now to act. It was apparent that Lowell was not going to warmly embrace Bliss or Belle as his heir meaning that Tess was going to be on a tight rope when the shit began to hit the fan. He went along with it at first to fuck with Lowell for putting him in prison and Walter too, but when the truth came out about Zerick he knew that Tess would be left again in the cold. He actually admire how well she had played her part over the last year and a half worming her way back into town and into Lowell’s heart and good graces. Then again rumor was that Lowell was dying and his little birdie at the bar had all but confirmed it, he was on to bigger and better schemes. Lowell was dying and would be a shell of his former self and he had now set his sights on the mayor Walter Fraiser. He had the perfect weapon to do it with and his daughter would follow through eventually with Chauncey he was sure of it. She had worked her entire life for it and when Tess arrived at Greer’s penthouse and was let in he swirled his scotch. Just a few texts to her at her cute little Christmas party was all it took to have her scurrying over and he smiled at her.

“Enjoying your short lived holiday with Lowell? I have it on good authority the upcoming wedding will be one that the entire town will remember for years to come. Now might be a good idea to get certain affairs in order afterall I think this sham of a new start for you and Lowell might be short lived.” Pierre said knowing that both Camilla and Linus were coming, he had always admired Camilla and the slight affair they shared years ago did come in handy when he wanted his dirt. He saw her look at him almost pissed off and he rolled his eyes walking to the bar and pouring her a drink before handing it to her. “I do have to say it must feel good to finally have him in your clutches after all these years only to know he is only choosing you due to his condition and not out of love. Word on the street is that he crumbled with Jackie finally having the balls to hand him divorce papers.”

“The truth will set someone free and we both know that Forbes is arrogant but not stupid. I do believe that the secret is coming out but when is the question. Lowell is very sick Pierre, and I am going to be there when he transitions. Not only that Jackie can divorce him because it’s my time Pierre and I’ll marry him on his deathbed to get all my power.” Tess declared as she looked at him in his eyes. “My daughters will be the heirs. I just need more time. I’ll figure it out and Jackie divorcing Lowell is my shot even more. Don’t you see if my involvement in Katie’s gaslighting is revealed then Forbes and I lose. Zerick has no clue I know the truth and only you and Forbes truly know the truth. So I’m about to ask you and Forbes even if it comes out don’t bring me down with him. He will see me as his last weapon and I’ll eventually help you destroy him. They weren’t gunning for you Pierre, it was Forbes that was supposed to take the fall. You see if Jackie divorces him and I marry him then I get it all. If I can help him hold off on appointing a CEO and giving a temporary CEO his spot until he appoints Bliss or Belle. That way he can still hold enough power until I get my time.” She reached out to Pierre as her hands shook at the thought. Being Lowell wife powerless and weak but still having the power at the end as Mrs. Lowell Devonshire.

Placing her glass down she looked at Pierre in his eyes. “I’ll help destroy Walter, Pierre please and I heard a rumor you recently acquired The Chronicles and Greer is going after some other things. You’ll need investors in a media conglomerate. You see the rumors are out because Harvey was in town and met with none other than Charles Hessington. Interesting how much money he’s come into recently and how he’s investing in DGI, and now that the patent on LeClerq Media LLC has been taken you’re placing yourself to be a serious threat to both DGI and MontCorp with the one thing they can’t control the media. Brilliant Pierre and your daughter being the queen on the chessboard is quite formidable but give me time and I’ll help you. I’ll have DGI and push Belle to invest into your company with Greer behind it. Pierre we’ve been friends and oftentimes if things were different then we could have been the loves of each other’s life. We know that didn’t happen and I’m asking for even trade. Time.”

“I think you have Forbes right where you want him if he is smart he won’t throw you under the bus in this mess and the only other witness to that night is dead. Jackie is quite stunning now isn’t she no longer tied to the shackle that is Lowell and yet here you are standing by his frail body yet you don’t even bat an eyelash why he was so quick to let her go after over thirty years.” Pierre said keeping that bit to himself the fact that Dru was his eyes and ears now that she was close to the Fraiser’s at the Pub and seeing Zerick along with Philip in exchange well that was something that Tess didn’t need to know about. He was close to close to giving Dru the funds and the tools that she needed to fulfill her revenge on Walter and Brenda not to mention every one of her siblings. He knew that Tess was holding onto some alternate reality that Lowell would name Bliss or Belle his heir but he didn’t see it happening that was not in Lowell’s nature given how mucha  blow the divorce alone had taken its toll on Lowell. “You are holding on too tight Tess Lowell is never going to give Bliss or Belle the keys to his kingdom so you may want to make your marriage a hasty one and make sure that all your legal bases are covered.” Pierre said cautioning her with it, Lowell had lawyers galore and if he knew his former friend he was not going to let Tess swipe his fortune from his children with Jackie.

“Harvey was doing what was best for our family so is Greer and now that we own the media here in Atlas Falls you and Forbes will have to learn to bow to that along with Lowell’s brats. Harvey left so you don’t need to worry about him lurking in the shadows he had to return to France to secure another deal.” Pierre said leaving out the fact that Harvey had tried to contact Lauren while he was in town as much as his brother liked to claim he had no ties to her he watched and knew it to be false. Lauren and her precious family especially her two brats, thank god there were not three were his brother’s one weakness if Freya had not followed though on sabotaging that relationship by trapping his brother with Bode when she did everything could have ended so differently. “While your backing would be nice I think we can help each other without ties this time Tess you see I simply want you to let us have access to your house and home, you will of course be paid back royally let us run pieces on how scorned you were over the years yet you were the one that stood by the great Lowell Devonshire in turn, I of course keep your dark and dirty secret with Zerick in tact. It would be such a shame if that were to accidentally come out in the paper or on the news now wouldn’t it?”

“I know Lowell feels like I deserve my shot in the sun and what’s the matter with me going for what’s mine? I have fought for more and less but this is my moment. I know he thinks he’s freeing her but I truly will get the last laugh.” Even if she had to do some of the dirtiest things she ever had done. Letting Katie believe Lowell raped her was horrible but it would pale in comparison to what she was plotting. If Lowell wouldn’t leave her daughter’s what she needed now then she’d make sure he did it in death. “I am secure and you seem concerned as if I wouldn’t be. I have placed a very powerful lawyer from Florida on my retainer and she’ll assist with me assuringly getting all what I need to provide not just a comfortable life but a life where I finally have everything that she had and more. Who is to say I want my daughters to have DGI? With Bliss reaccumulating to being a mother and Belle being so immature what if I was the CEO?” Tess said leaning in as she touched Pierre’s hand. “I would make sure your company had a inside track on Rory’s latest technology, Jackson’s plan, Chauncey’s weapons and latest state of the art body armor, and Max’s casino. I will give you all of that you will be the first one not Fox, not ABC, not CBS, and for sure not NBC. Let me get what I want and I assure you that I’ll help with LeClerq Media.” Tess said feeling pressure on her neck he was threatening her in the most polite French way. It was over cheese and a glass of wine he was letting her know she’d eventually have to kiss the ring to get what she wanted.

“Harvey is hardly in the shadows but I’m sure you know that. He’s making calculated moves but I have to wonder is he back for the one that got away or is he back to help you and Greer accomplish taking down DGI and MontCorp. I know what you both want and I see it as beneficial for you to want me to gain the spot at the top. I’ll do what Greer clearly isn’t focused on because she’s gallivanting with Brock Fraiser. That boy is sexy so I don’t blame her, he’s sex on a stick.” Leaning back she looked at him. “What do you want from me? You know where my loyalty lies but you question me so what is this about? I’ve never betrayed you and we both know what we are after, dominance.” Tess said as she felt her heart beating. “I will do whatever but I won’t be indebted to anyone forever are we understood?”

“Lowell is giving you a shot because Jackie is done with him you really think this was the happily ever after he envisioned. Word inside DGI is that he has a will one that you haven’t even seen.” Pierre said one of the advantages that he had now with Dru was gossip from inside of DGI based on loose lips of Zerick and he didn’t even have to lift a finger to do it to his former protege. He watched Tess’s face which he now knew was truth she had no idea where or who Lowell had stashed it with Zerick didn’t either but it was mentioned and it was information he trusted. “Not even Jackie knows where it is I’d advise lining your ducks in a better row if you think the time is near. I can’t tell you who I have gotten this information from but I’m tell you this now before the wedding so that there are no surprises when it happens. I have a feeling that your little part in all of this is something that Forbes might decide to spare should a reasonable voice tell him too.” Pierre said walking towards her and putting his drink down on the table beside her. He had thought about taking Tess as a lover over the years and even now he saw her beauty and smelled her perfume. “If you’re honest Tess Lowell is no longer the man you want.”

“You want a man that is powerful and willing to take on the world for you something he has never even given you not even now.” Pierre said looking at her and almost leaning in to kiss her but stopped himself pulling back. Harvey was something on the back of his mind just as it was Tess’s he honestly wasn’t sure which side of all of it he would fall on, Freya had done her duty but it was a well known fact in their family Harvey never let Lauren go. Harvey and even hired detectives to find Victoria in the lake unknown to anyone in town but him, and always regretted that he left Lauren to Walter his one weakness was Lauren Fraiser and the children that he thought should have been his. “Harvey is still a love sick fool when it comes to this town, you and I both know that but I’m keeping him close for now he knows that there are bigger things at play than looking back on the past. He is fully committed to helping you and I take down Lowell and the rest of them the right way.” He left out the part of the agreement that he had promised Harvey he wouldn’t lay a hand on Lauren or her children, but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t encourage a certain young woman to take her revenge and watch it all burn to the ground. “He has assured me of his loyalty in that matter have I ever led you astray before?”

Tess’ heart pounded knowing that Pierre was correct that Lowell had never placed her first. He’d never treated her as special and that was why the town never loved her like Jackie. For the first time since she got Lowell she was confronted on how she got him. She felt so happy to finally get what she wanted; she didn’t want to face how she was getting it. One thing she was certain about was that Lowell didn’t have the will at her estate. That meant it was still either at DGI or the Devonshire mansion. He was right she would have to get a copy to understand what Lowell’s plan was for the long term. When Pierre almost kissed her she turned her face away to show that she wasn’t in the right time or place to explore this. Throughout the years Pierre had been a constant. It was times they both almost crossed a line in their friendship but she wasn’t ready to lose the one man she always depended on. “You have never.” She said reaching out to him. “Why didn’t we ever try after Agnes? I know I was chasing Lowell but why didn’t you try to see if we could be something?”

She didn’t let him answer the question she reached out and touched Pierre’s face. “I can tell you why I never tried. You aren’t over Agnes and maybe that’s why you didn’t try with me because I wasn’t over Lowell. I know you don’t understand this but for the first time since I’ve been an adult the man I’ve loved is giving in. He’s giving me the love and attention that I know he’d never give me that. But him dying is giving me the shot that I didn’t know I’d have. When Lowell dies.” Tess paused as she exhaled knowing that she wasn’t ready to face that. “When he dies, Pierre I’d like to see if I can move forward with someone else. Hopefully I am not to late like Harvey.” Looking over at her clutch purse she grabbed it. “I should go, Belle is having a hard time adjusting to Atlas Falls.”

Pierre saw Tess pull back the same time he did they of course had always been friends and at one point Tess was close friends with Agnes and at his dead wife’s name he pulled back a few feet. He wouldn’t be like the other men to Tess, Agnes would always be his one and complete only in his heart but maybe it was time to take Harvey and Greer’s advice and open it back up again. He wasn’t quite sure if Tess was the woman or not that he was supposed to do that with but he had always admired and liked Tess when it came to their friendship. Even back in the day he saw her as a woman and not the pesky best friend of Katie that saw stars. “Agnes of course is the reason Tess.” Pierre said looking at her and seeing her ready to go and opening the door for her. “Everyone’s been telling me it is time to move on perhaps they are right. But for now I bid you adieu the future Mrs. Devonshire.” He said leaning down and kissing her cheek before seeing her out the door.

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