3×18 The Reason
Written by: Kristi Clark, Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring: Jeremiah Beecher (Ernie Hudson), Gloria Beecher (Angela Basset) and Roya Adonis (Shohreh Aghdashloo)
Warning: Episode may contain graphic violence, sex and other themes.
Theme Song: The Reason- Calum Scott and Leona Lewis

Mason entered his old bedroom while he saw Selina rush off to talk to the caterer and he wondered if maybe he was being a little too dismissive about everything with their mother. Maybe it was something that he could look into, maybe read the diaries if it meant she would get off his back about it. He couldn’t help the grin that came out watching Hunter with Jackson in the room getting ready for his wedding. Two of his best friends from childhood would stand by his side while he married Zach Fraiser of all people. Whoever would have thought that he would be marrying Zach of all the eligible men in Atlas Falls, he then heard the door open and smiled at his little brother Jamal too when he came in. He looked at his watch little brother was cutting it close on his day, he saw Hunter had furrowed his brow for a minute at his phone and wondered how that meeting with Max went. Probably not the best judging by how quickly Hunter moved on to getting his shoes on. He then looked over at Jackson and wondered if he had told Dani about earlier at the office or not, the security staff had gotten wind of it and he had covered for the commotion. If Julian asked or if Lex said anything he would tell his boss about Zach’s suspicion that Lex had put that spyware on Dani’s phone.

“You’re cutting it close Jamal please tell me you weren’t out there causing more drama on my day cause we know today is about just love. I’m really glad ya’ll are here though I never thought that Zach would be my one you know? I mean after years with Simon and then what went down I never thought Zach and I.” Mason said grinning at them all as he went to his dresser and looked at the matching groomsmen gifts that he had gotten made. The flasks with a set of Cuban cigars for each of them seemed to fit the theme and who didn’t want a drink or two on the special occasion? He actually wondered what Zach was getting his party since it was so different with Dani and Kelsey in it then again he didn’t see either opposed to a flask if he went that way. “I also wanted to say thanks to all of you for pitching in to get this done last minute. For you Jamal making sure Willow was booked. To you Jackson making sure everything was set with Dani as maid of honor and Hunter you have been amazing with Bliss helping with the fine details with Merci, so thanks again. It means the world to Zach and I.”

Jackson knuckles were still red but today wasn’t about him and he knew that for a fact. He watched Jamal saunter into the room. He had heard from Hunter and Bliss that Belle and Jamal were going together. He lowered his head because if it got messy between them it could push Selina even further out. His mother had called saying that they had to keep Selina due to this situation with Tess. Placing the box down he smirked as he looked at Mason. “Well Cubans, how the hell did you get these? Remember when Tony and dad let us all smoke these? I always knew you would find your happiness because you’re a good person Mason. What I find is ironic that two of the richest guys ended up with Fraiser’s. I am happy you get to be yourself and you get to do what you want. I know your father is proud of you and I appreciate this man congratulations and thank-you for earlier I might of um. Nevermind that doesn’t matter where the hell is the champagne?” Jackson said, clapping his hands together. “Come on, this is a celebration of my cousin-in-law and my best friend getting married. We are here to celebrate and Hunter you look like someone kicked your puppy, Jamal you are floating but hurt Belle and I’ll kick your little ass.” Pulling him underneath his arm. He heard Hunter popping the champagne as he started to fill up the flutes and pass them around.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Jackson said as he paused looking at his knuckles. He’d never feel badly for that but putting Mason in that position on his wedding day. Guilt started to rack at him as he touched his shoulder. “I don’t want to get emotional but Hunter, Mason, and I have been thick as thieves since we were in diapers. We are best friends and I can’t say I’m prouder of any man in this room. You knew how Tony would be proud of the man you are and have become.” He paused as he faced his boys from childhood. “I’m who knew our snot nosed asses would be married and having kids of our own?” He smiled looking at Hunter. “Although only one of us has married a set of sisters?” Jackson could only laugh at his family, others could not “Come on Hunter even you have to admit that one was funny and I’m only warming up.” Pointing his fingers at Mason.

Mason looked over at Jackson and wasn’t sure if he should address what happened at the office but there was no reason he shouldn’t either. He worked with Lex and Julian but he could always have his own office again if he wanted and Jackson was his best friend and he got that he was angry about what happened with Dani. “Listen Dani’s your wife you love her, you wanted to protect her it was messed whoever was messing with her phone. Julian asks me about it. I have your back. I’m not going to let you go to jail over Lex of all people, but I do think you should keep your guard up. At least until Zach has some sort of lead on who it was.” Mason said looking at Jackson wanting to ease his mind that it wasn’t like he was going to go out and throw his best friend under the bus and did Lex really want to call the police and have them digging into his connection to Dani’s phone? He still suspected he had something to do with it; he just couldn’t prove it. “I get that you know wanting to protect someone you love I never really did till Zach but I get that now. If someone was out there going after him I’d be livid I’d want to tear them up for messing with him. You don’t have to apologize to me for that ever.” Mason said, patting Jackson on the back before breaking out in a smile while the glasses were passed out.

“As for the cigars, I found them in my dad’s things and I thought he’d like me to use them, you know? Not like he is going to use them in fact I think that your dad might have even gifted him the box. Jamal I need to tell you what Jackson did too like don’t do anything stupid to Belle the last time you got involved with girls left and right it led to some pretty big drama. You and Rory  were fighting over Yasmine. Recently that entire thing with Val I’m just saying I agree with Jackson, our families don’t have any more drama between us.” Jamal said, handing his little brother a glass and then looking over at Hunter who was quiet about it all. Ever since his stint in jail it was like Hunter was more reserved and a bit quiet he got it it was tough on him and Bliss. He saw Hunter smile a bit at the light joke about him and the sisters and he wondered if that would ever go away, probably not. “I agree with Jackson Hunter, not everyone can say they married siblings. As for the Fraiser’s they aren’t all bad minus Walter he is literally the worst but the rest they’ve been really welcoming and pretty amazing. I’m just happy that you all get to celebrate this with me and Zach and hopefully this goes down without all the drama of Jackson’s wedding.” Mason said, looking at them all before they burst out laughing.

Hunter was actually happy for Mason and Zach, really happy after all the garbage that Mason and Simon had done to each other and went through they deserved that. He had no idea what happened with Jackson and Lex and made a note to talk and ask Bliss if she knew anything. He was even a little thrown at the fact that something was going on with Dani and Jackson; they had looked so happy though with Lowell’s death they had all been under stress too. “Honestly Jackson the only thing you could do is talk to Max lately she’s been attacking Bliss and me every chance she gets left and right and I get it with what happened with your dad and Tess at DGI. But she’s pregnant too and we’re both worried about her and Bliss hasn’t done anything to warrant her constantly coming after us for something that happened almost two years ago. Max and I were on the rocks long before Bliss walked into the picture. It was her little affair with Ryan and then her affair with Philip and it’s like she just expected me to keep right by her. Her little husband is waiting. I would go to jail for Bliss, I’d walk through fire for her if I had to, you of all people have to understand that. None of what happened with Tess is Bliss’s fault, hell it’s not even Belle’s.” Hunter said looking at them both almost stared at him and he didn’t care it was a constant railroad from Max lately which was a lot.

“She literally came into this meeting today for the casino accusing Bliss of a whole bunch of shit and then tried to take control of it, like it was weird. She doesn’t act like she cares at all about her upcoming child. Did you know she hasn’t even been prepping anything? Me and Bliss have our own shit going on with my mom’s health and Bliss’s pregnancy too. All I’m saying is that maybe one of you could talk some damn sense into Max to take a step back and actually process what happened to your dad.” Hunter finished he didn’t want to be in the middle of Bliss and Max but he was getting tired of holding that in around the Devonshires since most of the time they were too afraid to say anything to Max, the former princess to Lowell. They rarely ever called her out or got a reign on her. He did listen to Mason and had to let out a chuckle at the end to kill the awkward silence that had happened. “On a less serious note Bliss and I are so happy that you finally found your person Mason, your one if anyone deserves that it’s you. All bullshit aside, our friendship means the world to me, my friendship with you both. As for you Jamal I don’t think you need a third warning about Belle. Is that even allowed from a once removed and then rejoined brother in law?”

Jackson listened to Hunter lament on Max feeling like he wasn’t sure if he could reign in Max. Right now they were in a fragile place with his sister and the family in general. He wasn’t sure how Max was reacting to their father’s death. It hurt badly that Jackson and Max had gotten so disconnected recently. She didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about her pregnancy and that meant it was true. For years Max said she didn’t want children and maybe the pressure of being a mother was making her snap. He adjusted Hunter’s tie and looked at his brother-in-law in the eye. “She is my twin and I promise you I’ll talk to her tonight about this okay? I don’t know why she’s going backwards with everything but she’s regressing because she’s hurt. I know my sister she’s really torn up about dad’s death and I know that’s not a excuse to attack your wife and her sister but she needs to blame someone. Max is that way and I hate it but she has to have a rival or someone to fight. It’s how we were trained to attack first and think later.” He looked at his hands. “I guess what I’m saying is Max is suffering way more than you both think. She is a new mother and Hunter, you know that wasn’t in Max plans. I think she’s just shaken by all the changes happening.” Jackson sat down as he took a champagne flute.

Staring at Hunter and Mason. “We were quite a group right? Look at us married and all starting our own families. I feel so crazy sometimes looking at the twins like little lives are in my hands. These little lives and now my boys are all married and having kids and shit. We can share dad jokes and I just want to tell you both I appreciate you both in my life because I had an older brother who hated me and a younger brother way smarter than me. You guys have been brothers to me even in my darkest and you both always saw my potential. I love you two man.” He dapped both of his boys. “So let’s get this party started.”

Jamal walked out the bathroom looking at himself in the mirror. “Y’all corny.” He said laughing looking at Hunter and Mason snickering. “Like this is my brother’s wedding so we won’t be talking about Max or any of your old ass problems. Today is a celebration plus I’m with literally the baddest Devonshire right now. I mean you all like stealing that title of the worst.” Teasing Jackson right back. “No seriously your sister is cool y’all need to stop tripping on her. I mean Selina never treated me any differently and I’m their half sibling.” Mason shot him a look because Tony would get on all their asses about that half-sibling shit. “You know what I mean.” He sat right in the middle of them.

“Remember Rory and I used to always run behind y’all? It seems like so long ago.” Jamal drifted off to his father and Lowell. “I remember Lowell’s first time snatching me up. I knew our families were linked and now look at us all. You are the old heads and I’m the young fly bachelor.” He saw Jackson looking at him as if he’d throttle him. “But a respectful bachelor you know what I’m saying Jackson because you were the ho I aspired to.” He felt Jackson, Mason, and Hunter about to jump him. “Where is Rory because this isn’t back in the day I’ll lay paws on all of you.” Getting into a boxing position. “I float like a butterfly sting like a bee.”

Mason looked at them all and smiled. The weight in the room seemed to lift a bit with Jamal out there and he simply passed his father’s lighter around so they could at least take a puff or two from the cigars in celebration. That was what today was a celebration on all fronts. He didn’t have Rory in his wedding party but from what he understood Rory was likely dealing with Aspen. He playfully punched Jamal in the shoulder. “Just don’t maybe sting that flower is all we’re saying as for Rory, he’s out there probably dealing with Aspen. For now let’s just focus on getting in a few puffs before all these spouses catch on our old asses like Jamal likes to call us now.” Mason said, chuckling a bit as he took a puff and then blew the smoke into the air.

**********

Zach looked at Dani who was now playing with the twins who were impressing the hell out of them because they were already walking. He couldn’t wait to he met his beloved Kieran and found Scarlett. He wasn’t trying to rewrite history he understood that Scarlett was a loon but she had raised Kieran and he wanted to know exactly who he was. If he could somehow find her or get word to her. Kieran was the only thing missing today but he wasn’t going to mope. Zach was about to marry the one person who made him get up every morning. Seeing Kelsey walking in looking amazing he smiled brightly at his sister who he was so proud of. She was living her truth and that meant the most to him. All his life he had shame but today was about love and love showing up all around them all. Folding his arms he saw Brock dancing with Jolene and it was playing out just like he thought it would in his mind. As The Temptations played in the background as the Fraiser’s danced. These were the moments his son missed by not being here but he had this forever in his memories. He swooped up on Donovan dancing between Kelsey and Dani who are surrounding Brock and Jolene. Leaning into his favorite cousin he whispered in her ear.

“Can I speak with you in private?” He said as the vinyl record stopped and Brock went to change the record. “Kelsey, can you handle these two until Dru comes back from the mansion to get Jolene’s shoes?” When his baby sister nodded snuggling and playing with the twins he looked at Dani and smiled at her. As he moved to the spare sitting room in the bedroom so that he was out of earshot from his siblings. The Delacroix mansion had room to spare and then some, something he would have to get used to.“I’m really happy Dani, and I love that you are the same cousin but I can’t pretend I think you’re safe. I wiped that virus off your phone but I think someone is after you and Jackson. I just need you to keep your eyes on Dru. So you know that rookie detective Rebecca well she was at The Crestwood grabbing a drink and saw your nanny get into it with Walter and Brenda. I also might have called in a few favors and have been having her watched by a few friends. Look Dani, just be careful with this girl until I can find out some more about her.”

Dani had led her guard down maybe just a bit since they had come back from Montana going as far as to have the security team double and triple check everything at the house. The twins had finally begun walking which meant she or Jackson were constantly chasing them but she was excited about the wedding. Her and Jackson were in a better place since their trip, she’d almost venture to say back to normal even and honestly Dru had been the last thing on her mind. When she had noticed the missing shoes she had said she would get them but Zach had told her to text Dru to bring them instead, reluctantly she had agreed. She had been busy prepping for today for her maid of honor speech and helping Zach make sure everything was ready. Dru could wait till after the wedding, she knew that they would eventually have to fire her but she’d like Jackie or Jackson handle it, she didn’t want to do it until they had a replacement lined up. Something that Jackie had insisted that she handle, they would need Dru again before then but for right now splitting the time with the twins between her mother and Jackie had been working okay. Today wasn’t about her though and as she adjusted the skirt on black and gold sequin beaded flapper maid of honor dress, it was way too prone to wrinkles. She smiled at the rest of her cousins in the room. When Zach pulled her into the other room she knew that her children were a step away with people she trusted.

“We’ve taken steps to tighten up security at the house since we came back. Since I got the new phone and it seems all the weird shit stopped, Jackson would never let anyone hurt me or the kids. Jackie is looking into a replacement, wait she was fighting with my dad and Brenda like why?” Dani said at first dismissing Dru’s place for a moment she was going to let Jackie handle a replacement nanny and when they had one lined up they’d face her with a smile and fire her. Jackson was right she was way too connected with so many men and she needed that jolt of a reminder about Ronan. He was dangerous and the entire ordeal with Kendrick did still pass through her from time to time. If Dru was involved with Ronan on any level she simply couldn’t risk it, after what happened with Kendrick what if Dru pissed him off or that crazy woman he was getting married to? She looked at Zach and shrugged her shoulders. She honestly couldn’t stand Brenda Kincaid but she was curious about why Dru was fighting with her and her dad of all people. “I really don’t care what Dru does or doesn’t do in her spare time except for her relationship with Ronan which Jackson and I talked about and is one of the main reasons she has to go. Brenda is ugh Brenda, the woman can’t even keep her mouth shut half the time she wants to be pissed she can. We’ve been using Jackie and my mom more, taking it out on my dad is not a way to win points. Did Rebecca happen to know what they were fighting over?”

He raised his hands about Brenda unsure of what else to do. Zach nodded his head as he stared at Dani’s rosy cheeks and beautiful glow. It was good to see his cousin and best friend looking like herself again. Whomever was doing this knew their family history and how much this could affect them. The Fraiser’s weren’t bad people but mentally they’d all had struggles. Including his self-righteous uncle Walter. Darkness was embedded inside of them and he wasn’t sure why but he couldn’t get Dru out his mind. It happened often where he was like a dog with a bone about a feeling. Don’t ask him where it came from but that girl wasn’t on the up and up. Looking at his tux and staring at his reflection in the mirror. “Dani, from what I heard Brenda was snarky but not snarky enough to flip the way I heard it. Look, I’m not about to make excuses for anyone. I do believe that Walter and Brenda were attacked from what I hear that it wasn’t pretty. She may have said some horrible things about you. Walter might be protecting you this time, cousin.” Feeling his mind racing. “Look she is lying about something. I just want to figure out what she is lying about. I have a few people looking into her and I can’t imagine what she is after but whatever it is. Dani, she’s no good.”

Zach touched his finger waves in his hair and laughed. “You know it was his idea for this elaborate twenties themed wedding? He told me that he wanted to respect the glamor and aesthetic of the twenties. So I know his favorite authors are Orwell, Hemingway, Morrison, and Langston Hughs. He loves the era and has some weird obsession with the era. I mean the guy’s favorite movies are The Great Gatsby and the original Imitation of Life which he corrects me and tells me all the time is a 30’s movie. He loves Kieran and like me never even saw him. We talk about adopting three or four kids. A house full of Delacroix-Fraiser’s. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy and honestly and worried. I don’t know Dani, it feels like everything is completing even though it’s beginning you know? Something new is happening and I can’t get this feeling out that I need to protect my family. You especially.” Zach confessed as he stared at her. “They made you believe that you were going crazy. That scares the fuck out of me.”

“I’m not Brenda’s biggest fan. The woman is a menace and I have no idea what my dad sees in her after all that crap. I mean I would have washed my hands of the woman that lied to me about a child and then gave it away without me knowing but my dad is always going to do what he does forgive her for everything. But Dru I don’t know people said she got into it with Brenda before as well maybe it’s because she was friends with my sister. That was weird saying that out loud.” Dani said looking at Zach she wasn’t about to give her dad credit after he took Brenda back of all people maybe that was what was Dru’s problem too. Or maybe it was that she had loose morals if her dress at the Summit was any indication everyone stared at her. She honestly didn’t know how she felt about the sister that died and she never knew they would have been close? Probably not her dad would have known he would have left her mother, Braden and her and raced to Brenda and his precious kid with her he always wanted. It was for sure weird to her even if Dru was friends with her to be fixated on Brenda and her dad over it. “Jackie’s looking into finding someone else, someone more suitable and maybe more stable is a good word for it. I’m not stupid like everyone thinks I noticed her switch at the party based on what she was wearing. I trust you and your gut.”

“I’ll ask my dad about it later and get back to you if it makes you feel better. I mean they tried and almost succeeded whoever it was that put that damned spyware shit on my phone. You had my back Zach and it showed me that I need to not be in my own head sometimes it just got hard. Doing DGI, the fundraiser and having Dru in our lives and with DGI and everything going on there I didn’t want to bother Jackson with it you know?” Dani said looking at her cousin in the mirror the finger waves looked good on him, she found the entire twenties theme to be a fit for them both. The classicism of the era for Mason she could see, she could also see that fun side in her cousin. She could tell that he was worried about her and everything so she walked up to him pulling his sleeves down on the tux to make sure they were in order. “Once he knew, Jackson was all too happy to remind me that we’re a partnership first but I need to talk to him better on our weekend away. We’ve been okay since Montana, better almost. Now you can stop worrying about it so much. At least you and Mason are the ships in this tale that didn’t pass each other by in the night. So where are you guys going for your honeymoon?”

“Miami he found this hotel on the beach which hasn’t been renovated since the twenties. It’s a theme I told you he loves this shit. He’s intrigued with the entire motif there. My husband has made me the happiest guy in the world. Your family is making you happy and I’m about to get married. I remember when we used to climb in the treehouse and I remember telling you I liked boys. I just remember you’ve been my rock and I am not going to let some strange girl mess with or whoever it is. I’m serious we deserve to be happy and I’m not going to let some psycho deranged person mess up my dreams. Kieran and my kids with Mason will be raised with the twins.” Zach said, looking at Dani. “I’m going to join the FBI but I’m coming home. The twins and my kids will be united you know like we were. Unfortunately we married two rich assholes so our kids won’t be going to Atlas Falls High School. It’s the Falls Preparatory Academy. I got to get this itch out and then maybe I’ll be a trainer and live a less dangerous life you know?” Pinching his nose he grabbed her hand. “Thank-you you never judged me and my journey or sexuality.” Zach looked at her as tears began to fall. “Everyone has accepted me and loves me and Mason. I appreciate that because a lot of gay people don’t get that.” Zach’s eyes blurred with tears as he exhaled. Letting it out he began to cry and released it. “You always loved me and never scrutinized me.”

He lightly punched Dani’s shoulder. “You’re my person Dani and always no matter if I have sisters you are my sister. Even though my uncle has dragged you through so much and Walter is an ass, you are the rock of this family and I will always protect that and you. So even though it’s my damn day. You will be protected.” Zach looked at Kelsey and Brock staring at him and Dani wiping each other’s face because they were in tears. “See this queen can share his damn day.” He clapped his hands together. “Plus we are here to celebrate my bestman and my groomsmen looking at Kelsey and Brock. I’m sorry the only person who could possibly beat Dani is Lucy and she’s not here.” He paused, feeling the weight of Lucy being missing at the moment. “Next year, right? She’ll be home and she’s going to be good, okay.” Talking to Brock who was holding Jolene and Kelsey who was holding Donovan. “Trust in her, she’s changed okay.”

Dani thought it all sounded like the perfect honeymoon for Mason and her cousin and she couldn’t help but smile at it. She and Zach had always understood and supported each other so when Zach had confided in her when they were younger all she had told him was it didn’t matter at the end of the day. He could love whomever she wanted and she’d support that no matter what. She didn’t really know what else to say to Zach; they were each other’s person; she didn’t turn to Miranda or Whitney in her youth or college. It was always Zach so instead she just hugged her cousin and nodded. “I’m always going to be here for you Zach and now you and Mason. Just like you have been for me over the years and yeah who would have thought about who fate decided for us.” Dani said pulling back and wiping the happy tears away as her cousin did the same they were family first best friends second. “It’s not your job to protect me anymore Zach I think Jackson does a pretty amazing job of that on his own. Besides I think he knows he doesn’t you’d take him out back. Lucy is going to be fine when she gets out.” Dani said, teasing him for a bit when Kelsey and Brock finally joined them.

Kelsey had been walking around the other room trying to keep Jolene busy. She gave her brother and Dani space. They were always so close as kids happen when you were a month apart in their family. She was younger and so was Lucy so naturally she was closer to her sister. She had laughed way too hard with Brock when Donovan started to smack him with a toy and watched her brother try to handle it. That would be him in a few weeks with Greer and she bit her lip about it. Maybe she’d talk to him about her suspicions later. He was good with Donovan and if that bitch was lying about the baby she was carrying she was going to rip her apart from limb to limb, that was simply just cruel. She shook her head at the thoughts before she smiled at her brother and Dani. “Well we all know this wasn’t about to go down without your partner in crime, big brother even if Luce was here. She’ll be back home before we know it.” Kelsey said, handing them all a champagne glass and raising her glass. “To Zach and Mason. To Lucy coming home soon.”

Brock had come to the mansion after making sure that Greer was settled downstairs with his mom and dad, the entire thing at the hospital weighing on him. He had tried to push it to the side on the way up the stairs but it nagged him. Today was about his brother and Mason. Everyone was in high spirits for their wedding and the moment which was great but he had to wonder about his wedding. Would the entire family be in smiles for it? Dani hated Greer so did Braden, Zach always had Dani’s side. Kelsey was back and forth and he wondered what Lucy would say not to mention his aunt and slapping Greer back at the Summit. Looking at Donovan smack him with that toy though he realized this would be what parenting would be about for him watching his son throw his head back and laugh smacking him innocently with a toy to get a rile. That was what he wanted with Greer, his family could accept that or not but he would stand by her side. “Kelsey said it best always been you two versus the rest of us that being said we’re all really happy and ready for you and Mason to get married. I only hope that with all the blessings coming up both of you and the rest of the family will be as gracious to me and Greer.” Brock said watching Dani take Donovan back as she rolled her eyes at him. He looked at Zach and hugged him. “To my family.” He said, whispering in his ear.

Zach nodded his head whispering back to his elder brother’s ear. “To my family.” He was the first Fraiser sibling of their group to be married. This meant that things wouldn’t be the same, just them four. Five if you counted Dani.

**********

Selina stood outside the doorway with Mason who was pacing. She’d never seen him this nervous, not even for the bar exam. It was cute to see her brother so in love and so at peace. Even though he was nervous he was happy and she could feel it radiating from him. As she grabbed her brother’s hands she saw his bright brown eyes. “You know you look like mom more so than me. I always thought I took after dad but you have so many amazing characteristics of neither of them. Your compassion bro. Your heart is so big and so full of happiness. You deserve this Mason and I hate that I didn’t see you for years. I know you hid it but I hate you thinking you couldn’t completely come to me and share who you were. I just want you to take up as much space as you want. You deserve it Mason and I want you to never feel that way again. No more alone times for either of us. You know I feat Elliot because that man is giving me so much love. But we are deserving and you especially.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I know I’m not dad but I know he’s here proud and I’m so glad you two came to an understanding about your lifestyle. He got love, is love Mason and you taught him that. You taught him one of the biggest lessons.” Licking her lip she lowered her head. “I’m so sorry for bringing up mom today.”

She heard the musical cues which meant it was time for them all to line up. When she saw Jackson, Hunter and Jamal all lining up. Her eyes got so blurry she knew she couldn’t be walking down the aisle crying. Mason and she were together alone until Jamal. It was a lot of memories and she knew he was getting emotional as well. So she lightened up the mood. “Uh-uh we aren’t going to look like a mess in these wedding pictures so straighten up.” Wiping the corners of his eyes as she felt the excitement and butterflies of the moment. “Baby boy it’s your wedding day. Are you excited? How are you feeling? I can’t help but to feel like today and all of this is so amazing. You and Merci did amazing. The house looks perfect.” She said, looking around in awe. “Mom and you have the same taste. She had a party years ago. Do you know the theme? The twenties.”

Mason had been pacing since leaving the bedroom earlier in order to go over everything one more time with Merci it needed to be perfect. No murders, no drama just him and Zach celebrating who they were to each other and the fact they loved each other, so far so good. He listened to his sister about everything she was saying and he shrugged. He hid his sexuality well mainly out of fear from his dad. He also didn’t like to advertise it if he was honest and maybe that was the shame he knew his dad would have felt looking back, but back then it was better to hide it in the shadows. “I’m good you know I was never really sure where I fit in when I was younger I knew for a fact I wasn’t straight when I started to check out boys in middle school and then dad put all that pressure on me to be a man. All those talks and what not, I just didn’t want to burden you with Selina or even Jamal though he caught on pretty quick when me and Simon were still together. It was just easier to tell him you know and let him in on it.” Mason said looking at her and knowing she was trying to make up for the diaries earlier when she brought up their mother and he nodded at her in understanding there was no need for an apology from her in his mind. “It’s fine, Selina. I think you have a pull to her and I don’t know maybe she would have enjoyed today too. I’ll read them when I get back from Miami with Zach.”

“Honestly for the first time in a long time I feel happy, you know like I’m where I need to be with the person that I need to be with. Everyones asked me today if I’m okay and I can say yes I can. This feeling of being happy with Zach and looking forward to the rest of my life with him is everything. I had a ton of people at work telling me I’d feel nervous or anxious. When it’s right it’s right Selina and it took me a long time to realize that. I want that for you and Jamal, you know?” Mason said taking her hand in his own and squeezing it letting her know it was okay while he wrapped his arm into hers and they made their way down the aisle. It was perfect crisp tea lights hung from the pergola, the music playing softly and he grinned at Judge Roya Adani at the end she’d be the one officiating the joint culture ceremony which he thought was pretty damned amazing. Zach’s strong Irish roots mixed in with his African roots all into one to show that love was possible even if your cultures were vastly different. The twentie theme came from his love of all things Hemmingway and Orwell, and Merci had pulled it off perfect and then he heard the music change when he reached the front hugging Selina while Jackson hugged him and he saw Zach’s party start down. Brock went first, Kelsey and then Dani before he saw Zach walking down the aisle and he honestly felt like his heart stopped then and there, that was going to be his husband. He didn’t even know that he was crying till he felt Jackson handing him a handkerchief and the guest began to clap and he reached out taking Zach’s hands in his own. “Wow, just wow.” He finished looking at the man he loved like he was the only one in the room.

Zach felt the air leave his lungs as he walked down the aisle seeing Dani, Brock and Kelsey. He felt a sense of pride that so many people were here for them. But looking at Mason he knew God was real. Love was real because there was nobody more handsome and beautiful to him at this moment. He couldn’t lose because life with Mason Delacroix would always be everything to him. He would be on the ride for the rest of his life and any arguments and fights would be made better with conversation and making love. He saw it the future of his life with Mason and that meant that he wasn’t alone ever again. Losing Dante years ago he thought he could never love like that again. Now right now he couldn’t imagine his life without Mason. Stepping forward he wiped a tear from Mason’s beautiful brown skin. “You are perfect. This is perfect right?” He said looking at his husband and exhaled as Judge Adani smiled at them.

She was honored when she was asked to proceed over one of Atlas Falls most decorated officers Zach Fraiser and Mason Delacroix’s wedding. Seeing Mason crying opened her heart right up to say hopefully the right words. She didn’t do this for many and she knew that these were the real things. Sometimes you could see love from afar. You need to feel the warmth of that love and everyone deserves to feel that once in their life. Or at least be by that genuine feeling and these kids had that. She’d seen it with a few people here. “I need everyone to stand up. Pick up the person closest to you and hold their hands.” She watched as everyone joined hands and looked around the room. ”Love is a unique thing; it shows the ugliness and secrets that we as people hide. If you can find someone to share those ugly traits and dark secrets and say all the things that lay across your chest at night. Then you have found the person you belong to. Zachary Fraiser and Mason Delacroix have found that in each other. A strong Irish family and a prideful African-American family. These two boys overcame expectations to find love and I can’t find anything more beautiful. The selflessness of Zach and overwhelmingly goodness in Mason. I can’t see two more perfect people finding each other. These young men have vows they have written to each other. Zach handsome you are up first.”

Zach sniffled as he was trying to hold back his tears. He pulled out a piece of paper and exhaled.  “A little boy who was different from his jock big brother and older cousin couldn’t imagine being here. I always was seen as fearless for being who I was but I didn’t know who I truly was until I met you. I didn’t know the man I could be and should be. Mason you bring a light into my life that I can’t explain but it is so bright and perfect. You like to say I took you out of this dark place but I like to think you did the same for me. I wasn’t fully happy with anything until you came into my arms. I was in the cold until you warmed up my life. I thought I could list a few things I love about you. To tell you that no matter what I will always love these things. I love the way you snore, I love how you always have coffee made, I love you love my son and you haven’t even met him, I love the way you read to me at night, I love you teach me about seasonings, I love I’ve gotten you hooked on Drag Race, and I love how with you Mason it’s always an adventure. So with this ring will you take me as your as my husband.” Picking up Mason’s hand he waited until he agreed to slip it on.

Mason looked over at the judge and couldn’t help the chuckle of relief that washed over him seeing Zach so emotional as well about all of it. It was so much to take in and this was the moment he wanted to remember forever the moment that Zach touched his face to wipe his tears, the moment that he felt all that love radiating off his soulmate. He had tears springing to his eyes when Zach began to talk and profess his love for him all the things that they had experienced leading to this moment in their lives. The fact he was standing there with Zach by his side about ready to do this, marry Zach and make their dreams and future a reality and not just a talking point. He smiled at Judge Adonis who had graciously agreed to officiate their very mixed up culture wedding and he knew that she was happy to do it. When Zach started to talk about their union he couldn’t help the tears that came into his eyes at it, knowing what they had gone through if he hadn’t showed up at the bridge he had no clue what would have happened. He squeezed Zach’s hand in his own as he looked at him before he began to speak he had simply nodded his head at the ring while Zach slipped it on.

“A few years ago I wouldn’t even dream of being up here with Zach. I was so ashamed of who I was hiding inside of what other people wanted me to be I didn’t even know who I was. I was everything but happy and then one night you came and you saved me. You took a broken man and showed him that love didn’t care about if you liked men or women, or if you were a different color love just was. Everyday I wake up and I am so grateful that you came into my life, that we get to go on this crazy adventure together. I love the way you love people, and not just me or your family but the people you help.” Mason said catching himself choking up at that he loved the way Zach loved the community and as a cop he walked the walk and talked the talk. He gave back when he could, he helped those out that needed it and he loved so fiercely especially him and his own family.  “I love that you always put others before you, I love that you love your son and we will find him one day. I love the fact that you’re messy. It evens out with my need to be so clean. I love that you try to solve problems. Most of all you love everyone for who they are and I can’t wait to build our life together, kids and all with the most amazing man I know.” He paused seeing Jackson hand him the ring and he looked at Zach. “So do you take this ring to be my husband too?”

Zach’s hand was shaking as he looked at Mason and nodded his head. “I do.” He whispered almost breathlessly, feeling his heart exploding with emotions. First the excitement of finally getting to this moment, second joy for everyone being here and supporting them, and the final was peace. He was finally at peace with his own family. It wasn’t the family his mom and dad wanted but he saw their joy and fully felt they were happy for him. They had moved on from the pain of him being gay. They were just happy he was happy and that meant the world to him. Wiping his face he looked at Mason also wiping his eyes. “I…” He paused and choked up. “You were always the only option.”

Judge Adonias looked at the couple taking a ribbon from Dani and placing it over their hands, she could tell the smile from Zach’s side as Jackson placed down a broom in front of them. Raising her hands to encourage everyone to stand she waited a moment watching the grooms. Giving them a small wave of a signal to jump over to speak out to the crowd again. “With the power of the state of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you husband and husband. Mason and Zach you may kiss your husband!”

Zach smiled as he leaned and kissed Mason as he smiled and leaned in and kissed him again. As the crowd clapped and cheered. “You’re so screwed now you’re a Fraiser now Mason.” He snickered at his husband kissing his hand. “I guess I’m screwed as well in the best way my husband is rich as hell. You just kinda get a lot of annoying family.” Zach took his hand and began walking down the aisle seeing everyone following. “This was magical and I hope it was what you saw in that beautiful brain of yours.”

Mason couldn’t help the smile that came out from kissing Zach while their guests applauded the move and cheered them on, it was the perfect moment. So many people were cheering for them and happy, he saw Selian drying her eyes along with Ophelia and had to smile at Zach. His family was not as crazy or annoying as Zach but they were still a unit. Just in a different way with different dynamics at play. “I’m sure you’ll adjust to having all that excess of money just fine. Plus hey you get to be a bro to Jamal it’s like a younger brother to you that you didn’t get.” Mason said lightly, teasing him as well right back.

**********

Zach leaned in and kissed Mason again as they walked out in their new tuxes. His husband insisted that they had to change again which he didn’t mind. As he looked at the room full of people high and low brow in society but he saw the love. People loved that they were so happy and he touched Mason’s face. “How did I get so fucking lucky?” He said giggling as he looked around catching his breath. “I used to fear that I couldn’t do what I wanted because I was bisexual. Like my life was over or something but to be here with you and this moment. With the man I love and I’m ready to share my life with. Well that’s going to be the greatest adventure of my lifetime.” As he kissed his hand and they walked to their tables he saw Merci looking proudly at another one unblemished. They would do their dance shortly but Dani and Jackson both had speeches and who was he to stomp on tradition?

“Mason, can I ask you something? After our honeymoon I want to find Kieran and I want to fill our house up with kids. Okay maybe one or two other ones for now. But Mason I want to raise kids with you and I want to have this amazing family that my Irish ass people will be with your beautiful black family and our kids can reflect that. I just want to have everything we talked about and now that we are married and after I get out of Quantico why not? Why not do it? Become dads because technically we already are you know am I rambling or am I on a high from the wedding and moving lightning fast? If so I can slow down but I just want to have it all with you.” He said kissing him again, spinning him in his arms as he pulled out the chair for Mason and he sat down beside him.

Mason had been thrilled or better maybe overjoyed was the best word for what he was feeling the utter and complete happiness since he had said I do to Zach. The peace he felt either that he was finally at a place in his life that he was happy with who he was and with a man that brought out the best in him. Not to mention their wedding party was pretty amazing as well so far making sure that their day had gone off without a hitch. His childhood home was decorated perfect for the occasion, sure they would have been married at the Pub or somewhere less, elegant but his childhood home excelled in the drama that he was looking for in his roaring twenties theme. The champagne was about to flow, Willow was going to tear it up as the DJ and they were gonna eat, dance the night away and go on their honeymoon, it was going to be even more perfect if he thought that was even possible. Walking down the stairs after what he deemed with Merci to be their grand entrance for sure required at least a wardrobe change for the effect. The staff had been so fast to put out the tables in between the change and pictures and he happily kissed his husband back while they began to take their seats. He of course agreed with Zach on the kids and all of it he wanted it all too.

“I think after Miami and our honeymoon would be the perfect time to expand on looking for Kieran Zach. I would never tell you not to find him, he belongs here with us and your family. Scarlett took that from you when she left knowing that she had  the means to get away and leave you hanging for just a glimpse.” Mason said looking at his husband with a smile they did need to figure out how the kid thing would work. How would adoption work either through the state or privately once they moved to Washington for Zach’s job and were likely stationed there for a few years. Was it even safe to do that while Zach was an agent or did they want to go the other route with a surrogate down the line, he had read up on it a lot of younger women were doing that for gay male couples that were looking to expand their family more naturally. “I was thinking we should talk about it the more I think about it the more I am wondering if a surrogate is the right way to go lord knows when Jamal is going to be ready to be a father, Selina is trying IVF with Elliot and me. I don’t know, maybe we should look into getting a surrogate to make things easier. I have enough money to pay for it a few times over if we wanted and then some. Kieran is a literal piece of you and it would be pretty awesome to have a piece of me down the line too, at least for my family name you know?” Mason said as Willow played the music for the bridal party to join them and he looked over at Zach.

Fostering some kids in Washington would get them prepared and his heart was full. Picking up Mason’s hand he kissed it. They weren’t some illusion, this was real and this man defined him in so many ways. “Of course I want that. I want you to have a biological link and so should I. My son is one but I’m thinking of asking someone close to me for some help with that with you. We can find a surrogate for me a black woman, because I want our kids to be the best of us both you know.” He whispered in Mason’s ear. “I can’t wait to get you out of here and take off that suit. It’s nice and all but I can say that I want you in only one suit and it’s the one you came into the world with.” Zach saw Mason face light up and he knew he had said the correct thing. After Washington they’d come home to Atlas Falls and things would be perfect. Mason would be helping the underprivileged with legal issues as he always wanted and he could be a law professor. They could raise their children and be a normal couple with them being best friends with the twins. “I just want to do the FBI thing for a while and see what I can get out of it. I have skills and never pushed myself outside of Atlas Falls. Which, I think I should know what else is out there for me and us?”

When he paused he looked at Mason. “You know you are my soulmate and I didn’t know you were just across the courtyard. When we got those scholarships in high school man I didn’t know I’d be marrying a man let alone you. The alpha rich kid with shiny sneakers and a perfect smile. Mason I love you and all your mysterious twenties love. The lavish shit I’m not Dani I enjoy it.” He laughed hoping she heard him. She was married to a billionaire and still acted like she was in the old Fraiser house. “This is how the Fraiser should be living and I could get used to it. I mean every year another wedding. That’s a promise every year we are married we will renew our vows and I want to celebrate when we find Kieran. He’s missing Mason but he will be back and Miami is the first stop to find my son. That’s where Scarlett was last seen and that’s where we are going to track her ass down. Get my boy and introduce him to his beautiful mocha siblings.” He smiled brightly. “Can I ask one more favor? Help Scarlett get into some facility where eventually she can get the help she needs. Mason she’s sick and a loon but she has been raising my son and I don’t want to throw her in jail. I helped push her over the edge and I wasn’t any good to Scarlett. I need to try and help her for Kieran.”

Mason looked over at Zach and he got where he was coming from on all the fronts, fostering kids maybe in Washington while they were there while looking for the perfect surrogate. One thing he loved about Zach was how welcome he was to his culture. The man did just jump over a broom with him and was talking about black queen now too, that was what he loved. He couldn’t help the flush of color that came with the flirting about the after of the reception. “I have to say having that really nice skin on me later is something I am looking forward to way too much and this time as your husband not just fiance or boyfriend. If our kids and the twins are anything like their parents we’re all gonna be in for massive amounts of payback.” Mason said with a gleam between his antics and Zach complied with the twins’ parents he couldn’t help it the trouble all those kids could get into. He hadn’t thought a ton about the money Zach had seemed to lap it up but he did like that Dani grounded Jackson back to reality in a way he felt that was endearing about her for his best friend. “Don’t be too hard on her, it works for them, just look at them.” Mason said as he saw Jackson and Dani finally sitting down at their table eyeing each other and Dani glaring playfully at them.

Reaching for his glass again as the music filled and the rest of the wedding party started to make their way out to the table with Willow announcing to them he couldn’t help but look around the room again. Everyone was smiling and laughing as the people clapped and chuckled at their party. For a moment he teared up knowing his father was missing this and remembered the entire menu was from his father. He heard Willow on the microphone announcing what was going to happen from here on out at the reception. First of course speeches from Jackson and Dani though he was still curious about what they had planned. Food and then a ton of dancing and a party. He saw Willow approach the table and hand Jackson the microphone and he looked at his best friend. “Just saying this better be the most epic speech ever not to toot my own horn, but before Jon ruined your rehearsal I was way in the lead on that one.” Mason said, looking at Jackson grinning at him and then Dani beaming at them

Zach leaned into his husband and looked at them. “You agreed to whatever they planned so this is on you as much as me.” He whispered to him, turning his face and kissing him. Hearing the hoots and hollering Zach did it again. He laughed happily as he looked at Jackson and Dani.

Jackson and Dani stepped up and he held his wife’s hand. Public speaking was never easy but public speaking while having to be funny or epic terrified him. It wasn’t pretty epic lately; it was more like paperwork and diapers with a side of sneaky sex. Montana had done them wonders but with the twins walking now they were everywhere and they were always chasing both of them. As he nodded exhaling looking at Dani he smiled. Here he goes. “That’s enough of all that. You see you two will learn the first year blues. You see my wife and I have strategically broken down the first year of marriage and we will be directing and navigating you two through the first year blues.” It had truly almost been a year of marriage and Jackson couldn’t be happier. Well except they got a psycho nanny but that was something his momma and momma-in-law was handling.

“Stage one will be hot and heavy, stage two is you make me sick, and stage three is I can deal with you for the rest of my life. Now this is the hot and heavy era which is epic. Let me tell you it’s like making love every day and enjoying each other. Stage two you make me sick is when your wife gets tired of picking up your socks in the bathroom. Stage two is deadly because you learn those strange things everyone hides.” Jackson heard chuckles and relief eased. Dani was to interrupt him now and keep going on about stage two as if they were still in it then they would salute their love and talk about Zach and Mason.

Dani had been rehearsing this with Jackson for well over a week, something they had kept under wraps and she looked at her husband while Willow handed her another microphone. The strange things people hid was for her the most intriguing part. “He’s right, you know stage two happens after all that lovely stuff in stage one. You get comfortable with each other, picking up socks and underwear all over the bathroom floor. You find out that one snores more than the other one, one irons their sheets and the other could care less. They’re sheets you sleep in them or of course make love in them if you’re feeling frisky at this stage. My opinion, shoot for option two as often as possible. Makes this stage more bearable too.” Dani said looking at Zach grinning, Mason turning beet red and Jackson just beaming at her, everyone laughing. She ignored that look for now at least before she looked over at her cousin.

“Stage three is that stage of acceptance that this is it, this is your life now. You can live with the dirty laundry, you can live with the pressures of work and trying to make time for each other. It’s that stage that you can deal with that person because they’re your entire world. They’re your person, your partner, your soulmate. They’re the person that still looks at you like you are the only one in the room they see.” Dani said seeing her grandmother place a hand on her heart, her aunt reaching for some tissues that her uncle had handed her. She paused for a moment thinking it was almost a year for her and Jackson coming up. They were in that stage now and she took a breath and continued. “You’ve seen that person at their worst and their best and you still say they’re yours. You’ve seen them sick and lifted them up and took care of them while they complained. They’re still your ship that you want docked at your dock in the night. It’s the best stage because it’s real and it’s a forever stage.” Dani said looking at Zach wiping his eyes touching his chest.

“Once you are in stage three it’s ultimate bliss. It feels like nothing and no one will come between what God and you have made happen. Each moment is more complete and complex. You grow with this person and your heartbeat becomes one together. It’s an experience that I can’t explain but I know that Dani and I have something and you two have that same thing. It’s undying love and no matter what stage that fire burns. It’s so hot and completely consuming that you have no choice but to submit. I don’t know where I’d be without that woman. Just as you two will not know what to do without each other. Nobody understands you the way he does and remember to confide in them.” Jackson said looking at Dani as the guilt of not telling her what was going on with Dru was eating at him. She deserved to know exactly who Dru was and what she was after. A piece of some pie and she was working with Lex. She needed to know all of that. He looked at her as Mason who was shocked at their speech. See he wasn’t bad as long as she was right there. Dani was his good luck charm and he knew she was what got him the CEO spot. Her consistency and unwavering support made him a better man and candidate to his father. He deserved DGI and she deserved to rule and reign with him.

“What I’m trying to say I guess Mason is that you are about to embark on one of the best times of your life. You are my best friend and I can’t believe that you, myself and Hunter are all married. I want you to know Zach you were already family but now you are one of my brothers because of him. Congratulations because I am proud of both of you. Love is love and you showed everybody in this damn town we can have a nice and peaceful wedding.” He raised his glass to Merci across the room. “To Mason and Zach!” Jackson said as he grabbed his wife by her hip. “What stage are we in again?” He teased into the microphone.

“Maybe all three.” Dani said, raising her eyebrow at Jackson and speaking into the microphone while the crowd laughed again looking up at Jackson before she turned her attention to Zach. “Zach you’re my cousin and my best friend and I know you are going to do everything you can to make Mason the happiest man in the world. You found your person after overcoming so much so cherish it, relish it and know it’s meant to be. You told me love is worth it and now you know the same. Now can we eat before I really get into embarrassing you? To Mason and Zach!” She finished hearing Willow start the music and she reached down hugging Zach and Mason and then looking over at Jackson doing the same.

**********

Selina looked at Mason and Zach laughing as they danced together on the dance floor. They’d just done the cutest couple dance which was a mix of the Irish river dancing and the wobble. Which was quite the juxtaposition but she was quite entertained. When Elliot grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor she smirked he just wanted to slow dance into her panties. She smirked as she wondered if this was going to happen for her. She knew Elliot was a divorcee and she was as well. Did he even want to get married again? Then the big bomb was just ticking in her mind. Was she losing it? Penny literally said her mother wasn’t dead. That had to mean something but was her memories just playing tricks on her? Did she somehow fool everyone in this godforsaken city into believing she was dead and she was where all this time? What was her agenda? What did she want if she was alive and exactly what could she benefit from returning now? After all this time? She was led down this road by her father; he wanted her to know the truth but Ophelia warned against it. It was warned against her yet she was pulled to it like a siren’s song. That made her feel uneasy, deeply uneasy. The past was becoming her enemy and the future wasn’t looking too bright because if she was wrong and just going off the deep end. A piece of her wanted badly to believe that this was some strange fever dream but everything was pointing to this being facts. If her mother was alive she would make her feel her wrath. Selina wasn’t going to show mercy bloodline or not she abandoned them and had some ulterior motive that was for sure.

Looking at this man staring into her eyes she smiled. “Why are you looking at me like that? I know you believe you can read my mind but Elliot truly you have no idea what I am thinking? Well since you believe you can read minds tell me handsome what is going on in my mind?” Selina said almost wishing he could dig all the insecurities and thoughts of her mother out of her brain. “Can I be honest? I think I scared my brother earlier today and I must have come off like a loon. I know that this is where those diaries brought me to but Eliot saying she is alive? That’s opening up a riptide of pain and I did it on his wedding day. I am almost ashamed and then I wonder if I’ll ever be like them again. It’s safe again to open up that deeply and I guess I’m jealous. Mason has found his person and is committing himself before God and all his family. I didn’t think I wanted it again until I saw pure love today win out.” She said, looking at him. “Anyway, how is Jon’s case going?” Trying not to live in this glass house of her own rancid thoughts and breathing in. “If he needs help, let me know that man has been wronged over and over again. It’s quite sad, tragic in fact.” Not knowing if she was talking about Jon or herself.

People in Atlas Falls knew how to throw a wedding and considering the last one he attended a psychopath knocked him over the head and kidnapped the woman in his arms, he was glad so far this wedding was more lowkey than that. Watching all the happy couples on the dance floor cut loose and have fun was something he didn’t think he needed. He had Selina and maybe one day he’d walk down the aisle again. Honestly he hadn’t thought of getting married in a while and he still wasn’t a hundred percent open to the idea just yet but he was willing to keep an open mind about it all. When Selina started to talk about what she had told Mason right before the wedding he got where Mason was coming from but he also was there when Penny had talked to them, he was there when Rita sent them on the road to Penny in the first place. Neither of those women in hsi professional legal opinion needed to lie to them. He honestly thought that Mason had disconnected himself from it all as a way to cope, with his own feelings on his mother’s passing and then the same thing with the passing of his father. Whether that be from survivors’ guilt or something else he wasn’t sure, he certainly didn’t think that Selina was going crazy by any means. He had never lost a parent that young, his father had never been in his life but if anything happened to his mother he wondered how he would feel. He looked down at her, tipping her chin up to his to look her in the eyes.

“Let Mason have his day I’m sure when he has a moment to think about it he will start looking and digging too. Plus he did just marry a cop who may just open up those diaries and help your case. You aren’t crazy Selina or making things up. I was there. I saw their reactions and what they told you. What reason do they have to lie? Sure money or fame maybe, clout for a dead woman clearly one of them had loyalty to her. At least with Rita she seemed more loyal to your father wanting to help you. I’ll be by you no matter what as for marriage again I’m warming up to the idea slowly.” Elliot said looking at her wanting to be honest with her about where he stood about it all. While his divorce had been amicable with Monique it wasn’t something that eh wanted to repeat down the line if he ever got married again to feel like a failure at something, he knew that was irrational but he was also glad that Selina seemed to be open to feeling the same way given her divorce from Braden. “We don’t have to decide today Selina about it but knowing we are on the same page is a good thing. As for Jon’s case he actually reached out to me on our trip. He was the client that called while we were having dinner with my mom and dad. He’s decided to drop the suit against the Hessington’s.” Elliot said looking at her surprised face s he spun her around before pulling her back to him. “You look surprised?”

Selina knew he was right. Tonight was love and all she had to do was be supportive of Mason and that was what she was doing. Suddenly the music seemed to swell romantically. She had doubted this man and she was wrong to think that Elliot wasn’t down for her. He was more than loyal and loving; he was her equal. Sometimes she was afraid of everything that came with love and more and more he was showing she had nothing to fear. As she touched his face. “I just don’t believe Jon deserves as much pain as he has had. I am not a fan of how he turns his nose as the upper crest of Atlas Falls but he isn’t a bad man. He’s best friends with my cousin Devin and they are salt of the earth. I just don’t believe that he should be punished because he doesn’t have the money or resources to fight them. It’s unjust and I just think he deserves a shot at being a part of that boy’s life. Look I was around when Skye was a major train-wreck to the Devonshire family. She wasn’t exactly stable nor was she a good person.”

“We always talk about me? I mean the old you would be gunning for the Hessington’s and trying to expose every dirty thing in their past. What’s changed? Is it me? Have I softened the great Elliot Duvall?” She purred as she felt his hands caressing her ass. “You are genuinely changing and I don’t know. It’s refreshing to see the man behind all the bravado. Elliot, I’m excited to see you in the next stage. Now all your energy isn’t being wasted on being a social justice warrior and just a warrior for the people now. Oh that’s sex Mr. Duval you know if we ever move toward marriage we won’t have to change the monogrammed towels.” She looked over at Jamal and Belle dancing. “My little brother seems interested in her which is not good. That girl is Max all over again.”

“I think Jon got put in a very difficult situation no thanks to Skye Morgan and she also put the Hessingtons in the exact same one. At first I won’t lie to you I was gunning to go after them taking down that huge powerhouse of a political family. The media exposure alone would have had my name in lights and I was actually more shocked that Jon came to me at first.” Elliot said looking at her he had wanted the case to go to trial selfishly in a way to raise his star but it was that first mediation meeting that had made him stop and think. Little Miles walking into that meeting asking why the adults in the room were yelling at each other, the look on Whitney and Ryan’s face as they had no answers for it all. Lex Hessington on the other side who was willing to throw Jon under the bus repeatedly on the stand. It tugged at his heartstrings and while he was doing the research he realized how much of an uphill battle it would be. “It was that meeting we had with them something inside me switched watching that poor confused boy in that room with a complete stranger. They’re good parents Selina and Jon is a good man who got a raw end of the stick. But would ripping him or attempting to rip him from the only parents he has ever known been the best thing? What if Monique had tried to do that to me with Zeke? Chauncey did it to you with Maddie.” Elliot said looking at her being honest about the case for the first time.

“I get both sides and maybe this means Jon worked something out with them privately and it didn’t help his case when Skye Morgan overdosed at the Summit to then skip town afterwards. Without her it would have been an uphill battle against his character and past and Lex is twice as cruel as I am to a witnesses.  No judge in this state would have ruled in Jon’s favor whether that is right or wrong I’m not sure but maybe it has more to do with who Charles is.” Elliot said looking at her while he twirled her around to the music again, his hands comfortably on her backside dipping her to the music before pulling her back up. Honestly he was excited about the future and maybe that meant running what he was thinking by her instead of his secretary or even Jeremiah. “Can’t a man just change when he sees the light shining even if that light is a gorgeous woman that made him see it? Yes you had a part in it but maybe I am destined for something other than fame you know? I always tooted myself as some warrior for a cause but never really picked up the right tools for that cause. Jon would never get a fair shot with a judge and you know why corruption. I’m thinking of actually running in that big district attorney race coming up put that bravado with some actual action..” He said seeing her look at him and he grinned while he glanced at Jamal and Belle. “Your brother needs a prayer or two if he gonna tangle with that mess.”

Listening to her man speak on how he wanted to change Atlas Falls and the system. “Let me find out that you and Mason will be on the same path. He wants to help Scottswood and other communities with legal aid eventually. You working from the inside and him from the outside. Two black men changing the game and I love to fucking see it. You see that’s what I want again. I want to feel that spark and passion about my career. It feels like I have reached every pinnacle I can and DGI and I honestly want more. I want to be limitless Elliot and I think that’s the desire this chase has put in me. I want to be beholden to no one and I want a legacy like them. I want my father to be remembered and loved and seen because he deserves it.” She said looking at him as she noticed a woman across the room in a black vell and unusually large hat. Who in the world would come to a wedding with that on? She looked like she was going to a funeral but she was rich that was for sure. She had diamonds on that she spotted from across the room and that necklace was a little gaudy for her taste but that was clearly jades, emeralds, and green diamonds.

She turned around in Elliot’s arms as she focused on the lady across the room. “Hey, do you see that lady near the library hallway? In all black is she still staring at us? She’s been watching us all night and I kind of would like to know why she is so fascinated with us and who came to my brother’s wedding so boldly.” She looked at Elliot looking as if he wasn’t watching the woman and she tried to show she wasn’t watching her. Elliot had been in her childhood home since they had been together many times and knew the layout of the house and where she was trying to send his attention. Dragging her leg across the floor as if she was in a salsa she saw people starting to notice her and Elliot which wasn’t what she needed. She wanted to get to the other woman. Her mind flashed in who could have that much gall not to dress in theme but be in theme. “I want to meet her.”

Looking down at Selina he was glad that she was finding the spark again in her career, maybe even branching out. In his mind no one should stay at a job or position that they were unhappy in, for that simple reason alone he was proud of her. She felt undervalued at DGI that was clear but he wasn’t the one to push her to leave. He hadn’t thought about that with him and Mason, honestly he just wanted to make a change for the better after getting to know Atlas Falls better. The one downside was the salary he was used to the damn comfort of private practice. He was much more interested in dancing with her on the floor, his hands traveling over the top of her hips a bit while they danced, than looking for some random woman in a hat. But he was willing to entertain the idea because the adventures with Selina through all the craziness of her mothers diaries was worth it. Traveling to New York and then to his hometown to see those places with her and to help her through that seemed to only bond him more. He could hear the crowd clapping and the clicks of glasses not sure if it was for them or the newlyweds as he led her off the floor slightly.

“What woman? Honestly I was paying attention to you in that dress thinking of all the ways I was going to take it off later. You look stunning by the way and I really don’t think your father’s house has ever looked this dressed up.” Elliot said, his eyes scanning the room trying to figure out in the crowd if he could actually see the woman that Selina was talking about. So many guests had taken the black tie attire to the absolute nines with the twenties theme intact including himself. From his slick three piece suit with the hat that matched the era, it was so unique and fun something that he realized was actually pretty damned cool for a wedding his only one to date had been much more low key, still elegant but he and Monique for sure had checked boxes instead of putting a stamp on things in their own way. His eyes scanned the room again while he made his way to the open bar with Selina. A drink was in order and then he did catch a glimpse of a woman in a black dress with a huge hat on like a hat you would see on a horse race day. “Is that who you were looking at? Over there sort of by the library hallway looks like she’s moving down towards the rest of the house. Do you know her?” Elliot asked, looking at Selina craning her head. “Led the way.”

Selina looked up as she sipped her rum punch and nodded. “That’s her, she was staring at us but everyone was Mr. DuVall, I didn’t know you were such a good dancer.” She smiled seductively, biting her lip as she stared at him. He was a beautiful man and he was her man and it felt good to have him by her side. Just hearing he was making a difference in the community and lives she felt that deeply. Taking Elliot’s hand she began to make her way over to the woman in all black. The wedding was packed and she didn’t realize Zach or Mason had touched so many lives. It was remarkable to be honest because people were here to celebrate her brother. She wished her daddy was here just to feel a ounce of this love. Just a piece of it and she felt him but she wanted her daddy she wanted Tony to be here with her. A wave of sadness flashed over Selina as she sternly turned on her more ice persona because her thoughts were escaping her mind. As she was getting closer she felt a hand, someone turned her around. Selina saw the photographer and she knew she had to pose for brother’s memories. Running her hands up Elliot face she leaned in and kissed him and he pulled her closer as they took the pictures.

As she turned around she saw the woman in black walking toward the library. She knew people weren’t allowed in that part of the house. Mason wouldn’t allow them in father’s library. “She’s going to the library. We will take more pictures in a moment, pardon us.” Selina ushered her way through going to the library. “Nobody was to be in my father’s library and that woman was staring at us now for certain. I want to know what she’s doing back there and I’m not here for games so whoever this is I’m going to take that church lady ass hat off and unmask they ass. She messed up when she went into my house.” Selina said charging toward the hallway entrance to her father’s private library. As she opened the doors she was floored to see nobody there. She turned to Elliot looking confused. “You saw her come in here didn’t you? You saw what I saw?” Taking a drink not believing what was happening.

Everything was in full swing at the reception so navigating the crowd and looking for a woman in a black dress even for him was turning out harder than he would have liked. For a moment when Selina was speaking he saw that soft side, that vulnerable side in her and his heart swelled. She didn’t do it a ton but she was doing it more with him. He had gently kissed her back with a smile on his face for the photographer as they made their way down the hallway to what he had assumed was Tony’s study or library room, the woman weaving in front of them. They turned and reached the room the door shut and when Selina opened them no one was inside. Just to be sure that he wasn’t crazy he poked his head out the door no one was there, no one was in the room but he had seen the woman in the hat. “I saw her and no I don’t think you are crazy. I saw her turn the corner and assumed she was headed in here just like you did. We’ll figure this out okay.” Elliot said looking at her wanting to reassure her that he didn’t think she was crazy or anything like that.

Selina looked around and as she took a deep breath as she rushed the corner. She looked around the library. As she took a deep breath turning to Elliot. “We need to find her. I’m calling security. Whoever this is will not be staying at my brother’s wedding and whoever this is will be answering to me by the end of the night.” Selina walked out of the library, closing the doors as she stormed to find Merci and get to the bottom of this woman in black.

**********

Jamal stood up on the balcony watching all the guests out in the courtyard dancing and the staff inside the house scurrying. It was almost surreal in a way his big brother out and proud married the love of His life in one of the most moving ceremonies he had seen in a while. Willow of course was doing her best DJ life at the moment, hyping it up left and right and he was glad he was able to book her, personal connection and all. After Selina’s wedding to Chauney he didn’t think that his family would get to feel this again this great moment of relief and love they all had, that they could come together to celebrate something. He silently thanked his dad from above while he took a sip of his champagne for some reason he felt that he was looking down on this all making sure it was perfect for Mason. Turning to make his way down the stairs that is when he saw Belle Devonshire decked out of course in a dress that made him lick his lips at her beauty even more. He kept his cool as he approached her, she was obviously on her phone and he gently touched her back seeing her jump a little and he almost laughed keeping the champagne glass steady.

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you since the reception started, sorry I was wrapped up in groomsmen duties for a bit. So the other day at the club, when we almost took it to that next level. I can’t get it out of my head and I know you kinda ran out. But like shit why aren’t we doing what we should be this time Belle and I don’t mean it like you think either. You can’t deny that we have an entire vibe going on after that little bump and grind the other night.” Jamal said looking at her wondering if she was going to deny it again or not. They clearly had a spark of chemistry and they were both young and single. He was into her and he was pretty sure having fantasies about fucking his best friends little sister was all sorts of wrong and if it was wrong why did it all so feel so right. It wasn’t even just that he actually liked spending time with Belle and her quips, they meshed well enough as friends he thought. “I mean had you not put that sexy little finger of yours to my lips to stop me I think we both know what would have happened. Are you just going to say no to every dude from here on out? Keep pinning for Connor Hessington and Atticus when, I don’t know Belle it’s crazy but you and I we could I don’t know see what happens.”

Placing her tongue on the tip of her teeth as she rolled her eyes at his words. Flipping her hair she smiled at him. “I don’t think I do know what would have happened that night. You are funny Jamal. All this love around us and you are certainly wooing me love.” She said sarcastically. Tilting her head slightly she looked at Jamal. “I told you I want something real and I want to feel the feels. I have done the wayward Prince and Connor never stood a chance. So please Mr. Delacroix don’t insult me with the redirect of my conquests. I’ve done my research on you as well: Rachel the dead girl, Yasmine the girl you couldn’t have, Kelsey the lesbian who doesn’t want peen, and Val the selfish bitch who aborted your baby. You don’t have the best record so I’m not sure Jamal, why should I place myself in the scorn list of women that you’ve broken or lost interest in?” Belle asked with her lips pressing up against the wine glass, her eyes glossing over him. Damn this bloke was handsome and the way he looked at her. “I’ve been waiting for a long time to find someone to equal my chaos and for some reason I feel like I’m about to board a train-wreck. A fun one but a train-wreck nonetheless.” Belle walked to a waiter and placed her wine glass on his tray as she placed her phone in her purse.

“So tell me Jamal what would have happened if I wouldn’t have stopped us?” Placing her hand on her hip she looked into his eyes. “You seem to only want my body if that’s the case you should say that. I could go a couple rounds and we can get it out of our system then I can move on to finding what I want. Unless my body isn’t all you want, Jamal? If I give you a taste you won’t be done with me. So if you are sure that’s what you want to find out then it’s your fault when you’re hooked on me.” She walked up licking her finger and sticking it in his mouth. “Careful Jamal I’m not as basic as those ones before me.” Placing her hand on his chest. “Now are you sure you want to play this game or will you admit that I’m too much for you.”

He was already rock hard when she licked her finger and stuck it in his mouth and he fought the urge to yank her to him.“You say you want something real but you seem to keep trying to run away from the realness of what we could be Belle. You’re right I’ve been around the block a time or two with both Rachel and Val learned my lesson not to fuck with women that prefer the pussy overall. Why shouldn’t you is the real question you should be asking yourself Belle? Is it because your siblings would turn your nose down at you? Newsflash most of them do, minus Rory and Bliss they both seem to want to ride with you.” Jamal said looking at her with amusement on her face at all the cat and mouse game they had been doing for the last few weeks getting to her clearly. He took a sip of his own champagne everyone forgot that he was the one that brought the chaos to the Delacroix family not his damned siblings. Who had changed their entire identity to fit in on the streets? Him, who had caused so much chaos it led to a kidnapping and hostage situation he did. “You seem to think that I can’t keep up with your chaos, your little show was cute you know, upstaging Yas. I’ll do you one better undercover drug dealer for shits and giggles that led to a kidnapping. I got you covered on the train-wreck part.”

“As for what would have happened that night. I would have turned the music on nice and slow to some Minaj song that you liked, closed the blinds to that office or left them open up to you. You see you can see down but they can’t see up. Then I would have pulled you close and kissed you, let my hands roam just a bit.” Jamal said, leaning in close to her ear, placing his glass down on one of the tables in the hall, letting his breath touch her neck, his hands wrapping around her waist to stroke her sides. They moved a bit lower and he traced her hips seeing that she hadn’t pushed him away or broke contact and he let his lips kiss her neck gently and smelled her perfume. It was sensual and a bit sweet and he pulled her to him closing the distance. I have to say I do love the way you smell. “I’d then take you over to my desk or maybe even the wall. You seem to think that I’d be stuck on you but I think it would be the opposite Belle I’d be the one that you were stuck on. Should we find out or do you just want to continue talking?” Jamal asked moving his hand to the front of her dress, lightly stroking her over her mound through the dress. “I think I’m ready to play with fire if you are.”

So he did want her. That’s all he had to say. Why were men in general such complex creatures? Jamal had finally chosen to play ball. She wasn’t chasing him anymore well she never quite did but to be honest it was nice to want someone who wanted her. Belle was fatigued at doing what was absolutely wrong. Sleeping with Atticus was wrong and she paid dearly as the tabloids in Europe labeled her a tart. Connor was a plaything and toy but  she wasn’t truly interested in him nor did she want him but hated losing the attention. David was forbidden fruit she got a taste of and couldn’t get enough. All wrong. Hell knowing her mother had done something duplicitous to her father’s will was wrong. She’d rectify that with Bliss soon enough. Jackson was the chosen prince that was promised so to speak. Something her father said to her echoed and she wanted to tell them all. Her thoughts narrowed in on Jamal though because her emotions were high. Belle knew her heart right now couldn’t take anymore disappointment. She needed him in her space and as his hands ran up her side Belle exhaled sensually. His hands were faster than her reaction because before she could tease him even more, he was pleasing her. Biting her bottom lip she stared into his eyes, pulling him into a passion filled kiss. “I truly am ready to watch this wretched city burn.”

Snatching his hand she began to walk down the hallway opening the first door. In what had to be Mason room as a teen. She closed the door and ran down the hall opening what was a spare room, closing the door. She saw him smiling at her as she opened a room at the very end of the hall. When she opened it her breath was taken. It was no doubt his room but the baby of the Delacroix had its perks. The posters of rappers, and famous black quotes lined the wall. Walking to his bed as if she had been in the room before. She immediately unzipped her dress falling to the floor. Completely nude unafraid of her perfect body, no blemishes or marks. Belle prized herself on being first in every show. Keeping her heels on she strutted to his bed as she flipped her hair cascading through the air. She crawled on the bed. “I do believe we have some unfinished business.” Wiggling her finger for him to get closer because he was admiring her body. She slipped off his suit jacket and began to unbutton his shirt seeing his bare chest she licked his stomach. Unfastening his belt she looked into his eyes as his long cock almost attacked her face. “Sorry love I don’t suck on the first fuck.” Then slithered seductively to the pillows and laid back.

Jamal watched her reaction to his touch, looking at her eyes light up in amusement and pleasure all at once; it was something he had only been dreaming of for weeks. When she had reached up to kiss him his lips eagerly sought hers back letting out a breath he didn’t know that he had been holding. He moved his hands to her face to deepen the kiss before she pulled back and he watched how she moved down the hallway. He didn’t quite need Atlas Falls to burn; it wasn’t a bad city, maybe the elites needed to be taken down a peg or two but most of the city was actually pretty decent. He watched her as they ran down the hallway, their feet for sure getting drowned out by the music that was blaring outside at the reception. Honestly he didn’t want anyone coming up the stairs to this level and ruining the fun of the moment as he saw Belle opening and shutting doors down the hallway eventually she would find his room it was pretty damned hard to miss. In the meantime he watched her face as she did so, deciding in his head he did want this to last between them, their first time. He gave her a few moments inside his room before he shut the door quietly behind them and turned around seeing her dress drop to the floor, her smooth porcelain skin was something that he couldn’t help the reaction that happened with his own body.

He’d been with a lot of women of different varieties, hell Val, Kelsey there was that girl at college too not to mention a few more so it wasn’t like it was his first time, but something about Belle was even more exotic. He chalked it up to the forbidden angle of it all pretty sure if things went sour Rory was going to beat the shit out of him along with all her brothers. When she let his jacket fall to the floor and undid his pants thought so that just went through the window as he crawled on the bed with her, she’d please his later in that way or eventually she would but for now he had every intention of showing her that he knew that he knew his way around a woman’s body. “I can respect that though you will later.” Jamal said leaning down to kiss her before making his way down her neck, placing the kisses slowly as he went, stopping at her breasts, taking the buds into his mouth and sucking still they were stiff and she was drenching on his hands that cupped her ass. He heard her moan and looked up at her before continuing to trail kisses down her own belly button and then engulfing her into his mouth Using his hands to spread her hips while he made sure that his tongue reached every crevice letting her arousal coat his face.

Belle gripped the sheets as she bit her bottom lip as she watched him begin to eat her out. He wasn’t going to get everything at first; she wasn’t going to give him everything. She’d slowly give him each pleasure and reward him with pleasures. As she moaned arching her hips forward she began to slowly grind against his face as he licked and sucked on her pussy. Belle’s legs began to quiver as her hips rolled against him. Feeling her heart was pounding as he continued to lick. What was happening one moment she was playing coy and the next she was in bed with him. She knew Jamal was something that she wanted to explore and his eagerness to please and show her was all the more appealing. Looking at him she ran her hands through his loose curls. Belle gripped his hair and raised his head. “I want to please you.” She purred as she looked at him. Rolling on top of Jamal she stroked him until all the way firm. Her eyes stared into his. He was so handsome and she had every intention of making him hers.

Raising her hips she winced as she took in his girth sliding down on his penis. She felt his hands on her hips as she began to roll her hips. Belle cried out her breast jiggling underneath the moonlight as she bounced up and down. She began to lean down and felt her body crying out for more, for him to go deeper. As she laid on top of him she could feel her body start to go into an instant state of pleasure. Sexually they were compatible which made this even more fun. As she felt him slightly shift and roll on top of her body she smiled and kissed him again. Wrapping her legs around his waist so he could push further and deeper into him. “Yes right there babe.” She hissed knowing that this was what she needed. Someone who indulged all of her impulses in the best way, another rebel spirit. “Fuck me!” She tried to not scream out but he was digging into her guts or so it felt like. In the best way he was digging in her body and it felt wonderful.

Jamal had been lost in the taste of her on the bed hearing her cries as he explored her body, honestly it was sweeter than anything he could imagine it was in his dreams and he’d done that a lot over the last few weeks. He still wondered if it was wrong to think that way about your best friend’s little sister and let out a groan as his half hard cock rubbed against the sheets of the bed, his hands angling her hips up more to his lips. He had been content to keep going until she had pulled on his hair and raised his head up to her own and he rolled over nodded his head at her while he watched her grip him and begin to stroke him, letting out a moan at the action seeing him stiffen after a few strokes as he raised his hips up ready for her. He had no idea what she would feel like but when she started to slide down on him he simply groaned arching his hips up into her. “Fuck Belle.” He managed to get out before his hands rested on her hips and he was moving her up and down his shaft. He was content to watch her ride him in the moonlight, his hands on her hips and then on her breasts before he wasn’t sure how much more he could take. He wanted deeper into her and rolled her over, his lips capturing hers.

Once there he plunged into her body in a frenzy intent to thrust in and then out of her watching her face contort into pleasure as he did so. He stayed like that, careful not to bring his full weight down on her while giving her what she had been begging for hearing how wet she was against his skin watching himself swell. He leaned down kissing her again leaning to bite her nipple tugging on it. “You like that don’t you Belle how hard it is? Does this feel good?” He asked, smiling at her for a moment before unwrapping her legs and then moving them over his shoulders changing positions again. He started to pound her harder, reaching down to play and tug on her breasts again, pinning her legs in place at the same time. “Do you like this better?” He asked slowing down fucking her nice and slow till there was no where else for him to fit inside of her. Her screams and her moans filling the room only made him harder inside of her and he wanted to please her completely.  His hands slid lazily on her legs before going to her clit tracing circles on it, rubbing it and coaxing it out, her wetness soaking his fingers in her juices.

Belle arched her back as he raised her legs over his shoulders. She didn’t want him to know how much she was truly enjoying the sex. How he went from pounding to slow stroking her body. As he questioned her she felt her body begin to cry out. “Yes Jamal!” It was intense how he was plunging and in the matter but at the perfect time Jamal knew how to switch positions. It was how he was making her feel. But she wasn’t going to let him feel like he just put it on her. She started to squeeze against his stroke making sure he felt her. Belle wanted whatever this was to be an equal partnership so lazy lover she wasn’t. Rotating her hips against his thrust she began to cry out and felt his ball tensing up. She knew that he was getting close and she was as well the pressure between their bodies was mounting. Belle wasn’t sure screwing her brother’s best friend was a good idea but once she started something, she always liked to see how things played out.

Bouncing her hips up and down she couldn’t breathe she felt her entire body began to shake. It was an uncontrollable feeling. To be honest David gave her a similar feeling but she never felt something quite like this. It was primal and their bodies seemed to respond magically to each other. A million pleasure points were being pushed right now and she wasn’t sure she could handle it. “Yes Jamal!” She cried out as she began to ride the wave over and over intense crashes of ecstasy were being washed over her body as she laid limp and his body eventually falling on top of her very own. Belle couldn’t believe she’d denied herself that for this time. She sat breathlessly unsure of what to say at this very moment. Did he feel that or was that just her? Was she just another on his hit list? He said everything right now but would that continue going forward? She curled underneath him. “Are you alright?” She said still in need of air.

Jamal was happy to indulge her with his body thrusting into hers watching her body lunging back and forth. He felt her squeeze down on him relentlessly and he almost came then and there but held out wanting to please her first. Was that weird? He’d never really considered it before Belle bit it seemed that was where his head went to please her first to show her that he was badder in a way than she was. When he finally felt himself swelling he let out a crescendo of grunts along with a moan when he felt her finally shaking and lurched forward shooting into her his legs almost buckling at the action, his hips keeping up the motion as he went and then he felt her shake again and grunted again emptying himself into her a second time. He watched her face as she did so and couldn’t help the grin that came out while he slowly moved his hips into hers until he felt like he couldn’t anymore before he leaned back and slipped out of her soft. He then looked down at her fuck he hadn’t used a condom and knocking up his best friends sister was not how he wanted his year to end on his bingo card. Taking a few breaths he looked over at her, not quite sure what to say to not make it awkward.

Leaning over he grabbed a tissue to clean himself and then walked to the bathroom getting a hot washcloth to her, handing it to her and watching her clean herself while he reached for his pants and slipped his pants back on. He looked over at her grabbing a blanket and wrapping it around her while he took a breath and then spoke. “I’m good that was amazing Belle and I mean that honestly at least we know that fire is red hot between us. You have a great body and know how to use it and I think it is safe to say that I can please you just fine.” Jamal said letting out a small laugh seeing her smile and his own cheeks flushed and he ran his hand over his head hoping he didn’t mess up his damned hair that he would have to explain later. “Listen I didn’t even ask before I did and you didn’t exactly stop me so I’m going to assume that you’re clean and on the pill or something. After all that shit with Val I’m not ready to do something like that again so if we’re going to continue this I at least need you on something or I need to wrap it up you know?” He finished hoping that she didn’t regret what happened but also understood if she did he should have been more responsible.

“Wow you think I’m a girl who even wants a baby? Jamal, I would take a plan-B pill before I have a kid. I’m not a mother and I’m not ready. All the old heads can freaking be the parents. I have a life of fun and unabashed wild nights with you with no babies. Handsome we are about to enjoy our flame. I’m absolutely excited to see what’s next so tell me Mr. Delacroix will your mother notice your twists are all messed up.” She giggled as she touched his cheek. “We should get back to the party.” Turning around for him to zip up her dress as she moved her hair to the front. Feeling the zipper tighten the dress around her body exhaling feeling his breath on her neck. Leaning on Jamal enjoying her body against his indulged for a moment longer. This was their sanctuary for now. A peace waved over her and looking up at him. Belle turned facing him letting her nails across his face. “Come on, let’s go.” No more settling as she saw it. Jamal Delacroix was now apart of her story of great loves and hopefully one of the best heartbreaks.

**********

Dru was walking through the party as Walter, Lauren, Brandon and Helen took the twins from her. It gave her time to smoke a cigarette and get some air. All this love shit made her sick. There wasn’t any real love. People betrayed people all the time. What most were blind to was that love was all about destruction. If she could be honest she had one love in her lifetime. Everyone else was all happy and she couldn’t believe how unlucky she was to be here. The big gay wedding from her beloved cousin saint Zach. She detested him and Dani slipped up saying that Zach found the bug on her phone. Gritting her teeth she began to walk through the Delacroix mansion. Another over the top display of excess. Gripping her purse she saw Jackson and Dani sneaking off to the library. After that romantic speech she wondered if all her scheming was doing anything at all. They seemed unbreakable. She’d chipped away at Jackson; it was time to push him over the edge. Unlike Dani he had a weakness. His addiction and if he wouldn’t cheat willingly then maybe one barbiturate and a twist would change the game into her favor. Looking at them closing the door she smirked slinking to the bar she waited for a few moments. “Can I have a flute of champagne?”

Looking across the room she saw Walter and Brenda dancing and her stomach churned as she felt the resentment. Due to their ineptitude they gave her away and thought revenge and fire wasn’t coming to them. She was going to keep setting Atlas Falls ablaze with sin after sin. Her eyes narrowed in a slant looking at Brock, Kelsey, Greer, and Willow all together. Her cousins and she looked across the room to people fawning over Hunter and Bliss. She was surrounded by family and desperately wanted them to see her. For someone to just know somehow. Nobody did though. So involved in their own melodramas to see she was right here. Gulping down the flute she waved at the bartender for another one much to their judgemental little eyes. “Gimme what the hell I want. Champagne isn’t nothing to me. I grew up in Florida.” Pausing making sure nobody caught her words. She felt safe and she walked away from the bar to the library. Slowly opening the door she smirked. Jackson had Dani legs wrapped around his waist. He was fucking her mercilessly. She wanted to break them, she wanted him to want her so that Dani had no security. Nobody to clutch on and maybe she could push her into madness. Plus that meant she had all of her sister’s men.

Jackson had Dani against the wall and was slamming into her tight pussy. She was so wet that her juices coated his lap. Sticking his tongue inside of her mouth swirling with hers. His eyes were closed and he couldn’t imagine no woman’s body felt like Dani’s. He remembered his father said sex with someone you loved was everything. He was right because it was something about Dani’s hands on his body that felt better than any woman he’d been with. She was so adventurous with him and the little run off to have a little quickie was so fun. Later tonight he’d please her even more deeply but right now he needed to feel her walls gripping against his dick. He wanted to bust deeply inside of Dani and fill her right up. As he worked his hips until he heard gushy noises coming from each stroke. “Look at me!” Jackson said, yanking her hair back to make her look into his eyes. “Yeah you love this dick don’t you Dani?” He asked as he started to go more intense. Thrashing her trying to make her cry out louder than the music that was in the background.

It had taken three dances before Jackson had pulled her down the hallway. Closed the door to a room, she hadn’t even been paying attention to which one before he kissed her. She’d tugged off his jacket, he’d thrown it on the couch in the room, pinned her, raised her skit and the rest was pure bliss. She’d skipped panties, her back arching while he began to fuck her they’d been more sneaky lately but the sex was good again for them and she wasn’t going to complain about it at the wedding. Her legs had eventually wrapped around him she’d gotten a few buttons loose on his shirt for her nails to dig into his chest hearing him grunt their lips intertwined to drown out all the noises but it was thrilling. She had no idea that she would be this wet down the hallway at a wedding getting fucked as hard as she was by her husband and she pulled back bitting his lip as she let out a moan arching more throwing her head back at the action. When he pulled her hair she opened her eyes looking at him deeply while he plowed her seeing his dick going in and out. “I love it. Harder more, please.” She said throwing her hips into his and then she looked over his shoulder seeing Dru there looking at them and she froze. “Baby she’s watching us.” She leaned in so on edge ready to be taken over, her hips shaking into his at the action of wanting him to take her over but not sure what Jackson would do.

“Then let’s give her a show?” Jackson started to fuck her harder. As he craned his neck to see an infuriated Dru standing looking at them. He began to thrash Dani’s pussy with little to no mercy. As he felt her body shaking as he leaned in he kissed Dani’s neck. Then started to grunt loudly mixing with the orchestra music in the background as he heard her crying out in pleasure. He panted letting his seed seep into her body and hopefully giving her another baby. It was way sooner but he loved their life pre-Dru. They would be exhausted but they needed a nanny until his mom or he found the right one. He wasn’t sure who that would be but Dru had to go and whatever she was after was done. They were shutting it down next week. His mom basically promised him and he mutually would see if they fit his criteria. As he turned around and looked at her pulling his pants up. Maybe he should just fire her and end it because she was furious. He saw it all in her face and he helped Dani clean herself up. “Well Dru since you are lurking did you like the show? I mean this is normal for newly weds to be doing this. You know having wild ravenous sex? Get the twins ready to leave and you’re dismissed. I’m sure Ronan, or Philip have something to do.” He commanded, looking at her up and down as if she disgusted him.

She gritted her teeth and wondered why Jackson felt so confident that she wouldn’t expose him? Right now wasn’t the time or place she had other plans for Mr. Devonshire. She wouldn’t take her foot off any Fraiser or Kincaid neck until she ruined them all. “I’ll go get them ready for you. I thought I heard Dylan was taking them with Braden and Tamara?” Dru cleared her throat as she looked at them. “I actually wanted to tell you that I wanted to stay and Dani, your mother was looking for you.” She said politely, biting her lip as she stared at Dani’s flushed skin. Gripping her fist uncomfortably to prevent screaming at Jackson. Who the fuck was he talking to? She was losing this war and knew it would have to end soon. She would have to strike because this dumb bitch and fucking addict would pay. “You two looked really nice tonight and the speech was cute. I think you’re in phase three right.”

Dani looked back at their nanny for a few moments with a look of pure satisfaction on her face seeing how the bitch had intruded on them before. Leaning into Jackson she looked into his eyes, throwing her hips back into his until she cried out shaking against him. Her nails dug into his neck pretty sure she had left claw marks when he sent her over a second time along with his own pleasure milking all of him in the process. When he sat her down and found some tissues to clean up she looked at Dru again smugly. Bitch thought she was dumb but something about what Zach said was gnawing on her. Was she jealous of what she had? She was simply a non factor in her life or her relationship with her husband. “It’s cute that you think my mom can’t find me, that you had to track us down and watch us make love again. We’re still in all the phases funny how that all worked out isn’t it?” She said snidely before reaching up to kiss Jackson again, pulling back before walking up to Dru Looking the woman up and down. “You can stay if you want but I’m pretty sure none of the men here tonight are your type. Then again do you have a type or standard? Like he said we don’t need you the rest of the night and neither do our kids.” She paused for a moment, narrowing her eyes at the girl. Maybe Zach was on to something there before she turned her eyes to Jackson licking her lips. “I’ll see you back at the table and see if my mom can watch them tonight. They may be exhausted after the party too.” She finished before walking out the door and back to the wedding.

Jackson was readjusting his clothes and he stared satisfied looking at Dru through the mirror. Clearing his throat he smirked. “You thought you put me up against a wall. I’m CEO of DGI and I’m about to be one of the most powerful thirty year olds in the world. I’m born of power and your little stunts are cute Dru but I promise that the love between my wife and I you will never have. You will never have happiness because you prey on others’ joy and want to feast at it like a crow to a dead body. You aren’t a good person and I see now we let a snake in the house. I might spare you if you leave soon, Dru. I might not destroy you and I might not leave you embarrassed.” He watched her get closer to him through the mirror. Turning around he saw her holding his jacket. Snatching it from her. “Stay here and my family will make sure you have nothing good coming. Don’t believe me ask fucking Forbes Montgomery, Pierre LeClerq, Walter? Read a book on the Devonshire’s because we aren’t the ones who get blackmailed we destroy.”

Dru stood back watching Dani strutting past her infuriated that she thought she was better than her. Infuriated, her big sister thought she wasn’t focused on her downfall. “See you Dani.” She said underneath her breath. Watching Jackson cleaning up and adjusting himself in his slacks. Dru moved fast, she opened her clutch and slipped the cocaine in his jacket on the inside pocket. When he turned around Dru bit her lip and smirked. “I’ve read all of the books on all of you. Predictable, very predictable to threaten me now. Oh Jackson watching empires fall will be so fun. Call me Helen of Troy. All that bravado and I know that you aren’t legally CEO just in name and Tess has that honor legally now. Have a good night. I’ll go see if some of those guys who don’t want me are interested in me. I’ll consider what you’re saying possibly.”

**********

Willow removed the headphones as her friend DJ Mighty Mouse jumped on the turntables. Walking up she wrapped her arms around Kelsey who was staring a hole into Brock and Greer. “You know she always wins love.” Whispering in her girlfriend’s ear. “Come on, let’s get a drink, babe. I do know one thing, she is trouble and going to war with her will annihilate us both. Greer is different. I’m not asking you to like her but understand her. Or try to hear me out. So growing up I was always so jealous of Greer because my dad raised her for like almost ten years. She was like my dad’s daughter until my uncle Pierre returned and snatched her back. It was horrible for my dad and me. You see he raised this prissy princess and Greer fit it to a tea. She was perfect and poised and still is. She is savage though and was cruel the little time I did spend with my father I and Greer she always came out on top. Pierre didn’t train that laser vision, he focused it. She is incomparable and in many ways the fact she is surviving Pierre and my father and her mother’s death is unbelievable. That doesn’t excuse my cousin’s horrible nature. I’m just telling you what you’re up against. If you keep this up Kelsey Brock is going to turn away and she wins. I don’t know I love to see her all twisted up because she’s uncomfortable with the common folk. My cousin was eating caviar at four. She’s bougie and she won’t be able to cut it so just chill.” Willow said, placing her hands in her pocket.

“Greer is a walking need for attention and validation babe. Brock will get exhausted. It’s just unfortunate he’ll be forever tied to her because my family truly doesn’t take breakups and pain well. My father never got a chance to protect Greer like myself and brother. He took her and made her a weapon and she lost her humanity. Look no excuses but my cousin is hurt but your brother needs to watch his back. LeClerq’s are known for heartbreak and I think she isn’t over that Devonshire guy and she isn’t in the game to lose. You’re going to war with the wrong one. She almost never loses until she loses.”

Kelsey was on her second whiskey highball of the evening. The music of course was charming and they were well into the jazz stage at this point looking at all the couples dancing. Looking over at Willow she took a sip of the drink wondering if she was taking her cousin’s side or her side in the matter. It seemed like she was more along the lines of trying to tell her what she already knew in that something was off with Greer in general and definitely off with Greer and her brother. Granted she hadn’t decided what she was going to do yet but she knew that she needed to do something and do it sooner rather than later. She didn’t know how to confront Brock about what she knew without Greer coming after her for her medical license, which was something that she would bury the silence before she would risk losing. Part of her felt for Greer and her childhood and the other part actually felt like Willow had gotten the shorter end of the stick if she was honest. She didn’t know a ton of Willow’s own upbringing but to say that it was easy was a crock of shit from the little she did know. Harvey LeClerq seemed like a good guy until he wasn’t in her opinion or maybe it was the entire situation grated on her nerves. Shouldn’t Willow have been the apple of her dad’s eye and not the ungrateful niece that had hooked her claws into her brother? She leaned over and kissed Willow gently before she swirled the drink in her hand for a bit and nearly rolled her eyes at her brother and Greer.

“It had to be hard living in her shadow for your entire life. Her woe is me story is honestly kinda tiring at this point. She had your dad raising her in a lap of luxury from what I understand then once her dad was out she just went right along the same path. What was so bad that she had to eat caviar when she was little? Also what about your dad in all of this raising her as his own and then putting you on the side? Maybe my aunt dodged that bullet, maybe Randall is the one for her.” Kelsey said wondering how many more drinks she would have before she was under the table somewhere maybe instead of talking to Brock tonight that would be where she would end up. The partying and hard lines she had crossed in college crossed her mind, of most of her siblings she was by far the one that partied the hardest and she took another sip of her drink. “That came off really rude. I’m sorry Willow, I get a few in me and I really start running my mouth stupidly. Honestly though do you really think that she is over there still pining over Chauncey Devonshire? According to her recent protests to both me and my aunt, that is the furthest thing from the truth with it all, she’s moved on and is supposed to be in love with my brother.”

Willow pretended as if Kelsey shot her in the chest holding her hands up as if she surrendered to her. “You can’t forget your past Kelsey and that’s my past. It sucks to be second to Greer LeClerq but honestly she’s sad human. She’s a case study on what would have happened to me if I would have stayed in the family. So I could be bitter but I choose to see it as a blessing. I don’t carry all of the pain and baggage of being a part of the family. Everything is going to be alright but you Fraiser’s have to move as a unit if you see one crashing and burning. Sometimes you must let people slam into the wall and unfortunately love for your brother Greer LeClerq is the wall. I feel like you’ve cried, you’ve yelled, and the only thing you haven’t done is let go and let God. So if you must know there is no way in hell that spoiled self righteous bitch is over that self indulgent ego maniac.” Willow laughed as she folded her arms adjusting her blazer. “Kelsey she loves herself and she found someone who is more vain than her. From what I see in Chauncey he loves himself and thinks mighty high of himself. My uncle fucked her up and what can I say Chauncey Devonshire reminds me a lot of Pierre LeClerq wait until you met him if you haven’t a real fucking treat.”

She looked at Zach and Mason who were so happy and that made her smile. “Your brother and Mason look perfect together. Look tonight isn’t about my cousin and your brother you can fret and sulk at their wedding but tonight is about Zach and Mason and I don’t appreciate you being all anti right now. Come on I just got this haircut I’m looking like Justin fucking Bieber come on baby. Let’s dance. I’m every lesbian’s dream right now.” Taking Kelsey in her arms she smirked. “We aren’t going to focus on Greer and Brock. We are here to dance and levitate because I have a little weed and some edibles honey and I know you don’t have to go into that hospital. I’m bout to have you twisted and the party is here so it’s time to enjoy yourself. Now Beyonce telling our asses to get on the dance floor shall you ignore her? I’m not ignoring Beyonce, Kelsey.”

Kelsey looked over at Willow taking another sip of her drink pondering what she had said. Maybe they did hoover as a family a little too much at times but she’d been raised that you stuck by family. Even if they were blowing up their own life with terrible no good choices like her brother currently and Lucy’s misdeeds that landed her in prison. She listened to her for a bit before following her to the dance floor to let loose for a bit. It was better than sitting in a corner and brooding over Greer and what was going on with her brother. Instead she was happy to raise her hands above her head and dance to the music on the floor shaking her body back and forth seeing the smile on Willow’s face. Her parents were even in on the action while she looked over at Brock who was making his way over to them. She almost rolled her eyes and instead focused on dancing and then saw Greer peek her eyes over at them too. She tried to get a read. Was she nervous?

Once the song had started towards the end she made her way over to the bar to put her now empty glass down and get a refill. She waved to Miranda who was living it up with KC on the dance floor and then waved at her parents as well. She saw Dani with Jackson laughing and smiling at each other and then Brock’s glare at her while he approached what had Greer told him now? Her delusions that she was attacking her at the hospital when she had asked a few simple questions about the timing of her pregnancy, questions that led to the most defensive answer she had seen in a while in a patient. She protested a little too fast and got a little too worked up for her to not begin to suspect something was off though she had no proof to offer Brock at the moment, her story was a little convenient. Once Brock had reached her and she had a refill in her hand looking at her brother she took a drink. “What’s up? Willow is waiting for me on the dance floor we’re actually trying to enjoy Zach’s wedding.”

Brock had waited to talk to Kelsey about the hospital till after his brother and Mason had said I do, after they were settled in at their reception. Greer and he had arrived and thus far had avoided further drama but he was tired of fighting a battle with his family. Greer had said that Kelsey had accused her of lying about the baby at the hospital and that was beneath her on so many levels he wasn’t even sure what to say about it. He and Greer had been through a lot over the last year and everyone in his family knew she was in a high risk pregnancy since her hospital stay the last week, surely they could just keep their unwanted speculation to themselves for his child. “She can wait listen you and I need to talk I don’t care if you don’t like Greer or if you hate her, she’s pregnant for fucks sake and high risk you should know better as a doctor than to put even more unnecessary stress on her after her spending a week in the hospital. You’re supposed to have my side Kels as my sister not be so against me or was that shit earlier all false about family?”

He paused for a moment watching her take a drink thinking over her answer for a bit and he was irritated at it, when his family talked about Greer they just shut down. That was the shit that he couldn’t stand when it came to everything too, like she was the plague. “What she’s not perfect enough I didn’t see anyone blink a damned eye when it came to Braden marrying an ex drug addict in Tamara or anyone other than Walter objecting with Dani getting with Jackson. But because Greer has money and is a little more not like us she’s just so unlikable in our family she has to be put out while pregnant with my child? What does she have to do in order to prove to everyone that she wants to be here? She and I had an argument at the engagement dinner couples fight and then she revealed she was pregnant. What would you all prefer I do? Go and abandon her while pregnant?” Brock asked, trying to get a read on his sister finally letting it all out with her.

It took everything in her to not shout from the rooftops back at her brother at how much of a damned schmuck he was being or about how defensive Greer was. She was her patient so she couldn’t exactly breach Greer’s confidentiality about her suspicions. “I love our family Brock and that includes you. I just never thought the word gullible would go hand in hand with you. Instead here we are, she has you so twisted up in this damned conspiracy theory she has going on you don’t even see straight. You literally were there at dinner when she coyly wanted to play off what happened with Braden and then her coy little words about someone being after our family and just sat there. Low and behold Zach discovers someone is out here fucking with Dani’s sanity and you just shrug and smile. She wants to be a part of this family. Why doesn’t she tell you what she knows? I’ll tell you why because she doesn’t really want to be a part of this family, she just wants you at her beck and call with the baby. Let me not get into what she told Aunt Lauren at the Summit about Vicki.” Kelsey said seeing him stare at her in shock while she took a sip of her drink he wanted to have this conversation they could.

“If you must know I was simply checking her vitals and had some questions about her condition that I am not privileged to share with you as her provider. I do find it fascinating how all the stars aligned in her favor though after basically admitting she was still in love with Chauncey Devosnhire that night. Interesting that she won’t listen to sound medical advice like taking some time off to focus on her health and the baby, and you’ve missed some of her appointments too.” Kelsey said seeing the bewildered look he gave her at the last statement she had checked, her guess Greer didn’t want her onto her very interesting due date that would so happen to have been around the time she ran off and they reconciled. “I mean Tamara and Jackson are both down for the family. They have their spouses back, they support everyone here. The only thing she likes to do is cause drama and unneeded drama at that. I had a conversation with her, she took it as something other than that it is on her. Maybe the question that you should be asking is why is she so nervous around me all the time.” Kelsey said, waving back at Willow across the room.

“What do you mean you can’t tell me, I’m your brother if something is going on with the baby shouldn’t I be the one to know? Now who is playing coy little games little sister. Greer is the owner of a media empire. She was protecting her source. Isn’t that journalistic integrity?” He asked looking at her wondering if his sister was onto something with the digs at his family over that dinner the other night. All the cryptic messages Greer had said at the table and the little he had overheard with his brother and Dani tonight. He wasn’t going to blame Greer but maybe Kelsey had a point the medical appointments had confused him he knew Greer had been going on her own but he didn’t find it malicious.

“I mean as her doctor I’m not jeopardizing my career for Greer but she got defensive with me. Take that how you will. You’re a stand up guy she knows that, everyone in town knows that and I don’t want to see you get hurt. She has scheduled appointments when you are working, like she doesn’t want you there, I’ve said too much.” Kelsey said, shrugging at him watching the wheels work in his head for a bit before she lowered her tone. “All any of us are saying is we don’t want you to see you get hurt. I’ll cool it with her for you but I find it interesting that you go to bat for her when she won’t even go to bat once for this family.” Kelsey finished leaving him at the bar while she walked off to rejoin Kelsey at the dance floor.

Brock watched his sister walk away from the bar thinking over what she was saying was Greer trying to sabotage appointments with the baby scheduling them while he was at that fire? Granted he had been out there on call helping but he could have made an hour or two in order to be there and he wondered how many others he had missed. He wanted to believe that it was a coincidence with everything that had happened between him and Greer. But he thought over the more troubling parts that Kelsey had pointed out Greer never went to bat for his family and he had to wonder why that was. Looking across the dance floor he watched Greer rub her stomach while she talked with Madeline Devonshire and wondered if she was in fact hiding something from him for the first time.

**********

Mason had enjoyed the reception. The food was amazing as always and the warmth he felt in his soul at it, the memory that was now etched there as a way to connect to his father while he started anew with Zach. It was something that he was going to remember for the rest of their marriage, after all the speeches and toasts through dinner they had started the party at first with a few songs to get everything ready while their guests mingled and relaxed. He had even done a first dance with Selina in his mother’s place for the mother and son dance; he had thought of asking Ophelia ahead of time. But he had been unsure of how Selina would have responded although Opehlia had raised him and he had no real memories of his mom. He had shaken a few hands with Zach welcoming their guests before Willow had cued up their first dance song and he held Zach’s hand tightly as they made their way to the middle of the dance floor before pulling him close. He was so happy and he wondered how long it would last hopefully as long as it was for all his married friends now too and he knew it would with Zach.

“We did it, got married, threw a badass reception and not one bad thing has happened so far. Merci really took our vision to the next level: no one died, no huge drama happening and all the love I just wanted to tell you that I love you. That this is so beyond my wildest dreams and you made that happen with all my crazy ideas about the theme and didn’t complain once about any of it. You have this way about you to ground me and lift me and after that speech I get that, I think that is what Jackson and Dani were trying to say.” Mason said looking at Zach in the eyes and leaning in to kiss him as the music softly played in the background. He got it when they were talking that it was all about a partnership about supporting your partner, loving them no matter what, lifting them up and letting them be who they were. Pulling back he couldn’t help but smile at his husband for a moment before he looked at Zach again. “I am so happy and I don’t think I will ever feel this way again ever and I don’t want to. We’re going to be happy Zach. I know it.” He finished the emotions overcoming him to the point he was all smiles.

Zach put his phone away wondering if he was overzealous at the moment. Sometimes he just got this feeling about things and right or wrong he was going to find out what the truth was. It was horrible he was investigating Dru in the middle of his wedding but he had to know. It was like his Achilles heel to figure out when things were out of place. When Mason pulled him to the dance floor he smirked. Slipping his phone in his pocket knowing Mason saw it but was being very understanding of his husband’s nosey nature. Rubbing his cheek and looking into Mason’s smokey eyes. Laying his head onto his as they danced. “Mason, as long as I am breathing your happiness will be my first priority. You showed me what I have been missing, Mason. A life that is full of all of this. Dancing, laughing, food, and us this is perfect.” He trailed off thinking about Kieran. “Well almost but that’ll change soon.”

“Anyway Selina seems to be happy, I do wish she would have let Ophelia dance with you. I mean she raised you but Selina is very proud about Gloria’s memory. I do feel like she should have sat that one out.” Wondering if he struck a nerve. “So I was thinking about our honeymoon. We can look into a few mysteries in Florida? Like what is Selina stumbling onto? The FBI said Scarlett was last seen in Miami. Maybe investigate that a little. Then one more mystery I have been thinking about. I have to poke a bear but it’ll be worth it. Just like every tribulation we went through was worth it.” He heard Willow ending the song. “Come sit and talk with me. We got a cake to cut.”

Mason had seen what Zach was looking into Dru and for now he wasn’t going to say anything; his husband was like a dog with a bone when it came to investigating. It was one of the best qualities about Zach and he was a cop. That didn’t change when they said I do but he was happy when Zach had put the phone away for now anyway. The song was sweet and he did think about Zach’s words with Selina. Maybe he should have been more firm about the mother and son dance but Ophelia hadn’t put up a huge fight about it. “I think you have a point but yeah Selina’s been going through shit since she started to read the diaries. I told her I would read them when we get back, I think she just wants to preserve my dad along with my mom. To her sharing that dance with Ophelia would have felt like a replacement in some way. You may not agree with it, Ophelia was so gracious about it and she is always going to be your mother in law more than my mother will ever be. That is enough for me you know, she always tried with me and even Selina.” He looked at Zach kissing his lips before pulling back as they made their way to the cake table.

He knew they were staying at that hotel that he found in Miami and they had an entire week there and he listened to the plans that Zach laid out. Everything with Zach was an adventure and he supposed that evened out his less adventurous side he was content to lay on the beach for a week and soak in the sun. Make love in their hotel room and not leave but he also knew that Zach needed answers to the tart of a nanny that was across the room, something was off with her if it was nothing he would tell Jackson it was all Lex. If they found something then his best friend could use that to send her ass packing back to wherever she came from. “If this is about looking into the nanny you know that I want what is best for my best friend and your cousin if that includes getting to the bottom of her story I am in. I know that Scarlett was last seen with Kieran in Miami for a time and we should check out that lead too, what I’m saying is that if playing detective makes you happy I am down. Even if I would much rather be on a beach soaking up the rays and wondering if your white ass will ever tan while we are there or not.” He said smiling at Zach while the catering cut the cake and he lifted a piece to Zach’s face feeding him.

Chewing the cake he smirked at his husband and felt instantly at ease. His heart was full because he knew him so well and that his man was so in tune with what he was feeling. “How did you know? I mean I have been dropping hella clues and hints but Mason just you, knowing that. You know me so well and I didn’t think I’d ever find someone who was so perfect you know. My dad and mom keep hounding me about my will because I’m joining the FBI and like I said I’m not doing anything dangerous after these next few years. I’m going to settle down but you are Kieran’s father as well now and I want you both to be protected. I’m even drawing up paperwork you know just in case but now that I have my own Louis Lane well nothing can happen to me.” He laughed looking at his husband, feeding him some cake as the camera man snapped a picture of them. “Also I’m Irish I burn very easily in the sun and I think that us on the beach playing detective is hot a fuck. I think you being my Louis Lane is even hotter.” He leaned in and licked the icing off of Mason’s cheek.

“I love you.” He whispered in Mason’s ear. “Can you imagine us sitting down when Lady Gaga is on. Our gay sisters and brothers would kill us, come on.” Zach stood Mason up and led him to the dance floor passing Dani and Jackson who were dry humping. He snickered as wrapped his arms around Mason’s waist moving to the center of the floor. Twirling him in his arms again he smiled as he rocked with his husband. “This is perfect and I think that we need to discuss one more thing. When we get back from Washington, I’m done with Quantico. Mason, I need our house to be full of kids and you to be happier than ever. I need a family because I never thought it was something I deserved. I know we just talked about this but Mason I need that because people said because I was gay and bisexual I’d never have it. I think as long as I’m with you I have everything I deserve and need. So promise after I get assigned and done with the FBI we will have the family we always talked about. Maybe sooner if I can find Kieran. If we find Kieran I’m coming home. I’ll be a police officer and if I somehow forget this promise. Promise me you’ll make me remember it.” Zach said over the Europop music that was pumping through the speakers.

Mason smiled at Zach and took in the moments that he just needed his husband in his arms eating cake with him when Zach asked him how he knew about the nanny he shrugged. He wasn’t completely in the dark about it and had seen Zach looking into things. Hee had a pretty good indicator that Zach’s prime suspect was Dru though he still thought Lex was involved too. Besides Jackson had texted him about it they talked a lot. “That day at the house you brought it up and then she showed up at our wedding when I damn knew she wasn’t on the list. Meaning you lured her here to spy on her. Part of what I love about my husband is how that mind of yours works.” Mason said, smiling at him when he ate a piece of the cake and laughed about the placement to the delight of their guests. He wasn’t quite sure how he felt about Zach wanting to give up his career in Washington; they would pass that bridge when they got there.he wanted him to have a career being a cop or even an FBI agent was part of who Zach was. “I don’t think that I would look great in a bikini if I’m honest but maybe the right speedo will have to do.” Mason said, looking over at him as they made their way to the dance floor.

There were so many people and couples around them and he smiled as he saw Selina and Elliot dancing and most of them looked happy. That was what he wanted. This was a celebration of them and their love and to see people around them unite and share that joy with them was so rewarding after everything. “I love you too.” Mason whispered in his ear as they swayed to the music and he wondered for a second if anyone was uncomfortable or if anyone cared and he leaned in, giving him a kiss to the cheers pulling back. “Zach I want you to be an officer if that is what you want to do. As for your parents, they’ve been really supportive of us. In fact most of your family has been. If you want to change your will you should in fact as a lawyer I’d recommend it. As your husband, hell yes to all of it and neither of us is really going anywhere anytime soon. I will do whatever it takes to bring Kieran home where he belongs to Zach no matter how long it takes I promise. Now shall we make everyone clap or jealous cause you know Gaga is calling us.” Mason said, raising his eyebrows at his husband while he dipped down a bit and Willow turned up the tunes happy to amp up their reception to the next level.

Gloria walked past Mason and Zach as she paused, stopping turning around as she looked at them. They thought marriage was roses and daisies but it was more like fire and brimstone. He looked happy even when Mason was a little boy she knew he’d have sugar in his tank. He was little but mother’s know and little things he did trying to emulate Selina and her. Tony could ignore it but she’d rather be real. She watched them behind the scene and she saw his spark and individuality stamped out behind sports, and Tony’s expectations on him. Being someone he was never destined to be. This was classy as hell and she was impressed. Looking at Zach Fraiser she was a little salty. The nigga could have married a black boy. She was happy though because her baby was free and not tied to Tony’s tyrannical reign hiding himself. He was fucking that psycho bitch Scarlett just to cover his truth. Or whatever that was as she stepped forward taking Mason’s hand unable to stop herself. She danced with him a little, feeling like he did get to dance with one of his parents today. She heard Selina and him earlier talking about how they were alone. Never again momma was back in this bitch.  Staring at him he was so grown up and handsome. He was so perfect her baby boy she felt the urge to explode just like when she was around Selina. He wouldn’t know her voice and he wouldn’t know the truth. “This is a mighty fine wedding Mason and I know your momma would be proud of you boy. I put that on my grave.” She said the southerner was painfully oozing out. Swallowing she looked at Zach who was staring at the diamonds and jewels that covered her black gown and this hat belonged to her mother. She placed a veil on it but being so close to Mason was visceral at this moment. “Child dance I just had to wish you the best. You better work honey.” Seeing she was still holding his hand. “Darling, enjoy today.” Letting him go again almost broke Gloria. As she walked away.

Zach had the strangest feeling when the woman in all black literally kinda began to boogie with them. However seeing her and Mason grooving he didn’t know who she was but he loved it. He saw a flash of the camera and whoever she was, she wasn’t from his side. The lady looked like something out of the baptist Church, Mason and Jamal took him too a few months ago. She was beautiful and the diamonds were sparkling off her light like stars all over her. When she talked he felt something familiar about her tone. It was warm and it almost reminded him of Selina. When she moved away.  He looked at Mason who had the same strange expression as he looked at his husband and shimmied in front of him. “What’s the matter you alright baby?”

Mason was looking around the room enjoying a dance with Zach when the woman just came up to them and started to dance with them. The veil covering her face while he tried to focus on her and all that bling on her dress trying to figure out where the voice came from. Should he know her or this woman, was she part of the police department? He smiled at her, twirling her for a bit and then a pang did hit him when she had mentioned his mother wondering if she had known her. “Thanks, we really tried to think about that today and my dad.” Mason said to the woman trying to get a better look at her face above the music. She certainly could bust a move and he had gone to pull her to him and Zach, catching the trail end of her saying to enjoy the dance instead and watched as she disappeared into the crowd, the black hat swaying in the audience as she did so. “I don’t know if that was weird. It was a good way to put it. She started talking about my mom. At first I thought that she was part of the department. But now, it was just awkward, nevermind it was probably no one.” Mason said smiling at him brushing it off for a moment while he focused back on Zach kissing him to drown out the encounter.

**********

Ophelia looked around the foyer that headed into the massive garden which overlooked which would serve as the main dancing area of the wedding. Tents set up in the black and gold to accommodate the guests, the food and the booze flowing. Holding the glass of champagne in her hands and smiling at the party she lifted the glass to her lips taking a drink. Mason and Zach were still on the dance floor living it up well into their reception. Selina was with Elliot smiling in the corner and laughing over something. She had seen Jamal earlier with Belle Devonshire and had to agree at least she was better than that tart Val Ruiz, she had been purely shocked at the abortion revelation. Did the girl think that Jamal wouldn’t have helped her or stood by her, she hadn’t even asked at the hospital who did it if anyone had dared, she would be boiling in rage. Her son had been robbed of the choice but seeing how he was looking at Belle earlier perhaps a run for another box of condoms and to remind his grown ass to wrap it up was in order to avoid that again if he wasn’t ready. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned smiling at Jackie who leaned in to kiss her cheek and she returned the favor.

“It was such a lovely wedding wasn’t it? Tony would have been so proud of Mason and I do think he would have been happy for them too. Despite that rift between them he changed and came to accept that love was love and they had that moment right before…” She started her voice trailing off towards the end of the thought still it was a hard word to say outloud suicide. It felt so final and none of them still knew why he did what he did or what his struggle was leading up to him taking his own life. She had foolishly thought that everything was fine and she was a medical professional. How had she been so blind as to the signs? Lifting the glass to her lips she took another sip of her drink. “He would be happy and that is all that matters. Lowell I think would have approved as well, I know how close he was to Mason and I know Tony always appreciated that. Lauren looks like she is at least trying to have a good time, not that I blame her. I did hear about that incident with her and Greer LeClerq and Brock was in the wedding party.”

Jackie had been thrilled watching her godson marry a man that made him happy and she had happily held Jolene while Lauren had held Donovan for the ceremony so their parents could perform their duties in the wedding party. She was still reeling a bit from the encounter at the mansion with Madeline with Natasha and had tried to speak to her granddaughter numerous times with no success at the reception. There had to be a reasonable explanation for her outbursts lately, the way she had been speaking to everyone and recently the attacks on Natasha. Staff had called a doctor to the house to tend to the burn on the poor womens arm and she was still in absolute horror at what Madeline had done, the pesky reporters outside as they had done so. She’d made a call to Chauncey to inform him what happened that morning with Madeline and if she needed she could make a call to the school later. She did hope it wouldn’t come to that, that her granddaughter would come to her senses and but the anger and the hate away for Natasha. She had seen Ophelia enjoying the festivities from afar and decided to check in on her friend. She knew that if anything Tony and her late ex-husband would have been very proud of the man that Mason had become and was always going to be. Plus from what she had gathered Zach was a decent person as well, his past with Scarlett Nicholas excluded of course. She nodded her head at Ophelia’s sentiment before taking g a sip of her champagne.

“Lowell and I may not have seen eye to eye on his last year here but we both have always wanted nothing but the best for Tony’s children. I’ve heard rumors that Selina is digging into the past, something I had hoped she would be swayed away from, for her sake of course.  Perhaps this wedding will correct that course for her, seeing her brother so happy.” Jackie said as she glanced around the room before she took Ophelia’s hand in her own, walking her towards where Lauren was her friend looking out across the dance floor, she could swear that she was looking at Dru Price first and then Greer. Dru coming to the wedding to drop off a pair of Jolene’s shoes was quite the surprise earlier. She had tried not to think about Dru too much until a new nanny was secured and she glanced around seeing Jackson with Dani at a table with the twins simply beaming at each other. Greer was a nosey busybody with the press at her house lately and ever since Lowell’s death and she knew that Lauren and she had that run in at the Summit. “I do agree and say that we should rescue Lauren from her sulking in the corner.” Jackie said, leading Ophelia to Lauren and looking at her friend. “Ophelia and I were just saying what a wonderful wedding it was. What are you drinking?” Jackie asked her friend with a smile clearly not champagne with them.

“Watching snakes in our garden.” She looked at Ophelia and Jackie. Gulping down the rest of her champagne. Placing the flute on the table she stared down at her shoes. Guilt seemed to drown her about Dru because if she brought this girl into Jackson and Dani’s life she would be to blame.“I feel horrible this woman is a virus, look at her flouncing all over this wedding. Who even told her to stay? I don’t like that girl and that girl.” Lauren pointed at Greer. “She’s just flaunting Brock as if he’s her newest purse and I can’t do it. I want to choke her and shake that baby away from her and my nephew.” Stopping as she looked at Zach and Mason dancing as if no one was in the world. “I remember I caught Zach kissing a boy once. I told him that it would be a hard road as a Fraiser but always be true to himself. They have been true to themselves and I’m so proud of both boys. I remember speaking to Mason a couple times telling him to follow his heart and mind. He doesn’t need anyone else’s thoughts to make his own choices. You both know I volunteer at the group homes and the kids who suffer in silence are the worst ones. Mason was drowning and look at him now flourishing and Zach has never been happier. It’s good to see a happy ending.” Looking at the women.

Randall and she were alright but she wasn’t sure if it was continuing. Sometimes he seemed so hot for her and others like now she was alone at the wedding he was cold. She wasn’t sure if it was the writing of his newest novel but it was driving them apart. “You know what’s frustrating me? I’m over fifty and dating again. I don’t know what ghosting is but I feel like Randall has been invisible in this relationship. I need to figure out this dating swipe left and right if you like them. I just never thought us three would be single as we get older. We were all married women and I lost my husband to that she-devil.” Nodding to Brenda. “Not that I want to keep him because he’s a headache in itself. I just look at us over forty years, you for twenty Ophelia and what do I have to show for it but my kids and a lot of broken hearts. Sir, another glass of champagne please. When I get my drink, can we do a bathroom run? I need to freshen up.”

Jackie looked at Lauren and then around the room her eyes landing on Dru for a moment that wouldn’t have been her call to have the girl stay but she didn’t blame Lauren. Lauren had always had a big and generous heart, more so after Victoria had died, she began to volunteer in those halfway homes always looking to save a child. She supposed in some ways that was the same for her she wanted to be welcoming to her family of course but taking an outsider in like Dru. She hadn’t said much when Dani and Jackson agreed to hire Dru, they were trying to help the girl out. “I’m looking into a new nanny as soon as I find one with an agency that is respectable and that I trust we will call her in for a meeting and she will be let go. They’re fine Lauren look at them, they’re on the same team again and stop worrying so much about it for now. I should have a replacement lined up in a few weeks.” Jackie said pointing at her son and Dani holding hands smiling at each other and her eyes then landed on Mason and Zach who looked the same. “To happy endings I am so proud that Mason finally came to his own and it was because of your nephew, you should be proud of that Lauren and the influence that you had on his being who he was all along.” Jackie finished and her eyes then wandered to Greer who was with Brock.

“Well considering all the drama that she brought to my family with Chauncey I don’t envy you Lauren having to now put up with it in your family. Watch out for the backstabbing and the lies with that one.” Jackie said as she sipped her champagne and then saw the worry form on Lauren’s face with it all with Randall she had no clue that Randall had been pulling away. Perhaps being a world-renowned author was taking its toll on Randall. Surely he had to see that Lauren was right in front of his face after his divorce from Blythe. She had nothing personally against Blythe by any means a fine employee at the company and now a board member as well but that marriage had been over for a while if rumor was right at the office. “Randall is a walking idiot if he can’t find time with you Lauren. I know that you have no idea what he is writing about but perhaps you should ask him, maybe it is weighing on his mind a lot more than you think. I’m sure the distance is not intentional.” Jackie said as a waiter came by and placed a second glass down in front of Lauren.

Ophelia had no idea at all aout Dru Price and the little that she did was simply idle gossip so she had stayed silent while they talked about her, Lauren and Jackie knew her personally. Looking over at the girl who was at the bar watching the crowd she turned her attention to her son and Zach. Her heart was so full at that moment knowing how happy that he was with Zach and how much Tony was involved in the wedding. She had heard about the confrontation at the hospital with Greer and Kelsey a nurse had informed her of it when she had stopped by for paperwork and she did remember her first appointment with Greer. How she had been so reserved about her pregnancy in a way almost like she was hesitant and she shook her head at the thoughts sending them from her head. “I agree with Jackie Zach and Mason are happy today Lauren all the grace your entire family showed Mason while he was at odds with Tony. The way you came in and welcomed my son, even though he is not mine by blood you know I still think of him and Selina as both mine. Even if she hated me.” Ophelia said she and Seilina had come a long way, a way that she would like to think was them starting to heal after Tony’s death but she did think of those kids as hers. She loved Tony and the one thing she regretted was her affair with David that tore them apart for far too long.

“I can’t imagine what Randall is thinking or feeling when it comes to his book Lauren but he clearly has to know that you need him as well. Reach out to him. I know during my marriage the worst mistake I ever made was when I leaned on my co-workers and David instead of Tony when I could have just told him I was overworked and felt railroaded by Selina. Something has to be going on for him to suddenly ghost you as the young kids are saying.” Ophelia said seeing Lauren pick up her glass as she followed her lead with Jackie to head back into the house and the restrooms. She wanted to freshen up they could and honestly it looked like Lauren needed the break from staring at Greer all night and the pain radiating off her over the situation with Dru as well the best thing that they could do was remove Lauren from the situation to regain her composure. Going through the reception and into the garden they began making their way to the restroom and she honestly felt like one of those moments that you would have in high school or college a group of girls going to freshen up. Only her attention and the rest turned to shock when she saw Jeremiah Beecher inside the mansion. “Jeremiah? What are you doing here!” Ophelia said her voice rising in alarm seeing the shock on Lauren and Jackie’s face as well.

It had been a long time since he saw Lauren Cummings and Jackie Devonshire. Both still striking and the looks on their faces was priceless but it was Ophelia that shocked him. Folding his arms he stared at Ophelia whose voice had risen. As if she was fearing his presence, that feeling was quite delicious. They should be worried because he was here as a warning for them all. She insisted on attending her flaming son’s wedding; it wouldn’t be a big gay wedding Gloria said if she wasn’t there. He was far more politically correct than his wife but Gloria truly never gave a damn what came out of her mouth. Stomping his cane on the ground for dramatic effect it was a prop but he loved drama he did marry Gloria after all. Raising it and pointing it at him he smirked. “I was invited by Selina and Elliot after they found out I was in town so if that’s a problem then question them. You all do know I mentored and found Elliot. I crafted that talented man that your beloved Selina is so infatuated with. I cultivated him into the lawyer he is now and that must mortify all three of you. I’ve come and gone in your lives but I’m thinking Atlas Falls is so much more interesting now. Well now that Lowell is dead that is I am so sorry Jackie but you weren’t his wife no were you? Sad ending my dear.” Jeremiah lowered his cane as he sucked his teeth in glee at the horror on their faces.

“The past has such a funny way of popping up don’t you all agree? I mean who would have thought Tony’s daughter would be in love with my protege? I do believe Lauren you aren’t a Fraiser either my the years have changed haven’t they Ms. Cummings? I was always interested in knowing how you coped after your daughter’s tragic death washing away in a flash flood. That was mortifying.” Jeremiah knew how to twist all the knives in their backs. “And you, Ophelia, so distraught, a wife with no husband. Poor Tony, my dear friend couldn’t bear this cruel world anymore. It’s quite sad and shocking. He was such a strong man and to find him at such a vulnerable place. I just wonder what sent him to that place, what pushed him to take his own life? One last question, Ophelia, have you told your children Selina and Mason that there are all these secrets that died with Tony or are they still blind to how imperfect the perfect Anthony Delacroix was? What about Gloria do they really know Gloria? Oh Jackie you should know also, it just slipped my mind Selina came asking so many questions. So I gave her a few answers.”

Lauren gritted her teeth as Jeremiah Beecher pranced and peacocked in front of them. It was as if he had something up his sleeve. With all that was pent up in her she wanted to claw his eyes out. She instead listened to him begIn to speak on Selina, as if he had been in contact with her. Gasping hearing that Elliot was connected to this son of a bitch. All she wanted for Selina was happiness and even though it didn’t work between Braden and her, she was a good woman. With what happened to her with Dimitri she wasn’t sure that anyone was good enough. “Oh you are still that special brand of disgusting.” Lauren said underneath her breath as he kept talking when he mentioned Victoria she froze. For a second she was back in that water. It was ice cold and her eyes began to gloss over in tears. Shaking her head she wouldn’t let Jeremiah Beecher see he had struck a nerve instead she steeled herself and stood straight.

“Oh you must be under the impression you can come into Atlas Falls and speak to us in this manner but Jeremiah I remember you were nothing but Lowell’s errand boy. No matter how much power you amass you’ll always be a bitch to me. Now if you ever talk about my child again I’ll kill you. Nobody will be able to stop me and I assure you whatever you’ve lied and told Selina she’s working you. She’s way sharper than you think and she’ll figure out whatever angle you’re playing and whatever reason you keep leeching onto the Delacroix. It must feel mighty bad to always be second to Anthony Delacroix even in death.” Lauren hissed as she stepped back feeling Jackie and Ophelia seething as she pursed her lips. “Ladies we can leave oh and Jeremiah you may have been invited but if you don’t get your ass out of here. I swear Devin and Jon will throw your ass out.”

Jackie stood stunned at Jeremiah for a moment at what he was saying and implying and she simply gripped Lauren’s shoulder for support. It was crass to bring up Victoria like that.  He could attack her all he wanted. That was fine but he crossed a line with that and then went into Selina. She had warned her goddaughter numerous times that this would happen that she would dig for answers and trouble that she wasn’t ready for. As for his little connection to Elliot that was surprising to her but something perhaps that Selina could provide clarity on. Before she knew what overtook her stepped forward and raised her hand to smack the taste out of his mouth to feel Ophelia reach for it to lower it. “You’re lucky Jeremiah did you crawl out of the shadows to cast venom on those you think owe you something still. I see you still aim for the theatrics and the games instead of just being a man, then again Gloria wore the pants in your relationship didn’t she? Why exactly are you in town again?” Jackie asked anger radiating off her while she looked at the man before them, still weak, still a leech.

“It has to be so draining on you coming in and out of town thinking you still have a place at the big table with the big companies. That people in this town like you let alone want to be around you. I mean once you learned that Tony left you nothing at the will reading I thought protege or not you’d disappear again.” Jackie said, snapping her fingers at him hoping that he got that she wasn’t playing with him this time. She had too she’d call security and drag his ass to the airport with a ticket that she would happily buy herself. She almost began to pace while she looked at the arrogant son of a bitch still looking at them like he had gotten some sort of one up on them. “If Selina is asking questions then she knows all about how much her father hated you, despised you and the only reason she is associating with you is because she was trained by Lowell to make sure to protect herself and her siblings from you. You’re simply an obstacle for her and Elliot, that boy is wrapped around her finger that must burn you.” She finished.

Ophelia had stopped Jackie from smacking the shit out of Jeremiah for the simple fact that she didn’t want the gossip in the damned papers. This was Mason’s day not hers, not Jackie’s not even Selina’s it was Mason’s day and she would not have a scene with Jeremiah Beecher at the helm of it. Her son because Lord knows that she raised Mason not that vapid bitch Gloria deserved better on his day. She turned her nose up at Jeremiah knowing how he looked down on what was actually happening at the wedding and she nearly wagged her finger in his smug face. “My son is just fine today marrying the love of his life. You know you and Gloria never got that shot bitch was too afraid to lose custody to Tony. She was so worried about riding you she forgot to take care of her business at home and Tony had a backup plan when it came to his kids.” Ophelia said the Mexican was coming out at the man before her. For him daring to think he knew her children or got to speak on them.

“I’m even surprised you turned up here seeing how it was back on the day they disgusted you? Had a revelation or something in the last thirty years? Regardless neither the grooms want your ass here. The same old song and dance it’s tiring at this point Mr. Beecher.” Ophelia seethed seeing Jeremiah looking at them all still and she stepped in front of both Lauren and Jackie standing firm. This man had destroyed the man she loved over and over again along with Gloria and no more. Tony’s memory was all that mattered and he had another thing coming if her daughter was going to fall at his feet and kiss them when she was loyal to DGI and her brothers. “It’s cute you know going to Selina the girl I helped raise and make no mistake about it she is my daughter in every way that matters just like Mason is mine too. What is the end goal there having her and your prodigy not standing your ass. As Jackie has already pointed out, that man is standing by Selina even helping her look into things and yet you think what she’s going to turn to you for answers? The man that was fucking her mother behind her beloved fathers back for years? Gloria’s death clearly left you even more delusional than before if you think that will happen. So what do you want?” Ophelia finished looking at him again to spit it out and be done with it so security could escort him out.

Jeremiah looked at all three of the women who looked ferocious against him. “Well if you feel that extreme about my presence Ophelia, I should leave. You know you are right. I never wore pants in my relationship with Gloria but unlike all of your husbands I know my woman’s power and I still do. Even after all these years you all hate Gloria and myself but I only spew what has come to me. You all are judgemental but have sins buried deep in your closets. You want to know what I want, a warning and reckoning is coming. I’m home ladies and the devil is coming to collect all the sinners. Lowell is dead, Tony is dead, Walter is only the mayor and you think that the people that these men have broken aren’t coming to collect their bones? Buckle up girls. I’m moving home and bought the mansion just down the road. You don’t need another enemy right now Jackie now do you? But you have so many one more won’t hurt. Oh those two aren’t your kids and you’ll see soon enough why. Your son is Jamal but Selina and Mason are Gloria’s and you can try to forget that fact but we know the truth. She didn’t think Tony was cold enough to snatch Mason and Selina but he did. That’s the truth but she’s digging isn’t she? She’ll find out how he kept Gloria from them because he was a jealous bitch.” Clapping his hands together he looked at them.

“I assure you this isn’t over Jackie and I’ll be seeing you very soon. No need for security I know the way out since I had Gloria all over this house.” Jeremiah said with a panache and flare that was only funny to him. “Oh secrets are buried in these walls but the truth is coming out and I don’t think you’ll be able to cover up what Anthony did. Goodnight ladies I do hope you’re ready for what’s next it’s a doozy.” Jeremiah turned around and used his cane to hit the ground with a smoothness he began to strut away knowing that he had just ruffled the three of them. Good The Fraiser’s, Devonshire’s, and Delacroix’s should know something and someone was coming for them. They all thought it would be him but his beautiful wife was home and she wouldn’t stop until she got what was after her children and Atlas Falls under her thumb.

Lauren looked at Ophelia and Jackie and felt like he was going to do something to all of them. What was Jeremiah back for? The only person she knew who understood Jeremiah even back then was Harvey. A piece of her wanted to reach out and say something to him. See if he knew what he was after. Placing her hands on Ophelia and Jackie’s back. “He’s always been a theatrical man. I don’t know what he was insinuating but I don’t believe in coincidences he’s back for a reason and I won’t be standing back and allowing it. Now I let Greer and Dru in but this snake won’t be biting Selina or Mason. What is going on? What does he think he has? He was mighty confident to approach us and speak to us in that manner. I don’t like it at all.” She said finishing her drink and holding the cold glass to her bare skin. Lauren looked at Ophelia who was shaking still. She grabbed her hand as she noticed two security guards approaching them. All of the sudden the pit of her stomach dropped and something happened.

“Ms. Delacroix, I apologize to you but Selina has ordered all security to lock down the estate. There is a woman in all black who has been spotted all through the house. In spots that are off limits to guests. Selina is hunting with Devin and Jon for this woman. Apparently a few people have had interactions with her. You told me to inform you if anything peculiar happened and this is the first instance this evening.” Linc nodded at her. “We are hunting for her and if it’s someone we will find them.”

Lauren looked up at the top of the staircase as Jeremiah stared at them and her heart seemed to skip a beat. He was smiling at them. Why was he smiling at them? She stared at Jackie and then looked at Ophelia. “What is happening now?” Lauren said underneath her breath unsure of what was going on. She watched the security disappear into the darkness of the estate. Who was this woman in black?

**********

Maddie had enjoyed the wedding the best she could when it seemed like this was just not her day. It started with that disastrous encounter with Natasha at breakfast, of course. No doubt she’d overplayed her hand there and was trying not to relive all the cringiest parts on repeat in her mind. As promised, her grandmother had called her father and she was ignoring his texts. She’d been giving her grandmother the ice queen treatment and she planned to keep it up for the foreseeable future. The more she thought about her siding with Natasha, the angrier she felt. When she was finally getting time alone with Wyatt before the wedding, just as she’d settled into his lap and they were kissing, Bliss, Hunter and Belle had barged into the room looking for a place to get ready. She must have broken a speed record jumping off that bed. Really, she thought they’d get some privacy here. This had been her room after all, when Tony was still with them anyway. She hadn’t been squatting in a random room like the rest of them. But after a quick glance at Wyatt, they gave up the room and quickly exited in separate directions. At least her wedding present was amazing. She’d acquired a dozen of the best, unpublished candid pics of Mason and Zach from the Summit and had them framed in antique gold Cartier frames from the 20s to match the theme of the wedding. Along with a separate gift for Zach, an etiquette book. If he was going to join the Delacroix family he could at least try not to embarrass them. Another Fraiser in the family. Was it her family now? Technically Mason was still her uncle even though things felt uncertain between her and Selina. After watching the newlyweds dance she’d found herself thinking about her grandfathers, Tony and Lowell both would have loved this wedding. Lowell especially loved all of these celebrations of life and it was unfair that neither of them were here now. From here on out, days would continue to be marked as the first thing without him: holidays, birthdays, weddings, births.

Wandering outside in the gardens, away from the crowds, she smiled when she saw Greer. She wondered what Selina would think about their friendship. Greer had been the other woman in Selina’s almost-marriage to her dad. Not that Selina wanted him back or should quite frankly, but who would blame her for holding a grudge? Maddie, however, saw them as part of an exclusive club, bonded by the fact that they’d lost their mothers. Her tribe of motherless girls. Or when that seemed too depressing, they were bonded by her father. Friend, daughter and … well, whatever Greer was. “I didn’t think I’d see you here,” Maddie said, seeming to startle Greer out of her thoughts. “Are you ok? Is my little buddy in there being good? Do you need to sit down? There’s a bench over here. Do you need water, a snack? I feel bad for spamming you with those voice memos after my run in with Natasha.” She said, kissing one cheek then the other. Before Greer could answer, she groaned seeing her father closing in on them. “Incoming, at least he’s alone. Hopefully he left Natasha on the side of the road although there are ordinances against letting livestock roam free.” She plastered on her best smile as he joined them. “You look handsome. Is that Armani? You always look good in Armani. I should warn you that Greer just got out of the hospital which means the mud slinging that happened at the Summit is off limits. She doesn’t need you annoying her and frankly, I won’t allow it.” Maddie looked at her father, clearly unamused with her and suspected he was going to embarrass her with another public lecture. “I’m going to assume you’re still in the throes of Stockholm syndrome and it’s clouding your judgment so let me manage your expectations. I’m not apologizing to that eurotrash slut. She isn’t one of us. Not now and not ever. If you feel the need to take things away from me, fine. I’m open to negotiate that with you. I will apologize to you because I called you a whore which I feel guilty about because of anyone, I don’t want to trash talk you and besides I don’t even think you’re a whore. This situationship you’re in was supposed to end after the Summit when you finally had to admit she wasn’t your golden ticket to the CEO position and dumped her. Your garbage takes about me being a little girl and not knowing what I’m talking about notwithstanding, I think you deserve it still in spite of your gigantic mess. I can think of a million reasons and not one has to do with marrying her. You deserve better than that black hearted maggot. She was literally outsmarted by Dani. That should have been your first and only clue but no, you keep hanging on. I mean, a baby, Chauncey? Do you understand what kind of commitment that is? And what if it’s a girl? What’s your grand plan then? Have another until the right one comes out?”

Chauncey was happy for Mason of course the wedding went off without a hitch and the reception was now in full swing. For a roaring twenties theme the jazz and the booze was flowing pretty good most of it had been searching for his daughter. He was livid was a good word, at her behavior at the mansion with Natasha she was cold and callous towards Natasha for no reason when it came to everything that happened with the miscarriage and the fall that she took down the stairs. He had no idea what was overcoming her lately but this was simply out of control for him at this point where he at least agreed with his mother for now. She could have some consequences whether that be polo or a curfew or not seeing her friends for a few weeks something would happen. Throwing scalding hot coffee on someone because they were mad at his life choices, was unacceptable. He was the parent here and Maddie was still the child living under his roof and perhaps he had been a little too lax in reminding her of that lately. He had been spoiled as a child so had all his siblings but the constant disrespect needed to come to an end. He glanced at Greer for a moment. She wanted to stay that was fine he was going to be firm with Maddie this little tirade she had against Natasha ended this evening at this wedding. He raised his eyebrow slightly at the comment that Greer was in the hospital and did hope that everything was alright with her and the spawn of the redneck that she was carrying.

“I see that you think you are grown. I have called school and talked to Mr. Lambert. You are to miss the next polo match. I’ve also let the staff know that you are to be home from school no later than four o’clock or security will escort you home. Your vicious little attack on Natasha earlier in the day was simply I don’t even have words anymore. What on earth would possess you to throw scalding hot coffee on her and then to stand there and do nothing to help her? Then to bring up your brother like you were glad that he had died I’m simply out of words at this rate.” Chauncey said looking at his only daughter, regardless of that fact she was simply acting like a spoiled rotten entitled little girl. It was hurtful how awful she had talked about the night that Natasha had been pushed down the stairs so violently by who they knew now was Cara. He still remembered the sight of her body at the bottom of the steps, the blood seeping out of her dress, the wound on the back of her head. Yes he had accused Greer but at the time she had been there and yes it was wrong but he did regret it now. “You say these awful things to get a rile out of me or Natasha why? Don’t I give you everything you could ever want and never ask for money, clothes, horses. Selina and I have pretty much let you run the roost as you please, your grandfather would be beyond disappointed in you right now.” He finished hoping that she understood his dad would be disappointed in the coffee display earlier in the day. He looked over at Greer. “I assume you and the baby are okay?”

Greer rubbed her belly trying to not be nosey or place herself in Chauncey wrath. At the moment her and Brock were in a good place and she needed to keep it like that. Instead of blowing up her relationship for some sort of fleeting moment with Chauncey Devonshire she chose to ignore him slightly. Turning her nose up and looking past him she stared at him. “It is not as if you care about me or this baby. So please don’t pretend anymore Chauncey you can’t save your faux concern and piss poor parenting on someone else. Maddie and I were having a discussion and I believe it is rude to continue to intrude. Maddie might hate Brock but she does care about me and my child and you’ve made it almost crystal clear we aren’t anything. So I’d appreciate it if you stay back and I wish it could be different. However, one thing to think of before you leave us alone. Maybe your daughter isn’t lying and your wife isn’t so innocent. Natasha did the same thing to me in boarding school except she didn’t know a camera was on her. She is quite the skilled actress and I told you a long time ago you have no idea what snake you are laying with but I assume when it’s time you’ll come to Maddie and I to suck the venom out of your bite.” Rolling her eyes at him she saw Maddie was absolutely satisfied with her response to her father. “One more thing I don’t think it’s Maddie who Lowell would be disappointed with.” Honestly she was happy that Lowell Devonshire was dead because he’d sniff her scheme out. The man was a hound. The grief seemed to be blinding all of them and it was good. “Now if you don’t mind we were having a conversation.”

Greer saw Chauncey’s instant regret for how he spoke at his father’s service. He sealed the coffin in so many ways that day. Her heart was still broken and somehow he got to move forward. Brock was safe and she made a mistake, it didn’t mean her baby had to. “I do want to say I appreciate you letting me continue to have a relationship with this girl because she is special. She is smart and I think you have done an amazing job with Maddie so I would like to um say please don’t punish her. Not until you know every piece of the story. She isn’t lying, your wife isn’t innocent and you and I both know why. My reporters get all the dirt and I think that you should reevaluate your relationship before you strip Maddie of everything. She just wants her company and I’m out of line now because I shouldn’t be talking about your marriage. I’m sorry, Chauncey.” Greer said, wrapping her shawl around her shoulders.

“Dad! Four o’clock? That’s a curfew for a toddler. Are you going to take my phone next? This is dictator behavior. Suffice it to say that’s not going to work for me. And let’s put a pin in that for now but I will prepare a full rebuttal after this wedding so just get ready for that.” What was even going on right now? She initially thought it was some sort of joke but the look on his face said otherwise. That look she could handle well enough but when it morphed into one of disappointment and hurt, maybe even notes of betrayal? That made her heart squeeze. She’d take that soul crushing glare he’d given her at the Summit over this any day. She had to look away from him, scoffing to play it off. Then she imagined Natasha and him googling boarding schools. Natasha marking her as the inconvenient child of his first wife. She let that anger wash over her and take the guilt. “Greer’s right. She’s a con artist and a liar.” Why was Greer the only one that listened to her side? Her own family was letting her down right now. Abandoning her. “She’s gatekeeping my dad. Ruining my life. I’m basically Cinderella at this point. Why are you like this? Calling the school? I’m the Devonshire there. That’s my turf and you’re throwing off the power dynamics. And for what? To defend a monster and you want to talk to me about humanity? I admit I said a few things I wouldn’t have said if I thought you were within earshot.” She saw his dubious look and backtracked. “Ok, ok. It was more like everything I said. I started a fight with Natasha because I was bored and I hate her with the fire of a thousand suns but she slapped me, dumped that coffee on herself and then she made up that entire part about the miscarriage, which if we’re being honest she is making that her whole personality right now. If Grandpa was here he would have asked me what happened first and he wouldn’t have attacked me. No matter what. How would you even know what he’d think? When was the last time you took the time to talk to him? This is exactly the kind of ‘family last’ personal philosophy that landed you the role as Jackson’s understudy. Sorry, not sorry. You’re a big boy and I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I’m shocked that you would think I was so guileless that I would pour coffee on her and stand there like an idiot, letting myself be caught red handed. Like I wasn’t raised by Lowell Devonshire himself? That was Natasha’s harebrained scheme.”

“And since you brought up ‘my brother’,” Maddie said, adding air quotes but kind of regretting it when she saw him tense up. How did they know that baby was his? How could no one else be thinking about it? He wouldn’t like it but it had to be said. She at least glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot before speaking. Not causing a scandal had been ingrained in them all from a young age. “We all know Natasha was getting it on with Anderson so how do we know that baby was yours? Look at this website,” Maddie pulled out her phone typing furiously. “If I put Natasha’s due date into this calculator it gives you the dates she … you know,” she felt her face get hot. The last person on earth she wanted to talk to about sex was her dad, not even in the clinical sense. She pulled up some screenshots next. “And I happen to have a copy of the Kincaid family calendar for that week which I overlaid with Natasha’s calendar and it seems they were both in Pittsburgh for work at the same time. Look, I’m not trying to be insensitive but what if that was not my brother but a random baby? I have a right to know. Right, Greer? Or I can go ask Anderson, I guess. We’ve developed a good relationship over polo and Wyatt. I’ll show him all of my research and see what he has to say.” Maddie said determined to figure this out now. Natasha couldn’t just pass anyone off as a Devonshire. Manipulating them all with that baby. Using that baby to turn her own grandmother into a pawn. “Aw, thanks bestie,” Maddie said, giving Greer a quick one armed hug when she spoke about their relationship. “See, Greer’s telling you she’s awful. I’m telling you she’s awful. I’ll go get Selina and she’ll tell you, too. What else do you need to hear? You should be looking for ways to seal that demon back in her tomb for another millennia, not trying to make my life miserable. I don’t want her in my house. Or my life. Or my company. Respectfully, if you’re not willing to set your ego aside and have a rational discussion about this then you should go away like Greer said. Upsetting her isn’t good for the baby.”

“Enough Madeline I’ve simply heard enough of this feud with Natasha. I don’t care if you think it is unfair. Would you like to make it straight home after school? I’m sorry Selina and I didn’t get married like you wanted, I’m sorry whatever relationship Greer and I did have before she decided she wanted to be with Brock instead and she is carrying his child. But I will not have you disrespecting Natasha any further or attacking her over what happened at your uncle’s wedding, are we understood? Go to Anderson if you must. I already knew about the discretion that she had with him and I was fine with it, we have an agreement.” Chauncey said seeing the look of horror passover Madeline’s face at the thought that he was that daft that he didn’t know. He knew and he and Natasha agreed it didn’t matter all that did was their marriage being a good thing for DGI and it was still very possible that the baby had been his. He didn’t care if it shocked her, he was tired of playing the child to the actual child at the moment with her, it ended or she wouldn’t like the consequences. “It’s not your company, Madeline, maybe one day down the line when I’m old and dead, when your uncle is dead but for right now it’s not yours. Your mother would be beyond disappointed in you right now to talk that way about what happened that day. Before you were born we had a miscarriage did you know that? Would you even care? it’s very real and very raw and until you’ve experienced that first hand.” He said his voice trailing of course they were blessed a month later with the surprise of Maddie but she needed to grow up not everything was going to go her way. “Your grandmother could have been more in tune with the situation.” He said his lips purring for a moment at both her and Greer.

“Greer would know all about deception wouldn’t you Greer, for all that you want to attach yourself to Madeline and her to you she seems to have forgotten how you came to town. Lonely wife of Zerick Westwood made it your mission to seduce me and use me. I risked everything for you and you were never honest with me about who you really were. A little lie there, a half truth there to keep me hooked. Yet you both want to sit here and judge Natasha and accuse her of attacking herself. I would never wish you harm Greer and you picked Brock over me numerous times if I might add.” Chauncey said remembering their night in that hotel room after she ran to him after her engagement party he had done his best to offer her what he could at the time, she turned him down there wasn’t a lot more to say about it. He saw the hurt on Greer’s face, the words almost saw how she even turned her head so he wouldn’t see it was the truth, did he want to lie to her or Madeline. He had offered her a place at his side as his mistress. The plan had been simple: Natasha could have her life, he could have his with Greer by his side and when the moment and time was right SandStar could split from DGI and he would be CEO. None of that worked out like how he planned or envisioned it right down to his father giving the job to his brother. “No you shouldn’t be lecturing me about my marriage Greer so why do you continue to do it? You should be planning that big country wedding to Brock . I’ve heard even the chickens and cows might be invited. You could have had it all with me but you went back to him. I don’t need your parenting or marriage advice.”

Greer looked at Chauncey and was infuriated. Did she not just beg him at his father’s funeral for a chance again? Was she not about to tell him the truth and move forward letting go of all the past? Rubbing her belly she shook her head rubbing her belly as her eyes focused. “I don’t think she has forgotten. In fact I think she recalls a time when you listened to her and when you listened to me. I did some stupid things when I came to Atlas Falls. One the biggest was falling in love with you. Hell I can still say it I love you so much Chauncey but you have a vendetta to hurt me. I betrayed you but I didn’t stop loving you. I moved on because you wouldn’t let go of my betrayal Chauncey. You went after my sworn enemy then married her and I just had to push forward. As for my wedding it will not be in a barn it will however be special because I actually love Brock. He isn’t as complicated as we are. He isn’t hard as it is between us. Look you can keep blaming me for wanting to take your father’s company but I only fueled what was already there. You wanted DGI and I made you go for it. Was my method wrong? Absolutely but eventually Chauncey it stopped being a game for me. It stopped being me manipulating you and it began loving you and your daughter. So please don’t pretend that I just used you. I loved you and nurtured that ravenous edge you have.” She caught herself realizing she just said she loved him.

“I need to go, Maddie honey watch your back, she’s a viper and I assure you that I won’t be bothering your daughter anymore.” Greer said, storming up the steps as she felt her child kicking her belly. Gripping her belly as she went up the stairs and almost fell. “He’s not your father! Do you hear me? That man will never be your father. Peanut he doesn’t want us and I know he’s your dad but we have a good father for you. You hear me?” As she covered her mouth almost began crying. She hated to leave Maddie alone with this but she couldn’t keep it together around him. Her heart ached for that man and she knew it. “Little boy you will never know what it’s like to be a Devonshire because he doesn’t love us.” She mumbled as she turned around to see Maddie. “Hey I’m sorry but I can’t keep doing this with Chauncey.” Wondering what she just heard.

Maddie had watched the exchange between her father and Greer, feeling like she was missing a few pieces to this puzzle. Even her father looked unprepared for the revelations that just came out of Greer’s mouth. “Nice job, dad,” Maddie said, sweeping her arm out in the direction Greer was making her retreat. “You did the exact thing I told you not to do. If she has that baby on the floor, it’s going to be your fault. And you could have found a little less in your face way to convey your sentiment about the wedding. A wedding gift, maybe? Something that fits the whole Frasier aesthetic of tacky, ubiquitous, boring,” Maddie snapped her fingers and pointed at him. “Like one of those live, laugh, love signs.” She grabbed Chauncey’s arm and let out a gasp, seeing Greer nearly fall on the stairs. “See! I’ll go make sure she’s ok. You stay here in case we need you,” she squeezed his arm for emphasis and hurried over to catch up with Greer. Grabbing her arm to steady her. “Don’t worry about him. He’s pressed because he screwed up royally and he doesn’t want to admit it. Are you ok? The baby?” She led her to a bench. “That old ball and chain is sucking all the charm out of him. He shouldn’t have said those things. It’s his villain era for sure.” She looked over at her dad then back at Greer after taking a breath.

“I heard you talking to the baby. You said he’s not going to be a Devonshire because my dad doesn’t love you. What does that even mean? Do you think he couldn’t love your baby? Is that why you’re marrying Brock? If it’s all my complaining about him, he’s really not that bad. I let myself get spun up and half that stuff is just hyperbole. I thought you knew that. We haven’t really seen eye to eye on much lately but he’s not a bastard, Greer. Look how my grandmother took Bliss in. She even seems to be warming up to Belle. If my family can take those two strays in they wouldn’t think twice about loving your baby.” She watched a bunch of emotions play out across her face but couldn’t read any of them. Maybe it was hormones. Wasn’t that a thing? Especially as pregnant as Greer was. “I don’t know what hold Natasha has over him but we can figure it out. That speech you just gave put a few cracks in the stone facade. We can chip away at those. If you love him, don’t settle for Brock. He’s easy because he’s stupid. You need a challenge. Someone that can push you to achieve your dreams. What’s Brock going to inspire you to do? Be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen? Forget the wedding, where are you even going to live? The Frasier hovel? A cave in the woods? It’s not too late to stop it.” Maddie put a hand on Greer’s stomach. “Oh my god, I felt him kicking! That definitely feels like an endorsement. What do you think, baby? Do you want to be a Devonshire?”

Greer stood looking dumbstruck. Why didn’t she think strong willed ass Madeline Devonshire wouldn’t chase after her. Hearing her questioning her about the baby made a shiver run up her spine. All she could see was Jackie decorating a nursery room and helping Chauncey raise her son who would be snatched from her arms when he wanted. To punish her for hurting his ego he’d never forgive her and she knew that. Bawling her tiny fist up letting her nails dig into the inside of her hand. She looked at Maddie and smiled. “I reached out to your father a couple weeks ago trying to talk to him. To fix this mess that I have heaped onto your life and his. He might have gotten DGI if it wasn’t for me. I just feel like I need to tell him that I’m sorry I messed up his life and yours. I just said that to get the thoughts out of my head Maddie. I’m marrying Brock because I’m pregnant with his child and you wouldn’t understand. Or maybe you would. Maddie, my mother died just like yours in childbirth. I promised if I ever had a child I’d give them exactly what I never had. I’m stupid because I love that man so much.” Greer couldn’t believe she was saying this to a child but Maddie wasn’t a normal child. “I think about what our lives could have been and I think about being your mom. I know Selina is important to you but I thought we always had a connection you know.” Wiping her eyes as she bit her lip.

“Maddie, you have to promise me something. Never repeat that, I can’t let Brock know that I’ll never be satisfied but this isn’t your father’s baby it’s Brock’s. I thought I met the only person for me. It just hurts sometimes because I never believed in love and I never believed that I deserved to feel like this. I was at my happiest with him for that year and I guess I hope I am something special to him. When I’m around your dad I can’t breathe. I can’t think straight and it hurts that he wants to punish me. He wants to make me feel like it’s my fault that he isn’t happy. I miss him and I miss my life oh God.” She said, clutching her belly as the baby kicked her again. “He’s really active today. I should go Maddie, never lie to your person. Never if you find someone who makes you feel alive be alive with them. Don’t hold back because you never know how fast it’ll slip away.” Standing up with the help of the girl. “Just fix it, play the game, you are Lowell’s only grandchild that will remember him. What would he do to Natasha if she was playing this game and turning you against your family. I think if you think like that you’ll handle her.”

“I won’t lie, I hate that you chose Brock but I do understand you want to give your baby a family. I can respect that. Brock doesn’t have a lot going for him but he’s not a garbage person so there’s that. Plus I don’t really want to see you and your baby get sucked into this gross monogamish thing he has going on. I will literally pass away if that gets out, please, please don’t publish it.” She’d tell Wyatt as soon as she could get him alone and they could be embarrassed together. Her dad was seriously traumatizing her. “I hope you and Brock work out better than my dad and Selina. They spent most of my life breaking up and getting back together. Partly for DGI but the other part, I know he did for me. He just didn’t love her that way. I’m sad for him because he deserves to have something good. Something that makes him happy. Even though I’m mad at him right now. If that can’t be you, I don’t think he’ll ever have it. I could accept Natasha if I thought he was actually happy. She’s just twisting him up and I can’t talk to him about it, or anything these days, honestly. I hear you, that you can’t be around him but you and I are still friends no matter what. You aren’t getting rid of me. You would’ve been a great mom. I mean, you will be a great mom,” she said, touching Greer’s stomach and smiling. “Maybe watch out for those Fraiser camping trips. The absolute worst. Thanks for the advice about Natasha. I’ll mull it over. I think I need to distance myself from the problem, get a better perspective.” Maddie hugged her and watched her leave, wishing things were different. How stupid and naive had she been to think Greer’s admission would change anything. At best, maybe she’d be his side ho like Anderson had been for Natasha. They were so cringey. She rejoined her father, looking back to where she and Greer had been talking. It was much closer than she realized and she looked at him wondering if he’d overheard. She’d keep Greer’s secret but would her father? “Were you eavesdropping on us? You are being so toxic right now. To me and Greer. Simping for Natasha. Honestly, Chauncey, you’re doing too much. You came here guns blazing for me and you just bullied a pregnant woman. She’s my friend and you were exceptionally rude to her. I think you’re the one mom and Grandpa would be disappointed with. I stand by what I said earlier, Natasha used that miscarriage to manipulate Grandmother and the servants because she’s wretched.”

She looked at her father thinking about his ridiculous curfew. He never said she had to stay there. She’d send him photo evidence of her at home at 4 pm sharp, doing the most annoying things like eating cookies and leaving crumbs in his bed and then leave. Cleopatra was running a country at her age and he was treating her like a preschooler. “Your superdad act is boring and fake. You’re not good at it. Jacqueline only called you because Grandpa’s not here. And if he was here, he wouldn’t let any of you get away with this.” He was obviously doing all of this to suck up to Natasha. That old gargoyle was going to be so thrilled with herself but Maddie wasn’t going to sit here and take it. “This seems like as good a time as any to tell you my horses and I are going to California. I assume you remember my mother’s family? The Jensens reached out to me when Grandpa died and they’ve invited me to stay with them. I was going to wait but in light of the injustices I’ve endured, I’ve decided to move our departure up to tomorrow. I’ll be attending school remotely for the next few weeks or months, maybe? I haven’t decided how long I’ll stay. I’ve already taken care of the arrangements including signing all of the authorization forms for you so I don’t need you to do anything. I don’t anticipate any problems but I can always fly my teachers out if I need them. Anderson connected me with a polo club I can sub for. My grandparents even bought a piano just so they could hear me play. It’s a little spur of the moment but carpe diem, you know? I don’t want to wake up one day to find out I lost my chance to get to know them.” In a way, it felt like Logan stepping in to wrap her arms around her and save her from this madness. If her mother was out there somewhere, wherever souls might go, she might’ve had a hand in the timing. “You can go back having slayed the evil dragon for your lady love. I surrender. For now. Too bad you can’t stay for a dance, I’m sure you have to run along and rustle up a young goat for Natasha’s evening meal. The witching hour approacheth and we can’t have her devouring the townsfolk. You do realize this is a wedding? We’re supposed to be celebrating love and happiness and you’re ruining the vibe.”

Chauncey had waited at the bottom of the stairs for a moment when Greer and Maddie had stormed off but when he had seen Greer bend over in pain he had started to dart up after them. Only he stopped; it wasn’t his place to be involved in Greer’s life anymore and the more he kept running after her the more it sent mixed signals. She was having Brock’s baby, he was trying his best to be supportive at DGI and make his marriage work, besides it wasn’t like he was going to raise a Fraiser baby only his brother slummed that way. It was better for everyone if they went their separate ways for DGI and for now, right now he needed Natasha on his side until she could help him down the road. It wasn’t like he was in love with her or anything like that he had given his heart to Logan and she died and then he had foolishly given it to Greer to have it ripped out again. He watched as Greer walked away he’d overheard her but he was still frozen it was Brock’s baby was not his. He wasn’t a complete asshole if Greer felt that strongly about being in Maddie’s life in the future and his daughter as well he would allow it. He watched Greer go back into the reception and then listened as Madeline mouthed off to him once again, in true Devonshire fashion. He saw a lot of himself inside of her the sassiness that Logan had the stubbornness that he had. Looking at her he chose his words carefully for his young daughter.

“Eavesdropping would be beneath me. I was simply standing by in case Greer was in distress any further. You do not get to dictate who I marry Madeline or who I chose to share a life with. I came over to have a conversation about your behavior clearly, it was needed. I simply told you what was the truth, Greer knew it and now you do too. I’ve done a lot of shit in my youth, young lady but I’ve never told a woman that lost her child I was glad for it. It’s frankly beneath your upbringing.” Chauncey said he was simply still abhorrent about her comments about the baby that Natasha had lost and he almost sneered at her thinking that she was just going to up and leave on her own accord. He retained full custody until she was eighteen he made the decision about where she could and could not go if the Jensen’s wanted to change that they could sue him for custody which they wouldn’t get. “You think you have it all figured out, don’t you little miss that you just get to dictate when you leave school to go across the country, when you come home from school and when you play polo? Sadly you’re still a minor. You want to go see the Jensen’s. Fine, we’ll have a discussion about it. But you don’t just get to get up and go. They want to change that and tell them to call my attorney. Your vibe is now you’re grounded until I say otherwise, you will apologize to Natasha. Life’s not fair Madeline but the days of you trying to bulldoze my life and act like the parent here are over. Can’t wait to see your TiK-Tok or Replay to try and trash me all while trying to claim how much you love this family and DGI. Love is hurtful and cruel and maybe it’s about time you learned that.” Chauncey said looking at her stunned face and he waved his hand at it hearing the music from the party before he turned on his heel and made his way back inside the party.

**********

Zach saw Jamal, Belle, Mason, Selina and Elliot all dancing on the floor; he slipped away as he pulled out his phone. Zach had been waiting all day for this message to come through once he got confirmation that he’d do him this favor. It had been a while since he was in contact with Diego Gonzalez. He had reached out after the bug was found on Dani’s phone. He had helped uncover what Scarlett did to Dante and for that Diego was forever grateful to him. Well as a wedding present and a gift to him he had the FBI look into Dru Price. Only to find out there wasn’t any Dru Price. Reading over the file that Diego put together for him proved that all her contacts and references in Addisonville for the last year were doctored. She was fake and nobody that she listed could tell them who Dru Price was. Stepping back he watched her from across the room. Who was this bitch? Why was she after Dani? Zach had always had a thing with sniffing out someone who wasn’t truly right. Something about Dru Price or whatever her name is always seemed disingenuous to him. Watching how her eyes never left Jackson and Dani too far. He had to put her on notice.

Walking over to the bar he tapped her on the shoulder interrupting her conversation with Kelsey and Willow. “Follow me.” He said in a playful tone. “You know I love those twins like they are my own. I mean I feel like I don’t know enough about you Dru Price right? That’s your name isn’t it.” Zach said bewildered almost as if he wasn’t sure himself. “You came into town about a year ago right? Like in need of assistance and you just ended up the nanny of the richest couple in town. That’s amazing timing. Timing is just great for you right because before that you ended up running my family’s Pub right? Dru you have impeccable luck and timing.” Zach said as he sat on the barstool twisting the one next to him for her to sit down. “I suggest you sit, Dru we have a lot to talk about. Like Addisonville, you know Rebecca, our new detective is from there.”

Dru rolled her eyes when Zach just tapped her on the shoulder and told her to follow him. Who did this Queen think he was? This punk better watch it because she truly didn’t like how his words were leading. Why was he so interested in Addisonville and the past she had manufactured? Zach was an officer so it would be easy for him to just find out her truth. That all her well crafted and paid lies were just that, lies. “Do we? I didn’t think I had a lot to talk to anyone about. I like to be invisible, you know? Every now and then a little attention doesn’t hurt but I love to be invisible. You know I never thought of it as luck. I always saw it as me being a good worker. Your aunt seems to believe my work ethic is impeccable.” She lied with ease. Sitting down she smiled at the bartender. “A bloody mary please.”

“Not anymore.” Zach countered as he looked at her dead in the face. “People are whispering Dru and I hate to tell you as big as Atlas Falls this vast city shit spreads like a small town. Now I’m asking you one question and I hate to be lied to so don’t lie. Who the fuck are you and what do you want with Dani? Just so you know they used to call me the human lie detector in high school.”

Dru felt his energy and he wasn’t playing. She gave a small smile again to the bartender. “My name is Dru Price. I grew up in Florida and moved to Addisonville at eighteen. I worked at a few dive bars and nannied for a wealthy Amish family. Is that what you want to know? I’m not some secret and I don’t understand why you’re giving me the fifth degree at your wedding. Your husband is dancing with your family and you are here gaslighting me about what? What do you believe I’ve done to your precious cousin? You Fraiser’s are a piece of work. I’m up at five o’clock every morning changing diapers, feeding, making sure they are at whatever baby activity they have. Swimming, doctor appointments, and of course getting them ready for the granny’s. I am just as important as a mother and your insinuations that I’m after Dani are hurtful. I did my duties and continue to do my job. If Dani and Jackson have a problem with it then they shouldn’t be children and send their bitchy cousin-brother to attack me.” Dru took a drink of her Bloody Mary.

“I have sacrificed my own life for your beloved cousin. The least you can do is show me a modicum of respect for the job I’ve done so damn well. I protect those kids from the paparazzi and keep them happy. You have no idea what I do on a daily basis and in fact you are aloof because you don’t even really know Dani. All those missed appointments, lost texts, not coming to see the kids with Jackson. She’s dropped the ball and I don’t know if she’s jealous or insecure because I have such a connection to her children and husband. I love them and just so you know cousin. I’m not here to cause any trouble. Do you believe me or should I cross my heart? You are barking up the wrong tree because I don’t think you even know what you’re saying.” Dru said playing it cool.

Zach laughed as he looked at Dru. “You’re good.” Nodding his head. “Really good in fact if I wasn’t a fucking cop, I might believe you. Dani was missing appointments and losing text as you say because her phone was bugged. But you know that don’t you? Let’s rewind you said you worked at a few dive bars? What about Robbie’s that’s the bar on your resume. Well I called a woman named Priscilla who worked there for the last twenty years. You know what Priscilla said? That you never worked for Robbie’s and it’s only two main bars in Addisonville. Guess what I did? I called them as well Dru? They don’t know you and the Barnes family, that’s what their name is. Actually had no use for a nanny when their kids were adults at the time so I’m going to ask again? Funny thing is I also tracked down Ralph you know the bartender you climbed your way to. So I’m going to ask one more time before I watch Dani and Jackson destroy you and I get to see what they do with the body because I might be helping.” Zach leaned in. “Family is everything to me.”

“Your family fucking forgot me.” Dru hissed as she leaned in. “If you think my references are fake why won’t you tell her? Them right now? Let’s go tell them.” Dru said as she grabbed her bag and her drink.

“Sit down.” Zach commanded, snatching her down in the barstool, her drink splashing on the counter. “What do you mean my family forgot about you Dru huh? Tell me you want to say it’s eating you the fuck alive. Remember it’s my job to read people. Tell me Dru, what’s gotten you so angry?”

“Who’s angry now? Get your fucking hands off me.” Dru said for the first time feeling like she had the upper hand. Sitting down she also felt time ticking away. She had to unleash her wrath on Jackson and Dani and get out of the fray. “Nasty habits of the Frasier family? Sleight of hand tricks that you all are for each other. When you have no idea who is for you. Don’t you ever touch me again. I am very capable of fighting against your family if I need to. You Frasiers with your fake moral superiority. I swear to God you aren’t better than anyone when you have sins on sins. Sometimes your reckoning is in your face and you’ll never see it coming until it happens.” Dru spat back at Zach.

Zach knew a threat when he heard one. He gritted his teeth as he calmed himself knowing how to end this. She was good because those digs about family got him even more curious. Did she have some vendetta against his family? Why? She wasn’t from Addisonville he knew that and he’d found out Florida due to her knowing his unknown dead cousin Kendall. He just wanted to know why she was so angry. “You are the twins’ nanny.”

Dru rolled her eyes as she looked at him. “Well that’s rocket science.”

“Meaning you could have access to my cousin’s phone. You know there was a bug on her phone that allowed someone access to her most private and intimate details in her life. So let me get this all right. You’re lying about your entire resume, you somehow intergrain yourself into my aunt’s life at her most vulnerable time, you somehow got rid of our longtime barkeep, then you worked on Lauren getting you a even more cushy job, then you saved my grandmother magically at the right time and place, and your final ax swing was planting that bug on Dani’s phone. I just want to know the motive? You a scorned lover of Jackson? He doesn’t remember you and you’re bitter? Or maybe you have a thing for Walter because you keep going off on him. Vendetta against Lauren? What made you so evil that you’d do this? Tell me why are you this malicious Dru? Do you get off on hurting people or is this some sick form of revenge? What makes you justify hurting people this way? Who hurt you this way? To ask a roundabout question who the fuck are you?”

Dru hands were shaking, her eyes were blurring with tears of rage and fear. How had he pegged her? She wasn’t hiding her contempt for them very well right now. As she shook her head looking at him. “Stop it.” She said underneath her breath. Even suggesting she had a thing for Walter made her almost sick. He was her father and she couldn’t handle this type of scrutiny or pressure. “I said stop! You know nothing Zach!” She screamed at him. “I’m just as important as Dani or any of you! I deserve my place in my!” Dru stopped herself as people stared at her. She must have looked like an insane person. The slutty nanny was losing it. “You don’t know me.”

“You’re right Dru, I don’t know you but I now know you’re truly no good for Dani or Jackson. I damn for sure know you are after something and I know my family infuriates you. I think this was a very productive conversation. I think we got to know each other so much better. Good day Dru I don’t think you’ll have many more when I’m done investigating what the fuck you’re doing to my cousin and family.” Zach got up and looked at her. “Oh and you aren’t on theme. That gives the forties not twenties.” He said in the cattiest tone he could manage.

Dru grabbed her bag and stood up feeling like everyone was watching her. She stormed to the front door. He nailed her to cross and knew something was off about her. There wasn’t much time left. She had to strike Jackson now and she had to hurt Dani. She was the last one. She was the one who he kept and the one who he clearly loved more than he said. Walking down the stairs she looked back seeing Lauren and Jackie staring at her through the window. Those bitches would feel her wrath. “I swear this isn’t over yet Zach. I’m going to crush Dani and Jackson, I promise that.”

**********

Her daughter was crafty locking down the mansion. Who in the fuck did she think she was playing with? She built this house with Tony, not that little girl. She however had to get out of this mansion. Her child was strong and it almost tickled her if she wasn’t fucking stuck in this house. Pacing for a second she could wait it out in the attic if she wanted then escaped when they all left. But nobody was going to lock her down. She came here to make her presence known. As she walked to the balcony she saw Jeremiah standing at the car. Gloria pulled out her phone and texted that motherfucker to go. She didn’t need anyone catching on before it was time. Him just standing there like a bump on a log. When she looked down the stairs she saw Jamal walking out Belle Devonshire. Looking at the heifer she had her mammy cheekbones for sure. When she saw him walking doe eyed upstairs she must have her something else of her momma’s as well. Stepping back she felt uneasy until she knew exactly how to get out. Humming “September” from Earth Wind & Fire she knew it would draw him in. Stepping back she walked out meeting him just in time to stand in front of him.

“Pardon me.” She said with a fake British accent. “I was coming from the loo too much champagne and far too much dancing. You’re Tony’s son aren’t you my word so handsome. I can see him radiating off of you. Energy love, I believe in energy. Have you ever hand your cards read? Believe in the tarot? I sense a lot from you. Expectations of greatness lost on a little boy because you never got to show your truth to your father. Did you? You never got to show him how much you could be. But the energy my beloved says he knows. In fact I think he might be here as a warning.” Raising her hands as if she was Miss Cleo and touching the ghost. “He’s warning you that someone is coming and someone is here. Oh Jamal you have to know love that the spirits are talking.”

Jamal had showered off after his encounter with Belle. He was actually sad to see her go at the end but knew that she would come back. They had something. He had left his room afterwards adjusting his suit and tie again before starting to head down the stairs back to the party. They were so close to winding down from the sound of Willow’s voice into the microphone that the final dance was coming up. Once at the bottom of the stairs he looked down realizing his damned tie was missing and promptly walked back up not wanting to deal with the questions of where it was. Only instead he bumped into a woman he didn’t recognize who was clearly fucking drunk or crazy up near the bedrooms where guests weren’t supposed to be. He looked around the hall wondering what bathroom had she come out of before shaking his head at her. The song he did recognize, seemed to fit the entire mood of his brother’s wedding. He found her hat to be a little outlandish for the event but then again she seemed for sure to be into spirits so maybe that was just her character, though he did take note of the accent. Other than Belle did Mason know anyone that was British, Zach wasn’t that cultured.

“Are you lost? We normally don’t let strangers up here, the loo is mostly on the first floor at least the extra ones. I mean we have like five on the first floor alone most of what is up here is private rooms. Yeah I’m Jamal, Mason is my brother, one of the grooms who are you here for?” Jamal asked looking around the hallway one more time to make sure no one else was up here, any more strangers up here Selina would likely lose her shit not to mention his mom. It was weird to be creeping around a strangers house but he gave the woman the benefit of the doubt as well the drinks were flowing tonight Zach’s family mainly putting up most of it but regardless after a few he could see how someone could wander off to parts of the estate that they weren’t supposed to be in. “My energy is for real, that is all you need to know whatever you are feeling good vibes and all that’s all me. So you actually believe that spirit shit? My dad did sometimes like to have his fortune read occasionally. So the accent is it real or where are you from?” He asked hoping she just took her drunk ass with him back down the stairs.

She got Tony on the tarot; it was something that her family had done. Her lineage went back to the Nigerian tribe Youruba tribe. Migrated to Jamaica and  Her great grandmother was a priestess and believed in the cards and bones. She wasn’t a slave; instead she used the gifts to get her out of chains and into the parlors of the very white folk she cursed. “My accent is as real as your past as a drug dealer.” She knew Lowell well; he covered up Jamal’s misdeeds and cleaned up everything. Media didn’t know what Jamal was involved in, that was sealed. Gloria was seeing none of Tony in this boy; he had a fearless spirit. Getting him to come to her side eventually would be easier than she thought. Seeing his shock she looked at him opening her bag. “Shall I read your cards? I see flames if they come sometimes your burn even when you aren’t on fire? Can I give you a reading? Please, I used to do it for your father. Sit down love the spirits are talking let me boy you want to know about your father?” Sitting down in the vintage chair. She pulled on a deck of cards that had been in her family. “Come boy don’t tell me you are scared. My name is Marlene Beecher, CEO of BA Energy. You’ve heard of my company, no love?”

Shuffling the card she passed them to him to cut. Watching him cut the cards she leaned in and stared. “I see a storm coming. The high priestess this card could mean something coming to the light. Secrets that are hidden are all being unearthed but the fool is at play meaning a new beginning. Though this is the interesting part, the emperor is turned upside down. Your father and you at the end were you close? You were but you have questions about his ascension. I believe your father was running from something so dark that he couldn’t escape. I see whatever your father was hiding from is coming boy and you betta buckle up. Motherfucking clouds are everywhere around your family, my boy. You’re either going to fall in line or fall out of place; that is the only option.” Gloria leaned back and crossed her legs. “Tell me what do you think happened to my beloved Anthony? I can read that next if you like. Bomboclat did I strike a nerve.”

Jamal listened to her talk amused and annoyed at the same time. How drunk was this woman? Knowing how much Selina would flip out at some random woman all up in their dads house though he figured the sooner this reading was done the sooner she could leave. He cast her a sideways glance when she mentioned that he had dealt drugs which was true something he had to live with but he doubted like the rest of this family that she would understand why he did what he did. “Then you know that my past is just that in my past, it’s not like I’m out in the streets anymore. I learned my lesson the first time after trying to be something that I am not looking for myself. Should have just embraced who I am, the son of Tony Delacroix and Dr. Ophelia Delacroix.” He said seeing her wince a bit when he called his mother Delacroix it was the truth they had remarried. He decided to poke the bear a bit at the reaction. Clearly she didn’t like it. “They got married right before Christmas last year, didn’t know my dad knew anyone from BA Energy either wasn’t exactly his scene after his first wife died.” Jamal said, looking at her and sitting down hoping to get this over with.

What made her think that he didn’t know his father of course he did, and he certainly never talked about BA Energy at home or at the restaurant. His dad for the most part stayed out of the corporate shit and had for years, in fact his sister had taken over any voting his dad would have done at DGI. He refrained from speaking about Gloria he could tell and overheard what Selina was saying about her didn’t sound like she was a good person or even loved his dad. “Storms are always coming in Atlas Falls. We get pretty good winters sometimes and not to mention a lot of rain before that flash flooding even. As for secrets maybe you might be onto something there always is something brewing there too, my sister recently discovered some stuff about her mom, it’s been rough. I think how my dad passed was hard on all of us so maybe we all still have questions about it, but we’re trying to move forward you know.” Jamal said, crossing his arms a bit at her wondering where she was going with all this. Was she hinting that the spirits knew why his dad took his life? He shot his eyes at her and almost rolled them at her, her beloved Anthony give him a break. “Seeing how he never mentioned you, you probably weren’t his beloved. Listen, the cards are cute but my sister really doesn’t like strangers up here.”

She wanted to tell this stupid motherfucker she taught Selina never to let another bitch inside her spot. She wanted to tell him he would have been coming out of her pom-pom if it wasn’t for her. Not that dumb ass bitch Ophelia. She couldn’t wait to clear that ho soon enough. Cocking her names she looked at him. “Oh mon enfant. You have no idea about Anthony in fact I am the one person who knows him first. Death is always such a tricky thing. You don’t want to know what the cards say. How about this? My husband and I have bought a penthouse suite downtown. It’s ours when you’re ready come to me and I’ll tell you where you belong. It was never on the street nor is it in a studio either. Wasting all that talent like Tony did under the white man. You are still being told to fetch by the Devonshires. All of you when you should have been running all of you. Keep collecting pennies but that’s what Tony died of lost potential.” Collecting her cards she placed them in her purse. Seeing she shook the boy she smiled in his face. “Maybe I should warn you why your father killed himself. Tell you the truth since you crave the real so badly.” Gloria craned her neck with ferocity. Dropping the accent. “Oh and Tony always loved me. Always.”

“JAMAL!” Belle called out walking up the stairs. She had left her phone upstairs while they were eating cake in his bed. After sex they actually talked and it was nice. It was so nice to see a guy who adored her and he obviously did. Well Connor did but she didn’t want Connor and she couldn’t get the prince back. The difference with this situation was Belle wasn’t in competition, it was just happening. She loved his special brand of dysfunction because it matched hers. Seeing him talking to some woman in a fabulous church hat and veil. She walked up to him grabbing his hand. “Hey I left my phone in your room can we go get it? And I have a great idea. The Nightingale Casino, let’s roll the dice if you’re down?” Biting her lip she didn’t like the look on his face. “Are you okay?”

“I’ll see myself out. Oh Ms. Isabelle Devonshire welcome to the family. I knew your father as well. She’s a chip off the old block.” Looking Belle up and down. Gloria stood up and swiftly walked away with no accent, just her own sass. Walking down the stairs she heard Selina speaking with Ophelia. Pausing, she wanted to hear her baby. Seeing Ophelia comforting Selina made her feel sick. She wanted to scream at Ophelia to let go of her child. He wouldn’t let her have them. He would have killed her and Jeremiah to keep those kids. She was greedy but not stupid. Lowell and all those men were on a powertrip then and she was a woman who twisted them all up. If Tony would have just grabbed the ring the Delacroix would have been in the place of the Devonshire’s. The most powerful black family in the world. That was her quest and somehow Anthony lost that sight. Leading to her affair but she loved Tony deeply she just hated how he became an apologist for Lowell. A yes man and she’d never rest well being underneath a white person’s thumb again. He knew her past and what she was after he just got comfortable. Hearing someone approaching she swung open the door and walked down the stairs. Hiding behind the rose bushes Gloria walked toward the back of the house. They’d be looking for someone in the front. Jamal had potential, smart and quick she’d take him for her own. Just like Ophelia had done for her children. “We will be the most powerful black family Tony. Even if I had to fucking kill you to do it it’s my time to run this family. You hear me? And tell that rotund fat bellied man Lowell, that I’m coming for what should have been my family’s in the first place. DGI is up for grabs because Tess will watch it burn out of heartbreak and I’m breaking necks for what mine you all hear me.” Watching Selina and Elliot through the window. Gloria reached out and touched her face through the glass. “I’m coming for you baby girl.”

A chill has settled over his body watching Marlene Beecher strut away when Belle had approached him. What in the hell was she talking about? He and Rory were friends and business partners but he most certainly didn’t answer to him. Why was she so interested in his business with Rory to begin with anyway? He had turned back around to introduce Marlene to Belle only to find that she was gone, he looked up and then down the hallway wondering where she had gone too. “I think we can swing the casino opening if anything with Max in charge it will be pretentious.” He finished taking her arm in his as they began walking down the stairs Marlene’s words in the back of his mind he wanted to maybe he could track her down later to find even more answers to what she was talking about.

**********

Mason was still on cloud nine from the amazing wedding reception. The heartfelt send off that their friends and family had given them, throwing up the rose petals in the air and the sparklers in their hand. The cheers and claps as they walked down the front steps of the Delacroix estate and to the waiting limousine to take them to Everest Ski Resort and Spa. He had asked Hunter for the favor a few weeks ago to find the perfect place for their first night together. He would rather die than ask Lex at work for the Crestwood; he’d rather lean on a true friend. Hunter had put in a call and that was the end and Hunter had set him up with the best honeymoon suite complete with a view of the lake and the mountains with the first sight of snow on them. Tomorrow they would fly out to Miami of course but for tonight he was going to make sure their first night together was something that Zach had only ever dreamed of. He’d called the staff to prepare the room with rose petals on the bed, luxury towels and robes. He held Zach’s hand in the limo ride over barely containing his excitement once at the hotel though he leaned in.

“Do you trust me? I’m not that kinky like other people we know but close your eyes. I promise I won’t let you trip over your loafers or on a curb. Besides, I don’t want to injure you before we make it upstairs.” Mason said looking at Zach give him the side eye before he relented and pulled out a scarf to wrap it around his eyes. Once he was sure it was secure he had the bellhop open the door and got out taking Zach’s hand in his own while he checked them in getting their hotel keys. He let the valet help him with the suitcase to head up to the suite and wondered what Zach was thinking for being a cop he hated to be kept in the dark. In this case though he wanted to surprise his husband completely when it came to their first night together. He’d never been into the big romantic gestures but for Zach he was. Once they reached their room he opened the door quietly shutting it behind him. “Almost there I just need to do one more thing.” Mason said, whispering in his ear while he went to the remote on the lights in the room and turned them down as well as turning on the battery candles in the room, since real ones were banned. “Okay you can take it off now.” He said standing by the bed covered in a heart and rose petals.

Zach rode over in complete happiness. His family loved Mason and unlike Brock he didn’t have to deal with family drama. His new family loved him and they were actually at peace. They discussed that getting Kieran back was a priority and he was determined to make that happen. He sipped the champagne in the car and when Mason asked to blindfold him he wasn’t normally okay with something like that. He never liked his senses dulled. Nodding and he let him do whatever he had planned. After being led around in the dark feeling completely useless. It was when he got in the warmth of a room and the noise of a lobby went away he smiled. Taking it off he already figured he knew where they were. As he opened his eyes he saw the lake and the mountains with flurries of snow touching the peak. He gasped he only had dreamed of staying in a room this expensive. Running to Mason he picked up and spun him around. “Baby this is perfect.”

Falling onto the bed with the rose petals everywhere on him. “Come here.” He pulled Mason onto the bed. “I want to come back here every anniversary. That’s my only wish before we go wherever we always come back here. This room and everything it’s our place now.” Zach looked at him. “So I was thinking of what type of a wedding gift could I give you that I’ve never given anyone else. So I said I would only do this with my husband but I want to feel you tonight Mason. Well I want to feel that.” Gripping Mason’s ass tightly. “I want to have verse sex. So I want to feel you inside of me.” Looking at his husband’s shocked face. “I don’t like being vulnerable but I will be for you. I want to please you as much as you please me.”

Mason saw the look on Zach’s face and he was on cloud nine was an understatement sure they were going to honeymoon in Miami but he wanted to do this for him. Wanted him to have a night full of excess and the most beautiful view of Lake Everest that he could find. The snow hitting the top of the peak meant winter would be here officially soon, thankfully maybe when it snowed the first time they’d be away. He walked to the cart in the room making sure that the champagne and strawberries that he had ordered were waiting before walking towards the bed with Zach. He let out a laugh when he fell onto the bed, the mattress molding to his body and decided he would ask Hunter what kind they had there debating how normal that thought was as a now married man put a smile on his face. Sure he and Zach had been living together for a while or at least partly living together but everything seemed so new now, so different Zach would have to move out of his condo and they had decided his house had more room. He instantly knew that the next year and every year after that he wanted to end up right back here with Zach in tow.

“I think we can make that arrangement have your parents or even someone else watch all the kids for a getaway that is healthy you know? I was pretty sure you’ve never been here before and I didn’t want to be lame and go to a hotel downtown. I wanted this to be special.” Mason said, looking over at him and stroking his cheek before leaning in for another kiss. His lips intertwined with Zach’s lost in the moment of it all. When Zach spoke up volunteering himself fully to him he was simply awestruck, granted he never had asked he was fine with that aspect of their relationship he wasn’t a natural leader in the bedroom or even really an alpha in that. Mason asked a little shocked he figured since Zach was so fluid he’d had a few different experiences which also happened to be bottoming a few times.  “Wait, you’ve never done that before with anyone? Not even Dante? I’d always assumed that you’d had more experience in that area than I have.” He finished other than Zach and Simon he hadn’t been with a lot of guys.

Zach looked at his husband punching his chest playfully. “You saying I’m a whore?” He laughed as he leaned in and kissed him again. “It was a time where Dante asked and I said no. I thought that bottoming would make me less of a man. It’s shameful to be honest because I think it’s just expressing what you naturally feel you know? I want to please you tonight and give you that. My virginity, now this doesn’t mean I’m bottoming for the future. Maybe on special occasions like our anniversary or something. I’ve been researching and you have to do so much preparing for this.” He laughed as he leaned in touching his chest. “Mason, I trust you more than anyone else in this world. You wouldn’t hurt me and I know that it’s not our usual but I just want to give you something. Something I always held onto because I thought it would make me less gay but I don’t want to conform to what society tells me my manhood is. If I want to bottom, or stay home with the kids I’m still a man. I’m still Zach and your husband wants to feel you inside of him today so that’s what we will do.” He said pushing Mason back on the bed.

Rolling on top of him he began to unbutton his shirt. Kissing his neck first he unbuttoned his husband’s shirt. He kissed Mason’s collarbone and slowly let his lips kiss down his chest, slowly biting and teasing his nipples. His hand started to massage Mason through his slacks feeling him getting him erect. Zach knew what he wanted to give Mason to be honest he wasn’t sure how this would feel or that he’d want to do it again. It wasn’t his forte but he’d do it and wanted to experience it with Mason. That was what being married was about sharing this thing called life together. Unfastening his pants he removed his hard cock and kissed his belly. Slowly letting his kisses trail down to Mason’s perfect v-cut. Engulfing him in his mouth he began to suck strongly but with a sensitivity to not hurt him. Bobbing his head up and down with a purpose he knew he wanted to please his husband. Soon it would be about hunting down Kieran and his life he wanted to show Mason how much he appreciated him.

Mason had smiled up at Zach on the bed as he leaned down and began unbuttoning his shirt. He wasn’t going to complain; he was happy to indulge in making love after their perfect reception. His own hands began to fumble with the buttons on Zach’s shirt carefully undoing each one in return normally he would have ripped it, but it seemed better to savor this moment instead of rushing it. He let out a moan as Zach’s lips traced over his skin, anticipation running through him as his hips flexed as well. Sure yhe’d fucked a lot over the years but being married he couldn’t quite explain it other than it felt different. Almost like it was his first time all over again and he was shy about it blushing at them even but those thoughts faded away when Zach began to touch him and his body reacted clearly enjoying their make-out session. He ran his hands over Zach’s shoulders when he finally got his shirt off and awkwardly stood up when he felt his belt tugging to come undone. He felt everything slip off and ran his hands in Zach’s hair clearly messing up the waves that the stylist had left there letting out a moan as his mouth engulfed him.

Closing his eyes he threw his head back enjoying the sensations of Zach’s mouth around him, his fingers raking in his hair at first gently rocking his hips into his mouth. Before he knew it he had increased his tempo just slightly as Zach’s teeth grazed along his shaft and he gripped his hair even tighter before he was fuckign him hard there and rubbed Zach’s cheek in appreciation. He could see Zach’s own erection was growing in his pants and pulled back slipping out of his mouth before helping him back up and letting his lips finally crash into his own. He decided to deepen the kiss letting his hands roam down his back and finally undoing the buttons on Zach’s slacks letting them pool to the floor for a bit along with his boxers while he took his cock into his hands and began to stroke him. “I can’t wait for you to use this later tonight and in the morning and the honeymoon. For now though let me.” Mason said gently pushing him face down on the bed and reaching for the lube that was on the nightstand. He grabbed a condom as well, they were still careful and they’d discuss it more next year. Placing some lube on his fingers he gently began to stretch him with a finger before he added a second watching Zach on the bed the moans coming out and he fought the urge to just go straight in. He leaned in letting his tip rub along the crack for a bit before he gently pushed into him feeling a bit resistant he whispered. “Relax, I’ll try and be gentle.” He felt Zach relax and pushed in slowly till he couldn’t anymore, letting out a groan at the action.

It all happened fast. Before he knew it he was on his stomach and he could feel Mason’s thick tool about to penetrate him. As he pushed inside of him he wanted to scream. Instead he bit his bottom lip. As more of Mason’s girth pushed into his body he knew bottoming wasn’t for him. But he wanted to feel the sensation of Mason being inside of him. The initial thrusting and movement made him unsure of what was happening at that moment. When he whispered relax in his ear he began to cry out as all of him filled him up. He was paralyzed until the feeling of pain was transformed into something else. It was pleasure and pain all at once. As he moaned out in a gruff grunt. Finally throwing his bottom back on Mason he knew that he couldn’t breathe and felt like all the pressure was right there in his body. Zach cried out as he began to enjoy the feeling. It was like Mason was hitting something that never had been touched. He felt his body shivering underneath the sensation. He didn’t know if he was going to explode but his penis was brick hard leaking precum.

Once it was a rhythm of him matching each one of Mason’s strokes he didn’t feel that initial shocking pain and instead he was now in bliss. His eyes rolled in the back of his head. Only for him to begin to run a little and he felt Mason’s hands on his hips keeping him in place. He cried out as the thrust seemed to electrify his entire body. “Mason, wait!” He said as he squeezed against the thrust. “Yes!” Zach called out as he wasn’t sure if he wanted him to stop or keep going. If this was the sensation he gave Mason every time he understood bottoming a hell of lot more. Adjusting himself doggy position he felt Mason sliding right back in and he knew he was open now for his girth and width. “Mason! God!” He called out, gripping the sheets.

Mason didn’t want to hurt Zach so he had kept it steady and slow. At first he wanted him to enjoy it, he didn’t think Zach would ever be a bottom full time in their marriage and for him he’d rather receive. Once he felt like Zach was fully relaxed he worked his tempo up a bit more not fully going as hard as he wanted and once he heard Zach groan out in pleasure he began to pound a little hard grinning when Zach finally threw his hips back into his that was his signal. He closed his eyes pounding into Zach hoping that he was being a good lover he wasn’t super experienced in this part, when Zach cried out for him to wait he however ceased all movement. His hands gripping Zach’s hips for a bit watching him reposition and hoping that it improved the angle a bit for them to continue and when he said yes he simply grinned and started to pound him again, watching Zach so hard against the sheets. He wasn’t sure how long he was going to last and gently reached around to grip Zach for a bit and stroke him at the same time. “You feel so tight Zach, amazing.” Mason managed to get out kissing the back of his neck while he pounded him a bit more while stroking him.

He let his own mouth open and moan out against Zach’s shoulder blade leaving a trail of kisses as he did so finally slowing down his thrusts to an achingly slow pace. He realized he was gripping Zach so hard in his hand as everything began to get slick in his hand and then nibbled on Zach’s ear. “I’m not going to last much longer.” He managed to get out, enjoying the way Zach was feeling against him, how he was squeezing him and the pace they were going at. He paused for a brief second before he sped up releasing Zach’s cock wanting him to stain the sheets while he pounded him relentlessly feeling himself completely full and his toes curling as the orgasm ripped through him, his hips slamming into Zach pushing him forward on the bed. He shot again groaning and moaning at the same time. “Zach!” He managed to get out. He was pretty sure he screamed it before he felt himself shoot a third time his hips still moving while he looked down at his husband waiting to see if he came too or not hoping he did by the way that Zach’s body had clamped down on him repeatedly.

Zach could feel the pressure mounting as he stroked as Mason continued to pound deeper and harder inside of him. He felt like he was going to explode the sensation of Mason hitting his g-spot and him jerking off until completion he couldn’t breathe. Feeling the condom swelling with Mason’s seed he exploded screaming out as he felt him hit that perfect spot and him climaxing. Breathing hard he crawled away feeling Mason slip out of his body. Sore and slightly uncomfortable but enthralled in the entire experience. He could honestly say he wasn’t going to bottom any time soon but he would do it on special occasions and when he got the itch to feel Mason deeper. Getting on his knees he pulled Mason to him and cuddle into his body holding him.

“This is the beginning of our lives I say what a way to start it.” He leaned in and kissed him again. “I love you Mason and I’m not doing that again.” He laughed holding him. “God this is everything I ever wanted with you Mason. A life with the man who loves me.” He picked up his hand and kissed it enjoying tasting Mason’s skin on his lips. “Now it’s my turn. It’s my wedding night and we going all night.” Zach rolled on top of his husband and threw the covers over his head.

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