*~*Two Hearts Beat As One*~*

[Baby_Girl89]

<span style="color:purple">Here's the last of my work that I had on the Nick board for those of you who make it here. For the others that venture into my crazy world(s) enjoy :).

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0603/AngelEyesJBT/IZZY/TwoHearts.gif
^^Thanks to Rae for this banner as well.^^</span>

[Baby_Girl89]

~Prologue~


Nick came home late as usual and as usual Jenn sat patiently waiting for him. “Hey baby,” Nick said looking at her.

She turned her head away from the television and said, “Oh hi, honey, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever coming home,” she gave him a smile.

He sat beside her and said, “Honey you know I’d never stay out that long. I do have my limits. Nothing can keep me from you for that long.”

They kissed. Nick could never get enough of her kisses. They were always so sweet.

He could still remember the first time their two lips ever touched. They were on their first official date after being friends for a while, with hidden feelings. Their families knew each other very well. Jenn was friends with both Nick and his brother Drew. But Nick didn’t become a “friend” until much later in life, in high school. Drew was the one that had her friendship since they were babies, but Nick was the one she was destined to be with. One day Nick finally found the courage to ask Jenn out, and to his surprise she accepted. Neither really seemed to notice how the other felt before.

Nick took Jenn to the movies and ever since then they became inseparable. They were always together. Nick loved Jenn with all his heart. He knew she would be the only one for him for the rest of his life. Jenn made him feel complete. And one day a year after Jenn graduated and they were still together, Nick knew he couldn’t live without her as his wife any longer and he finally asked her to marry him. It came as a complete surprise to Jenn, and of course she accepted. However, the rest of the town could only say, “Finally.” They were meant for each other. Childhood sweethearts that never let go.

“I missed you beautiful.”

“Aw, baby I missed you too. Dinner was getting cold. I should really know better by now, you’d think I would.”

“I’m so sorry baby.”

“Oh, Nicky honey, it’s okay, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I know that your job’s important.”

“But not as important as you beautiful. Not as important as the two of us making a baby.” Then Nick got the look in his eyes.

“Nicky,” she said, right before he started kissing her. “Dinner, baby.”

“Forget dinner, I want to skip right to dessert.” And as Nick sensuously kissed her, he lifted her off of the couch and took her to their bedroom. Nick took off her shirt, and started kissing her neck. Jenn couldn’t resist. She never could. Then she started to take his shirt off, and pretty soon all of their clothes were lying on the floor as they made hot passionate love.

And then they laid there, Nick holding her so closely. “Nicky I love you so much.”

“I love you too beautiful. More than anything in the world. I can’t wait ‘til we have a baby.”

“I can’t either, it’s going to be the most loved baby in the world.”

Nick kissed the top of her head and said, “I’m the luckiest man alive beautiful.”

“Well I’m the luckiest woman alive. There’s no other woman in this world that could ever be lucky enough to have such a wonderful man in her life.”

“You know most guys called me crazy for marrying you right away, not getting any other experience, but baby, you’re all the experience I need, all the experience I want.”

“Mm, women would kill to be where I am right now.”

“So would some men,” Nick said.

“Haha, Nicholas, are you trying to tell me something?”

“Yeah, I’m a wanted man. But you’re a pretty wanted woman. But I’m gonna hold on to you forever.”

“Same here, sexy,” she said in a low, deep, sexy voice.

“I love when you talk to me like that.” And he started kissing her again. Then one thing led to another and they became one again. They made love all night until they exhausted themselves. And then they went to sleep.

Nick woke up a few hours later still holding his wife in his arms. She was so beautiful. He still couldn’t believe that she stayed with him through all these years. He never understood how she did it. He was always gone so late working on some demos. He wanted so much to make it big. And during the day he was at his real job at the newspaper. When he took that job he thought he’d be able to work at home more often, but he was wrong. It kept him from home more often than he would’ve liked. But when he finally did make it home everyday, he was glad that he had such an understanding wife. Most women would get fed up without a husband around, but Jenn was always there to support him, no matter what he did. It was one of the things he loved most about her.

He looked at her in his arms. He smelled her sweet scent. He loved the way she smelled, the way her skin felt. He just loved being with her. He thought about how they’d wanted a child. Ever since they got married they wanted a child. Nick had been trying so hard. It was the one thing she wanted and he couldn’t seem to give it to her. It had been two years and still nothing. But after the night they had Nick was sure it was finally gonna happen for them.

Jenn started to stir in his arms. He watched her open her eyes. “Good morning beautiful.”

“Mm, good morning Nicky. Last night was wonderful.”

“Yes, it was.” He kissed her. “So what do you wanna do today beautiful?”

“Oh, that’s right, handsome, you’re staying home today.”

“Yep, I get to have you all to myself now.”

“Well I plan on keeping you a happy man, today.”

“Then don’t leave me,” he said smiling at her.

“You crazy man, if I haven’t left you yet, what makes you think I’m gonna leave you now?” she said smiling back at him.

“Well then don’t leave me today, stay by my side all day long.”

“Oh, honey I’d love to, but I’ve got to go grocery shopping today, and I know how you hate doing that.”

“Well I think I can bear it, for today,” he said giving her a smile.

“Oh what a brave man I have,” she said smiling back at him. “But I think you should stay home and get comfortable and when I get back we’ll have the whole day for just the two of us. I promise I won’t be long.” She kissed Nick on the lips and started to get out of bed dragging one of the blankets out of the bed with her. Nick watched her every movement, she was so beautiful. He never wanted to lose having her. She was the best thing in his life and he would do anything to make her happy. Whatever it took, it was his mission to keep her happy.

“Baby, come back to bed.”

“Nicky, I’ll be back in just a little while. I promise I won’t be long. And then when I get back, we’ll unplug all the phones, close the blinds, hide the cars and make it look like no one’s home.” She climbed back onto the bed and kissed him. “Okay?”

“All right, but hurry back.”

“Don’t worry I will.”


©~©~©


Jenn started walking out the door to their room and then she turned around to give him one last look before she went to the store. She was so excited about finally being able to spend an entire day with her husband. Something she hadn’t really been able to do since their honeymoon. And whenever they did find time to be alone there was always something that interfered. But Jenn was gonna try her hardest to make sure that none of that happened this time. She had some very important and exciting news to tell her husband. “Come back soon honey, I’ll keep the bed warm for ya.”

She smiled at him. She could tell he was just as happy to be home as she was to have him home. “I’ll hurry all right. Nothing can keep me away for too long. You just relax and I’ll be back in a jiffy. I love you.”

“I love you too, beautiful.” She blew him a kiss and he caught it. And then he blew one back. She caught it too, loving how they still acted like they did when they were first together. She loved everything about him. Nothing could ever make her change her mind, nothing.

Jenn walked out of the house and into the car with a smile on her face. “Nick, I can’t wait to tell you my news tonight baby,” she said as she started the car.

Jenn drove to the grocery store. She got out of the car and took her list out of her purse. She didn’t want to waste a minute. She started going to get all of her things in an orderly fashion. She went aisle by aisle instead of scattering herself around. But in the middle of her shopping escapade, she began to feel as if something was wrong. She quickly took what she had to the check-out lane. Luckily there was one open and she went through it quickly. Then she took her groceries to the car and hopped in. She started the car and raced home. She was hoping that everything was okay and that her instincts were off, but when she got to her house she realized that her instincts were right on target.

Jenn jumped out of the car and stood looking at her house terrified. There were fire trucks everywhere trying to calm the blaze that was in front of her eyes. Her house was going down in flames. All Jenn could think about was whether or not Nick was safe. She looked around and she didn’t see him anywhere. She did however spot Drew, “Drew where is Nick?”

“We don’t know.”

“You don’t know? What the hell do you mean you don’t know?” she asked in a panic.

“Well no one’s seen him come out and...”

“Has anyone gone in to get him?”

“They keep trying, but no one can get through.”

“What!?” Jenn turned back to the fire. Then she started to run toward the house. But she was pulled back by a couple of firemen. “NOOOOO!!!!” she screamed out. “Let me go you buffoons, my husband is in there.”

“I’m sorry Jenn, but we can’t get through. We’re still trying though.”

[Baby_Girl89]

Jenn was struggling to get free, “Let me go, I want to save my husband. Nicky, please get out of there. Please.” Tears started streaming from her eyes and she fell to her knees crying into her hands. “Please God, save him. I need him,” she looked at her stomach, “We need him.” Drew and his wife, Lea, ran up behind Jenn and held her. Trying to comfort her. But how do you comfort a woman who’s husband could be dead?

The fire was eventually put out and they went in to find Nick’s remains. But Jenn couldn’t believe that Nick was gone. In her heart he was still alive no matter what they said. God heard her prayers she knew. She knew Nick made it out. She just wished she knew where he was. One of the firemen came up to her, “I’m sorry Jenn, but he’s gone.”

“Don’t tell me that Jason. He’s not dead, I refuse to believe it.”

“Look Jenn, I know you loved him, but you have to face the facts. You’re husband is gone.”

“Don’t tell me what to face Jason. You’ve known me long enough to know that I won’t face it. Now tell me what happened.” Even with the tears streaming down her face Jenn was still able to hold a stern look while talking to Jason.

“I’m not sure you might want to talk to Jeff.”

“Jeff?” Jenn looked around and spotted Jeff and Justin, the sheriff and deputy of the town. She walked over to them in fury, “Jeff what the hell happened?”

Jeff took Jenn in his arms and said, “Jenn, I’m so sorry.”

Jenn started to freely sob in his arms. Jenn had known Jeff for as long as she’d known Nick. He was like another brother to her, as well as Justin. “Jeff, I just don’t...”

“I know sweetie. Everything will be all right.”

Jenn tore away from him and looked at him, “All right? How can you tell me that everything will be all right when they can’t find my husband?”

“Jenn, you’re gonna have to let him go. He’s gone now. I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to spill so many tears over him like this.”

“Jeff, you have to be kidding me,” she said giving him a look of shock. Could one of her best friends actually be telling her to just forget about her husband like nothing? “Jeff, it’s not like this happened years ago, it just happened, look,” she said pointing to the rubble that was once her home.

“I know, sweetie, I know,” he said rubbing her back. “But we all have to be strong, Nick would’ve wanted it that way.”

“How much stronger do you expect me to be when everyone’s telling me I’m a widow and I’m telling them I’m not. And look,” her tears stopped flowing then when her confidence was regained, “I know I sound like I’m in denial, but he’s still alive, I can feel him.”

“Jenn, women in denial often say they aren’t in denial. Look, we have no proof that he’s still alive.”

“But he could be, you have no proof that he’s dead either. He’s still alive and I’m going to hold onto him ‘til the bitter end. He’s the only man I have ever loved and he will be the only man I will ever love.”

Drew walked up behind Jenn, “Come on Jenn, let’s go, you’re gonna stay with me and Lea.”

That night Jenn went to stay with Drew and Lea, and no matter how many calls she received from people telling her how sorry they were for what happened she held it in her heart that Nick was still alive and nothing could change her mind.

A few days later the day of the funeral arrived. It was all happening so fast. Jenn sat in her brother’s kitchen crying, she couldn’t believe they were holding a funeral service for her husband. She couldn’t face having to go. She knew she had to, being the “widow”, but it didn’t feel right. Nick wasn’t dead, he couldn’t be. Lea walked into the kitchen and sat down next to Jenn. She wrapped her arms around Jenn and said, “Oh Jenn I know it’s hard.”

“Lea, it’s not just hard. It feels wrong. He’s not dead.”

“Honey, you’ve been saying that for days and there hasn’t been anything to prove that you’re right.”

“My heart tells me I’m right and that’s all that matters.”

Drew walked into the kitchen and watched the two talking. He couldn’t stand seeing Jenn in so much pain. “Jenn, baby, I know it’s hard...” Drew began.

That was the last straw for Jenn, she yelled out, “I am sick and tired of everyone telling me how hard they know it is. Nobody knows how hard this is for me. To know that my husband is still alive, and have everyone think that I’m crazy. To know that he’s out there somewhere, but that he’s not here. No one knows how hard this is for me. And now of all times when I really need him, he’s not by my side,” Jenn’s tears started falling, “I need him so much right now. And I refuse to believe that he’s gone. And no one, NO ONE will convince me otherwise.”

“But Jenn, why? Why can’t you let him go?” Drew asked.

“Because Drew, I’m having his child.”

“What?” Drew and Lea asked in unison.

“Yeah, I’m pregnant. And I was gonna tell him that day. We had been trying for so long and we finally did it, and on that day we were gonna spend the whole day together and I was gonna finally tell him. But then I got home and everything just...” she couldn’t talk anymore.

“Oh Jenn, I ...I’m so sorry,” Lea said. Jenn started crying into her shoulders.

“Sweetie, oh, God, I don’t know what to say. I knew how much you and Nick were looking forward to having a child,” Drew was at a loss for words. He finally understood what his little sister was going through. She didn’t want to give up hope on Nick because it would mean that their child would have to grow up without a father.

“Yeah, we did. I still remember his words to me before the day of the fire, when I was talking about how important his job was he told me, ‘Not as important as us making a baby.’ He wanted this baby so much. I wish I told him then, now I may never have a chance to. I don’t want to believe what everyone is telling me, but I don’t know how long I’m gonna last. It’s just how can I believe it without a body. They should’ve found a body.”

“Are you sure you're gonna be able to make it to the funeral service?” Drew asked her.

“I don’t know, but it’ll look pretty heartless of me if I didn’t show up wouldn’t it? So I guess I don’t have much of a choice. No matter how much I don’t believe he’s gone, I have to go. I just don’t get what burying an empty casket is going to do.”

“You’re a strong woman Jenn, you always have been.”

She managed a weak smile, the first in days, “Thanks.” Then Jenn got up to get dressed. “Nick I know you’re out there somewhere honey, just please come home, I need you and so does our baby.”

©~©~©

They went to the funeral and Jenn saw all the familiar faces, all offering their condolences. But the only person Jenn wanted to talk to was Jeff and that’s what she did the first chance she got. “Jeff I have to talk to you.”

“Well Jenn, I need to talk to you too. I know that it’s only been a few days since the accident, but I think it’s time I told you. I wanted to tell you when I first found out, but I figured you needed your time.”

“Jeff will you stop skirting around whatever it is you want to tell me and just tell me already.”

“All right sweetie, here it goes. We think that, it was arson that caused the fire to your home.”

“Arson? You think someone was actually trying to burn my place down? With or without Nick?”

“With,” Jeff answered solemnly.

“So it was murder?” Jenn couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Who in the world would want to kill her husband?

“It looks like it.”

“Oh my gosh. But why would someone want to kill Nick?”

“I don’t know. He did work at the newspaper, wrote lots of articles. Do you remember any that would get him into any trouble?”

“I don’t know. He’s written so many. But could it be possible that someone might have wanted to stop him from publishing one?”

“Yeah could be.”

“Then I have no idea, because Nicholas never brought his work home. Oh I wish he did this time.”

“It could be anything sweetie,” Jeff said. “But I promise you that we will find out what has happened.”

Jenn went back to the house with Drew and Lea and couldn’t get the idea out of her head. Who in the world would want to kill Nick? Nick where are you?

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 1~

One year later Jenn sat in her house, still waiting for Nick’s return home. Men had been trying to get her to go out with them but none of them could get to her. Jenn still held that Nick was alive. Aside from all that she couldn’t bear to leave her baby. He was everything to her. Little Anthony William Lachey, the most adorable little guy she’d ever laid eyes on. During her pregnancy, Drew and Lea was with her every step of the way. Jenn had to stay with them while her house was getting rebuilt. Her house was quickly rebuilt and rebuilt well, but nothing seemed to make it feel like it was home. It felt different and empty. The only thing that filled her heart was seeing her son, he was the pride and joy of her life. The only thing worth living for.

Jenn walked into his nursery, and just watched him sleep. Anthony was born prematurely, four months after the incident, which was when she was only two months pregnant. Everyone said that she was too stressed and that she had to calm down or she would go into labor too early. Jenn didn’t want to listen, she couldn’t listen. No matter how much she wanted to keep her cool, she couldn’t stop stressing over the fact that Nick could very well be gone. Well it took a toll on her and her child, when one day her water broke, and she had to be rushed to the hospital.


When they got to the hospital Jenn was quickly put on a bed and was wheeled to a room.

“No, no this can’t be happening,” she screamed out. “It’s too early, it’s too early.”

Drew held her hand as he said, “Jenn, it is happening, you need to relax now, and breathe.”

Lea held her other hand and said, “It’s gonna be okay, we’re gonna be here, right by your side. The baby will be fine. Just think you get to hold him a little earlier.”

“Oh, Lea, but I don’t want to hold him earlier. How am I supposed to know that he’s healthy?”

“Because, you just have to have faith, okay?” Lea replied, smiling at Jenn.

“Thanks, Lea I can always count on you.”

“Hey, what about me?” Drew asked.

Jenn turned her head to look at Drew, “You too Drew, I love you both so much. I’m so thankful and so blessed to have the two of you in my life.”

Just then the doctor rushed in, “Okay so let’s have a look. Oh wow, you’re fully dilated, we need to get you into the delivery room.” Then he looked at Lea and Drew, “Is this the father?” he asked.

“No, this is my brother, and his wife.”

“Well I’m sorry, but only one can be in the delivery room with you.”

“No I want them both, I need them both, please,” she begged. She wasn’t going to go through it without two of the most important people in her life. “Please, you can’t do this to me,” she just looked him pleadingly.

He gave in, “All right, I suppose one more person wouldn’t hurt. Let’s go.”

Then they wheeled her to the delivery room and Lea and Drew got into the gowns. “We’re here for you,” Lea said.

“I know, thank you guys so much. Oh god, here comes a contraction,” she screamed.

“Okay, push, push,” the doctor ordered.

“I’m pushing, I’m pushing. Oh God, this is painful.” Drew was holding Jenn’s hand and she squeezed hard.

“Ow, Jenn,” Drew yelled out.

“I’m so sorry,” she said as she continued to push, and then there was the cry.

“Oh, he’s a beauty,” the doctor said.

“I’m an uncle, I’m an uncle,” Drew started chanting.

“Do you want to cut the cord?” the doctor asked him.

Drew looked at Jenn, for the approval, Jenn slightly nodded her head, “Yes of course,” and so he did.

Then the baby was cleaned weighed and put in his mother’s waiting arms. “Here he is, Mrs. Lachey.” And so she was holding him, her son. Her's and Nick's son. Little Anthony William Lachey, 5lbs. 2oz. and 16 inches long not too big, but at least healthy, and that's all that mattered.

As she held him she automatically fell in love with him. What mother doesn’t fall in love with their child right on sight? “Hi, baby, I’m your mommy. I love you so much. My little Anthony.”

“Is that what you’ve named him?” Lea asked.

“Yeah, I have. Anthony William Lachey. Nick and I talked about it and I’m gonna keep it that way. Oh look at him, he has Nick’s eyes.”

“He is very beautiful,” Lea said.

“Can I hold my nephew?” Drew asked tentatively.

“Of course Drew,” Jenn said before handing Drew the baby.

Drew looked at the baby, and started talking baby talk, “Look at him, you’d think he was the father,” Lea commented.

“Oh let, him, by the look of things he’ll be the only male figure in Anthony’s life. I know Nick’s still alive, but why won’t he come home?”

“Jenn, I know you think he’s alive but don’t you think it’s time to move on?”

“After only four months?”

“Well maybe not now, but eventually.”

“I know I should, but how can I when...” Jenn started to get teary-eyed.

“Oh, Jenn, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel like this,” she said giving Jenn a hug.

“I know you meant well, but...I just I can’t, he’s not dead in my heart so I guess I’d feel like I’d be cheating on him.”

“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry. I wish I could help you.”

“I know, and I really appreciate everything that you and Drew have done for me, but the only thing that can change anything, would be the miracle of getting to have Nick back in my life, and getting to hold him.”

And then Drew said, “Oh, I think he wants his mommy.” Then he handed Anthony back to Jenn.

“You already sound like your father,” Jenn said to Anthony, and with that she smiled.


And since that day, Jenn kept Anthony close to her at all times. She very rarely let him out of her sight, and she was always in the same location, if not constantly holding him. She already lost one man in her life she didn’t want to lose the other. “Anthony, Mommy’s so confused honey, what should I do?” she whispered to her sleeping one. But all he did was stir a little in his crib.

[Baby_Girl89]

It had been a year, and still no sign of Nick, what if everyone else was right? What if Nick really didn’t survive the fire? Jenn couldn’t bear to think of it, but what other explanation could there be? Should I just start dating again? I’m not even sure I know how. Nick’s the only man I’ve ever been with. How do I just start over? But how can I not, my son needs someone. Just then Jenn heard a knock on the door snapping her out of her thoughts, “Now who in the world could that be? I’ll be right back baby,” she said, before leaving his room to go open the door.

When she opened it, she saw an unexpected surprise, “Hi Jenn.”

“Hi Byron, I didn’t know you were coming over today, I would’ve been more prepared.”

“No, it’s okay, you look very nice,” and then he handed her some flowers, “these are for you.”

She took them from him, she could feel her blood rushing to her cheeks as she said, “Thank you. Um...I’m,” she stammered.

Then Byron just walked into the house, “So, I really like this place,” he said surveying her house.

“Yes, well it’s a place to live. Um, I’m not really in the mood for visitors, today, if you don’t mind.”

“Oh I’m sorry did I come at a bad time.”

“Sort of, I guess. I just need some time alone today.” Anything to get you out of here.

“Oh well then I guess I could go. Could I see you tomorrow?”

“Sure, I guess,” Jenn had a pretty good idea what he wanted. He’d been hinting at it ever since Anthony was born. Jenn just didn’t feel ready yet. Byron was a nice guy, but would he be the right guy. Jenn was beginning to think that no one would be the right guy. Her right guy had been declared dead. Jenn had known Byron since high school. He’d shown interest in her then, but backed off when Nick confronted him about it. But everyone knew that Byron still wanted Jenn, it was in the way he looked at her, and lately it was the way he handled things with her, going over often trying to comfort her, getting her gifts. He was really good with Anthony she had to give him that, but there was just something about him.

“All right great, I’ll see you then,” he said giving her a smile.

“Yeah,” she said forcing a smile on her face. And then she closed her door, turned around and let out a big sigh.

Then she walked to her room, and looked at the few pictures she had of her and Nick. All of the others burned to a crisp in the fire. Afterward friends and family sent pictures to her along with their condolences. She picked up a picture and looked at the happy couple. “Nick where are you?” she quietly whispered as tears forced their way to her eyes. Then there was another knock on the door, “Oh who in the world could that be? I hope it’s not Byron again.” Jenn quickly wiped away her tears and went to answer the door and got a pleasant surprise, “Drew, Lea, what are you two doing here?”

“Had to come visit my sis and see my nephew,” Drew replied. “And hey, what’s up with that guy Byron outside, he came up to me and told me that you didn’t want to see anyone.”

“Yeah, well that’s what I told him.”

“Well I told him I was gonna be stubborn, and if that’s how you feel, I’ll stay out of your hair. I just really wanted to see my nephew today,” Drew replied.

“No, I don’t mind, do you guys want to stay for dinner? I’ll whip something up.”

“Well we really don’t want to put you out Jenn,” Lea replied.

“Oh no trouble at all. Now come in, I don’t want you guys standing out there forever. It’s so good to see friendly faces again.”

“Well why did you send him away Jenn? He seems very nice,” Lea asked gently. She knew how to word things very carefully around Jenn. Jenn had a way of getting very emotional about the subject of moving on.

“Yes, he’s very nice, but I guess I just wasn’t up for his company today. So I hope he doesn’t call me on this thing with the two of you here. But I’ll deal with that when the time comes.”

“I seem to remember him coming by quite often when you were living with us,” Drew said. “You looked like you enjoyed his company.”

“Maybe I did, but I don’t think it constitutes moving on.”

“Well I’m gonna go look in on my nephew now, excuse me lovelies,” Drew said on his way to Anthony’s nursery.

Jenn and Lea took to the couch. “So, how have things been going for you?” Lea asked.

“Slowly,” Jenn replied miserably. “The only think worth living for is my son. He means everything to me.”

Lea put her arm around Jenn’s shoulders, “Oh, I’m so sorry, but things will get better. I’m sure of it. They have to.”

“Thanks Lea, but I’m starting to lose my will. I don’t know how much I’ll be able to manage holding onto this crazy idea that my husband is out there somewhere.”

“Well maybe you shouldn’t anymore sweetie. Don’t get me wrong, I know that it must be hard, although obviously not completely, but it’s been a year hun. If he hasn’t shown up by now, what makes you think he’ll be back anytime soon or that he’s still alive. I don’t mean to be insensitive, but sweetie he loved you far too much to be away from you for this long.”

“I know Lea. And I understand completely what you’re trying to tell me. I mean it’s very logical, but my heart doesn’t believe in the logical. My heart believes that my husband is still alive and honestly I don’t want to believe that so that I could move on, but...” Jenn started getting choked up.

“Okay, okay, we’ll stop talking about it,” Lea reassured Jenn rubbing her arms.

“I’m so sorry,” Jenn said through her sobs.

“No, no don’t be it’s not your fault. It’s mine, I just keep pushing you. It’s just that I want to see you happy again.”

“I know, I know you mean well, but I just don’t think I could ever move on really. It’s just so hard.”

“I know, but I promise you everything will be all right. Just have faith, just like when Anthony was born.”

Jenn finally managed a smile. “Thank you.”

“Oh of course,” Lea said moving Jenn’s hair out of her face, “that’s what I’m here for, always,” and then Lea gave Jenn a hug.

“Hey ladies,” Drew’s voice rung out as he came into the living room. “Look who’s up.”

Jenn turned around to see Drew with a smile on his face holding her son. They looked so good together, but then it got Jenn to thinking about Nick holding Anthony, and her face fell again as she quickly turned her head away before the tears began to show again. She got off of the couch and headed to the kitchen, “Well I supposed I should get started on dinner. I’ll leave you two with Anthony, lord knows he needs more contact than his mom.”

“You don’t have to cook for us,” Drew let out.

“I know, I want to,” she said smiling at them. Then she went to the kitchen.

©~©~©

He sat in his apartment thinking about her. She was the only thing he could think of since he got out of his coma. She was the only thing he could think of when he was in his coma. He wondered what she was doing at that moment. How she was surviving without him. He couldn’t stand the fact that he’d never touch her the way he used to, kiss her the way he wanted to. She was his life, he was no longer part of her life. He had given that up the moment he decided that he wasn’t going to return home. But just the thought of her put a smile on his face. And then the thought, no knowing, that he would never be able to hold her again just made him so mad, at the world, at himself.

[Baby_Girl89]

He couldn’t handle the thought of her moving on without him. But why wouldn’t she, he saw his obituary, she must’ve thought he was dead. She was a beautiful woman, a woman with needs. He still couldn’t understand how she could stand to continue being with him after it all, but he loved her, oh how he loved her. But now, he was without her. He never thought he’d ever have to deal with it, but he did and he’d have to deal with it for the rest of his life. “God I miss her. Jenn what are you doin’ now sweet pea? I don’t even have any pictures of her except for these from the newspapers. She was so beautiful then. She’s probably even more gorgeous now.”

“Scott, did you say something?” he heard her call from the kitchen.

“No, Sam, I’m fine.” Sam, the new woman in his life. But she wasn’t the new woman in his life, she was just a woman in his life. She’ll never be you. But Sam was a wonderful woman, she was there for him since the whole incident had happened.


He crawled from his home burning and trying to get the fire put out on his body. As soon as that was accomplished he kept crawling dragging himself by his arms. But eventually he just couldn’t go anymore and he stopped by the road and blacked out.

The next thing he knew he woke up in a hospital, his body feeling limp and lifeless.

“Where am I?” he asked in a groggy voice.

A pretty girl was sitting there watching him, “In a hospital.”

“What am I doing here? How did I get here?”

“My family and I saw you lying on the side of the road and rushed you here four months ago. You’ve been in a coma ever since. The doctors had to try and take care of you while you were unconscious and the plastic surgeons took care of everything while you were out. You were badly burned. Do you remember what happened?”

“I remember getting away from my burning home, and that was it, I dragged myself as far as I could after putting out the fire on my body and I collapsed.”

“Well it’s a good thing we got there when we did, I’m Sam, by the way, Samantha Carey.”

“I’m Scott,” he answered like it was the most natural thing in the world. It sort of was with the way things went with him and Jenn, she often called him that just to throw him off. He missed hearing the sound of her voice whispering his name in the darkness when they became one.

“It’s nice to meet you Scott, I’ve been coming over everyday to check up on you. I know it seems a little strange since we are strangers, but I was just so concerned.”

“Well thank you.”

“Do you have any family?”

He thought about how he was going to answer that. He was already gone for so long, could he just go back? So he lied instead, “Um, I don’t remember.”

“Well we heard it was normal for a person in your position..”

“Right, so what else is gonna happen to me?”

“Well I believe they’re probably gonna keep you here for a while. And then they’ll release you. Do you have anywhere to go?”

“No.”

“Well then you should come stay with me and my family until you can get back on your feet.”

“That’s really nice of you but I don’t think I can do that.”

“Oh nonsense, my family has been just as worried as I have. We just wanna help you out ‘til you get back on your feet.”

“That’s very kind of you, but...”

“No, buts, we’ll be happy to do it.”

“No really I don’t wanna ....”

“Stop it, I insist and that’s my final word.” Then she said, “Well I’m gonna let you rest and tell my family what’s happened, bye.” And she bounced out the door.

Jeez, she reminds me of my wife, he thought, she always won our arguments.


And so he did go stay with Sam and her family. They were so kind to him, helping him get back on his feet. They helped him find a job, although he couldn’t keep it for long since his appearance was bad for the business, and a new place to stay. So a few months afterwards he moved into his new place. Sam kept in contact with him, she became a really great new friend to him. It was truly nice having her around when others only turned him away by the way he looked. No matter how good the doctors had been, they couldn’t save him from those long lasting scars that would cause him so many troubles in his life. Even if he had wanted to move on, he wouldn’t be able to, except he did have Sam.

Sam was a kind woman, and somewhere inside he knew that if he asked, Sam would take him, but he knew he couldn’t do that. He loved Jenn with all his heart and nothing in the world would change that. He remembered asking for all the newspapers that they could muster up for him on the day that they found him. He saw his house and then the empty space where the house was supposed to be and a picture of the grieving widow. She was as beautiful as ever even in her pain. He wanted so much to be there for her, to hold her again and comfort her. But it just wasn’t gonna happen anymore. He couldn’t return home looking the way that he did. It wasn’t who she fell in love with.

He continued to get the newspapers everyday hoping that there would be some word of what had happened to him that day. He remembered seeing that it was speculative of being arson. But he didn’t get too much after that. He didn’t know if they ever caught the person who did it, he didn’t know what other things had happened to Jenn, until one day there was an article about how a new house was in place of the one that had gone down in flames and a recap of what had happened along with an interview with the sheriff. Sheriff Timmons, Jeff, one of his best friends. He was the best sheriff ever taking right after his father retired. He was sure Jeff would’ve found something, but why hadn’t he?

“Scott, I’m gonna go home now. Did you get this morning’s paper?” Sam asked getting out of the kitchen.

“No I didn’t.”

“Oh I’ll go get it, it’s probably sitting out on the doorstep.” She went to the door, opened it up and bent down. He assumed it was for the paper. “Oh look at this a wedding announcement.”

“Really?” he asked. “Who’s it for?”

“The sheriff in the next county. Sheriff Timmons.”

So he’s finally found his girl huh, Nick thought to himself as he tried to hide his smile. “Really that’s nice.”

“Do you wanna look at it? Maybe it’ll spark something for you. I’m still surprised that after all this time you don’t remember anything about your past.”

“Huh, yeah,” he said getting a sad look on his face.

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to do that to you. By the way who’s the woman in the newspaper articles that you keep looking at?”

“Oh, well she was just someone that felt I could relate to. She lost someone dear to her and me not knowing about my past so much it feels like I’ve lost many.”

“Oh, well all right, I’ll leave you be. Call me if you need me okay?”

“Yeah, all right.” And she left. As he watched her go he knew that there would’ve been a time in his life that she would’ve been the exact type of woman that he would be with, if Jenn had never been a part of his life. But that was the problem, not only had Jenn been a part of it she had been it. He didn’t even know why he continued living without her. He picked up the newspaper and read the story on Jeff. Jeff was marrying a good friend of Jenn’s, Elizabeth. He remembered her, she was a sweet girl. Jeff always said that Elizabeth was exactly the type of girl he wouldn’t mind marrying someday. I guess Jenn finally found a way to get those two together or to see that they should be together. She was always good with that. As he read on he got all the information he needed to make a decision that could dearly hurt him, or help him return to the life he had always dreamt about.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 2~

“Oh my gosh Jenn, I can’t believe I’m getting married today.”

“I know you two will be very happy.”

“I will be forever grateful to you for helping us get together.”

“Hey all I did was tell you guys to open up your eyes. Life is short, you can’t spend it wondering what will happen, just let it be. I’m so happy for you guys.”

“Aw thanks Jenn.”

“No problem Lizzie. And I have to thank you for not making me wear a gruesome dress.”

“Hey, I may be the bride, but I would never put my best friend through that horrible bridesmaid’s dress that most brides do. Besides I had to return the favor from when you had me wearing that beautiful dress at your wedding.” Jenn’s smile suddenly disappeared. “Oh, gosh how insensitive of me. I didn’t...”

“No Lizzie, it’s okay. I shouldn’t expect people not to talk about it. It’s just it still is really hard ya know.”

“Yeah.”

“And Lea, keeps trying to convince me to start dating.”

“Well I noticed you brought a date.”

“Last resort. I figured my date should be my age not 8 months.”

“How is little Anthony?”

“Doing pretty well considering. It’s his mom that needs some help. But anyway, this day isn’t about me it’s about you and Jeff.”

“Hey where is Lea anyway, she’s supposed to be in here.”

“Well she was hoping that maybe she wouldn’t have to be, I guess I forgot to ask. It works better anyway since Jeff only has one groomsman.”

“Yeah, why didn’t Drew want to do it?”

“He wanted to sit with his nephew and he knew that both of them couldn't be part of the wedding party because of Anthony, so then they have both declined and they are now with my son. I swear those two spoil him so.” Jenn said giving a little laugh.

“Oh, it’s so good to hear that laughter Jenn. Things will get better for you I know they will.”

“Thanks. I wish you and Jeff all the luck in the world.”

“Girl we don’t need luck, we’re in love.”

“I know you are. But a little luck doesn't hurt. And I’m just glad that I got you two to see it.”

“Yeah, too bad it came at a price.”

“Girl what did I tell you, this is your day. No more anything about me okay. Besides I’m still trying to think of what I want to say for my toast to the two of you.”

“You don’t know yet?”

“Eh, I figured I’d go with the flow. So are you ready? In just a few more minutes you’ll be walking down the aisle and in about an hour you’ll be Mrs. Jeff Timmons.”

Lizzie smiled a wide smile and said, “I just can’t wait. I think I’ve been living my life for this moment to arrive. I just hope I don’t screw it up.”

“I don’t think anyone would notice.”

“I hope so.”

“Aw come here,” Jenn said pulling Lizzie in for a hug, “Everything’s gonna be fine, and I’ll be right beside you.”

“You’re the best Jenn.”

“Well I try, Lizzie, I try,” Jenn said giving her best friend a smile.

“You know, you’re still one of the few people who can get away with calling me Lizzie.”

“I know, that’s just cuz I’m special.”

“That you are my friend, that you are.”

Then the door to the room opened and Lizzie’s mother popped her head in, “Lizzie, it’s almost time sweetie.”

“Okay thanks Mom, I’ll be out in the foyer soon.”

“Oh look at my girls,” she gushed, “you both look so beautiful.” Then she left.

“Mom,” Jenn said. Jenn had spent so much time over at Lizzie’s home that she became a part of the family. Lizzie’s mother took her under her wings and treated her like one of her own. Jenn’s mother had died when she was in junior high, from breast cancer and her father could never find the right woman, that was until just a few years before Jenn herself had gotten married. And her step-mother was as kind as they came. “All right girlie, this is it. It’s now or never. Ready?” Lizzie nodded. “All right deep breaths hon, deep breaths.” Then Jenn led Lizzie out. Jenn grabbed her bouquet and took Justin’s arm as they started to walk down the aisle. Then when they reached the altar they parted and Jenn watched everyone stand up and her friend walk with her father. She was so beautiful. Jenn watched out of the corner of her eye the nervous groom. He looked so happy.

As the ceremony went on Jenn’s mind started replaying her wedding day.


“Oh wow, I’m so nervous,” she said to both Lizzie and Lea.

“Don’t be, you love him he loves you, you two are perfect for each other, just like me and Drew,” Lea said.

“Easy for you to say you guys haven’t gotten married yet.”

“No but we are next.”

“Oh, Jenn you look so beautiful,” Lizzie said.

“Thanks. What I’m really worried about is tonight,” she said giving them both a sly smile.

“Girl, I’ll pray for ya,” Lea said.

“Funny. I mean it though. I’ll finally know what it’s like to be one with a man and it scares me.”

“You have nothing to worry about. Men and women have been getting together for ages,” Lizzie said.

“I know. It’s just I guess maybe I wish I’d gotten it over with a long time ago.”

“Yeah right, like you would’ve broken your promise,” Lea said.

“Well I am marrying him anyway aren’t I?” she said giving a mischievous grin.

“Yes, well, we know you too well,” Lea said.

“Hmm, I suppose. All right girls, one of us is getting married today. Who thought it’d be me, first?”

“Everyone in town,” Lizzie said dryly.

“Shut up, that’s not funny.”

“Oh please girl we expected you to be married straight out of high school,” Lizzie said.

“Oh let’s go,” Jenn said anxious to finally be married to the man that she was so in love with.

“Are you ready baby girl?” her father asked as she stood in the back looking out onto the sea of faces.

“As ready as I’ll ever be Daddy.”

“He’s perfect for you honey. I know you two will be happy together.”

“Thank you Daddy, you don’t know how much it means to me that you approve.”

“Of course I do, and your mom would be so proud too,” then he gave her a kiss on the cheek and the “Bridal March” started to play. She walked toward Nick, confident that she was definitely doing the right thing. And when she reached him there was absolutely no doubt in her mind about it.

And then, “The couple will now recite their own vows. Nick,” the priest said nodding his head in Nick’s direction.

He looked into her eyes and as she looked at him all worries fled from her mind. “Okay, well Jenn, here we are. Finally being united under the sight of God and in front of all those near and dear to us. I’ve dreamt of this day for so long I never thought it was gonna happen. After everything we’ve been through you never cease to amaze me. You’ve always been there for me. No matter what was wrong I could always turn to you. You have been my rock, you are my life, my soul. You make my world complete. And I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember, and I will continue to love you until the day I die, even past that. Without you, I don’t have a life. Thank you for being here in my life, through all my trials. I am nothing without you.”

Tears had started to form in her eyes as she smiled at him and said, “Oh Nicholas that was so beautiful. I don’t know how I’ll be able to follow that, but here it goes. I still remember a time when you used to pull my pig tails and just tease me endlessly. Oh wait that was just yesterday.” She got a laugh, “No seriously, Nick I knew long ago that this was where I wanted to be, that I wanted to be your wife. You are my heart and soul. You make everything better all the time. I’ve dreamt of this day for so long, and just to have you by my side is a true dream come true. I couldn’t have come up with a better man to be with. Nothing, and no one will ever change my mind of that. I love you so much Nicky, so much. Always and forever.” And she could see tears start to form in his eyes.

Then the priest finished up and they both said their I do’s. “You may now kiss the bride.” But the two were already kissing. “May I present to you for the first time...

“Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Timmons,” Jenn heard the priest announce, snapping herself out of her trance. She couldn’t believe that she had missed the entire wedding. Why was it everything in her life always made her think of Nick? What an obvious answer, it was because Nick was her life. Would she ever find a way to move on with her life, find someone else to have and to hold?


©~©~©


At the reception he watched everyone having a good time. But he kept a very close watch on Jenn. Sam started noticing, “Scott who or what are you staring at?” She followed his gaze and said, “Oh my, isn’t that the woman that you’ve been looking at in the newspapers all the time?”

“Yes, it is.”

“But how, why, what’s going on Scott?”

“I’ll explain things to you later. Right now I need to go talk to the groom.” Nick found Jeff standing alone watching his brand new wife mingle with the people. “I need to talk to you.”

“What are you doing here?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“What, can’t a guy see his best friend on his wedding day?”

“Well it’s not that but what if she sees you? Hasn’t she been through enough pain and heartache?”

“I couldn’t help myself. God is she as beautiful as ever. Who’s that guy that she’s with? She seems to be having fun with him.”

“Don't you remember Byron.”

“You're kidding me.”

“No, I'm not.”

“Byron, the same guy that wanted her all throughout high school?”

“Yep that would be him. And don’t let that look from far away fool ya. She still ain’t over you, in fact she's gung ho on being convinced that you’re still alive.”

“She always did say she’d know if anything went wrong with me. ‘Two hearts beat as one,’” he said.

“What?” Jeff asked.

“That’s what she liked to say that we had two hearts beating as one. You don’t know what kind of torture I’ve been going through. And how come I had to find out about you getting married from the paper instead of from you?”

“Because I didn’t want you having to come and causing more problems for yourself than you already had. And who’s the girl with you? How come you never told me about her?”

“Because she’s not who you think she is. She’s just a friend.”

“Just a friend huh, so you haven’t moved on?”

“Are you kidding me? Get over Jenn? There is no way that’s ever gonna happen. But it looks like she certainly has,” he said looking down.

“No she hasn’t, now if you’ll excuse me I’m gonna go dance with my bride,” and he left Nick to think to himself again. Nick watched Jenn and he started replaying their reception in his mind.


“Gawd do you look beautiful today,” he whispered to her as they were taking their first dance as husband and wife.

“You don’t look too bad yourself handsome. Can you believe we’re finally married?”

“Can you believe we finally get to make love tonight?”

“Nick, is that the only thing running through your mind?”

“Yeah it is actually,” he said smiling at her.

“Well at least you’re honest,” she said smiling back. “Are you as nervous about tonight as I am?”

“Nope, ‘cause I know I love you and you love me and tonight will be amazing. Just the thought of waking up every morning with you by my side, it makes me feel so good inside.”

“Aw Nicky you are so full of surprises. I swear I’d been dreaming of this day for forever, but I never knew that it would be you. Not until that first day when we went out on our first date that is. Then I couldn’t imagine my life without you.”

“Couldn’t and can’t imagine mine without you. You are my life, I don’t ever want to go one day without you in my life.”

“I don’t either. Promise you’ll never leave me Lachey.”

“Never,” he said before pulling her into a kiss.


So much for keeping my promise, he thought to himself. But I really can’t survive without you. Then he felt a light tap on his shoulder and he turned around, “Oh hey.”

“Scott would you like to explain to me what’s going on?”

“Not now Sam, please. I’ll tell you later, I promise.”

“All right, but Scott I don’t like how you’re being so mysterious.”

“I’m sorry, but I promise that what I have to tell you will explain everything about this past year of my life.”

“So are you trying to tell me that you remember? That your past has come back to you?”

“That’s just it Sam, I never lost my past. I just didn’t want to say anything about it.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, I am, and that woman over there, is someone very important to me.”

“She’s very beautiful,” Sam said eyeing her.

“The most beautiful woman, I’d ever met. A woman with the heart of gold.”

“All right Scott, I’ll be waiting for your explanation,” and she left him alone.

He saw Jenn walk away from Byron and he decided that he could no longer stay away from her. Just one last look into her beautiful eyes and I’ll be satisfied. Just one more moment to soak in her voice and I’ll be done. Just one more chance to be near her, just one more time. He walked over to her and “accidentally” bumped into her. “Oh excuse me,” she said in her soft spoken voice that she used when talking to those she didn’t know. He always found it so sexy.

“Oh no, it was my fault,” he said. Then she quickly turned her head to look at him. He winced at the thought of her reaction to the way he looked.

She looked at him as her eyes began to widen as she said, “Nick?”

“Um...what was that?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I was just hoping for...” her voice trailed off.

“Oh no that’s okay. I’m Scott, Scott Hansen,” he said extending his hand. Just one little touch.

She extended her hand, but instead of shaking it he kissed it. It felt as smooth as ever. “I’m Jennifer, Jennifer Lachey,” she said giving a weak faint smile.

“Lachey huh, interesting. Is that French?”

“Um I believe it is. I never really inquired about it too much from the in-laws.”

“In-laws? So was that guy you were with your husband?”

“Who Byron? No, he isn’t,” she said in a look of what could've been called disgust.

“Is your husband here?”

“No, he isn’t I’m not married, that is anymore.”

“Divorced?”

“Nope. I loved my husband with all of my heart.”

“Loved, does that mean he’s deceased?”

“Well technically yes.”

“What do you mean technically?”

“In my heart he’s still alive. Oh listen to me going on and on, I don’t even know you. I need to get this confetti ready.”

“Confetti?”

“Yes, well being the maid of honor I had to arrange something to be thrown at them as they go away. And well we can’t use rice so I figured confetti. I was gonna do bubbles but it’s been done by our group already.”

“Bubbles, that’s interesting. Who’s used that?”

“Me, it was a dream of mine to see that type of dream essence at my wedding, just like my life with him,” she said looking down.

“Look at this I don’t even know you for more than five minutes and all I can do is put a frown on your face. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

She looked up and into his eyes, “No, it’s okay. I should be over all of this by now. It’s just that I have honestly probably loved him for all of my life, that getting over him in just a year would’ve been or is impossible.”

As he continued to look into her deep dark brown eyes that just screamed mysterious he said, “Well so who is that guy, Byron, that you were with earlier?”

“You’re pretty nosy for a stranger aren’t you?” she said giving him a smile.

“Well I don’t have to be a stranger forever,” he said returning her smile. Oh how I’ve missed that smile. How I’ve missed those lips, he thought to himself. Then he found himself started to move toward her wanting to kiss those lips. But he stopped himself. “Besides you know my name, that’s more than most.”

“Well I guess. Anyway I’ve got to go pass out the confetti. Here you go,” she said handing him a bit of cloth tied with a ribbon. “When they leave open this up and toss the confetti. Maybe I'll see you around, Scott.” Then she walked away. The way she said it just made him feel chills. If only my real name would pass through those beautiful lips again.

“Jenn if only you knew what my life is like without you,” he said aloud as he watched her walk away.

“All right Scott,” he heard. He twirled around and saw Sam.

“Sam.”

“Yes, Sam, now I really wanna know what’s up,” she said.

“But I already told you that I’d tell you later.”

“Ugh, you know how impatient I am.”

“I know, I know, but I really can’t discuss this here.”

“Fine. OH MY GOSH, who is that guy over there?” she gushed.

“Where?” he asked.

“Over there,” she said pointing behind him.

He turned around and saw who she was referring to, “Oh him, that’s Justin, the deputy.”

“You know him. Introduce me, introduce me.”

“I can’t, but why don’t you go introduce yourself? He’s a good guy. Just say you came as a guest with a friend. And if I can recall correctly he’s still single.” So then Sam quickly went off. Well it looks like I’ve lost that too. Oh well, it doesn’t matter, I’ve always only wanted Jenn anyway.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 3~

When Jenn finally made it home that night she quickly put Anthony to bed and thanked her lucky stars that Byron hadn’t tried any funny business. But in fact it was quite the contrary he was an absolute gentleman. So what was it that bugged her so much about him? She went to her room and changed into her pajamas getting ready for bed.

As she laid in bed she started to do some thinking about Byron and his role in her life. Then there was that stranger at the wedding. Who was he? What was he doing at the wedding? And what was it about him that made just the thought of him make her heart bounce? Why did I call out Nick to him? she wondered. His blue eyes, they reminded me so much of Nicky’s but it couldn’t be him, could it? No he would’ve told me. Who is this Scott Hansen and why can’t I stop thinking about him? Oh forgive me Nicholas, but I think I might have found a way for me to move on.

“But what’s the likelihood that I’ll be seeing him again?” she asked the empty space around her. She turned over and looked at the empty bedside. “Nicky, will this void in my heart ever be filled again? Could Scott Hansen be the answer to my problems? Baby, I don’t know what to do. And what is it about him that makes him so familiar? What was that connection I felt? Oh lord what a loon I am. First I think my husband is still alive with no proof, and then I feel I have a connection with a complete stranger in just a few minutes of talk. I make absolutely no sense. I wonder why no one’s committed me yet.” She eventually found herself drifting off to sleep, but then there was a cry.

She jumped right out of bed and ran to Anthony’s nursery. “Oh baby, I’m coming, I’m coming, Mommy’s coming.” She reached the nursery and took him out of his crib. “What’s wrong sweet pea?” She listened to him cry, and realized he needed a diaper change. “Oh you poor thing. Come on Mommy will take care of you.” She walked him to his changing table and gently laid him down. After she opened his diaper up he finally stopped crying. He even smiled at her and gave a little baby laugh. She changed him and picked him up. “Oh you silly boy. You’re so adorable. I love you, yes I do. Mommy loves you. Never forget that baby,” she said kissing the top of his head.

“You remind me so much of your daddy you know that honey. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you. You mean everything to me. You’re my world now.” She rocked him in her arms as she sang to him. He started to fall asleep again. “Oh you poor thing, you’re so tired,” she said as she walked back to his crib. As she was about to put him down she changed her mind. “No, you’re gonna sleep with Mommy tonight.” So she walked back to her room with Anthony in her arms. She laid him down and then she got in the bed and slipped into a dream world.


©~©~©


“All right Scott, tell me what’s going on.”

“Okay, Sam I’ll tell you the whole story. But I must warn you, you might not like what you hear. In fact you may never want to see me again after you hear what I have to say.”

“Scott, will you stop stalling and tell me already.”

“It’s a good thing you’re sitting down,” he started before taking a deep breath. “All right well, the woman that I was looking at tonight non-stop until she left...was my wife.”

“What?!” Sam said shocked, “Your wife, how can that be?”

“Well I did have a life before you ya know. She was my life actually. She was the only thing I could think about when I was in my coma. She was the reason I haven’t been able to move on. And I honestly don’t think I ever will. My real name is Nick. Nicholas Scott Lachey.”

“So your name is Nick?”

“Yes it is.”

“Is that what I should start calling you from now on?”

“I would prefer it if you didn’t. I don’t want her knowing I’m alive.”

“What, why not? Nick why don’t you want your wife to know you’re still alive, especially if she’s your life like you claim she is.”

“She is my life, but how can I go back to her like this. After so long and looking like this.”

“Nick if she loves you the way you love her I’m sure she won’t care.”

“Sam, I was a very different man before the whole incident. I just don’t think I can go back to her. When we first met I looked completely different and...”

“And what Scott?”

“I don’t know. It’s just been so long, I don’t even know if she still loves me.”

“But why wouldn’t she?”

“I don’t know. It sounded like she did, but I don’t know. I mean she was with that guy and...”

“Oh are you blind.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Even I could tell she wasn’t really enjoying herself.”

“Ya think?”

“I know, Scott. And you know what? I shouldn’t be admitting this, but I was watching the interaction between the two of you when bumped into her. I saw the way she looked at you, there was something there. I really think she’d be happy to know that it’s you. I don’t think it’s too late.”

“Hmm, it’s a thought. I don’t know, I didn’t really come back to get her back. I just came back to see her again, and to see that she’s happy. And I don’t know, I think she could be happy with that Byron guy. He could certainly give her a better life than I ever could. He’s a millionaire, and all I did was write for the newspaper.”

“I knew that name sounded familiar. You were the one who wrote all those articles for the Sunset Tribune. I was wondering what happened to you, you were so good.”

“Thanks, well I was actually working on a way to make it to the big time singing. My wife stuck by me through it all. I was always working late hours and working even later working on a demo. When I first took the job at the paper, my intent was so that I’d have a job that wouldn’t keep me away from home. Well let’s just say it didn’t quite work out as I had planned it. But my wife was patient and was always there for me whenever I needed her. And now here I am away from her when she needs me. Sam, I want to go back to her I really do, but I really don’t think she’ll take me back. Not after what I did to her.”

“Scott if she loves you as much as you love her, I’m sure she’ll take you back. I already saw the look on her face when the two of you were talking. Why don’t you just tell her you’ve come back. I’m sure she’d love to have you home again.”

“Sam I can’t okay, I just can’t. Besides I think she’s doing better without me now. She’s got a new boyfriend and he’s rich so she’ll be well taken care of.”

“Do you really think she cares about the money, because if you do maybe she didn’t love you as much as you think if you think it was all about the money.”

“Sam, that’s not what I meant and you know it.”

“Yes I do, but listen to yourself. You’re making it sound like all your wife ever wanted was money. So you think she’d turn you away just because of this new guy who’s rich?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“No,” he said staring down at the ground. “But she deserves more, much more, more than I can give her.”

“Do you think she’ll care?”

“Sam, that’s just it. She doesn’t care about herself and I really wish she would. She always puts others first and I think I kind of took that for granted a few times and now I know how much she was really worth.”

“Scott, if you truly love her I think that you should return to her.”

“Really?”

“Yes really. I think you should at least try. Tell me you’ll think about it at least.”

“I will Sam, I will.”

“Good now I have some things to ask you.”

“Okay go for it.”

“Tell me every thing you know about Justin.”

“So you like him do you?”

“He was so sweet Scott and I think he really likes me too.”

“Do you? Well he’s a great guy. I know that he’s the deputy here in town. He was actually one of my best friends around here. Most of us grew up together actually. You know you’d be really good for him. Hmm,” he said getting a gleam in his eyes.

“What are you hmming about Scott?”

“Well I was thinking that maybe I should get out of the lease to my apartment somehow or maybe sublease and then perhaps try to stay with my brother for awhile, get reacquainted with my lady before I reveal myself to her and then you could come visit me and perhaps bump into Justin more often.”

“You know Scott, I like the way you think.”

“Isn’t it the greatest?”

“I hope your plan works Scott.”

“I hope so too. I only wanted to come back to make sure she was happy, but now I don’t know if I could in any way go on without her. And I’m sure Justin will definitely appreciate this, once he figures out what happened.”

“And I will be thankful to you for the rest of my life if you can get me with that fine specimen of man.”

“Jeez Sam I’ve never heard you talk like that before.”

“That’s because you’ve never seen me drooling over a man before.”

“Girl you must have it bad.”

“Well maybe not as bad as you, but I certainly can see myself getting there. So tell me Scott, does your brother know that you’re still alive?”

“No he doesn’t so this will come as quite a surprise to him. Hopefully he’s still living in the same place. And hopefully when I go see him tomorrow he’ll be home.”

“Well if you’re lucky maybe his wife will be home.”

“No I can’t tell her who I am, she’ll tell my wife. They have a pact not to keep any serious information from each other. I just can’t tell her.”

“Well how can you be so sure that your brother won’t say anything.”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

They stayed up a little longer just talking and then Nick went into his room. He changed into some sweat pants and climbed into bed. Once his head hit the pillow he began to dream of some of the wonderful new things that were to lie ahead for him, or so he thought.


“Jenn baby, it’s me, I’m home, back again.”

“Oh Nicky, you’re home,” she said giving him a hug. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.” They embraced in a kiss.

“Oh beautiful you don’t know how I’ve longed to be in your arms again.”

“Nicky I’ve missed you so much. Your beautiful voice helping me go to sleep at night. The house has just seemed so empty without you in it.”

“You’re not scared?”

“Of what darling, I have nothing to be afraid of. You still look great to me.”

“Oh baby, I was so scared you wouldn’t want me anymore.”

“Oh Nicky, I could never stop loving you. Come, I have something to show you.”

“What baby?”

“Just wait and see,” she said giving him a wink. Then she took his hands in hers and led the way. She led him into a room and when he looked in he couldn’t believe what he saw. It was a nursery.

“What is this?” he asked shocked.

“This is Anthony’s nursery.”

“Anthony’s nursery? What are you talking about? Are you pregnant?”

“No Nicky, I’m not,” then there was a baby cry.

Jenn ran to the crib and bent over. Oh how I’ve missed that, Nick thought eyeing his love’s body. He watched her as she held a baby in her arms and said, “Oh, it’s okay honey, don’t cry, Mommy’s here. And look sweetheart Daddy’s home.”

“Daddy? You mean this is my child?”

“Of course silly, who’s else would it be?”

“But how?”

“I’ll tell you all about it today. Oh I’m so glad you’re finally home.”

“I am too, wow, I can’t believe I’m a dad.”


Then Nick woke up with sweat all over his face and he laid there in the dark thinking about his dream. What was that? Why did I think of us having a son? Could it be? Maybe I just want to be a father so much I’m making up children. Jenn I miss you so much baby. I just wanna hold you. But would you take me in so willingly like you did in the dream? Even if I wanted to come back, I just can’t yet. Not yet.


©~©~©


Jenn woke up to the sound of Anthony crying beside her. “Aw sweetie, it’s okay honey,” she said as she sat up and took him in her arms. Then she started thinking about her dream. Oh how I wish Nick would just come back. But something was different, he looked more like Scott than himself. What am I thinking? I just miss you so much Nicky. Anthony’s wailing snapped her out of her thoughts. Then she sang him a lullaby before he went back to sleep. She laid him back down and finally fell asleep again after clearing her mind of the strange ideas that had appeared.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 4~


The next morning Nick woke up with a smile on his face and a mission in his heart. If nothing else was to happen after it all, he was gonna help Jeff find out who his killer was, to help Jenn get over him and finally move on. But his smile from that morning came from his dream, of being able to hold his wife again and have her accept him into her life again. “Jenn, I miss you so much. Could I ever come back?”

Then he heard a little knock on the door between his room and Sam’s. He quickly got up and pulled a shirt on as well as some sweat pants. Then he opened the door for her. “Hey Nick, I mean Scott, oh I don’t know what to call you now.”

“I told you last night Scott.”

“Oh right, I guess I’ve just been thinking too hard,” she said as she pushed her way through the door into his room. She sat down on an empty chair. He shut the door and sat on his bed.

“Sam I’ll understand if you don’t wanna be my friend anymore. I mean I have been deceiving you this whole time. I know I shouldn’t have, but I just couldn’t face Jenn finding out where I was.”

“But Scott that’s the other thing I’ve been thinking so much about. I mean if you love her as much as you say you do then why are you staying away from her? I mean don’t you think she loves you just as much? Besides you told me the truth and I’m still here aren’t I? And what about everything you said last night about talking with your brother?”

“I don’t know anymore Sam it’s just that it’s been so long now and well look at me, I’m really no longer the man I used to be. I’m still gonna see my brother, but I don’t know how I’ll handle it if Jenn knew it was me and not accept me.”

“Scott I think you are the only person making such a big deal about how you look. I don’t think Jenn will care and I don’t even know her, so why should you?”

“Because Sam you just don’t understand. I have loved Jenn all of my life, literally. I just don’t think I could take it if she rejected me because of the way I look.”

“But Scott that’s just it, if she’s as wonderful and as in love as you say then looks shouldn’t matter.”

“Look Sam I don’t wanna talk about this anymore. I have things I need to take care of today. I really appreciate you coming here with me and all, but I think that maybe you should return now.”

“Aren’t you going home too?”

“I am home. I have to stay here now.”

“Then I’m staying with you.”

“Sam you can’t do that.”

“And what makes you say that? I am my own woman I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to.”

“You’re stubborn aren’t you?”

“Of course I am, but you already knew that. And don’t worry about your little secret I won’t say a word. And I’ll just stay until you get everything settled. So you are going to go see your brother then?”

“Yes I am.”

“Good,” then they sat there and Nick talked a little more about his past with Jenn and Sam sat there being the willing and patient ear, asking questions every once in a while to get the full picture. And to find some missing things that Nick had left out about Justin from the night before. And Nick included her in his plans of what he was planning to do while staying with his brother and she offered to help find someone to sublease his apartment.



©~©~©



Jenn laid in her bed next to her son, soaking up the morning and thinking about the night that she had. “Hmm, Nick how I’d love to have you home and in my arms again. Give you a chance to get to know your son. Baby, I miss you. Why is it I’m the only one that knows you’re still alive? Is it because I’m just plain crazy? Maybe Lea’s right. Maybe I just should move on.” Then Anthony began to stir and she turned her head to look at her baby. He had opened his eyes and he just stared at her.

“Oh good morning precious, how’s my big boy today?” He just smiled at her. “Aw baby, you look so much like your daddy. I wish you could’ve known him, he was a great man.” Then she heard a knock on her door. “Well I wonder who that could be this time of morning. Let’s go find out, you wanna go find out?” she asked Anthony. He just cooed at her as she picked him up. “Oh honey, Mommy needs to change your diaper.” Then when she got to the front door, she slowly opened it.

“Hey Jenn.”

“Oh hey Lea, how are things?”

“They’re all right. I just figured I’d come to visit my favorite sister-in-law.”

“I’m your only sister-in-law.”

“Good point, but not for long.”

“Oh really? Is Jacob finally getting married?”

“Yes, he just announced it to me this morning. He brought over his fiancée and everything. She’s a very nice girl. But I already knew that. She seemed so excited. I’m glad that my brother’s finally decided to settle down, and with such a sweet girl.”

They were still standing at the door, when Jenn said, “Oh goodness what are we doing standing here like strangers come in, come in. Did Drew come with you?” she asked as they began to sit down on the couch.

“No um, he said he had some things that he needed to tend to around the house today.”

“Oh I see. I can’t believe he missed the opportunity to come see his favorite nephew.”

“Yeah I know I can’t either. He practically kicked me out of the house today.”

“Hmm, that’s odd. I wonder what’s going on.”

“I know I mean it’s not my birthday, not our anniversary, nothing, I just don’t get it.”

“Yeah, but you know Drew, he’s just weird.”

“Hey that’s my husband you’re talking about there missy.”

“I know, and you’re usually the first one to admit it. Although my husband wasn’t ...any...better.” Jenn said losing her happy mood. “Oh goodness listen to me, I did it again. I let him take me over again.”

“Oh sweetie,” Lea said putting her arm around Jenn. “It’ll be okay, you’re getting better you are. And remember it’s only been a year, you have time yet.”

“I know Lea, but he still feels very close, and now for some reason it feels stronger. Am I just plain nuts?”

“No honey I just think that you and Nick once had a very strong connection and that it’s probably even stronger now that he’s gone. Maybe Jenn, the feeling is trying to tell you something.”

“What Lea? I don’t understand,” then Anthony started to cry. “Oh shoot I still need to change him and feed him.”

“Here give him to me. I’ll change him for you while you go make the milk.”

“Thanks Lea.”

“No problem, what are friend’s for?”

“You’re the best Lea.”

“No you are. And then when we meet up again I’ll tell you the real reason I came over here.”

“Oh well I can’t wait,” Jenn said managing a tiny smile.

©~©~©

Nick stood outside Drew and Lea’s home noticing not much had changed from the last time he had gone there with Jenn. Nick had left Sam at the hotel, telling her that he would report to her when all was taken care of and so she stayed, telling him that everything would be okay. He was just about to let another person in on his secret and hoped to God that it wouldn’t leak back to Jenn and that Drew would be willing to make sure that Lea didn’t know either. Nick stood there gathering his courage to go on. He had seen Lea leave so he knew that they wouldn’t be disturbed and that if there was any yelling involved which he was sure there would be, no one would be able to hear. Nick finally took one deep breath and knocked on the door.

Drew opened it and looked at him, “Yes, may I help you?”

“Drew? Jeez you haven’t changed a bit little brother,” Not exactly the opening line I was going for, but I guess it works.

“Who are you and what are you talking about?”

“Drew it’s me, your big brother Nick.”

“Wait a second I know you, you were at my friend’s wedding last night. But you’re not Nick, no I heard your name it was Scott, Scott Hansen.”

“Drew stop screwing around and listen to me I’m your brother,” Nick proclaimed storming into the home as if he owned it.

“No I don’t believe you,” Drew yelled at Nick’s back.

Nick swung around and stared at his brother square in the eyes and said, “Why not?”

“Because my brother died in a fire a year ago. How dare you come around here pretending to be him. You don’t even look anything like him. My brother, I can’t even believe I’m going to admit this, actually was kind of good-looking and you...”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Listen Sprout I do not have time for this...”

“Wait what did you call me?”

“What’s wrong Sprout? Cat got your tongue?”

“You are Nick, but how? I ...I don’t get it.”

“Let’s just say I survived the fire. Now I need to find out who it was that tried to make me die in the first place, are you willing to help me?”

“Does Jenn know about this?”

“No, and she’s not going to either. I didn’t come here to take her back. Lord knows I’d give anything to have her again, but after the way you just reacted I don’t think I can.”

“But Nick she loves you. I saw the way she looked at you yesterday. I was mad at you for hitting on my little sister like that, trying to get her to forget about you, but Nick, I think eventually she’s gonna figure it out.”

“No I don’t think I could handle her trying to push me away. Now Drew just listen to me and see if you can follow directions all right.” Drew nodded his head. “Okay Jeff and I have been talking about this for a while now and we’ve been trying to come up with ideas as to who would want to kill me because we determined that it was indeed arson that was done. What we need to do is go back and look at all of the past articles that I’ve ever written and see if there are any incriminating articles that could’ve started somewhere leading to maybe a future article causing some trouble, because we think that there may be a possibility of someone from my past trying to make sure I don’t pry anymore than I have before.”

“You really think it’s someone you’ve written about?”

“It’s likely. And I have to look at every possibility very very carefully. I cannot afford to put Jenn’s life at risk too. I know it’s been a year but these people are crazy they strike whenever they feel it’s beneficial to them.”

“Okay Nick I’ll do it. I still think you need to tell Jenn that you’re here. She’ll be happy to see you. And there’s something in her life that you need to know. But I think she should be the one to tell you.”

“Drew what is it? Is something wrong with her? What is it? Tell me!”

“Nick I can’t. This is something that you and Jenn need to discuss.”

“Wait did she find someone new? Is she and that Byron guy actually together? Did she lie to me yesterday?”

“Nick calm down. No she hasn’t found someone new. We’ve been trying to get her to move on for the past year now, but she just can’t. She’s still so in love with you. And even when everyone told her you were dead and gone, she wouldn’t believe it. Nick she still thinks you’re alive. You have to return to her.”

“What?” Nick asked in shock. “But how can that be? I mean it’s been a year, and she hasn’t given up hope?”

“No she hasn’t. Her love for you is that strong.”

“That explains it.”

“Explains what?”

“Yesterday when she first looked at me I could’ve sworn she called me Nick, but I just thought I was hearing things. She must’ve. There’s hope yet little brother.”

“Okay well Nick I’d love to keep chit-chatting here but I’m trying to do something.”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m making a special dinner for Lea.”

“What for?”

“I’ll tell you about it later. Now will you please excuse me.”

“All right well don’t burn the food.”

“Funny Nick.”

“Oh and you need to call me Scott, not Nick got it.”

“Oh you always were difficult. All right Scott.”

“You know I remember a time when you used to burn breakfast. I can’t believe you actually made it as a chef, the best damn one around too.”

“Yeah well I had to learn how to cook. Mom was right, no woman would want me if she had to keep cooking for me the way I eat.”

Nick just laughed and started to reminisce over the past. Could things ever go back to the way they were, just by a simple apology?


©~©~©


When Jenn got back the two girls sat and talked for a little bit while Anthony drank his milk. “Man, I’m still shocked that you came alone. Did he know you were coming?”

“Yeah I distinctly said, ‘Honey I’m going to Jenn’s.’ And all he said back was, ‘Okay darling have fun.’”

“That is just too funny. I wonder how or why he passed up the chance to see us again.”

“I don’t know, but it is a bit suspicious isn’t it?”

“Yes, okay so tell me your news girl. We’ve been talkin’ about me about Drewbie and I know you didn’t come to visit me to talk about my life or your husband’s or maybe you did. But I know that it’s definitely about you. I can see it in your eyes now spill.”

Lea smiled big and wide, “Okay Jenn, I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am.”

“Yes, yes oh come on don’t keep me waiting.”

“I AM.........,” she took a long dramatic pause, and right before Jenn was about to say something, “pregnant,” she exclaimed.

“Oh my gosh Lea,” Jenn squealed. Then Anthony dropped his bottle and started crying, Jenn quickly turned her attention back to him, “Aww I’m sorry honey,” she said looking down at him, then she picked his bottle off of the ground which had amazingly landed up right. Then she gave his bottle back to him and he quickly quieted down and softly sucked on his bottle making soft cooing baby noises. Then Jenn turned back to Lea and said a little more calmly, “I’m just so happy for you guys. We needed some more happy news here. I think things are really starting to look up.”

Lea sort of giggled at the action of her friend, “I know, I’m so excited. But I’m not absolutely positive yet, I only took a home pregnancy test, I have to go to the doctor’s first. I’m debating on whether or not I should just go to the doctor first or if I should tell Drew so that we can go together.”

“Oh definitely tell Drew first, it’ll be a great moment for the two of you to find out together,” Jenn said suddenly remembering how she first found out. But she was quickly snapped out of her thoughts.

“You think?”

“I know. And you just have that glow ya know,” Jenn drew Lea in for a hug, careful not to squish her son of course, “Ahhh I’m so excited. I hope you have a boy so that Anthony will have someone to play with. Or maybe a girl so we can go get all those cute little clothes.”

“You always were extravagant.”

“Nick always spoiled me,” then Jenn stopped and took a deep breath. “Lea, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to do that...”

“No, no stop it I know it’s hard. It’s okay I understand, it slips. I won’t even pretend that I know what you’re going through.”

“But you know what, I know I need to move on,” Jenn said giving Lea a smile.

“You mean you’ve changed your mind about Byron?” Lea asked.

“Well no not exactly,” Jenn said still smiling.

“Then what, tell me girl don’t keep me hanging,” Lea said eagerly happy that her best friend and sister had finally decided that it would be okay to move on.

“Well, oh forget about me. Tell me everything,” Jenn said giving Lea a sly smile.

“Oh Jenn that was just mean. You mean you’re not gonna tell me what changed your mind?”

“Not right now. It’s silly anyway. Now how did you suspect that you were pregnant when did it happen, girl let it out.” Then she heard the bottle drop but no cry. She looked down and found a sleeping baby in her arms. “Hmm we should go put him in his crib.”

“Yeah lets, then we can come out and actually talk.” So the two women got up to go put Anthony in his crib.

They got to Anthony’s nursery room and then Jenn gently put her sleeping baby down. He stirred a little looking like he was about to awaken but he just relaxed his body and laid there quietly sleeping with a tiny little smile on his face. “Mmm, look at my baby Lea. He’s the little love of my life. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost him.”

“Jenn, you won’t. And I just can’t wait to have a little one of my own.”

“You’re gonna make a great mom Lea I know you will. And Drew is gonna be soooo happy to finally have a little one of his own.”

“I hope so.”

“I know my brother, he will be. Then he’ll stop trying to steal mine.” They laughed at her comment. It felt so nice to finally be able to laugh like that. It’d been too long.

“Yeah he loves this little one, just as if he were his own.”

“I know and I appreciate everything you two have done for me like you wouldn’t know,” then Jenn bent down to kiss her sleeping son, “Come on Lea better let him get his rest, poor thing,” she said giving a slight giggle. They walked out and went back into the living room to sit on the couch.

“Jenn I know how much you appreciate it, but we love spending time with you and Anthony. You two are still our family. We love you two so very much, and we just wanna see that you guys are happy.”

“Thank you Lea, it means so much to me that you guys are here for me. So now tell me how long have you known?”

“Well I’ve had a bit of an inkling about it for a while, because it seemed as if I was feeling some of the same symptoms you had while you were with us.”

“Kind of early on there a bit huh?”

“Yes, well you’re strange, you always experience things a bit late,” Lea said, giving Jenn a wink.

“Oh yes very.” It was a joke between them about how Jenn always started everything before the others did. She was the first to have to wear a bra, talk about developing early. She was the first to be visited by Auntie Flow. And she was the first to date as well as get married. But while she was pregnant she didn’t really feel the effects of being pregnant until way later into the pregnancy. No strange cravings, no really bad morning sickness, the only thing she was dealing with were the effects of losing her husband, then again that may have contributed to the slowness of her pregnancy symptoms.

[Baby_Girl89]

“So anyway, I decided to go get a home pregnancy test just a little while ago and I took it this morning. And well I was just itching to tell you anyway, so here I am. Can you believe it? What luck that Drew wanted to be alone today.”

“All day?”

“Well he said to make it home by dinner.”

“Ooo lucky you marrying the chef.”

“Hehe, well he had to be one remember? I could never keep up with his eating habits.”

“Oh that’s so true. I never worried about Nicholas much though. But man did Anthony make me eat a lot.”

“Well to you, it was a lot, to us it was normal. Girl we could support your eating habit for a week on Drew’s day.”

The girls laughed again, joking around like old times. It felt as if the dark black cloud that had been following them around had finally been lifted. At least for that brief moment. “Well I don’t eat that little. Maybe Drew just eats too much.”

“No kidding. I hope this child doesn’t have it’s father’s eating habits or I might go hungry after it’s born.”

“Oh you poor dear. You’re making me rethink inviting you guys over for dinner.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Oh I’ve missed this so much,” Jenn said, after their laughter subsided.

“I know me too. Now if only Liz were here.”

“Yes, I know, but she’s on vacation, on her honeymoon with the love of her life. Having a fabulous time I hope.”

“I’m sure she is. Those two make a perfect couple don’t they? And they owe it all to you for getting them together.”

“Oh I didn’t do too much.”

“You did for them what you did for me and Drew all those years ago. You made them realize that they were meant for each other. And there will never be a way to repay you for it all. Jenn, you’ve enriched the lives of so many people here in the community. And that’s a fabulous gift you have. Speaking of gifts, why did you stop singing?”

“Oh are we back to that again?” Jenn said giving Lea a smile.

“Yes we’re back to that again. You were so wonderful. I think Nick once told me, ‘The moment I heard her sing I knew she was the angel that was sent just for me.’ Girl you made the guys go wild with that voice and made every girl wish she could be you. Why did you stop?”

“Well I didn’t want to hinder Nick’s dreams. And I still sing, and I write some still.”

“Well why haven’t I seen anything lately?”

“Because it’s all been pretty depressing lately. Mostly stuff about how I miss Nick so much and stuff.”

“Oh well I can imagine. Well if you ever wanna let out your wonderful stuff you always have a willing ear. You always had a way with words Jenn and I missed that so much.”

“Hmm, you know the newspaper offered me a job as an advice columnist shortly after the whole Nick thing was cleared.”

“Really?”

“Yeah really, because they knew how I always gave advice to people and such they thought I should get paid for it and maybe help even more people since the Sunset Tribune is in a lot more places than just here.”

“Why didn’t you take it?”

“Too many reminders of the one I lost and I felt I needed too much to be given advice instead of giving advice.”

“Oh I see, is the offer still on the table?”

“Yeah I think it is. I mean they send me a letter every week reminding me about it. I haven’t opened too many of them. But I figure since they keep coming they must be telling me the same thing right?”

“Yeah right. I hope you feel better soon sis, you deserve all the happiness in the world.”

“Thanks.”

“Now I wanna know what’s changed your mind about Nick, about moving on.”

“Right ‘cause I still think Nick’s alive crazy as that sounds, but I guess I have to move on if he’s not, but I know I’ll never stop loving him. It’s impossible to stop loving the love of your life.”

“Don’t I know it. So tell me all about it.”

©~©~©

“So what exactly are you doing right now little brother?”

“I’m preparing dinner for my wife and I.”

“Interesting, anything special in particular?”

“Well yes, we’re celebrating something.”

“Are you? I’m intrigued. If I remember correctly there are no birthdays, no anniversaries, no nothing that I can think of that would warrant a celebration. So what’s going on?”

“I’d rather not say at the moment.”

“All right fine we won’t talk about it. We’ll talk about me and my stay here.”

“What?” Drew asked turning around from the stove and from the soup he was working on.

“Yes, I need to stay here with you and Lea.”

“Why? Why don’t you just go stay with Jeff? I mean don’t get me wrong, I really wouldn’t mind, but seeing as how Lea’s not allowed to know who you are, which I hate by the way, keeping this secret from my wife. But seeing as how she’s not allowed to know I don’t really think she’s gonna go for having a complete stranger around here.”

“Well convince her. For one Jeff’s on his honeymoon at the moment.”

“True,” Drew said returning to the food.

“And I need to stay with you because I remember how much time Lea and Jenn always spent time together and well I guess I just hope that I get to see her every once in a while even though it’ll pain me for her not to know who I am.”

Drew swung around again and said, “Well Nick dammit why won’t you just tell her?”

“Because I promised her that I would never hurt her and I already did that by not coming back the moment I’d awoken. What do you want from me? She won’t take me back, not after what I’d done. And look at me I’m hideous.”

“Yes, so hideous that you brought the first genuine smile to her face that’s been missing for a year now, when she saw you at the wedding,” Drew said rolling his eyes.

“Drew you just don’t understand,” Nick said lowly as he looked down at the ground.

Drew was beginning to get furious with his brother. But maybe Nick was right Drew didn’t understand, but Nick didn’t seem to understand either. Drew walked over to the table where Nick was sitting and grabbed him by his shirt collar and forced Nick to look at him. Nick looked up at his little brother his eyes, wide with surprise. In all the years that they’d known each other, Nick had never seen his little brother look so angry before. “No Nick you don’t understand. Can’t you see that the love of your life is miserable without you? I’m sick of seeing the hurt and pain in Jenn’s eyes, every time someone even mentions your name. She misses you so much, she’s so sure that you’re still alive. She still thinks you’re gonna return to her, and it’s made it extremely difficult for her to move on. You say you wanna see Jenn happy, then why don’t you stop complaining about it and make it happen. You are the one that can make her happy. You are the only one that’s ever made her happy. I have no idea why, but she loves you that much. And I know that you still love her or you wouldn’t be making this request. So why don’t you just shut the hell up and take some freakin’ action already.” Drew took a deep breath, because he’d never gone off on anybody like that before. Then his face started to calm down and he loosened the grip he had on Nick’s collar.

Nick sort of drew back away from Drew, “Wow, I’ve, I’ve never seen you do that before.”

“Yeah well I’ve never been this angry before Nick,” Drew said, surprisingly calm. So calm that it sounded forced, strained. Drew still had boiling anger running through his veins. “Nick,” Drew said before going back to tend to the food which was boiling so hard the water was about to spill over, “you just don’t get it. Jenn is my sister, maybe not by blood, but with everything we’ve gone through, our bond is stronger it would seem than sometimes blood. I love her dearly, and the fact that missing you was hurting her this badly I just couldn’t stand it. Lea and I tried so hard over this past year to try and comfort her. We tried to get her to understand that you weren’t coming back. But she’s a stubborn one, I guess that was one thing you loved so much about her. She’s determined that one is,” he said giving a slight smile trying to hold back the tears that were starting to form.

“Yes, I loved her determination. I still do. And you’re right Drew I suppose I don’t understand from Jenn’s side, but I do understand from mine. You don’t know how hard it was for me to know that Jenn was alive and not to be with her. But I was frightened. Frightened of what she’d say to me if I came back looking like I do now. How could I just go back into her life pretending like nothing had happened? I want my Jenn to be happy, and I know you say that I’m the only one who can do that, but Drew, how can I risk putting her life in danger? My ‘killer’ still hasn’t been caught yet. What if the next time, Jenn was put in the middle of it all? I can’t do that to her. So please if you can when I leave, convince her that I’m not coming home. I just can’t.” Nick hadn’t intended to tell his brother that he wasn’t going back to Jenn, because in the back of his mind he always thought that it was an option. But hearing himself say it out loud, he knew that it was the only way.

“Nick you just signed off on Jenn’s unhappiness for life,” Drew said turning off the stove.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 5~

After their little talk and Drew had finished preparing dinner for Lea and himself, Drew showed Nick a room he could stay in. Nick went back to the hotel and got his stuff. He told Sam what had happened and she listened intently telling Nick that she agreed with his brother, even though she knew that what she was saying was falling on deaf ears she decided to do it again, “Scott, you say you love her and that you wanna see her happy. Well it really sounds like it was you and it seems like now it’s still only you that can help her be that way. I know you say that you don’t wanna risk it, but Scott I think she’ll love you no matter what.”

“Well at this point I guess I more or less am thinking about her safety then. She’ll move on without me. I don’t wanna see anything happen to her. Now that you know what’s going on, you can go home and take care of things around there for me. I’m gonna go back soon and gather up some more clothes, well maybe. I don’t know if I can leave at all before I figure out what happened.”

“Scott, listen to my words and remember them. I’m here to support you okay? And you must know how much I love you by now. You’ve been a great friend,” Sam said.

Nick stopped her before she could continue, “No Sam, you have been the great friend. Thank you for being there for me, even though I’ve been a pain I’m sure, hiding from you what I knew. I appreciate all that you’ve done for me. Thank you, and I’ve grown to love you as well. No one could ask for a better friend than you.”

“Thank you Scott, I’ll always be there for you. But now truly listen to my words for once. No matter how many times you’ve dismissed my words before just listen to me at least if not taking my advice, maybe it’ll make you realize what you truly must do. I’ve watched you over these past months, very carefully. And I always noticed how there was this sad look of pain in your eyes. I always wondered what it was. And then that day that I saw the way you looked at her I noticed a glow, a glow I’d never seen before and I knew, I just knew something was up. And when you told me she was your wife, I wasn’t as surprised as I should’ve been. I could see some sort of connection between the two of you. You looked so happy to be with her and I knew then what had been missing from your life. Love, because that was what I saw when I watched you two. And I knew then that we could never be and I’ve accepted it. Scott you need to understand something. If you don’t go back to Jenn, I think you will be utterly miserable for the rest of your life. Jenn and you will both be lost forever. I don’t think Jenn will move on and from what I know about you as well, I don’t think you can either.”

Nick sat on the bed silent, drinking in the words that Sam was saying to him. Could she be right? But even if she were, would it be worth it to risk Jenn’s life? What am I gonna do? Nick was just beside himself. He didn’t like the idea that Jenn would never be happy again. He could care less about his own happiness, he was willing to sacrifice himself for his love, but what was he making her sacrifice? “Thank you for your words Sam,” he said getting up from the bed, he walked her to the door between their rooms, “I promise that I’ll think about that. But I must get going now. I hope you have a safe trip back home. I’ll call you when I get a chance to, to tell you how things are going. Once again thank you for everything.”

“Oh and don’t forget to tell me when I get to have a chance to meet up with Justin,” she said giving him a wink.

He gave her a smile and said, “Don’t worry I will.” Then he closed the door and finished packing up his stuff to go back to his brother’s before Lea came home.

©~©~©

After a few more hours and lunch together the girls were done with their conversation when Jenn received a phone call. “Well Lea, I think it’s time you got home now.”

“Oh who was it?”

“Oh no one important really, but uh, they just reminded me that I uh...need to get some other work done.”

“Oh?” Lea asked sounding intrigued. “What are you workin’ on?”

Jenn had to think quick then she remembered, “Well I didn’t really wanna say, but I’m writing something.”

“Oh you are? That’s wonderful Jenn, what are you writing? Is it a book?”

“Yes, it is Lea. And well I haven’t been writing it for a while now and I think it’s time that I get back to it.”

“Oh that’s perfectly fine. I probably should be getting home to that boy anyway, before he eats us out of house and home,” she said giving Jenn a smile.

“Hahaha, yes you probably should.”

“Oh do you want me to take Anthony so that you can concentrate?”

“What are you kidding me?” Jenn said in mock scorn. Then she broke into a smile and said, “No, I could never let him leave.”

“Oh how could I even dare ask? All right Jenn, I’ll see you later hon,” Lea said drawing Jenn in for a hug. Jenn hugged her back.

“I’ll see you later Lea. I hope the rest of your day goes well.”

“Oh yes, I hope it will too. I’m gonna tell Drew tonight. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck, but I know you won’t need it. Send Drewbie my love.”

“You’re still the only one who can get away with that besides me.”

Jenn blushed thinking about it, “I know. That’s my brother for ya. Good bye.”

“Bye,” Lea said heading to her car.

Jenn gently closed the door behind her and she put her back to it, and looked around her room and sighed contentedly. She knew that Lea had a wonderful night ahead of her. Drew already knew and he was planning on surprising her with dinner. Everything was finally beginning to settle for Jenn. She went into her room and extracted her laptop. She hadn’t opened it in sooo long. She stopped writing in her journal after a while because she felt like she was faltering all over the place. But she decided that it was time to get back to the story of her life. To her it was nothing more but a tragedy, but to others it was and would be a story to inspire. Her diary however was no ordinary diary, it was a journal that she made out for Nick, hoping that one day she’d be able to give it to him. And if not, she knew that he would look down upon her and smile at what she’d done. But she knew one day she’d see him read it and watch the expressions on his face. She just knew it would come to pass, she just couldn’t explain how.

[Baby_Girl89]

Dear Nicholas,

Oh my darling, such a long time it’s been since the last time I wrote to you. I still miss you dearly and I’d give anything for you to know your son. But darling it’s been a year, and all signs are beginning to point to me moving on, but how? Oh what am I to do my love? You were my life, you meant the world to me. I still remember how excited I was when I first found out I was pregnant. I couldn’t wait to tell you, but I wanted it to be so special. But after what happened today, I wonder if you knew like your brother knows now. I’d certainly be able to rest easier if I knew that you did. Because then I’d know that you wouldn’t stay away from me. That nothing could keep you away.

Can you believe it darling, your little brother’s about to become a father. Hmm, well I hope the child doesn’t eat like him. And if the little one does they better be well stocked shouldn’t they. Drew’s been such a great and powerful man this past year. He’s watched over me like a hawk, protecting me and guiding me, just like you have in the past my love. He knows that’s what you would’ve wanted. And you’ll be happy to know that Anthony’s been spending plenty of quality time with his godparents. Although I haven’t really let him leave me at all. I haven’t spent a day without him yet. He’s my little bundle of joy, my little bundle of life. He’ll be turning one soon can you believe it?

He reminds me so much of you darling. He has your eyes, your mouth your lips. Mom, says he could’ve been your twin or your clone. And I took out your old baby pictures and compared your pictures with Anthony and she was so right. He’s going to be such a heartbreaker when he gets older just like his daddy. I just hope that he finds the right woman to be with. I know I’m gonna end up being one of those overly protective mothers I just know it. Especially since he’s an only child and will remain that way unless somehow I get my miracle and you find your way home.

But my love I possess a secret. I don’t know why or how this had happened, but I suddenly felt that electric surge again when I saw this man. I was automatically drawn to him, but he reminded me so much of you somehow. I mean I looked at him and he looked so different and yet the same too. I know I’ll sound crazy to you darling. That’s about all anyone’s really been saying about me lately, that I’m just the crazy widow and the affects of you dying hasn’t worn off. But I feel a stronger connection to you now more than ever. So what is going on? Are you dead? Is your spirit floating around me trying to tell me to move on? No matter what happens my love remember that you will always be my one and only true love until the end.

But now I’ve found someone who makes me feel like you used to. I missed that feeling dearly. But I’m finding it hard to just let myself go. If only I knew for sure whether you were alive or dead. Something anything to tell me what’s going on. How can I move on and then come to find that you’ve risen from the grave? But it has been a year. Would you do that to me? Would you leave me for a year, would you leave me for so long? Knowing you, you’d return when you could, but you haven’t yet, so what should that tell me? That you’re long gone. I guess perhaps my heart feels like it’s missing it’s other half and is keeping you alive and strong there, and that’s why no one else believes me. So I suppose no matter what happens in my heart you will continue to live on. In my heart and in our son.

Always and forever,
Jenn

Jenn read over her thoughts, and tears welled up in her eyes. She knew in her heart that she would always belong to Nick somehow. They were soul mates, whether or not people believed in the idea, Jenn always knew that Nick would be the one she would marry, spend her life with. Only he was taken away from her too soon. She didn’t know what to do, she wanted to move on in her own way, perhaps in just her own time. She never thought she’d find anyone who would make her feel the way that Nick had made her feel, but here Scott was, a total stranger evoking these lost and deeply buried feelings she once knew. And she liked it. She liked feeling her stomach do flips again.

After she read the entry. She wiped away her tears saved the message and turned off her computer. She went into Anthony’s room to check up on him, and discovered him still sound asleep, in his crib. She gently stroked the top of his head, remembering how he loved it so when he was first born. Her poor little baby ever so tiny, but now no one could even tell he was born prematurely he had gotten so big so fast. She remembered how her in-laws always came around to see the baby. But everyone suddenly became so busy and Drew was the only one so constant. Anthony was quickly becoming the spitting image of his father.

[Baby_Girl89]

Suddenly Anthony started shaking a little. At first Jenn thought it was just a little shudder, like he used to do, but he kept shaking. Jenn started to panic but she had to stay calm. She quickly dialed 911 and then took Anthony in her arms and rushed to the hospital. “Doctor,” she said as soon as she saw him.

“Was that you Mrs. Lachey, we received a call.”

“Yes, it was me Dr. Brant. Look at him,” she said holding her shaking baby in her arms.

“Come this way quickly,” he said leading her into a room with a team of people waiting for them. They got into the room and Jenn, gently laid him down on the little bed. “Mrs. Lachey, I’m afraid I need you to leave the room while we help out Anthony.”

“No, don’t make me leave his side, he’s all I have, no you can’t. I can’t go, please let me stay.”

“I’m sorry, I’m afraid, you’ll only get in the way,” he said calmly trying to push her out of the room as people started getting Anthony situated.

She was then locked out, away from her child, her life. She couldn’t lose him she just couldn’t. She started to cry in her hands. She didn’t know what to do. She wanted so desperately to call on Drew and Lea, but she just couldn’t ruin their dinner. And then all of a sudden she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and her eyes were wide with confusion. “Lea? What are you doing here?”

“Drew, burnt his hand trying to get some food over the candlelight, the idiot, sometimes I wonder what’s wrong with that boy’s head,” she said shaking her head. Then she asked, “What are you doing here? What’s wrong? Where’s Anthony?”

“Oh Lea,” Jenn said sobbing into Lea’s shoulder.

Lea led Jenn to a bench, “Jenn, what’s wrong hon? You can tell me.”

“My...my... my baby,” and Jenn broke out into more fits of crying.

“What’s wrong with Anthony Jenn?” Lea said quietly stroking Jenn’s back.

©~©~©

Nick stood and watched her, confused. Why is she crying? What’s wrong? He walked over to Lea and Jenn, and lightly tapped Lea on the other shoulder. “Jenn sweetie, it’ll be okay. I’m gonna leave you with Drew’s friend here Scott Hansen. I’m gonna go check up on Drew, and then I’ll be back okay?”

She nodded her head and Lea slowly slipped out from under Jenn’s crying eyes. She lifted her head and looked up at Nick. Her face was stained with tears. What has my beautiful flower been going through? What’s wrong with her? he thought as he sat next to her. He watched as her tears stopped flowing and she just stared at him. Oh no, does she know? But all she said was, “Scott?”

He nodded his head and said, “Yes Jenn, yes it’s me Scott.” Then she just buried her head into his shoulder again and cried. Oh beautiful how I wish I could comfort you the right way. But what’s wrong? He gently stroked her back, “It’s okay Jenn let it all out. I’m here for you if you need me.”

Suddenly she stopped crying again and looked up at him. Even with her tears everywhere and her nose running, she was still as beautiful as she ever was to him. “I’m so sorry Scott, I...it’s just....” she began but she couldn’t continue, it was too much it seemed.

“No, no Jenn it’s all right, cry all you need to,” he said as he held her head to his shoulder.

Then a door opened and he watched her head pop up and her eyes wide with fear. She jumped out of his arms and she walked over to the doctor. When she came back she seemed more relieved, and yet still jumpy. She sat back down next to him and just stared straight ahead of her.

He remembered that look. It was the look she got when she didn’t wanna talk about what was bugging her. She got so distant and quiet, her tears dried up on her face. When that happened in the past he would usually take her rigid body in his arms and loosen her again. But before he even had the chance to fight the urge to hold her, Lea returned with Drew who had his hand wrapped in gauze.

“Thank you for staying with her Scott, she’s in an emotional time right now.” Lea took over his spot and she took Jenn in her arms. Nick saw her loosen up and she blinked before shaking her head and then turning to hug Lea. They always did have a strong connection, he thought. But then again Jenn had a strong connection with just about everyone. She was always such a special woman, and I was the luckiest guy in the world to have her take me. And now look what I’ve done.

Nick went to stand by his brother, “So how’s the hand little bro?” he whispered.

“Very sore. God I don’t know how I could’ve been so stupid. It’s gonna be so hard to cook with only one hand. And the doctor said it could take up to a month to heal.”

“You know Jenn knows how to make it heal faster right?”

“I’ll have to ask her, so what’s going on here?” he said cocking his head toward the girls.

Nick could hear Lea quietly and gently say, “It’s gonna be all right Jenn, it’s gonna be all right,” over and over again.

“Well I was just gonna ask you the same thing,” Nick said. “You mean Lea didn’t tell you?”

“No all she told me was that Jenn was here. I asked her why and she told me she’d tell me later.”

“God I hate seeing her suffer like this.”

“You could lighten that suffering if you’d just...”

“Drew cut the crap, we don’t need to talk about this with her sitting right there crying her eyes out. I just wanna know what’s wrong with her, that’s it right now all right?” Nick said through gritted teeth. He took a deep breath as he saw Jenn get up again and she walked to the door and knocked on it. The door opened and she walked through. She seemed to have disappeared before his eyes again, as if she’d never been there only a ghost and a memory in his mind. But if anyone were to be the ghost it would be me, he quietly thought to himself. He walked over to where Lea was standing who was looking into the room through the glass on the door.

[Baby_Girl89]

She looked up at him and managed a faint smile, then she looked past Nick and went over to Drew and he held her. Nick watched her quietly sobbing in Drew’s arms. She looked so tiny in his arms. He was her protector not letting anything happen to her, and now a baby was on the way. How he wished he and Jenn could’ve had a child together. How he wished they could have children together in the future. It’s not too late, a tiny voice inside his head told him. But he didn’t listen, he wasn’t going to risk her life, to be happy, her life meant too much to him. He looked through the glass and found her sitting on a bed, but saw nothing beyond that. Who is in there? he wondered. He would soon find out, and get the surprise of his life.

©~©~©

Jenn sat next to her baby, who was surrounded by tubes and a respirator. He couldn’t breathe on his own. The doctors said it was the strangest unexpected seizure to occur since he was such a happy and healthy baby in the beginning. Jenn inquired about what it could be. They told her that it might have had something to do with his premature birth. Jenn wanted to kick herself. If only she’d listened to everyone when she was still pregnant. She could’ve prevented this from happening. “It’s all my fault,” she quietly said out loud to herself. Then she said, “Do you suppose I could spend a little bit of alone time with my son?”

The doctor waved his hands at the others turned to Jenn and said, “Of course Mrs. Lachey, but you do know that you can’t take him home tonight. We need to keep him and monitor his progress. But if we’re lucky you should be able to take him home by tomorrow night.”

“Thank you Dr. Brant. Do you suppose then that I could have a cot in here to be with him?”

“Hmm, perhaps we should discuss this later. Now just be with your son,” he said right before turning to leave.

“Oh and doctor,” she called to him. He turned around, “If you see a blonde woman with a dark haired muscular man, could you send them in.”

He faintly smiled at her and said, “Of course.”

Then he walked out of the room and she heard the door quietly close behind him. She looked at her baby lying on the bed and she just started to cry. He looked so peaceful despite all the cords around him. She took his tiny little hand in hers, and gently rubbed the back of it. “Oh baby, I’m so sorry, this is all my fault. If only I’d...” she started sobbing again. Then she felt a hand gently touch her shoulder. She turned around and looked up, “Oh Drewbie.”

He took her into his arms, “Shhhh,” he said, “it’s gonna be okay sis, I’m here. Big brother will wipe away your tears and make everything okay.”

“Drewbie this is all my fault.”

He tore her away and made her look at him with a questioning look, “What are you talking about honey? Sweetie how could this be your fault? You’d never do anything to Anthony, this stuff happens, there was nothing you could’ve done.”

“But Drew it was my fault.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean if only I’d taken care of myself better, let him come to full term, this never would’ve happened.”

“You don’t know that Jenn.”

“But at least if I had, maybe it wouldn’t have happened. This would have been less likely to have happened. I’m such a bad mother. I don’t deserve to have such a wonderful baby as my Anthony.”

“Jenn,” Drew said looking her in the eyes, “don’t you ever say that. You are the best mother Anthony could ever have. Don’t blame yourself for this. It’s not your fault.”

“Oh Drew, I just...I just don’t know anymore,” Jenn said falling on Drew’s shoulder again.

“I know sweetie, I know,” Drew said stroking her back. Then he said, “Honey, I’ll be right back with Lea and someone else.”

“Someone else?” she asked looking up at him eyes wide and expectant. Her heart racing, she could practically hear it pounding in her ears. For some reason something told her Nick but how could it be? All Drew did was nod.

Jenn saw Lea walk in as soon as Drew reached the door. “Hey sweetie, how is he?”

“Well the doctors say that he’ll be fine. They didn’t go into too much detail about how or why this happened, except that it could’ve been the premature birth. And now they want me to do monthly check-ups for the next year or so and to give him some sort of liquid prescription before his first check-up once every three days. Lea I don’t know how I’m gonna pay for all this. If only I hadn’t stressed myself out so much, I wouldn't have put him through all this.”

“Jenn, what are you talking about sweetie.”

“Well that whole premature birth thing. I could’ve prevented it. I mean all I had to do was keep myself calm and it would all be fine now, but I didn’t.”

“Honey, maybe God wanted it this way.”

“But why would he want my innocent little child to suffer this way? Why would he want Anthony to be hurting this way?”

“I don’t know honey, but God does a lot of strange things some people will never understand.”

“I suppose. I just wish it didn’t happen to my baby. Why him? Why not me?”

“Because he couldn’t have something happen to his mama, where would you be then? No one would’ve known about it.”

“Well then why did it happen at all?”

“I don’t know honey I don’t know.”

Jenn looked toward her sleeping baby, breathing slowly and peacefully. Then she heard a voice say, “Jenn?”

Are my ears deceiving me? Am I hallucinating again? Because that sounds an awful lot like...her thoughts stopped there as she turned around and with a somewhat disappointed look said, “Oh Scott, hello.”

“Hi Jenn, I’m glad to see your tears have faded.”

“I’m still crying on the inside.”

“I’m so sorry. Who’s this?” he asked looking at her beautiful son.

“This,” she said holding Anthony’s tiny little hand, “is my son.”

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 6~

Did she just say that he was her son? What? “Your, your son?” Nick asked wide-eyed. But how was that possible?

“Yes, my son. The only reminder I have left of the love of my life, since everything else we shared was destroyed in the fire that burnt our home and left me husband-less.”

My son? Could it be? “Oh, wow. What happened to him? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“No, um well he’s been fine and for some reason today as I was checking up on him he started having a seizure.”

“Has this ever happened before,” he asked worried about his son. If only he’d known.

“No, never,” she said breaking up again. She fell apart right before his eyes, as a stranger. He’d never in all their life together, had he ever seen her so vulnerable. She was always so strong.

“Wahhhh, wahhhh,” Nick looked over at the bed to see his son crying. Are you really mine little one? he thought to himself. But of course, who else’s could you be? Did she find someone else? But then her words rung in his ears, The only reminder I have left of the love of my life....left me husband-less. So he must be my son. He watched as Jenn quickly turned to look at him.

“Anthony, baby, oh you’re awake. To hear you cry again makes Mommy so happy,” she said as she bent down to kiss him on the forehead.

Anthony, she always wanted to name our son Anthony. But now that I know I have a son, what do I do? Drew whispered to him, “Do you see why you must come back now?”

Nick just shook his head. He had a son, a son who was being raised without him. All Nick could do was turn away and walk out of the room. He was followed by Drew, who caught his arm right outside the door to the room, Nick turned around and looked at his brother eyes wide and staring, questioning. “Drew why didn’t you tell me I had a son? Dammit for that matter why the hell didn’t Jeff?” he asked the second question to himself turning away from Drew.

“Nick I told you that Jenn had something to tell you. Well now you know. I didn’t want you to have to find out this way. But now that you know about him, you are going to reveal yourself aren’t you?”

“No, now I have even more of a reason to keep my identity a secret. I have yet another life that I must protect.”

“But Nick what if we find out who tried to kill you? Are you still going to go out and hide?”

“Drew, you don’t understand people have accomplices. Even if we caught my would be murderer, there are still other dangers, like who he may know. Like I’ve told you before I cannot risk endangering the love of my life by coming back like that. And now I have to protect my son.”

“Yeah well the only one that’s done any protecting lately has been me. And now I have a child of my own coming Nick. It’s gonna need my attention. How long are you staying?”

“Until we find out what happened.”

“But that could be forever, why don’t you just tell Jenn who you are and tell her not to let it out.”

“Because I told you already...”

“You’re trying to protect her. I know, I know, but sometimes I wonder who you’re really trying to protect,” Drew said before turning on his heel and walking back into the room.

Nick just watched him go back inside and watched him hold the two women and look at his son. What exactly did he mean by that? he wondered.

“Drew, do you know Scott?”

Drew stood there and stared at his little sister, he wanted so much to tell her the truth, but he’d made a promise. But he could tell that if he didn’t come up with something soon, Jenn would know. She always had that strange sixth sense about her. He also knew that he had to be careful with whatever he told her because Jenn was always like a little detective. She paid attention to every detail when needed and she could tell when she was being lied to. “Oh Scott’s a friend of Drew’s,” Lea said.

“Oh I see, how come I’ve never met him before?”

“He’s an old friend I met at college. He was on the paper there, studying as a music major, while I was working on becoming a chef. We met in one of our English classes.”

“How lovely,” Jenn said. “But how did he manage to make it to the wedding? Does Jeff know him too?”

“Yeah we all ended up in the same English class.”

“Hmm, interesting. Where was I when you guys were taking this English class?” Jenn said with a little laughter in her eyes.

Slow and steady Drew, don’t let little sis, catch you in the act or you’ll be burned worse than your hand. “Hehe, well I don’t quite remember, it was quite a few years ago.”

“But how is it you managed to be in the same English class with them when you were in the same year as me? My memory is slipping remind me.”

“Well they were taking the same courses as we were because they were lazy bums remember?”

“Well I remember Nick waiting for me before taking that English course, but Jeff a lazy bum? Nah, otherwise having him for sheriff wouldn’t exactly be such a great idea now would it?”

“Well hey it’s been a while since then, he’s a great sheriff now.”

“Hehe, well I guess so,” then she turned back to Anthony not giving even a second thought to what he had to say.

I hate lying to you like this sis, keeping this from you but I know in time Nick will realize where he’s supposed to be and he’ll come back to you. “Hey girls, I’ll be back.”

“Okay you little busy bee,” Jenn said looking back at him again, “Where are you going?”

“Oh, I’m just gonna go get my hand checked out again, it’s throbbing a little bit and I wanted to see if they had a cream I could use for it right now, because Lea and I have to go pick it up.”

“I still don’t understand how a great chef like you could be beaten by candlelight.”

“Well my dear sister I was more or less beaten by excitement.”

Jenn turned to Lea and said, “So he knows,” and she smiled, the first smile to come across her lips since he’d first seen her in the hospital, about two hours ago.

Lea nodded her head and gave a wide smile in return. “Yes, yes he knows. The sneak found my pregnancy test and made the dinner for us to celebrate.”

“So you guys are gonna need a doctor now. Well Dr. Brant here is great. He was very helpful during that small period I was still pregnant. And if he weren’t married, I’d probably have moved on with him,” Jenn said giving Lea a wink.

Drew felt a tinge of uneasiness. But all Lea said was, “Hmm, well too bad that he is married then huh. But hey there’s always Byron.”

“I suppose, but I don’t know there’s just something that gets to me about him ya know. Just one of those unexplainable things...”

Drew crept out of the room silently as the women went on discussing men. As soon as Nick saw him he said, “So how’s my son? Is he okay?”

“Well you’ll be happy to know that if the doctor who took care of your wife was single, she wouldn’t need you anymore.”

“What?”

“If the doctor, Dr. Brant, was single she would’ve moved on by now.”

Nick sort of got a look of anger across his face, “Why are you telling me this?”

“I want you to feel enough of the pain that we’ve had to face this past year without you here. Did you know that your widow,” he said “widow” with a scoff, “thinks that the reason your child is in there is all her fault? She thinks that she could’ve prevented his early birth and that since she didn’t she’s a bad mother.”

“Never, Jenn’s probably the most nurturing woman I know.”

“I know, but it was the stress of you being ‘dead’ that caused her to go into early labor. And she thinks that if she’d only stayed calm and relaxed and cared for Anthony better in the womb he wouldn’t be in there now. Now you and I both know it’s a load of bull. We both know that it probably would’ve happened anyway, but Jenn is blaming herself. Luckily right now the girls are talking about something else and hopefully that keeps Jenn from thinking that again, but Nick, she needs you now more than ever. Can’t you at least be there for her as Scott if not Nick?”

“But I’m afraid to. And trust me Drew, I wish I could’ve been here right after the fire but I was in a coma for four months, I couldn’t be here to relieve her stress. And now I’m just afraid.”

©~©~©

“So tell me did the doctor say anything else about Anthony?” Lea asked after their guy talk for the past half an hour.

“Well they say they’re gonna need him to stay the night at least and I might be able to take him home tomorrow night.” Jenn turned to look at Anthony, “Look at my little fighter Lea.”

“He’s strong like his mother, he’ll pull through, and I know that we’ll all come out of this stronger. All he needs is our love.”

Jenn heaved a big sigh and said, “Yes I suppose. I love him so much.” Then she turned to look at her little one and rubbed his forehead softly with her thumb, “I love you Anthony, with all my heart. You are my one true little love. Mommy, will protect you honey.” But her words were going unheard as her baby slept, falling asleep in the middle of Jenn and Lea’s talk.

Then the girls heard a knock on the door. They turned their head to see who it was, Jenn smiled and said, “Dr. Brant, hi.”

“Hello Jenn, how’s he doing?”

“Well he seems to be doing a lot better than when I brought him in, but you’re the doctor you tell me,” she smiled as he neared the two women.

[Baby_Girl89]

He peered over Jenn’s shoulder and said, “Well he looks like he’s doing quite well.” He cocked his head toward the heart monitor they had hooked up to him and said, “And his heartbeats are quite steady now.”

Jenn smiled her heart lightened. “So does this mean I can take him home tomorrow?”

“We’ll see, it looks good though. It was a good thing you brought him in when you did. And Jenn I need to make you understand that there was nothing you could’ve done to prevent this. Even if he were brought to full term this still might have happened. There was just more of a chance since he was premature.”

“But see that could’ve been prevented,” Jenn said looking down.

“No, I have a feeling it would’ve happened no matter how hard you tried to not let it happen. And you did a very good job with your pregnancy. Sometimes it just happens this way, sort of God’s plan ya know?”

“Well as long as he’s okay, that’s all that matters,” she said smiling up at him again.

“Yes, I’m sure he will be. He’ll be good as new soon. You just make sure that he gets those check-ups.”

“I will Dr. Brant, thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for me. I appreciate it all so much, you’ll never know what it’s meant to me.”

“Of course that’s what I’m here for. I know what a difficult time you’ve been through Jenn, I mean Mrs. Lachey.”

“Dr. Brant I’ve told you it’s Jenn, don’t feel bad for calling me Jenn instead of Mrs. Lachey.”

“Right of course, Jenn. I’ll be back later.”

“Thank you.” Then Dr. Brant left.

“Ooo girl, wowzerz, I totally see what you mean.”

“I know right? But I heard he has a single twin,” Jenn said with a laugh.

“Hmm, well hey if his brother is his identical twin as well, looking as good as him good luck girl. Is this what has changed your mind?”

“To be honest no, it wasn’t Dr. Brant or the idea of him having a brother. It was someone else. Someone I only met yesterday to be honest.”

“Who is it?”

“Okay I know this is going to sound crazy but....”

“Girl don’t keep me hanging.”

“It would serve you right the way you took forever to tell me your good news.”

“Oh you are so mean,” Lea said giving a little laugh.

Anthony started crying gasping for air, of his own accord again. They turned to look at him. “Oh my gosh Lea, he’s really doing okay. Oh my poor baby, he’s probably hungry.” She looked around for a button to get the nurse. She found it and pressed it. She couldn’t let her baby go hungry.

Dr. Brant quickly came back in, “What’s wrong Jenn, did something happen?”

“Oh did I push the wrong button?” she asked feeling a little sheepish.

“No, no, no, the nurse just told me you wanted some assistance. And I thought maybe there was something I could check out.”

“Oh okay,” she said sighing, “I was just wondering if maybe he could be fed or something,” she said over Anthony’s crying.

“He certainly does have a good set of lungs though doesn’t he?” Dr. Brant said over Anthony’s crying. “Never would’ve thought anything was wrong. I could probably even remove the respirator now. But I think we’ll keep it there just in case.”

“He got it from his father,” Jenn said with a giggle remembering how loud Nick could be.

“It’s good to see you smiling Jenn. And yes, I’ll go see what I can bring him to eat,” and he left again.

“Jenn you are so bad,” Lea said.

“What?”

“Anthony getting his lungs from his father. Don’t think I didn’t know what you meant by that, especially when you started giggling.”

“Oh shut up, I only meant how loud he was when he sang.”

“Uh huh, yeah right and I’m the Queen of Sheebah.”

“Well hello your majesty, I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure.”

“Girl,” Lea said and they both laughed.

©~©~©

Nick paced around the outside of the room, debating on whether or not to go in, when he heard the girls laugh. Nick had seen the doctor rush in, in a mad panic and then calmly walk out as if nothing were wrong. He didn’t know what to think. I should just go in there. He is my son after all, I should be with him. He needs to have his father by his side. But then another little voice inside his head told him, You gave up all rights to being his father when you decided not to return. Drew’s more of a father to your little boy than you are. He had to then fight the urge to bang his head against the wall.

Well if I can’t go in there as Nick I could certainly go in there as Scott right? he asked himself still uncertain. But something else said, You know if you go in you’ll never wanna let go of that little boy or that beautiful wife of yours. He was so confused. Then he saw Drew come back. “Come on Scott I’m gonna make you face your little boy.”

“Drew I don’t think I can. I think I just need to keep away from Jenn. It’s too tempting.”

“Good dammit, you need to be tempted. And she needs you, so go to her dammit.”

“Drew, I just can’t I’m too scared.”

“Damn Nick only one year and you’ve changed a lot. You’re not the brother I once knew. What happened to my fearless brother?”

“The fire changed me I guess.” He looked down at his own hands and touched one of the scars on his face, “In more ways than one.”

“God, I can’t believe you’d even think that, that woman in there would love you for just your looks. How superficial is that? Do you not know your wife or something man? She would love you even if you were tattered at the seams, marked up beyond repair, even missing a limb. She loves you dammit, don’t you love her?”

Nick looked up from looking at his hands and stared hard into Drew’s eyes, “How dare you try to tell me that I don’t love my wife. She’s the only thing that has ever meant anything in my life. She was my only reason to live all those years. I will never forget how much she sacrificed so that we could be together. Nothing will ever get me to stop loving her do you hear me.”

“You could’ve fooled me Nick. Do you realize you’re still making her sacrifice herself? Look in there Nick,” Drew said dragging Nick to the glass window to look in the room, “there sits your wife, still thinking that you’re dead and probably still thinking that your son is in there because of her. If you love her half as much as you proclaim you do, you would go in there and make her day by telling her who you really are.”

“Drew I can’t I told you that already. Please stop making this harder than it needs to be. I know that you say that Jenn will take me back with open arms, but how can you be so sure?”

“Because I’m sure, just as sure as I am that your wife is a fantastic mother, that she loves you and has been waiting, waiting, Nick for you to return home. She has fought so much to hold on to the fact that you’re living. Why can’t you prove to her and everyone else that she’s not crazy?”

“Drew I want to so much, but why should I endanger her life by ‘returning’ like that? I can’t risk her life.”

“Quite frankly Nick, to me it already seems as if you have. But have it your way. You just better not go crazy if you hang around and she finds someone else. She’s a wanted woman and Byron is still chasing after her after all these years.”

“Byron? I never would’ve thought that...” his voice trailed as he stared back down again. Then suddenly to his surprise even, he said, “Good, she should move on. I don’t deserve to be with her anyhow and Byron could provide Anthony with so much more than I ever could.”

“I can’t believe I’m hearing this. Nick you’re not who I thought you were. The Nick I knew would never give up the one and only woman he’s ever loved to another man.”

“I guess I’ve grown up Drew, I’m not gonna ruin her happiness for my own.”

“Ugh, why do I even bother? Oh yeah, because I love my sister and I hate seeing her so damn miserable. Don’t you get it you dimwit, she doesn’t want Byron. She wants you and only God knows why she still holds on like she does. She’s not gonna be happy with Byron even if she does give in for Anthony’s sake.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that Jenn may have given up on love Nick and if she ends up with anyone she’s not gonna do it out of love.”

“What? Never. Jenn would never be with anyone she doesn’t love.”

“Then I have a feeling she may never be with anyone ever.”

“God you really have a way of getting under my skin don’t you little brother?” Nick asked with a scowl.

“You better bet I do,” Drew replied staring up into Nick’s eyes with defiance.

Nick tore their locked eyes that they had and looked through the window again. He stared at his wife and his baby, Baby, I never meant to hurt you. It’s the last thing that I ever wanted to happen. Dear God please tell me what I should do. Then he felt a tap on his shoulder, “Excuse me sir I need to get in there,” he heard a voice say.

He turned and came face to face with the doctor, “Oh sure sir,” he said stepping out of the way. Thank God he’s not single, was the one lone thought he had as the doctor stepped into the room.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 7~

Jenn turned her head at the sound of the door opening. “Oh Dr. Brant, is there something wrong?”

“No I just came to tell you that visiting hours will be up soon.”

“Oh all right thank you doctor,” Jenn said meekly. Then she said, “Um...”

“Yes Mrs. Lachey,” Dr. Brant started then he paused before saying, “Jenn, yes Jenn?”

“Um do you think I can stay with him tonight?”

Dr. Brant gave a sigh. He knew how hard it would be for Jenn to leave her son, but she couldn’t stay. He knew that he’d want to stay with his own child but he couldn’t let her so he had to let her down gently. “Jenn, I’m sorry, but you can’t stay.”

“What, but why? Dr. Brant you don’t understand I’ve never spent a night away from my son. You can’t make me leave him now. For Pete’s sake he’s only eight months old.”

“I know Jenn, I know it’s gonna be hard but I have to transfer him to NICU so that he can be monitored better throughout the night. And you can’t stay with him there.”

“But, but what if he needs me?”

“Jenn, you’ll be no good for him tonight. Look at you you’re still pretty shaken up I can tell, you should just go home and get some rest. Then come back in the morning that way you’ll be well rested and he should be ready to go home by then.”

“But I can’t just leave him.”

“Jenn I’m sorry but you can’t stay here, he’s gonna be in NICU where are you gonna stay? Just go home get some rest.”

“I don’t know if I can go home. It’s gonna feel so empty without him there.”

“You know what Jenn, come home with Drew and me,” Lea said. “I’m sure he’d love to have you over and then in the morning we can all come over together to pick him up.”

“Really Lea? I don’t wanna intrude.”

“What intrude? Girl you are family you won’t be intruding. And besides that we don’t want you to feel like you have to go through this alone.”

“Jenn why don’t you just take her advice. Go home with her if you don’t think you can make it in your house.”

She sighed, “I’m not sure yet Dr. Brant. Are you sure I can’t stay here somewhere?”

“Well Jenn I can’t really make you leave the hospital you know that. However I do know that they’re going to be moving Anthony soon and you won’t be able to stay the night in NICU. Therefore it would be best if you went and got some rest for Anthony’s sake if not your own.”

She sighed again, “But I can get some sleep in the waiting room maybe?”

“Like I said I can’t make you leave, but...”

“Don’t worry doctor I’ll make sure she gets home to get some rest,” Lea said before he could continue.

“Thank you Ms...?”

“Lachey, but you can call me Lea and I was hoping I could set up an appointment with you.”

“Oh sure just tell the nurse as you leave or when you come back tomorrow. And does that mean you two are related?”

“Sister-in-laws.”

“Ah, makes sense.”

Lea smiled at him. “And I’ll be sure to make that appointment, thanks.” Then she turned to Jenn and said, “All right come on you need to go get some rest.”

“I, but...” she couldn’t resist it anymore. She could feel her strength draining from her body. “All right I suppose I should go home and at least lay down,” she heaved a sigh at the end. Then she put her hand on her forehead and said, “How am I gonna survive tonight without him?” Then she looked up at Lea, “Are you sure I can go stay with you guys tonight?”

“Jenn I’m gonna kick your little booty to the car. You are sooo stubborn.”

“I’m sorry I just...”

“I know. But you have to stop thinking that you can’t lean on your family. I’m one of your best friends and your sister. I love ya and I wanna make sure that you’re okay. And Drew, I know, wants to make sure that his little sister will be okay.”

Jenn gave Lea a weak smile. “Thank you Lea, I really appreciate it I do. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“Hey, don’t get started, what are best friends and sisters for?” she said giving Jenn a little squeeze. “Besides you gotta help me make sure that Drew doesn’t get too overboard and explain to me what it is I’m gonna be expecting during this pregnancy.”

“But all pregnancies are different.”

“I have a feeling a Lachey child is a Lachey child.”

Jenn gave a little laugh, “Hmm you have a point.”

“Yay I got you to laugh so are you ready then?”

“Yeah I guess so.”

Dr. Brant had just stood there watching the two women converse as he waited for the nurses to come help with the transportation of Anthony to NICU. “Well I’m glad you’re gonna go home. I promise to do everything in my power to make sure that he’s safe and ready to go home for you tomorrow.”

“Thank you so much for all of your help Dr. Brant. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I know I’ve been a bit stubborn.”

“You can say that again,” he said with a teasing smile.

She lightly laughed again and said, “All right a lot. It’s just you know how it is.”

“Seeing as how I’m a father of two myself yes I do know. So I’ll try my hardest for you to make sure things go well. You just make sure to do your part once you get him home.”

“Oh I will,” Jenn gave a yawn.

“Better get you home,” Lea said, leading Jenn out.

“Yeah I...” she yawned again, “I guess so. Wait,” she said turning around, “let me say good night and goodbye to him first.” She walked over to his bedside and took his little hand in hers and gave it a little kiss. She looked down on her sleeping baby once again and said, “Oh baby Mommy’s going home to regain some energy. But remember that I love you please get better for me,” she said rubbing the back of his hand with her thumb. Then she bent down and gave her son a kiss on his forehead before letting his hand go and turning around, with one lone tear falling from her left eye.

Lea ran up to her side, “Oh Jenn honey, it’ll be all right. He’ll be better I just know he will.”

“I know Lea, I know. I just have to believe,” she said as they walked toward the door.

Lea turned her head and said in a whisper, “Thank you Dr. Brant.”

Then Jenn and Lea walked out of the room. “What’s going on honey is something wrong with Jenn?” Drew asked looking at Lea.

“She was just saying goodbye to Anthony and got really emotional. Oh and Drew she’s coming home with us.”

[Baby_Girl89]

Nick watched as Drew followed Lea and Jenn. Did I just hear what I thought I heard? Is Jenn going back to the house with us? We're going to be together in the same home again? Will I be able to control myself from comforting her in her time of need? Nick stood still until he saw Drew turn back and wave his arm to signal that Nick should move. Then Nick took off after them. He ended up beside Drew, “Drew is she...is she coming back to the house with us?” he whispered.

“Yes, yes she is Scott, do you have a problem with that?”

“I...I...no I just,” he gave a sigh not knowing how to continue or what he was going to say to begin with. His mind was so jumbled with thoughts of being in the same house as Jenn again. It's been too long. When they arrived at the car Nick and Jenn were both supposed to get into the back. Nick and Jenn exchanged uneasy glances.

“Hey what’s wrong you two?” Drew asked as he looked at them.

“Drew I think I’ll just go to my car. You know give Scott here some more room in the back of the car. And this way tomorrow I can just come back without bugging you guys.”

“Nonsense Jenn,” Drew said, “we’re gonna take you in this car whether or not you like it and we’re coming back with you in the morning.”

“Jeez Drew, I just had to leave my son in the hospital, you could be a little less harsh.”

Drew gave a sigh and walked around the car and took Jenn in his arms, he gave her a kiss on top of her head. Nick watched as he wished it could’ve been him and not his brother. “Little sister, I’m sorry. But I think we’re all as frustrated as you are right now, although I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be his mother. I just think that it would be best if we just car pooled okay?” he whispered to her.

“Okay,” she sighed.

He rubbed her arm up and down a few times before saying, “Now get in there and sit next to Scott. He doesn’t bite, I promise, and if he does tell me and I’ll take care of him.” He gave her a little wink and walked back to the driver side.

Nick slid into the car after watching Jenn get in. He kept as far to the left as possible. “Um Scott,” Jenn said quietly.

“Yeah?” he said just as quietly.

“Um, I didn’t mean to make it seem as if I uh didn’t want to sit with you. You don’t have to sit so far to the left because of it. It’s just, it’s been so long since I’ve um been near a man that I um don’t know and well even when it’s with someone I do know I get kind of uncomfortable. I mean I think Drew and maybe two other guys besides my dad are the only guys that I really feel comfortable with.”

“Oh I completely understand,” he said, feeling almost the same. The difference was his discomfort was the sexual tension he was feeling being so near to her.

“So no offense or anything.”

“Oh none taken really.”

“So um, how long are you in town for?" she asked him.

“Indefinitely,” he replied looking straight ahead, even though he knew Jenn was looking at him, he knew if he had eye contact he would be powerless to fight off his temptation to just take her in his arms and kiss her long, hard, and passionately for the rest of their lives.

“Um well I guess, I’ll just sit here then.”

“No why?” he let out quickly.

“Well you just don’t seem to want to talk. I’m sorry if I've been a pest.”

It would be just like Jenn to think she's bothering someone when she’s only trying to be friendly, he thought as he gave a sigh. “No you haven’t been a pest. I just feel so sorry that your son is there. I was just thinking about it that’s all.”

“Oh, I see. Do you have any children of your own?”

Just the one lying in the hospital that doesn’t even know I exist. “No, no I don’t. I’ve always wanted children though, but I don’t see that happening.”

“Why not?”

He finally turned to look at her, “How can a woman love this face?”

“How can a woman not?” she retorted. And then as he looked at her she seemed to recoil herself back and away from him.

Drew parked the car, “Hey you two we’re here.”

Jenn popped out of the car as soon as Drew had stopped. She just couldn’t seem to want to get away fast enough. Did I do something wrong? Why do I always screw things up? Drew had helped Lea out of the car even though she said she was capable of doing things on her own. I wonder if I’ll ever get the chance to help out my wife like that one day. What am I saying? I can’t get Jenn back, we can’t have another child. Not after what’s been happening so far. She’d be so furious about this. How do I always know how to screw up everything? Then he took a deep breath and finally decided to go into the house.

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©

As Jenn was getting settled into some of the clothes that she had there for the night her mind began to wander. She thought about her little talk with Scott in the car. How could I just let that slip like that? Thank God we got here before he could say anything back to me. How embarrassing. I mean my heart still belongs to Nick. But I need to move on right? But he's not interested in me. At least he doesn't seem to be. She gave a sigh, “What am I gonna do?”

Jenn suddenly got thirsty and walked out to the kitchen to get something to drink. She found a body at the fridge and just assumed it was Drew. “Andrew John what are you doing?” she asked as she walked toward the body being mere inches away from it. She started to reach inside to grab some water.

The body rose from the fridge and stood towering above her which automatically turned off her Drew light and signaled it being another. “I'm not Drew.”

“I...I...I um see that. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to...” why am I so nervous?

“It’s quite all right you didn’t know,” he said looking down at his hands.

She looked at his body bare in the darkened light. Her lips began to quiver involuntarily. Looking at him like that did things to her she hadn’t felt since the last time she and Nick had made love a little over a year before. “Still I uh, shouldn’t have assumed.”

“It is his home.”

“And he is a pig,” she said looking down.

He gave a light little laugh that reminded her of Nick. She shook her head, “Yeah, Drew always was a heavy eater,” he said, “So what are you doing up?”

“Well I wanted to get something to drink before attempting to go to sleep.”

“Oh here let me do that for you.” He reached into the fridge and pulled out the pitcher of water. While he did that she went to get a cup. When he turned around she just stared at him. Why does he remind me so much of my Nicky? She felt as if the tears were on the verge of spilling over on her. “Here let me take that for you,” he said taking her out of her trance.

“Oh right,” she said. Then she tentatively handed him her cup. As he took it from her, their hands touched and lingered. Then she quickly pulled away.

He gave her a look and then he poured the water for her. Before she had time to take it from him he placed it on the table. Then he turned back and put the water away. He closed the door and turned back to her saying, “Well good night. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Wait,” she said after taking a few sips, “What did you come out here for?”

“Oh, um water, but I changed my mind I’m not as thirsty as I thought I was.”

“Oh I see, well good night then Scott.”

“Good night Mrs. Lachey,” he said.

“Whoa whoa, when in the world did that happen? I loved my husband dearly, still do, but I’m still just Jenn, no need to be so formal.”

“Right sorry, good night Jenn. Sweet dreams, sleep sweet and may God protect you.” Odd, she thought, Nick used to say something like that a lot.

“Good night Scott, same to you,” she said. Then she watched him walk off as she finished her water.

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©

Nick walked away keeping his face straight ahead because he knew that if he turned around he would run back to her and just hold her. She had on some silk pajamas that clung to her showing off her curves. But then he thought of how quickly she had seemed to pull away from him when their hands touched when she was handing him the cup. There’s no way she’d want me back after that. He went to his room and laid in the bed. My wife is only in the other room here. The love of my life is in this house with me and here I am so close and yet so far away from her.

Nick was more confused than ever about how his life was gonna be. Nick you aren’t here to get her back. You’re here to make sure that she is safe and that she won’t have to worry about life any more. Tomorrow Drew and I will get to work on finding out who tried to kill me. Nick started drifting in and out of the idea of sleep. He was afraid that if he closed his eyes and visited the land of dream he’d find himself back in his room at the apartment again when he woke up.

Eventually he could no longer keep his eyes open and he dreamt of holding Jenn in his arms again. He dreamt of the two of them being reunited and making love all night long. He dreamt of them making another child and raising them both in a loving home. And then he suddenly woke up and he stared at the ceiling of the room. If only it were that easy. He rolled over and stared at the wall instead. A lone tear falling down from his eye to his cheek to his ear. “Baby, I’m so sorry,” he whispered into the still night.

He just laid there then, blinking and unthinking. He felt so empty, so alone. He needed her, he knew he did, but he couldn’t just re-enter her life like that. Or could he? Why do I keep doing this to myself? I know I can’t have her back. She’s had to have found someone new by now. I can’t just come back into her life and claim her as mine anymore. She’s not mine, maybe she was once, but a year can change a lot. But deep down he knew Jenn still loved him no matter how much he tried to deny it. He knew that she would always love him because it was meant to be for them. Their song was, “When I Fall In Love” because they both knew that it would last forever. “God why did this have to happen? Why couldn’t we just live our lives like normal people?”

But then again maybe it was like what Jenn used to always say, “Darling we are far from normal people.”

He gave a little laugh at the thought of her saying that to him. She said it to him often, mostly any time he mentioned wanting to live a normal life, something that only entailed having a nine to five job instead of being on call when a story hit. Or whenever he talked about how his friends were always too busy to hang out with being cops and all.


Sometimes he’d just let it out, “Why can’t we be normal and have normal lives?”

She’d often answer with, “Darling we are far from normal. I’m sorry to break it to you but it’s the truth. And you know what, I like it like that. Being normal is so overrated. And we wouldn’t be who we are if we were ‘normal’,” she said putting “normal” in quotes with her hands, the word dripping with sarcasm.

“And what is wrong with normal darling?”

“I dunno everyone’s so-called normal right? Well why would anyone wanna be like everyone else that would make life very dull would it not?”

“I suppose darling. And you certainly can’t be compared to the other people of this world.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she would say with a bright smile that would make the sun and moon pale in comparison.

“Always darling.”


He missed having that conversation with her. Hell he missed being able to have any conversation with her. Beautiful I wish I could hold you, but how can I do that when you pull away from the mere touch of my hand? You say you still love me, but, then out loud he said, “Would you still, knowing this is who I am now?”

With those thoughts still running through his mind he uneasily slipped into sleep. When he woke up and realized how connected they still were when he had dreamt they had a son, he gave a content smile and went back to sleep a little more peacefully.

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©

Jenn laid in bed thinking about Nick and thinking about Scott. Who is this man that has come into my life somehow and has made me get as weak in the knees as my husband? But it has been a year, it would be okay for me to move on. I mean if Nick hasn’t come back by now, maybe he never will, even if he is alive. To think Nick not coming back after all. Why would he stay away? Was he looking for a way out the whole time we were married? Or maybe everyone else is right and he really did die. I shudder to think that he’s really gone. “Nicky I still love you, you know that?” she said aloud.

She heaved a great huge sigh, “Oh what I wouldn’t give for the chance to hold you right now. God give me the strength to continue on without him. I truly know now that I am ready to move on. I just hope I have the strength to continue moving.”

She heaved another sigh as she began to think of her son. “Oh my baby, Mommy misses you so much,” she said as tears started to spill. She just found it so hard to hold them back when she thought of the one little love of her life she couldn’t bear to lose. “I’ll see you tomorrow honey you just wait, Mommy will be back for you.”

Then Jenn started tossing and turning before she went to sleep. She started dreaming about Byron or more or less started having nightmares about him. And then she imagined Nick coming in and rescuing her from Byron and they were reunited and everything was great. And then all of a sudden things started changing up on her again and she was on a deserted island, but she wasn’t alone.


She started wandering around and she saw a body sitting in the sand and for a while she thought it was Nick. “Nick, Nick, oh baby I thought I was all alone here.”

But when she got there she quickly realized her mistake. “Nick? No sorry it’s just me Scott.”

“Oh I’m sorry for a second there I thought you were my husband or rather dead husband as everyone would have me convinced.”

“You don’t think he’s dead do you?”

“No I really don’t.”

“What would you do if you found out he was still alive?”

“Well at first I might be mad that he’d been gone all this time without an explanation but I think I’d take him into my arms and tell him how much I loved him and that he’s never to leave me again.”

“But what if he didn’t look like the same Nick that you remembered?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well what if something happened to disfigure him?”

“It wouldn’t matter to me. I fell in love with more than his looks,” she said.

“What if he looked like me?”

“Scott, what are you getting at?”

“Well what about me, would you ever fall for a guy that looked like me?”

“I don’t see why I couldn’t if the chemistry was there.”

“Really?” he asked scooting closer to her.

“Uh huh,” she said scooting in closer to him.

“Well what if I…” he said as he placed his hand on her cheek and moved in to kiss her.


Jenn awoke from the kiss feeling it on her lips. Should I feel as okay with this as I do? I barely know the man. Well there is a certain air about him that makes him irresistible. I guess it’s okay if I dream about him a little. It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong. Then she went back to sleep dreaming about being on the island with Scott.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 8~

The next morning Jenn got up and quickly changed into clothes she could leave the house in. She went into the kitchen and started making breakfast for everyone. She wanted to make sure that they could eat as soon as they got up so that they could leave to go pick up her son as soon as possible. The other three started waking up to the smell of food. Nick was the first to come out. “Oh Jenn, that smells just as good as I remember.”

“Scott? How did you know it was me? And what smells as good as you remember, and as you remember what?” she asked suspiciously.

“Uh,” Oh crap, think of something fast Lachey. “Oh well, Drew and Lea I know like to sleep in late and it only stood to reason that you’d be cooking breakfast with that in mind and it’s as good as my mom’s cooking, she was great.”

“Oh I see. Well help yourself to whatever you like from the table. I made all of Drew’s favorites so I’m sure you’ll find something in there you’ll like.”

“Not hard, Drew likes everything,” Nick said with a laugh rubbing his hands together.

“I know.”

“Ooo, this looks so good. You don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve had a good home cooked meal of any kind.”

“Well how long has it been?”

“A little over a year I’d say.” At least from you honey.

“Oh I’m sorry. Didn’t you get Drew’s cooking?”

“Actually no I haven’t had the chance to have any of his cooking since I’ve been here.”

“Oh I see. Well you’d love it, he’s an amazing chef.”

“So I’ve heard. He’s pretty revered.”

“Well that’s my brother for ya.”

“Your brother huh?” Nick asked sort of amused.

“Well you know my brother-in-law, brother same difference to me.”

“Well, excuse me, but since your husband is dead doesn’t that break all in-law ties?”

“No, of course not. I grew up with him and he was always protecting me like a brother. I remember this one time Nick and I were getting hot and heavy on the couch at his house when we thought we were all alone. Well we were wrong, Drew was there and he was in his room and he caught us on the couch and ran over tearing Nick off of me. He was like, ‘Hey, Nick get off my sister you shouldn’t be mauling her like that.’ And then Nick was like, ‘Excuse you, you’re my brother not hers.’ And then Drew said, ‘Well I love her more so back off.’ I started laughing so hard.”

I remember that, Nick thought with a bit of a smile.

“Hey what’s going on out here?” Drew asked as he walked into the kitchen holding his wife’s hand as she walked by his side.

“Nothing bro, just making breakfast.”

“It smells great. You know as big a chef as I’ve become I still love my little sis’s cooking the most.”

“That’s because you usually cook that big ol’ fancy shmancy stuff and I stick to the basics,” she teased.

“And the basics are still the best Sis. Wow I can’t believe you made all my favorites,” he said sitting down and digging in.

“And I thought I was the pregnant one,” Lea said with a laugh.

“Drew I sometimes wonder why God doesn’t just make men pregnant the way you guys eat. I mean I know you guys wouldn’t mind eating for two,” Jenn said.

“I dunno,” Drew said with his mouth full.

“Oh good grief,” Jenn said with a laugh. “Well everyone eat up. I wanna get up and out of here soon so that I can see my son since you guys were so cruel as to make me wait,” Jenn teased. “God I hope he’s well enough to come home.”

“Jenn, I’m sure he is,” Drew said with a full mouth.

“Drew stop talking with your mouth full,” Lea said.

[AshleyGirl]

Jenn this was one of the first stories I read when I first found this website. I am so glad you've added, and I can't wait til Nick/Scott tells Jenn who he is... :hi:

[Baby_Girl89]

“Sorry,” he said after swallowing what he had in his mouth.

“Jenn aren’t you going to eat anything?” Nick asked.

Jenn sat down with a plate and grabbed some pancakes and some sausages and took the margarine and syrup. Then she started eating. She quickly finished her food, put her plate away and then she got up and went to her room. Oh baby you can’t even stand to be in the same room as me, Nick thought as he slowly ate his food. He barely ate anything when he decided he was full. He put his plate in the sink and decided to get dressed. After he got dressed he went to Jenn’s room. Right outside her room he could hear her quietly sobbing inside. I wonder why she’s crying. He knocked on the door. He could hear her shuffling around a little bit. Then she said, “Come in.”

“Hey,” he said opening the door. “Is everything okay?”

She sniffled a little and then she said, “Um yeah everything’s fine, why do you ask.”

“Well you just left so quickly that I thought maybe something was wrong,” he said. That and the crying before I came in.

“No everything is fine. I just figured you guys would want your space.”

“Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know, I’ve always thought that people like their space. I don’t like to get in the way of things.”

“Why do you think you get in the way of things?” he asked.

©~©~©

“I don’t know some weird complex I have I guess,” she said. And my excuse for wanting to be alone, she thought.

“Oh well you really shouldn’t worry about that too much. I doubt you could ever really get in the way of anyone. I mean from what I can see everyone that’s around you just loves having you around. I mean Drew’s just happy that you’re around.”

“He does seem that way doesn’t he? Sometimes I wondered if he loved me more than Nick did.”

“I doubt that was ever possible.”

“Well Drew and I always did have a strong bond, but I guess you’re right, how can a brother’s love be any more than the love between a husband and a wife.” Then Jenn heaved a sigh.

“What’s wrong Jenn?”

“Did I ever tell you that I still think my husband is alive?”

“I think you may have mentioned that once before or I think I might have heard it from someone. Why do you think that?” he asked with a quizzical look on his face.

God he must think I’m a nut now too. Well no turning back now. “Well see I always thought that my husband and I had this super strong bond. And well in my heart I just don’t believe that he’s dead. I mean he still feels alive in my heart. It’s just so strong that I can’t let it go. In fact it’s even gotten stronger these past few days. Ever since Jeff’s wedding in fact.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and I’m not quite sure why. I mean everyone around me has told me time and time again that he’s dead, but I just can’t believe them. Although I probably should.”

“Why?”

“Well I mean it has been a year. What’s the likelihood of him still being alive after a year? Nick would never do that to me never. At least I don’t think he would. I mean he loved me, he wouldn’t have stayed away from me.” At least I hope he never would have. I wonder if I did something wrong. “I’m sorry for dumping all of this on you. You don’t need to hear about my idiocies.”

“No, no, they aren’t idiocies. Maybe he is alive, maybe he’s just got amnesia or something. Maybe he doesn’t think he can come home. Or maybe he’s trying to protect you. There could be any number of reasons as to why he hasn’t come back.”

“Amnesia, I never thought of that one. Maybe I should really start looking for him, but I can’t do it alone. As far as thinking he can’t come home I don’t see why. I mean I’m sure he knew that he could come home always no matter what. And protecting me? From what?”

“Well how did you say he supposedly died again?”

“Oh well…” Jenn swallowed. “Um…I was told he was killed in the fire that took my home originally.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“And did you ever find out how the fire started?”

“It was said to be arson that started it.”

“Arson, therefore someone started the fire on purpose.”

“Yeah I guess,” What in the world is he getting at? she thought.

“So was the person ever caught?”

“Well no that’s why we’re not even positive that someone did it. We lost all leads after a while. Jeff thought he had something going for a bit, but it didn’t pan out.”

“Well then the person who might have done it could still be on the loose and maybe they were just after Nick and he could be afraid that if he came back that he could put you in danger.”

“Well I never thought of that really. I just wanted him back. But I would bear the danger.”

“Would you want to put your son through that?”

“Well if Nick came back we could always move.”

“How could you be so sure you guys wouldn’t be followed?”

“I can’t but Scott, I just want him back.”

“And I’m sure he wants you back too. But I bet he loves you so much that he would do anything to keep you safe,” Scott said. Then he hurriedly said, “That is if he’s alive I mean.”

“You sure are insightful Scott.”

“I guess maybe it’s the whole seeing into the mind of another guy kind of thing.”

“I see.”

Then there was a knock on the door. “Hey you two, are you ready to go to the hospital?”

They both turned and saw Drew standing there dressed and ready to go. “I still have to get dressed real quick. You guys can all wait for me in the car I’ll be out there real soon.”

“All right come on Jenn.”

“You don’t have to come with us Scott, I mean it’s not like you’re really involved with this.”

“No I wanna be there.”

“Well then I’ll see you in the car Scott.”

“You can be sure of it.”

“All right,” she said as she went to the car.

Then she remembered that she forgot her purse and she walked back to her room and she heard Scott say, “…if she only knew the truth.”

“If who only knew the truth Scott?”

He turned to look at her in surprise. “Um no one, just mumbling things to myself. Kind of thinking out loud.”

She gave a little half smile as she thought about how Nick used to think out loud all the time, “My husband did that all the time. I won’t pry, but if you ever wanna talk I’m here.”

“Thanks. Let’s get going.”

“Yes let’s.” She went to grab her purse from her room and then they were on their way to the car.

©~©~©

Drew watched them as they approached the car. Even when they aren’t together they look together. They fit so well together, why does my brother have to be such a bonehead? “Took long enough you guys,” he said as they entered the car.

“Sorry I forgot my purse,” Jenn said.

“Well come on we gotta go see Anthony now.”

“Yes hurry I wanna see my baby. It was torture not having him in the house with me.”

Drew started the car and said, “We’ll be there soon Sis don’t you worry. You’ll have him in your arms before you know it.”

“Stop talking and drive you dork.”

“I’m going I’m going.”

[Baby_Girl89]

As Drew drove he periodically looked in his rear view mirror to glance at the two passengers he had in his backseat. He could only imagine what was going through their minds as they sat there. Nick must’ve wanted to be closer to Jenn and Jenn, who knew what she was thinking. More than likely she was just thinking about holding her son in her arms again. God I hope we can bring him home today. I don’t know what Jenn will do if it turns out he can’t come home yet.

When they got to the hospital Jenn jumped out of the car and practically ran inside. She disappeared from Drew’s sight within seconds it seemed. Nick calmly got out of the car and met with Drew. “She’s been a great mom hasn’t she Drew?”

“As good as we all knew she would be. Better even. Nick I know this is torturing you so why not just tell her who you are?”

“Drew I’ve told you time and time again, I can’t do it. I’m afraid that something will happen to her if the person who tried to kill me found out that I was still alive.”

“Nick she’s falling in love with you all over again but with Scott not Nick. And it’s tearing her up inside because she thinks she’s betraying your love.”

“Did she tell you that? Because I swear she doesn’t like Scott at all. I mean last night when we were in the kitchen…”

“Doing what?”

“I was gonna tell you. We were getting water and then when I touched her hand when I was taking her cup from her she pulled away so fast. It was as if she couldn’t wait to get away from me.”

“Nick it’s been awhile but do you remember what she was like when she first realized that she wanted to be with you?”

“Well she got all weird and had a hard time talking to me and she’d flinch when I touched…her. It can’t be can it?”

“I think it can.”

“Oh God this isn’t good.”

“What? Nick this is great because now you know that she’ll accept you for the way you are now.”

“I know that now I guess but I still can’t put her in danger and if we somehow find my supposed killer she’ll be pissed as hell at me for not telling her who I am all this time.”

“How do you know that?”

“Well I don’t know, it might have been our conversation from this morning.”

“What happened?”

“Drew, Scott what in the hell are you two doing? Let’s get inside,” Lea said finally getting out of the car.

“Baby, you were in the car this whole time?” Drew said looking toward his wife.

“Yes, I was waiting for you to continue your pampering but I see that’s not going to happen so let’s get inside to see Anthony.”

“Right honey.” Then Drew turned to look at Nick and whispered as quietly as he could, “Think about what I said. We’ll continue this later.”

Then Drew walked over to his wife and took her arm. He turned to see Nick still standing there looking deep in thought and then the next thing he knew he heard his footsteps right behind them.

©~©~©

Inside Jenn held her baby tightly, “Oh you’re all right, you’re all right. Mommy loves you so much.”

Dr. Brant was watching her hold him for the past ten minutes trying to find a time to give her the release papers for her son. But all he could do was stand there and smile. Eventually a nurse came in and told him that someone else was waiting for him and he had to interrupt the happy reunion of mother and son. “Ahem, Jenn.”

“Yes Doctor?” she asked looking toward him with a smile.

“Here are his release forms. Please fill these out and leave it at the desk when you leave. And I’m glad that he’s doing better.”

“Thank you so much doctor. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You should thank yourself for bringing him in when you did.”

“Well still you did all the work.”

“My staff did most of the work,” he said with a wink. “I was just overhead. Now don’t forget to make an appointment for his next check-up.”

“Don’t worry I won’t Doctor. And once again thank you.”

“Any time Jenn, any time.”

[Baby_Girl89]

Then as he was leaving the room three bodies pushed their way through the door. “Hey Jenn,” Lea said.

“He’s okay, he’s okay. I can take him home today,” she said with a big grin and tears in her eyes.

Lea knelt beside Jenn and rubbed her back, “That’s good honey.”

“I just have to fill out this release form and then we’ll be home again.”

“Here sweetie,” Lea said taking the release form from her, “I’ll fill it out for you.”

“Thank you Lea, I just don’t want to let him go.”

“I know how you must feel.”

“Hey Sis, you get to take him home today huh?”

“Yep, they say he showed remarkable vitality and recovery after what happened yesterday.”

“That’s great Little Sister.”

“Thank you Drew. You don’t know how relieved I am. He’s my whole life. The only remnants of my dead husband or rather thought to be dead husband. I’m sorry Drew, Lea, I know you two must think I’m crazy, but I swear he feels even closer to me now than he ever has before.”

“Jenn, you’re not crazy,” Drew said. “Maybe it just has to do with Anthony.”

“Maybe,” she said looking at the baby in her arms.

“Yeah that’s great Jenn, I’m glad your son is better.”

“Thank you Scott. He is my little miracle baby. I didn’t know if he’d survive when he was born and now he’s made it through that as well as this. I don’t know what I would’ve done if he had gotten worse.”

“I’m sure it would’ve been devastating, but it’s good that he didn’t,” he said nervously. “Can I ask what the problem was when he was born?”

“Well he was born three months premature. Thank God it’s not too uncommon in this day and age and they were able to save him. Aside from that he’s a fighter.”

“I’m sure he is.”

“He’s just like his father. Nick was definitely a fighter. That’s how he became such an awesome writer. I mean it was one of the things that attracted me to him the most, his ability to always get what he…”

She was interrupted by Lea, “Okay Sweetie, I’ve read it over. There was nothing to fill out all you have to do is sign these papers.”

“Anything I need to know?”

“Nope, you know it all, just making sure that you’re reminded I’m sure. And if you really do forget you can just read over them later. So just sign here,” she said pointing to a line. “And here and here,” she said pointing at two other lines. Jenn signed all three spots. “And that’s it. We can take him home now.”

“Thanks Lea, I don’t think I would’ve been able to comprehend what I was reading. I don’t know what I would do without you Sis.”

“I know, but it’s all better now. You ready to get going?”

“Thank God and yes I am.” She gave a contented sigh and kissed Anthony on his forehead, “Oh my love Mommy’s so glad to have you back.”

Anthony answered with his baby coos. “All right Jenn let’s go,” Lea said.

“Thank you guys so much for letting me stay at your place last night.”

“And I expect you to come and stay with us again Little Sister,” Drew said.

“Why Drew? I think I’ll be fine on my own at home.”

“So? You can’t hog the baby to yourself all night,” Drew stated.

“Oh I see how it is. Well too bad Drew I’m taking him home,” Jenn said.

“That’s what you say now,” Drew said.

“Okay whatever I’m tired of fighting. I’m gonna go home now.” Jenn started walking out the door with Anthony in her arms. “Oh and Lea don’t forget to make your appointment.”

“Oh I’m coming with you hold on,” Lea said as she followed Jenn out of the room.

“Wow Drew really wants me to go home with you guys doesn’t he?”

“He just wants the chance to start acting fatherly before his own child enters the world.”

“Well maybe I’ll give him that chance again another time.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well why not just come tonight?” Lea questioned.

‘Cause I don’t know if I can control myself around Scott? “Well I just want this night to be alone with my son. I don’t feel like sharing him is all.”

“No that’s not it. I know what it is. You don’t want to be around Scott. Admit it.”

“Now where would you get a silly idea like that?”

“You’re falling for him aren’t you?” Lea asked with a smirk.

“Oh God Lea stop jumping to conclusions, I just met the man.”

“Doesn’t mean you can’t be attracted to him,” she said as they stopped at the front desk.

“Oh just make your appointment,” Jenn said. Then she handed her release papers to the receptionist. She then was handed a copy for herself.

Lea turned to make her appointment with Dr. Brant. When she got that squared away she turned back to Jenn and said, “Jenn and Scott, sitting in a tree --”

“Ugh Lea you are so juvenile, give me a break.”

“Hey Babe,” Drew said swinging his arm around Lea’s neck. “What are you two talking about? It looks heated.”

“Oh nothing, Lea’s just being silly again.” Then Jenn looked down at Anthony and said, “Wasn’t she Baby? Your Aunt Lea was just being silly.”

Anthony cooed and gave a baby’s laugh. “He’s so cute,” Scott said.

“Thank you Scott, I like to think so. He reminds me a lot of his father, he was such a cute baby. And he grew up to be a very handsome man.”

Scott was about to say something when Drew stopped him by saying, “All right enough chit chat. Let’s get goin’.”

“Fine by me,” Jenn said. “I’m sure my baby misses his crib.”

“Well he’ll have to miss it a little longer, Sis. You’re both coming back to my house.”

“I’d like to see you make me,” she challenged.

“Oh you just wait, I’ll make you come back to my place yet. I have my ways.”

“You’re on.”

They walked out to the parking lot and since Drew had parked next to Jenn’s car it made it easier for them to all go to one spot. Jenn put Anthony in his car seat and then got in the car herself. What she didn’t know was that Drew had unlocked the front passenger side door while she was putting Anthony in his car seat. “Well Bro I don’t see how you’ll get me to go back to your place now,” she said through the open window she had “rolled” down.

The challenge set, Drew opened the door, “This is how,” he said pushing Scott into the car. Scott’s face was filled with confusion. Then Jenn watched as Drew whispered something into Scott’s ear, and Scott seemed to resist for a second before settling into the car.

“What the…? Hey I had that door locked.”

“No kidding Miss Paranoid. I unlocked it when you put Anthony in his car seat.”

“Why you little sneak. Scott look I know you don’t want to be in here, you can get out if you’d like.”

“Wow, I guess no one wants me, maybe I’ll just walk home.”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Bye Sis,” Drew said taking off.

“Now I guess I have to walk home.”

“Ugh, he is so infuriating.”

“I’m sorry,” Scott said.

“It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I never should have challenged him. I’m sure he thought I’d take you back to his place and he’d be able to keep me there. Wouldn’t he be surprised if I just took you home with me,” she said with a slight laugh. She started feeling nervous, What the hell made you say that? she thought.

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©


Oh if only you’d take me home with you, Nick thought. Curse Drew for this and bless him too, his thoughts continued. “Well that would be a surprise I guess, I don’t know you very well remember?”

“Right well, it’s not the kind of thing that I’d do. Especially seeing as how we don’t know each other very well. I mean a complete stranger in my home without someone who knows you with us, totally not me.”

“Oh I see. Is there any reason as to why you’d not be you today?” Nick asked.

“Um…” she gave a pause and said, “No.”

“Oh well then maybe we should just go to their place.”

“Maybe,” Jenn said.

“Unless of course you want to give Drew the shock of his life,” Nick said.

“Ugh, I don’t know. I haven’t been this confused about anything since the time I realized that I…” she started in a quick fluster and then slowed down and quietly finished saying, “was in love with Nick.”

“Oh? Wanna talk about it?”

“Not right now maybe later.”

“Oh okay.”

“Like tonight over water in the middle of the night,” she said with a smile placing a hand on his thigh.

Nick felt shivers run down his spine. She still makes me feel the way no other woman ever has before. “So what are you saying?”

“I think I’ll be staying at Drew’s tonight.”

“I didn’t think you’d give in you’re, so stubborn,” Nick said with a chuckle remembering all the times she won a debate because she just never gave up.

“How did you know that?”

“Um…well it’s just been my observation as of late.”

“Right,” she said with a head nod. “Well I guess we should get going before Drew calls Jeff on us. He’s so flippin’ paranoid it’s not even funny.”

“Well you are his little sister.”

“It’s funny, but did you know that he probably treats me more like his real little sister than he ever treated Nick as his brother.” She paused, “Wait I don’t know if that made any sense,” she said before giving a laugh.

“It’s okay I got it. And it was probably because he thought Nick could take care of himself and that you were the one who needed protection, but I bet Nick needed more protection from you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You look like you could be a heart-breaker.”

“Who me?” she asked.

He knew he had said just the right thing to throw her off, as Nick, he knew she never did anything of the kind, but as Scott, just the way she looked would make any guy think that she could make or break a guy. “Yeah you. I mean a gorgeous woman like yourself, you must’ve had tons of boyfriends.”

“No not me. My only boyfriend was my baby, well my late husband. I mean I dated a few guys before him, but nothing was ever really serious.”

“You mean you never once thought about dating another guy?”

“That’s a conversation for later tonight,” she said with a hint of teasing. Then she finally started the car. The music blared with the sounds of country. She was singing along, just like she used to and he decided to keep his mouth shut not wanting to interrupt her singing.

So Nick just watched her as she drove. He remembered when she was first learning how to drive. She was eighteen and scared out of her mind. He was the only one willing to take her driving and he himself had only had his license for four years, the moment he turned sixteen he got his license, like he was gonna wait.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Baby, I can’t do this,” she said as she was sitting behind the wheel.

“Yes you can Honey, just concentrate. Remember how you felt when you drove the go-cart.”

“Yeah I was scared out of my mind, just like I am now.”

“But…”

“But I got over it, I know. But Nick, this is a car. It’s much bigger than a go-cart and it can bring on a lot more damage.”

“Baby, I’ll be right here the whole time, you have nothing to worry about.”

“But, Nick.”

“No more stalling honey, now get with it.”

“Ugh, if anything happens it’ll be on your head.”

“It’ll be fine Baby, it’s all about instincts.”

“Whatever,” she said before starting the car. He then tried turning on the radio, “Don’t you dare.”

“What? Why not?”

“‘Cause if I’m going to do this I need to concentrate.”

“Oh Baby it’s just a little music.”

“Do you want me to wreck the car?”

“All right, all right, I won’t turn it on.”

So then she drove as they talked. He could see that she was loosening up a little bit. She drove very well for a first time driver.

After a few more months of driving she took her driving test and got her license too. Then for her nineteenth birthday Nick and her father got her a car. She was so excited. She and Nick took it joyriding right away and then it happened.

She was making a left turn at the light and out of nowhere a car came rushing out of view and t-boned the car. Her spirits about driving were crushed. She was the one hurt the most. He walked away without a scratch even though his was the side that was hit. The ambulance took her away and he went with her. He held her hand and all she could say was, “I’m never driving again.”

He had vowed to help her get over her fear of driving.

[Baby_Girl89]

It looks like I did just that, he thought as he watched her now full of confidence in her driving. “This is a nice car.”

“Thanks, back when I was nineteen my husband and my father got it for me. It’s been through a lot of work though.”

“Has it?”

“Yeah,” she said pulling into Drew’s driveway. “But we’re here now.”

“Thanks for the ride.”

“No problem, I didn’t have much of a choice now did I? I couldn’t just let you walk back. You might have gotten lost.”

“Right, I really don’t know my way around here.” He felt so bad about lying through his teeth. “Aren’t you going to come in?”

“And run the risk of Drew finding a way to keep me here? No I don’t think so.”

“Just come in for a little while. I mean he just wants to be with his nephew, see that he’s okay. Besides didn’t you say that you were gonna stay tonight?”

“I did didn’t I? Well maybe I’ll just come back tomorrow instead it’s no big deal.”

“Aww, come on do it for me if not for Drew, please.”

“And what makes you think that I’ll do it for you? You’re just a stranger,” she said with a smirk.

“Well if you don’t go in then Drew will get really mad at me for not being able to convince you to stay and you know how he gets when he gets mad.”

“He can’t get mad at you for not being able to convince me to go in. I’m more stubborn than a mule, worse even. It’s funny though.”

“What’s that?”

“My husband used to tell me that my stubbornness was actually one of my most attractive qualities.”

It still is, but it’s really not helping the situation right now Jenn. “I bet you’ve got a lot of attractive qualities.”

“Ahem,” she “coughed”.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Yep, I’m positive.”

“So how about it? Will you come in?” he asked giving her a puppy dog stare.

“Awww, don’t give me that look. I can’t resist it.”

And I know it too. I’m glad it still works in this disfigured face of mine, “Oh goodie for me. So come on will you?”

Anthony started laughing in the background. Jenn turned to look at her son, “And what are you laughing about there mister,” Jenn said in a light teasing tone to her son.

She’s just as great as I always thought she would be, “See he wants us to go inside.”

“Ugh, all right I guess I’m beat.” Jenn got out of the car and then took her son out. “You’re gonna be in big trouble if your uncle finds a way to make us stay mister,” she whispered to Anthony, barely loud enough for Nick to hear. Anthony just giggled, Nick could see that Jenn was tickling him in the stomach. God I’m falling in love with her all over again.

He walked up behind her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, “Ready, to go inside?”

“It’s odd, this is the first time, I’ve ever just wanted to go home in a long time. Normally I’m trying to stay away from home.”

“What’s the rush today?”

“I…I…I’m not sure,” she said looking at the ground. God I hope that doesn’t have anything to do with me. “Maybe it just has to do with the fact that, I know that if I go in there, Drew will find any means possible to convince me to stay the night.”

“And is that a bad thing?”

“It could be,” Jenn said under her breath.

“Why?” Nick said with just as quiet a voice.

“Oh you heard that?”

“Yes, so why? You were considering it earlier.”

“I know, but I guess I’ve just changed my mind. It is my prerogative after all.”

“You still have yet to have told me why it could be a bad thing.”

“Um…” she said looking around, “let’s just go inside.” She started to walk away from him and all Nick could do for that moment in time was watch her walk away.

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©

Oh my God, what the hell is wrong with me? Jenn thought to herself on the way to the house. “Anthony, your mommy’s going nuts.”

“Oh good you came,” Drew said, as Jenn walked into the kitchen.

“Like I had a choice, you forced Scott into my car. What was I supposed to do take him home?”

“Actually that wouldn’t have been a bad idea.”

“What is wrong with you Drew? Why are you pushing Scott on me? Don’t you know how much I still miss your brother?” she scolded.

“Sis, I do, trust me I understand, but you have to realize it’s been a year since he died, you need to move on.”

“I know, I do, believe me, but I just met Scott.”

“Well he’s a good guy, I think he might be good for you.”

“Drew, can you please just let me live my own life?”

“I’m just looking out for you Sis.”

“I know, and I appreciate it, but Drew, I’m a big girl. Why are you still trying to protect me?”

“Because I’m afraid of losing you and Anthony. Now that Nick is gone, what reason do you have to keep seeing me and Lea? Nick was our only tie and now that he’s gone I just wanted you to know that I still care.”

“Drew what the heck is wrong with you, boy,” she said restraining herself from using more expletive words in front of her son. Then she turned to Lea and said, “Lea, is your husband all right?” Then turning back to Drew she said, “That’s a load of bull and you know it. I keep coming around because Anthony needs to know his aunt and uncle who both love him dearly, and his soon to be little cousin. And I love you guys, you are my family, do you honestly think that after all that we’ve been through I would just leave? Drew you are my brother, I’ve always seen you that way, even before Nick and I were together. And Lea here, well she’s been like a sister to me too. She’s been one of my best friends for the longest time. You don’t just break ties like that Drew. And you don’t have to keep treating me like a little girl for me to keep coming back here. In fact that might actually push me away. So if you want me to stay, just love me and support me, but please don’t push me.”

“Don’t push you? What’s he pushing you about Jenn? Do I need to take care of business?” Scott said at the door.

“Oh Scott, there you are, I was wondering where you were.”

“I just needed to collect some more fresh air and think out there.”

“Oh? What were you thinking about, if you don’t mind my asking.”

“My friend Sam, or Samantha.”

“Oh,” Jenn said feeling a deep wave of sadness wash over her. Uh what’s wrong with me? That shouldn’t make me feel sad, should it? “What about her?”

“Well I was just thinking about how she really wanted to meet someone, and I promised her a meeting, but she hasn’t come back yet.”

“Oh,” Jenn said feeling a little better, hoping it meant he wasn’t taken. Oh my God, I need help.

“Well Jenn we better get your room ready for you and Anthony,” Drew said.

“I’m not staying, I’m going home.”

“But Jeeeennnnn, please stay.” Anthony laughed at his uncle. “See he wants to stay.”

“Just because he laughed at you being a dork doesn’t mean he wants to stay Drew.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Sure it does,” Drew said, taking Anthony.

“Ugh, I don’t know, I think he should get resettled into his room.”

“What the place where he had his seizure?” Drew asked.

“Oh well thanks for reminding me,” Jenn said sarcastically.

“Sorry, it’s just come on and let me have my nephew over for the night.”

“But I can’t leave him here.”

“That’s why you should stay too, Jenn,” Lea said.

“Oh I don’t know. I’ve been intruding enough as it is.”

“Oh Lord, Jenn how many times do I have to tell you that you’re not intruding? You’re family, family doesn’t intrude they merely, can overstay their welcome.”

“Oh thanks, so see I should go home then Drew.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. I just meant that family is always welcome even forever if they must, they just then end up overstaying a welcome,” he tried to redeem himself.

“Honey, just shut up,” Lea said. “Jenn ignore him. You’re always welcome no matter what my dweeb says. Please stay, I have a lot to learn about this pregnancy thing and you’re the only one who can help me right now. Besides we can start talking about how to fix up the nursery and things if you stay.”

“Drew you’re lucky your wife knows how to be more convincing than you. All right I guess I’ll stay. But only for tonight, before I become one of those family members that overstay their welcome.”

“Jenn, you never can,” Drew said, “therefore we’ll discuss this tomorrow.”

“If you’re not careful you’re gonna end up having two more people in this house permanently the way you’re going at it Drew. Besides that, you make it sound like I live in another state or something and am only visiting and you’re refusing to let me stay in a hotel.” Why is Drew acting so loopy and trying to get me to stay? Does it have to do with Scott? If it does, I am so gonna whup his butt.

“Well did you really want to go back to the place where there are so many bad memories, today?”

“Drew you’re real graceful you know that Honey?” Lea said.

“Well you know what Drew, maybe I still will. The place may not be my old one, but at least it’s still on the same ground the old one was, where I had many more happy memories.”

“No, Sis, don’t go,” Drew pleaded. “I’m sorry, please just stay. Besides I’ll hold your son hostage if you don’t,” he said holding Anthony away from Jenn.

Jenn tried to lunge to get her son back from Drew’s arms and Drew just maneuvered to keep Anthony in his arms. “Oh you can’t do that to me.”

“Promise me you’ll stay so that I can help you keep an eye on him tonight. I know you, if you took him home you would just sit by his crib and watch him for the first twenty-four hours and you wouldn’t get a wink of sleep. I worry about you sometimes Jenn, it’s gotta be hard to be a single mom and I just want to help you.”

“Ugh you always knew how to pull at my heartstrings. All right, all right, I promise I do. Now can I please have my son back?”

Drew handed Anthony back. “You’re doing the right thing by him by staying Sis.”

“I hope you’re right,” Jenn said referring to Scott. “I hope you’re right.”

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 9~

That night Jenn was having a hard time trying to get some sleep. All she could do was toss and turn, afraid that if she really fell asleep she wouldn’t be able to wake up if something went wrong with Anthony. Eventually she got tired of the tossing and the turning and she got up out of bed. She walked over to the crib that Drew had put in the room with her and looked down at her sleeping son. “This is how it happened last night,” she said in a whisper to herself, a tear rolling down her cheek. She touched her sleeping son, lightly on the cheek and he stirred a little. “Oh my baby, am I going to worry like this about you forever?” She kissed her index and middle fingers and then placed them on his cheek.

She decided she wasn’t gonna get any sleep right away, so she put her robe on, grabbed the baby monitor, and went into the kitchen. She made herself some tea and just sat at the kitchen table, contemplating life. “How did my life get so complicated?” she pondered into the silence. “When I got married I thought it was going to be that way forever. I never imagined that I would lose Nick. I still feel so lost after all this time. I know I should move on, it’s the only way I’ll be able to really take care of Anthony. He needs a real father figure in his life.” She fell silent on herself. She didn’t even know how to express what she was thinking out loud to herself. “Maybe, maybe I should be with Byron. I mean he has plenty of money to help take care of me and Anthony. I never thought I would want to be with a guy just for his money, but he does seem to want me. Maybe I should really give him a chance…”

“Give who a chance?” she heard a voice say in the darkness.

She turned her head to see the shadowy figure in the hallway looking at her, “Oh hi there Scott. How much did you hear?”

“Just the part about you giving someone a chance,” he said sitting down beside her. “A chance at what and who are you talking about?” Then he quickly added, “That is if it’s okay with you.”

“Oh well I was just thinking about my future and how I have to move on and all that. Even if Nick isn’t dead in my heart, he is dead to everyone else and I have to move on. I can’t be alone forever, if not for me for my son. He needs a father figure in his life.”

“Well what about Drew?”

“Drew’s great, but I won’t be living with him and Lea, and as often as I see him it’s not enough for Anthony. He’s gonna eventually need someone that’s going to always be there for him.”

“But if you give him enough love, that’s all that should matter.”

“I can hope that would be the case, but I don’t know, I have a feeling that being a single mother is going to get harder as he gets older. It’s fine now, he can’t talk, and I can currently afford to stay home and be with him, but as he gets older the money from Nick’s life insurance won’t be enough to cover everything financially. So I’m gonna have to get a job, especially with all the impending medical bills.”

“Well you know I heard you were a pretty good writer, why not get a job at the Sunset Tribune?”

“I was actually offered one once, but I don’t know. I’m not sure I’ll really be that good. Nick was the artist with words.”

“Oh I bet you’re great too. You should really have more confidence in yourself.”

“I think that’s what Nick’s gift to me always was, aside from his love that is. He gave me the confidence to believe in myself when I was low. He was really my life.”

“And I bet you were his too.”

“I hope so. You know I’d give just about anything to just feel his hand softly caressing my cheek again. He did that a lot before we’d go to sleep at night, and then he’d tell me that I was,” then Scott joined in, “beautiful.” It took Jenn by surprise, “Yeah , how did you know that?”

“It’s not surprising, you are a beautiful woman after all.”

Brushing off her surprise, her modesty worked through making her blush at his compliment, “Thank you, but really, I am just who I am.”

Scott placed his hands on hers and said, “And that’s what makes you so beautiful.” Jenn looked up at him and smiled. Then he said, “So about what we were talking about earlier.”

“Which thing? We talked about a lot in the car.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Right well the dating thing, did you ever think of dating anyone else besides Nick?”

“Oh well isn’t it obvious by now? Nick is the only one I can ever think of. I didn’t even notice the guys around me back then, well except of course the men in my life like Drew and Jeff and Justin and my father. But as far as guys to date no one really.”

“Really? I bet you could’ve had anyone why did you choose Nick?”

She gave a smile and sort of stared off into space as she remembered what it was like when she first realized how she felt about Nick. “Well I was in the seventh grade and Nick was just starting high school.”

“Seventh grade?”

“Yeah. I had a crush on him for years before he knew.”

“Wow, what happened?”

“Well I don’t know seventh grade happened and then I was over at Drew’s place all the time, ‘cause we used to shoot hoops together and one day Nick was coming home from football practice in his uniform and he just looked so…” she drew in a breath as she said, “amazing. And that was when I finally saw him as this hot thing instead of just Drew’s brother, and this guy that I’d known all my life. I really struggled though.”

“With what?”

“With my self-image. I mean one of the reasons I was so close to Drew was that I was such a tomboy and so I hung out with a lot of guys. And Drew and I were like best friends from gosh since we were born. It’s funny ‘cause I heard that people used to think that Drew and I would be together. Oh how wrong they were. I couldn’t do it, it would’ve felt too much like incest for me, it sounds ridiculous, I know, but Drew and I really were just more like brother and sister, if anything.”

“But not you and Nick?”

“I’m not even sure he really noticed me yet back then. I mean I was just his little brother’s ‘friend’, I guess I always felt that’s all he’d ever really see me as since he did know me since I was little. Besides I didn’t really have much going for me yet either.”

“Well how do you know for sure? How do you know that he didn’t notice you at that time either?”

“I don’t I guess. We never really talked about that.”

“Why not?”

“Just never had a reason to bring it up I guess. I mean I just assumed that he noticed me when I was a sophomore in high school after my friends gave me my makeover. I had a few guys asking me out after that,” she said blushing.

“I bet,” Scott said with a smile. “So you struggled with your feelings about Nick for four years?”

“Yeah I did, and of course somehow I managed to finally be friends with him, but that was the hardest. I mean how do you get over that kind of crush and just be friends. And then to find out he was just as perfect close up as he was far away. That was the hardest part. And at first that’s all I thought it was, just a crush you know. I thought I’d get over it. And I went on dates with guys, thinking I would forget about Nick, but I didn’t. So there never were really any second dates. And now one of those guys from back then, is trying to get with me again and I think I might give him a chance.”

“Oh, is that what you were talking about earlier?”

“Yeah. See there’s this guy Byron, who had the biggest crush on me. According to him he’s had this crush on me since seventh grade. But he didn’t have the courage to ask me out until sophomore year when every other guy decided to ask me out. I found that a little weird. But I gave him a chance back then, but there was just nothing there. But then again Nick was in the picture back then. Now he’s not, so I was thinking that I would give Byron a second chance to ‘woo me’.” Then she paused before saying, “But, can I be honest with you?”

“Of course, you can tell me anything.”

“I don’t really think that I’ll ever have feelings for him, in that way, but I think that he would be good for Anthony because he can give my son things that I never could on my own. And for me sacrificing my life for a better life for my son, is nothing,” she said looking down.

“So then why do you look so ashamed? I know you, in the short time I’ve been here, I know that you wouldn’t really be with anyone that you didn’t love, you couldn’t, could you?” he asked lifting her head up to look into his eyes.

[Baby_Girl89]

Jenn stared into his eyes and became mesmerized. “Your eyes, they remind me so much of Nick’s. His were that same beautiful shade of blue.” Then she shook her head and looked away, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten into me tonight. I’ve just been talking about Nick all over the place. I’m not usually like this with people I don’t really know. There’s just something about you that makes me feel so comfortable.”

“No don’t apologize, it’s all right. I’m glad you’re able to let this out. It’s not good to keep your feelings in. At least that’s what you used to always tell me.”

“What? I’ve never said that to you before. Are you okay?”

“Did I say you? I’m sorry I meant Drew, Drew used to always tell me that.”

“Really?” she asked not quite believing him.

“Yeah, and when I asked him where he got that idea from he uh, told me that he got it from his little sister.”

“Riiiiight. Um Scott?” she said more of as a statement than a question.

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure what is it?” he asked cautiously.

“Have you been lying to me?” she asked point blank. Her suspicions about some of his answers and his curiosity finally got to her and she just had to know.

“What? Wha..what are you…uh ta…talking about? I’m no..not lying to you,” he stammered.

“Riiiiight, that’s why you just lost your train of thought and started stuttering. I know better than that. Do I look like an idiot to you? Why have you been lying to me? How do you really know Drew, and why do you seem to know me so well?”

“Jenn, I can’t tell you.”

“Why not?”

“It’s for your own protection. That’s all I can say. Please don’t push it.”

“My own protection? But I don’t even know you. How can you be protecting me by lying to me.”

“You can’t even imagine.”

“No, I can’t, so why don’t you just tell me?”

“Jenn, I promise you, what I’m not telling you is being kept from you for your own protection.”

“Promises get broken, and promises can be lies, how do I know I can trust you? I’ve known you for all of what a week maybe? Not even that long? Since Saturday and it’s now only Monday, three days Scott.”

“I know it’s hard for you to understand, but please trust me.”

“Isn’t there anything you can tell me? I mean have you really known Drew for as long as you say you have?”

“Yes, longer even.”

“Can you tell me how?”

“No, I can’t I’m sorry. I’ll understand though if after all of this you don’t want to talk to me anymore, but I just can’t tell you anything right now. Maybe one day.”

“Well if I can find out one day, then I guess I should stick around. How long are you planning on staying in town anyway?”

“Indefinitely.”

“Are you planning on staying here the whole time?” she asked indicating the house.

“I don’t know. I guess I’ll stay until Drew kicks me out,” he said with a bit of a chuckle. “I don’t really know how long I’m gonna stay so I don’t really want to get an apartment and I’m not sure if I could afford a hotel for a long amount of time.”

“Well how do you get your money if you don’t mind my asking.”

“I’m uh, on disability.”

“Oh I see,” she said.

“It’s the scars that I have on my face, most people won’t hire me if people have to look at me.”

“Well that’s not right.”

“Well they do have a right to protect their businesses, I mean look at me, I don’t belong in any of those establishments, I’d just scare people off.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“I don’t think you would,” she said with a smile. “Hey listen, if you ever get tired of being here I suppose you could always come stay with me.” Then she quickly added, “I mean I do have extra bedrooms just sitting there and I could always use the extra help around the house.” Oh my God did I just offer this man a place to stay, with me? Lord help me, for all I know he could be some sort of killer.

“Thanks for the offer, but I don’t know if I can take you up on that. Like someone I knew used to say, for all you know I could be a killer, why would you offer me your place?”

“To be honest, I don’t know why I just said that. But I also figure if you’ve known Drew all this time and he’s willing to let you stay here and he keeps trying to fix us up, you can’t be all that bad.”

“Drew’s trying to fix us up?” he said sounding puzzled.

“Oops, I said too much. But yes, don’t worry, I won’t like be hitting on you if you stay. I mean you don’t even have to interact with me or anything. And if it makes you feel better for payment you could do odd jobs around my house,” she said.

“Well I’ll think about it, and I’ll talk to Drew. He shouldn’t be pushing you if you’re not ready.”

“Right, ‘cause I’m not ready.” Unless you’ll let me be ready with you. Ahhh! Are you ready Jenn? I mean and with Scott when he can’t even tell you the truth about anything? What is he keeping from me and why do I have a feeling it’s something that could change my life?

“You aren’t ready are you?” he asked.

She gave a sigh, “I’m not sure anymore. I mean if I’m ready to take the plunge with Byron I suppose I could be ready for anything.”

“You didn’t really sound as if you thought about really moving on with Byron though, if you want my opinion.”

“Hmm, I guess maybe you’re right, but I don’t know. I think Drew just prefers you over Byron any day. I don’t blame him though, Byron is a little iffy, but he is very financially secure.” Then she gave a yawn. She looked at her watch and suddenly realized that it was two o’clock in the morning, “Oh my goodness, I hadn’t realized it was so late. I should try and get some sleep now,” she said getting up from the table. “Thank you for talking to me. I haven’t done anything like this in a long time. We should do it again sometime. Good night Scott.”

“Good night Jenn,” he said as she walked back to her room.

©~©~©

He watched her walk away from him yet again. He wanted so much to be able to just go up behind her and wrap his arms around her and kiss her on the neck like he used to do. He was a man who hadn’t felt a woman’s touch in that way for over a year, and he wanted his wife with every breath he had in him. “But I can’t have her like that, not now, maybe not ever again. God I have to find out who the arsonist was. Jenn will you be able to handle the truth, if I get the chance to tell you? Will you be able to forgive me for these lies?”

He sat in the darkness, rubbing his forehead hoping for some sort of answer to appear. But all that answered him were the sounds of the crickets singing their songs of what seemed like despair. He gave a sigh, “All my life all I wanted was to be with Jenn. She was all I ever thought about then, and she’s all I ever think about now. And now I have a son I may never get to know all because of some jerk who wanted to destroy my life. What did I ever do to deserve this God? My wife is just in the next room, waiting for my return. And do I get to give her, her wish? No, and why? Because of an idiot. Why would someone want to destroy so many lives like this?” Then he paused thinking about their conversation for a bit. “Seventh grade, that’s how long she’d wanted me? If I’d only have known. Wow things must’ve been hard for her to see me with those other girls. I’m glad I wised up by prom.”

He shook his head, “I remember that day too. I hadn’t seen her since the last day of school of the previous year. She was always out with Drew somewhere else, but she was always on my mind. I couldn’t figure out why either. Then I came home that day and there she was. She did a lot of growing up that summer. Still in her tomboyish behaviors, but somehow different. I would’ve asked her out then and there if I’d only have known. She always was my life. Man I remember when I’d find excuses to hang out with her when she started high school. She was so surprised. I’m surprised she didn’t figure out by then at least that I had feelings for her. Did she really think I was just so shallow?”

“Yes,” a voice answered.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Drew,” Nick said turning around to see his brother walk into the kitchen. “What are you doing out here?”

“I was going to ask you the same question. Spending time talking to yourself again?”

“Yeah kinda. And what do you mean yes?”

“That girl has loved you since she was twelve, and then thinking you’d never want to be with her because she looked like a tomboy she had to think you were at least somewhat shallow. Plus all the girls that you dated didn’t exactly help the situation.”

“So why did she still love me?”

“Because she also saw beyond your shallow exterior and saw something, God only knows what. And now look, you’re still shallow, only this time you’re not judging other people, you’re judging yourself,” Drew finished sitting next to his brother.

“Drew I’ve told you time and time again, it’s more than that. I’m afraid that…”

“Something is going to happen to her if you tell her, I know. But look at what you’re doing to her. You have her questioning herself all the time. She feels like she’s betraying you because she’s falling for Scott. You’re torturing my little sister and you don’t even seem to care.”

“Drew, that’s a lie and you know it. Of course I care, I love that woman with all my heart. She’s the only one in my life I ever felt mattered, and she still is with the exception of my son now too. They are all that matter. And if I ‘come back’ how do I know that she’ll be okay? How do I know that whatever happened a year ago won’t happen again?”

“You’re right you don’t. But shouldn’t you give Jenn the option of worrying about that?”

“Why would I want to put that kind of burden on Jenn? And I know her, she would still stay with me and put her life in danger, and then more than likely our son. Do you want that Drew? This is why if anything is to happen between me and Jenn I have to figure out why someone was trying to kill me. I need to know if it would put Jenn at risk in any way. So are you still planning on helping me out?”

“Yes Nick, I’m still going to help you. But how am I supposed to get your stuff?”

“Just go to the Sunset Tribune and tell them that you want all the articles I’ve written.”

“And what do I tell them when they ask me why?”

“Tell them that you’re getting the articles for Jenn so that she can make a scrapbook out of all the articles I’ve written. They’ll buy that.”

“Bro I have a horrible feeling about this.”

“Don’t worry it’ll be all right.”

“Ugh, I just hope I don’t run into Byron, I hate that creep.”

“Why do you hate him so much, and why are you pushing Jenn to be with me when she so clearly isn’t ready to be with anyone.”

“Nick, you don’t understand those looks. They’re the same damn ones she’s been giving you since seventh grade.”

“And why the hell didn’t you tell me about that back then?”

“Well I guess I can tell you now since it’s been so long.”

“Oh I know what that sounds like, don’t tell me you…”

“Had a crush on her?” Drew finished. “Um, yeah I kinda did. Well you saw her. Practically every guy did. But seeing as how I was just one of her best friends, I certainly couldn’t say anything. And then of course every other guy there was just as chicken as me so she felt she had to go and change herself into this girlie girl, yeah that didn’t help me either. But then she became friends with Lea, and I realized nothing could ever happen between Jenn and me. I actually talked to Lea about it and she knows how I once felt about Jenn and she was just so perfect about it all and well as they say the rest is history.”

“And all she ever saw you as was her brother,” Nick said shaking his head. “Just think Drew, if you said something back then you might be the one with her.”

“I truly and highly doubt that Nick. She’s wanted you from the beginning it seemed. And you know what, that’s perfectly fine, because life has turned out great for me. I have a wonderful wife and I’ve been able to keep my great friendship with Jenn. I just wish I could say that Jenn got a good deal.”

“Jeez Drew, love her much?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Very much. Nick you don’t seem to understand, I may have gotten over my crush, but I’ve always loved her. She’s always been there for me and I will always be there for her. I have been there through everything, when her mother died of breast cancer, when she lost her grandfather the year after that. When her father decided to start dating, when he got remarried. I was there for it all. Is it too much to ask that her own husband be there for her?”

“Drew stop it, I told you I can’t, how many more times do you need to hear it?”

“Then stop telling me that I’m being there too much for her, that I love her too much.”

“All right I get it, you guys have a strong bond.”

“You better believe it. But you guys have a stronger one in case you haven’t realized it. I mean I don’t know of many couples where one would believe so strongly that the other is alive, and be right, when the other is believed to be dead, like Jenn is, even in the face of being ridiculed for being crazy to think so.”

“She is an amazing woman. Maybe she’s just in tune with her psychic abilities.”

“Maybe, although I do think that it’s really more with you than anything else.”

“Well Drew, you might get your wish.”

“You’re gonna tell her who you are?” Drew asked in excitement.

“No, but we might end up together again anyway.”

“What do you mean?” Drew asked confused.

“Well I might stay in town for a while and she’s offered me a room at her place, and I was thinking about maybe taking her up on that offer.”

“She did what?” he asked shocked. “Good Lord now I know she’s really falling for you. But I’ll tell you this Big Brother, if you break that woman’s heart a second time, I’ll break your legs.”

“Jeez, Drew.”

“Yeah you heard me.”

“Why are you so moody? First you want me to be with her, and then when I tell you that you might be getting your wish, you get all huffy about it? And you threaten to break my legs?”

“Yeah well I mean it. I want you to tell her who you are, I want you two to be together the way you used to be. Not in this sham of yours. That’s what’s pissing me off. Because you realize how hurt she’s gonna be if you keep this up and she finds out later don’t you? Especially if it’s from someone else.”

“I know, but Drew what can I do?”

“Tell her now.”

“We’re not going through that again.”

“Fine, but think about it,” Drew said getting up. He went to the fridge took out the water poured himself a cup and drank it. After he put the cup into the sink he went back to Nick and said, “Don’t hurt her,” before walking back to his room.

“Oh God I don’t know what to do,” Nick said into the darkness. “Do I stay like this and risk hurting her? Or do I tell her who I am and risk hurting her still. This is quite a quandary you’re putting me in here God.”

Nick just sat there until it was four before finally moving to his room. “I hope a night of sleep will help me figure out what to do,” he said to his ceiling before going to sleep.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 10~

The next morning Jenn woke up with thoughts of her late night talk with Scott. Why was he so interested in my past? Come to think of it, why was I so willing to tell him about it. I’ve never really told people about all of that. Well not anyone I’d only known for a few days anyway. What is this power this man has over me? Then Jenn turned her head to look at the crib holding her sleeping son. She got out of the bed and walked over to it. “Oh he looks so peaceful. I’d hate to wake him up right now. He’s had such a rough couple of days. Maybe I’ll let him sleep a little longer.”

Then she started looking around the room for a notebook and a pen. “I suppose I could get some work done while I wait for him to wake up,” she said continuing her search. Then she heard him cry. “Oops, I guess not.” She walked back to the crib and took him out. “Hey Baby, Mommy’s here. Are you hungry? I bet you are. Let’s go get you some milk. I think Mommy pumped enough in a bottle for you.” She took him to the kitchen to find Drew and Lea in there already. “Oh hey guys,” Jenn said getting a bottle of her breast milk from the fridge.

“Good morning Jenn,” Drew said. “And good morning to you little man,” he said to Anthony as Jenn sat down. Jenn gave Anthony the bottle and he started drinking hungrily.

“Good morning. Lea getting any cravings yet?” Jenn asked turning to Lea.

“No just the urge to gorge myself.”

“Close enough,” she said with a little laugh. Then she actually looked at the table. “Wow a lot of empty plates here. And the left over smell is awesome.”

“Don’t worry I have some more for you too Sis. This is just what I made for Lea according to how hungry she was earlier.”

“What about your hand Bro?” she asked.

“It feels much better than they thought it would. I figure just no extraneous cooking.”

“And what exactly is extraneous cooking?”

“Cooking in the restaurant. Too many quick movements to deal with. So I’ll just be overlooking things for a while.”

“Isn’t that what the head chef is supposed to do anyway?” she asked.

“Well you know me, I’m more hands on.”

“You could say that again,” she said stifling a laugh. Then she turned to Lea and said, “Did you actually eat all this? Or did you share with Dork here?”

“No, it was all me. I don’t like this pregnancy thing anymore,” Lea said.

“Why not you get to eat what you want, when you want and you’ve got a pampering husband.”

“I know but just imagine if I’m eating like this now how bad it’ll be when I start getting into my second and third trimesters. I am gonna be so huge after this baby.”

“Oh Lea you’ll be fine. You know how to take care of yourself, you’ll be back to shape in no time after the baby. I mean if I can do it so can you.”

“Yeah but you were only pregnant for six months and you didn’t have a chef for a husband.”

“Yeah you’re right,” Jenn said solemnly, looking down at her son.

“Oh Jenn, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that…”

“No forget it, I know what you meant. I totally understand, it’s all right,” Jenn said, trying to hide the hurt in her heart.

“But Jenn don’t worry, you’ll be pampered one day,” Drew said.

“I used to be pampered every day Drew.”

“I meant during a pregnancy.”

“I don’t know if I’ll have another child Drew. I mean to do that I have one of two options.”

“And they are?”

“Artificial insemination, and you know that ain’t happening. Or well being with someone and well as you can see I’m not with anyone. And I’m not sure I ever will be again. It’s funny,” she said with a pause.

“What is?” Drew asked.

“Last night, I actually thought about giving Byron a real chance.”

“You’re kidding me,” Drew said shocked.

“Don’t look so shocked Drew.”

“I just don’t understand why you would be with that creep.”

“Well I was thinking about it and well this is going to sound horrible of me but…well.”

“Well what Jenn?” Drew prodded.

“Well I started thinking about how rich he is and maybe I could really use it for Anthony.”

“Jenn, that’s ridiculous,” Drew nearly shouted.

[Baby_Girl89]

Then Anthony started to spit up a little and cry, “Drew, jeez what are you trying to do here? Shhh it’s okay baby, your uncle is just being crazy,” she said putting the bottle down on the table. She put him over her shoulder and tried to calm him down as well as trying to burp him.

“I’m sorry, but seriously, being with someone for money? Jenn for as long as I’ve known you, you’re whole life, I know that you would never do anything like that, so why are you…”

“Drew will you take a breather for two seconds to let me talk?” Drew was about to say something when Jenn quickly stopped him by saying, “No, you hush and you listen. I said I was thinking about it. Now I know that it’s horrible to think about being with someone for their money, and I know that I’ve never been one to even think about it. But right now I’m at a time in my life when I have to consider those types of things. I have to think about it. I need to know that my son’s future will be secured and if it means that I have to start considering other options I might not have thought of before, then so be it. However, my principles still remain. If I find that I can’t be with Byron because I’m not emotionally attracted to him, then of course I will try to find someone else. But for now I cannot base my not wanting to be with Byron on something that occurred years ago. Besides he’s the only one that seems to show any interest in me.”

“Now wait a minute you know that’s not true. Every time I’m over at your place you’re getting a new proposition over the phone to go out on a date.”

“Yeah well Byron is the only one adamant about it.”

“Well what about Nick?”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Jenn asked. At that moment Anthony finally calmed down and gave a burp. Then she gave him the bottle again and he took it eagerly.

“Uh, I mean he was adamant about it when you two were younger.”

“Drew we’re talking about now, get with the program.”

“Right well then what about Scott?”

“What about him?”

“I think he likes you,” Drew said with a smug look on his face.

“Oh please Drew, what in the world would give you a crazy idea like that?”

“The way he looks at you. And how I keep catching the two of you talking all the time. Scott’s not a very talkative guy and the fact that he’s always talking to you says something.”

“Yeah that he’s bored,” she said, as she put Anthony’s empty bottle on the table and tried to burp him again. Lea just sat there and watched the two in a battle of words.

“Jenn you know that’s not it. It means that…”

But before Drew could continue Scott came into the kitchen, “Mornin’ everybody,” Scott said.

Jenn looked at him as he was coming into the kitchen his hair all messed up and his body all ripped. I never really noticed how good he looked without his shirt. Just like…Oh stop it Jenn, they are not the same man. Nick is dead, you can’t go around thinking every guy is your dead husband. Then another little voice in her head said, But you don’t think every guy is your dead husband just this one. “Good morning Nick,” she said.

“What did you just call me?” he asked her.

Oh my God what did I say? “Scott, what else would I call you?”

“Oh for a second there I thought you called me…um never mind, let’s just forget it.”

Oh God I just weirded him out didn’t I? “Jenn can I see you for a second?” Drew asked, handing Anthony to Scott and taking her into the living room.

“Um my baby,” she said, getting dragged, as she tried resisting him to get to her baby.

“Why did you call him Nick?” he asked, when they were safely out of earshot.

“Why did you give my baby to him? And how are you managing with that hand anyway?”

“It started feeling a lot better after you bandaged it and put that cream on it yesterday. You really are amazing Jenn. I don’t know why you’re not a nurse…” Then once he realized he was ranting about something off topic he said, “Hey don’t change the subject, you already asked me about my hand. Now why did you call him Nick?”

“Well why did you leave my baby with him?”

“Jenn,” he said, with a glare.

“So I guess I really did let it slip and you really did hear me say it huh?” she said, giving up.

“Yes I did.”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t,” Jenn said, looking down at the ground.

“You don’t want Scott because he’s Scott, do you? You want Scott because he reminds you of Nick.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Ugh Drew, what do you want from me? I’m barely finally getting over the so-called ‘death’ of my husband and then all of a sudden this man comes into my life through you no less and he’s so much like Nick that sometimes I wonder if it’s not Nick in disguise. He’s just so like him that it scares me. And when I’m around him those feelings that Nick is alive is so strong that it makes me start to shake and my heart starts to pound and my stomach starts doing flips that I don’t know if it’s about Nick or Scott who reminds me so much of Nick. Drew I’m so confused and I’m so scared, what do you want from me?” she asked, beginning to sob.

“Oh Baby Girl,” Drew said, taking Jenn into his arms. “I’m so sorry. I hadn’t realized what I was doing to you.”

Jenn drew away from him and looked at him with the tears rolling down her cheeks and said, “No Drew I’m sorry, I don’t mean to break down on you like this. I’m just so confused. I mean I’m getting all of these feelings that I thought I was never going to feel again and it’s scaring me because I’m so afraid to love again and then on top of that I just have all of these weird feelings come over me like maybe the thing that Scott is hiding from me is that he really is Nick and that he’s just afraid to tell me for whatever reason and I just don’t know anymore.”

“Sweetie, I’m so sorry for pushing you to move on so much. But promise me something.”

“Drew you know I can’t do that until I know what you want me to promise.”

“Promise me that you’ll give Scott a try before you give what’s his face a try.”

“Byron, his name is Byron. And I don’t know if I can do that. I mean I really haven’t known Scott all that long. I’ve known Byron since high school.”

“That’s what you think,” Drew mumbled.

“What do you mean by that?”

“You heard that?”

“I’ve known you long enough to know what the mumbles you make are supposed to be. What did you mean by that?”

“Nothing, we better get back into the kitchen before they start getting suspicious.”

“Getting suspicious? Of what you goofball?”

“Of the fact that we’re talking about Scott.”

“I think that’s pretty apparent the way you just dragged me out of there.”

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©

As Jenn and Drew continued their argument about what had happened in the kitchen, Nick sat there so baffled. Lea had gone back to her room to rest after her large breakfast and he was left to think alone yet again. They’re talking about me in there I know it. She did say my real name didn’t she? Is she seeing me as the Nick Lachey I once was and not the Scott Hansen I’m trying to portray? “God please help me. The look on Drew’s face definitely said that she had said my real name.”

Then he looked at his son in his arms. He kissed the top of his head and Anthony gave a little giggle. “You know I’m your daddy don’t you little man. I can’t believe I have a son. Anthony don’t worry, I’ll try and figure something out. I’ll be in your life somehow, I don’t know how yet, but I’m going to figure something out. I really hope your mommy doesn’t end up with that Byron guy. I know that he’d be really good for you guys when it comes to money, but there’s just something really off about him.” Then he gave a sigh, “Maybe I don’t have a right to think about it in any way at all.” He gave another sigh and put a hand on his forehead looking at his son, “God how I wish I could be there for you and your mom the way I’m supposed to be.” Then Nick just sat there pondering the situation, “If only we knew who tried to kill me maybe then I would tell…”

“I’m sorry are we interrupting your alone time there Scott?” Jenn said, taking her son back from Nick. She was surprised to see Lea gone and him alone with her surprisingly calm son.

“Oh no, I mean I could always go to my room ya know? It’s fine. Besides I had your son not much alone time in that.”

“I hope he wasn’t too much trouble,” she said.

“Oh no he was great. You have a great little boy there Jenn.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Thanks, he reminds me a lot of his father. Almost the spitting image, but then again I’ve said that about a million times already. But really you should have seen him when he was first born. I used to take his picture and put it side by side with his father’s baby picture and it almost looked like it was the same baby. The only way you could tell the difference was the aging of Nick’s picture. But I think I mentioned that before too. Just listen to me babble. Sorry.”

“No but wow, you’ll have to show me that sometime.” Nick said.

“Maybe I will,” Jenn said with a smile.

Nick smiled back and then said, “So, anyway what were you two talking about in there?”

“Oh it’s nothing you need to concern yourself with,” Drew said.

“No Drew it’s fine, we can tell him.”

“We can?”

“Well yeah Scott and I did a lot of talking last night so he knows about Byron.”

“Oh right. Yeah that insignificant piece of trash,” Drew said.

“Drew that’s not nice. Byron is not an insignificant piece of trash. He’s just a bit awkward.”

“You can say that again.”

“Drew where is all of this coming from. Just a few days ago you were practically pushing me in that direction with him.”

“No, I just wanted you to find someone. I wasn’t necessarily pushing you toward him.”

“You are so confusing sometimes Drew,” Jenn said.

“I’m sorry. Anyway where did my wife go Scott?”

“She said she was going back to your guy’s room, I’m surprised she didn’t take Anthony with her,” he said.

“I am too actually,” Jenn said.

“Well maybe she knows you wouldn’t do anything to him in a house full of people,” Drew said.

“Drew can I talk to you for a moment?” Nick asked, suspicious.

“Uh sure?” he said, already getting dragged to be in the living room for the second time that day.

“Does Lea know about me?” Nick asked his brother in a hushed voice, with his teeth clenched.

“Oh calm down, my wife only thinks of you as this guy that I’ve known since college. She knows nothing else.”

“Then why did she leave me in there with Anthony alone like that?”

“I don’t know, maybe she felt he would still be safe with you and that since we were only in here you wouldn’t try anything. It could’ve been for anything. I mean she’s pregnant now maybe that’s affected her thinking a bit, why are you asking me?”

“She is your wife after all.”

“Doesn’t mean I control her, or know her every thought, her every move.”

“All right fine. I’m sorry, I just thought it was strange that she would leave me there with Anthony like that.”

“Well maybe she trusts you. My wife is a very trusting woman. She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt until they betray her or give her a reason not to trust them.”

“She’s a lot like Jenn that way isn’t she?”

“Well they are a lot alike, which explains why Lea became one of her first real girlfriends.”

“Yeah,” Nick said. Then he sighed before saying, “Jenn’s onto me.”

“Oh go figure,” Drew said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. Then he asked, “And she still trusts you?”

“She says if she gets to find out what I’m really all about one day, she’ll continue giving me the time of day. Well not in so many words but you get the gist of it.”

“You better be true to your word there Nick, or you’re gonna have some major problems on your hands.”

“I told her maybe, I never said definitely. She just assumed.”

“Nick,” Drew said, in a stern voice.

“Drew, please stop playing the role of the father and just be my brother will you? Look if things work out and we catch whoever it was that was threatening our lives, or maybe just my life who knows, then I guess I’ll tell her who I really am. But I think it would just be in Jenn’s best interest if she moves on. I mean look at me Drew, there’s no way I can provide for her the way I once did. And these scars on my face, on my body, it’s just too much for her to handle that.”

“Once again I have to ask, don’t you think you should let Jenn decide whether or not she wants to handle it?”

“Drew,” Nick said, shaking his head. “Look I just don’t know right now. I’m so confused.”

“Don’t be bro. Just think about it, Jenn is currently falling in love with Scott, and she was in love with you as Nick for the longest time. In fact if I know my sister she feels like she’s betraying you with her feelings for the new you, which I believe I once mentioned before.” Nick nodded his head. “Now think about this, no matter ‘who’ you are she’ll always fall for you, there has to be something said about that.”

[Luv_98_Degrees]

Wow!! This story is awesome!! I love it!! It is soo interesting, i am addicted!! I cried in the beginning, it was just too good!! You are an amazing writer, keep up the great work!! =))

[Baby_Girl89]

“I don’t think she’s really falling for Scott though man.”

“Oh please you’re as blind now as you were back then. Open up your eyes and see the light of the angel that’s in your path.”

“She is definitely an angel.”

“And one on the way to being hurt by the man she thinks would love her enough to tell her who he was no matter what.”

“Okay, Drew please stop. Please. If you want to get on me again about all of this then please wait until after we find out why my house was burnt down.”

“Well I’ll stop for now, but I can’t make any promises about the future.”

“All right fine. So are you ready to go to the newspaper for me?” Nick asked, eager to get on with the investigation.

“Yeah whatever. What are you going to do while I go get the articles?” Drew asked, curious about what his brother’s plans might be.

“Hang out with Jenn and my son. Find out what I missed. Maybe get the chance to see some pictures.”

“To see pictures you’ll have to go back to her place,” Drew stated.

“Well so be it. I need to catch up on my son’s life.”

“Only to leave him again?”

“I never said I was going anywhere.”

“So you are staying?”

“I’m not sure yet. Now let’s get back in there before Jenn starts to get suspicious,” Nick said.

“Fine but we are not through.”

“What do we have left to discuss?”

“The same damn thing we’ve been discussing since you first arrived you idiot.”

“Hey now that was uncalled for.”

“Deal with it, Nick. And I’ll be honest, I kind of wish you hadn’t told me who you were.”

“Well it’s too late for that now isn’t it? Besides I need your help. The only other person who knows is Jeff and he’s still on his honeymoon, and he won’t be back for another week.”

“Well why didn’t you tell Justin? He is the deputy after all.”

“Yes, but you’re my brother. On top of that you’re the closest to Jenn. But if I knew you were going to act like this I would have gone to Justin. Besides I think I might need to tell him anyway.”

“Why is that?” Drew asked.

“Well he’s got the files on the arson itself, in case we need them, and well I told Sam that I would help to hook him up with her. He’s still single though right?”

“Last I heard. I haven’t talked to him in a while. You might want to ask Jenn that. She’s been keeping in touch with everyone.”

“Jenn’s always been the one to make life-long friends, I mean look at the two of you.”

“I don’t think that’s something you have to tell me Nick.”

“Right. Okay so let’s get going.”

They entered the kitchen and found Jenn in the middle of breast-feeding Anthony. She was mostly only covered by her son. She looked up and saw them in the front of the kitchen. “Oh oops,” she said turning around. She got off the chair and went into her room. She finished with Anthony quickly thereafter and went back out to them. “I am so sorry about that guys. You guys were just gone for so long I wasn’t even really expecting you two to return. And he was so hungry again and I didn’t have time to pump him some more, since I only pumped enough for one bottle since I wasn’t expecting to be here this long. I was going to wean him and get him on the formula and I had a little while ago, but the doc told me to give it about another few weeks before he’s completely off the breast milk and I would’ve gone to my room but like I said…”

“Jenn relax, it’s okay,” Drew said.

“We’re sorry for not announcing that we were coming back,” Nick said.

“Oh, but how could you know? I’m just so sorry that you guys had to see that.”

“Why are you apologizing to us?” Nick asked. “You were the exposed one.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well duh Scott, that must have been an unsightly scene.”

Actually it just turned me on. Damn I can feel the movement in my pants. Think cold shower, cold shower. He looked down and saw no further movement and felt he could relax. “Um it wasn’t unsightly,” he said, his voice cracking a bit. He cleared his throat and then said, “It must’ve been hard for you.”

“No not really, I mean it’s just a natural part of the human body. I’m far beyond the ‘being embarrassed about my breasts’. I’m just more embarrassed for you, for having to witness it.”

“Well Jenn you were covered up enough, it’s okay,” Drew said.

“I hope you guys can forgive me,” she said, with a little blush rising on her cheeks.

“Hey there’s nothing to forgive,” Nick said.

“Okay thanks.” Then there seemed to be a sort of awkward lull in the conversation for a bit. Then Jenn said, “So what are you two planning on doing today?”

“Well I have something I need to tend to,” Drew answered.

“Oh what’s that?”

“Well aren’t we being nosy?” he countered.

“Well sorry, I didn’t expect it to be such a secret.”

“Well I have to keep it that way or Lea will find out what it is.”

“Oh it’s something for Lea? Tell me Drew, I have to know now. I promise I won’t tell her.”

“Yeah right, like you could keep it from her. Besides you’ll find out soon enough. I’m gonna go get dressed. And Jenn can you do me a favor today?”

“What’s that?”

“While I’m out can you keep Lea company?”

“Well you don’t have to ask me that silly. Besides Lea and I have a lot of planning to do. We’re hoping to have the nursery layout made soon.”

“You guys just found out she’s pregnant and you’re already thinking of a nursery layout?” Nick asked.

“Yeah it’s a girl thing.”

“You should’ve seen what they did when Jenn told Lea. And not a moment too soon. We got that nursery made just in time after the house was rebuilt.”

“Oh now that was amazing,” Jenn said. She handed Anthony to Drew and went to find the food he left behind for her, “Normally it takes about two to three months to get a house built, but there was so much man power that they got mine done in a month. I was just so surprised and so grateful,” she finished, sitting down with her food.

“Yeah she couldn’t wait to get out of this house,” Drew commented.

“Sorry Drew but I felt like I was invading. And this man refused to let me stay in the hotel. They were even going to comp the whole thing for me. I’ll be honest I kind of wanted to stay there.” She started eating.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Uh, I did tell you dork. You were the one who wasn’t listening.” She continued eating while Drew talked.

“Well, why didn’t you ever just leave then?”

“Oh yeah, like big brother Drew was going to let little pregnant Jenn just run off to stay at a hotel where he can’t monitor her every move.”

“Oh fine. Forgive me for being overprotective.”

“More like playing my dad. It was the worst I’d ever seen from you. I’m so glad that you calmed down a little afterward. Now he just dotes on Anthony.”

“Well he needs a strong male figure in his life. And I sure ain’t gonna let that snake Byron be it.”

After Jenn swallowed her latest bite she said, “Drew calm down. He’s not that bad.”

“I personally think he started the fire.”

“Drew!” Jenn exclaimed shocked. “You’ve never said that before.”

“Yeah well it’s the truth.”

“Well I don’t think he could have. Besides I don’t even think he was in town at that point.”

“How would you know?” Drew asked suspiciously.

[Baby_Girl89]

“He told me he heard about it when he was in some other city around here on some sort of business trip.”

“Yeah right, what a convenient alibi.”

“Drew, please. Why would he ever try to kill Nick? Especially in my own home?”

“Gee isn’t it obvious by now Little Sister?”

“Oh come on you can’t possibly believe that the man would commit murder to be with me.”

“I think that psycho would do just about anything to be with you. And he has the money to do it and cover himself up too. That’s probably why it looks like the other guys aren’t adamant he’s probably paying them to stay away from you.”

“Drew stop it. Now go do what you’re gonna do.”

“What are you guys doing out here?” Lea asked, as she came into the kitchen.

“Oh honey,” Drew said. “We thought you were getting some more rest.”

“Well I tried, but I couldn’t do it anymore.”

“Well Honey, I need to go do a few things for a bit so you and Jenn can spend some time doing baby stuff.”

“Cool,” she said, giving Drew a kiss.

“I love you,” he said, with a smile.

“I know you do, I love you too.” Then he handed Anthony to Lea and walked back to their bedroom to finish getting dressed.

“Well while Drew is gone I figured we could work on the nursery,” Jenn said, as Lea sat down.

“Oh that sounds like fun, but it’s like eight months from now.”

“You can never start too early Lea.”

“True.”

“So what are you going to do while we plan Scott?” Jenn asked. “Are you going with Drew?” she asked before taking another bite of her food.

“No, I uh actually I was hoping that I could spend some time with you Jenn. Get to know you a little better,” he said. Then he decided to eat a little something too and made himself a plate of breakfast.

“Oh well I guess you could help us plan the nursery a little better.”

“Hey that sounds like fun,” Nick said, genuinely excited, as he sat down. It won’t be as fun as it would have been to do it for my own child, but this is as close as I’ll get I suppose.

“Really?” Jenn asked, surprised.

“Yes really. Is that a problem? I mean I know you offered, but if you don’t want…”

“No it’s all right I’m just surprised, ‘cause most men aren’t into this kind of baby stuff unless, a) they’re having a baby, b) they’re a relative of the person having a baby, although that’s still rare, or c) they’re gay. So is there something I need to know?” she asked in a teasing tone staring into his eyes with a slight smile.

She can’t possibly be insinuating that she thinks I’m gay. “Well no I just want to hang out with you some more and I figure maybe I can get some tips in case I ever get married and have kids.”

“Interesting,” Jenn said.

“What?” he asked before continuing to eat his food.

“Nothing, just interesting,” she said, with a half grin.

“Okay so what do we do first?” Nick asked.

Then Drew came out, gave Lea a kiss and said, “All right well I’m gonna get goin’.” Then he looked at Nick and said, “Scott can I see you for a minute in the living room, before I leave?”

“Uh sure.” They went into the living room, “What can I do for ya?”

“You can help me figure out what to get for Lea, since you put me in this mess.”

“Hey you were the one who said that you were gonna get something for her. Why didn’t you say something you could figure out on your own?”

“Oh shut up and help me decide.”

“How about getting a crib?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“We’ve already got one here you idiot. For Anthony remember? When my baby arrives he isn’t going to need it anymore.”

“What’s he gonna sleep in when he’s over here then?”

“He’ll…we’ll… all right fine. Maybe a bassinet?”

“Good choice. And then when Anthony isn’t here you can use the crib.”

“Yeah that’s a good idea. So what kind of bassinet should I get?”

“Get a white one, white’s always a good color choice.”

“All right I’ll be back shortly. And Nick please keep yourself from hurting Jenn in any way.”

“Drew please let me be the one to worry about that.”

“All right, all right I’m sorry. You know I love ya bro, though, right? It’s just she’s been hurting so much that I just don’t want to see her go there again. And she’s beginning to think crazy thoughts with this whole Byron thing. She’s not the same little sister I once knew, she’s so much more vulnerable now, more prone to being hurt, and prone to not thinking straight, so just please be careful.”

“I promise. Now please get going.”

They went into the kitchen again. Drew walked over to his wife, gave her one last kiss, tossed a goodbye and went out the kitchen door. “You know what he’s doing don’t you?” Jenn asked Nick, as he sat at the table again.

“No what are you talking about? Why would I know what he’s doing?”

“Because I think he just told you.”

“Oh, well even if he did, I can’t tell you what it is.”

“But he did I know he did. Why won’t you tell us?”

“Because I can’t. You’ll find out when he gets back. So how do we get started on this nursery?”

“Well we need to pick out color schemes and all that,” Jenn said. Then she turned to Lea and asked, “Do you have a notebook we could use to keep track of things?”

“Oh yeah, I’ll go get it,” Lea said. She handed Anthony to Jenn and then she got up and went back to her room.

“Okay so tell me Scott, what is it?”

“I wasn’t gonna tell you when Lea was here what makes you think I’m going to tell you now?” Nick asked, glad to see his wife was still the same curious woman he’d always known.

“‘Cause I know you wanna tell me,” she teased.

“Oh do I?”

“Yeah I think you do.”

“Well I don’t. Besides you two will find out soon enough. So what kind of plans do you have for the baby’s nursery?” he asked finishing up the last of what was on his plate.

“Well it’s going to be up to Lea, Scott. Well Lea and Drew, I’m just here to offer a little support.”

“Is it a return for when you were pregnant?”

“Yeah. And it was really stressful for me then. I mean I did just lose Nick and I couldn’t think straight.”

“That must’ve been really hard to find out that you were pregnant and then to lose your husband at the same time.”

Jenn looked at the ground, and then looked at her son. “It was, but the thought of having this little one, was enough to help me get through.”

“All right, I found a notebook,” Lea said, as she walked back into the kitchen. “Whoa, what’s going on here?” she asked, looking at the solemn faces in the room.

Jenn looked up, “Oh nothing. So you ready to get started?”

“Oh yeah, I’m so excited Jenn. I’ve been waiting for this for so long. I still can’t believe you had one first.”

“Well I was the one to be married first silly,” Jenn said, with a smile. “I mean you didn’t expect to be first did you?” she teased.

There’s that beautiful smile, that’s always made my heart race. “So how can I help?” Nick asked.

“Uh,” the girls said at the same time. Then they both laughed.

“Actually Scott, can you do us a favor?” Jenn asked.

[Baby_Girl89]

“How?”

“Can you take Anthony into the living room and play with him for me, so that we can see what we can do? I don’t want him to feel ignored. I know it sounds silly to think a baby would think it’s being ignored, but I know that even though he can’t really register it as being ignored really, I think it’ll have an affect on him one day.”

“I don’t think it’s silly. I’ve always thought that children even in their youngest forms are very aware of their surroundings.”

“You sound like Nick,” she said absent-mindedly.

“Sounds like your husband and I have a lot in common.”

“Yeah, I guess you guys do. Well did.”

“I’m sorry,” he apologized.

“No, it’s okay, it’s not your fault.”

If only you knew my love. Please God let her forgive me, if I ever find the courage to tell her. “I’m still sorry that some jerk did this to you.”

“Thank you, but no amount of apologies will bring my husband back, no matter how crazy I am to believe that he’s still alive.” Then she got out of her chair and walked over to Nick. “So what do you say? Will you take my son and play with him for me?” she asked holding Anthony up.

“Sure, just let me go get dressed first. I can’t believe I stayed out of a shirt all morning. I’m sorry, I’m sure it’s not a very good sight.”

“Well let’s just call it even for the other incident this morning with me, and my bit of indecent exposure.”

Nick gave a little chuckle and said, “All right you’re on.” He got up and said, “I’ll be right back,” and then he disappeared down the hallway to his room.

©~©~©

“And what indecent exposure was that?” Lea asked, as Jenn sat back down in her chair.

Jenn started to blush as she said, “Oh you don’t even want to know,” she started to giggle a little.

“Oh yes I do. You can’t talk about that in front of me and not expect me to ask you about it.”

“Okay well, Drew and Scott were in the living room earlier today talking about who knows what. Well they were taking such a long time and Anthony started getting fussy. Well he needed his milk. And since I didn’t have anymore breast milk pumped, I had to actually breast feed him. Well I didn’t think they were coming back any time soon, and I didn’t think that Anthony would take too long so I started breast feeding Anthony in here. They eventually walked in on me.”

Lea started laughing so hard, “Oh my God, that’s hilarious. I would have loved to have seen the look on their faces when that happened.”

“Yeah I had to excuse myself to let Anthony finish. I felt so bad for them. I’m sure they weren’t expecting that.”

“Yeah but I bet Scott just loved it.”

“Oh stop it.,” Jenn said.

“All right I’m ready to play with the little man,” Scott said, coming out in a nice pair of jeans and a tight fitting wife beater shirt that was almost as good as him walking around half naked.

Wow, I don’t remember feeling this hot and bothered since I last saw Nick. “Okay here you go,” Jenn said, handing Scott the baby. “Now he likes the peek-a-boo game a lot so it might be in your best interest to do that. And well anything else you might see fit. I wouldn’t normally pawn my son off to anyone, but for some reason he seems to like you more than most people, so I’m gonna trust you with him.”

“I’ll do my best not to disappoint you,” Scott said, with a smile at Jenn. Then he turned his attention to Anthony, “All right little man are you ready to have some fun?” Scott asked him as he walked out of the kitchen. Jenn heard her son coo and laugh and felt her heart lighten a bit.

“He’s gonna make a great father one day,” Jenn said absent-mindedly.

“I think he’d be really good for Anthony.”

“And what are you trying to imply there missy?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Me? Imply something? Never,” Lea said, in a half innocent stare.

“Yeah huh. Anyway where do you want to begin?”

“With how you’re feeling about Scott.”

“Ugh what is with everyone and their sick obsession with something that isn’t happening?” Jenn asked, exasperated.

“Well Jenn, you don’t seem to understand that something is happening. What we want to know is why are you fighting it so much?”

“Because Lea.”

“You know me better than that. You know I need an answer.”

“Because, that’s all I’m saying.”

“I don’t think so missy. Now I’m pregnant remember? Don’t stress me out.”

“Oh yeah that’s real fair.”

“I know,” Lea said, flashing Jenn a smile.

“You know you get really annoying when you use things against me like that.”

“It’s the only way I know how to win an argument with you, now tell me what’s wrong.”

“Lea, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Jenn, that’s the problem. You need to talk about it. If you hold it all inside you’re gonna burst.”

“But Lea, come on it’s nothing big.”

“Nothing big? I see the way you look at him. I see the way you’re lending your trust to him. I mean look you just sent him into the room with your son. You barely ever let that boy out of your sight and you just willing let a man you’ve only known for four days take him away from you.”

“Yeah but it’s just the next room.”

“Drew’s lucky if he can get away with five minutes. You’ve basically given Scott free will until we’re finished in here.”

“Oh my God, you’re right. Lea what’s wrong with me?” Jenn asked, placing her head on her hand with her elbow on the table. Then she noticed her plate still on the table and said, “Goodness, I was so preoccupied this morning I didn’t even finish my breakfast.”

Lea gently placed a hand on Jenn’s back and gave it a comforting rub, “Hey, it’s okay. Nothing’s wrong with you. Why would you even think that something’s wrong with you to begin with? I mean nothing’s wrong with someone for liking someone else.”

“But I can’t Lea, I just can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because.”

“No, I want a real answer.”

Jenn looked up and stared Lea in the eyes, “Because,” then she paused before saying, “I’m afraid to get hurt again.”

“Jenn that’s silly.”

“Well it may be to you, but look what happened when I fell in love the last time.”

“But Jenn, things like that are always going to occur. It doesn’t mean that you should stop trying to fall in love. You can’t be afraid of things all the time or life is just going to be something you always fear. You need love again Jenn, and not just from us, but from a man. I know you’ve been strapped for a little something, something.”

“Oh good grief. Like I would have had any time to do anything with my son anyway.”

“Yeah, well it has been a year now Jenn, don’t you think it’s time to move on?”

“Look Lea, I’ve accepted the fact that I may never get my husband back, but that doesn’t mean that I need to find a new one.”

“And why not?”

“Because I said so. Now can we leave it alone already? You’re as bad as your husband is.”

“What do you mean?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“He’s been trying to push me toward Scott, a man I hardly know. He keeps telling me that Byron needs to just get out of my life and he even thinks, get this, that Byron was the one that started the fire.”

“You’re kidding me.”

“No, I’m not. But I know different.”

“How?”

“I can’t say, but let’s just say that I do, at least about Byron committing the arson.”

“Jenn,” Lea said, in an almost too serious look.

“Oh please you know that only works on Drew.”

“Eh I guess you’re right, but it was at least worth a little bit of a try.”

“Yeah right.” Then Jenn stared at her plate again. “I don’t think I’ll be finishing this.” So she picked it up and walked it over to the sink. Then she cleared the whole table of all the plates that had been left there from the morning.

“You know, you haven’t been eating very much lately.”

“You think?” Jenn asked, sitting back down again.

“Yeah I do. At least not as much as you used to.”

“Well I need to lose weight,” Jenn said, with a laugh.

“What and lose all the curves that the guys around here just love about you? I’m surprised there aren’t more than just Byron knocking on your door to see you.”

“Oh there are, he’s just the most persistent. And I’ve heard a rumor going around that the guys are just waiting for the most opportune moment to get ‘in’ with me. And then of course your husband thinks Byron is paying off the guys to stay away from me.”

“I think they’ve all heard about how hung up about Nick you still are.”

“It’s possible. But I can’t help it if I still think that my husband is alive.”

“Is that another reason you’re not moving on with another guy? You’re afraid that if you do you’ll be cheating on him.”

“Well yes and no. I’m just scared to love again after what’s happened. I mean we were finally really getting our lives together you know? And then all of a sudden I get pregnant and lose my husband. What kind of a cruel joke is that on me?” Jenn asked, the sadness in her eyes so evident that it was hard for Lea to look at her.

“God does things, for a reason Jenn. We don’t know why and we don’t know if we’ll ever learn why, but there’s a reason. They may not always be good reasons, at least not to the people they are occurring to, but they are there.”

“Right. Well I’ve been losing my faith in God for a while now.”

“Jenn, how can you say that? Especially with all the miracles that have happened in your life.”

“Well I mean look at everything that’s happening in my life. First I lost my husband and then I gave birth to a premature baby, and then on top of that because of his premature birth he’s now more prone to seizures. And then on top of that, I’m beginning to develop feelings for a man I hardly know. I’m not really sure I can call them miracles when these horrible bad things happened first.”

“Well Jenn, there’s something to be said about you falling for a man you hardly know.”

“Oh and what’s that Lea?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well he could quite possibly be the next guy that you should be with. Give him a chance.”

“I could do that, but would he give me one too?”

“Oh please, like you even have to ask. Drew would give you a chance if he weren’t married to me.”

“Oh please, Lea, don’t even joke about that.”

“What it’s true. Since you’re not with his brother now, here’s his chance,” Lea joked.

“What in the world are you talking about? Drew and I have never been that way before.”

“You mean you didn’t know?” Lea asked, seriously mistaken.

“Didn’t know what?” Jenn asked, very confused.

“Never mind,” Lea said, feeling the blood rise to her cheeks. “So now I was thinking that…”

“Oh no you don’t missy. Tell me what you mean now.”

“Tell me you’ll give Scott a chance first.”

“Grrr, you know I can’t do that Lea.”

“Well then I can’t tell you about Drew,” Lea said, with a wide devilish grin.

“Lea, if it involves me I think I deserve to know.”

“It’s nothing big, never mind.”

“Ugh, fine.” Jenn took a big sigh and then said, “Okay let’s start over, what do you have in mind for your nursery Lea.”

“Jenn, I’m sorry.”

“I forgive you, now let’s put it all behind us and forget we even had this conversation.”

“For now. Anyway I’m not sure.”

“Well do you and Drew want to find out the sex of the baby before you have it?”

“We haven’t really discussed that yet.”

“Well it could be the deciding factor in how the nursery theme might go. Unless you guys were thinking of going with some neutral colors maybe.”

“I like purple.”

“Purple’s good, but would that work if you guys had a boy? The more neutral colors would be black, white, and yellow. I can’t think of anything else. I’m sure there might be some other colors you might be able to come up with.” They spent the rest of the morning discussing what they might do for the nursery, until Drew finally came back from his escapade.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 11~

“Hey guys I’m home,” Drew said, coming into the house through the front door.

“Oh he’s here,” Lea said excitedly.

“Good maybe I can ask him what you wouldn’t tell me earlier.”

“Oh stop it. Come on let’s find out what he got me.”

“All right,” Jenn said, getting dragged by her arm.

“Hi honey,” Lea said, letting go of Jenn’s arm and giving Drew a hug when they reached the living room. “What did ya get me?”

“My aren’t we impatient?”

“Yes, so what did you get me?”

“It’s in the car. Let’s go get it together.” But before they left Jenn saw Drew and Scott exchange glances and Drew nodded his head.

I wonder what that’s all about, she thought. “Well she seems excited,” Jenn said to Scott.

“She should be.”

“So how have you and Anthony been?”

“We’ve been having a blast playing peek-a-boo.”

“I told you he likes that game.”

“That he does.” Then Scott looked up at Jenn and said, “So how did the nursery thing go?”

“We got a lot done. We picked out the coloring for the place.”

“What’s it gonna be?”

“The room is gonna look like a big cow,” Jenn said with a bit of a giggle.

“Huh?” Scott asked, getting up off the floor.

“We’re painting over the blue in there with white and then putting up black splotches. It’s gonna look like cow walls,” she stifled a laugh.

“I take it you don’t like the idea?” he asked cocking one of his eyebrows upward.

“Wasn’t a personal choice, but she’s got time to change her mind. I just hope she doesn’t go full on cow theme.”

“You guys didn’t discuss that?”

“I tried not to mention it in case she thought it might be a good idea. I don’t want her to have that kid have nightmares about cows in it’s room,” she said shaking her head. “I may be able to persuade her later. Have her keep the blue maybe and then if it’s a girl add some pink splotches or something and make it more dreamlike.”

“That sounds pretty. What did you do for Anthony’s room?”

“It’s pretty plain really, I just left the room white and put up these wall paper banners of A Toy Story. Nick really liked that movie, although he never admitted to it often. So Anthony’s room is a tribute to that movie. There are all of these Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys. He’s even got a little toy chest in there for him when he gets older with some of the other toys from the movie.”

“Aww that’s sweet.”

“He’s even got a plush Buzz and Woody that he sleeps with at home. Some soft things for him when I can’t be with him kind of things.”

“You’re a really great mom,” Scott said.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Thanks,” Jenn said, taking Anthony from him. “I’ve got to go put him down for a nap now, I’ll be right back.” She started back to her room, with Anthony in her arms. “You know baby, as much as you have grown since you were born, you’re still so tiny. It’s been eight months and you’ve only gained eight pounds, I don’t know how to help you baby. Mommy can only do what she can I guess. I love you little one. Now it’s time you go to sleep, you need your rest sweetheart,” she said sitting on her bed. She rocked back and forth and started singing him lullabies. It was one of the few things she knew would work. She’d done it since the day he was born and it hadn’t failed yet.

Hush little baby, don’t you cry
Mama is here, right by your side
Just go to sleep
Let the angels watch over you
As Mama sings, her lullaby and watch as you do
No need to worry
My sweet darling,
Life will be okay
Just dream away all your pain
Mama will be here, when you wake

And just like that Anthony went out like a light, after that last song. “Good night my miracle. I promise I’ll be right here when you wake up.” She got up and placed him on her bed surrounded by pillows so he wouldn’t fall off the bed. She turned around to leave the room and she spotted Scott standing there. She gasped and then in a startled voice she said, in a whisper, “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough. You have a beautiful voice,” he complimented.

Jenn blushed and said, “Oh um thanks. But I don’t really think it’s all that great.”

“It’s fantastic. I bet that’s how you put your spell on guys though right?”

“Um, no, I don’t, uh, don’t think so.” Jenn was always touchy when it came to her voice. It was one of the things she’d always wanted to pursue, but was never confident enough.

“Oh come on, with a voice like that. You must’ve enchanted them,” Scott said as they left the room. Jenn, holding the baby monitor, gently closed the door behind them.

“Well it’s not like I went around singing all the time,” she said as they walked down the hallway.

“Weren’t you ever in the school choir?” he asked.

“Yeah, but I never did anything big.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, suspiciously.

“I’m pretty sure. I mean I had a few solos here and there. I was in the musicals a couple of times, but nothing else really,” she said nonchalantly.

“What kind of parts did you have?”

“Well one time we did a production of Cinderella and I got to play Cinderella,” she said like it was nothing. Then she chuckled to herself as she said, “I wanted to be an ugly step-sister though.”

“Well there’s a good reason that didn’t happen,” Scott said with a smile.

“Oh really, what’s that?” she asked as they sat on the couch in the living room.

“No one would believe it. You’re too beautiful for that.”

Jenn looked away from Scott’s face, too embarrassed to face him. “It’s funny Nick said the same thing when I told him. But it all worked out,” she said staring out into the distance, remembering her time in high school.

“How is that?”

“Well my real live prince got to play my prince in the musical,” she said with a small memory smile.

“Well that’s cool.”

“And you know, I always thought it was kind of cool that I even got in the play let alone the lead,” she said, finally finding the courage to look at him.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Why do you say that?”

“Well I mean look at me,” she said moving her hands up and down the length of her upper body, “I’m really not the conventional Cinderella.”

“And why do you say that?” Scott asked. She watched his eyes and saw that he was surveying her body and she could feel his eyes drinking her in.

“Well I guess maybe it’s the notion that Cinderella would be a blonde blue-eyed girl, who’s slender and just beautiful.” Jenn looked away, afraid of what Scott would say in response to her answer. She was so convinced that no man would ever find her beautiful besides Nick.

“Well all right so you’re not blonde and you don’t have blue eyes, and you have curves that drive a man wild,” then he lifted her head so that she was staring into his piercing blue eyes, “but that doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful.” He paused before continuing, “In fact, I think you’re the most beautiful woman, I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.” He placed a thumb on her lips and then said, “With the most kissable looking lips, so full and luscious,” and with each succeeding word he inched closer and closer to her lips, then just centimeters from the breaking kiss, she’d so longed to feel again, the door in the living room flew open.

“Hey what are you two doing?” Drew asked.

“Wow you two were out there for a long time,” Jenn said.

“Well we just started talking and lost track of time,” Lea said.

“I know how that goes,” Jenn said, feeling the blood rushing to her cheeks for what felt like the millionth time since Scott had entered her life.

“So what were you guys doing in here?” Lea asked, in a tone implying she thought they were getting closer than they wanted to appear.

“Nothing, why do you ask?” Jenn asked.

“Well you two just looked awfully close.”

“Oh please, what makes you think that?” Jenn asked, scooting a little bit more away from Scott.

“Just the way you two seemed to fall apart from one another.”

“You’re seeing things again Lea,” Jenn said with an innocent smile.

“Uh huh. Come on Drew let’s leave these two love birds alone and set up the bassinet.”

“Bassinet? Is that what you went to get?” Jenn asked.

“Yeah,” Drew said with a smile.

“What color is it?” Jenn asked, hoping to keep them out longer, not knowing what would have happened had they not shown up.

“It’s white, and in this box,” he said showing her the box.

“Oh my God, Drew don’t tell me you plan on putting it together yourself, especially with your gimp of a hand.”

“I most certainly do. How hard can a simple bassinet be? I’m not that crippled, not after your help last night. I was able to cook breakfast this morning remember?”

“Yeah but I don’t know, you said the same thing about Anthony’s crib. I had to help you with it remember?” Jenn asked with a smirk.

“You helped him build Anthony’s crib?” Scott asked trying not to laugh.

“Yeah, Drew’s a bit assembly challenged,” Jenn said with a laugh.

“I am not, I’m instructionally challenged.”

“Oh yeah that’s a whole lot better Bro,” Jenn said.

“Whatever, you’ll see I’ll get this bassinet up.”

“I would recommend using a doll, before the baby is born,” Jenn said.

“You know Sis, you’re not being very nice,” Drew said sounding genuinely hurt.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Aw Bro,” Jenn said getting up and putting an arm around him, “I’m sorry. But it’s the truth. You’re a great chef, but a lousy builder. I’m just a craftsy type of girl so it’s easier for me to do these kinds of things.”

“I know, but I promise I’ll get this done on my own, or maybe with a little bit of Lea’s help, but I won’t need you again Jenn.”

“Well, we’ll see. If you do I’ll be right out here or in my room. Speaking of which I’m going to go check on my baby.”

“Jenn you haven’t been gone from him that long and we haven’t heard anything on the baby monitor,” Scott said.

“I know but I promised him I’d be there when he woke up.”

“You’re not gonna turn him into a mama’s boy are you?” Scott asked.

“Well that wasn’t my intention and isn't my intention, and I don’t think caring about my son, means he’s going to end up a mama’s boy.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say it, it just slipped out.”

“Scott, if you didn’t mean it you wouldn’t have said it. You just didn’t mean to say it, but I understand I do. It’s just one of those fragile times right now ya know?”

“I do. I’ll go with you.”

“No it’s okay, I’ll be back shortly,” Jenn said putting out a hand to Scott. Then she got off the couch and started walking.

“Lea and I will go with you on the way to the nursery,” Drew said. And then they left.

©~©~©

Nick sat on the couch and put his head in his hands rubbing his face, unable to believe what had happened. I was so close to making a mistake. He sighed, I love her so much. If I kissed her, I would’ve just hurt her. I mean who knows what would’ve happened if they hadn’t come in when they did. I was so on the edge of just taking her right here, ripping off her shirt and hungrily sucking on her nipples and kissing and licking those supple breasts. Then he could feel his cock start to get a little harder, beneath the confines of his jeans, Oh crap, I have to stop thinking about her. I spent a year not worrying about this, I can’t start up again now. Then another little voice inside him said, But she’s your wife it’s only natural.

“Oh Jenn, why did I come back? I’m only going to end up hurting you.”

“Did you say something?” he heard her say at the entrance to the living room from the kitchen.

“Oh no, I was just babbling to myself again, like I always do, I wasn’t saying anything important really.”

“Oh, well, Anthony is still soundly asleep and Drew and Lea are hard at work assembling the bassinet.” Then she walked over to the couch and sat down. Placing her hands on her lap she said a little uncomfortably, “So I guess that means it’s just us out here, all alone.”

“Yeah I guess it is. I could go though if you just wanted to watch some TV out here alone.”

“NO,” she said, quickly and excitedly. Then calmly she said, “No, you don’t have to do that. You can stay if you like, I mean if you want to. Maybe we should get to know each other a little more. I mean I have been letting you spend an awful lot of time with my son, I should probably find out what I’m getting myself into. I mean what I’m letting my son get into, I mean what…” she stopped and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I don’t usually babble this much. I mean I have on occasion been accused of babbling, but I’ve never really been this bad, I don’t think. Oh Lord, there I go again. Why don’t you start talking now, please.”

“Okay, so what do you want to know?” Nick asked. He was amazed at how his wife wasn’t as composed as she normally was. Could Drew be right? Could she be falling for Scott?

“Oh I don’t know, where are you from originally?”

“I’m from here actually. I left about a year ago and now I’m back for a visit.”

“Just a visit?”

“Well that has yet to have been determined. But for the most part yes, I’d say it’s just a visit, a long one, but a visit nonetheless.”

“I see. So is there anyone special in your life that you’ve left behind?”

“Well I have this friend, but that’s all she is.”

“Sam right? Yeah I believe you mentioned her.”

“Yeah, she’s coming back here anyway. Besides she’s got her eye on someone else, and I’m not over my first love yet.”

“Oh, what happened to her?” Jenn asked curious, wondering if he knew what she was going through.

“Well I lost her.”

“How, if you don’t mind my asking.”

“I don’t, but it’s kind of a complicated situation. And kind of long and boring.”

“I doubt you ever lived a boring life,” she replied.

“That’s kind of you to say but the only exciting thing I ever had in my life, the only thing that ever mattered in my life, was my wife.”

“Oh she was your wife,” Jenn said sort of shocked.

“Yeah, was being the keyword there.”

“I’m sorry, did you guys get a divorce?”

“Not exactly.”

“So you’re a widower then?”

“You could kind of say that.”

“What do you mean kind of?”

“Like I said it’s complicated.”

“I’m sorry I don’t mean to pry, I don’t know even know why I am. Don’t mind me, forget I ever said anything.”

“No, it’s all right. I can see where you would become curious, but I just, I don’t know it’s difficult for me to talk about.”

“No, I understand I do. It’s really hard for me to talk about Nick, although I know that it seems like I talk about him a lot, it’s still pretty hard. So I won’t push anymore,” she gave a sigh before saying, “I think I’m going to go take a nap with my son. I’ll talk to you later,” she said, getting up and picking up the baby monitor, before starting to walk away.

“If that’s what you want,” he said. Then before she was out of the room he said, “I’m sorry.”

“For what? You didn’t do anything,” she gave him a smile and then went back to her room.

He watched her unintentionally sashay out of the room. She’s still as sweet as ever. It’s a wonder she didn’t notice my bulge trying to get out of my pants. Or maybe she did and decided to kindly excuse herself, because she’s too good to say anything else. God what did I get myself into again?

Then he started thinking about her Cinderella comments. I remember those days, we had so much fun.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Okay Jenn, they’re about to post the parts you ready to look?” Nick asked. It was his senior year and he and Jenn had been hanging out for a few months. He was secretly so in love with her. She was like no other girl he’d ever been with, no other girl he’d ever known. She convinced him to audition for the musical and he just couldn’t turn her down. It was hard to say no to her for anything.

“Um, I don’t know Nick. I’m sure I didn’t get anything anyway, I mean I’m only a sophomore.”

“Who cares what year you are, with talent like yours it would be hard not to cast you as anything.”

“I guess, I’d be happy with just a walk-on role anyway. Let’s go look.”

As the crowds around the paper parted, she was offered congratulations as she walked to the paper with Nick. Jenn took a deep breath before she looked up at the sheet. She started from the bottom up, trying not to get her hopes up about parts, so she wanted to start with the walk-on roles. As she finally reached the top she saw her name and Nick saw the look on her face when she saw it, followed by, “Oh my God, you have got to be kidding me.” Then she turned around and embraced Nick in a hug, “Nick, we did it.”

“What did I get?” Nick asked, curious as to “what he did.”

“You’re the prince,” she said looking at him.

“That’s awesome, wait who are you?”

“Oh I’m just Cinderella.”

“Just Cinderella? You make it sound like you’re not happy with it, you got the lead Jenn. All this time that I’ve been here, a sophomore has never gotten the lead, and I mean never.”

“Well I guess that’s one way to look at it, but I really wanted to be one of the ugly step-sisters. But since you are the prince I suppose, I’ll survive,” she giggled.

“You couldn’t be an ugly step-sister anyway, you’re too beautiful.”

“Oh you’re just saying that,” she said. Then she turned around to look at the paper again. She nodded her beautiful head and then turned around to look at him again. “Well it says that we’re gonna get the scripts on Monday, so I guess we should get going.”

As they walked away, more and more people gave their congratulations to them, as if the news had spread like wildfire.

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©


As the weeks went on, they often practiced together outside of rehearsal, how could they not? There was this one time when they were rehearsing the opening act together at his house. It was the scene when Cinderella and the Prince first meet and they were talking together. Nick just watched as she read her lines and he wanted so much to just lean in and kiss her. When she got to the end of her line and waited for him to say something back she looked up at him and said, “What? Is there something on my face?”

“No, it’s just that you looked so cute reading those lines, I’m sorry I got distracted.”

“Oh please Nick,” she said giving him a slight shove in the arm. “Stop teasing me and read your line already.”

“Oh right,” he said before reading his next line. Then they practiced singing together and he would get so wrapped up in listening to her sing he would forget when to come in. She’d just stare at him and he’d get lost in the mystifying darkness of her eyes.

“Nick what’s up with you today? You seem so out of it. Maybe we should try this another time,” she said. “I’m gonna go shoot some hoops with Drew.”

“He’s not home. He went out with Lea today.”

“Oh, those two are spending an awful lot of time together. I wish he’d just ask her out already.”

“So you don’t have a thing for my brother?”

“Oh please, me and Drew? No way, he’s way too much like a brother to me. I think we’ve spent far too much time together for that to ever happen.”

“Well what if, let’s say hypothetically, I was interested in you. What would you do then?”

She became all flustered and didn’t quite know what to say. “Um I uh, I uh, um I don’t know.”

Nick wasn’t quite sure what to think of it. He was tired of keeping away from her and only getting to kiss her because of the show, and even those weren’t real, they were stage kisses. He wanted to be able to kiss her for real and outside of the rehearsals and show her that he really cared about her and loved her. So then he followed with, “Well Jenn, I have something to ask you.”

“You do?” she asked.

“Yeah, it’s no longer hypothetical, will you go out with me?”

Jenn stared at him wide-eyed and shocked. “Did you, just ask me to go out with you?” she asked saying each word as if it were it’s own sentence.

“I did, so what do you say?”

“Yes, I totally and completely accept.”

Then after their first date and the kisses they shared that night, the show turned out even better than expected because of the chemistry the two brought to the stage. And every night when the show ended in a lip-lock the two were so hot and heavy they continued kissing until the curtain went down and beyond. They had to be torn apart by someone walking up to them and literally tearing them apart so that they could bow for the curtain call.

[Baby_Girl89]

Oh how sweet those kisses were. Nick licked his lips as he continued to think of kissing Jenn again. “Hey what are you thinking about there Bro?” Drew asked as he walked into the living room.

“Jenn. I was thinking about the time we were in Cinderella. She was the most beautiful Cinderella there ever was.”

“You can say that again, but then again she just has that personality.”

“If I didn’t know any better I’d say you still love her.”

“I do, I’m just not in love with her. I guess I never really was, I just thought I was. It’s a good thing too, I might have ended up like Byron.”

“Why do you hate that guy so much Bro?” Nick asked.

“I don’t know, it’s just a feeling.” Then after a sigh Drew said, “Sometimes I think he set your fire.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, I mean he’s been after your wife for the longest time, why not try to get rid of you?”

“Yeah but why then? We’ve been together since high school for Pete’s sake why not try to get rid of me before she and I even got married?”

“The resources weren’t available to him yet?”

“Drew, I really don’t think he would do something like that. Besides Jeff and I think it’s gotta be someone that I wrote about, or maybe someone I helped to put in jail who’s gotten out already.”

“I don’t care what you guys think, I know what I think, and I’m going to find a way to prove it.”

“You can try Bro, but I don’t think you’ll find anything. So anyway, did you manage to get all of my articles from the newspaper?”

“Yeah, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be too.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, they gave them all to me on a CD. So we’re gonna have to check them out on my computer later, after sending the girls out or something.”

“All right thanks man,” Nick said.

“Hey you wanna know something weird though.”

“What’s that?”

“Angie, at the desk…”

“She’s still there? I thought she was planning on making her big break within the year.”

“I guess she never found the story yet. Maybe if we can find out who started the fire, she’ll get that break, but anyway she said that someone else had come by to get the articles for a scrapbook too.”

“She did? Did she mention who the other one was?”

“Yeah and here’s what baffled me.”

“What?”

“They said it was Jenn.”

“Jenn?” Nick asked, confused.

“I don’t know man. She hasn’t had a lot of free time on her hands either. And the other thing that doesn’t make sense is she always collected your articles as soon as they came out. She kept them in a shoebox so why would she need to get your articles from the newspaper itself?”

“And you think I would know the answer, because…?” Nick asked.

[Baby_Girl89]

“You should know her well enough.”

“I don’t know, maybe she was getting the articles that I hadn’t published to add to the collection or something. I mean besides that she also had already started to put all of them in a scrapbook she wouldn’t need copies.”

“Or maybe she…” Drew stopped, not wanting to finish his thought. “Nah, she wouldn’t do that, she wouldn’t have any time to.”

“What are you thinking Drew?” Nick asked, curious as to what was brewing in his brother’s mind.

“No forget it, it’s stupid, I don’t think Jenn would do it she doesn’t have that kind of time being a mother to Anthony.”

“Well tell me what you have in mind anyway,” Nick prodded.

“Well this will sound a little strange, but do you think that maybe…”

“Drew just spit it out already,” Nick said, frustrated.

“Well I was thinking that maybe Jenn is doing what we are.”

“You mean investigating?”

“Well what else would I mean?”

“I don’t know, you keep talking in code.”

“I am not,” Drew said in a bit of a huff. Then he asked, “Do you think it’s possible though Nick?”

“I don’t know, Jenn’s not into that kind of…” Nick trailed off. He just stopped talking and stared off into space.

“What are you thinking Nick?”

“Uh what?”

“You started saying that ‘Jenn isn’t into that kind of …’ and then you stopped. What were you going to say?”

“I don’t know anymore. She’s changed so much in the past year.”

“Not enough that you can’t recognize her. She’s prepared herself to be a little less vulnerable maybe, but she still has the same ambitions, the same passions, and the same drive.”

“Yeah but there’s something different.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but there’s something different about her. She’s more open and more reserved. I know a bit of an oxymoron but it’s true.”

“I think I understand you. She’s more open because she’s telling you so much more than you would expect, but more reserved because so many people don’t seem to know what’s going on with her?” Drew said, more as a statement than as a question.

“Yeah. Why is that Drew?”

“It’s simple,” Drew said. Nick just looked at him baffled.

“Well go on,” Nick said, when Drew wouldn’t continue.

“Well she’s being reserved, because she doesn’t want to really get any closer to anyone else than she has to. She’s distancing herself in case something happens, she doesn’t want to be hit by any more devastating news. I think right now the only person she really wants to be emotionally tied to is Anthony. She thinks it’s working too, but I know it’s not. She’s just not like that, she cares about people too much.”

“Well that explains why she’s a bit more reserved and secretive, but what explanation do you have for her to be so much more open than she used to be.”

“That’s also simple. Nick she’s talking with you. She still feels that connection and something inside her let’s her open up and her emotions just flow out around you.” Drew sighed, “I’m almost willing to bet that whatever you ask her, she’ll answer.”

“Are you trying to tell me something?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“No I was just making a comment.”

“Well all right then. Anyway enough about this. I don’t want to speculate on my wife any more. So tell me, what exactly happened when you went to get the articles and how did you get them on a disc instead of the pages themselves?”

“Well I just went in and told her that I wanted all of your articles that you had written in the past and the articles that you were working on when before you well…died.”

“Uh huh,” Nick said. “Continue.”

“Well she told me that they no longer had hard copies that people could take. I could however copy all of the articles I wanted, but that was going to take time. So then she mentioned that they had saved all the past newspapers and individual articles on CD’s and floppy disks. So then I asked her if I could get a copy on CD and she said yes.”

“So is this a new development?”

“They said it had been in the works for about eight months now.”

“Did they say when Jenn came to get the actual hard copies?”

“Apparently a month after your alleged death.”

“Oh well that explains it Drew.”

“What does it explain Nick?” Drew asked, confused.

“Well I’m sure Jenn just went in to get some of the articles that I had in the works and weren’t quite published yet, just like I said.”

“But that wouldn’t be in newspaper form yet, especially if you hadn’t finished them yet.”

“Well I had a few of them finished and they were just trying to figure out which ones would be best to go into the future papers. And then I had other printed versions of some articles and others I’m sure they just printed out for her. She probably just wanted the rest of them to finish her scrapbook.”

“Yeah, you know what that’s probably it. I mean Jenn wouldn’t really launch an investigation of her own like that.”

“No why would she?” Nick said, not quite convincing himself of the matter. “But what if she did?”

“You think she might?” Drew asked.

“I don’t know, but what if she did? Do you think she could be in danger too?”

“Well I have yet to have seen any sign that she is, so she either hasn’t found anything too incriminating or the killer hasn’t found out she’s been looking.”

“Good. God I hope she’s not looking.”

“You never know with her Nick. She loved you and still loves you that much. She’s willing to do whatever it takes I’m sure to find out, if that’s her mission. It would explain something. And maybe Jenn really is searching for the killer. Jenn’s never had closure ya know.”

“I know it’s another reason I have to find out who did this. But what does this explain Drew?” Nick asked curious as to what his brother was talking about.

“It would explain how she might have found out why Byron was gone. I don’t think she was casually mentioning that you were gone, I think she was trying to find out if he could be a suspect too.”

“Oh God Drew you can’t be serious.”

“Hell yeah I am. Why wouldn’t I be? I mean think about it, why in the world would she be talking about it?”

“It could’ve been something they just happened to be talking about after I ‘died’. It doesn’t mean that she was investigating him.”

“Nick, I could be wrong, Lord knows I do that a lot, but what if I’m not? What if he’s on to her?”

“Drew, why would he be on to her? Besides, he said he didn’t do it. Why can’t you just take it at that?”

“I don’t know Nick, I just got this feeling.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well you have that feeling of yours but I honestly think it was someone that I was gonna be writing an article on. Or maybe someone I already wrote an article on seeking revenge. Whatever the case is we should find out.”

“You know there’s something that’s been getting to me about this whole thing.”

“What’s that bro.”

“The timing of the arson.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well I mean how the arsonist so conveniently committed the act while Jenn was gone. I wonder if it was planned so that Jenn wouldn’t be a part of it.”

“I hadn’t really thought of that, but probably. I mean they had no reason to harm her. Besides if they wanted to harm her killing her husband would be the worst thing.”

“But Nick, if someone was really seeking revenge on you, wouldn’t their best plan be to kill your wife? Make you suffer and not Jenn?”

“I guess.”

“I mean think about it, the worst way to get revenge on someone is to take away the thing that they love the most, and for you and Jenn that’s each other.”

“Okay where are you going with this?” Nick asked.

“Don’t you get it? I don’t think it was revenge, killing you would’ve been the last step if it was. If it was revenge I don’t think it was against you.”

“Are you trying to say that someone was seeking revenge out on Jenn?”

“Maybe, I really don’t know,” Drew said staring at the ground.

“I mean think about it Drew, Jenn is the most beloved person in this whole county, there isn’t a single person here who would want to hurt her.”

“That we know of,” Drew said.

“You can’t possibly be insinuating that there is anyone who would want to hurt my wife.”

“I don’t know Nick I really don’t know.”

“Does this mean you’re off the Byron kick?”

“Look man, I know I sound callous to say that this guy would try and kill you. I know I should give him the benefit of the doubt for Jenn’s sake, but there’s just something a little off about that guy. He’s like crazy, but just sane enough to stay under the radar. So by this new theory I’m trying to see Jenn’s view of things. But you’re right who would want to get revenge out on Jenn? It doesn’t make sense. But don’t worry bro, we’ll find the person who did this. I’m not going to let whoever did this think they got away with murder, whether it was Byron or not.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ve been trying to find out all year, but I never thought to look through your articles.”

“Because you thought Byron did it?”

“Yeah, I swear it’s him Nick, but we’ll do it this way if you think it’s best. I mean if I’m wrong about Byron then I don’t want to just point blank accuse the guy for something he didn’t do.”

“Well do you have any real reason to believe that he did this to me? Because if he did I don’t want him with Jenn and hanging around my son.”

“That’s just it Nick, he’s been really careful and as much as I think he did it, I don’t think he would ever hurt Jenn.”

“I’m glad to hear that, but I still don’t want a murderer to be around my wife or child, or a would be murderer anyway.”

“No I have no proof, just my suspicions.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“To be honest, I don’t want him around Jenn anyway, but it could just be the fact that I don’t want anyone to be with my wife but me.”

“And you can, if you’re willing to tell her who you are.”

“Drew what did I say about this?”

“I know, but you just said you wanted to be with her again and I was just saying that you could be.”

“Okay, let’s say I told her, how do we know she’d forgive me for lying to her all this time?”

“There’s no telling. I’m sure she’d probably be a little mad at first, but she’d get over it. Trust me, you guys have the kind of love that can overcome anything if you try hard enough.”

He sighed, “I just wish I knew. I wish I knew if she would really take me back or not. I mean it would be one thing if I came back from a bout of amnesia, but to just up and tell her finally that I’m Nick and that this whole time I’ve been lying to her and hiding out from her. I don’t know man it’s gonna hurt her.”

“It’ll hurt her more the longer you wait. And you might not be able to get her back from that snake if you wait too long. She’s afraid to fall in love again, and I know she won’t fall in love with him. She’s beginning to become someone she never would’ve been if she hadn’t lost you the way that she did. I mean we talked about how she’s sort of closed up now.”

“God Drew why are you doing this to me?”

“What am I doing to you? I’m just trying to make you see all of your options, that's all. Is that so wrong?”

“Well no, but you’ve put me in a bind here. I already want to tell her so bad, but I just don’t know if I can yet. Drew, there’s only one thing I know that we absolutely have to do, and soon.”

“Oh yeah, and what’s that Nick?” Drew asked, staring at his brother.

“We have to find out who did this to me.”

“Well no kidding, isn’t that what we’ve been talking about this whole time?”

“Yeah, I know but I think it’s important enough to repeat.”

“Okay I’ll give you that. But anyway there’s one thing I still don’t understand.”

“What’s that?”

“What took you so long to come back and start this investigation?”

“Well for the first few months I was gone I was in a coma and then after I woke up from that, the next few weeks I was holed up in the hospital trying to recover from the burns. Then after that I spent some time getting some of this reconstructive surgery done. And as you can see it hasn’t exactly been perfect. Then after that I just didn’t know if I could really come back. But I got in contact with Jeff as soon as I could. We’ve been working on the investigation together ever since. And well since I came to his wedding and saw Jenn there I … well I couldn’t seem to tear myself away. I just wanted some more memories of her beautiful face, her body, her touch, everything.”

“Do you think that was wise considering the fact that you don’t want to interrupt her life, so you keep saying anyway.”

“I don’t, not really. In fact I’m doing far too much now, I know, but I can’t help it. There’s just something about her that draws me to her ya know?”

“Animal lust?” Drew asked, with a smirk.

“Drew, you know that’s not it. If that was all there was to it, I could’ve gotten it from Sam, but I’ve been celibate ever since.”

“Wow, you’ve been celibate for a whole year? You, who couldn’t go a day without ‘making love’ to Jenn?”

“Hey don’t say it like that. It was love making, there’s no way you could call what we did anything but.”

“Okay but still, you mean when you were gone you never once had the urge to be with another woman?”

“I’ve never had the urge to be with another woman. Jenn’s the only woman for me and she always will be. I will never love another the way that I love her.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“I’ll bet you anything Jenn said that the same thing about you and that’s why she’s so confused.”

“I know, I should just leave, but not until we get this straightened out. And maybe I should find another place to stay.”

“That’s up to you man. But if I know Jenn she’ll be going back to her place soon enough if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I am a little. I just don’t want to make it look suspicious either. I don’t want to make her think I’m leaving because of her.”

“She’ll think that no matter what you do if you leave.”

“You think?”

“I’m pretty damn sure of it actually.”

“I don’t know what to do.”

“Well let’s not worry about that right now,” Drew said. “Right now the only thing I’m worried about is Byron and Jenn.”

“You really gotta get over this Byron thing man. If you’re wrong it could lead to trouble.”

“But if I’m not it could save some lives.”

“So I take it you won’t get over this Byron thing until you find out it really was someone besides Byron?”

But before Drew could say a word they both heard someone say, “What about Byron?”

“Jenn, how long have you been standing there?” Drew asked.

“Long enough. What are you saying about Byron now Drew?” she asked as she walked further into the living room.

“Nothing important.”

“Drew if it was about your suspicions about Byron, doing the unthinkable, I’ll be very upset with you.”

“Like I said it was nothing important.”

Before Jenn could make a reply Nick said, “So where’s Anthony.”

“Still sleeping,” she said with a smile. “He looks like such a little angel. I couldn’t even really take a nap either. I just kept staring at the ceiling, thinking about the past year of my life. I never really realized how Nick seemed to consume my life. This past year was so difficult without him. Drew though, he’s always been there every step of the way. I don’t know what I would’ve done if it hadn’t been for him and Lea. I mean I had my other friends, Jeff and Lizzie and Justin, but they weren’t around as much as these two. Of course considering the fact that I was living here, it only makes sense.”

“Right.”

“Okay well I’m gonna go check on my nephew since you left the monitor in your room,” Drew said.

“Oh, oops, I’ll go get it,” Jenn said.

“No, no it’s all right. I gotta start getting used to checking up on a baby and all.”

“Right, okay well come and get me if he starts to stir to wake up or something. I did promise him I’d be there when he woke up.”

“You got it Sis,” Drew said. Then he left the living room.

“So really what were you and Drew talking about?”

“I was just telling him what you told me about your high school career.”

“The Cinderella thing?”

“Yeah. He was telling me that he’s actually got a tape of that,” Nick lied.

“Oh he didn’t,” she said placing a hand on her forehead.

“He did, and I was hoping I could con him into showing it to me sometime.”

“Ugh, I’m almost tempted to take you back to my place just to avoid the embarrassment.”

“Oh?” he said lifting an eyebrow at her.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well I already offered you a place to stay what difference would it make why I took you home with me,” she said with a slight nervous laugh.

She’s so cute, when she flirts. Then when Nick realized what he was thinking he thought, Oh God she’s flirting. What am I getting myself into? “Well you can always take the offer back if you want.”

“No, that would be impolite, and well that’s not how I was raised.”

Then Drew came into the room and said, “Jenn, he’s getting up.”

“Okay thanks Bro. I’ll be back,” she said before leaving to go back to her room.

“So what did you two talk about?” Drew asked.

“Well I lied and told her that you told me that you had a video of the Cinderella performance.”

Drew rolled his eyes at his brother, “What is it with you and the lies man?”

“I’m sorry, but what was I supposed to do tell her right then and there, ‘Oh we were discussing how we’re doing an investigation into my death. Oh and by the way are you doing an investigation of your own?’ Yeah right Bro I really don’t think so.”

“I suppose you have a point, sort of. Just I really need to know Nick, do you ever plan on telling her who you are?”

“Honestly?” Nick asked.

“Honestly,” Drew replied.

“I don’t know. One part of me wants to, but for the time being I really feel like I can’t. I mean what if me coming back means harm to her and Anthony? I know I’ve brought it up a million times before but it really concerns me Drew. I don’t want to be responsible for putting Jenn in harm’s way.”

“I can see how you might feel that way Nick I really do. I just don’t want you to end up hurting her anyway, without telling her who you really are. And do you know what she’s going to do if she finds out from another source?”

“Who else could possibly tell her? You promised you wouldn’t say anything and I know that Jeff won’t say anything. And if it comes down to it, I’m sure Justin won’t tell her and I know Sam probably won’t either, especially since she doesn’t even know Jenn.”

“Well what if someone else finds out?”

“Like who?”

“I don’t know anyone, what if someone else found out and told Jenn who you really are, that could really cause some problems man.”

“Well for now, it’s a risk that I’m just going to have to take.”

“I hope it doesn’t cost you more than you can imagine. I’d hate to see you lose her to Byron.”

“Well I know you feel fishy about the guy and that you think that he tried to kill me. But I think you’re wrong.”

“You can’t tell me you don’t think there’s something a little off about that guy.”

“I’ll admit, I do have a funny feeling about him, but come on that’s just the husband side of me taking over, I told you that already.”

“Nick, you know it’s more than that.” Drew sighed, “Listen to me I sound like a crazy man.”

“No you just sound like an overprotective brother again. I think that’s all it is. I bet you would feel that way about any other guy she would consider dating.”

“But there aren’t any other guys ‘cause Byron probably chased them all away.”

“Drew will you stop it already?” Jenn asked as she stepped into the living room carrying Anthony in her arms.

“I’m sorry Jenn, I can’t help but think that. I mean remember back in high school before you and Nick got together how all those guys asked you out?”

[Raevengeance]

Great Add

MORE IS NEEDED - A.S.A.P.

[StargateGirl]

:) I like the add. :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“Oh please don’t remind me,” Jenn said rolling her eyes. “It was such a fiasco. I kind of wish I never got the makeover. But if I didn’t I guess, Nick never would’ve asked me out either.”

She can’t possibly think that was the only reason I asked her out. “If you and Nick are soulmates why do you think he wouldn’t have asked you out without your makeover?” he asked her.

“Well I mean, he didn’t even glance my way before then. I mean we’re soulmates and all that, but without my makeover I don’t think we ever would have found that out. I don’t know. We talked a lot, but we never really talked about that. We just never really saw a reason to I guess.”

“Well I think, that eventually, without your makeover, he would’ve realized what an idiot he was being and asked you out. I just bet that with the makeover and all of these guys suddenly asking you out, he finally realized what he was missing, and what he could lose.”

“And how would you know?” she asked him.

“Just from a guy’s perspective. You’re the kind of woman, a man would be insane to not be afraid of losing.”

She smiled and said, “Thanks, but Scott you hardly know me.”

“I know enough to know that you are beautiful inside and out.”

“I’m flattered really, but you should hold off all judgments until you get to know me a little better. In any case, Drew I think I’m gonna go home. Thank you for the stay, I’m sure I’m a little bit less of a head case now and I can handle sleeping through the night. I’ll even put Anthony’s crib in my room, so I can get some sleep.”

“Do you need help moving it?” Nick quickly offered. Why did I just ask that? he thought.

“Um, no not really, I can handle it. But thanks for the offer.”

Drew whispered to him, “Nice going Nick, but you know how strong she is. Besides I thought you were trying to stay away from her.”

“I thought so too,” Nick whispered back, shrugging his shoulders.

“Oh stop whispering you two.”

“Sorry,” they said in unison.

She started laughing. “You guys are spending too much time together.”

“So we should take a break,” Nick said. “So can I go back with you? I could start doing those chores,” he said flashing her a smile. “And if you want I could move the crib for you so that you can play with Anthony instead of worrying about getting the thing moved.” What the **** am I doing? This isn’t going to keep me away from her. This is my escape, why do I like torturing myself like this?

“You make a convincing argument. Let me get my things in the car and then we’ll see.” She looked at Anthony and said, “Come on baby, we’re finally gonna go home.” She went back to her room.

“I’m goin’ with her Bro. I know I said I needed to find a way to stay away from her, but God that woman makes me say and do crazy things. And now I guess I can’t really take it back. Besides it’ll give you some time to be with your wife, and when you get a chance please print those articles out for me. And if I can I’ll see if I can get Jenn to show me her scrapbook of my articles.”

“All right good luck.”

“Thanks I’m gonna need it. She’s stubborn, but so am I. It’s a good thing I know her weak points.”

“And from the sound of it there are things you still need to learn.”

“You got that right Bro. All this time I thought I really knew her, but she’s always been a mystery, but she’s a mystery I intend to unravel.”

[StargateGirl]

:)

[Stacey]

I nominate this story of an Oscar (for writing of course) *lol* :hehe: Mate...Keep it up, it's BRILLIANT :D


Stace :P

[Baby_Girl89]

I have to warn you guys that this next chapter has a little bit of adult content. You have now been warned.

And the story continues.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 12~

Jenn arrived at her house, after what felt like weeks of being gone, even though it had only been a few days. She looked to the passenger seat and couldn’t believe that Scott was sitting there. How in the world did I let this man convince me to bring him home with me? “Nice house,” Scott said looking at her.

“It’s home. It feels a little cold every once in a while, but I suppose it would be that way no matter where I lived.”

“You really miss him don’t you?”

“Of course I do. Shouldn’t I? He was the love of my life after all. He meant everything to me. If it weren’t for Anthony, I don’t know if I could have gone on.”

“You’re a strong woman, Jenn, I think you would’ve been fine.”

“Well I’m just glad that Nick got me pregnant before you know. At least now,” she said turning to look at her son sitting in his car seat playing with his plastic play keys, “I still have a part of Nick with me always.” Is Anthony the reason, I still feel like Nick is alive? Then she looked at Scott again, “Well I guess maybe I should take you inside now. Show you where you’ll be staying. When they rebuilt my home they gave me five bedrooms. Lord only knows why, but it’s kind of empty here all by myself with my son. It’ll be nice when he’s older, he’ll have his room I’ll have mine and I’ll have an office if I decide to work, which will probably be sooner than later. And then I have two guest rooms. I might turn one into his playroom later but we’ll have to wait and see.” Anthony started rattling his keys, “Are you having fun back there Baby?” she asked tickling his stomach. Anthony started laughing and his smiling face, made Jenn feel like all of her struggles were worth it if she could give him a decent life.

Jenn got out of the car and then opened up the backdoor on the driver’s side to get her son out as well. “Come on Baby, I bet you miss your toys, yes you do.”

“I’ll be right in. I’m just gonna look around if that’s all right with you.”

“Oh sure. I just gotta make sure everything’s okay inside. And I’ll prep your room for you,” she said looking at him.

He smiled, and her heart jumped up into her throat, “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

“Hey no problem. If you turn out to be useful, that would be really great,” she said with a laugh. Then she turned around and headed toward her home. When she got inside she took a deep breath and said, “Home, bittersweet home.” Then she looked at her son and said, “I know Mommy’s weird. But it’s okay, you’ll learn one day it’s okay to be different.”

Anthony just looked at his mom and gave his soft baby giggle. Then he just shook his keys in front of her face. “Silly boy.” Then she hugged him close and said, “Baby what am I gonna do when you get older?” Then she walked further into her living room and saw the flashing red light on her answering machine beep. “A message?” She pressed the button to listen to her message.

“Hey Jenn, it’s me Justin. I just wanted to tell you that I got an anonymous call telling me that they suspect Byron should be part of our investigation. I was wondering if you had heard anything about this. Give me a call when you get this message. Talk to you later. Bye.”

“Ugh that uncle of yours is insane Anthony, just insane.” Jenn picked up the phone and dialed. She listened to it ring four times before the phone was picked up. “Andrew John Lachey,” she said as soon as she heard the familiar voice say hello.

“What did I do now?”

“Well I just got a call from Justin, or I’m not sure when he called but I just got the message from Justin telling me that he received an ‘anonymous’ call about Byron being a suspect for the arson.”

“It wasn’t me,” Drew said, trying to sound innocent.

“Oh please, Drew, only you would think of telling Justin that, now after all this time.”

[StargateGirl]

hm... I wonder where the anonymous call came from?

[Baby_Girl89]

as if it weren't obvious :P.

[Raevengeance]

i want more sisser!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Stacey]

MORE! GIVE US MORE! *lol* :hehe:

[Kristen07]

Hmmmm.... who could be, who could it be? :P

[Baby_Girl89]

“Oh fine, yes it was me. I just think that they should really start looking into him more.”

“But why? I already told you that there was no way he could’ve started the fire.”

“Yeah well, I’m gonna have Justin look into it anyway. Is that so wrong?”

“Yes, you’re talking about the man that I might possibly get involved with here. You’re accusing him of doing something just so unforgivable.”

“Well wouldn’t it be better for you to find out before you two get serious?” Drew asked calmly. He knew he was pushing a big button, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to make sure that everything would be okay for Jenn.

Jenn gave a huge sigh, “You know what Drew, I just don’t want to deal with this anymore. I’m gonna go fix up Scott’s room for him. I’ll talk to you later Bro. I’m just tired of arguing with you about this.”

“My stubborn little sister is actually giving up?”

“For now, but trust me this is far from over,” she said.

“Oh I know. But I’m just worried about you and Tony.”

“Tony? When did you start calling him Tony?”

“Don’t change the subject.”

“All right I was just curious, but fine. Drew you have nothing to worry about, Byron is a pretty good guy if not a little odd.”

“It’s the little odd part that scares me.”

“Why Drew?” she asked.

“Look, Jenn stop questioning me and believe in me will you?”

“I want to Drew, but not when you’re being this ridiculous. Besides aren’t you the one that keeps telling me that I need to move on? Well here I am trying to move on and you’re getting in the way.”

“Yes I want you to move on, I just don’t want you to move on with him,” Drew said, the desperation in his voice apparent.

“So then who do you suggest I move on with if not Byron? He’s the only one around here who wants me, the only one showing interest.”

“That’s not true.”

“If you even think of mentioning Scott’s name I’m going to bludgeon you the next time I see you,” Jenn threatened. Anthony giggled, “My son seems to think that would be funny by the way.”

“Jenn, Byron is not the only one that wants you. That guy you’re letting stay over at your place wants you too. See I didn’t say his name.”

“I’m not sure it’ll save you from being bludgeoned however. Drew, this is my life, would it be okay with you if I decided to live it on my own?”

“Jenn, I love you and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I know that Drew, but you can’t protect me forever, although I know you’ll try. I know they say that blood is thicker than water, but you sure are trying to prove there’s something thicker than blood. Drew, you know I love you too. You’re the big brother I never wanted,” she teased. “But I’m a big girl now and I can take care of myself. Besides that you’re only a few months older than me, so stop acting like you’re beyond your years and let me make my own mistakes.”

“But Jenn, it’s not good to make mistakes if they’re dangerous ones.”

“After all these years, have you ever once known me to make a dangerous mistake?”

“Well there was that one time you almost got bitten by the snake. And there was that other time you broke your arm when you were climbing the tree we weren’t supposed to climb. And then there was that other time when you…”

“Okay, okay, but have they been fatal?”

“Those were close enough.”

[StargateGirl]

lol I like the add. :)

[Raevengeance]

MORE JENN - MORE! :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“Ugh, I hate it when you do this. Okay fine, have you ever known me to make any fatal mistakes when it comes to people?” she asked, finding a way to get around whatever else Drew would come up with.

“No, nothing fatal, but it’s Byron. Remember when you would’ve done anything to keep him away? Why the sudden change?”

“It’s not that sudden Drew. I suppose it sort of is, but when you don’t have any other prospects what are you supposed to do?”

“I told you, you have other prospects, the phone calls you’re always getting. It wouldn’t hurt you to accept one or two or three. And now well there’s Scott, you can give him a shot. Why not save Byron as a last resort?”

“Drew, you don’t get it. He is my last resort, and I’m gonna give him a chance. If he doesn’t work out then I’ll move on from there. I just don’t know what to do.”

“Well what about the doctor?”

“He’s married remember?”

“No, I think I heard you and Lea talking about how he might have a brother for you.”

“Oh God Drew I’ve never even met the man.”

“Anyone would be better than Byron Jenn.”

“I’m beginning to truly see how invested you are in that statement. You’ve pushed me onto just about everyone else there is.”

“Well I’m confident in my convictions.” Drew sighed, “I’m sorry Jenn I just really think it was him and there’s nothing you can say to change my mind.”

“Can I ask you why you never mentioned this Byron thing at the beginning of the investigation when it first happened? I mean if you really think he did it, it would’ve been so much easier to interview him in the beginning instead of now,” Jenn said as calmly as she could so that she wouldn’t upset Anthony.

“Well I don’t know. I didn’t really think about it until he started coming around a lot more.”

“Uh, well gee Drew could it be the fact that I’m single now?”

“Well maybe, but Sis there’s just something off about that guy. I know you say that it’s just because he’s awkward, but it seems more than that. It seems like the guy is hiding something, he’s so mysterious looking.”

“Oh please Drew, the man is an open book. He tells me any and everything. He’s not hiding anything.”

“And how exactly do you know that he’s not lying to you?”

“Well, I don’t, but he doesn’t have a reason to lie.”

“He would if he committed the crime.”

“Drew I already told you he wasn’t even here when it happened.”

“Jenn you can be so naïve sometimes,” Drew said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that he could’ve had an accomplice in the whole thing. He didn’t actually have to be the one to be here to commit the arson.”

“Oh please, who would he have even found to commit it?”

“I think it might have been someone with a grudge.”

“Yeah but even with a grudge why would they go that far?”

“Maybe Byron paid them off.”

“Oh good God, Drew I’m done with this conversation. I’m going to talk to Justin now. I’ll talk to you later. The next time I talk to you, I hope that you’re done with this Byron committing the arson nonsense,” Jenn said with a sigh. “Good bye.”

“Good bye Little Sister, but I have to tell you I don’t think that I’m gonna let this go.”

“Well then, just don’t talk to me about it anymore.”

Drew sighed and said, “I can’t promise that, but I will try. Bye.”

“Bye,” Jenn said and then hung up the phone.

[Raevengeance]

Again - I say MORE, SISSER, MORE! :P

[StargateGirl]

hm

[Baby_Girl89]

©~©~©

“Wow that sounded pretty heated,” Nick said after Jenn hung up the phone.

“Oh,” Jenn said turning around to see Nick standing at the door. “How much of that did you hear Scott?” she asked.

“Not much, but from what I did hear it sounded pretty heated. And I’m guessing since you were talking about that Byron guy it was with Drew.”

“Yeah it was, you’re pretty perceptive.”

“I just pick up on things pretty easily.”

“I guess. So I didn’t get a chance to prepare your room for you, I’m sorry.”

“No it’s okay. I’m sure it’s fine just the way it is.”

“Well, all right. Let me show it to you.” Jenn led the way to the hallway on the other side of the living room. When they got to the first door on the right she stopped and opened the door. “Well this is your room.”

Nick looked inside and was awestruck. He couldn’t believe how nice it was. How did she afford all of this? he wondered. He looked at the room painted white, the sheets looked like they were made out of satin and the comforter looked goose-downed. He touched the comforter and watched it sink in at his touch and rise again after he took his hand off. He looked around and saw a mahogany dresser drawer. Atop the dresser was a 25 inch screen TV, and above the dresser on the wall was a mirror. And then he spotted a computer desk, she probably put together herself, with a very new looking computer with a flat panel LCD screen. And next to the bed was a night stand with a lamp, phone and alarm clock on it. “Wow, this is nicer than the hotel I was in for Jeff’s wedding.”

“And there’s even a bathroom. However, it’s next door and not door attached to the room. And you’re also going to have to share it with me for the time being ‘cause my bathroom is in the middle of a remodeling. Of course since I’ve been gone these past couple of days, they had to stop the work. I suppose I can call them back and tell them they can come finish it. It sounds like a bad excuse but they also had to shut off the water in there for whatever reason, I think they said they were fixing the pipes. I don’t know why, but for some reason they just seemed to start acting up and then I figured why not get it remodeled and why in the world do I keep talking? Okay I’m uh gonna go now,” Jenn finally finished before walking away.


©~©~©


“Anthony, your mother has gone off her rocker,” she said on the way back to her room at the end of the hallway to the left. Anthony’s room was right across from hers. When she got into her room she laid Anthony on her bed and then got her laptop. She sat on her bed next to her son and set her laptop on her lap. “All right Baby, it’s been a while since Mommy did any writing and she’s gotta talk to Daddy so don’t mind me you just play with your keys.” Anthony rattled his plastic keys and laughed as if he understood.

Jenn opened her laptop and turned it on. “Damn do I have a lot to get off of my mind.” Then remembering that her son was beside her she said, “Oops.” Then looking at her son and softly rubbing his head with her hand she said, “Mommy didn’t say that Honey.” Then when her computer had started she opened up a new page and started writing to Nick.

Dear Nick,

So much has changed since the last time I wrote to you and it hasn’t even been that long ago. But in the short few days since the last time I wrote of how much I missed you Anthony went into a seizure. I was so scared. I wasn’t sure what to do and I didn’t know what I would do if he hadn’t gotten better. But luckily they were able to help him out. It was torture for me to leave him behind in the hospital that night. I fought tooth and nail to try and stay but Lea somehow managed to convince me to go home with her.

[Baby_Girl89]

I think that night changed my life.

Sounds like a pretty big life altering sentence doesn’t it? It sort of is. For the first time in my life I started thinking of another guy besides you. I’m scared. I need to move on now that you’re gone. And I think I might have found someone worth moving on with, but what if I’m still right and you are still alive? What’s gonna happen if you show up and I’m with this guy? Well the other option for me too I guess would be to be with Byron. It wouldn’t be hard for me to leave him if you ever returned. I don’t think I could ever fall in love with him. At least not as much as I loved you. Of course I don’t think I’ll ever experience that again.

So about this new guy. He seemed to come out of nowhere. Apparently he went to the same college as we did. You might even know him. It’s a wonder I never met him back then. Maybe you had a guys night out with him or something. It’s so odd how much he reminds me of you. Sometimes my mind even makes me think that he is you. But how could that be right? I mean wouldn’t you have told me by now? He did mention something about amnesia though. Could it be that maybe he is you with a bout of amnesia? But then why would Drew know him as Scott? That’s what I don’t understand. And if it really were you, I’m sure you’d come up with something better than your middle name. It’s just too obvious.

I wish you were here. Then I wouldn’t have to be feeling this way again. I hated it when I first realized my feelings for you and I’m hating it now. I’m beginning to wonder if I just shouldn’t take Anthony and move into the middle of nowhere so that I don’t have to deal with any of this anymore.

*Sighs* I’m getting frustrated can you tell? And I really need to figure out what to do about money. It’s only gonna last me a few more years. I think I might invest some of it in some stocks or something. And I just might take up the newspaper offer. It’s just I wasn’t sure I could take it considering the fact that I can barely think straight enough for myself. And I think my actions as of late have proven that.

Did I mention that I actually invited Scott to come and stay with me and Anthony? I’ve only known the man for a few days and I’m letting him stay here. If I’m lucky he can chase Byron away all together and the only thing I’ll have to worry about is curbing this sexual energy I feel when I’m around him. It has been far too long for me.

Remember how much I enjoyed making love to you. Sometimes I think it was the only reason you ever came back home. You were always so engrossed in your stories or trying to write some new songs at your quiet place. I go there every once in a while with Anthony and watch the sunset. It’s so beautiful.

It’s a good thing it’s a hundred feet away from the house or that tree might have burned down with the house. That would have devastated me even more than I already was. It was the only thing I really had left of you at the time while I was pregnant. I would sit at the tree and watch them build the new house and other times I’d sneak back at night from Drew’s to just sit in the dark and watch the stars twinkling in the sky and wonder which one was shining for you. It was either that or which one was going to guide you back to me.

They never found your body. They just assumed that your body burned up in the fire, but there were no bones, and the fire was put out long before there was enough time to “cremate” you.

You know what makes it really hard to let you go right now? Looking at Anthony. I swear the boy could be your clone. He doesn’t seem to look like he has any of my features. He’s a Lachey boy through and through. I can’t believe he hasn’t gained more than he has though. Eight months and only eight pounds. That’s not right or normal. I asked the doctor about it though and he said I have nothing to worry about. He told me that Anthony would start to gain more in the next upcoming months. I hope he’s right. The boy was only five pounds to begin with.

Well my love, it’s my hope that one day you’ll have the chance to read this. Although I wonder with everything I’ve said if I really want you to. But it’s sort of my way of letting you know what’s going on as you’re gone so that it’ll be easier for you to catch up. I still love you so much, and that will never stop. I miss you with every breath I take, and I can only hope that will subside enough for me to not cry myself to sleep every other night. But you were the biggest and best part of my life, and you still are with the exception of Anthony.

My only regret is that I was never able to tell you about him. I regret that I decided to wait until I came home. Visions of that day are flashing through my mind again, and I won’t be able to get through it before I start crying again. So before I short circuit this laptop with my tears and before my legs start to burn from the heat of this thing, I bid you good bye for now.

All my love,

Jenn

[Raevengeance]

MORE, JENNERS, MORE!

[StargateGirl]

:cries:

[Baby_Girl89]

After Jenn signed her letter to Nick she turned off the computer and put it away. She walked back to her bed and looked at her baby. He had fallen asleep in the middle of her writing. She gently picked him up and put him in the middle of her bed. She grabbed one of his little blankets from her closet and covered him with it. Then she got up to find her work when there was a knock on the door. “Ugh the first real chance I get to look into this mess again and I get interrupted,” she mumbled to herself. She went to open the door, “Can I help you Scott?” she asked.

“Yeah sorry to bother you but I was wondering if you had a towel I could borrow. I wanted to take a shower and realized I had no towel. So…”

“Oh right,” she said walking out of the room and quietly closing her bedroom door behind her. “I’ll show you where you can get the extra things you might need.” She stopped at a door that was midway between hers and his on the left side of the hallway. She opened it up and there were stacks of towels and blankets and two pillows even. And on the bottom shelf there was an assortment of bathroom accessories like shampoos and conditioners and body wash and soap.

“Wow, you’ve got just about everything in here.”

“You can never be too prepared. Whenever my friends stay over I like to make sure they have everything they need.”

“Do they stay over often?”

“Well I haven’t had any from out of state since just a few months after the house was built. Most of them have been too busy, but I’m ready if they ever find time.”

“Don’t you have any family members?”

“I have my dad and my step-mom. I also have a younger brother and sister, twins who are now seventeen. And a baby brother, half-brother actually. He’s only two.”

“Two? And you’re what twenty?”

“Ha ha, nice try but I’m twenty-seven.”

“Twenty-seven? I don’t believe it. You look so young.”

“Story of my life but I’m twenty-seven. Besides to be twenty I would have to have gotten married when I was seventeen.”

“But your twin siblings are seventeen now, how did your parents manage to have you guys ten years apart?”

[Baby_Girl89]

that's it i'm burnt out for now :P. besides i need to go back to actually adding to the story for real.

[StargateGirl]

I like what ya added. :)

[Baby_Girl89]

thanks i would think some people would appreciate it since it was more than i've ever added before :P.

[Kristen07]

Awww.... I loved these adds, Jenn! Drew's definitely in trouble with Jenn, I can tell. And that letter that Jenn wrote to Nick was so sweet :cries: ! Please post more soon!

[Stacey]

LOVE the letter Jenn wrote for Nick! Was soooo CUTE....And Drew, well he can sure push some of Jenn's buttons....:P

I think Jenn needs to go around and give Drew and slap over the head *lol* :hehe:

[CeeCee]

This is turning out amazing!!! Great add, as usual we want more. :) :D

[Baby_Girl89]

“They were the miracle babies. And then a few years after that my mom died,” Jenn said looking at the ground.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right. Nick and Drew’s mom took me under her wing. And then I met Lea and her family took me in and then Lizzie’s family took me in and I was never short on love. I used to hate my mom for leaving me when I was younger. I was only twelve after all, I didn’t understand much of anything. I still don’t understand why my mother had to be taken from me so soon. And then of course of all things I had to lose the love of my life. Now my only reason for living is my son.”

“Do you think you’ll ever fall in love again?” Scott asked her.

Is he implying that he wants me to? Ugh stop being so silly Jenn. “I don’t know. I don’t think I will. I mean I know they say that love can happen more than once, but Nick and I we really had something beyond this world. I just wish it were enough for me to save him.”

“You couldn’t have done anything to save him. He died in the fire. How could you have known that it was going to happen?”

“I shouldn’t have left him Scott. If I had stayed, I might have been able to help him. I mean if he’s not dead, at least I would know where he went,” Jenn said looking at the ground.

“Don’t blame yourself for something you can’t change Jenn,” Scott said placing a hand on her cheek and gently lifting her face to look up at him.

“Your touch,” Jenn said in a dreamy state, “it’s so soft, so gentle, so like…” then she stopped herself. “Listen to me, I sound like an idiot. I suppose I should let you get to your shower now,” she said taking his hand in hers and putting it down.

“Yeah, I uh kind of reek. I don’t have any other clothes though.”

“I can wash these while you’re taking your shower if you’d like. I have a few loads to do anyway. I’ll just toss this in with my stuff. I’m afraid you’re going to have to wear the towel until they’re dry though. Although I might be able to find a robe you can use. It might be a little short, I think it’s Drew’s. That and you’re extremely tall.”

“You don’t have to go through the trouble.”

“Oh it’s no trouble at all. And when Drew calls to tell me that he’s coming to check up on me, I’ll tell him to bring your clothes over. Do you want all of it over here or just some of it?”

“It’s your call, how long are you willing to let me stay here?”

“Indefinitely?” Jenn said with a half grin.

“Well then I guess you can ask him to bring them all over.”

“I’ll do that.” Then Jenn turned toward the closet and pulled out a towel for Scott. She handed it to him and said, “There you go. Just leave your clothes on the outside doorknob and I’ll take ‘em for you. And I’ll put the bathrobe in your room for you while you’re in the shower.”

He took the towel from her and smiled, “Thanks, for everything.”

“It’s not a problem,” she said smiling back. Are you enjoying lying through your teeth missy? a voice in her head asked. “I better get back to my room. Anthony’s napping, but I don’t know how much longer that will last.”

“Well I better let you go then.”

“Enjoy your shower.”

©~©~©

“Don’t worry I will. And I’ll be sure to leave my clothes out for you.”

“I’ll make sure to get them washed for you. In fact I’m going to gather my clothes and look for that robe right now.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Thanks,” Nick said. Then she walked away. Nick watched her sashay away. Her hips swinging left and right. God have I missed that butt. Still as perfect as it has always been. How that black girl booty ended up on that Asian beauty, I’ll never know. Then she disappeared back into her room. Nick turned around and walked toward the bathroom door. He went in and started stripping. After he was buck naked he turned on the water and was about to get in when his cell phone started ringing. He picked up the phone and his clothes off the ground. He opened his flip phone up and answered, “Hello?” He started to walk out of the bathroom with his phone in one hand and his clothes in the other. He hung his clothes on the door to the bathroom and walked into his room.

“Hi, uh Scott, is this a bad time?”

“Well I was about to take a shower. But I guess I can talk for a bit.”

“Well I just wanted you to know that I’ve gotten everything taken care of. So I’ll be coming back pretty soon. Are you going to be able to get me together with Justin?”

“Where are you going to stay?” Nick asked.

“I’m not sure. Could I stay with you?”

“Well about that, I’m staying with Jenn.”

“You are?”

But before Nick could give an answer he heard the door creak open and he turned around to look toward the door. Then he saw her face in shock and what looked like horror almost, “Oh my God,” she uttered. Then she turned away. “Scott I am sooo sorry. I didn’t know that you were in here. I thought you were in the shower.” Then she extended her hand holding a robe.

Nick looked down at himself and realize what she must’ve been so shocked and horrified to see, his naked and scarred body. “Oh God Sam, I have to go. I’ll have to call you back later.” Nick took the robe from Jenn and put it on. “Jenn, it’s okay I’m clothed now.”

“Oh Scott, I am sooooooo soooooo sorry. I really didn’t mean to do that. I just heard the water running in the bathroom so I assumed you were in there. And why didn’t you at least have your towel around you?”

“I forgot,” Nick said honestly. “My phone started ringing and I didn’t want to talk to her in the shower…”

“Her?” Jenn asked.

“Yeah, it was just Sam.”

“Oh I see.”

“Yeah she was calling to tell me that she subleased my apartment for me and that she was coming back here to be with me.”

“To be with you?” Jenn asked with a raised eyebrow.

Do I detect a hint of jealousy in her voice. Dammit, this can’t be happening. “Yeah she wants me to hook her up with Justin. Anyway, I forgot that I wasn’t wearing anything and came in here, but I didn’t think it would matter.”

“How could you forget that you weren’t wearing clothes when you put them on the knob.”

“I was absent-minded. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been in here, not without the towel at least. I was just being careless.”

“No, no, I shouldn’t have just walked in without knocking on the door. It’s just that I heard the shower and so I just assumed you were in it. I am sooo sooooo soooooooo sorry. Like they say, don’t assume because it makes an ass out of me and you. In this case just me really.”

“But it’s your house you have the right to walk into whatever room you want.”

“But you’re my guest, I don’t have the right to invade on your privacy like this. But you better go take your shower. Your hot water’s probably all gone by now if it’s been running this whole time. I suppose we can discuss this later,” Jenn rushed. Before he had a chance to say anything she rushed out of the room like a bat out of hell.

[Baby_Girl89]

Warning: You are about to enter some adult content. You have been cautioned, proceed at your own risk.

[Kristen07]

Oooo... this is getting really good :D More soon, please!!!

[Baby_Girl89]

Okay seriously, there’s no way she wants me now. Not with this disfigured body. It was one thing when she saw me without my shirt but with nothing she’s got to be turned off now. Nick then heaved a sigh. I guess I better go take that shower now. And if it is cold it serves me right, I probably need a cold one right now. Oh those beautiful blushing cheeks of hers. That butt when she walked away… Nick continued thinking about her body as he got into the shower. To his surprise it was still nice and warm.

“Oh Jenn, I love you so much. But we can’t do this, we just can’t. But God how I miss your touch. I miss your lips against mine. I miss the feel of your hands running over my chest as you get ready to kiss me. I miss getting to watch you in the shower, with this water running over your hair down to your shoulders past your luscious breasts and down your cute little belly and down toward your ***** and down those strong magnificent legs of yours. God how I wish I could see you naked again. Hold you close to me, our bodies entwined in sweet serenity.”

Nick looked down and found himself completely rock hard. “Of course, what was I expecting. I guess if I didn’t get one I should be worried. But damn now I’m just so tempted to get out of shower and have Jenn help to take care of this. But no I have to be a stubborn idiot and keep my identity a secret from her.”

Nick sighed and just stood in the shower letting the water cascade over his body while he held himself up with a hand on the wall in front of him. He stared down at his throbbing penis and just kept hoping it would subside on it’s own. But it just seemed like it was getting harder by the second, which he couldn’t seem to figure out. But it was throbbing so much it hurt. He felt he had no other choice but to reach for it and start stroking it. “God I’m gonna make a mess. Damn, I never realized how much I missed her hands before. Just thinking about it now makes this so much better.” Then with just a few more strokes he was able to come, with a force he’d never experienced on his own before. Luckily he was able to keep his cock pointed in the direction of the tub so that it wouldn’t be hard to make sure the remnants of his little moment of pleasure were washed away.

Then he quickly wrapped up his shower, not wanting to waste any more of the water than he already had. Aside from that the water was starting to get cold, and as much as he needed one to make sure he was completely over those sexual tendencies, he hated taking cold showers and had to get out. He put the robe on and went back into his room. He picked up his phone and called Sam back.

“Hello?” she said when she answered.

“Hey sorry about having to go like that, but we kind of had a situation here,” he said sitting on the bed.

“What happened?”

“Jenn walked in on me talking on the phone with you.”

“Well that’s not a big deal. It’s not like we have anything to hide.”

“Well yeah I know,” Nick said. He took a dramatic pause and inhaled a deep breath before saying, “But her seeing me naked while I was on the phone was.”

“She saw what?” Sam asked surprised and excited at the same time.

“Me naked. I wasn’t wearing anything when I answered the phone.”

“And you didn’t care to tell me this?”

“I thought you were over me.”

“I am, but I still can’t help but wonder sometimes, I mean you are hot.”

“Well if you think I’m hot now you should’ve seen me before the fire.”

“I probably would’ve died. You’re out of my league now as it is.”

“Oh please. That’s yet another thing you and my wife have in common. Neither of you can see the beauty that you two have.”

“You forgot I saw your wife. If she thinks she’s not beautiful she’s nuts. Good God that woman could probably have any man on the planet.”

[Raevengeance]

MORE JENN MORE!


Love the above add though :P

[Kristen07]

I think Nick has almost blown his cover! He needs to reveal his true idenity!!! More soon though please, Jenn :)

[StargateGirl]

me likes. :D

[britt]

i am lovin this!! its killin me to find out what is gonna happen next!!!

[Baby_Girl89]

“And go figure she chose me.” Then he said, “But she has a confidence problem about her beauty too. You are both two of the most beautiful women I know. You should be more confident about that.”

“Thanks it means a lot coming from you. Do you think I’ll have a shot with Justin?”

“Definitely. I think you’re definitely well suited for him.”

“That’s awesome. So where do you think I’ll be staying when I get there?” Sam asked.

“Well maybe I’ll be able to talk Jenn into letting you stay here with us. It might make her feel more comfortable to have another woman around here since it’s just me and she doesn’t know it’s me and yea.”

“Listen to you, you sound like a teenager. And I take it you haven’t told her yet.”

“No of course not. I just can’t.”

“Why can’t you?”

“I’m afraid of putting her at risk. Besides I don’t want to hurt her.”

“I think you’re hurting her more by not telling her.”

“I swear you and my brother must be sharing a brain or something,” Nick said exasperatedly.

“Great minds think alike.”

“Well he’s looking at it from a big brother perspective what are you looking at it from?”

“A woman’s perspective, duh,” Sam said. “I know that if I were in Jenn’s shoes, desperately in love with my thought to be dead husband, whom I think is still alive I would want him to come back to prove everyone else wrong and me right. It’s just not right keeping this from her Nick, Scott, whatever.”

“I understand, I do. You don’t know what will power I have to use to keep away from her.” Then he said, “But you have to understand where I’m coming from. There’s a possible killer out there and until we figure out if this was arson or maybe just an accident that got out of hand before it could be saved I have to keep my identity a secret.”

“But from your wife? You couldn’t tell her? Her of all people. Your own wife you should be able to tell. Then you guys could be together and you could share that secret together. How much longer do you expect to keep this from her?”

“For as long as I can. I want Jenn to be happy and safe. And I don’t know if I can do that if I ‘return’.”

“God Scott, you’re infuriating. You need to tell her, I know you want to. She’s the love of your life. You were so damn miserable without her when you were gone. And I didn’t tell you this but you were uttering her name while you were in your coma. She’s the only thing that’s ever mattered to you and it’s so apparent it kills me. I want to see you happy Scott and you can’t do that by not letting your wife know who you are.”

“I just don’t see how it would do her any good. I’m probably going to leave after I get this whole thing straightened out anyway.”

“Don’t you dare Scott Hansen. Why would you be so stupid? Are you some sort of masochist taking pleasure in this pain that you’re putting yourself through?”

“No, but Sam come on. She’s not gonna take me back if I tell her who I am anyway. So why should I bother? I should just let her continue to have those good memories of me. And if I don’t find out who tried to kill me and they find out that I’m quote unquote back then I could be endangering her life.”

“But you told your brother. Why is he allowed to know and your wife not. I just don’t see how she wouldn’t be able to keep a secret too.”

“On the one hand I can see how you’d be right. But I think it’s more believable around town and all that if we remain two people who are getting to know each other. I know Jenn, if she finds out that I’m her husband and if she forgives me for lying to her all this time then she’ll want to be with me and treat me like her husband when we go out and stuff. People will get suspicious because everyone knows Jenn and her reputation. She’s not into just being with someone so quickly like that. Someone will eventually dig enough to find out who I really am and then all hell will break loose.”

[Raevengeance]

Great add, sisser - I needs MORE! :

[StargateGirl]

:)

[Baby_Girl89]

“I never thought of it that way. Are you sure she wouldn’t be able to limit the amount of affection you guys showed for one another to just the house? I mean you could tell her how crucial it is that she keep it secret that you are who you are. You guys could pretend outside of the home until you find your killer.” Sam sighed, “I don’t know Scott, I just don’t like what’s happening. I feel so bad for her. I saw her at the wedding and when she was dancing with that one guy she had this far off look on her face like she wanted to be somewhere else, like she was missing someone. It must’ve been you.”

“Well aren’t you perceptive?”

“Stop it, I mean it. As envious as I am of her, I can’t help but feel sorry for her.”

“God you don’t even know her and she’s already affected you.”

“What do you mean?”

“This is going to sound weird, but Jenn has this affect on people. They either love her, or envy her, or sometimes even both. But I don’t know of anyone who could ever hate her. She’s too perfect. It only gave me more of a reason to believe that she was an angel.”

“So stop making the angel suffer.”

“Sam if this is what you’re going to spend your time doing on the phone and here, I don’t know if I want you to come. I get enough of this from my brother. Maybe that’s why I decided to come stay with Jenn. I don’t know. It feels like every turn I make I run into someone who’s against me.”

“How in the hell are we against you when we just want to see you happy?”

“I just wish that you guys could see where I’m coming from.”

“Nick, Scott, ugh I’m so confused. Okay you, you need to understand that we’re listening and on some level we understand where you’re coming from. You love her and you’re trying to protect her, but doesn’t loving her mean you want to see her happy? How are you doing that by keeping your identity from her? You’re miserable, and she probably is too, thinking you’re dead and all. Don’t you think it would be a great gift to have you essentially come back from the dead?” Sam asked frustrated.

“I haven’t even told you about that. She thinks that I haven’t even died yet. She even told me that she thinks I’m still alive and that she doesn’t understand why I haven’t come home yet. How am I supposed to fix that?”

“What are you going to do when she finds out who you really are before you have a chance to tell her?”

“And how is she going to find out? There are currently only three people who know my true identity. I don’t think any of you are going to say anything.”

“What if she starts observing you and realizes that absolutely everything you do is the same as her husband’s? Sooner or later any coincidences she might see will start to fit together and she’ll get it.”

“I’m not exactly the same person I was a year ago.”

“Yeah but there are some habits that never change.”

“Jenn’s pointed out quite a few already. She’s even mentioned that she sometimes think I’m me.” Nick thought for a while. Silence filled his room and the air between the phones.

After a while Sam asked, “Scott are you still there?”

“Yeah I’m sorry, I just, I was thinking about what you were saying about figuring out who I am.”

“Well that was fast.”

“Well it’s in my head now. I mean Drew mentioned it to me before, but I just disregarded it as my brother using any means necessary to get me to tell her. But now that I hear it from you, it seems more of a reality.”

“Thanks? I think.”

“I guess I just have to do everything in my power to make sure that some of my most defining habits don’t seep out around her.”

“Ugh, I’m through with this. I’m getting tired of talking to deaf ears.”

“Isn’t the saying more like I’m tired of my words falling on deaf ears.”

[StargateGirl]

Ugh he needs to tell her already.

[Raevengeance]

Grrrrrrrrr TELL HER DANGED IT!!!!!!!


Sisser - I needs MORE! :D

[Kristen07]

Nick needs to quit being so dang stubburn and TELL HER!!! more soon please, Jenn :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“Same difference. Look I need to find a hotel to stay in if I can’t stay there with you. So I better start looking.”

“Hey can I ask you a question real quick?”

“Sure,” she said.

“Well how did you sublease my apartment so quickly?”

“People have been wanting your apartment for a while. It only took me so long because I had to screen the applicants and I had to get what little personal possessions of yours into my family’s garage.”

“Oh thanks for doing that. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

“It’s all right, I’ll let my dad know. He’ll be okay with it. You know he actually thought I was going to end up with you. He said that you were good for me. I hope he approves of Justin with the same fervor.”

“He will. Justin’s a good man. Now I don’t know how well it’s going to work out yet, but I’m sure it’ll be okay. I have to talk to him still, and I think I’m going to let him in on this so that he can help with the investigation while Jeff is gone.”

“Just don’t get yourself in more trouble than you already have Scott.”

“Don’t worry about me. And as far as finding a place to stay, I’ll ask Jenn. But I’m telling you, you don’t have to come back.”

“What and leave a friend behind. Besides I’m holding you to your word about getting me together with Justin.”

“Right and I will do everything in my power to help you out.”

“Thanks. And I’ll call around to the hotels, just in case she’d feel uncomfortable with me around.”

“Knowing Jenn, she’ll probably let you stay just because I asked. She has a hard time telling people no. Probably another reason I ended up here, but I guess I can tell you about that later.”

“If you’re willing to face another round of me trying to convince you to tell her.”

“Please don’t.”

“I’m just sayin’ Scott, it would be the greatest gift of love.”

“All right, I’m thinking about it. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yeah later. And remember I’m here for you.”

“I know, bye.”

“Bye,” Sam said before hanging up the phone.

Nick closed his flip phone and laid back on the bed. I should tell her. I’m running out of excuses not to. And it’s not as if I don’t want to. I guess I’m just scared. But what do I have to be scared of now. She seems to like Scott just the way he is. Why wouldn’t she be okay with Nick looking this way? Would she have more expectations of me, if I came back as Nick though? I should tell her, just so I can hold her again. I know as Scott it’s going to take me months to get that far. Drew’s getting farther with her than I am right now. I’d get lucky if I get to touch her hand even.

Then he started thinking about right before the shower, when they were in the hall. I did it, I held her face like I used to. I got to touch her smooth soft skin again. But God what it took for me to keep myself from pulling her into me and just kissing her on the mouth hard. Then feeling the robe rubbing up against his other head he thought, Oh God not again. Just thinking about the woman gets me hard. Good grief.

Then there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” he said sitting up on the bed.

“Hi,” Jenn said opening the door. “I just came to drop off your clothes.”

“That was fast.”

“Well I put them in the dryer first after they were washed with my stuff.”

“Well that was nice of you, thanks.”

“Well I figured you needed it more than I did,” she said handing him his clothes.

“I hope it wasn’t too much of a problem.”

[StargateGirl]

tell her! tell her! He needs to stop thinking about it and just do it.

[Baby_Girl89]

“No, no, it was no problem at all. So what have you been doing since your shower? Just sitting here? I see the computer and the TV aren’t on.”

“Oh I was on the phone with Sam. Just continuing our conversation from earlier.”

“Oh, sounds like fun. I guess I’ll go back to Anthony now, let you get dressed. And I’m still really sorry about earlier.”

“Jenn stop apologizing. It was an accident, and accidents happen. It was like when I walked in on you breast feeding Anthony.”

“Yeah but you didn’t see me completely naked.” God how I’d like to see that again.

“True, but it’s just the human body. It’s not as if you’ve never seen a naked man before. Anthony is proof of that.”

“I know, but I’ve never seen your naked body before. I mean I prefer that if I’m gonna see a man naked that I’m about to make love to him or I was supposed to see it like in a movie or something, I dunno.”

“Should I hold the same standard when it comes to your breast feeding then?” Nick asked, pushing her buttons. He liked watching her think on her feet.

“If you want. You shouldn’t though because breast feeding is much more natural, and I’m still mostly clothed and like you said my son was covering me anyway.”

She’s still as good as she always was. “I see. Does this bother you?” he asked referring to the fact that he was only in his robe.

“No, should it?”

“I was just wondering. Would it bother you if I did this?” he asked untying the robe.

“What, what are you doing?” she asked, sounding a little uncomfortable.

He tied it back up and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna untie it. So I see the thought of the possibility of seeing me naked makes you feel uncomfortable.”

“Well Scott, I hardly know you. It wouldn’t be right. I didn’t even see a naked Nick until I was twenty.”

“Twenty? And you guys started dating when?”

“When I was sixteen, well fifteen a few months before my birthday. It was kind of cool. It was like fate brought us together when we were put in that musical. He finally realized the spark. He finally noticed me. We were friends for a while first though, but I think I told you that.”

“I don’t recall. Wanna tell me more about it?”

“Scott, you’re finding out more about me than most guys around here and they’ve known me for years. What is it about you?” she shook her head. “Anyway, I’ll let you get dressed, maybe we’ll continue this later. I can’t leave Anthony alone for too long. Of course he is in his crib, he’s got lots of toys in there. But I’m gonna go uh see him.” She started to walk out but turned around before she was out of the room. “Oh and if you need me Anthony’s room is the one on the right at the end of the hall across from my room.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

She flashed him a smile and then walked out closing the door behind her. Oh so beautiful. He continued standing there staring at the wall for a while. Then he got dressed after he started to feel the clothes in his hands. Once he was dressed he thought about calling his brother. Then he remembered he forgot to get his number from him. “I guess I’ll have to find out how his search is going when he comes over, whenever that is.” Then he looked up to the ceiling and said, “God give me the strength to make everything right.” Then he set out to find Jenn to ask her about Sam before he became too selfish to want Jenn and Anthony all to himself.

[StargateGirl]

me likes. :D

[Stacey]

DAMNIT NICK! *lol* :hehe: Just tell her....geez he's been stubborn :P

Get's better each time I read this story! :P Keep it up mate :D

[Kristen07]

Nick needs to quit over analyzing and just tell her!!!

But please post more soon, Jenn :)

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 13~

“Um, well I’d have to meet her first before I can say for sure, but I’ve got room. If I get a good vibe from her I won’t have a problem with it.”

“Really? Is that why you let me stay? You got a good vibe from me?”

Jenn started to blush. She tried to hide her face but it was difficult to do sitting in the corner of her son’s room on her rocker with him in her arms. “Well yeah sort of. That and the fact that Drew seemed to put a lot of trust in you. And my son actually let you be with him. Children are very perceptive about people and how they are you know. They can sense what’s going on.”

“I see, I believe I heard that somewhere myself.”

“Anyway when is she getting here? I’d love to meet her, you talk about her so much.”

“I’ve mentioned her like three times,” Scott said with a smirk.

“Really? I could’ve sworn it was a few more times than that. But in any case I still want to meet her. She sounds really nice. And you two seemed to be enjoying yourselves at the wedding.”

“You noticed us?”

“Hard to miss a handsome man.”

“How can I be handsome, look at me.”

“I have. Are you telling me I don’t know how to judge what a man looks like anymore?” Jenn gave a smile and said, “I may not have been with a man for a year but I still know what’s good.”

Jenn saw that Scott was actually blushing at her comment, “Thank you for saying that, but with these scars on my face, I doubt that I look any good at all.”

“Oh please, I think it gives you a sort of rugged look.” Then Jenn looked down at Anthony before saying, “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“You can ask but there’s no guarantee you’ll get an answer.”

Jenn looked up at him and smiled at him, “You sound like Nick,” she said with a bit of a laugh. Then she said, “All right so I was wondering, um…” she looked down at her son again, “how did you get those scars?”

“I uh, well that’s kind of hard for me to talk about.”

“Oh I see. Well you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I understand how it could be difficult for someone to talk about things like that. So I won’t pry anymore.” Then she looked up at him and said, “But if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here for you.” She gave him a smile.

“Thanks, that’s always good to know. So were you able to call Drew?”

“No, he called me. Looking for you actually.”

“Oh was he?” Scott asked.

“Yeah he said it was important, but that it could wait when I told him you were in the shower. Do you know what he wanted?”

“I’m not sure. It’s Drew he could’ve wanted anything.”

“Yeah that’s true. I hope it wasn’t too important. But he said that he could just talk to you when he comes over tomorrow to bring your clothes. He says that tonight he’s gonna try and romance his wife again. I suggested using fake candles this time,” she said with a little giggle.

“Yeah that’s probably a good idea,” Scott said with a hint of laughter in his eyes. Then silence filled the room for a bit. And then Anthony started crying.

“Oh he’s hungry again,” she said looking up at him.

“Oh, well then I’ll just get out of your way. If you wanna talk I’ll be in the guest room. Actually could you give me Drew’s number when you get the chance?”

“Oh he’s in the rolodex that’s on the table next to the phone in the living room.”

[StargateGirl]

:)

[Raevengeance]

Love it sisser - now I needs MORE :D

[Baby_Girl89]

“Oh all right thanks.”

“No problem.”

“And Jenn, thanks for letting me stay here.”

“Hey you pull your weight around here and I’ll be thanking you. But really I gotta, ya know,” she said motioning toward Anthony.

“Oh right, yeah, thanks,” Scott said. He was about to leave the nursery when he asked, “Do you want me to move his crib into your room for you first?”

“No it’s all right I’m just gonna keep the baby monitor in my room. I need to learn how to stop being so paranoid. But thanks.”

“All right,” Scott said. Then he left the nursery closing the door behind him.

Then Jenn opened up her shirt and fed her hungry baby. “I know Baby I know. Man I should’ve pumped some more for you earlier. I’ll just have to remember that for after this won’t I Baby?” She sat in the rocker feeding her baby and rocking back and forth quietly humming to herself. She started thinking about how she had walked in on Scott in all his naked glory earlier.

God he looked so good. I can’t believe how much he turned me on when I saw him. God I haven’t made love to a man in so long. I haven’t wanted to either, not until recently. Is this wrong? He was just so chiseled, so fit. I loved how his hair was all spiked up like that. His arms, oh they looked so good. I bet they would feel good around me. Then Jenn shook her head and said out loud, “God, what is wrong with me? I can’t get Scott out of my mind. I still don’t know why I let him stay with me. Why didn’t I just leave him behind? God everyone already thinks I’m a nut for thinking that Nick is alive, I can’t wait to hear what they have to say about this.”

She then started to feel a little sore and turned Anthony around to switch sides. In the middle of her talking she had stopped rocking and started up again once she had turned Anthony over. When it seemed as if Anthony had had enough she put him up on her shoulder and started to burp him. She carefully rubbed his back and gave him a few pats and continued alternating between the two until he gave up a burp. Then she brought him back down and looked at him, wiping away the little bit of milk that had spilled out around his mouth from the burping. “I love you so much little one. And one day, I’ll find out what happened to your daddy. I owe you if not myself to find out what happened. I want you to know that your father was the best man I ever knew. He would have loved to be here with us. He wanted you just as much as I did, if not more. Yes he did,” she said tickling him in the stomach.

Anthony giggled and said, “Da.”

“Maybe one day instead of da, I’ll find someone you can call dad.” Jenn sighed and started to drift, but caught herself before she went too far. She looked back at her son and said, “Can you say mama? Can you say mama?” Is it a little too early to ask him to say anything? He can’t even crawl yet. Of course I haven’t been working with him on it either. I’m beginning to think he’s a little slow. Oh Lord what am I gonna do if that’s the case? Jenn looked at him and thought, But he looks like a normal baby. I think I just need to start encouraging him a little bit more. I bet he’ll be crawling in no time. I didn’t learn how to walk until I was a year old, I can handle this.

Then Jenn got off the rocker and walked over to the crib. She gently laid her son down and placed his plush dolls next to him. She then walked over to his baby bag and took out a diaper and wipes. She placed them on the changing table in the room and then walked back over the crib and lifted her son out of his crib. “Hey Baby are you ready to get changed? You need it don’t you?” she said walking him to the changing table. She gently laid him down and proceeded to change him. In the middle of changing him a knock sounded on the door. “Come in,” she called out.

Scott walked in and stood beside her watching her change Anthony. “Well he looks like a happy camper,” Scott said as Jenn picked him up after she changed him.

[Kristen07]

Excellent, as always :D

[StargateGirl]

:)

[Raevengeance]

Great - as usual ~ and again, as usual - I needs MORE

[Baby_Girl89]

“Yes he’s very happy now,” she said. Then she saw the open diaper still sitting on the changing table and said, “Oops, can you hold him for a few seconds?”

“Sure,” Scott said, reaching out for him.

Jenn quickly wrapped the diaper up and threw it in the trash can beside the table. She then started to reach out for Anthony, but then thought better of it. “On second thought I’ll go wash my hands first. I’ll be right back.” Then she left the room to go to the bathroom. After she washed her hands she returned to find Scott sitting in her rocker singing to her son. He sounds so much like Nick when he sang. This is getting ridiculous. I have got to get over this stupid idea. It’s not true, it couldn’t be. He would’ve told me by now wouldn’t he? Jenn you have to stop driving yourself crazy like this. It’s been over a year you need to let it go. He’s not back and he won’t be coming back, even if he is still alive. Maybe he just doesn’t love you anymore. Or maybe he doesn’t love you like he used to. He’s probably moved on already. And if he’s not alive then you can’t spend forever waiting for a dead person to come back. Jenn shook her head, hoping it would remove all the voices from her mind so that they wouldn’t completely drive her nuts.

Then she decided to concentrate on the picture before her. He looks really good with my son like that. He could be a really good influence in his life. Maybe I could convince him to stick around. Jenn smiled at the thought of Scott being around more often. Jenn wait, don’t get ahead of yourself, she thought. Even if he stuck around what are you going to do? Are you actually thinking of being with him or are you just going to lead him on? Remember you have been thinking of giving Byron a chance lately.

“Ugh I can’t take it anymore,” she said under her breath.

Scott looked up, “Oh Jenn I didn’t know you were back. Do you want Anthony back?”

“No it’s okay. You two look good together,” she said as she walked back into the room. “You wanna have kids one day? I think I asked once, but we never really got to talk about it.”

“Oh yeah, I wanna have lots of kids one day. My wife and I used to talk about it all the time.”

“Oh I see,” she said. Then as if she just had a great memory spurt she said, “But I also seem to remember you saying that you thought that you’d never have any.”

“Right I mean look at me. What woman would want to have a child with me?”

“Any woman in her right mind, I’d say. I think you’d make a great father. You’re really good with him,” she said giving him a smile.

“Well he makes it easy. He’s such a good baby.”

“That he is. I can’t wait until Drew and Lea have their baby. Then Anthony will have someone to play with.” Then Jenn said out of the blue, “I think I’m gonna start calling him Will, or maybe Billy, Anthony’s beginning to sound like a mouthful.”

“Why Will or Billy?” Scott asked.

“Well his middle name is William and I dunno calling him Tony just doesn’t sound right.”

“So Anthony William Lachey huh. Sounds good.”

“Thanks. I debated between William and Brandon and decided to go with William for some reason.”

“It works,” Scott said. Then he looked down to see a sleeping baby in his arms. “He’s out like a light again.”

“Well that’s all they do, eat and sleep. They play every once in a while, but for the most part it’s still eat and sleep.”

“Can he crawl yet?” Scott asked as he put Anthony in the crib.

[Raevengeance]

:) Loves it sisser

and take a wild guess what else












I need More :tongue:

[StargateGirl]

:) me likes

[Kristen07]

more soon please, Jenn :D

[Baby_Girl89]

Jenn turned on the baby monitor and then grabbed her end before the two left the room. “No he can’t crawl yet. But he can turn over really well. I’m really just more worried about his weight right now. I don’t think it’s normal for a child to only have gained a pound a month like this. And he was only five pounds to begin with. He looks healthy and normal and all that, but I don’t think he’s growing at the right rate. Then again maybe he’ll just end up being a shrimp like his uncle,” Jenn said with a laugh. When they got to the living room they sat down on the couch on sort of opposite ends.

“He’ll reach a growth spurt soon.”

“Well he’s grown a couple of inches since birth too, so that’s good. But if he doesn’t start growing more soon then I’m gonna have him checked out for it specifically. But the last time I had him checked out they said he was growing normally and that I have nothing to worry about.”

“I’m sure you don’t. Babies do all grow at different rates.”

“I know. I know, I just need to really keep that in mind.” Jenn then decided she was done discussing her son’s growing rate. It was nothing more than idle chit chat anyway. She wanted to find out more about Scott. “Anyway enough about Anthony and me, tell me about yourself.”

“I seem to remember the last time we did this, we didn’t get very far.”

“Well there will be no interruptions this time, well unless my son wakes up of course.”

“But you went to take a nap last time.”

“Right, well I’m not tired either. Although dinner time is sneaking up on us. I’ll worry about that later. I need to get to know the man that’s going to be staying here. Now I just have to tell you, I’m not normally like this. I don’t usually invite strange men to come and live with me, but for some reason I have a good feeling about you, and I’m usually right about those so I trusted my instincts. I also have to tell you that I sort of had an ulterior motive for you to move in.”

“Oh?” Scott asked raising his eyebrows, “What’s that?”

“One, it really will be nice having a guy around the house, or just someone else in general. Lord knows I talk to myself all too much living on my own. But I do remember telling you that if you don’t want to have contact with me you don’t have to, then I guess I’ll just go back to being a kook.”

Before Scott would let her continue he said, “Don’t worry, you can come talk to me any time you want.”

“Thanks. Anyway um my other motive was for some help watching my son. I would’ve had Drew and Lea do it, but now that they have a baby on the way I don’t want anything to spoil it for them. And well Anthony doesn’t take to many people very well. And I also have one more reason why you’re here.”

“What’s that?”

“I need you to help keep Byron away from me.”

“Oh why do you want me to keep him away from you? I thought you were thinking about getting together with him.”

“I had thought about it, but right now, I think I just need some more time to think about it on my own. I don’t want him hanging around hounding me about it. And I don’t know sometimes he really gets to me. And then there are other times when he’s so endearing, that I don’t mind. Does that sound odd to you? I mean there are times when I’m drawn to him and his charm and there are other times when his attitude just, it’s like he’s two different people.”

“Interesting. So does he have like a split personality?”

“No, not like that. It’s hard to explain I guess. It’s like one moment when I’m around him I feel completely comfortable like things would be okay with him. Then there are other times when I’m around him, and he’s still the same person as far as his behaviors are, but I feel like I can’t trust him, like there’s something wrong. And the weird part is it’s like that every time Drew shows up.”

“Maybe Drew’s the one that’s making you feel that way.”

“I never thought of it like that,” Jenn said. She gave a sigh, “I just don’t know. I think I just need a bit of time to weigh my options and such.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Scott said.

“Thanks for listening to my psychobabble,” Jenn said giving Scott a smile.

“It’s not psychobabble,” Scott said smiling back.

[Raevengeance]

More greatness there, Sisser :)


and Jenners ~ I NEEDS MORE :tongue:

[StargateGirl]

:)

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well thanks for listening anyway. So now instead of me just telling you things is there anything you’d like to know about your hostess?”

“Can I ask you something about Nick?”

“Oh um, I suppose you could ask but I can’t guarantee an answer,” Jenn said using his line against him.

Scott gave a chuckle and said, “Using my own line against me huh.”

“Well I’m allowed aren’t I?” Jenn asked with a hint of amusement.


©~©~©


“Yes I suppose you are,” Nick said looking into her enchanting eyes.

“So ask away,” Jenn said. “If I find it worthy of an answer I will give one,” she said.

“Fair enough,” Nick said scooting closer to her. She didn’t seem to notice though because she just sat there. “So tell me, your husband, he was a writer right?”

“Yes he was. Was that all you wanted to know?” Jenn asked with a smirk.

“No that was just my opening question.”

“Oh I see, well then continue.”

“Okay well I was wondering if you happened to have his past articles that I could look at.”

“Can I ask why?” Jenn asked with a curious expression.

“Oh well I was thinking about trying to find a job as a writer, and I was hoping that I could get some inspiration from your husband’s writings.”

“Oh really? You write? That’s awesome. Yeah sure I’ll be right back, I have them in a scrapbook in my room.” She was about to leave, but first said, “Before I go can you monitor the baby monitor. Just in case he starts crying before I get anywhere near enough to hear him.”

“Oh yeah, no problem,” Nick said. Then he watched her walk away yet again, swinging her hips subconsciously from side to side. Nick started to feel a little uncomfortable in his pants and decided he needed to readjust himself. “I can’t even watch her walk away without getting a hard on, I need to make sure I get this under control. I can’t have her catching me with one of these. She’ll kick me out in a heartbeat. Of course that might be a good thing. If I stay here any longer I’m gonna throw her on a bed and take her.” Calm down. Then Nick decided to go check up on his son, even though he hadn’t heard anything going on in the room. He grabbed the baby monitor and walked to the nursery. He walked in and peered at his son. He looks so peaceful in there.

“What are you doing in here?” Jenn whispered.

Nick turned around and saw her standing in the doorway dressed in sweats. Oh my God how I missed her in those sweats. Nick mentally bit his hand at the sight. “I just wanted to make sure he was okay,” Nick whispered back.

“Was he crying?” she asked as she walked into the room and stood beside him.

“No, but I just wanted to make sure everything was okay for you.”

“Well thanks, so everything’s good right?”

“Yeah, it’s all good.”

“Okay let’s go before we wake him up,” Jenn said, tugging on his arm. Nick felt a spark from their connection running up his arm.

When they walked out and closed the door behind them, Jenn presented the scrapbook to Nick. He looked at it and noticed it was different from the one she had kept when he was in her life. That’s odd. “Is that the scrapbook?” Nick asked motioning toward the scrapbook.

“Uh huh,” Jenn said nodding her head.

“I noticed you uh, changed your clothes.”

“Yeah, I missed my sweats what can I say,” she said. Then they made it back to the couch. They sat closer this time than they had when Nick had scooted closer to her before she had gone to get the scrapbook. “Here you go,” she said placing the book on his lap.

[Baby_Girl89]

For my readers who have not yet posted any comments, if you get a chance to, i would really appreciate anything you can contribute to my inspiration. i run and write on the encouragement that you guys give me.

[britt]

i love this i cant wait to find out what happens at the end .... i am soooo excited :)

[Kristen07]

Oooo... this ought to be interesting :D

[Baby_Girl89]

thanks guys. and i promise the ending will not disappoint to surprise you :D.

[jnd98forever]

cmon Nick don't be a wimp and tell! tell! tell! tell!
maybe i should boycott this story if he doesnt tell soon! now where is my dang sign lol :)
naw you know i would never do that :Angel: i'm hooked to this story. Add soon!!!!! :)

[Baby_Girl89]

He opened it up and looked through, “These look fairly new and in really good condition. You did a really good job of preserving these.”

“Well actually they are sort of new. I got them about a month after Nick supposedly died. See when the fire happened this wasn’t in the fire safe like the important documents, although I wish it had been. I just never expected that I would have to worry about it. But sure enough, the blaze took just about everything from me. The one thing I did right was keeping my wedding album in the fire safe. It’s just about the only memory I really have of Nick and me together.”

“What about all these pictures you have up around the house of the two of you?”

“Oh those were sent to me by friends and family with their condolences.”

“I see.” The fire, oh God, Drew and I are idiots, that’s all I can say. How could we think that Jenn would even have time to search for my killer. Thank God she didn’t put herself in danger. “This is really awesome Jenn.”

“It’s just a bunch of articles put in chronological order Scott.”

“But I like how you added the borders and stuff. I also like how you put them in different angles instead of just the same vertical position.”

“Riiiiight,” Jenn said looking at him like he was a nut. “Anyway, I’m gonna go pump some more milk for Anthony so that no more accidents happen. I’ll be back later.” Jenn walked away toward the kitchen. A few moments later she came back through the living room carrying some bottles. “Well I’ll be back later. I just had to get the bottles. I’ll be in my room if you need me. And while you’re out here think about what you might want for dinner. ‘Cause I’ll start that as soon as I’m done.”

“All right,” Nick said. Once again he watched her walk away. And I torture myself like this because…? Damn that butt in those sweats, it’s like the perfect combination. Nick bit his lip unable to control the quiver. Okay concentrate man you asked for this thing for a reason. Nick started flipping through it from the beginning reading each one carefully. The beginning articles were only short little stints, nothing too big. He couldn’t believe she had gotten those as well. “God she’s incredible. She has everything in here.” Then after the first year’s worth of articles he found those that finally started revealing information about people. He remembered having done so much research. He collaborated with Jeff and Justin on the information.

The best part about his job he always thought, was that in the end it served some sort of justice. His articles always seemed to help bring down the criminals that he wrote about. But then it turned out to be his own downfall. “I should’ve been more careful.” He started taking down names mentally and reminded himself that he was going to have to ask for Justin’s help while Jeff was away, which was for at least another week. He also mentally noted to keep these in mind when looking through them from the printed ones that Drew made for him.

Page after page of articles, he started coming up with more names than he could seem to keep track of. Who here would be so cruel as to want to kill me? Who would be so heartless? He couldn’t seem to think straight. None of it made sense to him. It was the only medium he could think of that would cause such a problem, but he didn’t think that any of these people would actually want to kill him.

Before he could contemplate anything else there was a knock on the door. Nick debated on whether or not to answer the door since it wasn’t his home. He decided it would be all right to check who was at the door in case it was Drew. Nick looked through the peep hole and found a guy standing there that looked sort of familiar. He was tall, tanned, handsome, wearing glasses, and some very chic clothes. Is this Byron? Oh Lord and Scott is supposed to compete with this how? What should I do? I could answer it for her and maybe scare him off, or piss him off. Or I could interrupt Jenn in the middle of her milk pumping. Or I could just ignore it and pretend I didn’t hear anything, he might go away.

[StargateGirl]

oh goodness

[Raevengeance]

Stop torturing us Jenn - we need more :)

[Kristen07]

Ooooo vey interesting! More soon please :)

[jnd98forever]

More!!1More!!!More!!! i hope Nick pummels Byron yeah thats what he needs to do to the guy that set the fire lol i am agreeing with short stack on this one now :D

[Luv_98_Degrees]

Hey...brillant story Jenn!! Why Anthony William Lachey and not Anthony Brandon Lachey?! That boy would be soo lucky to share the same middle name as Jeff!!

[Baby_Girl89]

Then the knocking persisted. No wonder Jenn gets annoyed by this guy. He won’t stop. Well I better be nice and hmmm… I still have no idea what to do. Nick decided to sit down on the couch and pretend not to hear the knocking.

“Jenn, I know you’re in there, I see your car,” the guy shouted. “Please open the door.”

Why doesn’t the idiot just ring the door bell instead of knocking on the door? Nick wondered. And again the knocking just continued. “All right that’s it, I’m fed up with this guy,” Nick said to himself. So then he went to the door and answered it, “Hello, can I help you?”

“Uh, who are you?” the guy asked.

“I’m staying here. Who are you?” Nick asked, knowing full well who it probably was.

“I’m Byron, I’m seeing Jenn.”

“Oh you two are dating? She didn’t tell me anything about that.”

“Well we’re not dating exactly, what’s it to you?”

“Oh nothing really, it’s just that I’m sort of living here and well she didn’t really tell me that I should expect you to come around that’s all. That’s why it took me so long to answer the door you see, I didn’t know you and I wasn’t expecting you.”

“What are you her body guard?”

“I guess you could kind of say that,” Nick said.

“Look man if she needs a body guard she just has to ask me. I have the best men to take care of the job. So I guess that means you can leave now.”

“No it doesn’t, you can’t tell me what to do. You’re not her husband.”

“No, I’m not, he’s dead.” Then he mumbled something under his breath.

“What was that?” Nick asked a little curious.

“Nothing. So tell me where’s Jenn?”

“I’m not sure she wants you to know that. She told me to tell you that she wants a little space from you. So that’s what I’m here for. To give it to her.”

“Wait what are you talking about?”

“I’m here to keep you away from her. She wants her space from you man. Don’t you get it she doesn’t like you.”

“Did she tell you that?”

“Not in so many words no, but she really doesn’t talk about you much, if at all and here you are not knowing what’s going on. How can you possibly mean anything to her?”

“Scott?” Nick heard her say from behind. “What’s going on…here? Well hello Byron, what a surprise,” she said putting on a smile.

As pretty as it was, Nick knew it was as fake as the silicon valleys on a woman changing from a size A cup to a D cup over night. “Hi Jenn. This brute here is trying to tell me that you don’t want to see me any more.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Byron he must’ve worded it wrong,” she said standing in front of Nick. “What he meant to say was that I needed a break from you.”

“A break from me, but you haven’t seen me since Saturday.”

“I know that Byron, but before Saturday I saw you at least every other day. I’m just not ready for that kind of relationship yet.”

“But Jenn your husband has been dead for a year.” Nick cringed at hearing Byron declare something so wrong, since he was standing right behind Jenn.

“Well I know, but I’m still not ready. You have to understand that the kind of love I had with Nick is something that takes a long time to heal from.”

“But Jenn a year.”

“I know, but maybe I’ll need another year. I promise you’ll be the first to know when it happens.”

“But what about this guy? He says he’s living with you.”

[StargateGirl]

hm...I wonder what he mumbled.

[Raevengeance]

JENN!!!!!! I NEED MORE!!!!!!!!!

Excellent as always of course :D

[Kristen07]

Oh the drama!!!

[Stacey]

:D :popcorn: groovylicious there Jenn! I'm lovin' it!

[Raevengeance]

JENNERS!

I NEED MORE! ASAP-Please! :)

[jnd98forever]

*stands up from chair and applauds* BRAVO!!!! BRAVO!!!! :)
now add more

[Baby_Girl89]

“No, no, you misconstrued it. He’s just a guest in my house,” Jenn said as sweetly as ever.

“How do you even know him?” Byron asked, obviously trying to hold back his anger.

“That is of no concern to you Byron. He’s just here to help me around the house and to help me watch Anthony while I go look for a job.”

“Look for a job, you don’t need to do that, that’s what you have me for.”

“Byron, you know that I would never want to depend on you. So now if you don’t mind I think I hear my son crying.”

“Oh let me go in and see him with you,” Byron pleaded.

“No I’m sorry, it’s getting late and I just can’t let you come in, I’m sorry. I’ll have to talk to you some other time. Good bye now Byron,” Jenn said. She waved her fingers at him and shut the door. She put her back to the door and whispered, “Oh dear God, he’s the hardest guy to get rid of. I really wish Nick were here.”

“Well I’m here,” Nick whispered.

“Can you look outside and see if he’s gone?” she asked.

Nick peered out the window and saw an angry Byron still standing on the door step staring out with an immense look of anger on his face. He looked like he was ready to smash something. “He’s still standing there.”

Jenn turned around and locked the door. “Come on Scott,” Jenn said grabbing his hand, “let’s go check up on my son.”

Oh that touch. If only it could be more than just a gentle touch of kindness. I wish it could be the feel of those hands up and down my body again. When they got to the nursery they found Anthony quietly playing with his plush toys and staring up at his mobile. “Hey little man,” Nick said picking up his son.

“You’re really comfortable with him aren’t you?” Jenn asked.

“Oh my gosh Jenn I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to just pick him up like that,” Nick said.

“No it’s okay. If you’re gonna be around helping me take care of him, I need to get used to the fact that you’ll be carrying him around and picking him up when I’m not around. Would you like to feed him?”

“Can I?” Nick asked excitedly.

“Sure come on,” Jenn said leading them out into the living room. Nick sat down on the couch with Anthony. Jenn walked over to the door and peeked out of the peep hole. “Oh good he’s gone,” she said. “That was what I call the bad Byron.” Then she walked into the kitchen.

“Don’t worry little man, Daddy will keep the scary guy away.” Outwardly he doesn’t look half as scary as I do, but the insides of that guy must be a black hole.

Then Jenn returned and handed him a bottle. Nick looked at it and saw that it was one of those bottomless bottles that used bags. “These are the best kinds, he’ll have less gas, but just as a precaution try to burp him about halfway through or so. Oh I forgot the burping blanket. I’ll be right back,” Jenn said going to get the burping blanket. When she got back she handed it to him. “So have you decided what you might want for dinner?”

“Anything you make will be great I’m sure.”

“Lasagna it is,” Jenn said with a laugh. “I’ll go preheat the oven and get the garlic toast ready.” Jenn left to go to the kitchen. After she was finished in the kitchen she came back and sat next to him. She smelled so good. “I know I said it before, but I really think you’d make a good father.”

“Thanks.”

After an hour of cooking the lasagna and talking about nothing it was time for the two of them to eat. They put Anthony in his crib, since he'd fallen asleep after he ate, and then went into the kitchen to eat. Nick watched her every move. It was so graceful, even when she was eating. “Scott, why are you always staring at me?” she asked him.

“I don’t do that, do I?”

“Well it seems like you do. Is there something wrong with my face?”

[Baby_Girl89]

“No, if anything it’s perfect.”

Jenn blushed, and it was just so natural and so beautiful he couldn’t help but give her a smile. “I know you say that you don’t look very good, but I think you’re handsome. And I love the way you smile,” she said.

“My smile?”

“Yes your smile. I find it endearing.” Then Jenn got thirsty and got up to pour herself a cup of water. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked him as she poured her water.

“Water would be fine, thank you.”

“No problem,” she said placing a glass by his side.

They finished up their dinner about twenty minutes later, with idle chit chat in between. Neither of them really paid attention to what was being said. All that either of them could feel was the sexual tension in the air. After they ate they washed the dishes together and talked some more in the living room. Then they quietly watched TV together for the next couple of hours. Then they both went to sleep. Nick laid in bed trying to figure out how he was going to survive living with his wife, but sleeping in a different room.

[Raevengeance]

Tell her nimrod - and she wouldn't make you sleep in a seperate bed!

Love it, Sisser :)

I needs more (what's new with that? :tongue:)

[StargateGirl]

:)
that Byron guy seems creepy.

[Kristen07]

There is something shady about that Byron. Please post more soon, Jenn :D

[StargateGirl]

more?

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 14~

A week after Nick essentially moved in, he had learned how to control himself a little better around Jenn, mainly keeping away from her whenever possible, without making it seem like he was avoiding her. He spent much of the time in the guest room looking over the articles that Drew had printed out for him. He talked to Sam every once in a while. She told him that she would be coming within the week. Byron couldn’t get the hint and still came around a few times. Only his demeanor sometimes would be like he was in high school, meek and willing to accept things as they were. Jenn was right, it was as if he was two different people.

Nick and Jenn got into a simple routine that kept them talking mostly about her past and Nick coming up with lies about his own. He tried to keep it as close to the truth as possible, but he had to make sure that it was fudged enough just so she wouldn’t know it was him. Nick had contemplated calling Justin a few times, but never got around to it. He didn’t know what the explosion would be like. So far he hadn’t had much luck with telling people his true identity.

Nick woke up that morning trying to figure out what he was going to do. He tried to figure out how much longer he would even be allowed to stay with Jenn. It’s only been a week Nick, you probably have at least another month here before she gets sick of you. By then you could always see if Jeff or Justin will take you and if not, you can see if you can get your apartment back. Then he got a call. “Hello?” he answered.

“Hi Scott, it’s me, Sam,”

“Well who else would it be? You’re the only one with my cell number.”

“Oh right, well anyway I just called to ask you if it would be okay if came today?”

“Well I’ll have to ask Jenn first,” he said.

Then there was a quiet knock on his door. “Come in,” he let out.

“Hey, I just wanted to tell you that breakfast was ready,” she said at the door holding Anthony in one arm.

“Thanks, I’ll be right out.”

“All right, I’ll see you then,” she said closing the door.

She’s distancing herself from me again. Then Nick finished his conversation with Sam. Then after washing his face in the bathroom Nick headed out to the kitchen. He found Jenn sitting at the table with a plate of food in front of her, but instead of eating it she was feeding her son some baby food. “Hey,” he said sitting down in the chair opposite of her. “Is this what you do every day?” he asked after watching her do the same thing for the week. “Don’t you ever get tired of your food getting cold?”

“Oh well see before you came along I didn’t do it this way. I fed him first, then put him in his high chair and gave him his plastic keys. And then I made my food and ate. With you here I felt I should cook for you first. I don’t mind having cold food,” she said with a smile. “You’re my guest, I want you to feel comfortable here.”

“Jenn, you don’t have to do that for me. I’d be fine to wait for the food, or I can even make it.”

“But you’re my guest you shouldn’t be cooking. Besides you’ve done a wonderful job with my lawn. I really appreciate that. I never really had a chance to get it done with Anthony around, and I couldn’t afford to hire anyone.”

“Where did you get the mower?”

“It was sent to me by the local Home Depot. Nearly everything in this house was donated to me after Nick’s death. The only things I have to currently pay for are my utilities and my food. I hope that doesn’t make me sound like a horrible person.”

“No why would that make you a horrible person?”

“For taking advantage of my husband’s death.”

[Raevengeance]

Love it sisser - and guess what







I




WANT




MORE!

[Baby_Girl89]

you are so demanding :P.

[StargateGirl]

:)

[Raevengeance]

Originally posted by Asian_Sensation@4/27/05, 07:32pm
you are so demanding :P.
Me?? Demanding??

Just telling it like it is, sisser-dear :P

[Baby_Girl89]

whatever :P.

[Raevengeance]

You got a problem with that, Jenners?

[Baby_Girl89]

yes :P

[allie]

<span style="color:red">Hey I love this story. I've also been reading it on 98degrees.com. I can't sign up to it so I just want to tell you that you are doing such a great job. I have a question. How come you never finished "Nick to the rescue"? Cuz that story was soooo good.

Love your story and keep going. :jackson:</span>

[Raevengeance]

Hey Sisser! Someone else wants more of this and NR - you needs to post more for us now! :tongue: wubs ya :)

[Baby_Girl89]

jenn's in a good mood so she's gonna add for you :P.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Jenn, you were left stranded with no way to make money, and you lost your husband, your house, and everything you had. You had to take the help.”

“I guess, Nick was just such a beloved member of this community that everyone just wanted to help out his family,” Jenn said looking at her son.

You’re the one that was the beloved member of the community. “I’m sure everyone felt like giving you a helping hand too Jenn. It probably had little to do with helping Nick’s family.”

“Maybe it was half and half. We were probably the most well known couple here. We knew just about everyone and I guess people just wanted to help us. And so I think I owe it to them to help find out who killed my husband.”

“What did you say?”


©~©~©


Oh crap, Jenn no one is supposed to know about that. “I said that I think the people should know who killed my husband as much as I do.”

“Well that doesn’t sound right,” Scott said suspiciously.

“Well then what do you think I said?” Jenn asked.

“I thought you said that you owe it to the people to find out who killed your husband.”

“Did I say me? No, I just meant that someone find out who killed him. I mean I would really like to know, but I can’t find the killer, I don’t have time. The only thing I can do is badger Jeff about finding the killer and I can’t even do that until he gets back four days from now. I’ve talked to Justin about it, he says he wants to look into Byron again.”

“He does?”

“Yeah, but I don’t know when he looked into Byron the first time to make this situation an ‘again’,” she said. Then she looked over at Scott and realized he hadn’t gotten any food. “Oh my Scott you better get your food together or yours is going to be as cold as mine, when I finally get to it.”

“I feel kind of bad about that. I mean all week I’ve had a nice warm meal and I hadn’t thought about how cold yours must get after you finish feeding Anthony. I’m sorry I’ve been so selfish this past week.”

“Scott I told you that if you were going to stay here I wasn’t going to require that you talk to me. All I wanted in return was some help around the house and you’ve done that. You don’t have to worry about needing to talk to me. Heck you don’t even have to see me if you don’t want to. And once my bathroom is done you’ll have the bathroom to yourself and you’ll stop running into me coming out of the bathroom practically naked after the shower. Then you’ll have even less to worry about. I just want you comfortable here.”

“Jenn do you think I’ve been avoiding you this week?”

“No I just think you must have a lot on your mind,” she said returning to feeding her son. He blew a raspberry at her during the last bite. “What are you doing silly boy?” she asked in her sweet uplifted voice, with a smile. “Are you done? Are you done?” Anthony laughed at her and her heart glowed, seeing her son look so happy. Baby, Mommy would give anything for you to keep this sweet innocence forever. “Okay, maybe Mommy can eat now,” she said putting Anthony in his high chair. When she sat back down she looked over at Scott and said, “You can eat now can’t you?”

“Yeah, I suppose,” he said gathering some food on his plate.

Jenn took the food on her plate and stuck it in the microwave. As she waited for the food to warm up a little she got herself a glass of water. She also poured a glass for Scott. She placed the water beside him before she took her seat again. “I’ll warm yours up for you too if you’d like,” she said.

“Thanks for the water, and I’ll warm it up when yours is done. No need to do everything for me.”

“I just want to be a gracious host.”

“Oh you are, don’t worry about that. I’ve never been treated so well. Well except by my wife.”

“She must’ve been an amazing woman.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Oh she was. The most incredible woman to ever walk the earth, and she was all mine. I couldn’t believe that out of all the men she could’ve had she chose me.”

“I can believe it. Nick used to say that about me all the time. But I had no other options.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I was so in love with him that to be with any other man would have meant betraying myself,” Jenn said with a half-smile.

“Oh I see. I know what you mean, that’s how I felt about my wife. I would have given her my life if I had to.”

“And they say chivalry is dead.” See Jenn he’s still in love with his wife, just like you’re still in love with Nick. So get all notions about getting together with him out of your head.

They finished their breakfast a little thereafter. Jenn cleaned up and Scott took Anthony to the living room to play with him. He’s so good with my son. Byron’s good with him sometimes too. God I don’t know what to do. When Jenn finished up in the kitchen she went out into the living room and sat next to Scott on the floor as he played peek-a-boo with her son. “He really likes you,” she said.

“I’m glad, I really like him too.”

“That makes me feel good. But I had a feeling you did, otherwise I wouldn’t let you be alone with him. It’s so odd Scott, for some reason, if you were any other guy, you’d never have a minute alone with him. I mean I feel so comfortable with you being with him, it’s almost as if I’d trust you as much as I’d trust Nick with him.” Jenn gave a sigh, “Maybe I’m just stretching and kind of asking for too much, I don’t know.”

“Well don’t you let Drew around him this much?”

“Well he’s Drew, and Lea’s Lea. But I mean you’re still nearly a complete stranger to me. I’ve only known you for a little more than a week and yet I feel like I’ve known you for years.”

“That’s good isn’t it?”

“In a way, I guess.” Then Jenn said, “Do you have this affect on everyone you encounter?”

“I should be asking you the same question,” he said flashing her a smile.

His stare lingered and she finally had a really good chance to study his face. It was so inviting she was almost tempted to reach up and hold it. She studied his scars on his face, one ran from just half an inch below his left eye to about an inch away from the left side of his mouth. Another scar ran from the right side of his nose to about an inch and a half away from the right side of his mouth, in a sort of curved manner. And a third scar started on the left side of his forehead and ran in a sort of diagonal to about the middle of his right eyebrow. Yet even with all of his scars, he still looked so gentle and so endearing.


©~©~©


She’s staring at me, oh God, she’s gonna realize what a beast I am and tell me to go away. “Scott, can I ask you question?”

She’s gonna ask me if I can leave, I just know it. “Um sure, what do you want to know?”

“Why are you so down on yourself?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’re always demeaning yourself about your looks, claiming that no woman would ever love the face of man like yours. Why do you do that?”

“What do you mean why?” he asked with a little bit of a half grin.

“Well I mean, I just don’t understand why, that’s why I ask. I mean I don’t get it. I think you could attract any woman if you wanted to,” Jenn said.

“You really think so?” Nick asked.

“Yes I do,” she replied with yet another one of her patented room lighting smiles.

[StargateGirl]

:)

[Baby_Girl89]

He stared at her and started to re-memorize her features. She’s changed so much in a year, and yet not at all. It’s amazing how much more beautiful she is now. I never thought that I’d ever see the day that she’d be even more gorgeous than on our wedding day, but I was so wrong. She just got more and more beautiful with each passing day. Those eyes, almond shaped and tilted up at just the right angle. They’re so dark and full, I can practically see right through them to her soul. Her cute little nose, and those lips, medium in size but so kissable and so adorable when she pouts. And her cheeks are just the right size of chubby. And when she smiles it goes from her lips right into her eyes. And that hair, so glossy and smooth, what I wouldn’t give to run my hands through it right now. And those ears always adorned with a pair of hoop earrings. She’s still as perfect as she always has been.

“Scott, why do you keep staring at me? Is there something on my face? Seriously, if there is I want you to tell me, I won’t be embarrassed.”

“Your eyes.”

“My eyes? Do I have something in them? I don’t feel anything.”

“They’re just so beautiful. They’re so dark they make you look so mysterious.”

Jenn pinched her eyes together in curiosity, “Scott, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, why do you ask?” Nick asked, breaking out of his trance.

“Because you just keep staring at me, but you look so far away at the same time.”

“Oh I’m sorry, it’s just that you remind me so much of my wife,” Nick said.

“I do?” she asked puzzled.

Well you are my wife, but I can’t tell you that. “Yes you do.”

“Well aren’t we the pair,” she said. “I remind you of your wife, you remind me of my husband, maybe we should get together after all,” she said absentmindedly, with a little laugh. Then after about a three second delay she said, “Uh wait, what did I just say?”

Nick could see the blood rising to her cheeks, “It’s okay, I knew what you meant.”

“Okay I mean I hope you didn’t think that I was proposing that we date. I mean I’m still not really ready yet, and you don’t sound as if you’re ready yet either.”

Oh trust me Baby, you want me and you can have me. “Yeah uh, well I’m learning that I have to move on. But I do understand that we have only known each other for a little more than a week, so it’s understandable if you’re hesitant to want to start anything with me.”

“You think I want to start something with you?” she asked in shock.

“That didn’t come out the way I wanted it to. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that you wanted to start anything with me, not really. Just that maybe if something could happen between us, maybe it’d be too early for you. I’m not saying that you really want to be with me or anything.”

“Wow, you’re rambling as much as I do. I must’ve hit a nerve,” she said with a smirk.

“Hehe, well it’s just I didn’t want to give you the wrong impression,” he said with a nervous laugh.

“No it’s okay really it is.”

“Okay good,” he said. God she probably thinks I’m a flippin’ idiot.

“Well I think I’m gonna go shopping, do you think you’ll be okay here with just Anthony?”

“Oh yeah, he and I will have lots of fun. Won’t we sport?” Nick asked tickling Anthony.

“Okay Baby, Mommy’s going to be gone for just a little while, but I’ll be back before you know it. You stay here and play with Uncle Scott okay? I love you,” she said giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Uncle Scott, okay well I guess it’s the best I can do for now. “We’ll be fine Jenn.”

“I won’t be gone long either. I just have to pick up a few things.”

“That’s fine. He’s a good boy, there won’t be any problems.”

“I know. I’m really trusting you here Scott, please don’t make me regret it.”

“I know it must be hard for you to let go. But I promise that everything will be fine.”

[StargateGirl]

I kept thinking they were going to kiss.
really good adds.

[Baby_Girl89]

Jenn knew that she could trust him, but she felt she couldn’t just blindly trust him without saying a few things first. “Scott, I know I must seem like a nut for trusting you so much, but you’ve made me feel more comfortable than I have been lately with a guy. I trust you almost as much as I had trusted Nick. I don’t know why, it’s almost enough to scare me, but I do. And I’ve never left my son alone with a man I’d only known for a little more than a week before. This is totally out of character for me, and yet it feels right and okay. So please, please, please, let this be a good idea for me. I really need to learn how to trust again. Ever since Nick was taken away from me I built this wall that no one has been able to penetrate until now, at least no new people. I want so much to trust you, and I want you to trust me too.” I can trust him, I know I can. There’s just something in his eyes.

“I do trust you Jenn. And I want you to trust me too. I promise nothing will happen that will give you a reason not to trust me.”

“Thank you, that’s all I ask. Well then I guess I should get going. Is there anything that you need before I get going?” she asked him. She wanted to make sure that he had everything squared away before she left him alone with her son.

“No we’re fine. Is there anything I need to know about him before you leave?” Scott asked.

“Well everything you need for him is in his room. He won’t be ready for his milk for another couple of hours so if he starts crying…”

“Check his diaper or give him something to play with.”

She gave a little half smile. “Right. So I guess you’re set. Well then I guess I’ll just go get my purse and get goin’.”

“How long do you think you’ll be gone?”

“An hour at the most. Will that be a problem for you?”

“No not at all, just wondering when I should expect you back.”

“Well if I’m not back within an hour I’ll give a call, or if you need anything you can always call my cell. I’ll leave the number with you after I get my purse.” Jenn got up off the floor and started toward her room. Am I doing the right thing? Should I be leaving my son with him? I mean everyone’s going to think I’ve gone off my rocker leaving my son with him. Heck I think I’ve gone off my rocker for even considering it. Maybe I should take him with me after all.

When she reached her room she opened up the door and walked to the dresser to pick up her purse. She caught a glance of herself in the mirror, “What in the world did Nick ever see in me?” she wondered. Then she sat on her bed and started to reflect on her conversation with Scott just moments earlier. Why was he babbling so much about getting together or not? That was so odd. I couldn’t believe he was going off like I do. Of course he didn’t say nearly as much as I do. She gave a sigh and said, “I really can’t think about that right now.” Jenn got up off her bed and headed back to the living room.

All right Jenn it’s now or never. Are you really going to leave your son with a man you’ve only known for a week and half? When she reached the living room “doorway” she found Scott playing peek-a-boo with her son again. And Anthony was laughing gleefully. They look so good together, much like Nick would’ve looked like with him I’m sure. She heaved yet another sigh. Then she whispered to herself, “Nicky, I miss you so much Baby. How could you just leave me like that?” Then she walked over to where they were and squatted. “You know, I think maybe I should just take him with me. I mean I don’t know what I was thinking asking you to watch my son for me like that. One I hardly know you and two how can I just ask you to watch him for me like that. He’s not your responsibility.”

“Jenn, you asked me to come stay with you on the condition that I help you out. Well if I can’t help you watch your son too, what else am I supposed to do? I mean yeah there’s the lawn, but I can only mess with that so many times in one week.” He placed a hand on her knee, “Please let me do this for you. Besides do you really want to worry about him while you’re shopping? You’d have to put him in his car seat and take him out and then put him back in and out as well as taking care of all the groceries. Why not just leave him here conveniently, it’ll make things go by so much faster for you, and it’ll give me some time to play with the little guy.”

[Baby_Girl89]

Originally posted by Leslie@5/5/05, 09:15pm
I kept thinking they were going to kiss.
really good adds.
lol well expect the unexpected which in this case was no kissing lol.

[Baby_Girl89]

well folks i hope that was enough to tide you over for a while. i'm gonna be away from the weekend so my computer won't be hooked up to the 'net. i have get ready for my weekend getaway :D.

[StargateGirl]

lol...are you overly excited that you can't type? lol you're a dork.

I love the add. When is he going to tell her? I'm sure she'll be really pissed when she finds out.

[Stacey]

Getting better and better each time I read this :D

[Kristen07]

:D

[Raevengeance]

Sisser ~ haven't you learned - it's NEVER ENOUGH! :P

Love the adds and hopes you has fun - but I do need more when you get back :)

[allie]

Keep adding whenever you have the time :) Hey your Asian? I'm too. I'm Filipino. What are you? Sry for the questions. I always ask questions.

[Baby_Girl89]

i'm laotion.

in any case i'm having a blast here. and i will add when i get back home either on monday or tuesday. i'm sure yet. more than likely on monday some time.

[Baby_Girl89]

Originally posted by Leslie@5/5/05, 09:41pm
lol...are you overly excited that you can't type? lol you're a dork.

I love the add. When is he going to tell her? I'm sure she'll be really pissed when she finds out.
well if she finds out she will probably be pissed, but you'll have to wait and see what happens now won't you :P.

[Baby_Girl89]

Originally posted by Leslie@5/5/05, 09:41pm
lol...are you overly excited that you can't type? lol you're a dork.

I love the add. When is he going to tell her? I'm sure she'll be really pissed when she finds out.
yea so what's it to you. besides i don't always type perfectly :P.

[StargateGirl]

Originally posted by Asian_Sensation+5/8/05, 04:56am--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Asian_Sensation @ 5/8/05, 04:56am)</div>
yea so what's it to you.ÂÂÂ* besides i don't always type perfectly :P.[/b]
Just pointing it out :P

Originally posted by Asian_Sensation@5/8/05, 04:52am

well if she finds out she will probably be pissed, but you'll have to wait and see what happens now won't you :P.
well, obviously. :P

<!--QuoteBegin-Asian_Sensation@5/8/05, 04:52am

i'm laotion.
You know when I asked you that question you gave me the hardest time and never answered. lol :P

[Baby_Girl89]

what fun is life if you can't tease your friends? :P

[StargateGirl]

Oh gee... :P

[Raevengeance]

SISSER!!!!!!! GET HOME and type for me - cuz I needs something to read! :P

wubs ya and hope you had a very enjoyable time ;)

[Baby_Girl89]

“You’re really getting attached to him aren’t you?”

“I am.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea for either of you? I mean I don’t know how long you’re going to be here, and neither do you. I don’t want my son to start getting attached to you and then you just leave.”

“I never really thought about it like that.”

“Yeah, it is something to think about. So are you sure you still wanna watch him.”

“Yeah, I have to say that I still do. But you are his mother, it is still up to you.”

“Well if you still wanna watch him, you can.” Then Jenn took a pad of paper out of her purse. She wrote down her cell phone number and tore the first sheet off. “Here’s my number. If you need me just call me. Like I said I shouldn’t be gone any longer than an hour.”

“Got it,” he said taking the paper from her. “See you in an hour.”

“Right. Bye bye Baby,” she said to Anthony. She gave him another little kiss and then stood up. She walked to the door, turned around and smiled before she opened the door and left.

She got in her car and closed the door. Then she held her head in her hands. “This isn’t like me. What is going on? Who is this guy and why does he make my heart speed up and stop and do all kinds of crazy things I haven’t felt since Nick left me? I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to handle this. I mean I think I’m finally ready to move on, and with Scott if he’d give me the chance, but if he’s not ready, I don’t need to get heartbroken. God this sucks.” Then she quieted down and just took a few deep breaths. Then she looked up, realized that tears had fallen in the middle of her rant and she wiped them away. Then she started her car and went off.


©~©~©


Inside the house Nick continued to play with Anthony for a bit when he thought about maybe finally giving Justin a call. Unfortunately he didn’t have his number. Then he remembered the rolodex. He picked up Anthony and walked over to the table holding the phone and the rolodex. He started flipping through it and found Justin’s name. “Here we go,” he said picking up the phone. He dialed the number and hoped that Justin was home. If not he was going to have to call the police department.

“Hello,” he heard a voice say.

“Hi, can I speak to Deputy Justin Jeffre?”

“Speaking.”

“Hi Justin, I have some information that I think you would like to know about. Would it be possible for you to meet me at Jennifer Lachey’s home?”

“Who is this?” Justin asked.

“I’d rather answer all questions in person if that’s okay with you.”

“Could you at least tell me what this is about?”

“It’s information on Jenn’s husband.”

“You mean deceased husband.”

“You’ll know what I mean once you get here. Please get here as soon as you can.”

“All right, I’ll be right over, but this better be good.”

“Don’t worry it will be.”

After five minutes there was a knock on the door. That was fast, Nick thought as he went to answer the door with Anthony on his hip. But when he opened the door he didn’t find Justin. “What are you doing here Byron?”

“I came to see Jenn, is she home?”

“Do you see her car?”

“No, but I thought it could be in the garage. I’m sorry to have interrupted.” Byron started to turn away, but then turned back, “Why do you have Anthony?”

[Raevengeance]

Good Add, JEnners :)

and boy - Justin was a little snippy :P

Nick - tell Byron you're adopting the little cutie - that'll really piss him off ;) :P

[Baby_Girl89]

“Jenn decided to leave him with me while she was at the store shopping. Is that a problem?”

“No I was just curious. Have a nice day,” Byron said with a smile.

Damn this guy runs hot and cold, he thought. “You too,” he said before closing the door.

Then he sat down on the couch with Anthony on his lap. “So what do you want to do now little man?” Nick asked him. Anthony started hitting him in the leg and started laughing. “Hey now, that’s not very nice. It’s not good to hit. You gotta remember that Son. If you remember nothing else always remember that hitting is not good, but if you feel like you have to, never be the first. Self-defense is the only reason to ever hit anyone. But also never hit a woman, that’s just bad okay.”

Then another knock on the door came. Please let it be Justin this time. Nick went to open the door and did find Justin standing there. “Are you the guy that called me? Where’s Jenn?”

“She’s not here, and yes I’m the one that called you.”

“She’s not here, but you have Anthony? All right what did you do to her man?”

“Nothing, come in,” Nick said letting Justin in. He walked in and headed to the couch. “Jenn went to the store,” Nick said sitting next to him.

“So why do you have Anthony? Why are you in her home? Who are you?” Justin asked looking at Nick with bewilderment.

“Okay, instead of beating around the bush I’m just going to tell you.”

“Well then tell me already.”

“I know this is going to be hard to believe, but remember when I told you this has to do with Jenn’s husband.”

“Nick?” Justin asked. “Right I remember you saying that. So then what is this about?”

“Well Justin, I have to tell you something that you aren’t going to believe at first.”

“I thought you said you weren’t going to beat around the bush.”

“Okay well, I’m Anthony’s father, and Jenn’s husband.”

“Who are you kidding? Nick died last year. Who are you really?”

“Did you ever find a body?”

“It was burned to a crisp.”

“How can you be so sure?” Nick questioned.

“We would’ve found the body somewhere.”

“Not if the body was able to crawl away from the fire. Justin it’s me, I swear. Remember back in college how you told me that you feared you’d never make it in the criminal justice field.”

“How did you know that? Nick and Jenn were the only two people I ever told about that.”

“Well duh Justin it’s me. What else do you want me to do to prove it to you?”

“When Nick and Jenn got married, he inscribed something on her wedding band what was it?”

“J and N in Love for Eternity.”

“You are Nick. But your face.”

“Scars from the burns that I received. Actually they’re from the plastic surgery to try and fix up the horrible burns that were originally there. It looks a lot better than it originally did. I was in a coma after the fire though, for about four months.”

“Wow, I can’t believe you’re still alive. Jenn must be ecstatic.”

“Yeah, about that, Jenn doesn’t know that it’s me.”

“What?” Justin exploded.

Anthony started to cry, “Justin cool it you’re spooking him.”

“I’m sorry man, but I can’t believe that you haven’t told your wife that you’re alive yet, why not?”

[StargateGirl]

good add.

[Raevengeance]

another good add ~ and sisser - I NEEDS MORE :D

I can soooooooooo see Justin reactin that way

[allie]

add soon soon soon!!! :) :thanx: for the add

[Baby_Girl89]

Nick started bouncing Anthony on his knee and he began to calm down, “Because I don’t want my killer finding out that I’m still alive either.”

“So why are you telling me?”

“I need your help.”

“For what?”

“Finding my killer. Jeff and I…”

“Wait. Jeff knows that you’re alive too? Who else knows?” Justin asked.

“Drew and the girl who found me on the side of the road.”

“And yet you can’t tell your wife.”

“Oh for the love of Pete. Look Justin I’ve already been lectured by Drew and by Sam, I don’t need this from you too. At least Jeff was able to understand why I didn’t tell Jenn.”

“That’s probably because he was the only one that knew and you weren’t here.”

“Maybe. So can you help me?”

“How, I’ve been working on this case the whole year. I haven’t gotten any leads. What do you want me to do?”

“Well I’ve gathered up my old articles and I’ve taken some names down. I just want you to tell me if these guys are still in prison or if they’ve been let out. And if they were let out, when.”

“Why didn’t you make this list when you got in contact with Jeff originally?”

“Just didn’t think of it. Jeff just wanted to check out people that would have a vested interest in killing me. We never thought about people wanting revenge on me.”

“And what makes you think it’s someone who wanted revenge on you now?”

“I think it’s just a possibility. And I’m trying to do everything in my power to find out who did it so that Jenn can have her closure and I can keep her out of harm’s way,” Nick said.

“Man I don’t know what to say.”

“Say that you’ll help me. I was going to wait until Jeff came back, but I couldn’t wait anymore.”

“Man between you and your brother I’m going in all sorts of directions.”

“His Byron kick has gotten to you hasn’t it?”

“Yeah kind of.”

“Well the guy has come by quite a few times. I’m beginning to think the man has some sort of mental problem. He comes over one time and is huffy and horrible and then he’ll come back another time all cool and nice. It’s so odd.”

“Well then if it was him and we prosecute him the defense might try and get him off on temporary insanity,” Justin said.

“Well, we’ll just have to make sure that it doesn’t work. We’ll worry about that later. For now, I wanna make sure it is or isn’t him first.”

“That would probably be the best way to go.”

Then there was another knock on the door. “Oh for Pete’s sake who could that be now?” Nick asked. He handed Anthony to Justin and got up to answer the door. He opened the door and got an unexpected surprise. “Sam, what are you doing here?”

“Surprise. Everything’s been squared away completely and I’ll be here for a while.”

“Hmm, well I guess now is as good a time as any for you to be here,” Nick said.

“Why do you say that?” Sam asked.

“Well come inside and take a look,” Nick said letting Sam in. Oh crap, what’s Jenn gonna say when she gets home and finds Justin and Sam here? Maybe I should call her and tell her about it.

Sam walked into the house and looked toward the couch in the living room and stopped in her tracks. “Oh my God,” she said barely audible. “Is that who I think it is?” she asked.

[Raevengeance]

Great Add - and Sisser - as usual I needs more pwease :)

[StargateGirl]

good add. :)

[Biondo Sorto]

Man, I'm so far behind I don't even know where to begin again. I read it from the beginning, but that's a lot of reading, lol :P

[Baby_Girl89]

sorry at least it's not as bad as nr which has been updated in case you didn't know.

[Kristen07]

Hmm... .good cliffer. Please add more soon :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“You mean is that Justin?” Nick said. Sam merely nodded her head. “Yes it is. Are you ready to meet him?”

“What now? I’m totally unprepared,” she said looking up at Nick.

“Well what do you need to do to be prepared? It’s just a quick hi or something. Come on he’s really nice.” Nick took her arm in his hand and tried to lead her over to the couch. She stood still. “Sam, come on it’s not a big deal. It’ll be fine.”

“Ugh, okay,” she said moving a little bit. Nick moved back to close the door before taking Sam to the couch.

“Justin I’d like for you to meet Sam the girl I told you about.”

Justin extended his hand out to her and smiled. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” he said.

“Hhhhhi,” she said carefully reaching out to touch his hand. “I’m Samantha Cordeaux.”

“I’m Justin Jeffre,” he responded.

“Okay well I’ll leave you two alone. I think it might be time for me to change Anthony anyway.” Nick took Anthony from Justin. “Justin, we’ll finish our conversation later.”

“Okay.”

Nick left the room with them chatting away. “Well at least I did something right little man,” Nick said to his son.


©~©~©


Jenn was nearing the end of her shopping trip in the dairy section. She was getting some milk and some eggs when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Byron. She didn’t feel that odd sense of evility in him that time. “Hello Byron.”

“Hi, funny running into you here,” he said with a dashing smile.

“Yeah, I started running out of food you know, so I had to get some stuff.”

“So where’s Anthony? I hardly ever see you without him,” he said.

“He’s at home with Scott.”

“You actually left your son alone with someone?” Byron asked shocked.

“Yeah, I trust Scott to watch my son. Is there something wrong with that?” she asked.

“No, it’s just so weird. Every time I’ve seen you, you always had him and I just find it odd that you don’t have him now that’s all,” Byron said.

“Well, I have to stop being so overly protective of him. Besides I’ll be going home soon, so it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Well do you think that I could watch him for you sometime?”

“Well I don’t know. Scott and Anthony just really get along, besides that Scott is sort of living with me right now. Well he’s just a long time guest I guess you could say.”

“Well then does this mean that you’d actually have time to go out on a date with me?” Byron asked hopefully.

Oh crap, what do I say? Should I give him his one chance? I can’t use Anthony as my excuse anymore. Damn I knew I should’ve brought him along with me. “Oh, um, I’m not sure yet. I mean a date would be a lot longer than an hour, unless that’s all you want. I could probably give you an hour of my time at some point if you wanted.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Only an hour?” he asked with his eyebrows pursing together.

“That’s about all that I can stand to be away from my son. In fact I need to finish getting everything and get on home.”

“So did that Scott guy like give you a time limit?” Byron asked.

“No not exactly, that’s just what I told him. I don’t want them to worry and overreact or anything.” Then her phone started ringing. Oh let that be Scott, needing me to come home so I can avoid this awkward situation. “Excuse me,” she said picking up her phone. “Hello?”

“Hey Baby Sis, it’s me Drew.”

“Oh hey Drew,” she said loud enough for Byron to hear her. Then she covered up the speaker and said, “I’m sorry, I have to take this. I’ll have to talk to you later Byron.”

“Oh all right. I guess I’ll talk to you later then.”

“Hey Bro,” Jenn said returning to her phone. She then started to walk her cart away from the dairy section. “Thank you for the call.”

“You’re welcome, but why?”

“Byron found me at the store.”

“I’m beginning to wonder if he’s not stalking you.”

“Oh don’t even suggest such a thing Bro. Anyway what’s the call for?”

“Well I was wondering if you Scott and Anthony would like to come over for dinner tonight.”

“Really? What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion, just wondering if you wanted to have dinner over here tonight.”

“Hmmm, well I don’t know, can I call you back later today to give you an answer?”

“Sure. I was just gonna make some fettuccine alfredo, if that helps you one way or another.”

“Well Bro, you know that if I was just making this decision for myself I’d be over there in a heartbeat, but I want Scott’s input first.”

“All right fair enough. So how are things going between the two of you?”

“You were just over at my place two days ago, do you have to ask.”

“Well just making sure things haven’t changed since I was last there.”

“Changed how?” Jenn asked.

“Oh I dunno,” Drew said with a sort of coy tone to his voice.

“Riiiight. Anyway Bro, I gotta finish my shopping, I’ll talk to you later tonight.”

“All right,” Drew said. “Love ya Sis.”

“Love you too Bro.” After Jenn got off the phone she finished getting the rest of the items from her mental list and checked out. Then she got help from one of the courtesy clerks out to her car and put them away. Then she got in and headed home, unaware of what was waiting for her in her living room.

[StargateGirl]

sneaky creepy guy.

good adds. :D

[Stacey]

Bring it on! :D More please :P

[Sabrina]

I love this story. can't wait for more.

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 15~

When Jenn got home she parked her car in the garage. The door to the garage was connected to the kitchen so she opened up that door and shouted out, “Scott I'm back.” After another trip out to the car to get a second set of groceries, Jenn headed to the living room thinking that she was going to find Scott and Anthony there. But she found the surprise of Justin and a woman she didn't know sitting on her couch, talking up a storm. As soon as she saw them, she gasped and said, “Justin what are you doing here?”

“Jenn, hey Scott called me.”

“Scott? You mean you know him too?” she asked in surprise.

“Yeah from our college days.”

“Well he just knows everybody doesn't he? So why is it everyone knew him back then but me? I mean I was friends with all of you, why couldn't I be friends with him too?”

“Well you knew us since high school,” Justin replied.

“And what, I wasn't allowed to make friends in college?”

“Sure you were, you made friends with Lizzie.”

“You have an answer for everything don't you?”

“I guess.”

“Anyway I guess the point I was getting at was that I wish I knew Scott back in college too.”

“Why is that?”

“So that it wouldn't be so odd that I trust him so much. Where is he anyway?”

“He's in the nursery with Anthony.”

“Okay thanks,” Jenn said. She headed toward the nursery. I wonder if that was Sam, she thought as she walked toward the nursery to greet her son. When she reached the door she pushed it open and once again found Scott sitting in her rocker holding her son and singing to him. God he sounds just like Nick did. How freaky is that?

Scott looked up and saw her standing at the doorway, “Oh hey Jenn.” He checked his watch, “An hour on the dot.”

“Well, I try,” she said with a smile. “So you called Justin?”

“Uh, yes, yes I did. I hope that was okay.”

“And that girl in there, she is who?”

“That was Sam, I hope it's okay that she's here too. She really wanted to meet Justin and all that.”

“Did you invite him over for her?” she asked.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well actually I called him over to catch up and she just happened to show up today, a bit unexpectedly actually. I guess it was just a coincidence that she happened to come over at the same time that Justin was here. Oh and Byron showed up again today looking for you.”

“Oh did he? And here I thought it was actually a coincidence that he was at the store earlier.”

“He showed up at the store? What happened?” Scott asked.

“Oh he just asked me out on a real date yet again. I almost thought that I was going to have to give in when I thought about how I told you I'd only be gone for an hour and that I wasn't comfortable with leaving Anthony behind for any longer than that and unless that was all he wanted for a date it wasn't going to happen. Oh and then Drew called me. He wanted to know if we wanted to join him and Lea for dinner tonight.” Jenn took a breath before continuing, “I told him that I'd have to ask you first.”

“Well, I don't mind. Besides it'll give you a break from cooking.”

“Admit it, you don't like my cooking,” Jenn said giving a laugh.

“No, I like your cooking,” he said with a smile.

“Thanks, but Drew is the professional so it would be great to have some of his food again. He still can't go back to work yet either because of that hand of his. I'm surprised he can do anything, but it is healing a lot faster than was expected, it should be completely healed in about another week or so.”

“And why aren't you a nurse?”

Jenn gave him a smile at his remark. “I didn't want to be.”

“What did you want to be when you grew up?”

“Nick's wife,” she said with a chuckle.

“Really?”

“Well that and writer, or a singer, or an actress. I had even thought about going into the criminal justice field with Jeff and Justin too. I even thought about being a psychologist, I had the grades for it. I even majored in criminal justice and minored in psychology.”

“Why didn't you do anything with your degree?”

[Baby_Girl89]

Well Nick and I got married right after I graduated and he already had a job at the paper and somehow I found myself in the position of housewife. You know before he and I got married I had big dreams. I always thought that I was going to become something huge, make a difference in the world, but I never did,” Jenn said looking down at her hands.

“I bet you made a huge difference in Nick’s world.”

“I hope so. He was all that mattered after we married.”

“Do you ever regret not chasing after your dreams?”

“I didn’t know how to chase them for one. And no I don’t regret it. He was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was very happy being the housewife. Nick took very good care of me and I wanted to make sure that I could do the same for him. Besides, I did do some writing any way. Maybe one of these days I’ll actually finish a novel and get it published. Besides it’s not like Nick made me give up my dreams. I really just sort of chose to put them on hold.”

“Well whatever you decide to do, I bet Nick would probably be pretty proud of you for it. But I also bet that he’s always been proud of you,” Scott said.

“That’s what he’s always claimed.”

“Claimed? Does that mean you didn’t believe him?”

“Well it’s not that exactly. But anyway I was thinking we should get out there.”

“Yeah they have been getting to know each other for about an hour now,” Scott said. Then he looked down at Anthony and noticed he had fallen asleep on him. “I guess I should put him in the crib,” Scott whispered.

“I guess,” Jenn whispered back with a smile. But instead of letting Scott put him in the crib, Jenn took Anthony away from Scott and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Anthony jerked a little at the touch, but kept on sleeping. Then she put him in his crib before grabbing the baby monitor. Then she headed to the door motioning to Scott to follow her out of the nursery.


©~©~©


She’s so gentle, Nick thought as he followed her out of the room. He pulled the door close and looked at her. “So is there anything I should be expecting of your friend Sam? I mean at least when I asked you here originally I knew you for a few days. I don’t know how I should react with a complete stranger staying in my home with me. Do you know how long she’s going to be here?”

“That’s pretty much as up in the air as me. But you know you can always tell us to leave whenever you want.”

“I know, but I don’t want to be rude.”

“How could that be rude? It is your home after all. The only people who would be rude in this situation would be either one of us for overstaying our welcomes if you don’t want us to be here. Am I overstaying my welcome?” Nick asked.

[Baby_Girl89]

“Oh no, that’s not the problem. I just...I don’t know. I guess I should meet her first before I get in over my head,” Jenn said with a light little laugh.

Music to my ears. Yet another thing I’ve missed this past year. When the two arrived in the living room they found Justin and Sam laughing away. “Hey guys,” Nick let out.

“Oh hey,” Sam said with a beaming smile.

I see she must’ve gotten what she wanted. “So what are you guys talking about?” Nick asked as he and Jenn approached the couch.

“Just stuff,” Sam said.

“So Justin you having fun out here?” Jenn asked as she sat down beside him.

“Yeah it’s been fun getting to know Scott’s friend here.”

“Well I think it’s time I get to know her too. That is if she still wants to stay here.”

“Do you mean it?” Sam asked looking at Jenn.

“Well I mean I do have a room. Right over there in fact,” she pointed to a door on the wall as she spoke.

“There’s a room over there?” Nick asked. “I just thought it was another closet or something.”

“No, it’s a whole room.”

“Huh, who knew?”

“I did silly. So anyway, I’m gonna talk with Sam for a while. Why don’t you boys go play on the computer or something?” Jenn said.

“Boys?” Justin asked.

“That’s what I said Bro.”

“Oh all right,” Justin said getting up off the couch.

“We’ve got some things to catch up on anyway,” Nick said. “We’ll be back out later.”

“I know,” Jenn said with a smile that brightened the room. “See you later guys.”

Nick and Justin walked off toward his room. When they got in Nick sat on his bed and put his head in his hands. “Dude, what’s wrong?” Justin asked.

“I’m in love with my wife,” Nick answered.

“Okay wait, and that’s a problem?” Justin asked, sounding confused.

“Yeah she doesn’t know I’m alive remember?” Nick asked, looking at Justin.

“Gee Nick don’t you think you can change that?”

[StargateGirl]

yea, Nick...why don't you tell her?

Great adds Izzy. Thanks for typing all of it up. :)

[Superstar]

Please just add some more!!!!! :fantastic:

[Kristen07]

Excellent adds, Jenn, as always!

[Stacey]

great ad to the story so far! :D

[jnd98forever]

great add!!!! keep them coming :D

[Baby_Girl89]

“Justin it’s just more complicated than that.”

“I wouldn’t know, but I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

Nick rubbed his face and then said, “But enough about that, I’m tired of fighting with everyone about this. No one knows what I’m going through, and no one ever will. So until one of you understands, I just don’t wanna talk about this anymore.”

“Hey, it’s okay dude, I’m not gonna pressure you into talking about it if you don’t want to. You’re right none of us knows what you’re going through and we probably never will.”

“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone I know Justin. It’s just too painful. I want to tell her I do, but there are so many other things involved. I mean it’s easy for any one of you to tell me that I should just let it out and tell her who I am, but is anyone considering the things involved with that?”

“I don’t know. But I’m not here to judge you. I’m here because you called me to ask for my help about your case, remember?”

“Right, I’m sorry for venting. I just, I don’t know.”

“Hey it’s all right you can vent if you want to.”

“No, no, you’re right you did come over because I wanted to talk to you about my case. Take a seat,” Nick said pointing to the computer chair. Justin sat down. Nick opened up the drawer on his nightstand and took out all the articles that Drew printed up for him as well as the list he made from the names he found in the articles that he thought might be possible suspects. He handed the list to Justin and said, “Take a look at this and tell me what you think.”


©~©~©


“So do you know how long you’re going to be staying here?” Jenn asked Sam.

“Nope sorry I have no clue. But listen Jenn, if you don’t want me to stay here, I’ll totally understand. I mean for me to just come over here and ask for a place to stay when you don’t even know me is kind of ridiculous. But it’s just the thought of staying in a hotel for an undetermined amount of time, it’s just kind of...I don’t know an odd feeling.”

“I understand how that can be. Why did you decide to come down here?”

“Well, um I’m here for Scott. I’m here to give him support.”

“What do you mean support? What kind of support?” Jenn asked curiously.

“Well he hasn’t been back here in about a year and I’m the only person he’s really had contact with within this year, well except for Jeff, but he’s gone, so I figured I could be here for him.”

“Oh is that all? I thought you were here because you loved him or something.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Oh I do,” Sam said. Jenn’s heart twisted. “But I’m not in love with him or anything. I did have quite an infatuation with him for quite some time though, I’ll be honest. But that’s not what I’m here for. Besides Scott promised me that he’d get me in with Justin. He’s just so handsome and really sweet and funny.”

Jenn looked over Sam as she started to get that dreamy eyed look she had often recognized in her own eyes back in the days when she was pining over Nick and wondering if he’d ever notice her. Sam was a pretty little blonde with blue eyes and a petite frame. I bet I could snap her like a twig, Jenn thought. Then she mentally shook her head, That’s not very nice missy. She’s a very nice girl, you shouldn’t be thinking those kinds of thoughts. “So you want to get with Justin huh?” she asked.

“Yes it would be so great.”

“Well if you want anyone to hook you two up, it should be me. I have it in with him. He’s like an older brother to me.”

“Really? Well that would explain why you called him ‘Bro’. I mean you two look nothing alike,” she said with a giggle.

“Well you know one of us could’ve been adopted,” Jenn said.

“True.” Then Sam changed the subject and asked, “So what’s going on between you and Scott?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, what made you let him stay over here after only knowing him for a few days?”

“Wow there really are no secrets between the two of you are there?”

“Well, was it supposed to be a secret? Besides that, I am here.”

“You have a point there, and no I guess it wasn’t really supposed to be a secret.”

“I’m sorry if I’m prying though. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

“Well I can honestly tell you that it’s not that I don’t want to answer the question, but that I don’t know how. I mean I don’t know what made me ask him, not really anyway. I have a laundry list of excuses, but honestly it goes against everything I’ve ever done before. There’s just something about him ya know?”

“Yeah, I do actually. So do you like Scott?”

“Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I think I’m falling for him. I know it’s premature, but it’s weird, I haven’t felt this way since my husband died. It’s like Nick’s spirit has come back. I just feel like Scott and I have connected on another level. I never thought it would happen again. So tell me, Scott doesn’t have anyone that he’s left behind does he? I mean he told me that he doesn’t, but just in case. I mean I have no reason not to trust him, but I really don’t know him all that well quite yet.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“No, I’m the only person he left behind. He was kind of a hermit. He would only leave when he needed to go grocery shopping from what I could tell and when he had to fix things around the apartment complex. He really has a problem with the way he looks.”

“Well, I don’t know why, I think his scars add a bit of intrigue and mystery to his face. And damn when he’s not wearing his shirt, mmm mmm mmm.” Then Jenn blushed when she realized she was saying more than she would’ve liked. “Oops, forget I said anything.”

Sam gave a light little laugh, “It’s okay, I know how you feel.”

“Thanks, I think. You know what, I think that it would be great if you stayed here. It might be nice to have another female around the house. It would be nice to have anyone else around. It’s just so hard for me to stay away from him, especially since the only other person here is Anthony. At least if you’re around there’ll be someone else to talk to.”

“Oh my God, thank you so much,” Sam gushed. “I’ll even help to pay the rent while I’m here.”

“Well the house is paid off.”

“Well I’ll help with the utilities then.”

“If that’ll make you feel better,” Jenn said, with a smile.

“Wow, you are just the sweetest person, just like Scott said you were.”

“Scott said that about me?”

“Yeah when we were on the phone earlier this week. He said that you were the sweetest person he’s ever met.”

“Besides his wife?”

“His wife, right. What do you know about her?”

“Well from what I can tell he sounds like he’s still hung up on her. A lot like me and my husband I suppose, but I’m sure he’s not crazy like me.”

“What do you mean?” Sam asked with her eyebrows creased together.

“Well I guess I already let it out, I still think my husband is still alive. So I kind of don’t want to start anything, with Scott anyway.”

“You think your husband’s still alive? What makes you think that?”

“Well, I mean they didn’t find his body, or any remains of his body, and I don’t know. Nick and I always had this really strong connection with one another. We usually could feel when the other was in distress.”

“Interesting.”

“That’s your polite way of saying, ‘You’re nuts lady,’ isn’t it?” Jenn asked.

[Baby_Girl89]

“No, I just think it’s interesting. I hope that one day I have that kind of love with someone.”

“Maybe you will. And maybe with Justin,” Jenn said with a wink. “He needs a good woman in his life. He’s dated a lot of not so good women in the past. I tried telling him that they wouldn’t work out, but he just didn’t want to listen to me.”

“So do you think he’d fall for me? ‘Cause I’m already falling for him.”

“He’d be a fool not to, you seem like a great person. I’ll talk to him for you if you want. I’m a pretty good matchmaker. I got my brother-in-law and his wife together. And I got the sheriff and his wife together. So I could probably do wonders for you and Justin if you wanted me to.”

“That would be awesome. Thank you so much for everything you’re doing for me Jenn. You’re like a guardian angel or something.”

Jenn smiled and said, “Yep, that’s me the guardian angel of this town.” She laughed and said, “It’s funny how everyone always tells me how amazing I supposedly am and yet, I dunno for me it would just be odd if I didn’t do the things that I do. All I can say is that I’m being me, because well it’s all I know how to be.”

“Well, whatever you are, it’s really awesome.”

“Thanks. Hey I gotta go call my brother, well my brother-in-law, I’ll be right back.”

“All right.”

Jenn walked over to the phone and dialed Drew’s number, “Hello?”

“Hey Bro guess what?”

“What?”

“You have some dinner guests for tonight.”

“Oh that’s awesome.”

“However, you might have two more than expected, would that be okay with you?”

“What do you mean two more than expected?”

“Well Justin is over here, and I would feel bad for just sending him away when we go over, but he might not come, I don’t know. And Scott’s friend Sam is here and I can’t leave her alone here at my house. So if this causes a problem I could always make dinner here for us.”

[StargateGirl]

Great adds. :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“No bring ‘em, it’s all right. I don’t mind. I miss cooking for a lot of people. Especially since I won’t be going back to work for a while.”

“How much longer are you planning on staying home?”

“I decided to let my assistant chef take over for another two weeks.”

“Two weeks Bro?”

“Yeah, and then when I get back I’ll only be supervising for the most part. I still can’t really do any chopping ‘cause my hand hurts when I fold it, so holding a knife would be unbearable.”

“It should be better by then though Bro.”

“Maybe.”

“So I take it Lea’s helping out with any chopping you have to do.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay well if you two don’t mind two more dinner guests than you intended, we’ll be over there at about five.”

“Great see you then, Li’l Sis.”

“Bye.”

“Love ya, bye.”

“Love you too Drewbie,” she said before hanging up the phone. Then she returned to her spot on the couch. “Guess what?”

“What?” Sam asked.

“I have a treat for you. We’re going over to my brother’s house for dinner.”

“Oh well that’s nice.”

“Well see what you don’t know about my brother is that he’s a gourmet chef. People come from all over to pay to eat his food and I always get it for free. I almost feel bad, but oh well. I figure since I end up being his guinea pig quite a bit, along with his wife, it all kind of balances out. But anyway, not only are you coming to this dinner, I’m going to ask Justin if he’d like to come with us, and if I arrange the seating correctly he’ll be sitting next to you at the table.”

“Devious,” Sam said with a smile.

“Nope, not me,” Jenn said with an innocent grin. Then she heard Anthony on the baby monitor. “Oh that’s my son, I better go tend to him. I’ll get the guys back out here though,” Jenn said. So then she headed toward the nursery.

First she stopped at Scott’s door. She knocked on it and heard, “Come in.”

She opened the door and said, “I’m gonna be with Anthony, you guys can go back out to Sam. And Justin will you be around long enough for dinner? We’re going over to Drew’s.”

“Well I’m off today, and have nothing better to do. If you can stand to have me around until then that would be great.”

“Have you had lunch yet?” she asked. “I’m about to make something to eat after I get Anthony.”

“No I haven’t eaten yet.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“All right I’ll just make a bunch of sandwiches, would that be okay with you guys?”

“That would be great,” Scott said with a smile.

“All right, that’s what I’ll do then,” she said. Then she headed to the nursery to get her son.


©~©~©


“Well I guess we should go out there. Sam might feel uncomfortable to be left out there all alone in this house.”

“Yeah.” Then after a slight pause Justin asked, “Do you have a thing for her Nick?”

“How could you ask me that? I love Jenn, I told you that already remember?”

“Yeah, but you were also gone a whole year, a lot can change in a year and I was just wondering if maybe that was what was making the situation complicated.”

“I thought you told me that you weren’t going to get into this with me.”

“I’m sorry, I guess I’m trying to understand, which is obviously a mistake.”

“Justin, if it makes you feel any better, in case you were wondering what Sam is doing here, she’s here for you.”

“What?”

“You heard me. She saw you at Jeff’s wedding and she suddenly felt like she had to have you.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah I am. I’ve never been more serious. Well I have, but this is still pretty serious.”

“Wow,” Justin said.

“Yeah, and Justin seriously, I may have been gone for a year, but knowing that Jenn was still alive and here waiting for me, there was no way I could move on. I love her far too much to ever even think of being with another woman.”

“That’s understandable. But anyway, we better get going out there,” Justin said.

“Yeah, I guess.” They started walking toward the door to leave. Then Nick stopped and said, “You go ahead, I’ll be out there in a bit.”

“I know what you’re doing Nick.”

“What am I doing?”

“You’re trying to get me and Sam alone again. Look man, I’m not ready for another relationship right now.”

[StargateGirl]

hm.. good adds. :)

[Raevengeance]

great adds, sisser :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“Look I’m not trying to do anything. Jenn’s the matchmaker not me, remember?”

“Riiiiight, like you didn’t pick up a few things from your wife,” Justin said.

“I didn’t. Anyway I just need a little bit of time to clear my head and stuff. I’ll be out in a little bit I promise.”

“All right. And I’m sorry to disappoint you about Sam and me. I’m just not sure it’s time for me to be with someone since Celia.”

“Wasn’t that over a year ago? Right before the fire if I can recall.”

“Yeah, but as I told Jenn I just need to recollect myself and make sure that I get the right kind of girl this time.”

“She could be it man, I mean she would never do to you what Celia did.”

“I don’t know. Anyway I guess I’ll leave you to your thoughts.”

I hope Justin changes his mind. I think they could be really good for each other. Nick sat on his bed and rubbed his face in his hands again. “Jenn, are you letting Sam stay? It may be the only way I might be able to control myself around you while I’m here.” Then he got up and looked at himself in the mirror that hung above the dresser. He traced the scars on his face and asked, “How can she love this face? How will she love this face? Can she love this face?” Nick sighed before saying, “Ugh, I gotta stop torturing myself like this.” Then he turned away from the mirror. “I guess I should probably get out there.”

Nick walked out into the living room and found Justin and Sam both playing with Anthony. “Hey, you guys look like you’re having fun,” Nick said as he approached them.

“I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to come out,” Justin said.

“I wasn’t gone that long,” he said sitting on the ground next to Justin.

“Whatever, Jenn’s in the kitchen making us lunch,” Justin said.

“Is she making sandwiches?” Nick asked.

“No, she decided to make us something else,” Sam answered.

“Did she say what?” Nick asked.

“Potatoes,” Justin said.

“Oh I’ve missed her potatoes,” Nick said.

[Raevengeance]

ohhhhhhhh great add sisser :)

[StargateGirl]

great add. :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“I bet you’ve missed a lot,” Sam said. “I wish you told me from the beginning who you were.”

“I’m sorry Sam, I know I should have,” Nick said.

“Well what’s done is done. When are you going to tell Jenn the truth?” she asked.

“We’ve been through this. Now let’s change the subject before Jenn walks in here and hears us talking about it.”

“All right fine.”

So they changed the subject and talked about a multitude of things before Jenn came back into the room to announce that lunch was served. As they ate Anthony sat in his high chair smacking his plastic keys on his little table, with a big smile on his face. Jenn was able to actually eat her lunch while it was still warm.


©~©~©


After lunch they hung out and talked for a while. Then at about four thirty they started to get ready to go over to Drew’s place. Then fifteen minutes to five they all packed into Jenn’s car, Sam and Justin sitting on either side of Anthony’s car seat and Scott sitting in the front passenger seat. “All right is everyone buckled in?” she asked.

“Yep,” they all said in unison.

“All righty then, off we go,” she said starting the car. As she quietly drove she listened as her backseat passengers continued to talk to one another. She checked the rearview mirror every once in a while to gauge their faces as they talked. They look like they’re getting along pretty good. Good, she thought, looking at the road ahead of her again. It’ll be easier to get them to go out together this way. Justin needs someone good in his life since that two timing Celia broke his heart. I know he says that he’s still not ready for a relationship, but it’s been a year for him too. Besides she wasn’t the love of his life. Eventually they arrived at Drew and Lea’s. “Okay we’re here. Let’s go.”

She got out of the car and waited for Sam to get out before reaching in to get her son. “He’s really adorable,” Sam said as Jenn placed Anthony on her hip.

“Thanks, he takes after his father,” Jenn said.

“He must’ve been a handsome man.”

“Very, and he was the love of my life. And he always will be.”

“Do you think you’ll ever fall in love again?”

“Like I said earlier, I think I’m falling now. And I feel so damn guilty about it.”

“Why? Didn’t you say that your husband has been gone for a year now?”

“Yeah, but I mean I still think he’s alive. What am I gonna do if I fall in love with Scott and he returns?”

“That would be a problem. So what are you hoping for?”

“Well after all this time, it sounds horrible, but I hope my husband really is dead like everyone says.”

“Why do you say that?” Sam asked curiously.

[StargateGirl]

:) great add.

[Raevengeance]

Great Add, Jenn :)

Can't wait for more :)

[Kristen07]

Please add more when you can Jenn!

[Baby_Girl89]

“Well, I mean don’t get me wrong, I would give almost anything to have my husband back, but he’s been gone for a year. Unless he has some major excuse like amnesia maybe, I don’t know why he would leave me for so long.” She sighed, “I mean he loved me, I know he did, and he wouldn’t just stay away without a really good reason right? So if he doesn’t have one I don’t want him rising from the dead. I want to remember him as the man that would do anything for the people that he loves and that he would love me enough to always come home.”

“That’s understandable,” Sam said as she patiently listened to what Jenn had to say.

“Thank you. I know that it might sound odd to you, but thank you for listening. No one’s ever actually asked me what I would do if Nick came back before. No one even thought of considering that he might still be alive. Everyone in this town pretty much thinks I’m a penny short of a dollar. So really thank you for not judging me.”

“Jenn I can’t pretend that I know that kind of connection, I’ve never found anyone that has had that kind of affect on me. But if you truly believe that your husband is alive, especially since there isn’t any solid proof that he died, who am I to argue with you.”

“That’s all I ever needed to hear,” Jenn said with a smile. She felt good knowing that not everyone in the world would think that she was crazy for thinking that her husband was still alive. “I guess we better get inside.”


©~©~©


So if he doesn’t have one I don’t want him rising from the dead. The words echoed in his mind as he sat in the living room on the couch as Justin and Drew caught up with each other in the kitchen. “Scott, what’s wrong?” Lea asked him as she went into the living room.

“Oh uh nothing,” he said looking up.

“Hey guys, sorry we took so long,” Jenn said walking into the living room with Anthony on her hip and Sam coming in behind her. “We were having a little discussion.”

“Hi, I’m Lea,” Lea said extending her hand toward Sam.

“Hi, I’m Sam, Scott’s friend.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you Sam.”

“Same here Lea,” Sam said with a bright smile.

Then Lea walked over to Jenn and took Anthony from her. “Oh he’s gotten to be so big,” she commented.

“He gained a few more pounds. Now I don’t know whether to be concerned or happy since he’s gained more in this past week or so than he had in a few months.”

“It’s a good thing Jenn, don’t worry about it. Have you taken him in for his check up yet?”

“No that’s not for at least another three weeks.”

“Oh, I see, well I’m sure things will turn out okay,” Lea said with a smile.

“Thanks Sis.”

“Well okay, I’m gonna take Anthony in to see his uncle now. Sam do you want to join me in the kitchen to meet my husband?”

“Sure why not? Is Justin in there?”

“Yes he is.”

“Okay then let’s go,” Sam said following Lea into the kitchen.

“Scott is something wrong?” Jenn asked Nick as she sat down beside him.

“No nothing’s wrong. Why does everyone keep asking me that?” Nick asked, looking at Jenn with a smile.

“I don’t know. I mean you are sitting out here instead of in the kitchen with the other guys.”

“I figured I’d give them time to catch up,” he said.

“Oh I see.”

“And why are you out here instead of in there with your son?”

“I’m learning how not to be an overly protective mother like Drew’s an overly protective brother.”

“Oh I see. I guess that could be a good thing. I’ve seen the way Drew is with you.”

“Yeah, you would think that the man was actually my older brother.”

“Well he is in law isn’t he?”

“Yeah, but he wasn’t eleven years ago. I never told Nick this, but Drew was so adamant about me not dating him.”

“Really?” Nick asked shocked.

“Yeah really. He was like, he’s my brother I know what he’s like and he’s no good for you and stuff like that. I told him that he probably had nothing to worry about because Nick would never even look at me that way. And then around October my sophomore year my friends decided to give me a makeover for homecoming. They actually started a little earlier than homecoming by taking me shopping. They even all bought my clothes for me. They all thought that I was being too tomboyish. So after that I didn’t wear my tomboyish clothes as much. I kind of liked those girlie clothing they bought me. And I guess maybe that’s why Nick finally noticed me. I mean he started hanging out with me a few days after homecoming actually.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“How do you know it wasn’t just a coincidence?”

“I don’t know. I wish I did though.”

“Like I said earlier maybe he saw all the other guys flocking to you and decided he could get in on it or something.”

“Maybe. I never questioned it. It didn’t matter why he became my friend, all that mattered was that he did. And I learned that Drew was wrong, and I learned that I really did love him, after a while. When we were younger we actually hung out a lot. But then as we got older we had kind of departed I guess you could say. He got other friends and there were other girls. And I was the tomboy, I wasn’t into even thinking about being with a guy. I was having fun hanging out with Drew and my other guy friends. I didn’t even have my first real female friend until about seventh grade. That was Lea. And along with Lea came my girlfriends. Most of them have dispersed, but I still talk to them when I get a chance to. I didn’t meet Lizzie until my freshman year of college. Oh my goodness listen to me ramble on and on and on. I’m sure you didn’t start talking to me to get all of this. I know I must be very boring. I’m sorry.”

“No, no you have nothing to be sorry for. I think you have had a very interesting life. I just don’t understand why you would think that Nick would only be with you because of a makeover. That’s only outer beauty. He couldn’t have been that shallow.”

“Just the timing I suppose. I never felt like he’d noticed me before that, not since he had gone off to junior high.”

Oh God Baby, was I such a jerk back then? And I’m just hurting her more now. Damn, why do I have to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Then feeling a little uncomfortable in the pants he looked down and saw that he was starting to get a little excited, Talk about getting hard. I wasn’t even thinking about sex. The things this woman does to me. “He probably just didn’t know how to reconnect with you. Maybe he got busy. There could’ve been any number of reasons.”

“I suppose.”

“Hey you two,” Drew said. “Dinner’s on.”

“Well I guess that’s our cue to get in there,” Jenn said.

“Yeah I guess.”

They walked into the kitchen and sat down, inadvertently next to each other. Well inadvertently on Nick and Jenn’s part. Everyone else in the kitchen decided they were going to get Nick and Jenn to sit next to each other prior to the two of them entering the kitchen to have dinner.

Everyone ate and talked. Afterward they spent the rest of the evening in the living room conversing on whatever came to mind.

[Stacey]

*phew* I finally caught up on what is happening! Must say it's getting better each time I read this.... :D

[Baby_Girl89]

~Chapter 16~

Three weeks later, Nick still couldn't come up with anything for the investigation. Most of the people on the list were either in jail or dead at the time of the fire. Jeff had come back from his honeymoon and was surprised to see Nick was still around. Nick explained the situation and found himself an ally when it came to not telling Jenn about who he was. Justin was still neutral, not going either way. He was there just to listen for the most part, but Jeff really seemed to understand the dangers that Nick could possibly put Jenn in if he revealed his true identity. Jeff was worried that if Nick stayed around people were going to find out it was him. Nick reassured him that he would be careful.

Nick sat in his room going over the articles yet again searching for anything he might have missed. “God there's nothing here. I've gone through everything.” Then there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” he let out.

“Hey,” Jenn said opening the door with Anthony on her hip. “I just thought I'd give you a breakfast warning,” she said with a smile.

“Oh all right, I'll be in the kitchen to help feed Anthony in a little bit.”

“It's okay you don't have to. Sam said she'd do it today if you don't want to.”

“No, I'll do it. I like feeding the little guy.”

She smiled at him. “You really are giong to make a great father one day Scott. You just remember I told you that.”

“Don't worry, I will. But I'll be out in a bit after I get dressed.”

“All right, see you then,” she said closing the door.

“I've been here with her for over a month, how in the hell am I surviving this?” he asked himself. Then he got up and put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He checked himself in the mirror, shuddered at what he thought was a horrible sight and walked away. He headed toward the kitchen. He went in and found Sam feeding Anthony already. “But I thought I was going to feed him,” Nick said.

“Oh hi Scott,” Sam said. “Yeah I was just starting it. Here you go,” she said getting up from her chair.

Nick sat down in her seat and looked at Anthony, “Good morning there little man. How are you doing today?” Anthony just gve him the happy little baby smile. “Is this good?” he asked putting a little bit of the food into his mouth. “I bet it is.”

“You're so good with him,” Sam said.

[Baby_Girl89]

Nick turned around and looked at Sam, who was sitting in the chair beside him, but was behind him at the time. “Well I hope so, he is my son after all,” Nick whispered.

“Hey you two, what’s all the whispering about?” Jenn asked as she placed a plate of bacon and a plate of scrambled eggs on the table.

“Nothing,” Sam said with a smile.

“Uh huh,” Jenn said with that prize winning smile of hers. Then she placed plates in front of them and in front of her chair as well as placing a plate of toast on the table. Then she placed three glasses of orange juice down on the table. “All right folks eat up or the food’s going to get cold.”

Sam started to gather the food onto her plate. “But I haven’t finished feeding him yet,” Nick said.

“Oh it’s okay Scott, he’s my responsibility, I’ll finish feeding him.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ve sat by for these past couple of weeks watching you take care of us and Anthony and watching you eat cold breakfasts. Today, it’s my turn to eat the cold food.”

“But Scott, he’s my son, not yours. Besides you’re my guests. It’s only fitting that I’m the one to eat the cold breakfasts.”

That first sentence hit him hard. He knew he couldn’t say otherwise living under his façade, but it still hurt nonetheless. “I’m your guest, right, but I mean you do so much for us, I just want to return the favor.”

“But Scott, I’ll feel bad for letting you eat cold food. I’m used to imperfect things.”

“And you think I’m not,” he said with a smirk pointing to his face. “So please let me do this for you.”

“All right forget it, my son needs to eat and he won’t get any more eating done with us yapping about who’s going to feed him.”

“I can’t believe it, I won. I’ve never won before,” Nick exclaimed excitedly.

“But we’ve also never fought before,” Jenn retorted.

“I mean with any woman,” Nick quickly said. Crap, I have got to be more careful.


©~©~©


“Nice,” Sam said. Then she started eating her food trying to ignore what was going on in the kitchen. She could feel the sexual tension between the two whenever they were in a room with one another. I don’t know why he just won’t tell her. It’s so obvious how perfect they are for each other. Guys are such boneheads sometimes.

“Sam can you believe him?” Jenn asked her.

“He’s a guy it’s hard to believe anything about him,” she responded.

[StargateGirl]

good adds. :) Good Luck on your interview.

[Kristen07]

Yes I did. They were excellent, as usual!

[Baby_Girl89]

Jenn laughed, “That’s a good one girl.”

“Wasn’t it though?”

“Hey, I’m still in the room,” Nick pronounced.

The girls just giggled. Sam thought about her few weeks there with the two of them after that as she ate her breakfast. Nick seemed more alive than he had when he was just Scott to her. He smiled more than he had in the whole year she had known him prior to finding out who he really was. And Jenn, it was a blast getting to know Jenn. She really was the sweetest person that she’d ever known. She always made sure to ask if either of them needed anything and she always made them breakfast, lunch, and dinner right on schedule.

And then there was Justin. He was so sweet and so amazing. He was like no other man she’d ever met before. Every once in a while they’d have dinner at Drew and Lea’s and he’d be there. He came over every once in a while to talk with Nick or Jenn about things unbeknownst to her. Then he would have some polite conversation with her, at least at first. Then he would loosen up and they would start to talk about everything under the stars. It was amazing. Sam was beginning to feel as if she was going to understand how Jenn could have such a strong connection with someone. The only thing she really wanted now was for Justin to actually ask her out on a real date.

She met Byron, the “competition”. She could tell Jenn really didn’t want to have much to do with him, but she was always so kind to him. He was really weird though because some days he would come over charming and sweet and other days he would come over charming and somehow leaving a sense of evilness about him. But she and Jenn also talked about Byron and she hated that Jenn actually thought about dating him, but from the way she was always avoiding his calls or his visits, Sam could tell there wasn’t much behind what she said.

And then she looked over at Nick and then over at Jenn. I wish those two would decide to go out on a real date. I wish Nick would tell her the truth. She would forgive him eventually. I know she would. She loves him so much. How can he continue to keep this from her without breaking down? She couldn’t seem to figure it out.


©~©~©


After breakfast they all headed out into the living room. After about a half an hour of idle chatter Jenn headed into the nursery to get Anthony’s things together for his check-up. After she did that she went back out into the living room with the diaper bag and picked up her son. “All right you two, I’m gonna go take Anthony to his check-up now.”

“Well wait a minute, I want to go with you,” Scott said.

“Oh, Scott, it’s so sweet of you to offer, but it’s just a routine check up. You don’t have to come with me.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“But I want to go with you.”

“But what about Sam, she’ll be here all alone, and I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

“You know what? I’ll just take a drive around town. I’ve been here for three weeks already and I don’t know this place very well.”

“Well take Scott with you, he knows the place pretty well since this is his hometown. I wouldn’t want you to get lost.”

“But Jenn, I want to go with you. I’ve grown very attached to Anthony and I want to make sure he’s okay just as much as you do.”

I was afraid of that happening. What’s going to happen when Scott decides to leave? Anthony will just be as attached. Should I continue to let him stay here? “Oh Scott, do you think it’s such a good idea for you to grow so close to my son? I mean I don’t even know how much longer you’re going to be here. I don’t know if he’ll be able to handle it if you leave him after a year or something.”

“Oh well, what if I’m here longer than that. I mean I can’t help but grow attached to the little guy. He’s too hard to resist. I promise Jenn, I’ll never hurt him.”

Jenn bit her lip trying decide what to do. God what do I do? I don’t want to hurt him, but I don’t want to hurt my son in the long run either. “Oh I don’t know.”

“Please Jenn, I’ll stay out of the way.”

“But what about Sam?” Jenn asked hoping that it would help her decision.

“I’ll call Justin, he can show her around.”

“But he won’t get here for another ten minutes and I need to go like now.”

“I can just wait for him Jenn. Besides that would give me some more time with him. Please.”

“Oh all right, I have no time to argue. I have to be at the hospital in a half an hour and considering it’s Wednesday the traffic might be atrocious. Hurry up and make the call Scott.”

“All right,” Scott said walking to the table.

“Sam, I hope I’m not offending you by leaving you like this.”

“Hey no, it’s all good. I know you gotta take care of your son.”

“Scott should really stay with you though.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“I think you don’t want him to go because you’re afraid of admitting how much more he’s meaning to you now. Jenn I know I haven’t known you long, but I’ve been around enough women to know when they’re avoiding a man because they’re afraid to admit how they feel about him.”

“Maybe, but I really can’t deal with him right now.”

“Jenn, I would suggest letting nature take its course. Besides I bet he feels the same way about you.”

“I wish I knew.”

“Well maybe one day he’ll tell you.”

“Thanks Sam. Have fun with Justin today. Hopefully he’s not on duty today. But of course in this sleepy town there isn’t much for him to do. Hopefully there won’t be anything for him to do to interrupt your guys’ outing.”

“That would be nice, but don’t worry about me, you just go take care of that precious boy of yours.”

Jenn smiled, “Right, and thanks for understanding.”

“I’m glad I could be of some help.”

Then Jenn walked toward the door, past Scott. Scott put the phone down and said, “It’s all set. Let’s go.” He opened the door for Jenn and then they walked out. “Jenn,” he said reaching out and touching her arm. She turned and looked at him. “Thanks.”

“For what?” she asked with a smile.

“For taking me with you. I know you didn’t want to, but it means a lot to me.”

“Well let’s just get going before I’m late,” she said turning around. “What is Mommy doing Anthony?” she whispered to her son as she walked off to the car.


©~©~©


Wow she really wanted me to stay home, Nick thought as he buckled himself in. He watched as Jenn started the car and drove off toward the hospital. “Jenn?” he asked after about ten minutes of just the music from the radio playing.

“Yeah Scott?” she asked keeping her eyes straight ahead, turning quickly every once in a while to make sure there weren’t any problems.

She still drives like she’s paranoid, he thought. “Do you want me to leave?”

“What?” she asked glancing at him at the stop light.

“Well I don’t know the way you were talking earlier, it just sounded like you might not want me around any more.”

“No, Scott, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make it sound that way. It’s just I don’t know, I don’t want you to just one day up and leave and have my son wondering what’s happened. Of course I suppose he might not remember it if you leave before he’s two.”

[Baby_Girl89]

“Was that a hint?”

“I’m sorry, no. Scott, I’m just so confused about things right now. I really like having you around the house. It has made things so much easier, and it’s been nice having some adults to talk to at home. I just don’t know right now. I’m sorry if I made it ever seem like I didn’t want you around or that I didn’t like having you around, I’m just going out of my mind is all.”

“Did I cause this?” Jenn was silent for a bit. “I guess I’ll take that for a yes. I’m sorry Jenn, I didn’t mean to cause any problems for you.”

“Scott, it’s not you. It’s me, a corny line I know, but it’s the truth.” By then they finally made it to the hospital parking lot. Jenn looked at her watch, “Ten minutes to spare. Scott, whatever I’ve done to make you feel the way that you do, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s just I don’t want to ruin a potential friendship between us.” It seems that’s all we might get.

“Potential? You mean we’re not considered friends yet?” Jenn asked.

“Well I wasn’t sure.”

“Boy, I’m letting you live in my home. If that’s not something a friend would do then I don’t know what is,” she said with a chuckle. But anyway we better get going inside.” She unbuckled herself and got out of the car. She opened up the back door and then reached in to get her son. “Oh come on Baby,” she said lifting him out of his car seat after unbuckling him from his confines.

Nick got out of the car and stood there waiting for Jenn to cross over to his side of the car. Then they walked into the hospital together. They went inside and headed to the pediatric ward. Jenn signed in and waited to be called to see Dr. Brant. “So is this where you come for all of your medical problems?” Scott asked.

“Well you’ve lived here, you know that this hospital and the other one across town are the only places anyone can go to as of the moment.”

“Right well I seem to remember a few other doctor’s offices around here.”

“Oh right well a lot has happened within the year. This hospital got expanded and most of the doctors moved here or out of the county. It’s not a very big county so it’s not that big of a problem. I guess if we start growing some more other buildings will be used again. But these two are equidistant within a thirty minute drive all around for people from the half way point in the county so they’re more easily accessible.”

[Raevengeance]

Loves it Jenners :)

[StargateGirl]

great adds. :)

[Raevengeance]

Need more please, jenn-jenn

[Kristen07]

More soon please, Jenn! :)

[Raevengeance]

Jenners!!!!!!!1

I'm in withdrawal here - please end my problem :)

[Baby_Girl89]

“Anthony Lachey?” the nurse called out.

“Well that’s us,” Jenn said getting up. Scott followed suit. “You don’t have to come in with us.”

“Jenn please,” he said giving her the most sincere pleading eyes.

“Okay let’s go,” she said. Then they both walked to the backroom. When they got there they just went inside and sat.

“You certainly know your way around,” Scott said.

“I’ve been here enough times,” Jenn said with a smile as she softly bounced her son on her knees. She listened to his light giggling and felt at peace.


©~©~©


The doctor came in and he began to examine Anthony. Then a few minutes later another guy came in, who looked like the doctor’s twin brother. It turned out he was. “Josh what are you doing here?” he asked him.

“Sorry to bother you Bro, but Maria is about to have your third kid.”

“What?” he let out. “But she’s not due for another three weeks.”

“Well her water broke and I had to drive her here. She’s waiting for you right now in the delivery room. You better get going.”

“Oh goodness,” Dr. Brant said. “Jenn, I’ll have to have you reschedule the appointment. Do you think we could do this tomorrow?”

“Um, I guess. But you better get to your wife Dr. Brant. I know what it’s like to want your husband with you.”

“Thanks,” Dr. Brant said as he left the room.

“Jenn, I’ve heard of you,” the gentleman Dr. Brant called Josh said.

“You have?” she asked surprised.

“Yeah, I have.”

“Wow, I didn’t know I was that well known.”

“My brother talks about you all the time.”

“He does?” she asked.

“Yeah he was telling me about how you lost your husband and that things were going crazy for you and that he wished he could find a way to help you out.”

“Oh did he? What else did he say?” she asked.