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Chapter 17

Posted on 2010-03-27

The winter dragged on, bringing many snowstorms, frigid temperatures and hazardous conditions, along with cozy nights by the fire, snowmen and snowball fights, the latter two mostly initiated by Richard. Will commented that he had never seen his cousin so carefree. He added that even in their youth, Richard had appeared reckless and fearless when compared to the man who now smiled readily and laughed joyfully –his caustic sarcasm mostly a thing of the past. The two cousins still had their moments of teasing and disagreement, but as both shed more and more of their pasts and looked forward to their futures, tranquility enveloped the household.

A late February thaw brought a week of milder temperatures, and Richard and Will took advantage of it to walk out to the new property, the site where Richard hoped to build his home. Richard had arranged for the architect, who he'd spoken to earlier, and his contractor to accompany them. The men decided that work could begin in earnest within the next few weeks, as the land had already been cleared and half a basement remained from the old farmhouse. As Will had predicted several months ago when Richard first began planning, his cousin desired a ranch style home with a log cabin feel and façade. Ellie liked the rustic appeal as well, much to Richard's surprise and delight. Even Cammi, who for all intents and purposes, moved to Bryan after Valentine's Day, agreed to assist in decorating "the Man Cave," as she had christened it.

Beth's nausea and fatigue became but a irritating memory as she began her second trimester. Her scheduled appointment with Doc the last week of February consisted of a blood test to predict complications such as Down syndrome, and his office didn't delay contacting Beth early the next week to allay any fears on that score. In short, Beth and the baby were healthy and on track.

On Doc's recommendation, Beth began sleeping only on her left side as her little bump began to grow. This was no problem, as the couple had naturally assumed the spooning position upon marriage, but Beth missed the times of waking up snuggled directly into Will's protective chest. One morning, she was awakened by an odd, fluttering sensation in her abdomen. Not sure if she suffered from a little indigestion, but quickly ruling out the need to go to the bathroom, she placed her hand instinctively on her growing womb. The feeling continued; suddenly, she knew exactly what she experienced.

"Fitzwilliam!" she called excitedly, momentarily forgetting that he lay right beside her.

"What?" Will awoke with a start; alarm tinged his voice.

"Put your hand right here." She guided his hand down to the spot where he often spoke to their little one.

"What?" he asked again, now fully awake.

"Don't you feel it?" she asked in wonder.

"Feel what? Elizabeth, I don't feel anything, except that the little bump keeps growing."

"Oh," she responded somewhat dejectedly, until she felt the sensation again. "There it is again, honey. It's the baby. I feel the baby inside of me, Fitzwilliam. It's … I think it's what they call the quickening." She turned over so that she faced him. "Darling, the baby is moving around. The. Baby. Is. Moving. Around."

Will's sleepy eyes examined his wife's blissful expression as they each let the news settle upon them. "So," he said with a mischievous grin, "there really is a baby in there. I've been wondering if all along I was just putting up with your irritability due to weight gain."

"Ha Ha! Mr. Funny. No, Mr. Stephens, this is all because of you. And don't think I'm going to let you forget that, either." She poked him in the spots she knew caused him to laugh, and the couple teased and loved, until Beth suddenly remembered their daughter needed to get up and getting ready for school.

Later that morning, Beth sat, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, when Juanita appeared at the door. Motioning her in from the cold, Beth offered some of the comforting beverage which Juanita quickly accepted. As usual, she grilled Beth on her health and that of the bambino, and she pronounced that all was good. Also, as usual, she had brought some goodies to her little family; this time the box was filled with cookies, soup beans and cornbread.

"Oh, Juanita," Beth enthused, "I felt the baby move today. Really felt the little one today, and experienced pure magic and happiness rolled into one." Beth's eyes brimmed with happy tears.

Juanita smiled and patted Beth's hand. "Si, si, it is beautiful feeling. You glow with the happy feeling, Elisa. El Toro does, too. Even Ricardo is happy. All is good here. You are blessed," she said, looking at Beth pointedly.

"Juanita, are you alright?" Beth eyed her carefully, appraising the older woman's expression with concern, and then asked anxiously, "Is everything okay with you, with Jorge and the kids?"

"Oh, we are fine, Elisa. We are fine. No, it is the neighbor next to Ricardo's land; she is not so good."

"Oh, you mean Mrs. Greenwood?" Beth replied, wondering where Juanita's comment might be heading.

"Si, Senorita Greenwood. She return from, what you say, rehabilitation?" Beth nodded. "She return yesterday. All alone in that big house," she tutted and clucked.

"She has no family here, does she?" Beth tried to search her memory of conversations with Mrs. Greenwood. "I remember her telling me that once when we met at church. One son lives in the South or something, and a daughter is a big attorney somewhere . I guess her hip surgery must have been successful for her to be returning home now."

"Si, but she is still alone much in that big house…"

"Juanita, are you attempting to get me to go visit Mrs. Greenwood and bring her some of these goodies," she pointed to the treats her friend had brought with her, "and maybe a few of my own?" Beth smiled as Juanita nodded her head. "Why don't you go yourself or, better yet, come with me?"

"No, no, Elisa, I have to go back to mi casa. You go; it will be good for you." She rose from the chair, kissed Beth on the cheek and fled out the door before Beth could react or ask any questions. Knowing Juanita, Beth believed mamacita's commandeering her to be neighborly concealed a mission, but since she had nothing planned for the day, she readied a basket of her own to take to Mrs. Greenwood.

An hour later, Beth knocked gently on the weathered oak door of Mrs. Greenwood's farmhouse. The wind blew harshly, and she hoped to hear the older woman's voice above the din. After the second knock, Beth tried the door, which opened at her slight push. "Mrs. Greenwood?" she called from the doorway. "It's Elizabeth Stephens from down the road; Will's wife."

"Oh," a voice called from inside, "come in, dear. I'm in the parlor, just off the hallway."

Beth smiled at the word "parlor" and wondered at why such words were no longer in use. Shutting the cold air out, she moved down the hall, looking through the arched doorway into the expansive and inviting room. To her right sat Mrs. Greenwood in an antique, high-backed Queen Anne chair, with her walker parked along side. Pulling off her gloves, Beth walked over to the older woman and held out her hand. "Mrs. Greenwood," Beth smiled genuinely. "I heard that you came home yesterday. We're so glad you're back."

The older woman nodded, holding out her very arthritic hand, which shook slightly, to grasp Beth's. "Thank you, dear. So nice of you to come by. I'm afraid I've not been very neighborly since you married young Will. Such a good boy," she smiled and looked off in the distance as she continued." I knew his mother so well; although, she was several years younger than I. Please, please, sit down anywhere." She released Beth's hand and swept her arms around, indicating the ancient rockers, parlor chairs and a charming settee upholstered in rich, burgundy-tinged brocade.

"Mrs. Greenwood," Beth enthused as she sat in one of the rockers. "This is a delightful room, the furnishings are glorious. If these pieces could only talk, right?"

"Oh, yes, dear, what stories they could tell," the older woman smiled at her private memories. "Please, Elizabeth, call me Muriel. You have brightened my day by visiting me. Can I get you something to do drink?" she asked as she began to slowly rise out of the chair.

"No, no, please, Muriel," Beth stood up quickly. "I came to see if I could get anything for you. Perhaps some tea to go the cookies or the pound cake I brought in my basket?"

"Oh, my, that sounds lovely, dear. The kitchen is just down the hall," she pointed. "I have a kettle on the burner. Make yourself at home. I'm supposed to get up and walk, but I get a little nervous doing it by myself. I'll be along shortly, though."

"Oh, no Muriel, I'll find my way. You just sit there and relax. I imagine you're very happy to be home," Beth remarked as she found the kitchen quickly and began to prepare the tea.

Beth spent an enjoyable couple of hours with Muriel before assisting her to the restroom and then setting out food for her to microwave for dinner. The elderly woman admitted to much loneliness, though she was happy to be home and said that after speaking with a social worker, she'd been considering other options for herself. Beth didn't want to intrude or seem pushy; she just listened. She felt relief when Muriel said a visiting nurse came every morning and was scheduled to continue for the next several weeks. Before leaving, Beth causally mentioned that she was glad Juanita had informed her of Muriel's return to the neighborhood.

"Oh, now I understand," Muriel said dismissively, a disapproving frown appearing on her face.

"What's the matter, Muriel? Understand what?" Beth couldn't help but see the change in her demeanor.

"That busybody vulture is just circling," she harrumphed with disdain. "I should have put two and two together. Please see you own way out, Mrs. Stephens," she said as she waved her hand at Beth, indicating the exit.

"Wait, please, I don't understand. Do you not like Juanita? She seemed quite concerned about you being here all alone," Beth replied, bewildered, as she stood up to leave.

"Well, it appears that she used you to check on me, to see if this old bird is ready to finally let go of my nest. Tell her I'm not dead yet, will you, please?" Muriel slowly stood up, grabbing and then leaning heavily on her walker.

Her confusion growing, and not just a little peeved that one or both of the women had somehow used her, Beth asked, "Mrs. Greenwood, do you think Juanita means to make you sell your house, to her?"

"I don't think it, young lady; I know it. For the last five years, she's made it well known that she wants my house, my farm, everything she can get her hands on. I may be old, but I'm not stupid. The young Stephens' boy is half way through college. He'll be wanting his family's homestead soon, that will leave that schemer and her brood out on their ear. That family has sponged off of your husband's goodwill for long enough, I'd say." She snorted in contempt.

Beth stood frozen in shock at the seemingly benign widow's scathing words. Not sure whether these were the remarks of a prejudiced woman, or if some other bad blood existed between Muriel and Juanita, Beth recalled how quickly Juanita quitted the kitchen after suggesting she visit. "Mrs. Greenwood, I know you don't have to believe me," she offered, "but I came here today only to check on you and to offer any assistance you might need. Your stories about my husband's youthful follies thrilled me as did learning more about his mother, who he adored. Your home is beautiful and warm, but I assure you, I did not come here to spy for Juanita, or anyone else for that matter." She moved to leave, but with her hand on the doorknob, she turned again to see Muriel staring after her. "I'm very sorry that I upset you. I'll give my husband your warm regards." She paused to think for a moment, and then continued, "Maybe you'd be more comfortable with him checking on you from time to time, instead of me. I hope you'll still eat what I brought, and please, do take care of yourself," she said, as she walked out the door and shut it quietly behind her.

Still puzzling over the conversation an hour later, she didn't even hear Will pull up the driveway and startled when the back door opened. "Geeze, Elizabeth, you practically jumped out of your chair," Will teased, as he bent to kiss her, warmly. She returned the kiss, but just barely. Will stepped away to study his wife's face. "What's the matter? Are you ill?"

Beth shook her head and launched into a description of her visit and the troubling conversation she'd had with their neighbor. Will listened intently, nodding a few times while a slight smile began tugging at the corners of his mouth. By the time Beth relayed Muriel's ranting about Juanita, his eyes danced merrily, until he finally couldn't hold in the laughter anymore, practically choking as he released the loud chuckle.

"Will Stephens," Beth demanded, "why are you laughing at me? Today was very upsetting for me! I've been sitting here, trying to figure out how to approach Juanita with all of this. I don't want to hurt her feelings if, in fact, Muriel is intolerant. Will," she ordered, stamping her foot on the floor for emphasis, "quit laughing at me."

"I'm sorry, darling," Will replied wiping the tears from his eyes caused by his laughing so hard. "I'm not really laughing at you. It's just that you may have gotten yourself hoodwinked into the biggest feud in Williams County, that's all.

Will continued to laugh as Beth declared her displeasure with a glare and angry tapping of her foot. "Don't get mad at me, madam; I had nothing to do with this. Where's Richard? He'll love this one!" Will patted his wife condescendingly on the shoulder while walking out into the hall. "Richard? Are you in the house?" he boomed.

"Yeah," came the muffled reply as they heard a door open. "I'm in your office. What's up?"

"Come into the kitchen, have I got a story for you. Wait 'til you get a load of what Juanita pulled on Elizabeth today." Will laughed, forgetting his wife's displeasure at his amusement and obvious enjoyment of her uncomfortable situation, until her turned to see her red faced, her arms crossed across her chest. "Oops, Elizabeth, just a minute; you'll laugh when I explain. Really, you will."

"You better hope I do, sir, because right now, I don't know whether to club you for being so condescending or get your bed ready in the den for tonight, for being so cruel as to laugh at me." with her cross retort, she shrugged off Will's attempted caress.

Richard, catching the last bit of her speech and her obvious pique at her husband, stopped in the doorway. "Am I intruding on something of the marital variety?" he asked with a smirk. "If so, I can wait until you two sort it out."

"Don't be ridiculous, Rich; she just doesn't understand what happened to her today." Will pointed toward an empty chair for his cousin before directing his remarks back to his very irritated wife. "Look, I know I'm in the doghouse big time right now, but, sweetheart, you have no idea what you stepped into today."

"Well, since you seem to know so much," she seethed through gritted teeth, "why don't you enlighten me? But let me warn you, Will, you may prefer the doghouse if you don't quit laughing at me and making sport."

"Will," Richard reacted with shock at Beth's temper, "I don't know what's going on, but I don't think it's wise to tick off a pregnant woman in a room full of sharp knives." His attempt at humor made Beth roll her eyes and allowed Will a moment to collect himself before he began his explanation.

"Okay, okay," Will chocked, his attempt to stifle his amusement not working. He knew he'd crossed the line, and his wife throwing around a series of "Will's" told him he'd better quickly rein his composure and get on with the story. Inhaling deeply, he turned to his cousin and began, "Richard, Juanita sent Elizabeth on a fool's errand to Muriel Greenwood's house today." Richard's eyes grew wide, and he immediately burst into laughter. "See, see, Elizabeth," Will resembled a young boy attempting to wrangle his way out of trouble with his mother. "Richard knows why I'm laughing; and it's not at you, honey, I swear."

"Oh, my lord, Elizabeth," Richard gasped for air, "what happened?" He, too, swiped at his eyes, as he guffawed loudly, which further infuriated her.

"I'm not repeating what's so obviously giving you two such enjoyment at my expense." She turned to face her husband; her anger further apparent in her narrowed eyes, and in a threatening tone demanded, "Will, you had better tell me --"

"Okay, calm down please. I'm truly sorry to laugh so. It's just…alright, here's the deal." Will began explaining the situation between the two ladies. He recalled his mother's description of Muriel Greenwood as a spinster who, in her early forties, met and married the long-bachelored Mr. Adam Greenwood, who was about the same age. Beth didn't like the word spinster and decidedly offered her opinion on its use. Both men wisely kept their mouths shut as she spoke her mind. After a brief pause, Will continued the story.

"Anyway, their children, Susan and David, were born within two years of their marriage. They're only a few years older than Rich and me. According to Mom, Muriel was the perfect farmer's wife, right from the get-go. Though older than most of the women in the area, she fit right into their sewing circles and church activities, and, from day one, began winning all kinds of ribbons and stuff at the county fair and craft shows. Mom says there was no beating her – until….Elizabeth, do you know where I'm headed with this?" Will smiled lovingly at his wife, as the light dawned on her.

"Until Juanita and Jorge came here, to work your parents' farm," she answered, as a slight smile began forming. "Fitzwilliam, I'm sorry I snapped at you, but you were really aggravating me." She jumped up and punched him in the shoulder before kissing his still laughing mouth.

"Alright, you two," Richard warned with mock severity, "leave the make up session for later." With dancing eyes, he urged, "Go on and tell her the rest, Will."

Will continued the tale of the two rivals. "Every year, the competition increased as they put up their best preserves, pies, quilts, floral arrangements, you name it. By this time, I guess we were, what, in our early teens, Rich?" His cousin shrugged then nodded. "Anyway, the rivalry continued and took on epic proportions; even we kids knew about it. One year, Muriel's pumpkins got some kind of mold or something on them, and she floated the rumor that Juanita had had something to do with it. Then another time, Juanita had pies cooling on a picnic table outside of their trailer; when she went to bring them in, they were missing. She swore that Muriel stole them, so she could try and figure out her secret recipe."

"You're kidding, right?" Beth laughed now, as the two men, grinning broadly, crossed their hearts. "You stole the pies, didn't you?" she accused the men who began howling uproariously.

"I will not answer that question on the grounds that it might incriminate me," Will deadpanned.

"Yeah, pleading the fifth," Richard responded, before the two burst into new fits of hilarity, like two schoolboys.

Will regaled his wife with more examples of the conflicts and accusations that had arisen over the years. "At one point, Juanita's priest and Pastor Paul had to get involved; it got that bad. Those who ran the fair competitions threatened to exclude them from participating. Then, for several years after the accident, Juanita didn't enter anything; neither did Muriel. I think Juanita was too busy with her brood and us to do anything else, and Muriel was downcast because her children didn't want anything to do with farm life. But, I guess, it was about the time old man Greenwood passed away that Muriel started baking again and putting up preserves. Somehow, that spurred Juanita, and we're right back into the fray of yesteryear.

"On top of that, put the well-known facts that someday the Greenwood Farm will go up for sale and that Jorge has saved all his life for his own land." He shrugged. "I don't want the property; it's not suited for horses, and I've no interest in extending the tomatoes or corn. Somehow, Muriel, got it into her head that Juanita was just biding her time, waiting for her to die, or for her to put the house up for sale, whichever might come first. Everybody knows that Seth intends to live in his folks' house when he graduates, as well as initiating massive improvements on my antiquated farming techniques, thereby leaving Juanita, Jorge and company homeless."

"Will," Richard interjected, "do you think she sent Elizabeth over there to spy on just how bad the old woman is? I mean, seriously…"

"I'd put nothing past her, honestly," Will answered, again laughing. "You know, the sad thing is that for all these years, the two women could have been friends. Muriel's a really a nice lady. I have nothing but good memories of times at her place." His eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Why do I get the feeling that the two of you fueled the fire on this feud?" Beth accused, her own eyes sparkling.

"Hey!" Richard jumped up in mock indignation. "I was only here twice a year; how in the world could anyone blame me for anything?"

"Hmmmph," Beth chided, "From the looks of you two, I'd say that where there was a Will, there was a Richard, both causing much mayhem!"

"Oh, boo, madam!" Will laughed, as he grabbed his wife by the waist and twirled her around the kitchen. "How long have you waited to spring that little pun on us? Our mothers used that one on us many times." Both men held their sides in mirth. Will stopped, taking a breath in an attempt to steady himself. His head snapped up as a light bulb went off in his mind. "Wait, that's it. You read that in one of my mother's journals, didn't you?" he accused, as Beth took off running through the kitchen and down the hallway. He caught up to her, Beth giddily struggling to get beyond his reach when Callie walked through the door, home from school.

Taking in the scene of her parents chasing and batting at one another while Richard looked on laughing, Callie threw down her backpack, and joined in the melee. "I love my family," she yelled out and, soon, even little Bella awoke from her nap and romped through the house, adding to the noise level and rambunctiousness that rivaled any that days of old had seen with all of Will's siblings.

Since it happened to be Tuesday, Juanita and Jorge, as usual, joined them for dinner that evening. Callie happily described the scene she'd found when she'd came home, which greatly amused the couple. Will and Richard acted like schoolboys through the entire meal, snickering between bites, elbowing each other, and bothering Elizabeth unmercifully. Jorge, of course, sat clueless to what swirled around him, but Juanita quickly began to figure out that her little suggestion to Beth was about to explode in her face.

She rose from the table, taking the fork out of her husband's hand, and instructed, "Jorge, we leave now. Elisa is tired, and Callita has homework."

"Que pasa? We are still eating, Juanita." Then, the two began conversing in heated Spanish. It wasn't long before Will and Richard could take no more and succumbed to uproarious laughter. Callie asked what was so funny. Her mother, glowering at her husband, bribed her with cookies and made haste to escort her into her daddy's office to finish her homework.

When Beth returned, she found Richard regaling Jorge with the story as only Richard could while Will continued to chuckle and add in his two cents. Jorge looked sternly at his wife and asked a question in Spanish, which she answered by shrugging her shoulders. "You let poor Elisa walk into the witch's house? Juanita…" again, they exchanged more words in Spanish. Finally, Jorge stood up and walked over to Beth. "Elisa, I am so sorry she sent you to that mean old lady's house. My wife should be ashamed." He scowled directly back at this wife.

"Jorge, it's alright," she attempted to calm him. "Mrs. Greenwood was actually quite pleasant, until I mentioned Juanita's name." Again, the two cousins snickered, before Beth shot them her best "look".

"As you say, Elisa," Jorge shrugged, then steered his still unrepentant wife out of the dining room and into the kitchen, where their argument continued.

Later that night, Beth and Will could hear Richard, in his room, relating the tale to Ellie and laughing just as loudly as he had in the afternoon. "I swear," Beth admonished her husband, "you two are like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer; or maybe Dennis the Menace and Joey, or better yet, Calvin and Hobbes."

Their laughter turned into more amorous sounds, before the house fell silent.

"Elizabeth!" Will burst into the kitchen late one afternoon in early March, where his wife was attempting to learn how to master making German chocolate cake. "Elizabeth, you'll never believe it! Sweetheart, it's nearly over! My advisor accepted my thesis; all that's left is to print it!" Since Christmas, Will took a full load of classes on top of his time at SKAT so that he could possibly graduate in the spring. On top of it all, several drafts of his thesis produced even more angst as he battled to defend it to his advisor. "I can't believe it myself. In about ten weeks I can put MS Psych behind my name if I want to." He bent to kiss his wife and took a swipe of chocolate batter out of the bowl, before she swatted his hand away.

"Are you sure that won't be BS Psych, Cousin?" Richard hollered, as he made his way down the steps.

"You know, your humor never ceases to underwhelm me, Richard. When's that house of yours going to be finished?" The two men exchanged playful banter for several minutes while Beth, pouring the batter into a pan, laughed at their antics. Though the couple was excited for Richard to move into his new house, and for his burgeoning relationship with Elise, they missed his presence already as did Callie who never failed to mention his absence when he went out with Elise.

"Of course," Will went on to explain, "I have about fifty more clinical hours to get in at SKAT and at Marie's school, and then I'll have to study to take the test for the actual license part, but, academically, unless something very major goes wrong, I'm done." He broke into a broad grin as he grabbed the spatula to lick more of the batter.

"Geeze," Richard responded in mock seriousness, "that's all anybody has to do before they can be viewed as some kind of expert? Somehow," he sighed dramatically, "it just doesn't seem fair to those of us who fought in the trenches…"

"I'm very proud of you, Fitzwilliam." Beth said, breaking up their verbal sparring. "I knew I was making this cake for a reason. You've worked so hard, darling; and you made it happen even with taking on all of us…"

"Hey," Richard interrupted, "I just realized that we get to have yet another graduation celebration this year. You are going to take part in the ceremonies, aren't you, Will?"

"I hadn't really thought about it," Will answered, absently. "There's not much sense to it, is there?"

"Fitzwilliam," Beth pushed the cake pans aside and walked over to her husband. "If your mother was here, would you have participated with the gown and hood and the whole nine yards?" Will shrugged in answer. "You lie, sir," his wife wagged her finger in his face. "You know that she would have insisted on you donning all of that and marching down that aisle."

"She's got you there, Will," Richard laughed. "Come on, I think you'll have fun. After all, it took you long enough to get here, right? The least we can do is sit in the audience, scream and yell out catcalls and then take you out to dinner."

"But, Elizabeth," Will desperately searched for a way out of participating in the graduation ceremony, "you'll be almost seven months pregnant by then. Why would you want to sit through a boring ceremony?"

"Because I'm proud of my husband," she replied, pertly, "and I enjoy showing you off whenever I can. So, it's settled. Fill out whatever paperwork you need to, pay for the gown and hood and all that jazz."

"I bet you didn't go through all this when you received your master's," Will grumbled in defeat.

"We're not talking about me. For once we're going to celebrate Fitzwilliam Darcy Stephens," she replied, as she kissed him before placing the pans in the oven.

"I thought everyday was a celebration of Will," Richard offered dryly before a kitchen towel snapped against his backside.

Chapter 18

Posted on 2010-04-06

March blew in with a vengeance and remained cold and windy. Georgiana and Seth requested permission to go to Florida for Spring Break, accompanied, of course, by Justin and Rachel. The girls spoke with Beth at length about the trip, and she felt good about their decisions and convictions. Although Ed and Marie held out for a time, the young people were granted permission. Once there, nightly calls described the fun and mayhem they experienced at Daytona Beach. They reported that although they had a great time together, Daytona was just a little too crazy and maybe next time they would chose a quieter destination. No argument came from the families in Bryan.

Callie's, and simultaneously, Elise's break came at the end of the month. Elise and Cammi had rescheduled the cruise they missed for one available during this break, so Richard and Dave saw them off at the airport, both men moping around the entire week. Emailing and texting when she could, Elise seemed to be relaxing and enjoying her time in the sun. Richard had wanted to go with her, but an invitation had not been extended. Talking about it with Beth helped him to see that maybe Elise needed some time, and some fun, in order to continue to find herself again.

Since her hospitalization and prescribed changes in medication, Jeannie showed improvement in temperament. In therapy, she admitted to not wanting a baby because she thought her momma would love the baby more than her. Dr. Evans spoke to the young girl often about her feelings. He suggested that Beth do special things and spend extra time with Jeannie in the next several months.

Jeannie came home for a three day weekend to finish off Callie's break. Though the weather remained a little cool, the girls had time to ride Butterscotch, and Will took each one out on the ATV several times. Beth and Jeannie went shopping for new clothes, and they picked out a present for Callie's birthday coming up in mid-April. They had spent the day in Toledo, and though Beth felt exhausted when they returned, Jeannie glowed and appeared to be happy to have spent such time with her momma.

Later, Will and Richard entertained the girls with pizza and a movie while Beth retired upstairs to rest. Will assumed his wife was sound asleep when he entered their room for the night after tucking the sisters in and promising them another pony ride after church the next day. Sliding between the sheets, Will's arms encircled his wife, who nestled beside him. Just as he began to nod off, he felt an odd sensation on his open hand that he always placed over Beth's abdomen.

Afraid to move, he waited a few seconds before feeling it again. "Elizabeth," Will whispered, "are you awake?"

"Yes," she answered quickly. "I've been laying here anxiously waiting for you to come to bed so that you could feel it, too. You do feel him, don't you Fitzwilliam?"

"Yes, our little one is kicking!" Thrilled beyond belief, Will couldn't help but still have some concern for his wife. "It doesn't hurt you, does it?"

"No, it just feels strange. Oh, Fitzwilliam, it's amazing, isn't it? Our little one is growing everyday; he can hear you when you talk to him and when I sing to him. Did you know I sing to him, Fitzwilliam? I rub my belly and sing silly songs and love songs. He'll know our special song before he'll know his name, I'm afraid." She chuckled as another little foot or fist prodded her belly.

"You do realize you keep referring to the little one as 'he', don't you?" Will teased while he continued to marvel at the strong bumps against his hand.

"Yes, I guess I do," she replied, sighing. "I think we're having a boy, darling; I really do. But would you be disappointed if another little girl entered your life?" Although he couldn't see her, Will knew she felt a little uneasy about this topic. "You're very good with us, you know," she added and then placed her hand on top of his just as the kicking ceased. "Ah, he's stopped now." She turned around to face her husband and cupped his face in her hands.

"Elizabeth," Will looked earnestly into her eyes, "when you told me you were pregnant, I filled with joy at the idea of a baby; I couldn't think beyond that. I just began calling our child 'little one'; it seemed to fit. When Doc did that blood test a couple of weeks ago; I was scared out of my wits until the results came back. Even then, I couldn't let myself go beyond referring to it as 'little one'. Then you felt the baby move inside you. For you, I know that meant so much, but, honestly, I felt left out." He dropped his eyes; a little ashamed of his feelings. "Tonight though, feeling the kicks and seeing your skin move slightly, the baby seems so real - so very real."

Beth lifted his chin so that she could smile warmly and rid him of his unease. "You didn't answer my question. Do you very much want a boy – an heir, my Mr. Darcy?" She stroked his face with a lazy motion before allowing her fingers to luxuriate in his curly hair.

Will sighed, closing his eyes as she massaged his scalp. "I really don't know, love. I just want the baby," his voice stuck in his throat. "I just want the baby…" he tried again before stopping with emotions ready to burst.

"Fitzwilliam," Beth pulled back her hands and again took his face in her cupped palms. "What's the matter?"

"I don't want … I don't want to make you weary or sad or nervous," he said as he attempted to pull away from her.

Holding his face steadily and searching his eyes, she pleaded, "Don't pull away, Fitzwilliam; please, tell me what's bothering you."

"Elizabeth, I can't help but think of my mother – all those pregnancies and all the misery of the miscarriages, then the still born twins. Sometimes it terrifies me. I try not to think about it, but I can't help myself, those were horrible times." He averted his eyes, blinking away the unshed tears.

"Oh, darling, I'm sorry that I forgot about that. Of course, you would think of those things. I've been frightened, too, but Doc keeps saying everything's going to be great. He says that the baby's developing exactly as he should. When we go in two weeks, let's talk to doc about the possibility of a sonogram, so we can see him. I think it will help us both to really see him, okay?" Will nodded, as she captured his lips and kissed him deeply, whispering words of love and encouragement to him, as he so often did for her.

That night, instead of moving away to sleep on her left side, Beth curled into his chest and laid her head next to his beating heart. She continued to murmur assurances to her husband, telling him not to worry about her or the baby, encouraging him to enjoy the time they could spend together before their little bundle of joy ruined perfectly good nights of sleep for them both. Her words worked in strengthening her own resolve, and helped to chase away some of her own doubts and fears.

Richard was so charged up, he couldn't even imagine sleeping. The day he'd spent with Elise kept spinning in his head, and try as he might to stop those thoughts, he couldn't. Anxious to see their sweethearts, he and Dave had driven together to the airport to collect their women arriving on a midday flight. Richard listened from his spot behind the steering wheel as patiently as he could while Dave spent the hour drive recounting all the ways he thought Cammi perfect for him. Richard couldn't help but wonder if Cammi had ever told Dave how wealthy she was or what she'd been like before they'd met each other, but found it better to hold his tongue and wait for the fallout.

They found the baggage carousel assigned to the ladies' flight and impatiently searched the crowd for any sign of them, but to no avail. Richard sighed as he watched couples reuniting, grandparents hugging children and reunions in general occurring all around him. He even saw a young military officer throw himself at an obviously very pregnant woman. I hope you make it to see that baby grow up, he thought to himself.

Cammi spied the men first and let out a yelp for Dave who ran up and kissed her soundly. Richard stood still, not really knowing what to do, but so very happy to see Elise smiling at him. Suddenly, Elise broke into a run and hurled herself at Richard, to the point of almost knocking him over. They both laughed, but before Richard could react any further, Elise grabbed his face and kissed him boldly and passionately.

"Oh, my lord, I've missed you so much, Rich," Elise said breathlessly when she finally broke away from the kiss only to dive back in and grace him with another and another.

"I've missed this for seventeen years, I think," Richard answered, just as short of breath as she, but smiling from ear to ear. "If all it took was a cruise to get that kind of a welcome, I'd have sent you packing months ago."

Warmer coats supplied and luggage secure in the back, Richard sped off to return to Bryan. Cammi and Dave conversed softly in the back while Elise seemed content just to hold Richard's hand after they had turned onto the turnpike, relieving him from the need to shift gears. "You need to buy a new car," she stated dryly. "I don't like that you have to shift all the time. I'd rather hold that hand."

"You've really got to tell me what went on on that ship, Ellie." Richard laughed at her boldness. "Did you visit some witch doctor on the islands or have a sun stroke or something?"

"Have I changed that much?" she purred into his ear while Richard nodded his head, catching his breath. She sat back in her seat, giggling. "I can't explain it, really. We just slept and ate a lot and lay on the deck while onboard. When we would dock, we'd do some shopping or hit the beach." She paused as if searching within herself for more clarification before speaking again. "I don't know, Rich, but by Wednesday, I just wanted to be home. I wanted to be home, with you."

"Good answer," he teased, "good answer." For the rest of the drive to Bryan, he squeezed her hand and listened to her tales of exotic shops and extravagant dinners.

After dropping Cammi at Dave's house, Elise informed Richard that she was starving, so they drove on to the diner. Richard watched in amusement as she ploughed through a salad and finished off his fries and apple pie. She carried on her narrative without pause, except to take bites of food. Finally, she took a deep breath and blushed. "I've been talking nonstop for over an hour, haven't I?" she guiltily asked.

"Probably, but I'm so happy to see you this way; I don't care if you keep talking for the next week." He paused and reached for her hand. "Ellie, you've come back to me," he answered, his voice full of emotion.

"I think I have, too, Rich, and I'm so happy to be back."

He quickly paid the bill, and they returned to the car for the short drive to Elise's house. They spent the rest of the afternoon talking, laughing and occasionally snuggling while Elise caught up on domestic tasks like doing her laundry and listening to her voicemail. When he left her that evening, she appeared tired but still excited, so alive and eager to again be able to love and be loved by the only man she had ever really desired.

In the darkness of his room, Richard understood that they had turned a huge corner that day. He didn't know where to go next – he knew what he wanted, but he didn't want to rush her in any way. Beth suggested that he talk to Pastor Paul, as Richard had been regularly attending church with the family, and he had mentioned that he respected the man. He certainly helped Elizabeth and Will. What have I got to lose? He rolled over and slipped into a slumber punctuated with very pleasant dreams.

Elise awoke the next morning refreshed and believing that she did deserve the happiness she felt in Richard's embrace. The week with Cammi had been fun-filled and peaceful, and each woman realized that they felt more than a little for the men in their lives. Literally letting her hair down, Elise experienced a sense of closure over her life with Jeffrey and all the pain associated with it. Hugging herself, she gazed out her bedroom window to the recently furrowed fields across the road. Spring is a time for rebirth, she reminded herself, as she headed toward the shower.

Sitting in front of her vanity mirror several minutes later, she studied the woman staring back at her. The woman smiled back with a silly, love-struck grin, blushing cheeks and no worry lines to be seen. This woman combed out her damp hair, humming a nonsense tune as she did. This woman was ready to face the world as long as she had Richard Stephens by her side. I like you, Ellie, she smiled back at the reflection.

Purposefully walking over to her phone, she dialed the number quickly while she had the nerve. "Hey, beautiful," Richard's pleasant voice greeted her, "how are you this lovely Sunday morning?"

"Very good," Elise replied, smiling and hoping he could tell she meant it. "Rich, I was wondering… I mean, can I… can I come to church with you and your family this morning? I'd really like to, if it's alright," she asked as she nibbled the corner of her month anxiously.

"Alright? It's fantastic!" Richard enthused. "I wonder if I get extra points for bringing someone – and a beautiful someone at that!"

"Extra points for what?" she laughed at his silliness.

"You know, with the big man upstairs," he teased back. "I need all the help I can get in that area, as you well know."

"Well," she hesitated a moment trying to think of a witty answer, "you're close to perfect to me, if that counts."

"Wow, so this is what Heaven feels like." He chuckled in response. In the background, Elise heard a voice yelling. "And just that fast, I'm back on Earth with Will yelling at me to get a move, so we won't be late. I can take my car and pick you up?"

"No," she said, loving that he offered, "go with the family. I still have to finish getting ready; I'll meet you there. Save a seat for me."

"You bet." With a smile in his voice, he added, "I'll be the thorn between the roses of Princess Callie and the Enchantress Ellie."

"You're too charming for your own good," Elise laughed as she heard Will's warning again. "But you'd better get your charming self out the door. See you soon." She smiled as she hung up the phone. This is what people do on Sundays in Farmland, USA. They get up, go to church, eat big lunches and spend time with their families. This is what I've missed my whole life.

Callie and Jeannie sat between their daddy and Uncle Richard in the pew. The church had recently started a new service that included children. The younger members of the congregation were invited up front for a special kid-friendly sermon with the pastor. Afterwards, they went to their respective Sunday school classes until services ended. Waiting for the service to start and trying hard to remain calm, Jeannie held on to Will's hand and the two talked with heads bowed together. Callie rested her head on Richard's arm while drawing a picture on the back of the announcement sheet.

Suddenly she stopped drawing and tugged at Richard's sleeve to get his attention. "Just answer me one thing, Uncle Richard," the little Princess demanded.

"OOOOkay…" Richard answered warily.

"Who do you love more, me or Mrs. Roberts?" she had asked it loudly enough that Beth and Will both heard.

"Honey," Beth nervously interrupted. "I don't' think that's a very fair question to ask Uncle Richard."

"No," Richard chuckled, "it's fair. Hard to answer, but fair." He turned to Callie and bent his head in order to talk only to her. "Callie, I love you more than I thought I could ever love a little girl who wasn't named Georgiana. You are my princess in every sense of the word. Do you believe me?" Callie nodded with a huge smile overspreading her face. "But," he continued, "Mrs. Roberts isn't a little girl is she?" Callie slowly shook her head as the smile shrank a little. "What I feel for Mrs. Roberts is very different. I can't compare the two."

"Do you love her like Daddy loves Mommy?" she asked as her big blue eyes gazed through to his soul. "Will you marry her and sleep in all the time and take naps and forget about me?"

Beth couldn't hear the exchange, but Will did, loud and clear, and his heart lurched with guilt. He loved Callie dearly and never wanted her to feel abandoned, but evidentally the child keenly felt the times her parents spent together without her. He looked over at Richard and both men silently acknowledged the need to tread lightly on the precious child's emotions. Before Richard could answer, Elise cleared her throat and settled into the pew next to him. Callie let out a sigh and the music began, signaling the beginning of the service.

"Saved by the piano," Will whispered to himself and he resolved to speak to Beth about juggling their time as a couple with the family time obviously longed for.

After a loud and delicious lunch in the company of Ed, Marie, Dave and Cammi, the Stephens' crew, joined by Elise, drove back to the farm. The sunny but windy day provided the perfect setting for kite flying, so Will, Richard and the girls ran back and forth through the front yard, attempting to get the kites Will had purchased for the occasion up in the air. Beth and Elise watched the comical scene from the front window as they sipped tea, and Elise energetically relayed details of her trip.

"I hope you don't take this wrong," Beth ventured, "but you are more animated than I've ever seen you, Elise. That trip must have done you a world a good."

"I can't believe it's me either, to be honest." Elise smiled warmly. "I just let go out there on that ocean. It's hard to describe, and I know that I still have demons to destroy, but I haven't felt this free in years and years."

"And it doesn't hurt that a Stephens man was waiting for you, does it?" Beth teased, knowingly.

"What is in their DNA?" Elise giggled, blushing a little.

"I don't know," Beth replied while rubbing her belly, "but I hope this little one gets a big dose of it."

Dreaming of his beautiful wife, Will jumped when accosted by some animal tugging at his arm and demanding he wake up. "What is it? What's the matter?" he asked, fighting to keep the dream in his mind.

"Fitzwilliam, I'm starving. I have to have a 3-way right now!" the ravenous animal continued pulling his arm.

"A what?" Will was fully awake, but totally confused and not a little bit concerned..

"A 3-way. I've got to have a Skyline chili 3-way, right now!" she demanded again.

"Elizabeth, the 3-way I've heard of has nothing to do with chili, and I'm not certain I can grant your request either way." He answered in a seductive tone of voice while waggling his eye brows.

Beth slapped at his arm and answered in mock indignation, "It's Cincinnati chili, and I don't see where it says it's funny that your very pregnant wife wants to eat a 3-way," she pouted.

"Elizabeth, I hate to point out the obvious, but we are not in Cincinnati. How can I get you a 3-way in Bryan, Ohio at one o'clock in the morning?" he continued to chuckle and stroked her cheek with his finger in an attempt to redirect her craving. "Besides, couldn't you just eat spaghetti or something, isn't that what you're talking about anyway?"

"NO, it's not tomato sauce, it's chili! Go to Chief's; go to Wal-mart; ask them if they have it frozen or in a can. Get some shredded cheese, and I'll cook the spaghetti noodles while you're gone," she insisted as she steered him toward his closet to encourage him to get dressed without further delay. "Hurry, I've got to have it, Fitzwilliam!"

An hour later, Elizabeth Stephens contentedly sat, eating a 3-way while her husband and his cousin looked on with a mixture of awe and disgust. Richard had awakened in all the uproar and kept Beth company while Will ran into town to find the necessary ingredients to satisfy his wife. "Who puts chili and cheese on spaghetti?" Richard asked incredulously with his nose wrinkled in displeasure.

"Evidently, people in Cincinnati, and, quite frankly, I wouldn't call that chili." Will snorted. "Does it look like any chili you've ever eaten?" he gestured towards Beth's plate.

"No, it doesn't," Richard admitted. "And what's with the oyster crackers after you've eaten the stuff I thought you were supposed to put those in teh chilli?" Clearly, now, both men enjoyed teasing the hungry pregnant lady.

"I don't know, but that's what she ordered and I told the clerk at Chief that what my wife wants, my wife gets. I'll have to recommend him for a promotion or something. I think I upset the entire store."

"Oh, who cares?" Richard laughed in return. "It's probably the most excitement they've seen in years." He elbowed Will in another attempt to rattle Beth, "Does it smell funny to you?"

"Both of you shut up." Beth ordered while shoveling in the concoction. "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it."

Richard laughed, "Who can try it when you're eating it like it's your last meal?"

"Love," Will smirked as well, "it's after two o'clock in the morning. If I eat that now, I'll be in serious trouble trying to get Jeannie back to Ft Wayne in the morning."

"Light weights," she muttered, as she poured on the oyster crackers to sop up the remaining chili.

Several hours later, Will smiled down on his sleeping wife, as he gently kissed her cheek. "Elizabeth, we're getting ready to leave. Jeannie's up and dressed, and Callie's eating breakfast. I'll bring Jeannie in to kiss you goodbye."

Beth mumbled something in reply before suddenly sitting up and then racing toward the bathroom. Will could hear the results of her late night craving and, though it bothered him that she was ill, he wasn't all that surprised. "Don't say it, Will," his wife warned when she shakily walked out of the bathroom. "It was worth it. I miss Cincinnati food so much."

Suppressing the "I told you so" that he desperately wanted to say, Will wisely replied, "I'm sure you do, love – just maybe not in the middle of the night." He kissed her cheek again while swerving to miss her swat at his shoulder.

"What I wouldn't give for Graeter's ice cream and a slab of Montgomery Inn ribs. OOOhhh, or maybe a Big Boy, or LaRosa's pizza…"

"Woman!" Will couldn't suppress the laugh any longer, "You just got sick in the bathroom, and you're already talking about ribs and ice cream and pizza. And, need I remind you, the only big boy you should be craving is me." He moved back over to Beth and drew her to him, as he nibbled on her ear and down her neck.

"A Big Boy is a hamburger at Frisch's restaurant. It's a chain in Cincinnati. And you haven't had ice cream 'til you've had Graeter's raspberry chocolate chip, my friend. OOOO, that feels nice, too, but the baby needs to eat." She sighed as her husband continued his march down her person, until they were startled by Jeannie running into the room.

"Daddy!" she cried, "I have to get back to SKAT right now! They don't know where I am! They'll be worried about me. We need to go now!" she demanded frantically.

"Jeannie," Beth extricated herself from Will's embrace, "they know you're here, honey. But you're right, it is time for you two to leave. We had so much fun this weekend, didn't we, sweetheart?" She held out her arms for a hug, but Jeannie had already headed out the bedroom door.

"Yeah, it was fun," she replied absently before once again imploring Will to move. "Come on, Daddy, right now. We have to leave right now," she again demanded, as she traipsed down the stairs in agitation.

"I'll finish where I left off later, madam," Will growled seductively, as he kissed her quickly. "She won't stop until we're actually pulling into SKAT. It's going to be a long drive," he sighed.

"Sorry, darling – maybe you'll be able to distract her somehow. You were pretty good with me a minute ago," she giggled. "Talk about her drawings or about the butterflies getting ready to come back; that should do the trick."

"Good ideas, but I'd much rather keep distracting you," he called, as he, too, made his way down the steps.

Later that afternoon, as Will drove home from his day at SKAT, a brilliant idea hit him, one for which he congratulated himself. For several weeks now, he had pondered what to do to celebrate Beth's fortieth birthday which happened to coincide with their six month anniversary. He wanted to take her away for the weekend, and, though Hocking Hills seemed the logical choice, he wondered if she would think he wasn't too original. He looked into Toronto, French Lick, Indiana and possibly Chicago, but nothing really jumped out at him until his wife's comments that morning. Cincinnati.

When Will came home, he spoke privately with Richard who agreed to another Operation Callie for the extended weekend. The two men then holed up in Will's office, under the pretext of "farm business". Beth sat in the living room reading and soaking up the early spring sunshine, as it pored in from the huge picture window. The men searched online for the restaurants Beth had mentioned that morning and were pleasantly surprised with the many locations they found throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. That weekend in Cincinnati, they discovered, also presented the ballet performing Cinderella , an eighties rock group shaking the rafters at a small club and the Red's playing at home.

A few clicks and phone calls later, the long weekend was set. Leaning back in his chair, Will relaxed with a self satisfied grin while Richard laughed at his cousin's penchant for planning, "You missed your calling," he said drolly; "you could have been a party planner or, better yet, a wedding planner. Remember all you did for your own? Yep, I can see it now." He stood and mocked Will's demeanor and stance. "Hello, my name's Mr. William, and I'll be your ultimate wedding planner. Just allow me to do everything, and I'll even tell you the date, the time, the groom…"

"What are you two talking about?" Beth hollered before she opened the door as Will was just about to beam his cousin with pen. "No good comes from the two of you planning business."

"Ha!" Richard laughed. "If you only knew, Elizabeth." He walked toward the door and bowed to her, allowing her access into the office. "Don't wait up for me tonight, kiddies. I'm off to town to woo the fair Ellie."

The couple exchanged glances and laughed at Richard's playfulness. Hearing the kitchen door close behind him, they scurried up the stairs, figuring they had just under an hour before Callie's bus dropped her off.

Chapter 19

Posted on 2010-04-09

Richard stopped by the school only to learn that Elise had left early due to feeling suddenly ill. He ran back to the Jeep visibly shaken. I don't like the sound of this. She didn't call me. "Oh Good Lord," he said out loud while laughing. "I'm turning into Fitzwilliam the Worrywart. She's fine." He shook his head but still drove above the speed limit to her town home.

Even though her car stood clearly parked in her usual space, she did not acknowledge his loud rapping on her door. He rang the bell several times – again with no response. Even if she was sleeping, all my noise should have awakened her, I'm sure. Something is wrong. Stepping back from the stoop and looking up, he thought he caught the movement of her bedroom curtains, but couldn't be sure. Just as reached for his cell phone, it rang.

Elise began talking before Richard could choke out a greeting. "Richard, please, I don't feel well. I'll call you tomorrow," she hiccoughed weakly. It's nothing really." Her voiced sounded shaky and husky, exactly like a voice that had been crying

"Ellie, I don't believe you," he simply stated. "What's happened?"

"Richard, I can't," she sobbed.

"You can't what? Ellie, what's going on? Please don't shut me out," he begged as he began pounding on the door again. She wouldn't answer the door and she had clearly hung up her phone as his displayed "call ended". "Ellie," he called through the door, "I'll stand here all night. You know I will." His voice softened, "Honey, answer the door, please. Just let me see you. Let me see that you're not hurt." If I can get my foot in the door, I'll be able to reason with her, convince her tell me what's going on.

After a long silence, he heard the front lock unlatch, but she didn't pull open the door for him. Richard quickly shoved it in and scanned the living room. Elise sat balled up on the end of the couch, grasping onto her robe and crying softly. Richard approached her and knelt down in front of the couch. His hand reached out to her, but she recoiled, instantly, and gasped at his touch, crying even harder.

Stung by her reaction, he had to remind himself that this appeared to be the old Elise he now dealt with. Something had happened to trigger this reaction. A flash of insight pushed him to demand through gritted teeth, "Where's the SOB, Ellie? Where is he? How did he get to you?"

Still balled up so tightly he could barely hear her, she desperately cried, "He…he called me at school. He…he found me, Richard. He…he said he knew I'd wind up here, and he asked me how you were, if you were still attempting to be the tough guy soldier. He said it with such derision and scorn!" Richard's sharp intake of breath did not escape her notice, and she looked up at him through her tears. "He said he knew all kinds of things about you, but … but he never threatened outright. Those calls are recorded by the prison, and he knows it."

"What else did he say, Ellie?" Richard prodded, trying to stay composed so as not to upset her any further. "I know there's more."

"It's not what he said; it's the way he said it," she whimpered. "He asked if you were good; if you were everything I dreamed you'd be. He laughed about still having friends in the financial world who would take good care of you. Oh," she wailed, "Richard, he'll never let me go. He'll always be there threatening us." She collapsed back into herself, her body wracked with the tears.

Again, Richard reached out for her and quietly replied, "No, Ellie, that's where you're wrong." This time she didn't pull away. He rose up then bent down, gently scooping up her shaking form. Her arms wound around his neck, as she buried her head into his chest while crying all the more. Richard sat back down, holding her, rocking her with his body. "Ellie," he whispered after a few moments, "he can't get to you, or me, and he knows it. He's a caged animal roaring at anyone within hearing, but he can't hurt you. We'll report the call. He'll lose his privileges. He can't get to me, honey, and I won't let him get to you. Believe me, Ellie, you have to believe me."

He could tell from her breathing that she no longer sobbed, but had she really heard what he had just said. Continuing the rocking motion, he searched his heart for words to help her. "Ellie," he said as he leaned his cheek against her hair, "he knows that you've won. He knows that we've won. You're stronger than he thinks you are, and together we are definitely stronger than he is. Don't let him do this to you, darling. He has no hold on you anymore, remember?"

He gently pulled her arms from around his neck, then lifted her chin to see her face. "Ellie, look at me," he softly commanded. Slowly, her eyes met his through the haze of fear and pain. "Ellie, I love you. I've never stopped loving you. This time I will fight for you. Do you hear me, darling? I love you."

Elise stared back at him in amazement, and then stammered, "How can you love me? I bring you nothing but pain and bad memories. Look at me, I'm a total mess. I can hardly let you touch me!" She began crying anew.

"Ellie," Richard again lifted her face to meet his eyes, their intensity softened by his love and desire for her peace of mind. "Ellie, you're letting me touch you now. You answered the door. You told me what happened." A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "See, you're letting me into your life and keeping him from winning. No matter how messy it is, Ellie, you must let me into your life. I can't live without you anymore. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?" His eyes caressed her while searching for her acceptance of his confession.

"Richard," she replied, reaching out to hold his face, dropping her head to get a better look at him, "are you sure?" He nodded as he smiled and kissed away her tears. "I love you so much! I've loved you from the moment I watched you swagger across that parking lot in your ROTC shirt to come talk to me. Loving you kept me sane for all of those years. Oh, Richard, I do love you; oh, how I love you!"

"Then it's settled," he answered with more calm control than he felt. "Jeffrey Roberts is nothing but a bogeyman, and he only has power if we give it to him." She shook her head, and he admonished her, "No, it's true, Ellie. It took seventeen years, my love, but the good guys won. Now, let me kiss the woman I love and let her feel my words in her heart."

Richard held her for a long time, finally feeling her body relax and, eventually, he sensed that she had fallen into a peaceful sleep. Shifting so that he could stretch out his long legs, he grabbed hold of a blanket lying on the end of the couch and spread it over them. When he awoke several hours later he was surprised that the room had turned dark and Elise hugged him tightly, whispering words of love and thankfulness for her hero.

He answered her embrace with thorough kisses and caresses of his own until both knew they needed to stop and talk some more. Helping each other off the couch, they moved to the kitchen and shared an omelet, toast and coffee that Richard prepared while Elise watched with eyes full of gratitude. They continued talking well into the early morning. Richard carried her upstairs and set her down before her bed. Throwing back the covers, he slid under and drew her to him, to relax again in his arms. She contentedly remained there until her preset alarm shocked them awake at dawn.

She buried her head into his chest with a sigh. "I don't want to get up, but I have to. Richard, you do forgive me for not letting you in at first, yesterday, don't you?"

"We've already gone through that," he gently admonished while kissing the top of her head and smoothing her hair. "The bottom line is that you did let me in, and we're both better for it. Sweetheart, I know that Cammi's moved in with Dave, and I think they're going to make a go of it, but I don't like you being here alone. You're too isolated here, by yourself.."

Elise pulled out of his embrace so that she could look him full in the face. "What are you saying, Rich?"

"I'm saying that I don't like you here alone, but I can't move into town." He looked at he pointedly.

"Rich, Will and Elizabeth would never permit…"

He held up a hand to interrupt her. "Wait, hear me out; I'm thinking this through as I go. I don't think we're ready to live together, not in that way, and I think that a physical relationship isn't what you need right now." He paused to note her reaction. "I didn't say that to make you feel guilty, so please don't hang your head or start in again about how this is all too much. Just come stay at the farm for a few days. You can stay in Georgie's room, or Jeannie's, in the forest filled with all your good memories," he reminded her, which brought a slight smile to her lips.

"When Elizabeth stayed with us after her accident, we could all see how right it was and how much she and Will needed to be together. I teased him mercilessly about his cold showers and her convictions, but now, I realize how that was so right for them and probably is for us, too." He paused to gather his thoughts and determined to say what else was on his heart. "Ellie, I want to go to your counseling sessions with you, or maybe we should see the Pastor together to discuss this from a couple's standpoint. He certainly helped Will and Elizabeth. Just think about it, okay? Will's taking Beth to Cincinnati for a long weekend, and I have Callie duty. It would be such fun to have you with us."

Elise processed all that Richard had just uttered, not sure if he even realized how much of his feelings he had exposed to her. She knew that one phone call to Cammi would send her best friend running to her side for as long as it took, but Cammi and Dave were good together, and Elise didn't want to get in the way of that burgeoning relationship. She felt responsible enough for Cammi's second marriage failing.

Studying her closely, Richard smiled, knowing that she needed the time to think it all through. He couldn't help himself and wound his fingers through her hair, sprinkling gentle kisses over her furrowed brow. "I can't think straight if you keep doing that," she informed him; though, she didn't move away.

"I can't think straight if I don't," he chuckled in reply. "Regardless, though, you do have to get up and get ready. I'll go downstairs and toast some bagels or something. That's another thing; you never have food in this place." He bussed her on the nose, rolled over and got out of the bed.

"Rich," she threw out her hand to catch him, "how long will it take to build your house?"

Turning around quickly to note her expression, he smiled as she blushed a beautiful shade of pink. "Well, the foundation's set now, and the framing starts next week. If we don't have an incredibly wet spring, and there's no telling on that, I'm hoping to be in by July. Why?" He bent over her, his face within inches of hers.

"I just wondered."

"Hmmm," he found her lips and left them both breathless, "you keep on wondering; it'll give you something good to think about."

Never one to miss a thing, Callie commented on Richard's absence the next morning at the breakfast table. Will explained that Mrs. Roberts needed some help, so Richard supplied the assistance. "I wish he'd just marry her and get it over with," she stated before biting into her banana.

"Well, sweetie," Beth seized the opportunity to instill a short moral lesson into their morning, "getting married is a pretty huge step. It's not something that you rush into because it's supposed to be forever."

"Did you think about it a long time before you married Daddy?" she asked with her full attention.

"Yes, we both did. We had lots to think about like where we would live and how we would work everything out and if we loved each other enough to deal with all the stuff that happens in every day life." Beth looked over at Will, and they locked eyes remembering all of their conversations regarding theses matters.

"Well, it seems to me that if you love somebody, you just do what's right," the young Oprah concluded while sliding off her chair, grabbing her book bag and continuing out of the kitchen.

Will smiled broadly and took a sip of coffee before answering, "I'll make sure I pass your advice along to him, Princess."

With kisses and hugs exchanged at the door, both parents stood arm and arm at the picture window as Callie skipped down the walk to wait for her bus. "She never ceases to amaze me," Will chuckled, recalling Callie's many witticisms. "I can't wait to see her with the little one. You know she'll be Miss Authority Figure on just about everything." They both laughed.

"I think it's perfect timing, he's due right about the time Richard will move out and hopefully get married. Callie loves him so much, Fitzwilliam. It'll be a very difficult transition for her, especially if Seth moves out at the same time. Do you think he will?"

Sensing a twinge of fear in his wife's question, his mind flashed back to the argument they'd had last summer when Seth declared he would leave as soon as Richard's house was completed. "I honestly don't know, love," he replied, as he hugged her to him. "Whatever he decides, it won't be out of anger. You know that, right?" She nodded into his chest. "If anything, a few nights of a screaming infant will chase him out. The whole crew may turn tail and run. Not me, though, 'for better or worse' and all that," he laughed drolly.

"We didn't say those vows, remember?" she reminded him, grinning at his silliness, "but I suppose that somehow it could fall under the worshipping part."

"You know," he lowered his mouth to speak directly into her ear, "I was just thinking a little worship service might be in order for the morning…"

Will had sequestered himself in the sitting room, gathering ideas for the nursery, when Beth happened across the piece of paper with the contact information for Samuel Johnson, her birth father. She had known that the paper existed, as Will had explained to her the rest of the conversation he'd had with the retired teacher before Johnson had left the farm. Fingering the paper, she let her mind wander to conversations she'd had with her mother.

Many times during her adolescence, and again before she adopted the girls, Beth attempted to pull information out of her mother regarding the football player Tammy said had fathered her. Tammy had flatly refused to tell Beth anything, always citing that the boy had been a jerk and that it was best that she never speak of him. They'd argued about it a couple of times, before Beth became convinced that her mother would go to her grave with the information Beth so desperately wanted to know.

Reflecting on her mother's stubbornness and what Beth knew now to be an out and out lie, she sighed and shook her head. Mom, you must have been so hurt and confused back then, when you were young. But why couldn't you tell me later? How could you have feelings for a man who betrayed both you and his wife? I wish you were here now, to talk to me about so many things. The paper fell to the floor without Beth even noticing as tears sprang to her eyes. "I miss you so much, Mom," she cried out loud, "and now, I'm a little angry at you, too."

"My love, I've figured out the theme for the baby's room. It's going to be great," Will enthused, as he sauntered into their bedroom. When Beth did not respond, her head turned from him, he knew right away that she was crying. "Darling, what's the matter," he pleaded, instantly going to her side. "What's this?" He picked up the paper and saw Samuel's name. "Is this what's bothering you, Elizabeth? I'll throw it away if you want me to." He grabbed the scrap of paper and began to wad it up.

"No! Don't do that," she cried, snatching it out of his hands. "Why did she lie to me all of those years? How could she have pined all those years for that man? Did you think I resembled him in any way, Fitzwilliam? What if his family has some kind of disease or something I should know about? What if our baby will need blood or something that only he could give?' Her rapid fire questions were beginning to border on hysterics. Will pulled her to him and held her tightly as she gave in to more tears.

"Elizabeth," he began after a few moments, "do you want to meet with him again and ask him more questions? It's alright if you do. It's only natural that you would be curious and now, with the baby, his identity brings an entirely different dimension to the situation." She remained quiet but held on tightly. He paused, debating with himself what course to take, and then decided to tell her about his plans for the weekend. "I know this isn't the best time for me to tell you this, but I've planned a get away for us this weekend. I wanted to surprise you for your birthday and our six month anniversary. We have reservations at the Westin in downtown Cincinnati."

Beth lifted her surprised face to her thoughtful and magnificent husband. "Fitzwilliam," she sniffled, "are you serious? You're taking me to Cincinnati – downtown Cincinnati?" Will nodded his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "You…you've already planned this?" Another nod. "You want to try the real 3-way, don't you?"

"Yes," he kissed a tear away, "the real reason for the trip is because I want to try to understand how an entire city thinks chili belongs on spaghetti. Seriously, love, we can call Samuel while we're there. We can meet with him. You can ask him whatever you want to…"

"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" she purred and began kissing his face and neck.

"Well, you did about an hour ago, but I could hear it again."

Richard approached Will and Beth with his proposition for Elise to stay with them for a few days. He explained the phone call from Jeffrey and its effect on her. Will couldn't help but be concerned by the threat from her ex-husband, but he also knew his cousin's determination to keep Elise safe. Richard further explained, with a slight blush, that the two had exchanged their real feelings for each other and that they were considering talking to the pastor as well as to her therapist.

In the end, those at the Pemberville Farm house warmly welcomed Elise, encouraging her to stay for the remainder of the week. Elise talked with Callie, and the two determined that when at school, Callie would call her Mrs. Roberts, but when with Richard, she would be Ellie. She also requested that Beth and Will address her in the same way. Richard beamed with happiness, and Will couldn't resist handing him a towel to utilize when taking cold showers.

To everyone's surprise, Elise could actually cook quite proficiently. She confessed to having taken gourmet cooking lessons over the years, so on Wednesday evening, she treated the group to a lovely seafood and pasta concoction, spring salad and homemade seasoned bread rolls. They lauded the chef and declared that Elise would have to cook for the crew at least one night per week. Beth laughed that once Richard's house was built, the town would refer to the farm as "the commune".

Elise chose to sleep in Jeannie's room, citing sentimental reasons. She said she felt like Goldilocks in the child's twin bed, surrounded by the lovely forest animals. The adults fell into an easy pattern of sharing responsibilities, and Callie enjoyed the attention and the bonus of Richard being home most evenings.

On Thursday evening, they all traveled to Ft. Wayne to have dinner with Jeannie. Elise attempted to break the ice with the little red head several times and, finally, the girl rewarded her by giving her the picture of a butterfly she had drawn on the children's menu. Jeannie asked Elise if she had remembered, yet, how to be funny like she used to be. Richard looked at them curiously while Elise answered that she believed she was getting funnier everyday.

After seeing Callie off on the bus Friday morning, and relaying last minute instructions to Richard, Will and Beth left the farm in the Mustang to travel south to Beth's hometown. The spring morning was alive with fresh green grass, blooming forsythia bushes and the smell of the farmlands that dotted the state route as they sped along.

Beth couldn't explain it, but she felt thrilled to be heading to a place where she would be the expert, where she could show Will around and where [she could watch as he experienced new things. She dozed for awhile, snuggled up against him, and she dreamed of her mother talking with Will and telling him tales of Beth's childhood. Awaking with a start, she looked around and squealed with delight to be back home.

The downtown district bustled with activity as the noon hour approached. Beth directed Will to park under Fountain Square in the huge underground garage. As they had arrived too early for check-in at the hotel, Beth informed Will that the Westin was just across the square, so they could grab lunch and walk around the city. Beth informed her husband that Cincinnati was bigger than either Toledo or Ft Wayne, but not anywhere near Chicago or Detroit in size, Will remarked that he thought the city held its own as far as large companies and towering skyscrapers were concerned.

Standing on the square itself, Beth needed just a minute to get her bearings. Before adopting the girls, Beth had spent many hours shopping, attending plays, concerts and even the occasional ballgame downtown. She and the girls had visited the zoo several times, the Aquarium across the river and enjoyed Eden Park, but she had never brought them into the heart of downtown. Grabbing hold of Will's hand, she practically jogged to the Skyline Chili parlor just north of the Fountain.

"So this is it, huh?" Will laughed at his wife's enthusiasm. "You're bringing me here, first?"

"Well, this is an indoctrination exercise to see if you are worthy to stay in Cincinnati," she informed him pertly as he opened the door for her. "Many try our chili, but not all are found worthy."

"So," he parried, "if I don't like it, I'm not worthy?"

"That's what most Cincinnatians will tell you," she returned and they both laughed at their own silliness.

They secured a table near the huge front window and remarked at the wind whipping the hair and jackets of the busy working folk. Will pulled the menu from its spot on the table and sighed dramatically, "I don't suppose you'll let me get by with ordering a salad or something…"

"When in Rome, my husband, when in Rome…" she teased.

Will laughed and stole glances at her while they waited for the waitress to take their order. Beth had slept for over an hour in the car, and he always enjoyed the feel of her next to him on the vintage bench seat. His hand had rested on her belly much of the time, and the little one beat out time much to his daddy's amusement. He couldn't believe Beth could sleep through all the acrobatics performed inside of her, but he felt grateful that she had gotten some rest. Now, she was flush with excitement, and he loved watching her animated features. She's still a force to be reckoned with. Probably always will be. Every day, I think I can't love her any more than I do, and then every day, I seem to find more room in my heart.

"Fitzwilliam? Will!" she nudged his arm and brought him back to 3-way chili reality. He looked slightly dazed when she asked, "Do you want onions or beans on the chili or just cheese," she questioned solemnly while informing the waitress of Will's chili ignorance. The waitress laughed and winked at Beth as she suggested that maybe just cheese would be best for the first timer.

"Oh, for crying out loud," Will bristled at the teasing, "I'll have a large 3-way and keep the pop coming." He gave Beth a defiant smirk while she continued to laugh at him.

Thirty minutes later, Will held up his hands in surrender. "Oh, my lord, Elizabeth, I'm stuffed! How can you tuck this stuff away like that? And you even asked for extra cheese! I bow to your voracious appetite, madam."

The waitress laughed and asked how long they'd been married. Beth answered that they were still honeymooners, and had come to the city to celebrate their six month anniversary. The young woman wished them a great weekend. Will remarked at how friendly the local people seemed to be, since many people walking by them in the restaurant smiled in greeting as well. "Well, of course," his wife answered smugly, "we southern Ohio folk are warmer-blooded than citizens of northern Ohio seem to be."

"Oh, really? Will caught her by the arm and led her briskly towards the hotel. "If we check in now, Mrs. Stephens, I'll remind you of just how warm-blooded I can be."

Elise pulled out of the school parking lot in anticipation of the weekend ahead. Callie had taken the bus home so she would probably just be reaching the farm. Familiar with their afternoon routine, she knew that Richard and Callie would be out in stable with Butterscotch when she got home. Home, that's funny. It's not even Richard's home, not really, but it feels so much like where I'm supposed to be. This weekend's such a test for us, well, for me, really. I hope I can pass it and that we can actually plan our future together. Richard had warned Elise not to be so hard on herself, to just relax, but she couldn't help worrying about how they would all do together. She knew how much Callie meant to him, and though the little sprite was warming up to Elise, sometimes she could still sense competition for his attention and affection.

They had planned a night in for tonight, with grilled hamburgers and baked beans; Callie's favorite supper. Then Callie would walk Bella around the property while Richard and Elise looked on from the deck. A movie accompanied by popcorn and lemonade would round out the evening as far as the third grader was concerned. If it wasn't too chilly, Elise hoped for a snuggle on the front porch swing.

Passing the construction site of Richard's house, Elise felt a rush of excitement. It seemed she could see more progress each day. She prayed for just the right amount of rain for the crops, but not enough to set the timeline back for the log home's completion. In spite of Richard's prediction that homes are never finished on time, Elise hoped she would be moving in with him, as his wife, by the end of the summer. She hadn't verbalized this wish, but she felt sure Richard shared her feelings.

Later that evening, sitting on the swing, leaning against the man she loved, Elise let out a huge sigh. "Gosh," Richard teased as he wove a lock of her hair around his finger, "I'm sorry that you find farm life such a bore."

She turned so that she could wrap her arms around him as the swing glided gently. Smiling, she sighed against him, "Oh, no, Rich, that was a sigh of contentment. There's no place I'd rather be than right here with you."

"So, day one of Callie Watch was a success?" he whispered above her ear.

"Yes," she sighed again against his chest, "and the night is looking pretty good, too."

"Fitzwilliam," Beth whispered. It was mid-afternoon, and she lay in blissful contentment in her husband's strong, protective arms.

"Hmmm," he managed to reply, kissing the top of her head and taking in the herbal scent of her now very mussed hair.

"Thank you for my birthday present." Carefully, she rolled over so she could see his perfect face.

"That was not your birthday present, madam. That's a gift that keeps on giving." He raised his brow and snickered suggestively.

She giggled at his playfulness and caressed his face with her hands. "How do you manage to be so sexy and silly at the same time?"

"It's a gift," he deadpanned, his eyes closed, lost again in Beth's gentle touches. "And speaking of gifts …" he sighed through the haze of rising desire. "My love, I've had this all planned, and now you're making it impossible for me to concentrate."

"Will it spoil, fade or lose its appeal if I don't open it right now?" she asked while still attending to his face and neck.

"No," he had to admit as he succumbed to her charms.

"Then all I need is right here, in this fantastic room with a view, and in this enormous bed with you."

Now, late in the afternoon, the couple awakened to the sound of Beth's tummy rumbling coupled with the sensation of the little one rolling and kicking about in her womb. "We're hungry," Beth stated the obvious and attempted to rise from the bed.

"Wait," Will untangled himself from her and the sheets to get off the bed, "I brought a bag of snacks in with us. Here, take your pick while I get some ice." He handed her the bag of her favorite sweet and salty treats, grabbed his robe and the ice bucket and disappeared out the door.

"Oh, yum," she exclaimed looking over the treasure trove of goodies, finally selecting chocolate peanut butter wafers. "Protein and chocolate, a perfectly acceptable snack, little one," she defended her choice to their unborn gymnast. Retrieving her own robe with a sigh because she almost always preferred wearing Will's, she walked over to the window and peered out.

Their room, on the 20th floor, faced to the south, so Beth enjoyed a clear view of the Ohio River winding its way past the city. She could also see where the Licking River joined in and observed the many barges and pleasure boats out on the water on the lovely spring day with a thrill. The northern Kentucky side of the river featured all sorts of restaurants, bars and other entertainment sites. Seeing a sign offering Riverboat cruises, Beth secretly hoped Will had booked them on one for the next evening. Years ago, she had enjoyed a trip up river with a group of teachers, and she imagined how romantic a cruise like that would be at night with the man she loved.

Letting out a deep sigh, she startled at Will's sonorous voice. "Elizabeth, are you alright?" He walked briskly towards her, setting down the ice bucket and bottle of cola on a nearby table.

"I'm perfect, if a little rotund," she giggled, as she turned to open her arms to her ever vigilant, bordering on obsessive, spouse. "I'm just enjoying the view of this beautiful spring day." Burying her face in his chest, she kissed him where his heart beat. "Will, what plans have you made for us, 'cause I got a few of my own …"

"Yes, I can tell," he smirked, "I think you intend to hold me prisoner here and only allow me trips to the ice machine. I think I'll have to survive on Doritos and Little Debbie's for the entire weekend."

"Would that be so bad?" she countered, once again assaulting his senses with her touch.

"No, except I'd never hear the end of the teasing if I confessed to traveling to Cincinnati, then only eating chili and seeing the fountain once." He laughed as he forced himself to pull away. "Come on, my lusty wife, let's grab a shower, eat some real food, and then you can show me more of your town. I can see more of you tonight."

"If I keep eating like this, you will be seeing way more of me," she laughed before exceeding his grasp and leading him into the bathroom.

An hour later, the couple strolled hand in hand along the city's Serpentine Wall, a series of concrete steps winding along the river's edge and providing a perfect view of an amphitheater. where a local band entertained the crowd as folks chased Frisbees, played hacky sack, or relaxed on the green lawn below. To the left, children frolicked on a gigantic, specially surfaced playground. Parents and other adults sat on benches around the perimeter, talking and occasionally calling out to some daring youngster with instructions to be careful.

"Oh how the girls would love playing on this gigantic set-up," Beth smiled and sighed thinking of their playfulness when all was calm.

"A little noisier than the river walk in Grand Rapids," Will observed, "but I can see where this would be a popular place." Turning to look at Beth, he continued, "Tell me, though, when we walked into the Commons, I saw an unusual statue. It looked like a river boat but had flying pigs on the top of the steam stack. I mean, I know the expression, 'when pigs fly', but what does that have to do with Cincinnati?"

As they meandered down the walkway, Beth explained the city's past reputation and its nickname of Porkopolis, which had been bestowed in the heyday of stockyards and processing plants for pigs. She also told him about the Flying Pig Marathon held in the city every year, and how years ago, painted flying-pig statues sprung up all over the downtown area, in response to a contest for local artists. Will found that all quite amusing.

"This is a great city." She looked around her, a happy smile on her lips. "Did you know that Cincinnati has the best food and beer you can find anywhere."

"Anywhere? Really?" He couldn't help but tease her obvious pride in her hometown

"Yes, really," she answered by swatting at his arm. She continued, "Many Germans settled in this area, still live here, in fact, and they started opening breweries." She shrugged, a wistful look on her face, "I wonder if I'm of German descent." Shaking it off, she continued, "Oktoberfest is a yearly celebration downtown. Lots of beer and sauerkraut, with brats, metts and goetta."

"What the heck is goetta?" he laughed at the name then, as Beth explained, he grimaced. He couldn't imagine eating a fried patty made of a mixture of sausage and oats, for eating with eggs or in sandwiches. "And do you like this goetta?" he asked with furrowed brow.

"Never got up the nerve to try it," she laughed at his expression of relief, and then teased, "But who's to say we won't try it for breakfast while we're here."

He shot her a sideways look. "Oh," he answered in dead seriousness, then with a smile, added, "I think it's safe to say that goetta will remain a mystery to the Stephens family."

When the walkway emptied into a parking lot, they were still overlooking the river, but now faced a round glass building, and knew that they'd reached their destination. "Here's the Boathouse," Beth exclaimed, as she excitedly led Will to the front door of the barbeque restaurant. Waiting in line to enter and find their seats, Beth continued her role as tour guide in a very pretentious and condescending tone. People standing around them stared, but Will enjoyed her teasing humor; it was obvious that she mimicked the attitude he showed at times.

Seated by a window, the couple watched barges, boats and even the occasional jet ski go by. They each thought that sweet flavored ribs tasted magnificent, and Will couldn't help but devour the onion straws and Saratoga chips with gusto. Before they had begun eating, Beth had cautioned him not fill up, as she planned on ordering the raspberry chocolate chip ice cream she'd craved for weeks.

"This is heaven in a bowl!" Will exclaimed after a few spoonfuls. "How on earth did you live here and not weigh three hundred pounds!"

"Well, for one, I couldn't afford to eat here very often, and, two, remember the swimming at the Y? This is worth every breaststroke, my friend," she savored the ice cream slowly and seductively.

"They ship this stuff, right?" Will asked expectantly as he finished his dessert. Beth nodded her head. "Well, we're stopping at their shop before we head out, that's for sure. Can we buy the barbeque sauce, too?"

Beth couldn't help but laugh at her husband as he pleaded with puppy eyes, like a school boy begging for a piece of candy. "Yes, little Will," she teased, "we'll buy all this and more before we head out of town."

Will called a cab to take them back to the hotel. Before heading inside, the couple strolled through Fountain Square, and remarked on the way the beautiful fountain lit up the area. Other couples also took advantage of the warm evening, walking hand in hand around the square as well. A street vendor hawked flowers at the corner, and Will stopped to purchase a bouquet of roses for his wife. When they entered the hotel lobby, strains of music from a pianist performing in the lounge greeted them, so they sat down and enjoyed the relaxing, harmonious sound. When the time came, no words were spoken as they decided to return to their room.

"This was a perfect day, Fitzwilliam. I don't know how to thank you for this gift." She hugged him tightly, then stood on tiptoe to kiss him thoroughly.

"More of that will be all the thanks I require," he acknowledged, hopefully, and his wife thought that a brilliant idea.

Chapter 20

Posted on 2010-04-17

Through her sleepy haze, Elise heard Richard padding down the hall and showering. Shaking her head to clear the image from her mind, she slipped on her robe and quietly opened her door, to come face to face with Callie.

"Morning, Mi…, I mean, morning, Ellie," the little sprite called as she descended the stairs. "I want to make breakfast for Uncle Richard. Wanna help?" Obviously, already in high spirits, she danced up and down as she asked.

"Yes, I do," Elise answered honestly, her voice still husky with sleep. "Thanks for asking." She followed behind Callie while trying to not trip over Bella who seemed always underfoot with her tail wagging and nose always on high alert to sniff out any possibility of fun or food.

"Gotta take Bella out first," Callie explained before ducking out the kitchen door. Her head suddenly popped back through. "Don't start without me; unless you want to make the coffee or something."

"Okay," Elise answered before realizing she spoke to no one. Picking up the coffee pot, she filled it with water and poured the liquid into the coffee maker while trying to remember in which cabinet Beth kept the coffee. "Ah ha," she exclaimed triumphantly on her second attempt. "By the time I know where everything is, I'll have to leave," she remarked out loud.

"Not on my account," Richard spoke from the doorway, startling her and causing her to drop the open coffee can, creating a mess on the shiny floor. "Oh, geeze, Ellie, I'm sorry. Don't fuss about it; the broom is right over here." Before reaching for the item, he looked over at her still shocked face, her body frozen. "Ellie…"

"He would do that," she spoke so softly Richard could barely hear her. Richard's head snapped in instant recognition of the change in Elise resulting from memories of her ex-husband. She continued without acknowledging Richard's presence anymore. "He would lurk in doorways hoping to catch me doing something wrong, like load the dishwasher incorrectly or put the wrong glasses on the wrong shelf. His voice would come out of nowhere, and then he'd laugh when I would jump. I never knew when he might come at me, or what might set him off." Her voice quivered and her hands visibly shook.

Richard listened to her, his mind flooding with a mixture of sorrow for her and fury at Jeffrey for all the damage he had wrought. Elise stared unseeingly into space as she spoke in a monotone. Suddenly, she shook her head as if clearing the memories from her mind and looked at Richard with fear in her beautiful, steel blue eyes. "I'm sorry…" she began.

"No. NO!" he demanded, moving toward her and attempting to embrace her trembling figure. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Ellie, nothing. That bas ---"

"Uncle Richard," Callie burst through the door with Bella on her heels, "you're supposed be upstairs. She commanded, hands on hips and full pout on lips. "We're making you breakfast!" She looked around as the puppy ran through the spilled coffee, circling Richard and Ellie, leaving a trail of little round footprints. Her eyes opening wide, she asked, "What happened?" Realizing the mess her little dog was making, she cried, "Bella, sit, girl, sit!" The pup obeyed and sat squarely in the middle of the grounds. "She did it! Did you see that? She did it! Good girl, Bella!" Callie jumped up and down, spreading the coffee even further around the room.

"Okay, okay," Richard barked. "Callie, you're making a mess. Stop it and get that mutt out of here! NO!" he hollered, putting up his hand to stop her when she attempted to walk towards him. "Go back outside before you make it any worse!" he bellowed. The child stood in shock at this reaction from her favorite uncle who had never yelled at her before.

"But she sat for me, Uncle Richard. Didn't you see?" She looked up at him confused, with wide eyes brimming with tears.

"Callie, just grab Bella and go back outside, so I can clean up this mess. Don't just stand there, GO!" he ordered as he would at a new recruit, pointing to the door.

Callie quickly picked up her pup and, with a sob, ran out of the house. "Richard," Elise admonished him, "I don't believe I've ever heard you raise your voice to that child. This," she gestured to the floor, "was not her fault; I'm the one who dropped the coffee. I'm the one who's making such a mess of things. You yelled at her. You yelled at your princess because of me." She ran out of the room and up the stairs before Richard could react.

He stood rigidly in the middle of the room for what seemed like an eternity, before he finally retrieved the broom and dustpan from their usual spots in the corner. He had quickly cleaned up the mess, long before he'd finished cursing himself for making a disaster out of the morning. Not knowing which of his loves to grovel to first, he finally decided on locating Callie and start there.

As he opened the kitchen door, he spied his princess sitting on top stair of the deck, crying into Bella's soft puppy fur. Just shoot me now, Lord, he thought as he glanced heavenward for a split second. Callie heard his footsteps and turned her body away as he approached. He stood in front of her and crouched down to her level. "Callie, Callie, sweetie, please turn around and look at me."

"No," she sobbed, "you yelled at me."

"Callie, princess, I'm sorry, so very sorry. Please believe me. Please turn around and look at me," he pleaded, as he put his hands on her shoulders to move her around. Slowly, the angel looked up at her fallen hero with tear-filled eyes and hiccupping sobs. "Oh, Callie, please, I'm sorry for yelling at you, really sorry. I know you didn't mean for Bella to make the mess worse."

Her lips trembled, and she held on to Bella as if her life depended on it, " Sh- sh-she ssssat when I tttold her to sssit. She was a good dog, and you yelled," she defended her pup admirably.

"Yes, yes, she was, she is a good dog, and you're doing a great job training her," he acknowledged, as he pulled out his handkerchief to wipe away her tears.

Still clinging to the pup, her voice shaky, she stated, "I didn't spill the coffee, Uncle Richard."

"I know that, Callie. It was an accident, just an accident. I was upset over something else, and I…"

"…yelled at me." The tears started anew.

Watching Callie's misery made Richard want to cry. Right there. On the deck. Just burst into tears. "Oh, God, Callie, please stop crying. I'm so sorry. Please, put Bella down and let me hug you. Please say that you forgive me."

His favorite person under five feet tall finally put her puppy down, still holding onto the leash. She hesitated for just a second before flinging herself into Richard's arms, almost knocking him over. "I forgive you, Uncle Richard," she cried, hugging him as tightly as she could, "Do you still love me?"

"I do, and I'll never stop loving you, Callie. Never. Can we go inside now, princess?" he practically sobbed into her bouncy blonde hair.

Callie pulled back and held his face in her hands, studying it with all of her almost nine-year-old intensity. "I won't tell Momma if you don't, but we better go in there and clean up, so Ellie won't have to do it." She smiled the smile that always melted his heart. He hugged her to him, again, and kissed her cheek.

"That's a deal." They turned around and walked back into the house only to find Elise mixing up pancake batter. "Ellie…"

"Callie," Elise interrupted, "have you ever had pigs in a blanket?"

"Darling, the phone's ringing," Beth murmured into Will's chest, as the shrill tone shattered the quiet room.

"Let voicemail get it," he answered while his arms clung tighter to her warm body.

"We're not home, Fitzwilliam." She attempted to pull away and crawl over him to reach the offending phone, but Will rolled them both over, and they began laughing and kissing and forgetting the phone even existed.

An hour later, the phone assault began again. "Please, Will," Beth pleaded from essentially the same position she'd been in before. "It could be Richard, or maybe it's Samuel. We did leave him a message last night, remember?"

"Okay, okay," he growled and picked up the phone. "Hello? Yes, this is Will," he tried to sound business-like which was difficult with his very tempting wife swirling her fingers across his chest. "Oh, hi, Samuel."

Beth stopped her movements and sat up quickly, pulling the sheet up to her neck as if Samuel had entered the room. Will caught her actions out of the corner of his eye and chuckled. "What? No, no, I'm not laughing at you, there's something quite funny I'm watching right now." He paused and looked adoringly at his wife's crimson face. "Elizabeth's right here, Samuel. I'll let you talk to her. Just a second."

He offered the receiver to Beth, but she waved him off and shook her head, appearing horrified at the prospect of speaking to the man she believed to be her father. Will laughed out loud at her embarrassment and told Samuel to hold on for a minute to allow Beth time to get to the phone. He placed his hand over the mouthpiece and admonished his wife in a teasing tone, "Elizabeth, this is not a camera phone, and you're not a teenager doing something unseemly. Get your robe on if it'll make you feel better."

Watching in smug amusement, he couldn't help but snicker as she frantically donned her robe, all the while casting dirty looks at him. "You know what they say about payback," she hissed, as she climbed back into the bed and grabbed the phone from him.

"I'm looking forward to it," he smirked, before he felt her elbow jabbing into his chest. "Ouch, woman!" he whispered but then straightened himself and held her, as they sat up with their backs against the headboard.

Ten minutes later, Beth and Will agreed to meet Samuel for lunch at the Big Boy restaurant closest to where he lived, in a suburb near the one where Beth's and the girls lived. Although the conversation had begun awkwardly, it didn't take long until Beth relaxed, as did Samuel, who quickly caught on that he had awakened the lovebirds. Both hung up pleased with how they had behaved. Beth handed the phone to Will to hang up. She hesitated but a moment, then began her planned attack, but Will had anticipated it and vaulted from the bed, daring her to catch him.

Freshly showered, both by the water and each other's affections, the two sauntered out of the hotel into the fresh spring air. Before meeting Samuel, Beth wanted to show Will her old neighborhood. They set out in the Mustang; Will allowed his wife to point the way. In less than twenty minutes, he pulled up in front of Beth's old house. Glancing over at his wife, he startled when he saw her wipe away a tear. "Elizabeth …"

"I'm alright, darling," she interrupted, turning toward him with a brilliant smile. "These are happy tears." She let out a small sigh. "I hardly recognize this place, now. They've painted the trim and added landscaping, but that's not why I don't recognize it." She turned so that she looked directly at her husband, taking his face into her hands. "I don't recognize it as my home anymore. I barely remember the woman that used to live here. Even her daughters have changed so much. I lived here for many years, but my life, my true life) began six months ago; Callie, Jeannie and I thank you so much for the wonderful lives we share now."

Stunned by her words, Will could only nod and draw her into his embrace. Finally finding his voice, he replied, "Elizabeth, what you just said to me is the best anniversary present you could ever give me. I know we're happy, disgustingly so, some would say, but I wasn't sure what emotions seeing your old place and your other haunts would conjure for you." He stroked her face with his thumbs as he continued, "I understand what you mean about new lives. Of course, I remember all of my past, but each day the painful memories fade a little more and are supplanted by the memories we're creating as a family. Those new memories are much more important and vital for me. Does that make sense?"

"Only to my heart," she said, blissfully allowing him to kiss her passionately before reminding him that they were in a convertible for the entire world to see.

He eventually released her and pulled the car away from the curb. Following her directions, he drove past the school where she and Samuel had taught. Pointing to a group of windows on the second floor, she explained that that had been her classroom and where she had taught almost the entire time she had been at the school. He asked her earnestly if she missed her cherished profession. She answered pertly, assuring him that she hadn't had the time to miss it one iota because she had to take care of a very demanding farmer.

Continuing the tour, Beth showed him the apartment where she had grown up, her mother's modest home, and even the old Kmart where her mother had worked when Beth had been a young girl. Taking a deep breath, she realized the time to meet Samuel drew near, so she pointed the way to the restaurant. Once parked, and before Will opened his door, he pulled her to him again. "Elizabeth, remember your own words to Richard before he met with Ellie: this lunch won't erase all the years or make everything okay. This is just a beginning, if that's what you want it to be. I'll do my best to not butt in, but I won't allow you to get upset, alright?" His face wore an adorable, protective demeanor; Beth nodded, kissing him tenderly.

"I love you so much, Fitzwilliam," she sighed as she pulled away.

"I love you, too, Elizabeth," he answered, before the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. Pointing to the restaurant, he asked, "Now, in this place, am I allowed to order what I want, or will you tell everyone that I'm ignorant of Big Boy, too?" She swatted at his shoulder before he opened his door and jogged around to open hers.

Their playfulness caused Samuel Johnson to smile, as he watched from his seat inside the restaurant. In his nervousness, he'd arrived thirty minutes early and had nursed several cups of coffee while he waited for them to arrive. Since hearing the message Beth had left on his phone the previous evening, he had rehearsed, over and over, what he might say and how this meeting might progress. He called both of his sons and shared with them his delight at hearing from her. Both men cautioned their dad to take it slowly before wishing him luck.

He waved to catch their attention and, as the couple recognized him, he couldn't help but see tension appear on Beth's face. He also couldn't help but notice that her face was a little fuller and her rounded belly pushed the maternity top out just slightly. Without realizing it, he sprung to his feet, extending his hand to both Beth and Will and exclaiming, "Beth, you're pregnant! How wonderful for you both!"

Beth's face turned a lovely shade of pink. Will coughed a bit and, as he shook the older man's hand, said, "Thank you, Samuel." Beth murmured the same, not sure why she felt embarrassed or tongue-tied. She sat next to Will, and he immediately took hold of her hand and squeezed it to reassure her.

"I'm sorry to be so brash," Samuel smiled weakly, "but seeing you look as you do surprised me, but gave me joy at the same time. Then I realized you must have been pregnant when I came to your home. I'm sorry that I put extra stress on you in your first few months, Beth. Now, I guess I know why you wanted to see me; you have concerns about genetic history or some such." As he spoke, he fingered the rim of this cup in a nervous gesture that Beth found somehow endearing. Clearly, the man was fond of her, but she still had doubts

"Well," she began, "I have to admit that crossed our minds, but I have so many questions, Samuel. So many that I really don't know where to start. Oh, Fitzwilliam, he's kicking again," she interrupted her own speech to bring her husband's hand over her belly. Aware of the older man's grin, she explained, sheepishly, "This is all so new to us that every time the baby moves when Will's around, he wants to experience it, too."

Samuel shook his head. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Beth. Creating life is a miraculous, wondrous experience. I'm so happy that the two of you are blessed to have a child together. My oldest, Luke, has two children. Christopher's twelve and Amy's nine. Both of them are healthy, happy kids, and I get to spoil them almost everyday. We live only a few blocks from each other. Anyway, oh, here's the waitress," he stopped suddenly, realizing that he'd been monopolizing the conversation so far in his nervousness.

Will and Beth studied him, noticing genuine love for his family reflected in his eyes and in his speech. The baby moved about for several minutes, and Will loved feeling him under his hand. Had they been alone, he would have been face to face, as he called it, talking to the place kicker and reminding him to get stronger everyday, but in public, the proud papa wore a silly, self-satisfied grin that his wife found utterly charming. He rubbed her abdomen as he listened, and he could tell from her posture that his wife had relaxed markedly as Samuel spoke so fondly of his grandchildren.

When the waitress approached, Beth looked up at her and laughed, "Well, we haven't had time to look at the menu, but I know what I want. "I've been craving a Big Boy for a month now. Can I have the platter, with slaw and fries, and extra tartar sauce, please?" The waitress couldn't help but laugh and asked her why it had taken her a month to satisfy the craving. When Beth explained, the young woman reminded her that they could buy the special sauce before they left the restaurant. Will smiled and remarked that they planned to go to the grocery store before they left Cincinnati, to buy all the foods his wife craved.

After ordering the same as his wife and ignoring her little snort of satisfaction, Will listened as Samuel explained his choice of grilled chicken and a salad. "Have to watch the old cholesterol," he said patting his mid-section. "Can't eat like I want to or like I used to."

"Before we talk any further," Beth squirmed a little in the booth, "I'd like to apologize for the way I walked out of the room that day you came to the farm." Samuel began to protest, but Beth continued, "No, it wasn't right." I was just so floored and so, well, so angry at you and at mom. But it didn't give me license to act so rudely."

Samuel persisted in shaking his head, "No, Beth, I understood completely why you reacted as you did. I came out of nowhere to deliver the news, and it shocked you, all of you." He nodded to Will and returned his attention to Beth. "I know that the shock must have taken quite awhile to wear off, if it even done so at this point. But, I just couldn't wait any longer."

The waitress returned with the drinks for the couple and to freshen Samuel's cup of coffee. They waited in a strained silence, until she left, saying she would return quickly with the salads. Samuel took the opportunity to regroup his thoughts, as did Beth, who really didn't know where to begin with all of her questions. Will, on the other hand, wanted to tell them both to stop pussy footing around each other and get to the crux of the matter. He had, however, vowed not to butt in, unless he noticed his wife becoming overly distressed, so he fought his very nature and kept his mouth shut.

"Beth," Samuel began, again, "I will answer any question you have that is within my power to answer. I have to tell you, though, that after Callie's adoption, your mother and I rarely talked, so the last several years of her life are unfamiliar to me. I was shocked to hear of her death when I came to school that horrible morning," he stopped before his emotions got the better of him, took a deep breath and made himself look up at her to explain. "I'm sorry, Beth, it's just I lost my wife to the same type of cancer as Tammy, and I feel the world lost two very special women to that dreaded disease. Two people I deeply cared for were lost within two years of each other. It's still very painful for me."

Beth's eyes brimmed with tears, and the hand that wasn't squeezing Will's so tightly held up a napkin to stem their flow. The obvious pain in the man's eyes clearly revealed to her that while she might not want to paint him as such, Samuel Johnson was not a horrible predator; he had cared for her mother in some fashion that probably he couldn't even put a name to. "Samuel, I am so sorry that you had to live through such a nightmare. If your wife suffered as much as my mother, I understand your grief, completely. But I remember that you said that things were cleared between the two of you and, subsequently, with your sons, so for that you must be grateful."

Samuel smiled faintly at Beth's very carefully thought out sentiments, appreciating how much she tried not to accuse or denigrate him. "It's difficult to describe my relationship with your mother," he paused again as the salads arrived. "We never forgot, not for a moment, that you were the product of a relationship that should have never happened; yet, we were so grateful for you and for the friendship that we, Tammy and I, shared."

"But, Samuel," Beth interjected, "how did you manage that without betraying your wife's wishes?" It bothered Beth immensely that he and her mother had met behind his wife's back for so many years.

"Susan knew," Samuel declared quietly and watched as both Beth and Will's mouths dropped open. "In the back of my mind, I knew she knew all along. She told me never to speak of you or your mother again, and I never did. She didn't forbid me to see the two of you. I know you may think that I'm splitting hairs, but she never asked that of me." He squared his shoulders and paused to take a bite of the salad. "You, see," his gaze stayed on his plate as he continued, speaking very softly, "the reality was that I slept with your mother only one time. I swear to you, Beth, as I did to my Susan; it was only that one time."

The waitress returned and placed the food on the table before them. If she noticed the strained appearances of the three, she kept her thoughts to herself, leaving the trio alone, again. Will stole a sideways glance at his wife and didn't like the distress he saw there. Samuel didn't appear much better, and Will searched his mind for anything that might ease the tension of the moment. Without thinking, he picked up the Big Boy burger and took a huge bite.

"Wow!" Will enthused, "this is one of the best burgers I've ever eaten, other than from my own grill!" The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. Beth and Samuel looked up at him incredulously before father and daughter began laughing at Will's enthusiastic opinion of a Cincinnati institution.

The tension broken, they ate their food. Will continued to sing the virtues of the Big Boy while Beth savored every bite. Samuel recalled his own wife's cravings and even told a story about how, more than once, his daughter-in-law had sent his son on a midnight taco run. Beth ordered a slice of hot fudge cake, another classic at the restaurant, which Will shared and enjoyed. All too soon, they had finished the meal and an awkward silence had fallen over them.

"Samuel," Beth finally spoke, "I planned to take Fitzwilliam to Eden Park this afternoon. I love the conservatory and the reflection pool and hoped to share them with him. Would you like to join us?" She bit her lip and looked at Samuel with sincerity. Will nodded his head as well, and smiled at Samuel, to assure the man that he also wished for his company.

"Well," Samuel hesitated.

"Samuel, I have a vintage Mustang out there, if that'll sweeten the deal for you." Will leaned forward, conspiratorially, "I may even be inclined to let you drive us there."

Samuel's eyes sparkled, and Will startled, realizing that his wife's eyes expressed that same spark when amused. "Well, young man," Samuel answered quickly, "that offer seals the deal. I would love to go to the park with you."

The city of Cincinnati sits in the middle of seven hills, each aptly named. Eden Park, located on the edge of one such hill, Mt. Adams, boasts an art museum, an indoor and outdoor theatre, an observatory, and amazing views of the river and downtown. The lush green grass, sprinkled with tulips, hyacinths and forsythia bushes created a beautiful spring backdrop as Samuel maneuvered the convertible up the winding roads that ran through the park. As they drove past several buildings, Will remarked on their unique architecture. Samuel took that as an opening and explained what little history he knew of the park.

They entered the conservatory and were met by a display of Easter lilies; the arrangement did not disappoint. The muggy, tropical atmosphere curled Beth's hair into ringlets, and Will quickly rolled up his sleeves against the heat. Samuel sat down on a bench and watched the two as they meandered to the waterfall and entered a small cavern situated beneath it. Knowing full well that they were stealing kisses, he smiled at their happiness and obvious tender relationship. He couldn't help but think of his two sons in comparison. The older, Luke, and his wife Jessica struggled at the beginning of their marriage, but now seemed to be on solid ground. His younger son, Jason, wasn't so lucky. His wife had left him for another man after only two years of marriage. Three years had passed but, at thirty, Jason remained alone and bitter.

Will and Beth enjoyed their private moment underneath the falls, and Beth, giggling like a school girl, whispered to her husband, "Now, we're hiding from my father so we can make out."

"He likes my car," Will laughed along with her; "I think he'll look the other way."

When they emerged from the cavern, their laughter shook Samuel from his reflections, and he rose from the bench and strolled with them through the rest of the scenic glass structure. The two men waited outside the gift shop as Beth purchased several items for the girls and Georgiana. Will sensed Samuel's quiet mood and questioned him.

"Samuel," he tried not to sound intrusive, "you've made a few comments about your health. Are you alright, or shouldn't I pry?"

"Oh, no, Will," the older man shook his head, "I appreciate knowing you may remotely care about me. Now, don't look offended by that, I'm just speaking the truth here. I can't tell you how happy I was to get your message yesterday. I go to Mass almost every morning, Will. I light candles for Susan and Tammy. I pray for guidance for my sons and that Beth will someday forgive me and let me into her life. I also pray for my children's spouses – that's you and Luke's Jessica – that you'll all remain faithful and be supportive for them as I was not." He paused for a moment to note Will's surprised reaction. He shrugged his shoulders and continued, "But, I didn't answer your question, did I?" He smiled and Will returned the same.

"I just have high blood pressure, a little arthritis and, of course, an ulcer, old man complaints. I have to watch what I eat, and this walking today is good for me. All those years of standing at the board and pacing in front of the class ended last year, so now, I have to think about getting exercise everyday now. My ulcer is healing nicely, and I have every reason to believe I will see my grandchildren graduate and lead productive lives." He finished and smiled brightly at the thought.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it," Will responded, genuinely. "I worried that you might be trying to make amends for a reason other than getting the truth out. I didn't want Beth to become attached to you only to find out something was wrong." He looked at Samuel pointedly. "Sorry if that was too blunt, but our family is no stranger to tragedy, and I --"

"It's alright, son," Samuel placed his hand on Will's shoulder for a brief second, "I know a little about your life as well as Beth's. Of course, I can't see the future, but I fully intend on being around for awhile. I want to enjoy my retirement. I'm thinking of traveling some, too. Susan and I talked about it, and we did get to do some things in the summers before her illness took over. This year, I plan on taking my grandson to several baseball games. We're going to Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis, Chicago and Pittsburgh. I'm taking advantage while he still wants to be seen with me." Both men chuckled at the joke on teens.

Will's face turned serious again as he spotted Beth standing in line to pay for her purchases. "Samuel, I, too, owe you an apology for my reaction on our first meeting. If you haven't already guessed, I'm quite protective of those I love, and…"

"Will," he sighed, "please, no more apologies. As I told my boys, although I was stung by your words as well as those of that commanding cousin of yours, I was grateful that Beth married a strong man who's obviously head over heels in love with her. Even an absentee father like me wants the best for his daughter."

"I'm beginning to believe that you really weren't all that absent, just not present for her to know you," Will honestly concluded. "I'm also beginning to believe that Elizabeth missed out on a lot by not knowing you and your family. I wish things could have been different for all of you." He shrugged in resignation of the facts.

Samuel's head snapped up and looked at Will in undisguised surprise. He started to speak, but found himself too choked up to form a reply. The two men turned abruptly when Beth called out to them, "Hey, you two, how's about some help with my bags!" She held up several parcels; Will and Samuel advanced quickly with Will recovering first, to tease his wife about single handedly boosting Cincinnati's economy.

As they walked out of the Conservatory, Beth observed Samuel wiping his eyes and then quietly thanking Will. She knew her husband would fill her in on anything of import that had passed between the two men in her absence.

After stowing the bags in the trunk, the trio walked downhill to the reflection pool. Children with skates, skateboards, and Frisbees dotted the lawn and walkways while shouts and laughter combined with the ever present boom boxes to contribute to the festive spring atmosphere. Beth and Samuel both needed to sit when they reached the shallow pool, which remained empty, while they caught their breath.

"And I'm only five months pregnant," she lamented. "What's going to happen this summer?"

"I'll have to pull you around in a wagon," Will teased, and they laughed at the image. "Seriously, though, love, we'll play everything by ear. I'd love to take all of us down to Hocking Hills, or we could go up to Michigan to the Upper Peninsula. It would be cooler up there but still lots to do. I'm sure by the end of June, though, we'll stay close to home."

Samuel asked about Hocking Hills, and Beth launched the narrative on the history of Project Pride & Prejudice. Laughing with the couple, Samuel thoroughly enjoyed the story and thrilled at the fact she felt comfortable enough to share with him the details of her relationships, not only with Will, but with her daughters and Will's family. Before they knew it, the afternoon had slipped away. Checking his watch, Will was astonished to realize that it was after five o'clock.

"Elizabeth," Will broached the subject, gently, "I made reservations for us to go on the river cruise at seven. I can call and cancel." Although, he didn't want to, he also didn't want to interfere with the relationship he saw building before his eyes.

"No," Samuel shook his head and stood up, "don't do that, Will. Actually, I'm due at Luke's at six. I'm having dinner with the kids so he and Jessica can have a date night. They try to go out at least twice month. I think that's very healthy and wise for them. Plus," his eyes twinkled, "I get to tease and play with Amy and Christopher. I'm pretty good at Guitar Hero."

The three laughed at that comment, and then began the uphill walk back to the car. About half way to their destination, Beth begged to sit on a nearby bench. Will decided to retrieve the Mustang in order to pick up father and daughter. He also wanted to give them a few moments alone. Samuel made a feeble attempt at offering to go with Will, but he truly wanted to stay with Beth. As they watched Will walk up the hill, Samuel noted Will's always attentive behavior to her.

"He's truly the best man I've ever known," she sighed in answer, loving to watch her husband from any angle. She tore her eyes away from Will's retreating form and turned to Samuel. "Thank you for today. Of course, not everything is crystal clear, but I am glad I'm getting a chance to know you, Samuel Johnson – not as a co-worker, but as… as a father figure." She placed her hand on top of his as it rested on the bench.

"If Tammy could only see us now," he managed to choke out; "I think she'd be happy."

"I think she would, too, Samuel. My mother was bitter, there's no denying that, but, somehow, I think maybe she knew you would reveal yourself someday. I think maybe that's why she always refused to speak any further about the football player; I didn't even have a name to put to him. She refused to weave anymore of that lie, and I'm thankful for that." Samuel nodded in silent agreement to Beth's assumptions. "Samuel," she took hold of his hand at that moment; the gentleman squeezed it tightly instead of answering her verbally. "Do you think," she stopped and took a deep breath, then looked at him with tears welling in her eyes, "do you think we could keep in touch regularly? I'd like that, if you would."

"My dear," Samuel managed through choked emotions, "you've just answered my most fervent prayer." He stopped himself from saying anything further; although, he prayed that she'd want much more from him in the future.

By this time, Will had trotted to the car, and driven up the hill to meet them at the bench. He watched as Beth and Samuel stood up and embraced each other. He could see tears escaping Samuel's eyes, and held no doubt that Beth cried as well. "Happy Birthday, my dearest Elizabeth," Will uttered softly as he parked the car. He remained behind the steering wheel, waiting until his wife stepped away from Samuel to get out of the car and open the doors for them.

They drove much of the way in relative silence, Beth occasionally bringing something to Will's notice or telling him a story about a particular landmark. As they pulled alongside of Samuel's car, the older man said a silent prayer and then spoke up, "What plans do you two have for tomorrow?" he attempted to ask, nonchalantly.

Will glanced at Beth to see her reaction. She clutched at the handkerchief he had handed her when she had slid next to him in the front seat. Once again forcing himself to sit back and not take over, he waited for his wife to speak. "Well,' she began, tentatively, "we've only talked about going out and shopping for the foods we wanted to take back to Pemberville," she paused and bit her lip, twisting the cotton cloth to within an inch of its life "and I thought I'd take Will to LaRosa's to show him what real pizza should taste like."

"Well, yes, one must introduce the unfortunate, deprived souls to all the splendors Cincinnati has to offer," Samuel spoke in his most aristocratic and condescending voice. "It is our duty."

"Man," Will laughed, "the way the two of you go on about the food here."

"And yet, my love, you have gobbled up everything and proclaimed it most excellent," she teased him while squeezing his hand, signaling him to help her.

"Samuel," Will decided to forge ahead, "we need to check-out of the hotel at noon. Is there a LaRosa's by your house or around here?" He looked in the rearview mirror to see Samuel's face light up with the familiar sparkle in his eyes. "I'll take that as a yes." Will laughed. "Could we meet you there around twelve-thirty? And, Samuel, if your sons are available, we'd like to meet them, too."

It was almost too much for the retired teacher to take in. He actually feared that his heart would burst right there in the vintage automobile. "Yes, Will," he managed to articulate, "we usually eat as a family on Sundays, so I know they're available." He looked at Beth expectantly. Are you sure?" She turned around, her eyes again filled with tears and nodded. "Well, then," he replied as Will came around to open the door, and Beth scooted up to allow the seat back to move forward. "I'll see you both at noon tomorrow. Beth, you know the restaurant just down the road from here?" She nodded again, desperately trying to gain some composure.

Once Samuel had exited, Will let the seat fall back and then held out his hand to assist his wife in getting out of the car. He held her tightly to him as she leaned into his chest, but she remained facing Samuel. Clearing her throat, she finally spoke, "Samuel, do you know tomorrow is…"

"It's your birthday, Beth," he interrupted, affected greatly by her kindness and willingness to allow him and his sons into her life. "This will be the first one I get to spend with you." Without another word, the two hugged and were overcome. Will stood helplessly by and only hoped that his wife cried happy tears and would recover quickly. He shifted from foot to foot until father and daughter broke the embrace.

"Until tomorrow, Samuel," Will shook the man's hand as his wife fell into the front seat utterly drained.

"Yes," was all Samuel could muster, and later, he wondered at how he made it to his own car, mercifully parked just inches away.