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Chapter 11 The Season for Miracles

Posted on 2009-10-10

Marie dialed Beth's number with a mixture of hope and apprehension. She and Ed had loved what they saw at SKAT and truly believed that this was best for Jeannie and for Beth and Callie. But she knew her friend and she knew the momma bear in her would be fierce. "Beth, it's Marie. Honey, I have something to tell you."

At the sound of Marie's voice, Beth melted into tears. It was several minutes before she could even talk. "I wish you were here or I was there. Marie, everything is falling apart. I don't know what to do."

"That's why I'm calling. Ed and I have stumbled onto something that we think is an answer, but you have to hear me out." Beth agreed and Marie spent the next ten minutes describing SKAT and its programs as thoroughly as she could to her hurting friend.

"I can't. I can't abandon her." Beth sobbed.

"But it's not abandoning her, honey. She would be in a terrific place that is set up just to help her. She would be getting all the therapies she needs as well as the education that can bring her as far as she can go. Beth, their successes are amazing."

"But she'd be four hours away. I couldn't get to her if she needed me. How could I get to her, Marie?"

"Beth, what is Callie doing right now?" Marie decided to try another tactic.

"What? What do you mean? She's in bed?" Beth was confused.

"And how was her day? How has she been sleeping?"

"Well, I guess her day was fine. I didn't get to talk to her too much tonight. Jeannie had OT and Callie stayed with Sue next door. She talks in her sleep a lot. She woke me up several times last night. What are you getting at?"

"How many times have you said to me that you feel like you are sacrificing one child for the other? Beth, Callie needs you, too. You've told me more than once how stressed out she gets and the nightmares she has." Marie wasn't trying to make Beth feel guilty; she was just trying to help her see just how much her family was under stress.

"Marie, Callie told me last night that she hated Jeannie." Beth said quietly. "I didn't know what to say, so I let her talk. She said she hated her for ruining the Christmas tree and for hitting me. She said that Jeannie scares her and she doesn't like how other kids make fun of her. It broke my heart." Beth sobbed quietly again for the millionth time.

Marie spoke as gently as she could to her best friend of over twenty years. She listened and comforted as best she knew how. Ed got on the other line at one point to talk as he saw how distressed Marie was. Beth finally agreed to come up the day after Christmas and stay until New Year's Day. She allowed Marie to call the school and to set up a time that they could tour it together. They talked for over an hour and then Beth thanked them for loving her and her children enough to want to help. Marie and Ed looked at each other as they hung up. "If only she realized who loved her and who is watching over her." Marie sobbed into her husband's chest.

"Everything happens for a reason, my love," Ed reassured her. "Will is letting us take the credit right now, but I'm telling you, at some point, Beth will know the part he is playing in her life."

Seth and Justin came home together after finals and they were literally bouncing off the Stephen's walls. Rachel and Georgiana were beaming to have them home for over two weeks. Plans for all sorts of activities were made including the New Year's Eve Party. Rachel knew that Beth would be in Bryan, but she decided to not say anything in case Beth refused to come to the party.

Will walked into the middle of the festivities happy himself that his semester was finished and the next one would involve his internship along with virtual classes that were easier to handle in the winter. Getting caught up in all the excitement, Will offered to take Seth and Justin skiing up in Michigan for a couple of days between Christmas and New Years. The girls were a little put out, but since neither of them really liked skiing, they proclaimed that they would find their own entertainment.

As they were talking Will's computer chimed and they raced toward the screen set up in the den. They had arranged for a video chat with Richard at just that moment. As they were all clamoring to be able to see the screen, Will was attempting to turn everything on." Come on, guys. Let me get the camera on so we can see his ugly mug."

"Hey, I heard that!" Richard's face was on the screen. He looked tired and a little gaunt, but it was definitely still the Richard they all loved. "So have all the students survived finals? Let me tell you what the temperature is here right now…"

Beth awoke the morning after Christmas relieved that the day before had been relatively calm considering the potential for Christmas mayhem. Jeannie had received a doll that she was enthralled with and never put her down. Callie was overjoyed with her Barbie house and car. Beth was happy that her girls didn't seem to mind that they didn't receive as many gifts as in the past. With Beth's mom's passing, there were less presents for the girls. Last year, her mom had purchased several things for her granddaughters before she had become too ill, so it was a bittersweet day for Beth then, and one filled with memories this year.

The girls were quite excited to be going up to Bryan. They had a new movie to watch on the way and they both usually dozed a bit in the car. The weather was cold but clear in southern Ohio and Ed had told her this morning that she should have smooth sailing up route 127. Beth loaded the car, stocked her cd box, and made the sandwiches all before the set time to leave at 11am.

After the uneventful trip, Beth pulled into the driveway and was flooded with memories of the last time she was here in June. So much had happened in six months time, and yet here she was back with the family she held so dear. The whole family flew out of the house to greet them, and in no time Beth and the girls were settled into the carriage house.

"We brought presents for you. Where's our presents?" Jeannie demanded.

"Jeannie," Beth began.

"Oh, it's alright. I seem to remember these two practically knocking you down whenever you visited in the past. Right?" Ed was laughing as he pointed to Rachel and Justin and then picked Jeannie up and swung her around the living room.

"Yeah, Dad. We're just so greedy" Justin said as he rolled his eyes.

"Well, you were back then, but anyway, let's dig in to the presents." Ed led the way to big tree with all the goodies underneath. Several minutes later the beautifully decorated room was covered in wrapping paper and two little girls were thrilled with their "haul".

The rest of the evening was filled with eating Christmas Day leftovers and lots of other goodies. Justin and Rachel played with the girls outside in the snow for over an hour so by 9pm, the girls were settled and asleep each clutching a new doll.

In the mayhem of the day, Beth did not notice that she had not received a gift from Marie. As they sat down in the parlor to enjoy some herbal tea, the whole family came in with an envelope and Marie handed it to Beth.

"What's this?" Beth looked up into each of their faces.

"Your Christmas present from us." Marie answered.

"Well, why are you making a big deal out of it like this?" Beth was a little nervous.

"Because we wanted to, Lizzybeth. Now shut up and open it." Ed teased.

Beth's hands were shaking a little as she opened the overly stuffed envelope. Inside were notes to Beth written by each one of them. As she read the letters, tears rolled down her cheeks. Although Ed's was definitely funny in parts, all four expressed just how much Beth had meant in their lives and how they each pledged to help her in whatever way they could. "Outside of my girls, this has to be the best gift I've ever received," Beth hugged each one tightly.

"We're your family, you know." Marie said. "Whatever the future holds, we will be there for you, Beth. We meant it seven years ago when you asked us to be guardians for the girls, and we mean it now."

"Probably more than we did then, actually." Ed added.

"But wait, there's more…" Justin broke in talking like a TV commercial.

"What else could you guys possibly give to me?" Beth truly felt their love and support.

"Look in the envelope at the bottom," Rachel said.

Beth turned the envelope over and shook it. Several little pieces of paper fell out. They were all handwritten with things like "good for one evening of babysitting", "good for one car wash and detailing", "good for one dinner and a movie". "What in the world is all of this?" Beth was overwhelmed.

"Beth, we really believe that you are going to fall in love with SKAT tomorrow, so we know that you will be driving up here a lot. We want to do whatever we can to make this work for you. You know that the carriage house will always be open to you, but these things will hopefully make your life a little easier while you're here." Marie explained hopefully.

"Plus we wanted to sweeten the pot to get you to decide" Ed laughed. Marie shot him the look. "Well, it's true. We're not above bribery. Never have been."

"You all are amazing. I don't know what to say. You're making it hard on me to say no and I haven't even seen the place yet." Beth loved the people in this room so much and yet she was so nervous about making this decision.

As she lay in bed that night, Beth prayed fervently for direction and for hope. She replayed the day in her mind and was grateful for her friends who so obviously loved her and the girls. As she drifted off, though, her mind played images of the night of Seth's graduation party and of her and Will dancing. Then the days and nights at the cabin filled her senses too. She could feel his arms around her and she allowed herself to dream of the man once again.

Beth's appointment at the school was at 2pm. They decided to all go over together, so the van pulled out at a littel before noon. They stopped to eat at a diner that Justin and Rachel loved as kids, and though Beth was nervous, she couldn't help but laugh at the antics of the others in her party.

As much as she wanted to dislike the school and the campus as a whole, Beth had to admit she was quite impressed. The teacher/student ratio was fantastic, the therapies provided were even more than what Jeannie was receiving now, and the children's rooms were bright and cheery. There wasn't a question Beth threw that didn't have a quantifiable, logical answer attached. Dr. Evans interacted with Jeannie and Beth could feel genuine warmth between the two.

Toward the end of the meeting, Marie steered the group away from Beth and Dr Evans in order to give her friend some privacy with the administrator. Once again, Beth was amazed at Marie's insight. "Dr. Evans, this place seems a little too good to be true to be honest." Beth looked at the doctor frankly.

"I hear that quite often. We're not perfect, Ms Thomas, but we try with everything we know to give these children the successes and self esteem they need to make it in the world. Jeannie is a challenge, no doubt about it. Added to it is the mystery of her birth family and genetics which is no one's fault but is a huge piece of the puzzle that's missing." He didn't mince words, but he could tell Beth wanted it that way. "That being said, I think we could help Jeannie. I believe you would experience the dramatic effects of our program in her life."

Beth questioned him about the distance and if there were many families that were out of state as well. He assured her that half of the students were from outside of Indiana. The grounds had a guest house available for families, and after awhile, successful students earned passes to go home on weekends and for extended periods of time. "We don't rush things, though. The child and the family need to be ready before that happens. But we never turn away visits from the family. It would help in your case that you have such good friends living an easy distance from here." He knew the difficulty of separation from the child, but he also had first hand knowledge of how well most of the children do in their program.

Financial issues were discussed in generalities, but Dr Evans assured Beth that monies were available. "Please don't make money the reason you would say no." he insisted. "You more than qualify for assistance. We have private donors who help out all the time." He handed Beth all of the paperwork, and they made arrangements for Beth to call him the first week of January with any other questions or her decision. "I look forward to hearing from you," he said at the door of the administration building. "We can make a difference in Jeannie's life and in yours." He shook Beth's hand warmly, gave Jeannie a high five and watched the group pile into the van. Since no mention of Will came up, Dr. Evans wondered what the connection was between him and this woman.

Justin was running around the house yelling questions to his mother, "Where are my ski pants? Have you seen my hat and gloves? Who moved my long johns out of this drawer?"

"Oh for heaven's sake, Justin," his mother hollered up the stairs. "Like any of us took any of those things. If you can't find them from last winter, there's nothing I can do about it now. You were supposed to leave for Seth's fifteen minutes ago."

Crashing noises were heard and even a loud thud before Justin finally emerged from his room ready to go on the ski trip. "Ok. I've got all my stuff. Bye everybody!" With that he bounded out the door and was headed for his two day trip with Seth and Will.

"Honestly, how that boy makes it to class everyday without you Marie, is one of life's great mysteries." Ed was laughing as he plopped into his easy chair.

"Who says he makes it to class?" Rachel countered.

"The bills I pay says he better make it to class." Ed muttered as he turned on the TV. "Say, what's on tap for tonight, Ladies?"

"Funny you should ask that, Ed," Marie sat down on her husband's lap. "We were hoping that you would be up to a little babysitting so that Beth and I could have a night out…" Ed was shaking his head, "Unless you want to go with us to see the new romantic comedy out just in time for the holidays."

"No. No. A thousand times no. By all means, go have fun ladies. We'll do just fine. Won't we girls?" He turned to Rachel. "You're not going anywhere tonight, are you?" He grinned his widest cheesy smile at this daughter.

"You owe me, Dad. Come on, girls. Let's make pizza for supper." Rachel and the girls moved off into the back of the house, but Beth could hear her daughters squealing and singing no matter where they went.

"If I were you two, I'd get while the getting's good." Ed remarked dryly never looking away from the TV screen.

The two friends drove downtown and parked half way between the theatre and where they were going to eat. "This is one of the things I love about Bryan," Beth said. "You can walk everywhere. I've always loved this town you know."

Marie nodded in agreement remembering all the times Beth came home with her and Ed when they were in college. The town had grown quite a bit since then, but still retained its small town feel. Not wanting to push Beth, Marie had not questioned her further about the visit to the school the day before. For that matter, she didn't even question Beth about Will. It was driving Marie crazy, but she figured Beth would spill all in her own time.

The movie was cute and predictable with both women laughing at the appropriate spots. Beth had a thing about staying through the credits, so Marie thought nothing of it when her friend was still seated as they rolled along. When she looked over at Beth as they were finished, she was startled to see Beth's face streaked with tears. "What's the matter, honey?"

"It's nothing. I'm just being stupid." Beth was searching for a tissue and wiping the tears away with the back of her hand.

"I doubt that. Come on. Let's get out of here. The diner is right across the street. Let's get a cuppa." Marie led Beth out and the quickly put on their coats and walked over to the local hangout.

After the waitress took their order which also included chocolate cake, Marie could wait no more, "Come on, Beth, spill. I know you've been bottled up since August."

"What do you mean?" Beth still wasn't willing to talk about Will.

"You know what I mean. We're not leaving until you tell me what happened in Hocking Hills." Marie was firm but she squeezed Beth's hand to let her know she was there for her. "I haven't pried; I haven't pushed; though Lord knows I wanted to. But you are hurting in so many ways, and I know that whatever happened is eating you up."

"Ok, Ok, but I can't sum it up in two sentences. I'm not even sure how I feel about it all." Beth took a deep breath, another sip of coffee, and started from when she saw Will gathering the firewood and kept going virtually uninterrupted.

"Then I left. I got in the car and pulled out of the driveway. I haven't heard from him since and I made Georgiana swear that she would not interfere." Beth's tears were streaming again.

"Wow. It just doesn't make sense, Beth. One minute he's pouring out his heart about all the hurt from his past, then the next he can't bring himself to tell you what he majored in or about all the things he's involved in here in Williams County." Marie was confused once again by the man.

"I know. He was so affectionate and funny and great with Callie. I started hoping, Marie, really hoping that finally there was a man in whom I could trust. Marie, I had even considered sleeping with him. How terrible that would have been knowing what I know of him now!"

"You did sleep with him, Beth." Marie held up her hand as Beth was going to protest. "I know you didn't have sex, but you actually let a man hold you the entire night and you both slept. Seth claims that he hears Will up all hours of the night. Don't ask me why that boy is up himself, that's a whole other story. But you said you hadn't slept that well in ages, and I'd bet neither had he."

"He made me so angry, Marie. Like he would be lowering himself to consider coming to Cinci or that he would give Jeannie everything she needed. She doesn't need things. She needs love and support." Beth pounded her hand on the table.

"Well, I think that part you may have misinterpreted my friend." Given what Marie knew, she was certain Beth misunderstood Will's meaning. "I think he was trying to say that he would do whatever was needed to help Jeannie. Will loves kids, Beth. Look what a great job he did with the two he was forced to raise."

"It still doesn't excuse the silence. How can you say you care for somebody and then at the first sign of a conflict and when you know that person is hurting – nothing. NOTHING!"

Marie looked at Beth as the tears fell again. A part of her was cursing Will, yet the other was saying that something just wasn't adding up. She and Ed both thought that Will was in love with Beth. He was looking out for her and Jeannie and asked them for help as well. But she had promised Will not to tell Beth and she kept her promises.

"Honey, I don't get it either. But I believe with all my heart that somewhere there has been a miscommunication or a misconstrued meaning. Beth, I've seen Will, several times since August. He was a mess for awhile, truly. Then all of a sudden he's been like a man on a mission." Marie stopped herself, afraid she had said too much.

"Yeah, a mission to forget all about his Elizabeth and her crazy life." Beth muttered.

"You know, I did notice that he refers to you as Elizabeth."

"You've talked to him about me?" Beth said accusingly.

"Not like you're inferring. It's been more in passing or I may have said something like you and the girls were doing fine." Marie had dug herself into a hole and wasn't sure how to get out of it. Fortunately, her cell phone rang and distracted both of the women. Looking down at the ID, Marie laughed, "It's Ed. He's such a worry wart." She flipped open the phone. "We just stopped for coffee. We're on our way."

"I guess Ladies' night is officially over." Beth sighed.

"Only if you're done talking about it." Marie answered.

"Yeah. I do feel better getting it all out. It doesn't change anything really, but I do feel a little better. Sometimes you need a friend face to face." Beth got up and hugged Marie.

"Well, you could be seeing more of me if you decide…" Marie let the rest hang. She had said too much already.

Rachel decided that since Will was out of town, it was alright to call Georgiana and tell her that Beth was in town. So the next morning after a late breakfast compliments of Beth, Rachel called her best friend with the news. At first Georgiana was hurt that Beth did not tell her she was coming up, but when she and Rachel talked about it she understood the awkwardness of it all.

"I could just brain my brother," Georgiana snapped. "If he would just swallow his pride. I don't care what that stupid letter said."

"What stupid letter?" Rachel was all ears.

"Crap! Nevermind. You never heard anything about a letter from me. Promise Rachel…promise me. Will would kill me." Georgiana pleaded.

"But I don't know anything about a letter…" Rachel wanted to run to Beth right then.

"No. I mean it, Rachel. You can't say anything. Please." Georgiana was desperate.

"Ok, Ok. But there seems to be something else bothering you."

"Yeah, there is. I really don't like to be here by myself. Juanita offered to have me go there, but that makes me feel like I'm six or something. And, Rachel, we haven't heard from Richard since Christmas Day. That's three days." Rachel could hear the worry in her voice.

"Geo, he's gone this long before without calling. Things come up. Maybe he can't get to the computer. Don't get yourself all worked up, OK?" Rachel knew how upset Georgiana become when they went several days without hearing from Richard.

"Rachel, can you stay with me tonight? I want to stay home in case Richard tries to email Will or better yet, call the house."

"I've got a better idea. Why don't I bring Beth and the girls over? We can have fun all night long. No boys, no football, just us having fun" Rachel thought that would cheer Georgiana up and they all could have a blast doing it.

"That would be awesome, Rach. Go ask her now. I'll wait." Georgiana prayed Beth would say yes and then she prayed that Will would come home early.

Rachel approached Beth and her mother with the idea. Beth hesitated until Rachel reminded her that the guys were skiing and wouldn't be home until the next afternoon. Marie said it sounded like fun and that if Georgiana was nervous about Richard, the least they could do was help her to forget about it until he called. Beth finally agreed and Rachel raced back to the phone to tell Georgiana the news.

Ed was fine with having an empty house to watch all the football he could tolerate as long as Beth made her famous wings for him. Since he had secretly bought all the ingredients, Beth laughingly said that she really had no choice. A couple of hours later, armed with a few of the wings and lots of other snacks, the ladies left Ed in his den quite content.

Beth had figured that Will's house was probably a show stopper. She remembered him saying that his mother told his father she decided to marry him after seeing it. Still, she wasn't prepared for the beautiful sight as the turned into the drive. The house set back about fifty yards from the road and even though the tree lined drive had no leaves, Beth could tell that the yard must be beautiful. But the house, the house was amazing. Marie said she figured it was over one hundred years old as Will's great grandparents had lived there and the next generation had added on to it before the Depression. It was two stories in the middle and flanked on either side by one story additions. The Indiana Limestone sparkled in the sunlight and the windows seemed to sparkle from the reflection off the snow.

"I'm speechless," Beth whispered. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah, you're just kind of in awe, right." Marie remembered the first time she brought her kids out here and how intimidated she felt walking up to the door.

"He is way more than a farmer, isn't he?" Beth didn't wait for a reply because she knew the answer.

Georgiana was waiting at the door and ran out to greet them all and hugged Beth and the girls soundly. "I'm so happy to see you, Beth. Callie and Jeannie, this is my house. Come in so we can have a party!"

Jeannie and Callie let out a whoop and were off and running through the entryway – the marbled floor entryway, Beth noticed. Good Lord, please don't let the girls break, scratch or harm anything in here. She glanced over at Marie who had a smirk starting to form as she looked sideways at Beth. "Don't say anything, Marie." Beth hissed.

Georgiana had uncovered some of her old dolls and playthings, so the girls were having a blast. The four "older" women talked a mile a minute about anything and everything. They made hot chocolate and cider and broke out cookies and all sorts of goodies that Juanita provided as well as what Beth and Marie had brought.

Jeannie noticed all the sound equipment in the corner by the flat screen and asked if they could play some music. "We have karaoke!" Georgiana exclaimed. "Come on, guys, this will be a hoot. I've heard you sing, Beth. You have a great voice."

"Yes, momma!" both girls cried. How could Beth refuse that?

They belted out "YMCA", "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and many more as the time seemed to fly by. Beth was looking at the collection when she found one of her all time favorites, "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar. She showed it to Marie who immediately started laughing and demanded that Beth sing it at the top of her voice.

The music was blaring and Beth was revved up, so she started to sing:

Well you're a real tough cookie with a long history
Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
That's Ok; let's see how you do it,
Put up you dukes and let's get down to it

She was prancing around the room, really strutting her stuff. She had her eyes closed and was ready to belt out the chorus when she suddenly realized no one was singing with her. "Come on guys, sing with me" her words hung in the air as she looked over and saw Will standing in the doorway staring like he was seeing a ghost.

It was as if time stood still. Georgiana was the first to move. She ran to turn off the music. The girls let out yelps of protest until Callie saw Will and went running towards him to give him a hug. Will's arms felt like lead as he tried to take his eyes off of Beth and respond to the little princess tugging at him. Even Jeannie came up and was prancing around him.

Suddenly, Seth burst into the room. "Ok, Geo, now don't go ballistic. It's not that bad, is it Will? You won't believe how he hurt his head. We were getting off the ski lift and Justin chose that moment to tell us that Beth was at their house and Will spun around and…oh, my Lord!" Seth literally put his hand over his mouth as he finally realized that Beth and the girls were standing there in the room.

As if coming out of a trance, all the women looked at the bandage on Will's forehead. There was even a patch of his hair that had been shaven. "Will!" Georgiana cried, "What happened. Are you badly hurt?" She ran up to her brother and threw her arms around him.

Again, Will wanted to respond but all he could think of was that Elizabeth was in his house. She was in his house singing. She was in his house singing Pat Benatar. She was in his house…

"Will, Will? Fitzwilliam! Say something. Seth, why won't he say something?" Georgiana was starting to panic.

Seth didn't know whether to start laughing or to head for the hills after he blurted out the cause of Will's accident. "I don't know, Geo. We had him totally checked out. MRI and everything. He has a concussion. They made him stay overnight. He wouldn't let me call you. They wanted him to stay longer, but he was bound and determined to get home. We never even got out on the slopes. He was talking just fine a minute ago, giving me heck for driving too fast." Seth was babbling on and on.

Neither Beth nor Will had moved. Beth wasn't even sure if she had let out a breath. She was mortified followed quickly by terrified then became panic stricken as she saw his wound and the dried blood that was still on his face and his clothes. Without thinking, she moved towards him. She was trying to register what Seth was saying, that Will was going to be alright, but Will did not look alright.

Marie instinctively moved closer to Will as well. She sensed that he was not feeling well at all. Beth reached him first and she touched his arm and tried to say something, but nothing came out.

Will shook his head. The room was spinning and he was suddenly feeling very warm. He stomach was doing flip flops and he couldn't get his legs to move. "Elizabeth" was all he got out as he started to lose his balance. Beth, Marie and Seth all held him up as Georgiana led the way to get him upstairs.

"The doc said he needs to rest. We can't give him anything but Tylenol, no matter how much his head hurts. If he gets sick to his stomach or passes out, we have to 911 him out of here." Seth was rattling off all of the doc's instructions while they were struggling to get him upstairs. Will was trying to speak, but nothing was making any sense. It felt like he was in a fog.

As they reached his room, Beth paused. She was nervous, not wanting to go into such a personal space as his bedroom. Not knowing whether Will even wanted her in his home, she was fighting the urge to run. She started to turn away when Will's hand reached out and held on to hers. She wanted to be mad at him, she wanted to yell at him for hurting her, but he looked so vulnerable then, and her heart betrayed her.

They got him to his bed as Justin and Rachel came in behind the group. Rachel had found the Tylenol and a glass of water. Georgiana was trying to remember where the ice pack could be found. Marie and Seth pulled the covers down on the bed and they tried to pivot his legs so that he could lie down.

"Don't want to sleep now," Will finally managed to get out. He was looking straight at Beth.

Marie decided that now was as good as time as any to put the two of them behind the closed door she had described to her husband. She started shooing everyone out of the room including Georgiana who was beside herself with worry.

"It's his birthday." She muttered as she kissed him on the cheek. "I'm so sorry, Will." He managed a little smile for his sister as he fell back against the pillows. Finally the door closed leaving only Beth and Will in the room.

Beth was trembling and totally at a loss as to what she should say or do. She realized that he needed to get out of the bloody shirt and probably needed to wash his face as well. She looked around the room and discovered there was a bathroom beyond the door. But instead of moving over to it, she felt she had to find out whether he even wanted her there.

"Will," she said just above a whisper. "Just nod if you are awake." He nodded. "I'm so sorry you hurt yourself. And I'm sorry that you had to come home to find me and the girls here with me acting like an idiot. I'm sure I'm the last person you want to see in your home. Georgiana said that you wouldn't be back until tomorrow and I…" Will put his fingers up to her mouth to stop her.

"You are always welcome here." Just having her near him sent his senses into overdrive. Beth was moving away from him; he reached out his hand again to keep her from leaving him.

"Will, I'm just going to get you a washcloth to clean off your face. You also need to get out of that bloody shirt. Where are your T-shirts?" She didn't want to go snooping through this bureau. Will pointed in the general direction, and Beth opened a drawer to find several cotton shirts. She moved on to the bathroom and let water get warm and then brought everything including a towel back into his room.

By then he was sitting up a little better and had his eyes opened but his hand was still at his temple. Beth put the items down next to him on his bed and nightstand. She asked him if he was ready to get the shirt off and he nodded. Trying not to think of the man she was undressing, Beth imagined she was helping Jeannie pull off her top at the end of the day. She laughed a little at her own foolishness.

"Do I look that bad?" He managed to mumble as he put his arms up like a little boy.

"No, don't mind me. I'm not laughing at you." Beth was trying to stay focused on the task and not on the muscular chest. I'm mad at you, darn it.

Pulling the clean shirt over his head seemed like very painful business. Beth stood there for a minute with the shirt in her hand trying to figure out how to get it on him without hurting his head. "Forget the shirt." Will muttered and sank down a little in the pillows.

A knock came on the door and Georgiana poked her head in with the ice bag. Beth walked over and whispered to her that her brother was going to be alright. Georgiana backed out of the room. Beth looked over at Will who seemed to have fallen asleep. She tip toed back over to the bed and was removing the washcloth and towel intending to then leave the room. Suddenly Will's head popped up from the pillow, "Elizabeth!" he said in a panic.

"Will, I'm right here," she moved to side dropping what was in her hands. Forgetting her anger, she reached out and stroked his forehead. He caught her hand and looked right into her face.

"The letter," he mumbled. "You never answered me." She could see pain in his eyes, but she had no idea what he meant.

"What letter, Will?" She didn't try to pull her hand away.

"The Darcy letter." Beth could tell he was struggling to stay awake, and she wondered if he was just talking nonsense.

"You mean Darcy's letter to Elizabeth in the book?"

"No, my letter. My letter to my Elizabeth." He held onto her hand tightly.

"Will, I don't have a letter from you." She was starting to get a little panicky.

"In your suitcase pocket. The letter in the pocket." His grip loosened a bit and Beth knew she should let him rest, but she wanted to shake him awake and demand to know about this letter. She started to pull her hand away. "Read the letter, Elizabeth. But don't leave me now, please." His eyes closed again and she could tell his body was starting to relax. She waited a few minutes until she knew he was really asleep, and then she removed her hand.

Beth ran from the room as fast as she could and flew down the steps. She found the group in the family room looking worried and then wide eyed as she rushed in. "What's the matter. What's happened?" Georgiana was up next to Beth in an instant.

"Nothing. He's sleeping. That's not it." Beth said breathlessly. "I need my suitcase. Someone get my suitcase from the carriage house."

"Beth, please don't leave just because Will is back in town. We can leave right now and go back to the house." Marie didn't understand what was happening to her friend, but Beth appeared to be a little manic.

"No. He asked me not to leave. I've got to have my suitcase. Justin, please go get my suitcase." Beth pleaded.

"Ok, Ok, Beth, I'll go get your suitcase. Do you want me to pack something in it?"

"No! Don't touch anything especially the front pocket. Just bring it to me please."

Georgiana and Seth looked at each other. They were sure that the other was thinking the same thing. "The letter." They said simultaneously.

"What letter?" Rachel cried. "Are we back to talking about some letter again?'

"I'll tell you later," Georgiana promised. She turned to Justin. "Just go to your house and get the suitcase. And be careful" Marie rounded up the girls who were a little frightened by all that had occurred. She promised them a fun movie night back at their house. She decided that their mother needed to be right where she was for the night.

Beth kissed her girls and told them to be good. She felt like she was in a daze and not a little bit silly about carrying on about the suitcase, but she had to know what Will was talking about and she had to know now. She walked back up the steps and quietly opened Will's door. He was sleeping peacefully although his face showed the strain of the last day and a half. Beth moved a rocking chair close to the bed and sat down. She, too, closed her eyes and prayed that the letter would be there and it would be just as illuminating as Darcy's letter was to Elizabeth.

The door opened and Justin peeked inside. Beth turned around and immediately stood up and walked towards him. "He's asleep, honey. Thanks so much for getting this for me." She whispered as she took the suitcase.

"I hope it's in there, Beth." Justin patted her arm. "Georgiana told us the story. I didn't touch a thing in it, although I wanted to." He eyes sparkled just like his dad's.

"I hope it is, too." Beth kissed him on the cheek and then shooed him out of the room. Beth struggled with leaving the room, but decided that she should stay in case he needed anything. The memory of his hand reaching out to her and his asking her to stay brought tears to her eyes. Before she let herself get emotional, she sat down and said a quick prayer that the letter would be in the pocket. She pulled it open, looked inside and saw a piece of paper. Closing her eyes, she pulled it out, on the outside, in masculine writing she read, "To Elizabeth". Her heart skipped a beat; she took a deep breath and began reading.

Elizabeth: I probably only have twenty minutes or so to write what might be the most important letter of my life. Please don't read this if you are still angry with me. It's Ok to wait until a few days or at least until things with Jeannie have settled down. I know that she is much more important than anything I may have to say to you, but I pray that you will read this at some point.

It appears that once again, our lives mirror what Darcy and his Elizabeth had to go through to find one another. I do not claim to be a hero like Darcy or to have the words of Jane Austen, but I feel I must address what you accused me of, and to beg your forgiveness for my pride and lack of trust in you.

First, I am not Seth's father. I actually wish that I were. Seth's birth mother came to work on the farm summer between my freshman and sophomore year of college. She was beautiful and spirited and I think every man that knew her had a crush on her. Unfortunately, she took full advantage of that. I imagined that she only had eyes for me, but when I caught her and Richard together, I realized the truth. I never saw her again after that night. Seth was born six months from the last time I was with her. He was full term, so you see, he could not be mine.

I have no idea what you may have heard about Gloria, I can only surmise you heard the gossip somewhere in town. As I told you last night, we dated off and on in high school. She was and is a very tormented woman. Her mood swings and jealousy would always break us up. After the deaths in my family, she came around again. I guess I just wanted some comfort or some reminder of when my life wasn't so crazy. Anyway, about five years ago we hooked up one more time. I really have no excuse because I wasn't in love with her. Anyway, we drove down to Hilton Head and dropped the kids off at Ft Bragg with Richard. Two days into the trip, Gloria accused me of cheating on her. She became hysterical and claimed that I was trying to kill her and our baby. She imagined herself pregnant, but, Elizabeth I swear to you, she was not. I had to call 911 and then her mother flew down to stay with her. She has been in and out of hospitals since then. She's been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Although I feel guilty that I used her when I wasn't I love with her, I am not the monster her mother has portrayed me to be.

As for the ridiculous things that came out of my mouth this evening, again I can only say that since the first time I set eyes on you in your bright pink outfit, I lose my senses when I go to speak to you. What I wanted to say tonight is that you are the most beautiful woman I've ever met. Your heart for your students, and your love or your children emanates from you. Georgiana has blossomed since talking to you. As for me, I have not known the peace I have felt just being with you these past two days, and I do not want it to end.

I will do anything, Elizabeth, to keep you from pain, and yet I caused you just that by my stupid attempt to tell you that I want to be a part of your life as well as Callie's and Jeannie's. I will not attempt to explain away my physical attraction to you because it does exist – quite strongly actually, but please believe me, it goes much deeper than that. I would never desert you or the girls; I cannot make up for the lackof love you missed by not having a father or any man in your life. My only offer is myself: a man hopelessly falling in love with you.

I hear Richard pulling back into the driveway with your car, so I know I have to finish quickly. My dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth, please say that you will forgive me. Please say that we can talk things through and help each other to heal and to break through all of the walls that we have both built to protect ourselves. I will not push you, as much as I want to. I promise that I will let you contact me. When Jeannie is settled and you have had time to read this, please call me. I will come to you, my love. No matter where I am or what I am doing. I will come to you – not to rescue you, but to stand by you to listen and to do whatever you ask of me.

Fitzwilliam

PS. It was art; my major in college was art.

Had anyone been in the room while Beth was reading, they would have seen just about every emotion flash across her face. She, too, felt that their lives mirrored Darcy and Elizabeth and yet she knew that what she and Will faced was much more challenging and couldn't be changed with a just a kiss and a wedding vow. In her heart of hearts, she already knew that Seth could not have been Will's son, but reading how much he wished that he was Seth's father brought tears to her eyes. Though she felt for Gloria and the torment she must live with everyday, Beth had a hard time reconciling that her mother still spread such malicious gossip about Will. She chastised herself for being all too willing to believe it without coming right out and asking Will for his side of the story.

She read and re-read the last three paragraphs several times. He was falling in love with me. But so much time has passed. She cursed herself for not seeing the letter or for allowing her pride to stand in the way of contacting him during the past several months. She smiled at his postscript. Of all the things she saw Will doing, being an artist had never entered her mind. There is so much about him I don't know, but I've misjudged him so badly. Will stirred a little in his sleep, mumbled something she couldn't understand and then fell into a steady rhythm again. Beth reached over and straightened the covers around him. She couldn't help herself as she touched his lips with her fingertips.

Will was slowly waking up. The pounding in his head wasn't nearly as strong as it had been and he was no longer feeling queasy. He remembered he was in his own bed and he recalled how upset Georgiana was at seeing him hurt. Then another memory flooded his senses as he remembered seeing Elizabeth, hearing Elizabeth and touching Elizabeth. He wanted nothing more than to get out of the bed and go to her, but he had no idea the time or where in world she might be at that moment. He remembered asking her to stay with him, but he couldn't hope for that.

The letter. Did she find the letter? He was definitely awake now but something didn't feel right. Finally, he opened his eyes and turned his head. He saw the rocking chair pulled beside the bed, but it was empty. There was something lying on the chair, but he couldn't make it out in the darkness. Then he pulled his arm out of the covers and as he did so, he realized that something else was on him. He looked down and then turned his head the other direction to see Beth lying on the bed next to him with a blanket pulled around her. Her arm was on his chest as she was facing him and breathing softly.

She found it! She had to have found and read it. She wouldn't be here with me otherwise. He wanted to wake her up. He wanted to talk to her and hold her and make up for lost time. But he knew he shouldn't wake her then. He looked back over to his night stand. Someone had left some water and there was a sandwich half eaten on a plate. He was able to reach both without disturbing the woman next to him. After finishing what was the first thing he had eaten in a day, he settled back under the covers, rolled Beth over gently and held her in his arms. For the first time in months, Fitzwilliam Darcy Stephens went to sleep with a smile on his face.

Chapter 12 Out With the Old

Posted on 2009-10-13

The next time Will awoke, he could sense that the sun was shining behind the curtains. He smiled thinking that today he was going to awaken with Elizabeth back in his arms where she belonged. Yet when he fully came to his senses, Elizabeth was not there. His hand going instantly to his head he groaned thinking now that last night was just a dream; a product of the concussion.

"What is it? What's the matter?" Beth came rushing out of the bathroom and back into his room. Will closed his eyes and groaned again while Beth bent over preparing to check the bandage or check for a fever, whatever he needed. Before she could do anything, Will grabbed her and she landed beside him on the bed. Forgetting his head in more ways than one, Will sought Beth's mouth and kissed her quite soundly.

"Good morning Elizabeth. I'm so glad that you are real." He laughed.

"Good morning Fitzwilliam, and you won't be when I give you another knot to match the one you have! You scared me to death." Beth scolded but she wore a huge smile. Will bent in to kiss her again, but Beth pushed away. "The kissing part we do quite well, sir. It's the talking thing that we need to improve upon, don't you think?"

Will groaned again, this time for real. "I know you're right, but I'm just so happy to see you and to have you here with me. I'd hit my head a hundred times if it resulted in having you here."

"Bite your tongue! Anyway, you know any minute two teenagers are going to come bounding into this room to make sure that you are OK, and we do not need to have to be explaining what we are doing."

"I think that they would know without any explanation." Will replied dryly which resulted in a pillow thrown to his stomach. "Ouch! You would injure a man who already has head trauma?"

"I can see we're not going to get anywhere at the moment, and I'm Ok with that, but we don't have a lot of time. I need to get back to Marie's. And I believe you have a party to take care of, do you not? I shall wile away the New Year in the carriage house all by myself as I have not been invited to any New Year's Eve shindigs." Beth twirled her hair and acted as if Will wasn't even in the room.

"Oh no, woman. You are crazy if you think that I am letting you out of my sight today, and I could care less about this party. I'll be with you in that carriage house…" He tried to kiss her again.

"Nope, back away you scoundrel. You've stolen one kiss already, no more for now." Beth jumped off the bed and started to sit in the rocker, but picked up the letter first. "Will, I am so sorry I didn't see the letter. You must have thought I was the coldest woman ever to not have replied to you." Tears were forming in her eyes. "I know that I was completely thrown by not hearing from you. I thought terrible things of you, Will. Please, please forgive me."

"Elizabeth," Will attempted to sit up completely but had to do it slowly for fear of the dizziness returning. "There is nothing to forgive. Once again it was my pride that kept me from finding out why you hadn't called or written back to me. I was quite a nasty man for some time. Just ask anyone. I'm sure they would spare no details of my thunderous personality…"

"I can only imagine." She giggled. Her face softened as she reached for his hand winding her fingers through it. "But it was a great letter, Fitzwilliam. Much better than Darcy's. He didn't repeat his sentiments, but you revealed your heart to me." She looked up at him with so much raw emotion that Will had a difficult time suppressing the urge to hold her to him and never release her to the world.

"I tried to." He managed to get out. Then a commotion was heard down the hall as several voices were heard not the least of which was talking in Spanish. "Oh, Lord," Will fell back against the pillow. "They called the Mexican cavalry. Prepare yourself, Elizabeth, for Mamacita takes no prisoners."

The door burst open to Juanita carrying a tray stocked with everything from heavenly smelling chicken soup to a foul, dark rag that Beth hoped was intended for Will's head. "Fitzwilliam, what you do to yourself. Knocking su cabesa. What are you thinking?" She was already looking over the bandage and clucking to herself, deliberately not noticing Beth or the fact that they had obviously been in room together all night.

Seth had a smirk on his face while Georgiana was having a difficult time suppressing her giggle as well. "Will, do you feel better this morning?" she managed.

"Yes, thank you." He gritted between his teeth. "Mamacita, please, por favor, let me introduce you to Elizabeth." He was batting the foul smelling rag away from his head.

"You will not until you put this on your head you stubborn bull. Do you want to be here tonight while everyone is celebrating Ano Nuevo?" she challenged him.

"It depends on who would be here with me." Will deadpanned.

"Oh, no. None of that senor. You need your rest. She was here to see to you until I could get here. Now put this on your head pronto." Juanita still had not turned around to look at Beth. Will started to protest, but looking at Juanita and then at Beth, he gave in and put the rag on his head.

"Good Lord, Juanita! No one will want to be near me the way this thing smells. What in the world is it – wait – don't tell me. I don't want to get nauseous again.."

"Ok, now. All of you out. Vamanos. He needs his rest. I am here now and he will be good as new by tonight." Juanita's command was answered with everyone filing out including Beth. "Just a minute, senorita who broke my Fitzwilliam's heart. You I want to speak to now." Beth turned and was hoping to see Juanita smiling but she was not.

"Oh, are you in for it now," teased Seth as he headed out of the room.

Beth timidly moved back toward the rocker, but Juanita had commandeered it. "You can sit over there." She motioned to the window seat across the room.

"Juanita!" Will exclaimed. "Come on! You're going to scare her away again." Will held out his hand to Beth. She looked at Juanita seeking her permission. Juanita nodded and Beth sat down on the bed next to Will.

"Good." Juanita exclaimed. "Now you two can tell me what in the matter is with you that you took all this time to figure out your feelings! You will tell me all!" she laughed and ladled out her rich soup which she believed cured everything.

Beth actually found it a comfort to have Juanita there as she and Will explained their initial meeting, the time at Hocking Hills and the last miserable four months. She tutted and clucked at them both and laughed at their descriptions of each other. Finally, after more than an hour had passed, she arose from the rocking chair and started speaking as if she were making a formal proclamation. "So, you two have learned the lesson, eh? No more this jumping to conclusions, no more ego and no more walls, yes?" Will and Beth nodded and squeezed each other's hand. "Then it is in the past. You will start Ano Nuevo fresh just like the bambino."

Juanita bent over and kissed Will on the cheek and then held her arms open to Beth. "I knew you had to be special for my Fitzwilliam to love you. All in my little family love you Senorita Eliza. We will talk more, si?" She patted Beth on the cheek and walked over to the door. Before leaving, she turned and looked at Will, "You, stubborn bull, must still rest before tonight. She must leave so you can do so." Will started to protest. "Or, torro, you will have me sit up here with you with more rags for your head." With that, she shut the door with a chuckle.

"So that's Juanita." Beth laughed and took a bite out of a tortilla.

"She is something else, that's for sure" Will ate a bite from Beth's offered hand.

"She is not afraid of Senor Torro. That name fits you." She teased.

"Ha! I learned it all from her. She and my mother were thick as thieves every season for as long as I can remember. I'm so glad that they have stayed here with us. I know, though, they are saving for a place of their own. Just about the time Seth graduates, they will have enough. I'll do everything I can to make sure they find a great little farm." He was caressing Beth's hand as he spoke. "But that's enough about Mamacita. I want to hear more about you." He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it warmly.

"You are supposed to be resting." Beth cautioned as she thrilled to his touch.

"I promise I will. I'll close my eyes as you tell me what you've been doing all this time. Please tell me about Jeannie and Callie and the newly married minister who is now my friend." Beth obliged and didn't hold back as she talked of her family and its joys and challenges. Will nodded and asked questions occasionally, but for the most part, he was silent as she spoke.

Beth excused herself to use the restroom and when she returned, she could tell that Will was asleep. Deciding this was a good time to leave, she kissed him on the forehead, almost gagging on the smell from the rag, and quietly retreated from Will's room.
Before she closed the door completely, she gazed back at the man who had stolen her heart with his words and his vulnerability.

As Beth descended the stairs she could hear Seth and Georgiana talking in the den. Not hearing the words they were speaking she could tell from the tone that they were upset. Walking into the room she looked at both curiously. 'What is it you two?"

"Beth," Seth came forward, "we still haven't heard from Richard. He didn't call or email on Will's birthday and today is his. We're getting the run around at the base, too. Georgiana is about to hurl over it."

Beth wasn't fooled for a minute that only Georgiana was upset. "Who else can you call?"

"That's just it," Seth complained, "We don't know where else to go. Richard basically runs the joint; nobody over there will talk to us. It's like he commanded them to all shut up."

"Oh my, God, Seth, that's it!" Georgiana cried. "They've been commanded to not tell us anything. Something's really bad. I just know it." Fresh tears were falling down her face. Beth moved to her side and held her close.

"I think you may be right about them being commanded not to tell you all anything." Beth said as she soothed Georgiana's forehead much as she just did for Will. "But in my heart, I think Richard is OK, or at least he will be. I believe in my prayers and the prayers of all the people who've told me they are remembering him. All of my students know his name and his platoon. Many have written to him and sent him care packages."

"I didn't know that," Georgiana sniffed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know. I guess I felt it was my way of helping you all and Will even though I thought he wanted nothing to do with me." Beth shrugged at the irony of it all.

"Man, you two are a trip." Seth laughed. "OK, I choose to believe you, Beth. Geo, we've got to believe we will hear soon. Beth, would you think we were weird if we asked you to pray for us?" Beth couldn't resist any of the Stephen's men it seemed.

Will had awakened with a start. He looked around and realized that Beth had left. He gingerly got out of bed and grabbed his robe. He thought he could still hear her voice. As he slowly came down the steps, he heard them all in the den. Feeling a little unsettled, he stood in the doorway and then realized that all heads were bowed, including Juanita's. Beth was leading them in prayer. Oh my God, What has happened? He started to say something, but just then Seth opened his eyes and shook his head at Will. Standing quite still, he heard Beth's plea for word of Richard and her confession that she believed God held him in His hand. She thanked God for Will's recovery and asked for blessings on the New Year for all of them.

Will was transfixed watching the angel that had flown into their lives. How am I going to live without her when she leaves tomorrow? He stayed for a few more minutes, then crept up the stairs saying his own prayer for assistance. Climbing back into his bed, Will felt a peace that he knew came from Beth's prayers. He knew deep down that Richard was going to be alright wherever he was at that moment, and that this time next year, the house would be full of his family including Richard, Beth and the girls.

The interrogation commenced the minute Beth entered Marie's kitchen. The kids were outside playing in the snow, so the two women had plenty of time to chat about the last several hours. Beth explained the letter and how she had never seen it in her suitcase pocket. She spoke of Will's vulnerability and his genuine concern for both of her daughters. Marie was very tempted at that point to tell Beth about the school, but stayed true to her promise.

They laughed as Beth described Juanita's relationship with Will and how he did pretty much what she said. "I know I wouldn't mess with her," Marie agreed, "and I've only met her a few times. The kids adore her, though. She is a fierce ally."

"Will called her the Mexican cavalry." Beth laughed shaking her head. She turned serious, though as she explained the situation with Richard. "I don't know what they will do if something happened to him, Marie. They hold on so tightly to each other."

"Who could blame them? It's the four of them against the world." Marie patted Beth on the hand, "Although I think that now their number has increased by three."

"Not so fast. We have a lot of ground to cover and there's the distance, and our – "

"Not today, Beth. Just enjoy today. And the party." Marie looked at the clock. "Beth! We have to get ready for the party. It's going to be so much fun. You have no idea what kind of spread Will and company can throw down." Marie laughed at her use of the kid's vernacular. "What did you bring to wear? I know I told you to be prepared to go to a party."

"Yes, you did. Although I'm a little shocked that you were obviously going to trick me into going to Will's. Don't deny it" Beth countered as Marie was attempting to look innocent. "I know you. I wouldn't be surprised if Project Pride and Prejudice wasn't reinstated." Beth laughed.

"Well, close to it. Although I have to say that Justin and Rachel kept their mouths shut until apparently Justin decided at the worst possible moment to tell Will and Seth." The two women chuckled.

Once again looking at the clock, Marie and Beth separated to begin getting ready for the evening. Beth walked the short distance to the carriage house hearing her daughters' laughter. As she prepared for her shower, she mulled over the decision she needed to make when she returned to Cincinnati. After the events of the last couple of days, coupled with how much she did believe SKAT could help Jeannie, she had to admit to herself that her decision was pretty much already made.

The girls were settled with a friend of Rachel's who was going to spend the night. Beth once again experienced the amazing friendship of Marie and Ed, further helping her to know she was making the right decision of place Jeannie at SKAT. She looked at herself one more time in the mirror before she heard Ed yell that everyone had better get a move on. Kissing the girls and giving last minute directions, Beth was then assured by the babysitter that her mom was on stand by and everything would be alright.

"Still no word from Richard," Justin said as he read a text message from Georgiana. "I just wish we'd hear something."

"I'm sure we will very soon," Ed said to everyone in the car. "Richard is an old war dog. He knows what he's doing. But no more talk of that tonight, OK? Let's go and have a great time and try to keep Will and Beth from sneaking off together." That statement caused much laughter and lightened the remainder of the journey to Pemberville.

When they pulled into the long driveway, the house was lit from every window. All of the trees were aglow with twinkle lights. "It's like a Christmas card." Beth sighed. "I've never seen a house so beautiful…except for yours Marie." Beth quickly added as Ed snorted in laughter.

"Don't worry, Lizzybeth. We are not in the same league as the Stephens. We are but humble children of Bryan, Ohio." Again, everyone was laughing as they parked the car and proceeded to the door.

Will had been pacing for close to an hour. He continually looked at his watch and checked it to make sure the time was right. With a fresh bandage on, Will still looked like he should be in pain, but whatever was in Juanita's foul smelling rag took down the swelling and the bruising didn't seem to be as noticeable. Juanita had sniffed smugly when she saw how good Will really looked.

Forgoing the shirt and tie, Will opted to put a royal blue sweater beneath his black jacket and pants. He was trying to look casual, but he felt he needed to dress up somewhat as this was the big party of the year for most of the people who would be attending. His parents had started this tradition the year after he was born and was only suspended the first year after their deaths.

Finally, he saw Beth coming up the walk to the house. He made himself wait as the hired servers attended to the guests. A gentleman walked up to Will thanking him for the invitations, and he had to turn his head to speak so as not to appear rude. When he finally could look back at the doorway, his breath caught as his Elizabeth stood there glancing around the room.

Beth had seen the dress before Christmas but told herself she couldn't afford it. On an impulse on Christmas Eve, she braved the mall with the girls in tow and was rewarded by a huge markdown. When Marie told her that they were invited to a party, Beth secretly wished that Will would be there somehow. She had him in mind when she chose the dress. Black velvet with sparkles of blue and purple, it was strapless and was quite fitting to her figure. At the waistline, the iridescent taffeta skirt flared out and ended just below her knees. A matching bolero jacket rounded out the beautiful outfit. She had found earrings of the same iridescence and decided to curl her hair and wear it down. She felt like a princess entering the ball to find her prince charming.

The prince stood there unable to move as he watched her scan the crowd. He realized he had never seen Beth's hair unbraided; it was much longer than he had imagined. Finally, their eyes met and then Will looked up to see the mistletoe still in the archway. "Don't move," he shouted and ran up to her. "You look amazing Elizabeth. I'm without the words to tell you how beautiful you are, but I believe I can show you a little of my appreciation." With that, he kissed her and then pointed up to the mistletoe mischievously. "I know you said that more talking was in order, but you cannot break tradition."

Giddy with excitement and emotion, Beth could only nod her head. Will leaned in and kissed her lightly again before breaking away. "That's enough for right now. I can already hear the tongues wagging. I'm afraid you are in for several hours of introductions and questions. This is a small town, you know." He smiled and touched her cheek. "Are you going to speak at all?" he teased.

"I'm afraid to break the spell," Beth said quietly

"Well, unless you came here in a pumpkin with your fairy godmother, this here's the real deal, ma'am. This is just a farmer's party to celebrate the New Year." Will tried to ease Beth's nervousness. "Come on, Elizabeth, let's brave the crowd together."

Will was correct that for a good deal of the evening, Beth was meeting people and answering questions every other minute. She knew that she would forget most of the folks she met, but she somehow knew that they would remember her and would be talking about Will's "girlfriend" for quite some time. She was beginning to realize Will's standing in the community although he still had not spoken to her of all he was involved in and was responsible for outside of the farm.

Marie and Ed had a terrific time as well since many teachers and neighbors were there and everyone was in the holiday spirit. Ed was acting like a proud papa, telling everyone about how great of a person Beth was and how he knew from the start that they would make a great couple. Rolling her eyes, Marie didn't give her husband away, but she would remind him later just who was behind the matchmaking in the first place.

Dinner was served around 9pm and by then Beth was famished. Will never left her side and seemed to always either have his arm around her or held her hand. At one point, Beth teased him by pulling away. "I can't help it," Will looked like a child caught in the cookie jar. "I just have to touch you, to really know that you are here with me. I'm scared I'm going to wake up and it will all be a dream."

"You're a silly man," Beth cooed. "All you have to do is feel your head to know you're not dreaming." She teased as he tried to give her the look. "Oh, no, I refuse to be intimidated by your famous look. Remember, I'm a teacher; we invented "the look". You'll have to do much better than that."

"I'm really no match for you, am I?" He was smiling down at her as once again he lifted her hand and kissed it. "It's quite unfair actually. My reputation is being ruined this evening. I will have no respect tomorrow."

They managed to find some seats in the formal dining room. Beth was still amazed at the vastness of the house and how beautifully it was decorated. "Your mother had exquisite taste, Will. And you have done an amazing job preserving it. I don't know what you meant by saying it needs to be updated."

"You really wouldn't change anything?" Will smiled thinking about Elizabeth being the lady of the house.

"Well, I'm not saying that…" she teased. "Your bedroom, for one, is atrocious."

"What's wrong with my bedroom, madam?" Will replied with mock severity.

"It's too dark, too dreary. And right now I bet it smells like an old rag." She laughed and held her nose. "That thing Juanita forced on you was so gross."

"Well, I think a bedroom should be conducive to sleep, so it should be dark. As for the rag, I have no argument there. You should have seen me trying to wash off that smell while trying to mind the staples. I could have used your help in the shower."

Beth's face turned beet red and she dropped her gaze from his. "Will…" she started.

"What?" it took him a minute to catch on to her embarrassment. "Wait, Elizabeth, I didn't mean that literally, well, maybe I did, but I promised no pushing in that area and I will stick to my promise. But I still coulda used some help." He smiled while raising his eyebrows at her.

"You're incorrigible." Beth laughed as her color rose again, but this time she was not uncomfortable.

The music started again, and Beth felt she was floating to what had been the den but was now cleared of all furniture and was a makeshift ballroom. When Will held out his hand to her, Beth laughed and reminded him not to dance like a seventh grader in gym class. He smiled at the memory too as he held her tightly and moved to the rhythm. Several songs later, they finally parted and Will reluctantly played host for a little while.

Before they knew it, everyone was gathering back in the den to watch the ball go down announcing the New Year. Beth's stomach was full of butterflies. She realized that she had actually never had a real date for New Year's, so she never experienced the traditional kiss. She looked up at Will who was in turn feeling a bit nervous himself.

"You have the power to make me feel like an idiot schoolboy. I'm not sure I like that about you." He said as he lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "At the same time, I feel this powerful urge to want to protect you and to never let anyone hurt you."

"I kind of like it when you're the idiot schoolboy." She teased. "And one of my resolutions is to let you protect me just a bit." I could get lost in those eyes. I can't believe this is really happening.

The countdown started and people were laughing and talking all around them, but Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were intent upon each other. When "Happy New Year" was shouted throughout the house, the host was engaged in the most fantastic and spellbinding kiss of his life.

Chapter 13 In With the New

Posted on 2009-10-16

When Beth awoke on New Year's Day, she was in the carriage house snuggled deeply under the covers. Looking at the clock, she realized she had only slept a few hours, but she felt energized none the less. Yawning and stretching, she tiptoed to the kitchenette to make some coffee. Rachel's friend had awakened and decided to walk home. Beth paid her and thanked her for spending time with her daughters.

With cup in hand, Beth watched the young girl as she crossed the street and entered into her own home. This area is swarming with kids, unlike my neighborhood. I've always loved the park here, too. But I can't get ahead of myself; this is the middle of a school year. I have to get back to my job and then prepare myself for the inevitability of Jeannie moving to Ft Wayne.

Instead of letting her thinking go down that particular path, Beth closed her eyes and was swaying to imaginary music as she allowed herself the luxury of remembering the rest of her evening/early morning with Will. After midnight, several couples started leaving the party and so the crowd was thinning out. Most of the teenagers were downstairs and a sleep over of sorts had been planned anyway.. Will made sure to have reasons to go to the basement several times during the evening much to the teens' chagrin and the adults' amusement. Those who weren't staying left a little after one, and the girls moved up to Georgiana's room while the boys stayed down with Seth.

Marie and Ed decided to leave about that time as well. Rachel and Justin were staying over, so they came to find Beth to announce their intention. Will explained that he would bring Beth home a little later. With a knowing smile Ed couldn't help but admonish Will, "When she's under my roof, you better make sure you're a gentleman." He clapped Will on the back, but Will understood the underlying meaning of Ed's words.

"No worries, Ed. The lady has already made that perfectly clear." But leaning toward Ed he said, "But not from my lack of trying." Ed laughed and clapped him again.

"See ya much later today, Lizzybeth. And I do mean much later. Remember, though, we'll keep the side door unlocked in case you need to get into the main house for any reason." Ed kissed Beth on the cheek as Marie followed suit. The friends laughed as they parted at the door.

"I like this," Will said looking down at Beth as Ed pulled the car out of the parking space. "I like having you here telling everyone else good bye. I wish you would stay. You, know 'out with the old, in with the new' that sort of thing." He had his Cheshire grin in place and raised his brow.

"Did you not just hear what my father figure said to you, sir?" Beth giggled. "I like being here, too." She admitted. "Now, what can I do to help clean up?" She began waltzing around the room picking up cups and napkins.

"Unhand that trash, woman! I have paid people to do that so that I can do this." Will caught Beth and began waltzing with her around the room. The few people that were left, including Juanita and her family stopped and stared. Never had they seen Fitzwilliam Stephens act and look so carefree and happy.

"He es loco!" exclaimed Gorge, Juanita's husband.

"Crazy in love," Juanita shook her head beaming. "El toro es muy loco."

Beth and Will only laughed as they heard the continued catcalls and continued whirling through the house. Finally, out of breath, they collapsed on the couch in the living room. "Ah," Beth said breathlessly, "my favorite room in the house."

"Hmmph," Will grunted. "Yes, I guess so since you so despise my bedroom." He knew what he said had double meaning, so he looked askance at Beth who was blushing nicely,

"If and when the time comes, Fitzwilliam, I will love any room where I would wake up in your arms." She kissed him soundly and then pushed him away to waltz again.

"I truly may become loco before then," Will ran after her and they danced until everyone was gone.

Comfortable in each other's company, the drive back to the carriage house was mostly silent. Will was wishing for more time, but couldn't delay pulling into the drive. "You all are coming back around noon, right? We have so many leftovers and I would like to spend a little time with the girls."

"Yes," Beth turned to face him in the seat. "We will be all packed and then leave from your house. There's so much I need to talk to you about; so many plans that I am going to have to make soon."

"We'll steal away for a little bit after lunch, OK? Ed will be watching the games, and I'm sure that Marie would be more than happy to have us talking." His eyes were actually twinkling as he smiled at her.

"Happy New Year, Fitzwilliam." Beth whispered bestowing a tender kiss.

"Happy New Year, Elizabeth" Will returned much less chastely.

Beth was startled from her reverie as a vehicle was pulling into the drive in front of the carriage house. In the blur of the headlights, she thought it was a truck but couldn't tell until the lights were out and she saw Will's figure slowly getting out. She held her breath as he made his way up to the door. Looking up, he saw Beth standing there. If she didn't know better, she'd swear there were tears in his eyes.

"Oh dear God," Beth prayed, "Please help us; whatever he is coming to say. Please help us."

She grabbed her coat, forgetting that she was in her nightgown and opened the door. "Fitzwilliam?" She ran into his arms wanting to hold him and comfort him.

"Why are you up already?" He said shakily "I fought with myself for half an hour before I couldn't take it any more and drove over. He looked around and then nodded toward the main house. "Can we go inside and talk? Something's happened."

Wasting no time, Beth led him to the side porch and into the house. They walked through the kitchen and dining room into the parlor where they first met. The sat on the couch and Beth turned to Will with questioning eyes brimming with tears. "Richard?"

Will nodded as Beth flew into his arms. "Please tell me he's alive, Fitzwilliam." Beth sobbed into his chest as she held on to him tighter.

"He is, but that's all I know right now." Beth could feel his labored breathing and she realized that he, too was crying as she felt his shoulders rising and falling. They stayed that way for a long time until Will finally relaxed and his heart was beating in strong regular beats.

Beth looked at him and caressed his face, "That's truly all you know?"

"Well, I know that they have him stabilized at some hospital in Germany. Ironically, the one in which he was born. They are flying him out today to Walter Reed. He's probably in the air now. I have to fly to Washington, Elizabeth. I have to see him. I have to help him. He has no one but us…" His voice broke at that point as tears slid down his face again.

As she had done the night of his retelling of his family's death, Beth held and gently rocked Will as she assured him that all would be well and Richard would be so happy to see him. "He must be doing better for them to risk the long flight, right?" She wasn't sure just whom she was convincing.

"I suppose so. I just don't know. I had to wake up Seth and Georgie before I left, then I felt horrible leaving them in the doorway hugging each other and crying. I can't be two places at once. Seth has to get back to school tomorrow."

"Juanita will be there for them, Fitzwilliam. We'll still go out to Pemberville today and I'll stay as long as I can. I won't leave until you phone us with something, OK?" She was stroking his forehead and felt the staple. "Are you sure you can fly with this head injury?" Suddenly she was quite worried for Will's safety.

"I'm fine," he managed to utter, "That ridiculous rag must have magical powers. No head ache at all. Although I feel one coming on if you are going to try to talk me out of going."

"No," she said quietly. "You are doing the right thing, the only thing really. When is your flight?" She dreaded the answer as she figured it was soon.

"I really should leave now. I'm flying out of Detroit. It's a direct flight Jorge will go up and get the truck later.." He sat up and looked at her with pain etched in his face and eyes. "It seems that just when we get together, something gets in our way." He kissed her gently and touched his forehead to hers.

"It does seem that way," she answered after awhile. "But you will call and we will talk and I can be up here quickly if I need to. Please give Richard my love and tell him I am praying for him. My students will pray too as soon as they hear from me." She was trying to be strong as the tears brimmed over her eyes.

"I hate this. I hate not knowing what's happening, I hate – " Will stopped as Beth put her hand up to his mouth.

"Shhshh, now. All of our lives are out of our control. We have to trust, Fitzwilliam. Have faith, Fitzwilliam." She soothed his shirt and smiled weakly at him.

"I'm trying to, Elizabeth, but I think that we are going to have to live off of yours for awhile, OK?" He smiled back, held her tightly, kissed her soundly, and then bounded out the door. Once again, they were separated all too soon.

Knowing she couldn't go back to sleep, Beth walked back to the carriage house and started packing all their things. She was silently praying that Will would make it to DC and that Richard would already be on the mend when Will saw him. She stopped and sat down on the sofa bed that she had already set back up. "Lord, they've had so much in their lives. Richard is already a scarred man; please bring him back to his family so that he can really heal now. Please protect them all, Lord." Looking back out of the window, she couldn't believe how everything changes so quickly. One minute you're remembering a romantic evening and dreaming of a future with someone and the next you're terrified that someone else may lose their life.

The city of Bryan was waking up to New Years' Day and almost no one knew that one of their own was somehow injured fighting for what he believed in. It happens everyday, but it's so different when it's someone you know and love. She smiled remembering Richard's humor and how much Callie warmed to him at the cabins. "Please let him come home to start his life again." She hugged herself and then went for another cup of coffee.

The girls were chattering as Beth drove up to the farmhouse. Everything now looked cold and foreboding, not at all the welcome sight it was last evening. Walking up to the steps, she waited for Ed and Marie who were taking a meat tray and buns into the house. Marie thought that maybe the kids would be hungry and that nobody would want to mess with heating up the leftovers at this point.

Juanita opened the door, her face ashen and eyes rimmed in red. "I told him, Elizabeth," Juanita was hugging her as she spoke, "I told him not to go. 'Let others fight now, Ricardo,' I said. 'You have done your service.' But he no listen to me."

"I know, I know" Beth replied. "But we need to believe he is going to be OK. Isn't it just like Richard to not want to worry you all. I think he didn't let anyone call you until he was out of danger. I think that Will will find him sitting in his bed laughing at how worried we've all been."

"I hope so, Beth" Seth and Georgiana appeared from out of the den. "He would do that; you're right. My brother believes for whatever reason that he is not worth our worrying. He sells himself short, I think"

Beth marveled at Seth's wisdom and insight into his brother's character, for she believed the same thing about Richard. "Well, now that he's back in the states, we will have to prove him wrong. We will have to shower him with attention until he's forced to admit he's loved and loveable."

Georgiana nodded her head but still had not spoken. Seth motioned with his head towards her as Beth looked on. Juanita, Marie and Ed left to get some food together for the kids who were still there, while Beth walked with the two cousins and her two daughters into the den. The dance floor was gone and the room was back to its intended use with the TV blaring the parade before the big game.

Playing with Georgiana's old toys, the girls were oblivious to all the emotions that were swirling through the room. Beth sat next to Georgiana and held her hand. She lifted her chin with her other and looked into the troubled eyes of the young woman she had grown to love as a sister. "Honey, you are going to make yourself sick. Please let it out. We're here for you, too." The tears slipped down Georgiana's eyes, down her cheeks and splashed onto her Purdue sweatshirt. She held onto Beth for a long time.

Seth sat quietly, twisting the fringe on one of the throw pillows. "I can't go back to school tomorrow. There's no way."

Beth turned towards Seth, "You have to. You know that's what Richard will want you to do. Will too for that matter. Let's wait until we hear from Will. If his flight was at 9, it's 1 now, maybe we'll hear from him within the hour." Beth was hoping she was right.

Juanita brought in a tray of sandwiches and snacks. Marie followed with hot tea and chocolate. They all sat in silence and watched Callie and Jeannie play blissfully unaware of all the angst in the room. When the hall clock was chiming two, as Beth predicted the phone rang.

At first, nobody moved, but at the second ring, Seth dove for the phone. "Hello? Will? Can I put you on speaker?" Seth hit the button and then laid the phone down on the table.
"Where are you Fitzman? Is Richard there?"

"I'm in his room. They just took him down for some tests." Will sounded tired.

"Just say it Will. Just say how bad it is." Georgiana spoke for the first time.

"I honestly don't know, Georgie. He's got lots of bandages. Nobody is talking a whole lot. They sedated him pretty heavily for the trip over. The only thing I know right now is that he had lost a lot of blood and that it was a couple of days before they found him and his buddy who were on a Good Samaritan mission to a school. They think that they were either ambushed or that something had already happened at the school and they were walking into a boobytrap. Richard's partner didn't make it."

The room collectively gasped. Each one knew that once again Richard would blame himself that somehow he let down his partner. Beth said another silent prayer for that soldier's family and again for Richard.

"Did he talk to you at all, Will?" Ed asked into the phone.

"Not really. I think he knew it was me. The doc said he'd come back and talk to me in a few minutes. Guys, you know what they say on the news about what it's like in here? Well, they're right. I've got to get him home or at least to Ann Arbor. His legs are pretty messed up and he has some shrapnel in a couple of places I think. I don't know. It's frustrating as h…Oh, wait, here comes somebody. I'll call you all back in a minute."

Once again the room was silent save for the girls and their antics. Beth could practically hear the clock ticking off the seconds. No one really felt like talking. They just held hands and stared at the phone. Finally it rang again and once again Seth sprang towards it. "Will? OK…" Seth put the phone on speaker again and set it down.

"Hey, everybody, that was one of the docs. It seems that Richard is stabilizing after the blood loss and severe dehydration. His legs wounds had become infected, but they believe they've been able to turn that around as well. They now think that there may have been some kind of suicide bomb or something in the school. There were several casualties. Richard and his partner actually saved several people by shielding them, I guess. Sounds like him, doesn't it? The doc said that just like we suspected, Richard wouldn't let them call us until he was on his way to the states. Didn't want to ruin our party. What an idiot…Oh, Hi Richard, didn't know they were wheeling you back into the room, old man" Will was trying to make light of it all. The room could hear Richard grunting a little in the background.

"Richard," Georgiana yelled into the phone. "Please say something to us" Beth went to hold her back but she pulled away. "Will, give him the phone."

They all waited as they could hear Will put the phone by Richard. "Georgie girl" he said weakly. "Quit bossing your brother around. I'll have to deal with his foul mood after we hang up. I can't quite thrash him today."

"Oh, gracias Dios, he is his old self, gracias," Juanita looked up heavenward and hugged Marie and Ed who were sitting near her.

"Mamacita, is that you?" Richard called into the phone. "I could use your soup right about now."

The room lightened with Richard's banter. They knew he was putting up a front, but it was still good to hear his voice and to know he was well enough to fake it.

Arriving in Cincinnati later than she a had anticipated meant Beth would be up late getting everything settled and then all of them ready to return to school tomorrow. Before she left Pemberville, Seth agreed to go back to school with Justin as long as nothing else happened to Richard or Will for that matter. Beth informed Marie that her mind was made up about the SKAT and that she would be calling to begin the admittance process as soon as possible.

As she checked on the girls before turning off the lights, Beth sighed as Jeannie looked so peaceful in her bed. This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Please give me the strength, Lord.

Chapter 14 Healing

Posted on 2009-10-19

"God, I hate hospitals, and I've been in two in one week.' Will attempted to stretch out after sleeping in a chair all night.

"You look awful, cuz. Worse than me I think." Richard chuckled at Will's acrobatics.

"You haven't looked in a mirror, have you?' Will countered.

"True. I've been watching you most of the night. You've got to tell me how you got the staples in your head. Seems I have no place to go until they come for the torture known as physical therapy, so explain away."

Hours later, Will stepped out of the shower in his hotel room. He left when they came for Richard's therapy. He knew it would be awhile until Richard returned to the room and even then, he would probably be in all kinds of pain and would need to rest. Looking at the clock, he realized that Georgiana would be home from school soon and he would call her with an update. In spite of Richard's usual humor, Will knew that he was in for a long difficult rehabilitation.

Arrangements were made with Will's professors regarding his classes as they didn't really care where he was as long as he turned in his papers. He contacted SKAT and explained that it would be a few weeks until he could get there. Dr. Evans informed Will that Beth had emailed him that morning indicating she wanted to pursue Jeannie's application. Ensuring that the financial piece was in place, Will hung up confident that Jeannie would be in the right place with the right people.

The doctors attending Richard pulled no punches to either man as they listened to the rigorous therapy schedule and possible additional procedures that Richard would have to endure in the coming months. Depending on how he progressed in the next ten days, Richard could be dismissed to go to Pemberville as long as therapists would be available and Richard checked in at the nearest VA on a regular schedule.

The next several days seemed to fly by as Will ordered in home therapy equipment and temporary handicap access built to the house. One of the doctors took out Will's staples for him and his hair was already growing back. The story of his injury gave Richard much pleasure, so Will allowed his cousin to tease him repeatedly. They talked to Seth and Georgiana daily and several of Richards buddies either called or stopped in as word spread of his ordeal.

Falling into bed each evening, Will would talk to Beth briefly. This was not the way he had imagined that they would begin again, but they both knew this was the best things could be for awhile. After two weeks, Richard was dismissed from Walter Reed and was flown by helicopter to the nearest military base which was Wright Patterson in Dayton. Will hoped that Beth could meet them there as she lived just an hour away, but unfortunately, she was leaving that afternoon to take Jeannie up to SKAT.

On the flight to Dayton, Will was strategizing. Beth was going to be in Ft Wayne in the late afternoon. She would be there checking Jeannie in and completing the paperwork. She told Will that depending on what they told her, she would visit Jeannie on Saturday and Sunday before leaving to go back to Cincinnati. If things went as planned, he could see her tonight and then again tomorrow evening.

Believing she needed him as much as he needed her during all of this turmoil, it never occurred to him that Beth might deal with things differently. Will was tired of stuffing everything; he knew it got him nowhere except very lonely and too controlling. Beth had called him on it before, so he assumed that she would turn to him. That thought alone gave him comfort as he imagined finally having someone to share his life with.

Regardless of the fact that Beth knew SKAT was the best alternative for Jeannie, the preparations for leaving and the then the drive up north was emotionally exhausting. Jeannie just knew that she was going to go on an adventure and equated it to sleep away camp. Callie didn't understand that Jeannie wouldn't be coming home from school everyday and continued to ask Beth if they would have to drive this way every day. Beth's nerves were frazzled to the point of breaking.

Dr. Evans greeted them warmly as he met them in front of his office. Walking the hallway to get to Jeannie's resident cottage, Beth could hear children laughing, singing, reciting poetry and answering questions. They passed the music room, art studio, and gymnasium, and Jeannie was so excited that she would be able to participate in all those different activities. Beth saw children of all shapes, sizes and abilities seemingly working with the teachers or therapists.

As if reading her mind, Dr. Evans commented, "We are having a great day here at SKAT, Jeannie. Do you hear how everyone is working together?" Jeannie nodded. "Sometimes someone may get upset, but today we are all being successful."

"I'd like to be successful." Jeannie responded.

"I know you do. That's what we are going to work really hard to make happen for you."

"That's my prayer." Beth whispered to herself, but Dr. Evans heard and nodded his head.

For the foreseeable future, Jeannie would have a small private room until they could assess whether she would be a threat to a room mate or vice versa. The room was cheerful enough, but it reminded Beth of the psychiatric hospital where Jeannie had stayed before. Dr Evans assured her that once Jeannie was settled in, she would be socializing more and more with the other children in her cottage and the school as a whole.

Each cottage had house parents, a married couple who had undergone specific training and were constantly working with the children. The couple lived in the cottage with the children and rotated weekends off, trading with another couple who stayed two nights per week. Beth met Jeannie's "houseparents", Sam and Melissa, and she was instantly aware that they knew a lot about working with these children just by the way they approached Jeannie. They explained that they were both graduate students in psychology specializing in children. Jeannie was dancing around the cottage, touching everything and asking Sam lots of questions. Beth noticed security cameras throughout the cottage. Dr Evans pointed out that there were always two adults present and security was the utmost importance for the children. Beth had already read about their screening process for anyone who worked there.

Finally, it was time to go. Jeannie willingly went to Sam and Melissa after she hugged her momma and sister. Dr. Evans informed Beth that in order for Jeannie to get acclimated, families were asked to not visit for two weeks. Jeannie could talk to her mom anytime she wanted, unless she was in therapy. Although Beth knew in the back of her mind this was probably going to be the protocol, she was still upset. Trying not to cry, she held Jeannie tightly and explained that she would call her the next day.

"OK, momma. See ya." Jeannie led Sam down the hall with Melissa smiling knowingly at Beth and then turning to follow. Beth had to hold on to the handicapped railing on the side of the wall as she felt her legs give way.

Dr. Evans walked up beside Beth and took her elbow. "The first days are difficult, Beth, I'm not going to deny that. Are you going to Bryan now?"

Beth could only nod. Callie reached up and held her momma's hand. She didn't speak either, but Beth knew she was already missing her sister. Dr. Evans led them out of the building. As they walked, several staff members were bringing in Jeannie's clothes and the toys Beth had packed.

"Dear God, help me." Beth murmured as she held onto Callie's hand so tightly the little girl winced. "Sorry, honey."

"It's OK, momma. You can always hold my hand."

The hour drive to Bryan was completed in a haze, and Beth was just grateful they made it to Marie's without incident. She was afraid to get out the car, and sat there as Callie climbed out and jumped into Ed's arms when he stepped off the porch. He looked at his wife and nodded towards the car, "Let's give mommy a minute to get some things out and then we'll come help you unpack. You guys are going to stay in the main house this weekend. We want you near us, OK?"

Marie started to walk toward the van, but Ed cleared his throat. "Give her a minute, honey. I know it's hard, but give her a minute."

She stood on the porch or what seemed like hours but in reality was only a few minutes Gradually, the door opened and Beth stepped out. Marie was by her side in an instant and led Beth into the carriage house so that they could be alone for however long Beth needed it.

About an hour later Marie asked Beth when the last time she ate anything was. Beth had packed snacks and sandwiches which she knew Callie had eaten, but she couldn't recall having eaten anything that day. "OK, you know that won't do, missy. I'm going to send Ed to get some chicken now and then we'll eat. Callie can ride along with him. He likes having her tag around as, of course, the kids don't do errands with Dad" She was attempting to lighten the mood a little.

Beth faintly smiled at her attempt. "Why is that making Ed the butt of jokes seems to cheer me up?"

"I don't know, but it works for me, too." The two friends embraced, wiped away the tears and left the carriage house together.

They had just finished eating when the phone rang; Ed answered and came back with the phone, handing it to Beth. "It's Will," he said and smiled and made goo goo eyes.

"Whatever, Ed," Marie laughed and motioned for Beth to go into the living room. Callie was busy helping Rachel clear the table.

"Hello?" Beth was weary, but was trying to sound a little like herself.

"Elizabeth, you made it safely it seems." Will was hoping that she would have called him when she arrived.

"Yes. We've been here a couple of hours maybe."

"Oh." He tried not to sound hurt. "We got here around 3 or so."

"How is Richard?"

"Exhausted, but happy to be home, I think. We've converted my office for him. He's asleep right now."

"I'm sure." Beth was so frazzled herself that she just couldn't make attempts at small talk. What she really wanted to crawl into bed and shut out the world. She cared about Richard very much and she was concerned that Will was trying to do too much himself, but she just couldn't put all that into words at the moment; her heart was just too heavy to bear another burden.

"I know this had to be a very difficult day for you." Will gave her the opening hoping she would confide in him as he was dying to do with her.

"Yes."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"Not really, Will. I'm just so tired as I'm sure you are, too. I'm happy you guys are home. Thanks for calling to check on me. You need to get some rest, Will. Give Richard my love..."

:"Elizabeth, are you trying to hang up? I was really hoping –" Will couldn't believe she didn't want to talk to him.

"Will," Beth cut in, "I'm just so tired. Please, can we talk tomorrow?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Will hung up and stared at nothing for quite awhile. "She won't let me in. I can't believe it. She won't let me in." he said to the empty room, shaking his head.

Marie walked into the living room a few minute later to find Beth sitting there holding the phone. At first she thought Beth was listening to Will, but then she realized that Beth was just staring off into space as if in a trance. Taking the phone out of her hands, she led Beth upstairs and ran a bath for her. Marie told Beth to use Justin's room as he was not coming home this weekend. Beth nodded, undressed and slipped into the bath, allowing the warm water to help her body relax.

When Marie checked on her later, Beth was snuggled in Justin's bed. She pretended to be asleep, but her former room mate knew her too well for that. Marie shut the door anyway, and let Beth be in peace for the night. She knew that Beth knew she could come and get Marie at any point if she needed to talk some more.

It felt as though she had just fallen asleep when she heard Ed's voice above her. She opened one eye to see him standing in the doorway. "What is it? Is Callie OK?" Beth sat up quickly, wide awake now.

"Are you kidding? She's in bed with Rachel. She had the time of her life last night being a big girl. By the way, sorry." He smiled.

"Sorry for what?" Beth asked suspiciously.

"For the blue nail polish on her fingers and the purple polish on her toes." He laughed. "Well, you know you have to give the little diva what she wants."

"Why do you spoil my girls when you were strict with Rachel and Justin?"

"Because they don't live with me. I get them wound up for you. It's payback for all the years you'd ride into town with everything imaginable for Justin and Rachel. They would bawl like anything when you left. You know what they say about payback…"

"Yeah, yeah, but surely you didn't wake me up to talk about nail polish. Even if it does amuse you no end."

'Oh, yeah, you're right. Hate to tell you this, but it's snowing already. It was supposed to stall over Indiana, but it's decided to stall here. They're saying at least eight inches today and more tomorrow. If I were you, I'd think about heading back to Cinci. Not that we don't want you here, it's just you know how 127 can get."

"Yes, I do. You're probably right. How far south is it going?"

"Well, I think you'd drive out of it around Mercer County, but that's over an hour away. It's really coming down." He walked over to the window and opened the curtain. "Man, Beth, seriously, I think you need to take off within the hour." He was shaking his head. "I'll get Marie up and we can hustle some breakfast…shoot, that means we won't get your famous eggs today either." He mumbled as he walked down the hall.

Jumping out of the bed, Beth grabbed her clothes and went for a quick shower. She knew Ed would have Callie up and Rachel would get her dressed. When she stepped out, she heard Ed talking on the phone and walking back toward her room. "Beth, it's Will on the phone. I explained the plan, but he wants to talk for a minute." He handed her the phone, and as he looked up at her pained expression he whispered, "Be nice, he's a man in love with a fiercely independent woman."

Beth pushed him out of the room as she raised the receiver up to her ear. "Will?"

"Elizabeth," Will didn't want to giver her a chance to cut him off this time. "I know you're trying to get out and head south, and nobody knows better than I the dangers of this weather, but could you please stop out at the house before you leave? It's killing me that you're this close and I can't see you."

"Will, I don't know. Of course I want to see you, you must believe that. It's just that the wind gets so strong between here and Van Wert." She paused. She could literally see Will frowning and struggling with his desire to talk her into coming.

"I know."

Callie walked into the room and looked up at Beth. "Momma, I'm ready to go. Do you like my polish?" She danced around with her hands in the air.

"Yes, I see them, but momma is on the phone right now."

"Are you talking to Jeannie? Is she out in the snow?" Callie ran up and tried to take the phone from Beth.

"No, honey. It's Will." Beth willed herself not to let the tears fall again at the mention of Jeannie's name. She already felt so far away from her daughter. Leaving like this made the distance seem even more insurmountable. "How mad would you be if I just got on the road for home?"

"I wouldn't be mad," Will lied, sighing. "I'm not a bully, Elizabeth. You need to do what you think is best. I'd never forgive myself if something happened because I talked you into driving out here instead of heading home right away."

"I know you're not a bully, Will. Just very persuasive, especially as I imagine you right now with your hand running through your hair as you stare out the window."

"I am not." Lie number two. He quickly stepped away from the window and moved to rub his forehead instead.

"Lizzybeth!" Ed yelled from downstairs. "You're car's cleaned off and we've packed Callie's stuff. Marie made her famous pop tarts as opposed to your famous eggs." Sarcasm dripping from his mouth.

'Will…"

"I heard. You'd better go. Will you at least call me when you get home? I'll be worried." He tried not to sound short, but he knew he failed.

"I will. I'm so sorry. I just need to get home now." She hung up.

Once again, Will found himself staring at the phone. He continued to tell himself over the next four hours that she was just stressed beyond what he could imagine and that it was the right thing to do to head south instead of risking driving any more than she had to in the snow. He told himself that, but it didn't make him feel any better.

Instead of taking the usual three and a half hours to get home, Beth was on hour number six when she finally negotiated her driveway. Having driven through
snow, sleet, back to snow, freezing rain, then just plain rain, Beth was thrilled to finally be home. As they walked into the empty house, everywhere she looked, reminders of Jeannie struck her. She's not dead; she's just not here. It's for the best…keep saying that until you believe it.

Callie was very wound up after the trip and not a little bit hungry as the pop tarts were long gone and Beth was afraid to stop anywhere except quickly to go to the bathroom and get more gas. She set up the Wii for Callie to play and to expend some energy while she fixed a hot meal for them both.

While Callie ate, Beth called Marie quickly to say they were home and to thank her again for last night. Then she dialed Will's cell phone.

"Beth? Thank God. I was starting to get worried. I wanted to call before, but I didn't want to distract you while you were driving."

"Will, come up for air. It was a grueling drive, but we're safe and sound. It's raining here right now, but it's supposed to change over tonight. I think I made the right decision to come home when I did."

"Yes, so it would seem. Can you talk now or was this just your check in to make me feel better." Will knew that sounded a little childish, but he didn't care.

"I'm just too drained to have this conversation with you right now. Can I call you tonight? I'd love to talk to Richard, too if he'd like." Beth was frustrated that Will could only think of how he felt about his weekend plans; not what she was going through in leaving Jeannie at the school.

"I don't mean to be a "drain", Elizabeth." Will responded shortly. "I'm attempting, evidently quite badly, to get you to open up to me and tell me how you are doing and what you are thinking. You have no idea how much I wanted to hold you last night, to comfort you; but you shut me out."

Beth was quiet for a minute, not wanting to say anything out of anger or frustration. On the ride home, she had recalled her last trip and the conversations she had with Will. She realized that once again, Will had directed her to talk all about herself and the girls, while nothing further was explained other than the letter and how much her missed her. It bothered her that he only seemed to want to "fix" whatever was going on in her life, but not be open with her about his issues – good or bad.

"I'm sorry you feel that way." She said quietly. "I was just so emotional, I didn't know what I was saying or doing. I had just left my child in the hands of strangers. I can't see her for two weeks." A sob caught in her throat.

"I understand that," Will countered, "but that's why I wanted to be there for you. I should have just jumped in the truck and come over."

"No. You shouldn't have because within an hour of hanging up from you, I was sound asleep in Justin's room. I just needed to collapse."

"But not on me."

"Oh my God, Will. Not everything is about you! I just left my child with strangers! Do you get that! I just admitted I can't parent my child, and I left her for somebody else to handle! And you think that you can hold me and somehow that will make everything better? If you have that much power, Will, use it on Richard to heal his body and spirit; use it on Seth to stop his nightmares, use it on Georgiana so she stops worrying about losing one of you and use it on yourself to quit trying to fix me!"

Will was silent on the other end. He truly did not know how to respond to that. Finally he said, "I guess I asked for that. You told me you didn't want to talk to me. Twice now, as a matter of fact. I'm not giving up on us, Elizabeth, but I will not bother you. Not for awhile anyway. Feel free to call me if you like, but I won't count on that either." He didn't wait for a response. He simply hung up the phone.

It was Beth's turn to stare at the phone. Callie was watching her mother wide eyed. "Momma, you were yelling at Will." She stated the obvious.

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry I did that in front of you. Momma is just very tired and I guess I took it out on Will. That wasn't very nice of me, was it?" Beth held out her arms for Callie to give her a hug. "I need some Callie lovin' right now. Thanks, honey."

The next morning proved just as brutal as the snow storm kept pounding Williams County. Will was up pacing most of the night, and when he wasn't pacing, he was arguing with Beth in his mind. He looked down at the carpet in his room and truly did see the track of all of his steps. "This is exactly why I've never had a serious relationship: women are insane!" he said rather loudly.

Just then his cell phone rang. Picking it up, he saw that the number was his own house. "Hello?"

"Is Fitzwilliam Darcy Stevens there?" it was obviously Richard. "because I'd like to know who the maniac is that's been pacing back and forth all night, shoving God knows what around the room, and just now dared to call someone else insane."

"Shut up. I'll be down in a minute."

"Yes, I believe that you will. I think we both need to talk."

"Great, now I get to feel guilty about keeping him up all night." Will said as he pulled on a pair of sweats and the Purdue shirt just like the one Seth gave to everyone for Christmas. He noticed Georgiana's door open as well. Peeking his head in, she was dressed similarly and heading toward the door. "Where are you going this early?" He knew she wasn't leaving the house.

"I got summoned to Richard's room." Her face looked grim.

"Summoned?"

"Well, I don't know what else to call it. He said that you were coming and we were all going to talk. Should I be worried?" Will melted every time his sister looked at him with those troubled eyes.

"Do I know anything anymore?" Will grumbled as they continued down the hall only to see Seth padding out of his room as well.

"You know, I'm a freshman in college; I don't DO mornings." He moaned and fell into step with other two.

"Well, you're doing them today, little man." Will answered dryly as all three descended the steps as if going to their executions.

Richard Stevens had just about had enough. Even though he had only been home a day, he observed Will walking around like a whipped puppy and Georgiana afraid to raise her voice above a whisper. Seth was genuinely happy to see his brother, but he nervously observed what his cousins' reactions were to everything. Richard was trying not to take all this personally because at first he assumed they were walking on eggshells because of him. As the night wore on and he heard Will pacing the floor above him and he was sure he heard Georgiana open and the shut her door a dozen times during the night while Seth's music blared on into the early morning. He didn't know what in the world was wrong with his family, but he was going to find out.

Juanita had already been by with a breakfast casserole that she had made for both of her families. She poked her head into Richard's temporary room to ask if he needed anything. When he replied, "A little sanity around here would be nice." She clucked and said something about that not happening any time soon with all the stubborn bulls that lived in the house. He indignantly asked if she were referring to himself as well as the other occupants to which she replied, "If the horn fits." She shook her head and walked out of the room. He could hear the ATV rev back up and knew that one of her sons had driven her over through all of the snow to deliver their food.

It's a good thing she feeds us so well, he thought with a smile dancing across his face. Otherwise she would really tick me off.

He had progressed to the point that he could pivot himself out of his bed and onto his wheelchair or to the chair next to his bed. He decided to go for the wheelchair in case he had to chase one of his cousins down, presumably Will, if they didn't want to submit to his interrogation. But he was a trained military operative. He knew how to get people to talk.

He also was not stupid. All Will could talk about on the flight to Dayton and in the rental to Bryan was how much he looked forward to seeing Beth. Richard had never seen his cousin in love and was quite amused at what a fool it made him. Although exhausted from the trip, he knew right away that Will was furious when he couldn't see her that night and doubly so when she left early the day before. Something had to give in this relationship. Somehow these two incredibly stubborn, independent and obviously clueless lovesick fools had to get some time together without all the interference that blew into their lives.

One more thing Richard knew to be true. Will wasn't the only reason Richard wasn't sleeping. He had not spoken to anyone except his commander and his therapy group about what happened that day and the subsequent days until they were found. Will had not pushed him, for which Richard was grateful, but he knew the time was coming when he would have to talk about it or the stress would manifest itself in other ways. As they were snowed in for the day, and maybe even tomorrow, Richard was trying to gear himself up to tell his story to Will, Seth and Georgiana. He thought that maybe he and Will had sheltered the two younger ones a bit too much. Maybe now was the time to treat each other as adults and to not shield each other from all things that happen.

Will knocked then all three entered the room. Spying breakfast laid out on a table, Seth quickly grabbed a plate and filled it to the brim. "Thank God for Juanita; that's all I have to say." He plopped himself down on Richard's bed and commenced to shoveling in the food as if he hadn't eaten in days.

Georgiana poured herself some coffee but waived off everything else. That's another thing, Richard thought, she hardly ever eats. One more thing to add to the list. Will was too agitated to either eat or sit, so he began pacing again. Richard cleared his throat and all eyes turned to him. He had already eaten while waiting for the family, so he was ready and raring to go.

"Well, I guess you're wondering why I called you all here," he said with a grin. "It's quite simple actually: this family is completely nuts."

Blank stares. Food not being chewed. Will still pacing.

"I don't see why this is just compelling you to speak out now." Will returned dryly. "I have been of that opinion for years. If that's all, I'm going back upstairs." He turned toward the door only to find Richard quite deftly maneuvering the wheelchair to block his path.

"Says the keeper of the keys to the asylum" Richard nudged him slightly with the chair. "Sit down, big boy. I actually think I can take you today." He looked at each family member slowly before speaking. "I've had some things on my mind for quite some time, and since I've been given the gift of retiring early coupled with a major snow storm to trap all of you, I'm going to have my say. THEN" he spoke over the groans that were coming from Seth and Will. "We are going to talk, really talk, about what is going on with each of us. No stalling, no holding back, no hiding the truth. I have interrogation training and I'm not afraid to use it."

"Richard, I hardly think…" Will began.

"That's your problem, Fitzwilliam. All you do is think. Now you are going to listen and answer appropriately when questioned, just like everyone else in this room. No one is in the superior position except me because I called the meeting and I'm feeling a bit superior to all of you right about now." He chuckled. "But don't worry. My time is coming." He took a deep breath and continued, "I promise that by the time we're through here, whenever that may be, I will tell you all what happened. All of it."

Looking back on it later, Will would describe it as one of most infuriating and emotional days of his life. Every emotion, many, many tears and lots of laughter poured out of that room, spilled into the den and ended in the Living Room, late into the evening. But that was not what he was feeling at the moment. He was angry. He was tired. And not just a little lovesick. And he was in no mood to share any of it.

"OK, everyone, here's the deal. For the past fifteen years, and yes, I am aware that the anniversary is next week, anyway, for the past fifteen years, we have all been running."

"I haven't run anywhere." Will said defiantly.

"Yes you have." Countered Richard. "You ran inside of yourself. You ran away from your art. You ran away from wanting to beat me up. Stop." Richard held up his hand as Will was going to interrupt. "I said we were going to tell the truth today. And the truth is that you have been livid with me for fifteen years. Maybe even longer if you thought that I was Seth's father." Will shrugged, but let Richard continue.

"Seth, you've run from the terror you felt and I think you still feel anytime you are left alone. It doesn't make you weak; it doesn't make you crazy. It makes you a child who was left in a burning car with everyone around you dead or dying. That's the reality of those moments before Will could get to you. Georgie girl, you've been running from the terror you don't even understand. You were so little when all of this happened. You only know from the stories that we rarely tell. Yet I truly believe that somewhere in your memory you know what happened that day. And me, well, I've just run period. But it's time to stop.

Will, you have to know about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, right?" Richard looked at Will for his nod which he received. "Then you know that stuff can up any time and hit you square in the face and you don't even know what to do about it, right?"

"Yes. It affects everyone differently. Since when is this something you know about?"

"Since I wasn't just in physical therapy at Reed, I was in therapy. You know, with the funny farm docs. Believe me, though, it wasn't very funny. My point is, I'm not an expert or anything, but we have to be able to talk all this out and then try to start letting it go."

Will did see the wisdom in what Richard expressed. Still, he was extremely uncomforable talking to his family about the incident that changed all of their lives. Pacing for several minutes, he argued with himself for several mintues. Finally, he uncrossed his arms and sat down next to Seth on the bed. For what seemed like hours, Will relayed his memories of that day and how difficult it was for him. There were nods all around as he did speak from his heart. He even revealed his recurring nightmares and no one was surprised, but they were supportive.

They took a break to get something to drink and refresh themselves, then met back again. This time, Georgiana reluctantly started talking about how frightened she got whenever Will went anywhere over night. She also told them that she had a constant stomach ache that started the day Richard told them he was going back to the Middle East. For a brief moment, Will wanted to throttle Richard, but he could see the pain of guilt in Richard's eyes and he realized that Richard had suffered knowing this to be true. Will decided that he would take Georgiana to the doctor to get checked up to make sure she didn't have an ulcer or anything else going on. Georgiana promised to talk more about her fears.

Contributing occasionally, Seth was still uncharacteristically quiet through Will and Georgiana's "confession sessions" as they were later to be tagged. Richard turned to him, "Seth, we promised we'd be honest. You look like you're about ready to explode. What's happening in there?" he asked pointing to Seth's head.

"You all have no idea." He answered quietly looking intently at his brother. "This is not what I came home this weekend to do. I came home to make sure you were doing better, to help you. If I wanted to talk all weekend, I'd call Rachel. If it's helped you guys, that's cool. But I'm not…I'm not going…I'm not…" They literally saw Seth start to wilt as his body just kind of let go.

As Will was sitting next to Seth, he was the first to be able to physically try to reach him. "Seth," Will said against his forehead. "Richard is right. It is time. If you don't want to tell us, though, it's OK. We can arrange some counseling even at Purdue, so you don't have to worry about us or anything. But you do need to talk to someone and I don't think Rachel can handle it all. Little man, you do realize how much we love you, right? You do realize that we thank God everyday that you survived?"

Seth turned his face towards Will. "But you wish Lyddie was here, don't you?"

Will was startled a little by Seth specifying the one person who did briefly survive the initial impact. Will didn't think anyone knew that. "I wish that everyone were here."

"But Lyddie could be here, if you hadn't saved me."

"What?" Will was astonished. Richard's face turned ashen and Georgiana just looked at the two men helplessly. "What makes you say that, Seth?" Will asked cautiously.

"Because I know. I know more than you think I do. You don't want anyone to know what really happened then, do you?" It wasn't an accusation on Seth's part, he was just coaxing Will to admit to the truth that he had held inside all of these years himself.

"Seth, I.."

"No, Fitzman, we promised to be honest. Don't lie now. Tell the truth. Tell the truth about Lydia." Seth was begging Will with everything he had.

"Oh God, why? Why do we need to go there? Seth…"

"TELL THE TRUTH WILL!!!" Seth was bordering on hysterical. Will looked at Richard pleading with his eyes to help him. Richard wheeled as close as he could to both of the men. Georgiana moved over and sat behind them, so that she could be touching them both.

Will took a deep breath and fought against the urge to run to the window, but he forced himself to sit there and explain what he had only told Beth months earlier.

"…But I don't blame you, Seth. I don't hate you because I couldn't get to you both. I'm mad at myself that I couldn't get everyone out. No one deserved what happened that day. But you, you little man, were the only gift that God could give us that day. Do you believe me? Do you forgive me for never telling this?" Will looked intently at Seth.

"I'm trying," was the honest answer. "But I'm adopted. I wasn't wanted from the git go. I should have been the one…"

"NO!" all three of family responded.

"No," Richard said quietly. "You were spared, Seth. And don't you ever think that you were not wanted. Mom and Dad chose you. They were stuck with me. In a foreign country no less." Richard couldn't help but to lighten the mood at that moment.

"I call time out. For the love of God, can we have a time out?" Will stood up and Georgian and Seth followed.

"I don't know, should we have a group hug or something?" Richard asked mischievously.

"I've got your group hug right here," Will answered with a pillow upside Richard's head which Richard promptly threw at Seth. Georgiana knew that the men were really giving hugs, just in their own way. She, however, did hug each man and then proclaimed that she was starving.